The Winter Season December 1, 1974 -March 31, 1975

HUDSON-ST. LAWRENCE REGION status as a local half-hardy: Am. Bittern, Wood Duck, Merlin, Turkey Vulture, Am. Coot, Com. Snipe, Am. / P. A. Buckley and Richard Kane Woodcock, Dunlin, LaughingGull, Belted Kingfisher, Corn. Flicker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow- The winter of 1974 - 1975 was uniformly charac- bellied Sapsucker(I 5 in n. New Jersey alone), all three terized as beingextraordinarily mild, relativelydiffer- mimids, Am. Robin, Hermit Thrush, Ruby-crowned ent terms on the south shoreof Long Island and the Kinglet, (n. to the Adirondacks), LoggerheadShrike, north shore of the St. Lawrence, but nonetheless in Palm Warbler (seven in one day at Mecox Bay, L.I. in agreement.Snowfall and snow cover were very light, in late January), Corn. Yellowthroat, Baltimore (N.) Oriole (eight on L.I., ten in N.J., two in w. Mas- sachusetts.one in n.e. Pennsylvania, etc.), Field Spar- row, Chipping Sparrow, Rufous-sidedTowhee (n. to • I •' ' .:::. severallocationsin P.Q.), White-throatedSparrow (dit- 0 •l•'e.An•e •delo Poc•'•reP •':'"• to), White-crowned Sparrow and Swamp Sparrow. The mild weather and open water were probably in largest measureresponsible for somegreat increasesover pre- viously high counts on the annual mid-January N.Y.S. [ lroisRiv[.... •q•¾o .. • waterfowl censusin the N.Y.C.-LI. area; e.g. Gadwall 848, up 136%;Pintail 400, up 101%;Green-winged Teal 410, up 73%; Blue-winged Teal 30, up 207% (and see later text); Wood Duck 53, up 253%; and Am. Coot 1582, up 96%. Aside from having been a winter finch year only in the extreme northern part of the region, it was a raptor year only in the north as well. Northern Shrikes, Rough- • - :q ' u Northamp• leggedHawks, Snowy Owls were all quite scarceafter somegood November countsin the south. AIcids and eiders were conspicuouslylow as well, as were other typical half-hardies(but insecteaters) as E. Phoebeand Tree Swallow. More unusualwinter lingerers are dis- cussed in the appropriate place in the following text, and there are many indeedthis year. For someobserv- someareas as to setnew lows. Water remain• openfor ers, especially,again, further north, the winter highlight record-breWing•riods, somet•es not closingat all; was the unprecedentedincursion of both speciesof p•ts of the St. LawrenceRiver never•oze and•ke three-toedwoodpeckers. Other outstandingrarities this Champlainwas clos• for onlythe •6• Feb. 13-6. In winter included N. Fulmar, Franklin's Gull, Hawk the northland,cone crops on virtually all con•ers were Owl, Boreal Owl, Mountain Bluebird, Painted Bunting extraordinarilygood; coupled•th equally abundant and Black-throated Sparrow, with a host of lesser ber• and •uit crops, t•s kept most winter finches luminariesalso reported. (exceptof coursethe increasin•yinde•ndent Evening Grosbeaks) well to the nofih. With few exceptions, most •ere not s•n south of the Adiroodack-Green- GREB'ESTHROUGH HERONS -- Only two Eared •hite •ountains line. The fine ber• and fruit crops Grebes surfaced this winter, one on Onondaga L., allowedmany passetinesto remaininland in record Syracuse, Dec. 14-26 (Bill Brosseau, FGS et al.), and numbersuntil they had depletedtheir natu•l foodslate another at Great Kills, Staten I. remained through at in the season.Consequently, coastal Christmas Bird least Dec. 7 (m.ob.). No coastal N. Fulmars were re- Countsdid not fare as well, relatively, as •ny inland ported, but one on L. Ontario just east of Oswego counts did. Waterfowl, too, remained inland in almost harbor, N.Y., wasonly the secondlocal record, the first unprecedentednumbers. Ve• cold weatherand snow found dead a few years ago (FGS, PDeB, DWC). What • whenthey did finally comein late Februaryand early can only be described as extraordinary numbers of pressedMarch, after it -- springprobablyhad hit arrived, many as birds most hard, observers althoughex- Double-crested Cormorants occurred throughout the regionthis winter, on many CBCs, and severalsurvived kills were not co•ented on as in some recent years. the winter. One Feb. 14 - Mar. l0 at Oswego was only Vifiually all observersdid commenton the incredible the third local wintering record in 21 years (m.ob.); numbersof h•f-hardies, againa relativeterm. But the most of the remainder were coastal, with 13 found in the followings•cies were ch•cte6z• as in abnormally (Long Island - New York City) area on the mid-January high n•bers, dependingof courseon tbe• normal (New York State) waterfowl census (SD).

Volume29, Number3 667 The mild weather allowed numerous heron overwin- were generally rather scarce in Canadian parts of the termgs or attempts, with astonishingnumbers of white region, in good numbers in upstate N.Y. and then herons,notably 8-10 Great Egretsand six Snowies,at scarcesouthward. A pair of GoldenEagles wintered on J B.W.R. (m.ob.), oneof the latter overwinteringin the QuabbinRes., Mass. (SK & B.N.W.M.), asdid an adult H M. (RK et al.). Little Blueswere scatteredthrough- and immature on Stissing Mt., Dutchess Co., N Y out December, the maximum being a flock of eight on (THD et mult. al.). Bald Eagleswere usually scattered the OakBeach marsh Dec. 15(m.ob.), andwhile the last singles,but up to 15 againwintered at MongaupRes , report receivedwas one Jan. 22 at Tobay (L. Schore, SullivanCo. N.Y. (fide RKa). Two or three Ospreys W Baumann),one at J.B.W.R. Mar. 2 (THD) probably were reported into late December in New Jersey and alsowintered locally. Two Yellow-crownedNight He- Connecticut,but detailswere lacking.One at Quabbm rons were noted, one adult remaining until Jan. 4 at Res. Nov. 25 was seen beingattacked and killed by a SouthhavenCo. Park, Shirley, L.I. (JB). One Least GoldenEagle, a strikingexample of howwintering Os- Bittern overwintered in the vast Hackensack Meadows preys are selected against. The only Gyrfalcons re- (H M.) (DS), only the secondknown to have done so in ported were two in January in Qu6bec, where not ex- the N.Y.C. region.Curiously, no late or wintering ceedinglyrare, and one in the black phaseJan. 2, s of GlossyIbis werereported; is this in any way relatedto Selkirk, Albany Co., N.Y. (K. Able and R. Ferren) the apparentdecline in their L.I. breedingnumbers in Two non-lingering,widely separatedPeregrines were 1974 (see AB, 29:133)? also reported. King Railswere reported on the OldLyme-Saybrook WATERFOWL THROUGH RAPTORS -- Prob- and New Haven, Conn., and Boonton,N.J. CBCs, at ably now safe to consider a trend is the increasing leastone overwinteredon the H.M. (DS) and at Tobay incidence of overwintering Whistling Swans in this re- Pond, JonesBeach, where it was still presentin late glon, evident again this year even as far inland as May (m.ob.)! Common Gallinules apparently also Fairhaven Beach S.P., near Oswego, N.Y. (M. Rusk) in overwintered at Sage Pond, Lawrence, L.I, at mxd-January, and up to 12 on Hook Pond, Eas- J.B.W.R, on the H.M. (27+ !), and perhapsat Cmger's thampton, L.I. (m.ob.). Blue-wingedTeal respondedto I., Dutchess Co. (O.T.W.B.C.); one at Brielman's the mild weather, a pair overwintering at Fairhaven Marsh, Pittsfield,Mass. Feb. 23 mighthave also(R J S P. (PDeB et al. ) asdid an unprecedentedflock of up to Goodrich).Despite the mild weather,Clapper and V•r- 22 at tiny Sage Pond in Lawrence, L.I. (RKe et al.). giniaRails seemedto be in only ordinarynumbers, but Canvasback seem to be increasingdramatically in our Sora was reported on the Old Lyme-Saybrook(2), region: previously virtually unknown in the Essex Co., Smithtown, L.I., Putnam Co. N.Y. and Lower Hudson N Y., area, "thousands" were found on L. Champlain CBCs -- more than usual. m fall 1974 (Vt. Fish & Game Dept.), with up to 1270 still there on the waterfowl censusin mid-January; 9000 wintered in Upper N.Y. Bay's last remaining natural SHOREBIRDS THROUGH ALCIDS -- An Am shallowsat Caven Pt., N.J. (now threatenedby landfill Oystercatcherreached Moriches Inlet Mar. 22 (D L development); and the L.I. - N.Y.C. portion of the Larsen), parallelingrecent years' dates. Late-lingering N Y.S. waterfowl censusin mid-Januaryreported al- shorebirdswere legionthis year, highlightsbeing: up to most 11,000,in increaseof 90% over any count sincethe four SemipalmatedPlovers at JonesBeach (AW); up to winter of 1968-69(SD). A pair of Tufted Ducks wintered 60 (!) Ruddy Tumstoneson the Orient Pt., L.I. CBC, 20 again in the East R. under the Triborough Bridge in on the Staten I. CBC, with other smaller flocks and N Y.C. (m.ob.). What wasoriginally suspected of being scatteredsingles noted. Greater Yellowlegswere more a Com. Pochard on a coastal pond in Monmouth Co. numerousthan usual, five overwinteringon the H M N J. has apparentlybeen identified as a probably Red- (RKa et al.) possiblyaccompanied by one Lesser;peep head x Canvasbackhybrid (PW Smith). The Barrow's were scarce,a Western Dec. 7 & 8 and a White-rumped Goldeneye returned to Shark R., N.J. Dec. 28 and Dec. 8 at Old Lyme (BB), a Pectoral Sandpiperon the stayed through Mar. 15 (m.ob.), for the sixth consecu- Lower Hudson CBC Dec. 15 (RR) and 12 Sem•pal- tive winter. Eiders and Harlequin Ducks were almost mateds on the S. Nassau Co. CBC (E. Levine, J unreported the entire winter. All three scoters, on the Zaretsky), being most noteworthy. One Marbled God- other hand, turnedup at a variety of inlandlocations: L. wit stayedat ShinnecockInlet to Dec. 8 (AJL, THD et Champlain, L. Ontario, St. Lawrence R. and lakes in al.); successfuloverwintering is overdue. western Massachusetts. Two Pomarine Jaegers were seen ca. 22 miles e of Similarly respondingto the milder weather, Turkey the mouth of Shark R., Monmouth Co., N.J. on a Vultures were reported throughoutthe winter in small pelagicCBC (RR et al.); thisis the "expected"species numbers, even where traditionally uncommon as on in winter,although there are hardlyvolumes of reports Long Island and in the Berkshires.All three Accipiters White-winged gulls were spotty this winter, more were down, although several Goshawks apparently numerousin someplaces, less so in others,than in past againwintered alongbarrier beacheson Long Island's years. Mid-winter concentrationswere generallynot south shore.The pair of Red-shoulderedHawks whose evident inland, owing to the absence of severe 1974 nest in the N.Y. Botanical Garden was destroyed freezeups.Exceptions, though, were the 100Glaucous by vandals has apparently renested successfullyin a and 40 Iceland Gulls seen between mid-December and more remote area this year (JDiC). An early Broad- mid-January, with up to 10,000 Herring Gulls, at winged Hawk was seen at L. Dunmore, Vt. Mar. 24-28 Beauharnois,P.Q. (MM et al.). A goodcoastal count (A Pistorius);a few other very early April records was 12 Icelands on Central Park Reservoir, N.Y C , came from the N Y C region Rough-leggedHawks Feb 17 (E Mills)

668 American B•rds, June, 1975 was at Jones Beach Nov. 28 (AW). Aleiris were unusu- Thayer'sGulls, now becomingbetter known ally scarce, so a flock of six Thick-billed Murres at and certainlyidentifiable most of the time as Montauk Pt. Jan. 4 (JB) was especiallynoteworthy. observersgain field experience with them on the Pacific Coast and at Churchill (and PAB is a OWLS -- Barn Owls of late apparently are either recent convert, despitepast pronouncements), being seen more frequently or are actually increasing werelargely absent from our region this winter, and possiblyextending their range;e.g., one was seen althoughin averagelow numbers at Buffalo.The on the Ferrisburg,N.Y. CBC in Essex Co. (JMCP) and only two reportswith details,and by experi- several were reported from the Pelham area of the encedobservers known to be previouslyfamiliar Berkshires(fide SK). Great Horned Owl is more widely with the speciesin life (two bare-minimum distributedas a breederthan many personsrealize, as criteria, along with detaileddescriptions and evidencedby the location of somenine breeding pairs in preferablyphotographs, for publicationin this n. Nassau Co., L.I. (O. Heck). Also concerning Horned column)were: 1st year, Nov. 12,Montreal, P.Q. Owls, Poulin reports from the Ottawa area the follow- (NormandDavid), and 2nd year, OswegoR., ing: "Spectacular invasioninvolving two northern sub- Fulton, N.Y. Jan. 12 (PAB). PDeB et al. report species,subarcticus (wapacuthu of AOU Checklist- the occurrenceof a Thayer's-like, but large Editors) and heterocnemis(both races specimen - sub- light-eyedadult gull, on the OswegoR. in stantiated);a few more of the former than the latter. It is Januarywhich they believewas a Glaucousx interestingto note that the Great Horned Owl invasion Herringhybrid. An immaturegull, also thought did not correspondwith that of Goshawk, which shows to be thishybrid, was observed at LongBranch, that Goshawk is more responsive to fluctuations in N.J., Feb. 17(RKa et MO. If hybridizationbe- Ruffed Grouse, high this season, while the Great tweenthese species is stillcontinuing in Iceland Horned Owl i.sresponsive to the SnowshoeHare cycle, andoccurring elsewhere, this is a furtherconfus- at a low this winter." After a moderately heavy Nov. ingfactor to be bornein mindwhen identifying flight, Snowy Owls faded through the rest of the winter, white-winged gulls. being thinly although widely distr•uted. Two Hawk Owls were noted: one at Tewkesbury, P.Q. Mar. 1 (J.J. Grondin), and another well-photographedand seenby hundredsof people at North Gage, Oneida Co., N.Y. Lesser Black-backed Gulls continue to be found in Dec. 20 - Mar. 15 (Elva VanDresser et muir. al.). Long places where previously unknown: this winter, one Island's first Barred Owl in 20 years was heard on the adult was at Burlington,Vt. Jan. 21-23 (Walter Ellison, CBC in the Smithtown swamp where the Eds. last saw Barbara and Oliver Eastman), and a second(?) on the one in November 1954. Short-eared Owls occurred in ConnecticutR. at Agawam, Mass. Jan. 4-5 (S.A. Eliot flocks of 10-20+ in areas as widespreadas New Jersey et al.); both were accuratelydescribed and leave no andthe L. Champlainarea, wherethe mouse/volepopu- doubt as to the identification of Vermont's and w. Mas- lations was reported at a cyclic high (BPG). One of sachusetts' first records for this species. It is still un- several outstanding rarities this season was a dead known in winter from coastal New England, despite concentrationsof observers; these and other inland records lead one to the conclusion the speciesreaches our shoresmost often by way of the St. Lawrence R. and Great Lakes. A thoroughanalysis of North Ameri- can records needs to be done. Around N.Y.C., where it was first reported from North America (1934) and where it has been seen almost annually every year since, at least two (adult and sub-adult)were seen on and off all winter on Jerome Res., Bronx (m.ob.), and at least three different adults were in various parts of n. New Jersey coast (fide• RKa). New Jersey's first Franldin's Gull was an adult in almost full breeding plumageon the H.M. Feb. 9-20 (RKa, Dave Rocheet al.). As far as known, it was never photographed,al- thoughwell seenby manyexperienced observers. This is onlyabout the seventhN.Y.C. reg•Xonoccurrence. About 10,000Bonaparte's Gulls (at March peak) win- tered in Jones Inlet, L.I. and with them were up to 8 Little and 3-4 Black-headed Gulls; both these species were widely scatteredin singles,twos and threes on virtuallyall coastalareas in the regionfrom Old Lyme, Conn. (BB) to ManasquanInlet, N.J. No wintering terns were reported, but exceptionallyearly arrivals were a pair of Commonsfloating on driftwood on L. Champlainin Essex, N.Y. Mar. 30 (Elizabeth Peter- son). The last Black Skimmer reported on Long Island Boreal Owl. Photo I Ken Feustel.

Volume 29, Number 3 669 BorealOwl picked up in the road at Cedar Beach, L.I., the Winhall area, and many other reports of singles Jan. 15 (Ken Feustel; *A.M.N.H.; see photo). This is were received.Unfortunately without detail was a re- L.l.'s first, the fourth for the N.Y.C. region (2nd port of a count ofl00 at Greensboro, Vt.; ravens are specimen)and the southernmostN.Y.S. record. That it known to roost in numbers in winter but this count is came from the best area on Long Island for migrating immense. No extralimital Boreal Chickadees were and wintering Saw-whets we feel is no coincidence. reported this winter, and Red-breasted Nuthatches Anotherwas seennear St. Julie(Mt. Bruno), P.Q. Mar. generally stayed put in those cone-rich north woods. 29 (Mark Tomalty and Albert Kuhnig), and a third was Carolina Wrens continue to give the lie to their ver- carefullydescribed as havingbeen heard on Magic(sic) nacular name as they expand northward, even into Mountain, Londonderry,Vt. the nightof Jan. 31, by Canada. Are they merely respondingto the milder re- owl enthusiast Otto Heck, who was convinced of the cent winters, or has the speciesundergone some genetic correctness of the identification after hearing rec- changefostering hardiness and rangeexpansion? SK in ordingsof the species. the ConnecticutRiver valley of Massachusettsreports S.A. it is "definitely increasing";two were noted in n. Ver- THREE-TOED WOODPECKERS -- The mont (BPG); PDeB writes "after third consecutivemild more northern areasexperienced a major influx winter presentin almost unprecedentlyhigh numbers; of both species, probably the largest ever re- 25-30 known to be in the Syracuse- Oneida area"; corded. Poulin (Ottawa area) said: "Fantastic! JMCP saysit has "stagedan incusionin the High Peaks Hundreds, found in every suitablewoodlot and area of the Adirondacks," noting, as have most other small patch of trees -- 19 and 25 respectively observers, that they come to feeders readily, thereby (i.e., of Black-backed and Northern- Eds.) on surviving hard weather. Under totally natural condi- CBC in only a sevenand a half mile radiuscircle! tions, the Gatdiner's I. populationcontinues its expan- Greatest invasion ever recorded in this area; sion, some70 being found there on the Montauk CBC. peaked in late December, gradually decreasing The Lower HudsonCBC reporteda Blue-grayGnat- through winter, but still to be found in choice catcher; with increasing November records in the sites at the end of the period." Mcintosh noted N.Y.C. region, this is not too surprising. American "only seven Black-backedsin the period in the Robinswere presentin inordinatelyhigh numbersthis Montreal area, but at least 25 Northerns in early winter (e.g. in low 100sin s. OnondagaCo., N.Y. (fide December. Many had moved out by mid- PDeB), but thesefigures are dwarfed by the roost of January but began to appear again in late some 8000 discovered on the Boonton CBC at Denville March." A • Northern appeared in JMCP's by Bill Tremayne, and the gigantic roost in a spruce yard in Essex, N.Y. Jan. 13, but disappeared plantationnear New Paltz, Ulster Co., N.Y., estimated that day; a female was seen at Marietta, Onon- by several counters to contain between 36,000 and dagaCo., N.Y. Dec. 29 (David Muiret al.) but 50,000 (S.J. Spencer,H. Weber, R. Vorisek, B. Sny- not thereafter. A q•Black-backed was in Oneida, der). This roost apparently persisted throughout the N.Y. Jan. 14 - Mar. 15 (Paul Paquette, (m.ob.) winter. although explicit information past January is and another reached Oradell Reservoir, Bergen lacking. These figures are someten times higher than Co., N.J. (site of the 1956-57, and 1958-59 rec- previousall-time maximafor N,Y.S., and one hundred ords of several wintering birds) Dec. 29 (Steve times previous winter maxima. Quinn et al). In Vermont, a Black-backedwas at Londonderryin late January(Angus Black,fide WJN), a male was in Burlington Mar. 18,where a female and a male Northern were seen Feb. 3 & 10, respectively (all by W. Ellison). The irrup- tion barely reached w. Massachusetts (in November) but both specieswere found in num- bers to coastal Maine and the Maritimes, and even south to e. Massachusetts. Efforts should be made to see if any breedingrange extensions follow the winter incursion.

FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WARBLERS -- A late, unidentified Empidonax was at Lawrence, L.I. Dec. 1(JA); wasit easternor western?Identity verifica- tion of such lingerers is badly desired. Each winter several reports of Gray Jays are received, without ex- cessivedetail or photos,from the Berkshires;two was this year's complement. If these are genuine, a trend would be therebyindicated, so confirmationis desired. Gray Jay recordshave been suspectover a wide area in recent years, soour concernfor detail shouldbe read as region-wide.Common Raven is definitely increasingin New York and New England, as breeder and winterer; this year Norse recordedhis largest singleflock (6) in Mot•ntain Bluebird. Photo /Alan B. Schroeder.

670 AmericanBirds, June, 1975 So Ao No doubt the winter bird was the ad. d' Mountain At least 11 Pheucticus grosbeaks were re- Bluebird discovered Dec. 20 in Coxsackie, Ulster Co., ported this winter. Some were accuratelyde- N Y by R. Guthrie and subsequentlyseen by hundreds scribed,well seenand clearly referrableto one of people-- until their fickle attentionwas diverted by species.But severalwere not, andone "Black- some seagullin Massachusetts.Photographed in color headed" seenby severalreliable observerswas and black & white by several persons (see photo), it describedas having a "stripy head but under- remained until at least March, althoughno certain date partssolidly white." It appearsone schoolof is available at this writing. This is the first N.Y.S. observers seem to feel all winter Pheucticus occurrence, but follows recent reports from Ontario and Pennsylvania of this highly migratory, hardy berry grosbeaksare Black-headed,the otherthat all are Rose-breasted.If past trends are borne out, eater Scurrilous reports about this bird's being a re- both will probablyturn out to be aboutequally lease or escapehave been circulating;if anyoneknows frequent,rendering the need for carefuldescrip- this to be true, pleasewrite to the Eds. with supporting tion that much more critical. In fact, all such details birds should be routinely photographed;the Two Varied Thrushes appeared in our region this same holds true for orioles and "Western Tana- winter a male at the Murphy feeder in Calumet, P.Q. gers," sincemore than one of the latter has from mid-December to at least Mar. 15 (MMcI et al.), and another (probably immature)male at the MacLean provedto be an oriole(and not alwaysa Balti- feeder in Athol, Worcester Co., Mass. from Dec. 16 to more!). Peopleare gettingcareless. Unqualified Rose-breasteds were found in Athol and Green- at least Feb. 26 (B.N.W.M). BohemianWaxwings oc- field, Mass., on the Boontonand Lower Hudson curred In P.Q. in a few places, the maximum being a CBCs, and in MountainLakes, N.J.; definite flock of 250 Mar. 19 at Rimouski (R. Pelletier). SK saw Black-headeds,all imm. males, were seen in one In a flock of Cedars in Southwick, Hampden Co., Ware, Mass., and three in New Jersey:Dec. Mass Feb. 25: details on a few other upstate N.Y. 4-11,Denville (Hannisians, RKaet al. ); Dec. 10- reportsare not at hand,except for a flock of 50 carefully Jan. 1, Rumson(Zobel, RKa, m.ob.); Dec. 12 - describedfrom Keene Co., N.Y. Mar. 23 (G. Randorf), Mar. 31, EssexFalls (m.ob.; bandedand photo- but Ellison had a pair/singleson several occasionsin graphed). Burlington, Vt. in January and March. A Black-and-white Warbler was on the Walnut Val- Winter finches(except Evening Grosbeaks)were al- ley CBC in N.J. Dec. 29, and a few more than usual most totally absentfrom the southernparts of the re- Orange-crowned Warblers were reported, notably one gion, as they ate their way throughone of the best at Wilkes-Barre, Penna. Feb. 17 (WR, Scott Brent). A conifercone crops in the northwoodsin many years.In late Nashville was found on the QueensCo. CBC Dec. February Purple Finchesbegan to appear out of the 28 (SD, AI Bell, R. Dieterich), and the usual tiny com- woods not far south, and in places like Schenectady, plementof Pine Warblerswas found. Exceedinglylate- N.Y., Yunick reported banding 278 by the end of lingeringwas a • Black-throatedGreen Warbler visit- March, "the best invasion in ten years." They were ing several feeders in Athol, Mass. Nov. 23 - Jan. 6 however, virtually unknown in the N.Y.C. region (Kent Hager et al.). Two (or one?)Cape May Warblers throughoutthe period.The first N.Y.S. provennesting were visiting feeders in Essex and Westport, Essex of White-winged Crossbill occurred at Chubb R Co , N Y. in late December (fide JMCP); the latter town Swampin the Adirondackswhen a female was found also boasted an Ovenbird at a feeder from Dec. 21-24. building a nest Feb. 22 (JMCP et al.). The eventual (G Carleton et al.), and finally a singingOvenbird was outcomeof the nest is unknown, however. Pine Siskin in Essex on the amazing date of Mar. 30 (JMCP); did it was suspectedof breedingin the same location m overwinter locally? Very few Yellow-breasted Chats March, but no nest was found. The only Hoary Red- were reported,among them the first winter report for w. polls -- a handful-- were seenin colder portionsof Massachusetts, at the Booker feeder in Wilbraham Qu6bec in mid-to-latewinter. from (9) until at least Feb. 27 (B.N.W.M). House Finches continue their range expansion,one reachingWestport, N.Y. in the Adirondacksin Mid- ORIOLES THROUGH SPARROWS -- More Bal- December (Tom Barber and T. Norman Mason); in timore (N.) Orioles than usual occurred this winter, Schenectady,Yunick banded66, his best winter total over the entire U.S. portion of the region south of the yet; over 50 were seenin one area on the e. sideof higher mountains, but no Bullock's. A g' Yellow- Syracusein January (PDeB); and one wintered at headed Blackbird was in Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, Berne, Albany Co., N.Y., quite high in the hills (K Dec 22 - Jan. 6 (m.ob.). No Western Tanagers were Able). seen Winter GrasshopperSparrows continue, being seen this year on the Montauk•CBC Dec. 14 and Lower A spring-plumagedd' PaintedBunting was carefully Hudson CBC Dec. 15. The Northeast's and New Jer- describedfrom a feeder in Montgomery, Orange Co., sey'ssecond Black-throated Sparrow was found in a N N Y Nov. 23-29 (J. Tramontano,E. Treacy et al.). Arlington, BergenCo., N.J. cemeteryDec. 14 by Art Recentlythere hasbeen an increasein reportsof this Barber;it was seenby probablyseveral hundred per- speciesfrom the northeast; it isunlikely any of theseare sons, and remainedinto some time in January; exact cagebirds,inasmuch as the speciesis highlymigratory, datesof departureor demiseare not known(see photo) and hasin the lastfew yearsbeen extending its breeding After last fall's phenomenalWhite-crowned Sparrow rangenorthward along the North Carolinacoast; exces- invasion,it wasto be expectedthat somewould linger sive cagebirdtraffic is a thing of the past throughthe winter Nonetheless,the numbers involved

Volume29, Number3 671 MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST REGION /F. R. Scott and David A. Cutler

Despite all predictions to the contrary, the winter turned out again to be warmer and more open than normal, with only March havingbelow-average temp- eratures.Precipitation was quite heavy after a dry late

• •-'•:•:•*• •-,.• Beach• I• -

Black-throated Sparrow. Photo / Mrs. R.P. Webher. p• - •. -: ... are amazing, and the birds were distributed on CBCs throughoutthe region,even well towards,and in a few :•' '•1. Black.... R•.:' •• .• casesinto, Canada. High counts included 12 on the Bronx-Westchester CBC, 13 on the New Haven, 14 on • : VA.ß '. the Smithtown, L.I., 26 on the Lower Hudson, and an astounding56 on the Princeton, N.J. CBCs. Finally, N.J.'s fourth Harris' Sparrow was at a Mt. Pleasant feeder from Feb. 25 throughthe period, in a flock of 12 ,"•.•C. :t• ,,,-- ---;..... White-crowneds (RKa et al. ). fall, and the• was more than adeq•te g•und water throughout the Region, al•ough snowfall was well EXOTICS -- Monk Parakeets, recently "extermi- below normal. •e mild, open wea•er obviouslyen- nated" from N.Y.S., were seen on the following C BCs: couragedthe winteringof •th waterfowl and ground- Hartford, Conn. (1); Lower Hudson (2); Queens (3); feeding birds in larger numbersand farmer inland •an Bronx-Westchester (4). The single Rose-ringed normal. This was the fif• consecutive above-normal Parakeet on the Springfield, Mass. CBC, was out- winter in this Region, •d the weather's effect on classed by the 46 on the Bronx-Westchester. birdlife might have beeneven greaterhad it not been for the precedingcool fall. Migration during M•ch CORRIGENDUM -- The Smith's Longspur col- seemedto be q•te slow in getting underway. lected on Long Island last Septemberwas not the first on the East Coast in 100 years. We forgot the yearling •ONS THROUGH CORMORANTS • Twelve female collected in Connecticut in March 1968 (Auk, Cam. •ns at Kerr Res., Mccklenb•g Co., Va., Dec. 86:345, 1969)and thank Dr. GeorgeClark for reminding 15 were • unusualnumber for a Piedmont impound- ilS. ment (KMF et al.), although 11 were also countedat Swift Cr•k Res., just west of Richmond, Va., Jan. 18 OBSERVERS -- (sub-regional compilers in (•S et al.). A p•bable Arctic Loon was observed boldface):J. Ash, J. Black, B. Burt, D.W. Crumb, T.H. under good conditions at Great Bay, N.J., Mar. 30 Davis (N.Y.S. portionsof N.Y.C. region; editor, N.Y. (HWby, WPC, AHF & SHR). Peak countsof Horned Rare Bird Alert: 94-46 85th Road, Woodhaven, N.Y. •ebes included225 at Kerr Res., Mar. 27 (KM• and 11421); P. DeBenedictis(Oneida Lake Basin: Dept. of 850 at ChincoteagueN.W.R., Va., Mar. I (LKM), and Biology, Syracuse Univ., Syracuse, N.Y. 13210); S. two Eared Grebes were repo,ed, one at •ean City, Dempsey, J. DiCostanzo, B.P. Guyette (Vermont: 14 Md., Dec. 27 (JS) and another at Craney 1., Comfort Hill, Vergennes, Vt. 05491); R. Kane (New Po•mouth, Va., Feb. 28 (RC, MBwt, GP et al.). Jersey: see below); S. Kellogg; R. Kelly, A.J. Laura, Twenty Pied-billed Grebes at L. Galena, near New M. Mcintosh (Montreal area: 136 Millhaven Ave., B•tain, Pa., Feb. 15 were considereda goodnumber Pointe Claire, P.Q., Canada H9R 3V8); W.J. Norse, here (AM & JM). Perhaps•e recordof •e sea•n w• J.M.C. Peterson(Adirondacks: P.O. Box 300, Essex, a subad•t Ye!!ow-n•d Albat• watched for some 2 N.Y. 12936);W. Reid (Pennsylvania: 65 Academy St., ho•s 57 mi. e. of •ean City Feb. I (RAR, PGD, HM, Wilkes-Barre, Penna. 18702);R. Ryan, F.G. Scheider, et al.). •is was apparentlya first repo, for this Re- D. Smith, and A. Wallin; B.N.W.M. = Bird News of gion, and numerousexcellent photos were obt•ned. Western Mass.; H.M. = Hackensack Meadows; Another s•prise was a Manx Shearwater 15 miles off J.B.W.R. = JamaicaBay Wildlife Refuge;O.T.W.B.C. •ean City Jan. 12 (RAR & HWga), pr•ably a first = Otis T. Waterman Bird Club. -- P.A. BUCKLEY, regionalwinter re• of this species.Peak numbersof North Atlantic Regional Office, National Park Service, Gannetsincluded 680 at Virginia Beach, Va., Dec. 31 150 CausewaySt., Boston,Mass. 02114 and RICHARD (PWSy et al.) and 10• along the ChesapeakeBay KANE, New JerseyAudubon Society, Scherman Wildlife B•dge-Tunncl,Va., Mar. 16 (M• et al.). Fa,her up Sanctuary,P.O. Box 693, Bernardsville,N.J. 07924. ChesapeakeBay, three were seenat GwynnsI., Va.,

672 American Birds, June, 1975 Mar 6 (RAB & CS) and one at Reedville, Va., Mar. 16 Forty Gadwalls at Moselem Springs, Pa., Feb 15 (FRS) Great Cormorants-- up to six individuals-- (RWlt) and 20 at White Oak, Lancaster Co., Pa., Feb winteredagain on the PotomacR. in the St. GeorgesI., 21 (CRG) were locally unusual. A Cinnamon Teal at Md area (EJW et al.), and there were the usualreports New Gretna, N.J., Feb. 20-23 (BCH, JFA) was proba- along the coast. Four at Reedy Pt., Del., near Wil- bly the same individual previouslyreported off and on mington, Jan. 5 were rather far up the Delaware R. since June 1974 at nearby Brigantine Ref., and there (WAB). A peak of six Double-crestedCormorants were were numerous •eports of Blue-winged Teal in mid- seen at Kerr Res., Mar. 27 (KMF), and J.M. Abbott winter, mostly along the coast. A Eur. Green-winged reported 1000 at Heron Reef, St. Marys Co., Md., Teal wintered at Pomona, N.J. for the third consecutive Mar 23. year (JDD, JFA), and there were two reportsof single Eur. Wigeon, one at ChincoteagueRef., Dec. 28 (FH & HERONS, IBIS -- Wintering herons were in good JHt) and one at Taylors Bridge, Del., Mar. 22 (DPIn) but not record numbers along the coast. There were at Peak Redheadcounts of 250 at Barnegat Bay, N J , leastfive GreenHeron recordsin the DelawareValley area Dec. 30 (PWSm) and 40 inland at Kerr Res., Mar 27 (RJB et al.), and two LouisianaHerons were found at (KMF) were excellent. Inland records of Canvasbacks Indian R. Inlet, Del., Jan. 4 (JL), as well as in other seem to be increasing in Virginia, perhaps in part placesin the n. partof theRegion. Four Cattle Egrets at owing to the increasingnumbers of lakes and reser- Virginia Beach Dec. 11 (RJT) were the only winter voirs. Up to 12 were noted near Culpeper during the reportof this species,and the first springarrivals ap- winter (JBB), 117 were counted at Kerr Res., Dec 15 peared at Norfolk, Va., Mar. 2 (RC & MBwt) and (KMF et al.), 50 were seen on the Staunton R, Berlin, Md., Mar. 6 (MH). There were a few winter MecklenburgCo., Mar. 12 (PEM), and 11 were found reportsof Glossy Ibis in s.e. Virginia, and two appa- at Danville Mar. 26 (PWW & FD). There were far rent migrantswere seenover ChincoteagueRef., Feb. 6 fewer reports of Harlequin Ducks and both eiders than (LKM) and one at Snow Hill, Md., Mar. 6 (SHD). in recent years. One C• Harlequin spent much of the Early peaknumbers included 450 Black-crownedNight winter along the ChesapeakeBay Bridge-Tunnel, Va Herons at Fisherman I., Va., Mar. 28 (MAB et al.) and (JMA, MAB et al.), and six Corn. Eiders at Barnegat 200 GlossyIbis at Locustville,Va., Mar. 29 (MAB et Inlet, N.J., Mar. 6 (CJ) was the maximum number of al ) either eider speciesreported. The peak count of Red- breastedMergansers at Kerr Res. was 125 on Mar 27 (KMF). This may be a record state count west of the WATERFOWL -- The Mute Swan count in Barnegat Coastal Plain. Bay, N.J., Dec. 31 was350 (PWSm), andin the Chin- coteaguearea up to six werepresent during the winter, VULTURES, HAWKS -- Unprecedentednumbers of increasingto eight in late March (LKM, FRS et al.). Black Vultures were found in the mid Delmarva Pen Inland, one was seen at Alexandria, Va. during De- The best counts were 119 at Crisfield, Md., Dec 26 cember(DFA et al.), and up to five were reportedin (CRV et al.) and 188 at Ocean City, Md., Dec 27 the Culpeper,Va. areaJanuary-March (JBB, ST). This (CSR et al.). Accipiters seemed in better-than-usual last location is far from any other known feral popula- numbers in the s. part of the Region, especially on tion of this species.The origin of thesebirds is un- Virginia's Eastern Shore (LKM et al.), and Red-taded known, but they were free-flying. Whistling Swans Hawks were unusually common in Virginia and Mary- wintered in small numbers inland in s. and c. Virginia land in late December. Excellent counts included 77 at again, with 11 duringthe period at Swift Creek Res. Senaca, Md., Dec. 15 (JWO et al.), 64 at Crisheld, (FRS et al.), 14 at CulpeperJan. 6 (ST), 9 at Newport Md., Dec. 26 (CRV et al.), 35 at Hopewell, Va., Dec News all winter (DLM), and smaller numbers 14 (FRS et al.), and 25 at Lynchburg, Va., Dec 14 elsewhere.In contrastto last year, they did not winter (MPM et al.). Northward migrating Red-taileds in- at Kerr Res., thoughthree were seen here Mar. 27 cluded 26 at New Hope, Pa. (DJH) and 28 at Elverson, (KMF) and 31 appearedat CulpepperMar. 24 (JBB). Pa. (REC), both on Mar. 23. A pair was feedingone or At WashingtonBoro, Pa. the peakcount was 5000 on more young in a nest at Blackwater Ref., Md., Mar 7 Mar 16 (TRH). Ten thousandCanada Geese wintered (JMA & DFA). Gamber found nine different Red- at LongwoodGardens, Pa. (JG), a major increaseover shouldered Hawks in Lancaster Co., Pa., Dec 1, the 200 or soof ten yearsago, and singleWhite-fronted perhapslate migrants, and the LancasterCo. Bird Club Geesewere reportedin four coastallocalities. The peak recorded35 Rough-leggedHawks in the countyFeb 9 Snow Goose count at Brigantine N.W.R., N.J. was A single Rough-leggedwas seen at Elm Hill W.M A , 15,000 on Jan. 20 (JCM), and 14 were notedfar inland MecklenburgCo., Va., Jan. 10 (KMF), and up to two at Kerr Res., Mar. 15 (KMF). A Blue Goosewintered different ad. and two imm. Bald Eagles were noted at Kerr Res. (KMF et al.), and the top count at Black- along the RoanokeR., MecklenburgCo., Va., Januo water N.W.R., Md. was 900 on Jan. 4 (PGD); a single ary-March (KMF et al.). An Osprey at Ocean City individual appearedat Middle Creek Wildlife Mgt. Dec. 27 (GF & DW) and anotherat BrownsMill, N J , Area, Pa. (W.M.A. below) Dec. 26 (MC). There were Dee. 30 (LL) were the only winter reports,and the first two reportsof Fulvous Tree Ducks. One was presentat spring arrival at Yorktown, Va. was noted Mar 3 W OceanCity, Md. apparentlyfrom Nov. 10 at least (MAB). A dark-phaseGyrfaleon appearedat Brigantine to Mar. 15 (CPW, JMA, CSR et al.), and anotherwas Ref., Mar. 15 and was joined several days later by a seen at Middle Creek W.M.A., Mar. 16-24 (KB et light-phasebird (FMet al.). Both were present about al ), the latter apparentlya first state record. two weeks.

Volume29, Number3 673 GROUSE, RAILS -- Blicharzreported two Ruffed Back Bay, Va., Dec. 29 (RLAnd et al.). There were a Grouse at Princeton, N.J., Dec. 15, and Danzenbaker record 29 sightings of Skuas off the Delmarva Pen , notedboth Clapperand Virginia Rails beingattacked Jan. 12-Mar. 16, with a maximum of nine off Ocean and killed by HerringGulls duringhigh tides at Lin- City Feb. 1 (RAR et al.). White-wingedgulls were well wood, N.J., Dec. 1. Two Virginia Rails were foundat represented in the Region, with Glaucous Gulls re- Danville, Va., Mar. 31 (PJSet al.), and the Crisfield ported from at least eight localities and Icelandsfrom at CBC totaled266 on Dec. 26 (CRV et al.). Chandler least seven. Of special interest was a GlaucousGull andFielder flushed a BlackRail at BackBay N.W.R., inland at Alexandria, Va., Feb. 9-Mar. 16 (JMA et al ) Va., Dec. 29. An outbreak of avian cholera in the Am. and three 45 mi. off Ocean City Mar. 16 with about Cootpopulation at Back Bay Ref. in Februaryresulted 1000 Herring Gulls (RAR, PGD et al.). Four more in the deathof approximately19,000 birds owing to Lesser Black-backed Gulls were reportedin addition the diseaseand the removalof 6000 othersby Federal to the three found last fall. These were one at Ocean and statewildlife agentsto inhibit the spreadof the City, Dec. 1 (PGD), one at Belmar, N.J., Dec 13 diseaseto other migratingwaterfowl. (PWSm), two at Virginia Beach, Va., Dec. 31 (PWSy), SHOREBIRDS -- As usual, Am. Oystercatchers and perhaps one of the same birds also at Virginia wintered in some numbersbetween Chincoteagueand Beach Mar. 2 (RC & MBwt). Both Black-headed and Cape Charles, Va. farther north, two at Indian R. Inlet, Little Gulls were found in severallocalities along the De., Jan. 4 (JL) were the only real winter report. At coastwith up to threeof eachat OceanCity duringthe Holgate, N.J., four on Feb. 28 (BCH) and 25 on Mar. period(JMA et al.). A few Bonaparte'sGulls wintered 27 (MBrn) were consideredspring arrivals, the latter an inland at Kerr Res., Va., and 45 were counted here excellentcount. Wintering shorebirdnumbers along the Mar. 27 (KMF). At Craney I., Va., R.L. Anderson coastwere goodbut were in generalnot up to thoseof estimated5000 on Mar. 31. Black-leggedKittiwakes the previous winter. Some 428 Killdeer were recorded were found onshoreat least five times, including one at on the Crisfield, Md. CBC Dec. 26 (CRV et al.), and Back Bay Dec. 29 (PWSy) and one at BarnegatInlet two Am. Golden Plovers were seen at Brigantine Ref., Feb. 8 (JDD & JFA). Mar. 31 (CFH). An Am. Woodcock incubating four TERNS, ALCIDS -- An unusual inland Corn. Tern eggs in JamesCity Co., Va., Feb. 26 hatchedout three was found on the Roanoke R., Va. near Kerr Dam Dec of them Mar. 18 or 19 (BW). An unusual number of 15 (RC) and 16 (KMF), perhapsthe first winter Pied- Spotted Sandpiperswere reported in Virginia. J.M. Abbott found one at Fort Belvoir Dec. 21, three were mont record for the state. Another was carefully ob- served at Back Bay Ref., Dec. 29 (PEM). Caspian recordedat Hampton Dec. 30 (JHz & DL), one was seen Terns had build up to 200 at Craney I., Mar. 31, near Capahosic,Gloucester Co.. Jan. 5 and again Mar. outnumbering the Royal Tern almost 20 to one 22-Apr. 1 (EDP et al.), and Stinson saw one at Yorktown Feb. 4. The wintering flock of willets near (RLAnd). The winter pelagic trips off the Delmarva Pen. were unusually productive of alcids. Two Razor- Cape Charles totaled a record 190 on Dec. 27 (HTA et bills were found off Ocean City Jan. 12 and one on al ), and a LesserYellowlegs was reportedinland at Mar. 16 (RARet al.), and at least one unidentified Alexandria, Va., Dec. 14 (RMP). Seventy-five Red murre was seenhere Feb. 1 (RAR). Strangely, the most Knots winteredat Longport,N.J. (JDD), and the win- common alcid in this area this winter was the Corn. teringflock of PurpleSandpipers at OceanCity peaked Puffin, a species rarely recorded previously in this at 200 in late January(PP). Sykes and others found a Region. Some 39 individuals were noted offshore on Pectoral Sandpiper at ChincoteagueRef., Dec. 28, six different days between Feb. I and Mar. 16 from and Long-billed Dowitcher reportsincluded 11 at Back Bay Ref., Dec. 29 WP & TRW), 24 at Chincoteague Delawaresouth to Chincoteague,with a peak of 16 off Ocean City Feb. 2 (RAR, PGD, LKM et al.). None Dec. 28 (PAD & PGD), and one at Brigantine Ref., were seencloser to shorethan 40 miles. Thesereports Jan. 12 (JDD). About 100 W. Sandpiperswere present constitutethe first sight records for Maryland; there at Longport Januaryand February (JDD, PWSm), and was only one previous Virginia sight record. There the DuMontscounted over 1200 at ChincoteagueDec. were 35 sightings of Dovekies off Delmarva Jan. 12- 28 Six MarbledGodwits were seen at BrigantineRef., Mar. 16 (RAR et al.). Dec. 14, and three were presenthere Dec. 27-Jan. 19 (JDD, JFA),while the wintering flock near Cape DOVES THROUGH PARAKEETS -- A Mourning Charlesconsisted of 110 birds Dec. 27 (HTA et al.). Dove nest at Lynchburg had two eggs Mar.5 (WM), The only Ruff reported was one at Locustville, Va., and a large Barn Owl roost at Franconia, Montgomery Mar. 28-29 (MAB, BW & TFW). At Bombay Hook Co., Pa. had ten birds Dec. 31 (AM & JM). Excellent N W.R., Del. 12 Am. Avocets were seen as late as owl countswere reportedon someof the CBCs. Among Dec. 15 (RMK) and four again on Mar. 30 (DG), these were 100 Screech Owls and 78 Great Horned whereas there were 230 at Craney 1., Va., Mar. 31 Owls at St. Michaels, Md., Dec. 22 •de JR), 71 (RLAnd). Red Phalaropes apparentlywintered at sea off the Delmarva coast. Rowlett and Barnhill counted ScreechOwls at West Chester,Pa., Dec. 21 (fide PH), 54 at Cape Charles, Va., Dec. 27 (fide HTA), 51 at 113 40-50 mi. e. of Ocean City Jan. 12, and Rowlett observed a few in this area Feb. 5-10. Lynchburg, Va., Dec. 14 (fide MPM), and 30 Barred Owls at Back Bay, Va., Dec. 29 (t•de PWSy). An ad JAEGERS THROUGH GULLS -- Lesser and Hiatt Great HornedOwl was incubatingon an old crow nest observeda PomarineJaeger at Island Beach, N.J., Dec. at Dyke marsh, Fairfax Co., Va., Jan 12 (JMA & 15, and seven Parasitics were seen from the beach at DFA). As noted in the fall report, a mild invasionof

674 American Birds, June, 1975 SnowyOwls movedinto the n. part of the Region, with Solitary Vireos were noted on three CBCs in s.e. Vir- perhapsten or 12 reports. The farthestsouth bird was ginia. Three Black-and-white Warblers were present in one at Cambridge, Md. seen by numerous observers the Bethlehem-Easton, Pa. area in late December, with about Jan. 4-Feb. 25 (PGD et al.). Long-eared Owls one seenon the Dec. 21 CBC O'•deTM). An apparent were reportedmore commonlythan usual, perhapsbe- early migrant appeared at Madison Heights, Va., Mar cause observers are more competent in locating them 22 (MBwt). Two Black-throated Gray Warblers were now The best counts were 13 in s. Dorchester Co., seen at Newport News, Va., Jan. 23, and one, an Md Dec. 30 (fide CSR) and 6 near Crisfield, Md., apparentimm. male, was trapped, banded, and photo- Dec'26 (fideCRV). Good Short-eared Owl counts graphed (DLM). The banded bird was seen later on six included24 at Cape Henlopen, Del., Dec. 22 (fide different occasionsup to Mar. 17. R.H. Peake recorded WAB), 15 at Chincoteague,Dec. 28 (CSR et al.), and the first singing Black-throatedGreen Warbler at Nor- 11 at Bolling field, D.C., Dec. 14 (PP et aL). At folk, Va., Mar. 26; note that this was undoubtedlythe Kutztown, Pa. six wintering Short-earedswere found s.e. race, which regularly arrives several weeks before roostingin pine trees (AN). The best Saw-whetOwl the more northern birds. Among the other unusual count was seven at Thorofare, N.J., Dec. 28 (JCM). winter warbler records was a Nashville Warbler near Cape Charles Dec. 27 (PGD), an Audubon's Warbler SoAo at Cape May Pt., N.J., Jan. 5 (DEK), 'a Prairie War- Although American Birds is not the place to bler near Chincoteague Dec. 28 (CSR et al.), and a list reports of escaped cage birds, it may be Wilson's Warbler at Chesapeake,Va., Jan. 5 (DLH & significant that three species of parakeets sur- MJH). Single Oveubirds were reported at Virginia vived the winter at least into mid-March. These Beach Dec. 3l (RJT), Westtown, Pa., Jan. 15-Mar 4 were two Yellow-headed Parrots and one to four (JD, EG et al.), and Cape May Dec. 22 (fide KS). Up Canary-winged Parakeets at Wilmington, Del. to four Com. Yellowthroats were observed during (AEC) and one Orange-fronted Parakeet at Sel- January at Kerr Res. (KMF), and four at Delaware lersville, Pa. (AM & JM). Although many iden- City, Del., Jan. 4 (BM) were considereda good winter- tifications of parakeets in the wild are subject to ing number. Coastal areas, of course, had higher num- question, these are thought to be accurate. bers, with 54 reported at Back Bay Dec. 29 (PWSy et al.). A Yellow-breasted Chat was seen at Ephrata, Pa , WOODPECKERS'THROUGH SHRIKES -- Dec. 23-31 (EW) and another at Longwood Gardens, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckersseemed more common than Pa., Jan. 15-Feb. 4 (JG). normal in the Delaware Valley area, and a count of I 1 BLACKBIRDS THROUGH TANAGERS -- in the Bethlehem-Easton, Pa. area Dec. 21 was consi- Yellow-headed Blackbirds were noted in several loca- deredexcellent {fide TM). A Black-backedThree-toed tions. Two were present during January at Prospect Woodpecker was present near Reading, Pa., Dec. Park, Pa. (JCM), one was seen in late January at 4-Jan 4 and was seen by many observers (RWyr et Wenonah, N.J. (EM), one was noted at Mickteton, al ) N.J., Feb. 24 (CB), and there were additional reports Swallows arrived fairly early this year. Rough- without adequatedetails. Eight to ten Baltimore Orioles winged Swallows were first noted at Newport News, wintered in the Princeton, N.J. area (RJB), and six Va, Mar. 18 (MAB), while Barn Swallows first were reported at Lynchburg during the winter (KMF et showed up Mar. 22 at both Culpeper (JBB) and al.). The Brewer's Blackbird flock at Bombay Hook, Capahosic,Va. (EDP). At Kerr Res., Va. there were Del. totaled 35 birds Mar. 23 (KR), and a Western 18 Cliff Swallows Mar. 27 (KMF), and a Purple Martin Tauager was reportedat Ambler, Pa., Dec. 24-30 (DZ, showedup at Aston, Pa., Mar. 23 (JG). A Brown- KR et al.). headed Nuthatch at Rustburg, near Lynchburg, Va., Mar 15 was unusual(DPte, fide RSF) as was a Be- FRINGILLIDS -- An imm. 3' Black-headed Gros- wick's Wren at Kerr Res., Nov. 24-Dec. 15 (KMF et beak waspresent near Etverson, Pa., Feb. 18 to the end al ) American Robins wintered in higher numbersthan of the period (REC), and one Blue Grosbeak was seen usual in much of the Region, with many areas having a at Elm Hill W.M.A., Va., Jan 8 and two on Jan 18 big influx in January. Thousands were present at times (JML, KMF et al.). An almostfully plumaged3' in the Lynchburg area during January and February Lazuli Bunting visited feeders near Elverson Jan (RSF), Eike noted 700 at Clifton, Va., Jan. 31, and l-Mar. 16 and was photographedand observed by some 500 wintered between Sumneytown and Skip- many persons (REC, DAC, CN et al.). Northern pack, Pa. (RJM et al.). A Swainson'sThrush was noted finches were in general in low numbers,though there at Brigantine Ref., N.J., Mar. 2 (VA & HD), appa- were small local flocks of wintering Evening Gros- rently a winter survivor rather than an early migrant, beaks. One spectacular exception was a concentration and single ,Blue-gray Gnatcatcherswere seen at Fort of Evening Grosbeaksestimated at 1100 at Brookneal, Foote, Md., Dec. 11 (LT), Alexandria, Va., Dec. 14 CampbellCo., Va., Feb. 9 (EA & KMF). Four Pine (RMP), and Back Bay, Va., Dec. 29 (HTA). Cedar Grosbeaks were noted in this flock (KMF), the only Waxwingswere very commonover muchof Maryland regionalreport of this species.Common Redpollswere and Virginia during the winter, and a N. Shrike was reportedonly twice, five at Norristown, Pa., Feb 6 found at Avalon, N.J., Mar. 4 (HGA). (RJM) and one at Charlottesville, Va., Dec. 28 (ES), and there was one White-winged Crossbill report, one VIREOS, WARBLERS -- Chandler and Fielder at Madison Heights, Va., Mar. 9 & 16 (MBwt, LRB) found a White-eyed Vireo at Back Bay Dec. 29, and The increase in the House Finch population continued

Volume 29, Number 3 675 with numerous record counts throughout the Region. Gordon Foer, R.S. Freer, C.R. Gamber, Ester Gordon, Sample CBC counts included 950 at Princeton, N.J., Drew Grainger, Jesse Grantham, T.R. Hake, Frank Dec. 15 (RJB et al.), 277 at Washington, D.C., Dec. Hanenkrat, Jo Hanenkrat, D.J. Hartmann, E.E. Hast- 14 (RLPet al.), and 196 at St. Michaels, Md., Dec. 22 ings, Jose Hernandez, B.C. Hiatt, C.F. Hills, D.L. (JR et al. ). At many feedersin the n. part of the Region Hughes, Mrs. M.J. Hughes, Mary Humphreys,Phyllis they are displacingHouse Sparrowsto a large extent, Hurlock, Cliff Jones, R.M. Keel, M.K. Klimkiewicz, and at Hampton, Va., W.P. Smith had bandeda record D.E. Kunkle. Lancaster Co. Bird Club, Jay Lehman, 270 by Mar. 20. F.H. Lesser. Len Little, D. Lundt, J.M. Lynch. L.K. The "Ipswich" Sparrowpopulation at BrigantineI., Malone, Fred Mamer, Ed Manners, Brian Marshall, N.J. peaked at 27 on Jan. 4 (JDD & JFA). The Peakes P.E. McQuar•, R.J. Middleton,J.C. Miller, August found a GrasshopperSparrow near Back Bay Dec. 29. Mirabella, Judy Mirabella, Mrs. D.L. Mitchell, W.A. and anotherwas discoverednear Norfolk Jan. 2 (PWSy, Montevecchi, Mrs. M.P. Moore, Harold Morrin, Wyatt DLH et al.). A Henslow's Sparrow was located along Murphy, Thomas Mutchler, Alex Nagy, Carl Norman, the Roanoke R., Va.. Jan. 12 (MBwt & RC). There David Nutter, J.W. Oberman. R.M. Patterson, Mrs. E. were three reportsof Le Conte's Sparrows this winter. D. Peacock, D.E. Peake, R.H. Peake, David Phalen, At Back Bay Ref. one was located Dec. 7 (GMW, William Portlock, Gertrude Prior, Dan Puckerie, Peter DLH, RLAke et al.) and apparentlythe same one Dec. Pyle, R.L. Pyle, S.H. Ramsay, Jan Reese, Keith 29 (PEM, PWSy et al.). Similarly, one located at Richards, C.S. Robbins, R.A. Rowleft, Keith Seager, Ocean City, Md., Dec. 27 (PWB & DN) was trapped, Jay Sheppard,W.K. Slate, II, P.W. Smith, Jr., W.P. banded, and photographedJan. 5 (MKK, RLP, PP et Smith, P.J. Spear, Jr., Eileen Stephens, C.E. Stevens, al.). The third bird was carefully identified at Lynnha- Chris Stinson, P.W. Sykes, Leonard Teuber, Sarah ven Inlet, Va., Dec. 31 (PWSy). Two good Oregon Thomas, R.J. Tripician, C.R. Vaughn, Donald Weber, Juncos were reported, one at Camp Hill, Pa., Jan. Robert Whitmoyer. T.F. Wieboldt, Hal Wierenga. C.P. l-Mar. 15 (CJ) and one at Rosemont, Pa., Jan. 26-28 Wilds, Bill Williams, G.M. Williamson, E.J. Wil- (EEH). Fielder and Lynch located a Harris' Sparrow loughby, Hugh Willoughby, Richard Wilttaut, P.W. at Elm Hill W.M.A., Va., Jan. 8-Mar. 27, and another Wiseman, Eric Witmet, T.R. Wolfe. David Zumeta -- remained at Mickleton, N.J., Feb. 21-Apr. 5 (CB et F.R. SCOTY, 115 Kennondale Lane, Richmond, Va. al.). After being unusually common during the fall, 23226 and DAVID A. CUTLER, 1110 Rock Creek White-crowned Sparrows remained that way through Drive, Wyncote, Pa. 19095. the winter, with unusualnumbers even in s.e. Virginia. Record counts included 53 at Oxon Hill, Md., Dec. 14 (PAD et al.), 54 at Hopewell, Va., Dec. 14 (FRS & SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST REGION WKS), 12 at Salisbury, Md., Dec. 29 (CRV et al.), and 250 at Warren, Va., Dec. 29 (CES et al.). More Lin- / Robert P. Teulings coln's Sparrowsthan normal were reported. There were single birds near Hopewell, Va., Dec. 14 (RLAke), It was warmer than normal and wet in the Regionthis near Crisfield, Md., Dec. 26 (PB), and in Virginia winter. Most sectionswere touched by only brief spells Beach Dec. 29 (RHP & DEP); an amazingcount of five of sub-freezingweather, but there was plenty of rain, was made,in the Cape Charles area Dec. 27 (JMA et especially on weekends, which tended to dampen the al.). Although Lapland longspurswere quite scarcein enthusiasm of observers. The Christmas Bird Counts Virginia this winter, there were excellent counts in s.e. (CBCs) generatedthe usualexcitement, yet the season Pennsylvaniaand South Jersey, with a peak of 40 at as a whole was rather uneventful. Two rare northern Brigantine I., Feb. 1 (JDD). An almost record-sized invaders, a Goshawkand a Snowy Owl. were sightedin flock of 500 Snow Buntings wintered at Dutch Neck, the Region and Rough-leggedHawks were seen with Mercer Co., N.J. (RJB). above-averagefrequency, but therewas no majorinflux of winter finches. CORRIGENDA -- Laughing Gull eggs at the Little Beach I., N.J. colony were hatchingJune 1 I, not May I1 (WAM- AB 28: 887, 1974). The Yellow-headed

Blackbird, nine Dickcissels,and Clay-coloredSparrow •. ..- ...- - ! aatEIOa aATTAaSS•E•Tp•L•a c reportedat Longwood, Pa. in Septemberwere actually seen at Island Beach, N.J. (JG -- ibid. 29: 39, 1975).

CONTRIBUTORS -- D.F. Abbott, Vincent Abrai- tys, R.L. Ake, J.F. Akers, H.G. Alexander, Eleanor Anderson, R.L. Anderson, H.T. Annistead, M.V. Barn- hill, J.B. Bazuin, Jr., Mrs. R.A. Beck, R.J. Blicharz, Mrs. L.R. Boatwright, Michael Boatwright, Carl Bresler, Kate Brethwaite, W.A. Brokow, Maurice Broun, P.W. Burdick, M.A. Byrd, Paul Bystrak. Ray -.. Chandler, W.P. Clarke, Mark Collie, A.E. Conway, R.E. Cook, J.D. Danzenbaker, Fenton Day, Howard Drinkwater, P.A. DuMont, P.G. DuMont, John Dye. S.H. Dyke, J.W. Eike, K.M. Fielder, A.H. Fischer,

676 American Birds, June, 1975 LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- CBC data indicate rence of the season with no additional indications of an that the wintering populationof Com. Loons in the incursion noted elsewhere in the Region. A Rough- coastal area of the Carolinas was noticeably up this leggedHawk was seen severaltimes during December seasonwith the total reported countwell abovethe past at Pea I. (fide NFW), and one was observed at Wfi- five years' average.Red-throated Loons seemedto be mington Dec. I (KK). Another was later presentfor at presentin about normal numbers,although one ob- least l0 days during March at Seaforth in Chatham Co, server noted a local scarcityof this speciesthrough the N.C. (SA, AC eta/.). A Golden Eagle was seen at winter at Morehead City (JF). Inland, a largeconcentra- Okefenokee N.W.R. Jan. II (BDeB), and two others tion of Horned Grebeswas presentat RoanokeRapids (an adult and an immature) were recorded on the Geor- L, Halifax Co., N.C. in early Januarywhere a peak gia side of Eufala N.W.R. in late Jan. and early Feb count of 196 was recorded Jan. 2 (ML). Two Eared (WM, SP, TM eta/.). A pair of Bald Eagles nesting on Grebes were unusual visitors at L. Benson near Raleigh South 1. near Charlestonappeared to have young hatch- Dec 21 -Jan. 13(RH, CM, ML), and three Red-necked lings as early as Jan. 19 (TB). PeregrineFalcons were Grebes were observed on the Hilton Head I. CBC Dec. seen at three coastal locations during the winter period 28 An individualof the latter specieswas alsofound at and one was sightedinland in Warren Co., N .C., Jan 3 l Charleston Mar. 9 (SG, HL). Good numbers of Brown (MS). Pehcanswintered at Hilton Head I. where flocks of up CRANES THROUGH JAEGERS -- A Sandhill to 100were seen (LL) anda few winteredas far n. asPea Crane was present at Clemson Dec. 2 (HL) whfie I and Cape Hatteras (JH). Nine late-lingeringCattle elsewherefour were seenat CharlestonJan. 19 (TB) Egretswere seen near Grandy, N.C., Dec. 14(RT) and The first nesting of cranes at Okefenokee N.W.R. was three overwintered at Bogue Banks near Morehead noted as early as Mar. 7 (fide EC). A Black Rail was a C•ty (JF). One was alsoseen near McClellanville,S.C., good find at Kiawah I. near Charleston Jan. 26 (DC) Jan 24 (DF). February sightingsof White Ibis and Flocks of at least 300 Corn. Snipe were seen at Magnoha GlossyIbis were reportedfrom the N.C. Outer Banks Gardens near Charleston Feb. 13 (TB), and over 100 at (JH, RT), andboth species were presentin the Charles- •Raleigh Mar. 28 (RH). A Long-billed Curlew found on ton area all winter (DF, PN). the Morehead City CBC Dec. 23 remained in that area WATERFOWL-- Mattamuskeet N.W.R. continued at least through the winter (JF). A good count of 20 to attract the main wintering population of Whistling Purple Sandpiperswas recorded at Georgetown, S.C, Swans in the Region with a high count of 18,000 re- Dec. 8 (JEC). A locally unusual winter occurrence of a corded there in December (fide DH). Up to 200 swans Least Sandpiperwas noted near Atlanta Jan. 18 (DCo), also wintered at Pea Island N.W.R., and a few wan- and two Dunlin were late lingerersat L. Hartwell near deredas far southas Savannah,Dalton and Maco n , Ga. Clemson until early January (HL). Twenty-eight Red A peak winter concentration of 7200 Snow Geese was Phalaropes were seen Jan. 26 at Wrightsville Beach, reportedfrom Pea Island N.W.R., including25 birds of N.C. after a storm (JWe), and anotherwas sightedby the blue form (JHa). No mention was made of sizeable observers during a pelagic cruise 28 mi. off St. Simons wintering flocks of Snow Geese elsewhere, but observ- I., Ga., Mar. 8 (TM et al.). Karl Mayer (fide EY) re- ers d•d take note of the presenceof blue morph geeseat ported seeingfive Parasitic Jaegersalong the Jekyll 1 several other places including eight seen at Charleston beach Jan. 27. Two were also seen by the aforemen- Jan 19 (TB), one seen regularly through the winter at tioned pelagicparty off St. SimonsI. Mar. 8. A light- Columbus (RU, fide LAW), and two at Garysburg, phase Pomafine Jaegerwas sightedoff the Charleston N C , Jan. 5 (ML). A White-fronted Goose was seen jetties Mar. 9 (DF). Feb 18 at Santee N.W.R. (DF). Fulvous Tree Ducks again wintered in the Region with small flocks noted at GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS -- A white-winged Magnolia Gardens near Charleston (TB), Savannah gull, identified as a Glaucous by one observer and re- N W R., (fide PY) and Altamaha N.W.R. (TM). Sight- ported as an Iceland by another, was present at Cape rags were also recorded farther north where 17 tree Point, Hatteras I., N.C. in late Dec. andearly January ducks were seen Apr. 7 at Cape Hatteras (CG) and three Recent winter occurrencesof both specieshave been at Bells I., Currituck Co., N.C., Apr. 5 (FA). A • reported in North Carolina (Am. Birds 27:602; 28:290, Cinnamon Teal was found at Greenfield L. in Wil- 28:626), but the problem of identification is difficult and mington, N.C., Dec. 29 (KK). CBC data, refuge cen- no specimensof the lceland Gull have yet been taken m suses, and the comments of various observers indicated the state. A Bonaparte'sGull at Thomasville,Ga. wasa Canvasbackswere generally more abundant this year, first record for that inland locality (RLC). At other which •s good news. Four N. Shovelers were uncom- inland sites, two Bonaparte'swere seenat L. Surf near mon rolandvisitors at Raleigh Feb. 8 (JM) and two were Vass, N.C., Dec. 9 (JC) and four at L. Wheeler near at Clemson Mar. 24 (HL). A flock of 18 Greater Scaup Raleigh Mar. 22 (RH). A Forster's Tern was unusual at was also unusual at Raleigh Mar. 10 (JM), and four were the latter location Mar. 29 (JM). Black Ski•nmerswere seen roland at Pendleton, S.C., Mar. 29 (HL). Single unusually common at Sea I., Ga. this winter with flocks Corn Eiders were found at Pea Island N.W.R. Dec. 27 of up to 200 seen regularly (JK, fide EY). A fresh (NFW) and in the Charleston area at Fort Sumter Mar. 9 specimenof a Razorbill was found Feb. 22 at Pawley's (DFet td.) and Sullivans I. Mar. 20 (JRH). 1., S.C. (JEC), marking the Region's only Alcid record for the season. RAPTORS -- A Goshawk was sighted in n.w. Cas- well Co., N.C. near the Virginia border Dec. 22 (Dan- OWLS THROUGH SWALLOWS -- A SnowyOwl wile CBC,fide PW). This was the only reported occur- made a very rare appearancein the Region at Pea Island

Volume 29, Number 3 677 N W.R. in early December (NFW), but apparentlydid not lingermore than a few days. Short-earedOwls were BLACKBIRDS AND ORIOLES -- A listing remarkably abundant at Eufala N.W.R. where a season of major blackbird roosts in North Carolina by h•ghcount of 23 was recorded(MF, SP eta/.). A rather Don Harke of the Fish and Wildlife Service in- late W. Kingbird was seen near Georgetown, S.C., cluded a huge roost of an estimated 50 milhon Dec. 8 (JEC). An early northward movement of some birds near Coileld in Hertford County. Roosts of 3000 Tree Swallows was observed at Jekyll I. Feb. 6 about 2 million birds were located near Selma m (KM), and a few were seenat Cape Hatteras as early as Johnston County and Burlington in Alamance Feb. 27 (JH). Elsewhere, severalthousand were noted County. Smaller roosts of 500,000 and 350,000 Mar. 9 at Morehead City (RH) and others had arrived at were reported from Union and Mecklenburg Raleighby Mar. 10(JM). R,ough-winged Swallows were Counties. The Winston-Salem CBC also indi- seen Mar. 12 at Columbus (JMi) and by Mar. 25 at cated the presence of a roost containing at least Raleigh(JM). Purple Martins returnedto Charlestonas 300,000 grackles and 15,000 Rusty Blackbirds m early as Feb. 2 (DG) and ColumbusFeb. 11(fide LAW). that locality.

NUTHATCHES THROUGH PIPITS -- Red- breasted Nuthatches were listed on over half the CBCs m the Region and occurrenceswere noted as far s. as WINTER FINCHES -- A Black-headed Grosbeak Thomasville, Ga., but the influx was generally light. was a regular visitor at a feeder in Reidsville, N C, Eden, N.C., was the only place where they were re- from mid-Januarythrough the end of the period (EB), portedcommon through the season(LB). A Long-billed and a female (or imm. male) turned up Dec. 26 at a Marsh Wren was a late-lingeringand unusualvisitor in feeder in Pinehurst, N.C. where it stayed through the the Winston-Salem area Jan. 2 (JO), and a Bewick's end of February (JC). Evening Grosbeaksmade a poor Wren wintered at Townville, S. C. where it was last seen showingin the Regionthis winter andPine Siskins were Mar. 6 (HL). A winter sighting of a Blue-gray Gnat- very scarce. For both speciesit was the lowest season catcher was unusual at Zebulon, N.C., Jan. 22 (EP). in five years, based on CBC comparisons. Purple Record-breaking numbers of Golden-crowned and Fincheswere presentin aboutthe samenumbers as last Ruby-crowned Kinglets were tallied on this year's year, but fewer House Finches were counted Red CBCs, indicatinga very stronginflux of both species. Crossbillswere virtually absent with only three s•ght- The CBC totals were double last year's counts in the ingsreported during the entire season(Bodie I., South- Carolinas. Sprague'sPipits were an outstandingfind at ern Pines and Atlanta). Rocky Mount, N.C. where up to 12 birds wintered at M C. Braswell's farm in a mixed flock with Am. Pipits SPARROWS THROUGH SNOW BUNTING -- (LF). The birds were observed on several occasions Lark Sparrowswere recordedfor the first time •n the Jan. 5 - Mar. 9. Morehead City areathis winter, where singlebirds were seen on Dec. 22-23 & Feb. 7 (JF). Sam Pate reported as VIREOS AND WARBLERS -- At Clemson a Soli- many as six Le Conte's Sparrowspresent at Eufala tary Vireo was seen Dec. 4 (HL) and another was noted N.W.R. duringthe season,and one wasnoted Jan 18 at as late as Dec. 22 at Raleigh (GW). Elsewhere an un- Santee N.W.R. (DF). A Clay-colored Sparrow was usual number of this speciesremained through the win- noteworthy Dec. 1 near Atlanta (RM). White-crowned ter in the Augustaarea asreported by Gerald Knighton. Sparrowswintered in the Regionin recordnumbers, the An out-of-season White-eyed Vireo was found at total recorded in the Carolinas on C BCs this season was Raleigh Feb. 2 (JM). The list of late-lingeringwarblers 2.5 times last year's tally and 5 times the number re- included a Black-throated Green Warbler Dec. 29 at corded five years ago. At Roanoke Rapids, N C , 98 Wlhnington (KK), a Wilson's Warbler at Charleston White-crowneds were seen by a singleobserver Jan 9 Dec. 29 (PN), and a Chat at Garysburg, N.C., Jan. 7 (ML), and 106were recorded on the CBC at Clemson (ML). A chat was also present during February and Other localities substantial populations were Rocky March at Winston-Salem (RS). Before the end of the Mount, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Greensboro,Aiken and period, unusuallyearly springarrivals were reportedof Athens. A Tree Sparrow was a rare winter visitor at Prothonotary Warblers Feb. 23 in the Charleston area Winston-Salem Dec. 16(RS, FB). A Lincoln's Sparrow (TB), a Worm-eating Warbler Mar. 23 at Winston- returned to Perry Nugent's feeder in Charlestonwhere Salem (CF), a Cape May Warbler Mar. 25 at Pawley's it was seen regularly Dec. 9 through the end of the Island, S.C. (FP), and N. Waterthrushes at Atlanta period.This was undoubtedlythe samebird which win- Mar. 30 (MAN, MAV, RHo). tered there last year. The only other reported winter occurrence of the species in the Region was a Jan 7 Brewer's Blackbirds were seen in half a dozen areas observation of an individual near Townville, S.C (HL) scatteredover the Regionthis winter, indicatinga pos- Lapland Longspursonce againwintered in small num- sibly significanttrend. The specieswas reportedfrom bers in the n. section of the Region in the Roanoke Brunswick, Augusta and Athens, Ga.; Rock Hill and Rapids, N.C. area (ML). Elsewhere, one was seen at Charleston, S.C.; and Halifax County, N.C. A N. Hatteras I. on the North Carolina Outer Banks Mar 5 Oriole believed to be of the Bullock's race wintered in (CG, JH). A Snow Buntingwas an unusualvisitor at a Southern Pines, N.C. (MJ, JC), and a c5Orchard Oriole feeder in Gastonia, N.C., Dec. 10-11 (RRfid(, AS) was reported to have wintered in Dalton, Ga. (/ide Snow Buntingswere scarcethis winterwith reportsof HDiG) only a few individuals being seen on the coast.

678 American Birds June, 1975 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT -- James Pullman and watching, perhaps, its unpredictable nature is what Elizabeth Teulings provided major assistancein com- makes it so attractive. More likely related to the mild piling and drafting this summary. weather was the early nesting of Carolina Wrens, Mockingbirds, and Common Grackles (HWK). OBSERVERS AND CONTRIBUTORS -- Stanley Alford, Frank Aycock, Fran Baldwin, Ted Beckett, MIGRATION -- The usual mix of very early, nor- Charles Blake, Michael Boatwright, Patrick Boyd, Ed- mal, and late-arriving spring migrants occurred this ward Burroughs, Angelo Capparella, Jay Carter, John year. Almost without exception, extremely early rec- E. Cely, David Chamberlain, Doris Cohrs (DCo), R.L. ords featured isolated localities, with no evidence of a Crawford, Eugene Cypert, Betty Davis, Bruce De- concertedearly movementof any species.Only 16birds Bacco. Harriet DiGJoia, Louis Fink, Dennis Forsythe, of 7 specieswere recoveredat the WCTV tower during Charles Frost, Mike Fuller, John Fussell, Sidney March (RLC). Gauthreaux, Clay Gifford, Dot Glover, Robert Hader, Jack Hagan ½JHa), Don Harke, Julian R. Harrison. COMPARATIVE ABUNDANCE -- Field counts RichardHopkins (RHo), Joe Hudick, Gerald Knighton, related to time afield (briefly explained in previous is- Joe King, Kitty Kosh, Louise Lacoss, Harry LeGrand, suesof American Birds) provided a basis for consider- Merrill Lynch. Robert Manns. Chris Marsh, William ing various speciesas significantly more common or Matheny, Karl Mayer, James Miller (JMi), Terry less common when compared with the averages for Moore, Jim Mulholland, Mary Anne Neville, Perry Nu- 1946-74.Keeping separatesets of data for Leon County gent, Jim Orgain. J.F. Parnell, Sam Pate, Eloise Potter, and the coastal counties (Nov.-Feb.) resulted in 8 Frederick Probst, Ruth Rice, Michael Shultz, Wendell "months" of possible departure from normal for Smith, Ramona Snavely, Alan Stout, John Swiderski, speciesoccurring in significantnumbers throughout. Robert Tripician, Richard Ulrick. Mary Ann Vernocy, The following specieswere well below normal for all 8 Jim Weigand {JWe), L.A. Wells, Gail Whitehurst, Bill months: Gadwall, Pintail, Ruddy Duck, Redheaded Williams, N.F. Williamson, Mary Winwen, Hugh Wil- Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Palm Warbler. loughby, Plumer Wiseman, Elaine Young, Pat Young. Other specieswere low on 7 "counts." some of which -- ROBERT P. TEULINGS, Route 2, Box 154, Chapel were high in the remaining month and others close to Hill, N.C. 27514. their norms: Canada Goose, Mallard, Black Duck, Black Vulture. Red-bellied Woodpecker, E. Phoebe. Tree Swallow, Com. Crow, Brown Thrasher, E. Blue- FLORIDA REGION bird, Cedar Waxwing, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown- / Henry M. Stevenson headed Cowbird, and White-throated Sparrow. Low in 6 months of record were: Great Egret, Snow Goose, On balance, the winter of 1974-75 was another mild Am. Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, Am. Coot, Hermit one. Temperatures averaged close to normal in De- Thrush,Water Pipit, Starling,Yellow-rumped Warbler, cember and March, but well above in January and Feb- Com. Grackle, and Vesper and Field Sparrows. ruary. A successionof mild winters doubtless has al- Italicized specieswere consideredlow by at least one lowed an increasingnumber of semi-hardybird s to win- other observer in the Region. ter in Florida, but how is it related to more frequent As is so often the case, it is much easier to state records of the Great Cormorant, scoters, Common results than to give reasons for them. Another mild Merganser, Iceland Gull. Horned Lark. and Lapland winter may have permitted larger numbers of ducks, Longspur? More than any other feature of bird- geese, and several other winter residents to remain farther north, yet some speciesin the same category CENTRALSOUTHERN were more common than usualthis winter (e.g., Swamp REGION and Song Sparrows). Whatever the explanation for [%. I 1_1 DIVISION k.]J• OCEAN some birds on the above lists, though, most of the insect-eatershave been below normal for many years, Apatachieol*•• .... • •. Augustine and their decreasesmay be relatedto lethalbuild-ups of pesticides.

Alligator•ar LOONS, GREBES -- Red-throated Loons (one-4) on the Gulf Coast were seen off Alligator Pt., Franklin Co., in Januaryand February (JHH, HMS, JMS), and one was at Carrabelle Beach Jan. 26 (JHH). Eared Grebes appear to be increasing.One was collected near St. James, Franklin Co., Dec. 19 (*T.T.; HMS), one seen near St. Petersburg Dec. 26 - Mar. 17 (JBE, JJD. WB et al.), and one at Merritt I., Feb. 18 (RDB).

SHEARWATERS. PELICANS, AND CORMO- RANTS -- The very rare Manx Shearwater was seen and well describedoff Cape Canaveral Mar. 24 (JJ), and a dead Greater Shearwater was found at lndialantic L I tOUR KEYS F•ridaSay Beach Dec. 10 (Muriel Seegets; *U.S.F.). The number

Volume 29, Number 3 679 of White Pelicanswintering near Lakeland reached (RDB, JJ) and the lower SuwanneeR., Mar. 25 (JHH, 2000(JBE et al.); 60 werelate at AlligatorPt., Dec. ! SAN et al.). Successfulnests of the Bald Eagle were (JHH, JEH, BW), andthree seen 6 mi. off Key West found in Wakulla County (2 nests, one and 2 young-- Mar. 31 (LPD) are the first of record for the Lower CSG) and near Hastings(2 youngfledged by Mar 16-- Keys. The GreatCormorant was reported only at AI- MCD). Records of single Golden Eagles came from n hgatorPt., Dec. 8 (JBE, NOW et al.). Leon County Jan. 4 (NOW et al.) a woundedadult near Lake City Jan.7 (MichaelCarter; photo filed), and near WADERS --Cattle Egretsagain left the Tallahassee Gainesville-- an adult Dec. 17 (JHH) and an immature area in winter, 12 reappearingnear CrawfordvilleMar. Feb. 18 (SAN). Althoughthe Ospreyis almostwholly 11(HMS). Rareon the Keys, the Black-crownedNight piscivorous,one caughtand ate a Red-wingedBlack- Heron was found at Crawl Key Feb. 9 (RTP) and W. bird at Winter Haven Mar. 2 (CG). Rare in winter BuchananKey Mar. 26 (AS). Anotherwinter record of northward, the Merlin was seenat St. GeorgeI., Feb 9 the Least Bittern in the Tallahassee Division was made (JHH, JEH). at St. George I., Jan. 18 (JMS). A few Wood Storks were early in s.e. Leon County Mar. 22 (JMS). A recent RAILS, GALLINULES, OYSTERCATCHERS, increase in Glossy Ibis near St. Marks Light was re- PLOVERS -- A Black Rail called briefly at Mashes I, flectedby countsof nine and 18 in March (CSG, GEM, Wakulla Co., Dec. 8 (GEM, HMS), and a Purple Gal- HMS). A ScarletIbis appearedat L. Washington,Bre- linule remained at Wakulla Springsuntil Dec. 31 (Henry vard Co., Jan. 5 (RDB, JJ et al.). Five RoseateSpoon- & Joy Buba); one arrived near St. Marks Light as early bills were early at Dundee Feb. 20 (BB). SingleAm. as Mar. 28 (Vicki Corbin). A spate of "Caribbean Flamingos, two very red, were found near St. Coot" records over Florida leads someof us to suspect PetersburgFeb. 8 (JBE et al.), south of New Smyrna that most, if not all, of these are merely aberrant Am Beach Mar. 31 (Reginald Hicks, Geo. Murray; photo), Coots showingthe variations of shieldcolor and shape and on Ramrod Key, Monroe Co., Jan. 10 - Feb. 15 known to that species. A high count of 65 Am. Oyster- (MRB, JBE, PWS et al.). catchers(vas made in theTen Thousand Islands Mar 15 (Win. J. Bolte, HPL, PWS). Unusual were a Snowy WATERFOWL -- Two Whistling Swans were at Plover on the Keys (Caloosa Cove) Dec. 23 & Jan 17 Guana Lake Refuge, St. JohnsCo., Dec. 22 (JG), and a (RTP, PG) and an Am. Golden Plover at St. George I, Canada Goose at Myakka Feb. 10 & 14 (Maces, et al.). Dec. 8 (JBE, NOW et al.). Fulvous Tree Ducks occurred in winter as far north as Paynes Prairie (near Gainesville)Jan. 30 (JHH), as far SHOREBIRDS AND GULLS --The annual enigma south as Stock I., Monroe Co., Feb. 8 (fide FTH), and of many wintering Stilt Sandpipers near Lakeland, as against few or none in other parts of Florida, was numbered up to 46 at Myakka River S.P., Mar. 17-18 dramatized again this year by a count of 60 on Jan 31 (Corrine Waner, Maces). A Eur. Wigeon was at Merritt I , Dec. 16 - Jan. 4 (JG & m.ob.), as was an Oldsquaw (JBE). A winter rarity was a W. Sandpiperat inland L Dec. 7 - Jan. 2 (Hugh Nicolay & m.ob.). A very high Jackson, Leon Co., Feb. 5-6 (HMS, JMS et al.), but a count was that of 246 Canvasbacks on Eagle L., near greaterrarity was a Ruffat MerrittI., Mar. 27 (Helen Winter Haven, Jan. 12 (PJF, CG). The three speciesof Cruickshank,Lon Ellis,J. & L. Cadb.ury).An early scoters wintered at Alligator Pt. (m.ob.), with Black Black-neckedStilt reachedTampa by Mar. ! (JJD) An Iceland Gull remained at Port Canaveral from Jan 19 Scoters estimated at 200 (JHH). Rare in Florida, the Corn. Merganseroccurred at three localitiesin the Tal- into April (RDB, JJ et al.). Lesser Black-backed Gulls, lahassee Division: near St. Marks Light Dec. 1 (JHH, almost unknown in Florida a few years ago, appeared JEH, Bob Wallace; seen with Red-breasted), at St. near St. Petersburg from mid-December to March (m.ob.) and at Stock I., 1-2 from Nov. 16 to Mar 22 Marks Jan. 26 - Feb. 16 (photo; WB, Larry Hopkins, mob.), and at Alligator Pt., Jan. 17 (JMS). (FFH & m.ob.). A Little Gull, very rare, was seen off Canaveral Mar. 16 (RDB, JJ, Ron Navine). Until 1974 DIURNAL RAPTORS -- A White-tailed Kite seen no Bonaparte's Gulls had been reported in Leon well near St. Marks Light Feb. 2 (JBE) was a new County in February, but more than 100 were on L speciesfor the TallahasseeDivision, and a Swallow- Talquin Feb. 15 (HMS). But the prize of the winter was tailed Kite at Stock I., Mar. 6 (Thurlow Weed et al.), a Band-tailedGull (Larus belcheri), of South America, may have been only the secondspring record for the seen at Cape Romano, Collier Co., Nov. 11 - Jan 29 Lower Keys. Also appearingin an unusualarea was an (Ted Below, Winnie Burkett, Gardner Stout; photo- Everglade Kite at L. Tahopekaliga, Highlands Co., graphs identified at A.M.N.H.); details will be pub- Mar. 1-30 (E. Bostleman). Red Tailed Hawks rarely lished elsewhere. reach the Keys, but single birds were found Jan. 2 at TERNS AND ALCIDS -- A Bridled Tern seen at Key West (Gustave Yaki), Feb. 10 on Cudjoe Key (AS), Key West "for about a week" beginningJan. 17 (PG, and Feb. 11 on Key Largo (AS). Careful descriptions photofiled) is thoughtto be the secondwinter recordfor were provided for single Rough-leggedHawks -- a Florida; two were earlier in springthan ever before off dark-phase bird on Big Pine Key Feb. 15 (Harry Dar- Canaveral Mar. 31 (JJ). A Royal Tern paid a rare VlSltto row) and a light-phaseone at Spruce Creek (1oc.'?)Feb. inland Lakeland Dec. 7 - Jan. 26 (JBE). A Dovekle off 25 (JJ); the specieshas never been collectedor photo- Canaveral Jan. 8 (JJ) may be the first Florida record graphed in Florida. S wainson's Hawk rarely winters on later than December. the Keys or in n. Florida, but one was at Stock I., Jan. 19 (Philip Goslinget al.) and one at Sugarloaf Key Feb. PIGEONS, ANIS, OWLS, NIGHT JARS -- White- 2 (L P Brown), others were at Crystal River Mar 7 crownedPigeons were more frequentthan usualin win-

680 American Birds, June, 1975 '1

AlthoughMassachusetts' Ross' Gull produced all the publicity and drew the hordes of birders, the Band-tailed (Belcher's) Gull that visited Florida's west coast was perhaps of even greater rarity. Whilethere are logical explanationsfor the presenceof the Ross',the appearanceof thisnative of the southernwest coast of South America defies explanation. The photos are by Clare Stout.

Volume 29, Number 3 681 ter on the Keys and in the Everglades National Park VIREOS AND WARBLERS -- The rare Bell's (mob.). The inland occurrence of two Groove-billed Vireo was seen at Homestead Jan. 18 & 25 (EJF), and a Ants in n. Leon County Dec. 27 - Jan. 2 (RLC, NOW, Yellow-throated Vireo was early at TallahasseeMar 14 Stephen Stedman) was most unusual, and a coastal (HMS). A wintering Blue-winged Warbler near Mtamt record was made at St. Marks Dec. 10(HMS). A Snowy Jan. 9 to March (JK) was a rarity. Early records of Owl (Fla. Hypothetical List) was reported at Lakeland warblers on Mullet Key (Tampa Bay) involved the Feb. 11 by an observer (Geo. J. Horel) who, unfortu- Blue-winged, Nashville, and Cape May on Mar 30 nately, did not promptly notify others who might have (WDC, et al.). At least three N. Parulas reached Leon corroborated the record or photographed the bird. A County in February, singlesat the WCTV tower on the Short-eared Owl was on St. George I., Jan. 18 (HMS). 24th and 26th (RLC) and one at Tallahasseeon the 27th Perhaps influenced by mild weather, 1-3 Chuck- (HMS). A count of six Yellow Warblers at L. Wash- wall's-widowssang at Lakeland from late January into ington, Brevard Co., Mar. 17 is puzzling, as the date February (JBE). A Corn. Nighthawk near Delray Beach seems early for migrants, but the number high for a Dec. 16 (PWS) probably wintered in that area. winter population (RDB). Black-throated Green War- blers wintered as far north as Lake Wales (JBE) and n.w. De Soto County Dec. 6 (HMS); the earliest known SWIFTS THROUGH FLYCATCHERS -- Two to n. Florida was at Tallahassee Mar. 14 (GEM) Two Chtmney Swifts were early at Tallahassee Mar. 19 Yellow-breasted Chats wintered at Lakeland (JBE et (GEM). The usually coastal Gray Kingbird made news rd.), and a surprisingfour reached s.e. Leon County by by two inland occurrences-- an extremely late or win- Mar. 22 (JMS; earliest Tallahassee Div.). Also early for tenng bird 9 mi. west of Arcadia Dec. 7 (HMS; *T.T.) that division was a Hooded Warbler at St. Marks Ltght and a very early one east of Lake Wales Mar. 29 (BB); Mar. 14 (CSG). Wintering Wilson's Warblers were at but one near St. Marks Light Mat'. 14 (CSG) was much Gainesville Feb. 25 (JHH), Merritt I., Dec. 10-17(RDB earher. Western Kingbirds were considereduncommon eta/.), and Melbourne Jan. 19 - Feb. 12 (RDB et al ) on the Florida Keys this winter, but two winter records were made in n. Florida- Alligator Pt., Jan. 4 (NOW) BLACKBIRDS AND TANAGERS -- A Yellow- and Paynes Prairie Dec. 22 - Feb. 18 (SAN, et al.). headed Blackbird was at Paynes Prairie Feb. 18(Frank Northerly winter recordsof Great Crested Flycatchers Mead), and others wintered at Winter Haven and Lake- came from s.e. HillsboroughCounty Dec. 17 (HMS) land (JBE et •d.). A W. Tanager was at Miami Dec 28 and Bartow Feb. I (PJF); despite snow flurries, one (JK), and Summer Tanagers wintered near Lake Wales appeared in my yard on the remarkably early date of (CG) and at Jacksonville (JPC). Mat. 3 ( 12days early). Empidouax flycatchers wintered as far north as TallahasseeJan. 25 - Mar. 2 (called like GROSBEAKS, BUNTINGS, AND FINCHES -- Least Flycatcher-- GEM) and the Itchetucknee River Winter records of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks came from S P , Feb. 13(JHH). SingleVermilion Flycatcherswin- Tallahassee (Feb., fide Mrs. Guyte McCord) and tered at Tallahassee (GEM; to Mar. 2) and Paynes Homestead (EJF), and a Blue Grosbeak remained at Prairie (m.ob.; to Mar. 16). Jacksonville fi'om Dec. 10 until killed by a predator Mar. 1(MCD). At the latter placean IndigoBunting was LARKS, SWALLOWS, CROWS, NUTHATCHES far north Jan. 5-12 (JPC), as was a Painted Bunttngat -- Five Horned Larks wintered tit the mouth of the St. Gainesville Jan. 4 (Nesbitts). At least two Purple Johns R. (JHH. Steve Davis et al. ). Three Barn Swal- Finches ranged as far south as Bartow Dec. 28 - Jan 12 lows at Lakeland Feb. 26 (JBE) seemed too early to be (PJF, CG), but Pine Siskins were virtually absent Al- mtgrants, but a Purple Martin at l,ake Alfred Jan. 13 thoughonly moderately common elsewhere, thousands was the earliest for the Northern Peninsula. A Fish of Am. Goldfinches flocked along the lower Suwannee Crow on Summerland Key Feb. 12 (MRB, FTH) is R., Mar. 22-25 (JHH, HMS et al.). A Dickcissel was thought to be the secondever reported fi'om the Keys. seen at Miami Dec. 28 (JK). A White-breasted Nuthatch that remained at Gaines- SPARROWS -- A Savannah(Ipswich) Sparrow was vdle into February (Caroline Coleman) added to the carefully identified at New Smyrna Beach, a new sktmpy evidence that the species occasionally mi- southern limit, Feb. 10 - Mar. 24 (RDB, JBE, et al ) grates. Red-breasted Nuthatches again wintered on the Single Le Conte's Span'ows wintered at two locahttes Gulf islandsof Franklin County, and singlebirds ranged in the TallahasseeDivision -- L. Miccosukee(HMS) as far south as Brooksville Jan. 11 and Feb. 8 (Steve and near Newport (JBE, NOW eta/.); at the latter Ftckett et al.) and Myakka River S.P., Mar. 25 (late; station at least 8 Henslow's Sparrows were found Mrs. S. Rosenberg). (m.ob.). SingleClay-colored Sparrows near Cocoa Jan 16 (RDB) and at nearby Rockledge Jan. 21 -April (RDB, THRUSHES, PIPITS, AND WAXWINGS -- A m.ob.) apparently could have been the same btrd very early Wood Thrush sang at Tallahassee Mar. 21 White-crowned Sparrows are not known to have wtn- (Mrs. F.H. Stoutamire). The fourth record of the E. tered on the coast near Tallahassee• and one at St Bluebird on the Lower Keys occurred at Key West Marks Light was late on Dec. 10 (HMS); a wintertng Dec 3 ff. (FTH), and a Water Pipit was at Plantation bird at Lakeland Dec. 28 - Jan. 26 sang constantly(JBE Key Dec. 4 (JCO). Cedar Waxwings, largely absent et al.). Leon County had two records of Lincoln's Spar- over much of Florida until mid-wintcr• reached their rows -- one at the WCTV tower Dec. 2 was very late usual great abundance northward in February and (RLC). and one trapped near there Mar. 5 (Wtlson Mat ch Baker, •T T ) may have wintered Most of Flortda•s

682 American Btrds, June, 1975 few previous records of Lapland Longspurshave in- ONTARIO REGION volved wanderersinearly winter, but 1-3remained near / Clive E. Goodwin the mouth of the St. Johns River Dec. 29 - Feb. 23 (JHH, m.ob.). As this summarywas startedon April 5 southern Ontario was diggingout of the worst storm of the winter EXOTICS -- The rash of records of introduced and the worst April blizzard of the century. Yet the species continued unabated. A single roost at Ft. accountis of one of the mildestand mostopen winters Lauderdale Feb. 22 contained 21 Red-crowned Parrots, in livingmemory, with recordlate departuresand early a Lilac-crownedParrot, and oneeach of the conspecific arrivals.The pessimisticview, at leastinitially. wasthat Yellow-crowned and Yellow-headed Parrots (PWS et maybe it was goingto snowright throughMay to even al. ). Five more Red-crowneds were seen at Miami Mar. things up ! 22, where one pair investigateda hollow; alsothere was a pair of Hispaniolan Parrots and 6-8 Canary-winged Parakeets(PWS et al.). Monk Parakeets were nestingin •.UDSC• March at Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and Boca Raton •N / WlnJs•'"'•C. apeHennefta Marta (PWS). Farther up the east coast as many as 6 Black- hooded Parakeets were seen in the area from Titusville BAY to Melbourne, beginningDec. 2 (RDB, JJ, Margaret Bowman et al.). Hill Mynas, probably already estab- Moo$onee QUE lished in Florida, were "apparently nesting" at Delray Beach in February (Geo. Wenzelburger) and on the •'/Niplgon•iARIO HearsttaCochr•a e University of Miami campus in March (PWS). Two Saffron Fincheswere reported in North Miami during 're Kirklande• the period (PWS). The usual result of such introduc- tions was graphically illustrated by the Budgerigar, MINN / // s,*•t•.r,i. ø %'-'3'•',-,•" L which had a headstart on the other species; a single roost at St. Petersburgcontained about 1000individuals Feb. 8 (JBE, PJF, CG).

CORRIGENDUM -- in the last issue (A.:. Birds 29:46) appeareda photographlabeled simply "Golden- fronted Woodpecker," althoughthe text cast consider- able doubt on the identity of the bird. Apparently this was not the photograph sent to the American Museum and examined by Lester Short, who was quoted as Mild, cloudyand wet wasthe patternalong the lower giving the bird "an 85% chance" of being a Golden- Greal Lakes for much of the winter. We expect it in fronted. Marshall Howe, of the U.S. Nat. Museum December, but there was little changethrough January found the species"impossible to determine" from the and February. Fu•her noah the rain was replaced by photographs he examined. The Am. Birds picture, snow, with someheavy blizzardsin the nomhwest,but however, showsthat it is only a xanthic Red-belliedof everywbem temperatureswere unusually high. the south Florida race (perple_rus),as evidenced by There were late ]ingerers,but not as manyas mightbe white bars on the outermost rectrix and some white on anticipatedfrom the open weather. Indeed, it was a dull the middlepair, dark chevronson the uppertail coverts, winter on the whole, perhapsbecause of abundantfood and a relatively short bill (NOW, HMS). It is fortunate with nothingto force the scatteredwintering birds to for the accuracyof Florida's ornithologicalhistory that feeders and the sheltered localities birders like to visit. this particularphotograph was selectedfor publication. Some specieswhich normally winter in somenumbers • Eastern Meadowla•s, Red-winged Blackbirdsand INITIALED OBSERVERS -- Ben Bindschadler, Common Grackles for example • seemedrelatively Margaret R. Brown, Robert D. Barber, Wesley Biggs, scarce, but a review of the CBSs still shows a good Robert L. Crawford, William D. Courser, Julia P. asso•ment of species,al•ough as usualmany vanished Cocke, Jas. J. Dinsmore, Mary C. Davidson, John B. before the end of the period. Unless particularly Edscorn, Erma J. Fisk, Paul J. Fellers, Chas. noteworthy, CBC recordswill not be re•ated here. Geanangel, C.S. Gidden, Jeffrey Greenhouse, Philip Horned Larks, Common Crows and Starlings, the Gosling, Frances T. Hames, James E. Horoer, John H. usual February mi•ants, •emed to appear on sc•d- Hintermister, Johnnie Johnson, Herbert W. Kale, ule. Late Februarysaw March migrants moving in, with James King, H.P. Langridge, Gail E. Menk, Donald Red-winged Blackbirdsat Niag•a Feb. 22 (GBr, RC, and Grace Mace, StephenA. Nesbitt, John C. Ogden, WZ), large numbers at Point Pelee National Park (be- Richard T. Paul, Alexander Sprunt IV, James M. low, Pelee) Mar. I with some25,• Red-wingsand Stevenson, Paul W. Sykes, Bob Wallace, Noel O. 12• grackles(JAG), and many other scatteredsight- Wamer. Oher abbreviations and .•ymbols -- U.S.F., ingsalong the lower lakes.At ThunderBay Dark-eyed Univ. of South Fla.; T.T., Tall Timbers Research Sta- Juncos appeared Feb. 28 (KC, KD). tion; *, positive identification available. --HENRY M. Marchbrought the arrivalof winter, however,and by STEVENSON, Dept. of BiologicalScienees, Florida State mid-month arrivals were averaging a little behind Univ., Tallahassee, Fla. 32306. schedule,although scattered early birdswere still being

Volume 29, Number 3 683 sightedwhich perhapsarrived in the late February ResearchStation at Guelph also had high countson Jan push. Later in the period anothermild spell brought 19 with seven Pintail and 14Wood Ducks (CAC, WHS) scattered early arrivals, which seemed to fare badly Wood Duck wintered north and east to Peterborough once the "spring" seasonarrived! and the Kingston area had late and early shovelerwith two on Wolfe I., Dec. 15 (MHE) and one at Mal- LOONS THROUGH HERONS --A well-described lorytown Landing Mar. 23 (GH). Both an Am. Wlgeon Arctic Loon was seen off Pelee Dec. 13 with a Red- and Ring-necked Duck were at Barrie, to Mar. 14 and throated Loon the same day (BM), and another Red- Jan. 11 respectively (m.ob.). throatedwas off BurlingtonMar. 29 (CEG, JEG). Un- The eastern counties along the St. Lawrence River usual numbers of Horned Grebes were reflected in a have never been well coveredin the past, soRick How- high of 34 on Dec. 14 at Rondeau(fide AHK), and an ie's observationsof both duck and gullsfrom that area early birdwas at OttawaMar. 20 (SSG, BD). The Niag- demand special attention. Corn. Merganser were the ara R. had a host of interestingobservations over the commonestwintering duck with 3600 at Cornwall, and period includingan Eared Grebe Dec. 5 (HHA) and a Corn. Goldeneye were also common with 400 there Double-crested Cormorant to Jan. 12 (m. ob.). Most Once the Seaway opened on Mar. 20 goldeneye num- noteworthyamong a numberof Pied-billedGrebe sight- bers built up with 2300 seen with the same number of ingswas a birdat CornwallDec. 7-29 (RH, AB). Great Greater Scaup, between Cornwall andSummerstown Blue Herons were widespread in the southwest, but By Mar. 22 there were 7500 scaup there (RH, AB) elsewhere there were few sightingsafter the New Year. Elsewhere Canvasback numbers were high with a re- An Am. Bittern at Delaware Dec. 20 (DC) and a Corn. markable 3076 on the Jan. 3-4 Kingston waterfowl in- Egret in Essex Co., Mar. 22 (JAG) were respectively ventory (K.F.N .), againreflecting the open water, and remarkably late and early. there were over 1000 in the southwest½i'de AHK) SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- Whistling Swans Buffieheads also continue to increase, with a record 511 were also both late and early: from sevenat Kingston, on the Toronto waterfowl census (T.O.C.). The two Dec. 28, three remained to a record-late Jan. 16 hybrid Hooded Merganser and goldeneye reappeared (K.F.N.) andthree at Hyde Park, Feb. 26 (REP) were in on the St. Clair River for the fourth and seventh succes- the early movement.The main springflight startedon sive yearsrespectively (AR, DR) but the only Barrow's Mar. 18, when there were 600 birds at Long Point (JP) Goldeneye this winter was the Ottawa bird, as the Oak- and widespread reports of smaller numbers, and ville birds failed to reappear. Harlequin Ducks, by con- reached a peak about Mar. 22 with some 20,000 at trast, were in even better numbers: the Clarkson and Wallaceburg.A week later only 1500 remainedthere Toronto birds were present throughout(•}'de JAK), and (CTB et al.). The expandingToronto residentflock of other individuals were seen at Niagara to Jan 17, Canada Geese reached 1788 this year from 65 twelve Sombra to Mar. 22 (m.ob.) and Port Hope. the second yearsago and 608in 1971.Even this doesnot tell the full ever there, Dec. 15-22 (ERM). The most outstanding storyof the increaseas birdsfrom this flock havebeen waterfowl sighting of the winter was of two full- taken for introductions elsewhere, and wintering geese plumageddrake Corn. Eiders off Wolfe 1., Jan. I (GF) are now appearingin neighbouringlocalities -- at Terra With very few exceptionsfull-plumaged eiders just do Cotta to mid-February (AS), and 94 wintered on the not occur on the Great Lakes, and in any case our bnds Grand R. southof Kitchener (CAC, JLC, WHS). There are usually King Eiders. For some time Kingston ob- were late reports of geese elsewhere, with 2000 at servers have felt they periodically get Corn. Eider Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary (below, females and immatures,and this unprecedentedsight- U.C.M.B.S.) to Dec. 7 and ten lingeringto Jan. 25. The ing supportsthis idea. Noteworthy scotersapart from fii stmigrants there were 200 on Mar. 20 (RH), but there the CBC records were a late Surf Scoter at Sandhurst were relatively few migrant reports to the end of the Dec. 28 (AEB) and Black Scotersat Sarnia Dec. 3 (DR) period. The first Snow Geesewere nine at Melbourne and Pelee Jan. 5 (JPK). A Ruddy Duck was on the Feb. 20(RPo), andthere were scatteredreports of small Sauble R., Dec. 25 (JWJ). numbers after Mar. 11, mostly blue-phase birds, as HAWKS -- Winter Turkey Vultures are always usual. noteworthy, and there were birds at PackenhamJan 12 (MR) and Kilworth Dec. 14 (MP. M L). Accipiters were The increasingtendency for pond ducks to winter in well represented particularly early in the season, and small numbers was accentuated this year with the excludingthe CBCs there some 25 Goshawksreported, abundanceof open water. Noteworthy Gadwall sight- which was more than usual but certainly not of invasion ragsaway fi'om their main centre of concentrationwest proportions. Ten Sharp-shinned Hawks included one of Toronto were birds at Laurel Creek Reservoir, north to Potter L., Algonquin P.P.. Jan. 11 (RP, JDL), Waterloo, Feb. 2 (CAC), seven at Kingston, Jan. 4 the first there in winter, and there were some 15 (RDW) and two at Cornwall Dec. l ! and Mar. 3 (RH, Coopefts Hawk records. It was a good year for Red- AB). A Blue-winged Teal at Kingston Dec. 15 was the tailed Hawks, although numbers in the favoured To- latest there (RDW), but a Pintail at Peterborough Feb. ronto region were rather low (GB e! a/.). They were 22 (DCS) and two Green-wingedTeal at Mindemoya, north to Parry Sound (CAC) and there were three Al- Feb. 16 (CB, JL) may have been part of the early gonquin area records (RP) as well as a late bird at movement. The Hamilton area recorded some high Killarney Dec. 29 (DF). A pair were nest building at numbers: nine Green-wingeds and five Wood Ducks Stanley Mills, Mar. 16 (AD). Red-shouldered Hawks, Jan. 19(JD, NE, CE), and 22 N. Shoveler Jan. I (GBr, always rare in winter, were also unusuallyfar north to JO, RC et al.). The river adjacent to Niska Waterfowl Kintail on L. Huron Feb. 15 (NHM, RCM) and there

684 American Birds, June, 1975 were ten sightingsreported in all. An early Broad- GULLS -- In recent years Kingston seemsto have w•nged Hawk was seen at North Bay Mar. 10 (JMG). lost its preeminence as the Provincial centre for white The Rough-leggedHawk invasiondid not live up to its gulls,and they were scarcethere this year. Further west early promise,although the birds were widespreadin they were in record numbers, with a high of 43 Glaucous the south.The highestcount was from Wolfe I., with Gulls on the Niagara R., Jan. 10, and 11 Iceland Gulls 195, Dec. 15 (RDW) but few birds reachedthe south- there over the period (HHA). In GeorgianBay in De- west This is a specieswhose return movementsare cemberthere were two Glaucousat Coilingwood(CJM rarely recorded,hence the interestin a migratorycon- et al.), to 18 at Parry Sound (CAC), both with smaller centrationof eleven Rough-leggedsin a two-mile area numbersof Iceland, andfive Glaucousin SudburyDec south of Kleinburg Feb. 14. The birds seemedto be 7 (JN). In the southwestthere were respectivelytwo mowng northward (AD), and none were to be found and 16 records of the two species, and there were the there the next day. There were two Golden Eagle re- usual sightings elsewhere on the lower lakes. Inland a portsfrom AlgonquinP.P. andup to sevenBald Eagles- Glaucouswas at KitchenerDec. 11 (WHS, CAC). The there(fide RP). There werefourteen Bald Eaglereports Cornwall observations are intriguing, particularly m elsewhere, all along the lower Great Lakes with the comparisonwith Kingstonand the Niagara River: there exceptionof two on Manitoulin I., and ten of them in were six Glaucous, 150 Great Black-backed, and 500 March. Marsh Hawks wintered in good numberspar- Herring Dec. 7; on Jan. 4 Glaucoushad increasedto 13, ucularly west and east of Toronto to Oshawa (m.ob.), all but one first-year birds, with Herring down to 360 and there was an early bird at Ottawa Mar. I (MB). An which declinedto 20 by Feb. 1. On that date an amazing Osprey at Kingston Mar. 25 (RDW) was also early. 450 Great Black-backedswere counted,•theonly Ice- There were two Gyrfalcons seen, at Sudbury Dec. 15 landsof the period -- three-- and a singleRing-billed (CBI) and Parry Sound Dec. 21-22 (CAC, JLC), and Gull. Birds had virtually departedby Feb. 22, although very good numbersof other falcons reported.These ice conditionshad not changednotably, with migration includedeight Peregrine reports of at leastfive birds,a starting Mar. 13. Over 500 Ring-billed Gulls moved s•mflarnumber of Merlins, and Am. Kestrels north to upstream at U.C.M.B.S. in one hour's observation on MamtoulinFeb. 16 (CB, JL) and generallywidespread both Mar. 23 and 28 (RH, AB). These migration data further south along the lower lakes. compare with a Prince Edward Point (below, P.E.Pt ) Herring Gull movement of 4700 in one hour on Mar 1 Hawk migration was noteworthy. Movement was (RDW), a traditional Long Pt. concentrationof Ring- occurringin the southwestMar. 23 (fde AHK) and in billed Gulls of over 10,000on Mar. 29 (DFi, RD), and a Ch•ngacousyTwp. Mar. 16 (GB, AD). At Grimsbyon numberof observationsof heavy arrivalsof this species Mar 27 there were 217 birds of six species, although on Mar. 23 (AD, CEG et al.). On this date there was a Red-tailedswere the major componentsof all these "tremendous" movement up the St. Clair R. into L movements. It is intriguing that the three eastern coun- Huron with some 2000 Herring and 1000Ring-billeds m ties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry had only 27 one hour (DR). Movement out of L. Huron occurred on hawks for the period, includingmigration (RH), which Dec. 25, with 200 gullshourly throughmost of the day, contrasts with Kingston to the west. and again on Jan. 26 with over 7000 birds involved in 1« GROUSE, RAILS -- A December 28 trip to Moo- hours;the first 50-50 Herring and Ring-billed,the sec- sonee yielded 28 Sharp-tailed Grouse between there ondmostly Herring (AR, DR). So muchfor the complex and Cochrane (RP, TH). Following a release of a c• gull winter movements,which are often associated w•th Bobwhite in the Staffa area, Perth Co., a covey of 13 storms on the Great Lakes. On the lower lakes Ring- b•rds wintered (MD), and 61 were recorded in the billed Gulls wintered in exceptionalnumbers and Great southwest. By contrast those areas (Toronto and Black-backed Gulls were also abnormally common Waterloo) commentingon Ring-necked Pheasantnum- with as many as 234 alongthe Niagara R. -- although bers both mentionedscarcity. Early winter rails were not all in Ontario (HHA)-- and 31 in the southwest A reported as usual, includinga Sofa at London Dec. 1 well described Thayer's Gull was at Erieau Dec 8 (TNH). More Am. Coots than normally were seen: (PDP, CAC). Bonaparte'sGulls were another species •n There were 14 at Hamilton over the period (fide RC), exceptional numbers, with a peak of 247 at Pelee, Dec three on the Toronto waterfowl census(T.O.C.), and 24 (fide AHK), and some 12,000 on both sides of the one at Cobourg Jan. 21 (WO) is also noteworthy. Niagara R. which also had a Black-headed Gull, and Little Gull sightings(m.ob.). All the southwestrecords SHOREBIRDS -- Killdeer were well representedin of this specieswere in December, with one at Pelee and the February movement: one at Vineland Feb. 22 (RC, WZ), seven in the Oshawa area, Feb. 22-23 (DB et al.) three at Efteau (JPK, BM, KJB). and two at Kingston, Feb. 28 and the earliest ever there (JAW) were the mostnoteworthy. A scatteringof other DOVES, OWLS -- Mourning Doves are becoming shorebirdswere seenduring March, but the groupare of progressivelymore and more widespreadin the winter interest chiefly for late and wintering birds: there were in s. Ontario: this year there were many flocks, w•th several Corn. Snipe, including one throughout the numbersup to 200, and birds north to Coilingwood (TL, periodas far eastas Cobourg (ERM), andNiagara Falls CH, CJM) and east to Ottawa (fide RAF). A Barn Owl had up to three Dunlin and eight Purple Sandpipers was at Welland Jan. 2-9 (HL). It was a bonanzayear for frequentingrocks at the crest of the HorseshoeFalls Great Horned Owls -- for example, John Kelley re- until at leastJan. 4 (m.ob.). There were alsofour Purple marked that around Toronto every woodlot seemed to Sandpipersat Erieau Dec. 4 (KJB) and at Pelee a Red have a pair, and Ottawa had an invasion with six sub- Phalaropewas seen Dec 13-14 (BM, NC) arcticu• (=wapacuhu of the A 0 U Check-List), the

Volume 29, Number 3 685 Hudson Bay and n. Ontario race, and fourheteroc- nemis, the Labrador race {fide RAF). The Snowy Owl Was the three-toed woodpecker invasion the heaviest ever? Certainly the movement was the flight proved to be a rather poor one, although birds were widespread:they ranged from scatteredreports in greatestsince the peakflight yearsof 1%3-6, and the southwestto at least eight at Thunder Bay (fide statisticallythe past winter yielded more birds Against this must be weighed the enormously KD), and three in the Cornwall area, including one v•sitinga feederand eatingraisins (fide RH)! The spring increasedcoverage of recent years, and the fact peak at Wolfe I. was 28 on Mar. 16 (RDW). The Pitta- that some localities reporting the highestcounts in 1974-5 were not reporting at all, or very way - Hince trip to Moosonee on Dec. 28 yielded three Hawk Owls between 112 and 174 miles north of Coch- sporadically, in earlier years. Birds were rela- rane, and there were birds on Manitoulin I., Dec. 15 & tively few in the populousToronto-Hamilton re- Mar. 22 and Lorne Twp., Sudbury, Feb. 9 - Mar. 16 gion, promptingspeculation that the northward movement of Dutch elm disease was a factor (CB, JL). The only Great Gray Owl was from Meaford, Feb. 23 - Mar. 11 (MG), and althoughreports of Barred The patternswere traditional,however, in that and both Long and Short-eared Owls were widespread, heaviestconcentrations always were in the east, numberswere small. Maybe it was coincidence, but an and the correlationwith the spreadof the disease exceptional number of reporters mentioned Screech is not very good. One of the most intriguing Owls --just how this should be interpreted is anyone's elementsin the presentmovement was the h•gh guess, as the speciesis more neglectedthan the other proportion of Northern Three-toeds, with num- bers often comparable to the normally far more owls as a rule, and owls are always difficult to assess. common Black-backeds. Numbers were highest The single Boreal Owl report was of a dead bird at in Ottawa, with Black-backedssouth and west to Manotick Feb. 1 (MGr). The small owls seem to find survival in our latitudes difficult: a Saw-whet Owl was Port Dover, London and Rondeau, and a North- ern as far as Pelee. Records extended north to k•lled on the road at Young's Point, Peterborougharea, Feb. 15 (DM) and there were four sightings of this Algonquin,Parry Soundand ManitoulinI., over- species,in addition to at least six heard calling in Al- lappingareas where the Black-backedspecies is gonquinP.P., Mar 17 (DFB, RR). a scarce breeder. It yielded some 90 reports, including an estimated 60 over the period at Ot- KINGFISHERS, WOODPECKERS -- Belted tawa, and there were 78 Northerns, again includ- K•ngfisherswere seennorth to Parry Sound(CAC), the ing 50 at Ottawa (fide RAF). many open streams in the south offering abundant likely three pairs -- alongthe river at Ottawa (RA F) A habitat. Woodpeckerswere alsoin very goodnumbers, Tufted Titmouse was at Melbourne from Mar 16 w•th some record counts of Com. Flickers, enthusiastic (WGG). Algonquin Park was he place for birds this accountsof PileatedWoodpeckers and somesix reports winter: Black-capped Chickadeesand Brown Creep- of Red-belliedWoodpeckers in additionto the astonish- ers, both unusually scarce in the south and west, lng 13 on the London CBC. Many of thesewere visiting abounded in the vicinity of the Park, with finches and feeders, with records north and south to Staffa (MD), Red-breasted Nuthatches. Never have there been such Young's Pt. (Mrs. Ledingham), and Bowmanville (BJ et numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches: 647 on the Al- al ). By contrast Red-headed Woodpeckers seemed gonquin CBC, 433 on the Minden CBC, several relatively fewer than in other winters (16 reports) and hundred north ofL. Abitibi Dec. 29 (RP), and the birds only three Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were seen, in- still unusually common west to Toronto (CEG) but cluding one at Peterborough, Jan. 23 (MS). The good apparently rather unevenly spread.Winter Wrens oc- numbers of Hairy Woodpeckers seemed to thin out curred north to Parry Sound, Dec. 31 (CAC) and there sharply as the winter wore on. were a high of 28 reports in the southwest.The fall FLYCATCHERS, LARKS, SWALLOWS --An E. numbers of Carolina Wrens continued over the winter, Phoebewas at Toronto Zoo, Dec. 22 (JtB) and there as the speciesseems to haverecovered from the series was another at Pelee from Dec. 24 to February {fide of severewinters which virtually eliminatedthe species AHK). Horned Lark migration was sparseand pro- from most of Ontario: some 80 birds were reported in tracted. Perhaps Ontario's first-ever swallows in winter all, with sightingsnorth to Huntsville and Port Sydney were two Rough-wingedSwallows at London, at least in January (H.N.C., DS, WT), three in the Bame area one remaining to Dec. 9 (WRJ, TNH) and two Tree (HH, CJM); and east to Ottawa with three birds plus Swallows at Pelee, Dec. 18 (JAG et al.). A bird of this one taken from a cat qi'de RAF), two at Kingston and speciesat Long Pt. Mar. 23 (MJ) was early. one each at Silver L. (EB) and Rockport (fide RDW) Other noteworthywren sightingswere a HouseWren CROWS THROUGH WRENS -- The east had a Port Hope Jan. 23 (ERM) and a Long-billed Marsh small Gray Jay movement: there were five Ottawa re- Wren at Kingston to Dec. 15 (K.F.N.). ports (fide RAF), a bird in Oro Twp. Jan. 30 (FAW,fide MIMIDS, THRUSHES -- There were a good CJM), and othersat Bedford Mills Dec. 28 (MJE, EF, numberof winteringrecord s in the m/mid-thrushgroup, AEH) and MorrisburgFeb. 20 (fide RH). Black-billed especiallyof Hermit Thrushes.Again there is space Magpies were confined to the northwest, with four at only for the more easterly or northerlyreports four Crozier throughout(IP) and one at IgnaceFeb. 13(ND). Mockingbirds wintered at Ottawa, Brown Thrashers Common Ravens continue to press southin winter, and were at Kingston Feb. 9 (NM) and West Oxfor'd Twp, there was a bird at PeterboroughDec. 8 (IS) with six -- Jan. 24 (DBu), and a Hermit Thrush at Cornwall Dec

686 American Birds, June, 1975 5-19 (RH, AB). Late E. Bluebirds were three at Algonquin! The best movement was of Evening Gros- Napanee, Dec. 28 and three more at P.E. Pt. Jan. 1, beaks, with good to abundantnumbers in the eastern Kingston's latest (RDW). Delaware also had one on counties, but thinning out westwards to few in the Dec 14(GEM, WM) andthere were birdsthroughout at southwestor at Parry Sound,Virginiatown (PWR), and Pelee (m.ob.). Ruby-crownedKinglets were once al- Thunder Bay (KD). Purple Finchesseemed widespread most unheard of in winter, but there were 10 records in small numbers in the same areas and mostly in the this past seasonincluding one at SouthBaymouth to New Year, with an apparent influx at Ottawa in early Feb 8 (KDi), andothers at Ottawato Feb. 1 (RMP) and February (RAF). Pine Grosbeakswere in characteristi- Kingston Dec. 21 {fide RDW). cally small numbers, and mostly after the beginningof February: they were more scattered than the other WAXWINGS, SHRIKES, STARLINGS -- Cedar speciesexcept in Algonquin,when up to 100were re- Waxwings were in exceptional numberswith several corded on Feb. 24 (RP). There were also 90 at groups of over 100 noted. There was much moving Shiningtree Mar. 8 (JN), possibly a return movement around of these flocks, building up in one area and Redpolls were generally few or wholly absent until the vanishing in another, with birds east to Ottawa (RAF) very end of the period, although 350 Common were and north to Parry Sound (CAC) and Wiarton (JWJ). seennorth of L. Abitibi Dec. 29 (RP); but there was a The Bohemian Waxwings which so often turn up in "spectacular" invasionat Ottawa in late March (RAF) these groups seemedfewer this year. The most inter- with influxes around the sametime at Pimisi Bay and estingreports were two at Claremont from Feb. 9 (HK, North Bay (LdeKL, HP) andCornwall (RH). Anticipat- EK, m.ob.), ten to twelve at Sudbury (BR, JL), a west- ing the next report, we might note the movement erly bird at London from Dec. 14 (RPo, FM) and in the seemed to spread westwards during April. The only northwestthere were up to 40 at Fort Francesin March Hoary Redpolls were six at Ottawa Mar. 26-31 {fide (IP) Most sightingswere from February on. The N. RAF) and one at ShiningtreeMar. 8 (JN). Pine Siskins Shrike flight was light and scattered,except for good were one of the most commonfinches in Algonquin-- numbersin AlgonquinP.P., wherethey are usuallyrare some 1600 on Jan. 8 (RT, DFB) is indicative, and the (RP) -- all those tasty finches and chickadees! Early speciesgenerally followed a pattern similar to the Eve- Loggerhead Shrikes were at Mallorytown Landing ning Grosbeaks. with numbersmostly in the New Year Mar 3 (GH, EMH); West Gwillimbury Twp., Mar. 23 The Am. Goldfinch picture was very patchy with no with two seen (EW, CJM) and U.C.M.B.S., Mar 31 particular logic to high numbersin someareas and few (AB,fide RH). A pair of Starlingswere lininga nest at in others, and outside Algonquin crossbillswere very Pickering Mar. 17 (RCL). few althoughthere were 200 White-wingedsnorth of L WARBLERS, BLACKBIRDS -- The early season Abitibi Dec. 29 (RP). Redswere few even in Algonquin yielded its now-customary crop of Yellow-rumped this year, but a belated note of interest is that the road Warblers, and there were some early springarrivals -- kills from the Park for the winter of 1973-4 were of the for example, one at P.E. Pt., Mar. 19. There were still sitkensisrace, from the Pacific Northwest {fide RP) ten there Jan. 1 (K.F.N.) and birds may have wintered The sparrow story is mostly one of northerly win- successfully as far north as Wiarton (TA) and Pack- terers: a Rufous-sided Towhee at Summerstown Dec enham (MR). The Com. Yellowthroats at Canton Dec. 27 - Feb. I (RH, AB) and four at Peterborough {fide 15 (JG) and on the Peterborough CBC were the first DCS); Tree Sparrowsas far north as Pimisi Bay from winter records for these areas. Jan. 16 (LdeKL) and Hornepayne from Jan. 13 (JBM), A sizeable Red-winged Blackbird movement oc- London's secondwinter Chipping Sparrow, Dec. 14 - curred at U.C.M.B.S. Mar 18, with 1000 birds in an Feb. 15 (AJC, WR et al.); a White-throated Sparrow at hour (RH, AB) and one actually appearedat Algonquin Nobel Feb. 20 (CAC, JLC) and a White-crowned at P P that day (RT). Two N. Orioles were seen: at Lon- U.C.M.B.S., Jan. 5 (RH) and on Manitoulin I., Mar 9 don Jan. 30 (TJU) and Hamilton to Jan. 6 (AE, WS, (CB). Early arrivals included a Savannah Sparrow at WC, et al.). Parry Sound had exceptional blackbird Ottawa Mar. 5 (AS) and a Fox Sparrow at Kingston numbers for its location: Rusty Blackbird, Com. Mar. 25 (HQ). The winter turned up two Harris' Spar- Grackle and up to ten Brown-headedCowbirds were rows, one at Welland from Jan. 1 (HL) and one at West seen {fide CAC), and Cornwall also had scatteredcow- Lorne in March (JRM, m.ob.). Good sized flocks of birds (RH). both Lapland Longspurshnd Snow Buntingsappeared FINCHES, SPARROWS --Cardinals continue their Noteworthy were 50 longspurs at Akerman Feb. 24 push north and east: there were three Manitoulin 1. (AB), 46 East Whitby Twp., Dec. 28 (DCa), and 25 records,a pair at Parry Sound,birds at Huntsville, Port SarniaDec. 7.(DR). There were many flocks of buntings Sydney and Wasi Falls (BP, HP) and sevenwintered at in the 500 range, with about 10 reports of flocks in the Ottawa. A Rose-breastedGrosbeak at Port Hope, Dec. 1000-2000range and an incredible CBC total of 11,400 at 10-16, was the first in winter there (ERM), .and the Barrie. status of the Mar. 9 bird at Cornwall (RH, AB) and another March sightingat Erin (JA) is anyone's guess. SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (bold face italic), A Dlckcisselwas seenat Ottawa Dec. 27 (NAB), but the CONTRIBUTORS (boldface) AND INITIALLED outstanding rarity of the seasonwas a Gray-crowned OBSERVERS -- T. Ackert, R.F. Andrle, J. Angus, RosyFinch at ThunderBay, Jan. 31, photographedby H.H. Axtell, A. Bain, D. Barry, A.E. Bell, C. Bell, G H Quackenbushand the third for the Province, allfrom Bennett, C.T. Black, C. Blomme (CBI), Mrs. E the same area. Bowles, M. Brigham,J. tenBrugenkatte,D.F. Brunton, It was not an outstandingwinter finch year, except in G. Bryant, Mrs. N.A. Buckingham,D. B ucknell(DBu),

Volume 29, Number 3 687 Buffalo OrnithologicalSociety, K.J. Burk, A.J. Cahill, LOONS, GREBES, TUBENOSES, CORMORANTS D. Calvert (DCa), C.A. Campbell,J.L. Campbell,K. -- Loonswere generally sparse through the endof the Campbell, N. Chesterfield, W. Crin.s,D. Currie, R. period, at whichtime only one Red-throatedhad been Curry, R. Davis, A. Dawe, M. Daynard, K. Denis, N. reported(KB,MC). The only unusualgrebes reported Denis, B. Dilabio, K. Dinsmore, (KDi), J. Dowall, werethe Eared which continued on the Niagara R into M.H. Edwards,A. Epp, C. Escott,N. Escott,M.J. Decemberand a Red-neckedspotted Feb.1 (NH,RL) Evans, D. Ferguson,D. Fidlet (DFi), G. Finney, E. One of the mostunusual birds seen in the regionthis Fletcher, R.A. Foxall, J. Gaele, Simon and Stephen seasonwas a NorthernFulmar recorded in OswegoHar- Gawn(SSG), W.G. Girling,J.M. Glenday,C.E. Good- bor duringthe CBC period.Although there are three win, J.E. Goodwin,M. Grant,M. Graves(MGr), J.A. previousNew York sight records, all fromLong Island, Greenhouse,C. Harris, T.N. Hayman,T. Hince, G. the only specimenrecord also came from L. Ontario near Holroyd, E.M. Holroyd, H. Haugh, R. Howie, A.E. the siteof thepresent observation. The Niagara R im- Hughes, Huntsville Nature Club, W.R. Jarmain, M. mediatelyabove the falls was the wintering grounds of the Jennings,J.W. Johnson,B. Johnston,A.H.Kelley, J.A. region'sonly Double-crested Cormorant (m.ob.). Kelley, E. Kerr, H. Kerr, KingstonField Naturalists, J P. Kleiman,J.D. LaFontaine,H. Lancaster,M. Lar- HERONS-- Numerousherons lingered into January sen, L. deK. Lawrence, J. Lemon, T. Letson, R.C. andFebruary and a fewGreat Blue Herons may even have Long, E.R. MacDonald,C.J. MacFayden,G.E. Mad- overwintered.The last Black-crownedNight Herons deford, W. Maddeford,J.R. McKishnie, F. MeNall, D. werereported from Presque Isle in earlyFebruary ( DF, McRae,J.B. Miles,N. Moller, B. Morin, N.H. Mundy, fide RB). A reportwithout details of a GreenHeron •n the R.C. Mundy, J. Nicholson,J. Olmsted,W. Osborn, I. Townof FriendshipDec.29 (WE,fide LB) is, if correct, Park, B. Parker,H. Petty,R.E. Pittam,R. Pittaway,R. most unusual,as was a late lingeringAm. Bittern at Pokraka(RPo), R.M. Poulin,P.D. Pratt, M. Pritchard, PresqueIsle Jan. 17 ( DS,fide RB). J. Pummell,H. Quilliatn, B. Ranta, W. Rayner, P.W. Richter,A. Rider, L. Robertson,M. Runtz,D. Rupert, WATERFOWL-- WhistlingSwans were widely re- R. Rutter,D.C. Sadler,-D. Salmon,W.H. Schaefer,A. portedin smallnumbers throughout the regionw•th a Sheppard,I. Shlakat,W. Smith,M. Swift,A. Symmes, maximumof 60 winteringat PresqueIsle (CK,fide RB) Mr. and Mrs. W. Teachman,Toronto Ornithological Oneindividual seen Mar. 23 at PresqueIsle sporteda neck Club, R. Tozer, T.J. Underwoo•l, J.A. Warren. E. Wat- collarplaced on it theprevious winter at Pungo N.W.R m son, R.D. Weir, F.A. Wigg, W. Zufelt. -- CLIVE E. North Carolina. Sixty-five thousandCanada Geese and GOODWIN, II WestbankCrest., Weston,Ontario, 7000 Snow Geese were estimated at Montezuma N.W R Canada M9P IS4. by refugepersonnel in late March. Many puddleducks lingeredor overwintered,including up to 300 Gadwalls on CayugaL. (WB), and over50 Am. Wigeonon the Niagara R. (B.O.S.). Aerial waterfowl counts taken •n WESTERN NEW YORK AND NORTH- midwinterby the New York Departmentof Environmen- WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA tal Conservationindicate some interesting distribunonal /Douglas P. Kibbe differencesbetween the Great Lakes (Erie, Ontarioand the NiagaraR.) and bodiesof water in the interior of w A generallyexcellent wild foodcrop and unseasonably New York State. Forty-oneper cent of the 30,000 b•rds mild weatherthrough February induced many speciesto seenon theGreat Lakes survey were mergansers, 29 per hnger. Although feeder watchersremarked on the scar- cent were scaupand 12 percent were Canvasbacks.Of the c•ty of somespecies, most (with the exceptionof winter 18,000birds seen on the interior surveys, 43 percent were finches) were probably presentin normal (but well dis- Redheads,19 per centCanada Geese, 12 per centBlack persed) numbers. Several groups (i.e. gulls, raptors, Ducksand eight per cent Mallards, while only five per- woodpeckersand corvids) made noteworthy incursions centwere Canvasbacks, four per cent seaups and less than into the region. Record numbers of black-backed, one per cent mergansers.Cayuga Lake and Montezuma white-wingedand dark-headed gulls were reported. Rap- N.W.R. yielded over 65 per cent of the total interior tors wintered in normal to above-normal numbers al- waterfowlcount. Harlequin Ducks were reportedfrom thougha SnowyOwl invasio•nnever did materialize. severalareas including the Niagara R. (B.O.S.) and at Some local raptor populationsreached what can best be Braddock's Bay (NH et al, ) termed phenomenalccmcentrations in view of the light snow cover. HAWKS -- All three Accipiters were sparselyre- Unusualcotrids were reportedfrom severallocations, ported. Red-tailed Hawks, however, were relatively and Pennsylvaniamay have acquiredan addition to its abundant, several CBCs recording more than one state list in the form of a Northern Three-toed Wood- hundred.Single Red-shouldered Hawks appeared at sev- pecker. eral locationsin mid-Januarybut no majorflights were An early movement of swans, geese, killdeer and reported until Mar. 23 when 62 were recordedat Girard blackbirdson Feb.22 and23 wasfollowed by a cold snap (JB). This wasone of the bestyears in recenttimes for which retarded subsequentmovement until late March Rough-leggedHawks, with numerousone-day totals of when a secondwidespread wave of waterfowl and land- 15 or more,including a maximumof 32 onthe lake plains birds appeared.Most winter fincheswere presentin ex- Feb.16 (JJ).Three Bald Eagles were seen, including an ceptionallylow numbersor unreportedthrough the endof early bird at IthacaJan 26 (PT, fide EK). An Osprey the season. remainingat IrondequoitBay throughthe first half of

688 American B•rds, June, 1975 Decemberprovided a remarkablewinter record m.ob.,) Sapsuckers,several of which may also have overwin- fide RO). Two reports (no details) of Gyrfalconswere tered. Two three-toed woodpeckerswere spotted: a receivedfrom the Rochesterarea, one a dark phasebird Black-backedin Buffalo Jan. 24-31 (fide B.O.S.) and a seen Dec. 24 (Czech,fide RO), the other a light bird Northern Three-toed Woodpeckerseen Dec. 15 on Pre- reportedMar.23 (RS,fide RO). The only Merlin found squeIsle (DS et al.) for the first Pennsylvaniasight re- awayfrom the usuallakeside observation points was seen cord. In the absenceof a specimen or photographic near Waterloo Mar. 23 (JW). documentation,this species'status must be considereda hypothetical addition to the state list. A very tardy E RAILS -- AlthoughVirginia Rails occasionallyover- Phoebe was seen on the Elmira CBC Dec. 28 while the winter, they are seldomseen except by muskrattrappers earliestmigrant appeared at StewartPark in Ithaca Feb who accidentallycatch them, so a report from Ithaca in 23 (JVD,fide EK). The first Tree Swallows noted were late Decemberis of interest.A rail censusplanned for the over Braddock's Bay Mar. 18 (TT). Cayuga Lake Basin this spring should yield some in- terestlng information of distribution and abundanceof CORVIDS THROUGH THRUSHES -- The Common this relatively unstudiedgroup. Raven appearsto be expandingits rangeinto the region SHOREBIRDS -- American Woodcock arrived from the south based on the occurrence of several birds •n throughoutthe region the third week of March while SchuylerCounty over the past severalyears and the ap- Com Snipelingered into Decemberat Genevaand Niag- pearance of two birds at Little Genesee in Alleghany ara Falls (HA, fide B.O.S.). Other hardy shore-birds County this fall (Nov. 23-Dec. 12) (FD,fide LB). Still includedPurple Sandpipersat Niagara Falls (eight in anotherraven was seen March 28 near Ithaca (JG). The Dec , fourinto Jan. -- B.O.S.), andBraddock's Bay (one reappearancein March this year of a Fish Crow was made in Dec.), Dunlin at Ithaca, NiagaraFalls andBraddock's all the more incredible since its initial discoverer (LH) Bay (up to 10 in Dec.,fide RO), a single Sanderlingat alsofirst spottedit last year (fide EK). As expected,there IrondequoitBay Dec. 1 (fide RO) and a Red Phalarope were numerousreports of Winter Wrens following last throughJan 12 off Fort Niagara S.P. (fide B.O.S.). fall's strongmigration. Infrequently reported at this sea- son, probablybecause they are seldomsearched for, are GULLS -•- Highlightsof a remarkableseason for gull Long-billed Marsh Wrens, two of which were seenon watchers included 43 Glaucous Jan. 10, eleven Iceland Montezuma's CBC and another on the Watkins Glen Jan 31 and a regional recordof 234 Great Black-backed count.Two reportsof Gray Catbirds,one well away from Gulls Jan. 2 on the Niagara River (B.O.S.). Dark-headed feeders,are unusual.A Brown Thrashertook advantage gulls were also well representedwith a Black-headed of the mild winter and a Scio feeder to avoid the trials of Gull at Charlotte Dec.6 (Kemnitzer, fide RO), two migration(VH,fide VP). ChristmasBird Countsyielded Franklin's at Erie (fide RB) and anotherat Dunkirk Har- numerousreports of hardyHermit Thrushesbut relatively few E. Bluebirds were noted. bor, up to 12,000 Bonaparte'son the lower Niagara R. (HA,fide B.O.S.), three Little Gulls at Erie (JGS, JHS, SHRIKES, WARBLERS, ICTERIDS -- Many obser- fide RB) and up to five at Rochester(fide RO) and the vers may be unawarethat thereis considerableoverlap in NiagaraRiver (B.O.S.). Two Black-leggedKittiwakes the arrivalof LoggerheadShrikes and departure of winter- which remained near Niagara Falls during December round out the list of noteworthies. ing N. Shrikes. Any shrike seen in the region during March and early April must be carefully scrutinized Northern Shrikes were widely distributed this season OWLS -- The only Barn Owl found this winter was in while Loggerheads,with the exceptionof the Rochester Welland Jan. 1 (HA et al., fide B.O.S.). At least one of area, were generally unreported. Normally, warblers the four reportedthis fall is believed to have succumbed constitutea minute portion of this season'sreport, but to local sportsmen.Snowy Owls were reportedin numer- ous locations but not in sufficient numbers to warrant four speciesappeared this year. A Black-andwhite War- bler on the RochesterCBC is only the third midwinter classifyingthis an invasionyear for this species.Long- staterecord. Over 50 Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers eared Owls were observed at only three locations, the were reportedin c. New York in January,but thesewere a largestconcentration (at least 11) in a conifer plantation far cry from the 217 reportedon the Erie, Pa. CBC. A near Shadigeewhere one pair bred last year (DK). Low singleYellow-breasted Chat was seenin early February snow cover permitted Short-eared Owls to remain dis- near Flint (HU,fide WB) while Corn. Yellowthroats were persed, so few concentrations were noted although recorded on no less than five Christmas Counts. Wide- numerousbirds were reportedfrom the lake plains and spreadmovements of blackbirdswere reported Feb.22-23 FingerLakes regions. Two Saw-whetOwls were observed but large numbersof most speciesdid not materialize by many in Oakland Cemetery (B.O.S.), while another, until a monthlater, following an early March cold spell one of severalwhich winterednear Shadigee, was netted and photographedad infinitum. FRINGILLIDS -- A Hamburgfeeder was visited by a WOODPECKERS, FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS DickcisselDec. 12 (Bourne,fide B.O.S.). With the ex- -- Virtually every CBC producedCom. Flickers, with 63 ception of Evening Grosbeaks,winter finch numbers reported at Montezuma N.W.R. Jan. 1. Red-bellied werevery low, somespecies (eg., Red Crossbills)being Woodpeckerscontinue to do well. A Red-headedWood- virtually unreported.Although the vast majority of the pecker at Amity L. Dec. 23 (AH, fide VP) and two region'sCBC compilersrated the wild foodcrop as good overwintering at Romulus (MJ) are unusual winter re- or excellent, the finches apparentlyfelt otherwise.The cords, as were four scatteredreports of Yellow-bellied appearance at feeders of those few White-winged

Volume 29, Number 3 689 Crossbillsreported is probablya furtherreflection of the Birdingwas not very good during most of thisseason. foodscarcity for thisgroup. Christmas Counts were filled Exceptfor the nowregular Evening Grosbeak practi- withoverwintering half-hardy sparrows, too numerous to callynone of the "winterinvaders" made any appear- single out. The most unusualcount bird was Geneva's ance. The early seasonsnowfall seemedto have driven GrasshopperSparrow (RF&KAB,fide M J), onlythe sixth mostof the "half-hardy"stragglers away, although as New York winterrecord for this species.Another rare usual some of these specieswere present for the winterer, a Chipping Sparrowat a Rochesterfeeder ChristmasBird Counts. With a few exceptionsmost of throughoutthe period (R&SO), was only one of severalin the normal wintering birds were in about normal num- the region. bersonce the winter settled in, althoughin manyplaces CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface)and OBSERVERS -- Christmas Counts produced record highs of some R.F. Anderie, A. Axtell, R. Axtell, J. Baxter,W. Ben- species.The cold blusteryMarch causedthe spring nlng,R.W. Blye,R. Bollinger,Kay Bond, K. Bonnlan- migrationto slow down and almoststop. The early der, Bourne,Buffalo Ornithologieai Soeiety, L. Bur- wave of migrantswhich are expectedto arrive in late ton, M. Carlson, C. Boise, C. Czech, F. DeGraff, D. Februaryand early March camein on time, but later in Freeland,R. Foxall,J. Gibson,L. Hahn,A. Hampton, March most specieswere late in arrival. N. Henderson,J. Johnson,M. Jones, E. Kibbe, C. Krantz,R. Ladwig, V. Macanley,J. McNntt, R. O'H- LOONS. HERONS -- WinteringCorn. Loonswere ara, S. O'Hara,V. Pitzriek, W. Serra,D. Snyder,R. more numerousthan usual, but the springflight con- Spahn,J.G. Stull, J.H. Stull, T. Tetlow, P. Trail, H. tinuedthe trendof recentyears in beingrather low. Utter,J. VanDyk,J. Walker. --DOUGLAS P. KIBBE, Red-throated Loons at Beaver Run Res., Westmore- 115Mr. LebanonBlvd., Apt. 11,Pittsburgh, Pa. 15228 landCo., Pa., Dec. 15(DF) andat WataugaL., Tenn., Feb. 15 & 22 (GE) were unusual for those locations. Almost every local area reportedwintering Great APPALACHIAN REGION BlueHerons, and most places found them in highnum- / George A. Hall bers. At Linesville, Pa. 38 (record high) were listed Dec. 22 (RFL). Two Green Herons were seen on the Kingsport,Tenn. CBC (TF) and one seen at Dalton, The early winter seemedrather mild and open, al- Ga., Jan. 28 & Feb. 4 was the first local winter record though it had started with a heavy snowfall on De- (HD, SPfide AH). The Great Egret, oftennot foundin cember 1, but in March the weather turned cold and thisRegion in spring,was reported from L. Arthur,Pa., stayedwet sothat most of the monthwas wintry. At the Mar. 22 (AF,fide DF) and from Canfield, O., Mar. 31 Pittsburghweather station December, January, and (WB). ß 'f"-' 11..7.:.i...... -:" WATERFOWL -- Waterfowl numbers, which are t' t•ea-t •2•..,- .•,,-".•..•-• ...... •.•.:%-•' never really good in this Region, continue to show a decline.There werea modestnumber of winteringbirds where open water permitted, but even the Corn. Gold- eneye, normally the principal winterer, was in short supply. The springflight came a little early, sincethere was much openwater, but no greatconcentrations were reportedand someplaces saw very few. In recentyears L. Arthur at Moraine S.P., Pa. and Bald Eagle S.P., Pa. :,•. •1_ •.•, • v•.. . have been producingthe best waterfowl counts, but neither of these hadas gooda springflight as in the past several years. Whether this is due solely to the low populationsgenerally or to the "aging effect" that has •&_ &---_ ...... ,-•..:. :..: .. .%:L.:'• 4• GotI * Eza .• -' occurred on other impoundmentsin this Region is not ::/boxville•.• A• •.•' clear. It might be mentioned that L. Arthur is threat- ened by a nearby strip mine. There were Decemberrecords for WhistlingSwans at lrvine, Pa. (WH), a Januaryrecord at Indiana, Pa. (CW) and two wintered near North Canton, O. (PW). Mi- grantsat Moraine S.P., Feb. 27 were alittle early (FP), Feb•ary were wa•er than usual with 4.5 inches in but elsewhere in w. Pennsylvania arrival was about on excessof rainfall. This produceda rather m•d winter time in mid-March.Well out of the normalrange were with only one spell of re•ly cold weather. Similar swans at Kingsport, Tenn., Jan. 9 - Feb. 9 (TF); Kings- peratures in the south, however, resulted in a colder port, Tenn., Jan. 16 (LH & RL,JMe GE), and Dalton, than average season. In the north and centre parts of Ga. (first local record). Feb. 13 (HD,JMe AH). Four the Re,on there were many small snowfallsbut a•er Mute Swans were present at Logan, O. from early the early seasonstorm no heavy ones. At Meadville, Decemberto mid-March (AN, BS). At PymatuningL., Pa. in the extreme noah there •ere 37 inches of sno• in Pa. the winter populationof Canada Geese was about March. but at Waynesboro, Va. 27 incheswas the tot• 8000(RFL). The springflight of geesewas concluded by for the season.In the norththe lakesdid not openuntil the end of the period,and was generallyunimpressive. early March. but in the centralpart of the Re½onthey Snow Geese were reported on the Linesville. Pa. did not close during the year. ChristmasCount (2 blueand 2 white-- RFL) and on the

690 AmericanBirds, June, 1975 Chariestown, W. Va. Christmas Count (CM). The only from n. AlleghenyCo., Pa., one throughDecember other reports were from Pymatuning, Pa., (2 whites and (RM,fide DF); StateCollege, Feb. 7 (PL,fide MW), 7 blues) Mar. 13 (RFL), State College, Pa., Mar. 16 Pittsburgh,two onMar. 23 (PH,fide DF). Am. Kestrels (MW), and Dalton, Ga., Mar. 3 (MJ,fide AH). were in good numbersthroughout the winter as illus- The duck flights started in late February and were trated by two record ChristmasCounts, Lock Haven, almost over by the end of the period. All the common 24 (PS) and Clarksville,Pa., 21 (RB). specieswere present, with Mallards and Ring-necked RAILS, SHOlk•BIRDS, AND GULLS -- A Vtr- Ducks probably being most numerous. It was a good ginia Rail was seen on the lawn of a residenceat Lewis- year for all three mergansers,especially the Corn. Mer- burg, W. Va., Mar. 23 (COH), and both Virginia and ganser which has not been common here recently. King Rails were at the Leetown Federal Fish Hatchery, Wood Ducks were on the Linesville Christmas Count, W. Va. on Mar. 22 (CM). and also at Charleston, W. Va., the first local Count Killdeer wintered in good numbers at most places, record (NG). Surf Scoters were reported from Lock but none were seen at Lewisburg, W. Va. (COH) A Haven Dec. 2 (PS) and Watauga L., Mar. 11 (LH,fide count of 97 on the Clarksville, Pa. Christmas Count was GE), and White-winged Scoters at L. Arthur, Pa., Mar. the highestever (RB). Arrival dates rangedfrom Feb 23 (CF,fide DF). The duck of the seasonwas a F•llvous 22 at North Canton, O. (PW) and Meadville, Pa. (RFL) Tree Duck picked up dead on the Skyline Drive Mar. 5, to March 16 at Warren, Pa. (WH). American Woodcock the first record for Shenandoah N.P. (DC), although arrived at Ligonier Feb. 21 (RCL) and RaccoonCreek, there is a recent record from nearby Waynesboro. S.P., Pa., Feb. 22 (NK), both rather early dates Elsewhere arrival was more normal in mid-March RAPTORS --At the placeswhere they occur at all in Twenty-one Corn. Snipe were found on the Clarksvfile the Region Black Vultures have always been consid- ChristmasCount (RB). Dunlin at Boone L., Tenn. Dec ered to be much less numerous than Turkey Vultures. 4 were quite late (GE). Th•s winter two pieces of information would seem to All three local gull speciesdid well at L. Arthur, Pa contradict this, at least locally: at Lewisburg, W. Va. 40 (DF), but were not common elsewhere. Blacks and 15 Turkeys were attracted to a carrion bait placed for ready observation(COH) and at Blacksburg, DOVES AND OWLS -- The number of wintenng Va the Christmas Counts were 609 Blacks and 438 Mourning Doves was unprecedentedly high, and they Turkeys (JM). occurred even in the extreme north at Irvine, Pa. (WH) Goshawks were reported from Powdermill Nature The springmigration was about on time around Mar 5 Reserve (hereafterP.N.R.), near Rector, Pa. all winter The Snowy Owl invasion reported earlier in the (RCL); four records from the Pittsburgh area (DF), Northeast produced more records in this Region than is T•tusville, Pa., Jan. 15 (DG,fide WH); Sheffield, Pa., usual. The bird occurred as f•/r south as Waynesboro, Feb 15 (RSa,fide WH); and State College Feb. 7 (DP, Va., Jan. 24 - Mar. 5 (RS). Other reports were: Bethany, fide MW). The Cooper's Hawk picture was much W. Va., Nov. 19 (KC,fide AB); Washingtonville, O , brighter than it has been with satisfactory numbers Dec. 27-29 (WB); Jamestown, Pa., Jan. 22 (MSt,fide being reported, but the most surprisingnews was the RFL); Akeley, Pa., Jan. 24 (DS,fide WH); Irwin, Pa , reporting of Sharp-shinnedHawks wintering in moder- Dec. 12 (DF) and Plum Borough, Pa., Dec. 17 (killed by ate numbersalmost everywhere in the Region. Even in a car) (BF, fide DF); Eighty-four, Pa., Feb. 14 (fide the distant past when populationsof this specieswere RB), Pymatuning L., Mar. 13 (ML & SF,fide RFL), much higher than today we did not expect to have many and two records at Indiana, Pa. (CW). Great Horned wintering birds. Owls were reported more commonlythan usual and 15 Red-tailed Hawks wintered in good numbers in the nests had been located in the Youngstown, O., area by northernpart of the Region, except at Linesville where the end of the period (WR, fide WB). A Barn Owl they were considered low (RFL), but were not men- nesting was reported at Waynesboro Mar. 29 (RS) tloned by most of the southernreporters. At Linesville, Long-eared Owls were reported from State College the Rough-leggedHawk was consideredto be in lower- (WC), and a pair at Greenville, Tenn. was unusual than-normal numbers (RFL), but this may have been enough to attract observers from throughout e. Tennes- because more of them went farther south. They were see (GE). Short-eared Owls at Lewisburg, W. Va. Mar reported from Lock Haven (PS), Youngstown (WB), 15 provided the first local springrecords (COH). As an North Canton, O. (PW), and Logan, O. (BS), all on example of what using the "playback" technique with Christmas Counts, as well as from Ligonier, Pa. (RCL), recorded calls will do consider the 14 Screech Owls Seneca L., O., Mar. 25 (JS); near Point Pleasant, W. listed on the Raccoon Creek S.P. Christmas Count Va , Mar. 22 (GH, fide NG), and Jackson, Ky. (PA). (NK). Bald Eagles were reported from PymatuningL., Dec. SWIFTS, KINGFISHERS, AND WOODPECK- 22 (RFL) & Mar. 7 (WB); Erwin, Tenn., Feb. 8 (JSl,fide ERS -- Two sightingsof Chimney Swifts at Dalton, GE), North Canton, Feb. 14 (PW); McElhattan, Pa., Ga., Mar. 23 (SP, HD,fide AH) were early, and the only Feb 26 (PS); Conneaut, Pa., Mar. 5 (RFL); and Bald ones reported. The open water and the relatively m•ld EagleS.P., Mar. 7 (MW). Thislast bird was shot Mar. winter produced many more than the usual number of 15, but its broken wing was treated and it is currently wintering Belted Kingfishers. recovering in the hands of the PennsylvaniaGame Common Flickers wintered in above normal numbers Commission. but Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerswere generallydown •n The only Peregrine Falcon sightingwas Feb. 24 near numbers. The Red-bellied Woodpecker continues to Mallvale, Pa. (PH,fide DF) but Merlins were reported increase in the north and one was seen, Dec. 28 at

Volume 29, Number 3 691 Warren, Pa. (TG, fide WH). The Red-headedWood- to increasefarther south. Gray Catbirds wintered, or at peckercontinues to decline,although it wasthought to least started to winter, in unusual numbers. There were be •ncreasingin the EasternPanhandle of West Virginia five birds at four different locations in the Pittsburgh (CM). A Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker was area (DF) and one at Dalton, Ga. (AH). Two Brown seen near Fredericktown, O. on the Ohio-Pennsylvania Thrashers wintered in Allegheny County, Pa. (DF) and border Dec. 14 (JL & EC,fide NL). one at Irvine, Pa., Jan. 22 (RR). A very early m•grant appearedin Butler Co., Pa., Mar. 30 (MG,fide DF) FLYCATCHERS AND SWALLOWS --What was Almost everybody had at least a few wintering rob- probablya recordnumber of E. Phoebeslingered into ins, andthe generalarrival came in late February,about Decemberlong enoughto be countedon Christmas the normal time. A Wood Thrush at Dalton, Ga., Mar Countsthroughout the Region. Many of theseremained 29 was the earliest on record there (AH). Hermit throughthe winter in the south, and at Fancy Gap, Va. Thrushes were more common than usual with tone they were saidto have winteredin numbers(RK). The sightingsduring the seasonalong the Blue RidgePark- spnngarrival dates rangedfrom Feb. 23 at Charleston way in s. Virginia (RK), two on the Raccoon Creek (NG) and Wise, Va. (RP) to Mar. 28 near Butler, Pa. S.P., Christmas Count (NK), one at Logan, O, Dec (TB). There was an unusuallyheavy flight at Morgan- 27; one at State College, Jan.. 10 (MW). There were town in late March (GAH). more E. Bluebirdswintering in the Region than •s nor- A few Purple Martins had arrived at Knoxville in mal. Februarybut generalarrival there was notuntil a fairly late Mar. 14 (JBO). Other arrival dates ranged from KINGLETS, WAXWINGS, AND SHRIKES --The Mar. 2 at Dalton (AH) to Mar. 31 at Beverly, O. (JS). only report of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers came from Rough-wingedSwallows arrived Mar. 25 at Dalton(SP, Charleston,Mar. 30 (NG). As a follow up of the unusu- fide AH) andMar. 29at Inwood,W. Va. (CM), the only ally heavy fall migration Golden-crownedK•nglets reports.Barn Swallowswere reportedat Elizabethton, were in good numbers throughout the Region At Tenn., Mar. 15 (GE) and Charleston,Mar. 30 (NG) but Oteen, N.C. they were reported to be the most common had not arrived generallyby the end of the period. The bird in the area, along the Blue Ridge Parkway (DC) earliestreport of Tree Swallowswas from L. Arthur, Ruby-crownedKinglets seldom winter in any numbers Pa, Mar. 23 (DF). but this year reports came from Indiana, Pa. (CW), CROWS, TITMICE, AND NUTHATCHES -- Charleston (NG), Morgantown (GAH), Marietta, O Crowswere generallyabundant throughout the period. (JS), East Liverpool, O. (NL), Linesville Dec 22 A record Christmas Count at Lock Haven, Pa. listed (RFL), and Warren, Pa., Jan. 1 - Jan. 10 (TG,fide WH) 633 (PS) but at Clarksville,Pa. a countof 327 was the Cedar Waxwingswere in very large numbersin e Ten- lowest since 1967 (RB). Well-feathered young crows nessee, w. North Carolina, and sw. Virginia. Farther were found at Dalton, Ga. on Feb. 16, the earliest north they exhibited the usual erratic pattern of being nestingrecorded in the state (HD, fide AH). Black- abundantat placesand missingat others. A Bohemian cappedChickadees were moderatelycommon south of Waxwing was seen with some Cedars at Blacksburg, the normal rangebut it was not an invasionyear, and Va. in late February or early March (DN,fide JM) •ndeed numbers were somewhat low in the normal A N. Shrike was seenin Allegheny County, Pa, Dec range. Two CarolinaChickadees were bandedat Alli- 4 (DF), the only report. What appearedto be a mated sonPark, Pa. (TB) usuallyconsidered slightly north of pair of Loggerhead Shrikes was seen near Wise, Va, the normal range. Tufted Titmice were scarceat Mor- Feb. 22 (RP). There is only one other breedingrecord gantown (GAH) and Indiana, Pa. (CW). The White- for the area. breasted Nuthatch continues to be a scarce bird over much of the northern part of the Region. Except at Roan PIPITS, VIREOS, AND WARBLERS -- Pipits were Mt , Tenn. (FB ,fide GE) whichis in the breedingrange unusually common during the winter in e. Tennessee and where they were common,the Red-breastedNut- (60 near JohnsonCity, Jan. 5-15 and 40 at Elizabethton, hatch was almost completely absentfrom the Region. Mar. 14-23)(GE) and in w. Virginia (40 near Wise, Dec On the other hand Brown Creepers were in normal or 14 - Feb. 22, third County record) (RP). In mid-March shghtlyabove numbersat most places. the migratingnumbers were unusuallyhigh throughout the Region. WRENS, MIMIDS, AND THRUSHES -- The The only vireo report was of the Solitary seen on Carolina Wren "explosion" continuesand in the north Roan Mt., Tenn., Mar. 23 (TS & MS,fide GE) Yel- two were listed on the Linesville Christmas Count 1ow-rumped Warblers wintered as far north as Lock (RFL) and one was seen at Warren, Dec. 9 (TG,fide Haven (PS) and Allison Park, Pa. (TB) but oddly none WH), and at Irvine, Pa., Mar. 15 (RR, fide WH). At were seenat Morgantown(GAH). Palm Warblerswere most places the snows were not prolongedenough to reported from Dalton Dec. 14 (HD, fide AH), West- affect the populations. The only report of Bewick's moreland Co., Pa. Dec. 12 (DK,fide DF), and Bristol, Wren was one present at a feeder at Dalton, Ga. Tenn., Feb. 16 & 17, 2 (DW, fide GE). Early P•ne throughout the period (MC, fide AH). Winter Wren Warblers were reportedfrom CharlestonMar. 17(NG), populationswere abovenormal at mostplaces follow- JacksonCo., O., Mar. 25 and Waynesboro, Va, Mar •ng the very fine fall flight. 31 (RS). LouisianaWaterthrushes arrived at Kingsport, Northern Mockingbirds are still increasingat Lock Tenn., Mar. 21 (TF), Charleston Mar. 22 (NG), Haven, Pa. (PS) and two sightingswere made at War- Clarksville, Pa., Mar. 29 (early -- RB), and Capon ren, Pa., Dec. 8 (TG) and Dec. 30 (CP). They continue Lake, W. Va., Mar. 30 (CM).

692 American B•rds, June, 1975 ICTERIDS -- Eastern Meadowlarks wintered in fair reported, as for example a Chippy in Allegheny Co , numbers as far north as Warren, Pa. (RR,fide WH). Pa., Mar. 9 (DF). Tree Sparrows were generally well Despite the bad weather in the first few days of March below normalnumbers. In w. Pennsylvaniapopulations Red-wingedBlackbirds and Com. Gracklesarrived at were thoughtto be 50 per cent of normal(DF), but oddly the normal time, and rapidly built up to full numbers. at Allison Park, near Pittsburgha fine total of 177 was The only three major winter blackbird roosts reported banded (TB). Dark-eyed Juncos were in normal, or were a very large one near Bristol, Tenn. •de TF), one slightlybelow normalnumbers at mostplaces. As usual at Canton, N.C. (RRu), and one near Waynesboro, Va. in recent yearsjuncos of one of the western races were (RS) Brewer's Blackbirds were seen at Elizabethton, reportedin severalplaces. Tenn., Mar. 11 & 14 (LH). An unusualnumber of N. White-throated Sparrows continue to increase as Orioles was present this winter: Waynesboro, Va., wintering birds in the north, and are now perhapsthe Dec 17 to end of period (RS), Murrysville, Pa., Dec. 29 most common winter sparrow. White-crowned Spar- - Jan 2 (AW, fide DF), Ligonier, Pa., mid-Januaryto rowsmay al sobe goingto beginwintering in the northin mid-March (RCL), and four separate reports in the numbers. One was seen at a feeder in Irvine, Pa., Feb 3 West Virginia E. Panhandle(CM). An oriole of unde- (RR) and 14 were listed on the North Canton, O termlned species was at Dalton, Ga. through December ChristmasCount (PW). A Harris' Sparrow wintered at and January (AH). North Canton (JE,fide PW). Fox Sparrows wintered at Blacksburg,Va. (JM), but the springflight was gener- FRINGiLLIDS --Cardinals werein verygood num- ally poor. Several Swamp Sparrows at Warren, Pa, bers at Lock Haven (PS), P.N.R.) (RCL), and Morgan- Dec. 28 (TG,fide WH) were unusual.There were only town (GAH), but were thought to be low at Raccoon two reportsof LaplandLongspurs; Allegheny Co., Pa, Creek, S.P., Pa. (NK). There were two reports of Feb. 22 (DF) and State College, Pa. (DP, fide MW) Rose-breasted Grosbeaks; State College, Pa. early Snow Buntingswere in smallnumbers in n.e. Ohio, and January(SFr,fide MW), and Waynesboro,Va., Feb. 5 n.w. Pennsylvania as far south as Jersey Shore and (CH, fide RS). State College, but did not reach Allegheny County or Evening Grosbeakswere present throughoutthe Re- farther south. glon, but no place had very large numbers, and they CORRIGENDUM- Am. Birds, 29:58, 1975. The were missingor rare at others. At P.N.R. only about 200 sentence in the second paragraph under "LOONS, were banded (RCL) and at Meadville, Pa. about 85 GREBES, AND HERONS" concerningheron migra- (RFL). A partial albino Evening Grosbeak was seen tion should read, "Besides these unusual records the near Pittsburgh(AO,fide DF). The only report of a Pine most interesting heron report came from Blackwater Grosbeakcame from State College, Pa. on the Christ- Falls S.P., W. Va. where an intensive migration of mas Count (SG,fide MW). In w. Pennsylvania and n. Green Herons, with a few Black-crowned Night Her- West Virginia Purple Finches were uncommon, but ons, was observedon the night of Sept. 14-15.The birds farther south they were in good numbers and repre- were heard calling throughoutthe night and several sented the only "northern finch" of the winter. The thousand probably passed over (WW)." House Finch continuesto expandits range.New winter flocks of up to a dozen were reported from Pittsburgh, CONTRIBUTORS -- Pierre Aliaire, Richard Almy, Butler, Pa., Greensburg, Pa., Finleyville, Pa., and Thomas Bancroft, William Bartolo, Fred Behrend, Uniontown, Pa. (DF). They have now appeared at Ralph Bell, A. Buckelew, Tom Cabe, Dennis Carter, E Morgantown (GAH) and Radford, Va. (JM). At Indi- Chandler, William Clarke, Maud Cox, Keith Cross, ana, Pa. (CW), State College, Pa. (MW, WC), Lock Harriet DiGJoia, Glen Eller, Joan Espenschied,Audrey Haven, Pa. (PS), and Chariestown, W. Va. (CM), Fetters, Thomas Finucane,Chris Fichtel, Sarah Flaugh where they have been establishedfor several years, (SF), David Freeland, Beulah Frey, Stuart Frost (S Fr), they are increasingand spreading. Marguerite Geibel, Norris Gluck, Ted Grisez, Duane Am. Goldfinches were in good numbers at Warren, G.ross (DG), DavissonGrove, Samuel Guss, Anne Pa (WH), Youngstown (WB) and Indiana, Pa. (CW) Hamilton, C. O. Handley, Sr., Lee Herndon, Paul but were much less numerous elsewhere. Pine Siskins Hess, William Highhouse, George Hurley (GH), Co- were reportedin numberson Roan Mt., Tenn. (GE) but rinne Hurt, Mary Jump Randall Kendrick, Nick Kerhn, elsewherethe only reportscame from P.N.R. (one bird Jr., Douglas Kibbe, John Laitsch, Nevada Laitsch, --RCL), Waynesboro, Va., several, Feb. 9 (TC,fide Mary Leberman, Robert C. Leberman, Ronald F RS), Youngstown,O., 8 on the ChristmasCount (WB), Leberman, Richard Lewis, Phillip Lovett, R. Milbert, and Dalton, two in late December (AH). There was only Clark Miller, John Murray, Don Nelson, Avis Newell, one report each for the Com. Redpoll: Avis, Pa., 2, on Arne Olson, J. B. Owen, SandyPangle, Richard Peake, Dec 22 (CSc,fide PS); Red Crossbill, near Roan Mt., David Pearson, Frank Preston, Chase Putnam, William Tenn, Mar. 15 (TS & MS,fide GE); and White-winged Richter, Ron Rieter (RR), Robert Rine, Robert Rmz Crossbill, from near Waynesboro, Va. (RS). (RRu), Ruth Samuelson (RSa), C. Schach, Paul Vesper Sparrowsat Charleston,Mar. 24, (NG) and Schwalbe, Ellis Shimp, Jake Slonaker (JSI), David Washingtonville,O., Mar. 27 (WB) were early as wasa Snyder, Ruth Snyder (RS), Martha Stanley (MSt), Jene SavannahSparrow at the latter place on the sameday. Stewart (JS), Bruce Strehling, Maxie Swindell (MS), There were a'few Field Sparrowsthrough the winter, Tom Swindell, Ann Wagstaft, Cora Williams, Diane but not as many as usual. The spring arrival of both Wilson, Peter Wilson, Merrill Wood. -- GEORGE A. Field and ChippingSparrows had not occurredby the HALL, Department of Chemistry,West Virginia Univer- end of the period, althougha few stragglershad been sity, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506.

Volume29, Number3 693 WESTERN GREAT LAKES REGION On thc positivcsidc Snowy Owls and scvcralspccics of /Robert B. Janssen gulls wcrc wcll represcntcd. In spitc of, or bccause of the wcathcr thc unusual What a winter this has been! In many cases the aboundcd in thc arca. Many Christmas Bird Counts weather overshadowedbirds in importance.It sccmcd that the weather had a major effect on the numbers of listcd rccord numbcrsof individualsand spccics.A birds reportedthroughout the region. numbcr of "firsts" wcrc rccordcd as the following summary indicates. o.o i ' '111 / LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- Common Loons werc recordcd on thc Madison, Wise. CBC and 11 wcre recordcdon four Michigan counts. Thc first official winter record for Minnesota was cstablished for this q'.' ..... ;?.... . "L...... / specicswhen onc showedup at Fergus Falls Jan. 27 and remaincd until Mar. 20. Two Red-ncckcd Grebes wcre on L. Superior ncar Duluth (JG) Dec. 21. Horned Gre- bcs wcre recordcd in unusual numbcrs: 11 on thc Madi- son, CBC and six on three countsin Michigan. A Great Blue Heron was secn Feb. 13 in Goodhue Co., Minn. ....: NNIW Most individuals do not survive thc wintcr in this area. A Grecn Hcron was obscrved on thc Oconomowoc, Wise., CBC and anothcr arrivcd early in Juncau Co., Mar. 31. 0 I • VL •0 ••W WATERFOWL -- Threc Mute Swans wintcred in the To begin t•e period, on Decembe• 1 •nd 2 lhe Delroil Ashland, Wise., area and three (samc birds?) appeared area had its woBt snowstormof the century with over at Grand Marais, Cook Co., Minn., Jan. 26, and re- 19 inchcs of snow, with more in somc southern areas of mained through mid-February. Whistling Swans were Michigan. Generally, howcvcr, Deccmber was mild recordedon nine Wisconsincounts with a high of 63 at throughoutmost of thc area, cspcciallyin Minncsota. LaCrosse. On the Weaver Marshcs, Wabasha Co., No snowcover of conscqucncewas recordcd during the Minn., 1000 wcre still prcscntDec. 19. Canada Geese month and tcmperatureswcre fairly mild. On December wcre migrating Mar. 16&17 in s. Wisconsin. Over 12, for cxamplc, "shi•-slceve" bi•ing was conductcd 24,000 again wintered on Silver L., Rochester,Minn. along thc north shore of Lakc Superior. This lullcd Threc White-frontcd Gecse wcre in Racine Co., Wise. most into thinking that thc bad wintcr forecast by thc Mar. 30. Many puddle ducks wintered throughoutthc expels was not going to become a reality. Thc mild- region whcrevcropen watcr was available. Blue-winged nesscvcn continucd into the fi•t wcck of January, but and Grecn-wingcdTcal succcssfullywintcred in Wis- then on January 10 thc "blizzard of thc ccntu•" hit consin and most unusual, 21 N. Shovclcrs were on thc Minncsota, Wisconsin, and Upper Michigan. It was Madison CBC and most succcssfully wintcred. Over especially bad in southe• Minncsota. Thc tempcrature 1000 Canvasbacks wintcred on the Detroit R. and this dropped a rccord 30 dcgrces in about six hours, thc species was recordcd on 11 Wisconsin CBCs with a baromctcrin thc Twin Citics droppedto a recordlow of high of 27 at Madison. Barrow's Goldencyeswcrc re- 28.62 inches,winds hit ncar recordlcvcls, and hcavy ported only from Minnesota with one femalc at Grand snow fell all across thc wgion. The wcathcr didn't Marais, Cook Co., Dcc. 12, a male at Hovland, Cook improvc much afrcr thc big storm. Snow continucdinto Co., Jan. 25, and anothcr ncar Duluth Fcb. 4. There Februa• and March, with many sub-zcroreadings. In wcre 600 Ruddy Ducks on the 1owcr Dctroit R. in late Wisconsin most of thc wintcr wca•hcr occu• in latc January. Harlcquin Ducks were reported from Michi- Februaryand March. Thcrc wcrc sub-zcroreadings all gan, with two at St. JoscphDec. 12-24 and Minncsota across Minncsota in thc fi•t two wccks of March. with onc secn at Grand Marais Dec.12. King Eiders Blizzard conditionsprevailcd •1 acrossthe stateduring are rare in this region:two were at St. lgnacc, Mich., the last ten days of March. Dec. 12-24 (BG) and the fifth record for Minnesota was Most re•crs statedthat wintcrconditions prevailcd of a singlc bird at Grand Marais Dec. 12 (JG&RBJ). until thc cnd of thc periodwith only spotdie periodsof HAWKS -- Turkcy Vulturesare scldomsecn beyond mightion in March. Evcrything was bchind schedule. Octobcrin this arca, but, onc was presentin Sauk Co., How did thcscwcathcr conditions affcct bird popula- Wise., Jan. 1 (fi'de DT), and anothcr was secn near tions?Most obscrvcrsused tcrms suchas "unimpres- Winona, Minn., Jan. 12-29. Rcd-tailed Hawks were a sive," "ve• quict "fcw birds", "no winter finchcs", littic morc numcrousin Michigan, but, scarceto absent etc. It was wpo•ed by somc that 30% to 50% of thc in Wisconsin and Minncsota. Rough-lcggcdHawks phcasant•pulation and up to a 100% of thc small bird wcre prescntin normalnumbers across thc region, with populationwas wiped out in southwcstMinnesota bc- good numbcrsmigrating in Minncsota by latc March. causcof thc big storm. Pcoplcre•cd commonwintcr Goldcn Eaglcs wcrc secn in Dcccmbcr in Pcpin and visitants to thcir fccdcrs almost non-cxistcnt afrcr thc BuffaloCos. and in Februaryin JuneauCo. and all winter early Janua• storm. A fcw birds bcganto tricklc back in Burnctt Co. Wise. Individuals wcre prcscnt in by Fcbruary and March. Winona, Chippcwa and Marshall Cos. in Minncsota. It wasnot a ycar for wintcrfinchcs, wd•11s, siskins, Bald Eaglcswintcred in thcir usual 1ocalitics;up to 30 crossbills,and grosbcaks,with thc cxccptionof Evcn- wcre prescnt at Rcads Landing, Wabasha Co., Minn., ing Grosbeaks,wcw repo•cd as bcing•arcc to abscnt. thcy wcre recordcd from 21 Wisconsin countics, most of

694 American Birds, June, 1975 the records were from December. From 20 to 25 wintered the samepattern, reported from six countiesin Wiscon- along the Wisconsin R. in Adams and Juneau counties. sin, but none in Michigan or Minnesota. Saw-whet There were three reports of gyrfalcons in Wisconsin: Owls were very scarce,only single reportscoming from one white phase bird through the winter in Douglas Michigan and Wisconsin. Minnesota reported the only County, anotherwhite phase bird Feb. 19 in Columbia Boreal Owl, a single bird Jan. 1 in Cook County County and anotherindividual in Wood County in late WOODPECKERS -- The Golden-fronted Wood- January. There were two all winter at Sault Ste. Marie, pecker at Cheboygan,Mich., remainedin the area until Mmh. Curiously none were reported from Minnesota, Dec. 22. The big newsin Minnesotathis winter was the where the only Merlins were recorded -- single birds appearanceof a Lewis' Woodpecker Dec.28 in Sher- seen in Cook County Dec. 12 and Feb. 15.. burneCounty (OJ). The bird remainedin the samearea, GROUSE THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- Pheasants accompaniedby two Red-headed Woodpeckers, all were literally wiped out in s.w. Minnesotaby the sever- winter and was still presentat the end of March. Th•s sty of the storms.Of interest,however, were the numer- representsa first staterecord. Few reportsof three-toed ous reportsof Gray Partridgeacross s. Minnesota:ob- woodpeckerswere received, which is disappointsng serversreported many more than usual. Two King Rails after the recordfall numbers.There were two reportsof were seen on the Dane Co., Wisc. CBC, only the Black-backed in Wisconsin, one in Detroit Feb.9, and secondDec. recordfor Wisconsin.Virginia Rails were scatteredreports from n. Minnesota,with severalpre- recorded in Michigan Dec.15, 20 & Jan. 9 in different sent all winter in Crow Wing Co. Northernswere re- localstiesnear Detroit. A Sora was caught in a muskrat ported only once in Wisconsin (Polk Co.) and one sn trap sn late December in Waukesha Co., Wisc. The bird Crow Wing County, the latter present all winter was shipped to Alabama for release. One Sora was Downy Woodpeckerswere commonall seasonalong present in Brown Co., Wisc. until early February. the n. shoreof L. Superiorin Minnesota,but, numbers Three arrived in KenoshaCounty Mar.29, for a record were down in the s. part of the State after the bsg early arrival date. An Am. Woodcock was giving its January storm. fisght song in Berrien Co., Mich. Feb.21. A Corn. LARKS THROUGH SHRIK[•S -- Horned Larks Smpe was seen near Duluth Dec.21, a first winter re- were in full migration across Minnesota in large num- cord for n. Minnesota(JG). A Pectoral Sandpiperwas bers by early March, but the snow cover will retard seen in Lyon Co., Minn., Dec. 14 and Dunlins were their nesting. Gray Jays were recorded Dec. 6-7 •n presentin Michigan Dec. 12 near St. Joseph, and Dec. Dakota Co., Minn., south of the Twin Cities. Thss 22 near New Buffalo. As if that wasn't enough a N. speciesvery rarely gets that far south. This specieswas Phalarope was seen in Racine Co., Wisc. Dec. 5. commonin March in the n.e. part of the state. Carohna GULLS -- GlaucousGulls were well representedon Wrens are making a strong comebackin Michigan and the Great Lakes with observersreporting one to three Wisconsin. There was a surprisingnumber wintenng, six in different localities in Wisconsin; there were 11 bsrdsfrom many localities in the region. Two Iceland Gulls were presentin the Kenosha,Wisc., harbor from birds on four CBCs in Berrien Co., Michigan and 18 birds were recorded in the Detroit area. None were December to early February, one was in Milwaukee Jan 5, two were at Superior, in February, this number reported in Minnesota. Winter Wrens lived up to thmr sncreasedto five in March. One was off Stony Point, name and wintered in numbers across the region 37 were counted on four CBCs in Berrien Co., Mich., 18 St Louis Co., Minn., Feb. 15. Up to 110 Great were in Monroe Co., Mich., and they were recordedon Black-backedGulls spent the winter in Monroe Co., ten CBCs in Wisconsin, and in several areas in M•n- Mmh. The secondJanuary record for Minnesota of the nesota. A Long-billed Marsh Wren was seenDec. 14 at R•ng-billed Gull was obtained when one was seen at the Erie Marshes, Mich. Mockingbirdswere presentsn Black Dog L., Dakota Co. Jan. 2-3.. The bird was not good numbers,six on countsin Wisconsin, and 22 on seenin Feb. but, what was probablythe samebird, in three counts in Berrien Co., Mich. There were two rather poor condition,was seenin early March. About winter records for Gray Catbirds in Wisconsin. The 150 Ring-billed Gulls were still presentat Escanaba, Varied Thrushcontinues to visit the region. There were Mmh. Jan.9. A Black-Legged Kittiwake was carefully sdentified and observed Dec. 13-15 at Madison, Wisc. at least four individuals reported in Minnesota and ssx in Wisconsin. There were two winter records for Her- (fide DT). A Franklin's Gull returned to Milwaukee mit Thrushes in Wisconsin and seven were seen in late Mar 31 providingthe secondearliest Wisconsin arrival December in the Detroit area. A Mountain Bluebird was date seen Dec. 21 in Door Co., Wisc. (RL). There were 42 OWLS -- It was definitely a Snowy Owl year across E. Bluebirdspresent at nine locationsall winter in the the region. The specieswas reportedfrom 15 counties Detroit area. An E. Bluebird was on the Whitewater snW•sconsin in groupsup to six. Birds were presentall Game Refuge, Minn., Feb. 22. Ruby-crownedKinglets acrossMinnesota and the same was true in Michigan. remained in unprecedentednumbers. There were 15 There were only two Hawk Owl reports, one at Sault December records for Wisconsin, and seven on four Ste Marie, Mich., all winter (JJ) and one in Cook Co., CBCs in Berrien Co., Mich. Two were seen at Roches- M•nn., Dec. 31 (TP). Great Gray Owls were reported ter, Minn., in February, providing only the third wsnter from Cook, St. Louis and Roseau Cos. in Minnesota, record. A second winter record for the Water Pipit for and there was one late December report from Superior. the Detroit area was obtained when one was seen Jan Short-earedOwls were reported from 13 counties in 5. A record early arrival date for this speciesoccurred Wssconsinand from two localities in Michigan. None when one was seen Mar. 20 in Racine Co., Wssc were reportedsn Msnnesota Long-eared Owls followed BohemsanWaxwsngs were generally scarceacross the

Volume 29, Number 3 695 whole region. Only scattered reports of small flocks CONTRIBUTORS (area editors in bold face) - Eve- were reported from n. Minnesota, and n. Wisconsin. lyn Armstrong,R. Bajorek,J. Bartell, J.E. Baumgart- Northern Shrikes were generally scarceand less com- her, Bill BeckIcy, John Bielefeldt I. Billings, David mon than in previous years in Minnesota and Wiscon- Blais, Don Bolduc, Warren Buchannan, E. Carhart, A. sin. I am convincedthat the LoggerheadShrike occurs Carpenter, T. Carpenter, Betty Challis, H.F. Chamber- occasionallyin the winter in Minnesota,but observers lain, C.A. Ciiponeri, Ed Cleary, H. Cox, Mable generally call all winter shrikes Northerns. One Coyne, Richard C. Davids, Mrs. Arnold DeKam, Mary Loggerheadwas seenand carefully identifiedJan. 10, Donald, Don Drife, Kim Eckert, Mrs. Oscar Eckhardt, at Carver Nature Center. Carver Co. Minn. (RG). Pat Eising, Tom Erdman, Louise Erickson, Ruth WARBLERS THROUGH ICTERIDS -- One can Erickson,O.B. Eustis,Jim Evard. Craig Faanes,J.E. only look at the recordsfor this group and say "unpre- Faggan,Laurence and Carol Falk, PercyFearing, Mrs. cedented", and "what in the world is going on?" Here L.A. Feil, Bob Fiehweg,Herbert J. Fisher,Don Follen, are the records. A Black-and-white Warbler was seen Jim Fowler, Jr., Joan Fowler. Pepper Fuller, Dick in Duluth from Feb. 15 through March. (fide JG). Garber, Raymond Glassel, Janet Green (JG), Jeff Black-throated Blue Warbler visited a feeder in Bet- Greenhouse,Doris Gregerson,Betty Grigg, William rien Co., Mich., Dec. 15-24 (RS). Yellow-rumped Grigg, JamesHamers, J.G. Hanagan, G. Harkless, Warblers were commonin Michigan, with four Dec. 14 HelenHatlelid, Carroll Henderson, F. VincentHerring, at the Erie Marsh, the Ann Arbor CBC recorded 31 and J. Hewins, Nestor Hiemenz, Bill Helsenhoff, B. Hirt, the Oakland Co. CBC had 14. There were two De- Bruce Hitman, Ron Hoffman, Robert E. Holtz. Charles cember records for the speciesin Wisconsin. The sec- L. Horn, Jr., S. Horn, H. Horton, R. Hotaling(RH), ond winter record of the Pine Warbler for Wisconsin E.R. Hudspeth, John Idzikowski, M. Ivanovs, J. was a single individual Dec. 14 in Pepin Co. (SR). A James,Robert B. Janssen(Minnesota), Jeff Jepson Palm Warbler was at Alabaster, Mich., from mid- (JJ), Oscar L. Johnson,Roy Johnson,Mrs. A.M. Joul, December to early January. The first winter record for Alice Kelley (s.c. Michigan), CharlesKemper, J.P. the Ovenbird in Minnesota was of a single bird in s. Kleiman, Ronald Kneeskern,Bernied Klugas, Bernie Minneapolis Dec. 27-Jan. 9 (VL). A Louisiana Water- Klugow, Violet Lender, Ruth Lender, Fred Lesher, thrush (details?) was at Ann Arbor, Mich., Dec. 22 Harold Lindberg, R. Liskow, Roy Lukes (RL), Don (RH). ACom. Yellowthroat was seen at Erie Marsh Mahle, Merton Maier, TheodoreMeyer, S. Miller, A. Dec. 24. Northern Orioles were recorded on three Wis- Moss, R. Myers, E.C. Neeb, Herbert Neuenschwander, consin CBCs and one was seen at Sattell, Stearns Co., Gerald Niemi, Tom Notebaert, R. Parker, Joe Peck, Minn., Dec. 12. Tom Penpraise,B. Pinowski, G. Piranian, D. Radclif- fe. Ray Reilly, Sam Robbins,Dave Rochelean,P Roc- FRINGILLIDS -- A Rose-breasted Grosbeak was key, Albert Roy, lr., D. Runck, Orwin Rustad, A. seenwith EveningGrosbeaks in Cook Co., Minn. Jan. Ryff, Sue Schaub,Mrs. JosephSchepanski, Lloyd 24 (fide RBJ). A Black-headed Grosbeak was seen Scherer, M. Schneiderman,Madeline Schuller, Clark Mar. 3 and the rest of the month in Iowa Co., Wise. Schultz,Beatrice A. Smith, Roy Smith (s.w. Michi- (SR). This was definitely not an invasion year for gan), Evelyn Stanley, D.A. Stein, Froest Strnad, Mrs. winterfinches. Most observers repc•rted all speciesex- William E. Taylor (UpperPeninsula Michigan), Daryl cept the Evening Grosbeakas scarceto absent.The one Tessen (Wisconsin), Joel Trick, A.E. Valentine, Jan exception to this was n. Minnesota, in December. Van Holen, Sarah Vasse, Alice Vincent, R. Witter- There were 332 Com. Redpolls and 91 Pine Siskins on sheim. Mary J. Wolcott, John Woodcock, Mark the Duluth CBC. Scattered flocks remained in the area Wright, Kevin Zimmer, Paul Zucker. -- ROBERT B, till late December, but then disappeared.Flocks of JANSSEN, 14321 Prince Place, Minnetonka, Minn. Evening Grosbeakswere presentthroughout the period 55343, in most n. areasof the region. Redpollswere scarceto absentall acrossWisconsin and Michigan, as were Pine MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE REGION Siskins, Pine Grosbeaks, and Purple Finches. Both / Vernon M. K!een crossbillswere very scarceacross the whole region. A Green-tailed Towbee was seen on the Allegan State The winter seasonwas notablydull throughoutmost Game area CBC in Michigan. Many speciesof sparrows of the Regioncompared to most• earsand the monthof were recordedon WisconsinCBCs: Vesper (2), Chip- March shouldhave been reportedas part of the Sprin ping(2), with another carefully studied on Feb. 8 in KenoshaCounty, Field(16), Harris'(l), White-crowned (8), Fox(8), Swamp(40) and Song(32). In Minnesota White-throated Sparrowswere reported as far north as Crosby and up to seven wintered in downtown Min- neapolis.Snow Buntingswere presentin about normal numbersacross the region, with flocks of up to 200 in Minnesota,1000 in Wisconsinand 120 in Michigan. CORRIGENDA -- Changelocation of 90 Great Eg- retsfrom AgassizN.W.R. to Black Dog L., DakotaCo. Minn. (Am. Birds 29.62). The record of the Townsend's Warbler (Am. Birds 29:63) from Sheboygan,Wisc. should be deleted. 'il--- CrabOr•ord

696 AmericanBirds, June, 1975 Migration, not winter season.Of greatestinterest was graphed).Pied-billed Grebes found the winter mildness the mild winter which allowed half-hardy and unlikely to their liking and remainedin fair to goodnumbers speciessuch as warblers to linger well into the season; Regionwide;a highof 96 wastallied Dec. 17at L. Pewee the mildnessalso helped maintain healthy populations in w. Kentucky(JHa). of permanent residents. CORMORANTS, HERONS -- An imm. Double- This was the seasonfor Snowy Owls (see Iowa espe- crested Cormorant remained at Davenport, Ia. until cially), Rough-leggedHawks and ducks (also, shore- Jan. 15(P); otherreports were of springmigrants return- birds in the Clevelandarea), but was not the seasonfor ing to Desoto Bend N.W.R., Ia. (6) Mar. 21 (MWg), winter finchessince all specieswere conspicuouslyab- Gibson Co., Ind. (1) Mar. 27 (CM), and Fulton Co., Ill sent (2) Mar. 29 (VH); althoughnormally expected at their n One big problem was afforded national attention Illinois breeding colony in mid-March, none had re- when the U.S. Army unsuccessfullytried to kill mil- turned by Mar. 29 (BSh). Great Blue Herons were con- lions of blackbirdswith Tergitol. The sprayingwas less sidered very common at Ottawa N.W.R., Ohio, this than 25% effective, yet everyone thereafter, who had a winter -- quite unusual (LV); 1-3 overwintered at few blackbirds, wanted to begin a massive spraying Bloomington, Ind. (SG); a few others were reported campaign because they heard that the chemical killed The Dec. 14 occurrence of a Black-crowned Night blackbirds. Few people would listen to the biological Heron at Louisville was considerednoteworthy there phenomenonof migrationwhich would solve most of (S, FS). The first Yellow-crowned Night Heron of the their problems; the farmers were sure that these were seasonreturned to Jackson Co., Ill. by Mar. 29 (RP) the very birdseating their fall cropsbefore harvesting occurred. Most of the spraying occurred during late SWANS -- A few Mute Swans were reported -- February and early March -- preciselywhen the birds mostly in the Chicagoand Peoria areas. Several Whis- were in the processof migratingor getting ready to tlingSwans lingered late or wintered:three, Brown Co , migrate.The nightlyturnover from oneroost to the next Ind. Dec. 14(SG); three,Brookville, lnd. Dec. 28 (BW, coulddrastically change, but local citizenscould not be JCn); one, Larue Co., Ky. late December - Jan 16 convinced. This problem will surely be encountered (?JR);one, Bloomington,Ind. throughJan. 2 (SG); one, again next winter. Douglas Co., Ill. Jan. 6-9 (LH, RC); one, Lawrence Weatherwise, December, January and February all Co., Ill. Jan 25 (DJ, JJ); four, Hueston Woods S P, averagedwarmer and wetter than normal. The Cleve- Ohio, early February(m.ob.,fide DO); one,Peoria, Ill land and Louisville areas both reported January tem- Feb. 15(VH) - Mar. 15(m.ob.); the first springmigrants peratures 5ø F above normal. March was also found to were detectedat Ft. Wayne, Ind. (5) Mar. 21 (GN) and be rather wet, but somewhatcooler than the expected in WhitesideCo., Ill. (20) Mar. 28-29(BSh); a singlewas average.In northwesternIowa a heavy blizzard with 80 foundat SquawCreek N.W.R., Mo. Mar. 23 (L). mph winds on Jan. 10-11 causedsevere lossesof live- BRANT, DUCKS -- A Brant was found at the Pony stock as well as wildlife; total bird populationsat some Express Wildlife Area, Mo. (about 30 mi. e. of St feeding stationswere wiped out and in one farmyard, Joseph) Jan. 4 (L) and stayed there nearly a month hundredsof Snow Buntingscame to feed on the ground (m.ob.); excellent photos were obtained. Observers re- corn spreadout for the cattle (.fideGB). ported only good things about wintering dabblers and T he U.S. Corps of Engineerswere "thanked" by one most were pleasedwith the numbersof divers -- espe- group of Iowans; the floodgateon Coralville Dam was cially Redheadsand Canvasbacks.A total of 2147 Red- apparently openedtemporarily for repairsbut froze in headswere counted at Land-between-the-Lakes, Ky position allowing the reservoir to drain. The dead fish Mar. 18 (PS) --this is a migratorystopover. An all-tune attracted many eagles and gulls. high of 162 Canvasbackswas tallied on the Louisville Since this season included the Christmas Bird Counts CBC; up to 150 wintered at L. Pewee, Ky.; up to 200 (hereafter CBC) most records from those counts have could be found around Bloomington,Ind. during the been omitted from this report because they have al- season(SG). A well-described • Barrow's Goldeneye ready been published.However, a few of the excep- (includingflight description)was reported from Chi- tional observations have been included because the cago, Dec. 16 (GR); a male was found there Feb 22 readershipmay otherwise miss them. (?CS). Inland records of Oldsquawsincluded: two, In order to better verify observations, observersare Allen Co., Ind. Dec. 5 (HAW, JW); one, Independence, now requiredto completedocumentation forms for ex- Mo. throughJan. 2 (KH); one, Decatur, Ill. Jan 18(RSa, traordinary sight records at the time of observation; RP) which may have beenthe sameone at Springfield, suchdocumentations have been denoted by a dagger(?) Ill. (lessthan 40 mi. away) Feb. 16 - Apr. I (H, m.ob ) beforethe observer'sinitials. Where positiveidentifica- becausethere seemsto be much interchangebetween tion is available it has been denoted by an asterisk (*). the lakes at thosecities; and one, GibsonCo., Ind. Mar 22 (tMSm). One Harlequin Duck remained in the LOONS, GREBES -- As usual, a few Com. Loons Wilmette-Evanston area from Dec. 14 thru Mar 11 stayed long enoughto be includedon someCBCs; the (?m.ob.). The only Corn. Eider reported was at latest record was Jan. 2 in Kentucky; spring migrants Loraine, Ohio, (an ad. male) Jan. 28 (CD). The only returned on schedule. A migrant Red-throated Loon King Eider reported was at Wilmette, Ill. Dec. 14-23 appeared near Champaign, Ill. Mar. 30 and was last (?B, m.ob.). Inland records of White-winged Scoters observed Apr. 6 (RB, RG, m.ob.). An imm. Red-necked includedsingles at: Champaign,Ill. Dec. 8-10 (?DF), Grebe was first discovered at Springfield, Ill. Dec. 19 Schell-Osage,Mo. (w. Mo.) in January(NF); Danville, (?H) and remained through Dec 26 (mob -- photo- Ky Feb 8 (FL); and Peoria, Ill Mar 3-28 (tVH, ZW,

Volume 29, Number 3 697 mob). One Black Scoter occurred at Peoria Mar. 24-25 GULLS -- Nine GlaucousGulls were reportedfrom (RSc, SS). Many observersreported large numbers of Illinois Dec. 7 (DF) - Mar. 22 (H) -- both recordsfrom migrant Red-breasted Mergansers; the best totals in- L. Chautauqua;these gullswere found along the Mis- cluded 200+ males at Council Bluffs, Ia. (and more sissippiR. as far south as Alton (H, RSa); other indi- elsewhere) Mar. 29 (MWg et al.); 200+ in Allen Co., vidualswere found in the Clevelandarea Dec. 15 (CW, Ind Mar. 27 (HAW et al.) and 192 at Hueston Woods CD) - Jan. 26 (M). The only Iceland Gull reported was S P., Ohio in early February (m.ob.,fide DO). from Alton, Ill. Jan. 16& 24 (KA, m. ob.). One ad. Great VULTURES, ACCIPITERS, BUTEOS -- Unex- Black-backedGull was foundat L. Calumet,(Chicago) pected records of Turkey Vultures included the first St. Dec. 8 (C); a maximum of seven(Dec. 14) was tallied at Louis area winter observation, Jan. 11 (JCf); two at Cleveland with singlesremaining until Mar. 3 (M) De- Marshall, Ill. Jan. 6 (HAW); and 15 at Red Rock Ref- tailed sketches,lengthy descriptions and thorough cor- uge, Ia. Jan. 27 (GB). For the third consecutivewinter respondencewith the experts were completed before Goshawksappeared in fair numbers;a total of 11 were the record of an imm. Thayer'sGull was reportedas a reported, one penetratingas far southas Sullivan, Mo. confirmed identification; the bird was present at L Dec. 25 (LBo) and another a TV-tower casualty at Chautauqua,Ill. Dec. 17thru Jan. 1 (?H, RSa). The only Springfield, Ill. Dec. 18 (H); the last ones observed "winter" Franklin'sGull wasreported from Cleveland, were nearChicago, Feb. 9 (fide C). Both Sharp-shinned Dec. 14-30 (?M); however, spring migrants had re- and Cooper's hawks were reported but they continued turned by Mar. 15 (Whiteside Co., Ill- BSh) and have to be scarce.Red-tailed Hawks were consideredquite been reported in greater numbers than usual. Two ad common with no suggested declines. Red-shouldered Little Gulls were presentat Loraine, Ohio, Dec 28 - Hawks remainedin good standingin the southernpart Feb. 2 (m.ob.). Three imm. Black-leggedKittiwakes of the Region and definite winter records in the north appearedas singlesat Calumet, Ill. Dec. 8 (C), Alton, were more common than usual: four in n. Illinois, two in Ill. Feb. 8 (H, RSa), and Cleveland, Mar. 29-30 (?RH) c Indiana, and from one to three in n. Ohio; spring migrantswere first noted by late February and were OWLS THROUGH KINGFISHERS -- Five Barn reported from several areas during March. Rough- Owls were reported; one at Evansville, Ind. Feb 16 leggedHawks were markedly conspicuousthis winter, (AW); one at Hamburg, Ia. (no date given, IG); a nest in highestnumbers ever in someplaces. with two youngat Grandview, Ind. Mar. 20 and an adult EAGLES, OSPREYS, FALCONS -- Wintering severalmiles from the nest, Apr. 2 (RM); and one at Bald Eagle censusesalong the MississippiRiver indi- Blue Island, Ill. Apr. 2-3 (KBa). Snowy Owls invaded, catethat the adultto immatureratio is approaching2:1; up to 80 reported in Iowa alone (inclusive dates not 10 to 20 years ago it was closer to 4:1. Golden Eagles available,GB); six from Missouri, early Decemberto continueto be regularin the Regionand are reported mid-January;at least 12in Illinois(including two known more confidentlyand more often; up to three (one was road casualties)from late November throughMar 16- mysteriouslykilled) at Bloomington,Ind. from De- five of these reached c. Illinois; five from Indiana as cember - Apr. 6 (SG, TA); two in w. Kentucky, Feb. 8 early as Dec. 4 (last date unknown) -- two from In- (RN, CF, JF); and singlesin Mason Co., 111.Dec. 14and dianapolis;small numbers in n. Ohioas late as Mai 18, Feb. 2 (H) and N. Liberty, Ia. Mar. 19(?NH). The Feb. none were reported from Kentucky. A Whip-poor-will 15 sightingof an Ospreynear St. Louiswas quiteun- was heard in Pope Co., Ill. as early as Mar. 23 (RG) usual (JCfet al.). Two Peregrine Falcons were found at Belted Kingfishersshould be monitoredthroughout the Owensville,Mo. Jan. 1l (JI); winter reportsof indi- Region;observers around Kansas City go monthsat a viduals seen in Illinois only one time were received time before learning of one in their area. from Sangamon,McLean andMason counties; another WOODPECKERS, PHOEBE, SWALLOWS -- bird wasregularly seen feeding on pigeonsin downtown Most observers felt that Red-headed Woodpeckers Chicago; another was found in the Chicago area in stageda great comebackfrom last year and wintered in mid-February.An excellentdescription of a grayphase fair to excellent numbers; however, they were reported Gyrfalcon came from Magee Marsh, Ohio, Dec. 26-27 as "absent" in n.w. Missouri (L). The Feb. 4 record of (LV). an E. Phoebe near Springfield, Mo. causesone to won- GROUSE, CRANES -- It seemedunusual (for SG) der if this was truly a winter record or a very early to hear a drummingRuffed Grouse at Bloomington. migrant;migrants did generallyarrive early -- but still, Ind Dec. 30. Reporters continue to be enthralled with not until March. The warm water cooling lakes of the the migratingSandhill Cranes which passthrough c. new power generators may be changing some of our Indiana and e. Illinois during March. winter bird faunasother than waterfowl; at a plant along SHOREBIRDS -- The mild winter kept many the Ohio R. in Gibson Co., Ind. a Tree Swallow was still specieslater than usual.For Louisville,it was previ- present Jan. 25 (CM); another Tree Swallow (an early ously unheard of to report 164 Killdeers on a CBC. The migrant?) was found in Calloway Co., Mo. Feb 16 Cleveland lakefront was the place to be to find oddities: (LF). Early Barn Swallows were reported from Pope a Ruddy Turnstone (photos) Dec. 25 - Feb. 2 (M); a Co., Ill. Mar. 23 (RG) and Danville, Ky. Mar. 26 (FL) Purple Sandpiper(photos) Dec. 22 - Feb. 2 (M); a Red The Mar. 20 arrival of a Purple Martin at Chicago was Phalarope, Dec. 7 - Feb. 9 (M, m.ob.) and a N. nearly three weeks ahead of the expectedarrival date Phalarope,Dec. 25 - Jan. 26 (M). Another unexpected find wasa LeastSandpiper at L. Chautauqua,Ill. Jan. 1 MAGPIES, WRENS --A Black-billed Magpie was (H, RSa) and 17 at Land-between-the-Lakes,Ky. Dec. present with several blackbirds at SL Louis, Jan 17 9 (MM,fide S) (KBo) Two wintering House Wrens were reported,

698 American Birds, June, 1975 one s•ngingat Keokuk, Ia. Jan. 4 (H, RSa) and the other SPARROWS, LONGSPURS, BUNTINGS -- Le at McCutchenville, Ohio, Mar. 23 (TB). Winter Wrens Conte's Sparrows regularly winter in s. Illinois, how- were reported in good numbers and Carolina Wrens ever the one at Dundee, Jan. 5 (TDi, RMo) was survivedin many areas. A Bewick's Wren appearedat noteworthy. Lincoln's Sparrows were documentedat Squaw Creek Refuge, Mo. Mar. 22 (E). December 5 all three Illinois locations:Barrington, Dec. 23 (?RMo), was the last day the Long-billed Marsh Wren was ob- Union County Refuge, Dec. 29 (ñK) and in Pulaski Co served in Gibson Co., Ind. (*MSm). A Rock Wren was Dec. 30 (?RSa, H). It was quite a feat to find all four discovered near Olive Branch (Alexander Co.), II1. longspurs within a two week's period at Maryville, Dec 30 (*K) and was still presentJan. 28 (m.ob.) Mo.; the McCown's occurred on Mar. 16 (R, ?E); the Chestnut-collared(2 males),Mar. 27 (R, ?E). Over 150 THRUSHES, KINGLETS, WAXWINGS, Smith's Longspurs were observed there Mar. 20 (R) SHRIKES -- A Varied Thrushwas presentin Spring- and in ChristianCo., I11.(250) Mar. 22 (Het al.). Snow field, I11.Jan 5 - Feb. 12 (m.ob.); another was identified Buntingswere regularly reported and last seenin mid- at the Morton Arboretum near Chicago, Feb. 1. Early February. Wood Thrushes were found at Westville, Ill. (photo) Mar 29 (DW) and Louisville, Mar. 30 (WJ). Ruby- CORRIGENDUM -- The following changes should crowned Kinglets appear to be increasing as winter be made in Am. Birds: 29, 65, the 103 egrets should be residents. Cedar Waxwings remained erratic through- Great Egrets (not Cattle Egrets); p. 67, of the four out the seasonbut were found all winter at Iowa City, ConnecticutWarblers at Springfield,Ill., only two were Ia (NH). No BohemianWaxwings were reported.Iowa TV-tower casualties,the other two were sightrecord s observers reported four wintering LoggerheadShrikes and there were also two in c. Indiana. The only N. CONTRIBUTORS -- (Sectional editors' names in Shrike reported after the CBCs was one identified in boldfacetype; contributorsare requestedto sendtheir Tippecanoe Co., Ind. Feb. 2-14 (DA). reports to these editors.) Major contributorsare iden- tified with a singleinitial as follows:(A) RichardAnder- VIREOS, WARBLERS -- Mar. 28 was exception- son (Missouri), (B) Lawrence Balch (n. Illinois), (C) ally early for the Yellow-throated Vireo to be returning CharlesClark, (D) Owen Davies, (E) David Easterla, to Springfield, Ill. ('•H). An easily-observed Black- (H) David Bohlen, (K) Vernon Kleen (s. Illinois), (L) and-white Warbler was discovered on Horseshoe Is- Floyd Lawhon, (M) William Klamm, (P) Peter Peter- land of the Horseshoe Lake Wildlife Ref. (Alexander sen, (R) Mark Robbins, (S) Anne Stamm (Kentucky), Co ), II1. Dec. 30(*H, ?RSa). ATennesseeWarbler was other observers:Tom Alexander, Kathryn Athos, Del- observed on five different days at Charleston, Ill. be- ano Arvin, (KBa) Karl Barrel,Tom Bartlett, Jim Berry, tween Jan. 27 and Mar. 6 (?LH); it survived tempera- (DBi) Dale Birkenholz, Gladys Black, Ray Boehmer, tures as low as 8ø F. A Nashville Warbler was present at (KBo) Kyrle Boldt, (LBo) Larry Bostick, (LBr) W Lafayette, Ind. Dec. 24 - Jan. 12 (PR) and another at Leonard Brecher, (DBu) Dorthy Buck, Elaine Charleston, 111.Jan. 6 (tLH). An early Black-throated Burstatte, Marilyn Campbell, Larry Carter, (JCf) Jim Green Warbler arrived at Evansville, Ind. Mar. 25 Comfort, (JCn) John Coons, Robert Cottingham,Noel (NS) Pine Warblers must regularly winter in the large Cutright, (TDi) Ted Dillon, Corrine Dolbear, (TDo) pine expanses of Crab Orchard N.W.R., I11.;one was Thomas Dougherty, Ralph Eiseman, Linda Falch, found there Dec. 28 (?H), another (or more than one) Nathan Fay, C. & J. Frazer, Fred Fricker, Darlene was observed several miles from the first Jan. 18 - Feb. Friedman, Joann Garrett, Ione Getscher, Mark G•b- 2 (?BP). Four Palm Warblers lingered:singles at Dan- bens, Steve Glass, Bill Goodge, Richard Graber, vdle, Ky. -- all winter (FL); Charleston, II1. Dec. 27 Nicholas Halmi, (JHa) James Hancock, Leroy Ham- (BJ), St. Louis, Dec. 5-9 (JCf); and Akron, Ohio, Dec. 3 son, (HAW) Jim Haw, (JHe) Jack Hemphill, Chris and (+FF). An early Kentucky Warbler appeared at Kelly Hobbs, RichardHoffman, EdwardHopkins, Vir- Charleston, Mo. Mar. 30 (HAW) and a Louisiana ginia Humphreys, L. Barrie Hunt, Marcia Inman, J•m Waterthrushin Pope Co., I11.Mar. 23 (RG). Wintering Irvine, Wilbur Jackson, Marty Jakle, Bill James, Rob- Com Yellowthroats were present at Decatur, I11. Jan. ert Jessen,Dennis and Julie Jones, George Kastler, 11 (?RP) and JacksonCo., II1. Mar. 8 (BP). A Wilson's Charles Keller (Indiana), Wendell and Virginia Kings- Warbler was present at Louisville from Dec. 8 - Jan. 5 olver, Daniel Klem, Jean Knoblaugh, Bob Krol, James (PBPB, m.ob.). Lattumer, Frederick Loetscher, (RM) Randy Madding, Michael Miller, Charles Mills, Burr Monroe, (RMo) GROSBEAKS, BUNTINGS, TOWHEES -- A Robert Montgomery,Raymond Nail, GeorgeNeavoll, feeder at Carlyle, Ky. hosted a Rose-breasted Gros- Michael Newton, David Osborne (s. Ohio), Richard beak, Mar. 10 (WK, VK) and another was present at Palmer, (BPB) BrainardPalmer-Ball, (BP) Bruce Peter- Westville, I11.(photo) Jan. 2-19 (MC). Two Indigo Bunt- john, Robert Rea, Jon Richerr, Gerald Rosenband, ings were found at Liberty (Adams Co.), Ill. Dec. 21 PabloRuiz-Ramon, (RSa) RichardSandburg, (JSa) Jef- (?H) and another appeared at Corydon, Ky. feeder frey Sanders, (RSc) Ralph and Sharon Scott, (BSh) Mar 7-15 (RM, et al.). Reports of Evening Grosbeaks Betty and Harry Shaw, (JSm) Jim Smith, Litha Smith, were scarce; Pine Grosbeaks, redpolls and crossbills (MSm) Marietta Smith, Calvin Snyder, (MSt) M•ke were non-existent; a few Pine Siskins were reported Stasko, Fred Stamm, (BSt) Bruce Stehling,Nathalee early but otherwise, very scarce;only the Purple Finch Stocks, Paul Sturm, Tom Thomson, Roger Troutman, was reported in good numbers. A Green-tailed Towhee Larry Tucker, Laurel Van Camp (n. Ohio), Katie Van was discoveredat Bennett SpringsS.P., (Dallas Co.), Huffel, Anne Wagner, Clinton Ward, David Watson, Mo Mar. I (*JG) (MWn) Mark Weldon, Henry West, Bret Whitney,

Volume 29, Number 3 699 (MWg) Melba Wigg, Jim Williams, Zelma Williams, small canal in the coastal marsh Jan. 17 (RN & RH). Rea Wind sor. -- VERNON M. KLEEN, Div. of Wildlife Also observed were one at L. Vernon, Vernon Par., Resources, Illinois Department of Conservation, Jan. 26 (RN, RoC & BCr) and one at Cocadrie L., Springfield,Illinois 62706. Rapides Par., Feb. 19 (CGu & HG). There were three reported on Arkansas CBCs (fide EdH). CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION Each year the numberof Cattle Egretslingering in the region seems to increase. This year there was one re- / Robert B. Hamilton ported on an ArkansasCBC (fide EdH). It wasreported on 9 of 12 Louisiana CBCs; it was missed on the Monroe This was the secondconsecutive relatively mild win- count, but three were seen Jan. 21 in Morehouse Par., ter in our region; consequentlythe number of reports of n. of Monroe (DTK). It was also reported at several boreal specieswas less than usual. An exception was other scattered locations in the state. The two Snowy the Rough-leggedHawk which was reported frequently Egrets seen at SpanishL. on the Baton Rouge, La. CBC throughout the region. On the other hand there were were the first local winter records; the second record more than the usual number of reports of lingering was the two reported at Ben Hut Farm, L.S.U., Jan. 4. migrants. Some of the rarities found were Great Cor- (RN & RH). In Alabama, 400 were reported migrating morant and King Eider in Florida, House Finch in Ten- N at Cochane Causeway, Mobile Bay, Feb. 26 (TI, nessee, Great Black-backed Gull in Alabama, Vaux's HHK et al.). Reddish Egrets were reported at Tyndall Swift in Louisiana, and Crested Flycatcher in Arkan- A.F.B., Fla., Dec. 18 & Jan. 2 (SS) for the first n.w. sas. Florida December and January records. Three (one white-phased) were reported at Dauphin I., Ala., through Jan. 1 and one remained through Mar. 15; pre- vious winter records in Alabama are scattered (TI). This specieswas seenat Grande Terre, Barataria Bay, Feb. 9 (RH) and 23 (TS) and off e. end of Grande Isle Feb. 11 (RN, MN & BCr). There is only one previous Louisiana February record. The 150 Great Egrets re- ported at Eufaula, Ala., Feb. 8 (JMi) is an encouraging number for an inland location in winter. The Least Bittern which struckutility wires in Arkansason Bayou Bartholomew, Jefferson Co., Mar. 11 is almost a month earlier than any previous arrival date and may have been wintering (RKi & ArS); the earliest reported arri- val for Louisiana was one reported at Miller's L., Evangeline Par., Mar. 15 OBO).

IBIS, WATERFOWL -- The GlossyIbis was ob- served for the first winter time in Louisiana this year, both times in Cameron Par.: Dec. 27 at "Magnolia Rd." {RN, GL & PB} and Jan. 26 at the Sabine N.W.R. LOONS, GREBES, PELECANIFORMES, HER- nature trail {HD & GBr). Twelve Whistling Swans were ON S --The maximum number ofCom. Loons reported observeds. of Valley View, CraigheadCo., Ark., Mar. was the 10-20 at Black L. Natchitoches Par. (CV). Both 2-3 among a large flock of Snow Geese (OW,fide EH). Horned and Fared Grebes were reported as scarce at This is the second recent record from n.e. Ark. From the same lake. On the other hand there were 80 Horned 1-8 were at Wheeler N.W.R., Ala., this winter. An Grebes at Sardis L., Miss., Jan. 15-16 (MD, BC, LC et injured immaturedied and is now a specimenat Auburn al.). There were also 2-3 Fared Grebes at this location Univ. (TZA et al.). Some also spent the winter 5 mi. w. Nov. 18 - Jan. 15 {MD et al.). The maximum number of of Tunica, Miss., with five recorded Dec. 12 - Jan. 13 Brown Pelicans reported in n.w. Florida during the and three Jan. 26 - Mar. 9 (RW, BC & LC). Further period was 50 at St. Joe Feb. 17 (SS). There was only evidence of White-fronted Geese wintering in Alabama one record for the Alabama coast where two were re- occurred when six were seen at Wheeler N.W.R. Jan. ported at Dauphin I. in December (Rill). The only 11 {SS, fide TZA). A count of more than 80 was ob- Gannet reports were from the e. section of our region tained at Holla Bend N.W.R., Ark., Mar. 16 (EdH & where they were seenregularly; the maximumnumber HH). Redheads were more abundant than usual: on was 20 Mar. 26 near Pensacola Beach (RD & LD). The Feb. 17 more than 450 were seen at Ft. Pickens, Fla. Great Cormorant reported at Gulf Breeze was only the and on Feb. 20 more than 150were at Ft. Walton Beach, second record for n.w. Florida (RD). There were more Fla. (LD & RD); on Mar. 5, 72 were seen at the Turrell, than the usual number of rarely wintering Anhingas Ark., sewerage lagoon (BC & LC). The four Greater reported. One was seen at Bear L., Santa Rosa Co., Scaup observed at Wheeler N.W.R., Feb. 26 provided Fla., Feb. 8 (BJ & S R). There were numerous reports in the eighth local winter record (DCH). Common Gold- Louisiana: At Durango I., Tensas Par., a small flock eneye was more abundant than usual in Louisiana, was present all winter (RNo); on Natchitoches CBC where it was reported on 4 of 12 CBCs. The one seen one wasreported (CV) with 12on the AtchafalayaBasin near Stonewall, DeSoto Par., Mar. 17-20 was only the CBC; at Pecan I., Vermilion Par., one was seen on a second Shreveport area spring record (HcH & HJ).

700 American Birds, June, 1975 Two Oldsquawswere reported on the Gulf of Mexico were at Reelfoot L. (T.O.S.). Eight were seen at Tal- near Holly Beach, La., Jan. 26 (HDP, DAT, GL & ladegaNat'l Forest, Ala., Mar. 16 (EM). The approxi- GBr) Black Scoterswere observed in Florida, where mately 28 Bald Eagles.reported below Toledo Bend four females and one male were observed at Pensacola reservoir in Vernon Par., Jan. 21 is probably a Lou- Bay Dec. 16 - Mar. 11 (RD, m.ob.) and Louisiana where isiana record (ES). Besides these reports, eagles were a female was observed near Peveto Beach Dec. 8 (RN, found on 3 of 12 La. CBCs plus one at Alexandria about RH & SaG) and possiblythe sameindividual observed 4 Jan. 1 (GAB) and one in Madison Par. near Tallulah ml w. of Holly BeachDec. 29 (RN & GL). There were Feb. 8 (RN, DTK, HDP & WJL). The six known Bald no previous December records in Louisiana. A Surf Eagle nestsin Louisiana produced7 youngthis winter Scoter was found near Gulf Breeze, Fla., Jan. 5 and in (RAy). Pensacola Bay Feb. 19 (RD); five were at Peveto Peregrine Falconswere reported at two locationsin Beach, La., Dec. 8 (HJ, JRS, PL & CM) and at least 14 Louisiana: Jan. 18 (RN & RH) in Cameron Par. near were there Dec. 9 (RH, RN & SAG), two on Jan. 26 Hackberry and at Grand Terre I., Jefferson Par., Feb (HDP, TT et al.), and two on Feb. 16 (BCr& RN). One 11 (RN, MN & BCr). One was observed in Arkansas was seeninland at Sardis L. Dam, Miss., Jan. 15 (MD) Jan. 1 at Calion L., Union Co. (JB, CA & FG). At & Jan. 16 (LC, BC et al.). Tyndall A.F.B., Fla., one was seenFeb. 8 (SS, m.ob ) Few birds have caused the discussion which resulted It is very difficult to explain the presence of a Prairie from the presenceof an eider in PensacolaBay at Gulf Falcon at Birmingham, Ala., Feb. 6, but one was re- Breeze, Fla., Dec. 14 - Mar. 14. This bird was seen by ported (HE & EM). Perhaps it represents an escape many experts who have variously identified as a King Sandhill Cranes wintered n. of Cheneyville, Rapides Eider, a Corn. Eider, or an unidentifiable eider. Excel- Par., for the eighth or ninth consecutiveyear (RN, ES et lent slides were submitted to the American Museum of al.); at least 17 were present.The rarely observedYel- Natural History, New York, for identification, but no low Rail was reported three times in Louisiana this positive one could be made. Either speciesin n.w. winter: at Grand Cheniere, Cameron Par., one was Florida is noteworthy. heard callingon Jan. 17 (RN & RH) --this was only the FALCONIFORMES, GRUIFORMES -- Sharp- second aural record for Bob Newman in the state; one shinned Hawks were observed at seven locations in was flushedat Rabbit I., Cameron Par., Mar. 20 (KP, Tennesseeduring the winter (T.O.S.). In addition two WL, RNo & JBO) and one at Ben Hur Farm, L.S.U , were seenin St. Martin Parishin the AtchafalayaBasin Mar. 29 (RRu & MS). The Purple Gallinule observedat Jan 14 (ES), and two were seennear Trout, in La Salle PanamaCity, Fla., Dec. 28 (SS) was probably winter- Par , Dec. 3 (ES). Cooper's Hawks were observedon ing. One was present at Miller's L., Evangeline Par, five CBCs and nine individualswere reported at eight La., Dec. 29 (JBO). locations in Tennessee this winter (T.O.S.). The rela- SHOREBIRDS, GULLS, TERNS -- The Wilson's tively rare Harlan's form of the Red-tailed Hawk was Plover, which is seldomseen in our regionin winter, observed in Baton Rouge Mar. 8 (DAT). The Broad- wasobserved at Grand Isle S.P., JeffersonPar., Feb 11 winged Hawk was reported on three of 12 Louisiana (RN, MN & BCr). The Long-billedCurlew photo- CBCs. In addition the one seen at the E. Jetty Woods, graphedat Ala. Pt. Jan. 18, 19& 21 (MLM) wasthe first Cameron Par., Feb. 23 (RN & RoC) was somewhat Alabamawinter record. At the Cameron,La., dump early to be a migrant.In Tennessee,where it is only Jan. 26 a Whimbrelwas seen(GBr, GL, HDP & DAT) occasionally seen, ten widely scattered observers re- andone at thenearby E. Jetty Feb. 22 (RN & RoC).The ported at leas•t 11 different Rough-leggedHawks. SolitarySandpiper found at Monkey I., Cameron,Feb Anotherwas seenin Lee Co., Ark., Jan. 5 (EdH & HH). 23 (RN & RoC) may have been winteringor may have One was seen at St. Andrew's Bay near Ft. Morgan, been an early migrant.The eight PectoralSandpipers Ala, Dec. 18 (FC, MLM & ShG) and one was seen20 observedat the Duck River Unit, Tenn. N.W.R., Feb ml e , at Gulf Shores Feb. 27 (fide TI). In Louisiana two 19 (JLe) were unexpected in the winter. A recent trend were found on the Reserve CBC (PB, SaG & GL) and of finding Stilt Sandpipersin the winter in Louisiana singleindividuals were found in s. Red River Par., Dec. continueswith approximatelyeight seen 2 mi. w of 23 and s. BossierPar. Feb. 3 (ES). The rare Ferruginous Johnson'sBayou, Cameron Par., Jan.26 (HDP, DAT & Hawk was observed in a small flock of Black Vultures GL) for the secondJanuary record and four observedat at Fort Jackson,Plaquemines Par., Dec. 7 (LS). Six GrandIsle S.P., Feb. 11(RN & BCr). MarbledGodwits Golden Eagles (3 imm. & 3 ad.) wintered in Cannon were seen in Cameron Par.; three on Dec. 8 at Brous- Co, Tenn., (FBr)'and sevenothers were found duringa sard'sBeach (RH & SAG);four on Jan. 18at MonkeyI statewidecount Feb. 8 (T. O.S. ). An adult was observed ferry slip(RH & RN); andapproximately 30 at E. Jetty Dec 10 at Wheeler N.W.R. (WCD & JHB), and was Jan. 26 (HDP, DAT & GL). Two Black-necked Stilts observedoccasionally until Jan. 16 (WCD, JHB et al.). were seenat Blakely I., Mobile, at their recentlydis- From Jan. 25 - Feb. 21, one immature and one adult cox?eredbreeding grounds Feb. 26 (TI, HHK, HHT, were observed at Eufaula N.W.R., Ala., (WM, SP, HW & AM); threewere observedlater by otherparties TMo et al.). In Louisiana Golden Eagles were present Also at Blakely I. Feb. 26 the same observers saw a at the traditional places in Madison Par.; this year one Wilson's Phalaropefor the first Alabamawinter record, adult and two immatures were seen Feb. 8 (RN, HDP, there is a recordfor Mar. 11-12,1967, which may also DTK & BCr). On Feb. 8 a Bald Eagle count was con- have representedwintering. ducted in Tennessee. A total of 169 individuals were The Great Black-backed Gull was present in at least found (82 ad., 65 imm. 22 undet.). Not all eaglesknown two of the coastal states of our region this winter. One to be in the area were counted Of those located 129 was observed at Destin, Fla , Dec 27 (RD, LD & SS)

Volume 29, Number 3 701 and two adults were seen at Pensacola Bay Feb. 15 (AF missed for several years. At least three and possibly & EEF). These were the third and fourth records for four were found at LaPlace, St. Johnthe Baptist Par, n w. Florida. An immature was observed at Wheeler Dec. 23 and were found numerous times until Mar l0 N W.R., Dec. 11 (JW & DCH); this was the first inland (RS, MW, CRA et al.). Alabamarecord. There are sevenprevious records for Winter hummingbirdsare rare anywherein our Re- Alabamacoast including one Nov. 5 (fide TI). At Sardis gion, but this year many were found. A Ruby-throated L , Miss., 450 Bonaparte'sGulls were seenJan. 4 (LC, Hummingbird was observed at Pensacola,Fla., Dec 14 BC & AS). A largenumber were also seen at thisinland (CK, DR, SR & JR), and an Ar•hilo•hus sp. hum- location Nov. 18 (MD,fide BC). A Forster's Tern was mingbirdwas observedin CameronDec. 8 (RN, RH & observed at Cross L., near Shreveport, La., Jan, 19 SaG) and at Reserve Feb. 4-7 (RS et al.). A d' Black- (H J) for the first winter record in that area. On Jan. 4, chinned Hummingbird stayed at Gonzales, Ascension five were seen at University L., Baton Rouge (RN & Par., Nov. 28 - Jan. 13 (FB); it died Jan. 13 or 14, RH); this is the first recent record for a formerly regular presumablyfrom fighting a Rufous Hummingbird A local winter resident. A bird which was apparently a Buff-belliedHummingbird was seenfor the secondcon- RoseateTern wasobserved at the Monkey I. ferry slip, secutive year in Louisiana -- this time on the New Cameron, Dec. 27-28 (RN, GL, PB & JL) and Jan. 18 Orleans CBC. Rufous Hummingbirds were found in (RN & RH). The two SandwichTerns observedat St. two locations in Alabama for the sixth and seventh state Andrew's S.P., Fla., Jan. 11 (SS) representthe fourth records:at Magnolia SpringsJan. 5 (FC), andat Mobile, consecutive winter this scarce species was observed Jan. 18 - Feb. 21 (MG); this was the fourth consecutive there. One was also observed near Broussard's Beach, year at this location. Rufous Hummingbirdswere found Cameron Par., Jan. 18 (RN & RH). at four locationsin Louisiana. There were singleindi- DOVES THROUGH HUMMINGBIRDS -- The viduals at: Gonzales (RN et al.) from December to Jan fourSWhite-wingedDoves observed from an oil plat- 16; Baton RougeNov. 24 to at least Feb. 10(BB & RN), form off of LouisianaNov. 14 (AWC) were unexpected and Cameron Dec. 8 & 28 (RN et al.). Ron Stemhas sincethe speciesis not known to be a trans-Gulf mi- attempted to attract hummingbirdsto his yard at Re- grant. One was also seen Dec. 7 at Reserve, La., where serve and had Rufous Hummingbirds presentNov 20 - it is rarely seen (RS). A Mourning Dove nested at Mar. 31. The maximum number present was 12 An Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 28 - Jan. 9 (MB & PS); this is the unidentified hummingbird was found at Magnolia, first record of winter nesting of this species in the Ark., Dec. 14 (EK). This is much further north than Nashville area. A Ground Dove was observed at Duck usualfor hummingbirdwinter sightings. River Unit Dec. 3 (JLe); it was alsoseen Dec. 6 (PC) & 7 WOODPECKERS, FLYCATCHERS, SWAL- (M Bet al.). This was the secondTennessee record. One LOWS -- The Corn. Flicker (Red-shafted)was ob- was observed Mar. 16 (CG) at Texarkana, where it is servedfor the first time this winter in LonokeCo., Ark , unusual. A Black-billed Cuckoo was observed by Ron one was seen Jan. 25 (EdH, HH, MP & HP). One was Stein in his yard at Reserve, La., Mar. 12. It was very also seen in Louisianaat CocodrieL., RapidesPar , early to be a migrating bird and may have been winter- Feb. 19 (CGu & HG). A possibleIvory-billed Wood- lng. Groove-billed Anis wintered at Ft. Pickens, Fla. peckerwas reportedin Louisianaduring the period The (KC &DT). The SnowyOwl first noted on the TV aerial bird was observedflying acrossInterstate l0 approxi- of a store in downtown Opelika, Lee Co., Ala., Dec. 24, mately 20 mi. w. of Baton Rouge(near where I thoughtI stayed in the vicinity until at least Jan. 19 (EHi et al.). saw one 2 years ago) Nov. l l (RBe, fide BM), the The bird was photographedand observed by birders characteristic color pattern on the wings was noted A from Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, as was befitting a Scissor-tailedFlycatcher was observed in Plaquemines specieswhich scarcelyever visits our Region; this was Par. near Naomi Jan. 29 (RF). One was observed in the secondAlabama record. The Long-eared Owl, only Alabama, at Phenix City, Mar. 14 (MF); this is the occasionallyobserved in Louisiana,was found on Mar. earliestinland record for Alabama. An almostunpre- 8 at Miller's L., Evengeline Par. (JBO); it stayed till the cedented Great Crested Flycatcher was reported in end of the month. Three were also seen at Cheatham L. Pulaski Co., Ark., Jan. 14 - Feb. 26. It was seen and Dam, CheathemCo., Tenn., Dec. 22 - Jan. 4 (MB); this heardoccasionally as it left its roost in Margeshop (BS, is the sixth record for the Nashville area. Short-eared CSp, C1S & VS). The Wied's CrestedFlycatcher was Owls again wintered at the Smyrna Airport in Tennes- observed for the third consecutive CBC at Venice, see, where seven were seen; they were first found there PlaqueminesPar. Dec. 31 (RN, RH & SiG). A Least in the winter of 1971-72. It was a good year for this Flycatcherwas observed at Reserve, St. John the Bap- species in Alabama 9CideTI); maximum count was at tist Par., Dec. 12 (RS) and at Willow I., CameronPar , Eufaula where 23 were seen Jan. 13 - Feb. 21 (SP, WM, Dec. 8 (GLo) & Jan. 17 (RN & RH). A Western MF et aLL A wintering Chuck-will's-widow was cap- Flycatcher (?) was observed Dec. 7 at Willow 1., Came- tured in a mist net at Gulfport, Miss., Jan. 18 (EF1) and ron Par. (RN, RH & SAG).There are no previousrec- was banded. The individual callingat Gulf Shores, Ala., ords for this species in Louisiana and because of the Feb. 26 (T1 & HW) was presumedto be migrant. A difficulty of identification it will not be included in Corn. Nighthawk was heard on the L.S.U. campus, Louisiana's list. In our Region, the Vermilion Fly- Baton Rouge, Jan. 27 (JBO). This is the second recent catcherwas only reported from Louisianathis winter wintering record. The one observedat Nashville Mar. There were two at Mansura, Avoyelles Par., Jan 5 20 wasprobably a migrantalthough it was7 daysearlier (PSi); one at Miller's L., Evangeline Par., Jan. 6, and than any previous record locally. The Vaux's Swift was two there on Feb. 17 (JBO); and one at Grand Chenler again recorded in Louisiana this winter after being Jan 17 (RN & RH) Two Tree Swallows were seen in

702 American Birds, June, 1975 Tennessee, where it is rare in the winter, at Duck River Louisiana CBCs. Three were seen on Arkansas CBCs Unit, Feb. 10 (JLe). An unprecedented flock of five and the first winter Faulkner Co., Ark., record oc- Barn Swallows was seen at Grand Chenier, Feb. 23 curred Jan. 25 (DJ). In Tennessee, one was found at (RoC & RN). PurpleMartins arrivedin Louisianaespe- Duck River Unit Feb. 19 (JLe). The Yellow-breasted cially early this year. The three reported at Bruley, Chat was also present throughoutour area, where it was West Baton Rouge Par., Jan. 21 (VPR) was the earliest found in four different states: Louisiana, two were re- ever by 2 days.They were alsoreported at ReserveJan. ported on the Mansura CBC and on Jan. 14 one was 26 (MW), at Baton Rouge Jan. 26 (RC), and at Natch- seenin Baton Rouge (BB); Arkansas, on the Fort Smith •toches Jan. 30 (CV & KS). The Purple Martin at CBC Dec. 28 (RA); Tennessee,at Nashville Dec. 28, for Marlanna, Fla., Jan. 24 (MGr) was the earliest ever the secondNashville area winter record (LF & WF), there by 6 days. Florida, at PanamaCity Jan. 4 & Feb. 30 (SS) for the fourth winter record. The Hooded Warbler at Gum NUTHATCHES THROUGH VIREOS -- Red- Cove, Cameron Par., Feb. 22 (BO) was only the first breasted Nuthatches were seen at five locations in February Louisianarecord; it was again seenMar 8 Nashville but this specieswas not reportedand was (BO, RN et al.). Wilson's Warbler was observed in apparentlymissing in the rest of Tennessee(T.O.S.). It Louisiana at LaPlace Dec. 21 (DN), at Peveto Beach was reported in 4 of 12 Louisiana CBCs but there were Feb. 15-16(DTK & MC) & Feb. 22 (RBC & RN). An no further reports. A Bewick's Wren was seenin n.w. Am. Redstart was seenat Johnson'sBayou, Cameron Florida for the first time in seven years this winter: Jan. Par. Dec. 7 (GE, ME & RE). 19 (JE), Jan. 30 (MLM), and Feb. 1 (PSy). A Sage Thrasher was observed at Willow I., Cameron Par., BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS -- A Yellow-headed Dec 8 (GE, KE & ME). This was the sixth record for Blackbirdwas observedat Gulf Breeze, Dec. 14(AF & Louisiana.The T.O.S. reports that a good hackberry EEF); this western speciesis rarely observedthat far crop held many Am. Robinsin middleTennessee; the east. One has been present at Memphis, Tenn., since Nashvilleroost peaked at approximately400,000 birds. Mar. 10 (BC, HD & HLD); this is the first verified Bell's Vireo, which is extremely rare in Louisiana in Tennessee record. An Orchard Oriole wintered at winter was found at Willow I., Cameron Par., Jan. 17 Baton Rouge where it has been present since Jan. 13 (RH) near the same location at which one was seen last (BB, RN et al.). Although usually scarce, N. Orioles year A Yellow-throated Vireo was seen near Hot were presentthroughout the area all winter. Two over- Springs,Ark., Jan.22 (JT, JWC, JHC & JFT). Solitary wintered at Gulfport, Miss. (EFI & ESu). The one win- Vireos were found in the n. part of our Region this tering at Pensacolawas only the secondrecord of over- winter. One was observed at Dyersburg, Tenn., Nov. 4 wintering there (JM, m.ob.). A female was seen near (VL), onewas seenat Malvern, Hot SpringsCo., Ark., Memphis Jan. 27 (EC & CS); the male observed at Dec 9 (MP & HP), and eight were seenon the Arkansas Dyersburg Dec. 6 was the secondwinter record there CBCs In Arkansas, one was seen at L. Hamilton, Garland WARBLERS -- Seven Black-and-white Warblers Co., Jan. 25 - Mar. 31 (JT). In Louisiana, one wintered were found o.nVenice, La., CBC and four on the New at Baton Rouge (ArS), and one was observed at Man- Orleans CBC. A ProthonotaryWabler was seen along sura Dec. 24 (TSt &PSt). the bank of the MississippiR. at Baton Rouge Jan. 23 (PSt) An Orange-crownedWarbler was seenat Dyers- burg, Tenn., Dec. 20 - Jan. 7 (CH) and a Cape May Blackbird concentrations seem to have been Warbler was observedat Duck River Unit Jan. 9 (JLe). increasingin recent years;the attentionthat they The Black-throatedGray Warbler was presentin both have causedcertainly hasincreased and the con- Florida and Louisiana this winter. On Nov. 28 one was troversycaused by approximately2 million birds seen at Tyndall A.F.B., Fla., (SS) for the first record in at Fort Campbell, Ky., was thoroughly covered over seven years. A male was observed on the Venice, on national TV. A blackbird survey taken by La CBC (SiG & DN) and a female was observedat the U.S.F. & W.S. indicates that in Arkansas this same place Jan. 25 (BCr, RN & SAG). The Black- winter there were at least 33 roosts comprising throated Green Warbler observedat PanamaCity, Fla., about 51.5 million birds. A similar survey in 1969 Dec 28 (SS, RD & LD) was only the third winter record revealed 30 roosts and 46 million birds. In there A Prairie Warbler was foundby RH at Willow I., Louisiana this winter there were 71 roosts re- CameronPar., La., Jan. 17; this speciesis only occa- ported, but only 30 were checked; the 30 com- sionallyobserved in Louisianaduring the winter. Palm prisedapproximately 77 million birds.The one in Warblerswere foundmore than usual;this specieswas W. Carrol Par. may be the largest roost in the present on 5 of 12 Louisiana CBCs -- with 37 on the U.S. with 21 million birds. The 23 roosts in our Venice CBC. It was presentfor the Lonoke, Ark. CBC sectionof Tennesseeheld approximately 43 mil- for only the secondtime in 15 years (EdH & HH). It was lion birds. There were 17 roostsreported in Mis- reported at five locations in Tennessee, although nor- sissippi and eight in Alabama. There were at mally consideredrare: Old Hickory, Dec. 2 - Jan.2 (LE least 37 roostsin our region which comprisedas & AH); CheathamL. Dam, Dec. 23 - Jan. 5 (BiJ, SF & many birds as the Ft. Campbell roost. WFt), Duck River Unit, Jan. 9 - Feb. 19 (JLe); and Trousdale Co., Feb. 1 (BiJ). Common Yellowthroats A WesternTanager was seen and photographedin may have been more prevalent than usual this winter. Shreveport, La., this winter (PL, HJ et al.). It was They were found in all but the three most northern present from February until the end of the period; this

Volume 29, Number 3 703 was the first record for n.w. Louisiana. Summer Tana- Clarksville, Tenn., Dec. 22 (DS). The Lapland gets were observedin four statesof the region:A Longspur was scarcein La. this winter (fide RN). How- MALE WINTERED AT Marianna, Fla., being seen ever, 150 were seen at Courtland Airfield, Lawrence from Dec. 9 -Mar. 28 (MGr, EW et al.), and is the first Co., Ala., Mar. 6 (RR, HE & JP). The 4096 on the winteringrecord there; one was seenat Mobile, Ala., Slovak, Prairie Co., Ark. CBC was the high for the Feb. 10 & Feb. 16 (JRu & LMc); one wintered in n. state. Little Rock Jan. 18 - March (LM & TM); one was CONTRIBUTORS (boldface) and OBSERVERS -- observedthe day before the Baton Rouge CBC (RH); C.R. Allor (CRA), Carl Amason, Lois P. Archer, Ruth one was seen at Natchitoches on Jan. 11 (CV); and a Armstrong, T.Z. Atkeson (TZA), Ray Aycock (RAy), malewas seen at MonroeFeb. 27 (DTK & MC). Dr. and Mrs. Forest Baker, Robert Bean (RBe), FINCHES -- A Rose-breasted Grosbeak stayed Michael L. Bierly (Tennessee),J.H. Blackwood(JHB), from Feb. 12 until the end of the period (FM) at Barbara Bodman, Greg A. Brian (GAB), PauleBrochu, Nashville and is the fifth area winter record. A Black- Ann Brown (ABr), Howard Brown, Jimmie Brown, headed Grosbeak wintered in Little Rock (DO & PO). Greg Bryan (GBr), Francis Bryson (FBr), Ralph Cam- During the winter Memphis had one record, Jan. 13-18 bre, Mrs. Ed Carpenter, Robin Carter (RoC), Fairly (HB &ABr); Nashville had three Jan. 16 - Mar. 30 Chandler, Mrs. J.H. Chesnutt (JHC), Mr. and Mrs (MH), mid-March(RMc,fide KGo), andMar. 26 (KGo) J.W. Chestnutt (JWC), Karen Clark, Ben B. Coffey, Jr. representingat least two birds. There were only four (W. Tennessee), Lula C. Coffey, A.W. Cook (AWC), previousTennessee records. A male was seenat Wil- Matt Courtman, Paul Crawford, Bruce Crider (BCr), low I., near Cameron Dec. 7 (RN, RH & SAG). Two Marvin Davis, W.C. Davis (WCD), Helen Dinkelsplel Blue Grosbeaks were observed on the Baton Rouge (H1D), Henry Dinkelspiel, Lucy Duncan, Robert Dun- CBC and one was seen at Willow I. Dec. 7 (RN, RH & can, John Edscorn, Howard Einspahr, Len Endns SAG).Three IndigoBuntings wintered in the Nashville (LEn), Lou Erwin, Grace Eyster, Kenneth Eyster, area: at Gallatin Jan. 16 - Mar. 31, where two were Marshall Eyster, Lucy Finch, William Finch, Sally Fin- present(MH), and at Nashville Feb. 22 one was present tel, William Fintel (WFt), Ethel Floyd (EF1), Ronald (LJ). A • PaintedBunting was observed at Verdunville Fowler, Mike Fuller, Army Furnans, E.E. Furnans Landing, St. Mary's Par., Dec. 14 (RK & CL). This is (EEF), Sherlie Gade (ShG), Mary A. Gaillard, Mr & the seventh consecutive winter that a c• Painted Bunt- Mrs. Charles Gardner, Sidney Gauthreaux (SiG), lng has wintered in the same neighborhoodof Baton Katherine Goodpasture (KGo), Mary Gray (MGr), Rouge(fide RN). Sincethe occurrenceis sorare, these Ferne Greene, Charles Guillory (CGu), Haftand D observations serve as evidence for the fidelity of a bird Guillory, Sandra L. Guthans (SAG), Monte Hagan, to a winteringarea and also indicate longevity.There Edith N. Halberg (EdH) (Arkansas),Henry Halberg, were three records of Dickcissels in Tennessee: at Robert B. Hamilton, Earl Hanebrink, Dave Hassler, Murfreesboro, Nov. 1 - Mar. 6 (ASp); in the second Richard Hayward (Rill), H.C. Hervey (HCH), Anne week of Jan. (ASt & CSt); and Dec. 21 near Hartsville Hettish, Ed Hill (EHi), Celia Hudson, D.C. Hulse (BiJ). An imm. male was observed near New Iberia, (DCH), Thomas Imhof (Alabama), Greg D. Jackson, La., Dec. 3 (MM). Louise Jackson, Horace H. Jeter, Barbara Johnson, The EveningGrosbeaks were virtually absentin our David M. Johnson, Bill Jones (BiJ), D.T. Kee (DTK), area. The only recordswere in Alabama, where a flock Edwin Keith, Robert Kennedy, RebeccaKilmer (RK1), of approximately40 winteredin Birmingham(RR, HW Curtis Kingsbery (Florida), H.H. Kittinger (HHK), et al.), and one was seen at Magnolia SpringsFeb. 3 Mrs. Virginia Lamb, Walter Larrick, James Leak, (FC). Most observersin the Nashvillearea thoughtit Jerald Ledbetter (JLe), Gary A. Lester, W.J. Ldes was a good year for Purple Finches (fide MB). No one (WJL), Clyde Lockwood, Mrs. Patricia Lonnecker, else commented on their abundance. A c• House Finch George Lowery, Jr. (GLo), Lourie Marshall, Terrell was observed at Old Hickory, Tenn., Feb. 17 - Mar. 16 Marshall, Clyde Massey, William Mathey, Mary Lou (SF & WFt) for the first Nashville area record. Pine Mattis (MLM), Mrs. Robert McClain (RMc), Louise Slskins were virtually absent throughout the area as McKinstry (LMc), Edward Meehan, Josie Metzget, were Red Crossbills; only onecrossbill was reported, at Ann Miller, James Miller (JMi), Butt L. Monroe, Jr , Conway Co., Ark., Jan. 18(EdH). Le Conte's Sparrow Terry Moore (TMo), Fanny Murphy, Michael J was reported throughoutthe region. This bird is dif- Musumeche, Marcella Newman, Robert J. Newman ficult to find when present and there must have been (Louisiana), Robert E. Noble (RNo), Donald Norman, many wintering in our area. Henslow's Sparrow was Beverly Odom, Don Oglesby, Pat Oglesby, J. Brent reportedon the Lonoke, Ark. CBC and s. of its usual Ortego (JBO), Helen Parker, Max Parker, Sam Pate, range in Louisiana, in Cameron Par., Jan. 26 (DATet Harvey L. Patten, James Peavy, Kevin Powers, H D al ). Two Tree Sp•drrowswere found at Mallard L., Pratt (HDP), R.D. Purrington (RDP), Robert Reid, MississippiCo., Ark., Jan. 4 (EdH & HH); sevenwere Mrs. V.P. Rodriguez (VPR), David Roe, SharonRoe, J observed at Duck River Unit Feb. 19 (JLe) for the first Ross (JRo), Robert Ruhe (RRu), Joy Russ(JRu), Philip local record. A Clay-coloredSparrow was observedat St. Romain (PSt), Todd St. Romain (TSt), Mrs. Chas Willow I., near Cameron Dec. 7 (RN, RH & SAG). An Seaborn, Terry Sharpe, Ken Shaw, Mike Sloan, Mr & ad. Harris' Sparrow was observed at Malvern, Hot Mrs. Arnold Small (ArS), Alice Smith, Edward Smith, SpringsCo., Ark., Dec. 9 (MP & HP). Two were found David Snyder, Dale Spain (DSp), Alberta Spence further e. than usual in Morehouse Par., La., Jan. 21 & (ASp), Bill Springer (BS), Carl Springer (CSp), Cliff 28 (DTK & WJL). The Lincoln's Sparrow, rare in win- Springer (C1S), Virginia Springer, Pat Stallings, Sam ter, was found at Marianna, Fla., Dec. 14 (MGr) and at Stanley, Alice Stedman (ASt), Claude Stedman (CSt),

704 American Birds, June, 1975 Steve Stedman, Ronald Stein, Arthur Stern (ArS), Mr. Pied-billed Grebes remained at Waterfowl Park, Re- & Mrs. Lyle Steven, J.R. Stewart ORS), E. Suter gina, through December (TB). Forty Wood Duckswin- (ESu), Paul Sykes (PSy), D.A. Tallman (DAT), Ten- tered at Clark Fork of Yellowstone R., Silesia, Mont. nesseeOrnithological Society (T.O.S.), H.H. Thigpen (KHi). An unusual18 Barrow's Goldenøyes wintered at (HHT), Tom Trenchard, Mrs. J.F. Trotter OFT), Jack Ft. Peck (CC), and two in January at Calgary, Alta. Trotter Jr., Dave Turpin (DT), Charles E. Viers, (RBu). Elizabeth Watson, Melvin Weber, Richard Whit- There are alwaysa few winter stragglersin the small, tington, Ollie Wood, Harriet Wright, Joe L. Wright. openspots until the mainice startsbreaking the forepart ROBERT B. HAMILTON, School of Forestry, Lou- of March. Then camethe geeseand ducks. By Mar. 31 isiana State University, Baton Rouge, La. 70803. there were 6000 Canada Geese at Ft. Peck, 1000 at Bowdoin N .W.R., 1500 at Medicine L., all in Montana, NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS 2000 at Capitol L, Pierre, S.D. and 13 on open water, / Esther Serr Whiteshell P.P., s.e. Manitoba (GN, KG). Snow Geese numbered 10,000 in Turner Co. (CB), 7000 in Lake Co. Decemberwas a pleasantwinter monthover the re- (RB) and 10,000 at Gavins Pt., S.D. (WH). Mallards gion,and light snowfall was favorable to hikingin cen- totaled 50,000 on Mar. 31 as they rested on Lewis and tral Canada.Then camethe blizzard of Jan. I 1, originat- Clark L., Bon Homme Co., S.D. (WH). A HoodedMer- ingfrom the southwestand sweepingup into Canada ganset was noted Dec. I - Jan. I at Regina. Two where it was nameda "savage" by A. Binnie, of Re- White-winged Scoters were on Oahe Res., Pierre, gina.Broadcast networks told of the lossof human throughout December (B. J. Rose).

HAWKS, EAGLES -- The recordingof 16 Goshawk sightingsin the region during the period were all of individual birds. Cooper's Hawk observationstotaled

I ALTA. : • "•' ' two each for South Dakota and Alberta. Only Rapid City and Stettler, Alta. had Sharp-shinneds,with a total of 11 sightings.They bothered five feeders daily in Rapid City includinga drive-in bank where the tellers were horrified at what they saw. Rough-leggedswere low in numbersfor the third year with only 66 sightings in the region. Ten FerruginousHawks were sighted only in c. South Dakota and e. Montana. Only South Dakotahad Red-tailedsand 41 of the 50 sightingswere at Yankton (WH). GoldenEagles wintered throughout the region with 78 sightingsrecorded. Montana had the best migration in March with 13 at Benton Lake N.W.R. (LS). South Dakota noted over 100 Bald -•,f ! • • J ½ r•Ar I wau•oYea •x Eagles,excluding refuge counts. Marsh Hawk numbers over the regionlooked somewhat better with migration figuresadded, but were still on the scarceside. A single bird was seen Mar. 21. Lyleton. Man. {JMu). beingsand livestock-- anyonecould guesswhat hap- Gyrfalconshad a heavy flight into Montana and South pened to the smaller birds. As R. Randall, Bismarck, Dakota with at least 12 individuals noted plus one each watched birds at his feeder, he could see that their for Alberta and Saskatchewan. A guesswould be that feathers were full of finely-driven snow. The lows con- they followed the waterfowl down the Missouri River. tinued to move up from the southwest at the rate of Prairie Falcon sightingstotaled 12 with Saskatchewan about two a week through March. The paths varied having8 and Alberta 7 of the number. Two Peregrines enoughso that no one locality always bore the brunt. preyed on ducksfeeding in fields at Ft. Peck, and three Fargo had snow depth of 42 inches and O'Neil Pass, were seenat SpringValley (FB) and Indian Head, Sask. Black Hills, had a near record snowpack of about four (MS). Merlins were againpresent throughout the winter feet. The continuous swirling of these storms blocked in Alberta and Saskatchewan,and bandingshowed that early migrants,wiped out many feeder populations,and the birds remainingat Saskatooncomprised the nesting brought some unusual birds after each blow. Alberta population (SH). Alberta had six Merlins and Manitoba did not experienceany really warm chinooksthis winter had three during the winter. Eastern S.D. reporters (FS). From North Dakota and Saskatchewan birders observed 44 Am. Kestrels up to Mar. I and 13 during felt that this winter would have to rate as the most March. "birdless" winter they have experienced. GALLINACEOUS BIRDS -- These specieshave WATERFOWL--A Red-throated Loon was noted at not made a comeback in Canada from the severe winter Banff, Alta. Dec. 31 (BG). In Decemberfour Whistling of 1973-1974. William Niven believes that because of Swans were on the Missouri R., Charles Mix Co., and the scarcity of bush rabbits, predators were hard on the one in Roberts Co., both in S.D. (WH, BH) and one at grouse at Sheho, Sask. Only Manitoba had Spruce Medicine Lake N.W.R., Mont. (JMa). SingleEared and Grouse, ten were observedin two groups,30 mi. south

Volume 29, Number 3 705 of The Pas (HWRC). Bobwhite showed an increase in by early March birds were on territory at Audubon s c. South Dakota (GS). Gray Partridgewere low at all N.W.R., Coleharbor,N.D. (DMc) andappeared to be points with numbersdwindling as the winter progres- nestingat MooseJaw, Sask.by Mar. 23 (EK). Srmply sed. Sharp-tailed Grouse looked best in South Dakota. hundreds of Horned Larks, with a few Lapland Longspurs, were more obvious when they became GULLS -- There were at least three Glaucous Gulls groundedby the springstorms. Nine Blue Jays win- on Oahe Res. Pierre, in December. Herring Gulls at teredat Ft. Peckfor the firsttime in ten years(CC), and Gavins Pt., Dec. 2 - Dec. 24, totaled 100with a peak of two were alsoat Bowdoin,Malta, Mont. (JF). Folks at 41 on Dec. 4 Migrating California Gulls came to Ft. Saskatoon, Sask. saw an albino -- pure white -- Peck, Mar. 15 and Ring-billedson Mar. 4 (CC). Black-billed Magpie (JG). There were 61 Corn. Ravens OWLS -- Saskatchewan had 22 sightingsof Great on 14days in Marchat Cochrane,Alta. (SJ) andthey are Horned Owls but reportersfelt that was lessthan usual. again becoming an occasionalwinter visitor into Sas- There were 20 in South Dakota and that was also fewer. katchewan (SH). Snowy Owls came through Canada in late fall where CHICKADEES THROUGH WRENS -- Black- some stayed, but many went on south. There were so cappedChickadee numbers were down averagingfive many Snowy Owls below the border that it was next to to none at feedersafter the blizzardexcept at SpentL impossibleto estimate numbers. South Dakota had at where the averagenumber was 25 insteadof the usual least 50. Willis Hall saw six on Dec. 13, and 12 on Dec. 40 (WA). Two Boreal Chickadees each at Maidstone 14 at Gavins Pt. Dam. The birds were sittingin a group (WH) and Indian Head (MS) were rarities for the Sas- along a low bank near the dam those two cold, snowy katchewanprairie (SH). One wasat Balmoral,Man all days. Probably this is another Arctic bird finding easy winter (CT). Both White-breasted and Red-breasted food along the Missouri. A few Screech, Long-eared Nuthatchesseemed normal until the Januarybhzzard and Short-earedOwl sappeared in the regionas usual. A hit. Brown Creepers showed an increase in South Barred Owl was sightedat Spring Valley, Feb. 27 as it Dakota with one roostingabove a doorway at Yankton flew across the road just as a semi-trailer came along (WH). A singleWinter Wren was in Roberts Co , S D (FB). There was another at Fargo Mar. 5, which was (BH) and two wintered at Calgary (FNS). A Carohna backed up by five previous sightings(EA). Two Hawk Wren remained until Dec. 18 at Bruce, S.D. (EE) Owls, a prairie rarity but not firsts, were at Kindersley, Cation Wrens were seen and heard frequently only at Sask. Feb. 18. In Manitoba during January and Feb- Rapid City (DMc, NW). ruary, two Hawk Owls were in the Lac du Bonnet area (RN, SSe), three in the Winnipeg area (DRMH, KG). THRUSHES, WAXWINGS -- A Varied Thrush ap- Coming from n.c. Manitoba, on Highway 391, H. Cop- pearedat Calgary,Feb. I for a secondwinter s•ghtmg land saw one Hawk Owl south of Snow L., one near (Hattie Boothman).Townsend's Solitaires were very Cranberry Portage, and another at Overflowing River. common•n the Black Hills and have expanded out on Another goodcount on the Great Gray Owl wastaken in the prairie eastward toward the Missouri River. There the s.e. corner of Manitoba this winter. R. W. Nero was one Dec. 13 & 20 at Burke L., GregoryCo, (GS) recorded observations by about 40 persons. In De- and a daily averageof two at Interior, S.D. (RW) E•ght cember there were nine, in January, fifteen, two of Mountain Bluebirdswintered at Badlands,N.M , Inte- which were in Winnipeg, which was unusual, and one rior, duringDecember and January(RW). One was seen was banded. During February there were 29 sightings west of Rapid City, Feb. 23 (NE), eight at Fmrburn, and two dead birds. Three birds were the most seen at Mar. 5 (BN) and 18 on Mar. 6 in RapidCity (LW) N•ne one time. A Saw-whet Owl was seen Jan. 4 & Feb. 15 at were at Reston, Man. Mar. 12 and one was following Indian Head (MS). Highway #10 toward Cowan, Mar. 15 (WW) Two Mountain Bluebirds had reached J. Clark Salyer WOODPECKERS -- Lewis' Woodpeckers were N.W.R., Upham, N.D. Mar. 17 and 28 were at Ft Peck seen at Joliet, Mont. (KHi) and near Rapid City. Hairy by Mar. 24. Golden-crownedKinglets were common•n and Downy Woodpeckers seemed in normal numbers late fall and continuedin goodnumbers into the winter over the region. Single Northern Three-toeds were in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Bohemian and Cedar noted at Banff (SM), Calgary (RC, HP), Cochrane, Waxwings again were very scarcein the entire region Alta. (SJ), at Saskatoon (JG) and a pair at Duck Mr. with only occasional small flocks. P P., Dauphin, Man. Dec. 4 (KG). Pileated Woodpeck- ers appearedat Spirit Lake, Sask. Dec. I (WA), on Jan. SHRIKES, BLACKBIRDS --There were about 25 1, Water Valley, Alta. (JP), Jan. 4 at Galesburg,N.D., sightingsof the N. Shrikeover the area. Hundreds, and one wintered at Fargo, and one at Winnipeg (DY). A some reported thousands,of House Sparrows were Red-bellied Woodpecker was at the same feeder for a founddead by farmersand elevator operators in North second winter south of Bismarck (RRa) with single Dakota after the January storm (DMc). Rusty b•rds at Burke (GS), Clay Co., Yankton, and a pair at Blackbirdswere observed at SiouxFalls. S.D. (GB) and rural Vermillion, S.D. (KHo). A Yellow-belliedSap- at Ft. Peck and Billings,Mont. (CC, KHi). sucker was sightedMar. 5 in Custer Co., Black Hills, S D. (EE). GROSBEAKS, FINCHES, SPARROWS -- Cardi- nalswent "west" to winterat Bismarckand Rap•d C•ty LARKS AND JAYS -- Horned Larks were scarce and survivedthe weather(RRa, JMo). The speciesin- and in some placesnone remainedafter the January creasedin numberswhere they are regularin eastern bhzzard. Then migrationstarted in mid-Februaryand North andSouth Dakota. Evening and Pine Grosbeaks,

706 American B•rds, June, 1975 Purple, Cassin's and Gray-crowned Rosy Finches, Hoary and Com. Redpolls and Red and White-winged Crossbills were so scarce that all reporters were very disappointed.Three g' HouseFinches were present and Scottsblul•ß NEBR. studied at a few feet distance at a Yankton feeder Feb. 5 -'r- I NorthPlatte ß , ßOmaha - Mar 13 (WH). Then at a Rapid City feeder three femaleswere presentMar. 28 - Apr. 2 (ESo), out of their I ß pea rice •e.-- usualrange. After hearingthe weather servicedescribe j 'D..... • Manhatt•an.•, ..... I! .ay,. Topoka''La...... the swirling winds that howl around the winter lows, one could expect anything.The Rapid City finchesap- peared the day after the Mar. 27 blizzard. It seemsas __ J Wichlt• .•Grand Lake though the Tree Sparrows will never stop migrating through w. South Dakota as the period ends. Tom Clayton.eI...... • Or,^ Tulsa.,e•[Fort Gibson Hays, Spearfish, S.D. banded 220 in March and at KII:;•,A/&Xl•¾ IIIJ Amarilloß I• • ;'b•/: OklahomaßMus,ogee.• Moffett Brookings,S.D., Nelda Holden found 50 dead that had been banded after the blizzard. First migrantsappeared at White Bear, Sask. Mar. 14 (SJ). A few Harris' Spar- •[ DentonßCøemmerce rows continued to winter, including one unusually far north at Shehe, Sask. (WN), with two at Bismarck and • •, FortWorth' •LA/ at most South Dakota points. Snow Buntingsappeared in thousands from Alberta to North Dakota in the fall yet the winter reports showedonly small flocks or none at all Where did they go? The first spring migration figurewas 3000Mar. 4, at Milbank, S.D. whichis fairly close to the South Dakota-Minnesota border (R J). tion in weather probably was responsible for winter CONTRIBUTORS (Area editors in boldface, ob- sparrowsbeing absent Jn the northern half and abun- servers alphabetically by province or state). -- AL- dantin the southernhalf of theRegion'. Rough-legged BERTA: E. Baldwin, R. Butot (RBu), B. Gordon, S. Hawks were abundantthroughout the Region, and even Johnston,L. Lohr, S. Mitchell, H. Pinel, J. Podlubne, out-numbered Red-tailed Hawks along the Rio Grande H Schuler, F. Schultz. MANITOBA: D. Braddell, Red-breastedNuthatches stageda minor incursion, but H.W.R. Copland,L. Gans, K. Gardner, D.R.M. Hatch, northern finches and Bohemian Waxwings were almost M McCowan, J. Murray (JMu), R. Nero, G. Nykulaik, entirely absent. Several southwestern species were B Robinson, S. Sealy (SSe), M. Seipman, A. Shortt, C. again sightedfar northeastof their normal range, but Thexton, W. Wally. MONTANA: C. Carlson, T. Clary, few wanderers from the east reached the western J Foster, K. Hicks (KHi), J. Martin (JMa), L. Stem- plains. merman. NORTH DAKOTA: E. Anderson, D. Goeke, P Hart, J. Heineeke, L. Kirsch, G. Kobriger, D. LOONS, GREBES -- Common Loons were not as Kublschta,J. Lokemoen,J. Mathews, D. McGlauchlin, abundant this winter as they have been the past few Don Perkuchin, R. Randall (RRa), R. Rollings (RRo), years. High count was 39 on Dec. 15 on Lake-o'-the D Simpson. SASKATCHEWAN: W. Anaka, J. Pines, Marion Co., Tex. Horned Grebes invaded the Belcher, M. Belcher,A. Binnie, T. Beveridge, F. Bog- southern part of the Region in early fall and numbers dan, J Harris, W. Harris, D. Hayward, M. Houston, S. kept increasingthrough late January. High totals were Houston, J. Gellop, E. Hubbard, E. Kern, M. Mares- 514 at Lake-o'-the-Pines and 350 at Hagerman N.W. R chal, W. Niven, S. Shadick, M. Skinner, S. Jordheim. Tex. The specieswas recordedfrom Dodge City, Kans SOUTH DAKOTA: Black Hills Audubon Society: H. and Osage Co., Okla. southto Val Verde Co., Tex. and Behrens, Robert Breen, G. Burke, N. Eckmann, B. west to Amarillo and Lubbock, Tex. Eared Grebes Green, R. Katterjohn, D. McCulloh, J. Mortimer were present in record high numbers in Kansas. (JMo), L. Palmerton, E. Southmayd, N. Whitney, L. Wilhams, G. Blankenspoor,C. Breen, R. Breen, K. PELICANS THROUGH ANHINGAS -- A flock of Eckert, E. Edie, B. Harris, J. Hatter, N. Holden, K. 40 White Pelicans was noted north of Dexter, Tex. on Hoover (KHo), R. Johnson, B. Nordstrom, G. Steffen, the extremely early date Feb. 22 (CW). Double-crested W Th•etje, R. Wilt. -- ESTHER SERR, 615 8th St., Cormorantscontinue to winter on larger lakes in Ok- Rapid City, S. Dak. 57701. lahoma and Texas in normal numbers. Observers at Hagerman N.W.R. speculated that an Olivaceous Cormorant sightedMar. 18, 22 & 25 may have been the sameone which was present during the CBC. Anhingas SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS wintered on L. Conroe, Walker Co., Tex. / Frances Williams HERONS -- A Green Heron in JacksonCo., Okla , Snowy Owls in the north, winteringhummingbirds in Jan. 4 provided a first winter recordfor the State (JWA, the south, emphasizedagain the great variationin this JDT). Little Blue Herons were noted in Walker Co, extensiveRegion. Forty inchesof snowat Lincoln con- Jan. 23 & Feb. 25, and at Ft. Worth and Dallas by the trastedwith the warm, dry winter inTexas This varia- first week in March, all very early dates Cattle Egrets

Volume 29, Number 3 707 are increasingin winter in e. Texas and they are re- found dead at the latter locality Mar. 8. All Acclplters cordedmore frequentlyeach winter acrossthe n. half of were presentin LancasterCo., Neb. in fair numbers the state. A Reddish Egret in WashingtonCo., Tex., (DG). Goshawks were also observed in Lyon Co, Feb. 22 provided a first record (ALB, TCM). A Great Payne Co., Okla., Comanche Co. and JohnsonCo, Egret lingered in Howard Co., Tex. until mid-De- Kans. Sharp-shinnedHawks outnumberedCooper's cember (PMa). Seven Black-crowned Night Herons Hawks two to one. Red-tailed Hawks were abundant in were reported Feb. 1 at Lubbock, and one was seen n. Texas and throughoutOklahoma. A Red-shouldered Mar. 24 at that locality. Others were noted at E1 Paso, Hawk at Oklahoma City Dec. 28 was noteworthy The Jan. 25 (AG) and Walker Co., Dec. 8 & Feb. 1. Ameri- specieswas reported at only six other locahtles A can Bitterns were recorded at five Texas localities and Swainson's Hawk in Crosby Co., Tex., Mar 3 was one was captured on a residential street in Stillwater, early. At least five White-tailedHawks winteredin the Okla., Mar. 30. vicinityof E1Paso. Three FerruginousHawks remained in the vicinity of a smallprairie dog colony in Canadian SWANS, GEESE- Thirteen Whistling Swans were Co., Okla., Nov. 16 - Mar. 2. s•ghtedon a farm pond in Tillman Co., Okla., Jan. 21 (WEE). Peak numbers of Canada Geese included The s.w. Texas populationof wood rats crashedafter 86,000 at Muleshoe N.W.R., Tex., 3500 at Hulah Re- last winter's 30-year high, and the hawk population servoir, Okla. and 5000 at Hagennan N.W.R. Aflock of crashed also. Harris' Hawks were especially scarce, 50 Black Brant was seen with a mixed flock of other but evidently moved to other areas, as they were re- geeseat Hulah Mar. 14 (AMM, SM). There is no speci- corded in Crosby Co., Mar. 20 (KHi), Irion Co , Tex , men of this speciesfrom Oklahoma. Flocks of 300 or Feb. 11 (CCW) and Brazos Co., Jan. 24-31(m.ob ) The more White-fronted Geese were presentduring Feb- population of wintering Bald Eagles in the Region has ruary at Oklahoma City, Hulah Reservoir and L. Carl doubledin the past two years, but Golden Eagleswere Blackwell, Okla. A Barnacle Goose was sighted at somewhat lower in numbers this year. Marsh Hawks T•shomingoN.W.R., Okla., Nov. 7 (BH). Two Ross' were common in Kansas, Oklahoma and the n half of Geese were present at Hagerman Dec. 7 - Jan. 19 Texas. By the end of the period migratingOspreys were observed at four localities. There were unusual mid- (m.ob.). and seven were at Muleshoe throughoutDe- cember (m.ob.). winter sightingsin Walker, McClennan (BA), Midland (GP) and Polk (fide CDF) Cos. Caracaras were present DUCKS -- Ten Mexican Ducks were seen on the Rio all winter in Limestone, Co., Tex. (KBB) and were Grande in Presidio Co., Dec. 30. Black Ducks were recorded in Williamson Co., Dec. 21 (TCM) and collected in Cherokee Co., Tex., Dec. 10 and Walker McClennan Co. in March. Merlins were noted at 13 Co., Dec. 9. There were sight records at Waco, Tex., localities. A Prairie Falcon was present in Lancaster Mar. 14 (KBB) and Topeka Mar. 16 (KHo). Cinnamon Co., mid-February - March. Peregrines appeared at Teal were farther east than normal in Kerr Co., Tex., Dallas Mar. 8 (GC) and El Dorado, Tex., Jan. 7 (KHo) Mar. 7 (B & JM) and Walker Co., Jan. 31 & Feb. 15. They were present in Burleson Co., Tex. during PRAIRIE CHICKENS THROUGH RAILS -- Two January(TMO) and arrived on the early date Mar. 8 at flocks of Greater Prairie Chickens, comprisingabout 15 Amarillo and Comanche Co., Okla. Wood Ducks were birds each, survive in Miami Co., Kans., within 25 ml present at Bellevue, Neb., Amarillo and Waco during of Kansas City. About 60 • Greater Prairie Chickens January and arrived in Lyon Co., Kans. on the early used a booming ground in Rogers Co., Okla This date Feb. 21 (JAM). Wood Ducks in Comanche Co., speciesis also reported occasionally from the Tulsa Mar. 18 and Enid, Okla., Mar. 25 represent unusual area. High count of Sandhill Cranes at Muleshoe locality records. Redheads and Canvasbacks were N.W.R. was 78,000 Dec. 25. This specieshad left most presentthroughout the Regionin muchhigher numbers w. Texas wintering groundsby the first weekend in than any recent year. As birdersgain expertise,it be- March. A King Rail was presentin PresidioCo., Feb 12 comes evident that Greater Scaup winter on many of and another was sightedin Walker Co., Dec. 10 & Feb the large reservoirs in the Region. Common Gold- 15. Virginia Rails wintered at Arnett, Okla., Hutchin- eneyes, never "common" in this Region, were present son, Walker & Lubbock Cos., Tex. A Yellow Raft in m Bellevue Feb. 1, Johnson Co., Kans., Dec. 2, Rogers Walker Co., Mar. 1 provided a first County record A Co., Okla. Dec. 19 - Mar. 1 and at four Texas localities Corn. Gallinule on a stock tank in Culberson Co, Tex mostof the period. High count was250 at L. Lexington, provided a first record there, and othersin RogersCo, Neb. Oldsquaws were noted at Nacogdoches,Tex., Nov. 30 (BF) and Walker Co., Feb. 1 were unusual for Dec. 29 - Jan. 12. A Black Scoter was sightedat Dallas the season. Feb. 2 (SR). Hooded Mergansers were unusually com- mon, being reported at 12 localities. SHOREBIRDS THROUGH DOVES -- The only Snowy Plover reported was in Wichita Co., Tex, Mar RAPTORS -- Turkey Vultures were present near 17. American Golden Plovers arrived in Walker Co, Comanche, Tex., Jan. 6 (KHo) & Feb. 27 (CMS), Ro- Mar. 7. American Woodcocks in Lancaster Co, Mar gers Co., Feb. 19 and Garland, Tex., Feb. 25 (MF). 20 (DG), Lyon Co., Mar. 2-23 (MS, JAM), Morns Co, Black Vultures were present in Presidio Co. in late Kans., Mar. 27 (DFP, ER) and Blaine Co., Okla , Nov Decemberand in McClain Co., Okla., Apr. 5. A Missis- 2 (MFC) were noteworthy sightings. A nest of this s•ppiKite at Ft. Worth Mar. 1 was early (JK). White- species was found at Stillwater, Okla., Mar. 8 (BB) tailed Kites were sightedin FreestoneCo., Tex., Dec. Dunlins were present in Wichita Co., Tex., Dec 12 - 24 (KVW), Brazos Co , Dec 29 (OG) and one was Jan 7 (NM, KZ) Wilson's Phalaropes arrived in

708 American B•rds, June, 1975 Brazos Co., Mar. 19 (MTH). A GlaucousGull which Short-eared Owls in Texas, with reports from ten lo- was discovered at Oklahoma City Dec. 21 (JR) was later calities. In Oklahoma they were noted only at Stillwa- found dead and taken to the University of Oklahoma for ter, and in Kansasin Lyon and OsageCos. A Poor-will a museumspecimen. A secondbird was sightedat the wascaught as it flutteredon theground at a trafficcircle samelocality Jan. 11.Bonaparte's Gulls were abundant in Ft. Worth Mar. 6 (GS, LP). ACom. Nighthawk at in the Regionand were reported from 12local itie s. Peak Wichita Mts. N.W.R., Okla., Mar. 26 was early. numbers included 400 on L. Livingston in e. Texas Jan. 11,300 at Dallas Dec. 28 and 141on Grand L. in n.e. HUMMINGBIRDS -- A • Black-chinned Hum- Oklahoma Jan. 1. Forster's Terns in Dallas Jan. 25, Ft. mingbirdwas seenin AmarilloJan. 5. There were snow Worth Nov. 22 - Jan. 28 and Walker Co. throughoutthe drifts all around the honeysuckle vine where he was periodwere unusualat this season.A flock of 10 Black tryingto find nourishment(RR, VD). A RufousHum- Terns at Lubbock Mar. 9 was six weeks ahead of mingbirdwhich winteredin Kerrville surviveda 9øF schedule. Ground Doves were noted in Jeff Davis Co., temperature,a severeice stormand one day of light Tex , Feb. 5 andTom Green Co., Tex., Dec. 28-30. Inca snowfall. A Rufous hummer remained at a feeder in Doves, continuingto move north, were observed in Bartlesville,Okla., Oct. 25 -Jan. 26. Electric resistance Wichita Co., Tex., Mar. 10(TH) and in Palo Pinto Co., wire wrappedaround the feederkept the mixture from Tex , Jan. 14. freezing.Two Rufoushummers wintered in Midland, S.A. where heat lamps were left on all night to keep the syrup SNOWY OWLS -- The number of Snowy readyfor hummerswhen they cameeach morning. The Owls reaching the southern plains are unprec- RufousHummingbird banded in Walker Co. in Novem- edented. Probably not all the great white owls ber wasstill present at the endof theperiod. At El Paso sightedwere reported to this editor, sothe story a groupof six winteringhummingbirds included a male is not complete. Because of the lack of con- Rufous, an Anna's and a Broad-tailed. A Costa'sHum- tributors in Nebraska, little information on the mingbirdwas discovered in the FranklinMts. northof invasion in that state is available. Mrs. Wigg El Paso Mar. 8 and was still there Mar. 23 (KEZ, reported that there were six sightingsin the m.ob.). OmahaRegion the first two weeksof December, but none were reported after a heavy snowstorm WOODPECKERS -- A PileatedWoodpecker visited Dec. 14. Dr. Bennett stated that the first Snowy a feeder in Omaha Feb. 8 & 10. There are no positive Owl appearedin Nebraska City at Thanksgiving recordsof this speciesin Nebraskasince 1895. Pileated and that at least four were seen in the vicinity of Woodpeckerscontinue to residealong the Neosho R , Lincoln. In Kansas the first one was sightedat Lyon Co. Red-headedWoodpeckers wintered at Lin- Emporia Nov. 1 and the last one in Coffey Co., coln.Red-bellied Woodpeckers were westof their usual Mar. 2. About 30 were reported. Other sightings range at Dodge City, Lubbock and Robert Lee, Tex were at Coffeyville, Bucklin, Mullinville, Chey- Golden-fronted Woodpeckers, which are rarely seen enne Bottoms N.W.R. (nine individuals), west of the PecosR. in Texas, were sightednear Red- Wichita, Miller, Allen, Elkhart, Quivira N.W.R. ford, PresidioCo., Feb. 12 (PEet al.) andjust north of (five individuals), Junction City (four individu- the entranceto Big Bend N.P., BrewsterCo., Feb. 13 als), Colby. In Oklahoma the first one was (FW). A Lewis' Woodpeckerwas discoveredFeb. 11in sighted at Tulsa Dec. 3 and the last one at Ok- the Davis Mts., 38 mi. n.w. of Ft. Davis and was still lahoma City Feb. 14. At least a dozen were re- presentat the end of the period (PE m.ob.). Yellow- ported. Other localities were Kingfisher, Nor- bellied Sapsuckerswere reported at Omaha frequently man, Guymon, Skedee,Geary, Great Salt Plains A Lodder-backedWoodpecker was seenat Oklahoma N W.R. and Tahlequah. In Texas a Snowy Owl City Jan.30 & Mar. 16(JR). This speciesis increasingin was found dying of gunshotwounds at Waco n.c. Texas. A Red-cockadedWoodpecker was located Dec. 31. It has been mounted and will be on 13 mi. north of Cleveland, San Jacinto Co., Tex., Mar display at the Strecker Museum (RC, fide 28 (CCW). LMB). There was also an unconfirmed sighting at Ft. Worth. FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- Both E. & W Kingbirdsarrived at Ft. Worthon the early date of Mar 17. A Wied's Crested Flycatcher was present in Big OTHER OWLS, GOATSUCKERS -- Birders are Bend N.P., Feb. 13. A Say's Phoebewas recordednear makinggreater efforts to locate Barn Owls and are often Matador, Tex., Jan. 26 (MD et al.) and one was col- succeeding.At Sherman, Tex., Charles Brown wrote a lected in Lubbock Co., Mar. 10 (DD). Good details story for the newspaper asking farmers to report any were submitted of an observation of a Coues' Fly- owls in their barns. Two farms where Barn Owls bred catcher in Big Bend N.P., Jan. 6 (WGR). An Olive- successfullyin 1974were located. In RogersCo., Okla., sidedFlycatcher at Dallas Mar. 8 was extremely early eight Great Horned Owls were counted Dec. 18 as they (PJ, AM). A Vermilion Flycatcherremained at Lub- perchedon power line poles alonga three-milelength of bock Dec. 2 - Jan. 1, andone was sighted in ReaganCo, four-lane highway. Barred Owls were unusually com- Tex., Jan. 22. Most Texas contributors listed one or mon at Lincoln. At least six Long-eared Owls wintered more very early swallows.Earliest recordswere Tree, in Lyon Co. Others were reported at Amarillo and San Walker Co., Feb. 15; Bank, Walker Co., Feb. 7, Angelo, and a pair were nestingat MuleshoeN.W.R. in Rough-winged,Dallas, Mar. 8; Cliff, Bracketville,Feb late February There was a major invasion year for 20; Barn, Tarrant Co , Mar 2 Four pairs of Rough-

Volume 29, Number 3 709 winged Swallowswere seenin burrows in Washington (FW). An Olive Warbler was sightedin the Chisos Mts., Co., Tex.. Mar. 25 (JCN. ALB). Dec. 31 (BM). A Black-throated Blue Warbler was ob- MAGPIES THROUGH CREEPERS -- A Black- served near the Rio Grande, Big Bend N.P., Feb. 12 (JoM). Four Black-throated Gray Warblers were seen billed Magpie was seen near Happy in the Texas in the ChisosMts., Jan. 4 (TW). Golden-cheekedWar- PanhandleJan. 5 (RB). Verdins were located in Clay, blers were common in Meridian S.P., Tex., by Mar. 23 Wichita, Archer and Harderman Cos. in n. Texas. It is (m.ob.). Yellow-throated Warblers in Walker Co., Mar. unknown whether Verdins have actually spread north- 16 and Dallas Mar. 8 (C & SS) were unusuallyearly, ward in recent years or whether the vastly increased Palm Warblers were presentin good numbersin Walker number of bird watchers has merely revealed a previ- Co., Jan. 25 - Mar. 1. Pine Warblers provided first ously unknown population. Although Red-breasted records in Grayson Co., Jan. II (CB, SW), Lubbock, Nuthatches were observedthroughout, the only large Jan. 11 (PD, m.ob.) and Wichita Co., Jan. 27 (VH) and concentration comprised 40 birds in Richards Park, were seen in Waco Jan. 21-24 (LD). Why this species Brady, Tex. (KHo). It was a banner winter for Brown wandered so far from the piney woods of e. Texas in Creepers with highest counts in ten years or more at several localities. mid-winter is indeed puzzling. A Louisiana Water- thrush at Dallas Mar. 30 was noteworthy for both the WRENS, MIMICS -- House Wrens wintered farther date and the locality (BV). north than usual. Winter Wrens appeared in record numbers in Kansas and were present as far south as ICTERIDS -- Large numbers of Yellow-headed Kerrville. Carolina Wrens were present at Great Salt Blackbirds were present in Bandera Co., Tex., Jan. 16. Plains N.W.R., Jan. 25 and Wichita Co., Tex., Jan. 10. The Black-headed Oriole which arrived in Midland in Long-billed Marsh Wrens againwintered at Oklahoma November came to a feeder daily until Mar. 6 (ME, City and Arnett, Okla. A Rock Wren at Dodge City m.ob.). A photographof this wanderer has been depo- Dec. 7 was noteworthy.A few Gray Catbirdslingered in sited in the Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection at Texas long enough to be counted during the CBC. Texas A&M University. SingleN. Orioles were sighted Curve-billed Thrashers were observed in Jackson Co., at Bellevue, Neb., Dec. I and Hagerman N.W.R., Dec. Okla., Dec. 14, 15 & Jan. 25 (JWA). Sage Thrashers 21-22 (KWH). Two were seen in Brazos Co., one of were east of their usualrange in ComancheCo., Hood them remaining Dec. 21 - Jan. 18. Rusty Blackbirds Co., Tex. (GS), Kerr Co., Tex., (JEG et al.). and were reported in Crosby Co. in late February and early Wichita Co., Tex. (KZ). March (RE). Great-tailed Grackles wintered in unusual numbers at Great Bend and Wichita, Kans. THRUSHES THROUGH SHRIKES -- All through the Edwards Plateau area of Texas, Am. Robins were amazinglyabundant. The Varied Thrushseen at Good- land, Kans., Dec. 23 was the secondstate record. Her- mit Thrushes wintered as far north as Lincoln, Neb. and Payne Co., Okla. Eastern Bluebirds were in Presidio Co., Jan. 1-23and in Lubbock, Jan. 3. This species was common in Waco, Tex., Dec. 14 - Feb. 28. This was a Mountain Bluebird year throughout the w. half of Texas. They were abundantnot only in "cedar brakes" but also on the barren creosote bush flats of the Trans- Pecos. Others were noted at L. Lexington, Neb. and Hitchcock, Okla., Nov. 25 - Jan. 1 (MFC). As many as 30 Townsend's Solitaires could be found in a singleday at Amarillo. A Solitaire was observed in Lyon Co., Kans., Mar. 5-12. A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in Lubbock Jan. 24 was noteworthy. Golden-crowned Kinglets Black-headed Oriole, MMland, Tex., November-Mar. were common throughout. Ruby-crowned Kinglets 6. Photo / Wood Erskine. wintered as far north as Omaha. Sprague'sPipits were seenat Dallas Jan. 25 (HN, JHu) and one was collected FRINGILLIDS -- Unusually large flocks of Cardi- in Walker Co., Mar. 16. The only Bohemian Waxwings nals came to feeding stationsin many areas. At Omaha reportedwere in Lyon Co., Mar. 4 (JAM)and Omaha, feeders flocks 20-30 were common during February. Feb. 18. A Phainopeplawas sightedin Midland Feb. 16 Black-headed Grosbeaks were observed at feeders in (GP). The only N. Shrike in the Regionwas in Wichita Walker Co., Dec. 26-28 and LaVaca Co., Tex., Jan. 7 - Falls Nov. 28 - Mar. 16(GH, m.ob.). Many contributors Feb. 2 (JHo). A Varied Buntingin the ChisosMts., Feb. reported the highest number of shrikes ever counted 12provided one of the few winterrecords of the species during the CBC. in Big BendN.P. (FW). A Dickcisselvisited a feederin McClain Co., Okla., Jan. 10- Feb. 18. Only a few Purple VIREOS, WARBLERS -- White-eyed and Yellow- Finches were reported in Nebraska, Kansas and Ok- throated Vireos returned early to Walker Co., Dallas & lahoma, but the specieswas abundant in Texas. Cas- Ft. Worth. A Yellow-throated Vireo in Presidio Co., sin's Finches were noted at Hueco Tanks S.P., El Paso Feb. 12was unusual at that date. Hutton's and Solitary Co., Feb. 12, Midland, Jan. 7, San Angelo, Dec. 30, Vireos were in the Chisos Mts., Big Bend N .P., Feb. 14 Presidio Co., Jan. 4. A House Finch visited a feeder in

710 American Birds, June, 1975 Waco Feb. 10 (BA). There were virtually no reports of INITIALED OBSERVERS -- Bill Adams, J. W. Pine Siskins. A few contributors mentioned a few sis- Ault, A. L. Barr, Richard Benson,Mary Bush, Brooks kins early in the season,but the birds soondeparted. In Bybus, Martin F. Carlo Gilbert Cortez, Rick Cureton, JohnsonCo., Kans., Am. Goldfinches were very abun- Pat Davenport, Loterie Davidson, David Dean, Vera dant. A Green-tailed Towbee was photographed in Deason,Max Dodson,W. E. Epperson,Rosemary En- Leawood, Kans. It was first seen Jan. I but did not glish,Midge Erskine, Bob Farris, MargaretFrancis, O. appear again until Mar. 30-31 (SL, m.ob.). Rufous- Gaddis, John E. Galley, A1 Gavit, M. T. Hansen, Bill sided Towhees were again scarce throughoutthe Re- Hawthorne, Kelly Himreel, Kelly Hobbs, Gail Hodge, gion. Two Brown Towhees were present in Morton J. Holm, Tom Huckaby, Vernodene Huckaby, Jenny Co., Kans., Jan. 4 and one was photographed(EMcH). Huey, PhyllisJackson, Jim Krommes,Susanna Leigh, Le Conte's Sparrowsin Payne Co., Okla., Dec. 29 were Alice Marsh, Bob & Judy Mason, Terry C. Maxwell, the first at that locality in several years. This species Polly Mays, A. M. & SophiaMery, Jake Miller (JAM), was present in Rogers Co., Okla. in good numbers in Nancy Moore, Bob Moss, Kenneth Nanney, J. C. late March. A Seaside Sparrow which was discovered Newman, T. M. O'Neil, David F. Parmelee. Georgia duringthe Waco CBC was still presentMar. 14(KBB). Porter, Lloyd Pratt, Jack Roberts, William G. Roe, Rufous-crowned Sparrows were found in Morton Co., Rena Ross, Steve Runnels, Edward Ryan, Margaret Jan. 4. Cassin's Sparrows were singing in Val Verde Schulenberg,C. M. Scott. Greg Spicer. Curtis & Susan Co., Tex., Feb. 18 (E & KM), Lubbock Mar. 2 and Swinson, Betty Vernon, K. V. Waggoner, C. Wells, HuecoTanks Feb. 13& 20. A Dark-eyed Junco(Oregon Tom Will, S. Wolfe, Kevin E. Zimmer, Kathleen Zinn. form) remainedin JohnsonCo.. Kans. throughoutthe -- FRANCES WILLIAMS, 3307 Neely, Midland, Tex., period. Gray-headedJuncos were recordedin Lubbock 79701. Dec. 30 and in mid-March. Tree Sparrows were scarce in Nebraska and Kansas but were abundant in Payne Co., Okla. and n.c. Texas. They were also sightedwest SOUTH TEXAS REGION to Muleshoe N.W.R. and southto Waco. Harris' Spar- / Fred S. Webster, Jr. rows were abundantin Kansasduring the CBC but were scarce in Oklahoma and Texas until later in the winter. Most areas became progressivelydry as the season They were observedat many localities in the w. third of wore on. Fall and December rains had filled reservoirs, the Regionwhere they are only sporadicwinter visitors. but water levels declined during an exceptionally dry Fox Sparrows were numerousthroughout. A Swamp spellfrom mid-February throughMarch. As usual, the Sparrowin Lyon Co., Kans. was noteworthy,and this upper coast was in best shape moisture-wise, and was a "Swamp Sparrowyear" in n.c. Texas, where it is marshesremained wet. Upland habitat sufferedfor lack irregular in occurrence. McCown's Longspurs were of rain. especiallyin the Rio Grande Delta. Freezing present in Grayson, Wichita, Crosby and Bailey Cos., periods were of short duration as cold fronts moved Tex. Lapland Longspurswere abundantin Nebraska, through rapidly, interspersed with brief periods of Kansasand Oklahoma, but the only report from Texas above-normaltemperatures. A hard freeze on January was at Hagerman N.W.R., Jan. ! !. Smith's Longspurs 13 killed tender vegetationall the way to the southern were abundant in Payne, Tulsa, Washington and Ok- tip of Texas. lahoma Cos., Okla., in February. Snow Buntingswere reportedonly at Lincoln and Omaha. CONTRIBUTORS -- Nebraska: Esther Bennett, Daryl Giblin, Lincoln; Melba Wigg, Omaha. Kansas: Joan Challans,Dodge City; Earl S. McHugh, Linn Co.; Mary Louise Myers, JohnsonCo.; SebastianT. Patti, Morton Co.; Jean Schulenberg,Lyon Co. Oklahoma: Pat Bergey,McClain Co.: Ella Delap,Bartlesville; Polly Keating, Tulsa; Robert LaVal, Sequoyah N.W.R.; Janet M. McGee & Jack D. Tyler, Comanche Co. & Wichita Mts. N.W.R.; Zella Moorman, Payne Co.; John G. Newell, OklahomaCity; Grace E. Ray, Nor- man; Joy H. Robertson, Enid & Great Salt Plains N.W.R.; Richard A. Stuart, RogersCo.; PeggyAcord, Panhandle;Keith Arnold, Brazos, Burieson & Wash- ingtonCos.; Lillian M. Brown, Waco; Kelly B. Bryan, Walker Co.: Edgar B. Cunningham, Tyler; Charles D. Fisher, NacogdochesCo.; Karl W. Hailer & Charles Brown, Grayson Co. & Hagerman N.W.R.; Sharon Menaul, Lubbock & Crosby Cos. & Muleshoe N.W.R.; JodyMiller and PansyEspy, trans-Pecos;Ernest & Kay Mueller, Kerrville area; Hazel Nichols,Dallas (in part); LOONS, GREBES -- Common Loon counts were L. B. Paul, Big Spring;Warren Pulich, Dallas; Midge below normal in coastal waters. An Arctic Loon was Randolph, Ft. Worth; Layfette Stankewltz, Wichita & identified at the Texas City Dike, Jan. 11 & 23 (MA et Archer Cos.; Geth White, E1 Paso; C. C. Wiedenfeld, al.), and Red-throatedLoons were seenthere Jan 23 (2) Tom Green Co. and Feb. ! (SGW et al.). Least Grebes wintered at

Volume 29, Number 3 711 Santa Ana N.W.R. in record numbers; as many as 60 which is not where Texas birders look for Masked were seen on Cattail L., but only five remained at the Ducks, but a photograph clearly shows two facial end of March (WAS). These grebes were common on stripeson onebird. A bird of this specieswas reported pondsin w. Hidalgo Co. (GD). Four WesternGrebes, on the Rio Grande below Falcon Dam, Feb. 24 (AH & reportedat LagunaAtascosa N .W.R. in the fall report, LM). were seen there as late as Jan. 7 (TG). On the upper V•ULTURES, HAWKS, EAGLES -- Arvin re- coast, one was found at the Texas City Dike, Dec. 15 ported Turkey Vultures abundant and increasingas a (M J, TPJ & EM), and two winteredin the Houston area winter residentin the Rio Grande Delta, primarily due (AKM et al.). to the recently revived sugar cane industry. They SHEARWATERS THROUGH STORKS -- A pe- "swarm to recently cut-over cane fields to feed on lagic trip out of Port Aransas, conductedby Texas rodentskilled by the preharvestburnings." Red-taded Ornithological Society, produced an Audubon'sShear- Hawks were conspicuouslycommon in most areas water 20 mi. at sea (fide VLE). End-of-pier birders This was particularly true in the Addicksflood control foundGannets diving and feeding offshore from High I., areajust w. of Houstonon Jan. 13,following passage of one on Dec. 18 (MA, TBF, BK & ER), and nine on Jan. a strongcold front. Within one hour's time 180+ raptors 19 (JBS & NMS). One was seenoff the Freeport Jetty were counted, including 138Red-taileds (TG). A pair of Jan. 30 (TBF, BK & ER). Peak counts of Double- Zone-tailedHawks wintered along the Rio Grandejust crested Cormorants were 3500 at Texas City Dike, Jan. north of Roma, Starr Co., and associated with a vulture 14 (TBF, BK & ER) and 2000+ at Cove, ChambersCo., roost(JCA). On eight coastaltrips, from SabinePass to Jan. 1 (AKM). At Houston, a Wood Stork, rare in win- Brownsville, Galluci made 39 mid-winter sightingsof ter, was found at a small pond in a cow pasture Jan. 26 White-tailedHawks. Reportsof Rough-leggedand Fer- (RH & SHo); presumablythe samebird was seenin the ruginousHawks have become too numerousto report area as late as Mar. 22. in detail, and it is safe to say that many sightingsby WATERFOWL-- Four WhistlingSwans were found touring birders are not reported. These birds were well at Holiday Beach, Rockport area, Mar. 14 (BR), and distributed throughout the Region, even into the Rio were seen as late as Mar. 28 (DNW). Peak White- Grande Delta, with the Ferruginous running about 30 fronted Goose concentrations included 1000 in w. Har- per cent aheadof the Rough-legged.Three Gray Hawks ris Co., Dec. 7 (TBFet al.), and 600+ at apoint 10 miles were believed to have wintered at Santa Ana Ref, this s of Laredo, Jan. 2 (BY & CY). About 50,000 Snow is a normalcount (WAS). A BlackHawk was spotteds Geese were found in w. Harris Co., Dec. 12 (TBF et of Roma, at the now-famous Brown Jay nesting site, al ); this was by far the highestcount reported. Num- Jan. 14(GC, AG & KK). A Golden Eagle was seenin w bers apparently dropped sharply thereafter. Texas Harris Co. on several occasions; two birds on Jan 13 birdershave discoveredthat largeflocks of SnowGeese (TG). As many as 12 Bald Eagles could be seen in a should be sifted carefully for Ross' Goose. Harris single day in this area O'•deTBF). County sifters made a high count of 13 Ross' Geese CRANES. RAILS, JACANAS -- Forty-nine Nov.27 (MA., TBF & ER).Wintering groups of Black- Whooping Cranes, including two young, wintered on bellied Tree Ducks included up to 200 in the Corpus Aransas N.W.R., Matagorda I., and San Jose I. (EFJ) Christi area (KM). Unusually large numberswintered Notable concentrations of Sandhill Cranes, about 1000 in the Rio Grande Delta; at least 225 occupied a lake birds each, were found 10 miles s. of Laredo, Jan 2 (BY near SantaAna Ref. (WAS), and 120could be foundat & CY), and in Brazoria Co., Feb. 27 (TPJ). Two Vir- La Joya, w. Hidalgo Co. (GD). Pintails and Green- giniaRails were found in w. Hidalgo Co., Dec. 13(GD) wingedTeal were the mostcommon ducks in w. Harris The Jacana population persists at Manor L., Brazoria Co. in December. Nine pairs of Cinnamon Teal at La Co.; one adult and six immatures were seen Jan 18 Joya Feb. 25 (GD) are noteworthy. At least 3500 N. (HH). A single bird was present at Welder Wildlife Shovelers wintered on a sewage pond at McAllen, Refuge from Dec. 21 through March (GWB e! al ) Hidalgo Co. (WAS). Two Wood Ducks were seen at Santa Ana Ref., Jan. 4-5 (WAS). Lesser Scaup were SHOREBIRDS -- Mountain Plovers were located on reportedin unusuallysmall numbers from the upperand the north shore of Nueces Bay, Jan. 4 (TS e! al.). A bird central coasts.An Oldsquawlivened the fare at Corpus identified as a Bristle-thighed Curlew was studied at Christi, Jan. 20 - Feb. 10 (KM). Any scoter speciesis LagunaAtascosa Ref., Jan. 13 (GC, AG & KK), andIs still newsworthyin S. Texas; to have three speciesin beingreported here as ahypothetical, on the strength of one winter is an accomplishmentwhich a few Houston description submitted. This Regional Editor passes birders can now claim. A White-wingedScorer was seen alongsuch observations as this as circumstanceswar- off the beach at High I., Dec. 18 (MA, TBF, BK & ER); rant, to be ingestedat the discretionof the reader, and a Surf Scorer at Texas City Dike Dec. 10 (TBF, ER & with thanksto observerswho go to the trouble to submit BK), and two Black Scotersoff High I., Dec. 18 (MA, sufficient authenticating details as to justify serious TBF, BK & ER). The latter speciesis most unusual. consideration.The sightingof a Bristle-thighedCurlew Surf searchersmay seemore scoters,but sewagepond is (or wouldbe) a seriousviolation of the law of proba- scannersfare well in late fall influxes; for example, a bility, and the editor hopesthat it will not tempt some Surf Scoter was seenat an Austin pond, Dec. 7 (EAK), over-zealous birder to invoke the law of expectation and six there on Dec. 10 (AS). A 9 Masked Duck was Red Knots could be found in fair numbers throughout spottedwith a ? RuddyDuck at LagunaAtascosa Ref., the season,particularly in the Galvestonand Corpus Jan 7 (TG) The duckswere "well out in open water," Christi areas American Avocets were unusuallyabun-

712 American Birds, June, 1975 dant in the Corpus Christi area, and about 50 Black- in a CorpusChristi suburb •fide KM). This specieswas necked Stilts, scarce in winter this far north, wintered observed on Anahuac N.W.R., Dec. 17 (TBF & WR). A (KM). Long-earedOwl was photographedin s.w. Houston, Dec. 27 (MH, TPJ et al.). One was photographedat JAEGERS, GULLS -- Participants on the T.O.S. High I., Apr. 2 (DTK et al.). Rufous Hummingbirds pelagictrip out of Port Aransas, Mar. 15, at leastthose were well distributed and more common than usual, who were able to hold their heads up, counted 25 jae- especially in the Houston and Corpus Christi areas gers, includingfour Pomarineand one Parasiticiden- where severalfeeding stations sustained birds until de- tified beyond a reasonabledoubt. A GlaucousGull was parturedates in Februaryor March. Three individuals seen on the Galveston beach, Mar. 17 (HN & NCO). fed on shrimp plant, etc., at Falfurrias from October The followingday a second-yearimmature (same bird?) until a hard freeze on Jan. 13; two immatures left on Jan. was seen on Bolivar Flats, several miles up-coast, 15, but an adult stayeduntil Jan. 22, subsistingon a few standingnext to a Great Black-backedGull (MA, TBF, remainingblossoms (AWO). A Buff-belliedHumming- ER)! The latter bird is believedto be one which hasbeen bird wintered at a feeder in Baytown (TBF et al.); one observed here occasionallyfor more than a year; its visited Beeville, Mar. 20-23 (AHG). A Ringed plumageis in transitionbetween secondand third year Kingfisher,reported at a localityin MedinaCo. for the (TBF). A LesserBlack-backed Gull was seen at the fall season, continued there (RTH & SHa). One win- Galvestonjetty, Dec. 8 (JBS & NMS), and restingin a tered on a largelake e. of SantaAna Ref. (WAS) and a ploughedfield on Bolivar Peninsulawith Ring-billed pair was presentat La Joya (GD). A CommonFlicker and Herring Gulls. Mar. 26 (ED & TBF). Feltner thinks waspresent at Bentsen-RioGrande Valley S. P. in late this is the individualwhich first appearedat Texas City January (fide GD), an unusualrecord for the Rio Dike in 1968; its plumage is now fully adult. What Grande Delta. appearedto be a Little Gull was observedflying over the beach at Laguna Atascosa Ref., Feb. 28 (AH & FLYCATCHERS THROUGH JAYS -- A Tropical LM). There is one specimenrecord of this casualstrag- Kingbird was observedat CorpusChristi Feb. 2 (KM), and two were seen at Laredo Jan. 6 (BY & CY); both gler for Texas, and one observationauthenticated by photographs.An immature Black-leggedKittiwake sightingsare in the casual category. A Western King- wintered at Falcon L., and one was seenat the Freeport bird was seenat Texas City Jan. 19 (PaN & PhN). Two jetty Dec. 23 (TBF & ER). Scissor-tailedFlycatchers were seen at Pelican I. (Gal- veston?), Jan. 18 (RK). Eastern Phoebes were in OWLS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- A Bur- below-normal numbers at Falfurrias and Rockport. A Black Phoebe was seen downstream from Medina L., rowing Owl was observedfor severalweeks in the Key Allegro I. developmentat Rockport (CJ); one wintered Jan. 28 (RD, SHa & RTH). Three Barn Swallows at Raymondville, Dec. 31 (CWE) were very unusual for the date. Eight Mexican Crows were seenin afield with White-necked Ravens, south of McAllen, Feb. 14, and this specieswas seenalso in the Mission area Feb. 25 (GD). BrownJays have apparentlyreturned to the his- torical site near Roma, Starr Co. Five were reported Feb. 24 (AH, GBH, HM & LM), and somehave been seensubsequently. Green Jays are residentand increas- ing at Falfurrias (AWO). CHICKADEES THROUGH WRENS -- A Carolina Chickadee made a rare appearanceat Beeville, Dec. 15 (AHG). Red-breasted Nuthatches were more common than usualon the upper coast after a goodfall migration. Five were seen in San Antonio, where even one is noteworthy, Mar. I (JBr & JAM). Southeast of San Antonio, near Poth, Wilson Co., one was present Feb. 26 (WS). One was seen at Brackettville, Kinney Co., Jan. 29 (PY). A Brown Creeper wintered at Santa Ana Ref. (WAS). Arvin, who has birded the Rio Grande Delta for twenty years, found Winter Wrens more commonthis seasonthan ever before; as many as five per day couldbe foundnear FalconDam, and three per day at Santa Ana Ref. CATBIRDS THROUGH BLUEBIRDS -- Gray Catbirds wintered in good numbers in the Rockport area (CJ), and one was observedat San Antonio during the latter part of the season(LM). A Sage Thrasher, a speciesseldom seen in Austin, was found D.O.R., Dec. 22 (RWT). At Falfurrias, four or five couldbe seendaily Long-eared Owl, Houston, Tex., Dec. 27, 1974. Photo / at one site, with a high of 23 there on Feb. 15 (JBo,fide Paul Jones. AWO). American Robins were unusually abundant

Volume 29, Number 3 713 south of a line from about San Antonio to Corpus mon at Alice, were very scarce (ROA). They were Christi. Observersreported most in years at Alice, absentfrom a locality n.w. of Mission where they are CorpusChristi, and on into the Rio GrandeDelta. A normallyto be foundin winter, possiblydue to destruc- Clay-coloredRobin was seenthroughout the winter at tion of brushyhabitat (GD). An individualwas seen•n Santa Ana Ref., and two were present on Mar. 30 the Baytownarea, by manyobservers, during the latter (WAS). It wasa goodyear for the Hermit Thrushon the half of January. Dark-eyed Juncoswere above normal central coast. This specieswas "about twice as com- at San Antonio; ChippingSparrows below at Austin, mon as in the averagewinter" in the Rio GrandeDelta Rockport and Falfurrias; Field Sparrows below at (JCA). Eastern Bluebirdswere below normal on the Rockport and Fulfurrias, Harris' Sparrowsabove at central coast. Austin and San Antonio, and White-crownedSparrows "very low" at Falfurrias. Arvin reportedthe "best KINGLETS, PIPITS, WAXWINGS -- Golden- winter in SouthTexas in my experience" for White- crowned Kinglets were well above normal in many throated Sparrows. Shiffiett commented on "the areasthroughout the Region, as far s.as Santa Ana Ref. largestinflux" intothe Rio GrandeDelta in manyyears Numbers had dropped considerably by February. This specieswas reported above normal at Austin,San Water Pipits were very commonin the Missionarea Antonioand Welder Ref. Fox Sparrowswere far above (GD). Cedar Waxwings were reported abundant at averagein Austinand San Antonio. Lincoln Sparrow CorpusChristi and Mission but no more than average numberswere good in northcentral sections. elsewhere. CORRIGENDA -- Delete Masked Ducks at Manor WARBLERS -- A Brewster'sWarbler hybrid was carefully observedin Victoria, Jan. 9 (MW). This bird L., Jan. 1 (Am. Birds 28:661). The Boneshad 26 Purple was "typical" except that the lower wing bar was Martin nestsin their two martin houses,not 26 Purple white,the upperyellow. Single Tropical Parula •War- Martins (Am. Birds 28:924). The Crimson-collared biers were reported at La Joya, Dec. 23, and Bentsen- Grosbeak at Bentsen-RioGrande Valley S.P. was last Rio Grande Valley S.P., Feb. 21 (GD). Myrtle Warblers seen on July 1 by John C. Arvin (Am. Birds 28 925) were more abundant than in "at least 10 years" at CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- Dr CorpusChristi (KM), and noticeablyabove normal at Richard O. Albert, Margaret Anderson, John C. Arvin, Rockport (DNW) and Mission (GD). For the second consecutive winter, Black-throated Gray Warblers Gene W. Blacklock, Johnny Boerjan, Joe Brown, Rus- were relatively common in deep S. Texas, and Pine sel W. Clapper,Glenn Clifton, Gladys Donohue,John Warblersreached an eight-yearhigh (JCA). As many as Donohue, Earl Dore, Robin Doughty, CharlesW Eas- sevenof the latter speciescould be seenon a singleday ley, Victor L. Emanuel, T. Ben Feltner, Tony Galluccl, at Santa Ana Ref. A suspectedGray-crowned Yellow- Mrs. A. H. Geiselbrecht,Alex Griesman, Adele Hard- throat (Ground-Chat) was describedfrom the San Yg- ing,Gerald B. Harding,Robert T. Harms,Sirpa Harms, nacio area of Zapata Co., Jan. 27 (BY & CY). Morton Hawkins, Holly Hobart, Roger Hobart, Sandl Hobart, Charlotte Johnson, E. F. Johnson,Margaret FRINGILLIDS -- Pyrrhuloxiaswintered in greater Jones, T. Paul Jones, D. T. Kee, Barbara Kendnck, numbers than usual at Santa Ana Ref. (WAS). What Ken Knittie, Randy Korotev, Edward A. Kutac, Terry appeared to be a male Crimson-collaredGrosbeak was Little, Kay McCracken, Elric McHenry, Arhe K observedfor a period of five minutesas it fed on weed McKay, JamesA. Middleton, Herbert Mueller, Llsette stalks on an island in Walker L., La Joya, Dec. 25 (GD Mueller, Hazel Nichols, Paul Nimmons, Phyllis Nlm- & JD). This unexpectedspecies was photographedand mons, Norma C. Oates, Dr. A. W. O'Neil, Barbara recorded at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley S.P. in July, as Ribble, Elaine Robinson, Will Russell, S. Eugene San- previouslyreported, for a first U.S. record. A copy of key, Tom Schulenberg, Willie Sekula, Wayne A the taped songrecording is depositedat the Laboratory Shiffiett, Andrew Stewart, Jerry B. Strickling, Nancy of Ornithology, Cornell University. Single Black- M. Strickling, Richard W. Tims, Maxine Wigington, headed Grosbeaks wintered at Austin (BR), Rockport Stephen G. Williams, Doris N. Winship, Phyllis area (DNW), and McAllen (JCA). PurpleFinches were Yochem, Bob Yutzy, Carol Yutzy. -- FRED S •n below normal numbers at Conroe, Montgomery Co. WEBSTER, JR., 4926 Strass Drive, Austin, Texas (SES), and on the upper coast. Several were reported at 78731. Welder Ref., whichis unusual,nd Dr. O'Neil, at Fal- Breeding Bird Census manuscripts are furrias, recorded his first for Brooks Co. Birders need- due September10. They shouldbe addres- lng White-collared Seedeatersfor their life list would sed to editor Willet T. Van Velzen, 4784 have done well to visit San Ygnacioin January!Six of thesenow hard-to-findlittle fincheswere presentthere Quail St., N.E., Brooks, Ore. 97305. Man- Jan. 3, and 12, includinga beautifuladult male, Jan. 27 uscriptsarriving after this date will not be (BY & CY). Pine Siskinswere all but absentfrom the acceptedfor publication.This year, regret- entireRegion. An Olive Sparrowwas found at Bayside, fully, becauseof sharply increasedcosts, RefugioCo., Feb. 20 (DNW). The unusualspectacle of AmericanBirds will require a $25 publica- e•ght Green-tailed Towhees on rocks by the river at tion fee for all Breeding Bird Censuses Pedernales Falls S. P., Apr. 2 (WS), prompted the which exceeda singlecolumn (not counting editor to quiz the observeron this strangebehavior by photographs)of type. A columnis 64 lines this shythicket-dweller. Austin had a goodpopulation of 51 characters. of Le Conte's Sparrows Lark Buntings,usually corn-

714 American Birds, June, 1975 NORTHWESTERN CANADA REGION WATERFOWL -- A very late Mallard was seen / Wayne Neily flyingover the frozenKluane L. in earlyDecember (F & KP), whilefour •?Barrow's Goldeneyes stayed until The mean temperaturesthis winter were slightlyless at least Dec. 2 on the Kathleen R., s. of Haines Junc- so than usual, especially in December, when the au- tion. CommonGoldeneye were the only definitely tumn warm spell continued, producing one of the over-wintering ducks, with one male and two females in warmestfinishes to a year for severaldecades (mean the Tagish R. until Mar. 19, when the first new arrivals + 15øF.at Whitehorse).The only really cold spellwas were noted (DMo). A female of this specieswas also from January6-10, when all stationsexcept the British seenin theYukon R. at WhitehorseDec. 14(WN, KB), Columbiaones and Keno Hill went to -50øF. or lower, anda malethere Jan. 25 (WN). Thereis usually a stretch with Mayo hitting -71 ø. Most of the stragglersdisap- of openwater all winter in the rivers drainingdeep peared at this time, and the winter was normal from lakes,and they may winter more widely in thesethan is then on, except that snowfall was greater than usual in known,as the observationof threegoldeneye (sp) at many areas. the outletof L. LabergeMar. 18 (DMo) suggestsAn early Com. Merganserwas back at Tagish Mar 19 / ½ (DMo).

HAWKS, FALCONS -- Goshawks were much scarcer than last year, one at Whitehorse Dec 14 (DMo) being the only report. An early Rough-legged Hawk was seennear the White R. bridgeMar. 23 (DMc, JL, PW), while a Golden Eaglereturned to the Kluane L. areaMar. 20 (MH), andone to the Pelly R. mouthby Mar. 31. An ad. Bald Eagle was seen in the Kluane area as late as Jan. 4 (LT), and one returned to the Whitehorsearea by Mar. 22 (WN). The Gyrfalcon's statusas a rare residenthere wasconfirmed by sightings alongthe Dempster Hwy. Feb. 19, and in n.w. British Columbiain early March (DMo).

GROUSE -- Reports of nearly all members of this family wereup this winter, suggestingthe beginningof a recoveryfrom low pointsof theircycles. The exception is the Blue Grouse,which eludedall observers,and has yet to be reportedat all from the Yukon. SpruceGrouse appearedat severalpoints alongthe Yukon part of the Haines Hwy. Feb. 27 (LFr, CH), and northwest of Whitehorse in early March (EN). Ruffed Grouse were reportedthroughout the period from the Pelly R. - Bea- ver Creek latitudesouth, but with most sightingsin late February and March. Willow and White-tailed Ptarmi- gan appearedto be at aboutthe samelevel as last year, and were still reportedonly from the Kluaneregion, the only Rock Ptarmigan,however, were from the Demps- ter Hwy. in February. The Sharp-tailed Grouse was confirmedas a wintering speciesby sightingsin Feb- ruary and March near the Alaska border north of Be- aver Creek (WS).

DOVES, OWLS -- Rock Doves were confirmed as wintering in Whitehorse with observations in mid- January and early March of 4-6 birds (WN). Owls re- mained scarce except the Great Horned, which was Thirty-four specieswere reported, eight more than reported for every month, from Beaver C reek southand last winter, of which 25 were probablypermanent resi- east, establishingits statusas a winter resident. dents, four early migrants,two (ducks) stragglers,and three (Bald Eagle, Downy Woodpecker and Snow WOODPECKERS -- Hairy Woodpeckerswintered Bunting) both late and early. as far north as the Pelly R., at least into January, and Unless otherwise noted, observers were: at Beaver definitely all the seasonat Tagish, but Downy Wood- Creek, Maria Ledergerber; at Teslin, Denny and Pa- peckers were not seen after one in early December at tricia Denison;in the Pelly River area, David McCargo, Haines Junction (PB), until Mar. 30, when one re- JohnLammers, and Pauline Wilson; at Tagish,Bea and appeared just west of Whitehorse (SH). Northern George MacLeod; in the Dawson-DempsterHighway Three-toed Woodpeckers, although scarcer than last area, Karel Sars;and in the Kluane region,the Regional winter in the Kluane area, were reported from Beaver Editor. Creek to Whitehorse(three on Mar. 12, DB), and near

Volume 29, Number 3 715 the Yukon - British Columbia boundary south of Car- NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN- cross (WN) -- reports for all months but February. INTERMOUNTAIN REGION CORVIDS, TITMICE -- Gray Jays were common / Thomas H. Rogers throughoutthe sub-arcticparts of the Regionall winter, while Black-billed Magpies were confirmedas winter- ing with many reportsfor all monthsfrom the Alaska Most of the winter in the Region waited until Feb- Hwy. south,including two all winter at BeaverCreek; ruary to appear ir• earnest. December was generally mild with little snow and Januarycontinued warm but in one was seen as far north as the Pelly R. in early De- cember. Common Ravens lived up to their namesfrom most localities with heavy precipitation, resulting in the DempsterHwy. southto the Chilk•atPass (WN), the much snow in higher areas. The real winter set in the highestnumbers being, predictably, in the urbanareas. Black-cappedChickadees wintered in the southern partof the Region,at leastat Teslin,Tagish, and Haines Junction. but might be considereda sign of spring farther north, as one appearedat Beaver Creek Mar. 16, and they "became more noticeablethan the Boresis" (DMc) at the Pelly R. mouth Mar. 15-20.Reports from •WltLItigIS tall[ T• • I acrossthe southernhalf of the Region establishedthe Boreal Chickadee's status here as a common winter resident.

DIPPER, SHRIKE -- Dippers seemed scarce this winter, with reportsfrom only the Kluane (JC, WN) and DempsterHwy. (!) areas. A Northern Shrike, not pre- viouslyknown to winter here, was observedsix times from December through March at Teslin, and one tt_EL_ll_•ß•WASI"I. •COEIIIIII'KLEKE MONTANA straggledto Dec. 16 at Kluane (LFr, LFu, AW, JM). -•ø•Y&XIMK•wKL•A. •LEWlSTOTN 'IIELIEKK •"

FRINGILLIDS -- Pine Grosbeaks wintered in the south of the Region in fair numbers, were at Beaver I I ..,'-- '- Creek as late as Jan. 14, and were back (?) to Pelly R. by ! ...... Mar. 24. A Hoary Redpoll appearedat Whitehorse Mar. 23, followed by others from east of Haines Junctionto Tagish before the end of the month, while the com- moner Com. Redpolls stayed until Dec. 29 (three at first week of February, particularly in that part of the Beaver Creek) and re-appeared Feb. 9 (one, east of Region from the Rocky Mountain foothills west. Tem- Whitehorse, SH) and Feb. 10 (five at feeder, peratures in some areas were the lowest in many years Whitehorse.DMo). Reportsincreased to the end of the and snowfall was high. March was one setback after month, when they had reached the Pelly R. area. A anotherfor Spring'sarrival, with snowand cold persist- Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco stayed at Beaver ing in force even in mostlowland areasto the end of the Creek until Dec. 2, one at Kluane L. until the January winter period. cold snap, and three survived the winter at Tagish, The outstandingeffect of the mild first part of winter adding a new species to the Region's list of winter was the lingeringof a great many speciesthat normally residents. Two forerunners of the Lapland Longspur would have moved farther south or into warmer areas. flocks appeared at Haines Junction Mar. 24 (LFr), just This occurredmainly in the westernpart of the Region after the early waves of Snow Buntings hit the area. and produced almost incredible records. On the other Two of the latter on the Dempster Hwy. Feb. 19 hand some speciesseemed scarce, apparently because suggestsoverwintering in this species,bat otherwise the mild conditions allowed them to stay dispersed. there were no records from Dec. 17 to Mar. 17, when Other speciesappeared in record-breakingabundance the first one appeared at Dezadeash L. (LFr). The first through the winter. Apparently a special situation was main wave hit Mar. 21-22 along the Alaska Hwy. (ML, the roostingarea in Yakima with its phenomenalnum- DMc, JL PW. LFr). 50 were seen at Aftin Mar. 25 bersof severalspecies. Early, hardymigrants appeared (HM), and they were abundant by the end of the month at most stations. not to be particularlyaffected by the persistentwinter. All in all, it was a remarkable winter for birds. OBSERVERS -- Diane Beisser, Karen Byrne, Paul Birckel, Jack Christiansen, Denny and Patricia Deni- LOONS AND GREBES -- Loons and grebeswere son, Lloyd Freese. Lilo Fuhrer, Charles Hume, Man- found in good variety and often unusualnumbers in the fred Hoers, Sylvia Hackney, John Lammers, Maria s. Okanagan of British Columbia in late December. Of Ledergerber,Bea and GeorgeMacLeo& Jim Mcintyre, the five grebespecies of the Region,only the Eared was David McCargo, David Mossop, Hector Mackenzie, absent. A few Com. Loon wintered on the Columbia R. Arnold Nij ssen,Erika Nowlan, Wayne Neily, Fred and from Wenatchee to Pasco. Wash. Kate Postoioski, Karel Sars, William Sinclair, Larry Tremblay, Andy Williams. -- WAYNE P. NEILY, CORMORANTS AND HERONS -- A Double- Haines Junction, Yukon, YOB ILK. crested Cormorant lingered in the Nampa, Ida. area

716 American Birds, June, 1975 until Dec. 27 and ten had returned to Minidoka N .W.R. JS & DR). Rough-leggedHawks showed in very good by Mar. 4 and built up to 200 by the month's end. numbersin the Region west of the Rocky Mrs. Fer- McNary N.W,R., Burbank, Wash., had 20-30 on Mar. ruginousHawks were returningas early as Feb. 28, 22 Two Black-crowned Night Herons hung on in the when one was at Malheur N.W.R. (LDN). They were Nampa area as late as Jan. 28. alongSalmon Fork Creek in s. Idaho Mar. 9 (CHT) and WATERFOWL -- Mute Swans continued to be alongWenas Creek near Yakima Mar. 11 (YAS). One sightedat Livingston,Mont. WhistlingSwans wintered was seenbetween Ellensburg and Vantage, Wash. Mar in a few localities.Columbia N.W.R., Othello,Wash. 5 (JW, JS & DR). Two were watchedthrough a scope had a peak of 92 in January,down from last winter. The Mar. 14 near Hermiston,Ore. (CC). A pair of the birds largest number, 20,900, highest since 1945, was at in theHeppner, Ore. areahad a nestwith two eggsMar Malheur N.W.R., Bums, Ore., at the end of March. 29 (DW). Goldenand Bald Eaglenumbers appeared at Wintering Trumpeters there averaged 35 birds. A least up to normal. The latter showed an impressive neck-bandedTrumpeter at Ennis, Mont. Mar. 8 had a movement along the Snake R. in Idaho between mid- numberindicating it had been bandedin either Alberta Februaryand early March with a top countof 19adults or South Dakota. and 23 immature birds below American Falls Dam and Canada Geese peaked at 8000 at Columbia N.W.R. another20 above the dam. A roostingarea on Coeur d' Breedingpairs movedinto Malheur N.W.R. early in AleneL., Ida. hada highcount of 57 in January.Single February and peaked at 1720 the first week of March. Gyrfalcons were seen in s. British Columbia, c Summer L., Lake Co., Ore. had 12 White-fronted Washington, s. Idaho and w. Montana for a total of five Geese Mar. 8 (JJ) and a scatteredmovement was noted Prairie Falcon sightingslooked encouragingalthough at Malheur in early March. SnowGeese began arriving one area in Oregonreported only three comparedwith at Malheur Mar. 1 and increased to 30,000 at the sevenlast winter. SinglePeregrine Falcons were seen seventimes in theRegion. Merlin sightingsappeared to month'send. A few of bothwhite and blue color phases be down. were in the Tri-cities (Pasco-Richland-Kennewick), Wash. area during the winter. A huge flock of snow GALLINACEOUS BIRDS -- Sharp-tailed Grouse Geese was at Summer L. Mar. 8. were seen in only three areas, Kamloops,B.C.; the SouthwesternIdaho reported nearly half a million Bozeman area, and near Omak, Wash. Yakima Firing Mallards at the end of December. At Columbia N.W.R. Rangehad 30 SageGrouse Mar. 16but the specieswas they peaked at over 46,000 in December, down from down in numbers in the Wenatchee area. Two were last year. The mild winter did not concentrateducks in seen east of Summer L., Lake Co., Ore. (LNo) the Columbia Basin as in past years, yet overall num- Chukars were recorded near Osoyoos, B.C. and in the bers there were believeddown (LN). Unusualwere a vicinities of Touchet, Wenatchee and Yakima, Wash few winteringGadwall at the northend ofOkanagan L., Turkeys were sightedonly in s.w. Idaho east of Arrow- B C. Pintailmade up 86% of the peaknumber of migrat- rock Dam and at Bozeman Passe•st of Bozeman. ing ducksat Malheur N.W.R. Up to 170Am. Wigeon were in the Walla Walla area in late December. A c• CRANES, RAILS AND COOT -- Highly unusual EuropeanWigeon was seenin the Tri-cities area Dec. 15 were four Sandhill Cranes near Lowden, Walla Walla oMar. 1 (REW) and sightingsof singlebirds were made Co., Wash. Feb. 2 and into the secondweek of March throughout March in the Spokane-Sprague-Cheney One of the two immature birds seemedhandicapped by area (JA). The Naches R. northwest of Yakima had 16 an injured leg (LC, FP et al.). In other areas the birds Wood Ducks Jan. 25. Canvasback showed up 300 were beginning their northward trek in late February strong the last week of March at Minidoka N .W.R. in s. and March. Malheur N.W.R. first noted them Feb. 26 Idaho and the specieswas describedas the commonest and at the end of the springperiod there the population duck during the winter on L. Entiat in Chelan Co., totaled 500 with 235 on territory. They were first seen m Wash. SummerL. GameManagement Area in Oregon s.w. Idaho Mar. 2 and near Sprague, Wash. Mar. 23 had 50 - 100Mar. 24. Four Greater Scaupwere picked March 2 was the date of the sightingsof a Virginia Rail out amongmany of the Lesser in the Pocatello,Ida. near Pocatello (MRC), where the specieswas reported area Jan. 4 (MRC). An impressive 72 Barrow's Gold- as wintering regularly (CHT). The species was also eneyewere on S. ThompsonR. at Kamloops,B.C. Dec. reported for the Wenatchee area in December and 29 A few Ruddy Ducks winteredon OkanaganL. at January and at ToppenishN.W.R., Toppenish, Wash OkanaganLanding and at Penticton,B.C. Livingston, Mar. 22. Large numbersof Am. Coot stayed through Mont. had a •? OldsquawMar. 3 (HC). Southwestern the winter at the north end ofOkanagan L., the farthest Idaho reporteda concentrationof 280 Corn. Mergan- north locality reporting wintering. sers near the end of December and Minidoka N.W.R. had 300 at the end of March. SHOREBIRDS -- Among the usual wintering Killdeer two were particularlynotable. One was at that VULTURES AND HAWKS -- The earliestTurkey very far north spot, Prince George, B.C. Jan. 3 and Vulture was one at ToppenishN.W.R. Mar. 9 but two another hardy bird, amid nine-foot snowbanksin Crater were reported in the Nampa, Ida. area and at Malheur Lake N. P. took advantageof tracksof a truck. Greater N W.R. two days later. Goshawksappeared at no less Yellowlegs,frequenting a springon Malheur N.W.R in thannine widely scatteredlocations. Other Accipiters, January, were suspectedof wintering. Twelve of the particularlythe Sharp-shinned,seemed rather scarcein Lesser were reported Jan. 18 and one Feb. 6 near Low- comparison.An early Swainsoh's Hawk was at Sun- den, Wash. (NFM). The mild winter inducedup to 14 nysideGame Refugenear Mabton, Wash. Mar. 6 (JW, Least Sandpipersto stay at-themouth of the Yakima R

Volume 29, Number 3 717 Dec. 1 throughat least Mar. 16(REW). At the same spot "regular rarity" in the vicinity of Spokane.A male up to 50 Dunlin remainedDec. I throughat least Mar. 8 there in January was eventually caught by a Great and two Long-billedDowitchers lingered until Dec. 28 Horned Owl. Besides wintering at Wenatchee, two (REW). Two appeared at Malheur N.W.R. Mar. 22. Lewis' Woodpeckerswere alongthe SpokaneR. below Springfield,Ida. had Long-billedDowitchers from Dec, Long L. Dam Feb. 15 (FBH). The birdswere numerous 16 on, with eight Jan. 20. On the latter date a Least at Ft. Simcoe, Wash. Mar. 31. A White-headed Wood- Sandpiper was there and the day before produced a pecker was found on Moscow Mt. n.e. of Moscow, Ida Western (MRC). Mar. 15 (JWW). A c3Black-backed Three-toed Wood- peckerwas seenin a recentburn alongthe SpokaneR GULLS -- An ad. Glaucous Gull appeared at the below Spokane Jan. 4. Trl-cities Dec. 22 after a rather severe storm. Presuma- bly the same bird was seen again Jan. 16 and Feb. 17 FLYCATCHERS, LARKS AND SWALLOWS -- (REW). A second-winter Glaucouswas along the Spo- A very early Say's Phoebe was near Yakima Jan 23 kane R. near Coeur d' Alene Feb. 15 and 17 (JA) and (JW & JS). A tremendous flock estimated at 100,000 perhaps the same bird was seen in the area Mar. 28 birds, mostly Horned Larks and rosy finches,was ob- (SGS, ES & CM). Single Glaucous-wingedGulls ap- served near Helena in mid-winter in -20øF. weather pearedin the samearea Feb. 16(WH) andMar. 8 (SGS). after a storm (SM). The first Tree Swallowsighting was The specieshas become regular in winter in the Tri- at Malheur N.W.R. Feb. 26, two weeksearlier than last cities area, where it was present Dec. 7 through at least year. A Barn Swallow near Pullman, Wash. Mar 26 Feb. 17 and one was on L. Chelan, Wash. Jan. 26 furnishedthe earliestdate on recordthere (REJ) At (REW). A singleHerring Gull was identified on Am. KootenaiN.W.R. swallowswere late, not one having Falls Res. in s. Idaho Mar. 14 (MRC). Two Ring-billed arrived by the end of March. Gulls wintered in the Helena area (SM). At American CROWS, CHICKADEES, NUTHATCHES AND Falls five Bonaparte's Gulls in winter plumage were CREEPERS -- For the first time in Hand'sexperience, sightedMar. 1 (MRC). Corn. Crows wintered on the outskirts of Missoula OWLS -- Barn Owls seem to be becomingless un- Clark's Nutcrackers were in general very scarce. How- usual in the Region. Besides Yakima's single on the ever, a flock was seen Feb. 17 at Crater Lake N.P as it CBC, they were described as regular in the Tri-cities moved southfrom higher elevations. More than 40 were area and five were reportedn.e. of New Plymouth, Ida. counted in about five minutes. Dec. 9 (SRN). Single Snowy Owls appeared at Prince Chickadeeand nuthatchsightings were scantin most Georgeand Vernon, B.C. andin s.w. Idaho and put up a localities. However, Wenatchee reported Black- rather gooddisplay in e. Washingtonmost of the winter, capped Chickadees "extremely abundant" and their the Davenport-Reardanarea having at least six differ- number on the CBC at the Tri-cities was three times ent observations of one to three immature and adult normal. The Plain Titmouse was foundalong the Snake birds. One was seen by many observers near Belgrade, R. near Rupert and alsonear Nampa, Ida. Moscow Mt Mont. on several dates Jan. 17 - Mar. 21 (PDS et al.). east of Moscow, Ida. had two White-breasted Nut- Hawk Owls appeared in s. British Columbia, single hatches Mar. 22; they are rare there (JWW). Two birds at Penticton Dec. 26 (SRC), at Kelowna Jan. 3 Pygmy Nuthatches were observed closely at Canyon (SS) and near Vernon Jan. 18 to mid-February (GS). Ferry Res. near Helena Mar. 8 (LS). What was believed PygmyOwl sightingswere sparse. The only BarredOwl to be the furthest north record for British Columbia for reported was one that Jan. 14 sat beneath awnings and the Brown Creeper was one at Prince George Dec 29 peeredinto a classroomat Fulton Jr. SecondarySchool (AB). m Vernon (RB)! A Great Gray Owl was seen hunting WRENS -- Winter Wrens stageda populationexplo- regularly s. of Bozemanin late March (SC, HC, ETH sion. The outburst was noted in the s. Okanaganof RAH & PDS). The Long-earedOwl was sightedonly at British Columbia, at Spokane and nearby Coeur d' Vernon and at Rupert, Ida. Short-eared Owl numbers Alene L. and in the Tri-cities and Wenatchee areas One were decidedly low nearly everywhere. was broughtin unharmedby a cat at Walla Walla Oct NIGHTHAWKS AND HUMMINGBIRDS --The 22 (NFM). One in songat BozemanFish Hatchery Dec mild weather certainly made possiblethis paragraph. 21 - Jan. I was the first ever for that area (ETH, RAH, One Corn. Nighthawk was seen over Pocatello Dec. 11 LM, PDS). Up to five Bewick's Wrens were seen all (JD) and again Dec. 16 (MRC). Anna's Hummingbird winter along the Yakima R. near Parker. They were was at a Yakima feeder Jan. 9 & 11 and an imm. male presentall winter at the Tri-cities and even showedup frequented a feeder at Okanagan Falls, B.C. Nov. 11 - at Wenatchee. A single Rock Wren was sighted at Jan. 13, when it was found dead, apparently from colli- Vantage, Wash. Feb. 2. sion, not cold (SRC). This is the first record ever for MIMIC THRUSHES AND THRUSHES -- Single interior British Columbia (JG). Two more Anna's win- Mockingbirds were found near Ennis, Mont. Dec 14 tered at feeders, one at Wenatchee and one at Cash- (GH, SM & DWo) and at a feeder in Bozeman Feb 5 - mere, Wash., both leaving Mar. 8 (WD). One ofunde- Mar. 16 (RAH, ETH, PDS et al.). A Brown Thrasher termined specieswas reported at a Herralston, Ore. spentthe winter at Malheur N.W.R. (LDN). Richland, feeder through the winter until Mar. 7. Wash. had an early SageThrasher Feb. $ (EM). Ameri- can Robins wintered in quite high numbersin the more WOODPECKERS AND FLYCATCHERS -- The westerly part of the Region. Particularlyhigh numbers Yellow-shafted race of the Corn. Flicker is becominga were at the Tri-cities Feb. 6. A multi-speciesroost in

718 American Birds, June, 1975 Yakima was estimated to contain over22,000 Am. Rob- Dec. 28. Two were seen at Vantage, Wash. Feb. 2 and' ins Jan. 23 (BL)! Spokanehad muchhigher numbers of one was at Toppenish N.W.R. Mar. 22. Fifty-four Varied Thrushes than any time in the last 20 years and Brewer's Blackbirdswere still at Prince GeorgeDec 29 the Yakima roost held an estimated500 Jan. 23 (BL). At (AB). Toppenish also had a Brown-headed Cowbird Wenatcheethey were the mostabundant since 1968 and Mar. 22 and one was sightednear Yakima Apr. 5 (YAS) Pullman sighted them more frequently. They were A W. Tanagerwas reportedat Sunriver, Ore. "lost in a commonin Ellensburgand numberswere above normal snowstorm" Mar. 21 (BH) -- no further details. in s British Columbia. A Hermit Thrush at Wenatchee F1NCHES -- Evening Grosbeak numbers were gen- •n February was the first ever in winter there (PC). A erally small in the valleys, with indicationsthat more Mountain Bluebird was identifiedat closerange at Sal- wintered in the foothills, as in the Cascades near mon Arm, B.C. Dec. 29 as it fed on berries with Yakima. Numbers increased greatly at Missoula for a Townsend's Solitaires, to furnish that area's first winter brief period in March. A surgetook place in ponderosa record (JG). Numbers of the latter specieswere dis- pine areas in the SpokaneValley just east of Spokaneat tlnctly up in that area. A few W. Bluebirdswintered in that time and Pocatello had its first of the winter then the Spokane area. Purple Fincheswere the commone st of the Carpodacu• KINGLETS, WAGTAILS, PIPITS AND WAX- finches in the Wenatchee area. One was identified m WINGS -- Golden-crowned Kinglet numbers bur- Bozeman Feb. 17 (HC). House Finches were estimated geoned at three localities in c. Washington. Besides at 1000at the roost in Yakima. Cassin's Finch appeared Walla Walla's 300 on the CBC, "abundant" was the to have wintered in more than normal numbers,mainly word for Wenatchee and "invasion" was applied at the in e. Washington but also at Missoula and Bozeman A Trl-clties at Christmas.The outstandingfind of the win- few wintered at Vernon and probably at Helena. Pine ter was a bird believed to be an imm. White Wagtail, Grosbeakswere virtually nonexistentin the lowlands, a studied closely through a scope at Umatilla N.W.R., few appearingat Prince George; east of Omak, Wash , Umatllla Co., Ore. Feb. 9 (CC & MC). Two or three on the Harrison, Ida. CBC and at Fortine, Mont. Gray- Water Pipits Feb. 2 near Lowden, Wash. were the only crowned Rosy Finch numberswere generally low ex- ones reported except one in the Nampa area Dec. 27. cept for large numbers in the Helena area, particularly Bohemian Waxwing numberswere mostly unimpres- after a mid-winter storm -- see comments under slve In general they were late, not appearing until Horned Lark. About 25 were found roosting in old Cliff December and January. They penetratedas far southas Swallow nests high on cliffs near Little Goose Dam on Walla Walla, Pullmanand s.w. Idaho. Largestnumbers the SnakeR. in e. WashingtonDec. 28 (CS). Two Black were at Pullman with flocks totaling around 1000 Jan. RosyFinches were seenin a flock of Gray-crownednear 11, and at Missoula with at least that many in mid- Challis, Ida. about Mar. 24 (LRP). Two Hoary Redpolls February. were identified at Prince George Dec. 29 (AB). Com- mon Redpolls scarcely showed up at all. Pine Siskin SHRIKES AND STARLINGS -- In addition to the numberswere high in the n.w. part of the Region. At widely-occurring N. Shrike, the Loggerheadwas re- Fortine, Mont. they were regular and common for the ported in December at Yakima (YAS) and twice in first winterin 54 years'observing (WW). Red Crossbills Nampa (BS). One was seen Dec. 9 along the little were common to abundant at Spokane, Coeur d' Alene, Spokane R. near Spokane. One at Vantage Feb. 15 Kootenai N.W.R. and Fortine but spotty or absent supposedlywas an early migrant.Starlings at the roost- elsewhere. A female was seen nest-building near lng area in Yakima were estimated at 25,000 (BL)! Helena when 16 in. of snow were on the ground. The Prince George still had 87 Dec. 29. pair was feeding young in the nest in March. White- WARBLERS -- The mild weather brought some winged Crossbillswere unusually common in heavily amazing warbler records. Orange-crownedWarblers forested mountainsof s. British Columbia. They sus- remained at the Tri-cities until at least Feb. 7 when they tained numerous casualties when attracted to salted apparentlywere driven out by the snow.One was seen sand on mountain roads. A few appeared in Spokane occasionallyin Walla Walla in December and January Co. from the Little Spokane R. north toward Mt (NFM). Most surprisingwas the finding of a Parula Spokane and the species was seen occasionally at Warbler along the Yakima R. near Richland. Present Kootenai N.W.R. Jan 10 - Feb. 4, it was closely observedfor about four SPARROWS -- Savannah Sparrows may have win- hourstotal (EM, TG, REW et al.). A"Myrtle" Warbler tered at Umatilla N.W.R. for six were there Feb. 9 and was •n the same general locality Jan. 11 (REW). two Mar. 15 (CC). The species was recorded at Another remarkable record was of a 5?or imm. Black- Wenatchee in February (PC). Dark-eyed Juncos con- throatedGray Warbler, Montana'sfirst, studiedclosely tinued their surgeof abundancein many localities. At in Bozeman Dec. 15 (ETH & RAH). A few Wilson's Baker, Ore. Ann Ward's comment was "the most Warblers hung on in the Tri-cities area, having been we've ever had" and at Wenatchee they were "ex- seen in December, January and up to Feb. 12 (EM). tremely abundant." The Spokane area had them m BLACKBIRDS AND TANAGERS -- Greatest "vast numbers" and at Coeur d' Alene numbers were numbers of wintering W. Meadowlarks were reported the greatestsince the winter of 1%9-70(SGS). At For- from the Yakima and Walla Walla areas. East of tine they were regularand commonfor the first time m Spokane at SalteseMarsh about30 on Jan. 19 and 60 on 54 years (WW) and somewere at a feederall winter at Feb I were unusual. A few Yellow-headed Blackbirds Saltese, Mont. where the snow lay many feet deep. The lingered at McNary N.W.R., Burbank, Wash. until Vernon area reported a shortage, however.

Volume 29, Number 3 719 Two Harris' Sparrowswere seenseveral times during Wenatcheearea, Wayne Doane(2), Phil Cheney; Ya- the winter at Walla Walla (RM) and one or two visited a kima area, AliceHorschel (13), Betty Lagergren. feeder at Missoula Jan. 17 - Mar. I (PW). Umatilla OTHER CONTRIBUTORS CITED -- Ron All- N.W.R. had six Feb. 9 and two Mar. 15 (CC) and Spokanehad a I onebird Feb. 4 & 7..A flock of six, some mand, Earl Bowen, Frances B. Huston, Kathy John- singing,were at Pocatello Mar. 4 (CHT). Belatedly son, Richard E. Johnson. David P. Mack, Shirley R. reportedwas one found dead at Vernon Nov. 9 (JF). A Nelson, (LNo) Lars Norgren, Dick Reynolds, Edwin Golden-crownedSparrow, a rarity in the Okanaganin R. Smith, Jan Smith, John W. Weber, John Wingfield, winter, was at Penticton Dec. 26 (SRC). The species Paul Wolf. Dave Worden, Yakima Audubon Society, was noted at Wenatchee in February (WD). At the same Bob & Carol Yutzy. -- Thomas H. Rogers, E. 10820 locality a White-throated Sparrow remained for two Maxwell, Spokane, Wa. 99206. weeks in January (PC). Fox Sparrows were noted MOUNTAIN WEST through the winter at Wenatchee (PC), one was seen at Nampa Dec. 27 and another was found along Asotin /Hugh E. Kingery Cr., Asotin, Wash. Jan. 18 (JWW). An adult and an imm. Lincoln's Sparrow were banded and photo- Mountain West observersreported a general lack of graphedFeb. 11at Deer Flat N.W.R., Idaho(LRP) and birdsafter Christmaswith few unusualspecies lingering one stayedat a feeder in Tumalo, Ore. all winter (JJ). to winter, and few northernspecies pushing south. Three Song Sparrows at Prince George Dec. 29 were SouthernNevada proved the exception, with its odd unusualthat far north (AB). A few Lapland Longspurs assemblageof northernducks and coastalgullsß Other and Snow Buntingswere mixed with the hugeflock of highlightscame with a winteringCosta's Hummingbird Horned Larks and rosy finchesat Helena in mid-winter at Salt Lake City and winter occurrencesof both Rose- (SM). Flocks of 50-100 Lapland Longspurswere regu- breasted and Black-headed Grosbeaks in Nevada and lar at La Grande, Ore. through the winter (EB). The Utah. only others were five at Omak Mar. 27 (BY & CY). Snow Buntingswere scarcelyevident in e. Washington until mid-March when flocks of 50-250 were seen mov- ing north in the Reardan-Davenportarea. They were reportedas fairly commonin s. Idahonear Leadore. A few showed up in n. Idaho and at Missoula and La Grande. They were unexpectedly scarce at Fortine. Mont.

CORRIGENDUM -- In AB 29:91 replace the entire sentencereferring to Parasitic Jaegerwith "A Parasitic Jaeger was seen at Red Rock Lakes N.W.R. Sept. 28 (JS)."

CONTRIBUTORS -- (Area editors in boldface, number of observersin area, observerscited): British Columbia: James Grant (17), Art Beaumont, Roger The mild fall weathercontinued with generallymild Benton, Steve R. Cannings,Jack Fowle, Gary Strom, temperaturesand limited precipitation through most of Sue Steinke; Idaho: Kootenai N.W.R., Delano A. thewinter. Salt Lake City hadits mildestyear in many, Pierce;Coeur d' Alene area, ShirleyG. Sturts(5), Carol its lowesttemperature only 9ø F. Typicalspring storms Mack, Esther Stewart; Pocatello area, C. H. Trost (4), beganin lateMarch. Evergreen, Colo., hada similarly Mark R. Collie, Joyce Donaghy, Leon R. Powers; open winter, until the blizzard of Mar. 25-27, when the Rupert area, W. H. Shillington(2); Salmonarea, Hadley temperatureplummeted to-16 ø. B. Roberts; Rigby area, Donnell Hunter; s.w. Idaho, Belle Shaw (39); Montana: Bozeman area, P. D. Skaar LOONS, GREBES-- The widespreadArctic Loon (13), Helen Carlson,Sharon Cotterell, Eve T. & Ray A. xecordscontinued into Decemberin e. Colorado,with Hayes, George Holton, Louis Moos, Dave Worley two fall birdsat Puebloand Longmont staying a week (DWo); Fortine area, Winton Weydemeyer;Helena into December, anotherone at Denver Dec. 5-8, and area, Sid Martin (7), Lorelei Saxby; Missoula area, one at Las Vegasphotographed on the CBC Dec. 14. A Ralph L. Hand (2); RavalliN.W.R. & Bitterroot Valley, few Horned Grebes wintered at Boulder, Colo. Lake Opal Foust; Oregon: Baker area. Ann Ward (3); Crater Meadis a hugereservoir, largely inaccessible; the birds Lake N. P., James H. Holcomb; w. central area, Jn!le congregatedat the few accessiblepoints could consti- Johnson(8), Bob Helm; Malheur N.W.R., Larry D. tuteeither representative or localizedpopulations. Peak Napier; Washington:Asotin Co., Margaret J. Polum- countsthere of Eared Grebes-- 1500 on Dec. 2, 1000 sky;Columbia N.W.R.; (LN) LowellNapier; n.e. area, onJan. 18 -- reachedonly 5-10 per cent of countsonly Mrs. S. O. Stanley(4), James Acton; McNary N.W.R., 4 yearsago. PerhapsW. Grebeshave replaced them: OwenH. Vivlon;Tri-cities area. RobertE. Woodley(7), high counts like 10,000 on Dec. 2 and 8000 Jan. 18 Craig & Marion Corder, Tony Greager, Elisabeth mountedten timesthe numbersexpected 5 yearsago. Moore; Walla Walla area, Niel F. Meadowcroft(10), Les Threewintered at Boulder,while the migrantsarrived Colburn, Robert Morgan, Fred Perry, Connie Sherer; in mid-Marchin the rest of the Region.

720 American Birds, June, 1975 PELICANS, HERONS -- A late White Pelican flew over Pueblo, Colo., Dec. 19 (fide VT). The first spring migrantsarrived in mid-March,with ten at PyramidL., Nev. Mar. 15, and 50 at Bear River N.W.R., Utah, in late March. A hardy Great Blue Heron dropped into the Mud Pots near Old Faithful, Yellowstone Nat'l Park, Jan. 10 -- mid a landscapecovered with 5 feet of snow. Las Vegas had four rare winter recordsof the Green Heron. A Cattle Egret strayedto Overton W.M.A., for Nevada's fourth record Jan. 2. Reno had only 12 Black-crownedNight Herons winter, a quarter of last year's count. One strayedto PuebloJan. 22 (fide JCL) and two to Boulder Feb. 12-21 (AM).

SWANS, GEESE, -- TrumpeterSwans wintered: 36 in the Old Faithful area, 25 at Ruby Lakes N.W.R., Nev. (We lack figuresfor the rest of Yellowstoneand Flock of Barrow'sGoldeneyes which wintered at Davis Grand Teton Nat'l Park.) At Ruby Lakes, four birds Dam, first recordsfor both Arizona and s. Nevada. had leg bands;since the leg bandsdate back to 1957, Photo /C.S. Lawson. Papikeopines that this artificial populationhas enjoyed a good survival rate. However, despite many cygnets fiedging since 1957, the populationhas remained sta- HAWKS, EAGLES -- Winter Turkey Vultures sur- ble: where have the young gone? prised observersat Fort Collins, Colo., Jan. 12 & Mar. 7, at Longmont,Colo., (two) Feb. 2 (RE), and at Davis DUCKS --Monte Vista N.W.R., Colo., had 18,500 Dam, Feb. 20. They arrived Mar. I at Reno, two weeks Mallards in December; the population dropped off and early, while peaking at 20 at Desert Game Refuge, then built up to 10,000 in March. plus 4400 Pintails. Nev.. Mar 15. Reno addedto Nevada's list of sight Hot springsin the Old Faithful Geyser Basin keep the records of White-tailed Kites with two on Dec. 8 and river open, and attracted about 750 ducks to winter, three in late March. CBCs countedAccipiters at an mostly Mallard. scaup,Barrow's Goldeneye,and Com. average .037 per party-hour (pph), with 38 Sharp- Merganser. Bear River's total of 300,000 ducks in shinneds,25 Cooper's, and 18 Goshawks. Boulder's spring migration included 130,000 Pintails, 80,000 Red-shouldered Hawk, reported last fall (AB 29:94), Canvasbacks,30,000 Redheads, 20,000 Green-winged an immature. stayed the winter to at least Mar. I Teal, and 10,000 Ruddy Ducks. Desert Lake W.M.A., (m.ob.) In the RegionRough-legged Hawks maintained Utah froze solid, and had no waterfowl Jan. 1-15, but average populations, but were scarce on a controlled built up to 1700 by Mar. 31, including 1050 Pintails. count at Denver (hawk-line average22, down from 40) Stillwater ducks increased from 165 in January to and fewer wintered at Reno (last year's unusual count 40,000 Mar. 8-15, mainly Pintails and Green-winged of 500 at Genoa dipped to 36 this year). Teal. Redheads seemed the most abundant migrant Goldenand Bald Eagle observationsboth increased. along the Colorado piedmont. In the myriad of prairie Balds concentratedin the San Luis Valley, Colo., with reservoirs, a total count is not possible, but those in w. 61 at Monte Vista N.W.R. Jan 23 and 79 (60 per cent Adams County held 6165 on Mar. 11 (RA). Twenty immature) at Alamosa N.W.R. Mar. 7. Vernon, Utah Greater Scaups, not often reported from our Region, lackedits eaglesthis year, and many locationsreported arrived at Bear R. in late February. Denver had three small proportionsof iramatures-- exceptfor Alamosa, winter records, and Fort Mohave Dam, at the extreme ratios ran 20-35 per cent. Marsh Hawk CBC reports s_ tip of Nevada, had four on Mar. 5. increased2•6 times, to .224 birds pph, then observa- Goldeneyesinvaded s. Nevada. At Davis Dam, 80 tions dropped off in mid-winter. We had reports of mi. s. of Las Vegas, 600-1000 Commonsappeared Jan. threeOspreys, 23 Peregrines(twice thoseof 1974), and 23-26, with 100 still present Mar. 5-13. At the same 22 Merlins (down from last year). place, from Dec. 5-Feb. 20, Barrow's Goldeneyesbuilt to a peakof 57 on Dec. 17 -- the first s. Nevada record TURKEYS, CRANES, RAILS -- Sheridan, (see S.W_ Regionreport for this flock as Arizona's first Wyo.,reports the Turkey populationprospering, and record). Barrow's spread out along the Colorado R. Turkeys stayed in the Roaring Fork valley near Glen- from Glenwood Springs to Grand Junction in higher wood SpringsDec. 15 - Mar. 21. SandhillCranes first than normal numbers,and singlesoccurred at Bear R. arrivedat Monte Vista Feb. 7, and peakedat 3450 Mar. Mar. 3-9 and Denver Feb. 17-Mar. 31. Typical numbers 21 (a drop of 10 per cent). Other flocks included 1500 occurredin Wyoming and Estes Park, Colo. in March near Vernal, Utah (fide PA), 475 at Las Davis Dam also had an unusually high count of Vegas,and 125 at PahranagatN.W.R., Nev., bothFeb. Buffleheads -- 450-500 Jan. 23-Feb. 20. An Oldsquaw 27. Virginia Rails wintered at Monte Vista, Pueblo, at Fort Mohave Dam Jan. 23-Apr. 9 was the first s. Denver and Fort Morgan, Colo., and at Zion Nevada record (CL, JO, VM). Davis Dam also had a and Las Vegas. Thirteen Corn. Gallinules -- a usual Surf Scoter Dec. 5-12. At Durango, Colo., a Hooded count -- appearedfor the Las Vegas CBC, but a rare Merganser appearedJan. 10, and one spent a month one photographedat Bear R. apparentlywintered, seen there beginningFeb. 19 (EF). in January and again in early February.

Volume 29. Number 3 721 SHOREBIRDS -- Three times in January single stray PIGEONS, ROADRUNNERS -- Evergreen saw an Killdeers fed at the hot springsat Old Faithful. First early-returning Band-tailed Pigeon Mar. 27 -- the day shorebirds to return were Am_ Avocets arriving at before the temperaturehit 16 below zero. A few Mourn- Stillwater at the end of February, followed by Baird's ing Doves wintered at Denver and Colorado Springs, Sandpipersat Fort Mohave Mar. 13, Pueblo Mar. 15, although no reports came in mid-winter from the Reg- and Grand Junction, Mar. 16, and two Least Sandpipers ion's balmier climes in Utah and Nevada. Roadrunners Mar. 13 at Fort Mohave. A SemipalmatedSandpiper at seem to have increased at Pueblo over the past year. Las VegasMar. 15 (JO) addedto the handfulof Nevada OWLS -- Perhapsthe largest parliamentof Barn sight recordsfor that species.One phalaropeof each Owls ever reportedin Nevadahad a membershipof IO, speciesstraggled into the Region in March: Dubois, at PahranagatN.W.R. Feb 15. Other recordscame from Wyo., had a strangeearly Wilson's Mar. 19; Las Vegas Boulder, Meeker, Colo. Nov. 21 (unusual), Carson hosteda Red PhalaropeMar. 15 (JO) -- anotherspecies City, Seedskadee,and Bear R. SeveralSnowy Owls on the Nevadalist only throughsight records;and Den- penetratedinto Coloradowith birds reportedduring the ver had a Northern Mar. 23 (JR). winter from Weld Co. Dec. 7 (TR), Bonny Res. Jan. 7 (RH), Prewitt Res. (date?), Elizabeth Jan. 17-24 GULLS -- Unusualgulls aboundedat Las Vegas and (RGB), Meeker Jan. 22-23 (DV), plus one at Tor- n.e. Colorado. Observersfound 5-10 wintering Glauc- rington,Wyo. Dec. I (ECT). Fewer than usualPygmy ous Gulls at various reservoirs in the Denver-Boulder- Owls were reported,but thesedid includeyard birdsat Longmont-Lovelandarea (the numberof birds uncertain Durangoand Glenwood Springs. Reports of Short-eared since they traveled back and forth), plus birds at Owls increasedover last year, with Bear River's win- Jackson Res. Dec. 21 and Prewitt Res. Mar. I. Davis teringbirds up to 20 from 15 last year; two at Meeker Dam hosted two Glaucous-wingedGulls Dec. 12-18. Dec. 17, and late winter birds at Longmont, Logan, Thayer's Gulls attractedmuch attention: Las Vegas ob- Utah, Seedskadee, and five at Fort Collins Mar. 30. servers found I-2 at L. Mead Nov. 30-Jan. I 1 and one Saw-whetOwl reportsat Denver increasednoticeably, at Davis Dam Dec. 12-Feb. 18. Northeastern Colorado becauseof enthusiasticnocturnal scoutingby the Moul- had 10 birds Jan. 19-Mar. 28, all first-year immatures. ton brothers,and includinga probablenest (RA); dead Increasedinterest in this specieshas caused some of birdsturned up at Fort Collins, Durango,and Mr. Car- these records, but Andrews states that he never before mel, Utah. saw a gull like these. He suggeststhat more than usual numbers visited n.e. Colorado this winter. Denver's SWIFTS, HUMMINGBIRDS--White-throated CBC had a record Ring-billed Gull tally -- 1020. Mi- Swifts wintered in numbers at Davis Dam (150 at the grants arrived at Bear R. in late February, Seedskadee low point) and in fives at Las Vegas. A c• Costa's Mar. 24, and at Glen CanyonCity, Utah Mar.•29. A Hummingbird wintered at Mrs. C.E. Cauley's Salt Mew Gull strayedJan. I I to L. Mead [VM). Breaking Lake City feeder. from October to Mar. 16. A light the previousearly arrival date of Mar. 31, a Franklin's bulb kept the sugar water unfrozen, and proteins and Gull ventured to Boulder Feb. I; then Boulder, De•ver, vitamins fortified the feeder stock. He began appearing and Loveland had four records in March. Four less frequently in March, possibly supplementing his Franklin's reached north to Dubois Mar. 31. Las Vegas diet with insects, and last called on Mar. 16. had one Bonaparte'sGull Dec.2-14. A Sabine's Gull visited Vernal, Utah, for two weeks in March (MP,fide WOODPECKERS, FLYCATCHERS -- Common PA). Photographs substantiate Black-legged Kit- Flickers declineddrastically on the Zion CBC (20 com- tiwakes at Davis Dam Feb. 17-20 and at Loveland Mar. pared to 121 last year) perhaps because mild weather 8-11(m. oh.). The Nevadabird, the state'sfirst, exhibited kept them on the plateaus; meanwhile Denver had a the unique kittiwake trait of completely submerging record count of 181 on its CBC. Overall Regional when it plunged into the water. CBC's maintained last year's rate of .7 pph. William- son'sSapsuckers wandered to CanyonlandsNat'l Park's pinyon/juniper/sagebrushplateaus the first week in De- cember (PS). Nevada's fourth sight record for the OlivaceousFlycatcher came from Las Vegas Mar. 16, with good description and heavy reliance on the call note (VM). A • Vermilion Flycatcher visited Las Vegas, providing a rare winter record

LARKS, SWALLOWS, JAYS -- Observers in three locations in n. Wyoming reported Horned Larks very scarcethrough the winter. although they began return- ing in late March. At Seedskadee they wintered in average numbers, and Cheyenne counted many. Las Vegas echoed the Wyoming shortage, with 5-10 per cent of normal, attributed to a lack of weed seeds due to last summer's drought. Tree Swallows wintered at Davis Dam where countsranged from a low of 250 to a BlacK-leggedKittiwal, e, Nevada'sfirst. Davis Darn. flight of 5000 Mar. 13. Six early Bank Swallows ar- Photo / C.S. Lawson. rived at Reno Mar. 12. Steller's Jay's CBC frequency

722 American Birds, June, 1975 has dropped in half since 1972 (in 1974, 0.92 pph). mary. Small flocks of Cedar Waxwings spread out Black-billed Magpie's frequency has likewise dropped, throughthe s. portionof the Region. Wintering shrike from 4.29 in 1972 to 3.0 in 1974. Flocks of Corn. populationsapparently kept to normallevels. Snyder Crows persisted, with 873 giving Co!orado Springs its watcheda • Starlingstuck in a hole; the femaletugged highestCBC total, 70, on Jan. 24 at Parawan, Utah was and tuggedat him by holdinghis foot in her beak and unusual, and 450 at Mesquite, Nev. Feb. 14 comparable danglingand flapping her wings. She finally pulled the to last fall's record-sized flock (AB 25:95). Two Clark's male out, and the pair left, chatteringvociferously. Nutcrackers at Sheridan Feb. 23 had already begun Perhapsthis determineddevotion helps explain the suc- nest-building. cess of the aggressiveStarling.

CHICKADEES THROUGH DIPPERS -- Black- WARBLERS, BLACKBIRDS -- Warblers, almost capped Chickadees maintained a CBC frequency of all Yellow-rumped, lingered after their spectacularfall .78 pph, close to last year but down from 1.45 in 1973. showing. with several CBCs recording them -- then Mountain Chickadees bounced back from last year's 100 wintered at Davis Dam and a handful wintered at decline, the 1.84 pph rate helped by Boulder's high Boulder and Pueblo; individuals lingered to January at count of 1001 and Evergreen's 786. Observers found Denver,Salt Lake City, Ogden,Logan, and Kanab. Other Corn. Bushtits in unusual numbers, particularly at CBC warblerswere Orange-crowneds•t Truckee and Durango and Zion, but also along the e. Colorado Henderson, Townsend's at Boulder, and Wilson's at foothills and Salt Lake City. Logan had many Brown Zion. Two Corn. Yellowthroatsbeat springto Las Vegas Creepers and Salt Lake City had few, Sheridan had Mar. 9. Red-winged Blackbirds massed in a roost con- many while Cheyenne had one report. Zion, Kanab, taining 170,000 birds during January at the Denver and R.M.N.P. reported them as regular. Dippers, airport (MOS et al.); authoritiesfinally burnedthe roost which arrived a month late in the fall, lefl Dubois three trees and marsh to avert a human tragedy. Other parts weeks early this spring. While at EstesPark a remark- of the Region reportednormal numbers,although one at able 19 concentrated below the dam Jan. 25, Evergreen an Aspen, Colo., feeder Feb. 1 had wandered. Great- observers found them scarce all winter. One bobbed in tailed Grackle arrived Mar. 15 at Las Vegas, one month Oak Creek Canyon the last week in March for s. Nev- earlier than its previous early date. Colorado had four ada's fourth record. recordsof Corn. Grackles in February, including one Feb. 24-Mar. 2 at Grand Junction. WRENS -- Winter Wrens invaded for record num- bers on the CBCs -- 21 in Coloradoplus one at Shers- FINCHES -- Few finchesand sparrowswintered in dan, but almost all winter records came in December. s. Nevadabecause of poor seedcrops. ALas Vegas Bewick's Wrens maintained normal winter populations. feeder did attract the fifth Nevada Cardinal, the first A second fall record for Short-billed Marsh Wren oc- photographed.The female stayedfrom the last week in curred Nov. 15 (fide DG) at Fruita, Colo. The normal December to Jan. I I. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak at- March movement of Sage Thrashers into Las Vegas failed to materialize. Unusual numbers of Am. Robins wintered at ColoradoSprings, Boulder, Cheyenne,and Salt Lake City. Fewer than usual w•ntered in Nevada, and none stayedat R.M.N.P. or Dubois. In March large numberspoured into the Region. Late Hermit Thrushes appearedat Zion Dec. 16-28 and Boulder City, Nev., Jan. 15 (F&PL). An early Swainson'sThrush appeared at ColoradoSprings Mar. 30 (BMM). Two E. Bluebirds spenl the worst of the winter at Boulder Dec. 1 l-Jan. 27 (BC), and two visited Loveland Jan. 4 (RHa). S. Utah had sporadicreports of W. Bluebirdsall winter, but few migrants had arrived •n the Region by the end FemaleCardinal, Las Vegas.Dec. '74- Jan. 11, 1975. of March. Mountain Bluebirds were common in January First Nevada photo / C.S. Lawson. in Grand Junction and arrived in February and March in healthy numbersthroughout the Region. rived with a storm at Reno Feb_ 14, stayed two hours, and left (JA). Reno had a late Black-headed Grosbeak KINGLETS THROUGH STARLINGS -- Reno ob- Dec. 8-15 (JA); then anotherspent Jan. 9-11 at a Salt servers seldom saw Golden-crowned Kinglets, while Lake City feeder (ph., PAP)_ Few Evening Grosbeaks Sheridan observersfound the most ever, present all frequentedthe Region, with six Coloradocities report- winter, and Zion had small groupsin Januaryand Feb- ing them, plus Sheridan and Reno. House Finches in- ruary. Large flocks of BohemianWaxwings moved into creasedon CBCs from 2.1 pph to 3.25 -- largely be- n.w. Wyoming -- Cody and Mammoth Hot Springs-- cause of a huge count of 2295 at Salt Lake City. Rosy but were largely absent from the rest of the Region; finches seemed diminished, and the Colorado flocks even from hot-spot Sheridan (after a big CBC list of contained more Blacks and fewer Gray-crowneds than 895) despite ample food. Nevada had one report, on the usual. Dubois had a champion count of Blacks -- 431 Reno CBC, Colorado had four including 100 at on its CBC. Relatively light high country snowfall may GeorgetownFeb. 23, and Salt Lake City and Logan had have enabledrosy finches to avoid dependenceon feed- several reports including 200 which arrived in Feb- ers. Pine Siskins occurredin flocks in Colorado Springs

Volume 29, Number 3 723 in early winter, were numerousall winter at Logan, and Vince Mowbray, John O'Connell. Utah: Bear River appearedin March en masseat Zion, many flocks of M!gr. Bird Ref. -- David L. Beall; Desert Lake 5-50 attacking cottonwoodcatgins. Denver had only a W.M.A. -- Larry Dalton; Glenn Canyon City -- Jim & few, and Nevada had one bird all winter, owing to a Julie Clark; Kanab -- Steven P. Hedges; Logan (8) -- poor food supply. Only a few Red Crossbill reports Ann Sehimpf and K. L. Dixon; Salt Lake City -- Gleb came in, but one pair was found nestingon the Denver Kashin; Zion Nat'l Park (15) -- Ken Keltell. Also, CBC (BW) and another group of 30 near Reno Junc- Paul Adamus, Mark Collie, Merlin Killpack, Paul A. tion, Wyo., showedsigns of nesting:singing males, Pemberton, Mike Perry, Peter Scott. Wyoming: courtship feeding of males by females in suitable Cheyenne: (8) -- May Hanesworth; Cody -- Ursula habitatwith good cone production(JT). Winter Green- Kepler; Dubois -- Mary Back; SeedskadeeN.W.R. -- tailed Towhees appeared Feb. 15 at a Glenwood R. E. Harding; Sheridan(6) -- Platt Hall; Yellowstone Springsfeeder and Mar. 26 at Durango. Nat'l Park -- Joanna Booset. Also, James Tare Jr., Edna Claire Thomas. Colorado: Alamosa N.W.R. -- SPARROWS, JUNCOS -- Grand Junction had a R. L. Darnell; Boulder (28) -- Louise Hering; Col- Lark SparrowDec. 15 & Jan. 3. Winter SageSparrows orado Springs(6) -- Mahlon Speersand Elinor Wills; appearedin s. Utah, at FarmingtonBay W.M.A., Utah Denver (20) --Robert Andrews; Durango (3) -- R.W. Mar. 23 (PA), and in normal numbers in Nevada. Jun- Stransky; Fort Collins (28) -- For! Collins Audubon cosdropped from 6.04 pph to 5.26 on CBCs•Denver Society; Glenwood Springs (5) -- Bey Hutchins; and Boulder had high counts while Durango, Grand Grand Junction (11)- David Gaffnat; Hotchkiss -- Junction, and Provo, Utah dropped. Few White- Theo Colburn; 1ongmont(43) -- Allegra Collister; wingedspenetrated into Coloradothis year. Only a few McCo• -- Margaret Ewing; Meeker -- Dennis Van Harris' Sparrowsappeared, the secondconsecutive year Horn; Monte Vista N.W.R. -- C. R. Bryant; Pueblo (6) of scarcity. White-crownedSparrows seemed scarce in -- Van Truan and J. C. Ligon; Rocky Min. Nat'l Park normal wintering grounds at Zion and Las Vegas, (5) -- Warner Reeser. Also R. G. Beidleman, Bayard though Kanab had good numbers. A Golden-crowned Cobb, Richard Esposito, Elva Fox, Ron Harden (RHa), Sparrow visited Denver Dec. 28-Jan. 4, and Reno and R. Hopper, B.M. Marshman, Arch McCallum, Mike & CarsonCity eachhad one on CBCs, for the only reports Pete Moulton, T. Ray, Jack Redell, M.O. Snyder, of that Pacific species.Las Vegas had 50-75 Lincoln's Bruce Webb. Sparrows Mar. 15; several were found dead later, all ABBREVIATIONS- D.F.O. -- Denver Field Or- with empty stomachs,perhaps owing to the poor food nithologists;ph. -- Photograph;pph -- per party hour; situation. Durango also had an early Lincoln's Mar. 15. R.M.N.P. -- Rocky Mtn. Nat'l Park. -- HUGH E. Swamp Sparrowsinvaded Colorado, with eight winter- KINGERY, 869 Milwaukee Street, Denver, Colo. ing at Pueblo and five at Grand Junction, several at 80206. Denver in December, and singlesat Weldona Jan. 5 and Boulder Feb. 1. Nevada had no longspursthis winter, but Meeker noted two McCown's Feb. 20. Lapland Longspursappeared in large numbers,with 560 at Paw- nee Nat'l Grassland, Colo., Feb. 15 (D.F.O.) and 120 SOUTHWEST REGION at Bear R. Feb. 18 (PA). Sheridan found few, but it had / Janet Witzeman and Kenn Kaufman, Scott no Horned Larks to lead observersto longspurs.At Meeker, Feb. 20, 32 Snow Buntingsflocked. Burge and John P. Hubbard CORRIGENDA: Correct Am. Birds 28:669 et. seq. The seasonaveraged colder and wetter than normal; to read 6600 Pintails at the North Platte Refuges; dis- but as usual "winter" held off until January, allowing cussing the Alcids, to read, "Colorado has had two half-hardy species to linger for the Christmas Bird records of the Ancient Murrelet (previous to 1974)"; Counts. The Region saw widespread movements of and referring to Brown Creepers, "only at Salt Lake bluebirds, longspurs and Lawrence's Goldfinches. City were the numerous." Correct AB 29:97 to note that Steve Larson found Boulder's Golden-wingedWarbler; O'Connell's Palm Warbler occurred Oct. 6; Line 11, second column, sh9uldread, "Evening Grosbeakswere present,but not in great numbers." Andrew's Smith's Longspuroccur- red at Denver Sept. 5.

CONTRIBUTORS -- (Editors collecting observa- tions from their communities in boldface, with number of contributors listed). Nevada: State Editor -- C.S. Lawson; Carson City -- Pete Herlan; Davis Dam and Fort Mohave-- C.S. Lawson;Desert Game Refuge-- Gene Sipe; Eureka-- JanetEyre; L. Mead Nat'l Recr. Area- Norm Riegle; Las Vegas (12)- C.S. Lawson; PahranagatN.W.R. -- Leon Hill; Reno (5) -- Jesse Aires; Ruby Lakes N.W.R. -- R. Papike; Stillwater W.M.A. -- Lynn Howard. Also, Frank & Polly Long,

724 American Birds, June, 1975 Mountain birds were noticeably absent in the lowlands edge of Mexico, so of interest was one near E1 Sueco, (unusual numbers of Goshawks, Brown Creepers and Chih., Mar. 8 (DZ). Several observers commented on both kinglets notwithstanding: specimen records from numbers of Bald Eagles. Wintering populations of the the pastindicate that a majorpercentage of thesebirds northern race vary considerablyin the Region, so the come from the north, rather than from the local moun- real significanceof fluctuationshere is hard to judge tains). Also difficult to interpret was the number of Merhn The seasonraised interestingquestions concerning reports, six in New Mexico and ten in Arizona, far more ravens, towhees and marsh wrens. On the local level, than normal. B•tter Lake had blackbirds, Nogales had Fringillids, GALLINULES, SHOREBIRDS -- Up to four Com Phoenix had warblers; and Davis Dam on the Ari- Gallinules again wintered at Kirtland, extreme n w zona-Nevadaborder had birders from two Regionsex- New Mexico (APN); this is exceptionally far north cited over rare ducks and gulls. Read on for details. Because of its low elevation (and resulting warm LOONS THROUGH IBIS -- Single Corn. Loons, temperatures), coupled with much artificial habitat, rare in New Mexico, were at ConchasL., Dec. 10(JPH) Phoenix generally reports the most diverse wintering and L. McMillan Feb. 14 (MW). A Horned Grebe was shorebirdpopulation in the Region. Notable there th•s studiedat Empalme, SonoraMar. 1 (DZ); the speciesis seasonwere two to four Pectoral Sandpipersfor most of a casual visitor to n.w. Mexico. Somewhat less unusual Jan., plus20+ A•m.Avocets and a loneLong-balled were two at Conchas L., Dec. 10 (JPH) and one near Curlew throughoutthe period; all three speciesare Chff, N. Mex., Jan. 3 (DZ et al.). Adding another quiterare in winter. A SemipalmatedPlover, Arizona's episodeto the Olivaceous Cormorant's recent spread first winter record, lingeredat Phoenix throughFeb 5 into s. New Mexico, an adult was seen at Bill Evans L., The Region's first Ruff, first reported Nov. 10, re- Grant Co., from late Dec. to early Mar. (JPH, DZ et mained at Phoenix through Feb. 17. Though Lesser al ) White-facedIbis are rare in the Regionin winter. Yellowlegs normally desert the Southwest from E•ght at PaintedRock Dam near Gila Bend (SB et al.) November to March, a few overwinter regularly at spent the entire winter; the one on the Roswell CBC Phoenix. Eight were present through this December, apparently did not. but evidently no more than three remained past m•d- Jan.; this pattern of declinegenerally occurs, the excess WATERFOWL -- Whistling Swansare scarcewin- birds probably moving s.w. to the Gulf of Califorma ter visitors to the Region; two were at Bosque del Another hot spot this seasonwas the vicinity of Salt ApacheN.W.R., N. Mex., Dec. 5 (R. Teuberet al.). A Lake, e. of Loving, N. Mex., where Snowy Plovers- Black Brant, one of very few records for Arizona, was one on Jan. 9, two on Jan. 27 -- were the first winter shotby a hunter 40 mi. w. of PhoenixJan. 6 (fide Tom records for the state (JPH, CGS). Up to 30 Dunhn, Stejskal).A pair of ducks wintering at Bitter Lake usually rare in New Mexico at any season, were re- N W.R., N. Mex., were apparentlyMallard x Mexican corded e. of Loving during Jan. (JPH, CGS). Duck hybrids (DB). There was a "major trickle"' of JAEGERS, GULLS, ANIS -- An ad. Parasitic Greater Scaup,with a female s.w. of PhoenixDec. 21 Jaeger was observed at Puerto Pefiasco, Sonora Dec 28 (SB), a male at TucsonJan. 14 - Feb. 3 (DSz, m.ob.), (DSj). Jaeger records for the Gulf of California have and a female n.e. of Phoenix Mar. 25 (ST). These rec- been few, but this is probably due in part to lack of ordswere almostcertainly valid; the statusof this bird coverage.Since the Parasiticis now a regular fall stray m the Southwestis still poorly known. The biggestduck to the Salton Sea (McCaskie, 1974.Am. Birds 28:108), •t newscame from Davis Dam, on the ColoradoR., where would seemthe logicalspecies to turn up in the northern the seasonsaw an invasion of Barrow's Goldeneye.Two Gulf. were found there Nov. 30 (JO), and by Dec. 17 the Davis Dam produced gull records for Arizona and numberhad grown to 57, including12 males(CL, GM). Nevada, with two first-yearThayer's (second and third Four were still presentFeb. 20. Photosby CL madethis Arizona records) Dec. 12 - Feb. 18, a first-year the first documented record for Arizona. It' s difficult to Glaucous-winged(fourth Arizona record) for the same guesswhich directionthe birds came from; normally period, and an imm. Black-leggedKittiwake (third they winteron the n. Pacificcoast, inland in the North- Arizona record) Feb. 17-20 (all by CL, VM, JO et al ) west, andthe n. andc. Rockies,all somedistance away. These followed the expectedpattern for vagrantgulls Of more likely oceanicorigin was a Surf Scoterat Davis from the Pacific, being immatures and occurring •n Dam Nov. 30 - Dec. 12(JO, VM; photosby CL). Down- mid-winter.In a differentcategory was an ad. Laughing river from Davis Dam was a •Oldsquaw Jan. 23 to end Gull (fourth Arizona record) downriver at Havasu L , of the period (photos, CL). Mar. 15 (JO), an early-springstray that must have ar- RAPTORS -- A Turkey Vulture, rare in New Mexico rived via the Gulf of California. Scarcity of recordsfor •n winter, was at Bosquedel Apache N.W.R., Jan. 19 coastalgulls on the ColoradoR. reservoirscorrelates to (J Durrie); one at Mesilla Feb. 23 (fide BP) was proba- a paucity of recent coverage; during Monson's inten- bly an earlymigrant. Reports of Goshawksin the low- sive fieldwork alongthe fiver in the 1940s-50s,he had lands numbered four in New Mexico and five in Arizo- records of Glaucous-winged,Western, Laughing, and na, slightlymore than usual. A Broad-wingedHawk was Heermann'sGulls as well as other salt-waterspecies seen n.e. of Phoenix Mar. 16 (ST et al.). The bird may An ani was reported n. of Las Cruces Dec. 7 (W have overwintered; two of the four previous Arizona Iselin,fide BP). Grooves were not seen on the bill; but occurrences were Feb. records, and migrant Broad- reference to a two-noted call, as well as geographic w•ngedsgenerally don't move into Texas until late logic, suggest the Groove-billed Ani which is a rare March Rough-leggedHawks are peripheralat the n stragglerto the Region

Volume 29, Number 3 725 HUMMINGBIRDS -- Allen's Hummingbird is ex- Hedges), one at Tucson (S & SB) and one at Ramsey tremely difficult to identify in the field, so sightrecords Canyon (C. Peabody). A Varied Thrush, now consid- are open to question and the range of this bird in the ered a rare winter visitor to n. Arizona, was at Flagstaff Regionis still poorly known. Of interest, therefore, is a Feb. 1 (RPB). Western and Mountain Bluebirds were reliable record from Somenon, Yuma Co., extreme scarcein n. Arizona, but rangedwidely over the rest of s w. Arizona: an adult male that arrived at a feeder Feb. the Region. Mountain Bluebirds in particular were 17, was later found injuredand studiedin handby Susan abundant both in s. Arizona and across New Mexico & SteveListon et al. Thoughthe winter rangeof Allen's The Carlsbad area reported E. Bluebirds for the third •s not fully established,it could be vaguely defined as consecutive winter; up to 25 there at Rattlesnake western Mexico. Since migrant Allen's move north into Springs in January (JPH, CGS) was an exceptional California during Jan. and Feb., and someshould pass number. Townsend's Solitaires were scarce •n n through s.w. Arizona on the way, this record fits the Arizona and continued to be abundant in the Upper expected pattern of time and place. The only 'spring' Sonoran Zones of s. Arizona as they were in the fall specimenfor Arizona was also in Yuma Co.: one in the Last autumn's small numbers of Golden-crowned S•erra Pinta, Feb. 18, 1955. Observershoping to iden- Kinglets continued to be found in the lowlands of s w Ufy Allen's are referred to Stiles, 1972 (Condor 74:25- New Mexico and s. Arizona; this was the first such 32). invasion since the winter of 1969-'70. Sprague's Pipits were found in all four states •n the TROGONS THROUGH SWALLOWS -- A Region: up to seven at Phoenix throughoutthe period Coppery-tailedTrogon below L. Patagonia,Ariz., Dec. (K.K., m.ob.); two at Rattlesnake Springs, Carlsbad 14 - Jan. 6 (JM, R. Glinski) was only the third winter N.P., during Jan. (JPH, CGS); three at Cananea, Son, record for the U.S. Rare but regular in winter, a Green Feb. 28 (DZ); and one at E1Sueco, Chih., Mar. 8 (DZ) Kingfisher stragglednorth to Nogales Feb. 9 (BH). All were solitary, the Phoenix birds avoiding Water Possibly only the fourth record of Red-bellied Wood- Pipit flocks in the same fields. Perhapsthe species•s pecker in New Mexico was one near Roswell Dec. 21 consistentlyoverlooked throughoutthe Southwest An (MW et al.). A Purple Martin near Tucson until Dec. 22 imm. N. Shrike near Elgin, s.e. Ariz., Dec. 15 - Mar 22 was by 1« monthsthe latest record for Arizona (GM). (S. Mills et al.) and an adult near Phoenix Jan. 1 (ST) CORVIDS THROUGH THRASHERS -- The only were the first convincing sight records for s. Arizona Blue Jay reported was one at Las Vegas Dec. 5 - Mar. 3 The only definite report in New Mexico was one near (WH). Although many CBC compilers blithely report Springer Feb. 15 (JPH). The Gray Vireo winters regu- all ravens as identified to species,the identification and larly in extreme s.w. Arizona, but one near Tucson ranges of the two forms are not yet well understood. Dec. 31 (GM) was only the third winter record for the Observers should beware that both ravens wander to s.e. part of the state. untypical habitats;calls vary; size is a poor field-mark; WARBLERS -- As usual, the "winter warbler" and the white neck of the White-necked is rarely visible. situation involved several distinct elements. Complicatingthe picture in New Mexico were careful Late fall movement: In this Region, the CBCs come reports of Commonson the prairies near Clayton and too early to samplethe true winter populationsof •nsec- Tucumcari (JPH), and White-neckeds at relatively high tivores. Striking evidence this seasoncame from the elevation near Glenwood (JPH, CGS). There were very Salt River migrant trap s.w. of Phoenix. There an few reports ofClark's Nutcrackers or the montanejays. credible 14 speciesof warblers remainedthrough the Because of the excellent pition pine cone crop in n. first week of January,with all the regularlywintenng Arizona, Pinyon Jays were nestingby Feb. 23 (a month species seen in unprecedentednumbers and several earlier than usual) despite below-normal temperature rarities found. The number of speciesand individuals (RPB). present had declined drastically by mid-January,•nd•- A Dipper was in the Organ Mrs., e. of Las Cruces, caring that this must have been an unusually late Jan. 19 (C. Dimeif, BP); there are few records so far movement of fall migrants. Possibly as a residue from south in New Mexico. Winter Wren (rare anywhere in this final flight, numbers of Audubon's (Yellow- the Region) showed up in numbers this winter. In rumped) Warblers remained higher than usual through- Arizona were three in the Tucson area (GG, GM), two out the winter in s.w. New Mexico and near Gila Bend near Phoenix (RRJ, RN), and one near Flagstaff (RPB, Probably to be classedas exceptionallylate migrants JH); New Mexico had two at Las Vegas (WH), one at were a Hermit Warbler near Phoenix Jan. 3 (ST) and Elephant Butte L. (CAH), and one near Cliff (WB). two Nashvilles there in December (PN, RN), one Bitter Lake N.W.R. producedsightings of Shoi't-billed Nashville Warbler in PhoenixFeb. 17 (BB) was among Marsh Wrens duringthe wintersof 1970-'71and '71-'72, the few genuine winter records. and did the samethis year (DB) -- but by late winter, it Eastern strays: Last fall, someparts of the West had was believed that 20 or more might be present, which their greatest season ever for eastern warblers. (See would be remarkable for a species marginal to this Am. Birds, Feb. 1975.) Many birders in s.c. Arizona Region.The situationshould be investigatednext year. knew of this at the time, but despite much fieldwork In addition to the two Brown Thrashers on CBCs, one they somehowfailed to cash in on the general abun- was below Patagonia L., Feb. 6 (GM). dance. Obviously somethinghappened; we don't know what, but somegood clues come from the discussionby THRUSHES THROUGH VIREOS -- Arizona re- DeSante et al. (Am. Birds 29:118, Feb. 1975), which corded the usual scatteringof Rufous-backedRobins, shows how weather patterns could have brought a w•th two near Patagonia(JM), two at Phoenix (ST, S stream of vagrants at a southwestwarddiagonal across

726 American B•rds, June, 1975 the Rockies and Great Basin to c. California. This pat- FRINGILLIDS: THE NOGALES INTERPRETA- tern would have merely grazed the n.w. corner of TION -- In the Southwest, where conditions for plant Arizona, and in fact severalvagrants were found there growthare subjectto wild extremesof weather, winter- at Kaibaband Pipe Springs,not to mentionthe enviable ing populationsof seed-eatersare mobile -- they go assortmentat nearby Las Vegas, Nevada. Southern where the seeds are in any given year. The CBCs are Arizona was outside the mainstream. This considera- startingto reveal how widely numbersfluctuate on the tion puts a different light on recordsof three eastern local level. As an example, Nogales "had it all" this warblers which had been recorded less than ten times winter -- their CBC recorded better-than-average previously in Arizona: Ptdm Warbler Dec. 6 near numbersof nearlyall Fringillids; six of them established Phoenix (ST), Chestnut-sidedWarbler Dec. 21 - Jan. 6 new local highs. The immediate explanation was that near Phoenix(ST, m. ob.), and Prairie Warbler Dec. 31 - the Nogalesarea had an excellentseed crop as a result Jan 5 at Tucson (P. Burr, RN, PN). While we hesitate of late summer and early fall rains. This must have to assert that these eastern species arrived from the accounted for record totals of Blue Grosbeaks, Lark wet't, it seemsquite possiblethat they were stragglers Sparrowsand White-crownedSparrows. To showhow from a vagrancypattern which passed, in general,to the drasticallycertain speciesrespond to local conditions north and west of Arizona. last year, when the seed crop there bombedout, the Sparse visitors: Several speciesoccurred which, Nogales CBC had no Lark Buntings, nine Brewer's thoughfairly regular,still merit somemention. Black- Sparrows,and 77 ChippingSparrows; this year, totals and-white Warblers were in three locations near for each exceeded 3000. Phoenix between December and March (BB, ST et al.). But the seed crop couldn't explain everything. Two The N. Parula was once considered "casual" in of the Fringillidsfound in record numbersat Nogales Arizona but increasedcoverage shows it to be regular. were Lawrence's Goldfinch and Chestnut-collared There were four this season: two near Phoenix Dec. 21 - Longspur; during another good 'sparrow winter,' Jan 7 (KA, SB, SM, RW); one near Florence, Ariz., 1969-'70, both were absent there. This season the Mar 29 (SB, RW); and one at Arivaca Jct., Ariz., Mar. goldfincheswere superabundantin just three counties 29-30 (J. Vernon, H. Richard). Probablyall were mi- of s.c. Arizona, while the longspur invasion covered grants rather than wintering birds. Myrtle (Yellow- much of the Southwest. Doubtless both enjoyed the rumped)Warbler records came from s. Arizonaand s.e. Nogalesseed supply; but the abnormalnumbers of both New Mexico; this form shouldoccur in smallnumbers speciesin the Regionmust have been due at leastpartly throughoutthe Region. Two Am. Redstartswere near to conditions elsewhere -- and of course the two arrive Phoenix Dec. 21 - Jan. 15 (GB, RB, ST et al.). here from oppositedirections. A confusingnote on the Mystery bird: Past observers wondered why the NogalesCBC: in markedcontrast to the abundanceof Ovenbird, with breeding populations directly north migrantFringillids, the residentBrown Towheeswere (B C., Alberta) and wintering areas directly south in low numbers.They were alsoscarce during the good (Slnaloa,Nyarit), shouldbe accidentalin Arizona. But 'sparrowwinter' of 1969-'70;among their better scores it can be thoughtaccidental no longer:the specieswas have been last year and 1965-'66, both of which were recorded at Phoenix for the third winter in a row, and poor for most Fringillids. Perhapsthe same weather this time three were found in separatelocations (RN, patternsthat producegood seed crops have an adverse SM, KA, A. Higgins). Most sightingshave been in the effect on nesting Brown Towhees. cottonwood-willow-saltcedarjungle alongthe Salt R.; GENERAL FINCHES -- Two Rose-breasted Gros- possiblythis area has the habitat, and the climate, to beaks, always a surprise, were in Tucson mid- qualify as an Ovenbird winteringground. December to mid-January (M. Paulsen, DSz). Evening Early springmovement: Returning Painted Redstarts Grosbeaks, which usually winter in small numbers in n appeared in the lowlands more than usual; DZ Arizona, went unrecorded there until March (RPB, JH, suggestedthat the birds might have been displacedby RRJ). The only New Mexico reports were a few at heavysnow in the mountainsin March.One at Elephant Farmington and Santa Fe; the only lowland report was Butte L., Mar. 23 (CAH), was somewhateast of its one at a Tucson feeder in March. In a winter when normal range in New Mexico. mountain birds are mostly absent in the lowlands, it •s ICTERIDS -- The general proliferation of black- unusual to find Purple or Cassin's Finches there; so 12 birds, which seems to be a continent-wide phenome- Purples and 6 Cassin's at scatteredpoints in s. Arizona non, made news in New Mexico this season.A concen- were consideredgood finds (SD, BH, ST et al.). Four tration of over a million each of Red-winged and Brew- Purplesat 7100 ft. in the SantaCatalina Mts., Feb 20 efts Blackbirds roosted in phragmites on the Bitter constituted the first highland record for s. Arizona Lake N.W.R. (DB, J.C. Corrie). JPH commented on (GM). Cassin's in small numbers were more widely increased wintering populations of Yellow-headed reportedin New Mexico, s. to Las Vegas, Cedar Crest, Blackbirds and Brown-headed Cowbirds in various and Silver City. A few Pine Grosbeaks appeared in the parts of the state, and noted that Great-tailed Grackles Sandia Mts. near Albuquerque, as they have the last wintered in several areas which they have invaded only two winters; there is a small resident population of this recently. ACom. Grackle at Farmington Mar. 15 (J. speciesin the highermountains of New Mexico. Pine Parker,fide APN) was the secondlocal record. ScoWs Siskins were notably fewer and less widespread than Orioles, always rare in winter, included one at a Silver usual in the Region. Red Crossbills, which were scarce City feeder Jan. 13 to end of period (M. O'Byrne,fide in n. Arizona Bastwinter, were found to be locally DZ) and an aged male, a banded bird, that returned to abundant this season on the South Rim of the Grand BH's feeder m Nogales for its eighth winter Canyon and near Payson, Ariz (RRJ, SM) Three wan-

Volume 29, Number 3 727 dered to Phoenixin Feb. (DSj); in New Mexico the only countsfrom otherpoints are lacking,and the Regional reportswere of a few near Silver City and in the Santa statusof the bird is not really known. Careful examina- Fe - Espafiola area. tion of all longspurflocks would be a most worthwhile After being virtually absentlast winter, Lawrence's winter pastime for Southwestern birders. Goldfinches swarmed in s.c. Arizona, staging their largestinvasion since the winter of 1961-'62.Strangely, CONTRIBUTORS (Area compilersin boldface)-- New Mexico reported none, although a few trickled Kathy AItiera, Russell P. Balda, William Baltosser, east to within miles of the state line at Portal (SS). New Gene Bauer, Delbert Boggs,Robert Bradley, Bonnie Mexico has had a dearth of Lawrence's in recent years; Burch, Scott Burge, Sue & Steve Burk, Salome De- duringthe 1940sand 50s, there were severalinvasions maree, Grace Gregg, Bill Harrison, Nogales; Walton that spread across southern New Mexico and into Hawk, John Hildebrand, John P. Hubbard, cert. and n. Texas. The erratic wanderingsof this bird seemto rival N. Mex.; CharlesA. Hundertmark,Betty Jackson,R. those of the traditional "winter finches" of the North- Roy Johnson,Charles Lawson, Stan Majlinger, Jeff eastern states, but the goldfinch has received less Mangum, Vincent Mowbray, Gale Monson, Tucson; study. Alan P. Nelson, Phil Norton, Robert Norton, John O'Connell,Bill Principe,C. Greg Schmitt,Sally Spof- SPARROWS -- Lark Sparrows may winter regularly ford, Portal; David Stejskal(DSj), Doug Stotz (DSz), in s.e. New Mexico, but 40 at Carlsbad N.P., Dec. 14 Scott Terrill, Marjorie Williams. Robert Witzeman, (K. Elers et aLL was a notable concentration. Single Dale Zimmerman, s.w. New Mexico. Abbreviations: Cassin'sSparrows, irregular in winter, were singingin m.ob., many observers;CBC, Christmas Bird Count. two locations n. of Tucson in early March (S & SB, --JANET WITZEMAN, 4619 E. Arcadia Lane, GM). Tree Sparrows occurred w. to Albuquerque Phoenix,Ariz. 85018; KENN KAUFMAN, Ithaca, N.Y.; (CAH) and s. to Bitter Lake N.W.R. (MW); the species SCOTT BURGE, Phoenix;JOHN P. HUBBARD, 2097 winters commonlyin extreme n.e. New Mexico. This Camino Lado, Santa Fe, N. Mex. 87501. winter there was the usual sprinkling of Harris's Spar- rows in the Region; four Golden-crowned Sparrow re- ALASKA REGION ports in Arizona were only slightlymore than normal; / Daniel D.Gibsonand G. Vernon Byrd but White-throated Sparrows were far more numerous than usual, records including a remarkable 25 at The winter of 1974-75was anotherrelatively mild one RattlesnakeSprings, Carlsbad N.P., in January½CGS) throughout most of the Region. At Adak Island, in the and at least 26 at scattered points in Arizona. Fox central Aleutians, however. it was a hard winter with Sparrowsare generally scarcein the Region, but there record snowfall and below average temperatures were three near Glenwood, N. Mex.. during the period throughout the period. All freshwater areas remained (•de JPH); the ten recordedin Arizona includedfive in frozen there all winter. Typically, it was a long quiet the Mazatzal Mts. the last week in March (GB, RN). winter in areas removed from Alaska's south coast. Previously, Swamp Sparrows have been considered uncommon in New Mexico and rare in Arizona, but this •'•ow 0 CE winter we were swampedwith them. A scoreor more were seen at scattered localities in New Mexico (JPH, WB); seven were banded in two days n.w. of Tucson (S.M. Russell et al.); at least six were found along the effluent channel in s.w. Phoenix (SB, SD et aLL and singles were at Patagonia (fide BH), Portal •de SS), and Scottsdale,Ariz. (RN). It is interestingto note that this speciesalso appearedin unusualnumbers "next door" in Inyo Co., California, last fall. Whether this seasoWsSwamp Sparrows represented an unusualwin- ter, or a generalincrease in their Southwesternwinter- ing population, remainsto be ascertained.

LONGSPURS -- As noted last fall, Chestnut- collared Longspurs continued to be abundant on the high-elevation grasslandsof s. New Mexico and s.e. Arizona, with flocks numbering in the hundreds in many areas. This general abundance extended at least 150 miles s. into Chihuahua (DZ), and in Sonora a few flocks got as far west as the Gulf of California near Puerto Pefiasco (DSj). The less common McCown's Longspur was detected among the flocks at several •,u• •,•--• PACFI(.. C, points in s.w. New Mexico and s.e. Arizona. In an area HERONS -- A Great Blue Heron observed at the n.e. of Demirig where there were thousands of Buskin R. mouth, Kodiak I., Mar. 8 (RAM, NT, & longspurs in December, the ratio of McCown's was WED), is probably only the secondrecord for the is- possiblyas high as one in six (V. & W. Howe,fide DZ). land. There is no Alaska Gulf coast record west of That soundslike a lot of McCown's -- but sample Kodiak.

728 American Birds, June, 1975 SWANS, GEESE -- Up to four Whooper Swans Alaska, where the speciesmay occur with some regu- were presentthroughout the winter seasonat Adak larity. The late Rhinoceros Auklet at Sitka (see fall (JLT et al.); otherareas in thisspecies' Aleutian winter migration) was present at least through mid-January range were not coveredduring the period. Emperor (CHJ). Geese occurred in about the same numbers as last win- ter at Kodiak, where some300-500 bird s were estimated OWLS -- Snowy Owls are rare winter visitants in wintering at Chiniak Bay. Numbers appearedto be interior Alaska, so the fact that at least 3-4 were present down at Adak, however, where the largestcount this in the Fairbanks area throughoutthe period (m. ob.) is of winter was 71 birds on Mar. 29 (JLT & AW). interest. A single Snowy Owl was seen at Gustavus between Dec. 16 and Jan. 3 (BBP). Great Gray Owls DUCKS -- Green-wingedTeal were newsworthyat were reported near Anchoragein December(GEH) and two locations: a • "Common" Teal at Kodiak, Dec. 15 near Livengood, n. of Fairbanks, in early March (CBC) was the secondrecord there, and two maleA. c. (ROB). A Short-eared Owl at Adak on Dec. 28 (DFS, carolinensis at Adak all winter (JLT & AW) were rare JLT & AW) is the second winter record there. that far west. Single Am. Wigeon at Adak on Feb. 13 andfrom Mar. 21 on (JLT & AW) wereof interest,since HUMMINGBIRDS, WOODPECKERS -- Anna's the speciesis rare in the Aleutians. EuropeanWigeon Hummingbirdswere recorded at two Auke Bay feeders were not recorded this winter at Adak, which is unusu- throughJan. 3 (WPD, RBW) on whichdate the temper- al. but a smallflock waspresent briefly at ShemyaI. in ature fell near zero, and none was reported sub- early January (DL). Two pairs of Ring-neckedDucks sequently.Rare in Alaska,Black-backed Three-toed were seen all winter at Sitka (CHJ), the only Alaska Woodpeckerswere seentwice in the Collegearea, sin- location where the specieshas been found in winter. gle females on Jan. 20 (RSH) and Jan. 28 (CML). Also apparentlyisolated as winteringbirds are Adak's annual Canvasbacks.Up to eight birds were recorded CORVIDS, PARIDS -- A Clark's Nutcracker was there between Jan. 8 and Feb. 15 (EDA, GWE, JLT, & closely observed at Douglas I., Juneau area Jan 4 AW). Followingthe discoveryof Lesser Scaupwinter- (STO), andperhaps another individual was seenat Tee mg at Kodiak lastyear, two maleswere seenthere this Harbor, n. of Juneau, during the winter (/ide RBW) winter on Feb. 23 (RAM). The only Tufted Duck re- The Gray-headed Chickadeebanded at College in Oc- portedwas a singlemale at Adak Dec. 26 (JLT). Stel- tober (seefall migration)stayed in that area the winter ler's Eiders were abundantagain this winter at Kodiak, andwas last seenon Mar. 21 (LJP). There were no other the e. end of the winter range: ca. 10,000 birds were reportsof this speciesduring the winter. estimatedon Chiniak Bay (RAM). King Eiders, on the other hand, were down in numbers at Kodiak, NUTHATCHES, THRUSHES -- Red-breasted maximumgroup size 40 birds. Interestingly,the propor- Nuthatches were not seenon a regular basis this winter tion of adult malesthere this winter wasup, with a ratio at Kodiak, and numberswere down considerablyfrom of 10 adult males: 80 females: 1 immature male. Con- winter 1973-74(RAM). Varied Thrushes,which regu- t•nuingto proveto be regularvisitors at Adak, Smews larly winter at Kodiak, were muchless numerous than were recorded there during the' winter of 1974-75:one last winter andwere seenonly onceor twice duringthe 52-plumagedindividual seen on Feb. 17 (JLT & AW) period (WED). Three Mountain Bluebirdsobserved and three 52-plumagedbirds at the end of the period foraging on the Gustavus beach, Dec. 16 (REH, (mob.). fideBBP), providedan unprecedentedAlaska winter record. HAWKS, FALCONS -- Compared to the last sev- eral winters, Goshawkswere not numerousin the Inter- PIPITS, SHRIKES, STARLINGS -- One Water ior this season.There were reports at both Kodiak Pipitwas observed at Adak Dec. 28 (LAE, DFS, JLT, (RAM) and Gustavus(BBP) of PeregrineFalcons de- & AW). The speciesis a rare winter visitantin the scribedas light birds. These sightingsprobably refer to Aleutians.A singleN. Shrike was observedat Adak on one of the endangered races rather than to resident Feb. 11, two were seenMar. 19, and singleswere noted pealei. Two Merlins were seenat Kodiak on Feb. 16 Mar. 20 & 26 (DSF, JLT, & AW). This speciesis a rare (RAM & NT) and one bird on Mar. I (RAM, NT, & andirregular winter visitant in the c. Aleutians.Several WED). One was observedat Kasilof duringthe period Shrikeswere reported at Dutch Harbor, e. Aleutians,in (MAM). December and January (RN). A Starling at Gustavus Dec. 16(BBP) is oneof few winterrecords for the area RAILS, SANDPIPERS -- Following the occurrence of tu,elve Am. Coots at Sitka at the beginning of the ICTERIDS -- A meadowlark (sp.) was observed period, at leastone bird was seenthere occasionallyall winter (CHJ, MAS). An unparalleled late record was a briefly but well in a pasture at Auke Bay, Jan. 10 (PI) Sharp-tailedSandpiper observed (color slide on file - The two previousAlaska recordsof birds of this genus U A.) at KodiakDec. 3 (RAM & NT). The previouslate are both fall specimensof W. Meadowlark, to which record for Alaska was Nov. 21, at Adak, over 400 miles speciesthis record is probably referrable. farther south. FRINGILLIDS -- Pine Grosbeaks were scarce or GULLS, ALCIDS -- An ad. Ring-billedGull ob- absent in the Interior all winter (m.ob.), they were servedclosely at the Ketchikanferry terminalin early absent from the Anchorage area, at least in late winter December(PI) wasthe only report this winter from s e (AS), and they were not seen after December in the

Volume29, Number3 729 Cohoe-Kasilof area of the Kenai Peninsula (MAM). But NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION they were notedregularly if in smallernumbers than last winter at Kodiak (RAM), and they were seenregularly /John B. Crowe!l, Jr. and Harry B. Nehls in s.e. Alaska, at Glacier Bay (BBP) and in the Auke Bay-Juneau area (RBW). The winterof 1974-75was relatively mild with little snowfall in the lowlands for the second consecutive Redpollnumbers were "normal" in the Interior dur- ing the winter, andthere wasan influx into the Anchor- year. Total precipitationthrough much of the Region age (AS) and Kenai (HF) areasin February.Redpolls was in excessof normal, however.February and March were not numerous in the Cohoe-Kasilof area during did haveslightly below normal temperatures and March the period(MAM). CommonRedpolls were numerous broughtunusually strong northwest winds to theRegion during Decemberat Adak, with flocks of up to seven on quite a number of days. The result was a much birds seenregularly. The largestflock seenthere was of delayedspring, although the warmfall andmild winter, about 50 birds (DFS, EDA, JLT, & AW). In s.e. Alas- particularly early in the season,doubtless accounted for ka, Corn. Redpolls were describedas the commonest manyof theunique winter records which are reportedin Fringlllids at Glacier Bay, with flocks of up to 150 the followingpages. (BBP). Smallgroups were seenirregularly in the Juneau area during the period (RBW, WPD). Crossbills were reported absent everywhere. Dark- eyed Juncoswintered in smallnumbers at Kodiak (LF, RAM), where the speciesprobably does so regularly. But a junco present at a Dutch Harbor feeder from November tO early February, and joined by a second individual in late January, was far west of the normal range(RN). One of thesebirds was photographed(on file - U.A.), substantiatingthis second record for the Aleutian Islands. One Harris' Sparrow obsep,'edwith many juncos at Auke Bay banding traps, Feb. 28 (RBW), was wearing a band but was not re-trapped. It was the only record this winter and may have beenthe sameone seenlast fall. WinteringWhite-crowned Spar- rows were reported only from Kodiak, where the speciesis rare at any season:one immature Dec. I (RAM & NT) and another Dec. 15 (NT). Three or four Golden-crowned Sparrows and at least two Fox Spar- rows also wintered at Kodiak (RAM, NT, LF), where they are all suspectedof being regular. Snow Buntingsprompted comment from several pointson the mainlandcoast (Homer-- MAM, Glacier Bay -- BBP, and Juneau-- RBW) becausethey were absent from areas normally occupied at that season. ElevenMcKay's Buntingswere banded at the Cold Bay [In the pages that follow, certain references to bandingstation between Jan. 6 andMar. 4(CR & JS). A ChristmasBird Count recordsalready published •n Am. singlead. c• McKay's wasobserved feeding with Snow Birds, April, 1975, have beendeleted for lack of space. Buntingsat Ada•, Mar. 17-18(JLT & AW). The bird The notation (CBC) will advise the reader to seek •he wastrapped and handled briefly, but it escapedbefore it original and noteworthyrecord therein. -- Ed.]. was bandedor photographed.This is the first certain record of McKay's in the Aleutians and it extends the LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- Individual winter rangesome 600 milessouthwest of Cold Bay, Yellow-billed Loons were seen on a number of occa- where the specieshas beenknown to winter for years. sionsduring the winter at the mouth of the Nicomekl CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- E. De- R., near White Rock, B.C.; at Pt. Roberts; and at Eld wayne Ash, R.O. Bennett, William E. Donaldson, Wil- Inlet nearOlympia, Wash_On Mar. 14 therewere 1200 liam P. Dunn, Larry A. Eichle, Glenn W. Elison, Helen Arctic Loons at Active Pass in the Gulf Is., (MS, fide Fisher, Linda Fritz, Raymond S. Hadley, George E. WW). On Feb. 22 at DeceptionPass 150 Red-throated Hall, Robert E. Howe, Pete Isleib, Charles H Loons were counted (WW), and on Mar. 20, near Johnstone, David Loper, Craig M. Lowe, Richard A. Ladher, B.C., 65 individualswere observed(BM, fide Macintosh, Mary A. Miller, Robert Nelson, Sigurd T. WW). An estimated 1500 W. Grebes were found at Olson, Bruce B. Paige, Leonard J. Peyton, Calvin March Pt., Wash., Feb. 22 and at Pt. Roberts Mar. 31 Reeve, John Sarvis, Daniel F. Shreeve, Alice Shoe, (WW et al.) A long-deadimm. Black-lootedAlbatross Michael A. Spindiet, John L. Trapp, Nelle Terpening, was found on the beach at Westport, Wash., Jan. 15 Anthony White, Ralph B. Williams; m.ob., many ob- (BT). A decomposedShort-tailed Shearwater was found servers; U.A., University of Alaska; C.B.C., Christ- on the beach at Tokeland, Wash., Dec. 29 (DH, DHa). mas Bird Count. -- DANIEL D. GIBSON, University A Brandt'sCormorant at the s. end of PugetSound Jan. Museum, University of Alaska, Fairbanks 99701, and G. 22 (DH, BT) was out-of-place; 7000 birds of this VERNON BYRD, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, P.O. Box species at Active Pass Dec. 23 (MS, fide WW) is a 5251, Adak, Alaska 98791. noteworthy concentration.

730 American Birds, June, 1975 Two Green Herons were at Pitt Meadows, e. of Van- Feb. 16 (fide PM). Occasional Eur. Wigeon were, as couver, B.C., Dec. 15 (fide WW); further south, single usual, scatteredthroughout the Region from Vancouver birds were seen in at least five locations at various s. to Eugene and at places on the Oregon coast. A times during the winter. Individual Cattle Egrets were presumedhybrid European X Am. Wigeon was seenby seen at Bellingham, Wash., Dec. 19 and then 10 mi. four observersin Vancouver's Stanley Park Dec. 29, away at Ferndale Dec. 25-Jan. 8 (TW); other single and then again in early April (WW). Cattle Egrets were at Boundary Bay Dec. 21, at White Concentrationsof up to 250 N. Shovelersat Ladnet Rock Dec. 22, and at Pitt Meadows from Dec. 16 into in late December and at Iona I., near Vancouver, •n early January (WW et al.). An imm. Cattle Egret ap- mid-February(WW et al.) were noteworthy, though not pearedat Sauvie I., w. of Portland, Ore., Mar. 1 (TC, unprecedented.Wood Ducks were present at Grants HN) Also see (CBC). The northernmost winter re- Pass,Ore., in severalgroups up to ten throughmuch of cord this year for a Great Egret was a bird at Bainbridge the winter (PR, fide SS); by the end of March they had I , Wash., Mar. 21 (RL); there were numerous sight- moved in numbersinto the w. Willamette Valley (JG) lngs of Great Egrets in w. Oregonwith up to five birds Redheads were seen at Pitt Meadows, Duncan, White at a time seen at Sauvie I., Tillamook, Salem, New- Rock, Sooke River, B.C., at Mr. Vernon and Ocean port, Waldport, Fern Ridge Res., GrantsPass and Med- Shores, Wash., and near Ashland, Ore., mostly in De- ford, a roost containing12 birds was discoveredFeb. 22 cember, but up until mid-February;the maximum was between Coquille and Myrtle Pt. in the Coquille R. sixteenindividuals. The peak count for Canvasbacks valley, where the specieswas characterizedas being was 1000 off Samish I., Wash., in December (NL,`fide abundanton that date (WHo). A Black-crowned Night TW); there were 500 on Alsea Bay on the c. Oregon Heron was discovered at Seattle, Dec. 1 (FK,fide PM), coast, Dec. 30 (LN), while Yaquina Bay a bit to the and anotherwas seen at Newberg, Ore., Mar. 27 (JG et north supportedup to 600 through most of the winter al ) Three Am. Bitterns wintered on the Nisqually (FR). More than 400 Canvasbackswere counted near N W R. near Olympia (BT). Also see (CBC). Hillsboro, Ore., away from the coast, in mid-February WATERFOWL -- Whistling Swanswintered from s. (TL). An unprecedentednumber of Tufted Duck sight- of Vancouver through the Puget Sound and Willamette ings occurredthis winter, all from the vicinity of Van- Valley lowlands in total numbersof as many as 1500 couver: an adult male was at the Lad net sewage ponds th•s year, judging by reports. Up to five Whistling Dec. 15 (WW), another was at Iona I. Dec. 22-Feb. 16 Swansappeared on s. VancouverI. (VG), and as many (KB, BM, fide WW), a third was on tho Fraser R., n as 40 were seen from time to time at favored places on of Lulu I., Jan. 11 (TR,fide BK, WW), and one was at the Oregoncoast. Up to 100 TrumpeterSwans wintered N. Vancouver, Mar. 16 (KB, fide WW). It is, of •n Skagit Co., Wash. (TW); sevenindividuals spent the course,possible that fewer than four individuals were seasonat Cowichan Bay, Vancouver I., (JCo), while a involved in these sightings.A • Oldsquawwas disco- dozen were at Pitt L. all winter (RR, WR, fide WW); vered at Sauvie I., Dec. 31 (JG, HN et al.), and four one bird was at Ocean Shores, Wash., for ten days in were at Eld Inlet on the s. end of Puget Soundthrough- mid-December (G&WH). Black Brant were compara- out the winter (G&WH). The 75-100 Black Scoterson tively little noteduntil late March when they showedup the ocean n. of Newport, Ore., Jan. 24 (LN) is an frofly well at a number of places;Tsawwassen, B.C., unusual concentrationfor Oregon. Also see (CBC) A furnishedthe peak number of 1000 on Mar. 26 (BM, c• Sinew was discoveredat Reifel Refuge, Jan. 18 (TW .fide WW). Except for occasionalstragglers earlier in et al.) and remained until the end of March; this is the the winter, White-fronted Geese moved into the Region third recordfor this speciesi• the Vancouverarea since in March, 150 at Ridgefield N.W.R.w. of Vancouver, late 1970 (WW). Wash., being the largest number sighted (BT). The Skag•t Flats hosted 12,000 Snow Geese much of the HAWKS -- A Turkey Vulture was present at White w•nter, althoughfor the secondconsecutive year there Rock, B.C., Dec. 22 (ML, MW,fide WW), an astound- werefew immaturesin the flocks(TW). In February ingly late date! Early migrant Vultures were one at 300 Snow Geese were at Sauvie I., (TC, HN) and in Corvallis, Ore., Feb. 24 (BP, fide FR), and two at m•d-March8000 were estimatedto be presenton SeaI., Saanich Mar. 22 (VG et al.). There were about ten s of Vancouver, B. C. (BM, fide WW). Also see sightingsof Goshawksthis winter in the Vancouver (CBC). Numbers of Pintail in the s. Willamette Valley area (fide WW), but Goshawkswere reportedelsewhere •n late December and early January were unusually only from Sauvie I., Jan. 17 (TC, HN), and from high, with 30,000 at Finley N.W.R. the first half of Victoria Dec. 14 (RF, fide VG) & Jan. 2 (V&MG) January (FR). The Eur. Green-winged Teal was re- Sharp-shinnedHawks were noted repeatedlyat Grays ported eight times during the winter from the Van- Harbor, at Olympia, at Finley N.W.R., and at Grants couver, B.C. area; two were at Ions I., Mar. 9 (JT, Pass during the winter. Also see (CBC). Cooper's `fide W); other individualswere seenat Saanich,B.C., Hawks were noted in smaller numbers, apparently, •n late Januaryand again in late March (VG, RS et al.), from most of the same places through the winter; sev- and at Kent Valley, King Co., Wash., in mid-January eral Cooper'sHawks seeinto have wintered in residen- (EH). Lone Blue-wingedTeals were seenat Nisqually, tial areas of Portland. A better view of the status of near Olympia, Mar. 8 (G&WH) and at Bellevue, these two Blue List speciesin the Region will have Wash., Dec. 29 (BB et al., fide PM). A c• Cinnamon been available with publicationof the 1974 CBCs A Teal was found at Ocean Shores, Dec. 8 & 18 (G&WH), Swainson'sHawk is said to have been presentat Lopez another was at Nisqually N.W.R. in January (K&KL, 1., Wash., on the surprisingdate of Feb. 1; it was seen .fide BT), and a groupof eight was at McNeil I , Wash , in direct comparisonwith severalRed-tailed and a good

Volume29, Number3 731 •n-fiight description was furnished (J&A, fide NL). SHOREBIRDS -- For Semipalmated and Snowy Rough-leggedHawks were presentin the Vancouver- Plover records,see (CBC). Killdeer again seemto have Ladner area in greater numbersthan in the preceding been scarcerthan they were in winter beforethe severe w•nter (WW), but further south, where record numbers freeze of two years ago, but the conclusionis tentative occurred last year, the reverse was true. The Skagit, A good count of wintering Black-bellied Plover was the Samish and Lummi Flats nonethelessexperienced good 250-300 observedat Victoria, Jan. 13 (ARD,fide VG) numbers(TW). Also see (CBC). Only four records for The 80 Surfbirds seen at Tillamook Dec. 27 (TLo, HN) Rough-legged came this winter from the Washington was also a good total. A Black Turnstone was seen m a and Oregoncoasts, from Tillamook northward.Golden field near Eugene Dec. 19 "bathing with Killdeer" Eagles were presentin the Region this winter in unpre- (RF,fide LM). There were several large concentranons cedentednumbers. Several were seenrepeatedly in the of Com. Snipe at Vancouver in December, including Medford, Ore., area (OS); one was in the s. Willamette eighty at Burnaby L. Dec. 28 (BK), but the b•rds Valley foothills Mar. 21 (LN); one was at Tillamook largely disappearedin January;by March numberswere Dec. 14; and one was at Sauvie I., Dec. 22. In the being augmentedby returning migrants (WW). Four Vancouver-Victoria-Bellinghamtriangle there were ap- Whimbrel and five Willets were at Yaquina Bay Jan 18 proximately fifteen sightingsof Golden Eagles involv- (CW); it is the third consecutiveyear in which Wh•m- ing possibly a dozen individual birds. Ten individuals brel have been found there during the.winter season -- three adults, seven immatures -- were counted in Twelve Willets were discovered at Willapa Bay Mar the San Juan Is., Mar. 28 (B&CY); two were present 27, where 15 Greater Yellowlegs were seen the same Dec. 15-Feb. 5 at Duncan, B.C. (JCo). Cooperative day (CW); the latter specieswas seen also during the counts along the lower Fraser R. for Bald Eagles which winter in numbersup to eight at Tokeland, Raymond gatherto feed on spawnedout salmoncarcasses resulted and Grays Harbor and in the vicinity of Vancouver A •n totals of 130 (89 ad., 41 imm.) Nov. 30 and of 438 Lesser Yellowlegs spent the period Dec. 22-Mar. 2 at (211 ad., 214 imm., 137) on Feb. 1; the-proportionof Iona I. (WW et al.); six birds of this specieswere found •mmaturesto adult birds was less in February, 1975, at Finley N.W.R., Mar. 3 (JG et al.). A lone Red Knot than it was on a similar count a year earlier (WW). was at Crescent Beach, B.C., Feb. 8-Feb. 15 (AG, DB Forty Bald Eagles were presentbetween Duncan and et al.), the first winter record for the Vancouver area Cowichan Bay, Jan. 20, with 35 per cent of them being (WW). Ten Rock Sandpiperswere at the jetty to Td- •mmaturebirds. Also see(CBC). Along the Skagit R. in lamook Bay Dec. 27 (TLo, HN); three birds were at n Washingtonfrom Fir I. to Rockportthere were 105 Seal Rocks, s. of Newport, Ore., Jan. 18 (CW) For Bald Eagles Jan. 5 (GO, fide PM). Bald Eagles were Dunlin, see (CBC). A Short-billed Dowitcher was seen present in more than usual numbers throughout w. at Burnaby L., Vancouver, Jan. 1-2 (SM, fide WW, Washington;in w. Oregononly the usual few scattered BK). Long-billed Dowitchers were present at Van- •ndividuals were evident, although Sauvie I. and couverin Decemberand Januaryin numbersup to 40 or nearby Ridgefield N.W.R. seem to have supportedat more (BK), and were present there in smaller numbers least six to eight birds this winter. Early-returningOs- the remainder of the winter (fide WW). Elsewhere, preys had appearedat Medford, Fern Ridge Res. w. of Long-billed Dowitchers showedup on a number of the Eugene, and the Victoria area by Mar. 22-31. There Region's CBCs. The unprecedented numbers of Mar- were fewer reports of Gyrfalcons from the Vancouver bled Godwits in the Region last fall led to the same and Bellingham areas than there have been in each of phenomenonthis winter; see (CBC); only one bird was the last four years. One was seenat Victoria, Feb. 12 & found at Ocean Shores, Jan. 4 (G&WH). Mar. 17 (V&MG, RS). A Prairie Falcon was noted JAEGERS, GULLS, ALCIDS -- A dark-phase there Feb. 25 (RF, fide VG). Single Prairie Falcons PomarineJaeger was seen at Grays Harbor Dec. 15 (DP also were seen in the Medford area on several occasions et al.); the bird was first observed at rest on a dune and (MM,fide JH; OS); one was at Ankeny N.W.R.s. of was observedat close range before it flew. Glaucous Salem, Ore., in early January(fide FR) and one was Gulls were observed at Sauvie I., Dec. 22 & Jan. 29, at seen on the Lummi Flats Jan. 11, where it was found Yaquina Bay Feb. 9 & 15; at Bellingham Jan. 4, at shot in March (TW). About a dozen Peregrineswere Everett, Wash., Jan. 12; at the Thurston Co. (Olympia) s•ghtedin the s. half of the Region this winter. Merlins dump much of the winter; and at Victoria Dec. 7, and were more commonthan that, showing up consistently three times in March. An ad. W. Gull was the inland on CBCs in s. British Columbia, and n. Washington, location of Castle Rock, Wash., Mar. 5 (DH, BT), see w•th a few individualsnoted later in the winter at points also (CBC). The only California Gulls reported after farther south. Decemberwere two at Castle Rock Mar. 5 in company with large numbers of other gulls following a run of CRANES, RAILS, SHOREBIRDS -- An imm. Sand- smelt (BT), two at Kitsllano Beach, Feb. 28 (BK, fide hall Crane spentthe winter at Saanich, n. of Victoria WW), one on Mar. 3 and two on Mar. 25 at s. Van- (ftdeVG). Cranesmoving northward were in the Reg- couverI. (VG). More than2000 Ring-billedGulls were ion again by early March, with 100 n. of Medford, in at Fern Ridge Res., Feb. 21 (HN). Single •mm the middle of the month(MM,fide JH) and up to 300 at Franklin's Gulls are said to have been at Vancouver's Sauvie I. after Mar. 3 (TC, HN). Virginia Rails were Stanley Park, Feb. 13 (BK) and, for w. Oregon'shrst found repeatedly through December and into early winter record, at Yaquina Bay, Feb. 15 (RO et al , January, then again in March in the Vancouver area fide FR). The Victoria CBC recorded a new high ot (WW et al.,). At Victoria, up to six spent the winter over 1800 Bonaparte'sGulls; by mid-Januarythe b•rds (VG et al ), For Sora records see (CBC) had entirely disappeared(VG) Single, late Heermann's

732 Amerman B•rds, June, 1975 Gulls were at SpeidenChannel in the SanJuans Dec. 14 were at Duncan, oddly enough,on the sameday (JCo) (TW), and at Pt. Roberts Dec. 1 (DP, fide PM). On From other pointsin the Region to the southup to three Feb 26 there were 35 ad. Black-leggedKittiwakes on Short-earedOwls at a time were reportedat variousdates the beachat Grays Harbor (BT); one or two individuals through the seasonfrom a dozen different localities all were observedat Cowichan Bay, VancouverI., Feb. 1 the way to Medford. Saw-whet Owls were noted at (JCo et al.), at Tacoma Mar. 25, and at Port Angeles, five different places in Washington and in s. British Wash., Mar. 26 (CW). Columbia at various dates from the end of December to the end of March. There were 240 Marbled Murrelets concentrated at Two Black Swifts were seen at Corvallis on the very Tsawwassen, B.C., Jan. 27 (MS, fide WW). Ancient Murreletsin numberup to 18 were seenin watersaround surprisingdate of Mar. 31; the sightingswere made by four different observers,(GB, WHo, BL, PRo). Anna's the s.e. end of Vancouver I., from the beginningof the Hummingbirdscontinue to appear in winter in ever reportto the first week in March (VG); one or two birds larger numbers. Also see (CBC). In Portland Anna's were seenduring the winter at the s: end of Puget Sound Hummersappeared regularly at a numberof feeders;one (G&WH, BT); twelve were at Pt. Roberts Dec. 1 (DP, section of the city supported at least a half dozen fide PM), and 80 were at Irvine's Landing, 45 mi. n.w. individuals within a few square blocks; by March, of Vancouver, Jan. 4 (MS, fide WW). Rhinoceros several females were showing signs of nesting (HN) Auklets were less reported from the Strait of Juan de In Seattle, at least eight birds spent the winter. In Fuca and Puget Sound than is usual for the winter Vancouver,there were seven parts of the city where season;no more than five in a day were recordedon five different dates in the waters around Victoria this winter Anna's Hummingbirdswere presentin numbersbetween one and three (WW). A male at Bellingham and one or (VG); threewere seenat Whidbey I., Mar. 24 and at Port two individuals at Pt. Roberts all wintered (TW). At AngelesMar. 26 (CW); good countsof 65 Rhinoceros Saanich, n. of Victoria, there were at least four birds Auklets were madeJan. 22 & Feb. 23 at Nisqually Beach patronizingfeeders (VG). Anna's Hummersappeared at in s Puget Sound(BT). Tufted Puffins were recordedat feedersnear Medford the secondweek of March (JH), a Cape Flattery, Wash., Feb. 14 (R&MB, fide PM). single bird was seena few miles s. of Pistol R., Curry PIGEONS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- Flocks Co., Ore., Jan. 2 (WHo). Large numbers of Lewis' of Band-tailedPigeons totaling 70+ birds were on the Woodpeckersspent the winter in the Rogue R. valley Saanich Peninsulan. of Victor;.a in January, but the (OS et al. ); up to 25 of these birds were at Finley numberdropped to about25 in February, with the birds N.W.R. much of the winter (FR), but otherwise the beingabsent in March (VG). Also see(CBC). Up to 40 species was not reported. A remarkable ten Yellow- Mourning Doves spentthe winter at Ladner (WW); there bellled Sapsuckersof the red-breasted race were at were approximately 450 on Sauvie I. at the end of Egmont, B.C., Mar. 26-28 (MS,fide WW); the species January (HN), which is an extraordinary wintertime is decidedlyuncommon in this Region. A White-headed concentrationfor this Region. Two and four Barn Owls Woodpeckerwas recordedMar. 28 2 mi. w. of Hayden spent the winter at, respectively, Medford (OS) and Summit betweenAshland and Klamath Falls, Ore. (OS) Corvallis (FR). Barn Owls said to be of regular occurrencearound Puget Sound in open habitat (EH). FLYCATCHERS THROUGH TITMICE -- A Black Also see(CBC). In the Vancouverarea, the SnowyOwl Phoebe was discovered at Philomath, Ore., w. of invasion this winter brought forth approximately Corvallis, Dec. 26; it was presentuntil the end of the one-third the numbers of last year's memorable period (LN, FRet al.). A Say's Phoebe was at incursion; raptor counts generated 16 Snowy Owls in RidgefieldN.W.R. on the ColumbiaR. from Feb. 8 to at December,20 in January,and 15 in February. See also least Mar. 5 (FJ, G&WH, BT et al.); another was seen (CBC). Ten of these great owls seem to have been on San Juan I., Mar. 22 (DH, MGo). The alarm created presentmuch of the winter on the SamishFlats (NL,fide last year by recordingonly two Skylarkson the Victoria TW). Further south, two Snowy Owls were at Kent CBC was alleviatedthis year when an encouragingcount valley andat OceanShores in mid-December;one spent of 39 was taken on Dec. 21 (VG). On San Juan I., 20 the winterin the vicinityof Eugene(LM et al.). Single Skylarks were singing Mar. 28 (B&CY). The hrst birds appearedat one time or anotherat Victoria, at "mainland" record for the Skylark was made Feb ll Dungeness Spit, at Leadbetter Pt., at Seattle and at when a bird was found in the Fraser R. delta (WW) A Olympia. A Hawk Owl was found at N. SaanichJan. 18 Tree Swallow was presentat Finley N.W.R., Jan. 16 (RF,fide VG). A BurrowingOwl spentthe winteron the (fide FR) , one was at Raymond, Wash., Jan. 26 (DH), s side of Yaquina Bay (FR). The two Barred Owls at and nine were at Philomath Feb. 9 (DM et al.). Also see BacusHill, Skagit Co., Wash., were recordedagain (CBC). A Barn Swallow was at Burnaby L., B.C., Dec Mar 6 (TRe, fide PM). A Great Gray Owl was dis- 1, two were at Reifel Refuge Dec. 14, one was at Ladner covered and photographedat Bradnqr, 40 mi. e. of the next day and again Dec. 21 (fide WW). Two Barn VancouverJan. 26, butcould not subsequently be found Swallows were seen at Seattle, Dec. 30, while single agmn(GR,fide WW). A pair of Long-earedOwls wason birds were noted in the samespot Jan. 21, and at other the Samish Flats for much of the winter (TW); one localities in Seattle Dec. 6 & l I (fide PM). The Blue was observed at Medford Jan. 18-Feb. 9 (fide OS). Jay reported at Des Moines, King Co., Wash., last Short-earedOwls were down considerablyfrom their November remained until mid-January (PM); one re- usual numbersat Vancouver and Ladner; one wonders appearedthe last few days of March on the campus of whetherthey are displacedby Snowy Owls. However, U.B.C. in Vancouver, where a bird had been seen last 21 were at Iona I , Feb 8 (WRa,fide WW), and 18 more October (fide WW), it is possiblethat all thesesightings

Volume 29, Number 3 733 were of the sameindividual. A Black-billedMagpie was (EH et al.), it was seen again Dec. 18 (DH, G&WH, found at Seattle Feb. 17 (B&PE, fide PM); three were BT), and both times the bird was with a flock of juncos seen at Pinehurst, Ore., e. of Ashland, Feb. 1 (OS). A right in town. Townsend's Warblers were seen at nine count of 35 Com. Ravens at N. Vancouver Jan. 20 (JR, different localities from Burnaby and s. Vancouver I fide WW) is remarkable.Also see(CBC). Northwestern south to Corvallis. From one to three Palm Warblers Crows were said to be in very high numbers at were seen repeatedly at Ocean Shores Dec. 15-Jan 11 Vancouver, Ladner, Pitt Meadows and Bellingham, as (KB, G&WH, DP et al.). Again a N. Waterthrush was evidencedby the CBCs; all recordedbetween 2400 and found in the Region in winter -- this one at Reftel 3500 individuals. A flock of more than 100 Clark's Sanctuary Dec. 7 & 14, observed from 20 feet (MS, Nutcrackers was at North Bend, Ore., most of the winter MW, ND, fide WW); it is the first British Columbia (HR), a highly unusual occurrence. On Jan. 12 in W. winter record (WW). A Corn. Yellowthroat was at Vancouver, ten Mountain Chickadees were observed Vancouver from Jan. 3 (BK) until at least Mar. 9, in (AG, DBe, fide WW). Bushtits have been found to be which period it was seenby a numberof other observers, present in increasing numbers on the CBCs for also see (CBC) these records are said to be the first in Bellingham, Ladner, Pitt Meadows and Vancouver the winter for British Columbia (WW). On Mar. 3 a Com last few years; 340 were found on this year's Pitt Yellowthroat was seen at Finley N.W.R. (JG et al ) A Meadows count (WW). Wilson's Warbler was found at S. Burnaby Dec 29 M1MIDS THROUGH WARBLERS -- The season (AG, ES, fide WW); another was seen in the Victoria producedfive recordsof Mockingbirdsfor the Region-- districtJan. 18 (C&SWo, RS, VG); there are at least two one each at Victoria, Harrison Hot Springs, Vancouver, earlier winter records for s. British Columbia (WW) Samish I., Wash., and Junction City, Ore.; each bird spentmost of the winter at the named locality except the BLACKBIRDS, FINCHES, SPARROWS -- An Harrison Hot Springsbird which is known to have been imm. c• N. Oriole spentthe winternear a feederat present only Dec. 31-Jan. 4. Again Hermit Thrushes Florence, Ore. (fide LM); another bird of this species were very scarce.Although W. Bluebirds are decidedly was recorded at Westport Dec. 15 (DH, DHa,fide EH) uncommon in this Region in winter, some interesting A Rusty Blackbird was discoveredat BellinghamDec concentrations were observed; 21 were at Salem Jan. 19 28 (LB, EH). A Corn. Grackle showingan iridescent (FS), 25 were at Olympia Jan. 28 ((G&WH) and 12 were purple hood and bronze back and describedin minute at Newport Mar. 4 (fide LN). Wintering birds were also detail, was seen at Olympia on Dec. 4,7,9,10 and Jan presentat Wolf Creek, Ore. (EP) and in the Rogue R. 18 (DH, DHa, G&WH, BT). Flocks of Brown-headed Valley (OS). Two c• W. Bluebirdswere seenon Mar. Cowbirds numberingup to 75 individualswere appa- 29 at Sumas Mt. between Abbotsford and Chilliwack, rently coming into the Region in March, being noted B C. (PW, KH, fide WW). On Feb. 16 two young c• particularly at Sauvie I., Bellingham and Lynden, Mountain Bluebirds were noted on Sauvie 1. (HN); a Wash.A • W. Tanager wasobserved Feb. 26, Mar male was seen on San Juan 1., Mar. 23 (MGo, DH) & 14 & 20 at GrantsPass (PR, SS) for one of the Reglon's Mar. 26 (TW). Townsend's Solitaires were found very few winter recordsof this species.A throughoutthe winter on the GreenSprings Highway, e. Blue Grosbeak was at a feede• near Corvallis from Jan of Ashland (OS) and at Wolf Creek (EP); lone solitaires 4-Jan.17 in which period it was seenand photographed occurred at six localities from Medford n. to Vancouver by manyobservers (HN, FR et al. ); it is the only record Jan 26-Mar. 18. A count of up to 200 Water Pipits for OregonKnown to us. From Dec. 1 to early January at Salem Jan. 28 (FS) is an unusual mid-winter an imm. • or a c• Lazuli Bunting cameregularly to a concentrationfor the Region. Bohemian Waxwings feeder in Leaburg, near Eugene, Ore. (LM et al.); it is occurred sporadicallyand in small numbers s. of Van- the only Regionalwinter recordof which we are aware couver to Corvallis in the Puget Sound-Willamette Evening Grosbeakswere much lessin evidencein the Valley trough after Feb. 1. At Vancouver, they were portionof the Region than is usuallythe casein winter, scarce until mid-February, but then appeared in a few were to be found in Victoria (VG) and in N considerablenumbers, remaining until the end of the Vancouver (WW), but not until March did any groups report period; severalflocks of 100-200 birds were seen appear, and then only at Bellingham (TW), at Medford (WW et al.). Cedar Waxwings were, for the most part, (MM, fide JH), at Corvallis (LN), and at Olympia quite uncommon. N. Shrikes were reported from nine (BT). There were three or four Cassin's Finches to be localities between Victoria and Medford; the only seen around Corvallis this winter (FR), a most unusual coastal occurrencewas a bird at Tillamook Mar. 15 (JBC occurrence. Two Pine Grosbeaks were seen in Saamch et al.). A Solitary Vireo was seen at Victoria Mar. 23 Jan. I I (RMG), and another was noted at Vancouver (MMu,fide JW), a very early date. A carefully observed Dec. 27 (BBr,fide WW). At White Rock, B.C. Dec 22 and fully-described Black-and-white Warbler was six Com. Redpolls were discovered;five of these birds found at Tokeland, Wash., Mar. 21 (HF). At least a were seen at Pitt Meadows Mar. 15 (TR). Both Red and dozen Orange-crowned Warblers at ten different White-wingedCrossbills seem to have occurredduring localities were in the Region during the report period the season only at Vancouver; Red Crossbills were from Vancouver s. to Eugene. Three Nashville additionallyseen only at Bellinghamand in very small Warblers occurredduring the report period: one was numbersin the vicinity of Victoria. Single Lark Spar- seen at Vashon 1., Nov. 28 and again Dec. 6 (AR); rows appeared at separate feeders in Corvallis, Jan 30 anotherwas found at Seattle Dec. 7 (EH); the third was and in March (fide FR); a few Lark Sparrowswintered also at SeattleJan. 24 (DJ,fide PM). A very late Yellow in the Medford area (OS, PR, SS). Wintering Tree Warbler was discoveredat Hoquiam, Wash , Dec 15 Sparrowsgot as far southas Seattleand Nisqually in

734 American Birds, June, 1975 numberup to three;further north, the maximumwas six MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST REGION at Boundary Bay Mar. 8 (MS et al., fide WW). A Chipping Sparrow seenin Vancouver,Dec. ! (BK) /Rich Stallcup, Jon Winter constituted the first winter record for British Columbia (WW); one was in Corvallis Jan. 7 where two were seen We've had a different kind of winter this period in Feb. 4 (LN). A Clay-colored Sparrow was found in Northern California. Through the end of January there Oregonfor the secondconsecutive year; this one turned had been only eight drier winters on record and several up at Tillamook Dec. 14 (WT, DM). Harris' Sparrows contributorsremarked on general concernfor a drought were present up to three at a time at Eugene, to follow. February and March, however, were months Philomath, Ridgefield N.W.R., Nisqua!ly N.W.R., of heavy rain and snow which brought the seasonal Iona I., and BoundaryBay at varioustimes throughthe precipitation totals equal to and in many places. winter. White-throatedSparrows were more widespread especially the Sierras, to points above normal. Un- than in any previouswinter, with reportsfrom a dozen usually strong winds in late March knocked out nests localities in the southernhalf of the Region. Lincoln's of many Great Horned Owls. White-tailed Kites and Sparrowswere almostas widely reported,being noted Red-tailed Hawks in the Central Valleys (below C.V.) at ten different locales. Individual Swamp Sparrows but follow-up observationsrevealed promising recon- were noted at Saanich, Dec. 22-28 (JTa, V&MG, RS), struction efforts by those species (RS. BED. DG). at Ariacortes, Wash., Dec. 22 (TW), at Wiser L. in n. Probably owing to the dry and rather warm December Washington,Dec. 28 (LB, EH), and at Lummi Flats, and January, once again, many of our typical "summer SkagitCo., Wash. (DHe,fide TW). LaplandLongspurs only" speciesremained late but most had departed or and Snow Buntings were repeatedly recorded in the died by mid-February. Several observersnoted birds still area between Vancouver and Bellingham, the 130 migrating through mid-December. Longspursat Ladher Feb. 8 (GAP) and the 26 Snow Buntingsat Blacky Spit Jan. 13 (DB,fide WW) being • O g R• E G O the top counts;single Longspurswere found at Ocean Shores Ddc. ! 5 (G&WH), at Glover Pt., Victoria, Jan. 19 (RS,fide VG) and in the duness. of the Columbia R. mouth, Mar. 28 (CW). Snow Buntings were found additionallyat Ocean Shores Dec. 8, when 21 were ..... •ureka • .... -•"•• L J• E V. present (EH), and Feb. 16, when one was present (G&WH). mEOWOOOSS.P 'l'•n".ao• I •,•- R,•d•dBluff • j:Reeo: : ß • SXCR,•MENTOChico •.ltJß. I OBSERVERS --Jim & Jan Ashleman, Dan Bastaja, gg•' q'•,r]Nevada • •Truckee Desi Belton (DBe), Kevin Bell, Blair Bernson, Richard & Margaret Bertram, Laurie Binford, Betty Brown - ' e"•*•..no•--Woodland • (BBr), Ken Brunner, Gene Burrison, John Comer ½3 S0.,a•,o.a 'Na.a '%0 L..•'..•'•"'• I (JCo), Tom Crabtree, John B. Crowell, Jr., A.R. Davidson, Nell Dawe, Bob & Pat Evans, Randy Floyd (RF!), Harold Fray, Jr., Ralnh Fryer, Jeff Gi!ligan, CanRa•., r •SanlaCruz ('• L'"X.•'Bishop Margaret Goodin (MGo), Vic Goodwill, Margaret • '•'•"•' _ •.ele¾ • •tos Bonos Goodwill, AI Grass, Ken Hall, D. Hames (DHa), David Hayward, Dennis Heinemann (DHe), Joseph Hicks, Wayne Hoffman (WHo), Glen & Wanda Hoge, Eugene 1. _'?'%k•^• 0 '•\ ..... Hunn, John Ireland, Frank Jacox, Doris Je!!iffe, Brian Kautesk, Fay Krause, Katie & Kirk LaGory, Norman - SanJose' '• 'O•ISPO"• • ' : Lavers, Richard Lindstrom, Brad Livesy, Tom Love (TLo), Tom Lund, Michael Luz, Bruce MacDonald, The annual winter waterfowl surveyconducted by the Don MacDonald, R. Mackenzie-Grieve, Phil Mattocks, California Departmentof Fish and Game (below C.F.G.) Merle McGraw, Larry McQueen, Margaret Muirhead in mid-Januarytallicd• 195 000 duck•, sevenper ccnl (MMu), Steve Mooney, Harry Nehls, Lars Norgren, less than last year but 25 per cent above the 21-year Robert Olson, Gordon arians. Dennis Paulson. G.A. average. Geese were down about ]0 per cent from last Poynter, Bill Peterson, Eleanor Pugh, William Rae year with $95 000, probably owing to available water (WRa), Fred Ramsey, Tim Reichard (TRe), Hilda remaining to the north and a record kill by hunters. On Reiher, Alan Richards, Tony Roach. Robin Robinson, public huntingareas alone the largestnumber of hunters Wilma Robinson,John Rodgers, Priscilla Ro!!ow, Peter ever took 278,428 birdswhich is 68per cent higherthan Rothlisberg (PRo), Glenn Ryder, Ran Satterfield, last year. Hunter successis near totally dependentupon Floyd Shrock, Michael Shepard, Edward Sing, Steve the weather, a dry year which concentrates birds to Summers, Otis Swisher, Jeremy Tatum OTa), William shootingareas is better than a wet year which spreads Thackaberry, John Toochin, Bill Tweit, Terry Wahl, birds to inaccessableareas (BED). Last winter ('73-'74) Peter Ward, C!arice Watson, Wayne Weber, Jack Wil- was really wet throughoutthe shootingseason, yielding liams, Martin Wittrin, Chauncey & Sarah Wood a very low kill. Fowl cholerastruck again this winter and (C&SWo), Bob & Carol Yutzy. -- JOHN B. by the end of Februaryover ! 100 swans,4000 cootsand CROWELL, JR., 1185 Hallinan Circle, Lake Os- lesser numbersof ducks and geese had perished. As wego, OR 97034 and HARRY B. NEHLS, 2736 S.E. mentioned in the fall report, montane and northern 20th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202. invasionspecies were scarceand the late, stormyperiods

Volume 29, Number 3 735 did not bringthem into the region.Some species of early January(BED). AmericanBitterns are mostcommon In springmigrants were notablylate, possiblyowing to the this region in the Los Banos area where 11 were bad weather and those which did appear were counted along a four mi. stretch of roadway Feb 9 concentratedin the lowlands. Three specieswere new to (BM, RS). Two or three were at Lower Klamath L In the Region and five other speciessupplied the first December and January (ODS). winter records. WATERFOWL -- See the introductoryparagraphs A dagger(?) meansthat the observerhas submitted an for commenton total populations,the hunting season acceptabledescription. and a choleraoutbreak. Whistling Swanswere in good LOONS, GREBES AND TUBENOSES -- A numbersafter the Februaryrains and severalthousand 2j•ellow,bil[edLoo. n nea[ Monterey.•Jan. 24-Feb. 16 wintered at flooded rice fields between Oroville and (m.ob.) and one at King Salmon Feb. 23 (m.ob.) were Knight's Landing. Swanswere the specieshardest hit the only ones reported. Common Loons were in good by the cholera and by the end of February 1100 had numbersboth coastallyand at the usualinland lakes and died. An ad. ,,•g.•a•!•'•sSwlln and three imm. swans one at Lewiston L., Jan. 15-23 (DE, DA et al.) was the eitherBewick's or Bewick's X Whistlinghybrids were on Hog first Trinity Co. record. Red-throated Loons were L., 7 mi. n.e. of Red Bluff with about200 Whistling lightly reported and 46 on the Oakland CBC was far Found Jan. 13 by Laymon, they were seenby many, below the 140 last year with equal coverage. All photographedand well describedthrough Jan. 24 An species of grebes were reported in good numbers. •adult (GSK) and an immature(SAL) th*6'ughtto be Horned Grebes were especially numerouswith 29 re- l•fCrent birdsff6m thoseatHog L. wereseen west of ported inland and higher-than-usual numbers on the ,Oroville Feb. 4. These are the first reported from coast. On the Oakland CBC, 656 individuals were 287 •California.Details and speculationsshould appear more than last year with equal coverage.Many fewer elsewhere in the literature. Black Brant peaked at pelagic bird trips were made than last year and thus, HumboldtBay with 40,000 on Apr. 1 (Henry,fide DE) many fewer pelagic birds were reported. The only More Ross' Geese(33) were shot at Mendota than any Black-footed Albatrossesreported were five, 22 mi. off other species(fide RH) and 3000 were grazing in helds HumboldtBay Feb. 22 (TS, DE) and the high count of near MercedRefuge Feb. 9 (DDeS, JF). Theseareas are a one week cruise was nine on Mar. l, 36ø10.5'N, the main winteringgrounds for the entire species.Four 125ø2.4'W. With these latter Black-footeds, two Fulvous Tree ducks at Mendota Jan. 5 (RLH) were •Laysan Albatross,es were reported (SMP). Northern unusual and 16 at Woodland Mar. 2 (RS, DW) were Fulmars were very scarce this winter with only three early and were an exceptionalnumber. A c• Mallard X reported.•ink-footed Shearswaters,which normallydo Gadwallwas banded at Gray LodgeJan. 28 (BED). Five not winter, but arrive in late March, were reportedas ,E•ur.Green-winged Tea[ reportedis just average.West twoin Mbntei•yBay Feb. I (J&SL,GMc) and 20 there of Los Banos Ref., 900 Am. Green-wineed Teal Feb. 22 (JM et al.). Usual small numbersof Sooty early and were an exceptionalnumber. A c• Mallard X Shearwaterswere reported including 15 from Pt. Pinos Two d' Baikai Teal were taken by hunters, one at Dec. 27 (RS, BW), and two or three Short -tailed HoneyL., Dec. 1 (fideC.F.G.) andan immatureat Gray Shearwaterswere seen on Monterey Bay Feb. 1 & 22 Lodge Jan. 4 (fide BED). The latter bird is to be (JM, JL et al. ) which complement last winter's observa- depositedin the collectionof Cal. State University, tions. One or two Manx Shearwaters also on Feb. 22 Humboldt.These are the first recordsfor our region,but (JM, RD et al.) are additional to our very few records recent records from s. California, the Northwest and for winter or spring. No Storm-Petrelswere noted. Alaska seemto be revealinga patternsuggesting that the birds may be getting here on their own. A d' PELICANS THROUGH HERONS -- White Pelicans Blue-wingedX CinnamonTeal was at Los Banos Feb were down in numbers both on the coast and in the 20 (BED)-Mar. 29 (PM). A c• Cinnamon Teal was near C V., the most being 150 five mi. n.w. of Winters Jan. L. ShastinaDec. 29 (AC et al.) , which is unusual. Five 18 (DG). A few Brown Pelicans lingered through De- near Loleta Jan. 18 (KT) were ten daysearlier than ever cemberwhich is normal,and the last reported were five in HumboldtCo. and200 thereFeb. 11 (KT, DA) was an adults and one immature off Pt. Pinos Jan. 12 (SFB). exceptional number. European Wigeon were well All were gone from Monterey Bay Feb. 15 (JM). On representedwith at least 25 different males and two Mar. 3, 100Double-crested Cormorants were at Gray definite hybrids with Am. Wigeon. Redheads were Lodge but numbersrapidly decreasedafter that date scarceas were Ring-neckedDucks. A malebird, thought (BED). One Brandt's Cormorant Feb. 8 at Crescent to be a Ring-necked X Tufted Duck was at Rodeo City was the only one found on the north coast ( TS, LagoonMar. 26 throughthe end of theperiod (RS ?LCB DE). Green Herons were found in normal numbers but a et al.) Contrastingwith other divers, Canvasbackswere total of five during the period on the north coast was definitely up from the last few winters, doubtlessthe considered"very high" (DE, TS). Cattle Egrets are result of a huntingban. Four GreaterScaup were noted only slowly increasingin this region and 41 reportedis inland. Common and Barrow's Goldeneyewere more just slightly higher than the previousbest period (fall common than ever both on foothill rivers and coastal 1972). A Black-crowned Night Heron roost in the lagoons.On the AmericanR. below Nimbus Dam 300 Loleta Bottomswas destroyedby road buildersand left Commonsand 30 Barrow'• were eating dead salmon 250 birds standing in the open on Jan. 11 (DE, TS et throughmid-Fe•r•';• 'but were gone shortly after that al.). Other known roostswere healthy. A Least Bittern probably becauseof high and rushingdirty water (RS, was seen at Sacramento N.W.R. Dec. 16 and there DW). On the Oakland CBC, 1134 Commons (265 in were sporadicreports at Gray Lodge in Decemberand 1974) and • B.arro•w's (11 in 1974) (SFB) were

736 American Birds, June, 1975 exceptional increases near the coast. Eighty-one (RS). Those at Bodega and Humboldt remained at least Barrow's reportedwere by far the most ever. The imm. through February. Twice as many Dunlins as wintered • White-wingedScorer at AvocadoL. was still present on Bolinas Lagoon in '73-'74 were presentthere th•s Feb 20 (RH, KH et al.). Black Scoters were up winter (P.R.B .O.). Of over 5000 dowitchers at Palo Alto noncablyfrom the norm. HoodedMergansers were high Jan. 11, most were identified as Short-billeds (DDeS) with 41 total, the most togetherbeing 15 at FosterCity This is the predominantspecies in S,F. Bay in winter Feb 21 (PM). Common Merganserswere also up and Marbled Godwits unrecorded in the north C.V. in winter 110 at Redding Dec. 30 (RS, DW), 120 near Friant Jan. seem to be regular in small numbers near Los Banos 19 (RH et al.) and 166 at FremontJan. 13 (EM) were Six were seen separatelythere Dec. 19 (RS,BM). The exceptionalflocks. A •' Red-breastedMerganser at Martinez..•R3!ff•,(AB:29: 115), was seenuntil Feb. 23 Redding Dec. 26-Jan. 15 (m.ob.) was the only one (m.ob.).•fi•her bird,thought to be a Reevewas seen 3 reported inland. mi. e. of Benecia Feb. 16-18 (RDeC, RS? et al.) and anotherRuff was at Los BanosW.S. Mar. 23 (LPM?) and RAPTORS -- See the openingremarks for informa- again Mar. 29 (PM). It seems certain that at least four tion on nest destructionby wind. White-tailed Kites different birds were seen in the region since last fall were thoughtby severalobservers to be very high in the Black-necked Stilts are moving northward in the C.V S F Bay regionand the C.V. but far down at the Pajaro and into east S.F. Bay. On the Oakland CBC, 22 were R mouth(J&RW) and S. HumboldtBay (DA). Coopefts countedversus only one in 1974. Red Phalaropesdid not Hawks were slightly up and Sharp-shinned Hawks comeonshore and one at MontereyFeb. 15 &'22 (m.ob) slightly down from the winter average.Six "Harlan's" was the only phalaropereported. Hawkswere reported.Tw%•œo•d-w, ing•d Haw•s were seen One was "flying south" in GoldenGate Park Dec. JAEGERS, GULLS, ALCIDS -- At least four 13 (LCB, VR) and an extremely pale individual was at Montereyfrom Dec. 26 (Chappel)through the endof the Pomafineand two ParasiticJaegers were seenalong the period (m. ob.). Swainson'sHawks returnedto the C.V. Pacific Grove shore Dec. 27 (BW, RS) and a single unidentifiedjaeger 8 mi. w. of Humboldt Feb. 22 was in mid-March, as usual. Rough-leggedHawks were in the first winter county record (DE, TS et al.). Seven good but not great numbersbut 35 FerruginousHawks Glaucous Gulls on the coast was a normal number but reportedis morethan the normalwinter average. Golden two, one second-yearJan.20 (fide BK) and one first-year Eaglesare doing well in the regionand 59 werereported. Feb. 9 (fide BK) and Feb. 10 (RS?) were our first inland Bald Eaglesalso were reportedin very high numbersand records. A first-year Glaucous-winged Gull at Tahoe were at more localities and farther south in the region Keys Jan. 17 (WS) and at least four on the American R thanis usual.Of 109 reportedonly 60 were in the Great Basin areas. Over 30 Prairie Falcons and 19 Merlins near Sacramento Jan. 4-Feb. 15 (DW, RS et al.) were good inland records, as were at least five Herring Gulls reported were encouraging numbers but only nine Peregrinesfollow the downhill slide of the species. at Tahoe Keys in Januaryand February. (WS). Herrings are regular and even common in the Sacramento-Davis AmericanKestrels were up on the OaklandCBC to 136 from 91 in 1974 (SFB). area in those months. Western Gulls are still increasing at Palo Alto where other gull species are declining CHICKENS TO COOTS -- A single,Ruffed(3rou•se (DDeS, JF). Birders' awarenessof the Thayer's Gull is was again booming at Tish-tang Campground near producingever-increasing records and 43 were reported Willow Creek Mar. 31 (S&JL). No Mountain Quail were This is no doubt only a small fraction of the numbers found in Butte Canyon (700 ft.) this winter where they truly present. Heavy rains in early February brought were nearly common last year (AC).. Three were at large numbersof Ring-billed Gulls into the C.V. and Rockwell Gap, Yolo Co. Mar. 28&29 for a first county 2500 were estimated near Thornton Feb. 9 (RS, BM) record (DG). A Sandhill Crane at Mallard Res., Contra Mew Gulls were more common inland than is usual and CostaCo., Dec. 29 was the first countyrecord (JR et al. ) 112 were found there (AE, PM, RS). On the southcoast Migrant cranes were seen over Balls Ferry Rd., Shasta numberswere low possibly owing to lack of early rain Co , 250 on Feb. 24 (BED) and over Folsom L., seven (DDeS). The imm. Franklin's Gull near Moss Landing on Mar. 9 (RS, DW) and 30 on Mar. 22 (RS et al.). A was seen through Dec. 21 (JIM, RM) and an adult was Black Rail was at Benecia S.P. Dec. 22 (JR et al.) and thereJan. 14 (PM, BS). The first regional,,l•[e,•31111• one was heardat Kehoe Marsh, Marin Co. Feb. 27 (RS). was found at ZumdowskiS.P. Jan. 19 (BJM?) was seen by many, photographedand well describedthrough Mar SHOREBIRDS -- On the Oakland CBC Snowy 1 (m.ob?). It wasin the first winterplumage. Following Ploversmade their saddestshowing since 1956 and only the fall invasionof Heermann'sGulls, many remained nine could be found (SFB). Over 200 Mountain Plovers later than ever in Monterey Bay until at least Jan 4 were in the PanocheValley in February and March. Of (J&RW, m.ob.). Large numbersof Black-leggedKit- 19 Am. Golden Plovers reported 16 wintered on Pt. tiwakes wintered on the coast (m.ob.) but one adult in Reyes, a very low number. Long-billed Curlews winter Butte Canyon near Chico Jan. 11 (AC et al.) was a real in large numbers in the C.V. and 3000 in the Thornton surprise.An imm.Sabi•at BodegaHead Mar 8 area Feb. 9 (BM, RS) are representative.A few Spotted (JH •') wasone o• our •ry. few winterrecords. Sandpiperswere on the American R. until Feb. 15 when A Thick-billedMurre was present at Montereyfiarbor rains swelled the water level (RS, DW). Lesser from Jan. 19 to at leastFeb. 22 (m.ob.). The presenceof Yellowlegs were in better numbers than average by these birds year after year is undeniable. Their origin, about 25 per cent in the C.V. and along the coast. A however, remains a mystery. As usual, about 15 Pigeon singleRock Sandpiperwas on DucksburyReef Feb. 27 Guillemots wintered at Monterey (m.ob.), but one at

Volume 29, Number 3 737 King Salmon Feb. 23-Mar. I (TS, DE et al.) was the GOATSUCKERS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- hrst Humboldt County winter record. Marbled and A Poor-will was reported from the Lake Ranch, Ancient Murrelets were reported in normal small Pt. Reyes N.S. Dec.8 (BM). With the exception of numbers as were Cassin's and Rhinoceros Auklets. In some 400 birds at Putah Creek Feb. 6 (DD, WP), Monterey Bay, however, both theselatter speciesroost White-throatedSwifts were reported in normal numbers and hugenumbers may be seenleaving at dawn. On Dec. alongthe coast and in oneSierran foothill location A g' 27 1500 Cassin's and 12,000 Rhinos were carefully Costa's Hummingbird appeared again at a feeder m estimatedpassing Pt. Pinos. (RS, GM, BW ). Another Hidden Valley Jan. 23 (fide BK). The first report of •.r•ned Puffinwas found dead at thePajaro R. mouth Rufous Hummingbird arrival was Feb. 10 at Arcata (J&RW). (DE). A single male was at CalaverasS.P. in the S•erra foothills, where it is scarcein spring, Mar. 2. Allen's Hummingbirds were first noted near the coast Jan PIGEONS THROUGH OWLS -- Band-tailed Pigeons 25 (Marie Marts) at Lafayette. Three pure "Yellow- were "virtually non-existent"in the Palo Alto areathis shafted" Flickers (2 females & 1 male) were seen in winter (DDeS). A single bird at 6800 ft. at Pinecrest Humboldt Co. at Loleta Jan. 30 & Mar. 22 and the Camp, El Dorado Co., Feb. 2 was noteworthy(WS). Arcata River Bottoms Feb. 16 (TS, DA). Others were Single Roadrunnerswere reportedat Hog L. near Red two females all winter at Sacramento (RS, GM et al ), Bluff (B&CY et al.), near Willits (OJK), calling south one at Bodega Head Dec. 12 (WMP) and one on the of Rockwell Gap, Yolo Co. (DG), and Del Puerto Oakland CBC (fide SB). This race is only a winter Canyon, Mar. 24 (WMP). Barn Owls were "common visitant to our region. An encouraging number of over the Oroville residentialareas" whereup to 75 were Pileated Woodpecker reports were submitted with one notedduring the period(GN). A singlebird nearFickle Feb. 17 near Boggs Mtn., Lake Co., one 5 mi. w of Hall, HumboldtCo. Feb. 18 was reportedas part of an Ukiah (OJK), two at the U.C.C. Camp near Cazadero owl survey conductedthere (DE). Ten ScreechOwls Mar. 2 (m.ob.) and singlebirds at CalaverasS.P. Jan 19 werefound on the samesurvey over a ten mile stretchof (MK), Mirror L., Yosemite N.P. Dec. 27 (GB), and road Feb. 18. (DE). A record 146 Great Horned Owls Bothe-Napa S.P. Mar. 30 (JW). Up to 25 Lew•s' were reportednear Fickle Hill Feb. 18 (DE), two birds Woodpeckerswere reported Dec. 4-Mar.30 in the Red were on nestsat Los BanosRef., Mar. 13 (J&SL) and an Bluff area (SAL) and a "large concentration" was noted adult and two young were found at Coyote Hills Park at the n. end of L. Berryessa Jan. 11 (BP) An Mar. 24 (J&SL). SinglePygmy Owls werereported from out-of-rangeWilliamsoh's Sapsuckerwas seen at Los PinecrestCamp on Feb. 26 (WS) and at Janesville, Altos Hills Dec. 25 (fide DR). Hairy Woodpeckershave Lassen Co., Dec. 31 (RS, DW) where their status is been observedto decline in the past 12-15 years m c unclear. Six birds at each of two locations; Robinson Contra Costa Co. Nuttal'l's Woodpeckersappear to be Canyon,Monterey Co., Feb. 15 ((RS, VR, LCB) and continuing their range extension north on the S F PescaderoJan. 14 (PM) suggestthat this speciesis more Peninsula. During the winter period they were found m commonin the coast rangesof the region than in the two locations on Jasper Ridge and on the Stanford S•erra Nevada. Univ. campus (DDeS, JF). A single Black-backed Three-toedWoodpecker was seenDec. 30 at Pinecrest SpottedOwls appeared in twolocations in ButteCo. A Camp (WS). singlebird was in theChico Cemetery Jan. 31 -Feb 2 and was seenby manyobservers. Another was seen in Butte FLYCATCHERS THROUGH CHICKADEES -- The Creek Canyon Mar. 8 (AC). Burrowing Owls were well-documented,Thick-billed Kingbird that appeared reportedas holding their own alongthe coast (if theycan last fall at McLaren Park in San Francisco was last stayahead of the bulldozer)at Palo Alto (DDeS, BY) reportedDec. 8 (LCB). A Tropical Kingbird remainedm and at the Oakland Airport, where 19 birds were seen San Franciscountil Dec. 19 (fide DR). A•Cassm•s Dec. 15 on the OaklandCBC (fide SFB). Sincethis owl Kingbird was seenand photographednear Little Table •s rare alongthe coastnorth of Marin Co., threereports Mtn., Madera Co., Mar. 7-9 (KH?, BW et al.) The from Humboldt Co., of one bird on the southspit, Jan. statusof this speciesin the region is still unclearbut the 30, (DA), two birds in the Arcata River BottomsJanuary number of records for the San Joaquin Valley •s - March (DE), and two birds at L. Talawa, Del Norte increasingand it may prove to be regular there Two Co., Feb. 26 (DE) are particularlynoteworthy. Winter very cold Black Phoebeswere well describedon the Mt reportsof Long-earedOwls were conspicuouslylow. Shasta CBC Dec. 29 (AC, RS). Say's Phoebes were Singlebirds were reportedat MercedN.W.R., Jan. 15 noticeably scarce in the S.F. Bay Region during the (TC, B&CY), and the Berkeley City Dump Dec. 15 period(DDeS, JF, WMP). An early W. Flycatcherwas (LCB) while two individualswere found at Gray Lodge notednorth of Upper L., Lake Co. Mar. 16 (OJK). Early Ref., Jan. 19 (LCB). Up to 18 Short-earedOwls (or late?) reportsof Violet-green Swallows at Sunol Jan winteredon the Palo Alto shoredespite the nuisanceof I (AE) and at Solano L. Jan. 26 (TL) were noteworthy, dogsand off-road vehicles(B&CY). This specieswas with single birds at each location. Tree Swallows were **very scarce" along the north coastat HumboldtBay inspecting nest holes at the Oroville Borrow Jan 25 (DE) as well as in the Lower Klamath Basin (ODS) (GN). A very early or winteringRough-winged Swallow throughoutthe period. Saw-whet Owls were reported in was at Merced Ref., Feb. 2 (TC, B&CY). A wintenng usualnumbers along the coastwith the exceptionof a Barn Swallow at Kesterson W.A. Dec. 19-23 was remarkable 16 birds on the 10 mi. road survey near lacking several primaries (RS, BM).,.(•liff Swallows Fickle Hill, Feb. 18 (DE). were beginningto nest Feb. 8 at San Luis Ref. (DDeS)

738 American B•rds, June, 1975 They arrive in the C.V. a full three weeksbefore they do third winter record for the Region (RS?, BW, GM) A on the coast. The only report of Gray Jays was of ten ,J}lack-thr0,•ated Blue 'Warbler found wintering in birdsat Vfin DammeS.P. •c'. 26 (OJK). A PortolaValley, Jan. 1-Mar. 3, r•presentsthe first winter Yellow-billed Magpie flying over the corner of record for the Region (m.ob.). Columbus and Montgomery streets in S.F. (BE) was Yellow-rumpedWarblers of both raceswere found on certainly out of place. Since no recent recordsfor Plain both the Honey Lake and Mount Shasta CBCs, all of Titmouseare known from the Honey L. Basina report of which are first count records. Black-throated Gray a single bird at Janesville Dec. 31 is of interest (RS, Warblers were found at two interior and two coastal DW). locationsfor a total of four birdswhich is abouttwice the NUTHATCHES THROUGH WAXWINGS -- Red- normal number in winter. A startling 38 Townsend's Warblers were recorded on the Centerville CBC (ftde breastedNuthatches were scarcethroughout the region. TS). A single Hermit Warbler found at Coyote Hills Normal numbers of Dippers were reported in the coast Dec. 14 was the only one reported(J&SL, RS, GM). An ranges.Unusual was the presenceof two or threeWinter unusuallyhigh numberof Palm Warblers totaling nine Wrens at Pinecrestuntil Jan. 1 reflecting mild early birds was found in five coastal locations from San winter conditions at high elevations (WS). Mocking- birds continue to increase in Humboldt Co., with at least Franciscoto Monterey Co. and an additional three birds were present in Humboldt Co. (fide TS, DE). A N six birds reportedthem {fide DE). SingleSage Thrashers were reported from SacramentoDec. 1 (fideBK) from Waterthrushseen Jan 19 at Neary's Lagoonappears to be Lost Lake CBC Dec. 27 (fide RH) and from near • lr•er record_•f0r!heR,,,•on (BE).Five Talmage, Mendocino Co. Dec. 24-Jan. 1 (OJK). Robins Wils•n;s•varl•lersw•r• reportedfrom the coast, about three times the normal number. A single Am. Redstart were generally low compared to most winters and found at Pebble Beach Dec. 27 was the Lhird winter several observers noted very low numbers of Varied Thrushes. The Oakland CBC data indicated that this record for the Region (TC). BLACKBIRDS THROUGH SPARROWS -- A c• specieswas downby 80 per centfrom their numberslast winter (fide SFB). Mountain Bluebirds staged a Tricolored Blackbird considered "very rare" in the significant down slope movement late in the period Arcata Bottoms was present Feb. 12-13 (fide DE, TS) possiblydue the heavy snowsin the mountains.At least Four Hooded Orioles reported from the C.V. and one from the Pacific Grove area were about normal for 250 were noted in C.V. and near the coast (m.ob.). Four Townsend's Solitaires wintered along the coast at winter. "Bullock's" N. Oriole also appearedin normal Humboldt Co., (fide TS) and sevenbirds were reported numbers along the coast with four birds reported. A from scattered locations in the C.V. (m.ob.). Bluegray well-documentedfirst Regional winter occurrenceof a Gnatcatchers were seen in coastal locations wintering ,•lg.usty Blackbird was recorded at the Carmel Sewage from Marin Co. to Monterey Co. Only two reports of Ponds Dec. 27-Feb. 16 (VY?, RB, m.ob.). Seventeen Brown-headed Cowbirds, rare in the Great Basin in BohemianWaxwings were received, both of which were from the Sacramento area, Jan. 22 & Feb. 4 (fide BK). winter, were found at Buntingville, Lassen Co. Dec. 31 (RS, DW, GM). SevenW. Tanagerswere reportedthis SHRIKES THROUGH WARBLERS -- More-than- winter, slightly more than normal. An ad. • Summer normalnumbers of N. Shrikesreached the region, with a Tanager appeared at a feeder in Santa Rosa Jan. 23 total of 17 birds reported,all from interior locations.A (m.ob.). Single Rose-breastedGrosbeaks were found at single Solitary Vireo that most likely wintered was the following locations;an imm. male at Eureka, Dec singing at SweetwaterCreek, Folsom Lake Mar. 9 (RS, 12 (fide TS), an ad. male at Valencia Lagoon, Santa BM, DW). Last fall's influx of "eastern" warblers and Cruz Co., Mar. 24 (TS et al.), and an imm. male Jan the mild early winter conditionscontributed to a large 4-Mar. 2 in Santa Rosa (JW, GLB et al.). Four number of wintering warbler reports throughout the Black-headed Grosbeaks were seen during the period region. Black-and-white Warblers were found at Tilden (m.ob.). The only Evening Grosbeaksreported were two Park, Berkeley Dec. 15-16, (fide DR) at Pilarcitos birds at Fremont Dec. 16 (RS, GM). Creek, Half Moon Bay (PM, BS), near Fortuna and in S. PurpleFinches were apparentlyscarce all winter along Eureka Dec. 29 & Jan. 15 respectively(fide TS). The the north coast (fide TS, DE). Lawrence's Goldfinches, second, third and fourth winter records of Tennessee rarein winter,were found at •wolocations; one female Warbler were noted on the Farallon Is. Dec. 4. was near Vacaville Feb. 16 (RS), and five Feb. 24 in (P R.B.O.) in Golden Gate Park Jan. 18 (WMP) and at Auburn (MA). Contrary to the generallack of invasion FerndaleDec. 12-Jan. 19 (DA et al.)~,A total of 11 speciesRed Crossbills were reported from the coast in Nashy.illeWarblers was•reported along the coastfrom normalnumbers. A single Lark Buntingwas notedFeb "Arcatat6 o3•-•6Y•'which is abouteight timesthe 9 near Sutter Buttes (JH, SAL). Two out-of-range fiormalnumber for winter. The Lucy'sWarbler reported Black-throatedSparrows were found near Sacramentoin for the fall period Farallon Is. Dec. 4. (P.R.B.O.) in January (fide BK). Because of mild conditions during Golden Gate Park Jan. 18 (WMP) and at Ferndale Dec. the early part of the period an unprecedentednumber of 12-Jan. 19 (DA et al.) A total of 11 Nashville Warblers Spizella sparrows were seen through January. Five was reported along the coast from Arcata to Monterey specieswere reported, two of which were first winter whichis abouteight timesthe normalnumber for winter. recordsfor the region. SingleTree Sparrowswere found The Lucy's Warbler reportedfor the fall period (AB: at Loleta, one Dec. 29 (fide DE) an and at StandishDec 29,117) is probably the samebird seenJan. 25 at the 31 (RS et al.) and four were at Honey Lake Hq. Jan 1 CarmelR. mouth(BP, GLB). AnotherJe•:y's Warbler (BW, AC et al.). Chipping Sparrows, always rare along was seen at Pacific Grove Dec. 27 and constitutes the the coast, were found at three locations and at two

Volume 29, Number 3 739 locationsinland. Most amazing was the report of 100 at Susan M. Patla, Wayne Paulson, Frank A. Pitelka, Solano Diversion Dam Jan. 3 (DG). A well documented William M. Pursell, Van Remsen, Robert Richardson, first winter recored record for the Region was of a Jean Richmond. Don Roberson, Elsie Roemer. Barry Clay-colored •nnrrow at Hayward Dec. 14-19 (DR, Sauppe, Tom Schulenberg,John Silvas, Paul Springer, BS, JL, et al. ). A single Brewer'• .qnarrowwas present at Rich Stallcup, James Stewart, Nick Story, Wally a feederJan. 13-29 in Sacramentoand representsone of Sumner, Otis D. Swisher, Kris Tyner, John & Ricky thefew winterrecords for theregion (RS, GM et al.) A Warriner, Bruce Webb, Bruce Williford (BWi), Dave photographedand well-described Winkler, Ion Winter, Vern Yadon, Bob Yutzy, Carol • remainedat a feederin Ukiah Jan. 21-Mar. 25 Yutzy -- RICH STALLCUP, 4409 44th Ave. Sac- (OJK). This occurrence is the ninth winter re•nrd •'•r ramento, CA. 95824 and ION WINTER 1423 Hearn California and the first for our Region. Ave. Santa Rosa, CA. 95401. Ten Harris' Sparrows were found in the Region at Berkeley, Davis, Milford, Lassen Co., Ferndale and Janesville, spanningdates of Dec. 11 through Mar. 1 (m.ob.) Twenty-six White-throated Sparrows were found Dec . l-Mar. 8 in widely scatteredlocalities over SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION the region. Three Fox Sparrowsof the easternrace were seen in two localities; Oakland December-January / Guy McCaskie (J&SL), another there in February and a third indi- vidual at Munger L., Sacramento all winter (RS, GM) The winter season was rather uneventful, with no At least 30 Swamp Sparrows were presentat Olema major influxes of more northerly species into the Re- Marsh on the Pt. Reyes CBC (RS et al.). Other reports gion, or mountain species into the lowlands. Red- of this specieswere from Honey L., Alameda, and one breasted Nuthatches were unreported, and many other bird at Lewiston L., Trinity Co. where it appearsto be regular wintering species for the Region were in the first county record (fide TS, DA). A total of 150 smaller-than-normal numbers. Lapland Longspurs were noted from the following A fair numberand variety of species,normally con- localities; Foster City, Pt. Reyes, Honey L., Bodega sideredsummer visitors, were presentincluding more Head, Ferndale and the Arcata Bottoms, Dec. 1-Mar. 9 than the normal number of flycatchers and warblers. (m.ob.). A total of 180 Chestnut-collared Longspurs Unexpectedfinds includeda Trumpeter Swan and Ruff was found at Honey L. Dec. 27-Mar. 8 (AC, BW et in Los Angeles, a Magnolia Warbler on the Colorado aLL At leastfour andperhaps nine •now Buntings R., two Black-throated Blue Warblers on the coast, and werepresent atL. Talawa,Del Norte Co. Dec• '13-Fe•. a Sharp-tailed Sparrow inland. 14 (PS, fide DE, TS).

CORRIGENDA -- In AB: 28, 946 the Lark Bunting was at Mercy not Merced Hot Springs. In AB: 29, 113-115 all sightingscredited to RLH shouldread RH, KH except on p. 113 regardingWhite-faced Ibis. On p. 114 the photographof the Curlew Sandpipershould be creditedto Mike Wihler not P.R.B.O. On p. 11.8the Jelly's Ferry Bobolinks are from SAL not SA and the Black-throatedSparrow at Belmont was PM not RM. In AB: 29, 115 read 6000 not 60,000 Heermann's Gulls. On p.115 the Short-billed Dowitcherswere identified by plumage and call, not plumage and all.

CONTRIBUTORS -- Carol Anderson, Dave Ander- son, Maurine Armour, Steven F. Bailey, Laurence C. Binford, George Bing, Gordon L. Bolander, Ron Bran- son, Ted Chandik, Howard L. Cogswell, Alan Craig, Richard Dean, Rich DeCoster, Dave De Sante, Bruce E. Deuel (BED), Donna Dirtmann, Bob Deyer (BD), Art Edwards, Bruce Elliott, Dick Erickson, Janet Far- ness, Lynn Farrat, Dave Gaines, Joel Greenberg, Rob Hansen, Keith Hansen, Tom Heindel, Richard L. Hill (RLH), Joel Hornstein, Lenny Kafka, G. Stuart Keith, LOONS, GREBES -- Common Loons are rarely Margaret Keith, Betty Kimball, Barb Klasson (BK1), found inland duringthe winter in s. California, hence Oliver J. Kolkmann, Steven A. Laymon (SAL), Tom one on L. Hodges, San Diego Co., Jan. 5 (AF) is of Love, Ron LeValley, John Luther, Susanne Luther, interest. A Red-necked Grebe, rare anywhere in s. Eugene Makishima, Anne Manoils, Bill Manoils, California. was in Santa Barbara Jan. 5 (BB) and GeorgianneManoils, Brian J. McCafiery, Guy McCas- another was at nearby Goleta Jan. 13 (PL). The only kie, Peter Metropulos, Randall Morgan, Joe Morlan Horned Grebes found away from the coast was one on (JM), Jim Morris (JIM), L.P. Myers, Gary Nellson, L. Perris, Riverside Co. Feb. 2 (EAC, SC), and another Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Benjamin Parmeter, on L. Cachuma, Santa Barbara Co. Feb. 14 (AH).

740 American Birds, June, 1975 FULMARS, S•HEARWATERS, STORM-PE- for this form in s. California. As usual a few Blue- TRELS -- A Fulmar near Catalina I. Dec. 22 (SS) and winged Teal were present along the coast throughout another off Huntington Beach, Orange Co. Feb. I (fide the period with up to five males at Goleta, Santa Bar- GSS) were the only two reported, indicating that the bara Co. all winter; numbersincreased in February, and specieswas scarce in s. Californiawaters this winter. A more than 30 maleswere reported in the Regionduring flock of over 1000•rl_•x _S..11½i•.•/•-tt•t:soff La Jolla, San March. An unmistakable d' Blue-winged x Cinnamon D•ego Co. Dec. 19 contained a partial albino individual Teal was found in San Diego Feb. 22 (GMcC, JD); th•s w•th a white head (JD). An A•s_hy.Storrorp•trel near hybrid is found somewhatfrequently so cannot be con- Santa Barbara I. Dec. 20 (JA) is interesting, since sidered rare. A d' Garganey in Long Beach Mar 19 w•nter records are virtually non-existent. (GSSet al.) is t•'•6ulS•effly•he sameindividual seen here a year ago and also on Mar. 15, 1972 (Am. Btrds HERONS, IBISES -- The ad. Litt!½.Blue Herotl 28:851). This may be the most migratory of all the foundat BolsaChica, Orange CoYNbv. 17 was still northern hemisphere ducks, moving well into the presentMar. 27 (DRo), and anotheradult was seenoff tropics of Asia and Africa each winter, even stragghng and on at the south end of the Salton Sea (hereafter to Australia on at least one occasion. In recent years •t S E S.S.) Dec. 7 - Feb. 8 (KEM, DVT); there are only has been found in the west Aleutians (A ud. Field Note • Lh•ree.Previousrecords for the SaltonSea. Over 60 24:634, Am. Birds 25:785, 28:838 and 935) so natural tw•Jeee•l}•$•'.etswerereported from along the coast be- wanderingsouth along the west coastof North America n •fiit•'Barbara andthe Mexicanborder including is plausible.The only Eur. Wigconreported was a male four on San Clemente I. Mar. 28 (LT); twelve near near Oceanside Jan. 12-16 (JD, PU) and another male Blythe on the ColoradoR. Dec. 10 (JHS) were the only near Chino, RiversideCo. Feb. 28 (DWF). A handfulof ones found elsewhere away from the Salton Sea. A Wood Ducks was found scattered throughout the Re- Lomsiana Heron found at Bolsa Chica in late No- gion with one in Puma Valley, San Diego Co. Feb 19 vember was still present Feb. 18(J & SL) and appearsto (AF)being the farthest south. The d' •e•d..,.•ltllk on L be the only one in s. California this winter. As usual a Sherwood, Ventura Co. was last seen Jan. 12 (FH). An few Least Bitternswere presentaround the SaltonSea imm. d'•v/•'•&Goldeneye .on San DiegoBay Feb all winter, but one near San Diego Dec. 30 (DRa) was 15-20(GMcC, JD et al.) is o•ly the third ever found m the only one reportedfrom alongthe coast.One or two the Region. An Oldsquaw near Cambria, San Lms Wh•te-faced Ibis around Oceanside, San Diego Co. Obi•poCo. Dec. 20 - Jan.30 (EVJ) oneat VenturaJan throughoutthe period (AF) appearto be the only ones 31 - Mar. 4 (S. B.A.S.), another nearby at the mouth of winteringalong the coast;this speciesused to be more the Santa Clara R. Jan. 5 (GSS) and two on San Diego common, occurringregularly in Orange and San Diego Bay Jan. I - Feb. 18 (JD, PU) gave us an average counties. number for s. California. Two d Harlequin Ducks were near gan Simeon, San Luis Obispo Co. Jan 2 SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- Three Whistling (S.B.A.S.) where they are undoubtedly regular in w•n- Swanson Morro Bay Feb. 22 (RBH), one in nearbySan ter, and the male that has been at Playa del Rey, Los Lms ObispoJan. 26 - Feb. 4 (FRT), and anothernear Angeles, Co. since 1972 was still there Mar. 31 (JAJ) Santa Barbara Dec. 21 (S.B.A.S.) were the only ones White-winged Scoterswere exceptionally scarceth•s reported away from the Owens Valley, where they winter, and a d' Black Scoter off Goleta Mar. 2 (PL) was occurregularly each winter. An ad. T•tglll•$,r•.l•an on the only individual of that speciesreported; a poor year LeggL. in SanGabriel Jan. I - Feb. 17(GSS et al.), and for all scotersin s. California. Hooded Merganserswere what wasprobably the samebird was present in nearby more numerous and widespread than normal with two Cowna, Los AngelesCo. Mar. 13-15(EAC, SC); four in Goleta Feb. 5 - Mar. 19(PL, S.B.A.S.), one at Mahbu togetherin Ventura Co. late last fall (Am. Birds, 29:120, Jan. 8 - Feb. 28 (GSS), three on L. Casitas Dec. 26 (SF), 1975)represented the,second modern day sightingin s. up to six near Glendora Nov. 1 - Feb. 7 (DG et al.), one Cahfornia. A Canada Goose on Santa Barbara I. Jan. 18 in Riverside Feb. 15 - Mar. 15 (RGW, EAC), and two •n ('LJ)was an unusual locality. An ad•B?gnt,was associat- nearby Redlands all winter (EAC, SC); more interesting ing with Black Branton SanDiego Bay Feb. 15- Mar. 2 was one near Rasor, San Bernardino Co. Dec. 2 (JS), (GMcC, JD et al.); one or two are foundalmost every another on the Colorado R. near Earp Dec. 29 (JD, KG) year in coastal s. California and must be considered and one more near Niland at S.E.S.S. Jan 25 (EAC, regular in limited numbers. Snow Geese were scarcer SC). than usual at S.E.S.S. reachinga maximum of only 9000 of which but 1 per cent was imm. birds;interesting was KITES, HAWKS, OSPREY, FALCONS -- A the presenceof•.even birds markedin Wrangel I. last •h•L[ail•e•d•!•t•_ near Thermal, Riverside Co.Dec 27 summer.Up to 30 Ross'Geese at S.E.S.'S.durinl• the (EAC,'•t•), {wo h•he northend of theSalton Sea Jan winter was normal, but one near Big Pine in the Owens 25 (JD)and another at BrawIcy,Imperial Co. Jan 25 Valley Jan. 11(TH) andanother near Oceanside Jan. 12 (JD) were all east of their normal range, and numbers (JD) were both at unusuallocalities for the species. continue to increase within the species' normal range A flockof 15•j•9•s atS.E.S.S. Feb 10 Most unusual was an ad. Goshawk in Pt. Mugu S P, (JHS) was unexpected since the speciesis [are any.- Ventura Co. Dec. 7 - Jan. 3 (SW, GSS et al.). A "Har- wherein Californiaduring the winter.A d' [urasian lan's Hawk" was well seen near Santa Maria, Santa ,•Xo•,?mgedTeal was well seen m SanLms Ob•spo Barbara Co. Jan. 12 (PL, FH); this dark form of Red- Feb 2 (•l•lkv•.hit'3nother was at Legg L. inSan Gabriel tailed Hawk has been reported on only four premous Mar 23 - Apr. 2 (DWF et al.); only a few recordsexist occasions in this Region. About 25 Rough-legged

Volume 29, Number 3 741 Hawks were reported with most in the Owens Valley, Phalarope at Goleta Dec. 12 (PL) was likely a fall m•- however some did reach extreme s. California with one grant. near Escondido, San Diego Co. Feb. 6 (AF), two at L. JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, SKIMMERS -- The Henshaw, San Diego Co. Dec. 13(JD) and one or two at presenceof six PomarineJaegers off Long Beach Dec S E.S.S. Dec. 15 - Apr. 2 (DVT et al.). Ferruginous Hawks continue to hold their own with over 30 indi- 20 (JA), four off Oxnard Jan. 18 (DG, LJ), and at least twelve others at various pointsoff the coast duringthe vidualsfound duringthe period. An ad. Bald Eagle was near Big Pine in the Owens Valley Jan. 3 (TH) and an period documentsthe species'presence in s. Califorma lmm. was at nearby Bishop Feb. 2 (TH); farther south waters during the winter. About ten Parasitic Jaegers two or three (2 ad. 1 imm.) were on the Colorado R. near were reported from coastal localities between Santa Needles Dec. 29 - Jan. 15 (JD, JHS), and three imm. Barbara and San Diego duringthe period;this species•s invariably found close to shore whereas the Pomar•ne were aboveImperial Dam Jan. 15(JHS); elsewhereone Jaeger dominates the offshore waters. to four (2 ad., 2 imm.) were on L. Cachuma, Santa The only Glaucous Gulls in the Region were a first Barbara Co. Dec. 27 - Jan. 22 (S.B.A.S.), an adult was at nearby RefugioPass Jan. 5 (S.B.A.S.), an imm. was year bird at Goleta, Santa Barbara Co. Dec. 9 (PL), over Newport Bay Jan. 12 (JD), five imm. were at L. anotherat Playa del Rey Jan. 10(LJ, KG) and a third on Mathews, RiversideCo. Mar. 23 (EAC, SC), and up to Newport Bay, OrangeCo. Mar. 15(EAC, SC). An•mm Glaucous-winged Gull was at S.E.S.S. Dec. 14 (EAC, tone (2 ad. 7 imm.) were at L. Henshaw Dec. 23 - Mar. 16 (BS, JD); these birds all probably come from the SC) and another was seen on the e. shoreof the Salton Pacific Northwest since none are known to nest in the Sea Jan. 25 (JD); this speciesis rare inland. Single•mm Region. A few Ospreyswere presentalong the entire Thayer's Gulls were seeninland on the Salton Sea Dec coast as well as one at the Salton Sea and two around 14 (EAC, SC) and Jan. 25 (JD); this speciesis probably Imperial Dam on the Colorado R. all winter. The only regular in limited numberson the Salton Sea and should Peregrine Falcon reported was an adult on Santa Rosa be looked for on other large inland bodies of water I Mar. 1-3(LJ). Only eight Merlins were found, indicat- attractive to gulls. Black-leggedKittiwakes were fairly common in s. California waters this winter as indicated ing a drastic decline in numbers in recent years. by countsof 50 off Oxnard Jan. 18 (DG) and 15 off San CRANES, RAILS -- A flock of 82 Sandhill Cranes Diego Mar. 15 (GMcC); smallnumbers were also pres- was near Brawley in the Imperial Valley Dec. 4 (DVT), ent alongthe shorewith reportsof up to 10 individuals the only locality away from the Carrizo Plain that regu- together being seen at ten different localities. larly holdscranes in s. California;one near Big Pine in CommonTerns are not normallypresent in Califorma the Owens Valley Jan. 12-24 (TH), and another at L. duringthe winter so a flock of 10-15on San Diego Bay Casitas, Ventura Co. Dec. 26-27 (SF) were unusual. A throughoutthe period(JD et al.) was of extreme•nter- Black Rail was flushed from a marsh at S.E.S.S. Feb. 9 est. A Black Tern was at Goleta Dec. 17 (LRB) and (DVT) giving us another record for that area. another was presenton San Diego Bay Dec. 6 - Jan 18 (JD, PU et al.); there are very few winter recordsofth•s OYSTERCATCHERS, PLOVERS, SANDPIPERS species for California. For the second winter in a row -- Up to four Black Oystercatcherspresent at Playa del BlackSkimmers spent the winter on San Diego Bay wtth Rey Jan. 6 - Mar. 8 (HF, JL et al.) were somedistance f[•b presentDec: 14to Mar. 27 (JDet al.). from an area of regular occurrence.Two• Snowy Plovers at Owens L. Jan. 3 (TH) were unexpected, sincewinter MURRES, AUKLETS -- The only Com. Murres records are unknown from interior localities other than reported was one off Oxnard, Ventura Co. Jan. 3 (JA) at the Salton Sea. Mountain Plovers winter regularly and six there Jan. 18 (DGI; exceptionallyfew for s alongthe west sideof the San JoaquinValley, through- California. Five Pigeon Guillemots at Santa Rosa I out the Imperial Valley and in suitable habitat in the Mar. 2 (LJ) were the first noted returning to known coastal lowlands south of Los Angeles; this winter 25 breedinglocalities; this speciescompletely moves away were seen near Santa Maria Jan. 19 (PL) and about 10 from the ChannelIs. in winter, and is very rarely seen near Pt. Mugu Dec. 24 - Mar. 5 (JD, HF). The only Am. anywherein s. Californiawaters at that time of the year Golden Plovers reported were four at Playa del Rey Cassin's Auklets were scarcer than usual, and 100 Feb. 12 - Mar. 13 (HF et al.) and three on Upper New- Rhinoceros Auklets between Oxnard and Santa Bar- port Bay Jan. 28 (GSS). As usual a few Lesser Yellow- bara I. Jan. 18 (DG, LJ) was the only concentrationof legs were present on the coast and at the Salton Sea. that speciesreported. Some 35 Stilt Sandpiperswere aroundS.E.S.S. all win- DOVES, OWLS, SWIFTS -- Two White-w•nged ter(GM• etal.). Thisspecies regularly winters in w. Doves near Santa Barbara Feb. 18 (GH) one at Pt Mexico and the Salton Sea appearsto be the northern Mugu S.P. Dec. 26 (ERA) and anothernear Imperial hmit of normal occurrence. A Ruff found at Playa del Beach Feb. 28 (JD) were all at coastallocalities outside Rey Jan. 6 (HF) was piffked tip dead Jan. 15 the species'normal range at any time of the year; one or (*L. A.C.M0. Tw0.Wilson's Phalaropes were present at two at Agua Caliente Springs in e. San Diego Co Imperial Beach, Shn Diego Co. during much of De- throughoutthe winter(GMcC) andtwo at nearbyYaqm cember (GMcC), one was there Mar. 8 (GMcC) and four Wells Mar. 2 (GSS) supportthe theorythat afew •nd•- were seen at S.E.S.S. Feb. 16-17(J & SL); this species viduals regularly winter in s.e. California. At least s•x •s rare anywhere in California during the winter. As Short-earedOwls were on tiny Santa Barbara I •n usuala flock of about50 N. Phalaropespent the period January (LJ) but were exceptionallyscarce elsewhere at Imperial Beach (GMcC) the only locality in Califor- in the Region. A flock of 10-15Vaux's Swifts was near ma where phalaropes regularly winter A Red OceansideJan 10-12(AF et al ) and eleven were seen

742 American B•rds, June, 1975 over Huntington Beach, Orange Co. Feb. 21 (fide GSS) to use this area as a wintering locality, formerly occur- adding to the growing list of winter records of this ring only as a casual wanderer. A Verdin at San Elijo speciesin s.w. California. Lagoon. San Diego Co. Jan. 9 - Feb. 17 (ABA et aL ) was most unusual since it is known to occur at but one WOODPECKERS -- Five "Yellow-shafted Flick- locality on the coast of California (on the Mexican bor- ers" were reportedwith two on the coast(L. Sherwood der near Imperial Beach), and is unrecorded elsewhere. Jan. 3 and Newport Bay Mar. 15) and three in the Six Bushtits near Parker Dam Feb. 25 (JHS) represent interior (Furnace Creek Ranch Mar. 25, Niland Dec. 21 the third record for the Colorado R. valley. A few - Jan. 25 and Brock Ranch Feb. 16); its current treat- Brown Creepers were evidently along the coast as indi- ment as a race of the Com. Flicker appears to have cated by the presence of one in Santa Barbara Jan. 13 deemphasizedinterest in reporting sightings.Lewis' (S.B.A.S.), two or three on Santa Cruz I. Jan. 3 - Mar. Woodpeckers were exceptionally scarce throughout 26 (JA). and two near San Diego Sept. 26 - Feb. 7 (DRa). the Region with a singlebird at Tapia Park, Los Angeles At least ten Winter Wrens were noted in densely vege- Co. Jan. 23 (GSS), another near Capistrano, Orange tated canyonsof the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Co. most of the winter (AF) and two near Santa Ysabel, Mts. where they are probably regular winter visitors: San Diego Co. Dec. 15 - Jan. 22 (AF) beingthe only ones one at Pt. Mugu S.P., Jan. 4 (FH) was unexpected. A reported.An imm YellowhbelliedSapsucker near Sage Thrasher on Santa Barbara I. Jan. 19 (LJ) was at Earp, San Bernardino Co. Dec. 29 (JD, KG) showedall an unusual locality. Varied Thrushes were exception- the characters of the eastern form S. v. varius; this race ally scarce throughout the Region, thus one at Brock appearsto be but a casual stragglerto California. Ranch Feb. 16 (S & SL) was totally unexpected since it is virtually unknown in s.e. California. Two Golden- FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- A Cassin's crowned Kinglets near Needles Dec. 30 (JD, KG) rep- Kingbird at S.E.S.S. Feb. 28 (EAC, SC) was unex- resent one of the very few records for the Colorado R. pectedsince only a handfulof recordsexist for that area Valley, and up to seven near San Diego Nov. 23 - Mar. of California, however, this is the time of the year when 23 (DRa) were far south. Totally unexpected was a an influx of birds is evident on the coast. An Ash- Bohemian Waxwing in San Diego Dec. 3-4 (JD), and throated Flycatcher in Santa Barbara Nov. 25 - Jan. 30 another near San Luis Obispo Mar. 21 (FRT). (NM, SBAS) was exceptional, for no valid winter rec- ords exist for coastal California, thougha few fall mi- grants have lingered into early December. An E. Phoebe,a somewhatregular straggler to Califo•'nia, i'emmnedin Arcadia Dec. 11 - Mar. 2 (GSS, BB et al.). There were four reports of Hammond's/Dusky Fly- catchers with one near Needles Dec. 30 (JD, KG), one at Pt. Mugu S.P. Feb. 23 - Mar. 17 (GSS et al.), one in San Diego all winter (JD eta/.), and another in nearby National City Dec. 7 (GMcC); few recordsfor either speciesexist for the winter period and it is not known which of the two is the more likely. Three Gray Flycatchers were seen with one at Pt. Mugu Jan. 4 (FH), another in Los Angeles Feb. 12 (JAJ) and the third at Yaqui Wells Mar. 3 (fide GSS); a few of these flycatchersoccur in s. California every winter. Five sightingso,f W. Flycatchers.is morethan usual with singlebirds at Santa Monica Jan. 19(H & PB), near San Diego Dec. 27 (DRa), in San Diego Dec. 3 - Jan. 9 (JD), in National City Dec. 7-14 (GMcC) and at Brock Ranch Winter Wren, Santa Paula Canyon, Dec. 14, 1974. Dec. 27 (JD). The,Coues'Flycatcher at the Pacific Photo / Keith Axelson. Palisadeson Nov. 15 was present to the end of De- cember(fMe L J). As expectedtwo or three Vermilion VIREOS, WARBLERS -- As usual a few Solitary Flycatcherswere presentaround San Diegothroughout Vireos lingeredinto December with singleindividuals the period, but one at Legg L. in San Gabriel Feb. 22 in San Pedro Dec. 11 (J & DM), Arcadia Dec. 11 - Jan. 1 (DWF) was the only other reported on the coast. (GSS), Riverside Dec. 22 (EAC. SCL San Diego Dec. Two,Bank Swallows,rarely reportedin winter, were 7-14 (GMcC), and near Needles Dec. 30 (JD); the last seen at S_E.S.S. Dec. 28 (TH). l•ough-w.igged Swal- two were clearly V.s. plumbeus, scarce in s.e. Califor- lows now appearto winter regularlyin s.e. California nia and casual along the coast. A Solitary Vireo, V.s. for 20 were seennear Needles Dec. 29 (JD, KG), three cassinii, presentin San Diego Dec. 1 - Mar. 31 (JD et al.) more were near Earp on the sameday (JD. KG), and • is the only one that can be treated as a wintering bird. few were seen throughout the period at S.E.S.S. Most unusualwas a Warbling Vireo in Arcadia Jan. 4 (H (GMcC); on the coast one was seennear San Diego Jan. & PB). 29 and two more were there Feb. 2 ½DRa). A c• Black-and-whiteWarbler near San Diego Sept. CROWS THROUGH WAXWINGS -- Up to 37 26 - Mar. 19 (DRa et al.) clearly wintered successfully. Com Crows were present around S.E.S.S. throughout Whether a TennesseeWarbler near San Diego Dec. 29 - the period (DVT); this specieshas only recently started Jan. 5 (JWD et al.), and another in San Diego Jan. 1-16

Volume 29, Number 3 743 (JD, PU), were attempting to winter locally or were just At least ten W. Tanagerswere found wintering very late fall stragglersis anyone'sguess. Three or four around Los Angelesand San Diego, which is normal A Nashville Warblers were found along the coast during Hepatic Tanager found near Parker Dam on the Col- December and another was in San Diego Jan. 25 (PU); orado R. Mar. 27 (DE, TS) was still presentApr 12 this speciesis fairly rare in California during winter. (JD), indicatingit hadwintered locally, and another was Unexpectedwas a Virginia's Warbler in Riversideall seenfurther southnear Imperial Dam Dec. 28 (JD, KG), winter (EAC, SC) for very few valid winter records a few probably nowwinter regularly in s. California A exist for California. Three Yellow Warblers near Impe- SummerTanager in San Diego Dec. 14 - Feb. 18 (JD, rial Dam on the Colorado R. Dec. 28 (JD) were the only ABA) was the only one reported. onesreported. Exceptional was a c• MagnoliaWarbler in Earp on the Colorado R. Mar. 26-27 (DE, TS); the FINCHES, SPARROWS -- Up to four Rose- bird is believed to have wintered locally and there is no breastedGrosbeaks were present in Long Beach Dec previous winter record for California. Also unpre- 4-7 (J & DM, FH) and single males were in San Luls cedented was a c• Black-throated Blue Warbler near Obispo Jan. 27 - Feb. 4 (FRT) and in San Diego Jan 3 MorroBay Dec. 16-20 (E•J) anct anomer rrrme near San (JD, PU); this speciesis rare in California at any time of Diego Dec. 25 - Jan. 5 (DRa et al.), however both may the year. A c• Black-headed Grosbeak, rarer than the have been exceptionallylate fall migrants.The only previous speciesin winter, was present in San Diego Black-throated Gray Warblers reported were one in Dec. 4 - Jan. 9 (JD). A minor influx of Purple Finches Riverside Dec. 22 (EAC, SC) and another on Santa was evidentalong the coastin late Februaryand March, Cruz I. Feb. 1 (LJ). Hermit Warblers are always scarce however, one near Bard on the Colorado R. Dec 28 in s. California during the winter so one in San Diego (JD) was in an area for which few records exist A Dec. 6-16 (JD) and another near San Diego Jan. 1-2 (JD, Cassin's Finch at Brock Ranch Feb. 17 (PU) was unex- DRa) are of interest. Five Palm Warblers were reported pected. As is probably normal, flocks of 200-300Gray- with one at Morro Bay Jan. 16-20 (FRT), one on San crowned Rosy Finches were present in Westguard Pass Clemente I. Mar. 26 (LJ), one near Pt. Mugu Feb. 28 of the White Mts. all winter (TH), and 125were found at (GSS, JAJ), another in San Pedro Dec. 4 (JDM) and the 6000 ft. near Bishop Mar. 26 (PL). Some Pine Sisklns fifth inland at MorongoValley Mar. 30 (FH); one or two were present alongwith the Purple Finches on the coast are now found in California every winter. A. N. Water- in the latter part of the winter. thrush was near Pt. Mugu Feb. 28 (GSS, JAJ) and The Sharp-tailedSparrow found on Newport Bay another was at San Elijo Lagoon Dec. 18 (SS) support- Nov. 29 was still presentJan. 28 (GSS); one well seen lng the idea that a few regularly winter in s. California. near Imperial Dam Mar. 29 (FH) representsthe first A MacGillivra¾'sW•rbler, very rare in winter, was in inlandrecord for California. At leastten Vesper Spar- San Diego Dec. 6-14 (JD). The only Wilson's Warbler rows were noted on the Channel Is. during the winter reported was one in Redlands Jan. 18 - Mar. 27 (EAC, (LJ), which appearsunusual. "Slate-colored" Juncos SC). At least eight Am. Redstarts were found around appeared more numerousthan usual among flocks of S E.S.S. during the period, and singlebirds were seen Dark-eyed Juncos with up to ten individuals in oneflock along the lower Colorado R. near Imperial Dam Dec. 28 ofjuncos in San Diego. Ten Gray-headed Juncoswere (JD) & Jan. 9 (SS); this species regularly winters in reported with one as far north as Furnace Creek Ranch these areas. An Am. Redstart in Lompoc, Santa Bar- in Death Valley Mar. 26-27 (DG), and singlebirds west bara Co. Jan. 12 (S.B.A.S.) and another in Redlands, to Santa Catalina I. Dec. 29 (LJ) and San Clemente I San Bernardino Co. Feb. 7 (EAC, SC) were more un- Mar. 27 (LJ). Most unusualwas a Clay-coloredSpar- usual. row on Pt. Loma in San Diego Dec. 15-16(JD, GMcC), ORIOLES, BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS -- The only two winter records are known for the Region. Two only Hooded Orioles reported were two at a feeder in or three Black-chinned Sparrows, very rare in winter, San Diego all winter (PU) and one in Goleta Jan. 8 were at Pt. Mugu S.P. Dec. 26 - Jan. 11(ERA, FH) The (S B.A.S.); this speciesis always much rarer than the only Harris' Sparrowsreported this winter were one on N Oriole in winter. A d' ScoWs Oriole near Redlands Pt. Loma Dec. 14 - Mar. 1 (JD, ABA) and another at Dec. 21 (EAC, SC) was unexpected sincethere are few Oasis, Mono Co. Mar. 8 (DRo). Nine White-throated winter records for this species. At least 15 N. Orioles Sparrows were found with seven being along the coast were found wintering along the coast between Santa and the other two in the s.e. corner of the Region, Barbara and San Diego including three "Baltimore" probably a normal number for s. California. Swamp Orioles in San Diego. A "Bullock's'* Oriole in Shan- Sparrows were more numerousand widespread than don, San Luis ObispoCo. Feb. 8 (RBH, KFH) wasat an normal with single birds present at Furnace Creek unusual locality. Totally unexpected was a Rusty Ranch Mar. 25 (PL), Redlands Feb. 1 (EAC, SC), Blackbird at Goleta Dec. 20 - Mar. 4 (PL, BS), two at Goleta Jan. 23 - Feb. 8 (PL), near Malibu Jan. 23 (EM), Malibu Jan. 8 - Feb. 8 (GSS, BB) and another at in Long Beach Dec. 8 - Apr. 2 (HB, J & DM) at Upper Morongo Valley, San BernardinoCo. Mar. 28 (BDP); Newport Bay Jan. 25 (JAJ) and near San Diego Dec 14 there are only two previous winter records for s. (GMcC), and two together near Imperial Beach Dec 14 Califnrnia. A Great-tailed Grackle remained around - Feb. 15(JD). A SongSparrow on SantaCatalina I. Jan S E.S.S. most of the winter (DVT) and another was at 1 (LJ) was at an interestinglocality. nearby Ramer L. Feb. 28 (EAC, SC); this species is now established as a permanent resident along the CORRIGENDA -- In AB:29, the wording "Many lower Colorado R. Valley, but continesto be rare in the Shearwaters .... "on page 120 should be changedto Imperial Valley "Manx Shearwaters ," and the dates for Blackbur-

744 American Birds, June, 1975 nian Warblers on page 123 should be changedfrom latter either empty or largely occupiedby late-arriving "...Sept. 5 and Oct. 28..." to "...Sept. 5 and Nov. birds of the previous year. Swainsoh's Thrushes and Scarlet Tanagers, thought to have been drastically re- ducedin New Hampshire, were found by the Breeding CONTRIBUTORS -- Ernest R. Abeles. Alan B. Bird Survey to be just detectably diminished. Altman, Jon Atwood, Keith Axelson, Larry & Karen The season brought a number of surprises. There Ballard (L & KB) Bruce Broadbooks, Hank and Pris- were five first state/provincial records or documenta- cilla Brodkin(H&PB), EugeneA. Cardiff. StevenCar- tions, and as many as ten additionsto the various state/ diff, Herbert and OIga Clark (H&OC), JohnW. DeWitt, provincial lists of breeding species, reflecting in some Jori Dunn, Dick Erickson, Hal Ferris, Steve Forsell, casesa gooddeal of assiduityin searchingfor nests,and David W. Foster, Alice Fries, David P. Garber. Kim- in othersa gooddeal of patiencein gettingphotographic ball Garrett, Daniel Guthrie, Andrew Hazi, Keith F. confirmation, all very laudable. Hansen, Robert B. Hansen, Fred Heath, Tom Heindel, Erick V. Johnson,Jerry A. Johnson,Lee Jones, Paul LOONS -- The continuing study of New Hamp- Lehman, Steven and Susan Liston (S&SL), John and shire'sbreeding Corn. Loons found that the population Susanne Luther (J&SL), Ed Masthay, Karen E. of heavily-developedL. Winnipesaukeefared badly Michel, Jessand DonnaMorton (J&DM), BenjaminD. this summer,about ten pairs producingonly a single Parmeter, Don Ramsey (DRa), Van Reinsen, Don young bird. The situationat nearby Square L. was Roberson (DRo), Brad Schram, Tom Schulenberg, somewhatmore hopeful,with 12 pairsbringing off six L.A. Shelton. J.H. Snowden, Jim Stevens, G. Shum- young from four nests, but significantly thinner way Surfel, Steve Summers,Fern R. Tainter, Don V. eggshellsand a highpercentage of infertileeggs seemed Tiller, Philip Unitt, Robert G. Wilson, Sandy Wohl- to indicate pesticide contamination(RSR). In New gemuth.Jerrie Human, Nelson Metcalf and Joan Vin- Brunswick, a summering group of 70 presumably cent reportingfor Santa Barbara Audubon Society second-yearbirds was notedJune 22, on salt water in (SBAS). Los Angeles County Museum (LACM). BaleVerte (NorthumberlandStrait), where comparable *specimen. -- Guy McCaskie, San Diego Natural His- concentrationshave occurredin previousyears (ADS). tory Museum, BalboaPark, San Diego, California. An oiled Arctic Loon, the first breedingplumage bird reportedin the Regionin at leastseven years, was seen -- BREEDING SEASON, 1974 -- 3 mi. s. of Pt. Judith, R.I., June 12 (RLF, RCS). TUBENOSES, GANNETS -- On June 26, an alba- NORTHEASTERN MARITIME REGION tross was closely observed about 55 mi. from North / Davis W. Finch Sydney, N.S., alongthe ferry route to Argentia, Nfld. (MS, SS). The careful descriptionand color sketches The cold and wet weather of late May, 1974, which seem to indicate a near-adult Black-browed: though the at the time seemed an authentic disaster for birds in underwingswere apparently rather extensively white New Hampshire, Maine, New Brunswick and Nova for this species,and the rump gray, lighter than back or Scotia, was indeed found to have had a measurable tail but not white, and thoughthe bird appearedto have effect on the nestingpopulations of certain species,but a dim grayishV-shaped collar, the entirely dark yellow seeminglynot on the scaleforeseen. Swifts were found bill would nonetheless seem virtually conclusive. to be few and late nestingin New Hampshireand Nova Northern Fulmars reportedlyreturned to the smallcol- Scotia, and swallows in the Marltimes were said to be ony establishedlast year on Great Island in Witless much reduced, in particular Tree Swallows and Purple Bay, Nfld., (Am. Birds28:16); of 15other records from Martins, with many New Brunswick colonies of the Canadianwaters, two (three birds) were in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, four •89 birds) in Cabot Strait, and countsaveraging 55 birds were made on seventransits of the Strait of Belle Isle ferry betweenSt. Barbe, Nfld. and Blanc Sablon, P.Q., July 18-22(JBS). Again as in recent years a few fulmars were found off the New Englandcoast in early summer:as many as 25 at Cox's Ledge, R.I., June8 and one June 12(RLF), but noneon seven subsequentJune and July trips, two (one dead, onecaptured) at Chappaquiddick1., M.V., June I 1OCide HD'E), and a total of four on three "Bluenose" transits of the Gulf of Maine, June 30-July 13 (v.o.). The only Cory's Shearwatersreported from New England were at Cox's Ledge: three birds there June 12 were the earliestRhode Island record by three weeks(RLF), and subsequentcounts were 25 on July6, 60 on July 19, and 17 on July 27 (v.o.). Reportsof this speciesnorth of Cape Cod, except for birds far offshore, are viewed with scepticismt•y experiencedpelagic birders, and rightly so, since the field guide distinctionsfrom Greater are inadequateand range descriptionsposi-

Volume 29, Number 3 745