_ Cluvi^es ill _ BREEDING BIRD POPULATIONS Between 1930 and 1983 in the Quaker Run Valley of Allegany State Park, New York TiMOTin II. Baird The UniiYr'iilu c>f the Shite t>f \e:e )erk The Shiie f Jneation Pefsirtfnent Alhint/. i\'eu' )ork 122 Hi Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from IMLS LG-70-15-0138-15 https://archive.org/details/changesinbreedin4771 bair _ Chilli ill _ BREEDING BIRD POPULATIONS Between 1930 and 1985 in the Quaker Run Valley of Allegany State Park, New York Timothy f I. Bmrd 242 East State Street Salamanca, NY 14779 1990 Bulletin No. 477 New York State Museum ISSN 0278-3355 ISBN 1-55557-189-1 The University of the State of Neie York The State Education Department Albany. New York 12230 THE UNIVERSITY OE THE STATE OE NEW YORK Regents of The University Makun C. Barhli , Chancellor, 15. A., I.A., LL.B . Muttontown R. Carlos Carbai lada, Vice Chancellor, B.S . Rochester Wii i.ARi) A. C’.LNRicii, LL.B . Buftalo L\ii Y.\’ 1. Crifluh, A.B., J.1.5) . Rome JoROL L. Batista, B.A., j.D . Bronx l.ALRA Braoi.la Ciioixts, B.A., M.A . Vischer Ferry Lcutsi R. M.-vithont, B.A., M.A., Ph.D . Bayside J. Ldwaro Mfylr, B.A., 1,L.15 . Chappaqua ['FOYn S. Linton, A.B., M.A., M.R.A . Miller Place Mimi Li vin Lifbfr, B.A., M.A . Manhattan SiiiRi FY C. Brown, B.A., M.A., Ph.D . Albany Nor.via Cflc k, B.A., M.S.W' . Manhattan Ja.\if;s W. McCabi , Sr., A.B., M.A . Johnson Citv Af)fi AiDF L. Sanford, B.A., M.A., P.D . Hollis VVai IFK Cooi’FR, B.A., Ph.D . Rochester CiFRAi D j. Rustic;, B.A., M.D . Staten Island President of The University and Commissioner of Education Thomas St)BOi. Executive Deputy Commissioner of Education 'I'llOMAS E. Smffdon Deputy CommissicTiier for Cultural Education CaROFF F. 1 lUXI.EY Assistant Commissioner for the State Museum Martin F. Sullivan Director, Research and Collections PaUI j.Sc UDIFRE Chief Scientist, Biological Survey Norton C. Mii t fr 1 he State lidneation Department dt)es imt discriminate I'n tlie basis ot age, cciltrr, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, natii)nal origin, race, or sex in the educational programs and activities which it operates. Inquiries concerning this policy of equal opportunity and affirmative action should be relerred to the Department’s Affirmative Action Officer, Education building, Albanv, NY 122.T4. Phone (S 1 b) 474- 1 2hS. ^i8WY0RK •OTANICAL CARn'?^ Abstract Table of Contents \' Introduction . . I Methods . 3 1 labitat Descriptions . Oak-1 bckorv Forest . Maple-Beech Forest . Maple-Beech-Birch-Hemlock Habitat Maple-Beech-Cherrv 1 labitat . Stream Valiev Forest . Plantation . The Open Areas . Meadow . Field . Thicket . Willow Thicket-Beaver Meadow . Stream Borders . Buildings . Recreation- Administration Areas . Quaker Lake . S S 13 13 Ih lb lb 18 18 2(1 20 20 20 Changes in Breeding Bird Densitv Since 1030-31 . . 21 Changes in Selected Avian Species in the Quaker Run Valiev . . 23 Summarv and Conclusions . 30 Acknowledgments . 31 Literature Cited . 32 Appendix 1 - Populations of Breeding Birds in The Quaker Run \’allev: 1030-1031 & 1083-1088 . 33 Appendix 11 - Scientific \ames of the Birds . 38 iii Abstract This stueiy ciiidlyzes changes over a 50-vear period in the breeding birds of the Quaker Run valley, Alleganv State Park, western New York. In 1^83, lASd, and H85, 1 surveyed the breeding birds of this largely forested region of lh,W(l acres (6877 hectares) using methods virtually identical to those used in 1P3() and 1P3I by Aretas A. Saunders. During the 50-vear period, overall density of nesting birds declined from 84.6 to 73.1 pairs per 100 acres. Species composition changed as well, although the total number of species remained the same. Vlaturation of the forest and increased browsing of the understorv by white-tailed deer are the two most significant changes in the terrestrial habitats of Quaker Run valley during the past 50 years. These habitat changes are related to at least some of the observed increases and decreases in local populations of individual species. The changes in local populations vary greatly from species to species, and often are not similar from habitat to habitat for a given species. The largest decline in this study is among forest species that generally build nests less than 2 meters above the ground. This decline may be related to the heavy browsing of white-tailed deer. Within the study area, major local declines over the past 50 years have occurred for the Chimney Swift, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Swainson's Thrush, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Ovenbird, Canada Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Rufous-sided Towhee, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, and Vesper Sparrow. Major local increases over the past 50 years have occurred iii the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downv Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Acadian Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Veery, Wood Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo, Blackburnian Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Hooded Warbler, and Chipping Sparrow. Some of these local increases and declines do not agree with regional assessments from other sources. The overall picture of population changes in northeastern forest birds is very complex, and certainly many more long¬ term studies are needed. This study does not provide clear evidence that species which migrate to the neotropics are declining more rapidly than less migratory species. ( I Introduction rhere is conaTii that the cutting and tragmentatiun of tropical forests will lead to eiu'ironniental declines with global impact. One aspect of this concern is that populations of birds nesting in the United States, but migrating to and wintering in the tropics, are being adc'erselv attected (Rappolecf nl., U*83: Terborgh, UtSO). Iw'idence for such effects on birds must compare population changes over time. This study compares bird populations separated by more than ^0 years at one of the few sites where population data exist from so long ago. During I'-tSa, UtSd, and UtSa, 1 ceiisused summer (breeding) bird pr'pulations in the Quaker Run \'allev of Allegany State Park, southern Cattaraugus County, western \ew York State (Figure 1). During the summers of P-t3() and 1431, Aretas A. Saunders censused breeding birds at the same location (Saunders, 143h). A comparison of the data obtained during the two studies pro\ ides information on population changes at this locality. hying south of the course of the .Allegheny Ri\er and north of the .\ew 3ork-Pennsylyania State line, Allegany State Park encompasses more than WkOtX) acres (243 sq km), making it New York's largest State Park. The physiography of Allegany State Park is a dissected plateau (.Allegheny Plateau, Tesmer, 1473) with a total relief of 1000 feet (305m). Flattened ridges characterize the upper elevations that rise to slightly o\'er 2300 feet (701m) above mean sea level. Narrow stream valleys broaden slightly near their terminations at the Allegheny River. A detailed discussion of the physiographic character of Allegany State Park is pro\ idec1 by Lobeck (1427). The Park and its immediate vicinity escaped Pleistocene glaciations making this area the most northerly region of unglaciated landscapes in eastern North .America (Tesmer, 1475). A mosaic of oak, cherry, Allegany hardwoods, and hemlock hardwood forest types covers more than 4() percent of Allegany State Park (Koten, 1481). The woodlands extend southward into Pennsyh ania to merge with the extensive .Allegheny National Forest. In 1427, .Allegany State Park became the setting for a formal priygram of nature study and instruction with the establishment of the Allegany School of .Natural llistorc' along a stream called the Quaker Run in the southern section of the Park. Prior to 1427, , Aretas A. Saunders spent several summers in the park, studying its wildlife. His studies of the area's natural history continued while he served as an instructor at the .Allegany School of Natural Flistory. Saunders' work resulted in several publications concerning the natural history of Allegany State Park (Saunders 1423, 142h, 1432, 1438, 1438, 1442). From 1 Inly through 1^ lulv of 1430 and 1431, Saunders collected data on breeding birds in the Quaker Run valley. Saunders restricted his data collection to the drainage area of the Quaker Run in the Park. 1 le calculated the area to be approximately 28.5 square miles or 18,487 acres (8,887 ha.). Fhe large area made Saunders' bird census an ambitious project. His field expertise and familiarity with the study area favored success. A formal training in forestry helped shape the methods Saunders used to obtain data. About 40 percent of the Quaker Run willey was forested in 1430-31 (Saunders, 1438; Figure 2 herein). Saunders worked in a forest that was generally in the early stages of recoyery following extensive logging over many years (Taylor, 1428; Koten, 1481). Areas cleared of forest at that time were the result of farming acti\ ity in the lower valley of the Quaker Run where soil and terrain accommodated agriculture (Gordon ct. 111., 1437). In 1483-85, a forest of similar extent, but of different character, occupied the study area (Table 1). Since the establishment of Allegany State Park in 1421, there has been no formal management of its extensive forest, although proposals for management were made in its early years (Gordon ct ill. 1437). A management plan was proposed in 1481 (Koten, 1481) to address the recreation and wildlife needs in Allegany State Park. However, as of this writing, no plan for management has been instituted. The administration of Allegany State Park has been handicapped by the lack of a management plan from the State. The lack of forest management i^ partly responsible for a negative impact on \egetation and forest regeneration by white-tailed deer {Odocoilcic^ vir^iuuiiuis) and bea\'er iCii^tor cii)uiilc}i>'i>) (Koten, 1481 ). The activities of these animals and an extensive, ewen-aged, mature forest have altered the forested bird habitats in the Quaker Run study area to a significant degree since 143(1- 31. Much of what was farmland in 1430-31 in the lower Quaker Run x'allev was inundated in the middle 1480s when the Quaker Run was dammed forming the 275 acre (111 ha) Quaker Lake (Koten, 1481). The small lake near the site of the .Allegany School of Natural History, now known as Science Lake, was called "Quaker Lake" Iw Saunders. The habitat requirements of birds is an important determinant m their nesting distribution. This relationship was a main concern of Saunders' study. The determination of the \ ariety of habitats and their location within the large area comprising the Quaker Run valley required considerable time and effort bv Saunders. ,A 1480 \'egetati\-e cover map prepared by Peterson and .Associates (James Rich, pers. comm.) for the proposed Park management plan (Koten, 1481) mitigated similar efforts by the author. TiXK'TII'i H. B.aird Alleghany State Park New York City 0^ > a U CO a rH i o CO ^ 05 O* rH ■S 2 0) fl a CQ ^ S CQ • ^ "*** Xi d ffi T3 PQ QJ D +- ' CO CD CL O o E O) X x: o CD (D CD i Q. <]<1 S<^ X X ^ -C o CD CD CQ o 0 0 CD 0 Cl 0 0 CL O) c Q. E 0 O 0 xz O c 0 a 0 < 0 a 0 ■o 0 cc c 0 CL (/) < ) c ■-I >°c 5 0 xc O O 0 X JZ CJ 0 0 CD 0 a 0 xz O c 0 a 0 < xz o 0 0 CD 0 a 0 0 0 3 0 3 o o 0 Q. Ll_ CD >. 0 o O 0 XX > o o X XX. ir XX $ o E 0 0 0 o 0 O I 0 3 0 0 CL "O 0 JZ o O I hihvdiiction Tabic I . Comparison of habitats for the two census periods (1930-1931 and 1983-85) covered in this report. Lake 1930-1931 Habitats 8 acres 3 hectares Meadow 352 acres 142 hectares Field 238 acres 96 hectares Pasture 1051 acres 425 hectares Orchard 50 acres 20 hectares Mature Oak-Hickory 503 acres 204 hectares Sprout Oak-1 lickory 618 acres 250 hectares Mature Maple-Beech-1 lemlock 504 acres 204 hectares Pastured Maple-Beech-Hemlock 121 acres 49 hectares Young Maple-Beech-1 lemlock 4793 acres 1940 hectares Camping Maple-Beech-1 lemlock 176 acres 71 hectares Maple-Beech 6850 acres 2772 hectares Stream Valley Forest 42 acres 1 7 hectares Aspen-Cherry 1 1 66 acres 472 hectares Camping Aspen-Cherry 123 acres 50 hectares Aspen-Red Maple 333 acres 135 hectares Willow 39 acres 16 hectares Total: 16967 acres 6866 hectares Lake 1983-1985 Habitats 279 acres 1 1 3 hectares Meadow 32 acres 13 hectares Field 192 acres 78 hectares Thicket 440 acres 178 hectares Willow Thicket-Beaver Meadow 162 acres 66 hectares (Mature) Oak -Hickory Forest 2088 acres 845 hectares (Mature) Maple-Beech-Birch-Flemlock 6990 acres 2829 hectares (Mature) Maple-Beech-Cherry 6489 acres 2626 hectares Stream Valley Forest 34 acres 14 hectares Plantation 94 acres 38 hectares Recreation- Ad ministration Areas 1 90 acres 77 hectares Total: 1 6990 acres 6877 hectares 4 Methods I attempted to repeat Saunders' study as it was done in 1930-31. The methods 1 used to collect data in 1983-85 follow those described by Saunders (1936) and are presented below. Collection of data began 1 July and continued daily through 15 July. Saunders was aware that the study dates were late for a breeding bird census. Other activities prevented his arrival at Allegany State Park before July. Field work in 1983-85 was limited to morning between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Savings Time). Saunders (1936) emphasized the need to make counts in the early morning before many birds stopped singing and made the counts inaccurate. Each census consisted of recording the number and species of singing male birds observed within a belt transect 500 feet (152m) wide. When a route passed through two or more habitats, the birds were recorded accordingly. Birds counted were those observed within 250 feet (76 m) of a paced line. Saunders used triangulation to verify whefher a quesfionable bird was within the census transect. Saunders' method of triangulation was contingent upon the singing bird maintaining its position and continuing to sing while 250 feet were paced along the census line. 1 rarely encountered birds that 1 felt required triangulation to confirm their location in the census transect. 1 disregarded the few questionable birds. The area censused in each habitat was determined by counting paces of known lengfh. Thus, 1 surveyed 10 acres (4 ha) for every 164 double paces along the transect line. It was necessary for me to use judgment and adjust my count of paces when rough terrain altered my stride. 1 determined the location of each census route on a 7.5 minute topographic map (United States Geological Survey: Red House, New York, 1962 and Eimestone, New York, 1961; also see Figure 3). The route was followed in the field with map and compass. The location of the census routes was influenced by the arrangement of habitats and Saunders' instruction to travel up or down a mountain whenever possible. Other considerations for location of routes were an easily accessible starting point and placement to provide thorough coverage of the study area. The selection of habitats was governed by an attempt to correspond to those described by Saunders (1936). Because of vegetational changes, the 1930-31 and 1983-85 habitats differ to varying degrees. The demarcation of the 1983-85 habitats relied heavily upon the 1980 vegetation cover map of Allegany State Park, Saunders' map (see Figure 2), and personal observation. Figure 3 shows the 1983-85 bird habitats as 1 determined them. The total acreage of each bird habitat in the study area was determined by Saunders (1936) by use of a planimeter. 1 determined the acreage of the habitats in Figure 3 from a 1:24,000 scale map by overlaying an acetate sheet marked with a grid of squares to a scale of 6.4 acres (2.6 ha) per square (Table 1). There are several variables that affect the accuracy of data collected using the methods in this study. Breeding bird population censuses based upon a count of singing males can be affecfed by singing of unmated birds, adjustments of song to different periods of the nesting cycle, and the amount of song exhibited by a species (Kendeigh, 1944). Variations in observer skills, weather conditions, the density of habitat, and misjudged distances also affect transect counts (Emlen, 1971). Clark and Clark (1984) evaluated Kendeigh's (1944) criticism of Saunders' belt transects as too wide for accurate counts. Clark and Clark found that Saunders' data from the 1936 study collected by belt transects in beech-maple-hemlock forest compared very closely to data Saunders collected by territory mapping (Saunders, 1938) in similar habitat. While one observer and the same geographic location helped account for the close similarity in Saunders' two studies, Clark and Clark found fhaf Saunders' 1938 data were also similar to data collected by other observers (Kendeigh, 1946; Keller, 1980) using the same methods in similar habitat. The data are presented in the tables as the number of pairs of breeding birds, rounded to the nearest tenth, per 100 acres (40 ha) of habifat surveyed. The values for the nesting densities of species, rounded to the nearest hundreth, are applied to the total acreage of the habitat in the study area to calculate the figure for the number of pairs of each species in a habitat. The figure for total pairs of all species in a habitat is the sum of the pairs for each species in the habitat. 1 followed Saunders' (1936) method to calculate the total nesting density for each habitaf using the total pairs figure and the acreage of the habitat rather than adding the individual species' nesting densities. My tables include Saunders' (1936) data from the 1930-31 habitat with conditions most similar to the 1983-85 habitaf. Like Saunders (1936), 1 found it necessary to modify the estimates for some species based upon my knowledge of those species in Allegany State Park. For rare or limited distribution species, 1 believe 1 had a direct count. These species are: Green-backed Fferon, Wood Duck, Mallard, Spotted Sandpiper, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, American Crow, European Starling, Northern Parula, Yellow- throated Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Savannah Sparrow, Swamp 5 Bird Habitats in the Quaker Run Valley 1983-1985 Mctlnnis Sparrow, Bobolink, Bastcrn Meadowlark, and Northern Oriole. My figures for the ktllowing species are based upon encounters during the censuses and ad|ustinents to what I feel is their representation in the Quaker Run vallev: all hawks. Wild Turkey, American Woodcock, Barred Owl, I’ileated Woodpecker, and Common Crackle. Weather conditit)ns during the census period for 1983 and 1984 did not aftect field work, but heavy rain prevented some censusing in 1985. Weather conditions delayed the nesting season in 1984 for many species {Spahn, 1984). Warm and dry conditions prevailed prior to the f985 census (baton, |985a; I985b) and may have resulted in an early completion of nesting. The contrast of weather during the 1984 and 1985 nesting seasons may help explain density declines greater than 50 percent recorded in 1985 for Yellow Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, and Winter Wren. Data from the three census years are averaged to moderate yearly variabilty in the nesting cycle. / Habitat Descriptions Koten (1981 ) described the forests of Alleganv State Park as generally even-aged with no stands less than 50 years old. He stated there is little sapling age class and a lack of understory. When Saunders (1936) categorized the forests in the Quaker Run valley, young forest was common. The young forests of 1930-31 have succeeded to mature forests. With an exception of areas within the thicket habitat discussed below, there was no \'oung forest in 1983-85. As stated in the introduction, the white-tailed deer have had a significant impact on the forests in .Allegany State Park. Severinghaus (1956) indicated that the deer entered the Park around 1920 and by 1938 were causing overbrowsing of hemlock and other vegetation. This placed Saunders' 1930-31 censuses at a time when the deer had not affected the understor\' of the forests. By the 1950s, Severinghaus noted se\ere effects from deer browsing, a situation that continues today (Eaton and Schrot, 1987; Koten, 1981). The hobblebush {Viburnum hiutivioidcs)^ is an indicator of the changes in the understory of forested habitats since Saunders' era. This species was the most common shrub of the mature maple-beech forest in the early decades of Allegany State Park (TavTor, 1928; Gordon ct ai, 1937). Hobblebush was rare in Allegany State Park in 1983-85 (pers. obs.). Severinghaus (1956), Hough (1965), and Eaton and Schrot (1987) related the reduction of this and other shrubs to the browsing acti\ ities of deer. Oak-Hickorv Forest This forest (Figure 4) is associated with the slopes and higher elevations of the lower Quaker Run valley adjacent to the Allegheny River valley and is representative of the oak forest described by Eaton and Schrot (1987). White oak {Qucrcu< albn), red oak ((T. rubrn), chestnut oak {Q. moutmm), and white pine iPimis sfmhi/s) are characteristic of this forest. 1 lickory (Grri/a spp.) is present to a limited extent. Gypsy moth {lynuvitrin di>pin) larvae were causing defoliation of oaks and other trees in this habitat in 1984 and 1985 (pers. obs.). .An increase in Black-billed and Yellow-billed Cuckoos was attributed to the irruption of the gypsy moth (pers. obs.; Eaton 1985b). My observations in the study area and nearby showed several bird species fed on one or more stages in the life cycle of the gypsy moth. In addition to both ' T he plant biminiials used in this paper are those gix en in Mitchell, IWh cuckoos, 1 observed that Wild Turkey, Downy Woodpecker, Blue jav, Black-capped Chickadee, House Wren, .American Robin, Gray Catbird, European Starling, Red-Eyed \'ireo. Yellow Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Rufous-side Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Common Grackle, and .\orthern Oriole fed on the gypsy moth. Mc.Atee (1926) and Forbush (1907) recorded predation on the gvpsv moth bv additional bird species. Holmes et ul. (1986) and Holmes and Sherry (1988) discussed the importance that changes in abundance of food on a local scale had on bird populations in temperate deciduous forest in .\ew Hampshire. f/ymv 4 Windfalls in the oak-hickory forest on a ridge dividing Holt BrtHik from Creeks Run in Allegany State Part, \ew A'ork, 7 July 1984. Hlex ation ca. 2220 feet (677 m). A pair of Indigo Buntings nested at this site, and nearby a Black-throated Blue Warbler sang on its territxirv. What changes, if any, the gypsy moth irruption in the Quaker Run valley caused in the bird populations, other than the cuckoos, were not apparent. Estimated pairs of birds breeding in 2,088 acres (845 ha) of mafure oak-hickory forest are given in Table 2. The large increases in the nesting densities of the .American Redstart and Blackburnian Warbler are attributed to the reco\-er\- and expansion of the mature oak-hickory forest in the study area since 1930-31. Eaton (1981) reported the .American Redstart as common in oak woods. The open subcanopy provided space for the flvcatching habits of the American Redstart S I liihitiit L'>i''^cnj)tinii 1 able 2. Birds of the Oak-Hickory Forest. Species ICS3-(Sh Ax erage pairs per 100 acres 1030-31 1 OS3-S5 lotal Pairs American Redstart 15.3 2.1 320 Red -eyed Vireo I4,h 15.4 .300 H 1 a c k b u n 1 i a n VVa r bier b.7 1.3 130 I looded Warbler 5.0 1.4 105 V'eerv 4.h 0.0 OS 0\enbird 4.h 14.0 00 Cerulean Warbler 4.1 0.0 S7 Idistern WotKl-Pewee 3.S 5.0 80 [.east Flycatcher 3.2 0.0 00 Scarlet Fanager 3.0 3.S 03 White-breasted Nuthatch 2.7 3.1 38 Wood Fhriish 2.4 7.4 51 1 lairy Woodpecker 1.2 2.7 25 1 lermit I'hriish 0.7 1.2 14 Solitary \'ireo O.o 0.0 13 W'l low- throated Vireo O.h Irregular 13 Brown Creeper 0.5 0.0 11 B 1 a c k-ca pped C h ic ka d ee 0.5 4.h 10 Black-throated Blue Warbler 0.5 10.3 10 Northern Flicker 0.4 4.4 8 Dark-ev’ed junco 0.4 4.2 8 Rose-breasted Crosl^eak 0.3 0.0 n / Black-billed Cuckoo 0.3 0.0 0 W'l low-bellied Sapsucker 0.3 0.0 3 ICnvny Woodpecker 0.3 0.0 3 American Robin 0.3 0.0 3 Indigo Bunting 0.2 0.0 5 Wild Turkey 0.1 0.0 2 Black-and-white Warbler 0.1 8.h 2 Chipping Sparrow 0.1 0.0 0 Brown-headed Cowbird 0.1 0.0 2 Cooper's 1 lawk — 0.0 1 Red-tailed 1 lawk — 0.0 1 Red-shouldered 1 lawk 0.0 0.2 0 Barred C'iwl 0.0 0.2 0 Eastern Screech-CCs l 0.0 0.4 0 Ruffed Crouse 0.0 0.0 0 Blue Jay 0.0 3.7 0 American Crow 0.0 4.1 0 Magnolia Warbler 0.0 0.2 0 Black-throated Green Warbler 0.0 12.4 0 Fotal: 77.7 121.0 1022 Habitat Descrip>tio)is (Eaton, 1981; Sherrv, 1979) and the Least Flycatcher (Sherry, 1979). The regular occurrence of the Blackburnian Warbler avvav from conifers (pers. obs.) in this habitat suggested that this species, like the Cerulean Warbler, used the high canopy of the large oaks for nesting, a behavior reported bv Harrison (1984) for the Blackburnian Warbler in the southern part of its range. Saunders (1936) found Magnolia, Black-throated Green and Blackburnian Warblers associated with white pines in the mature oak forest. Koten (1981) discussed the current status of conifers in Allegany State Park and reported the absence of young conifers as a result of overbrowsing bv deer and the absence of regeneration cuts. Large white pines were present in 1983-83 but generally scattered and susceptible to wind damage (pers. obs.). As discussed above, the Blackburnian Warbler has apparently made an adjustment to the changes in conifers. The .Magnolia Warbler and Black-throated Green Warbler declines in the oak-hickory may be related to the changes in the white pines. The large decline in nesting density for the Black-throated Blue Warbler in this habitat, which is e\’en more pronounced in the maple- beech forest, is likelv a result of the poorly dec eloped shrub and sapling component of the habitat. Marked nesting density declines for the Ovenbird and Black-and-White Warbler may also be a result of the condition of the understorv. Maple-Beech Forest The largest habitat in the Quaker Run valley is the extensive maple- beech forest. Saunders (1936) divided the maple beech forest into several categories (see Table 1) based upon the occurrence of eastern hemlock (T^u^n caundcusis), age of the forest, and use bv humans or animals. Because of changes in this forest, 1 consider the maple-beech forest as two distinct habitats without additional subdivisions. 1 have labeled the maple-beech forest with a significant hemlock component the maple-beech-birch-hemlock habitat. Where hemlock is rare, 1 have called the maple-beech forest the maple-beech-cherrv habitat. MAPLE-BLECl 1-BlRCH-HEMLOCK HABITAT Within the maple-beech-birch-hemlock habitat (Figures 5, 6), hemlock and its associate the vellow birch (Bctnln alle^lmnensis) grow commonh’ in the moist, shaded stream valleys and decline rapidly with elevation and drier conditions. Saunders' (1936) maple-beech-hemlock forest was predominantly a young forest, and areas with mature trees were small and discontinuous. The 1983-85 maple-beech-birch-hemlock habitat is generally mature trees and contiguous. Table 3 gives the figures for nesting birds in 6,990 acres (2,829 ha) of maple-beech-birch- hemlock. Mv data for the mature maple-beech-birch-hemlock habitat rex'eal an overall decrease in nesting densities when compared with Saunders' (1936) data from mature maple-beech-hemlock forest, but an increase in the number of species from 23 in 1930-31 to 47 in 1983-83. The increase in acreage from 304 acres (1930-31) to 6990 acres (1983-83) is undoubtedly a factor in the increase in number of nesting species. Figure 5 This area is within the maple-beech-birch-hemlock habitat near a small tributary of the Quaker Run about 0.5 mile (0.8 km) west of Science Lake in Allegany State Park, \'ew York, 9 July 1984. Elevation ca. 1900 feet (579 m). The dense shade cast by the hemlock trees combined with heavy foraging b\' deer result in the absence of ground x'egetation. Pair densities of the underston' and ground nesting species are much reduced since 1930-31. The absence of the Black-throated Blue Warbler and the presence of the Least Flycatcher, American Robin, and Chipping Sparrow are indicati\’e of the open understorv found in this habitat in 1983-83. There are seven species recorded for this habitat in 1983-85 that were not on Saunders' (1936) list of breeding birds in the Quaker Run vallev: .Northern Goshawk, Brc)ad-winged Hawk, .Northern Saw-whet Owl, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Acadian Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush. Of these, the .Northern Goshawk, Broad¬ winged Hawk, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker likelv occur as a consequence of the maturity and expanded size of the forest. The Breeding Bird Atlas of .New York State documents range expansions for 10 / hllilhll I liihlc ,1. Birds of the Mature Maple-Beech-Birch-Hemlock Habitat. Species 1 ‘■>83-85 Av'erage Pairs pi-r 100 acres 1830-31 1883-85 4()tal Pairs I\ed-eved Vireo 18,1 21 .2 1128 Black-throated Cireen Warbler 8.2 24.2 433 Dark-eved I unco 5.8 13.5 410 Magnolia Warbler 4.8 28.8 ,347 Blackburnian Warbler 4.8 8.7 344 American Redstart 4.1 4.4 281 Ovenbird 2.8 18.8 208 Wood Thrush 2.7 8.8 188 Black-ca pped Chickad ee 2.1 0.0 144 \ el low-bellied Sapsucker 2.0 0.0 140 American Robin 2.0 0.0 137 Least Flycatcher 1.8 0.0 124 Solitary Vireo 1.7 (■>.4 121 Veer\' 1.5 0.0 102 Scarlet Tanager 1.3 4.0 82 W h i te-breasted N u tha tch 1.2 2.3 82 Brown Creeper 1.1 0.0 75 1 lermit Thrush 1.0 0.0 87 Chipping Sparrow 1.0 0.0 88 Acadian Flycatcher 0.8 0.0 54 1 kioded Warbler 0.7 3.2 52 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 0.7 0.0 51 Swainson's Thrush 0.8 5.2 44 1 lairy Woodpecker 0.8 4.1 41 Winter Wren 0.8 2.7 40 Eastern Wood-Pewee 0.5 1.8 38 Mourning Warbler 0.5 0.0 34 Downy Woodpecker 0.3 0.0 23 Rutted Ch'ouse 0.2 0.0 1 5 Northern Flicker 0.2 3.2 11 Black-billed Cuckoo 0.1 0.0 7 Blue jay 0.1 2.4 7 Canada Warbler 0.1 0.0 7 Ruby-throated 1 lummingbird 0.1 0.0 4 American Crow 0.1 3.8 4 Chestnut-sided Wa rb 1 e r 0.1 0.0 4 Louisiana Watert brush 0.1 0.0 4 Indigo Bunting 0.1 0.0 4 Brown-headed Cowbird 0.1 0.0 4 Sharp-shinned 1 lawk — 0.0 2 Barred Owl — 0.8 n Northern Goshawk 0.0 1 tinbitnt Descyiptious Table 3 coiiti)uied Spiecies Average Pairs paer 1 00 acres 1983-85 1930-31 1983-85 Total Pairs Red-shouldered 1 lawk 0.6 1 Broad-winged Havyk — 0.0 1 Red-tailed Hawk — 0.4 1 Ncrrthern Saw-whet 0\yl — 0.0 1 Ye 1 1 o w - 1 h roa t ed Wa r b 1 e r — 0.0 1 B 1 a c k-a nd - w h i t e VVa r bl er 0.0 1.8 0 Chimney Swift 0.0 2.0 0 Black-throated Blue Warbler 0.0 10.7 0 Total: 70.8 182.2 4953 Fii^iov b Tliis small brook runs llirongh the maple-beecli-birch-liemlock habitat appR)ximatcl\' 0.3 mile (0.8 km) east ot the entrance tr) C ain I lollow Campground in Allegany State Park, New \'ork, 3 July 1084. Ple\ation ca. 1740 feet (330 m). This location is typical habitat for the Acadian Flycatcher. these three species that are attributed to the recoyery of large tracts of forest in the State (Andrle and Carroll, 1988). The Acadian Flycatcher and Louisiana VVaterthrush, according to Eaton (in Andrle and Carroll, 1988), haye re-established themselyes as the habitat along streams recoyered from the effects of logging. A nesting pair of Yellow-throated Warbler was one of two nesting pairs in New York State in 1984, establishing the first confirmed nesting in the State for this species (Baird, 1984). Carroll (in Andrle and Carroll, 1988) noted the northward expansion of the Yellow-throated Warbler. Although the Northern Saw- whet Owl was not recorded in 1930-31 by Saunders, he did report its presence in 1933 (Saunders, 1942). This owl is easily oyerlooked and, like the Yellow-throated Warbler, its presence is probably not dictated by habitat changes since 1930-31. Cabins for park \isitors are within the maple-beech-birch-hemlock habitat near the Quaker Run. Birds in the cabin areas are those tolerant of human acti\’ities. Blue Jays, American Crows, and Common Crackles frequent the cabin areas in July to scayenge refuse, but they undoubtedly nest elsewhere. Eastern Phoebes nest on the outside of the cabins (pers. obs.) and American Robins find attractiue foraging conditions around the cabins. MAPLE-BEECH-CHERRh' HABITAT The maple-beech-cherrv habitat (Figures 7, 8) occurs at higher elex'ations where dry conditions preyail. A sharp boundary separates it from the hemlock forest below. A layer of conglomerate rock occurring between shale beds is responsible for a spring horizon at middle eleyations (Lobeck, 1927; Saunders, 1936). The dry conditions aboye the spring horizon eliminate most of the hemlock and yellow birch. This habitat is essentially Saunders' (1936) "maple-beech sprout" after more than 50 years of growth. The maple-beech-cherry habitat is uniform oyer extensiye areas. It is characterized by mature trees and a poorly deyeloped understory. Heterogeneity occurs where large trees are blown down and tree saplings, blackberry (Riilnis spp.) and other low \’egetation respond to 12 / iabitat Description^ Fipiirc 7 Windfall in the maple-beech-cherrv habitat on a southeast slope ot Mt. Onondaga, 0.3 mile (l).(S km) west of Stony Brook, Allegany State Park, New' York, 4 July 1484. Elevation ca. 2060 feet (628 m). A dense shrub growth of blackberry (Riihiis sp.) and red elderberry (Sninbiiciis nicciiiosn) attracted the Winter Wren, .Vlournmg Warbler, and Canada Warbler te' this site. Fipiirc S Maple-beech-cherrv habitat with an understory ot red elderberry on a ridge di\'iding the headwaters ot English Brook from Cain llollow in Allegany State Park, New York, 10 |uly 16, S4. Elevation ca. 2220 feet {677 m). Birds obseiwed in this area include the Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Hooded Warbler, and Indigo Bunting. increased light. The black cherry (Pniuiis scivtiun) generally replaces the •American beech (Fityt/s ^rniidifolm) as an associate of sugar maple [Acer sKchariiw) to the east of a line approximated by Stony Brook (Figure 3). Beech trees show an infestation by the beech blight {NiXtrin coccincti war. %i) (Eaton and Schrot, 1487). In 1983-85 tree mortality was low, a situation that has since begun to change (pers. obs.). A large mortality in beech trees would bring mcire heterogeneity to this forest, a loss of the beechnut mast crop, and likely other consequences that will affect birds. This habitat coyers 6,489 acres (2,(-i2h ha). Table 4 proyides the results of the bird census in the maple-beech-cherry habitat. Saunders' (|93h) data for the maple-beech sprout are included in Table 4, but conditions haye changed to a degree that the habitat in 1983-85 shows little similarity to the former habitat. The Least Flycatcher, American Robin, American Redstart, and Chipping Sparrow are species indicative of the openness of the understory in this habitat. Saunders (1938) reported that the Least Flycatcher preferred open forests as did Johnston (1971 ). Saunders (1938) said the Chipping Sparrow was not a species of the natural maple-beech forest. In this habitat, Swainson's Thrushes, Magnolia Warblers and Blackburnian Warblers are restricted to the few, scattered hemlocks. The Black-throated Green Warbler was encountered regularly in 1983-85 in areas lacking any hemlock. Kendeigh (1946) obser\'ed a similar phenomenon with the Black-throated Green Warbler in maple-beech forest in eastern New York State. He observed that the Black-throated Green Warbler increased in areas lacking conifers, while the Blackburnian Warbler disappeared along with the hemlocks. Stream Valley Forest Much of what Saunders (1936) hesitatingly classified as stream \’alley forest occupied an area that is now part of Quaker Lake. Saunders described this forest as differing only slightly from the maple-beech- hemlock forest and was characterized by the presence of elm (illniiis niiicricaim). In 1983-85 this label is used in reference to a small extent of forest adjacent to the Quaker Run above Quaker Lake. It was a varied habitat with a few tall trees and dead elm snags interspersed within a tangle of low to moderate height vegetation. The habitat was quite moist and included a blend of conditions h)und in the thicket, willow thicket- beaver meadow, and maple-beech-birch-hemlock habitats of 1983-85. The figures given in Table 5 are total pair estimates for the birds in 34 acres (14 ha) of stream valley forest. Saunders' (1936) figures h'r stream valley forest are included in Table 5, although the 1930-31 habitat differed significantly from the 1983-85 stream valley forest. The Northern Parula and Northern Cardinal were found onh' in this habitat in 1983-85. Each is represented by a single obserwition, which suggests that they were irregular in the study area. Saunders (1942) called each of these species rare in Allegany State Park. The Northern Cardinal, unlike the Northern Parula, has changed status since 1930-31 in southwestern New York State, where it is now common outside id contiguous forest (Eaton, 1981 ). Plantation During Saunders' era in .Allegany State Park, some areas of open land were planted with conifers, principalh' white pine {Piuus shobus), red pine iP. rcsimm), Scotch pine (P. suPocstris), and Norway spruce / liibitiit Descriptions Tabic 4. Birds of the Maple-Beech-Cherry Habitat. Species 1983-85 Average Pair per 100 acres 1930-31 1983-85 Total Pairs Red -eyed Vireo 17.1 8.3 1112 American Redstart 6.4 0.7 418 Black-throated Green Warbler 4.4 7.4 288 Least Flycatcher 3.5 0.0 231 Chipping Sparrow 3.5 0.0 225 1 looded Warbler 3.2 0.0 210 American Robin 3.2 4.8 206 Dark-eveci junco 3.0 0.0 193 Veery 2.9 0.0 188 Wood Thrush 2.8 0.0 179 White-breasted Nuthatch 2.3 0.0 145 Ovenbird 2.1 5.4 139 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2.1 0.0 137 Rose-breasted C rosbea k 1.7 1.1 112 Scarlet Tanager 1.5 1.9 96 Brown Creeper 1.4 0.0 93 Mourning Warbler 1.4 0.0 91 1 lermit Thrush 1.3 0.0 85 1 lairv Woodpecker 1.2 1.6 75 Blackburnian Warbler 1.1 0.0 71 B la c k-ca pped C h ickad ee 1.0 4.0 60 Eastern Wood-Pewee 0.9 0.0 55 [Downy Woodpecker 0.5 0.0 33 Black-throateci Blue Warbler 0.5 0.8 31 Swainson's Thrush 0.3 0.0 21 Northern Flicker 0.3 0.0 18 Winter Wren 0.3 0.0 18 Solitary Vireo 0.2 0.4 15 Indigo Bunting 0.2 0.0 15 Chestnut-sideci Warbler 0.1 0.0 9 Ruffed Grouse 0.1 0.0 6 Blue jay 0.1 1.4 6 Brown-headed Cowbird — 0.0 4 Black-billed Cuckoo — 0.0 3 Barred Owl — 0.0 3 Ruby-throated 1 lummingbird — 0.0 3 Magnolia Warbler — 1.8 3 Louisiana Waterthrush — 0.0 3 Pileated Wt)odpecker — 0.0 2 Red-sln)uldered 1 lawk — 0.0 1 Red-tailed 1 lawk — 0.0 1 Cedar Wax wing 0.0 0.5 0 Total; 71.0 40.1 4604 14 / iabital L'li.'scriptioii lablc 5. Birds of the Stream Valley Forest. Species 1 983-85 Estimated ttital pairs 1930-31 Common Yellow throat 2 0 Indigo Bunting 2 0 Song Sparrow 2 0 Ruby-throated 1 lummingbird 1 0 Downy Woodpecker 1 0 Northern Flicker 1 4 Eastern Phoebe 1 0 Eastern Kingbird 1 0 Blue jay 1 3 Black-capped Chickadee 1 6 1 louse Wren 1 0 Veery 1 5 Wood Thrush 1 1 Gray Catbird 1 0 Cedar Waxwing 1 3 Red -eyed Vireo 1 8 Northern Earn la 1 0 Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 0 American Redstart 1 5 Vlourning Warbler 1 0 Scarlet Tanager 1 4 Northern Cardinal 1 0 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 0 Northern Oriole 1 0 American Goldfinch 1 0 Eastern Wood-Pewee 0 5 W h i te-b rea s ted Nuthatch 0 4 B 1 a c k - a n d - w h i t e Wa r b 1 e r 0 4 American Crow 0 4 American Robin 0 C) 1 lairy Woodpecker 0 3 Black-throated Green Warbler 0 2 Magnolia Warbler 0 0 Solitary Vireo 0 1 Dark-eyed junco 0 American Woodcock 0 2 American Kestrel 0 1 1983-85 Totals: 23 species, 28 pairs. 82.4 pairs/ 1 00 acres 1930-31 Totals: 21 species, 73 pairs, 173.8 pairs/ 100 acres I labitat Descriptions (Picca iibies) (Gordon ct nl. 1437). Saunders (1936) classified these areas as pasture because the small trees and open areas around them provided a similar bird habitat. In 1983-85, these conifer plantings contained mature trees (Koten, 1981). The plantations occupy a few separated areas totaling approximately 94 acres (38 ha). Because the plantations were unlike any habitat of 1930-31, 1 did not census these areas. Plantations are of interest because they haye attracted birds that would not otherwise be expected as nesting species in the Quaker Run valley. These species are Red¬ breasted .\uthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Yellow-rumped Warbler (Eaton, 1981 and pers. obs.). In addition to these species, Blue jays, American Crows, Common Crackles, and Purple Finches probably are nesting in the plantations (pers. obs.). The Open Areas The open areas in 1930-31 were primarily a result of farming activity. An absence of farming for many years and the formation of Quaker Lake have significantly changed the character of the open areas since 1930-31. The open areas present in 1983-85 are here considered in comparison with those described by Saunders (1936). MEADOW The area near the inflow to Quaker Lake is similar to the meadow habitat described by Saunders (1936). There is considerable reduction in acreage since 1930-31 (Table 1), and the function is no longer related to agriculture. Periodic mowing of this habitat in 1983-85 maintained a x'arietv of grasses. The data in Table 6 are based on a direct count of the pairs nesting in this limited habitat of 32 acres (13 ha). The Vesper Sparrow was a common inhabitant in the meadow habitat in 1930-31. It no longer nests in the Quaker Run x'allev and its absence is discussed in the next section which considers the field habitat. FIELD Field habitat, as Saunders (1936) described it, was not represented in the study area in 1983-85. Habitat labeled as field was found in Table 6. Birds of the Meadow. Average paairs 1983-85 Species prer 1 00 acres Total 1 983-85 1930-31 Pairs Sax annah Sparrow 18.8 16.0 6 Red-winged BlackLiird 12.5 9.8 4 Eastern Meadowlark 9.4 8.0 3 BerLiolink 6.3 0.9 2 Brow n - hea d ed Co wh i rd 3.1 2.8 1 Vesp^er Sjaarrow 0.0 9.8 0 Total: 50.0 45.3 16 Table 7. Birds of the Field. Average plains 1983-85 Sprecies paer 100 acres Total 1983-85 930-31 Pairs Song Sprarrow 46.1 0.0 89 Common Yellowthroat 15.9 0.0 31 Field Sprarrow 3.7 0.0 7 Red-Winged Blackbird 1.6 0.0 3 Willow Flycatcher 0.5 0.0 1 Vesp'ier Spaarrow 0.0 8.8 0 Total: 68.2 8.8 131 16 I UibiitU / )(M ripiiou liiblc (S’. Birds of the Thicket. Ayerage pairs 1 983-85 Species per nil) acres Total 1 4,S3-,S5 Pairs Riifoiis-sided Tnvhee 1 2.2 54 I'ield Sparrow ID.^t 48 C'onimon Yellow throat U).2 45 Cirav Catbird rye) 44 St)np Sparrow ‘-).3 41 Indigo ICinting 3.S 25 American Redstart 5.0 22 Yellow Warbler 3.7 18 B1 a e k-ca pped C h ic ka d ee 3.1 14 Cedar Waxwing 3.0 13 Veerv 2.7 12 Red-eved Vireo 2.7 12 A mer ica n Gold fi neh 2.1 9 Reise-breasted Crt)sbeak 2.0 9 C h es t n n t- s i d ed Wa r b 1 e r 1.9 8 Blue-grav Gnateateher 1.5 7 American Robin 1.4 b IMue-winged Warbler 1.2 5 Nashv'ille Warbler 1.1 5 Downy Woodpecker l.l 5 [.east Flycatcher 1.0 4 Blue jay 0.8 3 American Woodcock 0.7 3 Ruffed Grouse 0.5 2 Black-billed Cuckoo 0.5 2 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 0.5 2 Willow Flycatcher 0.5 2 B 1 a c k-a n el - u' h i te Wa r b 1 e r 0.5 2 CAenbird 0.5 2 Scarlet Tanager 0.5 2 Chipping Sparrenv 0.5 0 1 louse Wren 0.4 2 Nen'thern Flicker 0.2 1 Eastern Phe^ebe 0.2 1 W h i te-breasted N u t ha tch 0.2 1 Total: 98.t) 431 17 Habitat DescriptiiVis scattered areas in 1983-85 and is somewhat variable in conditions. The field habitat in 1983-83 showed conditions intermediate between the open meadow and the dense, shrubby growth of thicket. Goldenrod (Solida^o spp.), raspberry {Rulms spp.), milkweed (Asclcpins syrinca), timothy (Plilciim prntemc), and widely scattered tree saplings are the common plants that occupied the dry sites representing field habitat. Table 7 giyes the estimated avian populations in 192 acres (78 ha) of field. The Vesper Sparrt)w was the only species Saunders found in his field habitat in 1930-31. Saunders (1936) described the field as dry, upland areas of sparse grasses and low growing weeds. The change in field habitat since 1930-31 probably accounts for the absence of the Vesper Sparrow. This species showed declines on breeding bird suryeys in Cattaraugus County (Eaton 1981), western New York State (Klabunde, 1986; Klingensmith and Hooyer, 1986) and in .New York State overall (Andrle and Carroll, 1988). This decline may be related to a loss of nesting habitat through changes in agricultural practices (Eaton, 1981; Andrle and Carroll, 1988). THICKET The thicket in 1983-85 resulted from the slow reforestation of areas formerh’ m pasture or open for c)ther agriculture. The reversion to true forest has not vet occurred. Gordon ct al. (1937) suggested that the formation of a grass sod during grazing slowed natural reforestation. 1 ha\'e labeled this habitat a thicket because the plant growth in most areas is dense. Hawthorns (CraHcgz/s spp.) are a common tree in this habitat. A variety of other small trees and saplings also occur, with red maple (Acer ntbnini) and white ash iFraxiuns amcricaiui) as common species. Dogwood (Cen///s spp.) grow in dense patches in the thicket. Some areas had a significant grass and goldenrod component that provided interspersed openings. There were 440 acres (176 ha) of thicket habitat in 1983-85. The thicket habitat in 1983-85 exhibited characteristics in common with the pasture and sprout oak-hickorv habitats described bv Saunders (1936). In some areas, the young forest conditions of the temporary aspen forests of 1930-31 were found in the thicket. None of those 1930- 31 bird habitats was a distinct unit in the study area during my censuses. Because the vegetation was dense, a direct transect through the thicket habitat was rarely pt)ssible. Data collection under such circumstances lead to a greater potential for inaccurate species density figures in this habitat than in the open and forested habitats. The composition of species and their relative densities in the thicket habitat are believed to be more reliable than species densities. The figures for birds of the thicket are given in Table 8. There is little of value in comparing the data in Table 8 with data Saunders accumulated for any single habitat, although the information indicates some noteworthy changes have occurred since 1930-31. Saunders (1942) did not report the Blue-winged Warbler or Blue-gray Gnatcatcher as occurring in Allegany State Park. Beardslee and .Mitchell (1965), Eaton (1981 ), and Andrle and Carroll (1988) document the range expansions of these two species since Saunders' era. A Brewster's Warbler was observed in the thicket habitat and the presence of this hybrid between Blue-winged and Golden-winged Warblers suggests the presence of the Golden-winged Warbler. The Golden-winged Warbler, though not obserx'c'd in the study area in 1983-85, was regular, but uncommon, in nearby areas (pers. obs.). Saunders (1942) considered the Golden¬ winged Warbler primarily a migrant. In 1930-31, Saunders recorded the Whip-poor-will in the sprout oak-hickorv habitat (1.6 pairs per 100 acres) which he described (Saunders, 1936) as more of a thicket than a forest. No observations of the Whip-poor-will were made in any habitat of the Quaker Run x’allev in 1983-85, and it is now nearly absent from western .New York as a nester (Andrle and Carroll, 1988). WILLOW THICKET-BEAVER MEADOW Saunders (1936) classified the willow areas bordering streams as temporary forest. .Most of the willow habitat (Eigure 9) has been Figure 9 Ehe willow thicket-beaver meadow habitat is characterized by scattered shrubs and small trees. This view is to the northeast in the k)wer Cain Hollow near the Quaker Run in Alleganv State Park, New' York, 14 lulv 1984. Elex'ation ca. 1400 feet (427m). modified bv the activities of beavers which have increased greatly in Allegany State Park in recent times (Koten, 1981). Willows iSalix spp.) associate with the wetlands that occur behind beaver dams and form a habitat that was not present in the Quaker Run valley in 1930-31. Sites occupied bv beax’er are indicated on Eigure 3. The thickness and shape of willow thicket-beaver meadow habitat made coverage by a belt transect difficult and the collection of data relied heavily upon visual observation. This difference in method for the census of willow thicket-beax’er meadow mav preclude a valid comparison of the total species densities between this habitat and the others within the study area. The willow thicket-beaver meadow habitat has the highest calculated total species density of any 1983-83 habitat. The data for 162 acres (66 ha) of the willow thicket-beaver meadow are gi\'en in Table 9. 18 / hihitnt Dc^cnpl ioit Ihhic 4. Birds ot the Willow Thicket — Beaver .Meadow. Spi'cies 1 9S3-S5 Average Pairs per 100 acres 1 430-3 1 148,3-85 dotal 1 i rs Ciimnion > el low throat 21.I 48.2 34 SiMig Sparrow I 4.4 32 C'.rav Catbird 14.3 12.8 23 'i el low Warbler U).4 81.5 18 Ameriean Coldtineh h.9 0.0 11 Red -winged Blackbird b.3 0.0 10 W'ilknv Flveatcher 5.3 Irregular 4 American Robin 4.6 0.0 7 Eastern Kingbird 3.5 0.0 8 European Starling 3.1 0.0 3 Rubv-throated I lummingbird 2.7 0.0 4 Cireat Crested Elvcatcher 2.7 0.0 4 Cedar Waxwing 2.2 0.0 4 Rose-breasted G rosbea k 2.0 0.0 3 Indigo Bunting 2.0 0.0 3 Northern Ch iole 1.5 0.0 n Eastern Phoebe 1.4 0.0 Northern E’licker 1.3 0.0 Tree Swallow 1.3 0.0 2 American Woi'dcock 1.2 5.1 2 Green-backed I leron 1.2 0.0 Swamp Sparrow 1.2 0.0 2 Veerv 0.8 2.8 1 Downy Woodpecker 0.7 0.0 1 B la c k-ca p pc'd C h i c ka d ee 0.7 0.0 1 Red -eyed V'ireo 0.7 0.0 1 American Redstart 0.7 0.0 1 Wood Duck O.h 0.0 1 Mallard O.h 0.0 1 dotal: 114.8 1 58.4 144 14 ^ labitat Descriptions The willow thicket-heaver meadow habitat included all of the species Saunders (1936) listed for willow habitat (Table 9), Saunders' (1936, 1942) report of the Alder Flycatcher presumably referred to the now separated Willow Flycatcher (Eaton, 1981). The actiyities of beaver ha\’e pro\'ided good habitat and the Willow Flycatcher was regular in 1983-83. The Eastern Kingbird, Great Crested Elycatcher, Northern Oriole, and European Starling were associated in 1983-85 with willow thicket- beayer meadow habitat and its yicinity. Saunders (1936) found these four species only in a habitat he labeled orchard and shade trees. The Wood Duck, Mallard, Green-backed Fleron, and Tree Swallow were not on Saunders' (1936) list of breeding birds in the Quaker Run valley and were generally uncommon in .Allegany State Park (Saunders, 1942). These four species indicate the influence bea\’er activity has had on the avifauna since 1930-31. In his discussion of the Wood Duck, Saunders (1942) predicted an increase in species attracted by water as beavers increased in the region. Stream Borders This habitat of gravel bars and stream banks provided nest sites for a few characteristic specie^. Quaker Run for a short distance above and below Quaker Lake supplied this open habitat. The area below Quaker Lake was subject to flooding by the Allegheny Reserc’oir. My count of the number of pairs of breeding birds associated with the stream border habitat is given in Table 10. The reduction of the number of pairs since 1930-31 is likely a result of loss of habitat through the formation of Quaker Lake. The Killdeer was not seen during the 1983-85 stud\’ period. My observations of the area at other times indicate the Killdeer was present in this habitat. Buildings Saunders (1936) found the Chimney Swift, Eastern Phoebe, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, and Flouse Sparrow nesting on or in buildings. The bridge I-beam supports at the Quaker Lake dam had replaced barn walls and rafters for Cliff and Barn Swallow nest attachment since 1930- 31. A mixed nesting colony of these swallows occupied the girders under the bridge and was estimated to contain 8 pairs of Cliff Swallows and 12 pairs of Barn Swallows. .A few additional pairs of Barn Swallows nested on other Park buildings. Eastern Phoebes used the Park cabins for nesting in 1983-85. Chimney Swifts and Flouse Sparrows were not observed during the present study, though Chimney Swifts occurred at Science Lake after the study period (pers. obs.). Recreation-Administration Areas This category included acreage around administrative and recreational buildings and other areas that were mowed regularly or had a high human impact. Birds were not counted in recreation- administration areas, which totaled 190 acres (77 ha). Quaker Lake The Quaker Lake and the nearby .Allegheny Reser\’oir attracted a non-breeding population of Ring-billed Gulls in 1983-85. Common Mergansers and Great Blue Herons also visited Quaker Lake, but 1 observed no evidence for their nesting in the study area. Tabic 10. Birds of the Stream Border. Total p^airs Species 1930-31 1983-85 Belted Kingfisher 4 2 Spotted Sandpip)er 6 1 N. Kough-winged Swallow 2 1 Killdeer 4 0 Total; 16 4 20 C/m/zffl’s in Breeding Bird Density Since 1930-31 The 1483-Sh data estimate breediiij; birds in lb, 427 acres (bbdcS ha) of habitat representing %.7 percent ot the study area. The remaining 3.3 percent includes 338 acres (22b ha) of lake, plantation and recreation- administration areas where counts were not made. Vly data estimate that about 12,1)00 pairs of breeding birds occurred in 1483-85 giving an ax erage nesting density of 73.1 pairs per 100 acres (40 ha). Saunders' (143b) corresponding figure was 84. b pairs per 100 acres (40 ha) and represented an estimate of ox’er 14,300 pairs. Appendix I gives the estimated total breeding bird pairs for each species in 1483-83 and 1430- 31. An analysis of the species nesting in forested habitats shows a 14.3 percent nesting density decline since 1430-31. The data from the young aspen forests, which Saunders (1 43b) labeled temporary forest, are not included in these comparisons because the conditions in the aspen habitats were significantly different in 1430-31 and 1483-83. Open habitats show an increased ax'erage nesting density of 43 percent since 1430-31, llowex'er, the validity of the comparison for open habitats is reduced because of dissimilarities in conditions within the open habitats at the time of each study. The estimated increase in nesting density in open habitats has little influence on the total nesting density change because less than 8 percent of the total area was in open habitats in 1483- 83. The data from open and forested habitats combined indicate that ox’crall breeding bird densities declined by 13.b percent since 1430-31. Saunders' (143b) data suggested that older seres, with a dex'eloped understory, accommodate more nesting birds than early successional communities. Studies by Johnston and Odum (I43b), Shurgart and lames (1473), and Holt (1474) support this suggestion. Forest vegetational succession has followed two courses in the Quaker Run Willey since 1430-31. The tree component has grown to maturity, and the understory vegetation has declined. In. addition to local habitat changes, species migrating away from the area are influenced by habitat changes along their migratory route and at their wintering grounds. Habitats are being rapidly altered in the ■American tropics. In the past 30 years, as much as half of all forest cover has been lost in major regions, and pesticides, including DDT, have been widely used (Rappole ct nl., 1483). It is difficult to separate bird population changes related to conditions within the study area from changes that may be due to conditions birds encounter on migration or at their wintering grounds. I lolmes ct nl. (148b) suggest our knowledge ot the winter ranges ot birds breeding in the northeastern United States is incomplete (see Cjochfeld, 1474; Rashley and Vlartin, 1487), which further complicates potential conclusions about the influences that tropical habitat changes might have on birds Irom any one locality. Appendix II lists all the bird species mentioned in this manuscript and indicates the species which Rappole ct nl. (1483) listed as nearctic migrants (species whose populations in part or entirely breed north of the Tropic of Cancer and winter south of that line). Some of the nearctic migrants noted in Appendix II are here considered, for comparative purposes, as nonmigrants to the neotropics because they have significant winter territory within the southern United States and occasionally further north (American (.'trnithologists' Union Checklist, 1483, see note Appendix 11). None of this latter group is distinguished in Rappole ct nl. (1483) as haxing a high xiilnerability to habitat changes occurring in the neotropics. Table 11 shows nesting density changes relatix'e to two variables: migrant status (modified from Rappole ct nl., 1483) and axerage nest height (Harrison, 1473). The comparisons in Table II suggest that the nesting density decline in species selecting nest sites below 2 m is a result of some factor that is not affecting the group nesting above 2 m. 1 beliex’e the scarcity of understory vegetation is a primarx' factor causing the difference in density change in the two groups based upon nest height. The disparity in nesting density changes between nearctic migrants and nonmigrants is not as large as the differences relatix'e to nest height. If the density differences between migrants and nonmigrants are significant, the data suggest that the greater density decline in nonmigrants is not related to nest height, while the density decline in nearctic migrants appears strongly related to nest height. Changes in the understory since 1430-31 provide an attractix'e explanation for the declines in low nesting species, but other factors mav also be important. Allegany State Park in 1483-83 had a high raccoon iProcyo)! lotoi) population and their predation of low nests max' hax'e been significant (Koten, 1481), Influences on the nesting birds bx' factors that are regional or occurring far beyond the study area are more difficult to exaluate. The next sectimi of this studx' is devoted to discussing indix idual species and ku'kmg at their changes in the Quaker Run study area as xvell as trends documented for other areas. CluDigcs ill Breeding Bird Dciisiti/ Since 1930-31 Table IT Nesting Density Changes in Relation to Nest Height and Migrant Status in Forested Habitat of the Quaker Run Valley. Species Category Number of Species 1930-31 1983-85 Average Density Pairs/ 100 acres 1930-31 1983-85 Percent Density Change Nea retie Migrants 21 29 60.1 54.2 -9.8 Nonmigrants 23 25 23.7 17.6 -25.7 AH forest species Nest Sites Below 2 Meters 12 16 29.1 16.9 -41.9 All forest species Nest Sites Above 2 Meters 32 38 54.7 54.9 -hO.4 Nea retie Migrants Nest Sites Below 2 .Meters 8 12 21.5 11.4 -47.0 Nea re tie Migrants Nest Sites Above 2 Meters 13 17 38.6 42.8 + 10.9 Nonmigrants Nest Sites Below 2 Meters 4 4 7.6 5.5 -27.6 Nonmigrants Nest Site's Above 2 Meters 19 21 16.1 12.1 -24.8 22 Cliiiu^h^s ill - ~ - - Selected Avian Species in the Quaker Run Valley Species discussed in this section hnee populatitin or nesting density changes since 1430-31 that reflect habitat change within the Quaker Run study area, or show changes that may indicate intiuences from factors beyond the study area. Since the data tor the 1483-85 study were collected, several publications have appeared that provide information on local and regional bird population trends. Klingensmith and Hoover (148(-)) summarized 15 vears of The Allegany County Breeding Bird Survey 1 1470-85). Allegany County, \’ew York, borders Cattaraugus County on the east. Klabunde (148(i) summarized United States Fish and Wildlife Serc'ice Breeding Bird Surc'eys from western .New York for the period |4h7-148ti, and Robbins ct in Sc’/ctfi'i/ Ai'inn S/'i'f/iN in llw (junker Run V'niln/ iKirtlu'iistern Liiited States (Robbins cl ill., RWh). Hattm {in Andiie and C'arrt)ll, RtSS) said the MagiK)iia Warbler showed little change in distribution since baton's (1410) map, but noted an apparent decline in some small populations near the Finger Lakes ol \ew York State. BLACK-Tl IROATHD BLL'E WARBLER Like the Magnolia Warbler, the large decline in the Black-thia)ated Blue Warbler is undoubtedh’ related to the understt)rv changes since 1430-31. This species is less dependent on hemk)ck than the Magnolia Warbler (Saunders, 143S), and it has declined because ot the loss ot broad-lea\'ed saplings and shrubs, where its nests are generallv found in this region (Eaton, I4SI). Eaton (|4|4) and Saunders (I43S) stated that the abundance of the Black-throated Blue Warbler changed tix)m year to year. Rlabunde (I48(A reported the Black-throated Blue Warbler as declining in western New Virk during |4(i7-|4iS(r BEACK-Tl IROATEl) GREEN WARBLER The Black-lhn)ated Green Warbler was the most abundant breeding bird in the Quaker Run \ alley in 1430-31. The population of this warbler in 14S3-S3 indicated a (i4 percent nesting density decline oyer all forest habitat and a 74 percent decline in the mature maple-beech-birch- hemk)ck forest. The magnitude ot the latter decline resembles that ot the Magnolia Warbler, but the decline ot the Black-throated Green Warbler is less readily explained. The Black-throated Green Warbler generalh’ does lU't nest close tii the ground (Harrison, 1475), thus it is less likely than the Magnolia Warbler to be affected by the lack of understorw The Magiutlia Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler and Blackburnian Warbler are species Saunders (1442) called the hemlock warblers. All three species haye density declines since 1430-31, with the .Magnolia Warbler ha\’ing the largest decline and the Blackburnian Warbler the smallest in the mature maple-beech-birch-hemlock forest. If caused b\’ condititins on the study area, their declines are probably related to the structure of the hemlocks in the forest in 1483-85. Some inter-specific interactions among these three species may influence their nesting in hemlock forest. Morse (I4(i8) showed that Vlagnolia Warbler and Black-throated Green Warbler males broadly oyerlapped in the heights at which they foraged and sang in mature spruce forest in Maine. Holmes ct ill. (148(0 found in mature forest in .New I lampshire that the Black-throated Green Warbler was stable oyer a Ib-year period when 70 percent of the species breeding on a 10 hectare plot declined. Wilco\'e (1483) found spectacular increases in the Black-throated Green Warbler when he compared bird populations in undisturbed forest in Tennessee and North Carolina between 1482 and 1447-48. Robbins cl nl. (148(0 documented an increase in the northeastern states that was negated by a decline in the southeastern states. Rlabunde (148(0 reported a possible decline for western New York. BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER ■Nesting density for the canopy-nesting Blackburnian Warbler has declined within the mature maple-beech-birch-hemlock forest since 1430-31. When all forested acreage is considered, the Blackburnian Warbler showed an increased nesting densit\'. The overall density increase tor this warbler is attributed to the maturation of the forest, in particular the tiak-hickory. The Blackburnian Warbler showed the smallest decline ot the three species Saunders (1442) called the "hemlovk warblers" (see Black-throated Green Warbler account). Saunders (I43(i, 1442) said the nesting of the Blackburnian Warbler in this region was colonial. Harrison (1475) noted the tendency ol this warbler tv) nest in loosely scattered colonies, as did Knight (in Bent, 1453). Saunders (143(-)) said he tempered his final counts of the Blackburnian Warbler based upon his knowledge of its colonial nesting, but he did not elaborate. Summaries ot area breeding bird surveys (Rlabunde, 148(-) and Klingensmith and Hoover, I48fi) indicate that this species may be declining in western New York State. Holmes cl ill. (148(-i) noted a gradual decline tor the Blackburnian Warbler over a Kwyear period in .New Hampshire. They felt the decline may have represented population declines in more central parts ot its range because of the marginal nature ot the habitat for Blackburnian Warblers at their study site. Wilcove (1483) found a sizeable decline in Blackburnian Warblers in comparing populations in 1482 and 1447-48 in North Garolina and Tennessee. Rv)bbins cl nl. (148fA showed an increase in northeastern states that was m)t enough to produce an increase tor the entire eastern region. Levine (in Andrie and Carroll, 1488) felt the greatest threat to the Blackburnian Warbler was not on its breeding ground but on its wintering grv)und where forests were being rapidly destroyed. CERULEAN WARBLER The Cerulean Warbler was a common species v)f the mature v)ak- hickory-forest in 1483-85. Saunders (1442) observed a Cerulean Warbler in 1421 in the Quaker Run valley, but was unable to contirm its presence in subsequent years. Stephen \Y. Eaton noted (pers. comm.) that the Cerulean WGrbler was displaced from the Allegheny River bvvttomlands by the formation of the Allegheny Reservviir, which may have stimulated the Cerulean Warbler increase in the higher oak woodlands adjacent to the Allegheny River valley. The range v)t the Cerulean Warbler has expanded into western .New York since Saunders' era (Bull 1474; Andrie and Carroll 1488). BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER The Black-and-white Warbler was rare as a breeding bird in the study area in 1483-85. This warbler is mv)st commonly found in oak forests in this region (Eaton, 1481). Saunders (143(i) determined the Black-and-white Warbler's highest nesting density at 8.(-i pairs per 1(10 acres (40 ha) in mature oak-hickory; he reported lower densities in other tv)rested habitats and found it missing fnim the sprvvut maple-beech forest. The Black-and-white Warbler has finished nesting by the dates included in this study. Bent (1453) nv)ted a tendency of the Black-and- white Warbler to stray away from nesting areas early. It the 1483-85 censuses missed this species because it had already left following nesting, Saunders slu)uld have encountered a similar phenv)menon, but Changes in Selectcti Avian Species in the Quaker Run Valley he apparently did not. Saunders (1938) reported the average date of song cessation for the Black-and-white Warbler as 26 July, well after the study period. Saunders (1942) noted the first migratory movements occurred in late julv and early August. Kendeigh (1943) said the Black-and-white Warbler was commonly found in the forest edge habitat rather than the forest interior when a good stand of trees developed. Possibly the loss of edge habitat through the general maturation of the forests in the study area has had an effect on the Black-and-white Warbler. Although the Black-and-white W'arbler is a ground-nesting species, it is not immediately apparent that a lack of understory should affect its nesting. The placement of its nest, described by Harrison (1973) and Bent (1933), does not depend upon herbaceous plants of the forest floor for concealment. This species does not use the underston' for foraging (Bent, 1933). The Black-and-white Warbler was rarely recorded on breeding bird surveys in western New York State (Klabunde, 1986), but little oak forest was included in the surveys. Eaton (1981) felt the Black-and-white Warbler became less common in Cattaraugus County in the 1970s because of selective cutting of oaks, but no cutting occurred in the oak forests of the study area. Eaton (in Andrle and Carroll, 1988) reported little change in distribution of this species over the last century in New York State. AMERICAN REDSTART The nesting density of the American Redstart may have declined slightly in mature maple-beech-birch-hemlock forest, but its density for all forest has increased since 1930-31. Eaton (1981) said it nests commonly in oak forest where there are openings below the canopy for aerial capture of insects and less commonly in birch-beech-maple- hemlock forest. The nesting density of the American Redstart has increased greatly in mature oak-hickory since 1930-31 (Table 2). Saunders (1942) said this warbler preferred areas with undergrowth and the young dense forest. Sherry (1979) noted the broad habitat requirements of the American Redstart. Hickey (1940) noted the wandering of unmated singing male American Redstarts during the nesting season. Such birds, when counted, would inflate the density figures, but probably equally for both studies being discussed in this paper. Breeding bird sur\'evs (Robbins el ai, 1986) indicated an increase of redstarts in the eastern United States, especially in New York State. Klabunde (1986) reported the American Redstart as possibly increasing in western New York State, while Klingensmith and Hoover (1986) indicated a slight decline for Allegany County, .New Yt)rk. OVEN BIRD 0\'enhirds were fairly uniformly distributed in the forested habitats in 1983-83. .Nevertheless, this species showed a marked nesting densit\- decline of 68 percent in forested habitat since 1930-31. This large decline is pii/./ling. Harrison (1973) said that the Ovenbird favors areas with low undergrowth, which the study area generally lacked in 1983-83. The observations of Saunders (1936) and Bent (1933) indicated that the Ovenbird was not dependent upon dense undergrowth within its nesting habitat. Holmes et al. (1986) noted abrupt changes in Ovenbird densities over a 16-vear period in .New Hampshire. The yearly data on the Ovenbird for 1983-83 showed no abrupt changes and Saunders (1938) noted little change in abundance from year to year. Breeding bird surveys showed the Ovenbird increasing locally and throughout the eastern portion of .North America (Klabunde, 1986; Klingensmith and Hoover, 1986; Robbins et ai, 1986). Wilcove (1983) found that the Ovenbird had declined slightly in undisturbed forest between 1947-48 and 1982 in Tennessee and .North Carolina. LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH The Louisiana VVaterthrush has been added to the breeding birds of the Quaker Run valley since 1930-31. Saunders (1942) said the Louisiana Waterthrush was seen nearly every year as a migrant in late July. This warbler had finished nesting by the study dates, and the 1983-83 count is likely lower than actual because few Louisiana Waterthrushes were still singing. Eaton (1981) gave 13 April as the Louisiana VVaterthrush average return date for Cattaraugus County, which is much earlier than the other warblers. Eaton (1981) said this species has apparently increased since Saunders’ time as forest cover increased and streamside habitat had improved following the disruptions of the logging industry. MOURNING WARBLER Saunders (1942) said the .Mourning Warbler was not a forest bird, and its occurrence in 1930-31 was restricted to sprout or temporary forests. In 1983-83, the .Mourning Warbler occurred in the mature forests where low growth, particularly blackberry or raspberry (Rubus spp.) occurred in openings around fallen trees or along old logging roads (pers. obs.; also see Eaton, 1981). Saunders' (1936) nesting densities of the Mourning Warbler were higher for the young forests of 1930-31 than for the mature forests in 1983-83. The rather special nesting habitat selected by the Mourning Warbler was generally more available in 1930-31. This species had a scattered distribution in the forests of 1983-83 and this may have distorted my estimate of 126 pairs for the Quaker Run valley. Smith (in Andrle and Carroll, 1988) noted that the Mourning Warbler was especially vulnerable to raccoon predation. The high population of raccoons in .Allegany State Park may be affecting the local population of this warbler. COMMON YELLOWTHROAT This species was common (13.6 pairs per 100 acres) in the young aspen cherry forest of 1930-31. The loss of that habitat through the maturation of forests in the study area has decreased the size of available habitat for the Common Yellowthroat. This warbler was common in the thicket and willow thicket-bea\’er meadow habitats in 1983-83. The Common Yellowthroat densities in 1983-83 were comparable to those reported b\’ Saunders (1936). 26 CliiDi^o in Sclcctcil Avian S/'Ct /cs in the Qiiakvr Run Valin/ 1 ltX)[.)ED VVAKHl^EK The Hooded Worbler showed on overall nesting density increase since l‘-)30-31 in torested habitat, but like all species comnmn to 1430-31 and I483-S5, it showed a density decline in mature maple-beech-birch- hemlock forest. Saunders (143o) toiind this warbler only in mature forest; its population has likely benefited from the expansion that has occurred in mature forest since that time. Learning how the understt)ry changes have affected nest sites of the low-nesting Hooded Warbler might give some insight into why other species nesting in the understory have shown much larger population declines. \lv observations agree with those of Williams (in Bent, 1453) that the Hooded Warbler uses isolated patches of low growth for nesting. Thick patches of sprout beech and striped maple (Acer pcimilviiiucuin) occurred in I483-(S5 in scattered areas; the striped maple generally grew on slopes where deer do not usually occur in winter (James Rich, pers. comm.). It may be that the Black-throated Blue Warbler, which showed a yery large density decline, cannot adjust to this fragmented understory. Bent (1453) described the Hooded Warbler as a good flycatcher and said that it also foraged on or near the ground. This foraging behavior may enable this species to obtain food in spite of the poor development ot low foliage from which insects could be gleaned. Todd (1440) suspected that the Hooded Warbler was expanding northward in western Pennsylvania, an expansion which likely extended into southwestern N'ew York. Wilcove (1483) found a sizeable decline in the Hooded Warbler in forests of Tennessee and North Carolina between 1447-48 and 1482. CANADA WARBLER The Canada Warbler was rare in the study area in 1483-85, whereas Saunders (1442) called it a common breeding bird and reported finding nests in July. Saunders (1438) did not find the Canada Warbler nesting in mature forest. The loss of young forest seres coupled with a poorly dew'loped understory likely accounts for the reduction in the Canada Warbler population. According to Eaton (1481) this warbler is found in forests with a shrubby understory. Klabunde (I486) and Klingensmith and Hoover (I486) reported declines in the Canada Warbler on breeding bird surveys in western New York. In a comparison of bird populations in undisturbed forest of the Great Smokev Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina, Wilcove (1483) reported a sizeable decline for the Canada Warbler. SCARLET TANAGER The Scarlet Tanager showed a 40 percent nesting density decline between 1430-31 and 1483-85. My observations suggest that the Scarlet Tanager was more numerous than indicated by the census of singing males. It may be that my estimates were distorted by birds missed because they were not singing. Saunders (1442) said that this species sang through July, but made no reference to the prevalence of song. 1 do not know what effects, if anv, local changes in the Quaker Run valley have had on the Scarlet Tanager. Saunders (1442) reported the Scarlet Tanager as somewhat more numert)us in mature forest than young torest. 1 lolmes el ill. (I486) rept)rted that large-scale mortality in late May t)f 1474 reduced the pt)pulation of the Scarlet Tanager at Hubbard Brook, New Hampshire, for several years. Robbins el ill. (1486) revealed an overall increase in the Scarlet Tanager in the eastern United States. Wilcove (1483) found no changes in the Scarlet Tanager in the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina between 1447-48 and 1482. Klabunde (I486) indicated no noteworthy changes on western New York State breeding bird surveys. ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK The Rose-breasted Grosbeak showed a nesting density decline of 34 percent in forested habitat. This number is nearly identical to the decline calculated for the Scarlet Tanager, and, like that species, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak was not vocally conspicuous in 1483-85. Rose- breasted Grosbeaks and Scarlet Tanagers showed similar population trends on the 10 hectare plot studied by Holmes el ill. (I486) in New Hampshire. Unlike the Scarlet Tanager, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak has lost prime nesting habitat as the forests have grown and the understory has declined in the Quaker Run valley. Bonnev (in Andrle and Carroll, 1488) said the Rose-breasted Grosbeak thrived in disturbed habitats and was generally found in areas of dense undergrowth. Breeding bird surveys in w'estern New York (Klabunde, I486) and eastern United States (Robbins el ni, I486) shenved an increase for the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. INDIGO BUNTING The Indigo Bunting has declined in total population and nesting density, although the habitats where the Indigo Bunting had the highest densities in 1430-31 — oak-hickory sprout forest and thicket — have changed and do not compare closely to habitats in 1483-85. Significant increases were recorded for the Great Lake states and northeastern states on breeding bird surveys (Robbins el iiL, I486). Arbib (/';/ Andrle and Carroll, 1488) called the Indigo Bunting a widespread and common breeding bird in New York State. Species Not Migrating to the Neotropics Species discussed under this heading are migrants tt) areas north of the neotropics or species that reside the year around on the study area. Changes in populations of these species do not relate to conditions in the neotropics. Permanent resident population changes help to define the effects local habitat changes have had on breeding birds in the Quaker Run valley. Fiiniili/ Pluisiiiiiidiic RUFFED GROUSE A decline in the Ruffed Grouse was indicated since 1430-31. This species was not censused using transect counts. Encounters with Ruffed 27 Cluvii^cs ill Selected Avian Species in the Quaker Run Valley Grouse were chance occurrences that lead to rough estimates of the population. Saunders (1936) mentioned the difficulty of censusing this species and considered his estimate a conservative guess. Bump ct 111. (1947) detailed the habitat ret]uirements of the Ruffed Grouse. Their ina estigations found that the Ruffed Grouse prospers in sub-climax forest with considerable undergrowth and a more or less open crown. They reported that extensive unbroken forests seldom support abundant Ruffed Grouse populations. Eaton (1981) said Cattaraugus County had high populations of Ruffed Grouse in the 1950s which had declined in the 1960s and 1970s because of changes in land use and maturation of the forests. It is likeh' the Ruffed Grouse populations were lower in the Quaker Run valley in 1983-85 than they were in 1930-31 because of less favorable habitat resulting from forest succession and loss of undergrowth. Fniiiih/ Picidac Five species of woodpecker bred in the Quaker Run valley in 1983- 85: M-llow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Xorthern Flicker, and Pileated Woodpecker. These species are considered together here. Woodpecker counts in 1983-85 depended heavily on visual observation. Only the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker drummed regularly during the study period. Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers were usually obser\'ed as adults in the company of fledged young. Xorthern Flickers were obserc'ed as single birds. 1 observed the Pileated Woodpecker once in three years of censusing, but my observations at other times indicated that the Pileated Woodpecker occurred regularly. Saunders (1936) listed the Pileated Woodpecker as irregular in the mature maple-beech- hemlock forest of the Quaker Run valley. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was not recorded as a breeding bird on the study area in 1930-31. Saunders (1942) called it regular, but uncommon, in Allegany State Park and said he did not encounter it in the Quaker Run valley until 1938. The data collected in 1983-85 indicated the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was the most common woodpecker in the Quaker Run valley. Lex'ine {in Andrle and Carroll, 1988) reported a range expansion of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in .Xew York State and noted a strong presence along the Appalachian Plateau. Breeding bird surveys showed a significant decline for the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in the northeastern states and Canada which was attributed to the severe winter of 1976-77 (Robbins et ai, 1986). The Dowiw Woodpecker did not inhabit any of the truly forested habitats in 1930-31. The temporary aspen-cherry habitat contained most of the Downy Woodpecker population at that time. The nesting density of the Downy Woodpecker showed a decline in 1983-85, but like many species in this report, it has increased its overall population by extending its range within the study area. The Hairy Woodpecker also declined in nesting density since 1930- 31, but unlike the Downy Woodpecker, indications are that it also declined in total population. Saunders (1938) said that the Hairy Woodpeckers were at a height of abundance in 1930 when he estimated the population in the Quaker Run valley. He subsequently reduced his figures to conform to the a\’erage year. As noted earlier, this species had finished nesting by the time of the census and my estimate is based upon chance encounters. If the Hairy Woodpecker decline is real, a possible factor is the establishment of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker as a competitor for nest sites or other resources. However, Lawrence (1967) obser\ ed that these two species tolerated nesting near each other in central Ontario. Klingensmith and Hoover (1986) reported a decline in Hairy Woodpeckers during 15 years of surveys in Allegany County, Xew York, but the data involved small numbers. Yunick (1988) analyzed data from Christmas Counts covering 26 years in Xew York State and found declines in both the Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers. Excluding Long Island, the Hairy Woodpecker declined about 55-61 percent, which was approximately twice the decline for the Downy Woodpecker. The Xorthern Flicker also declined in density since 1930-31. Bent (1939) described the habitat of the Xorthern Flicker as open country and lightly wooded regions. The mature forest in the Quaker Run study area contained few openings in 1983-85 and this likely reduced its attractiveness to flickers. Robbins et al. (1986) attributed highly significant declines for the .Xorthern Flicker to competition for nest sites with the European Starling. Competition for nest sites was possible in the open areas of the Quaker Run x'alley, but the European Starling did not enter the forested habitats. Sibley (In Andrle and Carroll, 1988) said the Northern Flicker was a widespread breeder in Xew York State, being most abundant in woodland and wood edges where there are open areas for foraging. Fdiiiili/ Corvidae BLUE JAY Blue Jays were obserx’ed infrequently during the censuses in 1983-85. This species was not vocal during the census period. When seen, the Blue Jays were in small groups, which presumably were adults with young of the year. Their retiring nature at the time of the censuses suggested that my estimate of the nesting density of Blue Jays might be low; vet the Blue Jay had undoubtedly declined in nesting density since 1930-31. 1 attribute this decline to the development of extensive mature forest and the loss of agriculture in the Quaker Run valley. Over 85 percent of the population of Blue Jays in 1930-31 was in young maple- beech-hemlock forest and maple-beech sprout forest. Robbins et al. (1986) said the Blue Jay showed significant increases on the Allegheny Plateau. Klabunde (1986) reported the Blue Jay as increasing in western .Xew York breeding bird surveys, while Klingensmith and Hoover (1986) reported a slight decline in Allegany County, .Xew York. AMERICAX CROW A large nesting density decline is indicated for the American Crow since 1930-31. 1 believe the American Crow, like the Blue Jay, has declined as a consequence of the development of extensive, mature forest on the study area. 28 ill Ai’inii S/'cr/c.-' in llw Qiinkci Run \'iillc\/ Bouncy (in Aiuirle and C arroll, I '-ISO) said tlie American Crow mav decline as much r)f New York re\'erts ti) forested land, and he noted the increase ot the Common Raven in New >ork State. The Common Ivo en has iiuaded Alleganv State Park and ma\' be nesting within the Park (pers. obs.). Ftiiiiilics Piiriiiiiciiiid Sittidiic BI.ACk-CAPPHl) Cl lICKAPth'T A.ND WT IITP-BRHASTFI) Nb'TI lATCI I .Nesting density changes ha\-e occurred for both the Black-capped Chickadee and White-breasted Nuthatch. My estimates mav be low because, like the other permanent resident birds that nest early in the Quaker Run \alle\', they are based on chance encounters with wandering tamilv groups. A comparison of the total nesting density data from all forested habitats in CtdO-dl and l'■t(S3-lS5 showed a hS percent decline for the Black-capped C hickadee and a fivefold increase for the White-breasted .Nuthatch. When only mature forest is compared, the Black-capped Chickadee showed an increase in maple-beech-birch-hemlock. These data suggest to me that the Black-capped Chickadee has spread into the e\tensi\’e mature forest at much lower densities than in IT30-31. The White-breasted Nuthatch has also spread over a larger area since P-ldO- 31, but it has shown only a small density decline in mature forest. Saunders (P^dd) said that the Black-capped Chickadee was uncommon 111 mature maple-beech forests and called the White-breasted Nuthatch common in older forests. Robbins ct nl. (W8b) reported significant increases for the Black- capped Chickadee on the Allegheny Plateau and significant decline for the White-breasted Nuthatch in New York. Klabunde (lASb) found the Black-capped Chickadee to be increasing on western New York surc’eys, and Klingensmith and lloo\'er (W8h) showed the White-breasted Nuthatch declining in Allegany Countv, New York. fivudii Tw^lodytidiJC WINTER WREN The total population of the Winter Wren in the Quaker Run vallev showed an increase in WST-SS, in spite of a small nesting density decline in the maple-beech forest. Eaton (W81) said that the Winter Wren appeared to be increasing with the recovery of forest in Cattaraugus County and that records showed a considerable range of expansion since the W30s. While the Winter Wren nests low, the loss of understorv presumably had little impact on its nesting because this species places nests in hollows and cavities (pers. obs.; Harrison, P-Ca). The Winter Wren was more abundant on the stud\- area in W83-83 than in P-)3()-31 but its range was restricted to the higher elevations. Winter Wren populations in the eastern United States were increasing until the severe winters of W7h-77 and W77-78 caused a great decline (Robbins ct til. W8b). Full! Ill/ Miisciatpidtic ill RMIT THRUSH File Hermit 1 brush showed a 48 percent nesting density decline in forested habitat since 1430-31. This species showed a similar decline in total population. Saunders (143(0 did not record the Hermit Thrush in mature maple-beech-hemlock torest and found its population almost exclusively in young maple-beech-hemlock and temporary aspmi- cherry. Saunders (1438, 1442) stated the Hermit Thrush was the most common thrush in Allegany State Park, but it did not occur in mature torest or in areas cleared of undergrowth. In 1483-85, the I lermit Thnwh was usually obserwd just below the ridge tops in the maple-beech- cherry habitat at higher elevations. These are areas ot windfalls that open the forest canopy. ITeer forage on these slopes less frequently in the winter than the more gentle slopes of lower elevation (James Rich, pers. comm.). The openings, coupled with less deer pressure, provided areas of denser undergrowth than in most of the forests of the stud\' area. Dilger (145(-)) described prime Hermit Thrush habitat as dense, young coniferous-deciduous forest. Such habitat was much more common in 1430-31 than 1483-85. The change in habitat is undoubtedly a factor in the decline of the Hermit Thrush. CTi the other hand, S. W. Eaton (pers. comm.) said the Hermit Thrush favors openness in the forest, an association Fiolmes and Robinson (1488) also reported for a study plot in northern hardwoods forest in New 1 lampshire. Fiiiiidif Fiubcrizidiic DARK-EYED jUNCQ In the forests of the Quaker Run valle\’, the Dark-e\'ed lunco and ITermit Thrush were the only ground-nesting species that do not migrate to the neotropics. My estimates indicate the Dark-eyed junco had a modest population decline of 15 percent and a nesting densitc' decline of 18 percent in forest oc'erall. Saunders' (14,3(i) highest nesting density for the Dark-eved junco was in the mature maple-beech- hemlock forest where the 1483-85 estimate indicated a large densitc' decline. In general the Dark-eyed junco declines are not as large as those suffered by species migrating to the neotropics. The explanation, howeyer, mav not be related to migration. The Dark-eved junco nests in sheltered ground sites, often in the upturned roots of windfalls (pers. obs.). This behavior would reduce the negatic'e effects cT predation resulting from a Kiss iif cover \’egetation. Robbins ct til. (|48(d showed a significant decrease in the Dark-ix ed junco tor New York State during the period 14h5-74, Eaton (in Andrle and Carroll, 1488) felt the reco\’erv of forest was responsible tor a general distribution of the Dark-eved Junco cm the .Appalachian Plateau of .New York State. Klabunde (148(d reported the Dark-e\'ed junco to be increasing on breeding bird surveys in western New York. Summary and Conclusions Aretas A. Saunders censused bird populations in the Quaker Run Valley of Allegany State Park from 1 through 15 July in 1930 and 1931. The results of his study were published as a New York State Museum Handbook entitled: Ecology of the BinU of Quaker Run Valky, Alkyani/ State Park, Nru' York (Saunders, 1936). After World War 11, the ecological studies of Saunders and others at the .Allegany School of .\atural History were not formally continued. Using Saunders' methods, 1 attempted to repeat his Quaker Run study from 1 through 15 July in 1983, 1984, and 1985. 1 compared the estimated breeding bird populations from each study to indicate the changes that ha\e occurred after more than 50 years. 1 also analyzed changes in the habitats of the Quaker Run yalley o\'er the 50-year period to help determine what factors have influenced the breeding bird population changes. Emphasis in this study is on the changes in breeding birds within the forests of the study area. Forested habitats covered about 90 percent of the Quaker Run valley in 1930-31 and 1983-85. The data suggest a 14.5 percent decline in overall nesting density for forest species since 1930-31. The population and nesting density changes in forest birds are discussed in light of significant changes that have occurred through the maturation of e\tensi\’e forest, the cessation of farming, and the effects of white-tailed deer foraging the understor\' and ground \ egetation. These local habitat changes affect the bird populations in a variety of wavs and are the most obvious explanation for the breeding bird changes in the Quaker Run valley. However, as Holmes et at. (1986) pointed out, diverse factors (e.g. vegetation structure, food abundance, interspecific competitors, weather effects, and effects on migrants at wintering grounds) influence bird populations in temperate deciduous forest. 1 have included published information on trends obserc’ed for several species beyond the study area. This study offers little information to suggest that population declines in birds migrating from the study area to the neotropics may be related to habitat changes in the neotropics, but there is also no information to refute that possibility. 1 believe that the extensive, unfragmented, mature forest of the Quaker Run valley and Allegany State Park is a \-aluable resource to birds. The Park is a haven to birds in an era when human populations and economic growth alter the land and demand its resources on a global scale. As stated 50 years ago by Aretas A. Saunders (1936), "...the truth remains that if we destroy or change the natural areas in which a given form of wildlife lives and finds its food and reproduces, we destroy that form more certainly than if we started an intentional, organized attempt to eliminate it by other means." 30 Acknowledgments This study was initiated and made possible through the financial support of the Wild Wings/ Underhill Foundation. 1 thank Byron Swift, the Foundation's tropical conservation program director, for his support and patience. Richard ]. Clark, Stephen W. Eaton, David W. Steadman, and an anonymous reviewer made many valuable suggestions that directed this manuscript to its final form, although the responsibility for errors or omissions remains with me. 1 am grateful for the cooperation and assistance of the Allegany State Park administrators and James Rich, Allegany State Park forester. Richard J. Clark provided companionship and brought a dedication to the Quaker Run valley and the legacy of Aretas A. Saunders that was contagious. 1 am extremely grateful for Sfephen W. Eaton's expertise and instruction on the birds and vegetation of the region and his valued friendship. Finally, 1 am pri\'ileged and thankful for having a wife and family who have remained understanding and supportive throughout this endeac’or. The managing editor at the New York State Biological Survey for this monograph was David W. Steadman. Literature Cited American Ornitholomst's L'nion O l‘^83 Clk'cklist of North Amcricnu Birds 6th edition. Allen Press, Inc., Lawrence, Kansas. Andrle, Robert F. and Janet R. Carroll 1 488 The Athis of Breeding Birds in New York State. Cornell Unic'ersitv Press, Ithaca, New York. 531 pp. Baird, Timothy 11. 1484 .A first record of nesting Yellow-throated Warblers in New York State, The Km^bird 34: 221 -223. Beardslee, Clark S,, and Harold D. Mitchell 14b5 Birds of the .\iagrara Frontier Region. Bulletin of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences 22: 478 pp. Bent, Arthur Cleveland 1439 Life histories of .\orth American woodpeckers. Smithsonian Institution, United States National Museum Bulletin, i\'o. 174. 1444 Life histories of X'orth American thrushes, kinglets, and their allies. Smithsonian Institution, United States National Museum Bulletin, No. 146. 1433 Life histories of North American wood warblers. Smithsonian Institution, United States National Museum Bulletin, No. 203. Bertin, Robert L. 1477 Breeding habits of the Wood Thrush and Veerv. Condor 79: 303-311. Bull, John 1974 Birds of New York State. Doubleday/Natural History Press, Garden City, New York. 633 pp. Bump, G., R.W. Harrow, FC. Fdminster, and W.F Crissey 1947 The Ruffed Crouse: Life History, Propagation, Manapiement. The New York State Conserwition Dept., A\lbanv, New 'i'ork. 913 PP- Clark, Richard J., and James P. Clark 19S4 Quaker Run revisited: a new look at some old data. Proceedings of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science 38: 140-146. Dilger, William C. 1956 Adaptive modifications and ecological isolating mechanisms in the thrush genera Catharus and Hylocichla. Wilson Bulletin 68: 171-199, Eaton, Elon H. 1910 The Birds ofNrw York. New York State Museum Memoir 12 (1): 1-301; 1914 12 (2): 1-712. Eaton, Stephen W. 1981 Birds of Cattaraugus County New York. Bulletin of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences 29: 91 pp. 1983a Region 1: Niagara Frontier. The Kingbird 35: 178-184. 1983b Region 1: Niagara Frontier. The Kingbird 35: 260-263. Eaton, Stephen W., and Edith Feuerstein Schrot 1987 A flora of the vascular plants of Cattaraugus County, New York. Bulletin of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences 31: 1-235. Emlen, John T. 1971 Population densities of birds derived from transect counts. Auk 88: 323-342. Forbush, Edward 11. 1907 Useful Birds and Their Protection. Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture, Boston, Massachusetts. Gochfeld, Michael 1979 Wintering ranges of migrant warblers of eastern North America. American Birds 33: 742-743. Gordon, R.B., F.W. Emerson, L.A. Kenover, L.E. Hicks, and A. A. Saunders 1937 Wgetational Survey of Alleganv State Park, New York State Museum LlandbookXo. 17: 1-412. 32 / ilcnitiiiv Cited 1 Icill, Cieorgo A. IAS4a PopuLition decline ol neotropicdl migrnnts in an Appalachian kirest. Aimriaui |i/'n/s3S: 14-18. I'-*S4b A long-term bird population study in an Appalachian spruce forest. Wilson |■>llllctill %: 228-241). 1 larrison, 1 lal 1 1. I'-)?.^ A Fiolil Guide to Bird's Notr’. Houghton Mittlin Co., Boston, Massachusetts. 257 pp. I'')84 Wood WiirblciG World. Simon and Schuster, New York. 335 pp. tlickev,J.J. 1440 Territorial aspects of the A\merican Redstart. Auk 57: 255-258. Holmes, Richard T. and Scott K. Robinson 1488 Spatial patterns, foraging tacfics, and diets of ground-foraging birds in a northern hardwoods forest. Wilson Bidlofin 100: 377- 344. I lolmes, Richard T. and Thomas VV. Sherry 1488 Assessing population trends of Nevy Hampshire forest birds: local ys regional patterns. Aiik 105: 758-788. Holmes, Richard T., Thomas VV. Sherry, and Franklin VV. Sturges 1488 Bird community dynamics in a temperate deciduous forest: long-term trends at Hubbard Brook. Ecological Mono;.iraplis 58: 201-220. Holt, lane P. 1474 Bird populations in the hemlock sere on the Highlands Plateau, North Carolina, 1448 to 1472. Wilson Bulletin 88: 347- 408. 1 lough, Ashbel F. 1485 A twenty-year record of understory vegetation change in a virgin PennsyK’ania forest. Ecology 48: 370-373. Johnston, David VV. 1471 Niche relationships among some deciduous forest flycatchers. Alik 88: 748-804. Johnston, Da\ id VV. and Fugene P. Odum 1458 Breeding bird populations in relation to plant succession on the Piedmont of Georgia. Ecology 37: 50-82. Keller, J.K. 1480 Species Composition and Density of Breeding Birds in Several Habitat Types on the Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area. Unpublished M.5. Thesis, Cornell Unic'ersity, Ithaca, New York, 85 pp. Kendeigh, Charles S. 1444 Measurement of bird populations. Ecological Monopraplh 14: 87-108. 1445 Community selection by birds of the Helderberg Plateau ol New York. Auk 82: 418-438. 1448 Breeding birds of the beech-maple-hemlock community. Ecology 27: 228-245. Klabunde, Walter 1488 1488 ASF & W breeding bird sur\’ey for western New York. The Protlionatory 52: 102-108. Klingensmith, Clarence and Dean Hoover 1488 The Allegany County breeding bird survey. The Kinphird 38: 114-128. Koten, Donald E. 1481 Recreation Forest Resource Vlanagement Plan. Unpublished Report Prepared for New York State I’arks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Allegany Region. 140 pp. plus appendices. Lawrence, Louise De Kiriline 1487 A comparative life-history study of tour species of woodpeckers. Ornithological Monographs No. 5, American Ornithologist's Union, Lawrence, Kansas. 158 pp. Lobeck, Armin K. 1427 A popular guide to the geology and physiography of Allegany State Park. Ncio York State Mnsciiin Handbook .No. 1: 288 pp. McAtee, Waldo Lee 1428 The relation of birds to woodlots in New York State. Roosevelt Wild Eife Bulletin 4: 7-152. Mitchell, Richard S. 1488 A checklist of New York State plants. New York State Museum Bulletin No. 458: 272 pp. Morse, Douglas 1 1. 1488 A quantitative study of foraging of male and female spruce- woods warblers. Ecology 44: 774-784. Pashley, Da\’id VV. and Richard P. Martin 1487 The contribution of Christmas Bird Counts to knowledge of the winter distribution of migratory warblers in the neotmpics. Aineriean Bird> -12: 1184-1178. Rappole, John 11., Fugene S. Morton, Thomas E. Lovejo\' 111, and James L. Ross 33 Litcnitiire Cited 1983 Nemtic Avian Migrants in the Neotropics. U.S. Department ot the Wildlife Service, Washignton, D.C. 646 pp. Robbins, Chandler S., Danny Bystrak, and Paul H. Geissler 1986 The breeding bird survey: its first fifteen years, 1965-1979. U.S. Fish ami Midlife Service Resource Publication .\o. 157: 196 PP- Saunders, Aretas A. 1923 The summer birds of the Allegany State Parks, Roosevelt Wild Life Bulletin 1: 239-354. 1926 Additional notes on the summer birds of Allegany State Park. Roosevelt Wild Life Bulletin 3: 476-497. 1932 Butterflies of the Allegany State Park. Nrw York State Museum Handbook \o. 13: 270 pp. 1936 Ecology of the birds of Quaker Run valley, Allegany State Park, .New York. Nrw York State Museum Handbook No. 16: 174 PP- 1938 Studies of breeding birds in Allegany State Park. New York State Museum Bulletin .No. 318: 160 pp. 1942 Summer birds of the Allegany State Park. New York State Museum Handbook .No. 18: 313 pp. Sex’eringhaus, C.V\'. 1956 History, management, and ecology of white-tailed deer in Allegany State Park. Nrw York Fish and Game journal 3: 80-87. Sherry, Thomas W. 1979 Competitive interactions and adaptive strategies of .American Redstarts and Least Flycatchers in a northern hardwood forest. Ai/L 96: 265-283. Shurgart, Herman Henry, Jr., and Douglas James 1973 Ecological succession of breeding bird populations in northwestern Arkansas. Auk 90: 62-77. Spahn, Robert 1984 Highlights of the summer season. The Kingbird 34: 233-235. Taylor, Norman 1928 The vegetation of Allegany State Park, .New York. New York State Museum Handbook No. 5: 126 pp. Terborgh, J.W. 1980 The conservation status of neotropical migrants: past and future. Pages 21-30 in Migrant Birds in the Neotropics: Ecology, Behavior, Distribution, and Conservation, A. Keast and E.S. Morton, editors. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C. Tesmer, Irx'ing H. 1975 Geology of Cattaraugus County, New York. Bulletin of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences 17: 105 pp. Todd, W.E. Clyde 1940 Birds of Western Pennsylvania. University of Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 710 pp. Wilcove, David S. 1983 Population changes in the neotropical migrants of the Great Smokev Mountains: 1947-1982. Unpublished Report to the World Wildlife Fund-U.S.: 13 pp. Yunick, Robert P. 1988 An assessment of the Downy Woodpecker and Hairy Woodpecker on recent .New York State Christmas Counts. The Kingbird 38: 146-158. 34 _ Appc}idix I _ Populations of Breeding Birds in the Quaker Run Valley: 1930-31 and 1983-85 [-K'lJ obserwitions, outside the study dotes, by myselt ond Dr. Richard Clark (pers. comm.) suggest that Killdeer, Chimney Swift, Eastern Bluebird, Brown Thrasher, and Purple Finch continue to nest in the Quaker Run valley, although possibly irregularly. A comparison of the trital number of nesting species in Dt3()-31 and RtSd-iSS shows that changes in species composition have taken place with little change in the total number of species - PO species and '-tl species, respectively. Quaker Run Valiev: 1930-1931 and 1983-1985 1. l\oU-eved Vire'cr 2. American Reelstart 3. Black-thrciateci Green Warbler 4. rXirk-eveel jiince 3. Blackburnian Warbler b. CGenbirei 7. Least Flvcatcher 8. Weed Thrush X'eerv 10. 1 IcHrded Warbler 11. American Kebin 12. \lag;nelia Warbler 13. C'hipping Sparrow 14. White-breasted Nuthatch 1,3. M'llew-bellied Sapsncker Ih. Scarlet Tanager 17. Black-capped Chickadee 18. l\r)se-breasted Gresbc'ak A*. Brown Crt'epier 20. Eastern Wcied-Tewee 21. 1 lermit Thrush 22. Seng Sparrow 23. Solitary \'ireo 24. 1 lairv Wocrdpecker 23. Mourning Warbler 2b. Common Yellowthroat '30-1 931 1983- 1 985 1 b5b 2338 384 1033 lb70 721 723 bll IbO 3,34 1 14h 443 bO 423 280 414 2b 402 23 3b7 723 .3b 1 8b8 .350 1.38 243 33 284 0 282 3b7 234 b73 2.30 288 183 Irregular 174 4b 173 324 Ibb 477 1 b4 l.CS 144 270 141 4 b 12b 188 112 33 Appendix I 1930-1931 1983-1985 27. Cerulean Warbler 0 87 28. Downv Woodpecker 33 68 29. Gray Catbird 37 68 30. Swainson's Thrush 181 63 31. Winter Wren 32 38 32. Field Sparrow 111 55 33. Acadian Flycatcher 0 34 34. Indigo Bunting 179 34 33. Rutous-sided Towhee 311 34 36. Northern Flicker 90 41 37. Black-throated Blue Warbler 306 41 38. Yellov\' Warbler 24 34 39. Rutted Grouse 30 23 40. Chestnut-sided Warbler 161 22 41. American Goldtinch 109 21 42. Black-billed Cuckoo 7 18 43. Cedar Waxwing 310 18 44. Blue Jay 220 17 43. Red-winged Blackbird 34 17 46. Yellow-throated Vireo Irregular 13 47. Ruby-throated Hummingbird 22 12 48. Willow Flycatcher Irregular 12 49. Barn Swallow 32 12 30. Brown-headed Cowbird 10 11 31. Common Crackle 3 10 32. Clitt Swallovy 43 8 33. Eastern Kingbird 10 7 34. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 0 7 33. Louisiana Waterthrush 0 7 36. Canada Warbler 282 7 37. Sa\’annah Sparrow 36 6 38. American Woodcock 28 5 39. Barred C'twl 10 3 60. European Starling 14 5 61. Blue-winged Warbler 0 5 62. Nashc’ille Warbler Irregular 5 63. Eastern Phoebe 30 4 64. Great Crested Elycatcher Irregular 4 63. American Crow 132 4 66. Black-and-white Warbler 91 4 67. Red-tailed Hawk 6 3 68. 1 louse Wren 43 3 69. Eastern .Meadowlark 28 3 70. Northern Oriole 4 3 7E Green-backed Heron 0 2 72. Sharp-shinned 1 lawk 3 2 73. Red-shouldered Hawk 4 2 74. Wild Turkey 0 2 73. Yellow-billed Cuckoo 3 2 76. Belted Kingfisher 4 2 77. Pileated Woodpecker Irregular 2 36 Appendix I / 430-/ 43/ /4S3-/4S,3 7(S. Tree S walk 'w 0 2 7‘-k ITtboliiik 3 2 S(l. Swamp Sparn)w Irregula r 2 SI. Weed Piiek 0 1 S2. Mallard t) 1 S3. COepr'i's 1 lawk 1 1 S4. Northern Cleshawk 0 1 S3, bread-winged 1 lawk 0 1 S(i. Spt)tted Saiidpiper h 1 S7. Nertlu'rn Saw-whet C'iwl 0 1 SS. Northern Rengh-winged Swallow 2 1 S'-). Northern I’arnla Irregular 1 '-til. Northern Cardinal 0 1 *->1. 3ellow-throated Warbler 0 1 42. Chimney Switt SS 0 43. Vesper Sparrow 74 0 44. 1 louse Spariww 17 0 43. Bi\)wn I'hrasher 13 0 4(-). liastern bluebird 12 0 47. Mourning nc)^' 10 0 4S. Whip-poor-will 10 0 44. Hastern Sereech-C')wl S 0 UK). Purple laneh S 0 101. l.ong-eared C')wl 5 0 102. Killdeer 4 0 103. American Kestrel 1 0 104. Nk^thern Waterthrush Irregular 0 103. Yellcnv-breasted Chat Irregular 0 lOO. Crasshopper Sparrow Irregular 0 lt>tal Pairs 14,333 12,013 Ibtal IX'nsitv (S4.h/100A) 73.1 /1 00 A) 37 _ Appendix 11 _ Scientific Names of the Birds This list contains the binomials for all species of birds mentioned in the paper. The binomials conform to the American Ornithologists' Union check-list (1983). 1. Ardea hcwdia? ** 13. Bouasa umbellus - Great Blue Heron Ruffed Grouse 2 Butoridcs striatiis 14. Meleagris gallopavo - Green-backed Heron Wild Turkey 3. Aix spoui^a 15. Charadrius vociferus ** Wood Duck Killdeer 4. A)ias platinin/nchos 16. Actitis macularia Mallard Spaotted Sandpiper 5. Mcrpiis merganser 17. Scolopax minor - Common Merganser American Wcacadcock 6. Aceipiter striatus **+ 18. Lams dehnonrefisis Sharp-shinned Hawk Ring-billed Gull 7. Aceipiter cooperii **+ 19. Zeuaida macroura Coop)er's 1 lawk Mourning Dove 8. Aceipiter geiitilis -t- 20. Coccxizus eri/throptlialmii. Northern Goshawk Black-billed Cuckoo 9. Buteo lineatus + 21 . Coccyzus axuericauus * Red-shouldered 1 lawk Yelkaw-billed Cuckoo 10. Buteo platypterus ’'‘-t- 22. Otus asio -t- Broad-winged Hawk Eastern Screech-Owl 11. Buteo ja)uaice)isis 23. Strix varia + Red-tailed I lawk Barred Owl 12. Falco spaiverius 24. Asio otus + American Kestrel Long-eared Owl riiese species liav’e populations wintering soutli of the Tropic of Cancer (Kappole ct al., 1983). rhese species liave populations wintering south of the Tropic of Cancer, although it is unlikely that the Ne\\' 'I'ork State pt)pulations migrate to the neotropics to winter (A.O.U. 1983). - Table II species nesting less than 2 meters above the ground (from Harrison, 197.3). + Table II species nesting more than 2 meters above the ground (from 1 larrison, 1973). 38 Amn'ihiLx II 23. Ac^olius itcihlu ii^ + Northern Saw-whet C')\\ 1 40. Mi//ar(7;;/s criiutis * (meat C rested I'lvcateher 2b. Ciiiu'initil^ii< vocifcni'^ * Whip-poor-will 41. I]/nuniu^ h/nniiitis * Fastern Kingbird 27 Chactiiiv i>chi;^icn Chimnev Swift 42. Tiichifciiiclu hicolor Tree Swallow 28. Archilochus coluhris *+ Riibv-throaled 1 liiinmingbird 43. StclpiLloptcr\/x scrripciiiiis Northern Rough-winged Swall 2d. Ccrylc iilci/oii ** Belted Kingfisher 44. / liniiiiio purrhoiiola Cdiff Swallow ,3d. Spln/rupiciis viirius **+ \'e 1 1 o \\'-be 1 1 iecf Sa psii c ker 43. / liruudo nistica * Barn Swallow 31. PicoitU’s piibcsccns + ncrwnv Woodpecker 4b. Ci/miocitlii crisliihi -(- Blue Jay 32. Picoiiics villosiis + 1 lairv Woodpecker 47. Coivus hnicln/iln/iichos + American Crow 33. Coliiptcs luinitii^ -r Northern Idicker 48. Corviis conix Common Raven 34. nn/ocopus pilcatu> + I ’ i lea ted Wor id pecker 4d. Pani^ atricapillus + Bla c k-ca p ped C' h ic ka d ee 33. Coilopii^ virois Fa stern Wood - 1 ’e wee 30. Sithi caiindcusis Red -breasted N u t ha tch 3b. Enipiiloiiax lurcsauis *-i- Aea d ia n F'l vca tcher 31. Silla caroli)ic)icus + W h i te-brea s ted N u t ha tch 37. Euipiilomx Irailli Willow F'lveatcher 32. Ccrthiu tuiicricuiia + Brown Creeper 38. Eiiipitloiinx uiijiimiis "*■+ Least llveatcher 33. Troplod\/tcs acdo)i 1 louse Wren 3d. Siu/oiiiis phochc Fastern Phoebe 34. Troplodyfcs troplodi/lcs - Winter Wren * I’liesL' species hove pc)piilatinns wintering south of tlie Tropic ol C'ancer (Ivippc'le cl a!., I'^I|S3). Tliese species have populations wintering south ot the 'I'ropic of Cancer, .iltlnnigli it is unlikely that tin* New 'I'ork State populations migrate to the neotropics to winter ( A.C't.U. 0(33). - Table 11 species nesting less than 2 meters abcn e the ground (I'rom Harrison, btyS). + Table 11 species nesting mrire than 2 meters abo\ e the ground (I'rom 1 larrison, 1M73). AppcihUx II 55. Regulu^ satmpa Golden-crowned Kinglet 71. Vermivora chrysopicra * Golden- winged Warbler 56. Polioptila cacriilca * f31ue-gray Gnatcatcher 72. Vermivora chn/soptcra x piiuis * Brewster's Warbler 57. Sialia sialic Eastern Bluebird 73. Vermivora riificapilla * Nash\’ille W'arbler 58. Catlianis fusccscetis *- V'eery 74. Panda americana * Northern Parula 59. Cathani^ iistulatiis Svvainson's Thrush 75. Dciidroica petechia Yellow Warbler 61). Catliariis Hermit Thrush 76. Deiidroica pensyPoaiiia *- Chestnut-sided Warbler 61. Ih/locichla i}iu':itcliua *-(- Wood Thrush 77. Deiidroica magnolia "*■- .Magnolia Warbler 62. Titrdiis ini^mtoriiis **-i- American Robin 78. Deiidroica caeriilesceiis *- Black-throated Blue Warbler 63. Dumctclla cawliiiei!::^!^ Gray Catbird 79. Deiidroica coronata ** Ye 1 1 o w- ru m ped Wa rb 1 er (i4. Toxostoma nifuni Brown Thrasher 80. Deiidroica vireiis *+ Black-throated Green Warbler 65. Boulnfcillii cedwni))! Cedar Waxwing 81. Deiidroica fiisca *+ Blackburnian Warbler 66. Sft/rut/.s vulpari^ European Starling 82. Deiidroica dominka *-i- Yel lo w-throa ted Wa rbler 67. Virco ^olitnriiis *-r St)litarv Vireo 83. Deiidroica ceriilea *-t- Cerulean Warbler 68. Virco flavifroii^ Yellow-throated V'ireo 84. Miiiotilta varia *- Black-and-white Warbler (i9, Virco olivncciis *+ Red -eyed Vireo 85. Setophaga ruticilla *+ American Redstart 70. Vcroiivoni pi)!u^ * Blue- winged Warbler 86. Seiiiriis aiirocapilliis*- 0\enbird * Tliose species li.u’e ptipiilalums wintering south of the Tropic of Cancer (Kappole ct nl., 1983). ** Tlu'se species have populations wintering south of fhe Tropic of Cancer, although it is unlikely that the .\'ev\- 3'ork State populations migrate to the neotropics to winter (A.O.U. 1983). - lable II species nesting less than 2 meters abtne the ground (from I larrison, 1973). f lable II species nesting more tlian 2 meters abo\ e the ground (from 1 larrison, 1975). 40 '\j>jif}ull\ II S7. S('//(r(/s novchoriu cii^i< *- N oil hern VVa tend brush 10,4. Aniiiioilniiiiiis '-iiviiiiiinnim** Cirasshop(H‘r Sparrow (SS. S('////7/s inolactllii *- 1 ouisiana Waterthrusli 104. Mclospizii iiicloiiiii ** Song Sparrow SO ()p()/()/ ;;/s phihnh'lj’liiii *- Mourning Warbler lOS. Mclo^piza pCiUpiiiiiii Swamp Sparrow dO. Ccotlilupi'- Incliiis * Common dellowthroat lOb. jiiiico In/ciiinli^ - nark-eyed lunco d 1 . Wil'^oiiiii citriiui *- 1 looded Warliler 107. Dolichoin/x on/zivoni'^ Bobolink d2. TV/7se;;;a omadens/s Canada Warbler lOiS. /lyc/a/as pliociiiccii^ Red -winged Blackbird do. hicriti viivu^ * \ el low-breasted Chat lOd. Shiniclla iiuipiia Iiastern Meadowlark d4. /’/ra;;ga oliz'accn Seark't I’anager 1 1 0. (Ta/sca/as qiiisciilii Common Crackle d5. Ctinliiinli^ ciirili)uili> Northern C'ardinal III. A/le///;/'as’ atcr Brown-headed C’owbird dh. PIicul Iu u'- liidoviciaiiii^ *-i- Rose-breasted Clrosboak 112. Icterus palbiila * Northern (Triole d7. /’asscr/na ( i/ai/ca Indigo bunting 113. Car/iodacas purpiircti^ Purple bdneh d(S, Pipilo cn/thwphtluihmis Rufous-sided T’ow hee 1 14. Ciiriluclts Iristis American Coldfinch dd. Spizcllii pii^^criiiii C'hipping Sparrow 1 1 3. Passer doiuesljeii'- 1 louse Sparrow IdO. Spizclli! pii^illii ** 1'ii‘ld Sparrow ltd. Pooccctc^ prtDiiiiicu^ X’esper Sparrow 102. /’<7ss(’rc'(//(/s :^iuu1icicliciisi^ ** Sa\ anncih Sparrow * TIh'sc spacit's have populations wintering south ot the Tropic ot Cancer (Rappok' cl a/., I hese species have populations wintering south ot the Tropic ot Cancer, although it is unlikeK' that the N'ew kork State populations migrate to the neotropics to winter (.-\.C>.L'. I'-TSa). - Table 11 species nesting less than 2 meters aboex' the ground (from 1 larnson, I Mrs), a Table II species nesting more than 2 meters abiive the ground (from Harrison, I'-CTt. 41 89-7553 89-683 New York Botanical Garden Library 5185 00327 4956 NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ALBANY, NEW YORK 12230 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Albany, New York Permit No. 293 New York State Museum Bulletin No. 477 ISSN: 0278-3355 ISBN; 1-55557-189-1 Cover illustration is a male and female Hooded Warbler {Wilsonia cilrina), from Plate 98 of E. H. Eaton's Birds of Nciv York, part 2 (1914). Original painting by L. A. Fuertes.