December 1, March 31, 1974

Transcription

1 The Winter Season December 1, March 31, 1974 NORTHEASTERN MARITIME REGION /Davis W. Finch Mild conditions throughout New England and the Marltimes during late fall and early winter allowed many species to remain far beyond their usual departure or killoff dates, the phenomenon being perhaps most apparent in Nova Scotia and coastal southern New England. Weather later in the season returned to normal but nonetheless there were a number of cases of proven overwintering by marginally hardy species. Rough-legged Hawks. AIcids, Snowy Owls. Bohemian Waxwings and N. Shrikes occurred in low or moderate numbers. and winter finch distribution was complex and interesting. (EFA). Two more winter Greater Shearwaters in addition to those of recent years were a single bird seen from the "Princess of Acadia" in the Bay of Fundy Dec. 18 (RDE) and another seen Feb. 18 in the same area as the just mentioned 20,000 fulmars (VL). An interesting if inconclusive report was that of a Great Cormorant so white-headed as to suggesthe Old World race sinensis, studied at Gloucester, Mass.. Feb. 16 (RAC, RJO et al.). Single early winter Double-crested Cormorants were recorded on CBCs at Brier I., N.S., Dec. 20, N. Chatham, Mass., Dec. 29, and New Bedford, Mass.. Dec. 30. Certainly the most surprising bird on this year's CBCs was a female Magnificent Frigatebird discovered off Second Beach in Middletown, R.I.. Dec. 21 (LOG) and scrutinized the following day by other experienced ob- servers (TSG, RM). This was a fifth state record. and the latest ever in the Northeast, the only comparable record being a Nova Scotia specimen taken Dec. 5, Christmas Bird Counts--A total of 109 CBCs, 72 of them published in,4roerican Birds produced an aggregate list of 2 I0 species (just barely a record), three additional races and one additional form, with eight other species recorded during count week. HERONS--Indicative of the mild early winter were CBC totals of 149 Great Blue Herons on Cape Cod Dec. 29 and 73 Black-crowned Night Herons at Nantucket Dec. 30: of the latter, 23 survived the month of February (EFA). Five Cattle Egrets were found in the Region during December. singles in Nova Scotia at Annapolis Royal Dec. I (JBT)and Port Hebert Dec. 12 (RSW). and in Massachusetts, two emaciated and dying birds picked up on Nantucket Dec. 18 & 20 (EFA), and another present at Middleboro Dec (DWB et al.). More than any native heron these wandering birds seem to end up in "distress of weather": one found dead at Mr. Desert l., Me. during November had apparently choked on a tamarack cone (WCT). In Nova Scotia, an Am. Bittern attempting to winter on the Grand Pt6 near Wolfville was picked up in extremis Feb. 12. and revived in captivity (RWT). WATERFOWL--After the fall flight noted in the previous report, as many as eight Whistling Swans were present in the Region. Wintering birds were an adult at Monmouth, Kennebec Co., Me. from early January to at least Feb. 28 (Mrs. John Dudley et al., fide WCI), an adult and an immature in the Gloucester-Magnolia- Manchester area of Cape Ann, Mass. from Dec. 6 to at least Mar. 4 {v.o.), and an adult at Old Lyme, Conn. Jan. 26--Mar. 2 (WB). Single late or early migrants or wanderers appeared at Plum 1., Mass., Dec. 23 (WWH), at LOONS. TUBENOSES, CORMORANTS, FRI- GATEBIRD-An Arctic Loon was carefully studied with the two commoner species off Moonstone Beach in Matunuck, R.I., Dec. 29 (DLK et al.); "the ideal comparisons made this bird indisputable" (DW). Ferry route Acoaxet. Mass. Feb. 27--Mar. I0 (DLE, RE et al.), at counts of N. Fulmars included 49 in Cabot Strait Dec. 28 (DWF, RRH). 300 there Jan. 28 (AW) and 120 from the "Prince of Fundy" Mar. 6 (DBMcN), but these were eclipsed by an estimate of 20,000 seen from a research vessel about 180 mi. due east of Provincetown. Cape Cod, Feb. 18 (VL). A weak fulmar picked up on Nantucket Dec. 28 (SP) was maintained in captivity, on a diet of eels dipped in cod liver oil. until at least Apr. 13 Port Clyde, Knox Co., Me.. Mar. 13 (David Lowell,fide PB), and at S. Kingstown, R.l., Mar. 19 (RAC). At Rockport, Mass., the fresh remains of a Fulvous Tree Duck were salvaged from a cat on the surprising date of Feb. 27. and the head preserved (Richard Hale, fide RPE). The total of nine Blue-winged Teal on Regional CBCs was above average, and another index of the season's mildness; seven of these were found on four counts 610 American Birds, June 1974

2 in coastal Massachusetts, and single birds occurred farther north at Thomaston-Rockland, Me. and Glace Bay, N S. A Eur. Wigeon was shot at E. Petpeswick, N.S., Jan. 9 (fide IAMcL; specimen to National Museum of Canada), and in New England at least seven were present during the winter: in Massachusetts, one at E. Orleans from Dec. 29 through March, with a second bird there during the latter month (WRP et al.), one at Cohasset from Dec. I to at least Mar. 8 (ML et al.), one at Nantucket Mar (EFA), and in Rhode Island one at Warwick Dec. 8 (DW), and one, two or possibly three in the Cross Mills-Matunuck-Perryville area Dec. 29--Mar. 23 (DLK et al.) and finally one at Groton, Conn. Mar. 6 (WSG). A Canvasback was seen on the CBC at Sackville, N.B., Dec. 21 (ADS) and four others at Lunenburg, N.S., Feb. 24 (IAMcL); the species is rare at any season in the Maritimes. The only sizeable concentration of Barrow's Goldeneyes reported was that of 108 on the CBC at Dalhousie, N.B., where comparable numbers have been found in recent winters. In Nova Scotia, five at Pugwash Feb were noteworthy, the species being decidedly uncommon in the province (photographed; IAMcL, ST), and six inland at Errol in n. New Hampshire Mar. 18 were also of interest, representing a rather high count for the state and probably reflecting northward movement by the birds, since none had been present at this traditionalocality in midwinter (EWP, RWS et al.). Farther south, a minimum of 32 were reported this season from 11 areas in coastal Massachusetts. The Regional total of 66 Harlequin Ducks included small concentrations of 15 around Cape St Mary's, Nfld., Feb. 15 (JEM), 15 at Lockeport, N.S., Dec. 10 (RSW) and the usual flock at Magnolia, Mass. which gradually increased to 12 by Mar. 30 (Ed Morrier et al.,fide RPE). The seasoh's total of 26 in Nova Scotia was higher than usual, while a lone bird off Nashaquitsa cliffs at Martha's Vineyard Feb. 16 was the only sign of flocks which until recent years occurred regularly off the lsland's south shore (ARK, GGD et al.). Of about 42 King Eiders reported in the Region, 23 were found at 13 localities in coastal Massachusetts, and in the same state, three considerable gatherings of commoner sea ducks were 5000 Com.Goldeneyes in Newburyport harbor Mar. 24 (RAF, WRP), 12,000-15,000 Oldsquaws off Surfside, Nantucket Feb. 18 (EFA), and 2625 Redbreasted Mergansers in Buzzards Bay off the w. end of the Cape Cod Canal Dec. 15 (WRP). VULTURES, HAWKS, EAGLES--Table I, showing hawks and eagles recorded on this seasows CBCs, allows comparisons with results of the previous five years. An ad. Turkey Vulture well northeastward of the species' normal limits at any season was present around New Waterford, Cape Breton from Nov. 9 to Jan. l, when it was shot at a skinned beaver carcass (specimen to Acadia Univ. Museum; v.o., fide HEH). CBC figures this year showed a continued increase of Goshawks, and also indicated a rather poor year for Rough-legged Hawks, at least in New England, where totals since the 69th CBC have been An adult light phase SwainsoWs Hawk was seen on several occasions at Bridgewater, Mass. Jan. 24--Feb. 18, the detailed description noting a dark red upper breast, unmarked white underparts, plain back and upper wing surfaces, buffy wing-linings and dusky underside of flight feathers, banded tail, and harrier-like flight (DWB, CC, LBP) The seasoh's four Golden Eagles were single birds at Riverport, Lunenburg Co., N.S., Feb. 16 (ELM), m Massachusetts at Quabbin Reservoir Dec. 22-Jan. 30 (THG et al.) and at Salisbury Feb. 8-9 (RHS, RRV et al.), and in Rhode Island at Matunuck Jan. 26 (DLK, EAS et al.). The seasowsix Gyrfalcons were a dark bird at St. Anthony, Nfld., Jan. 1 (DWF, RRH), in New Brunswick one at Fredericton during CBC week, a dark bird at Riverview Jan. 17 (Dr. M. Majka), a "quite light" bird at Saint John Mar. 20 (DSC), in Nova Scotia a "silvery gray" bird at Broad Cove Feb. 9 (SJF, BH), and in Massachusetts a gray bird present from Nov. I I to at least Feb. 1 at Monomoy or nearby parts of the Cape (WWH et rnult. al.). Seven Peregrine Falcons, other than those of the CBCs, were two in Rhode Island, three in Massachusetts, one in Nova Scotia and one at St. John's East, Nfld., Mar , the species being especially uncommon there in winter (RCM et al., fide HJC). Of about 24 Merlins reported outside the CBC period, ten were in Massachusetts and the same number in Nova Scotia, about half of the latter in Cape Breton. RAILS, GALLINULES--A King Rail was found as far north as Ocean Park, Me., where it was studied in Goose Fare Creek Dec (DRD, GW et al.) and another was present Feb. 23--Mar. 9 at Plymouth, Mass., where the birds have been found before in recent winters (CAG, WRP et al.). In Nova Scotia, where the species is rather rare, a Clapper Rail was captured when found harassed by crows at Dartmouth Nov. 20 (to Nova Scotia Museum; Ray Melanson, fide PRD), and another was present at Crescent Beach, Lunenburg Co. Dec (Evelyn Dobson et rnult. al.). An imm. Purple Galho nule captured on a lawn in New Bedford, Mass., Dec 29 ultimately became a living part of a park rain forest display (JF), and two or more Corn. Gallinules apparently wintered at W. Harwich, Mass. (BN), as did another present at Nantucket from November to at least Apr. 13 (EFA). SHOREBIRDS--Two very late Semipalmated Plovers occurred in Nova Scotia, single birds at Brier I, Dec. 20 (RRA et al.) and at Louisbourg Dec. 29 (SL), and three late or wintering Piping Plovers were found in Massachusetts, two at Wareham Dec. 15 (WRP) and one at Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard Jan. 20 (MBH) A coastal storm in the third week of December apparently brought many Killdeers north, for unusual numbers were recorded on coastal CBCs: one in Newfoundland, 72 in Nova Scotia, 14 in New Brunswick, 20 in Maine, with such concentrations as 17 at Brier l., Dec. 20 and 23 at Cape Sable Dec. 30 (SS). An Am. Golden Plover at Scarborough, Me., Mar. 18 was presumably a very early spring migrant (RWS et al.). Three very late Spotted Sandpipers were single birds at Quidi Vidi L. in St John's, Nfld., Dec (HJC), at Framboise Cove, Cape Breton Jan. 1 (IMacG) and at Biddeford Pool, Me Dec (DA, KCE, CR et al.). Such unseasonable birds warrant careful inspection, since the similar Corn Sandpiper might conceivably occur here as a vagrant from Europe. Just beyond the w. edge of the Region, a Long-billed Dowitcher was caught by a cat in Post Mills, Vt., Dec. 26, surviving in captivity to Dec. 28 (LH, VH, specimen to Dartmouth College Museum); there are few inland records for n. New England, and the date was con- Volume 28, Number 3 611

3 Table 1 Numbers of Hawks and Eagles Reported on 109 Christmas Bird Counts Made in the Northeastern Maritime Region, * Goshawk Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper's Hawk Acclpiter sp Red-tailed Hawk Red-shouldered Hawk Rough-legged Hawk Golden Eagle I 0 - Bald Eagle Marsh Hawk Osprey Gyrfalcon Peregrine Falcon Falcon sp Merhn American Kestrel Hawk sp Number of CBCs: *As the similar tables of the last five years, excludes birds seen count period but not on count day. siderably later than any previously recorded for Vermont Six Semipalmated Sandpipers on the Cape Sable I CBC Dec. 16 were unusually late, as were seven at Nauset on the Cape Cod CBC Dec. 29 (MLG), and still later individuals were found at Chatham Jan. 6 and Barnstable Jan. 10 (VL). Other stragglers on the Cape were a W Sandpiper Dec. 29 and a Marbled Godwit present at Chatham Dec. 28--Jan. 24 (RAF, CAG et al.). SKUAS, GULLS, TERNS--From land, a Skua was seen off Andrews Pt., Cape Ann, Mass., Dec. 28 (CWL), and at sea, during a Feb cruise, "at least seven and probably eleven Skuas were found, most about I00 mi. s.e. of Nantucket but at least one about 180 mi. e of Nantucket" (VL). In addition, one was seen on the Scohan Shelf about 200 mi. s.e. of Halifax Jan. 30 (RGBB). The now much-observed Lesser Black-backed Gull at D gby, N.S. spent a fifth consecutive winter there, the yearhng Mew Gull noted in the previous report remamed at St. John's, Nlfd. until at least Dec. 26, and the Newburyport adult first observed in Jan was rediscovered Jan. 29 (MLG), remaining until at least Mar. 24 (RAF). Black-headed Gulls on CBCs in Atlantic Canada numbered II0 (of., 88, 282, 74, 72, 106 in the last five winters) and in New England 26 (cfi, 2, 24, 20, 9, 38) In Massachusetts, peak counts at traditional localities were I 1 at Newburyport (6 immatures mid-february, WCR, and five adults Mar. 2, RRV), 13 at Winthrop Dec 16 (RRV et al.), 17 in the Wollaston-Squantum area Jan 26 (DTB) (though these flocks assembling at opposite sides of Boston Harbor may coi tain some of the same birds), and in Rhode Island, 12 at Watchemoket Cove in E. Providence Mar. 12 (CW), the Newburyport and Rhode lsland birds not figuring on CBCs. In most, areas where observers conscientiously report these birds by age class, adults seem decidedly more numerous than yearlings, but evidence is far from complete The season's six Little Gulls were one at Nauset Dec. 29 (MLG), an adult and two immatures at Newburyport Jan.--Mar., one at Watchemoket Cove Mar. 9 (RB) and an immature at Old Lyme, Conn. Mar (WB). On the international CBC at Eastport-Campobello Dec. 22, Bill Townsend recorded a new North American high of 10,052 Black-legged Kittiwakes, and thought the actual number closer to 15,000. In Rhode Island, a late Caspian Tern was found at Moonstone Wildfowl Refuge Dec. 1 (DLK, FP). 612 Amencan Birds, June 1974

4 Glaucous and Iceland Gulls on CBCs in Atlantic Canada numbered 152 and 1807 (1:12), while figures for New England were 14 and 28 (1:2). Conclusions based on this informal early winter census are no doubt hazardous. but it seems safe to say that while invariably outnumhered by Icelands, Glaucous Gulls more closely approach a uniform distribution throughout the Region, wintering Icelands being heavily concentrated around open water in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Newfoundland and e. Nova Scotia, and probably fairly widely distributed at sea. The higher CBC totals of these species were 54 Glaucous Gulls and 485 Icoland Gulls at Shippegan I., N.B., and 454 Iceland Gulls at Glace Bay, N.S. In Massachusetts, Richard Forster and Wayne Petersen noted that Iceland Gulls occurring during stormy conditions at Plum I. are predominantly adults (cf, a 7:1 ratio of adults to iramatures among 46 birds there Feb. 19), while under normal conditions young birds constitute the distinct majority (cf, 18 there Mar. 24, no adults), facts suggesting a more pelagic distribution of the older birds. White-winged Dove, Lincolnville Beach, Maine. Dec. 20, Photo/Oliver Post. were recorded on 19 CBCs, the northeasternmost being 25 at St. John's. The Regional total of about 41 Snowy Owls was neither very high nor very low (cf., 15, 58, 108, 35 in the past four years). A slight increase of reports in ALClDS--Birders in New England saw very few al- Massachusetts during March may conceivably have recids this season: no Corn. Murres anywhere and more flected northward movement by the birds. A Snowy Owl at Martha's Vineyard Dec. 31, said to have dived and surprising, almost zero Dovekies. Only a single Dovekie was seen on the aforementioned Feb cruise, and in struck a jeep, survived as a wing-amputee in the Felix Newfoundland Howard Clase noted that the few birds Neck Wildlife Sanctuary (MBH). Six Hawk Owls occurred, in New Brunswick one on the Jemseg CBC and reaching the St. John's area in January were a month or more later than usual. There were, however, 500 at Brier another near Sussex Jan. 6 (PAP), in Nova Scotia two (together with 12 or more Short-eareds) at the Belleisle I., N.S., Dec. 20 (ELM elal) and 1246 in Cabot Strait Marsh near Bridgetown Jan. 7 (Calder Fraser, JBT, fide Dec. 28 (DWF, RRH). Razorbills seemed concentrated RDL), and in New Hampshire two at Pittsburg Nov. 14 in the w. Bay of Fundy, with CBC totals of 45, 83 and 107 (one recognizably photographed, Carl T. Carlson, Dougat Pt. Lepreau, Eastport-Campobello and Grand Man an, las Menzies. fide ARK). Hawk Owls in the Region in the respectively, but observers on the Nantucket CBC Dec. last five years have numbered 3, 2, I, 0, witnessed a flight of these birds northeastward past WOODPECKERS, FLYCATCHERS, SWALthe island's s.e. end, and counted 152 of what was prob- LOWS-Eight Red-bellied Woodpeckers wintering at ably a considerably greater number, that total tying the feeders in e. Massachusetts and Connecticut represented previous national high (SP, RRV et ag). The one real ala slight increase (cf., Regional totals of 8, 3, 0, 3, 2 in the cid extravaganza of the season was the CBC at Brier I., Dec. 20, when Ross Anderson and Eric Mills recorded all last five winters), and Red-headed Woodpeckers, following a sizeable fall flight, were also fairly numerous, a species except Razorbill, and the very high totals of total of 16 being reported in Nova Scotia (2), Maine (3), 20,000+ Thick-billed Murres and 500 Black Guillemots, Massachusetts (10) and Rhode Island (1) (cf, I, 5, 4 in both new CBC highs by wide margins. The murre total the last three winters). A late E. Kingbird was found at was in large part based on birds passing the island at the Falmouth, Mass., Dec. 8 (VL), and an even later one at rate of 100 per minute over a three-hour period, and as Markland, Yarmouth Co., N.S., Dec. 29 (DBK, MWH). Bob Lamberton has pointed out, the gale of the preced- Somewhat more routine were late W. Kingbirds at S. ing two days had probably swepthe birds into the Bay of Wellfleet, Mass., Dec. 5 (Wallace Bailey) and at Cape Fundy. Sable I., N.S., Dec. 16 (Jim Force, Viola Sperka et al.). A Great Crested Flycatcher was knowledgeably DOVES, OWLS--Of particular interest was a White- scrutinized at Mattapoisett, Mass., Dec. 15 (KSA, TLLwinged Dove frequenting a feeder in Lincolnville Beach, E et al.) and an E. Phoebe survived near a feeder at Liver- Me. Dec (photographed, Oliver Post). Unfor- pool, N.S. from Jan. l0 to at least Mar. 22, the first tunately for birders who might have seen it, it was written known case of overwintering in the province (Ralph off as an escape, but quite likely it was not, the birds Johnson et al.). A Barn Swallow, presumably one of being known to wander widely, and two having appeared those brought north by Tropical Storm Gilda in late in Connecticut and Long Island about this time. The October, remained around Charlottetown, P.E.I. from A.O.U. Check-list includes a single previous Maine re- Nov. 7 to sometime after Jan. I (AAMacL et al.), and cord. Mourning Doves, whose winter range continues to one at Plum I., Mass., Jan. 31 may also have survived expand northeastward, were particularly abundant and from late fall, though the odds against it seem considerwidespread this season in Atlantic Canada, where 117 able (HLJ et al.). Volume 28, Number 3 613

5 CORV1DS, PARIDS, NUTHATCHES, WRENS, THRUSHES--A Com. Raven closely observed with crows at Andrews Pt. in Rockport, Mass., Dec. 6 was seen to be banded (RAF, MLG). Ravens, slowly increasing in n. New England, have been occurring farther south in winter, and it seems probable that this was an authentically wild individual. Also in Massachusetts, the seasoh's highest count of Fish Crows around the W. Roxbury dump was 185 on Feb. 15 (Fred Atwood). A single Boreal Chickadee present Nov. 10--Mar. 9 at Plum I. and another at Green Hill, R.I., Feb. 16 (DW) were the only ones reported south of the species' breeding range. At least 31 Tufted Titmice were found in New Hampshire during the winter (HWP) and another was reported as far to the northeast as Bangor, Me. in late December (EJD). Red-breasted Nuthatches were widespread and fairly abundant in the Maritimes, and were recorded on about 80 percent of the CBCs in New England, more plentifully inland than along the s. coast. The northeasternmost Carolina Wren was a bird reported during CBC week at Mr. Desert I., and at W. Harwich, Mass. three Long-billed Marsh Wrens Mar. 19 (of 22 there during December) had probably overwintered (BN). The season's five Varied Thrushes were single birds as follows: at S Tamworth, N.H. from November to at least Mar. 9 (IAB, VVH et al.), at Hollis, N.H. from midwinter or earlier to at least Feb. 26 (Jean Trottier, fide HWP), at E Eliot, Me. from the last week of November to Mar. 31 (photographed, Ray Emery et al.), at Norton, Mass. Jan 24 (Mrs. Arnold Anderson, fide RPE), and at Billenca, Mass., Feb. 4-7 (Elizabeth. Durgin et al., fide RPE). Regional Varied Thrushes have numbered m the last five winters. WAXWINGS, SHRIKES--Bohemian Waxwings, varying numbers of which have been present in the Region in all but three winters since 1958, were represented by about 32 birds at six northerly localities: in New Brunswick, four at Saint John in late January (Ray Tanton) and two at Sackville Feb. 6-7 (Curtis Wood), in Maine, 15+ at Bethel during February (CKG) and one at E. Sullivan from February to Mar. 2 (Shaller, fide WCT), and in New Hampshire, two at Goffstown Feb 3 (HWP) and eight at Bethlehem Feb. 28--Mar. 3 (MLF). Northern Shrikes on Regional CBCs totaled 35, a mediocre season (cf., 36, 34, 76, 43, 88 in the past five winters). Six Loggerhead Shrikes were reported in coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and another, much farther north, was carefully observed on the CBC at Danforth, Me. WARBLERS--The mild conditions of early winter resulted in an unusual variety of late warblers. Briefly enumerated, excluding the hardier species, and in M assachusetts except as noted, these were: Black-and-whites at Sandwich Dec. 4, Needham Dec. 17 and Marshfield Dec. 29, Nashvilles at Little Compton, R.I., Dec. 25 and Woods Hole Dec. 29, N. Parula at Mahomet Dec. 20, Magnolia at Halifax, N.S., Dec. 23, Prairie at Orleans Dec 29, Ovenbird at Sandwich Feb , N. Waterthrushes at Concord Dec , Topsfield Jan. 6, and Perryville, R.I., Jan. 12, Wilson's Warblers at Fall River Dec 5-6 and Port Hebert, N.S., Dec. 12. ICTERIDS, TANAGERS--A late Bobolink at Grand Desert, Halifax Co., Dec was a second winter record for Nova Scotia (EHC, SJF, BH et al.). In the same province a Yellow-headed Blackbird remained at Louisbourg from Nov. 20 to late December (George Jackson, Frank Robertson), and another was present Dec. 3-9 at Portsmouth, R.I. (v.o.,fide RLF). In Massachusetts, W. Tanagers frequented feeders at Chatham Dec. 20--Jan. 27 (Virginia Saunders et al.) and at Rockport Dec. 23--Jan. 12 (HLJ et al.). WINTER FINCHES--In Newfoundland Evening Grosbeaks were more abundant in St. John's than in the last two or three winters, an estimated being present in the city (HJC), and in Cape Breton "unprecedented numbers" were present (SMacL). Elsewhere, however, the birds were apparently much less numerous than in recent years, though widespread, being recorded on 41 out of 45 CBCs in New England. Purple Finches were virtually absent from the n. part of the Region until about mid-february, when a modest but well defined influx occurred in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and e Maine. Pine Grosbeaks were extremely scarce everywhere throughouthe winter. A typical late-winter red- poll flight beginning about mid-february brought good numbers of these birds to New England, though apparently not to the Maritimes. The usual build-up of numbers occurred and the peak seems to have been a little later than usual, about Mar There may have been more Hoary Redpolls in proportion to the Commons than in recent flights, with reports of six individuals in Maine, ten in New Hampshire, 13 or so in Massachusetts and two or three in Rhode Island. Pine Siskins and both crossbills were widely but quite thinly distributed throughouthe Region, Red Crossbills being really abundant only at coastalocalities in s.e. New Eng- land. OTHER FR1NGILLIDS--After the pronounced northeastward movement of Cardinals noted in the previous report, many of these birds were present as winterers in areas where until recently they were scarce or absent. Numbers were markedly up throughout New Hampshire, Bernard Etzel reported 16 at 12 localities in the Farmington area of Maine, David Christie reported six in the Saint John area during January, and Charlie Allen carefully gathered data showing that at least 46 birds occurred in coastal s.w. Nova Scotia from Digby to Liverpool, most of them apparently surviving well. Single Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were present at feeders at St John's, Nfld., Jan (Don Barton), at Rockingham, Halifax Co., N.S., Dec. 22 (Coffill, fide PRD) and at Sullivan Harbor, Me. during January (Hills, fide WCT) An imm. male Black-headed Grosbeak was observed in N. Scituate, Mass., Mar (Beverly Litchfield et al, fide RPE), and a very unseasonable Indigo Bunting was found at Fredericton, N.B. during CBC week there. Fifteen Dickcissels were recorded on Regional CBCs (cf, 9, 54, 10, 7, 3 in the past five years). A Green-tailed Towhee at Scituate Nov. 25--Dec. 20 was a ninth Massachusetts record (Stanley Swaebe et al.). ERRATA---The previous report was marked by a number of typographical errors, some of them not selfcorrecting. The bottom line of column 2, page 111, belongs at the bottom of column 2, page 114. Page 114, col. 1, for "u. w. New England" reads "s. W. New England." Page 115, col. 1, for "Howard Chase" read "Howard Clase." Page 115, col. 2, for "N. Skaus" read "Skuas." Page 117, col. 1, concerning Gray King- 614 American Birds, June 1974

6 bird, read "second" for "first" (report for Atlantic Canada), and see addendum below. The captions under Manx Shearwater photographs (pp. ll5 and 135) erroneously imply a first A.O.U.-area nesting, and the Yellow-headed Blackbird photograph (p. 119) should not accompany this report. CORRIGENDUM--In the same report, the record of W. Tanager banded at Somesville, Me. should be deleted, photograph showing it to have been a young Scarlet Tanager. ADDENDUM--The previous Gray Kingbird record for e. Canada is that of a bird very carefully studied at Rothesay, N.B., Sept. 26, 1965 by David Christie (A.F.N. 20:11). SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface italic), contributors (boldface), observers and other abbreviations--dennis J. Abbott III, Charles R.K. Allen, Douglass Allen, Kathleen S. Anderson, R. Ross Anderson, Edith F. Andrews, Isabel A. Behr, Richard Bowen, Robert A. Bradley, Dorothy W. Briggs, David T. Brown, Richard G.B. Brown, Porge Buck, William Burt, David S. Christie, Howard J. Ciase, Robert A. Conway, Eric H. Cooke, Charlotte Corwin, Peter A. Cross, Louise D. Daley, Severyn S. Dana, Edward J. Danforth, George G. Daniels, Mabeile Davenport, Robert C. Dewire, Phyllis R. Dobson, Doris R. Downing, Kimball C. Elkins, David L. Emerson, Robert Emerson, William S. Emerson, Ruth P. Emery, Josephine Fernandez, Richard L. Ferren, Davis W. Finch, Eugene D. Finch, Richard A. Forster, Marion L. Fuller, Sylvia J. Fullerton, Thomas H. Gagnon, T. Scott Gamwell, Murray L. Gardler, Lee O. Gardner, William S. Gaunya, MLGi, Muriei L. Gillis, Carl A. Goodrich III, Celia K. Gorman, Michel Gossefin, Barbara M. Grace, Charles R. Graham, Marian B. Hancock, Winthrop W. Harrington, Vera H. Hebert, Charles F. Hills, Marion W. Hilton, Barbara Hinds, Peter R. Hope, Hedley E. Hopkins, R. Richard Howie, Lennox Hoyt, Vicki Hoyt, H. Lawrence Jodrey, Gordon J. Johnson, Allan R. Keith, Dorothy B. Kirk, Douglas L. Kraus, Robert D. Lamberton, Edward B. Lang, Vernon Laux, Christopher W. Leahy, Myron Litchfield, Trevor L. Lloyd- Evans, Simon Lunn, lan MacGregor, Robert Maclachlin, A. Angus MacLean, Sara MacLean, Lloyd B. Macpherson, Diann MacRae, John E. Maunder, Ian A. McLaren, Douglas B. McNair, R. Carman Mews, Anne Mills, Eric L. Mills, Blair Nikula, Robert J. O'Hara, Helen W. Parker, Peter A. Pearce, Simon Perkins, Frances Perry, Wayne R. Petersen, Elisabeth W. Phinney, Louise B. Pratt, Chandler Robbins Jr., Leif J. Robinson, Wiliiam C. Russell, EIoise A. Saunders, Robert W. Smart, Allan D. Smith, Sidney Smith, Francis Spalding, Robert H. Stymeist, Joseph L. Suchecki, J. B. Ternan, Stuart Tingley, William C. Townsend, Robie W. Tufts, Richard R. Veit, Dallas Wait, Genevieve Webb, David R. Whittier, Ralph S. Widrig, Charles Wood, Alan Wormington; v.o., various observers--davis W. FINCH, 240 W. 98 St., Apt. 11-C. New York, N.Y HUDSON-ST. LAWRENCE REGION / P.A. Buckley and Richard P. Kane The mild, unfrozen and relatively snow-free winter typified by and '72-'73 was not manifesto an extreme degree in '73-'74, although generally speaking it was mild, open and there was less snow than in the historic past. For New York City, the winter was 4.5 ø F warmer than the mean of 33.7, and only 18.9 inches of snow fell, vs. a mean of The deceptively mild weather was interrupted with a vengeance several times during the winter, especially in mid-january when ice-glaze atop snow caused problems for birds and birders alike, and in mid-march, when, as Carleton characterized it in the Adirondacks, "somebody [having] declared spring officially here, a 10-in. snowfall Mar. 21 was followed by a drop to 5 ø on the 25th, -3 ø on the 29th, with -5 ø at Lewis" a few miles away. Weather-induced reversed migration of many diurnal species was commonly reported, and several observers, commenting on the numbers of birds surging to feeding stations for almost the first time in the entire winter, wondered if early migrants, especially insectivores like phoebe and Tree Swallow, might not be hard hit. They bear watching during the breeding season. Pronounced warm spells and accompanying southern air flows produced numerous early reports of Turkey Vultures north in New England and New York. Avian notabilia this winter included a great many record late dates for passetines in December, followed by more than usual wintering attempts by normally half-hardy birds, both land (Merlin, sapsucker, bluebird, Ruby-crowned Kinglet) and water/marsh {snipe, several species of rail, Blue-winged Teal, various grebes, ducks and gulls inland). Generally "southern" birds such as Carolina Wrens, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Mourning Doves, and Cardinals either extended their winter ranges northward, or wintered in greater numbers than usual. Probably more western vagrants appeared, usually at feeders, than in recent : Trois Pist?l Rivlere du up Volume 28, Number 3 615

7 years, although "Oregon" juncos were very scarce, probably owing to sparse snow and the resulting low number of feeder birds this winter. Winter finches were wildly erratic, the only common demoninator being the February incursion of redpolls, with more reports of Hoanes than ever before. Raptors were also variable: Rough-leggeds were generally down and it was not a Snowy Owl year, but Qu6bec was blessed with a Great Gray Owl invasion. European gulls were more numerous coastally than in many years, and a widespread Lapland-only longspur invasion occurred in January - February. Waterfowl were generally well up, and most gratifymg were the coastal Brant counts: for the entire East Coast, an estimated 88,000 (up 109% from last year's nadir) included a heartening 60% yearlings. Snow Geese showed an increase almost as dramatic. Both eiders were seen in some of their best numbers ever, happily continuing a recent trend. Declining species still include Peregrine, with almost none reported this winter. Cooper's Hawk continues its plummet, as Goshawk continues its concomitant (related?) increase. Alarmingly low numbers of coastal Horned Grebes might indicate trouble, or could be only a warm weather manifestation with large numbers remaining on the (mid-?) Great Lakes. Extreme rarities this season included belated autumn reports of a Wood Stork and a Cinnamon Teal, and more seasonal types as Barnacle Goose, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, an Ivory Gull, Hawk Owls, White-winged Doves and an Ash-throated Flycatcher. LOONS THROUGH WADING BIRDS -- Unusual inland was a Red-throated Loon on the Hudson R. at Cornwall Bay, Orange Co., Dec. 22 (JT). Coastally, numbers of both species were down this winter. Several inland Horned Grebes, including one at Sylvan L., N Y, Dec. 29 (R.T.W.B.C.), were probably not yet frozen out, although the usual coastal influx in midwinter did not occur this year. The only Eared Grebe was old reliable at Jamaica Bay, Dec. l- 16 (m.mb.), and the only W. Grebe, a far greater rarity in our Region, was found on the New Haven CBC Dec. 15 (m.ob). Many more Red-necked Grebes were found than in recent years, including several from Long Island Sound and even two on L. Champlain Dec. 15 (GC). One spent the entire winter in Fire I. Inlet, L.I., disappearing, of course, the day of the Captree CBC, but returning nnmediately thereafter, and assuming nuptial plumage in late March. One and perhaps two Double-crested Cormorants wintered at Shinnecock Inlet, L.I. (GSR, HM et al.); one at C6te Ste. Catherine, P.Q. Dec. 15 (fide MM) was unexpected. However, this species seems to be not so rare in winter on L.I. as in years past. Great Cormorant occurred in good numbers on w. L.I. Sound, perhaps off-shoots from the vast (400+) flock that is now known to winter on Fort Gardiner, just off the tip of Gardiner' s I., L.I. A helicopter flight over the New York Bay area unexpectedly revealed some 50+, mostly in breeding plumage, on Hoffman and Swinburne Is. Mar. 6 (PAB). How some Great Blue Herons survive cold winters is shown by one that ate acorns on the shore of Schroon L in the Adirondacks the first week in December (JB). A Green Heron on the Montauk CBC Dec. 15 was that count's first, but it is now recorded almost every winter on Long Island. The first returning Little Blue Heron was at Tobay Pond Mar. 3 l (RKe), two weeks after the first Great Egrets on both Long Island and Connecticut Probably nine Snowy Egrets wintered in the Jones Beach area, as did two on the Hackensack, N J meadows (DS). The first returning Glossy Ibis were at J.B.W.R. Mar. 23 (ED et al.); each spring brings a new record early arrival, and each fall a new record late departure. An astounding belated report is that of a Wood Stork that appeared Oct , 1973 on Staten I., N Y (Gloria Deppe,fide R. Clermont). The full description received left no doubt about the identification. This is the first New York area occurrence since 1962, and might be associated with the Anhinga that appeared at Chincoteague N.W.R., Va. Oct. 7-8, 1973 (see AB, 28 33). WATERFOWL -- Record numbers of Whistling Swans left over from last fall's invasion occurred in the region this winter. Probably wintered on Long Island, at least one on coastal Connecticut (NSP), and possibly three on Oneida L., N.Y. (PDeB et al.). This seems to be a trend of recent years. About 3000 Canada Gees e normally winter on the wheat and rye fields in the Bridgehampton, L.I. area, and they are regularly joined by migrants in season. This year, the migrants brought with them an exceedingly wary and very difficult-to-see Barnacle Goose, found Mar. 17 (JA) and seen only until the 21st (THD, PAB, ROPetparv. al.). This may be the first Long Island record since the '30s. Associated with the Canada flock were 30 blue phase Snow Geese, one of the highest area counts for that race (all blue phase birds are hyperborea, the old "Lesser" Snow Goose) One wonders if that race has undergone distributional changes associated with the replacement of the white phase by blues, or whether it was always a regular migrant along the East Coast, merely overlooked among the virtually identical "Greater" Snow Geese We suspect the latter. As usual, about 4-5 drake Eur. Wigeon wintered on Long Island, but no others were reported. A c Eurasian Green-winged Teal at Lawrence, L.I., was the only one reported (HM). Up to a dozen Blue-winged Teal, far more than usual, were found at widely scattered localities, some apparently surviving. Another astonishing belated report is that of an ad. c Cinnamon Teal seen at Tunkhannock, Pa. Aug. 22 by W. & T Reid; a full description was forwarded. This seemingly out-of-season occurrence should be viewed in the light of another (same?) male reported Aug. 15 in n.w. New York (AB, 28:50). As many teal move in August when males are not in their highest plumage, this species might be routinely overlooked in the East. More Wood Duck than usual wintered, including 30+ in Great Swamp N.W.R., N.J. (DJ) and one even survived the entire winter in far-north Essex, N.Y. (JMCP). The only Tufted Duck was the male in the East R, under the Triborough Bridge, N.Y.C., first seen this year Jan. 6 (JAM) and remaining at least to Feb 17 (THD et al.). North America's southernmost Barrow's Goldeneye returned for the fifth consecutive winter to 616 American Birds, June 1974

8 Shark River, N.J. Jan. 13 and remained through March (mob). In upstate New York, where generally considered quite rare, a male was displaying on Little Sodus Bay, Mar. 9 (FGS). On Jan. 4-5 two single flocks along the n. shore of the St. Lawrence R. comprised 80 and 120, respectively (MM et al.). Harlequin Ducks were rather rare coastally this winter: only one was reported all season on Long Island, and there was only one report, of two, from the New Jersey coast, at Deal Dec. 7 (BM, RC). Far more unusual was a female Dec. 2 at Nine Mile Pt., on the Oswego Co., N.Y. shore of L. Ontario (PDeB, FGS, MSR). Common Eiders were widespread coastally, occurring in such unlikely locations as J.B.W.R. from Jan Mar. 2 (m.ob) and Great Kills, S.I., Feb. 24 (HM). These are almost the only N.Y.C. region reports for Corn. Eider away from the ocean front, aside from single females seen at Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx in November 1952 and 1953 At Montauk Pt., up to several hundred, including flocks ofad. males, appeared in late January and February (m.ob.) King Eiders were thinly but widely distributed, from Oswego, N.Y. where four wintered (PDeB et al ) to L.I. Sound (e.g., a female Jan. 3 at Branford, Conn. (NSP)). Common Mergansers continue to be exceedingly rare, except during migration on n. New Jersey reservoirs where March counts of 250+ per lake are normal and where occasionally -- as at Wanaque Res -- counts of are noted (RK). area of 200+, possibly even as high as 400 (JAM, PT) One at C te Ste. Catherine, P.Q., on the CBC Dec. 15 RAPTORS, SHOREBIRDS -- Goshawks were was exceedir gly unusual. An almost record late Baird's widespread over virtually the entire region, coastally Sandpiper was at Sagaponack, L.I. Nov. 23 (PAB, and inland, from the beginning to the end of the period; ROP) with an equally late White-rumped. Definitely a adults as well as immatures were seen and most ob- record late date was Dec. 30 for three Long-billed Dowservers commented on the species' unusual abundance. itchers at Tobay Pond on the S. Nassau CBC, subse- Several wintered in such apparently unlikely locations quently seen there up to at least Jan. 12; the previous as J B.W.R. and Jones Beach, and were even seen in late date was of one at J.B.W.R. Dec. 26, 1959 (PAB, several N.Y.C. parks. Cooper's Hawks were virtually RGF). Specific identification was made by voice. Winunreported, and Sharp-shinneds almost so. Except for tering Dunlin counts for the Fire I. Inlet area peaked at upstate inland, where they are regular, this was a far-off 5000 Mar. 2 (DWF, AJL), and the leucino at J.B.W R year for Rough-leggeds, many CBCs missing or almost last fall was still there Jan. 2 (JDC). missing the species. Red-shouldereds continue very scarce, but most heartening was the pair nesting in N Y.C. in the N.Y. Botanical Gardens: probably the GULLS, SKIMMERS, ALCIDS -- Both whitefirst N.Y.C. breeding in several years. Leucistic (non- winged gulls were present in more-or-less normal numpink-eyed, white or partially white) Red-taileds were bers throughouthe region, but not of the same order of reported from two locations: one wintered for the sec- magnitude as the mixed flock of 400+ Glaucous/Iceland ond year in the Lebanon Valley of N.Y., and was nest- Gulls seen at Godbout, P.Q. Jan. 4-5 (MM et al.). building in late March (RJG), and another wintered for Lesser Black-backed Gulls present no such problems, the third year in the Litchfield, Conn. area (MH). Pos- especially when adult. And adult they were, all of them sibly they have a common recent ancestors. The only Golden Eagles reported for certain were two that wintered at Quabbin Res., Mass. (B.N.W.M.). Several large wintering Bald Eagle aggregations were found, including one of 19 in Sullivan Co., N.Y. (m.ob.), reminiscent of the counts from Croton Pt. on the Hudson R in the early '50s. Late Ospreys included singles on Dec 14 at Laurel Res., Conn. (DH) and on the Greenwlch, Conn. CBC Dec. 16 (DG, PS). The only Gyrfalcons came from Quebec: one (prob.), Nun's I. in February (fide MM) and one, C6te Ste. Catherine, Mar. 9 (JS, MM et al.), both dark; and one, light grey, at Rlmouski Dec. l (P.Q.S.P.B.). Merlins were widely reported, including one as far north as Ste. Hyacinthe, P Q Jan. 7 (P.Q.S.P.B.), now a normal winter situa- tion. The half-dozen non-lingering Peregrines were scattered from the coast to Montreal. No King Rails were reported, but the few Soras (very rare in winter) and the almost abundant Virginias -- even as far north as Luskville, P.Q. Mar. 23 (fide MM) -- resulted from the mild winter and open water. Similarly Corn. Gallinules wintered at Lawrence, L.I., at least to late December at J.B.W.R. and a minimum of 20 overwintered in the Hackensack Meadows, ten of them on the site of the proposed sports complex (DS). Returning Am. Oystercatchers sef record arriv/tl dates Mar. 10 at both Captree and Shinnecock Inlet, L.I. (BC; D&MLP). However, these dates nearly parallel those of the Tuckerton, N.J. birds when, during the '40s & '50s, they formed the species' northernmost breeding population. Up to three Semipalmated Plovers wintered at Jones Beach, one of the very few -- possibly the first -- Long Island overwinterings (AW, SS). Arriving Killdeer in the Adirondacks peaked at a local record maximum of 50 at Essex Mar. 24 (JMCP) An unprecedented mid-winter Am. Golden Plover was carefully described from Jones Beach Feb. 3 (AW, SS), and more Ruddy Turnstones at least attempted coastal winterings this year, continuing a recent trend; a flock of 40+ did overwinter on Staten I. (m.ob.). Two returning Pectoral Sandpipers at Mecox Bay Mar. 2 were also a local record early arrival (JA). Maximum Purple Sandpiper counts from Great Kills, S.I., were in the It's not certain just how many were active in the N.Y.C area this winter, but the reports fell as follows: at Montauk Pt., one Dec. 16 (fide DP); two, side-by-side, Dec 22 (DP et mult. al.), one Dec. 30 at Hither Hills S P some 10 mi. west (R. Boardman). In the Bronx: almost adult at Jerome Res., Dec. 23 (PAB, WS); a different adult the same day at Hillview Res. (PAB); yet a third adult at Jerome Res., Dec. 25 (PAB, FGB). Word went out on the Rare Bird Alert [ ] and many persons saw, many did not see, one or more Lessers at Jerome Res. until at least Jan. 19. On Dec. 29, one was seen at nearby Pelham Bay Park at 1l a.m. while one was seen back at Jerome Res. at l p.m., but by different observers. It is known that the gulls washing/drinking at Jerome and Hillview Res. feed on the Pelham Bay Volume 28, Number 3 617

9 dump. The not-quite-adulthat started it all was seen only once, and the final fillip is provided by one seen at J B W.R., also on Jan. 19 (JA). Those birds are known to feed on the local Pennsylvania Ave. dumps along Jamaica Bay. Probable total: a minimum of six, perhaps as many as ten. And this includes no reports from either Staten I. or the Hackensack Meadows dumps, the species' preferred location in the N.Y.C. region, at least prior to this year..s.a.. Despite, as PAB has pointed out on several occasions in this journal, the apparent nonexistence of any publications outlining the morphological limits of Thayer's Gull even in adult plumage -- let alone juvenile and immature stages -- based on specimens raised in captivity and of known parentage (a sine qua non for certitude in this notoriously difficult group about which even specialists still argue), some observers have been blithely identifying all age classes of thayeri, including even specimens, and publishing their results. Last fall, with appropriate caveats, this column published a report of a juvenile Thayer's Gull from the Syracuse area (AB, 28: 30), little realizing the floodgates were being thereby opened. We now find the following reports from that area this past winter, all of non-adults: two, Dec. 23, (FGS, MSR), and one, Jan. 6 Oswego R. (FGS, PDeB) plus one, Feb. 3, Minetto, N.Y. (FGS, PDeB). There is no doubt that this bird looks different from white-wingeds and Herrings as we know them; it might be, indeed probably is, Thayer's Gull. Unfortunately there is no standard against which the identification might be measured. A very high Ring-billed Gull count was in Central Park, N.Y.C., Feb. 16 (HM); a winter flock of 150+ Laughing Gulls at Caven Pt., N.J. (GT) was unique to the N.Y.C. region. Up to 5000 Bonaparte's Gulls frequented the Jones and Fire I. Inlet areas this winter, and up to 17 lingered on L. Champlain until mid- December (JMCP); 40 migrants "dropped out of the sky" onto Spruce Run Res. in N.J. Mar. 24 (RK). There was a good sprinkling of Little Gulls coastally from Staten I. to Fire I. Inlet, with probable maxima of 3-5 at both places, singles elsewhere (m. ob). Black-headed Gulls were equally well-spread, the maximum being six at Caren Pt., N.J. Dec. 16 (GT). A puzzlingly darkprimatied sub-adult, with the beginnings of a brown hood, was found at Jerome Res. for the second Bronx record Dec. 23 (PAB, WS). It was seen many times after that, until at least Mar. 2 (PAB, FGB). Several alert observers suspected the possibility of a Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus), owing to the dark primaries, but it proved to be only a Black-headed. Those unfamiliar with the former species, as-yet unrecorded from North America, might refer to several recent articles with excellent photos, including one in color, in British Birds. Mediterranean Gull is a possibility that should be looked for on this side of the ocean. Goodly numbers ofkittiwakes were reported coastally, but one at Massena, N.Y. Nov Dec. 1 (JvR) was unusual. Inadvertently omitted from last fall's column were an immature at Mecox Bay Aug. 26 (DE), and a juvenile Black-headed Gull at Oak Beach, L.I., Aug 15 (PAB, JSG, DK). Rarest of all was the almost-adult Ivory Gull at Rimouski, P.Q. Dec. 29 (MG). Black Skimmers are not normal winter fare in this region, but in the space of two days we find four re- ports, possibly involving the same bird: Dec. 29, Allenhurst, N.J. (RKetal.), same day, J.B.W.R. (JA, EDet al.); Dec. 30, Jones Inlet (PL, JM et al.), same day, Democrat Pt., Fire I. (D&MLP). It was not an especially good year for alcids along the coast; in particular, Dovekies were absent. A scattenng of Razorbills, including one on Quabbin Res. in w Massachusetts Nov. 4 (D. Snoeyenbos), was augmented by single Black Guillemots reported from Montauk Dec. 8 (PAB) & Jan. 12 (Ed, GSR et al ) OWLS -- Snowy Owls were in very low numbers throughout the entire region: most CBCs missed them and even Long Island had only one reliable record, at Jones Beach through January to early March (mob) Eleven Hawk Owls included only two outside P.Q., one that spent the winter at Vernon, N.Y. was seen by many. Typically quite approachable, one at St. Eduard de Maskinonge, P.Q. "became so tame it eventually took mice from the hand and frustrated a photographer by roosting on [his] camera on [its] tripod" (MM) Barred Owls, decreasing over much of the region, seem to be still holding their own at Great Swamp N.W R, N.J. where up to five pairs were on territory (DJ). Up to ten Great Grey Owls were in the accessible portions of P.Q. this winter(fide MM; P.Q.S.P.B.) including three on Ile Bouchard Feb. 9 - Mar. 3. Unconfirmed, undetailed reports were received from December for Colrain, Conway and Northfield, Mass. (B.N.W.M.) The low numbers of wintering Short-eared Owls from the New York area might be explained by record high numbers from P.Q. Five Boreal Owls were all Canadian, one was at Ile Bouchard Feb. 9 with three Great Grays t DOVES, WOODPECKERS -- Two White-winged Doves in the region in the space of as many weeks had many observers frantically trying to track them down The first, was at Milford Pt., Conn. at least from Nov 23 (RE, DH) - 25 (NSP), although possibly from the 18th (KG). Regretably, word was not sent out until two weeks later. However, word of one at Riis Park, L I, Dec. 8 (GR, BH, ES, ED et al.) went out immediately and the bird was never seen again. This was the second state bird, the previous having been collected in 1929, also in late November; it was the most eastern race, asiatica, which has wandered northeast several times Rather more Red-headed Woodpeckers wintered, or attempted to, in the s. parts of the region, than in many years. Perhaps this now rare but formerly uncommon bird will regain that status again. Likewise, many more sapsuckers wintered this year than in the past, although this too seems a recurring event. One at Westport in the Adirondacks Mar. 20 might have wintered locally (JMCP). A puzzling abnormal Hairy Woodpecker (9) with a barred back, a solid black crown and four toes was at Stockbridge, Mass. from Jan. 8 on (B.N.W M ) Perhaps more likely some sort of hybrid, the bird ought 618 American Birds, June 1974

10 to have been collected and made available to specialists for the anatomical examination that often sheds important hght on evolutionary relationships. FLYCATCHERS THROUGH THRUSHES -- At least one W. Kingbird remained at Montauk Pt. until Dec 3 (m.ob.). It has become an annual guessin game to see how late they (often two or three) will stay and yet still be able to safely depart before the Montauk CBC The N.Y.C. area's second Ash-throated Flycatcher in three years appeared at Ridge, L.I. Dec. 1 (JR), was seen only by a few local observers as word was not spread, and was finally collected Dec. 5 for the first N.Y.S. specimen (WEL). Warm weather in late February - early March brought early E. Phoebes, includlng one Mar. 4, in Brooklyn. (JDC). A record early amval date for Rough-winged Swallows was one with 30 Tree Swallows at Bridgehampton, L.I. Mar. 24 (HM et al ). Two hundred Com. Crows wintered at the Chlcoutini, P.Q., dump (P. Q. S. P.B.) and pro bably the largest regional Fish Crow roost comprising a minimum of 100, perhaps several times that, was found on the grounds of the Northport Veteran's Hospital, L.I. (PAB). At least four extralimital Gray Jays occurred this winter, including one through the period in Littleton, N.H. (fide HWP), one Dec. 22 at Pelham, Mass. (JSz), one each at Savon and Mill R., Mass., also in late November (B.N.W.M.). Is Gray Jay extending its range southward? Tufted Titmice are certainly still extending their range northward: several wintered at Westport, N.Y. feeders (JMCP) as did one in Vergennes, Vt. (BPG). One hopes that Carolina Wren is staglng a comeback; increased hardiness at least is suggested by overwinterings at Port Henry, N.Y. (GC et at ), Bristol, N.H. (VSW, DWF et al.), Hudson, P.Q. (MM et at.) and by ten on the Boonton, N.J. CBC Goodrich notes that "with the steady attrition of farms in the Berkshires year by year, Horned Larks are becoming rarer and rarer." This is certainly quite the o9posite to the coastal situation, but is it generally true over most inland portions of the region? A late Wood Thrush was in Westhampton, Mass. Dec. 15 (RLaF) and a Varied Thrush spent almost the entire period at a Colrain, Mass., feeder (MO'B, B.N.W.M.). Reported virtually annually now, usually several are seen during most winters. GNATCATCHERS THROUGH WARBLERS -- Late Blue-gray Gnatcatchers from e. Long Island included one dead at Montauk Nov. 11 (MB et al.) and one alive at Easthampton Dec. 2 (JA). Very few Bohemian Waxwings were seen this winter, all from the extreme n. part of the region. Northern Shrikes were in average or low numbers throughouthe entire region, except for a few inland locations reporting better than average numbers. Four Loggerheads were reported, average or even low; as usual, most were coastal. A late Sohtary Vireo was in Queens Co., Dec. 15 (Arthur Wagner). Late warblers included N. Parula Nov. 10 at Montauk (MB et al.), Orange-crowned Dec. 29 at Eatontown, N.J. (PWS et al.), Nashville Dec. 26 at Mastic, L.I. (WF, CN), Black-throated Green Nov. 17 at Pois Park (L.L.A.S.) and Dec. 1 at W. Orange, N.J. (E Koenig), Cape May Dec. 17 at W. Hartford, Conn. (PJD), Prairie Dec. 15 at Gilgo Beach, L.I. (RWS et al ), Ovenbird Nov. 25 at Port Washington, L.I. (J Lamoureux), Yellow-breasted Chat through Jan. 11 in a small 'vest-pocket park' atop a downtown Brooklyn garage,living on seed and suet (J. Porter Reilly), and a Wilson's Nov. 10 at Montauk (JL, AE). HOUSE SPARROWS, ICTERIDS, TANAGERS -- An almost fully black House Sparrow wintered in Williamstown, Mass. (B.N.W.M.). N. (Baltimore) Orioles were numerous at widely scattered feeders this winter, including a flock of nine through January in E Meadow, L.I. (H. Hopping, R. Wolk et al.). The only "Bullock' s" reported was a young male in Shelburne, Mass. Jan (B.N.W.M.). An extraseasonal Bobolink on the CBC at Troy Meadows, N.J. (WW, HR, TK) recalls one on the Lower Hudson CBC Dec 27, 1970 (see AB, 25: 101). A freshly dead c Scarlet Tanager was found near Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx Dec. 3 (Cass Gallagher; spec to A.M.N.H.). WINTER FINCHES -- Evening Grosbeaks were widely distributed, thinly to the south, especially coastally, but in moderate numbers in the Adirondacks and Canada. B. Peterson feels they come to feeders only when natural foods are unavailable, and thus in warmer and more open winters might seem less abundant than they actually are; we suspec this assessment is quite accurate. Purple Finches continue to be so scarce (except in n. New Jersey) that many observers no longer remember them as winter finches. There seems a good inverse relationship between House and Purple Finch numbers, and House continues to expand dramatically: most CBCs are still getting record high numbers each new year. Migration pattern seem to be developing elsewhere as they have in the N.Y.C. region; for example, Yunick banded 100+ in Schenectady through the fall, but most were gone by late December Elsew here, Springfield recorded some 320 on their CBC, and one even reached Chariestown, N.H. Feb 24 (fide HWP). No more than a half-dozen Pine Grosbeaks were reported in the entire region, except for the Qutbec City area where they were "common" (P.Q.S.P.B.). Both crossbills, Pine Siskins and Am Goldfinches were thinly and widely scattered, with no significant aggregations except from the Jones Beach, L.I. area where Red Crossbills and over 1000 siskins (in one flo.ck) were seen in the first half of January (HM, AJL, THD et al.); early March in the same area saw up to 200 Whiteowingeds (PAB et al ) The winter finch feature this year was unqualifiedly the Corn. Redpoll invasion that began in late January in the Adirondacks (JMCP), and in fits and starts percolated south to the coast where it arrived en masse about Feb. 9 at Fire I. (DBF), and at most other points in the region more or less the same time. Record high inland counts of several hundred came from many areas Yunick banded 478 in March in Schenectady. The largest concentration, between was at the extreme w. end of Fire I., where the birds fed quietly in black pines planted at Robert Moses S. P.; Ford banded over 700 through the end of February. Virtually all were gone by Mar. 10. Perversely, while there were several pale, suspicious birds in this flock, no one was able to Volume 28, Number 3 619

11 nail down a Hoary Redpoll. It's likely to be a long time before we get another chance like this, as inland, Hoaries were figuratively everywhere. The maximum was 35 seen with hundreds of Commons in January 100 mi. north 9fLac St. Jean, P.Q., and "many" were seen in s. Quebec in March (MG, P.Q.S.P.B.). In the Montreal area, ten or eleven were with small groups of Commons. In the Adirondacks, carefully described Hoaries, some photographed at point-blank range, were seen as follows: female at Moriah Feb. 27 (T. Norman Mason); female at Essex Mar. 1-6; two other females at the same Essex feeder Mar (JMCP, EP); one at Elizabethtown Mar. 21; three at Elizabethtown Mar (GC) one at Willsboro Mar. 22 (GC, JMCP), four at OImsteadville Mar. 20 (MK); one at Schroon Lake Mar. 21 (.lb); four at Moriah, Mar. 24 (MV); one at Moriah, Mar. 24 (TNM) and three at Elizabethtown, Mar Apr. 14 (GC). In nearby Vermont, Norse had a male at his S. Londonderry feeder Apr In Schenectady, Yunick banded one Mar. 3, and a second Mar. 9 that remained until the 29th, with a possible hybrid. Another was carefully described at a feeder in Franklin Lakes, N.J. Feb (KA et al.). This is the fifth N.Y.C. region record, two previous birds seen during the record 1960 flight never having been published before: an adult male at Riis Park Mar. 13 (WJN) and an adult female at a Riverdale feeder Mar (PAB). Several reports from Circleville, Orange Co., N.Y. while possibly correct, lacked descriptions and so must be regarded as tentative: a female at a feeder all February (JT), female at another feeder Feb Mar. 9 (L. van Etten, M. Earl), and a male, at the same feeder Mar. 31 (anon.) Identification of Hoary Redpolls in reasonably good plumage if seen well is not difficult, despite some published misgivings. There is hybridization at some places in the two forms' holarctic range, and indeed there are museum specimens not safely assignable to either form. But a large, pale ("frosty" is often used by observers), blunt-billed, pure white-rumped redpoll with a streakless crissum is likely a Hoary. J.M.C. Peterson also called attention to the curious "pantaloon" effect of fluffy thigh feathering on several seen in the Adirondacks, as well as to their handy habit of not coveting their rumps with their folded wing tips -- possibly very useful field marks. Hoa: Redport. "pantaloons" and white rump. Photo/J.M.C. Peter- son. FINCHES, SPARROWS -- A winter, northward irruption of Cardinals into the Adirondacks (JMCP), New Hampshire (HWP), Vermont (BPG, BBP) and even Qu6bec (MM; P.Q.S.P.B.) was unexpected and of major proportions. Macintosh notes that "many new members joined the P.Q.S.P.B. as a result of reporting these brilliant birds." Rose-breasted Grosbeaks at feeders included a female in Phillipsburg, P.Q.. around the end of the year (fide MM); two males in Housatonic and Clayton, Mass., respectively, in late November (B.N.W.M.) and another male in early Decemher in Great Barrington, Mass. (B.N.W.M.). The only Black-headed Grosbeaks were a male Dec. 8 at Scarsdale. N.Y. (J. Moyle) and a female through the period in Falls, Penna. (WR et al.), both at feeders. Only one Dickcissel was seen, Jan. 6, Dutchess Hill, N.Y. (Alice Jones) but two Lark Sparrows --very rare in winter -- were: one singing, Dec. 15, at Babylon, L.I. (Captree CBC) and one at S. Amherst, Mass. Jan. 20 to the end of February (B.N.W.M.). The only "Oregon" Junco was a male at a Greenfield, Mass. feeder from November to late February (RD, B.N.W.M.). Connecticut garnered this winter's Harris' Sparrows, both immatures: Bridgewater, Dec. 9 - Apr. I (AJ, EBL, NSP) and N. Madison, Jan Mar. 1, when one fatally flew into a window (spec. to Yale Univ.; NSP et al.). Many White-crowned Sparrows wintered or attempted to winter in the s. part of the region, often in small flocks up to five; one was seen for two weeks, date unstated, as far north as Ferrisberg, N.Y. (Lionel Fisher). Far north winter Song Sparrows were at Gale Meadows W.R., Vt. Dec. 27 (WJN) and one through the winter at Montreal (MG). Many observers reported a marked incursion of Lapland Longspurs this winter, culminating in high counts of 70+, Hackensack Meadows, Dec. 29 (Ted Proctor) and 200+ at J.B.W.R. Feb. 10 (m. oh.). EXOTICS -- Despite the State of New York's recent pronouncement that Monk Parakeets have been successfully eliminated, reports still come in. This winter we received four reports encompassing about a dozen birds, the maximum being about six in Riverdale, N.Y.C. (PAB, SSt et al.) at a feeder. It was at this feeder that the same observers recorded up to twelve Ring-necked Parakeets, Psittacula krameri -- our next pest? In addition to those twelve, PAB saw about a dozen long-tailed parrots in early December in the Bronx Botanical Gardens, literally only across the street from Fordham Hospital where we were told some 40 Ring-neckeds were roosting each night.* And lest readers be lulled into sense of "that's merely a local problem," ponder the two Ring-necked Parakeets that spent the winter in Union, N.J. (fide RK), the male Blossom-headed (P. cyanociphala) in late March at a feeder in Vergennes, Vt. (BPG) and the knowledge that both species of Psittacule are tough birds that regularly occur high in cold Asian mountains. Last but not least were two widely separated reports of Chukars: three in Dutchess County (FG) and one all February in Far Hills, N.J. (RK et al.). This is another potentially established exotic that bears watching. We request observers to send in full details of all such escapes/introductions so that in case these birds do take, we will at least be able to documenthe spread of each blight in its turn. 620 American Birds, June 1974

12 ADDENDUM -- With some trepidation we note rece pt of two, separate, rather detailed reports in November and in January, by multiple observers, of possible q2 Steller's Eiders at Montauk Pt., one of Long Island's most heavily birded areas. Despite the tentative nature ascribed to the identifications by all observers, we mention the reports in case they were correct, to alert other Atlantic Coast observers to scrutinize eider flocks and to familiarize themselves with the field marks of the rather obscure female and lmm g' Steller's Eiders. Attention is called to a photo- graph of a female from the Shetlands (it might even be annual in the northem British Isles), published followlng page 340 in British Birds, 65:8 (1972). The occasional occurrence of this species on the w. Atlantic coast is possible, the A.O.U. Check-list (5th Ed., 1957: 89) recording specimens from Baffin I., Greenland, the St Lawrence R., and even the coast of Maine. OBSERVERS -- (sub-regional compilers in boldface) -- Kenneth Apps, Bird News of Western Mass. [w. Mass: 1159 Dwight St., Holyoke, Mass ], Jim Ash, Maurice Barnhill, Jean Beck, F.G. Buckley, Robert Conn, Barbara Conolly, Geoffrey Carleton, Ed Daly, T.H. Davis [New York State portions of N.Y.C. region: th Road, Woodhaven, New York City 11421]; Paul DeBenedictis [Syracuse area: Dept. of Biology, Syracuse Univ., Syracuse, N.Y ]: P.J. Desjardins, Joe DiConstanzo, Ruth Dwelley, Andrew Edme, Richard English, Dave Ewert, Davis W. Finch, R G Fisher, William Floyd, Darrel B. Ford, Devin Gamty, Florence Germond, Robert J. Goodrich, Michel Gosselin [Quebec City area: 6151 Henri Bourassa E. 107, Montreal Nord, P.Q., Canada], Jon S. Greenlaw, Kevin Gunther, Beatrice P. Guyette [Vermont: 14 Comfort Hill, Vergennes, Vermont 05491], Mike Harwood, Bob Hines, Don Hudson, Dave Janes, Aldro Jenks, Richard Kane [New Jersey: see below], Margaret Kays, Richard Kelley (RK), Dan Klem, Tim Koebel, R. LaFontaine, E.B. Lang, W.E. Lanyon, A.J. Lauro, Jay Lehman, Patti Lehman, Jose A. Machado, Hugh McGuinness, Mabel Mcintosh [Montreal area: 136 Millhaven Ave., Pointe Claire, P.Q. H9R 3V8, Canada], Bert Murray, Charles Nichols, W.J. Norse, M. O'Brine, Helen W. Parker [New Hampshire: R.F.D. #1, Pattee Hill, Goffstown, N.H ], R.O. Paxton, Bruce B. Peterson, Elizabeth Peterson, John M.C. Peterson [Adirondacks P.O. Box 300, Essex, N.Y ], Don and Mary Lou Powers, Noble S. Proctor [southern Conn.: Southern Conn. State College, 501 Crescent St., New Haven, Conn ], Dennis Puleston, Harold Rae, Gilbert S Raynor, William Reid [Pennsylvania: 65 Academy St, Wilkes-Barre, Penna ], George Rose, John Ruscica, Marge S. Rusk, F.G. Scheider, Sy Schiff, Walter Sedwitz, J. Seitz (JSz), Robert W. Smart, Don Smith, P.W. Smith, P. Spofford, John Steeves, Si Stepinoff (SSt), Esther Swayer, P. Tozzi, J. Tramontano, Guy Tudor, J. van Reit, W. Weiss, Al Wollin, V.S. Wright and R.P. Yunick [Schenectady area: 1527 Myron St, Schenectady, N.Y ]; CBC -- Christmas Bird Count, J.B.W.R. -- Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, L.L.A.S. -- Lyman Langdon Audubon Society, m (any) ob.(servers), P.Q.S.P.B. --Province of Quebec Society for the Protection of Birds, R.T.W.B.C. -- Ralph T. Waterman Bird Club, W.R. -- Wildlife Refuge -P.A. BUCKLEY, North Atlantic Regional Office, National Park Service, 150 Causeway St., Boston, Mass and RICHARD P. KANE, New Jersey Audubon Society, Schermann Wildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Box 693, Bernardsville, N.J Submission of records: Please note the following for future use: 1) Unless expressly noted otherwise, all reports for the SPRING and FALL seasons are to go to Richard Kane, Schermann Wildlife Sanctuary, New Jersey Audubon Society, P.O. Box 693, Bernardsville, N.J ; all reports for the SUMMER and WINTER seasons are to go to P.A. Buckley, North Atlantic Regional Office, National Park Service, 150 Causeway St, Boston, Mas note this address change. MIDDLE ATLANTIC COAST REGION / F. R. Scott and David A. Cutler Another mild winter with temperatures well above normal during all four months! Following a very warm fall, December was relatively mild for the fourth successive year with predictable effects on species totals of the Christmas Bird Counts. There is little doubt that many birds have adapted to the apparent weather changes of the last few years, but one wonders what effects a really cold (and early) winter would have now, particularly if preceded by a mild fall. Excess precipitation, particularly in December, restored water levels lowered by the dry autumn. Snowfall, however, was well below normal, and the only general regional snowstorms occurred Dec and Feb 8. The season was characterized by excellent numbers of overwintering or very late "southern" birds and a few extralimital reports. Delaware omithology loses an important asset -- which California gains -- when Norman E. Holgersen leaves Bombay Hook N.W.R. this spring. For many years he has been one of the Region's most active field observers, and his loss will be keenly felt. LOONS TO CORMORANTS -- A count of 515 Red-throated Loons at Back Bay N.W.R., Va., Dec 30 was quite good (PWS et al.), though elsewhere numbers of loons seemed normal or below. In the s. part of the Region Horned Grebes were as uncommon as anytime in recent memory. The late winter concentrations in the Chincoteague, Va. area failed to materialize this year, and a single count of 750 at Craney I., Portsmouth, Va, Feb. 19 (BE & RAR) was the only concentration of any size reported. The Western Grebe previously reported at Craney I. disappeared in early December, but apparently the same bird reappeared Mar. 16 and remained at least through the end of the month (WWF, GSG et al ) Another apparent Western Grebe was reported at Holgate Ref., N.J., Dec. 30 (GRM), and a White Pelican appeared at Blackwater N.W.R., Md. in late January (BB & GWly, fide WJ). Gannets were in moderately good numbers along the Virginia and Maryland coasts, Volume 28, Number 3 621

13 peak counts included 497 at Back Bay Ref., Dec. 30 (PWS et al.), 183 off Cape Charles, Va., Dec. 29 (HTA et al.), and 160 each day off Ocean City, Md., Feb. 2-3 (RAR et al.). In mid Chesapeake Bay, one was seen at Hooper I., Md., Mar. 31 (HTA). The Potomac R. flock of Great Cormorants appeared again this winter, and 13 were counted in the St. George I., Md. area Jan. 1 (fide EFW). 1,t ' /I Hr( J ro Philo d lph_i f L,..,T ,.-..-'--' 'q Beach I' ven Inle /. /. : HERONS, IBIS Winte g herons were in good n be, but there were few record co ts. A n r of Green Herons were found along the coast, and inland re s included one at HopeweB, Va., Dec. 15 (DWS et al.) and another at een's L e, York Co., Va., Feb. 24 (B. In nd ne Hopewe a Great E et was en c. 15 (ER & HWfd), and a n ber of Yellowcrowed Night Herons were re ed M late De mber in s.e. Vi nia. Two Glossy Ibis were last at Chincote ue N.W.R., Va., Dec. I (LKM), and the only midwinter records a hand were one n at Elliott I., Md., Dec. 26 (HTA et al.), one at Brigantine N.W.R., N.J., Jan. 7 (BC, and two at me Hook, Del., Jan. 31 (RN). The fi t sp g Catfie Egret was noted at Blackwater Ref., Md., M. 19 (HTA), and one was fo d far inland at Blue Bell, Pa., Mar. (DAC & FC). Mar. 31 A stead found an a zing early con nt tion of egrets and ibis in s. Dorchester Co., Md. un esa e Bay. Among there were 26 Great Egrets, 129 Snowy Egrets, and 23 Glossy is. The fi t s ng record of the Glossy Ibis was one at WaBops I., Va., Mar. 1 (NW & JG ), and by the end of the month they had appe ed in many 1o fities n the coast in t s. pa of the Region. A st ling inland record was a co t of 20 at Ke Dam, Mecklen rg Co., Va., M., about 135 m es inland from the coast (RC, KF & WATERFOWL Nine Mute Swans at Chin- te ue Ref., Va., c. 28 were an indication of the sbw but steady uthward spread of is species into Vi in (RLAke, RHP et al.). There were ag n a number of inland repo s of wintering isfiing Swans. Some of these included 175 during the period at Tinicum I., near Philadelphia,. (JCM), 2000 at Millersville, Pa., Feb. 16 (TRH), and up to 7 n r Hopewell, Va. from late De mber to mid-febru (DL et al.). Field feeding in this sped continued to increa, in some cases many miles from water. Ne Ocean City, Md., Rowlett found 200 on Jan. 20 in afield with cattle ("Cattle Swans"?). Brant were in good numbers, especially in s.e. Virginia, where over 5300 were recorded near Cape Charles Dec. 29 (HTA et al.) and 1700 at Little Creek, Virginia Beach Dec. 27 (PWS et al). Up to three White-fronted Geese were present at Bombay Hook Ref., Del., Dec. 4- Feb. 20 (MVB, NEH RAR et al.), and the Barnacle Goose previously reported here remained to at least Dec. 26 (PWS). According to Holgersen, two Fulvous Tree Ducks were shot by a hunter at Collins Beach, near Taylors Bridge, Del., Nov. 23. Blue-winged Teal were noted in several places during the winter, including at least one pair that wintered at Brigantine I. and nearby refuge (JFA et al.). Outstanding, however, was a flock of 49 at Hampton, Va., Dec. 22 (MAB). European Wigeon appeared in several new localities. Among the records were three at McMillan Res., D.C., Dec. 15 (CNM et al.), one near Hatboro, Pa., Feb. 12 (AMIa), one at Lititz, Pa., Mar. 7 (RMkt & EW), one near Hopewell, Va., Mar (DWS & FRS), and two at Brigantine Ref., Mar. 10 (JFA). An unusual diving duck concentration was found Feb. 15 on a pond near Culpeper on Virginia's upper Piedmont; the flock consisted of five Redheads, 100 Canvasbacks, and 250 Ring-necked Ducks (JBB). A single Redhead was noted at Plowville, near Morgantown, Pa., Jan. 12 (EEF & YES), and Gamber found 24 Redheads and 1000 Ring-necked Ducks at Codurus S.P., Lancaster Co., Pa., Jan. 6, sizable numbers for this locality. A Barrow's Goldeneye returned to Shark R. Inlet, N.J. for at least the fourth year and was seen here Jan. 26 (JDD). Three Oldsquaw at Trenton, N.J., Jan. 1 (RIB) and six at Indiantown Gap., Pa., Mar. 16 (MK) were unusual inland reports. A few Harlequin Ducks were found along the New Jersey and Delaware coasts, and up to three were seen during the period both at Ocean City, Md. (CRV et al.) and along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Va. (RLAke, RAR et MO. For the first time in a number of years eiders were not reported along the bridge-tunnel, but occasional flocks were seen farther north. Three Com. Eiders were found at Cape May, N.J., Dec. 23 (DAC), and the peak count at Barnegat, N.J. was 20 King Eiders Feb. 24 (JFA). At Ocean City, Md. varying numbers of the two species were reported, with peaks of 15 Commons Jan. 5 and 25 Kings Jan. 26 (MVB, JL & DP). Other records included a Com. Eider at Cape Henry, Va., Dec. 4 (RAR) and a King Eider at Hampton, Va., Dec. 22 (MAB), very unusual for the w. shore of Chesapeake Bay. Anderson and Delzell recorded good concentrations of scoters in lower Chesapeake Bay, Va., where they estimated 5000 each of White-winged and Surf Scoters Feb. 23 between Thimble Shoals and Mobjack Bay. The peak count of Red-breasted Mergansers at Craney I., Va. was 1500 on Feb. 19 (BE & RAR). The big concentration of Ruddy Ducks previously reported along the Delaware R. at Paulsboro, N.J. fell victim to three major oil spills and a ship explosion. Best estimates are that birds were lost to oil contamination of the river (JTM et al.). 622 American Birds, June 1974

14 HAWKS, RAILS -- Following the excellent fall A Long-billed Curlew was carefully observed near Goshawk flight, a number of these birds were found in the n. part of the Region south to Maryland. Only one report was received from Virginia, however, a single bird seen at L. Accotink, Fairfax Co., Dec. 22 (DFK & GWdt). Single Broad-winged Hawks at Clifton, Va., Feb. 22 (JWE) and Lansdale, Pa., Mar. 16 (AC) were both early. Rough-legged Hawks were numerous in the upper Delmarva Pen., where Holgersen had a peak of 21 on Jan. 7 at Bombay Hook Ref. Inland records of interest included one near Dulles airport, Loudoun Co., Va, Jan (JWE, MBPet al.) and another at Shirley, Va., Mar. 3 (DWS & FRS). Three Golden Eagles w ntered in the Blackwater Ref., Md. area (HTA), and other reports included single birds at Jefferson, N.J., Feb. 13 (JTM) and Lebanon, N.J., Mar. 2 (SH). Of most nterest, however, was an ad. Golden Eagle found at Back Bay Ref., Va., Dec. 30 which was seen off and on nto March (HTA, DLH, RJT et al.). Armistead's peak Bald Eagle count in s. Dorchester Co., Md. was nine adults and ten immatures Mar. 31, the adults probably all being nesting birds. Away from nesting areas, one adult and one immature wintered at Middle Creek Wildhfe Area near Kleinfeltersville, Pa. (AMk, DSt et al.), and one adult and two immatures were seen at Kerr Dam, Va., Jan. 23 (MPM, PEMet al.). Ospreys arrived n c Chesapeake Bay, Md., Mar (HTA, JR), and the first Ocean City, Md. record was on Mar. 9 (PP). Away from the coast single Peregrine Falcons were seen Feb. 5 at Fort Belvoir, Va. (JMA) and Feb. 23 at Reading, Pa. (JES). King and Virginia Rails and Sora again wintered near Cape Charles Dec. 29 in close comparison with oystercatchers, Willets, a Whimbrel and Marbled Godw ts (RLP, JWT et al.). Hughes found a Spotted Sandp per at Virginia Beach, Va., Jan. 7, and the Willet count at Cape Charles Dec. 29 was a record 118 (HTA et al ) The 181 Greater Yellowlegs at Cape Charles the same day were also a record (HTA et al.), and two Lesser Yellowlegs were found inland near Hopewell, Va, Dec. 9 & 15 with one remaining at least to Feb. 3 (FRS) A flock of 40 Red Knots wintered at Longport, N J (JDD), and on Mar. 9 exceptional counts of Purple Sandpipers were obtained, 150 at Ocean City and 300 at Indian R. Inlet (PP). A Pectoral Sandpiper at Blackwater Ref., Md., Dec. 1 was quite late (RAR et al.), and the species made its first appearance on a Virginia CBC by being reported on four. One was seen at Ch ncoteague Dec. 28 (WSC), four at Cape Charles Dec 29 (DLH), two at Back Bay Ref., Dec. 30 (HTA & WCR), and three at Mathews, Va., Dec. 30 (DKR & ER). Four Least Sandpipers wintered inland at Alexandria, Va (JMA), and a Dunlin was found near here at Goose I, D.C., Dec. 15 (PAD & PGD). Record counts of Dunhns along the coast included over 15,000 in the Ch ncoteague area Dec. 28 (PAD et al.) and over 19,000 n the Cape Charles area Dec. 29 (HTA et al.), and the570 Semipalmated Sandpipers at Chincoteague Dec. 28 seem to be a record winter count for Virginia (RLP et al.). A Stilt Sandpiper at Bombay Hook Ref., Dec was very late (NEH, PP, RLP), and a Bar-tailed Godwit was carefully observed at Chincoteague Dec. 28 (RLP) Details of this last observation have been submitted for Princeton, N.J. in an area fed by warm springs (RJB), publication to The Raven. Sandefiings were in excellent and two Virginia Rails were found inland near Brooke, numbers along the coast, the best counts being 594 at Va, Dec. 28 (ETM). Sofa hit an all-time winter peak in the s. part of the Region, with seven CBCs reporting them. Maximum counts were 12 in the Crisfield, Md. area Dec. 28 (fide CRV) and 15 in the Cape Charles, Va. area Dec. 29 (PWS et al.). A Black Rail was reported in s Dorchester Co., Md., Dec. 26 (fide DB) and two near Cape Charles Dec. 29 (RPT et al.). Ocean City Dec. 27 (fide DB),2405 in the Chincoteague area Dec. 28 (JMA, HTA et al.), and 1122 in the Cape Charles area Dec. 29 (MAB et al.). The peak count of wintering Am. Avocets at Craney I., Va. was 110 on Dec. 2 (WWF), and the maximum at Chincoteague Ref was 18 on Dec. 28 (DFA, RLAke et al.), one or two remaining until Mar. 2 (LKM). Other winter reports included one at Brigantine Ref., Dec Jan. 1 (SRL, DSa), and at Bombay Hook Ref., four were seen Dec 6 (NEH), one Dec. 11 (NEH), and 16 on Mar. 10 (RMyr) SHOREBIRDS -- Record counts of shorebirds were recorded on a number ofcbcs, especially on the lower Delmarva Pen. At Cape Charles, Va. the 869 Am. Oystercatchers on Dec. 29 were a record count for the state for any time of year (HTA et al.), and there were several winter reports north of Virginia. Two were found at Indian R. Inlet, Del., Jan. 5 (NEH), two were seen at Ocean City Jan. 26 (MVB, JL & DP), one was observed at Brigantine I., N.J., Feb. 2 (SRL), and two appeared at Cape May, N.J., Feb. 13 (KS). Fifteen P p ng Plovers at Cape Charles Dec. 29 were an exceptional winter count (HTA et al.), and on Mar. 18 Vaughn counted 35 at Wallops I., Va. Other record plover counts were 985 Black-bellieds at Chincoteague, Va, Dec. 28 (PAD, PGD et al.), 1605 of the same species at Cape Charles Dec. 29 (HTA et al.), and 298 Ruddy Turnstones at Cape Charles the same day (HTA et al.). Two Black-bellieds were also found far inland near Hopewell, Va., Dec. 15 (FRS). An Am. Golden Plover at Ocean City Dec. 27 was the first winter record for Maryland (CRV), and one noted at Bombay Hook Ref., Mar. 16 was considered an early transient (NEH). JAEGERS, SKUAS -- Exceptional numbers of jaegers were seen from the shore at Virginia Beach (including Back Bay Ref.), Va., Dec. 30 during strong NE winds. The day's totals were eight Pomafine, five Parasitic, and 12 unidentified jaegers (DLH, WCR, PWS, RJT). Elsewhere, one Pomafine was observed off Atlantic City, N.J., Dec. 8 (JFA & JDD), two off Cape Charles Feb.3 (CSR & HWga). Undoubtedly the most interesting pelagic observations of the winter were five to eight Skuas each day Feb. 2-3, m s.e. of Ocean City in both Maryland and Virginia waters (RAR et al.). Many excellent photographs were taken of these birds. There was only one previous sight record of this species from Maryland and no more than five for Virginia. GULLS TO ALCIDS -- A number of Glaucous Gulls were reported south to coastal Maryland, and several Iceland Gulls were found, including one in the Cape Volume 28, Number 3 623

15 Henry, Va. area Jan. 6 & Feb. 2 (RLAke et al.). An leeland Gull inland at Dyke marsh, Fairfax Co., Va., Feb 10 was most unusual (JMA). A Lesser Blackbacked Gull was found at Ocean City Dec Feb. 3 (DFA, JMA, WSC), and another (or the same one?) was noted along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Va., Feb 19 (BE & RAR) and Mar. 2 (RLAke, WWF, GSG et al ). The Black-headed Gull was recorded in five locahties in Virginia and Maryland, clearly indicating the added attention observers are giving this bird. Laughing Gulls remained very late and in high numbers Inland, one was found at Dyke marsh, Dec. 15 (JMA), and 50 were still present on this date at Hopewell, Va. (DWS et. al.). On the coast, 1500 were estimated still in migration at Back Bay Ref., Dec. 1 (FRS), 123 were still here Dec. 30 (PWS et al.), and 21 were found at Cape Henlopen, Del., Dec. 16 (WAB). L ttle Gulls were found in several localities, but undoubtedly the most interesting aspect of this bird was the buildup of a flock at Port Mahon, Del., where several birds in late March increased to 15 on Apr. 1 (DH). At Craney I., Va. up tofive different birds were found from Mar. 16 to the end of the period (RLAke, WWF, GSG, DLH), and three were found at Ocean City Mar. 9 (PP) Fifteen Black-legged Kittiwakes were seen off Atlantic City, N.J., Dec. 8 (JFA & JDD) and 500 each day off Ocean City Feb. 2-3 (RAR et al.). Single birds were also noted at several spots along the immediate coast. The Forster's Tern total at Back Bay Ref., Dec. 30 was 1231 (PWS et al.), an excellent count but by no means a record. Corn. Terns were found in four localities in Maryland and Virginia, including eight at Chmcoteague Dec. 28 (JMA, CR et al.), and Royal Terns wintered fairly commonly in s.c. Virginia, with a peak of 103 at Little Creek, Virginia Beach Dec. 27 (PWS et al.). There were two unprecedented winter records of Caspian Terns, one at Chincoteague Ref., Dec 28 (DFA) and another at Little Creek, Va., Dec. 27 (RLAnd). There were a few Black Skimmers in the s. part of the Region, and one was found at Brigantine Ref, Jan. 1 (SRL). There were only two reports of alc ds, a Razorbill at Manasquan Inlet, N.J., Jan. 13 (BS) and one Razorbill and seven unidentified large alc ds off Ocean City Feb. 3 (RAR et al.). DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- An early Mourning Dove nest in Arlington, Va. had two eggs Mar 3 (RJW), and two Ringed Turtle Doves were present at Sellersville, Pa., Jan. 4 - Mar. 20 (WT). Reimann had three pairs of Great Horned Owls on nests near Taylors Bridge, Del. throughout February, and there were two reports of Snowy Owls, one near Annapolis, Md, Jan. 4-5 (RLP et al.) and another at Hershey, Pa., Jan 12 - Mar. 23 (JES, EWet al.). Two Long-cared Owls were reported in Virgin/a, one at McLean Dec. 15 (JWH & ML) and one near Cape Charles Dec. 29 (WCR). There were good numbers of Short-cared Owls locally in several parts of the Region. Peak counts included nine at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., Dec. 15 (PP & PS), 11 along Hughes Rd., Montgomery Co., Md. about Jan. 16 (PP), 12 near Dulles airport, Va., Jan. 20 (JWE, MBP et al.), and seven on Fisherman I., Va., Mar 2 (RLAke et al.). Relatively few Saw-whet Owls were reported, mostly single birds. Two were caught by hand and banded near Rockville, Md., Jan. 12 (PP & RLP), and five were found in roosts near Paulsboro, N.J., Jan. 18 (JCM). Two Chimney Swifts at Chesapeake, Va., Mar. 31 were early (RLAke). Four Pileated Woodpeckers wintered at the Princeton, N J Woodfield Station Reservation, a good local count (RJB), and a "Red-shafted" Flicker was well seen at Barnegat Bay, N.J., Dec. 30 (GRM, RL & Wm). KINGBIRDS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Near Boonesboro, Va. an Eastern Kingbird was observed Mar. 9 (JLC & WRM) and 16 (TMD). A dead Western Kingbird was picked up at Kiptopeke, Va., Dec 9 (RLAke) and another seen near Chincoteague Dec. 28 (HSG). Two Great Crested Flycatchers were present n Chesapeake, Va., Jan and were photographed (GAG, RLAke & DLH), and an unidentified Ernpidonax was carefully observed near Back Bay, Va., Dec. 30 (KF, PEM & TRW). Although thought to be a Yellow-bellied Flycather, the bird's whistled call made the observers feel it could conceivably have been a Western Flycatcher. Carter, Murphy, and others found an Eastern Wood Pewee at Lynchburg, Va., Dec 15, and Liehr saw a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Bombay Hook Ref., Dec. 17, a first winter record for Delaware (Atlantic Naturalist 29: 27). Mirabella found 500 Horned Larks at Hatfield, Pa., Dec Jan. 1, and there were other reports in this area of abnormal numbers. Tree Swallows were in excellent numbers in December in Delaware, with 250 at Cape Herdopen, Del, Dec. 16 (JGrm & SJO), and a late Barn Swallow was seen at Brigantine Ref., Dec. 29 (DSa). A Corn. Raven was present at Tyler Arboretum, near Media, Pa., Jan (PJD, SR et al.). Red-breasted Nuthatches were generally scarce in the n. part of the Region, but locally at Princeton, N.J. they were rather common w th "dozens" at feeders (RJB). Ake found a Bewick's Wren near Cape Charles Dec. 29, and the only unusual thrushes reported were a Swainson' s Thrush near Back Bay Dec. 30 (DEP & RHP) and a Veery at Little Creek, Virginia Beach Dec. 27 (DEP), the latter a first winter report for Virginia. Grimacy and many others observed and photographed a c3 Mountain Bluebird at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area near Kleinfeltersville, Pa., Mar. 1-5, apparently a new state record Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were recorded on three %rginia CBCs, and two at Sycamore Landing, Md., Mar 28 were undoubtedly early migrants (PP). The only N Shrike reported was one at Reading, Pa., Dec. 1 (JES) VIREOS, WARBLERS -- Solitary Vireos continued their winter appearances in s.c. Virginia with one each at Little Creek Dec. 27 (DLH & GMW), Cape Charles Dec. 29 (PGD), and Back Bay Dec. 30 (FCB & EM) Reports of late and wintering warblers were many Black-and-white Warblers were noted at Salisbury, Md., Dec. 23 (CRV) and Cape Charles Dec. 29 (PGD), and an incredible Golden-winged Warbler was reported at Danville, Va., Dec. 23 (EWF). Nashville Warblers were found near Ocean City Dec. 27 and Crisfield, Md, Dec. 28, the first and second winter records for Maryland de DB), and P.G. DuMont observed a c3 Blackthroated Blue Warbler near Cape Charles Dec. 29. At 624 American B rds, June 1974

16 Newport News, the Black-throated Gray Warbler was seen twice, an apparent female Jan (DLM & SM) and a male Mar. 9 (DLM). A Blackburnian Warbler was found at Ocean City Dec. 27 (fide DB) and another at Chincoteague Dec. 28 (RHP), both first state winter records. Pine Warblers were fairly widespread in the s. part of the Region, and there were four reports of wintenng birds in the Delaware Valley area (JDD et al.). Russell reported a Northern Waterthrush near Cape Charles Dec. 29, and Armistead found three Com. Yellowthroats at Blackwater Ref., Md., Mar. 31, one of which was singing. If these last were migrants, they were the earliest for the state. Other unusual winter records included a Wilson's Warbler at Hockessin, Del, Dec. 18 (HM) and two Am. Redstarts at Bombay Hook Ref., Dec. 15 (NEH). BLACKBIRDS THROUGH LONGSPURS -- A blackbird roost at Graceham, Md., widely reported at 10,000,000 birds in the public press, actually peaked in March closer to 1,000,000 (fide DB). Two Yellowheaded Blackbirds were recorded, a female at Little Creek, Va., Dec. 27 (RHP) and a female at Hamilton Square, Pa., Mar (CF), and the peak N. Oriole count at Newport News, Va., was 19 on Dec. 22 (fide WPS). With records of the Brewer's Blackbird seemingly increasing almost yearly, they were found in at least six localities this winter, with a high count of 24 at Smyrna, Del., Feb. 17 (MVB, JL & DP). There were two reports of Blue Grosbeaks, one at Delmont, N.J., Jan 15 (CBW) and another near Hopewell, Va., Mar. 3 (DWS & FRS), and Dickcissels were seen in at least eight localities. A Painted Bunting was present in Newport News, Va., Jan and on Jan. 5 was trapped, banded, and photographed (JF, DLM, SM). Evening Grosbeaks and Purple Finches were considerably less common than they were last winter, though they were still numerous locally in c. Virginia. Pine Srskms seemed more common than last year, with "hundreds" reported at many feeders in the n. part of the Region. In s.e. Virginia Hughes noted 500 in one flock at Portsmouth Jan. 26. Common Redpolls staged a heavy flight into the Delaware Valley area, generally from late January on, and a few strayed south as far as s e Virginia. Early arrivals included one in Philadelphia Dec. 11 (HTA) and one at Back Bay, Va., Dec. 30 (DEP & RHP), and peak counts were 150 at Longwood Gardens, Pa., Jan Mar. 2 (PEB) and 100 at Hatfield, Pa., Jan. 23 (AMla). Also of interest were two at Craney I., Va., Feb. 12 (GAG & VH). A convincing Hoary Redpoll was observed at Hatfield Jan (AMla), and the only Pine Grosbeak reports came from Virginia, 15 near Elon, Amherst Co., Jan. 1 (MB,fide RSF) and a male at Great Falls Mar. 2 (JWH,fide JEW). Small groups of Red and White-winged Crossbills wandered erratically through the Region, though except for four birds at Cape Charles Dec. 29 (RLAke), the White-winged did not come south of n. Virginia. The House Finch again hit record population peaks in the s. part of the Region. Sample counts included 160 in one flock at W. Ocean City, Md., Dec. 9 (RAR& CRV), 130 at Cape Charles, Va., Dec. 29 (WPS et al.), and 108 at Lynchburg, Va., Dec. 15 (MPM et al.). Danzenbaker found a peak of 10 "Ipswich" Sparrows at Brigantine I., N.J., Jan. 12, and 13 were recorded at Ocean City Dec. 27 (fide DB). An early Grasshopper Sparrow was noted at White Hill Lake, near Harrisburg, Pa., Mar 24 (C J). Lark Sparrows were recorded in two localities At Grovers Mill, N.J. one was found Dec (MT & PT), and another wintered at Redart, Mathews Co, Va., Dec. 15 through February and was photographed well (MGP). At Cape Charles, Va. a record213 Sharptailed and 165 Seaside Sparrows were counted Dec 29 (BW et al), and at Newport News a banded Oregon Junco was present Jan Feb. 4 (DLM & SM) Trapped on Feb. 4, it was found to have been banded at the same spot Jan. 18, A Clay-colored Sparrow at Ocean City Dec. 27 provided the first winter record for Maryland (fide DB), and Grahm had a Harris' Sparrow at Audubon, Pa., Feb. 4-25, probably the same bird previously reported in November. The Lapland Longspur flocks previously reported at Craney I., Va Increased in numbers with peak counts of 36 on Jan 1 (RLAke) and 40 on Dec. 28 (GSG). These numbers are unprecedented in Virginia. CONTRIBUTORS -- D.F. Abbott, J.M. Abbott, R.L. Ake, J.F. Akers, R.L. Anderson, H.T. Armlstead, M.V. Barnhill, J.B. Bazuin, Jr., P.E. Beach, R J Blicharz, Mike Boatwright, Bill Brighoff, W A Brokow, Mrs. F.C. Burford, M.A. Byrd, Danny Bystrak, J.L. Carter, Ray Chandler, W.S. Clark, Alan Crawford, Francine Cutler, J.D. Danzenbaker, P J De'Aoun, David Delzell, T.M. Drumheller, P A DuMont, P.G. DuMont, Befit Edsburg, J.W. Elke, Keith Fielder, Mr. & Mrs. E.W. Fisher, E.E. Fleischmann, W.W. Fogleman, Cynthia Fox, R.S. Freer, Mr & Mrs. Jack Frost, C.G. Gainbet, Mrs. H.S. Gilbert, E.W. Grahm, G.S. Grant, Jesse Grantham, Barry Gnmacy, Gisela A. Grimm, Jackie Grody, T.R. Hake, David Hallenbeck, J.W. Hanes, Virginia Hank, Steve Harty, B.C. Hiatt, N.E. Holgersen, D.L. Hughes, Cliff Jones, William Julian, D.F. Keeney, Mike Kotz, Mark Larson, S.R. Lawrence, Jay Lehman, Dee Lepayre, Robert Lewis, K.C. Liehr, Andy Mack, G.R. Mahler, L.K. Malone, Russell Markert, C.N. Mason, Helen McClure, E.T. McKnight, J.T. McNeill, P.E. Mc- Quarry, R. Meyer, J.C. Miller, August Mirabella, Mrs D.L. Mitchell, Sydney Mitchell, Emily Moore, Mrs M.P. Moore, William Mueller, W.R. Murphy, R. Nugent, S.J. Orr, Mrs. M.B. Peacock, D.E. Peake, R H Peake, David Phalen, Mrs. M.G. Pulley, Peter Pyle, R.L. Pyle, Jan Reese, E.J. Reimann, Chris Risley, C S Robbins, Steve Ross, D.K. Roszell, Elizabeth Roszell, R.A. Rowlett, W.C. Russell, Dorothy Sacks, Bob Schiebman, K. Seager, J.E. Silagy, W.P. Smith, D W Sonneborn, Doris Steffy, Philip Stoddard, P.W. Sykes, Jr., Martha Taylor, Paul Taylor, R.P. Teele, J.W. Terborgh, R.J. Trlpician, Mrs. William Trnmbauer, C R Vaughn, R.J. Watson, George Weickhardt, Henrietta Weidenfeld, Hal Wierenga, V.E. Willet, Guy Willey, Jr., Bill Williams, Noah Williams, G.M. Williamson, E.J. Willoughby, Eric Witmet, T.R. Wolfe, C B Worth. -- F.R. SCOTT, 115 Kennondale Lane, Richmond, Va and DAVID A. CUTLER, 1110 Rock Creek Drive, Wyncote, Pa., Volume 28, Number 3 625

17 SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST REGION / Robert P. Teulings As in most of the East, the December- March period was abnormally mild. The month of January was the warmest in the Region since Not surprisingly, reports of summer and fall birds lingering well into the winter were unusually numerous. A spectacular inva- N.W.R. (JCe, CS). Numerous other sightings were noted in the eastern and coastal sections as farn. as Pea I. A Shelduck was seen Jan. 1 at Bodie I. (JF, HL). Recent sightings of this species in the Bodie-Pea I. area have been duly reported in these columns, but readers should be cautious about assuming these birds to be true and accidental strays. It is suspected they may be escaped birds from captive stock. possibly from farmland flocks known to be kept in the mainland area of Dare County. Up to six Redheads were uncommon inland visitors at Townville, S.C. in late January and early February (HL, GH), while elsewhere two were seen on the Dan R. in Caswell Co., N.C., Mar. 1 (PW) and up to eight were found at Salem L. near Winston- Salem Mar. 31 (RS), Common Goldeneyes were seen in small numbers at scattered locations during the period, and there were many reports of Oldsquaw including the sighting of a lone drake as far inland as Greensboro Jan. 4 (MFi). A Corn. Eider wintered at Fort Macon, N.C. (JF) and one was present in early January at Sullivan's I. near Charleston (JHa, PN, DF). sion of Fulvous Tree Ducks was a major event of the season, highlighting an otherwise lacklustre influx of waterfowl. Sightings of Rough-legged Hawks, Sawwhet Owls, Tree Sparrows, and White-crowned Sparrows, as reported here and in the Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs), suggesthe presence of more than the usual numbers of these rare-to-uncommon visitors in the Region this winter. Pine Siskins led the invasion of northern finches which was also strong for Red Crossbills but only light to moderate for Evening Grosbeaks and Purple Finches. LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS -- As many as four Corn Loons were reported to have overwintered at L. Hartwell in the vicinity of Clemson (HL). Seasonlong sojourns by loons on lakes and reservoirs in the piedmont are rare, with the wintering birds strongly preferring coastal waters. A detailed description was submitted by Richard Rowlett of an apparent Arctic Loon seen Feb. 17 on Pamlico Sound at Ocracoke, N.C. This is the first reported sighting of the species in North Carolina. Two Red-necked Grebes were seen at Columbus, Ga., Dec. 7 (third local record, LAW), and two Eared Grebes were at Pea I., N.C., Feb. 24 (RRi). Brown Pelicans ranged from scarce to common along the coast through the season with the largest numbers seen at Cumberland I. where a wintering flock of ca. 50 birds was seen almost daily (JH). An imm. Great Cormorant was at Pea. I. N.W.R. Dec. 1 (GG). WATERFOWL -- Observers noted small rafts of Brant at Hatteras Inlet on the North Carolina Outer Banks in late February (GG, RR, BE), the peak count being 35. Several fall records of Fulvous Tree Ducks signalled a major winter invasion which brought flocks of into Thomas Co., Ga. (RLC), 125 into the Beaufort, S.C. area (CC, CRH), and 60 to Santee RAPTORS, CRANES, RAILS -- An unexpected winter-period occurrence for the Mississippi Kite was noted by Perry Nugent Feb. 24 near Charleston. A light-phase Rough-legged Hawk was seen Dec. 9 near Eden, N.C. (EB, CB), and a dark-phase individual was observed at Urnstead State Park near Raleigh Mar. 9 (DW). December sightings of single ad. Bald Eagles were recorded at Roanoke Rapids L. (ML) and L. Mattamuskeet (MT) in North Carolina and two adults wintered in the Savannah River Atomic Reservation near Augusta (TMu). Another adult was present in early March at L. Keow. ee in Oconee Co., S.C. (CRD). Five nesting pairs of Bald Eagles were reported by Ted Beckett in the Charleston area at the end of the period, and another pair was suspected to be nesting at the Savannah N.W.R. (TS, fide PY). The only reported Peregrine Falcon winter sighting in the Region was of one at Cumberland I. Dec. 8 (JH). Two long-legged birds answering the description of Sandhill Cranes were seen Jan. 25 at Eagle Springs, N.C., the first reported occurrence of the species in the Moore County locality (RMcL, fide RT). PLOVERS THROUGH PHALAROPES -- Five Am. Golden Hovers were at Pea Island N.W.R. Jan. 12 (HH). Over 100 Piping Plovers and a equal number of Semipalmated Plovers were at Bird Shoal offmorehead City Dec. 20 (JF). A count of 236 Red Knots at Ocracoke I. Feb. 24 was also seasonally noteworthy (GG). Highlighting the shorebird records was a flock of Marbled Godwits seen at Ocracoke Inlet Feb. 17 by Richard Rowlett and Berit Edsburg. Earlier in the period, 200 Red Phalaropes were seen Dec. 6 in waters 5 miles off Charleston by Peter Laurie. SKUA, GULLS, SKIMMERS -- A N. Skua was observed for 20 min. under good viewing conditions 1000 yards off the beach at Pea I. N.W.R. Feb. 18 by Rowlett and Edsburg, providing a firm third record for North Carolina. The same observers also reported finding an Iceland Gull in first-winter plumage at Oregon Inlet Feb. 16, as well as an imm. Glaucous Gull at 626 American Birds, June 1974

18 Coinjock, N.C. on the same date. The latter sightings, however, were reported without details of the identifications. The Iceland Gull therefore can only be conditionally listed as a second record for the state, pending further documentation. Two ad. Little Gulls were later seen at Pea I. Feb. 24 (RRi), and a remarkable 85 Black-legged Kittiwakes were counted at Coquina Beach, Cape Hatteras Nat'l Seashore, Feb. 16 (RR, BE). Great Black-backed Gulls were abundant along the North Carolina coast and again wandered sparingly down along the South Carolina coast with one found Jan. 6 at South I. near Charleston (TB). One was recorded as far s. as Jekyll I., Ga. in early March (RM, RY). With the mild weather, Black Skimmers apparently overwintered in significant numbers along the upper N.C. coast, as indicated by counts of 90 at Pea I. Dec. 31 (JF, WM), and up to 30 at Cape Hatteras Feb (RR, BE, GG). ANI, OWLS, HUMMINGBIRDS, MARTINS -- Georgia's first record for Smooth-billed Ani was estabhshed Mar. 3 at Jekyll I. where an individual was well studied by Terry Moore et al. The bird remained in the area for more than a week, providing the opportunity for careful corroboration of the record by other observers (JB, RM). Long-eared Owls were present and heard calling at Raven Rock State Park near Lillington, N.C. in late December and early January (DM), and one was heard Mar. 8 near N. Wilkesboro (WPS). Saw-whet Owls were uncommon winter visitors in the Morehead City areawhere one was found dead Dec. 18 and another seen Jan. 6 (JF). An out-of-season Rubythroated Hummingbird was seen at Waycross, Ga., Jan. 8 (EC). Elsewhere, unusually early spring arrivals of hummingbirds were noted in severallocalities including one Mar. 12 at Durham (FH) and one Mar. 19 at Thomasville (RLC). Purple Martins arrived by Feb. 11 In the southern part of the Region at Waycross (EC) while farther north one was seen at Morehead City as early as Feb. 17 (JF). RAVENS THROUGH VIREOS -- The nesting of Com. Ravens was continned at Pilot Mountain n.w. of Winston-Salem with the finding of a nest containing young on Mar. 22 (RS, JW et al.). This record provides documented evidence of local breeding in the piedmont more than 50 miles e. of established colonies in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Red-breasted Nuthatches were conspicuous by their absence or near-absence this season. Although present in small numbers in the northern part of the Region, they were very scarce or unreported elsewhere. A Bewick's Wren was seen at L. Surf near Vass. N.C., Dec. 2 (JC). A Swainson' s Thrush at Charleston Jan. 20 (PN) and a Gray-cheeked Thrush near McClellanville Feb. 24 (PL) were both very unusual sightings for the winter period. A month-early Veery was noted Mar. 16 at Bull's I. in Cape Romain N.W.R. (PN), and an early Red-eyed Vireo was noted at Charleston Mar. 23 (PN). Solitary Vireos and White-eyed Vireos remained in small numbers as winter lingerers along the coast (m.ob.) and an individual of the latter species was found Jan. 20 at Pendleton, S.C. in the w. peidmont (HL). WARBLERS -- A Black-throated Blue Warbler and a Connecticut Warbler noted on the Bodie-Pea Island CBC, Dec. 31, were the first winter records for North Carolina (fide PS). Lingering stragglers found elsewhere during January and February were a N. Parula and a Prairie Warbler at Augusta Jan. 13 (TR, GK, EG), a Tennessee Warbler at Columbus Feb. 23 (JM), and a Cape May Warbler in Raleigh Feb. 27 (AT,fide RT) A Blackpoll, thought to be an overwintering bird, was collected at a feeder in Thomasville Mar. 12 (RLC, CW, *T.T.R.S.). One of the most interesting warbler records of the season was the occurrence of two Yellowrumped Warblers of the Audubon's race at Charleston, observed together on three occasions between Feb 24 and Mar. 30 in the vicinity of the U.S. Agricultural Experiment Station (CN, PN). Early spring amvals noted before the end of the period were a N. Parula Mar. 6 at Charleston (PN), a Yellow-throated Warbler Mar. 10 at Southern Pines (JC), and a Blackpoll Mar 29 in Okefenokee Swamp (CFN, MAN). TANAGER, BUNTINGS, DICKCISSELS -- A 9 W. Tanager was present during the first week of January at a feeder in New Bern, N.C. (JC1). Wintenng Painted Buntings were noted at five locations in the Region this season, and a c Indigo Bunting appeared at a feeder at Hilton Head I., S.C. as early as Mar. 1 (LL) Dickcissels were uncommon late winter visitors in several localities with individuals seen at Southern Pines, N.C. (EW, fide JC) and Pendleton, S.C. (SG, HL) during late February, as well as one Mar. 28 near Charleston (CN, PN). WINTER FINCHES -- This season's invasion of Purple Finches and Evening Grosbeaks seemed to be only moderate. Pine Siskins, however, were generally abundant over much of the Region with only the southernmost localities and a few coastal areas reporting low numbers. Christmas count reports showed the highest influx of House Finches yet recorded in the Carolinas with a total of 300 found in 11 of the 29 count areas. The center of the wintering population appears to be in the North Carolina piedmont, primarily Winston-Salem, Greensboro and Raleigh. Three Corn. Redpolls were found Feb. 9 at Bodie I. lighthouse on the N.C. Outer Banks (KK) and two were seen there again Mar. 26 (BW). Red Crossbills arrived in the Region by Dec. 1 and spread over most of the piedmont, ranging as far s. as Atlanta. A single White-winged Crossbill was well seen near Durham, N.C., Feb. 28 (RC), apparently the first record for the Region since the winter of OTHER FRINGILLIDS -- A Savannah Sparrow (Ipswich race) was seen at Edisto Beach near Chareston Dec. 1 (PN). Four Le Conte's Sparrows were an unusual find on the Charleston CBC Dec. 30 (fide JHa), and another was recorded at Columbus Jan. 19, the first there since 1967 (MF,fide LAW). Henslow's Sparrows were found in small numbers at several places in the Region, including a wintering colony of five at the Tar River Reservoir near Rocky Mount. N.C. (LF). Tree Sparrows were noted as rare winter visitors on CBCs at Chapel Hill, Winston-Salem and Elkin, N.C., Perry and Volume 28, Number 3 627

19 Chris Nugent reported the surprising occurrence of two Clay-colored Sparrows at their feeder in Charleston between Dec. 9 and Jan. 10. The birds were seen singly but plumage differences were noted in the individuals which indicated that two were actually present. Almost as unusual was a Lincoln's Sparrow which turned up at the same feeder Jan. 13 and remained through the end of the period (PN). White-crowned Sparrows this season were unusually common and widespread; a total of 111 were recorded in CBCs in 11 areas of the Carolinas. Lapland Longspurs were again rare visitors in the Region this winter, all in North Carolina, where small numbers were noted at Cape Hatteras (GG, RR), in the Roanoke Rapids area (ML) and at L. Surf near Vass where five were present as late as Mar. 16 (CM). The only reported sightings of Snow Buntings were of a single bird seen Dec. 1 at L Gaston in Warren Co., N.C. (ML) and four seen near Marøhead City Dec. 27 (JF). CORRIGENDUM --The Southern Pines date for an early Blackburnian Warbler reported in the Fall Summary (Am. Birds 28:39) should have been Aug. 18 instead of Aug. 8. ACKNOWLEDGMENT -- Putting each seasonal summary together on time is a demanding job. My thanks go to all contributors who submitted their reports on schedule and to James Pullman and Elizabeth Teulings who assisted with preparation of the manuscript. OBSERVERS AND CONTRIBUTORS -- Ted Beckett, Charles Blake, Joe Brent, Carol Burroughs, Ed Burroughs, Jay Carter, Robin Carter, John Cely (JCe), Cornelia Chapin, Jo Clark (JCI), Robert L. Crawford, Eugene Cypert, C.R. Dillon, Befit Edsburg, ß Louis Fink, Mildred Fish (MFi), Dennis Forsythe, Mike Fuller, John Fussell, Sidney Gauthreaux, Elaine Gilbert, Gilbert Grant, Henry Haberyan, Robert J. Hader, Jack Hagan, Fred Hagenberger, Julian Harrison (JHa), Gene Hayes, C. Royce Hough, Jr., Joe Hudick, Ken Knapp, Gerald Knighton, Louise Lacoss, Peter Laurie, Harry LeGrand, Merrill Lynch, Robert Manns, Chris Marsh, Roger McLean (RMcL), Wesley Messinger, James Miller, Darryl Moffett, Terry Moore, Tom Murphy (TMu), Carleton F. Neville, Mary Ann Neville, Chris Nugent, Perry Nugent, James O. Pullman, Tom Rial, Robert Ridgely (RRi), Richard Rowlett, Bob Ruiz, Terence Seyden, Ross Silcock, George Smaith, Wendell P. Smith, Ramona Snavely, Charles Strickland, Paul Sykes, Robert Teulings, Ann Thompson, Michael Tove, Timothy Vogel, Charles Watt, L.A. Wells, David Whitehurst, Gail Whitehurst, Jay Wilde, Bill Williams, Plumer Wiseman, Ethel Wooton, Pat Young, Ruth Young, Other abbreviations: T.T.R.S.,Tall Timbers Research Station, *, specimen. -- ROBERT P. TEULINGS, Route 2, Box 154, Chapel Hill, N.C FLORIDA REGION temperature was 66.6 ø and the lowest for the month / Henry M. Stevenson Winter' s tale was but a "variation on a theme" from only 42 ø. The full duration of this warm period was from December 30 through February 3, following which the otherecent years. The tendency for a mild mid-winter rest of February was abruptly colder, climaxed by a was exaggerated this year, and that for a cold late severe freeze on the 26th-28th (17 ø at Tallahassee). The winter was somewhat reduced. Northward, January damage thus done to spring flowers and early crops can smashed records for mildness as averag excesses from well be imagined, but there was probably little effect on normal temperatures for the month ranged from 14.0 ø F birds. On the other hand, the effect of the prolonged at Tallahassee to 6. I ø at Key West. Thus at Tallahassee, warm spell was doubtless pronounced. Coupled with a virtually the coldest part of the Florida Region, where_ warm November and a near-normal December, it probfrequent freezes usually occur in January, the average ably permitted many migratory birds to winter farther north than usual -- north of Florida in many cases. CENTRAL SOUTHERN J Another probableffect was the early nesting of several,-r,,ll,,.,,ssee I species, in some cases interrupted by the February 'L_I_ mv S ON t,... OCEAN J cold. Several species wintering downstate appeared T-qlløhassee 'c,- ' Live'Oak "'! G $t' John Ri,,, ' J very early in north Florida, even though February had been rather cold. HAt' L' NORTHERN '*- I... _ J% ' \ nllijmor C.?S&r J Orlo._do g er,i. 1. I : [aim G IF OF MI XtCO FGrt ;..... ¾ ach I Cor ewswamp L J dalej n 'l / / I MIGRATION -- Although only 14 birds were found at the WCTV tower in March; this low number may be related to the reduction of predator control (RLC). Many migrants were grounded in Wakulla and Franklin Counties in late March by a cold front, closely followed by a cold, light rain with NE winds. A list of 132 species on Mar. 26 (JMS) included 95 White-eyed Vireos, 73 Hooded Warblers, and smaller numbers of several other migrants. COMPARATIVE ABUNDANCE -- Continuing field counts in the Tallahassee Division, with monthly summaries, provided evidence again this year of reduced populations of many species. Although the list again includes some likely victims of pesticides, the 628 American Birds, June 1974

20 tnclusion of many waterfowl and several sparrows may indicate the more northerly wintering of many birds this year. When the number of individuals counted per month was divided by the number of hours afield, keepmg separate sets of data for Leon County and the coastal counties, the following species were significantly low in all 8 months (Dec.- Mar. X 2): Mallard, Gadwall, Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Mourning Dove, E. Phoebe, Brown Thrasher, Loggerhead Shrike, Palm Warbler, Rufous-sided Towhee and Field Sparrow. Seven other species were low in 4 or more months of record, but high in none: Corn. Loon (coast), White Pelican (coast), Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet. At least two active field observers (JB E, HMS) have not recorded a Hairy Woodpecker in their parts of the state since last summer! A large number of species were actually high in one or two months, but low in at least twice as many months: Canada Goose, Black Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Am. Wigeon, Wood Duck, Canvasback, Corn. Goldeneye (coast), Ruddy Duck, Turkey and Black Vultures, Red-shouldered Hawk, Bald Eagle (coast), Marsh Hawk, Bobwhite, Am. Coot, Black Skimmer (coast), Ground Dove, Corn. Flicker, Red-headed and Downy Woodpeckers, Tree Swallow, Corn. and Fish Crows, Carolina Chickadee, Hermit Thrush, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Brown-headed Cowbird (increasing in summer), Vesper Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated and Song Sparrows. In contrast to the above 53 diminished species, only 9 proved significantly high. Two of these were coastal birds high in all 4 months of record, Laughing Gull and Clapper Rail. The remainder were htgh in at least twice as many as their number of low months: Great Egret, Corn. Gallinule (coast), Killdeer, Wallet (coast), Dunlin, Herring Gull, Bonaparte's Gull (coast), House Wren, Swamp Sparrow. Italicized species in the above lists were also rated low by at least one other contributor. CHRISTMAS COUNTS -- As in my other recent reports, I have tried to omit all records that will be published in the Christmas Bird Counts, but some may have slipped through inadvertently as I have not seen these counts. LOONS, GREBES --An oil spill of unknown source apparently accounted for about 225 dead or dying Corn. Loons on beaches between St. Augustine and Flagler Beach Jan Most birds captured and "treated" failed to survive (SAN). On the opposite coast this species was rare in the Tampa area (JBE). The Redthroated Loon, rare in the Tallahassee Div., was found at St. George I., Dec. 17 (HMS) and Jan. 26 (WWB) and on Alligator Pt., Jan. 21 & Mar. 2 (Axtells). Single Eared Grebes were reported near Titusville Feb. 1 (HHA), St. Petersburg Dec. 24 (David L. Johnson), and Merritt Is., Dec. 10 (JJ). An early brood of 3A grown Ired-billed Grebes was seen near Vero Beach "in early February" (HWK). SHEARWATERS, PELECANIFORMS -- An Audubon's Shearwater 15 mi. off Cape Canaveral Jan. 6 (JJ) seems to be the only Florida record later than mid-december, but there was no indication as to how the Manx Shearwater was ruled out. A late eastward migration of 75 White Pelicans occurred off E Pt (Franklin Co.) Dec. 6 (JMS). A Great Cormorant finally was reported in the part of Florida where most expected --Jacksonville Beach Mar. 31 (Joyce Williams). Single Anhingas made unusual appearances at Key West Jan 11 & Mar. 9 (FFH), and a Magnificent Frigateb rd found at the base of St. Marks Light Dec. 27 (Win H Cross) provided the Tallahassee Div. with its first mid-winter record (*T.T.). WADERS -- Early nesting records in c. Florida m- volved the Green Heron (nest & 4 eggs, n.e. Hillsborough Co., Mar. 24, JBE & HBH) and Yellowcrowned Night Heron (5 nests within 150 yards m s e Pasco Co., Mar. 31, JBE & CG). The Cattle Egret s now rare in winter in the Tallahassee Div., and nine on Mar. 20 neartallahassee (HMS) demonstrated the start of its spring migration. Single Least Bitterns on Cowpens Key Feb. 1 & Mar. 2 (Richard& Nancy Paul) may be the first known to winter on the Lower Keys. Wood Storks seemed assured of a successful breeding season at E.N.P. and Corkscrew Swamp (JCO); three at L Lafayette Jan. 12 provided the first mid-winter record for Leon County. The Glossy Ibis is rare in the same county, but one was at L. Jackson Mar. 30 (RLC) WATERFOWL -- A wary Mute Swan at Biscayne Bay Dec. 8 (Douglas Danford) may have arrived from farther north, and two Whistling Swans were seen by many near Titusville Dec Possibly for the first time on the c. Gulf Coast, a Brant was at Mullet Key Dec February (m. ob.) A White-fronted Goose remained on Paynes Prairie from October 1972 untd Dec. 16, 1973 (JHH, SAN); five were seen near Tallahassee Jan (Betty King, Axtells). A Bahama Duck remained at Flamingo Jan Mar. 31 (mob ) Fulvous Tree Ducks wintered north to St. Marks L ght and Ormond Beach; unusual numbers for the 1ocaltttes were 25 in Florida Bay Jan. 28 (JCO), ten at Key West Dec. to Mar. 6 (FTH), and 20 near Auburndale Jan 25 (GJH). A Eur. Wigeon wintered at Wakulla Springs for the fourth con secutive winter (m. ob), and one was seen at Tampa Dec. 29 (Glen E. Woolfenden). At least 700 Wood Ducks were estimated near St. Marks Light Dec 19 (CSG). Frank Dunston reported a puzzling die-offof thousands of Lesser Scaups during the "red-tide" m Tampa Bay, when no other birds were affected Oldsquaw records came from Alligator Pt., Jan. 19 (2, HMS) and 21 (Axtells), near St. Marks Light Mar 11 & 21 (latest for Div., CSG), and at Rockledge Jan (m. ob.) All 3 species of scoters were again at Alhgator P. (Axtells et al.). Southerly records of these dryers involved two Black Scoters at Dunedin Beach Dec 26 (CWB & DG) and seven Surf Scoters at Lake Worth January to Mar. 7 (HPL et al.). A Masked Duck was studied at the Loxahatchee N.W.R., Jan. 15 & 16 (John Doebel, Jas. Pilgreen, Earl Stark, Win. Matthews) DIURNAL RAPTORS -- Although much reduced in parts ofn.w. Florida, vultures are still plentiful in the c Peninsula, as exemplified by some 4000 Turkey Vultures going to roost at L. Okeechobee Feb. 28 (PWS) Volume 28, Number 3 629

21 Five Swallow-tailed Kites near St. Marks Light Mar. 11 in view of the little known distribution of the races, (CSG) were rather early, and one at Key West Mar. 18 there is little certainty that C. s. skua was the race (TW et al.) was in a very unusuallocality. A Mississippi involved. Several observers reported Glaucous Gulls Kite apparently wintered near the center of Tallahassee, where seen Jan. 18 (Edw. Zachert) and Feb. 21 from Mayport to Port Canaveral, including one specimen (JMS; to T.T.), and it is suggested here that the (Mr & Mrs. Frank Stoutamire). Absent since species be considered regular on the coast of n e August,six-eight Everglade Kites returned to the w. Indian River Co. breeding site by early March (HWK, Florida now. Still rare, an Iceland Gull was identified at Port Canaveral Feb. 2 (HHA). Other rare gulls included PWS). A Cooper's Hawk near Homestead Jan. 18 (JCO, Maryanne Biggar) was near its southern limit. An enigmatic late flight of 75 Swainson's Hawks passed over Key West from the west Dec. 3 (FTH); some were low enough for positive identification. An. imm. Golden Eagle seen and well described Dec. 3 (Jas. Butler, Thos. Burke) may be the first of record for the E.N.P. Ospreys are increasing on the Lower Keys, partly due to their frequent nesting on utility poles -- a practice decidedly unpopular with power company officials; one was carrying nest material to such a site as early as Jan early but not unusual (FTH). A NW flight of about 100 Am. Kestrels near Jacksonville Mar. 30 (VMM et al ) was noteworthy. CRANES, RAILS, COOTS -- Florida's rapidly increasing exotic avifauna now includes the Caribbean Coot (Fulica caribaea), which was found at Oakland Park, Broward Co., Jan. 28 (WG) and is still present (m. ob ) and two more on Key Biscayne Mar (Wm. Robertson, Jas. King). The former bird, at least was photo'd by Wm. Bolte and others. (See this elsewhere this Issue). The immediate source of these birds is not presently known. A Sandhill Crane, rare in Leon Co., was present at L. Lafayette during much of February (Wm. Blakey). When near a Great Egret and a Great Blue Heron (Feb. 21, HMS) it appeared small, suggestlng the race tabida. Single Yellow Rails were seen on the Loxahatchee N.W.R., Jan. 6 (Lee Hemdon, HPL) and Mar. 16 (Jas. Lane, PWS). A Purple Gallinule near St Marks Light Mar. 11 (CSG) was very early or had wmtered. SHOREBIRDS -- A high count of 77 Am. Oystercatchers was made at Dunedin Jan. 13 (PJF). Seven Am Golden Plovers were at Dunedin Beach Mar. 17 (VMM) and three near St. Marks Light Mar. 26 (JMS). Rarely wintering in Leon Co., single Black-bellied Plovers were at L. Lafayette Dec. 8 and L. Jackson Jan. 18 (HMS); five at L. Lafayette Mar. 16 (HMS & RLC), however, must have included early migrants. Usually considered rare in winter, a Whimbrel was frequently seen at St. Marks Light (m. ob.), and a count of 15 (!) was made near St. Petersburg Jan. 6 (JBE et al.). Two Upland Sandpipers were near St. Marks Light Mar. 29 (CSG) and one at Marathon Mar. 30 (J.W. Cadbury). A northerly winter record of the Solitary Sandpiper came from Jacksonville Jan. 11 (JPC). A Pectoral Sandpiper at L Lafayette Feb. 21 (HMS) may be the earliest for a migrant in the Tallahassee Div. A remarkably high count of wintering Stilt Sandpipers was 76 near Lakeland Jan. 12 (JBE et al.). A winter record of the Blacknecked Stilt was made near Flamingo Dec. 24 (Jane Behr). SKUAS, GULLS, AND TERNS -- A Skua seen off Key West Dec. 31 (JT) was the third sight record for Florida. The fact that all have been near the Keys, and single Lesser Black-backeds at Key West Dec. 13 (FTH) and Jan. 3 (JT) and at Hollywood Feb March (Peter Polshek, WTB et al.; photo donated), a Black-headed Gull at Cocoa Dec. 9 (RDB), and a Little Gull at Rockledge Feb. 11 (ADC). Bonaparte's Gulls were unusually common on the Franklin Co. coast, and three at L Talquin Feb. 22 (HMS) were the first of record for that month in Leon Co. A Gull-billed Tern at St. Augustine Feb. 24 (JHH) was unusual whether early or wintering Three Roseate Terns were carefully identified at Veto Beach Mar. 29 (HWK), feeding with large numbers of Forster's Terns. An estimate of at least 400 Corn. Terns at Mullet Key Mar. 30 (JBE et al.) indicated a large and early migration of a species generally rare in winter Also early was a Least Tern at Mayport Mar. 21 (JMS) PIGEONS THROUGH ANIS -- Formerly rare In winter on the Keys, the White-crowned Pigeon probably numbered 100 or more in the Lower Keys this year (FTH). Edscorn found the breeding population of White-winged Doves high near Homestead in March A clutch of Ground Dove eggs hatched in January in Jacksonville, and an immature was seen Feb. 16 (Samuel Grimes, VMM). A wintering Mangrove Cuckoo was at Sarasota Jan. 5 (DHM), and an early Yellow-billed Cuckoo at St. Petersburg Mar. 28 (LH). A Groovebilled Ani, rare in Florida, was also late at St. Marks Dec. 1 (JMS, *F.S.U.). OWLS, NIGHTJARS -- Three Short-eared Owls were late near St. Marks Light Mar. 26 (JMS) Chuck-will' s-widows wintered as far north as Lakeland (JBE) and appeared as early as Mar. 3 near St. Marks Light (CSG) and Mar. 5 at Gainesville (JEH). Rare winter singing was reported for it at Lakeland Feb 2 (JBE) and for the Whip-poor-will near Sarasota Jan 10 (E.K. Truchot). HUMMINGBIRDS, FLYCATCHERS -- A c Black-chinned Hummingbird at Jacksonville Jan (m. ob.) seems to be the third of record for the Florida Region. A Rufous Hummingbird was at Rockledge Jan 17 (HGC), and one at Tallahassee Mar Apr 1 (MBM) was a first for that division. A Ruby-throat was early at Tallahassee Feb. 23 (JMS), as was a Gray Kingbird at Mullet Key Mar. 28 (LH et MO. An unusual winter locality for the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was Lakeland Jan. 6 (GJH). Two rarities at Paynes Prame were a W. Kingbird Feb Mar. 15 (JHH, SAN) and a Vermilion Flycatcher that remained until Mar. 3 (m ob.). SWALLOWS -- An impressive estimate of 250,000 Tree Swallows was made on the Merritt I. N.W.R, Feb. 2 (HHA). A Rough-winged Swallow was early in s Jefferson Co. Mar. 13 (HMS), and there was a genuinely early movement of Barn Swallows: one at Mayport Mar. 21 (JMS) and a few there the next day 630 American Birds, June 1974

22 (NOW), one at St. Marks Light Mar. 21 (R.J. Hader & HMS), and one at Mullet Key Mar. 22 (LH). Also early was a Purple Martin at Sarasota Jan. 14 (Chas. O. Parker). JAYS THROUGH SHRIKES -- Additional records of a Blue Jay in the Key West cemetery were made on Mar. 6 (FTH) & 30 (TW). Carolina Chickadees were feeding large young in s.e. Pasco Co. as early as Mar. 31 (JBE). Two Mockingbird eggs hatched at Ponte Vedra Beach between Feb a remarkably early date (Chas. Platt). There is no information as to survival of the nestlings during the severe freeze that followed. A Golden-crowned Kinglet was unusually far south near lhnecrest (s.e. Hillsborough Co.) Feb. 1 (HMS). If there was unanimity of opinion about any species' abundance it concerned the Cedar Waxwing; estimates of single flocks exemplify this at Key West Feb. 1 (FTH), 6)0 at Mryo Dec. 9 (JHH et al.), 500 at Sarasota Feb. 27 (MD). Another early Jacksonville nesting featured young Loggerhead Shrikes fledging Mar. 16 (Mary Davidson). WARBLERS -- A rare winter record was that of a Prothonotary Warbler at St. Petersburg Jan. 5 (DG & LH). Almost as rare, the Nashville Warbler wintered in three locations near Lakeland (m. ob). Very early records involved a Tennessee Warbler at Merritt I., Mar. 18 (RDB), and two Cape Mays near Gainesville Mar. 28 (JHH & Nicholas Cocks). Two N. Parulas wintered as far north as Jacksonville Dec. 5 - Feb. 1 (PCP& JPC), and one in song near E. Pt., ca. Feb. 20 (Mr. & Mrs. Frank Heyward) may have wintered there. An increase in the wintering Yellow Warblers in the mangroves on Merritt I. was indicated by a total of four on Feb. 6 (RDB), and three migrants appeared at nearby Rockledge on the early date of Mar. 21 (ADC). Two rare wintering warblers at Jacksonville were a Blackthroated Green Dec. 5 - Jan. 14 (PCP) and a Blackthroated Gray Jan. 2 (NOW). Both waterthrushes set early arrival dates -- the Northern for the Northern Pen. at Paynes Prairie Mar. 5 (JHH) and the Louisiana for the Southern Pen. at Miami Feb. 27 (tie; RND). Wfison's Warblers wintered at Winter Haven (HNA) and St. Petersburg (L. & R. Hopkins, CWB et al.), and one was near Vero Beach Dec. 29 (HWK). An Am. Redstart was seen near Bartow Dec. 23 & 24 (PJF, CG). BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, TANAGERS -- Single Yellow-headed Blackbirds appeared at four localities near the center of the Peninsula: near Rockledge Dec. - Jan. 17 (ADC, RDB et al.), Daytona Beach Feb. 7 - Mar. 4 (Isaac Merrill & Geo. Murray), Gainesville Dec Jan. 20 (DWJ et al.), and near Winter Haven (period, m. ob.). An Orchard Oriole tied its earliest amval date for the Southern Pen. at Sarasota Mar. 22 (MD). Rare in the rest of the Florida Region, Brewer's Blackbird maintained its local abundance on Paynes Prairie as 400 spent the period there (SAN). Although the W. Tanager is a regular winter resident in the state, the only two this season were seen in late March -- 26th at Oakland Park, Broward Co. (WG, PWS, et al.) and the 31st at Miami (RND). GROSBEAKS, BUNTINGS, ETC. -- Wintenng Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were found at Homestead (period, two, Jonnie Fisk et al.) and Wabasso (Jan 29 - Mar. 31, m. ob.). Blue Grosbeaks, rarely wintering in Florida and previously found in ones and twos, numbered up to five in one yard near Cocoa Feb (Axtells); one was at Jacksonville Dec. 2 (JPC). Two Indigo Buntings were early on St. George I., Mar 26 (JMS), as was a Painted Bunting at Spring Creek (Wakulla Co.) Mar. 29 (HMS). Strangely, the only Dickcissel reported was at Gainesville Mar. 12 (RDW) NORTHERN FINCHES -- Purple Finches have become almost regular in winter northward, and two occurred as far south as Cocoa Dec, 28 - Jan. 3 (RDB, HGC, J J). More irregular, the Pine Siskin had one of its largest invasions in history. Few were recorded early in the period, but one Tallahassee feeder had hundreds by Jan. 31 (MBM), with many remaining at the end of the period. Farther south appeared at Gainesville by Mar. 15 (JEH), one at Cocoa Dec Jan. 3 (RDB, JJ), and one bird reached the s. end of the mainland near Flamingo Mar. 4 (Bruce Hawkins). SPARROWS, LONGSPURS, SNOW BUNTINGS -- Single Lark Sparrows were near Delray Beach Feb 6 (PWS) and Wabasso Dec. 29 (Mabel Michael), and a Dark-eyed Junco wintered as far south as L. Wales (to Mar. 14, L.H. Walkinshaw). Jacksonville had three Clay-colored Sparrows Feb (VMM et al.) and Gainesville three White-crowned Sparrows Dec 17-end of period (JEH, DWJ). A Fox Sparrow at Alachua Mar. 10 was one day late for the Northern Pen (RDW). The Axtells had three Lincoln's Sparrows at E.N.P., Dec Rare northern visitors included a Lapland Longspur at St. Marks Dec. 1-4 (HMS, JMS) and single Snow Buntings at Ft. George I. (Duval Co ) November- Feb. 12 and Venice Dec Feb. 25, when going into breeding plumage (W.K. Jones, Stanley Stedman, Lynne Bobb, O.W. Letson, DHM), the latter is probably the only Snow Bunting record anywhere on the Gulf Coast. EXOTICS -- Edscorn points out that the Hill Mynah (Gracula religiosa) is now established at points near the east coast from Homestead to near Delray Beach Three Canary-winged Parakeets and five Monk Parakeets appeared at St. Petersburg in early January (DG); all previous records have been on the east coast Budgerigars, however, were displaced from one St Petersburg site when their nest holes were usurped by Starlings and House Sparrows (JBE). Another flock of 75 Canary-winged Parakeets was in Sebastian for about 2 weeks in February and one was collected Mar 10 (HWK, *F.M.E.L.; no dates given). This location is about 140 mi. north of their Coral Gables stronghold CORRIGENDUM -- The correct date for the Golden-crowned Kinglets at Gainesville (Am. Btrds, 28:43) was Oct. 27 (fide JBE). INITIALED OBSERVERS (area editors in boldface) -- H.H. Axtell, W.W. Baker, C. Wesley B ggs, Robt. D. Barber, Allan D. Cruickshank, Helen G Volume 28, Number 3 631

23 Cruickshank, Julie P. Cocke, Robt. L. Crawford, Marion DeRonde, Mrs. R.N. Dickie, John B. Edscorn, Paul J. Fellows, Chas. Geanangel, C.S. Gidden, Dave Goodwin, Wally George, Frances T. Hames, Geo. J. Horel, Jas. E. Horner, H. B. Herbert, John H. Hintermister, Larry Hopkins, David W. Johnston, Johnnie Johnson, Herbert W. Kale, H.P. Langridge, D.H. Mace, Maxine B. Miller, Virginia M. Markgraf, Stephen A. Nesbitt, John C. Ogden, Peggy C. Powell, Henry M. Stevenson, Jas. M. Stevenson, Paul W. Sykes, Joseph Taylor, Noel O. Warner, Robt. D. Wallace, Thurlow Weed. Other abbreviations and symbols: Div., Division; E.N.P., Everglades Natl. Park; F.M.E.L., Florida Medical Entomological Lab; F.S.U., Florida State Univ.; m. ob., many observers; N.W.R., Natl. Wildlife Refuge; T.T., Tall Timbers Research Station; *, collected specimen. -- HENRY M. STEVENSON, Dept. of Binlogical Science, Florida State Univ., Tallahassee, Florida ONTARIO -- WESTERN NEW YORK REGION / C!ive E. Goodwin and Richard C. Rosche It was a quiet winter. Some outstanding rarities, a few interesting movements, but in the context of recent winters it was quiet. December was a month of bad weather, with unusually high snowfall, but in late January and early March the weather was delightful and v AN. / ONTARIO W-misE l "-' -- Cope Henr,etfa/ 3rm 4;:.:_.... _,\ / K... 0.,. Kirkland ß % QUE winter's flurry of reports is no more than observations of species which are new or rare in a specific area, but regular in a Provincial context. Christmas Bird Counts in particular turn up such birds, but again this may be no more than a reflection of the growing interest in these counts, stimulating both more thorough coverage and a larger pool of observers (with the allied danger of increased error!). The remarkable list of species observed on the December 15 Long Point CBC is a good example of the product of intensive coverage in a favoured area in early winter. in excess of 50 species of the 114 observed fall into this group of migrants that stayed behind. Some of the totals of individuals on this count are also worth examining as they reflect quite substantial populations of some species along the favoured localities of the lower Great Lakes. Just at the time for submission of reports the Canada Post Office staged one of its periodic strikes, with the result that some material has yet to be received. As far as possible the highlights of these will be included in the spring report -- always assuming the strike is over in time for this report to be published! LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- There were rather more loon and grebe reports than usual: noteworthy were single Corn. Loons at Barfie Dec. 9 (CHet al.), Ottawa Dec. 13 (GMB), Bronte Dec. 16 through Jan. 26 (MJ, AW) and Wolfe I., Jan. 27 (SE); and a Red-throated Loon at Oakville Jan. 26 (CEG, JEG). The Ottawa CBC yielded a Red-necked Grebe and two Horned Grebes on Dec. 16 (BD et al.), the third and first count records respectively; and there were 24 Horned Grebes at Atherley, Dec. I (CH). Early grebes were Horned at Ottawa Mar. I (BD) and London Mar. 9 (WRJ), and Pied-billed at Hamilton Mar. 4 (WC), London Mar. 9 (WRJ), Laurel Res., Waterloo Mar. 16 (CAC), and 3 at Peterborough Mar. I 1 (DM). Isolated Great Blue Herons winter along the lower Great Lakes, but this year there were birds as far north and east as Manitoulin I. in January and Febmary (fide JN), individuals at Wasi Falls on Dec. 6 (LS) and Ottawa to Jan. 5 (KH), and 10 at Kingston through December (K.F.N.). There was also an abundance of early sightings in March. roro Hope n I / Howe Rochester I ' - sp n scc d on its w, with r. 2-] p cul y N.Y. bi s which ickl discov r tbeir c cnd s w re wron wben th rest of tbe p Hod ret med to w t r with m of the ason's ld st w atber. D spit tbe rl b d wc tber n o n I t fall icldcd sthn o " rs n",,bi s that to lat ccmber or d J n, s all to cumb or m least va sh t w ter wore on. Some strolled through to spring, o en suppled by fevers. This is now a familiar phenolnon, d it is di cult to assess whether it is expanding, or whether each SWANS, GEESE, DUCK -- Mute Swans continue to build up in numbers along L. Ontario: up to 11 were present along the waterfront west of Toronto (T.O.C.). Early Whistling Swans were five at Hamilton Mar. 3 (M J), four at Breslau Mar. 7 (CAC) and five at Hagar Mar. 16 (WK). Canada Geese were moving both very late --birds at Wolfe I., Dec. 16 (K.F.N.) --and at the beginning of March. A bird at Ayr Mar Apr. 4 was one of the very small races, little larger than neighbouring Mallards (CAC, PB, WHS). Among the rarer geese, there were 60 Brant at Coilingwood Mar. 31 (SM, CH) and seven White-fronted Geese, a large number for this rare species at Long Pt. Mar. 23 (CW, SW et al.); also noteworthy were 12 Snow Geese at Woffe I. Dec. 16 (EF). Mallard and Black Duck wintered as for north as Manitoulin and Sudbury, the first in winter there (fide JN) while there were good numbers on migration: 1000 Mallard at Willow Beach Mar (ERM) is representative. Wintering waterfowl were in low numbers on the whole although there were some high counts up to 632 American Birds, June 1974

24 freeze-up, and there were the usual dabbling ducks wintering in small numbers. More noteworthy this year were the multitude of early sightings in this group. There were Gadwall at London Mar. 6 (WRJ) and Kingston Mar. 7 (GW); Pintail at Kelly L., Sudbury Mar. 31 (CB1) and Kingston Feb. 16 (RDW); the latter was possibly a wintering bird, but the good count of 130 Hamilton Mar. 3 (RC, MJ et al.) was clearly of migrants. Other early records were two Blue-winged Teal at Long Pt. Mar. 10 (RC, JO, B J), two N. Shoveler at Hamilton Mar. 4 (WS, DS) and there were a number of Wood Ducks, including four at Hamilton the same day (DS), and two at Ottawa Mar. 16 (RAF, RP), which also had a bird on its Dec. 16 CBC (JW). A noteworthy fall count was 600 Ring-necked Ducks Oct. 13 at Manltoulin I. (CB, JL), and there were huge numbers of Canvasbacks at Long Pt. before freeze-up -- an estimated 75,000 on Dec. 12 (RPi, AW). Barrow's Goldeneye were again presenthroughouthe period at Ottawa and Oakville (m.ob.), and Harlequin Ducks followed the same pattern, with birds in now traditional areas at Toronto and Clarkson (T.O.C.) as well as single birds at Hamilton to Feb. 15 (m.ob., RHW) and Niagara Falls Jan. 5-6 (HHA et al.). Further to the nesting note on Bufflehead in the fall summary, in spite of the ranges specified in the texts there is an absence of good materlal evidence to support the species' known occurrence m the Province as a breeder; it is to this that the reference applied, but it appears the details never were forthcoming so the condition still exists (fide GKP). Oldsquaw had a record high of 1660 at Prince Edward Point (below, P.E. Point) Feb. 24 (fide RDW) but the flocks off Toronto Is. were absent for the third successtve year, and it appears that lake filling may have wiped the population out (CEG). An Oldsquaw was off Lake Superior P.P., Jan. 12 (JBM, CAM) and other more northerly sightings were two Com. Goldeneye at Terrace Bay Feb. 3, a Corn. Merganser at Marathon the same day (JBM, CAM) and six Algonquin P.P. Feb. 14 (RT). King Eiders did not appear in significant numbers, but there were sightings on the Niagara R. (m.ob.) and on the Hamilton CBC. Scoter reports included a Black Scoter at Millhaven in January, and there were 12 records of White-winged Scoters in the Kingston area Jan. 1-6 (K.F.N.). Other White-wingeds were six at Kempenfelt Bay Dec. 23 (TW), a bird on the Ottawa CBC (JW, SO), and London's earliest ever on Mar. 23 (WRJ). The London (Mar. 9) and Hamilton (Mar. 7 Ruddy Ducks were the earliest ever also (WRJ, WS). On Dec a Smew was identified at Normandale fish hatchery ponds, associating with Hooded Mergansers (JO et al.). This is the second Ontario record, the first being a 1960 sighting which supports its status on the Canadian List (see Godfrey, W. Earl, 1966, Birds of Canada, p. 84, National Museum of Canada Bulletin 203, Ottawa). The bird was quite extensively described and photographed although the only photograph seen to date is not adequate in itself to supporthe observation. Other wintering Hooded Mergansers were seen at Toronto Jan. 6 (FB) and three at Kempenfelt Bay Dec. 23 (CJM). EAGLES, HAWKS -- There were scattered reports of Accipiters over the winter, a normal enough condi- tion; but recent years have not been normal and reports have been few over the past few winters. The Goshawk numbers were again high: a record 17 reports over the winter at Kingston (RDW); an all-time CBC high of eight at Ottawa (RAF); six at Hamilton and four in Simcoe Co., both in the period Jan. 6 - Feb. 24 (RC CJM); and two on the London CBC (JA et al.). Redtailed Hawk numbers were low, particularly in the favoured Toronto region (GB); there were two at Manitoulin Jan. 6 (CB, JL) and one in Stratton Twp., Mar 15 (RPi). It was not really a Rough-legged Hawk year but some good concentrations occurred, with numbers at Malton (GB, CEG), a high of 42 on Amherst I., Feb 10 (K.F.N.), and a record high of 28 on the Dec 16 Ottawa CBC. The only Golden Eagle reports were birds at Gravenhurst Dec. 24 (RP, RPi) and Killarney Feb i 1 (KM), but Bald Eagles were in relatively good numbers, with three in the Thousand Is. area (JWd), two or three at Killarney (LD), three Algonquin P.P. records (fide RPi) and single birds at Ottawa Dec (DL et al), Bronte Jan. 9 (PE), King Twp., Feb. 9 (HB), and Delaware Mar. 9 (WPU). The Kingston area continued to host a large Marsh Hawk population: the CBC had a record 25 on Dec. 16, and the Amherst I. high was 9 on Feb. 24 (K.F.N.) building to 22 on Mar. 9 (RN, FP) once migration had commenced. Gyrfalcons returned to their more normal numbers -- virtually none -- with birds only at Nashville Dec (GB, LM) and Warren Mar. 16 & 22 (LR). There were the usual half dozen Merlins reported across the Province, and an Am. Kestrel on Manitoulin I. Jan. 27 (CB)was a northerly wmter report. GROUSE, GALLINULES -- A Spruce Grouse on Oct. 21 at the west end of Manitoulin I. was the first recent report there (JN). Sharp-tailed Grouse display on the Manitoulin I. lek was on the early date of Mar 5 (fide KM); and a sighting of seven birds of this species at P.E. Point, Jan. 1 (BW, PM, RDW) some 250 miles to the south and east of this station, must have been the result of releases by the Ministry of Natural Resources some distance away. The habitat seems excellent for the establishment of a population. A Bobwhite on Amherst I. Dec. 8 (FP) was probably also an escapee The first Ottawa record of a Purple Gallinule was a btrd walking around a department store parking lot Dec 29 which died Dec. 31 (GM)- the bird, not the parking lot. SHOREBIRDS -- Killdeers were seen at Kingston to Feb. 4 (BG), Hamilton on Jan. 2 (DCo) and -- presumably a very early arrival -- Feb. 23 (WC); and the Long Point CBC had an Am. Golden Plover Dec. 15, as well as a Purple Sandpiper. Common Snipe stayed Into the period in the usual small numbers, with eight at Collins Bay Dec. 16 (K.F.N.) and two at Port Hope Dec. 30 (ERM) the most noteworthy. Two snipe at Hamilton Mar. 9 (DS) were eady, as were five Am Woodcock there Mar. 5 (RC), and one at Komoka Mar 3 (WRJ). GULLS, TERNS -- The Ottawa CBC Dec. 16 had record numbers of white gulls: there were 6 Iceland Gulls, and the 24 Glaucous Gulls were three times the Volume 28, Number 3 633

25 prewous record. The latter species was also in good numbers at Hamilton with!! Jan. 3 (AW) and there were two at London Dec. 19 and one Dec (mob.). London had unprecedented numbers of gulls n December with on the Thames R., and the flocks included a Great Black-backed Gull Dec. 20 (HI, SI) with another at Komoka Dec. 13 (WRJ); far more outstanding, however, was the Ivory Gull there Dec (WGD, JWL, m.ob.), one of very few Ontario records away from the Great Lakes. Thayer's Gulls are reported in winter from the Niagara R. and this year from Ottawa; the uncertainties associated with field dentification of this species are at present under review by the Ontario Records Committee. Three Bonaparte's Gulls Kingston Mar. 23 (K.F.N.) were the earliest-ever there. The Long Pt. CBC count of 18 Little Gulls was the highest-ever Ontario winter total of this species known to this compiler. A Black-legged Kittiwake was at N agara Falls to at least Dec. 30 (RFA, et al.). Winter terns were a Com. Tern at Fanshawe L., London Dec. 15 (DGW, MW) and a Caspian Tern at Niagara Dec. 1 (HH, DB et MO. DOVES, OWLS -- Mourning Doves continue to push their winter range northwards: there were 100 at Angus Dec. 15 (TL et al.) and! 15 southwest of Bartie Dec 23 (TW). The mild weather stimulated nesting for th s species, and a bird was incubating in Mississauga Mar 23, when winter had returned and the temperature was 12 ø (BR) [Brrr! -- Ed.]. Snowy Owls appeared in only small numbers, in keeping with the "off" year, but there was again a good movement of some rarer owl species. Hawk Owls were in the north and east with four between Homepayne and White R., Dec. 9 (GJ, JJ), a bird at Macintosh from January on (PWR, JNk), another at Murillo (TP), and one Great Cloche I. to Mar 30 (CB); and Ottawa had five to early March (fide RAF), Great Gray Owls followed a similar pattern but were rather more widespread: three at Homepayne late November through late January (JBM et al.), two at Moosonee Jan (AW), one at Savanne Mar. 7 & 15 (TP), five at Ottawa Jan. 7 - Feb. 24 (m.ob.), two at Gannon's Narrows Feb. 17 (RE), two at Belmont L., Feb 26 - Mar. 6 (TWe) and one at Kingston Feb Mar 27 (EC). Six Boreal Owl reports were principally m January, all of single birds: Homepayne Dec. 16 (JB M, CAM), dead in a trap in the Sudbury area Jan. 15 (fide KM), Algonquin P.P., Jan. 25 (HC et al.), Orillia Jan 3 (WZ) and Pickering Jan (FB et al.). There were also scattered Saw-whet Owl reports including some dead, as this little owl does not seem too successful m winter in this latitude. Simcoe Co., and the same held for Horned Larks w th one as far north as Marathon (fide JBM) and many small flocks and isolated birds across the south. Some ofth s might have been abnormally early migration n a species that is always among the first to appear, for example, six at Cobden Feb. I (RPi et al.). CROWS THROUGH WRENS -- There was no repetition of the Gray Jay invasion of last winter, and some localities on the breeding grounds reported re- duced numbers from Pimisi Bay and North Bay (Lde KL, HP) to Fort Frances (IP); however, probably the breeding at Mer Bleue bog, Ottawa, with a nest Mar 2 was an outcome of the invasion. The species has not bred before in the Ottawa area and further details will be published (RAF, SO). There was also bird or birds m the London area, Dec. 14 at Delaware (VPS) and Jan 12 in Byron bog (RGC). Common Crows now winter m good numbers along the lower Great Lakes, but the northerly sightings at Thunder Bay Mar. 3 (JR, CEGa) and Horenpayne Mar. 4 (GP) were early migrants A Blue Tit, of all things, spent the period at Gravenhurst (VB) visiting a feeder there, and produced some elaborate hypotheses to support its inclusion on various day's lists. Fairly certainly it did not cross the Atlantic under its own steam, and it will not become an addition to the Provincial list. The usual scattered Boreal Chick- adee sightings occurred in the north and east, but there was no indication of a flight. Noteworthy Tufted T tmouse reports were from Listowel Dec (BJy) and Rockport Nov Feb. 20 (RFS), the first record there for 12 years. Northerly sightings were a Brown Creeper Jan. 6 at Englehart and a Blue Jay Jan. 10 at Cochrane (AW). Carolina Wrens can do well in the extreme south given open winters, and this year there were two east to Port Hope (ERM) and one north to Cambridge (RH) both throughout. MIMIDS, THRUSHES -- There were two Simcoe Co. reports of Mockingbirds (fide CJM) and a bird at Breslau throughout (RPk, CAC, WHS); to the east one at Kingston was seen to Feb. 2 (FC) and there were three at Ottawa (fide RAF). Sudbury had a Mock ngbird to Feb. I (OZ) and both a Brown Thrasher and an Am. Robin in January and February (EG). Even further north there were two robins on the Marathon CBC, Dec. 16, and one at Sibley Jan. 27 healthy in a temperature of-28 ø (R&LM). An early bird was at Homepayne Mar. 11 (HS). Among the more tender Turdids seen were a Hermit Thrush on Wolfe I., Dec. 16 (RBS et al ) and six E. Bluebirds on the London CBC (KWG) KINGFISHERS THROUGH LARKS -- An PIPITS THROUGH WARBLERS -- Ottawa, as easterly Belted Kingfisher was at Mariotick Jan. 12 (BD et al ). Pileareal Woodpeckers, now much more widespread in the Province than formerly and hence usually not mentioned in these compilations, were reported ms,ting feeders occasionally in the Peterborough area (fide DCS). There were a remarkable six Red-bellied Woodpeckers on the London CBC (GFB et al.), and other birds were at Cayuga Dec. 6 - Mar. 17 (AW, m oh.) and Oakville Dec. 30 (AW, SO, BD). Redusual, had most Bohemian Waxwings, but the high of 55 Mar. 15 (BD) reflected rather low numbers, and elsewhere only Port Hope with two Jan. 1-2 (ERM) and Barrie with eight Feb Mar. 13 (FB, RR) were noteworthy. The 38 Cedar Waxwings on the Dec 16 Marathon CBC were far north. It was a good but not exceptional N. Shrike year, with birds apparently most widespread in December and February, a fairly typical pattern, although Ottawa had 15 on Jan. 12 (SO) and headed Woodpeckers wintered in unusual numbers, Homepayne an early arrival Mar. 2 (DW, JBM) A w th at least 8 reports east to Kingston and north to Loggerhead Shrike, always rare in winter, was at Lon- 634 American Btrds, June 1974

26 don Dec. 15 (WRJ, DC). Starlings are early migrants: there were 12 at Hornepayne Mar. 9 (JBM, DW) but a b rd that arrived in Algonquin P.P., Feb. 1. during a mfid spell died the next day following an overnight temperature of-20 ø (DBu). There were the usual odd warblers, including a Pine Warbler at Chippewa Jan. 1 (FMR), a Yellow-rumped Warbler at Woodbridge Dec. 2 - Jan. 14 (AD), a Com. Yellowthroat at London Dec. 15 (WGD) and, from fall, a Yellow-breasted Chat at Onllia Oct. 30 (LI, RZ). HOUSE SPARROWS THROUGH TANAGERS -- A House Sparrow at Marathon Dec. 16 was the first seen there in at least 4 years (JBM). Meadowlarks prowded many early dates, with W. Meadowlarks at Ailsa Craig Mar. 12 (JC) and two at Hagersville Mar. 10 (WS), and there was a bird on the Marathon CBC. Two Redw nged Blackbirds at Hornepayne Mar. 10 (m.ob.) were early and a Brown-headed Cowbird wintered there. Even further north a Com. Grackle at Cochrane Jan. 6 looked close to expiry (AW). A W. Tanager Port Hope Dec was well described and photographed (ERM). FINCHES -- Cardinal populations seemed strong and there were a good number of reports from areas in the north and east where recent colonization has occurred. Well in the main area of its range, the 65 at a feeder m Norval over the period was still a remarkable number (FNC). Several at Ottawa included four pairs (fide RAF) and there were pairs at Huntsville (RPi) and Parry Sound, the first pair there in winter (CAC et al.). The first recent Sudbury area sightings were Killarney Oct. 26 (JL, WRL), Lively Oct (WO) and Manitoulin I to Feb. 2 (KDi), and the Thunder Bay sighting in Pmpoonge Twp., Jan. 8 - Mar. 7 was only the seventh there in 30 years (HQ,fide KD). A Dickcissel at Richmond Hill Dec. 12 to early January (LT, EK) was routine compared to the Black-headed Grosbeak at Ancaster Dec (ELG) which was photographed by Don Gunn and forms the first record for Ontario. On the whole it was a poor year for winter finches: a light movement of Evening Grosbeaks, scattered reports of Pine Grosbeaks and Red Crossbills, Pine Siskins and Am. Goldfinches numerous in some areas, especially in the late winter, but generally scarce. There was a small but noteworthy movement of White-winged Crossbills, whmh took to visiting feeders for the first time in the experience of most observers. Purple Finches were wrtually absent and the commonest finches were Com. Redpolls, which were scarce at first but in quite good flock s after the beginning of February. With them were Hoary Redpolls, which staged a movement comparable to the flights of and Most were recorded m the north and east, and indeed at Moosonce Jan. 9 there were 90 Hoaries and only one Common (AW), while at Hornepayne 19 banded from Feb. 9 represented almost 5 per cent of the redpolls banded in this period (JMB). There was much informal talk of percentages elsewhere, but only at Ottawa, with some 2-3 per cent of the flocks Hoaries (fide RAF), did the final reports offer such information. Most sightings were after Feb. 9, only 5 records (apart from the Moosonce report) offering earlier dates: in all, at Thunder Bay there were two birds, five in the Sudbury area, five in Algonquin P.P., one at Barfie, 12 at Kingston with a peak of five Feb. 23, two at Kitchener-Waterloo, four at London and ten at Hamilton. SPARROWS -- Apart from a record-early Chipping Sparrow Mar. 10 at London (DGW, MW) and single Harris' Sparrows at Hornepayne Dec Jan. 9 and Long Pt. Dec (m.ob.), all sparrow reports are of the increasingly frequent wintering birds. Without re- peating CBC sightings they include a Vesper Sparrow in Vaughan Twp. Dec. 16 (HK, AD, GB) and Bame Dec. 15 (CH); a Chipping Sparrow at Port Hope Dec (ERM); four Field Sparrows at Bramalea Dec 9 (JAM); a White-crowned Sparrow at Ottawa Jan 26 (RAF) and Cadeton Place Feb. 1 (GF); a Whitethroated Sparrow to Feb. 21 in Algonquin P.P. (RT) and at Pimisi Bay throughout (LdeKL); a Fox Sparrow at Halton Hills Jan. 2%31 (JM); and a Lincoln's Sparrow at Peterborough Jan. 1 (DCS et al.). The largest Lapland Longspur count was 12 in Vaughan Twp., Dec 23 - Jan. 1 (LM, GB), and three large flocks of Snow Buntings were reported: 2000 at Malton Jan. 6 (JAM), 1600 in Essa Twp., Mar. 17 (SM, CJM), and 1000 on Wolfe I., Mar. 23 (K.F.N.). CORRIGENDUM --The report of Sprague's Pip t (Am. Birds 28:47) was not considered acceptable by the Ontario Records Committee and should be deleted SUB-REGIONAL EDITORS (boldface itahc), CONTRIBUTORS (boldface) and OBSERVERS -- J Anderton, R.F. Andrle, H.H. Axtell, P. Bald, H. Barnett, Mrs. V. Bastin, G.F. Bates, C. Bell,G. Bennett, C Blomme (CBL), F. Bodsworth, G.M. Brigham, D. Broughton, D. Brunton (DBu), E. Cameron, C A Campbell, H. Coneybeare, F. Cooke, D. Copeland (DCo), F. N. Cramp, J. Crawford, W. Crins, Mrs. R G Cummings, D. Currie,R. Curry, A. Dawe, W.G. Day,K. Denis, B. Dilabio, K. Dinsmore (KDi), L. Drolet, P. Eagles, R. Edwards, S. Essford, G. Findlay, E Fletcher, R.A. Foxall, C.E. Garton (CEGa) C E Goodwin, J.E. Goodwin, B. Gray, K.W. Green, E Greenwood, E.L. Griffin, C. Harris, R. Hilborn, K Himmer, Mrs. H. Houkins, H. Inch, S. Inch, L. Irwin, W.R. Jarmain, G. Jastrebski, J. Jastrebski, M. Jennings, B. Jones, B. Joynt (BJy), E. Kennedy, H. Kerr, Kingston Field Naturalists, W. Koski, D. Lafontmne, L.deK. Lawrence, J.W. Leach, J. Lemon, T. Letson, W.R. Lowe, E,R. MacDonaM, C.J. MacFayden, P Mackenzie, L. Marsh, K. Maybury, D. McCrae, G McGee, C.A. Miles, J. B. Miles, R. & L. Mitton, S Moir, m.ob. multiple observers, J.A. Murray, J Nicholson, J. Nickerson (JNk), R. Norman, S O'Donnell, W. Oldenburg, J. Olmsted, I. Parks, G.K. Peck, T. Perrons, H. Petty, F. Phelan, G. Peever, R Pickering (RPk), R. Pittaway (RPi), R. Poulin, H Quackenbush, B. Ranford, F.M. Rew,P.W. Richter, R Rickwood, L. Roy, J. Ryder, D.C. Sadlet, H Schachow, W.H.Schaefer, L. Stamps, R.B. Stewart, D. Smith, Mr. Mrs. R.F. Smith, V.P. Smith, W. Smith, L. Thomson, Toronto Ornithological Club, R. Tozer, B. Wade, D.G. Wake, M. Wake, T. Watson,R.D, Wetr, T. Welbourn (TWe), R. H. Westmore, D. Wilshere, C Wood, S. Wood, G. Woods, J. Woods (JWd), J. Woolley, A. Wormington, O. Zarubick, R. Ziefeld, W Zufelt, -- CLIVE E. GOODWIN, Apt. 610, 45 LaRose Ave., Weston, Ont. M9P 1A8. Volume 28, Number 3 635

27 WESTERN NEW YORK AND NORTHWEST- ERN PENNSYLVANIA. -- A generally mild winter season was the rule for the second consecutive year. The last half of January and late February and early March were much warmer than usual. Total snowfall tended to be from average to below average with some of the worst storms of the season coming during the last half of March. It was one of those years when March entered as a lamb, but left as a lion! Birdwise, the season was characterized by numerous lingering half-hardy species and individuals, many of which, owing to the general mildness, survived through the end of the period. It was generally a poor year for northern species, although almost all were represented by at least a few individuals. The mild weather of late February and early March brought with it one of the best waterfowl migrations in recent years. Most March passefine arrivals tended to be early, owing also to the same very mild conditions. The notes below exclude all Christmas Bird Count data, since most CBC results were not available at the t me of writing this report. GREBES, HERONS -- The rare but regular Eared Grebe was studied carefully Mar. 9 on Seneca L. (M J). The extreme mildness of early March apparently was responsible for Mar. 22 observations of a Green Heron, some three weeks earlier than the average arrival date, at lrondequoit Bay, Monroe Co. (RA), and a Least Bittern, some five weeks early, at Dunkirk (WS). WATERFOWL -- Late fall concentrations of Whistling Swans included 214 on Dec. 16 and 154 on Dec. 13 on Chautauqua L. (RS). Obvious spring migrants were seven on Feb. 8 at Scio, Allegany Co. (VP) but the first big movement did not occur until Feb. 24. Swans were much more common and widespread than usual throughout the Region through March, with the maxlmum count being 600 on Mar. 7 at Edinboro, Erie Co., Pa (DS). Wintering Canada Geese, especially in the Finger Lakes region, were probably more numerous than in any previous year; some 6000 frequented Seneca L. alone (WB). The first obvious migrants were noted Feb. 21 & 22. All reports combined suggested that there may have been a conservative 150,000 to 200,000 Canada Geese present at the end of March in the usual concentrattan areas on the plains south of L. Ontario. A White-fronted Goose, for which there are very few fall reports, was observed Dec. 2 at Iroquois N.W.R. (fide JoM). The first Snow Geese arrived Feb. 22 at Montezuma N.W.R. and by the end of March the flock had built up to about 1400, some 1200 of these being the blue morph (WB). P ntails were more common and widespread during March than in many recent years. Blue-winged Teal and N. Shovelers moved into the Region in large numbers much earlier than in the average year. The only Eur Wigeon was one Mar. 8 at Waterford, Erie Co., Pa (JS & JeS). Spring migrant Ring-necked Ducks were more abundant than during the average year. Persons or agencies responsible for blue-backed Canvasbacks will be interested in one reported from Mar. 6 Presque I., Pa. (DS) Wintering and migrant populations of Com. Goldeneyes and Buffieheads seemed low. Some 1000 Oldsquaws were on L. Ontario near Rochester Dec 27 (WL); this species staged a somewhat remarkable March flight apparent in many parts of the Region, but especially in southern tier counties; in a normal year mid-april is the time of maximum abundance in those areas. A Corn. Eider again appeared on L. Ontario in the Rochester area, this time Jan. 1-6 at Charlotte, Monroe Co. (PW et al.). A few King Eiders were present during December and January when up to six were on the lower Niagara R. (B.O.S.); in the Rochester region a male was present Jan. 6 - Mrr. 16 (AK et al ) Last fall's scoter flight was reflected in some 250 White-winged Scoters being present Dec. 27 on L. On- tario near Rochester (WL). Hooded Mergansers wintered in above normal numbers; three Feb. 9 at Sclo (VP) were the first winter reports for Allegany County HAWKS -- The most common Accipiter was the Goshawk. Reports came from scattered localities, mostly in the eastern and central parts of the Region In the Rochester area, where most observations originated, 14 individuals were thought to be present during December, eight in January, and seven in February, of three banded during January at Webster, Monroe Co, one was an ad. male and two were imm. males (JC) At Braddock Bay, Monroe Co., the major hawk flight locality in the Region, 24 Goshawks passed over Mar 23 (G.O.S.). Wintering Cooper's Hawks were more numerous than the Sharp-shinned, but both were much less common than formerly. Red-tailed Hawks tered in normal to above normal numbers throughout A few Red-shouldered Hawks wintered and 29 passed over Braddock Bay Mar. 23 (G.O.S.), but these numbers were low for this once fairly common hawk Rough-legged Hawks were scarce, with 10 over Braddock Bay Feb. 28 (JuC) being the maximum. Only two Bald Eagles, an adult and an immature, were reported Wintering Am. Kestrels were common, especially on the Lake Plains; populations were thought to be 30 per cent higher than a year ago in the Romulus, Seneca Co area (MJ). RAILS, SHOREBIRDS -- Two Virginia Rails were at Irondequoit, Monroe Co., Jan. 18 (fide G.O.S.), and one frequented the same area as late in the season as Feb (NM et al.) Spring migrant Am. Woodcock and Corn. Snipe arrived in numbers much earlier n March than usual. A Purple Sandpiper, always rare, was at Dunkirk Jan. 13 (ABet al.). Very late were two Dunlin at Braddock Bay Dec. 9 (WL) and one Jan 3 (MC et al.); but one at Myer's Pt. on Cayuga L., Jan 21 and Mar suggested possible overwintering (DK et al.), an unprecedented event in the Region. Also late was a single Sanderling and a Red Phalarope Dec. 9 at Braddock Bay (WL). GULLS, ALCIDS -- Up to five Glaucous Gulls and one Iceland Gull frequented Irondequoit Bay Outlet (AK); a few others were scattered elsewhere on the Great Lakes and Niagara R. The mild season accounted for numbers of Bonaparte's Gulls remaining on the lower Niagara R. many weeks beyond their usual m d- January departure date. Included with the Bonaparte's 636 American B rds, June 1974

28 was a very late Little Gull Feb. 24 at Lewiston, Niagara Co (AM & WM). Received too late to be included in the Fall Migration report, but nevertheless significant, was the unprecedented high number of 29 Little Gulls on the Niagara R., Nov. 4 (PB et al.) The highest number ever noted in the Rochester area was 10 on Dec. 1 at the Irondequoit Bay Outlet (AK); five counted Jan 14 on L. Erie at Dunkirk was also noteworthy (RS et al.). An imm. Ivory Gull first noted Dec on the Canadian side of the Niagara R. (WV et al.) apparently moved upriver for it touched U.S. soil Dec. 31 at Buckhorn Island S.P. (WiB). This was the second Niagara R. Ivory Gull known, the first having been found by the same observer in 1934! A single Black-legged Kittiwake was on L. Ontario at Charlotte Jan. 24 (FS et al.). A Dovekie, one of only a very few Regional reports, was studied carefully Dec. 23 at the Irondequoit Bay Outlet (AK). OWLS -- Of five Barn Owls reported, three were known to have died from various causes. Screech Owls were thought to be present in normal numbers. Great Horned Owls were holding their own in general, but were more common than usual in some areas resulting from a high rabbit population (fide MJ). About 10 Snowy Owls comprised this year's poor southward flight. Five reports of eight Long-eared Owls was very low compared with many previous years. There were about five known Short-eared Owl concentrations on the L. Ontario Plains, with the maxima of 23 at Romulus in mid-january (MJ) and 19 at Avon, Livingston Co., Feb. 10 (JoC et al.). Saw-whet Owls were very scarce, there being only three reports. WOODPECKERS, SWALLOWS -- Many Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers attempted wintering, but none were reported after the end of January. Downy Woodpecker populations were unusually high in some parts of the Finger Lakes Region -- is the cause the dying elms? It was very difficult to explain why two Barn Swallows were at Ithaca on the absurd date of Jan. 28 (DK et al.). CROWS, TITMICE, NUTHATCHES -- Common Crows were very scarce in many sections but perhaps many of those that were present moved into the Scio area, where a maximum of 583 occurred Jan Feb. 28 (VP). Tufted Titmice appeared to be increasing, perhaps a result of two consecutive mild winters combined with ample sunflower seeds at feeding stations. Red-breasted Nuthatches were very scarce. (CK). Cedar Waxwing numbers were low all over but an abundant food supply at Durand Eastman Park in Rochester caused some 500 to remain there Jan 1-31 (JoC et al.). The winter season continued to be a relatively poor one for N. Shrikes. WOOD WARBLERS -- A normal winter season usually provides nothing to report under this family But some two month s later than their average departure dates was a single Black-and-white Warbler at Elmira Dec. 16 (fide WH) and an Ovenbird at Presque I., Pa, Dec. 15 (ChK). Although Com. Yellowthroats sometimes attempt to winter, one Dec. 9 at Presque I., Pa (JS) was the first reported in several years. Up to 20 Yellow-rumped Warblers, D.c.coronata, wintered on barberry fruits near Junius, Seneca Co. (WB) A Yellow-rumped Warbler, D.c. auduboni, was studied by many observers and photographed Jan at Pittsford, Monroe Co. (G.O.S.); hopefully, further de- tails will be provided in the next report on this record, about the fifth N.Y. State record. BLACKBIRDS -- Most of the usual half-hardy blackbirds wintered in above-normal numbers. The Brown-headed Cowbird was the most numerous. Two N. Orioles, 1.g.galbula, were reported during De- cember in the southern part of the Region, one of which was found in a very weakened condition. FRINGILLIDS -- It was a generally poor winter for "northern" finches, although all, save the Pine Grosbe.ak, moved southward. Numerically, the Evening Grosbeak was the most abundant, but rather than being widespread as in some years, mo st tended to be concentrated around feeders in the southern part of the Region. Purple Finches were very scarce. During November there were a number of scattered reports of small numbers of Com. Redpolls from December through early March, but during the last ten days of March there was a major and widespread flight, there being many reports of flocks numbering over 100 individuals. Were these birds missed on their southward movement earlier in the season -- or did they move southward elsewhere? There were reliable reports of at least four Hoary Redpolls on the L. Ontario Plains Feb 24 - Mar. 31. Pine Siskins were very scarce. Unlike November, when the Red Crossbill was far more numerous than the White-winged, the situation was reversed during the remainder of the season. Small flocks of White-winged Crossbills occurred throughout the Region throughouthe period. Red Crossbills were extremely scarce. Most previously reported House Finch populations remained stable; up to 20 were at Ithaca during the period (DK), an area from which the approximate size WRENS, MIMIDS, THRUSHES -- Last fall's incursion of Carolina Wrens continued to be evident through the winter in the southern part of the Region from the Erie, Pa. area eastward to the Elmira and Ithaca area; many were known to have survived the winter, feeding stations being responsible for the success of some. Mockingbird populations remained relatively stable. A February total of 28 Gray Catbirds at Webster was unusual (JM). More E. Bluebirds attempted wintering than usual. of the population has never been previously reported Another House Finch was at a feeder Mar. 20 at Watkins Glen (JB) where they have been previously unreported. More Rufous-sided Towhees wintered than during the average year. Single Dark-eyed Juncoes, KINGLETS, WAXWINGS, SHRIKES -- Unusu- J.h. oreganus, were in the Rochester area Dec. 21 and ally large numbers of Golden-crowned Kinglets wintered in mature evergreen plantations in the Alfred area Mar (fide G.O.S.). Several flocks of up to 75 Lapland Longspurs were noted on the L. Ontario Plains Volume 28, Number 3 637

29 during mid-february; elsewhere they were scarce. Snow Buntings were fairly common, especially during February and March. CONTRIBUTORS (in boldface) and OBSERVERS -- Robert Ambrose, Paul Benham, (WB) Walter Benning, Allen Benton, (WiB) William Birch, Richard Bollinger, Elizabeth Brooks, Jack Brubaker, Buffalo Ornithological Society, Doris Burton, Lou Burton, Michael Carlson, (JuC) Julie Claffey, (JoC) John Connor, (JC) Jerry Czech, Genessee Ornithological Society, Frank Guthrie, Wilifred Howard, Morgan Jones, Allen Kemnitzer, Douglas Kibbe, (CK) Clarence Klingensmith, (ChK) Charles Krantz, Walter Listman, Alice McKale, Willard McKale, (JM) Joseph McNett, Nell Moon, (JoM) John Morse, Vivian Pitzrick, Fritz Scheider, Donald Snyder, Willard Stanley, (JS) James Stull, (JeS) Jean Stull, Robert Sundell, Thomas Tetlow, William Vaughan, Jayson Walker, Paul Weld. -- RICHARD C. ROSCHE, P.O. Box 482, Crawford, Neb APPALACHIAN / George A. Hall REGION Winter? Did we have a winter this year? It hardly seemed so. The Region experienced one of the mildest winters in recent years, and while no season can have really dull birding this one seemed dull in many ways. usual. Consequently practically all of the Christmas Bird Count (hereafter, CBC) groups reported record high counts in species listed. Perhaps the most remarkable of these was the count of 78 species in Garrett County, Md., all at elevations well above 2000 feet on Dec. 16. The southbound waterfowl migration was still going on in mid-december, and the northbound flight started in late February. Spring migration of land birds also started in late February, and by the end of the period the northward movement was well ahead of schedule. GREBES, CORMORANTS, AND HERONS -- In early March the Horned Grebe staged an unusually heavy flight, and the two seen at Dalton, Ga., Dec. 15 represented the second Whitfield Co. record (AH). A W. Grebe was present near Tullahoma, Tenn., on the extreme s.w. border of the Region for most of the winter (JBO). Three Double-crested Cormorants at Cheshire, O. Mar (PC&WC, fide* JS) was unusual for the locality, and indeed was the only report of the species. A most unusual number of Great Blue Herons wintered in the Region with reports coming from as far north as Meadville, Pa. (RFL) and Warren, Pa. (WH). A Great Egret at Raccoon Creek S.P., Pa. Mar. 20 (JMa, fide DF), and two at Seneca L., O. Mar. 24 (PC&WC) were unusually early. The only report of a Cattle Egret came from L. Chickamauga, Tenn., Mar. 30 (AH). The Steubenville, O., CBC reported a Green Heron Dec. 15 (RRi). Black-crowned Night Herons wintered in numbers at Waynesboro, Va. (RS), and one seen on the Pittsburgh CBC Dec. 29 was the first winter record for that area (RBg & MS,fide DF). While there were approximately 12 species of "no hem inv ers", seve l "western invaders" and a few interesting stragglers from other qua ers, not one repo ed any great concenturions of any of these, and most people sa only a few of them. At the Hitsburgh weather station the four months of the se n showed a 302 day-degree excess in tempe - ture and a0.34-inch infall deficit. At Morgantown the only app ciable snowfall c e in two sto s in eady December. To the south there w es ntially no snowf l. Most of the large dies of water never completely froze over, and waterfowl remained throughout the The mild fall and the unseasonal December temperatures induced many s cies to remain north longer than WATERFOWL -- The most interesting event in the delayed southbound flight occurred in Garrett County, Md., Dec. 16. On both the day before and the day after there were essentially no waterfowl on Deep Creek L., but on the 16th the CBC listed a total of 2866 ducks and geese including such counts as 757 Redheads. 571 Canvasbacks, and 50 Oldsquaws (FP, DB). Symptomatic of the mild season was the count of only 59 Com. Goldeneyes on the Pittsburgh CBC, the second lowest count in 15 years. The northbound flight which started in late February and continued through March was quite good at most places, but as expected the exceptions to this came from the south, e.g. Kingsport, Tenn., where the flight was poor (TF). A count of 250 Canvasbacks at L. Arthur, Pa. Mar. 10 (DF) and 1000 at Bald Eagle S.P., Pa. Mar. 9 (CHa &MCl,fide PS) here heartening. Three Whistling Swans wintered at Lock Haven, Pa. (PS), and one was present at W. Newton, Pa. from Jan. I until it was shot by persons unknown Feb. 15 (DF). A fall straggler was seen at Cove L., Tenn., Dec. 12 (JBO). The spring flight was good, and started around Feb. 20, almost two weeks early, and only afew stragglers were left in the Region at the end of the period. Except for reports from Blacksburg, Va. (JMu) and Elkins, W.Va. (EO) there were no reports this spring from off the rather narrow flight path. The Canada Goose flight was somewhat lower than usual this spring, but an individual of one of the small races, often 638 American Birds, June 1974

30 called "Cackling Goose" was seen near Greensburg, Pa, Feb. 12 (CW). White-phase Snow Geese were reported from Buncombe Co. N.C., Dec. 15 (RRu); Knox Co, Tenn., Jan. 14 (PP, fide JBO); Kanawha Co., W Va., Feb. 21 (NG); State College, Pa., Mar. 2 and Mar. 28 (MW), and P matuning L., Mar. 20 (RFL). Blue-phase birds were seen in Somerset Co., Pa., Mar. 10 (GSa& RSa, fide DF), and P matuning, Mar. 20 (RFL). Three Eur. Wigeon in Butler Co., Pa. Mar. 9 regis- tered perhaps only the second s.w. Pennsylvania record (DP, fide DF). Oldsquaws were reported in unusual numbers throughout the season and throughout the Region as far south as Watauga L., Tenn. (GE) and Waynesboro, Va. (RS), with a high count of 350 at Bald Eagle S.P., Pa. Mar. 9 (CHa & MCl,fide PS). White- winged Scoters were reported from Canfield, O., Feb. 6 (WB); Bald Eagle S.P., Pa., Mar. 9 (CHa & MC1); Crawford Co. Pa., Mar. 16 (RFL); L. Arthur, Pa., Mar. 16 (MG,fide DF); Warren, Pa., Mar. 29 (HJ,fide WH); and Boone L., Tenn., Mar. 23 (MDffide GE), while the much rarer Black Scoter was seen at in Crawford, Co., Pa Mar. 16 (RFL). The bird of the season was a Harlequin Duck at Hinton, W.Va. Jan Feb. 15 (JLS), the first sight record for the state. Interestingly enough the only other record for the Region was one which wintered near Blacksburg, Va. in 1973, the two localities being perhaps only 40 airline miles apart. port, Tenn. (TF); and Elizabethton, Tenn. (GE) Thirty-four Screech Owls (record count) were reported RAPTORS -- The hawk picture was brighter this on the Allegheny Co., Pa., CBC (DF). Horned and year than it has been for many years. Sharp-shinned, Barred Owls were in good numbers with a nest of the Cooper's, Red-tailed, and Red-shouldered Hawks were former near Lock Haven, Jan. 26 (CHa,fide PS). The all reported to be in good numbers at most places. only report of a Snowy Owl came from Lowell, O. Dec Rough-legged Hawks were down slightly at Lock 15 (MSi&JSi,fide JS). Long-eared Owls were reported Haven (PS) but were seen as far south as Waynesboro, from Nickelsville, Tenn. (ES, fide TF), Ligonier, Pa Va (RS) and New Market, Va. (MWh). A early and Pittsburgh, Pa. (DF). Short-eared Owls were seen Broad-winged Hawk was seen at Lewisburg, W.Va. at State College, Pa. from Dec. 12 to early March Mar. 19 (CH). (MW), and at the Knoxville airport in early Mamh, the Goshawks were unusually common, being reported first local record in 44 years (MWi,fide JBO). A Sawfrom Sheffield, Pa., on three occasions in January (NS, whet Owl was reported from Avis, Pa., Dec. 14 (PS) fide WH); Allegheny Co., Pa., CBC (DF); Raccoon Creek S.P., CBC, Dec. 29 (NK,fide DF); Garrett Co., GOATSUCKERS, WOODPECKERS AND Md, CBC (FP); and Somerset Co. Pa., Mar. 8-9 (GSa& FLYCATCHERS -- A remarkably early Whip-poor- RSa, fide DF). Ospreys at Seneca L., O., Dec. 3 (JS) will was heard on the Blue Ridge Parkway in s. Virglma and Blacksburg, Va., Jan. 4 (CS, fide JMu) were un- Mar. 30 (RK). Red-bellied Woodpeckers continue to do usual. A Peregrine was seen at New Market, Va. Dec. well northward. In the Pittsburgh, Pa. area there were 19 (MWh) and Blacksburg Jan. 21 (HJa, fide JMu), 30 reports from 12 locations through the period (DF) whale Merlins were reported from L. Arthur, Mar. 10 and one was reported from Lock Haven Mar. 10 (CHa (DF) and Pymatuning L., Mar. 30 (RFL). A Bald Eagle & MC1). Red-headed Woodpeckers were in low numwas seen at Marienville, Pa. (DG,fide WH) and one on bers or absent at most places. South Holston L. Tenn., Dec. 29 was the only Tennes- A count of 22 E. Phoebes on the CBC at Great Smoky see record (WY,fide GE). A Golden Eagle was present, Mountains N.P. was remarkable (JBO). This species at least during the late winter, in the mountains just east arrived at about normal dates but a rather early report of Morgantown, being seen twice from the Regional came from Somerset Co., Pa., Mar. 8 (GSA& RSa,fide Editor's backyard (GAH). DF). Both vulture species were in good numbers. A Black Vulture was seen at Colyet L., Pa. (well north of the usual range) Dec. 2 (EB,fide MW); 38 were counted on the Lewisburg, W.Va., CBC (CH), and 272 on the Blacksburg, Va., CBC (JMu). SWALLOWS, CORVIDS AND TITMICE -- An RAILS, SHOREBIRDS, AND GULLS -- A King Rad at Lock Haven Dec. 29 was apparently the second w nter record for Pennsylvania (PS). A Killdeer nest in McKean Co., Pa. Mar. 15 was remarkably early (SE). Common Snipe wintered in good numbers but one on the Garrett Co., Md., CBC, Dec. 16 was at an elevation higher than might be expected at this season. The banding of Am. Woodcock near Morgantown began Feb. 6, the earliest date since the project started (DS). A few Least Sandpipers wintered at Chattanooga (KD), and early Solitary and Pectoral Sandpipers were reported from Elizabethton, Tenn., Mar. 20 (GE). There were good numbers of both Ring-billed and Herring Gulls wintering on the larger bodies of water but the interestingull reports were of the wintenng Bonaparte's Gulls at L. Arthur (DF); Lewisburg, W.Va. (CH); Seneca L., O. (MCh); and Garrett Co, Md. (FP). There was a good flight northward of Bonaparte's Gulls in late March. PARAKEETS AND OWLS -- A lone Monk Parakeet was observed at Franklin, N.C. Mar. 21 (HG, fide RRu). Past accounts have complained about the absence of reports on owls, and possibly as a result a large number of reports came in. Barn Owls were reported from Lock Haven (3 locations -- PS); s.w. Pennsylvania, (3 locations -- DF); Mountain Lake Park, Md. (FP); Lewisburg, W.Va. (CH); New Market, Va. (MWh); Kings- early Purple Martin record came from Knoxville Feb 24 (JBO), but the general arrival at most places was normal at about mid-march. It is too early yet to appraise how the martin population has recovered from the 1972 disaster. Some early dates for other swallows were Tree Swallow Mar. 11, Meadville, Pa. (RFL), Barn Swallow Mar. 11 at Elizabethton, Tenn. (GE) ten Volume 28, Number 3 639

31 days early; and Rough-winged Swallow Mar. 17 at Dalton, Ga. (AH) and New Market, Va. (MWh). A Fish Crow was seen at Lock Haven Mar. 23 (PS). A few Black-capped Chickadees were found as far south as Charleston (NG), but numbers south of the normal range were much fewer than in some years. At Pittsburgh (in the normal range) 1218 were listed on the CBC (new high -- DF). NUTHATCHES AND WRENS -- The Whitebreasted Nuthatch remains uncommon throughout much of the Region. On Roan Mr., Tenn. Red-breasted Nuthatches were considered common (FB), but elsewhere they were nearly absent. Brown-headed Nuthatch populations at Dalton, Ga. remain about constant (AH). As reported previously the Carolina Wren populations are high, and in the northern part of the Region they have seldom been higher. The mild open winter meant that there was probably very little mortality. At Pittsburgh (which is north of what has been the bound- ary of the permanent range) atotal of 437 were counted on the CBC (previous high DF). They were in good numbers at Lock Haven (PS) and one was seen as far north as Warren Feb. 27 (RRd, fide WH). House Wrens were reported on the CBC at both Pittsburgh, Pa (first ever -- DF), and Dalton, Ga. (AH). Winter Wrens were moderately common, and another sign of the mild winter was reported of several Winter Wrens in full song on Roan Mr., Tenn. Mar. 9 (FB). MIMII S AND THRUSHES -- The Mockingbird is another southerner who is doing well northward with reports from Meadville, Pa. (RFL); Butler, Pa. (FPr), Indiana, Pa. (CW), Ligonier, Pa. (RCL), and Mountain Lake Park, Md. (FP). Reports of wintering Gray Catbirds came from Pittsburgh: three on the CBC and one on Feb. 24 (DF); State College, Pa. where two wintered successfully (MW), but oddly there was only one report of the Brown Thrasher (usually the commoner of the two), from the Garrett Co., Md., CBC, Dec. 16 (FP). Wintering robins were rather scarce at most places, with only three on the Clarksville, Pa., CBC (RB), but in early March there was a very heavy flight northward with a count of 600 seen along 70 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, N.C. Mar. 7 (DC). A Hermit Thrush Feb. 1 at Mcelhattan, Pa. was mildly unusual (PS), but otherwise this species was scarce or unreported. E. Bluebirds were in very good numbers. On Mar 11, 78 Bluebirds were counted in 41 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in s. Virginia (RK). A rather early nesting date came from Clarksville, Pa. with eggs found Mar 17 (RB). KINGLETS AND WAXWINGS -- The Goldencrowned Kinglet is usually the more common of the two in winter in this Region, but this year the Ruby-crowned outnumbered the Golden-crowned at most places, and was unusually common. Oddly enough none were to be found near Charleston (NG). Last winter large flocks of Cedar Waxwings had been present throughout the Region, but this yevr the numbers were few, and many places reported them totally absent. PIPITS, SHRIKES AND VIREOS -- Water Pipits were reported from Watauga L., Tenn., Dec. 9 (8 -- GE) and at Avis, Pa., Dec. 29 (first local CBC record -- PS). Spring reports came from Williamsport, Pa. Mar 29, Jersey Shore, Pa., Mar. 31 (PS), and Fayetteville, Pa., Mar. 30 (CG). There were two reports of Northern Shrikes: at Warren, Dec. 25 (DO,fide WH), and Bald Eagle S.P., Pa, Feb. 27 (MW). Solitary Vireos had arrived at Roan Mt., Tenn., Mar 23 (GE), and at Oteen, N.C. Mar. 25 (DC). WARBLERS AND ICTERIDS -- Yellow-rumped Warblers were unusually scarce as wintering birds, with only a scattered few records northward, and greatly reduced numbers where they normally winter, with only oneonthe Elizabethton, Tenn., CBC (GE) A Palm Warbler was present at Clarksville, Pa. Dec (RB). An Orange-crowned Warbler came to a feeder in Dalton, Ga. from late February through March (AH) Pine Warblers were more than usually common with a wintering bird in Berkeley Co., W. Va. (CM), February records at Blacksburg, Va. (first local winter record -- JMu) and Dalton, Ga. (AH). Other early arrivals were Mar. I at Elizabethton, Tenn. (GE), and Mar. 8 at Charleston (NG). The only other warbler reported was the Louisiana Waterthrush which had arrival dates of Mar. 23 at Elizabethton (GE) and Mar. 28 at Charleston (NG). There were three reports of wintering N. Orioles Powdermill Nature Reserve, Pa. -- present from Thanksgiving to at least Mar. 9 (RCL); Kingsport, Tenn., from Jan. 29 to the end of period (TF) and Waynesboro, Va. Feb. 9, 16, and Mar. 21 (RS). Rusty Blackbirds wintered in larger numbers than usual, another probable reflection of the mild season Brewer's Blackbirds were reported in Elizabethton, Tenn. on three occasions through the winter with a high count of eight Mar. 10 (GE) and at Asheville, N C (RRu). The arrival of the migrant grackles, redwings, and meadowlarks was at just about the normal time A blackbird roost at Asheville had over 2 million birds on Dec. 15. FRINGILLIDS -- Observers throughout the Region commented that Cardinals were unusually abundant this winter. Of particular interest were two reports of Black-headed Grosbeaks: Knoxville (first county record), first seen Jan. 11 (JBO) and S. Charleston, W. Va., a male seen Dec. 17 and a female in February and March (GK). The only other West Virginia records were made at the same place in 1971 and A Dickcissel was present at Waynesboro, Va. from Dec 6 until the end of the period (RS) and another was seen at a feeder at Sistersville, W. Va. in February (GM, fide NL). Although eight species of "northern finches" were reported, it was a disappointing year. The Evening Grosbeak flight was spotty in distribution and low in numbers. Through November and December they were in moderate numbers but by Jan. 1 they had disap- peared from many places to reappear again in late March. A few birds were found as far south as Knoxville (JBO) and Elizabethton, Tenn. (GE) with a lone 640 American Birds, June 1974

32 bird in e. Kentucky (PA). The center of abundance seemed to be in w. Virginia with CBC counts of 249 at Roanoke, and 217 at Augusta County (DB). There were only two reports of Pine Grosbeaks: State College, Pa. (no date given -- WCO), and Friendsville, Md., Dec. 17 (RRo). Purple Finches were absent from many places where they normally winter but they began to appear in numbers in e. Tennessee in March, and further north arrived after the end of the period. The House Finch continues to spread and increase in the Region. An amazing 123 were listed on the Washington Co., Md., CBC, 63 in Augusta, Co. Va. and 61 at Roanoke (DB). They are now regular at Lock Haven (PS), State College (WC), and Indiana, Pa. (CW). New locations for sightings were Garrett, Co., Md., Dec. 16 (FP), Uniontown, Pa., Dec. 31 (AT, fide DF); Maryville, Tenn. (JBO), and Buckhannon, W. Va. in December (MT,fide NL) This last record is the first record west of the mountains south of Pennsylvania. Common Redpolls appeared in small numbers at Warren and Sheffield, Pa. (WH), Indiana, Pa. (CW), Allegheny Co., Pa. (DF), State College, Pa. (MW), Chambersburg, Pa. (CG) and Newcomerstown, O. (ESh). American Goldfinches were in good numbers in w Pennsylvaniand Ohio but tap6red off farther south. Pine Siskins were in low numbers at scattered points throughout the Region as far south as Oteen, N.C. (DC) and Knoxville (JBO). They too began to increase in numbers in March. White-winged Crossbills were reported, but no large numbers, from Jersey Shore, Pa., Jan 12 & Feb. 7 (PS); Warren, Pa., Jan. 17 & Mar. 31 (WH); State College, Pa., Jan (JJ, fide MW); Blacksburg, Va., Jan. 16 (CA, fide JMu), and eight reports from the Pittsburgh area (DF). Red Crossbill reports mostly came from the south: Dalton, Ga. (AH), Chattanooga (KD), Knoxville (JBO), Elizabethton (GE), and Blacksburg (JMu). Flocks of up to 50 birds were seen. The only northern records came from Clarksville, Pa. (RB), State College (MW), and three from Pittsburgh (DF). The mild winter induced a few Savannah Sparrows to remain in the Region at least until early February. Tree Sparrows were in low numbers at most places. A Chipping Sparrow at Elizabethton Mar. 2 was quite early (GE) White-throated Sparrows continued to be abundant in w. Pennsylvania and n. West Virginia, although the Pittsburgh CBC showed a slight decline over In the E. Panhandle of West Virginia (CM) and at Lewisburg, W.Va. (CH) on the other hand Whitethroateds were scarcer than White-crowneds. At Lewisburg a few of the western race of the Whitecrowned, gambeli were seen (CH). A few Whitecrowneds wintered at Lock Haven (PS) and one was seen at Warren Dec. 31 (WH). Fox Sparrows seemed scarce in the south during March and few northern observers reported them. A Lincoln's Sparrow in Allegheny County Pa. Jan. 11 was remarkable (RBy,fide DF) Lapland Longspurs were reported from Fayetteville, Pa, Jan. 6 (CG), Jersey Shore, Pa., Jan. 26 (PS), and Youngstown, O. (WB). Snow Buntings were found at three localities in Butler Co., Pa. with a high count of 150 Jan. 10 (SR & TW); at Jersey Shore, 100 on Jan. 20 (PS), Fayetteville, Pa., flock of up to 200 in December and January (CG); Warren, Pa., Feb. 13 (WH), and Morgantown, a flock on the CBCjust over the state hne in Pennsylvania Jan. 5 (DS). CORRIGENDA -- The following corrections are to be made in the Fall Season account, Am. Birds, (1974). The photo credit for the Wood Stork picture should be to Carolyn Ruddle. 28:55 --The late date for the Kentucky Warbler should be given from Breathitt Co.; House Finches and not Purple Finches summered at Staunton, Va. CONTRIBUTORS -- Curtis Adkisson, Pierre Aliaire, Richard Almy, William Bartolo, Fred Behrend, Ralph Bell (RB), Mrs. Earl Bordner, Ron Byrom (RBy), Danny Bystrak, Dennis Carter, Mary Chapman (MCh), William Clarke, Morton Claster (MC1), Pauline Collett, William Collett, Martha Dillenbeck, Kenneth Dubke, Stephen Eaton, Glen Eller, Thomas Finucane, David Freeland, Carl Garner, Marguerite Geibel, Norris Gluck, Duane Gross (DG), Davisson Grove, Harold Gwinner, Anne Hamilton, Charles Handley (CH), Cecil Hazlett (CHa), William Highhouse, Harry Jacobson (HJa), Mrs. Jennings Jones, Harris Johnson (H J), Randall Kendrick, Nick Kedin, George Koch, Nevada Laitsch, Robert C. Leberman, Ronald F Leberman, John Matviya (JMa), Clark Miller, John Murray (JMu), Gladys Murrey, Ephe Olliver, David Ostrander, J.B. Owen, Paul Pardue, Douglas Pifer, Francis Pope (FP), Frank Preston (FPr), Ron Rieder (RRd), Robert Rine (RRi), Scott Robinson, Richard Rowlett (RRo), Robert Ruiz (RRu), Glenn Sager, (GSc), Ruth Sager (RSa), David Samuel, Norman Samuelson, E. Scott (ES), Paul Schwalbe, Ellis Shlmp (ESh), Jules Simon (JSi), Mary Simon, Mike Slater, J Lawrence Smith, Ruth Snyder (RS), Jerie Stewart (JS), Mrs. C. Stone, Maxine Thacker, Adelaide Titlow, Mede Whitney (MWh), Cora Williams, Morris Williams (MWi), Thomas Wolfe, Merrill Wood (MW), William Yambert. -- GEORGE A. HALL, Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.Va WESTERN GREAT LAKES REGION / Robert B. Janssen The winter of can be characterized by the word unexceptional. This would apply to both birds and weather. The region was not blessed with any invasion of northern owls or finches, although all the expected species showed up in small number. If anything could be said that was characteristic of the season, it could be called a redpoll and siskin winter. Both species ofredpoll and the Pine Siskin were found in good numbers throughout the region, especially after January. Weather was fairly normal, if you can call a winter in the Upper Midwest "normal". Generally speaking the following was the weather pattern in the region December was mild until Christmas, then temperatures dropped to record lows by year's end. For example record lows were recorded in Minneapolis on December 30 and 31. January and the New Year began with record lows over the whole region, a -30øF in Volume 28, Numbee 3 641

33 (BA). Canada Geese reached a peak of 24,000 on Silver L., Rochester, Minn. during December. At least 12,000 of these remained throughout the winter (JAB). At least six Snow Geese also wintered in the same area. The Brant that appeared on the same lake in October was DAK EBOUS, still present on Dec. 8, but, was not reported after that date (RBJ). A White-fronted Goose (very rare in Minnesota in winter) was also on Silver L., Feb. 24 (RBJ). Most migrant ducks began to appear in early March in Minnesot and Wisconsin. A Blue-winged Teal sucessfully wintered in Winnebago Co. Wisc. (DT) and the unusual number of 50 N. Shovelers was seen Feb. 16 in Dane Co. Wisc. (DT). Barrow's Goldeneyes were recorded in Minnesota from Sartell, Stearns Co., Jan 6 (Nil) and three on the St. Paul CBC. In Wisconsin one was seen south of Madison from Dec. 27 until late Feb. Minneapolis. The low for the month was a -45 ø at (BH). Thorhult in no hcm Minnesota on i ua 11. In con- The most unusual records of the season for waterfowl trust k was a +54 ø in New UIm, Minnesota on Janua were the King Eiders in Wisconsin and Michigan. The 16. The latter halfofjanua was m d and d, Wisconsin bird was seen on the Fox R. in Oshkosh Dec. weather stations in ccntr Minnesota recorded zorn 23 - Jan. 7 (CS). The Michigan bird was seen Dec. 30 at precipitation for the month. Fcbrua was Muskegon S. P., Muskegon Co. (GW). The only scoter mild d b late in the month and into cady March records were that of a Black Scorer at Whitehall, Musunsc onably wa. Ecco hi s were recorded kegon Co., Jan 31 (GW), and a White-winged Scoter at Madison (67 ø) d Milwankcc (6 ø) on March 2. This L. Geneva, Walworth Co. Wisc., Dec. 30. wa th td88crcd carly misration. For the second stmisht year, record cady misration dates wcrc re- HAWKS I An exceptional sighting of two Turkey corded over the entire resion on watchowl d other Vultures occurred Dec. 27 at Buffalo, Buffalo Co. typical eady spdn 8 mistants. Wisc. (RL). Goshawks were well represented in both By mid-march conditions 8rcw steadily worse winter returned to most of the resion. A record low temperature of -7 ø was recorded in Minneapolis on March 24. Needless to say misration came to a "scrccchins" halt. Ice was still in all lakes by month's end. Minnesota and Wisconsin. Reports of individual birds were received from all areas of both states. Good numbers of Cooper's Hawks were reported from W.C. Michigan (JP). Michigan reported an increase in hawks, which has been much reduced in numbers throughout the Region, was recorded in ten counties in Wisconsin.; Snowfall was noel or below nodal for the season. a like number of reports came from Michigan but only Janua was almost "snowless" in southern Minnesota, but Duluth had 22 inches on the 8round the month. A major snow sto crossed Minnesota and three from Minnesota. On Dec. 7, 17 Rough-legged Hawks were seen in Aitkin Co. Minn. (TS) and 21 were counted near Sax, St. Louis Co., Minn. Dec. 19 (JCG). Wisconsin from Fcb a 4-6. It was wet, cold, and None were seen in the same area on Jan. 20. snowy across the whole ion durin 8 the last half Wisconsin recorded three Golden Eagles while March. Michigan recorded only two. but they were reported on The winter of'73-74 can best bc summed up by usin the words of Guy McCaskit, editor of the Paci c Coast Resion, who spent 10 days in Minnesota before Chdslmas -- "whal a birdless area when you arc used to 1 species per day in Calffo ia?' My only comment was that you have to bca "toush" birder in this area. 18 CBCs in Wisconsin with numbers ranging from a few to 36. They were reported from 13 localities in Minnesota with up to 13 at Reads Landing, Wabasha Co. (OR). Up to 15 Marsh Hawks were in Dodge Co. Wisc., during the winter. A second winter record for the Osprey in Wisconsin was recorded Dec. 30 in Ozaukee Co. (DT). There were two Gyrfalcon records for Wisconsin: Dec. 22 Waukesha Co. (JF), and Mar. 20, Green LOONS THROUGH HERONS I A Horned Grebe, Lake Co. and one Minnesota record Dec. 29 from an unusual wintering bird in Minnesota, spent the winter on Black Dog L., Dakota Co. (RBJ). Pied-billed Grebes were at the same area. plus one in January in Ozauke'e Co., Wisconsin. Great Blue Herons were at LaCrosse Mar. 7, two to three weeks ahead of normal (FL). An Am. Bittern was seen and captured on the Hastings Minn. CBC, a first Minnesota winter record (JAB). Marine, Washington Co. (DH). The Merlin, extremely rare in winter in this region, was recorded twice in Wisconsin, from Wautoma and Waushara Cos., and once each in Minnesota (Cook Co.) and Michigan (Ottawa Co.). The first spring migrant Merlin was seen Mar. 31 in Dane Co., Wisc. (RA). An Am. Kestrel was far north of its normal winter range in Duluth on Dec. 24 and Jan. 5 (JCG). WATERFOWL -- A total of 43 Whistling Swans were counted on the Lacrosse, Wisc. CBC (FL) and 12 at Muskegon, Mich., Dec. 29 (GW). The first spring migrants were 102 at Ionia, Ionia Co., Mich. Mar. 31 GROUSE THROUGH RAILS i Bobwhite were reported on six Wisconsin CBSs but none in Minnesota or Michigan. Turkeys were drastically reduced on the Necedah N.W.R., Wisc. after two consecutive disastr- 642 American Birds, June 1974

34 ous nesting seasons. However, the birds are doing well In Minnesota at the Whitewater Game Refuge, Winona Co with over 20 being seen in one flock. Five Virginia Rails were recorded on the Detroit CBC. A Sora was seen Dec. 21 in Waukesha Co., Wisc. (JB). Over 1600 Am Coots were recorded on the Madison, Wisc. CBC. Individual birds were present on open water areas in Minnesota. JAEGERS AND GULLS -- A single imm. Pomafine Jaeger was observed and carefully identified Dec. 1 & 2 on L. Erie, Monroe Co., Mich. (LM). Glaucous Gulls were recorded from Bayfield (3) and Milwaukee (2) Cos in Wisconsin (DB) and Dakota Co. (1) Minn. (VL). An Iceland Gull was observed Jan. 30 in the Milwaukee harbor (LE). A Great Black-backed Gull was also seen m the Milwaukee harbor Mar. 1 (LE). Minnesota recorded its first verified Thayer's Gull Dec. 23 at Duluth (Guy McCaskie) and Wisconsin did the same Mar. 14 in Milwaukee harbor (LE). Herring Gulls were almost non-existent on L. Superior in Minnesota where they are normally recorded in large numbers during tl e winter. The only explanation can be the new practice of daily covering the dumps along the north shore of L. Superior which provided food for the birds. Bonaparte's Gulls were observed on the late date of Dec 4 in Mille Lacs Co., Minn. (TS) and 210were still in Kenosha Co. Wisc. Dec. 22. OWLS -- On the Niles (Mich.) owl census taken during the regular CBC period three Barn, 181 Screech, 23 Great Horned, three Barred, one Long-eared Owl and two Saw-whet were recorded (SR). This census would certainly indicate that owls are more common that sight records indicate. It was not an invasion year for Snowy Owls, but they wers recorded from 14 counties in Wisconsin and 11 individuals were reported from Michigan. In the Duluth-Superior harbor area there were eight Snowy Owls Jan. 19 and seven Feb. 17 (JCG). In the Sax-Zim area of St. Louis Co. Minn., four were present Jan. 28 and Feb. 9 (JCG). Hawk Owls were reported only from Minnesota: three at Sax, St. Louis Co. Dec. 27 (JAB), at least one at Island L., St. Louis Co. Dec. 22, one in Crow Wing Co. Dec. 27 (TS) and three in Aitkin Co. Feb 9 (TS). Minnesota also produced the only Great Gray Owl records: one at Sax, St. Louis Co. Dec. 27 (JAB), one in Lakewood Twp., St. Louis Co., one at Greenwood L., Lake Co. and one that made the Minneapolis newspaper in Edina, Hennepin Co. Jan. 27. Finally a Boreal Owl was seen near Cotton, St. Louis Co, Minn., Jan. 13 (JCG). Surprisingly, the only other Saw-whet Owl report came from Minnesota, a single bird Feb. 9 in Wabasha Co. (RL). WOODPECKERS -- A Common Flicker (Redshafted race) spent the winter in Redwood Co., Minn. (RBJ). Red-headed Woodpeckers were very common in Wisconsin with 42 reports of up to birds on several CBCs and in Michigan they were reported as more numerous than usual. Only a few were recorded in Minnesota. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were recorded on six Wisconsin CBCs. The only three-toed woodpeckers reported came from Minnesota, a Black- backed in St. Louis Co. Dec. 27 (JAB), one in Pine Co Feb 28 (FN) and a Northern in Aitkin Co. Dec. 31 (TS) JAYS THROUGH SHRIKES -- A Black-billed Magpie appeared in suburban Milwaukee during December and remained until Jan. 6 (MD). There were a few scattered reports of this species across n. Minnesota, but nothing like the reports of last winter. The only Clark's Nutcracker report came from Tracy, Redwood Co., Minn. -- a single bird in mid-december Boreal Chickadees were notable by their absence, with only three reports from n. Wisconsin and one from Minnesota. Red-breasted Nuthatches were reported on 41 Wisconsin CBCs but were extremely scarce in Minnesota and Michigan. Carolina Wren reports were encouraging from Michigan: seven birds from four localities, but none were seen in Wisconsin and only one in Minnesota thaton the Alton CBC. Mockingbirds were in evidence in the Region: three in Lapeer, Oakland, and Macomb Cos., Michigan. In Wisconsin two birds were reported -- one in Madison and another in Milwaukee. One bird was present at a St. Paul, Minn., feeder Dec Jan 8 (MG). On the latter date the bird was trapped and transplanted to a distant area when the people became tired of the bird after it drove everything away from their feeder! Brown Thrashers were recorded on eight Wisconsin counts and four were reported wintering in s. Minnesota. For the third consecutive winter the Curve-billed Thrasher continued to come to a feeder m Buffalo Co., Wisc. (MM). American Robins were very common along the n. shore of L. Superior in Minnesota, feeding on the abundant mountain ash crop Migrant robins were noted across s. Minnesota the first week of March. Varied Thrush winter reports continue to increase in Minnesota; at least seven individual birds were coming to feeders in St. Louis (2), Winona, Morrison, Washington, Rice, and Lake Cos. The Washington Co. bird remained the longest -- until Mar. 30 (RBJ) Three reports were received from Wisconsin: Chippewa, Douglas and Waukesha Cos. A Hermit Thrush sucessfully wintered in Milwaukee Co. (LO) Minnesota's first winter record of a SwainsoWs Thrush was of a single bird at a St. Paul feeder Nov Dec. 20 (MO). The bird died on the latter date when the temperature was -20ø! Spring migrant E. Bluebirds began to arrive in Wisconsin Mar. 6 and at about the same time in Minnesota. Mountain Bluebird, a casual migrant in Minnesota, was recorded Mar. 6, in Rice Co. (OR) and in Lyon Co., Mar. 30. Bohemian Waxwings were scarce during the period with only a few reports coming from northern parts of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Northern Shrikes were scarce in Minnesota and Michigan, but were reported as numerous in Wisconsin. (DT). WARBLERS THROUGH ICTERIDS -- A Blackand-white Warbler was reported on the record late date of Dec. 8 in Madison, Wisc. (BF). Yellow-rumped Warblers were reported in large numbers in Michigan, and there were seven reports on CBCs in Wisconsin Two birds attempted to winter in Minnesota, one at Grand Marais, Cook Co. from Nov. 17 to Dec. 18 (JV) Volume 28, Number 3 643

35 and one in St. Paul until Dec. 15 (MO). ACom. Yellowthroat was in Madison Dec. 15 (BH). A Yellow-headed Blackbird came to a feeder in Brown Co., Wisc. Dec. 15 (CH). The ubiquitous Com. Grackle now is wintering in the Region in numbers; 350 were reported on the Madison CBC. A N. Oriole was in Sheboygan Co. Wisc. all December and one was seen Feb. 22 in Macomb Co., Mich. (MS). Brown-headed Cowbirds once were regular wintering birds in Minnesota, but in recent years they have been very scarce. It seems that they have moved to Wisconsin with 247 on the Horicon CBC (HM) and 276 on the Madison CBC (BH). FRINGILLIDS -- Evening Grosbeaks were scarce throughout the period with the exception ofn. Wisconsin during the CBC period. Numbers dwindled drastically after that. Pine Grosbeaks were very scarce across the entire Region with as few reports from Minnesota as this writer can remember in recent years. As mentioned above it was definitely a redpoll and Pine Siskin year. Birds were reported in excellent numbers throughout the Region. Numbers of both species increased during January and February. Hoary Redpolls were reported by many observers, especially in Wisconsin. Hoaries were still being reported in numbers by late March. S.A. EUROPEAN SISKIN -- Not one, but, two unique reports of this species (Carduelis spin us) were received from Wisconsin. The first bird was reported Dec. 22 on the Kenosha CBC. Here are the details from observers Bob Fiehweg and Paul DeBenedictis: "While observing a flock of about 50 Pine Siskins along county Highway G near UW- Parkside, an unusual bird appeared. At first sight it was much brighter yellow than the other birds, almost goldfinch like. My panner, Paul DeBenedictis, and I studied the bird closely for 15 to 20 minutes with 7x35 binoculars at distances as close at 15 feet while the flock fed in a patch of weeds alongside the road. Most distinctive were the bright yellow wing bars and tail patches, which resembled the pattern ofa? redstart, but, were bright yellow. The breast was only finely streaked, and looked very smooth compared to adjacent birds. The chin and throat were a light tawny color as was the breast. The head was brownish, similar to other siskins, but, the back was darker and quite contrasty to the wing bars as it sat. The bird was easily distinguishable from the rest of the flock. We could readily pick out the bird in flight and did so several times as the flock flew to various parts of the weed patch. In behavior and body shape, the bird was typically siskin. No unusual vocalizations were detected." A copy of their field notes was sent to the American Museum of Natural History, New York and whose Bird Dept. agreed that the bird was apparently a European Siskin. The second report was of a bird at the feeder of Mr. & Mrs. Metton Maier in Buffalo County Feb. 3 - Mar. 5. No details were supplied with this observation, fantastic if true! Both Red and White-winged Crossbills were well distributed across the Region. In many instances the White-winged outnumbered the Red, especially in Wisconsin (DT). Harris' Sparrow winter records continue to increase in Minnesota; seven birds were reported from around the state with two at Hibbing, St. Louis Co. in the far north (HAM). There were two reports of the species m Wisconsin, one in Ozaukee Co. and another at La- Crosse (FL). There were four December sightings of White-crowned Sparrows in Wisconsin with up to 11 at one feeder in Kenosha Co. (LE). There were 50 Whitecrowned Sparrows at Baroda, Mich., Dec. 14 (TV) White-throated Sparrows were reported on 16 CBCs In Wisconsin, with the maximum number of 16 at Madi- son. At least 15 wintered successfully in Milwaukee Co Once again the White-throat wintered in downtown Minneapolis with up to six being seen with the local House Sparrows (CH). Lapland Longspurs were scarce in Minnesota, but, were reported in 11 counties in Wisconsin in January and February. Snow Buntings were well represented in Wisconsin with flocks of birds seen during CBCs. Only scattered small flocks were reported from Minnesota. CORRIGENDA: --Am. Birds 27:872, Laughing Gull should read July 4, not June 4. In Am. Birds 28:57 the Long-tailed Jaeger from Fond du Lac Co. should be Wisconsin, not Minnesota. The same corrections should be made under E. Bluebird; Am. Birds Buffalo Co. should read Wisconsin not Minnesota CONTRIBUTORS (area editors in bold face) -- Brian Allen (BA), W. Alward, Phillip Ashman, Ron Auler (RA), Roger Bajorek, Elmer Basten, F M Baumgartner, J.E. Baumgartner, James A. Banmhofer (JAB), Bradley Berven, Richard Beverly, John Bielefeldt (JB), David Blais, Donald Bolduc, David Bratley, H. Buck, B & D Campbell, Steve Carlson, H & T Carpenter, M & T Casner, Betty Challis, H.F. Chamberlain, Katherine Chase, C.A. Cipponcri, Harry Clark, Ed Cleary, D. Comke, H. Cox, Paul DeBenedlctus, Arnold DeKam, Mary Donald (MD), Robert Drieslen, Mardene Eide, K. Eckert, Alpha& Fred Eckhardt, D.B. Emroeft, Louise Erickson (LE), Ruth Erickson, James Evrard, Craig Faanes, J.E. Faggan, Laurence & Carol Falk. L.A. Fell, Ray Feldmann, David Fiedler, Bob Fiehweg, Herbert Fisher, John Flora, Don Follen, Sr., Bill Foster (BF), J.A. Fowler, Bruce Frisbie, Jim Fuller (JF), Pepper Fuller, Ethel Getgood, Alta Goff, Maurey & Isabel Goldberg (MG), Janet C. Green (JCG), Jeff Greenhouse, Delbert Greenman, Doris Gregerson, Karol Gresser, Phyllis Gunter, Ray Halhsy, John Hamel, Helen Hatlelid, Kathy Heidel, Lisa Herbert, J.A. Hewins, N. Hiemenz (NH), Bill Hillsenhoff (BH), Barbara Hirt, Bruce Hitman, Harry & Kathryn Hobson, Don Hodges, D. Hollums, Robert Holtz, Dean Honetshclager, Alex Hook, Charles Horn, Jr (CH), Helen Horton, R. Hotaling, Clam Hussong (CH), John Idzikowski, M. Ivanovs, Richard H. Jackson, Josephine James, Robert B. Janssen (RBJ)(Minnesota), Joan Johnson, Oscar Johnson, John Joldersma, Marie 644 American Birds, June 1974

36 Jones (MJ) Michigan, Preston Jones, Ethel & Robert Joslin, E.W. Joul, John Kaspar, Alice Kelley (AK) (s.c. Michigan), Charles Kemper, J.P. Kleiman, Bernie Klugon, E. Knapp, Rockne Knuth, Harold Koopman, Eleanor Kuhn, W.A. Lamb, Mary Leiffers, Violet Lender (VL), Fred Lesher (FL), Rollyn Lint (RL), R. Liskow, Merton Maier (MM), AI Maley, Bill Martinus, L.L. Master (LM), Harol Mathiak (HM), Hazel Messner, Harriet Micensky (HAM), M & N. Miller, Mary Muehlhausen, Jeff Muhr, L. Najar, Earl Neeb, Gerald Niemi, T.H. Notebaert, Fran Nubel (FN), Manley Olson (MO), Lorrie Otto (LO), G. Palmer, Donald J. Peterson, Jean Peterson, Ben Pinkowski, R. Piotter, James Ponshair (JP) (w.c. Michigan), Scott & Nancy Rhea (SR), Gary Ritchison, Albert Roy Jr., Richard Ruhme, Lester Rupp, Orwin Rustad (OR), Thomas Sanford, Terry Savaloja (TS), John Schladweiler, Marie Schneiderman (MS), M. Schuller, Clark Schultz (CS), Jon Seymour, Richard Sharp, C.K. Sherek, T. Smith, Thelma Sonnenberg, Evelyn Stanley, Campbell Steketee, Bessie Stoner, Laura Strauss, Daryl Tessen (DT) (Wisconsin), Linda Thomas, Perry Tipler, Ronald & Shirley Urbanek, Gerald Updike, Alan Vanderyatch, Jean Vesall (JV), Anne Weston, George Wickstrom (GW), R.F. Wittersheim, Mary Wolcott, Bernice & Deanna Wofford, Truman Wofford, Jr., Truman Wolford, Sr., Mark Wright, Frances Wykes, G.E. Yeasting, Barry & Kevin Zimmer. -- ROBERT B. JANSSEN, Prince Place, Minn..tonka, Minnesota MIDDLEWESTERN PRAIRIE REGION / Vernon M. Kleen This winter was interesting! Western strays caused the most excitement; however, excellent Christmas Bird Counts (hereafter CBC), feeders full of finches and spring migrants arriving early were highly gratifying. L "., -"' "'""! "' I' F Or..,.a '-"-'-" '- %"' ""ø /,.< ' The weather ot en made birding djt cult, esl cially The first ten days of March were almost hot with record-breaking teml ratures reaching the upper?0s and lower 80s (about 21 F above normal); however, record-breaking low temperatures were set Regionwide March with most areas in the 0 to 10 range. Rainfall was reported only slightly above normal and serious flooding did not occur. The cold temperatures '. and snowstorms of late March caused the death of many early migrants. In order to better document observations, observers have been requested to complete documentation forms for extraordinary sight records at the time of the observation; such documentations have been denoted by an asterisk (*) in front of the observer's initials. These written descriptions determine the validity of sight records not only for these reports, but for all researchers in the future. Collected specimens have been denoted by two asterisks (**). LOONS, GREBES -- Single Com. Loons lingered as late as Dec. 15 at Springfield, Ill. (BO,H) and Dec. 8 in Seneca Co., Ohio (fde JK); spring migrants had returned by Mar. 9 at L. Chautauqua, Ill. (H) and Mar. 19 at Kendallville in n.e. Indiana. Migrant Horned Grebes had returned to Wabash Co., Ill. Feb. 22 (PR et al.); however, the majority or arrivals were first encountered Regionwide Mar An Eared Grebe was seen at L. Springfield, Ill. Dec. 5 & 14 (*H) and Louisville, Ky. Jan. 17 (MSlfide S); returning migrants were first identified in mid-march: two in breeding plumage Mar. 14, St. Louis Co., Mo. (JEC); singles at Bristol, Ind. (NR) and Chicago (JRo) Mar. 19 & 20 respectively. At least eight Pied-billed Grebes wintered at L. Springfield, Ill. (H); others survived the winter throughout n. Ohio (M,LV); the first influx of migrants was noted in Lawrence Co., Ill. Feb. 16 (PRet al.), Sangamon Co., Ill. Mar. 2 (H), and the Cleveland area Mar. 16 (M). PELICANS, CORMORANTS, HERONS -- A few White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants remained at the Squaw Creek N.W.R., Mo. (hereafter S.C.R.) into early December; returning pelicans were found Mar. 30 (L). A Great Blue Heron at Dundee, Ill. Jan. 8 was a victim of the bad weather; it died the next day (** fide RMo). The first winter record of a Great Egret was established for the Magee Marsh, Ohio, Jan. 4; then, by Mar. 13, one pair had already returned to the local nesting colony (LV). Observers in Louisville considered the Jan. 6 record of a Black-crowned Night Heron quite noteworthy (LaS,JP). In Sangamon Co., Ill. an Am. Bittern was caught in a trap and brought to the Illinois State Museum for identification Dec. 17 (fde H). SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- Northern Illinois birders were confronted with a swan identification problem this winter. No field guide was useful to properly identify the immature swan. Initially, it was identified as a Whistling; later, the local experts decided it was a Mute because of the bird's posture and bill characteristics; three weeks later its bill began turning black; still later, the bill approached the dark coloration of an adult Whistling. Two swans were present near Davenport, Ia. from mid-january to Feb. 10; they were called Mutes (ES); other Mute Swans wintered along the Illinois R. near Peoria, Ill. (a maximum of eight were reported fide VH). About a dozen Whistling Swans were found at Beaver Creek Reservoir (Seneca Co.), Ohio, Dec. 16 (fide JK); two wintered in a Cleveland suburb (M). Warm weather must have triggered an early exodus of these swans from the Chesapeake Bay Volume 28, Number 3 645

37 as m grants returned nearly a month ahead of schedule; new arrivals were noted at Magee Marsh, Ohio, Feb. 2 (LV); two were reported as farw. as Council Bluffs, la. Mar 15 (TP,JG,m.ob.). The s. Illinois flock of wintering Canada Geese (about 250,000) showed early signs of m gration; the majority of birds had departed the refuges two to three weeks early. Central and n. Illinois observers reported flocks heading n. one day and s. the next; the earliest report was a flock at Springfield, I11. Jan 29 (H). There were more reports and larger flocks of White-fronted Geese than usual; all were reported after Mar. 16 (at several Illinois, and Iowa and Missouri localities) except for the four birds found at L. Chautauqua, Ill. Mar. 9 (H). At least 15,000 Snow Geese (both forms) remained in Mason Co., Ill. to be counted on the local CBC; spring arrivals were first noted in c. Illinois Feb. 18 (H). Two Ross' Geese lingered at S.C.R. until Dec. 16 (E). Both dabbling and d vtng ducks were reported in varying concentrations throughout the Region. Unusually high numbers were talhed on Kentucky CBCs. Spring migrants moved into the Region from two to three weeks ahead of schedule amving from early to mid-february (establishing sev- eral new early arrival dates, locally) and occurring in peak concentrations in early March. Around Cleveland, typical varieties and numbers were observed but sea ducks, including Oldsquaws, were scarce (M,D); good numbers of many species were found around Cincinnati in early February (fide W) and Fort Wayne Ind. n late March (Haw); above normal numbers of divers were reported from St. Joseph, Mo. Divers were conspicuously absent from most regular Illinois and Mississippi river stop-overs; however, a half million birds (the largest single concentration of waterfowl in the U.S. during March -- (fide GA) Illinois Dept. of Conservation) were present on Pool 19 (Keokuk Pool, on the Mississippi R., stretching 46 river miles from Hamilton to Gladstone, Ill.) for most of March. Biologists attributed the concentration to the abundant invertebrate food supply triggered to action by the warm weather. The species composition included $0,000 Canvasbacks, 8,000 Redheads, 350,000 scaup, 40,000 Ring-necked Ducks and 18,000 other ducks. An excellent view of a c Cinamon Teal was obtained at S C.R. Mar. 16 (E). A report of a European Wigcon came in from the Ottawa N.W.R., Ohio, Mar. 13 (JW,WM,m.ob.); no one reported the possibility of this bexng an escapee. Nearly 1000 N. Shovelers were present tn Mason Co., I11. Mar. 16 (H). A Tufted Duck in company with a concentration of scaup was present Dec. 23 to Dec. 27 at the same Chicago location as last year; all the ducks disappeared when the harbor iced in. A d fferent individual with a "shorter tuft" was identffied at another Chicago location Mar. 17 (C). Larry Balch suggests that Tufted Ducks reaching L. Michigan and other continental areas are Siberian strays which m grate into the Region from Alaska in company with large flocks of Greater Scaup origination from n.w. North America. A large group of 150 Canvasback were concentrated on L. Pewee, w. Kentucky, Jan. 23 (JHa) Inland flocks of five and seven Oldsquaws were reported at L. Rathbun, s. Iowa(fide GB) and Springfield, I11. (H) Dec. 15 & Dec. 7 respectively; in L. Michigan and L. Erie their numbers were quite low. For the second straight year there was no build-up of Whitewinged Scoters in L. Michigan (RR); only small numbers were reported from L. Erie (D); a few were found in the Ohio R. near Cincinnati in mid-february (max of 7, Feb. I1, DSt, fide W). Red-breasted Mergansers were widely reported with first arrivals noted near St Louis Feb. 16 (A); a total of 75 Mar. 17 for s.w. Ohio, was considered unusual for that area (NU, fide W) FALCONIFORMS -- Three Black Vultures were observed at Hamersville, Ohio, Jan. 31 (MSk); at least 30 were present at Heron Pond Nature Preserve, Johnson Co., Ill. Mar. 6 (K,H). Practically all areas reported low numbers of wintering hawks; only Red-tailed Hawks were easy to find; Am. Kestrel was the next most common species. The first spring lakefront migration along L. Erie was noted Mar. 3 (D,M); the next flight, a strong one, did not occur until Mar. 30 (D,M) Goshawks were reported through February, but only a few birds were seen in contrast to the widespread invasion of last year; extreme s. records include Franklm Co., Mo. (SD), Pope Co., Ill. (RG), and Oxford, Ohio (fide DO). Only a few records of wintering Cooper's Hawks were reported; two birds were seen in one day at the Kingsbury, Ind. Game Refuge, Jan. 29 (NR et al ) A survey of Red-tailed Hawks around Heasantville, Ia revealed the following number of birds per square miles: a) 1/9 sq.mi.; b) 1/7V2 sq.mi.; c)1/16.6 sq.mi. (fide GB); another survey at Independence, Mo. indicated at least 20 dark phase individuals within 15 miles of the city (KH). A remarkable number (four) of Redshouldered Hawks were reported from n.e. Indiana during the period (Haw). Rough-legged Hawks were "almost absent" Regionwide, several were seen in n Illinois (LB) during the period and ten were counted on both Feb. 14 and 23 in c. Illinois (H,K). Either observers are getting better at identifying Golden Eagles, or more of these birds have wandered into the Region (possibly both); practically all were immatures found at wildlife refuges; at least two were documented from all states except Ohio which did not report any. Bald Eagles were also more widespread than usual; this may have been responsible for the difficulty in finding them on the February 16 survey, which produced a low count. An estimated 100 (more adults than immatures) wintered at S.C.R. (L). The outstanding note was the construction of two nests in s. Illinois (Crab Orchard N.W.R. and Union County Refuge) and one at Landbetween-the-Lakes, Ky. Results of the Kentucky nest have not been obtained, but the two in s. Illinois have already been abandoned (fishing pressure may have forced abandonment at the Union County site). Two adults of different nesting pairs in Ohio have also suffered: one electrocuted by high tension wires (one of the pair that successfully fledged young in 1973) and the other crippled near a shooting club in Ottawa County -- last year only seven pairs attempted to nest in Ohio Another "rare" hawk was the Marsh Hawk; these b rds 646 American B rds, June 1974

38 were next to impossible to find in Iowa, Missouri and GULLS -- Glaucous Gulls were found in modest much of Illinois; it has always been a treat for n. I1- hnmsans to see adult males of this species, so the seven observed near Wilmette Feb. 24 was quite noteworthy. All reports of Peregrine Falcons must be documented; the following documentations were received: Indianapolis, Dec. 11 (CK); Rock Haven, Ky. Feb. 16 (S,AB); and three at Northwestern Univ. (Chicago) numbers around Cleveland Dec Feb. 9 (M) but were scarce elsewhere; singles were seen at Lock 14 on the Mississippi R., Dec. 9 and Feb. 23 (PP) and L Chautauqua, Ill. Feb. 16 (H); a couple were noted at L Calumet (south of Chicago) during the period (m.ob) The only Iceland Gull reported was seen at Chicago, Mar. 30 (JRo). Great Black-backed Gulls were "often Mar 9 (JC, fide B). Am. Kestrels were reported in numerous" at Cleveland between Dec. 16 and Feb 9 normal abundance in some areas and as scarce in others; this species needs to be closely watched -- especially breeding populations. (M); they were absent elsewhere. The wintering flock of Bonaparte's Gulls at Cleveland (max Feb 2) had completely dispersed four days later (M). In company with these gulls were at least five adult Little Gulls which were frequently encountered at two lakefront areas Jan. 1 - Feb. 7 (M); another was indentified at Chicago, Jan. 3 (RR). One Black-headed Gull was found at the Cleveland lakefront Jan. 20 & Feb. 2 (M). An imm. Black-legged Kittiwake was documented at Springfield, Ill. Dec. 31 (*H). GALLIFORMES, GRUIFORMES --The Bobwhite and Ring-necked Pheasant (especially the latter) have reached all-time population lows in much of Ohio (LV,JK); Regionwide losses of these species have occurred in farming areas because of increased acres under cultivation forcing reduction of suitable habitat -- roadside ditches are often the only habitat remainlng Two Sandhill Cranes were reported flying s. at Mammouth Cave, Ky. Dec. 16 (AP, MP, fide S); less than two months later (Feb. 15) the first spring arrivals appeared at the traditional "Crane Refuge" (Jasper- Pulaski, Ind.) -- the earliest ever reported; from one to three birds were reported from Butler Co., Ohio, between Feb. 28 & Mar. 26 (m.ob.); three singles were separately reported in n.w. Ohio as late as Apr. 7 (LV), one remained for a few days in late Feb. and early March near Bloomington, Ill. (DBi,m.ob.), several appeared at Glenwood, Ia. Mar. 2 (CN,WN) and flocks of 100+ were reported in Kane Co., Ill. Mar. 10 and Will Co, Ill. Mar (LB). An early record of the Virgmia Rail was documented in a Great Horned Owl nest at the Magee Marsh, Ohio, Mar. 13 (LV. At least 1150 Am Coots were present at Madisonville, Ky. Dec. 23 (JHa); they wintered in fair numbers at other locations. SHOREBIRDS -- A single Semipalmated Plover remained at Waukegan, Ill. just long enough to be included in this report (Dec. 1); it may have been the same one there three weeks earlier (C). American Golden Plovers were spotted at both S.C.R. (E) and Mason Co., Ill. (H,K) Mar. 16 (very early); the large flocks arrived later in March and April. Killdeers returned in late February and early March; an incubating female and her four eggs were buried in a heavy snow covering at Cincinnati Mar. 24 (RA). The big wave of Am. Woodcocks arrived Regionwide Mar. 3 & 4; an earlier influx occurred between Feb. 15 & 24. Common Snipe were reported as abundant early; one example was 28 at Mark Twain N.W.R., Ill. (hereafter M.T.R.), Mar. 8 (V) Individual Greater Yellowlegs arrived very early: Lawrence Co., Ill. Mar. 10 (PR, et al.) and Butler Co., Ohio, Mar. 14 (EB, fide DO). The first flocks of Pectoral Sandpipers began arriving as early as Mar. 15 & 16 In Lawrence Co., Ill. (PR, et al.) and S.C.R. (E) respectively. Eight Least Sandpipers were standing on the ice at L. Chautauqua, Ill. Dec. 8 (H). Up to three Dunlin remained at Cleveland until Christmas Day (M,RHa). One and sometimes two of the rare Purple Sandpipers were present (filmed)(rha) at White City (Cleveland) and remained until Jan. 15 (fide D). One N. Phalarope lingered at the latter location until Dec. 2 (M,D). DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- Good numbers of Mourning Doves were reported throughout the winter; however, several were reported dead after snowstoms (V,H). The Monk Parakeet continued its gradual westward extension being reported from Davenport, Ia. Dec. 16 to about Jan. 15 (CC); photo- graphs documented this new state record. A weak Barn Owl turned up in Cambria, Ill. (Williamson County) Mar. 26 and died the following day (MH); the species continues to struggle for existence in the Region. At least eight Snowy Owls were reported from Iowa during the period; only two others were seen elsewhere Chicago's O'Hare Airfield, Dec. 18 (fide C) and Ft Wayne, Ind. Dec. 9& 10 (LCs). Short-eared Owls were in good supply being reported from every state; at least 29 were present at L. Rathbun, Ia. (no date given,fide GB); a few remained in s.w. Ohio until the end of the period. Two Saw-whet Owls were reported: S.C R Dec. 16, (E) and Magee Marsh, Ohio, Mar. 15 (LV) Many Missourians considered the woodpecker species (except the Red-headed Woodpecker) in excellent standing this winter; comments from other areas were minimal which leaves one to believe that woodpeckers faired well Regionwide. The single exception was the mass withdrawal of Red-headed Woodpeckers; reporters from Iowa, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana agreed that these birds had disappeared; however, Red-headed Woodpeckers apparently concentrated in the bottomlands along the Mississippi R. from M.T.R. (V) southward (K); they also held on around South Bend, Ind (NR). FLYCATCHERS, LARKS, SWALLOWS -- Three E. Phoebes were reported from Kentucky CBCs; an early peak of spring arrivals was noted during the first three days of March (m.ob.) as far n. as Cleveland (M) It was quite unusual to find anernpidonax flycatcher on a c. Illinois C BC (Crane Lake-Sangamon, Dec. 15); the bird could barely fly as it searched for food over the mostly-frozen water; a thrown snowball was used to collect the bird (**JF,H) which was later identified by qualified specialists as a Least Flycatcher. Some of the missing Cleveland area Horned Larks (completely absent from Dec. 16 to Feb. 2,fide M) may have been in Volume 28, Number 3 647

39 Louisville where a high total of over 1800 was tallied on the CBC, Dec. 23. Spring migration often has its problems, but a Barn Swallow flying north into a snowstorm at Sangchris L., Ill. Mar. 30 (H) should forecast disaster. Such was the case with early arriving martins at Springfield, Mo.; they were found dead after the late March cold wave (NF). CORVIDS, NUTHATCHES, WRENS- One of the rare w. stragglers to Illinois was a Black-billed Magpie; it was first observed in mid-september and remained at a BaiTington feeder at least into January (*m.ob.). Observers in n. Ohio noticed an eastward shift in the winter population of Corn. Crows; numbers were greatly reduced in the northwest (LV), a few more than usual in north central (JK), and many more than normal in the northeast (M); the first spring migrants were noted moving from W to E along the Cleveland lakefront Mar. 2 & 3 (M). Fish Crows b td already arrived in s. Illinois (along the Mississippi R. in Alexander and Union counties) by Mar. 5 (K,H). Everyone reported the extreme scarcity of Red-breasted Nuthatches this winter. A first winter record for the Winter Wren was established on the LaPorte Co., Ind. CBC (fide DBu). Five Bewick's Wrens were reported from Kentucky CBCs; another was present at Cedar Falls, la. during December (FKn, fide MK). Several Carolina Wrens successfully wintered in Iowa this year-- more than in other recent years (fide PP). A Long-billed Marsh Wren was documented at the Pigeon River Refuge, n.e. Indiana, Feb. 15 (*LCs). MIMIDS, THRUSHES, WAXWINGS -- Mockingbirds continued to survive in increasing numbers farther n. than usual: three in iowa and several in n. Indiana. Brown Thrashers were regular winterguests at several feeders including the n. border of the Region; an unusual total of 21 was tallied on Kentucky CBCs. A documentary photograph supported the observation of a Varied Thrush at a Barrington, Ill. feeder beginning Feb. 1 (AZ, *RMo, m.ob.). Winteing Hermit Thrushes were considered noteworthy at Decatur, Ill. (first c. Illinois winter record) Dec. 23 (H) and Cleveland, Jan Mar. 5 (RHafide M). Missouri established another new state record when a c Mountain Bluebird was verified at S.C.R., Mar. 23 & 24 (L,E). Cedar Wax- wings were generally scarce (or non-existent) all season; however, at Charleston, Ill. they were considered as "numerous" (LH). Lazuli Bunting, immature male, Elgin, Ill., Dec. 18, Photo/Larry Balch. Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 26 (HSm); three others were at an Iowa feeder Dec. 23 (WDfide PP). FRINGILL1DS -- Except for n. Indiana and Ohio, Pine Siskins were fairly common to very common through the end of the period. Early flocks of Red Crossbills did not stay, but a second influx of birds appeared in January and February and were reported in good numbers Regionwide. Within some of these flocks were a few White-winged Crossbills; these were mostly found in January and February and afew visited feeding stations; some lingered at favorite localities until late March or early April. A beautiful photograph and description was received for an imm. c Lark Bunting at Park Forest, Ill.; it was first noted at one location Feb. 18 to 23 (JS) and then relocated about 2«miles away from Mar. 17 to the end of the period (fide*ad). Many observers suggested that several sparrow populations were down; however, Song Sparrows were very abundant, especially in the n. (m.ob). A wintering Grasshopper Sparrow was documented on the Louisville CBC (*BM). A possible Gray-headed Junco was reported from Adams Co., Ohio, Nov. 16 to late January (RC); however, no documentation was received; in Springfield, Ill. another was documented and an entire series of photographs of the captured bird was taken; the bird was first found Feb. 9 and was seen by many observers through Feb. 26 (*H,*K); the bird was banded and released. High numbers of Dark-eyed Juncos, including the Oregon race, were reported this winter; unfortunately, many succumbed to bad weather and trappers reported finding many dead ones under the snow (fide V). A large movement of Tree Sparrows was evident (700 counted) in c. Illinois, Feb. 23 (H,K); a SHRIKES, WARBLERS -- From two to three N. Shrikes wintered in Seneca Co., Ohio (fide JK); singles were noted at Rocky River Park (Cleveland), Jan. 19 (MSt) and Jan. 26 (D et al.), Kingsbury Game Ref., Ind. similar movement was noted at Louisville, Feb. 24 (S). Jan Mar. 12 (NR, et al.), Skokie Lagoons Several Field Sparrows attempted wintering in n.e. Il- (Chicago) all season (JRo, m.ob), and Whiteside Co., Ill linois -- rather unusual. The wintering numbers of Har- Dec. 29 (HSh). A Loggerhead Shrike was identified at ris' Sparrows were considered much less than usual in Cleveland Mar. 23 (M); in Lawrence Co., Ill. one for w. Missouri (KH,NF). The first Smith's Longspurs nearly every three party hours afield could be found. A were noted Mar. 23 in Christian Co., Ill. (H); others c Yellowthroat remained at S.C.R. at least until Dec. 16 were reported in Sangamon (H) and Lawrence coun- (E). ties, Ill. by the end of March. Snow Buntings were in normal size to large flocks through most of the n. areas; BLACKBIRDS -- A Brewer's Blackbird regularly a few reached Louisville (9) Dec. 23 (BM,RQ) and visited a W. Lafayette, Ind. feeder from Dec Lawrence Co., Ill. Dec. 23 & Jan. 6 (PR et al.) and c. (EH). A c Yellow-headed Blackbird was reported from Illinois during late December and early January (H). 648 American Birds, June 1974

40 CONTRIBUTORS -- (Sectional editors' names in boldface type; contributors are requested to send their reports to these editors). Major contributors are identified with a single initial as follows: (A) - Richard A, Anderson (Missouri), (B) - Lawrence Balch (n. Illinois), (C) - Charles Clark, (D) - Owen Davies, (E) - David Easterla, (H) - H. David Bohlen, (K) - Vernon Kleen (s. Illinois), (L) - Floyd Lawhon, (M) - William Klanan, (S) Anne Stamm (Kentucky), (V) - Sally Vasse, (W) - Arthur Wiseman; the record number of other observers include: Doug Alecci, George Arthur, Ron Austing, Charles Ayres, (DBi) Dale Birkenholz, Gladys Black, Ed Bowman, (LB) Lynn Braband, (LCB) Leonard C. Brecher, (DBu) Dorthy Buck, John Buck, Stuart Burns, AI Byrd, Roy Cable, (JC) John Cara, (LCr) Larry Carter, (LCs) Lee Casebere, (JEC) J. Earl Comfort, Dennis Coskren, Charles Croft, Stan Dahlke, Walter Dau, Tom Dougherty, Aura Duke, Ruth Erickson, Nathan Fay, James Funk, Steven Glass, Bill Goodge, Maryann Gossman, Richard Graber, Janet Greer, (NHg) Norbert Haag, (NHm) Nicholas Halmi, (JHa) James Hancock, (RHa) Ray Hannikman, (Haw) James Haw, (Rhe) Roger Hefner, (JHe) Jim Henfiksen, Kelly Hobbs, Mike Homoya, Edward Hopkins, Virginia Humphreys, L. Bartie Hunt, Jim Irvine, Robert and Valerie Jessen, Dennis Jones, Julie Jones, Marie Jones, Teta Kain, Charles Keller (Indiana), (FK0 Fred Kent, Jean Knoblaugh, (FKn) Mr. & Mrs. Fred Knoll, Morten Konig, Robert Krol, Keith and Irene Layton, Richard Lipka, (RMd) Randall Madding, Karl Maslowski, (RMs) Rose Mason, (RMc) Rosilie McKeuon, (RMi) Robert Miller, Burt Monroe, Jr., (RMo) Robert Montgomery, Wanda Neaderhiser, George Neavoll, Mr. & Mrs. Nelson, Cathy Nelson, William O'Brien, Steven Olson, David Osborne (s. Ohio), (BPB) Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jim Pasidowski, Sebastian Patti, Bob Paxson, Lacey Pederson, Peter Petersen, Helen Peterson, Albert and Millie Powell, Mrs. R. Prewitt, Ralph Quafie, Nancy Rea, (JR i) Jon Rickert, (JRo) Jerry Rosenband, Paul Roush, Robert Russell, Ernie Sadlet, (LSe) Lilian Serbousek, (HSh) Mr. & Mrs. Harry Shaw, Paul Sbewmaker, (MSk) Merit Skaggs, (MSI) Mabel Slack, (HSm) H. Granville Smith, (LaS) Lawrenee Smith, (LiS) Litha Smith, (BSo) Bruce Sortie, (MSt) Mike Stasko, (BSt) Bruce Stehting, Mrs. John Steinder, (DSt) David Stier, (DSu) David Summerfield, David and Patsy Todl, Nancy Ulmer, Laurel Van Camp (n. Ohio), Katie Van Huffel, Barry Wakeman, Clinton Ward, Patrick Ward, (AWe) Albert Westman, Melba Wigg, Jim Williams, (AWo) Alan Wormington, Helen Wuestenfeld, Rick York, Ann Zimmer, -- VERNON M. KLEEN, Div. Of Wildlife Resonrces, Illinois Department of Conservation, Springfield, Illinois CENTRAL SOUTHERN REGION / Robert B. Hamilton The winter lacked the severe storms of many past winters. For example, only a trace of snow occurred in Louisiana throughout the period. Mean temperature and precipitation were near normal, except for January, which was warmer and wetter than usual, with Louisiana averaging about 5 ø above normal in temperature and 6 inches above normal in precipitation. Nashville was without a freeze for 20 consecutive days from January 14 through February 2. Mobile reported its warmest January in 100 years and Birmingham the warmest January in 24 years. The birds reported cot- responded well with the weather encountered. Stragglers of many species overwintered successfully and the invasion of boreal species was about average. Redbreasted Nuthatches and Evening Grosbeaks were scarce but Red Crossbills and Tree Sparrows were encountered frequently in the northern section of our region. GREBES, PELECANIFORMES, HERONS -- Fared Grebes were especially numerous in coastal Louisiana throughout the period. The Western Grebe was found twice in Louisiana, representing only the second and third records for the state. At Cross L. in Shreveport 1-2 were found Jan (HHJ & JRS) and one was seen at Mud L., Cameron Par., intermittently Feb. 2 - Mar. 26 (RJN, REN, BMB et al.). Brown Pelicans were reported on three occasions at Dauphin Island: one immature Dec. 21, two iramatures Jan. 5, and two adults Jan. 8 (LRT). Two imm. Gannets were reported south of Grand Isle, La., Feb. 26 (RBH). The N.T.O.S. reported up to five Double-crested Cormorants, an uncommon wintering species, at Old Hickory L., Dec. 1 - Jan. 17. A Magnffieent Frigatebird was found for the first time in Alabama in midwinter at Gulf Shores Dec. 31 (JVP & LNP). Tom Imhof reports the Green Heron and Cattle Egret now regular on the Alabama coast in winter. A Green Heron was seen at Birmingham Dec. 29 (MHP); this is the second Alabama winter record north of the coastal plain. Cattle Egrets were found inland at the Grenada, Miss. CBC Dec. 27 and the Jackson, Miss. CBC Dec. 29 (fide WHT). One was found at Slovak, Ark., Dec. 31 (GRG & WMS). At least three Reddish Egrets lingered on the Alabama coast till late Dec. (FPC, LRT, m.ob.). A Louisiana Heron was found for the first time in winter in the Baton Rouge area at Old River Jan. 26 (CRA & Volume 28, Number 3 649

41 RJN). A Least Bittem was found for the fourth time in winter in Alabama at Alabama P., Dec. 31 (CLK, mob ). There are scattered winter records of this species for Louisiana. This year one was found Dec. 23 on the Venice CBC (SAG, RJN & MEL). Seventeen Wood Storks were seen at Tunica I., W. Feliciana Par., Jan 4 (JDN). White Ibises were found further north than usual in winter in Louisiana when a flock of 130 were seen near Morganza Nov. 26 and a flock of 85 on Dec 6 (DWG). A Glossy Ibis in breeding plumage was seen in w. Louisiana at Johnson' s Bayou Mar. 31 (RJN et al ). WATERFOWL -- Because of the high water caused by abundant rainfall, many observers reported that ducks were scattered more than usual and concentrations were usually not easy to find. Two Whistling Swans were reported from Arkansas: one at L. Millwood Jan. 5 (CMi) and one on Lonoke CBC ofde ENG). An Immature that had been wintering at Wartrace L., Springfield, Tenn. was found shot dead Jan. 8 ofde ENH). Five were on Old Hickory L., Tenn. Dec Mar 16 (N.T.O.S.) and two iramatures were seen at Wheeler Refuge, Ala. Jan. 1 ofde TZA). In December, there were seen at the mouth of the Pearl R. at the border between Louisiana and Mississippi (GJB). The 3500 Canada Geese at Holla Bend N.W.R., Ark., comprised the highest count since 1966 (PDD). One Brant was seen at Rockefeller Wildlife Ref., La. Jan. 15 and collected Jan. 17 for the first specimen and only the second record for Louisiana (TJ & AWP). The first Arkansas record for a Ross' Goose was at Fayetteville, Ark, from Dec. 12 to at least Feb. 19 (PH). It was photographed by Douglas James. Fulvous Tree Ducks were reported for the first time in winter in Alabama where one was at Wheeler Ref. Dec. 1 Offde LAW) and three were near Scottsboro Feb. 26 (JH). There was only one previous inland Alabama record. Although locally rare in winter, Blue-winged Teal were observed in Nashville at Buena Vista Dec Jan. 1 (MLB) and two c c Cinnamon Teal were found on the Sabine CBC Dec 15 (RJN) and at Cross Creek N.W.R., Dover, Tenn., Mar. 26- Mar. 31 (DS et al.). Lesser Scaup were common in coastal marshes of Louisiana but were seen at the usual offshore feeding areas. Last year's flood must have damaged their food supply. At Mandeville, five Corn. Goldeneyes were found (RJN, MN & PB), while at L. Maumelle, Ark., a flock of 200+ was seen Dec 28 (GRG, BLT, & DRH). An unusually large number of Buffiehead (60) was found at L. Pontchartram (MM & LT). There were more records than usual of Oldsquaw with a female reported in Louisiana at scattered location in L. Pontchartrain: Dec. 22 (RJS & MW), Dec. 7 to the last week in January (NN & Cmo) and Jan. 27 and beyond (HP, LT & MM); two wintered at Natchitoches, La. (CEV); three were at Wheeler N W.R. Ala., during the first week of January (CD); and a maximum of four were near Birmingham Jan. 7 (ALM, m. ob.). On Dec. 1 a White-winged Scoter was observed on Miss. R. at the entrance to Bonnet Carr Spillway (RJS, MW & PC) and on Jan. 6 two were seen at P ne Bluff Harbor, Ark. for the only January Arkansas record (GC). An imm. d' Surf Scoter was found at Radnor L. Feb for seventh Nashville area record and first February record (MLB et al.) and a female was seen off of the Louisiana coast Feb. 26 (RBH). The Black Scoter was found off of Alabama Pt. Dec. 31 (GDJ, m. ob.). The Red-breasted Merganser was especially conspicuous in coastal Louisiana this year with 1129 reported Dec. 15 on the Sabine CBC. It was reported for the first time this winter on the Grenada, Miss., CBC Dec. 27 when three were seen, and one was seen Mar. 6 at E1 Dorado, Ark., for the second Arkansas March record (KLS, HHS & JN). RAPTORS --This was not a good year to find wintering raptors in parts of our Louisiana area, but seemed to be average in other sections. The 119-mile raptor census run in the same area around Montgomery Ala yielded approximately the same results as last year in total individuals: 54 on Jan. 23 and 72 on Jan. 31, as opposed to totals of 54 on Jan. 16, 1973 and 58 on Jan 18, 1973 (JEK). In Louisiana all hawks seemed to be low in abundance (ERS). Eagle numbers were lower than usual in Louisiana and at Reelfoot L. probably owing to mild weather (RA). The Sharp-shinned Hawk is difficult to find, but was encountered on the Atchafalaya River Basin, La., CBC Jan. 20, where one was seen (RBH) and two were seen Dec. 23 on the Marion, Ala., CBC. One was seen south of Glenmora, La., Jan. 26 (ERS). The 89 Red-shouldered Hawks reported on the Reserve La., CBC Dec. 29 indicate that the species is doing well in some areas. The Venice, La., CBC Dec. 23 reported three wintering Broadwinged Hawks while the single individuals seen at Brookhaven, Miss., Mar. 14 and Fernwood, Miss, Mar. 16 were probably migrants (BC & LCC). The Rough-legged Hawk now occurs regularly in Alabama (TAI) and one was seen at Marion Dec. 23 (HHK & RDK). This raptor is still considered rare in Arkansas but two were found near Culler Dec Jan. 13 (GRG et al.). There were four records for c. Louisiana Nov 14 - Dec. 31 (ERS). A subadult Golden Eagle was found in Arkansas at Sheridan, Grant Co., Jan. 4 (GRG & DRH), another was seen near Risson (JBH & JEH) Apr. 8 which was 11 days late and a first Cleveland Co record, and an adult was at Holla Bend N.W.R., Dec 29 (PDD). In Louisiana one was seen several times at Tallulah (RJN, AWP & TK) and one was seen south of Carlyss, Calcasieu Par., Mar. 30 (RJN, MN & AWP) In Louisiana the four known active Bald Eagle nests produced five young, which is about average (RA). Ray Aycock stated that about 75 Bald Eagles wintered in Louisiana with about of them in the vicinity of Toledo Bend Res. In Arkansas, there were ten (8 imm, 2 ad.) at Holla Bend N.W.R., Dec. 29 (PDD, FC & MG) and 13 (11 imm., 2ad.) Jan. 19(WMSetal.). Two(1 ad, 1 imm.) were seen in early January at Wheeler N.W R (CD) and one was seen at Eufaula Res. during count week ofde MF). Am immature was seen on Percy Priest L., Nashville Dec. 28 (BF & SF). There were six December and January records for individual Ospreys in Louisiana where winter records are scarce: Dec. 3 at Holmwood (ERS), Dec at Bonnet Carr6 Spillway (MW & RAS), Dec. 20 on the Atchafalaya CBC (RL & PB), Dec. 23 on the Venice CBC (RDP & RSK) Jan. 29 near Henderson (RSK & DT), and Jan. 29 at Belle R (RSK & AWP). The first Osprey nest for Louisiana was 650 American Birds, June 1974

42 found on March 30 near Venice (MM). The Peregrine Falcon was again seen in the region with two or three reported on the Venice CBC Dec. 23, two at Gum Cove, La, Jan. 12 (RJN, MN & HDP), one at Spanish L., New Iberia, La., Dec. 8 (MJM) and one at Gulf Shores, Ala Dec. 31 (PFC). CRANES, RAILS, SHOREBIRDS -- Sandhill Cranes have wintered for the last 7-8 years near Cheneyville, La., and this year about 27 wintered in the area (fide ERS). Twenty-three were seen on Dec. 31 at Gulf Shores, Ala. (PFC). On Feb. 19 a Black Rail was heard calling at Gulf Shores (TAI). The only December Semipalmated Plover was recorded in Arkansas this year at Lonoke (DRH). American Golden Plovers arrived 9 days early in Alabama when seven were seen at Gulf Shores Feb. 19 (TAI). A peak of 685 was seen at Anderson's Minnow Farm, Lonoke Co., Ark. on Mar. 23 (GRG, DRH & BLT). On Jan. 8 the second Solitary Sandpiper recorded in the Nashville area in winter was seen at Buena Vista (MLB). One was also seen on the Sabine La., CBC Dec. 15 and the day after (RJN, DN & JL) On Dec. 26 three Lesser Yellowlegs were seen at Lonoke Co., Ark. (GRG & DRH). It is difficult to tell if the Pectoral Sandpiper seen at Eufaula Res. Feb. 17 (SP & WG) was an early migrant or an overwintering bird but the one seen at Baton Rouge Jan. 24 (HDP) was probably wintering. The Black-necked Stilt is rare in s e Louisiana in winter but one was reported at La- Branche Jan. 10 (MW). The numbers of Herring, Ringbilled and Bonaparte's Gulls were low in middle Tennessee this winter (MLB); the maximum number of Bonaparte' s Gulls on the Alabama coast this winter was 2750 on Feb. 19 (TAI). The winter maximum of Gullbilled Terns in Alabama was 13 near Fort Morgan on Feb. 18 (PFC & TAI). On Jan. 13 & 20 a Roseate Tern was observed at the ferry crossing in Cameron, La. (HDP, RJN, GDL). A Black Tern wintered at the same location (RJN). From Nov. 17 to Feb. 24, 1-13 Black Skimmers were at the entrance to Bonnet Carr6 Spillway (RJS & MW); this species is unusual inland. DOVES THROUGH PARROTS -- The Inca Dove, rare in Louisiana, spent the winter at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, Cameron Par. It was present from Oct. 28 to the end of the period (RJN, BMB & AWD). There were two December records of Yellowbilled Cuckoo in Louisiana. One was seen Dec. 1 at the entrance to the Bonnet Carr Spillway (RJS& PC) and one was seen Dec. 8-9 at Durango I., Tensas Par. (REN & LLG). Even though Groove-billed Anis disappeared from all but the s. tip of Louisiana after the severe storm of last winter they reappeared in numbers this year and have even been observed at several inland locations. On Jan. 5 five were observed at Bonnet Carr Spillway (RJS, etal.), and on Mar. 10, two were observed in Baton Rouge (RSK, JAR & JL). The elusive Longeared Owl was seen at Ft. Morgan, Ala., Feb. 17 (TAI, JVP, WRM & TLW). Several Short-eared Owls were found in Tennessee: at Smyrna five wintered (N T.O.S.), three at Clarkesville (GM), and one at Cross Creek N.W.R. (W.A.S.); there were two at Gallatin Dec. 23 but. one was killed prior to Dec. 27 (DC& PCr). In Alabama one was found at Marion Dec. 23 (TAI) and one was at Dauphin Island Nov Dec 15 (REH & SBH). Two sightings of Chuck-will' s-widows in Alabama yielded the sixth and seventh winter records: two at Ft. Morgan Feb. 19 (JVP) and one at Mobile, Dec. 29 (JLD). Seven were seen on the Venice, La. CBC Dec. 23 (RJS, SAG et al.) and one was seen Dec. 29 on the Reserve CBC. The Whip-poor-will reported on the Venice CBC (MM et al.) on Dec. 23 and the one caught south ofgrosse T te, La., Jan. 24 (JMD, JS & HN) certainly wintered, but the one seen at Palmetto, La., Mar 1! (RSK) may have been an early migrant. The Com. Nighthawk seen at Nashville Mar 28 (DC) was probably an early migrant. There were many wintering hummingbird records of three different species. Unidentified hummingbirds were seen on Sabine, La. CBC Dec. 15, the Atchafalaya Basin CBC Dec. 20 (PB), Venice, La. CBC (2) Dec. 23 (RL), at Dauphin I. Feb. 16 (CM) & Mar. 1! (LRT). A Rubythroated Hummingbird stayed at Little Rock until the first cold spell Dec. 22 (BR), another was seen at Mobile Dec. 18 (FEB) and one was seen at Shreveport Jan (HHJ). The fourth occurrence of Rufous Hummingbird in Alabama was reported of a bird at Magnolia Springs Jan Feb. 20 (PFC). A Buff-bellied Hummingbird was seen on the Sabine, La. CBC on Dec. 15 (JL & DN) and one wintered at Franklin, St Mary's Parish, La. to Mar. 28 when it was collected (GD, GDe, GL & MBE). These were the second and third Louisiana records. Two Monk Parakeets were found and captured in a garden in Patterson, St. Mary's Parish, La., Dec. 2 (JBK). This was the second state record for Louisiana. FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS, NUTHATCHES, THRUSHES -- Only one Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was reported this winter; one was seen on the Vemce CBC Dec. 23 (SAG et al.). The first migrant was reported near Many, La. Mar (RBH). The Great Crested Flycatcher reported at Mobile, Ala., Mar 7 was 11 days early if it was a migrant (MAG). On the Venice CBC, three Wied's Crested Flycatchers were seen and reported by three parties (MM, RDP, RJS et al.). One remained at Venice at least to Jan. 27 (RJN, RDP & DN). The first Arkansas record for the Say's Phoebe occurred when one was found Dec. 29 in Arkansas County (ENH & HNH). Unidentified Ernpidonax species were observed on the Venice, CBC (RJS et al ) and the Reserve CBC; a Vermilion Flycatcher was observed at the Pearl River Waterfowl Ref. on the Jackson, Miss., CBC Dec 29; it stayed at least until Jan 27 (WHT, JHP, WG & DP). One was also seen wintering near Rockefeller Ref., La. (AWP) and one was seen on the Arkadelphia, Ark., CBC (fide ENH). The Cliff Swallow observed at the Duck River Unit, Ten N.W.R. Mar. 6 (JLe) was 25 days early. The first Purple Martin records received were of some reported at Brusly, La., Jan. 27; no observer was listed. Redbreasted Nuthatches were very scarce this year with only one reported on an Arkansas CBC, at Lonoke (fide ENH), and eight reported at Chicot State Park Arboretum, Evangeline Par., La. Feb. 9 (BO). They were virtually absent in the Nashville area (MLB) when all usual sites were checked thoroughly, and were not observed in Alabama for the first time in years (TAI) A Wood Thrush was reported both on the Reserve CBC at Volume 28, Number 3 651

43 the Rockefeller Refuge, La., Jan. 27 (RO), and at Pierre Part, La., Feb. 23 (JOC et al.). Hermit Thrushes were reported as being scarce in the Nashville area (MLB). I have not seen the documentation that must have accompanied the Gray-cheeked Thrush record on the Jackson, Miss. CBC. VIREOS, WARBLERS -- In some regions of s. Louisiana the White-eyed Vireo was especially abundant this winter. On Dec. 29 on the Reserve CBC 74 were found. A Bell's Vireo was studied at close range at Willow Island, Cameron Par., Jan. 13 (RJN, MN & HDP). The Yellow-throated Vireo was found near St. Francisville, W. Feliciana Par., Feb. 10 (RBH). Tom Imhof reports that many Solitary Vireos wintered in Alabama this year. The Black-and-white Warbler wintered in Nashville, where one was found Dec. 15 (CP), and one was found on the Reserve CBC Dec. 29. The one found at Fouke, Miller Co., Ark Mar. 8 (BLT) was probably an early migrant -- five days early. On Mar. 23 a Prothonotary Warbler was observed at Choctaw Ref Ala. for the earliest inland Alabama record (PFC, mob.). The N. Parula at Mobile Mar. 3 was probably an early migrant (MWG) and the one at Oden, Montgomery Co., Ark., Mar. 9 was five days early (WMS). A Magnolia Warbler was seen at Reserve, La., Dec (MW). A Black-throated Blue Warbler was discovered on the Venice CBC (SAG) as was a Prairie Warbler (RDP, RSK). An individual apparently stayed in the Johnson's Bayou woods, Cameron Par., Feb. 3 - Mar. 31 (RJN, HDP & REN). Tom Imhof reports that the Palm Warbler is apparently becoming rarer in Alabama n the winter. Records were scarce this winter in Louisiana with 26 being found on the Reserve CBC and one apparently wintering at the e. jetty in Cameron (RBH, REN & AMN). One was seen, however, at the Duck River Unit, Tenn. N.W.R., Jan. 8 (JLe). An Ovenbird was seen Jan. 27 near Fort Jackson, La. (DAT, RDP, RJN & DN), and there were four N. Waterthrushes seen in Louisiana this winter: Sabine CBC Dec. 15 (RBH), Venice CBC Dec. 23 (RSK), Reserve CBC Dec. 29, and in the Atchafalaya Basin Jan 15 (RSK). The Louisiana Waterthrush at Nashville, Tenn. Mar. 10, if a migrant, was early by two days (KAG). There were three records for the rarelyw ntering Yellow-breasted Chat this winter: Dec. 18, one at Port Allen, W. Baton Rouge Par., (KT), Dec. 22 two at the Fort Morgan CBC (PFC), and Dec. 23, two on the Venice CBC (SAG et al., & RJS et al.). The chat seen at Choctaw Refuge, Ala. Mar. 23 may have been an early migrant (PFC & MRM). A Hooded Warbler could be located at the same place in the Atchafalaya Basin all winter (RSK). BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS, FINCHES -- A Yellow-headed Blackbird was seen Dec. 23 on the Venice CBC (SAG). The first February occurrence of this species in Arkansas was noted Feb at Little Rock (PClet al.). A Orchard Oriole was observed at Baton Rouge Feb. 5 (PB); this is a very early date for a migrant A Scott's Oriole was at a feeder in Eunice, La. Jan 29 - Feb. 25 (CIM). Northern Orioles were about as common as usual in Alabama (TAD. A male of the Baltimore form was present in New Orleans Jan. 14 (MM); a female was at Hollandale, Miss., Jan (EFG). Several wintered in Vicksburg, Miss. (fide LPC) and one was seen at Baton Rouge, La. Feb 9 (JOC&JD). A $ oriole of the Bullock's form was observed at the Bonnet Cart6 Spillway, La., Jan. 5 (RJS et al.). A male and a $ Bronzed Cowbird were seen occasionally this winter in New Orleans (RR). A Western Tanager was banded and photographed at Fort Morgan Dec. 9 (JVP, TAI, WRM & TLW). This provided the second Alabama winter record. Also a second winter Alabama record is that of a Summer Tanager reported at Bellingrath Gardens Dec. 9 (BW&JW). Three Summer Tanagers apparently wintered in Arkansas. There were five reports of probably two birds in Little Rock (AJ&RJ) from Jan. 12 to the end of the period, and one at Pine Bluff from Feb. 22 to the end of the period (IGD&JHW). There were three winter records of Black-headed Grosbeak in our area. A female was found Dec. 29 on the Reserve CBC (MW). One was seen near Ponchatoula, Tangipahoa Par., La., n January (fide BM). Another stayed for about three weeks from Jan. 27 on at Little Rock (PRC). An Indigo Bunting was seen on the Venice CBC (RJS e t al.) as was a Painted Bunting (SAG et al.). Painted Buntings were also seen at Baton Rouge Jan. 26 (JD) and at Fort Jackson, La., Jan. 27 (DN, RJN, DAT & RDP). Dickcissels wintered at Natchitoches, La. (CEV) and Baton Rouge (RJN). On Dec. 24 one was seen at Fairhope, Ala. (LPA). The one observed at Nashville Jan. 24 represented one of the few local winter records (LR) The small number of Evening Grosbeaks that appeared this winter were probably the "echo" of last winter's extensive invasion. A small number were scattered n Alabama (TAD with only a few Tennessee records (MLB). Only six were reported on Arkansas CBCs (ENH); two were on the Reserve CBC. There were 4-5 at Columbus, Miss. in late December and early January and one at Starkville Dec. 23 (JAJ). Purple Finches were well represented throughout the region; the most spectacular concentration was 5,000 at a 20-acre unharvested sorghum grain field at Coilirene, Lowndes Co., Ala. Feb. 3 (TAD. This was the second consecutive good year for Red Crossbills, with Tom Imhof reporting the best year yet in Alabama with many birds scattered in n. Alabama. A good indication of their abundance there were the 55 seen by three parties on the Birmingham CBC Dec. 29 and a maximum of 75 on Jan. 3 (JRB). They were also reported from Nashville area (KAG & MG) and three areas in Arkansas (RS) There were no reports from Mississippi or Louisiana A Lark Bunting was collected on the Venice CBC Dec. 23 for second Louisiana record. The fourth January occurrence of Lark Sparrow in Arkansas was noted Jan 19 when one was seen at Holla Bend Ref. (MWh). A Tree Sparrow was reported at Horseshoe L. Crittendon Co., Ark. Feb. 24 (LCC). Individuals were also observed on the Grenada CBC and the Jackson CBC There were several reports from Tennessee: with a widespread movement over the state from west to east (fide MLB). The first Clay-colored Sparrow in Arkansas in March was seen on the ninth in Lonoke County (ENN & HNH). The Harris' Sparrow at Reserve Jan 12 (RJS) represented the first local record. The report of 11 Lapland Longspurs at Old Hickory Jan. 16 was the 652 American B rds, June 1974

44 third Nashville area record (MLB) et al.); and 15 at the Stuttgart Airport, Ark., March 23 were three days late (GRG & DRH). CONTRIBUTORS (boldface) and OBSERVERS CR. Allot, Lois P. Archer, Thomas Z. Atkeson, Ray Aycock, J. Russel Bailey, Michael Lee Bierly (Tennessee), Barbara M. Bodman, Gerald Joseph Boos, Jr., Fred E. Bowers, Phillip Bruner, Paul Cambre, F. Carson, Louis P. Cashman, Jr., P. Fairly Chandler, P. R. Choate, Patt Clark (PCI), Gerry Click, Jr., Gerry Click, St. (GCI), Ben Coffey, Lula C. Coffey, Mrs. John O. Cook, Dot Crawford, Paul Crawford, Paul D. Daly, Mrs. Julian Darden, Cecil Davis, Isabel G. Davis, George DeSoto, Mrs. George DeSoto (GDE), J. L. Dom SJ, Annette W. Duchein, James M. Dyer, Norton Elkin, M. B. Eyster, Bill Fintel, Sally Fintel, Mike Fuller, Mary A. Gaillard, M. Wilson Gaillard, Mrs. E. F. Ganier, Mel Garland, S. A. Gauthreaux, William Gibbs, L. L. Glasgow, Katherine A. Goodpasture, Gary R. Graves, Dale W. Gustin, Edith N. Halberg (Arkansas), H. N. Halberg, Richard E. Hayward, Sharon B. Hayward, John Herin, J. B. Herring, Jewell E. Herring, David R. Hunter, Philip Hyatt, Thomas A. Imhof (Alabama), Greg D. Jackson, Jerome A. Jackson, Douglas James, Atha Jamison, Ross Jamison, H. H. Jeter, Ted Joanen, Tom Kee, James E. Keeler, Robert S. Kennedy, J. B. Kidd, Curtis L. Kingsbery, Helen H. Kittinger, Ronnie D. Kittinger, Garrie Landry, James Leak, Jerald Ledbetter (JLe), G. D. Lester, Mary E. Lewis, Ronald Louque, W. Roger Manor, Mary Ruth McCracken, Cornelia Messer, Ann L. Miller, Gloria Milliken, Charles Mills (CMi), Carolyn Morillo, Mrs. Claudia Morton (CLM), Buford Myers, Mac Myers (MM), Michael J. Musumeche, Nashville Tennessee Ornithological Society, Howard Naquin, R. J. Newman (Louisiana), John D. Newsom, Jean Niemixer, Allerie M. Noble, Robert E. Noble, Donnie Norman, Robert Olsen, Brent Ortego, A. W. Palmisano, Sam Pate, Harvey Patton, James V. Peavy, Lee N. Peavy, Dudley Peeler, Chap Percival, Morton H. Perry, John H. Phares, H. D. Pratt, Robert D. Purrington, Robert Raether, Mrs. Lloyd Richmond, James A. Rogers, Bernice Royse, William M. Shepherd, Russ Shively, H. H. Shugart, K. Luvois Shugart, James Simons, E. Ray Smith, Dave Snyder, Ronald J. Stein, J. R. Stewart, Dan L. Tabberer, D. A. Tallman, Lee Taylor, Bruce L. Tedford, Ken Thomas, Lib R. Toenes, W. H. Turcotte, Chas. E. Viers, Wariotto Audubon Society, Melvin Weber, Ted L. Weems, L. A. Wells, Mel White (MWh), Beverly Winn, John Winn.--ROBERT B. HAMILTON, School of Forestry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS / C. Stuart Houston It was a long, cold winter on the Canadian prairies, whereas at Sioux Falls January and February were unusually mild. At Edmonton snowfall totalled 78 inches, with a record 30 inches persisting on the ground through March 31. At Moose Jaw and Saskatoon alltime record snowfalls totalled 79 and 71 inches, respectively. This heavy snow cover, which persisted into April, extended from just east of Calgary, across r Saskatchewan into southern Manitoba d pa of Noah Dakota, but d not ach F. The ques on is: we the unprecedented num of Gy ns and Great Gray Owls lated, either direrely or indi ctly, to the unpre dented depths of snow? WATERFOWL -- La Oeek, the only federal fuge with an ex nding flock of Trumpeter Swans, had a net g n of 20, to 104 adults and 34 cy ets ne Marin, S.D. (Harold Burgess). At the open waterof the Regina Watedowl Pa, no less than 425 Cana Geese winte d. An Oldsquaw at Ca a Dec Jan. 9 was a fi t for the a a (VL, IH, CR), wh e another near Big Stone City Dec. 15 w the tenth South Dakota record for 1973 (BKH), and 1974 got unde ay with another two near Yankton Jan. 14 & Mar. 8 ( ). ACCIPITERS, EAGLES -- Goshawks we not as common the p vious w ter, but we po ed from 7 Al, 13 Saskatchewan, 10 Noah Dakota ( clud- g 10 s htings at leharbor} and 6 South Dakota localities. Golden Eagle sight gs included 15 at 10 a localties, 26 at 13 Saskatchew, 13 Dom 3 Montana, 12 at 6 Noah kota and 35 from 20 South D ota localties. Bald Eagles we noted in usual humors at most na an po ts except for a ma able tot of eight birds Jan. 27 near Calga (J. Minty). In South Dakota, the o cid est ated Bald Eagle w ter population w, an inc ase of 2 over the p vious winter; this included feeding on dead geese at Dec. 11 (Bi Baer}. The we also 17 Bald Eagles fee ng on buffalo gut bags at ster State Pa late Decemir ( 11ie La on) and 16 ad t and s matures at Gavin's Point m ne Yankton Dec. 15 (WH). FALCONS -- Gy con s ht gs in and Saskatchewan may have en an ah-time high, with phase bi s at Edmonton Dec. 16 (MH, R ), at Cal Jan. 3 & 8 (HP, CR), at Milo Jan. 21 (EB) and at Tofield, ta., Feb. 10 (MH}. In Saskatchewan, there w a s e white phase Gyr at Mo lach D. 10 (RDR) and da phase birds at Simpson Nov. 10 (WCH), Valeport Dec. 9 (R.J. ng), Saskatoon Dec. 26 (A.L. Nijssen), Reg a Jan. 12 and Cham rldn Mar. 3 ( R. At ite Be, a da pha Gyr w seen eve second or third day for mo than t ee Volume 28, Number 3 653

45 weeks in December and January (S.O. Jordheim). A Prame Falcon used 10th and 13th floor night roosts on two University of Calgary buildings during the winter (R Wayne Nelson, Calga.ry FieM-Naturalist 5:253, April 1974): one again wintered at the legislative grounds in Regina (RDR, MB), another visited a farmyard at Spring Valley, Sask., three times (FB), occasional birds were noted all winter at Bowman, N.D. (JO), while others were reported from 5 additional Alberta, 5 Saskatchewan, 2 Montana, I South Dakota and 2 North Dakota localities. Peregrine Falcons were seen at Calgary Dec. 30 and Jan. 5 (BL & CBC), at Indian Head, Sask., Dec. 6 (MS), at Charles M. Russell Ref., Feb 18 (RJK) and Medicine Lake Ref., Mont., Mar. 5 (DNW), at Crosby, N.D., Jan. 10 (WES) and Custer Co, S.D., Jan. 15 & 29 (Dave Gray, BN). An Am. Kestrel wintered within Winnipeg at least between Dec 27 & Jan. 28 (Murray Ritchie, DRMH). SNIPES, PARTRIDGES, DOVES -- Common Smpe remained all winter in South Dakota at localities w th warm springs or open creeks, including Cascade Spnngs, Custer State Park, Rapid City, Sturgis and Burke, Gray Partridge were reported in decreasing numbers at many prairie localities, particularly Vulcan, Alta and Birch Hills, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and White Bear, Sask. During the winter at Kindersley, three flocks of 8, 6 and 7 decreased to 2, 3 and 2, at Kenaston a covey decreased fron 14 to 7, at Grenfell Sask., a group of 4 disappeared one by one and at Lostwood, N D, a flock decreased from 8 to 4. Nine Mourning Doves attempted to winter at one feeding station in W nnipeg, but only 4 remained by Jan. 4 after-43 ø F. cold, and only 2 by Jan. 25 after a heavy snowfall, with one final survivor from Jan. 31 through March 31 (Reg. Lane). OWLS -- Screech Owls were reported from seven areas in greater Winnipeg, chiefly in December and March (DRMH). Certain individual Great Horned Owls continued the habit acquired relatively recent years, of spending the winter within city residential areas, as in Lethbridge, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Regina. Some Snowy Owls also remained with city limits for long periods at Edmonton (10 individuals) and Saskatoon. There were well over 200 Snowy sightings from the Calgary area, no doubt including many repetitive recordings of some individuals. No Snowy Owls were seen at Nipawin, their numbers were down at Tisdale, Saskatoon, Kindersley, Moose Jaw and Regina, Sask. and at Audubon and Arrowwood Refuges and at Belfield and Oakes, N.D. There were 7 Snowy Owl reports from South Dakota. No less than 28 Hawk Owls were s ghted within a 100-mile radius of Edmonton during December with seven banded (REG, LLG), and others were reported from Morley, Priddis and Water Valley, Alt and Birch Hills and Spirit Lake, Sask. In Manitoba, Hawk Owls seemed to move out of the boreal forest, where none were seen in three days of study, into the aspen parkland region: there were six within 20 miles of R verton Feb. 6 and five in 40 miles between Gypsumville and Steep Rock Feb. 14 (DRMH, Bob Rolke). A single Pygmy Owl was carefully studied Dec. 23 at Calgary (B. Danielson, P. Sherrington). GREAT GRAY OWL -- Our largest, most beautiful and very tame northern owl, has long been thought to be in danger, since the few birds present in any given area are usually killed whenever man extends his activities farther into the northern forests. However, the large numbers reported this winter suggest that there is still hope for the Great Gray Owl. Near Edson, there were 15 seen Feb. 3, nine on Feb. 9 and 13 on Feb. 10, including four hunting together in one field (REG), with up to two noted for much of the winter at Elk Island Park (LLG) and one at Bearberry, Alta., Dec. 27 (A. Minty). A record total of seven were recorded at Nipawin, Nov Jan. 19 (SDR) and one appeared at Spirit Lake, Sask., Feb. 6 & Mar. 12 (WA). In Manitoba, there were more Great Gray sightings by more observers than ever before, reaching a peak in February when 59 individuals were reported from 39 localities by 24 observers. On Feb. 12, David Hatch drove 470 miles from Winnipeg to Thompson and sighted 14 in just over 100 miles centered south of Grand Rapids, while on his return two days later, 13 owls were spread over a much greater distance from Thompson to Moosehorn. Through the winter, road kills of Great Grays were reported from Seven Sisters, Pinawa and Riverton. The greatest concentrations were near Lac du Bonnet, whe re 18 individuals were sighted in a single day and a total of 23 were caught and banded, an all-time record for this continent. Eleven of these were color marked and from this sample it was estimated that there were 36 individuals in a 15-mile diameter, for most of the winter. Another good area was a 3-mile stretch of highway near South Junction where up to eight were reported. It is believed that many of these owls, at the southern edge of suitable coniferous habitat, may have been resident birds. Their numbers were obviously augmented by southq ward movements from more northern forests, owing to the extremely heavy snowfall, an apparent concentration of suitable hunting sites, and an evidently adequate rodent population. A few owls were noticeably thin when caught, but most were in good condition (R.W.Nero). There were other Great Gray reports from Stead, St. George and Pine Falls and one individual was seen near Riverton (Allan Chomica, DRMH). WOODPECKERS, CORVIDS -- A Red-bellied Woodpecker was reported all winter at a feeder near Bismarck (Robt. Sands) while another was at Fargo from October through Dec. 22 (Julie R. Fomess). A Gray Jay wintered at Luresden (Pat Cruickshank) with anottier at Indian Head, Sask., Feb. 8 (MS), while s x Blue Jays at Lethbridge all winter were apparently a first for the area (HCES). Common Ravens did not make a major southward incursion as they did last year 654 American Birds, Jane 1974

46 but their habit of wintering within towns and cities at the southern edge of their range, noted for 20 years at Prince Albert and Nipawin, is extending to include Edmonton, Birch Hills, and Tisdale, with others sighted at Naicam, Invermay, Spirit Lake and Wapella, Sask., and one or two present at Brandon, Man., Dec Mar. 17. Common Crows wintered successfully at Brandon and at Oakes, N.D., with three each wintering at Yankton and Burke, and 25 at Hurley, S.D. WAXWINGS -- Bohemian Waxwings were not seen at Belfield, Coleharbor, Valley City or Hope, while only a single individual appeared at Arrowwood Refuge, N.D. Most other points reported below average numbers, expecially Nipawin and White Bear, Sask, and Bismarck and Bowman, N.D. In Winnipeg, Bohemians appeared in small numbers in early December, decreasing to a single bird on the Dec. 26 CBC; they then appeared in numbers Jan. 5 through the end of the month, were less common again until March 10, then became abundant with 850 seen in one suburb March 16. At Rapid City, Bohemians were absent from the CBC for the first time in 10 years, then appeared in flocks of 350 to 600 from Feb. 7 to 9, with a final 200 on Feb. 24. At Spearfish, there were 50 Bohemians Jan. 15 Feb. 7 and at Sturgis, S.D., about 100 daily Feb In spite of good berry crops, few Cedar Waxwings remained in Alberta or Saskatchewan this winter, but they were regularly eating canderworm moths stuck to the tanglefoot encircling many trees in Winnipeg through Jan. 20, with none seen after this date (DRMH). Cedars were quite plentiful throughout the winter in South Dakota with up to 150 at Spearfish Jan. 15 & Feb. 8, while 25 were flycatching at the edge of a creek at Sturgis Feb (EEM). Great Gray Owl, Lac du Bonnet, Man., Feb Photo/Robert R. Taylor. CHICKADEES THROUGH WRENS -- Three Mountain Chickadees in November and December vere a first for the Lethbridge area (HCES), with one to three from Oct. 21 through mid-march in Calgary (HP). Boreal Chickadees were present at Edmonton in unusual numbers with 25 on the CBC, Dec. 16, and one was at Spirit Lake, Sask., Dec. 26 through February (WA). White-breasted Nuthatches in recent years have become regular winter residents of Alberta with up to two in Calgary and no less than nine recorded during the Edmonton CBC. Six Brown Creepers in the same Edmonton count were the most since 1960, while one wintered for the first time at Lethbridge. A Cation Wren wintered in a woodpile halfway up the side of a canyon in Rapid City (S. Connor, D. McCollogh). THRUSHES -- In Manitoba, individual robins wintered successfully at Reston and Wawanesa and another six in Winnipeg took advantage of an exceptionally heavy berry crop, though the wintering robin at Moose Jaw obtained minnows at an open spring hole in the river ice and swallowed them whole, headfirst (PRK). Robins also wintered at Lostwood (2), Bowman, Riverdale (20) and Coleharbor, N.D., while individuals wintered at nearly all South Dakota points including a record 1500 at Hot Springs, S.D. A Varied Thrush appeared at a Regina feeder Dec. 14 (Jessie Bailey) and another visited a Winnipeg feeder from Dec. 13 until the heaviest snowfall of the winter Jan. 25 (Leonard W. Crocker), with athird seen at Hot Springs, S.D., Dec. 15 (RCR). STARLINGS, BLACKBIRDS -- Fewer Starlings wintered at many Canadian localities, but more wintered in Manitoba than ever before, with 634 on the Winnipeg CBC of Dec. 26. Appreciable Starling mortality occurred in Winnipeg Jan. 1 and FelS. 13, when 23 and 38 starlings were found frozen under three metal bridges, while on March 18 another 81 were found dead under a single bridge (Nairn Ave. overpass), many apparently having died prior to the arrival of migrating Starlings March 12. Eighty Starlings wintered near Crosby, N.D. (WES). Rusty Blackbirds wintered successfully in Regina, with 38 on the Dec. 26 CBC and a group of eight or nine visiting two feeders almost daily (Eliz. Cruickshank, Shirley Jowsey). A c Red-winged Blackbird survived the winter at a feedlot near Tofield, Alta. (LLG). GROSBEAKS -- Evening Grosbeaks were absent from Raymore and Wolseley, Sask., and Bismarck and Valley City, N.D., and decreased at most other localities, including Calgary and Stettler, Alta., Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Nipawin, Spirit Lake, Regina and Sheho, Sask., at Winnipeg, Man., and Fargo and Leeds, N.D. However, they were increased at Edmonton. At Togo, Sask., 12 farmers used two tons of sun- flower seeds at their feeding stations for grosbeaks that arrived mainly after Christmas, numbered 70 at one feeder in February and then increased to 200 by Mar. 21 (W.J.C. May). At Spearfish, S.D., there were 400 Evening Grosbeaks daily, with 80 banded (TH). REDPOLLS THROUGH BUNTINGS -- Hoary Redpolls were reported from more localities than usual, perhaps in part because more observers have learned to recognize them. Common Redpolls now take advantage of feeders offering seeds, as at Indian Head, Sask. and Rolla and Montpelier, N.D., while 1947 were banded in Winnipeg (LTS) and 345 at Bismarck (RNR). Volume 28, Number 3 655

47 In Manitoba, the southern boreal forests contained more White-winged Crossbills than any year in the last ten and they were reported in Winnipeg until Feb. 14 when they suddenly were gone (DRMH). In contrast, not a single Red Crossbill was confirmed in southern Manitoba. A Dark-eyed Junco visited a feeder daily all winter in Winnipeg (Murray Ritchie). A White-throated Sparrow wintered successfully at a Saskatoon feeder (Anna Miller) and a Tree Sparrow did the same at Redvers, Sask. (D. Hjertaas). Snow Buntings seemed more common than usual at Vulcan and Monarch, with flocks of 2000 and 9000 e. of High River, Alta., Mar. 16 & 17 (R. Butat, BL), but were in smaller than usual numbers at other places, particularly Nipawin and White Bear, Sask. CONTRIBUTORS (area editors in boldface) -- W. Anaka, Eliz. G. Anderson, E. Baldwin, F.G. Bard, P.L. Beck,e, M. Belcher, A.J. Binnie, C.D. Bird, Flossie Bogdan, D. Braddell, C. Breen, H. Burgess, H. Carlson, H.W.R. Copland, S. Denton, E.A. Driver, J.R. Foster, A.C. Fox, R.E. Gehlert, D.E. Goeke, J. B. Gallop, Loran L. Gaulden, B.L. Green, W. Hall, I. Halladay, B.K. Harris, Jean M. Harris, W.C. Harris, P C Hart, David R.M. Hatch, T. Hays, Lois C. Haynes, J.D. Hayward, M. Hennie, K. Hicks, E.K. Hubbard, Pat W. Kern, P.R. Kern, H. Krause, R J Krieger, D.L. Kubischta, F. W. Lahrman, Bill and Virginia Lang, M. Lewis, L.M. Lohr, John T. Lokemoen, M.L. Mareschal, J.W. Matthews, D.C McGlauchlin, E. Meyers, E.E. Miller, G.R. Miller, R Mutton, R.W. Nero, W. Niven, B. Nordstrom, J. Overfoell, R. Palindat, H. Pinel, J. Price, R. D. Rafuse, R.N Randall, W.S. Richards, S.D. R,Dine, B.G. Robinson, C. Robinson, D.W. Robinson, E. Robinson, R.G. Rollings, R.C. Rosche, I.D. Rostad, H.C.E. Schuler, F.A Schultz, Esther M. Serf, S.J. Shadick, L.T. Simmons, P.D. Skaar, M. Skinner, F.A. Splendor'a, G.L. Steffen W.E. Steffen, R.E. Stewart, E. Swenson, Phil Taylor, L. A. Tripp, A.K. Trout, M.G. Trump, J.G. Turner, R.W. Turner, G. Wagner, R.W. Weier, D.V. Weseloh, D.N. White, R.L. Wright, W. Yanchinski, C. Yorger, (CBC -- Christmas Bird Count) Note: During the Canadian 12-day mail strike in late April, one observer phoned in an entire report at his own expense, many other reports came through safely on the last possible day -- but Esther Serr's important report from South Dakota just missed and sat in the post office unavailable the whole time. I wish I'd been able to retire from this job as had been planned: -- C. STUART HOUSTON AND MARY I. HOUSTON, 863 University Drive, Saskatoon, Sask. S7N O J8. SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS /Frances Williams Winter was mild and very dry. Spells of cold weather were short. These conditions held many summer residents and fall migrants well past normal departure time. As the warm weather continued into spring, many species began nesting activities ahead of schedule. WYO. j Sco.sbluff- 5. DAK. _ MIN N_. --- le;ti' e Va J North Plah'e ß.Omaha ; Fortconin,.W. Uonoll K... YeBeotric. '... I Boulder. ß le... D1 edenver Manhaffan. l i Ha s Lawrence C u L. [ KANS.. Halstead! MO. J Wichi 1 Grand Lake Clayton el... Tulsa ß Fo Gibson I, ' OKLA. ' Lake I - ß J. Muskogee... I I c, ARK. LOONS THROUGH CORMORANTS Common Loons were present as usug on nearly a the large resetoil, but with higher numbera than usual at sev- eral localities: 40 at Lake-o'-the-pines in e. Texas Jan 27, eight at Lake E.V. Spence, Coke Co., Tex., Jan 1, five at L. Tawakoni, n.e. Texas, Feb. 3 (BV). A Redthroated Loon was carefully identified in Lancaster Co., Neb., Dec. 2 (RGr). Two Red-necked Grebes were reported in Lubbock Co., Tex., Mar. 19. Horned Grebes wintered as far south as n. Texas, but in e. Texas Eared Grebes were more common. Western Grebes visited Tulsa, Stillwater, Okla. and Ft. Worth, one at the latter locality remaining until Mar. 18. Single White Pelicans were sighted in Howard Co., Tex. and Lubbock Co. in January. At Hagerman N.W.R., Tex., 90 White Pelicans on Mar. 11 were quite early, as the mmn migration of the species through n. Texas did not take place until Mar. 31. Double-crested Cormorants lingered until mid-december in Osage Co., Okla. and Wichita Co., Tex. Four in Sarpy Co., Neb., Feb. 28 may have been wintering. IOWA HERONS, SWANS -- As drought conditions in w Texas became severe, most playa lakes became dry, resulting in large concentrations of Great Blue Herons at the few remaining wet lakes. Green Herons were sighte during the CBC at E1 Paso and Ft. Worth, and Little Blue Herons were also recorded at Ft. Worth Cattle Egrets wintered farther north than usual, and were observed at localities from E1 Paso to Nacogdoches Co., Tex. At San Angelo, Tex., 26 Blackcrowned Night Herons the last week of February con- stituted the first sighting in over five years, and three at Quivira N.W.R., Kans., Dec. 17 provided a first CBC record for the state. This species was reported in Grady Co., Okla., Mar. 14 and Wichita Co., Tex., Mar. 3, 9 & 13. Am. Bitterns were noted during the QuiviraN.W R CBC. Eleven Whistling Swans were recorded at Mid- land, Tex., Jan. 8-26, seven at Oklahoma City, Feb 3, and one in Grady Co., Jan (DW,PMc). 656 American Birds, June 1974

48 15 constituted the first winter record at that locality. An unprecedented 15 Oldsquaws were counted in Linn Co., Kans., Dec. 1. There were six other sightings in the Region, usually of single individuals. White-winged Scoters visited Cleveland Co., Okla., Dec. 10 (MAJ, PBe), Wyandotte Co., Kans., CBC, Dallas, Feb. 4 (HN, BT). Hooded Mergansers are rarely recorded on the southern plains at any season, but there were seven reports this winter. Both Red-breasted and Corn. Mergansers were wisespread and numerous. European Common Crone flying. Note black on wings. Buffalo Co. Neb. March 16, Photo / David J. Cochran. Anna's Hummingbird in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo! Landon R. Beaver. GEESE, DUCKS -- In Howard Co., Tex., 16 Canada Geese Jan. 5-8 were noteworthy. Three Kansas localities recorded White-fronted Geese during the CBC, and there were four reports elsewhere in the Region during February. Although the first northbound Snow Geese arrived in e. Nebraska Feb. I0, 50,000 were seen flying south during a snowstorm Mar. 20. A Ross' Goose was present at Cheyenne Bottoms N.W.R., Kans. several weeks in mid-winter. Cinnamon Teal were reported east of their usual range at four localities in Texas and one in Oklahoma. Wood Ducks were west of their range in Ellis Co., Kans., Mar. 29 (JSch), Palo Duro Canyon, Tex., Jan. 6 (KS), El Paso CBC, and arrived e{ rly in Douglas Co., Neb., Feb. 23. Reports of Corn: Goldeneyes came from most contributors. A Greater Scaup was collected in Osage Co., Dec. 15 (TC). A Lesser Scaup in Ellis Co., Kans., Dec. VULTURES THROUGH ACCIPITERS -- Two nests of the Black Vulture were found on very early dates: Feb. 22, Denton Co., Tex. and Mar. 9, Madison Co., Tex. A White-tailed Kite seen in Brazos Co., Tex., Feb. 6 may have been one of two which wintered in nearby Burieson Co. Five Goshawks were sighted during the Omaha CBC, and 12 others were reported elsewhere during the season. A large percentage of the 46 Sharp-shinned Hawks recorded were at feeding stations, to the consternation of people who had succeeded in attracting large concentrations ofpasserines. One exasperated feeder operator turned a garden hose on a Sharpy which kept harassing the other birds. Although Cooper's Hawks are often called "resident" on the plains, very few were reported between the CBC period and the beginning of spring migration in mid- March. BUTEOS THROUGH FALCONS -- At the end of the period, Bill Voelker of Cyril, Okla. had 58 Redtailed Hawk nests under observation in s.w. Oklahoma. He is concluding a five-year study of the species and has evidently done a fine public relations job with the farmers in the three counties where he has made his study. A White-tailed Hawk spent February in the Rio Grande Valley near El Paso. There was a good southward flight of Rough-legged Hawks. The largest population of wood rats in w. Texas in 30 years resulted in a large concentration of Harris' Hawks in Midland, Martin and Glasscock counties. Continuing a trend begun last fall, Golden Eagles are returning to the e. half of the Region and were sighted at Omaha, Nacogdoches Co., Tex., and Linn Co., Kans. Bald Eagles were present in good numbers at many reservoirs. Two Ospreys were located during the Manhattan, Kans. CBC. Only six additional Ospreys were sighted in the Region during the season. A Pair of Camcaras visited a nest tree in Brazos Co., Tex., Feb. 16. Camcams were also noted in McLennan Co., Tex., Dec. 15 & Jan. 6. The population of Prairie Falcons was normal in the w. part of the Region and a few were seen as far east as Sarpy Co., Neb., n.e. Oklahoma and Lyon & Coffey Cos., Kans. Only three Peregrine Falcons were sighted during the period. PRAIRIE CHICKENS THROUGH RAILS -- There was a good population of Greater Prairie Chickens in Lyon Co., Kans. An European Crane was photographed in Buffalo Co., Neb., Mar. 16 (D&CC). What was presumably the same bird was seen in Kearney Co., Mar. 25 (DEG). The maximum number of Sandhill Cranes at Muleshoe N.W.R., Tex., was 1 I0,000 during January. Sandhills started north the first week of Volume 28, Number 3 657

49 Eur. Common Crane, with Sandhill Cranes. Buffalo Co., Neb., Mar. 16, Photo/David J. Cochran. March, about two weeks early. A flock seen in Tillman Co., Okla., Feb. 9 were a month ahead of the main migration. Common Gallinules wintered in Lubbock Co. SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS -- A lone Mountain Plover stopped briefly in a field in the Davis Mts., Tex., in mid-march (PE). There was an early migration of Am. Golden Plovers through the Region the first half of March. A flock at Dallas on the more normal date of Mar. 23 comprised 21 birds (HN). There were more winter reports of Am. Woodcocks than usual. Ten Lesser Yellowlegs were sighted during the Quivira N.W.R. CBC. Dunlins in Lubbock Co., Jan. 4 & Mar. 19 provided a first record at that locality. Dunlins were sighted during the CBC at L. Balmorhea, Reeves Co., Tex. A Wilson's Phalarope lingered in Howard Co. until Dec. 7. Glaucous Gulls were reported in Linn Co., Kans., Feb. l0 (m.ob.), Nowata Co., Okla., Feb. 2 (DG, JC), Oklahoma City, Jan. 2 - Feb. 1 (Jsh et al.), Seward Co., Neb., Mar. 2. Herring Gulls wintered in e. Texas on several large lakes. Five California Gulls were sighted at Whitney Lake, Dawes Co., Neb., Mar. 23. Bonaparte's Gills were widespread, with a peak of 700 at L. Livingston, Mar. 24. Black-legged Kittiwakes were sighted at L. Livingston Mar (CDF) and Osage Co., Feb (EH, DG). Early Forster's Terns were carefully identified at Dallas, Feb. 18 and Hagerman N.W.R., Mar. 21. DOVES THROUGH SWIFTS -- White-winged Doves wintered in Jeff Davis Co., Tex. Mourning Doves wintered in Ellis & Johnson Cos., Kans. in above-normal numbers. Inca Doves continued to increase at Lubbock and Midland, Tex., and wintered in Parker Co., Tex. (JMS). A Ground Dove was located during the El Paso CBC. A Groove-billed Ani was reported on ths Dallas CBC and was sighted again two days later (LL). Lubbock observers found that within the city is the place to look for Screech Owls in winter. Tw o Great Horned Owl nests with eggs were found in Caddo Co., Okla., Jan. 27. Snowy Owls were seen in Hamilton Co., Neb., Mar. 6 (SD), Lancaster Co., Mar. 2-8 (RGo et al.), Cheyenne Bottoms N.W.R., Kans., December and January (MSh). A Ferruginous Owl was seen during the El Paso CBC and found again at the same location Jan. 28 (SJD). A Long-eared Owl was banded in Burieson Co., Tex., Jan. 17 (OG, DD). Short-eared Owls were common throughout the Region. A Whip-poor-will banded at College Station, Tex., Mar. 23 constituted the first March record since A Poor-will found dead at Tulsa, Mar. 21 represented a first county record (PBu, JT). ACom. Nighthawk was sighted at Lubbock on the early date Mar. 30. A Chimney Swift at Ft. Worth Mar. 15 was also early (EB). HUMMINGBIRDS -- The season will be remembered as the "winter of the hummingbirds." Rubythroated Hummingbirds remained at Norman, Okla. as late as Dec. 17 and Black-chinned Hummingbirds were located during the El Paso CBC. The choicest report of the season was furnished by an Anna's Hummingbird which enjoyed Pat Key's feeder at Ft. Worth Dec. 3 - Jan. 5, and was photographed by Landon R. Beaver. At least three Anna's Hummingbirds were present at El Paso until mid-decemher, and one over-wintered. A Broad-tailed Hummingbird refueled at an El Paso feeder Dec (GP) and a Rufous Hummingbird fing- ered in McLennan Co. until Dec. 22. A hummingbird of the genus Selasphorus was seen briefly in San Angelo Feb. 10. Anna's Hummingbird, Fort Worth, Tex., Jan. 4, Photo/Landon R. Beaver. KINGFISHERS THROUGH FLYCATCHERS -- Green Kingfishers wintered on the Guadalupe R. in Kerr and Bandera Cos., Tex. Plleated Woodpeckers are sighted regularly in the Trinity R. bottoms in Freestone Co., Tex. The Red-hellied Woodpecker which arrived in Midland in October was still present at the end of the period (TSJ), and another was sighted in Potter Co., Tex., Dec. 31 (KS). Several Acorn Woodpeckers were seen in Bandera Co., Feb. 22. A Lewis' Woodpecker was located during the Stephens Co., Okla. CBC and found again Feb. 15. A Hairy Wood- pecker sighted in McLennan Co., Jan. 29 was the first at that locality in several years. A Ladder- backed Woodpecker was sighted in Morton Co., Kans., Jan. 8. This species has been unrecorded on Kansas CBCs. A Cassin's Kingbird and a Thick-billed Kiugbird were ß 658 American Birds, June 1974

50 studied closely in Big Bend Nat'l Park Dec. 28 (ACet al.). A Scissor-tailed Hycatcher in McLenna Co., Mar. 19 was the earliest reported this spring. An E. Phoebe in Johnson Co., Kans., Mar. 1 was very early, and a nest of th s species containing five eggs was found in Comanche Co., Okla. on the early date Mar. 26. A migrating group of E. Phoebes was sighted Mar. 23 in Howard Co, Tex., where single individuals of this species are considered noteworthy. There were several reports of Black Phoebes in Lubbock Co. in December, and one was sighted during the Robert Lee, Tex., CBC. Say's Phoebes were distributed erratically, providing new county records in Lincoln Co., Neb., Mar 23 (DEG) and McLennan Co., Dec. 22. One in Ellis Co., Mar. 2 was early. A Vermilion Flycatcher visited Tarrant Co., where it is a rare vagrant, Mar. 27 (IW). LARKS THROUGH NUTHATCHES -- Horned Larks were feeding downy young in Tarrant Co., Mar. 27 (L&AB) and two nests, one with young, were located in Ellis Co., Mar. 31 (RH). A concentration of 6000 Horned Larks fed in cattle feedlots in Box Butte Co, Neb., Jan. 13. Tree Swallows lingered in Linn Co., Kans until Dec. 2, and a Barn Swallow was sighted at Perkins, Okla. on the late date Dec. 31 (BG, JB). Barn Swallows arrived early throughouthe Region, the earrest date Mar. 9 in Wichita Co., Tex. (KZ). A Purple Martin arrived in Tarrant Co., Jan. 21. Pinyon Jays were absent from the Davis Mts. the first winter in six years, and Scrub Jays were scarce in th Texas Panhandle The Steller's Jay that appeared in Dawes Co., Neb. on Nov. 9 remained through Jan. 8. Verdins were sighted in Wichita Co., Jan. 31, and Archer Co., Mar. 16 (KZ). Bushtits were sighted at the Wichita Mts. N W R., Okla., Feb. 24 (CE) and McLennan Co., Jan. 8 Red-breasted Nuthatches were common only in Nebraska, but one wintered as far south as Jeff Davis Go, Tex. CREEPERS THROUGH MIMICS -- Brown Creepers were common at Dallas, Lubbock and Wichita Mts. N W R. Winter Wrens, considered rare transients in the Region, were recorded on many CBCs. Carolina Wrens wandered to Lubbock, Mar. 19 and Wichita Co., Jan 26. A Cactus Wren at Buffalo Lake N.W.R., Tex., Dec 17 constituted afirst record for Randall Co., Tex. (mob.) Long-billed Marsh Wrens wintered at Oklahoma City. A Cation Wren in Smiley Canyon, Ft. Robinson, Sioux Co., Neb., Jan. 20 provided a second state record. A Rock Wren in Osage Col, Dec. 15 was the first reported in winter at that locality since A Mockingbird noted Dec. 4 near Chadron, Neb., comprised the first record for that area. Gray Catbirds, which rarely winter north of the Texas coast, were sighted in Nacogdoches, Smith and Tarrant Cos. during the period. Two Crissal Thrashers spent March at the Miller ranch in Jeff Davis Co. and a Sage Thrasher visited a yard in Iowa Park, Tex., Dec Jan. 31. THRUSHES THROUGH SHRIKES -- No bluebirds of any species wintered in w. Texas this year, and Townsend's Solitaires were reported at only three localities. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, which rarely winter north of the Texas coast, were observed during several Texas CBCs. Golden-crowned Kinglets were common in Johnson Co., Kans. and Bartlesville, Okla., but scarce or absent elsewhere. The only Bohemian Waxwings reported were three at Plattsmouth, Neb., Jan 3 (GW), and flocks including as many as 100 individuals in Dawes Co., Neb., Jan Feb. 17. A pair of Phainopeplas arrived in the Big Spring, Tex., city park Mar. 23 and were still present at the end of the period. A N. Shrike was carefully identified during the Topeka CBC. VIREOS THROUGH ICTERIDS -- A White-eyed Vireo remained at Tyler, Tex. until Dec. 29 (CS). A Philadelphia Vireo arrived at Big Spring on the early date Mar. 30. Black-and-white Warblers at Denton, Mar. 2, Wichita Co., Feb. 20 (WH) and Nacogdoches Co., Feb. 2 (DW) may have been wintering birds rather than early migrants. A Nashville Warbler was reported in Lubbock Dec. 1 (SK, DS) and one in the Sierra Vieja, Presidio Co., Tex., Mar. 30 comprised a new county record. A d' Black-throated Blue Warbler was seen in Big Bend Nat'l Park Nov. 18 (WRB). Yellow-rumped Warblers wintered as far north as Linn & Douglas Cos One of the most noteworthy observations of the season was the sighting of a Black-throated Gray Warbler in Irving, Tex., Jan. 29 (AP, WP). Another at E1 Paso Dec 15 was not surprising. Golden-cheeked Warblers had arrived in Bosque Co., Tex., Mar. 18 (L&AB). Six Bay-breasted Warblers in Big Bend Nat'l Park Nov. 24 provided a new locality record (WRB). Two Palm Warblers in Burleson Co., Tex., Dec. 16 constituted the first record in four years. Northern Yellowthroats wintered well north of their usual winter range. A Western Tanager visited a feeder in Brazos Co., Jan. 19 Another feeder visitor was a Rusty Blackbird in Dawes Co., Neb., Jan. 21. Other wandering Rusty Blackbirds were in Midland Nov. 3 & 17 (TSJ) and Robert Lee CBC. CARDINALS THROUGH CASSIN'S FINCHES -- Cardinals in Halsey, Thomas Co., Neb., Mar 31 provided a far west record for that state. E1 Paso birde rs have never been able to understand why there are no Cardinals in their area, since these colorful finches are common both east and west of E1 Paso. This winter a d' Cardinal remained at the home of an E1 Paso birder (EC). Cardinals in Presidio Co., Mar. 24 and Brady, Neb., Mar. 17 (HK) were also noteworthy. Rose- breasted Grosbeaks lingered at feeders in Douglas and Sarpy Cox. until mid-january. A Black-headed Grosbeak was banded in Lyon Co., Kans. in January and one was sighted in Tarrant Co., Mar. 28. An imm Black-headed Grosbeak (or Rose-breasted?) was seen in Dallas Dec. 28 (PM). In Lubbock an imm. Indigo Bunting frequented feeders all winter in company with Pine Siskins. There were a few small, widely scattered flocks of Evening Grosbeaks in Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska, but the only Texas sighting reported was at Amarillo. Purple Finches were common to abundant as far south as n. Texas. At Kerrville, finches which were studied closely at a feeder in late January were identified as Cassin's Finches. This species was present in Sioux & Dawes Cos., Neb. during March. Volume 28, Number 3 659

51 REDPOLLS THROUGH TOWHEES -- Common Redpolls flocked into Nebraska January to late March, the largest count 200 in Dawes Co., Jan. 21 and Mar. 16. Smaller numbers were present in e. Kansas during late February and early March. Pine Siskins were common to abundant throughouthe Region. Rosche banded 147 at Crawford, Neb., Feb Mar. 31. Siskins were nest-building in Ellis Co., Kans., by Mar. 17 (MER). A few very small flocks of Red Crossbills were seen at eight widely separated localities from e. Nebraska to E1 Paso. On Mar. 24 a Red Crossbill nest containing three eggs was found near Crawford; the latest edition of the "Check List of Nebraska Birds" does not include Red Crossbill as a nesting species. White-winged Crossbills flocked into cemeteries and residential areas having coniferous trees at Omaha. They arrived in November and were last reported Mar. 10. The only other sighting of White-winged Crossbills occurred at Bartlesville, Okla., Jan. 1, where a single individual provided a second locality record. A Green-tailed Towhee in McLennon Co., Dec Jan. 8 was east of its usual range. Nearly all contributors commented on the scarc ty or absence of Rufous-sided Towhees. SPARROWS, JUNCOS -- Savannah Sparrows arrived in Ellis Co., Mar. 14, an early date. Grasshopper Sparrows were sighted during the Ft. Worth CBC, and the elusive Le Conte's Sparrow was considered noteworthy on the McLennan Co. CBC. But Le Conte's Sparrow was not too difficult to find at Oklahoma City during December and single individuals were through January, leading to assumptions of wintering (JSh). Lark Sparrows stayed as far north as Osage Co., Okla. at least through December. A Black-throated Sparrow appeared on a patio in Omaha Dec. 4 after a severe storm. It seemed sluggish and had difficulty maintaining its balance. It would extend one wing and drag it in order to remain upright. For the next three days it fed with juncos on the ground and was observed at least 12 times a day. After that it came daily but less frequently. It remained until Feb. 4 and was banded and photographed, comprising a second state record (B&MM). Gray-headed Juncos were observed in Sherman Co., Kans., Mar. 1, Kerrville during January, Dallas Jan. 22 Mar. 13 (C&MG) and in Lubbock Co. throughouthe w nter. The white-winged race of Dark-eyed Junco was noted in Sarpy Co., Feb. 19 and Cimarron Co., Okla., Jan. 9 (STP). Numbers of Tree Sparrows were somewhat reduced in Lancaster Co., but the species visited n and w. Texas where it is a rare winter vagrant. Harris' Sparrows were in low numbers in the e. half of the Region but were seen west to Dawes Co., Lubbock, Amarillo and Midland. Fox Sparrows were abundant and widespread in the Region. At Hagerman N.W.R Fox Sparrows were present Feb. 14. On that date, on a three-mile stretch of road, hundreds of Field, White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows were also seen. LONGSPURS, SNOW BUNTINGS -- McCown's Longspurs were scarce or absent at most locaht es where they usually appear. Lapland Longspurs were scarce except in Johnson Co., Kans. in early January (STP) and the Nebraska sandhills. On Feb. 20, between Crawford and Scottsbluff, Neb., 500 Laplands were counted. Chestnut-collared Longspurs were common in the central part of the Region in December, then disappeared from most localities until mid-march, when they became abundant. At Oglala Nat'l Grasslands in Sioux Co., Neb., 200 Snow Buntings were counted Jan. 19. CONTRIBUTORS -- Nebraska: Douglas & Sarpy Cos., Melba Wigg; Lancaster Co., Bryce Anderson, northwestern, Richard C. and Dorothy J. Rosehe, south-central, Ellen Ritehey, Kansas: Ellis Co., Charles A. Ely; Johnson Co., Mary Louise Myers; Linn Co.,Earl & Kevin McHugh; Lyon & Osage Cos., Jean H Schulenberg ; Morton Co., Sebastian T. Patti. Oklahoma Bartlesville, Ella Deiap & Dotty Goard; Cleveland & McClain Cos., Grace E. Ray; Oklahoma City, John G Newell; Payne Co., Zelia Moorman ; southwestern,janet M. McGee; Tulsa, Polly Keating. Texas: Brazos & Burieson Cos., Keith A. ArnoM; Dallas County Audubon Society, Warren Pulich; additional Dallas Co records; Hazel Niebols; e. Texas, Charles D. Fisher, El Paso, Geth White; Hagerman N.W.R., Karl W. Huller, Howard Co., L. B. Paul; Kerrville, Kay & Ernest W. Mueller; Lubbock, Sharon Menaul & Alfred D. Bjelland, McLennan Co., Lillian M. Brown; panhandle, Peggy Acord; Tarrant Co., Midge Randolph; Tom Green Co, Terry Maxwell; Tyler, O.C. Sheffield; Wichita & Archer Cos., Layfette Stankewitz. INITIALED OBSERVERS -- Jack Barclay, Mrs Walter R. Bauguess, Landon & Ava Beaver, Pat Bergey, Ethel Bowman, Paul Buck, Elsie Campbell, Tim Chancellow, Dave & Cindy Cochran, Allan Crockett, Joe Cullen, Dick Davis, Sarah Jane Dodds, Shirley Doole, Chris Enright, Pansy Espy, Orlyn Gadd s, Daryl E. Giblin, Bryan Glass, Raymond Goldstein, Charles & Marguerite Green, Ruth Green, Elizabeth Hicks, Richard Hill, Wanda Hunter, Phyllis Jackson, Mary Avolyn Johns, Ted S. Jones, Hugh Kingery, Sheldon Klock, L. Leonard, P. McDonald, Bruce & Marian Meier, Polly Miller, Knowla Morrow, George Petrigrew, Anne Pulich, M.E. Rolls, John Schukman, Marvin Schwilling, Ken Seyffert, John Shackford, Carroll Sinclair, Jesse Maye Smith, Darlene Stevens, John Tomer, Bill Tremayne, Betty Vernon, D. Wettengel, lnez Wetzel, David Wolf, Gertrude Wood, Kathleen Zinn. The editor thanks more than 100 other observers who were not cited directly but who nonetheless helped make this report possible. To those who think their state suffers in coverage in comparison with the editor' s home state, please note that 14 Texans contribute, but only 15 from the other three states. -- FRANCES WIL- LIAMS, 3307 Neely, Midland, Tex American B rds, June 1974

52 SOUTH TEXAS REGION / Fred S. Webster, Jr. The season was mild and dry, with exceptions noted. An invasion of cold Arctic air on Dec. 20 resulted in freezing temperatures deep into Mexico. Upper teens readings were common in South Texas, with extensive ' ':..J ebastrop Beaumort! ' o Houston ß Cove d age vegetmion. Arctic r dominated the weather during the first week of Janu for the most prolonged cold spell of the season, but freezing temperatures failed to reach the Rio Grade Delta. Thereafter events moved unimpeded toward e ly spring. Generally, rainfall was conspicuously absent except on the wellwatered upper c st. Elsewhere, surface water accumulated during e ly f l rains continued to provide habitat for water birds. Fu her. fall seed crops provided adequate food. It was gener ly assumed that mild weather accounted for the p r showing of no he finches d, in many areas, low humors of wintering sparrows d some wo land species. On the other hand, the same conditions may have encouraged some unusual wintering birds, notably warblers. LOONS, GREBES -- Common Loons apparently were below normal in numbers on the upper coast but up from a year ago on N. Padre I. (BAF). A Red-throated Loon was seen in the Rockport area Jan. 18 (DNW). Several reports were received of Horned Grebes, unusual in this Region. Largest number was a flock of 16, viewed at close range, at Canyon L. Feb. 1 (EWM). Eared Grebes were reported in lower numbers than usual from the upper half of the Region. However. without more extensive coverage and reporting, it is unwise to declare a shortage, lest supposed shortage merely represents a shifting of populations from one locality to another; this possibility increases in proportion to availability of prime habitat, and such would have been the case on the upper coast this season. A Western Grebe was found in the Houston area Mar. 2 (TBF & DHH). BOOBIES, GANNETS, CORMORANTS -- Several apparently reliable reports of the Blue-faced Booby came from the Corpus Christi area in January (fide KM}. An adult was found dead on the N. Padre I. beach Mar. 4 (BAF). An imm. Gannet was seen offs. Padre I., Jan. 23 (BAF). Cormorants were attracted to Falcon L. in large numbers; (Double-crested?) were reported at one locality Dec. 30. (OCB). WATERFOWL -- Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. figures report a good waterfowl season statewide, 18 per cent over the 10-year average. The upper coast, Texas' leading waterfowl area, provided excellent habitat with abundance of water and vegetation. The High Plains, second only in importance to the upper coast, also had a good year (TC), and may have held back a substantial number of waterfowl from South Texas. Also, grain fields on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande Delta appear to be attracting large numbers of waterfowl. At least 50 Black-bellied Tree Ducks wintered in the Corpus Christi area (KM). Cinnamon Teal, never common, had a good year on the upper coast and at San Antonio. Am. Wigeons were very low at Rockport, but Redheads were in good shape with a bay population of (DNW). Common Goldeneye numbers were lower than usual. An Oldsquaw remained at Austin at least from Dec. 21 to Jan. 19 (RTG et al.). One was located at Corpus Christi Dec. 30 (FGB & PAB), died later and became a museum specimen. Three apparently Masked Dueks were reported on Manor L., Brazoria Co.. Jan. I (JBS. TS & BW). HAW KS. EAGLES -- Report s of White-tailed Kites testify to a gradual expansion of this species. Red-tailed Hawk numbers were declared "way down" in the Rockport area (DNW), but good numbers were present farther down the coast; availability of food often determines such distribution patterns, but we have no hard facts in this instance. It was a "great year" for the Ferruginous Hawk on the upper coast (TBF) where the appearance of even one bird is a major event. This species made an even better showing south of Corpus Christi; for example, it was found "fairly common" on N. Padre I., where on a given day three of four might be found in a four-mile stretch (BAF). The same observer found zero population on S. Padre I. In comparison to the foregoing species, the supposedly more common Rough-legged Hawk had a mediocre year. Harris' Hawks were normally conspicuous along the highways between Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Delta. A group of Bald Eagles, two adults and two immatures, were seen in w. Harris Co. Jan. 26 (VLE, TBF & DHH). SHOREBIRDS -- A high count of 16 Am. Oystercatchers on the Bolivar flats at Galveston, Dec. 2, represented a gradual increase during recent years (TBF). Seven Wilson's Plovers were seen at Galveston Jan. 25 (TBF & DHH); this species was formerly absent in winter. Four Mountain Plover, a species now hard to find in the Region, were seen in a plowed field at Portland, San Patricio Co., Jan. 14 (KM & DNW). Two Purple Sandpipers were found at the Galveston jetties Jan. 22 (MJB et al.), the first time that more than one of these rare birds have been observed simultaneously. A flock of 400+ Marbled Godwits were present at Rockport for several months (DNW). Volume 28, Number 3 661

53 GULLS -- One, possibly two, Glaucous Gulls were seen in the vicinity of Padre I. Nat'l Seashore from December into February (KM et al.). A second-winter individual was observed there Dec. 12 and Jan (BAF), and an individual on adjacent Mustang I., Jan. 22 (GWB & BAF). A first-year bird was reported at the southern tip ors. Padre I., Jan. 3 (FGB & PAB). On the upper coast, a second-winter bird was seen on the Bolivar flats Feb. 17 (RAR), and another along the beach about 3 miles east of the Chambers-Jefferson Co. line Mar. 17 (VLE). A Great Black-backed Gull was discovered on Bolivar flats Mar. 24 (FC, VLE, TBF, DHH & EM), and was still present Mar. 31. It was seen in company with Herring Gulls, photographed, and details submitted. This is one of several reports in quite recent years of a species not formerly known to occur in Texas. An imm. Black-legged Kittiwake was seen on Padre I. Nat'l Seashore, Feb. 5 (BAF). In the same general area, on Mar 14-15, an individual intermediate between immature and adult winter plumage was seen (PD & BAF), and on Mar. 16 an individual in imm. plumage (BAF). ad. male and an imm. male, made daily visits to a feed at Houston. The adult was first seen on Oct. 19. Both were still present in mid-february (MA). An ad. < Costa's Hummingbird visited a feeder at San Marcos, Hays Co., between Feb. 6 and Mar. 2, departing at 9:30 a.m. on the latter date (RBH er al.). An excellent, detailed report was submitted by the Hendersons, who received 142 visiting birders into their home. Many photographs were taken of this first substantiated Texas record. An ad. < Anna's Hummingbird was present at Bartlett, Williamson Co., during December (REC, BR, JW et al.), and was photographed. An imm. male, also photographed, was at Austin from November (no date) to Jan. 19 (EAK, BR, ES et al.). A male was under observation al San Antonio for "several weeks"before departing the morning of Jan. 12 (CRB & RGP), before a bird alert could be issued. At Houston, an imm. male made daily visits to the above-mentioned feeder between Jan. 16 and Feb. 10; it last fed at 8:20 a.m. of the latter date (MA er al.). All hummingbirds reported here were attracted to feeders, which fact should stimulate more year-round maintenance. WOODPECKERS, FLYCATCHERS --A Pileated Woodpecker in woodland 10 miles w. of La Grange, Fayette Co., Mar. 23 (LW) provided a noteworthy locality record. Golden-fronted Woodpeckers were reported much below normal at Corpus Christi (KM). A Kiskadee Flycatcher was observed at Cross, n. McMullen Co., Dec. 20 (EBK & SW). Eastern Phoebes were scarce at Rockport (DNM) and below normal at Corpus Christi (KM). Black-legged Kittiwake, immature, Padre I. Nat'l Seashore, Tex., Mar. 16, Photo/Bruce A. Fall. DOVES, CUCKOOS, ANIS -- A pair of Blue Ground-Doves (Claravis pretiosa) were found in a roadway at Laguna Atascosa N.W.R. on Dec. 29. They flew to a plowed field and were observed at a distance of about 20 feet. This species is common in s. Tamaulipas, Mexico, but had not previously been reported in Texas. Details are available (RCC, REC & REK). A Yellowbilled Cuckoo at Aransas N.W.R., Dec , was very late (BA & WA). Groove-billed Anis made agood showing in the Corpus Christi area, having recovered from an earlier setback (KM). One was seen in w. Harris Co. (TBF). OWLS, HUMMINGBIRDS -- A Long-eared Owl, casual on the upper coast. was seen at Cove, Jan. 18 (AKM); records of earlier years were all from this locality. A good population (20?) of Short-eared Owls was discovered in grassy fields in n. Travis Co. (BR et al.). These were resident throughout December, but apparently had departed by Feb. I. This species was found to be common in rank, weedy areas in s. Hidalgo Co. (JCA'). Six birds were found in w. Harris Co. Jan. 6 (TBF & DHH). Two Black-chinned Hummingbirds, an NUTHATCHES, WRENS, KINGLETS --Although this was a poor winter for nuthatches, a White-breasted Nuthatch was seen at San Antonio, Jan. 19 (S.A.A.S.). A Red-breasted Nuthatch wintered at an Austin locality (BR), and one was seen at Madero, s. Hidalgo Co., Feb. 9 (JCA). House Wrens were reported below normal in coastal areas. Three Winter Wrens, downstream from Falcon Dam, Jan. 6 (JCA) was avery good score for this species. Golden-crowned Kinglets, unusual in the Rio Grande Delta, were seen at Anzalduas, Hidalgo Co., Jan. 24 (JCA). Ruby-crowned Kinglets apparently were below normal in many areas. THRUSHES, BLUEBIRDS -- American Robins appeared in numbers in December. but thereafter became less common than usual in most localities. A Clay-colored Robin was sighted at Chapeno, downstream from Falcon Dam. Jan. 19 (JLR): details were submitted, A Veery wintered at Goose Island S. P. (fide DNW). Reports indicate a shortage of E. Bluebirds along the coast. One Mountain Bluebird was observed in w. Travis Co., Dec. 19 (PE); sometimes fairly com- mon in the 1950s, this species has all but deserted the e. Edwards Plateau. WAXWINGS, WARBLERS, ORIOLES --This was far from a peak year for Cedar Waxwings, although they were considered above normal in numbers at Corpus Christi (KM). Orange-crowned Warblers were low in many localities. A 6 Black-throated Blue Warbler wintered at High I., first such record for the upper coast 662 American Birds, June 1974

54 (MH et al.). A count of 1100 Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers in the Bolivar Pen. -- High I. area Feb. 16 stands in contrast to a sub-par season elsewhere. It was a good year for Black-throated Gray Warblers in s. Hidalgo Co., as many as five per day (JCA), but the usually more common Black-throated Green was scarce. An ad. and a c Hermit Warbler wintered at Goose Island S. P. (BG et al.). A Prairie Warbler was seen on Bolivar Pen. between Jan. 25 and Mar. 31 (VLE, TBF et al.); 4 miles upcoast from this site, another female was seen Mar. 13 (VLE). A Scotifs Oriole was observed at Palmetto S. P., Jan. 27 (G C.B.C.), certainly far removed from typical habitat. FRINGILLIDS -- Cardinals, and especially Pyrrhuloxias, were scarce in the Falfurrias area (OCB). It was a good winter for Black-headed Grosbeaks on the upper coast; at a location in Baytown, where two of this species were present last winter, six wintered this year. One wintered at High Island (fide VLE). Two were seen m Houston in February (MJ & PJ), one wintered at a feeder in Corpus Christi (fide KM), and one appeared in Austin, Jan. 3-6 (VH). This was not a year of Purple Finches, although 100+ were reported at Cove, Jan. 16 (AKM). A White-collared Seedeater was seen near the Brownsville dump Feb. 25 (AW). Pine Siskins were well below normal. A small flock (12-20) was seen at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley S. P., Dec. 31 (RVD); this species is scarce in the Rio Grande Delta. American Goldfinches had a very good season, and were especially abundant on the upper coast in mid-winter. Lark Buntings were below normal on the central coast. Most contributors reported Savannah and Vesper Sparrows below normal. Bender commented on the absence of Black-throated Sparrows from the San Antonio area. The more common sparrows are frequently overlooked in reporting, but indications are that Chipping, Field, Harris', Lincoln's, Swamp, and Song Sparrows were below normal in most localities. Two Fox Sparrows were seen in Zapata Co., e. of Escobas, Feb. 24 (OCB), rather far south. McCown's (36), Lapland (1), and Chestnut-collared (1) Longspurs were seen e. of Austin, Jan. 12 (BR); more birds were present than were identified. An estimated Lapland. Longspurs were found in a wet rice-stubble field in w. Harris Co, Jan. 6 (DHH); this species occurred in this general area last year as well. Numbers dropped sharply as January ran out. CONTRIBUTORS AND OBSERVERS -- Becky Anderson, Margaret Anderson, Walt Anderson, John C. Arvin, Charles R. Bender, Gene W. Blacklock, Mr and Mrs. O.C. Bone, Michael J. Braun, F.G. Buckley, P.A. Buckley, Ted Clark, Dr. Ralph E. Clearman, Richard C. Clearman, Fred Collins, Phil Dering, Robert V. DiOrio, Pauline Edwards, Victor L. Emanuel, Bruce A. Fall, T. Ben Felther, Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Glaus, Golden Crescent Bird Club, Dan H. Hardy, Robert T. Harms, Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Henderson, Virginia Higginbotham, Mike Hoke, Margaret Jones, Paul Jones, Robert E. Kelley, Edgar B. Kincaid, Edward A. Kutac, Kay McCracken, Elric McHenry, Arhe K. McKay, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest W. Miller, Mrs. R G Proby, Jr., Barbara Ribble, John L. Rowlett, Rose Ann Rowlett, San Antonio Audubon Society, James B. Stevens, Tim Stevens, Edward Strieber, Larry Walther, John Watson, Suzanne Winckler, Doria N. Winship, Alan Wormington, Bill Wyma. --FRED S. WEBSTER, JR., 4926 Strass Drive, Austin, Texas NORTHWESTERN CANADA REGION / Wayne Neily Winter is a very good time for neither birds nor birders in the boreal forest regions, so it is a good omen of better reports to come that enough people contributed observations for the first Northwestern Canada Region report to make it worthwhile. Instead of concentrating on rarities and unusual population changes, as do most long-established reglonal reports, we hope to present, over the first few years, baseline data on the distribution and abundance of regular species here, which, for most parts of the region, is not presently available. From this point of view, winter is the best time to start, since the small number of resident species can at this time be given the attention that they deserve, and retire to form a background for the other seasonal pictures as they unfold. It was a generally dry winter, colder than normal, but not a record-breaker. Temperatures at all Yukon stations except one (Kluane) dipped to -50øF. or lower in January, with -70 ø at Mayo being the lowest. That any birds at all can survive and remain active at such temperatures is amazing, and cotfid be an interesting and worthwhile, if uncomfortable, subject for research. Even here the climatic influences of the oceans (both Arctic and Pacific) can be seen, with the dry interior cooling more rapidly in early winter and warming faster in March than the areas with coastal influences. For example, in January the warmest spot in the Region was the Chilkat Pass in extreme n.w. British Columbia,with a mean temperature of -2øF., while the coldest was along the Pelly River, in the heart of the Yukon interior, with an average of -35 ø. By contrast, in March the lowest was on the Ogilvie River (-21 ø mean), whereas the highest was shared by Whitehorse (southern interior Yukon) and Dease Lake (northern interior B C ), at + 13 ø. An equivalent effect can be seen on the precipitation, with most of the Yukon interior getting less than 30 in. of snow over the four months, but with 102 in burying the Chilkat Pass. No reports have yet been received from the Arctic coast, so this is essentially an inland region; hence the extremely low number of species reported (26), and the near-absence of overwintering water birds. No 150+ Christmas Bird Counts here! WATERFOWL -- A Com. Goldeneye was seen on an open section of the Kathleen R. (mile 143, Haines Rd.) as late as Dec. 24 (WN). Although this water, as well as various other stretches in the region, remained open all winter, the only report ofoverwintering waterfowl was of a few goldeneye (sp.) at the outlet of Taglsh L. about Feb. 20 (MH). Volume 28, Number 3 663

55 HAWKS, FALCONS -- Goshawks were, as usual, the commonest diurnal birds of prey over the forested parts of the region. Six reports ranged from Dec. 28 to Feb 22, mainly from the Whitehorse and Haines Junctton areas, but one from Sockeye L., in a valley of the Kluane Ranges (WN, DH, JC), and one at Kluane (FS). Eagles, apparently absent during the winter, reappeared the last weeks of March. The two reports of Golden Eagles were both, surprisingly, from the n. half of the region: one seen Mar. 26 at mile 4 of the Dempster Htghway (BF,fide KS), and one near Stewart Crossing Mar 30 (WN). The first Bald Eagle was spotted in the Whttehorse area Mar. 22 (MH). Although various observers claim that Gyrfalcons are regular and not very uncommon residents in the Yukon, it apparently isn't that easy to see them well. No definite reports were recetved of the species, although there were four "probables", all from various upland areas of Kluane Nattonal Park (DH, WN, JC). GROUSE -- All three species of ptarmigan were seen in the s.w. part of the region, but no other grouse were reported, nor ptarmigan from any other areas. Many Willow Ptarmigan descended to the lowlands dunng winter, and some were still there as late as Mar. 26, when one was seen at mile 145 of the Haines Rd. (WN). There were also good numbers in the sub-alpine zone by that time, as evidenced by the 45 observed snowroosting in winter flocks on the Chilkat Pass Mar (DM). The only definite Rock Ptarmigan reported were four in that area on the same dates, calling as though on territory (DM). Very likely many of the "ptarmigan sp." seen on January aerial surveys in the alptne zone of Kluane N.P. belonged to this species. On those same surveys, ten White-tailed Ptarmigan were seen at two points in the e. half of the park (WN). PIGEONS, OWLS -- Rock Doves were apparently restdent in Whitehorse in small numbers, although only one report is available (one Jan. 12, WN). Great Horned Owl, the commonest species here, was seen as late as Dec 28 at Haines Junction (LT), and as early as Mar. 19 (Hatnes Rd.-one-DM). Whether they were absent in between or observers simply didn't get out enough, we don't know. Only one Snowy Owl was reported, near the Kluane Glacier Jan. 7 (WN,DH); the rest presumably had the good sense to go farther south. Hawk Owls were also seen as late as Dec. 28 (one, Kluane N.P., near the Alsek Pass, DH,JC) and as early as March 14 (one, mile 139, Haines Rd., WN). There is more evidence for migration in this species, however, as num- bers seen along the highways increased just prior to this report period, and were increasing again at the end of it (WN,DM). WOODPECKERS -- Although seldom seen in winter, a few Hairy Woodpeckers must stay around, as one was seen tapping on a pole in Haines Junction Jan. 22 (WN). The common winter woodpecker here, however, appears to be the Northern Three-toed. It was seen almost dady at feeders in Whitehorse, (HH), and no fewer than five appeared for the Haines Junction CBC. One of this spectes chasing another in wide circles around part of Hatnes Junction Mar. 23 (WN) was a refreshing sign of spnng. CORVIDS -- Two species which deserve a spectal place in the hearts of northerners are the Gray Jay (sttll known as the Canada Jay to most) and the Com. Raven (otherwise known as "Yukon Turkey"). These are the only birds common and conspicuous enough here m winter to be seen by most people, and they occurred throughout the report period, in fair numbers at all stations reporting. Gray Jays ranged from Clinton Creek in the north to Deyadeash L. in the south, with a maximum of 24 in the Kluane area Dec. 26 (F&KP et al.). Ravens were reported from the Chilkat Pass north to mile 160 of the Klondike Highway, with Whitehorse's resident population of 70+, mainly at the dump, making it the capital of raven country. The Black-billed Magpie was common in the s.w. part of the region, north to Whitehorse and the Slims R. in December, but not reported between Jan. 8 (one near Kaskawulsh Glacier, WN), and Mar. 19 (one- Haines Rd., DM). CHICKADEES, DIPPER -- As in most coniferous forest areas, the Boreal Chickadee is commoner here than the Black-capped, although, as it frequents feeders and settled areas less, it isn't reported as often. Blackcapped Chickadees were seen throughouthe season from Whitehorse south, but the most northerly report was one at Takhini Hot Springs area Dec. 30 (WN,DN) Two were observed cleaning out a nest-box near Whitehorse on Mar. 18 (DM). Boreal Chickadees, although not reported between Dec. 30 and Mar. 17, were probably present all winter as well, and were abundant, if scattered, in s.w. Yukon in late December(maximum 73 on the Kluane N.P. CBC). A few hardy Dippers stayed around open water in streams in the s. Yukon, two or more were seen in the upper reaches of the Duke R. in the Kluane Ranges Jan. 7 (WN), and another tn Klukshu Creek at various times over the winter (WN et al.). FINCHES, BUNTINGS -- Pine Grosbeaks were widely, if sparsely, distributed throughouthe s. half of the region for the entire season, ranging from Whitehorse (HH et al.) west to Beaver Creek (two pairs Mar 10, ML). Common Redpolls were present in small flocks up to Dec. 28, when 16 were seen at Haines Junction (JC,DH) and again after Mar. 14, all reports from the s. part of the region (Chilkat Pass to Slims R and Whitehorse). Surprisingly, Hoary Redpolls were not reported, although they were common across the border in interior Alaska. White-winged Crossbills were common in the Haines Junction area in December and January, but not otherwise reported; the high of 103 was on the Haines Junction C.C. Among the earliest returning migrants here are Snow Buntings, first noted (1) near Haines Junction Mar. 15 (WN), and at Whitehorse Mar. 18 (DM). The Haines Junction flock in- creased to 87, accompanied by one Lapland Longspur, by Mar. 25. INITIALED OBSERVERS -- Jack Christiansen, Bob Frish, Manfred Hoers, Helen Horback, Don Hutton, Maria Ledergerber, Dave Mossop, Dan Nowlan, Fred & Kate Postoloski, Karel Sars, Frank Sias, Larry Tremblay. -- WAYNE P. NELLY, Haines Junction, Y.T., YOB ILO. 664 American Btrds, June 1974

56 NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN- INTERMOUNTAIN REGION / Thomas H. Rogers Winter weather over the Region was generally mild and extremely wet. continuing the pattern set in November. However at the end of December temperatures plummeted. often well below zero F. and did not BglTISH!, I leo Mite mouse I- %'"& \\"\'N- '...E % I I: / / I,, -.'%% I ½. / s,(g..e.i., I l ]k LEEL II' e WASH. ;COEIJRB'ALEN[ PELICANS THROUGH BITTERNS -- A single White Pelican, the only one reported, was noted in the Nampa, Ida. area and represented a decrease. In the same area 20 Double-crested Cormorants were seen Dec. 27 and 24were at McNary N.W.R. Feb. 2. An Am. Bittern was seen at Sunnyside Game Refuge near Mabton, Wash. on the remarkable date of Mar. 6 (JW). SWANS -- The cold spell of January greatly reducedwhistling Swan numbers in Idaho and e. Oregon and Washington, where some winter. Spring migrants were first noted at Malheur N.W.R. Feb. 10, nearly two weeks later than last year and built up to 4700 by Mar. 2, much below last year's peak. The birds were moving through more northerly areas in good numbers during March. Thirteen Trumpeter Swans were reported killed by flying into power wires across the Stuart River at Ft. St. James in c. interior British Columbia, according to newspaper accounts. Local conservationists are urging removal of the wires. One Trumpeter from the resident population at Turnbull N.W.R., Cheney Wash. was shot at Chapman L. just south of the refuge in December. At Red Rock Lakes N.W.R. two Trumpeters with yellow neck bands Feb. 12 proved to be birds banded the previous August in Saskatchewan. ß,E,E,-/.L -, I I,tMON,.., o leoo... J,D^H wyo.o risc until mid-january, when Chinook conditions me]ted the rather sparse snow from the valleys and reduced it in the mountains. Heavy rains in the lowlands added to the melt and brought floods at Libby and Missoula, Mont. and at Spokane and Yakima. February and March continued mild and wet. A fair number of late stragglers, afew of which stayed to winter, was observed. The January cold snap drove many birds out of some areas. All in all, the winter, generally warm with litfie snow cover and much open water, appeared an easy one for bird ]fie. Abundant moisture, both rain and snow, brought promise of full lakes and ponds during spring and summer as well as excellent growth of vegetation. Alas, it also presaged further flooding -- what will happen when the 197 inches of snow, 70 inches above norma], melts at Crater Lake National Park? The outstanding bird events were the abundance of owls, particularly Snowy but also a number of species considered rare, and the great incursion of Pine Grosbeaks. LOONS AND GREBES -- A few wintering Com. Loons were noted at Wenatchee, the Tri-cities (Pasco-Richland-Kennewick), Wash. and at Summer L., Lake Co., Ore. Single Horned Grebes were seen near Walla Walla and Wenatchee and on Coeur d'alene L., Ida. the latter on Jan.!. The Eared Grebe was reported only at Wenatchee and Medical L., Wash, Twenty W. Grebes, about twice last year's number, were at McNary N.W.R., Burbank, Wash. the third week of March. GEESE AND DUCKS -- The January freezeup drove many Canada Geese out but numbers were again high by March. White-fronted Geese appeared at Malheur Feb. 27 and peaked at 100 the first week of March. At La Grande, Ore. 160 were counted Mar. 16. A total of seven Snow Geese seen in the Walla Walla- Tri-cities area and at Baker, Ore. in December were very late. February 11 started the northward movement of the species at Malheur N.W.R., but elsewhere the birds were seen in March. The spring movement of ducks through Malheur N.W.R., mostly Pintail, showed a peak of 35,700 at the end of the period, compared to 73,200 and 116,800 in March of 1973 and 1972 respectively. The general decrease was attributed to the abundant flooded meadow habitat throughout the Harney Basin which attracted the Pintails. About ten Gadwall and 250 Ring-necked Ducks at mid-december; winter records are unusual there (WW). A Eur. Wigeon pair near Spangle, Spokane Co. on Feb. 23 was very early for this species, rare in Washington. Fourteen Blue-winged Teal at Vernon and some at Penticton, B.C. Dec. 26were the first recorded in winter for the North Okanagan (RC). Thirty Wood Ducks in the Nampa, Ida. area Dec. 27 were unusual. The species was not noted elsewhere in the Region. Flooding of the Spokane R. with consequent muddiness caused a marked decrease in diving ducks during January in the Spokane area. The highest number of Com. Goldeneye was 1500 at Turnbull N.W.R. in March. A thousand Com. and 200 Red-breasted Mergansers were at Minidoka N.W.R. in s. Idaho Dec. 5. VULTURES AND HAWKS -- A Turkey Vulture at Nampa Dec. 27 was a winter rarity. A few spring migrants had reached the Sunriver, Ore. area by the third week of March and Malheur N.W.R. by Mar. 15. Goshawk sightings were rather plentiful for that species Volume 28, Number 3 665

57 and the birds staged a moderate invasion in the Okanagan area of s. British Columbia. In general, hawk numbers seemed at least up to normal with the exception of the Baker area, where Red-tailed and Roughlegged numbers were way down. A Golden Eagle was incubating by the end of March in the Pocatello area. A single Gyffalcon and a Peregrine Falcon were noted in n w Montana (WW), and one of the latter was seen in n Idaho (EL). GALLINACEOUS BIRDS --Only scattered small remnant groups of Sharp-tailed Grouse were found in the Pocatello area (CHT). The species was reported elsewhere only at Malheur N.W.R., near Yakima and near Bozeman. A few small coveys of Gambel' s Quail still persisted from introductions in the Salmon, Ida. area many years ago. They were common only along the Lemhi R. In the same area, where the Turkey was planted three years ago, the population was low but increasing. These birds were again observed on Bozeman Pass east of Bozeman, in numbers larger than last year CRANES AND RAILS -- A single Sandhill Crane on the Baker CBC was remarkable. Earliest spring appearance was Feb. 19 at Malheur N.W.R. Elsewhere they were migrating in March. Eight were on territory near Downey, Ida. Mar. 23 (CHT). At least two Virgmla Rails wintered at Pocatello and one was seen at Pentlcton, B.C. Jan. 15 (SRC). SHOREBIRDS AND GULLS -- No Long-billed Curlews had been observed in the Pocatello area by the end of March. The species appears to have been wiped out by agriculture along the Snake R. in that area, where ten years ago hundreds nested (CHT). A Glaucous Gull collected at Flathead L. furnished the first Montana specimen and either the second or fourth state record (fidepds). An ad. Glaucous-winged Gull appeared at Silver L., Spokane Co. Feb. 18 and stayed for a day or two (JA& WH). Seventy-five Herring Gulls were seen at Coeur d' Alene L. Feb. 24. About Ring-billed Gulls put in a very unusual appearance at Salmon, Ida. the last week of March (HBR). Any gulls at all are unusual there. Several dozen of the species were observed near Kalispell, Mont., an unlikely locallty, Apr. 3 (WW). OWLS -- Single Bam Owls were seen in the Nampa area in December and at Heppner, Ore. Mar. 24. A highway-killed bird was brought in from Jerome, Ida. Mar 30 (CHT). A Great Homed Owl at Walla Walla in late January was very unusual. It was a tremendous winter for sighting Snowy Owls, which were seen in some numbers in at least 16 localities, a few as far south as s Idaho and e. Oregon. A Hawk Owl was seen near Salmon Arm, B.C. in early December (BW), one was at Prince George Dec. 30 (EB) and a third was observed at Moscow, Ida. Jan. 30 (EL). Pygmy Owls put in a good appearance, especially in the more westerly part of the Region. Single sightings at Nampa and Walla were particularly noteworthy. The Barred Owl was noted only at Vemon -- one Dec. 26. A Great Gray Owl visited a porch of a house in the foothills near Bozeman, allow- ing approach as close as eight feet Feb One at Summedand, B.C. Mar was apparently the first ever for the s. Okanagan (SRC). Another was found in a canyon near Cashmere, Wash. (WED) and one was seen at Moscow in early March (fide JWW). A Boreal Owl collected at Pullman Jan. 10 furnished the first confirmed record for Washington (REJ). Single Sawwhet Owls were sighted at Vernon, Nampa, Walla Walla, McNary N.W.R. and at Ennis L. near Enms, Mont. In the Spokane area more owls than hawks were noted during the period. DOVES THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- An unusual sighting of 50 Mourning Doves was made Dec. 30 at McNary N.W.R. where they are seldom seen in winter. An Anna' s Hummingbird remained at a feeder near Cashmere, Wash. until about Dec. 10 (WED) A Lewis' Woodpecker wintered in the Bitterroot Valley near Hamilton, Mont. (OF). One of the red-breasted race of the Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers was seen Jan. 13 at Naramata, B.C. This race is always rare there (CR) One or two Black-backed Three-toed Woodpeckers were seen in February and March in ponderosa pme areas burned last summer near Spokane. The only other record was of a pair near Ukiah, Ore. Feb. 16 & Mar 24. FLYCATCHERS AND SWALLOWS -- Say's Phoebe was recorded at Warm Springs, Ore. Feb. 11 and later in the month at Malheur N.W.R. and at Wenatchee. Elsewhere they were arriving in March, with Mar. 26 an early record for Missoula. The earliest Tree Swallow observation was at Summer L., Lake Co., Ore. Mar. 10 but Malheur had them two days later, nearly two weeks later than last year. Rough-winged and Barn Swallows had arrived only at Pocatello, Mar 23 & 31 respectively. The only Cliff Swallow sightings were at the Tri-cities Mar. 19 and Pocatello Mar. 23 JAYS THROUGH NUTHATCHES -- A Blue Jay was seen on three dates in January at Nampa. Twentysix Corn. Crows were still at Prince George Dec. 30, Clark's Nutcracker put in few appearances in the lowlands. Mountain Chickadees appeared in residential areas in Missoula in noteworthy numbers, at times outnumbering the Black-capped two to one. A Chestnutbacked Chickadee appeared in Baker on three dates m February and early March. The only other records were at Coolin, Ida. and in the vicinity of Yakima. The White-breasted Nuthatch, rare in s.e. Washington, was seen at Kamiak Butte north of Pullman (JWW). The Pygmy Nuthatch was observed at Missoula Mar. 23, where they are seldom seen (RAH). WRENS THROUGH THRUSHES -- Bewick's Wren had an all-time high of 25 on the Tri-cities CBC and was singing there from early December on. Fifteen were sighted in four areas at Yakima and a pair was found nesting in a hanging basket of artificial flowers, with five eggs Mar. 27. A Mockingbird was netted, photographed and released at Sunnyside Game Refuge near Mabton, Yakima Co., Wash. Mar. 5 (JW) and was seen again there Mar (JW & PM). A Sage Thrasher was seen at Cove S.P., Jefferson Co., Ore 666 Amencan Birds, June 1974

58 Jan. 26 (JWo & KZ) and two, one singing, were seen on Yakima Firing Range Mar. 24. At Malheur N.W.R. the species was first observed Mar. 29. American Robins wintered in big numbers only in the Pocatello area, where thousands, more than usual, were reported. At Bozeman flocks remained into late December. The spring movement was apparent first at Spokane where numbers increased in late January and early February. Other areas reported growing numbers from late February on. Wintering Varied Thrush numbers appeared to be up in Idaho, Oregon and Washington in the Region and a pair was seen repeatedly nearbozeman at the end of March (CVD). This is the first record there since the 1920s. Mountain Bluebird numbers far outstripped those for the Western. "Huge flocks" were reported for the area around Sunriver in c. Oregon in mid-march and an encouraging sighting of a flock of 35 was made at Lewiston, Ida. Mar. 24. KINGLETS THROUGH SHRIKES -- A single Golden-crowned Kinglet on the Helena Christmas count was apparently the first winter observation for that area. A very late Ruby-crowned Kinglet at BozemanDec. 29 was far later than the previous record late date of Nov. 18 (DRS & PDS). A remarkably early or possibly wintering Water Pipit was closely examined near Bozeman Mar. 9 (SC;PDS). The winter was good but not record one for Bohenian Waxwings, which penetrated as far south as Baker and Pfineville, Ore. Peaks of at least 2000 were reached at Missoula in late December and at Spokane in late January. The usual sprinkling of Cedar Waxwings wintered, mostly in the w part of the Region. However, in the Nampa-Boise area 300 were reported Jan. 16, many more than normal. Three Loggerhead Shrikes were seen in early December at Malheur N.W.R., whereas the Northern was present there all winter. A few of the former species were reported for the Nampa area and one was carefully identified at Turnbull N.W.R. Mar. 3 (MV). WARBLERS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS -- Single Yellow-rumped warblers were seen in December at the Tn-cities, a "Myrtle" Dec. 16 and an "Audubon's" Dec. 21. A flock of 300 warblers, some of them "Audubon's", was reported at Toppenish N.W.R., Toppenish, Wash. Mar. 25 (GG). A die-off caused House Sparrow numbers to drop drastically at Pocatello, making native species more obvious and perhaps more abundant at feeders. A c Yellow-headed Blackbird near Three Forks, Mont. Mar. 31 provided a record early date (CJ,fide HNM). Most of the wintering Red-winged Blackbirds apparently were in the Yakima area where a flock estimated at 2000 was found near Wapato Dec. 15 and a similar number at Toppenish N W.R. Jan. 30. A N. Oriole at Naramata for about a week Dec early January was the first ever for w nter in interior British Columbia (CR). Spring migrants of this species had reached the Ellensburg- Yakima area by the latter half of March. Two each of Rusty and Brewer's Blackbirds were sighted at Canmore,just east of BanffN.P. Jan. 6 (BL & VL). A Rusty Blackbird Feb. 9 west of Bozeman was a rare sighting (HC,ETH & RAH) and a Brewer's at Fortine, Mont. in early February was either very early or wintered (WW). FINCHES -- Evening Grosbeaks appeared in perhaps average numbers and were seen on the Malheur N.W.R. CBC for the second yearin a row. A c Cassin's Finch at the Tri-cities Dec. 1-2 was apparently the first record ever there (TG,EM & REW). Pine Grosbeaks rather flooded the Region, having been reo ported at seventeen localities and generally in numbers above average to very high. Hand analyzed his records for Missoula for the last seventeen years and noted he had seen the birds on twice as many days this winter as in the sixteen previous winters combined and the number of birds tallied was more than five times as many. The birds showed up even at Richland, Wash and at Nampa. Numerous sightings and good numbers were reported for Gray-crowned Rosy Finches, mostly in the w. part of the Region. Five at Prince George Dec 30 were far north for the species (EB). Fifty of the seldom-noted Hoary Redpolls were seen at Prince George Dec. 30 and a few were mixed with flocks of Corn. Redpoll at Vernon December - March and one or two were seen at Ennis, Mont. with the Common Dec. 15 (ETH,JS & MS). Up to four were seen on two dates at Helena, where there are apparently no previous records (LS). Common Redpolls were noted as unusually common at Fortinc and as occurring in good flocks at Bozeman. In the Okanagan they were abundant. A few showed up as far south as Bend, Ore. and Pocatello. No great incursion of Pine Siskins occurred in most of the Region but they were present in unusual numbers in the Okanagan Valley throughouthe winter. The CBC total of 440 there was a 23-year record high. Red Crossbills made few incursions into the lowlands and then generally in small numbers. Surprisingly, White-winged Crossbills appeared in three localities, these widely separated A flock was seen in the Bozeman cemetery from Dec 1 to some time in March and one stayed around a yard n Ephrata, Wash. for several weeks in late winter. (B J) Twelve at Kamiak Butte north of Pullman, Wash. Mar 7 were apparently Whitman County's first record {JWW). SPARROWS -- A Rufous-sided Towhee wintered in an unusual locality, Coeur d' Alene, visiting a feeder regularly Jan. 7 - Mar. 15. A Gray-headed Juneo, closely observed, frequented a feeder Jan. 15 and for five days following at Wenatchee (WED). Tree Sparrows were observed in a few localities Dec Mar. 25, mostly in small numbers but the Salmon, Ida. CBC had 62 A single Chipping Sparrow appeared in Heppner, Ore Mar. 23. This may be compared with the Mar. 18 date for one at Nampa, the only other locality reporting the species. Only three Harris' Sparrows were noted wintering in the Okanagan. Two records for the species were obtained at Walla Walla, the first Jan. 26 and the second Mar Apr.2. One appeared at Missoula Mar 27. White-crowned Sparrows appeared to winter in fmr numbers in the Wenatchee and Yakima areas and in the Nampa area. They were abundant on Yakima Indian Reservation Mar. 18. The Wenatchee CBC had the highest-ever count, 603. On that count were e ght Golden-crowned Sparrows, considered normal and one was sighted at Nampa Jan. 3. The only White-throated Sparrows were an adult at Salmon Arm, B.C. Dec 30 Volume 28, NumlSer 3 667

59 and two different birds at Bozeman in late December and early January. A dearth of Song Sparrows at Baker was blamed on a possible lack of influx of northern birds Possibly the highest-ever count of 54 at Christmas at Wenatchee had some bearing on the question. Lapland Longspurs were found only near Davenport, Wash where two were seen Dec. 8 (JA). Snow Buntlngs were observed at Kootenai N.W.R., Bonnets Ferry, Ida. in unusual numbers. Some 400 were there Jan 2 and smaller flocks were present for several weeks. A flock of about 100 near Salmon Arm was an unusual number for the Okanagan. Only a few of the birds got any farther south. CORRIGENDA & ADDENDA -- In Am. Birds the Parasitic Jaeger sighting at Canyon Ferry Res. was by Robert L. Eng, who also collected the first state specimen Oct. 27, 1973 at Freezeout L. west of Great Falls CONTRIBUTORS -- (Area editors in boldface) Kevin Aanerud, (JA) James Acton, Lavaunne Adams, John Annear, Dave Ashley, Eugene C. Barney, Mc- Nary N.W.R.; (EB) Ed Beaumont, Earl D. Bowen, Jay Bowerman, Kathryn Breslauer, Joanne Brown, Dave Buck, Zelia Butler, Jim Camp, Richard Cannings, Steve R. Cannings, Helen Carlson, Don Childress, Mr. & Mrs. James Clark, Charles Clough, Mark Collie, Audra Cook, Craig Corder, Marion Corder, Sharon Cotterell, Emily R. Cragg, Cliff Davis, Wayne E. Doane, n.c. Washington; Helen Doomink, Yakima Valley, Bob Eng, Jeffrey W. Fleischer, Maiheur N.W.R.; Opal Foust, Larry Frank, Winifred Freeman, Bruce Gordon, Gretta Gossett, James Grant, s. interior British Columbia; Tony Greager, Bob Green, Milt Griffin, Pauline Hager, Warren Hall, Ralph L. Hand, Mis- soula, Mont. area; Lucille Hardinget, Bambi Hargreaves, Mr. & Mrs. B.L. Harvey, Janet Hassler, Eve T & Ray A. Hays, Mr. & Mrs. James Heckathorn, C.J. MOUNTAIN WEST / Hugh E. Kingery A mild winter failed to induce substantial numbers of species to linger when they should have gone south; nor did it drive northern species into the Region. Reporters from Denver to Las Vegas commented on fewer birds N VADA IlTYe BI¾CE i emgnte Henry, Fred Hill, Ivy & Joe Hilty, James H. Holcomb, Crater Lake National Park; Alice & Paul Horschel, Dick Humphries, Margaret Hunter; Bert Jahn, Cecil Johnson, Julie Johnson, c. Oregon; Richard E. Johnson, George Jones, Dan Knierim, Vivian Kohlruss, Ann Krakowa, Paul Krapfell, Carolyn Lagergren, Bill and Virginia Lang, Eari Larrison, Banff National Park area; Katherine Laupp, Ron McDow, Jim Mack, Sid Martin, Helena, Mont. area; (PM) Phil Mattocks, Niel F. & Sally Meadowcroft, Walla Walla, Wash. area, Homer N. Metcalf, John Montaigne, Elisabeth Moore, Eric Moore, Louis Moos, Robert Morgan, Gerald Morsello, Harold Mortimer, Deane Munro, Shirley Muse, Lowell Napier, Columbia N.W.R., Othello, Wash, Joanna & Sara Nashem, Vee Nealey, Wayne Nelson, Roger Olson, Olive Phipps, Del Pierce, Kootenal N.W.R., Bonners Ferry, Ida.; Tyson W. Planz, Red Rock Lakes N.W.R., Lima, Mont.; Margaret J. & Lawrence Polumsky, Asotin Co., Wash.; Leon Powers, Cyril Raynet, Jan Reynolds, Hadley B. Roberts, Hazel M. Roe, Larry Roumpf, Foster Rucker, John Rumely, (LS) Lorelei Saxby, W.H. Schillington, Mrs. H.E. Shaw, s.w. Idaho; Lonnie Sherer, Don R. Skaar, P.D. Skaar, Bozeman, Mont. area; Jean Skillman, Evelyn Slawson, Sid Smith, Mrs. S.O. Stanley, n.e. Washington; Marian Stephens, Esther Stewart, Gary Strom, Shirley Sturts, Coeur d' Alene, Ida. area; Ben Sugden, Sylvia Talich, Charles H. Trost, Pocatello, Ida. area, Mr. & Mrs. Ted Trueblood & Dan, Mr. & Mrs. B.L Vandermeer, Maurice Vial, Harold Vredenburg, Ann M. Ward, Baker, Ore. area; Harold Watling, John W. Weber, s.e. Washington and adjacent Idaho; Winton Weydemeyer, Jack Winchell, (JW) John Wingfield, Jim Wolcott, Paul Wolf, Robert E. Woodley, "Tri-cities", Wash. area; (JWo) Jeff Woodruff, Bob Woods, Dave Worden, Dave Worley, Maurice B. Wright, Turnbull N.W.R., Cheney Wash.; Katherine Zahl. --THOMAS H. ROGERS, E Maxwell, Spokane, Wa on hand, both in numbers and in species. The Las Vegas Christmas Bird Count (CBC) had the lowest variety in several years -- yet the one in the Denver (conducted three days before the first severe blizzard of a series lasting four weeks) produced 107 species -- highest ever in Denver and the Mountain West. A few species did display notable numbers: Merlin, Rufoussided Towhee, Tree Sparrow, and Lapland Longspur A few rarities popped in: coastal species like Redthroated Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Black Brant, Glaucous Gull, and Ancient Murrelet; and odd wintering birds like Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow Warbler, and Great-tailed Grackle. The spring migration began early, particularly for ducks and Sandhill Cranes. Bear River N.W.R. noted early migrants like Osprey, Swainsoh's Hawk, Burrow- ing Owl, Tree Swallow, Long-billed Marsh Wren, robin, pipit, and Yellow-headed Blackbirds. HABITAT CHANGES -- Mowbray notes a huge W Grebe population on L. Mead, the big reservoir on the Colorado River; most of the Mountain West wildlife refuges and waterfowl-gathering places are reservoirs These artificial impoundments in an arid country must 668 American Birds, June 1974

60 Typical of the prairie reservoirs in eastern Colorado, this marsh and pond came to the city of Longmont as a memoral nature area for Vietnam MIA Jim Hamm. Photo/Dave Jennings. have a profound effect on water bird populations. SWANS, GEESE -- During its only real cold snap of.query: have the populations shifted from other winter- the winter, Seedskadee N.W.R., Wyo., boasted three lng grounds, perhaps further south. or have the reser- Trumpeter Swans Jan. 5-28, the only record in the last voirs provided resting and wintering spas not otherwise available, and thus contributed to an expansion of populations? What limits these birds' populations -- nesting site, migratory rest stops, or wintering grounds? Oil shale mining will possibly strip large portions of nine years. The Colorado Division of Wildlife counted 63,250 Canada Geese in the lower Arkansas R. valley Dec. 13. At Zion several flocks, baffled by low clouds on Feb. 19, spent the early hours of the night flying up and down Zion Canyon. Reno had eight Black Brant Mar. I I, a noteworthy record for that coastal species. w. Colorado, s.w. Wyoming, and n.e. Utah. In Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties, Colo., 1000 wintering eagles DUCKS -- East of the Continental Divide, the Div. will feel the effects, as they winter at a density there of of Wildlife said Colorado had 319,000 ducks and one eagle per 2.4 square miles. Rio Blando's Piceance 141,000 geese wintering. Monte VistaN.W.R. wintered Basin, richest in oil shale deposits, is the most active 24,000 Mallards, with spring migration beginning early Golden Eagle nesting area in the state with I 1 known in March; by the end of March the population was about eyries. 23,500, including 9200 Pintails, 2900 Gadwalls, and LOONS THROUGH HERONS -- Denver's CBC 7200 Mallards. Alamosa N.W.R., Colo., as last year, turned up Colorado's second Red-throated Loon, and the Las Vegas CBC discovered Nevada's second Red-necked Grebe on L. Mead. (The first record came from a prehistori cave near Lovelock.) The Las Vegas count of 15,000 W. Grebes on the CBC represented only a fraction of the birds on L. Mead. Mowbray reports that a survey of the whole lake would turn up an incredible count. White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants arrived at Bear R., Stillwater N.W.R., Nev., and Reno in March, several weeks earlier than usual. Zion Nat'l Park' s CBC turned up a Green Heron, the first winter report for Utah and a new bird for Zion. Bear R. reports another Cattle Egret, in December. A Least Bittern appeared Mar. 17, for the first spring record at Las Vegas. wintered but20 Mallards. The North Platte Refuges had migratory populations in late March of 16,000 ducks, including 267,000 Pintails and 2500 Lesser Scaup. Seedskadee wintered only 100 Mallards (average 200) and 300 Corn. Goldeneye (average 800). Bear R. had the best spring waterfowl population in several years, with March number of 353,000 ducks including 267,000 Pintails, 16,000 Mallards, 13,000 Canvasbacks, 12,000 Redheads, and 10,000 Ruddies. Wintering ducks at Desert Lake W.M.A., Utah, dropped to 90 Mallards, with migration beginning in early March and with early departares. Stillwater's waterfowl went south the first week of January, with swans dropping from 2900 to 130, ducks from 800 to 160; 1000 Canada Geese wintered. Spring migration there had peaked by Mar. 31; notable Volume 28, Number 3 669

61 was a wave of 16,000 Ruddies in mid-march, and a low peak for Canvasbacks at Cinnamon Teal arrived in February at Eureka, Nev., Colorado Springs, and Reno, which had an unusually large flock of 200 on Mar. 15. Westerners always regard Wood Ducks as rare birds, but each season we receive several reports: this year wintering birds at Pueblo, transitory ones at Salt Lake City, Zion, and Las Vegas. Boulder, Colo., observers found a Greater Scaup Mar. 16, and Longmont and Denver observers found Oldsquaws in early December. White-winged Scoters appeared on the Las Vegas and Denver CBCs, and a Surf Scoter visited Brighton, Colo. Nov. 13 (late report). Alves notes the Hooded Merganser increases every year -- Reno had 11 Feb. 28, Bear R. had 75 in December, Grand Junction noted one Mar. 29, and Denver had individuals throughout the winter. for unknown reasons. The Sandhill Crane build-up occurred very rapidly this year at Monte Vista, with most leaving early. Peak count on the refuge amounted to 4300, and several thousand covered a few sections of land north of the refuge at Center, Colo. Not usually a spring migrant in n.e. Colo., several reports of the crane came from that area. Virginia Rails apparently winterin the Mountain West where they can find open water This winter birds found springs or flowingwater at Muir Springs, Morgan Co. Colo., and at Pueblo, and several stayed at least through CBC time. SHOREBIRDS -- Shorebirds had already begun arriving in the Region by Mar. 31, with Bear R. counting 5100 including 1500 Killdeer, 2300 Am. Avocet, 800 Lesser Yellowlegs, and 500 Baird's Sandpipers. Killdeer and yellowlegs began arriving at Stillwater the last week of February, with shorebird numbers greater than last year. Scattered Killdeer wintered in unusual places, and migrants had arrived by early March at RAPTORS --Reno sighted White-tailed Kites twice: Jan 8 and Feb. 3. We had 16 Goshawk observations, 34 Sharp-shinned, and 25 Cooper' s; last year the numbers, adjusted for our new 4-state Region, were 19, 15, and 18 respectively. Yet this year's CBCs counted.032 acclplters per party-hour compared with.046 last year. Contributors report the Rough-legged Hawk common in some places, less common in others. The CBCs reflect this ambivalence, with 0.8 Rough-leggeds per Cheyenne and Seedskadee and late March at R.M.N.P and Dubois, Wyo. Other early arrivals included one Black-bellied Plover at Las Vegas Mar ; Spotted Sandpipers at Seedskadee in late March; Lesser Yellowlegs at Longmont Mar. 17; Least Sandpiper at Bear R. Mar. 24 (PA); 12 Short-billed Dowitchers at Reno Mar. 14 and two Long-billed Dowitchers at Denver Mar. 13 (MOS). party-hour both years. Around Reno they were more common. Observers counted 100 Red-taileds and 100 Rough-leggeds in the Washoe Valley Jan. 3 and in the Carson Valley Feb. 2, 69 Rough-legged and 57 Redtalleds. They estimated that these counts could total no more than 30 per cent of the hawks in the respective valleys. Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources surveyed the GULLS -- Glaucous Gulls probably drift in with other gulls to the Colorado prairie reservoirs each winter. This season found six records in n.e. Colorado and one bird at Pueblo Jan. 18, as well as three at Bear R. in December. The ice and carp unheaval at Prewltt Res. attracted three Glaucous Gulls plus 1200 Herring and 5100 Ring-billed Gulls the week of Mar. 9. state, and comparing with 1973, found Bald Eagles more numerous in all sections except the southwest (which had more than any other region, however) and Golden more numerous in the north, central, and southern parts while scarcer in the east. The Golden Eagle population increased slightly, with 15 miles driven per bird, compared with 17 miles last year. At ALCIDS -- It seems incongruous to hear of alcids in the arid west, but Colorado had two records and Nevada now has its third record of an Ancient Murrelet Found by the National Park Service staff, all the birders in s. Nevada saw this one Mar in L. Mead, observing the small alcid with black head, gray back Alamosa N.W.R. and at Prewitt Res., Colo., thaws and light bill. heaved up chunks of ice with carp frozen in, which attracted 60 Bald Eagles to Alamosa and 43 to Prewitt during the weeks of Feb. 19 and Mar. 9 respectively. Marsh Hawks increased on CBCs from.075 per party-hour in 1973 to. 10 per party-hour this year. However, Reno reports that the Marsh Hawk population DOVES, OWLS -- A handful of Mourning Doves wintered at Zion, Grand Junction, and Colorado Springs. Many began arriving in mid-march along the Colorado piedmont. Three Snowy Owls visited the Powder R. Basin, Wyo., Feb. 16 (fide BH), with singles there declines each year. By the end of March we had at Denver Jan. 6 and Weld Co., Colo. Mar. 7 six Osprey reports, one Gyrfalcon in c. Wyoming, and nine Peregrine reports. Merlins seemed unusually common this winter. From five reports last year we bounced to 32 this year, including the pair at Zion, and singles wintering on feeder birds at Salt Lake City and (F.C.B.C.). A Great Gray Owl wintered in a hay barn on the Nat'l Elk Ref., Wyo. Saw-whet Owls may have moved in. Five reports included two mist-netted at Ogden, Utah; both, in poor condition, died shortly (MK). Longmont, Colo. Stillwater reports that 10 years ago they were fairly common, that none had appeared in SWIFTS, HUMMINGBIRDS -- Coloradans enrecent years, but this year it had two observations in dured April snows while hearing of spring arrivals like February. Am. Kestrels dropped on the CBCs but Zion White-throated Swifts Mar. 18 at Zion and Mar, 19 at had high numbers, 44 observations vs. 15 last year. Grand Junction; Black-chinned Hummingbirds at Las Vegas Mar. 21 and Zion Mar. 23; Broad-tailed Hum- PHEASANTS, CRANES, RAILS -- Ring-necked Pheasants continued their intrusions into Cheyenne, mingbirds at Zion Mar. 27; and a Rufous Hummingbird at Las Vegas Mar American Birds, June 1974

62 WOODPECKERS -- Com. Flickers collected abundantly in the lowlands of Zion on the CBC -- but seemed scarce at Las Vegas. Mt. West CBCs counted them at 0.7 per party-hour compared with 0.5 per party-hour last year. An imm. Red-headed Woodpecker stayed at Hotchkiss, Colo., Dec. 1 - Jan. 10, disappearlng during severe cold (photos to C. F.O.). Unlike flickers, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers seemed quite scarce -- showing CBC party-hour frequencies of.09 and. 15 this year compared with. 16 and.24 last year. Six Ladder-backed Woodpeckers wintered at Pueblo, and both Zion and Colorado Springs had third records, on Dec. 17 and Feb. 12 respectively. SWALLOWS -- First Mountain West swallows were 75 Trees which drifted into Las Vegas Feb. 23, followed by several Feb. 28 at Reno, 10 days later than First Colorado swallow was one Violet-green at Boulder Mar. 17. CHICKADEES THROUGH WRENS -- Both Black-capped and Mountain Chicadees seemed scarce throughouthe Region, although banding records show Mountain Chickadees up at Carbondale, Colo. CBC figures suggest a noticeable decline, from 1.45 to.72 per party-hour for Black-capped and from 1.8 to 1.3 for Mountain. Plain Titmice seemed quite common at Hotchkiss, and they visited feeders at Pueblo and Salt Lake City while deserting feeders at Grand Junction. Red-breasted Nuthatches appeared at only three places, and only at Salt Lake City where they are numerous. Brown Creepers spread out to Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah cities. A Cation Wren wintering at Evergreen, Colo., spent its nights inside a house, next to a cellar furnace. THRASHERS, THRUSHERS -- A Mockingbird overwintered at Loveland, Colo., and a Gray Catbird fed with robins near a spring after a Salt Lake City cold snap Jan. 10. Several Brown Thrashers appeared for visitations; Grand Junction had one Feb (photos to C.F.O.) for its second record; Longmont had one Feb. 28 and Beulah, west of Pueblo, noted one Mar. 17. Curve-billed Thrashers wintered at Pueblo. Am. Robins flocked in winter at Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Zion; spring flocks arrived early, with groups at Cheyenne and Sheridan in February and at Reno, Gould, Col., and Dubois in March. Varied Thrushes appeared at Las Vegas, Ogden, and Longmont. Zion N P. had unusual thrushes: a Hermit Thrush crashed into the Visitor's Center window Jan. 9 and observers found another Jan. 30; and four Swainson's Thrushes gave it its second record Mar *. W. Bluebirds seemed sparse, but on Mar. 20 at Fruita, a pair flew in and out of a hole carrying nest material. Mountain Bluebirds arrived on schedule, with many large flocks in e. Colorado, but few at Reno. Townsend's Solitaires were more evident than usual, with Denver counting a record 142 on its CBC. WAXWINGS, STARLINGS -- Scattered, modests zed flocks of Bohemian Waxwings erratically penetrated the Region as far south as Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, Castledale, Utah, and Zion. In n. Wyoming their numbers were fewer than in ome years,but they persisted into April at Cody. Cedar Waxwings were likewise erratic, although Salt Lake had more Cedars than Bohemians. Starlings, breaking from their winter flocks of thousands which stripped the fruit from russian olives west of Pueblo, began nesting as early as Feb. 2. VIREOS, WARBLERS, HOUSE SPARROWS -- Zion had a very late Solitary Vireo Dec. 4. Late migrant warblers included a Virginia's Dec. 3-4 at Zion and a Yellowthroat at Denver Dec A handful of Yellow-rumped Warblers wintered at Zion, Pueblo, and Boulder. An extraordinary Yellow Warbler stayed at Harden's feeding station at Zion Jan Mar 1, apparently a first-year male. An incredible N. Water- thrush frequented a backyard feeder at Las Vegas Feb 11. Las Vegas had the only spring migrants: two Orange-crowned Mar. 24 and one Wilson's Mar. 25 House Sparrows at the Dubois, Wyo., feeder dropped from 55 to four during the winter, a decline perhaps assisted by a wintering Cooper's Hawk. BLACKBIRDS -- West Meadowlarks returned by mid-march at Dubois, Eureka, and R.M.N.P., as did Yellow-headed Blackbirds to Grand Junction and Bear R., and Red-winged Blackbirds to mountain towns Nederland and Gould, Colo. Longmont had a record 23,843 Redwings on the CBC. Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Morgan Co., Colo., and Reno all recorded Rusty Blackbirds. Gunnison's Great-taded Grackle apparently wintered, with observations Dec 30 and Feb probably the same or progeny of the birds which gave Colorado its first record in Las Vegas hosted an Hepatic Tanager Dec FINCHES -- A Black-headed Grosbeak reached Pueblo by the very early date of Mar. 7. Evening Grosbeaks spread sporadically across the Region; their center of abundance ran from the Denver-Fort Collins area west to Salt Lake City, Zion, and Eureka, Nev They seemed sporadic or present in lesser numbers in Wyoming and the Reno area, and absent at Las Vegas Purple Finches came in for reports at Pueblo, Cheyenne, and Sheridan. The Pueblo bird was banded Jan. 12, and still present Apr. 3 (VT; *, photos to C.F.O.). Cassin's Finches seemed scarce. CBCs reported House Finch, a typical Mountain West species, in slightly lower numbers than last year. Rosy Finches did not command the high numbers of 1973, although they spread throughout the mountain locations as usual. Some feeders in Denver reported more Blacks mixed in than usual, and Grand Junction had a flock of 80 Blacks with only one Gray-crowned. The piedmont cities of Colorado -- Fort Collins, Boulder, Colorado Springs -- had large flocks of Pine Siskins, although Denver had few and numbers were low at Zion and Salt Lake City. Only Salt Lake had Red Crossbills, where they fed on evergreen cones and arbor vitae seeds, and had with them five White-winged Crossbills dunng January. TOWHEES, SPARROWS, JUNCOS -- Rufoussided Towhees achieved unusual numbers throughout Volume 28, Number 3 671

63 the Region. Several CBCs had record counts, and Colorado and Utah locations reported them in surprising numbers: e.g., 25 in 1 mile Jan. 9 at Zion, wintering at a Salt Lake City cemetery, and 51 Jan. 6 on Cheyenne Mt., Colorado Springs. Black-throated Sparrows appeared Dec. 4 at Zion, Feb. 10 at Pueblo, and Mar. 17 at Las Vegas. Sage Sparrows seemed their lowest in 7 years at Las Vegas, but noticeable at Zion Dec. 15 "running around like miniature Roadrunners in the sand sage cover." Juncos were very scarce at Sheridan and Reno (lowest in 20 years), not common at Boulder and Salt Lake City, yet abundant at R.M.N.P and Zion. CBCs bear out a scarcity, with 6.0 birds per party-hour this year compared with 7.7 last year. An invasion by Tree Sparrows spread to Reno, Colorado Springs, Alamosa, Monte Vista, and into the foothills at Boulder, Evergreen, and McCoy, Colo. Denver had a huge count of 3538 on its CBC. Harris' Sparrows numbers dropped sharply from the last few years -- CBCs had 333 birds last year and only 90 this year. At Reno and the E. Slope of Colorado, White-crowned Sparrow numbers dropped to very low levels, while Zion's wintering birds numbered more than ever. Echoing its generic relative, Reno had no Golden-crowned Sparrows, while Zion discovered one Jan. 27. Two Lincoln's Sparrows wintered at Zion. Cheyenne had two McCown's Longspurs from Feb. 5-Mar. 31, and flocks had returned to Pawnee Nat'l Grassland, Colo., with a few even on territory by Mar. 3!. Lapland Longspurs must have shifted westerly from their usual haunts, for high numbers occurrred regularly at Denver (150 with 450 Horned Larks Feb. 3), 43 at Westcliffe Dec. 21, and during the season at Bear River. ABBREVIATIONS: * Sight record report on file with regional editor; CBC, Christmas Bird Count; C.F.O., Colorado Field Ornithologists; F.C.B.C., Fort Collins Bird Club; R.M.N.P., Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park. SOUTHWEST / Ted Parker REGION The drought conditions of the previous two periods continued through the winter. Some relief came in March when about one inch of rain fell over most areas. ',. i v. ' r., : 'cfi I- t t6 l :-,...: ]:.:...?: :.... If '"".,- ' - AREA CONTRIBUTORS -- (Editors collecting observations from their communities in boldface, with number of contributors listed) Alamosa N.W.R., Colo.: Robert Darnell; Bear River N.W.R., Utah: David Beall; Boulder, Colo.(23): Louise Hering; Carbondale Colo.: Jerry Weeding; Casper, Wyo.: O.K. Scott; Castledale,Utah: Ann Wisslet; Cheyenne, Wyo. (12): May Hanesworth; Colorado Springs, Colo. (5): Mahlon Speers and Elinor Wills; Denver, Colo. (10): Lynn W'flleoekson; Desert Lake W.M.A., Utah: Tim Provan; Dubois, Wyo.: Mary Back; Durango, Colo.: R.W. Stransky; Eureka, Nev.: Janet Eyre; Evergreen, Colo. (19): W.W. Brocknet; F0 rt Ccllins Bird Club; Grand Junction, Colo. (! 5): Lorna Gustafson; Gunnison, Colo. (4): A.S. Hyde; Hotchkiss, Colo.: Theo Colburn; Lander, Wyo.: Bruce Hamilton; Las Vegas, Nev. (9): M.V. Mowbray; Longmont, Colo. (26): Allegra Collister; McCoy, Colo.: Margaret Ewing; Monte Vista N.W.R., Colo.: C.W. Bryant; North Platte N.W.R.'s (Arapaho, Colo., and Hutton L. and Pathfinder, Wyo.): RF. Krey; Pueblo, Colo. (13): Jerry Ligon; Reno, Nev. (8): Jessie Alves; R.M.N.P., Colo. (5): Warner Reeser; Salt Lake City, Utah: Gleb Kashin; Seedskadee N.W.R., Wyo.: M.O. Bennett; Sheridan, Wyo. (8): Platt Hall; Zion Nat'l Park, Utah (21): Jerome Gifford and Peter Scott. CONTRIBUTING OBSERVERS: Paul Adamus, Robert C. Black III, Mark Colfie, David Galinat, Ron Harden, Paul Julian, R.F. Kemp, Ursula Kepler, Metfin Killpack, Vernon Kousky, Blaine Marshman, R.A. Ryder, Fred Ryser, Earl Schroeder, Utah Dept. of Wildfife Resources, Van Truan, R.L. Williams. -- HUGH E. KINGERY, 689 Milwaukee St., Denver, Colo (Note new address). The high country of north-central New Mexico experienced periods of snow and com in January and February, but bird populations were virtually unaffected. Associated with the dry weather, above-normal temperatures induced many fall migrants to linger well into December throughout the Region. "The warm weather and ever improving habitat of cottonwood and willow trees along the effluent channels in the Salt-Gila riverbed southwest of Phoenix account for several species wintering over for the first time... W. Flycatcher, Tree and Rough-winged Swallow, Townsend's Warbler" (JW). This warmer-than-usual weather resulted in first winter records even in the far north. Despite the weather, wintering Fringillids were decidely scarce in s. Arizona, probably because of low seed production last summer. Chipping Sparrows were virtually absent there, but were abundant (along with Dark-eyed and Gray-headed Juncos) much farther south in the mountains of southern Chihuahua -- lat. 27 ø N (RP, TP). It will be interesting to see whether these species are as common in that region every winter. Other finches that were notably scarce in southern Arizona and northwestern Sonora (fidesr) 672 American Birds, June 1974

64 include Lark Bunting, Brewer's Sparrow, and Whitecrowned Sparrow; all of these must have moved south of normal wintering areas. Berry-feeding thrushes were also scarce in southern Arizona, but normal to above-normal numbers were reported from the central New Mexican highlands where food must have been reasonably plentiful. As might have been expected, some very early migrants (or wintering birds?) were recorded, especially swallows and those species that winter in western Mex- ico (i.e. "Bullock's" Oriole, Lazuli Bunting, and Lucy's Warbler). Several days of strong southerly winds in southern New Mexico were no doubt responsible for the appearance of an adult White Ibis and a variety of early migrants on March Another phenomenon directly related to the drought was a three- to four-week delay (or aborting?) of the nesting of desert species in s. Arizona -- especially Curve-billed Thrashers, Verdins, and Cactus Wrens. Such delays probably result from a scarcity of insects, for last year, despite the cool (but wet) winter weather, the above species nested on time (fide Pat Gould). LOONS, GREBES -- An unusual count of Com. Loons, which usually appear singly on larger lakes during migration and winter, was ten at Painted Rock Dam near Gila Bend, Maricopa Co., Ariz., Feb. 23 (RN et al ). Other reports were of two at Bitter Lake N.W.R. (hereafter Bitter L.) n. of Roswell. Chaves Co., N. Mex, Nov. 16- Dec. 7 (DB,JC), and two on L. Pleasant near Phoenix Jan. 20 (fide JW). An Arctic Loon was reported from Sierra Vista, Cochise Co., Ariz. Dec. 12 (VC, FS); there are few Arizona records away from the Colorado River. At Bosque del Apache N.W.R. (hereafter Bosque) in Socorro Co., N. Mex., two Horned Grebes were identified Mar. 17 (GZ). The peak winter count of Eared Grebes at Bitter L. was 31 on Mar 15, and 12 W. Grebes were noted there Dec. 28. Elsewhere, the four W. Grebes seen at Painted Rock Dam Feb. 9 (JW, RW) was a good count for Maricopa Co The only large number of Pied-billed Grebes reported was present in March at Bosque. PELICANS THROUGH BITTERNS -- Flocks of migrant White Pelicans were seen as follows: 55 at Hermosillo, Sonora Feb. 27 (TP, RP), 40 at Bitter L., Mar 20 (down to one Mar. 26), and six on Bill Evans L. south of Cliff, Grant Co., N. Mex., Mar. 20 (D.E. Hunt). A Double-crested Cormorant visited Phoenix Jan 22- Mar. 22 (GB et al.). another was at Bosque Mar 28, and 7 were counted on L. Patagonia near Nogales Dec. 9 (PN, MH); the most seen were 13 at Bitter L. on Dec. I and Mar. 22 (none seen between Dec 8 and Mar. 15). Two imm. Olivaceous Cormorants were photographed (to N.M.O.S.) at Bosque Dec. 18 (GZ), this species is usually considered a rare straggler to s e. Ariz. and s.w.n. Mex. (from Mexico) but has recently nested in the latter state (Wilson Bull 86: 65). Heronries of Great Blue Herons were occupied by Mar 17 n. of Gila, N. Mex. (236 birds) and near the Gila Cliff Dwellings (six birds) Mar. 30 (RF). As a possible result of mild winter weather the species was common at both Bitter L. and Bosque throughout the winter. Green Herons observed along the Gila R. near Cliff Dec. 15 (RF, M&DZ) and Feb. 17 were the first winter records for that area; another wintered at the Gila Hot Springs (RF). Fifty Cattle Egrets seen in alfalfa fields n of San Luis, Yuma Co., Ariz., Dec. 18 was a high count for the state; others were at Bosque one Dec. 1-4 and Phoenix (3-7) Dec. 15 to the end of the period (m.ob) Between three and 12 Great Egrets spent Jan Feb 23 at Painted Rock Dam. An Am. Bittern seen at Farmington Dec. 15 and about a week later was the first winter record there (AN). One of the most amazing records of this season was of an ad. White Ibis present at Bosque Mar. 9 to at least Mar. 31. This bird was seen by several competent observers and was photographed. It appeared after several days of southerly winds. SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- Thirty-two Whistling Swans were at Bitter L. from Dec Jan. 4, and 17 (3ad., 14 imm.), an incredible count for s. Arizona, were seen at Nogales Jan. 7 (BW). Peak counts of wintering Canada Geese were 1200 at Bosque Jan. 6 and 1246 at Bitter L. Jan. 16. Two Black Brant were seen at Puerto Pefiasco, Sonora Mar. 24 (GB, JW, RW); how this species can be so regular in the Gulf of California and at the Salton Sea in Calif. and so scarce along the Colorado R. is somewhat of a mystery. At Bosque 16,000 (65% immatures) Snow Geese were present during December; 389 were taken during the annual goose hunt. The wintering population at Bitter L. was a low 3200 on Dec. 7, but to the south 1200 were counted on L. McMillan n. of Carlsbad Dec. 21. Also notable were at least four that wintered in the Farmington area from January through the end of the period (AN). Surprisingly, the only report of Ross' Goose was an impressive which spent most of December at Bosque; 49 were shot. This is the only locality in the Region that gets such numbers. Few large concentrations of ducks were reported. A count of 31,800 Mallards was made at BitterL. Jan. 16 and 20,000 were present at Bosque Jan 18. High counts of other species censused at Bosque include: Gadwall, 800 on Dec. 11; Pintail, 4000 on Dec 11 and Feb. 11; Green-winged Teal, 600 during March, Cinnamon Teal, 500 on Feb. 21; Am. Widgeon, 500 on Dec. 11; and N. Shoveler, 2000 on Dec. 20 and Feb. 21 Wood Ducks, uncommon in this Region, were reported three times: a pair at Phoenix Dec.22 (fide SD), Jan. 6 - Mar. 12 in Phoenix (RNet al.) and two near Cliff, N Mex., Feb. 17 (BHay, WB). Buffleheads were more common than usual in s. Ariz. and 150 were at Bosque during March. Few Hooded Mergansers were reported (4), but Com. Mergansers were present in large numbers (250 on Jan.2) through the period at Bosque. Five Red-breasted Mergansers were in Maricopa Co., Ariz three $ $ at Scottsdale Jan. 1 to the end of the period (m.ob.) and two in Phoenix Mar (GB, RB) HAWKS THROUGH FALCONS -- Lowland Goshawk reports include one in Phoenix Dec Feb 6 (ST, SD at al.), one at Mesa Dec. 28 (Russell Payson) and one on Feb. 1 at Bitter L. (DB). Red-tailed Hawks were seen in numbers (incl. immatures) and six Roughlegged Hawks on a Bitter L. winter raptor count Feb. 20 (BS) was a good count; a late one was seen 20 mi. n of Lordsburg, N. Mex., Mar. 31 (M&DZ). Few Ferrugin- Volume 28, Number 3 673

65 ous Hawks appeared this winter; it would be interesting to find out how many winter in the grasslands of n.c. Mexico. Golden Eagles seen include: N. Mex. -- nine adult, two immatures, and ten (age?); Ariz. -- eight (age?); in New Mexico Bald Eagles seen were: four adult, four immature, and six (age?). An Osprey noted along the Verde R. e. of Phoenix Dec. 21 and Jan. 12 (SD, L&JG) becomes one of the few winter records for the Region. Marsh Hawks were common (50-60) at Bosque during the period, but were very scarce in the grasslands of s.e. Arizona. Eleven Peregrine Falcons (ages not determined) were reported Region-wide. PRAIRIE CHICKENS THROUGH GAL- LINULES -- A Lesser Prairie Chicken at Bitter L. Jan (BS, DB) was one of the few there in recent years though "in its regular habitat about 40 mi. east and a few miles north, the carryover seems to be good and booming was well underway as early as Apr. 1" (JC). Scaled and Gambel's Quail were still reported in numbers despite the continuing drought conditions; the former species was seen regularly in three localities n. of Silver City, N. Mex. (elev ft.), "considerably higher than their usual habitat in Grand County" (fide M&DZ). Flocks of Montezuma Quail were reported from six areas in the high country ofs.w. New Mexico; th s may indicate an upward population trend since their numbers fluctuate markedly from year to year. Wintering Sandhill Cranes at Bitter L. numbered around 6000 with a pre-departure peak of 11,200 on Feb. 1 (DB). Hundreds were at McAllister Lake N W.R. Jan. 20 and Feb. 23 (WS), 667 flew over Albuquerque Mar. 3 (PB), 50 were at Bosque Mar. 10, and in Ariz. 200 were counted near Kansas Settlement Dec. 8 (Bonnie Swarbrick) and up to 80 wintered (to Mar. 7) at Arlington w. of Phoenix where the species does not appear every winter (DT). In n.w. New Mexico, unusual for winter were up to four Virginia Rails at Farmington Dec. 29 (AN) and in nearby Kirtland one was observed Feb. 17, Mar. 13 & 26 (CS). A possible Sora seen on the Farmington CBC Dec. 15 (fide AN) and another at Buckhorn Marsh near Silver City on the same date (RF) were unusually late. One to four Com. Gallinules withstood ice and snow as they wintered at a spring near Kirtland Dec Feb. 17 (CS). SHOREBIRDS -- Seven Snowy Plovers present near Gila Bend Jan. 15 (RW et al.) represent the second w nter record for Maricopa Co. and Arizona away from the Colorado R.; elsewhere, the first of the season appeared at Bitter L. Mar. 15 (19) and there were 124 there by Mar. 22 Thirty Mountain Plovers wintered (to Mar. 19) s. of Phoenix (GB, RB), and to the west 40 were near Gila Bend Jan. 14 (RW et al.), and 84 were at Pmnted Rock Dam Feb. 23 (RN et al.); the species was last reported wintering in Maricopa Co. in A Long-billed Curlew lingered at Mormon L. near Kirtland until Dec. 4 (CS). A Herring Gull wintered at Bitter L (to Mar. 15) where six were present Jan. 16. The only large number of Ring-billed Gulls reported was wintering and 6000 on Feb. 26 at Bitter L. OWLS -- Barn Owls were found to be common in the farming areas near Tempe and s.w. Phoenix (ST). A Burrowing Owl found dead on Rt. 70 eight miles n. of Lordsburg Jan. 5 becomes one of the few actual winter records for that area (M & DZ). Roosts of Long-eared Owls were located as follows: 11 eleven mi. n. of Dem- ing, s.w.n. Mex., Dec. 22 (M & DZ), two in the Kofa Mts., Yuma Co., Ariz., Jan. 1 - Feb. 17 (S& StL), seven in the desert near Tucson Jan. 23 (m.ob.), and a single bird at Phoenix Dec. - Feb. 20 (ST). SWIFTS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- A huge concentration of White-throated Swifts was observed in s.w. Phoenix Jan. 11 (ST), and hundreds were over Portal, Cochise Co., Ariz., Mar. 1 (SSp). Costa's and Anna' s Hummingbirds were numerous in the Yuma area from November on (AC). Other reports of Anna's include: two males, one female at Globe, Ariz., Dec 4 -- Jan. 10 (SH), and a pair in Tombstone to Dec 17 (DD). Rufous Hummingbirds, which normally migrate (in spring) almost exclusively through the deserts of s.w. Arizona (but occur commonly in the southeast n the fall), appeared in Tucson Feb. 27, one male (Mar- jorie Shepard) and March 2-16, one - two males (GMo), and one at Portal Mar. 15 (IH). A or d Rivoh's Hummingbird (possibly 2) was photographed in Las Cruces Jan. 18 (Mrs. Eugene Schafer); this is exceptional since the species is quite scarce even in summer away from the Animas Mts. of the extreme s.w. portion of New Mexico. Early migrant Rivoli's appeared in Ramsey Canyon, Huachuca Mts., Ariz., Mar. 6 (JP) and at Portal Mar. 13 (IH). A Blue-throated Hummingbird wintered at Portal (IH, SSp), and at least 2 d d Broad-billed Hummingbirds visited Tucson feeders in January and February. The second winter record of Coppery-tailed Trogon in Arizona was obtained when a male and two females were found in Garden Canyon of the Huachuca Mts., Dec. 28 (DD); the male was still present Feb. 9. An ad. Red-headed Woodpecker present in Ash Canyon, Huachuca Mts., from around Feb Mar 11 (DD, JB, VC, SH, GMo) is the third for Arizona An unusual number of Williamson's Sapsuckers (mostly females and immatures) were seen in the lowlands and mountains of s. Arizona and s.w. New Mexico; most notable of these records include a pair at Phoenix Dec 1-23 (m.ob.) and a female in Silver City Feb 10 (M&DZ). FLYCATCHERS -- Despite mild weather in February and March, Cassin's Kingbirds were up to two weeks late arriving in s. Arizona. An early W. Kingbird was found at Bosque Mar. 10 (WS). An Ash-throated Flycatcher was found dead in Albuquerque Jan. 2 after a snow storm (PB) and also unusual was an ad E Phoebe on the La Joya Game Range, Socorro Co, N Mex., Jan. 21 (C.G. Hawkins). At least three W Flycatchers wintered in s.w. Phoenix and an unprecedented eight were seen Mar. 17 (ST); this latter date is quite early for migrants. A Coue's Flycatcher was regularly observed e. of Tucson Nov. - Jan. 30, and a Vermilion Flycatcher was at Bosque Mar. 10 (WS) SWALLOWS -- For the most part migrant swallows appeared early throughout the Region, and for the first time both Tree and Rough-winged Swallows spent the entire winter in Phoenix. One Rough-winged and a Barn Swallow were identified Dec. 18 at Imperial Dam on the Colorado R. (DE, TS) where the species are rarely known to winter. Violet-green Swallows were not un- common in s.w. Phoenix by Feb. 17 (ST), and Tree Swallows appeared at Bosque Mar. 9. A very early Cliff Swallow was seen in Tucson Feb. 7 (J P Schaefer). 674 American Birds, June 1974

66 JAYS TO WRENS -- A Steller's Jay at Bosque Jan. 17 was one of the few seen away from the high mountains. There were no flights of any jays into the lowlands. Red-breasted Nuthatches wintered in small numbers in the lowlands of s. Arizona, but Whitebreasted Nuthatches were very scarce there. WRENS THROUGH SHRIKES -- A lingering House Wren was at Pipe Spring Nat'l Mon., Mojave Co, Ariz., in December (RW1) and another was at Klrtland, N. Mex., Feb. 24 & Mar. 24 (CS). A winter Wren, always uncommon in this Region, was in Phoenix November - mid-february and three were in Columbine Falls Canyon, lower Grand Canyon Mar. 18&21 (Amadeo Rea). An inexplicable invasion of Bewick's Wrens occurred at Pipe Spring Mon. in December when as many as 50 were counted in one area (RW1). This species was more evident this winter than m the past few at Globe (B J). In New Mexico, a Mockingbird wintered at Silver City Dec. 6 - March (M&DZ), and others were at Farmington Dec. 29 (AN) and Kirtland Jan. 12 (CS). A Brown Thrasher was in Albuquerque Dec Mar. 26 (PB) and at Rattlesnake Springs s. of Carlsbad Caverns Feb 11 (MW). Two Bendire's Thrashers identified in cholla desert below the Kofa Mts., Yuma Co., Mar. 30 (S&StL) are of interest because their status in this portion of the state is uncertain. More Crissal Thrashers were reported than usual, and wintering birds were at Silver City, Deming, and Redrock, N. Mex., near Duncan, Ariz. (all fide M&DZ), and at Globe (B J). Sage Thrashers, Am. Robins, and bluebirds were noticeably scarce in s. Arizona, but Am. Robins were common at Pipe Springs Mon. in n. Arizona and in the highlands of C. New Mexico where juniper berries must have been prevalent. SoAo In Arizona, Rufous-backed Robins (all singles) appeared as follows: Nov Jan. 3 e. of Tucson (Chas. Corchran), Nov. - Apr. at Cave Cr., Maricopa Co. (Ellis Jones), Dec. 23 along Sonoita Cr. w. of Patagonia (Jeff Mangum), and Dec. 29in Miller Canyon, Huachuca Mts. (RN et al.). Now that this species, an inhabitant of tropical deciduous forests from s. Sonora to Oaxaca, has been recorded in the s.w. United States more than twenty times- s. Arizona (20), Texas (2), California (1) - it is apparent that the bird is now a regular straggler to the Region. All records except two fall between October and May with most from late November to mid-february. Most of these individuals probably followed the north-south river systems of Sonora (i.e. Yaqui, Mayo) north to the Rio Sonora and Magdalena in n. Sonora, the Santa Cruz R. in s. Ariz, and the Rio Grande in Texas. These frequent recent occurrences (all since 1960) may indicate a northerly expansion of the bird's range in Sonora. A c Varied Thrush in Phoenix Dec. 15 (ST) was only the eighth for Arizona. Ruby-crowned Kinglets wintered in unprecedented numbers in s.e. Arizona and s.w. New Mexico n. through the Pinos Altos Mts Waxwings were scarce throughouthe Region; the only Bohemians reported were singles at Farmington Jan 29 & Mar. 10 (AN). Phainopeplas were "more abundant than ever noticed before in all areas where mesquite occurs around Phoenix; there is a large crop of mistletoe berries as a result of last year's rains" (JW) From all indications, Loggerhead Shrikes are doing well in the Southwest. The only N. Shrike reported was one at Tuba City, Coconino Co., Ariz., Jan. 6 (RW1) S.A. STARLINGS -- It is unfortunate that movements of undesirable birds often go unnoticed or at least unstudied. Starlings first appeared in Arizona (presumably from the east) in the late 1940's, and the first nest was not found until the spring of 1954 near Phoenix (Birds of Arizona, 1964). The species has apparently not increased as rapidly as may have been expected, for none were seen in Nogales, Ariz. until 1959, and even in the late 1960's they were still an uncommon sight in n. Sonora, s. to Santa Ana (Finding the Birds in Western Mexico, 1969). They may be extending their range southward more rapidly now, for recently the following records surfaced: I saw over 250 (a wintering or migrant flock?) on roadside wires at Empalme, just s. of Guaymas, Son., Nov. 12, 1973, but more importantly, on April 6, 1974, Donald Lamm and Steven Speich observed several pairs investigating woodpecker holes in short tree forest w. of Alamos, Son., some 400 miles south of Nogales These represent the southernmost records for w Mexico known to me. Starlings have.been moving south over the Mexican plateau for some years, but their increase along the coasts has been slow. If they become established breeding birds in Sonora, they may continue their southward expansion into the agricultural country of n. Sinaloa. Hopefully, future travelers to western Mexico will report their records of this potentially harmful species. Staffing numbers were up at Pipe Spring Mon. in n Arizona (RW1) but down at Farmington, N. Mex. th s winter, and in n.c. New Mexico Mcknight reports that "the species is moving into the mountains in tremendous numbers" and mentioned sightings of a flock of 2000 in pition-juniper woodland near Sandia Knolls at the end of January. WARBLERS -- A Black-and-white Warbler in Phoenix, Dec. 15 (RN) was the only reported. Also in Phoenix, a well-described Yellow Warbler Dec. 15 (SD et al.) represents the third Ariz. winter record; another was seen (no details) at Green Valley s. of Tucson Jan 14 (Anne Brison,fide GMo). Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers were at Cedar Crest Dec (BMck) and Phoenix Mar. 17 (ST). For the first time several Volume 28, Number 3 675

67 Townsend's Warblers spent the entire winter in Phoenix, and one was seen high in the Chiricahua Mts. Jan. 10 (fide SSp). An Ovenbird in Phoenix Dec. 15 (KK) is the second winter record for the state, and N. Waterthrushes were seen in the same city Dec. 8 & 15 (RB,RN) and along Sonoita Creek at Patagonia Feb. 3 (Robt. Buttery). Several Wiison's Warblers wintered in the Phoenix area, and one was seen on the Tucson Valley CBC Dec. 30. Belatedly, here are the details of a Rufous-capped Warbler (Basileuterus rufifrons) observation made in the Chisos Mt. Basin of Big Bend Nat'i Park, Tex. Sept. 9, 1973 by David Wolf of San Antonio. A very detailed description was submitted and notes on call (a "metallic chip-note") and behavior ("cocked its taft") were included. The bird was found in narrow Campground Canyon below Puiliam Ridge and was observed for some ten minutes as it foraged with Black-crested Titmice in oaks and a Mexican Buckeye thicket. This is only the second sight record for the A.O.U. Check-list area, the first was found at Falcon Dam earlier in the year. The species is resident in both the Sierra Madre Oriental (from Nuevo Leon south) and Occidental (s.e. Sonora and w. Chihuahua south). BLACKBIRDS THROUGH TANAGERS -- Fifteen Great-tailed Grackles were observed at Kirtland, N. Mex., Jan. 2 (CS), and two were at Albuquerque by Mar. 28 (PB). Quite unusual was an ad. c Orchard Oriole in s.w. Phoenix Jan. 11 (RW et al.), the third Maricopa Co. record and first Arizona winter record. An imm. c Scott's Oriole wintered at Silver City Jan. 7 Mar. 29 (M. O'Byrne, M&DZ). Female-plumaged N. (Bullock's) Orioles appeared in Phoenix Feb. 17 (ST) and Albuquerque Mar. 3 & 4. (DDe). A 9 Hepatic Tanager at Imperial Dam Park Dec. 19 may be the first winter record for the Colorado River region. FRINGILLIDS -- A C Rose-breasted Grosbeak was found dead in Tucson Jan. 4 (fide GMo). The second winter record of Blue Grosbeak in Maricopa Co. was one at Phoenix (TF) Dec. 15. Early was a c Lazuli Bunting at Bosque Mar. 10 (WS). A Dickcissei was in Nogales Mar. 18 into April (J. Bache-Wiig). Few Evening Grosbeaks wandered to the lowlands this winter, and similarly Lawrence's Golfinches were quite scarce. Twenty Brown-capped Rosy Finches were in the Pecos Wilderness Area near Santa Fe Feb. 17 (HK) and 75 were still present in the Jemez Mts., Sandoval Co., N. Mex., Dec. 30 (R. Swain). At least nine White-throated Sparrows and three Fox Sparrows wintered in the Phoenix area. Seven Harris' Sparrow reports were received, all were of iramatures. Swamp Sparrows seen include I imm. in Phoenix Dec. 15 (KK) and Mar. 27 (SD, JW) and an imm. at Nonoava, Chihuahua Feb. 27 (TP). CONTRIBUTORS -- (area compilers in boldface) Anne 8 Stephen Alden, Wm. Baitosser, Pat Basham, Gene Bauer, Jon Bealer, Bitter Lake N.W.R. -- Jodi Cottie, Delbert Boggs, Barnet Schranck; Bosque dei Apache N.W.R. -- Gary Zahm; Robt. Bradley, Virginia Cechmanek, Allegra Collister, Wes Cook, Doug Danforth, Win. Davis, Dot DeLoilis, Saiome Demaree, John Durrie, Dick Erickson, Ralph Fisher, Tom Fogle, Larry & Jacque Goodhew, Steve Hanselmann, Murray Hansen, Mary Ann & Wayne Hanson, Sallie Harris, Bill Harrison, Walton Hawk, Bruce Hayward, Isobei Hicks, Myrtle Hiity, Chas. Hundertmark, Earl & Betty Jackson, Kenn Kaufman, Hugh Kingery, Susan & Steven Liston, Barbara Mcknlght 0N.M.O.S.), Lisbeth & Scott Mills, Gale Mortson, Tucson; Alan Nelson, New Mexico Ornithological Society (N.M.O.S.), (RNi) Rita Nicklas, Phil Norton, Robt. Norton, Joan Peabody, Ronald Puiliam, Mark Robbins, Stephen Russell, Tom Schulenberg, Carol Shryock, Fletcher Siilick, Bea & Dick Smith, (WSp) Walter & Sally Spofford, Steve Speich, Wm. Stone, Scott Terrill, Ross Teuber, Dick Todd, Bernard Weideman, Geth White, Marjorie Williams, (RWl) Richard Wilt, Janet Witzeman, Phoenix; Robt. Witzeman, Marian & Dale Zimmerman, Grant Co., N. Mexico. -- TED PARKER, S.U.P.O. Box 10510, University of Arizona ALASKA REGION / Daniel D. Gibson and G. Vernon Byrd The winter of was a relatively mild one. Coastal weather was severe locally, e.g. the Bering Sea ice pack moved as far south as the tip of the Alaska Peninsula and Cold Bay froze, but at inland locations there were only brief periods of very cold weather (-50øF and colder). CORRIGENDA -- In Am. Birds 28:88 change Snowy Plover peak at Bitter L. to Aug. 1 (not Aug. 8), Mountain Plovers w. of Clayton Oct. 2 (not Oct. 11); Am. Birds 28:89 - Two Red-headed Woodpeckers at Los Lunas (not Aibuq.), Blue Jay at Bitter L. Nov. 6 (not Nov. 16), and Prothonotary Warbler at Silver City Oct. 4 (not Oct. 14). 676 American Birds, June 1974

68 HAWKS, EAGLES, AND FALCONS -- Raptors were widely reported this winter. Goshawks were seen commonly in the Interior all winter (m. ob.), the species was observed frequently at Anchorage (SFT, AS) and in the Cohoe-Kasilof area (MAM), and it was recorded three times at Kodiak during the winter (RM). There Islands and in s.e. Alaska. Perhaps the most widely newsworthy were redpolls, light extremes ("Hoarytypes") of which were very common in the Interior during the first half of the winter, and dark extremes ("Common-types") of which were abundant across south central Alaska. were two records of Sharp-shinned Hawks at Kodiak, single birds on Feb. 10 & 18 (RM). Of interest were LOONS, GREBES -- Following the discovery of a repeated observations of at least four Golden Eagles dead Yellow-billed Loon on an Adak I. beach in m dalong the Kodiak I. road system throughout the period (RM & WED). At least two adults and two immatures were identified. Usually these birds were seen back from the coastline, where Bald Eagles are ubiquitous. An ad. Golden Eagle carefully observed at Dutch Harbor, e. Aleutians Jan. 5 (RT & RD), is the first November (see fall migration), single birds were seen at Clam Lagoon, Adak, Dec. 27 and Jan. 26 (GVB & JLT) This species is apparently a rare winter visitor as far west as the c. Aleutians, not a casual. A dead Arctic Loon was found at Massacre Bay, Attu I., where the species must be regarded as rare, Feb. 19, and another detailed record of this bird in the e. Aleutian Is. in individual was observed in that area Mar. 17 (JLT) years, although rumors of its presence in the mountains of Unalaska I. have persisted since the 1940s. A Marsh Hawk seen well at Kodiak Feb. 17 (RM & NT) is one of few Alaska winter records. A Merlin hunted a Ketch- Single flocks of W. Grebes were seen inshore at Ketchikan on three occasions this winter (PM), and the species was recorded twice at Juneau, one on Dec 22 and two on Jan. 21 (ESD). ikan feeding station until mid-december (PM), and an ndividual was seen at Anchorage on Jan. 22 (AS). TUBENOSES -- Known to winter in small numbers in c. and w. Aleutian waters Laysan Albatrosses (up to two birds) were recorded in January and February in Chugul, Amlia, and Seguam passes, c. Aleutians (RN, RT & RD). Ten Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels that came aboard ship on the night of Jan at Nazan Bay, Atka I. (RT & RD), are particularly interesting since nothing is known about winter distribution of this species in the Region. SHOREBiRDS, GULLS -- One Black Tumstone was recorded at Kodiak Dec. 14 and nine the following day (RM, TTW, & WED). There were two Kodiak records of Com. Snipe: one at Bell's Flats Jan. 13 and two near Kalsin Bay Feb. 17 (RM). Macintosh wrote, "In both areas birds were along small, ice free streams with an abundance of aquatic vegetation. In both cases the spring fed origin of the stream was nearby. These small 'warm' water streams, close to their subterranean origins, seem to be isolated oases where Corn. Snipe m ght regularly overwinter." A Ring-billed Gull was reported at Juneau Dec. 6 (ESD); there is still no specimen- or photograph-substantiated record of this b rd in the Region. Up to 20 Mew Gulls were seen irregularly at Adak through February (GVB & JLT). ALCIDS, OWLS -- Of interest was a full-plumaged Thick-billed Murre observed at Auke Bay, Juneau, Dec (ESD). Snowy Owls were widely recorded in s.c. and s.w. Alaska during the period. There were several records of single birds in the Anchorage area dunng December (SFT et al.), two birds in the Homer area in late December (MAM & GT), up to three birds at Cold Bay regularly from Dec. 19 through the end of the period (CR), up to two birds at Adak from Dec. 21 through Mar. 10 (GVB & JLT, et al.), one bird on Shemya at the end of November (WB), and birds were seen occasionally during the period at Attu, on which island the species is resident (JLT). Hawk Owls were common in interior and s.c. Alaska. They were recorded regularly in the Fairbanks area all winter (m. ob ), and birds were estimated present in the Anchorage area throughout the period (SFT, MLM, AS). A Pygmy Owl was closely observed at Kake on Feb. 21 (CLE). Although the species is resident in s.e. Alaska, it is seldom reported. The first calling Boreal Owls were heard in the Cohoe-Kasilof area at the end of the first week of March (MAM), in the Fairbanks area a few days later (DW). Observers reported from many scattered locations along Alaska's Pacific coast as well as in the Aleutian SWANS, DUCKS -- Whooper Swans were recorded at Atka (JN), Adak (GVB, JLT et al.), and Attu (JLT), Is., Aleutians, this winter. Maximum count was seven adults at Adak in early March. Wintering Ringnecked Ducks are known in Alaska only from Sitka, where a pair has been observed each of the last several winters (CHJ & AJ). Color photographs (on file) were taken there this winter. Up to 30 Canvasbacks were observed at Adak Jan. 5 - Mar. 6 (GVB & JLT e! al ) Two ad. c c Lesser Scaup were carefully identified at close range at Kodiak Jan. 27 & Feb. 20 (RM & WED), and the species was uncommon to rare at Ketchikan during the period (PM). There is no precedent for the species as far north as Kodiak in winter. Oldsquaws were abundant at Kodiak (RM), more abundant than usual in Prince William Sound (PI), but less common than usual at Kake (CLE) this winter. King Eiders were found wintering at Shemya I., w. Aleutians, this wmter (WB), the first time an observer has been present at that location. Since the winter range of Spectacled Eider is not known, a female closely observed at Kodiak Dec 14 (RM, TTW, & WED) and a pair photographed at Shemya I. Feb. 18 (WB) are most exciting records Rare anywhere in the Aleutian Is., Surf Scoter was first recorded in the w. Aleutians this winter, a male at Shemya I. during the second week of February (WB) Single Hooded Mergansers were recorded at Ketchikan Dec. 11 (PM) and at Juneau Feb. 26 (ESD). Four female Smews were observed on Smew Pond, Adak, from mid-december through Feb. 1, and three were present there irregularly through the close of the reporting period (GVB & JLT). This is the sixth consecutive year Volume 28, Number 3 677

69 that Smews have been recorded in the c. Aleutians; four b rds together equals the maximum count known in Alaska. HUMMINGBIRDS, JAYS AND NUTHATCHES -- A G Anna's Hummingbird was photographed at a Sitka feeder Mar. 2 (CHJ & A J), and the bird was observed regularly at least through Mar. 15. Other hummingbirds were reported in the Sitka area during Common-types were observed irregularly at Adak February and March, but none of these was identified (GVB& JLT), up to six were seen at Shemya in January to species (fide CHJ). Another unidentified humming- (WB), and up to six were presen throughouthe period bird was reported at a Juneau feeder Jan. 9 (fide ESD). at Attu (JLT). One Hoary-type was seen at Shemya Two Steller's Jays were recorded daily during mid- during the first week of January (WB), and one Hoary- January at an Anchorage feeder (AS). Red-breasted type was observed at Kodiak on Feb. 18 (RM & NT) Nuthatches continued to be common at Kodiak through Flocks of up to 50 Common-type redpolls were rethe winter (RM), and a single bird overwintered at an corded in the Juneau area in December and January Eagle R., Anchorage, feeder (EPB). There was no (ESD), and Common-types arrived at Kake in some further comment on this species except from s.e. numbers on Feb. 16 and remained through the end of Alaska, where the species was ubiquitous in the Kake area at least through early February (CLE). KINGLETS, WAXWINGS -- Four Goldencrowned Kinglets observed at Arctic Valley, Anchorage, Jan. 29 (SFT), were at the very n. end of the species' range. This species was observed only five t mes at Ketchikan during December, not once thereafter (PM). There were, however, at least 15 sightings of flocks of Ruby-crowned Kinglets in the Ketchtkan area during the period (PM). Bohemian Waxwings SPARROWS, LONGSPURS, AND BUNTINGS -- were all but absent in the Fairbanks area during the One"Slate-colored" Junco was seen at Kodiak Feb. 2, winter (TTW), and they were scarce at Talkeetna (JI), and seven "Slate-colored" and one "Oregon" were but they were present in groups of 3-80 birds in the seen Feb. 18 (RM). Tree Sparrows were uncommon but Anchorage area throughout the period (Sb-T, MLM). found regularly at Kodiak throughout the period, and Maximum count at Anchorage was 250+ on Feb. 8 (Sb-T). Two Bohemian Waxwings were recorded at Juneau Dec. 14 (ESD). GROSBEAKS, REDPOLLS, AND CROSSBILLS -- Pine Grosbeaks were uncommon in the Fairbanks area, occurring in small scattered flocks (CPD, MHD et al ) throughouthe period. They were also uncommon in the Anchorage area throughouthe winter (AS, SFT), and the species was recorded in the Cohoe- Kasilof area (MAM). Pine Grosbeaks were widely reported in s.e. Alaska this winter: birds at Juneau on Feb. 4 (ESD) and birds at Ketchikan Jan. 20 & Feb. 9 (PM). storms Cordova feeders supported several thousand birds. Redpoll numbers remained high there during March, and movement of transient birds was a turnabout to the west. Redpolls in these flocks during late January were over 100:1 Common-types: Hoary-types, whereas by mid-mareh the ratio was about 30:1 (PI) Common-types were numerous all winter in the Cohoe-Kasilof area (MAM). In s.w. Alaska, up to six the period (CLE). One Hoary-type was seen at Juneau Jan. 21 (WPD). Redpolls were not reported from Ketchikan. The only records of White-winged Crossbills were of small numbers in the Cohoe-Kasilof area until late January (MAM), a few flocks in the Copper R. delta area throughout the winter (JEK, fide PI), and eight birds observed at Seward on Mar. 5 (SFT). two ad. Golden-crowned Sparrows were seen there Jan. 6 (RM). Fox Sparrow was recorded at Ketchikan three times in December, but none was seen subsequently (PM). One Lapland Longspur was observed at close range at Narrow Cape, Kodiak, Feb. 17 (RM & NT), providing only the fourth winter record for Alaska. The first McKay's Bunting of the winter was seen at the Izembek Nat'l Wildlife Range banding sta- tion, Cold Bay, Jan. 16. Subsequently, four additional birds were banded during the period, and four unbanded males were seen Mar. 18 (CR). Hoary-type redpolls were common in the Fairbanks area in flocks of up to several hundred birds until late January, when the flocks broke up or dispersed (m. ob ). Most individuals were immature birds, and almost no Common-type redpolls were seen among them durmg this period. South of the Alaska Range, Commontype redpolls were widely common, and only a few Hoary-types were noted. Common-types were abundant in the Anchorage area throughouthe period (SFT), and the observer's only sighting of Hoary-types was of three birds Mar. 4. In the Copper R. delta-prince William Sound area, Common-type redpolls were present only in scattered flocks until late January, when the area appeared to be invaded from the west. During February this movement continued, and during snow- CONTRIBUTORS, OBSERVERS, and other abbreviations -- Edgar P. Bailey, William Baird, Christian P. Dau, Robert DeJong, Matthew H. Dick, William E. Donaldson, Evelyn S. Dunn, William P. Dunn, Chfford L. Estabrook, John Ireland, Pete Isleib, Alice Johnstone, Charles H. Johnstone, J. Ed King, Richard Macintosh, Mary Lee Mayfield, Patricia McConnell, Mary A. Miller, Robert Nelson, John Nevzoroff, Cal Reeve, Alice Shoe, Robert Tamburelli, Stephen F Taylor, Gordon Terpening, Nelle Terpening, John L Trapp, Thomas T. Wetmore, Dan Wetzel; m.ob., many observers. -- DANIEL D. GIBSON, University Museum, University of Alaska, Fairbanks 99701, and G. VERNON BYRD, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 5251, Adak, Alaska American Birds, June 1974

70 NORTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION / John B. Crowell, Jr. and Harry B. Nehls The winter of in the Northern Pacific Coast Region was relatively mild, with no prolonged cold spells or periods of sustained snowfalls in the lowlands. Precipitation was another matter; lower elevations ex- perienced an abundance of rain, and higher elevations received much snow through December, January and February; March was somewhat wetter than normal, too. Ornithologically speaking, the season was another good one, as the following pages attest. LOONS, GREBES, SHEARWATERS, HERONS -- Yellow-billed Loons were seen at seven different localities in Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia, but not elsewhere, at various times throughouthe winter season. An Arctic Loon on the Willamette R. at Eugeae, Oreg., Dec. 27 (LM) was an unusual inland record, as were two Red-throated Loons at Fern Ridge Res., w. of Eugene Dec. 5 (AC,HN) and one Redthroated at Corvallis, Oreg., Dec. 23 (FR, fide FZ). Red-necked Grebes were very scarce during the season, except that 258 on the Victoria, B.C., CBC was an outstandingly high total. Eared Grebes, as usual, were found occasionally on Puget Sound and on the waters near Victoria during the winter. Four N. Fulmars were seen during the first two weeks of December in the vicinity of Victoria (V & MG, TW); a single fulmar and a lone Sooty Shearwater were found dead on the beach at Ocean Shores, Wash., Dec. 15 (EH). A dead Shorttailed Shearwater was found on the same long stretch of beach the next day (AW). The counts of 886 Brandt's Cormorants and 724 Pelagic Cormorants on the Victoria CBC Dec. 30 were good totals. The Region enjoyed an unprecedented number of wintering Great Egrets with single birds noted repeatedly in the vicinity of M. Vernon, Wash., at Sauvie I., near Portland, and with up to nine in one place at Salem, Newport, Eugene, Coos Bay, Grants Pass and Medford, Oreg. Am. Bitterns were at Seattle in late February (fide PM), at Finley N.W.R., Dec. 9(fide FZ), and on the Ocean Shores and Tillamook, Oreg., CBCs. WATERFOWL -- Whistling Swans appear to have been present in the s. half of the Region in usual wintering numbers; of particular interest are the 50 or more individual seen at Florence on the c. Oregon coast Dec. 29 (AC et al.). Some 100 Trumpeter Swans, two with neck bands, spenthe winter in the vicinity of Mt. Vernon, Wash. (TW). On Feb. 4, three birds of this species were seen near Duncan, B.C.; one bore a blue neck band (VG). A single Trumpeter Swan spent two months at Ocean Shores, commencing in mid- December (G&WH). Approximately 18,000 "Dusky" Canada Geese (about 3000 more than normal) wintered in w. Washington and w. Oregon, according to a U.S.F.&W.S. report (FZ); this report is in happy contrast to last year's report which described the wintering total of 15,000 as the lowest in fourteen years. By hindsight one can conclude that the bitter cold spell in the first half of December 1972 probably forced numbers farther south than customary. A Brant was identified at Bayview S.P., Skagit Co., Wash., Feb. 24 (EH). Thousands of Black Brant were found at Padilla Bay, Samish I., Wash., Jan. 11 (SJ). An ad. Emperor Goose stayed at Finley N.W.R. Dec Jan. 9 (FZ). The usual few individual White-fronted and Snow Geese were in the Willamette Valley in December and January. The 11,000 Snow Geese which wintered on Washington' s Skagit Flats were half the usual number; comparatively few were said to be young birds (TW). Individuals of the Eurasian subspecies of Greenwinged Teal were seen on s.e. Vancouver I., at Whidbey I., Wash., and in Portland from the end of December through the rest of the season. An adult d Balkal Teal was shot two miles e. of Finley N.W.R., Jan. 12 by David Homing, who donated the specimen to the Oregon State University collection (fide FZ); the record is a first for this Region, although there is the usual question as to the possibility of the bird being an escape from some park or aviary collection. A d Blue-winged Teal turned up on the newly-inauguarated Gray's Harbor, Wash., C BC. A Cinnamon Teal at Seattle Jan. 13 and one at Samish I., Feb. 9 (fide PM) both are very early records. European Wigcon were well reported in widely scattered singles and pairs in w. Washington and w. Oregon to the s. end of the Willamette Valley and at coastal points. Except during January, Wood Ducks were at favored places in the middle one-third of the Region. Up to a half-dozen Redheads were found at Duncan and Saanich, B.C., and at Seattle and Ocean Shores throughout the report period. There were good concentrations of Ringnecked Ducks at favored localities in the s. portion of the Region through much of the winter: over 400 were at Duncan, B.C., during December, but by mid-march all had gone (JCo); Finley N.W.R. started with 82 birds in December and had 96 in March (FZ); peak numbers for the Victoria area were 200 on Jan. 12 (VG, RS). Canvasback continue at low numbers, with approximately 100 individuals on both the Tillamook and Eugene Volume 28, Number 3 679

71 CBCs being the maximum one-day counts. A d Tufted Duck was at Ladner, B.C., from Feb. 28 to the end of the period (WW et al.) Up to 16 Barrow's Goldeneyes w ntered around Victoria (VG), while almost that number appear to have spent the season in the Seattle area (S J). The Bellingham, Gray's Harbor, Seattle and Tillamook CBCs all recorded from 200 to 800 Fuffiehead, which together indicated there were good win- tering numbers in this Region. Over 50 Oldsquaws were found for the Bellingham CBC; further south no more than six /ndividuals at a time were noted at Seattle, Olympia, Ocean Shores, Tillamook and Florence. Another good sighting was added to the very small number of Washington records for King Eider; a pair consisting of a first year d and? was photographed at Bellingham, Dec and Jan. 19 (TW et al.). A peak of 500 Corn. Mergansers on Quamichan L., Vancouver I, Dec. 23 is a high count, as was the 200 on nearby Elk L, Jan. 16; by March, the number was down to b rds in a day (VG, RS). The two Red-breasted Meigansers at Fern Ridge Res. (AC,HN) and one at Finley N W.R. (WE,fide FZ) all in the first week of December were noteworthy inland sightings. A? Smew was discovered at Reifel Refuge Feb. 28 and was seen by many observers after that up to the end of the period (WW, Tw et al.); the record is the second for the Vanouuver area in the last four years. HAWKS -- A White-tailed Kite was again found at Medford, this time for the CBC, Dec. 29. There were reports of eight Goshawk sightings (one involving two b rds) in the Region this winter from Duncan s. to Coos Bay, Oreg. Sharp-shinned Hawks showed up encourag- ngly on many of the Regions's CBCs, the maximum being eleven at Victoria; individuals were seen repeatedly and often in the vicinity of Victoria and on the Skagit Flats through the winter. Otherwise, we have reports of twelve sightings from nine locations through the winter. The CBCs did less well with Cooper' s Hawk numbers, the maximum count being eight at Seattle; Coopefts Hawks, too, were seen often through the w nter in the Victoria area and on the Skagit Flats, but otherwise there were reports of sightings from only three locations outside the CBC period. A Swainsoh's Hawk was noted in the Malahat District ofs. Vancouver I on Mar. 19, in the act of worrying aturkey Vulture; it s the first spring record for Vancouver I. (RF,fide VG). Last fall' s heavy invasion of Rough-legged Hawks was reflected in the remarkable CBC totals for this species, e g., Bellingham 28, Ocean Shores 20, Corvallis 26, Eugene 44, Tillamook 29. Three wintered in the Medford area (OS) and four were still to be found at Tillamook as late as March 23 (JBC et al.) Golden Eagles were noted at several widely separated locations in w. Oregon in March; one was at Sauvie I. from mid- December to late January, and up to three spent the winter on s. Vancouver I. John Comer reports an intnguing yet mystifying phenomenon involving an allday movement at Bald Eagles southeastward over Duncan B.C. Mar. 16; Duncan is on the s.e. side of Vancouver I. The movement was occurring at an estimated 3,000 foot elevation and consisted primarily of mmature birds of which 30 were counted by the part cipating observers. Bald Eagles were particularly numerous in n. Puget Sound and in the Straits of Georgia at times this winter, with impressive counts of 78 individuals of them adults -- on the short ferry ride from Active Pass in the Gulf Is. to Swartz Bay n. of Victoria Feb. 16 (GAP, fide VG), 20 between Anacortes, Wash., and Sydney, B.C., Feb. 17 (DP,SJ), 24 Cowichan Bay area of s.e. Vancouver I., Jan. 10 (VG) and 20 on the Victoria CBC. Along the Skagit R between Rockpork and Marblemount, Wash., Jan. 19 there were 30 Bald Eagles, of which half were immature birds. Away from these favored areas, there were re- ports of one or two individuals from Fern Ridge Res, Tillamook, Sauvie I., Newport and Alsea, Oreg. Marsh Hawks showed well on the Sauvie I., (43), Tillamook (54) and Eugene (59) CBCs, all of which are high totals, but were thought to be at average or lower numbers n n. Washington (TW). Ospreys were noted only at Saltcoos L. near Florence, Oreg., Mar. 20 (AC), and at a nest site in N. Saanich, B.C., Mar. 28 (VG). Gyrfalcons were seen in greater numbers than ever before, w th repeated observations of single birds in various color phases coming from lowland n. Washington between Bellingham and Mt. Vernon, and from Saanich and Cowichan Bay n. of Victoria. Other sightings occurred at Whidbey I., Wash., Ocean City Park, Gray's Harbor Co., Wash., from Finley N.W.R. and from Eugene, mostly in December, but up until Mar. 2. A Prairie Falcon frequented the Lummi Flats near Bellingham Jan. 1 - Mar. 15 (JD, TW et al.); another was seen at Finley N.W.R. Mar. 12 (FZ). Three Prairie Falcons were recorded on the Medford CBC. Up to three Peregrines at a time were reported through the winter from about fifteen well-separated localities in the s. port on of the Region n. of Eugene; the status of Merlins could be similarly summarized. American Kestrels and Redtailed Hawks continue to be the most plentiful year- round raptors in the Puget Sound-Willamette Valley trough. GAMEBIRDS, CRANES, RAILS --Ringnecked Pheasants, Bob white and California Quail have declined markedly in w. Oregon in recent years; although the severe winter of may have been a contributing factor along with possibly diminished favorable habitat, it would seem reasonable to suspect very strongly that a coincident increase in the population of opossums has had something to do with the decline. 'Possums are an introduced species to the Northwest and, judging by the number of dead individuals to be seen along the lowland roads of the Region, must be foraging everywhere. Ground-nesting species such as the pheasant, Bobwhite and California Quail, as well as the towhee and other songbirds would inevitably suffer severe nest depredations from night-marauding 'possums! A Single Sandhill Crane at Salem Jan. 19 (SW, fide FZ) was out of season; a group of 36 Sandhills which had lingered at Sauvie I. through year-end ultimately departed in mid-january (HN). Returning migrants were seen over Eugene Mar. 16 (LM) and were stopping over at Sauvie I. in numbers up to 400 Mar. 22 (CS 680 American B rds, June 1974

72 fide HN). A few Virginia Rails winter regularly in the Region; this year an influx of migrants was noted by early March. SHOREBIRDS -- Again this year the only winter season reports of Semipalmated Plover were from the Ttllamook CBC, where eight were present. Killdeer were said to be scarce or uncommon at many points in the s. portion of the Region, including the Willarnette Valley, particularly in January and February, although the Eugene CBC recorded 3288 individuals, which was comparable to the count there of two years ago before last year's cold-weather-induced crash. Approximately 100 Black-bellied Plover showed up on the Tillamook and Gray's Harbor CBCs; an estimated 150 birds wintered in the vicinity of Vancouver (VG). The 220 Surfb rds on the Tillamook CBC was a high total. Common Snipe were well enough represented on some of this year' s CBCs to allay fears that their scarcity last year as a consequence of the early December 1972 prolonged freeze might have substantially impacted population numbers. A Whimbrel at Tillamook for the CBC and two individuals at Newport, Jan. 19 (WHo, fide FZ) were probably the northernmost wintering sentinels of their species. A Wandering Tattler at Newport on Jan. 19 (WHo, fide FZ) and one on Great Chain I., B.C., Feb. 13 and Mar. 2 (WC et al., fide VG) are very unusual records of wintering individuals. Three Willets at Newport Dec. 9 & Dec. 19 (Who, RBfide FZ), and one Jan. 19 (WHo,fide FZ) are also extraordinary! A few Greater Yellowlegs evidently spent the winter in the Region, the ten or so on s. Vancouver I. being the northernmost outpost (VG); by early March migrants were drifting into the Region. As many as 32 Rock Sandpipers wintered at Victoria (VG). A Least Sandp per at Victoria Mar. 14 is said to be the first March record there (V&MG). Dunlin always winter in large numbers on the Washington coast; 19,000 were found for the Gray's Harbor CBC this year; they are also commonly found in winter in Oregon' s Willamette Valley. Long-billed Dowitchers in numbers up to 54 were found on the Eugene, Sauvie I., and Tillamook CBCs. Red Phalaropes were found at Ocean Shores and Tillamook for the CBCs there, the 47 at the latter place being a remarkably high count; Tillamook also listed a single N. Phalarope, which is an unprecedented winter season record for anywhere in the Region, as far as we know. GULLS, ALCIDS -- Glaucous gulls were noted at Salem, a most unusual location, in early February (TM fide RL and Sauvie I., Oreg., at Olympia, Yelm, Anacortes, Bellingham, Wash., and at Victoria, Sooke and Saanich on Vancouver I. at various times during the winter. A Slaty-backed Gull was closely and carefully observed at length under good conditions at Victoria's Clover Pt. Mar. 1; careful notes were made and color film taken to substantiate the sighting (V&MG); the record is the first for the Region, to our knowledge. Two W. Gulls at Eugene Nov. 26 (LM) and at Fern Ridge Res., Dec. 5 (AC,HN) were far displaced from the coast which is the almost exclusive haunt of their kind. Although Bonaparte's Gulls were present in good numbers for CBCs at Bellingham and Victoria, numbers dwindled rapidly thereafter until early March brought the first returning individuals to Puget Sound Single Heermann's Gulls appeared at Ocean Shores and at Tillamook for the CBSs there, both of which were on Dec. 16. Two Black-legged Kittiwakes were seen on both counts also; a bird was at Friday Harbor, Whidbey I., Dec. 15 and Jan. 3 (TW), while three were seen at the Jordan R. on Vancouver I., Dec. 19 (VG), and at Newport, Oreg. (WHo,fide FZ), Dec. 9. An extremely detailed account has been received from Phillip D. Ellerbee and James R. Miller of a lengthy observation made by them on the beach at Leadbetter Point, Jan. 27, 1974, of a Red-legged Kittiwake; the b rd was observed down to a distance of three feet, and at one point sought shelter under the observers' cars. The observers appreciated at the time the rarity of their find, and took commendable pains to check the accuracy of their identification and to obtain a detailed description of it on the spot. The record is the first for Washington and the second for the Region of which we have knowledge. Marbled Murrelets were numerous at Friday Harbor, Feb (S J). An estimated 6400 Ancient flock of 25 Mourning Doves at Burlington, Wash., attests to the general mildness of the winter. The San Juan Is m December and January (TW); oddly all had disappeared from the Region after Feb. 7. A Cassin's Auklet was seen at Westport, Oreg., on the Columbia R., 32 m from the ocean Feb. 12 (DR, MS fide FZ). A few Rhinoceros Auklets were to be found in Puget Sound and around the s. end of Vancouver I. during the winter. DOVES, OWLS, NIGHTHAWK, HUMMING- BIRDS -- Finley N.W.R. commenced the report period with about 100 Mourning Doves; their number had doubled in January, was up to 300 by February, but in March fell off to 75, presumably as the birds began to move with the advancing season. A flock of 25 Mourning Doves at Burlington, Wash., attests to the general mildness of the winter. The recording of four Barn Owls on the Gray's Harbor CBC is of some interest as is the count of eight Screech Owls on the same count. The Sauvie I. Hawk Owl, reported inam. Birds:28, 96 was seen again, finally and opportunely for the CBC there, another turned up at Oak Bay, Victoria Dec 10 (RF,fide VG), and then on Jan. 9 the same observer had the extraordinary good fortune of seeing the same or another bird at Saanich (fide VG). The Burrowing Owl seen in November at Eugene was found again Jan 3 (DD,fide LM); one was found again for the fifth consecutive year at Agate L., near Medford (OS). Numbers of Snowy Owls, particularly in n. Washington, surpassed anything in memory of presently active observers and seems to have been comparable to the great invasions in and mentioned in the hterature. There were up to 100 of these great owls on the Samish Flats in early January, decreasing to 40 or so by the end of the month, and to 20 or so by the end of the report period (NL,fide TW); 107 Snowy Owls were recorded on the Ladner CBC, 32 on the Bellingham CBC, 79 on the Samish Isl. CBC, 25 on the Gray's harbor CBC. Individuals were seen at many localities s through the Puget sound and Willamette Valley trough to Eugene where there were at least four during Volume 28, Number 3 681

73 January. Birds were also seen on the coast at Ocean Shores, Tillamook, Newport, Waldport and Florence, Oreg., through March. A Great Gray Owl spent the winter e. of Sedro Wooley, Wash., until early March (Wash. State Game Dept., TW et al.). Long-eared Owls turned up at the w Oregon locations of Dallas, Finley N.W.R., Cottage Grove and Medford. Shorteared Owls seem to have been well represented, at least until mid-january, on the e. side of Puget Sound and in the Willamette Valley; 68 were listed for the Sauvie 1. CBC. A Saw-whet Owl was at Siltcoos L. near Florence., Dec. 27 (AC et al.). ACom. Nighthawk was seen at Federal Way, Wash., on the afternoon of Feb. 15; the observer's attention was first drawn to the bird by the familiar call note and it was discovered in flight about 100 ft. away, perhaps 40 ft. in the air over a field area for about a half-minute before it disappeared (BB). During the week of March 23-30, three nighthawks were heard but not seen from a boat cruising the San Juan and Gulf Is. (DH,fide TW). Is it possible that individual nighthawks occasionally pass the winter in our Region by becoming torpid as other members of their family are known to 'hibernate'? Anna's Hummingbirds seem to have been more prevalent at Victoria than anywhere else during the winter season; 13 were recorded for the CBC there, all at Saanich; five feeders there were regulal y visited through most of the winter by one, two or three birds; some of the visitors did not appear until February, while others stopped coming anywhere from eal y February to mid-march (tide M&VG). Other Anna's Hummingbirds were seen at Siltcoos L. near Florence, Oreg., Mar. 17 (AC), at Seattle Feb. 25 (DCd2de PM); a pair was at Ferndale, Wash., through December, and a male was noted at Bellingham Jan. 21 (TW). A "great migration" of Rufous Hummingbirds was evident at Coos Bay, after Feb. 1 (HR); "hundreds" were at Siltcoos L. Mar. 17 (AC); one was at a Seattle feeder for several days in January (DC,fide PM). FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS, CORVIDS, PARIDAE-- A Say's Phoebe was found on Sauvie I., Feb. 27 (HN); other single birds were seen at Junction City, Oreg., Mar. 9 and at nearby Eugene ten days later (fide LM); one was also seen at Medford in late February, Mar. 3 and Mar. 23 (OS). Violet-green and Tree Swallows arrived almost simultaneously in the Region in mid-march; two Tree Swallows at Finley N.W.R. Feb. 9 (FZ) were thus very early this spring (FZ). Individual Rough-winged Swallows were seen at Florence, Oreg., (RFl,fide LM) and at L. Sammamish S.P. in n. Washington (S J) Mar. 21; another was at Reifel Refuge Mar. 23 (TW). Two pairs of early Bam Swallows were at Medford by Mar. 22 (OS). A Cliff Swallow was watched at close range for some time on the Bellingham waterfront on the surprisingly late date of Dec. 29 (AB fide TW); ten were early at Finley N.W.R. Mar. 30 (FZ), while several hundred were at the Fern Ridge Res. dam Apr. 7 (JBC, WE, WT). A Black-billed Magpie was seen at N. Bend, Wash., Jan. 6 (ED'A,fide PM). Mountain Chickadees were in Medford, Eugene and Seattle in small numbers during the winter, and at a few other lowland locations as well; one wintered at Aberdeen, Wash. (GH). Two Bushtits were engaged in nest-building at Bellevue, Wash., Feb. 15 (SJ). NUTHATCHES THROUGH SHRIKES -- Two Pygmy Nuthatches were discovered in Salem in mid- December and remained there through the end of March (AT, RL et al. ). Two Wrentits were observed at Finley N.W.R., Dec. 23 (FZ). Numbers of Long-billed Marsh Wrens wintered in the vicinity of Bellingham, Victoria and Seattle. An imm. Mockingbird was found at Tacoma, Wash.. for the CBC and was still there in apparently weakened condition Jan. 3 (EH). It seemed to a number of observers that Am. Robins wintered in larger numbers than usual in the Willamette Valley. Varied Thrushes were particularly plentiful at Medford all winter (OS). Hermit Thrushes were very scarce, with the Victoria area affording the only repeated sightings. Western Bluebirds were said to be present in good numbers in the Rogue R. valley (OS) where 290 were seen on the Medford CBC, and in the Salem area (RL) this past winter; several flocks of up to ten birds were seen around Corvallis up to Feb. 10 (FZ); Eugene recorded 57 W. Bluebirds for its CBC and two individuals were discovered at Victoria Mar. 31 (M&VG). Three Mountain Bluebirds appeared at Saanich Mar. 26 (RF, fide VG). Single Townsend's Solitaires showed up at several places in the s. Willamette Valley during the winter, at Bellingham for the CBC, at Padilla Bay, Wash., Dec. 23 and at Hobart, Wash., Mar. 31 (SJ). Three were seen on Mt. Finley, Vancouver I., on Feb. 6 (LR,fide VG). A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher had returned to Roxy Ann Butte near Medford by Mar. 30 (OS). A White Wagtail visited the Region for the second consecutive year; the bird was evidently of the ocularis race and was discovered near Autzen Stadium at Eugene Feb. 3 by Tom Lurid; it was seen by many others subsequently and was successfully photographed. The bird was apparently in the process of changing from juvenal to adult plumage which was quite advanced when the bird was last seem Mar. 26 (fide LM). Water Pipits are erratic winter wanderers in White Wagtail, Eugene, Ore., Feb. 17, Photo/ Larry McQueen. 682 American Birds, June 1974

74 this Region; nearly 200 were on Sauvie I. for the CBC, but they had departed by early January (HN); an estimated 100 were on the Skagit Flats, Feb. 9 (BT,fide PM) and 75 were at Finley N.W.R., Jan. 1 (FZ). Elsewhere, Water Pipits were seen at widely scattered points in small groups of less than ten. Between four and five score Bohemian Waxwings were at Bellingham through December, but they disappeared until Mar. 18 when 20 were seen there again (TW). At Guemes I., Wash., on Dec. 23 there were 25 Bohemian Waxwings (TW), and at Saanich Dec. 8, four were seen (RS,fide VG) with a small flock of Cedar Waxwings. The latter species was little noted this winter, although Salem had a flock of 100 after Jan. 28 (RL). Medford found twelve N Shrikes for its CBC, but curiously none were to be found after Jan. 1 (OS); Northern Shrikes were reported throughout the winter, however, from the Willamette Valley and the Puget sound lowlands n. to Bellingham, and at Victoria. Bellingham and Seattle CBCs and the 147 recorded for the Sauvie I. CBC. A d' Western Tanager, well deo scribed, appeared in Eugene for the Dec. 30 CBC there (LH et al.). Evening Grosbeaks were in evidence much of the winter at favored spots in the Washington and Oregon lowlands, and by March were being seen more widely in considerable numbers. Numbers of Purple Finches at Olympia built up to 50 by Jan. 1, held at that point for two months, then began to diminish (G&WH), a few individuals were also seen at Seattle after Jan 10 for the rest of the winter (S J), at Corvallis all winter (FZ), and at Medford after Feb. 8 (S). A d' Cassin's Finch was seen regularly at Eugene Nov Jan 19 (LM et at.); one frequented a feeder at Shady Cove, Oreg., on the Rogue R. from mid-february to early March (ABr,fide OS), and four pairs were at Tzuhalam Dec. 23 for the first Vancouver I. record (VG, RS). lhne Grosbeaks in small numbers were in the Puget Sound lowlands and the San Juans from December until early February. They were also on Vancouver I. Dec Mar. 16 (VG et al.) where 26 were recorded on the Victoria CBC. An estimated 100 or so Gray-crowned Rosy Finches in one or two flocks were to be found in Whatcom Co., Wash., next to the Canadian border from Dec. 1 until Feb. 22; they frequented beach and gravel areas; up to 40 were seen on Mary's Peak w of Corvallis, Feb. 17 (JW, fide FZ) and Mar. 16 (WHo, CLdqde FZ). Pine Siskins, as is their wont, were seen abundantly in some places and not at all in others during the course of the winter; spots favored were S. Vancouver I., Bellingham, Seattle, Gray's Harbor, Olympia, Portland and, for a time, Finley N.W.R. Medford listed over 400 Lesser Goldfinches on its CBC. Red Crossbills were much in evidence at places on the Washington coast and in the foothills of the Cascades, but were rather scarce around Puget Sound (EH), except at Olympia in December (GH). They were seen regularly on the n. Oregon coast and on s. Vancouver I through the season. A q2 White-winged Crossbill was found at Victoria, Dec. 8 (RS,fide VG). Larger-than- VIREOS, WARBLERS, BLACKBIRDS, FINCHES -- Hutton's Vireo showed up on most of the Region's CBCs, with 11 at Tillamook apparently the maximum. An early Solitary Vireo appeared at Eugene Mar. 22 (RFI,fide LM). There were at least four December records of Orange-crowned Warblers in the s. half of the Region. Migrants were at Eugene in mid- March and on s. Vancouver I. by month's end. The Gray's Harbor CBC turned up 185 Yellow-rumped Warblers "Myrtles" and 10 "Audubon's", a high winter count in this Region. A few Yellow-rumped Warblers were around the Corvallis area after Jan. 1 (FZ), and were to be found on s. Vancouver I. all winter (VG). A very early Black-throated Gray Warbler was seen at Eugene Mar. 29 (LM). Up to four Townsend's Warblers at a time were found in December or very early January -- mostly on CBCs -- at Victoria, Samish I, Salem, Eugene, Cottage Grove, Oreg., and Medford; the 59 in one loose flock at Tillamook for the CBC repeats a phenomenon which has been observed in March at Tillamook in 1967 and in Another Regional record for the Northern Waterthrush was supplied by the sighting and careful identification of an individual at the Skagit Game Range near Mt. Vernon, Washington, on the surprising date of Jan. 24, 1974, by an observer familiar with the species (AW). ACom. Yellowthroat was seen on the Eugene CBC. From Dec. 1 to Dec. 29 a c Yellow-headed Blackbird frequented the Lummi Flats near Bellingham (TW et al.); a female or lmm. male of this species was seen several times by different observers at Seattle Feb Mar. 21 (fide PM). On Mar. 3 there were 125 Tricolored Blackbirds at Medford (OS). A d' N. Oriole was said to be at Bellingham Dec. 26 (fide TW) and the same or another bird was at a suet feeder in Ferndale Dec. 28 (GG, fide TW); these may be the first winter season records of N. Oriole for the State of Washington. A Rusty Blackbird was carefully observed in good light at Duncan, B.C. Dec. 23 (VG, RS); another was seen there Mar. 20 (VG). Individual Rusty Blackbirds were also seen on the Saanich Pen. in company with Brewer's Blackbirds Jan. 17 (V&MG) and near Victoria Jan. 31 & Mar. 9 (VG).Brown-headed Cowbirds wintered in some numbers, as indicated by counts of 50 or more on the normal niambers of Savannah Sparrows appear to have wintered in the s. half of the Region, particularly in the Willamette Valley, with reports of up to 35 birds for a given locality. A Vesper Sparrow appeared at Finley N.W.R. Mar. 25 (FZ). A Lark Sparrow was at Saamch Dec. 5(KM,fide VG), another was at Corvallis, Dec 29 (FR, fide FZ), and eight were noted on the Medford CBC. Three Tree Sparrows were found at Seattle for the CBC and one or more were seen there until the last week of March (EH et at.). A Tree Sparrow was at Sauvie I., Jan. 19 (HN, CS) and another was at Duncan during all of March (JCo). Two Chipping Sparrows wintered in Eugene (LM), where a Clay-colored Sparrow was also found on Feb. 2 and was seen until at least Mar. 8 by many observers. The bird was in a large flock ofjuncos and other sparrows and constitutes the first Oregon record of which we know. Two of the three Harris' Sparrows were to be found off and on during the winter on n. Washington's Lummi and Skagit Flats (EH, NL et al.); a bird was also seen at Saanich Jan 29 (V&MG). Reports were received of up to a score of White-throated Sparrows from Victoria s. to Eugene at various times during the winter; five were found for the CBC at the latter place. Fox Sparrows were well rep- Volume 28, Number 3 683

75 that in fewer numbers (JDfide TW); three were at the Samish R. mouth, Mar. 8 (NL), three were at Ocean Shores, for the Dec. 16 CBC, and one was at Fern Ridge Res. Dec. 30 for the Eugene CBC. On Dec. I there were 225 Snow Buntings on the Lummi Flats where 109 were recorded for the Bellingham CBC; they disappeared shortly afterward. Ocean Shores found 25 Snow Buntings for the CBC and Tillamook listed two for its count. Otherwise,Snow Buntings were seen in no greater numbers than three at Victoria several times in De- cember, at Seattle in late February, at Samish I., Mar. 1, and on Great Chain I., Feb. 21 &Mar. 2. Clay-colored Sparrow, Eugene, Ore., Feb. 8, Photo/Larry McQueen. resented on most of the Region's CBCs. Lincoln's Sparrows were reported singly or in pairs from Bellinghams through the Puget Sound and Willamette Valley through to Corvallis and Eugene, where eight and six individuals, respectively, were listed for the CBCs at those two places; single birds were also noted at Saanich, Feb. 9, and at Victoria and Tillamook for the CBCs. A light, bright-colored Song Sparrow thought to be of an eastern subspecies wintered at Eugene until Mar. 8 (LM). Lapland Longspurs were found in numbers up to 40 at the Lummi Flats in December and after OBSERVERS -- Range Bayer; Alex Benedict; Blair Bernson; Ann Briggs (ABr); Wayne Campbell; David Chelimer; John Comer (JCo); Alan Contreras; John B. Crowell; Ellie D'Arms; David Dudley; Jim Duemmel; William Elliot; Randy Floyd (RFI); Ralph Fryer; George Gleason; Vic & Margaret Goodwill; Dennis Heinemann; Wayne Hoffman (WHo); Glen & Wanda Hoge; Larry Holbrook; Eugene Hunn; Stuart Johnston; Norman Lavers; C. Littlefield; Robert Lucas; Phil Mattocks; Ken Mayall; Thomas McCamant; Larry McQueen; Harry Nehls; Dennis Paulson; G. A. Poymer; Fred Ramsey; Hilda Reiher; Dick Reynolds; Leila Roberts; Ron Satterfield; Michael Scott; Chuck Smith; Ernie Spragg; Otis Swisher; William Thackaberry; Augusta Thompson; Bill Twitte; Terry Wahl; Arthur Wang; Wayne Weber; Sally Weick; John White; Fred Zeillemaker-- John B. Crowell, Jr., 1185 Hallinan Circle, Lake Oswego, OR and HARRY B. NEHLS, 2736 S. E. 20th Avenue, Portland, OR MIDDLE PACIFIC COAST REGION / Rich Sta!!cup and Russell Greenberg The winter season was typified by much rain, relatively little snow and very mild temperatures causing few freeze periods. The October-Novemberains continued sporadically through the winter with the only major lowland freeze and snowfall in early January peaking from the fifth to the eighth. Several northern counties suffered severe flooding and spill water remained throughout the Central Valleys (below C.V.) past the end of the period widely dispersing waterfowl and shorebirds from the usual places of concentration. With the warm temperatures more than usual numbers of land birds stayed at higher elevations later and more than usual nutnbers of typically "summer" passerines remained through December much to the delight of Christmas Count compilers. With the excess water and widely dispersed waterfowl, the number of birds killed by hunters was considerably less than last year. Pelagic species were much more adequately reported than in any other winter owing to several Audubon boat trips in January and February and regular offshore surveys, (C.F.G.). An asterisk means that a written description is on file with the Regional Editors.. Shaslal SACRAMENTO Chico.- Nevada m T Dioolo ß 'øo '% G - e elos Banos 684 American Birds, June 1974

76 There were more Snowy Owls seen in California this winter than have been seen in all the previous years combined. If one assumes that 1) owls seen at different localities were separate owls, and 2) owls seen at a given locality on different dates were the same owls, unless there was contrary information such as plumage differences or the known death of an earlier owl, the number of individual Snowy Owls this winter was at leastforty-three. Table I shows the number of owls in each of the counties where they occurred and the first and last dates that Snowy Owls were seen there. The counties are listed in order from north to south. Nothing is actually known about the owls' movements from area to area, but the impression of some observers, especially in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, was that the birds tended to settle and remain when they found a suitable location, as do the nomadic Long-eared and Short-eared Owls. Eight birds were reported dead or were captured as a result of gunshot wounds. Snowy Owls are "protected" by law in California, and two hunters were convicted and fined in Humboldt Co. for killing an owl there in December. It is likely that more owls were shot, but were not seen by birders and not reported. All of the owls were found in coastal dunes or adjacent open land, except for three with a yen to try city life: one in San Francisco, Jan. 2 (Harriet Fraser), one in Alffmeda, Feb (J&SL, many), one in Berkeley, Feb. 16 (SFB). The southernmost record is a bird found "freshly shot," Jan. 11, at the Salinas R. mouth in Monterey Co. (D. Ainley,fide AB). The other Snowy Owls reported this winter were: one at the Smith River mouth, Nov. 23 (Pat Fisher,fide DE), fourteen more between Pt. St. George and the Oregon border (RLeV, SFB, GMc), seventeen between McKinleyville and the mouth of the Eel R., Dec Mar. 27 (m.ob.), three at Centerville Beach, Dec. 10 (CFG, M. Trenholm, fide DE), one at Bodega Head, Jan Feb. 9 (Carolyn Conners), one at Pt. Reyes, Dec. 22 (Pt. Reyes CBC), and another there, Jan. 6-7 (VR, RGr, JM, RS, m.ob.), one at Ano Nuevo State Beach, Jan (DAG), Many of these birds may have been present longer than the dates indicate, but these were the only dates reported. Snowy Owls in California, Winter, No. Individual County Dates Snowy Owls Del Norte Nov. 23-Jan Humboldt Dec. 10-Mar Sonoma Jan. 30-Feb. 9 1 Marin Dec. 22-Jan. 7 2 San Francisco Jan.2 1 Alameda Feb San Mateo Jan Monterey Jan. 11 I To understand the magnitude of this year's invasion, let us see what has preceded it. Grinnell and Miller (1944, The Distribution of the Birds of California. Cooper Ornith. Club, Berkeley, Calif.) summarized the California records through 1943 and listed 20 records for Snowy Owls from the flights of 1896, 1897, 1908 and 1916, of which Santa Cruz. Co. is the locality farthest south. Harris and Yocum (1968, Condor, 70:392) reported the only other substantiated records: four individuals seen near Humboldt Bay, January - March, More Snowy Owls were farther south than ever before recorded in California. Why did it happen9 The generally accepted explanation of these invasions is based on the 3-4 year population cycles of the letomings on which Snowy Owls feed. In the years when letomings are extremely abundant in the summer on the coastal breeding grounds, the result is increased owl reproduction. These lemming "highs" are followed by "crashes" in which the lemming population drops rapidly to very low densities, usually about the time the bumper crop of owlets has just fledged. The consequent food shortage is thought to cause large numbers of owls to move south. Perhaps for the same reason the Rough-legged Hawk, another Arctic-breeding raptor, appeared in spectacular numbers, in our region this winter. Except for the 40 Rough-leggeds at Lower Klamath Refuge, Feb. 2 (ODS), the large concentrations seen in the Fall were spread throughout the region during the winter. Most sightings were of one or two birds A conservative tally gave 187 individual birds with the bulk of the reports from along the coast, although the Central Valley had more Rough-leggeds than usual. Space permits only a sample of the total In mid-december, 40 Rough-legged Hawks were counted along the coast between San Francisco and Santa Cruz (BGE). Point Reyes had as many as 15 per day vs. four per day in previous years (WMP) At Marina in Monterey Co., there were eight on Jan 26 (VR), eight in eastern Contra Costa Co. Dec. 27 (AE), 12 at Benicia, Dec. 16 (CBC.fide FKB), at least 10 wintering from Loleta to Arcata (TS, DE) and 1-3 birds reported from each of these counties Del Norte, Mendocino, Tehama, Colusa, Kern, Merced and Tulare. The big southward migrations of Rough-legged Hawks are usually attributed to the Arctic microfine rodent cycles, and the concurrence of Rough-legged Hawk and Snowy Owl invasions is frequently mentioned, although this concurrence is far from perfect. A brief survey of old Rough-legged records reveals an interesting phenomenon -- while Snowy Owl invasions usually do not occur in successive years (although there are exceptions in the eastern part of the country), Rough-legged invasions tend to come in clumps, e.g., both and were invasion winters on the Pacific coast, and both and were invasion years on the Great Plains. There are many other examples of this, and it will be interesting to see whether another invasion occurs here next winter. Sadie Brown Volume 28, Number 3 685

77 LOONS, GREBES -- Three Yellow-billed Loons were reported. One at Humboldt Bay Jan. 1 (DA et al.), one at Monterey Jan. 9 (AB, WA) and one (probably of this species) at Bodega Bay Dec. 10 (LWG). The usual numbers of Corn. Loons were found coastally and at inland lakes and 85 was very high on the Oakland CBC. Two Arctic Loons were at Spreckles L., Golden Gate Park Jan. 18, a most unusual location (BJM). Three Red-throated Loons, rare inland, were at L. Hennessey Jan I (BDP), one was at San Pablo Res. Dec. 18 (JM) and 140 on the Oakland CBC was very high. Grebes were reported in usual numbers and locations with the following exceptions: a red-necked was at Essex Pond Humboldt Co., Feb Mar. 17 (DE, TS et al.). Single Horned Grebes were reported inland at Avocado L. Fresno Co., Jan. 12 (RBH,KH,JS), L. Mendecino Feb. 16 (OJK), Grey Lodge Mar. 12 & 13 (BED), Redding Mar 24 (DE,RS,GM), Chico Mar. 20 (PM) and several wintered at Folsom L., Comanche Res. and Shadow Cliffs Park, Alameda Co., which is normal. Eared Grebes were high at L. Success, Tulare Co. with 500 compared to 200 last year. All water birds were up in numbers there (RB). It is the usual trend that as new reservoirs mature biologically, the number of attending birds rises. Forty-five Pied-billed Grebes "in one flock" at Skaggs I. Jan. 5 was thought to be unusual (LCB) and one with two newly hatched chicks at Shadow Cliffs Park Mar. I (AE) is interesting. TUBENOSES -- Black-footed Albatrosses were seen on nearly every trip off Monterey with a maximum of eight, Jan. 26 (RS,VR,JL et al.). Twenty-five were seen mi. off Humboldt Bay Feb. 17 and in their company were three Laysan Albatrosses (RLeV,TS et al ) Another Laysan was seen 10 mi. w. of Moss Landlng Mar (fide BGE) and yet another was one mi. s of the Farallon Is. Mar. 22 (VDaC)*. Northern Fulmars were seen off the Pacific Grove shore with 250 on Dec I (GMc,JM,RS), and 75 there Jan. 8 of which 50 per cent were white phase where only per cent is normal (AB). Very small numbers were reported after this date. A Cape Petrel (Daption capensis) was well described 4.5 mi. w. of Moss Landing Mar. 13 (BGE)*. This is the second record for the Region and only the third for the e. Pacific Ocean north of the equator. No Pink-looted Shearwaters were reported until Mar. 27 when the first spring bird was noted (BGE). Thirty Sooty Shearwaters Jan. 26 (VR, RS,JL,O.A.S.) was the maximum count for any pelagic trip until late March when the spring influx brought the normal thousands. Short-tailed Shearwaters were seen in small numbers off Monterey from late November through February with an average of about four per trip. (VR, BGE,RS,AB et al.)* Whether the irregular status of this species is partly an artifact of irregular pelagic coverage by birders is not presently clear. Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels were seen on most boat trips from Monterey Bay with a maximum of 8 on Jan. 26 (VR,RS,JL O A.S.) and at least three were seen from the Pacific Grove shore during strong NW winds Dec. 1. Also seen there Dec. I were three Ashy Storm-Petrels and 12 Black Storm-Petrels (RS,GMc,JM). The only other reports of these were of four Ashys seen 3-6 mi. n.w. of Pt Pinos, Monterey Bay, Jan. 26 (RS,VR,O.A.S.). PELICANS THROUGH HERONS -- Lowerthan-usual numbers of White Pelicans wintered in South S.F. Bay, but larger-than-usual numbers were at temporary water in the C.V. A thousand were near Los Banos in late March, (BGE) and nearly 500 were in the Sacramento Valley throughout the period (RS,DW) Only a few single Brown Pelicans were reported. Good numbers of Great Blue Herons were reported. Lake Success had 75 (only last year-- RB). A "record number" of 24 was at the Ukiah Sewage Ponds Feb 16 (OJK) and an "umprecedented number" of 43 was counted on the Lewiston CBC Trinity Co. (BKI). Ten pairs were at a heronry near Hopland Mar. 10 (OJK) and 20 pairs at a heronry on Indian I., Humboldt Bay Mar. 15 (DE,JG,TS). The usual few Green Heron reports were outclassed by 25 on the Lost L. CBC Fresno Co. (RBH,KH,JS). Great Egrets were common in the CW and 45 wintered near Elkhorn bridge, Yolo Co (RS,DW). Fifty at Jacoby Creek, Humboldt Bay Mar 19 was a good figure but 18 Snowy Egrets there Feb 16 was an all-time high. (DE,TS et al.). This species is certainly becoming more common north along the coast. Twelve Cattle Egrets were reported from the coast, four from the C.V. and two on the Farallon Is in December and January, which foraged for flies on the elephant seals (P.R.B.O.). At Least 550 Black-crowned Night Herons in two roosts at Grey Lodge in December (RS,GM) and 20 at the Martinez Marina (NRB) were the only numbers reported. Three Least Bitterns were identified by call at Los Banos Wildlife Area Mar 16 (RBH,KH,JS)*. Three Am. Bitterns reported from Humboldt Co. despite good coverage there was low (DE,TS). Three in wet fields at Ano Nuevo Jan. 12 & 19 (VR,TC) was unusual but all other reports indicated normality. The maximum number of White-faced Ibls reported was 140 at Los Banos Wildlife Area Feb 16 (VR,KG). Various smaller numbers were reported there (our only regular winter spot) during the period by many observers. WATERFOWL -- Again as in the winter of '71-'72 abundant water from the heavy rains in the C.V. dispersed ducks and geese, resulting in a smaller total bag of killed birds by more hunters than in previous, drier seasons. Whistling Swans in the c. Sacramento Valley totaled 36,600 on the Mid-winter Survey (below M. W. S.) (CFG) and 200 at the Garcia R. mouth Dec 30 Mar. 15 (OJK,KG) and 300 December to February in the Eel R. bottoms (TS,DE) were probably all better than normal numbers. The last swans at Grey Lodge were 40 on Feb. 23 (BED). A single Brant with Black Brant at Humboldt Bay Mar. 9 is one of several recent records from that locality (TS,DE,JG)*. Five bluephase Snow Geese and one intermediate were with 40,000 white-phase and Ross' Geese at Tule L. Mar 24 (RS,GM,DE)* and three were at Grey Lodge Jan 10 (BED). Mallards totaled 16,500 in the Central Sac- ramento Valley M.W.S. which was considered low (CFG), Gadwall were in good numbers with 38 at Napa (BDP), 75 atthe Salinas R. mouth Mar. 21 (LK) and 100 at L. Talawa, Del Norte Co. Feb. 10 (RS,DE,TS,JG) Two hundred ninety-four thousand Pintails were counted on the Central Sacramento Valley M.W S (CFG). At least three 6 6 "Eurasian" Green-winged 686 American Birds, June 1974

78 Teal wintered at n. Humboldt Bay, which is normal (TS,DE,DA,many) and another was at Belmont Feb (BS m.ob.). All other teal were in average numbers. Thirty Eur. Wigeon were reported this season with four at Bollinger Res., Contra Costa Co. Dec. 29 with many thousands of ducks (LF), 18 at Grey Lodge Dec. 31 with 60,000 Am. Wigeon, a normal ratio (RS,GM,CLOW et al.) and eight singles at various places on the coast. Wood Ducks are thought to be declining in the Humboldt- Del Morte area where only three sightings were made this winter (DE,TS) and none were found in the usual places there in January (J&PG). Five hundred Ring-necked Ducks, always un- 10 were all adults (RS,GM). Because of the Roughcommon in the C.V., were on Grey Lodge after heavy legged Hawk invasion there were many more raptors spring flooding (BED), 333 were at L. Hennessey Jan. 1 per foraging area and we wonder if many of the Buteos (BDP), 225 wintered at L. Success (3 times last year's might have suffered starvation had rodents not been numbers) and 300 were at Searsville L. Jan. 13 (T&ZC). brought to the surface as a result of flooding. Red- Canvasback numbers were down inland with only two shouldered Hawks seem to be doing very well in this at Springville, Tulare Co. compared to 50 or 100 last. region, especially in the San Joaquin Valley year (RB) and half last year's numbers in the Yolo (RBH,LH,HK,JS) and on the North Coast where re- Causeway and Sacramento bypass (RS). The M.W.S. ports of seven were more than ever (DE,TS,J&PG) A estimated 7,300 for and the delta (CFG) and only 2,351 pair was seen copulating near Chico Feb. 2 (LT) on the Oakland CBC is so low that it's scary. Three Swainson's Hawks an-ived on time as expected with Greater Scaup were found inland which is more than one at San Luis Refuge Mar. 9 (J&SL,JM) and five at usual: one at Friant, Fresno Co. Mar. 9 (RBH,KH,JS), Davis Mar. 16 (RS). Reports totalling 187 Rough-legged one at Chico Nov Feb. 13 (PM,TM) and one at Hawks were received from the coast and C.V. com- Grizzley I. Feb. 10 (JM). Seventy-five Com. Goldeneye pared with 67 in these areas last winter, which was then were at Lewiston L., Trinity Co. Feb. 16 (DA,DE,TS). felt to be a good flight. Numbers in the basin at Lower Nme Barrow's Goldeneye were reported; five on foot- Klamath (ODS,RS,DE) and at Honey L. (RS,AC) were hill rivers (RS,DW,PM), three in S.F.Bay (J&SL,BGE) also thoughto be above average. (See essay above) and one female on the San Joaquin R. near Friant, Fresno Co. Feb Mar. 9 (RBH,KH,JS). Buffieheads on the Arcata Sewage ponds reached 400 on Sixteen Ferruginous Hawks were reported from the C.V. and the coast which is about average, but 45 last winter was unusually high. All other raptors were re- Mar. 10 which was very high (DE,TS). Ten Oldsquaw ported in numbers close to the last two winters except were reported from the coast including three together at Moss Landing all winter and one that wintered at the Bald Eagles, which were more common and widespread and more often observed in localities away from Farallon Is. (P.R.B.O.). Twenty-five Harlequin Ducks reported from the coast almost exactly equals the avermountains and the Basin. age yearly number. The only King Eider seen since GROUSE TO COOTS -- A Blue Grouse was November was the imm. male at Monterey harbor booming 5 mi. n.w. of Hopland Mar. 29, the same spot which was still present at the end of the period and had as one Mar. 29, 1973 (OJK). Over 10,000 Sandhill been seen by most active birders in the area. A 6 Cranes wintered in the CoV., which is about average White-winged Scoter at Grey Lodge Jan. 23 (BED) may Twenty-two were seen overhead 6 mi. n.e. of Auburn have been the same bird that was at Chico in November and December (RS,PM). Surf Scoters on the Oakland CBC totaled 19,717, which was very high. Over 100 Dec. 9 (MaA) at a high altitude for this date, and small flocks were seen flying n. over Shasta Co. on Feb 26, Mar. 3 & Mar. 12 (BK1). A C.F.G. and Audubon Soci- Black Scoters were reported from their usual coastal ety cooperative rail census in San Francisco Bay coorhaunts: Ano Nuevo Pt. (by many), McKen-icker Beach dinated by Bob Gill produced 655 Clappers, 160 Vir- (BDP,OJK), Humboldt & Del Norte Cos. (DE,TS), and ginias, 61 Soras and 40 Blacks; Clappers may be down Pt Reyes (AP). Three at the Arcata Sewage ponds 20 to 30 per cent under the last three years but further during January were at an odd locality (DE,TS). analysis of the data is necessary (RG). As many as Hooded Mergansers again were more common and seven Black Rails were reported from a small marsh at widespread than is normal and notable, though regular, were 40 on the San Joaquin R. near Friant, Fresno Co. (RBH,KH,JS). Three hundred Com. Mergansers at L. Success was five times as many as were there last year (RB). The only Red-breasted Merganser inland was a female at Shadow Cliffs Park Jan. 20 & 27 (AE). L. Oroville Dec. 15 (GN)*, one immature at Honey L Dec. 27 (AC et al.), one adult at Grey Lodge Jan 10 (CFG,fide BED), Calaveras S.P. Mar. 4 (MK) and one immature below Briones Dam Mar. 4 (SFB)*. Cooper's and Sharp-skinned Hawks were reported in fair numbers. In e. Contra Costa Co. Cooper's outnumbered Sharp-shinneds 6:1 (NRB) but in Humboldt Co the reverse was true at 8:0 (DE,TS). In the Fresno area ratios were about even with Cooper's over Sharpshinneds 1.33:1 with more than 60 observations (RBH,LH,JS). Twenty-two Red-tailed Hawks seen in the Sierran foothills of Amador and Calaveras Cos Jan Benicia S.P. by many observers during flood tides in January and February (JM,m.ob.). A Corn. Galhnule was observed at McKerricker S.P., coastal Mendecino Co., a most unusualocality (Rickon,fide OJK). Over 23,800 Am. Coots were estimated on the South Sacramento Valley M.W.S. (CFG, fide BED). RAPTORS -- White-tailed Kites were more common and widespread than in other winters in Humboldt Co. (DE,TS). Goshawks were found in the following unusual lowland localities: one adult at Garberville Dec. 3 (fide TS), one adult on the n. fork of the Feather R. near SHOREBIRDS --Thirty-seven Black Oystercatchers were on Bodega Head Jan. 12 (BDP). Eighty-one Snowy Plovers at Pajaro Dunes Dec. 27 were more than last year and the first nest was made Mar. 24 (J&RW) Over 150 Mountain Plovers near Woodland into early Volume 28, Number 3 687

79 December (RS,DW) is a high count for that locality and from the FatalIons Mar. 12 &13 (P.R.B.O.) and it was as usual they were gone by January, probably wintering the "commonest pelagic gull" in Monterey Bay in In known spots on the w. side of the San Joaquin Valley. mid-march (BGE). In early winter 95 per cent were A few Golden Plovers, both Eurasian and American adults but after the influx many immatures appeared. It subspecies, wintered on Pt. Reyes with Black-bellied is believed that the immatures are from farther south, Plovers (BDP, RS m.ob.). A Wandering Tatlet was at hundreds were seen off n. Baja California in late Feb- Berkeley Marina, at the same spot as last year, on Dec. ruary, with no adults (AB). 16 (LCB) and again on Feb. 1 (KG). They are quite rare Eight Forster's Terns at Bodega Bay Jan. 12 (BDP) inside S.F. Bay. Lesser Yellowlegs were noted as fol- were farther north than they are usually found in lows three at Arcata Dec. 8 (TS,BB) were late, two at Bohnas Lagoon Jan. 26 (P.R.B.O.), six at Joice I. Feb Mar. 14 (JM), fifteen 6 mi. n.e. of Benicia Mar. 22 winter. About 500 Com. Murres at Bodega Head Jan. 12 (BDP) and 150 off Humboldt Bay in February (DE,TS,RLeV) were noteworthy. Twenty-five Mar- (RS,DE) and four at Sacramento N.W.R. Mar. 24 bled Murrelets were reported from outer coastal loca- (RS,DE). They are very rare and local in winter and all tions December through February but one in summer of these records may refer to migrants. Five Rock plumage at Pt. Isabel, Contra Costa Co. Mar. 30, far Sandpipers at Bodega Bay Dec. 8 (JM), four at McKer- inside S.F. Bay was exceptional (NRB). An unusual ncker Beach Feb. 9 (OJK,BDP) and one, one mi. s. of concentration of 200+ Ancient Murrelets was at Pescadero Jan. 18 (BS) were the only ones reported. Least Sandpipers were all but missing at Humboldt Bay with 21 maximum on South Spit Feb. 22 (TS,JG). Western Sandpipers far outnumbered Leasts in the Sacramento Valley, which is normally reversed and proba- Bodega Head, Dec. 8 (JM,BDP) and 56 in Monterey Bay Jan. 10 was higher than normal (AB). Auklets were common in Monterey Bay and peak numbers reported were: 200 Cassin's Jan. 26 (O.A.S.,LCB,RS,JL) off Moss Landing, 2000 Rhinoceros at Pacific Grove Jan bly owing to abnormally abundant water. The Longbilled Dowitcher is usually the only species present in winter at Humboldt Bay but a single Short-billed Dowitcher was seen and heard at Arcata Marina Jan. 10. Numbers of both species increased there during March (DE,TS). About 2000 Marbled Godwits at Arcata Feb. 8 were down to 1000 on Feb. 16 and 800 on Mar. 19 (TS,JG). Fifteen Am. Avocets at Lower Klamath Mar. 19 were early spring returns (ODS). The Black-necked Stilt has undergone a marked change in the s. C.V. in our region and is now a common winter resident (CBC data and pers. obs., JM). Red Phalaropes were late and in large numbers with 1600 at Pacific Grove Jan. 5 (VR) and 6000 there Jan. 12 (LCB). During early December and January some were present at most coastal inlets (many). Northern Phalaropes were unusually late at the Dumbarton Bridge with as many as five staying into early January (RS,Hurd,Null) and one female in near breeding plumage was at Moss Landing Jan. 12 (LCB). GULLS THROUGH ALCIDS -- Eight Glaucous Gulls were found along the coast including one with an excellent description of an adult (BDP*,GLB)* at Jenner Mar. 30. Herring Gulls were again abundant in the C V (RS,DW) and one at L. Success, Tulare Co. Dec Feb. 3 may be the first county record (RB). Seven Thayer's Gulls were found inland (VR,RS,DW) and seven were seen offshore (DE,RLeV,VR) in addition to several reports (but not yet enough for conclusions) from coastal dumps. Mew Gulls were in normal numbers (thousands) along the coast and normally rare inland with 54 at the Pleasanton sewage plant Jan. 20 (AE), four at Sacramento all winter (RS,DE), one immature on the Feather R. at Oroville Dec. 22 (AC)*, five at Dan Foley Park, Vallejo Feb. 16 (FB) and eight at Shadow Cliffs Park Jan. 27 (AE). Two Bonaparte's Gulls at Clear L., Lake Co. Dec. 13 (DA) one at Shadow 25 (AB) and 3000 Rhinos off Moss Landing Jan. 26 (O.A.S.,LCB,RS,JL). During the week of Jan. 23 a Parakeet Auklet washed ashore near Moss Landing Marine Laboratory and is now a specimen there (fide BGE). This is the first record for the Region in many years. The only Tufted Puffin reported was one, 12 mi w. of Monterey Jan. 10 (AB). PIGEONS, OWLS -- Large influxes of Band-tailed Pigeons were noted during February and March. Invasions in the C.V. were restricted to the n. end and adjacent foothills. Five reports of Roadrunners are more than have been reported in several winters. One was observed along Rte. 5 near Redding (Sue Kaiser) An intensive study of Spotted Owl distribution by the C.F.G. located it at many regular localities in Mann, Somona, and Monterey Cos., but failed to find it in the Santa Cruz Mts.; a gap in its range filled by few records (fide BGE). One was carefully observed at the low elevation of 2300 ft. at the s. extreme of its Sierran range near Springville, Tulare Co. (E. Peterson). Burrowing Owls continue to decrease in e. Alameda Co. (AE) and were absent from the extreme n.w. coast (DE). Snowy Owls were found many places along the coast (see essay above). This may have been a minor invasion year for Long-eared Owls. They were reported from four localities: two, 4 mi. s.e. of Woodland, Yolo Co (RS,AP), two major roosts at Grizzly I. totaled 35 birds (3-5 still present at the end of the period -- RG), a roost of five at Coyote Hills discovered Dec. 15 (SB,VR), and two on Bodega Head Jan. 30 (VR et al.). Short-eared Owls were uncommon throughouthe region. The only concentrations reported were eight birds at Grizzly I Feb. 10 (JM) and eight at the Salinas R. mouth Mar. 21 (LK). Roosting Saw-whet Owls were found at Grizzly I., Feb (RG) in Tilden Park Jan. 21 (fide The Gull) and at Davis in February and March (PB,DQ). Cliffs Park Dec. 26 (AE) and two at L. Shastina in late NIGHTJARS THROUGH WOODPECKERS -- An December (TM) are significant records. Black-legged active Poor-will was flushed in Bidwell Park, Chico Kltttwakes were scarce offshore until Feb. 2 when 230 Feb. 5 (PM) and a torpid bird was found in a Marin Co were seen in Monterey Bay (AB, G.G.A.S.). The major hole in mid-january (fide The Gull). Large concentrapassage occurred in early March when 100+ were seen tions of White-throated Swifts were seen in several 688 American Birds, June 1974

80 locahties during the winter which is normal. Only one Selasphorus hummingbird was reported for midwinter. First arrival dates for Rufous Hummingbirds ranged between Feb. 20 and April 2 with a median date of Mar. 10. Firsts for Allen' s Hummingbirds were much eadter with four January reports and a median date of Feb 3. An ad. 6' Costa's Hummingbird was seen at a feeder near Folsom L. Jan. 20, where it has wintered for several years (DW,TL). The first Black-chinned Hummtngbird was in Chico Apr. 4 and a very early Calliope Hummingbird at Table Mt., Oroville Feb. 10 (GN). A concentration of mixed woodpeckers was found around the n. edge of Big Meadow, Yosemite N. P. Dec. 13: 26 Whtte-headeds, seven Williamson's Sapsuckers, four HalryS, one Red-breasted Sapsucker, and one Pileated (DAG). Six reports of pure "Yellow-shafted" Com. Fhckers and six of conspicuous introgressants were fewer than usual. Lewis' Woodpecker was absent from much of its range, but concentrations were observed in the San Antonio Valley, Santa Clara Co. (AE), several hundred were near Glennville, Kern Co. (RB) and 165 were observed along a 6omi. stretch near Lodoga, Colusa Co. (DA,DW). Up to ten birds wintering in Kneeland (BB,RLeV et al.) and nine e. of Arcata Feb. 24 (RLeV) were first winter records for Humboldt Co. One Bay Area report came from residential Palo Alto during February (TC,BY,RGr). Red-naped Sapsuckers (S v varius), rare winter visitors, were observed near Frmnt, Fresno Co. Jan. 19 (R&KH,JS), Janesville, Lassen Co. Dec. 27 (RS,TM et al.), and in Fresno Jan. 19 (RBH,KH,JS). A Hairy Woodpecker, apparently of one of the northwest races (gairdneri?), was described from Limantour Spit Jan. 2 (AP*,JM). one in Kneeland Mar. 9 (RLeV) and one in Fernbridge Jan. 12 (R.M. Tiperson,fide DE), both Humboldt Co, were north of their known range. Reports of Redbreasted Nuthatches indicate they were common in the Sierras (MK) and the coast range of Humboldt Co (DE). Most lowland observers found them scarce, however they were abundant in the Monterey area (AB). There were four reports of Brown Creepers from C.V. riparian habitat, where they are rare. A Dipper wintered in Tilden Park (JM,VR et al.). House Wrens were found in usual numbers with seven C.V. reports and two coastal reports; six were additionally reported on the Peace Valley CBC Dec. 3 l. Four Winter Wrens were found along the San Joaquin R. near Friant where they are very rare (RBH,KH,JS). Another was found in the Sierras at Calaveras SP Jan. 14 (MK). MIMIDS THROUGH STARLINGS -- A Mockingbird observed at Garberville was the only report from n.w. California (fide DE), but 5-6 pairs were found resident in Ukiah Mar. 16 (OJK). Two truly rare mimtd species were found this season. A Gray Catbird attended a feederin Pebble Beach, Monterey Co. Dec. 28 Feb. 20 and was observed by many of the region's active birders (AB,LCB,VR*) as well as photographed This is the third regional record. Two Brown Thrashers were found: one came to a feede r in Fairfax, Marin Co (RS,VR, m.ob.)* all winter, as it has for several years, and equally surprising is a report from Janesville Dec 27 (RS,PM,TM)*. These are the first regional winter records. A Sage Thrasher was found in a San Jose backyard Nov. 12 (B&CY); another was well described from Chico Mar. 4 (PM*,TM). It is a rare species outside the Basin. Reports throughouthe region indicate it was a good winter for Varied Thrushes, but Hermit Thrushes were consistently reported down in numbers. There were FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- A Tropical Kingbird was well described from Pescadero Marsh Dec 15 (PM*,SFB). First arrivals of W. Kingbirds were concentrated between Mar. 2 l & 30. An unusually northern wintering Black Phoebe was at L. Earl, Del three coastal reports of Mountain Bluebirds Norte Co. Dec. l (DE,TS,SS). The fourth winter record Townsend's Solitaires were common in the American of a Dusky-Hammond's type Ernpidonax flycatcher River Canyon near Auburn Mar. 23 (DW) and one was was seen at Solano L. (DAG) and a W. Flycatcher was at Monticello Dam, Yolo Co. Jan. 9 (Jerry Tangren, found on the Oakland CBC for the fourth consecutive DW) which is rather far south in the coast range. Blueyear Dec. 16 (SB,VR*). A large concentration of gray Gnatcatchers were encountered much more fre- Vtolet-green Swallows wintered at Pescadero Marsh quently this winter particularly in the C.V. Goldenwhere 400 were present Jan. 20 (LCB,Steve Spittier) crowned Kinglets were widespread and common and 200 Tree Swallows were at Suisun Bay Dec. 20 Cedar Waxwings were common as usual in the late (SL). Two winter reports were received for winter months and small groups of Bohemian Wax- Rough-winged Swallow: St. Mary's College, Contra wings were found at 3 localities in the Davis- Costa Co., Dec. 17 (RS et al.) and L. Merced Dec. 5 - Sacramento area (DA,RS). Reports of N. Shrikes out- Jan 2 (BJM). These are the first regional winter rec- side the Basin continue to increase: n.w. coast five, ords. An extremely late Barn Swallow was at West coast s. of Humboldt Co. three, Delta four and C.V Butte Road Nov. 4 (BM) and another was seen near four. This is probably owing to increased scrutiny of Santa Rosa Dec. 19 (LBG); there are few winter rec- shrikes rather than true invasions. Two Loggerhead ords. Migration dates fell typically early from the C.V. Shrikes were found around Humboldt Bay where they wtth one near Los Banos Feb. 9 (AP). Cliff Swallows are rare in winter (DE) and reports from the C.V. indtalso arrived early in the C.V. with 4 reports for Feb- cate. they remained common(ap,bed). Three massive ruary which is normal. Only a few coastal reports were Starling roosts were located: ,000 at the Garcm received, but one was on a nest in Palo Alto Foothills R. mouth (OJK), 14,000-18,000 at Friant (RBH,KH,JS) Park March ll-13 (TC). and 12,000 in Eureka (JS,TS). CORVIDS THROUGH WRENS -- An unidentified magpie was observed along the New River, Trinity Co. (RLeV). Two reports of White-breasted Nuthatches, VIREOS, WARBLERS -- The first Trinity Co Hutton's Vireo was found in Lewiston in December (DAfideBK1). A Solitary Vireo was in Pacific Grove Volume 28, Number 3 689

81 Dec. 23 (AB) and a Warbling Vireo, for which there is only one previous winter record, was well described for the Oakland CBC Dec. 17 (Janice Southworth*). This was a fairly good year for wintering warblers. A (fide DE). Pine Siskins were reported in normal to good numbers except along the Marin and Sonoma coasts where they were scame (BGE). Red Crossbill numbers were down along the n.w. coast (DE), but were high in 9 Black-and-White Warbler was at Olema Marsh Dec. the Monterey area (AB) and fourteen were seen near 10 (RS,GM).A good number of reports was received for Orange-crowned Warbler except on the north coast where only one was reported. There were two winterlng Nashville Warblers: one in Eureka in December Scott's Valley, Santa Cruz Co. where they are rarely reported (BGE). Lark Buntings appear to be somewhat regular along West Butte Road, Sutter Co. where two were found wintering (RS,T&BM); another was in (TS) and one Jan. 6 near LaFayette Res. (P & D White, Elverta, Sacramento Co. through January fide The Gull).A Yellow Warbler, very rare in the winter, was in Montery Dec. 1 (LJ). Black-throated Gray Warblers were found at Vascona Peak, Santa Clara Co. (J.M.Abbott) Nov. 27, Bodega Head Dec. 2 & 29 (BDP) and s. of Colusa Dec. 31 (PM,GM); several were found around the C.V., at least three from Chico (fide AC) and three from Springville, Tulare Co. (RB). Tow Hermit Warblers were reported from localities (RS,BM,DW). A Grasshopper Sparrow, one of the region's least known birds, was found near Winters, Yolo C. Dec. 7-8 (DAG,DW). A Sharp-tailed Sparrow was found for the fourth consecutive winter near the e end of the Dumbarton Bridge, Alameda Co. Jan. 1 (RS) A concentration of 71 Vesper Sparrows was at Sutter Buttes Dec. 31 (RGr,BM,SB). The first spring record for Sonoma Co. was at Sugarloaf Ridge S.P. Mar 24 around s. Tomales Bay during December (BDP). A Lark Sparrow was at a Eureka feeder during (WMP,RS,RGr). Common Yellowthroats were common in Pescadero Marsh (AP) and Grey Lodge (BED), but were reported scarce in Napa and Solano Cos. (FKB). The only wintering Wilson's Warbler was a male at Patterson Ranch, Alameda Co. Dec. 16 (J&SL,RS,RGr). A Palm Warbler at Ferndale Dec. 30 (DA) was the only report. Amazing was the observation ofa d Parula Warbler at Grey Lodge. It was found Dec. 31 (RS,GM,CIow) and subsequently seen by many until Feb. 20. This is the first winter and C.V. record for this species. December (RLeV) where it is rare. Sixteen reports of "Slate-colored" Dark-eyed Juncos is fewer than usual Four Tree Sparrows were found together with juncos 2 mi. s. of Grey Lodge Dec. 31 (RGr,BM)providing one of the few C.V. records. Five Chipping Sparrows reported on the Peace Valley CBC Dec. 31 were usual, but a flock of up to 35 at Avocado L., Tulare Co (RBH,KH,JS) December- February is quite surprising Two Harris' and 13 White-throated Sparrow reports is far below the average for recent winters. A rusty Fox Sparrow, a rare visitor from the north, was at Inverness BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, TANAGERS -- Indi- during February (WMP,Gerald Brady). Lincoln's vidual Yellow-headed Blackbirds were at Princeton Sparrows were reported scarce by many observers Harbor Jan. 13, Ano Nuevo Pt., Jan. 20 (LCB, et al.), However 79 were reported on the Hayward CBC Dec and a road-killed male was examined near Petaluma 16 mainly from a concentration at Coyote Hills Apr. 1 (BGE). A large concentration of a thousand was found in a massive blackbird flock near Los Banos (AP). All reports of wintering Hooded Orioles came (RS,RGr,J&SL) and over 80 wintered at Munger L, Sacramento (RS,DE). There were two Swamp Sparrow reports. Lapland Longspurs, rarely found wintenng from the C.V.: a female in Fresno Jan. 11 and two Mar. outside the Basin, were at the Eel R. mouth Jan. 27 and 2 (RBH,KH,JS), one in Chico Feb. 4 (LT) an adult 17 were in the Arcata Bottoms Mar. 5 & Apr 2 male, two females and an imm. male wintered in Porterville, Tulare Co. (RB), and one in Eureka Mar. 9 (fide DE). A "Bullock's" N. Oriole was at Patterson Ranch (DE,GF,JG,TS). Snow Buntings were at Honey L Dec. 28 (adult male and immature -- Gary Page,RS,TM et al.) and Feb. 17 (immature-- RS). Dec. 15 (J&SL,RGr) and an adult male was at Grey CORRIGENDA -- The Pacific Grove Rose-breasted Lodge Dec. 31 (RS,GM et al.). Brown-headed Cow- Grosbeak (Am. Birds 27:916, 1973) was June 6-7 not birds (3-6 per flock) were occasionally seen near Arcata July. There was only one W. Grebe chick (Am. Btrds where they are uncommon in the winter (fide DE). 28:981974) and not nine at Tule L. Clarification under Wintering W. Tanagers were found at 6 localities in- Tubenoses (Am. Birds 28:981974):Laysan Albatrosses cluding 3 from the C.V.; a 9 Summer Tanager wintered have been recorded farther south than Pt. Pinos, but in Pacific Grove (AB,RS). these have been farther offshore than 25 miles. Change FINCHES, SPARROWS -- Female Rose-breasted number of Black Storm-Petrels (Am. Birds 28:991974) Grosbeaks were described from two localities: Mines Road, Alameda Co. Jan. 27 (Eugene Makishima*) and near Pilarcitos L., San Mateo Co., Dec. 8 (FN*). Even in 1966 and 1967 to 2-300, not The Black Brant (Am. Birds 28:991974) listed for Grey Lodge was at Tule L. and the date was Oct. 23. Sharp-tailed Sand- more rare was awintering 9 Black-headed Grosbeak in Pacific Grove Jan. 9- Feb. 24 (Stoner Haven,fide AB). Evening Grosbeaks were widely reported but in numbers only a shadow of last winter' s invasion. Reports on Purple Finch abundance showed no clear pattern with reports of local abundances from Lafayette (LF), Davis and nearby foothills (DW,TL) and decreases from Fresno (RBH,KH,JS), Arcata (DE,TS) and Oroville (GN). A d Cassin's Finch, always rare near the coast, was in Canyon, Contra Costa Co. Dec. 16 (RS et al.*) and four were observed in Garberville Nov Jan. 6 piper (Am. Birds 28:101, 1974) was the second and not the first inland record. Initials for Black-and-white Warbler (Am. Birds 28:104, 1974) in San Francisco should be JM and not DR. In list of contributors (Am Birds 28:106, 1974) Larry Kafka should be Lenny Kafka. ADDENDA -- Ground Dove (Am. Birds , 1974) on Sept. 29 at Pt. Pinos for the first N. California record (DDeS). Add to list of contributors (Am. Btrds 28:106, 1974) Kimball Garrett and Steve Summers 690 American Birds, June 1974

82 CONTRIBUTORS -- Dave Anderson, William Anderson, Maurine Armour (MaA),Stephen F. Bailey, Alan Baldrige, Robert Barnes, Bob Behrstock, Frank K. Beyer, Laurence C. Binford, George Bing (GB), Gordon. L. Bolander (GLB), Ned R. Boyajian, Peter Brown, Sadie Brown, California Department of Fish & Game (CFG), Ted & Zoe Chandik, Alan Craig, Valeria DaCosta, Bruce E. Deuel, Art Edwards, Bruce G. Elliott, Dick Erickson, Lynn Farrar, Gary Friedrichsen, David A. Gaines, Kim Garrett, Ron Gerstenberg (RGe), Robert Gill, Golden Gate Audubon Society, L.W.Gralapp, Russell Greenberg (RGr), Joe & Patty Greenberg (J&PG), Joel Greenberg (JG), Robert B. Hansen, Keith Hansen, Lee Jones, Lenny Kafka, Margaret Keith, Barb Klasson (BKI), Oliver J. Kolkmann, Steven Laymort, Ron LeValley, Tom Love, John & Susanne Luther, Bill Manolis, Georgianne Manolis, Tim Manoils, Marie Mans, Brian J. McCafiery, Guy McCaskie, Whitney Mcloud, Peter Metropulos, Joseph Morlan, Fran Nelson, Gary Nielsen, Ohlone Audubon Society, Benjamin D. Parmeter, Alan Pistorius, William M. Pursell, Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Van Remsen, Jean Richmond, Don Roberson, Elsie Roemer, Barry Sauppe, Don Schmoldt, Tom Schulenberg, Doris M. Shanks, John Silva, Rich Stallcup, Otis D. Swisher, Steve Summers, Lynn Thomas, John & Ricky Warriner, Roger Wilmarth (RWi), Dave Winkler, Bob & Carol Yutzy -- RICH STALLCUP, th Ave. Sacramento, California and Russell GREENBERG 2637 Monte Vista El Cerrito, California, SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST REGION / Guy McCaskie The scarcity of gasoline this winter curtailed the activities of many birders who would normally have been far afield on weekends exploring areas such as the Colorado River Valley, the Salton Sea, and the vast expanse of desert east of the Coastal Range. Consequently less information than normal was available from areas outside the main metropolitan centers. The only species appearing more numerous than usual were Rough-legged Hawks and Varied Thrushes. On the other hand many species such as Red-breasted Nuthatches, Purple Finches, and Fox Sparrows appeared to be scarcer than normal. The Region received its share of unusual birds including a species new to California -- a Rufous-backed Robin. LOONS, GREBES -- Inland reports of Com. Loons included 1-2 in the Owens Valley all winter, and one on L. Mathews, Riverside Co. Feb. 17; small numbers occur regularly on large inland bodies of water. An Arctic Loon found dead in Whittier, ga. Co. Nov. 3 (DH), and another seen on L. Sherwood, Ventura Co. Jan. 8 (GSS), along with a Red-throated Loon in Whittier Jan (DWF et al.), were exceptional since both species are virtually unrecorded away from the coast. A Red-necked Grebe at Malibu, ga. Co. Dec. 14 was the only one reported. Single Horned Grebes were found inland, where they are rare, on L. Havasu on the Colorado R., Dec. 27 and in Colton, San Bernardino Co. Mar. 22. FULMARS -- The anticipated influx of N. Fulmars failed to materialize, however, small numbers were present offshore all winter with a few noted from shore in December. HERONS, SPOONBILLS -- A Little Blue Heron was present at Bolsa Chica, Orange Co. most of the winter, definitely Dec Feb. 9 (GAA,JD). A few Cattle Egrets evidently wintered along the coast since 30 individuals were reported between Goleta, Santa Barbara Co. and Imperial Beach, San Diego Co. during the period; large numbers were around the south end of the Salton Sea (hereafter S.E.S.S.) where they are now permanent residents, and 120 were noted at Winterhaven, Imperial Co. Feb. 1. The Reddish Egret that appeared in Imperial Beach Oct. 6 (Am. Birds 28:107) was still present on Mar. 31. A single Louisiana Heron was at Seal Beach, Orange Co. Dec. l0 - Feb. 7, another was at Bolsa Chica Jan Feb. 9, and four were around Imperial Beach all winter; small numbers regularly winter along this section of the coast. A lone Roseate Spoonbill at Palo Verde on the Colorado R. Dec. I - Mar. 21 (JHS) was a straggler from last summer's influx, and represents the first winter record for California. SWANS, GEESE, DUCKS -- Up to 39 Whistling Swans near Big Pine in the Ownes Valley all winter were the only ones reported. The Brant at Malibu (Am. Birds 28:107) remained until at least Jan. 8 (GSS), and another was present on San Diego Bay Jan Mar. 28 (JMA,JL et al.). Two Black Brant at S.E.S.S. Feb. 24 were unusual for that time of the year. Two or three "Blue" Geese remained with the Snow Geese at S.E.S.S. through February as usual. Most unusual was the presence of three Black-be!lied Tree Ducks near Bakersfield, Kern Co. Nov. 19 (WLG); three were present at S.E.S.S earlier in the fall (Am. Birds' 28:107) and it is possible the same birds are involved in this sighting. Thirty Fulvous Tree Ducks at Winterhaven Feb. 13 and 40 at S.E.S.S. Feb. 19 were Volume 28, Number 3 691

83 unexpected since it is considered casual in California dunng the winter. A Eur. Green-winged Teal was seen w th Green-winged Teal at L. Sherwood Jan. 8 - Feb. 2 (GSS & RS) where one has been found each winter since , and another was studied near La Costa, San Diego Co. Dec. 12 (SS); this form is found regularly along the California coast each winter in small numbers. Am imm. d Baikal Teal was shot near Riverside, Riverside Co. Jan. 12 (EAC, * to S.B.C.M.); the previous record for Califbrnia has been treated as a possible escapee (A.O.U. Check-list); however, individuals do get into Alaska, and one has been shot in British Columbia, lending credulity to the belief that species may reach California as a genuine straggler. More than a dozen Blue-winged Teal were reported along the coast dunng the period as well as one at S.E.S.S. Feb. 16. The only Eur. Wigeon reported were single males in Whittier Mar. 1, on Upper Newport Bay, Orange Co. Dec. 1, and near Oceanside, San Diego Co. Feb A d Tufted Duck on L. Sherwood Dec Feb. 2 (GSS & RS) must have been the same individual present there last winter (Am. Birds 27:662). Single Oldsquaws, rare n S. California, were noted on Morro Bay, San Luis Ob spo Co. Mar. 30 and at Huntington Beach, Orange Co Dec. 1 - Feb. 9, and three were on San Diego Bay dunng December and January. A d Harlequin Duck at Playa del Rey, L.A. Co. Jan. 5 - Mar. 31 (HB et al.) was south of its normal range. The King Eider at Malibu (Am. Birds 28:107) was last seen on Jan. 28 (GSS). A White-winged Scoter was seen inland on the Salton Sea Dec. 16 (EAC & SC) and a Surf Scoter was seen there Feb. 17; both species are rare away from the coast but noted with some regularity on the Salton Sea. Black Scoters remained fairy numerous through February along the coast with up to four individuals at numerous points from Goleta to Imperial Beach. Up to five Hooded Mergansers, scarce in S. California, were in Whittier Dec Jan. 2, one was on L. Sherwood Dec. 30 and another spenthe winter in Colton, San Bernardino Co. A flock of 70 Corn. Mergansers near Coachella, Riverside Co. Feb. 15 was a large number for the area. HAWKS --An ad. Goshawk in San Pedro, L.A. Co. Jan Feb. 11 (SW et al.) was felt to be wild by some, however, there was no flight last fall and this individual was frequenting a residential area. A Red-shouldered Hawk in Big Pine, Inyo Co. Mar. 16, and another at the north end of the Salton Sea (hereafter N.E.S.S.) Dec. 19 were both outside their normal range. An imm. Broad-winged Hawk was seen in Chatsworth, L.A. Co. Jan. 27 (HK); one ortwo are recorded in the Region just about every winter now. A typical Swainson's Itawk was carefully studied in Bard, Imperial Co. Jan. 5 (GMcC, JD, SS); there is no documented winter record for California, but all three observers know the bird well. A number of Rough-legged Hawks reached the Region as indicated by reports of over 25 individuals from as far south as San Luis Rey and Escondido in San D ego Co. and near Brock Ranch in Imperial County. Ferruginous Hawks were scattered throughouthe Region with some 30 individuals reported Dec. 1 - Mar. 4. At least 14 Bald Eagles (11 imm. & 3 ad.) were found in the Region, with five (4 imm. & 1 ad.) at L. Mathews, Riverside Co. being.the only concentration; numbers reaching S. California appear to decline each winter A few Ospreys wintered in the Region as is evident from the ten or so individuals included in contributors' reports; most were from along the coast with the rest being noted at large inland bodies ofwaterin extreme S California. Prairie Falcons continue to hold their own n suitable habitat, with a few still reaching the coast Eight Peregrine Falcons were reported with three on Santa Rosa I. Dec , two at Pt. Mugu, Ventura Co Feb. 2 and single birds at Goleta Jan. 5, on Anacapa I Feb. 17, and at Newport Bay Mar. 22. Only eight Merlins were reported during the period; the species used to be much more numerous ten years ago. CRANES, SHOREBIRDS -- A flock of 61 Sandhill Cranes near Brawley, Imperial Co. Feb. 8 were the only ones noted away from the Carrizo Plain where a large concentration regularly winters. A Black Oystercatcher at Playa del Rey Dec. 9 was away from area of normal occurrence. A Piping Plover returned for the fourth consecutive winter to Goleta, being present Dec 16 - Mar. 3 (JA et al.), and the bird at Malibu (Am. Btrds 28:107) was still present Mar. 29; a careful search along our beaches may reveal a small but regular wintenng population on the West Coast. Mountain Plovers stdl occur in good numbers with flocks regularly wintenng along the w. edge of the San Joaquin Valley, in w Riverside Co., in the coastal plains of Orange and San Diego Cos., as well as in the Imperial Valley; one near Blyth, Riverside Co. Feb. 16 was in an area from wtuch few records exist. Two Am. Golden Plover at Playa del Rey Mar. 9 and another in San Diego Dec. 1 - Jan 15 were all of the racefulva, and were the only individuals reported this winter. A Wandering Tattler at Westlake, Ventura Co. Mar. 3 (HK) was exceptional since the species is accidental away from the coast. A Sanderhng at Salton City on thew. shore of the Salton Sea Feb 17 gives us another winter record for this inland locality A Red Phalarope at Imperial Beach Jan. 27 was the latest after a few appeared along the coast in December As usual a flock ofn. Phalaropes spent the winter at Imperial Beach with over 50 counted there Jan. 27. JAEGERS, GULLS, TERNS, SKIMMERS -- A few Pomafine Jaegers were noted offshore as is normal, and one was present on San Diego Bay Feb Mar 2 At least seven Parasitic Jaegers were reported seen from shore in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Orange Cos. during the winter; much is still to be learned about jaeger status and distribution along the Calfornia coast but this editor is of the opinion the Pomafine is the normally occurring jaeger in winter. A Glaucous Gull was seen at Goleta Mar. 4 (TNM), one was studied at the Santa Clara R. mouth Jan. 31 (GSS), and a third was in San Pedro Dec Feb. 15 (GSS, JD et al.); th s species apparently reaches as far south as S. Califorma each winter. A Glaucous-winged Gull in Riverside Dec 2, and another near Brawley Dec. 7, were the only two found away from the immediate vicinity of the coast An imm. Mew Gull, quite rare away from the coast, was studied in a flooded field near Calipatfia, Imperial Co Jan. 26 (GMcV). Black-legged Kittiwakes were qmte numerous offshore throughouthe winter, and impres- 692 American B rds, June 1974

84 slve numbers were at some coastal localities such as King Harbor, L.A. Co. (30 Dec. 11) and Los Angeles Harbor (80 Mar. 16). As usual a few Com. Terns lingered along the coast until mid-december, and all appeared to have departed by Jan. 1, as would be expected; however, an immature on San Diego Bay Mar. 24 was most likely a wintering b rd. The Black Skimmer on San Diego Bay (Am. Birds ) remained until at least Mar. 2 (GMcC,JD) to establish the first winter record in California. DOVES, OWLS, SWIFTS, HUMMINGBIRDS -- Agmn a few White-winged Doves spent the winter at Agua Caliente Springs in e. San Diego Co. and an out-of-range bird was seen in Venice, L.A. Co. Dec. 15. Ground Dove numbers continue to increase in the Valley Center/Puma Valley area of San Diego Co., an area recently colonized by this species. Records of Longeared Owls, a species for which much is still to be learned of its distribution, included two in Apple Valley, San Bernardino Co. in early January, two near Hemet, Riverside Co. during January, one at Cottonwood Springs, Riverside Co. Mar. 27, two near San Diego Mar. 10, and one at Laguna Dam, Imperial Co. Dec. 17. Short-eared Owls were virtually nonexistent throughout the Region, for only four individuals were reported. A Saw-whet Owl found dead at Cottonwood Spnngs Jan. 29 was at an isolated clump of trees on the Colorado Desert, a rather unusual 1ocalilty. Six Vaux's Swifts were seen over Beverly Hills, L.A. Co. Jan. 11 (JT), and a flock of about 30 was seen near Oceanside Jan 26; it is beginning to appear that a few ofthese birds winter in California. A Rufous Hummingbird in Valley Center Jan. 27 and an Allen's Hummingbird in San Diego Jan. 20 were the first spring migrants noted; elsewhere one or two wintering Rufous Hummingbirds were seen in December and January, and resident Allen's Hummingbirds were present in Santa Barbara on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. WOODPECKERS -- At least seven Corn. Flickers showing the characteristics of the eastern form auratus were reported including one near Parker Dam on the Colorado R. Mar. 17. Lewis' Woodpeckers were scarce this winter, however one reached as far south as L. Henshaw, San Deigo Co. Feb. 26. Again Williamson's Sapsuckers were found in the mountains of San Diego Co, where they were unknown prior to 1965, with a female seen on Cuyamaca Mt. Feb. 3 (JD). FLYCATCHERS, SWALLOWS -- A Tropical Kingbird was present in Santa Barbara Jan Mar. 30 (AH,JL et el.), and another was seen near Imperial Beach Mar. 2 (JD, GMcC); this species is very rare in California during the winter. An E. Phoebe, a rare straggler from eastward, was in Tuna Canyon, L.A. Co. Mar (SWo, GSS, HK), and another was found at Mesa Grande, San Diego Co. Feb. 26 (AF). The only Gray Flycatcher seen along the coast was one in San Diego Feb. 17, however, four were found near Needles, San Bernardino Co. Dec indicating the species may be more numerous along the Colorado R. in winter than elsewhere in California. Three W. Flycatchers were seen around San Diego during the winter with one on Dec. 2, another Jan Feb. 18 and the other on Feb. 10, an additional bird was seen near Needles Dec 27-28; this species is proving to winter in limited numbers. A Coue's Flycatcher in San Diego Jan Mar 25 (GMcC, JD et al.) represents the seventh record for California and it is interesting to note that four of the other records were of wintering birds. A few Vermilion Flycatchers wintered along the s. coast as is normal, with one at Pt. Mugu Nov. 3 - Mar. 14 being the farthest north; in addition a few were around the Imperial Valley, and one or two were present at Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley. Interesting swallow records included the presence of at least two Bank Swallows around Imperial Dam on the Colorado River on Feb 16, numerous Rough-winged Swallows throughout the s e comer of the Region from mid-december on, one or two Barn Swallows along the coast in January and February and Cliff Swallows returning as early as mid-february along the Colorado R. CORVIDS -- A Steller's Jay in Whitewater Canyon, Riverside Co. Jan. 11 and another in Garden Grove, Orange Co. Mar. 15 were both in lowland 1ocaht es where they are unusual. Up to 13 Corn. Crows remained around the S.E.S.S. all winter, a recently established wintering area. A Clark's Nutcracker in the Cuyamaca Mts. Feb. 3 was the only out-of-range bird of this species reported. THRASHERS, THRUSHES, SHRIKES -- A Bendire's Thrasher first noted near Imperial Beach on Nov. 8 (Am. Birds 28:109) was still present Jan. 31 but not found thereafter, and another was seen near Bard, Imperial Co. Feb. 1 (RS); the species is very rare anywhere in California during the winter. A lone Curvebilled Thrasher was found near Bard Dec. 28 (AS), and this, or another individual, was present in Bard Feb 16 through Mar. 9 (JD, EAC et al.); the species is a casual straggler to the Colorado R. Valley. ALe Conte's Thrasher near Bishop, Inyo Co. Feb. 24 (SGF) was at the northern limit of its range. A Sage Thrasher at Oxnard, Ventura Co. Mar. 26 and another on Pt. Loma, San Diego Co. Dec. 14 were the only two reported from along the coast. The first Rufous-backed Robin to be identified in California was discovered at Imperial Dam on the Colorado R. Dec. 17 (Ken Kaufman, S & SL) and was still present Apr. 6, having been seen by virtually all the active birders in the state (photo to S.D.N.H.M.). Varied Thrushes were present in fair numbers throughout the winter, being most numerous in the northern coastal counties, but pushing as far south as San Diego where at least eight individuals were found. A N. Shrike near Big Pine in the Owens Valley was probably at the s. end of its normal winter-range VIREOS, WARBLERS -- At least six Solitary V reos were reported with one in Riverside Dec. 12 (JA), two near San Diego Dec Jan. 3 (DR), one in San Diego Jan Mar. 16 (JD et el.), one at Brock Ranch Feb. 16 (GMcC) and one near Imperial Dam Jan 31 (RS); the one in San Diego was definitely cassinii, the normal occurring race in California, but the one at Brock Ranch was plumbeus, a scarce form here A Black-and-white Warbler was near San Diego Dec 20 - Mar. 27 (JWD,JD), and another was at Lagtma Dam on the Colorado R. Dec Jan. 28 (S & SL); a casual Volume 28, Number 3 693

85 wintering species in California. A Tennessee Warbler a! Brock Ranch Jan. 8 (LJ) was most unusual. The only Nashville Warbler reported was one in Los Angeles Dec 29, and this cotfid well have been a late fall migrant A Northern Parula was collected near Needles Dec 28 (EAC,SC; * to S.B.C.M.), providing one of the few winter records for California. A Yellow Warblel near Imperial Beach Dec was the only one on the coast, but 2-3 were noted around the S.E.S.S. where they winter regularly, and single birds were seen along the Colorado R. at Earp (Mar. 17) and around Imperial Dam (Jan. 31 and Mar. 9). Six Black-throated Gray Warblers were reported, but three were in Decembel and could have been late fall migrants; one was in Goleta all winter, one was seen in Puma Valley, San Diego Co. Mar. 10, and another was at Brock Ranch Feb 16. A Palm Warbler near Otay, San Diego Co. Dec 21 - Feb. 18 (DR, JD et al.) was clearly of the normally occurring race palmarum, however, anothel accompanying it on Dec. 21 appeared to be hypochrysea (DR et al.), an exceptionally rare stragglei to California. A N. Waterthrush, a very scarce wintering bird in California, was near San Diego Dec Mar 15 (JWD,JD), and another was near Imperial Beach Dec. 2 through Feb. 18 (GMcC,JD). A Yellowbreasted Chat near Imperial Beach Dec. 2 (GMcC, JD) was suspected to be wintering locally since virtually all normally have gone from the state by the end of September. A few Wilson's Warblers wintered along the coast with one seen at Pt. Mugu Feb. 2 and at least six around San Diego December through February. ORIOLES, BLACKBIRDS, TANAGERS -- A 6 Orchard Oriole present at a feeder in Santa Barbara since Sept. 15 (Am. Birds 28:110) remained until Jan. 313 (TNM) and an immature 6 was seen near Imperial Dam on the Colorado R. Feb (GSS); the species is scarce in California. The only wintering Hooded Orioles reported were three around Santa Barbara. A Scott's Oriole in Riverside Jan. 10 (EAC, SC) was mteresting because very few are reported in winter. As usual a few N. Orioles, by far the more common oriole m winter, were reported with at least two around Santa Barbara, five in the Los Angeles area and three in San Diego. Unprecedented was the finding of two Rust> Blackbirds near Solvang, Santa Barbara Co. Jan (JAet al.); only a handful of records exist for the coastal areas of California and only one of those was of a wintering bird. Great-tailed Grackles continue to spread along the Colorado R. with over 25 at Blyth Feb. 9 and 10 or so at Havasu Landing Dec. 27; one at Rammer L. on Mar. 26 was the only report for the Imperial Valley. A W. Tanager in Santa Barbara Mar. 20, 4-5 in Riverside Dec. 12, and at least four around San Diego all winter were the only ones reported; a few regularly winter, especially in areas supporting eucalyptus trees that flower in the winter months. A q? Hepatic Tanager was carefully identified at Imperial Dam Dec. 19 and another was seen at Agua Caliente Spnngs Mar. 9 (JD,SS); this species is very rare in winter. The only Summer Tanagers reported were two in San Diego Jan Mar. 1; the species no doubt occurs in S. California every winter, but numbers are always very small. FINCHES, SPARROWS, LONGSPURS --A Cardinal was seen in Earp on the Colorado R. Mar. 24, the only area in California where the species occurs naturally; however, recent reports have been few and far between. A q? Rose-breasted Grosbeak was at Yorba Linda, Orange Co. Dec Jan. 13 (BVW, photo to S.D.N.H.M.), and a male was present in San Diego Jan Mar. 15 (JD et al.). A? Black-headed Grosbeak was seen in Santa Barbara Dec. 10 (TNM), another was in San Diego all winter, and a 6 was there Jan Mar. 1 (GMcC,JD). Both species of grosbeak are rare in California during the winter but it is interesting to note that the eastern species is as common as the western one at that time of the year. Evening Grosbeaks were reported only from the San Bernardino Mts where they were quite common with as many as 300 together (Running Springs Mar. 1-30). A flock of about 20 Red Crossbills remained on the Palos Verdes Pen. all winter, but away from there three in Santa Barbara Mar. 31, one at Simi Valley, Ventura Co. Dec. 8 and eight in San Diego Mar. 30, were the only others reported. A few Green-tailed Towhees spent the winter along the s. coast, but one near Tecopa, Inyo Co. Jan. 31 and another near Cima, San Bernardino Co. were some- what unusual. Dark-eyed Juncos appeared scarcer than usual throughout the Region and consequently only nine individuals of the eastern "Slate-colored" forms were reported. In addition a Gray-headed Junco in Fullerton, L.A. Co. Feb. 5, and two at Brock Ranch all winter were the only individuals reported. A Blackchinned Sparrow, very rare in California during the winter, was studied in Riverside Mar. 3 (EAC,SC). In contrast to last winter Harris' Sparrows were exceptionally scarce with one in Big Pine Jan. 2 - Mar. 31 and another in Colton Dec Mar. 15 being the only two reported. White-throated Sparrow numbers were about normal with five reported along the coast, one in the Owens Valley, and two along the lower Colorado R Four Lapland Longspurs on San Nicholas I. Feb. 9 (L J) were the only longspurs found. CORRIGENDA -- In Am. Birds 28:110 (Southern Pacific Coast Region) reference A Bay-breasted Warbler should read -- A Bay-breasted Warbler was on Pt Loma (JD et al.) Sept. 16, and another was near Otay Sept: 29 (GMcC et al.),..." CONTRIBUTORS -- Jackson M. Abbott, Ernest R Abeles, Jon Atwood, Fred Baker, Bruce Broadbooks, Hank Bradkin, Eugene A. Cardiff, Steven Cardiff, John W. DeWitt, Jon Dunn, Dick Erickson, Jim Fairchild, Stanley G. Ford, David W. Foster, Alice Fries, William L. Goodloe, Andrew Hazi, Tom Heindel, Don Hoechlein, Lee Jones, Harry Krueger, Stephen A. Layman, Steven & Susan Liston, Tom Love, John Luther, T Nelson Metcalf, Jesse & Donna Morton, Ed Navajosky, Bill Principe, Don Ramsey, Sylvia J. Ramsey, Van Reinsen, Chuck Sexton, Arnold Small, James H Snowden, Richard Stallcup, G. Shumway Suffel, Ste- ven Summers, Jan Taibel, Don V. Tiller, Shirley Wells, Sandy Wilbur, Sandy Wohlgemuth, Bill Van Wormer Other abbreviations and symbols: SBCM, San Bernardino County Museum; S.D.N.H.M., San Diego Natural History Museum; *, collected specimen. -- GUY McCASKIE, San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, San Diego, California 694 American Birds, June 1974

86 27th Winter Bird-Population Study Edited by Ronald A. Ryder List of Studies State or Hec- Birds per Hrs. Habitat Province tares sq. kin. Obs. cies ¾rs of Study A. Forest Habitats 1. White Birch-Red Maple-Ash Woodlot Maine Upland Beech-Maple Forest Connecticut Upland Oak-Maple Forest, Meadow Connecticut Upland Oak-Maple Forest Connecticut Hemlock-White Pine-Hardwood Connecticut Maturing Upland Red Pine-White Pine New York Black Spruce-Tamarack Bog New York Upland Oak Forest New York Upland Mixed Pine-Spruce-Hardwood New York Mixed Hardwood Forest Maryland Hickory-Oak-Ash Floodplain Forest Maryland Forest Developing After Cultivation Maryland Central Hardwood with Pine District of Columbia 14. Upland Oak-Hickory Hatxlwood Forest Virginia Upland Tulip-tree-Oak Forest Virginia Hardwood-Softwood Forest North Carolina Upland Pitch Pine-White Pine Forest Ontario Climax Maple-Beech Forest Ontario Disturbed Oak-Hickory Forest Ohio Oak-Maple Forest and Forest Edge Illinois Bottomland Oak-Gum-Cypress Forest Mississippi Southern Bottomland Hardwood Forest Louisiana Mixed Pine-Deciduous Forest Louisiana Loess Bluff Forest Louisiana Loblolly Pine Forest Louisiana Ponderosa Pine Forest Colorado Canyon Bottom-Ponderosa Pine Forest California B. Forest Mixed with Other Habitats 28. Floodplain Forest and Cultivated Bottomland New York Mixed Habitat-Deciduous Wooded Stream Valley, Meadow Maryland Mixed Upland Habitat Maryland Mature Deciduous Floodplain Forest Maryland Mixed Upland Habitat District of Columbia 33. Deciduous Woods Ohio Mixed Habitat-Disturbed Bottomland Oklahoma Ponderosa Pine Sedimentary Creekbottom Colorado C. Brush, Grassland and Desert 36. Grassland: Abandoned Airport 37. Grassland: Municipal Airport 38. Mixed Prairie Park 39. Sandhill Prairie 40. Live Oak-Mesquite Brushland 41. Mesquite-Juniper Canyon Bottomland 42. Shortgrass Prairie Indiana Louisiana Nebraska Kansas Texas Texas Colorado Volume 28, Number 3 695

87 43 Conifer-Brush-Grass Plains 44 Foothills Conifer-Brushland Hillside 45 Joshua Tree-Yucca Mohavian Desert 46 Sycamore Coast Live Oak Riparian Woodland 47 Coastal Grassland 48 Creosote Bush Scrub, Colorado Desert 49 Cactus-Ocotillo Colorado Desert 50 Valley Oak Woodland 51 Disturbed Mesa Grassland 52 Deciduous Oak Woodland Colorado Colorado California California California California California California California California l D. Habitats Including Open Water 53 Exposed Cove and Adjacent Ocean 54 Mixed Upland Habitat and Swamp 55 Salt Water Marsh and Coastal Beach 56 Lagoon 57 Coastal Waters-Sandy Beach 58 Undisturbed Coastal Salt Marsh 59 Coastal Marsh Channel 60 Disturbed Coastal Salt Marsh 6l Coastal Waters-Sandy Beach E. Croplands 62 Partially Abandoned Hayfields and Pastures 63 Abandoned Orchards-Old Fields- Tree Rows 64 Corn Stubble, Winter Wheat, Hayfields 65 Abandoned Field 66 Sugarcane Field 67 Hedgerows-Cornfields 68 Irrigated Pastureland, Weed Areas, Tree Rows Maine Connecticut Connecticut Virginia California California California California California Connecticut New York Pennsylvania Maryland Louisiana Saskatchewan Oregon F. Urban HabRa 69 Suburban School Park 70 Forested City Park 7l Urban Residential Area, Vfi 72 City Park 73 City Park 74 City Cemetery 75 Suburban Shopping Center 76 Urban Nature Center Florida Ontario Ontario Ohio Iowa Colorado Colorado California l l G. Unclassified Late Arrivals 77 Mature Poplar Forest 78 Exposed Peninsula and Adjacent Ocean Alberta Newfoundland This year 78 Winter Bird-Population Studies were submitted, an increase of 15, or 24 per cent, over Of this total, 29 were new. This year' s counts came from four provinces, 21 states and the District of Columbia. California lead all the rest with 15 studies, followed by Connecticut, Colorado and Maryland with 7 each, Louisiana and New York with 6, and Ontario with 4. Study manuscripts were received in good order although 52 of the 78 had slips in the spelling, abbreviation, or order of listing of the species -- the most prevalent problems. We are still most interested in studies made in habitats that are normally considered waste or marginal lands, these will be most useful in providing data for such environmental impact studies as may be required if and when such lands are endangered by development. However, if the total number of studies keeps growing, the "Remarks" and other less essential although interesting sections may have to be drastically abbreviated, as they have been in some studies this year. 696 American Birds, June 1974

88 1. WHITE BIRCH - RED MAPLE - ASH WOOD- LOT-- Location: Two miles southeast of Palermo, Mmne, «mile north of State Route 3; Palermo Quadrangle, USGS; 44ø22'31Y'N, '30"W. On the grounds of the Walters Ecological Experimental Station. Continuity: Second year. Size: 6.9 ha = 17.8 acres, u'regular shape (measured with a polar planimeter from a surveyed map of the Station). Description of Area: See AB 27(3):702 (1973). Weather: During the 85-day study period, temperatures ranged from -16 ø to 65 ø F. The mean low and high temperatures for that period were 2 ø and 44 ø, respectively. The mean temperatures during actual observation periods was 29 ø (range 12ø-50ø). Snow depths ranged from 0 to 6 in., averaging 2 in. All weather data were taken weekly, from a weather sub- station on the study area. Coverage: Dec. 18, 29; Jan. 7, 15, 22, 28; Feb. 12, 19, 25; Mar. 5, 12. Total, 11 trips, most between 1200 and 1400, one 900 to 1000, and two 1000 to 1100, averaging 60 minutes each. Count: Black-capped Chickadee 2(27, 11); Ruffed Grouse, +; Hmry Woodpecker, +; Blue Jay, +; Brown Creeper, +, Golden-crowned Kinglet, +. Average Total: 2 birds (28 per sq. km., 11 per 100 acres). Remarks: Total birds seen last year (43) is close to the number observed this w nter (41) on the same number of trips (11). JAMES M KIENZLER, Rm. 122, Nutting Hall, Univ. of Marne, Orono, Maine UPLAND BEECH - MAPLE FOREST--Location: Connecticut; Fairfield County, Greenwich, in the NW part of town and N portion of 280-acre Audubon Center; 41ø06'N, 73ø41'W, Glenville, Conn. Quadrangle, USGS. Continuity: Third consecutive winter census. Size: 8.09 ha = 20 acres (rectangular, surveyed). Description of Area: See AB 25: (1971). Weather: averages are shown in parenthesis. Average temperatures: Jan., 31.4øF. (28.1ø); Feb., 29.4 ø (30.8ø). Precipitation (inches): Jan., 4.31 (2.78); Feb., 2 23 (3.41); and 8.16 inches of snow fell in Jan. and Feb. respectively. The ground was snow covered on most visits. (Weather information from weather station at Stamford Museum, 6.5 miles east.) Coverage: Jan. 5, 9, 13, 27; Feb. 9, 16 (twice), 20; Mar. 6. Total, 9 trips averaging 62 minutes each, between 1100 and 1800 hours (EDST). Count: Com. Crow, 2 (25, 10); Blackcapped Chickadee, 2 (25, 10); White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 (25, 10); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (12, 5); Tufted Titmouse, 1 (12, 5); Am. Goldfinch, 1 (12, 5); Red-tailed Hawk, +; Great Horned Owl, +; Pileated Woodpecker, +; Hairy Woodpecker, +; Blue Jay, +; Golden-crowned Kinglet, +: Average Total: 9 birds (111 per sq. km., 45 per 100 acres). Remarks: Changes from last year's average of 11 were Blue Jay, chickadee, and Tree Sparrow (- 1) each and crow(+l). The habitat has remained virtually unchanged over the 3 winter studies which is reflected in the relatively con- sistent population of birds on this plot. The area was also frequented by White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus vtrginianus), and Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).--thomas BURKE, WM. BOLTON COOK, CURTIS SMITH and GARY PALMER, (cornptler) P.O. Box 1263, Greenwich, Conn (Members of Mianus Naturalists of Greenwich Audubon Society). 3. UPLAND OAK - MAPLE FOREST, SECOND GROWTH, MEADOW AND EDGE.--Location: Fretfield County, Greenwich, in the NW part of town and the SE portion of 280-acre Audubon Center; 41ø06'N, 73ø41'W, Glenville, Conn. Quadrangle, USGS Continuity: Fourth consecutive winter census. Size 8.09 ha = 20 acres (rectangular, surveyed). Description of Area: See AFN 23: (1969). Weather averages are shown in parenthesis. Average temperatures: Jan., 31.4øF.(28.1ø); Feb., 29.4ø(308 ø) Precipitation (inches); Jan., 4.31 (2.78); Feb., 2 23 (3.41); and 8.16 inches of snow fell in Jan. and Feb. respectively. The ground was snow covered on most of the visits. (Weather information from weather station at Stamford Museum, 6.5 miles east.) Coverage Jan. 5, 13, 18, 20, 27, 31: Feb. 9, 16 (twice). Total; 9trips averaging 60 minutes each, between 1000 and 1800 hours (EDST). Count: Black-capped Chickadee, 5 (62, 25); Am. Robin, 2 (25, 10); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (12, 5); Blue Jay, 1 (12, 5); Corn. Crow, 1 (12, 5); Tufted Titmouse, 1 (12, 5); White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (12, 5), Hermit Thrush, 1 (12, 5); Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1 (12, 5); Cardinal, 1 (12, 5); Am. Goldfinch, 1 (12, 5), Ruffed Grouse, +; Pileated Woodpecker, +; Hmry Woodpecker, +;Brown Creeper, +;Winter Wren, +, Gray Catbird, +; White-throated Sparrow, +. Average Total: 16 birds (198 per sq. kin., 80 per 100 acres) Remarks: Last year's average was 19 birds. Increases were Am. Robin (+2), Hermit Thrush, kinglet, Cardinal and Am. Goldfinch (+ 1) each. Declines were crow and chickadee (-3) each, grouse (-2) and Dark-eyed Junco (-1). The area was also frequented by Whitetailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Eastern Cotton- tail (Sylvilagus floridanus) and Eastern Gray Sqmrrel (Sciurus carolinensis).--thomas BURKE, CURTIS SMITH, GARY PALMER, (compiler), P.O. Box 1263, Greenwich Conn (Member of Mianus Naturalists of Greenwich Audubon Society). 4. UPLAND OAK-MAPLE FORESTS Location Western slope of Coye Hill, 1.7 mi. east-southeast Union, Tolland County, Connecticut; Westford Quandrangle USGS. Continuity: New. Size: 10 ha = 24 7 acres (rectangular, 400 x 250 m., measured with com- pass and tape). Description of Area: The study area s located in Yale Forest along a series of ridges runrang N-S and is composed of mixed upland hardwoods w th intermittent hemlock. Vegetation: Trees 3-in. in diameter and over, based on five 0.1 acre circular samples, 268 trees/acre; total basal area, sq. ft./acre Species comprising 90% of total number of trees (figures after each give no. of trees/acre, relative density (%), relative dominance (%), frequency (%), in that order): Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) 78, 28, 52, 100; Red Maple (Acer rubrum) 86, 31, 16, 100; Black Birch (Betula lenta) 24, 9, 4, 60; Yellow Birch(Betula alleghaniensis) 18, 6, 6, 20; Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) 10,4, 9, 60; Dead Trees 8, 6, 3, 60; Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) 14, 5, 2, 60; White B rch (Betula papyrifera) 4, 1, 2, 40; White Ash (Fraxmus americana) 16, 6, 2, 40; White Oak (Quercus alba) 4, 1, 1, 40. Trees by diameter size class (figures after each class give trees/acre, relative density (%), basal area/acre, relative dominance (%)): A(3-6 in.) 136, 49,13.6,11; B(6-9 in.) 62, 21, 18.6, 16; C(9-15 in.) 60, 21, Volume 28, Number 3 697

89 48, 42; D(15-21 in.) 18, 8, 30.0, 26; E(21-27 in.) 2, 1, 6.2, 5 The sparse shrub layer is composed of saplings of Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana), Black Birch, Red Maple, and Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia). Ground Cover, 20%. Canopy, 80%. Height, 60 ft. Topography: Elevation, 900 ft. West-northwest slope, gently sloping through center of plot, steeper in western portion. Edge: Similar forest type with increasing hemlock and White Pine down slope from the plot. Water: Two small brooks present, one appears to flow all year. Weather: Average temperature during census 22. IøF., varying from 9 to 39 ø (measured on plot). Ground was ice- or snow-covered on 80% of counts. Coverage: Dec. 19, Jan. 5, 13, 17, 20, 29g Feb. 9, 14, 17, 26. Total, 10 trips between 0850 and 1430, averaging 116 min. Count: Black-capped Chickadee, 4 (40, 16); Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (10, 4); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (10, 4); White-breasted Nuthatch, I (10, 4); Brown Creeper, I (10, 4)g Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1 (10, 4) Ruffed Grouse, +. Average Total: 9 birds (90 per sq. km., 36 per 100 acres). Remarks: Newly-made Pileated Woodpecker workings were found, providing continuing evidence of the bird's presence, but it was not seen or heard during the census period. See Study No. 5 for same area but different habitat. I wish to thank Dr. George A. Clark, Jr. for his advice, Professor David Smith and the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies for permission to conduct the study in Yale Forest, and Robert Craig for his asslstance.--joseph L. S UCHECKI, Biological Sciences Group, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn., HEMLOCK- WHITE PINE-HARDWOOD. ---Location: Lower western slope of Walker Mountain, I 8 mi. southeast Union, Tolland County, Connecticut; Westford Quadrangle USGS. Continuity: New. Size: 10 ha = 24.7 acres (rectangular, 400 x 250 m., measured with compass and tape). Description of Area: The study tract is located in Yale Forest along the lower slope of N-S running ridges and is composed of a mixed age stand of Hemlock, White Pine, and intermittent hardwoods. Vegetation: Trees 3-in. in diameter and over based on five 0. I acre circular samples; 236 trees/acre; total basal area, sq. ft./acre. Species comprising 90% of total number of trees (figures after each give number of trees/acre, relative density (%), relative dominance (%), frequency (%), in that order): Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) 92, 39, 49, 100 White Pine (Pinus strobus) 10, 4, 9, 40; Black Birch (Betula lenta) 46, 20, 12, 80; Dead Trees, 8, 3,! 1,60; Red Maple (Acer rubrum) 34, 14, 4, I00; Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) 18, 8, 6, 20g Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) 8, 3, 4, 40 Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) 8, 3, 4, 40. Trees by diameter size class (figures after each class give trees/acre, relative density (%), basal area/acre, relative dominance (%)): A(3-6 in.) 60, 26, 6 0, I 1; B(6-9 in.) 60, 26, 18.0, 10 C(9-15 in.) 82, 34, 65 6, 39 D(15-21 in.) 26, 10, 46.8, 28 E(21-27 in.) 6, 3, 186, 11; F(27-33 in.) 0, 0, 0, 0; G(33-40 in.) 2, 1, 14.2, 8. (Note: The White Pine is situated near the eastern and northern edge of the plot and no sample plot measured the vegetation in the pine-dominated area. I feel the pine to be more important than may be indicated in the above analysis.) Shrub layer composed of saplings of White Pine, Black Birch, and Mountain Laurel (Kalmta latifolia). No shrub layer under the dense hemlock stands comprising the majority of the plot. Ground Cover, 10%. Canopy, 90%. Height 70 ft. Topography Elevation, 750 ft. Western slope, gentle on northern portion but slightly steeper in southern portion. Edge Similar forest type with Bigelow Brook and some wooded swamp 100 m. to east, becoming increasingly deciduous to the west of the plot. Water: three small brooks running east to west, all appear to flow all year Weather: Average temperature during census 20øF varying from 2 to 30 ø (measured on plot). Ground was ice- or snow-covered on 80% of counts. Coverage: Jan 5, 15, 20, 28; Feb. 5, 12, 17, 21, 28. Total, 9 trips between 0840 and 1410, averaging 102 min. Count Black-capped Chickadee, 8 (80, 32); Golden-crowned Kinglet, 5 (50, 20); Downy Woodpecker, 2 (20, 8), Brown Creeper, 2 (20, 8); Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (10, 4); Hairy Woodpecker, +; Winter Wren, +; Evening Grosbeak, +. Average Total:18 birds (180 per sq km., 73 per 100 acres). Remarks: Nearest feeder approx. 1.7 mi. from plot. See Study 4 for same area but different habitat. I wish to thank Dr. George A. Clark, Jr. for his advice, Professor David Smith and the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies for permission to conduct the study in Yale Forest, and Robert Craig for his assistance.--joseph L. SUCHECKI, Biological Sciences Group, Universtty of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn., MATURING UPLAND RED PINE-WHITE PINE PLANTATION.--Location: 2 miles west of Alfred, New York; the plot is part of the State "reforestation area" that lies between Randolph Road and Water Wells Road near the western boundary of the Township of Alfred, Allegany County; 42ø7'30"N, 77ø45'W; Andover Quandrangle, USGS. Continuity: Established ; no count in Size: 15.4 ha = 38 acres, nearly square, measured by tape and compass Description of Area: Described in AFN 24:754 (1970) Weather: Generally milder than an average winter with no major storms. Average highs and lows for December were 35.7 ø and 20.6 ø, for January 35.1 ø and 17.3 ø, for February 31.6 ø and 11.2øF. Precipitation was that of an average winter and sufficient to maintain a continuous snow cover except during the last week of January. The weather on count days was mostly fair with no high winds or excessive precipitation; maximum tempera- tures ranged from 27 ø to 43 ø. (Weather data from the U.S. Cooperative Weather Station at Alfred.) Food The cone crop on the 40-year old pines was very light and the shrubs were bare of fruit. The main food source was the insects on the stems and foliage of the pines and the few dead trunks that exist from thinning operations Coverage: Jan. 14, 21, 28, (two trips), 29; Feb. 15, 27 Total, 7 trips with one or two observers or parties, all between 945 and Total observer or party time averaged 146 minutes per trip. Count: Black-capped Chickadee, 9 (59, 24); Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3 (20, 8); Brown Creeper, 2 (13, 5); Ruffed Grouse, 1 (7, 3), Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (7, 3); Long-eared Owl, +, Downy Woodpecker, +; Blue Jay, +; White-breasted Nuthatch, +. Average Total: 16 birds (104 per sq. km, 698 American Birds, June 1974

90 42 per 100 acres). Remarks: The owl was seen only once. The variation in the number of chickadees (2 to 24) and kinglets (0 to 9) on different trips suggests that their feeding area was probably larger than the confines of the plot. Appreciation is extended to the Allenterm Committee of Alfred University for including this project on the program of the January term.--william H HOWE and CLARENCE W. KLINGENSMITH, Alfred University, AIJ?ed, N.Y BLACK SPRUCE-TAMARACK BOG. --Location: New York; Delaware County, Mud Lake bog, about 2 miles N of Pine Lake on South Hill and about 2 miles E of West Davenport; 42ø29'N, 74ø55'45"W, West Davenport Quadrangle, USGS. Continuity: Established Size: 4.6 ha = 11.3 acres (1.9 acres of central water not included in plot area; elliptical, measured into a square grid of 16 oneacre units by steel tape, and many measured vegetation edge points connected to give the vegetation zone elhpses for a plot on graph paper, from which zonal areas and widths were determined). Description of Area: See AB 26: and 959 (1972). Weather: Trips were made in all kinds of weather. Trip temperatures averaged about 22øF., with snow cover varying from 0 to 10 m, averaging 63A in. All the following weather data from Cooperstown, 12 miles north, were supplied by U. S National Weather Service. Temperatures for Jan. and Feb. ranged from -13 ø to 56 ø with an average of 23 1 ø and total precipitation 2.26 in. (water equivalent). bordered by pastureland and the north by Brown Road Th s is 1.1 ø above normal temperatures for the period and Vandermark Road. One stream, which remained and 0.3 in. below normal precipitation. As compared flowing throughouthe study period, runs east to west w th other years Oct., Nov., Dec. departed by +0.3 ø, across the northern half of the plot. There is another, +0 3 ø, ø and in., in., in. precipismaller stream near the south border of the area and tation. Coverage: Jan. 10, 17, 24, 25, 31; Feb. 2, 9, 16, other areas of standing water. Elevation of the northern 23, 24. Total, 10 trips, mostly midday hours, averaging part is approximately 1950 ft. sloping upwards to observer minutes each. The method used was that ft. near the southern boundary. There are six diffenng described in the 1973 winter count of this plot. Count: zones in the study area. Zone 1 (approximately 6 acres) Th s is given first for the 11.3 acre plot. The second a plantation of White Pine (50%) and Norway Spruce number, in brackets, is the average per trip per 100 (40%), with some Black Locust and Red Maple, planted acres using the same average per trip count as before in 1935, with average height of trees about ft but using only the actual forage area- i.e., shrub (II) and Zone 2 (approx. 9 acres): this section, planted in 1931, tree (III) zones (8.7 acres). Black-capped Chickadee, 6 consists of 50% White Pine and 45% Norway Spruce (131, 53) [69]; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 4 (87, 35) [46]; The remainder is made up of isolated Black Cherry and White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (22, 9) [12]; Downy Wood- Black Locust. Average canopy height is approximately pecker, +; Blue Jay, +; Brown Creeper, +. Average 45 ft; ground cover is snow-covered pine needles w th Total: 11 birds (239 per sq. km., 97 [127] per 100 an occasional Marginal Wood Fern. Zone 3 (approx 6 acres).--j. ROBERT MILLER, Dept. of Chemistry, acres): two hardwood areas: one on the southwestern LOUIS FARLEY, III and JAMES D. PARSONS, JR., comer with the most abundant trees being Beech, Hartwick College, Oneonta, N.Y Sugar Maple, Black Cherry and Elm; the other along 8. UPLAND OAK FOREST-- Location: New York; Delaware County, about 15 miles N of Pine Lake on South Hill and about 2 miles E of West Davenport; 42028'3 "N, ' 15"W, West Davenport Quadrangle, USGS. Continuity: Established Size: 11.8 ha = acres (nearly square, essentially 6 x 5 units of 208 ft. edge - i.e., measured into a grid of 1-acre units, measured with steel tape). Description of Area: SeeAB 26' and 941 (1972). Weather: Trips were made n all kinds of weather. Trip temperatures averaged about 22øF., with snow cover varying from 0 to 10 in., averaging 5[5 in. All the following weather data from Cooperstown, 12 miles north, were supplied by the U S. National V geather Service. Jan. and Feb. tempera- tures ranged from -13 ø to 56 ø, with an average of 23 1 ø and total precipitation 2.26 in. (water equivalent) Compared with other years Jan. and Feb. departed by about ø and -0.3 in. precipitation. Compared w th other years Oct., Nov., Dec. departed by +0.3 ø, +0 3 ø, +2.4 ø and in., in., in. precipitation Coverage: Dec. 31; Jan. 10, 17, 24, 25, 31; Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23. Total, 10 trips, mostly mid-day hours, averaging 62 observer minutes each. The method used was that described in the 1973 winter count of this plot. Count Black-capped Chickadee, 4 (34, 14); 'Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (8, 3); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (8, 3); Whitebreasted Nuthatch, 1 (8, 3); Brown Creeper, 1 (8, 3), Turkey, +; Pileated Woodpecker, +; Blue Jay, +, Golden-crowned Kinglet, +. Average Total: 8 birds (68 per sq. km., 27 per 100 acres.--j. ROBERT MILLER, Dept. of Chemistry, LOUIS FARLEY, III, and JAMES D. PARSONS, JR., Hartwick College, Oneonta, N Y UPLAND MIXED PINE - SPRUCE-HARDWOOD PLANTATION.--Location: On the south side of Brown Road, near its intersection with the Vandermark Road, 3.5 miles west of Alfred, New York; 42ø7'30"N, 77ø45'W; Andover Quadrangle, USGS. Continuity New? Size: 16.6 ha = 41 acres; roughly rectangular, perimeter measured with tape and compass Description of Area: The plot is part of a 2700-acre State Reforestation Area of similar habitat. The east side s the main stream, Elm, many of them dead, making up the major tree species, with a few willows also present Average canopy height is ft. Zone 4 (approx 8 acres): a large Red Pine plantation planted in 1935 w th little ground cover other than pine needles and dead limbs and few other trees. Average height of trees s about 50 ft. Zone 5 (approx. 4 acres): this section, planted in 1935, is a White Pine stand with much invad- ing Black Cherry and Red Maple. In an opening on the road side of the section is a small stand of goldenrod The White Pine average ft. in height. Zone 6 (approx. 8 acres): this is a brushy area on the side of Brown Road which contains numerous hawthorns as the dominantree. Elm, Black Cherry, and Red Maple are also represented. Ground cover consists mainly of Volume 28, Number 3 699

91 goldenrods, thistles, teasel and brambles. These plants were a major food source on the plot, with the hawthorns having the best crop in years. Cone production this year was generally poor. Weather: Temperatures during the 2«month study period did not vary significantly from the 57-year average supplied by the Alfred Cooperative Weather Station. Total snowfall during the study period was 38.5 in. (normal for the 57-year averages); the census area was snow-covered during the entire study period. Coverage: Dec. 22, 23, 28; Jan. 1, 10, 15, 17, 22,24, 29, 31;Feb. 10, 14, 21. Total 12 trips (7 between 0930 and 1130 and 5 trips between 1415 and 1700). On each trip, the study area was divided into two or three sections and censused by from one to 5 people. A total of 58 party-hours of census work was done. Two short additional trips were made to the study area: one at 2200 to listen for owls and another at dawn for evidence of roosting birds. Count: Black-capped Chick- adee, 15 (90, 37); Golden-crowned Kinglet, 11 (66, 27); Brown Creeper, 3 (18, 7); Blue Jay, 2 (12, 5); Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (6, 2); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (6, 2); Ruffed Grouse +; Turkey +; Great Horned Owl +; White-breasted Nuthatch +; Red-breasted Nuthatch +, Winter Wren +; Cedar Waxwing +; Evening Grosbeak +; Com Redpoll +; Am Goldfinch +; Dark-eyed Junco +; Tree Sparrow +. Average Total: 33 birds (199 per sq. km., 80 per 100 acres). Remarks: Appreciation is extended to David Zlomek of the New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation for supplying aerial photographs of the area and information on the composition of the study area; to Laura and David Brooks for assistance in setting up the plot; to Lou Burton for his photographic work; to Clarence Klingensmith and M dgley Smith for assistance in conductin the censuses. ELIZABETH W. BROOKS (compiler - Water Wells Rd., Alfred Station, N.Y ) and WILLIAM HOWE. 10. MIXED HARDWOOD FOREST--Location: Maryland; Calvert Co., NW of Hum Point and 1 mile nland from Chesapeake Bay, on Tobacco Road between State Routes 263 and 26l. Size: 11.3 ha = 28 acres. Continuity: Established 1959; 16 consecutive years. Description of Area: See AFN 13: 333, Weather: The sky was clear on 6 of the 10 census days. The ground was snow-covered only on Feb. 10. The creek flowed continually and the bog was mostly free of ce High temperatures on half of the count days were above 60øF. Coverage: Dec. 27, 29; Jan. 6, 13, 16, 22, 27, 29, Feb. 5, 10. Ten trips, averaging 82 minutes, started between 0940 and 1155 EST. Count: Cardinal, 8 (71, 29), Carolina Wren, 5 (44, 18); Carolina Chickadee, 4 (35, 14); White-throated Sparrow, 3 (26, 11); Tufted Titmouse, 2 (18, 7); Am. Robin, 2 (18, 7); Yellowrumped Warbler, 2 (18., 7); Dark-eyed Junco, 2 (18, 7); Corn. Flicker, 1 (9, 4); Pileated Woodpecker, 1 (9, 4); Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 (9, 4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1 (9, 4); Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (9, 4); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (9, 4); Brown Creeper, 1 (9, 4); Hermit Thrush, 1 (9, 4); Golden-crowned Kinglet, I (9, 4); Sharp-shinned Hawk, +; Red-shouldered Hawk, +; Am Woodcock, +; Mourning Dove, +; Blue Jay, +; Com. Crow, +; White-breasted Nuthatch, +; Winter Wren +; Am. Goldfinch, +; Rufous-sided Towhee, +; Field Sparrow, +. Average Total: 37 birds (327 per sq km., 132 per 100 acres). Remarks: The average totals continued to show aloss in this study area for the third consecutive year. The density was the lowest yet recorded here. This is in contrast to last summer's breeding-bird census when marked increases in territorial males were recorded. The 16-year averages now stand at 61 birds and 221 per 100 acres. The Carolina Chickadee showed a 50% loss this year as did the Tufted Titmouse. Losses were also noted in the Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Yellow-rumped Warble r. The Carolina Wren increased again this year. Increases occurred also in the Common Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, and Dark-eyed Junco.--JOHN H. FALES, Ridge Road, Neeld Estate, Huntingtown, Md HICKORY - OAK - ASH FLOODPLAIN FOREST.---Location: Floodplain of Middle Patuxent River due west of Hobbits Glen Golf Course, Columbia, Howard County, Maryland; 39ø13'10"N 76ø54'45"W, Clarksville Quadrangle, USGS Continuity: Established 1972; 3 consecutive years. Size 18.4 ha= 45.5 acres (L-shaped following the 310-foot contour; surveyed). Description of Area: See AB (1971). The dominant canopy trees are Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra ), Red Oak (Quercus rubra), and Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). Average canopy height, 39 feet. Weather: Mild and open, December through February. The mean temperature was 3 ø above normal in December, 6 ø above normal in January, 5 ø above normal in February. Temperatures ranged from 23 ø to 40øF. on the morning counts and from 24 ø to 70 ø on the afternoon counts. Winds did not exceed 5 mph on any of the counts. Five counts were made on clear days, 1 on a partly cloudy day, and 2 on overcast days Except for a 7-in. snow in Feb. 8 that had largely melted by the next day, snow did not accumulate more than 1 in. Coverage: Jan. 13, 26, 27; Feb. 6, 18 (2), 21, 24. The trips averaged 3 hours, 0 minutes. The 4 morning trips started in the first 10 minutes after sunrise, and the 4 afternoon trips ended between 38 minutes and 5 minutes before sunset. Count: Carolina Chickadee, 13 (71, 29); Downy Woodpecker, 11 (60, 24); Cardinal, 10 (54, 22); White-throated Sparrow, 9 (49, 20); Tufted Titmouse, 6 (33, 13); Red-bellied Woodpecker, 5 (27, 11), Yellow-rumped Warbler, 5 (27, 11); White-breasted Nuthatch, 4 (22, 9); Carolina Wren, 3 (16, 7); Goldencrowned Kinglet, 3 (16, 7); Am. Goldfinch, 3 (16,7), Brown Creeper, 2 (11, 4); Winter Wren, 2 (11, 4); Song Sparrow, 2 (11, 4); Mourning Dove, 1 (5, 2); Belted Kingfisher, 1 (5, 2); Com. Flicker, 1 (5, 2); Yellowbellied Sapsucker, 1 (5, 2); Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (5, 2), Blue Jay, 1 (5, 2); Com. Crow, 1 (5, 2); Rufous-slded Towhee, 1 (5, 2); Dark-eyed Junco, 1 (5, 2); Greenwinged Teal, +; Turkey Vulture, +; Red-tailed Hawk, +; Red-shouldered Hawk, +; Barred Owl, +; Pileated Woodpecker, +; Mockingbird, +; Am. Robin, +, Eastern Blueird, +; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, +; Starling, +; Com Grackle, +; Purple Finch, +. Average Total: 87 birds (472 per sq. km., 191 per 100 acres) Remarks: Total species, 36. Not included in the totals were an estimated 10,000 Com. Grackles that landed m the plot on Jan. 27 and remained for about 15 minutes, their principal activities were drinking, bathing and 700 American Birds, June 1974

92 resting, but they were not observed taking any food. Po son Ivy (Rhus radicans) produced a heavy crop of berries, but most of them had been taken by early January. Only a few small berries of this species remamed by the end of the census period. Other berries remaining locally in small numbers at the end of the period were Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) and Blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium). The only new wintenng species for the plot were Green-winged Teal and Com. Grackle, each of which was seen on only one day. The greatest drop from last year was in White-throated Sparrows, which declined from an average of 15 to 9 b rds per trip. Cardinals dropped from 16 to 10, although they have been unusually common at feeding stations this winter. The only species that registered a large increase was Carolina Chickadee, which rose from 10 to 13 birds per trip. Although the number of species is the same as last year, there was a reduction of 17% in average number of individuals. The 1974 population was only 46% of the unusually high population of Afternoon counts yielded the same average number of species as morning counts (21.5), but 14% fewer individuals. Analysis of variance showed that counts for the White-breasted Nuthatch (p <.01), Blue Jay (p <.05), and Tufted Titmouse (p <.05) were s gnificantly higher in the morning than in the afternoon.---chandler S. ROBBINS, Migratory Btrd and Habitat Research Laboratory, Laurel, Md FOREST DEVELOPING AFTER CULTIVA- TION. --Location: 5 miles northeast of Hampstead, Maryland; on the watershed of Prettyboy Reservoir, 0 2 miles northeast of Beckleysville crossroads; 39ø39'N., 76ø47'W.; Lineboro Quadrangle, USGS. Continuity: Established Size: 8.1 = 20 acres. Description of area: Described in AFN 23:528 (1969). In the last year 2 houses have been built about 75 m from the eastern boundary near the southeastern corner and a formerly brushy lot along that part of the boundary has been cleared and turned into pasture. Weather: During the study period there were 2 days when the temperature did not rise above freezing and 11 days when it did not go below freezing. Precipitation was well above normal but there was only one snowfall (9 cm). In the latter part of January maximum tempera- tures rose into the 60s on 3 days. Temperatures during hours of counting ranged from 21 ø to 40øF. Coverage: Jan. 2, 4, 6, 12, 19, 20, 26; Feb. 2. Total, 8 trips, averaging 90 minutes each, between 0800 and 1030 EST. Count: Downy Woodpecker, 1 (12, 5); Carolina Chickadee, 1 (12, 5); Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1 (12, 5); Dark-eyed Junco, I (12, 5); Ring-necked Pheasant, +; Blue Jay, +; Tufted Titmouse, +; White-breasted Nuthatch, +; Carolina Wren, +; Am. Robin, +; Cardi- nal, +; Am. Goldfinch, +. AverageTotal: 4 birds (49 per sq km., 20 per 100 acres). Remarks: This year's count was by far the lowest in the 6 years of this study. No clear reason for this is evident. HA VEN KOLB, Rte. 1, Box 147A, Millers, Md CENTRAL HARDWOOD FOREST WITH SCATTERED PINE.--Location: Washington, D.C.; Rock Creek Park, lying S of Military Road and W of Rock Creek. Continuity: Established 1948; 21 intermit- tent years. Size: Until 1961, 80 acres; since 1961,26 3 ha = 65 acres (triangular, surveyed). Description of Area See AFN 2: , (1948). Weather: Mild during fall and very mild during winter. January temperatures averaged 8 to 10 ø above normal. Snow covered the ground on only 4 days during the census period. During trips the temperature ranged from 23 ø to 45øF, with average of 35ø; wind less than 5 mph, except 9 to 15 mph on 2 trips. Sky was clear during only one trip, and overcast on 6 trips including drizzle during one. Coverage: Dec 23; Jan. 1,5, 19, 20; Feb. 2, 9. The 7 trips averaged 2 55 hours and were made between 0735 and 1130 EST Count: Carolina Chickadee, 14 (53, 22); Tufted T tmouse, 9(34, 14); Blue Jay, 5 (19, 8); Corn. Crow, 5 (19, 8); Carolina Wren, 4 (15, 6); Red-bellied Woodpecker, 3 (11, 5); Downy Woodpecker, 3 (11, 5); White-breasted Nuthatch, 3 (11, 5); Brown Creeper, 2 (8, 3); Turkey Vulture, 1 (4, 2); Pileated Woodpecker, 1 (4, 2); Hmry Woodpecker, 1 (4, 2); Cardinal, 1 (4, 2); Goldencrowned Kinglet, +; Dark-eyed Junco, +. Average Total: 52 birds (198 per sq. km., 80 per 100 acres ) Remarks: Total density this year is 24% higher than the study average. A population peak this or next winter would be in phase with an approximate 7-year cycle that has been observed throughout the study. Density of Blue Jays and Carolina Wrens this winter is at an all-time high for the study. Total species, 15; low com- pared to study average of 19..E. CRAVEN, Audubon Naturalist Society, 8940 Jones Mill Road, Washington, D.C UPLAND OAK-HICKORY HARDWOOD FOREST.---Location: Burling Park, McLean (Frotrax County, Virginia. Size: ha = 27.2 acres Description of Area: SeeAB 25:636 (1971) andatl. Nat 26(2): Weather: Temperature on the trips varied from 20 ø to 72øF; the average was 42.4 ø. There was no precipitation on any of the trips. The month of January was fairly mild with no snow. About 6 in. of snow fell on Feb. 8; thereafter traces of the snow remained on the ground throughout the census period. Coverage: Jan 6, 15, 20, 27 (twice), 30, 31; Feb. 3, 5, 9, 11, 13, 17. Total, 13 trips, between 0810 and 1815, averaging 89 minutes each. Five trips were made during the morning, 2 around midday, and 6 in the aftemoon. Count: Carohna Chickadee, 5 (45, 18); Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 (10, 4); Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (10, 4); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (10, 4); Tufted Titmouse, I (10, 4); White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (10, 4); Brown Creeper, 1 (10, 4); Carohna Wren, 1 (10, 4); Turkey Vulture, +; Red-tailed Hawk, +; Mourning Dove, +; Pileated Woodpecker, +; Corn Crow, +; Golden-crowned Kinglet, +; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, +; Cardinal, +. Average Total: 12 birds (9 per 100 ha, 44 per 100 acres). MARTIN BRAND WEIN, C.E. CRAVEN, LOUIS CRAIG, BILL DAVIS, MRS WILLIAM R. DAVIS, JR., BEN R. FERN, JESSICA GIUSTI, DON AND KAREN STEIN, DONALD WEBER, MRS. HAZEL YOUNG, ROBERT J. WAT- SON (compiler Marcey Road, Arlington, Va ) 15. UPLAND TULIP-TREE - OAK FOREST. --Location: U.S. Geological Survey National Center, Reston, Fairfax County, Virginia; 38ø56' 5"N, 77ø21'50"W, Vienna Quadrangle, USGS. Continmty Volume 28, Number 3 701

93 New Size: 20.6 ha = 50.9 acres. From contour map by planmaeter. Description of Area: This area is the remainmg forest on the site of the new National Center of the Urnted States Geological Survey. It is bounded on the east by Sunrise Valley Drive and on the west by South Lakes Drive and the Survey buildings and parking lots. To the southeast, it is bounded by a continuation of forest to Reston Avenue. Beyond Sunrise Valley Drive ts stmilar woodland, and beyond South Lakes Drive and Reston Avenue are residential areas. The area is Woodpecker was occasionally seen just outside of the area. A flock of 10 Dark-eyed Juncos on Jan. 23 resulted in a high average per trip for this species. We thank R S Sigafoos (USGS), for making his botanical informatton available to us, William Back (USGS) for encouragmg and helping us to undertake this study, and V E McKelvey, Director, U.S. Geological Survey, for making this study possible.--joan C. WOODWARD and PAUL W. WOODWARD, 2433 Southgate Square, Reston, Va bluntly crescent-shaped with the long axis (ca. 933 yards) oriented roughly N-S. The north end is ca., HARDWOOD-SOFTWOOD FOREST. yards wide; the center, ca. 300 yards wide; and the --Location: North Wilkesboro, North Carolina south end, ca. 230 yards wide. From the south end, where the elevation reaches a maximum of 468 ft., the area slopes gradually downward to the north and east to a mmimum elevation of 384 ft. The northern third of the area rises gently again to an elevation of 400 ft. The Continuity: Established 1954; 20-year summary published Size: 15.0 ha = 37 acres. Description of Area: Fully described in AFN 8: (1954), except that area was doubled the following year. Since then construction of houses and roads had reduced the tract mtddle of the crescent and the east-central section are by 3 acres. Weather: Average temperature for January generally level. The tract is well drained except for the low, fiat areas where water accumulates. During heavy ratns, two gullies carry water from the southern end---one at the southeast corner and one at the southwas 45øF.; average for February ø. January precipitation totaled 7.56 in. (no snow); February 5.32 m (1 in. snow). Coverage: Jan. 15, 17, 21, 23; Feb. 4, 28 Total, 6 trips, averaging 2 hours per trip. Count: Tufted west corner toward Sunrise Valley Drive. A portion Titmouse, 2 (13, 5); Carolina Wren, 2 (13, 5); Bobwhtte, of Sugarland Run flows along the east central boundary 1 (7, 3); Screech Owl, 1 (7, 3); Barred Owl, 1 (7, 3), and another small stream flows from the Survey build- Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 (7, 3); Blue Jay, 1 (7, 3), mg northeast across the northern third of the area. An White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (7, 3); Cardinal, 1 (7, 3), old logging road bisects the northern half from N-S, and Mourning Dove, +; Pileated Woodpecker, +; Downy another cuts across the southwest corner. At the north- Woodpecker, +; Carolina Chickadee, +; Brown em end, there are two small, paved, looped pathways. Creeper, +; Am. Robin, +; Hermit Thrush, +. Average A small building covering an acre is at the southwest Total: 11 birds (73 per sq. km., 30 per 100 acres) corner. The common canopy tree species are Tulip-tree (Ltnodendron tulipifera), Chestnut Oak (Quercus prtnus), White Oak (Q. alba), Scarlet Oak (Q. Remarks: No fruit. Fair crop of acorns and hickory nuts, but increase of squirrels in preceding summer reduced crop. Evening Grosbeaks, Purple Finches, and coccinea), Southern Red Oak (Q. falcata), Black Oak White-throated Sparrows much less numerous (Q ve lutina ), Red Maple (Acer rubrum ), andsourgum (Nyssa sylvatica). There are five small stands of Scrub throughout the countryside than usual.--wendell P. SMITH, North Wilkesboro, N.C Pines (Pinus virginiana)--two at the southern end, one along the west-central portion, and two at the north 17. UPLAND PITCH PINE-WHITE PINE end Much ofthe understory is composed of saplings of the above species, especially Tulip-trees. There are also a significant number of Holly Trees (Ilex sp.). Along the two streams are large tangles of greenbriars (Smdax sp.). This area has been extensively logged in the past 50 years, so the trees are of uneven age and size throughout. A quantitative survey of the vegetation will be made in the summer. Plant names are from M.L. Fernaid, Gray's Manual of Botany, 8th ed., Weather: The sky was clearon 2 trips, partly cloudy on 5 trips, and overcast on 5 trips. Temperatures ranged from 23 ø to 70øF. Winds varied from 3 to 13 mph. There was no snow cover on any trip. Coverage: Dec. 28, 29; Jan 5, 8, 12, 13, 15, 19, 23, 30; Feb. 1, 5. Total: 12 trips, stx m the morning between 0805 and 1120, totaling 11.4 hours, and six in the afternoon between 1350 and 1705, totaling 9.4 hours. Count: Carolina Chickadee, 6 (29, 12), Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3 (15, 6); Tufted Titmouse, 2 (10, 4); White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 (10, 4); Brown Creeper, 2 (10, 4); Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 (5, 2); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (5, 2); Blue Jay, 1 (5, 2); Corn. Crow, 1 (5, 2); Carolina Wren, 1 (5, 2); Cardinal 1 (5, 2); Dark-eyed Junco, 1 (5, 2); Hairy Woodpecker, +; Starling, +; Am Goldfinch, +. Average Total: 20 birds (97 per sq. km., 40 per 100 acres). Remarks: A Pileated FOREST.--Location: On north side of highway 2A, 13 miles west of Brockville, Ontario, St. Lawrence Island National Park, Mallorytown Landing, Lot 22, Front of Yonge townshipl Leeds County. Size: ha = acres (trapezium, 440 yards x 220 and 440 yards, measured from aerial photo.) Description of Area: Typical wooded granite outcrop of the Frontenac Axis at the St. Lawrence River; trees, 3-in. diameter and over, based on five 0.1 acre circular samples, 358/acre; total basal area, 92.0 sq. ft./acre. Species comprising 96% of the total number of trees (figures after each give no. of trees per acre, relative density (%), relative dominance (%), frequency (%), in that order: Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida) 104, 29, 26, 80; White Pine (P. strobus) 76, 21, 14, 80; Basswood (Tilia americana) 40, 11, 12, 20; Red Cedar (Juniper virginiana) 38, 11, 7, 80; Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) 16, 4, 3, 20; White Ash (Fraxinus americana) 14, 4, 3, 20; White Birch (Betula papyrifera) 12, 3, 1,40; Gray Birch (B. populifolia) 12, 3, 1, 60) Red Maple (A. rubrum) 10, 3, 1, 20; dead tree 10, 3, 2, 60, Red Oak (Quercus rubra) 8, 2, 20, 40; White Oak (Q alba) 6, 2, 8, 20. Scientific names from C.F. Bockman, Trees of North America, 1968, Trees by diameter size class: A 240, 67, 24.0, 26; B 92, 26, 27.6, 30; C 20, 6, 16.0, 17; D 4, 1, 7.2, 8; H 2, 0.6, 17.2, 19. Shrub 702 American Btrds, June 1974

94 stems/acre, 30,700; canopy cover 78%; average canopy height 36 ft. (range 20-60). Topography: Granite ridge, rehef 90 ft., base elevation 270 ft. Edge: The ridge is part of a 20-mile by 1-mile granite idge complex border- ng the St. Lawrence River. On all but the south edge is more of the same habitat. A campground and young pine plantation form the southern boundaiy. A county road passes through the south end of the study area and a bush trail is still visible. Water: A small brook flows across the southwest corner of the study area. Weather: During the 63-day study period the temperatures remmned below freezing on 42 days and remained above freezing on 5 days. The range of temperature was from 15 to 48øF. Precipitation totalled 7.6 in. including 42 in. of snow. Maximum snow depth at one time was 30 in. (Temperatures and precipitation from Kingston Airport, 38 miles west.) Coverage: Dec. 18, 27; Jan. 4, 24; Feb. 7, 18. Total: 6 trips, two between 0845 and l 110, four between 1230 and 1500, averaging 130 minutes each. Count: Black-capped Chickadee, 9 (72, 29); Blue Jay, 2 (16, 6); White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 (16, 6); Ruffed Grouse, l (8, 3); Haiiy Woodpecker, l (8, 3); Golden crowned Kinglet, l (8, 3); Tree Sparrow, l (8, 3); Brown Creeper, +; Evening Grosbeak, +; Song Sparrow, +. Average Total: 17 birds ( 136 per sq. km., 55 per 100 acres). Remarks: A Pileated Woodpecker was observed in the study area but not on a census day. The cooperation of Parks Canada and the staff at St. Lawrence Island National Park is greatly appreciated. --MARY E. GARTSHORE, ELIZABETH M. HOL- ROYD and GEOFFREY L. HOLROYD (compiler) Dept. of Zoology, Univ. of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, M5S 1A CLIMAX MAPLE-BEECH FOREST. --Location: Ontario; Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Steckle Woods, Bleam's Road, Kitchener. Continuity: Established 1970; 4 intermittent years ( published in Ontario Field Biologist 26:50-53). Size: 26.3 ha = 65 acres, according to city (32.5 park, rest civic land); roughly rectangular. Description of Area: SeeAFN 24: (1970). Weather: A late fall and early spring; little snow bt t several very cold periods. On censuses weather varied from overcast and calm, with moderate temperatures (15ø-30øF), in December, to clear, and calm (temperatures 10ø-30øF) in Januaiy, and clear and calm (temperatures 8 ø- 15+øF) in Februaiy. At the start of the period, there was veiy httle snow cover; on Jan. 18 an ice storm created a heavy crust for a day or two. Coverage: Dec. 8, 15; Jan. 12, 19, 25; Feb. 5, 9, 14, 26 (the last for owls, ). Total: 8 t ips (2 were half-coverages), 7 between 0930 and 1600 averaging 75 minutes each. Five were in the morning. Total observer hours: 20. Count: Blackcapped Chickadee, 6 (23, 9): Brown Creeper, 4 (15, 6); Downy Woodpecker, 3, (11, 5); White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 (8, 3); Am. Goldfinch, 2 (8, 3); Dark-eyed Junco, 2 (8, 3); Red-tailed Hawk, 1 (4, 2); Blue Jay, l (4, 2), Corn. Crow, 1 (4, 2); Hairy Woodpecker, +; Gold- en-crowned Kinglet, +;Cardinal, +. Average Total: 24 (91 per sq. km., 37 per 100 acres). Remarks: goldfinch, crow and Red-tailed Hawk are counted as part of the population since they sometimes were on the plot, although they more often flew low over it. Downy Woodpecker, Black-c pped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch and Brown Creeper were the most frequently seen species. The Golden-crowned Kinglets (2) were not seen after Dec. 8. A pair of Red-tailed Hawks, as m the past 8 or 9 years, occupied the woods, having a nest site near the south edge, and screaming territorially from Jan. 25 on. Playing tapes of Screech and Great Horned Owls produced no response during sintable weather on Feb. 26. Both species were known to have been resident in the woods in the last decade. Three fewer species but 2 more individuals were seen on the plot than in , when it was last censused. However, Eastern Cottontail, European Hare, Deer Mouse, Gray Squirrel and Short-tailed Shrew were abundant Red Squirrel was scarce, and only single Striped Skunks and Raccoons were seen. Land-use did not change in the park except for increased cross-county skiing and riding. A few snowmobiles illegally entered With the paving of Bleam's Road past the park, traffic s heavier. Renewed construction in the surrounding ndustrial basin may soon make censusing the tract difficult.---craig A. CAMPBELL, (compiler), WIL- LARD H. SCHAEFER and GREGORY DONA LD- SON of Oikos Associates, Box 747, Waterloo, Ont N2J 4C DISTURBED OAK-HICKORY FOREST, PINE STAND, EDGE AND POND--Location: Camp Falhng Rock, Eden Township, Licking County, Ohio. Size Approximately ha = 35 acres. Description of Area: See AFN 22: (1968) and other numbers related to the Breeding Bird Census of the same area Last study was reported in AB 25:655. Weather: There were few unusual periods of temperature or precipitation during the winter months of 1974, though contrasting extremes were evident. Rainfall was slightly above normal for the three-month period. Record temperatures of 70øF. on Mar. 3 contrasted with record lows of 0 ø on Mar. 25. The first warm days of early March were enough to accumulate an excess of 2.2 ø, while precipitation was 1.5 in. above normal. Snowfall was considerably below normal. A movement of migrants took place the first few days of March with robins and grackles, among others, being very conspicuous. These two species were evident on their territories when the Mar 14 survey was made. Coverage: Oct. ll, 12, 25, 26, Nov. 29.; Dec. 17; Jan. 24; Feb. 14; Mar. 14. Total hours, 27. Coverage was always in the afternoon and varied from early PM to darkness or later. Count Golden-crowned Kinglet, 5 (35, 14); Dark-eyed Junco, 5 (35,14); Carolina Wren, 3 (21, 9); Cardinal, 3 (2l, 9), Mourning Dove, 2 (14, 6); Pileated Woodpecker, 2 (l 4, 6); Red,bellied Woodpecker, 2 (14, 6); Downy Woodpecker, 2 (14, 6); Carolina Chickadee, 2 (14, 6); Tufted Titmouse, 2 (14, 6); White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 (14, 6), Song Sparrow, 2 (14, 6); Great Horned Owl, l (7, 3), Belted Kingfisher, l (7, 3); Corn. Flicker, l (7, 3); Hmry Woodpecker, l (7, 3); Blue Jay, l (7, 3); Corn. Crow, 1 (7, 3); Brown Creeper, l (7, 3). Average Total: 39 b rds (275 per sq. km., l l l per 100 acres). Remarks: A lower density than in previous years can be attributed mamly to a reduction of cover and of food-bearing shrubs The entire northern edge is now an open woodland, bushy edge. Combined with windfall in this same border area, such additional cover served to counterbalance the reduction of habitat. Of the 19 species, 14 can be clas- Volume 28, Number 3 703

95 sffied as permanent residents; two as semi-permanent residents (Corn. Crow, Mourning Dove); three as winter residents (Dark-eyed Junco, Golden-crowned K nglet, Brown Creeper). Ths Great Horned Owl, probably a permanent resident, was recorded on only one count.-a.h. CLAUGUS, 228 S. Lake St., Carey, Ohto, OAK-MAPLE FOREST AND FOREST-EDGE. --Location: Six miles northeast of Champaign, Illinois. Continuity: Established Size: 22.3 ha = 55 acres of forest plus 2.0 kilometers or 1.25 miles of forest-edge. Description of Area: See AFN 2: (1948). Coverage; Dec. 15, 28; Jan. 16, 25; Feb. 11, 26. Total: 6 trips, 18 party-hours. Count: Forest Interior Species: Downy Woodpecker, 4 (18, 7); Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2 (9, 4); Great Horned Owl, 1 (4, 2); Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (4, 2); Carolina Chickadee, 1 (4, 2); Brown Creeper, 1 (4, 2); Carolina Wren, 1 (4, 2); White-breasted Nuthatch, +; Winter Wren +. Forest-edge Species (Individuals per kilometer and per mile in parenthesis); Starling, 24 (12, 19); Tree Sparrow, 18 (9, 14); Mourning Dove, 10 (5, 8); Blue Jay, 4 (2, 3), Ring-necked Pheasant 3 (1, 2); Cardinal, 2 (1, 2); Dark-eyed Junco, 2 (1, 2); Red-tailed Hawk, 1 (1, 1); Song sparrow 1 (1, 1); Corn. Flicker, +; Red-headed Woodpecker, +; Corn. Crow, +; Mockingbird, +; House Sparrow, +. Average Total: Forest interior, 11 b rds (49 per sq. km., 20 per 100 acres);forest-edge, 65 birds (32 per km., 52 per mile). Remarks: Late autumn migrants: Am. Robin, 1 (Dec. 15); early spring migrants: Red-winged Blackbird, 15 (Feb. 26), Rusty Blackbird, 40_ + (Feb. 11), 135_+ (Feb. 26); Corn. Grackle, 10_+ (Feb. 26). In the Winter Bird-Population Study for this region last year (AB 27; 675 [1973]), the number of forest-edge birds per kilometer is incorrectly calcualted. The number seen should be divided by 2 ---S. CHARLES KENDEIGH and JOHN EDGING- TON, Vivarium Bldg., Wright and Healey Sts., Champatgn, Ill BOTTOMLAND OAK-GUM-CYPRESS FOREST --Location: North of State Highway 12 in LeRoy Percy State Park, 4 miles West of Hollandale, Washington County, Mississippi; parts of Sections 5, 8 and 9, T15N, R7W. Size; 11.4 ha = 28.1 acres; rectangular In shape: 836 x 1463 ft.; measured with compass and steel tape. Description of area: See AB 25: (1971) Continuity: Established Weather: During the study period the temperatures on count days ranged from 29 ø to 69øF. The mean high temperature from Jan. 5 through Feb. 24 was 57.4 ø while the mean low was 39 7 ø. Total rainfall for the same period was in. For the comparable period last year the mean high temperature was 50.6 ø, the mean low was 34.0 ø, and the total rainfall was in. Both the temperatures and rmnfall for January and February were above normal. The preceding months of November and December had above-normal temperatures and normal precipitation. (Weather data from Delta Branch Experiment Station; Stoneville, Miss. 15 miles north.) Coverage: Jan. 5, 12, 13, 20; Feb. 2, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24. Total, l0 trips starting at various times during the day from 0820 CDT to 1515 CDT; 6 morning trips, 4 afternoon trips. On 3 trips 2 observers covered the plot, each with assigned areas On 7 trips one observer worked alone. Average time per trip: 130 observer-minutes. Count: Yellow-rumped Warbler 25 (220, 89); White-throated Sparrow 20 (176, 71); Rusty Blackbird 18 (158, 64); Com. Grackle 16 (141,57); Cardinal 7 (62, 25); Golden-crowned Kinglet 5 (44, 18); Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4 (35, 14); Am. Robin 4 (35, 14); Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 (26, 11); Hermit Thrush 3 (26, 11); Starling 3 (26, 11); Dark-eyed Junco 3 (26, 11); Wood Duck 2 (18, 7); Com. Flicker 2 (18, 7), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2 (18, 7); Downy Woodpecker 2 (18, 7); Brown Creeper 2 (18, 7); Carohna Wren 2 (18, 7); Red-winged Blackbird 2 (18, 7); Am Goldfinch 2 (18, 7); Swamp Sparrow 2 (18, 7); Pileated Woodpecker 1 (9, 4); Hairy Woodpecker 1 (9, 4); Blue Jay 1 (9, 4); Carolina Chickadee 1 (9, 4); Winter Wren 1 (9, 4); Red-tailed Hawk; +; Am. Woodcock +; Mourning Dove+; E. Phoebe +; Tufted Titmouse +; E Bluebird +; Purple Finch +; Rufous-sided Towhee +, Field Sparrow +; Fox Sparrow +; Song Sparrow + Average Total: 134 (1178 per sq. km., 477 per 100 acres) Remarks: Total species, 37. New species recorded this year were: Mourning Dove, Field Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, and Song Sparrow. Species listed last year but absent this year were: Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, and Pine Warbler. The chickadee, titmouse and robins continued to show a marked decline, while the Wood Duck, Hairy Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, creeper, Blue Jay, kinglet, junco, and Swamp Sparrow showed significant increases. The food supply was better than normal and appeared in the form of samaras on the elms, Sweet Gum seeds, insect larvae, and weed seeds (the result of a good weed crop in the cleared areas of the plot). Poison Ivy berries were very prevalent during the first half of the period, but were all gone by the last two trips Woodpeckers, kinglets, thrushes, and warblers were seen eating these berries. Mosquitos and other flying insects were present on one count day. During the count period the park crews cleared about an acre of woods in the middle of the plot and fenced it in to keep horses. The forty-foot-wide cleared lane referred to In the original description of the area has been kept clear and clean. The total effect of these two areas seems to be giving the area an increase in edge effect as evidenced by the new sparrows. Another factor affecting the habitat was the construction of an enclosure for alligators in an area bordering the sourthwest corner of the plot. Water that had previously drained off, accumulated in the western areas of the study plot. Wood Duck and Swamp Sparrow increased accordingly ---MR. & MRS. G.E. ALEXANDER, JR W Azalea, Greenville, Miss SOUTHERN BOTTOMLAND HARDWOOD FOREST.--Location: Ascension Parish, Louisiana, 5 miles southeast of White Castle and east of State Highway 1. Approximate coordinates on White Castle Quadrangle, USCG: 3009'45 "N, 9004 ' 15"W. Size: 16 2 ha = 40 acres (square, 440 x 440 yards, measured with steel tape). Description of Area; Typical of bottomland hardwoods in the former flood plain of the Mississippx River. Trees mostly range from 6 to 14 in. DBH and 30 to 60 ft. tall. The dominant tree species are water oak 704 American B rds, June 1974

96 (Quercus nigra ), sweetgum (Liquidambar styracifiua ), hackberry (Celtis laevigata), American elm (UImux americana), combining to make up about 75% of the forest canopy. The understory consists mainly of palmetto (Sabal minor), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), boxelder (Acer negundo), and greenbriars (Similax spp ). Vegetation in non-forested portions of the plot consists of broomsedge (Andropogon sp.), spikerush (Eleocharis sp.), blackberry (Rubus sp.), plume grass (Ertanthus gigantia ), sumpweed (lva annua ) and goldenrods (Solidago spp.). Plant names from Radford, et al, Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas, 1968 The woodland has been logged at various intervals during the past, but has not been disturbed in 15 years. An abandoned railway roadbed transeets the center of the area and is used occasionally by pickup trucks. Topography: Flat, elevation 10 ft. Edge: The study plot is part of a bottomland hardwood forest of about 2500 acres. The southwest corner of the plot borders a sugarcane field for a distance of 1740 ft. or about one-third of the total periphery. Two pipeline r ghts-of-way are present and comprise about 7% of the plot One right-of-way transects the plot diagonally and s 1620 ft. long and 60 ft. wide. A smaller right-of-way branches off the other and is 495 ft. long and 30 ft. wide. Water: No permanent water is present; but, because of the flat nature of the topography, drainage is poor and water up to 10 in. deep covered about 5% of ths plot during the study period. Food: Acorn production was shghtly below normal this year, but mast was plentiful on other species. Shrubs and herbaceous plants produced an abundance of fruit and food adequate from th s source. Mild weather throughouthe study period resulted in insect availability; dead trees or limbs are plentiful and contain many invertebrates. Weather: The weather was relatively mild throughout the study period and freezing temperatures were recorded only on 5 days. The temperature ranged from 28 ø to 76øF. Precipitation was above normal, and during the 56-day study period 17.0 in. were recorded (Temperature and rmnfall from Donaldsonville, 6 miles southwest). Coverage: Dec. 12, 14, 15, 16, 17; Jan. 27; Feb. 1, 5. Total: 8 trips, averaging 102 minutes each; 6 trips between 0710 and 1130 and 2 trips between 1520 and Count: Am. Robin 38 (235, 95); Swamp Sparrow, 18 (111, 45); Am. Goldfinch, 14 (86, 35); Yellow-rumped Warbler, 10 (62, 25); Cardinal, 6 (37, 15); Whitethroated Sparrow, 6 (37, 15); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 5 (31, 12); Blue Jay, 3 (19, 8); Carolina Chickadee, 3 (19, 8), Red-winged Blackbird, 3 (19, 8); Hairy Woodpecker, 2 (12, 5); House Wren, 2 (12, 5); Hermit Thrush, 2 (12, 5); Com. Yellowthroat, 2 (12, 5); Com. Flicker, 1 (6, 3); Pileated Woodpecker, 1 (6, 3); Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 (6, 3); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1 (6, 3), Carolina Wren, 1 (6, 3); Catbird, 1 (6, 3); White-eyed V reo, 1 (6, 3); Com. Grackle, 1 (6, 3); Sharp-shinned Hawk, +; Red-shouldered Hawk, +; Am. Woodcock, +, Screech Owl, +; Downy Woodpecker, +; E. Phoebe, +; Com. Crow, +; Tufted Titmouse, +; Mockmgb rd, +; Brown Thrasher, +; Golden-crowned Kinglet, +; Boat-tailed Grackle, +; Rufous-sided Towhee, +, Savannah Sparrow, +. Average Total: 122 birds (754 per sq. km., 305 per 100 acres).-robert H. CHA- BRECK, La. State University, Baton Rouge, La ; SHARON ROGERS, Battelle-Columbus Laboratories, Columbus, Ohio MIXED PINE-DECIDUOUS FOREST. --Location: One mile west of the Northwestern State University campus, within the University's Natural History Reservation, on the south side of Louisiana Highway 6 (Sec. 81, R7W, T9N), Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. Continuity: Established Size: 8.91 ha = 22 acres (L-shaped, measured by pacing with compass). Description of Area: See AB 25: (1971) and 26:669 (1972). Weather: Daytime temperatures during the count ranged from 35 ø to 75øF., and night temperatures ranged from 30 ø to 60 ø. All count days were overcast. It was quite wet, with heavy to moderate rains occurring during the 7-day period in which the count was completed. Wind during counts ranged from 0 to 2 on the Beaufort scale. The general weather pattern was wetter and milder than usual for the area Coverage: Jan. 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10. Total, 6 trips between 1000 and 1600, averaging 2 hours. Count: White- throated Sparrow, 27 (303, 123); Ruby-crowned K nglet, 13 (146, 59); Blue Jay, 8 (90, 36); Carolina Chickadee, 8 (90, 36); Tufted Titmouse, 7 (79, 32); Pine Warbler, 7 (79, 32); Cardinal, 6 (67, 27); Dark-eyed Junco, 6 (67, 27); Bobwhite, 5 (56, 23); Carolina Wren, 4 (45, 18), Com. Grackle 4 (45, 18); Am. Robin, 4 (45, 18); Redbellled Woodpecker, 2 (22, 9); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 2 (22, 9); Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2 (22, 9), Yellow-rumped Warbler, 2 (22, 9); Am. Goldfinch, 2 (22, 9); Com. Flicker, 1 (11.5); Pileated Woodpecker, 1 (11,5); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (11,5); E. Phoebe, 1 (11, 5); Brown Creeper, 1 (11, 5); Mockingbird, 1 (11, 5), Brown Thrasher, 1 (11, 5); Hermit Thrush, 1 (11, 5), Solitary Vireo, 1 (11, 5); Orange-crowned Warbler, 1 (11, 5); Purple Finch, 1 (11, 5); Rufous-sided Towhee, 1 (11, 5); Am. Woodcock, +. Average Total: 121 birds (1359 per sq. km., 550 per 100 acres). Remarks: The total number of species seen was 30. The number of species in previous winters has remained quite constant, 30, 27 and 31. The density per 100 acres, however, has increased from 200 in 1971, to 291 in 1972, to 436 in 1973, and not to 550 in The density increase may be partly attributed to the efforts of the observer n locating some of the less common species of the area Only one species had a plus density, whereas in prewous years 3 or more species had a plus density. Significant density increases from 1973 were noted for the White-throated Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Dark-eyed Junco, while the Com. Grackle showed a significant decrease from CHARLES E. VIERS, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Northwestern State Untversity, Natchitoches, LA LOESS BLUFF FOREST.--Location: Louisiana West Feliciana Parish; 4 miles S of St. Francisville and 2 miles E of the Mississippi River. The east boundary of the study area is 200 yards W of and parallel to State Highway 965; 30ø45'N, 91ø20'W, Section 59, T3S, R2W, St. Francisville, La. Quadrangle, USGS (latitude, longitude, and quadrangle map given in the breeding bird census report, AB 27: , were m error). Continuity: New. Size: ha = 40 acres (1320 ft. square, surveyed with a transit and measured with a Volume 28, Number 3 705

97 steel tape). Description of Plot: See AB 27 (3): Weather: Daytime temperatures ranged from 34 ø to 82øF. and night temperatures ranged from 30 ø to 55øF. Seven count days were clear and one was overcast. Wind was no factor during 5 counts but wind velocity during 3 counts registered 2 to 3 on the Beaufort scale. Weather pattern was warmer and dryer than usual for the area. Coverage: Jan. 27; Feb. 3, 10, 24; Mar. 1,2, 7 9 Eight trips, between 0805 and 1800, CDT. Total man-hours: 34. Count: White-throated Sparrow, 41 (253, 102); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 18 (111,45); Tufted Titmouse, 13 (80, 32); Cedar Waxwing, 11 (68, 28); Cardinal, 11 (68, 28); Carolina Wren, 9 (56, 22): Rufous-sided Towhee, 9 (56, 22); Red-bellied Woodpecker, 7 (43, 18); Carolina Chickadee, 7 (43, 18); Yellow-rumped Warbler, 7 (43, 18); Blue Jay, 6 (37, 15); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 4 (25, 10); Am. Robin, 4 (25, 10), Am. Goldfinch, 4 (25, 10); Brown Thrasher, 3 (19, 8), Red-shouldered Hawk, 2 (12, 5); Corn. Flicker, 2 (12, 5); Downy Woodpecker 2 (12, 5); E. Phoebe, 2 ( 12, 5), Hermit Thrush 2 (12, 5); Orange-crowned Warbler, 2 (12, 5); Swamp Sparrow, 2 (12, 5); Pileated Woodpecker, 1 (6, 2); Corn. Crow, 1 (6, 2); Brown Creeeper, 1 (6, 2); Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1 (6, 2); White-eyed Vtreo, 1 (6, 2); Solitary Vireo, I (6, 2); Pine Warbler, 1 (6, 2); Red-tailed Hawk, +; Turkey, +; Am. Woodcock, +; Barred Owl, +; Hairy Woodpecker, +; Fish Crow, +; Winter Wren, +; Gray Catbird, +; Yellowthroated Vireo, +; Com. Yellowthroat, +; Com. Grackle, +; Purple Finch, +; Pine Siskin, +; Savannah Sparrow +; Field Sparrow, +; Song Sparrow, +. Average Total: 175 birds (1081 per sq. km., 438 per 100 acres). Remarks: The pair of Red-shouldered Hawks were constructing a nest 45 ft. up in a sweetgum (L quidambar styracifiua) tree on Jan. 27. The yellowthroat, Rufous-sided Towhees, Field Sparrow and Swamp Sparrow were found entirely within the 4 acres of abandoned pasture. The Yellow-throated Vireo, observed closely by Hamilton on Feb. 10, represents one of the few winter records for the state.-robert B. HAMILTON and ROBERT E. NOBLE, School of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La LOBLOLLY PINE FOREST.--Location: Louisiana: Livingston Parish, 5.6 miles SSW of Pine Grove, 0.5 miles E of State Highway 449, 30ø38'N, 90ø47'W, Section 11, T5S, R4E, Pine Grove Quadrangle, USGS. Continuity: New. Size: ha = 30 acres (1143 ft. square, surveyed with a hand-held compass and measured with a fiberglass tape). Description of Area: The plot is in a 45-year-old naturally regenerated Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) plantation. The only canopy tree was Loblolly Pine. A quantitative study of the forest canopy gave the following results: Trees 4-in. dbh and over, based on nine 1/5-acre circular plots, 62/acre; total basal area 67 ft.2/acre: Average tree hetght, based on the measurement of the 2 trees closest to plot center in each of the 9 plots, 92 feet. The forest was prescribed burned in February 1973 and Mar. 5, 1974 to control understory hardwood regeneration. This is a common forest management practice in Lob- 1olly Pine stands of this area. The Mar. 5, 1974 burn removed most of the understory, which consisted mostly of Waxmyrtle (Myrica cerifera) and dewbemes (Rubus sp.), leaving the upper Loblolly Pine canopy as the only layer of vegetation. Edge: Surrounded by tdentical fore st, with a gravel road 2 chains from and parallel to the west side of the plot and a power line 1 chain from and parallel to the north side of the plot. Topography Essentially flat. Elevation: 80 ft. Weather: Temperature range during censuses: 50ø-75øF. Estimated wind speed varied from 0 to 25 mph during the census periods, but probably did not affect the census results. Light fog was present during 3 census periods. Coverage: Jan 31, Feb. 1, 16; Mar. 3, 5, 7, 8, 9. Eight trips between 0812 and 1838 CDT averaging 151 minutes each. Total manhours: Count: Pine Warbler, 16 (132, 53), Bachman's Sparrow, 3 (25, 10); Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2 (16, 7); Carolina Wren, 2 (16, 7); E. Bluebird, 2 (16, 7); Corn. Flicker, 1 (8, 3); Blue Jay, 1 (8, 3), Carolina Chickadee, 1 (8, 3); Brown-headed Nuthatch, 1 (8, 3); Sharp-shinned Hawk, +; Pileated Woodpecker, +; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, +; Hairy Woodpecker, +; Downy Woodpecker, +; E. Phoebe, +, Corn. Crow, +; Tufted Titmouse, +; Brown Thrasher, +; Am. Robin, +; Hermit Thrush, +; Loggerhead Shrike, +; Yellow-rumped Warbler, +; Cardinal, +, Am. Goldfinch, +; Rufous-sided Towhee, +; Swamp Sparrow, +. Average Total: 29 birds per sq. km., (239 per sq. km., 97 per 100 acres). Remarks: This census ts part of an on-going study to determine bird populattons in Loblolly Pine plantations of 3 size classes (1-5 years, years, and 45 years-old and older). A mature mixed pine-hardwood area will serve as a control. Two Pine Warblers were observed in a territorial dispute on Mar. 7. A male and a female E. Bluebird were observed fighting with 2 Brown-headed Nuthatches over a tree stump approximately 7 ft. high. There was a hole in the stump about 4 in. in diameter and about 6 ft. above the ground. The nuthatches chased away the bluebtrds --WILLIAM E. HOLDEN, JR., ROBERT E. NOBLE, and ROBERTB. HAMILTON, School of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La PONDEROSA PINE FOREST.--Location: Colorado; Boulder Co., in the lower foothills 0.5 mile S of Baseline Road, Boulder; in the eastern part of Sectton 1, TIS, R71W, 6th PM. Continuity: Established ; 12 intermittent years. Size: 8.1 ha = 20 acres Description of Area: Situated in the northeast corner of a pine-covered mesa, at an elevation of 5900 ft See AFN 8:372 (1954). Weather: November and December were above average in snowfall; January and February had little snow and mild temperatures. Snow parttally or wholly covered the plot on 11 trips; the most was 5 in on Nov. 22. Temperatures ranged from 22 ø to 50øF Coverage: Oct. 28; Nov. 11, 18, 22, 25; Dec. 2, 9, 15, 23, Jan. 6, 13,20, 27; Feb. 10, 17. Total, 15 trips, totaling 13 hours. Trips were taken from 0740 to Counts Mountain Chickadee, 11 (136, 55); Pygmy Nuthatch, 9 (111, 45); Steller's Jay, 4 (49, 20); White-breasted Nuthatch, 4 (49, 20); Brown Creeper, 3 (37, 15);junco (sp.), 3 (37, 15); Black-billed Magpie, 1 (12, 5); Red Crossbill, 1 (12, 5); Hairy Woodpecker, +; Downy Woodpecker, +; Com. Crow, +; Townsend's Solitatre, +; Golden-crowned Kinglet, +; Pine Siskin, +; Dark- 706 Amencan Btrds, June 1974

98 eyed (Slate-colored) Junco, +; Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco, +; Gray-headed Junco, +. Average Total: 36 birds (445 per sq. kin., 180 per 100 acres.) Remarks: This winter population was about average. There was a small pine cone crop. No Clark's Nutcrackers, Redbreasted Nuthatches, Cassin's Finches, or Dark-eyed (White-winged) Juncos were seen. Red Crossbills were scarce. Brown Creepers and Townsend's Solitaires were more noticeable than on previous counts. The Golden-crowned Kinglets were seen only in October and November. The White-breasted Nuthatch population has apparently increased on the study acreage.--loulse HERING, 568 Marine, Boulder, Colo CANYON BOTTOM-PONDEROSA PINE FOREST--Location: Flume Canyon, northside of Highway 2 (off Cardinal Drive), Wrightwood, San Bernardino Co., California; Mount San Antonio Quadrangle, USGS. Continuity: New. Size: Rectangular (12,088 ft. long and 110 ft. wide, paced) ha = 30.5 acres. Description of Area: Ponderosa Pine Forest with an occasional oak and several shrubs; trees average about 50 ft. high and 3 ft. in diameter. Ponderosa Pine (Ptnus ponderosa), 78%; California Black Oak (Quercus kellogii), 13%; miscellaneous, 9%. The forest canopy is open with an understory of small pines, oaks and grasses. Topography: Mountains, at the starting point the elevation was 5500 ft. and the ending point was 7210 ft. above sea level. Edge: The study area is in the San Bernardino National Forest and is crossed by San Andreas Rift Zone. The study area is bounded by Blue Ridge to the south which is covered with Ponderosa Pine. To the north lies Holiday Hill, a ski resort. Water: A small intermittent stream runs through the canyon bottom, but only flows during the winter months (November through March). Food: There was a heavy crop of acorns, grass seeds, and pine cones this year, but at the time of the count there was little food left on the ground. The Acorn Woodpeckers stored a great number of acorns and their work could be seen all through the area. Weather: During the 35-day study period the temperature varied from 8 ø to 59øF. On the first 4 visits there was little precipitation, but prior to the last 5 visits a storm left 3 ft. of snow on the ground. (Temperatures were obtained from the Wrightwood Ranger Station). Coverage: Dec ; Jan Total, 9 trips, all between 0830 and 1100, averaging 120 minutes each. Count: Dark-eyed (Oregon)Junco, 8 (65, 26), Steller's Jay, 2 (16, 7); Pygmy Owl, 1 (8, 3); Anna's Hummingbird, 1 (8, 3); Corn. (Red-shafted) Flicker, 1 (8, 3); Acorn Woodpecker, 1 (8, 3); California Quail, +; White-breasted Nuthatch, +. Total Average: 15 birds (density, 122 per sq. kin., 49 per 100 acres). Remarks: The Pygmy Owl was seen on every trip, in the same Ponderosa Pine. A Steller's Jay and an Acorn Woodpecker were fighting over an acorn on the ground when a W. Gray Squirrel (Sciurus griseus) took it and ate it --JERIE H. ST. GERMAIN, 445 Coronado Ave., Apt 6, Long Beach, Calif FLOODPLAIN FOREST AND CULTIVATED BOTTOMLAND.--Location: North of and adjacent to the village of Scio, Allegany County, New York, 42ø10'N, 77ø59'W, Wellsville Quadrangle, USGS, 1926 Continuity: Established Size: About 51.8 ha = 128 acres. Description of Area: See AB 25: (1971) Cropland was increased this year by the bulldozing of a 15-acre strip adjoining original fields on the west side from the slough south along some of the old river bed, over the old pasture and through part of the woods, leaving a 5-acre strip of woods near the south end of the plot. Eight acres of the new strip was unplanted, growing up to weeds; the remainder is oat stubble. Of the original cultivated acreage, fall plowing left about 5 acres of corn stubble at the south end of the plot. The 8-acre sod area is the same and the 8-acre north field is corn stubble. Several dead elms in the wooded areas have been downed by the bulldozer and by high winds Food: A main source was extensive top dressings of manure on the cultivated fields. On 5 trips it was freshly spread on the snow cover, and bird tracks solidly covered these areas. On one trip when new snow buried this food source, the large flocks of Com. Crows opened the snow cover, and smaller birds then were able to feed. Corn gleanings, Box Elder, tall Ragweed and other weeds were abundant. There were no wild apples or grapes, and Sycamore fruits were few. Rabbits were scarce, but many mice were sighted in the corn stubble. Large schools of minnows and thick patches of Buckweed at the slough were available throughout the study period as the waters were mostly open. The river also was open on 6 trips and frozen across at only one narrow section on 4. Weather: Skies were fair on 4 trips and cloudy on 6; wind on every trip, calm to light. On 4 trips the ground was bare, on one had 2 in. of snow, and on 5 there were 7-10 in. of snow cover. A severe ice storm left a -in. coating on weeds, trees and snow Jan. 12. Temperatures during trips ranged from 5 ø to 30øF. with average 18 ø, very near the average mean (18.8 ø ) for the 41 days covered by the survey. (Data from the Alfred Coop. Weather Station, 16 mi. northeast of Scio and 770 ft. higher elevation, with records comparable to ours.) Coverage: Dec. 29, Jan. 12, 14, 17, 24, 25, 31; Feb. 2, 8, 9. Total: 10 trips, averaging 140 minutes each, with 8 between 0720 and 1130, and 2 between 1120 and 1400 EST. Count: Corn Crow 320 (618, 250); Tree Sparrow 15 (29, 12); Rock Dove 14 (27, 11); Black Duck 8 (15, 6); Evening Grosbeak 8 (15, 6); Horned Lark 7 (12, 5); Song Sparrow 7 (14, 5); Mallard 3 (6, 2); Field Sparrow 3 (6, 2); Downy Woodpecker 2 (4, 2); White-breasted Nuthatch 2 (4, 2), Cardinal 2 (4, 2); Corn. Merganser 1 (2, 1); Herring Gull 1 (2, 1); Mourning Dove 1 ( 2, 1); Belted Kingfisher 1 (2, 1); Blue Jay 1 (2, 1); Black-capped Chickadee 1 (2, 1), Starling 1 (2, 1); House Sparrow 1 (2, 1); Am. Goldfinch 1 (2, 1); Great Blue Heron, +; Com. Goldeneye, +, Hooded Merganser, +; Am. Kestrel, +; Killdeer, +, Great Horned Owl, +; Hairy Woodpecker, +; Redwinged Blackbird, +; Swamp Sparrow, +; Lapland Songspur, +; Snow Bunting, +. Average Total: 400 birds (772 per sq. kin., 313 per 100 acres). The table at the close of this report makes a 4-year comparison Remarks: Most of the waterfowl appeared after Lake Erie, about 60 miles n.w. of Scio, reacheti 32øF. on Feb 5. New species this year were Great Horned Owl, Swamp Sparrow and Hooded Merganser, Lapland Longspur, Killdeer and Red-winged Blackbird on one trip The influx of sparrows is attributed to the recovery Volume 28, Number 3 707

99 Table 1. Comparative Summary -- 4 Years in Floodplain Forest and Cultivated Bottomland, Study year average Total Species Average Birds per Trip 2 205(161) 51(42) 195(152) 174(136) 400(313) Average Birds per Trip excluding Com. Crow a 98(77) 50(39) 168(131) 95(75) 80(63) Mean Temperature, January 21.5øF. 9.0øF øF. 26.4øF. 26 2øF Average Snow Cover, in inches, January , the year following Hurricane Agnes 2,a the first number is av. birds per trip and the second, in parenthesis, density per 100 acres 4 lowest in 57 from Hurricane Agnes (1972) of the floodplain section of the plot, where a bounty of weeds provides rich foraging. The rise in actual numbers is due to increase in the crow population, flocks of 300 to nearly 600 appeartng regularly. Appreciation is again extended to Dr. Clarence Klingensmith and Robert Place for weather data, and to Don Maybee, owner of the plot, for its use and for information on acreage changes. Note: Correcttons in 1973 report, AB 27:680, "Red-headed Woodpecker" should read "Red-bellied Woodpecker, +". --VIVIAN MILLS PITZRICK, Box 61 R. 1 Amity Lake, Belmont, New York MIXED HABITAT: DECIDUOUS WOODED STREAM VALLEY AND MEADOW.--Location: Potomac, Maryland; 39ø2'40"N, 77ø13'50"W, Rock- ville Quadrangle USGS. Continuity: Established Size: 35.6 ha = 88 acres. From contour map by planimeter. Boundary of survey area follows that proposed for Nature Study Center "Adventure" in future stream valley park. Description of Area: See AB 27: , Weather: During the study period, temperatures ranged from 29øF. on Feb. 18 to 70 ø on Feb. 13. December temperatures averaged quite mild for the first and last thirds of the month, but below average for the period covering the trip of the 16th. January temperatures averaged 7.3 ø above normal, while February temperatures averaged 4-5 ø colder that January. Precipitation for December was above average, about average for January, and about half the normal for the area during February. Snow fell during the December census trip and snow was on the ground during the trips of February to a total accumulation of about 4 in. Seven visits («or B of a trip) were made on clear days, and five on cloudy or partly days. Winds ranged from calm (1 day), 4-5 mph (9 days), 6-8 mph (1 day), and 12 mph (1 day). Weather data taken from Metropolitan Climatological Summaries for the National Capital Area, and Climatological Data for Maryland and Delaware for the weather station in Rockville, Maryland. Coverage: Dec. 16, Jan. 20(«), 22(«), 28(V3), 30(Va), 18 («), and 18 («). Total: 7 trips averaging 3 hours 32 minutes each. Count: White-throated Sparrow, 17 (48, 19); Starling, 15 (42, 17); Dark-eyed Junco, 15 (42, 17); Com. Crow, 12 (34, 14); Carolina Chickadee, 12 (34, 14); Cardinal, 8 (22, 9); Song Sparrow, 8 (22, 9); Bob- white, 5 (14, 6); Downy Woodpecker, 3 (8, 3); Tufted Titmouse, 3 (8, 3); E. Bluebird, 3 (8, 3); Goldencrowned Kinglet, 3 (8, 3); White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 (6, 2); Carolina Wren, 2 (6, 2); Field Sparrow, 2 (6, 2), Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 (3, 1); Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (3, 1); Pileated Woodpecker, 1 (3, 1); Blue Jay, 1 (3,1), Mockingbird, 1 (3, 1); Red-tailed Hawk, +; Redshouldered Hawk, +; Sharp-shinned Hawk, +; Am Woodcock, +; Mourning Dove, +; Barred Owl, +, Com. Flicker, +; Belted Kingfisher, +; Brown Creeper, +; Winter Wren, +; House Sparrow, +; Am Goldfinch, +; Swamp Sparrow, +. Average Total 128 birds (359 per sq. km., 145 per 100 acres). Remarks, Total species, 33. On one trip, three Pileated Woodpeco kers were observed at one time (two on the Study Area and one on adjacent property.) Subsequentrips indicate that the Barred Owls have established territory on the area.-margaret T. DONNALD, MORRILL B DONNALD, A VIND E. BONDE, GARY MELHMAN, JANNINE M. NORVELL, JOHN R. NOR VELL compiler, Rt. 5, Box 169-B, Mt. Airy, Md ), Montgomery County Chapter, Maryland Ornithologtcal Society. 30. MIXED UPLAND HABITAT.--Location Woodend Sanctuary of the Audubon Naturalist Society on Jones Mill Rd., adjoining Rock Creek Park in Maryland, just above the District of Columbia Line in Chevy Chase. Size: 16.2 ha = 40 acres. Description of Area See AFN 23: (1969). Weather: Temperature s ranged from 23 ø to 74øF., winds calm to moderate. Several inches of snow were present one day; otherwise the ground was clear. Coverage: Jan. 6, 7, 13, 15, 22, 23, 29, Feb. 9, 10, 17, 18. Total, 12 trips between 0830 and 1730, averaging 2 hours each; 42 observer-hours Count: Starling, 52 (321, 130); Cardinal, 49 (303, 123), White-throated Sparrow, 43 (266, 108); Red-wtnged Blackbird, 41 (253, 103); House Sparrow, 27 (167, 68), Com. Crow, 26 (161, 65); Carolina Chickadee, 24 (148, 60); Brown-headed Cowbird, 22 (136, 55); Dark-eyed Junco, 19 (117, 48); Fish Crow, 17 (105, 43); Mourning Dove, 14 (86, 35); House Finch, 13 (8, 33); Cedar Waxwing, 11 (68, 28); Blue Jay, 10(62, 25y; Tufted Titmouse, 7 (43, 18); Carolina Wren, 6 (37, 15); Turkey Vulture, 5 (31, 13); Downy Woodpecker, 5 (3l, 13), Mockingbird, 4 (25, 10); Am. Goldfinch, 4 (25, 10), White-breasted Nuthatch, 3 (19, 8); Field Sparrow, American Birds, June 1974

100 (19, 8); Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2 (12, 5); Song Sparrow, 2 (12, 5); Red-shouldered Hawk, 1 (6, 3); Bobwhite, 1 (6, 3); Corn. (Yellow-shafted) Flicker, 1 (6, 3); Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (6, 3); Brown Creeper, 1 (6, 3); Brown Thrasher, 1 (6, 3); Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1, (6, 3); Corn. Grackle, 1 (6, 3); Purple Finch, 1 (6, 3); Pine Siskin, 1 (6, 3); Red-tailed Hawk, +; Am. Kestrel, +; Plleated Woodpecker, +; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, +, Black-capped Chickadee, +; Red-breasted Nuthatch, +; Winter Wren, +; Gray Catbird, +; Am. Robin, +; Yellow-rumped Warbler, +; Rusty Blackbird, +. Average Total: 422 birds (2606 per sq. kin., 1055 per 100 acres). Remarks: Species total, 45. Several new species were seen probably owing to more frequent coverage than has been possible in the past. Although trends are difficult to interpret because of better coverage of the grounds and more trips this year, the following species have increased over the past 3 years: Redwinged Blackbird, cowbird, Cardinal, House Finch, junco, Field Sparrow and White-throated Sparrow. Other factors contributing to the increase may be the development of the grounds into more varied habitat, more bird feeding locations on the property, and the fact than snow has not remained on the ground for long periods during the last 3 years. The increase in Fish Crows resulted from a roost just off the property; this roost broke apart 3 weeks after the beginning of the study. Because of diversity of habitat, Woodend is not comparable to any other study plot. It does, however, provide an interesting contrast to more homogeneous areas.- C.E. CRAVEN, BRIT EDSBERG, VINCENT JONES, PETER PYLE, PHILIP STODDARD, and HOLLY WAGNER (compiler, Audubon Naturalist Society, 8940 Jones Mill Rd., Washington, D.C ). 31.MATURE DECIDUOUS FLOODPLAIN FOREST.--Location: Glen Echo, Maryland, 2«miles northeast of the District of Columbia, between the C & O Canal and the Potomac River. Size: 17.8 ha., 44.1 acres. Description of Area: See AFN 2: (1948). The land is a fairly flat strip along the fiver, supporting a heavy growth of deciduous hardwoods 80 to 100 feet high. Weather: Weather was unusually mild and practically lacking in snow during the census period. Temperature during walks averaged 43øF. Coverage: Jan. 12, 16, 19, 20, 26, 27, 29; Feb. 2 (3 tfips), 16. Total: 11 trips averaging 2.60 hours, between 0725 and 1645 EST. Count: Starling, 42 (235, 95); Carolina Chickadee, 20 (112, 45); White-throated Sparrow, 14 (78, 32); Am. Goldfinch, 9 (50, 20); Downy Woodpecker, 7 (39, 16); Carolina Wren, 7 (39, 16); Cardinal, 6 (34, 14); Darkeyed Junco, 6 (34, 14); Corn. Crow, 5 (28, 11); Tufted Titmouse, 4 (22, 9); Winter Wren, 3 (17, 7); Evening Grosbeak, 3 (17, 7); Song Sparrow, 3 (17, 7); Mourning Dove, 2 (11, 5); Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2 (11, 5); White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 (11, 5); Purple Finch, 2 (11, 5), Turkey Vulture, 1 (6, 2); Pileated Woodpecker, 1 (6, 2), Brown Creeper, 1 (6, 2); Red-winged Blackbird, 1 (6, 2), Bobwhite, +; Rock Dove, +; Barred Owl, +; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, +; Hafiy Woodpecker, +; Blue Jay, +; Golden-crowned Kinglet, +; Cedar Waxwing, +; Yellow-rumped Warbler, +; Rusty Blackbird, +, Pine Siskin, +. Average total: 145 birds (812 per sq. km., 329 per 100 acres). Remarks: Seen on the water near the area: Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Black Duck, Wood Duck, Buffiehead, Corn. Merganser, Hooded Merganser, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Belted Kingfisher. Total abundance of birds is almost exactly the same as last year. Number of species at 32, however, is usually high and reflects the presence of several species not usual in the study area, for example, the Red-winged Blackbird, Bobwhite, Cedar Waxwing, Rusty Blackbird and Pine Siskin. Other birds that are often absent but present this year are the Goldencrowned Kinglet and Evening Grosbeak. The Tufted Titmouse was much less abundant than usual A number of birds showed distinct increases: goldfinch, Purple Finch, junco, White-throated Sparrow, and Winter Wren. Particularly active were the Winter Wrens, not only more numerous than usual but often heard singing incomplete songs.--joan H. CRIS- WELL (compiler), WILLIAM H. CRAMER, C E CRAVEN, ELIOSE DAVIS, WILLIAM DAVIS III, WILLIAM DAVIS, JR., RICHARD GAUTHEY, DAVID MEHLMAN, DONALD MEHLMAN, MRS B. MEHLMAN, HAZEL YOUNG, (members of the Audubon Naturalist Society, 8940 Jones Mill Rd, Washington, D.C ). 32. MIXED UPLAND HABITAT.--Location: Central third of Glover-Archbold Park, a long, narrow, stream valley park in the northwest section of the District of Columbia. Continuity: Established 1960; 15 consecutive years. Size: 14.2 ha = 35 acres. Description of Area See AFN 14: (1960). Weather: Cloudy on 4 trips, raining on 1, snowing on 2, sunny on 7. Snow on the ground on 2 days. Average temperature was 49øF, below freezing on 3 days. Wind was calm on 8 trips, 5-10 mph on 2 trips, and mph on 4 trips. Coverage Jan. 5, 7, 8, 12 (2 trips), 15, 17, 19, 22, 27; Feb. 8, 9, 18 (2 trips). Hours ranged from 0830 to 1800, evenly spread over that span. A total of 24 hours 25 minutes spend on 14 trips gave a total of 12 complete coverages of the area, since some were partial. Average time for each coverage was 2.02 hours. Count: Carolina Chickadee, 12 (85, 34); House Sparrow, 12 (85, 34); Tufted Titmouse, 10 (71, 29); Starling, 9 (64, 26); Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco, 8 (56, 23); Blue Jay, 6 (42, 17), Corn. Crow, 6 (42, 17); Cardinal, 6 (42, 17); Mourning Dove, 5 (35, 14); Red-bellied Woodpecker, 4 (28, 11), Downy Woodpecker, 4 (28, 11); Carolina Wren, 4 (28, 11); Brown-headed Cowbird, 3 (21, 9); Am. Goldfinch, 3 (21, 9); White-throated Sparrow, 3 (21, 9); Turkey Vulture, 2 (14, 6); White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 (14, 6), Black Vulture, 1 (7, 3); Bobwhite, 1 (7, 3); Ring-billed Gull 1 (7, 3); Rock Dove, 1 (7, 3); Pileated Woodpecker, 1 (7, 3); Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (7, 3); Fish Crow, 1 (7, 3), Mockingbird, 1, (7, 3); Purple Finch, 1 (7, 3); Rufoussided Towhee, 1 (7, 3); Red-tailed Hawk, +; Red- shouldered Hawk, +; Brown Creeper, +; Winter Wren, +; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, +; Song Sparrow, + Average: 108 (762 birds per sq. km., 309 per 100 acres ) Remarks: Total species, 33. One species, Rubycrowned Kinglet, was added to the winter list, bringing the cumulative total to 67 species. The average of one Bobwhite represents a covey of 15 seen on one occasion. It was the first time the Black Vulture moved up Volume 28, Number 3 709

101 from a + to 1, but the Starling count was the lowest yet; it has ranged from 8 to 20 in previous years, and dropped from 13 last year. SHIRLEYA. BRIGGS (cornpder Honeywell Lane, Bethesda, Md ), DAVID MEHLMAN, OLIVE HOLBROOK, EDGAR H SMITH, and DONALD WEBER. 33. DECIDUOUS WOODS.--Location: Shade- Wickwire Woods, Reed Township, Seneca County, Ohio; mile east of State Route 4, and mile south of Township Road 106; 41ø05'N, 82ø52'W. Continuity: New. Size: 16.2 ha = 40 acres. It is a square. Description of Area: The area is a fairly typical deciduous woods of northwestern Ohio. However, as far as is known it is a primary growth, according to Ray Shade, who has lived near the woods for more than 60 years. Some of the larger trees were cut in An unusual aspect of this woods is that there are several "bald spots". These are areas of about 1 to 4 ha. in size and contain no trees but a few shrubs. It is theorized by Dr. Pecy Lilly, a botanist at Heidelberg College, that these areas are remnants of the prairie. Research is presently being conducted in these areas. The woods consists of mainly hickories (mainly Carya ovata), Beech (Fagus grandifolia ), Boxelder (Acer negundo) and Silver Maple (Acer saccharinurn), and hawthom (sp.?) in the area of the bald spots. There is also a small pond (about 20 ft. in diameter and less than 1 ft in depth) in the southwestern comer of the land. The area of this comer is very wet. There is a small stream flowing out of the pond and cutting diagonally across the land. Edge: The woods are surrounded on three sides by fields and by a field and similar woods on the south side. Topography: Essentlally flat with a slight slope along the stream. Elevation 950 ft. Weather: The weather was slightly milder than normal this year. One count was made in the rain and one while it was snowing. There was a snow cover on 5 trips. The temperature was usually in the high 30s and mld-40s. However, on one trip it was in the mid-teens and on another in the mid-20s. Coverage: Jan. 7, 14, 23, 30, Feb. 9, 15, 23. Total of 7 trips, 5 between and 1300 EST, and 2 between 1400 and 1700 EST. Total of 18 hours, averaging about 2«hours per trip. Count: Cardinal, 12 (74, 30); Tufted Titmouse, 10 (62, 25); Downy Woodpecker, 9 (56, 23); Tree Sparrow, 9 (56, 23), Black-capped Chickadee, 7 (43, 18); Whitebreasted Nuthatch, 6 (37, 15); Am. Goldfinch, 4 (25, 10), Brown Creeper, 3 (19, 8); House Sparrow, 3 (19, 8); Blue Jay, 2 (12, 5); Corn. Crow, 2 (12, 5); Song Sparrow, 2 (12, 5); Mouming Dove, 1 (6, 3); Corn. Flicker, 1 (6, 3); Horned Lark, I (6, 3); Red-tailed Hawk, +; Screech Owl, +; Great Horned Owl, +; Red-bellied Wood- pecker, +; Winter Wren, +. Average Total: 72 (445 per sq kin., 180 per 100 acres). Remarks: Total species 20. Of interest was the absence of the Dark-eyed Junco, reported to be abundant throughout the rest of the county. On a similar census in 1972 (unpublished) the Dark-eyed Junco was second in abundance with an average of 20. The sporadic numbers of Cardinals (31 on one count, 0 and 1 on two other counts) is inexplicable Owls are probably more regular than reported. I discovered a roosting tree of the Great Horned Owl and, judging from the amount of debris under it, he was a regular in the woods.--h. THOMAS BARTLETT, P 0 Box 303, Tiffin, Ohio MIXED HABITAT-DISTURBED BOTTOM- LAND. --Location: Dewey, Washington Co., Oklahoma; 2 miles west of intersection of Ninth St. and Highway 75 and 0.3 miles north on east bank of Caney River, 36ø48'N, 95ø58'W, Tulsa Quadrangle, USGS Continuity: Established Size: ha = 100 acres (irregular rectangle roughly 600 by 800 yards; deter- mined from SCS aerial map). Description of Area: See AB 26: (1972) Weather: Count days were clear to partly cloudy, very little wind. Temperatures were from 12 ø to 65øF; average low, 30ø; average high, 44 ø Coverage: Dec. 22 and 23 (half trips); Jan. 2, 5, 14, 19, 21, 25, 28; Feb. 1, 8. Ten complete trips, averaging 3 hrs. 55 min.; 40 man hours. Three afternoon trips were between 1230 and 1705; all others between 0740 and 1415 CST. Count: Am. Robin, 19 (47, 19); Cardinal, 16 (40, 16); Blue Jay, 14 (35, 14); Tufted Titmouse, 14 (35, 14); Song Sparrow, 12 (30, 12); Starling, 11 (27, 11), Red-bellied Woodpecker, 10 (25, 10); Tree Sparrow, 10 (25, 10); Carolina Chickadee, 9 (22, 9); White-throated Sparrow, 6 (15, 6); Cedar Waxwing, 4 (10, 4); Rusty Blackbird, 4 (10, 4); Downy Woodpecker, 4 (10, 4), Rufous-sided Towhee, 4 (10, 4); Bobwhite, 3 (7, 3), Corn. Flicker, 3 (7, 3); White-breasted Nuthatch, 3 (7, 3); E. Bluebird, 3 (7, 3); Swamp Sparrow, 3 (7, 3); Corn Crow, 2 (5, 2); Brown Creeper, 2 (5, 2); Carolina Wren, 2 (5, 2); Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2 (5, 2); Dark-eyed Junco, 2 (5, 2); Rough-legged Hawk, 1 (2, 1); Marsh Hawk, 1 (2, 1); Barred Owl, 1 (2, 1); Pileated Woodpecker, 1 (2, 1); Red-headed Woodpecker, 1 (2, 1), Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (2, 1); Loggerhead Shrike, 1 (2, 1); House Sparrow, 1 (2, 1); E. Meadowlark, 1 (2, 1), Red-winged Blackbird, 1 (2, 1); Purple Finch, 1 (2, 1), Am. Goldfinch, 1 (2, 1); Fox Sparrow, 1 (2, 1), Lincoln's Sparrow, 1 (2, 1); Great Blue Heron, +, Red-tailed Hawk, +; Am. Kestrel, +; Great Horned Owl, +; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, +; Bewick's Wren, +; Mockingbird, +; Orange-crowned Warbler, + Average Total: 176 birds (435 per sq. km., 176 per 100 acres). Remarks: Total species, 46, is the same as last year. Number of individuals was up from last year's 135. Weather was milder; water was frozen, but soil in the woods did not freeze, leaving foraging area for robins and other ground feeders. An abundant crop of hackberries attracted several species, including a flock of 75 Starlings on one count. The Tree Sparrow total increased because of a flock of 60, feeding on goldenrod seed, seen on only one visit. Five species were new this year: Rough-legged Hawk, Bewick's Wren, Goldencrowned Kinglet, Cedar Waxwing and Rusty Blackbird. Lincoln' s Sparrow, present for the entire period in , was seen only on the first two counts this year Song Sparrow population was down because of loss of habitat owing to summer mowing. ELLA DELAP409 N. Wyandotte, Dewey, Okla PONDEROSA PINE SEDIMENTARY CREEK- BOTTOM. --Location: Running Creek Field Station, 28 miles NE of Colorado Springs and 10 miles S of Elizabeth, in parts of Sections 25, 26 and 35, T9S, R65W Elbert County, Colorado. Continuity: New. Size ha = 90 acres (measured from map). Description of Area: A north-south rectangular acreage bounded by fence lines on all four sides, which includes the rock- 710 American Birds, June 1974

102 walled creekbottom of Running Creek and the edging Ponderosa Pine woodland. Aspen (Populus tremuloides) and willow (Salix) are found in the creekbottom together with some Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Rocky Mountain Red Cedar (Juniperus scopulorum). The open linear woodland along both sides of the rocky canyon is composed primarily of Ponderosa Pine and Red Cedar, with Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus), Wax Currant (Rtbes cereum), Ninebark (Physocarpus monogynus), as well as a variety of grasses and herbs. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is found in disturbed areas near an old stone quarry and house foundation in the northwest section of the census area. The north-south creek is intermittent much of the year, and was frozen during the census period. The Dawson arkose sandstone walls of the canyon range between 10 and 30 ft. high and are from 30 to 70 fl. apart. The northern section of the canyon is extremely broken and rugged, narrowing to the south. Arkose bedrock surfaces throughout the area, especially towards the canyon rims. Elevation: 6970 ft. Edge: To the north and south is a continuation of the wooded rocky creekbottom. Cultivated and abandoned agricultural land and farm buildings lie immediately to the east, while the western edge of the area includes abandoned agricultural land and grassland. Ecologically, the area is related to the Black Forest, an elevated sloping plateau of Ponderosa Pine and associated grassland extending east from the Colorado Front Range. Weather: The census period followed a relatively dry, mild autumn. The average temperature was about 15øF. with alow of -25 ø and ahigh of 49 ø. No snowfall measurements were available, but there were several storms during the period and snow covered the ground at a depth of frum 8 in. to 2 ft. Coverage: Dec. 8; Jan 9, 17, 19, 23; Feb. 1, 10, 22, 27. Total: 9 trips, both morning and afternoon, totaling 22V2 man-hours. Count: Pine Siskin, 11 (30, 12); Am. Robin, 6 (17, 7); Townsend's Solitaire, 5 (14, 6); Black-billed Magpie, 4 (11, 4); Gray-crowned Rosy Finch, 4 (11, 4); Mountain Chickadee, 3 (8, 3); Corn. Redpoll, 3 (8, 3); Horned Lark, 1 (3, 1); Red-tailed Hawk, +; Bald Eagle, +; Marsh Hawk, +; Merlin, +; American Kestrel, +; Great Horned Owl, +; Long-eared Owl, +; Corn. Flicker, +; Hairy Woodpecker, +; Corn. Raven, +; Whge-breasted Nuthatch, +; Red-breasted Nuthatch, +, Pygmy Nuthatch, +; Cation Wren, +; Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco, +; Average Total: 37 birds (102 per sq. km., 41 per 100 acres). Remarks: The census plot is part of Running Creek Field Station, an environmental study area operated by the Wright- Ingraham Institute of Colorado Springs. The creekbottom and 500 acres of surrounding grassland are managed by the Institute to retain the integrity of the natural ecosystems; and this study is part of an ecosystemal inventory at the field station. Although lying, geographically, in the high-plains country of eastern Colorado, this site is essentially part of the Transition L fe Zone, as reflected by its flora and fauna. The winter bird population is essentially that of a foothills comferous-forest ecosystem -- especially the Hairy Woodpecker, Mountain Chickadee, nuthatches, robin, sohtaire, siskin. The diversity of birds of prey characterizes "isolated" woodlands amidst grassland, espe- cially where there is an availability of mammal prey, true of the Running Creek area. Limiting factors here include low temperatures, wind, persistent snow cover, and a restricted food supply. Junco populations, for example, are minimal because there is seldom snowfree ground accessible for feeding. The most unusual winter record here was the redpoll, uncommon in Colorado but reported in the Black Forest in winter before Usually coniferous forest creekbottoms are less productive than deciduous forest creekbottoms in Colorado, being less diversified and generally affording a more limited food supply. It would thus be provocative to compare the Running Creek area, with its p nejuniper woodland, with the deciduous woodland along the next creekbottom to the west.--john KOSHAK and RICHARD BEIDLEMAN (compilers), LARRY NELL, ALBERT SHULTZ and ALEXANDRA VARGO, Dept. of Biology, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colo GRASSLAND:ABANDONED AIRPORT.-- Location: Jefferson Proving Ground, Jefferson County, Indiana; 38ø49'30"N, 85ø26'W, Clifty Falls Quadrangle, USGS. Continuity: New. Size: ha = 57 2 acres. Triangular, surveyed by post engineer Description of Area: Elevation 850 ft. Artificial grassland, cleared in 1939 and with concrete runways 150 ft wide. One concrete runway (7.3 acres of the plot) w th tufts of grass growing in the cracks, extends across the plot, but all other areas look like prairie, some wet and some dry. Dominant plants are Broom Sedge (Andropogon virginicus), Nimble Will (Muhlenbergla schreberi), and Fall Panic Grass (Panicurn dichotomiflorum). Plant specimens were identified by Dr. James H. Maysfiles. Edge: Concrete runways surround the plot on all sides; beyond these similar flat grassland extends for one-half mile in all directions, except for a small hangar. Weather: January and February were about average for southern Indiana. During counts, temperatures ranged from 27-57øF.; wind was rather light, exceeding 12 mph. (to about 15 mph) only once for a short time; precipitation (snow) fell dunng only one count; skies were clear, or mostly so, 6 times and overcast twice; snow cover of 1-2 in. twice Coverage: Jan. 16, 30; Feb. 2, 9, 16, 21,23, 27. Total, 8 counts, all in daylight, 2 afternoon and 6 morning; average trip 91 minutes; total man-hours 18. Count E Meadowlark, 4 (17, 7); Horned Lark, 3 (13, 5); Le Conte's Sparrow, 2 (9, 3); Marsh Hawk, 1 (4, 2); Shorteared Owl, 1 (4, 2); Savannah Sparrow, 1 (4, 2); Rock Dove, +; Corn. Crow, +; Starling, +. Average Total 12 birds (52 per sq. kin., 21 per 100 acres.) Remarks: We thank the authorities of Jefferson Proving Ground, United States Army, for permission to use the area and for their help.-j. DAN WEBSTER and BRIAN HAAG, Hanover College, Hanover, Indiana GRASSLAND: MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.-- Location: In the municipal airport of Natchitoches, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana; 31ø44'N, 93ø66'W, Provencal Quadrangle, USGS. Continuity: New. Size ha = 30 acres (rectangular, 1320 X 990 ft., meas- Volume 28, Number 3 711

103 ured with steel tape). Description of Area: The area is wlthm and near the center of the Natchitoches City Airport. The airport is maintained as a grassland by mowing three or more times each year with the clippings baled and removed. It has not been seeded recently. The vegetation occurring is a natural development under the present management practices. The plant species listed in this description were collected Sept 26, The dominant species were Broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus), Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon), Johnson Grass (Sorgum halepense), Sandbur (Cenchrus pauciflorus), Foxtail (Setaria viridis), and Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis). Other grasses collected were Paspalum (Paspalum urvtllei and P. laeve), Three-awn Grass (Aristida ohgantha), Love Grass (Eragrostis spectabilis and E. oxylepis), Smut Grass (Sporobolus poiretii), Beard Grass (Andropogon divergens); Tridens (Tridens strtctus), and Axonopus (Axonopus furcatus), Other plants collected were Sensitive Brier (Schrankia mtcrophylla), Purple Agalinis (Agalinis purpurea), Beggartick (Desmodium paniculatum), Goats Beard (Tragopogon major), Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale), Buttonweed (Diodia teres), Wood-sorrel (Oxalis stricta), Horse Nettle (Solanum carolinense), dock (Rumex sp.) Ground Cherry (Physalis heterophylla), Sage (Salvia lyrata), Southern Dewberry (Rubus triviales), Pepper-vine (Ampelopsis arborea), White Clover (Trifolium repens), Reversed Clover (T. resupinatum), Dichondra (Dichondra repens), Cocklebur (Xanthium pennsylvanicum ), Goldenrod (Solidago altissima), thistle (Cirsium sp. ), Verbena (Verbena simplex), and everlasting (Gnaphalium sp ) Rushes and sedges were found in one low area of the study plot. Edge: Bordered on all sides by the same vegetation type. Topography: Flat. Elevation: 100 ft. Water: Permanent water is available from a lake and sloughs about mile from the study area. Food: The grasses and forbs of the area provide an abundant supply of seeds and the soft, porous soil provides earthwroms. Weather: Daytime temperatures on count days ranged from 60 ø to 75øF., and night temperatures ranged from 28 ø to 60 ø. Two count days were clear and the remaining 5 were partly cloudy to cloudy. The area was wet and the soil waterlogged during the first 4 count days but had dried out during the last 3 counts. All count days were windy with wind of 2-3 on the Beaufort scale. The general weather pattern was wetter and mil- derthan usual for the area. Coverage: Jan. 18, 20, 28, 30; Feb 6, 13, 27. Total, 7 trips, all between 1400 and 1600, averaging 45 minutes. Count: Savannah Sparrow, 12 (99, 40); E. Meadowlark, 11 (91, 37); Am. Robin, 3 (25, 10), Sprague's Pipit, 2 (16, 7); LeConte's Sparrow, +. Average Total: 28 birds (231 per sq. km., 93 per 100 acres). Remarks: The assistance of Dana Sanders in identifying the plant species is gratefully acknowledged.-charles E. VIERS, Dept. of Biologtcal Sciences, Northwestern State University, Natchttoches, LA MIXED PRAIRIE PARK.--Location: Nebraska; Lancaster County; 5.5 miles (8.8 km) southwest of Lincoln; Chet Ager Nature Center (CANC) is in the southwest corner of Pioneers Park; T9N, R6E; 40ø46'N, 96ø46rW, Emerald Quadrangle, USGS. Continuity: Es- tablished 1970; 4 consecutive years. Size: ha = 39.5 acres (surveyed). Description of Area: See AB 25: (1971). Weather: December 1973 tem- peratures averaged 23.8øF. with 15 /2 in. snow. January 1974 temperatures averaged 18.9 ø with 6 /2 in. snow February temperatures averaged 32.2 ø with 3 in. snow During the 78-day study period maximum temperatures were below freezing 29 days, minimum temperatures were below 0 ø 13 days and above freezing 3 days. During count periods temperatures ranged from 5 ø to 52øF at CANC. Extremes for the study period were -36 ø to 65 ø (data from CANC weather station). Coverage: Dec 12, 20, 28; Jan. 2, 9, 15, 22; Feb. 1, 4, 11, 20, 28. Total, 12 trips, all between 0845 and 1645, averaging 81 m - nutes. Total observer hours, Count: House Sparrow, 43 (269, 109); Dark-eyed Junco, 32 (200, 81); Starling, 10 (63, 25); Mallard, 9 (56, 23); Harris' Sparrow, 7 (44, 18); Blue Jay, 6 (38, 15); Black-capped Chickadee, 6 (38, 15); Downy Woodpecker, 5 (31, 13); Red-winged Blackbird, 5 (31, 13); W. Meadowlark, 3 (19, 8); Cardinal, 3 (19, 8); Tree Sparrow, 3 (19, 8); Bobwhite, 2 (13, 5); Mourning Dove 2 (13, 5); Hairy Woodpecker, 2 (13, 5); Corn. Crow 2, (13, 5); Am. Robin, 2 (13, 5); Pine Siskin 2 (13, 5); Song Sparrow 2, (13, 5); Great Horned Owl, 1 (6, 3); White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (6, 3); Am Goldfinch, 1 (6, 3); Com. Redpoll, 1 (6, 3); Red-rarer Hawk +; Ring-necked Pheasant +; Killdeer +; Belted Kingfisher +; Com. Flicker +; Red-bellied Woodpecker +; Red-breasted Nuthatch +; Brown Creeper +; Golden-crowned Kinglet +; Fox Sparrow + Average Total: 147 birds (920 per sq. km., 372 per 100 acres). Remarks: Total species, 33. Four species seen last year (Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Long-eared Owl and Red Crossbill) were sighted during the study period but not on count days. Four species of hawks and one species of owl which have been observed in past years were not sighted during this year's count The average number of birds per trip decreased to 147 compared with 192 for the count. This may partially be owing to the decrease in average time per trip over the past 3 years (120 minutes for , 90 minutes for , 81 minutes for ). The number of Mallards wintering in Haines Branch decreased considerably this year. The most noticeable change was with the Bobwhite population as it was only observed once on Dec DR. ESTHER BENNETT and BRYCE ANDERSON, Staff - Chet Ager Nature Center, Lincoln Park and Recreation Dept., 2740 "A" St., Lincoln, Neb., SANDHILL PRAIRIE.--Location: Sand Prairie Natural History Reservation, 4 miles east and 4 m les north of Burrton, Harvey County, Kansas (E¾2 SE Sec 36, R3W, T22S). Continuity: Established 1973 Size: ha = 80 acres (rectangular, 440 X 880 yards, measured with cloth tape). Description of Area: SeeAB 27:684 (1973). Water: There was a relatively large amount of standing water in the sloughs and semipermanent ponds. These were still partially filled from the fall flooding of the Little Arkansas River which runs V2 mile east of the Reservation and from filling dunng the previous wet spring. They were thinly or solidly frozen during the early part of the count period, thawing in the latter part. Weather: During the 37-day study period the weather remained below freezing on 8 days 712 American B rds, June 1974

104 and above freezing on 8 nights. The temperature ranged from -10 ø to 55øF. The average temperature during the seven counts was 34øF. During the January counts there was a 4-5 in. snow cover, but the ground was clear m February. During the counts, the winds were light (0-12 mph, mean 5 mph), and the sky was clear or shghtly cloudy, with one count under completely overcast sky. (Data taken on the Reservation.) Coverage: Jan. 5 (2 trips), 6, 16, Feb. 9, 10 (2 trips). Total, 7 trips, 4 between 0825 and 1100 and 3 between 1345 and 1630, averaging 84 minutes each. Count: Tree Sparrow, 19 (59, 24); Bobwhite, 8 (25, 10); Ring-necked Pheasant, 4 (12, 5); Black-capped Chickadee, 4 (12, 5); Brownheaded Cowbird, 3 (9, 4); Harris's Sparrow, 3 (9, 4); Downy Woodpecker, 2 (6, 3); Com. Crow, 2 (6, 3); Cardinal, 2 (6, 3); Song Sparrow, 2 (6, 3); Marsh Hawk, 1 (3, 1); Com. Flicker, 1 (3, 1); Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (3, 1), Am. Robin, 1 (3, 1); Cedar Waxwing, i (3, 1); Redwinged Blackbird, 1 (3, 1); Dark-eyed Junco, 1 (3, i); Mallard, +; Rough-legged Hawk, +; Red-tailed Hawk, +, Am. Kestrel, +; Killdeer, +; Great Horned Owl, +; Red-bellied Woodpecker, +; Brown Creeper, +; Loggerhead Shrike, +; meadowlark sp., +; Rufous-sided Towhee, +. Average Total 56 birds (173 per sq. km., 70 per 100 acres). Remarks: While species diversity was up over the single previous count, the number of birds seen was down. The main factor in this decrease was in the number of Bobwhite. There was some evidence of mortality during a cold spell in the first part of the count period.-vic CLAASSEN, Box414, North Newton, KS LIVE OAK-MESQUITE BRUSHLAND. --Location: Northeast Preserve, city park of San Antonio, Texas, located 2 miles northeast of San Antonio International Airport. Study area is along the northern boundary of the park, extending 660 yards eastsoutheast of Jones-Maltsberger Road and 220 yards south-southwest of the fence. Continuity: Established Size: 12.1 ha = 30 acres, based on survey stakes along the fence and measured outward 220 yards by steel tape. Description of Area: SeeAFN 21:472 (1967). Weekend campers disturbed area very little. Increasing usage of paved trail by bicyclists was mainly on weekends. Weather: November and December had a total of.45 inches of rain so the period began very dry. Rmn increased in January to 1.36 inches but was still.30 nches below normal. Temperature was about normal in January. Coverage: Dec. 26, 31; Jan. 14, 20, 28, 31. Total: 6 trips, averaging 90 minutes, 4 trips in the mornlng between 0830 and 1100 and 2 in the afternoon between 1510 and 1730 CST. Count: Cardinal, 5 (41, t7), Am. Goldfinch, 4 (33, 13); Rufous-sided Towhee, 4 (33, 13); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 3 (25, 10); Carolina Chickadee, 2 (16, 7); Black-crested Titmouse, 2 (16, 7); Bewick's Wren, 2 (16, 7); White-throated Sparrow, 2 (16, 7); Lincoln's Sparrow, 2 (16, 7); Golden-fronted Woodpecker, 1 (8, 3); Mockingbird t (8, 3); Am. Robin, 1 (8, 3); Pine Siskin, 1 (8, 3); Fox Sparrow, 1 (8, 3); Mourning Dove, +; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, +; Ladder-backed Woodpecker, +; Vetdin, +; Winter Wren, +; Carolina Wren, +; Long-billed Thrasher, +; Hermit Thrush, +; Orange-crowned Warbler, +; Field Sparrow, +. Average Total: 31 birds (255 per sq. km, 103 per 100 acres). Remarks: A new species for the 8-year study was the Winter Wren found on two walks The average number of birds was the lowest for the count. The previous low was 43 birds in These low counts followed dry autumn seasons with less than a half inch of rain in November and December Lincoln's Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows varied best with the autumn rainfall reaching low points n 1971 and 1974, and with high numbers in 1972 after heavy autumn rains.-james A. MIDDLETON, San Antonio Audubon Society, Witte Memorial Museum, 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas MESQUITE-JUNIPER CANYON BOTTOM- LAND. ---Location: 12 miles east of Canyon, Texas, and 4 miles from entrance to Palo Duro Canyon State Park (first water crossing); 34ø57'N, 101ø40'W, Fortress Cliff Quadrangle, USGS. Size: ha = 31 acres, steel tape and compass (rectangular). Description of Area: See AFN 21: (1967). Weather: Dunng the 85-day study period the temperature remained below freezing on 11 days. The range of temperature was from 2 ø to 77øF., while the average temperature was 34øF. The days of greatest precipitation in the form of snow or sleet were Dec. 3 (1.2 in.), 4 (.3 in.), Jan t 0.5 in.), 2 (.5 in.), 3 (1.0 in.), 9 (.2 in.), 27 (.4 in.), and Feb. 7 (1.2 in.). The average wind velocity was 13 mph (Data from the Amarillo Air Terminal 18 miles north At that point the elevation is 3604 ft. while on the study area is is 2876 ft.) Coverage: Dec. 2, 9, 15, 24; Jan. 6, 20, 26; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24. Total: 11 trips, t0 between 0845 and 1200 CDT, and 1 between 1405 and 1605 CDT, averaging 135 minutes each. Count: Dark-eyed Junco, 18 (143, 58); White-crowned Sparrow, 16 (128, 52), Am Robin, i1 (88, 35); Scaled Quail, 8 (64, 26); Song Sparrow, 8 (64, 26); Golden-fronted Woodpecker, 4 (32, 13), Starling, 4 (32, 13); Cardinal, 4 (32, 13); Bobwhite, 3 (24, t0); Bewick's Wren, 3 (24, t0); Pine Siskin, 3 (24, 10), Am. Goldfinch, 3 (24, i0); Com. Flicker, 2 (16, 6), Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 (16, 6); Black-crested Titmouse, 2 (16, 6); Com. Bushtit, 2 (t, 6); Long-balled Marsh Wren, 2 (16, 6); House Sparrow, 2 (16, 6), Rufous-sided Towhee, 2 (16, 6); Rufous-crowned Sparrow, 2 (16, 6); Green-winged Teal, 1 (8, 3); Am. Kestrel, 1 (8, 3); Belted Kingfisher, 1 (8, 3); Cation Wren, 1 (8, 3); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, i (8, 3); House Finch, 1 (8, 3); Mallard, +; Wood Duck, +; Golden Eagle, +; Bald Eagle, +; Marsh Hawk, +; Killdeer, +; Mourmng Dove, +; Roadrunner, +; Say's Phoebe, +; Scrub Jay, +; Corn. Crow, +; Vetdin, +; Mockingbird, +; Brown Thrasher, +; Curve-billed Thrasher, +; Townsend's Solitaire, +; Cedar Waxwing, +; Yellow-rumped Warbler, +; Tree Sparrow, +. Average Total: 107 birds (853 per sq. km., 345 per too acres). Remarks: On Dec. 2, 28 Sandhill Cranes flew over at a ft. altitude This is the first time in the 7-year study that the Mountain Bluebird was not recorded.--kenneth D. SEYF- FERT, 2709 S. Fairfield St., Amarillo, Texas SHORTGRASS PRAIRIE.--Location: 8 miles north-northwest of Nunn, Weld County, Colorado, on Volume 28, Number 3 713

105 the Central 151ains Experimental Range of the U.S. Ag- ricultural Research Service, Pawnee National Grassland, 40ø4TN, 104ø55'W. Continuity: Established Size 40.5 ha = 100 acres (south block measures 60 X 20 chmns, central block 20 X 10, north block 10 X 20, borders are contiguous; blocks marked with grid interval of two chains; surveyed with 2-chain tape and staff compass). Description of Area: See AB 26: (1972). Weather: Temperatures ranged from 19 ø to 45øF Winds were mainly from the northwest and averaged 7 mph. Only a few patches of snow in draws on all 6 counts. Coverage: Jan. 19, 31; Feb. 2, 5, 7, 9. Total, 6 counts, between 0820 and 1150, and lasting approximately 80 minutes each; 2 observers each count. Count: Horned Lark, 21 (52, 21); Lapland Longspur, +. Average Total: 21 birds (52 per sq. km., 21 per 100 acres). Remarks: This field work was supported in part by National Science Foundation Grant No. GB-31862X as part of the avian population study for the Grassland B ome, U.S. International Biological program. ---DANIEL C. BUTLER, PAUL GERTLER, STEPHEN E. HENRY, RONALD A. RYDER (comprier), and SARTOR O. WILLIAMS HI, Dept. of Ftshery& Wildlife Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo CONIFER-BRUSH-GRASS PLAINS - FOOT- HILLS ECOTONE. --Location: Colorado; SW of Colorado Springs, above Cheyenne Mountain High School. Continuity: Established 1963; 4 breeding-bird population studies, 5 winter-bird population studies (see AFN 22: , 1968, for five-winter summary). Size ha = 70 acres (roughly square). Description of Area: SeeAFN 18: , Weather: This was a relatively mild, dry, breezy winter, but with wet, cold spell at the beginning of the census period. The average temperature was 29.5 ø, with a low of -8 ø and a high of 72 ø Snowfall totaled about 10 in. (.85 in. water equivalent), coming mainly at the beginning of the period. However, much of the time the ground was free of snow. Coverage: Dec. 23; Jan. 6, 9, 17, 20, 26, 27; Feb. 23, Mar. 3, 6. Total: 10 trips both morning and afternoon, averaging about one hour each. Count: Cassin's Finch, 45 (159, 64); Steller's Jay, 15 (53, 21); Rufoussided Towhee, 10 (35, 14); Scrub Jay, 8 (28, 11); Blackbilled Magpie, 5 (18, 7); Dark-eyed Junco, 5 (18, 7); [Oregon, 3; White-winged, 2; Slate-colored, +]; Black-capped Chickadee, 3 (11, 4); Mountain Chickadee, 2 (7, 3); Com. Flicker, 1 (4, 1); Com. Crow, 1 (4, 1), White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (4, 1); House Finch, 1 (4, 1); Gray-headed Junco, 1 (4, 1); Am. Robin, +; Townsend's Solitaire, +; Pine Siskin, +; Tree Sparrow, +. Average Total: 98 birds (346 per sq. km., 140 per 100 acres). Remarks: This winter's population was characterized by flocks of Cassin's Finches, a large band of Steller's Jays which moved back and forth through the northern third of the area, sometimes consorting with Scrub Jays, a large number of Rufous-sided Towhees (especially in two groups on south-facing brushy hillsides, with the highestrip count being 29); and by a dearth ofjuncos, which would usually be the most abundant winter birds here. The mild dry weather probably accounted for the influx of Steller's Jays from the mountains to the west, as well as for the high population oftowhees, which would ordinarily move farther south during colder winters. The Mountain Chickadee, a montane species, was not seen after January 20, although Black-capped Chickadees, which frequent high-plains woodlands, were seen throughouthe census period. Field data from this winter's study were computer-programmed in such a way that each trip's results could be reproduced on a computer-generated map of the census area. --RICHARD BEIDLEMAN (compiler), KIRK BEIDLEMAN and DAVE SNYDER (computer programmers), KATHY BOBAL, JON BURRIS, and DAVE FIELD (Colorado College Field Zoology Class), Dept. of Biology, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colo FOOTHILLS CONIFER - BRUSHLAND HILL- SIDE. -- Location: Colorado; On the Rampart Range Road northwest of the Garden of the Gods (central portion of the N«, Section 33, T13S, R67W), Colorado Springs, E1 Paso County. Continuity: New. Size: 101 ha = 25 acres (roughly triangular, measured from map) Description of Area: The census area includes the fairly steep south and east slopes and the flat summit of a sedimentary outcrop hill, bounded below by the Rampart Range Road and a northeast side road (both dirt), to the north by a fenceline in an open saddle, and to the northwest by the dropoff of the hill crest. The dominant vegetation is Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus), with Gambel's Oak (Quercus gambeht), thickets and Yucca (Yucca glauca). On rocky outcrops, especially to the southeast, there are large Pinyon Pines (Pinus edulis) and Ponderosa Pines (Pinus ponderosa), with a grove of fairly large Ponderosa Pines atop the ridge, and some scattered One-seed Junipers (Juniperus mexicana). Ground cover is made up of grasses, especially Grama (Bouteloua), and some herbs. Elevation: ft. E4ge: Below the dirt roads the Pinyon-Juniper woodland becomes dominant, while to the north the brushland continues up a higher slope; and below the northwest crest there is a fairly dense forest of Douglas-firs (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and some Ponderosa Pines. Weather: During most of the census period the weather was mild, dry and windy. The average temperature was about 34øF., with a low of 3 ø and a high of 72 ø. Snowfall totaled over 10 in, but the ground was generally clear of snow. Coverage Jan. 11, 18, 25, 26; Feb. 17, 24; Mar. 3. Total: 7 trips, both morning and afternoon, averaging 1 hour each Count: Cassin's Finch, 47 (465,188); Dark-eyed Junco, 5 (49, 20); [Oregon, 5; White-winged, + ;] Townsend's Solitaire, 4 (40, 16); Rufous-sided Towhee, 2 (20, 8), Scrub Jay, 1 (10, 4); Black-billed Magpie, 1 (10, 4), Com. Raven, 1 (10, 4); Evening Grosbeak, 1 (10, 4), Gray-headed Junco, 1 (10, 4); Peregrine Falcon, +, Mountain Chickadee, +. Average Total: 63 (623 per sq km., 252 per 100 acres). Remarks: This census area was of particular interest because it had been slated for a high-density, multi-family housing development, which would completely alter the natural aspect of the site and consequently its bird population. The census results are essentially what one would expect of a Colorado eastslope foothills habitat dominated by brushland but with 714 American B rds, June 1974

106 Study 44. Foothills Conifer Brushland Hillside, Colorado Springs, Colo., looking northwest from Garden of the Gods. Photos/Richard G. Beidle- mail. Study 44. View with Pike's Peak to the west in the background. Gambel's Oak thickets, Mountain Mahogany, Ponderosa Pine and Pinyon Pine. a scattering of conifers. The Cassin's Finch, Rufoussided Towhee and Scrub Jay are indicators for brashland, just as the solitaire favors Juniper and Douglas-fir in winter. As is true on many Colorado foothills slopes (as opposed to brushy and wooded foothills draws, for example), there was not a great diversity and abundance of food here, and hence the area was not unusually atl active except to certain species of birds. Indeed, most of the birds recorded here were transients, save for a few of the towhees and possibly one Scrub Jay. The solitaires particularly frequented the northwest Douglas-fir slope, outside of the census plot, but did fly through the area and occasionally perched.--richard BEIDLEMAN {compiler), NOEL ADAMS, BARBARA SEARLES, PETER SAWTELL, HENRY SMEAL, and CHARLES VOGT (Colorado College Field Zoology Class), Dept. of Biology, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colo JOSHUA TREE-YUCCA MOHAVIAN DESERT. --Location: Immediately west of Ryan Campground, Joshua Tree National Monument, Riverside County, Californi/t (Section 21, T2S, R8E). Continuity: New Size: 8.1 ha = 20 acres (rectangular, 200 x 484 yards, measured with calibrated stride). Description of Area: Uniform upper desert Joshua Tree forest; Joshua Trees averaging 15 ft. high, about 1!& ft. DBH, and lower brush averaging 2 ft. high. Black Brush (Coleogyne ramosissima), 40%; Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia), 30%; California Juniper (Juniperus californicus), 10%, miscellaneous shrubs, cactus and grasses, 20%. Vegetation covers all but 20% of the desert floor. The area is relatively undisturbed and off-road vehicle activity is prohibited at present. Topography: Flat, with 2 shallow gulleys running diagonally across the study plot. The elevation is 4400 ft. Edge: The study area is part of a Joshua Tree forest of approximately 6 square miles, bordered on the east by rock formations and Ryan Mountain (elevation 5561 ft). The Little San Bernardino Mountains are 5 miles southwest. Water: Lost Horse Well, mile to the east. Food: Seeds and berries on shrubs and some insects in litter on desert floor. Weather: During the 4 days spent at the site, the temperature ranged from 15 ø to 70øF. Snow had fallen just prior to the counts and still remained on the surrounding foothills, but not on the study plot. Light rain fell on the night of the 16th. On 4 of the trips the wind was up to 25 mph. Coverage: Jan , 24. Total: 7 trips (2 trips per day on Jan. 16, 23, and 24. Morning counts started at 1030 and afternoon counts at Trips averaged 75 minutes each. Count: Black-throated Sparrow, 4 (49, 20); Say's Phoebe, +; Pition Jay, +; Corn. Raven, +; Cactus Wren, +; Rock Wren, +; W. Bluebird, +; Sage Sparrow, +. Average Total: 4 birds (density 49 per sq. km., 20 per 100 acres). Remarks: Numerous Cactus Wrens and Gambel' s Quail were seen near the campground but the Gambel's Quail were never seen on the plot. The ravens were seen only once. after a Coyote had been observed feeding at the same location. Traffic in the campground was negligible on all visits.---ross E. LANDR Y, Tomas Ln., Huntington Beach, Calif SYCAMORE-COAST LIVE OAK RIPARIAN WOODLAND.--Location: The Starr Ranch Audubon Sanctuary, in Bell Canyon, 4.5 miles southeast of Trabuco Oaks, Orange County, California; 33ø35'30"N, 117ø34'W, Canada Gobernadora Quadrangle, USGS. Continuity: New. Size: 24.4 ha = 60.2 acres (irregularly shaped rectangle vith average width of 525 ft. and a length of 4,998 ft.). Acreage measured on USGS topographic quadrangle using a compensating polar planimeter. Description of Area: The study area is part of a continuous riparian woodland growing along an intermittent stream in the bottom of Bell Canyon. The principal trees are sycamore (Platanus racemosa) and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). Sycamores outnumber oaks about 6 to 1. Trees average about 50 ft. high and about 2 ft. DBH. Trees and the shrub understory are widely spaced throughout most of the study Volume 28, Number 3 715

107 area. A section of about 5 acres at the north end is covered with a dense growth of oaks. This is the only portion of the study area that is well shaded. The principal understory shrubs are laurel sumac (Rhus laurina), willow (Salix sp.), elderberry (Sarnbucus rnexicana), white sage (Salvia apiana), black sage (S. rnellifera) and prickly pear cactus (Opuntia sp.). A thick growth of grasses is present in most of the study area. The only conspicuous annual forb at the time of the census was filaree (Erodiurn sp.). Taxonomy of plants is from Munz and Keck, A California Flora, Topography: Flat; elevation 650 ft. Edge: The study area is bordered on the east and west by gentle slopes covered with white sage, black sage, laurel sumac and California sagebrush (Arternisia cahfornica). A buffer zone of riparian woodland separates the study area from the slopes. This zone averages about 50 yards on the west and 100 yards on the east. The census area is bordered on the north and south by contiguous riparian woodland. Water: An intermittent stream flows along the canyon bottom. Average depth s aoubt 6 in. Water is usually present after the first heavy rains of December or January and remains through July or August. Food: Few acorns were found on the oaks at the time of the study. Many bird species were feeding on the dried fruits and seeds of laurel sumac and black sage. Large numbers of spiders and insects were found among leaf and limb litter. Weather: (Weather data from the University of California South Coast Agriculture Field Station at E1 Toro, 10«miles NW of study area; February data not available.) The mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures for January were 62 ø and 46øF respectively. Temperatures on the February count days were slightly higher. No rmn was recorded during the census period but 4.83 in. fell during January. Coverage: Jan. 20; Feb. 1 (twice), Feb. 3 (twice), Feb. 7 (twice), Feb. 8. Total: 8 trips. Morning trips hours varied between 0900 and 1200 hours; afternoon hours ranged from 1400 to 1700 hours. The average observer minutes per trip was 135 minutes. Count: Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, 107 (439, 178); California Quail, 45 (185, 75); Mourning Dove, 41 (168, 68); Starling, 22 (90, 37); Am. Robin, 15 (62, 25); Corn. Bushtit, 10 (41, 17); Lesser Goldfinch, 10 (41, 17); Acorn Woodpecker, 9 (37, 15); Plain Titmouse, 9 (37, 15), Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco, 9 (37, 15); Whitecrowned Sparrow, 9 (37, 15); Scrub Jay, 7 (29, 12); Brown Towhee, 6 (25, 10); Corn. (Red-shafted) Flicker, 4 (16, 7); Am. Kestrel, 3 (12, 5); Red-tailed Hawk, 2 (8, 3), Corn. Crow, 2 (8, 3); Bewick's Wren, 2 (8, 3); W. Bluebird, 2 (8, 3); Cedar Waxwing, 2 (8, 3); House Finch, 2 (8, 3); Rufous-sided Towbee, 2 (8, 3); Anna's Hummingbird, 1 (4, 2); Black Phoebe, 1 (4, 2); Corn. Raven. 1 (4, 2); White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (4, 2); Cactus Wren, 1 (4, 2); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 (4, 2); W Meadowlark, 1 (4, 2); Barn Owl, +; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, +; Nuttall's Woodpecker, +; Wrentit, +; Mockingbird, +; Fox Sparrow, +. Average Total: 327 birds (1342 per sq. km., 543 per 100 acres). Remarks: Species total, 35. The fifteen most abundant species were seen on all 8 trips. Mixed flocks of Yellow-rumped Warblers, Corn. Bushtits, Lesser Goldfinches, Darkeyed Juncos and White-crowned Sparrows were often seen feeding on the dried fruits and seeds of laurel sumac and black sage. These five species showed a regular mid-day movement from the canyon bottom to the brush-covered slopes nearby. Large numbers were recorded during the morning counts but few were observed during the period from 1200 to 1400 hours. During the afternoon counts large flocks of 30 to 60 birds were followed as the descended the slopes to the canyon below. Starlings also showed a daily movement They were abundant during the morning counts but showed an average decrease of about 75% on the afternoon counts. Their afternoon location was not determined. The distribution of the Brown Towhee and, to a lesser extent, the Rufous-sided Towhee, appeared related to the presence or absence of laurel sumac. Brown towhees were almost always seen in or beneath sumacs, foraging in the leaf litter. A Barn Owl was found roosting in an oak tree on the first 3 counts but was not seen after Feb. 1. A fresh Barn Owl egg and the remains of another were found on Feb. 1 beneath alarge cavity in a sycamore about 100 yards from ths roosting owl. Because no new pellets were found beneath the sycamore after Feb. 1, it is presumed that the nesting site was abandoned. The mule deer (Odocoileus hernionus), California ground squirrel (Sperrnophilus beecheyi) and Audubon's cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) were seen frequently on the study area. A coyote (Canis latrans) was observed once. Analysis of owl pellets revealed the probable presence of the Botta pocket gopher, (Thomomys bottae), Pacific kangaroo rat (Dipodornys agilis), western harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis), dusky-footed wood rat (Neotorna fuscipes) and California meadow mouse (Microtus californicus). DAVID R. BONTRAGER, Dept. of Biology, Calif. State University, Long Beach, Calif COASTAL GRASSLAND.--Location: 100 yards East of the San Diego Freeway (Interstate 5), 1 mile South of San Clemente, San Diego Co., California Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base (Section 24, T9S R7W). Continuity: New. Size: 8.0 ha = acres (rectangular 138 x 690 yards, paced). Description of Area: Typical grassland of coastal Southern California Grass height varied from 3 to 15 in. Soft Cheat (Bromus hordeaceus), 80%; Bluegrass (Poa scabrella), 15%, Wild Raddish (Raphanus sitivus), 5%. The grass had only recently sprung up due to moisture from rains in early January. Roads used only occasionally in months previous to the time of the study were completely overgrown. Topography: Flat, elevation 100 ft. Edge: The study plot is part of a large ol en grassland of approximately 140 acres. On the west side «mile away, it is bounded by the ocean, and in the other three directions surrounded by coastal sage scrub interspersed with small areas of grassland. Water: No pools or running water, but the grasses were saturated with water droplets from early morning dew. Food: Very few seeds as the grasses had not yet matured, but terrestrial insects were abundant. Weather: No rain during the study period and the temperature remained above freezing Temperature range was from 43 ø to 71øF. (Temperatures from San Clemente State Park). Coverage: Jan. 30 (twice), Feb. 2, 3, 6, 10, 11. Total: 7 trips, all between 1305 and 1730, averaging 30 minutes each. Count: W 716 American B rds, June 1974

108 Meadowlark, 20 (251, 101); Red-winged Blackbird, 2 (25, 10); Am. Kestrel, 1 (13, 5); Song Sparrow, 1 (13, 5); Say's Phoebe, 1 (13, 5); White-tailed Kite, +; Marsh Hawk, +; Corn. Raven, +; Corn. Crow, +. Average Total: 25 birds (314 per sq. km., 127 per 100 acres). Remarks: W. Meadowlark numbers varied from 11 to 44 birds.-peter H. BLOOM, Hewes Ave., Santa Ana, California, CREOSOTE BUSH SCRUB, COLORADO DESERT.--Location: 550 feet east of"pines to Palms" H ghway 74 on carriage trail, Palm Desert, Riverside Co., Calif. NW of SE of Section 31, T5S, R6E. Continuity: New. Size: 16.2 ha = 40 acres (rectangular, 440 x 440 yards measured with transit and steel tape). Description of Area: lower slopes bordering the western edge of the Colorado Desert; distribution of flora ranges from the dominant Jumping Cholla (Opuntia bigelovii), Creosote Bush (Larrea divaricata), and Bur-Sage (Franseria dumosa), to a few Smoke Trees (Datea sptnosa). The ground is sparsely covered with Buckwheat (Eriogonum). Approximately 70% of the ground s bare. Topography: Flat, elevation 690 ft. Edge: To the east there is a 20-acre ranch with 3 homes, and beyond the south boundary is another home. Beyond the south perimeter are the rocky slopes of the Black Hills. Water: No surface water although it may be obtainable nearby from the irrigation of trees on the 20-acre ranch. Weather: Study period lasted 22 days, in which the temperature ranged from a low of 40 ø to a high of 82øF. There was approximately one inch of rain during that period. (Temperatures recorded from the local newspaper.) Coverage: Jan. 12, 13, 26, 27; Feb. 2, 3 Total: 9 trips between 0900 and 1800 averaging 120 minutes each. Count: Gambel's Quail, 14 (86, 35); Mourning Dove, 4 (25, 10); House Finch, 2 (12, 5); Say's Phoebe, 1 (6, 3); Corn. Raven, 1 (6, 3); Am. Kestrel, +; Ground Dove, +; Roadrunner, +; Lesser N ghthawk, +; Vetdin, +; Rock Wren, +; Cactus Wren, +. Average Total: 22 (136 per sq. km., 55 per 100 acres). Remarks: The plot is on a State Game Refuge. The quail forage for food on this study plot but nest among the rocky foothills beyond the southeast corner. A Verdin's nest was located in a Smoke Tree just outs de of the study area.-william E. ALTLAND, 445 Rose Apt. 7, Long Beach, Calif CACTUS-OCOTILLO ASSOCIATION, COL- ORADO DESERT.--Location: North side of Coyote Canyon Rd., 4 miles north of Anza-Borrego State Park Headquarters, Borrego Springs, San Diego Co., California (Section 23, T9S, R5E). Continuity: New. Size: 8.1 hectares = 20 acres (rectangular, 1044 x 835 feet, measured with steel reinforced line). Description of Area: Typical cactus-ocotillo desert of the Anza- Borrego region. The study area is part of a long, wide, canyon bottom. Buckhorn Cholla (Opuntia acant hocarpa ), 50%; Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens ), 20%; Jumping Cholla (Opuntia bigelovii), 15%; Creosote Bush (Larrea divaricata), Desert Agavi (Agavi deserti), and Burro~weed (Franseria sp.), 13%; various dried grasses and annuals, 2%. In the study area 20% of the ground is bare. At one time there were cattle in the section of the canyon being studied, but for the last 10 years it has been undisturbed. There are afew dirt roads that cross the study area. Topography: Flat, elevation 1200 ft. Edge: The study area is bounded on its north and south sides by the canyon's rim. East and west the area is bordered by relatively the same type of vegetation as that found within it. Near the southern edge of the study area there is a greater variety of plants including several large willows. Water: A small stream flows along the southern edge of the study area. Weather During the study the temperatures ranged from 45 ø to 76øF. There was no precipitation, though the week before the study there was an unusually large amount of rain (3.3 inches). (Temperatures from Anza-Borrego Park Headquarters, 4 mi. south.) Coverage: Jan. 16, 17, 18. Total: 6 trips, half between 0800 and 1100, and half between 1430 and 1800, averaging 122 minutes each Count: Black-throated Sparrow, 18 (222, 90); House Finch, 3 (37, 15); Costa's Hummingbird, 2 (25, 10), Verdin, 1 (12, 5); W. Bluebird, 1 (12, 5); Cooper's Hawk, +; Ladder-backed Woodpecker, +; Cactus Wren, +; Yellow-rumped Warbler, +. Average Total 25 birds (309 per sq. km., 125 per 100 acres).-michael D. McCRARY, Calif St, Tustin, Calif VALLEY OAK WOODLAND.--Location On north side of Malibu Canyon Road, 9.5 miles east of Malibu, Los Angeles Co., California (Center section of Tapia Park). Continuity; New. Size: 18.6 ha = 46 acres (880 X 253 yards, measured with tape). Description of Area: Typical oak woodland of southern Califorma foothills; trees average about 40 ft. high and about 1 ft DBH. Valley Oak (Quercus lobata), 50%; miscellaneous chaparral type shrubs, 20%. The forest canopy has large openings over much of the area but there are two significant stands where the canopy is closed with low shrubs of the chaparral type. In the large open areas there were growths of short grass. This area has been used as a Los Angeles county park for approximately 15 years. Topography: Rolling knolls with a tall hill at the north end; elevation 500 ft. to 750 ft. Edge: The study area is a section of a park of about 160 acres. To the west is the county water works buildings with Mahbu creek in between. Water: Two very small brooks flow diagonally across the plot, one at the south end and one at the north end, and empty into Malibu creek about 300 yards away. Food: There was a good crop of acorns, and a small amount of berries on some shrubs; deadwood was not too plentiful, due probably to a park clean-up program, but flying insects were abundant Weather: During the 17-day study period the temperature ranged between 39 ø and 72øF. There was a small amount of precipitation. (Temperatures from Santa Monica Airport, 13 mi. south.) Coverage: Jan. 25, 26, 27; Feb. 2, 3, 8, 9, 10. Total: 8 trips, all between 0830 and 1400, averaging 120 minutes each. Count: Darkeyed (Oregon) Junco, 15 (81, 33); Scrub Jay, 7 (38, 15), Corn. Crow, 7 (38, 15); Corn. Bushtit, 6 (32, 13); Plam Titmouse, 4 (21, 9); Rufous-sided Towhee, 4 (21, 9), Varied Thrush, 3 (17, 7); W. Bluebird, 3 (16, 7); Rubycrowned Kinglet, 3 (16, 7); Starling, 3 (16, 7); Yellowrumped (Audubon's) Warbler, 3 (16, 7); Brown Towhee, 3 (16, 7); Anna's Hummingbird, 1 (5, 2); Corn (Red-shafted) Flicker, 1 (5, 2); Acorn Woodpecker, 1 Volume 28, Number 3 717

109 (5, 2), Bewick's Wren, 1 (5, 2); Mockingbird, 1 (5, 2); Am Robin, 1 (5, 2); House Finch, I (5, 2); Whitecrowned Sparrow, 1 (5, 2); Golden-crowned Sparrow, 1 (5, 2), Red-tailed Hawk, +; Red-shouldered Hawk +; California Quail, +; Nuttall's Woodpecker, +; Black Phoebe, +; Phainopepla, +. Average Total: 70 birds (density, 376 per sq. km., 152 per 100 acres). IAN R. McKINNIE, JR th St., Santa Monica, Calif DISTURBED MESA GRASSLAND.--Location: On the Starr Ranch Foundation property, approximately «mile from the ranch gate at the end of the county road 2 miles south oftrabuco, California; Santiago Peak Quadrangle, USGS N.E./4 Santiago Peak. Continuity: New. Size: ha = 30 acres (rectangular, 330 x 440 yards measured by steel tape). Description of Area Typical mesa of the foothills of the Santa Aria mountains in Orange County. The area is covered by introduced grasses (F. gramineae) 10%, Composite (unknown) 20%, Filaree (Erodium sp.) 50%, Sagebrush (Artemisia sp.) 5%, Buckwheat (Erigonum sp.) 3%; miscellaneous plants: Cacti (Opuntia sp.), Dock (Rumex crispus), Turkey Mullein (Eremocarpus sttgerus), Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), incluslve, 2%. The area has been farmed in the recent past An old airstrip approximately 15 ft. wide bisects the plot. The airstrip was plowed about three years ago, leaving bare places. Topography: Flat, sloping slightly to the south. Elevation, 1,200 ft. Edge: The plot is bounded on the west by a slight ridge. On the east is a small canyon. To the north is the ranch road. Water: A small reservoir is in Dove Canyon, east of the plot. Food: Abundant insect and plant food in the area. Weather: During the count period, the temperatures ranged from a high of 76 ø to a low of 37øF. There was a 4 mph wind on Jan. 24, and smog on 3 count days. Less than an inch of rain fell during the count period. (Temperature data from University of California South Coast Agriculture Field Station, 12 miles northwest.) Coverage: Jan. 12, 15, 16, 24, 28, 29. Total: Six trips, all between 1200 and 1630 hours, averaging 60 minutes each Count: W. Meadowlark, 38 (313, 127); Water Pipit, 17 (140, 57); Vesper Sparrow, 15 (124, 50); W. Bluebird, 12 (99, 40); Horned Lark, 3 (25, 10); Corn. Raven, 2 (16, 7); White-crowned Sparrow, 2 (16, 7); Am Kestrel, 1 (8, 3); Marsh Hawk, +; CaliforniaQuail, +, Say's Phoebe, +; Scrub Jay, +; Brown Towhee, +. Average Total: 18 birds (148 per sq. km., 60 per 100 acres). Remarks: The Say' s Phoebe is a winter resident. The W. Bluebirds were resident in the small draw to the north of the road on the northem boundary of the plot. The Am. Kestrel was a female and the plot was part of her territory. The Scrub Jay and Brown Towhee are typical residents of the scrubbier canyon sides to the east Owing to development pressures, areas such as this are very rapidly disappearing in Southern Cahfornia.-BEVERLY MCINTOSH, Box 435, Trabuco, CA DECIDUOUS OAK WOODLAND.--Location: On the Jasper Ridge Biological Experimental Area of Stanford University, San Mateo County, California: 3 5 miles west-southwest of Stanford University's Main Quadrangle; 37ø24'20"N, 122ø13'30"W, USGS Palo Alto Quadrangle. Continuity: Established 1970 Size: 3.24 ha = 8 acres. Description of Area: See AFN 24: (1970). Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii) is the dominant species of tree on the plot. It is bordered on two sides by California Live Oak (Quercus agrifoha) woodland, on one side by California Live Oak and Toyon (Photinia arbutifolia) thicket and on the fourth side by foothill grassland. The plot is bisected by a meadow of about two acres. Weather: Rainfall was 3 23 in. in January, 1.21 in. in February and 2.00 in. in the first week in March. Total 7.04 in., about normal but considerably less than the in. over the same period last year. The temperatures from Jan. 7 to Feb 1 varied from amean daily high (mdh) of 54øF. to amean daily low (mdl) of 38øF., the absolute range being 34 ø to 64øF. From Feb. 1 to Mar. 3, the temperatures ranged from a mdh of 56øF. to a mdl of 38øF; the absolute range was 32ø-6 IøF. (Weather data from Jasper Ridge weather station approximately «mile from the plot; in the past weather data was from Woodside Fire Station 2[5 miles away.) Coverage: Jan. 17, 31; Feb. 2, 5, 7, 14, 19, 28, Mar. 4, 5, 10. Total: 11 trips averaging 152 minutes for a total of 28 hours, all between 0900 and 1230 PDST Count: Am. Robin, 29 (896, 363); Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco, 8 (247, 100); Scrub Jay, 7 (216, 88); Plain Titmouse, 6 (185, 75); Yellow-rumped Warbler, 6 (185, 75); Brown Towhee, 5 (154, 63); Golden-crowned Sparrow, 5 (154, 63); Anna's Hummingbird, 3 (93, 38), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 3 (93, 38); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 2 (62, 25); Chestnut-backed Chickadee, 2 (62, 25); White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 (62, 25); Bewick's Wren, 2 (62, 25); Rufous-sided Towhee, 2 (62, 25), Turkey Vulture, 1 (31, 13); Red-tailed Hawk, 1 (31, 13), Band-tailed Pigeon, 1 (31, 13); Corn. (Red-shafted) Flicker, 1 (31, 13); Violet-green Swallow, 1 (31, 13), Corn. Bushtit, 1 (31, 13); W. Bluebird, 1 (31, 13); Purple Finch, 1 (31, 13); Great Blue Heron, +; Am. Kestrel, +, Mourning Dove, +; Nuttall's Woodpecker, +; Downy Woodpecker, +; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, + Wrentit, +, Brown Creeper, +; Mockingbird, +; Hermit Thrush, +; Hutton's Vireo, +; W. Meadowlark, +; Am. Goldfinch, +; Lesser Goldfinch, +; Savannah Sparrow, + Average Total: 95 birds (2934 per sq. km., 1188 per 100 acres). Remarks: Species of note not seen on the plot this season were the California Quail and Cedar Waxwing. Species that were decidedly less common this year than last include the Scrub Jay (10-7), California Quail (4-0), Hairy Woodpecker (1-0), Acorn Woodpecker (1-0), Plain Titmouse (12-6), Corn. Bushtit (4-1), and Cedar Waxwing (1-0). The bushtit population has been steadily decreasing over the last four years. The Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco has showed a decline in numbers over the last two years after three years of steady population. A number of species were more common this season than last: Yellow-rumped Warbler (2-6). Am. Robin (4-19), Brown Towhee (3-5), Goldencrowned Sparrow (3-5). The Yellow-rumped Warbler had the largest increase in population, doubling m number over the mean of the last four years. This season's somewhat normal climate may explain the increase in total number of individuals seen per visit this year. We would like to thank Dr. Harold Mooney for his sponsorship of this year's census, Ellen S teiker 718 American Birds, June 1974

110 for her assistance, Steve Turitzen for the weather data and Ted Chandik for the 1972 census data.--michael PALOMINO and DANIEL GOODMAN, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Stanford, Cahf EXPOSED COVE AND ADJACENT OCEAN. --Location: Schoodic Point section of Acadia National Park, Winter Harbor, Hancock County, Maine; 44ø20'N, 68ø04'W; Chart 306, USC&GS. Continuity: Established Size: 43.7 ha = 108 acres (irregular shape). Description of Area: See AFN 23:545 (1969). Area remains unchanged. Weather: Warm, with no snow cover. Average temperatures measured at the study site: Dec., 34øF., Jan., 26 ø, Feb., 22 ø. Temperature range during visits, 0 ø to to 56øF. Average seawater temperatures at the site: Dec., 44 ø, Jan., 39 ø, Feb., 36 ø. Weather did not prevent access to study area. A few minor snowfalls occurred. Seas were predominantly SW at 2-3 ft. Two major storms disrupted bird populations during the study period. Coverage: Dec. 9, 16, 30; Jan. 1, 3, 6, 13, 20, 26; Feb. 3, 17, 21, 22, 24. Total, 14 trips made at varying times from 0800 to 1500, averaging 1 hour. Count: Com. Eider 63 (144, 58); Hernng Gull, 37 (85, 34); Oldsquaw, 36 (82, 33); Buffiehead, 24 (55, 22); Black Duck, 16 (37, 15); Black Guillemot, 9 (21, 8); Great Black-backed Gull, 8 (18, 7); Red-breasted Merganser, 6 (14, 6); Horned Grebe, 4 (9, 4), Great Cormorant, 4 (9, 4); Black-legged Kittiwake, 4 (9, 4); Com. Loon, 2 (5, 2); Harlequin Duck, 1 (2, 1); Red-throated Loon, +; King Eider, +; White-winged Scoter, +; Dovekie, +. Average Total: 214 birds (490 per sq. km., 198 per 100 acres). Remarks: An unusual storm on Feb. 1 with winds of mph dispersed Com. Eider flocks for up to 7 days. There were no fishing activities in the area during the count periods. More Navy personnel stationed at Schoodic Point resulted in more sewerage being released into the study area and, hence, an increase in the number of gulls. The Harlequin Duck was a single bird that wintered in/krey Cove. The King Eider was seen only twice.-william C TOWNSEND, Murine Biology Instructor, Sumner Htgh School, E. Sullivan, Maine pecker, +; Brown Creeper, q-; Dark-eyed Junco, q-, Tree Sparrow, +; Field Sparrow, +. Average Total 10 birds (71 per sq. km.; 29 per 100 acres). Remarks: Total, 14 species. In the average total was 20 b rds (density, 141 per sq. km., 57 per 100 acres) and the number of species 19, compared with the average total of 10 birds and 14 species.--laura H MOSELEY (compiler) and LEON L. BARKMAN (observer), Science Department, Housatonic Commumty College, Bridgeport, Conn SALT WATER MARSH AND COASTAL SAND BEACH.--Location: Great Meadows and Long Beach, Stratford, Conn.; ' 10"W, 41008'20 ' 'N, Bridgeport Quadrangle, USGS. Size: 220 ha = 543 acres Description of Area: This is part of one of New England's largest marsh areas: 25% Phragmites; 33% tidal water basin, 10% sand beach, 5% mud flat, 3% ponds, 24% spartina marsh grass sp. Among the Phragmites in suitable ditches are cat-tails. The spartina grasses are mainly Spatrina alternifiora. There are other smaller grasses. There is a large dike on the north-central part of the area, covered largely with Phragmites. Trees are very sparse with a few representatives of Big-tooth Aspen (Populus grandmentata), weeping willow (Salix babylonica) and birch (Betula sp.). On the sand beach, there is a beach grass species, Beach Plum (Prunus maritima), beach-pea, beach rose, and a single stand of Phragmites. Phragmites height average is about 6.5 ft. Tree height is about 9 ft. The sand beach is separated from the marsh by a tidal channel on the south and the east. The area includes a good part of the tidal channel basin, jetties on the beach, and the tidal basin going south and east of the western part of the Great Meadows. There are two watergates going into the interior of the marsh. There are also two fairsized ponds, one about 1 acre, and the other about 5 acres in size. Elevation: 0-10 ft. Food: Marsh plants easily accessible and mudflats unfrozen in tidal areas From Jan extremely hard snow crust was prevalent on the dry part of the beach and the interior of the plot, except the Spartina area. Since 1968, the tidal areas have never been so consistently open. However, 54. MIXED UPLAND HABITAT AND SWAMP. the upland areas, when frozen, cause land-bird popula- --Location: Newtown, Fairfield County, Connecticut, intersection of Route 34 and Zoar Road; 41ø24 ' 10"N. tions to decline greatly. Seed plants were more productive before frozen under by the crust. It was noted that '10"W, Derby Sheet, USGS. Continuity: Estab- Savannah (Ipswich) Sparrows are adapted to feeding on hshed 1968; second study. Size: 14.2 ha = 35 acres the beach grass area when it is frozen hard. Phragm tes (n'regular, greatest dimensions 653 X 364 yards, sur- and beach-pea seem to be a food source for that specie s veyed). Description of Area: See AFN 22: Weather: Average temperature during coverage was (1968). Coordinates printed incorrectly in about 35øF. with a range of 17 ø to 64øF. On only one day Weather: Temperatures during count hours ranged of coverage was the wind over 20 mph (36 mph on Feb from 25 ø to 44øF. Wind ranged from W to NW; no wind on 2 days, light breeze on 4 days, brisk on 1 day. Sky 13). From the afternoon of Jan. 24 on, the marsh remained quite open, and the weather mild. Precipitation was partly cloudy on 3 days, completely overcast on 1 was about average for southern Connecticut. Coverage day, clear on 3 days. Snow covered the ground on 2 Dec. 23, 26; Jan. 6, 7, 12, 24, 27; Feb. 13. Total, 8 trips, trips-m4 in. deep or less, sometimes patchy. Coverage: between 0600 and 1700, averaging 3.5 hours. Count Dec. 8, 29; Jan. 20, 26; Feb. 9, 16, 17. Total, 7 trips, between 1200 and 1630, averaging one hour. Count: Herring Gull, 37 (17, 7); Greater Scaup, 30 ( 14, 6); Black Duck, 24 (11,4); Tree Sparrow, 18 (8, 3); Canada Black-capped Chickadee, 4 (28, 11); Hairy Wood- Goose, 17, (8, 3); Song Sparrow, 14 (6, 3); Com. Golpecker, 1 (7, 3); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (7, 3); Tufted deneye, 8 (4, 1); Horned Lark, 6 (3, 1); Starling, 6 (3, 1), Titmouse, 1 (7, 3); White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (7, 3); Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1 (7, 3); Cardinal 1 (7, 3); Ruffed Grouse, q-; Mourning Dove, q-; Pileated Wood- Great Black-backed Gull, 5 (2, 1); Ring-billed Gull, 4 (2, 1); Snow Bunting, 3 (1, 1); Mute Swan, 2 (1, +); Marsh Hawk, 2 (1, +); Short-eared Owl, 2 (1, +); Savannah Volume 28, Number 3 719

111 Sparrow (nominate form) 2 (1, +); Lapland Longspur, 2 (1, +); Canvasback, 1, (+, +); Lesser Scaup 1, (+, +); Red-breasted Merganser, 1 (+, +); Clapper Rail, 1 (+, +), Killdeer, 1 (+, +); Sanderling, 1 (+, +); Mourning Dove, 1 (+, +); Blue Jay, 1 (+, +); Com. Crow, 1 (+, +), Black-capped Chickadee, 1 (+, +); Sharp-tailed Sparrow, 1 (+, +); Savannah (Ipswich) Sparrow, 1 (+, +), Great Blue Heron, +; Am. Bittern, +; Am. Wlgeon, +;Am. Kestrel, +; Virginia Rail, +; Sora, +; Greater Yellowlegs, +; Purple Sandpiper, +; Tufted Titmouse, +; Water Pipit, +; N. Shrike, +; Com. Yellowthroat, +; E. Meadowlark, +; Corn. Redpoll, +; Rufous-sided Towhee, +; Seaside Sparrow, +; Field Sparrow, +; White-throated Sparrow, +; Swamp Sparrow, +. Average Total: 194 birds (88 per sq. km., 36 per 100 acres). Remarks: 49 species were observed during the period. Inexplicable was the absence of Mallard and Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco, both common in nearby areas. Hunting drives most ducks out early, and only during the first half of February do numbers start to move in again. The open water accounted for the usually-absent Com. Yellowthroat and Seaside Sparrow Savannah (Ipswich) Sparrow, Water Pipit, Lapland Longspur, and Snow Bunting are regular winter residents on the beach. The Phragmites generally was devoid of birds, while the open marsh, beach, and tidal flats and channels attracted most of the birds. Thanks to Walter Bulmer, Dennis E. Varza, Ronald Lundgren, John Souther, Paul C. Spofford, Tom Vrabel, and Helen Hills for their assistance.-charles F. HILLS, 3052 Burr St., Fairfield, Conn of 2 miles south. Continuity: New. Size: 16.6 hectares, 40.9 acres (rectangular, 75 [equal distance from shore line] x 2,640 yards, width approximated, length measured by car odometer). Description of Area: Typical sandy beach front, no vegetation, quite free from oil Topography: Both beach and shelf have a very gradual slope. Elevation: Sea level. Edge: The study plot is bordered by more beach on each end, ocean on one side and a highway on the fourth side. On the other side of the highway is the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Water: Clean, moderately strong currents, with surf ranging from 1-4 feet. Food: Refuse for the scavengers Abundant fish life for the marine feeders. Sand dwelling invertebrates at the water line. Weather: During the 25-day study period the temperature never went below freezing. The range of temperature was from 46 ø to 83øF. (Temperatures from Long Beach Airport, 8 ml north). There was one day of precipitation, several foggy mornings and the rest sunny. Coverage: Jan. 16, 23, 25, 26, 27; Feb. 2, 3, 9, 10. Total: 9 trips, 5 trips between 0800 and 1000, 3 between 1100 and 1230, and one between 1600 and 1730, averaging 90 minutes each Count: W. Grebe, 64 (387, 156); Willet, 9 (54, 22); Surf Scoter, 8 (48, 20); Sanderling, 6 (36, 15); Larus sp, 4 (24, 10); W. Sandpiper, 1 (6, 2); California Gull, 1 (6, 2), Ring-billed Gull, 1 (6, 2); Forster's Tern, 1 (6, 2); Marbled Godwit, +; Rock Dove, +; Com. Crow, q- Average Total: 95 (574 per sq. km., 232 per 100 acres).---roberta. BULLOCK, 6512 Via Siena, San Pedro, Calif LAGOON.--Location: Roaches Run Waterfowl 58. UNDISTURBED COASTAL SALT MARSH. Sanctuary, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia; ---Location: Los Penasquitos Lagoon, Torrey Pines 38ø52'N, 77002'30 "W, Alexandria Quadrangle, USGS. State Reserve. On the east side of North Torrey Pines Continuity: Established 1968; 6 intermittent years. Size: Rd., 3 miles north of La Jolla San Diego Co., California 23 5 ha = 58 acres (oblong with long axis oriented (Section 25, T14S, R4W). Continuity: New. Size: 8 1 NNE-SSW). Description of Area: SeeAB 27:691 (1973). hectares = 20 acres (rectangular, 417 x 2087 ft., meas- The mudflats near the outlet to the river were not pres- ured with steel-?einforced line). Description of Area ent on any counts this winter. Weather: The sky was Typical salt water marsh of southern California. Pickclear on 6 trips, partly cloudy on one trip, and overcast leweed (Salicornia sp.), 95%; various dried grasses and on 5 trips. Temperatures ranged from 28 ø to 60øF. The annuals, 5%. The study area is relatively undisturbed and inaccessible owing to its marshy condition. It is water was partially frozen on Dec. 19, Jan. 15, and Feb. 9 Coverage: Dec. 19, 29; Jan. 4, 9, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 30; crossed by a railroad and a line of telephone poles Feb 4, 9. Total, 12 trips, totaling hours, between Topography: Flat, elevation sea level. Edge: The study 0940 and Count: Mallard, 33 (141, 57); Pintail, 30 area is part of a marsh of about 250 acres. To the northeast of the area there is a small housing tract (128, 52); Ring-billed Gull, 24 (102, 41); Am. Wigeon, 12 (51, 21); Herring Gull, 12 (51, 21); Great Black-backed Water: During high tide there are severalarge bodies of Gull, 8 (34, 14); Killdeer, 7 (30, 12); Bonaparte's Gull, 4 water within the study area. During low tide these areas are bare mud flats. Weather: During the 10-day study (17, 7); Pied-billed Grebe, 3 (13, 5); Com. Merganser, 3 (13, 5); Black Duck, 1 (4, 2); Belted Kingfisher, 1 (4, 2); period the temperature ranged from 45 ø to 73øF. and Horned Grebe, +; Great Blue Heron, +; Black- there was no precipitation. (Temperatures from Lindcrowned Night Heron, +; Canvasback, +; Corn. Gold- berg Field, 12 miles south.) Coverage: Feb. 2-4, 8-10 eneye, +; Buffiehead, +; Hooded Merganser, +; Com. Total: 6 trips between 0930 and 1530, averaging 65 Snipe, +; Greater Yellowlegs, +. Average Total: 139 minutes each. Count: Pintail, 38 (469, 190); Greenbirds (592 per sq. km., 240 per 100 acres). Remarks: An winged Teal, 18 (222, 90); Cinnamon Teal, 15 (185, 75), influx of 44 Bonaparte's Gulls on Feb. 9 resulted in a Am. Coot, 15 (185, 75); Ring-billed Gull, 12 (148, 60), high total for this species. The Greater Yellowlegs, a Mourning Dove, 12 (148, 60); Savannah Sparrow, 4 (49, rare winter visitor in this area, was seen on Feb. 20); Great Blue Heron, 3 (37, 15); Say's Phoebe, 2 (25, 9 -PAUL W. WOODWARD, 2433 Southgate Square, 10); Double-crested Cormorant, 1 (12, 5); Buffiehead, 1 Reston, Va (12, 5); Snowy Egret, 1 (12, 5); Black-bellied Plover, 1 (12, 5); Semipalmated Plover, 1 (12, 5); Killdeer, 1 (12, 57. COASTAL WATERS-SANDY BEACH. 5); Willet, 1 (12, 5); Belted Kingfisher, 1 (12, 5), --Location: Bolsa Chica State Beach, Orange County, California, extending from Warner Avenue a distance Brewer's Blackbird, 1 (12, 5); Am. Wigeon, +; Osprey, +; Black-necked Stilt, +; Whimbrel, +; Marbled God- 720 American Birds, June 1974

112 w t, +. Average Total: 128 birds (density, 1581 per sq. km, 640 per 100 acres).- 4ICHAEL D. McCRARY, Calif. St., Tustin, Calif COASTAL MARSH CHANNEL.--Location: Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, north side of Pacific Coast Highway, 6 miles northwest of Huntington Beach, Orange County, California, 500 ft. southeast of the t dal gates that bisect the reserve. Continuity: New. Size 3.22 ha = 7.95 acres, rectangular. Plot consisted of a section of channel 350 yds long (measured with car odometer) and 110 yds across (measured with range finder of telephoto lens). Description of Area: Study area s in a pocket of marsh that escaped development. T dal action is almost completely stopped by tidal gates unmediately west of plot. Edge: The heavily traveled Pacific Coast Highway (41ands) parallels the channel 15 yds to the south and the ocean is some 200 yds away across a sandy beach. The marsh continues east for about 1 mile to a large oil field. To the north is a flood control channel that joins at the tidal gates. The combined channel continues westward, paralleling the coast, for 1 mile through tidal mud flats then another 5 miles to the ocean, the last section being heavily built up Food: Schools of small fish were numerous and the banks were littered with mollusks. Weather: During the 17-day period the weather was very mild, being in the 60s during the day. A storm immediately preceded the count period and rain fell on 1 day during the count. Coverage: Jan. 10, 11, 14-16, (2 trips), 22 (2 trips), 26 Total, 11 trips between 0830 and 1700, averaging 19 m nutes. Count: Ruddy Duck, 17 (528, 214); Surf Scorer, 13 (404, 164); Eared Grebe, 12 (373, 151); Redbreasted Merganser, 12 (373, 151); Lesser Scaup, 11 (342, 138); Bufflehead, 11 (342, 138); Ring-billed Gull, 3 (93, 38); Pied-billed Grebe, 2 (62, 25); Snowy Egret, 2 (62, 25); Am. Coot, 2 (62, 25); Pintail, 1 (31, 13); Willet, 1 (31, 13); Sanderling, 1 (31, 13); Am. Avocet, 1 (31, 13); Bonaparte's Gull, 1 (31, 13); Forster's Tern, 1 (31, 13); Horned Grebe, +; White Pelican, +; Little Blue Heron, +, Great Egret, +; Cinnamon Teal, +; Marsh Hawk, +, Greater Yellowlegs, +; Long-billed Dowitcher, +; Marbled Godwit, +; Caspian Tern, +; Tern sp. +. Average Total: 90 birds ( 2797 birds per sq. km., 1132 per 100 acres). Remarks: The count for mudflat feeding b rds is low because the count took place during a period of high water. Towards the end of the count the water level was lower, exposing a strip of mud along the banks.--joseph F. ALEXANDER, Long Beach, Calif E. 14th St., 60. DISTURBED COASTAL SALT MARSH. --Location: East of State Highway 1, 3 miles south of State Highway 39, Huntington Beach, Orange County, California. Size: 12 ha = 30 acres (rectangular, 200 x 725 yards, measured with steel tape). Description of Area: Sal cornia marsh habitat which. has been diked, stopp ng tidal flow into the area. The north 10 acres are thick w th vegetation with but a few bare spots: Salicornia vtrgtnica and S. subterrninalis, 70%; Frankenia grandifolia, 25%; Salt Grass (Distichlis spicata), 4%; w th scattered occurrence of Rush (Juncus acutus var. sphaerocarpus) and Saltwort (Batis rnaritima). A dirt road runs along the east and south perimeters of this north sector. The south 20 acres of the study area have been plowed under. The vegetation is similar to that of the north sector but very sparse. The major cover s plant debris and sprouts; higher ground has been nvaded by Ice Plant (Mesernbryanthemum crystallinurn) and Haplopappus venetus ssp. vernonoides. Along the west edge of the entire study area is a narrow strip of low dunes; major ground cover is Ice Plant (Mesernbryanthemum chilense and M. edule); shrub cover forms a hedge-like stand up to 9 ft. high of Willow (Salix sp.), Mule Fat (Baccharis virninea), Lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia) and Salt Bush (Atriplex canescens). Near the middle of the study plot, along the west edge, is an impenetrable stand of Rush 200 ft. long and up to 60 ft. wide. (Plant identificatmn from Munz, A California Flora, 1963.) Topography Flat, with low dunes to the west. Elevation is a few feet above high tide level. Edge: Bounded on the north by a dike, beyond which is a Salicornia marsh of 10 acres which ends at the Southern California Edison Power Generation Station; on the east is a channel of the Santa Ana River system; to the west a highway; to the south plowed field and Brookhurst Avenue. Water: A channel of stagnant salt water lies along the west edge of the north 10 acres. Rain forms large pools in the south 20 acres. Water is replenished by a small amount of seepage and rain. Food: Several types of Amphipods are abundant. Carabids, Cicadellids, Muscids, and various other insects are common. Weather: During the 31-day study period, the mean low temperature was 47øF., and the mean high was 61 ø; the lowest temperature recorded was 39 ø and the highest 70 ø. There was rain or fog on 9 days. (Temperatures from Huntington Beach Pier, 4 miles north.) Coverage: Jan. 2, 10, 19, 24-27; Feb 1 Total, 8 trips, all during morning or evening hours, averaging 120 minutes each. Count: Black-belhed Plover, 18 (148, 60); Savannah Sparrow, 12 (99, 40); W Meadowlark, 9 (74, 30); White-crowned Sparrow, 9 (74, 30); Cinnamon Teal, 6 (50, 20); Mourning Dove, 6 (50, 20); Killdeer, 4 (33, 13); Willet, 4 (33, 13); Am. Avocet, 2 (16, 7); Ring-billed Gull, 2 (16, 7); dowitcher sp., 1 (8, 3); Black-necked Stilt, 1 (8, 3); Anna's Hummingbird, 1 (8, 3); House Finch, 1 (8, 3); Green-winged Teal, +, Blue-winged Teal, +; Ring-necked Pheasant, +; Marbled Godwit, +; Com. Raven, +; Loggerhead Shrike, +; House Sparrow, +. Average Total: 76 birds (626 per sq. km., 253 per 100 acres). Remarks: On all 3 early morning trips, more than half of the Savannah Sparrows observed were perched and singing, indicating that at least the majority of these birds are of the res - dent Belding's form, which recently has been given endangered status in California.-RICHARD ZEMBAL, Dept. of Biology, California State University at Long Beach, California COASTAL WATERS-SANDY BEACH. --Location: On coast, immediately west of the Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles Co, California. Continuity: New. Size: 13.6 ha = 33.6 acres (1222 x 133 yds. by measured stride). Description of Area: Study area extends 66.5 yds. seawards from the mean high tide line and an 'equal distance inland. No terrestrial plant life exists in the study area. The permanent structures on the study plot consist of two rock Volume 28, Number 3 721

113 jett es at the north and south boundaries and a cementencased storm drain outlet. The area is used heavily for recreation during warm periods, and the onshore portion is dragged periodically for refuse removal. Edge: Study plot is a portion of Dockweller Beach State Park and is bordered to the north, south, and east by sandy beach and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. Water: No source of fresh water exists on the study plot or within a 2 5 mile radius of it. Food: Fish life is abundant for marine feeders; there are sand-dwelling invertebrates at the water line, mussels incrust the jetties and storm drain, and there is a good deal of refuse for scavengers. Weather: During the study period the temperature ranged from 38 ø to 81øF. There was little precipitation, although the sky was overcast on 4 of 7 visits. (Temperatures from Los Angeles International Airport, immediately east of study plot.) Coverage: Jan. 12, 15, 20, 26, 31; Feb. 4, 10. Total: 7 trips, all between 1430 and 1600, averaging 95 minutes each. Count: Surf Scoter, 89 (655,265); W. Grebe, 63 (463,188); Ring-billed Gull, 26 (191, 77); Willet, 21 (154, 63); Marbled Godwit, 13 (96, 39); W. Sandpiper, 5 (37, 15); Bonaparte's Gull, 5 (37, 15); Surfbird, 4 (29, 12); Herring Gull 4, (29, 12); Forster's Tern, 4 (29, 12); Rock Dove, 3 (22, 9); Califorma Gull, 2 (15, 6); Heermann's Gull, 2 (15, 6); Snowy Plover, 1 (7, 3); Brown Pelican, +. Average Total: 239 birds (1758 per sq. km., 711 per 100 acres). Remarks: On most trips there were additional W. Grebes and Surf Scoters in flocks seaward of the study plot.--rober T E SMICE, 8324 Manchester Ave., Playa del Rey, Calif PARTIALLY ABANDONED HAYFIELDS AND PASTURES.--Location: 7 miles north of the center of Fatrfield, Connecticut; 41ø12'N, 73ø17'W, Westport Quadrangle, USGS. Size: 7.7 ha = 19 acres. Descriptio n of Area: See AB 25: (1971). Weather: The temperature ranged from -2 ø to 64øF. The average temperature was about 33 ø. A major ice storm occurred just before New Years' Day. From Jan. 17 to Feb. 1, the ice crust was frozen hard on the area. The precipitation was average, with much more snow than in recent years. There were no winds above 10 mph during counts. Coverage: Dec. 25, 26; Jan. 3, 4, 8, 17, 25, 27; Feb. l, 11, 13, 20. Total, 12 trips, averaging 2 hours, starting from 1201 to This was the third consecutive winter-bird population count for the area. Count: Mourning Dove, ll (143, 58); Starling, 8 (104, 42); Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco, 7 (91, 37); Blackcapped Chickadee, 5 (65, 26); Blue Jay, 4 (52, 21); Tree Sparrow, 4 (52, 21); White-throated Sparrow, 4 (52, 21); Corn. Crow, 3 (39, 16); Tufted Titmouse, 2 (26, 11); Cardinal, 2 (26, 11); Corn. Redpoll, 2 (26, 11); Ringnecked Pheasant, 1 (13, 5); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (13, 5), White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (13, 5); House Sparrow, 1 (13, 5); House Finch, 1 (13, 5); Song Sparrow, 1 (13, 5), Screech Owl, +; Great Horned Owl, +; Hairy Woodpecker, +; Brown Creeper, +; Mockingbird, +; Am. Robin, +; Hermit Thrush, +; Golden-crowned Kinglet, +; Am. Goldfinch, +. Average Total: 58 birds (754 per sq. km., 305 per 100 acres). Remarks: A more stable winter population was present this year than in the past. The birds mainly were attracted by feeders, and a mostly open brook on the eastern part of the area. Blue Jays and Mourning Doves were more abundant than in the past, and a minor incursion of Com. Redpolls occurred in February.-HELEN HILLS, CHARLES F. HILLS, 3052 Burr St., Fairfield, Conn ABANDONED ORCHARDS - OLD FIELDS - TREE ROWS. -- Location: New York; Rockland County, about 4[5 miles northeast of Suffern, 2 miles southwest of the intersection of Rtes. 202 and 306, ' 15" N, 74ø05'40"W, Thiells Quadrangle USGS Continuity: Established Size: 15.5 ha = 38.4 acres (roughly rectangular). Description of Area: See AB (1973). Weather: All trips wrere made in dry weather. At least 4 in. of snow cover existed after Jan 5, and 9 in. of snow topped by a strong ice crust after Jan. 11. During the period temperatures ranged from 2-54øF. while temperatures during counts ranged from 15-54øF. Precipitation was slightly above normal for the period, average temperature slightly below normal (Data from home weather station). During the counts wind speeds varied from 0-40 mph. Coverage: Dec 27, 30; Jan. 3, 5-8, 11, 13, Total, 12 trips, averaging 75 minutes each, during all times of the day ( ) Count: Starling, 7 (45, 18); Dark-eyed Junco, 7 (45, 18), Tree Sparrow, 3 (19, 8); Corn. Crow, 2 (13, 5); Blackcapped Chickadee, 2 (13, 5); Red-tailed Hawk, 1 (6, 3), Com. Flicker, 1 (6, 3); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (6, 3), Blue Jay, 1 (6, 3); Mockingbird, 1 (6, 3); E. Meadowlark, 1 (6, 3); Cardinal, 1 (6, 3); Am. Goldfinch, 1 (6, 3), Am. Kestrel, +;Ruffed Grouse, +; Wilson's Snipe, +, Mourning Dove, +; Hairy Woodpecker, +; Tufted Titmouse, +; Am. Robin, +; Golden-crowned Kinglet, +; Song Sparrow, +. Average Total: 29 (187 per sq km., 76 per 100 acres). Remarks: This year's average total, 25% less than last year's, was probably owing to a number of factors. The winter was more severe than last, with relatively heavy and continuous snow and ice covers. Also, the area was heavily used by snowmobiles and minibikes during the count period. This year's count, aside from the halving ofjunco numbers, was generally consistent with last year's census Mammals observed on the plot during the counts were White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) E. Cottontail (Sylvilagus fiormanus) Gray Squirrel (Scturus carolinensis) Woodchuck (Marmota monax) and Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis).-bruce B EDINGER, 2630 Clara Dickson Hall, Cornell Untversity, Ithaca, N.Y CORN STUBBLE, WINTER WHEAT, AND HAYFIELDS.--Location: One-half mile south of Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania. Continuity: New. Size: ha = 100 acres. (rectangular, measured with steel tape and compass). Description of Area: Consists of fields that are under cultivation annually, with the exception of a strip of about 5.5 ha, part of an old river channel, which is in hay. There are two large posts about 7 ft. high, but no trees are in the study area. This winter the fields were composed of corn stubble, 26 ha (64%); short grass-hay, 8.5 ha (21%); and winter wheat, 6 ha (15%) Edge: Bordered on all sides by similar cropland of over 600 acres. There is a single tree about 200 ft. from the east side of the study area, and riverbottom woodland is 722 American Birds, June 1974

114 found about 200 fl. from the southern end. The West Branch of the Susquehanna River is about 300 ft. from this southern end. A farm road runs along the study area, 30 fl. from the west side. Topography: Essentially flat except for the old river channel which has sloping sides, and is about 15 ft. deep in some places, and from (1972). Weather: The winter of 1974 was also an extremely mild period in the east. Snow cover was sparse («in. on Dec. 24 only) and temperatures ranged from 24ø-59øF. on census days. Coverage: Dec. 24, 28; Jan 5, 7, 12, 14, 17, 22, 28; Feb. 4. Total, 10 trips, 9 between 0820 and 1150 and 1 between 1400 and 1605, averaging to 200 fl. wide. Elevation is from 530 to 545 ft. hours each. Count: Red-winged Blackbird, 20 (329, Water: During wet weather, water sometimes collects in the old river channel. Weather: For January the mean high temperature was 36.7øF. and the mean low as 22 7 ø. Precipitation was about average with 3.03 in. During the first two days of February, temperatures were from 27 ø to 35 ø and 24 ø to 33 ø respectively. Precipitation was 0.13 in. Temperatures ranged from 20 ø to 40 ø on the census trips. Wind was calm on one trip, but from 5-20 mph on most. The sky was overcast or cloudy on most trips. The ground was covered with 4-5 in. of snow on first 4 trips, with a hard crust present on the first 3; but was essentially bare on the last 4 trips. Coverage: Jan. 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 26; Feb. 1, 2. Total: 8 trips, averaging 72 minutes each. All trips were made between 1000 and 1507, about evenly divided between the a.m. and p.m. Count: Horned Lark, 35 (86, 35); Snow Bunting, 24 (59, 24); Mourning Dove, 13 (32, 13); E Meadowlark, 12 (30, 12); Starling, 3 (7, 3); Com. Crow, 1 (2, 1); Whistling Swan, +; Rough-legged Hawk, +; Marsh Hawk, +; Am. Kestrel, +; Savannah Sparrow, +; Lapland Longspur, +. Average Total: 88 birds (217 per sq. km., 88 per 100 acres). Remarks: The Mourning Doves were found mostly in the corn stubble 133); Tree Sparrow, 8 (132, 53); Am. Goldfinch, 7 (115, 47); Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco, 5 (82, 33); Song Sparrow, 5 (82, 33); White-throated Sparrow, 4 (66, 27), Savannah Sparrow, 3 (49, 20); Carolina Chickadee, 2 (33, 13); E. Bluebird, 2 (33, 13); Bobwhite, 1 (16, 7), Carolina Wren, 1 (16, 7); Cardinal, 1 (16, 7); Swamp Sparrow,! (16, 7); Red-shouldered Hawk, +; Marsh Hawk, +; Com. (Yellow-shafted) Flicker, +; Brown Creeper, +; Mockingbird, +; Golden-crowned Kinglet, +; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, +. Average Total 63 (1038 per sq. km., 420 per 100 acres). Remarks: Total species 21, compared to 14 in Eight species were new to the study plot. Two species recorded in 1973 were not seen on census days this year: Downy Woodpecker and Vesper Sparrow. The creeper was associated with a strip of trees and brush extending into the field from an adjacent swamp. The bluebird flock is most likely a result of an extensive nest box project, which has tripled nesting successince its inception in Population increases occurred in the Am. Goldfinch and Field, Savannah, Tree, and Swamp Sparrow Decreases were found for Red-shouldered Hawk and White-throated and Song Sparrow. The total populawhile the Horned Larks and E. Meadowlarks were tion has more than doubled between 1973 and 1974 primarily in the short grass-hay. The number of species per trip ranged from 0 to 8, and the number of individuals from 0 to 210. The contrast between the first group of 4 trips, and the last 4 trips is quite striking. In fact, This is probably a result of several factors --increased seed crop in the many weed plants, increased dense cover, and an exceptionally mild winter. In addition large flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds and Am. Goldthey look like two different counts and, if so reported, finches were recorded.-m. KATHLEEP KLIMwould be as follows: Sub-Count A (first 4 trips only, KIEWICZ, (compiler), Latchdale Rd. #2, 4-5"snow): Snow Bunting, 22 (54, 22); Rough-legged Hawk, 1 (2, 1); Marsh Hawk, 1 (2, 1); Com. Crow, 1 (2, Laurel, Md , and LEONARD TEUBER (fiem work). 1), Am. Kestrel, +; Savannah Sparrow, +. Average Total for A: 25 birds (62 per sq. km., 25 per 100 acres). 66. SUGARCANE FIELD.--Location: Ascension Sub-Count B (last 4 trips only, ground bare): Horned Parish, Louisiana 6 miles southeast of White Castle and Lark, 70 (173, 70); Mourning Dove, 26 (64, 26); Snow east of State Highway 1. Approximate coordinates on Bunting, 25 (62, 25); E. Meadowlark, 23( (57, 23); Starl- White Castle Quadrangle, USCG: 30ø19'45"N, ing, 6 (15, 6); Whistling Swan, 1 (2, 1); Com. Crow, 1 (2, 90ø3'58"W. Size: 16.2 ha = 40 acres (square, 440 x 440 1), Rough-legged Hawk, +; Am. Kestrel, +; Lapland yards, measured with steel tape). Description of Area Longspur, +. Average Total for B: 152 birds, (376 per The plot is a sugarcane field with associated drainage sq km., 152 per 100 acres). Remarks: Notice the great ditches. The sugarcane was harvested in early fall and a difference between these totals and the totals for the stubble, about 2 in. high, remained. The plot was not entire study period above. Perhaps this illustrates why cultivated after harvest and next year's sugarcane crop just a few trips may not produce a valid population will develop as sprout growth from remaining rootestimate. This also may illustrate the effect of snow stock. The field was burned prior to harvest to remove cover in a cropland situation on the availability of food leaves from the plants. However, burning was not for some species of birds.-glenna P. SCHWALBE complete and scattered sugarcane leaves and stalks and PAUL W. SCHWALBE, Dept. of Biology, Lock remained after harvest. Harvesting was done by Haven State College, Lock Haven, Pa mechanical cutters and a small portion of the sugarcane 65. ABANDONED FIELD.--Location: Piscataway was cultivated several times during the early summer to Park, Potomac River, 3 miles W of intersection of Route 210 and Bryan Point Road; Accokeek, Prince George's County, Maryland; 38ø41'N, 77ø4'W, Mr. Vernon Quadrangle, USGS. Continuity: Established Size: 6.1 ha = 15.0 acres (irregular parallelogram, delineated by steel stakes into one-half acre plots using steel tape). Description of Area: See AB 26: control weeds and by late summer the cane had become too dense for understory plant growth. By December, butterweed (Senecio glabellus) began to appear in the harvested field and on turn rows and by February was widespread. A large drainage ditch 10 ft. wide and 5 ft deep bordered the plot on the north side and crossed the plot near its west side. Five lateral ditches, 3 ft. wide Volume 28, Number 3 723

115 " 1975 PROGRAM, Massachusetts Audubon tours are led by Peter Alden, Christopher Leahy, James Baird, and James Lane with the assistance of expert co-leaders from around the world. VENEZUELA... Jan PANAMA Jan EAST MEXICO... Jan. 28-Feb. 10 WEST MEXICO... Feb GUATEMALA... Feb TEXAS... Apr INDIA/NEPAL... April FLORIDA... Late Apr.-early May SPAIN/PORTUGAL... May 29-June 18 ARIZONA... May CHURCHILL... June HIGH ARCTIC... Late June-early July PERU... June 29-July 24 BERMUDA... Sept INDIA/NEPAL... Oct. 23-Nov. 18 ARGENTINA... Nov FALL MIGRATION: Europe... Mid-Sept. For more information, please write to: Natural History Tours, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Lincoln, Massachusetts American Birds, June 1974

116 and 2 ft. deep, crossed the plot in an east-west direction and connected to the large drainage ditch. The dominant vegetation in the large drainage ditch is cattail (Typha domegensis) and, in the lateral ditches, dewberry (Rubus sp.). Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) was present on turn rows and ditch banks. Plant names from Radford, et al., Manuel of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas, Topography: Flat, elevation 12 ft. Edge: The study plot is in a vast sugarcane-growing region with thousands of acres under this type of cultivation. A woody fence row is present 100 ft. south of the plot and a large bottomland hardwood forest lies 300 ft west of the plot. Water: The large drainage ditch contains water most of the year, but other areas in the plot drain very quickly, even after heavy rains. Food: Dewberry production was very heavy during the spring and many seeds were present in the lateral ditches. Insect larvae and earthworms were common in the sugarcane field among the stubble and plant debris. Weather: The weather was relatively mild throughout the study period and freezing temperatures were recorded only on 5 days. The temperature ranged from 28 ø to 76øF. Precipitation was above normal, and during the 57-day study period 17.0 inches were recorded. (Temperatures and rainfall from Donaldsonville, 6 miles southwest). Coverage: Dec , 15-17; Jan. 27; Feb. 5. Total: 9 trips, averaging 40 minutes each, with 7 trips between 0710 and 1220 and 2 trips between 1740 and Count: Am. Robin, 18 (111, 45); Red-winged Blackbird, 18 (111, 45); Swamp Sparrow, 15 (93, 38); Savannah Sparrow, 11 (68, 28); White-throated Sparrow 2 (12, 5); Bobwhite, 1 (6, 3); Killdeer, I (6, 3); Am. Woodcock, 1 (6, 3); Corn. Snipe, 1 (6, 3);. Average Total: 60 birds (371 per sq. km., 150 per 100 acres). Remarks: Open fields in this region are important nocturnal coverts of the Am. Woodcock; consequently, 2 counts were made at night using a 6-volt headlight. An almost completely different bird population was ob- served in the sugarcane field at night. Killdeer was the only species of the 9 recorded, which was observed both at day and at night. A roosting covey of Bobwhite, containing 11 individuals, was observed along a ditch bank in the plot. The Am. Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, and Savannah Sparrow were common among the rows of the harvested sugarcane field. The Swamp Sparrow was found in the dense growth of dewberry in the lateral ditches.-robert H. CHABRECK, La. State University, Baton Rouge, La , SHARRON ROGERS, Battelle-Columbus Laboratories, Columbus, Ohio HEDGEROWS-CORNFIELDS.--Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on the NE W of the 3rd Meridian. Plot located within the city limits of Saskatoon about /2 mile from residential edge. Continuity: New. Size: ha = acres. Description of Area: Elevation 1600 ft. Flat farmland, bounded on the south and east by cultivated land and on the west and north by a 25-ft. bank which marks the boundary of the South Saskatchewan River floodplain. Two occupied houses are located on the plot. Vegetation: Flora on the plot consists of hedgerows of Caragana (Caragana arborescens), Manitoba Maple (Acer negundo), and White Spruce (Picea glauca). All of these are mature trees with the Caragana averaging 15 ft. high, the maple and the spruce fit high Located in the middle of the plot is a small (approx 5 acre) grove of Trembling Aspen (Populus tremulotdes) from which runs a small coulee choked with Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), Willow (Salix spp.), Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana) and Pincherry (Prunus pensylvanica). The edge bordering the river consists of mature Trembling Aspen and Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera) with a shrub understory of Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) and Rose (Rosa spp ) The main portion of the plot is planted to vegetable cash crops of which only Corn (Zea mays) remains to provide winter habitat. Several smaller patches of Lilac (Syringa spp.) are located on the plot and a few scattered American Elm (Ulmus americana). Marginal land within the plot which is not cultivated (besides the above mentioned) contains a variety of grasses, the dominant of which are Awned Brome (Bromus inermis), Crested Wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), Northern Wheat Grass (Agropyron dasystachyum), Couch Grass (Agropyron repens), Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis), June Grass (Koeleria cristata), and Western Snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis), Silverberry (Elaeagnus commutata ), and Buffalo Berry (Shepherdia argentea). A variety of weed species are found growing along the hedgerows, Pigweed (Chenopodium sp.), Russian Thistle (Salsola pestifer), Tansy Mustard (Descurainia spp.), and Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) being the dominant species. Weather: A variety of weather conditions were encountered during the period. Temperatures were about normal and precipitation was well above normal. Temperatures ranged from - 42 ø to 30øF Coverage: Dec. 20, 21, 26; daily from Jan. 2 to Feb 10 inclusive; 43 trips from 0800 to 2200 CST; total hours about Count: House Sparrow, 43 (69, 28); Blackbilled Magpie, 32 (51, 21); Corn. Redpoll, 29 (47, 19), Bohemian Waxwing, 12 (19, 8); Gray Partridge, 5 (8, 3), Ring-necked Pheasant, 3 (5, 2); Hoary Redpoll, 3 (5, 2), Black-capped Chickadee, 2 (3, 1); Great Horned Owl, 1 (2, 1); Cedar Waxwing, 1 (2, 1); Mallard, +; Corn Goldeneye, +; Goshawk, +; Gyrfalcon, +;Merlin, +, Sharp-tailed Grouse, +; Rock Dove, +; Hairy Woodpecker, +; Downy Woodpecker, +; Blue Jay, +; Rusty Blackbird, +; Pine Grosbeak, +; Red Crossbill, +, White-winged Crossbill, +; Dark-eyed Junco, +; Tree Sparrow, +. Average Total: 131 birds (211 per sq. km, 85 per 100 acres). Remarks: The bird feeder attracted Common and Hoary Redpolls on Jan. 5 and they were seen on every day after that with their numbers increasing over the period; Com. Redpolls from 13 to 52 and Hoary Redpolls from 2 to 6. Gray Partridge populations dropped from 23 to 10 over the period and Ring-necked Pheasant number declined from 23 to 1 on Feb. 10 The 20 Cedar Waxwings of Dec. 20 had decreased to I on Jan. 6 and were not recorded after that date. Similarly 2 Tree Sparrows and 3 Dark-eyed Juncos disappeared early in the census period. The following were probably in the general vicinity of the plot but were not recorded on every trip: Sharp-tailed Grouse, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker and Pine Grosbeak. The unusual amount of snow probably accounts for the high mortality of the Gray Partridge and Ring-necked Pheasants, although definite evidence of predation was found on Volume 28, Number 3 725

117 several occasions. The Cedar Waxwings appeared to have moved rather than succumbed, as they were noted regularly about 2 miles from the plot, where food was more plentiful.-wa YNE C. HARRIS (compiler), Box 93, Raymore, Sask. SOA 3JO), SHEILA M. LAMONT, ARNOLD L. NIJSSEN. 68. IRRIGATED PASTURELAND, WEED AREAS, TREE ROWS. --Location: The west side of State H ghway 74, nine-tenths mile north of the Heppner Library and Museum, Heppner, Morrow County, Oregon. Continuity: Established Size: 19.4 ha = 48 acres. Description of Area: Described in AB (1971). Weather: Temperature during the period averaged 34øF. range was - 12 ø to 65øF. Precipitation for the period was 2.44 in. Coverage: Dec. 29; Jan 19, 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23. Total: 7 trips, averaging 90 m nutes each. All counts were made in late morning, five under cloudy skies and two under clear. Count: House Sparrow, 109 (561,227); Starling, 65 (335, 135); Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco, 26 (134, 54); Black-billed Magpie, 8 (41, 17); Brewer's Blackbird, 2 (10, 4); Song Sparrow, 2 (10, 4); Mallard, 1 (5, 2); Golden Eagle, 1 (5, 2), California Quail, 1 (5, 2); Ring-necked Pheasant, 1 (5, 2); Great Horned Owl, 1 (5, 2); Corn. Raven, 1 (5, 2); Am Robin, 1 (5, 2); Red-winged Blackbird, 1 (5, 2); Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco, 1 (5, 2); Roughlegged Hawk, +; Chukar, +; Corn. Flicker, +; Downy Woodpecker, +; Black-capped Chickadee, +; Brown Creeper, +; Pine Siskin, +; Rufous-sided Towhee, +; White-crowned Sparrow, +. Average Total: 221 birds (1,138 per sq. kin., 460 per 100 acres). Remarks: The plot was again used for a winter feeding lot for cattle About 300 cattle were counted using the plot during the period. The Black-billed Magpie and House Sparrow populations decreased slightly while the Starling population increased about 88%. Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco and Song Sparrow populations decreased considerably. New species observed were Chukar, Brown Creeper, and Pine Siskin.-DA VE WORDEN and LIZ HELLUMS, Box 206, Heppner, Ore SUBURBAN SCHOOL PARK.--Location: Deerfield Beach, Florida, between N.E. 6th and 9th Avenues, Hillsboro Boulevard, and N.E. 2nd Street, 26ø19'N, 80ø05'W, USC&GS Nautical Chart No Size: 8.0 ha = acres (rectangular 1127 x 764 ft ) Continuity: Established 1969; sixth consecutive count Description of Area: See AFN 23:552 (1969). The plot now contains 1 l one-story houses in addition to the school buildings and the public library. Weather: During the 18-day study period, temperatures ranged from 68 ø to 85øF.; precipitation was 0.53 in. The starting temperature on count mornings averaged 71.5 ø. On 6 trips the weather was sunny; on 1, partly overcast; on 1, clearing. Winds varied from calm to 10 mph, being over 5 mph on 2 trips. Coverage: Dec ; Jan. 1, 5, 6, 13 Total: 8 trips, all between0810 and 0955 EST, averaging 85 minutes each. Count: Mourning Dove, 18 (225, 91), House Sparrow, 15 (188, 76); Mockingbird, 4 (50, 20), Rock Dove, 2 (25, 10); Boat-tailed Grackle, 2 (25, 10, Cattle Egret, 1 (13, 5); Am. Kestrel, 1 (13, 5); Redbellied Woodpecker, 1 (13, 5); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1 (13, 5); Blue Jay, 1 (13, 5); Starling, 1 (13, 5), WILD HORSE RANCH CLUB SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE For decades we have dedicated ourselves to the preservation of the ecology of the 600,000 acre game area in which the ranch is located. 50 acres of oasis gardens, walks and native plants nestled in the foothills of the Tucson Mountains add to the natural beauty. Over 200 species of birds within 11/2 miles of the ranch encouraged us to publish our own bird book. It takes 600 lbs. of feed per week to fill 32 feeders outside each room and throughout the grounds. Native animals are viewed from an easy chair in the evenings. When you are not birding, there are two new championship tenn is courts, horseback riding, swimming, golf at near by private courses. This resort setting will give you the vacation of your life. Come and stay with people with your interests at heart. The food is delicious! ROOM SERVICE AAA Write for colorful illustrated brochure COLOR TV IN HOWARD W. MILLER, JR. ALL ROOMS P.O. Box 5505 ß Tucson, Arizona ß or call (602) American B rds, June 1974

118 Palm Warbler, 1 (13, 5); Red-winged Blackbird, 1 (13, 5), Corn. Grackle, 1 (13, 5); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, +; lhne Warbler. +. Average Total: 50 birds (625 per sq. km, 253 per 100 acres). Remarks: Total, 16 species. The installation in January of the area's first feeder accounted for 5 Red-winged Blackbirds on each of the last 2 trips; in the previous 5 years this species was represented once by a +.-LAURA H. MOSELEY, 1083 Hdlsboro Beach, Pompano Beach, Fla FORESTED CITY PARK.--Location: Ontario; Regtonal Municipality of Waterloo, Homer Watson Park, Wilson Avenue, Kitchener. Continuity: Estabhshed 1969; 3 intermittent years. Size: 10.1 ha = 25 acres, roughly rectangular. Description of Area: See AFN 23: (1969), and for further details, AB 26: (1972). Weather: A late fall and early spring; little snow but several very cold periods. On censuses, weather varied from overcast (on the first 4) to bright (on the last 4), and from 12 ø (Dec. 19) to above 32øF (Dec. 8 and Feb. 26); days were calm or with slight breeze. There was slight snow cover by Dec. 11. Coverage: Dec. 8, 11, 19; Jan. 14, 24; Feb. 7, 26 (for owls, ), 28. Total: 8 trips, 7 between 0940 and 1735, averaging 50 minutes each. Six were in the mornmg Total observer hours: 13. Count: Dark-eyed Junco, 6 (59, 24); Black-capped Chickadee, 3 (30, 12); Brown Creeper, 3 (30, 12); White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 (20, 8); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (10, 4); Corn. Crow, 1 (10, 4); Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1 (10, 4); Cardinal, 1 (10, 4); Pileated Woodpecker, +; Hairy Woodpecker, +, Am. Goldfinch, +. Average Total: 18 birds (178 per sq km., 72 per 100 acres). Remarks: On Feb. 28, a possible Great Horned Owl was glimpsed in large hemlocks at the centre of the plot, near where 2 were seen on the census. The same day fresh Ruffed Grouse droppings were noted in dense White Cedars (Thuja occidentalis) in the central swamp. The only regular species absent this year was Blue Jay. Playing of taped calls of Screech, Saw-whet and Great Horned Owls on Feb. 26, during suitable weather, produced no responses. Crows wintered regionally this year in some numbers, as they did in the study area, whereas Golden-crowned Kinglets were down in both. Average number of birds was above and but below Gray Squirrel was the only common mammal. Land-use remains the same --passive recreation -- with snowmobiles banned, but skiing and riding permitted.--craig A CAMPBELL (compiler), WIL- LARD H. SCHAEFER and GREGORY DONALD- SON of OIKOS ASSOCIATES, Box 747, Waterloo, Ont N2J 4C URBAN RESIDENTIAL AREA, VII. --Location: Carleton Place, Lanark County, Ontario, Canada. Continuity: New. Size: ha = acres (measured from map). Description of Area: Most of the continuously built-up part of the town (population 5000); irregularly shaped, the perimeter including parts of at least 19 streets. The area is divided into three roughly equal portions by the Mississippi River (the lesser one!), flowing SSW to NNe, and a railway line, NNW to SSE. The commercial area occupies three blocks along both sides of Bridge Street; the rest of the area is residential, largely of single homes with a few doubles and only 3 or 4 small apartment blocks. A small park occupies one-half block, and there are several churches; the schools and industrial plants are all just off the survey area. Trees are generally distributed and of considerable size (10-20 in. DBH and ft. tall) A sample comprising about 25% of the area included about 1360 trees, or about 21 per acre. The most abundant were maples, especially Manitoba, Norway, Sugar, and Silver Maples (collectively 53%); other important trees were Am. Elms (15%), spruces (11%), cedars (6%), and Black Locusts (4%), while smaller numbers of at least 17 other species made up the rest (11%). The few hedges are largely of deciduous shrubs, but most lawns have ornamental shrubs. Edge: Similar housing extends beyond the study area for one-half or more blocks in most directions, but there are open fields to the north (east of the river) and west, and an area of railway yards on the south, in total about per cent of the perimeter. Topography: Nearly level east of the river; rising gradually to the west of the river, elevation ft. Weather: Snowfall was much below average, with considerable rain and freezing rain; the only big snow of the winter was on Dec. 20, but owing to subsequent crusting the snow cover persisted with little settling to the end of the count period. Temperatures were above average in December, and near average thereafter. On count days (selected for less severe conditions), temperatures ranged from 7 ø (Feb 12) to 40 øf (Dec. 26); winds were light, except gusttng to force 5 Beaufort on Jan. 30 and Feb. 20, and skies were overcast, with light snow for about half of the Feb 12 count. Coverage: Dec. 3, 26; Jan. 3, 30; Feb. 12, 20, 28. Total: 7 counts, averaging 3 hr., 56 min. per trip. All surveys were in the morning. Count: House Sparrow, 264 (256, 104); Evening Grosbeak, 134 (130, 53); Rock Dove, 30 (29, 12); Starling, 27 (26, 11); Corn. Redpoll, 21 (20, 8); Black-capped Chickadee, 6 (6, 2); Blue Jay, 2 (2, 1); Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (1, +); White-breasted Nuthatch, I (1, +); Brown-headed Cowbird, 1 (1, +) Average Total: 496 birds (481 per sq. km., 195 per 100 acres). Remarks: House Sparrows assembled temporarily into flocks of up to 85 birds during the second and third surveys, but were more usually dispersed Bird distribution was variable, but the north-central area was consistently poorer than the rest. There was no obvious correlation between bird numbers and edge, tree density, or income level (judged by size and appearance of houses) within the area. Gray (and black) squirrels were seen on 3 surveys, and red squirrels on 2 surveys.-anthony J. ERSKINE, Migratory Bird Populations, Canadian Wildlife Service, Ottawa, Canada KIA OH CITY PARK.---Location: Grove Ave. and 31st St., Lorain, Ohio. Size: 29.3 ha = 72.3 acres (2100 x 1500 ft.). Description of Area: See AFN 23: (1969). Weather: The temperature during the study period varied from 25 ø to 44øF., averaging 33 ø. There was snow cover on 5 trips, varying from 2 to 9 in, averaging 4.5 in. Coverage: Dec. 2, 8, 15, 22, 29; Jan 5, 12, 19, 26; Feb. 2. Total, 10 trips, between 1200 and 1330, averaging 1.5 hours. Count: Starling, 61 (208, 84), Blue Jay, 7 (24, 10); Rock Dove, 7 (24, 10); Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco, 3 (10, 4); Red-headed Woodpecker, 1 (3, 1); Brown-headed Cowbird, 1 (3, 1); Red- Volume 28, Number 3 727

119 tailed Hawk, +; Com. Flicker, +; Red-bellied Woodpecker, +; Downy Woodpecker, +; Tufted Titmouse, +; House Sparrow, +. Average Total: 80 birds (273 per sq. kin., 111 per 100 acres).-zigmond and HELENA NAGY, (Elyria Audubon Society), 2332 E. 31 St., Lorain, Ohio CITY PARK.mLocation: Des Moines, Iowa. Continuity: Established 1954; 20 consecutive years. Size: 13.4 ha = 33 acres. Description of Area: Upland deciduous forest area of rectangular shape. With the exception of two small groves of White Pine (Pinus strobus) and Austrian Pine (P. austriaca ) and a group of Hawthorn (Cretaegus coccinea), the trees are predominatnly virgin White Oaks (Quercus alba) ft. in height and in. DBH. The western and central portions of the area are grassy beneath the oaks, but the eastern 1/3 has an understory consisting of Gray Dogwood (Cornus paniculata), coralberry (Symphoricarpos sp.) and Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum opulus). A rose garden is located in the center of the area. In the southern portion there is a small lake fed by a stream which parallels the street bounding the area on the east. The Des Moines Art Center is located in the northwestern part of the area. Topography: Rolling and hilly, elevation 800 ft. Edge: Bounded on the north by a busy highway and on the northern half of the east side by a residential street; bordered on the remaining sides by parkland similar to the eastern portion of the study plot. Weather: November was relatively cool and dry, but with a record high on the 1 lth, and several freezing rains late in the month. December had little snow until the last part of the month when there was a succession of light snowfalls. The first haft of Janthai3; was the coldest on record, and by the time of the last count on the 14th there was an 8-in. snow cover on the ground. Temperatures during count hours ranged from 15 ø to 50øF., with a mean of 66 ø. Coverage: Nov. 11, 17; Dec. 2, 9, 11, 12, 16, 23, 28; Jan. 3, 14. Total: 11 trips averaging 50 minutes each. Count: Dark-eyed Junco, 5 (39, 15); Starling, 4 (30, 12); House Sparrow, 3 (22, 9); Black-capped Chickadee, 2 (15, 6); White-breasted Nuthatch, 2 (15, 6); Downy Woodpecker, 1 (7, 3); Blue Jay, I (7, 3); Cardinal, I (7, 3); Corn. (Yellow-shafted) Flicker, +; Hairy Woodpecker, +; Tufted Titmouse, +; Am. Goldfmch, +. Average Total: 19 birds (142 per sq. kin., 58 per 100 acres). Remarks: This is the first time the Red-bellied Woodpecker was not found. This is the twentieth consecutive winter population study in the area. Chandler Robbins (AB 26:688) pointed out that it is impossible to obtain exact counts within a timbered area in mid-winter. However, by making the counts under conditions which are uniform as far as is possible, and limiting the variables to temperature and sky cover, it should be possible to establish population trends. A few trips were made in mid-afternoon in the first year of the counts but few birds were observed on these. This could have been owing either to absence from the area, or to lessened activity with corresponding decreased visibility. Since the nature of the terrain on three sides of the census area is essentially the same as that eensused, the latter possibility seems the more likely. MEXICAN BIRDS Spend a week in San Bias with two experienced guides from the Point Reyes Bi xl Observatory. Navarit's extensive mangrove swamp and palm hn'esl hosl an tinbelievable variel of wimedng shorebilxls, North American migrants, alia neo-lropical specialties. Morning and aidemoon walks plus lhree unustml boa trips exploring! e fim ous San Bias environs produced over 200 species lasl year. Come en. jov with Bill Chnv and Xrt Earle the reclnsive BARE-TH ROATED TI(;ER-BITTERN, the showy I.AU(;HI N(; FALCON, five species of parrots including MII.ITARY MACAW, the hard to see MANGROVE CUCKOO, the strange nocltlrnal POTOO, BOA CONSTRICTOR, COATIMUNDI, FAN-TAIIZD WARBLER, and the exotic RUFUS-CROWNED MOTMOT. Cost: $200. We will make hotel re. ervations..'you in San Bias and meet and IletUllttt yoi to Mazatlan via automobile. Proceeds help.vuppo l Point Reye. Bird Observator.' a non-profit institutio.. For further information write: Meryl Stewart P.O. Box 442 Bolinas, California Phone American Birds, June 1974

120 CHICKADEE O-- TITMOUSE NUTHATCH ] '.-- O DWNY 2' I %..--_ /: I i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I NUMBERS O BIRDS SEEN PER TRIp FIG. 2 FIVE-YEAR MOVING AVERAGES OF 7 HOU SPA $ 2 I I I I I I I I I I I i i I I I I IB Volume 28, Number 3 729

121 Results of afternoon counts have been eliminated from the tabulation, and only trips made between 0845 and 1015 CST are included. This is in accord with Robbins' (ibid.) recommendation that only populations at the optimum time of day be computed. No trips were made on days with high winds or with precipitation other than very light snow flutries, and all followed identical routes. Fig. 1 shows the 5-year moving averages for the numbers of four common, native, and permanent resident species seen per trip: chickadee. titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Downy Woodpecker. The Blue Jay, which appears partially migratory in this area, shows no trend. Fig. 2 shows the corresponding curves for the introduced species House Sparrow and Starling. Table 1 shows the average numbers for each of the 6 species found on clear days (with shadows cast), and on cloudy days (no shadows). All but the chickadee were found more often on clear days than on cloudy. Frequency curves for numbers found on clear and cloudy days closely parallel each other for all species. The percentages of clear to total days for the four 5-year periods were 62, 58, 69, and 76 respectively so the trends demonstrated by Fig. 1 cannot be attributed to a preponderance of cloudy days in the later years. Table 2 lists the species recorded and the number of years in which each was observed. A few stragglers will appear in the surrounding territory in many winters and the chance of observing these in the census area would appear to be improved by making more trips. The number of trips per winter ranged from 10 in 1972 to 53 in 1962, and the numbers of species seen per winter varied from lows of 12 in 1972 and 1973 when 10 and I 1 trips respectively were made, to a high of 23 in 1968 with only 11 trips in that winter. While some of the higher numbers of species were found in the years of greater activity, a scatter plot shows little correlation. Some correlation between numbers of birds found and temperatures at the times of the counts was looked for, and the first few years' counts did show a relationshipß This proved merely fortuitous, and after 493 trips it was found as many birds per trip were seen at temperatures below 1 løf. as were seen while temperatures were in the 20s and 30s. Few physical changes have taken place in the study area. A quantity of brush deposited in a ravine in the fall of 1963 attracted a flock of House Sparrows the following winter. The average number of these per trip jumped from 4.3 in the previous winter to 14.5 that year, and this accounts for the abrupt rise in the curve in Fig. 2. Numbers dropped to 3.2 in the following year and the decline continued until 1970 when an increasing trend began. An addition to the Des Moines Art Center constructed in replaced a 50-yard-square portion of a formal garden, but eliminated no trees. The few Am. Elms scattered in other parts of this predominantly White Oak territory suc- cumbed to disease and were removed. No spraying was done to protect these trees, and there is no apparent reason for the decline of the native bird population. The performance of the Starling is probably being repeated in many areas throughouthe country.-woodward H. BROWN, 432 Tonawanda Dr., Des Moines, IA CITY CEMETERY.--Loeation: Colorado; Colorado Springs, El Paso County. Continuity: New. Size: ha = 80 acres (T-shaped; measured from map). Description of Area: The census plot includes the older Study 73. Greenwood Park, Des Moines. Photo/Larry Stone. 730 American Birds, June 1974

122 (southern) portion of the (main) Colorado Springs Evergreen Cemetery from Laurel Avenue south, bounded on the west by an abandoned county road, on the east by Violet Avenue and on the south by a fenceline. In the south central area there are large native Ponderosa Pines (Pinus ponderosa) in ridge-ravine topography; while the rest of the cemetery's vegetation has been planted and includes a variety of species, especially Am. Elm (Ulmus americana) and Silver Maple (Acer saccharinurn), with some Box Elder (Acer negundo), Red Cedar (Juniperus scopulorum), White Fir (Abies concolor), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens). There is extensive lawn, except in the pine ravine areas, but planted shrubbery is limited. Elevation: 6000 ft. Edge: A newer and more sparsely vegetated section of the cemetery extends to the north; while with the exception of some roads, the areas to the west, south and east are undeveloped though disturbed grassland and brushland, with some draws, hillocks, and native pines to the southwest, and a cottonwood creekbottom to the southeast. Weather: The census period was relatively mild, dry, and breezy, following an early January snowy cold snap. The average temperature was about 37øF., with a minimum of 3 ø and a maximum of 72 ø. Snowfall averaged about 4 in., but most of the time the ground was clear of snow. Coverage: Jan. 10, 13, 15, 18, 27, Feb. 22; Mar. 1, 9. Total: 8 trips, both morning and afternoon, averaging about one hour each. Count: Dark-eyed Junco, 39 (120, 49); [Oregon, 37; Slatecolored, 2; White-winged, + ;] House Finch, 25 (77, 31); Black-billed Magpie, 16 (49, 20); Starling, I0 (31, 13); lhne Siskin, 10 (31, 13); Gray-headed Junco, 5 (15, 6); Cassin's Finch, 4 (12, 5); Corn. (Red-shafted) Flicker, 3 (9, 4); Am. Robin, 3 (9, 4); Red-tailed Hawk, I (3, 1); Corn. Crow, 1 (3, 1); Black-capped Chickadee, 1 (3, I); Mountain Chickadee, I (3, 1); White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (3, I); Brown Creeper, I (3, 1); Mallard, +; Townsend's Solitaire, +; House Sparrow, +; Harris' Sparrow, +. Average Total: 121 birds (374 per sq. km., 151 per 100 acres). Remarks: This census is similar to that for many U.S. city parks and cemeteries, with either many identical species or ecological equivalents. For example, in comparison with the Fort Collins, Colorado, cemetery (see AFN 8: , 1954), the two shared 13 species, and for both areas the Dark-eyed Junco and House Finch were numerically most abundant. The Fort Collins cemetery environs are more urbanized, and it is thus no surprise that the House Sparrow ranked fourth there but was only seen once in the less urbanized Colorado Springs cemetery. It is interesting that Harris' Sparrow, uncommon in Colorado, was recorded in both cemeteries. Pine Siskins were absent until the end of February, occurring after that time in large numbers in the deciduous treetops. The Starlings also frequented deciduous treetops, generally avoiding the Ponderosa Pine groves. Winter species association groups were present but lacked Downy or Hairy Woodpeckers.--RICHARD BEIDLEMAN (compiler), MARCY COTTRELL, JENNIE GREENEWALD, BRUCE LOWRY, and FELIX MARTINEZ (Colorado College Field Zoology Class), Dept. of Biology, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colo SUBURBAN SHOPPING CENTER.--Location East Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado Size: hectares = 40.4 acres; rectangular Description of Area: The Citadel shopping center includes an expanse of asphalt parking lot broken by the central building, three main plaza areas, and a building construction site (east). The three open-air plazas (1 4 acres each) are located on the east, south, and north sides of the building complex. Landscaping includes ornamental trees, more or less regularly spaced around the perimeter of the asphalt and in the plazas. There are 53 evergreens, most of them small, and 70 small deciduous trees. The roof of the building complex, comprising 375,000 square feet (8.6 acres), is flat, covered with loose gravel and ventilation equipment, and varies from one to three stories in height above the parking area. Edge: The asphalted shopping area is immediately edged on the west and north by open land ready for or under development, beyond which are residential areas. Parallel to the east (above) and to the south (below) are four-lane highways, with shortgrass prairie extending beyond the former, commercial development beyond the latter. Topography: The area, on fill, slopes gradually to the southwest, with the eastern parking section at a higher level than the western section, and with a steep drop-off to the south. Elevation 6100 ft. Weather: The study period was dry, breezy, and mild, following an early-january cold spell. The average temperature was 36øF., with a low of 3 ø and a high of 72 ø. Snowfall totaled 4 in. (.41 in. water equivalent). Thus, the period was drier and warmer than normal. Only twice was there any snow cover on the This Fall at The New School: Ornithology the IVew of York/Jrea A course by JOHN BULL of the American Museum of Natural History How to find, identify and watch birds in the New York area. The common and uncommon birds of the region; migration and breeding. The location and distribution of birds; how to attract birds; bird-banding and nesting studies. Fundamentals of basic ornithology-- classification and systematics. One half-day field trip to the Jamaica Bay Wild Life Refuge; another half-day class to be conducted at the Museum of Natural History on a Saturday afternoon. 6 sessions, plus two half-day field trips. Thursdays, 5:55-7:25 P.M., beginning September 19. $50. The lew $(hool 66 WEST 12 ST. NEW YORK OR Volume 28, Number 3 731

123 ground. Coverage: Jan. 11, 15, 17, 25, 27; Feb. 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 22. Total: 11 trips, between 1000 and 1640, totaling about 10 man-hours. Count: House Sparrow, 18 (110, 45); Rock Dove, 16 (98, 40); Corn. Crow, +. Average Total: 34 birds (208 per sq. km., 84 per 100 acres). Remarks: The shopping center opened on March 1, 1972, and the main attraction for urban birds has been the availability of waste food from the center's twelve businesses which dispense food; secondarily, convenient roosting sites. Waste is taken out through five garbage docks, especially the three on the west. Both Rock Doves and House Sparrows were seen around the garbage exits, and sparrows were often seen m the parking lot itself among the cars, gamering food scraps. Doves frequented the highest (south) part of the roof, about a fourth of the shopping center' s roof area. Sparrows were often seen on the roof but favored the two largest evergreen trees on the west side, which were dense and provided roosting protection. Rock Doves and House Sparrows are opportunists in urban areas around the world, and it is no surprise that they have colonized this new urban area, as they have downtown Colorado Springs (seeab 27: [1973]). It is unfortunate that observations were not started soon enough after the Citadel's completion so that the pattern of colonization here could have been documented. Starlings will presumably be the next mvaders.-richard BEIDLEMAN AND ROB FREY (compilers), JOHN KESSEL, SUE KNOCK, and ELLEN WATSON (Colorado College Field Zoology Class), Dept. of Biology, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colo URBAN NATURE CENTER.--Location: E1 Dorado Nature Center, Long Beach, Califorma Bounded on the north by Spring St., south by Willow St., east by the Long Beach Tree Farm, west by the San Gabriel River. Continuity: Established 1971; 4 years Size: ha = 85 acres (rectangular,«mile northsouth, mile east-west). Description of Area: See AB 25:656 (1971). Weather: Night temperatures are normally above freezing, usually above 45øF.; day temperatures up to 75 ø but usually around 60 ø. Rainfall was moderately above average this winter, with the heaviest storms in December and January. Coverage Dec. 16, 26; Jan. 5, 13, 23, 31; Feb. 7, 14. Total, 8 trips, all between 0700 and 1100, averaging 150 minutes each Count: Am. Wigeon, 128 (372, 151); Am. Goldfinch, 47 (137, 55); Cinnamon Teal, 39 (113, 46); House Finch, 27 (78, 32); N. Shoveler, 26 (76, 31); Am. Coot, 21 (61,25), Yellow-rumped Warbler, 21 (61, 25); Yellowthroat, 19 (55, 22); White-crowned Sparrow, 16 (47, 19); Ringnecked Duck, 10 (29, 12); Ruddy Duck, 10 (29, 12), Song Sparrow, 10 (29, 12); Mallard, 8 (23, 9); Pied-billed Grebe, 6 (17, 7); Anna's Hummingbird, 6 (17, 7); Mockingbird, 6 (17, 7); Lincoln' s Sparrow, 6 (17, 7); Gadwall, 5 (15, 6); Com. Flicker, 5 (15, 6); Green-winged Teal, 4 (12, 5); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 3 (9, 4); Loggerhead Shrike, 3 (9, 4); Starling, 3 (9, 4); Canvasback, 2 (6, 2), Mourning Dove, 2 (6, 2); Green Heron, I (3, 1); Redtailed Hawk, 1 (3, 1); Red-shouldered Hawk, 1 (3, 1), Spotted Dove, 1 (3, 1); Belted Kingfisher, 1 (3, 1), House Wren, 1 (3, 1); Hermit Thrush, I (3, 1); W Meadowlark, 1 (3, 1); Chipping Sparrow, 1 (3, 1); Great Blue Heron, +; Am. Bittern, +; Pintail, +; Redhead FALCONERS v PROTECTIONISTS The March and September issues of Outdoor California (Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game) provide a good look at one of the most heated conservation questions of the decade. In a rare opportunity of public discussion, the California Hawking Club and Society for the Preservation of Birds of Prey "have it out" over the issue of falconry. The SPBP thinks the public should decide for themselves -- after considering both the falconer and protectionist positions -- whether or not falconry harvesting should continue. The SPBP doesn't think it should, and we're willing to bet you'll agree. Send $1 for both papers to SPBP, Box 891, Pacific Palisades, Calif American Birds, June 1974

124 +, Lesser Scaup, +; Buffiehead, +; Sharp-shinned Hawk, +; Cooper's Hawk, +; Am. Kestrel +; Ringnecked Pheasant, +; Corn. Gallinule, +; Caspian Tern, +, Black Phoebe, +; Corn. Crow, +; Rufous-sided Towhee, +; Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco, +. Average Total: 442 birds (1285 per sq. kin., 520 per 100 acres)--barbara MASSEY, 1825 Knoxville Ave., Long Beach, Calif EXPOSED PENINSULA AND ADJACENT OCEAN.--Location: Cape Spear National Historic Park, 11 miles east of St. John's, Newfoundland; 47ø31'N, 52ø37'W (easternmost land in North America); Canadian National Topographic Series, St. John's 1N/10E, 4th ed Continuity: Established Size: ha. = 725 acres (determined from aerial photographs and planimeter). Description of Area: See AB 27:690 (1973). Area remains unchanged. Weather: Slightly colder than normal with below normal snowfall. Only in. of precipitation at St. John' s Airport from December through March (30-year normal is in.); only in. of snow (normal in.). Temperatures ranged from 0.2 ø (March) to 55 2 ø (December). Patchy snow cover reaching a max- Lmum depth of 24 in. for the largest drifts. Some"slob" tce off-shore in late January and early February. No pack ice or bergs. Coverage: Dec. 23, 26; Jan. 13, 27; Feb. 4; March 2, 17. Total of 7 trips, made at varying tunes from 1100 hrs. to 1745 hrs. Average time per trip was 94 minutes. Count: Corn. Eider, 296 (101, 41); Oldsquaw, 150 (51,21); Black-legged Kittiwake, 44 (15, 6), Black Guillemot, 28 (10, 4); Herring Gull, 27 (10, 4); Great Black-backed Gull, 10 (3, 1); Iceland Gull, 6 (2, 1), DoveMe, 4 (1, 1); Glaucous Gull, 2 (1, +); King Eider, I (+, +); Razorbill, +; Corn. Murre, +; Corn. Raven, +. Average Total: 569 birds (194 per sq. kin., 79 per 100 acres).-john E. MAUNDER, 7 Maypark Place, St. John's, Newfoundland AIB 2E MATURE POPLAR FOREST.--Location: Elk Island National Park, Alberta; 23 miles east of Edmonton on Highway 16, on the Hayburger Trail east of road through park and 4 miles north of Highway 16, 53 ø 37«'N, 112 ø 50«'W, 83H/lp West, Elk Island Park, NTS. Continuity: Established Size: 10.0ha = 24 7 acres (rectangular, 400 x 250 m, lines laid out in 50 m intervals, measured by 50 m wire cable and compass) Description of Area: See AB 26: (1972) The dominant canopy trees are Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera) and Quaking Aspen (P. tremuloides) Average canopy height 47 ft (range ft). Weather Temperatures ranged from a minimum of 44øF to a maximum of 40øF. During January 20.6 inches of snow fell, which is the fourth greatest monthly snowfall A snow depth at Edmonton of 31 in. reported on Jan 30 is the greatest depth of snow on the ground since 1942 January also held the record low number of hours of sunshine. Since the number of hours of sunshine during February was similarly low, not much melting occurred. (Data supplied by Atmospheric Environment Service weather office at Edmonton). Coverage: Dec 31; Jan. 6, 20, 26; Feb. 2, 10. Total: 6 trips, averaging 82 minutes each, between 1038 and 1557 CST. Count Corn. Redpoll, 2 (20, 8); Ruffed Grouse, 1 (10, 4), Black-capped Chickadee, 1 (10, 4); Pine Grosbeak, 1 (10, 4); Downy Woodpecker, +; Corn. Raven, q- Average Total: 5 birds (50 per sq. km., 20 per 100 acres) Remarks: On two days, Jan. 6 and Feb. 10, no birds were seen. Only Ruffed Grouse were present on each of the other days. The Pine Grosbeaks and Corn. Raven were present on one day only, although the latter were seen more regularly in winter in this area than previously. The Corn. Redpolls were found only in depressions where young Betula papyrifera grow.-jack L PARK & LORAN L. GOULDEN (compiler) Renewable Resources Consulting Services Ltd., Ktngsway Ave., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5H OX4 BIRDING TOURS TO EXCITING PLACES MEXICO Three great trips planned for superb \\ birding. Central Highlands: Dec. 28-Jan 8 \\\\.., From Mexico City, leaders: Dr. Jack Tyler, Carl \ \ q:. - ( a Amason. Nayarit: Jan Week of concen- \'q. '.'.t ' trated West Coast birding, mostly at San Bias '" Yucatan: Jan. 17-Feb. 7. Over 300 species of \ f ) ß birds; Mayan ruins! Leaders: T. Ben Felther,, \ Ro Wauer, Carl Amason. N J I I I CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA. Five excibng J// trips for wildlife and fabulous birding, with Dr '--"n,,/ Alexander Skutch, leader. Colombia-Ecuador I/,,...,,,- Jan. 16-Feb. 1, from Miami. Trinidad& Tobago, J Feb. 3-13, from Miami. Panama.' Feb , ß ß ' - from Miami. Costa Rica: Feb. 21-Mar. 6 Guatemala: Mar Small groups. Kindred spirits. Tour director ornithologist Annette C. Koch and local experts. Write for aletads ROADRUNNER NATURE TOURS. BOX 945. GAINESVILLE. TEXAS Volume 28, Number 3 733