MARYLAND BIRDLIFE lUuUttin oj~ tfzz 000 on Mar. 28; but in that area it is not always possible to distinguish migrating indi- viduals from the great masses of wintering flocks. Most of the 110 Blue Geese that were found on the Blackwater Christmas Count remained through the winter; Philip and Paul DuMont estimated 75 seen there on Feb. 22. Ducks . A Harlequin Duck was seen irregularly off the Ocean City inlet from Dec. 11 to Jan. 17 (Samuel H. Dyke, Dr. H. M. Johnson). Al- though numerous inland arrival dates of ducks were reported, these did not fit into any particular pattern --possibly because many of the birds were not observed until several days after they had arrived. In the future it would be helpful if observers who visit reservoirs and other inland bodies of water would specify those birds that are believed to have arrived during the previous 2^ -hour period. The best variety and best counts of waterfowl for the period came from Jan Reese and Don Meritt of Talbot County. Hawks and Eagles . This was a notable winter for Rough -legged Hawks in Maryland; but, as usual, they left during March. The last one was seen on Mar. 27 near Drawbridge in Dorchester County (Elting Arnold). Bald Eagles were found in several tidewater areas; the highest one -day count was of 3 adults and 4- immature s at Popes Creek in Charles County (Ruth Strosnider). Paul and Danny Bystrak and Bill Anderson viewed an early Osprey in Anne Arundel County on Mar. 13; the only other March reports came from the Eastern Shore. Shorebirds and Gulls . The first three months of the year are the dullest period for shorebirds in Maryland. Both the birds and the ob- servers have left most tidewater areas by the close of the Christmas Count period, and only a few species such as the Killdeer, Woodcock, Common Snipe and the yellowlegs regularly make their return prior to April. Piping Plovers were missed on the Ocean City Count this winter, but 2 were found there on Feb. 21 by the DuMonts. Bonaparte's Gulls were present in unusual abundance this winter. They were recorded for the first time on the Kent County and Dorchester County Christmas Counts, and the DuMonts had a peak tally of 288 in the Ocean City area on Feb. 21. Any flock of this size should be very carefully examined for the possible presence of European Black -headed and Little Gulls, which regu- larly associate with the Bonaparte's. According to the June issue of Audubon Field Notes , it took a couple of "outsiders' 1 , H. Alexander and S. Heckshen, to find 2 Black -headed Gulls at Ocean City on Feb. 27. Flycatchers and Swallows . J R. Probst identified a Western King- bird at Ocean City on Dec. 24 , the second winter record for the State. Wintering Eastern Phoebe s were seen as far inland as Seneca. The only Purple Martins to return in March were in Caroline and Montgomery MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. 21. No. 2 SL Counties: 2 at Williston on Mar. 17 (B- Maloney) , 2 at Greensboro on Mar. 19 (H. Hubbard), and 1 at Adelphi on Mar. 22 (L. Short). Shrikes . Loggerhead Shrikes have not been reported nesting in Mary- land for many years, although possibly they still do so locally. Reports of spring migrants, especially in Prince Georges County, should be checked subsequently on the chance that a pair might remain to breed. This year's localities where single birds were sighted at Beltsville on Mar. 28 (Dr. Tom Valega), Laurel on Mar. 30 ( Vernon Kleen) and Greenbelt on Apr. 10 (David Bridge) were rechecked with negative results. Blackbirds . Robert Warfield checked the Germantown blackbird roost, which has been occupied for the past five winters, and found the popu- lation about the same as last year; the percentage of grackles was pos- sibly a little higher than last year. Mr. Warfield also points out that there is another large blackbird roost in Montgomery County, somewhere near Damascus. Philip and Paul DuMont identified 26 Brewer's Blackbirds (both sexes) feeding with Red-wings in a cornfield 2 miles south of US 50 on Md. Route 8 on Kent Island, Jan. 30. This is the largest flock of this western species ever reported from Maryland. Twenty-three Boat- tailed Grackles were back in the Ocean City area by Feb. 21 (DuMonts). Northern Finches . A single female Evening Grosbeak on a feeder at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center on Jan. 30 (Mrs. Dale Horn) saved us from having a completely negative report on northern finches. Indigo Bunting . A molting male Indigo Bunting appeared at the Denton feeder of Mrs. Carroll Bright on Mar. 3 and remained through the 31st. It also was seen by Mrs. A. J. Fletcher and others. Since this bird arrived during a period of unseasonably warm temperatures, and very strong southwesterly winds aloft, we conclude that it was an extraordinarily early spring migrant rather than a wintering bird. By the end of March its plumage was completely blue. Maryland still does not have a winter record of this species, although it has been found in late December just a few yards across the Virginia line at Greenbackville . Western Sparrows . Two Harris' Sparrows appeared at Earl Baysinger's feeder near Ellicott City on Jan. 23; 1 was collected, for the first Maryland specimen of the species. The other, which Mr. Baysinger banded, was still present at the close of the period. Another Harris’ Sparrow joined the Indigo Bunting at Mrs. Bright's feeder in Denton on Mar. 18. Identification was confirmed by Mrs. Fletcher on the 19th and the bird was banded by Mrs. Aldridge Pepper on the 20th. It was retrapped the following day and examined by other M.O.S. members. We tend to ignore sight reports of Oregon June os in Maryland because of the difficulty of distinguishing this species from the brownish northwestern race of the Slate -colored Junco. However, three reports of Oregons this winter de- serve special consideration. One was closely studied by Earl Baysinger at his Ellicott City feeder in January and February; one, subspecifically identified as Junco oreganus mearnsi, frequented the feeder of Dr. Lester Short at Adelphi, Feb. 20 to Mar. 17; and one identified on Mar. 17 by George Robbins at his Laurel feeder was confirmed by Mrs. Chandler June 1965 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE ZL Robbins. In each instance the observers were familiar* with Oregon Juncos from having seen them repeatedly in the West. For a discussion of other eastern records of Harris' Sparrows and Oregon Juncos in the East this winter the reader is referred to Aaron Bagg's interesting account of the Northeastern Maritime Region in the June issue of Audubon Field Notes . Other Sparrows . Dr. E. Paul Catts found a freshly dead Grasshopper Sparrow at Elkton on Jan. 15; the identification was verified by Allen Stickley. This is the first winter record for the Upper Eastern Shore. White -crowned Sparrows were possibly more common than usual on the Eastern Shore, although this was not apparent on the Christmas Counts. Carl Carlson found 2 at Blackwater Refuge on Jan. 20 and Marcia Lakeman and Marcia Nelson had a flock of 6 on Kent Island, Mar. 28. Migratory Bird Populations Station, Laurel BIRDS MARKED WITH SINGLE BRIGHT FEATHERS ON THEIR BACKS If you should see a Catbird with a single red feather glued to its back, or an Orchard Oriole with a lone back feather of a contrasting color, please write immediately to Dr. Telford Work or Dr. Rexford Lord at the Communicable Disease Center, Atlanta, Ga. 30333 » or telephone C. S. Robbins at 776-6760, ext. 63. Dr. Work and his assistants banded 2500 tropical American migrants during the spring migration in Latin America and Louisiana and marked each one with a brightly colored feather that lies flat in the middle of the back. Each bird also carries a regular Fish and Wildlife Service band. Although many species were included in the study, Catbirds and Orchard Orioles were marked in the largest numbers. The chance of finding one of 25OO marked birds seems rather slim; but out of 1510 birds marked a year ago, 8 were re- ported sighted, and most of these were seen east of the Appalachians. This is an important study, and the help of all M. 0. S. members will be appreciated. STATE-WIDE BIRD COUNT The 1965 Annual State-wide Bird Count was conducted on Saturday, May 1, Counts were made representing all counties except for Cecil and Somerset. Unfortunately, late reports have prevented the presentation of the usual count tabulation in this issue. Figures on hand, without the Worcester, Wicomico and Queen Annes counts, show a total of 95 » 31 8 individuals of 211 species. Nine counts totaled over 100 species. Montgomery County led in total species recorded (148). Kent County was a close second, with 146 species and a phenominal total of 25,256 individuals. Next in line was St. Marys County (126 species), Caroline County (124), Talbot County (110), and Patuxent Wildlife Re- search Center (106). The complete tabulation and discussion of the results will appear in the September issue. MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. 21. No. 2 a SANCTUARY COMMITTEE REPORT April 3, 1965 All three sanctuaries of the Maryland Ornithological Society * s Sanctuary System continued to be used extensively during the past year. With the improvements that have been accomplished during these months, it is anticipated that they will be enjoyed by even more people during the approaching seasons. As has been pointed out in previous reports, the responsibility for the operation of each sanctuary rests primarily with the local chapters under the direction of their Sanctuary Committee representatives. Therefore, progress at each of the sanctuaries will be discussed individually. ROCK RUN SANCTUARY; Under the guidance of Mrs. Evelyn Gregory and Mrs. B. F. Early the first MDS sanctuary continues to be a most popular attraction for many of the members in that part of the state. A glance at the guest book would be misleading however, since many visitors have neglected to record their visit. Please urge all members to sign the book. The feed- ing stations have been maintained through the winter. In anticipation of spring, the trails have been cleared and a bench has been put on one trail. Two others are to be added shortly. Winter debris has been cleared from the pine plantings. In March the West Chester (Pennsylvania) Bird Club visited this fine sanctuary. From all appearances they enjoyed their visit very much and are enthusiastic about returning. Several chapters have schedul- ed trips to Rock Run and several more are planned for this spring. These will include youth groups. While the physical plant at Rock Run is in good condition, some repairs to the roof of the sanctuary house are planned. It is appropriate to repeat again in this report that it is because of the generosity and interest of Mr. J. Gilman Paul that the MOS has this wonderful facility at Rock Run to use. Even more than that, the success of this sanctuary sparked other groups toward the establish- ment of sanctuaries in other parts of the state. Our debt to Mr. Paul can not be overstated. CAREY RUN SANCTUARY ; Our westernmost sanctuary has also been actively used. The feeding stations have been maintained throughout the winter. Andy Martin has continued his bird banding studies through the season. Many groups from Frostburg and Cumberland have visited Carey Run. June 19 65 MARYLAND BIBEfLIFE ii Preparations for an exciting spring, summer and fall are underway. More evergreen and multiflora roses have been added for wildlife cover. The feeding grain program will be continued for the coming year. Buck- wheat and other grain food patches have been planted by the Maryland Game and Inland Pish Commission. In July, Billie Taylor and Mel Garland will lead the MOS on a new educational venture, The Allegany Chapter will sponsor a 5-day week Nature Camp for juniors. It will continue for four weeks. There are some extremely lucky children in our state, MILL CREEK SANCTUARY The most exciting news from our Talbot County Sanctuary concerns the expansion of this property. Mrs. R. R. Spring, of that county, has donated a 31 acre parcel on the north side of Route 662 to the MOS to be added to the Mill Creek Sanctuary. This is mostly wooded land and is ecologically similar to the original property. Thus the contageous enthusiasm of the Talbot Chapter continues to spread. Our appreciation of Mrs, Spring's generority is deep and profound. In addition, the MOS has purchased another 1 ? acres adjoining the original property to the east. This includes a large field and adds a new wildlife habitat to Mill Creek. Blue bird boxes have been erected and are being checked almost daily by the local birders. Mill Creek Sanctuary now consists of approximately 15^ acres. Two trails have been cleared through the area and, although a great deal was accomplished on the "work day” last fall, there is more to be done. The planned clean-up day this spring was cancelled because of snow and will be rescheduled. The sanctuary is now identified by an attractive sign. Another is planned. The sanctuary has had many visitors, not only from Talbot County but from other parts of the state as well. Several groups of school children have made use of Mill Creek Sanctuary. CONCLUDING REMARKS The Sanctuary Committee continues to investigate other possible sanctuary sites. However at this time there is nothing new to report. During the past year members of the Sanctuary Committee have visited Frederick and Caroline Chapters to talk about our sanctuaries. The enthusiasm reflected in the discussions plus the solid progress reported by each sanctuary, leads the committee to conclude tnat tne MUS sanctuary system is indeed healthy ana growing. Respectfully submitted, W. ROWLAND TAYLOR, Chairman MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 5L Vol. 21. No- 2 COMING EVENTS June 25-27 ALLEGANY July 10 STATEWIDE Sept. 12 STATEWIDE Anniversary weekend. Chairman; Mrs. C. Gordon Taylor. Membership picnic at Damsite, Chestertown, Md. , home of Mr. & Mrs. Edward Mendinhall Membership picnic at Capt. & Mrs. J. E. M. Wood’s, 101 Old Crossing Road, Annapolis. Meet at Sandy Point Park 9 a.m. R.S.V.P. to Mrs. Wood for bean soup, served at noon. 003-3229 00NTENTS, JUNE I 965 Sheld-Duck at Broadwater Point K. Friel Sanders 35 The President’s Page V. Edwin Unger 36 Minutes of Annual Meeting Katherine B. Bauer 37 Condensed Treasurer’s Report Turner L. Smith 40 Annual Reports of Local Chapters Chapter Presidents 41 Scholarship Winners 48 New Breeding Bird Survey Chandler S. Robbins 48 The Season — Jan., Feb., Mar., 1965 Chandler S. Robbins 50 Birds Marked with Bright Feathers 53 State-wide Bird Count 53 Sanctuary Committee Report W. Rowland Taylor 54 Coming Events 56 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Published Quarterly by the Maryland Ornithological Society, Inc. to Record and Encourage and Study the Birds of Maryland Editor: Asst. Editor: Editorial Board: Production: Chandler S. Robbins, Patuxent Research Center, Laurel Mel Garland, 36 Burke Ave. , Towson, Md. 21204 C. Douglas Hackman, Vernon Kleen, Mrs. C. Gordon Taylor William S. Clark, Gladys H. Cole, Mildred F. Cole, Mel Garland, Ted Van Velzen. Jla&tinty& - lfi/]iramar Ocean City, Maryland On the Boardwalk — Open All Year 90 ROOMS, 60 WITH BATH Phone: Ocean City: ATIantic 9-7417 EXCELLENT MEALS 30 BEAUTIFUL APARTMENTS PARKING SPACE SPECIAL RATES FOR BIRDERS