f V MARYLAND BIRDLIFE ^Bulletin of the ^Maryland Ornitko logical Society mot Bolton Street, Baltimore tj, ^Maryland ~\ J Volume 11 JUNE 1955 Number 2 TH3 MARYLAND ORNITHOLOGICAL 30CI3TY 2101 Bolton Street, Baltimore 17 » Md. State President: Richard L. Kleen, St. Michaels, Md. State Secretary: Richard D. Cols, 625 Valley Lane, Towson 4, Md. State Treasurer: A. J. Fletcher, Route 1, Denton, Md. First Vice President: Mrs. Beulah Compton, Hood College, Frederick, Md Second Vice Presidents: John Workme later, tt'lmar G. Worthley, Dr. H. G. Tanner, Gsorge Drumm, Marvin W. Hewitt, W. Bryant Tyrrell, Dr. Thomas Ambler LOCAL UNITS Allegany County Bird Club Harford County Bird Club Baltimore Club of M. 0. S. Caroline County Bird Club Fie de rick Branch, M. 0. S. Takoma Park Nature Society Talbot County Bird Club Active membership (including Maryland Blrdllfe and membership In one of the local units) |2.00 Out-of-state membership (Maryland Blrdllfe only) §1.00 CONTENTS June - 1955 Additional Birds of Caroline County Kenneth B. Corbett 19 1954 County 3ird Lists Charles M. Buchanan 22 Three -brooded Cardinals Harvey Brackbill 29 A Christmas Trip to Mexico John H. Kaufmann 30 Baltimore Club. Trips, iy54 Summary 3lmer G. Worthley 31 September - October 1955 events 32 C0V2R: Common Tern. Photograph by Charles J. Stine, Jr. HEADINGS: By Irving 3 . Harape MARYLAND BIR D"L I FS Published Quarterly by the Maryland Ornithological Society to Record and uncourage the Study of Birds in Maryland Tdltor: Chandler S. Robbins, Patuxent Refuge, Laurel, Md. Art 3dltor: Irving i; . Hampe Production: Howard Dean, Charles J. Stine, Jr., Marylou Travis, James Travis, Jean Worthley, Timer Worthley MARYLAND BIRDLIFE aroi 'Bolton Street, Baltimo re i-j, ^Maryland Volume 11 JUNE 1955 Number 2 ADDITIONAL BIRDS OF CAROLINE COUNTY, MARYLAND Kenneth B. Corbett The following is a supplement to "A List of the Bi^ds of Caroline County, Maryland"by grazer G. Poole, Bulletin Natural History Society of Maryland , 12 (A): 51-56 and 56-58, T9^2^ These notes are selected from the writer’s records of sight observations made during irregular visits to Caroline County from 1956 through April, 1955, these visits having been less frequent and of shorter duration in the more recent years. Certain impressions or opinions have been formed concerning the occurrence of birdB in the area but, owing to the irregularity of the observations and in the Interest of accuracy, specific dates and localities are given and no attempt to establish the seasonal and numerical status of the several species is made. The area covered consists principally and roughly of a circle having a radius of about two miles centered on the Adam S, Holsinger farm located on the back or '’river' 1 road from Denton to Ridgely about midway between these townB. This supplement adds 37 new species and one subspecies to the llA species recorded by Poole. As with Poole’s list, this supplement "is as authentic and certain as possible, any doubtful records having been omitted. " COKKCN LOON. April 11, 1950 — one bird was seen on the Choptanl* River just north of the railroad bridge at Denton. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. June 2 to 4, 1950 — one adult was seen several times over the cnoptank River at Downs' Wharf. WHISTLING SWAN. April 5, 1952 — one pair on the Choptank River about one mile above the Denton bridge. CANADA GOOSE. "April 5, 1952 — eight birds were on the C.noptank River together with the above species. Flights of geese &.. ring migra- tion periods were noted a number of times but were not specifically recorded. BALDPATE. April 7, 1951 — three males and four females were feeding a hd resting on the Choptank River opposite Downs' Wharf. BLUE-WINGED TEAL. September 19, 20, 1953 — two pairs were ob- served on the Choptank River at Wilson’s Mill. SHOVELLER. April 7 , 1951 — two males and several females were mingling with Baldpa^es opposite Downs' Wharf. LESSER SCAUP DUCK. January 12, 1952 — bIx birds were on the Choptank River opposite Downs' Wharf. On April 5, 1952 several were mingling with the Whistling Swans and Canada Geese on the Choptank River about one mile above the Denton bridge. 20 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. 11, No. 2 OLD-SQUAW, April 5, 1952 -- one male with the other waterfowl on the Choptank River about one mile above the Denton bridge, WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, April 5, 1952 — a male flew upstream past the other waterfowl on the Choptank River about one mile above the Denton bridge, AFRICAN MERGANSER. April 7, 1951 — six birds flew upstream past Downs' Wharf very low over the Choptank River and alighted on the water about opposite Wilson's Mill, On March 15, 1954 several of this species v/ere scattered on the Choptank River about one mile above the Denton bridge. BLACK VULTURE. January 20, 1951 — one bird flying over the Choptank River and woods opposite Downs' Wharf. BROAD-WINGED HAWK. April 21, 1946 — while at Downs' Wharf, I watched an aerial "dog-fight 11 lasting about one minute between a small and a much larger unidentified hawk. After the fight the smaller hawk swooped low. over me and it proved to be this species. On April 21, 1949 one pair was found in the same location and while their actions suggest- ed nesting, a nest could not be found. BALD EAGLE. May 3, 1940 — one adult at Downs' Wharf. June 3 and 4, 1950 — one adult each day across the Choptank River from Dorms' Wharf. On May 2, 1953 one adult soared over Camp Mardela which is two miles south of Denton. An interesting sidelight of this last observa- tion is that Dr. John Price of the North Museum was lecturing at the time along a nature trail to a conference of camp directors on how to make the best use of nature trails by taking advantage' of opportunities as they arise. PIGEON HAWK. March 18, 1942 — one bird in a clearing in the woods just north of Dovms' Wharf. Another bird was found on the Adam S, Holsinger farm on March 13, 1954. COOT. April 22, 1949 — a single bird was on the Choptank River just north of Downs' Wharf. UPLAND PLOVER. April 20, 1949 — one bird on the Adam S. Holsinger farm. July 3 to 5, 1954 — five or six at the same spot as the 1949 observation. SOLITARY SANDPIPER. May 10, 1941 — several birds on the mudflats which were formerly the bottom of the dam at Wilson's Mill. GREATER YELLOW-LEGS. May 3, 1940 — several on the mudflats which formerly were the bottom of the dam at 'Wilson's Mill. April 21, 22, 1949 and April 7, 1951 — several birds on each date on the mud banks of the Choptank River opposite Downs' Wharf. LESSER YELLOY/-LEGS . May 3, 1940 — several individuals associated with the preceding soecies on the mudflats which formerly were the bot- tom of the dam at Wilson's Mill. April 7, 1951 — three birds were seen about the mud banks of the Choptank River opoosite Downs’ Wharf. , Sept- ember 19, 20, 1953 — four of this species oh the bottom of the old dam at Wilson! s Mill. COMMON TERN. September 19, 20, 1953 —several birds over the Choptank River at Wilson’s Mill. BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. August 25, 1946 — one bird in Greensboro cemetery. June 30, 1951 « one along the edge of the woods at the back of the Adam S. Holsinger farm. June 1955 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 21 ACADIAN FLYCATCHER. May 3, 1940 — a single bird In the woods Immediately about Downs’ Wharf. PRAIRIE HORNED LARK. June 28 to July 4, 1943 -- six birds were seen several times on the Adam s, Holsinger farm but no nest or young were found. April 24, 1955 — about eight Individuals in company with a flock of American Pipits were found In the same location. FISH CROW. The author haB many records of this species along the Choptank River above Denton bridge In the months of January through June In a number of years but none In any later month of the year. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. January 12, 1952 — several birds In the woods In the immediate vicinity of Downs' Wharf. LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN. June 2, 1950 — one bird In the swamp near the end of the macadam on the "river" road to Ridgely about one- half mile north of Denton bridge. VEERY. May 3, 1940 — several birds In the woods, at the back of the Adam S. Holsinger farm. AMERICAN PIPIT. November 26, 1936 — a sizeable company in the open fields at the intersection of routes 312 and 313 (Baltimore Cor- ner). April 24, 1952 — about- twenty birds associated with Horned Larks In a plowed field on the Adam S. Holsinger farm. BLUE-HEADED VIREO. April 20, 1949 — one bird on the Adam S. Holsinger farm, YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER. April 21, 1949 — one bird In the woods at Downs' Wharf on the Choptank River. NORTHERN WATER-THRUSH. . May 10, 1941 — one bird in the woods be- tween Downs' Wharf and Wilson's Mill. September 19, 1953 -- one bird near Wilson's Mill. KENTUCKY WARBLER. June 2, 1950 — one bird on the Adam S. Holsinger. farm, BLUE GROSBEAK. June 29, 1939 — four birds, all males in adult plumage, were seen on the Adam S. Holsinger farm, August 17, 1946 — one pair in adult plumage on the edge of the woods on the same farm. May 30, 1952 — one pair in the same location. PURPLE FINCH. May 3, 1940 — a small group along the "river" road from Denton to Ridgely. March 18, 1942 — a small company on the Adam S. Holsinger farm. November 25, 1945 — several birds along the "river" road from Denton to Ridgely. SAVANNAH SPARROW. April 20, 1949* April 9, 1950; April 24, 1955 —numbers varying from several to about thirty birds, all seen on the Adam S. Holsinger farm. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. January 12, 1952 — several immature birds in the woods about Downs* Wharf. December 6, 1953 — several adult birds associated with White-throated Sparrows in the woods at the back of the Adam S. Holsinger faro. SWAMP SPARROW April 4, 1947 — several birds on the Adam 3. Holsinger farm. North Museum, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, pa. 22 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. 11, No. 2 1954 COUNTY BIRD LISTS Charles M. Buchanan The year 1954 was the first one In which observers throughout the State were asked to submit, for purposes of comparison, county lists of birds seen during the year. Because this project did not come Into being and was not announced until the spring of 1954, it may be that some ob- servers were unable to send in complete records. For this reason, and because some counties are not covered by people all year 'round, the total species counts for several counties are well below what they should be. Maryland's 23 counties are arranged from west, to east and north to south in the table,, to show the effects of the State's geography on its bird distribution. For example, warblers, in general become less well represented from northwest to southeast, with the exception of the Yellow- throated and Swainson’s Warblers, birds with distinctly southern affini- ties. It can be seen also that the scarcer' flycatchers have a strong tendency to avoid the Eastern shore. And the penetration of southern herons Into Maryland can be compared to the distribution of the other members of the family. One of the primary aims of this compilation Is to develop a distri- bution pattern. Admittedly, this is a difficult task with only 1954* s records at hand. It is obvious that all but the top few counties would be represented with much larger lists if they had resident observers working on a year 'round basis. Also, there Is a good. deal to be gained from comparison with prior years' records, and of course this is only the beginning of such a build-up of records. Another difficulty in shaping a distribution pattern is that so far there Is no provision for making a distinction between nesting birds and migrating birds, a fact hard to re- concile when considering the changes that occur between Garrett county and the Atlantic Ocean, as an example, the Alder Flycatcher under Balti- more County is not a transient as might be supposed, but represents an eastward extension of the bird's breeding range in Maryland. Several things could be mentioned, however, that might not be imme- diately obvious to the reader. The winter of 1954-55 was noted for the numbers and variety of Irregular northern migrants which came into Mary- land. For example, note the Goshawk In Frederick and Washington Coun- ties, the saw-whet Owl In 5 counties, the Brown-capped Chickadee record, the Red-breasted Nuthatch in 15 counties, the Northern Shrike in Anne Arundel and Garrett Counties, the Evening Grosbeak in 12 counties, the Pine Grosbeak in 5 counties, each crossbill in 3 counties, and of course the Black -capped chickadees well distributed throughout the state. On the other hand, the snowy owl was seen only in Anne Arundel county. It might be of some interest to see how frequently some of the sand- pipers bum up In inland counties on migration. It's not surprising to see the Spotted sandpiper listed in 19 counties or the Solitary in 14, but both the Least sandpiper and the semlpalmated sandpiper were seen in 13 counties. The Lesser Yellow-legs shoWB a wider distribution than the last three birds mentioned, having been seen in 16 counties. From the table following it will be seen that Worcester County leads the State with 245 species. Maryland's only ocean-front county, It is thoroughly worked over from Ocean City and vicinity to the pocomoke swamp by many people several times a year, and this is sufficient to credit It with the most species. Anne Arundel county, with active birding people both at Annapolis and Gibson Island and a fine location for migrating Jhne 1955. MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 23 G A MFC B H H M p A c c s c K Q C T D it s V T a 1 a r 1 a a 0 0 r n V h t e e u a a 0 i o 0 o r 1 a e 1 1 r w n i n t a M c n e r 1 r c m r t Common Loon X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 16 Red-throated Loon X X X X 4 Holboell's Grebe X 1 Horned Grebe X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 15 Pied-bllled Grebe X X X ?c X ;; X x; X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 Leach's Petrel X 1 Gannet X X 2 Double-cr. Cormorant X X X X X X X X X X X 11 Great Blue Heron X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 American Epxet X X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 3nowy £&ret X X X X V Wk ’5 Louisiana Heron X X 2 Little Blue Heron X X X X X X X X X X 10 Green Heron X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 21 Black-cr. Ni«ht Heron X X X X X X X X X X X X 12 Yellow-cr. Night Heron X ~r American Bittern X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 15 Least Bittern X X X X X X X X 8 Whistling Swan X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 17 Dana da Goose X X ?c X X X ?i X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 American Brant X X X 3 Snow Goose X X X X 4 Blue Goose X X X 3 Mallard X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 23 Black Duck X X X X X X X X X x X X X X X X V X Y X X X 22 Gad wall X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 European Widgeon X X 2 Baldpate X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 18 Pintail X X X X X X X X Y X X X X X X X x 17 European Teal X 1 Green-winged Teal X X X X X X X X X X X X S*. 13 Blue-winged Teal X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 15 Shoveller X X X X X X X X X X X 11 Wood IXick X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 Redhead X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 15 Ring-necked Duck X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 16 Canvasback X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 17 Greater Scaup Duck X X X X X X X X X 9 Lesser Scaup Duck X X X X X V X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 American Golden-eve X X pv X X X X X X X X ■v X X X X X x 7 Buffle-head X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 18 Old- squaw X X X X X X X X X X X X 12 White-winged Scoter X X X X X X X X 8 Surf Scoter X X X X X X X 7 American Scoter X X X V X X 6 Ruddy Duck X X X X X X X X V :: X X X X X 17 Hooded Merganser X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 American Merganser X X X X X X X V X X X X X X X X X X 18 Red-breast. Merganser X X X X Y X X X X X X X 13 Turkey Vulture X X X s X Si Si Si Si X V X X X X X X X Y X V X X 23 Black Vulture X X X X X X Y X X x X X X X X X V X l8 Goshawk X X 2 Sharp- shinned Hawk X X X X X X X X A. W- -V X X X X X X 20 Cooper's Hawk X X jI X X X X X X X X V X A 3C X X X X 19 Red-tailed Hawk _ X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ,x X X 21 Red- shouldered Hawk X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X zz :: 3v A X 20 Broad- winged Hawk X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 16 24 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. II, NO. 2 G A W F C B H H M p A c c S c K Q, C T D w S w T a 1 a r 1 a a 0 o r n V h t e e u a a 0 I 0 0 0 r 1. s e 1 1 r 17 n i n t a M c n e r 1 r c m r t Am. Rough-legged Hawk X X X X 4 Golden Eagle X X X X 4 Bald Eagle X X X X X X X X JS. X X X X X X X X X X X 20 Harsh Hawk X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 Osprey X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 Duok Hawk X X X X X X X X X X lo Pigeon Hawk X X X X X X X X X X X X 12 Sparrow Hawk X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 Ruffed Grouse X X X X X 5 Bob-white X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 21 Ring-necked Pheasant X X X X X X X X X X 10 Turkey X X 2 King Rail X X X X X X X X X X 10 Clapper Rail X X X X 4 Virginia Rail X K X X X X X ?t § Sore. X X X X X X X X 8 Black Rail X X X X 4 Florida Galllnule X X X X X X X X 8 American Coot X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 17 American Oyster-catcher X 1 Piping Plover X X 2 Semi palma ted Plover X X X X X 5 Kllldeer X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 23 Am. Golden Plover X X 2 Black-bellied Plover X X X X X 5 Ruddy Turnstone X X 2 American Wo'odcock X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 Wilson's Snipe X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 Hudsonian Curlew X 1 Upland Plover X X X 3 Spotted Sandpiper X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 Solitary Sandpiper X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 Millet X X X 3 Greater Yellow-legs X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 18 Lesser Yellow-lep;s X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 16 Knot X 1 Purple Sandpiper X 1 Pectoral SandDiper X X X X X X X X 8 'White-rump. Sandpiper X X X X 4 Least Sandpiper X X X X y X X X X X X X X 3.3 Red-backed Sandpiper X X X X X 5 Eastern Dowitcher X X X X X 5 Stilt Sandpiper X X X X X 5 Semi pal. -6andpiper X X X X X X X X X X X X X 13 Western Sandpiper X X X X 4 Liarbled Godwlt X X 2 Sander ling X X X X X X 6 Northern Phalarope X 1 Great Black-back Gull X X X X X X X X X 9 Herring Gull X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 18 Ring-billed Gull X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 17 Laughing Gull X X X X X X X X X X X X 12 Bonaparte's Gull X X X X X X X X X 9 Gull-billed Tern X 1 Forster's Tern X X X X X X X X X X X 11 Common Tern X X X X X X X X X X X 10 Roseate Tern X 1 June 1955 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 25 G A \I F c B H H H p A c c s c K Q C T D w s w T a 1 a r 1 a a o 0 r n V h t e e u a a 0 1 0 0 0 r 1 s e 1 1 r w n i n t a M c n e r 1 r c m r t Sooty Tern X 1 Least Tern X X X X X X 6 Royal Tern X X X X X 5 Caspian Tern X X X X X X X X 8 Black Tern X X X X X X 6 Black Skimmer X X X 3 Mourning Dove X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 Yellow-billed. Cuckoo X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 17 Black-billed Cuckoo X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 Barn Owl X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 Screech Owl X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 13 Homed Owl X wv X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 Snowy Owl X 1 Barred Owl X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 17 Short-eared Owl X X X X X X 6 Saw- whet Owl X X X X X 5 Chuck- will 1 s- widow X X X X X X 6 Whip-poor-will X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X x 19 Nighthawk X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 15 Chimney Swift X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 21 Ruby-thr. Hummingbird X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 Belted Kingfisher X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 21 Yellow-shaft. Flicker X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 Pileated Woodpecker X X X X X X X X X X X X 12 Red-bell. Woodpecker X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 Red-headed Woodpecker X X X X X X X X X 9 Yellow-beli. Sapsucker X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 16 Hairy Woodpecker X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 20 Downy Woodpecker X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 21 Eastern Kingbird X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 Arkansas Kingbird X 1 Crested Flycatcher X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 21 Eastern Phoebe X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 21 Yellow-bel Flycatcher X X X X X 5 Acadian Flycatcher X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X !? Alder Flycatcher X X X X X X Least Flycatcher V X X X X X X X X 9 Eastern Wood Fewee X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 21 Olive-side Flycatcher X X X X X X 6 Homed Lark X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 Tree Swallow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X it Bank Swallow X X X X X X X X X X 10 Rough- winged Swallow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 18 Bam Swallow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 23 Cliff Swallow X X X X X X X X X ,2 Purple Martin X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 20 Blue Jay X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 F&ven X X X X 4 Common Crow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X x 23 Fish Crow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 Black-cap: Chickadee ” X X X X X X X X X X X X. X X X X X 17 Carolina Chickadee X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 20 Brown-cap. Chickadee X 1 Tufted Titmouse X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 White-bre. Nuthatch X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 Red-breasted Nuthatch X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X lb Brown-headed Nuthatch X X X X 4 26 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. 11, NO. 2 G A W F C B h:h m- P A c c s c X Q C T D W 8 W T a 1 a r 1 a a o 0 r n V h t e e u a a 0 i 0 0 0 r 1 s e 1 1 r w n 1 n t a M o n e r 1 r c m r t Brown Creeper X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 20 House Wren X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 20 Winter Wren X X X X X X X X X X X X- X X X X X X X 19 Bewick's Wren X X X X X X X 7 Carolina Wren X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 Long-bill liarsh Wren X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 16 Short-bill Marsh Wren X X X X X X X X X X X 11 Mockingbird X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 21 Catbird X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 21 Brown Thrasher X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 21 Robin X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 25 Wood Thrush X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 21 Hermit Thrush X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 Olive-backed Thrush X X X X X X X X X X X X X 13 Gray-cheeked Thrush X X X X X X X X X X 10 Veery X X X X X X X X X X X X 15 Eastern Bluebird X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 Golden-crown. Kinglet X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 Ruby-crowned Kinglet X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 16 American Pipit X X X X X X X X X X X X X 13 Cedar Waxwing X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 17 Northern Shrike X X X 3 Migrant Shrike X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 16 Starling X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 23 White-eyed Vireo X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X i? Yellow-throated Vireo X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 18 Blue-headed Vireo X X X X X X X X X X X 11 Red-eyed Vireo X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 Philadelphia Vireo X X X X X X 6 'Warbling Vireo X X X X X X X X X X X 11 Black & White Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 20 Prothonotary Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X 11 Swalnson's Warbler X X 2 Worm-eating Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 Golden-winged Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X 13 Blue- winged Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X 12 Tennessee Warbler X X X X X X X X X X 10 Orange-crown. Warbler X X X 3 Nashville Warbler X X X X X X X X X 9 Parula Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 Yellow Warbler X X X X X V X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 23 Magnolia, Whrbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 15 Cape May Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 Blk-thr. Blue Warbler X X X X A X x X X X X X X X X X X X 19 Myrtle Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 55 Blk-thr Green Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 18 Cerulean Warbler X X X X X X X 7 Blackburnian Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X 13 Yellow- throated Warb. X X X X X X X X X X 10 Chestnut- side Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ia Bay -breasted Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X 12 Black- poll Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 20 Pine Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 15 Prairie Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 1 ? Palm Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 Ovenbird X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 June 1955 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 27 G A V F C B H H M p A c c s c KQC T D w s tf T a 1 a r 1 a a 0 o r n V h t e e u a a 0 i 0 o 0 r 1 8 e 1 1 r w n 1 n t a M c n e r 1 r c m r t Northern Water- thru9h X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 16 Louisiana Water- thr. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 15 Kentucky Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 17 Connecticut Warbler X X X X X 5 Mourning Warbler X X X X X 5 Yellow- throat X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Yellow-breasted Chat X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 21 Hooded Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 Wilson's Warbler X X X X X X X X 8 Canada Warbler X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 ibierican Redstart X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 21 English Sparrow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 Bobolink X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 17 Eastern Meadowlark X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 23 Red-wing X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 2J Orchard Oriole X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X So Baltimore Oriole X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 18 Rusty Blackbird X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 17 Boat-tailed Grackle X X 2 Purple Grackle X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 (Jowbird X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X T2 Scarlet Tanager X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 Summer Tanager X X X X X X X X 8 Cardinal X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 Rose-breast. Grosbeak X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 Blue Grosbeak X X X X X X X X X X X 11 Indigo Bunting • X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 21 Dickclssel X X X 3 Evening Grosbeak X X X X X X X X X X X X 12 Purple Pinch X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 17 ^ine Grosbeak 1 X X X X X 3 Pine Siskin X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 American Goldfinch X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 Red Crossbill • X X X 3 White-wing. Crossbill X X X 3 fted-eyed Towhee X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 21 Ipswich Sparrow X l Savannah Sparrow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 17 Grasshopper Sparrow Kenslow 1 s Sparrow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 20 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 14 Sharp-tailed Sparrow X X X X X X 6 5 easide Sparrow X X X X X X 6 Vesper Sparrow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 17 Lark Sparrow X 1 Bachman's Sparrow X 1 Slate-colored Junco X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 Am. Tree Sparrow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 16 Chipping Sparrow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 Field Sparrow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 White-crowned Sparrow X X X X X X X X X X X 11 white-throat. Sparrow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 22 Fox Sparrow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 17 Lincoln 1 s Sparrow X X 2 Swamp Sparrow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 19 Song Sparrow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 23 Snow Bunting X X X 3 28 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. 11, No. 2 shorebirds at Sandy Point, la not far behind with 237 species. Next in order comes Montgomery County, constantly worked by several very active peopie, and in which the Brown-capped Chickadee made its first appearance in Maryland; and then Prince Georges County, which includes the Patuxent Researcn Refuge. Baltimore and Talbot Counties round out the 200-soecies- or over group. F Totals for all counties are presented here for ready comparison; Garrett 138 Montgomery 212 Queen Annes 92 Allegany i34 Prince Georges 208 Caroline 185 Washington 184 Anne Arundel 237 Talbot 201 Frederick 186 Calvert 130 Dorchester 167 Carroll 128 Charles 190 Wicomico 99 Baltimore 202 St, Marys 180 Somerset 29 Harford 129 Cecil 143 Worcester 245 Howard 163 Kent 126 Grand Total 279 To mention a few statistics, only 10 species were recorded from all 23 counties.' The tiny total of 29 species for Somerset County accounts for most of this, lacking as it does the Blue jay, Carolina wren, Robin, Yellow- throat, English sparrow. Cardinal and Goldfinch, to name a few; and the hit-or-miss Queen Annes county list, checked off only by people driving through, accounts for the rest of it. Of the 18 species seen in only one county, Worcester County is responsible for 12, including Euro- pean Teal, Arkansas Kingbird, and Lark Sparrow. Talbot County had Leach's Petrel, Dorchester listed Northern Fhalarope, Baltimore had Sooty Tern, Anne Arundel contributed Snowy owl, Montgomery added Brown-capped Chickadee, and Prince Georges had Bachman's Sparrow. In all, 279 species were reported in Maryland during the year. Over 40 single observers and several groups of observers have con- tributed lists, and a few records were obtained from recoveries of banded blrdB. The bulk of the reports, however, were sent in by the following: Allegany Co. - Lois McCollough, Eleanor Minke, and Leonard Llewellyn. Anne Arundel Co. - Mrs. W. L. Henderson Mrs. G. Tappan, Lewis orlng. Baltimore Co. - Charles Buchanan, Douglas Hackman, Edwin Willis. Calvert Co,. - Jack Hallman, Elizabeth Slater, and Friel Sanders. Caroline Co. - M. Hewitt, Mr. & Mrs. A. J. Fletcher, A. May Thompson. Carroll Co. - Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dubois and Dr. John w. Richards. Cecil Co. - J. W. Day. Charles Co. - Allen R. Stickley, Jr., John Terborgh, Renwick R. Kerr. Dorchester Co. - Chandler s. Robbins and Robert E.. Stewart; Frederick Co. - Dr. and Mrs. John w* Richards. Garrett Co. - Leonard Llewellyn, Lewis Orlng, E. slater, F. Sanders. Harford Co. - Orville W. Crowder and Dr. Caroline turn suden. Howard Co. - Chandler S. Robbins, Seth H. Low, and Gorman m. Bond. Kent Co. - Rodgers T. Smith. Montgomery Co. - jack Hallman, Seth Low, Lewis Oring, and Karl Stecher. Prince Georges Co. - Chandler Robbins, Robert Stewart, and Lewis oring. Queen Annes Co. - various short lists. ■ Somerset Co. - Robert E. Stewart. St. Marys Co. - John Terborgh, Renwick R. Kerr, and John W. Taylor, jr. Talbot Co. -Richard L. Kleen. Washington Co. Dr. and Mrs. R. S. Stauffer. Wicomico Co. - Chandler S. Robbins. Worcester Co. - David A. Cutler, Orville W. Crowder, Lewis Orlng. In the future it is hoped that, with more records submitted and comparative data available, a more thorough analysis of each year's records will be possible. 104 West Melrose Ave. , Baltimore 10 June 1935 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 29 THREE-BROODED CARDINALS Hervey Brackblll The essential length oi’ the nesting cycle of the cardinal ( Rlch - mondena cardinaiis) is about one month - about 4 days for building, 3 for laying, 12 or 13 for incubation, 9 or 10 for feeding young in the nest. In Baltimore I have commonly found nests with eggs 'or young from Aprllto August, On April 15-it>, 1943, a set of eggs hatched; on August 3-6, 1947, a brood left the nest; on September 27, 1932, a Juvenile was still partly dependent on its parents for food. It seems, therefore, that wnen all goes well with the nestings at least three broods must generally be raised by this species. But although I have been color-banding Cardinals and hunting their nests since 1942, it was not until 1953 that I obtained proof of a pair's raising tnree broods. On May 10 and 11 two young left the first nest of this pair in the Howard Parle section of Baltimore; on June 20 the parents were caring for a tailless fledgling necessarily from a second nest that I did not find; and on August 4 three young left a third nest. It may be noted that Amelia r. Laskey ( Wilson Bulletin 56:42, 1944) says "four nestings In a season are not uncommon 1 ’ - about Nashville, Tenn. and that Ansel B. Miller (The Cardinal 6: 21-22, 1943) recorded four broods raised by a pair at springs, Huntingdon County, pa, , the young leaving the nests on May 25, June 26, July 30 and September 3. Certain- ly, then, four broods can be expected in Maryland, at least occasionally. 2620 poplar Drive, Baltimore 7 30 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE yol, 11 t No. 2 A CHRISTMAS TRIP TO MEXICO John H. Kaufmann Four of us left Towson, Maryland on Saturday morning, December 19, 1953. We drove straight to Aransas National wildlife Refuge in Texas, arriving there about 5 A.M. on December 21. Y/hile at Aransas we saw 3 Whooping cranes (2 adults and one Immature), and about 75 sandhill Cranes. We drove to Harlingen that night, and crossed the Border at about noon on December 22. We drove to Tampico, on the Gulf Coast, and blrded both on the coast ana at Inland lakes and marshes. We saw Glossy and YJhite ibises, Jacanas, Black-necked stilts, Roseate spoonbills, White-tailed kite, Anis, Derby and Scissor- tailed Flycatchers, Bonaparte's Euphonlas, Sharpe's Seed-eaters, and the first Sooty Shearwater for which we can find a record on Mexico's East Coast. On December 25th we drove south to Tuxpan, 100 miles along the coast, seen along the way were 13 species of hawks: Sharp-shinned, Zone-tailed, Mexican Roadside, Short-tailed, Marsh, Mexican Gray, osprey, Blackish Crane Hawk, Laugning Falcon, Bat Falcon, Aplomado Falcon, and Audubon's caracara. We also saw chachaiacas, Rod-crowned parrots. Ferru- ginous Pygmy Owl, Yellow-billed Cacique, Green jay, and many more tropi- cal species, Including a rare Chestnut-bellied Heron. On the 26th we drove inland to Tamagunchale, over 8,000 foot moun- tains. We stayed in the vicinity of Tamagunchale for three days, and while there participated In the annual xilitla Christmas count, organ- ized by Mr. Irby Davis of Harlingen, Texas. The first day we spent in the dry woodland at 6,000 feet, and saw such upland birds as Bearded Wood partridge, Acorn YJoodpecker, Townsend's Warbler, Painted Redstart, and Brown Towhee. On the 28th we worked the tropical forest on the slope of the moun- tains, and got such species as Green Paroquet, Blue-crowned Motmot, Emerald Toucanet, Masked Tityra, White-winged Tanager, and Ivory-billed Woodhewer. During the next day we worked along the Axila River at the base of the mountains. Here we saw Anhingas, Squirrel Cuckoos, a pauraque. Rose- throated Becard, Amazon and Ringed Kingfishers, Black phoebes, and Spot-breasted Wrens. There was a nest of Curve-winged Sabre-wings (hummingbirds) with 2 young in it at the tourist court where we stayed outside of Tamagunchale. We left Tamagunchale on December 30, drove to the Border at Laredo, and reached home at 3 A.M. on January 2. in 10 days we saw over 250 species, for me. of which 135 wei-e life birds 531 Park Ave. , Towson "Seasonal Distribution of Bird populations at the Patuxent Research Refuge" is the title of a 109-page booklet by Robert E. Stewart, James B. Cope, c. S. Robbins, and John W. Bralnerd. Published in 1952, it gives a summary of bird population research on 229 species at Patuxent Refuge from 1936 to 1950. it includes extreme and median migration dates, and numerical status of most species throughout the year. Copies may be obtained through the Book committee for $1.00; discount to paid members. June 1955 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE 31 BALTIMORE BIRD CLUB TRIPS, 1954 SUMMARY Elmer G. Worthley The 1954 trip reports as compiled by Miss Florence H. Burner, 5350 Reisteretown Road, Baltimore 15, Md. , show a total of 246 species recorded on Club trips during the year. Fourteen of these birds were seen only in New jersey (Cftpe May, Sept. 18-19) and five only in Penn- sylvania (Hawk Mountain, Oct. 30-31). The remaining 227 species represent more than four-fifths of all .the Bpecies reported from Maryland during the year. The Club Trips began on Feb, 7, 1994 with a rewarding trip to Kent Island. Out of the 56 species observed the European Widgeon and the Blue Goose were the “rarae aves" of the day. Other notables included Swamp Sparrow, Robin, Bluebird, Belted Kingfisher, Black Vulture, Bonaparte's Gull, Horned Lark (both Northern and Prairie), Rusty Black- bird, and numerous Field sparrows. Data ou 16 field trips Included number of species of birds seen and number of people participating. The combined Ocean City - Elliott Island trip with 20 oeople taking part forced that portion of the Coastal Plain to yield 150 species of birds which was the highest number for any Baltimore Club trip. This May 21 to May 23 excursion had such Interesting records as: Least Bittern, Blue-winged Teal, King Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora, Black Rail, Hudsonlan Curlew, Wlllet, Pectoral Sandpiper, Dowitcher, White-rumped Sandpiper, Gull-billed and Royal Terns, Chuck-will ' s-widow, Swalnson's Warbler, Yellow- throated Warb- ler, Wilson's warbler, and Henslow's Sparrow. Those who attended the Open House at the Worthley'e, Owings Mills, Md. on September 26, were able to see the Philadelphia vireo, Tennessee Warbler, Broad-winged Hawk, Ruby -crowned Kinglet, Blackburnian Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler. Many unusual and rare plants were to be seen on this trip. The insectivorous Pitcher Plant, Round-leaved Sundew, Threadleaved Sundew, Harris' Goldenrod, Black Ash, Anise-scented Golden- rod, Wild Rice, Poison Sumach, Box .Huckleberry , Curly-graes, Alter- nateleaved Dogwood and many others helped some of the birders towards a fuller knowledge of tne vrorld that birds inhabit. The Cape May trip turned up a Cattle Egret on Sept. 19. On top of Hawk Kt. on Oct. 30 the "Hawkers" were treated to a flock of Evening Grosbeaks that swept past the summit. Mrs. Alice Kaestner turned in a list of 111 species seen in the Lake Roland area. Bonita Avenue, Owings Mills Christmas Count dates : December 24 through January 2 ^2 MARYLAND BIRDLIFE Vol. 11, No. 2 SEFTEMBER-OCTOBER 1955 EVENTS September 4 11 October Pall plants of the serpentine barrens. Soldiers' Delight# Sandy Point State Park & St* Conrad's Friary* 10-18 Banding study of migration along the eastern coast* 14 Audience Round Table on summer birding. Home of M. H* Partridge, Frederick, Md* 8 P.M* 16 Talbot County meeting at Easton. "Hawks" by R. L* Kleen* 16- 17-18 Cape May, N*J. week-end. Lectures, field trips, etc. sponsored by Audubon Center of South Jersey* 17- 18 State-wide trip to Hawk Mountain, Pa* 17-18 Allegheny unit. Hawk flight observations in western Md. mountains. Upper Loch Raven* Leader: Charles Buchanan. Meet at Hutzler Parking lot. Tows on, Md*, 8 A.M. IUke to Linganore led by Sarah Quinn* Meet at Band Shell, Baker Park, Frederick, Md* at 7;30 A.M* Monthly meeting, Caroline County Bird Club, Camp Mardela, Denton, Md^ Talk by Dick Kleen on "Hurricanes and their Effects on Birds." 8 P.M. Moon watch at Dr* Tanner's, 510 Military Rd., Frederick. Moon watch. Caroline County Bird Club. Fall bird banding trip to Seth Low's farm, Unity, Md. All day program starting at dawn* Lake Roland* Led by Mrs. Alice Kaestner. Meet 8 A I'M. at Lake and Roland Aves., Baltimore. Talbot Co. Club - migration hike to Royal Oak* Frederick unit meeting at home of W. N. Shirey, 121 Fair- view Ave., Frederick,. TUd. 8 P.M* Baltimore unit meeting. Pratt Library, Cathedral & Mul- berry Sts. 8 P.M. Talbot unit meeting. "Tools of the Birder" by members. Bird and botany field trips at Worthley'a home, Bonita Ave*, Owlngs Mills, Md* 2 P.M* 22-23 Frederick unit trip to Hawk Mountain* 22-23 Talbot unit junior member. Hawk Mountain weekend* 27 Monthly meeting of the Caroline County Bird Club* Greensboro. Film on "Life in a Pond" by Cecil Kenny. 8 P.M. 29-30 Baltimore unit trip to Hawk Mountain. See local program or call Valley 3-2650 24 24 26 1 1 2 8 9 12 14 14 16