Appalachian Region

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Simek (RSk), R. Simms, K. Slayton,I. Smith, R. Smith (RSm), J.M. Speirs,P. Stepien- Scanlon,M. Street,M. Sullivan (MSu), M. Tate (MTa), J.&J.Thomson, C. appalachian Thorpe, E. Ticknor, M. Timpf, R. Tozer, S.& A. Treganza,E Urie, R. vanTwest,D. Ware (DWa), P.Walker, R.D. Weir, R. West- more, I. Wojnowski(JWo), J.Woodcock, A. Wormlngton,D. Worthington,B. Wylie, R. region Yukich,W. Yung. generallybetter than in Ron Ridout, BirdStudies Canada, P.O. Box recentyears. The passer- 160, PortRowan, ON, Canada NOE 1MO. ine speciesexpected in Octoberstaged a pretty goodflight. In November, there was a heavier than averagemovement of waterfowl,including grebes and coots. The uneventfulperiods were occasionallyinter-

duced "fallout:' There was Jrupteda sprinklingbyaof weather-in- rarities, in- SHADE-GROWN COFFEE cluding a Regionalfirst record. Despite the late SAVES TREES FOR MIGRATING BIRDS •'-- arrivalof somemigrants, SONG BIRD COFFEE * fewremained past their -' normal departure time. saves critical bird habitat. By the end of the period there had been a moder- AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION ately good influx of win- helpsto fund ABA programs,including ter finches,promising an supportfor Parmers in Flight. interestingwinter ahead. The fall migrationin this Region is now being CALL TO ORDER: monitoredby sixbanding 800/648-6491 GEORGEA. HALL stations,but comparativedata for analysis weresubmitted from only the two big stations. At Powdermill Nature Reserve,West- biology, the 1997 Autumn Migration Nowsold in 38states! Call for morelandCounty, Pennsylvania, 6612 birds couldbe designatedas a routine(dare I say the locationnearest you or visit werebanded in 109 days,giving a statisti- dull?)season, punctuated by a fewepisodes www.songbirdcoffee.com of excitement. The weather as well as the cally averageseason of 63 specieswith numberslarge enoughto analyze.Three birdingwas pretty much "ho hum:'At the were banded in numbers two Standard De- PittsburghWeather Station, August and Septemberwere cooler than normal and viations (S.D.) abovethe averageof the hadslightly lower than normal rainfall Oc- 1987-1996period, 10 were one S.D. above tober had near normal temperatures,but average,and sevenwere one S.D.below av- was much drier than normal. All in all it erage(RCL, RM). TheAllegheny Front Mi- wasa mild, pleasantseason which changed gration Observatory,Grant County,West abruptlyin Novemberto muchcolder than Virginia,banded 3843 birds in 68 days.Of normal,with a 3-inchexcess of rainfall.By 42 speciesanalyzed, two were two S.D. the end of the periodthere had beenfew aboveaverage, and two were one S.D. below heavyfrosts and only the "snowbelt" in Erie average(GAH). At both stations,compari- County,Pennsylvania, had had snow. sonwith the averageof the 1977-1986peri- The migrationstarted slowly; a seriesof od givesa muchgloomier picture. frontalsystems in Augustand early Septem- Many of the hawk watch stationssub- ber werenot accompaniedby anysubstan- mitted only fragmentary data. Another tial birdmovement. The main passerine mi- monitoringproject is the WaterfowlCount, grationpeaked in the firstweek of October, whichhas now operatedfor severalyears at and numbers of thrushes and warblers were PresqueIsle State Park, Pennsylvania.

56 FIELD NOTES Abbreviations:A.F.M.O. (Allegheny Front Mi- Hamilton,TN, Sept.29 and Nov. 22 (KC). Geesemake it difficultto judgethe migra- grationObservatory, Grant Co.,WV); B.E.S.P. LeastBitterns were found at RI.S.P.Aug. 28 tion, but at PymatuningGame Manage- (Bald Eagle State Park, CentreCo., PA),' (IM) andSept. 5 (GR);Pymatuning L., PA, ment Area, the population built up to G BW.M.A. (Green Bottom W.M.A., Cabell Co., Sept.7 (RFL); and Hamilton,TN, Sept.29 10,550Oct. 25; 9100 werestill presentNov WV),' HW (Hawk Watch Station),'P.I.S.P. (KC). Great Egretswere reported more 29 (RFL). (PresqueIsle State Park, Erie Co, PA),' P.N.R. widelythan normal,and therewere some Two small geese, presumably B c (PowdermillNature Reserve,Westmoreland unusuallylate dates: Wood, WV, Nov.8 (JE); hutchinsi, were with the local Canada Co, PA);S.H.L. (South Hoiston L., Washington ShadyValley, TN, Nov. 9 (JSh);and Blue- Goosepopulation at Swoope,VA (YL) Co, VA/SullivanCo.,TN),' Y.C.S.P. (Yellow Creek stoneR., WV, Nov. 14 (JP).The onlyLittle Brantare normallyrare awayfrom L. Erie, StatePark, Indiana Co., PA). BlueHerons were up to five at Co&e,TN, but nine were seen in the waterfowl fallout Aug. 3-28 (RK) and one at Quemahoning at ColyerL., PA, Nov. 9 (m.ob.,fide JPe) LOONS THROUGH IBISES Dam, Somerset,PA, Sept. 12-20 (M&EW). Singlerecords came from KeystoneRes, For thisinland Region, there was an unusu- Twenty-one Cattle Egrets were seen in PA, Nov. 7-9 (JH, JF);Manheim, WV, Nov al number of reports of Red-throated Cocke,TN, Aug. 22 (RK). Unusuallylate 9 (GF); Lock Haven,PA, Nov. 10 (DR); and Loon.The WaterfowlCount at P.I.S.P.reg- Black-crowned Night-Herons were in WoodcockL., PA,Nov. 23 (RFL). istered 204 between Oct. 24 and Nov. 27, Wood,WV, Nov. 1 (JE) and Boalsburg,PA, Most areaslisted all the duck species with 43 in 2 hoursNov. 7. The averagean- Nov.9 (DB).Yellow-crowned Night-Herons Dabblingducks were in modestnumbers nualcount there is eight(JM). Singlesight- wereat Bristol,TN, Aug.24 (WC, LM) and Somehigh countswere 57 Green-winged •ngscame from B.E.S.RNov. 15 (S&GY), Elizabethton,TN, Sept.27 (GW,HL). Tealat WoodcockL., Crawford,PA, Oct. 25 Y C S.P.Nov. 8 (MH), KeystoneRes., PA, Thirteen imm. White Ibises were seen in (RFL); 50 Gadwallsin the Crawford,PA, Nov 9 (M&RH), BluestoneR., WV, in early Hamilton,TN, Aug. 13 (JCh),and two were lakesOct. 19 (RFL);and 80 Am. Wigeonat November(AMc), and BooneL., TN, Nov. at anotherlocation in the countyAug. 24 PymatuningG.M.A. Oct. 25 (RFL). A Eur 13 (RK). The Com. Loonflight was some- (KC). A GlossyIbis wasalso in Hamilton Wigeonwas reported from near Fairmont, whatbetter than in recentyears, with a high Sept.6 (JCh), the first local record since WV, Nov. 11 (GF). Some diving duck countof 70 at BooneL., TN, Nov. 9 (WC). 1967.A GlossyIbis was also reported from specieswere in high numbers:540 Ring- Twenty-fiveflew by the Town Hill HW, Augusta,VA, Aug. 18, a 3rd countyrecord neckedDucks at L. Arthur,PA, Nov. 8 (fide MD, Nov. 16 (RKi), andseveral were seen at (Y&AL). PH) and 400 at Tamarack L., PA, Nov 2 a hawk countingoverlook on Backbone (RFL);and 400 LesserScaup at TamarackL Mt, WV, Nov. 17 (GF). WATERFOWL Nov. 2 (RFL). Buffleheadswere unusually It wasa greatyear for grebes.The flight Mostplaces experienced good flights of wa- commonthroughout, with the high count of Pied-billedGrebes was unusually heavy terfowl,and some had the best migration in of 450 on DonegalL., PA, Nov. 11 (RCL) at mostplaces, with high countsof 114 at many years,but a few placeshad poor RuddyDucks were more widespread and in S H L. Sept.30 (WC), 47 at Y.C.S.P.Oct. 4 flights. Severalreporters commented on bigger numbers than usual, with several (MH), and 40 at L. Somerset,PA Sept.30 earlyarrival of somespecies, and numbers areasreporting record counts. The highest (RCL). HornedGrebes were in goodnum- were still goodat the end of the period. was650 at L. Arthur, PA,Oct. 28 (CT). bers,with a high countof 170 at BooneL., There were several weather-related "fall- The Waterfowl Count at P.I.S.P. listed TN, Nov. 13 (RK). The rarer Red-necked outs" of waterfowl: Oct. 26 in Somerset,PA 175 Black Scoters,72 Surf Scoters,and 68 Grebewas reportedfrom S.H.L. Oct. 2-3, (AM); Nov. 7-9 in the 5-county area White-wingedScoters during the season the earliestfall datefor the state(WC), and aroundPittsburgh (PH); Nov.9 at Colyer (JM). On Nov.7, 134migrating Blacks were KeystoneRes., PA, Oct. 30 (MH). The Wa- L., Centre,PA (JPe);and Nov. 14 in Sum- countedin 2 hours (JM). Awayfrom L terfowl Count at P.I.S.P. listed four Oct. mers,WV (JP). Erie, all three scoters were found at more 19-Nov. 2, and two were present Nov. TundraSwans at thew. Pennsylvania lo- placesand in highernumbers than usual, 20-22 (JM). An Eared Grebewas at P.I.S.P. cations of their normal migratory path with mostrecords coming during the peri- Nov. 11 (JM). For the 4th consecutiveau- werein goodnumbers. Most flockswere in od of the falloutslisted above. Usually the tumn Eared Grebesappeared on S.H.L., the 50-100limits, but severalthousand fly- rarest,the BlackScorer was reported from 8 w•th a peakof 19 on Oct. 5 (WC, LM). overswere reportedfrom Allegheny,PA, locationsin s.w.Pennsylvani.a, with an un- Double-crested Cormorants continue Nov. 11 (SK), and 900 from Butler,PA, Nov. usualhigh countof 80 at Y.C.S.P.Nov 8 to •ncreasethroughout the Region.The 12 (DY). Away from the normal route, (MH), and from Centre,PA, Nov. 9 (fide h•ghestcount was 850 in 10 minutesflying swanswere reportedfrom Garrett,MD, JPe).Surf Scoterswere reported from 7 lo- downthe OhioR. at Huntington,WV, Nov. Nov. 16 & 18 (CS); Monongalia,WV (GF, cationsin w. Pennsylvania,and from Hunt- 6 (HS). Other high countswere 350 at GAH); 19 at Wood,WV, Nov. 26, a late date ington,WV, Nov. 3-7 (HS); S.H.L. Nov. 19 PymatuningL., PA,Nov. 2, reducedto one (BM, CGu); and Augusta,VA, Nov. 8 (YL). (WC); and Washington,VA, Oct. 21 (BR) Nov. 9 (RFL), and 133 at Boone L., TN, Five Greater White-fronted Geese were seen White-wingedScoters were found at Colyer Nov. 9 (WC). Cormorants were seen in the concentrationin Summers,WV, Nov. L., PA,Nov. 9 (fideJPe); Kahle L., Venango, flyingpast the TownHill HW, MD, Oct. 11 14 (JP). Snow Geesecontinue to be more PA, Oct. 18-Nov. 11 (GE); North Park, Al- (JPa) and over Roan Mt., TN, Sept. 14 widespreadand numerous than in the past. legheny,PA, Nov. 8 (MF); and Washington, (RK, WC, LM). Reportsof smallnumbers came from 6 w. VA, Nov. 4 (BR). American Bitternswere reportedfrom Pennsylvanialocations, and theywere re- Hooded Merganserscontinued their PymatuningL., PA,Nov. 8 (AM); L. Arthur, portedin the falloutin Summers,WV, Nov. populationsurge, with mostplaces report- PA, Sept. 27 (DD); Imperial, PA, Sept. 14 (JP), and in Russell,VA, Nov. 14 (BR). inglarge numbers topped off bythe 2000 m 30 (CT); P.N.R. Sept. 11-13 (RCL); and The increasinglocal populations of Canada severallakes in Crawford,PA (RFL). Also

VOLUHE5Z (1998), ISSUEI 57 from Crawfordcame reports of 250 Com. In Warren,PA, Am. Kestrelsoccupied 41 andmany species. Thirty-two species were MergansersNov. 29 (RFL), and 300 Red- of 52 nestboxes and produced 188 eggs, of reported.The normallyrare Am. Golden- breastedMergansers Nov. 2 (RFL,IF). which136 hatchedand 132birds fledged Ploverwas reported at 12 sitesfrom P.I.S.E (DW). Hanging Rock HW tallied 73 in the north to Hamilton, TN, in the south. VULTURES THROUGH CRANES kestrels(RD). It wasa greatseason for Mer- Therewere few reportsof the more com- Thehawk watch on SoddyMt., TN, tallied lins;there were 26 birdsreported at 13 lo- mon Black-bellied Plover, but a late 1515Turkey Vultures for the season,with a calities, and several more were seen. Two bird wasat S.H.L.Nov. 9 (RK, HL). Ameri- recordcount of 763 Nov. 9 (WH). The Os- werebanded at A.EM.O.(GAH). Eighteen can Avocetswere reported from P.I.S.P., preymigration was very good, with a one- Peregrineswere reported from locations with 15 Aug.9 (GR); Roanoke,VA,three in daycount of 13at MendotaTower HW, VA, throughoutthe Region. September(MS); and Kingsport,TN, 10 Sept. 21 (LM) and a recordcount of 10 Thereport of 19ad. and young N. Bob- Sept.18 (ME). Sept.27 at SoddyMt., TN (WH). One at whitecoming to a yardin Wood,WV (BJ), There was a good list of the rarer RockfishGap, VA, Nov 9 wasrather late. As was good news of this almost vanished species,most of whichwere singles. Willets many as threeSwallow-tailed Kites were species.The Wild Turkey continuesto were reportedfrom PymatuningL., PA, present in Murray/Whitfield,GA, Aug. thrive and can now be said to be common Aug. 16 (EK); WestFairview, PA, Aug. 16 16-19 (m.ob.,fide HD). A Swallow-tailed throughoutthe Region.Virginia Rails were (DHe); and B.E.S.P.Aug. 18 (G&PS). A Kite was also seen at the East River Mt. HW reportedat ConneautMarsh, Crawford, PA, Whimbrelwas at P.I.S.P.Aug. 22 (DS). Two on theVirginia/West Virginia border Sept. Sept.7 (RFL); Garrett,MD, Sept.25 (CS); MarbledGodwits in Cocke,TN, Aug.22-23 20 (AMc). andGreenville, VA, Sept. 27-28, a 5th coun- providedthe 2nd local record (RK). The BaldEagles were reported from 14loca- ty record(KF). Soraswere found at Man- only RuddyTurnstone report camefrom tionsaway from the hawkwatch stations, heim,WV, Oct.13 (GF); one dead atop East S.H.L. Aug. 14 (WC). Red Knots were at but the 45 birds tallied was lower than re- River Mt., WV/VA, Sept. 30 (JP); Elkton, P.1.S.P.Aug. 28-31 (JM) and Sept.11-26 cent years.The N. Harrier continuesto VA, Oct. 28 (MGS); Stuart'sDraft, VA, until (GR), and threePurple Sandpipers were thrivein thenorth, with reportsfrom 11lo- Oct. 20 (YL); and late at Hamilton, TN, seen Nov. 1 (RFL). Buff-breasted Sand- cationsin the 5-countyPittsburgh area Nov.3 (KC).The onlyCom. Moorhen re- piperswere found in Cocke,TN, Aug.22 (PH). One at Imperial,PA, Nov.5 waslate ports camefrom Hartstown,PA, Sept.12 (RK) and at Fairview,Erie, PA, Sept.13 (CT). The only report s. of Pennsylvania (RFL)and Hamilton,TN, Sept.5-13 (KC). (JM). Three Long-billedDowitchers were wasof 19 talliedat the HangingRock HW, The Regionwas overrunwith Am. Coots, at Y.C.S.P.Oct. 26-27 (DD). WV (RD). which occurredin the largestnumbers Severalof the lessrare specieswere re- NorthernGoshawks were reported from within memory.Counts in the hundreds portedmore than usual: Sanderling, at Py- HangingRock HW, WV, Oct. 19 & 31 and were commonplace,and the maximum matuning L., PA (IF); S.H.L. (WC, LM); Nov. 9 (RD); from Mendota TowerHW, VA, counts were 3100 at S.H.L. Nov. 13-14 KeystoneRes., PA (MH); and Y.C.S.P. Sept.25 (BQ) & 27 (LM); andthe Soddy (WC, LM); 2600 at Deep Creek L., MD, (MH, GL).White-rumped Sandpiper, at Py- Mt. HW, TN, Nov. 11, a first for that station Nov. 18 (CS); and 2500 at L. Arthur, PA, matuningL. (DSm).Baird's Sandpiper, Py- (WH). Other goshawkreports came from mid-November (m.ob.). matuning L. (RFL); Cocke,TN (RK); and EI.S.P.Oct. 4 (RFL et al.) and Nov.6 (DBo); Four Sandhill Cranes were at the Hamilton, TN (KC). Short-billed Dowitch- NatronaHeights, PA, Nov. 16 (D&PH); and Lawrence,PA, nesting site through the peri- er, at PymatuningL. and WoodcockL., PA Tazwell,VA, Oct. 28 (TH). The hawkwatch od. Theywere thought to be the nesting (RFL, EK, IF); S.H.L. (WC); and Cocke,TN stationshad good,but not spectacular, pairand their 1997 and 1996 offspring (fide (RK).Dunlin were reported from through- Broad-wingedHawks migrations. Mendota PH). Migratingcranes were reported from out the Regionwith severallate-November Towerlisted 3891 duringSeptember (fide Hamilton,TN, Oct. 16 (KD); at LM), HangingRock tallied 2763 for the sea- SoddyMt. Nov. 9 (WH); and sonwith a peakday of 862 Sept.21 (RD), Chatsworth, GA, Oct. 3 & 10 whileSoddy Mt. hada highone-day count (GT). More unusual was the of 570 (WH). A Rough-leggedHawk in Al- record of one at S.H.L. Nov. 16 legheny,PA, Sept. 19 (RDo,DG) wasquite (E&HM). early,but theonly other records were from Allegheny,PA, Nov. 12 ( samebird ?;DH); SHOREBIRDS Lawrence,PA, Nov. 21 (LW); Venango,PA, THROUGH TERNS Nov. 23 (JS); and Erie, PA, Nov. 22 (TC, The dry, late summer pro- SSm).The HangingRock HW, WV, listed11 duced mixed results for the GoldenEagles during the season(RD). At shorebirdflight. Sometradi- the Town Hill HW, MD, 11 were seenNov. tional shorebird habitats were 16 (RKi), andone was seen at SoddyMt., completelydry, but in com- TN, Nov.8 (WH). Otherreports came from pensationsome lakes or reser- KinzuaDam, PA,Aug. 13 (TG); Pittsburgh voirswere at low enoughlevels Oct. 25 (CT, JK); BackboneMt., WV, Nov. to produce some new wader 17 (GF); Russel•VA, Oct. 15 & 29 (BR, JB); habitat.Overall the flight was and Grayson,VA, Oct.29 andNov. 5 (LCa). on the light side, but there Alwaysa scarcemigrant in the interiorof the eastern This last bird was attemptingto catcha were occasional "fallouts" states,this Wilier was at Fairview,northwestern Pennsyl- turkey. whichhad both large numbers vania,on August1G• lgg7. Photograph/DonHenise

58 FIELDNOTES appalachian

records.Wilson's Phalaropes were reported from Youngsville,PA, Oct. 1 (fide DW), CORVIDS THROUGH VIREOS from Centre,PA, Aug. 18 (PR,TO, AF); Key- P.I.S.P.Oct. 29 (DD), Conneautville, PA, At A.F.M.O. the seasoncount of 10,213 mi- stoneRes., PA, Nov. 24 (SG); and Cocke,TN, Nov. 7 (AT), and Meadville, PA, Nov. 1 gratingBlue Jays was the 3rd highestcount, Aug 28 (RK, HL). A Red-neckedPhalarope (MFi). andthe bestsince 1991. On Sept.30, 2598 wasat P.I.S.P.Aug. 22 (DS). Most placeshad good migrations of were counted (RB). The true total would The season's list of unusual larids from Com.Nighthawk, with severalgood flights havebeen higher,but no countscould be PI S P includeda jaeger(Parasitic or Poma- in Shenandoah,VA (DDa), "hundreds"at made on severaldays of heavyflights in fine) Nov. 22 (JM), LaughingGull Sept.17 Huntington Aug. 26 (HS), and 1000 at earlyOctober. Hundreds were seen migrat- (GC), LittleGull Oct.8 (JM), Thayer'sGull ChickamaugaL., TN, Sept.3 (HSh). The ing at the MendotaTower HW (LM). There Oct 30 for an earliestcounty record (JM), 213 Ruby-throatedHummingbirds banded wasno evidenceof a southwardirruption LesserBlack-backed Gull Nov. 9 (JM), at P.N.R.was the highesttotal in 20 years, of Black-cappedChickadees, but Red- GlaucousGull Nov. 19 & 21 (J&TC), and with 21 bandedAug. 30 (RM, RCL). At breastedNuthatches appeared in small Black-leggedKittiwake Nov. 20, a 10th A.EM.O., 724 (record-high)flyover hum- numbersat manyplaces at low elevations county record (JM). But P.I.S.Pdid not mingbirdswere tallied,with 125 Sept. 12 The 17 bandedat A.F.M.O. was average havea monopolyon raregulls. A Laughing (RB). There were several late dates for (GAH). Brown-headed Nuthatches were Gull and a Franklin's Gull were seen at Ruby-throatedHummingbirds: Oct. 25 at seenat Dalton,GA, Sept.9 (HD), andthere YC S.P.Sept. 30 (MH, GL, LW), a Black- ShadyValley, TN (JSh), and Oct. 27 in wereat leastfive birds in therecently estab- headedGull wasat PittsburghNov. 4 for a Hamilton,TN (JSL).A RufousHumming- lishedpopulation at Kingston,TN (RK) first local record (CT), and a LesserBlack- bird wascoming to a feederin Westmore- CarolinaWrens are makinga slowre- backedGull was at PymatuningL., PA,Nov. land,PA, from Oct. 11to the end of the pe- covery,with northern reportsfrom Venan- 1 (EK). Small flocksof Bonaparte'sGulls riod. It wasbanded Dec. 1 (RM). Another go, PA (IS), and Canfield, OH (NB). A wereseen at 8 locations,with highcounts RufousHummingbird was at a feeder,and House Wren at P.I.S.P. Oct. 25 was late of 93 at S.H.L.Nov. 14 (LM, Rbi,JB) and 50 later banded,in Union, GA, from Nov. 3 to (MF). Winter Wrens were more numerous at PymatuningL., PA,Oct. 25 (RFL). at leastNov. 15 (DF). Evenmore exciting than usual.Singing male Sedge Wrens were CaspianTerns in small numberswere wasan Allen'sHmnmingbird at Johnson at G.B.W.M.A. in late August (HS, AW), found at 8 locations. There were several City,TN, firstseen Nov. 17, and banded and andother reports came from Y.C.S.P. Oct. 1 verylate dates for Com.Terns: Pymatuning identificationconfirmed Dec. 3 (fide RK). (GC, CG, MH), and Hamilton,TN, Sept.6 L, PA, Nov. 2 (RFL, IF); L. Arthur, PA, Nov. A maximum of six Red-headed Wood- (KC). MarshWrens were present in Hamal- 8 (EK); and Bristol, TN, Nov. 9 (WC). peckerswas seen at Homer City, PA,Aug. ton,TN, all throughthe period (KC), and Other reportscame from S.H.L. Sept. 10 2-31 (LC). Other records of this almost were found at P.I.S.P. Oct. 28 (DBo), (WC, LM), Y.C.S.P.Sept. 20 (SG, LC), and vanishedbird came from Conneaut Marsh, Y.C.S.P.Oct. 4-5 (MH, GL); another Indi- Pulaski,VA, Oct. 19 (CK). As usualin recent PA, Aug. 10 and Nov. 9 (RFL, IF), and analocation Oct. 4 (SG); Washington,TN, years, Forster'sTern outnumberedthe Murray, GA, Nov. 11 (HD). Migrating Sept.27; and Hawkins,TN, Nov. 15 (RK) Corn.Tern, with reportsfrom 7 stations; Yellow-belliedSapsuckers were more com- A Blue-grayGnatcatcher was at Mor- late datesincluded Nov. 16 at Huntington, mon thanin recentyears. gantown,WV, as late as Nov. 5 (SS). The WV (HS), and Nov. 22 at P.I.S.P.(JD). Black In Venango,PA, three Olive-sidedFly- record of the year was a Northern Terns were more common than in recent catcherswere seen in a 20-minuteperiod Wheretear(ph.) in Juniata,PA, Oct. 7 (NP), years,with reportsfrom P.I.S.P.Aug. 22 & around7 p.m. Sept.18, andthe specieswas for a Regionalfirst. The Swainson'sThrush 30 (DS,JF); Pymatuning Fish Hatchery, PA, recordedon 7 daysAug. 2-Sept. 9 (JS). migrationwas better than in recentyears, Aug 16 (RFL); Venango,PA, Aug. 13 (RS, Therewere also reports from MichauxS.F., but still below historical numbers. Swain- fideJS);L. Somerset,PA, Aug. 10 (AM); and PA,Sept. 1 (DHe); PipestemS.P., WV, early son'swere the mostfrequently banded bird 3 reports from S.H.L. in August and September(JP); Roan Mt., TN (AT); and at the stationon Roan Mt., TN (RK). The September(RK). Washington,TN, Sept.18. (RK). At P.N.R., Hermit Thrushseems to be doingwell: the AcadianFlycatchers were bandedin the 61 bandedat P.N.R. (RCL, RM) and the 69 OWLS THROUGH SWALLOWS 2nd-lowest numbers ever, and E. Wood- banded at A.F.M.O. (GAH) were both 2 Barn Owlswere regular at JohnsonCity, Peweethe 3rd-lowest.Least Flycatchers S.D.above the 10-yearaverage. A first-year TN (RK); one was seen at Elizabethton, were banded in averagenumbers (RCL, Hermit Thrush banded on Roan Mt., TN, TN, Aug.21 (GW); and a verylate onewas RM). The often overlookedYellow-bellied Sept.12 is probablythe first evidenceof at P I.S.RNov. 3 (DD). The SnowyOwl at Flycatcherwas reported more than usual. breedingat that locality(RK). BothEN.R Erie, PA, reported in the Summer season An Alder Flycatcherwas singingon Roan and A.EM.O. bandedlower than average waslast seenSeptember 22 (MN). Short- Mr., TN, on the latedate of Aug. 18 (RK). numbers of Wood Thrushes. earedOwls in Lawrence,PA, Aug. 8 (RSt), There were somegood concentrations The N. Mockingbirdsat Meadville,PA, and Venango,PA, Aug. 5 & 25 (JS)may have of migratingswallows: Tree Swallows, 1600 Nov. 8 (RFL), and Venango,PA, Aug. 20 beenbreeding; probable migrants were at at Mosquito L., OH, Oct. 4 (CB), 850 at (RS) were a little n. of the normal range, Allegheny,PA (CT); Venango,PA, Nov 16 & Elkton, VA, Sept. 19 (MGS), and 660 at andthe August date was early for the usual 19 (JS);and Armstrong, PA, Nov. 29 (SG).A Conneaut Marsh, PA, Aug. 3 (RFL); N. northwarddispersal. American Pipits were N Saw-whet Owl was banded at P.N.R. Rough-wingedSwallows, 2000 at Cocke, unusuallywidespread and common,with Oct 22 (RM, RCL), 12 were banded at TN, Aug.23 (WC); andCliff Swallows,150 some high counts:1000+ at L. Somerset, A FM.O. Aug.8-Sept. 18 (SH), and 12 had at Mr. Solon,VA, Aug. 1 (YL). Therewere PA, Oct. 19 (AM); 200 at Cumberland,PA, beenbanded at a stationin Garrett,MD, by no reports of large concentrationsof Nov. 5 (DHe); and 100 at Kahle L, mid-October(fide SH). Otherrecords came PurpleMartins. Venango,PA, Nov. 14 (GE). As usual,Cedar

VOLUHE52 (1998}, ISSUEI 59 Waxwing numbersvaried widely from Washington,WV, Oct. 27 (?lB1),providing (DBo), Dorothy Bordner (DB), George placeto place,but a countof 700at Y.C.S.P. a 3rd recordfor thestate. An aggregationof Breiding, Janet Brown (JB), Nancy Nov.4 (LW) wasnoteworthy. The onlyre- 106Savannah Sparrows, a newpeak, was at Brundage,Ken Byerly,Kevin Calhoon, Les portsof N. Shrikecame from P.I.S.P.Nov. Swoope,VA, Nov.7 (YL). Campbell(LCa), RonaldCanterbury, Lee 12 (JM) & 28 (T&JC). Most welcomewere Le Gonte'sSpin'row was reported from Carnahan (LC), Janice Chadwell (JCh), the morethan usual reports of Loggerhead Botetourt,VA, Oct. 1 (KS, TF). Fox Spar- Alan Clark, WallaceCoffey, Greg Cook, Shrikesin Virginiaat Shenandoah(DDa), rows were exceptionallynumerous, and JeanCunningham (JC), Toby Cunning- Botetourt(MS), Russell(BR), and Grayson they remained at migration stopovers ham, Dave Darney (DD), David Davis (LS); at Monroe,WV (AW); and 4 reports longerthan usual. There were more reports (DDa), RayDavis (RD), HarriettDiGlma, from the n.e.Tennessee region (RK). All of than usualof both Lincoln'sand Swamp Rod Donion (RDo), Ken Dubke, JonDunn, these stations are in or near the Great Val- sparrows.Dark-eyed Juncos were late in ar- GaryEdwards, Mary Erwin,Jeanette Esker, ley,which indicatesno extensionof range. rival,but werein goodnumbers. At P.N.R., JohnFedak, Gary Felton,Mike Fialkovlch PhiladelphiaVireos were one of the usually the 812 bandedfurnished the 2nd highest (MF), IsaacFields, Matt Fillippe(MFi), Tad overlookedspecies reported in biggerthan number on record (RM, RCL). An "Ore- Finnell, Keith Folsom, Dot Freeman, Don normal numbers. gon"Junco was banded at P.N.R.Oct. 19 Gibbon, Steve Graff, Ted Grisez, Carol (RCL,RM). LaplandLongspurs were found Cuba (CG), Cory Guildersleeve(CGu), WARBLERS TO FIBICHES in Venango,PA, Nov. 14 & 18 (GE); West- William Haley, Dorothy Hecker(DHc), Thewarbler flight brought only unenthusi- moreland,PA, Nov. 17 (KB); and Pulaski, JohnHeninger, Don Henise(DHe),Debo- asticreports. A few regionsreported poor VA, Nov. 20 (CK). Small numbers of Snow rah Hess(DH), PaulHess, Margaret Hlg- flights, and a few reported"pretty fair" Buntingswere seen in 5 Pennsylvaniacoun- bee,Roger Higbee, Jason Horn (JH), Tom flights,but nonehad extremely good num- ties:Venango (JS), Allegheny (CN), Indiana Hunter, SteveHuy, BeverlyJarvis, Clyde bersand therewere no largefallouts. The (M&RH), Somerset(AM), and Cumberland Kessler,Ray Kiddy (RKi), Scott Kinzey, Rack migrationpeak did not arriveuntil about (DHe). High Bobolinkcounts were 400 in Knight (RK), JoanKnudson, Ed Kwater, Oct. 1, and extendedinto mid-October. In Butler,PA, Sept.5 (GWi) and 200+ in Ve- Gloria Lamer, Howard Langridge,Alan Larner, YuLee Larner, Robert C. Leberman this connection,it is interestingthat Mag- nango,PA, Aug. 19 & 31 (IS). nolia and Black-throated Blue warblers A Brewer'sBlackbird was at Pymatun- (RCL), RonaldE Leberman(RFL), Johnme wereexhibiting territorial defense behavior ing L., PA, Nov 9 (IF, RFL). A maximum SueLyons, Anthony Marich (AM), Larry in the highlandsof Highland,VA, Aug. 1 count of 17,000 Com. Grackles was noted McDaniel, Ann McRae (AMc) Jerry (IBz). At both P.N.R. (RM, RCL) and at Y.C.S.P.Nov. 1 (R&MH). There were McWilliams,Stauffer Miller, Ed Morgan, A.EM.O. (GAH), the numbers of most somelate datesfor orioles:Orchard Oriole, HelenMorgan, Robert Mulvihill, Bill Mur- specieswere less than one S.D.below aver- Oct. 5 at Staunton,VA (YL), and Baltimore, phy, Mildred Nodes, Chris Noll, Mark Oberle, Tim O'Connell, Jim Paulus(IPa), age.At A.EM.O.,the sprucebudworm spe- Oct. 24 at Butler(MH), and Nov. 15 & 17 at JohnPeplinski (IPe), JimPhillips (JP), Nick cialists-Tennessee,Cape May, and Bay- Erie,PA (DHc). breasted warblers--were banded in num- By the end of November,modest num- Pulcinella,Bob Quillen, Bob Rigg,Geoff bers more than one S.D. below the long- bersof "northern"finches had appearedat Robinson,David Rockey,Paul Rodewald, Larry Schwab,Glenna Schwalbe,Paul term average.The BlackpollWarbler had a scatteredplaces. Purple Fincheswere in Schwalbe, Harold Sharp (HSh), John flight reminiscentof those20 yearsago better numbersthan in recentyears, and Shumate (JSh), Connie Skipper (CS), (GAH). At P.N.R.,Kentucky and Hooded 429 were bandedat EN.R. (RM, RCL). Red HarrySlack (HS), DennisSmeltzer (DSm), warblercaptures were 2 S.D.above average Crossbillswere seenat Bear Meadows, Cen- Michael G. Smith (MGS), Mike Smith (RM, RCL). Two specieswhich are often tre, PA, Nov. 24 (PR), and there were 3 re- (MS), SusanSmith (SSm),Donald Snyder not seen, the Orange-crownedand the ports from RoanMt., TN (RK). A single (DS), JerryStanley, Russ States (RS), Sally Connecticutwarblers, had more reports White-wingedCrossbill was seenat Blue- than usual. Some late dates were Yellow field, WV, Nov. 14 (AMc). Common Red- Stebbins(SS), Randy Stringer (RSt), Kent Summers,Chuck Tague, Gall Tankersley, Warblerat P.N.R.Aug. 29 & 30 (RCL,RM), polls were reportedfrom 3 locationsin JohnTilley, Alan Trently(ATr), , Andrew Orange-crownedWarbler at P.N.R.Oct. 30 Erie, PA, in November (IM). Small num- Troyer(AT), LindaWagner, Gary Wallace (RM, RCL), Nashville Warbler at P.I.S.P. bersof PineSiskins had appeared at almost (GW), EvaleneWatko, Mike Watko, Don Nov. 2 (1,TC), and BlackpollWarbler Oct. all locationsin November,but theydid not Watts,Andy Weaks, Gene Wilhelm (GW0, 25 at Montgomery,VA (CK). As expected, stay in any one place very long. At the late Yellow Warblers at P.N.R. were George Young, Susan Young, Deb A.F.M.O., the count of flyover Am. Yovanovich. found to be one of the far northwestern Goldfincheswas 4089, with a high day's subspecies,and the late Orange-crowned countof 440 (RB). EveningGrosbeaks ap- George A. Hall, P.O. Box 6045, West Warbler was a member of one of the west- pearedin Noveinber,and small flocks visit- VirginiaUniversity, Morgantown, WV 26506- ern subspecies(RCL, RM). A "Brewster's" ed manyplaces. By the end of the period, 6045. Warblerwas seenin Venango,PA, Sept.9 theflight seemed to bethe best we have had (JS), and a "Lawrence's"Warbler was in In- for manyyears, but by this writing it has diana,PA, Sept. 11 (MH, CG). beena shadowof the flightsof the 1960s ChippingSparrows were in goodnum- and 1970s. bers,with high countsof 150+ nearWar- ren, OH, Sept.25 (CB), and 100+ Oct. 5 at Contributors:Carole Babyak, John Bazuin Swoope,VA, a new fall peak count (YL). (JBz), RalphBell (RB), Rob Biller (RBi), A Clay-colored Sparrow was seen at John Blomberg (JB1), Dick Bollinger

6O FIELD NOTES