o. tp o'v 'P V i§3$L f 'M%\\ ^ THE CHAT Volume 26 Number 1 MARCH, 1962 Division of Birds Bulletin of Volume 26, Number 1 March, 1962 THE CHAT Published by The Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Devoted chiefly to the publication of scientific and popular information on the birds and other wildlife of the Carolinas. Editor: David W. Johnston, 1955 Faculty Drive, Winston-Salem, N. C. Department Editors: Annie Rivers Faver, Eastover, S. C., B. Rhett Cham- berlain, Wadmalaw Island, S. C. Contributing Editors: Ernest Cutts, Harry Davis, Jack Dermid, James Mattocks, Fred H. May, Thomas W. Simpson, Kay Sisson. Distribution Office: N. C. State Museum, Box 2281, Raleigh, N. C. The Chat is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December as the official bulletin of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Entered as second-class matter on March 14, 1952, at the Post Office at Raleigh, N. C., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Subscription price to non-members: $1.00 per volume. Single copies: 30 cents. Correspondence about changes of address and back numbers should be sent to Mr. Harry Davis, N. C. State Museum, Raleigh, N. C. Please notify the Distribution Office immediately of change of address. Subscriptions should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., and sent to the Treasurer. CONTENTS In Memorium. W. L. McAtee. T. L. Quay 1 Christmas Count — 1961. B. R. Chamberlain 2 Backyard Birding. Annie Rivers Faver, editor 14 General Field Notes. B. R. Chamberlain, editor 17 Two Sight Records of the Western Grebe in N. C. J. F. Parnell, T. L. Quay, F. L. Roberts 17 A Record of the Greater Shearwater in 1960 at Hatteras. Kenneth C. Parkes 18 Cinnamon Teal Taken in S. C. E. Burnham Chamberlain 18 Harlequin Duck in N. C. Maurice Barnhill 18 Golden Eagle in Sumter Co., S. C. R. D. Edwards 19 Laughing Gull Colony on Gull Island in Pamlico Sound. J. P. Hailman 19 Flight of the Short-eared Owl. Joseph R. Norwood 20 A Saw-whet Owl at McClellanville, S. C. B. R. Chamberlain 20 More Vermilion Flycatchers in S. C. B. R. Chamberlain 20 A Record in 1960 for the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in N. C. Kenneth C. Parkes 21 The Barn Swallow Migration at Long Beach, N. C. James T. Tanner 21 Robin Roost near Chapel Hill, N. C. Phillips Russell 22 Red Crossbills at Brevard, N. C. B. R. Chamberlain 22 Harris’ Sparrow in Upper S. C. Mrs. Carol Davis 22 Lincoln’s Sparrow at North Wilkesboro, N. C. Wendell P. Smith ... .23 News and Comments 23 Book Reviews 24 Briefs for the Files 25 Cover Photo — Bonaparte’s Gull in winter plumage. Photographed by Walter Dawn of Woodside, N. Y. The Chat NOTICE AFTER CAREFUL EXAMINATION OF THE INNER MARGIN AND TYPE OF MATERIAL WE HAVE SEWN THIS VOLUME BY HAND SO IT CAN BE MORE EASILY OPENED AND READ. IN MEMORIAM Waldo Lee McAtee was born in Jalapa, Indiana on January 21, 1883. He was graduated from the Univer- sity of Indiana with the A. B. degree in 1904 and the A. M. in 1906. His entire professional career was spent in distinguished service as a principal biologist of the United States Bureau of Biological Survey and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Upon re- tirement in 1950, Dr. McAtee chose to live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where he passed away on January 7, 1962. Dr. McAtee’s estate is being cared for by Mr. R. B. McAtee, 3200 N. 22nd St., Arlington 1, Virginia. The influence of W. L. McAtee on natural history, conservation, and eco- nomic ornithology during the first half of the 20th century was profound, as teacher, adviser, consultant, and re- searcher. He published nearly 1,000 scientific papers, with main emphasis on the food habits of birds. His re- search interests and publications, however, included also the fields of entomolgy (particularly leaf-hoppers), fishes, and salamanders. His exten- sive journals and unpublished works are on deposit in the Library of Congress, for the use of future research workers. Dr. McAtee’s twelve years in Chapel Hill were rich in further investiga- tions and writings, including eleven papers in The Chat, as follows: (1) “Ricebirds in the Carolinas in 1918,” (March, 1953) ; (2) “Upper Currituck Sound, 1910 and Later,” (September, 1953) ; (3) “A Spring Visit to Win- ston-Salem,” (December, 1953); (4,5,6) “Carolina Bird Names,” (in three installments — September and December, 1954, and March, 1955) ; (7) “Folklore of Birds in the Southeast,” (June, 1955) ; (8,9) “The Birds in Lawson’s ‘New Voyage to Carolina,’ 1709,” (in two installments — Decem- ber, 1955, and June, 1956) ; (10) “Some Folklore of the Blue Jay,” (Sep- tember, 1956); and (11) “Early Notes on Carolina Birds,” (June, 1957). W. L. McAtee’s lifelong interest in the folklore of people and of birds is revealed in several of his papers published in The Chat. Though in retirement Dr. McAtee shunned public appearances, he was always warm and cordial to visitors. He loved the University library and community and his quiet, scholarly life in Chapel Hill. The Carolina Bird Club, in its annual meeting at High Point, North Carolina, on March 20, 1954, elected Waldo Lee McAtee as its first Honor- ary Member for Life, in recognition of his scientific eminence and in appre- ciation of his interest in CBC ,—T. L. Quay, Raleigh, North Carolina , February 15, 1962. March, 1962 1 CHRISTMAS COUNT— 1961 By B. R. Chamberlain Reports of Christmas Counts for 1961 came from 24 localities; 17 in North Carolina and 7 in South Carolina. Concord, N. C., Long Beach, N. C., and Seven Springs, N. C., were reported for the first time. The overall species count reached a new high of 193. Wilmington, Hilton Head, and Charleston, reported 164, 145, and 135 species, respectively. The total individual count was near 2.5 million, of which about 90 per cent were Starlings and blackbirds. Most of the counts were made in clear, cold weather. Comments upon the rarer species found are included in the following location reports. The Harlequin Duck, found at Wilmington, is reported separately in the General Field Notes section of this issue. The Eastern Bluebird count of 409, well spread over the territory, is almost double the number found on the preceding Christmas Count, but still well under the counts of 1957, 1958, and 1959, which were close to, or better than, one thousand. The general distribution of the Starlings and blackbirds, shown in the following table is of interest. Coastal Lower Piedmont Upper Piedmont Starling 900 10,500 1,005,000 Redwinged Blackbird 8500 20,000 54,000 Rusty Blackbird 400 900 165,000 Common Grackle 9000 800 975,000 Brown-headed Cowbird 200 3000 52,000 Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina, January 20, 1962. Aiken, S. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Aiken Training Track; swamps and ponds 38%, fields and pastures 23%, mixed woods 19%, pine woods 11%, town 9%). — Dec. 31; 6 am to 5:30 pm. Clear to cloudy; temp. 23-55°; wind variable, 3 mph. Seven observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours, 24 (22 on foot, 2 by car) ; total party-miles, 74 (14 on foot, 60 by car). Total species, 75; total individuals, 10,670. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: King Rail, Red-headed Woodpecker.) Particularly noteworthy species found on this count were the Greater Yellowlegs — watched by Post and Rial — and the White-eyed Vireo, found by Harrington and Schaeffer. — Col. and Mrs. Edward Case, Win- throp W. Harrington, Jr., William Post, Jr., Thomas M. Rial, Frederick Schaeffer, Mrs. A. S. Willcox. Anderson, S. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at An- derson Airport, including Hartwell Lake backwaters and the city of Ander- son; open fields and pasture 25%, deciduous woodland 20%, pine woodland 20%, mixed woodland 15%, ponds and creeks 5%, town 5%, Hartwell area 10%). — Dec. 29; 5 am to 6 PM; temp. 21° to 38°; wind SE, 2-15 mph. Clear. Seventeen observers; 11 in 4 parties, 6 at feeders. Total party-hours, 35% (24 on foot, 3% by car, 8 at feeders); total party-miles, 289 (22 on foot, 267 by car). Total species, 66; total individuals, about 137,860. Blackbirds totaled 130,000 and Starlings, about 4600. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Ring-necked Duck, Cooper’s Hawk, King Rail.) Unusual finds: Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-crowned Sparrow. — Mrs. R. C. Brownlee, Mrs. Roy Fant, Mr. & Mrs. Willis Fuller, Mrs. A. A. Hutchinson, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Law- rence, Mr. & Mrs. C. B. Nichols, Edward G. Nichols, Bitsy Ramseur, Mr. & Mrs. Howard Spencer, Douglas Tedards, R. C. Tedards, Mrs. R. C. Ted- ards (compiler), Mrs. Caroline Watson. 2 The Chat Central Beaufort County, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center where upper Goose Creek enters Pamlico River, including both sides of the river from Bath to Washington; river and river shore 30%, fields 30%, mixed woods 25%, pine woods 5%, feeders 10%). — Dec. 31; 7 am to 5 pm. Fair; temp. 19° to 54°; wind SSW, 0-15 mph; ground bare, swamps and ponds frozen, river partly frozen. Eight observers (2 part time) in 2 parties. Total party-hours, 20 (8 on foot, 12 by car) ; total party-miles, 118 (6 on foot, 112 by car). Total species, 77; total individ- uals, about 10,429. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: Common Loon, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Canvasback, Red- breasted Merganser, Great Black-backed Gull, Red-cockaded Woodpecker.) Particularly noteworthy: Brant, 2 Rough-legged Hawks, a Red-breasted Nuthatch. The Brant was watched on a private freshwater pond with other wildfowl at 25 feet. The Rough-legged Hawks were studied at length and compared with nearby Red-tailed and Red-shouldered hawks. The Red- breasted Nuthatch had been present at a feeder since Dec. 23. — Ethel Barkley, Ruth Brown, Phyllis Carver, Margaret Conderman, Geraldine Cox (compiler), James McLaurin, Mary McLaurin, Louise Satterthwaite. Chapel Hill, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at intersection of Columbus and Franklin Streets, including town of Chapel Hill and University campus, Carrboro, Airport, Lake Forest, University Lake, Finley Golf Course, and Mason farm; mixed deciduous woodlands 25%, open fields and farmlands 30%, ponds, lake shores, creek banks 25%, pine woods 5%, wooded residential area 15%). — Dec. 31; 7 am to 5 pm. Clear am, cloudy pm; temp. 20° to 40°; wind NE, 1-2 mph. Most waters frozen. Twenty-four observers in 11 parties. Total party-hours, 55% (40 on foot, 15% by car); total party-miles, 92 (29 on foot, 63 by car.). Total species, 71; total individuals, 8394. (Seen in area during count period, but not on count day: Great Horned Owl, Bewick’s Wren (Blake), Pileated Woodpecker, Evening Grosbeak.) A Common Goldeneye and a White- crowned Sparrow were unusual. — Dr. & Mrs. Charles H. Blake, Roy M. Brown, Dr. Robert P. Holmes, Dr. and Mrs. J. Logan Irvin, Mr. & Mrs. Ray P. Kaign, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald R. MacCarthy, Mrs. Wallace Patterson, Wal- lace Patterson, Jr., Phillips Russell, Wiley B. Sanders, Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Sharpe, Mrs. Pearson H. Stewart, Mr. & Mrs. Robert P. Teulings, Sue R. Thompson, Matt L. Thompson (compiler), Mrs. Adelaide Walters, Mrs. Fred R. Weedon, Frances L. Yocom. Charleston, S. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center just east of Hwy. 17, 15 miles N of Mt. Pleasant, to include Bull’s Island and mainland west just across Wando River; farmland 20%, freshwater ponds and wooded swamps 25%, mixed and pine woods 25%, salt water creeks, marshes and flats 25%, dunes and ocean front 5%). — Dec. 30; 7 am to 5 pm; temp. 29° to 47°. Clear, frost, a little ice; woods dry, ponds low; wind W-SSW, 4-7 mph. Nineteen observers in 6 parties. Total party-hours, 51% (39% on foot, 11 in car, 1 in boat); total party-miles, 191 (39 on foot, 144 by car, 8 by boat). Total species, 135; total individuals, about 28,210. Bobwhite, Turkey, and a few others were missed. The most unusual find was a Broad-winged Hawk (NS). This is the first broad-wing listed in a Charleston Christmas count since 1946, and one of the extremely few winter records for South Carolina. At least 1 Greater Scaup was identified; the count shown refers to Lesser Scaup. The 2 Gray-cheeked Thrushes were identified by the Edwards. Baker and Blitch reported the Swainson’s Thrushes. — Mr. & Mrs. E. L. Blitch, Mr. & Mrs. Francis Barrington, B. R. Chamberlain, E. B. Chamberlain (compiler), Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Cole- man, Edmund Cuthbert, R. D. Edwards, R. L. Edwards, John M. Horlbeck, Peter Manigault, I. S. H. Metcalf, Mrs. M. D. Richardson, Newton Seebeck, Miss Elizabeth Simmons, Arthur Wilcox. March, 1962 3 Charlotte, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at intersection of 7th. St. and Briar Creek as in past 19 years; commercial and residential building continue to destroy habitat; deciduous-pine woods and edge 42%, open fields 28%, streams and ponds 10%, city yards 20%). — Dec. 30; 7 am to 5 pm. Clear to partly cloudy; temp. 15° to 43°; wind SW, 4-11 mph. Ground bare, small bodies of water and edges of larger bodies frozen. Twelve observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours, 26% (15% on foot, 11 by car); total party-miles, 217 (17 on foot, 200 by car). Total species, 58; total individuals, 6375. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: Green Heron, Black Vulture, Screech Owl.) The Red-breasted Nuthatches, Green Heron and Yellow-crowned Night Heron are particu- larly noteworthy. The latter possibly was a straggler from a local breed- ing colony. — Mrs. E. O. Clarkson, Mrs. W. G. Cobey, Lee Jones, Julian Meadows, Joseph R. Norwood (compiler), Mrs. Joseph R. Norwood, Mr. and Mrs. Shuford K. Peeler, Mrs. George C. Potter, Frank Ramsey, Mr. and Mrs. L. John Trott ( Cardinal Bird Club, Mecklenburg Audubon Club, guests.) Columbia, S. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at State Capitol as last year; deciduous river and creek swamps 35%, pine woods 15%, open fields 35%, lake shores 5%, urban 10%). — Dec. 27; 7 am to 5:30 pm. Clear; temp. 26° to 63°; wind SSW, 0-15 mph. Fourteen observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours, 39 (29 on foot, 10 by car) ; total party- miles, 138 (32 on foot, 106 by car). Total species, 75; total individuals, about 23,461. Unusual species: Red-cockaded Woodpecker, White-eyed Vireo, Magnolia Warbler (1 by Mrs. Kendall; 3 by Mrs. Smith and Mr. & Mrs. Tedards), Evening Grosbeak. — Gilbert J. Bristow (compiler), Gordon Brown, Art Buehler, Col. Frank Childs, Mrs. Marion Dwight, Mrs. Ellen Kendall, Jim McKernan, Robert Overing, Mrs. Kay Sisson, Mrs. Ellison D. Smith, Norma Smith, Mrs. Archie Snare, Douglas Tedards, Mr. & Mrs. R. C. Tedards. Concord, Cabarrus Co., N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, centering at the intersection of U. S. Hwy. 601 and State Hwy. 73, in Concord, includes southern tip of Rowan County; lakes ponds and streams 20%, deciduous-pine woods 15%, open fields 63%, city lawns and parks 2%). — Dec. 27; 7:15 am to 5:15 pm. Partly cloudy; temp. 30° to 58°; wind NNW, 5-10 mph. Ground bare, water open. Two observers in 1 party. Total party-hours, 10 (4 on foot, 6 by car); total party-miles, 104 (3 on foot, 101 by car). Total species, 61; total individuals, 1706. (Seen in area during count period, but not on count day: Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead.) Twenty-three Bluebirds and a Black-and-white Warbler (at 15 feet) are noteworthy. — Lee Jones, Julian Meadows. Eastover, S. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center in Eastover as in former years, with the exception of Good Will Pond; culti- vated fields 33%, pasture 33%, residential 10%, deciduous and pine woods 14%, swampy pond areas 10%). — Jan. 1, 1962; hours and coverage not given. Heavy rain and fog; high wind around mid-day. Two observers in 1 party. Total species, 52; total individuals, 4925. A single Solitary Vireo (WHF) was a good find. Two-thirds of the Horned Larks seen were judged to be Prairie Horned Larks. — Mrs. F. S. Price, Mrs. W. H. Faver (compiler). Elkin, N. C. (area as in past years, Elkin, Ronda, Klondike, including Dr. Beale’s farm of 90% pasture and cleared land added). — Dec. 26; 8 am to 5 pm; temp. 19° to 50° ; wind, calm in am to SW 5 mph in pm. Four- teen observers named; coverage data not given. Total species, 56; total individuals, 4052. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: 4 Wood Ducks, 5 Hooded Mergansers, Great Horned Owl, 8 Ring-billed Gulls, 1 Brown-headed Nuthatch, 1 Pine Warbler.) The Green Heron, rare in the area, was present during the fall (TH). The 2 Vesper Sparrows 4 The Chat listed do not appear on earlier Elkin counts as far back as 1950. — Dick Atkinson, Roy Caudle, Harold Click, Gary Dornburg, Jeff Earp, Lin Hen- dren (compiler), Tom Hendren, E. M. Hodel, Fredie Masten, Benny Masten, Larry Masten, Bobby Pardue, Bill Roth, Wendell P. Smith. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tenn.-N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Crib Gap, approximately 3 miles east of Cades Cove; open farm land 15%, old fields 20%, forests 35%, roadsides 20%, stream courses and 60-acre reservoir 10%). — Dec. 31; 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Overcast; temp. 28° to 40°; wind variable, 1-7 mph; 1-3 in. snow on ground, some water frozen. Nineteen observers in 5 parties. Total party- hours, 48 (41 on foot, 7 by car); total party-miles, 167 (37 on foot, 130 by car). Total species, 63; total individuals, 2610. The chickadee count in- cludes Carolina and Black-capped chickadees. This is the fifth Christmas count published from this (Fontana) area of the Great Smoky Mountains and the first to include Bewick’s Wren. Two were noted. — Robert Bennett, Mildred Edmundson, John Elson, Mary Enloe, Elizabeth French, Mr. & Mrs. H. C. Garlinghouse, David Highbaugh, Dr. Joseph C. Howell, Phillip Huff, Henry W. Lix, Susan Lix, Vernon N. Lix, Arthur Stupka (compiler), Mrs. T. C. Swindell, Dr. Isabel H. Tipton, Dr. Samuel R. Tipton, Mr. & Mrs. George R. Wood (Tennessee Ornithological Society, National Park Service, and guests). Greensboro, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center % mile SW of WBIG transmitter, as in 1960; deciduous and pine woods 25%, thickets 20%, freshwater lakes and ponds 30%, open fields 10%, marsh and wooded swamps 10%, lawns and parks 5%). — Dec. 30; 7 am to 6 PM. Partly cloudy early morning to clear the majority of the day; temp. 15° to 34°; wind NW, 15 mph. Twenty-four observers in 9 parties. Total party- hours, 8OV2 (42V2 on foot, 38 by car); total party-miles, 219 (47 on foot, 172 by car). Total species, 82; total individuals, 2,120,505. (Seen in area count period but not on count day: Canada Goose, Black Vulture, Marsh Hawk, Bonaparte’s Gull (LC), and Great Horned Owl.) This was an un- usually good count. Common Merganser (JM & BH), Baltimore Oriole, and White-crowned Sparrow were particularly noteworthy. Fairly high numbers of water birds were recorded as compared with previous years. — Mrs. Jack Brown, Inez Coldwell, Mrs. Floyd H. Craft, Larry Crawford, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Daniels, Charlotte Dawley, Brad Hawkins (compiler), Bruce Kappel, Robert L. Lasley, James Mattocks, Mrs. Robert McCoy, Ethel McNairy, Mrs. H. L. Medford, Ida Mitchell, Elizabeth Ogburn, Mr. and Mrs. George Perrett, Etta Schiffman, Mrs. W. F. Smyre, Mrs. Paul Stam, Thomas Street, Mrs. Margaret Wall, Mrs. R. H. Weisner ( The Piedmont Bird Club) . Hampstead, Pender Co., N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center on edge of Inland Waterway 1 mile SSE of Hampstead. This coastal area was slightly north of the Wilmington count area). — Dec. 28; 5:40 am to 5:20 PM. Cloudy to partly cloudy in pm; temp. 41° to 55°; wind S to NW, 10-25 mph; ground bare, water open, sea moderate. Two observers in 1 party. Total party-hours, 11 (3 on foot, 8 by car); total party-miles, 104 (2 on foot, 102 by car). Total species, 96; total individuals, about 5605. Unusual for most years: Red-breasted Nuthatch. An accidental: a Prairie Warbler, checked at 20 ft. (GM). — Maurice V. Barnhill, III (com- piler), Greg Massey. Henderson, N. C. (area same as in past years, including meadows, wood edges, lake front and back yards). — Dec. 27; hours not given; temp. 32° to 45°; wind about 12 mph. Clear and pleasant. Coverage data not given. Four observers in 2 parties (one at feeder). Total species, 49; total indi- viduals, 2040. Of particular interest: Red-breasted Nuthatch, ten Bluebirds, Baltimore Oriole, Evening Grosbeak. — Jeanette (Mrs. A. W.) Bachman (feeder-bound by ankle injury), Ruth Carter, Mariel Gary (compiler), Garnette Myers. March, 1962 5 Hilton Head Island, S. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Hilton Head Post Office, including Hilton Head Island, Pinckney Island, Colleton Neck and parts of Bluffton; tidal rivers, creeks and mud- flats 30%, fields and freshwater ponds 25%, mixed woods 25%, ocean and beach 15%, pine woods 5%). — Dec. 27; 6 AM to 6 PM. Sunny and warm; temp. 46° to 68°; wind SSW, 5-15 mph. Twenty-seven observers in 10 parties. Total party-hours, 120 (104 on foot, 13 by car, 1 by bicycle, 2 by boat); total party-miles, 323 (106 on foot, 205 by car, 4 by bicycle, 8 by boat). Total species, 145; total individuals, 12,304. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: Gannet, Great Black-backed Gull, Tree Swallow, Brown-headed Nuthatch, House Sparrow.) This was an excep- tionally good count. A few species were deleted because they were not initialed or otherwise supported. The following unusual finds were vouched for by Tomkins or Post: an exceedingly large number of Red-throated Loons, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Common Tern, White-eyed Vireo, and Black-and-white Warbler. — Mr. & Mrs. W. H. Branch, Nancy Butler, Lewis and Polly Cloud, Violet Duane, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Hack, Avery Hack, Mr. & Mrs. David Harrall, Alva Hines, Charlotte Inglesby, Edith Inglesby, Mr. & Mrs. G. H. McBride, Marie Mellinger, Caroline Newhall (compiler), Frederick Post, William Post, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Carroll Sergeant, Anne Reddy, Marie Reddy, Joyce Swanberg, Ivan R. Tomkins, Alice Woodring. Lenoir, N. C. (area as in previous years). — Dec. 30; 7:15 am to 5:30 pm. Fair, cold; temp, low, 14°; wind about 5 mph. Fourteen observers, parties and coverage data not given. Total species, 40; total individuals, 1098. — Mrs. J. B. Bernard, Irene Bernhardt, Mrs. R. T. Greer, Margeret Harper, the Misses Florence and Irene Hoyer, Frank Hoyer, Joe Ingram, Steve McCorckle, Fred May, Mary May (compiler), Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Parks, Mrs. C. S. Warren. Long Beach, Brunswick Co., N. C. (all points within 15-mile diameter circle, center IV2 miles SE of Smith, including Southport, Ft. Caswell, Yaupon Beach, Tranquil Harbor, Lockwood’s Folly Inlet, Gore’s Landing. Boiling Springs Lakes; ocean beach 15%, salt marsh and sound, 20%, pine barrens 30%, open fields 15%, mixed woods 10%, hardwood swamp and fresh water ponds 10%). — Dec. 20; 5:30 AM to 4:00 pm. Clear, sunny; temp. 50° to 58°; wind NW, 10-15 mph. One observer. Total party-hours, IOV2 (5 on foot, 5V2 by car); total party-mileis, 143 (5 on foot, 138 by car). Total species, 113; total individuals, 17,968. This appears to be unusually thorough coverage for one observer. The Bald Eagle was an adult. Unexpected species: Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Western Kingbird, Horned Lark, Swamson’s Thrush, Bachman’s Sparrow. The high individual count came from Robins, Common Grackles, and Redwinged Blackbirds. — Greg Massey. New London, Stanly Co., N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 2 miles NW of Badin, including High Rock Lake, Yadkin River, Badin Lake, Morrow Mountain State Park, Albemarle City Reser- voir, Badin, New London; mixed deciduous woodlands 25%, open fields and farmland 27%, river and lakes 15%, marsh 3%, pine woods 2%, town suburbs 3%, fresh water pond and lake shores 25%). — Dec. 28; 7 am to 6 pm. Overcast, clearing by 9 am; temp. 30° to 45°; wind NW, 5-7 mph. 0.3 in., rain before dawn. Twenty-five observers in 6 parties. Total party-hours, 43 (I8V2 on foot, 20 by car, 4% by boat); total party-miles, 324 (15 on foot, 305 by car, 4 by boat). Total species, 74; total individuals, about 10,820. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: Baltimore Oriole, Screech Owl.) Robins and Starlings furnished 80% of the total individual count. Unusual species found: Green Heron, Red-breasted Nut- hatch.— Roy Blalock, Mr. & Mrs. S. K. Boyce, Mr. & Mrs. Barret Crook, Mr. & Mrs. Wade Crowell, George Culp, Henry Culp, Joseph Ferrebee, C. M. Haithcock, Claude Hinson, Donald Maner, Mr. & Mrs. James Mauney, Richie Mauney, Mrs. Charles Paine Meisenheimer, Mrs. Heath Morgan, Sue Trott Parker, Mrs. L. A. Price, John Trott (compiler), Mrs. John Trott, Mrs. L. J. Trott, Mrs. John Whitlock, Bennie Wingate. 6 The Chat Raleigh, N. C. (practically same area as on previous counts; lakes and small ponds 25%, mixed pine and deciduous woodland 40%, open fields 15%, deciduous woodland 20%). — Dec. 28; 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Rain in early am with heavy cloud overcast and cold 10-15 mph wind until noon; par- tially clear with 5 mph wind in pm; temp. 33° to 40°; ground bare, water open; birds taking cover. Eleven observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours, 48 (38 on foot, 10 by car); total party-miles, 65 (20 on foot, 45 by car). Total species, 70; total individuals, 6821. The remarkable find of a Western Grebe at this far inland location is reported in the General Field Notes section. — Philip Davis, Mrs. C. H. Green, J. F. Greene, J. L. Lamson, James Parnell, Mrs. John Rhodes, Mrs. Frank Roberts, Mrs. Merle Showalter, Mrs. D. L. Wray, David Wray (compiler). Rocky Mount, N. C. (same area as in past several years). — Dec. 30; 7:00 am to 4:30 pm. Clear, cold; temp. 20° to 40°; slight northerly wind. Ice on edge of ponds. Six observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours not given; total party-miles, 198 (3 on foot, 195 by car). Total species, 62; total indi- viduals, 4593. Noteworthy: Red-breasted Nuthatch, Baltimore Oriole, Eve- ning Grosbeak. — J. W. E. Joyner (compiler), Dan Knight, Norma Knight, Robert Pittard, Sandy Siler, Bob Thomas, John L. Thompson. Seven Springs, Wayne Co., N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at entrance to Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, to include the park, Neuse River, Sleepy Creek Lake; fields and roadsides 46%, lakes and ponds 20%, mixed woods 25%, swamps and marshes 15%). — Dec. 28; 7 am to 5 pm; temp. 30° to 50° ; wind NW, 5-15 mph. Light rain AM, cloudy pm. One observer. Total hours, 9 (3 on foot, 6 by car) ; total miles, 118 (4 on foot, 114 by car). Total species, 49; total individuals, 1090. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: American Widgeon, Wood Duck, White-breasted Nuthatch, Robin, Rusty Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird.) The Snow Goose had been present on William’s millpond for several weeks. The Palm Warbler was carefully observed at close range. — Richard H. Siler. Spartanburg, S. C. (all points within standard circle centering in Spar- tanburg, including Zimmerman, Pierce and Johnson lakes, and sewage disposal plant; open farmlands 15%, town suburbs 20%, freshwater lakes, ponds and marshes 45%, mixed woodlands 20%). Dec. 31; 7:30 am to 5:30 pm; temp. 35° to 41°. Increasing cloudiness; wind, SW, 1-3 mph. Seven observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours, 19 (12 on foot, 7 by car) ; total party-miles, 45 (5 on foot, 40 by car). Total species, 54; total individuals, 1721 plus. Red-breasted Nuthatches were found again this year. The East- ern Bluebird count of 18 is interesting; in the 1959 count there were 52 and last year’s count contained 7. — Louisa B. Carlisle, MacFarlane L. Cates, Jr., Ruth Crick (compiler), Margaret Hammond, Mrs. J. E. Spivey, Dr. & Mrs. John 0. Watkins. Wilmington, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Myrtle Grove Junction, including Wrightsville Beach and Sound, Carolina Beach, Masonboro and Greenville sounds, Winter Park, Orton Plantation, Cape Fear River, Greenfield Lake, Echo Dairy Farm; mixed pine and deciduous woodland 40%, beach and salt marsh 35%, freshwater ponds and river 20%, pasture 5%). Dec. 30; 5 AM to 6 PM. Fair and cold; temp. 21° to 43°; wind SE, 10-15 mph. Ten observers in five parties. Total party- hours, 42 (20 on foot, 18 by car, 4 by boat); total party-miles, 315 (28 on foot, 277 by car, 10 by boat). Total species, 164; total individuals, 12,106. The species count is a new high for Wilmington. Unusually thor- ough coverage of Masonboro Sound and the barren beach between Wrightsville and Carolina Beaches on foot and by boat was one of the main contributors. The numerous noteworthy species found include, Yellow- March, 1962 7 crowned Night Heron, Brant, Harlequin Duck, Whimbrel, Spotted Sand- piper, Purple Sandpiper, Least Tern, Dovekie, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Prairie Warbler, Brewer’s Blackbird, and Lark Sparrow. The report was accompanied by detailed data on the rare species, naming the observers. A separate account of the finding of the Harlequin Duck was included. Visit- ing the area and participating in the count was Mrs. Cecil Appleberry, originator of the Wilmington counts. — Mrs. Sam Alexander, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Appleberry, Maurice Barnhill, Greg Massey (compiler), Claude Mc- Allister, Mrs. W. C. Mebane, Mrs. Mary Urich, Mrs. Marie Vander Schalie, Henry Watson, Jr. Winston-Salem, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at intersection of Interstate Hwy 40 and Silas Creek Parkway, including Salem Lake, Reynolds Park, Wake Forest College campus, Reynolda, Forsyth County Farm, Tanglewood, and the Yadkin River; pine woods 15%, deciduous woods 20%, open fields and pastures 35%, lakes and bottomland 20%, suburban parks and lawns 10%). — Dec. 30; 6:30 am to 5:30 pm. Clear and cold; temp. 18° to 39°; wind 2 to 8 mph. Ponds and lakes mostly frozen. Thirteen observers in 7 parties. Total party-hours, 46 (13% on foot, 32% by car); total party-miles, 297 (27 on foot, 270 by car). Total species, 75; total individuals, 4599. An unusually good count “mostly be- cause of advance planning and a larger number of participants.” Good sup- porting data: Blue Goose, an adult in typical plumage with white head and dark body, first seen in the area several days prior to the count (TWS); two House Wrens and one Bewick’s Wren in typical old field habitat (DWJ); Grasshopper Sparrow, single bird seen at close range in typical pasture habitat. Weak flight, short tail, flat head and other features noted. (DWJ). — Alex Bohnson, L. Hartsell Cash, John P. Davis, Velma Davis, John Gatewood, David W. Johnston, Thomas W. Simpson (compiler), Doris Simpson, Lucia Simpson, Merrill P. Spencer, Hannah Spencer, Robert H. Witherington, Blanche Wyatt. 8 The Chat 3 ‘N “s*W *>f°ws JD 3 ’N ‘Jiouai ■3 -n tu3|ES-uoisui/v\ '3 'N ‘o-ioqsuaajg 3 -|S| ‘uj)j|3 3 •§ ‘uos^apuv ■3 ’S ‘Bjnque^Bds ■3 -n ‘a»10|«M3 •3 -|\i ‘pjoouo3 ■3 -N ‘l I ! H I9UBM3 3 "N ‘MB|3|Ea •3 ‘N ‘uos«pu3H •3 S ‘ua>|!V 3 S ‘J3A0^SE3 ■3 ’S ‘E!qiun|03 ■3 'N ‘UOpUOl M3fJ •3 'n ‘-^iai *>poa •3 'M ‘sBuuds ubabs •3 •$ ‘PE3H UOJIIH 3 'S ‘uo^s3|4Eq3 •3 *n ‘q3E3g Buoi •3 ’N ‘uo^Bujuin/w 3 ‘N ‘peBjsduiBH ■3 m -03 pojnBsg s|EnpiAipu| 1^01 March, 1962 9 227 83 12 43 970 White-br. Nuthatch 249 216 13 Readers have had visits from nuthatches. Weston Clinard from Hickory, North Carolina, reports the following; For several years I have had at least one pair of Brown-headed Nuthatches visiting my feeders. This morning (January 12, 1932) I counted five of them at one time on the suet feeder. The ground is covered with snow and the temperature is in the low twenties. I have a device, a relic from my chicken-raising days, which should be in general use at times like the present (weatherwise). It is an electrical appliance which I used to put in the drinking fountain for my chickens to keep the water from freezing. Now I use it in one of my birdbaths. It doesn’t raise the water temperature over fifty de- grees. You should have seen the many kinds of birds bathing yesterday; now and then there were three or four different kinds at the same time. From Mrs. P. B. Hendrix, of Bird-Haven, Route #1, Lexington, South Carolina, we heard of another nuthatch: A Red-breasted Nuthatch was seen by the writer on Wednesday afternoon, January 31, 1962. It is the first one to be definitely identi- fied. About twelve or fifteen years ago, some members of the Columbia Bird Club reported having seen one. However, this is the first time that we have been able to see it well enough and for a long enough period to say it was the Red-breasted. The Brown-headed Nuthatch is a permanent resident here and has been for the past twenty years. The White-breasted has never been seen here. A letter from Mrs. Edward Marrow, a CBC member from Tarboro, North Carolina, contained the following: On Sunday, January 21, just before one o’clock, Ed and I saw a male and female Baltimore Oriole in our yard. Both were in full spring plumage and very lovely. The male perched immediately outside our window in a shrub and the female perched in the oak tree. Minutes thereafter, the male flew to the two sweetgum trees and the female flew into a magnolia. The male then joined her in the magnolia. We observed them for a total of three or four minutes. Our neighbors next door saw the male earlier that morning eating bread which was on the ground outside their window. Their entire family of four saw the bird at approximately nine o’clock that same morning. We have not seen the birds since that time, although we have been watching for them. Mrs. Edward McMaster, 311 North Congress Street, Winnsboro, South Carolina, gives us a real thrill with a rare find: We had a very unusual experience just before Christmas and have wanted to share it with you. 14 The Chat On the night of December 22, T. W. Ruff, Jr. called asking us to come to his apartment to verify his identification of a little bird that he had rescued that morning. The bird had flown against a plate glass window on Main Street and had been injured. The young man had cared for him all day and had gone to the library for identification. We could hardly believe that he could be a Painted Bunting ! But he was. We were very thrilled to see our first painted bunting here, al- though we were quite mystified and amazed at his presence. Could he have been lost in migration? We secured a cage from a friend and planned to take care of the little bird until warm weather. Then we had planned to take him down to your place and release him when the buntings returned in the spring. When Edward went to get him the next morning, he found that he had died during the night. We were grieved, as we had wanted to care for him. Someone suggested that we have him mounted. So now the beautiful little creature is in our freezer, awaiting the services of a taxidermist. (Kay Sisson and I spent a delightful day in Winnsboro at the home of Mr. and Mrs. McMaster, discussing birds and other mutual interests. We had the privilege of bringing the bunting back to Columbia with us so Mrs. Sisson could turn him over to the taxidermist. How strange it was to see this little bird in all the beauty of the plumage of the mature male Nonpareil here in upper South Carolina in the middle of winter! . . . De- partment Editor.) Mrs. A. W. Bachman of Henderson, North Carolina, makes us envy her when she writes thus of her birds: I just looked out the window to see eleven Evening Grosbeaks, nine Purple Finches, a Baltimore Oriole and my one Red-breasted Nuthatch all feeding at the same time. What more could one wish ? Mrs. R. Connor Tedards, Route Two, Brown Road, Anderson, South Carolina sent us the following (February 5, 1962): I recently had a most exciting experience with Barn Owls. Owls are always exciting to me, but these particularly so, because up until three weeks ago I had not seen a Barn Owl for three years. On January 17, Mrs. Joe Watson and I spent a fruitless morning in search of a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers that I had seen a week previous. As we prepared to walk the two miles out of the woods, Mrs. Watson said, “By the way, someone called me yesterday to say that if I were interested, they could tell me where we might see two families of Barn Owls.” We made haste out of the woods, to the car, and to the nearest telephone to request permission to look for the owls. The “owner” of the owls . . . told us that the owls had nested on the property for years, that the family was quite fond of them, and at last count the birds numbered seven. We drove to the house which is about four miles southwest of An- derson. It is on a hill in a grove of oak trees. The fields surrounding the house are not cultivated and have grown up in broom straw— certainly excellent hunting for the birds. We had no trouble locating the trees. One was a large, old, White Oak, with a deep hollow in the top. This tree is right beside the high- way about twenty feet from the drive to the house. The other favorite tree is a Red Cedar in a field to the side of the house. We found numerous fresh pellets under both trees. The pellets we examined con- tained the remains of either rats or mice. Up the trunk of the oak, the son of the house had constructed steps, so that he might observe the nestlings. We made plans to come back that evening to see the owls come off the roost. It was several minutes after sundown by the time we had gotten back. We were too late to see them come off the roost, but were amply rewarded, as we approached the house, with the sight of seven owls hunting in the fields. We parked in the driveway and stepped out of the car. The owls were silent when we first arrived. March, 1962 15 They would hunt a few minutes, then fly to a tree in the yard and perch. It was so dark that we could not tell if they were consuming- prey. After we stood a few minutes, one flew directly over us and uttered a hawk-like squeal. It sounded somewhat like the squeal of the Red-tailed Hawk, starting on a very high clear note, and growing quite hoarse as it descended in pitch. The hissing of the birds has been adequately described, but we were surprised at the loudness of it. There was also much clacking of bills accompanying the vocalizing. Not being at all familiar with this species, or their habits through direct observation, we observed some of their characteristics with much interest. It was a clear, bright night, and we were able to see them quite well. They hunted very low over the ground, quartering in the manner of a Marsh Hawk. We observed them pouncing into the grass, and re- maining on the ground for some time, also in the manner of the Marsh Hawk. They hunted quite close to the house for fifteen minutes or so, then each went off to hunt further afield. On our way home, one of them flew in front of the car a mile or so beyond the house. These owls are very white on the breast, and the faces appeared all white, except for the dark ring of feathers around the facial disks. I made another trip the following evening with my sister, Mrs. Ellison Smith, and the subsequent evening with my husband; although we did not get quite the performance of the first night, we did see the birds. The second evening we arrived a few minutes before sunset. We pulled the car under the overhanging branches of the oak, on the side of the highway. One owl was looking out of the top of the tree. He surveyed the situation for some minutes, then glided down from the tree almost to the ground before flapping his wings. The only dis- cernible sound was the scratching of his claws on the bark of the tree. He was followed at regular intervals by four more. The other two flew in from the direction of the cedar tree. Instead of immediately going hunting, they sat about in various trees, making odd sounds. . . . The third trip to the oak yielded but one owl. The others had left the roost and were nowhere to be seen. Although it was the same time as the previous evening by our clock, it was cloudy with a light sleet falling, and the “owl clock” was faster than ours. The lazy fellow continued to sit in his roost, preen his feathers, and observe us as we observed him. While riding through the countryside Monday and again yesterday (Feb- ruary 7), Mrs. Sisson and I saw more and more bluebirds. Now . . . where are these birds going to nest? The only available boxes we saw were the rural route mail boxes. Bluebirds usually nest two or three times during the summer. Even if this is in your hands too late for the first brood, please let every member of CBC determine to put up as many boxes as possible as soon as you can. From the Audubon Field Notes, October, 1961, p. 469, we quote: “At Warren, Pa. the remarkable ‘Operation Bluebird’ nesting project developed by William Highhouse continues to be successful. This year 53 pairs of Eastern Bluebirds fledged 181 young on the nesting attempts and 25 pairs raised 86 on the second nesting. . . . Highhouse feels that his hundred boxes are capable of producing about 1000 Bluebirds every four years.” From W. G. Duncan, 519 Ridgewood Rd., Louisville 7, Ky., we can get the specifications for the famous Duncan Bluebird boxes. These may be ordered or built, as there is no commercialization of the project, simply the desire to “Bring back the Bluebird.” Mr. Duncan sends out a “Conservation Notebook,” a sheet in which he reports the experiences of various localities in which people interested in birds have used or are using the Duncan boxes. Let us start an “Operation Bluebird” in this department. Put up as many boxes as you can. Keep a record of the number used, and the number of birds raised to adulthood. Then send your report to this department. Good luck! — A. R. Faver, Department Editor, Eastover, S. C. February 9, 1962. 16 The Chat GENERAL FIELD NOTES Advisory Council: E. Burnham Chamberlain, Thomas W. Simpson, MD., Wendell P. Smith, Ivan R. Tomkins, Robert L. Wolff. Department Editor: B. R. Chamberlain, Wadmalaw Island, S. C. This department will carry noteworthy data to the extent of the allotted space. Bare lists of occurrences, unless of special interest, will be held for publication in regional groupings. All material should be sent to the Department Editor. It may be presented in final form or subject to re-write. The normal dead-line for any issue is six weeks prior to the issue date. Data must be complete enough to enable the Council to render decisions. The number and spread of the reports of Evening Grosbeaks in the Carolinas so far this year (mid- January) indicate a winter population that will warrant careful study. Reports are needed. If the pattern of other years is followed, some grosbeaks will remain into early May. When possible the reports should include initial and final observations and peak numbers, sex ratios, food and feeding habits, etc. Any information on roosts will be a real contribution. The direction of early morning arrivals and final departures should furnish good clues to those who are feeding sizable numbers of birds daily. As far as we know, no Evening Grosbeak night roost has ever been located in the Carolinas. Two Sight Records of the Western Grebe in North Carolina. — The West- ern Grebe ( Aechmophorus occidentals ) breeds on fresh-water lakes of western North America and winters primarily along the Pacific coast. East of the Rockies and bordering Great Plains, this bird is a straggler. Its occurrence along the Atlantic coast is accidental, the only specimen record being from South Carolina ( Check-List of North American Birds, Ameri- can Ornithologists’ Union, p. 7, 1957). The two sight records described below will constitute the first reports of the occurrence of this largest of the North American grebes in North Carolina. On March 30, 1959, Parnell and Quay identified a Western Grebe in excellent plumage on the North Pond of the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, in Dare County on the outer banks of North Carolina. The bird was first seen resting on a mat of grass at the water’s edge of the south dike, in the lee of a 15 mph wind, at a distance of only 20 yards. The time was about noon and a light rain had been falling intermittently all morning. The bird swam slowly away from the shore and out into the open pond, which allowed adequate time for satisfactory observation through 7 x 50 binoculars and reference to Peterson’s Field Guide to the Birds. The large size, long neck, and contrasting black and white plumage were un- mistakable, We had been on Hatteras Island studying the birdlife for five days, and were well up on our identification of other birds such as the Horned Grebe, Red-throated Loon, and Red-breasted Merganser, with which one might at times confuse the Western Grebe. We looked for this bird again on April 1, as we were leaving our Hatteras Island camp for Raleigh, but our search was without success. March, 1962 17 On December 20, 1961, Parnell and Roberts identified a Western Grebe on Lake Johnson, a city reservoir about three miles south of Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina. When first seen, the bird was swimming alone and in the open about 100 yards offshore. The distinguishing field marks of grebe-shape, large size, long white neck, and black body were satisfactorily observed through 7 x 50 binoculars. While still being watched this first time, the bird took flight and flew past the observers only 50 yards away, affording clear view of the all-white underparts and typical grebe flight- shape. The bird again settled on the water and then swam away across the lake. This observation was made in cold and cloudy weather, during the severe cold wave of the period that had swept in from the West. An effort by Roberts to see this bird again on December 29 was not success- ful.— James F. Parnell, Thomas L. Quay, and Franklin L. Roberts, Zoology Department, North Carolina State College, Raleigh, N. C., Janu- ary 20, 1962. A Record of the Greater Shearwater in 1960 at Hatteras. — The following brief note is extracted from a personal letter to the Department Editor, dated December 18, 1961 : “I note that Birds of North Carolina does not list many records for the Greater Shearwater [ Puffinus gravis']. We found a semi-mummified one on June 12, 1960, almost at the foot of the Hatteras lighthouse. I have kodachrome slides of the bird, but did not save the speci- men.”— Kenneth C. Parkes, Carnegie Museum, Pittsburg , Penn. Cinnamon Teal Taken in South Carolina. — On December 30, 1961, the Cinnamon Teal ( Anas cyanoptera ) was removed from the South Carolina hypothetical list when Theodore A. Beckett, III, took an adult male from a 25-acre wooded pond 11 miles northwest of Charleston. Other species found on the pond at the time were Lesser Scaup, Blue-winged Teal, Ameri- can Coot, and Common Gallinule. On January 15, 1962, Mr. Beckett got within 30 feet of another male Cinnamon Teal on the same pond. The collected specimen is being mounted for Drayton Hastie, Jr., of Charleston. A colored photograph of the bird is to be placed in the Charles- ton Museum files. Since F. M. Weston reported this teal in Beaufort County in 1933 (Auk, 50:219), there appears to be but one recorded occurrence in South Caro- lina— a male was watched on a Bull’s Island pond for several days and reported there on April 21, 1961, by Helen Goldstick and Molly Theban ( Audubon Field Notes, 15:319). A sight record near the west end of Lake Mattamuskeet, North Carolina on February 5, 1935, by J. B. Hodges, a native and for many years a guide in that area, seems to be the only North Carolina record (Chat, 1:51). — E. Burnham Chamberlain, Charleston, South Carolina , January 16, 1962. Harlequin Duck in North Carolina. — On December 30, 1961, Greg Massey and I saw a male Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) at Carolina Beach, North Carolina. The head was green, the breast gray or greenish- gray, the flanks chestnut, and the rear sections dark; there was a com- plicated pattern of white markings, all of which agreed in detail with the plate (p. 35) in Peterson’s Field Guide To The Birds, second edition. The white crescents on the front of the head were separated only by a thin, dark line as seen from the front, leaving the impression of a completely white head. The horizontal neck marks also did not quite meet in front. The wings were dark below with a hint of a light flash when flapped. The bill was a bluish-gray; the eye could seldom be distinguished against the dark head. The bird was swimming into the wind and currents beyond the surf line about 100 yards offshore and maintained a nearly constant position beyond a rock jetty (which would have been submerged at high tide). It was observed preening several times. 18 The Chat The duck was observed for 35 minutes between 3:30 pm and 4:10 pm at distances of around 125 yards with 8x40 binoculars and a 40x scope by both Greg Massey and myself. The light was good, coming from the side. The weather was cold, the wind about 10-15 mph from SE; a cold front had come through two days earlier. The Harlequin Duck is not recorded in Birds of North Carolina. It now appears that this bird cannot be collected, so it constitutes a record for the hypothetical list only. It was not present the next morning for the Appleberrys to see the bird; however, additional efforts will be made to find and show it to other observers. — Maurice Barnhill, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N. C., January 5, 1962. (The bird was not found again after several trips by Greg Massey, up to Jan. 15 — Dept. Ed). Golden Eagle in Sumter County, South Carolina. — On December 31, 1961, while driving to Columbia, we saw an immature Golden Eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos) in the Manchester State Forest between Pinewood and Wedge- field, in Sumter County, S. C., at about one PM. It was flying low and gave us a good view of the banded tail, white blotches under wings, small head, etc. This is the first Golden Eagle I have seen since last winter. R. D. Edwards, Ardea, McClellanville, S. C., January 1, 1962. Laughing Gull Colony on Gull Island in Pamlico Sound. — North Caro- lina’s representative of the common expression, “Gull Island,” lies less than two miles west of the Outer Banks in Pamlico Sound, approximately 14 miles north of Cape Hatteras. My wife and I visited the island colony on June 4, 12, and 19, 1960, in order to study the behavior of Laughing Gull ( Larus atricilla ) chicks, and to collect eggs for hatching in an incu- bator in connection with further behavioral studies ( Amer . Nat., 95:245- 247. 1961). A few notes about the island and gull colony, taken incidental to our study, may be of interest. The island consists primarily of saltmarsh, with Spartina and needle- grass predominating, and has only a strip of dry beach on its western side at the usual high tide. On June 12, Dr. Gilbert Gottlieb accompanied us to the island; that day we estimated approximately 1000 pairs of gulls which appeared to be nesting. The gulls did not nest uniformly throughout the island, but congregated in subgroups of 20 to 100 pairs. The nests were generally built on “rafts” of marsh grass and drift materials which had apparently been piled up by high tides. Few other birds inhabited the island. Royal Terns nested in small num- bers at the northern end, and Sharp-tailed Sparrows occurred sparsely throughout the areas visited. Other species observed included Black Skim- mers, Fish Crows, and a Clapper Rail. Of particular interest was a single adult Herring Gull (L. argentatus) observed sitting on pilings on the eastern side of the island; presumably the same individual was seen there on June 4 and 19. Since the Herring Gull is extending its breeding range southward, possibly this was a “pioneer.” Unfortunately, during the sum- mer of 1961 I was on duty in Europe with the U. S. Navy and could not visit the colony to see if Herring Gulls were present. Likewise, I was unable to see if Laughing Gulls renested at Green Island in 1961, after the obliteration of the colony by high tides in 1960 (Chat, 24:98. 1960). The colonies on Gull and Green islands are the northernmost discovered south of the Chesapeake Bay. The large colony on Gull Island may be the primary source of Laughing Gulls seen during the summer as far north as Norfolk, Virginia. I am grateful for assistance in locating the colony from Dr. and Mrs. Harry Wells, Dr. Thomas Quay, and Mr. Verde Watson, and for help in the field rendered by Dr. Gottlieb. — Jack P. Hailman, Department of Zoology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, January 25, 1962. March, 1962 19 Flight of the Short-eared Owl. — “I was particularly fascinated by the hovering flight of the Short-eared Owl, similar to the Osprey or Sparrow Hawk, which I could find cited only in Bent ( Life Histories of North American Birds of Prey, 1938). Most writers comment on the moth-like flight, which is true; however, the hovering first drew our attention to the bird which I at first classed as a Sparrow Hawk. Mrs. Norwood said it was too big for a Sparrow Hawk, and we then started to chase the bird down in earnest. We saw two of them, on both the evening of Jan. 4 and 5, from about 5:15 pm, until it got too dark to see. They were hunting among the dunes of Garden City point (Horry County, S. C.) and we saw that the hovering, as stated in Bent, occurs when they sight possible prey. We did not see them during the broad daylight although the literature mentions that they do hunt during the day.” — Joseph R. Norwood, Charlotte, N. C., Jan. 12, 1962. (Hovering by the Short-eared Owl is mentioned, but not dwelt upon, in Natural History of the Birds of Eastern and Central North America, Forbush and May, 1939, p. 276. The foregoing account is taken from a personal letter. — Dept. Ed) A Saw-whet Owl at McClellanville, South Carolina — The following ac- count of the near capture of a Saw-whet Owl ( Aegolius acadicus ) was told to me on December 30, 1961, by Robert D. Edwards of Ardea, Mc- Clellanville, South Carolina. Mr. Edwards was walking on a street in the village of McClellanville on December 12, 1961, when he saw a very small owl on the ground before him. It was sitting upright, obviously alive, and he assumed that it was stunned. As he walked up to it he slipped off his jacket with the idea of capturing it. When he was almost over the bird it turned its head and looked squarely at him, and he saw at once that it was a Saw-whet Owl. He spread his jacket to drop it, but the owl suddenly flew into some thick shrubbery at the edge of the street, disappeared, and he was not able to find it again. This observation brings to mind the capture of a Saw-whet Owl at Effingham, S. C., by E. C. Clyde in the previous December {Chat, 25:17, 1961). This tiny owl is considered a casual or rare winter resident in the coastal and lower Piedmont regions of the Carolinas. — B. Rhett Cham- berlain, Wadmalaw Island, S. C., January 19, 1962. More Vermilion Flycatchers in South Carolina. — A letter dated Novem- ber 30, 1961, from E. O. Mellinger at the Savannah River Refuge (S. C.) reads, in part, as follows: “Mrs. Olga Thyberg of Springfield, Mass., found a Vermilion Flycatcher [ Pyrocephalus rubinus ] on the Refuge on Nov. 17, 1961. A number of parties have come since then and seen the bird. It was still here on the 28th., and it is probably around now. It stays near our bathhouse. I believe the bird to be a first year male, as there is a strong hint of red on the crown, the breast is like that of a female.” Mr. Mellinger subsequently reported in mid- January that the bird had been seen up to, but not after, January 4. In the winter of 1958-1959 a Ver- milion Flycatcher appeared at the refuge and remained for several weeks ( Chat, 23:37, 1959). On January 5, 1962, Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Mattheissen, visitors from Con- necticut, watched a male Vermilion Flycatcher for about three-quarters of an hour near the boat landing at the Santee Gun Club, at the northern end of Charleston County. Mr. Mattheissen discussed his surprising find by telephone with E. Burnham Chamberlain and commented upon the striking brilliance of the bird. These observations seem to constitute the third and fourth appearances of the Vermilion Flycatcher recorded for South Carolina. A specimen was taken for the Charleston Museum in 1956 {Chat, 20:19, 1956). — B. Rhett Chamberlain, Wadmalaw Island, S. C., January 20, 1962. 20 The Chat A Record in 1960 for the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in North Carolina. — The note by Greg Massey in the September, 1961, issue of The Chat (p. 69) prompts me to send the following record: On June 13, 1960, my wife and I observed a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Muscivora forficata ) sitting on a telephone wire about one mile north of Pea Island Refuge headquarters building. We had a fine look, as we parked directly underneath and across the road from the bird. Although I possessed a North Carolina collecting permit at the time, the bird was on a refuge and I did not feel that collecting it was desirable. — Kenneth C. Parkes, Carnegie Museum, Pittsburg, Penn., December 18, 1962. (This record raises to five the number of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers recorded in North Carolina. The bird was removed from the Hypothetical List in 1956 when Robert Wolff took a specimen for the State Museum. That bird also was found perched on a wire. [Chat, 20:60, 1956].- — Dept. Ed). The Barn Swallow Migration at Long Beach, North Carolina. — Long Beach, Brunswick County, North Carolina, forms part of the southern side of Cape Fear. The coast at this point lies in an east-west direction, facing south to the ocean. North of the beach itself is a strip of low dunes and salt marsh that is altogether between two and four hundred yards wide; inland to this is a forest of pine and oak. In late August and early September many swallows migrate through this area, flying westward just above the dunes and marsh. About 93 per cent of these are Barn Swallows ( Hirundo rustica) , 5 per cent are Bank Swallows ( Riparia riparia) , and the remainder are Tree Swallows ( Irido - procne bicolor). I watched these flights in 1959 and again in 1961. In the early morning the swallows course back and forth just above the sea oats and marsh grass, more intent on feeding than migrating. Gradu- ally their movement becomes more and more westward until there is a stream of scattered individuals and small flocks flying mostly over the marsh and some over the dunes and beach at a level just above the grass to a height of fifty feet. They continue to feed as they pass, and occasion- ally one will turn and swoop back to catch an insect. A few swallows come southwards, from over the pine woods, cross the marsh and beach and continue over the ocean for a hundred or more yards; then they swing- right and fly westward gradually angling back to the land. The number of individuals passing one point usually remains fairly constant until mid- afternoon, when it increases rapidly to a peak about a half-hour before sunset. This increase appears to be a result of the birds’ flying more swiftly and constantly in one direction, with less feeding. The swallows disappear about sunset, but I have never seen any sign of their roosting site. I estimated the number of swallows passing through Long Beach by making counts at intervals during each day of all swallows passing a point during a five minute period. On an average day about twenty swallows passed in each five minute period during most of the day, the number increasing to about a hundred in five minutes in the late afternoon, making an estimated total of 4800 swallows passing during the day. On a peak day, August 29, 1961, the count varied around 120 per five minutes for the morning and early afternoon, rose to 300 per five minutes at 3:30 pm, and reached a peak of 600 per five minutes for almost an hour before sunset; estimating from these counts, about 31,000 swallows passed on this day. Flights were poor on rainy and stormy days with a southeast wind. Heavy flights occurred on days following a rainy spell and declined to average numbers when a weak cold front passed over the area. The behavior of the swallows suggests that the birds fly southward until they reach the coast, when they turn westward to follow it. Through Long Beach, therefore, must pass all the swallows that have come through the Cape Hatteras area plus all those which have reached the coast in the 160 miles stretch between Cape Hatteras and Cape Fear. — James T. Tanner, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, November 22, 1961. March, 1962 21 Robin Roost Near Chapel Hill, North Carolina. — Just at the beginning of the new year a giant robin roost was discovered nine miles from Chapel Hill on the Harbison farm in Chatham county. The birds occupied a pine thicket with an undercover of honeysuckle vines on a hillside covering between 30 and 40 acres. At first 90 per cent of them were robins (north- ern form) with some admixture of redwinged and rusty blackbirds and starlings, and a few cedar waxwings and cowbirds. In a few days the proportion of blackbirds and starlings became much larger. The latter arrived in compact flocks and kept to themselves, even on the roost. The roostward flight began shortly after 4 pm and was kept up till nearly 6 o’clock. Various estimates placed the number of birds at some- where between 100,000 and 500,000. It was difficult to make a count because the birds arrived in masses from all points of the compass, some flying low and others high. Just before sundown the robins came from the west in streams and rivers, flying so low as barely to miss the heads of spectators. An odd thing was the almost total absence of robins meantime in the town of Chapel Hill. Last year the Christmas bird count showed only three robins in the urban district. On arrival the robins did much roost-hopping and visiting from twig to twig, meanwhile maintaining a chatter which at a distance sounded like the roar of a passing train. Just before total darkness fell the entire tract, as if at a signal, became suddenly silent. There have been four other robin roosts in the Chapel Hill area beginning with 1937 when a pine thicket was occupied eight miles north of town, but the present one is much the larger in area and number. — Phillips Russell, Chapel Hill, N. C., January 14, 1962. Red Crossbills at Brevard, N. C. — An item in the December, 1961, issue of The Chat (p. 92), written on September 5, recorded the presence of a number of Red Crossbills at Blowing Rock, N. C., from August 22 through Sept. 2. At least two birds, a male and a female, were still present at the same site in the Gage’s yard on October 22, when they were watched at length with binoculars and a 30 X Balscope by Mary and Fred May and Margaret and Rhett Chamberlain. The elevation here is about 4200 feet. The same article also mentioned the occurrence of a crossbill near Bre- vard. Data on that observation follows: On August 13, 1961, E. Milby Burton, Director of the Charleston Museum, vacationing at Lake Kanuga, saw “with amazement” a male and female Red Crossbill perched on a low wire over a roadway. The birds were just overhead and he could easily see the crossed bills and color pattern. The elevation at Lake Kanuga, which is located a few miles from Brevard, Transylvania County, is approximately 3000 feet. This is a low altitude for Red Crossbills in mid- August in North Carolina. The few recorded summer observations in the state have been confined to elevations of near 5000 feet. — B. Rhett Chamberlain, Wad- malaw Island, S. C., January 10, 1962. Harris’ Sparrow in Upper South Carolina. — A Harris’ Sparrow ( Zono - trichia querula) appeared at the feeding station of Mrs. Edgar N. Woodfin at Gramlin, Spartanburg Co., South Carolina, on January 5, 1962. The bird was feeding with White-crowned Sparrows (Mrs. Woodfin has these every year) and the markings corresponded exactly with the drawing by Peterson of the adult bird except that the cheeks were buffy instead of white. The large size of the bird attracted Mrs. Woodfin’s attention; she identified it and called me. I was fortunate enough to get there in time to see it at two different intervals, feeding on the ground with the white- crowns. A watch is being kept for its return. — Mrs. Carol Davis, 1744 Hillcrest Blvd., Spartanburg, South Carolina, January 7, 1962. (A tele- phone conversation with Mrs. Woodfin on January 22 revealed that the bird was still present and that it had been seen at irregular intervals daily 22 The Chat since she first found it. Eighteen or more visitors have seen it, among them were John O. Watkins of Spartanburg and Jay Shuler of Greenville, the latter succeeding in photographing it. No specimen has been recorded from South Carolina. Burleigh took a single bird in western North Carolina in 1933. — Dept. Ed). Lincoln’s Sparrow at North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. — Six Lincoln’s Sparrows ( Melospiza lincolnii) were seen on November 10, 1961 at North Wilkesboro. The fine streaking of the breast, buffy band across the breast, and contrastingly striped crown were all noted. The birds were seen in characteristic habitat — a shrubby field through which a small stream ran, and with a shrubby swamp close by. The observer was familiar with Lincoln’s Sparrow in Vermont, a few individuals being seen during migra- tion. It was a rare bird there, however, and many seasons passed without one being seen. Much confusion reigns regarding the name. The bird was not named for either Abraham Lincoln or the late Frederick Lincoln of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It was described and named by Audubon for a rather obscure man named Thomas Lincoln who accompanied him to Labrador. Mr. Lincoln went out with his gun one day while there and brought in the bird which Audubon named Lincoln’s Sparrow. Once while in Vermont, I heard the song, quite loud and reminding me of both the House Wren and Purple Finch. — Wendell P. Smith, North Wilkesboro, N. C., December 22, 1961. NEWS AND COMMENTS Christmas and Spring counts — Once again in this issue Rhett Chamber- lain has laboriously and ably compiled the many separate reports for the “Christmas Count — 1961.” For many years he has kindly performed this task for the CBC, as well as preparing the Spring Counts, these appearing in the September issues. We extend our gratitude to Rhett for these serv- ices, and regret his decision to turn these tasks over to someone else. In the future, compilers of Christmas and Spring counts should send their reports directly to the Editor of The Chat. Compilers are urged to adhere closely to the established formats already published in The Chat for these counts. So that the various publication deadlines can be met, Christmas Counts must be in the hands of the Editor by January 15 and Spring Counts by June 1. Ducks and Geese — According to a recent account released by the Asso- ciated Press, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service has reported a significant decrease in the numbers of ducks and geese along the Atlantic Flyway. In general, the duck population is down seven per cent from last year, with Mallards being down by 25 per cent. Drought conditions on the breeding grounds were believed to be responsible for the decline in geese. Both Canada and Snow geese have declined in this flyway, as have Whistling Swans. CBC Winter Field Trip — The winter field trip of the Carolina Bird Club was held at Lake Mattamuskeet, the National Wildlife Refuge, in eastern North Carolina on January 12-14, 1962. Due to inclement weather (freez- ing rain, sleet, and snow) only about a fourth of those who had made reservations were able to attend. By Friday night only eleven had regis- tered. Eight more arrived on Saturday boosting the register to nineteen. Those nineteen braved subfreezing temperatures, snow, and ice to observe the birdlife. The canals and the lake itself were frozen over with only an occasional pot hole free of ice. It was quite an experience in the deep south to see Canada Geese, Whistling Swans, and ducks of various species sitting around on a lake of ice. Personnel from the Wildlife Refuge and Audubon Society assisted by furnishing transportation and acting as guides for the small group; morn- ing and afternoon trips yielded 78 species of birds. Deer, rabbits, and March, 1962 23 muskrat were also sighted. There were approximately 180,000 geese and 58,000 ducks on the reservation. For over 30 years this refuge has been the winter home for migrating ducks and geese. During the night sessions two movies were enjoyed: one on the identifi- cation of ducks, and one depicting a year’s span in the life of the bob-white. Each movie brought out the importance of conservation. The highlight of the Saturday night session was a talk by Harold Peters, research biologist with the National Audubon Society, who is now studying the Bald Eagle, to determine the present number of active nests in the United States and to learn facts relevant to its population decline. Mr. Peters is soliciting the aid of those interested in conservation of wildlife to seek out the eagles’ nests in their localities, to send information to him or the Audubon Society in order to prevent duplications in the count, and to keep watch on the nests often enough, especially during the breeding season, to determine if young are reared, and any information relevant to their survival (also to note over a three-year period if the nests are used again). He urged that the locality of the nests be kept secret from the general public. Also on the agenda at this session was a discussion of the proposal for the Air Force to use the area adjacent to the Wildlife Refuge as a bombing range. The necessity of providing a bombing range was recognized, but there were more “cons” than “pros” in regard to having one in this par- ticular area. Bombs could cause forest fires, and the dangers to wildlife near the Refuge and to a nearby recreation area were emphasized. Individuals should write their congressmen and senators advising briefly why they op- pose the use of this area as a bombing range. Those attending the winter field trip came from Atlanta, Georgia, Colum- bia, S. C., Raleigh, High Point, Winston-Salem, and New Bern, N. C., and Alexandria, Virginia. The Annual Business meeting, which is also the 25th Anniversary of the club will be held in Raleigh, N. C. March 23-25, 1962. A special program is being planned emphasizing ornithological research with a minimum of time devoted to field trips. Mrs. Emma V. Walker, Secretary, Carolina Bird Club. BOOK REVIEWS Bird Study. Andrew J. Berger. 389 pages. 1961. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 440 Park Ave., South, New York, N. Y. $9.00. Occasionally someone will ask me to recommend a good bird book which presents the subject of ornithology in terms that both the layman and beginning student can understand. Here is one of these well-written books. Many people will recall that Dr. Berger was co-author with the late Dr. Josselyn Van Tyne in writing Fundamentals of Ornithology, but some thought this latter book was too technical for most readers. For some people that objection might have been valid, but, according to the jacket appearing on the present book, Bird Study is “geared to an elementary course in ornithology for liberal arts students. ... [It] is also an ideal guide for those who deal with birds as a profession or as a hobby.” So it is evident that Dr. Berger has wisely prepared this book in the hope of reaching a wide audience. The book is excellently illustrated with fine photographs and clear, legi- ble charts and diagrams. Many of the photographs are of nesting birds and were taken by Samuel A. Grimes. Among the subjects discussed in the eleven chapters are bird habitats, behavior, field identification, court- ship and nest building, and conservation. Dr. Berger has presented each of these subjects in an elementary fashion, and yet he has not sacrificed any scientific accuracy. Scientific terminology, incidentally, is held at a bare minimum, so that anyone interested in and acquainted with birds should be able to comprehend the text material. Finally, in the back of the book there are several useful appendices. General references are given as well as selected references for each of the chapters. There is an alphabetical list of common and scientific names for many birds. — David W. Johnston. 24 The Chat BRIEFS FROM THE FILES Gannet, about 50, 3 miles offshore from Murrell’s Inlet, S. C., Oct. 13, Mrs. Ellison D. Smith; over 100 close in at Wrightsville Beach, N. C., Oct. 21, Mrs. Dorothy Earle. • Green Heron, 1, Nov. 21, Charlotte, N. C., Lee Jones; 1 on private lake in Cabarrus County, N. C., Nov. 29, Mrs. J. H. Lovell, Jr. • Yellow-crowned Night Heron, several still present at Magnolia Gardens, Dec. 9, Theodore A. Beckett, III. ® White Ibis, 1 im- mature, Litchfield Beach, S. C., Oct. 7, the William G. Cobeys. ® Snow Goose, 2, feeding at Bear Island Refuge, Colleton Co., S. C., Nov. 19, B. R. and E. B. Chamberlain, et al.; 1 at Lake Murray, S. C., Nov. 23, Robert Overing. • Blue Goose, 2 at Lake Murray, feeding on shore, Nov. 23, Robert Overing. • Fulvous Tree Ducks, heaviest influx known, on both Carolina coasts. To be reported at end of winter. ® Common Goldeneye, a female studied at length and reported in detail, Concord Lakes, Cabarrus Co., N. C., Dec. 28, Mr. and Mrs. Shuford K. Peeler. © Bufflehead, 1 at North Wilkes- boro, Nov. 18, Wendell P. Smith. ® Oldsquaw, 1 male, 1 female, Ft. Fisher, N. C., Nov. 24, Maurice Barnhill. • Bald Eagle, 1 immature, followed flying from North River Bridge eastward for four miles, Dec. 20. Possibly the same bird seen again Jan. 3, at Davis, N. C., Eugene B. Pond. ® Long-billed Cur- lew, 1 on mudflats at Yacht Club Basin, Edisto Beach, S. C., Nov. 25, J. Fred Denton; 1 near mouth of Savannah River, Sept. 24 and 25, Ivan Tomkins. • Pectoral Sandpiper, 2 at Hartwell Dam, Anderson Co., S. C., Aug. 15, Mrs. R. C. Tedards. ® American Avocet, 1 watched feeding at Bear Island Refuge, S. C., Nov. 19, B. R. and E. B. Chamberlain and party; the bird seen at Pea Island, May 23, 1958, and included in our December, 1961, “Briefs,” had a distinctly “pinkish- tan” head and neck, the John R. Gate- woods. • Common Tern, several at Lake Murray, Sept. 16, Mrs. R. C. Tedards. • Black Skimmer, over 500, Murrell’s Inlet, Oct. 7, the W. G. Cobeys. * Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 1 late at Brinkleyville, Halifax Co., N. C., Oct. 8, Thomas E. Street; 1 at Charlotte, Oct. 11, Lee Jones. © Black-billed Cuckoo, 1 at Brinkleyville, Oct. 5, Thomas E. Street; for the record: 1 at Pea Island Refuge, in the bushes near Bodie Island Museum, June 13, 1960, believed to be a stray, and not nesting, Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth C. Parkes. ® Chimney Swift, some at Anderson, S. C., through Oct. 9, Mrs. R. C. Tedards. ® Western Kingbird, 1 near Bodie Island lighthouse, Sept. 23, Paul W. Sykes, Jr.; 1 at Pea Island Refuge, Nov. 24, Robert L. Pyle; 1 at Edisto Beach, Nov. 26, J. Fred Denton. • Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, 1, Sept. 15 and 16, Charlotte, Lee Jones. • Red-breasted Nuthatches, well spread over most of the Carolinas; first at North Wilkesboro, Sept. 14, Wendell P. Smith; and Pea Island, Sept. 23, Paul W. Sykes, Jr. ® Catbird, 1, late in Cabarrus County, N. C., Nov. 22, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Lovell. ® Solitary Yireo, 1, extremely early at Effingham, S. C., Oct. 19, E. C. Clyde. • Cape May Warbler, 2 at Charlotte, Oct. 8, the J. R. Norwoods. ® Wilson’s Warb- ler, 1 at North Wilkesboro, Sept. 9 and Oct. 26, Wendell P. Smith. • Bobo- link, 60 or more in flock at Wilmington, Sept. 23, Greg Massey. • Baltimore Oriole, apparently plentiful over the whole area; 1 immature at Edisto Beach, Oct. 10, John H. Dick and Alexander Sprunt, Jr. • Scarlet Tanager, 1 at Wilmington as late as Nov. 28, Mrs. Polly Mebane. ® Pine Siskin, strangely scarce during the fall; 1 or 2 at Winston-Salem, Oct. 23, and 1, Dec. 4, David W. Johnston. • Lark Sparrow, one was watched carefully at Whalebone Junction, Dare Co., N. C., Aug. 6, Mr. and Mrs. Jack M. Potter. — Compiled by B. Rhett Chamberlain. All dates 1961 unless otherwise shown. March, 1962 25 Founded March 6, 1987 Incorporated August 8 , 19^9 The Carolina Bird Club is an incorporated association for the study and conservation of wildlife, particularly birds, chiefly in the Carolinas. Founded in 1937 as the North Carolina Bird Club, it was joined in 1948 by several South Carolina natural history clubs and the name changed to the Carolina Bird Club. In addition to publishing The Chat, the Club also: (1) holds an annual spring business meeting and a fall dinner meeting, (2) conducts club-wide field trips to places of outstanding ornithological interest, (3) sponsors Christmas and Spring Bird Censuses by local groups, (4) encour- ages original research and publication, (5) aids in the establishment of local clubs and sanctuaries, (6) takes an active interest in conservation legislation, (7) cooperates with State and Federal agencies, and (8) fur- nishes information and speakers to interested groups whenever possible. The Carolina Bird Club, Inc., is a non-profit educational and scientific organization with no paid personnel. Dues, contributions, and bequests to the Club are deductible from State and Federal income and estate taxes. MEMBERSHIP Membership is open to anyone interested in birds, wildlife, and out-of- doors. The annual dues for the classes of membership are: Regular $1.00 Contributing $25.00 Supporting $5.00 Affiliated Club $2.00 Life — $100.00 (payable in four consecutive annual installments) All members not in arrears for dues receive The Chat. Seventy-five cents of each annual membership fee is applied as the annual subscription to The Chat. Checks should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Application blanks may be obtained from the Treasurer, to whom all correspondence regarding membership should be addressed. The activities of the Club and the coverage of The Chat will grow in amount and quality as increased funds become available. Prompt payment of dues and the securing of new members are vital contributions open to everyone. Officers for 1961-62 President: Gilbert J. Bristow, 2921 Blossom St., Columbia, S. C. Vice-Presidents : Joseph R. Norwood, 1329 Goodwin Ave., Charlotte, N. C., George A. Smith, 211 E. Avondale, Greensboro, N. C., Mrs. Clyde Sisson, 1617 Tanglewood Rd., Columbia, S. C. Secretary: Mrs. Emma Walker, 119 Duke Ave., Columbia, S. C. Treasurer : William L. Hamnett, 2809 Kittrell Dr., Raleigh, N. C. Executive Committee : The Officers, Editors, immediate Past President, ex-officiis, and four elected Members-at-large : Col. I. H. S. Metcalf, The Citadel, Charleston, S. C., Dr. Merrill P. Spencer, 332 Banbury Rd., Winston-Salem, N. C., R. M. Schiele, Box 966, Gastonia, N. C., B. Rhett Chamberlain, Wadmalaw Island, S. C. tin U e tin ot THE CHAT Volume 26 Number 2 1962 INC THE CHAT Volume 26, Number 2 June, 1962 Published by The Carolina Bird Club. Inc. Devoted chiefly to the publication of scientific and popular information on the birds and other wildlife of the Carolinas. Editor: David W. Johnston, 1955 Faculty Drive, Winston-Salem, N. C. Department Editors : Annie Rivers Faver, Eastover, S. C.. B. Rhett Cham- berlain, Wadmalaw Island, S. C. Contributing Editors: Ernest Cutts, Harry Davis, Jack Dermid, James Mattocks, Fred H. May, Thomas W. Simpson, Kay Sisson. Distribution Office: N. C. State Museum, Box 2281. Raleigh, N. C. The Chat is published quarterly in March. June. September, and December as the official bulletin of the Carolina Bird Club. Inc. Entered as second-class matter on March 14. 1952, at the Post Office at Raleigh, N. C., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Subscription price to non-members: SI. 00 per volume. Single copies: 30 cents. Correspondence about changes of address and back numbers should be sent to Mr. Harry Davis, N. C. State Museum, Raleigh, N. C. Please notify the Distribution Office immediately of change of address. Subscriptions should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., and sent to the Treasurer. CONTENTS President’s Page. Harry T. Davis 26 The Cattle Egret in Wake County, N. C. James F. Parnell, Robert F. Soots, and John P. Hardister , Jr. 27 Notes on Pellets Cast by a Baby Blue Jay. Doris C. Hauser 29 A Look Back into History Reveals a New Species for the North Carolina List. Paul W. Sykes, Jr. 30 Sun-bathing in Birds. Doris C. Hauser 33 B. Rhett Chamberlain — CBC Honorary Life Member. T. L. Quay 35 Backyard Birding. Annie Rivers Faver , editor 37 General Field Notes. B. R. Chamberlain, editor 39 Common Eider taken in S. C. Edwin L. Blitch, III 39 Long-billed Dowitchers on the upper N. C. Coast. Paul W. Sykes, Jr. 39 The Whooping Crane in S. C. — -A Resume. David W. Johnston . . . 39 Hudsonian Godwits on the S. C. Coast? Mrs. R. C. Tedards 41 A Spring Record for the Saw-whet Owl in S. C. B. R. Chamberlain 41 Crippled White-throated Sparrow Returns to Tryon, N. C. N. I). Frost 42 Some Spring Transients near Elkin, N. C. Earl M. Hodel 42 Tower Casualties at Columbia, S. C. Mrs. E. D. Smith and Mrs. R. C. Tedards 43 Lincoln’s Sparrow, a new Species for S. C. Mrs. E. D. Smith 45 Albino Evening Grosbeak at Chapel Hill, N. C. Gerald R. MacCarthy 45 Saw-whet Owl near Chapel Hill, N. C. in Spring. John K. Terres . .46 News and Comments 46 Book Reviews 47 Briefs for the Files 49 Cover Photo — Least Bittern imitating a stump. Notice how the contours of the bird conform to the contours of the stump. Photographed in Santee Swamp, S. C., by Walter Dawn of Woodside, N. Y. The Chat PRESIDENT’S PAGE Just now I begin to realize that I am named as President of the Carolina Bird Club for 1962-63. There are numerous details to hammer out, com- mittees to appoint, and programs to consider. It is proper to pause here and pay tribute to the officers and others who have served the Club so well and unselfishly over the past twenty-five years. I hope to maintain the record they have set. Coming to the State Museum as a geologist some forty years ago I necessarily had to become a naturalist. To find answers about our flora and fauna, especially birds, was a duty imposed. There was a native in- terest in birds, in part fostered by the 1919 book, Birds of North Carolina. The Museum Director, H. H. Brimley, with his brother, Dr. C. S. Brimley, and Dr. T. Gilbert Pearson were the authors. These same authors wrote another edition in 1942. This interest prompted the organization of the Raleigh Bird Club when the birds were migrating in the spring of 1937. There were a score of members. A month later a State group of 60 met in Raleigh and organized the North Carolina Bird Club. There were 101 Charter Members by the deadline of May 6, 1937. These represented all sections of the State. Later, when South Carolina was ready to organize, a Carolina Bird Club was the obvious answer. In this case there was strength in numbers, when publications and general services are involved. The distributed costs are more moderate in a larger group. The Club is now receiving recognition as one of the largest in the country, and we have the room to grow in both bird studies and potential membership. Dr. John H. Grey bravely fathered the first Chat in March, 1937. His office was the West Raleigh Presbyterian Church and his equipment was a typewriter and a mimeograph machine. In 1941 the Chat achieved print- ing. Other able Editors have followed, and the publication has gathered prestige. University and other institutional libraries are seeking copies for binding. This challenges us to use every opportunity and resource to have an even better Chat. Furthermore, we need to come up with some practical plans to build strength and teamwork in the local Clubs. I seek ideas and experiences from members for challenging the potentials. Some ideas will be forth- coming. Be generous in passing them to me. Sanctuaries: There is the problem of keeping these meaningful as well as the neat road markers. Two small areas (Southport and Ocracoke nest- ing colonies) are being worked on as sanctuaries. Are there other possi- bilities? Finally, I appreciate the honor and accept the responsibilities. As the pioneers said “I hope to leave the woodpile by the wilderness shelter in better shape than I found it.” Harry T. Davis June, 1962 26 VSSs ui» THE CATTLE EGRET IN WAKE COUNTY. NORTH CAROLINA By James F. Parnell, Robert F. Soots, and John P. Hardister, Jr. The first Cattle Egret ( Babulcus ibis ) recorded in North Carolina was taken in 1956 in Bladen County by Dave Adams {Chat, 20:38, 1956). Since that time several other observations of the species have been made in North Carolina, but these were, with one exception, in the Coastal Plain. The single record for the Piedmont was by Bachman in 1958 near Hen- derson, North Carolina {Chat 22:69, 1958). Insofar as the authors can determine, the following account is the second record of the Cattle Egret away from the Coastal Plain of North Carolina. On April 11, 1962, at 5:12 pm, the authors sighted seven Cattle Egrets at Lake Raleigh near the southern city limits of Raleigh. This lake is an eighty-one acre city reservoir. The egrets approached the lake from the northeast and flew directly to a flooded stand of willows {Salix nigra). Here they were observed at length, through 7 X 50 binoculars, and all field marks were noted. Observation was maintained until the birds moved into the lower branches of the willows and were apparently settling to roost. Upon our return to the area at daylight the following morning twenty- eight Cattle Egrets were observed on the roost. Apparently twenty- one additional birds had arrived after our departure the previous evening. The entire flock left the roost at 6:15 am and flew out of sight in an easterly direction. All twenty-eight egrets were found about an hour later in a large pasture on the State Hospital Dairy Farm one mile east of the roosting site. They were feeding in a fescue {Festuca sp.) pasture among a herd of cattle. According to a report given to Dr. T. L. Quay by the herdsman at the Finley Hog Farm, a large flock of white herons (Cattle Egrets) appeared there early on the morning of April 10. They fed among the swine for a while and then left the farm about midmorning. The farm personnel at the State Hospital Dairy Farm reported first seeing the egrets there on the afternoon of April 10. The Finley farm is about three miles south of the State Hospital farm. It seems likely that this represents the initial arrival of this flock of egrets, as no earlier sightings have been reported. On April 13 a report of seven additional Cattle Egrets was received. These birds were located at the North Carolina State College Dairy Farm near the western city limits. This farm is approximately five miles from the State Hospital Dairy Farm, where the flock of twenty-eight egrets had been seen earlier in the day. We immediately visited both areas and confirmed the presence of both flocks. The discovery of a second flock initiated a more intense search, and later in the afternoon three addi- tional Cattle Egrets were located, approximately ten miles south of Raleigh at the Greenview Dairy Farm. This brought the total number of egrets observed to thirty-eight. Of these, thirty-three were determined to be adults, as evidenced by the characteristic buff-colored markings. Five lacked any buff color and were considered immature. The large flock of egrets at the State Hospital Dairy Farm fed, at various times on April 13 and 14, both among the herd of cattle and in sections of the pasture where there were no cattle. The group of seven egrets at the State College Dairy Farm was seen feeding with several cows in a small fenced lot only fifteen or twenty yards from the cow barns. The small flock of three egrets at the Greenview Dairy Farm was also observed feeding among cattle. 27 The Chat The roost of the flock of twenty-eight birds at Lake Raleigh was in a stand of willows, fifteen to twenty feet tall, which extended as a peninsula approximately one-hundred yards into the lake. At the site of the roost the trees were in standing water. When coming to roost the birds perched initially in the tops of the willows, and then moved slowly down to roosting positions four to eight feet above the water. The entire flock of twenty-eight roosted at this site on the nights of April 11 and 12. On the 13th seven birds used this roost, and on the 14th only three egrets were counted there. No egrets used the roost on the night of the 15th, but on the 16th two birds were again found there. No observations were made on the 17th or 18th; however, on the 19th a single Cattle Egret was again seen at the roost. This was the last observation of these Cattle Egrets in Wake County. The roosting sites of the two small flocks of Cattle Egrets were not found, and neither flock was relocated after the initial observations of April 13. The weather pattern during the period of the observations was as fol- lows. On April 10 a cold front passed over the state accompanied by showers and moderate winds. This front was stationary in the Raleigh region during April 11 and 12. This period was characterized by showers on the 11th and clearing on the 12th. April 13 and 14 were clear and unusually cold with moderate to high winds prevailing. On April 15 a weak cold front developed to the west and passed eastward over Raleigh and out to sea by late evening. From April 16 through April 19, the day of the last observation, the weather was dominated by a high pressure system, and generally fair and cool weather prevailed. It appears that these Cattle Egrets arrived in the Raleigh region on April 10. This was the date of the passage of a cold front through the area, and this apparently caused the unusual stopover of these birds in Wake County. The presence of large dairy farms and suitable roosting sites, coupled with the unusually cold weather of April 13 and 14, were perhaps responsible for the length of their stay. Zoology Department , North Carolina State College, Raleigh, North Carolina, April 25, 1962. June. 1962 28 NOTES ON PELLETS CAST BY A BABY BLUE JAY By Doris C. Hauser A baby Blue Jay ( Cyanocitta cristata ) about two weeks old was brought to me for care on July 22, 1961, having been captured early that morning. The behavior of the young bird, and the state of its plumage, with no feather tufts protruding from the sheaths of the tail feathers, suggested that it had just tumbled out of its nest and was found shortly thereafter. My daughter, Lisbeth, prepared a box for the bird, placing pine straw on the floor and a branch of dogwood for a perch. We fed it a mush of cornmeal, bacon fat, and water, using a small paint brush for a tool. Its droppings appeared healthy, and the bird was strong and active. The following afternoon, Lisbeth brought me a small, firm oval-shaped pellet, studded with iridescent jewel-like flakes, which she had just found in the box. For a moment I was baffled and then wondered if it was possible that baby blue jays might be capable of forming pellets at so early an age. Donald H. Lamore (Wilson Bulletin, 70:381, 1958) disclosed that a “captive immature Blue Jay” had ejected two pellets, a few days apart, composed of mimosa blossoms. Our baby jay, had apparently manufactured a pellet, and its contents proved to be even more surprising. The iridescent shards were bits of beetle wings, insects such as I had seen parent jays carrying to their young. Also present in the pellet were a few small flat reddish seeds (unidentified) . The real surprise, however, was to find three small sharp-edged pebbles. Two of them were of a flint-like stone, quite flat (less than 1/16 inch thick) and somewhat less than *4 inch wide or long. The other was a rougher, conical piece of quartz, triangular in shape, which measured about Vs inch for each dimension. The presence of these pebbles in the pellet of the bird suggested that parent jays present grinding stones to their nestlings along with food. Another daughter, Ann, cautioned me to maintain a scientific attitude until I knew that the jay was the author of the pellet, and that it hadn’t been accidentally placed in the box with the pine straw. On July 26 another pellet was found, however, this one containing the legs of crickets, which had been added to the bird’s diet along with earthworms, only the day before. A third pellet was cast on August 7, shortly before the bird died. This one was of a greenish color and appeared to be composed of pieces of chick scratch feed which the jay had learned to peck up from the floor of its box. All the pellets, like those described by Lamore, were about V2 inch long with tapering ends. It is possible that many other species of birds give their nestlings grind- ing stones. Perhaps some readers may be willing to join me in trying to find out. A brief autopsy, and examination of the gizzard of those nestlings which do not survive in spite of our efforts, might disclose some interesting- information on this subject. 309 Sylvan Road Fayetteville, North Carolina March 11, 1962. 29 The Chat A LOOK BACK INTO HISTORY REVEALS A NEW SPECIES FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA LIST By Paul W. Sykes, Jr. On February 19, 1961, I had the privilege of visiting the club house of the Swan Island Club, Inc., courtesy of J. M. Wade of Knotts Island, North Carolina. The club house is located on Swan Island, which is two miles southeast of Knotts Island in Currituck County. The purpose of my trip was to identify a species of teal that was mounted and kept in an oak and glass case displayed on the living room wall of the club house. The record of the unidentified bird was brought to my attention by a federal biologist at Back Bay, Virginia. The Swan Island Club, Inc. is an old established hunt club in Currituck County. Its records date back to 1872, when it was founded. The property of the club includes several miles of ocean front on the outer barrier beach and extends westward through the wax-myrtle thickets and fresh water marshes and creeks into the eastern part of Currituck Sound. In the old days the property was divided into twenty-eight hunting areas. Before each day’s waterfowl shooting began each member present drew lots to determine the area in which he would hunt that day. Prior to the passage of the Migratory Bird Law (McLean Act) of 1913, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (Dana, 1956. Forest and Range Policy; The World Book Encyclopedia. Vol. 2, 1950), the season on waterfowl was non- existent. Hunting by club members and guests, most of whom were from the Boston and New York areas, began in late August or early September when the shorebirds were migrating south and continued until early spring when the waterfowl departed for their breeding grounds. At that time there were no bag limits and practically all species were hunted. The club ledger includes the following species taken that are no longer legal game : Great Blue Heron, Whistling Swan, Snow Goose (the Lesser Snow Goose of the Mississippi, Central, and Pacific flyways is now legal game, but not the Greater Snow Goose of the Atlantic Flyway), Bald Eagle, most of the species of Charadriiformes found in North Carolina, Yellow-shafted Flicker, Robin, and Boat-tailed Grackle, to mention just a few. It was not unusual to bag 50 to 100 waterfowl a day per man. The record bag in one day for a club member was 180 birds. The records of the club are quite complete and in some cases are detailed accounts by each member of the day’s hunting experiences. The unidentified bird was found to be an adult male Baikal Teal ( Anas formosa ) (Sykes, Auk, 78:441. 1961). This species is named after Lake Baikal in Siberia. The A. O. U. “Check-list of North American Birds,” (5th ed., 1957), gives the range of Anas formosa as breeding in northern and eastern Siberia and wintering from eastern and southeastern China, Korea, and Japan to India, Assam, and Burma; occurring in the Kurile and Komandorskie Islands in migration. The species is listed as casual in Alaska (since the fifth edition was published there has been evidence of breeding on the coast of Alaska) and recorded doubtfully from Iceland, California, Ohio, England, Switzerland, and Italy. Upon looking through the club ledger I found that the bird was killed on December 9, 1912, near Crow Island (the old name for what is now Swan Island) by the late F. W. Curtis of Boston. The bird was killed on either Plover Pond or Nigger Island, both of which are just east of Swan Island on the club property. It was not stipulated in the ledger in which area the teal was killed, only that Curtis hunted in both areas on Decem- ber 9. Mr. Curtis’ personal account in the ledger is as follows: “Killed Teal with brown Head and Black feathers in Wings. No one ever saw one like it before here” (see Fig. 1). On the same day the teal was shot, Curtis’ bag consisted of 54 other birds : Whistling Swan, 1 ; Canada Goose, 1 ; Black Duck, 14; Pintail, 3; Green-winged Teal, 2; American Widgeon, 32; June, 1962 30 FIGURE 1. L. to R. by columns. F. W. Curtis’ personal account of the Baikal Teal, five members total bag for December 9, 1962, and a portion of brief weather comments as shown in the Swan Island Club Ledger. and Redhead, 1. The unidentified teal was not totaled in the day’s bag for some unknown reason; therefore Curtis’ actual bag for the day was 55 birds instead of 54 as shown in the ledger. On a previous page in the Swan Island Club records, it is interesting to note that on December 3, 6 days prior to Curtis’ unusual kill, the late Arthur Lyman killed a European Widgeon (referred to as an English Widgeon in the ledger) on Swan Island. The Baikal Teal was mounted and arranged in an old-style game-mount, i.e., hanging by one foot with the head pointing downward, the body in a vertical position, and the wings partially spread. The bird was enclosed in an oak case with a glass front that had a large oval dome in it to allow space for the bird inside. The bird was mounted by Charles E. Eldon, taxidermist, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. I removed the glass front of the case to examine the specimen more closely and to take a number of Ektachrome transparencies. The adult male Baikal Teal is distinctly marked (see Fig. 2). The plum- age of the specimen that I examined on Swan Island is in good condition and does not show signs of the colors fading, even though it has been mounted for 49 years (at the time I observed the bird in February, 1961). The plumage, the bill, and the feet show no signs of the type of pigment and/or color fading, wear, or damage that is often prevalent on birds that have been in captivity. In many cases, however, a bird might live through one or more molts after its escape. The forehead, the crown, and the occiput are dark brown. The malar and auricular regions are tan, separated by a black line from the eye to the gular region and the chin, both of which are also black. A white line extends horizontally from above the eye back around the head. A crescent, which is metallic green except in its 31 The Chat FIGURE 2. The adult male Baikal Teal ( Anas formosa) shown removed from its case. A portion of the damaged leg is visible. The photograph was made from a color print which was made from an Ektachrome transparency. The items listed at the top of the picture are hunting areas on the Swan Island Club property. lower portion which is black, extends from the eye back to the nape and then down to the side of the neck. A white stripe borders the rear edge of the crescent from the nape of the side of the neck. There is a vertical white line on the side just forward of the wing. A small portion of this line is visible on the left side in Figure 2. The dorsal portion of the body, the tail, and the wings, except the speculum, are brown. The speculum has a narrow orange band, a wedge shaped dark metallic green band, a wedge shaped black band, and a white trailing edge. In Figure 2, the orange band appears as a faint gray streak and the dark metallic green band appears black. The ventral side of the body is a light buff color with small dark spots on the breast and the anterior portion of the abdomen. There is a vertical white line on the rear portion of the flanks. The under tail converts are black. Whereas the plumage of the teal is in good condition, the feet and bill have been damaged. The left leg, from which the entire weight of the bird is suspended when mounted in the case, has pulled loose, showing the wire support that runs through the leg connecting it to other wire supports inside the mounted bird and some of the cotton stuff- ing. The extremities of the right foot have been damaged by fungus. The tip of the upper mandible was damaged when the left leg came loose. This put the full weight of the bird on the bill and pressed it against the glass dome of the case. There are only a handful- of records for this teal in the United States outside of Alaska. Practically all of these records are of birds believed to have escaped from captivity (A.O.U. “Check-list,” 1957; Brady and Choate, June, 1962 32 1961, Audubon Field Notes , 15:315; Hatter, 1960, Condor, 62:480; Moffitt, 1932, Condor, 34:193; Swarth, 1932, Condor, 34:259; Trautman, 1935, Ohio Dept, of Agric. Bull., 1:1-16; Trautman, 1940, The Birds of Buckeye Lake, Ohio. In the 1920’s and early 1930’s the Baikal Teal was one of the com- monest waterfowl species imported into the United States from Asia (Swarth, ibid.). There is little reason to believe that the N. C. specimen was an escape because its occurrence in 1912 was prior to most imports of this species into this country and the area was far removed (in 1912) from any park or zoo along the Atlantic Coast. The Baikal Teal is a new bird for the North Carolina List. A bird, seen at Cape May Point, New Jersey from March 19 to 30, 1961 (Brady and Choate, ibid.), and believed to be an escape, is the only other known record of this species on the Atlantic Coast to date. 1522 Lafayette Blvd. Norfolk 9, Virginia, April 7, 1962. SUN-BATHING IN BIRDS* By Doris C. Hauser Fayetteville, North Carolina Liz Roley’s “Nature Notes” column in the Leader-Post of January 28, 1961, interested me with its description of a Black-billed Magpie ( Pica pica) sunbathing. In the middle of the Qu’Appelle Valley, Liz Roley (Mrs. Elizabeth Cruickshank) observed a magpie fly “purposefully across the valley” to a sheltered ledge on an earth embankment facing south into the sun. The ritual performed by the bird as he took his dust or sand bath was described as follows: “He arched his back feathers until they were perpendicular spears. He made sidewise somersaults. He curved his body, his feathers pointing in all directions making him look like a spiked ogre. A series of acrobatics which followed made us hold our breath — we were sure he would fall to the ground below. For a while he remained perfectly still, his breast pressed into the sand, his beak wide open. Then abruptly, as though he had forgotten a part of the rite, he began to thoroughly dust his wings and tail. At last, he seemed satisfied to rest, comfortable and at peace. Finally, as the sun left his niche, he flew in bounding flight across the field to the dead trees along the river, calling as he went.” The careful reporting of Mrs. Cruickshank points up three characteristics of a typical incident of voluntary sun-bathing: it is premeditated and pur- poseful; it requires sun and protection from breezes sufficient to trap the heat; and it is apparently a therapeutic measure, affording a sense of well-being to the bird. Sun-bathing is a form of bird behaviour which has received little atten- tion in print until very recent years. Observation and study now indicate that it is one of several forms of pseudo bathing which are closely allied. Many of the postures and physical activities employed in the water bath are duplicated and exaggerated in sun-bathing, and dust-bathing, smoke- bathing, heat-bathing and “anting.” In addition, there are other postures and activities which are peculiar to these forms. In pseudo bathing, it appears to be the presence of heat which acts as the trigger and brings forth the “acrobatics” and assumption of postures both singular and unexpected in a bird. Any single incident may be a com- bination of one or more forms. * Reprinted from The Blue Jay, June, 1961, pp. 81-82. 33 The Chat Although birds may be capable of discerning the therapeutic value of sunshine and heat, it is more possible that they indulge in the pseudo bath- ing activities because there is an element of pleasure involved. Observers have often mentioned the quality of “ecstasy” expressed by an “anting” bird. A sun-bathing bird, outstretched on a patch of hot sand appears to be in a coma but apparently enjoys it because it repeats the sunbath, with intermittent interruptions for preening sessions, over and over again. On many occasions, a Taylor candy thermometer has registered 140 °F. at a site where dozens of birds, of different species, were gathered to sun- bathe. A favoured sun-bathing site may be used repeatedly for years and though some birds may sun-bathe in solitude, it as often becomes a com- munity affair. One’s first sight of a sun-bathing bird gives an immediate impression that the bird is suffering and dying. All its body feathers are raised high, the wings outstretched and tail fanned, and the head tilted to one side, with the bill wide open. The bird may be ignorant of the beneficial results of the sun’s irradiation but the postures it assumes in sun-bathing positions make certain that the feathers, which form a barrier to the body’s absorption of Vitamin D, are raised and parted, and the skin exposed. The birds change their posi- tions in relation to the sun so that as much as possible of the body surface is exposed to its rays. Some species of birds roll over on one side, fanning out a wing so that its underside is uppermost; some throw themselves onto their backs exposing the entire ventral surface to the sun. It seems possible that a by-product of sun-bathing, in some species, may be the accelerated manufacture and release of the fine oil of the preen gland which is used for dressing the feathers. Careful attention to the plumage, with frequent recourse to the preen gland, has been observed to be an inte- gral part of the sun-bath of many birds. Studies have also indicated, though not conclusively, that birds may gain some benefit at each preening from the involuntary ingestion, by swallowing, of oil, applied to the feathers dur- ing the earlier preening session, which may have absorbed some Vitamin D from the sun. It has also been suggested that exposure to the sun may assist the bird in ridding its plumage of ectoparasites. Midwinter sun-bathing records are far less common in my files than those of the more temperate months of the year and I have no other obser- vations recorded in the presence of snow, or at an air temperature as low as 39 °F. (Elizabeth Cruickshank, pers. corresp.) It is often the unusual incident which gives new clues to an understanding of behaviour, just as an expanding file of more common-place records help to show a pattern which, in its own way, is important. New species added to the list of sun-bathers, new locations and new postures, may all be important and helpful in defining the significance of sun-bathing in the life of the bird. EDITOR’S NOTE: Doris C Hauser (Mrs. Roscoe Hauser, Jr.) is an amateur ornitholo- gist whose recent study on sun-bathing in birds (1957. Wilson Bulletin 69:78-90) has at- tracted considerable attention. Sun-bathing is a habit of birds which has been observed by nearly all who have an interest in watching birds, but there has been no previous extensive study of the subject. Still, the main basis of her research has been direct observa- tions of birds in the field, an opportunity which is available to all of us. Her closing comments are appropriate: “The sun plays a vital part in the life-cycle of birds as it does for every living thing. It is hoped that this paper will draw attention to the subject and that observation and study of the effect of the sun on birds will follow.” June, 1962 34 B. RHETT CHAMBERLAIN CBC HONORARY LIFE MEMBER B. Rhett Chamberlain was born and raised in Charles- ton, South Carolina. His ear- ly interests in birds and the out-of-doors were, fortunate- ly recognized and nurtured by the well-known naturalists, Arthur T. Wayne and F. M. Weston. Service in World War I took Rhett Chamber- lain as a young man first to the Mexican Border and then to Europe. Following graduation from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1925, he spent some time with General Electric in Schenec- tady, New York. In 1927, “getting back to the Caro- linas,” he came to Charlotte, North Carolina with the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company, where he stayed until retirement from professional life in 1960. Since first becoming a member in 1942, Rhett Cham- berlain has given continuously of his great talents and energies to the advancement of the Carolina Bird Club. He has served on the Executive Committee nearly every year, in many different positions and capacities. Under his leadership as President during 1948-1950, the North Carolina Bird Club and the South Carolina nature clubs were joined effectively, with new constitution and by-laws, as the Carolina Bird Club, an action of vision and lasting importance to ornithology in the Carolinas. His total contributions to the business, organizational, and field trip activities of the CBC are too numerous to mention individually. The General Field Notes Department, with Rhett Chamberlain as Editor, has literally been the backbone of The Chat since 1951. From 10 to 25 individual accounts or records on distribution, numbers, migration, habitats, nesting, and behavior are published in this section in each issue, some by Chamberlain himself and all going through the necessary careful evaluation and editing provided by Chamberlain and his editorial board. The steady quality and dependability of “General Field Notes,” more than anything else, has given The Chat its national standing as a journal of ornithology. As Field Notes editor, Chamberlain also edits in The Chat each year the “Christmas Census” and the “Spring Count” records, both very sizeable tasks. The General Field Notes Department also includes the valuable “Briefs For The Files” section. On the national level, Rhett Chamberlain has been editor since 1949 of the “Southern Atlantic Coast Region” in the Audubon Field Notes maga- zine. This “Region” includes North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, exclusive of the higher mountains, and provides extensive coverage of the numbers, distribution, and movements of the birdlife for each of the four 35 The Chat seasons of the year. The “Region” reports are contributions of paramount scientific importance, and Chamberlain’s tenure in this position is unusually long and distinguished, bringing considerable worthy attention and recog- nition to the Carolinas ornithologically. In addition to his many editorial works and other publications listed above, Rhett Chamberlain has written at least 19 lead articles in The Chat, as follows: “Early Bird Prints and Bird Lore” (March, 1945) ; “Bachman’s Sparrow Nest Found at Charlotte,” (May, 1945) ; “Nesting Records of Grasshopper Sparrows from Charlotte and Vicinity,” (November, 1945) ; “Bachman’s Sparrow, A Portrait,” (January, 1948) ; “North Carolina’s Type Forms,” (March, 1948) ; “The Editors of ‘South Carolina Bird Life’,” (March, 1950) ; “Mount Pleasant and the Low Country,” (November, 1951) ; “Evening Grosbeaks in the Carolinas,” ’(June, 1952) ; “Check List of Common Names for Use in the Carolinas,” (June, 1953) ; “Safety Factor in a Hanging Nest — Yellow-throated Vireo,” (June, 1954) ; “The Preface to Catesby’s Natural History,” (March, 1955) ; “A Look at Ten Years of Census Taking,” (March, 1955) ; “Purple Sandpipers on Parade,” (June, 1955) ; “Safety Factor in a Hanging Nest — Acadian Flycatcher,” (Septem- ber, 1957) ; “A Note on the New A. O. U. Check-List,” (December, 1957) ; “Using the New ‘Check-List’ for Sight Records in the Carolinas,” (June, 1958) ; “Evening Grosbeaks Fly South Again,” (September, 1958) ; “Re- view of ‘Georgia Birds’,” (September, 1958) ; “Review of ‘Birds of Mary- land and the District of Columbia’,” (March, 1959). The papers on the safety factor in hanging nests are especially noteworthy, being based on careful experimental analysis; this is a field of research worthy of further development. Rhett and Margaret Chamberlain are now home again, on Wadmalaw Island, near Charleston, S. C., with their own woods, beach, boat, dock, salt marsh, and mullet pond. Rhett, Jr., a graduate of the School of Engineer- ing, Duke University, lives in Raleigh. Son Norman, with new Ph.D. degree from Johns Hopkins University, is on the staff of the Marine Biological laboratory of the College of Charleston. Twin brother E. B. Chamberlain, professional naturalist and former Curator of Vertebrate Zoology at the Charleston Museum, lives in Charleston. Busier than ever with birds and natural history, B. Rhett Chamberlain deeply merits his election as the Carolina Bird Club’s second and only living Honorary Member For Life, in recognition of his eminence as ornithologist and his service to the Caro- lina Bird Club. — T. L. Quay, Chairman, Committee on Honorary Life Mem- bers, Raleigh, N. C., March 17, 1962. June, 1962 36 This has been a wonderful spring for birding. We have had more species in central South Carolina than we have seen in many years. Mrs. Clyde Sisson came down from Columbia, and we made a Spring Count the last Wednesday in April. We found more species than had ever been included in one count since we have been making them. But there was one dis- tressing incident of that day. While at lunch on our back porch, we remarked that we had not seen the chickadees feeding their young in the box in the yard. Inside the box we found the four young all dead! I would guess they must have been about a week old, for we had been watching the parents feed them. I had used dust on our roses just once. The box is on a post just below the roses. Could this have been the cause? Has anyone any evidence of such deaths occurring? Last year, this same thing happened, except that one adult bird was also dead in the box. We need to be careful in the use of dusts and sprays, and let us share the knowledge uncovered by our experiences. Mrs. Jean McCoy of Greensboro, N. C., sent in this tale of an almost starling-proof feeder, and the behavior of the birds that enjoyed it. “In March, 1961, I put out a temporary feeder. I used an aluminum foil pie pan about four inches in diameter. Four holes were made in the rim, fine wire attached at each hole and drawn up to a peak two inches above the pan. A single wire was attached to the peak and to a slender branch of a sweet gum tree. The finished feeder was suspended six and one-fourth inches below the branch. In the pan was kept uncooked “pudding” made of drippings, peanut butter, raisins, dry oatmeal, and other ingredients that might be handy — graham cracker crumbs, cookie crumbs, corn meal, nut meats. Seventeen species are fond of this mixture. Two others have eaten it, but only in an emergency. A Brown-headed Nuthatch inspected the feeder right away, but it was the next day before a bird came to eat and then it was a Mockingbird. For almost a month this bird had the pudding to itself. Of course, it dwarfed the little pan, and its first problem was one of balance. Some individuals learned to balance perfectly, some never learned to do it without fluttering constantly, others settled the question by placing only one foot on the pan and clinging to one of the diagonal wires with the other. One bird, even in this position, constantly beat the air with one wing. The second problem was one of space. Nearby branches left little wing-room. One individual solved this by slipping sideways off the overhead branch, holding one wing- out for balance until its feet could grip the pan. One gave a spring away from the overhead branch until both wings had room to flutter a time or two and bring it to the feeder. Others hopped from place to place, eying the pan, and finally simply fell upon it from above. 37 The Chat Chickadees discovered the feeder next and, from the first, perched on the edge without difficulty. The Catbird was another expert, as were most Pine Warblers and Summer Tanagers. Cardinals liked the pudding very much in the summer, but when cooler weather came they deserted it for sunflower seeds. The adults never became accustomed to balancing on the pan, but the young birds took to it readily. Once, three of them got on it at one time and ate calmly while the feeder bobbed and swung. Later in the season, one immature male studied the pan from a distance, made a flying- dash at it, and missed it by a beak-tip. The Blue Jay also liked the pudding during warm weather. It watched the other birds eating, seemed to know it was missing something good, and tried hard to find a way to get to the pan. At last, perching on a twig four inches to one side, it was able to stretch its neck far enough to get a bite. Another jay tried the stretch, couldn’t reach the pan, and almost pitched over on its head. It finally teetered awkwardly on the edge for one bite. Later, the preferred method was to cling to the overhead branch, stretch down for a big bite, pull part-way back, then fly to the ground to swallow. They used up a lot of energy this way. In July, a starling tried the stretch technique, but didn’t succeed The Myrtle Warbler usually hovered beside the pan to eat, making- gestures with its feet as if it might perch, occasionally landing for an uneasy second or two on the rim. The Red-bellied Woodpecker, used a method all its own. It perched on the twig beside the pan, swung itself under so it was upside down with its head toward the pan, twisted its head around, and ate over one shoulder. The Downy Woodpecker clung to the rim by its toes, causing the pan to tip up vertically so the bird was on its back. The feeder would swing back and forth but the woodpecker just curved its tail in tighter and kept eating. The star of the show was the Baltimore Oriole, an immature male spend- ing the winter with us. The first day, it tried balancing and fluttering on the rim; then clinging to the rim and curving its tail underneath; or stretching from the branch above; but before the day was over it was perching on the nearest twig, pulling up the wire with its bill and holding the pan to the twig with one foot. Several weeks later the wire was dis- pensed with — the oriole simply reached over, caught the edge of the pan and brought it up to the twig.” Rhett Chamberlain wrote on April 23, 1962: “From the Log of Critter Rest. — This morning at about 10 o’clock I watched a small flock of Tree Swallows swarming about the upper part of a bare 45 foot utility pole across the creek from our yard on Wadmalaw Island. Occasionally a swal- low clung momentarily to the side of the pole. These observations would have had no special meaning for me except for one thing. The wire that this pole had supported for many years was removed in 1960. When we moved here in March of that year and saw the spring migrants come by, one of the sights was the close packed and ever changing string of hundreds of Tree Swallows on the electric wire crossing our creek. Hordes of the birds fed over the fields and salt marshes and many of them used that wire between forays. Later in the summer our electric supply line was improved and rerouted and the single wire crossing fhte1 creek was pulled down. The pole was left up because it stands in salt marsh and is not worth the cost of salvage. During the southward swallow flight that fall, great swarms of Tree Swallows milled about that pole and over the creek and marsh where the wire had been. We were interested but not too surprised. The time had been so short since the wire disappeared. But during both spring and fall flights of 1961 the lost perch was looked for. At each succeeding time there were fewer birds. This morning about two dozen are here again. About that many still seem to remember. Will some of them look for the wire again this fall? Perhaps a few will. Swallows and memories drop off.” A. R. Faver, Department Editor, Eastover, S. C. June, 1962 38 Advisory Council: E. Burnham Chamberlain, Thomas W. Simpson, MD., Wendell P. Smith, Ivan R. Tomkins, Robert L. Wolff. Department Editor: B. R. Chamberlain, Wadmalaw Island, S. C. This department will carry noteworthy data to the extent of the allotted space. Bare lists of occurrences, unless of special interest, will be held for publication in regional groupings. All material should be sent to the Department Editor. It may be presented in final form or subject to re-write. The normal dead-line for any issue is six weeks prior to the issue date. Data must be complete enough to enable the Council to render decisions. Common Eider Taken in South Carolina. — On February 12, 1962, Richard Hutson collected in Charleston Harbor the first known Common Eider ( Somateria mollissima) to be found in South Carolina. Probably the same bird had been seen by Mr. M. L. Cates, Jr., of Spartanburg on January 12, 1962, who at the time did not realize its rarity and did not report the occurrence. Mr. E. Milby Burton and Mr. Peter Manigault also observed the bird in the harbor in early February but attempts to secure it for the Charleston Museum at that time failed. A series of pictures taken through telephoto lens was obtained, however. The bird (Charleston Museum number 62.17.2) measured: length, 572 mm.; wing, 264 mm.; tail, badly worn; bill, 38.5 mm. It weighed 4 lbs. 7 oz., was an immature male, and was somewhat fat with its crop and gizzard about one-half full of one-inch mussels. Subspecific determination reveals that the bird is - (3) % oz. — ” ” (4) 3A oz. male, adult yy yy yy yy (5) 2/z oz. yy yy yy yy yy yy (6) 3A oz. yy yy yy yy yy yy (7) 2/z oz. yy yy yy yy yy yy (8) 3A oz. female, adult yy yy yy yy (9) 3A oz. — yy yy yy yy (10) 2/s oz. male, adult yy yy yy yy (11) 2/z oz. yy yy yy Grasshopper Sparrow v± oz. male, adult fat Sharp-tailed Sparrow Vz OZ. male, adult very fat Vesper Sparrow 1 oz. male, adult very fat Field Sparrow (1) Vz OZ. male, immature very fat yy yy (2) V2 oz. ” adult yy yy (3) Vz OZ. yy yy >> yy yy yy (4) Vz oz. yy yy yy yy yy yy (5) Vz OZ. yy yy yy yy yy yy (6) Vz OZ. ” immature yy yy yy yy (7) Vz OZ. yy yy extra fat yy yy (8) % oz. yy yy very fat Fox Sparrow yy yy (1) 1V8 oz. — adult fat (2) 114 oz. — ” very fat Lincoln’s Sparrow V2 oz. — immature fat Swamp Sparrow (1) V2 OZ. male, adult very fat (2) V2 oz. yy yy yy yy yy yy (3) V2 OZ. female, adult yy yy yy yy (4) Vt oz. male, adult yy yy yy yy (5) V2 oz. — ” yy yy yy yy (6) V2 OZ. — immature yy yy yy yy (7) V2 oz. — adult yy yy Song Sparrow (1) % oz. female, adult very fat yy yy (2) 3A oz. yy yy yy yy (3) % oz. yy yy yy yy yy (4) V2 OZ. — immature fat yy yy (5) 3A oz. — adult very fat November 12, 1961. Local weather: cloudy; no cold front passage; wind calm ; brief early morning showers. weight sex, plumage condition Parula Warbler Not weighed. An adult male very fat Field Sparrow Not weighed. An adult male fat The partial remains of 2 Myrtle Warblers and a Field Sparrow were found. They might not have been fresh. November 14, 1961. Local weather: ceiling 500 to 700 feet; moderate WSW wind; showers. June, 1962 44 number weight sex, plumage condition Chipping- Sparrow (1) oz. male, immature very fat ” ” (2) y4 oz. ” ” ” ” November 16, 1961. Local weather: unbroken overcast, ceiling 400 to 600 feet; wind moderate, southerly. Solitary Vireo Savannah Sparrow iv eight % oz. (1) % oz. (2) % oz. sex, plumage male, adult condition very fat fat November 19, 1961. Local weather: heavy overcast, ceiling 500 to 700 feet; wind NNE, 7 to 10 knots; light rain. weight sex, plumage condition Golden-crowned Kinglet Vs oz. male, adult very fat Starling (partial) — Mrs. Ellison D. Smith, 1626 Shady Lane, Columbia, South Carolina, and Mrs. R. Connor Tedards, Route 1, Brown Road, Anderson, South Caro- lina, November 30, 1961. Lincoln’s Sparrow, a New Species for South Carolina. — On the morning of November 7, 1961, while recovering birds at the base of the 1600 foot WIS television tower in Kershaw County, South Carolina, I picked up a sparrow bearing a superficial resemblance to an immature Swamp Sparrow, except that the streakings on the underparts were very narrow and sharply defined and it lacked the “red” on the wings. When the casualties of the day were measured, weighed and frozen, the suspect bird was frozen separately to be given further attention. On January 18, 1962, my sister, Mrs. R. C. Tedards, and I sorted the frozen birds in order to sex and discard the ones that were not in good enough condition to skin. After more thorough research on the sparrow in question, we tentatively decided that it was a Lincoln’s Sparrow. Inasmuch as we could find no record for this sparrow in South Carolina and as neither of us was personally familiar with it in the field, we decided to skin it immediately and send it to Charleston for identification. Accord- ingly Mr. Burnham Chamberlain agreed to examine it for us. Mrs. Tedards prepared the skin and mailed it to Mr. Chamberlain. He concurred in our tentative identification and forwarded the skin to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service at Washington, D. C. Subsequently Dr. John W. Aldrich found the bird to be an immature Lincoln’s Sparrow of the eastern race ( Melospiza lincolnii lincolnii) . This is the first known occur- rence of Lincoln’s Sparrow in South Carolina, and the skin is in the Charleston Museum. — Mrs. Ellison D. Smith, 1626 Shady Lane, Columbia, South Carolina, April 16, 1962. Albino Evening Grosbeak at Chapel Hill, North Carolina. — While we were at breakfast on April 13, 1962, an albino Evening Grosbeak ( Hesperi - phona vespertina ) appeared at our feeder. It was not pure white, but the palest possible “pearl gray” with no trace of black or of any other mark- ings whatsoever except for the ghost of a golden band about the neck, so pale as to be almost invisible. The bill was bone white, and the eyes normal in appearance. Although I watched it for some time from a distance of not more than twelve feet, I could not determine its sex. It was with a small flock of normal grosbeaks, and apparently, despite its unusual color, was accepted by the others as a normal member of the group. Unfortunately, I had no film in my camera that morning and, since I have loaded it, have not seen the bird again. 45 The Chat This white grosbeak has been seen by three or four other people in various localities in the south and eastern portions of Chapel Hill, but I have heard of no one who has photographed it. — Gerald R. MacCarthy, 107 Ledge Lane, Chaptel Hill, North Carolina, April 15, 1962. Saw-whet Owl Near Chapel Hill, North Carolina in Spring. — On April 9, 1962, while driving along Route 54 at 8:30 pm, about 13 miles east of Chapel Hill in Durham County, North Carolina, I noted a small owl which flew out of a pine grove and swooped downward into the headlights of my car. Immediately I stopped and backed up to where the owl lay dead in the road. It was a Saw-whet Owl ( Aegolius acadicus) , and it was un- marked except for the loss of a few back feathers at the point of impact. Although there is a record as late as May 29 (1957) for the Saw- whet Owl on Mount LeConte in the Great Smokies (see Tanner in Migrant 17: 28, 1957), my record may be unusual in Spring for the Saw-whet in the north-central part of the state. — John K. Tepees, P. O. Box 571, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, April 17, 1962. (See a spring record for South Caro- lina in this issue. — Dept. Ed). NEWS AND COMMENTS Annual Meeting — The Silver Anniversary meeting of the Carolina Bird Club was held on March 23-24, 1962, in Raleigh, N. C., where the club was organized 25 years ago. The Raleigh Club was host and went “all out” in making the meeting a memorable occasion. On Friday evening there was a business session followed by an Executive Committee meeting. A field trip Saturday morning was followed by a buffet luncheon, after which Dr. Merrill Spencer presided at a scientific papers session. Six well presented papers on different phases of ornithology held the attention of the audience. A short business session followed the papers session in which the slate of officers received from the Nominating Committee was adopted. Also adopted was the recommendation from the Executive Committee to award honorary life membership in the club to Mr. B. Rhett Chamberlain. After a discussion by the membership regarding the awarding of four tuition scholarships to the Audubon Camp in 1962, it was agreed to abide by the Executive Committee’s recommendation to wait until 1963 to grant four scholarships. The Saturday evening dinner meeting was held in the YMCA. After dinner the officers were installed, and Mr. Harry Davis, the President-elect, spoke briefly on the history of the club. Dr. Tom Quay was called upon by President Bristow to present the Honorary Life Membership to Mr. Chamberlain. Former CBC President Robert Overing then presented an illustrated talk on some birds seen and heard in Europe. — Mrs. Emma V. Walker, Secretary, Carolina Bird Club. Addresses: A new postal regulation makes it necessary to pay 10 cents each for any Chat that is not delivered because the address is not correct and complete. This is more than the normal postage for Chats and News- letters for a whole year. This indicates that you can save the Club money and time if you will watch this. Dues: Two thirds of our 1300 members have paid their 1962, and some for 1963, dues. If you have not sent your 1962 dues please do so now. This will save much time and expense that it takes to make up and send in- dividual bills. Your Club needs this kind of support. Some members living together say “send no Chat,” or “only one Chat.” With our system it is easier to send Chats to all, but we can easily send the extra Chat to a chosen library, etc., in your name. June, 1962 46 BOOK REVIEWS Birds of the World. Oliver L. Austin, Jr. 316 pages, many col. illus. by Arthur Singer. 1961. Golden Press, New York, N. Y. $14.95. The first impression on opening this book at random is, “Oh! My!” The illustrations are gorgeous; however, they illustrate the text rather than the text being something to separate the pictures. After a brief general intro- duction to birds and their evolution, each of the 155 families recognized by the author is discussed. The emphasis is on the living bird. The ac- counts are sound and trustworthy. There are, to be sure, some matters of opinion on which the author and the reviewer would disagree. This is largely because the author has not hesitated, as indeed he should not have, to bring forward controversial matters. With this book, Arthur Singer joins the first class bird artists of the present day. It is remarkable how life-like are his portrayals of birds he has not seen in life. His style is clearly his own and not an imitation. The originals are tempera paintings. Every family and most subfamilies are illustrated. Some groups have probably never been shown in color before. The following are noteworthy: tapaculos, asities, Hypocolius, bald crow, Cape honeyeater, and plush-capped tanager. All in all, the book is well worth having as the best account of the birds of the world for the non-professional and there is much in it which will be unfamiliar to many professionals. — Charles H. Blake. Birds of the Caribbean. Robert Porter Allen. The Viking Press, 625 Madi- son Avenue, New York 22, N. Y. 256 pages. $15.00 Aluminum Company of America is to be congratulated for making possi- ble the publication of this large, beautifully illustrated book. One of its aims has been “to add a much needed reference and picture book on the beautiful birds that live . . .” in the Caribbean area. Mr. Allen needs no introduction to this audience, for most readers recall his affiliation with the National Audubon Society, with conservation, and his fine monographs of the Whooping Crane and the West Indian Flamingo. Since hundreds of species of birds are known to inhabit the Caribbean region, it would be almost impossible to discuss them all in a single volume, so the author has selected about 100 for inclusion in this book. Quite a variety is represented from nearly 50 families, ranging from seabirds (tropicbird and frigatebird) to giant vultures to exotic hummingbirds and parrots to gaudy tanagers and finches. The most striking feature of the book are the sections of color photographs, all species “taken in their natural surroundings by leading bird photographers,” such as Cruick- shank, Grimes, and Kinne. In some cases, the photographs are so close and clear that one can count the barbs on an individual feather. The text provides fascinating reading. To begin with, Mr. Allen discusses the history of the Caribbean area, its natural areas (forests, swamps, and islands), and ornithologists dating back even to Columbus. Each species’ account covers roughly two pages and contains a variety of state- ments relating to habitat perference, distribution, nesting, food, and in- teresting anecdotes. These accounts are not intended to be complete life histories, but brief introductions to the species. At the end of the book, additional data are given for the birds shown in the photographs: local, common names, a description, and range. If I were anticipating a trip to the Caribbean area, I’d certainly want to carry this book as a companion volume to one of the standard field guides. — David W. Johnston. 47 The Chat The Biosystematics of American Crows. David W. Johnston, 1961. Univer- sity of Washington Press, Seattle. $3.25. The crow, genus Corvus, is a familiar bird over most of North America. The layman and student recognize major characteristics of this bird. The crow image is the black color, the raucous call, the flocking tendencies, the strong claws and bill, and the belligerence toward enemies. At the same time, bird students in the Carolinas know that there are differences in crows, in that we have both the Fish Crow and Common Crow breeding here. There are other species with similarities and differences on the North American continent and the Caribbean Islands. In the absence of a comprehensive and “Biosystematic” study, ornithologists had not been in agreement on the species and subspecies of these birds. It continued as a problem group until this author found the opportunity, the encouragement, and the funds for research. More complimentary to the author is that he had the training and ability to do this ornithological work. As the author writes, “It is the purpose of the present analysis to evaluate accurately and correctly the ecologic relationships among the American Crows which form one of these problem groups.” It is beyond the province of this review to detail the procedures, methods, and calculations of the author. Most of this book of 125 pages is concerned with the evidence, the computations, and the documentation. In summary, (1) the Common Crow ( Corvus brachyrhynchos) is the crow that is widely distributed through the United States and Canada. In the west are two subspecies, the Northwestern Crow (C.b. caurinus) which extends along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to Washington and the Western Crow (C.b. hesperis) that ranges from California to British Columbia. (2) The Fish Crow (C. ossifragus) is principally a Coastal Plain form of the Eastern and Southern United States. (3) The Mexican Crow (C. imparatus) is confined to Mexico with two subspecies. (4) The Cuban Crow (C. nasicus) is found on Cuba, the Isle of Pines, and Caicos. (5) The White-Necked Crow (C. leucognaphalus) is of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. (6) The Palm Crow (C. palmarum) is of Cuba and Hispaniola. (7) The Jamaican Crow (C. jamaicensis) is confined to Jamaica. Carolina Bird Club members can take some pride in the fact that our “Chat Editor” had the opportunity to use the latest scientific methods in ornithology to analyze completely the “Crow Problem” and to come up with conclusions that are now final answers. This small book is a valuable reference work for any science library. This is doubly true for students concerned with crows and for students of scientific methods in ornithology. — Harry T. Davis. June 962 48 BRIEFS FOR THE FILES Red-throated Loon, over 1000 counted, feeding over the riffles at the mouth of the Edisto River, S. C., March 10, J„ Fred Denton ® Brown Peli- can, more numerous at Wrig'htsville Beach, N. C., this winter of 1981-1962 than during past winters, Mrs. Dot Earle. © Gannets, plentiful within easy sight of Myrtle Beach, S. C., one group of about 25 working over a school of porpoises, March 16, Mrs. Ellison D. Smith. ® Anhinga, 1 in marsh at Clearwater, Aiken County, S. C., December 1-25, 1961, J. Fred Denton, © Green Heron, 1, Charlotte, N. C., April 7, Julian Meadows. ® Cattle Egret, 1, first for Anderson County, S. C., arrived March 29, Mrs. R. C. Tedards. ® Black-crowned Night Heron, 1 at Seven Springs, Wayne County, N. C., December 2, 1961, R. H. Siler. ® Yellow-crowned Night Heron, 1 im., at Charlotte, N. C., February 15 and again April 5, thought to be the same individual, Lee Jones. ® American Bittern, 2 at private fishing lake near Columbia, S. C., found February 2 and still present April 7, Mrs. Ellison D. Smith. ® Wood Ibis, 1 over marsh at Charleston, S. C., March 5, Mr. and Mrs. I. S. H. Metcalf. ® Fulvous Tree Duck, 3 feeding at Buxton, N. C. on the Outer Banks, January 27 and 28, J. E. Ames, Jr.; at least 14 killed during the hunting season, 1961-1962, at Davis, Carteret Co., N. C., Eugene Pond; flock of 14 watched at Bear Island Management Area, Colleton County, S. C., January 17, Donald K. Fortenbery. • American Widgeon, a large raft with a few scaup resting on the ocean just beyond the breakers at Myrtle Beach, S. C., March 16, Mrs. Ellison D. Smith. © Redheads, a huge flock estimated at 500 with about 250 Ring-necked Ducks at Hartwell Dam backwaters, near Anderson, S. C., March 11; 98 Redheads present there, March 17, Mrs. R. C. Tedards. © Ruddy Duck, 1 at Concord lakes, Cabarrus County, N. C., February 17, Dr. and Mrs. William Cobey. o Broad- winged Hawk, 1, Charlotte, N. C„ April 8, Lee Jones, Frank Ramsey. • Purple Gallinule, 1 at close range at private lake near Columbia, S. C., April 4, Mrs. Ellison D. Smith. • Common Snipe, 17, the largest number ever seen here in one day, March 12, North Wilkesboro, N. C., Wendell P. Smith. ® Purple Sandpiper, 1 or 2 present December 3, 1961, to March 1, at Wrightsville Beach, N. C., Sam Earle, Greg Massey. ® Great Black- backed Gull, 2 feeding with Herring and Ring-billed gulls under Texaco dock at Morehead City, N. C., 2 pm, March 10, Hugh Porter and Harry T. Davis. © Razorbill, 1 seen within a few feet on sand shoals near Bogue Inlet, Carteret County, N. C., February 14, Eugene Pond. © Rough-winged Swallow, first noted at Columbia, S. C., March 22, Mrs. Ellison D. Smith; at Charlotte, N. C., April 1, Lee Jones; and at North Wilkebsoro, N. C., March 26, Wendell P. Smith © Purple Martin, first noted at Abbottsburg, Bladen Co., N. C., February 19, and on March 1, 2 males and 3 females present at the gourds there, Charles G. Yarbrough; 1 perched for a short time in yard on Wadmalaw Island, S. C., March 3, B. R. Chamberlain; seen at Charlotte, April 4, Frank Ramsey. © Fish Crow, 4 at Raleigh, N. C., March 24, rare, or seldom reported, so far inland, David W. Johnston. • Red-breasted Nuthatches, widespread over much of the Carolinas during the winter 1961-1962; 6 at Charlotte, N. C., April 8, Lee Jones and Frank Ramsey. ® Winter Wren, 1 at Charlotte, N. C., March 25 through April 7, Lee Jones and Julian Meadows. © Robin, 1, mostly albino, March 3-March 14 at Winston-Salem, N. C., fed normally with many other Robins on golf course, was reasonably approachable and appeared black and white from a distance, Mrs. Norman Wiggins and many others. © Eastern Blue- bird, 1, perhaps the event of the winter at North Wilkesboro, N. C., Feb- ruary 24, Wendell P. Smith. • Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 1 in yard on Wad- malaw Island, S. C., March 21, B. R. Chamberlain; 1 at Charlotte, N. C., April 1, Lee Jones. ® White-eyed Vireo, 2 or 3 heard, 1 seen, February 20 and again February 26, Wadmalaw Island, S. C., B. R. Chamberlain. ® Prothonotary Warbler, a brilliant male in yard on Wadmalaw Island, S. C., March 28, flew after bumblebee but retreated after a closer view, B. R. 49 The Chat Chamberlain. * Orange-crowned Warbler, 1, Charleston County, March 18, watched at length, Edwin Blitch, B. R. Chamberlain, et al. ® Parula Warb- ler, first noted at Charleston, March 20, the R. H. Colemans. • Yellow - throated Warbler, seen and heard on John’s Island, S. C., February 28, Mr. and Mrs. I. S. H. Metcalf. • Redwinged Blackbird, about 350 wintered at North Wilkesboro, N. C., Wendell P. Smith. ® Baltimore Oriole, apparently commonplace over both Carolinas during the winter of 1961-1962; 1 female at Riverland Terrace (Charleston, S. C.) feeder January 11, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Barrington; 2 males at a feeder, Wake Forest, N. C., February 15 through 19, Mrs. Neville Isbell; 1 male on December 1, 1961 and 2 males, a female and 3 immature birds at one time on January 10 at an Albe- marle, N. C., feeder, Mrs. John Whitlock. ® Brewer’s Blackbird, 6 in a flock of Brown-headed Cowbirds, and grackles in a city yard, January 12 when temperatures were in the low twenties at Wilmington, N. C., Mrs. Polly Mebane and Greg Massey. • Pine Siskin, 8 on January 9, and 17 on January 24 and some at intervals until March 22, at North Wilkesboro, N. C., Wendell P. Smith. • Brown-headed Cowbird, migration reached peak, February 28, when 300 were seen at North Wilkesboro, N. C., Wendell P. Smith. ® Bachman’s Sparrow, 1 watched in Charleston County, S. C., March 18, B. R. Chamberlain et al. ® Chipping Sparrow, 3 at yard feeder in Char- lotte, N. C., March 3, after being absent since November 19, 1961, except- ing 1 on December 9, 1961, the J. R. Norwoods; 2 at North Wilkesboro, N. C., March 29, Wendell P. Smith. — Compiled by B. Rhett Chamberlain. All dates 1962 unless otherwise shown. June, 1962 50 11 Founded March 6, 1937 Incorporated August 8 , 19 U9 The Carolina Bird Club is an incorporated association for the study and conservation of wildlife, particularly birds, chiefly in the Carolinas. Founded in 1937 as the North Carolina Bird Club, it was joined in 1948 by several South Carolina natural history clubs and the name changed to the Carolina Bird Club. In addition to publishing The Chat, the Club also: (1) holds an annual spring business meeting and a fall dinner meeting, (2) conducts club-wide field trips to places of outstanding ornithological interest, (3) sponsors Christmas and Spring Bird Censuses by local groups, (4) encour- ages original research and publication, (5) aids in the establishment of local clubs and sanctuaries, (G) takes an active interest in conservation legislation, (7) cooperates with State and Federal agencies, and (8) fur- nishes information and speakers to interested groups whenever possible. The Carolina Bird Club, Inc., is a non-profit educational and scientific organization with no paid personnel. Dues, contributions, and bequests to the Club are deductible from State and Federal income and estate taxes. MEMBERSHIP Membership is open to anyone interested in birds, wildlife, and out-of- doors. The annual dues for the classes of membership are: Regular $1.00 Contributing $25.00 Supporting $5.00 Affiliated Club $2.00 Life — $100.00 (payable in four consecutive annual installments) All members not in arrears for dues receive The Chat. Seventy-five cents of each annual membership fee is applied as the annual subscription to The Chat. Checks should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Application blanks may be obtained from the Treasurer, to whom all correspondence regarding membership should be addressed. The activities of the Club and the coverage of The Chat will grow in amount and quality as increased funds become available. Prompt payment of dues and the securing of new members are vital contributions open to everyone. Officers for 1962-1963 President: Harry T. Davis, N. C. State Museum, Raleigh, N. C. Vice-Presidents: Col. Norme D. Frost, Tryon, N. C., Dean Gaston Gage, Clemson College, Clemson, S. C., Joseph R. Norwood, 1329 Goodwin Ave., Charlotte, N. C. Secretary : Mrs. Clyde Sisson, 1617 Tanglewood Road, Columbia, S. C. Treasurer : William L. Hamnett, Box 2919, Raleigh, N. C. Executive Committee : The officers, editors, immediate past President, ex - officiis, and four elected Members-at-large: Col. I. S. H. Metcalf, The Citadel, Charleston, S. C., Wendell P. Smith, 911 E Street, North Wilkes- boro, N. C., James B. Shuler, 43 Kirkwood Lane, Greenville, S. C., Rev. Charles W. Worth, Whiteville, N. C. <*1 lhdt& Bulletin of THE CHAT Volume 26 Number 3 SEPTEMBER, 1962 S9b'zoo73 September, 1962 Volume 26, Number 3 THE CHAT Published by The Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Devoted chiefly to the publication of scientific and popular information on the birds and other wildlife of the Carolinas. Editor: David W. Johnston, Department of Biology, Wake Forest College Winston-Salem, N. C. Department Editors: Annie Rivers Faver, Eastover, S. C., B. Rhett Cham- berlain, Wadmalaw Island, S. C. Contributing Editors: Ernest Cutts, Harry Davis, Jack Dermid, James Mattocks, Fred H. May, Thomas W. Simpson, Kay Sisson. Distribution Office: N. C. State Museum, Box 2281, Raleigh, N. C. The Chat is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December as the official bulletin of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Entered as second-class matter on March 14, 1952, at the Post Office at Raleigh, N. C., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Subscription price to non-members: $1.00 per volume. Single copies: 30 cents. Correspondence about changes of address and back numbers should be sent to Mr. Harry Davis, N. C. State Museum, Raleigh, N. C. Please notify the Distribution Office immediately of change of address. Subscriptions should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., and sent to the Treasurer. CONTENTS The 1961-1962 Flight of Evening Grosbeaks. B. R. Chamberlain 51 W. L. Poteat-Early N. C. Naturalist. Martha Whicker 54 The 1962 Spring Count. David W. Johnston 58 Backyard Birding. Annie Rivers Faver, dept. Editor 70 General Field Notes. B. R. Chamberlain, dept. Editor 73 Cory’s Shearwater off the S. C. coast. Mrs. Ellison D. Smith 73 Cattle Egrets feeding behind a plow. Geraldine Cox 73 Cattle Egret observations. John L. Thompson 74 A Cinnamon Teal on the upper N. C. coast. Paul W. Sykes, Jr 74 Mockingbird nesting in Watauga Co., N. C. Roy M. Brown 75 Prothonotary Warbler at Elkin, N. C. B. R. Chamberlain 75 Swainson’s Warbler in the S. C. mountains. James B. Shuler, Jr 75 Painted Buntings in the Carolinas in midwinter. Doris C. Hauser . . .76 Pine Grosbeaks in N. C. Mrs. Robert P. Holmes, II 77 Additional records of the Lincoln’s Sparrow in S. C. David W. Johnston 77 Book Reviews 78 Briefs for the Files 81 Cover Photo — Louisiana Herons on Battery Island near Southport, North Carolina. Photographed by Jack Dermid. The Chat THE 1961-1962 FLIGHT OF EVENING GROSBEAKS By B. R. Chamberlain For the Carolinas the AOU Check-list (1957) spells out Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina as southernmost points in the sporadic winter range of the Evening Grosbeak ( Hesperiphona vesper- tina) . These locality records were established in the 1951-1952 flight ( Chat 16:30, 1952), but they have been overreached progressively in each of the five major flights reaching us since 1952. The 1961-1962 flight, examined here, was continent-wide with grosbeaks being found within 100 miles of the Gulf in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana (James, Audubon Field Notes, 16:337, 1962). Also, since 1951 the frequency of the incursions into the Carolinas has increased from sporadic to biennial — or better — for we have already witnessed major flights in two successive years (1954-1955 and 1955-1956), with occasional strays between flight years (1960-1961). Gradually, evidence is being accumulated pointing toward the factors controlling these flights. Weather, as a direct factor, apparently is being ruled out, whereas food supply and population increase are gaining support. However, solutions to those problems must be sought in broader studies than ours. Naturally, the bulk of the reports sent to us were confined to basic distribution data — number, date, location, observer — and some of these were incomplete. A very good number included sex data and fewer added food or behavior. Apparently no one was able to shed light upon roost loca- tions although some effort was made toward doing so. Many of the reports stressed the early morning feeding hours. It appears that the usual arrival time was about 45 minutes after sunrise. In several reports maximum numbers were counted around arrival time and almost invariably the birds absented themselves an hour or so after noon — except at the end of their stay — and were nowhere to be found in the evenings, belying their name. V espertina, according to Elliott Coues, was given to them in the mistaken belief that they sang only in the evenings. Arrival dates. In addition to the biennial pattern that was becoming fixed, an unusually successful breeding season in 1961 prompted predic- tions of a “Grosbeak winter” in the South. Fulfillment was indicated as early as October 29 when Charlotte Dawley and party found about one dozen of the birds in the Dan River bottom, Rockingham County, in upper central North Carolina. During November, one or two grosbeaks were re- ported at Acme, Elkin, and Lenoir, all in North Carolina, and in December, numbers up to twenty were reported at Henderson, Hickory, Rocky Mount, Southern Pines, Tryon, and Washington, N. C. Simultaneously they were found on the coast at Wilmington and Charleston on January 11. They reached Atlanta, Georgia by the end of December. Numbers. High and low attendance numbers fluctuated to such an extent that they seem meaningless, other than to suggest inter- and intra- com- munity wandering. This may have been brought on by irregular sunflower seed supply or the whim of the vagabonds. A distinct peak period that was commented upon by several observers occurred during the two or three weeks prior to departure in the spring, a feature to be discussed later in this paper. Average attendance at the small feeders over the Carolinas was probably about five birds but much larger groups were commonplace. Apparently, from mid-February until the end of April any ardent caterer with an established station and sufficient capital to provide one hundred or more pounds of sunflower seed per month, had little trouble attracting 25 to 75 or more grosbeaks regularly. At Lancaster, S. C., a baited flock checked daily from March 19 through April 1, and increased from 56 on the first day to a peak of 215 on March 23. By April 1 only 14 were present. September, 1962 SMITHSONS tttsmuTW* OCT 2 4 1082 51 Sex. As in numbers, there was considerable variation in reported sex ra- tios. Small groups, and some larger ones, were predominantly males — except at the end of the season. The last few birds recorded were females. At Chapel Hill, N. C., Beers judged the sex ratio at his feeders to be about 1:1 until most of the birds had left. His interesting report shows 5 males and 3 females arriving on January 29, increasing by February 3 to 30 to 50 daily until April 23. There was a sudden pick up on April 24 to 95 birds and a drop to 20 by May 2. At Washington, N. C., a flock of around 100, present daily from March 8 through April 1, contained approximately 50 males (Cox). At Seven Springs, N. C., a flock of 75 that began de- creasing in mid-April, was estimated to be 60 per cent males (Siler), and at Dillon, S. C., a flock of 49 in mid-February was 69 per cent males (McCallum) . From Southern Pines, in . the sandhills of North Carolina, Miss Mary Keller Wintyen contributed her daily log of the Evening Grosbeaks she personally saw and of those reported to her from points within a few miles of her home. She noted daily weather and temperature, sexes, food, and comments from the arrival on December 11, 1961 until the departure on May 10, 1962. Upon adding the daily figures in this voluminous study, we get the impressive grand total of 12,715 grosbeaks observed. Of this num- ber, sexes were counted or estimated for all but 536. The following table, in which this latter figure and a few scattered birds prior to January 22 and after April 30 are excluded, shows an interesting shift in sex ratios at Southern Pines. Period Observer Total, both sexes Males % Males Jan. 22 HKW 310 175 56.6 to Jan. 30 Others 848 392 46.2 February HKW 1175 411 35.0 Others 3172 1471 46.4 March HKW 1367 444 32.5 Others 3505 1171 33.5 April HKW 631 232 36.8 Others 1164 354 30.4 Further analysis of the Southern Pines figures shows that the average daily attendance during March was 157. During February — a short month —the figure was only slightly lower. It is also apparent that the decrease in the per cent of males as the season progressed was not due to males leaving the area but to a disproportionately large number of females com- ing in. Food, Behavior. Sunflower seed was eaten almost exclusively. On two occasions the grosbeaks were seen to leave the sunflower seed temporarily while they worked over lawns freshly planted in rye grass. One worked briefly on an ear of green corn. “Yard” berries mentioned were dogwood, nandina, and pyracantha. Away from feeders, the grosbeaks were seen to take ironwood and box elder fruits and the young buds of several species of trees. Typical feeding station behavior is given in the following note by McCallum: “. , . they arrive in the day’s maximum concentration around 7:15 AM. First they occupy a pecan tree that is 15 feet from the window, with limbs reaching to within 8 feet. Then they fall to the ground or to the feeder. The first eating period lasts 20 to 30 minutes if they are not disturbed. After this they retire to the tree to preen. Ensuing periods are gradually shorter and finally many of them drift away until by noon there are hardly more than half a dozen left. Occasionally a flock will re- turn late in the morning and a few have stayed until 2 o’clock. — Often two 52 The Chat birds fight over a single sunflower seed, fluttering to the ground but never giving in to the other. When the food becomes scanty a single male occupies the feeder and defends it against the others.” Departure. Excluding a sick bird, the last male Evening Grosbeak in the 1961-1962 flight was reported on May 11 and the last female, on May 14 — both at Washington, N. C., near the coast. At Tryon, N. C., a group of 4 males and 5 females remained until May 9. A solitary female left Harts- ville, S. C., on May 5. Unquestionably, the bulk of the birds moved north during the first day or two after Apr. 30, when warm or hot winds came up from the south. Whether the wind triggered the flight we cannot say. Certainly the birds had been preparing for the flight for a couple of weeks. During the last half of April “they ate and drank all day,” and many remained until dusk. It was during this period that the numbers swelled at many of the stations as birds from more southern points moved up. Observations at Chapel Hill, N. C., during the departure period seem representative for our region and we can do no better than quote that part of Dr. Beers’ report: April 24. Sudden increase in numbers, as if gathering prior to migration ; 95 birds present (about 50, April 23). April 25-29. 65 to 90 daily. April 30. Sudden decrease ; only 50 present. May 1. Further decrease ; only 30 counted. May 2. Only 20 ; 7 males, 13 females. May 3. 7 males and 14 females. May 4. 4 males and 8 females. May 5. 2 males and 11 females. May 6. 14 females. May 7. 2 females. May 8 and 9. None seen or heard. May 10. A lone female, the last one of the season, feeding and calling at 4 :00 P.M. I cite the following examples of late afternoon feeding — presumably storing fat in preparation for their migratory flight : May 1. A male and 2 females at 4:00 P.M. May 2. 3 females at 4:40; a male at 6:00 P.M. May 3. 2 males and 3 females at 4:30 P.M. May 4. A male and 2 females at 5 :00 P.M. May 5, 6. 4 to 6 females at 5 :00 P.M. May 7. 2 females feeding and calling intermittently from early morning to 5 :30 P.M. As in our earlier studies, the localities reported upon are but a fraction of the places where Evening Grosbeaks could have been found in the Carolinas this past winter. However, the forty-eight localities represented here are well spread over our territory. By listing the contributors at each community we strengthen our summary and express our thanks for their very fine cooperation. North Carolina Acme, Mrs. B. E. DeLamater, Jr. Asheville, Dr. N. L. Anderson. Atkinson, Mary Helen Huntington Bath, see Washington, N. C. Bay View, Geraldine Cox. Blowing Rock, Gaston Gage. Canton, Ann Kinken. Cashiers, Mrs. R. D. Barton. Chapel Hill, C. D. Beers and Gerald R. MacCarthy. Charlotte, Dr. and Mrs. W. G. Cobey anc’ the J. R. Norwoods. Crumpler, Mrs. A. B. Hurt. Durham, Sally Huges-Schrader. Elkin, Linville Hendren. Ellerbe, Mrs. Frances McD. Rankin. Fayetteville, Doris C. Hauser. Fremont, Mrs. Ernest Jeffreys. Greensboro, Charlotte Dawley. Greenville, Travis L. Herring. Hickory, J. Weston Clinard and Garvin Hughes. Henderson, Mrs. A. W. Bachman, Mrs. S. R. Harris and Miss Carrie Morrison. Hillsboro, C. H. Blake. Lenoir, Margaret Harper and Mrs. Fred May. Linville Falls, Mrs. H. F. Greer. Marion, Mrs. C. C. Wise. Mt. Olive, Mrs. R. P. Holmes. II and Bob Thomas. North Wilkesboro, Wendell P. Smith. Raleigh, H. T. Davis and Carr Speight. Rocky Mount, J. W. E. Joyner and John Thompson. Seven Springs, R. H. Siler. Southern Pines, Mary Keller Wintyen. Tryon, C. T. Downer and Mrs. F. S. MacGregor September, 1962 53 North Carolina (cont.) Wake Forest, Mr. and Mrs. Neville Isbell. Washington, Ethel Barkley, Mrs. Helen Bobbitt, Geraldine Cox, Mrs. Sue Graves, Barbara Lisles, and Mrs. J. I. Me* Laurin. Wilmington, Mrs. Dot Earle and Greg Massey. Wilson-Rocky Mt., Hwy., Mr. & Mrs. R. J. Peoples, Jr., fide Maurice Broun. Winston-Salem, D W. Johnston. South Carolina Charleston, T. A. Beckett, III and Betty Clark. Chester, Mrs. William C. Miller and Mrs. W. C. Stone. Columbia, Gilbert Bristow, Ruth Elliott, Mrs. B. W. Kendall, Mrs. Clyde Sisson and Mrs. E. D. Smith, Dillon, Archr McCallum Florence, Linda Summer. Hartsville, Mrs. Pinckney A. King. Lancaster, W. T. Myers, Sr. McCletllanville, R. D. Edwards. Newberry, Mrs. B. W. Kendall. Springfield, Elizabeth C. Gleaton. Winnsboro, Mrs. Edwin McMasters. Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina, July 19, 1962. ..... . .. : • ... ; :i W. L. POTEAT— EARLY N. C. NATURALIST* By Martha Whicker Dr. William Louis Poteat was born near Yanceyville, North Carolina on October 20, 1856. His early life was spent on his father’s plantation where he developed a keen interest in Nature. This curiosity and interest led Dr. Poteat to eminence in the field of biology. At the age of sixteen he entered Wake Forest College in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He excelled in all fields and was especially interested in religion and biology. After leaving college for one year to obtain the money needed to finish his schooling, he graduated from Wake Forest in 1877 and returned home to work and study law. After one year of studying he was asked to return to Wake Forest in the role of assistant professor of Biology. He became a Professor of Biology in 1883. Dr. Poteat met and married Miss Emma James Purefay in 1881. They had two daughters and one son. In 1888 he went to study at the University of Berlin. After his return to Wake Forest he continued his work in biology and in 1893 he went to Woods Hole Biological Laboratory in Buzzard’s Bay, Mass, to study embryology. During his life Dr. Poteat kept sporadic notebooks and journals that record his observations, feelings, and ideas. It is from the fifty notebooks and journals in the Wake Forest Library that the majority of this paper is taken. Dr. Poteat had a great interest in natural history. He kept records on the interesting specimens he collected and saw. This interest was with him from childhood until the time of death, but it was concentrated mainly from the 1870’s through the early 1900’s. In a notebook by Dr. Poteat about his memories as a child he tells of the enjoyment and pleasure he and his Negro friend, Nat, had fishing and walking in the fields trying to identify birds. He relates that this was a game to see who could identify the most birds or find the most animals during the day. At night they would sit together and talk over what they had seen during the day. This interest in vertebrates and their environment followed him through the rest of his life. * Condensed from a lengthy term paper prepared for a course in Vertebrate Natural History at Wake Forest College, January, 1962. 54 The Chat From a journal entitled Gleanings (Vol. II, 1881) written by Dr. Poteat can be found this passage about the migration of birds: “Here it is October, 1881 and I have been watching the birds migrate. I have been reading about migration and studying the birds that have gone by. I have settled on seven possible ideas to their migration. (1) The habit of migration resulted from changes of climate oc- curring at a not very remote geological period. (2) Every gradation exists between species the most widely roving and those which are strictly sedentary; even representatives of the same species may be either migratory or sedentary according to whether they occupy as breeding stations, the northern or the southern portion of the common habitat. (3) Failure of food induces a movement toward warmer regions. (4) The return of birds to their breeding places which are their only true homes is prompted by the recurrence of the season of procreation and strong home affection. (5) They usually pursue different routes, and are guided in part by memory, prominent landmarks, and in part by “instinct” or inherited experience. (6) Erratic movements are the results of transportation by storms. (7) Birds discern apprbaching weather changes.” Taken also from this journal Gleanings, 1881, is an account about a Yellow Chat: July 16, 1882 “Yellow Chat does not greet me from afar this morn- ing. It is only after I have entered his domain, penetrated the heart of it and settled myself in its deep shadows that I hear his cluck, cluck, and just catch a glimpse of him through the thicket twenty yards away. A little warbler (brown and alive above and yellow below with dark lines at sides) comes near and finding a long caterpillar beats out its intestine on a fine limb, retreating backward up the limb as the process advances, and then with beak sloping up and a momentary bulging of the little yellow throat the prepared morsal is gone.” Dr. Charles Allen, Professor of Biology at Wake Forest College was given a journal written by Dr. Poteat at the time of his death. It is from this journal that much of the following material will be taken, dated from 1888 to 1900. On February 25, 1888 Dr. Poteat reported: “First flock of Robins seen yesterday. A solitary herald was seen February 1, 1888.” On February 28, 1888 Dr. Poteat reported that he killed a Shrike. According to his notes this was the third specimen ever seen by him in this particular area. There is an interesting account of a Red Phalarope in this journal. This Phalarope was kept for five days by Dr. Poteat. March 21, 1888: “Red Phalarope, Crymophilus fulicarius picked up at Mr. Gill’s house this morning, probably born thither by the storm of the previous night. Given the freedom of the room, the bird seemed quite at home and soon dropped down on its white breast duck-fashion to rest. He would start up and shake his tail if too suddenly approached. He was put into a pan of water and offered among other things an earthworm, which he scarcely noticed. Whether sitting on the carpet or floating on the water he would depress his head and seem to diminish the size of his body when approached from the other side of the room, and as one passes by him he would tilt over toward one as if to put his inconspicuous wing and back between his conspicuous white breast and side and the possibly hostile observer. This was observed a number of times in a number of different situations. He rose and flew toward the lighted lamp from the darker side of the room several times. Once he alighted on the marble table and assumed September, 1962 55 his nesting posture on a crocheted mat beside a Bible, Ruskins Praeterita, and Flints Anti Rhustic Theories, and the scene proved not a little sug- gestive. This little wanderer from the polar seas thus composed and un- abashed amid the symbols of mans highest achievements.” March 22, 1888 : “My little ocean waif was found this morning resting on the carpet. He seemed to have spent a good night for he was more active than on yesterday and a little more wary. He again declined offers of food. He was brought to the Biology lab and put into a ten inch aquarium with some large and small tadpoles. He began to peck at them almost immediately. He seemed delighted with his new environment stretching his shoulders and flapping his wings in the water and dressing his feathers, now and then, however, swimming violently against the sides of the aquarium trying to get out. He keeps the sand and the mud stirred up. A sprig of Ludwigia palustris with many young water snails on it was put into the aquarium.” March 23, 1888: “Red Phalarope left free in the laboratory last night was found this morning at one of the windows trying to push out through the glass. He returned to the aquarium. After stirring up things in the aquarium he pecks vigorously at floating particles and at little snails cling- ing to the sides, now and then securing one of them.” March 2U, 1888: “Red Phalarope found this morning on the water in a tall aquarium six inches in diameter. He spent the day in much the same way as described above. He was given seasons of rest from the water by allowing him liberty on the floor. Looks not quite so strong.” March 25, 1888: “Found the Red Phalarope dead on the water where he was left last night. No evidence of struggle or violence visible.” As he was walking one day he listed this account with two Snipes. March 2U, 1888: “Two Snipes rose from the same locality, one of them making two harsh notes, and they flew in high circles for a minute or two apparently to give me time to leave, and finally dropped suddenly down into the field lower down the branch.” The next vertebrate encountered from Dr. Poteat’s journal is the “Horned Toad” caught in Texas and mailed to J. A. Rogers. November 22, 1892: “A species of Phrynosoma cornutum (“Horned Toad”) sent by mail from Texas and presented to the lab by J. A. Rogers, is put in a large glass dish with the bottom covered with sand. After being warm- ed in the sun (November 23, 1892) it makes vigorous efforts to escape, but later is found covered up and almost entirely concealed in the sand, extremely sluggish with scarcely perceptible respiration.” After the first few weeks the Horned Toad must have revived and escaped from his container. He evidently could not be found because the next entry concerning this Horned Toad was made on May 10 of that year. Dr. Poteat writes in his journal: “The Horned Toad, which escaped from the jar some months ago and came out from his hiding place in the laboratory about two weeks ago, stubbornly refuses to eat. I have tried him with grasshoppers, beetles, flies, and earthworms. He has been given a bath of water occasionally but has not been seen to drink.” An amphibian, a salamander, is the next vertebrate to appear in Dr. Poteat’s journal. He states: January, 1893: “Received from Mr. Purefoy a large salamander which was taken from the bottom of his forty foot well when it was cleaned out.” Dr. Poteat tried to feed this salamander but with no success until May, 1893. “Salamander of January last takes from forceps a live earthworm hav- ing a few minutes before eaten a piece of one dropped into his jar. This is the first food taken during his captivity.” June 8, 1893: “The salamander refused earthworm after May 9th.” 56 The Chat In looking through the numerous lectures prepared and given by Dr. Poteat one finds reference and examples of the woodpeckers’ freedom and his melodious drumming or pecking song. He makes reference to this steady pecking at wood as man pecking at life not aware of his surroundings. One reference in his notebook was found about the woodpecker. March lb, 1893: Dr. Poteat writes: “I observed three golden winged woodpeckers drumming on the roof of the laboratory, the slate shingles which yield notes of different pitch being used alternately.” This spring of 1893 the weather had been cool. Dr. Poteat writes of the snow birds (probably juncos) in his orchard. In the early part of April he says that he has heard the first Whippoorwill’s song in the early evening. Dr. Poteat returned from Buzzard’s Bay, Mass, in September to Wake Forest to resume teaching. On November 26, 1893: “A flock of six ‘South Carolina Buzzards’ flew over Wake Forest east about five oclock. These were soon followed by Turkey Buzzards going in the same direction.” This is the last entry in the journal until 1898 at which time Dr. Poteat writes about a white Dove and a Thistlefinch that interested him. September 2b, 1898: “A white Dove flew up near the road on the return trip from Moore’s pond. An ordinary Dove was with the white one. They were in the field west of Smith’s Creek. I got a second view of the Albino Dove as it sat on a pine limb. A Thistlefinch then flew over head. It at- tracted me by its note.” There can be found in the Bird Collection at Wake Forest College several birds collected and prepared by Dr. and Mrs. Poteat. In this group can be found a male and female Cardinal, Spotted Sandpiper, marsh blackbird and several other small birds. Some of these were prepared in 1885 and 1886. There is also present in the Wake Forest collection a group of eggs collected and prepared by Dr. Poteat. There are numerous eggs of the Sparrow, Sparrow Hawk, Flicker, Thrush, Gnatcatcher, “crane” and some very small ones of a Vireo. From a notebook titled “Meadow, Grove, and Stream” in 1896 can be found several accounts by Dr. Poteat, The first concerns a Yellow Chat. June 18, 1902: “I found the Yellow Chat’s nest in the pasture, slightly supported by a twig of Alder and of Grape. It has two eggs in it and was about seven feet from the ground. I waited three quarters of an hour, but no chat came to it or showed uneasiness about it.” June 19, 1902: “The Mother Chat was first seen this morning. She soon discovered me and abandoned the eggs. I waited again, but she did not return.” Dr. Poteat died in March, 1938, but throughout his life he retained his interest in vertebrates and their natural history. Much of the material he left behind has been misplaced or given to friends, but the remaining material was presented here to show that his interest in Biology and es- pecially vertebrates was used by him in many of his lectures, letters, and books. REFERENCES “Journal of Elisha Mitchell Scientific Society.” Vol. Ill, IV, V years 1896- 1906. Old Gold and Black ; 1937, 1938 Vol. II The Wake Forest Student; Vol. 53-56, 1937-1940. Journal By W. L. Poteat Letters by Dr. Poteat History of Wake Forest College Box 258, Walkertown, North Carolina. September, 1962 57 THE 1962 SPRING COUNT By David W. Johnston A few summary statements seem desirable for the 1962 Spring Counts. Only fifteen counts were received, a decrease of two over 1961. These counts were taken between April 25 and May 12, with most of them occurring on May 5 or 6. In general, weather conditions were nearly ideal for observing birds, for most localities reported clear or only partly cloudy skies and temperatures ranging between the high 50’s and mid-80’s. Six localities reported an increase in number of species and seven noted an increase in total individuals, as compared with the 1961 counts. Although comparisons from year to year are hazardous due to changes in observers, weather, and the like, it is possible to recognize some likely trends by comparing data for several years. The following table compares certain data for the spring counts of 1960, 1961, and 1962. Of particular in- terest is the apparent decrease in number of Bluebirds in 1962 and a subsequent increase in Starlings. I have long contended that much of the Bluebird loss in recent years should be attributed to its competition with the aggressive Starling for hole nesting sites. 1960 1961 1962 Number of counts 12 17 15 Number of observers 130 191 157 Number of party-hours* 338 489 551 Number of Bluebirds 122 282 150 Number of Starlings 1736 2338 3743 Number of Evening Grosbeaks 75 0 132 Number of Cattle Egrets 6 57 62 *Based upon about 75 per cent of localities reporting. Another feature of this table concerns the numbers of Evening Gros- beaks and Cattle Egrets. The Evening Grosbeak data are adequately dis- cussed by Mr. Chamberlain elsewhere in this issue. As for the Cattle Egrets, we can say that they continue to increase and expand their range. In 1962, for example, these birds have appeared farther inland than previously — Durham, North Carolina (a “sizable flock” on April 29), Raleigh, North Carolina, Eastover, South Carolina, and Fayetteville, North Carolina. Although this species’ spread has attracted much attention, we can only wonder when or if the dispersal might end, and hope that its presence will be innocuous. After all, both Starlings and House Sparrows were once considered to be harmless novelties in North America. Aiken, S. C. (area within a 15-mile diameter circle centering approxi- mately 7 miles east of the old town of Ellenton; upland pine timber stands and pine plantations 30%, bottomland hardwood forest 25%, Savannah River swamp 20%, lakes and bays 10%, scrub oak 5%, open fields 5%, and building areas 5%). — May 4; 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Partly cloudy; temp. 60° to 82°; wind W. Four observers. Total party-hours, 40; total party-miles, 76 (6 by foot, 70 by jeep). Pied-billed Grebe, 5 (plus 3 young); Great Blue Heron, 3; Green Heron, 1; Common Egret, 2; American Bittern, 1; Least Bittern, 2; Wood Duck, 2; Turkey Vulture, 12; Black Vulture, 8; Mississippi Kite, 3; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 3; Red-shouldered Hawk, 4; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Bobwhite, 45; Purple Gallinule, 4; American Coot, 4; Killdeer, 1; Common Snipe, 1; Spotted Sandpiper, 4; Greater Yellowlegs, 9; Sanderling, 2; Mourning Dove, 20; Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 2; Barred Owl, 1; Chimney Swift, 12; Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 3; Belted Kingfisher, 1; Yellow-shafted Flicker, 1; Pileated Woodpecker, 4; Red- bellied Woodpecker, 4; Red-headed Woodpecker, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; 58 The Chat Downy Woodpecker, 2; Eastern Kingbird, 16; Great Crested Flycatcher, 8; Acadian Flycatcher, 20; Wood Pewee, 4; Rough-winged Swallow, 1; Blue Jay, 20; Common Crow, 35; Fish Crow, 6; Carolina Chickadee, 12; Tufted Titmouse, 6; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 6; Carolina Wren, 20; Long-billed Marsh Wren, 1; Mockingbird, 36; Catbird, 7; Brown Thrasher, 11; Wood Thrush, 20; Hermit Thrush, 1; Swainson’s Thrush, 6; Gray-cheeked Thrush, 1; Veery, 3; Eastern Bluebird, 16; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 30; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1; Cedar Waxwing, 7; Loggerhead Shrike, 4; Starling, 16; White- eyed Vireo, 40; Yellow-throated Vireo, 6; Red-eyed Vireo, 35; Black-and- white Warbler, 6; Prothonotary Warbler, 26; Worm-eating Warbler, 1; Blue-winged Warbler, 1; Parula Warbler, 25; Yellow Warbler, 3; Cape May Warbler, 1; Black-throated Blue Warbler, 6; Myrtle Warbler, 6; Yellow- throated Warbler, 12; Pine Warbler, 4; Prairie Warbler, 23; Ovenbird, 7; Louisiana Waterthrush, 9; Kentucky Warbler, 3; Yellowthroat, 32; Yellow- breasted Chat, 10; Hooded Warbler, 18; American Redstart, 1; House Spar- row, 20; Eastern Meadowlark, 56; Redwinged Blackbird, 32; Orchard Oriole, 10; Common Grackle, 16; Summer Tanager, 8; Cardinal, 27; Blue Grosbeak, 12; Indigo Bunting, 8; Painted Bunting, 3; American Goldfinch, 20; Rufous- sided Towhee, 13 ; Savannah Sparrow, 2 ; Bachman’s Sparrow, 3 ; Field Sparrow, 2; White-throated Sparrow, 6; Swamp Sparrow, 1. Due to un- usually high water levels, only a small number of shorebirds was recorded, and up until two days before the count there was almost a complete absence of egrets and herons. Total species, 100; total individuals, 1022. — John B. Hatcher (compiler), Newton H. Seebeck, Jr., William Post, Jr., and Jay Schnell. Anderson, S. C. (same area as last year with center at Anderson Airport; open fields and pasture 20%, mixed woodland 15%, deciduous woodland 15%, pine woodland 20%, ponds and creeks 10%, town 5%, Hartwell area 15%). — April 28; 4:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Clear to partly cloudy, with showers in the late afternoon, temp. 60° to 84°, winds variable 0-10 mph. Ten observers, 8 in three parties, 2 at feeders. Total party-hours, 42 (27^ on foot, 15 by car). Total party-miles, 310 (295 by car, 15 on foot). Common Egret, 21; Green Heron, 3; Black Duck, 1; Blue-winged Teal, 1; Wood Duck, 1; Turkey Vulture, 8; Black Vulture, 5; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Cooper’s Hawk, 3; Red-shouldered Hawk, 2; King Rail, 2; American Coot, 2; Kill- deer, 1; Common Snipe, 2; Spotted Sandpiper, 6; Solitary Sandpiper, 6; Ring-billed Gull, 11; Mourning Dove, 24; Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 2; Barn Owl, 3; Screech Owl, 1; Great Horned Owl, 2; Barred Owl, 1; Chuck-will’s-widow, 7; Chimney Swift, 59; Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 16; Belted Kingfisher, 5; Pileated Woodpecker, 2; Yellow-shafted Flicker, 13; Red-bellied Wood- pecker, 4; Red-headed Woodpecker, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy Wood- pecker, 6; Eastern Kingbird, 25; Great Crested Flycatcher, 4; Eastern Phoebe, 13; Acadian Flycatcher, 1; Eastern Wood Pewee, 3; Horned Lark, 2; Rough-winged Swallow, 18; Purple Martin, 3; Blue Jay, 106; Common Crow, 109; Carolina Chickadee, 27; Tufted Titmouse, 24; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 6; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Carolina Wren, 15; Mockingbird, 66; Catbird, 17; Brown Thrasher, 48; Robin, 181; Wood Thrush, 23; Swain- son’s Thrush, 2; Veery, 2; Eastern Bluebird, 7; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 24; Ruby-crowned Kingler, 2; Water Pipit, 1; Loggerhead Shrike, 12; Starling, 347; White-eyed Vireo, 41; Yellow-throated Vireo, 4; Solitary Vireo, 3; Red-eyed Vireo, 20; Warbling Vireo, 2; Black-and-white Warbler, 2; Parula Warbler, 3; Yellow Warbler, 15; Magnolia Warbler, 3; Cape May Warbler, 4; Black-throated Blue Warbler, 3; Myrtle Warbler, 151; Cerulean Warbler, 3; Blackburnian Warbler, 1; Blackpoll Warbler, 11; Pine Warbler, 3; Prairie Warbler, 55; Palm Warbler, 10; Ovenbird, 2; Yellowthroat, 35; Hooded Warbler, 16; Redstart, 5; House Sparrow, 113; Bobolink, 256; Red- winged Blackbird, 640, Eastern Meadowlark, 589; Orchard Oriole, 8; Balti- more Oriole, 6; Rusty Blackbird, 1; Common Grackle, 160; Brown-headed Cowbird, 39; Summer Tanager, 6; Scarlet Tanager, 5; Cardinal, 59; Rose- September, 1962 59 breasted Grosbeak, 4; Blue Grosbeak, 18; Indigo Bunting, 13; American Goldfinch, 162; Rufous-sided Towhee, 176; Savannah Sparrow, 7; Grass- hopper Sparrow, 31; Chipping Sparrow, 72; Field Sparrow, 102; White- crowned Sparrow, 14; White-throated Sparrow, 147; Swamp Sparrow, 4. Total species, 108; total individuals, about 4,350. Seen during the count period, but not on count day: Horned Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, American Bittern, Virginia Rail, Greater Yellowlegs, Blue-winged Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler. The Horned Larks (RCT) were quite late for this area, as was the pipit (RHP). The number of White-crowned Sparrows was unusual; they were well distributed over the area and seen by all parties. — Mrs. Rufus Fant, R. H. Peake, Jr., Mrs. Ellison Smith, Mrs Joe P. Watson, Mrs. A. A. Hutchinson, Miss Bitsy Ramseur, Douglas Tedards, Bob Watson, Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Tedards (compiler). Central Beaufort County, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle centering where Upper Goose Creek enters Pamlico River, including both sides of the river from Bath to Washington; river and river shore 30%, fields 30%, mixed woods 25%, pine woods 5%, feeders 10%). — May 6; 5 AM to 7 PM. Fair; temp 60° to 90°; wind W, 0-17 mph. Five ob- servers (one part-time) in 2 parties. Total party-hours, 28 (16 on foot, 12 by car); total party-miles, 146 (10 on foot, 136 by car). Double-crested Cormorant, 8; Great Blue Heron, 2; Cattle Egret, 6; Common Egret, 1; Canada Goose, 5; Mallard, 4; Turkey Vulture, 2; Black Vulture, 1; Red- shouldered Hawk, 1; Bobwhite, 60; Killdeer, 2; Spotted Sandpiper, 2; Herring Gull, 1; Ring-billed Gull, 43; Laughing Gull, 29; Bonaparte’s Gull, 10; Mourning Dove, 32; Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 1; Chimney Swift, 53; Ruby- throated Hummingbird, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 1; Yellow-shafted Flicker, 6; Pileated Woodpecker, 1; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 8; Red-headed Wood- pecker, 20; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Red-cockaded Woodpecker, 1; Eastern Kingbird, 29; Great Crested Flycatcher, 38; Eastern Phoebe, 1; Eastern Wood Pewee, 15; Tree Swallow, 4; Rough-winged Swal- low, 4; Barn Swallow, 13; Purple Martin, 73; Blue Jay, 37; Common Crow, 18; Fish Crow, 9; Carolina Chickadee, 15; Tufted Titmouse, 7; White- breasted Nuthatch, 2; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 7; Carolina Wren, 16; Mockingbird, 39; Catbird, 3; Brown Thrasher, 23; Robin, 12; Wood Thrush, 6; Eastern Bluebird, 5; Loggerhead Shrike, 6; Starling, 74; White-eyed Vireo, 15; Yellow-throated Vireo, 2; Red-eyed Vireo, 8; Prothonotary Warbler, 9; Parula Warbler, 8; Myrtle Warbler, 1; Yellow-throated Warbler, 1; Pine Warbler, 2; Prairie Warbler, 23; Ovenbird, 2; Yellowthroat, 5; Hooded Warbler, 3; House Sparrow, 250; Eastern Meadowlark, 7; Red- winged Blackbird, 32; Orchard Oriole, 13; Common Grackle, 200; Brown- headed Cowbird, 3; Scarlet Tanager, 1; Summer Tanager, 7; Cardinal, 63; Blue Grosbeak, 1; Indigo Bunting, 3; Evening Grosbeak, 6; Rufous-sided Towhee, 11; Chipping Sparrow, 12; White-throated Sparrow, 1; Fox Spar- row, 8. Total species, 80; total individuals, about 1,457. In the area, April 29-May 5 but not on count day: Whistling Swan, 1; Black Duck, 2; Greater Yellowlegs, 1; Chuck-will’s-widow, 2; Common Nighthawk, 6; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 2; Yellow Warbler, 1. — Ethel Barkley, Ruth Brown, Geraldine Cox (compiler), Mabel Godley, Mary McLaurin. Chapel Hill, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at intersection of Columbia and Franklin streets, including town of Chapel Hill and University Campus, Carrboro, Airport, Lake Forest and Univer- sity Lakes, Finley Golf Course and Mason Farm; mixed deciduous wood- lands 25%, open fields and farmlands 30%, pond, lake shores and creek banks 25%, pine woods 5%, wooded residential 15%). — May 6; 5:30 AM to 6 PM. Clear; temp 54° to 87°; wind variable, 1-6 mph. Twenty-four ob- servers in 12 parties. Total party-hours, 52^ (41 on foot, IIV2 by car); total party-miles, 126 % (31% on foot, 95 by car). Great Blue Heron, 2; 60 The Chat Green Heron, 2; Turkey Vulture, 32; Black Vulture, 8; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Broad- winged Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Bobwhite, 98; Turkey, 1; Killdeer, 4; Spotted Sandpiper, 2; Solitary Sandpiper, 1; Mourning Dove, 107; Yellow- billed Cuckoo, 5; Black-billed Cuckoo, 1; Barred Owl, 4; Whip-poor-will, 7; Chimney Swift, 100; Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 15; Belted Kingfisher, 2; Yellow-shafted Flicker, 29; Pileated Woodpecker, 1; Red-bellied Wood- pecker, 47; Red-headed Woodpecker, 12; Hairy Woodpecker, 5; Downy Woodpecker, 27; Eastern Kingbird, 46; Great Crested Flycatcher, 18; East- ern Phoebe, 27; Acadian Flycatcher, 21; Wood Pewee, 49; Tree Swallow, 1; Rough-winged Swallow, 9; Barn Swallow, 51; Purple Martin, 26; Blue Jay, 142; Common Crow, 73; Carolina Chickadee, 52; Tufted Titmouse, 37; White- breasted Nuthatch, 18; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 4; Brown Creeper, 1; House Wren, 2; Carolina Wren, 50; Mockingbird, 119; Catbird, 48; Brown Thrasher, 52; Robin, 78; Wood Thrush, 115; Swainson’s Thrush, 1; Eastern Bluebird, 33; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 24; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2; Water Pipit, 1; Cedar Waxwing, 15; Loggerhead Shrike, 18; Starling, 89; White-eyed Vireo, 19; Yellow-throated Vireo, 7; Solitary Vireo, 3; Red-eyed Vireo, 92; Black-and-white Warbler, 5; Prothonotary Warbler, 6; Orange-crowned Warbler, 1; Parula Warbler, 16; Magnolia Warbler, 1; Cape May Warbler, 1; Black-throated Blue Warbler, 11; Myrtle Warbler, 23; Yellow-throated Warbler, 27; Chestnut-sided Warbler, 2; Blackpoll Warbler, 2; Pine Warb- ler, 10; Prairie Warbler, 45; Ovenbird, 31; Northern Waterthrush, 1; Louisiana Waterthrush, 10; Kentucky Warbler, 13; Yellowthroat, 28; Yellow-breasted Chat, 38; Hooded Warbler, 20; American Redstart, 54; House Sparrow, 79; Bobolink, 400; Eastern Meadowlark, 132; Redwinged Blackbird, 94; Orchard Oriole, 9; Baltimore Oriole, 1; Rusty Blackbird, 2; Common Grackle, 32; Brown-headed Cowbird, 23; Scarlet Tanager, 27; Summer Tanager, 36; Cardinal, 217, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 4; Blue Gros- beak, 20; Indigo Bunting, 48; Evening Grosbeak, 2; American Goldfinch, 131; Rufous-sided Towhee, 39; Savannah Sparrow, 2; Grasshopper Sparrow, 3; Henslow’s Sparrow, 1; Vesper Sparrow, 2; Chipping Sparrow, 88; Field Sparrow, 19; White-throated Sparrow, 45; Song Sparrow, 2. Total species, 111; total individuals, 3,665. — Dr. and Mrs. Charles H. Blake, Mrs. R. P. Calhoon, Louise Crumpacker, Dr. Robert P. Holmes, Dr. and Mrs. J. Logan Irvin, Joseph P. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald R. McCarthy, Mrs. Richard McKenna, Mrs. W. D. Patterson, Wallace Patterson, Jr., Wiley B. Sanders, Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Sharpe, John K. Terres, Elizabeth P. Teulings, Robert P. Teulings (compiler), Mr. and Mrs. Matt L. Thompson, Mrs. Adelaide Walters, Mrs. Fred P. Weedon, Frances L. Yocom. Charleston, S. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 15 miles north of Mt. Pleasant, just east of U. S. Highway 17, to include Bull’s Island and area west across the mainland to points just beyond the Wando River; farmlands 20%, fresh-water ponds and wooded swamps 25%, mixed and pine woods 25%, salt-water creeks, marshes and flats 25%, dunes and ocean front 5%). — May 5; 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Clear, AM, occasional showers and thunder in PM; temp. 62° to 82°; wind NW, 5-9 mph. Nineteen observers in five parties. Total party-hours, 45 (32% on foot, 11% by car, 1 by boat); total party-miles, 192 (43 on foot, 145 by car, 4 by boat). Pied-billed Grebe, 5; Brown Pelican, 33; Double-crested Cor- morant, 4; Anhinga, 7; Great Blue Heron, 22; Green Heron, 10; Little Blue Heron, 27; Cattle Egret, 36; Common Egret, 35; Snowy Egret, 22; Louisiana Heron, 37; Black-crowned Night Heron, 4; Yellow-crowned Night Heron, 4; American Bittern, 1; Wood Ibis, 15; Glossy Ibis, 3; White Ibis, 53; Blue- winged Teal, 12; American Widgeon, 1; Wood Duck, 17; Ring-necked Duck, 2; Scaup (sp.), 21; Turkey Vulture, 28; Black Vulture, 25; Mississippi Kite, 1; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 17; Bald Eagle, 3; Osprey, 7; Bobwhite, 34; Turkey, 4; Clapper Rail, 24; Virginia Rail, 1; Purple Gallinule, 4; Common Gallinule, 38; American Coot, 58; American Oystercatcher, September, 1962 61 14; Semipalmated Plover, 84; Black-bellied Plover, 9; Ruddy Turnstone, 1; Common Snipe, 3; Whimbrel, 37; Spotted Sandpiper, 2; Willet, 24; Greater Yellowlegs, 6; Lesser Yellowlegs, 4; Dunlin, 36; Short-billed Dowitcher, 5; Semipalmated Sandpiper, 5; Marbled Godwit, 4; Sanderling, 6; Black- necked Stilt, 5; Herring Gull, 14; Ring-billed Gull, 24; Laughing Gull, 58; Gull-billed Tern, 12; Forster’s Tern, 1; Least Tern, 8; Royal Tern, 11; Black Tern, 1; Black Skimmer, 67; Mourning Dove, 16; Ground Dove, 1; Yellow- billed Cuckoo, 60; Black-billed Cuckoo, 2; Barred Owl, 1; Chuck-will’s-widow, 1; Common Nighthawk, 5; Chimney Swift, 81; Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 29; Yellow-shafted Flicker, 9; Pileated Woodpecker, 37; Red-bellied Wood- pecker, 46; Red-headed Woodpecker, 4; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 12; Red-cockaded Woodpecker, 4; Eastern Kingbird, 46; Great Crested Flycatcher, 175; Acadian Flycatcher, 64; Eastern Wood Pewee, 47; Tree Swallow, 157; Barn Swallow, 30; Purple Martin, 79; Blue Jay, 50; Common Crow, 63; Fish Crow, 14; Carolina Chickadee, 23; Tufted Tit- mouse, 53; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 23; Carolina Wren, 121; Short-billed Marsh Wren (Baker & Blitch), 2; Mockingbird, 32; Catbird, 6; Brown Thrasher, 20; Wood Thrush, 21; Hermit Thrush, 1; Veery (Clyde), 1; Eastern Bluebird, 4; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 38; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2; Cedar Waxwing, 3; Loggerhead Shrike, 11; Starling, 17; White-eyed Vireo, 113; Yellow-throated Vireo, 41; Red-eyed Vireo, 117; Prothonotary Warbler, 36; Bachman’s Warbler (Beckett), 1; Parula Warbler, 22; Myrtle Warbler, 3; Black- throated Green Warbler, 11; Yellow- throated Warbler, 92; Pine Warbler, 53; Prairie Warbler, 28; Kentucky Warbler, 7; Yellowthroat, 24; Yellow-breasted Chat, 54; Hooded Warbler, 80; House Sparrow, 18; Meadow- lark, 32; Redwinged Blackbird, 123; Orchard Oriole, 59; Rusty Blackbird, 15; Boat-tailed Grackle, 61; Common Grackle, 39; Scarlet Tanager, 1; Summer Tanager, 57; Cardinal, 116; Blue Grosbeak, 13; Indigo Bunting, 18; Painted Bunting, 87; American Goldfinch, 1; Rufous-sided Towhee, 69; Savannah Sparrow, 8; Vesper Sparrow, 6; Bachman’s Sparrow, 3; Chipping Sparrow, 11; Field Sparrow, 1; White-throated Sparrow, 28; Swamp Sparrow, 2; Song Sparrow, 2. Total, 142 species; about 3800 individuals. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: Least Bittern, Red-breasted Merganser, King Rail, Bobolink). — Roy Baker, T. A. Beckett, III, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Blitch, B. R. Chamberlain, E. B. Chamberlain (compiler), N. A. Chamberlian, E. C. Clyde, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Coleman, E. S. Dingle, R. W. Edwards, J L. Edwards, Mrs. John G. Leland, I. S. H. Metcalf, Mr. and Mrs. B. F. McGuckin, Mrs. M. D. Richardson, Miss Elizabeth D. Simons. Charlotte, N. C. (TV2 mile radius centering at 7th Street and Briar Creek; open field and farmland 50%, deciduous-pine woods and edge 35%, city lawns 10%, lakes and ponds 5%.) May 5; 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Fair to partly cloudy; temp. 54° to 85°; wind NNE, 0-13 mph. Nine observers in 5 parties. Total party hours, 42^ (32 on foot. IOV2 by car); total party miles, 227 (20 on foot, 207 by car.) Green Heron, 1; Yellow-crowned Night Heron, 3; Turkey Vulture, 14; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Broad-winged Hawk, 1; Marsh Hawk, 1; Osprey, 1; Bobwhite, 82; Killdeer, 3; Solitary Sandpiper, 6; Mourning Dove, 237; Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 8; Black-billed Cuckoo, 1; Barn Owl, 1; Screech Owl, 2; Barred Owl, 2; Chuck-will’s-widow, 1; Whip-poor-will, 5; Common Night- hawk, 3; Chimney Swift, 54; Ruby -throated Hummingbird, 8; Belted King- fisher, 3; Yellow-shafted Flicker, 23; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 17; Red- headed Woodpecker, 4; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 16; Eastern Kingbird, 28; Great Crested Flycatcher, 24; Eastern Phoebe, 18; Acadian Flycatcher, 6; Eastern Wood Pewee, 26; Rough-winged Swallow, 4; Barn Swallow, 17; Purple Martin, 20; Blue Jay, 128; Common Crow, 32; Carolina Chickadee, 36; Tufted Titmouse, 33; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 11; House Wren, 9; Carolina Wren, 22; Mocking- bird, 106; Catbird, 42; Brown Thrasher, 44; Robin, 218; Wood Thrush, 62 The Chat 100; Swainson’s Thrush, 14; Veery, 8; Eastern Bluebird, 18; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 5; Cedar Waxwing, 48; Loggerhead Shrike, 14; Starling, 405; White-eyed Vireo, 8; Yellow-throated Vireo, 10; Red-eyed Vireo, 39; Black- and-white Warbler, 5; Parula Warbler, 16; Yellow Warbler, 3; Magnolia Warbler, 1; Cape May Warbler, 10; Black-throated Blue Warbler, 3; Myrtle Warbler, 23; Black-throated Green Warbler, 1; Cerulean Warbler, 1; Black- burnian Warbler, 7; Bay-breasted Warbler, 1; Blackpoll Warbler, 5; Pine Warbler, 5; Prairie Warbler, 21; Ovenbird, 12; Louisiana Waterthrush, 2; Kentucky Warbler, 3; Yellowthroat, 26; Yellow-breasted Chat, 27; Hooded Warbler, 4; American Redstart, 6; House Sparrow, 143; Bobolink, 49; East- ern Meadowlark, 131; Redwinged Blackbird, 101; Orchard Oriole, 17; Balti- more Oriole, 1; Rusty Blackbird, 1; Common Grackle, 211; Brown-headed Cowbird, 7; Scarlet Tanager, 3; Summer Tanager, 13; Cardinal, 166; Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 1; Blue Grosbeak, 30; Indigo Bunting, 62; Pine Siskin, 3; American Goldfinch, 25; Rufous-sided Towhee, 81; Savannah Sparrow, 2; Grasshopper Sparrow, 19; Slate-colored Junco, 1; Chipping Sparrow, 54; Field Sparrow, 29; White-throated Sparrow, 41; Swamp Sparrow, 3; Song Sparrow, 13. Total, 107 species, about 3382 individuals. Mrs. W. G. Cobey, Mrs. Edwin O. Clarkson, J. P. Hamilton, Lee Jones, Mrs. A. A. Kittinger, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Lovell, Joseph R. Norwood (compiler), Mrs. Joseph R. Norwood, Mr. and Mrs. Shuford K. Peeler, Mrs. E. J. Presser, William Smith. (Notes: Some of the above were part- time participants and were not officially counted. Seen day before count, Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Seen about a mile outside count area on count day, Pileated Woodpecker; third sight record for Mecklenburg county, first seen by Lovells several weeks earlier. A good predatory bird count for this area. Heavy real estate development has ruined almost all of the favorable habitat in the north east sector of the area. The outstanding field work of Lee Jones almost boosted the count to last year’s high although there were fewer active observers). Eastover, S. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Eastover as in former years; cultivated fields 33%. pasture 33%, residen- tial 10%, deciduous and pine woods 14%, swampy areas around ponds 10%). April 25; 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Cloudy and still; temp. 58° to 80°; relative humidity 79%, no wind. Two observers in one party. Total party- hours 9 (1 on foot, 8 by car); total party-miles 25 (1 on foot, 24 by car). Pied-billed Grebe, 2; Cattle Egret, 16; Common Egret, 1; Mallard, 1; Wood Duck, 3; Blue-winged Teal, 6; Turkey Vulture, 1; Black Vulture, 13; Red- shouldered Hawk. 1; Osprey, 2; Bobwhite, 14; Sora, 1; American Coot, 1; Common Snipe, 1; Spotted Sandpiper, 6; Solitary Sandpiper, 7; Greater Yellowlegs, 2; Lesser Yellowlegs, 6; Least Sandpiper, 3; Mourning Dove, 17; Chimney Swift, 5; Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 6; Belted Kingfisher, 2; Yellow-shafted Flicker, 1; Pileated Woodpecker, 1; Red-bellied Wood- pecker, 3; Red-headed Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 4; Eastern Kingbird, 22; Great Crested Flycatcher, 1; Acadian Flycatcher, 2; Tree Swallow, 2; Rough-winged Swallow, 1; Barn Swallow, 2; Blue Jay, 28; Common Crow, 34; Carolina Chickadee, 2; Tufted Titmouse, 4; White- breasted Nuthatch, 1; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 1; Carolina Wren, 2; Mock- ingbird, 16; Catbird, 2; Brown Thrasher, 8; Wood Thrush, 2; Eastern Blue- bird, 4; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 5; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1; Cedar Waxwing, 1; Loggerhead Shrike, 5; Starling, 18; White-eyed Vireo, 3; Yellow-throated Vireo, 1; Red-eyed Vireo, 5; Black-and-white Warbler, 1; Prothonotary Warbler, 4; Parula Warbler, 5; Yellow Warbler, 1; Myrtle Warbler, 12; Prairie Warbler, 4; Ovenbird, 1; Yellowthroat, 4; Hooded Warbler, 3; American Redstart, 3; House Sparrow, 41; Bobolink, 90; Eastern Meadow- lark, 25; Redwinged Blackbird, 39; Orchard Oriole, 3; Rusty Blackbird, 40; Brewer’s Blackbird, 8; Common Grackle, 29; Brown-headed Cowbird, 1; Scarlet Tanager, 1; Summer Tanager, 3; Cardinal, 21; Blue Grosbeak, 6; Indigo Bunting, 10; American Goldfinch, 9; Rufus-sided Towhee, 8; Savan- September, 1962 63 nah Sparrow, 11; Grasshopper Sparrow, 2; Chipping Sparrow, 13; Field Sparrow, 10; White-throated Sparrow, 7; Song Sparrow, 1. Total species, 86; total individuals, 717. Seen in count area the same week: Painted Bunt- ing, 1; Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 1; Cattle Egret, 26; Winter Wren, 1; Chuck- will’s-widow calling. — Kay Curtis Sisson, Annie Rivers Faver (compiler). Fayetteville, N. C. (area, 7% mile radius, centering just north of city on Raleigh Road, deciduous-pine woods, lakes and ponds, open field and farm land, city lawns). May 6, 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Hot, dry and sunny, whole area parched by drought, temp. 75° to 95°. Total observers 15, in five party groups. Total party hours, 30; total individual hours, 117; total party miles, 175 (car, 161; foot, 14). Mallard, 11; Wood Duck, 14; Turkey Vulture, 2; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Osprey, 1; Bobwhite, 63; Killdeer, 1; Spotted Sandpiper, 3; Lesser Yellowlegs, 3; Least Sandpiper, 3; Mourning Dove, 120; Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 1; Black-billed Cuckoo, 1; Barred Owl, 3; Chuck-will’s-widow, 3; Nighthawk, 3; Chimney Swift, 45; Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 3; Belted Kingfisher, 3; Yellow-shafted Flicker, 19; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 27; Red-headed Woodpecker, 15; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 14; Red-cockaded Woodpecker, 2; Eastern Kingbird, 35; Crested Flycatcher, 30; Acadian Flycatcher, 8; Wood Pewee, 35; Horned Lark, 2; Rough-winged Swallow, 2; Purple Martin, 6; Blue Jay, 129; Common Crow, 37; Carolina Chickadee, 23; Tufted Titmouse, 30; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Brown- headed Nuthatch, 4; Carolina Wren, 32; Mockingbird, 70; Catbird, 29; Brown Thrasher, 64; Robin, 88; Wood Thrush, 43; Eastern Bluebird, 1; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 8; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 5; Cedar Waxwing, 31; Loggerhead Shrike, 29; Starling, 355; White-eyed Vireo, 16; Yellow-throated Vireo, 6; Red-eyed Vireo, 53; Prothonotary Warbler, 9; Parula Warbler, 15; Yellow Warbler, 1; Magnolia Warbler, 1; Black-throated Blue Warbler, 8; Myrtle Warbler, 18; Yellow-throated Warbler, 4; Blackpoll Warbler, 3; Pine Warbler, 9; Prairie Warbler, 9; Ovenbird, 1; Northern Waterthrush, 2; Louisiana Waterthrush, 7; Yellowthroat, 21; Yellow-breasted Chat, 2; Hooded Warbler, 9; American Redstart, 7; House Sparrow, 240; Eastern Meadowlark, 101; Red-winged Blackbird, 82; Orchard Oriole, 23; Baltimore Oriole, 2; Rusty Blackbird, 25; Common Grackle, 135; Brown-headed Cow- bird, 35; Summer Tanager, 45; Cardinal, 99; Blue Grosbeak, 14; Indigo Bunting, 4; Evening Grosbeak, 2; American Goldfinch, 29; Rufous-sided Towhee, 45; Chipping Sparrow, 26; White-crowned Sparrow, 1; White- throated Sparrow, 9; Song Sparrow, 1. Total species, 91; total individuals, 1019, (Seen during week but not recorded on day of Count: Cattle Egret (May 5), Black Vulture, Barn Swallow, Palm Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Field Sparrow. — Mrs. L. E. Whitfield, Mrs. Chester Williams, Mrs. John Oates, Mrs. J. A. Shaw, Mrs. Sam Rankin, Mrs. N. A. Currie, Jr., Mrs. J. E. Courtney, Mrs. R. M. Lilly, Mrs. Charles T. Haigh, Mrs. Charles T. Haigh, Jr., Mrs. Roscoe Hauser, Jr. (compiler), Miss Helen McGeachy, Miss Lillie Poe, Mr. Henry Rankin, Miss Catsie Huske (President). Greensboro, N. C. (area same as in Christmas Counts, centering y2 mile SW of WBIG transmitter). — May 5; 4 AM to 7 PM. Partly cloudy to clear; temp. 54° to 82°; wind NE, 7-15 mph. Twenty-seven observers in 8 parties. Total party hours, 90 V2; total party miles, 348 (305 by car 43 by foot). Common Loon, 1; Great Blue Heron, 6; Green Heron, 5; Mallard, 4; Blue-winged Teal, 9; Wood Duck, 22; Lesser Scaup, 3; Turkey Vulture, 13; Black Vulture, 2; Red-tailed Hawk, 4; Broad-winged Hawk, 3; Osprey, 1; Bobwhite, 113; American Coot, 2; Killdeer, 6; Common Snipe, 3; Spotted Sandpiper, 17; Solitary Sandpiper, 13; Greater Yellowlegs, 9; Lesser Yellowlegs, 11; Semipalmated Sandpiper, 1; Ring-billed Gull, 14; Mourning Dove, 156; Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 9; Black-billed Cuckoo, 1; Barn Owl, 1; Barred Owl, 4; Whip-poor-will, 14; Common Nighthawk, 17; Chimney Swift, 94; Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 11; Belted Kingfisher, 4; Yellow-shafted Flicker, 42; Pileated Woodpecker, 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 56; Red- 64 The Chat headed Woodpecker, 12; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 28; Eastern Kingbird 18; Great Crested Flycatcher, 43; Eastern Phoebe, 25; Acadian Flycatcher, 18; Eastern Wood Pewee, 26; Horned Lark, 4; Tree Swallow 6; Bank Swallow, 5; Rough-winged Swallow, 13; Barn Swallow, 22; Purple Martin, 17; Blue Jay, 130; Common Crow, 104; Carolina Chickadee, 98; Tufted Titmouse, 79; White-breasted Nut- hatch, 30; Brown-Headed Nuthatch, 18; House Wren, 21; Carolina Wren, 30; Mockingbird, 197; Catbird, 72; Brown Thrasher, 50; Robin, 193; Wood Thrush, 165; Hermit Thrush, 1; Swainson’s Thrush, 48; Gray-cheeked Thrush, 2; Veery, 6; Eastern Bluebird, 9; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 57; Cedar Waxwing, 63; Loggerhead Shrike, 24; Starling, 529; White-eyed Vireo, 31; Yellow-throated Vireo, 37; Solitary Vireo, 1; Red-eyed Vireo, 108; Black- and-white Warbler, 12; Prothonotary Warbler, 10; Worm-eating Warbler, 4; Parula Warbler, 23; Yellow Warbler, 27; Magnolia Warbler, 3; Cape May Warbler, 2; Black-throated Blue Warbler, 8; Myrtle Warbler, 78; Black-throated Green Warbler, 2; Yellow-throated Warbler, 16; Blackpoll Warbler 1; Pine Warbler 15; Prairie Warbler, 36; Ovenbird, 79; Northern Waterthrush, 3; Louisiana Waterthrush, 8; Kentucky Warbler, 12; Yellow- throat, 102; Yellow-breasted Chat, 47; Hooded Warbler, 39; Canada Warbler, 1; American Redstart, 42; House Sparrow, 483; Bobolink, 425; Eastern Meadowlark, 145; Redwinged Blackbird, 231; Orchard Oriole, 18; Baltimore Oriole, 8; Common Grackle, 272; Brown-headed Cowbird, 47; Scarlet Tanager, 15; Summer Tanager, 35; Cardinal, 235; Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 2; Blue Grosbeak, 20; Indigo Bunting, 57; Pine Siskin, 56; American Gold- finch, 109; Rufous-sided Towhee, 121; Savannah Sparrow, 1; Grasshopper Sparrow, 25; Bachman’s Sparrow, 1; Chipping Sparrow, 67; Field Sparrow, 42; White-crowned Sparrow, 3; White-throated Sparrow, 48; Song Sparrow, 61. Total species, 124; total individuals, 6,280. — Mrs. David Cason, Mrs. Ellene Cobb, Inez Coldwell, Larry Crawford, Kelly Culbreth, Mr. & Mrs. G. W. Daniels, Charlotte Dawley, Brad Hawkins (compiler), Mrs. J. L. Hege, Bruce Kappel, Robert Lasley, Mrs. Robert McCoy, Ethel McNairy, Dr. & Mrs. F. McNutt, Ida Mitchell, Elizabeth Ogburn, Mr. & Mrs. George Perrett, Mrs. C. Prince, Mr. & Mrs. C. I. Reed, Etta Schiffman, George Smith, Thomas Street. (The Piedmont Bird Club) Henderson, N. C. (area included all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 1 mile north of Henderson on Highway 39, wooded area near streams, 30%, back yard 10%, lake front 20%, meadows 40%). — May 5; 7 AM to 4 PM. — Pleasant; temp. 60° to 76°; wind about 8 mph. Ten observers; party data not given. Common Loon, 1; Great Blue Heron, 2; Turkey Vulture, 2; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Osprey, 1; Bobwhite, 17; Upland Plover, 1; Spotted Sandpiper, 3; Mourning Dove, 17; Whip-poor-will, 4; Chimney Swift, 18; Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 2; Belted Kingfisher, 3; Yellow-shafted Flicker, 6; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 4; Eastern Kingbird, 16; Great Crested Flycatcher, 8; Eastern Phoebe, 3; Acadian Flycatcher, 7; Eastern Wood Pewee, 5; Tree Swallow, 2; Rough-winged Swallow, 2; Barn Swallow, 1; Blue Jay, 22; Common Crow, 11; Carolina Chickadee, 5; Tufted Titmouse, 10; White- breasted Nuthatch, 1; House Wren, 2; Carolina Wren, 4; Mockingbird, 28; Catbird, 10; Brown Thrasher, 11; Robin, 21; Wood Thrush, 12; Eastern Bluebird, 4; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 8; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2; Logger- head Shrike, 10; Starling, 200; White-eyed Vireo, 12; Yellow- throated Vireo, 5; Red-eyed Vireo, 25; Black-and-white Warbler, 2; Parula Warbler, 8; Yellow Warbler, 5; Black-throated Blue Warbler, 2; Myrtle Warbler, 35; Yellow- throated Warbler, 2; Chestnut-sided Warbler, 1; Bay-breasted Warbler, 1; Blackpoll Warbler, 8; Pine Warbler, 10; Prairie Warbler, 26; Ovenbird, 9; Louisiana Waterthrush, 2; Kentucky Warbler, 5; Yellow- throat, 5; Yellow-breasted Chat, 10; Hooded Warbler, 10; Canada Warbler, 1; American Redstart, 26; House Sparrow, 30; Bobolink, 12; Eastern Meadowlark, 41; Red-winged Blackbird, 15; Orchard Oriole, 2; Common September, 1962 65 Grackle, 6; Brown-headed Cowbird, 12; Scarlet Tanager, 1; Summer Tanager, 11; Cardinal, 24; Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 4; Blue Grosbeak, 1; Indigo Bunting, 12; Evening Grosbeak, 1; American Goldfinch, 40; Rufous- sided Towhee, 16; Savannah Sparrow, 1; Chipping Sparrow, 12; Field Sparrow, 6; White-throated Sparrow, 4; Swamp Sparrow, 2. Total species, 85; total individuals, 965. (Seen in the area on May 6: Chestnut-sided Warbler, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; on May 7: Bay-breasted Warbler, 1). — Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Bachman, Mr. and Mrs. James Blalock, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Conderman, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Meadows, Mariel Gary (compiler), Garnette Myers. Jefferson, N. C. (area centers at Hurt’s farmhouse in Nathan’s Creek community as in former years). — May 6; 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM Clear; temp. 62° to 65°. Seven observers in two parties. Total party-hours, 18 (16% on foot, 1% by car); total party-miles, 41 (22 on foot, 19 by car). Louisiana Heron, 1; Turkey Vulture, 2; Ruffed Grouse. 1; Bobwhite, 1; Spotted Sand- piper, 1; Mourning Dove, 1; Whip-poor-will, 1; Chimney Swift, 13; Ruby- throated Hummingbird, 5; Yellow-shafted Flicker, 8; Pileated Woodpecker, 1; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 18; Eastern Kingbird, 7; Great Crested Flycatcher, 8; Eastern Phoebe, 12; Least Flycatcher, 6; Eastern Wood Pewee, 4; Horned Lark, 1; Bank Swallow, 1; Rough-winged Swallow, 12; Barn Swallow, 27; Cliff Swallow, 5; Blue Jay, 21; Common Crow, 29; Carolina Chickadee, 5; Tufted Titmouse, 10; White- breasted Nuthatch, 6; House Wren, 13; Carolina Wren, 2; Catbird, 30; Brown Thrasher, 15; Robin, 15; Wood Thrush, 4; Eastern Bluebird, 10; Blue- gray Gnatcatcher, 8; Starling, 12; Yellow-throated Vireo, 6; Red-eyed Vireo, 4; Warbling Vireo, 1; Black-and-white Warbler, 10; Yellow Warbler, 21; Myrtle Warbler, 11; Chestnut-sided Warbler, 2; Ovenbird, 4; Yellowthroat, 2; Yellow-breasted Chat, 8; Hooded Warbler, 1; Wilson’s Warbler, 2; American Redstart, 4; House Sparrow, 63; Eastern Meadowlark, 3; Red- winged Blackbird, 38; Orchard Oriole, 3; Baltimore Oriole, 20; Common Grackle, 17; Brown-headed Cowbird, 12; Scarlet Tanager, 14; Cardinal, 24; Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 4; Indigo Bunting, 25; American Goldfinch, 5; Rufous-sided Towhee, 15; Grasshopper Sparrow, 6; Vesper Sparrow, 4; Chipping Sparrow, 35; Field Sparrow, 14; White-throated Sparrow, 14; Song Sparrow, 26. Total species, 70; total individuals, 737. Making our count run higher last year was a large number of Chimney Swifts around the flues at Ashe Central School. None was there this year. The Ruffed Grouse had a nest of 16 eggs. Nest was observed before count. After count day incubation was found to be a success. Seen in area during week before count: Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 1, Black-billed Cuckoo, 1, Acadian Flycatcher, 1, seen during week after count: Bay-breasted Warbler, 1; Blackpoll Warbler, 1; Palm Warbler, 1; Bobolink, 71; Dickcissel, 1. — Mr. and Mrs. Phil Eckman, Mrs. A. B. Hurt (compiler). Mrs Beulah Kiser, Alice Lyall, Truitt Weaver, Mike Welch. New London, Stanly County, N. C. (area included a 15-mile diameter circle centered about two miles northwest of Badin, open fields 40%, ponds and lakes 15%, mixed woods and hedges 25%, city lawns 20%). April 28, 5 AM to 7 PM. Sky overcast, later clearing; temp. 60° to 82°; wind SE 2 mph in the afternoon. Six observers in four parties. Total party-hours, 72 (37% on foot, 34% by car); total party-miles, 356. Great Blue Heron, 1; Blue-winged Teal, 1; Green Heron, 1; Wood Duck, 3; Turkey Vulture, 15; Black Vulture, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 4; Red-shouldered Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 2; Bobwhite, 58; Killdeer, 16; Common Snipe, 4; Spotted Sandpiper, 6; Ring-billed Gull, 7; Mourning Dove, 44; Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 3; Screech Owl, 1; Great Horned Owl, 1; Whip-poor-will, 3; Chimney Swift, 55; Ruby- throated Hummingbird, 7; Belted Kingfisher, 1; Yellow-shafted Flicker, 31; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 14; Red-headed Woodpecker, 3; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 18; Red-cockaded Woodpecker, 1; Eastern Kingbird, 14; Great Crested Flycatcher, 22; Eastern 66 The Chat Phoebe, 20; Acadian Flycatcher, 2; Eastern Wood Pewee, 20; Horned Lark, 4; Tree Swallow, 1; Rough-winged Swallow, 16; Barn Swallow, 9; Blue Jay, 181; Common Crow, 50; Carolina Chickadee, 52; Tufted Titmouse, 54; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 9; Brown Creeper, 1; House Wren, 4; Carolina Wren, 50; Mockingbird, 120; Catbird, 15; Brown Thrasher, 60; Robin, 116; Wood Thrush, 61; Eastern Bluebird, 26; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 13; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 4; Cedar Waxwing, 92; Loggerhead Shrike, 33; Starling, 123; White-eyed Vireo, 37; Yellow- throated Vireo, 9; Red-eyed Vireo, 40; Black-and-white Warbler, 6; Pro- thonotary Warbler, 1; Blue- winged Warbler, 1; (JUW, VW) Parula Warb- ler, 1; Yellow Warbler, 10; Myrtle Warbler, 40; Black-throated Green Warbler, 1; Yellow-throated Warbler, 6; Pine Warbler, 23; Prairie Warbler, 37; Palm Warbler, 1; Ovenbird, 1; Louisiana Waterthrush, 5; Kentucky Warbler, 1; Yellowthroat, 27; Yellow-breasted Chat, 6; Hooded Warbler, 4; American Redstart, 7; House Sparrow, 578; Bobolink, 2; Eastern Meadowlark, 139; Redwinged Blackbird, 169; Orchard Oriole, 10; Common Grackle, 51; Brown-headed Cowbird, 17; Scarlet Tanager, 1; Summer Tanager, 31; Cardinal, 218; Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 1; Blue Grosbeak, 5; Indigo Bunting, 10; Evening Grosbeak, 121; Purple Finch, 10; Pine Siskin, 17; American Goldfinch, 311; Rufous-sided Towhee, 32; Savannah Sparrow, 1; Grasshopper Sparrow, 22; Slate-colored Junco, 2; Chipping Sparrow, 183; Field Sparrow, 33; White-throated Sparrow, 102; Swamp Sparrow, 2; Song Sparrow, 1. Total species, 104; total individuals, 4130. — Mrs. Barrett Crook (compiler), Mrs. John Whitlock, Ervin Poplin, Donald Maner, G. M. Hathcock, Mrs. L. A. Price, Mr. and Mrs. Wade Crowell, P. E. Book, Mrs. Ruth Kearns, Mrs. William Mount, Mrs. George Pickier, Mrs. Myrtle Isenhour, Mrs. John Crawley, Mrs. Jim Thompson, Spencer Plyler, Paine Misenheimer, George Culp, Miss Vera Mason, Allen Culp, B. B. Ven- ters, Mrs. Claude Hinson, Miss Bennie Winget, Mr. and Mrs. S. R. Boyce, Barrett Crook, John U. Whitlock, Roy Blalock, Mrs. Kemp Littleton. Raleigh, N. C. (area same as in Christmas Counts). — May 4; Clear most of day, partly cloudy in late PM; calm; temp. 45° -80°; other data not given. Turkey Vulture, 6; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 2; Bobwhite, 45; Killdeer, 4; Spotted Sandpiper, 1; Greater Yellowlegs, 1; Whip-poor- will, 1; Nighthawk, 6; Chimney Swift, 25; Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 2; Belted Kingfisher, 1; Yellow-shafted Flicker, 16; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 6; Red-headed Woodpecker, 4; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 3; King Bird, 2; Great Crested Flycatcher, 8; Eastern Phoebe, 2; Acadian Flycatcher, 2; Least Flycatcher, 1; Eastern Wood Pewee, 6; Tree Swallow, 4; Rough-winged Swallow, 12; Barn Swallow, 16; Purple Martin, 16; Blue Jay, 58; Common Crow, 20; Carolina Chickadee, 6; Tufted Titmouse, 12; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 2; House Wren, 2; Carolina Wren, 18; Mocking- bird, 36; Catbird, 10; Brown Thrasher, 12; Robin, 35; Wood Thrush, 18; Hermit Thrush, 2; Eastern Bluebird, 2; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 2; Logger- head Shrike, 6; Starling, 1200; White-eyed Vireo, 6; Yellow-throated Vireo, 2; Red-eyed Vireo, 12; Black-and-white Warbler, 2; Parula Warbler, 2; Yellow Warbler, 2; Magnolia Warbler, 1; Black-throated Blue Warbler, 2; Myrtle Warbler, 8; Blackpoll Warbler, 2; Pine Warbler, 6; Prairie Warbler, 3; Ovenbird, 6; Kentucky Warbler, 2; Yellowthroat, 4; Yellow-breasted Chat, 10; Hooded Warbler, 4; American Redstart, 2; House Sparrow, 600; Bobolink, 150; Meadowlark, 60; Redwinged Blackbird, 250; Orchard Oriole, 6; Common Grackle, 10; Cowbird, 12; Scarlet Tanager, 2; Summer Tanager, 8; Cardinal, 45; Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 1; Blue Grosbeak, 6; Indigo Bunt- ing, 12; Dickcissel, 1; American Goldfinch, 14; Rufous-sided Towhee, 25; Savannah Sparrow, 6; Grasshopper Sparrow, 2; Bachman’s Sparrow, 2; Chipping Sparrow, 10; Field Sparrow, 36; White-throated Sparrow, 45; Swamp Sparrow, 4; Song Sparrow, 6. Total species, 86; total individuals, 3025. — D. L. Wray (compiler), J. F. Greene, J. W. Johnson, Mrs. D. L. Wray, Steven Johnson. September, 1962 67 Wilmington, N. C. (area same as in Christmas Counts; Carolina Beach and Orton Plantation not covered this year). — Apr. 28; 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Clear; temp. 55° to 74°; wind ENE 10 mph. Nine observers in four parties. Total party-hours 48; total party-miles 170 (18 on foot, 152 by car). Common Loon, 1; Brown Pelican, 4; Double-crested Cormorant, 6; Great Blue Heron, 5; Green Heron, 6; Little Blue Heron, 5; Cattle Egret, 4; Com- mon Egret, 11; Snowy Egret, 8; Louisiana Heron, 1; Canada Goose, 50; Wood Duck, 2; Lesser Scaup, 21; Bufflehead, 1; Red-breasted Merganser, 1; Turkey Vulture, 1; Bald Eagle, 1; Osprey, 14; Bobwhite, 63; Clapper Rail, 23; Sora, 1; American Oystercatcher, 3; Semipalmated Plover, 127; Wilson’s Plover, 10; Killdeer, 6; Black-bellied Plover, 61; Ruddy Turnstone, 1; Common Snipe, 1; Whimbrel, 7; Willet, 151; Greater Yellowlegs, 30; Lesser Yellowlegs, 3; Knot, 6; Dunlin, 125; Least Sandpiper, 2; Dowitcher sp., 20; Semipalmated Sandpiper, 12; Western Sandpiper, 3; Sanderling, 26; Black-necked Stilt, 1; Herring Gull, 150; Ring-billed Gull, 85; Laughing Gull, 35; Bonaparte’s Gull, 1; Gull-billed Tern, 2; Forster’s Tern, 7; Com- mon Tern, 3; Least Tern, 126; Royal Tern, 8; Caspian Tern, 4; Black Skimmer, 35; Mourning Dove, 47; Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 6; Chimney Swift, 12; Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 3; Belted Kingfisher, 3; Yellow-shafted Flicker, 22; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 22; Red-headed Woodpecker, 38; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 4; Red-cockaded Woodpecker, 9; East- ern K'ngbYd, 8; Great Crested Flycatcher, 24; Wood Pewee, 1; Tree Swallow, 350; Barn Swallow, 218; Purple Martin, 106; Blue Jay, 150; Com- mon Crow, 20; Fish Crow, 52; Carolina Chickadee, 8; Tufted Titmouse, 18; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 30; Carolina Wren, 17; Short-bTled Marsh Wren, 1; Long-billed Marsh Wren, 1; Mockingbird, 157; Catbird, 21; Brown Thrasher, 60; Robin, 3; Wood Thrush, 31; Hermit Thrush, 4; Eastern Blue- bird, 7; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 7; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1; Cedar Wax- wing, 48; Loggerhead Shrike, 6; Starling, 253; White-eyed Vireo, 11; Yellow- throated Vireo, 3; Red-eyed Vireo, 32; Black-and-white Warbler, 1; Pro- thonotary Warbler, 6; Parula Warbler, 60; Myrtle Warbler, 38; Black-throated Green Warbler, 1; Yellow-throated Warbler, 5; Pine Warbler, 9; Prairie Warbler, 15; Kentucky Warbler, 1; Yellowthroat, 25; Yellow-breasted Chat, 3; House Sparrow, 485; Eastern Meadowlark, 76; Redwinged Blackbird, 577; Orchard Oriole, 23; Baltimore Oriole, 1; Boat-tailed Grackle, 167; Common Grackle, 67; Brown-headed Cowbird, 8; Summer Tanager, 7; Cardinal, 224; Blue Grosbeak, 2; Indigo Bunting, 7; Painted Bunting, 23; American Goldfinch, 50; Rufous-sided Towhee, 89; Savannah Sparrow, 182; Grasshopper Sparrow, 2; Seaside Sparrow, 11; Slate-colored Junco, 2; Chipping Sparrow, 49; Field Sparrow, 5; White-throated Sparrow, 53; Swamp Sparrow, 2. Total species, 126; total individuals, 5359. — Mrs. Sam Alexander, Mrs. Sam Earle, Betty Everson, Mr. Harry Latimer, Polly Mebane (compiler), Mr. S. J. Moore, Mrs. S. J. Moore, Marie Vander Schalie, Mrs. Mary Urich. Winston-Salem, N. C. (restricted Christmas Count area including City Lake, Washington Park, Reynolda, County Farm and Tanglewood Park).— May 12; 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Partly cloudy, temp. 58° to 75°; wind SE-E- NNE, 0-10 mph. Five observers in three parties. Total party-hours, 33 (25 on foot, 8 by car); total party-miles, 70 (15 on foot, 55 by car). Great Blue Heron, 1; Wood Duck, 23 (including 18 young); Lesser Scaup Duck, 1; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Bobwhite, 22; Ruddy Turnstone, 1 (HC); Spotted Sandpiper, 3; Solitary Sandpiper, 1; Ring-billed Gull, 3; Mourning Dove, 28; Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 1; Great Horned Owl, 1; Barred Owl, 1; Whip-poor-will, 6; Robin, 75; Common Nighthawk, 10; Chimney Swift, 18; Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 1; Yellow-shafted Flicker, 9; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 6; Red-headed Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 5; Eastern Kingbird, 8; Great Crested Flycatcher, 5; Eastern Phoebe, 8; Acadian Flycatcher, 8; Least Flycatcher, 1; Eastern Wood Pewee, 13; Horned Lark, 1; Rough-winged Swallow, 1; Barn Swallow, 1; Cliff Swallow, 68 The Chat 1; Purple Martin, 5; Blue Jay, 37; Common Crow, 26; Carolina Chickadee, 10; Tufted Titmouse, 20; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Brown-headed Nut- hatch, 2; House Wren, 2; Carolina Wren, 11; Mockingbird, 40; Catbird, 23; Brown Thrasher, 23; Wood Thrush, 30; Swainson’s Thrush, 18; Veery, 1; Eastern Bluebird, 4; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 5; Cedar Waxwing, 65; Logger- head Shrike, 7; Starling, 105; White-eyed Vireo, 2; Red-eyed Vireo, 19; Black-and-white Warbler, 1; Parula Warbler, 10; Yellow Warbler, 4; Mag- nolia Warbler, 16; Black-throated Blue Warbler, 2; Myrtle Warbler, 15; Black-throated Green Warbler, 1; Yellow-throated Warbler, 1; Chestnut- sided Warbler, 2; Bay-breasted Warbler, 1; Pine Warbler, 2; Prairie Warb- ler, 9; Palm Warbler, 1; Ovenbird, 10; Yellowthroat, 13; Yellow-breasted Chat, 5; Hooded Warbler, 19, Canada Warbler, 6; American Redstart, 30, House Sparrow, 40; Eastern Meadowlark, 25; Redwinged Blackbird, 55; Orchard Oriole, 1; Common Grackle, 66; Brown-headed Cowbird, 3; Scarlet Tanager, 1; Summer Tanager, 4; Cardinal, 50; Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 1; Blue Grosbeak, 8; Indigo Bunting, 6; American Goldfinch, 10; Rufous-sided Towhee, 26; Grasshopper Sparrow, 1; Chipping Sparrow, 65; White- throated Sparrow, 6; Song Sparrow, 10. Total species, 91; total individuals, 1251. — L. Hartsell Cash, Charles M. Frost, Mr. and Mrs. Gardner Gidley, R. H. Witherington (compiler). September, 1962 69 Sometimes gathering material for this department becomes quite a prob- lem. Letters arrive just after the manuscript for the current issue has been sent in to the Editor. I have tried to keep the contents in accord with the time of the year, since we have spring, summer, fall, and winter issues. So, please submit material as soon as possible after receiving a Chat. The following letter is of interest: We are an elderly couple who have always been interested in nature: birds, flowers and insects. We live in a large grove and I spent a good part of last summer on a cot under a very large maple tree. One afternoon I looked up as a Hummingbird lit on a limb about ten feet over my head. She was building a nest! She would put lint in the nest and pack it with her feet. The nest was about two-thirds done when I first saw her and we watched until the littles ones left. I have the nest here beside me as I write. It is a wonderful piece of work, only an inch in diameter and an inch tall. The cup for the eggs is only three-fourths of an inch across and one-half inch deep. It looks like a knot on a limb, and when the bird sat on the nest she turned her bill in line with the limb. — Mrs. Frank Love, Kenbridge, Virginia How many species of songbirds come to visit your feeders during the course of a year? If you do not know, begin this fall and keep a record. Mr. and Mrs. George Cathay, of Tryon, N. C. tell us that they are bird- watching all the time and that they fed sixty-two species at their feeding stations this past year. Can you top this? This department would like reports on housing projects for Bluebirds and Purple Martins. Unless you intend to make a long paper and a de- tailed study on the results of offering the boxes, we would like to know about them for this section of your bulletin. I know of two yards in which two broods of Bluebirds were hatched and reared successfully. I really believe bluebirds fare better than martins, for there are very few houses or even gourds in this entire neighborhood. One home near a pond has many bird houses that were put up more or less for ornaments. Since they are quite high, they have been used by the martins, which like to feed over the water. Please, won’t every reader who lives on a farm put up either a house or a pole of large gourds for martins before February? Martins arrive in early spring and like to find a home waiting for them. Written into a report on Evening Grosbeaks sent the GFN department was an interesting account of an injured male bird that was cared for and nursed back to health by Miss Helen Keller Wintyen of Southern Pines, N. C. She wrote as follows: 70 The Chat April 6. This is the day I brought an injured male home, putting him in a screened pen out in a small enclosure .... wing, hurt; no tail; foot, hurt; side of neck, slightly torn. Able to eat, drink, and chirp. April 16. From 8 AM until 2 PM a couple of other grosbeaks were eating with my injured male, which I let out of the wire pen for at least two hours a day to strengthen his wing. He could flutter, hop, drink and eat in a space of an 8' x 10' enclosure. April 2U- After the male had been out for two hours in the enclosure, I went to put him in his pen, but as always sort of urged him either to fly or flutter across the enclosure. This time, at 2:30, he did, and landed on the wall. From there he soared to the yard beyond and I followed him. He then went to a Carolina cherry tree in our back yard and perched there for some time. I decided that this was it, so I watched him until 7 that night and found that he had gone quite high, so I knew no cat could get him, and he then looked as though settled for the night. Early the next morning I went out, and the bird was gone. From S. K. Patterson, CBC member from Concord, N. C., the following came to me as a clipping from the Concord Tribune for May 13, 1962 : The L. B. Preslar family, whose home is at 70 Glendale, watched the building of a robin nest and the hatching of the baby birds with interest. Preslar, in fact, took care in trimming the hedge not to touch that por- tion in which the nest was concealed. But a strange thing happened. Parent robins, usually so concerned about their young, disappeared, leaving the nestlings to fend for themselves. “I don’t know what happened to them,” said Preslar, “whether they were killed or wehther one was killed and the other left. Or perhaps some- thing drove or scared them away.” What was to happen to the baby robins, now deserted? The Preslars were concerned. But their concern was short lived, for a new set of parents moved in to take charge. “And,” said Preslar, “the adoptive parents were not robins, but Cardinals! “A pair of cardinals just took over the job of raising those baby robins.” Following this same line of thought, Mrs. F. S. Price of Eastover told me recently that she had had in her yard an instance of a Mockingbird having adopted a baby Brown Thrasher, even though the parent thrashers were still living. The birds would come to pick up scraps of food around the pans she put in the yard containing food for her cats and dog. The mocking- birds had brought their fledglings and the young thrashers had come, too. Then the mockers began feeding the young thrasher and would chase the parent away. Possibly its own young had been lost or had grown up and gone away. In the middle of winter, once years ago, I remembered standing at the kitchen window and watching the birds outside. It was cold and rainy and I had just put out fresh biscuit crumbs and grain on the window feeder. There was a ladder outside the other window. As I watched, a very dull- looking White-throated Sparrow flew in and perched on a step of the ladder. Suddenly a female Cardinal flew to the feeder, got some biscuit and hopped to the ladder near the sparrow. The sparrow immediately opened its beak and begged, and into its beak the cardinal popped the bread! After having been absent from the meetings of CBC for several years, I was delighted when I was able to attend the Cashiers gathering. It was so wonderful to meet old friends and make so many new ones. A vacant spot was left unfilled when we realized that so many who had gathered with us in former years were not there. We looked in vain for first one and then another, only to be told that their names were not on the list. We really missed them, and hope that many will be back soon. After the close of the CBC session, Mrs. Sisson and I turned our car toward the Great Smoky Mountains on Sunday morning. We drove slowly, listening September, 1962 71 for warblers as we went. We kept riding and climbing, stopping when we saw something that attracted our attention. Finally, in the late evening, we arrived at the mountain-top home of Arthur Stupka near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. No one was at home, but .... taking over their bird-feeder were five or six male Brown-headed Cowbirds! To find them there amazed me. It made me wonder about the distribution and the nesting of Brown- headed Cowbirds in our two Carolinas. It may have been ordinary for them to have been there, and I just didn’t know it. Will some interested persons inform me, please, if cowbirds are in your territory, in which months, and if there is any indication of nesting, and in which nests are their eggs found? The blackbirds that I have seen around cows during the summer here in the center of South Carolina have been all Starlings. But I will keep looking. — A. R. Faver, Dept. Editor, Eastover, S. C. 72 The Chat GENERAL FIELD NOTES Advisory Council: E. Burnham Chamberlain, Thomas W. Simpson, MD., Wendell P. Smith, Ivan R. Tomkins, Robert L. Wolff. Department Editor: B. R. Chamberlain, Wadmalaw Island, S. C. This department will carry noteworthy data to the extent of the allotted space. Bare lists of occurrences, unless of special interest, will be held for publication in regional groupings. All material should be sent to the Department Editor. It may be presented in final form or subject to re-write. The normal dead-line for any issue is six weeks prior to the issue date. Data must be complete enough to enable the Council to render decisions. Cory’s Shearwater off the South Carolina Coast. — On the morning of June 19, 1962, my family and I were trolling 23 miles off the Murrell’s Inlet sea buoy, on a course of 120 degrees when we sighted a shearwater coming up on the stern of the boat, “Georgia May.” We watched the bird, with and without binoculars, for fully five minutes as it alternately wheeled and sailed downwind without a perceptible wing movement. We carefully checked all field marks and were satisfied that it was a Cory’s Shearwater ( Puffinus diomedea) . Again, on June 24, 1962, we were fishing approximately 7 miles due east of Pawley’s Island, South Carolina, when we saw a Cory’s Shear- water feeding with Royal Terns on menhaden over a school of king mackerel. This bird fished upwind part of the time and alternated gliding with flapping. It lit on the water and picked up a piece of menhaden cut up by the mackerel. The yellow color and the shape of its bill were plainly visible. South Carolina Bird Life (Sprunt and Chamberlain, 1949) states that large numbers of Cory’s Shearwaters were seen off the South Carolina coast during the summer of 1940 and that one was found dead on the Isle of Palms on August 11 of that year. The present June record appears to be early. — Mrs. Ellison D. Smith, 1626 Shady Lane , Columbia, South Carolina, June 28, 1962. Cattle Egrets Feeding Behind a Plow. — Since the fall of 1960 the Cattle Egret ( Bubulcus ibis) has been in Beaufort County, North Carolina officially ( Chat 25:2,21, 1961). Confirmed reports have placed a few individuals in scattered spots at all seasons since that time. Early in April questions began to arise in my classroom concerning the egrets, and, to stimulate interest, I located some pictures and put them on the main bulletin board. Then came several reports, one of which I checked out on April 17. The afternoon was cold, cloudy, and windy, and we found the birds. They seemed more like “Tractor Egrets” than Cattle Egrets that day because they were accompanying gulls in fields that were being plowed. They would wait until the tractors nearly touched them, then fly up and light just behind the plow, picking at the grubs and sometimes a worm that was turned up. There were one to four in each field, and I counted 20 September, 1962 73 that afternoon in different places in the same area. During the next two weeks I had reports of the same behavior with as many as six egrets in one field. This is one of their many adaptabilities I have not seen mentioned in the little literature that is available to me. As the weather warmed up the birds returned to the cattle, and I received reports of as many as 22 in one pasture and six in another, with individuals scattered in other places in our area. I have discovered a Cattle Egret roosting place across the Pamlico River from my house, and plan to report upon the activities there soon. — Geraldine Cox, Box U69, Washington , North Carolina, May 16, 1962. Cattle Egret Observations. — For the past few years I have been quite interested in the expansion in both numbers and range of the Cattle Egret ( Bubulcus ibis). In the summer of 1960 a flock of these birds ranged with a herd of cattle at North River Marsh in Carteret County, near Beau- fort, North Carolina. Their number was estimated at less than 50. The following summer (1961) there were several flocks in the More- head City-Beaufort, N. C., area. These egrets successfully nested on Starva- tion Island north of the causeway, where we banded 15 nestlings. On several occasions we counted 80 or more adult birds feeding with the cattle at the intersection of the Merrimon Road and the highway to Atlantic, N. C. These birds stayed in this area until the last week in September before migrating south. In 1962, they arrived in the Fort Landing area of Tyrrell County, North Carolina, on April 24. An April 29, John Minges, Robert Rogers, and I saw 31 adults feeding with white-faced cattle in a pasture at Fort Landing. On the same afternoon we also saw 14 adults in a pasture between Cres- well and Roper, in Washington County, and six adults with cattle between Plymouth and Jamesville in Martin County. On April 30, 1962, Jim Formyduval saw a flock of 17 adults in a pasture three miles north of Roanoke Rapids, Halifax County. On May 2, Dr. Thomas Smithson, Dan Knight, and I discovered ten adults in a pasture at Woodville, in Bertie County. Seeing these birds in so many different locations and the fact that they are being observed farther and farther inland seem to indicate that they are being forced to seek food away from the coast by the actual pressure of their expanded numbers. On May 14, 1962, I saw a flock of 23 Cattle Egrets flying south over the Municipal Airport at Rocky Mount, N. C. These birds were flying in a loose “V” formation and continued to do so as long as I kept them in my 7 x 50 glasses. On May 5, J. W. E. Joyner, Dan and Norma Knight, Harry T. Davis, and I saw a flock of approximately 75 adults wheel above and light among cattle near North River Marsh in Carteret County. On the same afternoon, at a point on Rt. 70, 2 miles north of Beaufort, this group saw three Cattle Egrets in company with approximately 100 Laughing Gulls, 70 Ring-billed Gulls, and 12 Herring Gulls, feeding in a freshly plowed field while a tractor was plowing less than 100 yards away. This we feel is an unusual behavior pattern on the part of these egrets and one which should be reported since it is the first time any of us have ever observed them feeding in a plowed field several miles from the nearest herd of cattle and competing for food with gulls. — John L. Thompson, Rocky Mount, North Carolina, May 16, 1962. A Cinnamon Teal on the Upper North Carolina Coast. — On April 22, 1962, F. S. Hespenheide and I carefully observed a Cinnamon Teal ( Anas cyanoptera) with 7 x 35 binoculars and a 25 x Bausch and Lomb scope at a distance of 200 feet on a small pond in the central portion of the Great Marsh at Knotts Island in Currituck County, North Carolina. This western species was in company with two adult male Blue-winged Teal. 74 The Chat We studied the Cinnamon Teal for fifteen minutes and saw it again on our return trip from Knotts Island to the mainland. The entire bird was a dark rusty color. The blue patch of the wing that is listed in all field guides and texts was not visible on this bird. The eye was red. Both species of teal appeared to be about the same size. A number of other species were seen on this pond, including the following: a Virginia Rail, a Com- mon Gallinule, a Greater Yellowlegs, a Lesser Yellowlegs, and a Least Sandpiper. — Paul W. Sykes, Jr., 1522 Lafayette Blvd., Norfolk 9, Vir- ginia. (The Cinnamon Teal has never been reported taken in North Caro- lina and as far as we know this is but the second sight record for the state, the first being at Lake Mattamuskeet in 1935 and recorded in The Chat, [1:51, 1937]. — Dept. Ed). Mockingbird Nesting in Watauga County, North Carolina. — A pair of Mockingbirds ( Mimus polyglottos) have nested in the yard of Fred H. Brown, almost on top of the Blue Ridge. The site is less than one mile from Hwy. 421 and under five miles east of Boone, Watauga County, North Carolina. The nest was in a lilac bush. The young left it about June 18, 1962. So far as I know this is the first definite report of the nesting of the Mockingbird in the higher mountains of North Carolina. In 83 years, half of them spent in Watauga County, I have seen a Mockingbird three times before this. All of those observations were at Boone between 1910 and 1920. On the first two occasions in different years, I saw a single bird for a few moments only. Then one summer a male spent several weeks around Boone. He was a fine performer. Repeatedly about noon he mimicked the Whip-poor-will as well as the bird himself could do if. I suspected that he had a mate with a nest in the neighborhood, but I did not find them. — Roy M. Brown, Route 2, Chapel Hill, Noy'th Carolina, June 25. 1962. Prothonotary Warbler at Elkin, North Carolina. — A letter from Linville Hendren dated May 3, 1962, reports that he and Earle Hodel observed a Prothonotary Warbler ( Protonotaria citrea) in brilliant plumage on April 27, 1962, at a location about six miles west of Elkin, Surry Co., North Carolina. They watched the bird off and on for more than an hour and during a part of the time they were so close to it that glasses were not needed. It sang and fed close to the water at the edge of a small pond about one-half mile from the Yadkin River. Although reports of the Prothonotary Warbler above the fall line in the Carolinas are scarce, it has been found nesting as high up on the Yadkin River as New London, Stanly Co., N. C., {Chat 15:58, 1951) and on the Catawba River in southwestern Mecklenburg County, N. C. {Chat 25:70, 1961). — B. Rhett Chamberlain, Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina, July 5, 1962. Swainson’s Warbler in the South Carolina Mountains. — On May 19, 1962, on the way to the CBC meeting at Cashiers I stopped at one of the recrea- tion areas on Highway 107 in the Sumter National Forest. My wife and I heard several warblers singing: Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Blue, Blackburnian, and one which sounded like a Hooded Warbler. The first three notes of this song were different from the Hooded’s, however. They had only a slight slur and were sung on an even or slightly falling pitch. The final phrases of the song had the same “whip-up” sound that charac- terizes the song of the Hooded. A short walk down a rhododendron-covered slope to a stream and up the other side to a large white pine brought me directly under the bird. Its song seemed unusually loud. It was quite a surprise to locate a singing Swainson’s Warbler {Limnothlypis swainsonii) . Later in the morning I returned from Cashiers with Mr. Ellison Wil- liams in hopes of confirming my identification. He is credited with being the first to find the Swainson’s Warbler in its mountain habitat, a discovery made in Tryon, N. C. At the recreation area, about a half-mile inside the September, 1962 75 South Carolina line, we were fortunate in hearing the bird sing right away. After a little while Mr. Williams maneuvred himself into position and had a good look at the bird. The look was unnecessary for identification as Mr. Williams had confirmed that the singer was a Swainson’s Warbler as soon as he heard it. It seemed to sing from certain perches, some of them up to twenty feet in the white pines, and seemed to be remaining in a restricted area. Both of these observations made one think that possibly the bird was on a breeding territory. On May 30, Bill Grimm and I drove back up from Greenville and soon heard the bird again in the same area. Actually seeing it proved to be more difficult, but after an hour or so I was able to watch it as it fed and sang. It worked in the low shrubbery, sometimes darting briefly to the ground, but on other occasions flying up into the hemlocks and pines as high as twenty or thirty feet. Suddenly a second bird flew directly at the singer and the two darted away, twittering excitedly. The second bird may have been a Swainson’s Warbler, too, for it was about the right size and color, but as my glimpse was very brief certain identification could not be made. The Swainson’s Warbler is said to occupy two disconnected and different habitats. The first, the coastal, is described as being restricted to cane- breaks along those sluggish streams which wander into and through the pine-lands. The second is located in the mountains and is essentially thick rhododendron tangles, usually along streams but occasionally some distance from water. It seems to me that these two habitats of the Swainson’s Warbler might not be so discontinuous as first appears. Along the Savannah River system nests have been located in the Augusta area and at Green- wood, and an individual bird was seen at Clemson in mid-August. These observations, published in South Carolina Bird Life , bring the known occurrences of the bird in summer right up to the edge of its mountain habitat. The Sumter National Forest on either side of highway 107 should be of particular interest to South Carolina ornithology. On May 30 we heard again the Blackburnian Warbler in the same white pine where it had been on May 19. The Chestnut-sided Warblers were still singing. Bill Grimm pointed out that the song of the Black-throated Blue was different from those songs he had heard in Pennsylvania. The northern birds seem to sing “Zuider Zuider Zuider Zee,” while our South Carolina bird restricted its first notes to one syllable which came out more like, “Zuiii Zuiii Zuiii Zee.” A final touch which added to the impression that we were observing birds in some northern woodland was provided when Bill drew my attention to the sound of a Ruffed Grouse drumming in the background. — James B. Shuler, Jr., US Kirkwood Lane, Greenville, S. C., June 20, 1962. Painted Buntings in the Carolinas in Midwinter. — The March, 1962 Chat, page 15, gives a detailed account of the capture of a fatally injured Painted Bunting ( Passerina ciris ) at Winnsboro, South Carolina, on December 22, 1961. The bird had flown into a plate glass window in the business section of the community. The specimen has been preserved. On February 13, 1962, a male Painted Bunting appeared at the feeders of Mrs. W. L. Hunter at Fayetteville, North Carolina and continued to visit there regularly through February 17. It was in full adult plumage. On February 20 and 21, this bird was watched at other feeders in the general neighborhood, some of them over 1000 feet from the location where it was first seen and to which it had returned by February 25. It fed in company with Evening Grosbeaks and Purple Finches and ate small seed, corn meal mush, and suet. At Mrs. Hunter’s home the feeders are all close to the house (six to eight feet distant) in a small area completely concealed from above by 76 The Chat foliage, so the bird had to discover it through the feeding of other birds. — Doris C. Hauser, 309 Sylvan Road, Fayetteville, N. C., February 28, 1962. Pine Grosbeaks in North Carolina. — The 1957 AOU Check-list does not indicate any location south of Virginia in the winter range of the Pine Grosbeak ( Pinicola enucleator) . In view of this the following observation is of interest. On April 9, 1962, two male and three female Pine Grosbeaks were watched at length at Mt. Olive, Wayne County, North Carolina. They were first located and identified by Mrs. Milton Boone, who was kind enough to share her rare find with Mrs. J. J. Whitehurst, Mrs. James Davis, my husband, myself, and many others too numerous to enumerate. The birds seemed undisturbed at being watched all day by groups of people which at times were large enough to obstruct traffic on the nearby street. On the following day, April 10, only one of them — a male — could be found and that one was located by Mrs. Davis. They did not appear again. There was a tornado on the day prior to finding the Pine Grosbeaks, and we cannot help wonder if this climatic condition might bear some relation- ship to the appearance of this species in this locality. In this regard, the birds did appear rather sluggish — almost as if dazed. (The U. S. Weather Bureau at Raleigh, N. C., recorded NNW winds reaching 28 mph, on April 8 — Dept. Ed.) I realize that it is customary to describe the field marks noted in the cases of finds of this degree of rarity, but the Pine Grosbeak is of such unique appearance as to almost preclude confusion with other species. I suppose its white wing bars and the pinkish color of its body are somewhat suggestive of the White-winged Crossbill, but the birds we saw were even larger than the Evening Grosbeaks with which they fed, and of course, the bill was that of a grosbeak and not a crossbill. — Mrs. Robert P. Holmes, II, Mt. Olive, North Carolina, May 13, 1962. Additional Records of the Lincoln’s Sparrow in South Carolina. — In the June, 1962, issue of The Chat (26: 45) there appeared a note by Mrs. Ellison D. Smith concerning the Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) in South Carolina. When this note was submitted, the editors and Mrs. Smith believed that hers was “the first known occurrence” of the bird in the state. Actually it was, but since that time three previously unpublished sight records have been called to our attention. From Alexander Sprunt, Jr., we learned that a bird was “seen and studied at close range on the Beach Road, Bull’s Island, December 27, 1949, by Alex Sprunt, 4th. Came to the “squeak” and all markings noted. Dr. Robert A. Norris wrote that Dr. J. Fred Denton and a group from the Augusta (Ga.) Bird Club observed a single bird on November 21, 1954, at the pumping station of North Augusta, Aiken County, S. C. Later, on April 24, 1958, Dr. Norris recorded a bird, observed repeatedly at ex- tremely close range, at the Savannah River Plant of the Atomic Energy Commission near Aiken, S. C. Mrs. Smith’s record, then, a dead bird picked up on November 7, 1961, at the base of a TV tower in Kershaw County, S. C., stands as the only known specimen from South Carolina. — David W. Johnston, Editor, July 25, 1962. September, 1962 77 BOOK REVIEWS Puffins. R. M. Lockley. Doubleday and Co., 575 Madison Ave., New York 22, N. Y. 240 pp. $1.25. This paperback book is one of a series published in cooperation with the American Museum of Natural History. The stated purpose is to make “'available in paperback format books of enduring interest in the life and earth sciences.” The puffins are intriguing birds in the family with auks and murres. There are two species in the genus Fratercula and one species in the genus Lunda. In the first are the Horned Puffins of the North Pacific and the Common Puffins of the North Atlantic. In the second genus, we have the Tufted Puffins, also of the North Pacific. The writer of this book is an Englishman who has spent much time studying the Common Puffins in the eastern North Atlantic. The result is the most complete life history of these puffins. The writer’s style and arrangement can be called both informal and attractive. As with many other birds the multitudes seen by early voyagers have been decimated, albeit to modest millions. Many tons have been used for human food, and man has introduced rats and other animals to destroy the birds in their nesting burrows. Waste oils cast upon the shipping waters have also destroyed these along with other sea birds. In the Carolinas puffins are as distant as the North Atlantic in winter. Audubon, in Birds of America (1884), reports that he saw a good number of puffins in the mouth of the Savannah River, in Georgia, in the winter of 1831-32. More recent students give the coast of New Jersey as a southern limit. Anyone desiring to read an interesting story of the intimate life of one of our most numerous sea birds will like this book. — Harry T. Davis. Alabama Birds. Thomas A. Imhof. 1962. University of Alabama Press, University, Alabama. 591 pp. $7.50. In the years since 1924, Howell’s memorable Birds of Alabama has stood as the definitive work on birds of the state, but with increased interest, observers, and records, it became necessary not only to bring records up-to- date but also to give a book on identification and life histories of Alabama birds which would have a more popular appeal. Although Imhof has spent many years studying birds in the state, the actual compilation of records and writing of the book extended from 1955 until 1961. With the publica- tion of this attractive volume, Alabama joins the ranks of most of the Southern states in having a bird book particularly useful to Alabamians but of considerable value to ornithologists outside the state. The attractive nature of any state bird book lies first in its illustrations, and the water-color paintings of land birds by Richard Parks plus the oil paintings of water birds by David Hulse contribute mightily to this work. Unfortunately size relationships among the water birds (a Pied- billed Grebe, for example, is shown to be about % as large as a Common Loon) detract from some otherwise attractive paintings. Richard Parks, especially, is to be congratulated upon his superb illustrations in which details, size relationships, and positions of birds are masterfully executed. In the copy which I have, some colors are not true, but this defect is probably attributed to engraving. There are also many excellent photographs of typical Alabama habitats where birds are commonly found. The value of this book lies, of course, principally in the species’ accounts. For each of the 352 species found in the state, the following information is usually given: common names, a general description of the bird and habitat distribution in the state, nesting, food, geographic range, occur- rences (dates, numbers) in different regions, time of breeding, banding data, and a distribution map. This is, obviously, about all the information 78 The Chat needed in a work of this sort. These species’ accounts are generally quite good and adequate. In reviewing any book, the reviewer can prepare a summary or a critique. In this instance, it seems desirable to quibble over certain features of the book, though perhaps these objections do not detract from its overall value. The book begins with a glossary, which contains some peculiar and misleading definitions (for example, cambium, clutch, and pectoral). In these days of high printing costs, I question the wisdom of devoting one- half a page to a picture of a bird bath. It is highly unlikely that (p. 30) reactivating of sex glands gives most birds the stimulus for migration, although the author’s discussion of migration and attendant weather condi- tions is good. Finally, in a work of this sort I think it extremely unwise to include nesting and food data for extralimital species. For one thing, it is unnecessary and for another, this is the way by which errors can be perpetuated in the literature. In spite of these objections, Imhof has done a fine job in compiling and presenting data on Alabama’s birds. Alabama Birds is a significant pub- lication which is a “must” in the library of all serious-minded students of Southern birds. — David W. Johnston American Wildlife and Plants. A Guide to Wildlife Food Habits. Alex- ander G. Martin, Herbert S. Zim, and Arnold L. Nelson. Unabridged republication of 1st (1951) edition. Index. Hundreds of illustrations, tables, and range maps. 500 pp. Dover Publications, Inc., 180 Varick Street, New York 14, N. Y. Paperbound, $2.00. Birds and their Attributes. Glover M. Allen. Unabridged reprint of the 1925 edition. 51 illustrations. 338 pp. Dover Publications, Inc. Paperbound, $1.85. Dover Publications is to be congratulated and thanked for the reprinting of these two important works. American Wildlife and Plants is a compila- tion of researches, extending over about 75 years, on the food habits of birds, mammals, and other vertebrates. More than 1,000 species are dis- cussed and for about 300 common species of birds and mammals the authors give detailed food habits, range, and a general description of the animal. Part I introduces the reader to general aspects of wildlife — crop (food) relationships. In Part II the animals and their foods are discussed in sec- tions: waterbirds, songbirds, small mammal, etc. Part III includes plants useful to wildlife and is divided into woody plants, upland weeds, cultivated plants, etc. For the various species of plants, most of the birds and mam- mals (Part II) which use these plants or their products are listed. This compact volumn, containing so many valuable data on food habits, is recommended for naturalists, foresters, ornithologists, and mammalogists. When Birds and their Attributes first appeared, it was one of the first attempts to collate general information about birds and was widely con- sidered “the best general introduction to birds.” Though more modern researches have amended and expanded ideas submitted by Allen, most of the data are still quite usable. Chapter headings include the following: feathers, food, origin, eggs and nests flight and song, migration, and the like. The book is a readable, popular summary of the bird’s place in nature. — David W. Johnston Handbook of North American Birds. Volume I, edited by Ralph L. Palmer. Yale University Press. 567 pp. 1962. $15.00. From the standpoint both of the week-end birdwatcher and the profes- sional ornithologist, there has long been a need for a comprehensive compila- tion of data concerning the birdlife of America. Such a work is desirable not only to include information on birds which are relatively new to our shores, such as the Cattle Egret, but to bring up-to-date in one reference source the wealth of material which has accumulated on the all species. If the first volume of the Handbook of North American Birds is any indica- September, 1962 79 tion, this new series of volumes should meet these needs and be the standard reference work on our birdlife for many years to come. Covering almost the identical area covered by the A. 0. U. “Checklist,” the first volume includes the families from Loons through Flamingos. Of particular interest are the excellent maps showing the ranges of the individual species, these broken down to show breeding, winter, breeding and winter, and postbreeding dispersal ranges as well as areas in which the birds have been reported as stragglers. In addition to these maps there are a number of black-and-white illustrations showing courtship displays, feather differences, size comparisons, etc. The color illustrations by Roger Tory Peterson and Robert M. Mengel, particularly those comparing basic and breeding characteristics, are very well done and provide excellent reference points. Information on particular species includes description, subspecies, field identification, voice, habitat, distribution, migration, banding status, re- production, habits, and food. As an indication of the thoroughness of the work, the part dealing with description gives complete details of all plumages through the various molts and changes in the juvenal plumage until acquistion of the basic plumage. While on the whole the book is excellent, it does seem that any work such as this which was sponsored partly by the American Ornithologists’ Union should conform to the names approved by that body as published in its “Checklist.” The Louisiana Heron, for instance, is called the Tricolored Heron, and the Common Egret is referred to as the Great Egret. It is to be hoped that future volumes will use the approved names in order to avoid confusion. While this review may have given the impression that the volumes are too technical for the average birder to become involved with, such is cer- tainly not the case. The information is well organized and is presented in a very clear and readable manner. This and succeeding volumes, while not particularly inexpensive, are well worth the money and should be in- cluded in the library of everyone interested in birds. — L. Hartsell Cash. 80 The Chat BRIEFS FOR THE FILES White Pelican, 1 present for several days, including January 18, at Bear Island Management Area, Colleton County, S. C., Donald K. Fortenbery • Cattle Egret, 8, feeding in pasture with cows, near Swansboro, N. C., June 15, H. G. Britt • Black-crowned Night Heron, 1 roosting in tall pines in residential area, Fayetteville, N. C., February 20-24, Doris C. Hauser. • Fulvous Tree Duck, 3, Magnolia Gardens, Charleston, April 28 (late), Theodore A. Beckett, III. ® Rough-legged Hawk, 2, Beaufort County, N. C., December 31, 1961, Geraldine Cox, et al. ® Golden Eagle, an adult female “found dead” in the Crabtree Gap section of Haywood County, N. C., about mid-March. Specimen preserved, Norme Frost. ® Marsh Hawk, 1 Charlotte, May 5 — a late date — the Shuford K. Peelers. ® Ruffed Grouse, hen and small chick at shoulder of road on S. C. Route 107, 5 mi. west of Oconee State Park. June 27, W. D. Chamberlain, et al. ® Virginia Rail, 1 flushed by bird dogs from marsh of the Hartwell Dam backwater, Ander- son County, S. C., April 22, Mrs. R. C. Tedards. ® Common Gallinule, 1 picked up dead during the first week of May at Winston-Salem and pre- served, D. W. Johnston. ® Killdeer, 99 counted February 24, the largest flock recorded in the North Wilkesboro area, Wendell P. Smith. • Upland Plover, 1, April 25 and 2, April 26, James Island, S. C., the R. H. Colemans; 33 at North Wilkesboro, April 8, Wendell P. Smith, ® White-rumped Sand- piper, 1, Rantowles, S. C., June 10, R. H. Coleman and F. M. Weston. • Marbled Godwit, 1 on mudflats on Wadmalaw Island, S. C., May 12, N. A. Chamberlain. ® An all-white gull, believed to be a Glaucous Gull, with some oil or tar stains on head and breast, at Davis, Carteret Co., N. C., February 19, Eugene Pond fide H. T. Davis. © Great Horned Owl, 1 young, unable to fly, found on ground near Charlotte, N. C., May 19, fed and released but did not survive, J. P. Hamilton; an adult, perched and in flight, Wadmalaw Island, S. C., May 13, B. R. and N. A. Chamberlain. © Chuck-will’s-widow, heard at Hillsboro, N. C., May 24 (late), C. H. Blake. ® Eastern Kingbird, partial albino with snow white head and body, some dark areas on wings and tail but white band on tail distinguishable, and bill yellow. Associated with normal Eastern Kingbird, May 5 and 6, Lake Raleigh, Raleigh, R. J Hader. ® Gray Kingbird, 1, perched and catching insects at Hunting Island, Beaufort County, S. C., May 24, Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Tedards; 3 at golf course, Parris Island, Beaufort County, S. C., May 24, Roy Attaway; 1 on telephone wire near east end of Folly Island, S. C., June 15, F. M. Weston. • Eastern Phoebe, 1 with “robin red” breast, stained by red clay in nest under a bridge at the Hartwell Reservoir near Clemson, S. C., June 1, Gaston Gage. • Traill’s Flycatcher, 1 at North Wilkesboro, N. C., May 8, Wendell P. Smith. © Horned Lark, 1 at airport at Anderson, S. C., feeding with Eastern Meadowlarks, April 21, Mrs. R. C. Tedards; a female feeding one flying young, June 9, Winston-Salem, N. C., D. W. Johnston. ® Barn Swallow, a brood of flying young from nest under a bridge at Hartwell Reservoir near Clemson, S. C., June 25 (6 miles from last year’s nesting site), Gaston Gage. © House Wren, 2 in yard at Clemson, S. C., June 28, Gaston Gage. © Winter Wren, 1, April 16, North Wilkesboro, N. C., Wendell P. Smith; 1 at Charlotte, N. C., April 26, Lee Jones. ® Catbird, 1 at Charlotte, N. C. during June, giving an excellent imitation: “Chuck- will’s” or “will’s widow”, but never heard to give the complete call, the J. R. Norwoods. ® Hermit Thrush, 1, singing at Charlotte, May 21 and last seen there, May 28, Lee Jones. ® Gray-cheeked Thrush, 1 at North Wilkes- boro, May 30, Wendell P. Smith. © Veery, 1, Charlotte, May 12, Lee Jones. ® Cedar Waxwing, 4 flying over Wake Forest campus, Winston-Salem, June 18, D. W. Johnston; in Charlotte yard almost daily through May 11, the J. R. Norwoods. © Blackpoll Warbler, 1 at Hillsboro, N. C. May 24, C. H. Blake; 1 at North Wilkesboro, May 28, Wendell P. Smith. © Bobolink, a good spring flight, ending May 18, when 2 were seen and heard, Wadmalaw September, 1962 81 Island, S. C., B. R. Chamberlain. • Scarlet Tanager, male and female in yard at Clemson, S. C., June 24, Gaston Gage. • Rose-breasted Grosbeak, an immature male at a feeder at Bath, N. C., April 14 and 19, Wallace Worrall fide H. T. Davis; a female at Folly Island, S. C., associated with Blue Grosbeaks, April 25, the R. H. Colemans; and a male at Durham, N. C., May 3, Hallam Walker. • Dickcissel, a male in a grain field in company of Indigo Buntings and a pair of Blue Grosbeaks, May 12, Rocky Mount, N. C., Dan Knight fide H. T. Davis. • Pine Siskin, last noted at Charlotte, May 2, the J. R. Norwoods. • Savannah Sparrow, 2, in upper Charleston County, S. C., May 13, E. B. Chamberlain. • Slate-colored Junco, last reported at Charlotte, May 5, Lee Jones. — Compiled by B. Rhett Chamber- lain. All dates 1962 unless otherwise shown. 82 The Chat f Founded March 6 , 1937 Incorporated August 8 , 19 U9 The Carolina Bird Club is an incorporated association for the study and conservation of wildlife, particularly birds, chiefly in the Carolinas. Founded in 1937 as the North Carolina Bird Club, it was joined in 1948 by several South Carolina natural history clubs and the name changed to the Carolina Bird Club. In addition to publishing The Chat, the Club also: (1) /holds an annual spring business meeting and a fall dinner meeting, (2) conducts club-wide field trips to places of outstanding ornithological interest, (3) sponsors Christmas and Spring Bird Censuses by local groups, (4) encour- ages original research and publication, (5) aids in the establishment of local clubs and sanctuaries, (6) takes an active interest in conservation legislation, (7) cooperates with State and Federal agencies, and (8) fur- nishes information and speakers to interested groups whenever possible. The Carolina Bird Club, Inc., is a non-profit educational and scientific organization with no paid personnel. Dues, contributions, and bequests to the Club are deductible from State and Federal income and estate taxes. MEMBERSHIP Membership is open to anyone interested in birds, wildlife, and out-of- doors. The annual dues for the classes of membership are: Regular $1.00 Contributing $25.00 Supporting $5.00 Affiliated Club $2.00 Life — $100.00 (payable in four consecutive annual installments) All members not in arrears for dues receive The Chat. Seventy-five cents of each annual membership fee is applied as the annual subscription to The Chat. Checks should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Application blanks may be obtained from the Treasurer, to whom all correspondence regarding membership should be addressed. The activities of the Club and the coverage of The Chat will grow in amount and quality as increased funds become available. Prompt payment of dues and the securing of new members are vital contributions open to everyone. Officers for 1962-1963 President: Harry T. Davis, N. C. State Museum, Raleigh, N. C. Vice-Presidents : Col. Norme D. Frost, Tryon, N. C., Dean Gaston Gage, Clemson College, Clemson, S. C., Joseph R. Norwood, 1329 Goodwin Ave., Charlotte, N. C. Secretary: Mrs. Clyde Sisson, 1617 Tanglewood Road, Columbia, S. C. Treasurer : William L. Hamnett, Box 2919, Raleigh, N. C. Executive Committee : The officers, editors, immediate past President, ex- off iciis, and four elected Members-at-large: Col. I. S. H. Metcalf, The Citadel, Charleston, S. C., Wendell P. Smith, 911 E Street, North Wilkes- boro, N. C., James B. Shuler, 43 Kirkwood Lane, Greenville, S. C., Rev. Charles W. Worth, Whiteville, N. C. Bulletin of THE CHAT 7 3 A Volume 26 Number 4 ^ DECEMBER, 1962 December, 1962 Volume 26, Number 4 THE CHAT Published by The Carolina Bird Club. Inc. Devoted chiefly to the publication of scientific and popular information on the birds and other wildlife of the Carolinas. Editor: David W. Johnston, Department of Biology, Wake Forest College Winston-Salem, N. C. Department Editors: Annie Rivers Faver, Eastover, S. C., B. Rhett Cham- berlain, Rt. 1, Box 48, Wadmalaw Island, S. C. Contributing Editors: Ernest Cutts, Harry Davis, Jack Dermid, James Mattocks, Fred H. May, Thomas W. Simpson, Kay Sisson. Distribution Office: N. C. State Museum, Box 2281, Raleigh, N. C. The Chat is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December as the official bulletin of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Entered as second-class matter on March 14, 1952, at the Post Office at Raleigh, N. C., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Subscription price to non-members: $1.00 per volume. Single copies: 30 cents. Correspondence about changes of address and back numbers should be sent to Mr. Harry Davis, N. C. State Museum, Raleigh, N. C. Please notify the Distribution Office immediately of change of address. Subscriptions should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., and sent to the Treasurer. CONTENTS Nocturnal Migrant Mortality in the Carolinas, September, 1962. David A. Adams . 83 Mallards Nesting in Wake County, North Carolina. James F. Parnell and T. L. Quay 89 In Memoriam — Robert H. Coleman. B. Rhett Chamberlain 90 Backyard Birding. Annie Rivers Faver, editor 91 News and Comments 95 General Field Notes. B. R. Chamberlain, editor 96 Frigate-bird off Dare Co., N. C. Jack P. Hailman 96 White Ibis in Mountains of S. C. T. M. Rial 96 Roseate Spoonbill on N. C. coast. L. G. Sprunt 97 Swallow-tailed Kites on Hatteras Island, N. C. Vernon C. Gilbert and T. L. Quay 97 Purple Gallinule at Raleigh, N. C. J. F. Parnell 98 Hudsonian Godwit on N. C. coast. Mrs. J. M. Potter, Jr. 99 Ruffs in Beaufort, N. C. area. John Thompson 99 Two more records of Gray Kingbird in N. C. J. F. Parnell and T. L. Quay 100 Banded catbird recovered. Mrs. P. B. Hendrix 100 Starling behavior. William C. Grimm 100 Yellow-headed Blackbird at Raleigh, N. C. J. F. Parnell 100 Baltimore Oriole breeding in Guilford Co., N. C. Brad Hawkins ... 101 Summer species on Mt. Mitchell, N. C. John P. Davis 101 Book Reviews 102 Briefs for the Files 102 Index to Volume 26 104 Cover Photo — Robins at a winter roost near Warrenton, N. C. Photographed by Jack Dermid. The Chat NOCTURNAL MIGRANT MORTALITY IN THE CAROLINAS, SEPTEMBER, 1962 By David A. Adams Introduction Since the advent of airport ceilometers and television towers, ornitholo- gists have had available to them a new and efficient method of studying bird migrations. The large numbers of nocturnal migrants killed at these structures provide samples “in the hand,” unbiased by an observer’s ability to find and identify birds in the field, permitting quantification impossible by any other means. Although the factors affecting migration mortality of this sort have been studied by many authors ( e.g ., Howell, Laskey, and Tanner, 1954; Johnston and Haines, 1957; Stoddard, 1962), the cause and effect relation- ships involved are far from understood. In general, small numbers of birds can be expected to be killed any night during migration; heavy mor- tality is usually associated with overcast or foggy nights and favorable winds (light northerly in the fall, light southerly in the spring). Acknowledgments This paper is a compilation of reports sent to me by other observers, to which I have added the data for Raleigh. For collecting and identifying the large numbers of specimens involved, I am indebted to the following: the personnel of WSJS-TV, Dr. David W. Johnston, and Bob Witherington (Winston-Salem); the personnel of WRAL-TV and William Craven (Ra- leigh) ; Drs. T. L. Quay and F. E. Hester and personnel of Seymour John- son Air Force Base (Goldsboro); personnel of WIS-TV and Mrs. Vivian Smith (Columbia); and Edwin L. Blitch, III and B. Rhett Chamberlain (Charleston). Dr. Robert A. Norris, Tall Timbers Research Station, Talla- hassee, Florida, assisted in identifying some of the Winston-Salem collec- tion. Dr. David W. Johnston, Wake Forest College, suggested correlating the data from the September flight, and forwarded all reports to me. Methods Birds were collected during the period September 7-9 at the following locations (Figure 1): Winston-Salem WSJS-TV tower (692 feet high) atop Sauratown Moun- tain, Stokes County, 18 miles north of Winston-Salem, N. C. Raleigh Goldsboro Columbia Charleston Smith Reynolds Airport ceilometer, Winston-Salem, For- syth County, N. C. WRAL-TV tower (1175 feet high), 9 miles southeast of Raleigh, Wake County, N. C. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base ceilometer, about 5 miles southeast of Goldsboro, Wayne County, N. C. WIS-TV tower (1600 feet high), 17 miles east of Columbia, Kershaw County, S. C. WCSC-TV tower (1047 feet high), 6 miles east of Charles- ton, Charleston County, S. C. Weather The weather situation responsible for the mass mortality experienced during the nights of September 6-7 and 7-8 first appeared on the weather map of September 1 as a small high-pressure area over the Alaskan peninsula. Twelve hours later, the cold air mass had enlarged and moved southward, lowering temperatures 20 degrees (compared to those of the preceding day) in parts of Alberta. Behind the leading edge of the front, which extended from southern Hudson’s Bay to the United States-Canada border at the Pacific Ocean, winds were northerly, mostly less than 10 knots. December, 1962 83 Figure 1. Localities from which reports of kills were received. During- September 3, the cold front extended across the northern plains, bringing low temperatures mostly in the 3'0’s and northerly winds to 32 knots. At the same time, another weaker cold front was passing through the Carolinas, having little effect on the temperature here, but dropping- temperatures in New England about 10 degrees from those of the preceding- day. During September 4 and 5, the major cold front continued to move across the prairie states, lowering temperatures into the 30’s and 40’s and bring- ing northerly winds from Lake Superior to Texas. At the same time, the previous cold front became stationary in the Carolinas, then began moving slowly northward as a weak warm front. Precipitation was occurring over most of the East except in the southeast coastal plain. The weather map of September 6 at 1 AM showed temperatures to be 10 degrees colder than the previous day over an area from Lake Michigan south to western Tennessee and northeast to northern Vermont. Lows in this area were mostly in the 40’s. Northerly winds and precipiation were occurring throughout the eastern United States east of the Mississippi River except in the southern Atlantic Coastal Plain. At 1 AM on September 7, the night of the big kill, the cold front was becoming stationary over the Gulf Coast. Cloudiness with precipitation pre- vailed over almost all of the Southeast. By now, the northerly wind pattern which had dominated a large area just behind the front was beginning to break up and winds were becoming light and variable. Temperatures were dropping in the Carolinas, with most stations reporting at least ten degrees cooler than the previous day. Variable, mostly northeast winds continued over the Carolinas during the following day and night, September 8. By now the cold, high-pressure 84 The Chat area was centered over southern New Jersey and southeast winds were occurring throughout most of the midwest. Cloudiness and precipitation continued in the Southeast. By 1 AM on September 9, most of the effects of the front had been felt and a gentle warming trend was evident. Skies were clearing over the Carolinas, but rain continued in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida. Results Winston-Salem Personnel of WSJS-TV picked up 86 individuals of 25 species from grassy areas and a parking lot adjacent to the tower early on the morning of September 7. Rough terrain precluded any attempt to recover all the birds killed and no estimate of the proportion recovered was given. The Smith Reynolds airport ceilometer was turned off at 2:30 AM, Sep- tember 7 after the weatherman noticed birds being killed. One Red Bat and 862 birds were collected that morning; 27 additional specimens were picked up the following morning. Raleigh All birds were collected on the morning of September 7. No mortality was reported by tower personnel the following morning. Goldsboro Birds were first observed in the ceilometer at 10:00 PM on September 6. The first mortality was reported to the airport weather station at 1 AM on September 7. By 2 AM of that day “the ceilometer beam was filled with a swirling mass of birds as high as they could see,” and was shut off at that time. Although over 2000 birds were estimated (probably very conservatively) as being killed, only 120 were collected for identification by Air Force personnel. Columbia On the morning of September 7, 726 birds were collected; 428 were picked up the following morning, and 233 (of which at least 60 were fresh kills) were added the morning of September 9. Mrs. Smith estimated that less than 75 percent of those killed were recovered. All birds were collected on September 8, but most of the kill is believed to have occurred the night of September 6-7. The numbers of Red-eyed Vireos, Ovenbirds, and American Redstarts were estimates. A summary of the data is given in Table I. For each station, collections of September 7, 8, and 9 are pooled, the total numbers of each species col- lected are given, and the proportions of the local samples (as percentages) composed of the various species are calculated. A total of 4189 specimens representing 61 species were collected and examined. The richest collection came from Smith Reynolds airport ceilo- meter at Winston Salem — 889 individuals of 45 species. Discussion Weather In order for a kill of this magnitude to occur, two factors must be operative: (1) large numbers of nocturnal migrants must be moving, and (2) atmospheric conditions must favor their flying into obstructions. Although it is impossible at this point to defend a causal theory for either of the factors, it is easy to speculate upon the matter. Surely, the sudden 10-20 degree drop in temperature coupled with a favorable (light to moderate northerly) wind could well have provided the migration impetus necessary. As this great mass of cold air (the first of the season) swept southward, it is not difficult to imagine the migrants from as far north as the interior of Alaska might have been caught up in it (note the Horned Grebe in Charleston’s collection) and carried along. At the same time, any birds moving in the previous weaker cold front might have December, 1962 85 slowed their southward movement as that air mass became stationary. On the night of September 6-7, as the second, well developed frontal system overtook and passed through the former system, migrants from both may have joined in the southward flight. Nocturnal migrants may rely on celestial observations to orient them- selves. In the absence of these, they sometimes become confused and are attracted to lights and lighted objects. Ceilometers furnish a narrow vertical beam of intense light; television towers have obstruction lights which can be seen for miles. Observers at both Winston-Salem and Golds- boro noticed large numbers of birds milling about within the ceilometer beam, evidently completely confused and disoriented. Stoddard (1962) observed birds milling about in the vicinity of obstruction lights on a tower in Leon County, Florida. Although much work remains to be done by many observers before all factors affecting kills such as these may be known, the partial explanation offered above certainly seems plausible for this occasion. Species Composition As might be expected most of the species represented are fairly com- mon early fall migrants which breed in forested regions east of the great plains and north of North Carolina. A few notable exceptions are worth a comment: Horned Grebe — This species is rare in television tower and ceilometer collections. Stoddard (1962) found none in his collection of more than 15,000 tower mortalities; Johnston and Haines (1957) had none in their sample of at least 9,000 ceilometer, tower, and high-building mortalities. In addition, September 7 seems to be an unusually early record for this species. Both Pearson, Brimley, and Brimley (1959) and Sprunt and Cham- berlain (1949) list earliest arrival dates in October. Traill’s Flycatcher, Golden-winged Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Cerulean Warbler^these are species which normally migrate in the autumn through the Mississippi Valley. In such a large sample as this we might expect a few individuals of each to show up. As a group, they compose only 0.59 percent of the total collection. Wilson’s Warbler— The collection of eight, taken at Winston-Salem, tends to corroborate the belief of Sprunt and Chamblerlain (1949) that this rare species is more frequently encountered in the Piedmont than in the Coastal Plain during migration. Mourning Warbler — Apparently, specimens of this species are unknown outside the mountains in either North or South Carolina (Pearson, Brim- ley, and Brimley, Revised Edition, 1959; Sprunt and Chamberlian, 1949). It is perhaps significant that the two specimens in this kill came from the station closest to the mountain region, Winston-Salem. Swainson’s Warbler — The presence of two of these rare summer residents (Sprunt and Chamberlain, 1949) in Charleston’s collection seems remark- able. Although the above observations are interesting, their significance is difficult to evaluate because of the small numbers of individuals involved. In several instances, because of the large total sample and distribution of the sub-samples, it is possible to infer something of the distribution of particular species and groups of species. Flycatchers, Yellow-breasted Chat, Canada Warbler, Baltimore Oriole — These species are relatively more common in collections from the interior, indicating that they may utilize a Piedmont rather than a Coastal Plain route. Black-and-white Warbler, Ovenbird, Kentucky Warbler, Yellowthroat— Uniform distribution of these species may indicate that they migrate in a wide band from the coast to at least the foot of the mountains. Red-eyed Vireo, Prothonotary Warbler, American Redstart — This group seems to use a Coastal Plain route. In the case of the Prothonotary Warbler, which breeds primarily in the Coastal Plain, such a choice seems logical; preference in the other more widespread species is more difficult to explain. 86 The Chat Table 1 SUMMARY OF BIRD MORTALITY, SEPT. 6-8, 1962 WINSTON-SALEM RALEIGH GOLDSBORO COLUMBIA CHARLESTON TOTAL TV Tower Ceilometer TV Tower Ceilometer TV Tower TV Tower No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % Horned Grebe 1 0.06 1 0.02 Sora 1 1.16 1 0.11 3 0.19 5 0.12 Belted Kingfisher 1 0.07 1 0.02 Eastern Kingbird 1 0.07 2 0.12 3 0.07 Great Crested Flycatcher . 1 0.11 1 0.12 fe Yellow-bellied Flycatcher . 3 3.49 8 0.89 | 13 0.31 Traill's Flycatcher .... . . 1? 1.16 4 0.45 1 4 0.29 6 0.14 Least Flycatcher 2 2.32 3 0.34 6 0.14 Eastern Wood Pewee . . . . 2 2.32 9 1.00 1 0.83 12 0.29 Long-billed Marsh Wren . . 1 0.97 1 0.02 Catbird 1 0.07 1 0.02 Wood Thrush 1 0.07 1 0.02 Swainson’s Thrush 2 2 32 3 0.34 5 0.12 Gray-cheeked Thrush g 0.19 3 0.07 Veery 6 0.67 2 1.94 1 0.83 197 14.20 206 4.92 White-eyed Vireo 3 2.91 2 1.67 16 1.15 21 0.50 Yellow-throated Vireo . . . 3 0.34 1 0.07 4 0.10 Red-eyed Vireo 13 15.12 78 8.71 38 36.89 8 6.67 562 40.52 560 34.96 1259 30.05 lUaek-and-White Warbler . 6 6.98 44 4.92 6 5.82 25 20.83 45 3.24 40 2.50 166 3.96 Prothonotary Warbler . . . . Q 0.34 3 2.91 2 1.67 31 2.24 18 1.12 57 1.36 Swainson’s Warbler 2 0.12 2 0.05 Worm-eating Warbler . . . . 2 2.32 3 0.34 1 0.83 13 0.94 19 1.19 38 0.91 Golden- winged Warbler . . 1 1.16 3 0.34 4 0.29 8 0.19 Blue-winged Warbler 2 0.14 2 0.05 Tennessee Warbler 1 1.16 1 0.02 Nashville Warbler 1 0.11 1 0.02 Parula Warbler 3 0.34 9 0.65 4 0.25 16 0.38 Yellow Warbler 2 0.22 5 0.36 1 0.06 . 8 0.19 Magnolia Warbler Q 3.49 49 5.47 5 0.36 57 1.36 Cape May Warbler 1 0.11 2 0.14 3 0.07 Black-throated Blue Warbler 1 1.16 6 0.67 1 0.97 o 0.14 12 0.75 22 0.52 Myrtle Warbler o 0.14 9 0.05 Black-throated Green Warbler 9 0.22 2 0.05 Cerulean Warbler 2 0.22 4 0.29 1 0.06 7 0.17 Blackburnian Warbler .... 1 1.16 18 2.01 1 0.97 3 0.22 23 0.55 Yellow-throated Warbler . . 1 0.83. 1 0.02 Chestnut-sided Warbler . . 7 8.14 41 4.58 8 0.58 56 1.34 Bay-breasted Warbler 4 0.29 4 0.10 Prairie Warbler 1 0.11 1 0.83 12 0.86 9 0.12 16 0.38 Palm Warbler 1 0.11 1 0.02 Ovenbird 8 9.30 136 15.19 32 31.07 31 25.83 117 8.43 560 34.96 884 21.10 Northern Waterthrush 2 2.32 24 2.68 7 5.83 60 4.32 10 0.62 103 2.46 Louisiana Waterthrush . . . 1 0.06 1 0.02 Kentucky Warbler 1 1.16 19 2.12 4 3.88 2 1.67 51 3.68 11 0.69 88 2.10 Mourning Warbler 2 0.22 2 0.05 Yellowthroat 4 4.65 24 2.68 3 2.91 11 9.17 47 3.39 7 0.44 96 2.30 Yellow-breasted Chat 5 5.81 90 10.05 2 1.94 13 0.94 110 2.62 Hooded Warbler 5 0.56 2 1.67 43 3.10 2 0.12 52 1.24 Wilson’s Warbler 1 1.16 7 0.78 8 0.19 Canada Warbler 9 10.46 158 17.76 9 0.65 1 0.06 177 4.22 American Redstart 4 4.65 65 7.26 6 5.82 22 18.33 50 3.60 340 21.22 487 11.62 Bobolink 1 1.16 10 1.12 1 0.83 49 3.53 2 0.12 63 1.50 Orchard Oriole 3 0.34 2 0.14 5 0.12 Baltimore Oriole 5 5.81 36 4.02 1 0.97 2 1.67 7 0.50 1 0.06 52 1.24 Scarlet Tanager 3 0.34 1 0.07 4 0.10 Summer Tanager 2 0.22 1 0.07 1 0.06 4 0.10 Rose-breasted Grosbeak . . 1 0.11 1 0.02 Blue Grosbeak 5 0.56 1 0.07 6 0.14 Indigo Bunting 1 0.11 1 0.02 Dickcissel 0 0.22 2 0.05 Bachman’s Sparrow 1 0.07 1 0.02 TOTALS 86 99.94 889 99.41 103 99.97 120 99.99 1387 99.95 1604 100.10 4189 100.04 NO. OF SPECIES 25 45 14 17 40+ 25 61 * Includes 2 Empidonax from Columbia ** Includes 1 Empidonax from Columbia December, 1962 87 Veery — Here is a real enigma. Why should veeries comprise 14 percent of the total collected at Columbia and less than two percent at any other station? Conclusions 1. The widespread bird mortality experienced periodically at airport ceilometers and television towers furnishes ornithologists with large unbiased samples of migrants unobtainable by any other means. 2. Cooperative studies such as this one, which can yield much valuable information concerning the distribution of migrant species in time and space, should be encouraged among bird club members. 3. The collection consisted mostly of common early fall migrants which breed east of the great plains and north of North Carolina. Red-eyed Vireos, Ovenbirds, and American Redstarts composed almost two-thirds of the col- lection. Species which typically migrate down the Mississippi Valley con- tributed less than one percent of the total. 4. Small numbers of rare species were found and are to be expected in such large samples. 5. It was possible to classify at least some of the species into three groups: those which were more abundant in the Piedmont (flycatchers, Yellow-breasted Chat, Canada Warbler, Baltimore Oriole), those which were rather uniformly distributed over the area sampled (Black-and-white Warbler, Ovenbird, Kentucky Warbler, Yellowthroat) , and those which showed a preference for the Coastal Plain (Red-eyed Vireo, Prothonotary Warbler, American Redstart). Literature Cited Howell, J. C., A. R. Laskey, and J. T. Tanner 1954. Bird mortality at airport ceilometers. Wils. Bull., 66:207-215. Johnston, D. W., and T. P. Haines 1957. Analysis of mass bird mortality in October, 1954. Auk, 74:447-458. Pearson, T. G., and C. S. Brimley and H. H. Brimley 1959. Birds of North Carolina. Revised by Wray and Davis, Bynum Printing Co., Raleigh. Sprunt, Alexander, Jr., and E. B. Chamblerlain 1949. South Carolina Bird Life. Univ. of S. C. Press, Columbia. Stoddard, Herbert L., Sr. 1962. Bird casualties at a Leon County, Florida, TV tower, 1955-1961. Tall Timbers Res. Sta. Bull. No. 1., Tallahassee, Fla. N. C. State Museum , Raleigh, North Carolina, November 12, 1962 88 The Chat MALLARDS NESTING IN WAKE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA By James F. Parnell and T. L. Quay On May 9, 1962, a hen Mallard ( Anas platyrhynchos) was seen to alight in a small marsh near the southeastern edge of Lake Raleigh, a city reservoir of eighty-one acres lying immediately south of the Raleigh, North Carolina city limits. As this was late for a migrant, a closer check was initiated. The hen was subsequently seen on this marsh several times in May, but no indication of nesting was found until June 9. On this date a hen Mallard and three, approximately one-half-grown ducklings were flushed from a willow-lined slough near the head of Lake Raleigh. This was about one-fourth mile from the marsh where the hen had been ob- served earlier. On the next day, June 10, a second Mallard hen was observed with a brood of five, three-quarter-grown ducklings in a wooded marsh on Swift Creek near the upper end of Lake Benson, also a city reservoir. Lake Ben- son contains about 400 acres of water and is located ten miles southeast of Lake Raleigh. Both broods were discovered shortly after dawn, feeding in shallow sloughs which were lined with dense vegetation. The broods moved into this heavy cover upon discovery, and although later checks were made at both locations, neither brood was seen again It is of particular interest that, of two earlier inland records of Mallards breeding in North Carolina, one was also from Lake Raleigh, where on May 8, 1943, a hen and nest with 11 eggs were found (Simpson, 1943). The only other inland nesting record for this species is from Greensboro, North Carolina, on May 7, 1940; there are, however, several known records from the coastal counties (Pearson et ah, 1959). A survey of several of the general source-books indicates that the nest- ing range of the Mallard extends southward in the Atlantic coast states to northern Virginia. More detailed reports from Virginia and Maryland raise serious doubts about whether most of the Mallards nesting in these states are truly wild birds. They indicate rather that many of the reported cases of nesting Mallards are not of feral birds, that is, birds released by gun clubs or which Lave escaped from domestic flocks (Stewart and Robbins, 1958; Murray, 1952). There is a recent report of a Blue-winged Teal nest in Watauga County, North Carolina (Smith, 1960), and of a Gadwall nest at Bull’s Island, South Carolina (Chamberlain, 1960). There is a well-established colony of Gad walls at Pea Island, North Carolina along with native Black Ducks and Blue-winged Teal, that has developed during the past 25 years (Par- nel and Quay, 1962). These Pea Island ducks are wild birds, and the Gadwall population in particular indicates that this species is in the process of extending its southern nesting limits. The possibility of range extension also exists for the Mallard, and the reported observations may represent fragmentary evidence of a sparse, regularly breeding population extending into eastern North Carolina. However, an intensive program of field re- search is needed throughout the southeastern states before a final determi- nation of the true status and abundance of nesting Mallards can be made. Literature Cited Chamberlain, B. R. 1960. Gadwall breeding at Bull’s Island, South Caro- lina. Chat, 24:97 Murray, Joseph J. 1952. A Check-List of the Birds of Virginia. Virginia Society of Ornithology. Parnell, J. F., and T. L. Quay. 1962. The populations, breeding biology, and environmental relations of three species of ducks at Pea and Bodie islands, North Carolina. Proceedings of the Sixteenth Annual Confer- ence Southeastern Association of Game and Fish Commissioners (in press) . December, 1962 89 Pearson, T. G., C. S. Brimley, and H. H. Brimley. 1959. Birds of North Carolina. Raleigh Simpson, Roxie C. 1943. Field notes and news, Raleigh. Chat, 7:45-46. Smith, Wendell P. 1960. Blue-winged teal nesting in Watauga County, North Carolina. Chat, 24:97 Stewart, R. E., and C. S. Robbins. 1958. Birds of Maryland and the Dis- trict of Columbia. North Amer. Fauna Series, No. 62. Zoology Department N. C. State College Raleigh, North Carolina November 12, 1962. IN MEMORIUM On November 5, 1962, Carolina Bird Club lost an accomplished member in the death by a heart attack of Robert H. Coleman, at his home in Charles- ton, South Carolina. He had retired in 1959 after a distinguished career as a teacher of mathematics at the College of Charleston, but his love for the outdoors had led him into the fields of mammalogy and ornithology many years ago and he continued to pursue those studies with vigor. In the former, he attained national recognition. His private collection of mammal skins numbered near 2000. He had long been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Charleston Museum and was Chairman of that body when he died. He was a Past President of the South Carolina Academy of Science. He was one of the two South Carolina signers of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., in 1949. For the past several years he ably edited the monthly bulletin of The Charleston Natural History Society. Bob Coleman’s passing is a severe loss to us and we extend our sympathy to Wilhelmina and their children. — B. Rhett Chamberlain, Wadmalaw Island, S. C., November 8, 1962. 90 The Chat “This year, I have been interested in observing the difference in tem- perament of birds,” writes Mrs. W. C. Davison, of “Robinhurst,” Roaring Gap, North Carolina. She continues: “In March, three Pine Siskins visited my feeder regularly. They were bad tempered little creatures. I saw them threaten a pair of Bluebirds, also white-throats, Cardinals, and even Evening Grosbeaks. If I opened the window to put out more food, they would perch on the electric wires only a yard from the windows, much nearer than any other birds, and scold at me until I left and they could return. They ate stale doughnuts and baby chick scratch food. One of them actually succeeded in cracking sunflower seeds and eating the kernels. The other two did not even attempt it. Hummingbirds are notoriously aggressive. I have seen them dart at Cardinal? and Phoebes. One day, one chased a Blue Jay across our little valley, flying about eight feet behind the big bird. When the Blue Jay veered off his straight line of flight, the hummingbird veered too, follow- ing right after him. Ten minutes later, that or another jay flew back across the valley, with the hummer still following at the same distance. Early in April, I saw two male towhees fighting each other so furiously, about fifteen feet up in the air, that they tumbled to the earth and con- tinued to fight on the ground. A Blue Jay, which had been watching them from a nearby pine, dived down on them and joined in the fight, driving off one of the towhees, which he pursued closely. The other towhee remained on the ground at the scene of battle for several minutes, then flew off in a different direction. The towhees were rivals, I suppose. A Catbird regularly drove away a chipmunk that came to our feeder for sunflower seed and peanuts, although the catbird itself did not use the feeder. He would also dive at the chipmunk when it ventured out on the lawn and drive it back into its burrow. If we sat out on our little terrace nearby, about twenty feet away from the catbird’s nest, this same bird would “dive-bomb” within a couple of feet of our heads. None of the other catbirds showed this fighting spirit. In Durham this past spring, there were a few more Bluebirds about than the previous year. On February 24, a pair appeared on the second story window feeder of our house, and while the female ate their preferred food — a mixture of suet, peanut butter, and baby chick scratch feed — the male kept jumping up, with his wings outspread, and pecking at his re- flection in the window glass. He would keep this up as long as his mate stayed on the feeder, not stopping to eat with her. Finally, by March 3, he no longer flew at or pecked the glass, but still crowded so close to it that he pressed his breast against it and seemed to be peering into my room. I have several times seen male Cardinals fight their image in a December, 1962 91 window, but had never before seen a Bluebird behave this way. Later in the spring, they were busy around one of the bluebird houses, and, on April 28, they were carrying food in to nestlings. We spent most of May at Roaring Gap, and were there, also, from late June through the first week in October. May 13 was the high spot for migrants. There had been rain and fog for four days previously, but that morning, it was only rather misty. I listed eight Yellowthroats on our thirteen acres, three Canada Warblers, one Cape May Warbler, one female Redstart, two Northern Waterthrushes, one Spotted Sandpiper, two Soli- tary Sandpipers, a Green Heron, a Black-billed Cuckoo, a Wood Thrush, a Veery, two Yellow Warblers, and a Blackpoll Warbler, besides the Red- wings (already nesting), the many Catbirds, Robins, and thrashers. May 14 was also foggy early in the morning. About 7 AM, I was startled to see a huge bird that looked like an Osprey flying through the mist over one of our ponds. Later, the fog lifted, and twice more the big hawk, obviously an Osprey, appeared. I had always associated this bird with salt marshes and tide water rivers, but Mr. Lin Hendron tells me that they frequent a small lake at Devotion, at the foot of the Blue Ridge, just below Roaring Gap, and that he has also seen them along the Yadkin River, near Elkin. In August, we saw the start of fall migration. On the 9th, a flock of about twenty-five Barn Swallows gathered on the telephone wires, with another group of five, evidently young ones, on a nearby wire fence. Some of the adults were catching insects on the wing and — hovering — putting them in the open beaks of the young perched on the fence. On August 17, the first nighthawks appeared at dusk, seven of them. Then four on the 19th, 23 on both August 31 and September 1, 50 on the 2nd, 150 on the 3rd, 21 on the 5th, and then no more. On September 11, six Blue-winged Teal spent the day on one of our ponds, mostly sleeping, but occasionally feeding a bit in the shallow water. On the 13th, a Pied-billed Grebe was on the other pond all afternoon but was gone the next morning. In previous years, we have had one that stayed with us well into November. A Gray-cheeked Thrush appeared on September 17, with the first two Swaincon’s Thrushes we had seen, and from then on, we could always find several of the latter in the Black Gum trees, the fruit of which they relish. September 23 was the best day for migrants: 17 Swainson’s Thrushes, a male Redstart, a Scarlet Tanager (greenish-yellow and black), a young Rose-breasted Grosbeak (with the crimson showing beautifully on his breast, but still with the striped head), a Black- throated Blue Warbler, a Magnolia Warbler, a Yellowthroat, and the best view of an Ovenbird I have ever had.” B. Rhett Chamberlain of Wadmalaw Island, S. C. writes: “Late this afternoon I watched an Osprey fishing over the salt creeks to the east of our porch. In less than fifteen minutes it caught and ate three small fish, 6 to 8 inches long, in just five dives. At each catch the bird flew directly to the top of a tall dead pine across our creek, three hundred measured yeards away, and tore the fish into bits and ate it. Watching with a 30X scope I easily followed its table manners. The first fish was held with the right foot and pinned against the limb on which the bird perched. The left foot was firmly anchored to the limb. Beginning at the head, and with much neck twisting by the Osprey, the fish was cut and torn apart and swallowed piece by piece. The second fish was dispatched in the same manner. For the third fish, the ambidextrous bird changed feet, holding its prey with the left foot. This third serving was repeatedly interrupted by feather ruffling and wing drooping. The five dives I had witnessed had pretty well soaked the Osprey and night was not far off.” From Mrs. Margaret W. Barnes, Box 4, Warrenton, North Carolina comes the best hummingbird-feeding idea that I have heard of in a long time. I shall certainly try this next spring. She writes: 92 The Chat “In 1959, I began attracting and feeding hummingbirds. I saw only four that year, all females. In 1960, there were five females and one male until later, when there were as many as nine at the feeders at one time. Ir. 1961, five came in April, stayed about two weeks, then left. There were no more until May 23, when there were ten to twelve around the feeders. There were three males in this group. This year, one female came on April 23, and a male three days later. There were no more until June 5. After then, there were as many as fifteen at the feeders at one time. My feeders are small eye-drop bottles with the dropper part cut off. I paint the top third of the bottles with red nail polish and tie them, with “twistems” to the small bare branches of a large branch of privet, wedged securely in a pipe driven in the ground outside my window. I unhook my screen, pull the branch inside, fill the bottles and push it back outside. The birds will drink from the bottles nearest the outside while I am filling the others, and will drink from a bottle held outside in my hand. They begin feeding at dawn and drink until dark. Usually one bird comes, takes a few sips and zooms off. In a few seconds they all come in. I fill the eleven bottles every night and by seven o’clock they are empty. From June 6 until September 1, I used forty-six and a half cups of sugar made into syrup — two cups of water to each cup of sugar. Feeding hum- mingbirds from the window, as I do, is a wonderful hobby for anyone who cannot get outside to feed the birds.” Dear Mrs. Faver: I have noticed your request for information about the Brown-headed Cowbird in the September issue of The Chat. On August 23, 1961, I captured a young Cowbird in the trap which I operate for English Sparrows in the back yard. That surprised me, for I had seen no adult Cowbirds about during the spring and summer. This past spring a number of adult Cowbirds appeared in the backyard. At times there may have been as many as a dozen about the bird feeders and feed scattered on the ground. We saw several of them right on through the spring and early summer. A few were still present around the middle of July; then they seemed to disappear. Several males were seen going through their courtship antics earlier in the spring. I presume that some of the females laid eggs, although I did not observe any juvenile birds until just the other day when one appeared at a feeder. On April 28, I saw a flock of about thirty Cowbirds feeding in a pasture along the River Falls Road a short distance olf Highway 276. We have been feeding the birds here in our backyard for the past five or six years, but this past summer is the first time that I have ever seen Cowbirds anywhere nearby. Sincerely, William C. Grimm Greenville, South Carolina Dear Mrs. Faver: Should I have chosen to write a story instead of a letter to you, I would have entitled it: Birds Go Modern. During the summer we observed a pair of Indigo Buntings raise a family of four in a low Cape Jessamine bush just outside a window where my husband and I had a ringside seat. Just recently, I took the nest out of the bush and found that the entire bottom of it was built with strips of plastic or celophane paper, some blue and some clear. Since there was a difference in the kinds used, it appears to me that the birds had searched for this material, or at least realized its value when they came upon it. December, 1962 93 We built our present home about eight years ago when there were no trees or bushes close around. It has been quite interesting to watch the increase in number and variety of birds as our place has become more habitable for them. Sincerely yours, Carmen P. Bell, (Mrs. John C.) Inman, South Carolina A. R. Faver, Dept. Editor, Eastover, S. C. WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING The 1963 annual meeting of the Wilson Ornithological Society will be held at Charleston, South Carolina May 2-5, 1963 94 The Chat NEWS AND COMMENTS CBC Fall Meeting. — Hurricane Daisy responded to the wishes of all 102 members and guests of the Carolina Bird Club on the weekend of October 5-7, 1962, and stayed out at sea, assuring splendid “Indian summer” weather for the fall field trip at Myrtle Beach, S. C. Saturday’s trips afield in the surrounding area, encompassing many habitats were lead by Miss Delia Johnson of Murrell’s Inlet and Mr. R. G. MacFarlan of Brook- green. In the afternoon a boat trip through the Inlet at Murrells and out into the ocean was thoroughly enjoyed by almost every member present. Highlights noted Saturday were: a flock of from 300-400 Black Skim- mers, alternately wheeling about over the Inlet at Murrell’s and settling on a narrow sand spit with utmost precision; Peregrine Falcons near the beach north of Myrtle; five Ospreys bathing in the shallows; and finding Chipping and Field sparrows, Yellowthroats, Palm, Prairie and Pine warblers. Redstarts, Yellow-throated vireos, etc. No Cattle Egrets were seen during the meeting but on October 4, Mrs. Annie Faver’s sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Armour, reported several while driv- ing down highway #17 near Surfside. Saturday evening’s meeting was held at the handsome new S. C. Public Service Authority Auditorium in Myrtle Beach. President Harry Davis spoke briefly, welcoming members and their guests, and announcing that the mid-winter field trip would be at Lake Mattamuskeet in North Caro- lina. An excellent film on the Bald Eagle was shown, giving some shots of the late Charles Broley, a Canadian banker, who spent his retirement banding eagles. Mr. Stephen Chapman proved a most successful chairman of the field trips. 114 species of birds Were observed during the meeting. Bird watchers from all over the east attended the meeting. Although most people were from the Carolinas, others came from New York, Ten nessee, Virginia, and Georgia. — Kay C. Sisson, Secty. CBC. Christmas Bird Count. — The official dates this year for the Christmas Count are from December 19 until January 1. As in previous years, com- pilers of counts in the Carolinas are urged to send a complete copy of their count to the Editor of The Chat by January 15, 1963. Compilers should strive toward completeness of these counts, including, among other things, party-miles, party-hours, and other details required for the Audubon Field Notes accounts. Double-spaced, typewritten, complete accounts are required, and please remember to include some supporting initials for unusual observations. Jack Dermid. — After being employed by the Wildlife Resources Com- mission of North Carolina for 12 years, Jack Dermid has resigned to accept a teaching position in biology at Wilmington College. Members of CBC know and appreciate Jack especially for his excellent photographs, many of which have adorned the covers of The Chat. Dr. David A. Adams. — Dave Adams has recently taken a position as Curator at the N. C. State Museum in Raleigh, and we wish him well in this new endeavor. In the past he has made many valuable contributions to the ornithology of North Carolina, and in the present issue has com- piled a useful article on bird mortality. CBC Mid-winter Field Trip. — According to CBC President Harry Davis, the mid-winter field trip will be held again at Lake Mattamuskeet, Jan- uary 11-13, 1963. Further details of the field trip will appear in a news- letter, but in the meanwhile individuals should be making plans to attend this rewarding excursion. Golden Eagle Bill. — All of us are heartened to learn that the Congress has now passed a bill to protect the Golden Eagle as well as the Bald Eagle. We should all continue our efforts to discourage hunters and farmers from killing any eagles, hawks, or owls. Correction. — In Paul Sykes’ article, “A Look Back into History . . .” {Chat, 26:31. 1962) beneath figure 1, the date should read December 9, 1912 instead of December 9, 1962. December, 1962 95 GENERAL FIELD NOTES Advisory Council: E. Burnham Chamberlain, Thomas W. Simpson, MD., Wendell P. Smith, Ivan R. Tomkins, Robert L. Wolff. Department Editor: B. R. Chamberlain, Wadmalaw Island, S. C. This department will carry noteworthy data to the extent of the allotted space. Bare lists of occurrences, unless of special interest, will be held for publication in regional groupings. All material should be sent to the Department Editor. It may be presented in final form or subject to re-write. The normal dead-line for any issue is six weeks prior to the issue date. Data must be complete enough to enable the Council to render decisions. Frigate-bird Off Gull Island, Dare County, North Carolina. — On June 15, 1962, I observed a female Magnificent Frigate-bird (Fregata magnificens) over Pamlico Sound, north of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The bird was seen at 3:15 pm EST, flying northward between Gull Island and the Hatteras Bank, and observed for about 10 minutes until it disappeared to the north. It flew very high, apparently sailing on currents aloft since it did not beat its wings during the time my wife and I observed it. No storm or strong winds from the south had occurred just prior to this date, and the reason for its northward drift must remain speculative. We noted all relevant field marks specifically, in good light, with 8x binoculars and a 20x telescope. I am very familiar with the species, having seen it many times in tropical waters while serving in U. S. Navy. The A.O.U. Check-list of North American Birds (1957) states that the Magnificent Frigate-bird ranges, in the western Atlantic, casually to North Carolina and accidentally farther north. A recent observation over Wil- mington is recorded in The Chat (24:104, 1960). — Jack P. Hailman, De- partment of Zoology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, August 21, 1962. A White Ibis in the Mountains of South Carolina. — On September 1, 1962, my family and I were camping at Table Rock State Park in Pickens County, in the extreme north-western part of South Carolina. As we were eating lunch near a small stream that borders the campground, an immature White Ibis (Eudocimus alubus) slowly walked down the stream. Apparently the bird was feeding on crayfish which abound in the stream. It was rather startling to see this bird so far from its usual habitat where I have watched many of them (the Carolina coast and the Florida Gulf coast). My com- panion John F. Twombly and I jumped up from the table and followed the bird down stream. It seemed very much at home and kept only 20 to 30 feet in front of us. I rechecked the field marks of the White Ibis in “Peterson,” which I had in my hand, and all were there. It was 15-18 inches high, grey-brown in color but lighter in the underparts. The bill was long and decurved, dark at the tip, the rest being a definite reddish color. The legs were fleshy pink. At one time the bird ruffled its wings and the white rump was clearly visible. At no time did it attempt by fly and finally it dis- appeared in the underbrush where we could no longer follow it. Later that day I discussed the observation with the Park Ranger. He stated that the bird had been seen in the Park during the past several months. He had seen the bird fly and had noticed it roosting in trees near the stream. We saw the bird again on September 3. 96 The Chat I am reporting this observation since South Carolina Bird Life (Sprunt and Chamberlain, 1949) shows Aiken County as the western limit for this species. — T. M. Rial, 791 Boardman Road, Aiken, South Carolina, Septem- ber 9, 1962. A Roseate Spoonbill Sighted on the North Carolina Coast. — A few days ago, about August 16, I saw a Roseate Spoonbill (Ajaia agaia) between Wrightsville and Carolina Beach, North Carolina, feeding along the edge of the inland waterway. The spot where it was sighted is about 15 miles from the mouth of the Cape Fear River. I saw a single bird feeding on the shore line, much like a Common Egret, and I circled with my boat to get a better view. His beautiful pink body and shovel-shaped bill were un- mistakable when I cruised within fifty yards of him. Birds of North Carolina (1959) gives no record of the Roseate Spoonbill in the state since 1919 and I know of none since that time. — Laurence G. Sprunt, P. O. Box 3625, Wilmington, North Carolina, August 29 and Sep- tember 5, 1962. (It is interesting to note that the 1919 record referred to was made at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. We know of no other re- cent record for either of the Carolinas but a single bird was reported at Brunswick, Georgia during the summer of 1961, and one was reported at St. Marys, Georgia during the present summer, 1962, — Dept. Ed.) Sight Records of Swallow-tailed Kites on Hatteras Island, North Carolina. — Observations of Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) would be of interest even if the species were not so rare in North Carolina. In the summer of 1962 from May 26 to July 23, Swallow-tailed Kites were observed in the Buxton Woods area near Frisco on Hatteras Island. The sight records described below have been reported by several observers. On May 26, Aycock Brown, Manager of the Dare County Tourist Bureau, reported seeing eleven “large black and white birds with long- forked tails.,, Recognizing that these birds were strange to the area, he paid careful attention to their characteristics and recorded the observation in his notebook. On May 30, Mr. Brown returned to the same place near Frisco and this time he saw five Swallow-tailed Kites. On another trip to this spot on June 5 he failed to observe the kites. He stated that the Swallow-tailed Kites were observed over the northeast corner of the Billy Mitchell Airport and island roads sailing around and alighting in trees on top of sand dunes. On June 21, while driving along the highway through Frisco, Thomas L. Quay and Park Naturalists Vernon C. Gilbert and Clay L. Gifford observed one Swallow-tailed Kite in flight. This beautiful and conspicuous bird was watched for several minutes through 7 x 50 binoculars by all three observers. It circled and glided gracefully over the tall pines in front of us and then disappeared from our view. This was around 11 am on a clear warm day. Hatteras Island District Ranger Jack E. Stark reported that on June 27, 1962, about 11 am while on an inspection tour of Hatteras Island with Secretary of the Interior Udall, they sighted three Swallow-tailed Kites circling over the area known as “Open Ponds” in the Buxton Woods. Mr. Stark also stated that he had seen Swallow-tailed Kites in May and June in the vicinity of Frisco, but that he did not record the exact dates. Another report was received from Seasonal Historian William A. Harris who described seeing three Swallow-tailed Kites soaring with one Osprey over the sand flats near Frisco (this is adjacent to the Buxton Woods) at approximately 11 am on July 19, 1962. These were also observed by Mrs. Harris and Mrs. D. E. Williams. The latest observation this summer was on July 23 when Park Naturalists Gilbert and Gifford saw one kite flying over the highway just south of Frisco just before noon on a clear, hot day. The Swallow-tailed Kite is usually a strikingly beautiful bird, but this one presented a somewhat ragged appearance, apparently having some of its primary feathers missing. It is possible that these Swallow-tailed Kites nested in the Buxton Woods, judging from the length of time that they remained in the area, but no December, 1962 97 evidence of nesting was obtained. The Buxton Woods is similar in general aspect to their nesting habitat in the pineland of South Florida, where they build their nests in tall pines. On Hatteras Island, Buxton Woods extends for seven miles and varies from one to three miles in width. Physiographically the region is a series of wooded dunes with fresh-water ponds and marshes in the swales between the ridges. The woods are dominated by loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda) , with oaks, holly, ironwood, red bay, red cedar, and other species beneath the pines. The palmetto (Sabal minor) is abundant in the understory. Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) , which is used as a lining in Swallow-tailed Kites’ nests in localities where it is available, occurs sparsely in a few spots. Snakes, lizards, frogs, and insects, which the Swallow-tailed Kites feed upon, are abundant in the area. — Vernon C. Gilbert and Thomas L. Quay, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Manteo, North Carolina, and Zoology Department, N. C. State College, Raleigh, North Carolina, November 1, 1962. Purple Gallinule Sighted at Raleigh, North Carolina. — On May 21, 1962, I flushed a Purple Gallinule (Porphyrula martinica) from the marshy edge of Lake Raleigh, an eighty-one acre lake just south of the Raleigh city limits. I was able to approach to within fifty yards of the bird and observed that it was an adult in full breeding plumage. The white shield at the base of the bill and the yellow legs eliminated any possibility of this being a Common Gallinule. The gallinule was observed for several minutes, during which time it was harassed continuously by several resident male Redwings. Finally, it dropped from its perch in the top of a low willow into the dense marsh and was lost from view. The bird was apparently a wandering- migrant, as the closest breeding records are from Lake Ellis in Craven County (Chat, 15:79, 1951). There are several coastal observations of this species, but the only prior record from Wake County was by H. H. Brimley in 1887 ( Birds of North Carolina, 1959). James F. Parnell. Zoology De- partment, North Carolina State College, Raleigh, North Carolina, Septem- ber 5, 1962. A Hudsonian God wit on the North Carolina Coast. — En route to Ocracoke on August 3, 1962, my husband and I stopped at the Bodie Island Light- house (jusf above Cape Hatteras, North Carolina) and saw in the fresh water lake there, much to our surprise and delight, a Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica) . Although the bird was rather far from us and could not be approached, the viewing conditions were execllent and our Questar revealed the white tip on the tail in addition to the white rump which was visible with binoculars and Balscope. After checking the Accidentals in our “Peterson” and reading the comments in A Gathering of Shore Birds (1960) by H. M. Hall, we felt there could be no doubt about our identification of the Hudsonian Godwit. On our return trip on August 8, the godwit was still feeding in ap- proximately the same territory as on the previous sighting. When we reached home we read in The Chat (26:41, 1962) and in Birds of North Carolina (1959) about the rarity of the Hudsonian Godwit on Carolina shores; therefore my husband returned to Bodie Island on August 10 to photograph it. On the morning of August 11 he found it still feeding in the same area of the lake. The bird was extremely shy and had to be photographed at a great distance. Satisfactory pictures were obtained using a 1500 mm. lens with enlargements. One or two of the color slides show all of the necessary field marks and prove the plumage well along in the change from summer to winter. Although the bird was flushed several times during and after the photography, it never did leave the lake and was reluctant to leave its customary territory. When flushed it revealed dark wing linings. — Mrs. J. M. Potter, Jr., P. O. Box 4-87, Zebulon, North Carolina, August 27, 1962. — (A note from Paul W. Sykes, Jr. of Norfolk, Virginia, informs us that he and H. A. Hespenheide carefully observed and identified a Hudsonian Godwit on the lake at Bodie Island Lighthouse on August 5, 1962. This presumably was the bird reported by Mrs. Potter. These observations greatly strengthen the South Carolina record reported in the June, 1962, Chat and referred to by Mrs. Potter. — Dept. Ed.) 98 The Chat Ruffs in the Beaufort, North Carolina Area. — On the afternoon of July 29, 1962, at low tide, Dan Knight, Robert Thomas, John Fussell, and I went to the North River marsh in Carteret County, North Carolina. The marsh was teeming with birds and we worked it throughly, much of the time in mud to our knees. Most of our regular shore birds were present in good numbers along with gulls, terns, egrets, and herons. While we were watching several Greater and Lesser yellowlegs feeding in a shallow pool, we saw a bird feeding with them that was noticeably different. Its bill was slightly heavier than that of the Lessser Yellowlegs and did not seem to be quite as long. Its legs were not bright yellow but rather a clay or ochre color, and it was a little larger than the Lesser but n6t as large as the Greater Yellowlegs. The back had decidedly more brown in it than that of the Yellowlegs and there were brownish markings on the breast with white underparts. We were within 175 feet of it, had both Greater and Lesser yellowlegs in our glasses at the same time, and could make comparisons. We also had with us both the Peterson and Pough Field Guides. After prolonged study we flushed the bird and noticed that its feet did not trail out behind him as did the Yellowlegs. Upon going deeper back into the marsh we came to another pool where more Yellowlegs were feeding, and with them there were three more birds similar to the one we had been watching. We stalked these birds very slowly, with our glasses on them all of the time. They became restless when we were approximately 150 feet away and the Yellowlegs flushed after we had taken a few more steps. The Yellowlegs all made their usual alarm cry as they flew away. The three strangers did not flush until we were within about 75 feet of them. As they flew away we all noticed that their tails had a black center stripe with a white oval patch on either side, and we were all entirely satisfied that, as we had suspected, they were Ruffs (Philomachus pugnax). — John Thompson, Rocky Mount, Nor'th Carolina, August 30, 1962. (For recent records of Ruffs on the North and South December, 1962 99 Carolina coasts see The Chat, 23:65, 1959; 25:32, 1961; and 25:33, 1961.— Dept. Ed) Two More Records of the Gray Kingbird in North Carolina. — On July 25, 1962, while visiting the heron rookery of Battery Island, at Southport, North Carolina, the senior author discovered a Gray Kingbird ( Tyrannus dominicensis) in the top branches of one of the shrubby thickets that abound on the island. The washed-out gray color, large bill, and lack of a white stripe across the tip of the tail feathers, made identification posi- tive. Observations were made with binoculars at about fifty yards. (Having recently returned from a trip to southern Florida, where he had seen this species frequently, Parnell was familiar with the bird.) The kingbird was observed for a period of several minutes, as it made typical flycatcher sorties into the air in pursuit of insects. It was last seen as it chased a Redwinged Blackbird out of sight across the island. An earlier, but unpublished, record of a single Gray Kingbird was made by Verde Watson on Hatteras Island on March 12, 1957. This bird was watched carefully for thirty minutes as it flew around and perched on wires in a road -side clearing in the woods just west of the town of Buxton. Watson was the naturalist at that time in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and gave the details of the record to Quay who was then engaged in a special study of the animal life of the Park. The four other records of the Gray Kingbird in North Carolina are reviewed by Funderburg and Soots in The Chat (23:67, 1959). — James F. Parnell and T. L. Quay, Zoology Department, N. C. State College , Raleigh, North Carolina, November 12, 1962. Banded Catbird Recovered. — On May 14, 1962, Mrs. Lewis T. Gates found a dead Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) in a vacant parking lot in the town of Chapin, Lexington County, South Carolina. The bird appeared to be in good condition. Apparently it had flown into a plate glass window. It bore a numbered band and Mrs. Gates forwarded the band to the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center at Patuxent, Md. A reply from the Center shows that the bird was banded on August 18, 1961, in the state of Pennsylvania at or near the town of Dagus Mines in Elk County. Un- fortunately the reply card does not show whether or not the Catbird was a nestling or an adult when banded. Nor does it show the name of the bander. — Mrs. P. B. Hendrix, Rt. 1., Lexington, South Carolina, July 21, 1962. Starling Behavior. — Late in the afternoon of August 25, 1962, my wife called to me that a Starling ( Sturnus vulgaris ) was drowning a smaller bird in our bird bath. She had heard the cries of the victim; then saw that the Starling was forceably holding the smaller bird under the water with its bill. When I went to investigate, the Starling flew away. In the water was the water-soaked and lifeless body of a House Sparrow. There was a large opening in its skull and most of its brain had been eaten away. Bent (U. S. National Museum Bulletin 197, 1950) gave several accounts of Starlings’ attacking and killing other birds, but no mention was made of its feeding on any part of the victims. — William C. Grimm, 15 Strawberry Drive, Route 3, Greenville, South Carolina, September 2, 1962. Yellow-headed Blackbird at Raleigh, North Carolina. On May 4, 1962, I watched an adult, female Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) alight in a small cattail marsh south of the Raleigh city limits on the State Hospital Dairy Farm. Immediately the blackbird was beset by several resident Redwings. After several minutes of harassment, during which time the yellow throat and other field marks were closely observed through 7X50 binoculars, the bird flew about 200 yards across a grain field and perched in an isolated tree. It remained there for about five minutes, allowing an approach to within thirty yards, and then still harassed by the Redwings, it flew out of sight. This observation is especially interesting in that it was in this same area that Quay and Goodson, on August 15, 1952, collected the only other individual of this species reported from Wake County {Chat, 16:101, 1952). 100 The Chat There are three other records for North Carolina according- to Birds of North Carolina (1959). Details of those records appeared in The Chat, 16: 26, 1952; 17:45, 1953; 22:29, 1958. A recent South Carolina observation is also record in The Chat, 25:42, 1961. — James F. Parnell, Zoology Depart- ment, North Carolina State College, Raleigh, North Carolina, September 5, 1962. Baltimore Oriole Breeding in Guilford County, North Carolina. — In North Carolina the Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) is listed as a summer resident only in the mountains (Birds of North Carolina, 1959). In Guilford County the bird is listed as a transient (Chat, 18:38, 1954). For the second successive year the Baltimore Oriole has been observed nesting in Guilford County. Both records were in the Horsepen Creek area northwest of Greensboro. As the creek empties into the headwaters of Lake Brandt a marsh of about 3 or 4 acres in size is created. The marsh is bounded by pasture, lake (open water), and mixed hardwood forest. On the Spring Count (May 6, 1961) a male was seen in a large sycamore by Larry Crawford and George Smith. On May 13, 1961 Crawford observed the male singing again in the same tree and on the following Saturday (May 20, 1961) he watched both male and female bringing food into the tree, but was unable to locate the nest. On the next day the nest was finally located, and both birds were observed feeding the young. Attempts to collect the nest, located about 20 ft. up in the sycamore and hanging directly over the stream, were unsuccessful. Again this year, on the Spring Count (May 5, 1962) a male Baltimore Oriole was seen singing in a sycamore (not the same tree as the previous year) by George Smith and myself. Further observations were not made until May 17, at which time I observed both male and female at the nest site. The nest was located approximately 65 ft. up in a young solitary sycamore about 300 yards out in the marsh. On May 18, the male was observed in the tree. The female was not seen and was assumed to be incubating. Both birds were bringing food to the nest on May 24. Sub- sequent observations on June 16, 17, 19, 20 were made, but neither young nor adults were seen. On July 20 I succeeded in collecting the nest. Examination of the nest showed an outside lining of dried plant fibers, white string, black horsehair, and brown twine. The inner lining consisted of horsehair, grass, and leaf fragments. The nest has been added to the collection at the Greensboro Junior Museum. — Brad Hawkins, — Director, Greensboro Junior Museum, Greensboro, North Carolina, August 2, 1962. Some Summer Species on Mt. Mitchell, North Carolina. — The following is a list of the birds observed by my wife and me on Mt. Mitchell, Yancey County, North Carolina on August 2 to 5, 1962. They were all seen at altitudes between 5500 and 6500 feet. Our most interesting encounter was with a pair of Red Crossbills ( Loxia curvirosta) which fed on cracked corn near our cookout oven and were seen on successive days. The following species were observed : Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Horned Lark, Common Raven, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Catbird, Robin, Kinglet (sp.?), Cedar Waxwing, Solitary Vireo, Black-and- white Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Pine Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Red Crossbill, Rufous-sided Towhee, Slate-colored Junco, and Song Sparrow. — John P. Davis, 821-823 Nissen Building, Winston-Salem, North Caro- lina, August 20, 1962. December, 1962 101 BOOKS REVIEWS Check-list of Birds of the World. A continuation of the work of James L. Peters; edited by Ernst Mayr and James C. Greenway, Jr. Volume XV. 315 pages. 1962. Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Mass. $7.50. Here is another issue of the valuable Peter’s “Check-list” series, eight other volumes having been published previously. Of some apparent con- fusion is the spasmodic appearance of these volumes, but this is under- standable when one realizes that many specialists contribute time and knowledge so that manuscripts are completed at varying intervals. We can but hope for an early time when the set will be completed. The current volume contains species in the last eleven families of the order Passeriformes: Ploecidae (weaverbirds) through Corvidae (crows and jays). For each recognized species in the world the following succinct information is given — reference to the publication of the original descrip- tion, all the recognized subspecies, some common names, and complete geographic ranges. Although this is a somewhat technical publication, it contains a wealth of data for the serious-minded bird student. — David W. Johnston BRIEFS FOR THE FILES Common Loon, 1 molting, with one or two bare outer primary shafts showing, captured on beach at Garden City Beach, S. C., July 16 and promptly released at sea, Mrs. R. C. Tedards; 1 at Oregon Inlet, N. C., August 8, Paul W. Sykes, Jr. • Pied-billed Grebe, nest with downy young and 3 nests with 1 to 5 eggs, Allendale County, S. C., May 4, William Post. • Gannet, 1 at New River Inlet, N. C., August 19, an early date, Hallem Walker. • Great Blue Heron, 6 pairs nesting at Hilton Head Island, S. C., March 24, Mrs. W. E. Butler • Cattle Egret, a flock of about 20 remained for three weeks around April 29 at the Howard Gamble farm near Dur- ham, N. C., fide Mrs. George C. Pyne, Jr. o Louisiana Heron, 1 in moun- tainous Ashe County, N. C., May 6, Mrs. A. B. Hurt. ® Wood Ibis, 8 cir- cling over the yard on Wadmalaw Island, S. C., June 21, B. R. Chamberlain; 27 over Ashley River at Charleston, S. C., October 5, Mrs. M. D. Richard- son. • Black Duck, 2 on June 1 and 1 on June 19 at Greensboro, N. C., Brad Hawkins. • Gadwall, 4 at Bodie Island, N. C., June 26, Frederic R. Scott. • Green-winged Teal, 1 on and over a small pond at Dixie Plantation, Charleston County, S. C., on August 16, the only summer record for the state, as far as we know, John Henry Dick. • Wood Duck, 28 eggs, readily divisable into 2 sets of 11 and 17 by size and color, in an old Pileated Woodpecker nesting hole, Charleston County, S. C., April 7, Roy Baker. • Canvasback, 1 female, Greensboro, N. C., March 25, Brad Hawkins. • Red- shouldered Hawk, nest with 2 eggs, Charleston County, S. C., March 17, Roy Baker. • Marsh Hawk, 1 at Carolina Beach, N. C., September 29, Mrs. Mary Urich; 1 at Rantowles Creek, Charleston County, S. C., September 7, Robert H. Coleman. • Peregrine Falcon, 1 at Greensboro, N. C., April 9, Brad Hawkins. • Sparrow Hawk, 1 at Hilton Head Island, S. C., Septem- ber 3, Mrs. Carolina Newhall. • Sora, 1 near Wrightsville Beach, N. C., May 2, Mrs. Dot Earle. • Piping Plover, 1, Mt. Pleasant, S. C., August 10, Ellison A. Williams; 4 at Ashley River Bridge, Charleston, S .C., Septem- ber 8, Edwin L. Blitch, III. • Black-bellied Plover, 1 at Topsail Island, N. C., August 19, Hallam Walker. • Upland Plover, 2, at Edisto Beach, S. C., April 14 and 2, April 25, Mrs. B. H. Guy and Mrs. Paul Atwood. • Spotted Sand- piper, absent from Wrightsville Beach area, N. C., from May 26 to July 1, Mrs. Dot Earle. • Greater Yellowlegs, flock of 13 at Greensboro, N. C., March 102 The Chat 25, Brad Hawkins. • White-rumped Sandpiper, 2, Greensboro, N. C., May 11, Brad Hawkins. • American Avocet, 20 at Pea Island, N. C., August 5, H. A. and F. S. Hespenheide, and Paul W. Sykes, Jr. • Black-necked Stilt, about 40 in a breeding colony on Bodie Island, N. C., the second week of May, where a scrape with eggs was photographed, Edwin D. Schneider of Verona, N. J.; and up to one dozen adults present there and apparently breeding, June 26, Frederic R. Scott. • Black Tern, 4, 3 of them in breed- ing plumage, at Bodie Island, N. C., June 26, Frederic R. Scott. • Ground Dove, “a few” at Garden City Beach, S. C., May 10, Mrs. J. U. Whitlock. • Black-billed Cuckoo, 1 at Bodie Island, N. C., August 5, H. A. and F. S. Hespenheide, and Paul W. Sykes, Jr. • Hairy Woodpecker, nest with young, Charleston County, S. C., April 21, Edwin L. Blitch. • Gray King- bird, 1, Beaufort County, S. C., July 21, Robert Russell, Wilmette, 111. • Western Kingbird, 1 at Hilton Head Island, S. C., October 5, Mrs. Caroline Newhall; 1 near Carolina Beach, N. C., September 29, Mrs. Mary Urich, Katherine Alexander, and Mrs. Dot Earle. • Bank Swallow, 3 at Rantowles Creek, Charleston County, S. C., August 2, Robert H. Coleman and Ellison A. Williams. © Blue Jay, approximately 500 in migration near Carolina Beach, N. C., September 29, Mrs. Mary Urich, Katherine Alexander, and Mrs. Dot Earle. © Yellow Warbler, 1, Greensboro, N. C., April 7, Larry Crawford. • Blackburnian Warbler, 1 or more at Hilton Head Island, S. C., September 22, Mrs. W. E. Butler. • Bobolink, 6 or more, Charleston County, S. C., September 3, Robert H. Coleman. • Brown-headed Cowbird, 1 imma- ture captured in a building at Greensboro, N. C., July 28, banded and re- leased by Brad Hawkins; a fledgling was watched being fed by a Wood Thrush at Greensboro, July 29, George A. Smith. • Painted Bunting, a female at Hilton Head Island, S. C., October 7, Mrs. W. E. Butler. • Dick- cissel, 1 at Jefferson, N. C., the first reported from that area, May 6, Mrs. A. B. Hurt. — Compiled by B. Rhett Chamberlain. All dates 1962 unless otherwise shown. December. 1962 103 INDEX TO VOLUME 26 Actitis macularia, 42, 66, 92, 102 Adams, David A. Nocturnal Mi- grant Mortality in the Carolinas, 83-88; 95 Aechmophorus occidentalis 7, 17 Aegolius acadicus, 20, 41, 46 Agelaius phoeniceus, 50 Aimophila aestivalis, 6, 50 Aix sponsa, 102 Ajaia ajaia, 97 Alca torda, 49 Allen, Glover M., Birds and the'r Attributes (rev.), 79 Allen, Robert P., Birds of the Caribbean (rev.), 47 Ammodramus savannarum, 8, 66 Ammospiza caudacuta, 19 Anas, Cyanoptera, 18, 74, 75 discors, 18, 42, 89, 92 formosa, 30-33 strepera, 42, 89, 102 Anhinga, 49 Aquila chrysaetos, 19 Archilochus colubris, 91, 92, 93 Ardea herodias, 102 Arenaria interpres, 68 Austin, Oliver L., Jr., Birds of the World (rev.), 47 Avocet, American, 25, 103 Aythya, affinis, 18 americana, 42, 49 valisineria, 102 Barnhill, Maurice, 18 Bartramia longicauda, 42, 65, 81, 102 Berger, Andrew J., Bird Study ( rev. ) , 24 Bittern, American, 49 Blackbird, Brewer’s, 8, 50, 63 Redwinged, 50 Yellow-headed, 100 Blitch, Edwin L., Ill, 39 Bluebird, Eastern, 16, 49, 58, 91 Bobolink, 25, 81, 103 Bombycilla cedrorum, 81, 101 Bonasa umbellus, 66, 81 Botaurus lentigenosus, 49 Brown, Roy M., 75 Bubo virginianus, 81 Bubulcus ibis, 27-28, 49, 58, 63, 64, 73-74, 81, 102 Bucephala albeola, 25, 42 clangula, 3, 25, 42 Bufflehead, 25, 42 Bunting, Indigo, 93, 103 Painted, 15, 76 Buteo, lagopus, 3, 81 lineatus, 102 platypterus, 4, 6, 25, 49 Butorides virescens, 4, 6, 25, 49, 102 104 Canvasback, 102 Capella gallinago, 49 Caprimulgus carolinensis, 81 Carpodacus purpureus, 15 Cash, L. Hartsell, 80 Catbird, 25, 91, 100, 101 Centurus carolinus, 30, 66 Certhia familiaris, 67 Chaetura pelagica, 25 Chamberlain, B. Rhett, 20, 22, 25, 35, 41, 50, 75, 81, 90, 103; Christ- mas Count — 1961, 2; 1961-1962 Flight of Evening Grosbeaks, 51 Chamberlain, E. Burnham, 18 Charadrius vociferus, 81 melodus, 102 Chat, Yellow, 55 Chen caerulescens, 25 hyperborea, 7, 25 Chlidonias niger, 102 Chondestes grammacus, 8, 25 Christmas Count — 1961, 2-13. Chuck-will’s-widow, 81 Circus cyaneus, 16, 81, 102 Cistothorus platensis, 62, 68 Clangula hyemalis, 25 Coccyzus americanus, 25 erythropthalmus, 25, 92, 103 Coleman, Robert, Obituary, 90 Columbigallina passerina, 103 Coot, American, 18 Cowbird, Brown-headed, 50, 93, 103 Cox, Geraldine, 73 Crane, Whooping, 39, 40 Creeper, Brown, 67 Crossbill, Red, 22, 101 Crow, Fish, 19, 49 Crymophilus fulicarius, 20 Cuckoo, Black-billed, 25, 92, 103 Yellow-billed, 25 Curlew, Long-billed, 25 Cyanocitta cristata, 29, 38, 103 Davis, Carol, 22 Davis, Harry T., 26, 48, 78 Davis, John P., 101 Dendrocopus borealis, 66 pubescens, 38, 101 villosus, 66, 101, 103 Dendroica (see warblers) Dendrocygna bicolor, 25, 49, 81 Dermid, Jack, 95 Dickcissel, 66, 67, 81 Dolichonyx oryzivorus, 25, 81, 103 Dove, Ground, 103 Dovekie, 8 Dowitcher, 39 Dryocopus pileatus, 15, 63 Duck, Black, 89, 102 Fulvous Tree, 25, 49, 81 Harlequin, 8, 18 The Chat Mallard, 89 Ruddy. 49, 42 Wood, 102 Dumetella carolinensis, 25, 91, 100, 101 Eagle, Bald, 25, 95 Golden, 19, 81, 95 Edwards, R. D., 18 Eider, Common, 39 Egret, Cattle, 27-28, 49, 58, 63, 64, 73-74, 81, 102 Elanoides forficatus, 97 Empidonax, flaviventris, 25 minimus, 67, 68 traillii, 81 Eremophila alpestris, 64, 66, 81, 101 Erolia fuscicollis, 81, 103 maritima, 49 melanotos, 25 minutilla, 42 Eudocimus albus, 25, 96, 102 Euphagus cyanocephalus, 8, 50, 63 Falco sparverius, 102 peregrinus, 102 Falcon, Peregrine, 102 Faver, A. R., 16, 38, 72, 94 Finch, Purple, 15 Flycatcher, Least, 67, 68 Scissor-tailed, 21 Traill’s, 81 Vermilion, 20 Yellow-bellied, 25 Fregata magnificens, 96 Frigate-bird, 96 Frost, Norme D., 40 Fulica americana, 18 Gadwall, 42, 89, 102 Gallinula chloropus, 18, 81 Gallinule, Common, 18, 81 Purple, 49, 98 Gannet, 25, 49, 102 Gavia immer, 102 stellata, 49 Geothlypis trichas, 92 Gilbert, Vernon, 97 Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray, 49 Godwit, Hudsonian, 41, 98-99 Marbled, 81 Goldeneye, Common, 3, 25, 42 Goose, Blue, 25 Snow, 7, 25 Grebe, Western, 7, 17 Pied-billed, 102 Grimm, William C., 100 Grosbeak, Evening, 4, 5, 7, 15, 45- 46, 51-54, 58, 60, 61, 64, 66, 67, 70-71, 91 Pine, 77 Rose-breasted, 66, 82 Grouse, Ruffed, 66, 81 Grus americana, 39-40 Gull, Glaucous, 81 Great Black-backed, 49 Herring, 19 Hailman, Jack P., 19, 96 Haliaeetus leucocephalus, 25, 95 Hardister, John P., Jr., 27 Hauser, Doris C., 76; Notes on Pel- lets Cast by a Babiy Blue Jay, 29; Sun-bathing in Birds, 33-34 Hawk, Brown- winged, 3, 49 Marsh, 16, 81, 102 Red-shouldered, 102 Rough-legged, 3, 81 Sparrow, 102 Hawkins, Brad, 101 Hendrix, Mrs. P. B., 100 Heron, Black-crowned Night, 49, 81 Great Blue, 102 Green, 4, 6, 25, 49, 92 Louisiana, 66, 102 Yellow-crowned Night, 4, 6, 25, 49 Hesperiphona vespertina, 4, 5, 7, 15, 45-46, 51-54, 58, 60, 61, 64, 66, 67, 70-71, 91 Himantopus mexicanus, 68, 102 Hirunda rustica, 21, 81, 92 Histrionicus histiionicus, 8, 18 Hodel, Earl H., 42 Holmes, Mrs. Robert P., 77 Hummingbird, Ruby-throated, 91, 92, 93 Hydranassa tricolor, 66, 102 Hylocichla fuscescens, 62, 69, 81, 92 guttata, 81 minima, 81 mustelina, 91 ustulata, 92 Ibis, White, 25, 96, 102 Wood, 49 Icterus galbula, 15, 25, 38, 50, 101 Imhof, Thos. A., Alabama Birds (rev.), 78 Iridoprocne bicolor, 21, 38 Jay, Blue, 29, 38, 103 Johnston, David W., 24, 39, 47, 48, 58, 77, 79, 102 Junco, Slate-colored, 82, 101 Killdeer, 81 Kingbird, Eastern, 81 Gray, 81, 99, 100, 103 Western, 6, 25, 103 Kite, Swallow-tailed, 97-98 Lark, Horned, 64, 66, 81, 101 Larus (see gulls) Limosa fedoa, 81 haemastica, 41, 98-100 Limnodromus scolopaceus, 39 December, 1962 105 Limnothlypis swainsonii, 75-76 Lockley, R. M., Puffins (rev.), 78 Loon, Common, 102 Red-throated, 49 Loxia curvirostra, 22, 101 McAtee, Waldo L., Obituary, 1 MacCarthy, Gerald R., 45 Magpie, Black-billed, 33-34 Mareca americana, 42, 49 penelope, 31 Martin, Alexander et al., Ameri- can Wildlife and Plants (rev.), 79 Martin, Purple, 49 Melospiza lincolnii, 23, 45, 77 melodia, 101 Merganser, Red-breasted, 42 Mergus serrator, 42 Mimus polyglottos, 75 Mniotilta varia, 4 Mockingbird, 75 Molothrus ater, 50, 93, 103 Morus bassanus, 25, 49 Muscivora forficata, 21 Nocturnal Migrant Mortality, 83- 88 Norwood, Joseph, 20 Numenius americanus, 25 Nuthatch, Brown-headed, 14, 37 Red-breasted, 3, 14, 15, 25, 49, 101 Nyctanassa violacea, 4, 6, 25, 49 Nycticorax nycticorax, 49, 81 Oldsquaw, 25 Oriole, Baltimore, 15, 25, 38, 50, 101 Osprey, 42, 92, 97 Owl, Barn, 15 Great Horned, 81 Saw-whet, 20, 41, 46 Short-eared, 20 Oxyura jamaicensis, 42, 49 Palmer, Ralph L., Handbook of North American Birds (rev.), 79 Pandion haliaetus, 42, 92, 97 Parkes, Kenneth C., 18, 21 Parnell, J. F., 17, 98, 100; Cattle Egret in Wake Co., N. C., 27-28; Mallards nesting in Wake Co., N. C., 89-90 Parula americana, 50 Passerculus sandwichensis, 82 Passerherbulus henslowii, 61 Passerina ciris, 15, 76 cyanea, 93, 103 Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, 81 occidentalis, 49 Pelican, Brown, 49 White, 81 Peters, James L., Check-list of Birds of the World (rev.), 102 Phalarope, Red, 55 Phalaropus fulicarius, 55 Pheucticus ludovicianus, 66, 82 Philohela minor, 42 Philomachus pugnax, 99 Phoebe, Eastern, 81 Pica pica, 33-34 Pinicola enucleator, 77 Pipilo erythrophthalmus, 101 Piranga olivacea, 25, 81, 92 Plautus alle, 8 Plover, Black-bellied, 102 Piping, 102 Upland, 42, 65, 81, 102 Podilymbus podiceps, 102 Polioptila caerulea, 49 Porphyrula martinica, 49, 98 Porzana Carolina, 63, 102 Poteat, W. L., 54-57 Potter, Mrs. J. M., Jr., 99 Progne subis, 49 Protonotaria citrea, 49, 75 Puffinis diomedia, 73 gravis, 18 Pyrocephalus rubinus, 20 Quay, Thomas L., 1, 17, 35, 89, 97 Rail, Clapper, 19 Virginia, 81 Rallus limicola, 81 longirostris, 19 Raven, Common, 101 Razorbill, 49 Recurvirostra americana, 25, 103 Redhead, 42, 49 Redstart, 92 Rial, T. M., 96 Riparia riparia, 21, 103 Roberts, Franklin L., 17 Robin, 22, 49, 101 Ruff, 99 Russel, Phillips, 22 Rynchops nigra, 19, 25 Sandpiper, Least, 42 Pectoral, 23 Purple, 49 Spotted, 42, 66, 92, 102 White-rumped, 81, 103 Sayornis phoebe, 81 Scaup, 42 Lesser, 18 Shearwater, Cory’s, 73 Greater, 18 Shuler, James B., Jr., 75 Sialia sialis, 16, 49, 58, 91 Siskin, Pine, 25, 50, 63, 81, 91 Sitta canadensis, 3, 14, 15, 25, 49, 101 pusilla, 14, 37 Skimmer, Black, 19, 25 Smith, Mrs. Ellison D., 43, 45, 73 Smith, Wendell P., 23 106 The Chat Snipe, Common, 49 Somateria mollissima, 39 Soots, Robert F., 27 Sora, 63, 102 Sparrow, Bachman’s, 6, 50 Chipping, 50 Grasshopper, 8, 66 Harris’, 22 Henslow’s, 61 Lark, 8, 25 Lincoln’s, 23, 45, 77 Savannah, 82 Sharp-tailed, 19 Song, 101 White-crowned, 2, 64, 65 White-throated, 40, 71 Spinus pinus, 25, 50, 63, 81, 91 Spiza americana, 66, 67, 81 Spizella passerina, 50 Spoonbill, Roseate, 97 Spring Count (1962), 58-69 Sprunt, Lawrence G., 97 Squatarola squatarola, 102 Starling, 58, 100 Stelgidopteryx ruficollis, 49 Sterna hirundo, 25 Stilt, Black-necked, 68, 102 Sturnus vulgaris, 58, 100 Swallow, Bank, 21, 103 Barn, 21, 81, 92 Rough-winged, 49 Tree, 21, 38 Swift, Chimney, 25 Sykes, Paul W., Jr., 39, 74; A new Species for N. C., 30-33 Tanager, Scarlet, 25, 81, 92 Tanner, James T., 21 Teal, Baikal, 30-33 Blue-winged, 18, 42, 89, 92 Cinnamon, 18, 74-75 Green-winged, 102 Tedards, Mrs. R. C., 41, 43 Tern, Black, 102 Common, 25 Royal, 9 Terres, John K., 46 Thalasseus maximus, 19 Thompson, John L., 74, 99 Thrush, Gray-cheeked, 81 Hermit, 81 Swainson’s, 92 Wood, 91 Thryomanes bewickii, 3, 5 Totanus flavipes, 42, 99 melanoleucus, 2, 99, 102 Towhee, 91, 101 Troglodytes aedon, 81 troglodytes, 49, 81, 101 Turdus migratorius, 22, 101 Turnstone, Ruddy, 68 Tyrannus dominicensis, 81, 99, 100, 103 tyrannus, 81 verticalis, 6, 25, 103 Tyto alba, 15 Vermivora bachmanii, 62 celata, 50 pinus, 67 Veery, 62, 69, 81, 92 Vireo, Solitary, 4, 25, 101 Warbling, 59, 66 White-eyed, 2, 49 Warbler, Bachman’s, 62 Black-and-white, 4, 101 Blackburnian, 101, 103 Blackpoll, 81, 91 Black-throated Blue, 92, 101 Black-throated Green, 101 Blue-winged, 67 Canada, 65, 91 Cape May, 25, 91 Hooded, 101 Magnolia, 4, 92 Myrtle, 38 Orange-crowned, 50 Palm, 7 Parula, 50 Pine, 38, 101 Prairie, 5, 8 Prothonotary, 49, 75 Swainson’s. 75, 76 Wilson’s, 25, 26 Yellow-throated, 50, 91, 103 Waxwing, Cedar, 81, 101 Whicker, Martha, W. L. Poteat — Early N. C. Naturalist, 54-57 Widgeon, American, 42, 49 European, 31 Wilsonia canadensis, 65, 91 pusilla, 25, 66 Woodcock, American, 42 Woodpecker, Downy, 38, 101 Hairy, 66, 101, 103 Pileated, 15, 63 Red-bellied, 38, 66 Red-cockaded, 66 Wren, Bewick’s, 3, 5 House, 81 Short-billed Marsh, 62, 68 Winter, 49, 81, 101 Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus, 100 Yellowlegs, Greater, 2, 99, 102 Lesser, 42, 99 Yellowthroat, 92 Zonotrichia albicollis, 40, 71 leucophrys, 2, 3, 64, 65 querula, 22 December, 1962 107 Founded March 6, 1937 Incorporated August 8, 19 U9 The Carolina Bird Club is an incorporated association for the study and conservation of wildlife, particularly birds, chiefly in the Carolinas. Founded in 1937 as the North Carolina Bird Club, it was joined in 1948 by several South Carolina natural history clubs and the name changed to the Carolina Bird Club. In addition to publishing The Chat, the Club also: (1) holds an annual spring business meeting and a fall dinner meeting, (2) conducts club-wide field trips to places of outstanding ornithological interest, (3) sponsors Christmas and Spring Bird Censuses by local groups, (4) encour- ages original research and publication, (5) aids in the establishment of local clubs and sanctuaries, (6) takes an active interest in conservation legislation, (7) cooperates with State and Federal agencies, and (8) fur- nishes information and speakers to interested groups whenever possible. The Carolina Bird Club, Inc., is a non-profit educational and scientific organization with no paid personnel. Dues, contributions, and bequests to the Club are deductible from State and Federal income and estate taxes. MEMBERSHIP Membership is open to anyone interested in birds, wildlife, and out-of- doors. The annual dues for the classes of membership are: Regular $1.00 Contributing $25.00 Supporting $5.00 Affiliated Club $2.00 Life — $100.00 (payable in four consecutive annual installments) All members not in arrears for dues receive The Chat. Seventy-five cents of each annual membership fee is applied as the annual subscription to The Chat. Checks should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Application blanks may be obtained from the Treasurer, to whom all correspondence regarding membership should be addressed. The activities of the Club and the coverage of The Chat will grow in amount and quality as increased funds become available. Prompt payment of dues and the securing of new members are vital contributions open to everyone. Officers for 1962-1963 President: Harry T. Davis, N. C. State Museum, Raleigh, N. C. Vice-Presidents : Col. Norme D. Frost, Tryon, N. C., Dean Gaston Gage, Clemson College, Clemson, S. C., Joseph R. Norwood, 1329 Goodwin Ave., Charlotte, N. C. Secretary: Mrs. Clyde Sisson, 1617 Tanglewood Road, Columbia, S. C. Treasurer : William L. Hamnett, Box 2919, Raleigh, N. C. Executive Committee : The officers, editors, immediate past President, ex- officiis, and four elected Members-at-large: Col. I. S. H. Metcalf, The Citadel, Charleston, S. C., Wendell P. Smith, 911 E Street, North Wilkes- boro, N. C., James B. Shuler, 43 Kirkwood Lane, Greenville, S. C., Rev. Charles W. Worth, Whiteville, N. C. Bulletin of THE CHAT axoLind Volume 27 Number 1 MARCH, 1963 3 Volume 27, Number 1 March, 1963 THE CHAT Published by The Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Devoted chiefly to the publication of scientific and popular information on the birds and other wildlife of the Carolinas. Editor : David W. Johnston, Department of Biology, Wake Forest College Winston-Salem, N. C. Department Editors: Annie Rivers Faver, Eastover, S. C., B. Rhett Cham- berlain, Rt. 1, Box 48, Wadmalaw Island, S. C. Contributing Editors: Ernest Cutts, Harry Davis, Jack Dermid, James Mattocks, Fred H. May, Thomas W. Simpson, Kay Sisson. Distribution Office: N. C. State Museum, Box 2281, Raleigh, N. C. The Chat is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December as the official bulletin of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Entered as second-class matter on March 14, 1952, at the Post Office at Raleigh, N. C., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Subscription price to non-members: $1.00 per volume. Single copies: 30 cents. Correspondence about changes of address and back numbers should be sent to Mr. Harry Davis, N. C. State Museum, Raleigh, N. C. Please notify the Distribution Office immediately of change of address. Subscriptions should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., and sent to the Treasurer. CONTENTS A Study of Barn Owls and Their Food. Mrs. R. C. Tedards 1 Christmas Count — 1962. David W. Johnston 4 Spring Warbler Migration Study. James F. Parnell 16 Backyard Birding. Annie Rivers Faver, editor 17 News and Comments 19 General Field Notes. B. R. Chamberlain, editor 20 Gallinule and Coot Observations. Mary K. Wintyen 20 Dunlin Collected in Wake Co., N. C. James F. Parnell and John P. Hardister 21 Wilson’s Phalarope at Bodie Island, N. C. Paul W. Sykes, Jr 21 Bridled Terns off the North Carolina Coast. Robert H. Grant 21 Worm-eating Warbler Breeding in Wilkes Co., N. C. Jay Shuler . .22 Brewster’s Warbler in Wilkes Co., N. C. Wendell P. Smith 22 Evening Grosbeak on the Upper N. C. Coast in mid-September. Paul W. Sykes, Jr 22 Tower Casualties at Aiken, S. C. William Post, Jr 23 Book Reviews 24 Briefs for the Files . 24 Cover Photo — Brown -headed Nuthatch carrying fecal sac. Photographed by Jack Dermid of Wilmington, N. C. The Chat A STUDY OF BARN OWLS AND THEIR FOOD By Mrs. R. C. Tedards In February, 1962, I received a letter from Dr. David W. Johnston in regard to an account written to Mrs. A. R. Faver concerning Barn Owls (Tyto alba) in the vicinity of Anderson, South Carolina. Dr. Johnston sug- gested that it might be of interest of readers of The Chat if an analysis of the owl pellets was made over a period of several months, and the results, along with the activities of the owls, were reported at the end of that time. So this is the story of a family of Barn Owls in Anderson County, South Carolina. The owls were first observed by the writer on January 17, 1962. At this time there were seven birds. Five of them were known to roost in the hollow trunk of a White Oak, part of a grove in which the house of the J. W. Glenn family is located. The entrance to the roost was through a hole eighteen inches in diameter and twenty feet up the trunk. Through conversation with the family on whose property this roost is located, I learned that the owls have been nesting in this immediate vicinity since the property was acquired thirty years ago, and that the birds were resident there at the time the property was bought. I was also told by the family, that they have personally observed two broods of young. One brood consisted of four birds out of the nest and another of three, still in the down. Both of these broods were seen in the early spring. On May 4, 1962, on the Anderson Spring Count, three downy young were seen. All three of these broods were found in the tree where the birds were first seen by the writer. A subsequent investigation of this tree in August, 1962, indicated it to be abandoned, and the three hollow was completely filled with an accumulation of broken down pellets and droppings. At the present time there are two owls in residence, and they have moved to an adjacent tree for roosting. This particular tree is a Black Oak, approximately the same height as the abandoned tree, with a hollow that extends almost the whole length of the trunk. Both of these trees are located not more than ten feet from a heavily traveled rural road, and in view of the fact that casualties of Screech Owls are quite heavy along our rural roads. I think it is surprising that these Barn Owls have escaped the same fate. The only incidence of one of these owls having collided with a car in the vicinity of the roost occurred about five years ago. Shortly after sun- down one of the owls flew into the windshield of a man’s car. He assumed that the bird was dead, picked it up, and put it on the back seat with the intention of having it mounted. After he had driven about two miles from the scene of the accident, he said that he had the feeling that someone was looking over his shoulder. He turned and looked in the back of the car and the owl was sitting on the seat looking at him. He hastily turned the car around, took his passenger back, and released him. A more detailed description of the nesting and roosting territory and the surrounding environment is in order here. The specific location is four miles west of Anderson. The Glenn farm consists of 300 acres of rolling land typical of the upper Piedmont area of South Carolina. The house is situated on a hill in a grove consisting mostly of oaks with some pine and Red Cedar. The farm, which was once planted in cotton and small grains, is now un- cultivated. About 200 acres were planted in Loblolly Pine three years ago. Between the pines the fields have a growth of broomsedge, blackberry, and honeysuckle, and various native weeds and grasses. The property is sub- stantially unwooded except for the grove in which the house is situated, hedgerows grown to plum and sassafras, and about forty acres of mixed pine and deciduous woods in the rear of the house. There are two creeks on the property. One runs through a marshy field and at right angles into a second creek which flows through the woods behind the house. Except to the west and south where there is mostly open farmland, the property is adjacent to suburban and industrial areas. March, 1963 The times that I have observed the owls out hunting leads me to believe that they don't forage any great distance from the roosting sites. When I have watched them, they have made relatively short forays into the fields. At least this seems to be the pattern when they are first off the roost. More extensive observation would be necessary to determine their later activities. I have learned that they are most vocal immediately after coming off the roost, and between the hours of two and four A M. Although I have seen Barn Owls hunting in the daytime, I have never seen these particular ones engaged in any daytime activity. At all times that I have had them under observation, I have not seen one come off the roost until two or three minutes after official sundown. Below are the analyses of four groups of pellets sent to Dr. Johnston for examination. These pellets were collected over a period of several months from January, 1962, through August of that same year. I think it is interesting that in all the prey items identified by Dr. Johnston, the Cotton Rat is by far the most important item, regardless of the time of year. A similar analysis of the food of the Barn Owl was made by James H. Jenkins (MS and 1955) at Bogart, Georgia, about eight miles west of Athens. These studies were completed in 1949 and 1950. The percentage of rodents (rats, mice, and shrews) taken by the Barn Owl constituted approximately 95 per cent of the diet in the Piedmont area of Georgia as well as in South Pellets Picked Up on March 12, 1962 No. pellets examined — 32 No. pellets Percent of Percent of pellets Prey items identified No. found found in total items containing this item Cotton Rat 29 20 43.3% 62.5% Least Shrew 16 7 23.9% 21.9% House Mouse 5 2 7.5% 6.3% Meadow Vole 1 1 1.5% 3.1% Short-tailed Shrew 1 1 1.5% 3.1% Harvest Mouse 1 1 1.5% 3.1% White-footed Mouse (sp?) 1 1 1.5% 3.1% Meadowlark 1 1 1.5% 3.1% Beetle Elytra 1 1 1.5% 3.1% Unidentified Rodent Parts 11 8 16.4% 25.0% Total 67 Pellets Picked Up on February 26, 1962 No. pellets examined — 29 No. pellets Percent of Percent of pellets Prey items identified No. found found in total items containing this item Cotton Rat 20 20 38.5% 69.0% Least Shrew 9 4 17.3% 13.8% Meadow Vole 5 5 9.6% 17.2% Harvest Mouse 4 3 7.7% 10.3% Short-tailed Shrew 2 2 3.8% 6.9% White-footed Mouse (sp?) 1 1 1.9% 3.4% House Mouse 1 1 1.9% 3.4% Meadowlark feathers 1 1 1.9% 3.4% Vesper Sparrow 1 1 1.9% 3.4% Savannah Sparrow 1 1 1.9% 3.4% Unidentifed Rodent Parts 5 5 9.6% 17.2% Unidentified Shrew Parts 2 2 3.8% 6.9% Total 52 2 The Chat Pellets Picked Up on April 12, 1962 No. pellets examined — 24 No. pellets Percent of Percent of pellets Prey items identified No. found found in total items containing this Cotton Rat 14 13 25.9% item 54.2% House Mouse 9 6 16.7% 25.0% Least Shrew 8 4 14.8% 16.7% Meadow Vole 4 3 7.4% 12.5% Harvest Mouse 3 3 5.6% 12.5% White-footed Mouse (sp?) 3 3 5.6% 12.5% Bird (passerine, sp?) 2 2 3.7% 8.3% Meadowlark Feathers 1 1 1.9% 4.2% Unidentified Bird 1 1 1.9% 4.2% Unidentified Rodent Parts 7 7 13.0% 29.2% Unidentified Shrew Parts 2 2 3.7% 8.3% Total 54 Pellets Picked Up on August 13, 1962 No. pellets examined — 8 No. pellets Percent of Percent of pellets Prey items identified No. found found in total items containing this Cotton Rat 9 6 64.3% item 75.0% White-footed Mouse (sp?) 1 1 7.1% 12.5% Meadow Jumping Mouse 1 1 7.1% 12.5% Orthoptera Remains I 1 7.1% 12.5% Unidentified Rodent Parts 2 2 14.3% 25.0% Total 14 Carolina. The Cotton Rat is also preferred by the Georgia birds. Birds taken by the owls consist of only a small percentage of the total items. Similar studies by Jenkins and Ivan R. Tomkins (1946) in the lower coastal plain of Georgia show that the percentage of birds taken there is higher than in the Piedmont. Whereas the birds taken in the Piedmont were Meadowlarks and sparrows (Savannah, Vesper, Swamp, Grasshopper, and Pine-woods), of the birds taken in the Georgia coastal plain over one-half were members of the Icteridae. In the coastal plain, Rice Rats and “old field” shrews were the preferred rodent items. Quite probably in all of these studies it is the availability rather than the preference that dictates the kind of prey taken. To add emphasis to the above assumption is the fact that we have reason to be- lieve the Anderson owls, which up until this time have lived in apparent harmony with the Glenn pigeons, may have recently taken several pigeons as prey. Although not conclusive, the evidence is certainly strong in that direction. A number of pigeon wings were found under one of the trees, and the pigeons have vanished. LITERATURE CITED Jenkins, James H. 1955. An ecological approach to the food habits of the Barn Owl in two physiographic provinces in Georgia. Ga. Acad. Sci., 13 (2) : 42-43. Tomkins, Ivan R. 1946. Nesting of the Barn Owl on the lower Savannah River. Oriole, 11 (4) : 59-63. Route 2, Brown Road, Anderson, South Carolina , February 11, 1963 March, 1963 3 CHRISTMAS COUNT— 1962 By David W. Johnston During the 1962 Christmas Count period, 24 counts were made in the Carolinas and are compiled in this report. 185 species and 1,039,844 in- dividuals were reported, both of these figures being considerably less than the 1961 count figures (193 and 2,439,365). Especially high counts were from Wilmington (144 species), Charleston (136), and Hilton Head Island (134). Among the most interesting observations were Blue Goose (Winston- Salem), White-winged Scoter (Hilton Head), Great Crested Flycatcher (New Bern), Northern Shrike (Grumpier), Ovenblrd (Wilmington), and Grasshopper Sparrow (Crumpler). As compared with recent counts, there were significant increases in numbers of the Wood Duck, Canvas- back, Bufflehead, Surf Scoter, Common Scoter, Ruddy Duck, Clapper Rail, Whimbrel, Great Black-backed Gull, Horned Lark, and Fish Crow. The most notable impression of the 1962 count, however, is the marked decrease in a significant number of species. No eagles or Cattle Egrets were reported. Red-breasted Nuthatches and Evening Grosbeaks, both species noted for fluctuations in their occurrences, were down in numbers. Starlings were too, but this was partly due to the Greensboro count (see that locality’s report). In fact, the count in 1962 showed 70 species with a decrease in individuals over the 1961 count and 42 species with a decrease in individuals over both the 1960 and 1961 counts. On the other hand, Bluebird numbers, although not especially high, were not significantly off, and Baltimore Orioles continued to increase. Weather conditions before and during the count period were, in general, not ideal for counting birds. On the specific count days, the weather was as follows: (1) Coastal localities — temp., 17° -60°, mostly cloudy and rainy; (2) Coastal Plain — temp., 26°-58°, some rain and icy conditions; (3) Pied- mont— temp., 14°-50°, rain, sleet or clear and cold; (4) Mountains — temp., 20° -40°, cloudy and frozen ground or snow. It is likely that these harsh conditions contributed to the smaller count this year as indicated above. The decrease in number of species and number of individuals in 1962 (as compared with 1960 and 1961) cannot be attributed to number of observers or party-hours because there were more observers (297) and more party- hours (817) in 1962 than in 1960 or 1961. Aiken, S. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Aiken Training Track; swamps and ponds 50%, fields and pastures 30%, mixed woods 15%, pine woods 5%). — Dec. 22; 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Rain in AM; temp. 38-58°; wind, SW 5 mph. Two observers in 1 party. Total party-hours, 12 (10 on foot, 2 by car); total party-miles, 38 (3 on foot, 35 by car). Total species, 69; total individuals, 94,791. — William Post, Jr. (compiler), Thomas M. Rial. Anderson, S. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Anderson Airport, including Hartwell Lake backwaters and the city of Anderson and towns of Star and Sandy Springs; open fields and pasture 25%, deciduous woods 20%, pine woods 20%, mixed woods 15%, ponds and creeks 5%, town 5%, Hartwell area 10%). — Dec. 30; 6 AM to 6 PM. Clear; temp. 21-49°; wind WSW 0-5 mph. Eleven observers in 4 parties. Total par- ty-hours 28 (24 on foot, 4 by car) ; total party-miles, 197 (17 on foot, 180 by car). Total species, 68; total individuals, 183,861. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day; Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Ring-necked Duck, Turkey Vulture, Cooper’s Hawk.) The Palm Warbler was observed at very close range (9 ft.) by Mr. and Mrs. Tedards. All field marks were carefully observed, plus the tail-wagging habit of this bird. We no longer believe that the White-crowned Sparrow can be considered unusual in this area. 4 The Chat They have been seen on four consecutive counts in increasing numbers and are now regular migrants and winter visitors here. — Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Brownlee, Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Nichols, Barbara Ramseur, Douglas Tedards, Mr. R. C. Tedards, Mrs. R. C. Tedards (compiler), Reggie Titmas, Bob Watson, Mrs. Caroline Watson. Central Beaufort Co, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center where Upper Goose Creek enters Pamlico River, including both sides of the river from Bath to Washington; river and river shore 50%, fields 30%, mixed woods 10%, pine woods 2%, feeders 8%). — Jan. 1, 1963; 7 AM to 5 PM. Fair; temp. 17-35°; wind NNW, 0-19 mph; ground bare and frozen, swamps and ponds frozen, river partly frozen. Thirteen observers (3 part- time) in 4 parties. Total party-hours, 31 (17 on foot, 13 by car, 1 by plane); total party-miles, 197 (8 on foot, 109 by car, 80 in plane). Total species, 87, total individuals, 13,661. 750 Lesser Scaup are included in this count. (Seen in area during count period, but not on count day: Common Loon, Double- crested Cormorant, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Barred Owl, Loggerhead Shrike, Yellow-throated Warbler.) The great numbers of waterfowl were recorded by Federal and State Wildlife men who checked the river by plane. The Tree Swallows were seen by many people, it being the first recorded in the area. The Black-and-white Warbler was seen in the same place several times during the fall, and the Yellow- throated Warbler, though missed on the count day, had been seen daily at a window- feeder. — Ethel Barkley, Ruth Brown, Margaret Conderman, Geraldine Cox (compiler), Otto Florschutz, Lily Grimes, James MacLaurin, Mary Mac- Laurin, Ed Marrow, Sue Meadows, Alvin Noltemeier, Louise Satterthwaite, Marjorie Warren. Chapel Hill, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at intersection of Columbia and Franklin streets, including town of Chapel Hill and University Campus, Carrboro, Airport, Lake Forest and University Lakes, Finley Golf Course and Mason’s Farm; mixed deciduous woodlands 25%, open fields and farmlands 30%, pond, lake shores and creek banks 25%, pinewoods 5%, wooded residential 15%. ) — Dec. 30; 7 AM to 4:30 PM. Clear; temp. 25-38°; wind NW, 15-23 mph. Seventeen observers in 10 parties. Total party-hours, 53 (42 on foot, 11 by car); total party-miles, 74 (20 on foot, 54 by car). Total species, 64; total ind;viduals, 2925. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: Pileated Woodpecker.) Ten Lesser Scaup were seen. — David Barnes, Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Blake, William T. Dye, Robert H. Helle, Dr. and Mrs. J. Logan Irvin, Mrs. Wallace Patterson, Wallace Patterson, Jr., Phillips Russell, Mrs. Pearson H. Stewart, Elizabeth P. Teulings, Robert P. Teulings (compiler), Mr. and Mrs. Matt L. Thompson, Mrs. Adelaide Walters, Mrs. Fred R. Weedon. Charleston, S. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 14 miles NE of Mt. Pleasant and V2 mile E of U. S. Hwy 17, to include Bull’s Island, and extending NW across adjacent waters and marshes and the mainland opposite and beyond the Wando River: fresh water ponds and wooded swamps 25%, mixed and pine woods 25%, open fields and farm- land 20%, salt-water creeks, marshes and flats 25%, dunes and ocean front 5%). — Dec. 29; 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Overcast, cloudy, rain; temp. 40-60° ; wind variable, 10-20 mph, guests to 40 mph, visibility poor. Thirty observers in 7 parties. Total party-hours, 64 (30 on foot, 27 by car, 7 by boat); total party-miles, 272 (40 on foot, 207 by car, 25 by boat). Total species, 136; total individuals, 8077. The 92 scaups were not identified to species. (Seen in area during count period, but not on count day: Fulvous Tree Duck, Cinnamon Teal, Redhead, White-winged Scoter, Common Scoter, Bald Eagle.) — Mr. and Mrs. Roy Baker, Mr. and Mrs. John Banghart, Mrs. Francis Barrington, T. A. Beckett, III, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Blitch, Mrs. J. A. Boone, B. R. Chamberlain, E. B. Chamberlain (compiler), David Chamberlain, N. A. Chamberlain, III, E. C. Clyde, Mrs. R. H. Coleman, March, 1963 5 E. A. Cutts, R. D. Edwards, R. L. Edwards, J. L. Hanna, J. M. Horlbeck, Peter Manigault, I. S. H. Metcalf, John Metcalf, Denton Owens, Mrs. Margaret Retallack, Mrs. M. D. Richardson, H. P. Staats, Elizabeth D. Simons, A. M. Wilcox, E. A. Williams. Charlotte, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at intersection of 7th St. and Briar Creek as in past 20 years; commercial and residential building have almost destroyed habitat in northeastern and southeastern sectors; deciduous-pine woods and edge 35%, open fields 35%, streams and ponds 10%, city yards 20%). — Dec. 29; 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Rain in AM; intermittent in PM; temp. 30-44°; wind NNE, 5-13 mph; ground bare, water open. Thirteen observers in 4 parties. Total party- hours 26 (8% on foot, 17% by car); total party-miles, 273% (9% on foot, 264 by car). Total species, 50; total individuals, 4966. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: Marsh Hawk.) — Mrs. Edwin O. Clark- son, Mrs. W. G. Cobey, Miss May Fraley, Miss Meade Fraley, J. P. Hamil- ton, Lee Jones, Joseph R. Norwood (compiler), Mrs. Joseph R. Norwood, Mrs. Preston Nowlin, Frank Ramsey, Dennis Shepler, William Smith, Jim Tyrrell (Cardinal Bird Club, Mecklenburg Audubon Club, guests.) Columbia, S. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center State Capitol as last year; deciduous river and creek swamps 32%, pine woods 12%, open fields 40%, lake shores 4%, urban 12%). — Dec. 31; 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Clear; temp. 26-47°; wind N, 5-8 mph; Seven observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours, 24 (14 on foot, 10 by car); total party-miles, 116 (18 on foot, 98 by car). Total species, 66; total individuals, 23,747. — Mrs. William T. Beck, Mr. Gilbert Bristow (compiler), Mr. Gordon Brown, Mrs. Annie R. Faver, Mrs. Robert Overing, Mr. A1 Sanders, Mrs. Clyde Sisson. Crumpler, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle centering at Hurt’s farmhouse — same area as Spring Count. Heretofore the Christ- mas Count has centered at Todd P. O. This year’s area includes practically the same type terrain, except there is no accessible mountain such as The Bald). — Dec. 27; 7 AM to 5 PM. Mostly clear; temp. 25-35°; no wind; four inches snow with frozen crust. Ten observers in 3 parties. Total party- hours, 27 (10 on foot, 17 by car); total party-miles, 125 (20 on foot, 105 by car). Total species, 32; total individuals, 1556. The increase in some species in this years count over the 1960 count are: Bobwhite, nearly 7 times as many; Tufted Titmouse, nearly 7 times; Eastern Meadowlark, 20 times; Cardinal, 2% times; Slate-colored Junco, twice as many. The change of area may partly account for this. Four species (including Killdeer and Purple Finch) have not been seen on any previous count, and our count of individuals is the highest ever. It was good to see the Bluebird count go up. The most spectacular item was the Northern Shrikes — one adult, one brownish immature. These were found by separate parties (B. K., B. C.). A careful study was made. Four Grasshopper Sparrows were studied in detail (B. C., et al.) in a broomsedge field, the significant, identifying field mark- ings being noted. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: two Great Horned Owls, one Screech Owl). — Annie Jean Blackburn, Ann Carter, Betty Carter, Mrs. A. B. Hurt (compiler), Mrs. Beulah Kiser, David Kiser, Dr. Elam S. Kurtz, Mike Kurtz, Alice Lyall, Mike Welch. Elkin, N. C. (area same as last several years). — Jan. 1, 1963; weather fair; temp. 14-40°; wind NW, light. Lakes and ponds frozen. Rivers and creeks open. Seven observers. Total species, 52; total individuals, 4115. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day; Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, Common Grackle.) — Dick Atkinson, Harold Click, Gary Dorn- burg, Lin Hendren (compiler), E. M. Hodel, Bobby Pardue, Wendell P. Smith. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tenn.-N. C. (all points within 6 The Chat a 15-mile diameter circle centered on Bull Head of Mt. LeConte; same general area as previous counts). — Dec. 30; 7:15 AM to 5:30 PM. Clear; temp. 20-38°; wind 3-15 mph; ground bare, mostly frozen. Thirty-three observers in 10 parties. Total party-hours, 81 (70 on foot, 11 by car) ; total party-miles, 210 (65 on foot, 145 by car). Total species, 59; total individ- uals, 3638. Unusual “finds” included: Ring-billed Gull, 51 Bluebirds, and 10 Evening Grosbeaks. Both Black-capped and Carolina species are in- cluded in the count of 304 chickadees. — Carlos C. Campbell, James Camp- bell, Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Dunbar, John Elson, Mary Enloe, Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Gallagher, Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Garlinghouse, David Highbaugh, Phillip Huff, Elsie S. Janson, Helen K. Lewis, Dorothy J. MacLean, Mrs. George W. McGown, Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Monroe, Julia I. Moore, Mrs. Earl F. Olson, Mrs. E. E. Overton, Neil J. Reid, Mr. and Mrs. Louis F. Smith, Jr., Arthur Stupka (compiler), Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Swindell, Dr. James T. Tanner, Dr. Samuel R. Tipton, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Vaughn, Mr. and Mrs. George R. Wood (Tennessee Ornithological Society, National Park Service, and guests). Greensboro, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center V2 mile SW of WBIG Transmitter as in 1961; deciduous and pine woods 25%, thickets 20%, fresh-water lakes and ponds 30%, open fields 10%, marsh and wooded swamps 10%, lawns and parks 5%.) — Dec. 29; 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Rain to sleet and freezing rain; temp. 31-36°; wind ENE, 8 mph. Thirty observers in 10 parties. Total party-hours, 80 ^ ( 8V2 on foot, 72 by car); total party-miles, 293 (9 on foot, 284 by car). Total species, 73; total individuals, 615,297. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: Black Duck, Turkey Vulture, Common Snipe, Pine Siskin.) Eighteen Lesser Scaup were seen. This was not a particularly spectacular count since the total number was considerably below last year. Two factors were involved. First the weather on the count day caused less time in the field on foot and a decrease in numbers of some species (most notably ducks and open-country species) but did not affect the numbers of other species. Secondly, there was a large decrease in numbers of “blackbirds” in the roost. Earlier in the year the roost was comparable to last year. Shortly before the count day the roost moved and the group split up. We have still been unable to locate the “other half.” — Helen Bedon, Mrs. Locke Bell, Mrs. Jack Brown, Mrs. J. A. Cannon, Mrs. Ellene Cobb, Inez Coldwell, Mrs. Floyd Craft, Larry Crawford, Kelly Culbreth, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Daniels, Mrs. R. D. Douglas, Charlotte DuBois, Brad Hawkins (compiler), Mrs. James Heilig, Fred Hinton, Bruce Kappel, Robert Lasley, James Cattocks, Mrs. Robert McCoy, Ethel McNairy, Ida Mitchell, Mrs. Jack Perdue, Mr. and Mrs. George Perrett. Etta Schiffman, Archie Shaftsbury, George Smith, Thomas Street, Mrs. C. R. Surratt, (Piedmont Bird Club.) Greenville, S. C. (same area as in previous years, centered at upper part of the citv; pine and deciduous woods 30%, open fields and border thickets 65%, reservoirs and ponds 5%). — Jan. 1, 1963; 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Fair and cold, temp. 28-38°. Four observers in one party. Total party- hours, 9. Total party-miles about 50 (4 on foot, 46 by car.) Total species, 31 ; total individuals, 445. — Mrs. W. B. Lawrence, Ruth Gilreath, May Puett, Rosa Lee Hart (compiler). Henderson, N. C. (from Lake Lucy to Satterwhite’s Point, about 12 to 14 miles down the highway and on two or three side roads for short distances, including lakesides and lakes 30%, roadsides 30%, deciduous and pine woods 15%, field edges and meadows 20%, lawns and feeders 5%). — Dec. 27; 8 AM to 4:15 PM. Cloudy with a few drops of rain in AM, clearing in the PM. Temp. 30-47°; winds about 5-8 mph. Three field observers in one party (one dropped out at noon and was replaced by another.) Three others watched their own lawns and feeders. Total hours out, 814; total miles, 40 (5 by foot, 35 by car). Total species, 58; total in- March, 1963 7 dividuals, 3120. Unusual for this area were the appearance of Canada Geese, honking and flying in formation over Nutbush Creek, and the many ducks and gulls on the water. Most of the ducks and gulls were too far out for us to identify. — Mariel Gary, Annie Gray Burroughs, Mrs. A. W. Bachman, Garnette Myers (compiler). Hilton Head Island, S. C. (all points within a 15-mile diame- ter circle with center at Hilton Head Island Post Office, including Hilton Head Island, Pinckney Island, Collerton Neck, and parts of Bluffton, S. C.; mixed woods 30%, field and fresh water ponds 20%, pine woods 10%, ocean and beach 15%, tidal rivers, creeks and mud flats 25%. ) — Dec 27; 6 AM to 6 PM, cloudy and cool. Temp. 45-55°; wind NNE, moderate; rain beginning at 2:45. Thirty observers in 8 parties. Total party-hours 76 (60 by foot; 15 by car, 1 by bicycle); total party-miles 313 (264 by car, 46 by foot, 3 by bicycle). Total species, 134; total individuals, 20,300 (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: Cattle Egret, Green Heron, Royal Tern, Shoveler, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bald Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk, and Osprey.) The count included the following: 3 White Ibis, (C. N.), 22 scaups (sp. ?), 661 Buffleheads, 4 White-winged Scoters (I. R. T., L. D.), 1 Kriders Red-tailed Hawk (M. M., C. I., C. N.), 592 Fish Crows, King Rail and the marsh wrens (W. P.). — Mr. and Mrs. C. Alden Baker, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Branch, Nancy Butler, Dr. L. Davenport, Mrs. Violet Duane, Mrs. and Mrs. Fred Hack, Avery Hack, Mr. and Mrs. David Harrall, Mrs. Alva Hines (compiler), Miss Charlotte Inglesby, Mrs. Arlene Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lawrence, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. McBride, Marie Mellinger, Caroline Newhall, Frederic Post, William Post, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Larry Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Sergeant, Mrs. Phyllis Stone, Mr. Ivan R. Tomkins, Mrs. Alice Woodring. Morehead City, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Fort Macon, including towns of Morehead City, Beaufort, and Atlantic Beach, Calico Creek, Sponner’s Creek, Crab Point, Newport River, Fort Macon State Park, and Morehead City Country Club; tidal rivers, creeks, marshes, fresh water ponds, and mudflats 30%, open fields and farmlands 20%, dunes and ocean front 5%, mixed woodlands 25%, pine woods 10%, residential 10%). — Dec. 24; 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Clear AM, cloudy PM; temp. 36-47°; wind NE, 4-9 mph. Four observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours, 18 (12 on foot, 6 by car; total party-miles, 40 (9 on foot, 31 by car). Total species, 71; total individuals, 6,424. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: Red-throated Loon, Clapper Rail, Dunlin, Bonaparte’s Gull, Mourning Dove, House Wren.) Unusual species: Great Black-backed Gull and Purple Sandpiper. One of the 61 scaup was identified as a Greater Scaup. — David Barnes (compiler), John O. Fussell, II, John O. Fussell, III, Tom Wade. New Bern, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center New Bern Airport, to include Broad Creek and Street’s Ferry on the Neuse River, the Hardison Farm on the Trent River, and the city of New Bern; open fields and marshes 45%, mixed pine and deciduous woods 30%, open water 10%, and residential areas 15%). — Dec. 30; 7 AM to 6 PM. Clear; temp. 32-38°; wind N to NE, 5-15 mph. Eleven observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours, 33 (21 on foot, 11 by car, and 1 by boat); total party- miles, 174 (17 on foot, 152 by car, and 5 by boat). Total species, 84; total individuals, 4351. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: Eastern Bluebird.) The Great Crested Flycatcher was seen in good light (F. O.), and the upright posture, yellow belly, and rufous tail were care- fully noted. Thirty-six Lesser Scaup were observed. — Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Blaylock, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Conderman, Dr. Robert Holmes (compiler), Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Meadows, Frank Olmstead, Thomas A. Sherratt, Sam Sweeny, and Mrs. C. S. Warren. New London, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 8 The Chat 2 miles NW or Badin, including- High Rock Lake, Tuckertown Lake, Yadkin River, Badin Lake, Morrow Mountain State Park, Albemarle City Reservoir, Albemarle, Badin, New London; mixed deciduous woodlands 20%, open fields and farmland 27%, lakes and river 20%, marsh 3%, pine woods 2%, town suburbs 3%, fresh-water pond and lake shores 25%). — Dec. 27; 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Heavy clouds all day; temp. 42-49°; wind NW, 8 mph; visibility poor. Twenty-eight observers in 7 parties. Total party-hours, 48 (22 on foot, 26 by car); total party-miles, 304% (26 on foot, 278% by car). Total species, 58; total individuals, 5479. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: Fox Sparrow, Common Grackle.) — Mrs. Wade Crowell, Wade Crowell, Mr. and Mrs. John U. Whitlock, Susan Greene, C. M. Haithcock, Miss Jane Turner, Miss Bennie Wingate, Mrs. S. R. Boyce, Mrs. Claude B. Hinston, Mr. and Mrs. Heath Morgan, George Culp, Joe Ferrebee, Mr. and Mrs. James Mauney, Mr. Donald Maner, Mrs. John Crawley, Mrs. Myron Isenhour, Sr., Mr. Charles Hartsell, Miss Sue Trott Parker, Miss Ruth Arey Parker, Mr. John Trott (compiler), and Mrs. John Trott. North Wilkesboro, N. C. (the count area had a ten-mile radius and included portions of the Reddies’ and Yadkin rivers and part of the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir). — Dec. 24; 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM. Clear until 10 AM, then increasing cloudiness becoming dense in the afternoon. Temp. 28-40°; wind 0-8 mph. Ground bare and only a little ice on quiet water. Three observers in one party. Total party -hours, 26; total party-miles, 31 (5 on foot, 26 by car). Total species, 39; total individuals. 1283. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: Turkey Vulture, Killdeer, Red- bellied Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Thrasher, Orchard Oriole. The latter, a female, was seen (W. P. S.) twice at close range when the small size, greener upperparts, and other features were noted.) — Flipper Jones, Mark Simpson, Wendell P. Smith (compiler). Raleigh, N. C. (practically the same area as on previous counts; lakes and small ponds 25%, mixed pine and deciduous woodland 40%. decidouous woodland 20%, open fields 15%). — Dec. 28; 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Clear all day; temp. 33-50°; wind 5 mph in early AM, but calm rest of day; ground bare, water open. Seven observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours, 40 (28 on foot. 12 by car); total party-miles, 65 (20 on foot, 45 by car). Total species, 65: total individuals. 2262. Four Lesser Scaup w^e noted — David L. Wray (compiler), J. F. Greene, Mrs. D. L. Wray, J. W. Johnson, Steven Johnson, Mark Johnson, Philip Davis. Rockv Mount N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Battl^boro, N. C. to include Swift Creek, Fishing Creek, Braawell, Horne, Watson, Brian, Battle and Anderson ponds; fields and roadsides 40%, lakes and ponds 20%. mixed woods 25%, swamps and marshes 15%). — Dec. 30; 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Clear and cold, temp. 35-40°: ground thawing with ice on edges of ponds. Seven observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 46 (4 on foot and 42 by car); total party-miles, 3 49 (11 on foot, 138 by car). Total species, 58: total individuals. 14.578. The scaup was identi- fied as a Lesser. The 4000 Slate-colored Juncos were estimated. Of the Horned Larks observed, 310 were identified as Northern and 45 as Prairie. — John L. Thompson (compiler), Jovce Bennett, Dan Knight, Norma P. Knight, J. Robert Thomas, Sarah Speight, Carr Speight, Bert Carter. Seven Springs, Wayne County, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile dia- meter circle, center Cliffs of Neuse State Park entrance; lakes, ponds, and river 20%, fields and roadsides 40%, swamps and marshes 10%, mixed woods 30%). — Dec. 22; 7 AM to 5 PM. Rain in AM, fair in PM; temp. 30- 45°; ice on trees early in AM. Two observers in 1 party. Total partv-hours, 10 (3 on foot, 7 by car); total party-miles, 113 (3 on foot, 110 by car). Total species, 56; total individuals, 2321. (Seen in area during count period March, 1963 9 but not on count day: Pied-billed Grebe, Wood Duck, Red-shouldered Hawk, Barred Owl, Brown Creeper, Baltimore Oriole, Common Grackle.) The Horned Grebe was seen by both observers and carefully identified. — Travis L. Herring, Richard H. Siler (compiler). Spartanburg, S. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Spartanburg, including Zimmerman, Pierce, Johnson and Bowen Lakes, sewage disposal plant; open farmlands 15%, town suburbs 20%, mixed woodlands 10%, fresh water lakes, ponds and marshes 55%). — Jan. 1, 1963; 8 AM to 5:30 PM. Clear; temp. 23-50°; wind NW, 3-4 mph. Six observers in 4 parties, Total party-hours, 23 (10 on foot, 13 by car); total party- miles 36 (6 on foot, 30 by car). Total species, 56; total individuals, 5606. The scaups were all Lesser. — Louisa B. Carlisle, Ruth Crick (compiler), L. MacFarland Cates, Jr., Mrs. J. E. Spivey, Dr. John O. Watkins, Mrs. John O. Watkins. Wilmington, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center, Myrtle Grove Junction, including Wrightsville Beach and Sound, Mason- boro and Greenville sounds, Winter Park, Orton Plantation, Cape Fear River, Carolina Beach, Greenfield Lake, Echo Dairy Farm; mixed pine and deciduous woodland 40%, beach and salt marsh 35%, fresh water ponds and river 20%, pasture 5%.) — Dec. 29; 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Temp. 36-56°; wind NNE, 12-9/10 mph; cloudy with rain after 11:40 AM. Nine observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours, 43 hours (17 on foot, 26 by car); total party-miles, 410 (37 on foot, 373 by car). Total species, 144; total individuals, 9008. (Seen in area during count period but not on count day: American Bittern and Hudsonian Godwit.) Unusual species included: 23 Red Crossbills reported by C. M. on Masonboro Sound near houses in pine and deciduous trees, and 2 Ovenbirds (C. M.) watched care- fully at 50 feet on Masonboro Sound. The 342 scaup were identified as Lesser. — Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Appleberry, Maurice Barnhill, Mrs. Betty Everson, Claude McAllister, Mrs. W. C. Mebane (compiler), Mr. and Mrs. John Trott, Mrs. Marie Vander Schalie. Winston-Salem, N. C. (all points within a 15-miles diameter circle, center at intersection of Interstate 40 and Silas Creek Parkway, including Salem Lake, Reynolds Park, Wake Forest campus and Reynolda, Forsyth County Farm, Tanglewood and adjacent Yadkin River bottoms; pine woods 15%, deciduous woods 20%, fields and pastures 35%, lakes and bottom land 20%, suburban parks and lawns 10%). — Dec. 29; 7:45 AM to 5:30 PM. Cold and rainy; temp. 32-37°; wind E to NE, 10-15 mph. Ten observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours, 25 V2 ( 6V2 on foot, 19 by car); total party- miles, 105 (18 on foot, 87 by car). Total species, 56; total individuals, 7,959. The single Blue Goose might be the same one that overwintered here last year. — Hartsell Cash, David Craig, Gardner Gidley, Margaret Gidley, David Johnston, Henry Madden, Thomas Simpson (compiler), John Spinks, Jr., Edith Spinks, Robert Witherington. 10 The Chat •H Cl •CO oo o Cl T-H £2 :.S HCl rH < :$2MS l>OOOl>HOO GO iO 00 03 QD Th March, 1963 3 'X “siK a'mouis MO ’3 ‘X ‘04oqsa>inA\ irjom ‘3 ‘N '«PI13 '3 ‘X Oai(Iunu3 ‘3 "X ‘uiaiBS-nojsuiM •3 *o,ioqsuaajo •3 -g ‘uosjapuy ‘3 ‘S 'aiUAuaaJO •3 -g ‘3jnquB)jBdg •3 ’X ‘aWlJBqo •3 ‘X 'lltH P<^3 •3 ‘X ‘qSi^iKa 0 ‘X ‘uosjapuaji •3 'S ‘uaJilV 0 -g ‘Btquin[03 ‘3 ‘X ‘uopuo'i Max •3 x “m 3 X 'sSuudg uaAag •3 -g ‘PB3H U01PH •3 -g ‘U0isaiJfiq3 •3 ‘uojSunupAl '3 ;X '413 pBaqa.TOj\i •3 w ‘ujaa A\ax '3 'X “03 }.iojnBaa s[BnpiAtpui 'l4ox ■£ S'0 o III 5^2 CO Cl 10 00 CO 000 lO o 10 2 © ffiOPSH 5 sat w ^ S .3 S *7' T "S £ wo o ®s -O 3 ft tL o u US “ OffiCSSOfe ) IO t>- O IT? s°.-S « ® "O -C ?? : g" s® .S to ) =«*S-S fa s o. 3 o s rs: ss S£ Eh fcd 12 The Chat Clapper Rail 232 16 158 Com. Gallinule 47 9 23 Am. Coot 583 107 150 . . 164 85 Am. Oystercatcher . . 484 . . . . 7 8 459 Semip. Plover 83 . . . . 23 7 18 Piping Plover •Cl »CH G C > Cl 1C i“H d CO GO • CO Cl H rH CO *H •OCO’^CI OHOn* ! H d 00 IGOHO rH Cl t— lO CO CO » lO • CO V— i rH WHhH’ ■ICOdMt-d d Cl - • d ^ 00 ^ O d CO C5 d 1C CO iO c: Cl Cl Cl £ E g ® Ah gB o. fe/pl s -a -O • s gl •§ Is A >h ^ a> ’3 ^ § ■a g •o ^ J; a *5 .S d. S Spa a •? S a. s?E”lc,.'S““ = JDQ»^^i»Os5haI .11 ■§!§ r-l &H a El .g “ a I a A a 11 ail I 0 0 0 ^3^. - - =sg!if o jE’a'S.S Q^°Soi^ ’S ^ o |« ~S s « . iiipjuca^ cskCs ^ a— p- e March, 1963 13 Dowpy Woodpecker . Red-cock. Woodpecker 3 'N "SJIV Aiioius 'JO • CO IO • 73 4 519 304 ** O CO CO • rH • CO rH rH • CO • I 08 18 220 8 51 . rH Th X *o.ioqs0}inA\ M1J0N • CM • • *- 400 14 CO eo IO • • ^ • • CO CM Ol • rH CO ’3 'N ‘m\a Ith : : O :S :S CO CO • i ‘01101^3 • rH IO • O t- • S? • «o C5 -f • CO • • • • CM 05 • • O • ICO 0 ^ CO •3 -g ‘uojS0i,iBq3 :§ 122 109 32 40 5 rH • 00 rH CM CO CA fO Ol IO O 65 86 '3 'M ‘wojSaiuinAV : : 05 • 05 m •COTt4 . This little wren flew away each morning when the men took the tractor out. But she was waiting when it returned at 5 p.m., and she sat on the nest all night. Apparently the heat from the tractor motor turned the tool box into an incubator during the daytime. The birds were hatched last week. Now they go undisturbed on the daily round of work. When the men come in for lunch at noon, the mother bird is waiting to feed them. At 5 p.m. she is there waiting to take over the care of her young for the night. As young birds require frequent feedings, their foster fathers have taken over the job of supplying their wants. As long as the tractor is moving, it serves as a pacifier. The babies sleep peacefully. When it stops, they wake up and chirp for food. They get it, because the men bring “hoppiegrasses” (colloquial for grasshoppers) and insects for them. The Department of Public Utilities is in charge of things that satisfy wants and needs of the community. A little Carolina Wren finds that its workers live up to their responsibility. Backyard birding? Well, maybe I From Columbia, Mrs. Ellison D. Smith wrote as follows: On March 25, 1963, while visiting at West End on the Grand Bahama Island, I observed what could be called radical departure from normal behavior by a water bird. I was awakened about sunup by a loud scratching sound on a small patio outside our second story window. I tipped to the window to find a Purple Gallinule clucking like a furious hen and trying to arrange his long toes around the back of an iron porch chair. I was less than six feet away and he was aware of my presence, but it failed to disturb him. I then saw that the object of his ire or curiosity was an old pair of white tennis shoes lying 40 The Chat on the patio floor. After some minutes of conversation with the shoes he scrambled down the chair and jumped to the floor where he proceeded to inspect them more closely. He picked up one of the laces in his beak and gave it a jerk. Whether he considered it some new aquatic fare or a sworn enemy, I was unable to determine. Not being able to move the shoes, he flew up and alighted in a nearby coconut palm, where he was still perched when I ceased my observation! Exasperated Pileated Birds often do things that seem to us to be perfectly ridiculous. Whether they have or have not a sense of humor, it actually seems at times that they do enjoy pranks. However, we have been told, that in writing about birds we must not “personify” them, or expect them to act like humans. But at times, it is very hard not to, and we certainly can’t help being amused or laughing at them. Sunday morning, before we left Tryon at the time of the CBC Field Trip, Mrs. Sisson, Miss Margaret Sandburg and I went over the mountain to the home of Colonel and Betty Frost. We sat on their patio and watched birds come to several feeders and a “water-fall” pool on the mountainside. A suet feeder made from a post set in the ground with a piece of wire with fairly large mesh tacked around the top of the post, into which suet was packed, took my eye. (I am always looking for something to add to my yard.) When we moved into the livingroom, I was amazed to see a Pileated Woodpecker come to this feeder. It was my first experience of actually seeing one of these birds at a feeder, although I had heard that they would come and had tried myself to attract our pair. Then the Frosts told us of their experience with the young one. One morning, the young Pileated had come to the suet feeder, which is on the wooden post. Near this is a grain feeder on an iron pipe. Something startled the bird from the suet feeder and it dashed to the grain feeder, where it attempted to light just under the container on the iron pipe! It slid down so fast that it landed with a bounce on its tail, and was so astonished that it fled, squawking, through the trees! You can imagine how the Frosts laughed and how they wished they had a movie camera on that scene. Campus Celebrities Mrs. Shuford K. Peeler, of Charlotte, sends a story of birding in quite a large “backyard” — Garinger’s 63 acre campus: Three newly hatched Prairie Horned Larks were found on the campus at Garinger High School on Wednesday, March 27. The cup-shaped nest, 3" in diameter and IV2" deep, was made of dried grasses with no soft lining. The top of the nest was even with the ground, uncovered, and the nest was built against a clump of grass in a rather barren area. It was located about 25 feet from a gravel walk leading from the gym to the exercise field, tennis courts, baseball field and track, and used by hundreds of students during the day. On their first school day the young birds looked like one round ball of rather long tan fur. Their skin was very black. Occasionally an orange-red mouth, rimmed with yellow, would open wide. We could see only two mouths, but there seemed to be enough “fur” to account for a third baby lark. Although the temperature in the morning was about 50 degrees and the wind at 10 knots, the female did not go near the nest. However, the young were visited all day by curious students. Almost always boys. The girls showed very little interest. I returned to school at 5:30 p.m. and from then until dusk the female brooded the birds at about 10-min. intervals. On Thursday morning, in order to protect the nest, some one had placed a 12-inch stake about 15 inches from the nest. The nest was difficult to see and students were permitted to walk across the campus from the parking lot in this area. With binoculars I checked the nest about every 30 minutes and saw the female near the nest only once (at 12:45 p.m.). The students (Continued on Page 52) September, 1963 41 SPRING COUNT— 1963 By Eloise F. Potter Nearly 43,000 birds of 219 species were observed by 180 participants in the sixteen Spring* Counts conducted in the Carolinas and submitted for publication in The Chat. One new count area is included in the reports. In Iredell County, N. C., a group of young people organized a count under the leadership of Mark Simpson, Jr. Cooperative parents provided the necessary transportation. As Dr. D. W. Johnston pointed out in his introduction to the 1962 Spring Count ( Chat 26:58), it is hazardous to make comparisons when there are several variable factors such as weather, areas reporting, and number of party-hours; however, some likely trends do seem to be in evidence in the table below. 1960 1961 1962 1963 Number of counts 12 17 15 16 Number of observers 130 191 157 180 Number of Bluebirds 122 282 150 261 Number of Starlings 1736 2338 3743 2518 Number of Evening Grosbeaks 75 0 132 0 Number of Cattle Egrets 6 57 62 123 It is impossible to determine whether the fluctuation of the Bluebird count is related to the increase and decrease of Starlings or whether this apparent trend is caused by additional pressures on the Bluebird and/or variations in the census techniques. Certainly the Starling, which com- petes aggressively for nesting cavities, is a factor in nesting failures of the Bluebird. Although there were a few scattered reports of Evening Gros- beaks in the Carolinas during the winter of 1962-63 ( Chat 27:7,22,34), their total absence on the present count indicates that there was no major flight. Cattle Egrets continue the upward trend noted by Johnston in 1962. Aiken, S. C. (area about 40% bottomland hardwoods; 40% open pine lands and pine plantations; 20% ponds, Carolina bays and the big lake resulting from a dam built to increase water supplies for cooling reactors at the Savannah River Project). — May 4; 6 am to 5 pm. Clear; temp. 41-78°; wind NE. Total species, 90; total individuals, 536. Five observers. — Donald L. Funking, Dr. J. H. Jenkins, Jay H. Schnell (compiler), Dr. Richard G. Wiegert, Robert F. Williamr. 42 The Chat Anderson, S. C. (area same as in Christmas Count, all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Anderson Airport). — May 4; 4 AM to 7:30 pm. Clear; temp. 43-80°; wind SW 0-5 mph. Twelve observers, 11 in 5 parties, 1 at feeder. Total party-hours 68 (42 on foot, 26 by car); total party-miles, 315 (285 by car, 30 on foot). Total species, 113; total individ- uals, 3636. The Green-winged Teal and Horned Lark are very late for this area. (Seen in the area during count period, but not on count day: Pec- toral Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Osprey, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Parula Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler. The Bay-breasted Warbler is quite un- usual in spring in this area, although they have been seen in fall migra- tion. This bird was a male observed in the company of Blackpoll Warblers by AMT and CW.) — Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Brownlee, Mrs. Rufus Fant, Mrs. A. A. Hutchinson, Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Nichols, Mrs. Earl Rice, R. C. Tedards, Mrs. R. C. Tedards (compiler), Reggie Titmas, Bob Watson, Mrs. Joe Watson. Ashe County, N. C. (area center at Hurt’s farmhouse, as in Christmas Count and Breeding Bird Census). — May 5; 5:30 AM to 7 PM. Mostly clear; temp. 48-60°. Five observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours, 20 (19% on foot, % by car); total party-miles, 19 (17% on foot, 1% by car). Total species, 77; total individuals 580. (Seen in area during count period, but not on count day: 1 Great Blue Heron, 2 Mallards, 1 Osprey, 2 Ruffed Grouse, 1 Barred Owl, 1 Whip-poor-will, 2 Pileated Woodpeckers, 12 Bobo- links, 2 White-throated Sparrows.) — Bettie Jane Carter, Billie Ann Carter, Mrs. A. B. Hurt (compiler), Alice Lyall, Mike Welch. Central Beaufort County, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle where Upper Goose Creek enters Pamlico River, including both sides of the river from Bath to Washington; river and river shore 15%, fields 30%, mixed woods 40%, pine woods 5%, feeders 10%). — May 5; 5 am to 8 pm. Partly cloudy or overcast all day; temp. 53-80°; wind NE 3-12 mph. Nine observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours, 42 (20 on foot, 22 by car); total party-miles, 189 (12 on foot, 177 by car). Total species, 86; total individuals, 2070. The Brown Creeper is a late report. (Seen in area during count period, but not on count day: Wood Duck, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Bonaparte’s Gull, Ruby-throated Hummingbird.) — Ethel Bark- ley, Ruth Brown, Geraldine Cox (compiler), James MacLaurin, Mary Mac- Laurin, Ed Marrow, Thelma Marrow, Louise Satterthwaite, Ray Winstead. Chapel Hill, N. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at intersection of Columbia and Franklin streets, including town of Chapel Hill and university campus, Carrboro, airport, Lake Forest and university lakes, Finley Golf Course, Mason farm; mixed and deciduous woodlands 25%, open fields and farm lands 30%, lake shores and creek banks 25%, pine woods 5%, wooded residential 15%). — May 5; 5 am to 6 pm. Clear; temp. 51-82°; light northerly wind. Twenty-four observers in 12 parties. Total party-hours, 57 (45 on foot, 12 by car) ; total party-miles, 110 (32 on foot, 78 by car). Total species, 97; total individuals, 3169. The scaup was a Lesser Scaup. (Seen in area during count period, but not on count day: 1 Green Heron, 1 Osprey, 1 Magnolia Warbler.) — Dr. and Mrs. Charles H. Blake, David Barnes, Louise Crumpacker, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Harper, Robert H. Helle, Stella Lyons, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald R. McCarthy, Mrs. W. D. Patterson, Wallace Patterson, Jr., Phillips Russell, Wiley B. Sanders, Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Sharpe, Mrs. Pearson Stewart, Elizabeth P. Teu- lings, Robert P. Teulings (compiler), Mr. and Mrs. Matt L. Thompson, Mrs. Adelaide Walters, Mrs. Fred R. Weedon, Frances L. Yocom. Charleston, S. C. (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 14 miles NE of Mt. Pleasant and % mile E of US Hwy. 17, but excluding Bull’s Island and adjacent waters and marshes; fresh water ponds and wooded swamps 25%, open fields and farmland 20%, mixed and pine woods 25%, salt water creeks, marshes and flats 30%). — April 27; 6:30 am to 6 pm. Sunny; temp. 50-75°; wind variable 0-10 mph; woods dry, water low September, 1963 43 in swamps and ponds. Sixteen observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours, 44 (28 on foot, 16 by car); total party-miles, 248.6 (29 on foot, 219.6 by car). Total species, 133 ; total individuals, 3657. — Roy Baker, Edwin Blitch, Mrs. Francis Barrington, T. A. Beckett, III, B. Rhett Chamberlain, E. Burnham Chamberlain (compiler), David Chamberlain, E. C. Clyde, Jr., Mrs. R. H. Coleman, John H. Dick, E. S. Dingle, R. D. Edwards, Mrs. J. F. Holbrook, Mrs. J. A. Leland, Louis Towles, E. A. Williams (members and guests, Charleston Natural History Society). Charlotte, N. C. (7% -mile radius centering at 7th Street and Briar Creek; open field and farmland 50%, deciduous-pine woods and edge 35%, city lawns 10%, lakes and ponds 5%). — May 4; 5 am to 7:30 pm. Fair; temp. 46-81°; wind SW 0-9 mph. Sixteen observers in 5 parties. Total party- hours, 39% (29 on foot, 10% by car); total party-miles, 201 (17 on foot, 184 by car). Total species, 107; total individuals, 3438. The Common Galli- nule was unexpected, and the 72 Tree Swallows were unusual for the area. — Dr. and Mrs. W. G. Cobey, Mrs. M. J. Barber, Mrs. Douglas Booth, Mrs. Harold Dillehay, Lee Jones, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Kittinger, Mrs. J. H. Lovell, Miss Sarah Nooe, Joseph R. Norwood (compiler), Mrs. Joseph R. Norwood, Mrs. George Potter, Mrs. E. J. Presser, Dennis Shepler, Miss Ernestine Thies. (Some of the above were part-time participants and were not officially counted.) Eastover, S. C. (7% -mile radius, town of Eastover as center; cultivated fields 33%, pasture 33%, residential 10%, deciduous and pine woods 14%, swampy areas around ponds 10%). — May 3; 6 am to 6 pm. Clear; temp. 44-75°; calm to moderate wind. Three observers in 1 party. Total party- miles, 25 (24 in car, 1 on foot). Total species, 93; total individuals, 1281. Of particular interest is the Knot which was seen by all three observers.— Annie Rivers Faver (compiler), Margaret Hoover King, Kay Curtis Sisson. Fayetteville, N. C. (area, 7V2 rnile radius, centering just north of city on Raleigh Road; deciduous-pine woods, lakes and ponds, open field and farm land, city lawns). — April 30; 5:30 am to 5:00 pm. Cool, cloudy, some showers; wind SW 15 mph; temp. 50-79°. Fourteen observers including 4 individuals working own yards and 4 parties. Total party-hours, 30; total individual hours, 106; total party-miles, 88 (83 by car, 5 on foot). Total species, 88; total individuals, 1788. The Rufous-sided Towhees were found to be 65 Red-eyed and 2 White-eyed. — Mrs. J. E. Courtney, Mrs. N. A. Currie, Jr., Mrs. C. T. Haigh, Mrs. C. T. Haigh, Jr., Mrs. Roscoe Hauser, Miss Catsie Huske, Mrs. John Oates, Mrs. Duncan Owen, Henry Rankin, Mrs. S. C. Rankin, Mrs. J. A. Shaw (compiler), Mrs. John Stewman, Mrs. W. E. Whiddon, Mrs. L. E. Whitfield. Greensboro, N. C. (area same as in Christmas Count, centering % mile SW of WBIG transmitter). — May 4; 4:30 am to 7:30 pm. Clear; temp. 43-80°; wind variable SSE to SW 4-9 mph. Thirty-four observers in 9 parties. Total party-hours, 91%; total party-miles, 351 (312% by car, 38% on foot). Total species, 129; total individuals, 9176. The scaup was a Lesser Scaup. The Philadelphia Vireo was positively identified by BK and TS.— Mrs. Locke Bell, Mr. and Mrs. David A. Cason, Mrs. Ellene Cobb, Inez Coldwell, Kelly Culbreth, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Daniels, Dr. Charlotte Dawley, Mrs. R. D. Douglas, Ruth Gunter, Brad Hawkins (compiler), Sid- ney Holmes, Bruce Kappel, Mrs. Clarence Knight, Dr. R. L. Lashley, Mrs. Lennon, James Mattocks, Mrs. Robert McCoy, Ethel McNairy, Mrs. H. L. Medford, Ida Mitchell, Elizabeth Ogburn, Mr. and Mrs. George Perritt, Mrs. C. N. Prince, Etta Schiffman, George Smith, Mrs. W. F. Smyre, Thomas Street, Mrs. C. R. Surratt, Mrs. D. G. Tipton, Mrs. Ralph Weisner (The Piedmont Bird Club). Henderson, N. C. (area from Ruin Creek to Satterwhite Point, about 14 miles, and on two or three side roads for short distances; lakesides 15%, 44 The Chat roadsides 30%, field edges and meadows 13%, deciduous and pine woods 10%, creeks 30%, and dooryards 2%). — May 4; 8 am to 6 pm. Sunny and very warm; temp. 64-86°; winds calm. Three observers in 1 party. Total party-hours, 10; total party-miles, 45 (5 on foot, 40 by car). Total species, 76; total individuals, 911. — Mrs. A. W. Bachman, Mariel Gary, Garnette Myers (compiler). Iredell County, N. C. (15-mile diameter circle centered at junction of Hanes Grove Road and rural 1872 in northern Iredell County; 80% lowlands and riverbottoms; 10% open farmland, 10% mature deciduous forest on mountain). — April 27; 4 am to 3:30 pm. Cool before dawn; clear, hot, and calm during morning; overcast, slightly windy in afternoon. Eleven ob- servers in 4 parties. Total party-hours, 76; total party-miles, 235 V2 (220 by car, 15 on foot, V2 by boat). Total species, 79; total individuals, 1183. (Seen in area on day prior to count: 3 Summer Tanagers.) — Mrs. Lois T. Goforth, Flippen Jones, Ted Melson, Anne Presnell, Mrs. Elaine Rines, Chip Shafer, Jane Sherrill, Mark Simpson, Jr. (compiler), Brenda Templeton, Pat Thomas, Ronnie Underwood. New London, N. C. (15-mile diameter circle centered about 2 miles NW of Badin; open fields and woodlands, 35%, ponds and lakes 25%, mixed woods and hedges 25%, city lawns 15%). — April 27; 5 am to 6:30 pm. Morning clear, wind NW 5 mph; afternoon partly cloudy; temp. 41-74°. Twelve observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours, 66 (48 on foot, 16 by car, 2 by boat); total party-miles, 257. Total species, 108; total individuals 5459. Outstanding finds of the day were the Pileated Woodpecker and the Com- mon Gallinule, the latter never having been reported previously in this area. (Seen in the area during the count period, but not on the count day: Louisiana Waterthrush, Scarlet Tanager, Ring-necked Ducks, Cape May Warbler, Purple Finches.) — Roy Blalock, P. E. Book, Mrs. Margaret Craw- ley, Mr. and Mrs. Barrett Crook, Conrad Crotts, Mr. and Mrs. Wade Crowell, Allen Culp, Mrs. Francis Elkins, Joe Ferebee, Susan Greene, C. M. Haith- cock, Mrs. Claude Hinson, Mrs. Myrtle Isenhour, Mrs. Maxine Isenhour, Mrs. Kemp Littleton, Donald Maner, Miss Vera Mason, Mr. and Mrs. James Mauney, Mrs. Faye McLawhon, Mrs. William Mount, C. P. Misenheimer, Sue Trott Parker, Mrs. J. E. Pennington, Spencer Plyler, Irvin Poplin, Mrs. L. A. Price, Eddie Smith, Wayne Smith, Mrs. Jim Thompson, Mrs. John Whitlock (compiler), Miss Mary Winget. (Some of the above were part-time participants and were not officially counted.) Raleigh, N. C. (area same as in Christmas Count). April 26; 7 AM to 6 pm. Clear and calm most of day; temp. 45-75°. Four observers. Total species, 83; total individuals, 964. — J. F. Greene, J. W. Johnston, D. L. Wray (compiler), Mrs. D. L. Wray. Seven Springs, N. C. (area same as in Christmas Count). — April 27; 5:30 am to 6:30 pm. Clear and calm; temp. 52-78°. Three observers in 1 party. Total party-hours, 26 (10 on foot, 16 by car); total party-miles, 115 (10 on foot, 105 by car. Total species, 74; total individuals 439. (Seen during count period, but not on count day: Short-billed Marsh Wren, Hermit Thrush, Black-and-white Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Blue- winged Warbler, Palm Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler.) — David Siler, R. H. Siler (compiler), Mrs. Margaret Walker. Wilmington, N. C. (area same as in Christmas Count). — April 27; 4:20 am to 6 PM. Partly cloudy; temp. 45-74°; wind SSW 21/2 mph to SE 16 mph. Nine observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours, 48; total party-miles, 307 (23 on foot, 282 by car, 2 by boat). Total species, 126; total individuals, 4503. The Lark Sparrow was an adult observed at close range with all field marks noted by DE. (Seen in area the day before count: Pied-billed Grebe, Virginia Rail, Blue-winged Warbler.) — Mrs. Katharine Alexander, Mrs. Mary Baker, Jack Dermid, Mrs. Dot Earle (compiler), Mrs. Betty Everson, Claude McAllister, Mrs. Polly Mebane, Mrs. Mary Urich, Mrs. Marie Van- der Schalie. 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