The Nesting Season June 1 - July 31, 1977

NORTHEASTERN MARITIME REGION Reports were received from nearly every part of the /Peter D. Vickery Region. Such excellentcoverage makes the task of com- piling a seasonalreport easierfor the regional editor and Throughout the month of June rain plaguedmuch of more comprehensivefor the reader. the central part of the Region. Although this diminished the number of singing birds and made Breeding Bird LOONS -- In recent years the Corn. Loon has Surveys a real chore, most species, except possibly become increasingly scarce as a breeder in s. New swallows, did not appear to suffer greatly from the wet England, however small numbers continued to breed in weather. Clearly, the severewinter in the south had a Connecticut and Massachusetts.This summer two pairs serious effect on many semi-hardy species. In New bred successfullyin Connecticut (NSP), and several pairs fledgedyoung in w. Massachusetts(RAF). In New Hampshire only 23 young were fledged; this figure be- ing dangerously low if the state is to maintain a stable population. Uncommon as a summering bird was the Red-throated Loon in Litchfield, Conn. (RAP).

TUBENOSES -- Northern Fulmars remained off the New England coast into early June; two birds were seen off Chatham June 5 (WRP et al.) while 300_+ (3 dark- phase) were observed off George's Bank in early June (RRV). By the end of the month numbers had declined to 50 birds (BN). In the Bay of Fundy, two N. Fulmars were noted from the "Bluenose" June 24 (EWP). Cory's Shearwaters off George's Banks June 18-22, numbered 200 but by mid-July some 1500 were observed (B.O.E.M., RRV). Off Cox's Ledge, 23 Cory's Shear- waters were observedJune 28 (DLK, CW). Along the coast of Newfoundland an enormous concentration of shearwaters, with well over 100,000 birds visible at one time (80% Greater, 20% Sooty), was observed near Hampshire the following specieswere down from 1976 Cape St. Mary's in mid-June (JW, fide BMcT). The levels: Ruby-crownedKinglet 77o70,Winter Wren 67o70, birds were seen sitting on the water feeding on capelin. Eastern Phoebe 50o70,Brown Thrasher 33%. In Maine The discoveryof a number of burrowsand breeding and New Brunswick Hermit Thrushes were noted in pairs of Manx Shearwaterson an island off the coast of considerablyfewer numbers.No doubt the large Hermit Newfoundland has at last verified the suspicionthat this Thrush population that remained in southern New speciesmust be breeding in numbers somewherein the England into December was caught by the unremitting n.w. North Atlantic. It is clear that this was the first January cold. Apparently the birds farther south fared year Manx have bred at this locality. Jon Lien, the little better. discoverer of the colony, believesthere may be other Among the most significant breeding records in the islands off Newfoundland that have breeding Manx. Region was the discoveryof numbers of Manx Shear- The Newfoundland colony is a second breeding record waters digging burrows and breeding on an island off for North America, the first being the lone pair on the coast of Newfoundland. Also from Stephenville Penikese I., Mass., 1973 (JL). Two Manx were observed Crossing,Newfoundland came the first breedingrecord near Dutch I., R.I., June 4 (RJC), and five were ob- for North America of Black-headed Gull. Though served off Provincetown June 26 (BN). neither discovery comes as a complete surprise, con- A small black and white shearwater studied at close firmed breeding of both speciesconstitute important range along the edge of the Gulf Stream, s.e. of Nan- records. The Manx Shearwater nests represent only the tucket July 14 (RRV) was reliably identified as an secondNorth American breeding for this species. Audubon's Shearwater. In flight, the bird's coverts, Of equal significancewas the widespreadexpansion smaller size and distinctive flight pattern-were all of Cerulean Warbler as a breeding speciesin Connect- carefully noted. There seemslittle questionthat warm- icut. Prior to this summer, the Region's only Cerulean water pelagic speciesfollow the Gulf Stream at least as nest was in 1972 at Canton, Connecticut. This summer far N as George'sBanks. Noted with someskepticism in at least fohr nests and 15 territorial males were located the previousreport was the Audubon's Shearwateron in southern New England. Congamond Pond, Southwick, Mass., May 11. Details

I 110 American Birds, November 1977 of this extraordinary record are impeccable; on several vince, a single Turkey Vulture was observed at Rlvlere occasionsthe bird flew directly overhead, no more than Verte, N.B., June 14 (BMcT) and represented the 10 ft away. Salient features noted were the bird's "small northernmostsighting in the Regionthis spring.Research size, dark brownish-grayupperparts, light underparts on breeding raptors indicates that the Goshawk is the exceptfor dark tail and undertailcoverts and dividingline dominant accipiter in n.w. Connecticut. Researchers on cheek approximately at eye line." In flight the bird noted that it may be "extremely difficult for the "fluttered and flapped more than glided--fast wing Cooper's Hawk to regain its old prominence,owing to beat" (SK). It is altogether a remarkable occurrence the abundanceof the larger hawks. With the Goshawk about which there can be almost no doubt. now starting to occupysecondary habitats such as pine An unusual number of storm-petrels, approximately groves and woodlands bordering farmers' fields, it 1500 (90% Leach's, 10% Wilson's) was noted from the would seem likely that the Cooper's niche is being Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland--N. Sydney, N.S. usurped(MR, WR)." Despitethese discouraging obser- ferry, July 20 (BMcT). vations Cooper's Hawks were found nesting in Rich- mond, R.I. (RACet al., fide CW), and two nestswere HERONS, IBISES -- Little Blue Herons,.perhaps3 located in s. Maine (SKenn). In Maine, Bald Eagle or 4 pairs, bred on Stratton I., Me., representingthe n. nestingsuccess was the highestin recenthistory. Forty- limit of the species'breeding range along the Atlantic four active nestswere located (39 in '76), 22 of which coast Elsewherewandering Little Bluesincluded two in produceda total of 33 young(19 in '76). There seemed Nova Scotia; at Conrad's Beach July 3 and at Chezzet- to be somebasis for optimismbut the numberof young cook Inlet July 20 (BMcT). Cattle Egretswere confirmed fledged is still below the level considerednecessary to nesters on Clark's I., Mass., and suspicionsthat the maintain a stable population (RO, CT). A Red-tailed speciesmight nest in Maine were raised when several Hawk seenat Cape St. Mary's, Nfld., June 20 provided adult birds were seen on Stratton I. carrying nesting only the secondor third record for the province(JW, material, but no nest or young were discovered. Star- fide BMcT). Nearly as rare was the ad. Red-shouldered thng was the discoveryof a pair of Louisiana Herons Hawk observedat Cranberry L., N.S., June 25 (DM, nesting on Stratton I.; a pair was seen feeding at least fide PRD). Farther south, Red-shoulderedscontinued one youngbird (/Me PKD). The first confirmednestings to expandtheir numbers;five pairs in the N. Windham, in the Region occurred only last year on Chimon I., Conn. area were indicative of an improved population Conn, and House I., Mass. Louisianas were not an- (RJC). Uclpated as nesters in Maine for another two or three years Yellow-crowned Night Herons were reported CRANES, GALLINULES -- A singleSandhill Crane nesting on Shea 1., Conn., with 6 - 8 pairs and many was observedat EdgartownAirport, M.V., July 25 - 30 young present(JS). On White Head I., N.B., an imm. (GBD, fide B.O.E.M.). Speculationas to whetherthis is Yellow-crowned Night Heron was observedAug. 3 - 10 the same individual that has been wandering around (NS, ENW). The bird was found dead severaldays later, threeNew Englandstates for the pastsix monthscould providing a second provincial specimenand only a be resolved if observerswould photograph such in- fourth provincialrecord (*N.B.M.,fide DSC). An imm. dividuals. Although it is quite likely that the various White Ibis at Weymouth and later at Cohasset, Mass., sightingsinvolved just one crane it is of importanceto July 11 - 20 (FM, SRi,fide B.O.E.M.) was the northern- know how many cranesare actually in the Region A most of what was apparently a widespreadincursion Purple Gallinule was found on Long Island Plantation, along the Atlantic coast (DB). just s. of Mt. DesertI., Me., June30 (fide SG, WCT) WATERFOWL -- A single Snow Goose lingered in SHOREBIRDS -- American Oystercatcherscon- Stockbridge,Mass., to June 8 (MRi, fide BH) but more tinued to strengthen their numbers along coastal extraordinary were the 40 - 50 Snow Geeseat St. Esprit, Massachusettsthis summer; 17 were counted at Nan- N S , June 20 (S&RM, fide PRD). Gadwalls bred for tucket, 12 at Monomoy, and a pair each at Barnstable the secondyear in Maine with at least one pair on Ap- and Chatham (fide RPE). A single oystercatcherwas pledore I. (EWP), and one pair on Ross I. (SKr, fide observedat SandyPt., R.I., June 19 (MP, fide CW), BBC) A single"Common" Teal was observedat Lusby but apparentlythe speciesdid not attempt to breed this Marsh, N.S., July 1; a single European Wigcon was season.A singleWilson's Plover was found at Nauset, found at Amherst Pt. Sanctuary, N.S., July 3; and a Mass., June 1 (WB, DF, DT, fide B.O.E.M.). In Massa- pair of Redheadsnesting there was apparently a first chusettsWillets were found in Newburyport (four), provincial breeding record (CD, fide PRD). Previously Plymouth (four), and Scituate (two) (B.O.E.M.) Al- unpublishedand quite likely without precedentin New thoughno successfulbreeding is known to haveoccurred England and perhapsfor the Region was the successful this summer, the speciescontinued to expand its nestingof a drake King and a duck Corn. Eider, produc- numbers along the Massachusettsshoreline. At least ing King x Common Eider hybrids, off an island in five Wilson's Phalaropes were found in e PenobscotBay, Me., 1976(SF et al.). Such hybridization Massachusettsin early June (fide RPE). Off Sable I , is known to occur in Iceland but has not before been N.S., 16,000+ Red Phalaropeswere observedflying SE noted along the New England coast. May 30 and may have been moving toward the Con- tinental Shelf for feeding (IAMcL). Undoubtedly the VULTURES, HAWKS, EAGLES -- Rare in the pro- rarest shorebird of the season was the breeding-

Volume 31, Number 6 1111 plumaged Rufous-neckedSandpiper found at Bidde- billed Tern at Jerusalem,R.I., July 26 was uniquefor ford Pool, Me., July 16 - 21 (FC, KCE, CJ et al.). A the Regionand a rare occurrencefor the state(DW, fide first state record, this constitutes only the second CW). Unrelatedto any storm systemand as suchquite Regional occurrence,the previousfrom Guilford, Conn., remarkablewas an ad. Sooty Tern seensitting on debris Aug 25, 1975(AB 30:31). A brccding-plumagcdCurlew off George's Bank in early June (PKD). Despite the Sandpiper was observed at Biddcford Pool, July 19 vagariesof weather and disturbanceby beachcombers, (BT), for a fifth state record and one bird (perhapstwo) dune-buggiesand dogs, Least Terns appeared to be was found at Plum I., July 14 - 31 (RSH, fide holdingtheir ownin the s. part of the Region.In Maine, B O E.M.). A single Ruff at Plum I., June 21 - 30, 70 birds were fledged from three colonies(PDV) and describedas a "juvenile," was unique this season(RSH, breeding successwas considered good-to-excellenton ftde B.O.E.M.). Cape Cod (ML, BN). Royal Terns numbered 15 in Massachusettsand Rhode Island, but certainlythe most JAEGERS, GULLS -- Summer Pomarine Jaegers noteworthy record was a single Royal Tern seen and numbered approximately43, including 30_+ birds off photographed from the "Bluenose" about two hours George's Banks in late June (M.B.O. staff). Parasitic out of Yarmouth, N.S., June 27, a fourth provincial Jaegerswere estimated at 78 with 45 at Placentia Bay, record (NSP). Besides several individuals noted at Nfid., June 16 being the largestconcentration (JW, fide StephenvilleCrossing, Nfld. (DWF), the only Caspian BMcT). Long-tailed Jaegers numbered an impressive Terns of the seasonwere a pair at Plum I., June27 (fide 15 four off George's Banks; one over Sable I., June 13; B.O.E.M.) and a singlebird at Newburyport, July 11 one from the "Bluenose" June 24 (EWP); an (fide B.O.E.M.). Black Terns suffereda poor breeding intermediate-phasedbird off the Grand Banks June 25 season in Maine with birds abandoning their Poco- (RGBB); and eight birds in Placentia Bay June 16 (JW, moonshineL. locality (fide WCT) and only 6 - 8 pairs fide BMcT). present at MessalonskeeL. For inexplicable reasons Uncertainty about skua identification will un- Black Terns have continued to diminish in the Northeast doubtedly remain a puzzle for sometime. Observations in recent years. The speciesclearly requires careful and excellentphotographs (RRV) off George'sBanks in observationand protection if it is to remain a breeder June indicate that South Polar Skuas occur in numbers Three or four Black Skimmers were found on during the summer season. Difficulties in separating Monomoy again this year but nesting efforts were un- dark maccormicki from C. skua leaves unanswered the successful(BN). Elsewhere in Massachusettssingle question whether both speciesoccur in this area at the skimmers were observed at Plum I. and Ipswich and same time. Speculation at this point leans toward mac- pairs occurredat Chatham (fide B.O.E.M.). In Rhode cormicki being the predominant summer species and Island, a pair was observedat Quonnie(fide CW) skua occurring in greater numbersfall-through-spring. Razorbills have increased their number to at least 25 That South Polar Skuas can wander farther north is birds at Matinicus Rock, Me., the species'southernmost supported by the observationof a likely South Polar, breeding colony. Reasonsfor the diminished numbers with a visibly "pale nape and neck, conspicuouslypaler of Com. Puffinsnesting on MachiasSeal I. havenot yet than a Northern Skua," off the Grand Banks, come to light; quite possibly the island experienceda SoutheastShoal (44 o 40 'N 50o 50 'W), June21 (RGBB). temporary diminution of no particular significance A Complicating the picture somewhat are the observations singlepuffin off BiddefordPool July 26 wassurprising of three Greater Skuas observed from the "Bluenose" (EWP). July 23 (EWP, RS, PDV et al.), to date C. skua being the only skuaspecies reliably identified on this crossing, DOVES, CUCKOOS, OWLS -- Extraordinary was the speciesbeing fairly routine through the summer the spontaneous appearance of three White-winged months. Quite possiblymaccormicki do not normally Doves in New Brunswick. A single bird was briefly enter the Bay of Fundy or perhapsthe specieshas simply observedbut carefullyidentified at Mary's Pt., July 31 eluded observation. (DSC,PAP, BJS) and on the same date two were studied A late Iceland Gull, possiblya summeringbird, was on Campobello I. (George Smith, fide DSC). The fact observedat Chatham, June 5 (fide RPE). that the speciesis a strongflier with a historyof wander- Black-headed Gull breeding in North America has at ing suggeststhat these were naturally occurring va- last been confirmed. Two (possiblythree) pairs were grants, but why in New Brunswick with none observed observed and three newly-fledgedyoung were pho- elsewhereis perplexing.Recent regional recordsinclude tographed at Stephenville Crossing, Nfid. (DWF). single birds in e. Massachusettsin '65 and '74 and in Although 6 - 8 adults and second-yearbirds have been Lincolnville, Me., in December, 1973. A Black-billed summer residentsat this locality for severalyears (AB Cuckoo at Cape Onion, at the n. tip of Newfoundland 30 929) actual nesting was photographically docu- July 3 (RBS) was an extraordinary occurrence,the only mented only this year. Farther south, single Black- previous Newfoundland record was at St. John's, Oct headed Gulls were found at Revere and Newburyport 12, 1955 (Godfrey, Birds of Canada). Although Black- and a Little Gull was seenat Barnstable(fide RPE). The billed Cuckoos have a more northerly breedingrange, season's only Sabine's Gull was a single at Sable I., they have almost no history of wanderingbeyond their N S , June 12 (fide IAMcL). limits; the more southerlyYellow-billed Cuckoo is more frequently observedas a post-breedingstray. TERNS, SKIMMERS, ALCIDS -- An imm. Gull- Rare at any season, but extraordinary during the

1112 American Birds, November 1977 breeding seasonwere single Hawk Owls near Presque Me., June 5 was a rare occurrence for that state (FG, Isle, Me., June 12 (RH, fide SR) and in Shelburne fide PC). Unusual was a c• Magnolia Warbler summer- County, N.S., July 4 (GE,JE, fide PRD). All summer ing in Hampton, Conn. (RJC). A pair of nesting occurrences should be carefully studied for nesting Yellow-rumped Warblers at Plympton, Mass., was possibilities.Uncommon nestersin the province, a pair perhapsthe first confirmed breedingof the speciesIn of Short-eared Owls and one young were found at the e. part of the statesince the 1920s(WRP et al ) No Grand Pre, N.S. (fide PRD). doubt the most significant warbler news centered around the widespreadincursion of breeding Cerulean GOATSUCKERS, WOODPECKERS, FLYCAT- Warblers into Connecticut. A brief searchof 11 singing CHERS -- The Region's only Chuck-will's-widow was malesrevealed at least one nestalong the Housatomc R a singlebird found at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (JS et al.). Nesting Ceruleans were confirmed In June 13 (PB et al., fide BN). In Massachusetts,Red- Hadlyme, Devil's Hopyard and North Windham (RJC, bellied Woodpeckers nested successfullyin Adamsdale NSP). This incursionis only the secondtime the species and Natick (RAF), providing what are probably first has been known to breed in the Region, the lone nesting records for the state. Farther north, Black- previousnesting in 1972at Canton, Conn. (AB 26 837) backedThree-toed Woodpeckers have clearly benefitted Elsewherein the Region singleCeruleans were singing from the damagewrought by the sprucebudworm. In c. and on territory in Shelburne,Mass., May 23 - July 5 Maine and n. New Hampshire no lessthan 12 birds were (SK), and Exeter, R.I. (RACet al., fide CW), while two reported, most associatedwith stands of newly dead males were found in Parker Woodland (CW et al ) spruceand fir. That Northern Three-toedWoodpeckers Readerswill be interestedto note Cerulean nestingsm will also benefit from spruce budworm damage is not Vermont in the Niagara - ChamplainRegional report A yet clear. Though the specieshas been more scarcethan Yellow-throatedWarbler on MachiasSeal I., N.B, July arcticus there is good reason to expect that Northerns 22 (PCr et al., fide DSC) was perhaps the same in- will also expand their numbers. A single Northern dividual seenon Kent I., N.B., in early July and again Three-toed Woodpeckerwas observedon Mt. Carrigan, later in the month;the two islandsare 12 mi apart This N H, July 2 (NEM). summer's observationsconstitute only the second oc- currence of the speciesin the province. Previously An E. Kingbird at L'Anse-aux-Meadows, Nfld., June unknown is the large breeding population of Pine 7 was well north of the speciesknown breeding range Warblers in the s. part of Baxter S.P., Me.; 80 mi n of (Lloyd Decker, fide BMcT). Acadian Flycatchersnested the speciesknown range (NF, PDV). Particularlylate for the secondconsecutive year at Parker Woodland, migrantwarblers included a Blackpollat Crane'sBeach, R I, with five birds present(fide CW). In Connecticut, Mass., June 20 (fide RPE) and a Mourning Warbler at nests were found at Devil's Hopyard and North Saugus,Mass., June 18 (SZ, fide B.O.E.M.). Especially Guilford (NSP); four males were found at four separate interestingwas a c• Yellow-breastedChat, with a brood localities near N. Windham (RJC), and two singing patch, bandedat Manomet June9 (M.B.O. staff) males were observednear Kent (JS). No doubt careful searchwould have confirmed someof theseas breeding ICTERIDS, FRINGILLIDS -- Two N. Orioles at birds In Massachusetts,a breedingpair found in Mid- L'Anse-aux-Meadows, Nfld., July 15 (Delena Ander- dleboro, the female observedon the nest, provided a son, fide BMcT) were far n. of the speciesknown first state breeding record this century (WRP et al.). breeding range. A W. Tanager at Pemaquid Beach, Elsewhere in e. Massachusetts, eight Acadians were Me., June 18 (WBW) was seeminglyunique this season observed(B.O.E.M.). In New London, N.H., a singing SummerTanagers occurred at Tiverton, R.I. (CW), Ap- Acadian was identified and song recorded June 15 pledore I., Me. (EWP), and two were found In e (KCE, WS, fide VHH), and a bird critically examinedin Massachusetts(B.O.E.M.). Indigo Buntingshave at last direct comparison with two smaller Empidonax on beenconfirmed as a nestingspecies in New Brunswick, Sable I., N.S., May 23, was almost certainly of this the nest discoveredat Woodman's Pt., Kings Co species(IAMcL). (JGW, fide DSC). Though uncommon,the specieshas WRENS, KINGLETS -- Short-billed Marsh Wrens been regular in the province for many years. Scarce remained one of the Region's most elusive and scarcest breedersin the Region,pairs of GrasshopperSparrows breeding species.This summer singlebirds were found were seenat Dartmouth, West Newbury and Worcester In Sharon, Conn. (NSP), Blandford, Mass. (SK), Cole- Airport - all localitiesin Massachusetts(B.O.E M ) brook and Dunbarton, N.H. (fide VHH). The only Somewhatn. of its usualrange a SeasideSparrow was nesting pair was found in Hadley, Mass., June 18 observedand photographedon AppledoreI., Me., May (RRV). Althoughthe speciesbreeds in the w. part of the 29 (EWP). Very late was the Tree Sparrow in Milton, state, Golden-crownedKinglets have not nested in e. Mass., June 19 (DTB, fide B.O.E.M.). More easily Massachusettssince the turn of the century. This sum- understoodwas the late Lincoln's Sparrowseen in Box- mer three singing males and a nest with young were ford, Mass., June8 (RSH, fide B.O.E.M.). observed in a reservoir spruce plantation in Lakeville (WRP et al.). ADDENDUM -- Very unusual was the White-eyed Vireo examined in the hand in Farmington, Me., May WARBLERS -- A Prothonotary Warbler in Abbott, 24 (John Mudge, fide PC).

Volume 31, Number 6 1113 CORRIGENDA -- Delete "five fulmars off Eastham Gingert, William Ginn, Carl A. Goodrich, Frank Feb. 11" AB 31:305. The Cory's Shearwateroff Cape Gramlich, StartGrierson, VeraH. Hebert, Barllell Hen- Cod in December,'76 was without precedentin the dricks, Richard S. Hell, Richard Holmes,Margaret Region and shouldbe appropriatelyemphasized. The Hundley,Caroline Jakeman, Gordon .i..iohnson, Seth 500+ Razorbills flying past North Beach, Mass., Jan. Kellogg, Scott Kenniston(SKe), DouglasL. Kraus, 16, were actually observed Jan. 15, 1977. From the Steve Kress,Robert D. Lamberton, ,Ion Lien, Marcia spring season report delete the May 10, 1859 Litchfield,Trevor L. Lloyd-Evans,Mike Lucey,David Massachusettsrecord of Willow Ptarmigan. Griscom MacKinnon, Frank W. Mantlik, F. Marano. lan A. points out that this bird had beentransported by boat McLaren, BruceMc Tavish, Rainer Meyerowitz,Sandra from Labrador (Birdsof Massachusettsp. 254). Meyerowitz, Eric L. Mills, Henry C. Moski, John Mudge, Norman E. Muller, Blair Nikula, Ray Owens, SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface italic), Con- Peter A. Pearce, Marion Perry, Wayne R. Pelersen, tributors (boldface), Observersand other abbreviations Ronald A. Pfeifer, Elizabeth W. Phinney, Noble S. - Dennis J. Abbott I11, Paul Adamus, Charles R.K. Proctor, Mike Redmond, S. Richmond, Margaret Allen, Delena Anderson, Edith F. Andrews, Priscilla Rinsma, Sally Rooney, William Root, William Bailey, Wallace Bailey, Arthur C. Borror, David T. Sayward, Beverly J. Schneider,Nancy Small, Robert Brown, Richard G.B. Brown, Tom Burke, Danny Smart, GeorgeSmith, .iohn Soulher,Richard B. Slern, Bystrak, Bartram B. Cadbury, Joe Cadbury, Peter F. Richard H. Stymeist, David Taylor, Bob Thomson, Cannell, David S. Christie, Shirley Cohrs, Robert A. Stuart I. TingIcy,Charles Todd, William C. Townsend, Conway, Rena Cote, Robert J. Craig, Peter Cross, RichardR. Veit, Peter D. Vickery, Dallas Wait, Elmer Pauline Crouch (PCr), Florence Cyr, Gus Ben David, N. Wilcox, James G. Wilson, W.B. Wilson, Charles Lloyd Decker, Con Desplanque,Phyllis R. Dobson, Wood, John Wood, Soheil Zendah, B.O.E.M., Bird Paul K. Donahue, Kimball C. Elkins, Gillian Elliott, Observerof EasternMassachusetts; M.B.O., Manomet Jim Elliott, Ruth P. Emery, R. Michael Erwin, Norm Bird Observatory;N.B.M., New BrunswickMuseum; *, Famous, Stuart Feffer, Richard L. Ferren, Davis W. specimen-- PETER D. VICKERY, Box 14, Lincoln Finch, Dave Fisher, Richard A. Forster, Arthur Center, Maine 04458.

ture I., revealedan amazing 800 birds July 15 (fide RB); /Normand David and Michel GosselM a bird reportedas this specieswas seenon L. Squatec, It wasnot a verypleasant season. Normal precipita- Temiscouata Co., July 12 (CB). The usual visitant tion was accompanied by slightly below-average southern Ciconiids included two Cattle Egrets at St- temperatures. If these conditions did not bring extra Lambert June26 (MA), a Great Egret at Mr. Orford in help to breeding birds, it must be recalled that early early June, and a GlossyIbis at L. Magog (St. Francis nestershad enjoyed exceptionallyfine weather in May. Valley Naturalist Club, below, S.F.V.N.C., fide PBy). We would like readersto note that boldfaced type is One of the outstandingevents of the seasonwas the rais- usedgenerally for those specieshaving occurredtwelve ing of five young by a pair of Canada Geeseon L. timesor lessin this Region. Boivin in Granby. Similar southernnesting occurrences GREBES THROUGH WATERFOWL -- The Red- (e.g. in Ontario, New York, Vermont) concerneither neckedGrebe, a speciesknown to nest on L. Ontario, is captive,feral, or introducedbirds; apparently this was not the caseat Granby (PT et al.). Forty Canada Geese increasinglyreported here in summer:two birds were at Nuns' I., Montreal, July 13, and four July 27 (PBa). A at ScotstownJune 26 were alsowild (fide PBy). A study in Naturaliste can. 103: 469-481, showed the recent censusof Leach's Storm-Petrelsbreeding on Bonaven- Gadwall breeding range to extend as far N as KamouraskaCounty; a pair at Rimouski June 3-13, and five there July 20 (JRP) were thus to be expected. Belatedly reported for spring, acr Eur. Wigeon at St- Fulgence,May 4, was a first local occurrence(EA). A totally unexpectedreport of 20 Wood Duckswas receiv- ed from Barachois,Gasp6 Co., June 10 (fide RB). Redheadswere widespreadin the East, being recorded at Grandes-Bergeronnesand Rimouski in June (AB, JRP); a flock of 14 was at BarachoisJune 4 (RB). Two broodsof LesserScaup were found at fie du Moine July 10 (SH et al.), certainlythe easternmostbreeding locali- ty; a nest had been found there in 1972 (MG). Out-of- range drakes includeda Harlequin at M6tis June I I (JLa), a King Eider near TadoussacJuly 3 (DB), and a RuddyDuck at QuebecCity June27 (MJH).

1114 American Birds, November 1977 VULTURES THROUGH PHALAROPES -- Our (DH,MJ); this is more in one day than the total number springreport commentedon the relative scarcityin sum- reported in all previous years combined. Single birds mer of Turkey Vultures; this year was an exception, were alsoseen at SherbrookeJune 6 (PBy), Philipsburg b•rds being present along the ridge of Gatineau P. June 18 (PBa), Granby June 20 (PT), and Les C•dres throughout June and July, with a maximum count of June 25 (BB). No other specieshas ever showedsuch an five (fide RMP), suggestingthe possibility of local increasein so short a period of time here: the first occur- breeding. This vulture was also reported from Lennox- rence dates back only to 1971 when JS recorded one ville June 24 (S.F.V.N.C.,fide PBy), StansteadJune 25 near Melocheville. (JLg), and Scotstown July 1 (fide PBy). At Gros- In BellechasseCounty, Rough-wingedSwallows were Morne, Gasp• Co., a brown-plumagedPeregrine building a nest at St-RaphaelJune 26 (RL), and Brown Falcon was feeding on a Black Guillemot in the middle Thrashersbred at St-Luc June24 (PP), both at the very of the highway (AM). edge of their range. Two Brown Thrashers found at A Yellow Rail was heard at Barachois July 3 (fide Rimouski June 13 (JRP) failed to provide any breeding RB), only the second local report since evidence of evidence. In absenceof any other indication, normal nestingwas discoveredin 1940. A count of 1000 Ruddy vagrancy accounted for four extralimital Wood Turnstones was made at Ste-Flavie July 31 (ML). Thrushes,single birds at St-Simeon,Charlevoix Co, Upland Sandpipers are increasingat the n.e. edge of June 28 (JPB), St-Bruno, Kamouraska Co., June 10 their range, exemplified by a pair spendingthe summer (PBr), Rimouski July 5 (JRP), and Forilion June 9 at Mont-Joli (ML). An estimated4-6000 Semipalmated (BC). Sandpiperswere at Quebec City July 28 (BH); two GNATCATCHERS THROUGH WARBLERS -- A Semlpalmateds banded in Surinam were found at Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was at Rigaud June 5-18 Lapralrie July 27 (BB,JS). A Marbled Godwit appeared (MA,PC), and anotherat Grenville June 18 (JP); these at Rlmouski July 21 (GG), and a Ruff was in evidenceat are only the secondand third regional June occurrences lie du Moine July 23-25 (JS,ND et al.). Numerous (out of about 45 previous records). Only one Log- Wfison's Phalaropes were reported from various gerhead Shrike was reported; is it true that this bird, 1ocahues;a flightlessimmature was seenat Boucherville formerly an uncommonbreeder, is now only a rare sum- June 14 (CL). mer visitor? Six Yellow-throated Vireos were found at a JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS -- An ad. Long- new spot in Rigaud June 4 (FH), and another was at tailed Jaeger, a rare migrant recorded in May off Granby June 25 (PT). A complete description was, Carillon I., also appeared at Lachine June 4 (BB). A received of a Prothonotary Warbler seen by two lone GlaucousGull lingeredat La Malbaie July 12 (PC). observersin a damp woodland near Ste-Rose L., St- Single Laughing Gulls were present at L. de l'Est, Charles-de-Mandeville,Bertbier Co., June 17-18(Jean- KamouraskaCo., June8 (PBr), and C6te Ste-Catherine Guy Gaulin), providingthe first provincialsight record July 3, this one exactlywhere a Franklin's Gull had been The bird was describedas having "bright orange head noted June 5 by the same observers(BB,MM). The and breast, dark gray wings and tail, a white area near Quebecrecords of this last speciesclosely parallel those the base of the tail, and a black bill" (translatedfrom of the Hudson-DelawareRegion (AB 31: 158), only one the French). The Golden-winged Warblers reported out of about 14 being a juvenile (and three sub-adults); were singing males, one between Low and Poltimore, innmaturesare surely not overlooked among Laughing Gatineau Co., June 16-22 (ND), and another at Gulls, which are barely more common here, and have a Philipsburg June 25 (PC). At Port-au-Saumon, similar adult/immature ratio. The first Little Gulls (2) Charlevoix Co., a singingbut unseenbird was positively of the year were at QuebecCity June 14 (BH) and a identified as a ConnecticutWarbler June 23 (DH), at stunningad. Sabiue'sGull was seenfrom the Rivi•re- the same spot July 16-21, 1976, the same observer and du-Loup ferry July 10 (DB,JC). Perhapsa clue to the others had seen a silent bird also identified as a Connec- presenceof the Long-tailed Jaeger, three Arctic Terns ticut Warbler. Outside its restrictedbreeding range •n were at Lachine June9 (PC), two at St-Augustin,Port- w.c. Qubbec, Abitibi County, there is only one other neuf Co., June 11 (one found dead, JPB et al.), and one summer record, of a male holding territory in a jack at QuebecCity June13 (BH et al.). CaspianTerns are pine stand near Oriscani L., Laviolette Co., June 29, now of yearly occurrencein the Montreal area; this 1966 (Jack McLeod). summer one was in the Ring-billed Gull colony (4000 FRINGILLIDS -- SevenIndigo Buntingsat Port-au- pairs) of St-Lambert June 26 (BB,MM), a most suspect Saumon in July (M J), a pair at Grandes-Bergeronnes location. July 17 (AB), and another pair at Alma for the second year (MS), surelyindicated that the specieshas spread N WOODPECKERS THROUGH THRUSHES -- Red- and E. A Dickcissel was discovered at Cazaville June 10 headedWoodpecker occurred at new localitieswithin its (DH,MJ), only the third summer occurrence as com- regional breedinglimits: two at Cazaville June 16 (M J), pared with 15 fall records. Evening Grosbeaks are and a pair feeding young at Oka July 7 (GH). definitelyincreasing as summer residents; the frequency Once again this year the Willow Flycatchermade the of reports in June and July has doubled since 1971 headlines. No less than 17 birds were singing in the (C.O.Q.). Two Clay-coloredSparrows near Ste-Marthe, Cazavfile-Dundee area, Huntingdon Co., June 22 Vaudreuil Co., June 11-27 (PBa, GH), and another at

Volume31, Number6 1115 Jonqui•re June 24-29 (NB) reflected a speciesslowly storms were even conceived this summer. establishingitself in the provincewith over 20 records Expandedhelicopter censusing of colonial waterbirds since 1960, including a belatedly reported 1976 first was donein New Jerseythis year by Rich Kane and Rick breedingoccurrence (fide HO). Farrat of the New JerseyAudubon Society. Table 1 sum- marizestheir data for the Atlantic Shore, and agreesin CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- M. Ainley, substantiverespects with data from a similar censusby E. Auger, P. Bannon (PBa), C. Banville, B. Barnhurst, F.G. Buckley a week later, from Manasquan Inlet to J-P. Barry, D. Bdlemare, R. Bisson, P. Boily Cape May. Exceptfor coverageof DelawareBay marshes (PBy), A. Bouchard, N. Breton, P. Brousseau(PB0, R. and of the Mullica, Great Egg Harbor and Delaware Cayouette(Quebec City Area: 8191 Avenue du Zoo, Bay rivefinesystems, this year'sdata are essentiallycom- Charlesbourg,P.Q.), P. Chagnon, J. Chaput, Club des plete for the coast of New Jersey for the first time in Ornithologuesdu Qudbec,B. Couiombe, G. Gendron, recorded history.. D. Hamel, F. Hilton, S. Hoiohan, B. Houde, M-J. Table I. Estimated numbers of breeding adults (not Houde, G. Huot, M. Julien, C. Lacroix, J. Lariv•e pairs as presentedfor 1976 data in AB 30: 934) of col- (JLa), M. Larrivre, J. Legris (JLg), R. Lepage, M. onially nesting waterbirds in N.J. Ceususing was done Mcintosh (Montreal Area: 136 Milihaven, Pointe- in the first week of June 1977by helicopter,and covered Claire,P.Q.J, A. Mirabella,H. Ouellet,J. Pelletier, the entire N.J. coast from Cape May to Sandy Hook J.R. Pelletier, P. Perfault, R.M. Poulin (Hull area: 161 plus the H.M. (Del. Bay was not censused.) Data Thistledown Court, Ottawa, Ontario), M. Savard, J. courtesyRichard Kane and New JerseyAudubon Soci- Steeves,P. Timmons. -- NORMAND DA¾1D, Centre ety Wildlife ResearchUnit. de Recherches•cologiques de Montr6al,5858 Cfte des Neiges, Montr6al, P.Q. and MICHEL GOSSELIN, Great Blue Heron 8 6151 Henri-BourassaEst No. 107, Montreal-Nord, P.- Great Egret 221 Q. Snowy Egret 2470 Cattle Egret 480 Little Blue Heron 174 HUDSON-DELAWARE REGION Louisiana Heron 119 /P.A. Buekley, Robert O. Paxton and Black-crowned Night Heron 745 David A. Cutler Yellow-crowned Night Heron 121 Generally speaking, it was hotter than normal this Glossy Ibis 1533 summer, and while the rest of the country, save the (subtotal: 5871) Northeast, was in severedrought, we had excessrainfall Herring Gull 4400 in June followed by subnormalquantities in July. This Great Black-backed Gull 101 causedmany wildlife refugeshorebird impoundments to Laughing Gull 29180 be either at optimal levels (Jamaica Bay and Bombay Hook) or virtually dry (Brigantine and Little Creek). (subtotal: 33681) Brigantinewas then precipitouslyflooded to waterfowl Common Tern 5692 levelsin August,attracting the poorestshorebird numbers Forster's Tern 669 therein any summeror fall of recentmemory. No tropical Gull-billed Tern 13 Least Tern 1142 Black Skimmer 1944

(subtotal: 9460)

TOTAL: •012

The number of "June Christmas Bird Counts" held in thisRegion continues to grow.Virtually without excep- tion each has yielded extremelyimportant information on breedingdistribution, and hasimpressed on observers that passefinemigration is still underwaythrough the 15th and even20th of Junein mostyears. The Captree, L.I., count, June 11, again noted Red Crossbillin vast Connet- quot River S. P. (In passing, readers are referred to a fascinatingarticle on the breeding birds of the eastern Long Islandpine barrensby Eric Salzmanin the Linnaean Newsletter 31 (2): 1-3; (3): 1-2; and (4): 1-4 (1977),--a genuine contribution 'to local knowledge). The North Nassau, L.I., June CBC (date?) recorded a number of unexpectedor little-knownspecies including a Long-eared

I I 16 American Birds, November 1977 Owl (nest),several pairs of Broad-wingedHawks, a brood cation featuresfor all forms, and concludeswith a review of Worm-eating Warblers, five Acadian Flycatchers,and of the Northern Hemispherestatus of all Antarctic forms Orchard Orioles. Central Suffolk County, L.I., recorded Here he notesthat besidesmaccormicki, only lonnbergtis 130species June 18, includingCooper's and Red-shouldered known from north of the equator,and that from only one Hawks, Common Nighthawk, Rose-breastedGrosbeak Indian specimen. Thus while the individual illustrated and Northern Parula--all rare and/or declining on the heremay be lonnbergi,affirmation by other skua authori- south shore of Long Island. DutchessCounty N.Y., held ties is indicated, and a specimenmight be well required its first summerCBC June 11, and discoveredlate migrants to confirm such determination. and four different Acadian Flycatchers.Inland Boonton, S.A. N J, had a surprising104 species,with King Rail, Marsh In earlier issues of this column (AB 30: 826, Hawk, Acadianand Alder Flycatchersof note. Greenwich- 936; 31:314), we noted that South Polar Skua is Stamford, Conn., listed 125species June 19, amongthem now known to be occurringin the w. North Atlan- Golden-crowned Kinglet and Black-throated Green tic, althougha run of specimensfrom severalloca- Warbler. SouthernLancaster County, Pa., found 24 Black tions across all seasonsis clearly in order. This Vultures, Black-cappedand Carolina Chickadees,15 spe- year the situation was possibly compounded by ciesof warblers including Northern Parula and Yellow- the occurrenceof an odd individual photographed throated, and an amazing 264 Indigo Buntings June 11. May 28 at HudsonCanyon (p. 1108). Astute Alan Since most of thesecounts are in reasonablywell-worked Brady wrote to PAB, asking if this might not be areas,isolated circles should yield evengreater surprises, one of the other Antarctic skuas, suggestinglonn- as well as quantification invaluableover the long term. bergi as his choice. PAB in turn wrote immediate- Attention should be called to an area in s. New Jersey ly to Dr. John Warham in New Zealand, enclosing alongDividing Creek, CumberlandCo., strikingJysimilar in Brady's splendidphoto. Warham's reply, in part, aspect,plant and bird life to partsof the DelmarvaPenin- notes that: sula just across the bay. In a broad area, still virgin "If it had been sightedin this part of the world territory as far as detailed investigationsof breeding we would have diagnosedit as being our Southern birdsgo, the following specieswere breeding or suspected Skua, ssp. lonnbergi...[it] looks wrong for the of breeding this summer and in some casesmay be the South Polar Skua, too big in the head and heavy only representativesof the speciescurrently nesting in in the bill, while its dark head, mantle and back New Jersey:Black Rail, Acadian Flycatcher,Short-billed look very like thoseof our usualSouthern Skuas Marsh Wren, Prothonotary Warbler, Worm-eating and as opposedto the pale-headedbirds we seeon the Yellow-throatedWarblers, N. Parula, and SummerTan- Antarctic continent. However, we have no expe- ager(five pairs). The similarityof the avifaunato that of rience with dark-headed maccormicki such as I the mixed southern hardwood-pine forestsand adjacent believeoccur in the Antarctic Peninsularegion... areasof the Pocomoke River drainagein Maryland and but surely it was most probably a Great Skua Delaware is obvious. One wonders when New Jersey's from one of the northern populations?" first breedingBlack Vultures, Brown-headedNuthatches and SwainsoWs Warblers will be located there. This could SHEARWATERS THROUGH HAWKS -- A single well be the most promising site in the entire Region for Manx Shearwaterwas described from shoreat SpringLake, a June CBC. N.J., July 22 (R. Newell, fide PWS) -- just when most local Audubon's Shearwatersoccur. The most impressive Speciesof specialinterest this summer,besides those bird of the summerwas undeniablythe ad. c• Anhmga'• already mentioned, included Anhinga, White Ibis, discoveredcircling up a thermal over Middle Line 1 , in Franklin's Gull, White-winged Black Tern, Red- S. OysterBay, L.I., July 23 by AJL and THD. A detailed breasted Nuthatch and Bewick's Wren. description has been examined, and leaves no room for PELAGICS -- Highlightsfrom late May tripsto Hudson doubt. A third observer present was unable to obtain as Canyonparalleled those of recentyears. May 22 produced satisfactorylooks. This is the northernmost occurrence two N. Fulmars, and Martx Shearwater,three Long-tailed of the specieson the EastCoast and followsone seenunder Jaegersand four skuas(ABet al.; seebelow for discussion). much the same conditions at Cape May Point, N J, May 25 (RR, RT, MH, GT) yieldedsingle Leach's Storm- Sept. 25, 1971 (AB 26: 42). There are severalrecords in Petrels,Arctic Terns and Long-tailedJaegers, plus two the last 25 years from as closeas Virginia, so the species skuas One of the 400 Wilson's Storm-Petrels was noted should not be totally unexpected. as having "...an all-dark rump but was still clearly a A confrontation of sorts developed in Doe Run, Wfison's." [We hope so: Eds.] On May 28 a combined Chester Co., Pa., when the owners of a ranch objected D V O.C.-Urner Club trip listed two Arctic Terns (see to the presenceof Cattle Egrets (max.: 1500) feeding photoAB 31:981),and two skuas(see Fig. 1 anddiscussion with cattle but roostingin nearby willows and ostensibly below). Three Mallards 100 mi at sea also caused destroyingthe trees(JG). One entirely cinnamon Cattle some comment. Egret was seenat Cape May through early June (PS) The muddy skua waters were recentlyclarified somewhat and was nesting in a colony at Stingaree Pt. (FGB, by the appearanceof Devillers' long-awaitedpaper on PAB). The only heronryknown in s.e. Pennsylvania, the skuas of the North American Pacific coast (Auk 94: comprisingabout 21 Black-crownedNight Heron nests, 417-429). He sortsout the statusof West Coastskuas--all was in Bucks County (A & JM). In n.e. Pennsylvania, are maccormicki--givesfield marksand in-handidentifi- the 30-pair colony at Exeter apparently moved to

Volume 31, Number 6 1 117 Slocum S.P., Wyoming, after severedepredations by near the same location where it nested in 1974 and sum- F•sh Crows (WR). A GlossyIbis inland at Exeter June meredin 1975(WR). Red-breastedMergansers, usually 30 (Terry Baltimore)was the first known to WR in n.e. in henplumage but occasionallyaccompanied by males, Pennsylvania. wereseen in theirusual coastal locations, especially near SoA. • ß inlets, and someat least may have been breeding The event of the season was the un- A single Black Vulture was seen June 10 at Yards precedentedinvasion throughout the Region CreekRes., Blairstown, N.J. (FloydWolfarth), and two by immature, almost certainly yearling, summeredat Unionville, in s.e. Pennsylvania(JG) White Ibises. The total for New Jersey was Young Bald Eagleswere scatteredalong the coastm the probably about 30, Pennsylvania about 20, Region, a recentphenomenon. New Jersey'sremaining for New York about ten and for Delaware breedingpair wason territoryin the s. Pine Barrens,but about a dozen. Maxima were flocks of 17 at successwas not known owing to the untimelydeath of Rookery I., in the Susquehanna R., Pa., Joe Jacobswhile working in the field with Ospreys Aug. 11 (Clyde Gamber); 12 at Bombay Joe'sdemise closes a chapteron largeraptors in s New Hook N.W.R., Del., July 31 (JMA, RMS), Jersey;he will be sorely missed.A pair of Goshawks 11 and ninein two flocksin Cape May County nestedin DutchessCounty (R.T.W.B.C.) where the in late July-early August (Marion Glaspey, young were banded, and another pair got off three Peter Dunne) and sevenat Mt. Sinai and young near Pound Ridge as the speciescontinued its Stony Brook harbors, L.I., through mid- dramatic explosion as a Regional breeder. Most August(Julius Hastings et al.). The first birds hearteningof all were reports of possibly/probably seen were a single July 4 at Great Swamp breeding Copper's Hawks from Dutchess County, N.W.R. by Ira Weigley,then two thereJuly 6 Wissahicken Cr., near Philadelphia, and the Long with most reports in the latter half of July. Island Pine Barrens. Prior to 1977, the specieshad not nestedfor RAILS THROUGH TERNS -- The only other King certain n. of Morehead City, N.C., although Rail reportedwas at the Millbrook Schoolmarsh, Dutchess breeding had been suspectedin the past few Co., throughJune 8, presentsince May (R.W. Smart) years in the heronry at Pea Island N.W.R., The only Black Rail was at Dividing Creek June 3, and on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. In apparently none was heard all summer at Oak Beach 1977, however, one pair nested successfully Marsh, L.I. A Purple Gallinule cameaboard a ship25 ml on Fisherman's Island N.W.R., at the mouth off Cape May June 2 and was brought to Lily L., where of ChesapeakeBay, and others were present it wasreleased June 4 (PD). The b?eedingpopulation at or were suspectedof nesting in at least one Dragon Run, Del., may have increasedto two pairs this other heronry on the Eastern Shore of year (WinstonWayne), althoughno informationwas at Virginia as far n. as the vicinity of Chin- hand about the Bombay Hook N.W.R. pair. Common coteagueN.W.R. (fide Mitchell Byrd). While Gallinulewas reported scarce to absentat numerouss New the birds that invaded our Region are prob- Jerseylocales, especially at BrigantineN.W.R., attributed ably from Morehead City, the speciesis possiblyto last winter'sharshness (fide PWS). clearly in a saltationalstage of range expan- AmericanOystercatchers continued to expandtheir New sion and it is very likely that the Jerseypopulation, and a count by boat of 300 through northern heronries which hosted roosting the BrigantineN.W.R. meadowsAug. 27 rivalsnumbers imm. White Ibises this summer will have from the EasternShore of Virginia(JAk). Wilson'sPlover somebreeding adults in 1978 or 1979. (White seemstotally eradicated as a breeder in New Jersey, Ibises take two years to mature). This leap- following the departure of the Holgate birds; are any frogging pattern would nicely parallel that known elsewherein the region, especiallyin Delaware9 followed by the Glossy Ibis when it left the Information is desiredand will be kept confidentialif confines of Florida in the late 1940s-50s and requested.Tying the highestRegional count ever for Les- headed N. serYellowlegs was the 1000+ in the HackensackMeadows (below,H.M.), Aug. 8 (RK). An early Baird'sSandpiper It wasnot an especially aus•picious summerfor was at Tinicum N.W.R., July 30 (J.C. Miller), and the breeding waterfowl., although a commendable 30 Region's earliest Buff-breasted Sandpiper, presaglnga specieswere reported in June and July, running the fine fall flight later, was at a most unusual location gamut throughout the Region from expecteddabbling Boonton Res., N.J., July 22 (GM). Northbound on ducks through Snow Geese, Brant, Canvasback, schedulewere 50 White-rumped Sandpipersat Brigan- Redhead, Ring-neckeds,both speciesof scaup, Old- tine N.W.R., June 10 (per PWS): this speciesis one of squaw, and all three scoters,including a White-winged the latestspring migrants. The only southboundCurlew July 3 on PepactonRes., in Delaware County, N.Y. (S. Sandpiper was at Bombay Hook July 14-23 (PAD et Lebow). A singleCorn. Eider wasseen at Cape May Pt., al.), and the usual July complementof returning Ruffs June 21-July 5 (PS) and a c• King was at Montauk Pt., included singlesat Cape May, Tinicum and Bombay June 11 (R. Smith et al.). A few summeringeiders are Hook on the 17th, 30 and 31st, respectively;one was at now the rule, and both speciesseem equally likely. Jamaica Bay during the same period. Fewer than usual A c2Corn. Merganser was seen in Narrowsburg, Pa., ad. Long-billedDowitchers were seenin July, and both

1118 American B•rds, November 1977 early and unusual "inland" were three Whimbrels at to reoccupy the Region: at four locations in the Green- Rye, N.Y., July 25 (Lysle Brinker). The peak Am. wich, Conn., area; at four locationsin DutchessCounty, Avocet count was 90 at Bombay Hook July 31 (A&JM); at four locationsin n. NassauCounty, L.I.; at two locations few were in New Jersey and none on Long Island. in n.e. Pennsylvania;and at three locations(up to three Wllson's Phalaropesarrived July 1 at Jamaica Bay (W. at one spot) in Rock[and County, N.Y. Singing Alder Wflkens) but mostly only a few singles were seen ('•fee-bee-o") Flycatcherswere heard at Rye L., West- towards the end of July in s. New Jerseyand Delaware. chesterCo., July 9; on the BoontonJune CBC (two) and Four were at the H.M. for a month beginning July 28 at Slocum S. P., Wyoming, Pa. (where it nested m (RK) 1973-75). Is this speciespushing S in the Region as Willow SingleI•eland Gulls were seen throughout the summer •ushes N? at Port Mahon, Del. (MBa) and at Whitestone, Queens S.A. Co, N.Y., June 27 (WR). A Glaucouswas on the H.M., June 30 (RK). A surgeof Laughing Gulls in the Green- Red-breasted Nuthatch continued to make wlch, Conn., area in mid-Juneresulted in a count of 294 news as an expandingbreeder in the Region, on June 19; many more than usual summered on Long no longer restrictedto sprucegroves at higher Island, especiallyalong the North Shore,including signifi- elevations. Following the first two modern cant numbersof paired, courtingadults. Despiteintensive Long Island breedingrecords in 1973 (AB 27' hehcoptersearches, no nestsor coloniescould be located 851), and one certain and one probable in (PAB, FGB). Maybe next year?A second-yearFranldin's 1975 (AB 29: 953), two more Long Island Gull was photographed(alongside a White Ibis!) in Hemp- nestings occurred this year: one pair was stead Harbor, L.I., July 13-22 (BS,THD et al.). SeeAB feeding just-fledged young in late June at 31 158(1977) for the species'status in the Region. Douglaston (F. Smythe et al.) and a second While no Gull-billed Tern nestswere found on Long brood was seen on the Frick estate, Greenvale Island this year, three to five summeredat Jamaica Bay; (J. Doran et al.). Breedinghas been suspected the only other Long Island report was one at Mecox Bay in the Long Island Pine Barrens by Salzman June 4 (JA). In New Jersey Kane and Farrar located over the last few years: PAB believed a pair severalpairs in a large Com. Tern colony at Chadwick nestedin June 1957 at Napeague, and Ewert Beach in n. Barnegat Bay. This is the farthest north in had one July 4-6 this year in suitable habitat New Jersey the speciesis known to breed, although two at C.R.S.P. Most interesting of all was the adults in May (lB) and two on Aug. 8 (RK, lB) in the pair that raised three young in the s. part of H M indicate more prospecting.Two to three Royal the New Jersey Pine Barrens this year, in the Terns were in the Mecox Bay area in early-midJune (JA) extraordinary Dividing Creek area (D and three were in the vicinity of Beach Haven Inlet June 7- Kunkle and G. Regensburg).This is the sec- 9 (PAB, FGB). First breedingon Long Island is most ond recent breeding in the Pine Barrens, the hkely to be attempted in the Shinnecock Bay area, and first having occurred at Moorestown in 1974 m New Jersey near Beach Haven Inlet, so these areas shouldbe watchedin ensuingyears. Lacking hurricanes, (AB 28: 888). Summeringbut not breeding fancy terns were scarce, but the premier larid for the also occurred at two n.e. Pennsylvania summerwas the adult White-wingedBIack Tern found localities; breeding was suspected in (aga•n•) at Little Creek Ref., Del., July 24, and seenby Rockland County (fide RFD); and two were many observerswell into August. seen June 6 at Cruger's I., Dutchess Co.

OWLS THROUGH NUTHATCHES -- Barn Owls WRENS THROUGH SISKINS -- Following the were found nestingin severallocations in the n. part of devastating winter of 1976-77, Carolina Wren was the Region this summer. Most noteworthy were eight reported significantlydown this year in coastals. New nestslocated by Stiles Thomas in SussexCounty, N.J., Jersey (PWS, JAk), s.w. Connecticut (M.F.N.), Wil- •n June,and it is describedas "vergingon beingcommon" in mington,Del. (A. Conway),Montgomery County, Pa Hunterdon County, N.J., by GH. Another pair was found (E.W. Graham), Trenton-Princeton (RWB), but un- nestingin Beacon,N.Y. (R.T.W.B.C.) for only the third changedor in even higher numbersin n.e. Pennsylvania modern DutchessCounty breeding record. Chuck-will's- (WR) and (in part) Rockland County (RFD) A w•dow is now calling in June as far n. as Island Beach Bewick's Wren was reported mist-nettedat Island Beach S P m New Jersey,although it was possiblyabsent from Its breeding site at Oak Beach, L.I., this year. S.P., in May but details are not yet at hand (Mary Two pairs of Red-headed Woodpeckers were feeding Doscher,fide PWS). There are but a handful of records young at Tuckerton June 20, and up to five pair plus for New Jersey for this species. Golden-crowned young were at Cape May Court House (fide PWS). One Kingletswere at two probablehemlock-gorge breeding stramsto interpret thesedata as evidenceof a comeback. locations near Greenwich, Conn., but apparently d•d Early vagrantswere a Scissor-tailedFlycatcher July 16 at not renestat the 1975-76 site at Kensico(M.F.N.) The Brigantine N.W.R. (Heck, Drever, Southerland), and a only possiblylocally-raised Loggerhead Shrike was an W K•ngbird July 14 at Cape May (PD). Proper caution immature seenJuly 27 in DutchessCounty. This Is the •s urgedby PWS in the identificationof "yellow-bellied" rarest of Regional breeders.Pairs of Yellow-throated kingbirds, as both Cassin'sand Tropical have occurred Warblers were seen in June in Pennsylvaniaat R•dley recently in the Northeast. Acadian Flycatcher continued Creek S.P. (Alex Sibbet) and WissahickonCr., (Eliza-

Volume 31, Number 6 1119 beth Flavell) -- past and suspectedbreeding locations, N.J. 08638), Alan Brady, Francine G. Buckley, David respectively. A. Cutler (s.e. Penna., Del.: see below}, Thomas H. An early Yellow-headed Blackbird was seen on Davis (Long Island and s.e.N.Y.: 94-46 85th Road, Brigantine I., June 17 (JAk), and a colony of 50 pairs of Woodhaven, Queens, N.Y. 10421), Robert F. Deed Bobolinks was discoveredat Unionville, Pa. (JG). More (Rockland Co., N.Y.: 50 Clinton Ave., Nyack, N.Y. modest numbers elsewhere included several males and 10960), Peter Dunne, P.A. Dumont, JesseGrantham, females present through June and July on the H.M., Greg Hanisek (n.w.N.J.: 363 James St., Phillipsburg, although no nestscould be located (RK); the dwindling N.J. 08865), Mike Hannisian, Richard Kane, Michael colony at Purchase, N.Y., was down to one pair this Kane, D.L. Kraus, A.J. Lauro, Glenn Mahler, James year (M.F.N.). Blue Grosbeakscontinued to prosperin K. Meritt (s.w.N.J.: 809 Saratoga Terrace, Whitman mid- to south New Jerseyand the species'boreal outlier Square, Turnersville, N.J. 08012), August and Judy holds its own at three pairs on the H.M. (RK). In the Mirabella, Mianus Field Notes (WestchesterCo., N.Y. samearea as the Bobolinks, JG locatedsome 40 pairs of & adj. Conn.: c/o Tom Burke, 26 Onondaga St., Rye, breedingSavannah Sparrows, the largestcolony known N.Y. 10560), Willam Reid (n.e. Penna.: 73 West Ross in s.e. Pennsylvania.Grasshopper Sparrow coloniesare St., Wilkes-Barre, Penna. 18702), Richard Ryan, Ralph still beinglocated and existingones are increasingin size T. Waterman Bird Club (Dutchess Co., N.Y.: c/o Mrs. if they are not disturbed: 20 pairs nested at NAFEC, Aline Romero, Cedar View Road, Pleasant Valley, Pomona, N.J. (JKM), but WR recordsit as fast disap- N.Y. 12569), Eloise Saunders, R.M. Schutsky, P. pearingin n.e. Pennsylvania.However, he has the only William Smith (coastal N.J.: 24 Heyward Hills Dr., known site(Dallas) for breedingHenslow's Sparrowsin Holmdel, N.J. 07733), Barbara Spencer,Pat Sutton, R. the entire Region, even if only involving one pair or so. Thorsell, Greg Toffic, John Tramontauo (Orange Co., Dark-eyed Juncos nested farther south than ever before N.Y.: Biology Dept., Orange Co. Community College, this year: three young were fledgedat Island Pond Mr., Middletown, N.Y. 19940), and Charles Wood; CBC at 1300 ft, in Harriman S.P- (Speiser, Schwenker, (Christmas Bird Count). C.R.S.P. (Connetquot River Verderame) and another pair raised at least one young State Park, L.I., N.Y.), H.M. (Hackensack Meadows, at South Mountain Reservation in Orange, N.J.--not N.J.), N.W.R. (National Wildlife Refuge), $ (detailed far from where Pine Siskinsnested recently (RR, MK). description examined or on file). -- P.A. BUCKLEY, North Atlantic Regional Office, National Park Service, OBSERVERS -- (subregionalcompilers in boldface): 15 State St., Bostou, Mass. 02109, ROBERT O. PAX- Jackson M. Abbott, James Akers (JAk), Jim Ash, TON, 560 RiversideDrive, Apt. 12K, New York, N.Y. Maurice Barnhill (MBa), Irving Black (n.e.N.J.: 2 10027, and DAVID A. CUTLER, 1110 Rock Creek Beaumont Place, Newark, N.J. 07104), Raymond W. Drive, Wyncote, Peuna. 19095. BIicharz (central N.J.: 827 PennsylvaniaAve., Trenton,

MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST REGION /F.R. Scott

The period began with extremely dry conditions, and with deficient rainfall during Juneand July, droughtconditions prevailed over most of the Region, inten- sified by record hot temperaturesin July. Impoundments and stream flow were at very low levels,and there were no tropical storms. In general, the nesting season seemed to be more successfulthan usual, though nesting waterfowl were un- doubtedly affected by low levels in freshwater impoundments. A breeding- bird foray run by the Virginia Society of Ornithology June 8-12 in the Kerr Reser- voir area produced some interesting field records for this southern Piedmont area.

LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS--A few Wreck I., Va., July 7 (BW), and a Horned Grebe was Corn. Loonswere reported as usualalong the coast,but noted at Kerr Res., June 25 (JHD, TD). An imm. Pied- one far inland at Kerr Res., Va., June 8 (BO, NCM) was billed Grebe which appearedat Green Springs,Va., July quite unusual. A Red-throated Loon was seen off 22 (JBB) was the first bre.e•ling evidence for this Pied-

1120 American Birds, November 1977 mont locality. A pelagic trip out of Ocean City, Md. to days old was found in the Fisherman I. heronry July 10 Baltimore Canyon May 29 yielded six early Cory's (PFg). An adult was also seen in the Hog I. heronry, Shearwaters and a Manx Shearwater, among others Northampton Co., Va., June 30 (BW), but nestinghere (RAR, PGD et aL). On a two-day trip July 3-4, 59 was not proved. The greatestinflux on record of lmm Greater Shearwaterswere recorded at Washington Can- White Ibisesinto the Region beganin late June in extreme yon off Wachapreague, Va., and at least 130 (and prob- s.e. Virginia with up to 20 being seen by the staff of ably hundreds more) Cory's Shearwaters were found Back Bay N.W.R. (fide DD). After early July one to four off Ocean City July 4 (RAR). After the appearanceof birds were recordedin virtually all sectionsof the Region Brown Pelicans in coastal Virginia during the spring, w. to Albemarle County, Va. (FSW, CES) and n to from one to five were seenin the same area up to mid- Warrenton, Va. (PC,AC), Laurel and Crofton, Md July (BA, DD, LV et at). Double-crestedCormorants (DB), and the Baltimore, Md., area (MLH). The Glossy were unusuallywidely reported in the coastalareas with Ibis, whosenumbers were previouslyreported far down astonishingconcentrations of 278 in the Tangier I., Va. in the coastalheronties, was also greatly reducedin the area of ChesapeakeBay June24 (HTA, FRS) and 200 at ChesapeakeBay colonies(HTA). It will be interestingto Fisherman I., Va., June 25 (BA, BW, TFW). Inland seewhether this declineis general over the East Coast or records of interest included up to four at Alexandria, if it indicatesthat the missingbirds are colonizing new Va all summer (DFA, OEF et al.) and one at Sandy areas. Point S.P., Md. (below, S.P.S.P.) July 10 (HLW). Postbreedinginland birds includeda Louisiana Heron HERONS AND IBISES -- In spite of somefear that at AlexandriaJuly 14 & 16 (LT) and an imm. Wood Stork last winter's cold may have hurt'the Great Blue Heron near Kerr Res., June25 (JHD,TD). The only significant breedingpopulation, it seemedin good condition in the postbreeding heron concentration reported was at Dorchester and Somerset Cos., Md., heronties (HTA). ChincoteagueN.W.R., Va., July 25, whichincluded 600 Of the several new heronties found in the Region, the GreatEgrets, 600 Snowies,100 Little Blues,125 Louis•nas, largest comprised 410 active Great Blue and four Great and almost1000 Glossy Ibises (DFA,OEF). Egret nestsnear Burnt Mills, King and Queen Co., Va., SWANS THROUGH COOTS -- The low point in the June 1 (MAB). Cattle Egretsnested late in both Virginia summerpopulation of Mute Swansat ChincoteagueRef, and Maryland. Excellent documentation of this was ob- now seemsto be up to 29 (FRS), and sevenat S.P S P, tained at Poplar I., Md. by Reese, who visited the col- July 6 (SJM) were consideredunusual there. Two Snow ony there almost weekly but noted no Cattle Egretsuntil Geesesummered at ChincoteagueRef. (BWK et al), June 5, when 15 birds were counted. By June 20 at least and one was found on Watts I., ChesapeakeBay, Va, 30 pairs were on nests, although most other herons in June24 (FRS). Numerouslongsdead Brant were discovered the colony had completednesting for the year. By July on Rogue, Hog, and Cobb Is., Va., July 30, including 24 this number had nearly doubled. At the Fisherman I. over a dozen around one water depressionon Rogue I heronry this speciesalso did not commencenesting until (BW, BSzr). The only explanation offered for thesewas mid-or late June (MAB). the possibility that they were the remains of sick birds that wereunable to migratein the spring.Armistead and Scott recorded some 80 Gadwalls (plus two broods of The mystery of last summer's concentra- young) at Deal Island W.M.A., Md., June 25 and single tion of Cattle Egrets in the Hopewell, Va. Green-wingedTeals were reported at ChincoteagueRef, area was solved when a nesting colony was June 24 (BWK), Deal I., June 25 (HTA), and near found there Aug. 5 with an estimated 75 ac- Alexandria July 27 (OEF). A c• Blue-winged Teal near tive nests(BG). The habitat of the colony was Hopewell June 4 (FRS) was also well away from this absolutely unique: vegetation (up to 30 ft) species' normal nesting areas. There were the usual growing out of the decaying sides of long- reports of nonbreedingsummering diving ducks, mostly sunken wooden barges in the middle of the near the coast, but a Red-breasted Merganser at Kerr James R.! The presenceof both ad. and imm. Res., June 8-12 (JHD et al.) furnished a good record for Little Blue Herons and unusual numbers of the Piedmont. Great Egrets in this area suggeststhat other After a dearth of summer records for many years, speciesmay have used this heronry earlier in Accipiters seemto be making a modest comeback This the year. This is a major extension of the year a pair of Sharp-shinned Hawks nested for the breeding range of the Cattle Egret in secondsuccessive year in Stafford County, Va (BB, Virginia, the new heronry being some 70 mi fide JMA), another was seennear Blackwater N.W R , inland from the previously nearest known Md., June 4 (HTA), and a Cooper's Hawk was noted at colony. Clifton, Va., June 7 (CLE,JWE). A Broad-wingedHawk over St. Michaels, Md., July 28 and an Am. Kestrel Wandering, possiblynonbreeding, Cattle Egrets were flying acrossChesapeake Bay from Tilghman I., Md, noted near Kerr Res., June 7-9 (HEL, PEM et al.) and July 21 were both thought to be early transients(JR) at Alexandria June 14 (JMA). Williams found two c2Marsh Hawks on Hog I., June 30, The White Ibis was finally confirmed as a nesting and Hughesreported an ad. PeregrineFalcon at Craney bird in Virginia when a nest with two young about ten I., Portsmouth, Va., June 4.

Volume 31, Number 6 1121 A King Rail and an emptynest probably of this species Baltimore County, Md., July 23 (MLH). The first Am were located near Kerr Res., June 10 (PEM), one of the Avocets were recorded July 13 at Chincoteague(BWK), few summerPiedmont records of this speciesin Virginia. and numbersat Craney I., had reached410 by July 31 Purple Gallinules were seen at Back Bay Ref., June 26 (DLH, TW). A Wilson's Phalaropeat Chincoteague (DD) and at Chincoteague Ref., June 25 (BWK) and June 18 (BWK) wasa confusingrecord, the next report July 2 (RAR), but the onethat had returnedto Lynchburg, not occurringthere for over a month. But at Craney I, Va. for a number of years did not show up this summer three appearedJune 25 (DLH) and apparentlyremain- (frae RSF). Late Am. Coots were noted to June 4 near ed, increasingto 22 by July 31 (DLH). One near Charles Hopewell (FRS), to June 11 at Laurel, Md. (DB), and City July 26 (MLW) wasunusual inland. A N. Phal- one wasseen on the RoanokeR., in s. Charlotte County, aropewas noted at CraneyI., July 11(JHD, TD) & 22 Va, June II (PEMetal.). (RJT, PT). SHOREBIRDS -- The somewhat isolated breeding JAEGERS THROUGH SKIMMERS -- Five Pomanne population of Am. Oystercatchersin Chesapeake Bay Jaegers off Ocean City May 29 (RAR, PGD et al ) appears to be increasing,and sevenat Hooper I., Md., provideda recordlate springobservation for Maryland, June4 (HTA) was a recordhigh count there. Armistead and one Parasitic Jaeger there July 4 (RAR) seemsto found them nestingat four sitesin the Maryland part of representthe first July record for the state. Wlerenga the bay, and 33 were countedin the Tangier-WattsIs., suspectedthat the unusually high count of 29 Great Va area June24 (HTA, FRS), a recordcount therealso. Black-backed Gulls at S.P.S.P., July 25 were early fall There is often a problem in distinguishingbetween late arrivals. Armistead located the first nestsof the Herring spring shorebird transients, summering nonbreeding Gull in DorchesterCounty, Md., June4 with four nests-- birds, and early southboundmigrants. There were many three empty and one with two eggs--at Tar Bay In puzzles of this sort this year. Probable late spring birds the large Herring Gull colonies, Byrd estimated 1250 included singleGreater Yellowlegsinland at Kerr Res., pairs at Fisherman I., May 29 and 4050 pairs at Smith June 11 (JHD) and Green Springs,Va., June 12 (JBB), I., Md., June 8. Ring-billed Gulls were again locally a Red Knot at S.P.S.P., June 9 (HLW), a Pectoral common inland. On the Potomac R., near Alexandria up Sandpipernear LynchburgJune 4 (GM,BShn), White- to 500 were present during June and July, mostly rumped Sandpipersinland in s. Charlotte County, Va., subadultswith a few adults arriving in late June (JMA, June 11 (PEM et al.) and at Parramore I., Va., June 19 OEF). Reesenoted peak countsof 100 on EasternBay, (BA,TFW), three Dunlins at S.P.S.P., June 15 (HLW), Md., July 5 and an equal number on the Choptank and a Northern Phalarol•e inland at Alexandria June 8 R., Md., July 21. At S.P.S.P. the first juvenile birds (DFA,OEF). More confusing were 15 Whimbrel on appearedwith adults July 22 (HLW). LaughingGulls Parramore I., June 19 (BW), 61 LesserYellowlegs at seemedfar more common inland than usual, with 2400 at ChincoteagueRef., June 25 (FRS) and three the same S.P.S.P., June9 (HLW) and up to 100during mid-June day at Fairmount W.M.A., Md. (HTA), and 25 Red at Alexandria,with adultsoutnumbering winter-plumaged Knots on Metomkin I., Va., June 26 (BW). birds here by five to one (JMA). A subad. Franklin's Four extremelyearly Am. GoldenPlovers f'•rst appeared Gull (nearly adult exceptthat its face was still white) at ChincoteagueRef., July 12 (CPW) and were present appearedat Alexandria June 12-13 (JMA,DFA), and there for at least two weeks, and one was first seen at subad.Bonaparte's Gulls were noted at S.P.S.P., June 1 S P S.P., July 30 (HLW). SeventeenUpland Sandpipers (two--HLW) and DykeMarsh, FairfaxCo., Va., June15 m Frederick County, Md., July 10 (GCD) was a good (one--OEF). count there and undoubtedly included some locally fledged birds. Early arrivals included three Solitary Careful counts of nestingGull-billed Terns over the Sandpipersat Laurel July 5 (EWM), three Pectoralsnear last three breeding seasonson coastal Virginia seemto Scottsville, Va., July 27 (CES), and 22 Short-billed indicate a notable decline. Counts of adults (not pairs) Dowitchers in the Tangier I., area June 24 (HTA, FRS). were 2228 in 1975, 1994 in 1976, and 1032 in 1977 (BW) A CurlewSandl•il•er at CraneyI., Va., July22 (RJT,PT) Thesefigures may indicateonly a normal fluctuation,or was in near-breeding plumage and was seen by many some active colonies may have been missed, but the observersinto August. Stilt Sandpipers, first noted at situation obviously bears watching. Two tern colonies Craney I., July 23, had built up to 180 by July 31 (DLH), on the MariokenR., Md., June8 wereestimated to total and one was found at S.P.S.P., July 25 (HLW). A about 800 pairs of Com. Terns and 165 pairs of peak of 89 W. Sandpipersnear Charles City, Va., Forster'sTerns (MAB), probablythe largestnesting tern July 27 (MLW) was a record for this inland area. The concentration on Chesapeake Bay. Least Terns ap- first Marbled Godwits appeared at Chincoteague Ref., parently nested early and successfullyand had left July 13 (BWK) and S.P.S.P., July 25 (HLW), but an their colonieson Tangier I. by June 24 (HTA,FRS) Hudsonian Godwit showed up at Chincoteague June 24 New--or previously unknown--colonies were located (BWK) and remained into July. There were two there on the Potomac R., at Piney Pt., Md., May 18 (75 pairs) July 10 (JHD,TD), and numbershad increasedto 11 by and on the Rappahannock R., near Ottoman, Va, May July 21 (CPW). A Ruff was first seen at Chincoteague 21 (23 pairs--MAB). Unfortunately,owing to human July 2 (RAR), remainingthroughout the month, and a disturbance, Least Terns failed to nest this year at second,different bird was found there July 9 (BWK). S.P.S.P. (HLW). About 5100 pairs of Royal Terns were The only other report during this period was one in estimatednesting in four coloniesin coastalMaryland

1122 American Birds, November 1977 and Vlrg•ma (MAB, BW, JSW), with about 150 of these nest in Nelson County. Two broods also fledged from on Cobb I., Va., a new nesting location, at least in bluebird boxes near Potomac, Md., one in late June and recent years. As usual, most of these(4600 pairs) were the other in early July (ETM). A Tree Swallow near on Fisherman I. SandwichTerns apparently nestedonly Charles City, Va., June 27 (MLW) might indicate that on Fisherman I.; Byrd found nine nests there May 29, this speciesis spreadingover a wider area. Single Bank and eight young were banded there June 18 & July 11 Swallowswere found at Back Bay Ref., June 10 (BWK) (JSW, JB). A Caspian Tern nest on Fisherman I., May and along Rockfish R., Nelson County, Va., June 11 29 (MAB) marks the fourth successiveyear this species (RMC), both localities well away from any known has nested in Virginia. nesting colonies. At S.P.S.P., Wierenga recorded 375 Rough-wingedSwallows June 25 coming into a marsh Wandering terns and skimmersappeared in a number to roost. The V.S.O. foray to Kerr Res., June 8-12 of unusual places. Two subad. Forster's Terns (DLM) recorded at least 200 active Cliff Swallow nests in at and three ad. Com. Terns (FRS) on Kerr Res., June 10 least eight colonies in the Virginia part of the area were quite out of place on the Piedmont, and one to two While by no meansa completecensus, this still confirms Least Terns appeared irregularly at Alexandria be- that this is the largestconcentration of nestingCliffs in ginning July 12 (DFA, OEF et al.). On June 9, with the state. House Sparrowswere occupyingmany nestsin rain and strong SW winds, three Royal Terns and three some colonies, and in one, in fact, the entire colony of Black Skimmers appeared at S.P.S.P. (HLW), and an 24 nestshad been usurpedand there were no Cliffs pre- ad Sandwich Tern was observed at Craney I., June 25 sent (DLM e! al.). The colony near Big I., Bedford Co, (DLH). Apparently migrating or nonbreeding Va., had 28 active nestsin late June with a production summering Caspian Terns were found inland again of an estimated 80 young (MRB). A censusof Purple during the summer. Numerous records up to mid-June Martin coloniesin Lynchburgthis summerrevealed the were considered to be of late spring transients, but at surprisingtotal of 352 pairs (TNH), considerablymore Alexandria there were counts of up to nine adults in late than were known previously. June and early July (JMA, OEF, LT), and Reesefound sevenJune 27 and four July 5 near Cambridge, Md. One WRENS THROUGH SHRIKES -- A sampleof four Caspian Tern appearedat S.P.S.P., July 6, and there Virginia BreedingBird Surveys,two on the s. Piedmont were seven July 16 with smaller numberslater (HLW). and two on the n. Coastal Plain, revealed a 74o70decline Several beggingjuveniles were noted with the adults. A in Carolina Wrens and a 34o70decline in Mockingbirds more "normal" fall arrival date was one at Laurel July sincelast year. A Lynchburgcount on June 4 (in the 24 (DB). Up to 20 Black Terns were present at Dyke Christmas Bird Count circle) showed a 78o70decline Marsh, Va., June 7-12 (JMA, OEF, LT), and five were from 1976 in the Carolina Wren (MPM et al) observedat ChincoteagueRef., June 25 (FRS). A flock Unfortunately, 1976 data on the Mockingbird here were estimated at 100 Black Skimmers June 24 (HTA, FRS) not availableat this writing. It will be interestingto see was unusual for the Crisfield, Md. area of Chesapeake how these two speciesfared when all of the regional Bay BreedingBird Surveysare analyzed. An isolated colony GOATSUCKERS THROUGH MARTINS -- One or of at least five pairs of Long-billed Marsh Wrens was located on the Roanoke R., just below Kerr Res , in two Chuck-will's-widowswere singingnear Piney River, June, and nestsand eggswere found thereJune 7 (HEL, Nelson Co., Va. throughout June and early July (RC, JML) & June 25 (JHD, TD). This is the only known RMC, MRB et al.), one of the few summer localities breedingcolony of this specieson Virginia's Piedmont known for this species on the upper Piedmont. The last SwainsoWsThrushes of springwere recorded at Wlerenga found eight late E. Kingbirdsstill in migration Annapolis on the rather late date of June 5 (HLW) at S P.S.P., June 1, and the first early fall transients ap- Eastern Bluebirds were apparently hurt by last wmter's peared here July 8. A Gray Kingbird, a first record for cold spell, as the nestingpopulation in Stafford County, Virginia, was observedbriefly but well at Chincoteague Va. was cut 50o70from 1976 and that in Montgomery Ref, July 7 (RAR); the first regional report of this County, Md. was reduced 27o70,based on nest box specieswas only recorded two years ago (AB 29: 957). studies(ETM). Reproductive successwas below normal There were three breeding pairs of Willow Flycatchers this year. An ad. LoggerheadShrike was feeding three in the Alexandria area (JMA), three probablybreeding fledgedyoung near Kerr Res., June 11 (JP, BK) birds were found near Lynchburg June 4 (JHD et al.), and one was singing in s. Charlotte County, Va., June VIREOS AND WARBLERS -- Although the 10 (BK, BO). This speciesappears to be continuing to Solitary Vireos reported last year in s. Brunswick increaseslowly as a summerresident in Virginia e. of the County, Va. could not be relocatedby the V.S.O foray, Blue Ridge. Three or four singing ct Willow Flycatch- one singingbird was found nearbyin $.e. Mecklenburg ers were in a well-known Coastal Plain breeding area County, Va., June 11 (DLM et al.). There were near Jessup, Md., July 14 (HLW). In addition to the numerouslate reportsof migrant warblers.in early June. Tree Swallownesting station previously reported during Among these were a Tennessee near Charlottesville, the spring period, there were two other Virginia nesting Va., June I (CES), a Blackburnian at Myrtle Grove reports. In Stafford County a pair occupieda bluebird W.M.A., Md., June 3 (LT), N. Waterthrushesat Dyke nestingbox and had three young in the nest July 8 & 15 Marsh June I (OEF) and at Williamsburg, Va., June 11 (ETM), and McQuarry and Fielder located an occupied (BW), and two Am. Redstarts at S.P.S.P., June 5

Volume 31, Number 6 1123 (HLW). The BlackpollWarbler wasthe outstandinglate as summer residentsin the Region, and they apparently migrant, however,with numerousrecords up to June9. nestedfor the secondyear at Richmond, Va. (FM). A Later ones,probably summer vagrants, were found near Lark Sparrow inland at Hopewell July 31 (CRB, FRS) Lewisetta, Va., June 18 (FRS), Clifton, Va., June 21 furnished a first local record, and a pair of Swamp (JWE), and two different birds near Williamsburg June Sparrowssummered at Dyke Marsh for the secondyear 23 (RAB, BW). Prothonotary Warblers were found in succession(JMA). Vying with the Gray Kingbird as fairly commonly in six different locations near Kerr bird-of-the-season was a c, Chestnul-eollared Res., June 9-11 (V.S.O.), which is espedallyinteresting Longspur in breeding plumage photographed at since when it was built, the reservoir flooded out most Chincoteague Ref., June 5 (ENB, PFy & RJS), of the best habitat for this species. Yellow-throated providing the first confirmed record for the state. Warblers were also fairly common in this area, CONTRIBUTORS -- D.F. Abbott, J.M. Abbott, Bill especially in the bottomland hardwoods, but also Akers, H.T. Armistead, J.B. Bazuin, Mrs. R.A. Beck, occurringlocally in pine forestsas they do farther e. on C.R. Blem, M.R. Boatwright,Buck Bradley,E.N. Breden, the Coastal Plain. Elsewhere on the Piedmont, John Buckalew,M.A. Byrd, Danny Bystrak, R.M. Carter, Boatwright and others found five of thesewarblers near Ray Chandler,Alice Coleman, Paris Coleman, J.H. Dalmas, LynchburgJune 4, and two were noted near Piney River Thelma Dalmas, G.C.Daniels, Doug Davis, P.G. DuMont, June 5 (JHD, TD). A singing cr Cerulean Warbler at C.L. Eike, J.W. Eike, Peter Fahey (PFy), O.E. Fang, Newport News, Va., June 19 (DLM, SM) was some 40 K.M. Fielder, R.S. Freer, Paula Frohring (PFg), Bill mi s.e. of the nearestpreviously known summerstation Gutzke, T.N. Hicks, Jr., M.L. Hoffman, D.L. Hughes, for this species, and Keelan and others found a B.W. Kedan, BarryKinfie, H.E. LeGrand,Jr., J.M. Lynch, probable9 MourningWarbler (and a possiblemale) in E.W. Martin, E.T. McKnight, P.E. McQuarry, S.J. Mele, n. Pocomoke Swamp, Md., June 26, a record that N.C. Middleton, Mrs. D.L. Mitchell, Sydney Mitchell, defiesexplanation. A Yellow Warbler at AnnapolisJuly Gene Moore, Mrs. M.P. Moore, Fred Murray, Bill 8 (HLW) was an apparentlyvery early fall transient. Opengari, John Pancake, Jan Reese, R.A. Rowlett, BOBOLINKS THROUGH LONGSPURS -- Five Bobby Schamerhorn (BShn), Bruce Schweitzer, (BSzr), Bobolinks at S.P.S.P., June 15 (HLW) were probably R.J. Smith, C.E. Stevens,Leonard Teuber, PeterTripician, extremelylate spring migrants, but a pair, includinga R.J. Tripician, Larry Valentine, Virginia Society of singingmale, at Kerr Res., June 12 (JHD, FRS) seemed Ornithology,M.L. Wass,J.S. Weske,Mrs. F.S.Whiteside, to be on territory, althoughit could not be locatedthere T.F. Wieboldt, H.L. Wierenga,C.P. Wilds, Bill Williams, two weeks later. Other summer records included two Townley Wolfe--F.R. SCOTT, 115 Kennondale Lane, males at Dyke Marsh June 22 (OFF) and two singing Richmond Va. 23226. males near Emmitsburg, Md., June 28 (DB). The first apparent fall transientsat S.P.S.P., occurred July 8 SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST (HLW). A N. Oriole at Annapolis June 4 (HLW) was REGION probably a late migrant, and two in s. Charlotte /Har• E. LeGrand, Jr. County, Va., June 10 (BK, BO) was the only summer

The summer of 1977 was one of the hottest and driest in many years. Many localities set records for con- secutivedays of temperatures90 øF or above. Fortunate- ly, there were no major storms, especially along the coast, where one or two such stormsgenerally linger for [7 ? vA./

Apparent Chestnut-collared Longspur, Chincoteague N. W.R., Va., June 5, 1977. Photo by Erik N. Breden. report from the Kerr Res. area. Armistead found a late • .... • cø' •*•t•o• Rose-breasted Grosbeak near Golden Hill, Dorchester Co., Md., June 5, and a pair of Blue Grosbeakswith at least one fledged young were seennear Alexandria July 10 (DFA, JMA, OEF). The only Dickcisselreport away :•- THO•$SVILLE •t. •AIYS} from known stations was a pair in s.e. Mecklenburg County, Va., June 10-11 (JHD et aL). Two weekslater, however, following, the mowing of the field, it could days and play havoc with coastalnesting species. As not be relocated. House Finches continued to increase resultof the scarcityof stormsand rain, arian breedin

1124 American Birds, November 1977 throughout the Region was very successful,since few 27 (FB,WI) and 1,• near Raleigh July 24 (RJH), and a nests,eggs, or young were wiped out. Parnell noted that roost of 35 imm. Black-crowned and six imm. Yellow- essentiallyall waterbirdshad excellentbreeding results crowned Night Herons at Eufaula June 18 (BO) along the North Carolina coast. Little information on Noteworthy inland records of the less numerous the breedingof marsh birds was received,but it is possi- disperserswere of a singleCattle Egretnear Ringwood, ble that suchspecies might havehad a difficult time ow- N.C., June 29 (ML), singleSnowy Egretsin late July ing to the drought. The major featuresof the summer near Townville and Clemson, S.C. (HL) and near were the exciting finds of David Lee on a seriesof Seaforth, N.C. (JMo,BR), three Snowiesnear Raleigh pelagictrips off Oregon Inlet, North Carolina, notewor- July 23-26 (JM), and also individual LouisianaHerons thy wader and shorebirdsightings at inland lakes, and- in late July near Roanoke Rapids (ML), Seaforth (alas!) the very scanty field work or submissionof (JOP,ET), Winston-Salem(PC,RS), andEufaula (BO) observations from coastal areas. Nothing at all was A very rare Piedmont breedingrecord was established received from the Georgia coast, practically nothing for the Yellow-crowned Night Heron s. of Durham, came in from the South Carolina coast, and essentially N.C. (NB,DK,EG). The nest with several young was nothing was reported from the always-excitingOuter found May 22 along New Hope Cr., and it wasregularly Banks of North Carolina. This scarcity of reporting watchedby Garner until July 7, when a fully-fledged from coastal areas must be corrected in future seasons, juvenile was seen. Oftego saw an Am. Bittern at sincethe coastgenerally has the mostrewarding birding Eufaula July 26, a very early date for this speciesThere at all times. was good news and bad news concerningthe Wood Stork. For the secondconsecutive year Metzen observed LOONS THROUGH FRIGATEBIRDS -- Common nestswith eggs at Okefenokee N.W.R., Ga., couhtl•g Loons occasionally remain on inland lakes into June, eight nestsand 18 adults on May 12 and nine chicksin but two at the upper end of Roanoke Rapids L., N.C., these nestsJune 9 (fide ECy). However, there were no July 25 were unusual (ML). Two breeding records of signsof possiblenesting this spring near Charleston, Pied-billed Grebes in the Piedmont of North Carolina S.C. (PH), nor were there any extralimital records (as were highly noteworthy, since the speciesnests almost opposed to several such records in 1976), despite low strictly below the Fall Line in this Region. On Aug. 7 a water levels at inland lakes and good observer coverage pair with two, and possibly four, young was seen at at many of them. BeaverdamRes., n. of Raleigh, N.C. (RJH), and on the Just as the Wood Stork made headlines in 1976, the same date an adult was noted with six or sevenjuveniles summer of 1977 belongedto the White Ibis. Normally near Seaforth, Chatham Co., N.C. (JOP). It is signifi- this speciesis a rather rare though regular post-breeding cant that both siteswere newly-created lakes not yet fill- visitor to the Piedmont, but this summer ibises appeared ed to capacity. David Lee recorded Cory's Shearwater in record numbers at nearly all reporting localities m on all five trips off Oregon Inlet, N.C., in June, with a this section. Some of the more notable reports (all lm- peak of 60 + on June 30. However, Greater, Sooty, and matures) were a flock of 51 near Ringwood, N.C, July Audubon's Shearwaters were seen on only two trips 10 (ML), numbersreaching 13 birds at BeaverdamRes, each, with peak counts of three, three or four, and 50 + July 1,• (RJH), a maximum of four at Chapel Hill, respectively.Black-capped Petrels were seenagain: Lee N.C., during July (JOP,ET, BWa, MW), at least four at had one or two off Oregon Inlet June 1, and another three sitesin the immediate Raleigh area from late June was seen by an unidentified observer in that area on the to mid-August (KH,JM, CS), and one to two birds at June 22 trip. This supposedlyendangered specieshas three localitiesin the Clemsonarea after mid-July (HL) now been seen on ten occasions off the North Carolina Completely inexplicable was a flock of 16 adults in coast--twice each in May and June, once each in flight near Winston-Salem June 23 (RS,BW). Needless August and September,and four times in October--all to say, these records imply a highly successfulbreedxng since 1972. Wilson's Storm-Petrels were found on all seasonfor the White Ibis. An ad. RoseateSI)oonbill was five of Lee's trips, with a peak of 150+ on June 1. observedat North R. marsh near Beaufort, N.C., in late Eleven Double-crested Cormorants were noted at July (PV, fide JF). Jay Shuler found two American Roanoke Rapids L., June 6 (ML,HL), as many as five l•lamingos on Bird I., just n. of Bull's I., Charleston were seen all summer at Beaverdam Res. (RJH,JM), Co., S.C., June 9. One was brightly colored, the other and three were at Eufaula N.W.R., Ga., July 2,• (BO). lessso, but both werein good plumage.This is the third A c?Magnificent Frigatebird was soaring over Bear I., consecutive summer for the species in this area N C., June ,• (RT,CW), and an immature was seen the Whether the recent seriesof flamingo sightingsalong following day down the coast at Wrightsville Beach, the coastrepresent wild or escapedbirds is not known, N C. (BWo,EW). but it is nonethelessnecessary to continueto report and HERONS THROUGH FLAMINGOS -- The good publish all such sightings. breedingsuccess of waders along the coast and the low water levels of inland reservoirsbecause of the drought WATERFOWL -- Two flying Brant seenby Parnell combined to produce a noticeable increase of post- in Ocracoke Inlet, N.C., in the latter part of June were breeding birds on these lakes. Excellent inland counts very late, but he suspectedthat they weresick or crippled were 38 Great Blue Herons July 31 at Eufaula N.W.R. birds that failed to migrate. A count of 11 Black Ducks, (BO), 2,• Great Egrets near Winston-Salem, N.C., June including a female with two half-grown duck-

Volume 31, Number 6 1125 lings, was made at Roanoke Rapids L., July 25 (ML). rare for an inland siteat Eufaula July 22 (BO). A second This was most unusual, since nearly all Black Ducks exciting inland find was a Ruddy Turnstone at High nest in the tidewater sections of e. North Carolina. Point, N.C., Aug. 11-16 (PC,RS,BW). A Corn. Snipe Ortego had a pair of Blue-wingedTeal at Eufaula all on the extremely early date of July 7 at Eufaula was summerbut did not detectany breedingactivities. Seven remarkable (BO), but that was nothing as compared birds in ad. c• plumagenear SeaforthAug. 7 were early with the three Upland Sandpipersthere on the amazing (JOP,ET), as were four Am. Wigeonsat Eufaula July date of June 24 (BO). Presumablythe latter birds were 24 (BO). This seasoWsstragglers were an ad. c• Ring- early migrants. Two Long-billed Curlews were again necked Duck at Beaverdam Res., June 21 (JM), a • presentat Morehead City this summer, being noted July Surf Scoter near Charleston June 10 (JS), and a c• and 15 (JF) and Aug. 9 (MT et al.). There were two inland c?Black Scoter near Morehead City, N.C., in early Ju- reports of Willets in June--one bird June 15 near Fay- ly (BH). A c?Hooded Merganserincubating 11 eggsin a etteville, N.C. (PJC), and two or three June 25 below Wood Duck box at the Ocmulgee W.M.A. near Macon, Eufaula N.W.R. (BO). Ga, this spring,provided one of the very few nesting Ortego had a number of other exciting shorebird records for that state (TWJ). records for Eufaula, including two early LesserYellow- legs June 29, an early Short-billed Dowitcher July 3, HAWKS THROUGH COOTS -- Kuerzi had the two early Stilt SandpipersJuly 22, three SanderlingsJu- unusual experienceof watching a Swallow-tailed Kite ly 26 (first fall record for the ref.), two Wilson's near Folkston, Ga., June 24, swoop down and take a Phalaropes July 22 (first ref. record), and two N fledgling Mockingbird from its nest! For the second Phalaropes July 24-26. There now seemslittle doubt consecutivesummer, good numbers of ad. Mississippi that this refuge providesthe most exciting year-round Kites were seenin e. Halifax Co., N.C. (ML et al.). The birding of any inland locality in the Region. Elsewhere, birds are likely to be breedingthere, but suchan occur- a White-rumped Sandpiper at Winston-Salem July rence still has not been confirmed in the state. Single 26-28 (RS,PC) furnisheda rare inland record for the fall Cooper's Hawks at Eufaula June 28 (BO) and in season,as did two Stilt Sandpipersat a farm pond in s Seminole Co., July 9 (SP) were very unusual for the s. Franklin County, N.C., Aug. 2 (EP). Short-bfiled half of Georgia. An imm. Bald Eagle at Beaverdam Dowitchers were noted at four inland localities: in addi- Res, July 28 -Aug. 3 was noteworthy, sincemost inland tion to the Eufaula bird was one near Sumter, S.C., July records are for the mid-spring and mid-fall periods 3 (BB, WB,CB), another at Townville, S.C., July 24 (B1L,BL,RJH). Davis observeda Marsh Hawk June 1 at (HL), and two at Winston-Salem Aug. 6-8 (HS,RS) Lee the n end of Ocracoke I., N.C. There have been a collected a N. Phalarope off Oregon Inlet June 1, and number of recent summer records for the coast, and the he reported three to six in that area June 9. fact that there are several old breeding records for this area makes one wonder whether theserecent birds might JAEGERS THROUGH TERNS -- The pelagictrips be breeding. Clearly, a detailed summer survey of the led by Lee were a strong factor in the sightings of a state'scoastal marshes is needed.An active Osprey nest skua, two speciesof jaegers, six speciesof gulls, and 12 was discovered in Seminole County, Ga., July 9 (SP); speciesof terns in North Carolina during June, quite a inland breeding in the state (away from Okefenokee) is notable achievement! A skua (sp?) was reported off quite unusual. There were severalnesting season records Oregon Inlet June I (fide DL). It is probable that the of the Am. Kestrel, all from the Piedmont, and two skuas that have been sightedin May and June along the were quite unusual--one or two seen regularly near North Carolina coast over the past few years are South downtown Durham, N.C., during the first three weeks Polar Skuas; indeed, the only specimen(May 17, 1976) of June (JOP), and a pair seen frequently on a was of this species. Lee saw five Pomarine and three downtown office building in Winston-Salem all summer Parasitic Jaegersoff Oregon Inlet June 1, and he saw (ZB,RH)! Could the speciesactually be nestingin these another Pomafine there June 29. An imm. Glaucous cities, when there seemsto be an abundance of suitable Gull on June 6 at Topsail Beach, N.C., represented yet unoccupied rural habitat throughout the Piedmont? probably the first summer record for the Region (GW) A calling Virginia Rail was detectedon severalsummer Parnell noted that Herring Gulls are now well establish- dates near Seaforth, and one was seenthere in late June ed as breeders south to the s. end of Pamlico Sound, (MW) Within the past severalyears the specieshas been N.C. An individual of this species,a Ring-billed Gull, found breeding near Atlanta and suspectedof breeding and two Laughing Gulls were observedon W.F. George in n w. South Carolina, and perhaps it is now also Res., Ga., on the late date of June 25 (BO,GB), and nestingin the Piedmont of North Carolina. An injured single Laughing Gulls were seenat nearby Eufaula June Purple Gallinule was n. of its breeding range near 22 and July 24 (BO). Also at Eufaula were single Morehead City June 7 (BBr); the bird wascaptured but Forster's Terns June 15 and 22 and eight on July 26, two died the next day. Oftego noted that 27 Am. Coots sum- Royal Terns July 24 (first ref. record), two Caspian mered at Eufaula, but there was no indication of Terns June 24, and two Black Terns July 2 (BO). Most breeding. surprisingwas a RoseateTern seenoff Oregon Inlet by SHOREBIRDS -- A Piping Plover nest was found Lee June 29. Among other highlights of his Oregon In- May 26 on Core Banks, N.C., not far from the s. limit let trips were two Sooty Terns June 1, a maximum of of the breedingrange (RD). Another was early and very 15-20 Bridled Terns June 29, and two noddy terns (sp9)

1126 American Birds, November 1977 June 9. The Brown Noddy Tern is on the North Blue Jays. Adult Cedar Waxwings were common during Carolina Hypothetical List, and the Black Noddy Tern the summer at Winston-Salem, and two adults were has not been reported from this Region; however, the observedfeeding two nestlingsat Salem L., July 8 for unpredictable occurrences of pelagic species and the the second county breeding record (RS). A Solitary poorly known rangesof them make it imperative not to Vireo was heard singing in typical 1oblolly pine forest assumethat thesebirds were "brown" noddies. A Sooty habitat near Essex in s.w. Halifax Co., N.C , June 1 Tern was briefly present in a colony of Com. Terns near (ML); this locality lies along the poorly defined e edge Beaufort June 8, but no indication of nestingwas seen of the breeding range. (RN,RD,MP). Nestingby this speciesso far to the north Lynch again had two singing c• Worm-eating would seem absurd, but other observers have noticed Warblers in w. Gates County, N.C., June 14, and he similar occurrencesby the Sooty in tern colonies along had another singing bird near the coast at Manns Har- our coast. bor, N.C., June 20. The species.must certainly be DOVES THROUGH SWALLOWS -- Ground nestingover much of the state'sm Coastal Plain, main- Doves continued to occur along the c. coast of North ly in bottomland forests with fairly dense growth of Carolina; one or two were present at Ft. Macon during broad-leavedevergreen shrubs. A Blue-wingedWarbler the summer (JF), and one was seen"inland" at nearby was on territory near Seneca, S.C., where it was noted Beaufort June 14 (fide GH). The speciesmight well be May 7 (SG) and again on May 19 (HL); it was probably breeding this far north, but such activity has not been the samebird that was singingin the wet thicket May 4, confirmed n. of Topsail Beach. Also in this vicinity was 1976and passed over as a migrant.There is no breeding a Gray Kingbird at Atlantic Beach June 3 (JF), almost record for the state, although there are nesting records certainly just a visitor, as this flycatci•ernests only spar- for the n. Piedmont of Georgia. A N. Waterthrush lngly n. to the Charlestonarea. A Horned Lark seenfive studiedcarefully near L. Waccamaw, N.C., July 17 was ml n.e. of Scotland Neck, N.C., June 6 was somewhat a very early fall migrant (JF,DGo,DM). to the e. of the known breeding range (ML,HL). A FINCHES -- As usualthe only summerreport of the small colony of Bank Swallows was reported to be Dickcissel came from n.w. South Carolina, where a nesting xs.ith Rough-wingedSwallows on the banks of singingmale was notedseveral mi s. of EasleyJune 15- the Roaring R., near N. Wilkesboro, N.C., June 18 early July (PH,HL). The House Finch continues to (RS,PC et al.). Although no precisedetails were receiv- spread as a breeding bird in the Piedmont of North ed, this would be the first report of breeding in this Carolina, though so far only in large cities. POSltlve Region. The nearest nesting colony to our Region is nestingagain occurredat Charlotte (EC) and Winston- believedto be near Hopewell, Va., and the specieshas Salem (KH,RS), and conclusivebreeding was found at nestedin e. Tennesseeand n. Alabama; thus, breeding Greensboroand Raleigh, both localitiesthat have sup- in this Region was expected. ported large wintering populations. At Greensboro a Oftego had a remarkable concentration of swallows male was seenfeeding two young June 11 (BSL, fide at Eufaula July 31, including 4600 Banks and 2400 DG), and at Raleigh a nest was /ound June 21 at the Rough-wingeds. Thirty-five active Barn Swallow nests Rose Garden and was donated to the N.C State were found this summerin s.w. Georgiaalong the W.F. Museum (TLQ,KH). Breedingis likely in the Piedmont George Res. (BO), and the speciescontinued to increase of South Carolina and Georgia within the next few in numbers and breeding localities over much of this years.A SavannahSparrow at BeaverdamRes, Aug 3 Region.A Cliff Swallowwas seen at a mud puddlewith wasabout six weeksearly for the Region(RJH,TH) On Barn Swallows June 5 at Moore's Landing near the other hand, a singingWhite-throated Sparrow m a Charleston(JS), far to the s.e. of its known breeding Charlotte yard June 2 was quite late (EC). Pullman range. Another "suspicious" Cliff Swallow was an in- noted an increase in Song Sparrows in Durham this dlvidual at BeaverdamRes., June 12(JM), perhapsonly summer, finding at least five singing males. Breeding a migrant, but the speciesmight well becomea breeder pairs in this part of the Regionoccur mainly in stream- in the Raleigh area in the next severalyears. side willow thickets and are seldom found in suburban shrubberyand farmyards as they are in the w. Pied- CROWS THROUGH WARBLERS -- Lynch finally mont. found evidence of Fish Crow nesting in the Roanoke Rapids area: one seen in flight over a residentialarea CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- Gall carrying a large stick in early June, and adults seen Bader, Fran Baldwin, BarbaraBolton, Wayne Bolton, feeding a juvenile barely capable of flight June 13. Carolyn Bosworth,Bill Bretz (BBr), Norman Budnltz, Although this crow occursregularly inland to the e. Zach Bynum, Elizabeth Clarkson, P.J. Crutchheld, Piedmontof North Carolina, thereare very few nesting Patty Culbertson, EugeneCypert (ECy), Ricky Davis, records for the inland portions of the state and much is John Fussell, Eric Garner, Dot Garrett, S•dney still to be learned about the habitat and feeding Gauthreaux,Donna Goodwin(DGo), R.J. Hader, Paul behaviorof the species.Contrary to popular opinion, Hamel, Bill Hertier, Kevin Hintsa, RoyceHough, Tom Fish Crows are seen infrequently around lakes there, Howard, Gene Huntsman, Wayne Irvin, Terry W. but they occur mainly in woodedresidential areas, and Johnson, Daniel Kaplan, Richard Kuerzi, Mrs B S it is speculatedthat they feed primarily at garbage Lambeth, BarbaraLee, David Lee, Harry LeGrand, Bill dumps and on eggs and young of Com. Grackles and Lezar (BiL), Merrill Lynch, Wendell Metzen, Darryl

Volume 31, Number 6 1127 Moffett, Julie Moore (JMo), Jim Mulholland, Robert Canaveral, June 5 & 12, were of interest (RDB,B&LA). Needham, Brent Ortego, James Parnell, Martha Pate, White Pelicans remained through mid-summer near St. Sam Pate, Eloise Potter, James O. Pullman, T.L. Marks Light, Wakulla Co.; up to 23 seen on several Quay, Barbara Roth, Jay Shuler, Clyde Smith, Harry dates June 6 - July 20 (CSG,BG,DJD). Elsewhere, 50 Snavely, Ramona Snavely, Elizabeth Teulings, Robert White Pelicans were on phosphate ponds s. of Teulings, Mike Tove, Peter van Doorøn, Bill Wagner Mulberry, Polk Co., May 25 (JCO,MB), and 44 were at (BWa), Margaret Wagner, Cotting White, Gall the Duda farms July 24 (PWS et aLL A Great Cor- Whitehurst, Bob Witherington, Barbara Wootten morant that summered at the Canaveral jetties was still (BWo), Ed Wootten. -- HARRY E. LeGRAND, JR., present during early August (RDB,DH,JJ). The Department of Zoology, Clemson University, Clemson, Magnificent Frigatebird nesting colony on the Mar- S.C. 29631. quesasKeys shows puzzling year-to-year changes in size; PLEASE NOTE -- Comributors should continue to this summer approx. 75 nestscontained young during send their seasonalreports to Robert P. Teulings, Route May-June (DK,PWS), in contrast to 250 nests in 1976. 6, Box 191, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27514. WADING BIRDS -- The cooperativestatewide aerial survey of wading bird colonies revealed that many FLORIDA REGION nestingsites active during 1976 were abandoned in 1977 (JCO,HWK,SAN). The problem is that wading birds in /John C. Ogden Florida are keyed to nestingin vegetationover standing The major weather note of the summer was the lack water, or on islands, and many of the former sites were of rainfall throughout most of the Florida peninsula, dry this year. A close analysis of the 1977 survey data which resulted in true drought conditions that were has not been completed, so it is not yet known if col- onies that were active in 1977 contained more birds than especially severe north of Lake Okeechobee. Rainfall in 1976, thus absorbing birds from the abandoned 1977 deficienciesof 3 to 6 inchesper month were common at many stations. I flew a survey over central and north sites. Our impression, however, is that the total number of nesting waders in 1977 was below that in 1976, Florida during July and noted that much of the cypress especiallyin summer colonies. For example, inland col- was turning brown, producinga landscapethat looked onies in s. Florida during the summer of 1976 contained more like November than mid-summer. The drought had a conspicuousaffect on nesting wading birds, as high numbers of Great and Snowy Egrets (AB 30:946), while the 1977 inland, summer colonies contained little described further in this report. Needlessto say, no more than the traditional summer nesters, Little Blue tropical storms approached the peninsula during the Herons and Cattle Egrets (JCO,BSW,LR). Waders summer period. searching for suitable nesting sites in drought-stricken n. Florida demonstratedthe year-to-year flexibility in CENTRALSOUTHERN choice of nesting sites characteristic of these birds by •'•-R E-'-'G/O•1"1- '1- -- • TALLAHASSEE I1• ,•rtA•rlc forming a colony of about 9000 pairs in a newly created L ß %[ •,v,s,oN ,....•. oc•^• phosphate impoundment in Hamilton County (SAN et aL). The origins of these birds, mostly Cattle Egrets, White Ibises and Snowy Egrets, are unknown, although , /•__l INAT'IL%.. NOI•THERN a large wader colony does exist 30 mi to the n.e. in the Okefenokee Swamp. Alii amr Ced•rJ Oron• g •v ) . •Merritlls. •mt •Y • Coc Other interesting wader observations included N dis- persal of Great White Herons, one at Longboat Key, $1.•tersburg•sOU 1 ERN• Sarasota Co., June 21 (M&BS), and one at the Duda AnnaMaria• ...... %•o rmtce $ara*ota• • SebringPEN. L. Okeecho•, farms July 24 (PWS et aL). Based on the number of ad. Reddish Egrets seen at the Marco ABC Is., and four GUlFOF •EXICO Fo•Myer• fledged young, Ted Below suggested that two pairs probably nestedthere this year. SevenReddish Egrets at Hagen's Cove, Taylor Co., June 15 was a very high count from the N. Pen. (HMS). What must be one of the greatest concentrations of Yellow-crowned Night FLORIDA JigPine Herons ever reported in Florida was in flooded fields on LOWERKEYS the Duda farms: 252 on July 24 (PWS et aL). An Am. Bittern well seen at Stony Bayon, St. Marks Ref., Aug. 5, was in fresh juvenal plumage, which may have in- GREBES THROUGH FRIGATEBIRDS -- A high dicated local breeding (HMS). A high count of 302 count of 53 Pied-billed Grebes, including some that Glossy Ibises was in the flooded Duda farms fields July were nesting, was made on 2000 acres of flooded fields 24 (PWS et aLL Immature Roseate Spoonbills on the Duda farms, 5 mi s. of Belle Glade, July 24 (PWS wandered inland as far n. as near Mulberry, one on May et aL). Pelagictrips revealed no realsurprises this sum- 25 (JCO,MB), and one s.w. of Gainesville June 20 mer, although single Sooty Shearwaters off Cape (RR,CP).

1128 American Birds, November 1977 so to anyone living at the Duda farms. A grand total of 1900 coots were counted there July 24, including four The summer drought in combination with broods totaling seven young (PWS et el.). One Am the generally rainy winter were the factors Oystercatcher was on the beach at Lake Worth June 10, largely responsible for a highly successful where it is rare (WC). An early July flight of shorebirds nesting season by Wood Storks in c. and n. produced several unusual or new extreme dates two Florida, proving onceagain that nothingis all Ruddy Turnstones at Duda farms July 24, unusual in- bad. Water remained low, and fish were con- land (PWS et eL), one Corn. Snipe seenrepeatedly be- centrated and more easily available during tween June 15 - July 6 at Tallahassee,a real surprisefor the spring and early summer when adult mid-summer (GEM), two Spotted Sandpipers at L storkswere feedingnestlings, resulting in suc- Jackson, Leon Co., July 4, the earliest for the cessfulproduction of young storksin 14 of 16 Tallahassee Div. (GEM,HMS), a very early White- colonies n. of L. Okeechobee(JCO,HWK, rumped Sandpiperat Cape Canaveral July 28 (DH), six SAN). Particularly excitingwas the discovery Least Sandpipersat L. Jackson July 4, and one Stilt in July of a surprisinglylarge colony of 400 Sandpiper at the same place July 14, both the earliest pairs of storksnear Chaires,Leon Co., only for the Tallahassee Div. (HMS,GEM). Also a high 17 mi s. of the Georgia line count of 1800 Leastswith 7100 unid. peepsat the Duda (JCO,SAN, HMS). A stork colony has been farms July 24 (PWS et el.), and one Wilson's Phalarope suspectedin this region since 1971, when near St. Marks Light July 31 (NOW). This phalarope, storks were seen carrying nesting material plusan unpublishedobservation of one at St. Marks Ju- over the not-too-distant St. Marks R. (AB ly 20, 1976 (GEM), constitute the first local July 25:847). In contrast to up-state Florida, the records. included in this July flight were two real large stork coloniesin s. Florida again failed. rarities, a Curlew Sandpiper, repeatedly seen July 10-25 No young were producedat Corkscrew, and at Hooker's Pt., Tampa (B&LA et el.), and a Ruff at only 100-200 fledged from colonies in Duda farms July 24 (PWS et el.). The Curlew Sandpiper EvergladesNational Park (JLH,JCO). was in breedingplumage when first seen,and was at the same site where one was found last summer. Similarly the Ruff was apparently in at least partial breeding DUCKS -- The primary nesting range for Fulvous plumage, as it was describedas having a white head and Whistling Ducks seemsto be the sugar cane country at the s. end of L. Okeechobee. At the Duda farms, 327 neck in contrast to its brown body plumage. The Duda farms also produced an unusually high count of 430 Fulvous Whistling Ducks were counted July 24, in- Black-necked Stilts July 24, including four nests with cluding nine broods totaling 72 young (PWS et el.). In eggsand three broods totaling 10 young (PWS et el ) the TallahasseeDiv., 39 Fulvous Whistling Ducks were SevenBlack-necked Stilts were on phosphatelands n of banded on the St. Marks Ref. during June (CSG). Up to White Springs, Hamilton Co., May 27, a region of four Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, of unknown origin, Florida where stiltsare not known to nest (HMS,GEM) were near Venice June 17 - Aug. 1 (T&AB,JBE). Single Ring-necked Ducks were jumped from two different sectionsof ConservationArea 3A, both June 20 (PWS, TERNS, SKIMMERS -- The Bird Island ternery in JCO), while one high-plumagedc/Ruddy Duck was on Nassau Sound was largely unsuccessfulthis year the Duda farm July 24 (PWS et el.). (RWL,SS). High tides during late May and early June destroyed all eggs in the 110 Gull-billed Tern nests, RAPTORS -- High counts of Swallow-tailed Kites while Ruddy Turnstone predation was suggestedas a included 63 birds going to roost at Corkscrew Swamp major factor in the nesting failure by approximately July 28 (JLH,TB), and 14 in n.w. Taylor County June 1500 pairs of Royal Terns. Two hundred pairs of Least 11 (GEM), the latter unusual so far n. A Swallow-tailed Terns also abandonednests on Bird i., but 816 pairs of nest with singleyoung was near the s. nestinglimits on Black Skimmersdid produceyoung. Only four pairsof c Key Largo June 24, (JCO). Two reports of Short- Least Terns out of 30 nesting on the Planet Ocean roof tailed Hawks were received, both in Collier County, one near Miami were successfulowing to Fish Crow preda- an imm. dark bird at the Big Cypress Indian Res., June tion (MT), and BurrowingOwls took someyoung from 21 (HMS), and one a light-phaseadult near Corkscrew a colony of 385 pairs of Least Terns on the Searsroof at Swamp July 13 (JCO). An immature-plumagedSharp- Jacksonville(BO). Although heavy rains, raccoonsand shinned Hawk was on the Dry Tortugas as late as June Fish Crows causedmany nestfailures on Virginia Key, a 11 (PWS). Mid-summer reports of Marsh Hawks are flock of 500 Least Terns there in late July contained very unusual, but one brown-plumaged bird was well about 100 flying young (MT). in the Bahamas, an Arc- seenin s.e. OsceolaCounty July 14 (B&LA et el.). tic Tern (seeKale's springreport) was well seenoff Big Green Cay July 2, and a nestingcolony of 400 pairs of GALLiNULES, COOTS, SHOREBIRDS -- SandwichTerns was discoveredon Dolly's Rocks, s of Another summer observation of a Purple Gallinule Andros, July 3 (AS). Most nestsin a Marco 1. colony of came from the lower Florida Keys, one adult on Big 58 pairs of Black Skimmerscontained eggs July 13, this Pine Key June 22 (HMS). Hard evidence that Am. site representsa slight s. extensionof nestingrange on Coots breed in Florida is scarce,although possiblynot the Gulf coast (TB).

Volume 31, Number 6 1129 CUCKOOS THROUGH KINGFISHERS -- Late June 12 (A.A.S.), and late Blackpolls were seen20 ml migration by Yellow-billed Cuckoos was indicated by offshore from Port CanaveralJune 4 (HPL et al.); one the presenceof four on the Dry Tortugas June 11 (HPL was singingin Tampa June 25 (B&LA). The S flight et al ) Two nestsof BurrowingOwls in the Jacksonville brought Black-and-whites to Tallahassee July 11 area produced three and five young, plus a few bird (GEM), SugarloafKey July 15 (B&LA), Hillsborough bandsfrom a nearbyLeast Tern colony(BO). Although R., Pasco Co., July 20 (RM), and Lakeland July 24 "Antlllean" Nighthawks are heard on Key Largo each (GH). A nice cluster of late July observationsof the rare summer, a closelook at 30 nighthawksand six nestson Cerulean Warbler indicated a flight of this species upper Key Largo June 22, revealed all to be Corn. entered Florida surprisingly early. Single Ceruleans Nighthawks (HMS). One Antillean Nighthawk nestwith were on the Hillsborough R., Pasco Co., July 25, and a singleegg was found the sameday, however, on Stock severalmi farther downriverJuly 29 (RM), and one was I in the Lower Keys (HMS). A Corn. Nighthawk was dead at the WCTV tower, Leon Co., July 28 (RLC) calling on Garden Key, Dry Tortugas, June 11 (HPL et Early Louisiana Waterthrushes appeared July 6 in al ) Chimney Swiftsagain this summershowed signs of PascoCounty (RM), July 7 on the Peace R., Polk Co a s range extension. One was in Clewiston May 4 (HMS), and July 15 at Corkscrew Swamp (JLH). A (JCO), one near Pahokee June 15 (MMS), up to 18 possible nesting range extension of Yellow-breasted throughout June-July in Palm Beach (RHP), and eight Chats was indicated when three were located on Merritt were feeding over the n. fork of New R., Ft. Lauder- I., June 19, including an adult carrying food dale, June 11 (PWS). A Bahama Woodstar came (RDB,DH,JJ). aboard ship rather far at sea, along the e. edge of Tongue of the Ocean, 12-15 mi s. of New Providence, COWBIRDS, ORIOLES, BUNTINGS -- A sing- Bahamas, July 1 (AS). Although nestingwas not deter- ing ct Orchard Oriole n.e. of Oxford, Marion Co., June mined, a Belted Kingfisher was on Newnan's L., near 18 was the farthest s. that Stevenson has found a bird he Gainesville, throughout June-July (JEC,JJC). considersa probablebreeder, while one on St. GeorgeI, July 26 was likely an early migrant (HMS). A Spot- FLYCATCHERS THROUGH ROBINS -- An in- breastedOriole at SarasotaJune 1 (Mrs. Bob Schneider) teresUng Great Crested Flycatcher nest with young, may representthe first Gulf coast report of this exotic located in a fence post hole only 25 in. above ground, A range extensionand/or early post-breedingdispersal was near Pt. Mayaca, Martin Co., June 18 (PWS). by Brown-headed Cowbirds produced sightings of Southern breeding limits for the Acadian Flycatcher singlebirds in Highlands County, May 31 (JMS) and seemto be poorly known, thusreports of onesinging on June 25 (HMS), the latter a fledgedjuvenile, and one m the upper Hillsborough R., e. of Zephyrhills, July 20 OsceolaCounty June 5 (JMS). High countsof cowbirds (RM), and up to four, includingyoung, along the upper were 35 near Live Oak June 28, and 50 in s. Jefferson Wlthlacoochee R., during June and July (JBE), are of County July 9 (HMS). A singing c, Indigo Bunting w interest Barn Swallows continued to expand their of Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Co., July 2-3, was well breedingrange, and have reachedDuval County, where s. of the nestingrange for this species(WM). a nest with five young was found under a bridge in Atlantic Beach (RWL). A Cliff Swallow at St. Marks CONTRIBUTORS- (area editor in boldface)- Light July 31, was earliest for the Tallahassee Div. Alachua Audubon Society, Brooks & Lynn Atherton, (NOW) The Gray Catbird has finally returned to Robert D. Barber, Ted Below, Maryanne Biggat, Teresa Florida as a breeding species.Catbirds nested in n. & Albert Bogart, William Channel, Jack J. Conner, Florida early in this century, and although they have oc- JesseE. Conner, Bill Courser, Robert L. Crawford, D casionallybeen reportedduring summer(AB 26:851) no Jack Dozier, John B. Edscorn, Culver S. Gidden, Bill nest has been found in over 45 years. This year, two ac- Graybill, Jim L. Hansen, Dan Heathcotte, John H. tive catbird nests were located in Tallahassee Hintermister, George Hotel, Johnnie Johnson, Herb (GEM,HMS), and a nestand singlefledgling was found W. Kale, Don Kosin, Howard P. Langridge, A1 & Bar- in Jacksonville(PCP). The Am. Robin continued to bara Liberman, Robert W. Loftin, Virginia M. show a spotty summer distribution, with one singing Markgraf, William Matthews, Gail E. Menk, Ron along Morris Bridge Rd., n.e. of Tampa, July 2 (RM et Mumme, SteveA. Nesbitt, Bryan Obst, John C. Ogden, al), and two reported from Pinellas County in June Chris Pilkington, Roy H. Plockelman, Peggy C (fide JBE). Powell, Robert Repenning,Larry Riopelle, Malcolm M Simons, Marjorie & Bob Sokal, Alexander Sprunt, IV, WARBLERS -- A late N flight of Cape May, Black- Henry M. Stevenson, James M. Stevenson, Steve Sut- throated Blue and Blackpoll Warblers came close to ton, Paul W. Sykes, Mark Trafton, Jr., Noel O overlappingan early S flight by Black-and-whiteand Wamer, Barbara S. Warren--JOHN C. OGDEN, Na- Cerulean Warblers and Louisiana Waterthrushes. Late tional Audubon Research Dept., 115 Indian Mound Cape Mays were at McKay Bay June 4 (BC, RM), Dry Trail, Tavernier, Florida 33070. Tortugas June 11 (HPL et al.), and Tavernier July 29 (JCO,MB). The latter bird wasextraordinarily dull in plumage, almost completelydevoid of any yellow or greentones. A Black-throatedBlue was at the Tortugas

1130 American Birds, November 1977 ONTARIO REGION weather conditions were being reported from locations /Clive E. Goodwin that are reasonably close to one another. Kingston was exceptionally dry but Toronto rainfall was 60 per cent The breeding season was awaited with interest and above normal; the southwest was very hot but other someconcern, to assessthe impactsof the severewinter areas had below-normal temperatures. upon breeding populations. The picture that emerged The inconsistencyof the weather probably encour- was typically fuzzy, but it seemed clear that many aged early migration, althoughit has alwaysbeen a mat- specieshad been hard hit. Each reporter had his or her ter of speculationas to whether migration begins and own list of shortagesbut there was little agreement,and ends in any orderly sort of way. This year the Obser- only Winter Wrens seemed everywhere scarce. Apart vatory at Prince Edward Point (below, P.E.Pt.) con- from a young bird with parents and another male on ter- tinued banding during the summer, and reinforced the ritory in Waterloo County (CAC,BD), the picture was sense that birds continued to move throughout the one of unremitting gloom, with the Algonquin picture period when they "ought" to be engaged in rearing improving little during June and July (fide RJP) and the families. What is surprisingabout the banding resultsis Marathon Breeding Bird Survey down to 11 males from not that they support this view of migration as a con- 26 last year (NGE). tinuing phenomenon, but rather the scale of movement Most other specieswere reduced in some areas but in they reveal: steady movement of both Yellow-bellied normal or good numbers elsewhere. Some reporters and Tralll's Flycatchers to June 16, with as many as ten found Eastern Phoebes very scarce but most observers of the former on June 8, and netting of adult Least appeared to feel that suitable habitats were occupied as Flycatchersstarting on July 3; Gray-cheekedThrushes usual. The Palgrave Breeding Bird Survey failed to moving to June 9 and Swainson's to June 16, starting record a single Common Flicker (CEG,JEG,AD) but again July 16, and many Veeries from July 5; Blackpoll there were good numbersat Ottawa (fide RAF). There and Magnolia Warblers to June 11, and Nashvillesstart- were only two Long-billed Marsh Wrens at Long Point ing again from July 4, Black-and-whitesfrom July 6, June 12 (RC,GBr) but in Lakefield marsh there were Blackburnian July 8 and even Yellow-rumpeds by July birds calling at 50-yard intervalsin June (DCS). House 24. The steady movementsof Tennesseesfrom July 9 Wrens were in normal numbers in the southwest(fide were the first Kingston July records ever, and the passageof Yellows from July 17 was occurringwhile the HUDSONBAY/ local birds were still nesting(fide RDW). LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS -- Two out of five Kingston area Corn. Loon nests produced two young (FP) and there were four birds plus one young at C)NTARIC)Luther Marsh July 24 (BD et al.). Kingston had a Red- throated Loon June 27 (WT), and there were summer- ] Lak /v•..... • ing reports of Horned and Red-neckedGrebes, with the largest numbers at Burlington, with three and 11 respec- tively. The same area had the only Eared Grebe July 24 & 30 (AW,BW,RF). A White Pelican at Lac La Croix $udbur¾• • June 6 was only the second Quetico record (SP). Noteworthy among several reports of small numbers of Double-crested Cormorants were two at Pukaskwa N.P., June 24 (S&MB-N).

HERONS -- Ross James' fieldwork at Pickle L., in June provided some northerly records for the Province, SarnlaCllf[ and he sighted a Great Blue Heron there regularly. In the south the speciesseemed to be holding its own with maybe a slight declinein some heronries:there were 26 AHK) but absent at Crozier where the western race active nestsat Embro (fide GG) and 27 on Coilingwood would normally be present (GIP). The status of mimids I., June 5 (AM,DS,CJM). Manitoulin I. had four Green and thrushes was even more difficult to assess: on the Heron reports June 5 - July 16 (CB,DF). Breeding Cat- Marathon Breeding Bird Survey alone, Hermit tle Egrets were recordedon Pelee I. (AR) and on Pigeon Thrushes were down from four to one but Veeries were 1., where the two young in the nest were banded July 19 up from two to eight (NGE). Similarly with sparrows, (K.F.N.). At least eight Great Egret nests and 50 birds with Marathon finding White-throated Sparrowsdown were seenon BassettI., near Walpole I., in the St. Clair but the Kingston Breeding Bird Survey recording the R., May 29 (AR,DR) and a single bird wandered E to most ever (RDW); the reports on other specieswere Ottawa June 3-5 (BB eta!.). Other wanderersincluded a even more ambiguous. SnowyEgret at Erieau June 5 (PDP eta!.) and a Yellow- Whether by coincidence or not, the weather was crowned Night Heron at Rondeau May 28 & June 18 equally diverse:so much so Jn fact that totally opposite (PAW). There was cheering news of Black-crowned

Volume 31, Number 6 1131 NightHerons, as both the Coilingwood I. andPigeon I. eightBroad-winged Hawks June 11-12 (K.F.N.). Hawk heronriesrecorded sharp increases. On CoilingwoodI., nestingsincluded Goshawks at Burwash(BR) and there were 151 nestsas comparedto 117 in 1976 (AM, AlgonquinP.P. (RK,PK), a Cooper'sin thePinery P P DS,CJM) and PigeonI., wherethe populationhad (CGH), and both a Red-tailedHawk and an Am declinedvery seriouslyin recentyears, there were 72 Kestrelat PickleL. (RDJ). Red-shoulderedreports sug- nestswith no signof brokeneggs or of youngbirds be- gestedsome improvement with birds w. to CrozierJune ing tossedout of nestsby parents(K.F.N.). BassettI. 20-21 (GIP), but there were no s.w. sightings(ftde had a previouslyunreported heronry which included at AHK). A GoldenEagle was seen at HavelockJuly 9 least 100 nestsand 250-300 birds May 29 (AR,DR). A (DFi et al.) andthere were Bald Eagle reports from the LeastBittern was in Wye MarshJune 24 (GB) andthere N. Channel(DMF), AlgonquinP.P. (fide RJP) and were five at Lakefield July 23 (DCS). KomokaJune 30-July 1 (ES). The nestnear Rondeau fledgedone young,the seconds.w. nestto do so this SWANS, GEESE,DUCKS -- Mute Swanscontinued year(fide AHK). Two of threeknown Marsh Hawk nests theirrange expansion, and Algonquin P.P. hadits first in Lambton County were destroyed,but therewere pairs with two seenon Cauliflower L., July 5 (DH,DSt,RT). on Walpoleand SquirreiIs. (AR) and in Algonquin Most of the geesereports were from the north:Canada P.P., the latter producingthree flyingyoung July 27 Geesewere reported from LarderL., with five on June (DA,RJP).The sixOsprey nests and five Merlin nests 11(PWR), Englehartwith nine June 20 (DB), andat the reported,although undoubtedly only a smallfraction of mouth of the Little Pic R., with 19 on June 17 and eight the actual Provincial nestings,were still encouraging on Aug. 3 (NGE). Kearns had two Brant June 9 news. (JNk,PWR). Farther s. there was a White-fronted GROUSE THROUGH RAILS -- Over 100 Ruffed Goose at Cheltenham June 16-23 (RG), and a blue- Grouse were counted killed by traffic on the Pickle phaseSnow Goose at WaterlooJune 18 (DRu et al.). A Black Duck nest was located at Pickle L., June 13; the Crow Rd., July 13 (ND). Sharp-tailedGrouse were breedingat Pickle L., and at a new locationon speciesoutnumbered Mallards there 2:1 (RDJ). A Gad- ManitoulinI., July 2 (RDJ,GKP). The only indication wall was seenat Lakefield July 5 (DCS), and although of theimpact of the pastwinter on Bobwhitenumbers Kingston area sightingswere down, three nests were wasfrom SombraTwp., LambtonCo., wherethey were found(fide RDW), whileon CoilingwoodI., therewere muchreduced (DR). Breedingwas finally established five nestsJune 5 (AM,DS,CJM). The sametrip located for the Sandhill Cranes at Massey, when two young, three Pintail nests,and other reportswere widespread: abouta weekold, wereseen June 3 (WRL), and the pair two pairson WalpoleI. (AR,DR), two broodsat Arthur near Ottawa reappearedbriefly June 9-10 (Mrs Fen- June27 (AW), andup to fivefemales including one with timan)only to vanishagain, as last year. The count of youngJuly 16 at Garson,where there was a N. Shoveler callingYellow Rails at Richmondreached 20 onJune 27 with youngtwo dayslater (JN). Farthers. nestsof this (fide RAF). On July29 an Am. Cootwith youngwas specieswere located at Long Pt., June 12 (RC,GBr), seen at Garson (JN). and BlenheimJune 17 (PAW), and a pair was seenat Exeter July 1 (WRJ). Two Am. Wigeon broodswere SHOREBIRDS -- In a year of early fall movement, seenat Lindsay July 13 (DCS,GC,DMcR), and there shorebirdscharacteristically yielded some of the earliest wasa pair with youngat TorontoJuly 10 (H&EK). The dates,and as the group alsohad the usuallate spring hnal waterfowl nesting record was of a Hooded migrantsonly a fewdays separated the two. The latest Merganser with young at Branchton June 2 of many late springreports were ten Semipalmated (CAC,AAR). Ploversat Long Pt., June 12 (RC,GBr), a Lesser This representsan unusualnumber of theserecords, Yellowlegsin theRondeau area June 15 (fide AHK) and in contrast to the more customary summer reports, a Stilt Sandpiperat OttawaJune 17-19 (BG); and the where diving duck sightingsnormally predominate.A supposedreturn flight was heralded by anotherstilt, at Redheadat Ottawato June12 (m.ob.) and five at Lind- Erieau,and seven Short-billed Dowitchers at Exeter,all say July 13 (DMcR,DCS), a Ring-neckedDuck at Port on July1 (fide AHK,WRJ). Thesewere followed by a Hope throughoutthe period(ERM), anda Bufflehead SolitarySandpiper at OtterL., July3 (EAH), an Am at OttawaJuly 16 (BDi) constitutedthe mostinteresting GoldenPlover at Erieau July 4 (PAW), and a Balrd's of theserecords. Two White-wingedScoters at Wendigo Sandpiperat HamiltonJuly 17 (RC,AW), aswell as a L, June 5 (JW) may havebeen late migrants.The 22 hostof morecommonplace sightings as the monthad- Ruddy Ducks reported were especiallynoteworthy vanced.Algonquin Park's most productiveshorebird becausethey representa continuationof the trend for area was Clarke L., and there was a Semipalmated this speciesto summerin the south.Most wereat sewage Ploverthere July 17 & 25, anda LeastSandpiper July 15 lagoonsbut thepattern of appearancewas intriguing, as (RT,DSt). The season'sonly reportof PipingPlover some areas failed to record them after mid-June while in wasa birdon WalpoleI., May 29 (AR). Two Whlmbrel othersthe numbersonly built up from early July. at VirginiatownJune 2 (PWR), and one at Aukokan June1 (DHE) weremost unusual for theseareas, and HAWKS, EAGLES -- SixteenTurkey Vultures at therewere birds at Ottawa, Dundasand Toronto in July P E Pt., July 11 (RDW) and 13in CardenTwp., July31 (m.ob.). (JAS) suggestedearly migration. The Point alsohad UplandSandpipers continued to be reportedin in-

1132 AmericanBirds, November 1977 creasingnumbers, and Manitoulin I. was suggestedby trend for young Ring-biileds to disperse to Algonquin Ross James, on the basis of his field work in June, as P.P. in late summer, and a northerly report was of eight having the largest populationsin Ontario. There was a birds throughout the period of Pukaskwa N.P. (S&MB- bird n. to Englehart July 5 (PWR et al.), and 13 at N). The seasonhad the usual scatteringof small gulls: Bolton July 31 (AD,GB) were one of the rare evidences Laughing at Hamilton July I (KMcL) and Franklin's at of migratory movementin this species.At sometime in Erieau June 19 (PDP) and Ottawa June 21 (JJ et al.). every fall migration of recentyears someonehas turned The first returning Bonaparte's Gulls arrived at Cedar up an exotic shorebirdwhich eclipsedthe more routine Pt., July 26 when 150 appeared(JAS) and there were 27 sightings.This year's winner of the Ontario "Shorebird near OsnaburghHouse on the Pickle Crow Rd., July 13 of the Year" award was a Wandering Talller which, (ND). Little Gulls were presentat Long Pt., and there unlike last year's Spotted Redshank, had the decencyto were five at Blenheim from mid-June (PDP); however, stay around for a few days. It was presentat Windmill there were no summer reports from Pickering and the Pt., June 8-13 (RFA, m.ob.), the identical location to birds at Walpole I. in late May had disappearedby mid- the Province's last (and only the second-ever)sighting, June (AR). in 1960. More routine rarities were a Wilier on L. St. Forster's Terns, on the other hand, nested in two new Clair July 29 (JWJ), a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at areas: at least 12 nests and 65 birds were seen on Toronto July 31 (E&HK) and two Hudsonian Godwits Walpole I., from late May (AR et al.), and the species at Port Rowan June 19 (AW,RF). Wilson's Phalaropes also nestedin Mitchell Bay (fide GKP). On July 11 full continued to be seenthroughout the period, and at least grown young Forster's were being fed in the centre of 20 birds were reported. These included three on the Steen'sMarsh near Pt. Pelee (JWJ) but actual breeding Atikokan R., June 5 (SP), a nest with four eggs at has never been established in this favoured area. BlenheimJune 13 (PDP) and fully grown young at Isaac L., July 6 (JWJ). Five N. Phalaropeswere seen in the south from July 24 (m.ob.). Northerly Corn. Terns were seen24 mi s. of Pickle Crow July 13 (ND) and two at LARIDS -- Spring jaeger sightingsare most unusual Pukaskwa N.P., June 16 (S&MB-N), but and it is difficult to categorizethe Parasitic Jaeger seen their breeding coloniescontinued to decline: at Shirley's Bay June 12 (SG). Twenty Great Black- the Coilingwood mainland colony was down backed Gulls on Pclee I. (AR) were evidenceof the con- to 12 nests (AM,DS, CJM), the very suc- cessful Toronto colony of last season was significantly reduced in numbers this year (fide PMF),and there are no known colonies in the Kingston area (fide RDW). If this trend continues these elegant birds will soon be things of the past on the Great Lakes.

Caspian Terns seemedto be faring much better: there were 225 pairs and 300 flying young on Pigeon I., June 19 (K.F.N.) and 101 nestsand 240 young out of the nest on S. Watcher I., June 23 (CGH). These birds seemto wander inland frequently in July, and there were eight reports from inland localities, n. and e. to Algonquin P.P., July 24 & Aug. I (DSu,DMcC). Black Terns were seen daily and a nest was found May 31 at Pickle L. (RDJ). CUCKOOS, OWLS -- Both speciesof cuckoo ap- peared at the limits of their ranges: a Yellow-billed in Algonquin P.P., June 5 (DSu et al.) and Black-biiledsat Wandering Tattler, Windmill Point, Fort Erie, Ontario, Greenwater P.P., where they were common June 22 June 12, 1977. Photo by Alan Wormington. (TK), and at Kearns, where a nest was found (JNk). A Barn Owl nest with three young was locatedat Thorold tinued strengtheningof this species'populations on the Aug. 2, and three captive-bred young from the Owl Great Lakes. Pigeon I. had a nest with two young June Rehabilitation and Research Foundation were released 19, when 25 Herring Gull nests and 2500 pairs of Ring- at Rondeau in June. Further releases of four at billedswere also counted(K.F.N.). The largestreported Kingston in August and another group later in the Herring Gull colony was on Coilingwood I., June 5, Niagara area are scheduled, for a total of 58 young with 516 nests(AM,DS,CJM), and sevenactive nestsat raised over four years from two captive pairs of injured Hamilton (AW) and one on Walpole I. (AR,DR) were birds (O.R.R.F.). The owl that createdthe most interest also noteworthy. All reported Ring-billed Gull colonies this summer was a Burrowing Owl that appeared at continued to prosper.The 28 first-year birds of Lake of Erieau June 14-July 1 (KJB, m.ob.) but more significant Two Rivers Aug. I (DMcR) reflected the continuing was the first establishednesting for the Province of

Volume 31, Number 6 1133 Great Gray Owl when a nest was located June 4 at Rough-wingedSwallow was at the mouth of the Pic R., Pickle L. (RDJ). There was an unusualnumber of other June 19 (NGE). Cliff Swallow, the most local swallow owl reports: a Barred Owl nestat Kingstonfledged three in the south, continued to expand its numbers with a young (BBe), an injured imm. Long-cared from new colony of 76 nestsat Gait and increasingnumbers Hamilton was treated and releasedJune 6 (O.R.R.F.), a elsewherein Waterloo and Brant Cos. (CAC et al.). At Short-cared was seen at Pine R., June 20 (CGH) and a Wingham one large colony had 189 nests this year Saw-whet was calling at Blackwater June 18 (DSc). (R&MM).

CROWS THROUGH WRENS -- A pair of Gray Jays with young was seen at Maynooth July 10 (GC). Proof of Black-billedMagpie nestingcontinued to elude searchersalthough birds were seen or heard daily at Pickle L., June 11-17 (RDJ). A Tufted Titmouse was seenat Markdale June 26 (RV). The only s.w. report of Carolina Wren was one on Pelee I. (fide AHK) although there were five seen farther e., including two at Peter- borough (DCS). Short-billed Marsh Wrens were reported from a number of widely scattered localities, the most noteworthy being a pair with a newly com- pletednest July 29 on Walpole I. (DR et al.). MIMIDS THROUGH VIREOS -- The encouraging growth in reportsfrom n. Ontario is particularly evident Chuck-will's-widow, • incubating eg•, Point Pelee, in this section.At Marathon a Mockingbirdwas singing Nation! Park, Ontario, June 5, 197Z Photo by daily to July 11 and was thought to have bred (NGE). Alan Wormington. There were at least four Gray Catbirds in the Kirkland L. area and a nest was found at Kearns (WG,PWR et aL); birds were also at Marathon, and Pukaskwa N.P. GOATSUCKERS THROUGH WOODPECKERS-- throughout(NGE et al.). The final n. report was of two A Chuck-will's-widow nest, the first for the Province Wood Thrushessinging at Pancake Bay P.P., July 2-3 following two yearsof suggestivereports, was locatedat (RCR). At least three pairs of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers Pt. Pelee June 5 (AW,BW,RF). Whip-poor-wills were and a nest were located near the mouth of the Ausable in very good numbers,with the Pincry P.P. alone re- R., June 3 (CGH), and another nesting at Port Hope porting 25 calling birds in June (CGH). A Corn. was destroyed (fide ERM). A Ruby-crowned Kinglet Nighthawk nest with two young was found July 13 on nestat Windmill Pt., June 11 (M J) furnished the Prov- Pickle Crow Rd., at 50ø50'N 90ø45 'W (ND). Chimney ince's most southerly nesting record for this species. Swift nesting was finally confirmed for Manitoulin I., LoggerheadShrike reports were encouraging,with four June 26 (GKP) and there were two birds at Pukaskwa pairs or nestslocated and 17 birds sighted all in June June 12 (S&MB-N). A Pileated Woodpecker nest at and July. Starlingswere breedingat Pickle L. townsite Rondeau P.P., was deserted after the May 24 holiday (RDJ). Yellow-throatedVireo reports from the extreme weekend (PAW). Kingston had a Red-bellied w. of the Provincewere of a pair nest-buildingat Rainy Woodpecker July 30 (GW). A pair of Red-headed R., May 26 (RDJ) and a bird at Crozier July 18 (GIP). Woodpeckers feeding young at SheguiandahJuly 9 There was also a bird at Ottawa July 30-Aug. 8 (RAF et {CB) was at the n. limit of its range, and Black-backed al.), and in the Pincry P.P., a nest was found and there Three-toed Woodpeckersthought to be nestingat Silent were 15-20 singing males (CGH). Solitary Vireo nests L., Peterborough (DMcR), were s. of their normal were found on Manitoulin I., June 26 (GKP), at Pickle distribution. Nests of this speciesare rarely found, so L., June 14 (RDJ) and at Midhurst June 14 (AM), and one on Route 652 e. of Cochrane June 15 (TK) was there was a bird singingat Pt. Pelee July 22 (JWJ). A noteworthy. Philadelphia Vireo nest was also found at Pickle L., FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- A pair of E. June 15 (RDJ) and at Kap-Kig-Iwan P.P., there were Kingbirdswas nestbuilding at Pickle L., June 17 (RDJ) eight singing males June 17 (TK). Warbling Vireo and a W. Kingbird wasseen at Silver Islet Landing June records from the species'range limits included four at 28 (JH et aL). There were severalother northerly fly- Whitson L., Algonquin P.P., June 10 (m.ob.) and a catchersightings: the Atikokan B.B.S. had three Great nest on Manitoulin July 4 (GKP). Crested Flycatchers June 10 (SP), and there were sightingsof an E. Phoebe at Kap-Kig-lwan P.P., June WARBLERS -- There were three Prothonotary 18 (JW) and an E. Wood Peweeat ManitouwadgeJune Warbler nestsat Rondeau (PAW) and a singlebird was 21 (NGE). A southerlyYellow-bellied Flycatcherreport seenat Long Pt., June 12 (RC,GBr). Golden-winged was from Maberly July I (GB). Alder Flycatcherswere and Blue-wingedWarblers continued to expandagain as s. to Komoka and Windsor and Willow Flycatchers n. both specieswere reported at Kingston, and a Blue- to Tiny Marsh and Lively (m.ob.). Rondeau had an wingedat Cambridge was the first in summerthere {TT estimated five Acadian Flycatchers this year (PAW). A et al.). Some interesting information came in on n.

1134 American Birds, November 1977 warbler distribution: Tennessees outnumbered other species.There were 37 birds counted there July 20 warblers 5:1 on Highway 652 (TK), and Black-throated (CJM). By contrastClay-coloreds are still prospering Greens were commoner on the L. Superior coast--for with nine colonies reported and isolated birds on ter- example, at Pukaskwa N.P.--than inland (NGE, ritory at Cambridge(TT et al.) and Atikokan (SP), as S&MB-N). Connecticut Warblers were uncommon at well as a nestfound on Manitoulin I. (GKP,RDJ) The Pickle L. (RDJ) and recordedin Pukaskwain early June Dark-eyedJunco nest at Dyer's Bay June4 (JWJ) and (S&MB-N). One of the very few Cape May Warbler the pair of Lincoln's Sparrows at Mt. Forest June 28 nestsever found in Ontario was on Manitoulin I., June (AW) were both quite southerly records for these two 26 (DF,BF). Southerly reports included three Yellow- species. rumped Warblers singing at St. Williams June 12 (RC,GBr) and one in the Pincry P.P. throughout SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface),CONTRI- (CGH), and a Blackpoll at Kemptville June 30 (GB). BUTORS (italic) and OBSERVERS -- R.F. Andtie, Rondeau's first-ever Chestnut-sided Warbler nest con- D. Arnett, D. Bailey, B. Barrett, B. Beam (BBe), tamed six cowbird eggs (PAW). The Prairie Warbler C. Bell, G. Bennett,G. Bryant(GBr), S. & M. Bundrup- colony at the Pincry had 10-20 males at the end of June Nielsen, K.J. Burk, C.A. Campbell, G. CarpenUer, (CGH) and a singlebird was at Ottawa July 30 (RAF). R. Curry, A. Dawe, K. Denis, N. Denis, B. Dllabio The London area had a pair of Hooded Warblers at (BDi), G.R. Donaldson,B. Duncan, D.H. Elder, N.G. Newbury June 11 (JG,TNH) and two Yellow-breasted Escort, B. Ferguson,D. Ferguson, D.M. Ferguson, Chats at Komoka June 12 (TNH,GEM), and a singing P.M. Fetterolf, D. Fidlet (DFi), R. Finlayson,R.A. chat at Cambridge in mid-June was the first-ever there Foxall, R. Gairdner, S. Gawn, W. Gettie, G. Gilbert, m summer (GRD,CAC). C.E. Goodwin, J.E. Goodwin, B. Gorman, J. Grom, D. Harper, C.G. Harris, T.N. Hayman, J. Hebden, BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS -- Yellow-headed E.A. Hughes, R.D. James, W.R. Jarmain, M Blackbirdswere in new localitiesaround SteepRock in Jennings, J.W. Johnson, J. Jones, P. Kearn, R June (SP), and one was seenat Rondeau July 2 (PAW). Keenan,A.H. Kelley,T. Kemp, E. & H. Kerr, Kingston Orchard Orioles nestedon Pelee I. (CAC et al.) and Field Naturalists,W.R. Lowe, C.J. MacFayden,G E birds were seen n. to Magnetawan June 11 (AM) and Maddeford, D. McCorquodale (DMcC), E.R. Waubashene June 23 (CGH). In the northwest a N. McDonald, K. McKeevet (KMcK), K. McLaughlin Oriole was at Atikokan June 20 (DHE). The Brewer's (KMcL), D. McRae (DMcR), A. Mills, multipleobservers, Blackbirds at Erieau nested(fide AHK), a new nesting R. & M. Mundy, L. Murray, J. Nicholson,J. Nickerson location for the Province, and birds were seenat Heron (JNk), Owl Rehabilitation ResearchFoundation, G I Bay June 19 & July 16 (NGE). Scarlet Tanagers also Park, B. Parker, G.K. Peck, S. Peruniak, F. Phelan, were recorded in the north, at Greenwater P.P., June 22 R.J. Pittaway, P.D. Pratt, B. Ranta, A.A. Rezmcek, (TK) and Pukaskwa P.P., June 7-12 (S&MB-N) and P.W. Richter, A. Rider, R.C. Rosche, D. Rupert, there was a high count of four on the Atikokan B.B.S. D. Russell (DRu), D.C. Sadlet, J.A. Satterly, D (SP) Brown-headedCowbirds were around the Pickle Scovell(DSc), D. Scott, D.H. Speirs, E. Steinke, D L. townsite from June 8 (RDJ), further evidenceof this Strickland (DSt), D. Sutherland (DSu), T. Tobias, species'spread in n. Ontario. R. Tozer, W. Travers, R. Vallance, J. Wallace, R.D. FINCHES, SPARROWS -- A Cardinal spent the Weir, P.A. Woodliffe, G. Woods, A. Wormington, B. Wylie.--CLIVE E. GOODWIN, 11 Westbank summer at Nobel (CAC) and single birds were seen at Crest., Weston, Ontario, Canada, M9P 1S4. SheguiandahJune 19 (CB) and in w. Rainy R., May 27 (RDJ). Evening Grosbeakswere in large numbersacross the north with birds even s. to Toronto throughout, and a probable pair was feedingthree young there July 13 NIAGARA - CHAMPLAIN REGION (DHS). More House Finches were reported, the first a /Douglas P. Kibbe singingmale with Purple Finchesat Ottawa July 3 (BDi, LM) and the othersat London June2 & July 2 (TNH et al) A pair of Pine Grosbeaks was found at The summer was generally warm and dry with con- Mamtouwadge June 21 (NGE). The Province had some siderable mid-season rainfall. Nesting success and intriguing crossbill movements, particularly in the observer coverage appeared to have been very good north, where flocks of White-wingeds were seen at Further evidence of population declines among several GreenwaterP.P., June 15 & 23 (TK) and at Pukaskwa specieswhich winter in the Southeast(see spring report) and Marathon, where there was a NW movement with was gathered. On the plus side were range extensions up to 300 birds per day, July 16-23 (NGE et al.). Red and/or population increasesfor several species(e g, Crossbillsightings were more scattered,but widespread. Turkey, Willow Flycatcher, Common Raven, Mock- Both Grasshopperand Le Conte's Sparrowswere found ingbird, and Blue-winged Warbler). Two hundred m Ingram Twp., July 6 & June5 respectively(JW) and a thirty-three specieswere tallied in the Region this sum- Le Conte's was on territory at Atikokan in June (SP). mer, most of the rarities being shore or water birds GrasshopperSparrow numbers seemedreduced, and the The Vermont BreedingBird Atlas Project, now in its Barrie Henslow's Sparrow colony fell to the bulldozer, first full year, has already produced a deluge of new leavingTiny Marsh as the remaining strongholdfor this breedingrecords and rangeextentions. Most significant,

Volume 31, Number 6 1135 however, is the baseline infor- mation being producedon nor- mal breeding distributions. This ambitious project, which uses survey units much finer than the latilong systemsbeing tried in a number of western states, should be seriouslycon- sidered by all environmental • ' W •"•.•'-. - ß . planners interested in con- .... • IRQQU•B N.W,n.. . -UTICA----•NC H ' ' ducting regional avifaunal in- ventories. For additional infor- mation contact the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Woodstock, Vermont 05091.

LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- A number of on- reported. •e i•ature near R•hester whose 1o•tion going investigationsinto the breeding distribution of receivednewspaper publici• w• subsequentlyfo•d Corn. Loons in the Northeast are all reachingthe same d•d •d is now being necropsied.Only one of •e distressingconclusion. Lakeside developers, boaters, si•fings, ne• L. Champlain,was of a pair suspectedto and other recreationistshave virtually eliminated the be breeding.The only Ospreysobserved away from speciesas a breeder in the Region. In Vermont eleven known Adirondack breedingar•s were singlesnear pairs producedonly five young this year (SL). Extirpa- RochesterJune 18 (G.O.S.) & 21 (R.B.A.). Having tion there seemsimminent unlessintensive protective provedtheir h•diness •is past winter, Turk•s con- measures, similar to those now being taken in New finu• their incr•se wi• manyobservers cohenting Hampshire, are initiated. Rochester'sEared Grebe con- on brads or slight range ext•sions. SpruceGrouse tinued to summer until July 3 (R.B.A.) and an excep- were • usual unreported,while Ruff• Grouse ap- tionally early Horned appeared at Iroquois N.W.R., Ju- parerely incre• in the s. Green Mrs. ly 12 (JS, PR). Chuck•s app•ently held the• o• near P•ma and Up to 40 Double-crestedCormorants were present Cl•kson, N.Y., following intr•uctions in 1973. around Four Brothers Is., in L. Champlain this summer Al•ough breedingh• not be• confirmed,up to eleven but apparently no nestingoccurred. The Region's only birds havebeen tallied per day (RC). known Double-crested breeding colony, on Little Galloo I., in the St. LawrenceR., has grown steadily SHOREBIRDS AND GULLS -- A c•permive sur- over the past four years. Nests totaled 130 this year v• of shorebirds•d gulls near Rochest• pr•uced a compared with 68, 28, and 22 in 1976, '75, and '74 staggeringnumber of unusualsightings, most of which respectively(TC). The Black-crowned Night Heron col- help to confirm what coastal shorebirdershave known ony on Little Galloo I., also experienced remarkable for years:there is no clear demarcationbe•een spring growth with 121 active neststhis year versus60, 29, and and fall shorebird movments. Those still wishing to 25 during the previous three years. The single Glossy further define north •d soulbound mi•ation perils Ibis at MississquoiN.W.R., apparently lingered into (presumablychoosing to i•ore •e exist•ce of non- early June. Lake Champlain Cattle Egret populations breedingsummer vagr•ts) may ch•se to resortto dif- continued to do well with at least two nests on Ver- ferencesbetwe• adult •d juvenile plumages,•us fur- mont's Young I. (DC) and New York's Four Brothers ß er cl•ifying (or impsiring?) •e curr•t confusion. Is. (H.P.A.S.). The more unus•l si•fings this summer included: a WhimbrelJuN 8 (N•

I 136 AmericanBirds, November 1977 Although which state •t was in may still be un- (WH) must be consideredan exceptionally late migrant, resolved, the presenceof a Long-tailed Jaeger on L. while two at Iroquois N.W.R., July 16 (G.O.S.), were Champlain about 4 mi s. of Four Brothers Is., seems early southbound migrants. In Vermont the Atlas beyond dispute(GL, fide H.P.A.S.). The bird reported- Project coverage produced a severalfold increase in ly followed a University of Vermont researchvessel for Olive-sided reports, but at least a local population five minutes, allowing careful study. Astounding as this declinewas noted in the s. Green Mts. (WJN). sighting may seem, there have been a number of recent early summer sightingsfrom the New York Bight (see CORVIDS THROUGH SHRIKES -- The phenom- AB 30:934) and there are three previous Vermont enal increase of the Com. Raven has been belabored in records(including one specimen)and three inland New previousissues. But thesecomments in no way prepared York specimens.This is, however, the first inland sum- one veteran observer (JC) for the shock of seeing a mer record for the Region. Interesting,although less ex- raven coursing East along the L. Ontario shore near otic, were sightingsof an ad. Iceland Gull (reportedly Webster July 11. There is one previousApril lake shore determinedfrom photographsto be the race kumlient) record, from Derby Hill, but the origin of this July bird on L Champlain July 3 (fide H.P.A.S.); a sub-adult is a mystery. The closest known populations are in Franklin's at Long Pond June 18 (CP et al.); and an ad. Schuyler County, 70 mi s.c., or the Pennsylvania Black-headedGull there June 13-16(m.ob.). Rochester mountains, well over 100 mi away. Adirondack raven observersagain had the only Forster's Terns with a populationsseem to be entering a growth phasesimilar maximum of three June 18 on Long Pond (CP et al.). to that shown in Vermont during the past 10 years Five CUCKOOS THROUGH FLYCATCHERS -- Both known nestsfledged an estimated15 young(H.P A S.) Black-billed and Yellow-billed Cuckoos and tent cater- this summer and a bird in Clinton County was the first local record in recenttimes (PW). pillars were unusually abundant in the e. half of the Extending their winter invasion, Red-breasted Region this summer• Yellow-billed, usually uncommon Nuthatches were common-to-abundant breeders in in Vermont, were foun•:l in at least a dozen locations many areas. A nest of four nearly-fledgedyoung Brown throughout the state. •:•eaders,particularly cassette Creepers discovered June 3 in Cornell's Sapsucker player enthusiasts,are c•mtioned to reinember that both Woods (WH) probably set a new fledging record, the species may give the calls attributed to the opposite previousregional record being June 24. The population speciesby most popular field guides and records. This crash of Winter Wrens in both the Green (WJN) and fact raises many questions regarding interspecific in- Adirondack Mts. (KA) is probably a consequenceof teractions which deserve h•rther investigation by some winter mortality. The winter apparently also took a enterprising ethologist. heavy toll of Carolina Wrens becausereports received The owls remain one of the Region's most poorly were only a fraction of recentyears; however,one pair reported groups. Population status is impossible to was sighted as far north as Vermont's L. Dunmore derive from the reports currently being received. Ver- (WS). Short-billed Marsh Wrens were recorded from mont's first Barn Ow! nest, discoveredin a collapsed only three locationsincluding the West Rutland Marsh, chimney in Charlotte, zontained three young; two of apparently Vermont's only active breeding site. which were successfutlyraised by V.I.N.S. and are Mockingbirds fared well during the past winter in s scheduledfor release at this writing. The only other Vermont at least; this year's survey totals were more sightingwas in E. Amherst, N.Y., June 17 (DF). The than twice last year's (NS). Hermit Thrush, another s only Long-caredOwl reportscame from Killbuck, N.Y. winterer, was believed to have declined 5007oover last (J&MF) and Winhall, Vt. (WJN). Four of the five loca- year's levels near Winhall, (WJN). A singing tions reporting Saw-whet Owls were in EssexCounty, Swainson'sThrush at Braddock Bay June 25 (J&WL) N Y, on the e. edge of the Adirondacks (H.P.A.S.). was another of a series of extralimital summer The fifth report was from Winhall in the Green Mts. appearancesof this speciesalong the lake plains in (WJN). Reports of nine Black-backed Three-toed recent years. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were scattered Woodpeckersincluded a nestnear Mt. Marcy (KA) and throughout Vermont's L. Champlain valley. Careful a single bird at Gale Meadows in s. Vermont where investigationwill probablyreveal that virtually all of w breedingwas confirmed in 1968 (WJN). New York's large Spruceplantations are inhabited by Acadian Flycatchers were found in three New York breedingGolden-crowned Kinglets. The time is ripe for locations: Bergen Swamp (R.B.A.), where they are a study defining the vegetational features which knownto nest;Randolph (RA et al.); and nearHoneoye constitute acceptable plantations. Up to six Ruby- L, at an elevation of 2100 ft. The latter is an ex- crowned Kinglets were recorded at Allegany S P , in ceptional record for a speciesgenerally thought to be extreme s.w. New York (RA et al.) during July restricted to the lake plains. Alder and Willow Although this is the secondconsecutive summer record Flycatchersexhibit significant differences in altitudinal for s.w. New York, no comments regarding possible preference in central New York, Willows being breedingaccompanied the report. Water Pipits are only generallyrestricted to the valleys.In Vermont, however, rarely recorded within the Region during the summer Willows appearedto be expandingin some areas into and then only as (presumably)nonbreeding vagrants in more mountainous habitats (WJN). An Olive-sided Vermont's alpine tundra. A bird at BraddockBay July Flycatcher on Connecticut Hill near Ithaca, June 24 23 (WL) becameNew York's earliestfall arrival by 10

Volume 31, Number 6 1137 days Only two successfulLoggerhead Shrike breeding some 22 speciesof breeding warblers (R.B.A.). an ex- attempts were recorded (AP, PW), both in the L. ceptional total for any small area of North America Champlain valley. BLACKBIRDS THROUGH SPARROWS -- The VIREOS THROUGH WARBLERS -- Male Phila- first migrant Bobolinks passedover Winhall, Vt., July delphia Vireos were recorded at four Vermont loca- 19 (WJN), ten days earlier than last year. Nestingby the tions S. Strafford (HR), Bristol (WS), Vetshire and W. Meadowlark 'paired' with an Easternin Murray (see Thefiord (W&GE). A nest and eggswere located in the spring report) was apparently never confirmed Adirondacks near the Cranberry L. Biological Station Woodstock's Orchard Orioles apparently fledged •n St Lawrence Co. (KA), within 20 m of a 1973 nest several young (CRP) in late June. The only other s•te Although 31 speciesof warblers were recorded nestingrecord was, as usual, from Pt. Breeze(R.B A ) w•th•n the Region this breedingseason, little new infor- Vermont's summering Dickcisselwas last reported June manon was generatedregarding their status. It is an- 16, probably becauseeveryone in the statehad seen•t by nc•pated, however, that when the results of the Vermont then. Red-Crossbills were sighted June 11 at Canad•ce Atlas Project are tabulated later this year the distribu- L. (JFe, RS), July 19 at Rice's Mills, Vt. (HR), and at non pattern of many specieswill become much clearer. Winhall in late July (WJN). White-winged Crossbills Prehminary Atlas returns are already yielding some ex- were also sighted twice in Vermont during July, two ceptional findings: singing Tennesseeand Cape May birds near Guildhall (WE, AG) and a singing male at Warblers at Lewis (WE); a colony of Cerulean Warblers Gale Meadows (WJN). Dark-eyed Juncos seemed at Sand Bar Refuge n. of Burlington containing at least "noticeably reduced in abundance in the Adirondacks" s•xmales and three females(SL), includingone on a nest (KA), another consequenceof this past winter? Two (Vermont's first) June 12 (WE, FO, m.ob.); and a Lincoln's Sparrows near Stratton July 22 (AG et al ) •s territorial c• Bay-breastedon Stratton Mt., in extremes. Vermont's southernmost summer record. Vermont July 4 (WJN). One observer(WE) religiouslyrecorded all warbler CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) AND CITED s•ghnngs(over 2000) as he surveyed15 Atlas blocks(ap- OBSERVERS -- K. Able, R. Andtie, W. Benning,E. proximately150 square miles). These totals provided the Brooks, Buffalo Ornithological Society, D. Capon, T. following insights into the relative abundance of Carrolan, D. B. Clark, R. Clark, J. Czeck, J. Dye, M. breeding warblers in n. Vermont. American Redstart Dye, E. Ellis, G. Ellison, W. Ellison, J. Feder (JFe), J. and Com. Yellowthroat were not the most commonly Forness, M. Forness, D. Freeland, Genesee Or- recorded species,each comprising over 17ø70of the nithologicalSociety, J. Gibson, A Goshell,N. Hender- s•ght•ngs;followed by Chestnut-sidedWarbler and son, High Peaks Audubon Society, W. Howe, G Ovenbird (1 1070each); Magnolia, Black-and-white, and Labar, B. Ladwig, C. Ladwig, S. Laughlin, J. Listman, Canada Warblers (about 607o each); Yellow, Black- W. Listman, M. Metcalf, W. Nichols, J. Nicholson, W. burman, "Myrtle", Black-throated Green and Black- J. Norse, F. Oatman, C. Perrigo, J. Peterson,A. throated Blue Warblers (3 to 407oeach); and Nashville Pistorius, V. Pitzrick, C. R. Powell, R. Prum, H. Red- Warbler (less than 207o).Thirteen additional species den, P. Reister, Rochester Birding Association,W. recorded from the New York lake plains, Hooded Scott, N. Simson, J. Skelly, S. Smith, R. Spahn, T Warblers proved surprisingly common at Letchworth Tetlow, Vermont Institute of Natural Science,J. Vydra, S P , w. of the Finger Lakes, with up to eight birds P. Warren -- DOUGLAS P. KIBBE, Box 422, Saxtons recorded in June (R.B.A.). This diverse state park hosts River, Vermont 05154.

APPALACHIAN REGION heartening to report that almost all speciesapparently /George A. Hall had excellent nesting success.There was some nestling It was a summer of contrasts, with some unusually mortality during the freezing spell in May and during cool weather as well as some very hot periods, some the cold snap in early June but in most of the Region the periodsof drought and some very heavy rainfall. At warm, moderately dry weather after mid-June was very Pittsburgh,June was much cooler than usual,and in the favorable to nesting success.In the south the extremely first half of the month temperatureswere very low. The hot weather was thought to have caused some nesting dry weather of late May continueduntil nearly mid- failure. There was an exampleof an extremelylocalized June when the rains came and the month finally showed catastrophe on June 17 when a violent hailstorm which normal rainfall. July was generally very hot; rainfall struck a very small area in e. West Virginia produced was quite variablewith someplaces being quite dry but heavy bird mortality (CM). others having greater than normal rainfall. Most of the There was still a few spring migrants moving north m July rain came in a few hard stormsand there was local early June, particularly shorebirdsand a few warblers, flash flooding in severalplaces. The fall migration of shorebirdsstarted in mid-July and As reported in the springaccount many specieshad the first passefinemigrants were coming through before entered the breedingseason in reducednumbers. This the end of July. More than in any recentsummer there was particularlytrue of the permanentresidents and the were reports of stragglers of various specieswhich are specieswhich winter in the southernUnited States.It is known to nest only north of this Region.

1138 AmericanB•rds, November 1977 RAPTORS -- The Black Vulture is now firmly estab- fished in s.-c. Pennsylvania. Three nests in that area raised four young this year (RP). There was considerabledisagreement about the status of most hawks. In w. Pennsylvaniaaccipiters, Red-shouldered Hawks, and Broad-winged Hawks were all thought to be at low levels(PH). In the Warren, Pa., area, however, Red-shoulderedHawk nestsfledged 14 young and two Red-tailed Hawk nestsfledged five young (WB). Most areas did agree that the Red-tailed Hawk was doing well. At Clarksville, Pa., two Am. Kestrel nestsfledged five young (RB) but for the first time in years kestrels failed to nest at Lewisburg,W. Va., (CHa). A Goshawk nest was found in Warren County, Pa. (DSt). A Bald Eagle was seenin Butler County, Pa., June5 (fide FP), but the mostexci.ting raptor newswas the sightingof a Peregrine at Austin Springs, Tenn., June 7 (DD).

GALLINACEOUS BIRDS AND RAILS -- The Ruffed Grouse has been at a low point in its population LOONS, HERONS AND IBISES -- There was an cycle but from all reports the nesting season was unusual number of summer records for Corn. Loon successfuland perhapspopulations will start to climb. with reports from Kinzua Res. Warren Co., Pa. (TG), The Turkey also had a good nestingseason. In Hardy SomersetCounty, Pa. (RS), Westmoreland County, Pa. County, e. of the high mountains, the Bobwhite was (JMC), and Hardy County, W. Va. (Brooks Bird Club unusually common (B.B.C.F.) but w. of the mountains they had been hard hit by the winter weather and were Foray, hereafter, B.B.C.F.). Also most unusual were quite scarce. At both Morgantown (GAH) and reports of Double-crestedCormorant from Botetourt Charleston (NG) they were essentiallyabsent. County, Va., June 18 (JTD) and Rockbridge County, Virginia Rails occurred all summer near Youngstown, Va., July 21 (RW). Green Herons seemedto be in short supply at most O. (WB) and a Sora was presentall summerin Botetourt County, Va., although no nesting evidence was places.At ShenangoRes. Pa., June 21 only 15 Great obtained (BK). There was an unusualnumber of reports Blue Herons were counted compared with 40 and 57 in of Am. Coots during the summer. the last two years (WB). A heronry in the Susquehanna R., near Carlisle, Pa., comprised300+ pairs of Cattle SHOREBIRDS, GULLS AND TERNS -- Early June Egrets and about 75 pairs of Black-crownedNight showeda number of shorebird stragglers:Whimbrel at Herons (RP). Great Egrets were reported only from Austin Springs, Tenn., June 4 (m.ob.) and at Meadville, Pa. (RFL) and Botetourt County, Va. (BK). Washingtonville, Pa., June I (SSt); Baird's Sandpiper Little Blue Herons were at Franklin, Pa., June 12 (SS) at State College, Pa., June 10 (MW); Short-billed and at two locationsin Botetourt County, Va., July 8 & Dowitcher at Washingtonville, Pa., June 12 (SSt) and 28 (BK). The Yellow-crowned Night Heron is now Wilson's Phalarope at Presque Isle, Pa., June 5 appearing rather regularly in this Region. There were (m.ob.). In July not many placeshad exposedshorelines recordsfrom WashingtonCounty, Pa., June2-24 (EH, and so the early fall migration was poorly reported. At MK) and from Latrobe, Pa., June 29 through July PresqueIsle, Pa., some early migrants were Red Knot, (JMC, PH). Immatures were found all summer near 14 on July 29 (DS); Baird's Sandpiper, July 20 Roanoke, Va., and in Botetourt County, Va., July 31 (early--DSt), and W. Sandpiper July 29 (DS). (BK). The heronry on the Susquehanna R., also had Sanderlingswere found at Washingtonville,Pa., July 17 severalpairs of Glossy Ibises (RP). Most unusual were (SSt) and at PresqueIsle, Pa., July 23 (RFL). Two Am. the reports of a Wood Stork in Frederick County, Va., Avocets at Austin Springs, Tenn., June 19 were most July 9-12 (RSi) and a White Ibis near Strasburg,Va., in unusual (DD). late July (fide RSi). A Great Black-backed Gull at Presque Isle July 29 WATERFOWL -- There was an unusual number of was early (DS), and a Franklin's Gull there on June 1 was unusual (JGS, JHS, SS). Also unusual was a straggler waterfowl this year: Whistling Swan at Forster's Tern at Washingtonville, June I & June 14 Presque Isle, Pa., June 5 (JGS, JHS, SS); Buffiehead at Wilbur L., Tenn., all summer (GE); Oldsquaw at (SSt) and a Caspian Tern at Austin Springs, June 14 PresqueIsle June5 (JGS, JHS, SS); and LesserScaup at (DL). Daleville, Va., June 12 (BK). A most remarkable event CUCKOOS, OWLS AND GOATSUCKERS -- occurred on June 24 at L. Julian, BuncombeCo., N.C., Neither cuckoospecies was in high numbersanywhere when an estimated 1000 Canada Geese landed on the in the Region but in n. West Virginia and s.w. lake at mid-day and remained for about 15 minutes Pennsylvania Black-billed Cuckoo was more common before departing en massenorthward (RR). than in recent years. Barn Owl nestingswere reported

Volume31, Number6 1139 from Erie County, Pa. (BG), Elizabethton, Tenn. Tree Swallows nested at Fisherville, Va., where they (three successfulnests--GE), and Hockingport, O. had not been known before (RSn). Near Warren, Pa, (PM). The spring and winter reports had mentioned the Operation Bluebird boxes were from 35-40% heavy ScreechOwl mortality during the cold winter and occupiedby Tree Swallows and 375 young swallows this was evident during the summer when the species were fledged(WH). All swallowspecies were felt to be was extremely scarce throughout the n. parts of the low near Pittsburgh (PH), but at Jefferson,Greene Co, Region. A singing Saw-whet Owl was found on the Pa. an all-time high number of Barn Swallows was Virginia-West Virginia line in Highland County, Va., counted on a Breeding Bird Survey (hereafter, B B S ) May 17-19(BW) and this specieswas seenfeeding young route (RB). Barn Swallows were scarce in Avery in the State College, Pa. area (SG). County, N.C. (MP), but were more numerous than Observers in w. Pennsylvania felt that the Whip- usual at Dalton, Ga. (AH). Small nestingcolonies of poor-will was in increased numbers (PH) but at Bank Swallows were reported from Columbus, Pa Powdermill Nature Reserve, Pa. (below, P.N.R.), (WH), Austin Springs,Tenn. (GE), and near Glasgow, (RCL) and at Morgantown (GAH) they continued to Va. (fide BK), new localitiesfor the species.Purple decline. The Chuck-will's-widow reported in May at Martins are slowly making a comebackafter the 1972-73 Fincastle, Va. remained to at least July 6 (BK). A disasteryears, but populations are still low. juvenile Com. Nighthawk captured and released at RAVENS, TITMICE AND CREEPERS -- There Asheville, N.C., July 16 representedthe first confirmed continued to be an increasednumber of reports of the breeding record for the area (RR). Com. Raven. In the n. part of the Region both Black- KINGFISHERS AND WOODPECKERS -- Belted capped and Carolina Chickadees,as well as Tufted Kingfishers were extremely scarce throughout the Titmice, were in low numbers going in to the breeding Region. In the Pittsburgh area Red-bellied season. Apparently the winter weather was hard on Woodpeckers were scarce and were thought to have these species,and some of the early nestingswere suffered mortality in the winter (PH), but at P.N.R., eliminated in the May cold spell. A Brown Creeper nest not far away, populationsseemed normal (RCL). This at 2100 ft, near Blacksburg, Va., was the first local speciesnested in Meadville, Pa. (RFL) where it has not nesting at such a low elevation (JM) although low occurred until relatively recently. The population of elevation nestingshave become fairly common in West Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers nesting in the s. Virginia. Appalachians has been declining for many years and in some years is unreported, thus the report of nestings WRENS, THRASHERS AND THRUSHES -- both this year and last in Avery County, N.C. is House Wrens were felt to be in low numbers at P N R. interesting(MP). Hairy Woodpeckershave been scarce (RCL) and absent at Lewisburg, W. Va. (CHa), but for severalyears, but in the Pittsburgh region they were from Warren, Pa. (WH) and Clarksville, Pa. (RB) came more common this year than they have been (PH). remarks about high populations and subsequent FLYCATCHERS AND SWALLOWS -- The picture interference with bluebird nestings. A previously of E Kingbirdsand Great CrestedFlycatchers remained overlooked winter casualty seems to have been the very gloomy as almost without exception, populations Winter Wren. A B.B.S. Route in Avery County, N C , were reported down. The kingbird was, however, which had four wrens in the 25-mile stretchlast year had thought to be very common at Warren, Pa. (WH). As none this year, and populations elsewherein the North mentioned in the spring report, some observersfelt that Carolina mountains were very low (MP). The earlier the E. Phoebe had not been very hard hit by the winter, impression that the Carolina Wren had been nearly but as summer progressed it was apparent that this wiped out in the north was certainly confirmed A specieshad been greatly depleted. At Clarksville, Pa., B.B.S. in Greene County, Pa. had no Carolina Wrens populations were thought to be only one-half of last this year against 27 last year (RB) and three routes in n year's (RB) while at P.N.R. only two were banded West Virginia had none (GAH). There were a few still during the period where the average for these two presentand some data indicated that nestingmay have months has been 18 (RCL). Early Yellow-bellied been very successful.At Clarksville, Pa., two pairs that Flycatcher migrants were banded at P.N.R., on July had survived the winter inside of barns managed to 28-29 (RCL). Alder Flycatchers have become scarce fledge 14-15 young in four nests.(RB). A Long-billed except in the mountain bogs so reports from Marsh Wren's nest was found at SenecaL., O., June 26, Westmoreland County, Pa., in June (JMC) and L. the first known local nesting (ME), and near Arthur, Butler Co., Pa., July 18 (PH) are noteworthy. Youngstown, O. populationswere only one-half of last The Willow Flycatcher continued to expand its range, year's (WB). Along the n. edge of its range, le, and was found in Hardy County, W. Va. (B.B.C.F.), Newcomerstown, O. (ES) and Clarksville, Pa. (RB), and at Waynesboro, Va. (RSn), both places s. and e. of Mockingbirds were in reduced numbers, and at its known range. At P.N.R. this specieswas abundant Swannanoa, N.C., Brown Thrashers were uncommon (RCL). The first recorded nesting of the Least (RR). On the other hand most observersfelt that Gray Flycatcher in Shenandoah N.P., Va., was observed in Catbirds were in excellent numbers, as for example, 86 mid-June (ST). Least Flycatchers were migrating at banded during the period at P.N.R., with only 49 an P N R., Jfily26 (RCL). average catch (RCL).

1140 American Birds, November 1977 The Am. Robin had an excellentbreeding season in n. was at Dally Gap, Ga., July 7 (HD). A Mourning West Virginia (GAH) and mostreporters felt that Wood Warbler was seenat Milam Gap, ShenandoahN.P., June Thrusheswere in good numbers.Hermit Thrusheswere 12 & July 24 (fide ST). This specieshas not been known in very low numbersin the West Virginia sprucebelt to nest that far e. and that low in this Region. The Blue- (GAH) and may have been another previously winged Warbler continued to push E and N. unsuspectedwinter casualty. No other reporters in the There was a fairly heavy migration of Yellow breedingrange mentioned this species. The E. Bluebird Warblers at P.N.R. in the last third of July (RCL) A apparentlywas hit harder by the winter weather than minor mystery of the local fall migration has been the had beenpreviously suspected. Most observersfound it occasional capture at P.N.R., of molting Tennessee to be scarce.At Warren, Pa., the Operation Bluebird Warblers in late July or early August. The speciesis not project of 300 boxesshowed a 40ø7ooccupancy and a known to nest anywhere near this Region, and the total of 750 (the sameas 1976)young fledged (WH). At books tell us that molting warblersdo not migrate This Clarksville, Pa. a smaller line of bluebird boxes had year 39 were banded July 23 - July 31. All were adults, rather poor nesting successlargely owing to House all were in molt and many females still had brood Wren interference(RB). A summeringVeery near State patches(RCL). College, Pa. was unusual (MM). ICTERIDS AND TANAGERS -- Northern Orioles KINGLETS, PIPITS AND VIREOS -- A population were unusually common in the Pittsburgh area (PH) studyarea in the West Virginia sprucebelt countedonly Orchard Orioles nestedin Erie County for the first time three Golden-crowned Kinglets this year as compared (DS). Five Orchard Orioles banded at P.N.R., July 29 with six lastyear (GAH) reflectingthe wintermortality. apparently represented early migrants. At P N R Golden-crownedKinglets summeredat Forbes State (RCL) and at Morgantown (GAH), E. Meadowlarks Forest,Pa. (RCL), newly addedto the summerrange. A were scarce but at Clarksville they were normal A Ruby-crownedKinglet in June at State College (DB) B.B.S. in n. West Virginia had the highest count ever wasprobably a straggler,but this specieswill eventually (RB). Red-winged Blackbird populations at nest in this Region. A Water Pipit was seenat Presque Newcomerstown, O., were thought to be only one-third Isle, Pa., June 19 (JGS, JHS). White-eyed Vireos of normal (ES). Scarlet Tanagers were extremely continued to increasein Greene County, Pa. (RB) and common throughout the n. part of the Region. at P N.R. (RCL), but near Pittsburghthey were lower FRINGILLIDS -- The Blue Grosbeak has joined the than in recent years (PH). Yellow-throated Vireos have list of s. species making almost explosive range been decliningfor severalyears, but this seasonthey expansionsinto our Region. It was found in Hardy may have made a modest start towards recovery. Near County, W. Va. (B.B.C.F.) and one was seen near Pittsburgh(PH) and Charleston(NG) Red-eyedVireo Swoope, Va., July 28 (10). However the major news populationswere down slightly, at Morgantown three came from s. Ohio. A pair with young was seen in B B S. routes showedno changein populations(GAH), Vinton County and two pairs were noted in Melgs while in Greene County, Pa. a record high was listed on County (AN). Young birds were also seen in Mason oneroute (RB). At P.N.R., 108were banded during the County, W. Va. (AN). At P.N.R., a total of 53 (yearly period (averageis only 41) and a heavy movementwas average, 20) Indigo Buntings were banded during the noticed there on the last few days of July. In Avery period, indicatinga very successfulnesting season, and County, N.C., a 1976 B.B.S. showed17 Solitary Vireos a migratory or wandering movement was observedin and 14 Red-eyeds.This year the count was only three late July (RCL). Sohtariesbut 25 Red-eyeds(MP). Two Purple Finches seen on Roan Mt., Tenn., June WARBLERS -- There were several reports of such n. 16 & 19 (GE) may representa further range expansion speciesas Cape May, Bay-breastedand Blackpoll for this species.The House Finch has now reached the Warblers presentin the Region during the first few days w. boundary of our Region, with nesting observedat of June,but morepuzzling than theseobvious stragglers Barnesville,O. (ME). Young birds were alsobanded at were the Tennessee Warbler near Edinboro, Pa., June Wheeling(fide GP), the first definiteevidence of nesting 16-21 (DS) and the singingc• Cape May Warbler at there. Other nestingswere at Sheffield, Pa. (TG), and Blacksburg, Va., June 30 & July 4 (fide JM). A the first in Erie County, Pa. (DS). At State College, Pa, Cerulean Warbler in Erie County, Pa., June 1 was n. of 137 House Finches were banded during the period the usualrange (DS). This specieswas in below-normal (MW) and at Indiana, Pa., 137 had beenbanded for the numbersnear Pittsburgh(PH) and at Charleston(NG). year (CW). Pine Siskins and Red Crossbills were on The Yellow-breasted Chat continued to show low Roan Mt., Tenn., on severaloccasions in late June (GE numbersin n. West Virginia and s.w. Pennsylvania,but et al.) and one was photographed at Monroeville, the Yellow Warbler was extremelycommon there with AlleghenyCo., Pa., July 21-26 (BZ). 43 banded at P.N.R., where the average catch has been Both Grasshopperand Savannah Sparrows continued eight.Yellow-throated Warblers continued to do well at to decline in W. Pennsylvania, but several Vesper P N.R. (RCL) and are now possiblythe most common Sparrowswere seen on the balds of Roan Mt., June breeding warbler at Charleston (NG). A Yellow- 13-20 (ESc). In Erie County approximately 100 throated Warbler was found in Fayette County (new singingc• Henslow'sSparrows were recorded during the location), Pa. in June (PH). A BlackburnianWarbler period (m.ob.) and at the Erie N.W.R., Crawford Co ,

Volume31, Number6 1141 Pa., 30+ males were counted (RFL). Courtship of Glen Eller, Tom Finucane, Bonnie Ginader, Norris White-throated Sparrows was observed in Garrett Gluck, Ted Grisez, Same Guss, Anne Hamilton, County, Md., June 2 (CH). There have been a few Charles Handley, Jr. (CHa), Paul Hess, Eileen Higbee, nestingrecords for this part of the AlleghenyTableland William Highhouse, CharlesHill, Barry Kinzie, Martha in the past. One was also seenin Allegheny Couhty, Pa., Kulp, Robert C. Leberman, Ronald F. Leberman, Jay June 26 {fide PH), very late for a straggler. Loughlin, Dick Lura, Clark Miller, Molly Morgan, Pat Murphy, John Murray, Avis Newell, Isabel POSTSCRIPT -- We note with sadness the death of Obenschein, Richard Peiffer, Glen Phillips, Margery Charles O. Handley, Sr., of Lewisburg, W. Va., in Plymire, Frank Preston, Robert Ruiz, Ruth Sager, Ed June. "Charley" made his first contribution to the old Schell(ESc), Ellis Shimp (ES), Robert Simpson,{RSi), Bird Lore in 1914. After a distinguished career in Merit Skaggs, William Smith, Donald Snyder (DS), biology he had remained a faithful contributor to the Ruth Snyder (RSn), Dave Steadman (DS0, Stanley Region even after a crippling illnessstruck him in the Stahl (SS0, JerieStewart, JamesG. Stuil, JeanH. Stull, early 1970s. Sam Stull, {SS), Sarah Thomas, Robert Watson, David White, Bill Williams, Cora Williams, Merrill Wood, CONTRIBUTORS -- William Bartolo, Ralph Bell, Bette Zinck -- GEORGE A. HALL, Department of Dorothy Bordner• George Breiding, James& Maureen Wildlife Biology (Mailing Address, Department of Colflesh(JMC), Mary Clench, John & Thelma Dalmas Chemistry), West Virginia University, Morgantown, (JTD), Harriett DiGJoia,Deril Dixon, Mabel Edgerton, West Virginia 26506.

WESTERN GREAT LAKES REGION on the Fourth of July. Sectionsof forests were topped /Daryl D. Tessen or leveled as the storm moved eastward. The effect on the bird population can only be speculated on at this time. Perhaps,however, it was not as severeas might be The excitement in the Region this summer centered expected, owing to the exceptionally early and warm around the weather rather than the birdlife. Mete- spring, which allowed many speciesto nest earlier than orological records tumbled in all three statesdue to the normal, with many young out of their nestsbefore July. prolonged heat wave. While June temperatures were This summerthe drought shifted to Michigan, mainly close to normal, July developed into one of the hottest the Lower Peninsula. June and especially July were months on record. The heat arrived during the Fourth exceptionally warm and the beneficial rains in of July weekend and continued unabated until the last Minnesota and Wisconsin apparently were spent by the few days of the month. Continual days in the mid-and time they reached Michigan. As a result the Lower upper 90s "changed" to 100+ øF readings during the Peninsula had far below normal rainfall, making the second and third weeks. upcoming winter and spring precipitation important. The severedrought that hit Wisconsinand Minnesota Ornithologically this summer lacked the excitement last year ended with the repeated periods of rain this of the past several years. The early and hot spring summer. However, adequate autumn and winter advanced all plant growth, including crops, i.e., corn was "knee-high" by the fourth of June, not July, and

MAN. Breeding Bird Survey cooperators commented on the unusual number of young already fledged by early June LAKE and the quietnessof the birds by late June. Added to T.e this was a probable decreasein coverage owing to the overwhelming heat and a lackluster season was the reported result. LOONS THROUGH IBISES -- Undoubtedly the bestsighting in the Regionthis seasonwas of the Arctic Loon in full breeding plumage, watched for one-half hour at Wisconsin Pt., Douglas Co., Wis., June 11 (CF). Making the sighting even more noteworthy was the fact that two Red-throated and several Corn. Loons

IOWA were also swimming in the same general area of L. Superior at the time. This representsonly the third state record and the first breeding-plumaged bird. Red- necked Grebes nested in Minnesota (Wright and Becker precipitation is needed to continue this recovery. Cos.) and Wisconsin (Winnebago and St. Croix Cos.). Unfortunately this summer's rain was accompaniedby In the latter county there were five nestingpairs with a exceptionallysevere storms. This was especiallytrue in total of 18 young, the most ever recorded there. Wisconsin, where the severeststorm raked a ten-county Unusual were two Eared Grebes, each on a different regionin the northernand north-central part of the state lake, during early June in St. Croix County, with one

1142 American Birds, November 1977 summering(CF et al.). In Minnesota this specieswas WATERFOWL -- Mute Swans nested in w found in two counties,Marshall--120 on June 10 (KE), Michigan and n. Wisconsin. Whistling Swans appeared and Lac Qui Parle--two adults, one immature July 19 in all three states, an unusual occurrencethat seemsto (CMB). As usual Minnesota had nestingW. Grebeswith be developing into a regular event. For Wisconsin this 63 adults counted in June at the Big Stone N.W.R., Lac included four June 2 in Winnebago County (TZ), two Qm Parle Co., and 23 adults, also in June, at Pelican until late June in Ashland-BayfieldCos. (m.ob) and L, Grant Co. White Pelicans were found in two one June 21 in LaCrosse County (FL). Michigan had localitiesin Lac Qui Parle County--Big StoneN.W.R. singlebirds June 7 at Ludington and July 4 at Seney (71 adults, 13 immatures) and Marsh L. (788 by July N.W.R., Schoolcraft Co. (FM). Minnesota had two 31) Wisconsin also recorded White Pelicans, with birds present in Duluth harbor during June. Unusual eleven from mid-July well into Aug.ustin Monroe were individual Snow Geese seen June 14 in Lake of the County (EE et al.) and three July 24 in LaCrosse Woods County (KE) and July 15 at Agassiz N.W R, County (FL). The Double-crested Cormorant again Minn. (SV). Out-of-place duck sightings included a nested in several Wisconsin counties. However, most Redhead in Charlevoix, Mich., June 29 (FM); Ring- encouragingwere the two largecolonies (both estimated neckedDucks June 28-July 8 at Horicon N.W.R. (RD), at 500+ nests)in Minnesota (Big Stone N.W.R. and June 28 in Milwaukee (DG), summeringin Columbia Pelican L.). Michigan had a solitary individual July 4 in County, Wis. Canvasbacks were in Ottawa County, Monroe County (JAG), and there were two birds near Mich., June 16 (LF) and in Wisconsin. June sightings Alpena June 25 (AV). were in Winnebago (TZ) and Burnett (JE) Cos., with Effects of the 1976 drought are still being felt, July sightingsin Kewaunee(DT) and LaCrosse(FL) especially among the herons. For example, while Cos. One Greater Scaup was on the Roseau R., Mlnn, comments from reporters were varied, a surprising June 13 (KE); LesserScaups were presentin Wisconsin number of abandoned Great Blue Heron heronties was during June in Milwaukee, Columbia, LaCrosse and indicated;to a lesserextent a similar condition prevailed Burnett Cos. with one in Leelanau County, Mich., June for Black-crowned Night Herons and Am. Bitterns. 7 (AM); a •? Com. Goldeneyewas in KewauneeCounty, Least Bittern presented an interestinglycontrasting July 7 (DT). SingleBuffleheads were in MinnesotaJune picture. In Wisconsin this species was uniformly 14 (Ke) and Wisconsinfrom June 17 to the period'send reported in numbers considerably below normal. (DG); a c• White-wingedScoter was found dead on S However in Minnesota and parts of Michigan reporters Manitou I., Mich., June 13 (AM); Ruddy Ducks consistentlycommented on the unusual abundance of lingered in the following Michigan counties: Monroe, the species. On the negative side Wisconsin's Oconto Ingham and Leelanau. Marsh dried up by late May. The heronssighted there in mid-May left the area, with the result that no Cattle and HAWKS -- The Red-shouldered Hawk situation in Snowy Egrets nested. Even the Black-crowneds Michigan proved variable this summer. Cautious deserted. Despite this disturbing aspect there were a optimism was expressedby observersin the n. and e number of interesting sightings within this group. portions of the Lower Peninsula(hereafter, L.P.) as the Minnesota was justifiably excited about its result of nesting. However a less positive picture was unprecedented number of Little Blue Herons, a found in the more w. L.P. counties. A partial cause for maximum of 15 at Pelican L. during the summer this was the extremely dry spring and summer in (mob.); threead. Cattle Egretsthere July 2 (R J) and 18 Michigan. As a result many of the nestingtrees that adults and eight immatures at Big Stone N.W.R. ordinarily stand in water were high and dry, allowing (CMB); Louisiana Herons at Pelican L. from mid-June abnormally high raccoon predation. More SwainsoWs through July (m.ob.) with a maximum of four; and Hawks were observed in w. and s.-c. Minnesota than finally the Yellow-crowned Night Herons at the usual usual. Again this summer œerruginousHawks were spot in Houston County plus two new areas, Big Stone found in Minnesota, with an immature at Blue Mounds N W.R., two July 9 (RJ) and CassCounty, one June 28 S.P., Rock Co., June 3 (KE) and two adults in Traverse (DK). Michigan's contributions included a solitary County July 9 (PE,KE). An apparent effect of the Little Blue Heron July 23 (TC,AC) and Snowy Egret severewinter was discoveredin the Osprey population, July 16 & 22 (JPK,EC), both in Monroe County, and principally the FletcherPond colony in the n. L P A single Yellow-crowned Night Herons in Muskegon large winter kill of pike and perch occurred(preferred Osprey food) forcing the Osprey to replace these with County (first county record) June 26 (BB,EBP,LR) and the more hardy (but lesspreferred) bullhead (SP) Berrien County July 17-30 (WB,RS). For Wisconsin, noteworthysightings included the Cattle Egret in Dodge GROUSE THROUGH GALLINULES -- Spruce County June 11 (RD), Oconto County, two June 13 Grouse were observed in Wisconsin June 15 in Oneida (DT), and Brown County, 13 on June 29 (BC); single County (PLE) and in Minnesota June 29 & July 5 In Snowy Egrets at Hoticon N.W.R., Dodge Co., Juile 11 Cook County (R J). Encouragingwas the location of ten (RD) and a summeringbird at Green Bay (JJ,JF et al.); coveys of Bobwhite in Minnesota's Fillmore and a Louisiana Heron at Crex Meadows N.W.R., Burnett Houston Cos., a state where this specieswas suspected Co, July 7 (RC,JT); Yellow-crownedNight Herons in of having disappeared. Scattered marshes in all three Waukesha (July 21, DG), LaCrosse (period, FL) and statesdried up this summer. This was the prime factor OutagamieCos. (pair, possiblenesting, JA,DTi et al.). in the decrease of Virginia and Sora Rails seen and

Volume31, Number6 1143 respondingto tapes. Two Virginia Rails seenJuly 20 & GULLS -- Laughing Gulls were found in Wisconsin 22 were the first for Marquette County, Mich. (NI). for the third consecutive summer. Nine were observed at King Rail was found less frequently this summer than Ashland June 18 (MD,LE) and two beside the last It was not reported at all in Wisconsin, Minnesota KewauneeNuclear Plant July 7 (DT). A lone Frankhn's had only one sightingduring June in Lyon County (PE), Gull was at St. Joseph, Mich., June 13 (WB). This while Michigan had one at Ludington during the period specieswas also noted in Wisconsin, with single birds (FM) and a maximum of six at Pt. Mouillee, Monroe June 21 (LaCrosseCounty, FL) and July 30 (Kewaunee Co The only Yellow Rails were found in Aitkin County, RK,BA) with nine, also on July 30, in County, Minn., and in Wisconsin one was present in Manitowoc County (RK,BA). In Minnesota the Crex Meadows N.W.R., during early June. A Purple Franklin's did not nest at the Agassiz N.W.R. (SV) Gallinule appeared in Whitnall Park, s.w. Milwaukee Little Gulls summeredin Wisconsin,but again there was Co, during early June, remaining until about the 18th no evidenceof nesting. Two-to-four birds were present (DH et al.). between Two Rivers and Manitowoc from mid-June SHOREBIRDS -- As is now normal, substantial until the period's end (MD,LE,JW,DT et al.), four were numbersof this group continuedmigrating through the found in Brown County from July 10 on (BC et al.) and Region well into June. The fall movement started early one individual frequented the Milwaukee harbor with unusually good numbers in scattered parts of the commencingJuly 21 (DG et al.). Most unusual for a Region, spiced by the sighting of several unusual summer season was the careful observation of an lmm species.For Wisconsin late migrating birds included the Black-leggedKittiwake on S. Manitou I., Mich., July 30 Greater Yellowlegs, White-rumped (61 June 11, (AM). Douglas County, CF) and Least Sandpiper, dowitcher PARAKEETS -- A lone Monk Parakeet began (sp), Semipalmated Sandpiper and Sanderling. constructinga "nest" in early July in Brooklyn Park, a Minnesota's late spring migrants included the Ruddy n. suburb of Minneapolis (BE,R J). Turnstone, Red Knot (including 15 on June 3 at Duluth, OWLS THROUGH GOATSUCKERS -- The first ES), White-rumped Sandpiper (400+ June 9 at Marshall SewageLagoon, HK), Hudsonian Godwit and Barn Owl nest in several years in Wisconsin was a Ruff (June 8 in Clay County, ES). In Michigan the discovered on top of some old silage on a farm in late migrants included a Piping Plover (June 12 in WaukeshaCounty. The farmer neededthe silagebut did not want to harm the nest. It was decided that the best Emmet County, JB), Ruddy Turnstone, White-rumped and Least Sandpipersand Red Knot (five June 5 at Pt. policy was to care for the two hatched young and incubatethe remaining eggs.At the time of this writing Moudlee, one June 10 in Berrien County, WB,RS). Summering birds included a Semipalmated Plover until one of the nest-hatched young died, the other is doing June 27 in St. Croix County, Wisconsin (CF), nicely, one of the incubated eggs hatched and that Sem•palmated Sandpipers seen intermittently in s.-c. juvenile is also doing well. Four active Great Gray Owl and e Wisconsin during June, a maximum of eight Am. nestswere watched in Roseau County, Minn. Three of Avocets at the Moorhead Lagoons, Minn., during June, these successfullyfledged two young each (RN). Two and most unusual, a pair of N. Phalaropes seen Short-eared Owls spentthe summer at Pt. Mouillee The Chuck-will's-widow that was discovered on the intermittently on a pond in s. Dodge County, Wis. MacLean residencein s.w. Dane County, Wis. during during the period (m.ob.). Encouragingnews about the Piping Plover came from the n. part of the Region, May, was seenand heard by many birders during June and July. where a nest containing two eggs, with five adults in the general area, was found at Duluth in early June (KL). WOODPECKERS THROUGH STARLINGS -- At least one pair, possibly two, nested in Superior, Each state discoveredone nesting pair of Black-backed Wis , with four young beingnoted (FS). Three-toed Woodpeckers. Michigan's was located at The fall movement of shorebirds included good Grayling, Crawford Co., June 25 (FM et al), numbers of dowitchers in Minnesota and Michigan, Minnesota'sin Lake of the WoodsCounty June 13 (KE) Solitary Sandpipers in Wisconsin, and Least and and Wisconsin'swas along the Brule R., Douglas Co, SemipalmatedSandpipers in Minnesota. Generally the during June where it was photographed(RK et al.) The early fall shorebird migration was considered good-to- pair of Western Wood Peweesthat appeared at Pelan excellent in Minnesota and Michigan and unusually Park, Roseau Co., May 28 provided Minnesota with its poor •n Wisconsin, probably for lack of proper habitat. second state and first nesting records. It remained Interesting sightings included two Red Knots at Pt. through the summer, with three young fledged July 8 Moulllee, July 16, six Buff-breasted Sandpipers at (m.ob.). Black-billedMagpies were occasionallyseen at Duluth July 29 (R J), six Willets July 7 at Two Rivers, Agassiz N.W.R., during the period; single birds were Mamtowoc Co., Wis. (DT), and 1-9 Willets found in Roseau and PenningtonCos., June 11 (R J) intermittently in July at Benton Harbor, Mich. (WB), and Lake of the Woods County June 14 (KE), all in record early-arriving Least and Stilt Sandpipers in Minnesota. A pair of Carolina Wrens successfully Columbia County, Wis., June 25 (DG), a Marbled raised one brood in Wayne County, Mich. (HH) Godwit at Alpena, Mich., July 14-15 (OE) and two N. Mockingbirdswere observedin s.e. Michigan(one) and Phalaropesin Muskegon County, Mich., July 20 & 27 Blue Mounds S.P., Minn. (pair, nest-buildingduring (GW, JH). July, KE). The cautious optimism expressed last

1144 American Birds, November 1977 S.A.

There was encouraging news about the Kirtland's Warbler as the result of the preliminary figures from the 1977 census.A total of 218 sing- ing males was noted in Crawford, Oscoda, Ogemaw, Kalkaska, Roscommon and Wexford Cos. Since each singing male is considered to represent a nesting pair, the present nesting population would be 436, plus this year's young and non-nesting adults, if any. This representsa 9.5% increase over 1976 in the Kirtland Warbler Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker, 9 at nest. Douglas Co., n. w. of Stone's Bridge, Brule River, Wisc. population (The Michigan Audubon Newsletter). June 17, 1977. Photo by Randy Korotev. summer concerningthe LoggerheadShrike is justified BLACKBIRDS THROUGH LONGSPURS -- again this year. Successfulnesting occurred in Sauk and Orchard Orioles were presentin w. Minnesota in above- St. Croix Cos., Wis. Several sightings of this species normal numbers. In Wisconsinthis specieswas present occurred in Minnesota with the best being of six adults in seven counties. The Blue Grosbeak showed a modest and ten young in Dakota County July.2 (BE). Michigan increasein Minnesota this summer, with nestingat Blue had one individual near Alpena June 24 (RR). Mounds S.P., Rock Co., with four pairs present. VIREOS THROUGH WARBLERS -- In contrast to Additional males were recorded elsewhere in Rock last summer no White-eyed Vireos were reported. A (three) and Nobles (two) Cos. The Dickcissel was very Bell's Vireo was heard and seenin Berrien County June abundant in s. Minnesota but in contrast to last summer 4 - July o (RS,WB et aLL This specieswas also present it was very scarce in Wisconsin, being found only in in Wisconsin,with singingbirds in Green Lake (RK), St. sixteencounties, with but a few individuals present in Croix and Trempealeau (CF) Cos. Two pairs of most of these counties. An out-of-place Dickcissel was Prothonotary Warblers nested in Wayne County, for found in Kittson County, Minn., June I l (R J) and one the secondconsecutive year. Out-of-range Blue-wingeds was found in Berrien County July 7 (DM). Red were found in Cook (CB) and Lake of the Woods Cos., Crossbills were scarce throughout, with a few n. Minn. A Brewster's Warbler was observedJuly 11 in individuals in Marquette County, Mich., during July Kent County, Mich. (BB). A TennesseeWarbler present (NI) plus also a few birds in the n.e. part of Minnesota in Ottertail County, Minn., during the summer was out and in four n. Wisconsin counties. This is in contrast to the of its normal range (GO). Another out-of-range species White-winged Crossbill which put on a most surprising was the Black-throated Green Warbler that was in show this summer, as evidencedby the following: June Milwaukee County June 20 - July 7 (DG). Berrien 21, Douglas County and June 22, Burnett County (SR) County's spring Yellow-throated Warbler remained and two July 26, Manitowoc County (MA), all until June 19 (WB). Most unusual was the presenceof Wisconsin; 100 at Rogers City, Mich., July 25 (BG); one, possiblya pair of Blackpoll Warblers July 4 - 7 in while Minnesota had a movementbordering on a small Oshkosh, Wis. (CS). The male was seen and heard "invasion" across the n. part of the state. Flocks of repeatedly during these days. It representedthe first 5-12 birds were common in the n. counties,increasing in summer record of this speciesfor the state. sizeby late July as evidencedby its abundancein Duluth and by the 200-330 birds in one flock July 31 along the Prairie Warblers were again recorded in Michigan, Gunflint Trail, Cook Co. (R J). Several Lark Buntings with singing males in Mason County (two June 15, EG), were present in Rock and Pipestone Cos., Minn. At Presque Isle County (one June 14, FM), Leelanau least four Baird's Sparrows were present during June County (one June 17, AM) and a returning nesting pair near Felton, Clay Co., Minn. Le Conte's Sparrowswere in Ottawa County (JP). Kentucky Warblers were again recorded in five Wisconsin counties with a maximum of present in Dane and Grant Cos., Wis., during the nine birds at one spot in Burnett County alone. Sharp- summer. A singing male was observed in Washington tailed Sparrows were found in several spots in Aitkin County, Minn., June 17 (R J). The only Yellow-breasted County, Minn. Two Lark Sparrows were seen Chats reported were birds in Wayne.and St. Clair Cos., intermittently in Marquette County, Mich. during the Mich. and a nesting pair in Walworth County., Wis. period (NI). This specieswas present in at least seven Hooded Warblers were observed only in Milwaukee counties in Wisconsin. A surprising find within this County, June II (DG) with three singing males and at group was a singingWhite-crowned Sparrow June 24-27 least one female in Waukesha County (m.ob.). A late at Rogers City, Mich. (BG). Between 20-30 pairs of Wilson's Warbler was noted June II in Lac Qui Parle Chestnut-collared Longspurs'werepresent at their usual County (CMB). Another late migrant was a Canada spot in Clay County, Minn. Warbler in Milwaukee County June 13 (DG). By the third to fourth weeksin July reporters were seeingthe CONTRIBUTORS -- Bob Ake, Marjorie Albrecht, early fall movement of this family. James Anderson, Charles Bergman, Walter Booth, Bill

Volume 31, Number 6 1145 Bouton, Joan Brigham, Chuck & Micki Buer, E. The general lack of breeding season data shows that Carhart, A. Carpenter, T. Carpenter, Brother many birders are more interested in large lists and Columban, Ron Crete, Mary Donald, Robert Drieslein, spectacular records rather than determining species Kim Eckert, Paul Egeland, Paul & Louise Engberg abundance and distribution and concentrating on (PLE), Eric Epstein, Bob Erickson, Louise Erickson, O. conservation of habitat so that those speciescan be Eustis, Jim Evrard, Craig Faanes, Les Ford, Jim Frank, counted in future years. Ethel Getgood, Jeff A. Greenhouse, Betty Grigg, There were few comments on the success of resident William Grigg (n.e. Michigan), DennisGustarson, Don speciesfollowing the severe winter; however Carolina Hahbury, Judy Herbig, Helen Horton, N. IInicky Wrens were extremely scarce. Around Cincinnati (Upper Peninsnla, Michigan), Robert Janssen populationsof Blue Jays, Mockingbirds, Cardinals and (Minnesota), JamesJohnson, Doug Kearn, Alice Kelley chickadeeswere down 15-25% (W). Clevelandreporters (s.e. Michigan), J.P. Kielman, Randy Korotov, Henry suggestedthat there was decreasednesting successfor Kyllingstad, Fred Lesher, Kenneth LaFond, George some species even though habitat was unchanged. MacLean, Frank Mantlik, Alan Marble, Doug Computer studiesof Breeding Bird Surveysmust be MeWhitter (s.c. Michigan), Robert Nero, Gary Otnes, used to determine the extent of population changes James Ponshalr (w.c. Michigan), Ed & Barbara Post Regionwide for speciesaffected by last winter's freeze. (EBP), Sergej Postupolsky, Sam Robbins, Robert As usual, there were fair numbers of late migrants, Rogers, Laurie Roth, Roy Smith (s.w. Michigan), especially warblers and shorebirds and many early- Evelyn Stanley, Clark Schultz, Fred Strand, Daryl returning (9.) shorebirds. There appeared to be no Tessen (Wisconsin), Darwin Tiede (DTi), John widespread dispersal of post-breeding herons and a Toepher, Allen Valentine, Sarah Vasse, George major concernof expertsis how much breedingsuccess Wickstrom, John Woodcock, Thomas Ziehell -- are herons experiencing, and how rapidly are heron DARYL D. TESSEN, 2 Pioneer Park Place, Elgin, I11. coloniesdisappearing. 60120. Since all extraordinary sight records must be thoroughly documented at the time of observation, more accurateand informative data are beingcollected. A total of 13 documentationswas received(111.7, Ind. 3 MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE REGION and Ohio 3). All documentedrecords are denoted by a /Vernon M. Kleen dagger (t). Specimensare denoted by an asterisk (*). Records which were not satisfactorily documented The 1977 breeding season was greatly advanced appear in the UNCORROBORATED REPORTS before this report period ever arrived; the hot and dry section. conditions experienced in late spring continued into EXOTICS -- Ringed Turtle Doves continued to summer. It appeared that an extended drought was appear sporadically from time to time; this year the following the severewinter, but temporary relief came specieswas reported to have summered at Munster, Ind. sporadically across the Region with extremes of (RK). flooding in w. Missouri, and a June drenching of Louisville; Ohio and Indiana experiencedbelow normal LOONS THROUGH ANHINGAS -- Two Corn. rainfall. June was a near-averagemonth in respectto Loons were observedat Springfield, Mo., July 5 & 7 temperature except for Cleveland, which averaged 5 øF (MCo) and one was present at L. Baldwin, Ill., June 10 below normal; July temperatureswere somewhat above (MMo). Pied-billed Grebes were considered common normal Regionwide. nestersin n.w. Iowa but low water conditionskept Much appreciation is extendedto those birders who productivity low (JD); 21, including ten young, were concentrated on determining breeding species' observedat Grafton, Ill., July 3 (RPa) and a few adults abundance for particular areas (i.e. - n.w. and n.e. summered near Charleston, Ill.--no evidence of Iowa, n.e. and c. Illinois and n.e. Indiana) and those breeding (LBH). A few White Pelicans were early who participated in Illinois' Breeding Bird Challenges; returnees to the Region; 8-21 at various Iowa locations for other birders it was a rather normal, dull season. in July {fide b0; nine at Squaw Creek N.W.R., Mo. (hereafter, S.C.R.) July 3 (L) and six at Calumet, IlL, 'S i 01• July 11-14 (SM). Eight Double-crested Cormorants were still presentin Clay County, la., June 2 (JD) and the nestingcolony at Thomson, Ill. remainedstable. An C•ty I ß Anhinga was observed flying up the Big Muddy R., JacksonCo., 111.,June 4 (•'MMo) and was probably the samebird presentat Cedar L., JacksonCo., IlL, July 24 & 26 (JG).

HERONS -- Heron colonies are disappearing at an alarming rate. The Great Blue Heron colony at Lordstown, O., showeda 10% drop this year--only 226 nestspresent (CJ et al.); only seven young were fledged

1146 American Birds, November 1977 from the smallbut heavilydisturbed colony near Tiffen, observed at Goose Lake Prairie S.P., Ill. (hereafter, O (JK); over 150 post-breeding wanderers were G.L.P.) in late June(DB) and at Waukegan, II1., July 1 observedat S.C.R., July 30-31 (NJ, L). An ad. Little (JN). A Red-breastedMerganser lingered at Louisville Blue Heron was near Cincinnati, during the first week until at least June 19 (JE1). of June (W); post-breedingmovements were first VULTURES THROUGH FALCONS -- Roosts of detectedearly in July and the specieswas very common Turkey Vultures each with 20-40 birds were found at in w Missouri with at least 160 at one location July 23 four Iowa locations. Five nestsof MississippiKites were (KH et al.); 1-6individuals were present near Louisville, under surveillance at Union County Refuge, Ill., this Ky, July 3-31 (LR, m.ob.); a maximum of six was summer; it is possiblethat there were more nestingpairs observed in Gibson County, Ind., July 24 (MB); and (JHr) as 39 individualswere counted there June 26 three in Clay County, Ia., July 23 (MR). There were (MMo, MT); the specieswas encounteredwith more apparently5-8 pairs of Cattle Egretsat Plainfield, Ill.; frequencyalong the Kentuckyportion of the Mississippi only three nestswere constructed(m.ob.). Exceptional R., this summer(CP, BM) than in recentyears. Several were the 18 Snowy Egrets encounterednear Horseshoe personssuggested that Red-shoulderedHawks stageda L, Alexander Co., Ill., June 6 (MMo); single pairs minor comeback in what has recently become known as summeredat both Plainfield, Ill. (SM et al.) and E. St. former breedingrange; such areas included n. Iowa, n Louis, Ill. (hereafter, E.St.L.), (JEa); singleswere Illinois, n. Indiana, and all of Ohio. A few Swainson's encounteredat W. Hottes L., Ia., June 28 (MR) and Hawks were resident in w. Missouri with four Schell-Osage,Mo., July 28 (fide N J). Black-crowned encounters in the Kansas City area (fide N J). Four Night Heronswere successful nesters in n.w. Iowa (DH, successfulBroad-winged Hawk nests were reported JD) and around Louisville108 were counted,June 27 three in n. Illinois and one in n. Indiana; the specieswas (JEI), however,69 birdsreturned to theWaukegan, Ill. also found regularly in n. Iowa--especially the colonyand wereso disturbedby bulldozingthat nesting northeast(DKo). The five pairs of nestingBald Eagles was unsuccessful; at least 60 birds were present at the in n.w. Ohio producedbut one fledgedyoung; one adult E St L. sanctuary July 22 (JEa) and small numbers met her death when she flew into a high tension line, (non-nesting)were reported from Peoria,Ill. (VH) and singleadults were noted near Hamilton, I11.,in late June Schell-Osage,Mo. (KH). Yellow-crownedNight Herons (GA) and N. Buena Vista, Ia., July 26 (P). A pair of (10-12 pairs) summerednear Grafton, Ill. (JEa); one Marsh Hawks successfully fledged three young near pair nestedat L. Calumet, Ill. (SM); five adults were Iowa City, la. (fide N); there were none at the noted at Decatur, Ill., June 19-July 3 (RPa); and one traditional G.L.P. nesting location (DB) but one adult was presentat Willow Slough, Ind., June 5 (DA, EH); was observednear Belvidere, I11., July 7 (EB). Single 1-3 individuals were observed later in the summer in Ospreys were noted in s. Holmes County, O., June 8 scattered locations Regionwide. (DKI); Ingham L., Emmet Co., la., June2 (fide N), and Camanche, la., July 27 (P). Cleveland observers WATERFOWL -- Although Mute Swans should reported Am. Kestrels in near normal numbers and probably be treated as exotics,a pair raisedseven young distribution; however, reports from Iowa suggestedthat in Springfield, Mo. (CB); a pair returned to Grass L., the speciesdid not fare so well. Steuben Co., Ind., for the third consecutiveyear (LCs); and three were presentat Ottawa N.W.R., O., July 27 PRAIRIE CHICKENS THROUGH COOTS -- The (LV) It was a good nestingseason for Mallards. As highest number of Greater Prairie Chickens reported usual, a few lingering northern dabblers were from s.w. Missouri was 38, June 4 (SP). Iowa observers encountered; however, breeding was suspectedfor the found that despite last winter's lengthy freeze, Gadwall, Pintail and N. Shoveler for L. Ruthyen, la. Bobwhites fared well; they suspectedthe survival was in (JD) and for the Green-wingedTeal in n.e. Iowa. The part owing to the lack of snow cover sufferedin other Pintail and Green-winged Teal may also have attempted areas of the speciesrange; populations of Bobwhites in to nest at three n. Illinois locations. Blue-wingedTeal c. Illinois appeared good, however few young were did nest in Lake County, Ill. (D J) and in Jackson observed. Ring-necked Pheasants also fared well in County, Ill. (MMo); the specieswas presentat both Iowa, but were noticeably down in c. Illinois. A group S C R., June 8 & July 31 (NJ) and Decatur, Ind., June of five hen Turkeys was observedescorting 29 young in 26 (LP). Wood Ducks enjoyed a very successful n.e. Iowa (DKo); the populationaround Dubuque, la, breeding season. has shown an excellent increase. Redheadswere nestingin n.w. Iowa (JD). There were A Virginia Rail was heard calling throughout the two summer records of both Ring-necked Ducks and summerin St. LucasCounty, la. (JSc); two individuals Canvasbacks including five pairs with broods of the were reported from Peoria July 29 (VH). Soras were latter speciesin Clay County, Ia. (DH). Two or three present all summer in Mason County, Ill. (H) and LesserScaup were reported from five locations during singleswere noted at G.L.P., July 10 (RPa) and three mid-June and a single was observedat another location sitesnear Charleston,II1., July 18-19 (LBH). A Purple in late July. A Bufflehead was detected near Clinton, Gallinule appearedat Evanston, II1., and was observed la, July 23 (P). Ruddy Ducks bred in n.w. Iowa (JD) June 11 & 15 (*JGr, LY et al.). Common Gallinules and were noted as summer residents at S.C.R. and have not been known to nest around E.St.L., so their around Kansas City, Mo. (fide NJ); singles were summer presence there has implications (JEa)

Volume 31, Number 6 1147 American Coots were found nestingin n.w. Iowa (JD) the former E.St.L. s•te•n the MississippiR., however, and Lafayette, Ind. (DA) but only recorded as they wereflooded out again(JEa); six individualswere summeringresidents at all other locationsincluding 40 observed at Sabula, Ia., July 26 (P) and one at at Dubuque, Ia., July 26 (P); 35 at S.C.R., June 24 (L); Springfield, Mo., June 23 was unusual for that area 15 at Grafton, Ill., July 3 (RPa); nine at Madisonville, (MCo). Although the Black Tern was considereda Ky, June 10-11(JHa) and "present" at Decatfir, Ind. common breeder in n.w. Iowa, it was mostly (LP) and Charleston, Ill. (LBH). unsuccessfulbecause of low water levels(JD); possible SHOREBIRDS -- As expected, observersspent most breedingwas suggestedfor extremen.e. Illinois (JN, D J). time afield during July looking for shorebirds and found to their delight that many birds returned earlier DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- Many than usual. Actual publication of early arrivals will be observersfelt that Mourning Doveswere very successful left for appropriatestate journals. The most noteworthy this year. There were few comments about the observationsfollow. Piping Plover, three at Louisville cuckoos--so I hope this means they maintained their July 21 (DP) and one at Cleveland July 15 & 17 (RHa, status quo. Two pairs of nesting Barn Owls were JHo). Ruddy Turnstone, one at E.St.L., June 15 (JEa). reported from Ohio (DK1,M) and another bird was Whimbrel, one at S.C.R., July 9 (L). Upland found in Ottawa County, O. (fide LV). A Long-eared Sandpiper, increasingin numbersat G.L.P. becauseof Owl was hit by a car near Carbondale, II1., June 11 for the season'sdryness and a late burn causinglower and an unusual southern record (*fide MMo). It was sparservegetation; the greatestIowa densitywas found surprisingto find a Short-earedOwl in s. Perry County, to be in the northeast. Spotted Sandpiper, nesting 111., June 19 (?MMo, MT); another was also evidence (either pair defending territory of fledglings encounteredin Guthrie County, Ia., July 7 (DSt), none observed) at Decatur, Ill. (RPa); Illinois Beach S.P., occurredat the regularnesting location at G.L.P. (DB) (JSu); Rockford, Ill. (DC); and Springfield, Ill. Five Chuck-will's-widows were heard in s.w. Missouri (hereafter, Spfld.), (H). Willet, singlesat four widely June 5 (SP, NJ)--but that should be normal, one scatteredlocations, each in a different state, July 11-31. summeredat Decatur, Ill. (RPa) and one waspresent at Greater Yellowlegs, 25 in Osceola County, Ia. (JD). Willow Slough, Ind., as late as June 28 (GN), the Lesser Yellowlegs, 30 at S.C.R., June 24 (L); eight in speciesappears to be increasingaround Madisonv•lle, Osceola County, Ia., June 25 (JD); 2-3 near Antioch, Ky., according to JHa; none appeared at the Sand Ill , June 25 (DJ); and one at E.St.L., June 16 (JEa). Ridge State Forest, Ill. (hereafter, S.R.F.), as had Red Knot, one at Cleveland July 30-31 (Met al.). occurred that past couple years (DB). Several areas Semipalmated Sandpiper, at least one present all reported that the number of Belted Kingfishers was summer at Waukegan with 40 there June 12 and seven subparthis summerand the same was suggestedfor on July 16 (JN). Hudsonian Godwit, two at Cincinnati Ruby-throatedHummingbirds. A PileatedWoodpecker June 5 (DMr, m.ob.). American Avocet, only small nestwas discovered near Dubuque, Ia. (GC). The Red- numbers, five or fewer at two Kentucky, one Ohio and headedWoodpecker population seemed to do extremely one Illinois locations. Wilson's Phalarope, one acted as well in the w. portion of the Region; however,just the ff defending territory and nesting near Antioch, Ill. opposite was observedin the east. Two nestsof Yellow- throughout the summer(JN); N. Phalarope, 12 in Clay bellled Sapsuckerswere under observationin n.e. Iowa, County, la., June 2--"remarkable as to number, date and the specieswas termed "common" there in early and location" (JD). June(JBd). A pair of Red-cockadedWoodpeckers at a nestwas excitingfor Laurel County, Ky., June 17 (BM GULLS AND TERNS -- Fifty pairs of Herring Gulls et al.) were nesting with 75 pairs of Ring-billed Gulls at Maumee Bay, Lucas Co., O. (LV). SeveralRing-billed FLYCATCHERS AND SWALLOWS -- The only Gulls summered in n.w. Iowa; maximum 37, June 23. W. Kingbirds reported were those few from w. Mlssour• (JD et al.); four were observedat Princeton, Ia., July 27 and the three from c. Iowa. From one to six Scissor- (P) and one at S.C.R., July 30 (NJ). A few Franklin's tailed Flycatcherswere encountered 17 times at various Gulls summered at Waukegan, Ill. (JN); groups of w. Missouri locations (m.ob.). Many Acadian 20-40 were encountered in n.w. Iowa June ll-July 25 Flycatcherswere presentalong the Des PlainesR., m n (JD et al.); 12 were noted at S.C.R., June 24 (L) and Illinois (JSu) and a nestwas locatedin Lake County, Ill two at Spfld., July 4 (H). A Forster's Tern nest with (D J). The Willow Flycatcher was very common this young was photographedat W. Hottes L., in n.w. Iowa summer in the L. Ruthven, Ia. area (JD) and were June 21; there were at least 60 birds present(JD). The found to be more common than last year around nine Com. Tern nests at Waukegan May 29, were all Davenport, Ia. (P); 67 singingmales had territoriesat destroyed by July 23--so the birds shifted nesting the Pigeon River Fish & Game Area, Ind. (hereafter, location to an off-shore islet and were successful(JN); P.R.A.) (LCs, MW) and two nests were successfulat 500 pairs nested at the Maumee Bay, Lucas Co., O. Lafayette, Ind. (DA); seven territorial males were colony; however, a thunderstorm July 27 destroyed present at G.L.P., July 10 (RAa). Four Alder much of the nesting (LV); a few individuals of this Flycatchers were on territory at P.R.A., but their specieswere noted in Allen County, Ind. during mid- successwas undeterminable(LCs). There were also ten June (LCs). A pair of Least Terns attempted nestingat territories of Least Flycatchers at P.R.A. (LCs) and

1148 American B•rds, November 1977 singleswere noted at two other Indiana locationsduring (OD); the species was also found regularly in w June; at least six were observedin n.e. Iowa throughout Missouri (fide N J). June (DKo, m.ob.). Tree Swallows were considered VIREOS AND WARBLERS -- Primary notes common all summeraround Iowa City, Ia. (Net al.); a concerning these species were of peripheral or pair was found feedingyoung in e. JeffersonCounty, extralimital breeding records. Observations included Ky, June 2 (S); and the fall migration had started by five White-eyed Vireos at P.R.A., in early June (LCs), July 19 at Charleston, Ill. (LBH). Two new coloniesof three at Iowa City, Ia., June 12-July 25 (RDe) and one Chff Swallowswere begununder Barren R. Res. bridges at Cleveland June 17 (OD). A stable population of •n Kentucky, with 26 nests under each June 11 (RSt); Bell's Vireos was reported from Iowa (fide N) and a small colonies were found using barns at two n.e. singingSolitary Vireo was at S.R.F., July I (DB). Indiana locations(LCs); 135 pairs were noted in Holmes Adult Black-and-white Warblers were feeding young County, O. (DK1); and 35 + at S.C.R., July 30 (N J); at WaubonsieS.P., la. (RSi), and there wereother Iowa Iowa reportersthought the specieswas fairly successful June and July sight records;a pair was noted in Allen in nestingattempts this year. The same Iowa reporters County, Ind. (fide LCs); one bird was observednear noted that Purple Martins did well; however, there were Kansas City July 2-3 (fide N J); and one was found at few comparable reports from other states. Libertyville, Ilk, June 6-14 (JSu). A Worm-eating CROWS THROUGH WRENS -- Several Fish Crows Warbler was present in Waubonsie S.P., Ia., June 7 were heard as far north as E.St.L., June 15 (JEa). An (RSi). Three Golden-wingedWarblers summeredat the ad Red-breasted Nuthatch was reported feeding a extremen. end of the Region (but extremes. end of their youngbird in Champaign,II1., June 12-14(JP); another breedingrange)--two in n.e. Iowa (DKo) and one in adult was observedat S.R.F., June 27 (DB) and singles n.e. Indiana (LCs). Blue-winged Warblers were were noted in Cleveland June 19 & July 10 (OD). A considered common in n.e. Indiana, n.e. Illinois and singing Brown Creeper was found at Niles, O., June 12 n.e. Iowa (m.ob.). Two Brewster's Warblers were (C J); a pair and two otherssummered at Spfid. (H); and possible returnees of last year to n.e. Indiana (LCs) one carrying food was observedin e. Macon County, Late migrantsinclude a TennesseeWarbler at Cleveland Ill, June 7 (RSa). Some reporters commented that June 8 (OD) and a Nashville Warbler at ChicagoJune 4 House Wrens were down as much as 50% (Cincinnati) (GN). Yellow Warblers were found to be especially while others indicated that the specieswas doing rather common compared to last year in much of Iowa well (Kentucky). The only Bewick's Wrens reported all (m.ob.). A Black-throated Green Warbler remained as summer were the two present in s.w. Missouri, June 5 late as June 21 at Winnetka, Ilk (LY). Blackburman (SP, N J). Carolina Wrens obviouslywere hit very hard Warblers were reported from June 4 - 14 at seven last winter; all reportersnoted that they wereextremely different locations encompassingfive states and a Bay- scarce;however, very few reportersindicated that they breastedWarbler lingered until June 18 at Elvaston, Ill hadn't seenor heard at least one this springor summer. (ZW). Chestnut-sided Warblers may have nested at The Long-billed Marsh Wren was reported as being P.R.A. (LCs), Libertyville (JSu) and Rockford (DC), common in every lake and marsh in Lake County, Ill., Ilk, and in n.e. Iowa (DKo). Eight pairs of Prairie especiallyIllinois Beach S.P. (D J). A small colony of Warblers were reported from one small area in Holmes about 12 Short-billed Marsh Wrens was establishedby Co., O. (DK1). More than ten Louisiana Waterthrushes June at P.R.A. (LCs); ten were found at the Chain-O'- werelocated in n.e. Iowa (DKo) and two territorieswere Lakes S.P., II1., June 25 (D J); however, the majority of establishednear Libertyville, Ill. (JSu). Six territories birds was not detected Regionwide until mid-or-late were being held by Yellow-breasted Chats at P.R A July (LCs) and in Iowa there were more reportsof the species than usual. Many observers believe that Kentucky MIMIDS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Two pairs of Warbler populationswere down this year. At least four Mockingbirds returned to the Cleveland area and nested Mourning Warblers were holding territories into mid- successfully;the population in Macon County, Ilk, was June at Libertyville, Ilk (JSu). Hooded Warblers were reported as down--possibly due to last winter's spell up slightly in numbersat P.R.A.--four this year (LCs), (RPa). It's hard to believe that robins could be scarce and individuals were also reported from Niles, O. (C J) (after recovery from the DDT era), but some observers and Marquette, la. (DKo). Singing Canada Warblers (Kentuckyand c. Illinois especially)reported the species were last observedJune 8 at Libertyville, Ill. (JSu) as rather scarcecompared to normal years; in fact, on one of my s. Illinois Breeding Bird Survey routes, I BLACKBIRDS AND TANAGERS -- Some report- didn't find a singleindividual where my 6-year average ers wondered whether meadowlark numbers had is 6 birds. It may not have beena populationexplosion dwindled. Summering individual Bobolinks were nor dramatic range expansion, but Veeries were reportedfarther souththan usual--especiallyc. Ilhno•s reported rather commonly through n. Iowa, n. Illinois (m.ob.). The number of Yellow-headedBlackbirds and n. Indiana (m.ob.). Reports of E. Bluebirds were nesting in n.w. Missouri was thought to be decreasing mixed: some say "everywhere" and others say (L) but n.e. Iowa observerswere more optimistic, "scarce." Southern Iowa observers reported several although there were some colony desertions noted nesUngpairs of LoggerheadShrikes (GB1, GBu) and a becauseof low water levels (JBd, GC); twenty birds family of four was noted in Lorain County, O., July 2 appearedat P.R.A., July 22 (LCs, MW) but possible

Volume31, Number6 1149 nesting was not implied. It was an apparent good Hobbs; (JHo) James Hoffman; Ed Hopkins; Barne summerfor Orchard Orioles in Iowa (MN) and Findlay, Howard; (RHo) Ron Howard; Virginia Humphreys, L O (RPh). At least five pairs of Brewer's Blackbirds Barrie Hunt; Carole Johnson, David Johnson; Nanette (three with fledged young) were observedin extreme Johnson; Charles & Tim Keller (Ind.); (DKI) Dennis n e Illinois (JN, LY). The first summeringactivity of Klines; Jean Knoblaugh; (DKo) Darwin Koenig; Robert Summer Tanagersin five years for Lafayette, Ind., was Krol; (MMa) Mahlon Mahoney; Lynn McKeown, exciting for local birders (DA). Steven Mlodinow; William Mohr; Burt Monroe; (DMr) FRINGILLIDS -- All observers reporting Blue David & Bill Moring; (MMo) Michael Morrison; (DMo) Grosbeakssuggested increases or at leastgood numbers Dean Mossman; Jack Musgrove; Jim Neal; Greg Nelse, Mike Newlon; David Osborne (s. Ohio); (RPa) Richard m w Kentucky (JEr); s. Indiana (HB); w. and s. Palmer; Brainard Palmer-Ball; Donald Parker; Larry Missouri(fide NJ, JEa); and w. Iowa (GBu). The first Parker; SebastianPatti; Clell Peterson, (RPh) Richard House Finch, a male, arrived at a Millersburg, O. feeder June 6 and was accompaniedby two more by early Phillips; Patricia Pichon; Janice Polk; Worth Randie, Lena Rauth; Dean Roosa; Mark Ryan; (RSa) Richard August (WM). Increased numbers of Savannah Sparrows were evident where appropriate habitat Sandburg; (JSc) Joe Schaufenbuel; (LSe) Lllhan Serbousek; (RSi) Ross Silcock; (DSm) David Smith, existedthrough the n. one-third of the Region--note the (LSm) Lawrence Smith; (RSt) Russell Starr; (DSt) 41 on a Steuben County, Ind., Breeding Bird Survey David Stauffer; (JS0 Jori Strayers;(JSu) Joe Sucheckl, (LCs) GrasshopperSparrows were also considered Michael Tove; Laurel Van Camp (n. Ohio); Mark "plentiful" when habitat was available--a good season Weldon; Zelma Williams; Lynne Yaskot.--VERNON for this speciesas long as hayfieldswere left unmowed. M. KLEEN: Division of WildIife Resources, Illinois Observers also reported a good nesting season for Department of Conservation, Springfield, 111.62706. Henslow's Sparrows with small groups occurring at eleven different areas in five states;the best record was of 40 territories set-up in a Holmes County, O. field CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION -- Wc (DKI) SevenVesper Sparrows were observed at G.L.P., July 10 (RPa) and several occurred in n.w. Iowa; apologiseto our readers, and especiallyto those in the Central Southern Region who however, they were not widespreadthroughout Iowa (JD) A full-plumagedHarris' Sparrowwas presentin provided the Regional Editor with their Clay County, Ia., June 9-15 (JD et al.). It was a good nestingseason records, but the editor assign- ed to that seasonfailed to submit a report to year for Swamp Sparrow populations in n. Iowa American Birds. marshes (DKo et al.); stragglers (?) were noted at G L P., July 10 (RPa) and Louisville June 5 (BPB). UNCORROBORATED REPORTS -- Louisiana NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGION Heron, Calumet, Ill., July 21 (fide SM). Wood Stork, /Esther M. Serr Hickman, Ky., July 31 (CP). SandhillCranes, pair with This nestingseason had averageprecipitation, but the one young, duringmid-June in LaGrangeCounty, Ind., early springhad beenso dry that the waders,waterfowl (PP) Virginia Rail, two at Schell-Osage,Mo., July 23 and shorebirdsdidn't have goodnesting conditions The (KH) Scissor-tailedFlycatcher, one in Ballard County, Missouri River was low because of lack of mountain Ky, June 4 (BM). snow. Berry and seedcrops were the best in years m CONTRIBUTORS -- (Sectional Editor's names in most places. boldface type; contributorsare requestedto sendtheir reports to these editors.) Major contributors (H) H. LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS -- Common David Bohlen; (K) Vernon Kleen (Ill.); (L) Floyd Loons had successfulbreeding in Whiteshell P., the Lawhon; (M) William Klamm; (N) Nicholas Halmi Duck Mts., the Turtle Mts., and Hecla I., L. Winnipeg, (Iowa); (P) Peter Petersen;(R) Mark Robbins(Mo.); (S) Man. Singleswere on the Missouri R., at Yankton, Anne Stature (Ky.); (W) Arthur Wiseman; other S.D., June 21 (JW) and in Rollette County, N.D., June observersand reportersinclude: George Arthur; Delano 26 (GBB). Red-neckedGrebes were in Elk IslandN P, Arvin, Robert Barrett; (JBd) Jim Bednarz;(JBl) Jane & Alta., with a total of 50 sightings; six were on nests Patricia Bell; Dale Birkenholz; (GB1) Gladys Black; (RJB). In s. Saskatchewan30 birds and 11 nestswere Catherine Bonner; Michael Brown, Woodward Brown; counted. Wascana Marsh, Regina, Sask., had 130 nests Harold Bruner; (GBu) Gene Burns; Elaine Burstatte; of Horned Grebes--the best in at least six years; all but (MCa) Marilyn Campbell; (LCs) Lee Casebere;David 15 were lost in heavy rains (RBD,LS). Eared Grebe Cederstrom;(MCo) Mary & Leonard Confer; George numbers were high, with 2000 birds and 950 nests at Crossley;Owen Davies; (RDe) Richard DeCoster; Jim Burdette,Alta., July I (RJB). A new colonyof 35 pairs Dinsmore; (RDo) Ronald Dodson; (JEa) Joe Eades; with youngwas noted July 5 in Williams County, N D Ralph Eiseman, (JEI) Jackie& Diane Elmore; (JEr) Joe (JTL,HFD). At Waubay N.W.R., S.D., 75 ad. Eared Erwm; (JFa) JosephFaggan; (JFo) Joan Fowler; (JG) Grebes were present all through the period with no Jerry Garver; Ronnie George; William Goodge; (JGr) nests or young observed (MHP,KFH). The best Joel Greenburg; (JHa) James Hancock; (RHa) Ray numbers of Pied-billed Grebes came from small ponds Hanmkman; (JHr) Jim Hardin; Douglas Harr; Kelly at the edgeof South Dakota's Black Hills (JLM).

1150 AmericanB•rds, November 1977 acres of brush (JTL). Pairs of Cinnamon Teal were observedin many placesbut no nestsor youngwere reported. An aerial surveymade by the U.S.F.&W.S.- , J SASK., MAN. C.W.S. counted 263,000 Canvasbacks s. of Prince Albert, Sask. (JBG). Two ad. Wood Ducks with two x.,' ' 7, I x" immatures at Nisland Marsh June 23, were believedto '• C j ' I i .CranJoe.'rryPorto0•- representa first nestingfor s. SouthDakota (JLM). A femalewith four youngin n. SpinkCounty, S.D., July 12 indicatedoff-refuge nesting (RLH). In Winnipeg therewere several broods along the Red R., duringthe season(DRMH,RFK). Two White-wingedScoters were seenin three placeswithin the Calgary area June4 - 11 (JJR,RJB). Three c• Barrow'sGoldeneyes were at Ben- , • MONT t P ' Tower ton Lake N.W.R., Mont., June 25 (B.Ake, J.Ake, D. Johnson,fide PDS).

RAPTORS -- The Turkey Vulture population in SouthDakota seemedcut in half. At Eastend,Sask., / , therewere up to 20Turkey Vultures at onetime (MAG). L,, t i ...... i -•' •,• ,, Two wereobserved feeding on a rabbitin DunnCounty, N.D. (DGD). A pair of Goshawkswas nestingin the The best White Pelican count w• ]025 m two lakes JudithMts., in e. Montanaduring June (PDS). Sharp- near Moose Jaw, Sask. (ROH,MAR,SJT,EWK). shinnedand Cooper'sHawk reportshad low countsof Oak •ammock Marsh. Man., which was away from eight each in s. Saskatchewan. thdr breedingarea, 5• gatheredby July ]0 (RWK,PT). There were 16 young Red-talleds in 11 nests at A Double-crestedCo•or•t colony of 427 nests Waubay N.W.R., S.D. (RRJ) and the specieswas D•wood L., Roberts Co., S.D., June 13 was believed generallywidespread over South Dakota. In July ad. to have been •splaced by an incr•sing Ring-billd Gull Broad-wingedHawks were seen with dependentyoung colony on the sine island (BKH). A colony in Divide in Dunn County, N.D. (JG). Then, to further extend County, N.D., d•lined to ten nests from 1926 (•S). their rangeto the w., two youngwere fledged in late Ju- HERONS THROUGH BITTERNS -- Br•ding col- ly from a nestin a ponderosapine on Terry Peak, S.D. onies of Great Blue Herons seemed to flou•sh near (elev.6400 ft--M. Scott,fide NRW). Pinawa, Hcda I., and Turtle Mrs., Man. A total of 11 There was a total of 287 Swainson's Hawks counted Grin •erons was found in Yankton, Bon •o•e and in the populated areas of Saskatchewan. On June 13 •ucl Cos., S.D., June 18 - July 18 (WH,BKH). One therewere 12 huntingin a fieldnear Riceton (FB); thir- w• m Delta June ll and another at St. Norb•t, Uan., teen Buteos--sevenSwainson's and six Ferruginous July 25 (WD•. A Yellow-crownedNight Heron was in Hawks--were circlinga stubblefield near Orkney, •ard County, N.D., June 25 and one w• at O• Ham- Sask.(MB). StuartHouston's party banded 81 youngin mock this s•son (AL). The rare Great •gret w• on 39 nestsJuly 16 - 17 in the Kindersley,Sask., area. The Frank L., Alta., June 18 - 22 (RJB,JSk); two wc• at main preywere Richardson's ground squirrels and a few Old Wives L., S•k., June 23 (KD) and one was at voles. FerruginousHawk sightingswere exceUentwith Kinsey, Uont., June 29 (NM). Snow• Egrets 136 counted in Saskatchewan. On June 18 one was n. of unusualat the foUow•g pla•s: Frank L., June 19, Oak the knownbreeding range at Maidstone(WCH,SML). •mock June4 (GDG); two adulB wc• at Briercrest, The Houston party banded53 young from 16 nests. Sask., July S (DGH) and one July 19 was in •vide Nine of thesenests were located in a 30 sq.-mipasture County, N.D. (TL•. S• Cmtlc Egr•s fur•sh• a near Kindersley and three of these were on artificial second•ord at M•m, Sask., July • (•H) and a poles (JMH,CSH). first record for •. Moma• was of o• s•hicd near Bil- GoldenEagles built a nestin a largeEuropean white lings July 6 (HWC,BB•. poplar in a desertedfarm shelterbelt near Riverhurst, North Dakota lost a b• Black-erown• Night Heron Sask.Incubation was noted Apr. 20-22;by June4 the colony b•ause the pond went d• in •vidc Coumy nest seemed to have failed. When Houston climbed the (RAS) but at FreezeoutL., Mont., June 12, the species tree, a Mallard exploded into his face. She was in- •er•s• (LMM). The besttmal for the s•des was cubatingseven eggs in the giganticeagle's nest. It is reported from Saskatchewan. American Bittern believedthat about50 youngGolden Eagles were raised numbersreposed w•e ve• low. One L•t Bittern was and bandedin Saskatchewan(CSH). One adult and two heardm ClarUdgh, Uan. (G•B,IWa) and o• w• at youngwere at a neston June11 at Medora, N.D. (K JJ). Gavin's Pt., S.D., July • Therewere two well-featheredeaglets June 5, Fairburn, S.D. (BMN). The Merlin continued its comeback with DUCKS -- A sp•cial study was made on a 12.5 goodincreases the last four years.It is onceagain seen isgnd in Uiller L., Divide Co., N.D. A total of •9 in deserted shelterbelts in Saskatchewan where it last Mallard and 238 Gadwall nes• w• found, mainly in 2.2 nestedin 1960.Sig Jordheim of White Bear,Sask., used

Volume 31, Number 6 1151 nest boxes for Am. Kestrels and from four boxes 17 Several thousand post-breedingWilson's Phalaropes young were banded. came to Miller L., Divide Co., N.D., in late June and July, where it is believedthey fed on the abundant brine CRANES, RAILS -- One ad. Whooping Crane re- shrimp (JTL,HFD). A total of 779 • N. Phalaropes mained on a slough near Saskatoon while being studied was sighted at lakes in s.c. Alberta June 19 - July 9 from a U.S.F.&W.S. aircraft July 7. Two ad. and two (RJB). imm. Sandhill Cranes were seen at Buffalo L., near Saskatoon July 3--a rare breeder for that area (JBG). GULLS, TERNS -- A LesserBlack-backed Gull pro- Five Sandhills near Lac du Bonnet, Man., suggested vided a first Saskatchewanrecord May 28 at Wascana breeding (PT). Marsh--documentation submitted (FHB). An ad. A Virginia Rail's nest with ten eggswas found s.c. of California Gull was found dead after suffocatingtrying Saskatoon June 10 (MAG). It was unusual to count 13 to swallow a ground squirrel at Freezeout L., Mont. in in the Black Hills area but water conditions were better June (LMM). Six ad. Forster's Terns and seven young there this season.There were 22 Sofas reported in the were being fed at Indi L., for a first breedingrecord for Black Hills, including an immature near Rapid City July the Saskatoon area (BCG,MAG,BWJ). In late June and 17 (TMH,JLM). July Least Terns became regular over backwaters of the Missouri R., at Bismarck, N.D., and a young was found SHOREBIRDS -- Populations were below average July 3 i (RNR). A total of 14 Least Terns was observed because of temporary loss of habitat or simply the along the Missouri R., in South Dakota from Ver- drought (RRJ). Some birds nested and more than usual million north to Pierre June 16 - July 7 just loafed. Four Piping Ploverswere seenin c. Saskat- (KJH,RLH,WH). Three Caspian Terns were in the chewan; five adults were seenat Gavin's Pt., S.D., July Region at Gavin's Pt., June 25; two downy chicks were 13-14 (JW,WH); and four young were fledged June 17 found in McLean County, N.D., for a first nesting at Ft. Peck, Mont. (CMC). Long-billed Curlew was record (RASc,KJW,JFH) and one was unusual at Seven most successful in Alberta with many young noted Sisters,Man. (PT). The Black Tern population seemed (RJB). There was a major increasein SpottedSandpiper to be increasingafter very low numbers for a few years. reported from most states and provinces. Ten nests averaged4.5 eggsat Wascana Marsh, Sask. (RBD). A CUCKOOS, OWLS, GOATSUCKERS -- A total of flock of 100 Dunlin was probably the largest ever nine Yellow-billed Cuckoos was counted at Highmore, reported in c. Saskatchewan July 3 (WCH,SML). w. Perkins Co. (AH), Pierre, Yankton, and Fall R. and Marbled Godwits had young by June 7--an early date in PenningtonCos., S.D. Black-billed Cuckoo sightingsin South Dakota totaled 35. Oliver County, N.D. (DPK). On June 25 there were 200 at Frank L.; 600 were at Stirling July 9 and 120 good- ScreechOwl young were seenin Moody County June sizedyoung were at New Dayton, Alta. (RJB). 28 (NJH) and four downy young were out of the nest Excitement over Black-necked Stilts in the region still begging for food June 30 in Roberts County, both S.D. prevailed throughout the nesting season. They were (BKH). One pair was found along the Knife R., Beulah, found many places in e. Montana (LMM,BE,JRF). N.D. in June (DPK). Four Hawk Owls were fledged on Two adults and a nest with six eggs were most unex- Hecla I. (J. Hnytka and W. Kelnner). One ad. Hawk pected in July at Beaverhill L., Alta., 530 N. latitude Owl was seenon a telephonepole and two downy young (RJB). Nine at Spearfish, S.D. lagoons June 3 - July 31 were on the ground near the railroad tracks at Chip L., acted as if they were nestingbut no evidencewas found Alta., June 23 (DR). Burrowing Owl numbers seem to (TMH,m.ob.). be decreasing each year. A Barred Owl nest with young was found at Bisset, Man. (CWC). An ad. Great Gray Owl and two young were found June 26 (AM) and another one July 5, both s.w. of Prince Albert, Sask. (DGH). One young and two adult Long-cared Owls were found in the same area of the South Dakota Badlands as in 1976 (RAW). Whip-poor-wills becamemore widespreadas the sum- mer progressedat Hudson Bay, Sask., June 7 (WCH) and one was at Gavin's Pt., S.D., June 10 (JW). A sizable resident population was noted in Sandiland and Whiteshell P.P., Man.

.I ; HUMMINGBIRDS, PICIDS -- Three Ruby- throatedswere feedingaround Yellow-belliedSapsucker holes June 27 at Nipawin, Sask. (Debi Robinson), and •t "' • •-• Itt• ' •, • • two fledged from a nest 10 ft up in a tamarack at Indian Head, Sask., July 27 (MS). Acr Rufous Hummingbird was banded June 26 at Rapid City, S.D., which prob- Blaclc-neclcedStilt, Beaverhill Lake, Alta., July, 1977. ably representeda first state record (TMH) and another Photo by Rudi J. Butot. was seen July 2 at Calgary (DD). A Calliope Hum-

1152 American Birds, November 1977 mingbirdwas reported observed s. of Rapid City July 31 Thrasherwas found July 17 on bentonitespoils in s w (AMB). [Details?--Ed.]. Butte County, S.D. (TMH). A singingc: Wood Thrush A Red-headedWoodpecker was a rare find at Fron- was seenJune 4 in RobertsCounty, S.D. (BKH). Two tier, Sask. (JJW). Pileated Woodpeckersightings this Hermit Thrusheswere observedin CypressHills July period in s.e. Manitoba totaled 11 (PT,PAH,RWK). 5-7, at least 200 mi from their known breedingrange Yellow-belliedSapsuckers occupied two nestsJune 22 in (WCH). On June 26 in a one-hour walk, 12 Veerieswere w Custer County, S.D. (NRW). Seldom-reported heard or seen in L. MetigosheS.P., N.D. (GBB) Black-backedThree-toed Woodpeckerswere at Pinawa, Eastern Bluebirds now inhabit most of the Region Man, and Hudson Bay, Sask., in mid-June; in Custer From 62 nestboxes 243 youngwere fledgedin the Man- County and Palmer Gulch, S.D., in mid-July (C. dan, N.D. area(FG). It wasrare to have13 youngfrom Faanes, TMH,RMM). Northern Three-toeds were threenests as far n. as Saskatoon(MIH). SouthDakota found on the w. side of the Region at Keoma, Alta., reported31 adultsand young (NJE,DHK,GRB). OneE June 11 (RJB) and at CypressHills, Sask., July 16 Bluebird was found in Carter County, Mont., June 24 (WCH). (HWC,BBF) and two males were at Calgary June 1-12 (RJB). The Mountain Bluebird is not doing well FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- A W. Kingbird generally; however, at Saskatoon 23 adults and 274 wasfar to the e. at Indian Bay, Lake of the Woods, July youngwere bandedin 69 nests(MIH). 10 (RFK,RWK,JLMu,PT). Three Great Crested Fly- catchers were at Maidstone, w. of the known Saskat- A Sprague'sPipit was singinge. of its normal range chewanrange, June 19 (WCH,SML). There were at July 30 at Oak Hammock Marsh (RWK,PT). All states least 13 Great Cresteds reported from the e. half of and provinces had good numbers of Loggerhead South Dakota. The Say's Phoebe still maintained a Shrikes.Red-eyed Vireos were common and especially "toehold" in s.w. Manitoba and n.e. North Dakota and so around Pinawa, Man., when 77 were found on a wasreported in goodnumbers in the restof the Region. 12-mi hike (PT). A Philadelphia Vireo was observedon Reporters sent in many reports of Empidonax Hecla I., July 31 (PAH). Yellow-throated Vireos were species--Willow, Alder, Least and W. Flycatchers.The seenalong the Red R., Winnipeg(DRMH) and onewas E Wood Pewee pushedW in South Dakota and Saskat- on the w. edgeof its rangeat Minot, N.D., where it was chewan.It wasseen and tapedcalls were compared July singing July 17-25 (GBB). A Solitary Vireo was in 6, 20 mi e. of Rapid City (JLM,EMS); two were at Cleghorn Canyon, Rapid City, June 19 (DSM) and Good Spirit L., June 11 (WCH) and one was e. of three were at StockadeL., CusterCo., S.D. (NRW) Grenfell July 27 (SML). The Saskatchewanobserva- Unusual was a Bell's Vireo in ShannonCounty, S D, tionshave beenfiled with Earl Godfreyin preparation July 26 (RAW) and onewas at Gavin'sPt., S.D., July 8 for his revisionof The Birds of Canada. (WH). Nesting Violet-green Swallows at Eastend June 19 The best warbler report came from Peter Taylor of (MB) and at RavenscragButte in July (WCH) wererare Pinawa, Man. He observed622 individualsof 24 species breeding records for s.w. Saskatchewan.Tree Swallows in coniferous and mixed forests June 15-30. The list in- fledged 480 young from 99 nest boxesnear Mandan, cludedBlack-and-white 29, Magnolia 27, Blackburman N D (FG). At Saskatoon611 young were bandedin 116 14, Ovenbird 116, Connecticut36, includinga nestwith nest boxes (MIH). Purple Martins nested for the first five eggsat nearby Hadashville(HWRC), Canada 8, time in 10 yearsat AudubonN.W.R., N.D. (DCM). Nashville 117, N. Parula 16, Chestnut-sided 101, They had good nestingat Highmore, Yankton, Brook- Mourning 86, and Am. Redstart 65. How nice that his ings County and Burke, S.D., with about 300 young countwasn't a tower kill! Out-of-rangewere N. Parulas; reported(JHH,NJH,GLS). 28 at Yankton June 1 (JW) and a male June 22-28 in CORVIDS THROUGH WRENS -- The Corvid Pennington County, S.D. (JLM). group was mentioned as being somewhat scarce this "House Sparrows seemed to have taken over nests summer.The largestflock of Black-billedMagpies was from the Barn Swallows.The male raked out the nests, 30 in Rapid City July 25 (BLG). An ad. Mountain eggs fell and were broken; and young were on the Chickadeewas teachingtwo young to fly at Cochrane, groundwith their headspractically eaten off. "--Spring Alta, June 19 (MO). Dippers were found in Custer and Valley, Sask. (FB). Pennington Cos., S.D., July 2-6 (RLH,GRB). Long- billed and Short-billed Marsh Wrens were more com- BLACKBIRDS, FINCHES -- There were 20 records mon than usual in their preferred habitats. Three Can- of Scarlet Tanagers and 71 of Indigo Buntings in s e yon Wrens were observedin Custer County, S.D., July Manitoba. A pair of Indigo Buntingswas observedJune 2 (RLH). 12 at Good Spirit L., Sask. The male was singing;it was possibly the first breeding for that area (BCG,KKM MIMIDS THROUGH WEAVERS -- Two Mock- DWR). A Lazuli Bunting's nest was found with three ingbirdswere fledgedat Dundurn, Sask., July 26 which young at Ft. Peck, Mont., July 10 (John Carlson, fide probably representedthe first breedingrecord for the CMC). Two Cassin's Finches were sighted in s. Custer province(Dale Guthormsen).Young werebeing fed in a County(above 5000 ft) July 2 (C. Faanes).A pair of Pine nestJune 30 at Angela, Mont., and probably indicateda Grosbeakson June 1 was most unusuals. of Rapid C•ty first breedingrecord for e. Montana (NM). A Sage (AMB).

Volume 31, Number 6 1153 SPARROWS -- Lark Buntings were down 10% from DAKOTA -- G.B. Berkey, H.F. Duebert, D.G. D•sbro, 1976 levels at Frontier, Sask. (JJW). Baird's Sparrows T.L. Fuller, F. Goldman, J. Grief, J.F. Herman, K J were singing in six locations June 16 in McPherson Johnson, D.P. Kibbe, D.L. Kubischta, J.T. Lakeregen, County, S.D. (BKH); four were at Balzac, Alta., June D.C. McGlauchlin, R.N. Randall, R.A. Schmidt 22 (JM) and a femalewas singing June 29 in w. Pembina (RASc), R.A. Stromstad,K.J. Wilson. SASKATCH- County, N.D. (DLK). Le Conte's Sparrow was listed as EWAN -- F. Bogdan, M. Belcher, F.H. Brazier, K on territory from eachstate and province.Alberta had a Doraty, R.B. Donison, B.C. Godwin, J.B. Gallop, total of 12 Le Conte's June 23 - July 24 (EH,DR). Only M.A. Gallop, J.M. Harris, W.C. Harris, R.O. Hdhng, two McCown's Longspurs were observed on their D.G. Hjertaas, C.S. Houston, M.I. Houston, B W breedingrange at Etizikom, Alta., June 4 (HWP). Johns, E.W. Kern, S.M. Lamont, K.K. Meeres, A. Melynchuk, M.A. Ritchie, D.W. Robinson, L. Scott, CONTRIBUTORS (area editors in boldface). M. Skinner, S.J. Thompson, J.J. Wilkinson. SOUTH ALBERTA -- R.J. Bntot, D. Denton, E. Hebron, J. DAKOTA -- G.R. Bachmann, A.M. Bradsky, N.J M•nty, M. Oliver, H.W. Pinel, J.J. Riddell, D. Eckmann, B.L. Green, K.F. Hall, W. Hall, B K Robinson, J. Skilnick. MANITOBA -- C.W. Harris, J.H. Hatter, T.M. Hays, R.L. Hill, A. H•nds, Cuthbert, H.W.R. Copland, G.D. Grieef, D.R.M. N.J. Holden, K.J. Hoover, R.R. Johnson, D H Hatch, G.E. Holland, P.A. Horch, R.W. Knapton, Knect, D.S. McCulloh, R.M. Michael, J.L. Mortimer, R.F. Koes, W.D. Kyle, A. Lindsay, J.L. Murray B.M. Nordstrom, M.H. Phillips, E.M. Serf, G.L. (JLMu), P. Taylor, I. Ward. MONTANA -- C.M. Steffen, N.R. Whitney, J. Wilcox, R.A. Walt -- Carlson, H.W. Carlson, B. Eng, B.B. FitzGerald, J.R. ESTHER M. SERR, 615 - 8th St., Rapid City, S.D. Foster, N.Martin, L.M. Moos, P.D. Skaar. NORTH 57701.

SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGION "It's beengreat fun exploringthe area and for me it has /Frances Williams becomeas exciting as the migration season." In Crosby County, Kelly Himreel kept closewatch on eighteenof Great Plains birders always tend to estivateduring the the county's more than 600 playas and obtained a very blistering summer months but this summer was so good sampling of the waterfowl nestingthere. At San extraordinarily hot for so long a time that lessthan half Angelo, Terry Maxwell and C.C. Wiedenfeld were the usual number of reports was submitted and those working on a checklist of birds of the Concho Valley that were received often contained just one sentence: and discovered many breeding species previously "Nothing unusual, no observable change in breeding unsuspected.The Midland Naturalists confirmed about bird population, too hot to get out much." a dozen new breeding speciesin Midland County and But in west Texas, where daily temperatures of also participated in eleven widely scattered Breeding 98-108øF were mitigated by cool nights and low Bird Surveys. Mary Clayton and other Crockett County humidity, birders worked to fill in the blank spaceson observersadded much to the knowledgeof breeding the maps in Oberholser's Bird Life of Texas (1974). The birds in their area and at Alpine the Big Bend Birders maps as printed indicate many counties with no were organized to cover the almost unknown area breedingbirds at all! Ken Seyffert wrote from Amarillo (ornithologically speaking)between Big Bend National Park and the Davis Mountains. ! S DAK • MI_NN.. \ GREBES THROUGH ANHINGA -- At M•dland tiny chicks of both Pied-billed and Eared Grebes were discoveredduring July (TSJ,GP,m.ob.). These species ...... ß Nodh ß Lin;oJneOmoha often summer in w. Texas, but actual nesting records are rare. A lone White Pelican remained at Hagerman N.W.R., Tex., throughout the period. About 30 r eDen•er.... JI •anha•an C O L O. l: Hays. Topekat•w..... Double-crested Cormorants summered on Toledo Bend I Res., on the Texas - Louisiana line and one nest was • Wichit• J GrandLake discoveredJune 25 (CDF). Double-crestedCormorants •--, - I• - ...... Salt plaina ß summered on L. Somerville, Lee and Burieson Cos, l, ', . ,• La mex., where Olivaceous Cormorants were also present I .... I Muskogee June 22. A nest found July 12 was unattendedby adults NEWEX. I ..... so it is unknown to which speciesit belonged(KR et al ) I . Muleshoe The Olivaceous Cormorants at L. Arrowhead, Clay Co., Tex., scatteredand establishednew nestingsites so the Kiblers could not determine just how many nests there were. Six imm. OlivaceousCormorants spent the summer at L. Hernet, Oklahoma City (JGN). Three Olivaceous Cormorants were observed at Cheyenne Bottoms N.W.R., Kans., July 2 (DV et al.). Anhmgas MEXIC were present at L. Somerville June 22 & July 12 1154 American Birds, November 1977 HERONS THROUGH IBISES -- Most contributors youngin a Tulsa light industryarea. This speciesnested noted the presenceof a few juvenal and adult herons in Dallas County for the first time (WP). Very few late •n the period, but observationsof nestingsites were Swainson's Hawk nests could be found in w. Texas scarce. An establishedGreat Blue heronry in Potter FerruginousHawks were observedduring early June in County, Tex., produced 14 young from eight nestsand Hartley, Sherman,Ochiltree, Dallam and Hansford Cos, one •n Ochiltree County, Tex., produced sevenyoung Tex. A nest was found in Dallam County and a recently from two nests(KS). Wandering LouisianaHerons were fledged bird was sighted in Hansford County. Seyffert reported at Waxahachie,Tex., June 27 & July 18 (GG) believesmany more nestscould be located if accessto the and in Linn County, Kans., July 23 (JP et al.). Nesting largeprivate land holdingswere permitted.Most of the of Green Herons at San Angelo was confirmed. The FerruginousHawks were near prairie dog towns. There blue-listedBlack-crowned Night Heron increasedat the werevery few reportsof Broad-wingedHawks, but they Ft Worth heronry and a total of 18 wandering birds are much more difficult to see in their woodland habitats was sightedin Crosby and Hale Cos., Tex. during July. than are the large Buteos on the western plains. In the A Yellow-crowned Night Heron nest containing two Midland area the chief danger to Harris' Hawks are young was located in Crosby County (LR, m.ob.). teen-aged boys who take the young from the nests F•sher reported that he knows of only one locality in e. to "train". Texas where Least Bitterns nest, so the discoveryof two An Ospreyseen at Toledo Bend Res., July 15 wasthe nesUngsites in arid w. Texas is surprising.These were only one reported. Prairie Falconswere sightedin Dallam located in Hemphill County (KS) and Tom Green County June 11 (KS) and in Palo Duro Canyon S P , County (TM). The only Am, Bittern reported anywhere Tex., July 17 (BH). At least two pairs of kestrels nested m the Region was at Buffalo Lake N.W.R., Tex., July in the Dallas area: four youngwere banded at Duncanville 31 At L. Rayburn in e. Texas 16 Wood Storks were May 16 (TD,WP) andadults were seen feeding two young present July 31. Also at L. Rayburn, 21 White lbises, all in downtown Dallas June 8 (P J). Kestrels were present birds of the year, were sighted July 3. This species at Midland in early July, an unusualperiod (ME et al ) nested in large numbers in Polk County, Tex. About 60 RA1LS, COOTS -- In Crockett County, Tex., a King White Ibises visited Osage Hills S.P., Okla., July 6 Rail with five chicks was discoveredin late July (MC, (R&MH). m.ob.). King Rails were sightedat Hagerman N.W R, WATERFOWL -- Three Canada Geese summered at June I I & July 18 (KWH). Adults with at least s•x HagermanN.W.R. but no nestwas found. In the Texas downy chickswere seenin WashingtonCounty, Okla, Panhandle Mallards with young were observed in June 23 (ED). During July at least three birds were Randall, Moore, Gray, Hansford, Carson and Hartley heard in the Cattail Marsh at L. Overholser (JGN) Cos Mallards at L. Somerville June 22 and Midland Virginia Rails were presentat L. Meredith, Hutchinson July 30 providedfirst summer records.A Mottled Duck Co., Tex. and Waxahachie in mid-June and at M•dland with young was observedat CheyenneBottoms, N.W.R., July 30. An immature was seen at San Angelo in m•d- July4 (JS)and a Mottled Duck waspresent at L. Rayburn July. Soras were heard at many localities by the end of July 24 8,:31. An unusual number of Blue-wingedTeals July but apparently there were no June records. An ad nestedsuccessfully throughout w. Texas. A Wood Duck Black Rail was seen briefly in Osage County, Okla, w•th seven young was sighted at Tulsa July 19. In June 7 (EHi). Hemphill County, Wood Ducks nest on small private The Midland sewage evaporative ponds have been lakeswhere they are relativelyundisturbed. An ad. Ruddy birded constantlyfor 30 yearsbut no nestingAm. Coots Duck accompanyingthree juveniles July 31 in Crosby had ever been seen. This summer three nests were located County provided the first nestingrecord anywhere in and there must have been dozens, becauseover 50 fuzzy w Texas. black and red chicks were present by early July. Coots are also common breeders on the playas from Midland K1TES THROUGH KESTRELS -- At Tulsa four north throughthe Panhandle.Four Am. Coots summered young MississippiKites were banded from two nests. at L. Rayburn for the first time, but did not nest, and no Feathers in the nestswere identified as Chimney Swift evidence of nesting was found in Tom Green County feathers and ad. kites were twice observed eating where there were many summeringbirds. ChimneySwifts (VH). In w. Texaskites nest in riparian habitatsand in tall treesnear ranch houses,stock ponds SHOREBIRDS -- A Piping Plover was noted at and golf coursesand are increasingin urban habitats.At Oklahoma City July 25 (ScW). Snowy Plovers were both Lubbock and Wichita Falls the birds caused much numerousin Russelland Barton Cos., Kans., in early consternationby dive-bombinggolfers. Ten nestswere July and were present at Muleshoe N.W.R., Tex, discoveredat the Wichita Falls Country Club. Mississippi throughout the period but no young were reported K•teswere presentalong the Rio Grande in Big Bend N.P. anywhere. A single Mountain Plover was noted in throughoutthe period. Dallam County June 11. In Kansas, Marbled Godw•ts Both Sharp-shinnedand Cooper'sHawks were present were present the first week of July at Quivera and m the ChisosMts., Big Bend N.P. In the park a Cooper's Cheyenne Bottoms N.W.R.s and a Whimbrel was found Hawk was observed feeding on juniper berries (GY) at the latter locality July 31 (DV). Pairs of Long-billed while at Tulsa one was sighted carrying a small snake. Curlews were widespreadduring early June in Hartley, For the third year, SwainsoWsHawks successfullyraised Dallam and Hansford Cos. Juvenal-plumagedUpland

Volume 31, Number 6 1155 Sandpiperswere reportedin LancasterCounty, Neb. the first confirmed nestingof this speciesin the county. (NoJ) and Tulsa County(H&WE). Upland Sandpipers Reportsof Barn Owl nestsin deer blindsare increasing werewidespread in w. Texasin late Juneand early July, throughout Texas. Perhaps birdlovers can establish but no evidenceof breedingwas found. "Barn Owl trails" as they havebluebird trails by erecting A Willet at L. Somerville June 14-15 was the third area deer blindsat the proper intervals. In Crockett County record. A flock of 16 Willets at the Nacogdochessewage eastern-voiced and western-voiced Screech Owls called pondsJuly 7 wasthe largestnumber seen at onetime in within a mile of each other (M.N.). Two Flammnlated that area (SL). Spotted Sandpiperswere sighted at Owls were observed in the Chisos Mts., June 30 (PS). A numerouslocations during the period but no evidenceof Barred Owl in Hemphill County July 24 constitutesone nestingwas obtained. A RuddyTurnstone was 9bserved of the few records from the Panhandle. In Lancaster at HagermanN.W.R., July26. Two Dunlinsin Dallas County, Neb., Long-earedOwls usurpeda new crow's CountyJuly 10(WP) andthree Buff-breasted Sandpipers nest and on Mar. 26 the nest contained five owl eggs. On at HagermanJuly 26 wereunusual for the dates.Black- April 8, brokenegg shells were underand in the nestand neckedStilts fledged two youngat Buffalo Lake N.W.R., the owls were gone (No J). A Lesser Nighthawk was a first record,and at SanAngelo five youngwere seen. observedin Uvalde County, Tex., July 7 (E&KM). GULLS THROUGH SKIMMERS -- A Herring Gull HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH FLYCATCHERS -- and a Laughing Gull were both photographedat Lucifer Hummingbirds were scattered throughout the L. LivingstonJuly 31 (KB). Three LaughingGulls were ChisosMts., in smalllocal concentrations. A few females presentat L. Rayburnin late June,a first recordfor the fed on century plants along the East and South Rims pineywoodsregion (CDF). A Franklin'sGull wasreported June 30. During the first two weeks of July as many as at L. SomervilleJune 22, an unusualdate (KR). A Ring- ten males and femalesfed on trompetilla on the lower billed Gull on the Rio Grande in the Big Bend July 5 was Window Trail. A few females remained after the also noteworthy. Seyffert observedten Least Tern nests trompetillafinished blooming and fed at centuryplants. on a sandbarin the CanadianR., Hemphill Co., June 14. An Anna's Hummingbird appeared at Alpine, Tex., One nest containedone egg, three nestscontained two July 30 (JSy, m.ob.). A Rufous Hummingbird remained eggseach and six nests contained three eggs each. While at a feeder in Sherman, Tex., July 19 to the end of the these were the only nestsof this endangeredspecies period (CRB). A Rivoli's Hummingbird visited a feeder reported,there were sightings at ConestogaState Recre- at Davis Mt. Resort throughout the period (fide JS0 ation Area, Denton, Neb. (HTB), in Crosby County, at but the specieswas noted in the Chisos Mrs. only on Hagerman, Wilson Res., CheyenneBottoms and in July 23 (DW). RogersCounty, Okla. The bird of the seasonwas the "Yellow-shafted" Flickers had fledged young in Black Skimmer at Wilson Res., Russell Co., Kans., CrosbyCounty by mid-June(RE). ThreeCorn. Flickers discoveredby CharlesA. Ely and photographedby Ed werepresent at HagermanN.W.R., June6, wherethey SchulenbergJuly 3. are not known to breed (CRB). Most observerswithin the rangeof Red-headedWoodpeckers reported greatly increasednumbers. Downy Woodpeckersnested in Potter and Hemphill Cos., and were also presentin Ochiltree and Gray Cos. This speciesis considereda rare breeder in the Texas Panhandle but its "scarcity" may reflect a lack of observers more than a lack of birds. At Midland an E. Kingbird June 5 provideda first springand/or summerrecord. An ad. E. Kingbird fedtwo fledglings in CrosbyCounty July 31. The last recordednesting in the county was in 1973. Scissor-tailedFlycatchers were extremely scarce on all Breeding Bird Survey routes in w. Texas. The nest of an Ash-throated' Flycatcher in JacksonCounty, Okla., containedtwo nearly fledged young July 14 (JDT, JA). This is at the e. limits of the Black Skimmer, RussellCo., Kans., secondstate record, rangeof the speciesas wasone at PossumKingdom L., Palo Pinto Co., Tex. The latter nest,in a cavityin a fence July 3,1977. Photo by Ed Schulenberg. post, wasfound May 22. Eventuallyfive youngfledged DOVES THROUGH GOATSUCKERS -- In the Davis (KN). A Say's Phoebe in Crosby County in late June Mts., Band-tailedPigeons fed at lowerelevations throughout constituted the first mid-summer record there. Singing the period but in the ChisosMts., they remainedon the E. Wood Pewees were heard in Grayson County, Tex., higherslopes until late July. ThreeWhite-winged Doves June 2 and July 3-21 (KWH). in ScurryCounty, Tex., June7 werefar north of their usualrange (JHY). Withoutexception, contributors noted SWALLOWS THROUGH WRENS -- The staff at that Yellow-billed Cuckoos were common to abundant. CheyenneBottoms N.W.R., erectednest boxesfor Tree Black-billed Cuckoos nestedat Lincoln (No J) and one Swallows and were successfulin attracting a pair, thus wassighted in Lyon County. BarnOwls were discovered establishinga first state breedingrecord for the species nestingin a deer blind in Midland County (ME et ai.), (fideJS). Five Cliff Swallownests and three Barn Swallow

1156 AmericanBirds, November 1977 nests were built under a bridge over "Stink Creek" in mented that Prothonotary Warblers were present in Ector Co., Tex. (BE). Rough-winged Swallows have just good numbers. One at L. Somerville July 12 provided a about disappeared as a breeding speciesin Grayson first summer record, although Arnold believesbreeding County (CRB) but are increasingin the TexasPanhandle. could be verified with more field work. A Swainson's In Hemphill County July 24, 77 Rough-winged Swallows, Warbler was seen in Mayes County, Okla., June 12 which all appeared to be young of the year, perched (ScW). A Lucy's Warbler was singing on the Rio together in typical swallow fashion. Although there has Grande floodplainin PresidioCounty June 10 (JHY) been a colony of Purple Martins at Big L., Tex. for many Prairie Warblers were presentin Linn County, Kans, years, this was the first summerthey appearedat Rankin July 10 (JP). Nesting of Com. Yellowthroats was just 28 mi west. A Verdin nested at Lubbock. House verified at San Angelo for the first time. A pair of this Wrens were very common in Hemphill County and also speciesremained on territory at Midland throughout the sang vigorously in Gray County July 17 and Ochiltree period but nesting was not confirmed. There was an County June 7. Observers in Oklahoma, Kansas and unusual number of Com. Yellowthroats at L. Mc- Nebraska all noted the scarcity of Carolina Wrens and Clellan, Gray Co., in July. Unusual summersightings of all blamed it on the severity of the winter of 1976-77. Am. Redstarts were made in the Dallas Cedar Brakes Although Carolina Wrens are normally rare west of the July 14 (C&ES), Big Bend N.P., June 10 (R&JB), L 100th meridian, they were presentin Hemphill County Marvin June 14. June 14 and Gray CountyJuly 17 (PA, KS). CactusWrens In Andrews County, Tex., the only meadowlarksheard nestedfor the first time at MuleshoeN.W.R. (KH), and during the BreedingBird Survey sang the song of the e probably nestedin Oldham County where unoccupied species.A c• "Baltimore"Oriole wassighted in Tarrant nestswere found. The species'habit of building roosting County, Tex., July 20 (MR). A Hooded Oriole regularly nests makes it obligatory to see eggs•-oryoung before brought young to a hummingbird feeder at Kerrville postulating breeding. A Cactus Wren was reported in during June. The springreport cited severalnew colomes Dallas County July 27, providing a first record there of Great-tailed Grackles and the Breeding Bird Survey (fide WP). A Rock Wren nestwas found in an abandoned in Winkler County, Tex., located another. In w. Texas, cahchepit in Midland Countywhere there were no previous SummerTanagers normally breed only in riparianhabitats summersightings of the species(JMe). but this summer there were scatteredsightings in urban habitats. MIMICS THROUGH VIREOS -- Curve-billed Thrashers nested at Muleshoe N.W.R. for the first time FRINGILLIDS -- Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were nest- and were seen in Hutchinson, Potter and Randall Cos. ing in Lincoln County in late May, so what were some Brown Thrashers at Midland fledged two broods, a first individualsdoing in Potter County July 30 and Chlsos breedingrecord there (JK). A pair of E. Bluebirdswas Mrs., June 5? Indigo Buntings may be extending their discovered in Midland County in mid-July, but no breedingrange W in Texasas they were presentduring young were seen and it could not be determined how the summerat six localitieswhere they are normally only long the birds had been at that locality. There were no transients.Dickcissels are unpredictable,so their presence previoussummer records in the county. Wood Thrushes in irrigatedalfalfa fieldsall throughthe s. Texasplains were more numerousin WashingtonCounty, Okla. than was not surprising even though first breeding records usual, and juvenileswere seenJuly 28 (ED). wereestablished at severallocalities. In Hemphill County Five speciesof vireos nested in the Concho Valley: Am. Goldfinches were present throughout the period, Black-capped,White-eyed, Bell's, Gray and Red-eyed. but nestingwas not confirmed. Yellow-throated Vireos were also present, but breeding The first reported nest of the Rufous-sided Towhee in was not verified. Bell's, Red-eyedand Warbling Vireos Oklahoma was found June 15 four min. of Colcord It weremuch reduced in numbersin PayneCounty, Okla. (DI). contained three large young (RS et al.). A male of this Black-capped Vireos were numerous in the Dallas cedar speciesdefending territory in Lyon County, Kans., July brakes area. One was seenat the Wichita Mrs. N.W.R., 24 was also noteworthy (MS). GrasshopperSparrows Okla, July 9 (JDT). Contributors were about evenly summered in unusually large numbers on the w. Texas divided on the questionof whetherBell's Vireos declined plains and somewere heard singingin the Davis Mrs., in or increased, but it is the editor's belief that becauseof July (BE,RMS). Juvenal birds were present in the the hot, dry weather the birds stopped singing earlier Midland area by July 10, providing a first breeding in the day than usual and so went undetected in most record there. A Chipping Sparrow in Crosby County areas Gray Vireos were presentin the Chisos Mrs., in July 24 constituteda first summer record. good numbers.A Red-eyedVireo at L. Marvin, Hemphill Co, June 14 constituted the first summer record for the CORRIGENDUM -- A m. Birds 31:197 -- The Texas Panhandle. A Warbling Vireo summered in Presidio Bird Records Committee rejected the Yellow-green County, Tex., but nestingcould not be confirmed(JMi). Vireo in Kerr County by a 6-0 vote. A juvenal-plumagedWarbling Vireo was observedbegging CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- Nebraska: for food in Gray County July 17, but the specieswas H. Thomas Bartlett, Norma Johnson (No J). Kansas: absentfrom Hemphill County where it normally breeds. CharlesA. Ely, Nan Johnson(NaJ), Ed Martinez, Earl McHugh, John Parrish, Ed Schulenberg, Jean WARBLERS THROUGH TANAGERS -- Several Schulenberg, Marvin Schwilling, Donald Vannoy contributors in the e. one-third of the Region com- Oklahoma: John Ault, A. Marguerite & F M

Volume 31, Number 6 1157 Baumgartner, Pat Bergey, Ella Delap, Hazel & Wes up and grassesturned brown. Fortunately for many bird ßEkholm, Dotty Goard, Joe Grzybowski,Viki Hatfield, species,young had fledged early. Elizabeth Hayes (EHa), Elizabeth Hicks (EHi), Rex & Passerinespecies in southern Texas are particularly Mary Hunter, Deloris lsted, Janet McGee, Hohn G. vulnerable to Brown-headed and Bronzed Cowbird Newell, D.C. Rudolph, R. Sanders,C. Swartz, Jack D. predation, and to eviction from nest sitesby Starlings. ßTyler, Scott Wood (SEW). Texas: Peggy Acord, Keith At Camp Stanley, in northwest Bexar County, Morgan A. Arnold, Robert & Jori Barnett, Charles R. Brown, Joneserected 50 bird boxes.These boxeswere designed Raymond Brown, Kelly Bryan, Mary Clayton, T. for bluebirds with openings slightly enlarged to accom- Dellinger, Bill Edwards, Rosemary English, Midge modate Myiarchus flycatchers, since Starlings are not Erskine, C.D. Fisher, Gayla Gatling, Lynda Gearheart, resident in the area. From these boxes, two pairs of Karl W. Hailer, Kelly Himmel, Bill Holliday, P. Wied's CrestedFlycatchers, three pairs of Ash-throated Jackson, Theodore S. Jones, John & Erma Kibler, Flycatchers,six pairs of Tufted (Black-crested)Titmice, June Kingon, Sue Lower, Terry Maxwell, Joann Merritt fifteen pairs of Bewick's Wrens, and one pair of Eastern (JMe), Jody Miller (JMi), Nancy Moore, Ernest & Kay Bluebirds fledged a combined total of 76ø7o.Most soc- Mueller, K. Nanney, Midland Naturalists (M.N.), cessful were the bluebirds, fledging 12 of 14 eggs, while Georgia Porter, Warren Pulich, Midge Randolph, the Ash-throated Flycatchersfledged only nine young Loveta Ream, Ken Ridlehuber, John Schmidt (JSt), from 18 eggs. These results must stand out in stark con- Peter Scott, James Scudday (JSy), Kenneth Seyffert, trast to those obtained in localities where Starlings and C.& E. Smith, Layfette Stankewitz, Rose Marie Stortz, cowbirds abound. The horrors of Starling infestation C.C. Wiedenfeld, Jack Williams, David Wolf, Sam can readily be seenin Austin's East Woods Park. Here Wolfe, Tom Wood, Larry Wynn, James H. Yamis, Starlings nested early, monopolizing available holes. Gary Yates.--FRANCES WILLIAMS, 3307 Neely, Other hole nesterswere late. In July at least one brood Midland, TX. 79703. each of Carolina Chickadeesand Tufted (Black-crested) Titmice were being fed, but broods of Red-bellied SOUTH TEXAS REGION Woodpeckers--regular here--were not to be found /Fred S. Webster, Jr. (EBK). PELICANS -- Brown Pelicans fledged 34 young Abundant spring rainfall resulted in ample water, from 17 nests at two colonies on the c. coast--22 from cover and food to sustain nesting birds well into sum- Long Reef near Aransas N.W.R., and 12 from Pelican mer. A drying trend was evidentin June in most areas, l., at Corpus Christi. This was the highestnumber since the Rio Grande Delta and parts of the central coast ex- this speciesstarted a comebackon the Texas coast. In cepted. July was dry throughout, and August brought addition, at least 105 adults and sub-adults were observ- relief only to the upper coast. Temperatures averaged ed on the c. coast July 3; this number probably included slightlyabove normal for the period. Most cooperators both Texas non-breeders,and post-nuptial visitors from Mexico (RTP). In the Port Isabel area, at least 25 non- breedingindividuals were seenduring the summer.

HERONS, SPOONBILLS -- Most heron specieshad a productiveseason on the c. coast, "thanks to extreme- • ,• PALMETTOHouston ß • •Cove• ly mild weather and no serioussummer squalls" (RTP). Reddish Egrets raised about 1.5 young/nest, despite •o .. ß .. An•n'o O' • •- •"•' uvalae " some loss of young during high water in May (RTP) Yellow-crowned Night Herons had an excellent season : O• EaglePassWelderRefugee Beeviii, • • in Fort Bend County (JGM), as did RoseateSpoonbills ' e:• •. A cee •R•kpO• •:j• • • • • Lare•oNUECE5• p• • on the c. coast (KM). -•: • 4/'• • "•.•u* C• WATERFOWL -- A number of Black-bellied Whis- tling Ducks were found in Fort Bend County, but no young were observedby the end of July (JGM). One brood was observed at Aransas N.W.R. (JK). The Rockport population (50 birds) did not stay, apparently owing to dried up ponds (DNW), but good results were noted in the Corpus Christi area (KM). Nestingis on the increase at Laguna Atascosa N.W.R., where about 200 , adults nested; 300 young were counted to Aug. 18 (GAU). Mottled Ducks did well on the c. coast. Wet weather provided ample nesting habitat at Aransas reported a generallysuccessful nesting season, most ex- N.W.R., and 20 broods were observed on the refuge ceptionsbeing areas where excessive rain fell early in the and on Matagorda I. (JK). A White-winged Scorer was breeding cycle. But conditions changedrapidly after observedin the surf5 min. of High l., June 17 (GEM). June. From Rockport to the Rio Grande, pondsdried There appearsto be no summerrecord for this relatively

1158 American Birds, November 1977 scarce surf-loving bird. Hooded Mergansers are not fostersdisaster; a new spoil island in the Laguna Madre known to breed in Texas, but it can no longer be said was promptly colonizedby perhaps100 pairs of Least that no nest was ever prepared nor egg laid. In n. Fort Terns, seen June 9 (RTP). Aggressivebehavior by Bend County Mar. 4, a Hooded Merganser flew into adults and the presenceof a downy young indicated an old woodpeckerhole. On the following day, in- nesting activity at L. Casa Blanca at Laredo (RTP) vestlgationshowed one egg reposingin the down-filled Black Skimmers nested successfullyon Bolivar Flats hollow (MAC, TBF, CDF). (JGM), but "people problems"beset some colonies on HAWKS -- One or two Hook-billed Kites were the c. coast. Possibly the worst slaughter occurred at reportedat wide intervalsthroughout the seasonat San- Rockport beach when skimmers decided to move in ta Ana N.W.R., but no nest was located (DDel). Our from their island in Little Bay. Over 100 nests were established,and although authorities attempted to pro- latest report was of one adult July 9 (LRB, MRB). MississippiKites were found nestingabout 4 mi e. of tect the birds, people racing through the colony took a Richmond in Fort Bend County. Single active nestswere heavy toll of chicks(DNW). discoveredMay 29-30, at which time perhaps 15 in- DOVES, PARAKEETS -- An increase in White- dlvldualscould be found in the area. Apparently within winged Doves with improving habitat was noted at a matter of days all but two (possiblythree) pairs had Laguna Atascosa N.W.R. During recent years White- moved on. By June 26 the nestingbirds had become fronted Dove numbershave slowly risen on the refuge, quite activein feedingand harassingbirders. Fledglings with about 150 currently using the area. This species were seenJuly 30 (DDeK, HH). Until shortlyafter the finds little suitable habitat remaining in the Rio Grande turn of the centurythis speciesbred regularlyto the c. Delta (GAU). A flock of six obviouslywild Green and upper coasts,but during modern times had been Parakeets (Aratinga holochlora) was seen over restricted to n.w. Texas. An imm. Snail Kite was present McAllen, Hidalgo Co., June 12. This parakeet is still at L Alice, Jim Wells Co., July 22-26 (ROA et aL). It common in n.e. Mexico. was seen feeding on crayfish. This speciesis on the hypotheticallist for Texas on the basis of a sighting CUCKOOS, OWLS -- If numbers of territorial birds made on S. Padre I., Oct. 4, 1971; it was generally are an indication, Yellow-billed Cuckoos had a fine assumedthat this was a displacedbird from the marshes season in s. Texas. A Black-billed Cuckoo nest with of Veracruz, Mexico. Red-shoulderedHawks fledged four eggswas discoveredin Live Oak County, June 1 two young at Rockport in late May (CK). White-tailed (DF, fide GWB); they were abandonedlater (*Welder Hawks apparently did well this season.The most pub- Wildlife Refuge--GWB). There is no previous breeding licized nests were one near Tivoli, Refugio Co., which record for s. Texas. FerruginousOwl sightingsdropped fledgedtwo young by early May, and one on the King sharply from last year in the Rio Grande Delta (SB) Ranch, KenedyCo., whichhad at leastone downynest- East Woods Park is a small area of towering trees and ling Apr. 19 (RAR). An ad. Gray Hawk was seenat meanderingWaller Cr., adjacent to the Univ. of Texas Santa Ana N.W.R., July 9 (MRB). One young Bald campus in Austin. This year, after an absence of 20 Eagle left a nest w. of Tivoli early in March (RAR). years, Barred Owls returned to East Woods. Perhaps Barred Owls are not aware of the polluting influencesof GROUSE THROUGH JACANAS -- The breeding civilization, until it is too late. The story: on Oct 24, population of Greater Prairie Chickens at Aransas 1976, a • Barred Owl was seenat the n.e. corner of the N W R. was estimated at 140 birds, a number based on park, where it was thereafter observedevery day or so in 48 males seen on a March census--a "tremendous in- the live oaks (DCH). On Jan. 23 a secondowl was pre- crease." No young have been seen, and it was thought sent, and on Jan. 24, near dusk, the pair was seen that the very wet springmay havehurt production(JK). mating. The female was seenone other time, on Feb 6 The Manet L. Jacana population appeared to have On Mar. 15 the male, very unwary and with one wing declined(JGM). drooping, sat about 10 ft up in a sweetgumtree; later it was observedon the ground--and was not seen again SHOREBIRDS -- Wilson's Plover is disappearing (DCH, EBK). from Rockport as a nestingbird (DNW), but musthave been active elsewhereon the c. coast,judging by the fre- GOATSUCKERS AND HUMMINGBIRDS -- A quencyof reports. Flocks of 71, 58 and 37 on the bare Poorwill in Wilson County June 20 was a first record mud fiats of Harbor I., Port Aransas area, July 1, were there (WS). LesserNighthawks were found at three unusual(RTP). It was suspectedthat work in progress locations in s. Medina County May 31 (JAM). Near at Mitchell L., San Antonio area, may have interfered FallsCity, KarnesCo., a ChimneySwift wasincubating with nestingof Black-neckedStilts. Of 30 birdsobserved three eggsAug. 15, at least a month late (WS) The July 19, only two were young (JAM). Green Violet-ear came early this year and to a new locality.An individualappeared at a residencein West TERNS, SKIMMERS -- Two Sooty Terns were ob- Lake Hills May 12, and fed regularly there until June 9 servedin the Aransas Pass area in early August (HD). (CMo et al.). This location is on the BalconesEscarp- This is a rare breeder on the Texas coast. A small colony ment, just w. of Austin. The writer sawthis bird in early of Least Terns at Aransas Passwas "scraped clean" by morning when sunlightsparkled on rain-wet leavesand a road grader on June 2. However, not all progress patchesof fog moved up from the canyon behind the

Volume31, Number6 1159 house. Typically, this beautiful individual perched back reached Beeville; a pair was feeding nestlings May 2 in dense shade when not feeding, and amidst this lush, (AHG). flower-filledsetting it wasnot difficult'to transferthe sceneto its native Mexican highlands. A pair of Buff- VIREOS, WARBLERS -- White-eyedand Red-eyed belhed Hummingbirds made nestingmotions at Corpus Vireos enjoyed a good seasonon the upper coast,par- Christi. The female was tearing threads from a rope ticularly in Fort Bend County (JGM). Black-capped basket holder May 17; however, no nest was found (TL, Vireos were common in preferredhabitat on the hilly w fringes of Austin but failed to outnumber birders fide KM). Tropical Parulas again occupied the stunted live oak BECARDS, FLYCATCHERS -- Probably the ma- woodland at the now famous roadside rest area s of jority of birders visiting Santa Ana N.W.R. this spring Satira (see above). Most correspondentsreported two saw a 9 Rose-throated Becard building a nest in a clear- singingmales and one female; singingwas in progressat lng As of June 17 shehad built four of the bulky struc- leastfrom early March to early July. On July 7 a female tures(DDel), with no male present.The E. Kingbird was was seencarrying Spanishmoss (MRB). On July 25 a rediscovered as a breeding bird in Calhoun County pair was feeding a small cowbird in the nest, about 8 ft (GWB), possiblyfor the first time since 1900. Western up in an oak; on July 26 a warbler baby was visible in Kingbirds nested in w. Harris County, at the e. edge of the nest; on July 28 the nest was empty (WMC). their range. In the river bottom woodland at Rancho Golden-cheeked Warblers were common w. of Austin Santa Margarita, Starr Co., Arvin watched a pair of and apparently did well. This is still an excellentarea to Sulphur-belliedFlycatchers "feed a stub-tailed nestling find both this speciesand the Black-cappedVireo at one for over two hours on July 30." This is the first con- stop. The presence of two singing • Am. Redstarts in cluslveevidence of nestingthere. At least five territorial Fort Bend County from May 29 (MG, TPJ) throughout male E. Wood Pewees occupied an 1800-acre area at June (JGM et al.) may representa southernextension of Camp Stanley(M J). Three pairs of Vermilion Flycatch- the bird's breeding range in e. Texas. ers could be seen in the Beeville area (AHG). ICTERIDS -- Apparently the E. Meadowlark is in- HORNED LARKS, SWALLOWS, JAYS -- Juvenile creasingas a breeding speciesin Bexar County The Horned Larks indicated a first nesting record for Jim Com. Grackle has been rediscoveredas a breeding Wells County (ROA). The Barn Swallow count was species along the lower Guadalupe R., in Calhoun down drastically in s. Medina County as of May 31 County (GWB). (JAM), but these swallowswere conspicuousat many other localities(culverts) within their rapidly expanding FRINGILLIDS -- Painted Buntingswere in excellent range. Cliff Swallows had a good year. They nested numbers in Fort Bend County (JGM) but decidedly again in Fort Bend County (JGM), and two new col- down at Rockport (DNW). Weed growth was right for omes were found. Another new nesting location is Bee Dickcisselsto stop and breed at Alice (more than County, where about 40 pairs were at home under a usual--ROA), and n.w. Bexar County (MJ). They highwaybridge (AHG). The big colonieson State Hwy. "nested in every cornfield in the county(Nueces)" Mrs 35, in Refugio County, were washed out June 15 but McCracken reported, and were large enough to fledge rebuilding was in progress under the culverts June 24 before harvest time. GrasshopperSparrows were more (DNW). Purple Martins had a "great season" at Cor- numerousthan usual at Alice (ROA), and widespreadin pus Christi (KM). A pair of Blue Jays fledged two n.w. Bexar County. Lark Sparrows did well in the latter young at Corpus Christi in early July (KM). At leastone area but Cassin's Sparrows were low, perhaps due to pair nested at San Antonio, where this speciesis a very early wet conditions (M J). irregular breeder (JAM). Many observersfound Brown Jays at Rancho Santa Margarita during the seasonbut no nests were reported. CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- Richard O. Albert, John C. Arvin, Mrs. E. L. Becker, Steve WRENS THROUGH STARLINGS -- Carolina Benn, Gene W. Blacklock, Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Boat- Wrens are thought to be rare along the coast s. of Cor- wright, Michael R. Boatwright, Mary Ann Chapman, pus Christi, but a pair with fledglings was seen at the Marilyn Crane, WesleyM. Cureton,David T. Dauphin, U S 77 roadside park, 2.7 mi s. of Sarita, Kenedy Co., Debbie DeKeyzer(DDeK), Don Delnicki (DDel), Helen July 25 (WMC). A singleresident Curve-billed Thrasher Downing, Ted L. Eubanks, Jr., T. B. Feltner, David hasbeen on w. GalvestonI., for the past4 years.On July Fischer, C. Dean Fisher, Mrs. A. H. Geiselbrecht, 23, a secondbird was found at this site (DTD, TLE, Dorothy C. Hartshorne, Holly Hobart, Morgan Jones, JGM). A Clay-colored Robiu was found at Santa Ana Mr. and Mrs. T. Paul Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Charles N W R., June 23 (CMa) and was reported as late as the Kaigler, Edgar B. Kincaid, Jerry Kuykendall, Travis second week of July (fide DDel). Three E. Bluebird Lowman, Cruz Martinez (CMa), Kay McCracken, Gall pairs were present in the Beeville area but only one pair E. Menk, James A. Middleton, James G. Morgan, is known to have raised young; they were feeding large Charles Morton (CMo), Richard T. Paul, Rose Ann fledghngsAug. 2 (AHG). A pair nestedin Wilson County. Rowlett, Willie Sekula, George A. Unland, Doris N The eggsstarted hatching the last week of April; about a Winship -- FRED S. WEBSTER, JR., 4926 Strass week later all birds were gone (WS). Starlings have Drive, Austiu, Texas 78731.

1160 American Btrds, November 1977 Blue-winged •Ieals tormerly were uncommon m the s NORTHWESTERN CANADA REGION Yukon. This season they nested at the Yukon Game /Helmut Griinberg Farm, 12 mi n.w. of Whitehorse. Two pairs were seen, one of which later had five young (DN). Seven birds June and July were normal months in Whitehorse were noted at Nisutlin Bay May 27-June 3 (DR), they with respectto temperature(52.2øF and 55.9øF, respec- were observednear Teslin during the sameperiod (DR} tively). However, the amount of precipitation was ab- Blue-wingedTeals were also reported from as far n as normally high. While 20.3 incheswere measuredin June the Old Crow Flats where a female and three flightless (average 11.5 inches), the July rainfall of 33.8 inches young were banded July 30 (details in prep.--DM) (average 13.3 inches)was the highest ever recorded in Several nests of Canvasbacks were found in the Old Crow Flats (DM,WN). Three • Redheadswere observ- / ed at Rose L., June 28 (RB), and three Redheadswere at the Yukon Game Farm during the summer. Two c• and one 9 Harlequin Ducks were reported from Rose L, June 27 (RB), and three 9 Oldsquaws,also from Rose L., June 25 (RB). A rare report of a Com. Merganser was obtained from the North Coast July 14-17 (BH,DR).

RAPTORS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- One Goshawk was seen at Snag R., June 6 (DM) and a pair spent the summer at the Yukon Game Farm (DN) A Marsh Hawk was observedon the North Coast July 27-28 (BH) and a Bald Eagle as well as a Peregrine Falcon were there July 14-17 (BH,DR), all three uncom- mon in that area. A Blue Grouse was noted at Rose L., June 20-30 (DR). A clutch of young Willow Ptarmigans was "am- bushed" by Arctic ground squirrels at Grizzly Cr, Kluane N. P., in June, in which the ground squirrelsap- parently "got the better of it" (MM). Two Sandhill Cranes were observed in the Old Crow Flats July 7-8 (BH,CH) and one on the North Coast Ju- ly 14-17 (BH,DR). July m Whitehorse. This high precipitation had a visible At the Yukon Game Farm three Killdeer were seen effect on the vegetation. Plant growth was much more July 27 (HG), one Am. Golden Plover on the North lush than in drier years. In turn, there were better condi- Coast July 14-17 (BH,DR) and another July 27-28 tions for the food sourcesof many birds (more insects (BH). An uncommon sightingof a Black-bellied Plover and more small mammals). Although it cannot be was reported from the DempsterHighway July 19 (DS) numericallyproven, birds appearedto have successfully Whimbrel and Baird's Sandpiper were seen on the brought off more young this year than in previous North Coast July 27-28 (BH); the latter was also noted years While the above was generally true in the there July 14-17 (BH,DR). A pair of Wdson's southern part of the Region, the northern Yukon is Phalaropesappeared to be "defending the nest" at the more difficult to judge because comparative data are Yukon Game Farm (DN}. This speciesseems to be ex- lacking. tending its breedingrange NW. The southern Yukon was covered fairly well by JAEGERS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- The observers. In addition, we had reports from the North uncommon Pomarine Jaeger was reported twice from Coast (Arctic Ocean), from the Old Crow Flats in the the North Coast July 14-17 (BH,DR) and July 27-28 northern Yukon and a few reports were submitted from (BH). In the same area a Herring Gull was seen July other areas. 14-17(BH,DR) and a Black Guillemot July 27-28 (BH) Dave Mossop of the Yukon Game Branch gave Short-eared Owls, uncommon on the North Coast, valuable background information on the Old Crow were observed July 14-17 (BH,DR) and July 27-28 Flats and the North Coast for this report. (BH). The only report of a Snowy Owl came also from LOONS, WATERFOWL -- ACom. Loon, not fre- the North Coast, July 14-17 (BH,DR). The rare Great quently seenin the Old Crow Flats, was observedthere Gray Owl was seen in the s. Yukon in the Nisuthn area July 14 (WJ,TB). In the same area the uncommon May 27-June 3 (DR). One Hawk Owl was observed m Canada Goose was noted June 18 (DM,WN). the Teslin area May 27-June 3 (DR) and one at Meister A rare sightingfor the North Coast, of a Mallard was R., in s.e. Yukon June 25 (DS). A Boreal Owl was noted reported for July 27-28 (BH). The first report of a Black at Rose L., June 20-30 (DR). Duck for the Yukon came from the Old Crow Flats A Hairy Woodpeckerwas seen early in June near June I (details in prep.--DM). Whitehorse (KB). Three Black-backed Three-toed

Volume 31, Number 6 1161 Woodpeckerswere observednear Upper Liard Village Res., Grant Co., Wash., July 24. One was on Rufus in s.c. Yukon June 27-29 (DS). Woods L., near Nespelem, Wash., June 22 and five were on the Columbia R., near Wenatchee, Wash. in PERCHING BIRDS -- An Am. Robin was seen as June. At least one pair of Red-necked Grebes nested at far n. as the North Coast July 14-17 (BH,DR). The only Cougar Bay, Coeur d'Alene L., Ida., a new locality, Hermit Thrush reported was at Snag airport June 5 and sevenappeared on Upper Klamath L., Oreg., June (DM). A Bohemian Waxwing, uncommonin the Old 4. A "large number" nested at Ninepipe N.W.R., Crow Flats, was noted June 18 (DM,WN). The only Charlo, Mont. Fortinc, Mont., was the only other TennesseeWarbler reported this season,one male, was locality that reported them. An albinistic Eared Grebe observed near Whitehorse June 2 (HG,PM). There were at Malheur N.W.R. appeared wholly whitish except for two reports of Corn. Yellowthroat, one from Duke black in the primaries (DMF). Western Grebes had good Meadows in s.w. Yukon June 6 (DM) and one from nesting successin s.c. Idaho at Mud L., Jefferson Co., Rose L., June 20-30 (DR). One to two Brown-headed and at L. Walcott, but apparently not at Market L., Cowbirds were seenin Whitehorse throughout June un- near Roberts nor at Am. Falls Res. The specieswas at til July I (DS). the Yakima R. mouth, Wash., July 14, Woodley's first Purple Finches have been observed in increasing ever for that month and the specieswas noted in June in numbers over the past few years and especiallyduring the Columbia Basin e. of Wenatchee. this nestingseason. Six pairs nestedsuccessfully 12 mi s.c. of Whitehorse (KB) and at least five pairs nested PELICANS THROUGH IBISES -- Five White successfullyin a w. suburb (DS). "More Purple Finches Pelican nestswith a total of nine eggswere found on than usual" were observed one mi outside of Gull I., in L. Walcott, Blaine Co., Ida., for the first Whitehorse (HH), two singing males 4 mi n. of known nestingin the state sincethe birds were all shot Whitehorse June 2 (HG) and one in the same area July out from Blackfoot Res., ca. 1958. About 200 were 15 (HG). Dark-eyed Junco and Fox Sparrow were loafing near the colony June 17 (CHT). Double-crested reported from as far n. as the North Coast July 14-17 Cormorants had 25 nests at Mud L., 23 at Blackfoot (BH,DR); Fox Sparrow was there also July 27-28 (BH). Res., and perhaps 70 at L. Walcott. The colony at Ninepipe N.W.R., Charlo, Mont. had 40 nests.Seventy OBSERVERS -- Tom Benjamin, Kate Bennett, Ron pairs were at Malheur N.W.R., Burns, Oreg., up from Butler, Bob Hayes, Caroline Hayes, Helen Hotback, 40 last year, but the speciesfailed to nest at L. Helena William Josie, Paul Mantle, Michael Maxwell, Dave this year. A Great Blue heronry at Ninepipe had 87 Mossop, Danny Nowlan, William Nukon, Don Russell, nests. A Green Heron was near Arco, Ida., June 9 Don Schuler -- HELMUT GRUNBERG, General (CHT) and one was sightedat Market L., June 12 & 21 Delivery, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada YIA 3S7. (MRC). A Cattle Egret was in a field near Rexburg, Ida., June 13 (MRC) and four were near Rupert(CHT). Refuge personnel at Malheur estimated 125 pairs of NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN - Great Egrets, down from 200 in 1976 but another INTERMOUNTAIN REGION observer found both Great and Snowy Egrets there in /Thomas H. Rogers unusually high numbers in July compared to the

Except for the Bozeman-Gardiner-Red Rock Lakes BRITISH I t area in Montana, which enjoyed normal summer weather, the drought, with abnormally high temp- COLUMBIA...... • - • ! eratures, continued into June in nearly every part of the Region.July continueddry exceptfor westernMontana and adjacentmountainous Idaho, whichwere decidedly wet. Temperatureswere generallysubnormal. Waterfowl nesting suffered markedly in drought areasbut other speciesappeared to havea good nesting season.Exposed mudflats attracted more late spring and early fall shorebirdmigrants than usual and some water-relatedspecies appeared in unusualnumbers and places,supposedly driven in by worsedrought to the ß ...... EiTTL / (SPOKANEoIs % KALISFELL south. Lack of water forced some early fall migration in , ½L.•E•e[WASH' •OEURO'ALENE MON•A the southwesternpart of the Region.

LOONS AND GREBES -- Two Com. Loon nests, one with two eggshatched, were on two smallreservoirs e. of Ashton, Ida., possiblyin WyomingJune 19 (CHT). Two pairswith five youngwere at Pablo N.W.R., Lake OREGON} IDAHO WYOMING Co., Mont., July 28 (MB). Lake Roosevelt,Wash., had one June 12 and two July 16 and one was on Potholes

1162 American Birds, November 1977 prewous two years (DMF). The Snowy was estimated at talnlng itself (VY). One appearednear Seneca,Oreg, 50 pairs, down from 80, by refuge personnel. Black- June 27 & July 12 (LDN). Prairie Falcon numbersap- crowned Night Heron numbers there remained steady. peared unchangedin the Malheur N.W.R. area. An ac- White-faced Ibises seemedto have good nestingsuccess tive nest was found in s.e. Montana and the birds ap- at Market and Mud Lakes and at Oxford, Ida. A flock peared at three localities in n.w. Montana. The Helena of 40-50 was just s. of Rexburg July 30. area had a sightingand two injured birds were brought to the game department. The only Peregrine Falcon WATERFOWL -- Trumpeter Swans at Red Rock sightingswere one each from s. Idaho and w. Montana Lakes N.W.R., Lima, Mont., produced 66 cygnetsbut The only Merlin sighting was in late June in the at Turnbull N.W.R., Cheney, Wash., Malheur N.W.R., Okanogan Valley, Wash. (PC). and Antelope L., near Harrison, Mont., nestingsuccess GALLINACEOUS BIRDS -- In n. British Columbia was zero. Waterfowl production was down about 50ø70 from last year at Turnbull N.W.R., and in e. a SpruceGrouse was seen30 mi n.w. of Meziadin Jct, Washington in general (JS). In the area surrounding and a female of the Franklin's race, with small chicks, Malheur N.W.R. only about 1500 ducks were produced, was on Hudson Bay Mt., 5 mi w. of Smithers(JDW) A compared to nearly 18,000 last year, but they did better Willow Ptarmigan was found in that general area on on the refuge, with nearly 16,000 young. However, Cin- Mt. Cronin and a Rock Ptarmigan was sighted on Hud- namon Teal there had only about 2500 young, com- son Bay Mr. (JDW). Blue, Spruce, Ruffed and Sage pared to over 17,000 last year. The speciesis normally Grouse had a good nesting season in the Salmon, Ida the most or next to most abundant nester there. Lack of area, where numbersappeared to be up (HBR). Upland water there caused ducks to start leaving in late June. game birds had good nesting successin e. Washington Duck production at Red Rock Lakes was about normal. although late broods of Gray Partridge appeared less Ninepipe N.W.R. had a Ross' Goose July 28 (F.A.S.) successful(JS). Sharp-tailed Grouse continued rare in and two Snow Geese summered at Malheur N.W.R. the Bozeman area. Two Mountain Quail were listed for (M F S.). Four pairs of Wood Ducks at a marsh n. of s.w. Idaho June 26 (G.E.A.S.). Five Turkeys showed Polson, Mont., brought off 15 young and the species' themselveson Yakima Indian ReservationJune 30 (TS) successat Ninepipe N.W.R. seemedgood. A male at L. and two adults and five young were seenjust n. of Lyle, elena July 23 was unusual (SM). A female with eight Wash., June 22 (TW et al.). nearly grown young at Dry L., July 10 gave the first- ever record of nesting for the Fortine, Mont. area. From the 30 Whooping Crane eggs A c• Com. Goldeneye was on the Spokane R., in substitutedfor Sandhill Crane eggsat Grays downtown Spokane July 13 (THR), and presumablythe Lake N.W.R., Ida., 20 young hatched but same bird was seenJuly 21 (JWW). A Bufflehead was at two died during a May snowstorm.Mortality Malheur in early July (CB). of the remaining birds was high becauseof drought-causedinadequate food supply and VULTURES AND HAWKS -- A Turkey Vulture easy accessto the nesting and rearing areas nest with one young at Black Rock Bay, Coeur d' Alene for coyotes. Of six sub-adult birds from the L, Ida., was apparently the first ever found in the state 1975 and 1976 hatches, three returned to (DC, D J). Six of the birds, mingling with ravens, were Grays L., one summered along the upper along the Thompson R., 70 mi w. of Kalispell, Mont., Green R., n.w. of Pinedale, Wyo., another July 1 (BF) and one at Salmon, Ida., June 11 was was found along Henry's Fork of the Green unusual (HBR). Single Goshawks were reported at seven scattered localities and an active nest was located R. near Lonetree, s.w. Wyo., and the sixth summeredin the vicinity of Ouray N.W.R., s of Stanley, Ida. (EHB). Ferruginous Hawks were Utah as it did in 1976. The bird near Lonetree more evident this summer at Malheur. One appeared near Helena and another from that area that had been was found deadMay 29. Autopsyshowed the cause to be a collision with an unknown ob- shot was brought to the game department for nursing. ject (RDr). The specieswas observedregularly near Three Forks, Mont Golden Eagles seemed to be doing very well CRANES AND SHOREBIRDS -- Greater Sandhill around Malheur Ref., reportedly in responseto an in- Crane nesting successat Malheur N.W.R. was 46ø70 creaseamong rodents and lagomorphs(DMF). Except The speciesapparently bred in Helena Valley, where for an active nest in June, the specieswent unobserved two young appeared June 12 and one in July (GH) in the Bozeman area. One was noted in the Island L. Numbers seemedto be up in the Bozeman area Red area in Pleasant Valley between Libby and Kalispell, Rock Lakes N.W.R. had at least eight nests, fledglng Mont., July 13 (F.A.S.). Several were brought to Mon- eight chicks (JAB). One bird was near Fortine July 10 tana's game department, victims of shooting, electrical The only previousrecords there were of one last year burns, a mammal trap, a broken wing and apparent and in 1975 (WW). Young Virginia Rails were found at starvation (VY). A pair of Bald Eagles was high over a new breedingsite north of Dillon, Mont. (KA). Parker, Wash., July 13 (Y.A.S.) and a pair summered A single Semipalmated Plover was at Reardan, at Red Rock Lakes N.W.R. (JAB). One was at Colum- Wash.,Juiy 20 (Jh) andup to fivewere at theYakima bia Icefield, Banff N.P., Alta., July 31 (RJB). The R. mouth. The first sighting, July 14, was three weeks Osprey population at Holter L. near Helena was main- earlier than any previous records (REW). Snowy

Volume 31, Number 6 1163 Plovers were seen July 16 at Lower Borax L, s e about June 19 (RGS, HMS) A Black-balledCuckoo ap- Harney Co., Oreg., a known nesting locality, but no peared for a week starting June 23 at Helena (LS, young appeared(DMF). Possiblythe secondsighting m.ob.) and a road-killed one was found on the Portneuf for Idaho of a Mountain Plover occurred May 29 about R. bridgeon Highway30 w. of PocatelloJune 10 (JHJ) 35 ml n. of Arco (KM). A Ruddy Turnstone turned up The first nestingrecord for Washington for the Flam- m an irrigated field near Osgood, Ida., June 21 (MRC). mulated Owl wasobtained at ScottyCr. Campground, 5 A Whimbrel at L. Helena July 16 was the first ever for min. of Blewett Pass, Chelan Co., with a pair at a nest that area (SM, GH). Five pairs of Upland Sandpipers hole in early July (DH et al.). An adult and a newly and two nestswith eggswere found in Bear Valley n. of fledged young were photographedat Penticton for the Seneca,Oreg., June 9 (HBN, MK). The speciesalso ap- secondbreeding record for BritishColumbia (SRC) A peared on the Reedpoint Breeding Bird Survey, Mont. breedingcolony of about 15 BurrowingOwls was found At Malheur, where shorebird migration began early, in w. Whitman Co., Wash., July 7 (JWW). Little Bitter- there were 200 Willets June 22 but only eight, July 3. root L., Flathead Co., Mont., had a Barred Owl June Two Red Knots were at Harney L. on the refuge, June 6 23 through July (BF). Pairs with youngwere observed (TP, NC). A Dunlin was along the YellowstoneR., near near Republic, Wash., June 27 (TW) and near Mid- Gardmer, Mont., June 12 (JEQ). Two juvenile W. dleport, Wash., June29 (TW) & July 10 (RD, RH) One Sandpiperswere at Malheur Ref. on the startlinglyearly or two wereat the bog on CalispellPeak n.w. of Cuslck, date of July 6 (DMF). Malheur had 2500 migrating Am. Wash., June 5 & 23 (JA, WH). A pair of Spotted Owls Avocets June 22 and Am. Falls Res. in s. Ida., had hun- was inhabiting the forest near Blewett Pass, Wash in dreds June 25. Up to 30 were on the mud flats at the June and July (m.ob.). Great Gray Owls nestedagain at Yakima R. mouth in July. Black-necked Stilt numbers the sitein HodgmanCanyon s. of Bozeman,Mont, and at Malheur were high, supposedly increased by birds brought off one young(m.ob.). One was sightedin s e forced N by the drought. They nested successfullyin Idaho near Henry's L., July 26 & 28 (MF, JAB, DM) severallocations near Georgeand in the Potholesarea s. and on Bishop Mt., s. of Island Park (MRC). Short- of Moses L., Wash. (m.ob.). The speciessummered at eared Owls were described as far fewer than usual in the L Helena, with up to three pairs present with no valley s. of Flathead L., Mont., very scarceat Salmon, evidenceof nesting(GH). Ida., and were not sightedin the vicinity of Yakima In- dian Reservation. No other reporting localities men- PHALAROPES THROUGH TERNS -- Malheur tioned them. "Many" Saw-whetOwls were heard near Ref had 4000 Wilson's Phalaropes June 22 and 13,000 Wickiup Res., 20 mi s.w. of Bend, Oreg., the night of on July 3. Williams L., B.C., had two California Gulls May 28 (GG, DMF). July 15 - 16 (JDW). This species, formerly rarely reported from s.e. Washington, made up about 5 - 10ø70 SWIFTS AND HUMMINGBIRDS -- A half-grown of the gulls from Central Ferry to Clarkston along the nestlingBlack Swift was found near Armstrong, B C, Snake R., probably the result of damming the river at the Harland Cr. site that normally is protected by a (JWW). California Gulls were moving through the waterfall, but was dry this year (JG). Both specieswere Malheur area June 22, when 4800 were seen. No gulls on the wing at Avalanche Camp, Glacier N.P., Mont were produced in the California and Ring-billed colony Four White-throated Swifts were around a quarry near 4 ml s.e. of Burns, Oreg., but the colonies of both Kamloops, B.C., June 4 for the most northerly record speciesin the Pocatello, Ida. area were mostly expan- in the province (GA). The speciesapparently is becom- ding their numbers(CHT). One or two Mew Gulls were ing regular at SteensMt., Harney Co., Oreg., whereup sightedin the Smithers,B.C. area in July at Upper Gnat to a dozen were found in July (DMF). Black-chmned L , the Stikine R., and Kinaskan L., (JDW). About 250 Hummingbirds appeared rather far north and west pairs of Franklin's Gulls begannesting on Malheur L., Three were at Oliver, B.C., June9 (RC), a male was at but later deserted.One bird was sightedat Taylor Ranch Wickiup Res., s.w. of Bend May 29 and the birds were Research Station, n.e. Valley Co., Ida., June 14 (CLE, sightedat various spotsin Malheur N.W.R., May 22 TT) A Bonaparte'sGull was still at Malheur N.W.R., (DMF, GG). A female was regular at Richland, Wash, June 22 (LDN) and an imm. bird was sightedin the through July (REW) and the specieswas regular at Alvord Basin, Harney Co., Oreg., June 10 (HBN). Two Parker, Wash. (Y.A.S.). An ad. cr Broad-tailed Hum- Arctic Terns were at Upper Gnat L., B.C., July 8 mingbird appeared at Windfall Campground, Grant (JDW). A CaspianTern, rare in interior British Colum- Co., Oreg., July 9 (DMF et al.). Acr Anna's Humm- bia, was at Tranquille June 6 (GA). The species,becom- ingbird was at Summerland,B.C. in mid-July (RL) ing rare on the Upper Snake R., in Idaho, was noted on- WOODPECKERS THROUGH MARTINS -- Lewis' ly at Island Park Res., two non-nestersJune 18, and at Woodpeckers seemedscarce but were seenoftener than Am Falls Res., six non-nestersJune 25 (CHT). usual at Kootenai N.W.R., BonnersFerry, Ida., where at least three nestswere found. An encouragingnumber PIGEONS THROUGH OWLS -- The only Band- of Williamsoh's Sapsuckersightings came in, including tailed Pigeons to venture into the Region were one at several nesting observations.One, possibly two, broods Malheur June 27 (LDN) and one at Taylor Ranch of White-headed Woodpeckers were raised at Nara- ResearchStation May 29 (CLE, TT). A Yellow-billed mata, B.C., in July (EH) and the specieswas seen Cuckoo self-destructedon a glassdoor at Echo, Oreg., regularly at Tieton Ranger Station w. of Yakima

1164 American B•rds, November 1977 (Y A S.). Sightingsalso occurred in Klickitat County, Crescent Cr. Camp during the same period (AC, ME, Wash., and on Yakima Indian Reservation (EH). Nests SG, m.ob.). American Redstarts were found in June of the Northern Three-toed Woodpecker were spotted and July at their nesting areas along CrescentCr, and in Hyalite Cr. Canyon s. of Bozeman(EHa, CH); along at Davis L. (AC), one in 9 plumage was at Malheur the S Fork of the Salmon R., Pend Oreille Co., Wash. N.W.R., June 11 (HBN, MK), and three were at (DAK), and at Calispell Peak bog in that county (JA, Cascade Meadows w. of Wenatchee, Wash., June 11 WH) The specieswas noted at Rimrock L., w. of (MC). Bobolinks were again seen at the John Sudan Yakima. An E. Kingbird was foraging along the farm e. of Bigfork, Mont. (F.A.S.) and near Salmon, DeschutesR. at Lapine S.P., Oreg., July 31 (JC). Sing- Ida., where they are extremelyscarce (HBR). An active lng c• Least Flycatcherswere discoveredJune 28 at Bobolink nest was found at Toppenish N.W.R., for the White Mud L., near Colville, July 1 three mi w. of Win- first definite nesting record for Washington (EH) The throp, Wash. (TW, FM), June 11 at Heyburn S.P., Ida. Tricolored Blackbird colony showed fair numbers at (BW, SSet al.), and June 16 alongthe WenahaR., in e. Upper Klamath L., near Klamath Agency, Oreg., after Oregon (SS). Satus Pass, Klickitat Co., Wash. had much reducednumbers the last two years (HBN, MK) severalGray FlycatchersJune 18 (EH) and the species A pair of Orchard Orioles was well described at was noted a• Malheur N.W.R. (DMF). A Purple Martin Kalispell, Mont., in June (BR). Common Grackleswere was sightedat Twin Falls, Ida., June 25 (GG). sightedat Twin Falls, Ida., June 25 (GG).

JAYS THROUGH THRUSHES -- The pair of Blue FINCHES -- A Rose-breastedGrosbeak was sighted Jaysthat winteredin E. Helena lingereduntil late July at Ketchum, Ida., July 30 (WHS) and a male was in but apparently did not nest (GH) but the speciesbred at Burns,Oreg., June5 - 11 (CG). Another malenot in full Union, Oreg. (KS). "Thousands" of Clark's Nut- plumagewas sightedat Field, Oreg., June 10 - 11 (HBN, crackerswere reported making daily trips from Douglas MK) and a pair nested at Barnhartvale near Kamloops, fir to limber pine forest in the Sun R. region n.w. of B.C. (RR, DL). This is the first breedingrecord for s Great Falls, Mont. (SH). SeveralCom. Bushtitswere British Columbia and one of very few reports of the sightedat Lyle, Wash., June 18 and a pair had a nest at speciesw. of the Rockies in the province. An ad. male Satus Cr., Yakima Co., July 4 (EH). Two nests with was seenat Naramata, B.C., May 29 (SRC) and a sing- eggsand young were locatedat 5500 ft elevationin the ing male was at Helena June 25 (GH). An ad. c• Indigo Pueblo Mts., between Fields, Oreg., and Denio, Nev., Bunting in riparian habitat in the Sun R. Range n w of July 16 (DMF). Two pairs of Pygmy Nuthatcheswere Great Falls, Mont., July 31 was the most westerly in- sighted6 min. of Polson, Mont. (F.A.S.). A Winter dication of breedingin the state(SH). Another male was Wren at Bishop Mt., 15 mi s, of Island Park, Ida., June found n,. of Spencer,s.e. Idaho July 20 (KM), and a 16 apparently extendedthe known range of the species male with someimm. plumagewas sightedin Chewelah, (MRC). The only Mockingbirdsto be noted weretwo s. Wash., June 25 (JA, WH). What was believed to be of Ellensburg, Wash., near the e. end of Murray a • PaintedBunting was observed at MalheurN.W R Wildlife RecreationArea (DH, KZ). At least three pairs at a ten-ft distance June 11 (HBN, MK). Purple and of Gray Catbirds were believed nesting 12 mi n.e. of Cassin'sFinches were togetherat about 500-ft elevation Pendleton, apparently the westernmostsite for Oregon near Lyle, Wash., June 18 (EH). Black Rosy Finches, (DSI). Also on the w. edgeof the species'range were a some feeding young, were observedin alpine areas of pair at Toppenish N.W.R., Wash. (EH), and "many" SteensMr., Harney Co., Oreg. (DMF). Hart Mr., Lake in the Blue Mts. of n.e. Oregon (m.ob.). Four at Co., Oreg., yielded two Lesser Goldfinches July 12 Williams L., B.C., apparently were n. of the known (DMF) and at least three were near Lyle, Wash., June range of the species(JDW). A pair of Veeriesat the 18 (EH). Six - ten White-winged Crossbillswere in Pendleton catbird site also was w. of previously known spruce-firareas in Franklin Co., Ida. during July (KS) sites for the state (DSI) and one was at Satus Cr., SPARROWS -- A single Green-tailed Towhee was Khckitat Co., Wash., July 4 (EH). WesternBluebirds at seen at Wenatchee Guard Station, Asotin Co., Wash, a farm w. of Spokane occupied 36 nest boxes and July 1. The specieswas looked for there last year brought off 219 young. A o'Wheatear was photo- without success(RT). Another was reportedon the w graphedat the entranceroad a few milesw. of Malheur side of Lewis Peak e. of Walla Walla, Wash. in July N W R., June 22 (Robert F. Ringlet). (KK). SingleGrasshopper Sparrows were reported from WARBLERS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS -- A near Bigfork, Mont. (JSu); in the Nampa, Ida area wanderingTennessee Warbler stoppedat Kamiak Butte, (G.E.A.S.), and at Keller Ferry, Lincoln Co., Wash Whitman Co., Wash., June 5 (JWW). A ¾irginia's (DAK), but were not found at the usual breeding Warbler bandedand photographedat Hart Mt., Lake groundsnear Asotin, Wash. Black-throatedSparrow Co, May 29 was Oregon's first ever (LRM). Seebe, numberswere up in the Alvord Basin, s. Harney Co, Alta, had a Magnolia Warbler May 29 (JJR) and a Oreg., and two adultswere at the northernmostknown Townsend's Warbler in the Elkhorn Mts., s.e. of spot, Wrights Pt., just s. of Burns (DMF). SageSpar- Helena was a rare find (GN, NN). Two N. Water- row numbersapparently had built up well in the Alvord thrushes were at Crescent Cr. on the e. slope of the Basinafter very low numbersin 1974. A Clay-colored OregonCascade Mrs., June 4 to at leastearly July and Sparrow was sightedJuly 2 & 9 near Valley, Wash another was on the Little Deschutes R., 12 mi from (JA). Several singingc• White-crownedSparrows of

Volume31, Number6 1165 undeterminedrace were at Howard L., in the n.w. part LOONS, GREBES-- A pair of Corn.Loons produced of Yakima Indian Reservation June 30 (EH). Golden- young at Jackson, Wyo. (BR) for a rare Regional crowned Sparrows were seen during June and July in nestingrecord, and a pair, apparentlynot nesting,sum- the mountains around Smithers, B.C. (JDW). mered at YellowstoneL. (SG). Other unusual June and July recordscame from Sheridan, Wyo., and Denver, OBSERVERS CITED -- James Acton, Kathleen Durango, and Julesburg,ColD. (HD, HEK, RWS, PM, Anderson, Gerry Ansell, John A. Beam, Erik H. AW). A Horned Grebe summeredat Barr L., near Bergman, Marcy Bishop, Cathy Bolles, R.J. Butot, Denver,furnishing the first suchColorado record (BA). Richard Cannings, Steve R. Cannings, Mike CarroDdy, Eared Grebesnested successfully at Jacksonand Cody, Dean Carrier, Phil Cheney, Nell Cobb, Mark R. Wyo. (70 nestsat Cody--UK). At Walden, ColD., they Collie, Alan Contreras, John Contreras, (RD) Richard made three separate nesting attempts--123 nests June Donham, (RDr) Rod Drewien, Charles L. Elliott, Mark 30 duringthe secondattempt--but finally producedon- Egger, Barbara Fenner, Mike Fitzpatrick, David M. ly five young. Failures occurred twice from avian and Fix, Flathead Audubon Society, Cal Giesler, Greg mammalian predation and once from man-causedlake Gillson, Golden Eagle Audubon Society, JamesGrant, levelchanges for irrigation(PG). Las Vegashad 150 W. Sayre Greenfield, Warren Hall, Camille Harper, (EHa) Grebes June 8 which were gone by the end of June Ed Harper, Dudley Harrington, Steve Harvey, (EHi) (VM). Scatteredflocks of non-breedingW. Grebessum- Erland Hindson, George Holton, Rick Hudson, Eugene mered in Colorado. At each of three new Colorado Hunn, David S. Irons, Don Johnson, Joseph H. breedinglocations, 1-2 pairsproduced young: Alamosa Jeppson, Daniel A. Knierim, Ken Knitfie, Mark N.W.R. (RLD), Eleven-Mile Res., Park Co. (RAR), Koninendyke, Ray Leiner, Dick Low, Ken MacKenze, and Pueblo (CK). Dan Makenna, Sid Martin, L. Richard Mewalt, Fran Morlock, Larry D. Napier, Harry B. Nehls, Gene PELICANS, CORMORANTS -- Breeding White Nixon, Norma Nixon, Tom Pogsdon, Joyce E. Pelicans at Anaho I. N.W.R., Nev., down 44% from Queckborner, J.J. Riddell, Ralph Ritcey, Hadley B. last year, produced about 1400 young (LCH). Roberts, Thomas H. Rogers, Betty Rose, Lorelei Yellowstone'scolony had 305 young, its best since 1970 Saxby, Hilda M. Saylot, Ralph G. Saylot, Terry Selam, (fide SG). The Riverside Res., ColD., colony increased W.H. Shillington, Kimberly Smith, Malheur Field 20% this year, but had poorer nesting success;400 Station, (JS) Jim Stout, Shirley Sturts, (JSu) John youngfledged. Perhaps contributing to the reducedpro- Sudan, Tom Thurow, Ron Toonen, C.H. Trost, Terry duction, the adultsapparently ranged farther to feed, as Wahl, John W. Weber, J. Dan Webster, Winton fewer used the home lake (GM). A massivedie-off of Weydemeyer, Bart Wbelton, Robert E. Wooalley, pelicans occurred at Fallon, Nev., with 100+ birds Yakima Audubon Society, Vince Yannone, Kathleen dead, from unknown causes (LCH). Double-crested Zinn. -- THOMAS H. ROGERS, E. 10820 Maxwell, Cormorants at Bear River N.W.R., Utah, increased Spokane, WA 99206. their nestingby 25%, with 300 young (RK). Anaho I. cormorants brought off 1250 young, down 17% from MOUNTAIN WEST lastyear. Riverside's colony doubled, fledging 54 young while other small scatteredcolonies fledged average /Hugh E. Kingery numbers (GM).

The winter's drought spelled troubled nesting for HERONS -- Bear R. produced350 youngGreat Blue water birds and rosy finches, but congenial summer Herons, down about 50 from last year (RK). Ruby weather brought successful breeding for most passetines. As Hack said, referring to the central Rockies,it was the first nestingseason in severalyears without a heavy snowstorm in June. Observersreported many non-nestingwater birds suchas grebes,pelicans, and ducks. The summerbrought first nestingrecords of Cattle Egret in Colorado, Franklin's Gull in Wyoming, and White-winged Crossbill (and possibly Common Grackle) in Utah, the egret and crossbillsfirst for the Region. Nevada had its first state records of Roseate Spoonbills--nine different birds--and of Cape May Warbler. The National Audubon Society convention in Estes Park, Colorado, attracted out-of-state birders who UTAH I COLORADO found some oddities--note Winter Wrens and warblers. Austin and S. Miller studiednesting success in a sec- tion of Las Vegas, and calculated the percentagesof nestswhich fledged at least one young and of eggsvs. young which actually fledged. Generally they reported both fledging categoriesat 30-40 per cent.

1166 Americ• Birds, Nov•b• 1•7 Lakes N.W.R., Nev., had 41 young, down by 30 from stayedto July 31 (CL, RH). On July 1, 30 min. of Las last year (SHB). A heronry at Chatfield Res., near Vegas, four stood in the middle of U.S. 93 at 11:00 Denver, has increased from nine nests in 1971 to 42 this p.m.; a truck killed two (*U.N.L.V., Nev. St. Mus.), year, helped by the new reservoir and by a recently- both imm. females(#). Finally, two visited Las Vegas protected nesting site (HEK). Other heronriesreported July 11 (VM). normal nesting, but advanced by 1-3 weeks. In addition to the Louisiana Heron reported in the spring report, WATERFOWL -- Owing to drought conditions, Colorado had single birds May 30 and June 16 at waterfowl and water bird production in n.w. Nevada Pueblo and Wellington (CK, DAG, CG; M J; $$). July (including Stillwater W.M.A., Carson L., and Hum- Green Herons visited Las Vegas (four on three boldt Sink) plummeted.Compared to 1975(the last nor- days--VM) and Green R., Utah, July 2 (JRG). G. mal year) Canada Geese broods dropped 76%, duck Miller discoveredColorado's first nesting Cattle Egrets, broods went down 81%, Redhead broods sunk by 88% one pair which fledged four at RiversideRes. An adult (LCH). EasternNevada fared better: Ruby L. produced was bandedat Alamosa,Colo., June25 (RAR). A pair 14,800 waterfowl, including 1900 Redheads and 1400 of Great Egretsspent June at Riverside,but did not nest Canvasbacks(SHB). Alamosa N.W.R. had duck pro- (GM). Grand Jct. had a Great Egret July 19 (HA). duction similar to last year, and 80 Canada Geese, a Snowy Egrets and Black-crownedNight Herons in the 60% increase (RLD). However, observers reported San Luis Valley, Colo., had mixed success;low water flocks of non-breeding ducks at several reservoirs, and 'and avian predators(owls, crows,magpies), wiped out surmised that low water conditions which thwarted .one colony while a second one nearby produced 300 nesting attempts at scattered sites had concentrated young. Ruby L. Egrets fledged 115 young. EasternCol- geese,ducks, and cootsat lakes unsuitablefor nesting. orado had almostno summerrecords of Snowy Egrets, Trumpeter Swans in Yellowstonehad 50 cygnetsin although Riverside'snine nestsfledged 30 young and early July, but only nine in late July. While the causeof Barr L. had threenests. Two ad. Yellow-crownedNight mortality is not known, if all nine surviveit will amount Herons, apparentlyfall migrants,remained at Barr July to eight more than last year's production(SG)! Ruby L. 23-27 (BA). Colorado had four summeringLeast Bit- had eight cygnetswith one pair still sitting Aug. 17 terns:one at BoulderJune 12 (PM), one at Walden July (SHB) and Jackson,Wyo. had four nestsbut no young 7 (PG), and two at Pueblo July 24 (CK). (BR). Study of duck successin the scatteredmountain pondsis difficult, but Reeserreported that Mallards oc- IBISES, SPOONBILLS -- No White-faced Ibises cupied most of the available habitat in R.M.N.P., with nestedin n.w. Nevada, where Carson L., in past years noticeablesuccess. The first summer Com. Goldeneyes had one of the nation's three largest nestingcolonies in the Region in four years were a summeringmale at (LCH). Ruby L. had 300 young, comparable to last Durango (RWS) and a molting bird at Cheraw, Colo., year, nesting in a sump coveted by power boaters July 30 (JR, DAG). Four Black Scoterswere described (SHB). San Luis Valley birds managed only six suc- from Boulder, Colo., July 29 (TVZ). Kanab had three cessfulnests (RAR). Abundant at Logan, Utah, ibises Red-breastedMergansers June 4 (SH). frequently fed in flocks of over 200 (only a few im- matures observed), but observerscould find no nests. HAWKS -- Bald Eagles occupiedeight territories in The Bear R. colony apparentlymoved from the refuge YellowstoneN.P., with four young fledged from three to an adjacent gun club, successunknown. A stray Am. of the nests--the most in six years of study (JS). Flamingo, escapedfrom somewhere,fed w. of the Salt Sheridan's Ospreys fledged four young--their first suc- Lake City airport July7 (WWB). Nevada'sfirst Roseate cessful nesting after two previous failures. Colorado Spoonbillstrooped in. The first, an immature, dropped found two new eyries of Peregrine Falcons, the total into a sewagepond at Mercury June 5-6 (RC, #). Then now ten; in one area six young fledged(WDG, RWS). two immatures, photographedat Overton June 27, CRANES, RAILS -- An imm. Whooping Crane spentthe summerat Pinedale, Wyo. (BR). Routt Coun- ty, Colo. Sandhill Cranes had a successfulsummer, ear- ly nesting aided by a lack of spring storms which al- lowed most to hatch in mid-June (WDG). Jackson's craneshatched later, with poorer success. Ten stray Sand- hills flew over Denver June4 (PE). Durango reported verypoor production by Am. Coots,caused by drop- pingwater levels, and Kanab,Utah, Barr, and Cody reportedmany non-breeders.

SHOREBIRDS -- Shorebirds began returning by late June, the first apparently a Willet and a Greater Yellowlegsat Las Vegas June 19 (VM) and ten Long- RoseateSpoonbills (imm.), Overton W.M.A., Clark Co., billed Dowitchers at Pueblo June 23 (CK). The early Nev., June28, 1977. Photo by C.S. Lawson. movement had by July 31 produced 16 migrant species

Volume 31, Number 6 1167 at both Las Vegas(VM) and Barr (BA). A dozen Snowy by good weather. Reports of Yellow-bfiled Cuckoos in Plovers, including young, ran the shoreline at Cheraw, Colorado increasedmarkedly--including a bird June 16 Colo , July 30 and the San Luis Valley July 23-24, the in R.M.N.P. (HTB). In n.e. Colorado, Barn Owls met first recent report of breedingthere (DAG). Mountain with success:at 13 nesting sites, Millsap banded 37 Plover enjoyed a good year at Pawnee Nat'l Grassland, birds, mostly flightless young. Flammulated Owls Cheyenne, and Pueblo, as well as at a proposed power nested again near Florissant, Colo., in a dead aspentoo plant site near Ft. Collins, Colo. (RAR, DAG, AK). At flimsy for bears which preyed on other hole-nestersand Crook, Colo., the presenceof 4-8 Upland Sandpipersin not, this year, disturbed by human intervention (RW) June (JR, AW) implied nesting. Credit for the 50 Spot- Another was seen July 4 at Logan (LRy). Burrowing ted Sandpipers at Ramah Res., Colo., June 28, in- Owls have departed or decreased at old nest areas cludmg one nest with eggs, went to discontinuance of (DAG, RFL) while establishingnew sites(F J). Three fishing and camping (EW). Willets began moving in Ju- young fledged from a Great Gray Owl nest at Colter ly, with single birds at Corn Cr., near Las Vegas from Bay, Grand Teton N.P. (EB). Poor-wills at Leadville, June 19 on (VM, CLH), Rocky Ford, Colo., July 4 Colo., June 28-30 (WWB) were at elevations much (DG, CK), and over 100 July 9 at Sheridan (MC), a higher than usual. record big count there. July 4 at Rocky Ford also brought 100 Greater and 200 Lesser Yellowlegs (DAG, SWIFTS, HUMMINGBIRDS -- Black Swifts ap- CK) At Julesburg,Colo., June4 were 22 late-migrating peared in the skiesof R.M.N.P., as they do periodical- White-rumped Sandpipers, and Monte Vista N.W.R. ly, probably nestingnear Cub L. (WR, HTB et al ) had one July 23 (DAG), one of the few mountain More e. Colorado observersreported Chimney Swifts records.Stilt Sandpipersvisited JulesburgJune 4 (PM), than they have in the last few years. Wyoming's second Ramah June 28 (EW), and Rocky Ford July 30 (JR). Black-chinned Hnmmingbird stayed at a feeder in Yellowstone N.P. had three Marbled Godwits in June RawlinsJuly 12 to at leastAug. 9 (RL •'). They may oc- and July, the first summer records, but no evidence of cur regularlyin s.w. Wyoming, as few birdersstudy the nesting (SG). Bear R. reported 50,000 nesting Am. area and the speciesis not infrequent in n.w. Colorado Avocets. Avocets began flocking in early July, with 300 and Logan, Utah. The Region's first Rufous Hum- at Ordway during July (JR, DAG). Black-neckedStilts mingbird came to a foothills feeder near Boulder June apparently failed to nest in Colorado, but Bear R. had 27 (EV); soonthey had commandeeredperhaps half the 10,000 nestingadults. Bear R. had a nestingpopulation feedersin the Mountain West. Despite the aggressive of 3000 Wilson's Phalaropes.Wilson's had begun flock- Rufous, Calliope Hummingbirds appeared in unusual lng by the end of July, with 2000 in Crowley County, numbers at feeders at Jackson, Brighton (GK) and Colo (DAG), and 320 at Las Vegas (VM). Beaver(nest--CL), Utah, and in the ColoradoRockies An unexpected 9Blue-throated Hummingbird GULLS, TERNS -- Sheridan again had a summer swoopedinto a feeder near Ridgway, Colo., July 30, Herring Gull, July 11 (HD). California Gulls in Col- four ft from the observers(HEK, UKi) for one of Col- orado improved their nesting success,with 800 young orado's few records. from Antero Res., Park Co., 15 young from a new col- ony at Eleven Miles Res. (RAR), and 38 young fledged WOODPECKERS, FLYCATCHERS -- Observers from Riverside--triple last summer's success(GM). reported improved numbers of most woodpecker Kepler reported 10-20 nesting Franklin's Gulls at speciesnesting in the Mountain West: Com. Flickers, Cody--the first nesting report for Wyoming although Red-headed, Lewis', and N. Three-toed Woodpeckers, they do nest w. and n. of that state. Hundreds of and Yellow-bellied and Williamson's Sapsuckers.The migrant Franklin's arrived at Jackson in late June, and exceptions were Downy Woodpeckers, with average Crowley County had 5000 by July 30 (DAG, CK, JR). A numbers, and Hairy Woodpeckers, with fewer. Well- Bonaparte's Gull summered at Longmont (BA), and describedlone Scissor-tailedFlycatchers passed through singlesoccurred at Pawnee Nat'l GrasslandJune 5 (PM) Barr L., June20 (fide BA), and activelyfed near Lusk, and Sheridan July 19 (HD). Twenty pairs of Forster's Wyo., June 28 (JMo). Another wandering flycatcher, Terns at Walden failed to produce any young after three an Ash-throated, moved quickly through the Chatfield attempts due to the same adversitiesas met by the Eared heron groveJuly 9 (HEK). Dusky Flycatchersat Jeffer- Grebes(PG). Eight Com. Terns cameto JulesburgJune son, Colo., raised two young and one cowbird (CH, 4 (PM), two to Pueblo June 20 (DAG, CG), and one to KH). Although scarceat Salt Lake City and Boulder, Crook June 26 (JR). Of particular interest were single W. Wood Peweesmet with successfulnesting in most of the Mountain West. Least Terns at Latham Res., Weld Co., Colo., June 8 (SR) and Prewitt Res., Logan Colo., July 17 (SB). Yellowstone had its best fledging of young Caspian LARKS, SWALLOWS -- Horned Larks nest at all Terns--six birds from 30 nests(SG). Unusual numbers altitudes in the Mountain West; this year King estimated of Black Terns plied the e. Colorado reservoirs during 1500 on her ranch on the high plains near Cheyenne, June, the highestcount 250 at JulesburgJune 4 (PM). Kelper counted30 on July 20 on RattlesnakeMt, near Cody; Hack and Hawkins had a nest at Jeffersonin one DOVES, CUCKOOS, OWLS -- Mourning Doves of Colorado's high mountain parks; and Back found a met with great successthroughout the Region, abetted nest on the alpine tundra near Dubois, Wyo., June 14

1168 American B•rds, November 1977 Over half the commenting observers reported fewer and five on July 5 (MC). The regularity of Sprague's Tree Swallows, from Sheridanto Bryce Canyon N.P. to Pipit reports from Sheridan, and the diligence of Evergreen,Colo.; at Eagle, Colo., Merchant observed Sheridan observersin describingthem, documentsthe a 50ø7omortality of young in three birdhouses.The 400 speciesas a regular, scarcemigrant there. Nesting of Bank Swallows at Latham Res., July 23 was a high Cedar Waxwings was confirmed in Sheridan, Jackson, count (JR). Lyons, and Loveland, Colo. Phainopeplas at Kanab, Utah, have increasedfrom one nestingpair for the past three yearsto four pairs this year (SH). At Las Vegas, 64 nestshad 109 eggs,36o70 of which fledged.The prin- Cliff Swallows have become the most con- cipal speciesstudied by Austin and Miller, Phainopeplas spicuousswallow in much of the Mountain take longer to fledge after hatching than any other West. Flocks now nest along every overpass United Statespasserine. on the interstate highway from Cheyenneto Casper (RFL), 100 nestedon a church in VIREOS, WARBLERS -- Colorado's first reported Carpenter,Wyo. (RFL), 27 built on a high Bell's Vireo nest in many years was found with one egg school in Boulder (BK) and a comparable, at Crook June 26 (AW). In the same area eight singing unwelcome, group built on a ranch house at males proclaimed territories within a quarter-mile Ridgway. At Jefferson, Colo., 4-8 Cliff stretchof the S. Platte R. (JR). Red-eyedVireos, plen- Swallowstried to feed the young birds in one tiful at Big Horn, Wyo. (HD), continued scarcein e nest during July; on July 24, 25 swallows Colorado, although they continued to nest sparingly tried. Such altruistic feeding habits, if the along the cottonwood river bottoms (AM, HEK) young don't burst, may partially explain the Yellow Warblers have deserted urban forests in Denver burgeoningnumbers of theseswallows. and Salt Lake City, althoughthey continuedin normal numbersin their natural riparian zones in the Region CHICKADEES, DIPPERS, WRENS -- Although Black-throatedGray Warblers have disappearedfrom a Salt Lake City and Jackson reported a scarcity of B.B.S. near Grand Jct. (DG), but at Meeker, Colo, chickadees,a pair of Mountain Chickadeesat Dubois maintainedthe samepopulation for two years(WDG) produced the first nesting record there below the The Region reported a number of stray warblers. Las evergreenforest (MB), and Westcreek,Colo. had four Vegas had a singing Black-and-white June 18 and a nests,more than in previousyears (RW). Alles found NashvilleJune 3 (VM). A TennesseeWgrbler at Bart L., nesting Corn. Bushtits near Lyons, Colo.; flocks of June 12 was late; another there on July 9 occurred four bushtits have occurred in this area of Colorado (like weeks after or before any other Colorado record, and that of July 27 w. of Boulder--OC), particularly in 725 mi from the nearest nesting area in n.w. Montana winter, for years, but the closestprevious nest locations (BA). SingingN. Parulas visitedBarr L., May 30-June2 were at Canon City, 125 mi s., and Glenwood Springs, (DK, BRz, BA) and Chatfield Res., June 14 (PE, HK); 125mi w. Dippersbecame more common in R.M.N.P., another stayed at Corn Cr., July 28-31 (VM) A perhapsincluding some of the birdsdisplaced from the Magnolia, rare in the Colorado mountains at any time, flood-scoured Big Thompson Canyon (WR). At graced EvergreenJune 3 (ECT, WWB). Audubon con- Jackson,they occurredin the usual places, but since ventioneersdiscovered a pair of Cape May Warblers in many streamsdried up in mid-summer, the nestingsuc- R.M.N.P., acting as though it was nesting(KHB, FK, cesswas problematical. R.M.N.P. had three reports of SW); subsequentattempts to locate the birds froled singingWinter Wrens (WR; E&CH •')--a speciesnever (WR, BK et al.). A cyCape May Warbler at Corn Cr, before reportedfrom the Regionin summerin this cen- provided the first Nevada record July 26-30 (CL, VM, tury On a B.B.S. near Grand Jct., Rock Wrens have ph. •'#). A Black-throatedBlue visitedBart June2 (BA) droppedto 25o7oof their former numbers(DG). Conventioneers found a Bay-breasted Warbler in a Kernmeter, Wyo. park June 15 (RRR •'), casual in the THRASHERS TO PHAINOPEPLAS -- Rated as state, and found a singing Hooded Warbler at rare in s.e. Wyoming, Mockingbirdshave nestedfor R.M.N.P., June 17 (HTB •'). Las Vegas had Am 13-14 years near Cheyenne, a report this year reveals; RedstartsJune 16 and July 26-31 (VM). flusyear four younghatched, but perishedin a hailstorm (MW). The mockingbirdat Moose, Wyo., June1 (BAn) BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS -- In n. Wyoming W. had wandered far from its usual range. SageThrashers Meadowlarks have declined, as have ground-nesting were common and territorial in Yellowstone N.P., June sparrows(BR). Downing reported a drop on her B.B.S, 4, althoughnot yet recordedas nestingin the park (SG). from 1858 meadowlarks in 1975 to 340 this year. An Or- Boulder County had rare singing thrushes: a Wood chard Oriole stayedat Corn Cr., June 15-July 17 (CL, Thrush June 12 at Boulder (LH); also at Boulder a VM, TV et al.). Although Brewer's Blackbirds nest suc- Veery June 26 (LH), and at Lyons two VeeriesJune 28 cessfullyin the Colorado mountains, only a few main- (DA) A Blue-grayGnatcatcher nest at Red RocksP., tain nestingcolonies on the plains and piedmont; Corn near Denver, moved the E. Slope breedingrange N 100 Grackleshave displacedthem. At Duboisthey are much ml from Canon City (LR, PEet al.). Sprague'sPipits less common than formerly, and grackles are more were carefully describedfrom Sheridan, one June 10 abundant. Common Grackles nested for the first time in

Volume 31, Number 6 1169 the Chatfield heron grove--11 pairs strong (HEK). One record cone drop produced not only high numbers of at Logan June 3 gave Cache County its first record Red Crossbills,but the first evidenceof nestingWhite- (MBp, AL ph.). Twelve Com. Grackles at Green R., winged Crossbillsin the Region. With about 40 White- Utah July 24 includedtwo juvenile birds; assumingthat wingedspresent, Smith banded 19, with both males and they were raised locally, this offers the first suggestion females evidencing breeding condition. Other White- of breedingin Utah (E&NH). At Las Vegas Brown- wingedswere seenw. of Salt Lake City July 10 (GK), headed Cowbirds parasitized 11 of 30 Abert's Towbee and s. of Yellowstone L., throughout the season(SG) nests, one of eight N. Oriole nests, and three of three At Las Vegas, 33 nestsof Abert's Towbees produced 57 Black-tailed Gnatcatcher nests found. That's the bad eggs and 25 young (GA, SM). The numbers of Lark news,the good newsis that only 15.4% of the cowbird Buntings varied locally; in Colorado spotty rains re- eggshatched and fledged (SM, GA). A young cowbird ceivedcredit for a 10-year high on the Fleming B B S , raised by SavannahSparrows survived a direct attack average numbers on Nunn B.B.S., and an all-time low (accidental)by a tractor at Jefferson (CH, KH). The on the BriggsdaleB.B.S. (RAR). In Wyoming the two plains saw an early movement of W. Tanagers from B.B.S. reports dropped--from 361 and 541 four years their mountain breedingareas, with one at Julesburg ago to 52 and 382 this year, but the overall population June 26 (AW) and dozens across the Colorado pied- remains about the same; buntings are now abundant in mont from July 11 on. A • Scarlet Tanager visited Ft. places where previously they were scarce (HD) Collins June 19 (fide RAR), and another male perished Observerslocated small coloniesof GrasshopperSpar- after crashing into a picture window at Burns, Wyo., rows in n.e. Colorado (JR, AW) and Sheridan(HD) June 27 (SA, ph. ]3. An Hepatic Tanager was at Cassin's Sparrows at Crook in early June were Eureka, Nev., June 19 (AB, fide JE). A pair of Summer suspectedof nesting (JR). Tanagerssummered at Corn Cr., althoughno nest was found (CL, VM, TV). ABBREVIATIONS -- B.B.S.: BreedingBird Survey, R.M.N.P.: Rocky Mt. Nat'l Park; ?: Detailed descrip- FINCHES -- Denver had reports of two different tion on file with RegionalEditor; ??: Detailed descrip- Cardinalsduring the summer(PE). None of the Rose- tion on file with Colorado Field Ornithologists, # breastedGrosbeaks reported evidenced nesting; they in- Details to be publishedelsewhere; *: specimen. cludedtwo at Las VegasJune 22 (CL, VM, TV), one at RawhnsJune 26-27) (RL), and one at SheridanJune 25 CONTRIBUTORS AND INITIALED OBSERVERS (HD). EveningGrosbeaks congregated around Jackson -- Nevada State Editor: pleasesend all Nevada reports to nest; some also nested in the Colorado foothills and to Chuck Lawson, Box 5475, Las Vegas, Nev. 89102 m Ft Collins.They disappeared,though, from Logan Sue Adams, Helen Allen, David Alles (2 observers), and Bryce Canyon. Cassin's Finches nested on the Betty Anderson (BAn), Bob Andrews, George Austin, valley floor at Jacksonin numbers(BR), and in Mary Back, Martha Balph (MBp), H.T. Bartlett, K H Sheridanand Dubois,most unusual; they alsonested in Bass, Art Biale, Sophia Bogart, S.H. Bouffard, Ed increasednumbers at BryceCanyon, Westcreek, Jeffer- Bowman, W.W. Brockher (17), Rick Castetter, Jerry son, and R.M.N.P. Chappell, Olive Cobb, Marian Collins, R.L. Darnell, S.A. Helen Downing (15), Patty Echelmeyer, Margaret Ew- ing, Janet Eyre (3), David Galinat (4), Steve Gniadek Rosy Finches may have suffered from the (4), Paul Gorenzel, W.D. Graul, Carolyn Griffiths, deficient winter snowfall. Brown-cappeds D.A. Griffiths (8), J.R. Guadagno, Carol Hack, May were reported lessnumerous on 14,000 ft Mt. Hanesworth(9), Ed & Camille Harper, Kathy Hawkins, Evans (WWB) and Mount of the Holy Cross Steve Hedges, Louise Hering (35), C.L. Himmel, Roy (AW), and Back found no Blacks in three Hooseley, Lynn C. Howard, Eugene & Nancy Hunn, days of searching where they had nested in Mark Janos, Frank Justice,Gleb Kashin, Ursula Kepler 1948. She reported, "The snowbanks are (7), Douglas Kibbe, A. King, Urling Kingcry (UK0, nearly all melted in our continuingdrought. Barry Knapp (8), Chris Knight, Fran Kobetic, Rod On previous trips the edgesof the snowbanks Krey, Chuck Lawson(8), Alice Lindahl, M.P. Lindner, were where we had seen the Black Rosies R.F. Long, Reid Lowrance, Paul Lucas, Ann Means, feeding. We theorized that they must have John Merchant, Gary Miller, Scott Miller, Brian gone higher, to the snowfields of high Millsap, JocelynMortimer (JMo), Pete Moulton, Vince glaciated peaks." However, those peaks Mowbray, Steven J. Mueller (4), Bert & Meg Raynes already support breeding populations; the (7), Jack Reddall, Warner Reeser(7), R.R. Reid, Jr, absenceof summer snow in the high Rockies J.C. Rigli, Les Robinette, Scott Roederer,Bob Rozinskl may have adverselyaffected nestingrosy fin- (BRz), R.A. Ryder, Larry Ryell (LRy), Ann Schlmpf ches this year. (9), Kim Smith, Mildred O. Snyder, Mahlon Speers, Lavern H. Stelter, R.W. Stransky, Jon Swenson, Edna Red Crossbills returned, with small flocks observed C. Thomas, Tom Valega, Ellen Valentine, Tom Van throughoutthe Colorado and Wyoming mountains.At Zandt, M. Whitney, Andy Wilbur, Elinor Wills, Rober- Logan, for the first time in 25 years,both the spruceand ta Winn, Sandy Wholgemuth. -- HUGH E. fir produced peak cone crops simultaneously. The KINGERY, 869 Milwaukee Street, Denver, Co. 80206.

1170 American Birds, November 1977 SOUTHWEST REGION Rufous-cappedWarbler that did the same, a rash of Hooded Warblers and Ovenbirds, photographicconfir- /Janet Witzeman, John P. Hubbard and mation of three Yellow Grosbeaks, two new waterbirds Kenn Kaufman for the Arizona state list, and a new sparrow for the What had long been a source of subconsciousan- New Mexico list. In the Huachuca Mountains of noyancereached the consciouslevel for someof us this Arizona, where much of the action occurred, there was summer: namely, the large number of nestling and also a forest fire which took out about 9000 acres (but fledgling cowbirdsthat one seesannually being fed by sparedmost riparian areas, e.g. RamseyCanyon) before other passefines. The situation is perhaps most being quelled by a force of 1200+ firefighters. We ex- noticeable in southeast Arizona, where there are two pect one result of the blaze will be the production of cowbird species,both of which haveincreased greatly in more favorable habitat for Buff-breastedFlycatchers. abundance during recent decades.There one can see the parasites'effects at all elevationsfrom mountain can- GREBES THROUGH SPOONBILLS -- Seven adult yons (in the Huachucasthis summerKaufman watched and 19 young Western Grebesreported at Caballo L., in Grace's Warblers, Solitary Vireos and Hepatic Tanagers June and July (WB) provided the first indication of feedingcowbirds in practicallyadjacent trees) to the low breeding in s. New Mexico. The Least Grebe reported deserts(where Black-tailed Gnatcatchers, for instance, during the winter at Quitobaquito Pond, Organ Pipe seem to raise nothing but cowbirds). Cactus Nat'l Mort., Ariz., was seenthere as late as June 21 (RC). A Double-crested Cormorant seen on the Animas R., near Farmington, N. Mex., June 11 (AN) was the first summer record for that area. The Lower Colorado Valley (below, L.C.V.) pro- duced recordsof single imm. Magnificent Frigatebirds June 30, s. of Ehrenberg (AEH,KC), July 9 over Im- perial Dam (KVR,PDM), and July l0 at Cibola N.W.R. (AEH,DW,LC); no obvious differences were noted bet- weenthese individuals, and someduplication may be in- volved. The speciesis a rare, but apparently annual, visitor to s.w. Arizona. Several score of Snowy Egrets and Black-crowned Night Herons establishedan apparently new heronry just s. of Albuquerque, with young producedin June (JPH et aL). A Cattle Egret at Roswell June 16 (JPH) was in an unusualarea for summer. Possiblyindicating a new breeding area, a Least Bittern was seen in the If it is sometimes assumed that the cowbirds' in- Chino Valley n. of Prescott June 20 (SSpe, CST). An fluencewill be felt primarily by the most common birds ad. White lbis on the Hassayampa R. near Wickenburg, in an area, this summerprovided some striking evidence Ariz., June 4 (ST,AG) was probably part of the same to the contrary. Example: near Springerville,Arizona, movementthat brought ten to the Verde R. in May. residesthe only known summerpopulation of Veeriesin Southwestern Arizona saw a minor invasion of the entire Southwest. It is a tiny population, redis- RoseateSpoonbills, all immatures. On the Lower Col- coveredin 1975after a 39-year hiatus, consistingof only orado R. (below, L.C.R.), five appeareds. of Parker one or two pairs so far as known. Actual proof of the June 18 (PDM), and up to seven remained in that area species'breeding there was obtained this summer, when through July (KVR,AEH et al.), while farther s. at Im- Stotz came upon a pair of adult Veefies feeding a perial N.W.R., two were seen June 24 (KVR,ML). At young...Brown-headed Cowbird! Another example: Tacna, five were seen June 10 (RRJ), and four were the Sonoita Creek colony of Five-stripedSparrows, at a near Sells June 29 - July 4 (VMo et.); the northeastern- low point in its chequeredcareer, was down to one pair most individual was one at Granite Reef Dam e. of of adults this summer. When Mills found its nest, it con- Phoenix July 24-30 (PB et aL). The invasion was thus tained one sparrow egg and two cowbird eggs. This less extensive, and involved fewer individuals, than the raisesthe old, but pertinent question:is it not likely that last previous flight in 1973. someisolated local populationsof songbirdsmay be ex- tirpated in this manner? WATERFOWL -- As usual, a few Black-bellied However valid this depressing thought might be, Whistling-Ducks appeared at scattered points in s. Southwestern observerscould not remain depressedfor Arizona during the spring and summer, with sightings long this summer--too much was happening for that. near Nogales, St. David, Tucson, Picacho Res., and For starters, the unfortunate Five-striped Sparrows on Phoenix. Comparing numbers of this speciesfrom one Sonoita Creek were overshadowed by the discovery of year to another may be difficult, owing to the wander- thriving populations of the species elsewhere in the ing tendenciesof the birds and the large element of state. Beyond this, the Region saw nesting Northern chance involved in their being detected by observers. Parulas, invading Indigo Buntings, a Berylline Hum- A q)Green-winged Teal with a brood seen June 6 at mingbird that played hide-and-seekwith birders and a Centerfire Bog, s.w. New Mexico (JPH), establishedthe

Volume 31, Number 6 1171 first breeding record for the area. Blue-winged Teal 5. These summer records are unprecedentedand inex- summering in unusual areas included 15 along the plicable. Ten Black Terns were presentin the San Juan L.C.R., four at Phoenix, one at Prescott, one at Valley w. of Farmington June 6-7 (GS); this speciesis Nogales and one at Willcox; most of these were accom- occasionalin summerin New Mexico, and might be ex- panied by female teal. Anomalous summer records of pected to breed there. Wood Ducks in Arizona included a male s. of Parker On June 12, a Black Skimmer was discovered in- June 22 (AEH), a pair n. of Imperial N.W.R., June 25 dependentlyby two parties on the Colorado R., above (KVR,ML), a female near PrescottJune 26 (CST), and Yuma and extensively documented (AL,KC,SF; ph. a female near Nogales May 25 - Sept. 15 (KK et al.). JFD, $C&RI, $SSpt) for the first Arizona record. This record undoubtedly either results from, or reflects the RAPTORS THROUGH TURKEYS -- During a same phenomenon as, the recent proliferation of the study of Mississippi Kites in Arizona, Glinski found specieson the Salton Sea. that 16 young fledged from 16 occupied territories. Most of thesewere in the previouslyestablished colony ANIS, OWLS -- A Groove-billed Ani near Chandler, along the San Pedro R., but two young fledged from s.e. of Phoenix, July I ($RBo) was the only one found two nests in a newly discoveredarea along the Gila R., in Arizona so far this year; the speciesis a rare straggler near Kearny. RG feels that the future successof the from Mexico, occurringat almost any season. speciesin the state may depend on the effect of the A Pygmy Owl was heard repeatedlyJuly 27 in the sprayingand clearing of cicada habitat that is occurring, isolatedHualapai Mts. of n.w. Arizona (KVR, AEH); as well as the effect of the proposed destruction of evidentlythere are no previousrecords of the speciesin riparian habitat. Ac, and 9 Marsh Hawk were ap- this sectionof the state. A FerruginousOwl was found parently present all summer near Chevelon Cr., e. of in mid-June in Organ Pipe Cactus Nat'l Mon., where Winslow, in what appeared to be suitable breeding the specieshas nestedin the past, but not consecutively habitat (fide DT); there are no Arizona breedingrecords (RC). The Saw-whetOwl is infrequentlyfound breeding for this century. in the Region, so it is worth noting that a family was A White-tailed Ptarmigan was reported July 2 on netted and banded in the Zuni Mts., s. of Thoreau, N. Gold Hill, Taos Co. (Butch Morris). Populationsof this Mex., in early June (AM). scarcespecies appear to be increasingin New Mexico. Two Turkeys seenJune 18 at 4500 ft in the Arizona half SWIFTS, HUMMINGBIRDS -- The roostingsite of of Guadalupe Canyon (S&LB,R&JW et al.) were prob- the Chimney Swifts in Tucson could not be located this ably wanderers from higher elevationsnearby, although summer, and keeping tabs on the birds was thus dif- it is possiblethey may have been escapesfrom isolated ficult; however, single individuals were seen as late as ranchosin adjacent Sonora. July 11 & 15 (DSz, KK). SHOREBIRDS -- A breeding-plumaged White- All threeof Arizona'srare-but-regular hummingbird rumped Sandpiper was found at Willcox June 4 (•KK, speciesoccurred at the Mile Hi feedersin RamseyCan- EC,DSz; ph. DD) for Arizona's first verified record. yon this summer, albeit briefly. Ac, Lucifer Hum- The occurrenceof this speciesat Willcox was consistent mingbirdwas seenonly June 18 ½GMcC).A Berylline with the Great Plains element in that 1ocality'smigrant Hummingbirdwas present intermittently at the feeders avifauna; the June date was interesting in that both of duringJuly, beingrecorded only July 2-4, 10-11,and 26 the California records known to us have also been in (ph.•B&CY, FS et aL); this was the fifth summer of June. occurrencein the United States. for this species. First discoveredsummering in New Mexico only two A 9 White-earedHummingbird came in June 18 and re- years ago, Corn. Snipe were recorded again this sum- mainedthrough June20, despitethe disturbanceof fire- mer: two were found at Parkview and four near Can- fighting traffic and activity during this time (GMcC, jilon Lakes, Rio Arriba Co., June 28-29 (JPH). The B&CY et aL ). species is probably more common in the area than suspected,and may also occur in the Sangre de Cristo Mts. A Baird's Sandpiper at Willcox June 28 (GM,KK) established the earliest fall record for Arizona. Ap- parently a local first was a Stilt Sandpiper, still in breeding plumage, at White Sands Nat'l Mon., N. Mex., July 27 (MW). GULLS, TERNS -- An ad. Heermann's Gull at Tuc- son June 19 (GM et al.) was the first to be recorded in Arizona in summer;there are now recordsfor virtually all seasons.In our preceding report we noted numbers of Bonaparte's Gulls remainingin Arizona through late May. At Willcox the last individual was seen June 19; severalwere seenthrough June on the L.C.R., with the last individual seenJuly 1; and at Phoenix six were seen White-earedHummingbird, Ramsey Canyon Preserve, June 23 (SRD,HL,JW), with one remaining until Aug. Ariz., June 1977. Photo by Bob and Carol Yutzy.

1172 American Birds, November1977 Other Lucifer Hummingbirds noted this summer were Santo Nino in extreme s.w. Chihuahua (SW). These a male at Portal during June and July (W&SSpf, F&ER, may representthe first records for that state, although EAC et al.), a female in Guadalupe Canyon June 26 the speciesis common in adjacent areas of Sonora and (DSz, SH et al.), and a male and female seenduring Sinaloa. A family of Com. Crows noted at Algodones, August in the Coronado Nat'l Memorial (DD). The re- Sandoval Co., July 17 (DC) marked a new s. limit of cent •ncreasein Arizona records of this speciesis strik- probable breeding for the Rio Grande Valley of New ing, and may indicate a northward range extensioninto Mexico. the state; prior to 1970 there were only two very old Black-capped and Mountain Chickadees were agmn recordshere. A singingc, Anna's Hummingbird was in a present during the summer in the Rio Grande Valley yard •n Silver City June 18-20 (MM). Except for one near Albuquerque, where both were only recently con- spnng record the few previous records of this recent in- firmed as breeders.In addition, both specieswere found vader to New Mexico have been in the fall. at new s. limits along the Rio Grande in Socorro Co WOODPECKERS, FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS Black-cappeds near Bernardo, and Mountains at Sabinal (DC). Two Mountain Chickadeeswere seenJu- -- A few Acorn woodpeckers may wander to the lowlands at almost any time of year except early spring. ly 26-27 in the Hualapai Mts. of n.w. Arizona (KVR, An extreme example of this was provided by one seen AEH), where the specieshas been previously unrecord- near the Colorado R., s. of Parker June 25 (AEH, LC, ed (and, in fact, noted as conspicuouslyabsent -- Btrds DRC) of Ariz.). The Hualapais are some distance from any An E. Kingbird was seennear Springerville, Ariz., Ju- potential source population, but the chickadees may ly 29 - Aug. 7 (DSz, GG, MH); individuals of this have arrived there by virtue of winter wanderingsto the specieshave been found in that general area annually lowlands; it is perhaps notable that the first records of for at least the last four summers. Thick-billed the speciesin the L.C.V. occurred last winter.

K•ngb•rds were found at four new points of occurrence WRENS THROUGH VIREOS -- A Cactus Wren •n Arizona: one was on Cienega Gr., e. of Tucson June present 18 mi s.e. of Corona June 17 representeda new 12 (SM), one was on the San Pedro R., near Hereford n. limit for the speciesin New Mexico e. of the R•o July 19 (WR, RS, BY); in two canyonsw. of Nogales, Grande Valley (JPH). A Brown Thrasher at Cotton- one wasin Walker CanyonJune 25 (SM) and threewere wood Canyon, s. of Thoreau, N. Mex., June 21 (AM) found Aug. 5 in California Gulch (DSz et al.). represented the third summer record for w.c. New Mex- Tropical Kingbirds returned to one of their northern- ico. Seven Sage Thrashers were noted June 9, e of most Arizona breeding localities, Cook's L., between Fence L., a new area of occurrence(JPH); the species Mammoth and Hayden, where first found nesting in hasonly recentlybeen found summeringas far s. as w c 1975, however (possibly becausethe "lake" had been New Mexico. A singlebird seene. of Albuquerque July drmned during the winter), the birds were seenonly on 17 (DBy) was probably an early migrant. May 21 (KK et al.) and not subsequently.The species Lowland nestings(below 2500 ft) of Am. Robins•n also returned to an area e. of Douglas where first noted the Southwestare still quite rare. The first known occur- last August, with a pair seenJuly 5 (DD). A pair found rence on the Arizona side of the L.C.V. was registered near Arivaca, w. of Nogales, June 15 (BH, KK, JW) this summer with a pair of adults feeding young •n marked a new summeringlocality for the species. Willow Valley (n.e. of Needles), June 19-21 (KVR, At least two pairs of Dusky Flycatcherswere found AEH et al.). At leastone pair of robinsalso nested suc- nestings. of Thoreau, N. Mex., June 8, establishinga cessfullyin Tucson, fledgingtwo young (KK, DSz) A new southernmost breeding locality for the state. One pair of Warbling Vireos was found buildinga nestMay pmr was unsuccessful,but the other , which fledged 28 near the SouthwestResearch Station, at 5400 ft •n the young,represented the first successfulnesting s. of the Chiricahuas (DSz,M&DK); it had been previously JemezMts. (JPH, AM). SevenGray Flycatcherssinging thought that this speciesnested only at much h•gher near White Oaks, Lincoln Co., June 16 (JPH) were at elevations in these mountains. the s e limit of the species'summer occurrencein New Mexico. Five pairs of W. Flycatcherswere found WARBLERS -- It is becoming clear that the occur- nestingJuly 7 in collapsedlava malpaistubes in the cold rencesof rare warblers are not entirely restrictedto the and countrynear Grants, N. Mex., wherethere are only traditional migration seasons.The seasonfor "spnng" scatteredponderosa pines. This wasthe first instanceof vagrancyextends well into June. Beyondthis, a few out- low elevation nesting of this speciesin the state. of-the way warblersmay be found at almostany time •n V•olet-greenSwallows were seen throughout the sum- mid-summer; this seemsto happen more often w•th mer •n the L.C.V., at Bill Williams Delta (below, B.W. some speciesthan with others. Delta), and may have bred there (KVR, AEH etal.); the Records of Black-and-white Warbler in Arizona specieshas nestedon the California side of the river literally span the calendar; this summer, one was •n near Parker Dam. Two Purple Martins seen June 21 Cave Creek Canyon, Chiricahuas, July 2 (PWS, KK et over San Rafael, N. Mex., a grasslandand lava area, al.), and one was near PrescottJuly 5-6 (CST). S•ngle were •n an unusual summer habitat (JPH). Ovenbirds were seenon Mt. Union, s. of Prescott, June CORVIDS, PARIDS -- A Purplish-backed Jay was 14 and on Granite Cr., n. of Prescott, June 28 (both observedJune 8, and two on June 10, near the village of CST); an Ovenbird killed itself againsta window near

Volume 31, Number 6 1173 Gila Cliff Dwellings Nat'l Mon., N. Mex., June 7 or 8 (* June 15 at Bent, e. of Tularosa (JPH), marked a new to W.N.M.U., fide DAZ), and another did the same in n.e. limit for New Mexico. Three Black-throatedGray Phoenix June 22 (* to U.A., fide SRD). It seemsthat Warblers were found near White Oaks, N. Mex, June e•ther summer Ovenbirds in the Southwest have an inor- 16 (JPH); there have been unaccountablyfew prewous dinate tendency to hit windows, or else these secretive summerrecords in the s.e.-c. sectionof the state.Single birds are being overlooked in life. Hooded Warblers ap- Com. Yellowthroatswere found singingon territory in peared in three mountain canyons in Arizona during Ju- an odd habitat, densesacaton grass far from water, near ly, a male in Garden Canyon, Huachucas, July 18-19 Guadalupe Canyon June 19 (JW et al.) and in lower (WR,JD,RS et al.), a femalein Cave Creek Canyon, July Gardner Canyon June 25 (KK, EC); a similar situation 20-24 (EH et al.), and a male in Madera Canyon, .Santa wasnoted near Bisbee in 1940by GaleMonson (Condor Rltas, July 28 (•'KK). These three speciesappear to be 44: 224) but we know of no recently reported cases among the more regular summer vagrants in the Region. Belatedly, we report a Red-facedWarbler seenJune 19, More notable were a Worm-eating Warbler near 1976,on the n. rim of the Grand Canyon(C JR, CPR), Prescott July 5-6 (CST), and a probable Yellow- and severalseen in May 1977,in the HualapaiMts (T throated Warbler at Kirtland, extremen.w.N.Mex., June 2 Fears, fide KVR). Both represent apparently new (cs) localitiesfor this species,which seemsto be gradually Several nesting warblers made news. A pair of N. extending its range toward the N and W. Parulas settled in cottonwoods on the Rio Grande near Algodones, Sandoval Co., N.Mex., and attempted to ICTERIDS, TANAGERS -- A singingc, Bobolink breed there during the period May 31 - June 24. Ap- was found in an agricultural area s. of Parker June 8 parently the attempt was unsuccessful.The nest (made (•'AL), a surprisingdate; the speciesis a very rare strag- of shreddedcottonwood bark and other plant material) gler to Arizona in spring. The two meadowlarkspecies and a broken egg were collected July 7, documenting occurred sympatrically in June in shortgrassprairie this first attempted breeding for New Mexico (DC). In areas of New Mexico, with counts of 17 Easternsto bye Arizona, a pair of Am. Redstarts on Granite Cr., near Westernsnear Fence L., Valencia Co., and 222 Easterns Prescott, establishedthe state's secondbreeding record to 79 Westernsin Lea County on BreedingBird Survey (CST). Meanwhile, in the area near Springervillewhere routes (JPH et al.) There are few recordsfor Orchard Arizona's first nesting was confirmed last summer, a Oriole in s.w. New Mexico. Two individuals were pair of ad. redstarts was found July 28, but no nest or observed along the Gila R. near Riverside: a female young could be located (DSz et al.). June 10 and a male June 14 (?ST, AG). SingleScott's Some range extensions for the Region's regularly Orioles were seen near their n. limits in extreme n w breeding warblers were noted. A Lucy's Warbler seen New Mexico near Beklabito June 13 (GS) and near NageeziJune 14 (AN, CS).

FRINGILLIDS -- A Pyrrhuloxia, consideredto be The greatestenigma of the seasoninvolved local in summer in extreme s.e. Arizona, was seen in the first nesting of the Rufous-capped Guadalupe Canyon June 19 (SB, JW), and another was Warbler (Basileuterusrufifrons) in Arizona. found there on July 24 (WB). As noted in our preceding report, the state's Rose-breastedGrosbeaks continued to be reported in first sightingof this Mexican speciesoccurred greater numbers than usual from several areas •n this May, in Cave Creek Canyon. That in- Arizona: along the Colorado R., near Flagstaff, at dividual vanished promptly after its Prescott, at Alpine in the White Mrs., at Patagonia, discovery; but on July 17, another or the Canoa, in the Huachucas; and in w. New Mexico at same bird was found about 1.3 mi up the can- Farmington, Sabinal and Cliff. yon from the location of the May sighting Last summer'sscore of 38 Indigo Buntingsin Arizona (ph. ME, MC). This bird proved easy for (Am. Birds 30: 989) pales considerablyin comparisonto subsequentvisitors to find. The reason for its the numbers found in the Region this summer. In the faithfulness to the site became clear when a L.C.V. alone, KVR, AEH et al. located 55 singing nest with four eggs(to U.A.) was found July males between Cibola N.W.R. and Topock, and 19 (HB et al.). However, the adult warbler reportedthat large areasof suitablehabitat (as in B W disappeared a few days later (last definite Delta and Topock area) had not evenbeen investigated sighting early on July 23), leaving behind Successfulbreeding occurredat least at Topock, where unhatched eggs and a question as to their recentlyfledged young were being fed July 24-26 (TB, origin: was this a case of a lone, unmated AEH). In the Prescott area, both Indigo and Lazuh female building a nest unaided and laying in- Buntings were nesting with very little interbreeding fertile eggs?There were no concretesightings noted (CST). In the Tucson-Nogalesaxis, at least 22 dif- of two ad. birds (sexes are alike in this ferent individual Indigos were tallied. One or two were species),and no singing male was ever heard seenthroughout the summer in the Huachucas area, and in the area, so the possibility cannot be ruled at least ten were noted in the Chiricahuasand vicinity out at this time. More information may be The specieswas considered"abundant" in the general availablelater. i region of Cliff, in s.w. New Mexico (ST, AG).

1174 American Birds, November 1977 S.A. volved an 1880 specimen taken near Silver City The discovery of nine Vesper Sparrows near White Oaks, Occurrence of the Yellow Grosbeak N.Mex., June 16 (JPH) marked a new southeasternmost (Pheucticuschrysopeplus) in Arizona and the limit of summer occurrence for the species in the United Stateswas photographicallyconfirmed Region. this summer, with a male in Madera Can- yon, Santa Rita Mts., June 4 (ph.,PJM, JRM), another in Ramsey Canyon, Although the positionof the SonoitaCreek Huachuca Mts., June 15-17 (C&JP, ph. BY, colony appearedmore precariousthan ever, a m.o.b.), and yet another, an imm. male, at remarkable series of discoveries elsewhere PrescottJuly 26 (ph.,VMi). (The RamseyCa- brought about a major revision in the known nyon bird, studiedcarefully by many, showed status of the Five-striped Sparrow in no unusual feather wear, toenail growth, Arizona. The discoveryof a Five-striped in tameness,or other signsof recent captivity.) lower SycamoreCanyon June 12 (BH) led to This brings to six the number of records we a major search, coordinated by Scott Mills, find convincing.One of these,not previously of that and similar areas. By summer's end published, was of a 9-plumaged bird on no less than forty territorial males had been Sonoita Cr., near Patagonia June 21, 1975 located in four canyons in the Atascoca (•'SCa, EAC et al.). Highlands region w. of Nogales, plus another When the first of the Yellow Grosbeaksap- two on the w. side of the Santa Rita Mts. As pearedon SonoitaCreek in June 197'1,it was remarkable as these records are, we are not at stigmatized as a possible escapefrom the all certain that these "new" localities repre- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum--not a very sentactual range extensionson the part of the plausible theory to those familiar with birds. All of the localities involved are Arizona geography; the possibility of an remote, relatively inaccessible,'and had been escapeefrom a cage in Nogales, Sonora, was virtually unexplored in summer previously, more problematical. But the records that the sparrowsmay have been there all along. have accumulated since have consistently been in "logical" placesfor wild straysfrom Mexico (i.e., riparian trees or mountain can- Cassin's Sparrows, formerly seldom recorded m yons). All have beenduring July--except the Arizona during June, were heard singingon the w side Prescott bird, which was farther n. and cor- of the Chiricahua Mts., June 7, and in lower Guadalupe respondingly later. Since the northernmost Canyon June 19 (R&JW). Usually silent until after the populations of Yellow Grosbeaks in s. rains of July, rain in June this year may have con- Sonora are migratory, nesting during the tributed to their making their presenceknown earlier rainy season of mid-summer, it seemslikely than usual. The specieswas detected earlier than usual that the Arizona records represent north- in New Mexico as well. Eight were in the Mimbres bound migrants "overshooting" their normal Valley June 11 (JPH), 28 on the JornadaExperimental range. Range June 15 (WB, W. Pilz), and one at San Simon CienegaJune 23 (JPH). Two Gray-headed Juncos were found July 26-27 m the Hualapai Mts. of n.w. Arizona (KVR, AEH), where An ad. c• Varied Bunting found June 12 at Glen- no form of junco is known to breed. A new area of sum- wood,N. Mex.(D. McKnight),wa('ifie r•or•hernmost mer occurrencefor the Brewer's Sparrow was Fence ever recorded in summer. A c• Painted Bunting near Lake, w.c. New Mexico, where sevenwere found June 9 LasCruces June 7 - July4 (Barbi'aSteinaut et aL) estab- (JPH). hshed one of the few recent records for that area. Botteri's Sparrow was added to the New Mexico state SeveralEvening Grosbeaksseen June 8 in Cottonwood list June 23, when SMR found one near Rodeo. At least Canyon, s. of Thoreau, N. Mex. (JPH, AM), were two pairs (and possiblyup to six) found in the area June unusual for the area; while between one and two 25 (J&WM) were presentthrough July and apparently Cassln'sFinches at the sameplace during June and July nested successfully.At least one Botteri's was found (JPH, AM) were the first for the Zuni Mts. and a new s. singingamong Cassin'sSparrows in a pastureat 5000 ft, hmlt for the speciesin summer. The speciesmay be 50 km n. of Chihuahua, Chi., Mex., June 23 (J&WM) breeding in that vicinity. A Savannah Sparrow was noted July 11 near Parkview, extreme n. New Mexico CONTRIBUTORS (Area compilers in boldface) -- (DBy), an area of infrequent summer occurrence.A Bertin Anderson, lone Arnold, Don W. Bailey, William singing o-GrasshopperSparrow was found June 25 e. Baltosser, Paul Bard, Harriette Barker, James S. Bays, of Cloverdale, N. Mex. (J&WM); judging by the loca- John Bell (JBe), Randy Bottcher(RBo), Robert Bradley tion this was possiblyA. s. ammolegus, the breeding (RBr), Tim Brush, Scott & Lee Burge, Danny Bystrak race of s. Arizona and n. Sonora. The only previous (DBy), EugeneA. Cardiff, SteveCardiff (SCa), Larry summer record for the speciesin s.w. New Mexico in- Clark, SueClark (SC1), Danny R. Cohan, Donna Cole,

Volume 31, Number 6 1175 Kathleen Conine, Elaine Cook, Richard Cunningham, Russell, Greg Schmitt, Carol Shryock, Fletcher Sillick, Max Cutler, Doug Danforth, Salome R. Demaree, Jeff Steve Speich (SSpe), Shirley Spitler (SSpt), Sally Spof- F. Drake, Jon Dunn, Michael Evans, Fred Evenden, ford (SSpf), Portal; Walter Spofford, Rich Stallcup, Shirley Fellers (SFe), Ralph A. Fisher, Sean Furniss, DouglasStorz (DSz), Tucson; Paul W. Sykes,Scott Ter- David Gaines, Alan Gast, Rich Glinski, Grace Gregg, rill, Ross L. Teuber, Dick Todd, Carl S. Tomoff, Steve Hanselmann, Murray Hansen, Bill Harrison, Prescott; Phil Walters, Doug Wells, Steve West, Tom Nogales; Alton E. Higgins, Lower Colo. R.; Eugene Wier, Marjorie Williams, Robert Witzeman, Bob & Hunn, Catherine & Ralph Irwin, Betty Jackson(BJa), Carol Yutzy, Huachucas; Dale A. Zimmerman, s.w. R. Roy Johnson, Betty Jones (BJo), Mike & Diana New Mexico. Abbreviations: Birds of Ariz., Phillips, King, Michael Lange, Andrew Laurenzi, Jim & Sue Marshall and Monson 1964, The Birds of Arizona, Liscovec, Helen Longstreth, Paul D. Mack, Guy Mc- Univ. of Ariz. Press, Tucson; *, specimen; •r, written Caskie, Arch McClellan, Virginia Miller (VMi), Scott details on file with New Mexico Ornithological Society Mills, Julie & Will Moir, Gale Monson, consultant on (N.M.O.S.) or with Arizona Bird Committee (A.B.C.); Arizona records; JoAnn R. Moroz, Peter J. Moroz, ph., photo on file with N.M.O.S. or with A.B.C. -- Mary Moseley, Vincent Mowbray (VMo), Alan Nelson, JANET WITZEMAN, 4619 E. Arcadia Lane, Phoenix, Rod Norden, Torrin Olsen, Carroll & Joan Peabody,J. Ariz. 85018; JOHN P. HUBBARD, 2016 Valle Rio, Terry Peters, C. John Ralph, Carol P. Ralph, Fred & Sante Fe, N. Mex. 87501; KENN KAUFMAN, 1607 N. Elizabeth Ranson, Bill & Alice Roe, Kenneth V. Mountain Ave., Tucson, Ariz. 85719. Rosenberg,Lower Colo. R.; Stephen M. Russell, Will

ALASKA REGION this spring resulted in further widely-scattered records /Daniel D. Gibson of these speciesin summer. In fact, many observers mentionedlarger numbers of ducks. At Barrow, for ex- ample, Pete Myers describedthe situationas beinginun- The summer was warm, sunny, and dry throughout dated by duck speciesfor which there had been few most of the Region and was described by many previous records, particularly dabblers, and as being a observersas relatively quiet and unexciting. It did have lower-than-normal year for several normal breeding its peculiaritiesthough. Characteristically,spring migra- species(e.g., Oldsquaw, Steller's Eider). tion did not taper off until mid-June, so many exciting In central Alaska and on the Seward Peninsula there recordswere not 'nestingseason' phenomena. Gambell, were extensive forest fires in midsummer, but their ef- St. Lawrence Island, a famous migrant trap becauseof fects on breeding birds could only be guessed. its location and topography, produced numerousspec- There are many palearctic speciesdiscussed in Alaska tacular recordsat the end of the springmigration in ear- that are not found in the 5th A.O.U. Check-list and sup- ly June. plements. The referenceused for namesof all suchbirds Elsewhere, the widespread movements of several discussedin these reports is Vaurie's two-volume The ducks (e.g., Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck birds of the palearctic fauna (1959, Passeriformes; 1965, Non-Passeriformes). GREBES, GADFLY PETRELS -- A Pied-billed Grebe was present on Portage flats, Anchorage area, from at least June 5 (SS) - 27 (RJG), the first Alaska record w. of Southeasternwhere it is a rare fall migrant. Seven Scaled Petrels were reported from the Kodiak- Homer-Seward ferry June 16 (WCR & RWS et aL), a good count. The speciesis a regular uncommon high seas summer visitant off the Alaska Pacific coast, but it does not occur regularly close inshore in any areas ex- cept, apparently, the n. Gulf of Alaska, still within direct influence of the Alaska Gyre. WATERFOWL -- Ducks were newsworthythis sum- mer, as many species,both dabblersand divers, occurred in greater-than-usual numbers and in peripheral areas. "Prairie" ducks were particularly involved, apparently a result of drought conditions to the e. and s. of Alaska. Mallards and N. Shovelers were both widely com- mented on as being slightly more common than usual. Pintails, which were more than normally common migrants in s., c., and w. areas of the state this spring (q.v.), were similarly more numerous at Barrow this

1176 American Birds, November 1977 springand summer(e.g., 150 birds June 4, JPM & DE & observer coverage(but the birds were more numerous WDS) There had been only about five Barrow records than usual in the w. Aleutians). Singlesor twos or threes of Am Wigeon before this year, so a female on May 29 (usually, but six at Gambell June 4, BFK et al.) were and at least 14 birds seen June 4-6 (JPM & DE) were reportedfrom the w. Aleutians(DDG, GEH, TGT) and clearlypart of this phenomenon.Blue-winged Teal were BristolBay (adult off Unimak I., June19, RAM) n to widely reported from the Stikine R. (SOM) and Juneau the arctic coast(adult at Barrow, June 24-26 and July (FAG), to the Copper R. Delta (REI) and McKinley 2-6, DE, WDS, JPM, GEH) and as far e. as Prudhoe Park (PP & GP, fide KK). There are few breeding Bay (subadult, July 31, JPM, WDS). In a summerin records, so a female with brood at Tiedeman Slough, which sea ice disappearedat Barrow very early (late Copper R. Delta, was of interest(PGM). June), it is peculiar that Ivory Gulls, which are ice- Canvasbacks were seen in pairs and small flocks as related birds and casual summer visitants there even in far n and w. as Cape Krusenstern, on the Chukchi Sea normally ice-bound summers, were recorded there three coast, in early June (PGC & CSC); Redheadswere timesin late Juneand early July, up to two birds(JPM) reportedat Juneauin June(DEM,fide FAG), and three GOATSUCKERS -- A first for Alaska and certainly were observedat Cape KrusensternJune 26 (PGC & one of the most astoundingfinds of the year was a c• CSC), and at leasttwo pairsof Ring-neckedDucks may Jungle Nigh•ja.r (Cqprimulgusindicus) found dead in have bred in the Cordova area (REI). A pair of Ring- the Buldir wrackline May 31 (RHD, EPK, *U.A.M ) neckedsat St. Paul I., Pribilofs, June9 (BFK et al.) & 13 (RWS) was amazing(but seealso spring). SWALLOWS,THRUSHES -- Cliff Swallows,which have expanded their breeding range in recent years, EAGLES -- The pair of White-tailed Eaglesat Attu overshotN (one, Barrow, July 6, JPM et al.) and W I , w Aleutians,in May (see•sp•:ing)was subsequently (one, Buldir l., June28, TGT et aL) Following records recordedin the samevalley at int•ervalsthroughout the summer;pair June 19 & July 6 and one bird July 7 & 16 in theAleutians in May(q. v. ), a DuskYThrushwas seen at GambellJune 4-6 (BFK et al.), at least the eighth (TGT) Alaska record. A Swainson's Thrush at Pt. Barrow RAILS, SHOREBIRDS -- On the Stikline R., s.e. June 8 (DE & WDS) was a secondrecord at that loca- Alaska, calling Soraswere recordedat BarnesL., one tion. June 15 (SOM), and along Ketili Cr., four June 16 MUSCICAPIDS, WAGTAILS, SHRIKES -- A (SOM), suggestingthat this speciesmay breed in some Dusky Warbler (Phylloscopusfuscatus) was studied at years Killdeers were reported well beyond the normal length at Gambell June 6 (BFK, DWF, RWS, WCR et breedingrange, singlesat Kaktovik, n. Alaska, in June al.). Details of this first Alaska sightingwill be publish- (fide AJM) and at St. Paul I., June9 (BFK et.al.). Birds ed elsewhere.A few Gray-spotted Flycatchers(see bred at Fairbanks (see spring), only the secondsuch record in c. Alaska, and a pair was seenat Kasilof July spring)were present in the? Aleutiansinto mid-June, latestone at Buldir throughJune 29 (TGT). A Gray 23 (MAM, DBM). Wagtailat GambellJune 6-7 (RWS et al.) wasthe sixth There were many records of rare sandpipers as late state record, the only report this year. Another first for spring migrants or summer visitants, a function of in- Alaska, a Brow• Shrike (Lanius cristatus)was present creasedobserver coverage at certain points, e.g., Far at Gambell June4-6 (BFK, DWF, RWS, WCR et al ) Eastern Curlew (one, Amchitka l., June 13, GWE & Details elsewhere. JTC), Great Knot (one, St. Paul I., May 26, WER; one, Gambell, June 8, LGB et al.), Temminck's Stint (one, WAXWINGS THROUGH FINCHES -- Bohemian BuldlrI , May 2•.5•.-.•26,RPS et al.; one, Gambell•.Ju•ne4 Waxwings began to appear in the Cordova-Copper R RWS, one, St. Matthew l., July 28, RJG), Sharp-tailed Delta area in early June and by mid-July they were pre- Sandpiper(singles, Gambell, June 1 & 9, BFK et al.). At sentin invasionnumbers, with flocks of up to 70 present interestinglocalities were a Rufous-neckedSandpiper at over a wide area (RED. The specieswas common in c Nelson Lagoon, Alaska Pen., far s. of the breeding Alaska all summer,but it was not clear if larger-than- range July 9 (REG) and a PolynesianTattler at Pt. Bar- normal numbers were present in other areas as well row June 19-20 (RJB), the secondarctic Alaska record. Common RoseFinches, recorded irregularly in springat A Terek Sandpiperat AnchorageJune 18 (RWS, TVH, Gambell since 1973, reached an amazing high of 18 JB) was amazing, the first Alaska record e. of the Ber- birds June 6 at Gambell (BFK et al.), an estimatedsix ing Sea males and 12 females. A Lincoln's Sparrow at Pt. Bar- Pectoral Sandpiperswere present in low breeding row June 6 (DE, WDS) furnished the first record of the densitiesat Barrow, with males' territories at least twice speciesin arctic Alaska. as large as in years of normal densities.A very large CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- Lawrence wave of birds of both sexesarrived in late June, and G. Balch, Robert J. Boekelheide,Joe Burrige, JamesT somenesting commenced then (JPM, DE, WDS). Pro- Coffey, Carolyn S. Connors, Peter G. Connors,Robert bably relatedwere large numbersof nonbreedingPec- H. Day, Glenn W. Elison, Dick Erickson, Davis W torals presenton flats of the Copper R. Delta until June Finch,Robert E. Gill, FrankA. Glass,Richard J. (3or- 19 (REI). don, George E. Hall, Thomas V. Heatley, Ruth E GULLS -- Slaty-backedGulls were widely reported Isleib, Kenneth Kertell, Ben F. King, Erick P. Knudt- this summer, probably another result of increased son, Stephen O. MacDonald, Richard A. Macintosh,

Volume 31, Number 6 1177 Audrey J. Magoun, David B. McDonald, Donald E. Stacy Scott, W. David Shuford, Richard W. Stallcup, McKnight, Peter J. Mickelson, Mary A. Miller, J.P. Theodore G. Tobish; *specimen.--DANIEL D. GIB- Myers, GretchenPederson, Pete Pederson,William E. SON, University of Alaska Museum, Fairbanks, Alaska Rodstrom,William C. Russell,Robert P. Schu.lmeister, 99701.

NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION /Eugene Hunn and Philip Mattocks, Jr.

The Region continuedinto the breedingseason in the grip of drought. At Seattle June and July rainfall was but 43 percent of normal (0.96 in.) and temperatures were 1.90F above average.Dry conditionswere somewhat moderated in July, and their impact on bird distribu- tions was not obvious. Owing to a temporary breakdown in communications during the transfer of editorial duties, this summary does not include the observations of many Vancouver, B.C., collaborators. Highlights missed here will be in- cluded with the fall summary. Non-standard abbrevia- tions used are: S.J.C.R., South Jetty of the Columbia R., Clatsop Co., Oreg., and V.I., Vancouver Island, B.C.

LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- Common Loons nestedat Pye L., n. of Campbell R., V.I. (HT) and may also have nestedat two lakes near Victoria, V.I. (fide VG). Common and Arctic Loons were still moving N past Oregon and Washington coastal points through mid-June. The few Common and Arctic Loons were (B.C.P.M.). The Pelagic Cormorant also nestedon the joined all summer on salt water by numbers of Red- nearby Race Rocks, with 389 nestson June 21. Brandt's throateds along Oregon and Washington coasts and Cormorants were unusually scarce in the Victoria and about Victoria. Six Yellow-billed Loons in both nuptial Saanich area (VG). Also noteworthy were 20 Pelagic and basic plumages were reported in late June and July Cormorants in s. Puget Sound near Olympia all sum- at several points on the Queen Charlotte Is. shores mer, although no nesting was noted (BH-T, G&WH). (B.C.P.M.). There is but a handful of previoussummer Green Herons were well reported n. to Agassiz, in the records for the Region. A few Red-neckedGrebes sum- Fraser R. valley, B.C., where there were four on July 10 mered near Victoria (RS, JTa), while single Horned (MS). The high count was along the ChehalisR., near Grebes were reported from Tillamook Bay, Oreg., Oakville, Thurston Co., Wash., July 22 (G&WH). Only Ocean Shores, Wash., and Victoria and Vancouver, one Great Egret report camein, a singlebird at Yaquina B.C. Western Grebes were notably scarcethis summer Bay, Oreg., July 28 (DI, DFi). at Bellingham, Wash. (TW), but 300 were at Pt. Gren- ville on the Washington coast July 9 (G&WH), a good WATERFOWL -- Mute Swans in the S. Vancouver mid-summer concentration. A Pied-billed Grebe nest I. colony numbered at least 48, including six half grown was reported from Sauvie I., n.w. of Portland, Oreg., young July 23 (fide VG). Two Trumpeter Swans were and five were found in the Victoria-Saanich area. found near Elma, Grays Harbor Co., Wash., June 11 & Black-footed Albatrosseswere noted off the Queen July 12 (G&WH, KB), and one immature was near Gold Charlotte Is., five on June 19 (B.C.P.M.), and by Terry R., on the w. side of Vancouver I. all summer (HT). Wahl's Westport trips, June 26 & July 17 (68 each). Neither bird was injured. An odd-plumaged Brant was TW's two cruisesalso reported N. Fulmars (6, 38) and noted in Lincoln County, Oreg., at the Salmon R. Pink-footed Shearwaters (129, 117) as well as a few mouth June 12 (DFi). Other Brant reported were six at Flesh-footed Shearwaters(1, 2), which are rare but Ocean Shores, Wash., June 11 & 24 and July 15, and regular visitors offshore May through October in the singlesat Victoria, June I & July 6. These are normal Region. Only Sooty Shearwaterswere reportedinshore. numbers. It should be noted that summer Brant He reported that storm-petrelnumbers have been down plumages are frequently not reliable for subspecific all year; Fork-taileds were noted June 26 (2) & July 17 identifications. A healthy White-fronted Goose at (23) off Westport, but no Leach's were observed. Ocean Shores June 11 & 24 (G&WH) provides the first Both Double-crestedand Pelagic Cormorants nested June record for Washington. A second White-fronted in good numbers on Mandarte I., S.) Georgia Straits, Goose, a sickly adult, was at the S.J.C.R., July 16 (HN, B.C., with 840 and 501 nests respectively, June 22 CS).

1178 American Birds, November 1977 Blue-wingedTeal wereunusually numerous along the Active Pass •n Georgia Straits had a m•mmum of 74 on Oregoncoast (fide HN), and a pair at the ApplegateR. June 4, forty-four of which were immatures (RS). Other mouth, JosephineCo., June 11, was a first for that reports came from scatteredVancouver I. sites, the southernlocation (SS). Blue-wingedand unidentified Washington coast with 13 in Clallam County, June female teals bred at several S. Vancouver I. locations 27-July 5 (ME), and s. to the Salmon R., Lincoln Co, (ftde VG). The Hogesreported a Blue-wingedor Cin- Oreg. A pair of Marsh Hawks at Ocean Shores,Wash, namon brood breasting the Black R. current near all summer was noteworthy although no nest was Oakvalle, Thurston Co., Wash.; unusual habitat for a found. There were three other w. Washington sightings, puddleduck. A 9 N. Shovelerwith sixyoung at Cannon and Vancouver I. also reported an individual. Eight Beach,Oreg., providedan unusualnesting report w. of known Osprey nest sites on s. V.I. were checked. Two the Cascades.The young were grown by July 30 (fide were successful,three were not, and the successof the HN) A second brood was reported at Seattle's remaining three was uncertain (HT, VG, RS). More Montlake fill July 4-10 (EG, KB). A Wood Duck brood than 30 individuals were noted in Washington and at Progress,near Portland, Oreg., June23 wasthe only Oregon with notable concentrations the 15 + counted nestingreport received(DFi). Five erRing-neckedDucks along the Rogue R., s. Oreg. (ESc), and the eight along •n three s. British Columbia locations June 4-18 sug- the outer beach of Clallam County, Wash. (ME). These gestedthe possibilityof breeding(RS, CRu, RRo, HT, are good numbers. Few falcons were reported. The KC), a rare occurrencein the Region.A few Pintail and single Prairie Falcon in DeschutesCounty, Oreg., July Am Wigeon summeredon Vancouver I., as usual. So 18 was just e. of the Cascades crest (ME), and three d•d scatteredGreater Scaup and Com. Goldeneye;the Merlins were reported from V.I. scaup were noted in Oregon and Washingtonas well Four Ruffed Grouse broods on VA. were noted HT with 75 at Ilwaco, Pacific Co., Wash., June 17, a high reporteda good year for Ruffed Grousearound Camp- count Barrow's Goldeneyesraised young on mountain bell R., V.I. The Bobwhite in Washingtonis apparently lakes •n Manning P.P., B.C., and near Santiam Pass s. widely distributedin prairiesand clearcutsin Thurston of Mt Hood, Oreg. A 9 Bufflehead in Seattleuntil June and Pierce Cos. BH-T found nine calling males at two 29 (EG), and single Oldsquaw in early July at two new locations there this summer. The northernmost localities in s. British Columbia and a male in Tillamook California Quail was a pair near Courtenay, V.I. (LS, County, Oreg., were notable summer stragglers. HT). Mountain Quail were reported only from Lincoln Good numbers of Harlequin Ducks summered County, Oreg., and near Malahat, VA., where they are throughout Georgia Strait; the high count of 150 was at probably remnantsof an introducedpopulation. Mandarte I. (JSm, fide VG). No nests were reported. White-winged and Surf Scoters summered all along the RAILS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS -- Virginia Rads coast and into Victoria as usual. High counts were 120 bred in Oregon (at Progress near Portland), White-wingedin Oregon at Cape Lookout June 15 (HN, Washington (Nisqually N.W.R.), and Vancouver I CS), and 104 Surf Scotersat Victoria's Clover Pt., June (Saanich). An ad. Virginia's and breedingSoras were at 1 (RS, HH). The only Black Scoterswere three well n. in Beaver Pond, Manning P.P., B.C., July 4 (RS) Georgia Straits, July 7 & 28 (HT), with one at Yaquina American Coots bred at Saanich, V.I. for the only Bay, Oreg., July 31 (ME). Hooded Mergansersnested in nestingreported. Oregon, near Forest Grove, Washington Co., in Black Oystercatchers were common and nested at Washington near Oakville, Grays Harbor Co., and on severalpoints in the Victoria area. No Semipalmated Vancouver I., n to Campbell R. Common Merganser Plover nestswere reported, but low numbers were pre- broods were also reported from Oregon; two at Cannon sent on Iona I., B.C., through mid-June, and large Beach, Clatsop Co., and one near Forest Grove, in numbers were along the Oregon and Washington coasts Washington near Oakville (2 broods), and in British after mid-July. In contrast, numbers at Victoria in late Columbia on s. V.I.'s Sooke R. (several broods) and July were eight this year compared to 37 in 1976 (ftde Cow•chan Bay (also severalbroods). VG). SnowyPlover bred successfullyat its n. outpostat Ocean Shores with four pairs nesting and three young DIURNAL RAPTORS THROUGH QUAIL -- banded (JaS). The Am. Golden Plover at Leadbetter Goshawks nested in Oregon near Zig Zag, Clackamas Pt., Wash., June 17 was unique (HN, DFi, EW). Black- Co, where an adult was feeding a juvenile June 16 bellled Plovers summered throughout coastal areas and (ESc) Singles were also noted in Washington near the Georgia Straits with the high count 70 at Leadbetter Packwood, Lewis Co., and in British Columbia near Pt., June 17. A trickle of fall migrant Ruddy Turn- Campbell R., V.I. The seven Sharp-shinnedHawks stoneswas noted in late July, with two in Grays Harbor, reported were all on V.I. There were three Cooper's Wash., on the 14th, a record early date for the state Hawks reportedalso, one at Olympia, Wash., and two (BH-T). A Black Turnstone held on at Ocean Shoresun- from Victoria, B.C. The precisenesting status of these til June 11, a record late spring date, while the first fall speciesin the Region needs further study. Two Red- bird was a single there on July 15 (G&WH). The Long- taded Hawk nests were cited, both by Vancouver I. billed Curlew July 26 at the Komo Kulshan Guard Sta- reporters. Single Golden Eagles were reported in tion in Washington's N. Cascadesdefies explanation JacksonCounty, Oreg. (ME), and at three Vancouver I. (BU, fide TW). A few Whimbrel were reported from locations. A summer concentration of Bald Eagles at severallocalities on the s. Washingtoncoast throughout

Volume31, Number6 1179 June, and by mid-July hundreds had gathered at Ocean June 26 & July 17 out of Westport. Pomarlne (1, 7), Shores and Leadbetter Pt. in fall migration. Parasitic (0, 2), Long-tailed(0, 3), and "South Polar" Spotted Sandpipersbred at Progress,near Portland, Skua (2, 5). (For a recent analysisof the West Coast at Seattle's Montlake fill, and at several Vancouver I. Skuas seeAuk 94:417). The earlier skuas furnished the points. A single Solitary Sandpiper July 25 near only recent June recordsfor thesewaters. Otherwise, a Monroe, King Co., Wash., was the only one reported of single Parasitic Jaegerwas found by MS in s. Georgia this scarcemigrant (MC). Both yellowlegswere widely Strait June 30. noted in July, probably early fall migrants, although Glaucous-winged and W. Gulls continued their five Greater Yellowlegs June 17 at Leadbetter Pt. may miscegenating ways! The large Grays Harbor and have summered. AC found an unusually high percen- Willapa Bay island colonies appearedthoroughly and tage of LesserYellowlegs at inland Oregon locations. randomly mixed (BH-T). To the south,two apparently The first Wandering Tattler returned to s. V.I., July 13 pure Glaucous-wingedsshowed up in a Cannon Beach, (M&VG) and had reached the S.J.C.R. by July 30 Clatsop Co., Oreg., Western Gull colony (DF1) In (HN) The only Willets were one at Ocean ShoresJune Puget Sound, however,Glaucous-wingeds are all alone; 11 (G&WH), and six in Oregon at Yaquina Bay July 31 a 50% reduction in the Swinomish, SnohomishCo, col- (ME) This speciesis rare n. of the Columbia R. Four- ony was thought owing to food supplyreduction (TW) teen Surfbirds returned to Ocean Shores July 15 On V.I. only Glaucous-winged Gulls were reported (G&WH) and 37 to the Victoria area on July 18 (RS). nesting,with 423 nestscounted on RaceRocks and 1666 Red Knots apparently summered at Ocean Shoresas 20 on Mandarte I. (B.C.P.M.). California Gulls apparent- were there June 11 & 24 (G&WH). Sanderlingsreturned ly move to the coastdown the Columbia R., from their early and in large numbers with the vanguard of 500+ inland breeding colonies,beginning to arrive about mid- at Ocean ShoresJuly 15. Unusual numberswere observ- June(HN, DFi). By July21, 7000adults were counted in ed at Willamette Valley, Oreg., reservoirs in late July the mouth of Willapa Bay (BH-T) and 5000 were at the (AC), perhaps attracted by the extensiveexposed mud S.J.C.R., July 30 (HN). The importanceof the Colum- produced by the recent drought. Two Semipalmated bia R. route versus the Fraser R. in British Columbia is Sandpiperswere seenin Seattle July 10-11 (KB?, FK). highlightedby the low numbersnoted on V.I. in late July Small numbers of Semipalmateds pass through the Region in both spring and fall. However, there is great A new nestingspecies for the Northern Pacific Coast danger of confusing them, especiallyin fall, with the Region is the Ring-billed Gull. Jack Smith of the gray, short-billed,juvenile crWesterns. The vanguardof Washington Dept. of Game discovered20 nestson Snag fall Western and Least Sandpipers appeared at Iona I., I., Willapa Bay, in 1976. That site had none this sum- s of Vancouver, B.C., July 7, when MS counted 6500 mer, but nine nests with photogenic eggs and chicks Westerns and 3000 Leasts. The only Baird's Sandpipers were among the Caspian Terns on Whitcomb I, in were in Oregon; three at Agate L., JacksonCo., July Grays Harbor (BH-T). Ring-billed Gulls nest fairly 30, and three more at Yaquina Bay July 31 (ME). A lone commonly to the e. but are a welcome addition to the Pectoral Sandpiper was early at Saanich, V.I., July 21 Regional breeding fauna. (M&VG). A very few Dunlin apparently summeredon the s. Washington coast, although the single near A few Mew Gulls summered as usual on s V I Nanalmo, V.I., July 20 may have been an early fall althoughno nestswere noted. A few fall birdswere s to migrant. Short-billed Dowitchers are clearly the com- Yaquina Bay by July 28. Franklin'sGulls were at Vic- mon summering dowitcher. From 40 to 100 individuals toria's Clover Pt., hot spot July 8, an adult, and again on were seen on the Washington coast throughout June, the 30th, an immature (M&VG, RS). TW noted that and BH-T saw a cloud of 3000 on an island in Willapa numbers about Bellingham were far below normal Bay, Wash., June 29. The Short-billedsalso beat their However, s. Oregon birders were surprisedby three near Long-billed kin back to the Victoria, V.I., area by two Medford, JacksonCo., a new location(AC, DFi, ME) days, arriving July 5 (MS), and then outnumberingthe How do Bonaparte'sGulls do it? They were still Long-billedthere throughthe end of July (RS, VG). By migratingN in numbersat TillamookBay, Oreg., June contrastthe Long-billed is far more frequent in late fall 15, and at Leadbetter Pt., Wash., June 17, but were and winter. The single Stilt Sandpiper at Yaquina Bay back at Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay by the hundreds July 28 was seen by several observers(DFi, DI, BO). in mid-July. Most intriguing is a possiblenesting site at Marbled Godwits were noted only at Ocean Shores Pye L., n. of Campbell R., V.I. (HT). Bonaparte's where 28 lingered through June 24 (G&WH). Gulls are not now known to nest in our Region. Heer- Phalaropes were few and scattered. TW had two Red mann's Gulls arrived at Ocean Shores by June 11 and three N. Phalaropesoff Westport July 17. VG and (G&WH) with numbersbuilding to 5000 adults (with RS make a strong circumstantialcase for nestingby but four iramatures)by July 21 in Willapa Bay (BH-T) Wdson's Phalarope on a pond at Cowichan Bay, V.I., However,numbers about Victoriawere down from last where a territorial male was encountered July 7 and year (fide VG). The Hoges counted200 Black-legged three young were noted July 20-23. Kittiwakes at Ocean Shores throughout the summer, somewhat fewer than normal, and there were none off- JAEGERS THROUGH ALCIDS -- TW's pelagic shore(TW), which is typical. SevenSabine's Gulls were trips had good variety but small numbers of jaegers found out of WestportJuly 17 (TW) for the only report

1180 American B•rds, November 1977 Oreg., in our Region's "little California" were unique Black Swifts gave cause for comment. Although fairly A few Common Terns are not unusual in common and regular to the n. of the Columbia R., this mid-summer at coastal points. However, the summer they were noted numerous times and various sevenpairs of small terns found nesting on a placesthroughout w. Oregon (fide AC). Anna's Hum- rough sandybeach on Jetty I., in Everett har- mingbirdswere again presentall summerat Saanich,V I, bor, SnohomishCo., Wash., by DM June 9 where an immature was seen from June 27 into July & July 21 were unprecedented.Although the (RM-G, fide VG) and in Bellevue, King Co., Wash , nests and eggs were photographed, it is still one-two through July 10 (BM1), but nests were not not certain if the terns were Common or found. A9 hummingbird seen on Leadbetter Pt., at Forster's. Either would be a Regional first. closerange but briefly June 17 exhibited some features Forster's breeds e. of the Cascades and is ex- of both Anna's and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds tremely rare at any time on the w. side. Com- (HN?). mon Terns are not known to breed w. of the An Acorn Woodpecker at Cornelius, Washington Continental Divide, to our knowledge!Adult Co., Oreg., was at the species'n.w. limit (DFi). A and juvenile Com. Terns were positivelyiden- Lewis' Woodpecker at the Nisqually N.W.R., June 11 tified at the nest site in late August (KB, (J&GM) was unusual, sincethere are no recentbreeding PWM?). This and the fact that Forster's Tern records for the Region. The ctWilliamson's Sapsucker typically builds its nest on aquatic vegetation at White Pass in the Washington CascadesJune 4 was in freshwatermarshes points strongly to Ster- an e. slope speciesat the w. edge of its range. Northern na hirundo. Three-toed Woodpeckers were reported only from a restricted area in the N. Cascades. Nests were found Ju- Two Arctic Terns were noted offshore from Westport ly 3 at Hart's Passon the Cascadescrest (MPe), and Ju- July 17 (TW) for the only report. Caspian Terns were ly 16 near Mt. Baker (DV, fide TW), both Whatcom noted often in small numbers n. to Neah Bay, Clallam County, Wash. There were four E. Kingbirdsat Agassiz Co, Wash. (BP), and to Cortes I., s Straits of Georgia e. of Vancouver, B.C., July 10 (MS) and a singleat Vic- June 27 (CS). Their center of abundance,however, is toria June27 (EL, fide VG), but no nestingactivity was between the Columbia R. mouth and Grays Harbor. reported. The W. Kingbird, however, nested again at BH-T counted 2040 nestsat the latter location. Only 30 Packwood, Lewis Co., Wash. (G&WH, BH-T), and nestswere successfulin Willapa Bay; a large colony of straysappeared in coastalTillamook and Lincoln Cos, prewousyears was apparently wiped out by high water. Oreg., in mid-June (DFi, HN). The four Ash-throated A single Black Tern strayed to Monroe, King Co., Flycatchers at Roxy Ann Butte, near Medford, Oreg, Wash , July 17-22 (MC) and a few were found in the July 30 were not unexpected(ME), and two Black Rogue R. valley, Jackson Co., Oreg., July 30 for the Phoebes nearby, just s.w. of Medford at Ruch, are first local record (AC, ME, DFi). A single}1orned Puf- regular in that area. fin was seen June 9 and off-and-on all summer in A Bank Swallow in the mountains of Skamama Oregon at Cape Lookout, Tillamook Co. (JG, m.ob.). County, 15 km w. of Trout L., July 30 was perhaps an Another single individual was photographed at Cape exampleof post-breedingup-slope drift from the e. side Flattery, Clallam Co., Wash., July 2 (RRi). In addition, breeding populations (BH-T). Cliff Swallows "in- three small nesting coloniesof this specieswere found creased tremendously this year" at Portland, nearby by B C P.M. biologiststhis summeron the w. coastof SauvieI., and on the Oregoncoast (DFi etal.), and were the Queen Charlotte Is., for a first Canadian and present in higher-than-usual numbers near Campbell Regional breeding record. This representsan extension R., V.I. (HT). Our precious few Purple Martins had an of about 100 km S from their previous southernmost up year with nesting pairs double that of 1976 at colony on Forrester I., Alaska. Florence in coastalLane Co., Oreg., at Portland (TL), and in Seattle and Tacoma (DFe). Other coloniesheld their own, as at Fern Ridge near Eugene, Oreg., at OWLS THROUGH SWALLOWS -- Barred Owls Olympia and L. Whatcom, Wash. At one nest reported were nesting again at Colonial Cr. Campground, What- from Saanich, V.I., adults were feeding young July 8 com Co., Wash., where they were first found in 1974. (M&VG). Another westside Barred Owl location is Cortes I., n.w. of Powell R., in the Georgia Straits, where a singlebird PARIDS THROUGH WARBLERS -- Plain Titmice was noted June 29 (MS, CS). Short-eared Owls nested were common near Medford as usual at the n. extreme this June at SandPt., in Seattle, for a local first, but the of their range (ME), and Com. Bushtits ranged N to nest was destroyedby vandals(FS). A pair was near the Campbell R., their n. limit (HT). A White-breasted Ocean Shores Game Range throughout June and was Nuthatch in Manning P.P., July 3 representedperhaps seen in display flight (G&WH). A probable family the fifth park record(RS). The uncommonHouse Wren group was seen near Bellingham July 13 (DMc, fide increasednear Tacoma and nestednear Campbell R, TW), and other sightingssuggestive of nesting came VA. A Mockingbirdwas at Eugene,the lastweek in July from near Vancouver, B.C. (JC, fide AC). Details of a sighting of a California Up to six Poor-wills at Roxy Ann Butte, JacksonCo., Thrasher at O'Brien, JosephineCo., Oreg., June 18,

Volume 31, Number 6 1181 have been submitted to the Oregon Bird Records Com- P.P., July 3-5 (RS) and a single male was found at mittee (TT, PN, fide AC). There are but a few sight Rainy Pass, Skagit Co., Wash., June4 (TW). Both sites records of this species n. of the California line. A are on the Cascade crest. Six Lesser Goldfinches were at Townsend's Solitaire nest with three eggs was their n. limit at ScapposeBottoms, Columbia Co, photographed June 12 near Crow, Lane Co., Oreg., in Oreg., June 5 (DFi), and a group was well n on the the Coast Range where only one previous nest was coast at Devil's L., Lincoln Co., Oreg., July 28 (DF0 known (Condor 51: 190). The nest was on the ground in Red Crossbills were well reported throughout, both on a clearcutat ca. 500 m elevation;by June23 three young the coast and in the Cascades.Outstanding were the 30 had hatched(ph-ME). Blue-gray Gnatcatchersnested as White-winged Crossbillsat Mt. Rainier N.P., July 14 & usual at their n. limit near Medford. A Ruby-crowned 24 (CC?, TB, MD). This speciesis rare and irregular at Kinglet singing near McCleary, Grays Harbor Co., any season s. of the International border Brown Wash., June 21 was a first for w. Washington in sum- Towhees were numerous at the n. limit of their range mer (PWM?). It breedscommonly on the e. slopeof the near Medford (ME, AC). Cascades, however, and in the mountains of Vancouver The 4 GrasshopperSparrow singing at Sea I, near I Vancouver, B.C., in early June was extraordinary The Red-eyed Vireos were located again this year on the bird was last seen June 18 (ph, BMa, AG, JFu, ES1, Rogue R., near Shady Grove, JacksonCo., Oreg., June MW). This speciesis generally restricted to the arid in- 13 (SS). This marks the s.w. extremityof their breeding terior e. of the Cascades where it is uncommon and range. California observers should be on the lookout. local. The pair of Black-chinned Sparrows reported The Red-eyed Vireo is not uncommon n. through the near Medford in late May was seenagain July 23 & 29 Willamette Valley of Oregon (AC) and the Puget Sound (SG, CRo). This is the secondreport for the Medford area, and may be found n. to Cortes I., near Campbell area and the species is unknown elsewhere in the R, V.I. (MS, GS). It avoids the immediate coast and Region. The only Fox Sparrows reported were several the w. slope of the Coast Ranges, however. Ten Black- singing males on the s.w. sideof V.I. near the Jordan R throated Gray Warblers on Cortes I., June28-30 were a (M&VG). These are no doubt of the race fuhgmosa, bit far w. at this species'n. limit (MS, GS). Hermit which is said to reach its s. limit of breedingin adjacent Warblers were apparentlybreeding at two Mason Coun- coastal Washington. Two • White-crowned Sparrows ty, Wash., locations, n.w. of the species' favorite were singingthe pugetensissong pattern at Huckleberry haunts. Two were noted at Jartell Cove S.P., on Hood Meadows, 15 km w. of Trout L., Skamania Co, Wash, Canal June 12 (KSc) and three were singingat Staircase at 1600 m elevation July 30 (BH-T). Probablepugeten- Campground,Olympia N.P., June9 (BH-T). BH-T had sis were singingjust e. of the creston June 30 at Howard Black-throated Gray, Townsend's, and Hermit L., Yakima Co., at a similar elevation (ESH) This Warblers all together at the latter site. Northern Water- coastal lowland race appears to be rapidly colonizing thrushesmay nest in the isolatedAm. Redstartcolony clearcuts and other open areas in the s. Cascadesof just e. of the Cascadescrest in c. Oregon along Crescent Washington. Cr, DeschutesCo. (AC, ME et al.). This location is several hundred kilometers $. and w. of the nearest known breeding colonies. Yellow-breastedChats sing- OBSERVERS AND CONTRIBUTORS -- Julie ing near Portland June5 & 7 wereunusual (DFi). A chat Baldridge, Ward Beecher, Thais Bock, British Colum- wasalso along the RogueR., in s. OregonJuly 11 (ESc). bia Provincial Museum (B.C.P.M.), Ken Brunner, R Wayne Campbell (RWC), Judie Carlson, Mike Car- BLACKBIRDS THROUGH SPARROWS -- Bobo- mody, Ruth Carson, H.R. Carter, Chris Chappell, Alan links on Tatoosh I., Clallam Co., Wash., June 4-5 (2 Contreras, K. Conway, Elizabeth Courtnail, Albert & males, 2 females), provided the secondrecord for w. Eleanore Davidson, Mike Donahue, Jim Duemmel, Washington (BP). Yellow-headedBlackbirds are scarce Mark Egger, J. Evanich, Darrel Faxon (DFa), Dave breederswith us; this year they nestednear Vancouver, Fehling (DFe), John Fellows(JFe), Mike Finger, David B C., and on Sauvie's I., near Portland (DI). A few Fix (DFi), J.B. Foster (JBF), Jude Fuller (JFu), strays appeared on V.I., n. to Campbell R. A small col- Eugene Gerzenstein, Jeff Gilligan, Margaret & ony of Tricolored Blackbirds nested near Eagle Pt., Goodwill, Steve Gordon, A1 Grass, Mary Guy, Rick Jackson Co., Oreg. (CRo, fide AC). This location is Harcombe, William Harrington-Tweit (BH-T), Gayle across the Cascade crest from, and about 75 km w. of Heron (GHe), Glen & Wanda Hoge (G&WH), Harold the northernmost regular breeding site at Klamath L., Hosford, David Irons, Fay Krause, M.C. Lee, Enid Oreg. Northern "Bullock's" Oriole nests were found Lemon, Tom Lund, Bruce MacDonald (BMa), Rob well n. at Saanich and near Courtenay, V.I., while DFi MacKenzie-Grieve (RM-G), Jim & Gloria Maender estimated a population of near 150 for Sauvie's I. The (J&GM), Dave Manuwal (DMa), Dick McNeely (DMc), Lazuli Bunting is relatively uncommon in w. Barbara & Michael Meiklejohn (B&MMk), Brian Washington and British Columbia; a singingmale was Meilleur (BM1), Barrie & John Mottishaw (B&JMo), at Abbotsford, B.C., June 18 (fide VG), two maleswere Harry Nehls, Peter Nelson, Bob Olson, Bob Paine, found near McKenna, Pierce Co., Wash. (BH-T), while Marilyn Paul (MPa), Evelyn Peaslee,Michael Pertone 21 males were near Portland (DFi). Pine Grosbeak (MPe), Bill Rae, Robert Ringler (RRi), Craig Roberts reports are always welcome. Three were at Manning (CRo), Leila Roberts, Robin Robinson (RRo), Craig

1182 American Birds, November 1977 Runyan (CRu), Joy & Ron Satterfield, Emile Schoffelen Terlouw, (JTe), Timm TurrenTine, Barry Ulmann, (ESc), Karen Schwinkendorf(KSc), Lois Shopland, Ed Doris Vanderway, Terry Wahl, E.G. Whiteswift, Mark Sing (ESi), George Sirk, Chuck Smith, Jack Smith Wynja. -- EUGENE S. HUNN, 1816 N. 57th St., (JaS), Jamie Smith (JSm), Frank Spracklin, Ernie Seattle, Wash. 98103 and PHILIP W. MATTOCKS, Spragg(ESp), Kathy Stotts(KSt), Ken Summers(KSu), JR., Dept. of Zoology, Univ. of Washington,Seattle, Steve Summers, Jeremy Tatum (JTa), H. Telosky, Joe Wash. 98195.

MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST REGION (SAL) and two at Topaz L., June29 (DW) were prob- /Jon Winter and Joseph Morlan ably summering.This speciesis regularin summeralong the coast, but it is irregular inland then. The worst drought on record continued unabated, A Horned Grebe at the n. end of Eagle L., June and many waterbirds faced serious nesting failure as I I-July 3 (DAG,SF), and a pair at Lower Klamath available water continued to diminish. Willets and N.W.R., June 16 (fide MT) were most unusual.Six were California Gulls failed at Honey Lake (DW) and found at coastallocalities throughout the period. Eared Forster's Terns failed at Lake Tahoe (WS). However, Grebes are irregular on the coast in summer, but one all was not gloom. With Lake Tahoe four feet bdow was at the mouth of the Smith R., June 18, and three normal water level mud flats that had not been exposed were at the mouth of the SalinasR., July 17 (PM). for yearsattracted an incrediblevariety of wadingbirds. At least three N. Fulmars spent the summer in Additionally many interesting distributional records Monterey Bay and three others were noted near the were obtained for the mountains. Farallon Islands(below, F.I.) June26 (RLeV). They are Some blackbirds, wrens, and warblers were noted as probably rare but regular in summer. An early New being down in number or absent entirely becausetheir Zealand Shearwaterwas seenfrom Pt. Santa Cruz July habitatsdried up. By in large it was an interestingsum- 28 (TBt). A Manx Shearwaterseen from Pigeon Pt., Ju- mer period in spite of the drought, one that produced ly 9 (Barry Sauppe,fide PM) provided only the third nesting Yellow-crowned Night Herons, surprising summer record for the Region. numbers of Black Rails, Bar-tailed Godwit, Wood Thrush, White-eyed Vireo, and Northern Parulas to PELICANS, FRIGATEBIRDS, HERONS -- Forty mention the only most exciting. White Pelicansat L. Tahoe May 11 - 12 (WS) were in an area where the speciesis casual. Despite the presenceof about 200 eggsat the Goose L., White Pelican colony, LOONS, GREBES, TUBENOSES -- A singleCorn. there was no evidenceof major fledging, and there was Loon at ShadowCliffs P., AlamedaCo., June10 (SFB) no nestingat Honey L. (DW). It was a good summerfor was late for an interior locality, but one along the Magnificent Frigatebirds,with at leastfive reportedJu- SacramentoR., betweenChico and Ord Ferry June28 ly 12 - 17 along the coast from Humboldt to Monterey Cos. An immature was in Monterey Bay July 12 - 16 (J&RW, Frank Wilson, Paul Kelly et el.). Two were at 0 •R&E. G 0 N Pt. Reyes July 12 (Liza Riddle, Doug Wechsler). Anotherwas off Humboldt Bay in mid-July(fide DRu), • • $.ß • - MI. 'Altur• and a female was at San FranciscoJuly 17 (Betty Land). Single Snowy Egrets at L. Tahoe May 3 & 11 were unusual but 13 there on May 13 (WS) were un- C• • ,rekaLASSE• ...... • EAOt• L N E precedented.Three Black-crowned Night Herons were 3ol6 ' J•eno at L. Tahoe July 26 (WS), but an adult there May 13 (WS) appears to representthe first spring mountain record. A Yellow-crownedNight Heron describedfrom Tomales Bay July 5 (Clifford Conly Jr.) furnishedonly the secondRegional record. Vagrant White-faced Ibises were found scatteredin unexpectedplaces. One was at •0• •o• ."ø "• K• SacramentoN.W.R., July 31 (SAL). In Tulare County, one was at Bravo L., June 10 (Alberta and Travis Brown, fide RAB), and another was at the Corcoran I.D. ReservoirJune 26 (JLi). In Fresno County, one was at Mendeta W.M.A. through June4 (Charles Peck, .fide RH). One wasat Pale Alto June2 - 17 (WB), and two were at Fish Slough, Mono Co., June 12 (Dean Taylor, fide DAG).

Volume 31, Number 6 1183 WATERFOWL -- Crippled Canada and White- S.Ao fronted Geesesummered at Gray Lodge (BED), but a healthy imm. Snow Goose was seen flying into From Mar. 25 - July 14, the California PescaderoMarsh July 6 (PM) and remained until July D.F.& G. sponsoreda survey, particularly 10 (AE,GB) for the Region's first coastal summer around San Francisco Bay, of Black Rails record. A Snow Goose was also seen along' the The survey was conductedby playing taped SacramentoR., in Tehama Co., July 9 (SAL). calls. At least 32 Black Rails were found in 14 Gadwall nestedsuccessfully at PescaderoMarsh July locationsaround San FranciscoBay. Most of 2 (PM). Acr Green-wingedTeal was at Palo Alto July these birds were in pickleweed(Salicorma) 24 (JE) where it is rare and irregular in summer. Blue- and/or bull rush(Scirpus) marshes bordering winged Teal was much more common this summer, and San Pablo Bay or in marshes along the breeding was noted at several new Central Valley Petaluma and Napa Riversentering into San (below, C.V.) and coastallocalities. At Lower Klamath Pablo Bay. One bird was calling at Olema N W.R., numbers were up over previous years (fide Marsh, and a handful of birds was found at MT) and 12 - 18 pairs nested successfully(David A. two localities in the SuisunMarshes, two near Mullen, fide LCB). One at L. Tahoe Apr. 14 - 16 was Suisun City and one near Pittsburg; followed by anotherJune 24 - July I (WS) for the third Southhampton Marsh, Benicia S.P. -- about and fourth records from the mountains. four pairs (fide FKB) and a marsh along Acr Canvasbackat L. Tahoe July 23 - 26 provided a White Slough near Lodi, San Joaquin Co first summer record for the mountains. Eighteen Can- Nearly all, except one at Olema Marsh, vasbackswere reported summeringat coastallocalities, were in tidal marshes,at or above the limit of and six at C.V. localities. Very rare in summerin the in- flooding by extremehigh tides.This appears tenor, at least two Com. Goldeneyes were found. An to be the preferredzone of Black Rail, at least ad male was at Tehama June 19 (SAL) and possiblythe in the breeding season.A number of lower samebird was at Hamilton City July 2 (SAL). A female elevation marshes where Black Rails have was at Friant July 5 (RH et al.). Two Buffleheadssum- been found in winter were checked with mered along the coast. One at Bodega Bay July 30 negativeresults. Surveys of a wide variety of (BDP) was an early fall migrant. diked marshesalso gave negativeresults. A beached, apparently flightlessOldsquaw was found This survey provides evidence(up to six at Oakland July 31 (SFB,VR). As usual Harlequin calling birds at one location), that popula- Ducks summered in small numbers at Ano Nuevo and tions of Black Rails do nest in the San Fran- Pt St. George. Only two Black Scoterssummered at Pt. ciscoBay area in the little remainingundiked Reyesthis year. Five there in early June appearedto be high, tidal marshthat is left (TM). An actual late spring migrants. nest, previously unreported, was discovered Common Mergansersare known to breed locally at near Pinole in the fall of 1976(Martha Ture) the n. end of the C.V. but a total of 66, including five broods along the Sacramento R., in Tehama and Butte Cos., June28 - July 30 (SAL) suggeststhat they may be SHOREBIRDS -- Black-necked Stilts continued to more widespread there. Most unusual was a Red- breastedMerganser at Mono L., June23 (DAG, DDeS). expand in the Region. Two pair raised young near This is the secondinterior summer record, the first be- Petaluma (CP,BDP) for the first Sonoma County ing from the same locality, June, 1976. breedingrecord, and a pair nestedat PescaderoMarsh (PM) for the first San Mateo County coastal nesting RAPTORS, PTARMIGAN, RAILS -- California Two at BolinasJune 29 (P.R.B.O.) were out of place Condors were found regularly throughout the seasonat American Avocets are always rare in the mountains the n. limit of their Sierra foothill rangein Tulare Coun- Five early fall arrivals were at L. Tahoe July 23 (WS), ty, with a maximum of sevenseen June 29, which in- and by July 26 there were nine. A maximum of eight cludedthree juveniles and two immatures(RAB). was at Tahoe in May (WS). Red-shouldered Hawks are rare on the n. coast in Three Snowy Plovers at L. Tahoe May 11 - 13 with summer,but onewas at DyervilleJune 7 (DA). A com- two still there May 19 were the first springrecords for munal roost of 19 Am. Kestrels was found in a hole in a the mountains (WS). Nesting successat Pajaro Dunes eucalyptusin Vallejo July 25 - Aug. 3 (FKB). was the best in six yearswith 57 chickshatched out of 27 After its introduction in 1971 and 1972 at Mono Pass nests (J&RW). An Am. Golden Plover at L. Talawa the White-tailed Ptarmigan has spread rapidly and is June 11 (RSW) was very late and marked only the sec- now known to range along the Sierran Crest from ond June record for the Region. Four Black-belhed Parker Pass n. to Matterhorn Peak (DAG). It has bred Ploversat Lower Klamath N.W.R., June 16 (ftde MT) successfully in the Hall Natural Area where three appear to constitute the first summer record for the broods were counted (DDeS). They were seen from basin. One appearedat Mono L., July 6 (DW) 10,400-11,500 ft. The successof this speciesin only five A Bar-tailed Godwit at Mono L., July 8 (DW•') years bodes danger to the world's smallestwillow which representedthe fourth regional and first interior record is lessthan onecm in heightand an endemicof the high The first southbound Marbled Godwits at L. Tahoe country of Mono County (DDeS). were amazingly early June 24 (WS) and by July 16 there

1184 American Birds, November 1977 was a maximumof 26. They were early in the basintoo Tahoe July 5 (JRi). Two Arctic Terns seenwell at the with 13 at Mono L., July 5 (DW). A Whimbrel at L. Pajaro R. mouth June 12 (PM) were remnants of last Tahoe July 26 (WS) was an early fall migrant. The seasoh'sbonanza. Our only Least Tern coloniesare m speciesis casual in the mountains at that season.The San FranciscoBay. This year a nestingattempt at Balr I first Long-billed Curlews arrived at L. Tahoe June 24 failed. Six to seven pairs attempted nesting at the (WS) and the maximum was six July 20. Over 20 Oakland Airport with unknown success.But the good Greater Yellowlegs at Lower Klamath N.W.R., July 7 newsis that 20+ young were raisedat a newly-revealed (fide MT) and four at Mono L., July 6 (DW) were colony at the Alameda Naval Air Station. This colony, remarkablyearly returnees,but 20 LesserYellowlegs at known by a handful of Air Station personnel for 10 Lower Klamath N.W.R., July 7 (fide MT) were even years, is thus the most successful,largest, and perhaps more remarkable and totaled five times all other reports most stablein the Region(TM). A vagrant Least Tern at combined. One at L. Tahoe July 13 (WS) was an early Big Lagoon, Humboldt Co., June 25 (RSL) represents fall returnee in an area where the speciesis casual. A the northernmost occurrence of this species in the Wlllet at Mendota W.M.A., June 17 (fide RH) appears Region. Caspian Terns were much more common than to provide the first summer record for the C.V. In the usual in the mountains with up to three at L. Tahoe July mountainsWillets arrivedearly July 1 (WS) with a max- 5 - 20 (JRi,WS), and two at SaddlebagL., July 26 (TH) •mum of four at L. Tahoe July 20. Nine Spotted Sand- Numbers were also abnormally high at Tahoe this spr- pipers June 11 near Watsonville (PM) were very late ing with up to sevenpresent Apr. 21 - May 19 (WS) spring transients. Black Terns have increased substantially in the Single Ruddy Turnstonesat L. Tahoe May 11 - 13 SacramentoValley in the last five years.They were very (WS•') and anotherthere July 26 (WS) providethe sec- rare in the early 1970s, but are now common in rice ond and third regional mountain records respectively. fields. This has been attributed to changesin pesticide For the first time Wilson's Phalaropes nested suc- use (SAL). cessfullyalong our coast. An ad. female was seenwith two chicks at L. Talawa July 11 - 25 (RSW). Northern ALCIDS -- Marbled Murrelets were observedflying Phalaropesarrived early with the first at L. Tahoe July inland at dusk and out to sea at dawn at Butano Cr 7 and a maximum of four there July 23 (WS). Very early (PM), JedediahSmith S.P. (Rae Schmuck), and over and out-of-place was a Red Phalarope at Black L., the U.C.S.C. campus(TB), indicating probable nesting Mono Co., July 4 (THe'). SingleSanderlings were at L. near these localities. At least one Ancient Murrelet Tahoe July 20 & 26 (WS) where they are very rare tran- lingered in Monterey Bay until June 18 (JL,VR), and sients These were the earliest ever for the Tahoe Basin. another late straggler was at Pt. Reyes June 25 (J Southbound W. Sandpipers arrived unprecedentedly Langham). As usual Cassin'sAuklet numbersincreased early in the C.V., with one at Caldwell Ponds, Tulare in Monterey Bay in midiJune and by June 12 there were Co, June 16 (JLi); by June 28 there were five there. 200 there (PM), whereason June 5 only nine could be found (VR). RhinocerosAuklet is now an established JAEGERS, GULLS -- Two Pomarine Jaegersin breeder on the F.I., and numbers continued to increase Monterey Bay June 12 (DP) were probably summering. (RLeV). Several attempted to summer along the coast The first fall arrivalswere noted in mid-July.A Herring from Monterey Bay to Pt. Reyes,but they were gone by Gull at Santa Cruz July 21 (DP,TB) was the only one mid-July. Two Horned Puffins were photographedm reported. An ad. Laughing Gull at Cape Mendocino Monterey Bay June 12 (JL,PM), both apparently June 12 (DA•', Kris Tyner) marked the ninth regional healthy; at least one could fly. Another was found near record and only the third away from Monterey Bay. the F.I., June 17 (RLeV) and possibly the same in- Last seasoh'sinvasion of Bonaparte'sGulls left large dividual was seenthere June 26 (P.R.B.O.). Tufted Puf- numbersthroughout the Region.Normally they are rare fin numbers continued to increase on the F.I. (RLeV), and irregular through June and July. The largest con- and some individuals may have attempted to colonize centration reported was 200q- at Lower Klamath Pt. Reyes.At least sevenwere seenin the Chimney Rock N.W R., July 9 (fide MT). At the mouth of the Pajaro area of Pt. ReyesJune 12 - July 19 (m.ob.). Some were R, 110June 11 dwindledto 30 by mid-July(PM). They gatheringalgae by diving, and flying to a nearby cliff were literally everywherewith small flocksreported by but the suspected nesting site was inaccessible to many observers. Either the w. population of observers. Bonaparte'sGulls explodedor this gull is changingits migratory patterns drastically. The N migration of PIGEONS THROUGH GOATSUCKERS -- Most Black-leggedKittiwakes continued through most of unusual was the observation of two Mourning Doves June, althoughat least sevensummered in Monterey lunching on pickleweed Aug. 3 in the salt marshes Bay Always a rare find in summer, a Sabine's Gull was around Golden Gate Fields racetrack (TM et al) at Pt Santa Cruz June 4 (TB). Yellow-billed Cuckoos were reported in encouraging numbers.Two appear,edon the coastJuly 2 at Pt. Reyes TERNS -- Two Com. Terns at the Pajaro R. mouth (LCB) and on the F.I. (P.R.B.O.), while inland between June 12 (PM) were probably very early fall arrivals; 38-43 were censusedalong the Sacramento R., from numbersbuilt to 20 there by June 25, and 35 by July 1 Colusa S.P. to Todd I., Tehama Co., June 20-Aug 7 (J&RW). Most unusual were two Com. Terns at L. (SAL et al.). There are few reliable records of Spotted

Volume31, Number6 1185 Owls from Santa Cruz County in recent years. A calhng was photographedand releasedand was heard singing male was heard in Porter Gulch near Soquel July 20, an during its brief stay. This is the first Wood Thrush ever area where the bird was last recorded 10 years ago recorded in the Region and only the third for the state (RM,TB). Three Burrowing Owl nestsproduced at least 15 youngin SiskiyouCounty this summer(fide MT). Six GNATCATCHERS THROUGH VIREOS -- At Short-eared Owls were seen July 17 at the Salinas R. least 75 Blue-gray Gnatcatcherswere seen along Red mouth where a nest containing four egg shells was Rd., LassenCo., June 17 and many were noted as found (PM). A Corn. Nighthawk on the F.I., June 16 ting on nests" (FBe). Three or four youngfledged from was the secondever recordedthere (P.R.B.O.). a Water Pipit's nest on the Harvey Hall Natural Area, Mono Co., in an area where they were recorded nesting SWIFTS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- Nine in 1975 (DDeS). This speciesis probablywidespread at Black Swift nests were found at Mossbrae Falls, alpine levelsin the Sierra but is rarely seenbecause few Slsklyou Co., where they returned to breed again this observersvisit these areas during the breeding season year (fide M.T-),.but a nest located at the Santa Cruz Rarely reported as a nesting species, Cedar Waxwing Lighthouse apparently failed (TB). Broad-tailed Hum- was found breeding at Bray and Etna, Siskiyou Co, mingbirds continued to be found in the Sierra. A female where youngsuccessfully fledged from two nestsm late was seenat the Harvey Hall Natural Area at 10,000 ft June (fide MT). The secondRegional and state White- Aug 4 (DDeS), and a male was seenin Lee Vining Can- eyed Vireo was found on Pt. Reyes June 7-8 (DRo•',- yon July 8, both in Mono County (TH). A nesthas yet JM'[ otal.). The only other record was that of a June to be discovered.Upslope drift accountedfor an Acorn bird from the F.I., in 1969. A convincingdescription of Woodpecker seenat 9800 ft Aug. 3 near SaddlebagL., a Bell's Vireo was submitted of a bird seen June 15 at Mono Co. (DDeS). Most unusual was the presenceof Dog I., Tehama Co. (SAL•'). The descriptionindicates a "Red-naped" Sapsucker, S.v. nuchalis, June 9 on that the bird was probably V.b.pusillus, the gray Pt Reyes(SFB). The subspecieshas never been record- California subspecies,which is critically endangered ed on the coast in spring or summer. throughout its range. While on the subject of subspecies, the "Plumbeous" Solitary Vireo, FLYCATCHERS THROUGH SWALLOWS -- A V.s.plumbeus, not known to occur in the Sierra, ap- pair of E. Kingbirds successfullynested, producing two peared to be expanding its range W from the Great youngnear Edgewood,Siskiyou Co. (MT'•). This is the Basin. Two vireos fitting this subspeciesdescription second time the species has nested in California (possibly male and female) were seen near Lee Vmmg (West.Birds 4:33-44, 1973). Three otherswere reported, July 13, and an adult was seenfeeding a young bird at one each from Pt. Reyes,Pt. Arena and Honey L. Some Inyo Craters, Mono Co., July 25 (TH et al.) Three 176 W. Wood Pewees were censused along the Red-eyedVireos were found on Pt. ReyesJune 14 (JM Sacramento R., from Red Bluff to Colusa June 20-July et al.) and a fourth wasseen at Honey L. W.M.A, June 30 (SAL). At least 21 Purple Martins were reported 4 (TM,, SAL). from the coast during the period from Mendocino County to Pescadero, which is more than normal. WOOD WARBLERS -- More observersspent more time along the coast this summer looking for "vagrants" and as expectedthey found what they were CORVIDS THROUGH THRUSHES -- A nesting looking for. In terms of diversity and abundance of White-breasted Nuthatch found at over 10,000 ft near "vagrant" warblers, this springproduced the best land- SaddlebagL., was well above its normal nestingrange fall on record. Cape May, Bay-breasted,and Blackpoll (DDeS). A courtingpair of Dippers found at Kidd Cr., Warblers made a particularly impressiveshowing Most Sonoma Co., June 4 may have bred (BDP). The occurred in the first two weeks of June with apparent breeding distribution of this bird in the coast range is waves on or around June 10-11 and June 16-17 Strag- fragmented and not well known. A House Wren was glers were reported until the end of June. found at 10,600 ft July 28 at Mono Pass (DAG). Six Black-and-white Warblers, all coastal (two F I ), Drought conditions caused a major decline in the were found June9-July 4 from Pt. Reyesto San Mateo breeding success of Long-billed Marsh Wrens in County. Ten Tennessee Warblers were also seen all Fremont's Central P.; none was found nestingthis sum- from near the coast June 2-26. Five N. Parulas were mer (HLC). A Mockingbird seen at Wendel, Lassen seen(two F.I.) June 11-July9 from Marin to San Mateo Co, June 4 was well e. of its normal (however sparse) Cos. Yellow Warblers appeared to be suffering a 50% range in the Great Basin (TM). A single Brown reproductive decline in San Mateo County, owing to Thrasher, rarely ever recordedin spring,was seenon Pt. drought conditions(PM). Magnolia Warblers made an Reyes June 6-8 (JM et al.). Two most remarkable excellent showing, with a total of 12 (nine F I ) all records of Varied Thrushes were received. Single birds coastalfrom Mendocino County to Pt. ReyesJune 5-16 were seen on the F.I., June 6, establishing the latest A total of eight Cape May Warblers was found (four spring record for the island (P.R.B.O.), and another F.I.) June 7-16, all on Pt. Reyesexcept one seen June was seensinging near SaddlebagL., June 23 at 9800 ft 9-10 at Bodega Bay where it was the first for Sonoma (DDeS). Probably the bestlandbird find in the summer County (JM et al.). A "Myrtle" Warbler was late on Pt period was a Wood Thrush in the mist netsat P.R.B.O., ReyesJune 13-14(JM), as wasa Townsend'sWarbler in Palomarin June 18-19 (BSo'•,JM,CH et al.). The bird GoldenGate P., June 15 (PM). Only one Black-throated

1186 American Birds, November 1977 Green Warbler was reported; on the F.I. June 11 Blackbirds failed to nest at L. Tahoe this summer (P R B.O.). Two Blackburnian Warblers were on the becausetheir marshesdried up (WS). Hooded Orioles F I, June 9-10 (P.R.B.O.). They are much scarcer seemed to fare rather well this summer in Alamo where in springthan fall. Chestnut-sidedWarblers were found 12 birds including iramatureswere seen (JRi). A Sum- in normal numbers. A total of eight was found (three mer Tanager on the F.I., June 12 was the only one F I ) June 12-18 all coastalexcept for one male in Fresno reported (P.R.B.O.). June 14 (RH et al.). FRINGILLIDS -- Rose-breastedGrosbeaks staged a major invasion. At least 43 were reported all from the Perhaps the most extraordinary event of coast except three; two from the C.V. and the other the seasonwas the discovery of nesting Nor- from the Great Basin. Nearly all were found in Marin thern Parolas in Marin County. On June 2 a County, (ten F.I.) with a few in San Franciscoand San singing male was found at the Five Brooks Mateo Cos. Soon, surely, this specieswill breed in the Stables on the Pt. Reyes Nat'l Seashore(JM Region. Between June 20 and July 30 some 254 Black- et al.). On June 5 a female and a nest were headed Grosbeaks were censusedalong the Sacramento found (SJ et aL). In addition to the first male R., from Red Bluff to Colusa (SAL). Laymort also reported apparently a secondmale was seen found an encouragingnumber of Blue Grosbeaksthere frequently in the vicinity of the nest. On July On sevencensus days (June 19-July 11) from Red Bluff 5 two fledglings were seen being fed by the to Ord Ferry, Glenn Co., he found 13 birds, and on two parents. The last observation was of one of censusdays (July 14 & 23) from Ord Ferry to Colusa he the males July 15 (EM). found 38 birds. Eight Indigo Buntingswere reported, all A similar nesting occurred in 1952 at Pt. coastalexcept for one July 27 at Springville, Tulare Co Lobos when a c• N. Parula and two females (fide RAB). Lazuli Buntingsappeared near the coastin raised three young from two different nests larger numbers,possibly because of the dry conditions May 18-July 16. The nestingof "vagrants" in Most unusual was a imm. Dickcissel at Pt. Reyes California has increasedwith regularity in the June 17 (JM, SFB, BSo). This representsthe first mainland spring record. Interesting were Purple past decade. Eastern Kingbirds, Am. and Painted Redstarts, Hepatic Tanagers and and Cassin's Finches singing side by side in Duncan Grace's Warblers have all been found nesting Cr., 22 mi n.e. of Foresthill, Placer Co., June 30 (JW, in California in recent years. In addition BBu). Juvenile Red Crossbills were seen with flocks of there are records for Indigo Buntings and Rose-breastedGrosbeaks for every month, adults in Marin and San Mateo Cos., and in Golden but no nest has yet been found. Gate P., suggestingthat breeding had probably taken place there. An out-of-range Green-tailed Towbee was netted on the F.I., June 26 (P.R.B.O.). Grasshopper Sparrowsappeared near the coastin larger-than-normal Bay-breasted Warblers appeared in awesome numbers.At least 11 were at Rodeo Lagoon in mid-July numberswith at least nine seen (two F.I.) all on Pt. (TC), and 36 were singingin San Mateo County July 2-4 ReyesJune 11-28 exceptone singingmale at BodegaBay (PM). A tardy Tree Sparrow put in on the F.I., June 26, June 9 where it was the first for SonomaCo. (JM et al.). establishing the latest spring record for the Region BlackpollWarblers are muchrarer in springthan in fall, (P.R.B.O.). Two more Clay-colored Sparrows turned and a total of nine (six F.I.) on Pt. ReyesJune 2-19 was up on the F.I., June9 & 16 (P.R.B.O.). It is odd that all exceptional.At least21 Ovenbirdswere seen (12+ F.I.) the Region'sspring records for this sparrow have been June 6-29 including one 5 mi e. of Yreka June 27 (R. from the F.I. A singing c•Brewer's Sparrow near Ekstrom) and one found dead at Thornton BeachS.P., Westville, Placer Co., was w. of its normal breeding San Mateo Co. (S. Wilson-*to M.V.Z.) June28. All the range June 26 (AC). The Region's second summer others were from Marin County, and S.F. Always rare record for the Harris' Sparrow was listed on Pt. Reyes m spring,a singleN. Waterthrushwas seen on Pt. Reyes July 2 (LCB). Also noteworthy was a very late White- June 16 (EM, CH et al.). A Corn. Yellowthroat seen crowned Sparrow of the race Z. l. pugetensison the feeding a cowbird June 15 at Pacifica was noteworthy F.I., June 16 (P.R.B.O.). (PM). A CanadaWarbler was seenon the F.I., June 11 (P R B.O.). Some 24 Am. Redstartswere listed (nine F I ), all but threewere on the coastfrom Marin County CORRIGENDA -- In ,,lB 31:219 the Thayer's Gull to the Carmel R. mouth June 6-27. Inland, singlebirds was at L. Tahoe Nov. 24-30 not Oct. 24-30. In ,,lB were found at Yreka June 11 (fide MT), Woodson 31:220 the Petaluma Hooded Warbler was the second Bridge, Tehama Co., July 9 (JRi), and at Honey L., August record for the Region and obviously not the se- June 4 (TM). cond record for the Region. Also in AB 31:219 delete the reference to Barn Swallows in Humboldt County, BLACKBIRDS THROUGH TANAGERS -- Two and in the S.A. on the samepage the Willow Flycatcher Bobolinks,exceptionally rare in spring, were seen;ad. collectedon the F.I. was taken becauseit was thought to males were at Pt. Reyes June 12 (JM et al.), and at the be an Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum). In AB Presidio, S.F. (fide LCB) June 9. Yellow-headed 31:220 the Bobolinks seen at Neary's Lagoon were ac-

Volume 31, Number 6 1187 tually at Younger's Lagoon in the same county, and in Work in the eastern part of the Region produced AB 31:220 the Prairie Warbler in Sharp Park was found evidence that extends the known breeding ranges of a Oct. 24, not Sept. 24. number of bird speciesinto the mountains of eastern San Bernardino County. Particularly interestingis the CONTRIBUTORS -- David Anderson, Maurine Ar- possibility of nesting Rufous-crowned Sparrows of a mour, Stephen F. Bailey, Bernice Barnes, Robert A. race heretofore unrecorded in California. Barnes, Florence Bennett (FBe), Frank K. Beyer (FKB), The Salton Seacontinued to be the most excitingbird- Laurence A. Binford, George Bing, Tony Bledsoe, ing locality in summer, producing records of White Ibis William Bousman,Betty Burridge(BBu), Ted Chandik, and Black-belliedWhistling Duck, along with all three Howard L. Cogswell,Alan Craig, Dave DeSante, Bruce species of scoter. However, the Wilson's Plover near E. Denel, Arthur Edwards, Jules Evens, David A. Ventura was most certainly the outstandingrarity of the Gaines, Rob Hansen, Tom Heindel, Craig Hohen- season,with the pair of Pyrrhuloxiasin easternSan Ber- berger,Stuart Johnson,Oliver J. Kolkmanfi,Stephen nardino County coming in a close second. A. Laymon, Ron LeValley, John Lindsay(JLi), John Luther (JL), EugeneMakishima, Tim Manolis, Peter LOONS, GREBES -- As usual a few loons were Metropulos,Randall Morgan, Joe Morlan, Museum of found along the coast. A Corn. Loon was in Santa Bar- Vertebrate Zoology, Gary Page, Dennis Parker, Ben- bara July 21 - Aug. 3 (LRB), another at nearby Goleta jamin D. Parmeter, Carmen Patterson, Point Reyes Pt., July 6 (PL) and four at Pt. Dume, Los AngelesCo., Bird Observatory, William M. Putsell, Van Remsen, June 23 (JDO). Three Arctic Loons were off Goleta Pt., Jean Richmond (JRi), Don Roberson (DRo), Elsie June 23 (PL), three more at Pt. Dume on the sameday Roemet, Dave Rudholm (DRu), Bruce Sortie (BSo), (JD) and a freshly dead bird at McGrath S.P., Ventura SteveSummers, Wally Sumner, Michael Taylor, John & Co., July 1 (KC - *L.A.C.M.). Two Red-throated Ricky Warfiner, Ralph S. Widrig, Dave Winklet, Jon Loons were around Santa Barbara during most of June Winter•, details on file--SON WINTER (Pigeons and July (PL,LRB) and another was at Goleta Pt., July through Sparrows),1277 Yulupa Ave.//2 Santa Rosa, 5 (PL). A Horned Grebe at the north end of the Salton CA 95405 and JOE MORLAN (Loons through Alcids) Sea (hereafter, N.E.S.S.) July 10 (GMcC) was unex- c/o Golden Gate Audubon Society, 2718 Telegraph pected since the speciesis uncommon inland and nor- Ave., Suite 206, Berkeley, CA 94705. really absent from the region in summer.

PELICANS, FRIGATEBIRDS -- Four Brown SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION Pelicans on the Salton Sea June 11 (PU) were the /Guy McCaskie earliest to appear there this summer, but no more than ten were present by the end of July. Magnificent Frigatebirds were present along the coast in small Dry conditionsprevailed throughout the Region, but numbers with two over La Jolla, San Diego Co., July 4 the effect of theseconditions on breedingbirds was not (PC) being the first noted and one over Morro Bay, San apparent from information supplied by reporters. The Luis Obispo Co., July 16 (FRT) being the farthest coast again experienced an influx of Magnificent north; in all, 12 reports of up to three individuals Frigatebirds during July and the specieswas more together were received and as usual all were of im- numerousthan usual on the Salton Sea during the same matures. An imm. Magnificent Frigatebird was at period. A major flight of Roseate Spoonbillsbrought N.E.S.S., June 26 (WTE) and the specieswas then con- three individualswestward to the coast for only the sec- tinually present on the Salton Sea through July with a ond known record for that area of California. high count of four on July 10 (GMcC,CH).

HERONS, STORKS, IBISES, SPOONBILLS -- A singlead. Little Blue Heron was at the south end of the Salton Sea(hereafter, S.E.S.S.) June 25 (DVT) and July 10 (GMcC); this speciesnow occurs every summer on the Salton Sea and can be expected to nest there in the ner future. An ad. Little Blue Heron at San Elijo Lagoon June 19 (WTE) addsanother record to the list of coastal occurrencesfor May and June. Cattle Egrets were exceptionally numerous around the Salton Sea with 5000 pairs nestingalong with 2000 pairs of Snowy Egretsand 250 pairs of Great Egrets. An ad. Louisiana Heron near Imperial Beach, San Diego Co., July 31 (ME) could well have summeredlocally. Two pairs of Am. Bitterns in Afton Canyon, San Bernardino Co., during April and May (SC) were possiblynesting; this locality is near the s. boundary of the species'breeding range. A Wood Stork photographedat S.E.S.S., May

1188 American Birds, November 1977 14 (D&BH) was early but numbers built to about 650 by San Jacinto Mts., July 9 (JD) adds another sighting to the end of the period; one at N.E.S.S., July 15 - Aug. 13 the list of summer records for the S. California moun- (SC,PL) was the only one found outside of Imperial tains. A Sharp-shinnedHawk at Humber P., July 11 County. Encouraging were 3-4 pairs of White-faced (JD) would suggestlocal breeding. A Red-shouldered Ibises nesting at S.E.S.S. (GMcC), the first reported Hawk in the SalineValley, Inyo Co., July 20 (TH) was nestingin S. California in over 20 years. An ad. White e. of its normal range in California. Swainson'sHawks lhis was present at S.E.S.S., June 25 - July 14 were still to be found nestingin the Owens Valley (TH) (JR,CH,DR) and establishedthe third valid record for but one near Palo Verde, Imperial Co., July 19 (AEH) the Region. and another near Mecca, Riverside Co., on the same S.A. day (DR,KG) were both far from known nesting localities. Ospreys were reported from many localities RoseateSpoonbills staged a major invasion within the Region but none are known to have suc- into the Southwest with birds appearing cessfully nested. A Peregrine Falcon near El Toro, along the Colorado R. Valley and around the Orange Co., July 14 (JB), another near Imperial Beach Salton Seawith threereaching the coast.Two July 27 (EC) and a third around S.E.S.S., July 19 - Aug at S.E.S.S., June 3 (DVT) were the first to be 6 (KG,DVT) may well all have been wanderersmoving noted, and ten were in that area by the end of N from Baja California. the period. Along the Colorado R., six were RAILS, GALLINULES -- Black Rails were found found at Imperial Dam June 15 (TH) and two around the Salton Sea, with two heard at N.E S.S., more were a little farther upstreamon Draper June 14 (BDP), one heard at Salt Cr., Mar. 8 (MZ), one L., June 24 (KVR). Three at the mouth of the seenat S.E.S.S., May 24 (DM) and up to sevenheard at Santa Margarita R., San Diego Co., June 24 Finney L., Apr. 19 - June 13 (SC,DM,BDP). Clapper (P J) had moved N to the San Joaquin Marsh Rails appeared to be faring well around the Salton Sea in Irvine, Orange Co., by June 26 (TS) where with over 50 believedinhabiting one marsh at S.E S S, they remained to the end of the period. one at Harper Dry L., near Barstow June 4-7 (PH) was far out in the desert and over 120 mi from the nearest breeding locality. A pair of Com. Gallinules raised GEESE, DUCKS -- As usual a few Brant summered youngin Afton Canyon, a locality well out in the desert along the coastwith individualspresent in Santa Bar- of e. San Bernardino County, during April and May bara, Ventura and San Diego Cos.; in addition one was (EAC). present at N.E.S.S., until at least July 16 (PU) and another was at S.E.S.S., July 2 (PL). A Black-hellied SHOREBIRDS -- Two pairs of Am. Avocets were Whistling Duck near Brawley, Imperial Co., Aug. 4-14 found nesting around S.E.S.S., June 23 (GSG), this (DVT) constitutedthe fifth recordfor California. Blue- species is rare as a breeder on the Salton Sea A winged Teal appearedmore numerousthan normal this Semipalmated Plover ar Harper Dry L., near Barstow summer with 40 individuals reported from throughout June 3 - 5 (PH) was a late spring migrant. Up to 100 the Region. Reports of some of our more northern SnowyPlovers on Harper Dry L., during June (PH) and breeding speciesof ducks included a Canvasbackin 116 counted on Owen's L., May 28 (TH) illustrate how Bishop July 4 (TH), another at N.E.S.S., July 2 (EC) numerous this speciescan be on some of the alkaline and a third at S.E.S.S., July 11-16 (JD); two Greater lakes in the desertregions of e. California. A Wilson's Scaup at N.E.S.S., June 11 (SC) with one still present Plover at McGrath S.P., Ventura Co., June 27-29 July 16 (PU, *S.D.N.H.M.); two Corn. Goldeneyesat (LRB, ph., S.D.N.H.M.) was only the third ever found S E S.S., July 17-19 (LRB) and a Bufflehead on L. in California, the previoustwo being from around San Elsinore June 18 (SC). A White-winged Scoter, rare in- Diego on June 29, 1894 and May 11, 1918. Unexpected land at any time of the year, was at N.E.S.S., June 11 was a breeding-plumagedAm. Golden Plover near E1 -Aug 6 (SC,GMcC). As usual a few Surf Scotersre- Toro June 24 - 26 (JB) and two more at McGrath S P , mamed along the coast throughout the summerand up July 2 (AC). At least 15 pairs of Spotted Sandpipers to 12 were presenton the Salton Sea during May-July. were present throughout the summer in the Big Up to five Black Scoters at N.E.S.S., May 1 - Aug. 13 Bear/Baldwin L. area (KG), a pair accompaniedby a (GMcC) were totally unexpectedsince there are only juvenile was at L. Arrowhead July 13 (KG) and another two previous inland records of this speciesfor Califor- pair with young was at McGrath S.P., June 22 (LRB), ma Three Red-breastedMergansers at Little L., Inyo there are few documented nesting records for this Co, June 19 (RHN) and anotherin Afton Canyon, San speciesin S. California. Bernardino Co., June 7 - 9 (PH) were late spring Three Ruddy Turnstones at Salton City July 19 migrants, but an unprecedented150 summeredon the (DR,KG) were of interest sincethe speciesis rare away Salton Sea (GMcC). from the coast in fall. The first reports of the fall of Short-billed Dowitchers, which normally appear in KITES, HAWKS, OSPREYS, FALCONS -- A California before the Long-billeds, were of some pre- White-tailed Kite 15 mi n.w. of Barstow, San Bernar- sent at McGrath S.P., June 28 (PL) and four at dino Co., June 2-5 (PH) was well e. of its normal range N.E.S.S., July 2 (GMcC). A Red Knot at N.E.S.S , July in California. An ad. Goshawk at Humber P., in the 10 (GMcC) was the only one found away from the

Volume 31, Number 6 1189 coast A Balrd's Sandpiper at McGrath S.P., July 28 three pairs nested on the coast near Imperial Beach (GSS) and another at Tinnemaha Res., in the Owens (ME), a N wandererwas at Carpinteria, Santa Barbara Valley July 30 (TH) were the earliest reported this fall. Co., July 16 (LRB) and two more were at the mouth of Most unusual was a Pectoral Sandpiper on San. Elijo the Santa Maria R., July 15 (HM). Lagoon, San Diego Co., June 29 (PU,EC) and another in Goleta July 10 (PL); this speciesis previously ALCIDS -- A few Com. Murres spent the summer unrecordedin California duringJune and thereappears alongthe coastn. of Los Angelesas indicatedby five to be only one other July record for the state. A off GoletaPt., July 10 (BS,PL), ten off Pt. Mugu July breedlng-plumaged Dunlin at McGrath S.P., June 20 25 (BB) and 15 off Pt. Dume throughoutthe period (LRB) was totally out of season.A Stilt Sandpiperat (KG). Unexpected were 1-2 Pigeon Guillemots off S E S S., July 16 (PU) was the earliestreported this fall. Goleta Pt., Aug. 2-3 (PL) and two more off Pt. Dume A Red Phalarope at S.E.S.S., June 18 (PL) was all summer(KG); thisspecies is rare alongthe shorehne somewhat surprising since it is rare inland at normal s. of Morro Bay. t•mesof migration and not to be expectedanywhere in California in the middle of the summer. PIGEONS THROUGH GOATSUCKERS -- A Band-tailed Pigeon on Clark Mt., in e. San Bernardino Co., June 12 (BDP) was outsideits normal rangein GULLS, TERNS, SKIMMERS -- Reports of sum- California. A surveyof breedingYellow-billed Cuckoos mering Glaucous-wingedGulls includedone at McGrath sponsoredby Calif. Fish& Gameturned up threenear S P , July 1 - Aug. 3 (LRB,PL) and another near Im- Big Pine and another near Lone Pine in the Owens perial BeachAug. 1 (GMcC). Two Herring Gulls were Valley July 16 (DG), two near Tecopa, Inyo Co., June at McGrath S.P., July 22 (LRB) and three individuals 18 - Sep. 3 (PH,JT), and two morealong the SantaAna wereseen around S.E.S.S., June 11 - Aug. 13. (GMcC); R., near Riverside July 20 (DG), besides50+ pairs this speciesis rare in S. California during the summer along the Colorado R. valley, betweenNeedles and months.A Mew Gull, anotherspecies rarely found dur- LagunaDam; two at FurnaceCr. Ranchin DeathValley ing the summer in S. California, was in Santa Barbara June4 (TH) wereprobably spring migrants and another June 23 - 30 (PL,JD) and another was near Imperial at S.E.S.S., July 10 (GMcC) appearedlost. Two calling Beach July 6 - 30 (GMcC). Yellow-legged W. Gulls FlammulatedOwls on Clark Mt., May 21 (SC,VR) and (Larus livens) [?-Ed.], now regular post-breeding June 11 (BDP) would indicatenesting at that locality v•sltorsto the Salton Sea, arrived in early June, with 12 and one heard in the nearby Kingston Mts., June 21 at Salton City June 11 (PU), and became quite (SC) wasprobably also on territory. Two or threepairs numerousby August with over 200 at SaltonCity Aug. of Elf Owls were repeatedlyseen near NeedlesApr 29- 19 (JD). A Laughing Gull, another post-breedingvisitor June 12 (DR,BDP) with young seenMay 14 (SC,DM), to the Salton City, was at S.E.S.S., May 29 (GSG) with this may be the only localitywithin California still sup- numbersbuilding to 600+ in mid-August(PL); the fact porting this diminutive owl. A calling Whip-poor-will that virtually all the birds seenon the Sea this summer on Clark Mt., May 21 (DR) was expected,but three at were adults is unexplainedat this time. Four Franklin's CampAngeles in theSan Bernardino Mts., June3 (DM) Gullson the Salt.onSea June 11 (PU), two nearBarstow and another at Big Pinesin the San Gabriel Mts., June 8 June 3 - 7 (PH) and anotherat Little L., June5 (RHN) (KG) werein localitiesfrom whichno previousrecords were all most likely late spring migrants; one at exist. McGrath S.P., July 1 (KC) must have beena summer straggler.An unusuallylarge number of Bonaparte's SWIFTS, HUMMINGBIRDS, WOODPECKERS- Gulls remainedalong the coastthroughout the summer The only Black Swifts reported in the S. Califorma with a high concentration of 60 at McGrath S.P., mountains were three at Fallsvale in the San Bernardino throughoutthe period (PL,LRB); inland ten were seen Mts., July 16 (GSS) and three more over Humber P, in on L Elsinore June 18 (SC) and up to 250 were on the the San Jacinto Mts., July 9 (GMcC). Up to three Salton Seaduring Juneand July (GMcC)! A few Black- Chimney Swifts over the Palos VerdesPen., June 16 -28 leggedKittiwakes were presenton the coastas indicated (LH,VR), one or two over Arcadia June 26 - July 21 by one in Goleta Aug. 3 (PL), another in Santa Barbara (AC) and another around Duarte throughout June July 21 (LRB) and up to eight at McGrath S.P., during (MSanM) were all in areas where the specieshas been June and July (LRB,PL). A Sabine's Gull at N.E.S.S., appearing during June of previousyears; one near B•g July 15 (SC,DM) represented one of the few interior Pine July 5 (DG) wasoutside the area of expectedoccur- records for California. rence. Small numbers of Anna's Hummingbirds were Nesting Least Terns were found at various points present in e. San Bernardino County during May and along the coast n. to the mouth of the Santa Maria R., June (VR,SC) and may actually have nested in the New in s San Luis Obispo Co.; one at N.E.S.S., June 18 York Mts. In addition, up to five Broad-tailed Hum- (PL) addedanother record for this inland locality. Four mingbirdswere seen in the New York Mts., during May Royal Terns at McGrath S.P., June 19 (LRB) were and June (VR,SC) and an active nest was found in the unusuallyfar n. for that time of year. Black Skimmers nearby Kingston Mts., June 21 (SC); this specieswas continued to increase on the Salton Sea, with 100+ not previously recorded as nesting in either of these nestsfound at S.E.S.S., in July (GSG) and nearly500 mountain ranges. A cYCalliope Hummingbird was birds seenaround the Sea, Aug. 6 (GMcC); in addition displayingon Clark Mt., May 21 (VR), another was

1190 American B•rds, November 1977 seenin the New York Mts., June 28 (DR) and an active ntorles along the e. edge of our Region along Wyman nest found in the Kingston Mrs., June 21 (SC); these Cr., in the White Mrs. (BDP), on Clark Mt. (DR,BDP) localities are all outside the species' known breeding and in the New York Mrs. (SC,VR); one seenalong Ar- range in California. A pair of Red-naped Sapsuckers rastre Cr., in the San BernardinoMts., July l0 (KC), found at HorseshoeMeadows along the e. slope of the and a pair accompaniedby a youngbird recentlyfledged Sierra in Inyo Co., July 14 - 15 (TH) was w. of its nor- at nearby Green Spot Picnic Ground July 17 (KG) were mal range. A pair of Hairy Woodpeckers in Riverside in an area at the w. extreme of the species'expanding April - May (SC,EAC) was nesting at an exceptionally range. Three pairs of Lucy's Warblers nesting at low elevation for S. California; one in the Kingston Morongo Valley during June and July (SC,KC) were at Mts., June 21 (SC,VR) would suggestthat the species the w. limit of their range. A 9 N. Parula at Tollhouse also neststhere. A pair of Downy Woodpeckersat 6400 Springsin the White Mts., June 20 (fide KG) was a late ft near Green Valley in the San BernardinoMrs., June 9 spring straggler. Seven singing c, Hermit Warblers (KG) was exceptionallyhigh in the mountains. found at five localities in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mts., during June and July, along w•th a FLYCATCHERS THROUGH THRUSHES -- An female carrying nesting material near Green Valley in E Kingbird, a regular wandererto S. California, was at the San Bernardino Mrs., June 9, and a pair accom- Oasis, Mono Co., July 23 (TH), another was at Tin- panied by a juvenile near L. Arrowhead July 13 (KG), nemaha Res., July 21 (TH) and a third was on the coast provided additional evidencethat this speciesregularly at Los Osos, San Luis Obispo Co., July 18 (FRT). nests s. to these mountain ranges. A 9 Blackpoll About 12 singingDusky Flycatcherswere found in the Warbler, quite rare in spring, was on the California s•de Kingston Mts., June 21 (VR,SC) and an active nest was of the Colorado R., on the Imperial N.W.R., June 23 seen in the New York Mrs., June 21 (VR,SC); this (KVR). Four singingc, MacGillivray's Warblersat four specieswas not previouslyreported breeding in either of localities in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mts, these two mountain ranges. Similarly three territorial during June and July (KG) strongly suggestlocal W Wood Pewees in the New York Mts., June 20 breeding. Eight Am. Redstartswere found with five in (VR,SC) and an activenest in the KingstonMts., June the n.e. part of the Region June 8-20 (TH,KG), a male 21 (VR,SC) indicate new breeding areas in California. near Blythe June 25 (KVR), a female in Santa Barbara The first evidenceof breedingCliff Swallowsin the Im- June9 (GH) and anotheron Pt. Loma June23 (PU) A perial Valley was obtained this summer with the pair of Painted Redstartsin the New York Mts., June 20 d•scoveryof 25 nestsunder a bridge at S.E.S.S., May 1 (VR,SC) appearedto be on territory and may well have (GSG). nested. Two Le Conte's Thrashers near Big Pine in the Owens Valley July 25 (TH) werenear the n. limit of their range. BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, TANAGERS -- A Most unusual was a breedingpair of Am. Robins that Bobolink was found in the SalineValley June28 (PH), raised three young in Blythe on the Colorado R. another was seenin Arcadia June 25 (AC) and two were (KVR,PDM). on Catalina I., June 21 (L J); small numbersare now found each spring, but these were late for spr•ng VIREOS, WARBLERS -- Bell's Vireos are still to be migrants. Three or four pairs of Scott's Orioles in Bal- found in suitablehabitat in San Diego County, but are linger Canyon, n.e. Santa Barbara Co., June 14 now very rare away from there, with two in Morongo (PL,BS) were at the n.w. limit of their range. Bronzed Valley July 19 (DG) being the only onesreported out- Cowbirds were found only along the Colorado R, with side San Diego County. Gray Vireos were found in up to four near Parker Dam Apr. 30 - June 13 (GMcC, piNon-juniperhabitat on ClarkMr. (DR), in the New BDP), and up to three around Laguna Dam June 12- York Mts. (SC,BDP) and in the e. part of the San July 26 (GMcC,DG). A c• Scarlet Tanager was found Bernardino Mts. (KG); in addition the specieswas on Catalina I., June 21 (LJ); this speciesis an excep- relatively common in dry chaparral on the s.-facing tionally rare vagrant to California in spring. Hepatic slopesoF the Laguna Mts., San Diego County (ME) Tanagerscontinued to spreadW into e. California, with whereit hasprobably been overlooked in recentyears. three pairs along with an active nest seenin the Kingston A Red-eyedVireo at OasisJune 11 (TH) and anotherat Mts., June 21 (VR,SC), a territorial male on Clark Mt, Ft. Piute in e. San BernardinoCo., June23 (VR) were May 21 and June 12 (VR,BDP), and a pair in the New probably late springstragglers. York Mts., June 20 (VR,SC); one in Afton Canyon A c• Black-and-white Warbler at Kelso, San Bernar- June 8 (PH) was a migrant at a desertoasis. A pa•r of dino Co., July 9 (EAC,SC) must havebeen thoroughly Summer Tanagers nesting near Tecopa (JT) and two lost A Worm-eatingWarbler at Ft. Piute June23 (VR) pairs on territory near Victorville were along the n edge & July 10 (EAC,SC) may have attempted to summer of the species' spotty range in California; a male at locally. A c• TennesseeWarbler at OasisJune 12 (TH), Oasis June 12 (TH), another near Weldon, Kern Co, anotherat Ft. Piute June23 (VR) and a third in Goleta July 13 (DG), a female at Cadiz, San Bernardino Co, June 24 (PL) are all besttreated as late springstragglers. June 24 (VR,LH) a male in the foothills of the Laguna A singing c• Nashville Warbler in the San Gabriel Mts., Mts.,June 18 (WTE) and another near San Diego June June 8 (KG) would suggestlocal breeding. Small 29 - July 4 (CGE) were all stragglersand most likely of numbers of Virginia's Warblers were found on ter- the nominate form, P. r. rubra.

Volume 31, Number 6 1191 FINCHES, SPARROWS -- A pair of Cardinals in Alton E. Higgins, Craig Hohenberger, Don & Bonny Earp, San BernardinoCo., Apr. 30 (DR) appearedto be Hoechlin (D&BH), Gerrie Human (GHum), Gene Hunn on territory; this speciesis a scarceresident along the (GHun), Jerry Johnson, Lee Jones, Paul Jorgensen, Colorado R., from Needles s. to near Blythe. Most ex- Paul Lehman, Paul D. Mack, Helen Matelson, Doug citingwas the discoveryof a pair of Pyrrhuloxiasabout Morton, Jess Morton, Richard H. Neuman, Dennis 20 min. of Vidal Jet., in e. San Bernardino Co., June 6 Parker, Benjamin D. Parmeter, Van Remsen, John (NG); both birdswere consistently found therethrough Rieger, Don Roberson, Ken V. Rosenberg,Mike San June with the female observedon a nest June 18 (PDM) Miguel, Luis & Susanne Santaella (L&SS), Brad but eggswere neverseen. An unprecedentednumber of Schram, Trudy Siptroth, G. Shumway Suffel, Fern R. Rose-breastedGrosbeaks was in the Region, with nearly Tainter, Jan Tarbel, Don V. Tiller, Philip Unitt, Mark 30 reportedduring June and July. Indigo Buntingswere Zumsteg. Los Angeles County Museum (L.A.C.M.), also more numerous than usual, with 20+ reported San Diego Natural History Museum (S.D.N.H.M.). from areas w. of the Colorado R. Valley. Single * - specimen,ph - photographon file. GUY McCASKIE, Cassin'sFinches in the Kingston Mts., June21 (VR,SC) San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, and the New York Mts., June28 (DR) wereoutside their P.O. Box 1390, San Diego, California 92112. normal breeding range. The only Red Crossbills reported were sevenin the New York Mts., May 23 (VR) and two on Mt. Pinos Aug. 3 (JD). More than 100pairs HAWAIIAN ISLANDS REGION of Savannah Sparrows were in the Big Bear/Baldwin /C. John Ralph and Robert L. Pyle Lake area during the summer(KG) and it must now be considereda common nesting speciesin that area; this speciesformerly nesteds. only to n. Kern County (Grin- After a dry winter, April and May rains restored some nell and Miller, 1944). Nesting GrasshopperSparrows reservoirs and other wet areas to near normal condi- were found in suitable habitat in Orange and San Diego tions. However, the respite was brief, and rainfall in Cos., where they appearedto be maintaining a constant June and July was down significantlyat most stations, population; three near Goleta Apr. 27 (GHum) may particularly the drier parts of Oahu (hereafter, O.). In have been on territory, but one in Goleta July 10-11 addition, temperatures have been warmer than normal (PL) was a wandereraway from known breedingsites. by 2 to 4øF each month since January. Unexpectedwas the discoveryof Rufous-crownedSpar- The unusual weather did not noticeably affect the rows at two localities in the New York Mts., during May mountain forests, and wetland habitats for breeding and June(SF&KLB,VR) with a high countof threesing- ing malesfound May 30 (SC); at this time we can only speculateas to whichrace is involved,but the heretofore unrecordedA. r. scotti would appear the most likely. Some half dozen pairs of Black-throated Sparrows in Ballinger Canyon in n.e. Santa Barbara Co., June 14 .... 7'"'""%.'...% (BS,PL) mark the w. limit of the species'breeding range in California. A pair of SageSparrows with a juvenile out of the nestin the New York Mts., July 9 (SC) was s. of the species'recorded breeding range in e. California. Dark-eyedJuncos are now regular nestersin eucalyptus grovesof the Goleta/Santa Barbara area (PL), an adult was seen feeding a juvenile in Topanga Canyon, Los Angeles Co., July 14 (LJ) and a pair was observedon Catalina I., duringJune and July (L J); this speciesis ex- tending its breeding range S along the coast. Single water birds, most of which are endangered,were main- Gray-headedJuncos found in the New York Mrs., Apr. tainedby pumpingand irrigationfor agriculture. 15 & May 2 (SC) suggestthat nestingshould be looked Both bird and birder activity in Hawaii were at a low for locally. Lincoln's Sparrows are nesting near Big ebb in June and July. Most of the visiting waterbirds Bear L., in the San Bernardino Mts., where ten pairs departedfor northernnesting grounds in May, and the were found in June(KG); this area marks the s. limit of next winter'svisitors did not beginto trickle in until late the species'breeding range. Julyand August.Seabird nesting was in full swing,but largely on inaccessible,offshore islets. CONTRIBUTORS -- Jon Atwood, Stephen F. & Karen L. Bailey (SF&KLB), Larry R. Ballard, Bruce ALBATROSS THROUGH TERNS -- After tantaliz- Broadbrooks,John Burns, EugeneA. Cardiff, Steven ing observersfor months with apparent courtship Cardiff, Kurt Campbell, Armand Cohen, Elizabeth behavior,on June 4 the LaysanAlbatross was finally Copper,Phil Cushing,Jon Dunn, ClaudeG. Edwards, documented as nesting near Kilauea Pt., Kauai Mike Evans, William T. Everett, Alice Fries, David (hereafter,K.) (CFZ). This is the first recordednesting Gaines, Kimball Garrett, Gilbert S. Grant, Nancy on anyof themain Hawaiian Is. The "nest", onlya half Green, Linda Hale, Tom Heindel, Phil Henderson, mile from the Fish and Wildlife Service (F. & W.S.) sub-

1192 AmericanBirds, November 1977 headquarters, went undetected in a remote area for from Guam seemed to have failed, since no birds had many months. When discovered,the young was almost been seen since 1969. However, some reports in the last fully featheredand approximatelyfive months old. The year, 11 years after the last introduction, indicate that it presenceof a dead adult nearby suggestedthat the chick is hanging on. In the forest of the Halawa Valley, O., may have been orphaned, so CFZ initiated supplemen- one was observed at 1300 ft, and five more at 800 ft on tal feeding. On June 27 one adult was seen feeding the June 16 (RJS). More than 500 individuals of the en- bird. In an accident on June 22 the young bird broke its dangered Hawaii Creeper were counted by F. & W.S. leg and died in late July, despite treatment at Sea Life crews on H., during the summer, indicating the ex- Park. Hopefully, future breeding seasonswill see a col- istenceof a much higher populationthan had previously ony established despite this setback. The endangered been thought (fide JMS). The Maui Parrotbill is rarely Newell's (Manx) Shearwater was heard overhead in two observedbecause of its scarcityand the arduoushike in- locations on the Hamakua Coast, Island of Hawaii to its remote range. Two individualswere sightedJune (hereafter, H.) in July by F. & W.S. censuscrews (fide 18 in the upper Hana Forest Reserve, on the slopes of JMS). This raises the possibility that the speciesmay Haleakala, Maui (RLP, MS, SC, OB). A related nest on H., where it was thought to be exterminated species,the 'O'u, has been infrequently seenon H. since (probably by mongooses)near the turn of the century. the 1940s, probably averaging less than one At presentit is only known to nest on K. Two pairs of sighting/year. Thus F. & W.S. reports of about 60 Blue-faced Boobieswith fully grown young were found sightings(fide JMS) scatteredover nearly 35 mi between in late May on Sand Is., Midway, the first record for the Nat'l. P., and the area above Lapahoehoe, H., dur- this species nesting there (NB-C). A pair, possibly ing summer censusesare good news. The introduced renesting,was also seenat the end of July. The species Red-crested Cardinal may have had a good breeding has nested, but uncommonly, on nearby Eastern 1. seasonon O., with flocks of 20-40 (all young birds) seen About two dozen Ruddy Turnstones and six Bristle- several times in July in Manoa Valley (C JR). thighed Curlews, an unusually high number, did not breed but spent the summer on Midway I. (NB-C). A CONTRIBUTORS -- Omer Bussen, Nancy White Tern successfullyfledged a young in early Junein Butowski-Casey, Sheila Conant, Richard A. Coleman, the unprecedentedsite of a tree along a busy streetnear Linda D. Murakami, J. Michael Scott, Robert J. the Police Station in downtown Honolulu (LDM). The Shallenberger, Maile Stemmerman, and C. Fred ad. birds regularly flew the mile to the oceanto forage, Zeillemaker.--C. JOHN RALPH, U.S. Forest Service, apparently leaving their nest well guarded! Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, 1151 Pnnchbowl St., Honolulu, HI 96813 and ROBERT L. PYLE, 741 SWIFTLETS THROUGH FINCHES -- The in- N. Kalaheo Ave., Kailua, HI 96734. troduction in 1962 and 1965 of the Edible-nest Swiftlet

CORRIGENDUM -- For thosecareful observerswho noted that the McCown's Longspur in the May, 1977 issueof American Birds (31:294,309) was in fact a Lapland Longspur, let them rest assuredthat it was indeeda McCown's Longspur. The undatedphoto is by SibleyHigginbotham.

Volume 31, Number 6 1193