ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Newsletter Number 31 • June 1994 "... to increase our knowledge of the birds of Washington and to enhance communication among all persons interested in those birds. "

More bird name changes Dennis Paulson izations, and different habitat prefer• and Brown-capped Rosy-Finch (L. aus• TheAmericanthirty-ninth Ornithologists' supplement Union to the ences (P.G. Connors, B. J. McCaffery, tralis). These species were lumped Check-list of North American Birds and J. L. Maron, Speciation in golden• with no published evidence at all, has just been published in Auk 110: plovers, Pluvialis dominica and P. therefore not adhering to the check• 675-682, 1993. In it there are a few fulva: evidence from the breeding list committee's own rules. Only the changes that affect names ofWashing• grounds, Auk 110: 9-20, 1993). Their Gray-crowned occurs in Washington. ton birds. In three case, species are migratory routes are entirely sepa• Now those of you, like myself, who split that were lumped in the 1983 rate, except where they overlap in thought you had seen all the rosy• check-list on the basis of their simi• migration on the Pacific coast, so we finches in North America will have to larity but on no or little evidence. In are uniquely located to see them to• head for alpine habitats in the Rockies the fourth, two distinct populations gether, especially in fall. Peterson's to find those other two species. long considered subspecies have been western field guide shows both spe• Cases that would affect the taxo• split into two species. cies, and the National Geographic So• nomic status ofthe followingWashing• Green-backed Heron becomes ciety field guide illustrates and dis• ton birds are also under study by the Green Heron (Butorides virescens)as cusses both types as subspecies. My committee: the species status of a result of splitting this species from Shorebirds of the Pacific Northwest Thayer'slIceland gulls and Northwest• the Striated Heron of South America, (Univ. Washington Press, 1993) con• ern/American crows; and the species Africa and Eurasia. The two were com• tains further details. status ofpopulations ofScrub Jay, Ru• bined in the 1983 check-list, but more Rosy Finch is split again into three fous-sided Towhee, Northern Oriole, recent research (B. L. Monroe, Jr., and species (four, with the Siberian Rosy• and Red Crossbill. M. R. Browning, A re-analysis of Finch Leucosticte arctoa): Gray• 1724 NE 98th Street Butorides, Bull. Br. Ornithol. Club crowned Rosy Finch (L. tephro• Seattle, Washington 98115 103:18-21,1992)indicates that the two cotis), Black Rosy-Finch (L. atrata), don't really hybridize in Panama, as had been suggested. Black-shouldered Kite becomes Ornithological research information sought White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) there any other sources? as a result ofsplitting this speciesfrom TIYYTOSNEWSlady a listplans of current to publish Washing• regu• A simple format is envisioned: the Black-shouldered Kite of the Old ton ornithological research projects. To researcher(s) name, university/agency, World. The two species could never gather information for this article, we address, and a brief summary of the interbreed, and in fact there are sub• need your help. project. stantial differences between them (w. The ornithologicallbirding com• Please contact me if you have in• S. Clark and R. C. Banks, The taxo• munity stands to benefit from the pub• formation on individual projects or re• nomic status ofthe White-tailed Kite, lication ofsuch a list, both from a gen• searchers, or with suggestions as to Wilson Bull. 104: 571-579, 1992). eral interest perspective, and because whom I might contact. The anticipated Lesser Golden-Plover becomes WOS members could conceivably con• publication date is the August WOS• American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis tribute their knowledge and time to NEWS. dominica) and Pacific Golden-Plo• particular projects when such assis• Fred Bird ver (P.fulva). These species, long rec• tance might be sought. 1249 NE 92nd Street ognized as distinct subspecies, have Local universities and the state Seattle, Washington 98115 been found breeding in westernAlaska Department of Fish and Wildlife are (206) 526-5671 with no hybridization, different vocal- two obvious sources of projects. Are Washington Bird Field Notes: December 1, 1993 - March 31, 1994 Compiled by Russell Rogers (BW).84 were counted at the Walla Walla RD, WW,on 3/6 (SP). Thankscommentsto the and many corrections people who on contactedthe previous me withcolumn. sightings, If any Brandt's Cormorant: The highest count reported was 200 seen errors are noted in the current column, please send them to me from the San Juan Ferry on 1/18 (SM & JO). and I will include your corrections in the next edition. American Bittern: 1 was on Fir Is, SK, on 1/1 (fide BK). Corrections Great Blue Heron: 50+ were at a rookery at Lk Sammamish SP,KI, on 3/10 (RRw).Herons were building nests at SeattIe's Greater Scaup: The record on 7/24 should be Soap Lk, OK, not MontIake Fill, KI, on 2/16 (AL). GR. Great Egret: A high count for western WAwas 25 on Carty Lk Surf Scoter: The record on 10/5 and 10/11was made by PB & in the Ridgefield NWR, CK, on 11/18 (WC). Other sightings BW from western WAwere 1 at Westport, GH, from 12/31 to at Golden Plover species: The record for 10/11was made by PB & least 1/28 (GH & WH), and 1 on the Lummi Flats, WC, on 12/ BW 19 (JDu). Rare in eastern WAin winter, 1 was seen on the Glaucous Gull: The record for 11/26was made by BW Toppenish CBC, YA,on 12/21 (fideAS). Snowy Owl: MD noted that the bird in Pasco on 11/8 was a Cattle Egret: 1 was at Eglon, KS, on 12/11(VN). different individual than the one on Bateman Is on 11/7 Green Heron: Uncommon in WAin winter, 1 was on Blackman Black-throated Blue Warbler: TheYakimaRDis in BE,not WW. Lk, Snohomish, SN, on 12/13(SM), 1 at Scriber Lk, Lynnwood, Vesper Sparrow: Port Townsend is in JE, not CL. SN, on 1/31 (GT), and 1 (possibly an early migrant) at Elma, Additions to the previous reporting period GH, on 3/11 (BT). Least Sandpiper: 2 were at the mouth ofthe Yakima R, BE, on Fulvous Whistling-Duck: 3 of questionable origin, and still 11/5(BW). 1 was at Edison, SK, on 11/25(DP). under review by the WBRC,were observed flying past Green Long-tailed Jaeger: 1 was at Ocean Shores jetty, GH, on 9/12 Point, SK, on 11/8 (SA). (BW). ' 'fundra Swan: A high count of 2400 was recorded at the mouth Scrub Jay: 1 at Elma, GH, on 10/8was a local first (GH & WH). of the Lewis R, CK, on 12/19 (WC). Noteworthy away from At the northern limits oftheir range, 1 was at Tacoma, PI, on regular wintering locations (northern Puget Sound and along 11/27(fide TB). the lower Columbia R), 5 were on Chambers Lk, PI, on 1/30 (BR & GR). In eastern WA,9 were west ofEllensburg, KT, on December I, 1993 - March 31,1994 2/19, 4 were west of Kittitas, KT, on 3/21 (RR & EH), and 4 Red-throated Loon: Uncommon in eastern WA, 1 was near were at Yakima, YA,on 3/17 and 3/24 (AS). Underwood, SM,on 12/27(WC),and 1was at Potholes SP,GR, Mute Swan: 1 was with Tundra and Trumpeter Swans in fields on 1/10 (KK). along Slater Rd on the Lummi Flats, WH, on 1/15(RRw). Pacific Loon: 1 was south ofVantage, KT,on 2/28 (KK), and 2 Barnacle Goose: 1escapee was in Centralia, LE, on 12/20(KK). were there on 3/27 (WW). Greater White-fronted Goose: Noteworthy in eastern WAin Common Loon: An irregular winter visitor to the southeastern winter, 1 was near Manson, CH, on 2/21 (RR & EH), through corner of WA, 2 were at Two Rivers CP, BE, on 1/17 (DR), 1 at least 3/31 (RR), 6 were south of Ellensburg, KT, on 3/24 was at Pioneer Park in Walla Walla, WW,on 1/22(MD),and 1 (WW),and 3 were at McNary NWR,WW,on 2/12(SP). In west• was at Mill Creek Lk, WW,on 1/25 (MD). ern WAwhere they are more regular in winter, 15 were on Yellow-billed Loon: Six were reported over the winter: 1 near Clear Lk, SK, on 10/22 (SA), 24+ wintered at Ocean Shores, Dungeness Spit, CL, on 1/2(SS & DS); 1 at Larrabee SP,WH, GH, through at least 2/20 (BW,GH & WH), 2 were in a large on 1/26 (HF); 1 at Friday Harbor, SJ, on 1/29 (MSt); 2 at Fort flockof swans on the Skagit Flats on 12/23(RR), 70 were near Canby SP,PA, 1/9 through 2/9 (MP);and 1 offPoint No Point, Vancouver, CK, on 12/30(RT), 3 were in Everett, SN, on 2/12, KS, on 2/3 through 2/11 (VN). 1was at Kent, KI, on 1/9(BR & GR), 1was with Canada Geese Horned Grebe: 300 were off San Juan Is, SJ, on 1/18 (SM & at Nisqually NWR, TH, on 2/12 (EH), with 5 there, on 2/14 JO). (PSt), and 1 was on Puget Is, WK, on 3/25 (MD). Western Grebe: Uncommon in winter in eastern WA,1 was in Snow Goose: Noteworthy in KI, 1 was at Kellogg Is, on the Richland, BE, from 1/8 (BW)to at least 2/13 (CS), and 1 was Duwamish R in Seattle, KI, on 1/30 (TBe). In eastern WA, 1 seen on the Toppenish CBC, on 12/21 (fideAS). was at Clarkston, AS, on 2/26 (KK), 1 at McNary NWR, WW, Clark's Grebe: Seldom reported from eastern WAin winter, 1 on 2/12 (SP), and 1 near Reardan, LI, on 3/6 (AS). was at Orondo, DO, on 11/20(DSt). On the west side, 1 was Emperor Goose: 1 of the 2 reported in the last Field Notes at near Underwood, SM, on 12/27 (WC),1 was at Ocean Shores, Blackman Lk, Snohomish, SN, had disappeared by 1/25(SM). GH, on 2/26 (GH & WH), and 1 was at the Everett Marina, The other one was found dead in late April (FB). SN, on 3/8 (SM). Brant: Rare in eastern WA,1was at Swallows Park, Clarkston, LaysanAlbatross: 3 were offWestport, GH, on 1/15,and 4 on 1/ AS, on 1/26 (JA & WHa), through 3/1 (CV). 16. (TW). "Atlantic" Brant: At least 1 was in Samish Bay, SK, on 1/18 Short-tailed Shearwater: 3 were off Point No Point, KS, on (SM). 12/4, and 1 was there the next day (VN). 7 were off Westport, Wood Duck: A notable 50 were at Two Rivers CP, BE, on 1/21 GH, on 1/15 and 14 on 1/16 (TW). (DR). Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel: 1was offWestport, GH, on 1/15and "Eurasian" Green-winged Teal: 1 was at the Everett Marina, 2 on 1/16 (TW).This species is rarely seen in Washington wa• Everett, SK, on 12/19 (SM & CBe). ters in winter. Mallard: 10,000+ were in a private refuge near Dungeness, CL, American White Pelican: Up to 11were in the Tri-Cities area on 12/18 (RT). through 1/10 (BW). 12 were there on 2/3, staying until 2/26 Blue-winged Teal: Rare in WAin winter, 1 was seen on the 2 ======Field Notes

Toppenish CBC, YA, on 12/21 (fide AS). Turkey Vulture: Usually present in winter, 1 was at Willapa Cinnamon Teal: The first report of the spring was of 1 on Green Bay, PA, on 12/21 (CL), and 1 was south of Port Townsend, JE, Lk, Seattle, KI, on 3/18 (JS). In eastern WA, the earliest re• on 2/9 (RR). Probably among the first migrants were 1 at port was from the Yakima RD, BE, on 3/22 (BW). Longview, PA, on 3/7 (KK) and 1 at Totten Inlet, TH, on 3/26 Gadwall: An all-time high count of 2305 was recorded on the (EH). In eastern WA, 1 was at Dryden, CH, on 3/26 (DSt). Seattle CBC, KI, on 1/2 (fide PM). In eastern WA, 1 was seen Osprey: Late fall birds were 1 at Darrington, SN, on 11/12 (fide on the Two Rivers CBC, WW, on 12/22 (fide IN). EH), and 1 flying over the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, KI, Eurasian Wigeon: Notable counts for western WA were 8 on on 12/1 (fide EH). The first spring reports from western WA Blackman Lk, Snohomish, SN, on 12/13 (SM), 60+ between were 2 pairs at nest sites at Carr and Case inlets, PI, on 3/26 the "West 90" and Samish Is, SK, on 1/17 (RRW), and 48 on (EH), and, for eastern WA, a pair on a nest near Ellensburg, the Skagit Flats, SK, on 2/19 (SM & PS). Less common in east• KT, (WW), and lover Yakima, YA, (KK) on 3/26. ern WA, 1 was at Pateros, OK, on 12/5 (RRw), 1 spent the White-tailed Kite: 1 was at Julia Butler Hansen NWR, WK, on winter in Richland, BE, from 12/8 through at least 2/28 (BW), 2/19 (KK). 1 was at McNary NWR, WW, on 1/8 (TG & PB), 1 was at Two Bald Eagle: Prodigious numbers were present in coastal SK in Rivers CP, BE, from 12/22 (fide IN) through 1/31 (DR), 1 was midwinter (m. ob.), for example 70 on the Samish Flats on 2/5 at Grove's Park in Richland, BE, for most of March (BW), 1 (DP).An all-time high count of20 was recorded on the Seattle was at Confluence SP, Wenatchee, CH, on 3/3 (DSt), and 1 was CBC, KI, on 1/2 (fide PM). 2 adults were observed carrying at Seltese Flats east ofSpo• nesting material at Lk Sam• kane, SP, on 3/12 (JWm). mamish SP, KI, on 2/10 (RRw). Eurasian X American Northern Goshawk: Note• Wigeon: 1 was at the Olym• worthy for coastal WA were 1 pic Game Farm, Sequim, near Aberdeen, GH, on 2/20 CL, on 12/18 (DS & SS). (BM), and 1 at Tokeland, PA, Redhead: Uncommon in on 3/23 (MD). There were western WAin the winter, 2 seven reports from eastern WA females were on Blackman this winter: 1 from at McNary Lk, Snohomish, SN, on 12/ NWR, WW, on 12/5 (TG, PB), 13 (SM & MWh), 5 were on 1 in Walla Walla, WW, on 12/ Mud Lk, SK, on 1/29 (fide 12 and on 1/1 (fide IN), 1 east BK), 1 was at the Julia But• of Central Ferry SP, WH, on 1/ ler Hansen NWR, WK, on 16 (KK)' 1 at Umatilla NWR, 12/19 (DC, GHe & MEC), BE, on 2/19 (DR), 1 at Conflu• and 3 were at Dugualla Bay, ence SP, in Wenatchee, CH, 3/ IS, on 2/26 (DP)-possibly a In April the Samish Flats in Skagit County were visited by at least four 3 (DSt), 1 on the North Fork first county record. In east• Ross' geese, included this single goose found onApril16th in the com• Beaver Creek, OK, on 3/12 (AS • ern WA, 1 was in Richland, pany of a Greater White-fronted Goose. - photo by Dick McNeely & IE), and Ion Jasper Moun• BE, on 2/10 (BW), where tain Rd, CO, on 3/28 (KK). they are uncommon in winter. Red-shouldered Hawk: The bird reported in the last Field Notes fufted Duck: 1 was at Puget Is, WA, on 3/5 (MD), any addi• at Ridgefield NWR, CK, was relocated on 1/8 (MD). tional reports of this bird would be appreciated. 1 was on the Ferruginous Hawk: 1 at Auburn, KI, 12/12, through at least Columbia R, near Wallula Junction, WW, on 3/18 (PB & TG), 12/19 was both out of place and out of season (fide EH & TB). through at least 3/23 (PB). 1 was seen on the '!\vo Rivers CBC, WW, on 12/22 (fide IN). The Harlequin Duck: 1 was slightly out of place at the mouth of the first spring report was 1 near Touchet, WW, on 3/13 (fide IN). A Cedar R in Renton, KI, on 2/27 (RT). pair was on a nest near Sunnyside, YA, by 3/19 (RR & GG). Oldsquaw: Uncommon in western WA away from salt water, 1 Peregrine Falcon: Up to 6 were in Seattle, KI, through the was near Elma, GH, on 11/22 (KS & KeS). Rare in eastern WA winter (fide MM), consisting of2 imm and 2 adF. p. anatum, 1 in winter, a female was at Dry Falls Dam, GR, on 12/4 (DP), 1 imm and 1 ad F. p. pealei. was at Confluence SP, Wenatchee, CH, on 12/12 (DSt), an adult Gyrfalcon: Possibly 2 were on Fir Is and the Samish Flats, SK, female was near Walla Walla RD, WW, from 1/28 (MD) through on 12/12 (SM, BA). One of the birds, an adult female banded 3/29 (SP), 3 were at Vantage, KT, on 2/26 (WW), and 1 was at last winter, was fitted with a satellite transmitter on 3/12 (fide McNary Dam, BE, on 3/7 (IN). DV). The one noted in the last Field Notes at Ocean Shores, Black Scoter: Several were in Fidalgo Bay, SK, on 3/6 (fide BK). GH, on 11/12 (GH) was still there through at least the end of There are apparently few records of this species for SK. March (fide EH). 1 imm, wearing falconer's jesses, was on San White-winged Scoter: Uncommon but regular in eastern WA, Juan Is, SJ, on 1/18 (SM). There were at least 6 reports from 1 was below Lower Granite Dam, WH and GA, on 2/10 (CV & eastern WA: 1 nine miles north of Pasco, FR, on 1/10 (KK), 1 WHe), and 4 were at Vantage, KT, on 3/24 (WW). fifteen miles north of Moses Lk, GR, on 1/22 (DSt), 1 near Common Merganser: A high count for eastern WAwas 1175 on Mansfield, DO, on 2/27 (VN &AS), 1 near Mondovi, LI, on 3/5 the Coulee Lakes, GR, on 12/5 (AS). (JA), 1 northeast of Davenport, LI, on 3/6 (AS), and 1 near Red-breasted Merganser: Records of this species from eastern Sunnyside, YA, on 3/13 (KSt). WAare always of interest. 10 were in the Coulee Lakes area, Prairie Falcon: Apair was on a nest at the Selah rest stop on 1• GR, on 12/5 (AS). 1 was at Confluence SP, Wenatchee, CH, on 82, YA, on 3/19 (RR & GG). 12/24 (DSt). 1 male was at O'Sullivan Dam, GR, on 1/16 (KK). Gray Partridge: 3 were north oftheir usual range at Valley, ST, 8 were on Banks Lk, GR, on 2/4 (JA). 4 males and 2 females on 3/20 (KK). were at Crow Butte SP, BE, on 2/11 (KK). Continued on page 4 3 ------Field Notes

Continued from page 3 20 (SS & DS). Blue Grouse: Unusual at low elevation, 1 was near Sequim, Long-billed Dowitcher: 6 were at the Kent STP, KI, on 12/7 CL, on 12/18 (DNe). In eastern WA, also at low elevation, 1 (RT). 10 were at Ridgefield NWR, CK, on 1/8 (MD). was at Sportsman SP, YA, on 12/18 (AS). Pomarine Jaeger: 1 was harassing Kittiwakes at the Ocean Sage Grouse: Any record ofthis threatened species outside the Shores Jetty, GH, on 2/26 (GH & WH). Yakima Firing Range, YA, is of interest. Up to 6 were on a lek Little Gull: Notable in winter in WA, 2 were on American Lk, southwest of Mansfield, DO, on 3/19 (KK). Tacoma, PI, on 12/17 (PS) through 12/25 (GR & BR). They Wild Turkey: 1 was at Lyon's Ferry, FR, on 12/14 (KK), and 30 were joined by a third on 2/12 (EH). 1 was at Point No Point, were near Republic, FE, on 3/20 (KK). KS, on 3/12 (VN). Mountain Quail: 6 were at Rock Creek Cove, SM, on 12/27 (WC). Bonaparte's Gull: Notable in eastern WA, at least 3 ad were at Virginia Rail: 8+ were heard calling at Lk Sammamish SP, KI, Banks Lk, GR, on 12/5 (DP, AS), and 1 at the Kennewick STP, on 2/21 (DN). BE, on 1/1 (DR). Sora: Uncommon anywhere in WA in the winter, 1 was at Heermann's Gull: For the third year, 1 spent the winter at Nisqually NWR, TH, on 1/20 (BR & GR). Westport, GH, (m.ob.). Rare in the southern reaches of the American Coot: An all-time high count of 16,221 was recorded Puget Sound, 1 was in Tacoma, PI, on 2/12 (RS), and possibly on the Seattle CBC, KI, on 1/2 (fide PM). the same bird was in Olympia, TH, on 3/31 (TS). Sandhill Crane: 1 was at Nisqually NWR, TH, from 12/16 (GR Mew Gull: 1 was at Kennewick, BE, on 1/29, and 3 were there & BR) to 2/4 (GH & WH). 47 were flying near Kennewick, BE, on 2/15 (PB). on 2/27 (TG). Thayer's Gull: Over 500 spent the winter at Gog-Ie-hi-te Wet• Semipalmated Plover: This species regularly winters on the lands, Tacoma, PI, (m.ob.). outer coast, but any sightings elsewhere are of interest. 2 were Slaty-backed Gull: 1 was reported without details near Van• at Swinomish Slough, SK, on 12/28 (fide BK). couver Lk, CK, on 12/28 (WC). 1 adult was at Gog-Ie-hi-te Black Oystercatcher: A high count of 34 was recorded on Ala Wetlands, Tacoma, PI, on 1/1 (RS), through at least 3/19 (fide Spit in the northeast corner of Whidbey Is, IS, on 1/16 (RR). EH). By 3/11 the gull had lost all the streaking on the head Black-necked Stilt: The first report of the spring was of 21 at (BT). It was re-sighted on 4/28 (PS) and was still in the area the settling ponds north of Othello, AD, on 3/30 (KK). through 5/19 (RS). American Avocet: The first report of the spring was 1 at the Western Gull: Rarely sighted away from the coast, 1 was at the Yakima RD, BE, on 3/5 (BW). Vancouver Bottoms, CL, on 12/31 (BR, GR & TK), 1 third-year Greater Yellowlegs: Late for eastern WA, 3 were at the Yakima and 1 first-year bird were at Ice Harbor Dam, FR, on 12/27 RD, BE, on 12/28 (BW). Notable counts for western WA were (KK), 1 was at McNary Park, BE, on 1/29 (PB), and 1 was at approximately 200 between Tokeland and Raymond, PA, on 1/ the McNary Dam, BE, on 1/29 (KK) and on 2/19 (MD). 28 (GH & WH), and 10 at Penn Cove, IS, on 2/10 (fide BK). Glaucous-winged Gull: Uncommon in eastern WA, 1 was at Willet: As in past winters, 1 was at Ediz Hook, CL, on 1/19 (SS Dry Falls Dam, GR, on 12/4 (DP), 2 were at the north dam of & DS). Banks Lk, GR, on 1/23 (JA), and 1 was at the Walla Walla RD, Wandering Tattler: A single presumably wintering individual WW, on 1/8 (SP). was at Toke Point, Willapa Bay, PA, on 2/23 (BR & GR). Glaucous Gull: Many reports were received this winter, includ• Whimbrel: 3 were at Tokeland, PA, on 1/11 (BR & GR) and on 1/ ing 2 irregularly at Gog-le-hi-te Wetlands, Tacoma, PI, through• 28 (GH & WH), and perhaps the same 3 were at Toke Point, out the winter (m.ob.). 1 was at the mouth of the Lewis R, CK, Willapa Bay, on 2/23 (BR & GR). 1 was at Ediz Hook, CL, from on 12/19 (WC). 1 was at the Washougal STP, CK, on 12/28 1/6 on (SS & DS). (WC). 1 was at the Vancouver Bottoms near French Bar, CK, Long-billed Curlew: Notable in western WAin winter, 1 was at 12/31 (BR & GR). 1 was at Olympia, TH, on 1/1 (GH & WH). 1 Swinomish Slough, SK, on 12/26 (fide BK), 1 was on March was at Neah Bay, CL, on 1/1 (SS & DS). 1 was at Nisqually Point, SK, on 12/29 (KK), 8 were at Ocean Shores, GH, on 2/14 NWR, TH, on 1/14 (JM). 1 was at the Ocean Shores Jetty, GH, (BW), and a high count of 56 was at Tokeland, PA, on 1/11 (BR on 2/7 (RR). In eastern WA, up to 5 imm were at Richland, BE, & GR). The first spring report from eastern WAwas of 16 near throughout the winter (BW). 1 adult was at Moses Lk, GR, on Moxee, YA, on 3/19 (RR & GG). 1/26 (BW). 1 was at McNary NWR, WW, on 1/12 (AS). 5 were Marbled Godwit: 1 was at Ediz Hook, CL, on 1/20 (SS & DS). at the Walla Walla RD, WW, on 1/28 (MD), with 4 there through• Ruddy Turnstone: Uncommon in winter, 1 was on Crockett Lk, out Feb. (TG). 1 second-year bird was at Woodland, CO, on 2/ IS, on 12/11 (SSe), 1 was at Nahcotta, PA, on 12/18 (HG), and 20 (KK). 1 was at Ediz Hook, CL, on 1/1 (SS & DS). Black-legged Kittiwake: A flock estimated at 800, nearly all Black Turnstone: A high count of 17 was recorded atAlki Point, ad, was at the Ocean Shores Jetty, GH, on 2/26 between noon Seattle, KI, on 1/25 (RR). and 1 p.m. By 2 p.m., the flock had virtually disappeared (GH Surtbird: Uncommon in KI, 25 were at Alki Point, Seattle, KI, &WH). on 1/13 (RR). Caspian Tern: Very early for western WA, 1 flew over Naselle, Red Knot: Uncommon in winter, 1 was at Ocean Shores, GH, on PA, on 2/19 (AR). The first spring report for eastern Washing• 12/17 (JB), and 1 was at Chinook, PA, on 12/19 (HG). ton was 1 at Richland, BE, on 3/25 (BW). Least Sandpiper: 3 were at Ocean Shores, GH, on 2/1 (BR & Common Murre: 880 were off Point Defiance in Tacoma, PI, on GR) and 6 on 2/12 (GH & WH). 5 were at Oak Bay, CL, on 2/8 1/28 (fide EH). (BR& GR). Ancient Murrelet: 2 were at Green Point, SK, on 12/8 (fide BK). Rock Sandpiper: 2 were at Penn Cove, IS, on 2/10 (RR). 3 were 50+ were seen from the Port Townsend-Keystone Ferry, JE at Ediz Hook, CL, on 2/14 (BS). and IS, on 12/20 (KK). A "low" high count of 32 was recorded Dunlin: Notable reports from eastern WAwere 4 at the Yakima RD, off Point No Point, KS, on 12/14 (VN). 132 were off Westport, BE, on 2/28 (BW) and 65 at Crow Butte Sp, BE, on 3/23 (MD). GH, on 1/15, and 58 were seen on 1/16 (TW). 52 were off San Short-billed Dowitcher: 1 was at Ediz Hook, CL, on 1/ Juan Is, SJ, on 1/18 (SM & JO). 15 were seen from the San 4 WOS GOES TO THE SOUTHWEST

The Sixth Annual Meeting ofthe Washington Ornithological Society will be in Ocean Park on the Long Beach Peninsula on the weekend of September 16-18,1994. The main avian attractions of this area in mid-September are the shorebirds. Field trips to favorite Pacific County hotspots include Leadbetter Point, the beach, and the mouth of the Columbia River. Bird walks will be emphasized over bird rides. The woods and marshes of the peninsula will also be explored for migrant passerines and our favorite resident birds. Our lodging is at the Ocean Park Retreat Center, a Methodist church camp. The camp is situated on 80 wooded acres, with 2000 feet ofocean beach front. The accommodations are dormi• tory style, with rooms holding up to eight people. Thirty-eight people (19 couples) may have doubles, but singles are not available. If you wish a room of your very own, there are hotels in nearby Ocean Park (see list below.) RV and tent camping is also available at the camp. The camping option includes showers and electricity for the RVs. In all cases, we must bring our own bedding, towels and personal items. Friday evening will feature a campfire with WOS providing snacks and sodas-alcohol is not allowed. Saturday evening's banquet will be followed by our featured speaker, Robert Michael Pyle. Bob Pyle, well-known for his butterfly lectures, will speak on "Butterflies, Birds, and the Extinction of Experience." Pyle's lectures are thoroughly engaging and always thought provok• ing. Door prizes will be awarded, including The Birder's Handbook, donated by Wild Bird Chalet Etc (Guy Loiselle) of Bellingham; Hawks, Owls and Wildlife, donated by Skagit Wild Bird Shoppe (Bill Escoubas) of Mount Vernon; the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, donated by the Los Angeles Audubon Society Book Shop; American Birding Assn. is donating a signed print of the Aplomado; and Flora & Fauna Books in Seattle (Dave Hutchinson) is donating a special book. Terry Wahl has arranged a special pelagic boat trip out of Westport for Friday, September 16th. The cost is the standard $70. The boat will leave about 6 a.m. and return about 4 p.m. Contact him at (206) 733-8255 to sign up. Many WOS members find the annual meeting a wonderful opportunity to get reacquainted, and to strengthen that common thread among us: the appreciation of Washington's birdlife. Join us this year in Ocean Park. The following accommodations are in Ocean Park or Nahcotta. Reservations in advance are recommended. Harbor View Motel (206) 665-4959 Klipsan Beach Cottages (206) 665-4888 Ocean Park Resort (206) 665-4585 or (800) 835-4634 Sunset View Resort (206) 665-4494 or (800) 272-9199 Westgate Motor Court (206) 665-4211 Coast Watch B&B (206) 665-6774 Moby Dick Hotel B&B (206) 665-4543

was still needs president, officers The formal election of was officers and board members will take place during the September annual meeting, and we still have openings for members willing to serve as president, vice-president, and board member. If you are interested or have questions, please call Mike Donahue at (206) 527-2859. OCEAN PARK WOS WEEKEND REGISTRATION FORM

AddressNameCity (s) ------=-=====-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-~Z~l~.P~~-=-=====-=-St Phone

My (our) choices are:

1) Registration fee (a must): $15.00 per person, $10.00 student (#__ ) $ _

2) Lodging: (two nights, double occupancy) $35.00 per person (#__ ) $ _ (two nights, 3-8 PER ROOM) $25.00 per person (#__ ) $ _ RV camper (two nights) $16.00 per person (#__ ) $ _ Tent Camping (two nights) $10.00 per person (#__ ) $ _ I 3) Food: ! Saturday evening banquet $10.00 per person (#__ ) $ _ Saturday breakfast and box lunch $11.00 per person (#__ ) $ _ Sunday breakfast and box lunch $11.00 per person (#__ ) $ _

4) Field trips: Saturday field trip by van $10.00 per person (#__ ) $ _ Sunday field trip by van $10.00 per person (#__ ) $ _ Total enclosed $ _

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Washington Ornithological Society POBox 85786 Seattle, WA 98145 ======Field Notes

Juan Ferry, SJ, on 2/9 (RRw). Horned Lark: Several were singing on Damon Point, Ocean Rhinoceros Auklet: 1 was off Dungeness Spit, CL, on 12/18 Shores, GH, on 2/26 (GH & WH). (EH). 175 were off Point Defiance in Tacoma, PI, on 12/14 (RT). Tree Swallow: Unusual for midwinter, 2 were flying over Tufted Puffin: Very uncommon for the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Nisqually NWR, TH, on 1/6 (WK). 10+ were over Waughop Lk, winter, 1 was off Diamond Point, JE, on 12/18 (EK). Fort Steilacoom Park, Tacoma, PI, on 3/4 (BR & GR). In east• Band-tailed Pigeon: 50 were at a feeder in north Seattle, KI, ern WA,the species was first seen at Confluence SP, Wenatchee, on 1/26 (DP). CH, on 3/3 (DSt.) Mourning Dove: A high count for western WA was 45 at Ebey Violet-green Swallow: The first spring report for western WA Slough, SN, on 1/25 (SM). was 1 at the Montlake Fill, Seattle, KI, on 2/27 (DM). In east• Crimson-fronted Parakeet: 2 adults with their 2 young were ern WA, they arrived in Walla Walla, WW, on 3/1 (MD) and at a feeder in north Seattle on 12/10 and 12/12 (DP), and sight• farther north at Confluence SP, Wenatchee, CH, on 3/3 (DSt). ings continued through March (FB). The birds apparently bred Barn Swallow: Either a very early migrant or over-wintering at Carkeek Park, KI, (fide JW). juvenile was at Montlake Fill, Seattle, KI, on 2/23 (KA). Western Screech-Owl: 6 were in Lincoln Park, West Seattle, Scrub Jay: 1 was recorded on the Tacoma CBC on 12/18 (fide KI, on 3/9 (DB). TB), 1 was in Bremerton, KS, on 2/10 (SR), and 5 were at Elma, Snowy Owl: This species was reported in strong numbers from GH, on 3/11 (BT & TS) .. both sides of the Cascades. The first was on Dungeness spit on Black-billed Magpie: Rare in western WA, 2 were at the Snake 11/1, through 12/15 (DS & SSm). As many as 5 were on the Lk Nature Center, Tacoma, PI, on 12/3 (fide TB). Samish Flats, SK, first recorded on 12/18 (MM). Other west• Winter Wren: Uncommon in the Tri-Cities area, 1 was at Bate• ern WAreports were 1 near Thornton, WH, on 12/24 (LB), 1 at man I, BE, on 1/7 (BW). Sandy Spit, WC, on 1/2 (KK), 1 at the Big DitchAccess, SN, on American Dipper: A pair was feeding young on the Green R 2/5 (KK), and 1 at Ocean Shores, GH, on 2/14 (BW). In eastern near Kanaskat-Palmer SP, KI, on 3/29 (BR & GR). WA, 1 was at Othello, AD, on 11/8, through at least 11/10 (RH), Western Bluebird: A notable late fall record, 1 was at Entiat, 1 was at Pasco, FR, on 12/8 (fide BW), through at least 1/31 CH, on 11/20 (DSt). The first spring sightings were of3 at Fort (BW), and 1 juv was 3 miles north of Othello, AD, on 12/27 Lewis, PI, on 1/30 (BR & GR). 2-4 were near Naselle, PA, on 3/ (KK). 1 was near Reardan, LI, on 1/23 (WHe). JA reported 19-21 (AR), where they are uncommon. this species has returned to the Mondovi-Davenport-Reardan Mountain Bluebird: The first spring report for eastern WA was area for the 26th consecutive year, with as many as three in 1 at Camas Creek, CH, on 3/3 (BoM). Rare for KI, 1 was north the area this winter. These owls were still present near Mondovi of Redmond, KI, on 3/18 (BFo). on 3/6 (JA). Townsend's Solitaire: Western WA winter reports included 1 Barred Owl: Any reports of this species are still of interest. 1 near Sequim, CL, on 12/18 (DNe), 1 in Seattle, KI, on 12/16 was at West Dungeness, CL, on 12/18 (SS). 1 was on Mount (RL), and 2 at Beckett Point, JE, on 1/28 (RRi). Spokane, SP, on 1/6 (JA). 1 was on , WH, on 12/ Sage Thrasher: The first report of the spring was from the 29 (AS). 1 was at Sweat Creek, OK, on 3/19 (KK). 1 was near Yakima Firing Range, YA, on 3/19 (RR & GG). Cle Elum, KT, on 3/18 (RR & GG). Bohemian Waxwing: This species was scarce this winter. 2 were Great Gray Owl: 1 was at Moses Meadows, OK, on 3/11 (AS & in Richland, BE, on 12/18 (BW). 40 were at Sun Mountain IE), and 1 was near Wauconda, OK, on 3/12 (AS & IE). Lodge near Winthrop, OK, on 12/27 (RL). 3 were at Upper Burrowing Owl: Very unusual was 1 in downtown Seattle, KI, Cowiche Creek, YA, on 1/4, and 2 there on 1/7 (AS). 30+ were on 3/23 (GA). In eastern WA this species had returned to nest• in Walla Walla, WW, from 1/6 to 2/14 (SP & MD). 500-600 were ing sites along Dodson Rd, GR, by 4/1 (BR & GR). in Pomeroy, GA, on 1/15 (KK) and 1/18 (MD). 10 were in Long-eared Owl: A high count of 13 was recorded near Prescott, Wenatchee, CH, on 2/11 (DSt). 6 were at the Ginkgo SP ranger WW, on 1/21 (MD). house on the Old Vantage Highway, KT, on 2/19 (FB & TS). 40 Short-eared Owl: A high count of25 was recorded on the Samish were near Bridgeport, DO, on 3/3 (BoM). 10 were on Mount Flats, SK, on 1/17 (SM & JO). Spokane, SP, on 3/5 (AS). Vaux's Swift: 2 were with swallows over Seattle, KI, on the early Cedar Waxwing: Flocks of 35 to 50 were reported in Yakima, date of 3/28 (RR). YA, throughout the winter (AS). Over 200 were at McNary White-throated Swift: The first spring report was from the Park, BE, on 2/19 (TG). Selah rest stop on 1-82, YA, on 3/19 (RR & GG). Northern Shrike: The last record reported for western WAwas Anna's Hummingbird: 1 was at a feeder on the Westport CBC, 1 at the Montlake Fill on 3/26 (AG), and for eastern WA, 1 at GH, on 12/18 (fide BoM). the Yakima Firing Range, YA, on 3/19 (RR & GG). Rufous Hummingbird: 1 was at Discovery Park, Seattle, KI, Loggerhead Shrike: 1 was east of Brewster, OK, on 12/5 (DP). on 3/6 (fide EH). 2 were on the Waterville Plateau, DO, on 12/27 (RR). This spe• Red-breasted Sapsucker: 1 was on the North Fork Ahtanum cies is uncommon at these northerly locations in winter. R, YA, at 4,000' on 3/14 (AS). Tennessee Warbler: The first photographed individual of this Williamson's Sapsucker: This species returned to eastern WA species in the state was 1 near Elma, GH, 12/5 (BT), through early this spring. 1 was at the North Fork Beaver Creek near at least 1/5 (RS). Chesaw, OK, on 3/12 (AS & IE). 1 was on Boulder Creek Rd, Orange-crowned Warbler: Winter reports included 1 at north of Sherman Pass, FE, on 3/13 (AS & IE). 6 were on the McNary NWR, WW, on 12/5 (TG & PB) and 1/28 (BW), 3 at North Fork Ahtanum R, YA, at 4,000' on 3/14 (JD). Pasco, FR, on 12/11 (TG), 1 at Snohomish STP, SN, on 12/19 Black-backed Woodpecker: 1 was at Sherman Pass, FE, on (SM & CBe), 1 at Burbank Heights, WW, on 12/22 (TG), 1 at 12/5 (DP), another on 3/13 (AS & IE). 1 was on the North Fork Conway, SK, on 1/1 (RT), 1 at '!\vo Rivers CP, BE, on 1/30 (PB), Ahtanum R, YA, at 4,000' on 3/14 (fide AS) and 1 at Richland, BE, on 2/6 (ML). Pileated Woodpecker: 1 was in Walla Walla, WW, on 1/29 (MD), Nashville Warbler: Very unusual in winter, 1 was at Discovery where they are uncommon. Continued on page 6 5 Field Notes ======

Continued from page 5 tinued through the winter at the Skagit WMA, SK, (m.ob.). 1 Park, Seattle, KI, on 1/2 (JE). was at a feeder in Bainbridge Is, KS on 10/30, through at least Yellow Warbler: Rare in winter, 1 was at Pasco, FR, on 12/22 3/31 (JAc). 1 was on Ebey Is, SN, on 11/7, 12/19 and 1/22 (SM (BeW). & CBe). 1 was at Old Dungeness, CL, on 12/18 (RT). 1 was on Black-throated Gray Warbler: The first spring report was 1 the Lummi Flats, WC, 12/19 (JDu). 1 was heard on Vashon Is, at Ridgefield NWR, CK, on 3/31 (HG). KI, on 12/22 (GS). 1 was at the Russell Rd peapatch, Kent, KI, Townsend's Warbler: An unusual concentration of 10 foraged on 12/22 (KA), through at least 2/9 (PH). 1 was at a feeder in in a flock at the University ofPuget Sound, Tacoma, PI, on 12/ Mount Pleasant, CK, on 12/28 (WC). 1 was at the Chuckanut 14 (DP). Valley Farms, SK, on 1/9 (SM & CBe). 1 was at Nisqually NWR, Palm Warbler: 1 was at the Gas Works Park, Seattle, KI, on 12/ TH, on 1/14 (JM). 2 were near Monroe, SN, on 1/29 (SM). In 6 (RLi), through at least 1/22 (EH). eastern WA, 7 were seen on the Walla Walla CBC, WW, on 12/ Black-and-white Warbler: A belated report was received of 1 19 (fide IN). 1 was at a feeder in Kelso, CO, on 12/21 (CLa & adult female banded at Douglas Creek, DO, on 8/13 (DSt) NL). Common Yellowthroat: Uncommon in winter, 1 was at Black• Golden-crowned Sparrow: Uncommon in eastern WAin win• man Lk, Snohomish, SN, on 12/13 (SM), 1 was at the Ridge• ter, 1 was at Crow Butte SP, BE, on 3/23 (MD). field NWR, CK, on 12/19, (WC), and 1 was at Ebey Slough, White-crowned Sparrow: The first spring report of Z. l. SN, on 1/25 (SM). pugetensis was from Federal Way, KI, on 3/25 (TB). However, American Tree Sparrow: Most reports this winter were from ad pugetensis and immgambelii were locally common on south western WA. 2 were at the Lk Sammamish SP, KI, on 12/21 Whidbey Is, IS, on 1/9 (DP &TH). (RRw). 1 was in Kent, KI, on 12/26 (KB). 1 was at the mouth of Harris's Sparrow: This species was reported in about average the Samish R, SK, on 12/26 (fide BK) through 1/9 (SM). 1 was numbers this winter from both sides of the mountains. In west• near Bow, SK, on 12/26 (DP) and 12/29 (KK). 1 was at Belfair, ern WA, 1 was at the Montlake Fill, KI, on 11/23 (LCo), through MA, on 1/3 (KK). 1 was at the Ridgefield NWR, CK, on 1/8 at least 12/18 (DM). 1 was near La Conner, SK, on 12/1 (KK) (MD). 1 was at the Russell Rd peapatch, Kent, KI, on 1/27 and on 1/1 (fide BK). 1 was seen on the Tacoma CBC, PI, on (RR). 1 was on Bateman I, Richland, BE, on 2/5 (BW). 1 was 12/18 (RS & PS), through at least 1/15 (JL & FP). 1 was on the near Okanogan, OK, on 3/19 (KK). 1 was at Bridgeport, DO, Lummi Flats, WC, on 12/19 (JDu). 1 was on Smith Is, SN, on on 3/19 (KK). 12/26 (SM & RR), through at least 1/22 (SM). 1 was near Stan• Sage Sparrow: The first report of the spring was 12 at the wood, SN, on 1/1, through at least 1/20 (RA). 1 imm was at a Quilomene WMA, KT, on 2/19, (TS & FB). 1 was near Benton feeder in north Seattle, KI, on 1/17 (DSm). 1 was on Camano City, BE, on 2/27 (TG). 1 was on Lover's Lane, WW, on 2/28 for Is, IS, on 1/20 (RA). 1 was at Fort Lewis, PI, on 1/30 (BR & a local rarity (MD). GR). 1 was in Manson, CH, on 3/19 (BoM). In eastern WA, 1 Song Sparrow: A pair was feeding fledglings in Auburn, KI, on was at Central Ferry SP, WH, on 12/14 and on 1/15 (KK). 1 3/30 (MS). was seen on the Two Rivers CBC, WW, on 12/22 (fide IN). An Lincoln's Sparrow: A high winter count of 18 was recorded at imm was at the mouth of the Yakima R, BE, on 1/8 and 1/15 Ebey Slough, SN, on 1/25 (SM). In eastern WA, 1 was near (KK). 1 was between Mill Creek and Brooks Park in Walla Benton City, BE, on 2/27 (TG). Walla, WW, on 1/25 (MD). 1 was at Wallula Junction, WW, on Swamp Sparrow: The total number reported this winter, in• 3/7 (KK). 1 was in Richland, BE, on 3/16 (fide TG). cluding those listed in the last Field Notes, was a phenomenal Lapland Longspur: 6 were on the Samish Flats, SK, on 11/8 46! In western WA,the 1 at the Kent STP, KI, first noted on 11/ (SA). 1 was with Horned Larks on the Samish Flats, SK, on 16 (RT), was reported through at leallt 1/27 (RR). 1 was near 11/24 (RA). Reports from the Lummi Flats, WC, included 5 on Bothell, SN, throughout Dec. (SA). 6 were reported on the 12/15,1 on 1/17, and 70 on 2/27 (JDu). 1 was seen on the Ed• Sequim-Dungeness CBC, CL, on 12/18 (fide DS). 1 was at monds CBC near Snohomish, SN, on 12/19. Ridgefield NWR, CK, on 1/1 (WC). 1 was at Conway, SK, on 1/ Snow Bunting: Approximately 2500 were near Davenport, LI, 1 (RT). 1 was near Elma, GH, on 1/3 (KK), with 2 there on 3/11 on 12/26 (JA). Elsewhere, they were scarce. About a dozen were (BT). 1 was at Belfair, MA, on 1/4 (SR & KK). As many as 4 on the Waterville Plateau, DO, on 2/20 (EH & RR). 1 was near were at the Skagit WMA, SK, first noted on 1/9 (KW & JW), Burbank, WW, on 3/6 (KK). 205 were near Chesaw, OK, on 3/ through at least 1/31 (fide BK). 1 was at Juanita Bay Park, 12 (AS & IE). "Flocks" were reported near Okanogan, OK, on Kirkland, KI, on 1/9, through at least 1/27 (MC). Up to 4 were 3/19 (KK). at Lk Sammamish SP, KI, on 1/12, through at least 3/10 (RRw). Western Meadowlark: High numbers for western WA were 30 1 was at Dumas Bay, Federal Way, KI, on 1/13 (RT); 1 was at at the Raymond Airport, PA, on 1/11 (BR & GR), and 29 near Spencer Is, SN, on 1/15 (RT). 1 was at Smith Is, SN, through Edison, SK, on 2/5 (DP). at least 1/16 (SM). 1 was at just north of Stanwood, SN, on 1/ Rusty Blackbird: 1 was at a feeder in Lynnwood, SN, on 1/1 17 (RRw), and in the same area on 2/5 (KK). 3 were at Ebey (JF), through at least 3/13 (SM). 1 was at the Sprague Ponds, Slough, SN, on 1/25, with 1 remaining through at least 3/29 Spokane, SP, on 3/5 (JW), through at least 3/11 (FBr). (SM). 1 was near the mouth of the Skokomish R, MA, on 2/6 Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch: This species was very scarce this (SR). In eastern WA, 1 was at Sundale, KL, on 12/15 (KK). 1 winter, with only one report of 45 in WH on the WA/Idaho state was on the Upper Cowiche Creek, YA,on 1/16, for a first county line, NW of Moscow, Idaho on 1/26 (JA). winter record (JD, fide AS). 1 was at McNary NWR, WW, on 2/ Pine Grosbeak: Common on this winter, 6 were 11 (MD). 1 was at Central Ferry, GA, on 2/12 (KK). 1 was on there on 1/14 (JA). 2 were on Hurricane Ridge, CL, on 1/8 (BMo). Whitcom Is, BE, on 3/23 (MD). 2 were at Fort Walla Walla 1 was at the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery, CH, on 2/20 (DSt). Natural Area, WW, on 3/4-5 (SP). Red Crossbill: Types 1,2,3,4 were identified by tape-recorded White-throated Sparrow: This species also had an impressive calls on Whidbey Is, IS, on 1/9 (DP & TH). showing in the state this winter, with 34 was reported from White-winged Crossbill: 1 was heard near Sherman Pass, FE, both sides ofthe Cascades. In western WA, as many as 4 con- Continued on page 7 6 ======Field Notes

Continued from page 6 1 Dennis Paulson, EP Evelyn Peaslee, FP Frank Peterson, SP Stacy on 12/5 (DP). Mount Spokane, SP, had flocks numbering up to . Peterson, BR Bob Ramsey, GR Georgia Ramsey, SR Scott Ray, 50 throughout the winter (JA & AS). These were singing and AR Alan Richards, RRi Roger Ridley, DR Dennis Rockwell, GRo giving courtship displays on 3/6 (AS), and as late as 3/29 (MCr). Glenda Rockwell, RR Russell Rogers, RRw Richard Rowlett, KeS Common Redpoll: This species was unusually scarce in WA Kerri Scarbrough, KS Kirk Scarbrough, TS Tom SchC'oley, SSe this winter, with only two sightings reported. 8 were at Foster Shirley Sekarajasingham, CS Clair Shurvinton, JS Janice Sleight, Creek WMA, DO, on 2/20 (TS & FB). 1 was at McNary Dam, DSm Debbie Smith, DS Dory Smith, MS Mike Smith, SS Stan BE, on 3/7 (IN). Smith, PSt Priscilla Stanford, AS Andy Stepniewski, DSt Dan Lesser Goldfinch: 17 were at Lyle, KL, on 1/9 (MD). Stevens, MSt Mike Street, KSt Kevin Stump, PSu Patrick Sullivan, RS Ruth Sullivan, PS Paul Sunby, BS Bob Sundstrom, County abbreviations are given immediately after place RT Rob Thorn, GT Greg Toffic, BT Bill 'I\veit, CV Carole Vande names, (Seattle, KI, etc.). Observers' initials are given in paren• Voorde, DV Dan Victor, TW Terry Wahl, TWe Tom Weathers, WW thesizes. Wayne Weber, MWh Mel White, JW Jeff Wisman, JoW John Counties: AD Adams, AS Asotin, BE Benton, CH Chelan, Wingfield, BW Bob Woodley, BeW Berta Woodward. CK Clark, CL Clallam, CO Columbia, CW Cowlitz, DO Dou• Other abbreviations: AB American Birds, ad Adult, glas, FE Ferry, FR Franklin, GA Garfield, GH , WBRC Bird Records Committee, CBC Christmas Bird Count, GR Grant, IS Island, JE Jefferson, KI King, KL Klickitat, KS CP County Park, imm Immature, Is island, juv Juvenile, Lk Kitsap, KT Kittitas, LE Lewis, LI Lincoln, MA Mason, OK Oka• lake, NA NorthAmerica,NP National Park, NWR National Wild• nogan, PA Pacific, PI Pierce, PO Pend Oreille, SJ San Juan, SK life Refuge, R River, Rd road, RD River Delta, SP State Park, Skagit, SM Skamania, SN Snohomish, SP Spokane, ST Stevens, STP Sewage Treatment Plant, USFS US Forest Service, WA TH Thurston, WK Wahkiakum, WC Whatcom, WH Whitman, Washington, WMA Wildlife Management Area, Field Notes WW Walla Walla, YA Yakima. Washington Bird Field Notes, WRA Wildlife Recreation Area. Observers: KA Kevin Aanerud, JAc Jamie Acker, HA 4510 Glenn Way SW HowardArmstrong, SA Scott Atkinson, CBe Casey Beachell, TBe Seattle, Washington 98116 Tom Benedict, FB Fred Bird, TB Thais Bock, FBr Frank Brown, [email protected] KB Ken Brunner, DB David Buckley, JB Joe Buchanan, WC Wil• son Cady, DC Denise Caldwell, MC Michael Cohen, MEC Mary Ellen Covert, MCr Mark Crotteau, MD Mike Denny, JD Jay Desgrosellier, JDu Jim Duemmel, BFo Brett Foster, JE Jim El• der, JF John Flavin, HF Hal Fray, TG Tony Greager, AG Alan Mid-May Grinnon, TH Tom Hahn, GHe Gerald Henry, WHe Winnie Polly Little Hepburn, PH Paul Hicks, RH Randy Hill, GH Glen Hoge, WH Wanda Hoge, WHa Warren Hall, EH Eugene Hunn, KK Ken The ground-scratching TOWHEE buzzes high on a wire, Knittle, EK Eugene Kridler, TK Tony Kroha, WK Walt Kuciej, Seems out of place, I observed through the years. BK Bob Kuntz, BL Bruce LaBar, CLa Carroll Larsen, NL Norma First at my feeder, FINCHES filled with desire. Larsen, RL Rachel Lawson, ML Mary Lilga, RLi Richard Lindstrom, CL Chuck Linsenmeyer, ALAugusta Litwer, JL Jim Fir-bound O.S. FLYCATCHER begging three beers. Lyles, DM Dan Macdougall-Treacy, DoM Douglas Marshall, JM John Martin, SM Steve Mlodinow, BMo Bruce Moorehead, BoM Early dawn displays the ubiquitous ROBIN, Bob Morse, DNe Darryl Nelson, VN Vic Nelson, IN Jim Nestler, Light-stunned, I can almost approach her. DN Dave Nunnallee, JO John O'Brien, MP Mike Patterson, DP Now solo BUSHTITS' tails continuously bobbin', And CHICKADEES call from on high at the air.

WASHINGTON Everyone these days spots an EAGLE or two A PEREGRINE deposits downtown on a bank. ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Mid-May's busy with things exciting and new. Officers: We have our feathered buddies to thank. (206) 357-8851 Tom Schooley, President A friend and I share a BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK Dennis Paulson, Vice-Pres. (206) 528-1382 Just a glimpse ... a few sunflower seeds. Jan Wiggers, Secretary (206) 757-0772 She saw a LAZULI BUNTING in her yard this week! Judy DuVall, Treasurer (206) 322-3848 Board of Directors: RED-WINGS and MARSH WRENS claim the reeds. Michael Donahue (206) 527-2859 Mustn't forget the friendliest NUTHATCH Linda Feltner (206) 767-9937 Barbara Jensen (206) 569-2270 Through the yard as a first flies a HARRIER HUMMERS' gorgets too vivid to match Nancy Morningstar (206) 232-8340 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, VG. SWALLOWS Russell Rogers (206) 935-6280 Editorial Board: make things merrier ... Dennis Paulson, Editor in Chief Bird songs, woody's drumming fill the air, too A glorious time this Mid-May. Hal Opperman, Journal Editor (206) 455-1364 Full spectrum of colors abound in the yard, Fred Bird, Newsletter Editor (206) 526-5671 A warm evening sky overflows the day. 7 Warbler invasion on Samish Island Howard Armstrong three warblers in my binoculars at one They also swarmed over all my feed• OnAugustusual number16, 1993, of warblers I saw a most in un•my time. ers. One Wilson's even checked me out Samish Island back yard. The invasion The next morning the wave was over, by flying through a four-inch opening in actually began on the day before, when although for the following week or more a window and landing on the opposite Thais and I sat at our dining room table I could usually find an Orange-crowned edge of the table from where I sat. and watched warblers move through our somewhere in the yard if I looked for a Total numbers are hard to estimate. yard for the whole drizzly Sunday after• few minutes. With the constant movement, I couldn't noon. Monday morning we continued to In the busy three hours I saw seven be sure how many times I was seeing watch the show as we ate breakfast. species of warblers: Orange-crowned to• the same birds, but I had the definite About 8 a.m., the invasion speeded taled 60%; Wilson's, 25%; Townsend's, impression that they were moving right up: instead of seeing one or two birds 10%;Yellow,3%, MacGillivray's, 2%; and through since they seemed to be flying every time I looked out the window, sud• 1each ofBlack-throated Gray and Nash• mostly in one direction, and because the denly I was seeing 20 or more birds in ville. In addition, I saw two Pacific-slope relative abundance changed from mostly flight as they fed and moved through the Flycatchers and several Northern Ori• Orange-crowned to mostly Wilson's and yard. For the next three hours there oles and Western Tanagers. back again. At times there would be sev• were more than 100 warblers at a time The birds were feeding and con• eral of one species, and then I wouldn't in our small back yard. stantly on the move: the bushes seemed see any of those for a while. Then an• Our house sits in the middle of a 60' to be in motion as a result of the inces• other species would move through. I feel by 150' lot. The back yard is a lawn-cov• sant mass movement in and out ofthem. 200 birds would be a very conservative ered mound septic tank, bordered by de• My birdbath was usually full, with no estimate, and several times that many ciduous shrubs and mature evergreen one bird really getting time to bathe well could be possible. and deciduous trees on the adjacent un• with so many pushing to get their turn, This was much more of a concen• cleared lots. and with the resident robins sparrows, trated migration than I had seen before, At approximately 11 a.m. there was finches, etc., also demanding propri• and I will be watching next August to a sudden change as once again the mi• etorial rights. Some of the Townsend's see if this event was unique, or ifSamish gration slowed to the pre-eight 0' clock Warblers solved that problem by sliding Island is a migrant trap that annually pace, which continued for the rest of the down the branch tips and rubbing hosts larger than expected concentra• day. When I finally quit watching at 5:30 against the branches to soak themselves tions of warblers. p.m., there were still enough warblers for what appeared to be a quite satisfac• 836 Wallen Road in the yard so I could frequently see tory bath. Samish Island, Washington 98232

Ocean Shores birders guide Dennis Paulson few of the area's birds, both typical and (50¢ for each additional book) to R. W. A Washington,Birder's Guideby Bobto Ocean Morse, Shores, 1994, rare, add further visual appeal but may Morse Company, 1515 Lakemoor Loop, is yet another self-published book that have added to the moderately steep price Olympia, WA 98512. The book is also fulfills two needs: the need by birders for a 51-page book. available at Flora & Fauna Books and to look into every interesting nook and The book can be obtained by sending the Seattle Audubon Society office. cranny for their quarry, and the need by $7.95 plus 7.9% sales tax (63¢) for Wash• 1724 NE 98th Street an enthusiastic birder to share his dili• ington residents plus $2.00 for shipping Seattle, Washington 98115 gently gained knowledge. This is a fine guide to birding Ocean Shores, one ofthe most exciting (if overdeveloped) parts of the state, and also features additional British Columbia Field Ornithologists information about birds of the area, in• Since 7997 cluding a basic checklist ofGrays Harbor BCFO publishes an annual journal (40-50 pages), and a quarterly news• County birds, a list of motels and camp• letter (20 pages) featuring site guides, bird news and listing totals, etc. ing sites, and birding tips for beginners. BCFO dues are: $20 USfor individuals and $25 USfor families. Send your The volume is slim but packed with Check/money order, payable to BCFO, to: information. The descriptions of16 ''best birding hot spots" are brief but adequate Treasurer: BritishColumbia Field Ornithologists for directing the birder to a good array POB 34081 of habitats and birds. The fold-out map 5790 175th Street is helpful and is augmented by a series Surrey, BritishColumbia, V3S 8C4, Canada of interesting aerial photos. Photos of a 8 Thanks, Merilyn, Bud and Marcia! was meetings for several years now. They arrive early, in the Bellingham area society wishes to extend heart felt Thethanks to Merilyn Hatheway, Bud completely reorganize the tables and Skagit and Whatcom birders will D'Veck, and Marcia Midkiff, who have chairs in the lecture room in a much not meet again until September, when provided outstanding volunteer support more usable arrangement, then put they get together at 7 p.m. on the last for our organization. them back the way they were at the end Wednesday of the month at the Merilyn was a charter member ofthe of the evening! The huge screen, projec• Fairhaven Public Library. Call Terry WOS Board in 1988 and quickly volun• tor and microphone are theirs, and they Wahl at 733-8255 for information. teered to maintain the WOS member• have saved us the trouble of acquiring ship list on her home computer. For over these expensive items or the difficulty was meetings six years and at her own expense, she of having them provided by the Burke. in the Seattle area has kept track of memberships and pro• Volunteers with such devotion and vided the labels used to distribute all ingenuity are largely responsible for WOS will meet next in the Seattle WOS mailings. Merilyn has decided to making a society such as ours function area on October 3. WOS does not meet hand on these crucial responsibilities, well, and these three are at the top of during the summer months and our and her efforts will be sincerely missed. our list. Thanks, Merilyn, Bud and regular September meeting will be Bud and Marcia have provided the Marcia! preempted by the September annual audiovisual setup for programs at the The WOS Board meeting at Long Beach-see insert for Burke Museum during Seattle meetings annual meeting details. Rufous Hummingbird nesting biology Newsletter contributions hatched. On the 18th day, the second Please send news items, site RuthestingMcCausland information sent based us very on almost inter• hatches. If all goes well (no predation or guides, articles, and especially photo• 200 Rufous Hummingbird nests that she storm damage), the first (presumably) graphs for the next WOSNEWS by has monitored in the Tokeland area. chick fledges. The next day the second July 15th to Fred Bird, 1249 NE "Female picks a site and starts build• chick fledges. 92nd Street, Seattle, WA 98115 -- (206) ing.As soon as the sides are high enough, "All in all, thirty-five days pass from 526-5671. she lays an egg. The next day she lays a the laying ofthe first egg to the nest being second egg, then she starts sitting in ear• empty. Only about half the nests are suc• nest. When she goes offto feed, she comes, cessful. Our numbers of Rufous are way was membership back to the nest bringing material with down compared to several years ago, partly Anyone interested injoining WOS which to continue building up the sides. due to all the clearing ofbuilding sites." should send dues to WOS, POB 85786, When high enough, she starts decorating Ruth McCausland Seattle, Washington 98145. Annual the outside of the nest with bits oflichen. POBox 574 memberships are $10 for individuals "On the 17th day, the first chick is Tokeland, Washington 98590 and $14 for families. Alaska bird finding book Rare Bird Hotlines Dennis Paulson Seattle - Statewide (206) 526-8266 For a hint of the magical birding that Alaska is an expensive and some• SE Washingtonlldaho times difficult place to find birds, but Alaska offers, here are a dozen species not (208) 882-6195 oh what birds there are to find! Now there recorded from Washington for which the Oregon is a new bookthat will guarantee you good book gives directions: Rock Ptarmigan, (503) 292-0661 birding on a visit to this wildest of our Northern Wheatear, Red-facedCormorant, Vancouver, B.C. states. WhiskeredAuklet, Smith's Longspur, Spec• (604) 737-9910 Nick Lethaby, one of the west coast's tacled Eider, Aleutian Tern, Bluethroat, most active birders, has written and pri• LeastAuklet, Siberian Tit,Arctic Loonand American Birds deadlines vately published A Bird Finding Guide to Arctic Warbler. Even without Alaska spe• Autumn Alaska. This 152-page book is a gold mine cialties, it's a very special experience to see Spring (March - May) (August - Nov.) ofinformation about the best-known bird• so many of our migrant and wintering June 15 December 15 ing localities in the state, from Anchorage birds on their breeding grounds. to Attu. It treats 23 areas, most of them Along with the many bird species of Summer Winter coastal but also including the interior be• interest, there are descriptions ofhabitats (June & July) (Dec. - Feb.) tween Anchorage and Fairbanks. and comments about mammals that may August 15 March 15 There is an extended discussion ofbird• be seen, as well as many tips on logistics, Send bird sighting records to: finding possibilities in each area, usually including lodging, air service, clothing, accompanied by a map. Species uncommon guides and weather. Bill Tweit POB 1271 in the lower 48 are emphasized, but there The guide can be obtained from is a good balance between the common, Nick Lethaby, 79 Mirabelli Circle, San Olympia, WA 98507-1271 typical species of a locality and those less Jose, CA 95134, for $14.95 + $3 shipping. Please submit detailed descriptions common species that make "lower 48ers" 1724 NE 98th Street and photographs, if possible, of any salivate. Seattle, Washington 98115 unusual bird records. 9 Public listing requires going by the rules Bill Tweit links. First, listers often become con• how listers behave. In their eyes, Ioneam writing who is keenly as a lister interested and as insome• the tributors to the ornithological litera• shoddy listing and unethical birding contributions that birders can make ture, undertake systematic surveys of reflect poorly on all of us. Third, lists to the conservation ofbirds and to or• bird populations, or become profes• themselves can make a contribution nithology. From both ofthese perspec• sional biologists or ornithologists. All to science and conservation. A com• tives, I firmly believe the public aspect of these activities must be played "by parison of year list totals with state of listing should adhere to high stan• the rules" in order for them to have list totals is a rough indication ofwhat dards. I am not concerned proportion of the species about the private aspect of recorded in a state can be listing, or as an oldlibertar• WOSNEWS won't publish listing records found annually and are, ian was reputed to have Aftermuch soul-searching,was has decidednot to pub• therefore, annual visitants said: "what you chose to list lish members'bird sightinglist totals. About90 was mem• or residents. Comparison of in the privacy of your own bers (out ofa membershipofover500)submittedlist totals county totals indicates home is your ownbusiness." when renewal noticeswere returned. Several major issues which counties are better dealingwith publishingsuch totals remain unresolvedand, Public listing is an alto• in the mean time,the boardfelt that there are other outlets, known by birders, and gether different matter. Ac• includingABAand Washington Birder, forthosebirders who which have been relatively curate identifications are wishto seetheir list totals published. unexplored, an important expected from birders who consideration for conserva• submit their records for tionists. publication. The highest level ofaccu• full value. Listing "bythe rules" is ex• For those reasons, I strongly advo• racy is expected from observers who cellent training for these activities; cate that birders who publish their are frequent contributors to publica• shoddy listing makes any attempts to lists be required to attest that they tions. This expectation holds whether contribute suspect, if not worthless. A have followedthe same rules and ethi• that publication is a note in Washing• reputation for being careless is hard cal guidelines used by the American ton Birds, a sighting for American to live down. Second, some conserva• Birding Association. Birds, or a list published in Washing• tionists, biologists and ornithologists Post Office Box 1271 ton Birder. As birders, we expect this base their judgments about birders on Olympia, Washington 98507 because we work hard to ensure that our sightings are sufficiently credible to be useful to the scientific commu• nity, and to efforts to conserve our Ornithological study group still forming Mike Donahue natural environment. This is expected from listers as well, because we set articles in the scientific literature to high standards for ourselves and ex• I'mformalstill study interested group in to forming discuss an bird in• books. pect others to do the same. ecologyand behavior. Group members If interested, please give me a call While some may see no connection would choosethe topics. at (206) 527-2859. between the sport of listing and con• I would like to meet every few 5520 36th NE tributions to ornithology or conserva• months, with group members having Seattle, Washington 98105 tion, I am convinced there are strong read the same material-ranging from

WASHINGTON ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULK RATE P.O. BOX 85786 U.S. POSTAGE SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98145 PAID SEATILE, WA FORWARDING AND RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED PERMIT ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED NO. 4402