Supplement to Vermont Natural History

c s Ver s supplement to Vermont Natural History

Common Flicker studies Record of Vermont Birds with bander Bruce Hamblett.

CONTRIBUTORS May Adams Sally Drew D. Hatch Don Miller K. Shepard Neale Biddle Eleanor Ellis Bob Jervis Louise Mullen Anne Spencer Hope Blucher George Ellison Gladys Kidder Julie Nicholson Eleanor Swaim Alexandra Brown Walter Ellison Walter Kidder William Norse Marian Vince Archer Brown Richard Farrar David Laughlin Frank Oatman WalterWestcott FaithCarter Tom Foster Sherry Mahady Peggy Patten John Wiggin Elizabeth Clapp Grant Frazer Joe Massey E. Pease Tom Will Mary Clapp Marcia Garner Loy McLaughlin Bruce Peterson Jon Wood Don Clark Beau Gatch Larry Metcalf Mary Russell Cathy Yandell 'I'homas Dibble Bunny Gatch Marian Metcalf George Schott Frank Sherlock

29 ermo

"Records of Vermont Birds" is a new section of The conference Vel'mont Natural History. It will cover the records of to discover a sh bird life submitted to the Vermont Institute of Natural when bird-ban Science - research, movement of birds throughout around the state. S e the state, sighting and nesting records, and the like. were: the history and "Records of Vermont Birds" - this is the first issue Falcon' he state; the came about for two reasons. It is primarily the result wide b' anding net of the many Vermont birdwatchers who have watched Game epartment work wi and kept records throughout the state and over the and Dr. Peter Paul Kellogg years. But the recent State Conference on Vermont techniques of making and us Birds at Plymouth, in June, focused the need for an the field. overall collection center for observations taken all All at the conference over the state. In this way, the conference provided a initiated t continue t chance for birders to meet, and even to recognize how the Ins has been large their numbers had grown. People recognized vations, and those that their efforts weren't isolated and that their sight spring migration a ings were in accord with the data collected by others. compilation. Frequent at the conference were comments like, "Why didn't someone tell me that my nesting pair of mockingbirds would be a state record?" or, "Do you WHERE DO WE B mean you've found Golden-crowned Kinglets nesting Ourideaisthatrepo regularly in the southern half of Vermont?" and, "I've contributors (from fe been keeping records for twenty years and waiting for "li ") will be the bac the day when somebody would be interested in them! " trib s, then, are t Jim Stewart, Assistant State Ornithologist, probably reporting forms can be summed up more than his own feelings when he said Office in Woodstock, V that it was a "special occasion" - the "first statewide SIGHTINGS form, 3 x 5 inc gathering of the clan." early and late migrants, unusual

30 Where more information is being gathered, as in The discussion here of spring migration of birds into continual records of nesting birds, feeding station and through Vermont is organized at first by families observation over the winter, behavioral accounts, and then by species. At least minimal mention is made etc., the larger SPECIES ACCOUNT form is used of every species known to occur in the State on any one to a species. Finally, the FIELD TRIP REPORT thing but an accidental basis. The compilation can be form is submitted for records of birds seen on special only as strong as the records submitted by contrib excursions. On occasion, special Field Days are spon utors; it's obvious, for instance, that we need much sored by the Institute to encourage simultaneous wider coverage from areas on the edge of Lake Cham observations in various parts of the state. plain. Initials in parentheses refer to contributors. Adding greatly to the picture of bird distribution and movement in Vermont is the data compiled by Insti As records accumulate each year we'll try to get a tute-coordinated banding stations, the nation's largest much better feeling for differences between geo inland bird-banding program. This data is especially graphical divisions of the State. As of this year we will helpful in determining peaks of species abundance be testing the following hypothesis: during migration. In addition to the compilation of seasonal records, It appears that the early spring migrants such feature articles will focus on special studies of in as some of the sparrows, blackbirds and terest. A number of people have already submitted thrushes may move up either the Connecticut material for these special articles. Anyone else have River Valley or the Hudson River and Lake some things you're working on? Champlain Valley as snow cover begins to decrease. This, of course, makes their arrival A FRAMEWORH, in parts of Vermont more variable through the In the area from Springfield to Montpelier and west years. Due to a generally milder climate, to Rutland, the status of each species on a week-by arrival of a given species in the Champlain week basis has been worked out (Birds of East Valley of northwestern Vermont may be earlier Central Vermont by Richard B. Farrar, Jr.) and pub by about two weeks than in the upper reaches of lished by the Institute. We recommend you acquire a the Connecticut River Valley. In the eastern copy of this book. The unique graphs should serve as a half of the State, movement of these birds up starting point against which to measure your own the tributaries of the Connecticut may result in records no matter where you are in Vermont. In fact, a delay between the first sightings near the ae records of past years which some of you have Connecticut River and general arrival in areas could be sent in and used as a revision of these graphs near the Green Mountains. Waterfowl may for your area. follow similar trends which depend on the One big danger we can foresee from the experience availability of open water. with the graphs of Birds of East-Central Vermont is that observers will only report sightings which look Further, our hypothesis suggests that the later unusual. We can't emphasize too strongly that all migrants of May and June generally disregard records are important. Even if you see common birds the distinctions of upland versus river valleys, and live in the middle of the area covered by these arriving in the State and advancing northward graphs, and your sighting is at a "normal" time of on a broad front. A rough estimate at this point year, it may be important for corroboration - so send would allow about one week for these species to it in. reach the border of Canada after their first The "authors" of the Spring Movement of Birds look appearance in Vermont forward to having others join them for the next issue and thus become regular contributors. Reports are It'll be interesting to test this hypothesis through due on the forms available from the Institute as examination of each year's records, comparing one follows: ~lllLJYlig~atio~~~1:_~une 15th, Nesting species against another even within families. The ,§~asol1lJLAugust 15th, Fall Migrationby'November compilation itself will include mention of questions "-andWTnter'Season by AprTCf51K'Note~well-that that look interesting for further study. Hopefully, reports onspring migrationmay'm'volve sightings as individual observers will begin to look for answers early as February, for nesting as early as March, and within their records and to make further observations for autumn movements as early as July. with these questions in mind.

31 LOONS - The first report of the Bomboseen near Hubbardton, May 12 Only one male red-breasted merganser common loon was from mid-state at (WE, GE), the other near Winhall, was seen on April 25 at Wilder (WE, Norwich where three passed overhead, April 25 (WN). GE) and there were no records 0 d heading north, on April 29 (WE, GE). walls, northern shovelers, red By May 15 (FO) and May 16 (LM, AB) IBISES - The glossy ibis was unre canvasbacks, greater scaup, two records of single birds were made corded this spring. goldeneye, old squ ruddy du in the vicinity of Plainfield in northern any of the scoter s ies. The Vermont. Another bird was seen near SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS - Whistling noted a pair of pintails and two Norwich (WE, GE) on May 19, the last swans went unrecorded, as did brant ican wigeon pairs near Springfield on record of the spring. There were no and blue geese. On April 1 there were April 7, but that was the only ord of reports of red-throated loons. flocks of snow geese over Plymouth those species. Lesser sca ere Lake (oS, WJ) and Winhall (WN), with reported only from Wilder on GREBES - Generally rare red-necked a large flock of 400-plus reported over and Lake lain Apri grebes turned up in a group of four on Springfield April 4 (DC, JC). Canada GEl. The on ords 0 the Connecticut River at Wilder on May geese were regularly seen in southern teal were eight near Spr 5 (WE, GE) with another individual on and central Vermont from March 12 to (DC, JC) and a pair Lake Morey about twenty miles north April 16,with the largest flock reported near Quechee on Ap on the same day (WE, GE). A single only 82 birds near Addison on April 14 horned grebe was present on the (WE, GE). A late group of 30migrants Connecticut River at Wilder April 10, a was noted on the White River, June 12 slightly earlier date than usual there (GEl. (WE, GE). A sighting of one pied-billed grebe at the same time and place was Common goldeneye, ring-necked ducks even earlier' for that species (WE, GE). and common merganser~' b an to Another was seen April 28 at Dewey's build up in the southern Co icut Marsh in Quechee (WE, GE), but that River at Bellow's Falls by March 17 was the extent of the spring records. where 41, 62 and 6 were seen respec tively by Don Clark. There were two In short, for the duck CORMORANTS - The double-crested ring-necked ducks at Wilder the next deal more consis cormorant was not recorded this year. day (WE, GEL Movemont of these year it would be early ducks was not well documented, effort made from mi HERONS, EGRETS, BITTERNS however. An April 14th field trip by the April and early May to re ul Several great blue herons were re Ellisons showed 23common goldeneyes Vermont's water habi ported during their normal migration on Lake Bomoseen with ring-necked note numbers and da period, two at White River Junction on ducks and common mergansers at rences. Hopefully we April 6 (WE, GE), one at Fairlee sailing several locations in central Vermont some sense of progress north at high altitude on April 22 (WE, and Lake Champlain. A single report of movement for each species an GE), one in Winhall on April 23 (WN) 30 common mergansers at Wilder on parison between on and one in Woodstock on April 29 (JW). April 21 (WE, GE) is the last record of and Lake Cha va Green herons were reported from April that species. Additionally, a lone buffle 24 to May 20 in appropriate habitat head was sighted at Wilder on March 17 throughout Vermont (WE, GE, RF, and three at Lake Fairlee on April 20. MV, WN, BJ, CY). There was a record of two cattle egrets and three common Other ducks arriving by late March egrets (rare in Vermont), in Vernon included two hooded mergansers and near the Massachusetts border on May four wood ducks at North Hartland 1 (LM, WNi). Two other species which (WE, GEl. The former species was occasionally reach Vermont, the little recorded again by the Ellisons at blue heron and snowy egret, went unre Wilder on April 8 (three) and on Lake corded. So did the black-crowned night Champlain April 14 (one). Wood ducks heron, surprisingly, since it is a sum continued to move throughout the State mer resident on Lake Champlain during April (RF, JW, BJ). HAWKS, EAGLES - A islands. A sighting of a least bittern of the goshawk on M near Addison on May 27 (WN) was an alone. Sharp-shinne excellent record since the species is It's interesting to consider the rest of were seen from April 14 fairly secretive. Only two American the waterfowl a little out of their A.O.U. many observers scatter bitterns were reported, one on Lake Checklist order. Vermont. The other

32 Cooper's hawk, was reported from report was from near Rockingham, record was on March 14 at Winhall Guilford (one) by March 18 (LM) and March 28. The Ellisons tallied three (WN). By March 25one was recorded in Hartford (one) by March 28 (WE). merlins, one in North Hartland, the Hartford (WE), but we have no reports Single reports from Guilford occurred other over Sawyer Mountain in Fairlee of early migrants from northeastern again on March 25 and April 8 (LM) on the weekend of April 21-22. The Vermont. They were moving generally with a second and final report from earliest American kestrel record was in the State throughout April. Common central Vermont at North Hartland on from Hartford on March 16 (WE) with snipe were first seen in Westminister on April 21 (WE, GE). Williston, near another from' Hartford on March 16 April 12where there were seven feeding Lake Champlain, had an early red (WE), with another from Plainfield on together (DC), By April 17 they had tailed hawk sighting on March 7 (CY). March 19 (MM), They were regularly reached White River Junction where Late March and April brought regular observed moving over the Sta te one was observed (WE). The only other flights of that species and red-shoul through April, with maximum counts reports were of birds in courtship dered hawks to Vermont via the Con on anyone day of six. displays after May 12, presumably necticut valley. Maximum daily count having ceased migration. The rarely of both was six of each species near GROUSE - Resident ruffed grouse seen upland sandpiper (formerly Hartland on April 21, (WE, GE), Broad were observed throughout Vermont, upland plover) was reported from winged hawks, as expected, arrived in but there were no reports of spruce Addison (two) on May 9 (EV, RL) and maximum numbers a little later, with a grouse, May 12 (JP, RM, MN), from Vernon in peak at Hartford of 22 on May 6 (WE, a newly plowed field on May 13 (LM, GE) and an "outstanding movement" RAILS, GALLINULES, COOTS DW), from Cornwall on May 23 (BP, along the Green Mountain ridge near Marshes opened early this year, lead GM), and from Winhall on June 6 when Middlebury on May 19 (BP). Singles ing to a record early rail for the one flew overhead (WN). Spotted sand were seen as early as April 18 in Quechee area, a sora at Dewey's Marsh pipers were in Vershire (one) by April Winhall (WN) and Putney (GF), April on April 28 (WE, GE). Another was 25 (SD) and in Norwich (one) on April 19 in Calais (Fa, JW) and April 21 at observed near Addison May 12 (WE, 29 (WE, GE), moving regularly North Hartland (WE, GE), There were GE), but there were no further reports throughout the State in May. There no records of rough-legged hawks and of this species, the Virginia rail, yellow were two solitary sandpiper records in only one for the marsh hawk, in Ad rail, or American coot. Common gal Fairlee on May 5 (WE, GE, LD), one in dison on April 14 (WE, GE). Eleanor linules were at the Dead Creek Water Hartford May 10-11 (WE), another in Ellis had sightings of single adult bald fowl Refuge in Addison by June 14 (DC, Hartford May 19 and finally a late bird eagles near Weathersfield on March 18 JC), but had appeared earlier at Man in a wet cornfield at Vernon on May 26 ad again on June 9. A sighting in chester by May 12 (WE) and in Milton (LM). Greater yellowlegs reached the northern Vermont (Moore Reservoir) and the Sandbar Refuge on June 1 (Fa, State by May 1 at Vernon (LM), where was reported from June 4 (SA and BJ). one stayed until May 13.By May 19 one others) . had been recorded from Norwich (WE, PLOVERS - March 14brought the first GE). There is one amazing record of OSPREY - Ospreys were seen in good killdeer records from Winhall (WN) the;;;;lfknot from near Addison, a bird numbers the whole of their normal and Saxton's River (DC). By March 19 seen wIth adowitcher flock on May 27 period of movement, from April 8 to they had reached the Hartford area by three observers (WN), and a single May 26, throughout the State. Indi along the Connecticut River (WE). In report of five pectoral sandpipers in an viduals were sighted in Brattleboro by the Lake Champlain area, .the first unplowed cornfield in Vernon on May 13 April 8 (LM), Hartford by April 21 (WE, record was on March 15 at Williston (LM). In the Connecticut River valley GE) and in northern Vermont at Calais (CY). They were "everywhere" and 10 least sandpipers were seen at Hart on April 25 (Fa, JW). Later reports common throughout their April move ford May 9-29 (WE, GE) and 52 at were also concentrated near the ment. Black-bellied plovers were seen Norwich May 19. The only record from Connecticut River valley. by William Norse on May 27 at Addison the Champlain valley is of 10 seen at (75) and May 28 at Winhall (30), with Addison on May 27 (WNJ. The final FALCONS - Don Clark's account of his one recorded by Walter Ellison at Hart shorebird record was an excellent sighting reads like an ford earlier, May 20. There were no count of 150 short-billed dowitchers at those who are aware reports of either the semi-palmated Addison, again on May 27 (WN). Unre of the decline of this species. We have plover, the ruddy turnstone or the corded were the lesser yellowlegs, the full report on file, and will only golden plover. purple sandpiper, white-rumped sand summarize it here by noting that he got piper, Baird's sandpiper, dunlin, long as close as thirty feet to a well-des SANDPIPERS - The earliest wood billed dowitcher, semipalmated sand cribed male bird when it was perched, cock record near Lake Champlain was piper, western sandpiper, Hudsonian and was able to watch it then and in reported from Williston, March 16 godwit, and sanderling. Some of these flight for a period of 15-30 minutes. The (CY), but southern Vermont's first latter are rarely seen and some more

33 commonly in fall. It's clear, however, March 4 (LM). Thereafter came many areas. They were over White River that we need more regular observations scattered reports from throughout the Junction by May 30 (WE, GE) and of all shorebirds, particularly near State, but the lack of careful notation of Bennington the next day (TF) t . Lake Champlain. dates leaves us no record of their pro those are the only records we gressive appearance northward. received. PHALAROPES - There were no reports of the northern phalarope. CUCKOOS - There was only one report SWIFT - Chimney swifts were n of the yellow-billed cuckoo, heard in first over White River Junction on May GULLS, TERNS - Glaucous gulls and Londonderry, May 14 - June 19 (TW). 3 WE), with more in the Woodstock Iceland gulls, rare winter visitants, One black-billed cuckoo was heard in area May 5 (DL). By May 10 they were were unrecorded this spring, as was the Londonderry May 6 - June 11(TW), one over Randolph (EC, MC) and over great black-backed gull. A single in Hartford on May 19 (WE, GE), Plainfield by May 11 (Fa, BJ). There herring gull near White River Junction another at Bennington on May 26 (TF) after reports came from many areas. on March 20 was early for that area and a fourth in Winhall June 6 (WN). We have no clear picture of their (WE, GE). Others were seen during arrival in the Champlain valley, their normal inland movement from the BARNOWL- Two barn owls (a pair?) however. coast on April 18 (one over Wilder), were sighted and well described by April 22(two over Fairlee), May 5 (one John and Amanda Hamilton from East HUMMINGBIRDS- The earliest rec at Lake Morey near Fairlee), May 12 Poultney on May 30. These birds are ord of the ruby-throated hummingbird (one at Chimney Point on Lake Cham rare in Vermont, but usually perma was from Winhall on May 8 (WN). plain) and June 4 (two at White River nent residents where they exist. Other records were of three in Benning Junction). Allof these were reported by ton May 21 (MV) and one in Shrews the Ellisons. Ring-billed gulls arrived OWLS - Little is known of the status of bury May 26 (WE, GE). Where are the in the Connecticut River valley as early this group in general except that most rest of the records of this fairly com as March 18, when six were counted by seem to be residents year-round in mon species? the Ellisons in east-central Vermont. certain areas. The snowy owl, hawk Five more were recorded in that area owl, great gray owl, short-eared owl KINGFISHERS - Since belted king- on March 25 (WE, GE) and scattered and boreal owl are mainly rare winter fishers occasionally winter ov . individuals noted until the last record of visitants and none were recorded this Vermont, it's a little difficult to three in Norwich on May 19 (WE, GE). spring. William Norse sent in records lish which reports are of sp In the Champlain valley, the only from Winhall of great horned owls arrivals. It looks as though single b s report was also by the Ellisons - 108 on heard on March 6 and April 13, barred seen both in Plainfield and in Marsh-! April 14at Chimney Point. There were owls heard from March 1 to April 22, field on March 4 (MM) may be the no reports of Bonaparte's gulls, and a saw-whet owl heard on March 5. earliest of the migrants although they Caspian terns or common terns, but The only other record was of the last were not seen farther back along the black terns were noted several times. species on March 31 at Hartford (WE, line until March 19 when one appeared The first was reported from near Ad GE) and there were none of the screech in Woodstock (JW). There were two in dison with five others on May 12 (WE, owl or long-eared owl. Obviously, most Wilder March 29 (WE, GE) and they GE). This was followed by reports of of us are not listening or searching for continued to arrive throughout the one between Arlington and Manchester owls. State in April. on May 19 (TW), one near Hartford on May 29 (a rare find by the Ellisons), WHIP-POOR-WILLS, NIGHTHAWKS WOODPECKERS - Common flickers one in a flock of swallows over Brook - The whip-poor-will must move first appeared this spring in Williston field Pond in "late May" (BJ), and silently into the State in late May, but where one was seen on March 17 (CY). several on Lake Memphramagog by there never seem to be any reports until In the Connecticut River valley one was early June (MG). the first two weeks in June when the seen in Winhall on March 29 (WN) and birds begin calling. Presumably these they had reached Hartford by April 5 MURRES - Reports of both the birds are establishing territories and when one was heard (WE). Numbers common murre and the thick-billed have ceased moving. In another article reached a peak in the last week of April murre are rare and limited to autumn we'll describe a survey made by the and the first two weeks of May in all - there were no spring records this Clapp sisters in Randolph that involves areas of the State. Pileated wood year. reports of presumably breeding birds. peckers, as permanent residents, If their efforts could be duplicated in became more active during March and DOVES - Rock doves were regularly several areas we might have a better April, but were reported regularly only seen as permanent residents. The picture of the distribution of this by Norse in Winhall and Farrar in earliest report of the mourning dove species in Vermont. Reports of night Woodstock. Bruce Peterson reported was a record of ten birds at Guilford on hawks were also lacking from most " ...three reliable records of red-headed

34 woodpeckers, which must be separate rather early record at Winhall on May (WE, GE). Numbers built at the last birds from the location (they are 19(WN) and one from Hartford on June location to a maximum of 959 (count usually permanent residents and local 5 (WE). No records from the nesting 'm l) on April 25 (WE). April 29 brought ized) and the fact that the first one was areas of northern Vermont! The alder the first report from Calais - 127 birds dead." The most complete notes ac flycatcher was recorded only from (Fa, JW). The first bam swallows were companied a report by Robert and North Calais on May 27 (Fa, JW), pre reported from Williston on April 17 Marion Mundstock in Peterson's area sumably identified by its song, and the (CY), and from Calais (one) on April 18 detailing a male feeding on elms and willow flycatcher in Addison on the (Fa, JW). - a nice record for that maples near Bristol. Reports from the same date (WN). At least the former: northern area. In central Vermont they Champlain valley are regular but few. species is found regularly as a nesting were finally recorded on April 24, two in Can it be found east of the Green Moun bird although in very few localities, and Hartford (WE) and one in Randolph tains? Yellow-bellied sapsuckers ap must move through the State in early (EC, MC). By the second week in May peared somewhat later than usual, it May. Since it is not singing then, it is migration was in full swimg seems, with one in Fairlee on April 20 probably passed up as a least fly everywhere. Bank swallows were the (WE, GE) and two in Woodbury by catcher. Except for banding records, next to arrive, being recorded by April April 25 (Fa, JW). Surprisingly, there the two species will probably never be 24in Hartford where two were seen by was only one other report, of three birds noted in actual migration. The willow Walt Ellison, and by April 29 in Calais in Fairlee on May 5 (WE, GE, LD). flycatcher is especially rare in our area (Fa, JW). Their movement peaked and Again, it's difficult to detail movement during any season. The first least fly ended by mid-May with maximum unless observers report even the com catchers were recorded from Man counts of 68in Hartford on May 5 (WE, mon birds with dates. Both hairy wood chester on May 12 (WE, GE), Shrews GE, LD), 90 near Lake Champlain on peekers and downy woodpeckers were bury May 13(AS) and Plainfield May 15 May 12 (WE, GE) and 40 in Calais on present as permanent residents and (AB, LM). By the end of May the move May 14 (Fa, JW). The Ellisons reported regularly. Observers should ment had peaked and they were reported the arrival of a single rough be aware that both species are migra recorded everywhere. Eastern wood winged swallow in the Hartford area, tory, and careful note of increases in pewees were in Williston by May 13, but where they nest, by April 26. Counts had abundance will give us a better picture in the Connecticut River valley didn't reached six by mid-May. The only other of migratory timing. The black-backed arrive until May 27 (WE, GE) at Mount record in Vermont was from Winhall, three-toed woodpecker was unrecorded Ascutney. They were reported regu where Norse saw one bird on May 20, as a winter visitant. larly during the peak of movement in presumably the last of the migrants. early June by only a few observers in Cliff swallows were seen first in Calais, FLYCATCHERS - Eastern kingbirds Hartford (WE, GE) and Woodstock again an early swallow record for that were reported from Hartford May 9 (RF). Is this another species that goes northern area (Fa, JW). That count of (WE), Bennington May 11 (MV), Wood unnoticed until it starts its breeding seven was the highest until mid-May, as stock May 12 (RF), Shrewsbury May 13 songs? The elusive olive-sided fly single birds were sighted at Hartford (AS) and reached Cabot May 18 (Fa). catcher was recorded only once, in May 2 (WE) and Winhall May 4 (WN). In the Champlain valley they were first Dorset on May 26(WE, GE). This whole The Ellisons saw twenty near Lake recorded May 19(CY). By the last week family needs more careful study to Champlain on May 12 and nine at in May they had reached a peak determine its status in Vermont. Hartford on May 13, for the only other throughout the State. The first great records. The latest of the swallows to crested flycatcher in eastern Vermont HORNED LARK - Homed larks were arrive, purple martins, reached their was reported from Hartford on May 14 seen "after storms" throughout the nesting houses near Addison by May 12 (WE), in the west at Hinesburg on May winter (CY) in the Champlain Valley, (WE, GE) and that was the only record. 19 (CY). By the end of May they were but were not recorded until their spring everywhere, although not regularly movement in eastern areas of the State. seen by all observers. The first eastern There were four in Springfield on April JAYS, CROW, RAVEN - No winter phoebes appeared in Hartford March 29 28 (WE, GE, DF, TF) and ten in Wood records of the gray jay were submitted, (WE, GE) and South Londonderry stock on May 10 (RF). so we have only a little notion as to March 31 (WN), and were reported when most of the birds pull back north throughout the' State during their April SWALLOWS - As usual tree swallows for breeding. The blue jay, of course, is movement. Again, there were not arrived first, with two seen over a permanent resident and unless enough actual counts of this common Bennington on April 12 (MV). By April someone keeps close records oj> the bird to establish peaks of migration, 14 a few were at Addison and Lake numbers of individuals seen, the although it did seem that there were Bomoseen (WE, GE) and at Williston migratory individuals go through more seen after the storms of early by April 18 (CY). On April 15, the unnoticed. Banding records this spring April. Only two reports of the yellow Connecticut River Valley had its first suggest that the movement lasted from bellied flycatcher were received, a reported birds, thirty-four at Hartford mid-April to the end of May, but we

35 need corroboration by field observers. CREEPER - Brown creepers are and we have no clear picture of Since blue jays move in flocks at low permanent residents, but migratory May movements. altitude until mid-morning, patient populations begin to move through the observers could watch the skies for a area in March and the species becomes few hours each day and make a real more abundant. Sightings of single contribution. Common crows are also birds in Plainfield (MM) and Hartland permanentresidents, but less abundant (WE, GE) on March 4 were probably of during winter than blue jays, so the migrants. Another was noted in Win!lall return of mirgants is more easily March 9 (WN) and reports were noticed. Records began to increase in regular throughout the State in April late February, with a maxumum count and early May. of 92 birds in the Norwich area on March 25(WE, GE). No-oneis sure how WRENS- House wrens first appeared much movement the common raven in Randolph, where one was noted from makes, but it seems that individuals May 4to May 10(EC, MC). The Ellisons are seen more often in spring at any recorded one in the Hartford area by rate. Two were reported from Winhall May 9 and four by May 19. Strangely, on March 22 (WN) and nesting pairs there were no other records except Bob were observed from mid-April north of Jervis's comment that they were Springfield (DC) and near Sherburne "common" during migration in (WJ). Beautiful records of nesting Washington County. Early arrivals of activity were submitted by Don Clark winter wrens were in Winhall April 3 which will form part of a longer article (WN), Fairlee April 22 (WE, GE), ata later date. The nesting of ravens in Calais April 24 (FO, JW) - all single Vermont is not well documented. A birds. This represents some nice ob single individual at Fairlee on April 22 servations of northward progression, and May 5 (GE) may indicate another but there the record stops, with no nesting pair there. indication of, migratory build-up. A CHICKADEES, TITMOUSE - The final record of 4 from Plainfield (MM) lack of careful records on the numbers in May 14come at the end of the Spring of black-capped chickadees prevents movement. Long-billed marsh wrens any clear indication of the passage of were in Dewey's Marsh (Quechee) by migrant individuals of this per May 12 (RF) and near Dead Creek in manently resident species. Banding Addison the same day (WE, GE). There records suggest movement through were no records of the very rare Carolina wren and none of the short April to mid-May. The much less billed wren, which is usually sighted. common boreal chickadee were unreported as a winter visitant. Tufted MIMICS - Mockingbirds were seen titmice, expanding their range into singly in Manchester on May 12 (WE, The movement 0 Vermont as permanent residents in GE) and Londonderry May 18 (TW), with one to two birds new localities, turned up at Bennington with two reported from ,Addison May 27 Winhall May 4 (WN), Har (two) on April 26 (MV) and mich far (WN). The first State breeding record (WE), Williston May 10 (CY): ther north in E. Barre (one) throughout will be reported in another article. North Calais Ma (FO, JW). the winter and spring seasons (RJ). Catbirds were seen in Randolph (one) time peak numb NUTHATCHES - Since both the red on May 4 (EC, MC), for the first spring on field trips near breasted nuthatch and the white record, with two noted in Thetford May Single eastern breasted nuthatch are permanent 6 (JM), one in Manchester May 12 (WE, from Winhall h 16 (WN), Calais residents, few observers made careful GE) and two in Calais May 15 (FO). March 28 (MM), Plainfield March 31 notes of changes in abundance. Ban They were apparently considered too (MM), Barre April 2 (MM), Saxton's ding records indicate migratory common for careful records after that! River April 10(DC) and Hartford April populations pass through in the last half Notes were made of early brown 18 (HG BG). After this movement, of April and the first half of May, but thrashers by April 22, with one in others were seen as nesting com again, more field observations are Hartford (WE). Another was seen in menced. needed. Even the distribution of the Saxton's river on April 25 (KS). Again, red-breasted nuthatch in the State is except for a May 15 record of one at GNATCATCHER AND KIN unclear. Poultney (AM), careful records ceased, Our usual single record of a

36 gnatcatcher occurred this year in vmEOS - Soliary vireos moved in Nashville warblers arrived in Hartford Winhall (WN), on May 12. Very early first, as expected, with individuals on May 2 and 10 (WE) and in Plainfield records of the golden-crowned kinglet recorded at Winhall April 22 (WN), on May 11 )FO, BJ). The highest in Winhall March 3 (WN) and Hartford Hartford April 24 (WE) and North numbers seen during their normal May March 5 (WE) may be of wintering Calais April 25 (FO, JW). Two each movement were only six in the Man visitants. A later record by the Ellisons were sighted in Fairlee and Hartford by chester area (WE, GE) on May 12 and of eighteen in "western Vermont" on the Ellisons on May 5 and 6, and finally seven in Shrewssury on May 26 (SL, April 14 more likely was of migrants, ten in a very small area near Plainfield WE, GE). Parula warblers were seen but that's the extent of our reports. on May 15(LM, AB), apparently after a even less frequently, with singles noted Ruby-crowned kinglets were noted a good night for migration. Red-eyed in Fairlee May 5 (WE, GE, LD) and little later than usual, with one in vireos and warbling vireos arrived Hartford on May 16and 29 (WE). There Pomfret April 19 (IN), three in Hart together and were seen regularly. were three seen in Plainfield by May 11 ford April 21 (WE, GE), and singles in Records for the former include one at (FO, BJ). The only other report was of Calais on April 23 (Fa, BJ) and Sax Bennington May 11 (MV), one at a bird in Plymouth on June 16that may ton's River April 25 (KS). Before the Manchester May 12 (WE), one at have been breeding (WE). species left the area there were four Hartford May 17 (WE), eighteen in the reported from Norwich on April 29 area from Manchester to Shrewssury Single yellow warblers were being seen (WE, GE), five from Hartford on May 2 on May 26 (WE, GE) and thirty-one in as early as May 4 in East Bethel (EC, (WE), and a last bird in Manchester on the area Mt. Ascutney to Hartford on MC), May 5 in Woodstock (RF), and May 12 (WE, GE). May 27 (WE, GE). In Williston they May 8 in Hartford (WE). At that point were reported by May 13 (CY). numbers picked up considerably, with PIPIT - Two out of six water pipits Numbers of the warbling vireo were six reported from Hartford on May 10 first sighted on May 1 lingered until lower as usual, with individuals at (WE), twenty-one from Manchester on June 4near Vernon (LM), but no others Hubbardton and Chimney Point on May May 12 (WE, GE), fifteen from the were reported in the State. 12 in the Champlain Valley (WE, GE) Hartford area May 19 (WE, GE) and and at Brattleboro and Vernon on May fifteen from Dorset and Shrewsbury on WAXWINGS - Single cedar waxwings 13and 19 (LM). They reached Hartford May 26 (WE, GE). There were no were sighted on May 24 in Bennington by May 16 where two were seen (WE) reports from northern Vermont, except (MV), May 26in Shrewsbury (SL) and and in North Calais they were finally from Bob Jervis who calls them "un May 27 in Hartford (WE). By June 9, recorded on May 27 (Fa, JW). No common" during spring migration. the spring movement had picked up, Philadelphia vireos were seen and This is an easily identified warbler in with twelve sighted in Manchester there were only two records of the spring and it seems as though we could (WE, GEl. Unforunately, the records yellow-throated vireo, one at Dorset of work out a pretty good picture of its stopped coming in at that point. Did May 26(WE, GEO, the other at Sandbar movements and abundance with observers decide they were too com State Park on June 1 (Fa, BJ). concentration by observers on this mon to report? As expected there were species. no Bohemian waxwings reported. WOOD WARBLERS - Warbler reports from the Champlain Valley were The Ellisons stood alone in their SHRIKES - Northern shrikes, here as lacking entirely, so the following coverage of magnolia warbler winter visitants, remained in Hartford documents only their movement at movements, except for the early until March 10, where one was seen by Saxton's River (KS, GF) and Vershire Vermont record of one bird in Pomfret George Ellison and in Plainfield until (SD) by April 25, with individuals seen on May 11 (CP) and another of five March 11,the last date for an individual at Hartford May 2 (WE)" North Calais birds in Plainfield May 15 (LM, AB). watched by Marion Metcalf. May 4 (FO, JW) and Woodstock May 5 Their records show one bird in Hartford Loggerhead shrikes, possible arrivals (RF). By mid-May they were being May 19, two on May 22. Maximum was for the breeding season, went reported from all over the State in only four birds at Shrewsbury on May unrecorded. fairly good numbers during a day's 26,with one at Mt. Ascutney on May 27 field trip. There were no worm-eating and three at Mt. Equinox on June 9. STARLING - Permanently resident warblers nor blue-winged warblers Again, Bob Jervis calls them "com starlings were seen regularly, with seen, but golden-winged warblers were mon" in Washington County, but we numbers swelling by the end of March seen in small numbers at the usual have no specific records. For Cape May as nicely recorded only by the Ellisons locality in Saxton's River by May 16 warblers, William Norse had a in Hartford. We need other observers (DC). Tennessee warblers were monopoly with two sightings of in making daily counts of these birds in reported as single birds only from the dividual birds on May 13 and 30. I specific localities, so that the influx of Manchester area by May 12 (WE, GE), suspect these birds could be turned up migrant individuals can be satisfac Winhall May 13 and 30 (WN) and more frequently by others if some torily documented. Hartford May 20 (WE, GE). Single careful watching was done. Bruce

37 Petersen, although he submitted no apparently good night for migration. highest numbers were reporte actual records on the bird, writes from The peak count in Vermont was from the last of the movement, from Middlebury, "I personally made five Bennington May 23, where twenty were ford and Mt. Ascutney where n different observations of Cape May seen (MV). Interestingly, Calais in were recorded on May 27 (W warblers' this Spring. For a bird that northern Vermont had the first Northern waterthrushes w some say is rare the things seem to be chestnut-sided warbler onMay 10(FO), (two) at Manchester on showing up more and more around with three reported the same day from GE), one at Marshfield here." Hartford (WE, GE). Within a week they BJ), five at Dorset May were everywhere in good numbers, the three at Dorset June 9 ( For black-throated blue warblers, the last of the migrants as recorded at T even less common Ellisons again kept the only careful banding stations in the first week of waterthrush was seen at Dorse records of movements. Chris Peterson June. Individual bay-breasted warblers (WE, GE) and another at Ply had the early record in Pomfret, May 4 turned up at Vernon May 13 (LM), June 16on a State Conference fi and they had one in Hartford May 6, Hartford May 19 (WE, GE), Shrews four in Manchester May 12, three in bury May 26 (WE, GE), Hartford May Shrewsbury May 26 and five on Mt. 27 (WE), Winhall May 31 (WN) and a Equinox on June 9 (a late date for final bird at Hartford June 1 (WE). " migration - probably breeding birds). Blackpoll warblers moved into the In northern Vermont, there were only State ofHartford on May 29and 30, with two early records, from Woodbury on two seen each day (WE). As one of the May 15 (FO), and another of five birds latest warbler migrants they continued on the same date in Plainfield (LM, moving through the first two weeks of AB), but Bob Jervis calls them June, during which time maximum "common" there. We need some better numbers for a day's field trip were documentation of warblers up north. thirty as reported from Mt. Equinox on June 9 (WE, GE). A count of twenty The earliest yellow-rumped warblers seven at Killington Peak on the State (formerly myrtle warblers) were Conference field trip were probably the reported as single birds from North last of the migrants beginning to settle Hartland April 21 (WE, GE), Fairlee in for breeding. Twopine warblers were April 22(WE, GE), Calais April 24(FO, seen as early as April 19 in Hartland JW) and Hartford April 28 (WE). (ES), with another in Quechee on April Thereafter numbers began to increase, 2B (WE, GE), and three in Wilder and with sightings everywhere by the Norwichon May 5 (WE, GE, LD). They second week in May, but only in have usually moved through east breeding locations at the end of the central Vermont by mid-May, and the month. The Ellisons documented a note that one of the latter birds was, build-up of black-throated green "carrying nesting material," may warblers, with one in Manchester on indicate the first of the breeding. A def April 28, one in Hartford May 2, five in inite breeding record for that area has Hartford May 6, five in Manchester not been established, however. May 12, thirteen between Hartford and Mt. Ascutney May 27 and ten in Hart A male prairie warbler was reported ford May 29. In northern Vermont, the from the same spot as last year in first was recorded in Calais May 10 Saxton's River on June 16 (DC). A (FO) and five in Plainfield May 15(LM, much earlier record was established at AB). Blackburnian warblers were also Bondville on May 24 (WN). The former covered fairly well by the Ellisons, who bird, being so late, may be at least noted four in Hartford May 6, four in "trying to breed." Palm warblers, Bennington May 11 (MV), six in passing through the State, were noted Manchester May 12, eight in Hartford only twice, two at HartllJnd on April 19 May 24and peaks of sixteen and ten in (ES) and one at Winhall April 22 (WN). the Hartford area on May 27 and 29. Ovenbirds arrived as early as May 2, First reports in northern Vermont were when one was seen at Hartford (WE). from North Calais on May 18 (FO) and Two had reached Calais by May 10 WEAVER FINCH Plainfield on May 15 (LM, AB) when (FO) and thereafter the build-up was were regular and wi "ten to fifteen" appeared after an obvious in all areas of the State. The manent residents.

38 BLACKBIRDS - Six bobolinks were recorded. Rusty blackbirds were seen present throughout the State, usually seen at Dead Creek near Addison by irregularly: one in Winhall March 11 near feeding stations, in flocks May 12 (WE, GE) and the species had (WN), five at Hartford March 18 (WE, reaching fifty or more birds. Normally, moved north as far as Williston by May GE), one in Woodstock March 28 (SM), numbers increase during early April as 19(CY) in the Champlain Valley. In the twenty-five in Calais April 23 (Fa, JW) migrants come through from wintering eastern half of the State they were first and a final passing bird in Manchester areas farther south. This year the lack recorded in the Hartford area (nine) on on April 28 (WE, GE). The first com of consistent records from specific May 19 (WE, GE) and northward in mon grackles were seen (two) in localities over that period makes that Plainfield by May 26, when nine were Winhall March 3, followed by four in movement unclear in most of the State. seen (Fa, JW). Three seen in Dorset on Grafton March 8 (DC), one in Hartford High counts at Plainfield occurred May 26 (WE, GE) were the last March 10 (WE, GE), and moving north April 2 (MM) and at Hartford April 8 reported in spring movement before to Plainfield with three 'on March 10 (WE, GE), but in Bennington on May 2 individuals settled into their sparsely becoming ten the next day (MM). By (MV). The last record as the birds left distributed breeding habitat. Eastern March 18 numbers in Hartford on a the State was from Hartford, where one Meadowlarks were seen as early as field trip increased to 43,with 95seen in bird was recorded on May 26 (WE, March 31in Hartford (WE, GE), but the the area March 25. Plainfield produced GEl. Late dates from other localities two seen there were the only record 50 for Marion Metcalf by April 11, and are missing. Numbers of pine until April 10, when one was seen in the Ellisons recorded 273 at the Spring grosbeaks were relatively slim all Wilder (WE, GEL On April 14 there peak in "western Vermont." Brown winter with no indication of the usual were four in "western Vermont" (WE, headed cowbirds turned up first at influx of birds from south of Vermont in GE), one in Quechee on April 21 (Fa, Plainfield March 11 (MM), with late March. The species was last seen in JW), and ten seen on a field trip from numbers at Hartford building from 40 Winhall April 3 (WN), Bennington Hartford to Springfield near the peak of to 197 on twofield trips, March 18and 31 (five) April 5 (MV), and in Fairlee as a spring movement, April 28 (WE, GEL (WE, GEL In Winhall, the first bird flock of twenty-five on May 5 (WE, GE, Six in Woodstock May 5 (DL) and was seen March 25. The mid-April peak LD). The rare hoary redpoll went sixteen in "western Vermont" (WE, produced 344 on a field trip in "western unrecorded over the winter and corn GE) were the last of the Spring records. Vermont" (WE, GE). mon redpolls were unusually scarce. Winhall had two red-winged blackbirds The only records of the latter were of as early as March 3 (WN) and the We need more continual reports, six at Williston "inFebruary" (CY) one species moved north rapidly: four in particularly from the Champlain in Woodstock April 10 (SM) and one at Hartford March 4 (WE) and one in Valley, in order to work out patterns of Bennington April 11 (MV), about the Plainfield March 10 (MM). In the movements of the common blackbirds time they're usually last seen in the Hartford area numbers continued to in Vermont. State. build as recorded by the Ellisons: sixty nine on March 10, 91 on March 18, and TANAGER - Scarlet tanager reports Pine siskins were seen regularly here 114 on March 25. Continued movement were slim, .with one in Hartford May 9 and there over the winter, with a major in April produced 263 on a field trip in (WE, GE), one in Manchester May 12 flight developing in late February as the Champlain Valley April 14 (WE, (WE, GE), "a pair" in Williston May 19 birds moved northward through the GE) where the first birds were (CY), six each day in the Hartford area State. There were high counts of 100-200 recorded March 5 (CY). By April 28, a on May 19 and June 1 (WE, GE), and on many days in March and April at field trip across the State from Man one in Reading May 24 (CP). Winhall (WN),. and they were chester to Hartford produced a dwin "numerous" during the period at dling total of 121 (WE, GE). GROSBEAKS, FINCHES, Grafton (DC). The Ellisons in Hartford SPARROWS, BUNTINGS - Cardinals, recorded scattered nesting records in Northern orioles were picked up first in presumably resident, were reported the State in past years, observations of Randolph, where one was seen May 7 from several localities during the birds carrying nesting material and (EC, MC) and by May 10 they were at Spring: singles in Saxton's River (KS, dead birds with brood patches Williston (CY) and Hartford (WE). The GF), Manchester (WE, GE), Hartland suggested the commencement of next day one was recorded in Plainfield (WE, GE), Norwich (WE, GE), Hart nesting in late March over most of (Fa, BJ). One in Woodstock May 12 ford (WE, GE), Woodstock (RF), South Vermont (LM, RF, SM). No nests were (RF), two in Shrewsbury (AJ) and Woodstock (RF) and Plainfield (MM), discovered, but juveniles were seen in Poultney (AH) May 13, one in Pomfret and four in Wilder (WE, GE). many localities by late April (RF). This May 14 )SC) and fifteen in the Hartford represents nesting in unprecedented area May 19 where the only other Other "winter finches" will be con numbers here - an incredible record records during the Spring movement, sidered as a group, out of the normal for Vermont. Numbers decreased which usually lasts through the first A.O.U. Checklist order. Evening considerably, especially in southern week in June. No orchard orioles were grosbeaks, as winter visitants, were Vermont, in early May, with in-

39 dividuals last sighted in Peru on June 1 twenty reported from Marshfield April near Burlington June 1, probabl (WN)and Hartford (four) June 3 (WE). 28 (MM) and sixteen from Hartford settled in for breeding, so it' There were apparently very few red May 9 (WE). The house finch, ex we need more observers over that crossbills around until winter visitants panding its range as a cage bird There were no records of to areas farther south began to ac escapes centered in lower New sparrows, Henslow's cumulate here on their return through England, was recorded (one) in Ben sharp-tailed sparrows. the State. William Norse reported an nington on April 11 (MV) and Pownal colored junco was report unspecified number from Winhall on (two females - no date, no observer's Hartford March E, GE) March 2, just before Tom Will in name). from Guilford Ma (LM), Londonderry began to see them Winhall March 9 and twelve b regularly in flocks of ten to twelve. Tom American goldfinches, around fairly 12 (WN), and one fr had a total of 120 onMarch 6,with 150 on regularly as permanent residents in March 19 (MM). Num March 16, twenty-seven on March 24, winter, seem to have more flock Hartford to fifteen Apri thirty-two March 28 and last sighted movement in March and April, so April 11,and twenty A them on March 31. Don Clark averaged reports begin to increase then. Ten Plainfield peaks were r ten to thirty -each day through the last tative banding information suggests April 10, and twenty April 1 half of March in nearby Grafton. In that the first influx of northward Hartford, on the other hand, although moving birds from south of Vermont the Ellisons saw two on March 10, and comes about the first of May. The eleven on April 8, flocks were not Ellisons in Hartford submitted the only regular until May! They had numbers continual records from one locality. up to twenty from May 6 to June 9. They noted.an increase to peaks of 110 White-winged crossbills were much less birds on May 2 and 65 on May 6 from regular, with only one report of a five to ten daily. In Woodstock, peak female in Londonderry March 6 (TW). number for a day's trip was 35 on May 5. We need consistent records on this Now a look at other members of this species over late winter and spring family. First records this year for rose from all observers. breasted grosbeaks came from Shrews bury on May 4, when a lonely bird was Single rufous-sided towhees appeared well watched by a crowd of observers in Guilford April 21 (LM), Calais April (NB,AS,SS, GS,PP)! Three were seen 25 (FO), Hartford April 28 (WE) and in Hartford by May 7 (WE, GE) and Norwich April 29 (WE, GE). Numbers singles in Woodstock (RF) and picked up after that, with nine in Plainfield (FO, JW) by May 12. The Hartford May 6 (WE), and seventeen in oUly other reports were from that area May 19 (WE, GE). Additional Shrewsbury May 13 (AS), from Hart reports came only from Poultney on ford and Norwich (ten) on May 19 (WE, May 3 (JH) and Woodstock May 12 GE) and Poultney May 22 (AH). The (SM). These birds are more common reports drop off just when we should than that. What· happened to our ob have been recording a peak of servers? Savannah sparrows were first migrants!? Indigo buntings appeared noted in Hartford (two) April 17 (WE), at Guilford (two) May 13 (LM), Ben with five in Marshfield by April 19(FO, nington May 23(MV)and Hartford May JW). Through the rest of the Spring 24 (WE). At the peak oftheir movement movement, ending a iittle after mid in late May and early Julie there were May, they were reported from both three seen in Bennington on June 4 sides of the State in numbers up to six (MV) and four at Mt. Equinox June 9 per day, but not from the central (WE, GEL Purple finches occasionally highlands. Vesper sparrows were seen overwinter and there were records of in much the same pattern, with even single birds appearing on March 10 in fewer numbers. The Ellisons recorded Winhall (WN), March 17 in Plainfield two in Hartford April 21, one in (MM) and March 28in Hartford (WE, Springfield April 28, and one in Fairlee GE) that may fall into that category. May 19. Nesting habits is rare and Eight in Hartford on April 11 probably probably few of these birds stop over, represent the real start of migration, except perhaps in the Champlain with three in Woodstock April 12 (SM), Valley. Wehave one record of two seem

40 even as migrants began to return from through the State, one in Norwich April being reported from GuilfordMarch 10 areas farther south after early April, 8 (GE), five in Manchester April 14 (LM), Hartford March 10 (WE, GE), numbers on a day's trip did not exceed (WE, GE), one in Hartford April 14 Peru March 12 (TD), Plainfield March four until near the first of May. There (WE), oneat Mt. Horrid April 20 (FO), 25 (MM), and Woodstock March 25 were reports of migrants from Ran another at Hartford May 1 (WE) and (JW). In the Champlain Valley dolph April 10 (EC, MC), Manchester one at Williston May 20 (CY). migrants were first reported March 19 April 14 (WE, GE), Hartland April 19 (CY) at Williston, Maximum numbers (ES), Hartford April 21 (WE), Bethel There were no Lincoln's sparrows were recorded at Hartford just at the April 22 (MR), Calais April 22 (FO), sighted, One swamp sparrow was seen beginningofAprilwhen 74 were seen on Saxton;s River April 25 CKS), at Fairlee April 20 (WE), THREE AT one field trip by the Ellisons, but Rockingham April 25 (LM), Guilford Pomfret April 21 (FO), four at Quechee numbers elsewhere picked up through April 25 (LM) and Poultney April 29 April 21 (WE,GE) and nine at Hartford the whole month, Lapland longspurs (AR). Only an April 28 trip by the and Manchester April 28 (WE, GE). At were recorded by Cathy Yandell at Ellisons between Hartford and Man the peak of their movement into the Williston after storms in January, but chester and a May 19 trip in Hartford State they were still being seen in small none were reported in the State after and Norwich turned up between fifteen numbers: twoin Woodstock May 23 and that. Similarly the last snow buntings and thirty birds. Fox sparrows were eighteen in a search at Dorset May 26 were reported by Cathy the same seen infrequently as they passed (WE, GE), A few song sparrows were month.

We have received few reports of either breeding or past few years at about the same date. She thinks this migrant Whip-poor-wills from our regular observers. may be a breeding pair but isn't sure. After mentioning to Elizabeth Clapp our interest in There were three reports for June 5. These came her report of a calling bird in Randolph, and our lack from Mrs. Wayne Oakes and Rev. Albert Kime of of records in recent years especially from east-central Randolph and from Miss Louise Putman of Bethel. Vermont, we got the following report. Any comments Mrs. Jennie Rhodes of West Brattleboro wrote that from other parts of the State? she had heard a Whip-poor-will in their pasture about 3 *** a.m. early in June. She couldn't give the exact date. After learning that our mention of a Whip-poor-will There were three reports from South Strafford. Mrs. was unusual, our interest was aroused. We sent a Gladys Silloway wrote that they had heard a Whip letter to the Editor of the White River Valley Herald poor-will during the first week of June. This bird was asking for any information about hearing these birds. only heard on one evening although a few years ago We were surprised and pleased at the response, by they were fairly common in this area. From Mrs. letter and by telephone. Of all the reports only two Ralph Brown came the report that a Whip-poor-will reported hearing Whip-poor-wills over the past two or arrives there about June 1 and has for the past few three years. For everyone else the call was a rarity. years, staying about a month. Mrs. I.F. Zimmerman Most of the calls were heard in the first two weeks in also wrote from South Strafford that she had heard a June. One report was for the last week in May. Whip-poor-willlate on the night of June 6, he called for The first call we had was from Mrs. Klinton Wigren three or four hours, a very sustained call. She had not who reported that they had heard a Whip-poor-will heard one previously. near their camp in Bethel-Gilead on the evening of The evening of June 8 my sister, Mary, and I heard a June 3. The next evening they heard one near the Whip-poor-will very close to the house for about half Green Mountain Stock Farm in Randolph. an hour. Comparing notes with neighbors the next day From Mrs. Florence McLaughlin of Randolph we we learned that others had heard it, too. had a report of hearing the Whip-poor-will call some All other reports were for June 10 through June 17. time in the last of May about 5 a.m. He called for about Mrs. Lester Day, of Braintree, reported hearing a fifteen minutes. She telephoned me again on June 20 to Whip-poor-will near their camp in East Alburg some say that she had heard a Whip-poor-will the evening time during the week of June 10. This bird was heard before at 9:30. She has heard them each spring for the about 3:30 a.m. for half an hour. Another report for

41 June 10was from Mrs. Eleanor Fortune of Randolph Mockingbird Center, on the North Randolph road. This call was heard at 9:30 p.m. From Christian Hill, Bethel, Mrs. Nests Esther Clark reported hearing a Whip-poor-will on the evening of June 11 and again the evening of June 17. Mrs. Erwin Willey of Pomfret on the road from East In Pownal, Vermont on July 19, 1973, I f Barnard reported hearing a Whip-poor-will on the Mockingbird Ilest with four young, all fully fea evening of June 11. She said that it was a warm night The nest was located about four and a half fe so the doors were open and the bird was very close to ground in a small cedar tree on the side of a the house, apparently moving around in the shrub pasture dotted with these small cedars. bery. His call was so loud that their dog was A week previously the male had bee awakened. She added that it has been many years night long, and my general impressi since she had heard a Whip-poor-will. was a breeding bird. I never saw th The last report came from Mrs. Edward Barnaby of however, until I finally found the nest. Unli Tunbridge, a mile from the village. This call was observations of nesting Mockingbirds in FI heard on June 11, the first she had heard in that area nest is located well away from, and out of s although she remembered them from her childhood in house or barn. The birds act somewhat another part of the village. they do in the south. All reports spoke of either woodsy or swampy areas The next two days were rainy, and on S or thick shrubbery where the birds were heard. noon, the 22nd, the young had left the n I hope that this information will be helpful to the birds still scolded at our appearance ( Institute. along to help with the pictures), and w Elizabeth W. Clapp foodin their bills, so I assumed were st of their young. Cattle Egrets - The First Breeding

Early in the Spring of 1973, the Four Brother Islands were visited by Edgar Strobridge, District Warden Supervisor. During his visit he observed three Cattle Egrets. At the time of our visit (May 23, 1973) to the islands, ten Cattle Egrets were counted. Several sus pected Egret nests were observed from the ground, but an exact count could not be made due to the close association with nests' of Black-crowned night Herons. Most of the suspected nests were in cedar trees which had been killed by droppings from the Herons. One cedar tree was climbed. An egg was collected and compared to a Heron egg. Upon comparison, the suspected Egret egg appeared smaller and a much paler blue than the Heron egg. The Heron's egg dimensions were 53.2 mm x 35.2 mm, and the Egret egg was 44.4 mm x 34.0 mm. The Egret nest appeared very flimsily made of only enough thin twigs to support the eggs. Light could easily pass through the bottom of the nest. According to available records, this is the first nest ing for Lake Champlain. (The Four Brother Islands 'are technically in New York state- so we still have no records. -Ed.) F. Loy McLaughlin Fish and Game Department

42 A~OeU. Shoots down U.S. birds

The publication (in The Auk for April 1973) of the Yellow-shafted Flicker thirty-second supplement to the American Ornitholo Red-shafted Flicker gists' Union Check-list of North American Birds is an Gilded Flicker important event for the birding fraternity because it Common Flicker calls for changes in classification and nomenclature Robin that will be adopted in future field guides and other San Lucas Robin popular books on birds, in Vermont Natural History (of Baja California) and similar publications, as well as in the scientific American Robin literature. Those of us who keep "life lists" will find Bananaquit that these, too, require revision. Bahama Bananaquit Many of the changes are reflected in the scientific Bananaquit names only; these are ignored in this short article. Olive-backed Warbler The decisions that involve "lumping" or "splitting" of Socorro Warbler bird species recognized in the last edition of the Check (of Socorro Island, Mexico) list (1957) call for changes in the common or English Tropical Parula names, and some of these names are changed for Myrtle Warbler other reasons, as noted below. Audubon's Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler A. CHANGES INVOLVING RECLASSIFICATION Baltimore Oriole 1. The following are''lumped" because they are now Bullock's Oriole considered to be color phases ("morphs" is the tech Northern Oriole nical term) of one species. The old names are given in Ipswich Sparrow the left hand column. The currently recognized Savannah Sparrow common name for the species is on the right. Savannah Sparrow Great White Heron Seaside Sparrow Great Blue Heron Dusky Seaside Sparrow Great Blue Heron Cape Sable Sparrow (Note: "Great White Heron" (in quotes) may Seaside Sparrow be used for the white birds.) Slate-colored Junco Snow Goose White-winged Junco Blue Goose Oregon J unco Snow Goose Guadalupe Junco (of Guada Common Bushtit lupe Island, Baja California) Blacked-eared Bushtit Dark-eyed Junco Bushtit Mexican Junco Baird's Junco II. The following, formerly recognized as separate (of Baja California) species, are now "lumped" into one. As a rule, they Yellow-eyed Junco are now classified as subspecies, or as subspecies groups. Again, the obsolete names are on the left, the III. The following, formerly regarded as one currently recognized one on the right. species, are now "split" into two. Common Teal Herring Gull Green-winged Teal Herring Gull Green-winged Teal (Note: Thayer's Gull, formerly regarded as a Red-tailed Hawk subspecies of the Herring Gull, breeds in the Harlan's Hawk Arctic, and is sometimes seen in the U.S. in Red-tailed Hawk winter.)

43 .... i:

Traill's Flycatcher 4. "To prevent confusion with another species b Alder Flycatcher the same name." Willow Flycatcher Montezuma Quail (for Harlequin Quail). (Note: The northern birds, that sing "way-be 5. "To conform with usage in the breeding reg 0," are Alder Flycatchers; the more southern species that is merely a migrant 01: wandere and western birds, that sing "fitz-bew," are area." Willow Flycatchers.) Flesh-footed Shearwater (for Pale-footed Boat-tailed Grackle water), Short-tailed Shearwater (for Slen Boat-tailed Grackle Shearwater), White-tailed Eagle (for Great-tailed Grackle Eagle). (Note: The large grackles of the southeastern 6. To sUbstitute a "more meaningful modifier" for the U.S. are Boat-tailed Grackles; those of the adjective "common" in some cases. southwestern states and Middle and South Great Egret (for Common Egret), Bla America are Great-tailed Grackles.) Common Scoter). 7. Finally, "Widgeon" is henceforth to B. CHANGES NOT INVOLVING "Wigeon." RECLASSIFICATION The A.O.U. Check-list has, in the past, cover 1. "To provide a specific modifier when the same birds known to occur in the continental U.S., Can group name is employed for another Western Greenland, Bermuda, and Baja California. Hemisphere species." edition its coverage will be extended to Northern Fulmar (for Fulmar), Northern Shoveler birds of Mexico, Central America, and the (for Shoveter), Red Knot (for Knot), Gray Catbird dies. This is a welcome change, for there ha (presumably to distinguish it from the Black Cat much confusion in the nomenclature of bird of Mexico, Northern Parula for Parula War some of the latter regions. bler). Kimbal 2. To conform with international usage. Note: Reprints of the T -second s Merlin (for Pigeon Hawk), American Kestrel (for ment to the A.O.U. Check-l an be pure Sparrow Hawk), Storm Petrel (as a group name for for $1.25 each (so long as they last) fro all petrels in the family Hydrolatidae to separate Treasurer of the A.O.U.: Burt L. Monro them from petrels in the family Procellariidae, e.g. Department of Biology, University of Leach's Storm Petrel for Leach's Petrel). ville, Louisville, Ky. 40208. 3. "To avoid misleading taxonomic implications..." Wood Stork (for Wood Ibis), Upland Sandpiper (for Upland Plover).

Data taking at he Woodstock anding Station