MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Su[[stui of- tits ^AiatijLanJ &*initfio[ocjLca[ ^SocCstij f Unc. JUNE 1972 VOLUME 28 NUMBER 2 MARYLAND ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC. Cylburn Mansion, 4915 Greenspring Ave . , Baltimore, Maryland 21209 STATE OFFICERS President : First V.P. : Second V.P. : Secretary: Exec. Sec'y: Treasurer : Dr. Lawrence Zeleny, 4-312 Van Buren St., Hyattsville 20782 John W. Poteet, Jr., 5608 Stonington Ave., Baltimore 21207 Dr. Edgar E. Folk III, 1155 Avenue "A", Perry Pt . 21902 Mrs. Edwin C. Gras, 125 Academy St., Annapolis 21401 Mrs. Alger Zapf, 5913 Meadowwood Rd. , Baltimore 21212 H. Edmund Stiles, 16125 Malcolm Drive, Laurel 20810 927-3971 448-1967 642-6591 263-4708 435-9542 776-4314 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Mrs. Frances Pope 503 F St., Mountain Lake Park 21550 334-4908 Mrs. Raymond Geddes Jr. 503 Overbrook Rd. , Baltimore 21212 377-6583 Mrs. Percy M. Scudder Route 2, Box 230, Federalsburg 2l632 479-0524 Dr. Howard Hodge 436 W. Greenwood Rd. , Linthicum Hts. 21090 ST9-3687 Dr. Mildred Gebhard Box 33, Perry Point 21902 642-6749 Mr. Carl W. Carlson 5706 Lone Oak Drive, Bethesda 20014 EM5-3836 Mr. Joseph A. Robinson St. Michaels 21663 74*5-9438 STATE TRUSTEES Allegany : *Mr. James Paulus Harford : *Dr . Frank Buckley Mrs. Frances Pope Mr. Barclay Tucker Anne Arundel: *Lt . Cdr . Anthony White Dr. Mildred Gebhard Mrs. Ellen Gizzarelli Kent : *Mr. Floyd Parks Mr. Richard Heise Mrs . Thomas Carswell Baltimore : *Mr . Gordon MacGregor Mrs . Edward Mendinhall Mr. William Corliss Montgomery : *Mr . Robert Hahn Mrs . Raymond Geddes Mr . Carl W. Carlson Mr. C. Douglas Hackman Dr. Thomas Valega Mr. Rodney B. Jones Patuxent : *Mr . Jerry Longcore Mrs. Robert E. Kaestner Mr . H. Edmund Stiles Mrs. Martin Larrabee Mrs. Edward A. Metcalf Talbot : Mrs . . DeGraffe Woodman Mr. Chandler S. Robbins #Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Robinson Mrs. Joshua W. Rowe Washington : *Mr . Edward Peters Caroline : *Mrs . William Engle Mrs , . Margaret Long Mrs . Percy Scudder Wicomico : *Mr . Henry Stone Frederick : *Mr. August Selckmann Mrs , . Emily C. Morris Dr . Howard Hodge * Chapter President Active Membership (adults) Student Membership (full-time students) Junior Membership (under 18 years) Family Membership (Mr. & Mrs.) Sustaining Membership Life Membership Out-of-State Membership $ 3.00 plus local chapter dues 2.00 plus local chapter dues 1.00 plus local chapter dues 4.00 plus local chapter dues 6.00 plus local chapter dues 100.00 (payable in 4 annual installments ) 3.00 ( Maryland Birdlife only) Cover: Glaucous Gull at Chestertown. Photo by Margery Plymire. MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Volume 28 , June 1972 Humber 2 GLAUCOUS GULL WINTER RESIDENT AT CHESTERTOWN Margery Ply mire When Robin Newlin first discovered the gull in February, 1969 , he was hardly big enough to say "glaucous," and of course nobody really be- lieved it when he said there was a Glaucous Gull on the Chester River. It seems likely, though, that the gull was there all along, because it was finally pinned down, right where Robin said it would be. Several people, including Mrs. Edward Mendinhall and the writer, went to see it there in the spring of 1971, and all agreed that the bird was, indeed, a Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus ) . We watched it leave for the north last year on the 9th of April, and at 7 a.m. on December 6th, 1971, it was back in front of the Alan Carrolls ' house on the piling it calls its winter home. The gull is nearly always on its piling until 8 o'clock in the morn- ing, and is often there In the mid to late afternoon. This piling is just upstream from the Chester River bridge at Chestertown, and you can see him there on the Queen Annes side as you cross the Route 213 bridge. Ruth Carroll and her three children watch the bird daily as it defends the piling and chases off the other gulls that try to perch there. This tireless defense may be partly due to the fact that the gull apparently keeps a sort of cold pantry there, hanging an occasional eel on a nail near its perch. Last year, at the end of March, I heard about the gull and found it sitting on the piling. The field marks checked with the book: heavy, light yellow bill with an orange spot on the under side ; pink legs ; no black anywhere. The gull began to look a bit uncomfortable, hiccoughed several times, and presently disgorged a whole eel. The eel, which was about 20 inches long and quite plump, looked big enough to cause some discomfort. As the eel drifted slowly upstream on the tide, the gull flew a short distance downstream and settled on the water. In a few minutes the gull flew back to the eel and began to peck at it. When a young Great Black-backed Gull came to look at the eel , the Glaucous Gull chased it off. The similarity in size was noted. Then the Glaucous Gull came back, picked up the eel, and ingested it whole, just as though sucking it through a straw. hk MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. 28, No. 2 This "bird vas fun to watch, and I went hack several times to look for it. On Friday, April 9th, we were promised a change in the weather with the wind shifting to the south, so at 1 o'clock in the afternoon I went to look for the gull. We knew it would leave soon, and Ruth Carroll and I watched for a couple of hours. The gull was restless from the start, flying downstream and then up, perching briefly on his piling, and then off again, chasing other gulls, landing on the water only to get up and fly again. At 3:15 the wind had shifted, and was blowing from the southeast. Several vultures came over the river from the Kent County side, and one of them found a thermal and began to circle. The Glaucous Gull rose from the river and began to circle below the vulture. As it rose higher it began to soar, and as it soared it began to drift with the wind, higher and higher, farther and farther, until it disappeared. We waited around for an hour or so , but we knew somehow that our gull was gone . When Ruth looked out her window at 7 o'clock on December 6, 1972, the Glaucous Gull was sitting on its piling as though it had never left. It stayed all winter and was last seen on April 24, 1972. R. D. 2, Chestertown Glaucous Gull leaving its piling. Photo by Margery Plymire. June 1972 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 45 REPORT OF STATE-WIDE BIRD COUNT, MAY 6, 1972 C. Douglas Hackman This was our 25th annual May Count! The counts that began in a small way hack in 1948 grow larger with each passing year as more and more observers join the fun. In 1972 we had 395 observers in the field for periods ranging from several hours to marathon 17-hour stints. These observers devoted nearly 1315 party-hours (906 on foot, 27 by boat and 381 "by car) to the task of counting l45 ,210 individuals of 249 species and two hybrids. To achieve these totals the counters traveled nearly 5,000 party-miles (793 1/4 on foot, 4l63 by car and 40 1/2 by boat.) As yet, we have had no counts from bicycles but that time is probably not far off as more and more people become devoted to the two-wheelers . For the past two years we have achieved coverage in all 23 counties. This year, with the omission of St. Marys County, we fell one short of total State coverage. Most counties fielded more observers this year and achieved higher count totals than in previous years. Talbot, however, was not given its regular coverage and all we have for there is a good "over the shoulder" list from Jan Reese who was busy most of the day on his Osprey studies. All of the westernmost counties have steadily in- creased their coverage in recent years so that our list is now most respectable . We still need additional coverage in many counties. On the Eastern Shore, all of the counties, with the exception of Dorchester, Kent and Caroline,* could use additional coverage. Worcester County is covered by only small teams of observers and many species are being missed each year. Dorchester County hums along with Harry Armistead's fantastic coverage and regularly yields more than 150 species with only 1 to 3 ob- servers. Harry's consistent count totals merely confirm that a count area or route is much like a musical instrument; the more one practices and perfects his skill the better the ultimate performance. To consis- tently achieve good counts, an area has to be worked for several years and has to be worked extensively. It is still obvious that many counters are not giving much coverage to the open sky in the early morning or in the mid-afternoon. Common Loons were missed by 10 of the 22 counties, yet they are there if observ- ers will only begin looking for them. The hawk totals demonstrate the same thing. Each year, certain counties get consistently good counts of hawks while nearby counties are consistently poor. The only possible reason for this disparity would be that observers look in the one county and not in the others. Owl totals would improve if more observers would roust themselves out in the predawn hours and hoot and howl a bit. Many observers are reporting excellent success with owl calls recorded on cassette tape recorders. Owl calling is a strange thing — most of the people who try calling become addicted to it . 46 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol . 28, No. 2 As noted, county coverage was again somewhat uneven. Many counties continued with their large, well-organised teams of observers while others chugged along with only one or two teams of observers working limited areas. In the county totals that follow the number of observers fielded is indicated in parentheses: Anne Arundel (39) 177 Garrett (22) i4o Washington ( 13 ) 89 Baltimore (77) l 6 l Howard (l 6 ) 132 Somerset ( 6 ) 79 Kent (45) l 6 l Frederick ( 18 ) 128 Calvert (l) 77 Prince Georges ( 17 ) 157 Charles (2) 109 Carroll (4) 75 Dorchester (2) 157 Worcester (5) 109 Wicomico ( 5 ) 75 Allegany (38) 144 Harford (l8) 107 Talbot (l) 55 Caroline (37) 143 Queen Annes (3) 92 St . Marys ( 0 ) 0 Montgomery (22) 142 Cecil (4) 90 For the past several years we have been in a cycle of early May counts. This has been attended by the usual grumblings about the count date being too early, etc., etc. This year's count was blessed with a later date and the totals for all species show this. Numbers of most warblers were high and there was an excellent variety. Waterfowl and winter birds which have been so prominent in the last several years were not so abundant this year. Only 12 juncos were observed this year as compared with 322 last year. White-throated Sparrows and the other win- ter birds were still around, but in lesser numbers. Each year the compiler is faced with a dilemma because of a number of birds reported from unlikely areas or birds reported in unreasonably high numbers. The questions to be answered regarding these species are many. Should they be where they were reported? In such numbers? Are they consistently reported in other areas? This year the compiler has felt obliged to eliminate three Yellow-bellied Flycatchers and 20 Fox Sparrows from one count primarily because they were unaccompanied by any additional information. Last year, an exceptionally good one for winter birds, saw only l4 Fox Sparrows recorded for the entire State. The 20 recorded for one county in 1972, when none were seen elsewhere, is very hard to believe — particularly when the report originates from the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Add to this the fact that in 25 years of counting there has never been a year when more than l4 (1971) were observed in the entire State. Even more caution and care is needed where such species as the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher are concerned. The Empidonax flycatchers are especially difficult to identify in the field, particularly if they are silent. Any bander can attest to the tremendous amount of variation that occurs among individuals within a species. Never, in the 25 year history of the counts have more than 2 Yellow-bellied Flycatchers been identi- fied. The species has been recorded only five times since 1956. One must, therefore, question the observation of three in the same county, especially when they are the only three reported for the entire State. The compiler has little choice but to delete such records. Doubtless, there are other species and totals that might be queried June 1972 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 47 on this or any other list compiled from the observations of 395 observers Some of the entries on each count will appear to be questionable even to the most casual observer. Whether or not such totals end up in the list or are deleted depends in great part upon the documentation that accom- panies them. A case in point is the total of 33 Glossy Ibis that appeared on the Baltimore Count this year (some also were recorded on three Shore counts). One could readily point to past records and say that only 3 have ever been found on a Baltimore Count before. So why should they appear now? The answer is simply that they were seen by a competent observer who took the time to adequately document the observa- tion to the satisfication of the compiler. No first-time rarities were turned up by this year’s counters. The Ringed Turtle Dove recorded on last year’s May and Christmas counts is still hanging around Towson and appeared to be quite healthy at last re- port. Hybrid warblers, both Lawrence's and Brewster's, were observed, which duplicates a feat first accomplished in 1962. This year's Eastern Bluebird count is the second highest total recorded since 1956 — a possi- ble effect (at least locally) of the extensive nesting box program of the MOS, Counts for numerous species were record high counts. Next year's count will also be one of the "late” counts that so many observers wish for when we are stuck with a succession of early counts. Now is the time to begin planning coverage for May 5, 1973- With a - little planning and organization many of our counties could field larger and better organized teams of observers and obtain better coverage. With a total effort in all parts of the State we should be able to achieve spectacular results. Each year the coverage has been steadily improving. We look for continued improvement in the years to come. Summary of Coverage GARRETT COUNTY (Gar). 22 observers. 3:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Glenn Austin, Lydia Beiler, Carl W. Carlson, Martha J. Cook, Dot Dawson, Alvert a Dillon, Louise Dillon, Lydia Geare , John Geare, Kenneth James, Gus Johnson, Mr. & Mrs. W. G. Nemith, Gordon Paul, Katherine Plumb, Fran and Bill Pope, Dorothy Sherman, Marty Smith, Billie Taylor, Mary Trekter, Jo Walker.. ALLEGANY COUNTY (All). 38 observers. 5:45 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mrs. Janet Baldwin, Glen Bastion, Helen Brake, Barbara Branum, Bill Devlin, Dick Douglass, Gary Downton, Bill, Tuddy and Rebecca Eichelberger Carl and Doris Fergueson, Pauline Fisher, Dale Fuller, Helen Garland, Elsie Haan, Elise Harmon, Ken Hodgdon, Jon Jansen, Dr. & Mrs. Richard Johnson, Charlotte Lanham, Nan Livingstone, Mrs. Dorothy Malec , Bill Malec, Loren Morrison, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Minke , Mr. & Mrs. William G. Nemith, Jim Paulus (compiler), Mr. & Mrs. William J. Rue, Mrs. C. Gordon (Billie) Taylor, Miriam Webster, Robert Webster, Jr., John Willetts, John Workmeister. WASHINGTON COUNTY (Was). 13 observers. 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Genevieve Beck, Daniel Boone, Mr. & Mrs. L. B. Buterbaugh* Frances Table 1. £>tate-wide Bird Count Species Gar All Was Fre Mon How Crl Har Bal Ann Cal PrG Cha Cec Ken Que Car Tal Dor Wic Som Wor Total Common Loon 3 4 _ _ 2 1 4 11 3 3 4 7 3 10 55 Red-throated Loon 1 1 Horned Grebe 7 - _ - - _ _ _ _ 6 1 _ _ _ i4 _ 1 3 32 Pied-billed Grebe 4 1 1 1 - - - _ 1 2 _ 4 3 5 1 __ 1 _ 2 26 Double-cr ■ Cormorant - - - - - - - - 2 _ _ _ 21 _ _ 4 _ 578 605 Great Blue Heron 6 - 1 6 3 - - 1 32 22 _ 62 5 5 12? 18 31 mo 99 2 s 450 Green Heron l4 5 - 6 19 - 1 3 11 21 _ 28 3 2 25 8 10 10 24 10 11 211 Little Blue Heron - - - - - - - _ _ 2 _ _ 1 _ _ _ 3 _ 5 11 Cattle Egret - - - - - - - 13 _ _ _ _ _ 4 27 10 11 11 1 11 21 109 Common Egret 17 _ 2 56 2 30 30 _ 1 17 155 Snowy Egret 2 25 _ _ 73 _ 2 46 148 Louisiana Heron 2 Black-cr. Night Heron _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2 _ _ 12 14 Yellow-cr. Night Heron - - - - 1 - - _ 7 _ _ _ 1 _ _ _ _ 9 Least Bittern 4 American Bittern - - - 2 6 _ _ 1 1 1 4 2 1 1 1 2 22 Glossy Ibis - - - - - - - _ 33 _ _ _ _ _ _ 1 8 _ _ 59 101 Mute Swan - - 1 - - - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 13 _ ? 90 _ _ 36 Whistling Swan 28 2 21 3 - 55 Canada Goose 2 - - - 2 - - 12 22 2 - 162 7 16 158 200 3 15 210 2 _ 9 822 Mallard 43 18 24 18 18 10 10 12 61 77 - 53 10 7 189 6 60 50 23 5 1 695 Black Duck - 1 - - 6 2 - 3 18 13 _ 43 6 4 36 32 11 20 51 2 _ 12 260 Gadwall - - - - - _ - _ _ 1 _ 1 4 12 _ 4 22 Pintail - - - - - _ _ _ _ 2 _ 1 _ _ 2 _ _ 1 6 Green-winged Teal 1 - _ _ - _ _ _ _ 1 - _ _ 2 _ _ _ 10 _ _ 14 Blue-winged Teal 8 1 - 2 12 2 - 5 13 4 - 10 2 _ 5 3 36 _ _ 103 American Widgeon 4 - - - - _ _ _ _ 8 _ _ _ _ 19 _ 5 _ 36 Shoveler 2 - - - _ _ - _ _ _ _ 1 _ 4 _ - _ _ 7 Wood Duck 1 18 2 23 62 _ _ 17 66 22 - 100 8 5 4i 24 _ 5 2 2 398 Redhe ad - - - - - 13 _ _ _ _ _ _ 6 _ _ _ _ 19 Ring-necked Duck 1 Canvasback 2 - - - - _ _ _ _ 2 _ _ _ 27 _ _ 2 33 Greater Scaup - - - - - _ _ _ _ 20 - _ _ _ 5 _ _ _ _ 25 Lesser Scaup 15 1 - - - - - _ - 4 _ 1 1 . _ 12 20 1 30 67 _ _ _ 152 Common Goldeneye - - - - - - - _ _ 2 _ 1 _ 4 1 _ _ _ 8 Bufflehead 3 - _ 2 _ _ _ _ 2 l4 _ 6 1-0 ion 137 Oldsquaw - - - _ - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2 _ 10 _ 12 White-winged Scoter 65 Ruddy Duck - - - - - - - - _ 8 _ _ _ _ 54 _ 3 _ 65 Hooded Merganser 3 Common Merganser - - - - - 4 - - _ 4 1 _ _ _ 3 1 _ _ 13 Red-br. Merganser - - - 1 - - - - " 11 - - - - - 10 - 30 3 - - - 55 MARYLAND BIKDLIFE Gar All Was Fre Mon How Crl Har Bal Ann Cal FrG Cha Cec Ken Que Car Tal Dor Wic Som Wor Total Turkey Vulture 22 27 15 4o 33 44 3 38 99 25 1 38 12 6 140 52 247 8 50 16 62 16 994 Black Vulture - - - l 2 2 - - 3 - - - - - 47 1 7 - l _ 2 - 66 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 1 - - - - - - - 1 - 1 - - - 1 1 - - _ - - 6 Cooper's Hawk 2 1 1 - 6 Bed-tailed Hawk 9 2 - 1 4 8 - 2 18 3 - 6 3 2 10 - 13 - 4 _ _ _ 85 Red- shouldered Hawk 9 3 - 2 11 15 1 - 10 13 - 15 - - 1 - 6 - 2 1 - - 89 Broad-winged Hawk 4 3 3 6 3 2 2 3 18 3 - - 2 - 2 - - - - _ - - 51 Rough-legged Hawk 1 Golden Eagle - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - 1 Bald Eagle 1 5 1 1 - 6 _ - - l4 Marsh Hawk - 1 - - 1 - - - - - - - 2 1 - - 2 - 7 _ 2 - 1 6 Osprey 1 1 - 3 8 - 1 - 9 7 - 5 18 - 52 20 12 200 20 _ 2 5 364 Pigeon Hawk 1 1 Sparrow Hawk 4 2 2 4 1 7 - 3 11 1 - 5 - 4 4 1 9 - 1 - - 1 6o Ruffed Grouse 22 1 - 1 32 Boh white - 2k 26 12 82 48 2 33 67 97 10 100 4 8 206 25 229 _ 28 32 17 13 1063 Ring-necked Pheasant 2 - 7 12 6 26 16 4 59 1 - - _ _ 1 _ _ _ - _ _ _ 134 Turkey 5 13 _ - 2 - - - - - - - _ _ 2 _ _ _ _ _ _ 22 King Rail - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - 2 - 8 - 8 - - - 19 Clapper Rail 3 5 8 Virginia Rail - - - - - - - 2 5 - - 1 l - - - 3 - 43 - - - 55 Sora - - - - 1 - - 3 8 1 - - 1 - 1 - - - 7 _ - - 22 Black Rail - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13 - - - 13 Common Gallinule - 1 - - - - - - - 1 - 4 _ - _ _ _ _ 6 _ _ - 12 American Coot 30 2 - 1 21 4 - - 2 10 - 20 - 5 253 T" 1 - IT" _ - 4o 399 American Oystercatcher 8 8 Semi pal mated Plover - - - - - - - - 4 - - - - - - - 1 - - - 1 - 6 Killdeer l4 22 9 l6 13 15 l - 21 12 - 17 4 15 25 n 35 - 7 2 ]_ 8 248 Golden Plover 1 1 Black-hellied Plover _ - _ 2 - - _ - 5 - - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 51 58 Ruddy Turnstone 17 17 American Woodcock 5 3 _ - 5 10 - - 7 5 _ 12 3 _ 6 2 2 _ 31 1 _ _ 92 Common Snipe l - _ 4 - 3 _ 8 l4 3 - 3 1 _ 2 - _ - _ _ _ _ 39 Whimbrel 6 6 Upland Plover 1 3 Spotted Sandpiper 1 6 5 6 22 15 3 - 5 93 31 - 26 5 3 4l 3 17 10 7 _ _ 4 312 Solitary Sandpiper 4 3 - 12 17 5 2 3 28 15 - 15 2 _ 2 2 11 _ 2 1 _ - 124 Willet 4o - 3 107 150 Greater Yellowlegs - 1 - - 7 - - 18 78 2 - 2 - 1 22 12 97 2 18 1 6 5 272 Lesser Yellowlegs - 7 - - 27 - - - - 1 - 1 - _ 17 2 21 _ 9 - - - 85 Purple Sandpiper l4 l4 Pectoral Sandpiper - - - - - - - - 19 - - - - - - 2 24 - 4 - - - 49 June 1972 MARYLAND BIKDLIFE Gar All Was Fre Mon How Crl Har Bal Ann Cal PrG Cha Cec Ken Car Tal Dor Wic Som Wor Total White-rump. Sandpiper 38 49 1 1 Least Sandpiper - - - 6 10 - - - - 7 - 3 - - 3 11 - - - 6 133 Dunlin - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 70 - - 37 107 Short-hilled Dowitcher 45 45 Semipalmated Sandpiper - 4 7 - 9 4 - - - 28 52 Sanderling 47 47 Great Black-b . Gull - - - - - - - 3 - 9 - - - 2 21 1 - 10 8 - - 27 81 Herring Gull 36 3 1 - 1 - _ 23 7 109 1 54 63 9 857 16 12 100 187 - 78 66 1623 Ring-hilled Gull 38 - _ - 200 - _ 251 281 451 2 72 175 355 450 23 11 4 45 - 251 98 2707 Laughing Gull 2 264 5 3 86 - 26 45 308 40 120 83 160 163 1305 Bonaparte ' s Gull 4 4 8 Forster's Tern 2 1 - 3 Common Tern - - - - _ - _ 2 5 3 - - 1 - 4 5 - 2 12 - - 280 314 Least Tern 1 17 - - - - l4 7 - - 13 - - 110 162 Royal Tern 8 8 Caspian Tern - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - 3 - - - - - - - 7 11 Black Skimmer 79 79 Mourning Dove 67 l6 129 110 89 169 26 48 498 95 6 368 26 20 229 42 191 - 21 10 18 13 2191 Ringed Turtle Dove - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 7 2 5 15 11 - - 4 2 - 2 - 1 1 - 10 - 1 - - - 6l Black-hilled Cuckoo - 1 - 1 1 3 - - 4 3 - 2 - 1 1 - - - 1 - - - 18 Barn Owl _ _ - _ - 1 _ - _ - - - - - 1 - - 1 1 - - - 4 Screech Owl - - - 2 - - - 1 4 2 - 4 - - 1 - 1 - 1 - - - 16 Great Horned Owl - - - - 1 1 - 1 4 1 - 2 - - 7 - 8 - 5 - - - 30 Barred Owl 4 2 - 21 11 - - 10 1 - 10 1 - 4 - 6 - 2 - - - 76 Chuck-will 1 s -widow - - - - - - - - - 2 - 1 - - 14 8 1 1 12 - - - 39 Whip-poor-will 5 6 - - - l4 - - 44 8 - 68 7 - 3 - 57 - 16 - - - 228 Common Nighthawk - 1 - - - 1 - - 2 - - - - - - - 3 1 1 - - - 9 Chimney Swift 32 65 93 123 93 47 k2 46 284 92 17 128 25 23 75 10 122 15 16 17 21 36 1422 Ruby-thr. Hummingbird 4 5 2 10 1 6 - 4 8 ir 6 14 1 2 l4 2 13 2 1 1 11 1 125 Belted Kingfisher 7 8 _ 8 6 5 - 4 10 17 1 10 1 4 20 _ 9 - 1 ■- - 2 113 Yellow-sh. Flicker 84 101 31 29 28 45 7 28 192 64 - 54 3 19 82 4 4o 1 12 3 9 19 855 Pileated Woodpecker 11 21 - 7 11 3 _ - _ 12 - 8 1 - 5 - 7 - 5 - - 4 95 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 22 3 25 73 60 6 17 105 99 8 106 6 8 49 - 76 - 8 11 5 - 688 Red-headed Woodpecker 12 2 - 3 2 - 4 - 1 - - 1 1 - 1 - 1 - - - - 2 30 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker _ 4 2 _ 1 - _ 1 5 1 - i4 Hairy Woodpecker 15 15 1 3 5 9 1 2 18 15 2 5 - 5 6 - 7 - 3 - - - 112 Downy Woodpecker 27 40 12 32 59 71 1 12 116 56 4 44 2 3 28 45 - 4 3 2 - 561 Eastern Kingbird 29 8 8 16 49 42 5 9 59 60 3 62 4 14 87 2 48 1 20 2 2 1 531 Gr. Crested Flycatcher 2 12 2 31 52 17 2 10 53 39 1 25 1 4 10 1 52 2 21 12 8 - 357 Eastern Phoebe 23 44 2 7 33 19 2 10 62 19 4 24 7 3 5 - 27 - - 4 - 1 296 Acadian Flycatcher - - 3 3 32 21 - 4 9 30 3 7 1 2 - 8 - 4 - - 1 128 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Gar All Was Fre Mon How Crl Har Bal Ann Cal PrG Cha Cec Ken Que Car Tal Dor Wic Som Wor Total Traill's Flycatcher 1 3 Least Flycatcher 19 3 - 2 - 4 - - 2 1 _ 1 32 E. Wood Pewee - 2 - - 9 7 - 1 8 11 - 3 1 2 1 - 15 _ - - - - 60 Olive-sided Flycatcher 1 Horned Lark 18 - 10 2 5 2 3 1 2 7 - 4 2 9 - - 48 - 22 2 1 - 138 Tree Swallow 57 8 9 5 159 l4 3 45 217 46 31 172 1 15 154 13 79 _ 105 1 _ 34 1168 Bank Swallow l 8 - 3 1 1 - 44 it 38 _ 16 2 12 336 4 2 _ 2 - - 879 Rough-winged Swallow 12 36 - 42 26 10 4 11 28 47 _ 1 1 - 13 _ 24 _ 3 - - _ 258 Barn Swallow 109 Ilk 6 i 127 109 177 45 6 l 812 279 29 231 68 39 389 81 434 30 230 51 78 288 3842 Cliff Swallow 18 3 - - - 6 3 - 143 8 - - - - 31 - - _ - - _ _ 212 Purple Martin 97 21 29 33 8 91 - 12 102 19 6 144 15 11 291 37 264 10 150 3 43 32 l4l8 Blue Jay 258 275 107 630 1097 1261 45 200 2806 1817 22 455 31 66 310 75 238 2 29 31 12 17 9784 Common Raven 4 1 4 9 Common Crow 200 Ik 72 146 170 124 27 77 590 128 4 162 11 29 153 60 193 18 4o 21 13 25 2337 Fish, Crow - - - l4 10 4 1 23 17 51 5 24 4 5 30 - 3 3 43 - 10 6 253 Black-c. Chickadee 90 k2 1 3 136 Carolina Chickadee - 8 15 48 106 ll4 5 66 289 191 13 86 11 24 65 _ 113 2 18 23 8 12 1217 Tufted Titmouse 29 126 IT 58 157 128 13 6 l 219 242 14 173 15 14 60 7 116 _ 13 13 10 6 1491 White-hr, Nuthatch 37 25 6 13 24 6 7 1 30 7 _ 5 1 _ 1 _ - - - 1 _ _ 164 Red-hr. Nuthatch 3 - 1 - - - - - 1 _ _ - _ 2 _ 2 _ - _ _ _ 13 Brown-h. Nuthatch 2 4 6 Brown Creeper - - - 1 - - - - 2 2 _ _ _ _ 2 _ _ _ _ . - _ _ 7 House Wren 56 lit 29 73 137 28 4 15 212 44 2 36 1 2 34 1 18 _ 4 1 16 14 74l Winter Wren 2 - - - . - - - - 1 1 4 Bewick's Wren - 2 2 Carolina Wren 1 23 10 22 66 44 2 29 162 134 12 95 17 6 72 3 67 2 15 6 1 @S 2 800 Long-b . Marsh Wren - 1 - 1 5 - - 1 36 2 - 7 1 - 13 9 8 - 155 - _ - 239 Short-b . Marsh Wren - - - - _ _ - - _ 1 _ 1 _ _ 2 _ - _ 3 - _ _ 7 Mockingbird 3 51 25 26 63 81 17 52 326 187 4 203 l4 20 264 84 i4o 1 19 22 23 24 1649 Catbird 75 90 48 103 203 191 8 4i 425 103 3 131 26 15 102 21 105 - 22 16 33 30 1791 Brown Thrasher 55 5^ 27 38 21 65 3 31 109 82 4 i+7 7 6 102 9 100 _ 2 5 6 7 780 Robin i+09 45it 174 278 166 298 4l 169 1321 444 36 291 12 193 555 147 369 14 85 75 47 40 5618 Wood Thrush 105 73 10 65 70 142 9 22 205 181 14 126 13 13 51 - 139 - 18 15 2 3 1277 Hermit Thrush 2 5 - 2 3 1 - - 3 3 - 1 - 1 - 1 - - - - - 22 Swains on's Thrush 1 2 - 1 1 2 - 1 9 5 1 4 27 Gray-cheeked Thrush 1 1 2 Veery 27 1 - 6 2 5 - - 23 5 - 9 1 - - _ 1 - 1 - _ - 81 E. Bluebird 22 25 8 6 48 9 1 2 7 22 5 53 4 - - 3 15 - 1 - 1 - 232 Blue-gr. Gnatcatcher 22 54 7 53 187 74 6 32 88 66 6 48 7 11 - 57 - 11 1 4 - 734 Golden-cr. Kinglet - 1 1 Ruby-c r . Ki nglet 18 19 10 59 3 4i - 3 16 11 1 7 - - 3 - 1 - - - - - 192 Water Pipit - - - - 11 - - - 2 8 - - - - - - 25 - - - - - h6 June 1972 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Gar All Was Fre Mon How Crl Har Bal Ann Cal PrG Cha Cec Ken Que Car Tal Dor Wic Som Wor Total Cedar Waxwing 26 24 27 154 29 7 4 82 63 _ 190 . . 118 _ . _ _ _ _ 724 Loggerhead Shrike - 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 - 1 - - - - - 5 Starling 2 1+1 296 4055 584 587 444 205 323 2125 823 4o 746 13 382 740 135 833 5 155 71 86 80 12969 White-eyed Vireo 6 2 - 1 17 85 1 18 57 97 2 65 8 3 21 2 52 - 21 20 13 3 494 Yellov-thr. Vireo - 7 2 13 18 19 2 3 14 32 - 15 L - - - - 1 - 1 - 132 Solitary Vireo 17 3 2 4 - 5 1 - 6 8 - 3 3 52 Red-eyed Vireo 3 28 7 42 91 76 5 19 126 306 34 176 22 4 42 1 65 - 26 10 3 6 1092 Philadelphia Vireo 1 Warbling Vireo - 11 8 1 23 1 - 9 6 3 - 1 - 7 2 1 1 - - - - - 74 Black-&-white Warbler 16 4 - 1 10 31 2 - 52 68 - 20 2 2 5 - 24 1 8 21 5 9 281 Prothonotary Warbler - 5 - - 28 - - 2 6 10 - 11 5 - 1 - 32 - 5 2 1 3 111 Worm-eating Warbler 4 1 - 5 - 12 1 - 12 28 1 7 - 1 - - 2 - 5 2 3 2 86 Golden-winged Warbler 3 1 - - 1 3 1 - 1 6 - 7 23 Brewster's Warbler 1 1 Lawrence's Warbler 1 1 2 Blue-winged Warbler - 1 - 23 6 18 - 1 17 12 1 20 - - - - 3 - - 1 - 1 104 Tennessee Warbler 1 1 - - 7 3 - - 9 2 - 2 - 2 - - - - - - - - 27 Nashville Warbler 2 12 1 1 13 7 - - 18 15 - b 73 Parula Warbler 10 6 - 5 54 52 1 16 74 156 6 68 5 3 4 1 22 - 5 8 - 1 Wf Yellow Warbler 85 61 16 3 15 23 1 26 129 31 1 37 1 13 35 2 11 - 20 - 6 15 531 Magnolia Warbler 9 3 - - 7 2 3 - 9 7 - 3 - - 2 - 1 1 - - - 2 49 Cape May Warbler 22 - - 6 19 5 - 1 5 12 - - - - - 1 - - - - - 2 73 Black-thr . Blue Warbler 10 2 1 32 26 18 1 18 4o 35 - 11 1 4 1 - 4 - 3 - - - 207 Myrtle Warbler 4o 4o 27 129 386 74 3 26 165 647 2 238 3 48 53 31 72 _ 38 16 15 13 2066 Black-thr. Green Warbler 52 14 14 8 19 - - W 29 1 12 - - 1 - 1 - - - 2 197 Cerulean Warbler 3 7 - 8 33 10 - - 3 13 - 15 92 Blackburnian Warbler 32 11 2 3 6 9 - 2 14 21 - 5 105 Yellow-thr. Warbler - 5 - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - 1 - 4 1 - 1 13 Chestnut-s. Warbler 44 7 3 6 5 8 - - 24 10 1 5 - 1 ll4 Bay-breasted Warbler 4 - - - - - - - 2 1 - 9 16 Blackpoll Warbler - - - - 24 1 - _ 17 7 1 7 - 6 - - 1 - 2 - - - 66 Pine Warbler 2 2 - - - - - - 12 25 - 5 - - 3 1 1 2 25 1 9 - 88 Prairie Warbler 12 5 - 1 12 25 6 11 83 90 - 26 10 - 4o - 5 - 8 - 21 1 356 Palm Warbler _ _ _ - 1 - _ - - 1 - - - - 2 - - - - - - 1 5 Ovenbird 44 32 1 16 1 63 1 5 87 104 9 64 4 3 3 - 22 - 8 4 5 7 483 Northern Waterthrush 2 4 1 1 14 8 - - 11 5 - 25 - - - - _ - 1 1 - 1 74 Louisiana Waterthrush — r r 1 21 11 1 4 16 16 3 1 2 _ - - 11 - - - - - 109 Kentucky Warbler _ 2 - 8 5 24 - _ 13 33 3 19 2 2 1 - 13 - 2 - - 127 Mourning Warbler i - - - 1 - - - 1 - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - 4 Yellovthroat 74 60 2 28 104 131 9 31 293 158 10 119 27 7 157 7 115 - 82 13 20 23 1470 Yellow-br. Chat 4 10 _ 21 47 63 1 5 66 35 - 24 9 1 6 2 23 - 28 1 2 - 348 Hooded Warbler 1 4 1 4 - 14 - - 3 57 5 13 2 - 4 - - - - - - 1 109 vn ro ,o (— 1 ro oo ^1 o ro MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Gar All Was Fre Mon How Crl Har Bal Ann Cal PrG Cha Cec Ken Que Car Tal Dor Wic Som Wor Total Wilson's Warbler % 6 - - 3 3 - - - 1 - 3 18 Canada Warbler 7 1 - - - - - 1 4 3 - 5 - - 1 - - - - - - - 22 American Redstart 19 3 4 350 89 48 _ 4 67 130 3 97 8 _ 7 5 3 _ 1 10 _ 4 852 House Sparrow 82 97 l44 516 84 84 68 135 740 167 50 187 45 218 529 60 647 - 100 65 23 31 4072 Bobolink 24 5 - - 32 25 1 - 39 5 13 28 - - _ - 13 - 3 - 50 _ 238 E. Meadowlark 83 67 64 143 71 74 16 42 111 30 7 40 11 49 93 37 121 - 56 - 18 8 ll4l Red-winged Blackbird 490 510 203 352 358 360 42 366 1244 471 32 426 72 193 1754 217 975 10 865 10 178 190 9318 Orchard Oriole - 3 15 9 35 5 - - 7 8 7 6 - 1 25 1 31 - 21 %■ 1 - 176 Baltimore Oriole 45 72 31 69 6l 26 - 28 202 38 1 24 1 17 30 - 35 - 5 2 - - 687 Rusty Blackbird 8 - - - 15 - - - 4 3 - 7 37 Boat-tailed Grackle 13 - 22 42 77 Common Grackle 328 66 2 3070 742 771 750 258 434 1282 1798 50 602 105 266 1424 263 1781 100 715 !59 121 301 15982 Brown-headed Cowbird 165 374 823 353 114 175 13 63 316 2i+0 lit 110 10 93 123 26 171 3 125 4 39 12 3366 Scarlet Tanager 16 19 1 l4 18 34 6 4 56 86 4 58 5 6 14 2 39 - 2 1 1 6 392 Summer Tanager - - - - 3 - - - - 3 - - - - - - 9 - 11 - 1 - 27 Cardinal 54 243 64 105 299 36l 10 133 639 447 33 293 31 82 735 48 358 5 84 72 52 23 4171 Rose-br. Grosbeak l4 10 3 18 l4 7 - - 23 11 2 3 - 2 3 - 1 - - 1 - - 112 Blue Grosbeak _ 3 _ _ _ 1 - 2 - 2 1 1 2 - 2 - 31 - 1 - - - 46 Indigo Bunting 2 19 9 8 91 39 _ 26 45 28 3 25 6 21 3 24 - 1 4 - - 3 ^ 0 " Evening Grosbeak 63 63 36 67 28 50 - 13 101 87 2 76 1 - 107 - 125 4 6 27 1 6 863 Purple Finch l4 38 134 271 39 105 - 15 225 98 - 5 - 1 14 - 2 - - - - - 961 House Finch - - _ - 3 - - - 30 _ 1 1 - - 51 - - - - - - - 86 Pine Siskin - 33 - 8 14 17 - - 93 49 - - - - 25 - 1 - - 3 - - 258 American Goldfinch 218 1538 222 682 687 426 31 291 1490 533 97 654 53 29 614 54 273 - 53 8 37 - 7990 White-w. Crossbill _ 1 1 Rufous-s. Towhee 266 107 16 69 78 162 4 36 356 241 16 138 22 29 101 Ik 175 - 30 12 33 36 1941 Savannah Sparrow 5 - 2 - 13 1 - 1 4 1 - 7 5 - 12 3 21 - 21 - 20 - 116 Grasshopper Sparrow 4 1 8 4l 15 24 - 2 27 i4 - 21 4 4 10 - 32 - 7 - - - 214 Henslow's Sparrow 3 3 Sharp-t . Sparrow - - - - - • - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - 3 4 Seaside Sparrow 2 56 - 1 2 62 Vesper Sparrow 6 2 4 9 3 5 2 1 6 2 - 3 - - 1 - 25 - - - - - 69 Slate-col. Junco 4 - 3 - - - - - 2 2 - - - - - - 1 - - - - - 12 Tree Sparrow 1 1 Chipping Sparrow 244 149 26 110 32 43 l4 51 243 102 18 120 6 14 245 5 176 2 48 18 28 7 1701 Field Sparrow 116 42 10 4o 146 214 10 27 143 95 12 68 10 19 82 14 87 - 9 1 10 3 1158 White-cr . Sparrow 5 11 16 3 - 11 - - 2 3 3 3 - 30 - 9 - - - - 96 White-thr. Sparrow 23 116 35 90 86 167 1 24 178 94 6 51 3 5 25 6 134 11 12 11 8 2 1088 Lincoln ' s Sparrow - - - - - 1 - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 Swamp Sparrow 11 - - 10 10 6 - 2 59 5 - 16 3 - 4o 1 5 - 1 - - 4 173 Song Sparrow 112 98 39 38 119 100 19 69 319 59 21 83 8 108 158 15 4o 1 18 2 22 46 1494 TOTAL SPECIES i4o 144 89 128 142 132 75 107 161 177 77 157 109 90 161 92 1^3 55 157 75 79 109 249 TOTAT TWnTVrmiAT.R 5609 10200 9111 1130 22602 805 1336 14274 11255 5393 1866 45210 7159 7615 8337 ‘ 3919 1,4402 9500 > 2682 2258 1077 1085 3595 TOTAL PARTY-HOURS 89 89 9 |4li 88i 91 81 27 262 121 5 100 20 m 143 15 127 8 20* 17 13 9? Il3l43 June 1972 MARYLAND BIKDLIFE 54 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. 28, No. 2 Cutchall, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Eckstine, Lois Downin, Beulah Green, Margaret Long, Alice Mallonee, Dick Paylor, Dr. R. S. Stauffer. FREDERICK COUNTY (Fre). 18 observers. 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. William Meredith, John Richards, Ruth Richards, Richard A. Rowlett, Lloyd E. Logan, Charles Mullican, William Shirey, Dr. & Mrs. Howard Hodge, Mrs. Mary Motherway, Mrs. Linda Smith, Capt. Albert McManus, Miss Sarah Quinn, Mrs. Kaye Clayton, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Alexander, Capt. William Czajkowski , Mrs. Francis Ann Gilbert. MONTGOMERY COUNTY (Mon). 22 observers. 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. R. L. Caswell, Ellen Caswell, Vincent C. Jones, Charles D. Cremeans, Robert Pyle, Peter Pyle, T. L. Eliot, Dr. & Mrs. Harvey Mudd, Claudia Wilds, C. N. Mason, Mr. & Mrs. Evan B. Hannay, Frank Witebski, Richard C. Carlson, Lester Holtsclag, Ted and Lola Oberman, Ella Pfieffer, Thomas M. Valega, Sr., Thomas M. Valega, Jr., Paul W. Woodward. HOWARD COUNTY (How). l6 observers. 3:50 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. George Chase, Morris Collins, Win Dyer, Aelred Geis, Luther Goldman, Larry Hood, Gary Keaton, Erwin Klaas , Duncan MacDonald, Rosamond Munro, Dorothy Rauth, Chandler and Eleanor Robbins, Jay Sheppard, Joanne Solem, Paul Wagner. CARROLL COUNTY (Crl). 4 observers. 6:55 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Elmer and Jean Worthley, Zola Cantrell, Margaret Allick. HARFORD COUNTY (Har). 18 observers. 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. John Wortman, Adel Wortman, Paul Scharf, Kim Spitler, David J. Smith, Nel Smith, Hammond Brandt, Thirza Brandt, C. D. Hackman, Rodney B. Jones, Eleanor Jones, Mrs. Barbara Larabee, Mrs. Yatsevitch. Also the following members of the Madonna Garden Club: Barb, Randy, Missy, Boots, M. Sue. BALTIMORE COUNTY (Bal). 77 observers. 12:01 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Burton Alexander, Helen Allison, Mrs. Wm. Anderson, Tom Andres, David Belcher, Mrs. Wm. Brainard, Doris Brumback, Kyle Cantwell, Dolores Chalk, Dot Clank, Edith Conley, Joan Cook, Sanford and Priscilla Corey, Bill Corliss and 5 unnamed helpers, Compton Crook, John Cullom, Dr. & Mrs. Walter Dandy, Chuck Endres, Betty Fanshaw, Dr. Betty Fisher, Alice Friedel, Douglas Frost, Lansing Fulford, Janet Gailey, Janet Ganter, Shirley Geddes, Rose Gerringer, Marian Glass, Doug and Linda Hackman, David Holmes, Ned Humphrey, Craig and Clark Jeschke, Dr. & Mrs. J. T. H. Johnson, Alice Kaestner, Haven Kolb, Dick Krahe , Barbara Larrabee, Ono Lescure, Bud Letsch, Mr. & Mrs. Robt . Lyon, Margaret Markham, R. Taylor McLean, Stewart McLean, Mrs. J. H. Mulholland and David, George Newcomer, Patsy Perlman, John Poteet , James Poultney, Phyllis Ravesies, Nancy Rowe, Eleanor Russell, Jean Sauers, Joe Schreiber, Marge Shipley, Mr. & Mrs. F. Lester Simon, Chris & Eddie Slaughter, John R. Smith, Patrick Smyth, Eileen Spring, Mrs. Leo Vollmer, Joy Wheeler, Frances Yatsevitch. ANNE ARUNDEL (Ann). 39 observers. 5:20 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mrs. Claude Alexander, Anne Anderson, William Anderson, Rena Bishop, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Buchanan, Danny Bystrak, Paul Bystrak, Linda Bystrak, June 1972 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 55 Steve Bystrak, Amelia Cochran, Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Creyke, Paul DuMont, Bob Dwight, John Eddy, Marion Eddy, Pat Flory, Ellen Gizzarelli, Lynn Hanson, Sally Henderson, Mr. & Mrs. R. E. L. Johnson, Carol Lynn Jones, Morgan Jones, Mrs. Franklin Knipp, Mr. & Mrs. George Metcalf, Dr. & Mrs. Duncan Neilson, Mrs. William Passaso, Mr. & Mrs. Mack Plant, Mr. & Mrs. Doug Rhodes, Godfrey Rockefeller, Ann Schmeisser, Sara Symington, John Symonds. CALVERT COUNTY (Cal). 1 observer. 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. John Fales. PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY (PrG). 17 observers. 2:45 a.m. to 9=00 p.m. Ralph Andrews, Portia Baughman, B. C. Getchell, Charles Hills, Melvin Kleen, M. Kathleen Klimkiewicz, Marjorie Koester, Jerry Longcore , Joan C. Lusby, Elwood Martin, Helen Meleney, Jon Millar, Bill Murphy, Larry Murphy, J. W. Oberman, Eleanor Robbins, Mike Sorensen. CHARLES COUNTY (Cha). 2 observers. 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. E. H. Schell, V. Ray Taylor. CECIL COUNTY (Cec). 4 observers. 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (not continuous). Bert Morgan, Margaret Smithers , Elizabeth Smithers , Edgar E. Folk, III. KENT COUNTY (Ken). 45 observers. 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Gerry Gardner, Hilda Kane, Floyd Parks, Robin Newlin, Pat Volker, Mary Reifschneider , Terry Carroll, Michelle Carroll, Lucille Gardner, Mrs. Grover Carter, Mrs. Harry Carter, Mrs. Lloyd Stevens, Ed Folsom, Kenneth Fletcher, Mary Brown, Bill Brown, Clark Webster, Helen Webster, Hugh Galbreath, Brenda Galbreath, Mary Ann Emerine, Pat Wilson, John Damm, George Damm, Roy Ruhnka, Harold Rush, Jim Terry, Tony Delario, Kay McAlpin, Winnie Suydam, Howard Bailey, Edward Mendinhall, Dorothy A. Mendinhall, Margery Plymire, James Newlin, Penny Moffett, Jimmie Gruber, Sam Goodfellow, John Hansen, Arline Delario, Kathleen James, Mary Belle Damm, Thomas W. Eliason, Virginia Eliason. QUEEN ANNES COUNTY (Que). 3 observers. 7:^5 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Shirley and Robert Mallalieu, Paul DuMont. CAROLINE COUNTY (Car). 37 observers. 3:00 a.m to 8:45 p.m. Winifred Bright, Margaret Butenschoen, Daniel Callaway, Darryl Callaway, Gregory Callaway, Ethel Engle, Wilber Engle, Connie Fletcher, Jerry Fletcher, Roberta Fletcher, Inez Glime, Winfield Henning, Marvin Hewitt, Naomi Hewitt, Alicia Knotts, Carman Leggett, Roberta Leggett, Kathleen McKee, Raymond McKee, Terry Moore, Essie Pepper, Aldridge Pepper, Ethel Poore, Elaine Robbins, Jimmy Robbins, Mary Robbins, Tom Robbins, Christian Snyder, A. May Thompson, Ed Unger, Ida Unger, Steve Westre, David Wooters . TALBOT COUNTY (Tal). 1 observer. 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Jan Reese. DORCHESTER COUNTY (Dor). 2 observers. 12:01 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Harry and Liz Armi stead. 56 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. 28, No. 2 WICOMICO COUNTY (Wic). 5 observers. 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. James Truitt, Helen Ferrand, Charles Vaughn, Bill Johnson, Mrs. W. D. Denit . SOMERSET COUNTY (Som). 6 observers. 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mrs. Gertrude Oakman, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Vaughn, Mr. John Anderson, Miss Martha Simpkins . WORCESTER COUNTY (Wor). 5 observers. 6:35 a.m. to 7:10 p.m. Mary and Lyman Bryan, Peggy and Walter Bohanan, Donald H. Messersmith and 30 class members and guests {in Pocomoke Swamp). 3033 Woodside Ave., Parkville 21234 * THE PRESIDENT'S PAGE MARTINS AND THE HURRICANE Those of us who are fortunate enough to have established a thriving colony of Purple Martins (Progne subis) near our homes can enjoy every spring and summer one of the most delightful experiences in birding with- out leaving our own back yards. This year, however, a major tragedy befell the martins throughout much of the east as a result of almost un- precedented unfavorable weather conditions during the week of June 18 when Tropical Storm Agnes wrought so much havoc. The sad plight of our own martin colony is related here as an example of similar experiences reported from widespread areas in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Among birds , Purple Martins are unusually sensitive to inclement weather since they live almost exclusively on flying insects that are caught on the wing. If insects don't fly, martins don't eat. It is as simple as that. And if this happens while the young birds are in their nests the results can be catastrophic. The martin nesting season throughout most of the affected area was at its height during the week of June 18 . Young birds were in most of the nests of well-established colonies, although some of the newer colonies still had unhatched eggs. Our colony consisted of l4 nesting pairs in two martin houses, one a lightweight aluminum house and the other a heavy homemade wooden house. All l4 nests contained nestlings. At the beginning of the week the broods ranged in age from 1 to 12 days and in all there were approxi- mately 50 healthy nestlings , which with 28 adults made a thriving colony of about 78 birds. What a joy it was to watch these happy birds during their meal times which were continuous from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. But the weather was bad and became continually worse as the week progressed. Rain fell every day of the week except Saturday, and greatly reduced the supply of flying insects. During the first three days. June 1972 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 57 however, the rain was intermittent and by working hard the martins were able to collect enough food to support the colony, although probably on meager rations. But late on Wednesday and on Thursday Agnes really poured it on and 9 to 12 inches of rain fell in the area, nearly a whole summer's normal supply in less than two days. To make matters worse the weather turned unseasonably cold with daytime maximum temperatures in the 50' s. Under these weather conditions the flying insects on which the martins' lives depend virtually disappeared and the 50 hungry nestlings cried in vain for food. The adults spent their time brooding their nestlings or sitting dejectedly on the porches of their houses, wisely conserving their energy and knowing that any search for food would be futile . On Friday the weather remained very cold and a light rain continued to fall. The pitiful pleas of the baby martins became weaker, so we decided to lower the easily lowered aluminum house and do whatever we could to help. Most of the nestlings were dead including a beautiful 17-day-old brood of six. Five of the living baby birds were cold and limp, unable to utter a sound, and obviously near death. These 10- and 15-day-old nestlings we took into our house, warmed them, and force fed them with raw ground beef enriched with vitamins and minerals. This unnatural but nutritious diet plus the warmth of a heating pad revived all of them and they gained strength rapidly. By the next morning they were quite vigorous and started to accept food readily without the need for force feeding. Saturday dawned cold but clear. It was still too cold for any in- sects to fly. There were still feeble sounds of martin babies in the wooden house which we hadn't lowered previously because to do so is a major operation. Late that morning we solicited the needed help and lowered the massive wooden house to a height of 8 feet where we could get to it easily with a stepladder. We found it to contain 12 dead martin nestlings and 21 that, though weak, had miraculously survived the period of near starvation. So we proceeded to remove the dead birds from the compartments with a long wire hook. At the same time we placed our overnight guests in nests with other nestlings of approximately the same ages . While I was busy with these tasks the temperature rose rapidly under the warm June sun, at long last insects started to fly, and the adult martins were in a frenzy as they swarmed into their compartments with precious food for their starving babies. So intent were they on getting food to their young quickly that they ignored me completely as I stood on the ladder examining nests within inches of where they were alighting to feed their nestlings. This amazing display of courage, seemingly prompted by the urgency of the situation, was never repeated on later less urgent occasions when I examined the nests. It appeared that the crisis was over, but during the next two hours four dead or dying adult male martins were found, two on the ground near MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol, 28, No. 2 S8 the colony, one on the porch of the martin house, and one in a compart- ment it evidently had entered to feed its young. Several other adult martins appeared to he on the verge of collapse and probably died. After a week of inadequate food and two days of almost complete starvation and inactivity it would seem that the sudden burst of strenuous activity in- volved in getting food to the starving nestlings as quickly as possible was more than some of the birds could endure, so they simply collapsed and died of hunger and exhaustion. Their bodies appeared to be severely emaciated from starvation. The five 10- and 15-day old nestlings that we had revived from near death and boarded for 24 hours, and that we had then placed with other broods for adoption survived to our great satisfaction, showing that rescue operations of this kind can be effective. This experience also demonstrates the great advantage of a martin house that can easily be lowered and opened in emergency situations. At the end of the tragic week 29 of the original 50 nestlings and an estimated 8 of the original 28 adult martins had perished. Later when the surviving nestlings were fledged, some of them were unable to fly and perished on the ground. They evidently had never fully recovered their strength even though they were of normal fledging age and size. One wonders whether any of the young birds that finally survived are vigorous enough to survive their forthcoming long trip to Brazil. Since similar and in some places worse weather conditions prevailed over wide areas of the eastern United States, the martin population of the whole region has without doubt suffered severely and may require several years to recover. If the cold wet weather had lasted one more day it is doubtful that any martin nestlings and possibly very few adults would have survived. Some renesting has been reported from a few places, but this does not appear to have been general. We and the surviving martins can only hope for better luck next year. Lawrence Ze leny CHAPTER PRESIDENTS. 1972-73 Allegany: Mr. James Paulus , Box 35, Oldtown, Md. 21555 395-5178 Anne Arundel: Lt , Cdr. Anthony White, Rt.l, Box 4Ul, Deale 261-5035 Baltimore: Mr. Gordon MacGregor, 5009 Greenleaf Rd. 21210 435-3044 Caroline: Mrs. Wilber Engle, R. D. 1, Box 80 , Preston 21655 673-7612 Frederick: Mr. August Selckmann, Rt. 2, Frederick 21701 874-2515 Harford: Dr. Frank Buckley, R. D. 2, Box ll4 , Aberdeen 734-6549 Kent: Mr. Floyd Parks, 129 Washington Ave. , Chestertown 778-2112 Montgomery: Mr. Robert Hahn, 3504 36th St., N.W. , Washington DC 362-4172 Patuxent: Mr. Jerry Longcore , 2313 Joyce Lane, Laurel 20810 498-1361 Talbot: Mr. Joseph A. Robinson, Box 92, St. Michaels 21663 745-9438 Washington: Mr. Edward Peters, 107 Williams Circle, Williamspt Wicomico: Mr. Henry Stone, Camden Ave. Ext., Salisbury 749-9243 June 19J2 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 59 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING, MAY 13, 1972 The Annual Meeting of the Maryland Ornithological Society, Inc., was called to order "by the President, Dr. Lawrence Zeleny, at 7:45 p.m. at the Hastings -Miramar Hotel, Ocean City, Md. With an announced attendance of 313, a quorum was declared, present . Motion was made and seconded to dispense with the reading of the min- utes of the last meeting, since they were published in Maryland Birdlifc. Dr. Zeleny expressed his thanks, and that of the assemblage, to all those who were making the convention possible, especially Messrs. Poteet , Unger, Robbins and Mrs, Ravesies . He also extended appreciation for the fine work of the trip leaders, registrars, and the hotel management. Mrs. Rowe presented a message from Mrs. Judy Johnson suggesting that M.O.S. write to Governor Mandel , praising his stand in keeping Assateague as it is; encouraging him not to allow the oil pipe line put in; and not to increase building and development on the island. The Treasurer's report was read by Mr. Fletcher. It, together with the Audit Committee’s report, will appear in Birdlife. Mr. Carlson, reporting on the Smithsonian — Nature Conservancy Inventory of Biological Areas, gave an urgent plea to notify him of espe- cially good birding areas along the Bay that should be maintained in their present state. COMMITTEE REPORTS Audit: Report presented and read by Mr. Marvin Hewitt. Sanctuary: Mr. Unger presented highlights from the Sanctuary Committee for the past year. These included: 1. 284 property owners have taken advantage of our Sanctuary post- ing program, and 14,000 acres in the State are now posted, yielding a profit to M.O.S. of some $900.00. 2. Print of a Sloan painting presented by Mrs. Eleanor Robbins will be raffled at this convention, the proceeds to benefit the Sanctuary Fund. 3. Last year an anonymous gift of $1000.00 was donated, contingent upon its being matched by the society, — and it was. 4. This year, another gift of $1600.00 has been presented with the same stipulation. Chapters were encouraged to contribute what they could in order to comply with this request. Mr. Dickson Preston presented some interesting historical facts about the Mill Creek Sanctuary area. By-Laus: Mr. Poteet, reporting for Rodney Jones, moved and it was 60 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol . 28 , No. 2 seconded and passed, that the proposed By-Laws changes, as mailed to the membership, be adopted. They are as follows: ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP Section 1_. Change the dues for the following classes of membership to: Sustaining $6.00 Family $4.00 Active $3.00 Junior $1.00 Add the following class of membership: (b) Student : Student membership shall be limited to persons l8 years of age and over who are full time students. Dues shall be $2.00. ARTICLE IX Section 8_. After the first sentence of this Section insert "A proxy may represent only one Trustee . " Conservation: In the absence of the Conservation Chairman, Mrs. Robbins reported on current conservation issues needing consideration. Publications: Mr. Robbins, Chairman of the Publications Committee and Editor of Maryland Birdlife , brought out various publications problems, and stated that the March issue will soon be sent. He stated that the Budget Committee has allocated funds to help with the typing. The issues are larger than ever, and present increasing problems. Mr. Robbins remarked on lack of response from the membership for input to the publication, and asked for suggestions for additions or improvements . He gave especial thanks to Mrs. Richard Cole for hosting and helping the "put -together" crew for Birdlife. Audubon Scholarships: Reporting for the Trustees, Dr. Zeleny announced that 4 Audubon Camp Scholarships were awarded this year, selected from 10 well-qualified applicants. Recipients were: Scholarship Recipient Chapter Helen Miller Dr. Benjamin Poscover Baltimore M.O.S. Audubon Camp Mr. Kenneth Blomquist Harford Amateur Gardeners Club Miss Beth Ball Anne Arundel Baltimore Chapter Mrs. Barbara B. Rothgaber Baltimore Dr. Zeleny reviewed some of the accomplishments of the organization during the past year and included: 1. A membership to date of 2093 - 2. The various sanctuary programs. 3. The several youth programs carried out by various chapters, which are among our most important activities. 4. All chapters participated in the Christmas Bird Count, and State-wide Bird Count in May. 5. The Montgomery County Breeding Bird Atlas project. 6. Several chapters are sponsoring Audubon Lecture Series; and June 1972 MARYLAND BIKDLIFE 6l numerous field trips including one to Texas. 7. Jan Reese's Osprey Project. He obtained a permit to erect 20 nesting platforms; l6 have been erected to date, and 8 of those are currently in use. 8. The Bluebird Project, in which most chapters are participating, is helping to reverse the downward trend in the bluebird popu- lation. Press releases were sent to 69 Maryland newspapers, about how to participate. More than 800 requests have been received for further information. Nominating Committee: Mr. Unger, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, presented the following slate : For President First Vice-President Second Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Dr. Lawrence Zeleny Mr. John Poteet Mr. Dickson Preston Mrs . Edwin Gras Mr. Edmund Stiles Motion was made that nominations be closed. It was seconded and approved, and the Secretary was instructed to cast the ballot. Mrs. Gras then reported Chapter nominations for Trustees as follows: Allegany Anne Arundel Baltimore Caroline Frederick Harford Kent Montgomery Patuxent Talbot Washington Wicomico *Mr. James Paulus *Lt.Cdr. Anthony White Mrs. Ellen Gizarrelli *Mr . Gordon McGregor Mr. William Corliss Mrs. Raymond Geddes , Jr. Mr. C. Douglas Hackman Mr. Rodney Jones *Mrs . William Engle *Mr. August Selkman *Dr . Frank Buckley Dr. Mildred Gebhard *Mr . Floyd Parks Mrs. Thomas Carswell *Mr. Robert Hahn Mr. Carl Carlson *Mr. Jerry Longcore *Mr, .and Mrs. Joseph Robinson *Mr . Edward Peters *Mr. Henry Stone Mrs. Emily C. Morris Mrs. Frances Pope Mr. Richard Heise Mrs . Robert Kaestner Mrs. Martin Larrabee Mrs. Edward Metcalf Mr. Chandler Robbins Mrs . Joshua Rowe Mrs. Percy Scudder Dr. Howard Hodge Mr. Barclay Tucker Mrs . Edward Mendinhall Dr. Thomas Valega Mr. H. Edmund Stiles Mrs . DeGraf fe Woodman Mrs . Margaret Long ^Chapter Presidents 62 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. 28, No. 2 Motion was made, seconded and approved to accept the nominations, acceptance thereby constituting election. Special recognition was made of several members who had done particularly outstanding work during the year. Mr. Hahn suggested, and it was unanimously approved, that a letter be sent to Jan Reese, in commendation and appreciation of the entire M.O.S. membership for the fine and dedicated work he is doing on the Osprey project. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, it Alta C. Gras , Secretary ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TREASURER MARYLAND ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC. Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 1972 OPERATING FUND Fund Balance April 30 , 1971 Receipts : Dues $3,475-00 Convention Income 888.50 Sale of Publications 110.50 Assistance on Bulk Mailing 15.00 Expenditures : Maryland Birdlife $1,787.00 Office & Admin. Expense Stationery $4l8.00 Postage, Telephone, etc. 276.46 Bulk Mailing 80.00 Petty Cash 50.00 824.46 Convention Expenses 519-04 Amateur Gar. Club Scholarship 200.00 M.O.S. Scholarship 175-00 Audubon Affiliation 25-00 Osprey Fund Disbursements 169.54 Miscellaneous 34. 6l Fund Balance April 30, 1972 * Includes Osprey Project Fund of $750.00 HELEN MILLER ENDOWMENT FUND Fund Balance April 30, 1971 Receipts : Contributions Received $590.00 Interest Earned 120.00 Expenditures : Helen Miller Scholarship $4,202.62* 4,489.00 8 ,691 . 62 3,734.65 $4,956.97 $2,406.63 710.00 3, 116 . £3 200.00 Fund Balance April 30, 1972 $2,916.63 June 1972 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 63 SANCTUARY FUND Fund Balance April 30 , 1971 $ 3,029.67 Receipts : Contributions Received $41,531.17 Interest Earned 703.49 Life Memberships 400.00 Feed Grain Program 57.60 Sanctuary Registration Program 2,571.45 45,263.71 48,293.38 Expenditures : Sanctuary Addition $2,050.00 Insurance , Taxes 904.35 Sanctuary Upkeep & Operations 1,477.93 Sanctuary Registration Program 1, 810.14 6,242.42 Fund Balance April 30, 1972 $42,050.96 Reconciliation of Accounts and Assets on Hand at Year- -end Fund Balances: Operating Fund, Including Osprey Project Funds $ 4,956.97 Helen Miller Endowment Fund 2,916.63 Sanctuary Fund 42,050.96 $49,924.56 Fund Assets : Checking Account, Peoples Bank, Denton $ 2,145.26 Savings Account, Md. Nat. Bank 11,629.14 Savings Acct . , First Federal S, & L. 17,020.83 Savings Acct., Loyola Federal S. & L. 19,129.33 $49,924.56 Sanctuary Investment Carey Run $ 4,556.62 Mill Creek 14,446.86 Irish Grove 84,779.20 A. J. Fletcher, Treasurer ★ REPORT OF THE AUDITING COMMITTEE We the undersigned have examined the MOS books and find them correct and in order. John Wanuga, Chairman Ronald Nevius Marvin Hewitt o 6b MARYLAND BIKDLIFE Vol . 28, No. 2 ANNUAL REPORTS OF LOCAL CHAPTERS ALLEGANY COUNTY CHAPTER In the past we had often lamented our failure to attract younger people as members of our Chapter because we realized that only in this way could the organization continue to flourish. Nevertheless, we were wise enough to know that when a big job or a hard job presented itself, it would be the veterans who would pitch right in and get the job done. But this year we have experienced "the best of both worlds." Some younger ones joined us and some older ones. In fact, our roster grew to 9 6, the largest membership in our history. Our indoor lectures and our outdoor events drew members and guests from nearby counties in Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Members were active in seeking legislation on environmental matters at the local, state and national levels. The deluge of Evening Grosbeaks nearly stultified the county. We greeted the bright visitors with open arms but when they daily exhausted our feeding stations and forced us to buy hundreds of pounds more of seeds, our attitudes changed. We were as happy to see the grosbeaks leave as we had been to see them arrive. Activity at the Carey Run Wildlife Sanctuary was extensive. In- structive nature tours were conducted by Chapter members for women's groups, college classes and elementary school students. The Sanctuary Committee, co-operating with agencies of the State, was responsible for the planting of many shrubs, trees ’and seed crops as food for wildlife. But, alas, of the 2000 sunflower seeds we strained our backs to plant, only five germinated. And the healthiest of these was only a spindly three-footer. Our first night-time nature walk was held at the Sanctuary in the Halloween season. It was Doris Fergueson's idea and she and husband Carl overlooked no detail to make it a success. The evening was warm with a nearly full moon. A clinging, ground fog developed, which, with the moon illuminating it, conveyed a properly ghostly aura to the occasion. It's true our walk encountered no wildlife, but the cider, hot dogs and marsh- mallows around the campfire banished any disappointment. We tried to beat the cold weather by scheduling the Christmas Bird Count on the first day of the Count Period and we were shocked to step out into a morning of 22° with winds gusting to 35 m.p.h. We could not have made a worse choice of dates . The May Count was a different story: a balmy day of zephyrs with a thermometer in the TO's. The large number of observers exceeded our June 1972 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 65 fondest hopes. And they searched their territories so thoroughly that Lo more species were identified than last year. The entire Chapter was pleased in May when one of our finest, new "birders was elected president: James F. Paulus. Dale B. Fuller , President ANNE ARUNDEL CHAPTER The 1971-1972 season was one of continued growth and varied activity for the Anne Arundel Chapter. The chapter membership grew by 20% to a total of 128. Twenty-seven adult field trips were scheduled including trips to nearby Anne Arundel and Maryland birding areas as well as trips to points as distant as Hawk Mountain, Pa., and Cape May, N.J. Wednesday morning trips were conducted for those who couldn't participate on the weekends. Mr. Dick Heise's youth program was hampered by bad weather, and only four of the six trips could be held. However, an encouraging total of 8l young people participated in these four trips. A series of monthly lectures was held with such eminent lecturers as Chan Robbins on "Habitats of Birds" and Dr. Charles Stine on Chesa- peake Bay. The chapter exhibited at the Anne Arundel County Fair for the first time. Messrs. Ed Wilson and Karl Oerlein set up an exhibit centered around bird identification. Chapter members also participated in the Christmas and May bird counts and the bluebird nesting box program. The Anne Arundel Chapter’s programs were highlighted by the near completion of the study phase of the use of Hancock's Resolution as a sanctuary area. This 12-acre property in the northern end of the county was made available to the chapter as a sanctuary by Historic Annapolis, Inc. Chapter members have identified 111 species of birds at the site, and a botanical survey was begun with over 200 different plants noted. Banding demonstrations were also held. As the club continues to grow, Hancock's Resolution will play an even more important role in our activities . Tony White , President BALTIMORE CHAPTER (Committee Chairmen in parentheses) As of May 1, 1972, the membership totaled 873 including 112 Juniors. Program (Miss Etta Wedge): 39 field trips with 35 different leaders, 3 social events, 5 lecture classes on ornithological subjects, detailed printed program booklet, comprehensively planned and executed. Audubon Wildlife Film Lecture Series (H. Lansing Fulford) : h evenings with average attendance of 5&3; proceeds to M.O.S. Sanctuary Fund, National Audubon Camp Scholarships and other projects. These programs are profit- able financially, socially and educationally worthwhile and are possibly the most effective means of outreach. 66 MAR YL AMD BIRDLIFE Vol . 28, No. 2 Youth Program (Mrs. N. K. Schaffer): Employed Director of School Program (Mrs. D. P. Clark) for first time with "beneficial results - 147 classes scheduled. mostly from 4th grade level -with attendance of 4,4l8 children; l6-Saturday public programs attended by about 1,350 children with special features such as "Bird Banding," "Bird Christmas Tree," and the "Unusual Pet Show;" Junior Mature Club with 32 members who worked on exhibits and helped with public programs and who were involved in children's nature show on Hodge Podge Lodge — Channel 67. The Junior Nature Camp was held again at King's Landing Camp on the Patuxent River in June (Mr. & Mrs. Clark, Directors). Dedicated volunteers, too numer- ous to list, make the extensive Junior program possible. MOS Exhibits and Library (Mrs. N. K. Schaffer): Mounted birds for display and for loan to schools. Nest and egg collections expanded. Cylburn Representative (Mrs. Joseph E. Brumback, Jr.): Bird feeding program with over 800 lbs of seed put out in the 4 feeders this year. The MOS Room in Cylburn Mansion was opened on all scheduled dates with volunteer hostesses on duty including Market Day. The exhibits were changed seasonally - Winter theme was "Feed the Birds this Winter" and Summer theme was "Birds and their Habitats" covering the 4 areas of ocean, marsh, forest and garden. MOS Market Day (Mrs. Francis M. Rackemann, Jr.): Crafts, plants, books and handmade articles on sale with proceeds going for exhibits, library books, bird seed for Cylburn feeders, etc. Extension Service (Miss Grace Naumann): 15 bird talks given by 8 members of the Baltimore Chapter. More requests made than we were able to fulfill. Tapes and slides under title of "Concerning Our Future" loaned to two high school teachers for class use. Received gift of 1,000 insect slides and screen from Mr. Mabon Kingsley of Chestertown. Conservation (Mrs. Paul Spadone): Coverage of major conservation issues in the Newsletters , cooperated with Maryland Environmental Trust in forming a citizens corps to report offenders in water and air pollu- tion, etc. Encourage participation in public hearings on nature preservation. Sixth Annual Christmas Count and May Bird Count (David W. Holmes): Excellent coverage and reporting - 15-mile diameter circle with 60 observers in 39 parties. Improved results over previous years - 84 species and 16,258 birds on Christmas Count. Book Store (Mrs. Phyllis Ravesies): Books, records, stationery, jewelry, etc. sold at all lectures, social events. Convention, with mail orders in addition with over $3,000 worth of business - all profits to MOS Seine tuary Fund. Sanctuaries (C. Douglas Hackman): Served as member of MOS Sanctuary Committee and as chairman of Rock Run. Cooperated in State-wide program to encourage property owners to register with MOS, identifying their land June 1972 MARYLAND BIRDLIKE 67 as sanctuaries. There appears to be a drop in interest in Rock Run and there has been considerable vandalism. Its future needs to be studied. Bird Information Exchange (Mrs. Robert E. Kaestner): Received bird reports from members and published same in all Newsletters; source of information on various public calls; served as general resource. Information (Mrs. Raymond Geddes, Jr.): Telephone information service to members and the public regarding MOS activities and ornithology in general. Baltimore Chapter signed up this spring for telephone listing with Ecology Action with two identifications, MOS and Audubon Society Affiliate . Membership and Hospitality (Mrs. Nicholas Kay): Membership promotion at all events, mailings, phone calls, etc. - relating members to volunteer service according to interest and capacity - name tags and introductions at social events with special emphasis on friendliness. Publicity (Mrs. J. W. Rowe): Audubon lecture releases to news media, distribution of flyers, feature articles on MOS Sanctuaries, Audubon Camp Scholarships and Junior Programs. Mailings to interested publications and local organizations - Sunday Sun Recreation Calendar - radio and T.V. announcements, window displays, program booklets to schools and libraries. Texas Bird Trip (Miss Ono Lescure): 8 days in April, 20 persons. Leader, James Tucker, a well-known birder from that section of the country - 213 species of birds. Newsletter (Mrs. C. Lockard Conley): Edited the Newsletter. Miss J. Catherine Bishop did the typing, Mrs. Thomas G. Shipley served as productionist , mimeographing, assembling, and mailing all issues. The Baltimore Chapter continued to cooperate with the State organi- zation. Most important during the year 1971-72 was the enlistment of Mrs. Alger Zapf, Jr. as Executive Secretary of M.O.S. We also recommended Messrs. Charles Buchanan and R. Taylor McLean and they were appointed to the State MOS Investment Committee. Thanks go to the officers and board and to all of the above mentioned as well as to many others who have helped to make this past year one of accomplishment and satisfaction. On to 1972-73. W. Gordon MacGregor , President CAROLINE COUNTY CHAPTER The Caroline County Bird Club held regular monthly meetings and participated in the Breeding Bird Survey and the Christmas and May bird counts . The programs for the year included a bird banding demonstration by Mr. V. E. Unger, a wild flower walk, and a nature field trip. Slides on 68 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. 28, No. 2 "Local Wildflowers ," "Western National Parks," and a film, "One Day at Teton Marsh," were presented by the club members and friends. The speakers and their subjects for the other meetings were: Mr. Roy Castle, State Wildlife Biologist, on "Maryland Water Birds;" Mr. Eugene Seder, "Birds in Flight;" and Mr. Dickson Preston, "A Day in the Marsh at Chincoteague Several Caroline County science teachers conducted a program on ecology education in the local schools, and the Soil Conservation Service acquainted us with government wildlife conservation activities. The Annual Picnic will he held in June, following a nature walk at the Mill Creek Sanctuary. Ethel 0, Engle , President FREDERICK CHAPTER The 1971-72 season has Been a most active and rewarding one. We started our series of monthly evening meetings in October with Dr. Zeleny's fine discussion on "Bluebirds." In November, Les Holmes brought his slides and talk about "The Appalachian Trail" which had been postponed from the season before because of a severe sleet storm. The annual dinner meeting in early December was a sellout at the Frances Scott Key Hotel in Frederick, as the Chapter turned out in force to hear Chan Robbins talk about "Shore Birds and Waterfowl." In addition to slides Chan brought many samples of mounted birds to further our knowledge of identification of these species. Ted Kerns presented the January meeting, with slides and a talk on "Minerals of Frederick County." In early February we were given a fine program on "Hummingbirds" by Jerry Coates, Clark Miller of Inwood, West Virginia, gave us another good evening for our March meeting with his magnificent slides on "Bird Banding." We were most fortunate to call on our neighbors from the Patuxent Chapter, as their on-coming Chapter President, Jerry Longcore , brought us his discussion and slides on "Bird's Nests." Our May meeting heard Elden Wanrow, Park Naturalist at Catoctin Mountain Park, with his slides of the beautiful wild flowers of the Park. Our last meeting is scheduled for early June to hear Jim Gilford on "The Way of a Trout," Numberwise , we were also successful as our Chapter Roll reached 86, In addition our average attendance has continued to increase. We ran afoul of the Weather Bureau in the early fall in that 3 successive bird walks had to be cancelled because of torrential downpours. This spring, however, all of our scheduled walks were well attended and productive. Chapter participation in the Christmas and the State-wide May Bird Counts was good. The Chapter also made a contribution to both the Helen Miller Scholarship Fund and the MOS. Sanctuary Fund. We also were active June 1972 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 69 in the promotion of the Wildlife Sanctuary program initiated by the State Society. Officers for the coming 1972-73 year were elected in April as follows: President, August E. Selckmann; Vice President, Linda Smith; Secretary, Mary Motherway; Treasurer, Miriam Feely; Trustee, Howard M. Hodge . Robert B, Alexander, President HARFORD COUNTY CHAPTER Membership, Attendance, Facilities, Financial. Membership is at the highest in history at 115 . This entitles the Chapter to a third trustee, for which Dr. Mildred Gebhard has been nominated. Attendance also was unusually high, averaging 66 and reaching 85 in March. Even the fall picnic had a record turnout. Since the club is in very good finan- cial condition, facilities have been improved for the dinner meetings. Added are a lectern with light, a microphone, and permanent name tags for all members. All committees have been quite active, as reflected in this and the following paragraphs . Programs. The fine attendance at dinner meetings reflects out- standing programs, all profusely illustrated. At the fall picnic, Mr. David Smith discussed hawks and Hawk Mountain. In November, Mr. Vernon Stotts treated the subject of Maryland waterfowl. In January, Mr. William R. Corliss delved deeply into the study of warblers. In March, Mr, David Smith showed a film he had produced on a visit to the Galapagos Islands. In May, Mr. Barclay Tucker presented an hour-long movie showing the birds as Audubon pictured them. Field Trips and M.O.S. Meetings. A field trip was Scheduled for each month, October through May. All were well attended when weather per- mitted. Only the fall bus trip to Hawk Mountain and the March trip to Bombay Hook were rained out. However, a November trip to Bombay Hook and Little Creek was a great success, as were trips to Eastern Neck, Remington Farms, Elk Neck, Perry Point, and Rock Run. The Christmas Bird Count was one of the most successful in years. Between 20 and 30 members attended the 1971 M.O.S. Annual Convention and more have indicated plans to attend in 1972. All trustees have regularly attended and actively participated in Trustees Meetings . Public Relations. After each meeting, a digest of the program was published in local newspapers with pictures. News of field trips was included. This generated more general interest in birds and in the Chapter. One newspaper prepared and published a half-page feature article on Chapter activities with pictures. Other stories told of the Helen Miller scholar- ship program and the M.O.S. wildlife sanctuary program for private lands. Chapter Projects. The M.O.S. wildlife sanctuary program has been very popular in Harford County. The Chapter nominee for the Helen Miller Scholarship was awarded a special M.O.S. Audubon Camp Scholarship by the Board of Trustees. The Chapter participated in an Environmental Education TO MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol . 28, No. 2 Program sponsored by the Bel Air Kiwanis Club. Many members submitted completed questionaires in connection with the Chesapeake Bay Ecology Survey . Sanctuary News. Chapter members oversubscribed the pledge of $100 to the M.O.S. Sanctuary Fund made at the 1971 convention. The Rock Run Sanctuary has seen much activity, including a number of birding trips by groups from Harford and Baltimore Counties, Scout and 4 h Club outings, and feeding and other maintenance by Chapter members. A class in plant pathology based itself on the sanctuary one weekend. The recent death of the owner of the property has cast doubt on the future relationship of M.O.S. to the Rock Run Sanctuary. Frank A. Buckley , President KENT COUNTY CHAPTER The 1971-72 year brought progress for the Kent County Chapter. Last fall all returned from their summer travels with enthusiasm. During September and October the Damsite Banding Station operated in full, pro- viding much valuable data. During the winter, under the guidance of Harrel Rusk, five Audubon Films were presented for all to attend with very successful attendance. At each scheduled regular meeting we enjoyed a most interesting and rewarding talk or film. Chandler S. Robbins presented slides and study skin displays at the regular meetings before our two bird counts to better prepare our members for their day-long work in the field on these occasions. Both the Winter and Spring counts were successful and rewarding with strong participation especially by our Juniors. During the Winter count, on December 19, 1971 , James Newlin spotted and had verified a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, a very late date for this species. 123 species in all were sighted, including 6 Bald Eagles, 1 Golden Eagle, 54 Red-tailed Hawks, 32 Marsh Hawks, 1 Cooper's Hawk, and 1 Pigeon Hawk. At least one of each species of hawk known to be in the area in the Winter months was seen except for the Peregrine Falcon. The Chapter hopes that the recent bans on DDT are causing a come-back in members of birds of prey. The Spring count on May 6, 1972, turned up l64 species, a new Kent County record, including a Lawrence's Warbler sighted near Eastern Neck Island Bridge by Robin Newlin, a Philadelphia Vireo, 2 Palm Warblers, 2 Short-billed Marsh Wrens , and 2 Loggerhead Shrikes among the rarer birds . Edward Mendinhall, with the cooperation of a few dedicated Chapter members, continued his excellent work in arrival-departure date compi- lation, while other members concentrated on Breeding Bird Surveys, and nest record reports. Our Junior Members, advised by Dorothy Mendinhall and led by Ruth Carroll, Margery Plymire and Pat Wilson, were active as usual. The Senior Field Group performed duties of advanced Birders, including field trips, banding chores, counts and special census projects. A project group worked on setting up additional bluebird trails and devising new and meaningful activities to promote basic principles of sound ecology in the June 1972 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 71 Kent County area. The group is most energetic and promises to graduate many good birders into the general membership. Gerry L. Gardner, our President for the past two years ,■ stepped down from the office which he so expertly held. His efforts during his terms were tireless and his accomplishments many and valuable. His leadership will be missed and he will be called upon again and again for counsel and assistance by his successor. Floyd L. Parks , President MONTGOMERY COUNTY CHAPTER Last spring our Chapter undertook something new, not only to the State of Maryland, but also to the U.S.A. The Breeding Bird Atlas is a type of survey which was first undertaken in Europe. The purpose of the survey is to document where breeding species can be found in a particular area. The survey is carefully mapped; each of our observers works ,in a specified section of Montgomery County. This year we'll have about 75 observers in the field. The survey will be conducted over a two-year period. Possibly, another such survey will be undertaken in ten years to check the changes in habitat, caused by urban development, highway building, etc. (For more on this subject, see Maryland Birdlife , September 1971.) We are fortunate to have a peripatetic group of outstanding birding photographers. Five of our nine evening programs were put on by our members . There is a hard core of youngsters in the Youth Group who are always ready and willing to bird. Some show excellent promise. Highlight for three or four boys was getting Chan Robbins' autograph in their copies of Birds of North America at our March meeting. Robert H. Hahn, President PATUXENT BIRD CLUB The Chapter was again treated to a number of interesting and inform- ative programs. Dr. Donald Messersmith presented a witty and knowledge- able account of "Birding in South Africa" replete with a rogue elephant charging his tour bus! Jan Reese, who has spent countless hours on Chesapeake Bay, showed Kodachromes and explained his work on the nesting biology of the Osprey, the only representative of the family Pandionidae. Chapter member David Bridge took the members, via slides, on a tour of Tierra Del Fuego to show them birds and explain the work of the Smithsonian Institution in that area. Mr. C. Ed Addy, Atlantic Flyway Representative, USDI, through slides of charts, maps, and habitat, made more clear how our waterfowl (ducks and geese) resource is managed. The always willing and able Chandler Robbins presented two programs for our enjoyment. He discussed the seabirds of the Hawaiian islands at the September meeting and concluded the Chapter year with a most informative discussion of the progression of spring migrants through our area. The excellent programs have elicited interest as can be attested by attendance exceeding 70 72 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. 28, No. 2 individuals on occasion. The rate of conversion of guests to members has been good with total membership equaling over 100 (counting Jr. members) which is a substantial increase from last year. A number of field trips were taken to local birding areas and the annual picnic was held at Scotts Cove, Rocky Gorge in June. The Chapter was active in the MOS Bluebird Project. Many members built boxes and/or monitored them to record nesting activity. Members also participated in the Christmas Bird Count and the Statewide May Count . The activities of the Chapter are well publicized by the efforts of Mrs. C. S. Robbins who prepares a weekly article for the local newspaper and writes of current conservation issues. Jerry Lcmgeore , President TALBOT COUNTY CHAPTER The Talbot County Bird Club had another satisfying year with excellent help and cooperation from the members. Programs and matters relating to local conservation, protection of natural resources, and expansion of wildlife areas were received with much interest. Our activities included: Six regular meetings with programs plus attendance at one sponsored by the Isaac Walton League ; Six fall and six spring bird hikes followed by breakfasts and dis- cussion at members 1 homes ; Sponsorship of the Audubon Wildlife film series which unfortunately operated at a small deficit ; Christmas and May bird counts both recording a competitive number of species ; Trips to Blackwater, Irish Grove, and Ocean City; Caretaking of Mill Creek Sanctuary which is being used more by group visitors. C. C. Lasher , President WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAPTER The meetings of the Washington County Chapter are held the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m., at the Emma K. Daub School, South Potomac Street, Hagerstown, Maryland. It was with great regret that we accepted Mr. Sterling Edwards' resignation as president at the September meeting. Mr. Ed Peters was appointed to serve the balance of Mr. Edwards' unexpired term. During the past year, we experienced an interesting variety of June 1972 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 73 programs covering the following subjects: Birds of Prey; Stop, Look, and Listen (For Birds); Ecology and Conservation; Peterson Field Guide and Recordings ; Bird Nests and Eggs ; Illustrated Program on Wildflowers ; and Teaching Nature in the Open School. The annual dinner meeting, held in February, featuring Dr. William Sladen as guest speaker, had to be can- celled because of bad weather. During the Christmas season we participated in our first Chapter Christmas Bird Count. Twenty-eight persons spent a total of 427 party- hours on count day. A total of over 7,000 birds were sighted representing 68 different species. Other Field Trips during the year included trips to Tuscarora Mountain; Virginius Island at Harpers Ferry; Terrapin Neck, West Virginia, with the Brooks Bird Club; and a number of walks covering different por- tions of the C & 0 Canal. Attendance was excellent at all Field Events. Other activities include the maintenance of several Bluebird Trails , and some 30 members from Washington County attending the M.O.S. Convention in Ocean City in May. At the March 28 meeting, the following slate of officers was elected: Ed Peters, President; Truman Doyle, Vice President; Genevieve Beck, Corresponding Secretary; Helen Green, Recording Secretary; Paul Guptill, Treasurer . H. Eduard Peters , President WICOMICO CHAPTER Activity over the last year concentrated on 8 regular meetings and 11 field trips. Meeting speakers and topics included: Charles and Gail Vaughn, birding and camping to Alaska; John Moore, banding Whistling Swans; Chan Robbins, Christmas Counts; Charles Baker, bird feeders; Jay Geeseman, Shad Landing State Park and local forestry; Dr. Zeleny, Bluebirds; Sam Dyke, spring warblers; and a movie on the Bald Eagle. Gail Vaughn has begun publishing an occasional newsletter summarizing events past and future. The Salisbury Christmas Count was organized by the club and brought 25 observers. A major event was the running of the sales booth at the Fourth Atlantic Flyway Waterfowl and Bird Carving Exhibit in Salisbury. Income to the club was $150. Next year promises to be even better since many items were very popular and sold out early. Next year bigger orders are planned. Activities at Irish Grove Sanctuary included complete redecorating of two rooms and halls. Slight vandalism occurred early in May but was repaired in time for the M.O.S. Convention visitors by Gail Vaughn and Gertrude Oakman along with Gladys Cole and George Newcomer. One of our 74 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. 28, No. 2 newest members , Mary Humpheries , cataloged the library and helped mow the lawn. Membership as of June 1972 is 7 & ; an increase of 28 over last year. Charles Vaughn , Vice President O OSPREY CONFERENCE The first North American Osprey Research Conference was held in mid- February at the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Va. Dennis Puleston, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Environ- mental Defense Fund, recounted the shocking record of Osprey decimation in the Long Island area, especially on Gardiner's Island where, from a high of over 300 pairs in 1948, the population has dwindled to 34 pairs, with a concurrent drop of the average reproduction rate from 2.2 young per nest to 0.5 in 1971. Describing the lack of predation or human dis- turbance there, he ascribed the disaster to the effects of DDT and deriv- atives and to PCBs , now found at high levels in fish of the area. Techniques for increasing the number and success of viable Osprey eggs will be used in the East this season, where inroads on the breeding population have reached nearly disastrous proportions in Connecticut; and in Massachusetts last season it was documented that more than 50% of the breeding females in the main colony had to share the services of males because of a sudden decline in the male population. Participants also reported on conditions in southern Maine, southern New Jersey, the Potomac River area, central and southern Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ontario, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and California. Dr. Charles J. Henny read a comprehensive paper on "Wintering Areas of Ospreys from Various Areas of North America, Based on Band Recovery Data," which he co-authored with Ted Van Velzen and Brian Sharp, all three from the Migratory Bird Populations Station, Laurel, Md. Alexander Sprunt IV of the National Audubon Society described sightings of Osprey nests in eastern coastal regions of Mexico and Belize. Hitherto virtually unknown, these may comprise a resident popu- lation comparable to the birds of South Florida. Persons wishing the paperbound PROCEEDINGS may write to Dr. Mitchell A. Byrd, Dept, of Biology, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Va. 23185. Sale price is expected to be no more than $2.00. Requests for copies need not be accompanied by prepayment; a bill will be sent at the time the order is filled. Gil Fernandez , P.0. Box 53, Dartmouth, Mass. 02714 June 1972 MARYLAND BIKDLIFE 75 JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH, 1972 Chandler S. Robbins This will long he remembered as an exceptionally mild winter, despite a few uncomfortably cold and snowy days in February. The phenomenally warm sind snowless weather that had characterized the month of December continued through January. It was the warmest January in Maryland since 1967; most stations had no measurable snowfall until the 27th or 28th, and even in Garrett County there were many days on which the ground was bare . February was exceptionally wet, and average temperatures were 1° to 3° below normal. Fifteen to 20 inches of snow fell on central Maryland, but was promptly washed away by heavy rain. In Garrett County, however, precipitation was mostly in the form of snow and totaled 3 to 5 feet, with drifts up to 12 to 15 feet on Feb. 19-20. Record-breaking warmth from Feb. 29 through Mar. 2 brought the first heavy influx of spring migrants as well as an end to the winter's snow — except in Garrett County where another 10 to 20 inches of snow fell during March. The last 9 days of March were on the cool side, averaging 5° below normal; notice how few arrival dates are listed for the period Mar. 23-31 (Table l). The earliest arrival dates reported from 16 of Maryland's 23 counties are presented in Table 1, with the counties arranged from northwest to southeast. A zero (0) means that the species was not reported; a dash ( — ) signifies that the species was observed, but not on a significant arrival date; and a "W" designates inability to distinguish early migrants from the wintering population. The median dates in the first five columns permit comparison of this year's migration with that of the previous four years . We are especially pleased to include a comprehensive list of spring arrival dates from Garrett County, submitted by Mrs. William Pope. This is the first time in the 27 years of Season reports that we have had more than token coverage of our important westernmost county. The high alti- tude of Garrett and its relatively severe winters result in a limited variety of wintering species and thus make it possible to detect the very e arliest immigrants of species that winter in Maryland's other counties. Table 1, Spring Arrival Dates „ 29TS Median Species 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 Garr Alle Wash Fre_d_ Balt Howd Mont Pr_.G Anne C.aly Kent Caro Talb Dore Somr Wore. Horned Grebe — 3/31 3/28 3/30 3/12 3/18 2/ 2 4/ 4 0 3/11 0' 3/18 — — 2/12 W W W W 3/12 W Pied-billed Grebe 3/21 3/2 6 3 /m 3/23 3/18 3/18 3/ 9 4/ 9 3/19 3/ 9 2/17 3/ 4 3/20 3/12 3/11 W 3/30 W w 3/31 3/18 Great Blue Heron 3/20 Hi It 3/18 3/ 8 3/30 3/31 4/ 6 — — 3/ 4 — w 3/29 W 3/20 4/12 W 3/31 w 3/18 W Cattle Egret 3/29 0 0 0 0 0 fir 3/21 4/ 7 4/ 2 3/29 a s 0 3/29 3/18 Glossy Ibis i* 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Q 3/18 0 37 31 — 3/18 — Whistling Swan 3/22 3/16 3/12 3/ 9 3/16 0 2/29 3/18 3/15 3/1 6 3/12 3/ 4 3/lfe 3/15 3/l8 W 3/16 w w W — Canada Goose 3/20 3/l6 3/lH 3/ 5 3/12 2/11 3/l4 3/19 3/15 — 3/12 2/21 2/15 3/19 2/25 W 3/19 w w 3/12 w American Widgeon 3/23 3/10 3/19 3/ 7 4/ 4 3/ 8 w 4/15 2/26 3/ 7 3/12 W W 0 W w w w Pintail 3/ 9 — 3/16 3/ 8 — 0 2/29 0 0 — — 2/26 — — 2/12 W 0 w w w w Green-winged Teal 3/18 3/lD‘ 3/19 3/ 7 0 3/ 1 — 0 2/26 3/13 i /25 — 3/ 1 — w w 3/18 w Blue-winged Teal — 3/22 3/23 3/22 3/22 3/19 T/T 4/ 9 3/15 — 4/15 3/ 8 3/ 3 3/30 4/ 7 3/25 3/18 3/1? Wood Duck 3/13 3/18 3/23 3/ 2 3/ 1 3/20 3/ 1 2/26 3/ 1 et/Bh 3/29 2/26 2/11 — 3/23 3/15 2/25 — — 3/31 w Redhead 3/18 3/ 7 0 3/ 8 w 0 2/2 6 0 0 0 0- $ 1 w 0 W w Ring-necked Duck — — 3/23 3/1% 3/ £ 3/19 3/ 2 a 3/ 1 — 1/26 3/ 5 1/25 — 0 0 3/10 0 — 0 w Canvasback 3/19 2/29 ■a . 3/15 — 3/ 9 2/21 0 w 4/18 2/29 0 w w kf 1 3/18 Lesser Scaup — — 3/31 — 3/ 2 3 / 2 2/29 4/ 9 3/ 1 2/24 Uat 2/21 3/ 3 w 3/ 4 3/ 2 0 w w 3/12 w Common Goldeneye 3/ 3 3/19 ft/ 2 0 3/ 1 3/11 0 — 3/ 3 w 2/12 2/ 2 3/10 w w 3/12 w Bufflehead — — 3/28 3/27 3/12 3/18 4/13 4/ 1 3/ 8 2/24 3/18 2721 3/ 3 w 3/18 2/18 — w w 3/12 w Hooded Merganser — — 3/10 — 3/ 8 3/18 0 3/12 3/ 1 3/28 0 2/27 3/ 1 3/19 0 3/ 3 0 0 w 0 w Sharp-shinned Hawk 3/18 — -- 4/l6 3/27 3/18 — 3/18 2/15 3/18 3/18 w 3/11 w Osprey 3/23 3/m 3/23 3/27 3/27 4/22 4/l4 — 4/12 — 4/15 4/ 2 3/29 3/12 3/25 3/23 3 / 6 3/ 7 4/ 3 3/11 3/20 Sparrow Hawk 2/29 2 / 1 2/11 2/2 6 — — 3/ 3 w 3/29 W 3/ 7 W w w w W W American Coot 3/18 3/19 3/ 4 4/ 9 3/ 8 3/ 1 3/20 3/ 4 3/ 1 3/15 3/18 W 3/30 4/ 8 4/ 3 W W Killdeer 3/ 9 — 3/ 5 3/ 6 2/24 3 / 1 2/ 2 2/24- 3/ 8 2/24 2/ 6 2 / 4 2/24 w 2/23 2/29 w 3/12 — 3/11 w American Woodcock 3/ 9 3/ 6 3/ 2 2/28 2/29 3/18 3/ 2 3/ 5 3/ 1 2/29 1/20 — 2 / 9 — 2/?5 2/29 2 /m w w w w Common Snipe 3/18 — — 3/ 1. 3/16 4 / 4 Q 0 3/ 8 4/ 2 0 3/15 3/18 w 0 V 3 3/1? 3/12 Greater Yellowlegs 3/19 4/26 3/24 — 4/ 1 0 Q 0 3/ 8 0 0 3/17 — — 0 4/ 4 4/ 2 4/30 3/25 4/ 1 — Ring-billed C-ull — — 3/16 2/2 6 3/15 3/18 3/15 — 3/ 1 3/15 3/12 3/ 2 3/ 4 w f W W 3/31 w 3/18 w Belted Kingfisher* 3/23 3/15 3/19 w 4/ 6 W W 3/26 2/13 3/12 w 3/18 2/29 W W w 3/11 w Yellow-shafted Flicker 3/ 8 3/ 7 3/19 w 3/21 w 2/22 3/ 2 3/ 7 2/29 2/27 2/22 w 3/15 3/18 w 3/12 w Eastern Phoebe 'Wt£ 3/19 3/23 3/19 3/15 3/21 2/10 3/19 3/15 3/22 3/ 9 37 2 3/10 3/11 2/26 4/ % 3m T7T 0 4/ 1 3 /1ft Tree Swallow 3/27 3/29 3/28 4/ 3 3/31 4/16 ■Wl2 3/ 4 3/ 8 4/14 — 2/21 3/10 4/ 5 4/ 2 4/ 5 3/31 4/ 7 3/25 3/31 3/25 Fish Crow 3/ 5 3/l4 0 0 0 W W 2/29 3/20 3/1? 2/25 3/26 .3/ 1 W 3/28 w 3/12 w Robin 3/ 9 3/ 3 2/23 2/1 1 2/29 2 / 5 2/28 3/ 1 2/21 2/13 3/ 2 3/ 1 3/ 4 3/ 2 2/29 3/10 w w 2/12 w w Eastern Bluebird 3/ 6 — 2/25 3/ 5 3 / 2 2/11 4/ 6 — 3/18 2/27 3/ 5 -2715 — 2/11 — 3/21 ■0 4/ 3 3/12. — Pine Warbler 1753T 0 3/21 3/ 5 0 3/18 0 0 3/13 — 3/19 0 3/19 3/18 3/25 4/ 1 3/12 Red-winged Blackbird 3/ 7 — 2/22 2/21 2/27 3 / 2 2/19 2/27 2/27 2/29 2/27 2/26 2 / 9 3/ 2 2/19 W W w w w W Rusty Blackbird 3/ 8 3/ 5 3 / 5 2 / a 3/ 4 3/18 3/11 3/ 4 w — 3/18 w w W Common Grackle 3/ 4 3/ 6 2/24 2/18 2/20 3 / 2 2/29 2/19 2/27 2/23 2/20 2/15 2/16 2 / f 2/13 w W w w w w Brown-headed Cowbird 3/ 8 3/19 — 3/ 4 2/22 3 / 2 3/10 2/15 2/17 2/22 2/17 3/20 3/ 9 2 / 4 2/12 4/ 4 w w w w w Common Redpoll 2727 3 / 5 0 3/ 4 0 2/27 2 /2ft 2/27 0 " 0- Q 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pine Siskin — 1/26 — — 1/15 1 / 9 1/ 8 1/ 1 1/21 1/28 1/ 1 12/29 1/16 1/ 8 1/29 4/20 1/1.5 2/26 Rufous-sided Towh.ee 3/23 3/22 4/ 3 3/16 3/18 4/ 9 3/15 3/31 3/10 3/29 3/14 3/12 3/18 3/23 3/25 4/ 4 w 3/18 w 3/1.1 w Savannah Sparrow 3/23 3/15 — 3/28 3/20: — 4/ 6 — 3/ 8 — 3/ 9 3/ 4 4/ 2 3/28 .4/ 2 — — w w 3/Tl w Slate-colored Junco 3/ 4 3 / 5 w 2/19 W w 3/ 3 3/ 2 3/29 w W w — 3/31. w w w Fox Sparrow 3/10 3/ 8 3/ 7 2/21 3/ 4 3 / 5 3/21 3/ 4 3/ 3 3/ 1 3/ 1 2/2 6 2/29 3/ 3 3/12 — 37 4 0 w 3/11 w Song Sparrow 3/ 9 3 / 1 W w W 3/ 9 ■2/28 3/13 3/11 w W w — w w w w MARYLAND BIRDLIFE June 1972 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 77 Furthermore, its geographic location along the Appalachian divide puts it in the path of Mississippi Valley migrants that are progressively scarcer in the more eastern counties. Thus, despite the higher elevation many of the insectivorous species can he expected to arrive in Garrett County before they reach the Maryland Coastal Plain. I wish to thank all contributors who submitted material for this summary, and most especially those who contributed the great majority of arrival dates for the table: Garre tt County — Mrs. William Pope; Alleg any — James Paulus ; Washi ngton — Daniel Boone, Mrs. Lloyd Mallonee , Sue Stauffer; Frede rick — Dr. John W. Richards, Dr. Phyllida Willis, Paul Woodward; Balti more City and County — Mrs. Robert Kaestner, Mrs. Richard Cole, Haven Kolb, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bohanan, Mrs. Joshua Rowe; Howa rd — Mrs. Harry Rauth, Mrs. G. Colin Munro , Morris Collins, George Chase, Jo Solem; Montg omery — Paul Woodward, Mr. and Mrs. M. B. Donnald, Robert Warfield, Dr. Robert Pyle, H. E. Douglas, Dr. Fred Evenden, Robert Whitcomb, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rule; Prince Georges — Kathleen Klimkiewicz Danny Bystrak , Joan Lusby, Dr. Lawrence Murphy, Chandler Robbins, H. E. Douglas, John Fales ; Anne Arundel — Danny Bystrak, Prof, and Mrs. David Howard, Rena Bishop; Calve rt — John Fales; Kent — Mr. and Mrs. Edward Mendinhall , G. L. Gardner, Floyd Parks, Arlene Delario, Louise Ruhnka, Margery Plymire, Penny Moffit ; Carol ine — Mrs. A. J. Fletcher, Marvin Hewitt, Alicia Knotts, Ethel Engle; Talbo t — Jan Reese, Harry Armistead; Dorch ester — Charles Hills, Harry Armistead; Some rset — Mrs. Richard Cole, Charles Vaughn, David Holmes, Danny Bystrak, Jeff Ef finger; Worce ster — Richard Rowlett, Samuel H. Dyke. Grebes . Pied-billed Grebes wintered in open water on Maryland's Piedmont; 1 or 2 birds were seen in each month of the period on Tria- delphia Reservoir (Dorothy Rauth). Horned Grebes, apparently frozen out of lakes farther north, appeared on Jan. 30 on Deep Creek Lake (2 birds, Mrs. William Pope) and on the Potomac River near Sycamore Landing in Montgomery County (5 birds, Paul Woodward); 5 others were seen on Feb. 2 on the Potomac just below Old Town in Allegany County (James Paulus). None of these birds remained. An Eared Grebe, the second ever reported from Maryland, was carefully studied in Ocean City Inlet on Mar. l4_ (Carl W. Carlson) and Mar . l8 (Richard Rowlett). Shearwaters , Cormorants . A most extraordinary early spring obser- vation of a Cory’s Shearwater was made at Ocean City by Rowlett on Mar. 18; details will be published separately. Great Cormorants again win- tered at St. Georges Island near the mouth of the Potomac (Ed Schell, Tom Courtney, Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Baxter and others of the Southern Maryland Audubon Society). Herons , Egrets and Ibis . All of our breeding species except the Black-crowned Night Heron and Least Bittern were back from the south before the end of March in spite of the cold weather in the latter third of the month. The earliest arrivals were as follows: Green Heron at Irish Grove Sanctuary, Somerset County, on Mar. 21 (Terry Moore and V. Edwin Unger); Little Blue Heron and Cattle Egret at Ocean City and Snow Hill, respectively, on Mar. l8 (Rowlett); Common Egret at Blackwater 78 MARYLAND BIRDLIFB Vol. 28, No. 2 Refuge, Deal Island and Talbot County on Mar. 25 (Charles Hills, Jan Reese) ; Snowy Egret, 5 at Deal Island on Mar. 25 (Hills); Louisiana Heron, 2 at Deal Island on Mar. 25 (Hills); Yellow-crowned Night Heron at Lake Roland, Baltimore County, on Mar. 31 (Ann Wilder); and American Bittern and 50 Glossy Ibis at Deal Island on Mar. 25 (Hills). For the first time a Louisiana Heron spent the entire winter in Maryland; it was seen in all three months at the Assateague State Park entrance (Rowlett), An American Bittern apparently tried to winter near Bay Ridge Beach in Anne Arundel County, but was found freshly dead on Feb. l4 (Danny Bystrak); it seemed to have been shot. Swans . The first migration of Whistling Swans took place on Feb. 29 under encouragement of record-breaking warm temperatures ; a flock of 27 birds was seen at Old Town by Jim Paulus. The largest flight of the season was picked up in lower Chesapeake Bay early in the morning of Mar. 1 6 and tracked by Weather Service radar as the flocks proceeded up the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay (Robert L. Pyle). Observers in the path of the flight were notified by the Migratory Bird Populations Station, and sightings were made north to Frederick, Howard, Baltimore and Cecil Counties. A cold front approaching from the west terminated the migration, however, and the swans landed in Chesapeake Bay, in fields on the upper Eastern Shore, and a few went as far east as the Delaware River. Two adult Mute Swans, probably from adjacent Talbot County, pro- vided the first record from Kent County on Mar. 15 when they were observed on Eastern Neck Refuge (Rowlett). Geese . An abortive early migratory flight of Canada Geese left 4 birds stranded on the ice of Deep Creek Lake, Feb. 11 (Mrs. Pope). Not until a month later was there any major departure of geese. The Brant population remained very low through the winter. Snow Geese were reported from Dorchester, Talbot, and Caroline Counties and Baltimore City and County; the peak tally was l8o birds at Blackwater Refuge on Jan. 15 ( Armi stead ) . In Caroline County, where the Snow Goose is rarely seen, it was found at Tanyard on Mar. 19 (Ethel Engle) and at Martinak State Park on Mar. 30 (Marvin Hewitt). The Baltimore observations were of a flock of 100 migrants illuminated by the full moon at 9:45 p.m. on Mar. 27 over Park Avenue (Anne Tremearne) and a flock of 30 to 40 over Liberty Dam on Apr, 5 (William Hull). If anyone has' been puzzled by a Swan Goose that was at Woodlawn Cemetery in Baltimore on Feb. 16-23 (Hervey Brackbill), rest assured that it was not a wild bird — nor was the Egyptian Goose that frequented Lake Roland in mid-February (Stewart McLean). Ducks . General arrival of ducks in the Piedmont and the Ridge and Valley Section was during the warm snap of Feb. 29 — Mar. 2, whereas ■ arrivals at Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County were on Mar . 18-19 . The Harlequin Ducks that wintered at Ocean City Inlet reached the unprece- dented count of 5. (2 adult males, 1 immature male and 2 females) on Mar. 12, and the two adult males were still present at the end of the month (Rowlett). The two immature male Common Eiders that wintered at the Inlet were last seen on Feb. 20 (Rowlett) and Feb. 21 (Hills). The King Eider "flock" at the Inlet dwindled to 1 immature male, Jan. 25 — Feb. 20 (Rowlett and others). June 19 12 MARYLAND BIRD LIFE 79 Vultures , Hawks and Eagles . The first Black Vulture ever sighted in Allegany County was closely studied at Banner’s Overlook on Mar. 21 in company with Turkey Vultures (Paulus); in one hour on that date Mr. Paulus also counted 7 Sharp-shins, 8 Red-tails and k Red-shoulders. Bald Eagles were sighted in Dorchester, Talbot, Caroline, Prince Georges and Frederick Counties — the Frederick bird at Lilypons on Mar. 22 (Wood- ward) . An adult and an immature Golden Eagle wintered at Blackwater Refuge , and there was an immature at Remington Farms in Kent County on Jan. 17-18 (Rowlett and Paul DuMont). The only Goshawk observation was at Sandy Point State Park on the Mar. h Montgomery Chapter field trip (Rowlett, Dr. Harvey Mudd and others). Rails and Gall i nules . A Sora that was heard giving its whinny call in a small marsh at Berwyn Heights in Prince Georges County on Jan. 19, Feb. 7 and Feb. 25 was the first ever reported in Maryland away from tidewater in midwinter (Hills). An early Common Gallinule was found at Deal Island on Mar. 25 (Hills). A Clapper Rail studied on Jan. 6 at Sandy Point (Lawrence Murphy) represents the northernmost winter record for the State. Qystercatchers , Plovers and Turnstones . The first American Oyster- catcher was discovered at Ocean City on Mar. 11 (Bystrak, Holmes). The highest winter counts of Ruddy Turnstones were 8 birds at Assateague Island, Feb. 19-20 (Hills, Rowlett) and 12 there on Mar. 2k (Rowlett). Two Piping Plovers were seen at Ocean City on Mar. 11 (Bystrak, Holmes) and a record-high tally of U0_ was reported from the north end of Assateague Island in an early migration peak. Mar. l8 (Rowlett). Woodcock and Sandpipers . When the Woodcock migration actually began, nobody really knows. Birds were observed in courtship flight throughout the winter not only on the Coastal Plain, but also above Rocky Gorge Reservoir near Highland (Mrs. Harry Rauth). Certainly a major influx occurred during the warm spell of Feb. 29 — Mar. 2 (see Table l), and by Mar. 18 the species had reached Garrett County (Mrs. Pope). A wintering Willet and 2 Western Sandpipers were at Assateague on Feb. 19 (Hills), and a Knot was seen in the Ocean City area irregularly from that date to Mar. 18 (Rowlett, DuMont and others). A Lesser Yellowlegs on Mar. Jf at Fulton (Mrs. Rauth) broke the earliest Maryland arrival date . Gulls . The Chestertown Glaucous Gull was present throughout the period (Ruth Carroll and the Kent Junior Group); see the separate account elsewhere in this issue. This was the only Glaucous Gull reported in Maryland this winter. Bonaparte's Gulls wintered in larger numbers than usual (155-200 at Ocean City, Feb. 20 — Mar. 2^ by Rowlett), and this may have increased the chances of finding Black-headed and Little Gulls . Fifty Bonaparte's were at Bellevue on Jan. 15, a very high winter count for Talbot County (Armistead). The first 9 migrants were at Deep Creek Lake on Mar. 22 (Mrs. Pope). An adult Black-headed Gull (2 on Mar. 27) was with Bonaparte's at Ocean City Inlet throughout March (Carlson, Rowlett , Paul DuMont and others ) . The immature Little Gull that was seen on the Ocean City Christmas Count was still present at the jetty 80 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. 28, No, 2 at the end of March, and 2 adults were with it through this month (Carlson, Rowlett, Hills, and others). Dove s , Parrots . Mild weather stimulated early cooing of Mourning Doves, Jan. 22 at Laurel (Rohhins), and one bird in the Seneca area was incubating 2 eggs on the record date of Feb . 12 (David Stewart fi de E. T. McKnight). An unidentified parrot, possibly a Monk Parakeet, was seen at Sandy Point State Park from Jan. 6 on (Dr. Murphy, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Howe, and others). Because of the large number of parakeets and parrots being released and the possibility that some of them will become estab- lished and even become agricultural pests, we urge observers to report all sightings. Woodpeckers . Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers wintered in unusually large numbers ; as many as 5 individuals were found in 50 acres of floodplain forest at Columbia in January and February (Robbins). Flycatchers and Swallows . A freak record of an Eastern Kingbird was obtained at Old Town in Allegany County on Mar . 21, a full month ahead of schedule; the bird was carefully observed by Jim Paulus . The arrival date for the Tree Swallow was broken by one day on Feb . 21 when 10 birds were seen catching insects over the Potomac in the Seneca area (H. E. Douglas). The next report was from Washington County on Mar. 4 (Daniel Boone), and they did not reach Garrett County until Apr. 1 6 . An early Barn Swallow was at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center on Mar . IT 3 days ahead of the record (Danny Bystrak) , another early one was at Lilypons on Mar. 22 (Woodward), and on Mar . 30 , 3 very early birds had reached Garrett County (Mrs. Pope). Wrens , Thrashers , Pipits . A House Wren near Ellicott City on Feb. 12 is apparently the first February sighting for the Piedmont (Bystrak). A Catbird wintering on the Piedmont west of Beltsville on Feb. 12 was subsisting on natural foods (Robbins). A Brown Thrasher that arrived at a feeder at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center on Dec. l4 was last seen on Apr. 15 (Dr. Lucille Stickel). In the Baltimore area a Brown Thrasher wintered at the home of Mrs. Richard Cole in Towson, and another was present from November to at least Jan. IT at Hamilton (Harry Beck). Water Pipits are considered rare in the Piedmont in winter, but a flock of 40 remained in the Hughes Hollow area west of Seneca from at least Jan. 20 to Feb. 12; they were not seen after the late February snowfall (Woodward) . Waxwings , Shrikes . There were many reports of Cedar Waxwings , especially in the Baltimore-Laurel-Washington area, where flocks of 25 to 50 were present throughout the period. A Northern Shrike, the first ever identified in Kent County and the first seen in Maryland in 15 years was observed at Remington Farms in Kent County on Feb. 15-16 (Paul DuMont Ed Schell , Ray Teale and others ) . Warblers . A bumper crop of poison ivy berries resulted in an un- usual concentration of wintering Myrtle Warblers. This was the commonest species wintering along the floodplain of the Middle Patuxent River at June 1972 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 81 Columbia, with an average of 119 Myrtles per 100 acres in January and February (Robbins). A Yellow-breasted Chat, the only one of the period, was seen at Berwyn Heights on Jan. l 8 (Hills). Orioles . There was a rash of reports of wintering Baltimore Orioles highlighted by a flock of k at Gude's Nursery near Rockville on Feb. 22 (Rowlett). Single birds were seen in Chevy Chase, Jan. 29 (A. A. Baker); Adelphi , Jan. 1 6 (Brian Sharp); Laurel, Dec. 30 to Apr. 9 (Robbinses); and Baltimore, Jan. 2 (Elizabeth Simon); and 2 at Towson, Dec. 20 through January (Mrs. Cole). Dickcissels . Wintering Dickcissels were noted at Hamilton (Balti- more), Jan. 8 to Apr. 4 (Douglas Santoni); Cub Hill (Baltimore), Feb. 1 (Mrs. Markham); Highland, Feb. 20 (Dorothy Detwiler); Laurel, Feb. 20 to Apr. l 6 (George Robbins); and Chevy Chase, Feb. 1 to Mar. 2b (Mr. and Mrs. Edwin T. McKnight). Evening Grosbeaks . Arriving from the north in late December and early January, this species reached a peak in mid-January and then re- mained in all sections of Maryland in good numbers , gobbling up thousands of dollars worth of sunflower seeds at the expense of MOS members. Peak counts reported were: 325 at Cambridge, Feb. 12 (Rowlett); 166 banded during the period at Chevy Chase (Dr. Pyle); 150 at Taylors Island in Dorchester County, date not given ( fide William Hull); 123 at Old Town, Feb. 10 (Paulus); 115 at Blackwater Refuge, Jan. 15 (Armistead); and 103 at Cambridge, Feb, 12 (Hills). There were other counts of 50 or more birds at Chevy Chase, Highland, Laurel, Odenton, Baltimore and Greensboro Albinos were seen at feeders at Smithburg, Cooksville, Laurel and Loch Raven . Purple and House Finches . Purple Finch reports came primarily from the Baltimore-Laurel -Washington area, with most counts in the 5 to 20 range. The largest flock reported was of 37 birds on Mar. 23 near High- land (Mrs. Rauth), although Dr. Pyle banded 88 at Chevy Chase during the three-month period. The largest House Finch tally from each location was: 300 at Rockville, Feb. 15 (Carl Carlson); 100 at Randallstown, Jan. 5 (John R. Smith); and 8 to 12 at Knollwood (Baltimore), Columbia and Frederick. Five birds or fewer (or no count specified) were seen at Chevy Chase, Highland, Laurel, Denton and Cambridge. Redpolls . The first 40 Common Redpolls were seen near Dickerson on Feb, 15 (Woodward). Following the snow storm of the 19th there was a flurry of other reports from Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel, Prince Georges, Montgomery, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties as follows: 3 on the 22nd at Highland (Mrs. Rauth); 2 at Odenton on the 23rd (Ellen Gizzarelli); 50 at Wards Chapel in western Baltimore County on the 27th (Grace Naumann, Bertie MacGregor and Phyllis Ravesies); a maximum of 43 at Gude's Nursery on Feb. 27 (Paul DuMont, Robert Pyle and others); a flock of 250 at Dickerson on the 29th (Dr. Harvey Mudd); unspecified numbers in Washington County, Mar. k (Daniel Boone) and Garrett County, Mar. 5 (Mrs. Pope); 7 in Baltimore on Mar. 5 (Cary Beehler); 1 at Greenbelt , Mar. 11 (Hills); about 12 at Towson, Mar. l4-21 82 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol . 28, No. 2 {Mariana McHale); and 1 at Bethesda through Mar. 31 (Rowlett). There was also a record-breaking report on Apr . 8_ from Allegany County (Mrs. Pope). Reports of 1 or more Hoary Redpolls at Gude's Nursery could not be confirmed. Siskins and Crossbills . Pine Siskins were present in all parts of the State. Mrs. Pope banded 77 at Mountain Lake Park and Dr. Pyle banded 2l6 at Chevy Chase. Up to 23 were at a Greensboro feeder, Jan. 15 to Mar. 31 (Hewitt). The only Red Crossbills found were singles at Greenbelt on Jan. 3 (Hills) and at Gude's Nursery near Rockville on Jan. 19 (Rowlett). White-winged Crossbills trickled into Cecil, Baltimore, Prince Georges, Montgomery, and Allegany Counties, starting in mid-January. At Gude's Nursery they increased from 7 birds on Jan. 15-l6 (Carl Carlson and Paul DuMont) to 4o in February (Rowlett). There were 3 at Port Deposit on Jan. 17 (Mrs. Henry Roberts), 1 at Catonsville on Jan. 23 (John Cullom) , 2 at Kensington on Jan. 27, 8 at Beltsville on Jan.. 28 (John Fales) , 3 at Bethesda on Feb. 24, 2 near Old Town on Mar. 21 (Paulus), 2 at Chevy Chase on Mar. 23 (McKnights), and 1 in Allegany County on Apr. 8 (Mrs. Pope). Towhee , Sparrows . A Rufous-sided Towhee that attempted to winter at Mountain Lake Park was last seen on Jan. 28, having survived a mini- mum temperature of -l4° on the l6th. The first spring arrival was not noted there until Apr. 9 (Mrs. Pope). An Oregon Junco that had been dis- covered by Rowlett in Rockville in February was collected on Mar. 13 to become the only extant Maryland specimen of this difficult-to-identify species (Robbins). The first non-wintering Song Sparrows arrived at the Mountain Lake Park banding station on the Mar. 1 heat wave (Mrs. Pope). Longspurs and Snow Buntings . Paul Woodward found 2 Lapland Long- spurs near Buckeystown in Frederick County on Feb. l4. Snow Buntings were missing from Sandy Point this winter, but single individuals were seen in Prince Georges County at Hyde Field west of Andrews Air Force Base on Mar. 4 (Hills) and in Frederick County, flying over Lilypons , on the late date of Mar. 15 (Woodward) — a fitting climax to an exciting season. U. S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Laurel O ACCIDENTAL POISONING OF PINE SISKINS AT A FEEDING STATION Alice S. Kaestner In late March, 1972, a call came from Capt . Robert Morris of Carroll County inquiring as to whether there had been any report of sick or dead Pine Siskins. Although I had had numerous reports of siskins during the winter and spring, I had heard of no casualties. Mr. Morris said that he had fed about 1,000 Pine Siskins (Spinus pinus) and 500 American Goldfinches (S,. tristis) and they had eaten a ton of sunflower seeds that he had had cracked at the mill for easier eating by these small finches . June 1972 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 83 Several of the siskins had died. He took some of the specimens to Dr. Louis Locke at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, and Dr. Locke sent them to the University of Maryland for further analysis. Their report was that death was caused by salmonella. Mr. Morris was advised not to have seed cracked in the future as the fallen seed tends to mold and become contaminated, particularly when such a large m int, accumulates. 6005 Lakehurst Drive, Baltimore O COMMITTEES FOR 1972-73 AUDITING COMMITTEE John Wanuga, Chairman, Ronald A. Nevius , Marvin Hewitt BUDGET COMMITTEE Edwin T. McKnight, Chairman (0L2-1107), Elwood L. Fisher, Charles N. Mason, W. Gordon MacGregor, H. Edmund Stiles BY-LAWS COMMITTEE Rodney B. Jones, Chairman (1*86-31+1*2), A. MacDonough Plant, Barclay Tucker CONSERVATION CHAIRMAN Mrs. Elizabeth K. Hartline (592-8l62) NOMINATING COWITTEE Carl Carlson, Chairman (530-0688), LCDR Anthony White, V. Edwin Unger, William N. Shirey, Mrs. Emily C. Morris PUBLICATIONS Chandler S. Robbins, Editor (FA5-H76), C. Douglas Hackman, Asst. Editor SANCTUARY COMMITTEE V. Edwin Unger, State Chairman ( 75 I+-S 82 O), Box 55, Federalsburg 21632 Dickson J. Preston, State Vice-Ch. , RFD 5, Box 707, Easton 2l601 Carey Run Sanctuary Cormittee Mrs. C. Gordon Taylor, Chairman (689-6791), 75 Broadway, Frostburg 21532 John B. Willetts, Vice-Ch., Route 1, Box 29, Frostburg 21532 Rock Run Sanctuary Corrmittee John R. Tomlinson, Chairman, Route 2, Box 75, Aberdeen 21001 Rodney B. Jones, Vice-Ch., 207 Oak Ave., Baltimore 21208 Mill Creek Sanctuary Committee Robert Sharp II, Chairman, R.F.D. 1, Easton 21601 Robert K. Price, Vice-Ch., Teal Point, Route 1, Easton 21601 Irish Grove Sanctuary Cormittee Robert Heatwole , Chairman, 803 Alvin Ave., Salisbury, Md. 21801 Charles Vaughn, Vice-Ch., 1306 Frederick Ave., Salisbury 21801 "Adventure " Mrs. Morrill B. Donnald, Ch. (299-681*0), 11501 So. Glen Rd. , Potomac 2085 I+ Chandler S. Robbins, Vice-Ch., 7900 Brooklyn Bridge Rd. , Laurel 20810 Qk MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. 28, No. 2 OUR SPECIAL THANKS TO MILDRED F, COLE Shirley Geddes Since its beginning, the Maryland Ornithological Society has been very fortunate in having many devoted and talented members. Of these Miss Mildred Cole, our recently retired Executive Secretary, stands out. Miss Cole came to Maryland from Massachusetts after the death of her brother, Richard D. Cole, who was president of the Maryland Ornithological Society when he died in 1957- From her association with Gladys Cole her interest grew and she agreed to become the Executive Secretary in 1962. At this time we were a society of ten chapters with approximately six hundred members . At her retirement , we had thirteen chapters and a membership of nearly two thousand. The duties of the Executive Secretary are many and as our membership increased so did the hours of her labor, but she carried us along smoothly without complaint, with her quiet efficiency. Every member has benefited from her generous contribution, which in- cluded a large share of the typing of Maryland Birdlife. We extend to Miss Cole our true and sincere thanks and wish her happiness for years to come. 503 Overbrook Road, Baltimore ★ REPORT OF THE INVESTMENT COMMITTEE The Investment Committee named below was appointed immediately after the first Trustees' Meeting of MOS at Ocean City in May 1971. However, the Committee did not become active until the Society received a large bequest in late December. Until this time, the Society's funds were in- vested in bank savings accounts . The Investment Committee has reviewed the financial situation of the Society in detail. In order to make possible the proper use of funds, a flexible arrangement has been agreed upon, by which some funds which are expected to be used in a relatively short time will be invested in Savings and Loan Associations which yield a fairly high interest rate, and those funds which are in endowment or other relatively long-term arrangements will be invested in corporate bonds, expected to yield about 71/2 per- cent. The Helen Miller Scholarship funds are in the latter group. Considerable effort has gone into deciding upon principles concern- ing investment of the Society's funds. The purpose of the principles is to assure that an orderly arrangement will exist following the various investments which the Society must make. The Investment Committee also determines the manner and extent of investment of funds through these principles . June 1972 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 85 A final objective of the Committee has been to assist the Sanctuary Committee to interpret the will of a donor whose bequest failed to devise the property in a manner to be easily understood. A special committee has made a report which will be considered by the Trustees. A decision of the Trustees will be necessary to make proper disposition of the funds . The Investment Committee welcomes comments from members, and will continue to function as needed to provide the Society with the best in- vestment s pos s ible . Elting Arnold, Chairman A. J. Fletcher, MOS Treasurer R. Taylor McLean Charles M. Buchanan oo COMING EVENTS NORMAL MONTHLY MEETING SCHEDULE — But Check Program for Exceptions Allegany : 3rd Wednesday 7:30 p.m. Anne Arundel : 1st Friday 8:00 p .m. Baltimore : irregular Caroline : 3rd Friday 7:30 p .m. Frederick : 1st Thursday 7:30 p.m. Harford : 1st Friday Dinner Kent : 1st Wednesday Montgomery: 3rd Thursday 8:00 p.m. Patuxent : 4th Tuesday 7:45 p.m. Talbot : 3rd Wednesday 8:00 p .m. Washington: 4th Tuesday Wicomico : 4th Monday 8:00 p.m. Board of Education Bldg. , Cbld. Anne Arundel Co. Library, Apis. See Program Caroline Co. Library, Denton Winchester Hall, E. Church St. Churchville Presbyterian Church Inquire about place and time Perpetual Building Auditorium, 7401 Wisconsin Ave . , Bethesda St. Philips Episcopal. Church, 6th & Main Sts., Laurel Christ Church Parish House, Easton Asbury Methodist Church, Salisbury Aug. 26 ANNE ARUNDEL Monthly Meeting. Pot Luck Supper at Thomas Point. Sept. -Oct. IRISH GROVE SANCTUARY Banding Studies. Phone 1-623-4391 Sept. -Oct. DAMSITE Banding Station in daily operation. Phone 778-0826 Wednesdays BALTIMORE Classes in banding as weather permits. Phone 821-9225 Sept. 6 KENT Regular Meeting. Sept. 7 FREDERICK Monthly Meeting. "Water is Life" by Richard Stambaugh. 7 BALTIMORE walk at Lake Roland, 9 a.m. Mrs. William Gerringer. 9 FREDERICK field trip to Sugarloaf Mountain. 9 BALTIMORE Market Day at Cylburn Park. Mrs. Francis C. Lang. 10 ALLEGANY Open House at Carey Run Sanctuary. Covered dish, 4 p.m. 11 BALTIMORE & MONTGOMERY trip to Sycamore Landing Turf Farm, 8:30. 15 CAROLINE Monthly Meeting. Wildflowers , by Paul Bystrak. 17 TALBOT Breakfast Hike. Hosts, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Freeland. 20 BALTIMORE Fall Dinner Meeting. Antarctic Adventure, K.H.Borkovish. 20 TALBOT Monthly Meeting. Slides of Local Birds by Poke Galt. 86 MARYLAND BIRD LIFE Vol. 28, No. 2 Sept. 21 21 22- 24 23 23 23- 24 24 24 24 26 30 30 Oct . 1 2 4 4 5 5 5 6 T 7-9 8 8 12 14 14 14 14 14-15 15 15 15 18 18 19 20 20 21 21 21-23 22 22 24 28 28-29 29 Nov. 1 2 3 8 8 MONTGOMERY Monthly Meeting . Hawks by Chandler Robbins . BALTIMORE walk at Lake Roland, 9 a.m. Mrs. William Gerringer. BALTIMORE trip to Cape May with N.J. Audubon. Phone 825-2175 ALLEGANY Hawk Watch at Banner's Overlook. 9 a.m. ANNE ARUNDEL trip to Col. Bodenstein ' s , 7:30 a.m. E. Gizzarelli. MONTGOMERY trip to Cape May, N. J. FREDERICK trip to Lilypons Fish Ponds. BALTIMORE trip to Horsehead Woods on McDonogh Rd, 9 a.m. TALBOT Breakfast Hike. Hosts, Dr. and Mrs. J. T. B. Ambler. PATUXENT Monthly Meeting. "Milpas , Motmots, and Mayas" Erv Klaas ANNE ARUNDEL trip to Hancock’s Resolution, 7:45 a.m. R. Heise. BALTIMORE trip to Loch Raven for ducks and fall warblers, 8 a.m. TALBOT Breakfast Hike. Hostess: Mrs. Dolores Reese. TALBOT Audubon Wildlife Film, "Exploring Big Bend," Hotchkiss. ANNE ARUNDEL trip to Rolling Ridge Farm, Davidsonville , 8:30 a.m. KENT Monthly Meeting. Little Cumberland Is., Ga. by F. Keer BALTIMORE walk at Lake Roland, 9 a.m. Mrs. Martin Larrabee. BALTIMORE walk at Soldiers Delight, 1 p.m. Mrs. Elmer Worthley. FREDERICK Monthly Meeting. Films: Garden Birds, Water Birds. ANNE ARUNDEL Monthly Meeting. Birds of Prey of Northeastern U.S. ALLEGANY walk, C & 0 Canal. Meet 9 a.m. at North Branch (PPG). MONTGOMERY trip to Nags Head, North Carolina. TALBOT Breakfast Hike. Hosts: Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Robinson. BALTIMORE trip to South Mt. & vicinity. 7 a.m. C. Douglas Hackman KENT Audubon Film "Small World" by Fran William Hall. PATUXENT trip to Hancock's Resolution. Banding by Danny Bystrak. HARFORD trip to Brigantine National Wildlife Refuge, N.J. FREDERICK trip to Reich's Ford Road. STATE Trustees' Meeting, Carey Run Sanctuary, 12 noon. ANNE ARUNDEL trip to Hawk Mt . Sanctuary, Pa. Gene Levitt. ALLEGANY trip to Walden Farm, 12:45 p.m. at Rt 40 & Beans Cove. TALBOT Breakfast Hike. Hosts: Mr. and Mrs. James G. Schmidt. MONTGOMERY trip to Hughes Hollow for beginners. ALLEGANY Monthly Meeting. Birds of Western US & Europe, Johnson. TALBOT Monthly Meeting. Antarctic Adventure by V. Edwin Unger. MONTGOMERY Monthly Meeting. Members' Night. BALTIMORE Audubon Film "Small World" by Fran William Hall. CAROLINE Monthly Meeting. Antarctic Adventure by V. Edwin Unger. BALTIMORE trip to Bombay Hook and Little Creek, Del. 7 a.m. ANNE ARUNDEL Youth Trip to Deer Creek State Park, 8:30 a.m. MONTGOMERY trip to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Pa. FREDERICK trip to Camp Greentop on Catoctin Mountain. TALBOT Breakfast Hike. Hosts: Mr. and Mrs. William B. Plate. PATUXENT Monthly Meeting. Alaskan Canoe Trails by Wayne Boden. ANNE ARUNDEL trip to Bombay Hook Refuge, 7:30 a.m. Tony White. BALTIMORE trip to Irish Grove Wildlife Sanctuary. Mrs. G. Cole. MONTGOMERY trip to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Del. KENT Monthly Meeting. Speaker to be announced. FREDERICK Monthly Meeting. Slides, Rick Warfield, Augie Selckmann ANNE ARUNDEL Monthly Meeting. Banding pictures by W. Bodenstein. TALBOT Monthly Meeting. Naming of Our Birds by Donald Ross. KENT Audubon Film "The Living Jungle" by Greg McMillan. June 1972 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 87 Nov. 10 11 lb 11 11-12 15 15 1 6 17 18 18 18 19 26 26 Dec . 1 1 2 3 >* 6 7 6 9 9 9 9-H 21 Dec. l6 16 17 17 17 17 17 23 26 26 27 28 29 30 31 31 Jan. 1 1 BALTIMORE Members' Meeting. Bird Identification by Silhouette etc. BALTIMORE trip to Blackwater Refuge & Elliott Is. 9:30 a.m. BALTIMORE meeting. Maryland Conservation Concerns. 8 p.m. FREDERICK trip to Tresselt's Fish Ponds. ANNE ARUNDEL trip to Irish Grove Wildlife Sanctuary. Pat Flory. ALLEGANY Annual Banquet. Holiday Inn, 6 p.m. TALBOT Audubon Wildlife Film "Beavers, Water, and Wildlife." MONTGOMERY Monthly Meeting. Duck Identification by Paul DuMont. CAROLINE Monthly Meeting. Summer birds of Poland, C.S. Robbins. PATUXENT field trip. For destination see Laurel News-Leader. HARFORD trip to Eastern Neck Refuge and Remington Farms. ANNE ARUNDEL trip to Sandy Point State Park, 7:45 a.m. L. Flyger. BALTIMORE trip to Perry Point and Rock Run Sanctuary, 8 a.m FREDERICK trip to Baker Park and Braddock Heights. TALBOT trip to Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge. BALTIMORE Audubon Wildlife Film, "Beavers, Water, and Wildlife." ANNE ARUNDEL Monthly Meeting. Chesapeake Eagles by Jackson Abbott. ANNE ARUNDEL Youth Trip to Cylburn Park, 8:30. Richard Heise. BALTIMORE trip to Sandy Point and Kent Island. Meet at Sandy Point State Park entrance, 9:15 a.m. David Holmes. TALBOT Audubon Wildlife Film, "Antillean Adventure" by Donald S. Heintzelman. Easton High School, 8 p.m. ANNE ARUNDEL trip to Sandy Pt . Meet at Anglers, Rt . 50, 8:30 a.m. FREDERICK Annual Dinner Meeting, Jefferson Community Center, 6 p.m. Penguins of the Antarctic by V. Edwin Unger. KENT Monthly Meeting. Plan for the Christmas Bird Count. ANNE ARUNDEL trip to Cove Point . Meet at Parole Plaza Parking Lot , Riva Rd. entrance, 7:45 a.m. John & Helen Ford. HARFORD trip to Perry Point. MONTGOMERY trip to Cape Henlopen , Del. and Ocean City, Md. BALTIMORE trip to Nags Head, N.C. T.H.C. Slaughter, 825-8354. MONTGOMERY Monthly Meeting. Wildlife Film to be announced. ★ CHRISTMAS COUNTS Allegany County. James Paulus (395-5178), C. Fergueson (729-3503). Denton. A. J. Fletcher, Rt. 1, Box 201, Denton 21629 (1+79-1529). Garrett County. Mrs. Wm. Pope (334-4908), D. Bystrak (672-4871). Lower Kent County. Contact G. L. Gardner (778-3193). St. Michaels, Talbot County. Jan Reese (7*+5-226l). Salisbury, Wicomico County. Charles Vaughn (742-7221). Seneca, Md.-Va. Dr. J. William Oberman (202-333-6315). Triadelphia Reservoir. Contact Danny Bystrak (672-4871). Southern Dorchester Co. (Blackwater). C. S. Robbins (725-1176). Catoctin Mountain. Dr. John W. Richards, Emmitsb'g (447-4006). Crisfield, incl. Irish Grove Sanctuary. Charles Vaughn (742-7221). Chincoteague Refuge, Va. Frederic R. Scott, Richmond (282-2666). Ocean City. C. S. Robbins (home 725-1176, office 776-4880). Baltimore. Contact David Holmes (730-7083). Annapolis and Gibson Island. Prof. Harold Wierenga (268-1674). Washington County. Mrs. Frances Cutchall, 1847 Va. Ave., Hag'n. Rock Run, Harford & Cecil Cos. Dr. Edgar E. Folk (642-6591). Point Lookout. So. Md. Audubon Soc., Edward H. Schell (645-4l83). 88 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol ■ 28, No. 2 SUGGESTIONS TO AUTHORS Deadline for receipt of manuscripts is the first day of the month preceding the month of issue. The only exception is Annual Reports of Chapter Presidents and State Committee Chairmen, which are due at the Annual Meeting (second Saturday in May) for publication in the June issue. Bird observations for the January, February, March April, May, June July, August, September October, November, December Season reports are due as follows: Submit in April For June issue Submit in July For September issue Submit in October For December issue Submit in January For March issue Manuscripts should preferably be typed, J2_ strokes per line, and double-spaced. Photos should be in sharp focus with good contrast; name of photographer must be included, and date if available. CONTENTS, JUNE 1972 Glaucous Gull Winter Resident at Chestertown Margery Plymire 43 Report of State-wide Bird Count, May 6, 1972 C. Douglas Hackman 45 The President's Page: Martins and the Hurricane Lawrence Zeleny 5 6 Chapter Presidents, 1972-73 58 Minutes of the Annual Meeting, May 13, 1972 Alta Gras 59 Annual Report of the Treasurer A. J. Fletcher 6 2 Report of the Auditing Committee Auditing Committee 63 Annual Reports of Local Chapters Chapter Presidents 64 Osprey Conference Gil Fernandez 74 The Season — January, February, March, 1972 Chandler S. Robbins 75 Accidental Poisoning of Pine Siskins at Feeder Alice S. Kaestner 82 Committees for 1972-73 83 Our Special Thanks to Mildred F. Cole Shirley Geddes 84 Report of Investment Committee Investment Comm. 84 Coming Events 85 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Published Quarterly by the Maryland Ornithological Society, Inc. to Record and Encourage the Study of Birds of Maryland. Editor * Chandler S. Robbins, Migratory Bird Populations Station, Laurel, Md. 20810 Asst. Editors C. Douglas Hackman, 3033 Woodside Ave. Balto., 21234 Art Editors William N. Schneider Productions Gladys Cole, Roraell Decker, Janet Ganter, Frances Zapf Mailings Barbara Larrabee and committee ANTA Mu eW[L ARIA OPEN ALL YEAR 101 ROOMS On the Ocean at 15th Street Ocean City, Md. 21842 MOTOR HOTEL Catering to Small Conventions & Banquets •SWIMMING POOL •ELEVATOR •DINING ROOM •AIR-CONDITIONED & HEATED Phone ATiantic 9-7192