6 "7 I 5 Vol. 64 \ CB© The Quarterly Bulletin of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. The Ornithological Society of the Carolinas WINTER 2000 No. 1 THE CHAT (USPS 101-020) Vol. 64 WINTER 2000 No. 1 Published by The Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Editor Bob Wood, 2421 Owl Circle West Columbia, SC 29169 bobwood @ ix.netcom.com General Field Notes North Carolina South Carolina Will Cook Dennis M. Forsythe . . . Ricky Davis Andrea Ceselski ' Editor Emeritus Eloise Potter THE CHAT is published quarterly for $20.00 by the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., with headquarters at the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1029. Second-class postage paid at Raleigh, NC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Carolina Bird Club, THE CHAT, 1 1 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 -1 029. Articles Breeding Bird Communities in Pine Plantations on the Coastal Plain of North Carolina. Michael D. Wilson and Bryan D. Watts 1 Color Morph Bias and Conservation Concerns for a Tropical Pterodroma. David S. Lee 15 Briefs for the Files Associate Editor . General Field Notes Two Sight Records of Kirtland's Warbler from North Carolina. Charles W. Cook .... 21 Briefs for the Files , Summer 1999 26 Instructions for Authors 32 Cover (Eastern Screech-owl) by Bill Duyck, Asheville, NC Breeding Bird Communities in Pine Plantations On the Coastal Plain of North Carolina Michael D. Wilson Center for Conservation Biology College of William and Mary Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795 Bryan D. Watts Center for Conservation Biology College of William and Mary Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795 bdwatt@wm.edu Introduction Prior to European settlement of North America, the landscape of the Southeastern United States was dominated by an estimated 55 million hectares of old growth forest (Ware et al. 1993). Since that time, three centuries of land clearing for agriculture and other uses has reduced the extent of forest cover to 60% of its former range. Conversion rates of some forest types in this region have been extremely high. For instance, longleaf pine (Pinus palustris ) forests have been reduced by nearly 24 million hectares and currently exist in only 1% of their historic range. The character of much of the remaining forested land also has been altered. Over the past two to three decades, large timber corporations began to implement intensive management operations to produce sustained yields of plantation pines. By 1990, approximately 15% of the remaining forest area in the Southeastern US had been converted to pine plantations. Silvicultural techniques associated with plantations greatly affect landscape composition and the intrinsic forest structure (Thompson et al. 1995). Although specific silvicultural techniques vary with factors such as forest yield ( e.g . pulpwood, wood fiber, or saw-timber) and tree species, clearcutting stands on relatively short rotation schedules (usually 20-25 years for pulp wood/ fiber production) is the dominant practice (USDA Forest Service 1990). Clearcutting creates a specific age-class distribution of habitats that differs in scale and frequency from disturbances in natural landscapes. As a result, landscapes under intensive management often contain more early to mid-successional stands in comparison to natural areas. Additionally, managing timber plantations on short rotations truncates succession and prevents development of some characteristics associated with old-growth forests. The purpose of this study is to describe breeding bird communities within managed pine plantations on the Coastal Plain of North Carolina. In addition, we provide an elementary description of habitat changes that occur during the management cycle. Methods This study was conducted in managed loblolly pine {Pinus taeda) plantations in eastern North Carolina (approximately 35° O'N, 76° 60' W). These plantations are situated in three large management tracts located in Beaufort, Martin, and Washington counties. The tracts are embedded within a matrix of agricultural fields, residential areas, and forested areas. Historically, much of this land was once naturally forested as pocosin wetlands, non-alluvial 1 2 Breeding Bird Communities in Pine Plantations swamp forest, and upland mixed pine-deciduous forest. Over a period of time, many of the natural pocosin and swamp forest areas were ditched, drained, and cleared for conversion to agriculture. The plantations studied are managed for pulpwood and sawtimber production on a 30-35 year rotation. The staggered regime of harvesting and intermediate silvicultural treatments creates a mosaic of different stand ages. Pine stands go through several stages of vegetative succession following planting. Regeneration begins with a grass/seedling phase during the first two growing seasons. Subsequently, for the next 3-7 years, stands are dominated by shrub-layer vegetation and planted trees. Approximately 7-10 years after planting, young pine trees form a dense, low canopy that reduces light penetration to the understory. As a result, ground-level shrub vegetation during this period is significantly reduced. After canopy closure, the plantations are commercially thinned twice before final harvest. Thinnings reduce the number of trees, open the forest canopy, and allow growth of understory vegetation. The vertical stratification of vegetation within stands after first thin is relatively simple with an overstory of planted pines, 1 5 -20 m in height, and a shrub layer restricted to the first two meters. As stands mature, the growth of hardwood trees in the understory and midstory add additional vegetation layers. We selected stands that represent ten different stand ages and relation to thinning: (1)1 year old stands, (2) 3 year old stands, (3) 5 year old stands, (4) 9-1 1 year old stands, (5) 13-16 year old stands that were 1 year after the first thin, (6) 16-18 year old stands that were 3 years after first thin, (7) 19-22 year old stands that were 5 years after first thin, (8) 22-26 year old stands that were 1 year after second thin, (9) 28-29 year old stands that were 3 years after second thin, and (10) 30-35 year old stands that were 5 years after second thin. Six replicate stands (each > 24 ha) were selected for each stand type. Stands within each type were chosen to minimize variation in planted stocking level and basal area of pine and were separated by at least 500 m. Both the vegetation and the bird community were surveyed during the breeding bird seasons of 1997 and 1998. Seven minute, fixed radius (50 m) point counts were used to measure bird species richness and bird density. Four point counts were established in each stand and distributed evenly between edge and interior locations. Edge points were positioned 50 m from the stand edge such that the plot perimeter was tangential to the edge. Interior points were positioned at least 150 m from the stand edge. All points were surveyed three times between 1 June and 4 July 1 997 and three times between 2 1 May and 30 June 1 998. Surveys were initiated 0.5 hr after sunrise and concluded within four hours. Species richness was calculated for each stand based on the accumulated number of species detected (within or beyond 50 m radius) over the three survey visits. Bird density was calculated for each survey point as a composite of the survey visit with the highest recorded annual density (within the 50 m radius) for each species detected. A community similarity index was calculated for pairwise comparisons of stand ages, based on the density values of shared species. The vegetation was sampled within all point count plots to determine vegetation changes across the growing cycle and vegetation responses to The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 1, Winter 2000 3 thinning. Linear transects were used for vegetation sampling to parallel the long, regularly distributed canopy openings created by row thinning. The transect length was standardized to 25 m for all surveys. Transect width varied between 4 and 7 m to accommodate variation in thinned and non-thinned rows within stands. Four vegetation transects were established within each point count and equally distributed between thinned and non-thinned rows. Habitat data were collected at two levels within transects. Counts of all large woody plants (> 8 cm dbh) by species were made over the entire 25 m transect. Counts of all stems, shrubs, and saplings (> 0.5 m in height and < 8 cm dbh) were collected within 2 x 2 m quadrats established at opposite ends of each 25 m transect and summed to represent total groundcover density. Habitat data summarized and presented for this account include groundcover density, pine tree density, and hardwood tree density. There was no significant variation in habitat or bird community-level variables between survey years so all data were pooled for further analysis. The effects of stand age on bird species richness and bird density were examined by one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test was used for post-hoc comparisons to differentiate which stand ages were responsible for statistically significant results. Community similarity was examined by single linkage cluster analysis. Cluster analysis identifies the most similar stand ages by repeated grouping of a matrix of stand age community similarities. Euclidean distances (i.e. the output of cluster analysis) between stand ages reflect the degree of similarity among bird communities in each category. Frequency statistics were used to compare habitat patterns of commonly detected species. Stand age comparisons were made based on the frequency of occupied points (i.e. includes detections within 50 m) relative to an expected even distribution among age categories. For each species examined, associations with a particular age or group of ages is based on significant, positive deviations from expected distributions. Finally, vegetation data were examined using a non-parametric test (Kruskal- Wallis ANOVA) due to non-normal distributions and unequal variances of variables between stand ages. Results Vegetation Surveys. Across all stand ages, dominant shrub-level vegetation included: cane (Arundinaria gigantea ), blackberry (Rubus sp.), sweet pepperbush (Clethra anifolia), fetterbush (Lyonia lucida ), high bush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum ), and gallberry (Ilex glabra). In addition to planted pine trees, dominant canopy and midstory trees included; red maple (Acer rubrum), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua ), red bay (Persea borboinia), sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana), and tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). Across the entire growing period, stand age had a significant influence on groundcover density (K-W ANOVA, H = 40.2, df = 9, p < 0.001) (Fig. 1). Groundcover density increased from the first growing season to the sixth and then significantly decreased in the tenth growing season. Subsequently, stem density increased significantly only after the first and second thin and declined with time since thin. Hardwood tree density showed an opposite pattern. Overall, the density of hardwood trees significantly increased with stand age 4 Breeding Bird Communities in Pine Plantations (Spearman r = .43, p < 0.001, K-W ANOVA, H = 44.5, p < 0.001), but was significantly reduced by thinning. Finally, as expected, pine tree density was reduced significantly with each thin (K-W ANOVA, H = 1 16.1, p < 0.001). Bird surveys. Over 24,000 bird observations were made during the two- year study period. Although a total of 68 species was detected, 1 1 species accounted for nearly 70 % of all observations (see Appendix). Species such as the Common Yellowthroat, Eastern Towhee, and Gray Catbird that are associated with early successional habitats or dense understory vegetation, were the most commonly observed. Stand age had a significant effect on species richness (ANOVA, F = 23. 1, p < 0.001) (Fig. 2). However there were no differences between sequential stand age classes surveyed in this study (HSD tests, all p-values > 0.10). Overall, species richness was positively related to stand age (Pearson r = 0.72, p < 0.001). Thinned stands had greater species richness values compared to all stands before thinning (HSD tests, p < 0.001 for all pairwise comparisons). Stand age was also found to have a significant influence on overall bird density (F = 38.6, p < 0.001) (Fig. 2). Although density was also positively associated with stand age (r = .58, p < 0.005), differences between sequential stand ages were variable. Bird density significantly increased from the first growing season through the sixth growing season (HSD tests, p values < 0.05) and was punctuated by a significant decrease (HSD test, p < 0.005) in density during the 1 0th growing season. Subsequently bird density significantly increased only after first thin. There were no significant differences in bird density among stands after thinning (HSD tests, all p values > 0.90). Cluster analysis further highlighted the influence of stand age on community organization (Fig. 3). The greatest Euclidean distance (i. e. the greatest difference in community indices) was between stands in their first two growing seasons and all other stands. A second grouping separated early successional stands (ages 3 through 1 1 years) from thinned stands. All thinned stands were grouped with greater similarity than any other group of stands. Of the total species observed during the study, 55 (80%) species were detected in stands before thinning, and 60 (88%) species were detected in thinned stands. Seven species ( 1 0%) were detected exclusively in stands before thinning and 1 1 (16%) species exclusively in thinned stands. The remaining 5 1 (75%) species were detected in both age subgroups. Although the majority of species observed was detected in early successional and thinned stands, many were not evenly distributed. Based on the overall habitat use patterns for the various species, three functional species groups were formed: 1) early successional - those species exhibiting a significant association with a subgroup of stands 1 through 1 1 years old, 2) forest - those species exhibiting a significant association with a subgroup of thinned stands, and 3) habitat generalist - those species that exhibit no significant association for either of the subgroups above. The most commonly observed species within early successional stands were species typically associated with grasslands or shrublands. Turnover rates between early successional stand ages were high for these species reflecting the rapid rates of vegetation change. For instance, some of these species exhibited a significant association with specific stand ages within this age subgroup. The The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 1, Winter 2000 5 Killdeer and Eastern Meadowlark were significantly associated with stands in their first two growing seasons. The Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Kingbird, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting and Field Sparrow were all significantly associated with stands in their first four growing seasons. The American Goldfinch was associated with stands in their first six growing seasons. The Prairie Warbler showed a different pattern and was significantly associated with stands that were two through eleven years old. The Yellow-breasted Chat was significantly associated with stands that were three through six years old. Aerial insectivores (e.g. Bam Swallow, Chimney Swift, and Purple Martin) that use these habitats for foraging purposes only, were significantly associated with one year old stands. The Indigo Bunting and the Yellow-breasted Chat exhibited relatively unique patterns. Although these two species were most associated with a subgroup of early successional stands, they were also frequently detected in stands that were 1-2 years after first and second thin. Habitat-generalist species were distributed evenly across all stand ages and were the most abundant and widespread of all species detected. For example, the Common Yellowthroat was ranked the most abundant species in every stand age examined. Similarly, the Brown-headed Cowbird, Gray Catbird, White- eyed Vireo, and Eastern Towhee were among the species detected with the highest densities. With the exception of the Brown-headed Cowbird, these species are typically associated with dense cover of shrub and understory vegetation, which was present in sufficient amounts for these species in almost all stand ages. These species only undemtilized stands in their first and in the 9-1 1th growing seasons ( i.e . stands with the lowest stem densities). The species associated only with the thinned stand ages in this study are those typically found in second-growth forest and mature-forested habitats. Across all thinned stands, there was relatively little variation in the density patterns of individual species. The Downy Woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Blue- gray Gnatcatcher, Acadian Flycatcher, Ovenbird and Carolina Chickadee were among the most abundant species (aside from generalist species described above) and each was evenly distributed among all thinned stands. Additionally, the Eastern Wood-Pewee, Great Crested Flycatcher, Tufted Titmouse, Worm- eating Warbler, Pine Warbler, Summer Tanager, and Northern Cardinal were detected with relatively high densities and also were evenly distributed among the thinned stands. Only two species showed significant associations with particular thinned stand ages. The Hooded Warbler was primarily associated with older stands and had a greater density in stands after second thin compared to stands after first thin. The Brown-headed Nuthatch was detected with a greater density in stands 1 -2 years after first and second thin compared to stands with increasing time since thin. Discussion The results of this study indicate that the structure of the avian community is influenced by stand age and structure. In general, species richness and bird density were both positively related to stand age. The shifts in community organization across this successional gradient were similar to that reported from other studies (Johnston and Odum 1956, Meyers and Johnson 1978, May 1982, Childers et al. 1986). Early successional stands (ages 1-6 years) and thinned 6 Breeding Bird Communities in Pine Plantations stands vary greatly in vegetative structure. Early successional stands were characterized by dense shrub vegetation and varying coverage of grasses. In contrast, thinned stands were characterized by an open canopy dominated by pine, dense understory vegetation, and a variable density of midstory hardwoods. The gradient between early successional and thinned stands is punctuated by stands that have a very dense, closed canopy and an associated sparse understory (represented by 9-11 year old stands in this study). In addition to their overall gross structure, early successional and thinned stands exhibited different rates of vegetation change. Early successional stands change from patches of bare ground to patches with dense, woody vegetation in a relatively short period of time. In contrast, the change in forest vegetation takes place over much longer time periods. The influence of differences in both the vegetation structure and rate of change between early successional and thinned stand types is clearly evident in the avian community. Species observed exclusively in early successional stands are those typically associated with grasslands and shrublands. Some of these species were observed within a relatively narrow window of stand ages reflecting rapid change of conditions across this period. Species associated with thinned stands were either habitat generalists that exploit the dense understory vegetation or species typically found in closed canopy forests. Most forest species did not generally discriminate between stand age categories, reflecting a much slower rate of vegetation change during this period. None of the bird species detected were most associated with stands (9-11 years old) that were between early successional and thinned stands. These closed-canopy stands had the lowest bird densities and appear to be inferior habitats for both early successional and forest bird species. The large canopy openings created during thinning allowed for understory regeneration and had a positive influence on species richness and overall bird diversity. These openings appeared to have extended the habitat use of some early successional species and provided habitat elements required by some forest species. Only two forest bird species showed significant responses among thinned stands (Brown-headed Nuthatch and Hooded Warbler), although many species had lower densities in stands one and two years after first thin. The openness of the understory just after thinning may have deterred some species from using recently thinned stands. However, thinning releases the understory that was used in subsequent years. Additionally, hardwood tree densities reached their highest values in stands at least three years after second thin. The availability of midstory hardwoods appears to be an important habitat requirement for the Hooded Warbler and for other species such as the Wood Thrush and Red-eyed Vireo. The Brown-headed Nuthatch was primarily associated with stands 1-2 years after first and second thins. Occurrence of this species was negatively influenced by hardwood tree density which is lower in stands one year after thinning (Wilson and Watts 1999). The Brown-headed Nuthatch is a pine forest specialist that excavates cavities (usually in a pine snag) relatively low to the ground (unpublished data from this site; McNair 1984). Obstruction of cavity sites by a dense hardwood understory may deter this species. In addition to thinning, Brown-headed Nuthatch occurrence within stands was significantly associated with snags (Wilson and Watts 1999). The Chat, Vol 64, No. 1, Winter 2000 7 Apparently, a combination of an open understory and snag availability are both important habitat requirements for Brown-headed Nuthatches within these plantations. The commercially-thinned plantations studied here share several habitat characteristics with natural, tall pocosins (Christensen et al. 1981). The most conspicuous of these characteristics is a dense thicket of understory vegetation. Moreover, the two habitat types share relatively similar breeding bird communities (Lynch 1982, Karriker 1993). This includes some species that show unique patterns within the coastal plain. The density of Worm-eating Warblers recorded within these pine plantations is greater than at many other locations within the species range (Hanners and Patton 1998). Locally, the density of this species is most similar to that recorded in tall pocosin communities (Lynch 1982, Karriker 1993). In this study, Worm-eating Warblers begin to occupy plantations in their 1 Oth growing season but attain the greatest density in thinned stands that have a dense understory. It appears as if the conversion of some natural habitats, such as pocosins, to open-canopy pine plantations may have had little impact on this population. Similarly, the density of the Black-and- White Warbler in these plantations is similar to accounts reported from pocosin habitats (Lynch 1982, Karricker 1993). The Prothonotary Warbler and the Swainson’s Warbler are typically associated with pocosins as well as mature swamp forests. The Prothonotary Warbler was detected only in plantations that were directly adjacent to swamp forest; however, the Swainson’s Warbler, was detected with a very low density in plantations (>27 years old) that had a dense understory and that were isolated from any nearby hardwood stands. Perhaps surprising was the complete absence of the Henslow’s Sparrow from the surveyed plantations. Several of the early plantations (1-2 years after planting) surveyed in this study are located only a few miles to the west from a relatively large population of Henslow’s Sparrows (i.e., Voice of America grassland). Similarly, Lynch and LeGrand (1985) recorded the species at several sites, including within early stages of pine plantations, in the same geographic area in 1983 and 1984. Acknowledgments We thank Tony Melchiors for administrative support and assistance through all aspects of the field work. We also thank Bill Barber and Joe Hughes for educating us about forest tracts, silvicultural techniques and for assistance in selecting study sites. We also gratefully acknowledge Dana Bradshaw, Dawn Kean, Greg Levandoski, and Brian Piccolo for assistance in data collection. Two anonymous reviewers made helpful suggestions to the final preparation of this manuscript. This study was funded through a cooperative agreement between the Weyerhaeuser Company and the College of William and Mary. Literature Cited Childers, E L, T L Sharik, and C S Adkisson. 1986. Effects of loblolly pine plantations on songbird dynamics in the Virginia Piedmont. J. Wildl. Manag. 50:406-413. 8 Breeding Bird Communities in Pine Plantations Christensen, N L, R B Burchell, A Liggett, and E L Simms. 1981. The structure and development of pocosin vegetation. Pp 43-61 in C J Richardson, ed. Pocosin wetlands: an integrated analysis of coastal plain freshwater bogs in North Carolina. Hutchinson Ross, Stroudsburg, PA. Hanners, L A and S R Patton. 1998. Worm-eating Warbler ( Helmitheros vemivorus ) in A Poole and F Gill, eds. The Birds of North America No. 367. The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA. Johnston D W, and E P Odum. 1956. Breeding bird populations in relation to succession on the Piedmont of Georgia. Ecology 37:50-62. Karriker, K S. 1 993 . Effects of intensive silviculture on breeding and wintering birds in North Carolina pocosins. M.S. Thesis, North Carolina State University. 219pp. Lynch, J M. 1982. Breeding birds of Hall Swamp Pocosin, Martin County, N.C. Chat 46:93-101. Lynch, J M and H E LeGrand Jr. 1985. Breeding-season records of the Henslow’s Sparrow in the North Carolina Coastal Plain. Chat 49:29-35. May, P G. 1 982. Secondary succession and breeding bird community structure: patterns of resource utilization. Oecologia 55:208-216. McNair, D B. 1984. Clutch-size and nest placement in the Brown-headed Nuthatch. Wilson Bull. 96:296-301. Meyers, J M, and A S Johnson. 1978. Bird communities associated with succession and management of loblolly-shortleaf pine forests. Pp 50-65 in Proceedings of the workshop management of southern forest for nongame birds. USDA Forest Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. SE-14. Thompson, F R III, J R Probst, and M G Raphael. 1995. Impacts of silviculture : overview and management recommendations. Pp 201-219 in T E Martin and D M Finch, eds. Ecology and Management of Neotropical Migratory Birds: A Synthesis and Review of Critical Issues. Oxford University Press, New York. USDA Forest Service. 1990. The Forest Service plan for forest and rangeland resources: a long-term strategic plan. USDA, Washington, DC. Ware, S, C Frost, and P D Doerr. 1993. Southern mixed hardwood forest: the former longleaf pine forest. Pp 447-493 in Biodiversity of the Southeastern United States: lowland terrestrial communities, W H Martin, S G Boyce, and A C Echternacht, eds. John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY. Wilson, M D, and B D Watts. 1999. Response of Brown-headed Nuthatches to thinning of pine plantations. Wilson Bull. 1 1 1:56-60. The Chat, Vol 64, No. 1, Winter 2000 9 t i t- CO to 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 Figure 1 . Median values for habitat variables among pine plantation age classes. Understory Density (stems/m ) 10 Breeding Bird Communities in Pine Plantations Figure 2. Average species richness and average bird density (± SD) among pine plantation age classes. Species Richness iciiaean distance The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 1, Winter 2000 11 |i 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.4 F 02 0.0 Figure 3. Cluster analysis dendrogram of avian community similarity among pine plantation age classes. Data are based on Euclidean distances between pairwise age comparisons. Greater Euclidean distances represent greater differences in community similarity. IHf 1 ^ I ur> Stand age Appendix. Average densities (birds/ 1 0 ha) of species detected within Loblolly Pine plantations in eastern North Carolina. Density values for each stand age are based on the average of peak counts for each stand (N = 6 per age category) over two survey years. Densities are calculated only for detections within 50m radius point counts (“P” indicates a given species was present but only detected beyond 50m, and dashes indicate stand ages where a species was not recorded). 12 Breeding Bird Communities in Pine Plantations TO S yr/2 thin 1 00 l 1 • IT SO • Ph i Ph ■ q 6.3 rb 0.5 >•§ .£ <5 £ 1 so l 1 1 3.7 rb cu 1 i 0.5 i q 4.7 0.5 0.5 q 2.7 , .£ >? & so 1 Ph , (N 5.3 1 1 i 0.5 PL, 2.1 00 sri 3.2 - r q >o •*-> fc.s hh VO ►> q to ( ( r_ ; rr i 1 rb 1 1 1 H 1 d HH ^H ro u > PP £ 03 X TO OX Vh OX 2 3 o _c-j Vh OX OX > o Q ox .£ o o PP cx o U TO ax 3 £ £ •8 £ CO £ '$ Vh O O a * ed PP OX % a o Vh 3 OX 3 K 4 PP o ax O 31 o o £ TO ax TO cd ax pp o ax a TO o o £ TO ax 3 Vh ax pp o ax O TO o o £ > Wh ax PP o ax a TO o o £ ax PP o ax •§ o o TO ax Vh ax PP q E l ax ax ax ax Ph i TO o o £ B C ax ax 1 ax oo T3 OX 3 6 PJ o o o .a | > pp PP i TO po TO i .5 3 ax •g ax 3 o o ox o 3 PP o 3 ax ax o cd o cd o U H P4 3 u O p4 P4 Q ffi Pk W The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 1, Winter 2000 13 xj c C4 c st st m in rg m St Os in oo V r-- o 1 c 00 1 rsi p d rsj sd st ; ■ : 1—1 d m st so IT) -a .S Os •n st st rsj m m Os rn >n oo rsj sb 1 d m rsj r- rb 1 sd d in ; rsi 1 i 3- d »n st £,-o c st Os _ _ m oo st t--; r- »n rsj st s-; r-j iri sd 1 1 j 1 — so in 1 sd rsi d rsi -i st 1 sd i : ! 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O rown Thrasher uropean Starling X) 15 C i o T3 ed-eyed Vireo a £ OJ IS XJ 3 CO pi o CO < o w CQ U s < £ U H m U 3 w < O Z CQ w o< PQ 14 Breeding Bird Communities in Pine Plantations ■o c C? = Os cn OO «n Os OO © Oh r- — so — ■ OO mi o 2 CO Os cri SO iri -4yr/ 2nd (N 0.5 901 7.9 9.5 2.6 11.7 16.5 4.2 sq 2.6 ■ 7.9 • 14.9 1 • • ■I 13.3 • 1.1 3.2 m "R-g .= so - 10.6 5.3 © . 14.3 22.8 8.5 1.1 • ■ 7.4 © 15.4 • • ■j • ' 2.6 Oh i ^ B 0.5 3.7 4.2 7.9 9.5 19.6 3.2 Oh - • 5.3 0.5 23.3 ■ • • 901 • 2.6 P 3-4yr/ thin - CN so Os 3.2 8.5 ■ 13.8 19.1 5.3 0.5 • 0.5 7.9 2.7 p OO • • • • roi • (N 0.5 m\ -l 2.7 4.2 96 SO 5.8 > 4.7 24.9 VL 2.7 Oh 0.5 4.8 3.7 19.6 • • • 2.6 OO cri Oh • 3.7 u tO OO so OO Os SO fS CO r- *n Os -H •— < 1 >"» OS t-h • o o to mi 1 SO Os 1 ' mi > sO 16.5 - i Oh . 2.7 26.5 13.3 • Oh 7.9 0.5 21.2 4.7 ■ ■ Oh 9.6 • Oh 3.2 »n b. in sO >n m n n >n so cn Tt 1 0 1 sO ‘-N| so ro OO (N CO © © OS cn u Sn cs . 6.4 , , > . . 20.2 6'9 ■ ' 3.7 1.1 12.2 in OO 3.2 1.1 - 4.2 0.5 2.6 T3 Prairie Warbler c 2 c 2 >■ p c £ p c C X u T3 OJ w. cd ■ American Redstart 2 cd £ « 1 1 £ Rlne Grosbeak cd P •€ u- cd 1 1 z 1 c s 1 F.astem Towhee £ c t £ -c u. £ c t Cd c G C OJ 1 : e cd * •g 1 | id U- 80%); dark and intermediate morphs account for >90% of the records; while light morphs make up approximately 9% of reported occurrences (NCSM records). Of the 60+ records and reports of Herald Petrel from the western North Atlantic, the majority (>90%) are from the Gulf Stream off the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Individual records of Herald Petrels are available for Virginia (July 1 996, September 1 996), Puerto Rico (Gochfeld et al. 1988), and the mid- North Atlantic (21° 51'N, 43° 35'W, Lowe 1911). There is a hurricane-driven specimen record from New York (Allen 1934), and there are a small number of sightings from coastal sites and piedmont reservoirs in Virginia that are associated with hurricanes (Brinkley et al. 1997). All but one of these are also dark-plumaged birds. Unfortunately not enough pre-1985 records of these Pterodroma away from breeding areas are available to show if dark morphs were always dominant in the North Atlantic. Actual percentages are probably even more biased toward dark individuals than available records and reports suggest. There were a number of summer and fall reports of Sooty Shearwaters ( Puffinus griseus ) from waters off the 15 1 6 Color Morph Bias and Conservation Concerns for a Tropical Pterodroma southeastern United States made prior to the documentation of Herald Petrel in the region. The Sooty Shearwater is a very rare summer resident and fall migrant in the sub-tropical western North Atlantic, and some of these Sooty Shearwater reports are likely to represent dark morphs of the Herald Petrel (Lee 1979). There is a problematic photograph of a Kermadec Petrel (P. neglecta ) from Pennsylvania (Heintzelman 1961) that many believe to be of a dark phase Herald Petrel, and two tum-of-the-century records from the UK of Kermadec and Collard (P. leucoptera ) Petrels are suspected to be Herald Petrel (Cramp and Simmons 1977). Additionally, there are a number of sightings of dark Pterodroma from the western North Atlantic that, because of distance and other factors, were not identified to species but which were most likely this petrel (e.g., Lee 1984, Aud. Field Notes 50:267). The ratios of plumage morphs of Herald Petrels nesting on South Trinidade Island, on the other hand, have been reported as highly biased toward light morphs. Early authors did not provide estimates of the ratios of the plumage morphs, but from reading early accounts it is clear that the dark ‘arminjoniana’ were by far the least common whereas white-breasted petrels were abundant (Sharpe 1904, Wilson 1904,Nicoll 1906, and Murphy 1936). Storrs Olson (US National Museum), however, visited the island between December 1975 and January 1976 and found the reverse to be true. He recorded only “40 out of 100 birds to be light phase” (Olson, field notes). Using the most conservative figures (all birds unquestionably identified to species) for the ratios of dark-to-light and intermediate morphs visiting the western North Atlantic (49:12), and the highest reported ratio of dark-to-light morphs on the Atlantic breeding site by Olson (60:40), the dispersal of dark color morphs into the North Atlantic is much more frequent than expected, and the disproportionate number of dark-plumaged birds occurring in the North Atlantic is highly significant (x2 = 7.17, df = 1, P = 0.007). Factors possibly affecting North Atlantic color morph ratios Color morph variance may have selective value. Spear and Ainley (1993) have demonstrated an absence of kleptoparasitism by jaegers and skuas (subfamily Stercorariinae) on Kermadec and dark morph Herald Petrels in the eastern tropical Pacific. Batesian mimicry, where one species gains advantage in resembling another, allows these petrels to avoid being parasitized because jaegers and skuas do not parasitize conspecifics. Other Pterodroma of similar sizes are parasitized. Lee (1979) noted the striking similarity between dark morph Herald Petrels and dark morph jaegers in the western North Atlantic. The flash marks in the primaries of Atlantic Herald Petrels are quite conspicuous (Lee 1979, Harrison 1983), whereas they are absent on Herald Petrel ( P . [a.] heraldica ) of the Pacific (Spear and Ainley 1993). Additionally, Herald Petrels often exhibit flight styles that are straight and direct (wings held parallel to the ocean’s surface), thus more reminiscent of a jaeger than of a Pterodroma (Lee 1979, 1984). Spear and Ainley (1993) suggest that mimic petrels are Batesian ‘defensive’ and resemble a dangerous/noxious species (skuas). Skuas and large jaegers (and thereby their mimics) enjoy some degree of predator avoidance. The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 1, Winter 2000 17 In skuas and large jaegers, long distance visual signals are effective, and these birds do not parasitize conspecifics (Furness 1987) and seldom parasitize smaller jaegers (Spear and Ainley 1993). However, Spear (pers. comm.) is aware of no compelling evidence suggesting that dark morph birds are more successful kleptoparasites than light morph birds, and there does not appear to be a distributional difference between light and dark morph Herald Petrels in the Pacific. Furthermore, even the evidence for selection of plumage for kleptoparasitism in Parasitic Jaegers ( Stercorarius parasiticus ) is conflicting (Furness and Furness 1980). Thus, it seems unlikely that a differential marine distribution of color morphs would be driven by mimicry. Another explanation for the discrepancy in color morph ratios of Herald Petrels seen off the southeastern United States is that the population on South Trinidade Island and Martin Vas Rocks is in severe decline and that the color morphs, because of differential survival at these breeding sites, are actually declining at different rates. The differences in rate of decline may relate to differences in nest site selection of the two plumage types. Williams (1984) noted that the colony at South Trinidade Island probably has been significantly reduced since Murphy (1936) recorded ‘vast numbers’ there in 1914. Comparison of tum-of-the-century descriptions of the petrel colony size on South Trinidade Island to those of Olson (1981) indicate extreme declines for the Atlantic population. The early reports of Sharpe, Wilson and Nicoll are from November and January, the same general season of Olson’s visit. Thus, it seems likely that the more accessible nesting colonies of the lighter morphs had been depleted by feral animals and the military garrison stationed on the island (Olson 1981, Williams 1984), thus accounting for the discrepancy in color morph abundance in the 50-75 year period between reports. While there is no hard data on population size, Williams ( 1 984) states that this petrel is now confined to inaccessible cliff nesting sites, probably as a result of predation by feral cats. Olson (1981) reported that the petrels were fairly abundant on several of the high peaks of Trinidade, implying that they were absent from the lower sites where they were reported to occur abundantly earlier in the century. Nearby Martin Vas, the only other Atlantic nesting site, is used as a naval target by the Brazilan military, and populations are believed to be reduced there as well (Williams 1984). The petrels originally nested on the soil beneath the trees, so it can be assumed that their populations were numerically larger prior to deforestation. Even the earliest accounts from South Trinidade were made after the destruction of the Colubrina forest that covered most of the island. The forest died within a short period as a result of ring barking actions of feral goats (Murphy 1936) or fire (Olson 1981). In view of the non-selective value of color morphs in kleptoparasites in the Pacific, it seems likely that the high occurrence of dark morphs off North Carolina reflects actual ratios of the breeding population. Assuming that the abundance of dark morphs does not result from a selective marine distribution of color morphs and that the available predator-free nesting sites on the cliff faces of South Trinidade Island are finite, and in view of the significant additional shift in the color morph ratio of birds between the mid-1970's and mid-1990's, conservation concerns for this population appear to be serious. 1 8 Color Morph Bias and Conservation Concerns for a Tropical Pterodroma Furthermore, under current taxonomy, the race of Herald Petrel nesting on South Trinidade Island breeds only at one other locality - Round Island, off Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean. Here it has also undergone severe declines (Tempel 1974, Vinson 1976), and the population continues to be harvested for human food (Gardner et al. 1985). The conservation aspects of this story are more complex than the taxonomy indicates. Current taxonomy is based on Murphy and Pennoyer’s (1952) revision of the larger Pterodroma. They reported on a newly-discovered population of Herald Petrels in the Indian Ocean and reclassified the Pacific P. heralda as a race of arminjoniana on the basis of supposed intermediate characteristics in the Indian Ocean population. Imber (1985) reexamined the taxonomy of Pterodroma and considers heraldica and arminjoniana as separate species. Brook and Rowe (1996) do not refer to Pacific birds as races of arminjoniana , while other authors ( e.g ., Warham 1990) and the American Ornithologists’ Union have not followed this arrangement. Olson and Lee (in ms), based on a number of characteristics, consider the two taxa to represent distinct species. Brook and Rowe ( 1 996) found dark morph Pterodroma of this species complex mating only with other dark morph individuals and nesting away from light morph birds in the Pitcaims (western South Pacific). Combining behavioral information with sequencing data of the mt cytochrome- b gene, they concluded two species were involved. They named the dark morph birds P. atrata and the light ones remained P. heraldica. The situation may be similar in the Atlantic. Nicoll (1906) noted that the nests of the then-rarer dark morph birds were found only at higher altitudes on South Trinidade Island. It has also been suggested that the ratios of different morphs vary with season. Wilson (1904) not only found nesting dark birds to be higher on the island and ‘well away from their white breasted cousin,’ but during his September 1901 visit, he found the white-breasted birds in all stages of nesting and found the darker birds with no young and eggs in only early stages of incubation (also see discussion in Murphy 1936). Additionally, Sharp (1904) mentions noticeable differences in bill sizes between the different color morphs. Thus, conservation concerns should be directed at the species level, and anecodotal information from early in this century and conjecture based on studies of P. heraldica in the Pacific suggests that more than one taxon of Pterodroma may be endemic to South Trinidade Island. Despite the lack of recent inventory of population size, or even current reports of color morph ratios at Atlantic breeding sites, available information strongly implies that the high ratios of dark birds visiting the North Atlantic are not biased but actually reflect recent changes in population composition and size at tropical Atlantic breeding sites. Whatever future taxonomic decisions occur regarding the petrels breeding on South Trinidade Island, it remains clear that 1 ) the population on South Trinidade Island has declined since the early part of this century, 2) the lower numbers of nesting light morph individuals, which were formerly the best represented, are now the ones less often encountered, and 3) the highly skewed morph ratios of birds seen off of North Carolina support the hypothesis of continued declines in the numbers of white morph individuals for the last several decades. The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 1, Winter 2000 19 The vulnerability of petrels and their extinction rates in the Atlantic and Caribbean are well known. At least three species have been exterminated from Saint Helena since man first discovered that island (Olson 1975). The Jamaican Petrel (P. caribbea) is assumed to be extinct (van Halewyn and Norton 1984), and the four remaining Pterodroma of the North Atlantic are all species of major conservation concern, with Black-caped Petrel (P. hasitata ) on the top of the Partners in Flight ‘Watchlisf (Carter et. al. 1996). Declines of other seabirds nesting on South Trinidade Island have been described by Olson (1981) and Williams (1984). Of two endemic subspecies of frigatebirds, the Great Frigatebird ( Frigata minor nicolli ) no longer breeds on the island, and the Lesser Frigatebird ( F . ariel trinitatis) is reduced to 25 to 50 pairs. Red- footed Boobies ( Sula sula ) were reduced to two small colonies totalling less than 100 pairs, and the population of White Terns ( Gygis alba ) was lower than suggested in earlier accounts. All available information indicates that the South Trinidade petrel(s) are in serious decline. Populations are in need of updated assessments, taxonomic issues need to be addressed, and conservation action is warranted. Acknowledgments I thank Storrs Olson for access to his field notes. Chris Haney and Larry Spear reviewed an earlier version of this manuscript, Ricky Davis provided information on color morph of birds seen off North Carolina in 1996 and 1997, and David Johnston shared information on the Virginia reports. Literature Cited Allen, A A. 1934. A new bird for North America. Univ. State N. Y. Bull to the Schools 20 ( 13): 1 34- 135. Brinkley, E S, THass, and JLockyer. 1997. The Storms of ‘96. Field Notes 51: 819-829. Brook, M deL and G Rowe. 1996. Behavioral and molecular evidence for granting specific status to light and dark morphs of the Herald Petrel Pterodroma heraldica. Ibis 138: 420-432. Carter, M, G Fenwick, C Hunter, D Pashley, D Petit, J Price, and J Trapp. 1996. For the Future. Field Notes 50: 238-240. Cramp, S, and K E L Simmons (eds.). 1983. The birds of the western Palearctic, vol. 3. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Furness, R W. 1987. The Skuas. Poyser, Calton, England. Furness, B L and R W Furness. 1980. Apostatic selection and kleptoparasitism in the Parasitic Jaeger: a comment. Auk 97: 832-836. Gardner, A S, C D Duck and S Greig. 1985. Breeding of the Trinidade Petrel , Pterodroma arminjoniana on Round Island, Mauritius. Ibis 127(4):517-522. Gochfeld, M, J Burger, J Saliva, and D Gochfeld. 1988. Herald Petrel new to West Indies. American Birds 42(5): 1254-1258. Halewyn, R van and R L Norton. 1984. The status and conservation of seabirds in the Caribbean. Pps 162-222 in Status and Conservation of the World’s Seabirds, J P Croxall, P G H Evans, and R W Schreiber (eds.). ICBP Tech. Publication No. 2. 20 Color Morph Bias and Conservation Concerns for a Tropical Pterodroma Harrison, P. 1983. Seabirds: an identification guide. Houghton Mifflin Company., Boston. Heintzeleman, D. 1961. Kermadec Petrel in Pennsylvania. Wilson Bulletin 73(3): 262-267. Imber, M J. 1985. Origins, phylogeny and taxonomy of the gadfly petrels Pterodroma ssp. Ibis 127: 197-229. Lee, D S. 1979. Second record of the South Trinidade (Pterodroma arminjoniana) for North America. Amer. Birds 33: 138-139. Lee, D S. 1984. Petrels and storm-petrels in North Carolina’s offshore waters: including species previously unrecorded for North America. Amer. Birds 38 (2): 1 5 1-163. Lee, D S. 1995. Marine birds off the Coast of North Carolina. Chat 59 (4): 113- 171. Lowe, PR. 191 1. A Naturalist on Desert Islands. London. Murphy, R C. 1936. Oceanic Birds of South America. American Museum of Natural History, New York. Murphy, R C and J M Pennoyer. 1952. Larger petrels of the genus Pterodroma. Amer. Mus. Novitates No. 1580. Nicoll, M J. 1906. On the birds collected and observed during the voyage of the Valhalla, RYW, from Nov. 1905 to May 1906. Ibis, ser 8 vol 6: 666-712. Olson, S L. 1981. Natural history of vertebrates of the Brazilian Islands of the mid-South Atlantic. Nat. Geog. Soc. Res. Rept. vol. 13:481-492. Olson, S L. 1975. Paleomithology of St. Helena Island, South Atlantic Ocean. Smithson. Contrib. Paleobiol. 23 1-49. Sharpe, R B. 1904. Report on the birds obtained by the National Antarctic Expedition at the island of South Trinidad. Ibis ser 8. vol 4:214-217. Spear, L and D G Ainley. 1993. Kleptoparsitism by Kermadec Petrel, jaegers, and skuas in the Eastern tropical Pacific: evidence of mimicry by two species of Pterodroma. Auk 1 10(2):222-233. Temple, S A. 1974. Last chance to save Round Island. Wildlife 16:370-375. Vinson, J-M. 1976. Notes sur les procellariens de Tile Ronde. Oiseau 46: 1-24. Warham, J. 1990. The Petrels; their ecology and breeding systems. Academic Press, New York. Williams, A. J. 1984. Breeding distribution, numbers and conservation of tropical seabirds on oceanic islands. Pp. 393-401 in Status and Conservation of the World’s Seabirds, J P Croxall, P G Evans, and R W Schreiber, eds. ICBP Tech. Publ. No. 2. Wilson, E. 1904. The birds of the island of South Trinidade. Ibis ser 8 vol 4:208-213. General Field Notes Will Cook North Carolina Editor 418 Sharon Road Chapel Hill, NC 27514 cwcook@acpub.duke.edu Dennis M. Forsythe South Carolina Editor Department of Biology The Citadel Charleston, SC 29409 forsythed@citadel.edu Fax: (803)-953-7084 Two Sight Records of Kirtland’s Warbler from North Carolina Charles W. Cook 418 Sharon Road Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Kirtland's Warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii) is a critically endangered species, the warbler with the lowest population currently known to breed in the United States or Canada (Dunn and Garrett 1 997). North Carolina lies directly between the breeding grounds, centered in northern Michigan, and the wintering grounds in the Bahamas. Although there is some evidence to suggest that North Carolina is on the normal migration route (Potter and Radovsky 1992), there are only a handful of sightings from the state; the majority of reports are from farther south, from South Carolina to Florida (Dunn and Garrett 1997). This paper presents details of two sightings of Kirtland's Warbler from the North Carolina mountains in 1995, with notes on other reports from the state and the current status of the species. Spring Sighting On 20 May 1995 Chris Eley, Lori Moilanen, Doug Shadwick, Julia Shields, and I were driving down the Blue Ridge Parkway through the Great Balsam Mountains (southwest of Asheville, N.C.), in mixed deciduous/spruce- fir forest at about 1615m elevation, looking for typical high-elevation birds. Around 11:15 am we were a short distance past milepost 426, between Rough Butt Bald Overlook and Haywood Gap in Jackson County, N.C., when our trip leader, Doug Shadwick, thought he heard a Blackburnian Warbler (Dendroica fusca) song. We pulled to the shoulder, got out, and soon found the Blackburnian. In short order we also saw a Canada Warbler (Wilsonia canadensis) and a Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius) . Then we noticed a bird fly across the parkway and land on a branch of a 10-meter tall, fairly open Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) tree right beside the parkway shoulder. It posed nicely for us in the sunshine as it bobbed its tail continuously. At first 21 22 Kirtland ’s Warbler in NC Doug called out that it might be a Palm Warbler (Dendroica palmarum), but as we got a better view, we became puzzled and began calling out field marks, since we realized it was something none of us recognized. I had seen 37 species of warblers in various plumages in North Carolina, but this one resembled nothing in my experience. The bird was about the size of a Blue-headed Vireo, with the shape of a Pine Warbler ( Dendroica pinus) and the tail-bobbing behavior of a Palm Warbler. Its underparts were washed with yellow, except for the white vent and undertail coverts and brighter yellow throat. The flanks were finely streaked with dark gray-brown; the streaking extended across the breast creating a necklace effect, much finer and less bold than on a male Canada Warbler. As the bird sluggishly foraged 8 meters up in the oak tree, it turned so we could get a good view of the upperparts. They were mostly gray-brown from head to tail, including the rump, except for the back, which was streaked alternately gray and brown. The tail was notched. I thought I saw a hint of a white spot in the tail, but the bird never fanned its tail for us. Wingbars were not noticeable. There were thin, pure white crescents above and below the dark eye and a hint of a darker line through the eye. The bill, legs, and feet were black; the bill was average sized and shaped for a warbler. The bird made no vocalizations. We studied the bird in the sun and shade at a distance of about 8 meters. After perhaps 4 minutes we lost the bird; we could not relocate it later in the day. After the sighting we had our suspicions that the bird might be a Kirtland's Warbler, but the description and paintings in the field guide we had with us (National Geographic Society 1987) still left us unsure, since there was not an illustration or description matching exactly the bird we saw. We remained unsure until we consulted Curson et al. (1994), which has an illustration and description of first-year female Kirtland's Warbler (plate 11, figure 31c) that matches the bird we saw very closely. Fall Sighting On 23 September 1995 I was birding alone at Mahogany Rock, near the Mahogany Rock Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 235), in Alleghany County, northwestern North Carolina. It was foggy and there was little bird activity in the mixed pine/hardwood forest on top of the hill, at an elevation of about 1 160 m. At noon I heard a loud, low ‘chip’ and looked up to see an oddly familiar bird perched 2 meters up in a short Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana) tree, 3 meters away from me, bobbing its tail. This bird looked almost exactly like the one I had seen on 20 May, so I immediately recognized it as a Kirtland's Warbler. Then panic began to set in, as I realized I was the only person seeing this bird and the North Carolina Bird Records Committee had not yet made its decision on the first sighting. They would never believe this one! I began rushing back to the parking lot, but realized I should probably get a longer look at the bird and make sure I had seen all the field marks I could. I returned to the bird, which was still sitting in the same spot, and studied it for about a minute until I was convinced it could not be anything else. I then proceeded to run down to the parking lot to alert others and have them confirm my identification. Fortunately this was the weekend of The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 1, Winter 2000 23 the Carolina Bird Club meeting, so there were plenty of birders around, and the bird cooperated, staying in the same general area through 24 September. About 50 people saw this bird, including most of the N.C. Bird Records Committee. Unfortunately, the bird was not photographed. The description in my field notes of this bird is nearly identical to that of the May sighting, with only minor differences. This bird appeared to be a large Dendroica warbler, with a bulky, long-tailed shape like a Pine Warbler. The forehead, crown, nape, ear coverts, side of neck, rump, uppertail coverts, wings, and tail were mainly a drab medium brown. The wings and tail were perhaps darker brown to blackish. The head was plain brownish above with thin white eye-crescents, nearly forming a ring but broken in front of and behind the eye. The back was streaked with dark gray longitudinal stripes, contrasting with the brown background. Two thin, buff to white wingbars were present. The tail was moderately long and held slightly fanned (flared out towards the tip), though not fanned out far enough to permit a view of the spot pattern in the tail. The underparts were washed with pale yellow, except for white vent and undertail coverts. The breast sides and flanks had fine brown longitudinal streaks. These streaks extended across the upper breast and onto the throat. The bill was mostly blackish, slightly paler near the gape, straight, and medium-sized for a Dendroica warbler. The legs and feet were blackish. The bird had a constant, vigorous, deep tail-bobbing and relatively sluggish foraging behavior. The only vocalization heard was a repeated loud, low, cardinal-like ‘chip.’ Colored leg bands were not detected on either the spring or the fall bird. Biologists have placed these bands on many individuals of the known population; their presence has even been postulated as a field mark (Dunn and Garrett 1997). Elimination of similar species Immature female Kirtland's Warblers are not the most distinctive birds, so it was important to eliminate several somewhat similar species before settling on the identifications. Other Dendroica warblers that may potentially be confused with Kirtland's include Magnolia (D. magnolia), Pine, Prairie (D. discolor). Palm, and Cape May (D. tigrina). Following are some of the differences between these species and the two Kirtland's described here. Immature fall Magnolia Warbler is slightly similar, but has a yellow rump, conspicuous white bands in the middle of the tail (which is frequently fanned), and a gray head contrasting with olive-green upperparts. They are active foragers, do not habitually bob their tails, and are smaller. Pine Warblers have olive-green upperparts, an unstreaked back, a more contrasting face pattern, indistinct streaking on the sides, yellow or buffy eye-crescents, a large bill, and do not habitually bob their tails. Prairie Warblers have a strongly contrasting face pattern, olive-green upperparts, back not streaked with black, center of breast and throat not streaked, and yellow patches above and below the eye. They are active foragers, are smaller, and wag their tails much less vigorously and with more of a side-to-side motion. Palm Warblers have yellow undertail coverts, a contrasting face pattern with buffy or yellow supercilium, an olive- yellow rump, a dark malar stripe, and a weakly streaked back. Adult Cape May Warblers have a strongly contrasting face pattern, a yellow rump, and more prominent wingbars. They do not bob their tails, do not have white eye 24 Kirtland’s Warbler in NC crescents, and are smaller (Curson et al. 1 994, Dunn and Garrett 1 997, personal observation). Other North Carolina reports and current status These two sightings are the second and third records for North Carolina accepted by the North Carolina Bird Records Committee (NCBRC), moving the species from the Provisional List to the Official List (NCBRC 1996). The first accepted record is a sighting from Iredell County on 29 August 1982 (Weisbecker 1987). In addition to the three accepted records, there are four unaccepted reports. While the description in Potter and Radovsky (1992) of a bird seen on Ocracoke Island, Hyde County, on 28 September 1991, is consistent with that of a Kirtland's Warbler, this report was not accepted (NCBRC 1992, NCBRC 1993). Three reports with sparse details from a single observer in Rocky Mount between 1936 and 1941 (Potter and Radovsky 1992) were also not accepted (NCBRC 1992). The critically endangered Kirtland's Warbler is one of the success stories of endangered species recovery (Solomon 1998). The first two censuses of singing male Kirtland's Warblers on their breeding grounds in Michigan in 1951 and 1961 found 400-500 males, but the third census in 1971 found a precipitous drop to 201. In annual censuses from 1972 on, the number of singing males remained steady at about 200 through 1989, despite the implementation of Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) trapping and some efforts at habitat improvement. Without these efforts, Kirtland's Warbler could have become extinct (Solomon 1 998). Kirtland's Warbler numbers are generally believed to be limited by the availability of suitable breeding habitat, which is restricted to stands of young (6-20 year old) Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana) (Sykes and Clench 1998). By 1990, the efforts to increase the amount and quality of suitable breeding habitat began to pay off, perhaps combined with an increase in suitable wintering habitat (Haney et al. 1998). The population of Kirtland's began to climb steadily beginning in 1990 to an all-time high of 765 singing males in 1995 (Solomon 1998). Knowing this, it is not quite so surprising that 1995 was the first year that Kirtland's Warblers were seen in North Carolina in both spring and fall. The population of singing males remained fairly steady at 693, 733, 805 from 1996-1998, but increased to 903 in 1999 (United States Forest Service 1999). I hope the two sightings presented in this paper are a sign of things to come. Literature Cited Curson, D, D Quinn, and D Beadle. 1994. Warblers of the Americas: an identification guide. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, NY. Dunn, J L, and K L Garrett. 1997. A Field Guide to Warblers of North America. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, NY. Haney, J C, D S Lee, and M Walsh-McGehee. 1998. A quantitative analysis of winter distribution and habitats of Kirtland's Warblers in the Bahamas. Condor 100:201-217. National Geographic Society. 1987. Field Guide to the Birds of North America. Second Edition. National Geographic Society, Washington, DC. The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 1, Winter 2000 25 North Carolina Bird Records Committee. 1992. Report of the North Carolina Bird Records Committee 1991. Chat 56:52-55. North Carolina Bird Records Committee. 1993. Report of the North Carolina Bird Records Committee 1992. Chat 57:65-68. North Carolina Bird Records Committee. 1996. Report of the North Carolina Bird Records Committee 1995. Chat 60: 136-141 . Potter, E F, and F J Radovsky. 1992. Kirtland's Warbler on the North Carolina coast in Fall: its occurrence and possible significance. Chat 56:21-29. Solomon, B D. 1998. Impending recovery of Kirtland's Warbler: case study in the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act. Environmental Management 22:9-17. Sykes, P W, Jr, and M H Clench. 1998. Winter habitat of Kirtland's Warbler: an endangered nearctic/neotropical migrant. Wilson Bulletin 1 1 0:244-26 1 . Weisbecker, Z R. 1987. Kirtland's Warbler seen in Iredell County, N.C. Chat 51:107-108. United States Forest Service. 8 July 1999. 1999 Kirtland's Warbler Census Results . Bob Wood served as editor for this note. CAROLINABIRDS Carolinabirds is an Internet e-mail discussion group about birds and birding in the Carolinas. Subscribers frequently post sightings to it similar to those found in Briefs for the Files, but unusual behavior receives more attention. Subscriptions are free. To subscribe, address an e-mail message to . Don’t fill in the subject line. As your message, simply put, “subscribe carolinabirds” (without the quotes). You will receive a confirmation and more information shortly. Submissions for Briefs for the Files should be sent directly to Ricky Davis. BRIEFS FOR THE FILES Ricky Davis 608 Smallwood Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 RJDNC@aol.com All Dates Summer 1999 Briefs for the Files is a seasonal collection of uncommon-to-rare or unusual North and South Carolina bird sightings and events which do not necessarily require a more detailed field note or article. Reports of your sightings are due the 20th of the month after the end of the previous season. Winter: December 1 - February 28, due March 20 Spring: March 1 - May 31, due June 20 Summer: June 1 - July 3 1 , due August 20 Fall: August 1 - November 30, due December 20 Reports can be submitted in any format, but I prefer that you type them and list the sightings according to the birds in checklist order (not according to dates or locations). If you submit your report to me through e-mail, please type your report directly into the message or copy it from a word processing program directly into the message. You may also attach your file to the e-mail, but if you do, please let me know the program used and also send a second version saved as a text (.txt) file. Suitable reports for the Briefs include any sightings you feel are unusual, rare, noteworthy, or just plain interesting to you in any way! It is my responsibility to decide which reports merit inclusion in the Briefs. Please be sure to include details of any rare or hard-to-identify birds. I rely in part on sightings reported in Carolinabirds. Please don’t, however, rely on me to pick up your sightings from Carolinabirds. Instead, please also send your sightings directly to me as described above. If I feel that your sighting warrants a field note, I will contact either you or the appropriate state field notes editor. You may, of course, submit your field note directly to the editor without going through me. COMMON LOON: Summer occurrences of this species are annual in the Carolinas. This year one on Price Lake, Watauga County, NC, June 12-13, (Dwayne and Lori Martin), provided a rare mountain sighting. More expected were one near Oriental, NC, June 30- July l(Jim Ward) and one at Cape Hatteras Point, NC, June 30 (Steve and Tracy Shultz), the latter being in alternate plumage! HERALD (TRINIDADE) PETREL: This species has been found quite regularly off North Carolina the last couple of years, probably due to the increased number of boat trips. This summer, off Hatteras two dark phase birds were found June 6, and one dark phase was seen July 1 7 (Brian Patteson et al.). 26 The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 1, Winter 2000 27 BLACK-CAPPED PETREL: The peak count off North Carolina this summer was 372 off Hatteras July 24 (Patteson et al.). Much rarer was one found off Murrells Inlet, SC, June 26 (Jack Peachey et al.), providing one of only a handful of reports for that state. SOOTY SHEARWATER: Quite rare in summer, one was seen off Hatteras, NC, July 24 (Patteson et al.). This species normally moves out of our waters on its northward migration by mid to late June. MANX SHEARWATER: This species is regular (in small numbers) in late spring and early summer off our coasts. Only one was reported this summer, off Hatteras June 6 (Patteson et al.). AUDUBON’S SHEARWATER: The peak total for the summer was a very impressive 1035 off Hatteras, NC, July 17 (Patteson et al). WILSON’S STORM-PETREL: One was unexpected (no storm at the time) along the coast in Bogue Sound, near Morehead City, NC, June 20 (John Fussell). WHITE-FACED STORM-PETREL: One individual of this rare pelagic species was found this summer, off Oregon Inlet, NC, July 31 (Paul Guris et al.). LEACH’S STORM-PETREL: The peak count this summer was 62 off Hatteras, NC, June 6 (Patteson et al.). Much more unusual was one found dead on the beach near Charleston, SC, June 10 (Eric Graves, fide Will Post), providing only the third specimen for that state. BAND-RUMPED STORM-PETREL: South Carolina’s second verified record of this species involved one found beached (later died) on Fripp Island, Beaufort County, June 2 (Ben Ten Eyck ,flde Will Post). Also the peak North Carolina pelagic total was 71 off Hatteras July 24 (Patteson et al.). WHITE-TAILED TROPICBIRD: Reports of this species picked up a little this summer, as compared to the past couple of years. Singles were found off Hatteras June 5 and 25, and off Oregon Inlet July 19 (Patteson etal.). Two were seen off Hatteras July 17 (Patteson et al). NORTHERN GANNET: Lingering young gannets included one-to-two off Murrells Inlet, SC, June 26 (Jack Peachey et al.) and one off Hatteras, NC, July 17 (Patteson et al.). BROWN PELICAN: One was quite unusual and unexpected inland at the Stevens Creek Dam, near the Savannah River, Edgefield County, SC, July 31, as noted by Mike Turner. ANHINGA: Anhingas were found at several new inland sites this summer. One was over Kinston, NC, June 13 (John Fussell), and one was along the Sapony Creek arm of the Tar River Reservoir in Nash County, NC, July 29 (Ricky Davis). MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD: This summer’s sightings of this annual visitor included one at Buxton, NC, June 2 (David Dunmore), one near Avon, NC, June 15 (Marcia Lyons), and one at Litchfield Beach, SC, July 5 (fide Taylor Piephoff). GREAT EGRET : Post-breeding dispersal of long-legged waders seemed to come earlier than normal this summer, as evidenced by 52 Great Egrets at Jordan Lake, NC, June 12 (Jeff Pippen). Could the cold, wet weather during the spring breeding season have caused the early dispersal? 28 Briefs for the Files REDDISH EGRET: This summer’s reports came from the usual areas for this species and included one immature at Huntington Beach State Park, SC, July 17 (Jack Peachey et al.), one immature at Sunset Beach, NC, July 31 (Will Cook), and two adults near Cape Lookout, NC, July 31 (John Fussell et al.). YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON: A new Forsyth County, NC, breeding location was discovered this year. One nest was found in the Old Salem area during June- July (fide Ramona Snavely). Also of note were two adults at the Little Creek Impoundment, Chapel Hill, NC, June 1 6 , as noted by Rob Gluck. ROSEATE SPOONBILL: One immature was a good find on Kiawah Island, SC, in early July (fide Dennis Forsythe). WOOD STORK: The Sunset Beach, NC, summering population arrived a little earlier than usual this year with an excellent count of 25 as early as July 4 (fide Taylor Piephoff). RING-NECKED DUCK: Lingering Ring-necks involved singles at a pond east of Rocky Mount, NC, June 6 and another at a pond south of Tarboro, NC, June 13- July 1 1 (Ricky Davis). BLACK SCOTER: A female was found on the beach in a slightly oiled condition on Sullivan’s Island, SC, June 6 (Steve Compton). HOODED MERGANSER: Two immatures in Sumter County, SC, June 2 probably represented locally reared young (Lex Glover). RUDDY DUCK: A female on Lake Hickory, Caldwell County, NC, July 24 probably was a wandering non-breeder (Dwayne and Lori Martin). MISSISSIPPI KITE: Laurinburg, NC, has become the spot to find nesting kites in that state. In addition to the original nest site (which reared at least one young), another colony was found at the Scotch Meadows Golf Course, where five kites were seen to be actively building a nest July 26 which apparently failed (Barbara Gearhart). In other breeding news, one nest was found in Roanoke Rapids, NC, and at least one young was raised (fide Frank Enders). Other kite reports included one near Jordan Lake, June 27 (Will Cook) and one in Raleigh, NC, July 23 (Derb Carter). SHARP-SHINNED HAWK: Summer reports of this species are always noteworthy in the Carolinas. Single Sharpies were observed near Apex, NC, July 3 (Will Cook), in Charlotte, NC, July 2 (Phil Warren), and in Durham County, NC, during June and July (Jeff Pippen). Most importantly, breeding was noted in the Weymouth Woods Preserve, Southern Pines, NC, July 11, where two adults were seen with food at a nest (Scott Harley). COOPER’S HAWK: Cooper’s Hawks were reported throughout the Carolinas this summer, indicating that this species continues to increase in our area. Breeding evidence included two fledging in Raleigh, NC, June 22 (Joseph Covington) and four fledging in the Asheville, NC, area in early July (Len Pardue). SANDHILL CRANE : The flock of 1 2 Sandhills noted in Carteret County, NC, during the spring were still present throughout June and early July. It turns out that these birds were from the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center’s breeding program and for some reason did not make it back north after the winter season. The birds were monitored by Center staff and apparently were recaptured July 20-21 and returned to the Center (John Fussell). The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 1, Winter 2000 29 AMERICAN AVOCET: Locally unusual and out of habitat was one Avocet at the jetty pond at Huntington Beach State Park, SC, July 13 (Jack Peachey). The bird was also found July 29 along the causeway there (Bob Maxwell). WILLET : This species turned up in some unusual locations this summer. One was far to the west at Hooper Lane, NC, July 18-19 (Wayne Forsythe and Marilyn Westphal), providing a very rare local report. Another inland Willet was found at the Silver Bluff Audubon Sanctuary, Aiken County, SC, July 19-22 (Paul Koehler, fide Anne Waters). And finally one was far to the east when observed offshore of Hatteras, NC, July 24 during a pelagic trip (Brian Patteson et al.). LONG-BILLED CURLEW: The only one reported this summer was found on Shackleford Banks, Carteret County, NC, June 29 (Nell Moore). HUDSONIAN GODWIT : Quite rare for South Carolina was one slightly early at the Savannah Spoil Site, Jasper County July 27, as noted by Steve Calver. WESTERN SANDPIPER: Inland reports included three at Claremont, NC, July 14 (Dwayne and Lori Martin), two at Hooper Lane, NC, July 19 (Wayne Forsythe), and two near Robersonville, NC, July 25 (Ricky Davis). PECTORAL SANDPIPER: One at the Savannah Spoil Site, Jasper County, SC, June 23, was probably a very early fall migrant (Steve Calver). DUNLIN: One in alternate plumage was at Huntington Beach State Park, SC, on the extremely early date of July 4 (Jack Peachey, Gary Phillips, and Paul Rogers). STILT SANDPIPER: One was locally rare at Hooper Lane, NC, July 18 (Wayne Forsythe). On the coast where much more expected, a likely record count for the Carolinas of 898 Stilt Sandpipers was had at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, July 27 (Steve Calver). SHORT-BULLED DOWITCHER: Noteworthy mountain area reports included one at Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC, July 13 (Ron Selvey ,fide Wayne Forsythe) and one at Hooper Lane, NC, July 17-18 (Wayne Forsythe and Marilyn Westphal). LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER: Rare July occurrences included one adult inland at the Winslow Sod Farm, Scotland Neck, NC, July 25 (Ricky Davis) and one offshore of Hatteras, NC, July 25 (Brian Patteson et al.). COMMON SNIPE: One at Hooper Lane, NC, July 14 (Wayne Forsythe and Ron Selvey) was so early (if a fall migrant), it defied explanation! WILSON’S PHALAROPE: The peak summer count at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, was five on July 27 (Steve Calver). RED-NECKED PHALAROPE: A rare onshore sighting was of one at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, June 12 (Steve Calver), most likely a late spring migrant. SOUTH POLAR SKUA: There were a good number of sightings this summer. Two to three were off Hatteras, NC, June 6 and another was found July 25 (Brian Patteson et al). Much more rare and unexpected was one off of Murrell’s Inlet, SC, June 26 (Jack Peachey et al). LAUGHING GULL: An adult in basic plumage was found at Jordan Lake, NC, July 5 (Ricky Davis), probably representing a non-breeding wanderer. FRANKLIN’S GULL: Quite a surprise was the adult breeding-plumaged Franklin’s found with Laughings at the Hatteras Inlet Ocracoke Ferry Terminal 30 Briefs for the Files on the date of July 3 (John Weske). One wonders what was this bird doing on the east coast at this time of the summer? ROSEATE TERN: Rare at any time in the Carolinas, a Roseate Tern was found offshore of Oregon Inlet, NC, June 4 (Brian Patteson et al.). This species is almost never found away from the immediate coast. COMMON TERN: Two on Lake Hickory, Catawba County, NC, July 22 (Dwayne and Lori Martin), were considered to be locally unusual. FORSTER’S TERN: Also locally unusual was one Forster’s near Margaret in eastern Franklin County, NC July 5, as noted by Ricky Davis. EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE: Another location was added to the list of sightings for this species when one was seen at the Cherry Hospital, Wayne County, NC, June 26 (Eric Dean and Gene Howe). COMMON GROUND-DOVE: Very unusual were two seen flying along NC 32 south of Plymouth, NC, June 7 (Jack Peachey and Paul Rogers). This area is considerably north and inland of where the species used to be found in that state. BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO: An adult near Orrum, Robeson County, NC, July 27 is just another in a long list of weird locations and dates for this unpredictable species (fide Susan Campbell). RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD: An adult male was somewhat early at a Chapel Hill, NC, feeder July 7-9 (Janice Bloch, fide Taylor Piephoff), for the only report received. YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER: One in a yard in Whispering Pines, NC, during the first week of July (Audry Parowski, fide Susan Campbell) defies explanation. Was this a mixed-up migrant or just a non-breeding wanderer?! GRAY KINGBIRD: Reports came from the usual areas with one at Caswell Beach, NC, June 5 (Brad Carlson and Diane DelleDonne) and Cape Hatteras, NC, June 25 (John and Paula Wright). SCISSOR-T AILED FLYCATCHER: The Outer Banks of North Carolina had the only reports with one at Cape Hatteras Point June 1 5 (Pat Moore et al.) and one at Ocracoke July 18 (fide Keith Watson). RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET: One was found dead in Raleigh, NC, on the very early date of July 29 (fide Susan Campbell). There are several previous August records for the area, but this one is definitely out of season. SWAINSON’S THRUSH: One singing in an Asheville, NC, suburb from late May to early June was very intriguing (Alex Netherton). It was probably a late migrant, but the species does breed not too far away in the southern Virginia mountains. YELLOW WARBLER: Two at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, June 4 (Steve Calver) were most likely late migrants. BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER: One singing on territory in northern Moore County, NC, June 6 was along the known eastern edge of the piedmont breeding range (Jeff Pippen and Derb Carter). WORM-EATING WARBLER: Three on territory at Morrow Mt. State Park, NC, June 1 1 (Mark Johns) were considered to be at the edge of the breeding range. LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH: A singing Louisiana at Huntington Beach State Park, SC, June 3 (Jack Peachey and Gary Phillips) was considered to be The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 1, Winter 2000 31 a late migrant, but this species is usually in the middle of breeding activities by early June. One wonders if rare breeding by this species occurs in the outer coastal plain area of that state from time to time, like it does in nearby North Carolina. SCARLET TANAGER: One was singing near Catherine’s Lake, Onslow County, NC, June 29, as noted by Nell Moore. This is definitely far to the east for this species during the breeding season. HENSLOW’S SPARROW: John and Paula Wright once again conducted surveys of singing males at the two VOA sites near Greenville, NC. This year, at VOA-A (Beaufort County), 76 males were counted June 5. And at VOA-B (Pitt County), 50 males were tallied June 6. SONG SPARRO W : A male was observed singing in Southern Pines, NC, June 3&7 (Susan Campbell). This being on the extreme eastern edge of the potential breeding range, no second bird or nesting evidence was observed. WHITE-THROATED SPARROW: One was very late at Raleigh, NC, on the date of June 16 (Erik Thomas). PAINTED BUNTING: One was slightly past the northern limit of the known breeding area at the Cedar Island NWR headquarters, Carteret County, NC, June 2 (Josh Rose). DICKCISSEL: Fewer Dickcissels were found during this summer in the Carolinas than in the past several years. A couple of easterly sightings included single males at Cedar Island NWR, NC, June 2 (Josh Rose) and near Pettigrew State Park, Tyrrell County, NC, June 19 (Scott Hartley et al.). BOBOLINK: Always noteworthy during the summer in the Carolinas, Bobolink reports included three near Hooper Lane, NC, July 17 (one pair present since spring) (Wayne Forsythe and Marilyn Westphal) and a count of 20 at the usual Glendale Springs, Ashe County, NC, site June 6 (Will Cook et al). SHINY COWBIRD: North Carolina sightings included a male at the Ocracoke Terminal of the Cedar Island-Ocracoke Ferry June 7 (Wayne Irvin) and another male at Lola, near Cedar Island June 30 (Nell Moore and Jim O’Donnell). In South Carolina, one male was on Sullivans Island June 13 (Willy Hutcheson), and an astounding flock of 18 was found at the Savannah Spoil Site July 1-2 (Paul Sykes and Steve Calver). This flock was probably the largest found outside of Florida and does not bode well for the future of our native nesting passerines. BALTIMORE ORIOLE: One was a very late migrant(?) in southwestern Orange County, NC, June 12, as noted by Will Cook. RED CROSSBILL: Excellent numbers were found at several sites in the mountains this summer. Twenty were in the Devil’s Courthouse, NC, area June 5 (Bill and Barbara Gearhart), 26 were at the usual Mt. Mitchell, NC, spot July 7 (Simon Thompson et al .), and 25 were at the Ridge Junction Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway (near the Mt. Mitchell entrance) July 23 (Dwayne and Lori Martin). In South Carolina, one was south of the Cherry Hill Recreation Area, Oconee County, June 15 (Dennis Forsythe). Instructions for Authors Effective scientific prose is accurate, clear, economical, fluent, and graceful. Scientific Style and Format: The CBE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers , 6th ed., Cambridge University Press, 1994. P. 101. About The Chat The Chat is the quarterly publication of the Carolina Bird Club. Its purpose is to encourage the understanding of the birds of the Carolinas. A typical issue contains one or two articles, a report from a bird count or from a Bird Records Committee, one or more “General Field Notes,” and Briefs for the Files. The Executive Committee of the Carolina Bird Club serves as The Chat's editorial review board, with advice from the Publications Committee. The circulation of The Chat is currently around 1,300. Basic Standard Manuscripts published in The Chat must be related to bird study and must have a nexus with the Carolinas. Style and Format for Articles and General Field Notes Manuscripts submitted for publication generally fall into one of two categories: Articles and General Field Notes. Articles tend to be longer than General Field Notes and generally involve a year or more of study. Articles may also include major summaries of existing records, such as a distribution summary of a species or an accounting of birds in a particular park or region. Most articles include figures and tables. General Field Notes are shorter, usually do not contain figures or tables, and usually involve a single or limited number of observations. Documentation of a rare sighting, unusual behavior, significant nesting record, or a brief summary of several observations are typical examples of General Field Notes. If you believe that your submission will be considered an Article, please submit three copies directly to me at the address shown on the inside front cover of this issue. If you believe that your submission is more likely to be considered a General Field Note, please send three copies to the appropriate state General Field Note Editor. Those editors are listed on the inside front cover of this issue as well. You may submit your manuscript to me simply on a diskette or as an e-mail attachment, but please include one copy in Word or WordPerfect and one copy as a text (.txt) file. Please indicate on the diskette or in the body of the e-mail message the word processing program you used. Beware that tables and figures rarely do well in electronic form and that you are better served submitting hard copies of those. Here is how the General Field Note Editors, reviewers, and I like to receive manuscripts. This style and format is not required, especially for General Field 32 The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 1, Winter 2000 33 Notes, as we would much rather have the manuscript and format and edit it ourselves than to have a significant observation left unpublished. The Chat for the most part follows Scientific Style and Format: The CBE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers , 6th ed., Cambridge University Press, 1994. This is the style generally followed by North American Birds , so the styles of the two publications are quite similar. Your manuscript should be double-spaced. Don’t hyphenate, and don’t use hidden formatting such as widow-orphan protection or hanging indents in the “Literature Cited” section. It is simple enough for me to do that once your diskette reaches my desk. Be sure to refer to each figure and table in your text. Use common bird names as found in the 7th edition (1998) of American Ornithologists ’ Union Check-list of North American Birds. Capitalize bird names. Follow the first reference to a bird with its scientific name. Each reference cited in the text must appear in the “Literature Cited” section, and each listing in the “Literature Cited” section must be cited in the text. Don’t use footnotes. Longer manuscripts will be easier to follow if divided into sections. Common section headings are Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Suggestions for Further Study, Acknowledgments, and Literature Cited. The General Field Note by Will Cook on his two Kirtland’s Warbler observations (page 2 1 of this issue) provides an outstanding example of a well- written field note. Note these defined expressions: Record: An observation of a bird that has been accepted by the North or South Carolina Bird Records Committee. Records accepted only by other authorities should be so noted. Report: An observation of a bird, whether accepted or not. This even includes photographs of a bird if the sighting has not yet been accepted by a Bird Records Committee. Your title page or cover letter should include your current mailing address, telephone number (work and home), and e-mail address. If the paper has multiple authors, please designate the author to whom editors should send correspondence. Please also suggest a shortened title for the header as it will appear in The Chat. Review Process for Articles and General Field Notes The appropriate editor will determine whether the topic and treatment are potentially appropriate for The Chat and, if so, review the manuscript or have it reviewed by another. All papers published as Articles are sent for outside review. Whether a field note is reviewed by someone other than the General Field Notes Editor is entirely within the discretion of that editor, but generally the criteria relate to matters such as the General Field Notes Editor’s expertise with respect to the specific subject matter, the significance of the subject matter, and the potential for a challenge to the submission’s validity. You should expect to receive correspondence confirming receipt of the manuscript within two or three weeks of the mailing of the manuscript, or sooner if you submit an e-mail address. 34 Instructions for Authors Reviewers (whether General Field Notes Editors or outside reviewers) will judge the merits of a manuscript on grounds of originality, importance for the readers of The Chat , substantive merit, and more. You should expect some changes to be suggested (or required) for your manuscript. Once the review process is complete, a marked copy of the manuscript will be sent to you showing the proposed changes. Comments on Articles are also put onto a form answering some of the questions listed below. If you accept the proposed changes, please return the marked copy to the appropriate editor with a short note indicating approval. If the changes are slight and you accept the revisions with only few additional changes, return the paper with a diskette of the manuscript in PC format, or send it to the reviewing editor. If your manuscript was prepared on a Macintosh computer, please put it on a PC-formatted diskette as follows: > Run the program "Apple File Exchange" that came with your Macintosh operating system. > Insert a DOS-formatted diskette. (Don’t use one of your Mac-formatted diskettes.) >Use the Apple File Exchange program to copy the file from your hard drive onto the diskette. >When you finish and quit the program, the diskette is ejected, ready for shipping off to the editor. Papers on Mac-formatted diskettes will be accepted, but please expect a delay. If you don’t have a computer, let the editor know, and he will find a way to get your manuscript on one, but expect a delay. Rules for Reviewers When proposed articles are submitted for outside review, reviewers are instructed to keep the manuscript confidential and are asked to respond within three weeks and to note any conflicts of interests they might have. Most importantly they are asked to make specific comments on the paper’s suitability for publication, style of presentation, interest to readers of The Chat, scientific soundness, originality, length, methods, data presentation, statistical design and analysis, errors, and citations. Reviewers are promised anonymity. Briefs for the Files “Briefs for the Files”” is a listing of interesting bird observations, compiled and reviewed by Ricky Davis. See the first page of the Briefs in this issue for more information. Ricky is always glad to help you decide whether to go beyond submitting a sighting for Briefs for the Files and write it up as a General Field Note. Other Material The Chat will also publish book reviews of particular interest to birders in the Carolinas. Space for commentaries on published articles and on The Chat in general is also being considered. The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 1, Winter 2000 35 Conclusion The beginning of most papers is not typing the word “introduction.” Instead, most papers begin when someone decides to grab a pair of binoculars and go birding. The next step is almost always serendipitous: The birder notices something unusual about a bird or simply begins pondering an idea while moving to the next good birding spot. Only much later comes the research and the paper itself. Thus, for the most part The Chat is written by members and friends of the Carolina Bird Club as a result of their having gone birding one day. Most would agree that the effort and expense of getting these observations, ideas, and research turned into papers and then put into print are our most significant contributions to the world of science. Bob Wood Editor Carolina Bird Club Web Site www.carolinabirdclub.org CAROLINA BIRD CLUB MEMBERSHIP The Carolina Bird Club, Inc. is a non-profit educational and scientific association founded in 1937. Membership is open to those interested in the study and conservation of wildlife, particularly birds. Dues, contributions, and bequests to the Club may be deductible from state and federal income and estate taxes. Checks should be made payable to Carolina Bird Club, Inc. and sent to CBC Headquarters, 1 1 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1029. DUES (Payable on a calendar-year basis) Individual $ 20.00 Associate (in same household as individual member) $ 5.00 Student $ 15.00 Sustaining (open to businesses) $ 25.00 Patron 50.00+ Life Membership (payable in four consecutive $100 installments) . $400.00 PUBLICATIONS CBC members receive The Chat, a quarterly journal devoted to bird study and conservation, and the CBC Newsletter, which carries information about meetings, field trips, and club projects. Articles intended for publication in The Chat may be sent to the Editor or the appropriate editor listed in the inside front cover. Items for the Newsletter should be sent to its Editor, Clyde Smith, 2615 Wells Avenue, Raleigh, NC, 27608. Send correspondence regarding memberships, changes of address, or requests for back numbers of either publication to CBC Headquarters, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601- 1029. OFFICERS President: Len Pardue, 16 The Circle, Asheville, NC 28801 Vice Presidents: Charlotte Goedsche, 8 Cricket Ln, Asheville, NC 28804-1801 John Wright, 1953A Quail Ridge Road, Greenville, NC 27858 Andrea Ceselski, 230 Chapelwhite Rd, Irmo, SC 29063 Secretary: Kathleen O’Grady, 1428A Farrington Way, Columbia, SC 29210 Treasurer: Patricia Tyndall, 400 Kilmarnock Ct, Wake Forest, NC 27587 NC Members-at-large: Lynn Barber, 1507 Cherokee Dr, Raleigh, NC 27608 Bob Holmes, 4003 Trent Pines Dr, New Bern, NC 28562 John Huggins, 192 Hart Rd, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 JoAnn Martin, PC Box 242, Ellenboro, NC 28040 SC Members-at-large Van Atkins, 2040 Churchcreek Dr, Charleston, SC 29414 Carroll Richard, P.O. Box 893, Hampton, SC 29924 Immediate Past President: Bert Fisher, 614 Chapel Dr, Box 90572, Durham, NC 27708-0572 Headquarters Secretary: Tullie Johnson, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1029 Rare Bird Alert: (704) 332-BIRD Web Site: www.carolinabirdclub.org s 5 CO w P X 2 o uj CO • — : O X H 6 *-• r-0 x x cn co m: C3 i O H X Z 1 O X =-: O U n K'i or Cr- n i> z tn r X 5~~ to x 2> X K) p- •• X - — I O § ® s |p 5 c_ E. 3 o =3 ? DO 0 o c W o = C/5 (Q J> f* — HT. ^ ° 3 0 ft) J 0—0 0) “? X o O qT O 0 Q 0 O to’c =■ ?0 J Z ~ CD ° 0 ^ ^ O 0 0 fii L: ° 3 c ?=F to V) C) CD o 8 a r m co X 0_ 0 cq’ o ro 5) ft a? & <5 E Vol. 64 No. 2 The Chat SPRING 2000 The Quarterly Bulletin of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. The Ornithological Society of the Carolinas THE CHAT (USPS 101-020) Vol. 64 SPRING 2000 No. 2 Published by The Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Editor Bob Wood, 2421 Owl Circle West Columbia, SC 29169 bobwood @ ix.netcom.com General Field Notes North Carolina South Carolina Will Cook Dennis M. Forsythe Briefs for the Files Ricky Davis Associate Editor Andrea Ceselski Editor Emeritus Eloise Potter THE CHAT is published quarterly for $20.00 by the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., with headquarters at the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1029. Second-class postage paid at Raleigh, NC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Carolina Bird Club, THE CHAT, 1 1 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1029. Articles Status and Distribution of the Common Ground-Dove in South Carolina. John E. Cely and Lex Glover 37 1999 Spring Bird Count. Peggy B. Ferebee and H. T. Hendrickson 47 General Field Notes Active Nest of the Black-Capped Chickadee from the Great Smoky Mountains: First Report for North Carolina. Douglas B. McNair 62 First Record of Groove-billed Ani for North Carolina. Gene Howe and Harry E. LeGrand, Jr 64 Briefs for the Files , Fall 1999 66 Cover (American Robins) by Bill Duyck, Asheville, NC Status and Distribution of the Common Ground-Dove in South Carolina John E. Cely Lex Glover South Carolina Department of Natural Resources PO Box 23205 Columbia, SC 29224 Introduction In 1949, the status of the Common Ground-Dove ( Columbina passerina) in South Carolina was described as a “common permanent resident in the southeastern half of the State, less frequent in the interior” (Sprunt and Chamberlain 1949). Even at that time the authors noted this dove was “much less common than years ago in places like Sullivan’s Island, where removal of vegetation had reduced the breeding sites.” Forty years later, the ground dove was considered to be a “fairly common but local resident on coast; most common on islands. Uncommon to rare away from coast....” (Post and Gauthreaux 1989). Within a few years, however, this assessment had changed. McNair and Post (1993) noted that ground doves were “locally fairly common on the sea islands, and locally uncommon on adjacent mainland, until about early 1970s. Starting in the mid-1970s, it declined precipitously; it is now rare to locally uncommon.” Declines have been noted elsewhere for this species in the Southeast. In North Carolina, at the northern edge of its breeding range, ground doves were almost extirpated as breeders by 1 99 1 (LeGrand 1 99 1 ). In Florida, where, along with Texas the largest numbers occur in the United States (Price et al. 1995), Ogden (1989) commented on “the near disappearance of this once common bird.. ..even in remote regions of Everglades National Park....” In Alabama, Jones and Mirarchi (1988) noted a reduction of the species over the last 20-40 years, and it was recently designated a Species of Special Concern in that state (Jones and Mirarchi 1988). In response to reported ground dove declines in South Carolina and other southeastern states, the species was considered a threatened species “in need of management” by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in 1 989. In 1993 we initiated a survey to better determine the status and distribution of Common Ground-Doves in South Carolina. Methods We began our survey in March 1993, by using a commercially-taped ground dove call played through a 12-volt, 32-watt amplifier and broadcast through two horn- type speakers mounted on a vehicle luggage rack. Taped playbacks have been effectively used to survey for various birds including 37 38 Common Ground-Dove Distribution Sighting Reports Needed for Lj round Doves are sparrow-size (6-1/2 ") versions of Mourning Doves with short tails. In South Carolina this bird is confined primarily to the coastal islands and is apparently declining in numbers. Ground Doves are unwary around man and are often attracted to backyard bird feeders where they feed on the ground. Assistance can be especially helpful from the public in reporting sightings of any concentrations of these birds and their locations with regular occurrences. For further information or to report sightings please write or phone the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department, Nongame Section , PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202. Phone: (803) 734-3893 or Fax: (803) 734-3951 Fig. 1 . Poster used to solicit Common Ground-Dove sightings in South Carolina The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 2, Spring 2000 39 raptors (Fuller and Mosher 1981, Rosenfield et al. 1985), rails (Marion et al. 1981, Runde et al. 1990), grebes (Johnson et al. 1981), and bitterns (Swift et al. 1988). We played the tape for 5 min. at 0.3 km (0.2 mi) interval “stops.” Based on field tests, the amplified calls were audible for distances of at least 0.4 km (0.25 mi) on each side of the vehicle in the open or semi-open habitats that represented most of the survey locations. Surveys were conducted on coastal islands, and in some cases the adjoining mainland, that represented a range of development intensities from none (South Island, Bull Island, Capers Island, Intracoastal Waterway (surveyed by boat), and Savannah River Spoil Site) to light to moderate (Huntington Beach State Park, Debordieu Beach, and Remain Retreat Development) to heavy (Pawley’s Island, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, and Edisto Beach). We also used in-house news releases and posters (Fig. 1) distributed statewide to newspapers, wildlife offices, and other appropriate outlets to solicit sighting information from birders, wildlife biologists, conservation officers, landowners, and the general public. Results From March through June 1993, we drove and boated nearly 100 km (60 mi) and made 250 survey stops. Only eight doves were recorded at five locations: Pawley’s Island (2), Romain Retreat (1), Sullivan’s Island (2), and Savannah River Spoil Site (3). Although some ground doves responded to the taped calls by flying near the vehicle or showing themselves in roads or openings, we never heard any doves call in response to the tape. We also believed that some doves were overlooked and either did not respond to the tape or were hidden from view since we knew they occurred in some of the survey locations. We concluded that amplified tape playbacks were an ineffective way to survey for ground doves and discontinued using this technique after 1993. Between 1994 and 1996 we relied on reports from interested persons and the general public to document ground dove distribution in South Carolina. During this time we received reports from 64 locations in 24 counties (Fig. 2). No reports were received from six of the 28 coastal plain counties: Bamberg, Darlington, Dillon, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg. The most inland report was one bird from Anderson County on 17 December 1994. Most reports from the outer coastal plain were centered around high-growth areas - Beaufort, Charleston, and the Pawley’s Island-Garden City beaches. Inland reports were mostly from the “farm belt” counties, especially Orangeburg, Lexington, southern Edgefield, Calhoun, Clarendon, Sumter, Allendale, and Hampton Counties. The latter two counties had more reports than any other inland counties. Relatively few reports came from the eight coastal zone counties away from the beaches and islands (Fig. 2). This area is heavily forested with little farmland and other open country. Few reports came from the Pee Dee area, despite this being one of the most intensively farmed regions in the state. Ground doves were reported from all months of the year. However, three months, March, September, and December, accounted for 42% of the total. February, October, and November combined for the fewest reports, with only 40 Common Ground-Dove Distribution 1 3%. Reports of multiple birds during the nesting season (primarily April- June) suggested the possibility of nesting for the following counties: Jasper, Beaufort, Colleton, Charleston, Georgetown, Horry, Hampton, Allendale, Lexington, Orangeburg, Florence, and Chesterfield. The number of birds reported was generally five or less, but nine locations, all of which but one were coastal, reported eight or more doves at one time: Myrtle Beach, Garden City, Huntington Beach State Park, Litchfield Beach, Pawley’s Island, Sullivan’s Island, Edisto Beach, Harbor Island, and Barnwell County. Sullivan’s Island had the highest reported number at “18-28 doves at one time ” (Paul Shaw, pers. comm.). Discussion Most ground doves reported during this survey came from the outer coastal plain. A number of sightings, however, were from inland localities where little ground dove documentation has occurred. Since ground doves have not been known to breed inland (Post and Gauthreaux 1989), the suggestion of breeding at several inland sites is significant. Possible inland breeding sites that warrant further investigation for confirmed breeding include the Eutawville area and sod farms in Orangeburg County; parts of Allendale and Hampton Counties, including the Webb Wildlife Center; central Sumter County; western Florence County on the Lee County border; southwestern Chesterfield County near McBee; and the Pelion area of Lexington County. A recent observation by Glover (April 1999) of two ground doves in southern Edgefield County at a location where ground doves have been seen before also suggests possible breeding at the most inland site in South Carolina. Some inland reports could also represent post-breeding vagrants, since it appears that some ground doves move inland in fall (Landers et al. 1977). Like many columbids, ground doves are relatively weak-legged seed eaters that avoid dense vegetation and forage on bare or sparsely-vegetated ground. Inland habitats from which ground doves were reported included peach orchards, sod farms, livestock yards, peanut fields, young clearcuts, sandhills, dirt roads, “dove fields” and other fields. These habitats are all characterized as early successional, usually featuring some open or bare ground, and are consistent with habitat use reported by others. In southwestern Georgia, Landers and Buckner (1979) found ground doves nesting in 5-year pine plantations and feeding in small clearings with sparse herbaceous cover. Ground doves at inland sites in Alabama preferred old fields and young pine plantations and were strongly associated with sandy soils (Jones and Mirarchi 1988). With most sightings coming from the southwestern coastal plain west of the Santee River and few from the Pee Dee area, the inland distribution of ground doves in South Carolina conformed with earlier literature. Interestingly, this distributional pattern is similar to that of the Painted Bunting ( Passerina ciris\ South Carolina Breeding Bird Atlas data, unpublished), another declining species that uses early successional habitat and is also most abundant on coastal islands and the outer coastal plain. Few nests were found during this survey. One ground dove nest was reported and later confirmed, however, at a residence on Edisto Beach on 25 The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 2, Spring 2000 41 June 1 994. The nest, with a sitting bird, was in the top of a palmetto tree ( Sabal palmetto) by a living room window. George and Judy Halleron (pers. comm.) of Harbor Island near Beaufort reported ground doves repeatedly nesting under houses on pilings, and one nest was located against a house on steps. “At least three dove broods in one summer/fall season” were found under a neighbor’s house. Sprunt and Chamberlain (1949) reported ground doves at coastal locations in South Carolina nesting on the ground as well as in bushes and small trees, especially wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera). Nesting was prolonged and occurred between February and October. Will Post (pers. comm.) suggested that, as in the Caribbean, ground doves in South Carolina may have a bimodal breeding pattern, correlated with spring and fall rains. As with Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura), ground doves could breed throughout the year. Nests have been found in Georgia as late as December and as early as January (Landers and Buckner 1979). In south-central Florida, Bowman and Woolfenden (1997) found that ground doves nested from late February through early October, but 50% of all clutches were completed from early April to mid-May, with a slight increase from late August to early September. Two significant ground dove populations were reported during this survey. One was on the southern end of Sullivan’s Island, where Arch McCallum (pers. comm.) banded 78 birds between 1992-1996. He estimated the population to be composed of approximately 30 pairs. The habitat consists of about 30 ha (75 ac) of accreted dune fields interspersed with dense clumps of wax myrtle. The other large population was at Harbor Island in Beaufort County, a private resort development where George and Judy Halleron (pers. comm.) estimated 25 pairs of ground doves. Since 1996 we have received additional ground dove reports, including several clarifying its inland range. Two were seen on 3 1 July 1999 in southern Saluda County in peach orchard habitat; one at Cheraw State Park in eastern Chesterfield County on 13 September 1999, and two in northeastern Williamsburg County on 31 January 1999. We recognize the biases associated with a survey of this type, especially those related to unequal temporal and spatial coverage. Fig. 2 could actually show the distribution of observers rather than ground doves. We also recognize that some observers could have misidentifled Mourning Doves as ground doves. In most cases, however, we were able to communicate directly with observers and only used reports that we felt were reliable. Given funding limitations and the fact that traditional field methods, such as the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), are unsuitable for sparsely distributed species (we note, for example, that the ground dove map in Price et al. (1995), based on the BBS, shows no birds even occurring in South Carolina), we feel that a more intensive survey for ground doves is impractical at this time. We suggest that, based on the literature and previous ground dove reports, the map shown in Fig. 2 is a fairly accurate representation of current ground dove distribution in South Carolina. Without comparative unbiased data, the status of ground doves in South Carolina remains difficult to ascertain. However, most observers and the recent literature agree that the species has declined in South Carolina. Nationwide, the 42 Common Ground-Dove Distribution 1993-1996 Fig. 2. Common Ground-Dove occurrences, South Carolina, 1993-1996. Each dot represents one or more birds The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 2, Spring 2000 43 BBS shows a statistically significant population decline of 52% between 1966- 1993, based on 199 survey routes (South Carolina routes had too few ground doves to be used in the analysis; Price et al. 1995). This decline has been evident throughout most of its range except for Texas. In contrast, a recent analysis of BBS trends between 1984-1993 shows a significant 41% increase, based on 163 routes (Price et al. 1995). Ground dove populations in South Carolina, at or near the northernmost edge of the breeding range, may be especially susceptible to declines since peripheral bird populations are those at most risk during an overall decline (Wilcove and Terborgh 1984). We can only speculate at this time on the ground dove decline. As with most scrub and early-successional birds, habitat changes have undoubtedly played a large role. Scrub/shrub species like Northern Bob white {Colinus virginianus ), Brown Thrasher ( Toxostoma rufum). Loggerhead Shrike {Lanius ludovicianus), Golden- winged Warbler ( Vermivora chrysoptera), Prairie Warbler ( Dendroica discolor ), Painted Bunting, Eastern Towhee ( Pipilo erythrophthalmus ), and Field Sparrow ( Spizella pusilla) have all declined during the past 30 years, and few scrub birds are increasing (Price et al. 1995). According to information provided by the US Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service, South Carolina had 2,014,800 ha (5,036,998 ac) in cropland in 1930, and the average farm size was 28 ha (70 ac); in 1997 cropland acreage had been halved to 985,127 ha (2,462,818 ac), while average farm size had nearly tripled to 78 ha ( 196 ac). The smaller farms of the first part of the 20th century provided optimum habitat for quail and other early successional wildlife, probably including ground doves. Much farmland since World War II has been abandoned and reverted to second- growth forest in South Carolina, creating unsuitable conditions for birds that need early successional habitat. Habitat conditions on South Carolina’s sea islands and beaches are now critical, since this area supports the largest number of ground birds in the state. Like inland locations, agriculture, primarily “truck crops,” was historically dominant on many islands until resort development became prevalent 40 years ago. The impact of urban development on South Carolina’s sea islands and its effects on ground doves is unclear at this time. As long as some scrubby and open conditions are maintained, ground doves could co-exist with development, especially since bird feeding is a popular activity at these locations and ground doves readily come to feeders. On the other hand, the prevalence of free- roaming cats that accompany development could have negative impacts on ground doves, which spend much time on the ground and may be especially vulnerable to predation. For example, one observer reported a ground dove killed by a cat during this survey. A recent news article brought to our attention the trapping, neutering, and releasing of feral cats at Hilton Head Island, an increasingly popular practice nationwide called “TNR” by the American Bird Conservancy (Linda Winter, pers. comm.). Both of the largest ground dove populations reported during this survey came from developed sea islands, although this could be a bias reflective of the lack of observers from undeveloped islands. Sullivan’s Island, just north of Charleston, has been developed for at least 200 years, while Harbor Island in 44 Common Ground-Dove Distribution Beaufort County is a relatively new development. We did personally conduct multiple surveys at three undeveloped coastal islands, Bull (Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge), Capers (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources), and South Island (Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center) and found only one bird, at South Island. Peter Range, a wildlife technician for three and a half years at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, found no more than three ground doves on Bull Island during his tenure there and believed that none actually bred on the island (Range, pers. comm.). Yet in 1966 T.A.Beckett reported a “colony” of about 15 nesting pairs, with eggs and young, at Bull Island (Parnell 1966). Aside from cat predation, Jones and Mirarchi (1988) suggested two other mortality factors that could be affecting ground dove numbers - incidental hunting pressure and fire ants. Ground doves can be easily mistaken for Mourning Doves by dove hunters, and they reported at least 12 ground doves shot on one Georgia Wildlife Management Area hunt in 1985. During our survey Cely examined a ground dove that had been shot on a dove hunt in Lexington County and received a reliable report of another. The extent of incidental shooting of ground doves in South Carolina, suspected of being low, remains unknown. The red imported fire ant ( Solenopsis invicta) has been implicated in wildlife declines for many years, especially for ground-nesting birds such as Northern Bobwhite (Johnson 1961). Although fire ants have been responsible for the death of nestling birds, their overall impact on wild bird populations remains controversial and unclear ( cf Allen et al. 1993, Brennan 1993). Excessive cold weather is another factor that could affect ground doves. Wayne (1910) reported “great numbers” of ground doves destroyed by an intense cold wave in the Charleston area on 13-14 February 1899. Wayne noted that even ten years after this event, dove recovery was slow. Could coastal ground doves be affected by hurricanes? The eye of Hurricane Hugo, a category 4 storm that struck South Carolina on 21 September 1989, crossed Bull Island with wind speeds of 225 kph (140 mph) and a storm water surge of 6 m (20 ft). Bull and neighboring Capers Island, as well as South Island 43 km (27 mi) up the coast, were severely damaged. Since the storm struck at night, roosting birds may have been vulnerable to storm surges. Perhaps ground doves are poor colonizers that, once eliminated from an area, either by hurricanes or over-development, are slow to reoccupy it. Colonization may be further limited since, based on their distribution, ground doves appear to exhibit colonial or semi-colonial behavior, and it may take a minimum “threshold” of individuals to establish a breeding site. Conclusions Since ground doves no longer appear to nest in North Carolina (Lee 1999), South Carolina now has the northernmost Common Ground-Dove population in the East. Due to land use changes and coastal development, the species has probably been declining in South Carolina for some years. We believe that ground doves should remain a “threatened” species in the state and that the species warrants careful monitoring and observation. Further investigation of its status at inland sites, including confirmation of breeding, is desirable. The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 2, Spring 2000 45 Demographic studies, especially the nesting success of individual populations, should be a high priority. We know that ground doves have high reproductive potential and may raise three or four broods a year (Sprunt and Chamberlain 1949, Bowman and Woolfenden 1997). Barring excess mortality and widespread habitat loss, this species should be able to maintain itself as part of South Carolina’s avifauna for the foreseeable future. Carolina Bird Club members and other birders can assist ground dove conservation efforts in South Carolina by keeping notes of sightings, locations, dates, and behavior. Nesting records would be especially helpful. Such records could be submitted to “Briefs for the Files” in the Chat or forwarded to the authors at South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Sandhills REC, P.O. Box 23205, Columbia, SC 29224; email: BGlvr@clemson.edu; JCely@clemson.edu. Acknowledgments We thank everyone, too numerous to list, who provided ground dove reports used for this survey. Several individuals made contributions and reports deserving special mention including George and Judy Halleron, Bob Maxwell, Arch McCallum, and Will Post. We appreciate Steve Lohr, Will Post, and an anonymous reviewer, all of whom improved the manuscript. Literature Cited Allen, C R, R S Lutz, and S Demarais. 1993. What about fire ants and northern bobwhites: a comment. Wildl. Soc. Bull. 21:349-351. Brennan, L A. 1993. Fire ants and northern bobwhites: a real problem or a red herring? Wildl. Soc. Bull. 21:351-355. Bowman, R, and G E Woolfenden. 1997. Nesting chronology of the Common Ground-Dove in Florida and Texas. J. Field Omithol. 68:580-589. Fuller, M R, and J A Mosher. 1981. Methods of detecting and counting raptors: a review. Pp. 235-246 in C J Ralph and J M Scott (eds.). Estimating the number of terrestrial birds. Stud. Avian Biol. 6. Johnson, AS. 1961 . Antagonistic relationships between ants and wildlife with special reference to imported fire ants and bobwhite quail in the Southeast. Proc. Annu. Conf. Southeast. Game and Fish Comm. 15:88-107. Johnson, R R, B T Brown, L T Haight, and J M Simpson. 1981. Playback recordings as a special avian censusing technique. Pp. 68-75 in C.J. Ralph and J M Scott (eds.). Estimating the number of terrestrial birds. Stud. Avian Biol. 6. Jones, M T, and R E Mirarchi. 1988. Distribution and habitats of the Common Ground-Dove in Alabama. Final report W-44, 12 & 13 III-A, Alabama Game and Fish Division. 70 pp. Landers, J L, R J Hamilton, and T D Atkeson. 1977. Eastern ground doves in the Georgia piedmont. Oriole 42:10-12. Landers, J L, and J L Buckner. 1979. Ground dove use of young pine plantations. Wilson Bull. 91:467-468. Lee, D S. 1999. Extinction, extirpation, and range reduction of breeding birds in North Carolina: what can be learned? Chat 63:103-122. 46 Common Ground-Dove Distribution LeGrand, H E, Jr. 1991. Southern Atlantic coast region. American Birds 45:1109. Marion, W R, T E O’Meara, and D S Maehr. J98 1 . Use of playback recordings in sampling elusive or secretive birds. Pp. 81-85 in C.J. Ralph and J M Scott (eds.). Estimating the numbers of terrestrial birds. Stud. Avian Biol. 6. McNair, D B, and W Post. 1 993 . Supplement to status and distribution of South Carolina birds. Charleston Museum Omith. Contrib. 8. 49 pp. Ogden, J C. 1989. Florida region. American Birds 43:305. Parnell, J F. 1966. Briefs for the files. Chat 30:91. Post, W, and S A Gauthreaux, Jr. 1989. Status and distribution of South Carolina birds. Charleston Museum Contrib. 18. 83 pp. Price, J, S Droege, and A Price. 1995. The summer atlas of North American birds. Academic Press, San Diego, CA. 364 pp. Rosenfield, R N, J Bielefeldt, R K Anderson, and W A Smith. 1985. Taped calls as an aid in locating Cooper’s Hawk nests. Wildlife Soc. Bull. 13:62- 63. Runde, D E, P D Southall, J A Hovis, R Sullivan, and R B Renken. 1990. Recent records and survey methods for the Black Rail in Florida. Florida Field Nat. 18:33-35. Sprunt, A, Jr, and E B Chamberlain. 1949. South Carolina bird life. Univ. South Carolina Press, Columbia, SC. 571 pp. Swift, B L, S R Orman, and J W Ozard. 1988. Response of Least Bitterns to tape-recorded calls. Wilson Bull. 100:496-499. Wayne, A T. 1 9 1 0. Birds of South Carolina. Daggett Press, Charleston, SC. 254 pp. Wilcove, D S, and J WTerborgh. 1984. Patterns of population decline in birds. American Birds 38:10-13. CBC Rare Bird Alert (704) 332-BIRD 1999 Spring Bird Count Peggy B. Ferebee Natural Science Center 4301 Lawndale Drive Greensboro, NC 27455 H. T. Hendrickson Department of Biology -UNCG P. O. Box 26174 Greensboro, NC 27402-6174 The 1 999 Spring Count showed a major increase in participation over 1998: 16 count areas with 1,165 field hours in 1999 compared to 14 count areas with 814 field hours in 1998. This resulted in an increase in the number of birds reported: 75,781 individuals of 235 species in 1999 compared to 51,361 individuals of 199 species in 1998. We also had a record number of owling hours. Unfortunately owls still remained elusive. Avery County and Greenville, North Carolina, did not participate this year. Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Columbia returned after being absent last year. Highlands is a new count. The weather in most count areas was dry and cool in the morning, with a warming trend. Some areas did report windy periods. Because the number of hours spent in the field went up considerably this year compared to the last four years, we used the number of birds seen per field hour rather than raw numbers to determine if there had been a real change. The accompanying chart shows the actual numbers reported. As usual in every count, some species declined over last year. Wood Duck, Chimney Swift, Killdeer, Fish Crow, Prothonotary Warbler, Common Nighthawk, Field Sparrow, and Grasshopper Sparrow had the smallest numbers since we started reporting the count in 1992. Eastern Meadowlark numbers dropped this year after showing a promising rise last year. Also dropping this year after an increase last year were Common Snipe, American Woodcock, Chipping Sparrow, and Savannah Sparrow. Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, and Pine Siskin numbers were also down. After years of steady increases, Canada Goose, Wild Turkey, and Homed Lark numbers are down. Many species will vary erratically in number from year to year and this count is no exception. At a low point are Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Warbler, Swainson’s Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and American Goldfinch. Cape May Warblers continue their steady decline. We had a number of species that showed up in record numbers: Great Blue Heron, Red-shouldered Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Bank Swallow, Northern Raven, Blue-headed Vireo, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Dark- eyed Junco, and Bobolink. A number of warbler species were also at high numbers: Blue-winged, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, and Canada. The Bald Eagle continues to increase, with 25 reported. Rough- winged, Bam and Cliff Swallows are up over last year. Big increases were shown by Swainson’s Thrush, Worm-eating Warbler, Purple Finch, and Orchard Oriole. Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, American Redstart, Kentucky Warbler, and Swamp Sparrow are also 47 48 1999 Spring Bird Count up. After several years of apparent decline, Eastern Wood-Peewee and Acadian Flycatcher showed an increase in numbers. Compilers’ Comments CHNC-Chapel Hill, NC Center Franklin and Columbia Streets, Chapel Hill. May 2, 0500- 1 930 h. Temperature range 45-70°F. No precipitation, wind 10-15 mph northeast with partly cloudy skies. Participants: Compiler: Will Cook, 418 Sharon Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 275 14: Dick and Pat Ballard, Anne Beckwith, Norm Budnitz, Sandy Cash, Bob Chase, Ramona Conyers, Anson Cooke, Dwayne Cooke, Tom Driscoll, Beth Duncan. Paul Ferster, Kent Fiala, Cynthia Fox, John Frederick, Maury and Marie Graves, Perry Haaland, Ken Harden, Ruth Harris, Walton Haywood, Pat and Pete Hobson, Fran Hommersand, Alan Johnson, Eleanor and Fred Kilgour, Ken Knapp, Roger Kohn, Judy Murray, Monica Nees, Oliver Orr, Franchesca Perez, Mangus Persmark, Jeff Pippin, Kevin Powell, Jay Rabb, Russell and Ruth Roberson, Terry Roberts, Kathy Roggenkamp, Barbara Roth, Mike and Lois Schultz, Doug Shadwick, Jonathan Steere, Elvin Strowd, Pam Timmons, Les Todd, Joanna Vondrasek, Haven Wiley, Bobbie Wilkerson. Overall this was an average count, both in number of species and number of individuals. The cool, windy weather hindered birding by ear, but we still managed to find plenty of warblers. The best bird was our first record of the Tricolored Heron. Other goodies were our second “Brewster’s” Warbler, Common Snipe, Sedge Wren, and Gray-cheeked Thrush. We set or tied record high counts for Great Blue Herons, Brown Thrasher, Turkey Vulture, Cooper’s Hawk and Blue-winged Warbler. Numbers of Canada Goose, Veery, Brown Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Pine Warbler were also higher than usual. Unusually scarce this year were Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, owls (probably due to the wind), Chimney Swift, E. Wood-Pewee, Acadian Flycatcher, American Redstart, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Red- winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, and (everyone’s favorite) Brown-headed Cowbird. DUNC-Durham, NC. Center 1 mile north and 1 mile east of junction of Eno River and U.S. 501. Temperature 39-65°F, no precipitation. Wind calm with clear skies. Participants: Compiler: Michael Schultz, 5504 Woodberry Rd., Durham, NC 27707; Norm Budnitz, Sandy Cash, Will Cook, Anson Cooke, Catherine Cooke, Tom Driscoll, Ken Knapp, Lois Schultz, Michael Schultz, Doug Shadwick, Benjamin Steere, Jonathan Steere, Carol Williamson, Bruce Young. GRNC-Greensboro, NC. May 1 , 0600- 1 845 h. Center the intersection of U.S. 220 and Pisgah Church Road. Temperature 45-68°F, no precipitation. Winds strong all day, gusting to 25-30 mph. Sky partly cloudy. Participants: Compiler: Donald Allen, 2611 David Caldwell Dr., Greensboro, NC; Carolyn Allen, Donald Allen, Louise Brown, Dennis Burnette, Lynn Burnette, Charles Campbell, Chris Carter, Phil Crisp, Judith Durr, Dolores Foutch, Wally Foutch, Larry Gasper, Herbert Hendrickson, Sally The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 2, Spring 2000 49 Howell, Barbara Jones, Phillip Kellam, Donna Lazeration, Elizabeth Link, Henry Link, Clarence Mattocks, James Mattocks, Lynn Moseley, Jean Murdick, Elaine Oldham, Sue Scott, Wally Sills, Barbara Smith, Laurie Sorrell, Wilford Sorrell, Emily Talbert, Laura Walker. The 1 999 Spring Count for Greensboro was marked by steady, high winds throughout the day. The thrashing of vegetation and the sound of the wind certainly complicated the finding and identification of birds. Despite this challenge the species total was higher than ordinary. The number of individuals, however, was down from the last several years. HPNC-Highlands, NC. Center Highlands, NC. May 8, 0700-1700 h. Temperature 45-70°F with no precipitation. Little wind, with the skies overcast most of the day, clearing later. Participants: Compiler: Cynthia Strain, PO Box 1238, Highlands, NC 28741; Bonnie Barton, Shirley Bohnert, Martha Brenna, Pat Brown, Pat and Charlie Davis, J.J. and Joann Ides, Frances Graves, Walker Harris, Molly Leonard, Marcia Leslie, Marianne McKay, Herman Moll, Verna Montgomery, Mary Osmar, G. Allen Palmer, Pat and John Pittari, Joe and Marilyn Riva, Fritzi E. Seifert, Maryanne Shea, Cynthia Strain, David Wood. ICNC- Iredell County, NC. Center Chipley Ford Bridge at South Yadkin River. May 2, 0630-1800 h. Temperature 48-7 1°F with no precipitation. Wind 16-23 mph NE with sunny skies. Participants: Compiler: Sam Cathey, 130 Park Street, Statesville, NC 28677; Penny Benbow, Sam Cathey, Cynthia Dickerson, Lois Goforth, Thad Goforth, Lislott Harberts, Lee Hollifield, Richard Holshouser, Larry Marlin, Joel McConnell, Sue McConnell, Susan Miller, Dick Mize, Janice Powell, Allein Stanley, Garnet Underwood, Ron Underwood, Laura Webb. JLNC-Jordan Lake, NC. Center former crossing of New Hope River and SR 1700, now under water. May 9, 05:00-10:00 h. Temperature 55-80°F with no precipitation. Wind calm to slight breeze over land, and up to 10 mph NE on the water. Sky clear in the morning and about 10% cumulus clouds in the afternoon. Participants: Compiler: Barbara Roth, 347 Carolina Meadows Villa, Chapel Hill, NC 275 14. Co-compiler: Norman Budnitz, 4115 Garret Rd., Durham, NC 27705; Patsy Baily, Barbara Beaman, Eve Becker, Kyle Blankenship, Barbara Brooks, Norman Budnitz, Chuck Byrd, Robert Chase, Barbara Coffman, Bobbie Collins-Perry, Will Cook, Anson Cooke, Jefferson Dalby, Emily DeVoto, Shelia Donn, Tom Driscoll, Beth Duncan, Cynthia Fox, Martha Girolami, Bryan Goldston, Maurice Graves, Perry Haaland, Stephan Hall, Rachel Harden, Russell Herman, Loren Hintz, Michael Hosey, Sam Kalat, John Kent, Eleanor Kilgour, Frederick Kilgour, Betty King, Kenneth Knapp, Roger Kohn, Janet Krakauer, Tom Krakauer, Jane Lewis, Barbara Logue, Terry Logue, Phil Manning, Melinda Meade, Jill Midgett, Lynn Milich, Kyle Mills, Michael Mills Sr., Judy Murray, Rick Payne, Francesca Perez, Kevin Powell, Barbara Roth, Mark Schultz, Douglas Shadwick, Jennifer Shoemaker, Ginger Travis, Andy Upshaw, Margaret Vimmerstedt, Chris Weigle, Bruce Young. 50 1999 Spring Bird Count Compiler’s Comments: We had a successful count this year, with 58 observers in 21 parties who counted for about 150 hours. Our species total was 1 3 1 , an average number, as was the total number of individual birds, 8484. Our record species total was 146, in 1992, when we experienced more shorebirds, gulls, terns and warblers. That year we had 29 species of warblers; this year we had only 24 species. Among our more unusual species were three Little Blue Herons, seen during previous spring counts only in 1978, 1984,1987, and 1996. These were observed by two parties, with two herons being in calico plumage. Also found were 6 Great Egrets, not found since 1991 . One Snowy Egret was also located, previously seen only in 1978 and 1984. A scaup species was located on the lake. Lesser Scaup had been seen before the lake was there, but seldom since. One odd occurrence was the appearance of a Common Merganser, which has been seen in all the odd years since 1991 in the same area of the lake. We cannot determine if this is the same male bird. One Northern Harrier was found, the first since 1992. A number were seen before that but they are rapidly losing their habitat. Among shorebirds, two Semipalmated Sandpipers were counted, not seen since 1992. The only other sandpipers were the Spotted and the Solitary. Notable were the numbers of cavity-nesting birds in which we had highs. The Red-headed Woodpeckers were surprising in that they were not located at the usual sites, some of which were barren. This merits further study, to question the observers as to exactly where these sites were and how the habitats might be changing. The chickadees and titmice have been increasing quite steadily over the years And this is not due to more feeders, as other people have found in their areas. Here the majority of our count areas are away from populated areas, except for the occasional farm. Instead, many of the abandoned fields around the lake area are growing up into forests,. The number of Pine Warblers illustrates this. We certainly had an excellent Magnolia Warbler fallout - 19 vs. a previous high of 6. The Bachman’s Sparrows have lost their habitat, at least for the time being. Many of the areas clear-cut by Weyerhauser and other companies are fast growing up in young pines. We did not find a single Savannah or Grasshopper Sparrow. Their habitats seem doomed as development constantly takes place. The meadowlarks, however, were hanging on, particularly in the south part of the circle near the Deep River, where there are large, uncut hay fields. That’s where the Bobolinks were found. People have been commenting on the paucity of hummingbirds this spring. This was not reflected in the count, which was average for this species. The Wood Thrush and the tanagers seem to be holding their own in this area to date. Breeding bird censuses would provide more information here since some of the above birds may have been in transit. This time we had only one area which had not been counted before, the Beaver Creek arm of Jordan Lake. It was covered by a 9-hour kayak workout, with the result that the Great Egrets and one Little Blue Heron were located, as well as other water birds and warblers. There was even a Wild Turkey, for a good count despite a difficult day paddling. In contrast, some parties had to pull The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 2, Spring 2000 51 out at the last moment so some areas were not covered. With 58 birders out, though, I think we had good coverage of most of the habitats. New bedroom communities continue to develop in the northern part of our circle. Industrialization increases in the Cape Fear River basin in the south. I think we will have to expect a gradual change in our bird populations, no matter how valiant our efforts to prevent it. MJNC-Mount Jefferson, NC. Center as in previous years. May 8, 0610-1100 h. Temperature 52-70°F with no precipitation. Light breeze in the morning becoming gusty in the afternoon, with a clear sky. Participants: Compiler: Vaughn W. Morrison, 262 Laurel Mountain Estates, Todd, NC 28684; George and Paula Capra, Bill Hofmann, Janet Kelly, Lenore Ketchum, Howard Langridge, Merrill Lynch, John MacConnell, Vaughn Morrison, Les Saucier, Shawn and Connie Wolfe. NRNC-New River, NC. May 8, 0500-1100 h. Center 36°31'N 81°12'W. Temperature 45-65°F with no precipitation. Wind 0-5 mphNW with skies clear to partly cloudy. Participants: Compiler: James Coman, 9124 NC Hwy 93, Piney Creek, NC 28663; Hanoi Blevins, Jason Blevins, Velma Blevins, James Coman, J.H. Coman, Caroyln Comte, Henrietta Cox, Joyce Dixon, Kathryn Higgins, Jim Keighton, Caroyln Sprinkle, Connie Wolfe, Shawn Wolfe. RANC-Raleigh, NC. May 8, 0600-14:45. Center Lake Wheeler Road by Farmer’s Market. Temperature 65-85°F with no precipitation. Wind intermittent, 5-10 mph. Sky started clear then became partly cloudy. Participants: Compiler: John Conners, 1227 Mordecai Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27604; J. Angerman- Stewart, S. Balsdon, J. Beardon, K. Beardon, H. Carmichael, W. Cook, K. Draves, K. Fiala, L. Gallitano, B. Hader, H. Hammond, D. Hardy, B. Hasse, E. Hasse, R. Herman, T. Hewitt, A. Hicks, K, Knapp, W. Kimler, M. Marlatt, J. Mulholland, M. Nees, B. O’Brian, M. Pollard, T.L. Quay, W. Rowland, K. Russell, R. Shaw, R. Silverman, C. Smith, R. Van Hoy, S. Wellendorf, B. Wells. Compiler’s Comments: Hurricane Fran heavily affected much of Wake County’s woodlands in 1996, and the mix of downed timber, stump sprouts, and natural regeneration of forest has had an impact on wildlife, including birds. Also, Yates Millpond and Lake Raleigh remain drained as a consequence of storm damage. It is hard to determine how these changes affect bird populations, but the numbers of Brown Thrasher and Eastern Towhees were the highest in years. Northern Parulas, Prothonotary Warblers, and Scarlet Tanagers were down. Hooded Warblers were not reported! Good finds included Cattle Egret, Northern Harrier, Long-billed Dowitcher, Sedge Wren, Nashville and Swainson’s Warbler, 3 Canada Warblers, and 140 Bobolinks. An isolated nest of Great Blue Herons was constructed at Greenview Pond in southern Wake (it later fledged three young). The numbers for Field Sparrows and Loggerhead Shrikes remain low. Bobwhite was not reported. There is real concern that these and a few other species will be lost as breeders in Wake County. 52 1999 Spring Bird Count RVNC-Raven Rock State Park, NC. Center Intersection of NC 210 and SR 1434. May 8, 0600-1205 h. Temperature 64-83°F with no precipitation. Wind 0-23 mph W with skies mostly clear. Participants: Compiler: Paul C. Hart, Raven Rock State Park, Lillington, NC 27545; Jim Bateson, David Brown, Molly Fullwood, Paul Hart, Scott Hartley, Tom Howard, Bobby Lufty, Mitch Reece, Larry Rose, Mary Stevens, Sarah Stevens, Erik Thomas. Compiler’s Comments: The count was held a little later than normal this year. The 1 1 1 species counted, however, was just above the 10-year average of 1 10. Good finds included an immature Bald Eagle being chased by an Osprey (Mitch Reece), Swainson’s Warblers (David Brown, Bobby Lufty), a late Northern Harrier (Erik Thomas), and a new apparent breeding site for Cliff Swallows (Mary Stevens, Molly Fullwood). Holding the count a little later accounts for the larger than normal total of Blackpoll Warblers (10). Misses included American Woodcock, Wild Turkey, and Yellow Warbler (two years in a row). SMNC-Stone Mountain, NC. May 8, 0600- 1 700 h. Temperature 60-82°F with no precipitation. Wind 5-10 mph with skies clear to partly skies. Participants: Compiler: John G. McConnell, 2819 Silas Creek Road, Lansing, NC 28643-9006; Jim Billings, Greg P. Church, Meg Short (and 5 others unnamed). SPNC-Southern Pines, NC. Center same as last year near Skyline, NC. May 2, 0430-2100 h. Temperature 48-64°F with no precipitation. Wind 10 mph N with gusts to 1 6mph, the NNE 1 5 mph with gusts to 2 1 . Sky was partly cloudy. Participants: Compiler: Susan Campbell, 144 Pine Ridge Dr., Whispering Pines, NC 28327; Jackie Britcher, Kerry Brust, Dick Burk, Marion Burk, Susan Campbell, J.H. Carter, Dick Dole, Lois Dole, Elizabeth Evans, Charlotte Gantz, Barbara Gearhart, Scott Hartley, Dean Holzgraft, Wayne Irvin, Tom Howard, Marion Jones, A1 McDonald, Dan Pieroni, Robert Perkins, George Rainoff, Alan Schultz, Megan Schultz, Mary Stephenson, Libba Watson. WSNC-Winston Salem, NC. Center intersection of Silas Creek Parkway and Business 1-40 in Winston-Salem. Temperature 60-74°F with no precipitation. Wind mild and skies party cloudy. Participants: Compiler: David Disher, 4145 Chatham Hill Drive, Winston- Salem, NC 27104; Kay Bergey, Pam Burke, Regina Burt, Zack Bynum, John Carter, Lee Carter, Peg Cochrane, Ferenc Damoki, Linda Davis, Doug Deneve, David Disher, Susan Disher, Cynthia Donaldson. Gardner Gidley, Margaret Gidley, Billy J. Hammond, Susan Hammond, Bert Hollifield, Hop Hopkins, Royce Hough, Lois Jones, Nancy Jordan, Pete Jordan, Ray Kandt, Anna Kapitov, Barbara Kendrick, Leon Kendrick, Peggy Kinlaw, Annette Lance, Jim Martin, Mary Ellen Martin, Jim May, Sue Moore, Tom Mowbray, Ed Mulvey, Margaret Mulvey, Mary Jo Murphy, Ann Pollard, Ed Poole, Kay Poole, Paul Powers, Susan Pullen, Lloyd Ramsey, Ann Robertson, Chester Robertson, Liz Schmid, Tom Schmid, Jackie Shelton, David Shuford, Ramona Snavely, Paul The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 2, Spring 2000 53 Spain, Jim Spencer, Bill Sugg, Jay Wilhelmi, Camilla Willcox, Ann Williams, Bob Witherington. Compiler’s Comments: The weather was perfect. The large numbers of Blackpoll Warblers indicated that the end of migration was near. The 66 Double-crested Cormorants were a new high for the count. A count first was seen during count period. A Wild Turkey was seen walking down the street of a residential area. This bird may be the result of efforts to re-establish populations in neighboring counties. CASC-Charleston, SC. Center same as Christmas Count. April 25, 1200-2400. 60-70°F with rain in the morning and scattered mist in the afternoon. Wind NE 20-35 mph with gust to 35+. Sky overcast and cloudy. Participants: Compiler: Edwin Blitch, III, 96 Wyecreek Ave., Charleston, SC. 2941 2-2525 ;Edwin L. Blitch, Edwin L. Blitch III, Edwin Blitch IV, Bob Chinn, Calvin Clyde, Allen Crane, Doreen Cubie, Hal Currie, Dennis Forsythe, Donna Forsythe, Andrew Harrison, Julian Harrison, Drew Heffron, Paul Hinchcliff, Herbert MacMurphy, David C. McLean, David C. McLean Jr., Perry Nugent, Gloria Pennell, Cecelia Post, Kathleen Post, Will Post, Tonya Spires. CGSC-Congaree Swamp, SC. May 8, 0600-1100. Temperature 60-82°F with no precipitation. Wind variable N to W 5-12 mph. Sky partly cloudy to clear. Participants: Compiler: Robin Carter, 4 1 65 E. Buchanan Dr., Columbia, SC 29206; Robin Carter, Dennis Forsythe, Donna Forsythe, Heidi Hoerman, Jack Stewart, Lula Stewart. SPSC-Spartanburg, SC. Center at Spartanburg Airport. May 8, 0530-2230 h. 63-77°F with no precipitation. Wind 7-16 mph, partly cloudy. Participants: Compiler: Lyle Campbell, 126 Greengate Lane, Spartanburg, SC 29307; John Allen, Robbie Allen, Barney Altman, Frankie Altman, John Barry, Susan Barry, Beth Bartel, Tim Brown, David Campbell, Lyle Campbell, Matthew Campbell, Sarah Campbell, Alan Chalmers, Edith Clark, Marion Clark, Matthew Coleman, Vince Conners, Pat Fowler, Roy Fowler, Teresa Glen, Conway Henderson, J. B. Hines, Myra Hines Joel Jones, Micky Marotte, Jim Miller, Margaret Miller, Susan Monk, Bell Moody, Nora Moore, Mary Anne Myers, Gill Newberry, Ken Pearson, Lisa Pearson, Bob Powell, Doug Raynor, Crystal Schirmer, Walton Scott, Jenny Scott, Mac Shealey, Tina Taylor. Species CHNC DUNC GRNC HPNC IRNC JLNC MJNC NRNC RANC RVNC SMNC SPNC WSNC CASC CGSC SPSC Total 54 1999 Spring Bird Count O Os CP PI SO 1— 1 rH PI CP Os p| CP p PI 1-1 PI CP O H > ^ Tt PI ■’3- Tt so 1-H PI r-> OS oo O OS PI Tf i—i O 1—1 CP O P p oo PI CN r-i as PI i-H i—i so Pl p 00 SO * ,d- *P Tt Os *-■ ip Os 1 CP P PI _ «P sp PI O pq pq w >,« o n « « <3 £ ,2 § 7 a) iu o o 2 ,2 ^ d) ^ fl jtS C < -J O O cp J H 00 o W ffi o G 12 U O .22 ^ c £ 3 | tfl T3 .. CA O B o o G osf S c<3 £ * r" o 33 3 4-3 o Q o 2pTj d •S U Q ^ 'p T3 G ffl & 2 P • G3 ti O I’g . §5 s s| u?o-!S — a g 2t2o •H P -o Cl o u 004-i g .9 8 o 53 % p o ST o wC/D £<4-3 -3 §2 8 (« aa a The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 2, Spring 2000 55 Ov r- CO H H CO Ov OO vO ^ r- 4 1 7 VO r- o Ov CM CM CM CO rt CO »T) CM 00 i— i oo i— 1 CM 1—1 ov TT _ CM rj- CM CO CO O co 1—1 ^“4 o T-l 00 vO VO vO 1 CM co vn VO i-« CO CM CM CO r-> »n 1—1 -rf CO »n rj- i— 1 1—1 1-1 o r^ CM CO CM «r> co * CM 1 CO CM 1 VO CM CM l Ov CM «n CM CM CM CM | co CM Ov CM _ CM r- CO 00 vn CM 1 CM VO CM 00 1 1 O 00 * CM o _ vO CM r— * >n K X T3 dc S a) *- x Sb-O -2 ir -3 .s i a a t3 "d rt V3 o O 3 u & & n d, e 3-5-3 M § S..S.5 .a § S ?’H'S 1 J3 American Coot 312 445 55 Black-bid. Plover 157 157 Semipalm. Plover 1 50 51 Killdeer 30 27 25 26 49 14 17 39 17 24 18 3 16 305 56 1999 Spring Bird Count 2v©tJ-\o VOID rf h M — • r-H cm co ocor-r^movocNO r- (D I-* oo O r-~ —< ^ f' r-. ^ as «-* 'O OO (N (N in O h cn on m r- cm in m in cm c/3 >< 8. • *H Qi XI S «J C/3 Vi >v "O J5 s & a * 3 s cd on .-^ — | -*-* -P ui ro Cfl i— I o> o J 00 3 8. S> 00 £ X) o oO fe XI si Jp c3 fl> S-H .la c C0 00 00 sts §< 13 ’O ft a S 'S/'S 03 § 'S ^ s oo M -o'* ® .&1 £ *1 ^3 ? x c a s s 1 P O cd J ffl £ o Q • T3 G 3 « 00 3 3 a a _ i j J" X) P -3 g « a 2 c0 ^ 00P3 -S ^ 2 oo C sa § .S S P P3 3 *£? 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CM NO CO CM CM CO CO * CM CO ON o o 't- CM m »n o in CM CM •n CM •*t o o ,_l c- CM 00 "St CM Tt 1 CM CO CM ( CO O 00 CO CM ON CM T“l CM 00 n CO CM CM Tt _ ON CO CM CM 1 CO 00 Tf CM CO 1 o CO -*t H CM CM o Tf r- 1-* c- c- ON NO r-< >— i CM 1-1 1—1 CO co >n jb4 75 o 2 SR 'o cLi <3 o-i 5 3 -a 6 *9 aooo ^ # o S O cn *9 o ^ it, ^ ? .b T3 ~ >< Q X & Z Homed Lark 3 9 4 2 * 18 Purple Martin 28 40 51 292 47 2 38 22 3 94 78 82 89 42 908 Tree Swallow 32 29 203 5 24 1 53 1 111 3 235 4 701 Rough-w. 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Meadowlark usty Blackbird oat-tailed Grackl om. Grackle 2 2 X £ 0 U ’S Vi 3 O c M Vi C/5 a> c m. Goldfinch 3 ouse Sparrow o. of Species OO wi ’> ’3 c «+H o 6 Vi s o X 2 b 3 o ours on foot c3 o >» X Vi % O ours by boat ours by bicycle ours by ATV 00 .3 O C fl s o Vi 2 2 3 IZ $ a [iles on foot & O X Vi 2 [iles by boat [iles by bicycle tiles by ATV 00 •S % o Vi 2 W pE^ X U O PQ a. X £ X Z Z H X X X ffi X X H S t 2-May 25-Apr 1-May 8-May 2-May 9-May 8-May 8-May 9-May 8-May 8-May 2-May 8-May 25-Apr 8-May 8-May General Field Notes Will Cook North Carolina Editor 4 1 8 Sharon Road Chapel Hill, NC 27514 cwcook@acpub.duke.edu Dennis M. Forsythe South Carolina Editor Department of Biology The Citadel Charleston, SC 29409 forsythed@citadel.edu Fax: (803)-953-7084 Active Nest of the Black-Capped Chickadee from the Great Smoky Mountains: First Report for North Carolina Douglas B. McNair Tall Timbers Research Station 13093 Henry Beadel Drive Tallahassee, Florida 32312-0918 On 21 June 1972 J. T. Tanner (field journals; in possession of Mrs. J. T. Tanner) discovered an active nest of the Black-capped Chickadee ( Poecile atricapillus) in North Carolina on the Noland Divide Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The nest site was about 0.8 km from the Newfound Gap Road, 1 .6 km from the Tennessee - North Carolina state line. The elevation at the nest site was about 1770 m. The nest site was a 2.3 m tall stub, 23 cm in diameter; the cavity entrance was 0.6 m from the top. Tanner watched both adults carry food to nestlings. Simpson (1977) stated a nest of the Black-capped Chickadee had yet to be found in North Carolina and that a personal communication from Tanner indicated he had not found a nest in the state. Prior to his death, Tanner (pers. comm.) informed me that he did not consider a single nest record of resident Black-capped Chickadees at a high elevation in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina to be of paramount importance because of his earlier discoveries of nests in Tennessee (Tanner 1952). Tanner (pers. comm.) intended to collect more information on breeding Black-capped Chickadees before publishing another paper. In the southern Appalachians, morphological and vocalization data of confirmed nesting Black-capped and Carolina (P. carolinensis ) chickadees must be obtained along an altitudinal transect in habitats at different elevations to assess the distinctiveness of these chickadee taxa (see Robbins et al. 1986), which apparently are not sister taxa (A.O.U. 1998:464). The Great Smoky Mountains is the only range in Tennessee and North Carolina where a detailed study has been conducted that satisfies these criteria so that the contact zone (around 915 m) between Black-capped and Carolina chickadees was well defined (Tanner 1952). Tanner did not provide a description of the chickadees 62 The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 2, Spring 2000 63 he identified as Black-capped along the Noland Divide Trail, but his expertise on both Black-capped and Carolina chickadees in the southern Appalachian Mountains and the location of the birds and nest far above the contact zone in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park indicate his identification was correct. Consequently, the nest record of Tanner is the first evidence of breeding of Black-capped Chickadees in North Carolina (see Nicholson and McNair 1997 for a summary of nest records in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee). Acknowledgments I thank Mrs. J. T. Tanner for sending me copies of relevant field notes from the journals of J. T. Tanner and for graciously answering my queries. I also thank H. E. LeGrand, Jr., C. P. Nicholson, M. B. Robbins, and M. H. Tove for comments on the manuscript. Literature Cited American Ornithologists’ Union. 1998. Check-list of North American birds. 7th edition. American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, D.C. Nicholson, C P, and D B McNair. 1997. Black-capped Chickadee. Pages 217- 219 in The breeding birds of Tennessee by C. P. Nicholson. University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville. Robbins, M B, M J Braun, and E A Tobey. 1986. Morphological and vocal variation across a contact zone between the chickadee Parus atricapillus and P. carolinensis . Auk 103:655-666. Simpson, M B, Jr. 1977. The Black-capped Chickadee in the southern Blue Ridge Mountain province: a review of its ecology and distribution. Chat 41:79-86. Tanner, J T. 1952. Black-capped and Carolina chickadees in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Auk 69:407-424. Carolina Bird Club Web Site www.carolinabirdclub.org 64 Groove-hilled Ani in NC First Record of Groove-billed Ani for North Carolina On 14 October 1996, Howe was birding at the Hoop Hole Creek area at the western end of Atlantic Beach, Carteret County, N.C. He heard a very loud, unfamiliar two-syllable call (the second syllable with an “O” sound) coming from an evergreen thicket. After calling several times, the bird flew across an opening and landed in the top of a small tree 15 to 20 yards away. It changed perches several times but remained in the tops of the small trees. The size of the bird was approximately that of a Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major) but appeared a bit chunkier. It was a solid black color, but it had a scalloped look on the back. The head and nape feathers “bristled” while the bird was calling. The eyes were dark, as opposed to the yellow eyes of a grackle. The bill was massive, but it did not have a hump or raised area at the base, which is characteristic of the Smooth-billed Ani ( Crotophaga ani). Lines on the bill were visible, a definitive mark separating the Groove-billed Ani (C. sulcirostris) from the Smooth-billed Ani. The tail feathers were extremely long and thick, and these feathers were opened (fanned) in flight. The tail had a graduated shape, with the outer rectrices being half as long as the central ones. These feathers were pumped or drawn under the body when the bird called. The rounded wings appeared short for the body size. Howe observed the bird with 7x binoculars for approximately 20 minutes. He was alone and did not have a camera to photograph the bird. The weather was clear, with temperatures in the mid- to upper-60's. The habitat was scrubby evergreen woodland/thicket adjacent to a tidal creek on Bogue Banks. Howe had seen both species of anis, having seen Groove-billed in Texas earlier in the year. The species nests in southern Texas, but it winters sparingly eastward along the Gulf Coast. It is perhaps overdue to have been found in North Carolina, as a number of states in the East have records for the species, as summarized by Mlodinow and Karlson ( 1 999). Both Virginia and South Carolina have previous records. Virginia’s two records are from the mountains (Tazewell and Rockingham counties) (Kain 1987), whereas South Carolina’s record is from the southern coast (Young 1983). Interestingly, all four Groove-billed Anis from Virginia and the Carolinas were first detected between 14 and 27 October. This is the first report of Groove-billed Ani for North Carolina. The report was accepted by the North Carolina Bird Records Committee (1998) and was placed on the Provisional List, as no tangible documentation is available for the species. Gene Howe 149 Short Street Goldsboro, NC 27530 Harry E. LeGrand, Jr. N.C. Natural Heritage Program 1615 MSC Raleigh, NC 27699-1615 The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 2, Spring 2000 65 Literature Cited Kain, T, ed. 1987. Virginia’s birdlife: An annotated checklist. Virginia Society of Ornithology, Virginia Avifauna No. 3. Mlodinow, S G, and K T Karlson. 1999. Anis in the United States and Canada. North American Birds 53:237-245. North Carolina Bird Records Committee. 1998. 1997 Report of the North Carolina Bird Records Committee. Chat 62:180-182. Young, P. 1983. Groove-billed Ani at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, S.C. Chat 47:23-25. CAROLINABIRDS Carolinabirds is an Internet e-mail discussion group about birds and birding in the Carolinas. Subscribers frequently post sightings to it similar to those found in Briefs for the Files, but unusual behavior receives more attention. Subscriptions are free. To subscribe, address an e-mail message to . Don’t fill in the subject line. As your message, simply put, “subscribe carolinabirds” (without the quotes). You will receive a confirmation and more information shortly. Submissions for Briefs for the Files should be sent directly to Ricky Davis. BRIEFS FOR THE FILES Ricky Davis 608 Smallwood Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 RJDNC@aol.com All Dates Fall 1999 Briefs for the Files is a seasonal collection of uncommon-to-rare or unusual North and South Carolina bird sightings and events which do not necessarily require a more detailed Field Note or article. Reports of your sightings are due the 20th of the month after the end of the previous season. Winter: December 1 - February 28, due March 20 Spring: March 1 - May 31, due June 20 Summer: June 1 - July 31, due August 20 Fall: August 1 - November 30, due December 20 Reports can be submitted in any format, but I prefer that you type them and list the sightings according to the birds in checklist order (not according to dates or locations). If you submit your report to me through e-mail, please type your report directly into the message or copy it from a word processing program directly into the message. You may also attach your file to the e-mail, but if you do, please let me know the program used and also send a second version saved as a text (.txt) file. Suitable reports for the Briefs include any sightings you feel are unusual, rare, noteworthy, or just plain interesting to you in any way! It is my responsibility to decide which reports merit inclusion in the Briefs. Please be sure to include details of any rare or hard-to-identify birds. I rely in part on sightings reported in Carolinabirds. Please don’t, however, rely on me to pick up your sightings from Carolinabirds. Instead, please also send your sightings directly to me as described above. If I feel that your sighting warrants a field note, I will contact either you or the appropriate state Field Notes editor. You may, of course, submit your Field Note directly to the editor without going through me. COMMON LOON: One was early at L. Monticello, SC, Sept. 18, as noted by Donna Bailey and Bob Ellis. The highest inland count reported was 200 + on L. Norman, NC, Nov. 7 (Tom Lorenzin). RED-NECKED GREBE: The only one reported was at L. Mattamuskeet, NC, Nov. 14 (Haven Wiley et al.), a rare occurrence for that locality. EARED GREBE: The peak counts noted were seven at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, Oct. 13 (Steve Calver) and six at the Goldsboro, NC, Wastewater Treatment Plant during the fall (Eric Dean). Other Eareds included three at L. Paul Wallace, Bennettsville, SC, Oct. 18 (Barbara Gearhart), up to two at the Hemingway, SC, Sewage Lagoons Oct. 24-27 (Mike Turner; Lex Glover and 66 The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 2, Spring 2000 67 David Dobson), one at the C. Hatteras point salt pond Nov. 5 (Taylor Piephoff et al.), and one on New Field, Pea Island N.W.R., NC, Nov. 5-7 (Simon Thompson et al.; m. obs.). WESTERN GREBE: One was found at L. Paul Wallace, Bennettsville, SC, Aug. 13 (Barbara Gearhart) and was subsequently seen by many observers during its stay, which was at least until October 22. This species is extremely rare anywhere in the Carolinas, and this bird provided about the 4th record for South Carolina. HERALD PETREL: This species has become expected each year now, with this fall’s birds including one off Wilmington, NC, Aug. 3 (Wayne Irvin) and one off Oregon Inlet, NC, Aug. 7 (Paul Guris et al.). FEA’S PETREL: Only one was found this fall, off Hatteras, NC, Aug. 8 (Brian Patteson et al.). BERMUDA PETREL: North Carolina’s 5th or so Bermuda Petrel was discovered off Hatteras Aug. 14 (Patteson et al.). One wonders if this endangered species is really beginning to increase its numbers or whether the recent string of sightings is due to more observer effort. BLACK-CAPPED PETREL: The peak offshore count was 241 off Oregon Inlet, NC, Aug. 16 (Patteson et al.). Hurricane Dennis brought some to the coast, where one was on Roanoke Sound Aug. 3 1 (Jeff Lewis) and one was at Ocracoke Sept. 4 (Elizabeth Hanrahan). CORY’S SHEARWATER: A record one-day offshore total was the 6,219 counted off Hatteras, NC, Aug. 7 (Patteson et al.). Storm-related beachings included 196 found on Ocracoke, NC, Sept. 9 following Hurricane Dennis (Marcia Lyons). Also one was seen inland on the Neuse River, New Bern, NC, Sept. 16 following Hurricane Floyd (Wade Fuller). SOOTY SHEARWATER: This species is quite rare and unexpected during the fall season. Thus of note were two off Hatteras, NC, Aug. 7 (Patteson et al .), one off Oregon Inlet, NC, Aug. 8 (Guris et al .), and one from Roanoke Island, NC, Aug. 31 during Hurricane Dennis (Jeff Lewis). AUDUBON’S SHEARWATER: At least 81 were found dead on Ocracoke, NC, beaches following Hurricane Dennis Sept. 9, as noted by Marcia Lyons. WILSON’S STORM-PETREL: Hurricane Dennis brought in small numbers along North Carolina’s coast, with the best count being 25 in Roanoke Sound Aug. 3 1 (Keith Watson and Jeff Lewis). One was also inland at New Bern, NC, following Hurricane Floyd Sept. 16 (Wade Fuller). WHITE-FACED STORM-PETREL: The always exciting White-faced Storm-Petrel was found several times this fall. Three were off Wilmington, NC, during a cruise Aug. 1-8 (Wayne Irvin), one was off Oregon Inlet, NC, Aug. 7 (Guris et al .), and one was off Oregon Inlet, NC, Aug. 29 (Patteson et al.). BAND-RUMPED STORM-PETREL: The peak count noted this fall was an excellent one-day total of 150 off Oregon Inlet, NC, Aug. 16 (Patteson et al.). WHITE-TAILED TROPICBIRD: Reports of this much-sought-after species were down somewhat this fall. The only sightings were one off Hatteras, NC, Aug. 8 and Oregon Inlet, NC, Aug. 16 (Patteson et al.); and one was found dead at Ocracoke, NC, Sept. 9 following Hurricane Dennis (Marcia Lyons). NORTHERN GANNET: One was quite early and unusual on Roanoke Sound, NC, Aug. 31 (Jeff Lewis), no doubt affected by Hurricane Dennis. 68 Briefs for the Files AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN: Impressive numbers of this species were found in South Carolina’s ACE Basin this fall. On August 30, Stephen Harris counted four at Bear Island W.M.A. and 27 at Donnelly W.M.A. And a count of 20 was had at Bear Island as late as Oct. 28, as noted by Lex Glover and Tom Murphy. In North Carolina, the only report was of one in Roanoke Sound Sept. 6 (Jeff Lewis). ANHINGA: Some notable inland fall sightings included one at Tarboro, NC, Aug. 7 (John & Paula Wright), two at L. Paul Wallace, Bennettsville, SC, Aug. 20-29 (Dick Burk), one at Pee Dee N.W.R., NC, Aug. 21 (Dick Burk), and one at Goldsboro, NC, Sept. 1 1 (Eric Dean). MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD: The only report was of one hanging around Paris Island, SC, Sept. 24-27 (Bob Chinn, fide Van Atkins). This is most unusual in that this species normally does not stay in one area for more than a day in the Carolinas. LEAST BITTERN: An excellent count of this elusive species was the 18 at C. Romain N.W.R., SC, Aug. 27 (Paul Sykes). Also one was quite late at Huntington Beach State Park, SC, Nov. 16 (Jack Peachey and Paul Rogers). REDDISH EGRET: This species continues to be found regularly in the Carolinas. The best counts this fall included five (4 dark and 1 white morph) at C. Romain N.W.R., SC, Aug. 27 (Paul Sykes), two at Sunset Beach, NC, Aug. 21 (Dan Kaplan), and two on Harbor Island, SC, Oct. 9 (George & Judy Halleron). Also one again lingered into the winter at Huntington Beach State Park, SC, as noted by Jack Peachey, Gary Phillips, Dennis Forsythe, sev. obs. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON: Locally uncommon were six at Jordan Lake, NC, Sept. 12 (Ginger Travis and Judy Murray). WHITE IBIS: The best inland total reported was the 30 at Granby Park, Richland County, SC, Oct. 5 (Robin Carter). ROSEATE SPOONBILL: Very rare in the Carolinas, one was present at Hilton Head Island, SC, from Sept. 28 (Nan Lloyd) until at least Oct. 23 (Dan Connelly). GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE: The only one reported this fall was observed in flight with a flock of Tundra Swans over Alligator River N.W.R., NC, Nov. 16 (Ricky Davis). EURASIAN WIGEON: As usual, the only Eurasian Wigeons found were one to two males at North Pond, Pea Island N.W.R., NC, from early November on into winter (m. obs.). COMMON EIDER: At Huntington Beach State Park, SC, an imm. male Common was noted Oct. 8 to be sick, and by the 13th was carried to a local wildlife shelter, where it died (Jack Peachey). It is quite possible that this bird never went north during the spring since early October is rather early for a southward-moving eider. SURF SCOTER: Inland Surf Scoter reports were dominated by the amazing total of 14 different individuals at L. Hickory, NC, during the period Oct. 25 - Nov. 30 (Dwayne & Lori Martin). BLACK SCOTER: Noteworthy Black Scoter reports included a male inland on Lookout Shoals Lake, NC, Nov. 13 (Dwayne & Lori Martin) and two quite early at Huntington Beach State Park, SC, Sept. 5 (Jack Peachey and Gary Phillips). The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 2, Spring 2000 69 WHITE- WINGED SCOTER: Very unusual was the flock of 10 White-wingeds slightly inland at the Hemingway, SC, Sewage Lagoons Oct. 24 (Mike Turner). One was still present there Oct. 27 (Lex Glover and David Dobson). HOODED MERGANSER: A female found at Beaver Lake, Asheville, NC, Aug. 7 (Tim Lewis et al.) was quite possibly a local breeder. SWALLOW-TAILED KITE: Rare and out-of-range Swallow-taileds included one over Laurinburg, NC, Aug. 1 (Barbara Gearhart) and one at Fountain Inn, Greenville County, SC, Aug. 26 (Paul Shewmaker, Pete Worthington). The farthest north was one near Boomer, Wilkes County, NC, Aug. 23 (Bill Reavis). MISSISSIPPI KITE: One was locally unusual at L. Hartwell, Pickens County, SC, Aug. 15, as noted by Mike Turner. SHARP-SHINNED HAWK: Breeding evidence of this species is always noteworthy. This fall, a pair successfully fledged one young in southeastern Forsyth County, NC, Aug. 22 {fide Ramona Snavely). BROAD-WINGED HAWK: Some peak migration totals reported included 4,365 during the first week of October at Clemson, SC (Andrew Farnsworth), 1,811 at Caesar’s Head, SC, Sept. 23 (Jeff Catlin), 1,572 at Pilot Mt. state Park, NC, (Toby Gordon), 1,209 at Mahogany Rock, NC, Sept. 22 (Jim Keighton), and 724 at Mt. Pisgah, NC, Sept. 23 (Bill Sanderson). GOLDEN EAGLE: Sightings of this rare species included one in Transylvania County, NC, Aug. 27 (Tom Joyce, Bill Siebenheller); an adult at Bluff Mt., Ashe County, NC, Aug. 29 (Merrill & Ida Lynch), two immatures at Rich Mt. Bald, NC, Oct. 18 (Curtis Smalling), one immature at Piney Creek, Alleghany County, NC, Nov. 24 (James Coman), and an immature at Surf City, NC, Nov. 6 (John Hammond, fide Taylor Piephoff) providing a very rare coastal report. MERLIN: This species was found at several inland sites this fall, with the most interesting sightings being three in Alexander County, NC, Oct. 17 (Dwayne & Lori Martin) and two at Clemson, SC, Oct. 1 (Andrew Farnsworth). SANDHILL CRANE: Sighting of this rare-but-expected species involved one near Shelby, NC, Aug. 25 until the end of September (JoAnn Martin, sev. obs.) And one at the Myrtle Beach, SC, airport Nov. 22 (fide Jack Peachey). At least two migrating young cranes joined three previously released adults at Donnelly W.M.A., SC, Oct. 28-Nov. 26 (Lex Glover and Tom Murphy, Donna Bailey). BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER: Noteworthy inland reports included two at Hooper Lane, Henderson County, NC, Aug. 24 (Wayne Forsythe, Ben Ringer, Marilyn Westphal), one at Falls Lake, NC. Aug. 22-25 (Ricky Davis, Chris Eley), three near Plymouth, NC, Aug. 27 (Ricky Davis), and one near Newton Grove, NC, Sept. 21 (Eric Dean). AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER: This species was once again reported numerous times in the Carolinas. The best totals included 45 at the Cherry Hospital fields near Goldsboro, NC, Sept. 23 following Hurricane Floyd (Eric Dean and Gene Howe), 26 at the Wright Brothers Memorial, Kitty Hawk, NC, Sept. 5 following Hurricane Dennis (John & Paula Wright, Jeff Lewis), 14 at Hooper Lane, NC, Sept. 7 (Wayne Forsythe), and seven at the Orangeburg, SC, Sod Farm Aug. 29 (Robin Carter et al.). AMERICAN AVOCET: Very rare inland reports included two at Jordan Lake, NC, Aug, 3 (Lee Van Malssen), another one there Aug. 28-3 1 (Karen Bearden et al., Lee Van Malssen), five at Beaver Lake, Asheville, NC, Oct. 21 (Tim 70 Briefs for the Files Lewis, Len Pardue), one at Santee N.W.R., SC, Oct. 17 (Robin Carter and Caroline Eastman), one at L. Murray, SC, Oct. 31 (Lex Glover and David Dobson), and one at L. Brown, Barnwell, SC, Oct. 31 (Mike Turner). WILLET: Rare inland sightings involved two at Jordan Lake, NC, Aug. 26 (Barbara Gearhart) and one at a New Bern, NC, quarry Sept. 16 following Hurricane Floyd (Wade Fuller). SPOTTED SANDPIPER: Late or lingering Spotteds were in Catawba County, NC, Nov. 13 (Dwayne & Lori Martin) and Sunset Beach, NC, Nov. 26 (Bob Perkins). UPLAND SANDPIPER: Upland Sandpiper numbers were down somewhat from previous falls. Some of the better totals were 13 at the Orangeburg, SC, Sod Farm Aug. 23 (Tim Kalbach et al. ), 1 0 near Plymouth, NC, Aug. 27 (Ricky Davis), and four at the Manteo, NC, airport Aug. 27 (Jeff Lewis and Keith Watson). A rare mountain sighting involved one found in the roadside grass along the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 403-404 , Henderson County, NC, Sept. 7, at an elevation of 3900' (Russ & Patricia Tyndall). LONG-BILLED CURLEW: Always noteworthy, reports of Long-billeds included one at Wrightsville Beach, NC, Aug. 29 (John Brunjes), one at the Wright Brothers Memorial, Kitty Hawk, NC, Sept. 1 (Jeff Lewis), one at Ocracoke, NC, Sept. 4 (Elizabeth Hanrahan), and one at Edisto Beach, SC, Nov. 26 (Sidney Gauthreaux, Carroll Belser, Ritchie Belser). Also two were extremely rare inland in Jones County, NC, Sept. 5 following Hurricane Dennis (Clancy Ballenger). BLACK-TAILED GOD WIT: North Carolina’s third Black-tailed Godwit was a complete surprise inland at the Cherry Hospital fields near Goldsboro, NC, Sept. 23, following Hurricane Floyd (Eric Dean). The bird was observed well in flight as it circled the field. The identifying field marks consisted of a long, almost straight godwit bill, distinct wing stripe, white underwing linings, and black and white tail pattern. Of note is that a Hudsonian Godwit was present in the field at the same time for comparison! HUDSONIAN GODWIT: Peak coastal counts included eight at the Wright Brothers Memorial, Kitty Hawk, NC, Sept. 5 (John & Paula Wright), six at North Pond, Pea Island N.W.R., NC, Aug. 27 (Ricky Davis), and three at Ocracoke, NC, Sept. 10 (Jon Altman). Very rare inland were one at Falls Lake, NC, Aug. 21-23 (Chris Eley, Les Todd, sev. obs.) and one at the Cherry Hospital, NC, Sept. 23 - Oct. 2 (Eric Dean and Gene Howe). MARBLED GODWIT: One provided a very rare inland report at Jordan Lake, NC, Aug. 28 - Sept. 4 (Will Cook et al, Chris Eley et al). SANDERLING: Some of the better inland reports included five at Falls Lake, NC, Sept. 6, following Hurricane Dennis (Chris Eley and Ricky Davis), four at the Goldsboro, NC, Wastewater Treatment Plant Sept. 4 (Eric Dean), and three at Hooper Lane, NC, Aug. 24 (Wayne Forsythe, Ben Ringer, Marilyn Westphal). SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER: The best totals reported inland were 50 at Jordan Lake, NC, Aug. 28 (Will Cook et al ) and 1 1 5 at the Winslow Sod Farm, Scotland Neck, NC, Sept. 5 (Ricky Davis). WESTERN SANDPIPER: Peak inland counts included 18 at the Winslow Sod Farm, NC, Sept. 5 (Ricky Davis), five at Jordan Lake, NC, Aug. 28 (Will Cook The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 2, Spring 2000 71 et al.), three at the NCSU Dairy pond, Wake County, NC, Aug. 22 (Brian Pendergraft), three at the Orangeburg, SC, Sod Farm Aug. 29 (Robin Carter et al.), and three in Aiken County, SC, Sept. 18 (Anne Waters). WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER: Unusual numbers were found at several inland sites, all resulting from Hurricane Dennis. Thirty-two were at the Winslow Sod Farm, NC, Sept. 5 (Ricky Davis), ten were at the Goldsboro, NC, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Sept. 6 (Eric Dean), and five were at L. Crabtree, Wake County, NC, Sept. 5 (Dan Kaplan). Also an excellent total of 150 were at the Wright Brothers Memorial, Kitty Hawk, NC, Sept. 5 (John & Paula Wright). Two were locally rare at a Winston-Salem, NC, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Aug. 29, as noted by Ramona Snavely, Regina Burt et al. BAIRD’S SANDPIPER: This species was found several times this fall. One was at the Topsail Beach, NC, spoil site Aug. 16 (Bob Holmes and Clancy Ballenger), one was at the Orangeburg, SC, Sod Farm Aug. 21 {fide Taylor Piephoff), one was at Jordan Lake, NC, Aug. 22 -31 (Ricky Davis, Doug Shadwick, Sandy Cash, Barbara Gearhart, Will Cook), and two were on a sandbar in the Saluda River at the Saluda - Newberry County line, SC, Sept. 4 (Tim Kalbach, Robin Carter and Caroline Eastman). Also following Hurricane Dennis on Sept. 5, Ricky Davis found singles just east of Rocky Mount, NC, and at the Winslow Sod Farm, Scotland Neck, NC. PECTORAL SANDPIPER: The peak count reported was the 400+ at the Orangeburg, SC, Sod Farm Aug. 29 (Columbia Audubon Society). CURLEW SANDPIPER: The number of sightings of this species has really dropped during the last several years. The only report received was of two at Pea Island N.W.R., NC, Aug. 7 (John Brunjes). STILT SANDPIPER: Numbers of this sandpiper were down this fall season. Locally noteworthy were one at Falls Lake, NC, Aug. 8 (Les Todd et al.), one in Anderson County, SC, Aug. 14 (Mike Turner), one in Timmonsville, SC, Aug. 22 (Turner), and one at Hooper Lane, NC, Sept. 26 (Wayne Forsythe and Simon Thompson). BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER: This species once again was reported in widespread fashion. At Hooper Lane, NC, this species was present from Aug. 23 with two, followed by eight on Aug. 29, and peaking at 12 on Sept. 19 (Wayne Forsythe). Three was the peak count at the Orangeburg, SC, Sod Farm Aug. 23 (Tim Kalbach et al. ), and two were at the Winslow Sod Farm, Scotland Neck, NC, Aug. 1 5 (Chris Newton) and again Sept. 5-12 (Ricky Davis). Others reported included one near Santee, SC, Aug. 14 (Dennis Forsythe), one at Falls Lake, NC, Aug. 21-22 (Chris Eley, Les Todd, Ricky Davis), one at Cowan’s Ford Refuge, Mecklenburg County, NC, Aug. 27 (Taylor Piephoff), one at L. Hartwell, SC, Sept. 1 1 (Bob & Barbara Maxwell, Sidney Gauthreaux, Carroll Belser), and one at C. Hatteras, NC, Sept. 30 (Jon Altman). SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER: Some of the more interesting inland sightings involved up to 20 at Falls Lake, NC, Aug. 22 (Ricky Davis) and two in Sumter County, SC, Aug. 29 (Mike Turner). COMMON SNIPE: Actual observation of migrating flocks of snipe is a rare occurrence. Imagine the surprise of Ricky Davis where at a sand pit pond just east of Rocky Mount, NC, on Oct. 31, he noted a single group of 210 snipe drop from high in the sky to the shoreline! 72 Briefs for the Files WILSON’S PHALAROPE: The only reports received were of one at South Pond, Pea Island N.W.R., NC, Aug. 8 (Ricky Davis) and a peak of 10 at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, Aug. 3 (Steve Calver). RED-NECKED PHALAROPE: Rare inland reports, apparently not related to storms, included one at Jordan Lake, NC, Aug. 11 (Doug Shadwick) and another at Lake Tillery, NC, Oct. 24 until early November (Grady Goldston). Following Hurricane Dennis, reports involved five at the Wright Brothers Memorial, Kitty Hawk, NC, Sept. 5 (John & Paula Wright) and two at the Winslow Sod Farm, NC, Sept. 5 (Ricky Davis, Frank Enders). Out of a flock of 30+ phalaropes on Falls Lake, NC, Sept. 6, 12 were identified as Red-neckeds (Ricky Davis, Chris Eley). Following Hurricane Floyd, one was at the Cherry Hospital fields, Goldsboro, NC, Sept. 22 (Eric Dean), and one was on L. Paul Wallace, Bennettsville, SC, Sept. 23-26 (Susan Campbell, sev. obs.). RED PHALAROPE: Very rare inland were one at Falls Lake, NC, Sept. 6, following Hurricane Dennis (Ricky Davis) and one on L. Hickory, NC, Oct. 7, as noted by Dwayne & Lori Martin. SOUTH POLAR SKUA: North Carolina had the only reports this fall. The best one-day counts were a record seven off Hatteras Aug. 7 and three off Oregon Inlet Aug. 16 (Brian Patteson et al.). Also Irvin recorded three during a cruise off Wilmington Aug. 1-8. Other reports off Hatteras included two on Aug. 8 (Paul Guris et al.) and one on Aug. 14 (Patteson et al). Also off Oregon Inlet, singles were found Aug. 7 and 9 (Guris et al). POMARINE JAEGER: The only onshore report involved one during Hurricane Dennis at Roanoke Sound, on Aug. 31 (Jeff Lewis). PARASITIC JAEGER: Storm related sightings included one on Roanoke Sound, NC, during Dennis Aug. 3 1 and another there following Floyd Sept. 16 (Jeff Lewis). Other onshore migrants observed involved three at Ocracoke, NC, Nov. 6, one at Nags Head, NC, Nov. 13, and three at C. Hatteras, NC, Nov. 14, all noted by Eric Dean et al LONG-TAILED JAEGER: The only offshore sightings included singles off Hatteras, NC, Aug. 8 and Oregon Inlet, NC, Aug. 29 (Patteson et al). Much rarer and unexpected was one inland at New Bern, NC, Aug. 30 during Hurricane Dennis, as noted by Bob Holmes. LAUGHING GULL: Inland reports not related to storms included 12 on Lake Norman, NC, Aug. 27 (Gail B. Ice) and four at Jordan Lake, NC, Oct. 9 (Will Cook et al). Hurricane Dennis brought good numbers inland, with the best totals being 34 at Jordan Lake Sept. 7 (Will Cook), 30 at Falls Lake Sept. 6 (Ricky Davis and Chris Eley), 1 5 at the Goldsboro, NC, Wastewater Treatment Plant Sept. 5 (Eric Dean), and five at L. Crabtree, Wake County Sept. 5 (Dan Kaplan). LITTLE GULL: Only one was found this fall, an immature that flew past Kill Devil Hills, NC, Nov. 13 was early (Jeremy Hyman). BLACK-HEADED GULL: One at C. Hatteras point Nov. 3 provided the only report of this rare but regular species (Taylor Piephoff et al.). THAYER’S GULL: Rare anywhere in the Carolinas, one, an immature, was found at Oregon Inlet, NC, Nov. 6 (David Hughes et al.). The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 2, Spring 2000 73 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL: An excellent count for so early in the season was the 29 at C. HatteraS point Oct. 10, as noted by Susan Campbell and Pat Moore. GLAUCOUS GULL: Locally rare was a 1st winter Glaucous at Ft. Fisher, NC, Nov. 27-28 (Mark Galizio and Kate Bruce). SABINE’S GULL: South Carolina got its 3rd or 4th Sabine’s Gull when an immature was well-described at the Savannah Spoil Site Sept. 13 (Steve Calver). ROYAL TERN: Storm-related inland reports included four at the Goldsboro, NC, Wastewater Treatment Plant Sept. 5 - Hurricane Dennis (Eric Dean), two at Falls Lake Sept. 6 - Dennis (Ricky Davis and Chris Eley), and three at Jordan Lake Sept. 16 - Hurricane Floyd (Will Cook). SANDWICH TERN: The farthest inland report following Hurricane Dennis was of two at Falls Lake, NC, Sept. 6 (Ricky Davis). COMMON TERN: The best inland totals were had following Hurricane Floyd, with 150 at Lookout Shoals Lake, NC, Sept. 15 (Dwayne & Lori Martin) and 100 at Jordan Lake, NC, Sept. 16 (Will Cook, Harry LeGrand, Mike Tove, Jeff Pippen). After Hurricane Dennis, reports included 16 at Falls Lake Sept. 6 (Ricky Davis), five at Jordan Lake Sept. 7 (Will Cook), and two at L. Crabtree, Wake County, NC, Sept. 5 (Dan Kaplan). Also of note, one was very late at Pea Island N.W.R., NC, Nov. 20 (Will Cook, Josh Rose, Rob Van Epps). FORSTER’S TERN: Inland storm-related counts included 50 at Lookout Shoals Lake, NC, Sept. 1 5 (Dwayne & Lori Martin) and 50 at Jordan Lake, NC, Sept. 16 (Will Cook et al.), both following Hurricane Floyd. Also of note were seven at L. Marion, Sumter County, SC, Aug. 29 (Mike Turner), six at Falls Lake Sept. 6 (Chris Eley and Ricky Davis), and six at Jordan Lake Sept. 7 (Will Cook), all probably related to Hurricane Dennis. LEAST TERN: Four were locally unusual inland at Santee N.W.R., SC, Aug. 23, as noted by Tim Kalbach. Other inland reports were involving Hurricane Dennis with one east of Rocky Mount, NC, Sept. 5 (Ricky Davis) and one at Goldsboro, NC, Sept. 5 (Eric Dean). BRIDLED TERN: Record numbers were found offshore this fall, with 1 1 1 counted off Hatteras, NC, Aug. 8 (Brian Patteson et al.). Onshore reports associated with storms included three at Edisto Island, SC, Aug. 29 (Robin Carter and Caroline Eastman) and up to 1 7 in Roanoke Sound, NC, Sept. 1 (Jeff Lewis), both during Hurricane Dennis. Hurricane Floyd brought at least 20 to the New Bern, NC, area Sept. 16 (Wade Fuller and Bob Holmes) and six to Roanoke Island, NC, Sept. 16 (Jeff Lewis). SOOTY TERN: The best offshore totals were the impressive count of 154 off Hatteras, NC, Aug. 7, and 47 off Oregon Inlet, NC, Aug. 16 (Patteson et al.). Hurricane Dennis reports included eight near New Bern, NC, Aug. 30 (Bob Holmes) and four in Roanoke Sound, NC, Aug. 31 (Jeff Lewis). Also three were near New Bern, NC, Sept. 16 following Hurricane Floyd (Bob Holmes and Wade Fuller). BLACK TERN: The best inland reports received included 26 at L. Paul Wallace, Bennettsville, SC, Aug. 20 (Dick Burk), 21 at L. Hickory, NC, Aug. 24 (Dwayne & Lori Martin), 14 at Lookout Shoals Lake, NC, Aug. 24 (Martins), and 12 at Falls Lake, NC, Aug. 28 (Chris Eley and Gordon Brown). 74 Briefs for the Files BLACK SKIMMER: Hurricane Floyd brought several skimmers inland on Sept. 16, with four near New Bern, NC (Wade Fuller), three near Jacksonville, NC, (Buddy Garrett), and one on the Neuse River (Fuller). EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE: This species continues to show up in North Carolina. Two were rather far inland at Conover from late September until early October (Dwayne & Lori Martin). Elsewhere one was at Pea Island N.W.R. Oct. 23 (Jeff Lewis), one was at Ft. Fisher Oct. 3 (John Brunjes), and the Beaufort colony had up to 12 birds Nov. 26 (Gene Howe). WHITE- WINGED DOVE: Another increasing species in North Carolina, White-wingeds were found at Ft. Fisher Sept. 3 (Mary McDavit and Carolyn Bush) and Nov. 27 (John Brunjes), Frisco Nov. 8-14 (fide Keith Watson and Pat Moore), Morehead City Nov. 1 9-22 (John Fussell), Bodie Island lighthouse Nov. 29 (Keith Watson), and at Atlantic, Carteret County in late November ( fide John Fussell). BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO: The only report received was of one in Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC, Aug. 16 (Wayne Forsythe and Ron Selvey). LONG-EARED OWL: This rare and elusive species was found in the mountains with two separate birds responding to a tape at Bass Lake and Trout Lake near Blowing Rock, NC, Oct. 30 (Dwayne & Lori Martin et al.). SHORT-EARED OWL: Noteworthy reports included one very early at the Orangeburg, SC, Sod Farm Sept. 21 (Pete Worthington), at least four in the Bodie Island, NC, marshes Nov. 6 through the end of the period (Taylor Piephoff et ah, sev. obs.), and one at Hooper Lane, NC, Nov. 18 through the end of the period (Wayne Forsythe and Betty Mcllwain, sev. obs.). One found injured near Concord, NC, Oct. 25 (fide Taylor Piephoff) was taken to the Carolina Raptor Center for rehabilitation. NORTHERN SAW- WHET OWL: This species staged one of its better flights this fall. Some of the more interesting reports of migrants included four banded at York, SC, Nov. 29-30 (Bill Hilton, Jr.), two banded near Halifax, NC, Nov. 7-8 (Frank Enders), one found injured (later died) at Charleston, SC, Nov. 30 ( fide Will Post), one seen roosting for a day in Columbia, SC, Nov. 15 (Robin Carter, Caroline Eastman et ah), and up to two along the Mashoes Road, Dare County, NC, Nov. 5-6 (Jeff Lewis et ah). In the mountains one was heard near Mt. Pisgah, NC, Sept. 12 (Paul Shewmaker), and another was heard near Grandfather Mountain, NC, Oct. 30 (Dwayne & Lori Martin). YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER: One near Jordan Lake, NC, Sept. 1 8 was considered to be early (Will Cook). EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE: An excellent fall count was the 30+ at Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC, Sept. 22, as noted by Wayne Forsythe et ah Also one was late at Clemson, SC, Nov. 12 (Andrew Farnsworth). YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER: One provided a rare fall sighting at Columbia, SC, Sept. 2 1 (Robin Carter), for the only report received. LEAST FLYCATCHER: One was quite rare at the coast on Roanoke Island, NC, Sept. 1 1, as noted by Jeff Lewis. ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER: North Carolina’s third Ash-throated was found near Hooper Lane, Henderson County, for one day only Oct. 28 (Wayne Forsythe, Ron Selvey, Rick Hensley, Bill Green). The bird was observed well and videotaped for documentation. And amazingly, the state’s fourth The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 2, Spring 2000 75 Ash-throated was found, again for one day only, at Bodie Island lighthouse Nov. 7 (Tom Gwynn, David Hughes et al.). With two found at opposite ends of the state this fall, one wonders if there were more individuals in our area that went undetected. WARBLING VIREO: This is a rare fall migrant in the Carolinas, thus of note were one at Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC, Sept. 17-18 and 22 (Wayne Forsythe, Simon Thompson et al.), one at Beaver Lake, Asheville, NC, Sept. 20 (Len Pardue), and an amazing three different individuals at the coast on Roanoke Island, NC, Sept. 12, Oct. 1 & 6 (Jeff Lewis). PHILADELPHIA VIREO: Either this species is increasing or observers are looking for it more than they used to. Continuing a trend for the last several years, reports were numerous and widespread. One of the most interesting reports was an unprecedented one-day count of 12 at Jackson Park, NC, Sept. 22 (Wayne Forsythe et al.). And coastally, where decidedly less common, two were on Roanoke Island, NC, Sept. 17-23 (Jeff Lewis, Lee Yoder), and one was at C. Lookout, NC, Sept. 23 (Rich Boyd). CAVE SWALLOW: This species staged a major flight into the East this fall. Reports from the Carolinas included two at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, Nov. I (Steve Calver), 5-6 at Sunset Beach, NC, Nov. 10 (Mark Oberle), and two Cave/Cliff types at Huntington Beach State Park, SC, Nov. 27 (Jack Peachey, Gary Phillips, Kenneth Behrens). In late November, Cave Swallow is considerably more likely, especially in a flight year. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH: There was a good influx of Red-breasteds this fall. Reports came from across the Carolinas, with the best count being 20 at Blue Ridge Junction Overlook, Yancey County, NC, Oct. 3 (Dwayne & Lori Martin). We’ll have to see if the birds remain for the winter in this fashion. CAROLINA WREN: One was a surprise on the top (6200' elev.) of Roan Mt., NC, Nov. 28 (Rick Knight). This is rather late for the species to be at that elevation. HERMIT THRUSH: Two were quite early at Blue Ridge Junction Overlook, Yancey County, NC, Sept. 19 (Dwayne & Lori Martin). GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH: In a fall migration which had few positive thrush reports, the presence of 1 0 Gray Cheekeds in Fairfield County, SC, Sept. I I (Donna Bailey) was easily the highest count for this species. GRAY CATBIRD: One at Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC, Nov. 9 (Ron Selvey), late for that area, was probably a result of the mild fall. GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER: One was locally rare on the coast at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, Oct. 10, as noted by Steve Calver. “BREWSTER’S” WARBLER: This hybrid was found once, with one in western Buncombe County, NC, Aug. 24 (Len & Esther Pardue). TENNESSEE WARBLER: This species tends to migrate through the western portions in the fall, so coastal sightings of note included two at New Bern, NC, Sept. 23 (Bob Holmes), one at C. Lookout, NC, Sept. 23 (Rich Boyd), and singles at Roanoke Island, NC, Sept. 1 1 & 14 (Jeff Lewis). One was quite late at Pea Island N.W.R., NC, Nov. 7 (John Fussell, sev. obs.). NASHVILLE WARBLER: This species was reported much more than normal this fall. The best one-day totals included five at Jackson Park, NC, Sept. 22 (Wayne Forsythe et al.), four on North Carolina’s Outer Banks Sept. 1 1 (Jeff 76 Briefs for the Files Lewis), two at Ft. Jackson, Richland County, SC, Oct. 2 (Lex Glover), and two on Roanoke Island, NC, Oct. 7 (Lewis). Also of note were late Nashvilles, with one at Laurinburg, NC, Oct. 29 (Barbara Gearhart) and one at Pea Island N.W.R., NC, Nov. 3 (Gene Howe). CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER: Three at Pea Island N.W.R., NC, Oct. 1 (Bob Holmes) provided an excellent count for that coastal locality. MAGNOLIA WARBLER: One was very late at L. Mattamuskeet, NC, Nov. 25, as noted by Gary Felton. BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER: An excellent one-day total was the 1 5 at Blue Ridge Junction Overlook, NC, Aug. 22 (Dwayne & Lori Martin). This species is much harder to find at the coast, so of note were one at Ft. Macon, NC, Sept. 18 (John Fussell) and singles at New Bern, NC, Sept. 23 & Oct. 6 (Bob Holmes). BLACKPOLL WARBLER: One was quite late at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, NC, Nov. 19 (Gene Howe). AMERICAN REDSTART: Another late warbler was the Redstart at L. Mattamuskeet, NC, Nov. 25 (Gary Felton). This lake is one of the best areas for holding late and lingering warblers in the Carolinas. SWAINSON’S WARBLER: One was locally rare and an excellent find at Roanoke Island, NC, on the late date of Sept. 21 (Jeff Lewis). KENTUCKY WARBLER: Rare coastal sightings involved one on Roanoke Island, NC, Sept. 9 (Jeff Lewis) and one at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, Oct. 10 (Steve Calver). CONNECTICUT WARBLER: The rare Connecticut was reported four times this fall, with singles at Jordan Lake, NC, Sept. 1 8 (Doug Shadwick), at Pea Island N.W.R., NC, Oct. 2 (Keith Watson et al), at Townville, SC, Oct. 14 (Bob & Barbara Maxwell), and at Clemson, SC, Oct. 1 and 15 (Andrew Farnsworth). MOURNING WARBLER: Two reports of this rare species included an immature male at Charlotte, NC, Sept. 3-6 (Wayne Covington, Judy Walker) and another imm. male at Jackson Park, NC, Sept. 25-27 (Wayne Forsythe, Ron Selvey et al). WILSON’S WARBLER: This species was reported more frequently than normal this fall. Some of the more interesting sightings included an amazing count of five at Jackson Park, NC, Sept. 22 (Wayne Forsythe et al.), two at James Island, SC, Sept. 25 (Lex Glover et al), and at least six different birds on Roanoke Island, NC, from Sept. 18 until Oct. 17, with the peak being three on Sept. 18 (Jeff Lewis). Also one was late at L. Mattamuskeet, NC, Nov. 26, as noted by Gary Felton and Ernie Marshall. CANADA WARBLER: Canada Warblers become much rarer as one gets to the coast. This fall Lewis had 1-2 on Roanoke Island, NC, Sept. 13-17, excellent finds for that locality. YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT: Lake Mattamuskeet, NC, also hosted a lingering chat, with one present Nov. 20 -25 (Jeff Lewis, Gary Felton). AMERICAN TREE SPARROW: This species is rare anywhere in North Carolina. This fall three were found near the Swannanoa River, Asheville, Nov. 1 (Greg Massey); and at Pea Island N.W.R., one was at South Pond, Nov. 5-7 (Simon Thompson et al, m. obs.) and another was at North Pond Nov. 7-8 The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 2, Spring 2000 77 (David Hughes et al., sev. obs.). CLAY-COLORED SPARROW: This species is usually found along the coast during fall migration. The best one-day count this year was four at Pea Island N.W.R., NC, Oct. 24 (Jeff Lewis). Much rarer were Clay-coloreds in the mountains at Hooper Lane, NC, with one Oct. 2-10 and two there Nov. 7 (Wayne Forsythe, Ron Selvey, Simon Thompson). LARK SPARROW: Lark Sparrow reports at Pea Island, NC, consisted of three Aug. 24 (Jeff Lewis), one Sept. 23 (Lewis), two Oct. 1 (Bob Holmes, Lewis), and one there Nov. 7 (Wings Over Water, m. obs). Single Lark Sparrows were found on Younges Island, SC, in early September ( fide Dennis Forsythe), at Ft. Fisher, NC, Sept. 3 (Mary McDavit and Carolyn Bush) and Sept. 18 (John Brunjes), and at L. Mattamuskeet, NC, Nov. 26 (Sandy & Hartsell Cash). GRASSHOPPER SPARROW: Noteworthy fall sightings involved one at Hooper Lane, NC, Oct. 13 & 31 (Wayne Forsythe and Rick Hensley), one in Mecklenburg County, NC, Oct. 23 (Taylor Piephoff et al), and one at Santee N.W.R., SC, Oct. 24 (Tim Kalbach et al.). HENSLOW’S SPARROW: Rare fall reports of this elusive species were one at Santee N.W.R., SC, Oct. 24 & Nov. 25 (Tim Kalbach) and one at Huntington Beach State Park, SC, Nov. 7 (Jack Peachey and Gary Phillips). LeCONTE’S SPARROW: An excellent count of four was had at Santee N.W.R., SC, Nov. 25 (Tim Kalbach). The only other report of this rare and secretive sparrow was of one at Pea Island N.W.R., NC, Nov. 20 (Haven Wiley et al.). NELSON’S SHARP-TAILED SPARROW: Sharp-tailed Sparrows are very rarely found inland in the Carolinas, although they regularly migrate over these areas. Thus excellent finds were the two different Nelson’s found at Hooper Lane, NC, Oct. 8-10 and Oct. 13-16 (Wayne Forsythe, Ron Selvey et al.). LINCOLN’S SPARROW: The Hooper Lane, NC, area had excellent numbers of this sparrow, with 15+ sightings over a two- week period in early October (Wayne Forsythe, sev. obs.). Other noteworthy reports included two in Transylvania County, NC, with one along Wilson Road Oct. 2 (Tom Joyce) and one at Hospital Fields Oct. 9 (Norma & Bill Siebenheller); one at Castleford, Watauga County, NC, Oct. 8 (Curtis Smalling); one at Mason Farm, Chapel Hill, NC, Oct. 25 (Jim Bloor) and during mid-November (John Gerwin); and one at Laurinburg, NC, Nov. 13 (Barbara Gearhart). SNOW BUNTING: North Carolina had the only reports, with up to four at C. Hatteras in early November (Eric Dean et al., sev. obs.), up to three at Oregon Inlet Nov. 5-8 (John Fussell et al., sev. obs.), one at Ft. Macon Nov. 11-13 (Randy Newman), and one at Sunset Beach Nov. 1 1 (Mark Oberle). ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK: This species often migrates in the fall in good numbers through the mountain passes, but rarely are numbers counted. The magnitude of this passage was noted this fall, when 137 were counted at Ridge Junction Overlook, Yancey County, NC, on Sept. 19 (Dwayne & Lori Martin). INDIGO BUNTING: One was slightly late at Red Hill, Edgecombe County, NC, on Nov. 21, as noted by Ricky Davis. PAINTED BUNTING: The Buxton, NC, area has been known to hold wintering Painted Buntings for several years now. This fall, four returned to the 78 Briefs for the Files usual feeder on Nov. 1 6, presumably for the winter (Chuck Hebenstreit,/* de Pat Moore). DICKCISSEL: Rare but regular in fall, sightings included one at Pea Island, NC, Sept. 1 1 (Pat Moore et al .) and Oct. 14 & 23 (Jeff Lewis), one on Roanoke Island, NC, Sept. 17-19 and Oct. 7 (Lewis), one at Morehead City, NC, Oct. 1 (John Fussell), and one at Clemson, SC, Oct. 6 (Andrew Farnsworth). YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD: Three reports this fall consisted of a female at C. Hatteras, NC, Aug. 19 {fide Jon Altman, Marcia Lyons), an imm. male atTibwin Plantation, Charleston County, SC, Sept. 2 (Mike Bernard), and an adult male near Beulaville, Duplin County, NC, Nov. 26 (Patricia Eamhardt-T yndall) . SHINY COWBIRD: Two different birds at C. Remain N.W.R., SC, Aug. 27-28 (Paul Sykes) provided the only report for the fall season. PURPLE FINCH: This species arrived in the Carolinas in small numbers but were spread across the two states. The earliest arrivals included three in Orange County, NC, Sept. 1 7 (Randy Dunston,/? de Will Cook) and one near Ft. Motte, Calhoun County, SC, Sept. 21 (Mike Turner). RED CROSSBILL: Thirteen crossbills were a good find at Blue Ridge Junction Overlook, Yancey County, NC, Aug. 28 (Dwayne & Lori Martin). The Burrell’s Ford - Walhalla Fish Hatchery area in South Carolina hosted up to 15 during September and early October (Donna & Dennis Forsythe, Bob & Barbara Maxwell, Sidney Gauthreaux and Carroll Belser et al ., Tim Kalbach, Lex Glover; sev. obs.). COMMON REDPOLL: A Common Redpoll found for one day at Alligator River N.W.R., NC, Nov. 14 (Bob Holmes et al.) provided one of the very few reports of that species in the Carolinas for many years. EVENING GROSBEAK: Several reports of this much-hoped-for species trickled in this fall. Numbers were small, with the best count reported being 20+ on Roan Mt., NC, Nov. 28 (Rick Knight). Quite unusual was the immature bird at Roanoke Island, NC, on the extremely early date of Sept. 19 (Jeff Lewis). Could this foretell of some sort of winter influx of this species? CAROLINA BIRD CLUB MEMBERSHIP The Carolina Bird Club, Inc. is a non-profit educational and scientific association founded in 1937. Membership is open to those interested in the study and conservation of wildlife, particularly birds. Dues, contributions, and bequests to the Club may be deductible from state and federal income and estate taxes. Checks should be made payable to Carolina Bird Club, Inc. and sent to CBC Headquarters, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1029. DUES (Payable on a calendar-year basis) Individual $ 20.00 Associate (in same household as individual member) $ 5.00 Student $ 15.00 Sustaining (open to businesses) $ 25.00 Patron .....$ 50.00+ Life Membership (payable in four consecutive $100 installments) . . $400.00 PUBLICATIONS CBC members receive The Chat, a quarterly journal devoted to bird study and conservation, and the CBC Newsletter, which carries information about meetings, field trips, and club projects. Articles intended for publication in The Chat may be sent to the Editor or the appropriate editor listed in the inside front cover. Items for the Newsletter should be sent to its Editor, Clyde Smith, 2615 Wells Avenue, Raleigh, NC, 27608. Send correspondence regarding memberships, changes of address, or requests for back numbers of either publication to CBC Headquarters, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601- 1029. OFFICERS President: Len Pardue, 16 The Circle, Asheville, NC 28801 Vice Presidents: Donna Bailey, 176 Ravens Place, Winnsboro, SC 29180 Charlotte Goedsche, 8 Cricket Ln, Asheville, NC 28801 John Wright, 1953A Quail Ridge Road, Greenville, NC 27858 Secretary: Kathleen O’Grady, 1428A Farrington Way, Columbia, SC 29210 Treasurer: Patricia Tyndall, 400 Kilmarnock Ct, Wake Forest, NC 27587 NC Members-at-large: Susan M. Campbell, 144 Pine Ridge Drive, Whispering Pines, NC 28327 Bob Holmes, 4003 Trent Pines Dr, New Bern, NC 28562 Dwayne Martin, 3691 Jinny Lane, Claremont, NC 28610 JoAnn Martin, PO Box 242, Ellenboro, NC 28040 SC Members-at-large Carroll Richard, P.O. Box 893, Hampton, SC 29924 Gary Sowell, 140 Sweetwater Road, Hopkins, SC 29061 Immediate Past President: Bert Fisher, 924 Urban Ave., Durham, NC 27701 Headquarters Secretary: Tullie Johnson, 11 West Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27601 Rare Bird Alert: (704)332-BIRD Web Site: www.carolinabirdclub.org If a? © 5 & £ Ul U.: / X? 3T ~~ O •• 3 Cn M* 38j *-* O H o I m 5 ° z r- c// o- ui .X? X> X? J-T rn CO ■& Mi hD 3" C CD £U o 3“ 3 * ? ro o C o 0 3 CD CO C/5 (D £ !-► Cj. rn ° 3 CD Qj CD — O C/5 -* O O 01 o 0) CD o’ 3 CD- < 3- O 3 CD Z 5 CO oj- N> o si S? 2 3 a o c cr 0^3 ro c/5 o CD £ > 73 0 0 (5‘ O ro -o 05 -o 05 I CO 05 05 No. 3 /ol. 64 SUMMER The Quarterly Bulletin of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. The Ornithological Society of the Carolinas THE CHAT (USPS 101-020) Vol. 64 SUMMER 2000 No. 3 Published by The Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Editor Bob Wood, 2421 Owl Circle West Columbia, SC 29169 bobwood @ ix.netcom.com General Field Notes North Carolina South Carolina Will Cook Dennis M. Forsythe Briefs for the Files Ricky Davis Associate Editor Andrea Ceselski Editor Emeritus Eloise Potter THE CHAT is published quarterly for $20.00 by the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., with headquarters at the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1029. Second-class postage paid at Raleigh, NC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Carolina Bird Club, THE CHAT, 1 1 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1029. Articles The Role of the White Wing Patch in Communication Among Northern Mockingbirds. Michael J. Justice 79 General Field Notes Calliope Hummingbird in South Carolina. Bob and Martha Sargent and Charles and Judy Webb 88 Photograph of Black-bellied and White-faced Whistling-Ducks from North Carolina, with comments on other extralimital waterfowl. David S. Lee 93 Briefs for the Files , Winter 1999-2000 100 Cover (Yellow-breasted Chat) by Bill Duyck, Asheville, NC The Role of the White Wing Patch In Communication Among Northern Mockingbirds Michael J. Justice Department of Psychology East Carolina University Greenville, NC Introduction The wing patch of Northern Mockingbirds ( Mimus polyglottos) is formed from white on the primaries and on a row of greater primary coverts. The tips of the primaries, the lesser coverts, and the secondaries, all of which border the wing patch, are grayish-black. Because the white patch stands in sharp contrast to the gray-black surrounding it, the wing patch could be relatively visible even at fair distances in poor light. Such patches could potentially transmit information over long distances in the openness of typical mockingbird habitat. In other avian species, such patches of color are known to be used by males as intrasexual “status” signals - that is, signals of ability to win in a contest over resources. Many are signals of age-sex class, which is often associated with dominance (Fugle et al. 1984; Holberton et al. 1989; Jackson et al. 1988; Ketterson 1979; Parsons &Baptista 1980;Rohwer 1977, 1978; Watt 1986a,b). Status signals operating within age-sex classes have been found in Red- winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus : Smith 1972; Peek 1972; Hansen & Rohwer 1986; Roskaft & Rohwer 1987; Eckert & Weatherhead 1987), House Sparrows (. Passer domesticus : Moller 1987a, b; Moller & Erritzoe 1988), Least Auklets (Aethia pusilla: Jones 1990), Great Tits ( Parus major : Jarvi & Bakken 1984), Yellow Warblers ( Dendroica petechia : Studd & Robertson 1985), and Eurasian Siskins ( Carduelis spinus : Senar et al. 1993). Mockingbirds, which exhibit aggressive territoriality year-round, could benefit from an effective, long-distance visual signal of presence and/or competent defense. Such a signal could supplement or alleviate singing and calling, reduce the frequency of territorial intrusions, and help settle contests by display in lieu of escalated combat. The behavior of mockingbirds supports this reasoning. Intrasexual territorial chases without physical contact are observed as often as once per hour during daily active times in the breeding season, but escalated fighting with physical contact is extremely rare by comparison (M. Justice, unpublished data). This suggests that many aggressive interactions are settled with signals, thereby avoiding escalation to physical contact. Because chases necessarily involve exposure of the wing patch, mockingbirds could make use of its signal value in this context. Indeed, exposure of the wing patch occurs during bouts of singing (in flight displays) and occurs year-round, while singing does not. 79 80 N. Mockingbird White Wing Patch Presumably, the ability of male mockingbirds to defend their territory is a highly variable trait. If the wing patch corresponds to status, it too will be highly variable. Justice & Justice (1998) quantified various parameters of the wing patches of 34 male mockingbirds. They found considerable variability in the size of the wing patch. Most of the size variability was in its “length” from the wrist to its edge on primaries 1-4. The “width” of the wing patch (due more to the amount of white on primaries 5-10), the whiteness of the patch, and the white-gray contrast with the surrounding feathers have also been measured. These were all found to be considerably less variable (Justice & Justice 1998; M. Justice, unpublished data). If male mockingbirds use wing patch size as a reliable signal of competence in territorial defense, then two predictions can be made. First, the frequency and intensity of territorial contests should negatively correlate with wing patch size. Mockingbirds with large wing patches will be recognized as better defenders, and conspecifics will avoid conflicts with them. Second, manipulating the size of the wing patch should influence the frequency and intensity of contests. Specifically, decreasing its size may allow for bolder conspecific intrusions into the territory, resulting in more, or more intense, territorial interactions. Further, eradicating the wing patch entirely should lead to aggressive interactions even more frequent and extreme. Methods Samples for these studies were taken from a population of wild mockingbirds residing on the 72ha suburban residential campus of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (36°N 79°W). The campus is in a piedmont in southeastern North America. It supports approximately 60-70 individual mockingbirds, the majority of which were color banded for this study. Federal and state permits and LACUC approval were obtained prior to trapping and data collection. Wooden, 25cm-square “platforms,” attached atop 1 .6m posts, were built, and one was placed in every mockingbird territory on campus to serve as a feeding and trapping station. For feeding, two tablespoons of a peanut butter/commeal mix were placed on each platform twice per week. For trapping, 1 8cm-cube treadle traps were placed in randomly selected territories and baited with the peanut butter/commeal mix. Adult mockingbirds cannot be definitively sexed by external morphology. Upon trapping an unbanded mockingbird, the likelihood of its being male was assessed using wing patch size (see Justice & Justice 1998). Upon trapping a banded mockingbird, records of prior sex-specific behavior were typically available. Upon capture of a male (or likely male), the bird was first banded (if necessary), then wing patch size and wing length were measured as described in Justice & Justice (1998), and finally its wing patch size was manipulated experimentally as described below. A dark gray, nontoxic ink was applied to the dorsal and ventral surfaces of both wings. Using stratified random assignment, three groups were formed, and ink was applied to each group differently. In the “reduced” group, the ink reduced the size of the wing patch by covering all of the white area on the primaries beyond the distal edge of the greater coverts. This produced birds with wing patches smaller than ever naturally observed and also manipulated the "length" The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 81 of the wing patch. In the “covered” group, the ink completely eliminated the wing patch by covering all the white on the primaries and greater coverts. The control group included both sham and non-sham controls. Sham controls had their wing patches left intact, but the gray area on the primaries was inked. Non-sham controls were banded and measured but no ink applied. The ink was dried by gently separating and blowing on the feathers, and the bird was released after approximately 20 minutes handling time. The ink wore off sufficiently to reveal the original wing patch after about one to three weeks, but some ink usually remained until the next molt. Focal-animal sampling (Altmann 1974) of behavior began at least one day following capture and was completed before the ink began to fade. The total sample time was divided into 15-second bins, and the occurrence and/or frequency of various behaviors was recorded as having occurred in a particular bin. No blinds were used because this population is routinely exposed to the close presence of humans. All samples were taken during the birds' most active times (0700 - 1 1 30hr and 1 600 - 1 900hr). Perch locations were recorded in the field on a small-scale map of the campus so that subjects’ territory boundaries were known. “Chases” of an intruder were scored when the territory resident flew in the direction of a conspecific intruder. Four types of chases were distinguished and numbered higher as the severity of the interaction increased: Type 1 - The intruder left without offering any resistance, that is, the intruder's flight path remained pointing away from the center of the resident's territory; Type 2 - The intruder offered some resistance before leaving, such as flying back toward the center of the resident's territory or perching within the resident's territory; Type 3 - There was physical contact involved, but it occurred near the territory border; and Type 4 - There was physical contact in or near the center of the resident's territory. The duration of chases was also measured. Time began when the birds involved were within 5m of one another and ended when the resident ceased to chase. The observer also recorded when the focal animal sang. Lastly, if all visual and acoustical contact with the bird was lost for more than 15s, this was scored as “time-out time.” The remaining sampling time will be referred to as "time-in time." For the behavioral measures, each individual bird's mean across samples was calculated. These individual means were averaged to obtain group means. Parametric statistics were used wherever the data met the assumptions. Sample sizes vary because not all measures were available for all birds. Because sample sizes were generally small, indices of the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent variable were computed for most inferential statistics. Results A total of 24 male mockingbirds were sampled for this study. Six non-sham controls were not different from three sham controls on any of the dependent measures (two-tailed Mann- Whitney U statistics, all p values > 0.25), and thus 82 N. Mockingbird White Wing Patch these were combined into one larger control group for all subsequent analyses. There were nine control birds, nine reduced birds, and six covered birds. Mean ± SD hours of time-in time for the control birds was 4.8 ± 1.52, for the reduced birds was 2.9 ± 0.52, and for the covered birds was 2.6 ± 0.75. There was no difference between the groups in the percentage of sampling time that was time-in time (Kruskal- Wallis H = 2.796, n = 24, p = 0.25; overall mean = 86.4%). Wing lengths (as defined in Justice & Justice 1 998) were compared between groups, and the differences were small: mean ± SE wing lengths for control birds was 112.3 ± 1.53, for reduced birds was 1 10.8 ± 1.46, and for covered birds was 111.5 ± 1 .60 (H = 0. 1 6, n = 24, p = 0.92). Mean ± SE number of chases per hour of time-in time for control birds was 0.50 ± 0.225, for reduced birds was 0.4 1 ± 0.208, and for covered birds was 1 .78 ±0.418(H = 8.363,n = 24,p = 0.015,6R = 0.55;Fig.l). Post-hoc protected rank- sum tests provided evidence that covered birds had more chases per hour than both reduced (z = 2.59, one-tailed p = 0.005) and control birds (z = 2.36, one- tailed p = 0.009). The average duration of chases did not differ between the three groups. The mean ± SE average duration (in seconds) for control birds (n = 9) was 7. 1 ± 2.7 1 , for reduced birds (n = 9) was 4.7 ± 1 .98, and for covered birds (n = 3) was 17.4 ± 1 1.44 (H = 1.882, n = 21, p = 0.55). The average intensity score of chases also did not differ across the three groups. The mean average intensity score for control birds (n = 5) was 1 .39 (range 1 .00 - 1 .67), for reduced birds (n = 4) was 1 .55 (range 1 .00 - 2.00), and for covered birds (n = 4) was 1 .67 (range 1 .00 - 2.00) (H=1.118,n=13,p = 0.57). Note that, in keeping with other results, the proportion of birds involved in chases was highest in the covered group (5/6) and about equal for reduced (4/9) and control (5/9) birds. Song production did not differ across the three groups. Mean ± SE bins with song per bins of sampling time for control birds (n = 9) was 0.18 ± 0.056, for reduced birds (n = 9) was 0.25 ± 0.08 1 , and for covered birds (n = 6) was 0.2 1 ± 0.074 (H = 0. 1 5 1 , n = 24, p = 0.93). Thus there is no evidence for changes in song output as a result of the manipulation. Mating status and breeding phase are known to influence many aspects of mockingbird behavior (Logan 1983, 1988, 1994; Breitwisch et al. 1986; Breitwisch & Whitesides 1987). Four of the reduced birds were unmated, and all other birds in the study were mated. In order to control for breeding phase, the analyses were rerun using only mated birds in the nest building phase of the breeding cycle. Sampling time in other phases was too small to permit individual analyses. Using only mated birds in the nest-building phase affected one result: The average duration of the territorial interactions was in the predicted direction and statistically significant. Mean ± SE average duration of chases (in seconds) for control birds (n = 4) was 0.4 ± 0.42, for reduced birds (n = 3) was 1 1 .5 ± 1 .92, and for covered birds (n = 3) was 17.3 ± 1 1.44 (H = 6.876, n = 10, p < 0.01, eR = 0.83; Fig. 2). Post-hoc comparisons showed covered birds had longer chases than control birds (z = 2.12, p = 0.017). Two other measures with sufficient sample sizes for testing were unchanged by controlling for mating status and breeding phase. First, number of chases per hour of time-in time was still different between the groups: mean ± SE for control birds (n = 4) was 0.13 ± 0. 128, for reduced birds (n = 3) was 0.83 ± 0.447, and for covered birds (n = 3) was 1 .88 ± The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 83 0. 195 (H = 6. 168, n = 10, p < 0.046). Second, number of bins with song per bins of sampling time was still not different between the groups: mean ± SE for control birds (n = 4) was 0.3 1 ± 0.073, for reduced birds (n = 3) was 0.24 ± 0.0 1 3, and for covered birds (n = 3) was 0.31 ± 0.120 (H = 0.164, n = 10, p = 0.921). Using only control birds, wing patch size was not significantly negatively correlated (one-tailed p values above 0.05) with number of chases per hour of time-in time (Spearman's rho = 0.458, n = 9), average intensity score of chases (rho = - 0.616, n = 5), or average duration of chases (rho = 0.390, n = 9). Controlling for breeding phase (by only using data for one phase) did not change the results of the correlational analyses. Thus, territorial interactions were not inversely related to wing patch size in control birds. An important addition to these results comes from casual observations of the resident female, which could often be readily seen for a large proportion of the sampling time. Field notes on the females' behavior were taken, particularly if the behaviors seemed out of the ordinary. These notes, although anecdotal, suggest the possibility that reducing or covering the males' wing patches had a disruptive effect on the maintenance of the pair bond. For example, one of the covered males could not evict another male that would regularly enter the territory and interact with the resident female. Another covered male lost his territory and his female to a neighboring male. Three of the experimental males' females were seen leaving the territory and interacting with the neighboring male, which in turn led to chases between the males involved. Such episodes are extremely infrequent among unmanipulated birds. Control Reduced Covered n = 9 n = 9 n = 6 Figure 1 . Both unmated and mated males in all breeding phases were used here. Error bars are one SE. 84 N. Mockingbird White Wing Patch Control Reduced Covered n = 4 n = 3 n = 3 Figure 2. Only mated birds in the nest building phase were used here. Error bars are one SE. Discussion The above results showed that - 1) covering the wing patch produced statistically significant increases in territorial interactions; 2) reducing wing patch size produced insignificant increases in measures of territorial interactions (apparent when mating status and breeding phase is controlled)that were not statistically significant; 3) paradoxically, wing patch size is not inversely related to territorial interactions in unmanipulated birds; and 4) manipulating the wing patch may have adversely affected the pair bond. There are now three alternative (but not mutually exclusive) explanations of wing patch function that need to be considered. Explanation 1 : Larger wing patch size is a signal of greater ability to defend the territory. This explains why covering the wing patch increased territorial interactions: The manipulation removed an important signal for territory defense. This explanation, however, would require that reducing the wing patch also produces significant increases in territorial interactions; yet the observed changes, although in this direction, are not significant. If the effect size of reducing the wing patch is smaller than that of covering the wing patch, then perhaps this result The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 85 was not significant because of sample size. Also, this explanation requires that territorial interactions would be negatively correlated with wing patch size in control birds. The observed results are either not significant or in the opposite direction. In sum, then, there is only weak evidence supporting this explanation. Explanation 2: The presence of a wing patch is a species recognition marker. Some close relatives of Northern Mockingbirds do not have wing patches, so Northern Mockingbirds may have evolved a wing patch for species recognition. Conspicuous signals for species recognition could be beneficial to mockingbirds in two ways: 1) while investigating potential territories, a signal could indicate an occupied area; and 2) once the territory is established, species markers should lower the frequency of territorial behaviors misdirected at heterospecifics. If potential intruders can use the wing patch to tell that an area is being defended by a conspecific, then the pattern of results seen here can be interpreted in the following way. Covering the wing patch led to territorial interactions because potential intruders did not receive a signal that the area is being defended by a conspecific. Reducing the wing patches did not dramatically increase territorial interactions because a signal of species was still present. Territorial interactions did not increase as wing patch size decreased in unmanipulated birds because all unmanipulated birds had intact signals for species identification. Explanation 3 : Females use the size of the male ’ s wing patch as a signal of the male’s quality. Covering or reducing the wing patch causes pair maintenance problems because the males’ low quality is being signaled to their mates. These pair maintenance problems may have been caused by the manipulation itself or by the consequent increase in male-male agonistic interactions. This explanation, however, was prompted by anecdotal observations. Systematic observations of the females’ behavior and delineation of the communicative role of the wing patch in females are needed. No one of the above explanations stands out as entirely better able to explain the entire set of data presented here. These three explanations are certainly not mutually exclusive, however. Indeed, they could be considered complementary. The presence (versus absence) of the wing patch may be a cue to species recognition. The size of the male’s wing patch may signal both males and females. The male-to-male signal may serve territory formation and defense, while the male-to-female signal may serve mate acquisition and retention. Acknowledgments Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, and The American Museum of Natural History financially supported this research. Cheryl Logan, Richard Shull, Robert Gatten, John Lepri, David Soderquist, Teresa Justice, and an anonymous reviewer provided many helpful suggestions that greatly improved the project and the manuscript. Lachovia Parrish, Daniel Huff, Beth Donaghey, and Shane Merrill each generously provided their thoughts and time toward various aspects of this project. References Altmann, J. 1974. Observational study of behavior: sampling methods. Behaviour 49:227-267. 86 N. Mockingbird White Wing Patch Breitwisch, R, M Diaz, N Gottlieb, R Lee, and J Zaias. 1986. Defense of fall territories by mated and unmated northern mockingbirds in southern Florida. Journal of Field Ornithology 57:1 6-2 1 . Breitwisch, R and G H Whitesides. 1987. Directionality of singing and nonsinging behavior of mated and unmated northern mockingbirds ( Mimus polyglottos). Animal Behaviour 35:331-339. Eckert, C G and P J Weatherhead. 1987. Male characteristics, parental care and the study of mate choice in the red- winged blackbird {Agelaius phoeniceus). Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 20:35-42. Fugle, G N, S I Rothstein, C W Osenberg, and M A McGinley. 1984. Signals of status in wintering white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii). Animal Behaviour 32:86-93. Hansen, A J and S Rohwer. 1986. Coverable badges and resource defense in birds. Animal Behaviour 34:69-76. Holberton, R L, K P Able, and J C Wingfield. 1989. Status signalling in dark- eyed juncos ( Junco hyemalis): plumage manipulations and hormonal correlates of dominance. Animal Behaviour 37:681-689. Jackson, W M, S Rohwer, and R L Winnegrad. 1988. Status signaling is absent within age-and-sex classes of Harris' sparrows. Auk 105:424-427. Jarvi, T and M Bakken. 1984. The function of the variation in the breast stripe of the great tit ( Parus major). Animal Behaviour 32:590-596. Jones, I L. 1990. Plumage variability functions for status signalling in least auklets. Animal Behaviour 39:967-75. Justice, M J and T Justice. 1998. Variation and sexual dimorphism of the size of northern mockingbirds' white wing patches. Chat 62: 1-1 1 . Ketterson, E D. 1979. Status signaling in dark-eyed juncos. Auk 96:94-99. Logan, C A. 1983. Reproductively dependent song cyclicity in mated male mockingbirds ( Mimus polyglottos). Auk 100:404-413. Logan, C A. 1988. Breeding context and response to song playback in mockingbirds ( Mimus polyglottos). Journal of Comparative Psychology 102:136-145. Logan, C A. 1994. Fluctuations in intra-pair calling across breeding phases in northern mockingbirds {Mimus polyglottos). Behaviour 130:123-141. Moller, A P. 1987a. Variation in badge size in male house sparrows {Passer domesticus): evidence for status signalling. Animal Behaviour 35 : 1 637- 1 644. Moller, A P. 1987b. Social control of deception among status signalling house sparrows {Passer domesticus). Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 20:307- 311. Moller, A P and J Erritzoe. 1988. Badge, body and testes size in house sparrows {Passer domesticus). Omis Scandinavia 19:72-73. Parsons, J and L F Baptista. 1980. Crown color and dominance in the white- crowned sparrow. Auk 97:807-815. Peek, F W. 1972. An experimental study of the territorial function of vocal and visual display in the male red-winged blackbird {Agelaius phoeniceus). Animal Behaviour 20: 112-118. Rohwer, S. 1977. Status signaling in Harris' sparrows: some experiments in deception. Behaviour 61:107-129. The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 87 Rohwer, S. 1 978. Reply to Shields on avian winter plumage variability. Evolution 32:670-673. Roskaft, E and S Rohwer. 1987. An experimental study of the function of the red epaulettes and the black body colour of male red- winged blackbirds. Animal Behaviour 35:1070-1077. Senar, J C, M Camerino, J L Copete, and N B Metcalfe. 1993. Variation in black bib of the Eurasian siskin ( Carduelis spinus) and its role as a reliable badge of dominance. Auk 110:924-927. Smith, D G. 1972. The role of the epaulets in the red- winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) social system. Behaviour 41:251-268. Studd, M V and R J Robertson. 1985. Evidence for reliable badges of status in territorial yellow warblers. Animal Behaviour 33: 1 102-1 113. Watt, D J. 1986a. Relationship of plumage variability, size, and sex to social dominance in Harris' sparrows. Animal Behaviour 34:16-27. Watt, D J. 1986b. A comparative study of status signalling in sparrows (genus Zonotrichia). Animal Behaviour 34:1-15. Carolina Bird Club Web Site www.carolinabirdclub.org General Field Notes Will Cook North Carolina Editor 418 Sharon Road Chapel Hill, NC 27514 cwcook@acpub.duke.edu Dennis M. Forsythe South Carolina Editor Department of Biology The Citadel Charleston, SC 29409 forsythed@citadel.edu Fax: (803)-953-7084 Calliope Hummingbird in South Carolina Bob and Martha Sargent 7570 Mack Hicks Road Trussville, Alabama 35173 Charles and Judy Webb 104 Windsor Road Greer, South Carolina 2965 1 Juwebb@aol.com cmwebbmd@aol.com On 4 December 1999, Judy Webb was planting flowers in her yard in Greer, SC, when she was startled to hear the whir and 'chittering' of a hummingbird as it passed over her head. She had only learned the day before (from an article by Jennifer Greer in Southern Living magazine) of western hummingbirds that wintered in the South. She quickly located the tiny emerald beauty feeding on Sasanqua blooms. After watching briefly, she ran inside to get her husband, Charles, and his camera. They were able to locate the bird and take some quick documentary photos as the bird perched on a low branch of a leafless maple tree (Acer sp. ). Darkness was falling, and the bird soon disappeared into the night. The Webbs retrieved their hummingbird feeders (which had been packed away since the end of October) and filled them with fresh mixture of sugar water. By noon the next day, the bird was a regular visitor at the feeders. Mrs. Webb relocated the Southern Living magazine and found its reference to Bob Sargent. She called Sargent on 6 December and described a small hummingbird with a few rose-colored feathers in the gorget area. She insisted that the color of the reddish feathers in the throat was not the same as that of a Ruby- throated Hummingbird, Archilochus colubris. She provided a detailed description of a small hummingbird with a short bill and tail. She noted that the bird displayed a “yellowish wash” just in front of the wrist section of the wing. Her description seemed to Sargent to fit that of a young male Calliope Hummingbird. Mrs. Webb forwarded to Mr. and Mrs. Sargent a series of photographs that confirmed all parts of her description except for that of the rose-colored feathers in the throat. The Sargents arrived at the Webbs’ yard at about 11 AM EST on 10 December. The Sargents recognized the bird as an immature male Calliope Hummingbird, Stellula calliope. It was hawking insects and feeding some 10 m distant on one of several varieties of Camellia japonicas. The Sargents promptly 88 The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 89 Fig. 1 . Immature male Calliope Hummingbird in Greer, SC. Photo by Charles Webb, MD. erected their cage-wire trap, baited it with the hummingbird feeder, and captured the bird. Mr. Sargent’s initial impression was that the bird was robust and remarkably healthy. Sargent found the rose/carmine feathers in the throat to be dazzling as the bird was secured in a mesh holding bag prior to banding. Sargent banded the bird at 1 1 :36 AM EST with band # 3000Y69014. The following measurements were taken with a Starrett digital caliper: Wing- 40.07mm, tail-2 1 . 1mm, and exposed oilmen- 15.07mm His weight on an Ohaus digital scale was 3.13 grams. About 40% of the upper mandible was grooved when examined for striations with an 1 6x jeweler’s loupe. The grooves were shallow and would have been difficult for Sargent to have detected without the loupe. These grooves confirmed that it was a hatching year individual. The incomplete gorget and the white tips of the outer rectricies confirmed that this individual was an immature Calliope Hummingbird. The many rose-red gorget feathers confirmed the sex as male. The bird had a layer of fat that Sargent graded as one on a scale of zero to three. The only molt was a few pinfeathers on the belly. The rectrices were short and wide with blunt tips. The outer rectrices were hourglass shaped and bordered with a reddish/rufous trim along the restricted sides of the feathers. Sargent recognized this feature as diagnostic in Calliope Hummingbirds. Sargent took a few old and worn feathers for immediate documentation purposes. The Sargents hope the feathers will be used later for DNA studies similar to those that are now ongoing in other species. Several in-hand macro photos were taken and submitted to the South Carolina Bird Records Committee. 90 Calliope Hummingbird in SC For several years the Webbs had been trying to restore a couple of acres around their home to become a bird habitat. Now, the first Calliope Hummingbird reported from South Carolina had been trapped, banded, and released at then- home. Early the next morning after the Sargents left, birders from across the Carolinas began arriving at the Webbs’ home to see the juvenile male Calliope. In all, over 1 50 people from seven states and three from England would watch the bird from the comfort of a heated sunroom and share the wonder of such a tiny creature braving the elements. Within days of the Sargents’ departure, freezing weather killed the last of the nectar-producing flowers. The Calliope's visits to the feeders became longer and more frequent. Keeping the sugar water from freezing at 26° F became a concern. The Webbs mounted an outdoor heat lamp under a protective cover just above and to the side of what became the primary feeder. They began using it before they felt it was necessary in order to help the bird adjust to it before it became critical. The Webbs also mounted a small grower's thermometer to the feeder. Adjacent to the feeder is a 5 m juniper ( Juniperus sp.) strung with white Christmas lights year-round. The Calliope spent chilly mornings in the juniper, perching near a light, seemingly to seek its warmth, and making frequent trips to the feeder. The Webbs added another string of lights, clumping them in the area he most often used, and left the lights burning until the day warmed and he flew off to seek insects. On a rainy day in mid-December, the Webbs observed that the bird was Ending shelter by perching on the top and bottom brackets of a planter attached to the brick wall under the eaves of their house. The Webbs’ house forms a U shape around a deck that varies from 2- 3 m above the ground. The feeder (with heat lamp) was just outside a sunroom on the deck. Beyond the feeder, at the far end of the deck, opposite and directly visible from the sunroom, was the wall planter. A nearby outdoor electrical outlet allowed the Webbs to provide one more spot of warmth for the bird. The planter contained an ornamental cabbage that had grown toward the light and created a protected area behind it. Mrs. Webb placed a heating pad in a black plastic garbage bag, folding the bag to be flat around the pad. She put the pad behind the cabbage, folded into an L shape with half on the bottom of the planter, and half against the brick wall. She then covered the plastic with sphagnum moss, firmly placed some sticks for perches between the two sides of the heating pad, and plugged in the pad. She left the pad on its lowest setting, hoping the bird would detect the source of warmth before it was really needed. Later, the Webbs added a hummingbird feeder under the eave in the comer of the house near the planter. On 22 and 23 January, 2000, 3" of snow and ice fell and completely coated all of the trees in the yard. Another ice storm hit on 29 - 30 January. The Webbs’ house is on a small mountain, where temperatures are lower and ice coatings last days longer than at lower elevations. For three weeks, temperatures never rose The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 91 Fig. 2. Immature male Calliope Hummingbird on April 1 1 , 2000, two weeks before its departure. Photo by Charles Webb, MD. above freezing, and for ten days tree branches were coated with ice. Night temperatures fell to 12° -15° F. The Webbs arose before daylight to warm the sugar water to indoor temperature, then waited in the sunroom for the bird’s tiny form to appear in the light of the heat lamp. The Calliope would often perch with his back toward the lamp, appearing to bask in the warmth. For much of this period, he spent all day between the juniper and the primary feeder. For his final feeding of the day, he would frequently move to the comer feeder under the eave, enjoy an extended feeding period, then dive down, disappearing into the heated wall planter. The Webbs became concerned that the bird was not getting adequate protein. They collected droppings under the feeder on waxed paper, and Dr. Webb checked the samples microscopically. The large number of insect parts reassured the Webbs that the bird was able to glean insects within the juniper, so they never added any supplements to the sugar water. The Webbs offered the bird a sugar:water ratio of 1 :4 for most of the winter. On some of the coldest days, they briefly, increased the concentration slightly, but never as much as 1:3. On 8 February, the last of the snow and ice disappeared from the yard and deck. Days were warmer, and there were extended periods midday when the Calliope did not appear at the feeder. He was always dependable, however, in the mornings and afternoons. His timing adjusted to the extending daylight hours, and he began to show signs of molting. The weather in Greer was erratic, with heavy rains, thunderstorms, hail, and high winds over the next two months. The bird began roosting away from the house on clear nights, and the Webbs were unable to discover where he roosted when he flew away after his final feeding. He consistently spent stormy, rainy, or windy nights, however, in the wall planter. 92 Calliope Hummingbird in SC As his molting accelerated, the bird spent more nights in the planter. By the end of February, he had lost so many feathers that the Webbs could not imagine how he could fly at all. By the end of March, his back was brilliant, with bluish- emerald new feathers and new wing feathers that did not yet reach the tip of the tail. He showed little gorget development, however. By early April, daytime temperatures ranged from the 70's to 80's, nights in the 40's and 50's. Now the Calliope only rarely roosted away from the wall planter, regardless of the weather. The Webbs speculate that he was preserving body fat for his upcoming migration. He was absent for extended periods during the day, but he always returned within an hour or two before dusk. Gorget development accelerated suddenly, with the white becoming astonishingly brilliant and rose streaking through the white. On 10 April, at 7:25 PM, the Calliope was perched and feeding when a rocketing Ruby-throated Hummingbird knocked him off his previously uncontested perch on one of the feeders. The Ruby-throat appeared to have the upper hand for a time and began using at the feeder in the comer. The Calliope made a level attack to the Ruby-throat’s back, and the new arrival fled. lire Calliope then fed with his back to the protected comer (a new position for him) and dropped into the heated planter for the night. Over the next few days other Ruby-throats arrived. The Webbs put more feeders out, and although there were some battles, feeding was mostly done in alternating sessions. The weather was particularly unsettled. Finally, on 1 5 April, a front was moving out late in the day. The Calliope arrived at 8 PM for his final feeding for the day, then went to the planter. On Sunday morning, he apparently left before the Webbs got up. Fog was burning off to a clear day, and a large region of high pressure covered the South. The night was moonlit. The Calliope and the Ruby-throats all apparently took advantage of the good traveling weather, and for the first time in 1 9 weeks, no hummingbirds were at the feeders. The Sargents feel that there is a slight chance that the Calliope will return for the winter of 2000-2001 . The Sargents also feel that the sources of warmth were not significantly important and that the bird could have survived merely with an unfrozen source of sugar water, and perhaps even without that. The Webbs noted, however, that during the three weeks of icy weather many other birds had availed themselves of the warmth of the heat lamp. The Webbs are not avid birders, only people who avidly feed birds. They found their experience with the Sargents to have been memorable and their intimate contact with what they describe as a “fragile jewel of life” to have been humbling. This year, like many others throughout the Carolinas are beginning to do, they will leave their hummingbird feeders up even after the end of October. If accepted by the South Carolina Bird Records Committee, this will be the first record of Calliope Hummingbird for South Carolina. Chairman Lex Glover does not expect much debate regarding this bird, but the Committee’s backlog will prevent a decision for an indefinite time. The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 93 Photograph of Black-bellied and White-faced Whistling-Ducks from North Carolina, With Comments on Other Extralimital Waterfowl David S. Lee North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences P. O. Box 29555 Raleigh, North Carolina 27626 The staff of the Pine Island Hunt Club, a sanctuary of the National Audubon Society, provided me with a photograph of a Black-bellied Whistling-Duck ( Dendrocygna autumnalis) and White-faced Whistling-Duck (D. viduata) taken in April 1 998 on their property near Duck, Currituck County, North Carolina. The birds were free-flying, apparently traveling together, and remained in the vicinity of the club’s waterfowl feeding area for several days. This photograph constitutes the second North Carolina State Museum record for a Black-bellied Whistling- Duck and the first of a White-faced Whistling-Duck from the state (NCSM photo collection No. 556). The origin of these ducks is unknown, but the long-range dispersal of waterfowl in the genus Dendrocygna , in particular, is well documented. Although the records reported herein have not been reviewed by the North Carolina Bird Records Committee, the origin of these birds, rather than their identification, is the issue. The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck ranges through much of northern and eastern South America and most of Middle America north to southern Arizona, central and southeastern Texas, and southwestern Louisiana. This duck occurs casually in the Greater Antilles, the Lesser Antilles, and the Bahamas (A.O.U. 1998). There is a recent unpublished photograph from the Bahamas (27 September 1998, Hog Cay, Long Island; A. White, pers. comm.). The species has become well established in Cuba (Raffaele et al. 1998) and central and southern Florida (Roberson and Woolfenden 1992; Field Notes 52:49-50). The only other North Carolina State Museum record for this species in North Carolina is of a bird collected by Eugene Pond on 15 February 1968. The specimen was shot in Core Sound, near Stacy, Carteret County (NCSM 29 1 0; Lee 1981). At the time this was one of the few records of this duck from east of the Mississippi, and I then concluded that the individual in question was probably an escaped captive, although the specimen showed no sign of having been in captivity. Numerous recent records from eastern North America indicate the species is showing up regularly as a naturally occurring vagrant, and it is likely that both this earlier record and the one reported here are of wild birds. The species’ increase in occurrence in the East is probably a result of the expanding population in Cuba and Florida. This duck is partly migratory at the northern limits of its range, and the migratory behavior would appear to be responsible for its regular extralimital occurrence. The A.O.U. (1998) recognized reports from the southeastern and central Atlantic states to be those of natural occurrence, and other states in the Southeast are regarding birds encountered as being of wild origin. 94 Black-bellied and White-faced Whistling- Ducks in NC The issue in eastern North Carolina is currently clouded because of local waterfowl breeders who raise, among other species, Black-bellied Whistling- Ducks. At least one person has a collection from which the ducks were not pinioned or banded and individuals had escaped. This escape apparently occurred after the April 1998 photograph cited above, but before die finding of a Black- bellied Whistling-Duck in the winter of 1 998-99 at Wanchese, Dare County, NC. Because of this escape of waterfowl, both reports should be regarded with suspicion in regard to natural occurrence. This combination of facts available, however, is precisely what needs to be documented regarding the expanding population of free-ranging ducks and escaped captives of this species in the region. Considering the potential long-range movements of escaped captives, geographic proximity of sightings of free-ranging birds and points of escape are not necessarily related. In this hemisphere the White-faced Whistling-Duck occurs primarily in South America and southern Central America (A.O.U. 1998). It was also recorded as occurring casually in the past from the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles (Hispaniola, Cuba, and Barbados; Raffaele et al. 1998). I am aware of only one other report form North America: In 1 9 1 2 the species was reported from Hackensack, New Jersey (Grinnell 1913). Whether the absence of other reports from North America represents a lack of occurrence, or a lack of reporting because of an assumption that these ducks are escaped captives, is unclear. As in the case of most extralimital records of waterfowl, escaped captives should not be ruled out as the source of this record, but the documented casual northward dispersal of White-faced Whistling-Ducks into the Greater Antilles suggests that the North Carolina bird could be of an individual of wild origin. This species is not recognized as occurring in North America by the A.O.U. ( 1 998), and there is little point in advocating or refuting either North American record as being of a wild bird. Other problematic species of waterfowl recorded from North Carolina include: Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis ): There are five historic records from North Carolina (Pearson et al. 1959). Two are from Currituck Sound (3 1 October 1 870, 22 November 1 992); two are from Pea Island, Dare County (24 November 1925, 6 November 1949); and one is from “Gaddy’s Pond,” near Ansonville, Anson County (28 December 1 950 [original notes of Brimley say 6- 1 3 November 1949, 20 and 28 November 1949, and 3 December 1949, Rhett Chamberlain]). Additionally an individual was present at Pea Island from 7-13 November 1970 (Am. Birds 25 : 5 63). Although it is quite likely that some of these reports represent escapes from captivity, there is little doubt that most North American reports represent wild birds that presumably originated in Greenland. Szantyr (1985) has shown that the seasonal timing and peak of occurrence of North American records are consistent with those of migrant and wintering individuals. The A.O.U. ( 1 998) considered many records from the eastern United States to be of natural vagrants. Baikal Teal (Anas formosa ): Sykes (1962) provided an account and description (including the photograph of the specimen ) of one of these teal killed at the Swan Island Club, in Currituck County, 9 December 1912. He presented reasons why he did not believe the bird to be an escaped individual The A.O.U. (1998) noted that birds that had been reported from Colorado, Oklahoma, Ohio, The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 95 Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Europe may be escaped individuals. Green-winged (European) Teal {Anas crecca crecca): A specimen of an adult male shot on Currituck Sound on 7 December 1926 is in the Philadelphia Academy ofNatural Sciences (Huber 1 927). (The nominate taxon is the European race of our Green-winged Teal.) Anas c. crecca occurs regularly, although not commonly, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina (see Fussell 1994), and there are many records from elsewhere in the region (New England, Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, and South Carolina). These individuals are considered to be naturally-occurring migrants (A.O.U. 1931, 1958). Falcated Duck {Anas falcata ): Platania (1978) reported a specimen taken from the Davis impoundment in the winter of December 1 974-75 (NCSM 4503). The poor health of the bird makes a wild origin seem questionable, and there are few reports of individuals from North America. The A.O.U. (1998) considered birds reported from Virginia, North Carolina, and Europe almost certainly to be escaped captives. Garganey {Anas querquedula ): Gustafson (1957) reports a record of this teal from Hatteras, Dare County. At the time of the report it was the first for this hemisphere. It was present from 21 to 3 1 March 1957 (Chamberlain 1957). The A.O.U. ( 1 998) considered the North Carolina record to be of a naturally occurring bird. This is based largely on a substantial number of regional records (primarily March- April) that have surfaced since the first, and as of early 1999 the only, North Carolina report. Barrow’s Goldeneye {Bucephala islandica ): Simpson (1971) reviewed the five available records of this species from the state and concluded that three were invalid, one extant specimen lacked supporting details, and the remaining one, while probably valid, was not confirmed with a specimen. In view of this, the interpretation of records of Barrow’s Goldeneye from North Carolina regarding the nature of their origin is irrelevant. The A.O.U. (1998), however, considered the western North Carolina report (of Cairns; see Simpson 1971), as well as one from South Carolina to be valid and of wild birds. The A.O.U. Checklist Committee was unaware of Simpson’s (1971) review, and the inclusion of the North Carolina record as a wild bird is an oversight (J. V. Remsen, pers. comm.) Ruddy Shelduck {Tadorna ferruginea): One of a flock of five was shot near Waterlily, Currituck County, in 1 886, and another flock was seen some years later at the same location (Grinnell 1919). The A.O.U. (1983) considered this report to be erroneous. Eugene Pond (4 December 1 967) stated in a letter that Major Couch of Cherry Point has a mounted specimen of one he killed in Hyde County, North Carolina. I have seen photographs of mounts of birds shot in coastal North Carolina in the 1 980s, but no specific information as to their source was available. The A.O.U. (1998) placed this duck in an appendix of species with insufficient evidence for inclusion on the North American list, and North American records are considered probable escapes from captivity. It appears that a feral population is becoming established in Montana (Field Notes 52:80) Common Shelduck {Tadorna tadorna ): Two males were present from 2 to 5 July 1972 on the North Pond at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Dare County (Am. Birds 26:845). All reports are included in an appendix of species 96 Black-bellied and White-faced Whistling-Ducks in NC with insufficient evidence for occurrence in North America by the A.O.U. (1998), which state, “These reports likely pertain to escaped individuals.” Mandarin Duck ( Aix galericulata ): Holmes (1974) reported a drake Mandarin Duck shot on a small pond off the Trent River in Craven County, North Carolina. Holmes believed the bird to be a wild individual. Also one was killed by a duck hunter in Jones County on 7 January 1989 (Chat 54:22). These are the only reports from the state, and it seems highly unlikely that either was a wild bird. North American records are listed in the A.O.U. appendix ( 1 998) as escapes from captivity. Masked Duck ( Nomonyx dominica ): Carter and Carter (1982) provided a photograph of a Masked Duck from North Carolina. The bird was seen between 20 and 27 February 1982 on Lake Ellis, Craven County. To date it is the only report from the state. Based on other reports from the Southeast, this individual is assumed to be a wild individual. The A.O.U. (1998) considered the few reports from eastern North America to represent wild individuals. Discussion Evaluation of specific extralimital waterfowl reports is problematic, and the best approach remains a conservative one that assumes that for all such records escaped captives cannot be eliminated as the source. For several species, however, cumulative evidence compiled over time and from throughout the East and Southeast makes it advisable to have an open mind concerning these decisions. Good cases in point are the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck and the Barnacle Goose, for which records from central and eastern North America are now regarded, due to a pronounced seasonal and geographic pattern of occurrence, as those of wild stocks. Conversely, waterfowl with extralimital occurrences in North Carolina, but which breed elsewhere in North America, have all been considered as valid occurrences of wild birds ( i.e ., Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Dendrocygna bicolor, Ross’s Goose, Chen rossii; White-fronted Goose, Chen albifrons; Cinnamon Teal, Anas cyanoptera; Harlequin Duck, Histrionicus histrionicus; and Masked Duck. For species that occur in North Carolina but are represented by extralimital races (the Greenland race of White-fronted Goose, C. a. flavirostris; Black Brant, Branta bernicla nigricans; Hutchinson’s Goose, Branta canadensis hutchinsii; and Common Teal), the races have been accepted by the ornithological community as natural occurrences, but for the most part these records have been ignored by the birding community. Since our indigenous waterfowl have exhibited major modifications in both breeding and wintering distributions during the last 50 to 100 years as a result of elimination and reintroduction of beavers, and due to the creation of coastal impoundments, farm ponds, and vast Piedmont reservoir systems in the region, it seem likely that many extralimital species likewise respond with changing distributions. In truth, although many records of vagrant North American waterfowl are regarded to be of free-ranging individuals of wild stocks, any individual could always be of captive origin and thereby suspect. Additionally, there are problems concerning the consideration of evaluation in the strength of specimen and photographic records vs. sight reports. Current opinion on individual records and reports may or may not be correct, and it is difficult to establish consistent criteria for the status of occurrence for individual reports. In nearly every case, bands, The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 97 aberrant feather wear, and other indications of captivity have been lacking from reports. In fact, most authors directly state that such signs were not present. The timing of occurrence compiled from many miscellaneous records for some species shows patterns of migration and wintering consistent with what is known about the species within the core of their ranges. That many of these same species are not being reported from seasons outside these periods, as would be expected if escaped captives were persistently present in the region, likewise suggests occurrence of free-ranging wild birds. The reports briefly summarized herein are good examples of a full spectrum of problematic occurrence of extralimital waterfowl. They range from certainty of escaped individuals to ones for which it would appear from supporting evidence are likely to be of wild origin. The Asian species in particular are ones that seem most likely to be of captive origin. Yet, in view of the number of avian taxa of West Coast and eastern Asian origin now showing up along the Atlantic coast, perhaps it is unwise to dismiss even these as simply escaped captives. The problems of interpretation are more complex than simply sorting out captives from wild free-ranging birds. For several species of waterfowl, feral and partly feral populations are now known that could be the source of, or could contribute to, regional occurrence. It is interesting that national and state record committees are often willing to accept extralimital occurrence of North America waterfowl as ones of natural occurrence but are less likely to do so with those from other regions or continents. Yet, we have numerous examples of known wild waterfowl occurring well outside their normal range. The best examples come from oceanic islands, where escaped individuals from local sources can be entirely ruled out and long-distance vagrancy documented. Pratt et al. (1987) list 33 species of vagrant waterfowl (including two species of whistling-ducks) known to reach Hawaii and other remote tropical Pacific Islands. In Bermuda, 35 species (including two species of whistling-ducks) have been recorded (Amos 1991). Records of wild banded N orth American waterfowl reaching distant localities also illustrate the ability of individual birds to travel long distances which are unrelated to normal migratory patterns (i.e. , a Wood Duck, Aix sponsa, banded in Canada before it could fly and found the following December on Saba, Netherlands Antilles; [Titman and Seaman 1978]; and an American Black Duck, Anas rubripes , recovered in Korea [1998, J. V. Remsen pers. comm.]). In addition to many species being highly migratory or nomadic, some species of waterfowl move together in family units, imprint on other species, and travel in mixed-species flocks during migration, making them prime candidates for aberrant dispersal Major weather systems are also capable of long-range displacement, and ducks and geese, because of their size, are more capable than many types of birds to survive such displacements. The dynamic nature of natural waterfowl populations and their migratory behavior makes it as irresponsible to dismiss all records of vagrants as escaped captives as it is to blindly add them to regional lists of naturally occurring fauna. The latest American Ornithologist’s Union Check-list (1998) provides a number of examples of descriptions of waterfowl distributions that suffer from a lack of reported observations. This lack of reporting results from the initial assumption that the birds in question were escaped captives. The issue of birds being of wild origin or if they can be counted on regional, state, or personal bird lists is secondary. The exclusion of them on a list is a reflection of criteria used to 98 Black-bellied and White-faced Whistling- Ducks in NC develop such a list and not a lack of potential interest in the bird’s occurrence. In some cases it appears that non-indigenous ducks and geese are becoming a part of our fauna, and regardless of their origin, several are becoming, or have the potential to become, increasingly important components of our wetland communities. These waterfowl interact in natural systems, in some cases displacing native species, in all cases competing with them, are the source of many hybrids, and perhaps also represent vectors of disease. They exhibit migratory patterns and variations in occurrence and abundance. For example, the Giant Canada Goose ( Branta canadensis maxima ), a subspecies on the verge of extinction earlier in the 1900s, now has a huge and growing population in the eastern Atlantic states. This population, which is independent of the migratory wintering Canada Geese of the Atlantic flyway, is growing at a rate of 17% a year (USFWS records). Their numbers are so large that they are responsible for the eutrofication of ponds and small lakes in the region. Yet, hardly a single published note concerning this invasion into the region, information on the timing of this population explosion, or its extent, is available. In North Carolina a similar situation exists for Mute Swans ( Cygnus olor) in that we have almost no information on the invasion and reproduction of this exotic for the state. (The ability of even these swans to disperse is shown by a report from Bermuda [Amos 1991].) Because of this, learning about these birds and reporting this information should continue to be a primary activity of field workers. Observers and editors should be encouraged to report and publish extralimital records of problematic species and recognize the documentation of exotics to be an important contribution to our understanding of changes within regional avian communities. Reporting of such records was a former policy of the CBC Bird Records Committee, and the guidelines outlined at that time seem to be sound (Chat 38:70). Field reports should be published independently of decisions of national or state records committees, and observers should not feel slighted if these records remain unaccepted. At the same time records committees should continue to make conservative decisions regarding these reports. It can be anticipated that decisions of committees will vacillate over time as more information becomes available. This process is a natural and healthy one, and, as has been documented for several species, the growing body of regional literature occasionally puts old reports in a new light, making it fundamental for these reports to be available for future evaluation. Acknowledgments I thank Jeff Davenport of the staff of the Pine Island Hunt Club for making the photograph available. Herb Hendrickson and J. Van Remsen reviewed the manuscript. Literature Cited American Ornithologists’ Union . 1931. Check-list of North American Birds. Fourth edition. American Ornithologists’ Union. Lancaster, Pennsylvania. American Ornithologists’ Union. 1957. Check-list of North American Birds. Fifth edition. American Ornithologists’ Union. Baltimore, Maryland. American Ornithologists’ Union. 1998. Check-list of North American Birds. Seventh edition. American Ornithologists’ Union. Lawrence, Kansas. The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 99 Amos, E J R. 1991. A guide to the birds of Bermuda. E. J. R. Amos, Warwick, Bermuda. Carter, D S and A D Carter. 1982. First North Carolina record of the masked duck. Chat 46:112-113. Chamberlain, B R. 1957. More about the garganey at Hatteras. Chat 21:88. Fussell, J O, III. 1994. A birders guide to coastal North Carolina. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill. Grinnell, G B. 1913. Brazilian tree-duck in New Jersey. Auk 30: 1 10. Grinnell, G B. 1919. Ruddy shelldrake in the Atlantic Coast. Auk 36:561-562. Gustafson, J A. 1957. A Garganey teal, a first for the Western Hemisphere, at Hatteras. Chat 21 :68-69. Holmes, R P. 1974. Mandarin duck in eastern North Carolina. Chat 38:70-71. Huber, W. 1927. European teal in North Carolina. Auk 44:95. Lee, D S. 1981. Specimen record of a black-bellied whistling-duck from Carteret County, N.C. Chat 45:41-42. Pearson, T G, C S Brimley, and H H Brimley. 1959. Birds of North Carolina. NC Department of Agriculture, Raleigh, NC. Platania, S. 1978. First record of the falcated teal in North Carolina. Chat 42:58. Pratt, H D, P L Bruner, and D G Berrett. 1987. The birds of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey. Raffaele, H, J Wiley, O Garrido, A Keith, and J Raffaele. 1998. A guide to the birds of the West Indies. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey. Robertson, W B, Jr. and G E Woolfenden. 1992. Florida bird species: an annotated list. Florida Omithol. Soc., Spec. Publ. 6. Simpson, M B. 1971. Status of the Barrow’s goldeneye in North Carolina. Chat 35:45-49. Sykes, P W, Jr. 1 962. A look back into history reveals a new species for the North Carolina list. Chat 26:30-33. Szantyr, MS. 1 985 . A barnacle goose in Connecticut. Connecticut Warbler 5:16- 18. Titman, R D and G A Seaman. 1978. Quebec banded wood duck recovered in Saba, Netherlands Antilles. Bird Banding 49:77. Originally submitted January 1999. BRIEFS FOR THE FILES Ricky Davis 608 Smallwood Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 RJDNC@aol.com All Dates Winter 1999-2000 Briefs for the Files is a seasonal collection of uncommon-to-rare or unusual North and South Carolina bird sightings and events which do not necessarily require a more detailed Field Note or article. Reports of your sightings are due the 20th of the month after the end of the previous season. Winter = December 1 - February 28, due March 20 Spring = March 1 - May 31, due June 20 Summer = June 1 - July 31, due August 20 Fall = August 1 - November 30, due December 20 Reports can be submitted in any format, but I prefer that you type them and list the sightings according to the birds in checklist order (not according to dates or locations). If you submit your report to me through e-mail, please type your report directly into the message or copy it from a word processing program directly into the message. You may also attach your file to the e-mail, but if you do, please let me know the program used and also send a second version saved as a text (txt) file. Suitable reports for the Briefs include any sightings you feel are unusual, rare, noteworthy, or just plain interesting to you in any way! It is my responsibility to decide which reports merit inclusion in the Briefs. Please be sure to include details of any rare or hard-to-identify birds. I rely in part on sightings reported in Carolinabirds. Please don ’t, however, rely on me to pick up your sightings from Carolinabirds. Instead, please also send your sightings directly to me as described above. If I feel that your sighting warrants a Field Note, I will contact either you or the appropriate state General Field Notes editor. You may, of course, submit your Field Note directly to the editor without going through me. RED-NECKED GREBE: This species is always noteworthy in the Carolinas. This winter singles were found at Charleston, SC, Dec. 28 (fide Ed Blitch), Ft. Fisher, NC, Jan. 6 (John Brunies), and C. Hatteras, NC, Feb. 2 1 (Wayne Irvin and Phil Crutchfield). EARED GREBE: The Eared Grebe is an annual winter visitor, though quite local in its distribution. This winter’s reports included up to three in Wayne County, NC, through the winter (Eric Dean), one at C. Hatteras, NC, Dec. 27 (Harry LeGrand) and diree there Feb. 1 3 (Marcia Lyons, Pat Moore, etal), one at Jordan 100 The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 101 Lake, NC, Feb. 29 (Doug Shadwick), and a peak of 1 7 at the Savannah Spoil Site, Jasper County, SC, Dec. 17 (Steve Calver). NORTHERN FULMAR: Two pelagic trips out of Hatteras, NC, provided the only sightings with 1 1 on Feb. 5 and 120 on Feb. 20 (Brian Patteson et al.). AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN: Only one was reported from North Carolina this winter, that being in the river at Ft. Fisher, NC, Jan. 5, as noted by Greg Massey. ANHINGA: This species is rare in North Carolina in winter, although there has been an increase in sightings the last couple of years. Singles were on the L. Mattamuskeet CBC Dec. 29 (Harry LeGrand), the Greenville CBC Jan. 2 {fide John Wright), and at New Bern Jan. 14 (John Daughtry). AMERICAN BITTERN: One was locally rare and unusual in the mountains at Ecusta, Transylvania County, NC, Dec. 22 (fide Norma Siebenheller). REDDISH EGRET: One remained from the fall season at Huntington Beach State Park, SC, until at least Dec. 30 (fide Jack Peachey). GREEN HERON : The number of winter reports of Green Heron was higher than normal this year. All in North Carolina, two were on the C. Hatteras CBC, Dec. 27 (fide Harry LeGrand), one was near Trenton, Jones County, Jan. 19 (Clancy Ballenger), one was on the Wayne County CBC, Dec. 1 8 (LeGrand), one was on the Charlotte CBC, Dec. 26 (fide Wayne Covington), and one was at Beaver Lake, Asheville, Dec. 2 (Len Pardue). BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON: One flying over Silas Creek, Winston- Salem, NC, Dec. 28 (fide Ramona Snavely), provided a first local winter record. YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON: This species is very rare in the Carolinas during the winter. Four on the McClellanville, SC, CBC Dec. 22 (fide Perry Nugent) were excellent finds. One at Bird Shoal, Beaufort, NC, Dec. 10 & 22 (John Fussell et al.) provided a first December county record. WHITE IBIS: One was locally rare at Wood Lake, Vass County, NC, Feb. 7 (Barbara Gearhart and Susan Campbell) and the 34 on the Santee NWR, SC, CBC Jan. 2 (fide Lex Glover) provided a new high number for that count. GLOSSY IBIS: One was quite rare on the Bodie-Pea Islands, NC, CBC Dec. 28 (fide Paul Sykes). ROSEATE SPOONBILL: One on the Hilton Head, SC, CBC Dec. 18 (fide Barry Lowes) was the same individual present since the fall season. BLACK VULTURE: Locally rare coastal reports for North Carolina included five over Bird Shoal, Beaufort, NC, Feb. 10 (John Fussell and Jack Fennell) and one on Roanoke Island Feb. 27 (Jeff Lewis). GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE: Always noteworthy in our area, one was on the Pamlico County, NC, CBC Dec. 21 (fide Liz Lathrop), and one was on the Charleston, SC, CBC Dec. 28 (fide Ed Blitch). SNOW GOOSE: Quite unusual for the mountains, four were found in Watauga County, NC, Dec. 30 (Curtis Smalling). ROSS’S GOOSE: There were three reports of this rare species this winter. One was at Beaufort, NC, Dec. 17-23 (with a Snow Goose!) (John Fussell, sev. obs.); one was on the Pettigrew State Park, NC, CBC Dec. 28 (fide Scott Hartley); and one was present in Forsyth County, NC, Dec. 27 (Hop Hopkins, Ramona Snavely) until at least Jan. 1 1 (Mary McDavit). 102 Briefs for the Files, Winter 1999-2000 “CACKLING” CANADA GOOSE: An individual of this small race (“minima”) of Canada Goose was at L. Mattamuskeet, NC, Dec. 12 and Jan. 8, as noted by Brad Carlson. BRANT : Two on the Southport, NC, CBC Jan. 2 (Ricky Davis) were locally rare. This species is not often found away from the usual Pamlico Sound wintering areas. TUNDRA SWAN: This species continues to increase in the Carolinas, with more being found at scattered inland sites and numbers increasing at the usual areas. This year the Bear Island WMA, SC, wintering flock numbered at least 2,000 on Feb. 19 & 26 (Robin Carter and Caroline Eastman), probably a record total for that state. EURASIAN WIGEON: Not too unusual, one spent the winter at North Pond, Pea Island NWR, NC (m. obs.). Much more noteworthy were the two at Cowans Ford, Charlotte, NC, Jan. 6 (Tom Lorenzin) and the two that wintered on Greenfield Lake, Wilmington, NC (Sam Cooper, sev. obs.). “EURASIAN” GREEN-WINGED TEAL: This form was picked out of Green- wing flocks twice this winter, with singles at Pee Dee NWR, NC, Dec. 11 (Barbara Gearhart) and L. Mattamuskeet, NC, Dec 29 (Derb Carter and Ricky Davis). COMMON EIDER: Common Eiders were not reported much this winter. The only ones found included a female at the Huntington Beach State Park, SC, area Dec. 1 1 (Steve Shultz and Kent Fiala) until at least Dec. 30 (fide Jack Peachey), and four in flight at Bald Head Island on the Southport, NC, CBC Jan. 2 (Ricky Davis). SURF SCOTER: Rare inland winter sightings included two on L. Julian, Buncombe County, NC, Dec. 9 (Dick Blee and Wayne Forsythe), one at Charlotte, NC, Jan. 4 (Judy Walker et al.), and one on L. Keowee, SC, Dec. 3 (Steve Patterson). COMMON MERGANSER: Interesting reports of this merganser involved one on L. Tillery, Montgomery County, NC, Dec. 1 (Grady Goldston), six on the Pamlico County, NC, CBC Dec. 21 (fide Liz Lathrop), and two on the L. Mattamuskeet, NC, CBC Dec. 29 (fide Allen Bryan). CAROLINABIRDS Carolinabirds is an Internet e-mail discussion group about birds and birding in the Carolinas. Subscribers frequently post sightings to it similar to those found in Briefs for the Files, but unusual behavior receives more attention. Subscriptions are free. To subscribe, address an e-mail message to . Don’t fill in the subject line. As your message, simply put, “subscribe carolinabirds” (without the quotes). You will receive a confirmation and more information shortly. Submissions for Briefs for the Files should be sent directly to Ricky Davis. The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 103 OSPREY: Noteworthy winter reports included one on the C. Hatteras, NC, CBC Dec. 27 ( fide Harry LeGrand) and one inland on the S. Lake Norman, NC, CBC Dec. 19 (fide Taylor Piephoff). ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK: This species turned up in North Carolina at several areas this winter. In the mountains, one was at Grassy Creek, Ashe County, Dec. 27, and another (or possibly the same) individual was on Pond Mt., Ashe County, Feb. 27 (fide James Coman). One was a surprise at Coddle Creek Res. near Charlotte Jan. 6-7 (Tom Lorenzin, Danny Swicegood). And near the coast, Alligator River NWR, Dare County, hosted a light-phase adult all winter (Eric Dean, m. obs.) and a second, darker, individual off and on during January and February (Eric Dean et al., John & Paula Wright et al., sev. obs.). GOLDEN EAGLE: One was very rare for South Carolina at South Island, Dec. 3 (Van Atkins et al.). And in North Carolina, Alligator River NWR hosted an immature Jan. 16 and a sub-adult Feb. 19 (John & Paula Wright et al.). Having two separate Goldens in one area anywhere in the Carolinas is a rare event indeed. SANDHILL CRANE: South Carolina had several reports of cranes this winter. The five at Donnelly WMA, present since late fall, remained throughout the winter (Judy Halleron, Pete Worthington, sev. obs.) as did the one at the Myrtle Beach airport (Jack Peachey). Other sightings were up to four near Hemingway, Williamsburg County, late January to early February (fide Peachey), one on the Santee CBC Jan. 2 (Lex Glover), and ten in flight over 1-26 in Dorchester County Feb. 7 (Dean Edwards et al.). WILSON’S PLOVER: Noteworthy reports of wintering Wilson’s Plovers included up to four at Bird Shoal, Beaufort, NC, Dec. 1 5 & 22 (John Fussell), six at Ft. Fisher on the Southport, NC, CBC Jan. 2 (Fussell and Buddy Garrett), and two on the Charleston, SC, CBC Dec. 28 (fide Ed Blitch). This species seems to be wintering farther north the last couple of winters. Will this trend continue? SPOTTED SANDPIPER: This species was reported this winter in the Carolinas in possibly record numbers. North Carolina sightings included singles on the Wayne County CBC Dec. 18 (John Fussell), at Atlantic Beach Dec. 22 (fide Fussell), on the Ocracoke CBC Dec. 3 1 (fide Peter Vankevich), on the Southport CBC Jan. 2 (Harry LeGrand, Taylor Piephoff, et al .), and at the Oxford Dam, Catawba County, Jan. 12 (Dwayne & Lori Martin). In South Carolina, one was in the McClellanville area Dec. 22 (fide Perry Nugent) and again Feb. 7 (Dean Edwards et al .), and one was at Great Falls along the Catawba River Jan. 1 1 (Stephen Harris). PECTORAL SANDPIPER: One was late at the Savannah Spoil Site, Jasper County, SC, Dec. 9, as noted by Steve Calver. DUNLIN: Rare inland in winter, three Dunlin were on the Wayne County, NC, CBC Dec. 18 (John Fussell), and one was on the Long Cane, SC, CBC Dec. 23 (Steve Patterson and Lex Glover). STILT SANDPIPER: The only known wintering site for this species in the Carolinas is the Savannah Spoil Site, in Jasper County, SC. The peak count there this winter was 27 on Dec. 19, as noted by Steve Calver. RED PHALAROPE: The only reports involved one near shore just off Masonboro Inlet, NC, on the Wilmington CBC Jan. 1 (Ricky Davis) and a count of 87 on the Hatteras, NC, pelagic trip Feb. 5 (Brian Patteson et al.). 104 Briefs for the Files, Winter 1999-2000 GREAT SKUA: This annual, offshore-wintering species was found on both Hatteras, NC, pelagic trips with four birds on Feb. 5 & 20 (Patteson et all). PARASITIC JAEGER: One seen from the Cedar Island - Ocracoke Ferry in Pamlico Sound, NC, Dec. 26 was somewhat of a surprise away from the ocean waters (John Fussell). LAUGHING GULL: Three at the Wayne County, NC, landfill Dec. 24 (Eric Dean and Gene Howe) provided a rare inland winter report. LITTLE GULL: This sought-after gull was located several times, with one off of Salvo, NC, on the Feb. 5 Hatteras pelagic (Brian Patteson et all), three in the Nags Head, NC area Feb. 6 (John & Paula Wright), and two at Avon, NC, Feb. 7 (Patteson). BLACK-HEADED GULL: One was in the Morehead City, NC, wastewater treatment plant area Jan. 24 until at least Feb. 23 (John Fussell, sev. obs.). Another was in the C. Hatteras, NC, area Feb. 6 (Haven Wiley et al., sev. obs.). CALIFORNIA GULL: This gull has become expected each year at C. Hatteras, NC. This winter an adult was present Jan. 1 5 (Brad Carlson) until at least Feb. 1 9 (Brian Patteson et all) and a 1st- winter immature was there Feb. 9 (Patteson). Others were found elsewhere, including a 2nd- winter immature offshore on the Feb. 20 Hatteras pelagic (Patteson et all) and an adult at Oregon Inlet, NC, Jan. 9 (Eric Dean). THAYER’S GULL: The only report was of a 1 st- winter immature at C. Hatteras, NC, Feb. 9, as noted by Brian Patteson. ICELAND GULL: In North Carolina, up to three were in the C. Hatteras area all winter (m. obs.), and two were found offshore on the Feb. 5 Hatteras pelagic (Patteson et all). In South Carolina, where decidedly much rarer, one was at the Horry County landfill Feb. 1 9 (Chris Hill, Jack Peachey, et all), and another or the same was on the beach at Myrtle Beach Feb. 25 (Bruce Hallett). LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL: This species continues to increase its numbers in our area. Excellent counts this winter included 27 on the C. Hatteras, NC, CBC Dec. 27 {fide Harry LeGrand), an impressive 75 along the beach from C. Hatteras point to Frisco in mid- January (Brian Patteson), and eight inland at the Wayne County, NC, landfill Dec. 24 (Eric Dean and Gene Howe). GLAUCOUS GULL: Apart from the usual C. Hatteras, NC, area birds, noteworthy sightings elsewhere included one at Ft. Fisher, NC, Dec. 4 (John Brunjes) until at least Jan. 2 (John Fussell and Buddy Garrett), one at Huntington Beach State Park, SC, Feb. 6 (Mary Douglass), and another or the same was at the Horry County, SC, landfill Feb. 17 (Jack Peachey and Gary Phillips). GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL: This species is also increasing, especially as an inland winter visitor. Excellent counts included 40 at the Wayne County, NC, landfill Dec. 24 (Eric Dean and Gene Howe), two at Falls Lake, NC, Jan. 1 (fide Brian Bockhahn), and nine at Greenville, NC, Jan. 2 (fide John Wright). “HYBRID GULLS” The C. Hatteras, NC, area (on the beach and offshore) usually has several individuals of hybrid gulls each winter. This year some of the suspected forms included 3-5 Nelson’s (Glaucous/Herring), up to two Herring/Lesser, and one Herring/Greater, all Feb. 19 at the point and Feb. 20 offshore (Patteson et all). The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 105 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE: Land-based sightings included one on the Wilmington, NC, CBC Jan. 1 (Ricky Davis), one at Wrightsville Beach, NC, Feb. 26 (Logan Williams), and one at C. Hatteras, NC, Feb. 18-19 (Wayne Irvin, Mike Tove and Jeff Pippen). The Hatteras, NC, pelagics turned up 1 0 on Feb. 5 and two on Feb. 20 (Patteson et al.). CASPIAN TERN: One inland at Santee NWR, SC, on Feb. 1 5 (Lex Glover and Steve Lohr) was most unusual in that winter reports are almost unheard of and spring migrants usually show up in April! RAZORBILL: The only land-based sighting was of one off Bodie Island on the CBC Dec. 28 (Matt Sharpe et al.). The Hatteras, NC, pelagics produced four on Feb. 5 and an impressive 540 on Feb. 20 (Brian Patteson et al.). EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE: The colony at Beaufort, NC, continues to thrive, as evidenced by the count of 1 9 there on the Morehead City CBC, Dec. 1 9 (Eric Dean and Gene Howe). Also three were atN. Topsail Beach, NC, in January (Jamie Cameron). One wonders if these were hurricane survivors or new transplants! WHITE- WINGED DOVE: One was at an Atlantic, Carteret County, NC, feeder until at least Dec. 8 ( fide John Fussell), for the only report. LONG-EARED OWL: There were three reports of this very rare and elusive owl this winter. Singles were on the Charleston, SC, CBC Dec. 28 {fide Ed Blitch), at Simpsonville, SC, Dec. 29 (Pete Worthington), and on the Greenville, NC, CBC Jan. 2 (fide John Wright). SHORT-EARED OWL: Up to three were present at Hooper Lane, Henderson County, NC, during January and February (Wayne Forsythe, Tom Joyce, sev. obs.) for a locally rare occurrence. SAW-WHET OWL: Reports of this species were widespread this winter. Some of the better sightings included up to three along Mashoes Road, Dare County, NC, Dec. 16-17 (Jeff Lewis), one picked up injured, but later released, at Morehead City, NC, Dec. 9 (fide John Fussell), one netted at James Island, SC, Dec. 3 (Will Post), one heard at Santee NWR, SC, Jan. 22 (Tim Kalbach), and several netted at York, SC, in early December (Bill Hilton). In the mountains, reports were of one on the Stone Mt., NC, CBC Jan. 1 (Jim Keighton and James Coman), one in a yard in Boone, NC, Jan. 23 (Curtis Smalling), and one in Waynesville, NC, Feb. 7 (Don Hendershot). WHIP-POOR-WILL: Small numbers of this species winter along the coast each year but often go undetected. This year singles were reported on the Litchfield- Pawley’s Island, SC, CBC Dec. 30 (fide Jack Peachey), on the Wilmington, NC, CBC Jan. 1 (Greg Massey), and at Marshallberg, Carteret County, NC, Jan. 2 1 (fide John Fussell). RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD: This species once again wintered in good numbers. The best reports were 14 on the Morehead City, NC, CBC Dec. 19 (fide John Fussell) and 11 on the C. Hatteras, NC, CBC Dec. 27 (fide Harry LeGrand). ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER: Following the fall season’s two reports, one was at the north end of Pea Island, NC, Dec. 12 (John & Paula Wright et al., Jeff Lewis, Keith Watson), providing about the 5th report for that state. Three Ash-throateds in the state in one year is just amazing. One wonders if they were found in other eastern states during this time period as well. 106 Briefs for the Files, Winter 1999-2000 GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER: Very rare winter (late fall) reports included one heard calling at Roanoke Island, NC, Dec. 5 (Jeff Lewis) and one on the McClellanville, SC, CBC Dec. 22 {fide Perry Nugent). NORTHERN RAVEN: One was locally unusual at Tryon, NC, Feb. 25, as noted by Simon Thompson. HORNED LARK: Six in a flock of pipits were considered locally rare along Cascade Lake Road, Transylvania County, NC, Jan. 15 (fide Norma Siebenheller). CAVE SWALLOW: The fall influx of Cave Swallows into the East continued into December in North Carolina. That state’s 6th record involved a specimen (now at the NC State Museum) found at Morehead City in early December (fide John Gerwin). Also another was seen for one day only at Troutman, Iredell County, Dec. 20 (Dwayne & Lori Martin, Dom & Emma D’Ostilio), providing the 7th report for the state. BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER: Two on the Jordan Lake, NC, CBC Jan. 2 (fide Will Cook) were quite rare for that inland locality in winter. GRAY CATBIRD: Quite rare away from the coast in winter, Catbirds were found at Beaver Lake, Asheville, NC, Dec. 2-5 (Len Pardue), on the Spartanburg, SC, CBC Dec. 30 (fide Lyle Campbell), and in northern Edgecombe County, NC, the entire winter (Ricky Davis). AMERICAN PIPIT: There were several reports of huge numbers of pipits this winter. The Santee NWR, SC, CBC had an impressive total of 717 Jan. 2 (fide Lex Glover); and the 550 seen flying along the beach at N. Topsail Island, NC, Jan. 25 (Jamie Cameron) were no doubt being stressed by the snowy conditions in the eastern part of the state. NASHVILLE WARBLER: One on the Wilmington, NC, CBC Jan. 1 (fide Sam Cooper) provided the only report this season. The Nashville is one of the rarest of the wintering warblers in our area. NORTHERN PARULA: Very rare in winter, this species was found twice. One was on the Savannah River Site, SC, CBC Dec. 1 6 (fide Carol Eldridge), and one was on the L. Mattamuskeet, NC, CBC Dec. 29 (Harry LeGrand). YELLOW WARBLER: Very rare anywhere in winter, one was a good find on the Spartanburg, SC, CBC Dec. 30 (fide Lyle Campbell). CAPE MAY WARBLER: One was at Bald Head Island on the Southport, NC, CBC Jan. 2 (Ricky Davis), and another was found to the north at Ft. Fisher Jan. 5 (Greg Massey). This is possibly the first time that two individuals of this species have been found so close during the winter in the Carolinas. “AUDUBON’S” WARBLER: Always exciting in our area, one was found at L. Mattamuskeet, NC, Jan. 15 (Doug Shadwick). One wonders just how many of these western forms are overlooked among the hordes of “Myrtles” each season. BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER: There are only a couple of previous sightings of this warbler during the winter. This year, amazingly, there were two reported. One was on the Wayne County, NC, CBC Dec. 18 (John Fussell) and one was at Ft. Fisher on the Southport, NC, CBC Jan. 2 (John Bmnjes). YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER: Yellow-throateds were reported more than usual, with one on the Morehead City, NC, CBC Dec. 19 (Harry LeGrand), The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 107 three on the McClellanville, SC, CBC Dec. 22 {fide Perry Nugent), and one at Myrtle Beach, SC, Dec. 27 (Phil & Sharon Turner). BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER: Another species that wintered in higher than normal numbers was the Black-and- White. Some of the more interesting reports included one at Clemson, SC, Feb. 1 (Sidney Gauthreaux), one on the Raleigh, NC, CBC Dec. 1 8 (Will Cook et al .), seven(!) on the Santee NWR, SC, CBC Jan. 2 (fide Lex Glover), three on the C. Hatteras, NC, CBC Dec. 27 (fide Harry LeGrand), and two on the L. Mattamuskeet, NC, CBC Dec. 29 (fide Allen Bryan). WILSON’S WARBLER: There are normally a couple of reports of wintering Wilson’s in the Carolinas each year. This season, though, there were at least six! One remained from the fall until at least Jan. 17 at a feeder in Forsyth County’, NC, (fide Ramona Snavely); one was on the Wayne County, NC, CBC Dec. 18 (Harry LeGrand); one was on the New Bern, NC, CBC Dec. 20 (fide Bob Holmes); another was on the Southport, NC, CBC Jan. 2 (John Brunjes); and one was in Raleigh, NC Jan. 23-24 (John Connors). In South Carolina one was found at Pendleton Jan. 27 (Luanne & Buren Blankenship, Sidney Gauthreaux, Carroll Belser). YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT: North Carolina hosted at least three chats this winter. One was found sick (later died) at Charlotte Dec. 5 (fide John Gerwin), one was at Pea Island NWR Dec. 27-28 (Wayne Irvin), and two were on the L. Mattamuskeet CBC Dec. 29 (fide Allen Bryan). CLAY-COLORED SPARROW: This species is one of the rarest wintering sparrows in our area. This year two were found, with one on the Morehead City, NC, CBC Dec. 19 (Ricky Davis) and one on the Greenville, NC, CBC Jan. 2 (fide John Wright). VESPER SPARROW: The Santee NWR, SC, CBC Jan. 2 had a total of 102 reported (fide Lex Glover). This is a very impressive count for a species that has been declining as a winter resident for many years now. GRASSHOPPER SPARROW: Always good finds during the winter, Grasshopper Sparrows were located several times. Three were at Sandhills NWR, SC, Dec. 1 8 (Dwayne & Lori Martin et al.), two were on the Clemson, SC, CBC Dec. 1 8 (fide David Mizrahi), one was near Walterboro, SC, Dec. 22 & 26 (Mike Turner, Robin Carter and Caroline Eastman), and one was on the Wilmington, NC, CBC Jan. 1 (fide Sam Cooper). Instructions for Authors www.carolinabirdclub.org/thechat.html 108 Briefs for the Files, Winter 1999-2000 HENSLOW’S SPARROW: This rare and elusive wintering sparrow was found in better than average numbers this year. Up to six were near Walterboro, SC, in late December (Mike Turner), and up to two were at Santee NWR, SC, from Jan. 2 (fide Lex Glover) until at least Feb. 22 (Tim Kalbach and Mark Dolan). LeCONTE’S SPARROW: Numbers of this normally rare and elusive species were truly amazing this winter. The highest counts included an almost unbelievable 36 on the Santee NWR, SC, CBC Jan. 2 (fide Lex Glover), ten on the New Bern, NC, CBC Dec. 20 (fide Bob Holmes), up to seven in northern Mecklenburg County, NC, Feb. 19 (Simon Thompson et al.), and four in eastern Richland County, SC, Feb. 26 (Tim Kalbach). Other reports involved three at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, Dec. 19 (Steve Calver), three at the Broad River WMA, SC, Feb. 19 (Kalbach), two at Radio Island, Beaufort, NC, Dec. 8-24 (John Fussell, sev obs.), two on the Southport, NC, CBC Jan. 2 (Sam Cooper), one on the Wayne County, NC, CBC Dec. 18 (Patricia Tyndall), and one near Walterboro, SC, Dec. 22 (Mike Turner). LINCOLN’S SPARROW : As usual, this species was found at scattered localities this winter. The best reports included one in the mountains at Beaver Lake, Asheville, NC, Feb. 7 (Don Hendershot), one on the Raven Rock State Park, NC, CBC Dec. 18 (fide Paul Hart), and one on the Columbia, SC, CBC Dec. 18 (Caroline Eastman). LAPLAND LONGSPUR: Only two areas were found to have longspurs this winter. Hooper Lane in Henderson County, NC, had longspurs from Dec. 1 9 until Feb. 28 (Wayne Forsythe, Simon Thompson), with the peak count being a very respectable 15 on Jan. 31 (Forsythe). And five were locally rare and good finds at Ft. Bragg, Hoke County, NC, Dec. 17, as noted by Phil Crutchfield et al. SNOW BUNTING: North Carolina had most of the Snow Bunting action as usual. In that state, reports included an impressive count of 37 at C. Hatteras Dec. 20 (Jon Altman), 1 1 at Ft. Fisher Dec. 4 (John Bmnjes), four on Bird Shoal, Beaufort, Dec. 10 (John Fussell et al. ), and one on the Bodie-Pea Islands CBC Dec. 28 (fide Paul Sykes). In South Carolina one was a surprise inland at Ebenezer Landing on L. Wylie Dec. 18 until at least Jan. 8 (Robin Carter and Caroline Eastman, sev. obs.). ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK: A male was at a feeder in Little River, Transylvania County, NC, Feb. 12 (fide Norma Siebenheller), providing a very rare winter sighting. DICKCISSEL: The only reports of this species involved singles at Myrtle Beach, SC, Dec. 30 - Jan. 2 (Phil and Sharon Turner, sev. obs.) and Santee NWR, SC, Feb. 6 (Tim Kalbach). BOBOLINK: One found at Bear Island WMA, SC, Jan. 28 (Pete Worthington), provided an almost unheard-of winter sighting. Was this bird present all winter or possibly a very early spring migrant? RUSTY BLACKBIRD: This blackbird was found in larger than normal numbers during the winter. Some of the best totals reported included 350 on the Durham, NC, CBC Dec. 19 (Will Cook), 258 on the Raven Rock State Park, NC, CBC Dec. 18 (fide Paul Hart), and 154 on the Southport, NC, CBC Jan. 2 (fide Ricky Davis). The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 109 BREWER’S BLACKBIRD: Reports of this very localized species included three on the Savannah River Site, SC, CBC Dec. 16 (fide Carol Eldridge), 22 at Santee NWR, SC, Jan. 22 (Tim Kalbach), and 108 near Gary, Newberry County, SC, Feb. 19 (Lex Glover). The latter sighting provided one of the highest counts ever for the Carolinas. RED CROSSBILL: Red Crossbills were reported considerably more than usual this winter. Jordan Lake, NC, had two groups with 20 south of Ebenezer Point Jan. 2 (Will Cook et al. , sev. obs.) and 16 along Big Woods Road Jan. 9 (Ron Silverman et al ., sev. obs.). Three were in Hendersonville, NC, Jan. 31 (Simon Thompson), one was on the Southport, NC, CBC Jan. 2 (Greg Massey), one was on the New River, NC, CBC Dec. 27 (fide James Coman), and one was at Table Rock State Park, SC, Feb. 8 (Scott Stegenga). Also up to 35 were in the usual Burrell’s Ford, SC, area Jan. 8 (Giff Beaton et al.). COMMON REDPOLL: This rare winter visitor was reported several times this winter, although all were frustrating one-day wonders. One was at a Meat Camp, Watauga County, NC, feeder Jan. 3 1 (Jason Bulluck and Chris Wilson); one-to- three were reported in the Boone - Blowing Rock, NC, area in January and February (fide Curtis Smalling); one was at Clemmons, Forsyth County, NC, Jan. 8 (fide Ramona Snavely); possibly two different ones were in Durham, NC, Feb. 19-20 (fide Will Cook), and one was at a feeder in Columbia, SC, Feb. 21 (Jerry Griggs). CBC Rare Bird Alert (704) 332-BIRD CAROLINA BIRD CLUB MEMBERSHIP The Carolina Bird Club, Inc. is a non-profit educational and scientific association founded in 1937. Membership is open to those interested in the study and conservation of wildlife, particularly birds. Dues, contributions, and bequests to the Club may be deductible from state and federal income and estate taxes. Checks should be made payable to Carolina Bird Club, Inc. and sent to CBC Headquarters, 1 1 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1029. DUES (Payable on a calendar-year basis) Individual $ 20.00 Associate (in same household as individual member) $ 5.00 Student $ 15.00 Sustaining (open to businesses) . $ 25.00 Patron $ 50.00+ Life Membership (payable in four consecutive $100 installments) . . $400.00 PUBLICATIONS CBC members receive The Chat, a quarterly journal devoted to bird study and conservation, and the CBC Newsletter, which carries information about meetings, field trips, and club projects. Articles intended for publication in The Chat may be sent to the Editor or the appropriate editor listed in the inside front cover. Items for the Newsletter should be sent to its Editor, Clyde Smith, 2615 Wells Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27608. Send correspondence regarding memberships, changes of address, or requests for back numbers of either publication to CBC Headquarters, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601- 1029. OFFICERS President: Len Pardue, 16 The Circle, Asheville, NC 28801 Vice Presidents: Donna Bailey, 176 Ravens Place, Winnsboro, SC 29180 Charlotte Goedsche, 8 Cricket Ln, Asheville, NC 28801 John Wright, 1953A Quail Ridge Road, Greenville, NC 27858 Secretary: Kathleen O’Grady, 1428A Farrington Way, Columbia, SC 29210 Treasurer: Patricia Tyndall, 400 Kilmarnock Ct, Wake Forest, NC 27587 NC Members-at-large: Susan M. Campbell, 144 Pine Ridge Dr., Whispering Pines, NC 28327 Bob Holmes, 4003 Trent Pines Dr, New Bern, NC 28562 Dwayne Martin, 3691 Jinny Lane, Claremont, NC 28610 JoAnn Martin, PO Box 242, Ellenboro, NC 28040 SC Members-at-large Carroll Richard, P.O. Box 893, Hampton, SC 29924 Gary Sowell, 140 Sweetwater Road, Hopkins, SC 29061 Immediate Past President: Bert Fisher, 924 Urban Ave., Durham, NC 27701 Headquarters Secretary: Tullie Johnson, 1 1 West Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27601 Rare Bird Alert: (704)332-BIRD Web Site: www.carolinabirdclub.org 7 % 2 CO •i- X 2 CO W X — 1 it ^ x •=£ OI rn Gj ; o H 3 X Q X x n i> o,-X n cn r . & b-~z r r-J m X U m x :n -i H D < 3- c < 0 05 o 0 3. a?® c_ s. =■ 3 JCD 0 O c w o = C/5 C Q 2. J ° 3 0 m 0—0 ~ c/> -* x o o 0) O 0 0 2 o CD *< a 2 Z ~ DO G) m 05 H) ” o ’Tzr.F °a) 3 fo 0) o CO rn CO > 05 JT o N> ^1 CD O KXfSO The Chat Vo!. 64 I C8@ The Quarterly Bulletin of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. The Ornithological Society of the Carolinas FALL 2000 No. 4 THE CHAT (USPS 101-020) Vol. 64 FALL 2000 No. 4 Published by The Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Editor General Field Notes North Carolina Will Cook Briefs for the Files Associate Editor Bob Wood, 2421 Owl Circle West Columbia, SC 29169 bobwood @ ix.netcom.com South Carolina Dennis M. Forsythe Ricky Davis Andrea Ceselski Editor Emeritus Eloise Potter THE CHAT is published quarterly for $20.00 by the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., with headquarters at the | North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1029. Second-class postage paid at Raleigh, NC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Carolina Bird Club, THE CHAT, 1 1 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1029. Articles 1999 Spring North American Migration Count in South Carolina. Donna S. Bailey . Ill 2000 Spring Bird Count. Peggy V. Ferebee and Herbert T. Hendrickson 125 General Field Notes Status of the Cave Swallow in North Carolina. Harry E. LeGrand, Jr., John O. Fuss ell, III, John S. Wright, and Edward S. Brinkley 140 Active Ruffed Grouse Nest Found in South Carolina. Anna E. Huckabee 144 Scissor-tailed Flycatchers Nesting in North Carolina. Anne L. Olsen 146 Common Loon Entangled in Fishing Line on Lake Jocassee, Oconee County, South Carolina. Justin Ellenberger, Matthew Bowers, and Ashley Joye 149 Briefs for the Files, Spring 2000 150 Index to Vol. 64 161 Cover (Red-breasted Nuthatch) by Bill Duyck, Asheville, NC. 1 999 Spring North American Migration Count in South Carolina Donna S. Bailey 176 Raven's Place Winnsboro, SC 29180 FEB 2 2 2001 UbKAR'^5, The Spring 1999 North American MigrationCounfwas conducted on 8 May 1999. 185 observers in 16 counties divided into 98 parties in South Carolina found 40,732 individuals in 229 species on this relatively mild and pleasant day. Of this total, 30 species were “exclusives,” found only in one county. The exclusives break down as follows: Aiken: 1 Charleston: 7 Cherokee: 1 Colleton: 1 Georgetown: 3 Hampton: 1 Jasper: 4 Lexington: 1 Oconee: 7 Spartanburg: 4 Aiken County (Aike): 97 species, 1650 individuals. Reported temperatures: 59 ° F to 84° F. Participants: Coordinator Anne Waters, 1 62 1 Apple Valley Drive, Augusta, GA 30906. 706/793-2788. John Austin, Paula Austin, Carol Eldridge, Christine Huzella, Paul Koehler, Richard Lux, Sandra Johnson, Betsy Ristroph. Aiken County’s exclusive was a nice find - a Tennessee Warbler, not always easy to find in South Carolina, particularly during spring migration. Calhoun County (Calh): 76 species, 3072 individuals. Reported temperatures: 60° F to 82° F. Participants: Coordinator Robin Carter, 4165 E. Buchanan Drive, Columbia, SC 29206. 803/782-8820. Dennis Forsythe, Donna Forsythe, Jack Stewart, Lula Stewart. Calhoun County turned in a remarkable count of 2000 Bobolinks and 2 Mottled Ducks, both good finds for this county. Charleston County (Char): 179 species, 14917 individuals. Reported temperatures: 60° F to 87° F. Participants: Coordinator Perry Nugent, 2260 Dallerton Circle, Charleston, SC 29414. 843/556-3841. Edward Conradi, Frank Clark, Dilys Clark, Janine Fanning, Sue Brownlee, Irvin Rosenfield, Bonnie Hartnet, Edward Crawford, Charles Walters, Carol Sloan, Joseph Stevenot, Martha Stevenot, Betty Zimmerman, Jack Clarksen, Ernie Prupis, Joan Hylander, Joan Cole, Ann Kent, Craig Watson, Ben Smith, Gifford Beaton, Van Atkins, Liz Smylie, Mrs. M. A. Aldenderfer, Jennifer Koches, Dr. Julian Harrison, Larry Hartis. Ill 112 Spring 1999 North American Migration Count in SC Among Charleston’s exclusives were American Bittern, Merlin, Virginia Rail, White-rumped Sandpiper, Gull-billed Tern, and Seaside Sparrow. Cherokee County (Cher): 91 species, 1490 individuals. Reported temperatures: 58° F to 77° F. Participants: Coordinator Lyle Campbell, 126 Greengate Lane, Spartanburg, SC 29307. 864/585-1228. John Barry, Claude Cobb, Ken Garrett, Karla Lavender, Alan Rose, Marjorie Steadman, Vivian Vassy, Ed Wilde, Travis Childers. Among the migrating warblers in Cherokee’s totals were a Yellow Warbler, a Bay-breasted Warbler, and two Blackpoll Warblers. Chester County (Ches): 67 species, 3117 individuals. Reported temperatures: 48° F to 73° F. Participants: Coordinator Albert E. Conway, 1672 Deer Run Road, Catawba, SC 29704. 803/329-3759. Gail B. Ice, Faye Metzl. Chester had an excellent count of Cliff Swallows, reporting 2800 individuals, as well as one of the few Sharp-shinned Hawks reported for this Spring Count. Clarendon County (Clar): 71 species, 605 individuals. Reported temperatures: 68° F to 76° F. Participants: Coordinator Tim Kalbach, 3113 River Drive, Columbia, SC 29201. 803/254-5187. Melanie Kalbach, Gary Sowell, Nancy Lyman. Clarendon reported two lingering Pied-billed Grebes and seven Caspian Terns, a good find for this inland county. Fairfield County (Fair): 102 species, 731 individuals. Reported temperatures: 55° F to 82° F. Participants: Coordinator Donna S. Bailey, 176 Raven's Place, Winnsboro, SC 29180. 803/635-7032. Buddy Bailey, Molly Bonnell, Kathleen O'Grady, Elise Schmidt. Migrant warblers in Fairfield County included Swainson’s Warbler (transient through Fairfield County and hard to find there) and Blackburnian Warbler. Georgetown County (Geor): 118 species, 2323 individuals. Reported temperatures: 63° F to 86° F. Participants: Coordinator Jack Peachey, 103 Walnut Circle, Conway, SC 29520. 843/347-5810. Davia Donmoyer, Charles Heacock, Barbara Maxwell, Bob Maxwell, Paul Rogers, Tonya Spires, Bengie Williams, Carol Williams, Patrick Williams. Exclusives in Georgetown County included Purple Sandpiper, Sandwich Tern, and a well-described Warbling Vireo. Hampton County (Hamp): 79 species, 774 individuals. Reported temperatures: 64° F to 87° F. The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 113 Participants: Coordinator Carroll Richard, P.O. Box 893, Hampton, SC 29924. 803/943-4661. Bob Richard. Hampton county’s exclusive was a lingering Lesser Scaup. Hampton County also reported excellent numbers of Bald Eagle (14) and White Ibis (118). Jasper County (Jasp): 118 species, 6728 individuals. Reported temperatures: 70° F to 80° F. Participants: Coordinator Patricia E. Metz, Parkway Business Center, Suite 1000, Business Center Drive, Savannah, GA 31405. 912/652-4415 ext. 103. Vic Carpenter, Libby Cluett, Mark Cluett, Les Davenport, Daoud Hinkle, Barry Lowes, Philomena Lowes, Alec McClelland, Carol McClelland, John Metz, Ray Porter, Lauree SanJuan, John Stafford. Exclusive to Jasper County was American Avocet, Fulvous Whistling Duck, lingering Northern Shoveler, and Bonaparte’s Gull. Lexington County (Lexi): 85 species, 828 individuals. Reported temperatures: 60° F to 82° F. Participants: Coordinator Molly Bonnell, 220 Cannon Trail Road, Lexington, SC 29072. 803/359-6280. Donna Bailey, Barbara Darden, Kathleen O'Grady. Lexington’s exclusive species was a late Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Also reported from Lexington County was a well-described Palm Warbler. Richland County (Rich): 108 species, 2494 individuals. Reported temperatures: 60° F to 82° F. Participants: Coordinator Robin Carter, 4165 E. Buchanan Drive, Columbia, SC 29206. 803/788-8820. Steve Dennis, Caroline Eastman, Henry Fuseler, Heidi Hoerman, Tammy Sutherland. Among the migrants reported from Richland County were Veery, Gray- cheeked Thrush, and Swainson’s Thrush. Spartanburg County (Spar): 134 species, 4124 individuals. Reported temperatures 60° F to 82° F. Participants: Coordinator Lyle Campbell, 126 Greengate Lane, Spartanburg, SC 29307. 864/585-1228. John Allen, Robbie Allen, Barney Altman, John Barry, Susan Barry, Beth Bartel, David Campbell, Matthew Campbell, Sarah Campbell, Alan Chalmers, Edith Clark, Marion Clark, Dan Codispoti, Vince Conners, Linda Deahl, Dennis Funk, Pat Fowler, Roy Fowler, Robin Gillman, Teresa Glen, John Green, Conway Henderson, Gladys Henry, J. B. Hines, Myra Hines, Betty Howard, Marilyn Hubbell, Joel Jones, Micky Marotte, Jim Miller, Margaret Miller, Susan Monk, Bill Moody, Nora Moore, Mary Anne Myers, Gill Newberry, Ken Pearson, Lisa Pearson, Bob Powell, Sandra Powell, Hugh Pry, Janet Pry, Doug Raynor, Crystal Schirmer, Walton Scott, Jenny Scott, Mac Shealey, Tina Taylor, Gerald Thurmond, Chris Welch. Spartanburg County had four exclusives - Red-breasted Nuthatch, Canada Warbler, Dickcissel, and White-crowned Sparrow. 114 Spring 1999 North American Migration Count in SC Williamsburg County (Will): 78 species, 492 individuals. Reported temperatures: 60° F to 84° F. Participants: Coordinator John Snow, Rt 1, Box 192, Hemingway, SC 29554. 843/558-5430. Paula Sutton, George Sutton, Joyce Braxton, Sarah Jo Freeman. Among the good birds that Williamsburg County reported were Ruddy Duck and Swallow-tailed Kite. The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 115 ^FF Counties Report CO LO CM O' CM CO CO CM o LO CO LO O' CM LO CM CO CD o CM CO CD CO TOTAL Indiv O' CO 00 2021 CM o CM CO CO CD CM CM O CO CO o CO CO CD LO LO o CO o CO O CO CO r-T CO LO LO LO CM CM CO LO CM CD CM CD CM o- LO Will CO CO o- CO CM CM CO Spar CO CO CO CO 00 c- M- CO CM Rich CO LO T“ O' CO CM CO LO CO CD c o o O CM CO LO CO LO CO oo h- D- Lexi LO CM CM CM CM Jasp o o- CO CM O' LO CM CO LO LO o CO CD CO M- CD CM CD CO CO o LO CM CM h- oo CM Hamp CM CO CD LO CM CO CM co CO oo CD CM r- Geor CO CD O’ CO CO - LO oo LO o CO O' Fair CD T"“ CO CO O' Coll CD CD CM o r- CO CO CO Clar CM O' CO CO CD LO h- Ches O' T_” CD CM CM Cher CM CO M" CD CM Char CM r-- LO O' CD CO CD o CO CO h~ $ LO 3 LO CD h~ CD 00 CO - O' 00 CM O CD r- LO CD -C (0 O LO h- CM CM CM | North American Migration Count Aike CM - CO LO CM LO r- CO CO j South Carolina 8 May 1999 c o o _J c E E o O 1 Pied-billed Grebe I Northern Gannet 1 Brown Pelican 1 Double-crested Cormorant 1 [Anhinga lAmerican Bittern [Least Bittern 1 Great Blue Heron [Great Egret [Snowy Egret C o a> □= 0) 3 CO a) _i [Tricolored Heron [Cattle Egret [Green Heron [Black-crowned Night-Heron lYellow-crowned Night-Heron IWhite Ibis 1 Glossy Ibis [Wood Stork [Fulvous Whistling Duck 1 Canada Goose [Wood Duck lAmerican Black Duck [Mottled Duck 1 Mallard [Blue-winged Teal [Northern Shoveler 116 Spring 1999 North American Migration Count in SC — w — _ Counties Report CM CM CO CO O CM r- M" CO CO CO o T— to to M" a= -= r^- T“ M- CM CM CO co TOTAL Indiv o T— CO LO LO h- CD CO T — CM CO CM LO CO § CM CM M- M" LO o to CD CO CD CM CO r- CM CM LO CO CM LO o - Will O) CM CO CO Spar O- LO T— CM CM CM LO LO 00 CM CM LO co Rich CM CO a= CO CO LO c o o O LO CD CO CO CD CO to CO Lexi h- CM CM CM CO Jasp O CO CO CO CO CO CO CM a= -a-- M- CM CM CO co CO CO Hamp CO CM h- CM ▼— CO T — CM LO LO Geor a> CO • CO CM CM CO - co Fair § LO CO CO O’ CO CM CM Coll -f= CO Clar CO co CM CO CM O' CO Ches CM t"- T_ CO Cher CM LO CD CM CO Char LO CO LO h- s o CO CO M" T“ t"- CO CO CO CD r- LO CM h- to to CO Calh CD CO CM CO CO LO CM Aike LO LO LO CM CM - CO 8 May 1999 ' 13 Q u "/j a 'j a c 3 a c an £L 3 (0 3 if) © (0 10 © —1 d to a 3 ro a (0 1 Black Scoter © (0 C S3 a: © ■a a o o c X a> (0 c ra O' © "O © 00 (0 ® JQ -6 © an O 3 Q > c o 3 an I Black Vulture © 3 3 > I 3 1— 1 Q tD o I Swallow-tailed Kite © - k Q a to to m to © a •& LU T3 ro CD I Northern Harrier ■ X ■O © c c d i n 1 n ro JZ if) ro X to *L_ x a o o O d to © Q. O o © 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 X T3 1) a a > o co 1 Red-tailed Hawk lAmerican Kestrel [Merlin c ro © © sz Q. T3 a a U ® c 1 a c an © a 3 H "O § 1 Northern Bobwhite ICIapper Rail to an © 'c a > © CO iPurple Gallinule c © -C o O' a o O lAmerican Coot The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 117 W Counties Report CM CM CO CO CO LO Is- M" co CO CO CM CO CO LO CO x— m- CM M" oo TOTAL Indiv to 00 CO 1 10511 LO CM CM CM c > CM 5 CO CD io CM CO CD LO CO o r- co o r-- 00 CM CD LO CD h- M" Is- LO LO T LO o h- LO ¥ IO 00 s Is- CD Will CM Spar Is- CM CO CO CM CO CM CM Rich CO CM CO c o o O oj CO CO Lexi CM CM Jasp o CO CO CM O CD Is- CO LO CO r-. CD CD CM LO LO CO CM CD O CM o M" CD O o CO Hamp Geor o CO ID 00 Is- CM CO LO — LO CD Is- CM oo CM o CM IO CO T’~ CD LO LO O IO CO Fair CO Coll CD CM LO CO T — CM CO Is- CO o co CM Is- CO CO O O CM M" LO - Clar CO Ches CM CO Cher ■sr CM Char O) CO M" 5 LO LO CM LO CO "O’ CD CO CO LO CO CO co co LO CM CM CO CM CM Is- LO O CO LO CM M" CO LO CO CO M" Is- o CD Calh CO Aike CM Is- CM LO CO CD CO 8 May 1999 1 Black-bellied Plover IWilson's Plover i_ 0) > o CL T3 0) TO E ro Q ‘E a> CO iKilldeer lAmerican Ovstercatcher 1 Black-necked Stilt lAmerican Avocet 1 Greater Yellowleqs I Lesser Yellowleqs ISolitarv Sandpiper IWillet 1 Spotted Sandpiper IWhimbrel 1 Marbled Godwit 1 Ruddy Turnstone iRed Knot ISanderlinq ISemipalmated Sandpiper IWestern Sandpiper 1 Least Sandpiper IWhite-rumped Sandpiper Q H J 0 01 [Sandwich Tern [Common Tern [Forster's Tern [Least Tern [Black Skimmer [Rock Dove 1 Eurasian Collared Dove Si 0 o o c 'c 3 O [Common Ground-Dove [Black-billed Cuckoo [Yellow-billed Cuckoo iBarn Owl ! Eastern Screech-Owl 1 Great Horned Owl 1 Barred Owl 1 (0 2 a iz c o E E o O [Chuck-will's-widow [Whip-poor-will > CO 3) E 1c O |Rubv-throated Hummingbird [Belted Kingfisher 1 Red-headed Woodpecker 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker lYeliow-bellied Sapsucker [Downv Woodpecker lHairv Woodpecker [Red-cockaded Woodpecker The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 119 W Counties Report CD o T — o CO CD CO CO CM CO CD o CM LO mt M" CO CO M" CM CO CO CO m- CO CM CO TOTAL Indiv CD CO CO io T— m- CO to CD O CM CO to 00 M- 00 CO M" 00 CO o o M" CO CO CO to CD LO CM M" to C v» CO oo co CO to $ CO 460] CM M- CM CM O CM 9 m- M1 M" M" to < D CO Will CO N- CD to to CD M" CD CM CM CM CO CO oo Spar M- CO CO CM CM CO CO CO M" o to M- o M- CM ^ — CO CM CO CD h- CO M" CD to CM CO h- 00 CD CD LO CM Rich m- CM CO CO CM CO o CM CO f'- CO CO M“ CD to CM CD CO h~ CO o CO CM CM CO 5 c o o O CD oo CO CM o CO - to CM O CM CD G) CD r-» M- CM h- co If) CO CO oo CM CM - M- CM CM CO Lexi to h- CM to CO - o CO M" CM M" CO CM CM CO CO M- CO M- CO Jasp CM h- T“ oo o CD CM o to CO Is- oo M- LO CO 00 Hamp r- CO CO CO CM r- CM T— ’ 1^. CD mT CM LO CM M" CO CM to Geor CM CM CM r- oo CD CO to CO CM M" LO - CO CO LO CO O CO ro UL CO CO to M" r- CD CO CM CO CM CO CM O CO CO CO oo Coll O CM CM CM CM t — CM Clar CO CO M" CM CM CO x — to CD CM LO t— CD CO M- Ches — -= CM CO CM CM CM - CM 2800 h- T— to - CO CO CO Cher CN T— T— CO CM CO CO CM CD CO CO CM CO OJ CM CO CM CO Char M- CO O h- CO CO 1 4091 CM CD 1 27791 CM CO O M" CO O M- O 00 CM oo O CO CM r- 1^- M- LO CM CM oo CO O Calh M- 1^ CD CO to O to CO 00 CO CM 00 CO mt to oo M" CO CM CM OO CO o CM Aike O CO o CD D- CO M" Mr CO O CO CM CO r>- MT CO M" CD T — 00 LO LO T" CO T — M- CO CO 8 May 1999 1 Northern Flicker iPileated Woodpecker 1 Eastern Wood-Pewee lAcadian Flycatcher IWillow Flycatcher 1 Eastern Phoebe 1 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Eastern Kingbird 1 Horned Lark 1 Purple Martin 1 Tree Swallow 1 Northern Rough-winqed Swallo'l iBank Swallow 1 Cliff Swallow iBarn Swallow B Blue Jay lAmerican Crow 1 Fish Crow |crow sp. 1 Carolina Chickadee ITufted Titmouse 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch iWhite-breasted Nuthatch 1 Brown-headed Nuthatch 1 Carolina Wren 1 House Wren ISedqe Wren 1 Marsh Wren 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 120 Spring 1999 North American Migration Count in SC . — w — Counties Report 00 X — CM CO o o T— CM m- CO 00 C0 CO CM CM CO CM CO CO CM CM LO h- 00 ID CM CD OO TOTAL Indiv ? CO h~ ■*” o LO CD CO 04 CO CD x CO LO 00 LO CM 00 LO CM CM LO CO LO t5 CM LO x— CM CM CM m- CO 9 CO CM o CM oo o oo Will o x CO CM CD oo LO Spar CM O — LO CM CO CM CM X — ID ----- 0- 00 CO CO CO LO CD CM CM oo T— CM oo CD ■*“ oo o Rich cm CM CM 9 CO CO o CO CM LO CM CO CM LO 9 LO oo ■*“ CO LO oo CO h- c o o O 3 CM x O- CO LO LO CM CO O CO LO LO CM CM X— CO y* CD CM M- CM CM Lexi CM CO CM h- CO CD O CD CD CO CD CM CM X“ Jasp CM CM CM LO CM h- CD LO 00 CM CM CM M- Hamp CO (N CM m- CM 00 CM CM CO X Geor o> X — CO m- O CO CO CO LO LO O CD ID CM O CM CM Fair CO CM CO O- CO CD CM LO h- CD CO 00 CO x— Is- r- Coll CO LO CM Clar 00 CD O LO ID o Ches LO m- CM CO LO CM — CO Cher CM LO LO oo LO LO h- 00 (O Csl x — oo M" CM O O CM CM CO Char CM CO LO CM LO 00 CD CO OO m- i^- CM CO oo OO h- X“ O) i 1191 ID OO M" h- CD co o SZ CO O 04 LO o CM CM O r- CO CM CO CM o CM OO 00 CM CO Aike CD CO T— CM CM CO CM r^- CM CM CM CO CM OO CO OO CO LO CO 8 May 1 999 1 Eastern Bluebird IVeerv iGrav-cheeked Thrush ISwainson's Thrush IWood Thrush lAmerican Robin iGrav Catbird 1 Northern Mockingbird 1 Brown Thrasher lAmerican Pipit 1 Cedar Waxwinq 1 Loggerhead Shrike 1 European Starling |White-eved Vireo S Blue-headed Vireo lYellow-throated Vireo [Warbling Vireo |Red-eved Vireo 1 Blue-winged Warbler 1 Tennessee Warbler 1 Northern Parula lYellow Warbler 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler iMagnolia Warbler 1 Cape Mav Warbler 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler lYellow-rumped Warbler S Black-throated Green Warbler 1 1 Blackburnian Warbler 1 Yellow-throated Warbler iPine Warbler The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 121 u Counties Report 00 CO CM r- CD o CO CO LO M" h- M" x — (N X — CM CO M" M" CO M- CO CO CD 00 IO m- TOTAL Indiv oo to CM CD LO CO o CD CO CD LO CM CD r>- CM CM CD CD CD CD CO h- co 9881 CO 3 x— 3381 CD CO CM 2261 o CM CO CO CO CD CM CO CO Will m- CO IO CO co CM o- Spar CM CO LO r-- CM OO - o h- LO CM CM CM h- CM CO CM CO LO CO O 00 Rich CM T"’ CO CO CM IO CM LO CD CM O) T‘~ h- CO CO CM CM CD CO CD c o o O O X — CM LO io CO CO CM O X— CO CM CO CO CD CM CO oo M" 00 00 LO r- CD oo oo Lexi CD h- CD CM CO CD CO CM CM CO LO - CD = Jasp CM CM r- CO CD h~ CO CM CO r>- CO Hamp CM CM CO O’ M- CM CO IO Geor h- CO M" 1^- CO CM CO LO o CM (0 u_ h- CO O’ CM CM CO CO CM CM 00 h- -r= O CM CO LO CM io CO CO Coll CO CM CM Clar CM CO x=» CO CD CO CO CM CM O CM CO CM CD Ches — io CM CO O’ -T- T— CM CO T— CM a> x: O CM CM CO h- 00 LO CD CM oo CM r- CM CD LO Char h>. CM CM CO CD 1"- CD CD O) LO h- CM CO CO CO LO LO CO O IO oo CO N- Calh CM o 00 1^- T_ r-- CO r- - CD M" 00 CO CO M" LO CM CD Aike CO CM CM T— LO CM CO CO O 00 00 CO 00 M" CO CM CD LO CM 8 May 1999 1 Prairie Warbler iPalm Warbler iBav-breasted Warbler iBIackpoll Warbler 1 Black-and-white Warbler lAmerican Redstart iProthonotarv Warbler [Worm-eatina Warbler ISwainson's Warbler lOvenbird 1 Northern Waterthrush 1 Louisiana Waterthrush 1 Kentucky Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 1 Hooded Warbler ICanada Warbler lYellow-breasted Chat ISummer Tanaaer IScarlet Tanaqer 1 Northern Cardinal 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 Blue Grosbeak llndiqo Buntinq 1 Painted Buntinq iDickcissel 1 Eastern Towhee 1 Bachman’s Sparrow IChippinq Sparrow 1 Field Sparrow 1 Savannah Sparrow 1 Grasshopper Sparrow 122 Spring 1999 North American Migration Count in SC Counties Report CO CO CM co 03 -sr CO CM CM O CO o CM 1 Totals [ CM r- 03 LO TOTAL Indiv ? 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Ferebee Natural Science Center 4301 Lawndale Drive Greensboro, NC 27455 Herbert T. Hendrickson Department of Biology - UNCG P.O. Box 26174 Greensboro, NC 27402-6174 This year's count tallied the highest number of species and the second highest number of individual birds since 1 992. Birders in seventeen count areas put in 1095.55 field hours, which is good but not record breaking. Folks just saw more birds per hour. New River did not report this year. We added two new areas this year: Henderson County, NC, and Lower Saluda River, SC. Adding more mountain and coastal counts should result in some changes in the birds seen and helps make the total count more representative of the entire area instead of emphasizing the Piedmont. The weather was generally good with little precipitation, and several counts reported warmer than usual temperatures. A number of species were reported in record low numbers: Bob white, Chimney Swift, Purple Martin, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue- winged Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Field Sparrow, and Brown-headed Cowbird. Also at record lows were Rock Doves and American Robins. Are these last two really down or are people overlooking them? Ring-billed Gull, Homed Lark, Black- throated Blue Warbler, and Eastern Meadowlark continued to decline. This was not a good year for Veery, Raven, White-throated Sparrow, Purple Finch, Cooper's Hawk, American Kestrel, Wild Turkey, Northern Oriole, or Palm or Black-and-white Warblers. Now we have good news. 30 species were reported in record numbers. These include Great Blue Heron, Canada Goose, Black and Turkey Vultures, Red-shouldered Hawk, Spotted Sandpiper, Red-bellied, Downy, and Hairy Woodpeckers, chickadee, titmouse, all the nuthatches, Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Gray Catbird, White-eyed and Red-eyed Vireos, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthmsh, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, and American Goldfinch. Other species such as Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Mississippi Kite, Western and Least Sandpipers and Great Crested Flycatcher were up because of the new South Carolina count as well as a good year in Charleston. Juncos were also reported in record numbers, but most of them occurred in one count area - Highlands Plateau. Common Loon, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Acadian Flycatcher, Chimney Swift, Fish Crow, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, and Song Sparrow had a good year. Carolina Wren, House Wren, and Pine Warbler continued their steady increases. When comparing count years, we look at the number of birds reported adjusted for the number of field hours put in for each year. We also assume that the count areas remain the same unless stated otherwise by the compiler. Many counts are trying to run the Spring Count and the Migratory Bird Count on the same day. While this does "kill two birds with one stone," to use an ornithological phrase, this can change the numbers. Some areas are running the Spring Count a week or two later than they have historically to hit the 125 126 2000 Spring Count Migratory Bird Count Day. The counts also use different count territories. The Migratory Bird Count uses the entire county rather than the 1 5 -mile circles used by the Spring and Christmas Counts. It would not be difficult, when running simultaneous counts, to confuse which area a bird was reported in or to blur the lines where one count stops but the other continues. These variables should be taken into account when looking at these data. CPNC-ChapeS Hill. Center Franklin and Columbia Streets. May 14, 0430- 2100h. Temperature 57°-82°, with no precipitation. Wind 5-10 mph, and the sky was partly cloudy. Participants: Compiler Will Cook, 418 Sharon Rd., Chapel Hill, NC, 27514. Karen Bearden, Joe Bearden, Barb Brooks, Norm Budnitz, Chris Canfield, Sandy Cash, Bob Chase, Bobbie Collins-Perry, Will Cook, Beth Duncan, Chris Eley, Kent Fiala, Kate Finlayson, John Frederick, Nancy Gorham, Maurice Graves, Steven Graves, Perry Haaland, Ruth Harris, Edwin C. Hobson, Patrick H. Hobson, Fran Hommersand, Alan Johnston, Eleanor Kilgour, Fred Kilgour, Betty King, Ken Klapper, Jim Lansing, Ken Lundstrom, Irmgard Muller, Dave Murdock, Miriam Murdock, Judy Murray, Oliver Orr, Jeff Perry, Magnus Persmark, Jay Rabb, Malcolm Robinson, Barbara Roth, Harriet Sato, Lois Schultz, Mike Schultz, Doug Shadwick, Marsha Stephens, Elvin Strowd, Edith Tatum, Shelley Theye, Pam Timmons, Ginger Travis, Lee Van Malssen, Bobbie Wilkerson, Bruce Young, Jeanine Zenge. Compiler's Comments: The 43rd Chapel Hill Count was a little below average in number of species, probably due to the late date. Thanks to a high level of participation, however, we had our highest count of individual birds ever. Our best birds included a female Anhinga seen soaring high near Jordan Lake by Steve Graves (only the second record on a Chapel Hill spring count), an Olive-sided Flycatcher seen at the Mason Farm by Will Cook (our fourth record), a very late Brown Creeper well described by Bobbie Wilkerson, and a Wilson's Warbler seen at Mason Farm by Will Cook (our fifth record). Other birds that we usually miss included 5 Wild Turkeys, a Chuck- will's- widow, and 2 Canada Warblers. The number of parties and party hours was the best in years, so we set a large number of record highs. The count of 87 Great Blue Herons shattered the record of 23 from last year. Boosting the number was our first-ever heronry, which had 18 active nests. It was found on Cub Creek in Chatham County by Alan Johnson and Edith Tatum. The count of 43 Red- shouldered Hawks blasted past the 28 set in 1997, thanks in part to Alan Johnston's neighborhood family of five. The 27 Song Sparrows more than doubled the old record of 13, thanks in part to their increased use of urban habitats, such as shopping mall parking lots, where they were formerly absent. Other record highs were set for Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Canada Goose, Mallard, Killdeer, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Great Crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, American Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Pine Warbler, Summer Tanager, Northern Cardinal, and Indigo Bunting. A few species were seen in unusually low numbers. The count of 55 Bam Swallows was our lowest since 1 974, far below the mean of 96. Because of the The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 127 late date we found only 4 Black-throated Blue Warblers (mean 3 1), 4 Yellow- rumped (Myrtle) Warblers (lowest ever; mean 163), and 3 White-throated Sparrows (ties record low; mean 66). Field Sparrows were also scarce, with only 21 (lowest since 1969, mean 43). DUNC-Durham, NC. Center one mile east and one mile south, jet. Eno River and US 501. April 30, 0530-1800h. Temperature 58°-78°F. No precipitation. Wind calm, and the sky was foggy in the morning, clear by 10:00. Participants: Compiler Michael Schultz, 5504 Woodberry Rd., Durham, NC 27707. Tim Allen, Norm Budnitz, Hartsell Cash, Sandy Cash, Will Cook, Anson Cooke, John Frederick, Christina Kennedy, Ken Klapper, Janet Krakauer, Tom Krakauer, Jeff Pippen, Joshua Rose, Harriet Sato, Lois Schultz, Michael Schultz, Douglas Shadwick, Ron Silverman, Jonathan Steere, Matt Steere, Edith Tatum, Carol Williamson. Compiler's Comments: This year's count fell on the latest day possible for our count window. Hence, many of the "late" migrants were seen in high numbers for this count. Species setting record highs were Canada Goose, Blue- winged Teal, Wild Turkey (reported on 6 of 13 parties!), E. Wood Peewee, Great Crested Flycatcher, E. Kingbird, Gray Catbird, Yellow-ramped Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Rusty Blackbird, and American Goldfinch. Notable low numbers were 13 Ring-billed Gulls, the first time since the flooding of Falls Lake that this species has been below 100! The much-talked about decline of the local Ruby-crowned Kinglet population as a result of the severe January snows was evident with a record low of 2 individuals. Other species with low numbers are all associated with open field habitats that are in great decline in this count circle. GRNC-Greensboro, NC. Center the intersection of Highway 220 N and Pisgah Church Rd. April 29, 0630-1600h. Temperature: 43-66°F. Precipitation .05". Wind calm in the morning, with an increase to 4mph in the afternoon. Sky was clear and calm in the morning, but a front with wind and rain came in about 1500h. Participants: Compiler Don Allen, 261 1 David Caldwell Dr., Greensboro, NC 27408. Carolyn Allen, Donald Allen, Jean Berry, Louise Brown, Dennis Burnette, Lynn Burnette, Chris Carter, Sue Cole, Phil Crisp, Judith Durr, Peggy Ferebee, Rose Freedman, Larry Gasper, Isabel Gillespie, Nancy Hannah, Kathryn Lambeth, Jane Lewis, Elizabeth Link, Henry Link, Clarence Mattocks, James Mattocks, Jean McCoy, Greg Morris, Lib Morrison, Lynn Moseley, Jean Murdick, Jean Murphy, Ruth Neal, Elaine Oldham, Laurie Sorrell, Emily Tyler. Compilers Comments: The day started with considerable promise - clear sky, little or no wind, cool temperatures. That promise, however, was not to be fulfilled. At mid-afternoon (about 3 :00 PM) a front came through the area with dark clouds, gusty wind, and rain. This development took most parties out of the field. The totals for the day were a bit disappointing. Some warblers and other birds that had been expected did not appear on Count Day for whatever reason, so several species were found only in the Count Period rather than on Count 128 2000 Spring Count Day. Such are the disappointments of those who must schedule events months ahead. Other things comprise a different set of problems. Mostly, they seem to fall under the heading of, “Too Many People,” and all that goes with that: Too much development in the Count Territory, too much traffic on the streets and roads, and too many people doing all the things they do on weekends. Such problems are not unique to the Greensboro Count, and it's likely that all the counts are so influenced to some degree. But it's not as much fun as it might be, and it's more difficult to be accurate in determining what's in your area. HCNC-Henderson County. Center 35°21'N 82° 33'W. May 13, 0630-1700h. Temperature 55°-85°F with a slight shower at 16:00h. Wind was 0-10 mph SSW, with a clear sky in the morning becoming cloudy to partly cloudy in the afternoon. Participants: Compiler Marilyn Westphal, 230 Park Lane, Hendersonville, NC 28791. Larry Farer, Rick Hensley, Barbara Neal, Harvey Neal, Jim Neal, Francis Ogasawarra, Bob Olthoff, Len Pardue, Ron Selvey, Marilyn Westphal. Compiler's Comments: As this count was combined with the regular international migration count, most of the actual compilation was done by Barbara and Jim Neal. The compiled data was passed on to me, and I added the information about the birds seen during the count period (3 days before and after). Combining this count with the regular migration count was the only way we could possibly get it done, as all other weekend dates were filled with other activities such as CBC weekend and Big Days. We used the Christmas Count, circle as the sections covered were the same. HPNC-Highlands Plateau. Center Highlands. May 13, 0800-1530h. Temperature 56°-74°F. Wind light to none, and the sky was clear. Participants: Compiler Marianne McKay Smith, 243 Deer Run, Highlands, NC 28741. Compiler Cynthia Strain, P.O. Box 1238, Highlands, NC 28741. Martha Brennan, Pam Brown, Joe Clark, Mozelle Edwards, Frances Graves, Beth Greenlee, Jason Love, Mary Osmar, Jennifer Ralph, Marianne McKay Smith, Cynthia Strain, John Williamson, Myra Williamson, David Wood, Jane Warth, Shirley Bohnert, Marcia Lester, Herman Mull. ICNC-Iredel! County, NC. Center Chipley Ford Bridge at South Yadkin River. May 7, 0630-1700h. Temperature 56°-88°F. Wind was from the south at 3-7 mph, with sunny skies. Participants: Compiler Sam Cathey, 130 Park Street, Stateville,NC 28677. Cynthia Dickerson, Bill English, Lois Goforth, Thad Goforth, Lee Hollifield, Richard Holshouser, Larry Marlin, Dick Mize, Allen Stanley, Gamer Underwood, Ron Underwood. Compiler's Comments: The unusually hot weather seems to have caused a languid bird day, with singing, particularly by the warblers, at a minimum. Development in our count area (the dairying region of North Iredell), increases at a more rapid pace, especially in the southern part near Statesville. The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 129 JLNC-Jordan Lake, NC. Center at former crossing of New Hope River and Pea Ridge Rd (Rt 1700), now under water. May 7, 0500-2000h. Temperature 60°-90°F. Wind was calm to light and variable. Sky was clear to scattered clouds (10%). Participants: Compiler Norman Budnitz, 4115 Garrett Drive, Durham, NC 27705. Kim Aycrigg, Barbara Beamam, Yvonne Becker, Kyle Blankenship, Barbara Brooks, Norman Budnitz, David Campell, Harold Carter, Robert Chase, Barbara Coffman, Patrick Coin, C.W. Cook, Tom Driscoll, Beth Duncan, Claudia Egelhoff, Elizabeth Elliot, Marty Girolami, Maurice Graves, Steven Graves, Steve Hall, Willard Hartman, Walton Haywood, Chuck Helmick, Russell Herman, Loren Hintz, John Kent, Betty King, Kenneth Klapper, Charles Konrad, Tom Krakauer, Elizabeth Link, Henry Link, Barbara Logue, Terry Logue, Phillip Manning, Melinda Meade, Kyle Mills, Micky Mills, Robin Moran, Judy Murray, Monica Nees, Magnus Persmark, Kevin Powell, Joshua Rose, Barbara Roth, Douglas Shadwick, Ron Silverman, Marsha Stephens, Shelley Theye, Pam Timmons, Andy Upshaw, Vaughn Upshaw, Margaret Vimmersted, Kristen Weigle, Carol Williamson, Rouse Wilson. Compiler's Comments: May 7 was a warm morning followed by a hot afternoon. Fifty-six observers in 22 parties counted 9,444 individuals (a record high) of 122 species (a bit low), during 152 hours in the field (close to a record high). Perhaps as a result of this fairly thorough coverage, we recorded 16(!) species in new record high numbers (or ties for the record). Of these, 1 1 surpassed records previously set in 1998 or 1999. So it is also possible that we are seeing a reflection of the habitat changes that have been occurring in and around Jordan Lake. (See compiler's comments for spring 1998 for a description of these changes.) The lake itself is maturing, and its surroundings are being developed for residential communities. Perhaps many of the new records reflect these two changes. Records were set or tied for Double-crested Cormorant (632), Canada Goose (148), Osprey (24), Chuck- will's-widow (25), Downy (54), Hairy (15), and Pileated (25) Woodpeckers, Red-eyed Vireo (388), American Crow (311), Cliff Swallow (206), Carolina Chickadee (283), Tufted Titmouse (357), Blue- gray Gnatcatcher (394), Northern Mockingbird (111), Brown Thrasher (64), Pine Warbler (311), and Ovenbird (168). Observers recorded relatively few through-migrant warblers and few duck species, accounting for the below-average species total. Rather unusual species were 5 Great Egrets, 1 Blue-winged Teal, 1 Common Merganser, 1 American Coot, 1 Greater Yellowlegs, and 3 lingering Evening Grosbeaks. MJNC-Mt. Jefferson (Ashe County). Center as in previous years. May 13, 0615-1500h. Temperature around 70°F. Sky was mostly clear, with little wind. Participants: Compiler Van Morrsion, 262 Laurel Mountain Estates, Todd, NC, 28684. Dan Lane, John MacConnell, Vaughn Morrsion. RANC-Raleigh (Wake County), NC. Center at Lake Wheeler Road (Farmer's Market). May 13, 0600-2000h. Temperature 70°-90°F (record heat). Wind was slight, with clear skies. 130 2000 Spring Count Participants: Compiler John Connors, 1227 Mordecai Drive, Raleigh, NC 27604. J. Angerman- Stewart, J. Argentati, J. Bearden, K. Bearden, F. Bennett, D. Brame, J. Brewster, M. Brewster, J. Brunyl, J. Connors, G. Farnsworth, L. Gosselin, D. Hardy, B. Hawkins, A. Hicks, V. Janke, C. McKree, J. Mulholland, J. Parsley, T. L. Quay, H. Sato, C. Smith. Compiler's Comments: It was very hot, with record temperatures and no recent fronts. Birds were fairly quiet. A Hooded Merganser and 4 young were at Yates Mill Pond, where the lake recently refilled. Tree Swallows may be nesting along Raleigh Blvd. in a wooded impoundment there. King and Virginia Rails were heard and seen on Greenview Road. There was a late American Pipit at NCSU farms along with the Cattle Egrets. RVNC-Raven Rock State Park. Center at the intersection of NC 210 and SR. 1434; 2.75 miles north of Lillington. April 24, 0545-1920h. Temperature 44°- 70°F. Light precipitation in part of the circle. Sky mostly clear AM, partly cloudy with an isolated thundershower in the afternoon. Participants: Compiler Paul C. Hart, Raven Rock State Park, 3009 Raven Rock Road, Lillington, NC 27545. Jim Bateson, David Brown, Molly Fullwood, Paul Hart, Tom Howard, Bobby Lufty, Kevin Reese, Mitch Reese, Larry Rose, Mary Stevens, Sarah Stevens, Erik Thomas. Compiler's Comments: The species total of 122 tied a record for the highest species count set in 1 989. Misses included Cedar Waxwing (seen during count week), American Woodcock, and Greater Yellowlegs. High counts of several species were reported, including Double-crested Cormorants (2 1 0), Fish Crow (55), and Eastern Kingbird (170). The number of cormorants reported is attributable to groups seen migrating. A single Pectoral Sandpiper, seen by Tom Howard, was the first report of that species since 1981. An apparently territorial male Swainson's Warbler, reported by David Brown, was in the same location as one seen and heard in the park the previous two years. Twenty warbler species were reported, but only five species of migrants were observed. SPNC-Southern Pines, NC. Center at 35°13'N 79°19'W, 1 mile NE of the skyline. April 30, 0500-1700h. Temperature 43°-72°F. Light winds ranged from calm to 6 mph NNW. There was some fog early, turning into fair skies. Participants: Compiler Susan Campbell, 144 Pine Ridge Drive, Whispering Pines, NC 28327. Jackie Britcher, Susan Campbell, J. H. Carter III, Dick Dole, Lois Dole, Charlotte Gantz, Barbara Gearhart, Chris Helms, Dean Holzgraf, Tom Howard, Wayne Irvin, A1 McDonald, Dan Pieroni, Mary Stephenson, Vaud Travis, Libba Watson. SMNC-Stone Mountain, NC. Center unknown. May 13, 0600-1230h. Temperature 66°-87°F. Wind was from the NE up to 20 mph, with partly cloudy skies. Participants: Compiler John MacConnell, 2918 Silas Creek Road, Lansing, NC 28643. Jim Keighton. The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 131 WSNC-Winston-Salem, NC. Center at the intersection of Silas Creek Parkway and 1-40 Business. May 6, 0430-2000h. Temperature 63°-87°F. Wind was calm, with partly cloudy to clear skies. Participants: Compiler David Disher, 4145 Chatham Hill Drive, Winston- Salem, NC 27104. Reggie Burt, Peg Cochrane, Betty Grey Davis, Bill Davis, Larry Davis, Linda Davis, Doug Deneve, Phillip Dickinson, David Disher, Susan Disher, Cynthia Donaldson, Gardner Gidley, Margaret Gidley, Toby Gordan, Billy J. Hammond, John Hammond, Susan Hammond, Hattie Hauser, Bert Hollifield, Royce Hough, Lois Jones, Ray Kandt, Barbara Kendrick, Leon Kendrick, Jim Martin, Mary Allen Martin, Tom Mowbray, Ed Mulvey, Margaret Mulvey, Dorothy Pennington, Paul Powers, Lloyd Ramsey, Ann Robertson, Chester Robertson, Jackie Shelton, David Shuford, Ramona Snavely, Sebastian Sommer, Paul Spain, Bill Sugg, Gray Tuttle, Jay Wilhelmi. Compiler's Comments: Our count circle's natural habitat has been under attack by development for quite a few years. This past year 4 fields that had harbored Grasshopper sparrows and Bobolinks now are home to single-family homes. One more location where the sparrows can be found easily will be a strip mall by our next Spring Bird Count date. Count Day was the warmest in recent memory. The most unusual species were two Great Egrets (seen by two separate groups) and a Wild Turkey. The Wild Turkey was a Spring Bird Count first for us, but it was not unexpected. The bird is more than likely a result of the efforts of NC Wildlife Resources to restock the Yadkin River Valley. The restock had been a success, and turkeys can be seen commonly just outside the western edge of our circle. CASC-Charleston, SC. Center 36°56'N, 79°42'W, near TV antenna just off Seawell Road. April 30, 0530-1830h. Temperature 65°-85°F. No precipitation. Wind 0-15 mph. Sky mostly clear, with some clouds at times. Participants: Compiler Edwin Blitch III, 45 Sycamore Ave. #233, Charleston, SC 29407. Mike Bernard, Bob Chinn, E. Calvin Clyde, Stephan F. Compton, Zebulon A. Compton, Ed Condradi, Doreen Cubie, Jim Cubie, Hal Curry, Jan Dewitt, Dennis Forsythe, Donna Forsythe, Sunny Hankie, Brucie Harry, Jeremy James, Don Jones, Barbara Keefe, Dershie McDevitt, Davis C. McLean, David C. McLean, Jr., Gerald Muckenfuss, Allen Russell, Ann Shahid, Paul Siegel, Maurice Snook, Tonya Spires, Kay Woelfel. Compiler's comments: As far as I know, 175 species on our spring count is an all-time high! CGSC-Congaree Swamp, SC. Center 400 meters northeast of the confluence of Bates Mill Creek and Congaree River. May 13, 0530-1500h. Temperature 60°-97°F. Wind was 0-15 mph from the northwest, with clear to partly cloudy skies. Participants: Compiler Robin M. Carter, 4 1 65 Buchanan Drive, Columbia, SC 29206. Robin Carter, Dennis Forsythe, Donna Forsythe, Jack Stewart, Lula Stewart. 132 2000 Spring Count LSSC-Lower Saluda River, SC. Center at the intersection of Tudor Road and Silvermine Road, Irmo, SC. April 29, 0530-1730h. Temperature 60°-80°F. No precipitation. Wind 0-8 mph under cloudy skies. Participants: Compiler Robin Carter, 4165 East Buchanan Drive, Columbia, SC 29206. Donna Bailey, Molly Bonnell, Bemie Cain, Nancy Cain, Robin Carter, Steve Dennis, Caroline Eastman, Jerry Griggs, Malia Griggs, Joyce Hall, Tom Hawkins, Allison Harvey, Tim Kalbach, Keith Kargel, Dennis Lau, Dennis Lee, Nancy Lyman, Kathleen O'Grady, Charles Poole, Roger Smith, Gary Sowell, Jack Stewart, Lula Stewart, Steve Tracey, Cindy Woods. SPSC-Spartanburg, SC. Center at the junction of County Roads 539 and 590. May 13, 05:00-23:00h. Temperature 70°-89°F. No precipitation. Wind 0-22 mph, with skies clear. Participants: Compiler: Lyle Campbell, 126 Greengate Lane, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Frankie Altman, Beth Bennett, Daniel Bennett, Susan Bennett, Tim Brown, Andrew Campbell, David Campbell, Lyle Campbell, Sarah Campbell, Tom Moore Craig, Pat Fowler, Roy Fowler, Robin Gilman, Michele Gilman, Teresa Glen, John Green, Emma Harrington, Conway Henderson, Glenn Inglehardt, Jack Jennings, Joel Jones, Herb Kay, Tammy King, Mary Ann Meyers, Angela Miller, Margaret Miller, Michael Miller, Susan Monk, Bill Moody, Nora Moore, Ken Pearson, Lisa Pearson, Mary Potter, Joanna Reider, Gretchen Reidsema, Ginny Scott, Walton Scott, Mac Shealy, Tina Taylor, Dick Thorpe, Lois Thorpe, Gerald Thurmond, Thomas Webster. Compiler's Comments: May 13 was hot here. The official temperature of 89° was six degrees lower than that registered on many local thermometers. It was a late, hot day at the end of a late, hot spring. Consequently, our migratory transients had passed through earlier, and winter stragglers were rare or absent. These factors largely accounted for our lower numbers. Wood Thrush and Red- eyed Vireo, normally common summer residents, were unusually difficult to find. We do not know if this is a population decline or if they have responded to the unusually hot weather by migrating farther north. The best species we almost got was a pair of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers observed northeast of Spartanburg on May 16, but two miles beyond the edge of the count circle. The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 133 u C/3 O U < u u £ oo £ u •7 r- o© a, C/3 u £ “ 06 i 06 U 1 u (NONiOOnOio-^ OOOvf~~OOCNOcNvOCTvOco -H VO co VO Ov 'cn— ir^©oo 1 OO tc M Tt m >0 co vo 1- CN CN CN — h r~- 00 Ov CN r- — ' — ' © 1 — < 1— 1 VO CO 1 ^ CO CN *“ 1 00 rf CN ■*t ■ Ov vo 00 CO VO Tf CN © CN OO vo O Tf 00 VO vo ,-H — 1 Tf co CO <:£ £§ > w -O M «S O o r2 * 42 0^5 W-4 o >>42 3 HU 2 * y co gll 3 § O a oV. UrA U — n > <0^2-0 O . ® ft « S jj >> 6 Vi co -a Species CPNC DUNCGRNC HCNC HPNC ICNC JLNC MJNCRANC RVNC SMNC SPNC WSNC CASC CGSC LSSC SPSC Total 134 2000 Spring Count Tfvoo^^ovo'0*0'HO(SONNftcn^N'Ooor^oorr(s,noN-H'ooo-Hoo(» - Ov O\0cnNt'-O^tv-'OcnN«ri -h co ’—i <-h >-< co co (N CN vOOvN (nj (N co vO (N -h ^ oo r- * r- tj- vo o vo mn ov r~ — ' — i * (N co — > — m — i ov — ' — < Z % ~ :* ***& > M T3 «J « M <3 rvj!2 Sa® ^ Sffi ffSja-o •s « > g %£ > ’S v- e-o^ go (3 w 00 c« |_ S rs v oo n «n tt n -HVtNN-H — 1 00 -H — « »n r-- ON m vO Ov — • VO -i Ov (N CM '— 1 1 © co § i-i ih ih vO O O vO © OO co n (N Tf co — i ts coin *-i '—i co m (N ’— 1 CM 1-H <-H t-» »n , — < — ('St-HfsJtNONCOtN— l Tf f- o !Tn «l^!-8fl-l| - S >3 ! ofl’o”^ 111 o § S J o S| iegc2X00Ue4cnUtu3mi^wlt 136 2000 Spring Count Total 154 h^Oh "3- 03 03 03 03 'to^ro-co'txcoovov'^o co'tooroo30i0coinini0 03 03 VO »n Os vo ^ CO vO't cok^coooinoo^ 0'OvTfk0300COOO<— 1 vo 03 CO 03 O' VO O k —1 03 8S 03 CO 0300vO^-COVOcoO~QV'kVO «n»n k 03 k o 03 rF vO k VO CO u oo rf a, CO in on o <-h vo voo- ovo3ooin ^ kCO H o CO OV* COk 03 s$s m 03 00 ON «— • Ov 00 u 00 CO 2^ CO oiOOHinaoNmom VO CO 03 1-H CO OV ON 35 45 vo O co co co oo 03 23 151 16 o co ov co in k O' k U c fi o 00 U CO 03 >— 1 CO O 03 VO Ov 03 -hO <-! VO in 03 03 CO 03 CO 1 36 30 11 64 m oo o- oo CO Ov 03 k in U CO vo <03 u in 03 k00 03TtkkcoOiOv03vO ov»n co o~ o^ oo co VO 03 03 CO 00 03 03 00 Tf VO k 03 O' OO Tj- vo 03 k Tf o CO £ 21 2 03 —< in k-ncoo3oovo 03 03 03 k O' VO CO k Ov co Ov k 03 Tf 03 OO Tt O' O' O m o Ov Ov CO k kk k O' 03 O' CO k kk U g" CO VO OO »n'itQO'inooo3coTtvoo3 h oo vo co m vo ov oo 03 OV 03 00 k tOVOk O' «n O' O CO -k in Tf 03 © 1 1 1 88 111 U § CO _ 03 CO — < *k VO -k 03 kin O' »n oo 03 k k OO z* 5 U os O' »n O 00 O O vO O' k Tfr O' k 03 k oo oo oo in k oo oo co in vo OV m CO oo k m 03 k oo vo in k CO O' m OOrt k Ov «k VO OO 03 vf OcOkOvk 'fr k 03 tT k vo o 00 OO Ov 03 2 1 18 oo co vo co o O' k OV k CO m 03 O' kkO oo in k in 03 -k 03 CO oo co o 03 rf CO CO Ov O' CO k U ZOV U 03 03 k in oo co 03 03 k 00 oo ov k -rf 00 E E o> oo in co O' CO CO 03 "Vf CO Q 03 03 ^ Ov CO Tf 03 «n O' co co •*t Tfr CO CO 03 O' O' VO k ov k Ok CO k H 1 15 1 * «n 03 vf k k ?% 93 k. 43 93 . S|.2.2 M§| ee^ E a Ooo cn OO Tt tM M OO o- vo co i— i o3 o© oo 03 Tf —I CO Ik 93 43 93 :^.2 £ 60 * o 11 ^ w i 33 % o 2 «« ^ 3 HNOoom Tf in r~~ — < co in Tf co co co v© in co in —i cmvo non i — i VO co Tf CM t^ 02 u 5 02 5 2 55 ri I u £ SB inNO-HVOOco N os co co co — < co -h co co Q cm COOnN’-'VOO CO i-H .=1 fx) £ ^'n'OQN'n'nco U ■HcoN'Ocom t~- © p 3 a &p &o ~ Tf CO CO -h »nrt vNNO cm cm in vo CO CO Tf CM CM CM «n o ^ —i CM —i 1—1 t^. 00 -H -H ?s> >-h cs N- CM VO CM * oovOcocMcoOoorfrfoo^* r~~ Tf rt cm in co — < O co co 1—1 — ' Tf — I OO vo 22 44 19 00 — 1 t-oogin OO CM O «— < — 1 CM ov — • r- vo OVOVN 1 co —1 1 CM -h — i CM -HNrt _ co CM <~» CM r-~ 1HN rs| co — < * m Tf VO i-i CM Ov Tf CO vo in CM Tf Tf CM CM CM oo cm «n — < co CO 00 O -HTf N* vo O — i «n Tf »-=i CO —H in Tf co * — * in co * 44 15 1 * © Tf .-1 Tf TH CM r- co oo in i-i CM CO CM in co r~~ cm i O oo O co CM oo oo co in co vo cm in co i-i Tf CO CM Tf i— I CO CO Ov CO -* CM CM CO CO co CM CM t" CM VO co VO Tf Tf Ov -H vO O co vo * oo O co O co in i—< CM CM CM »— < »n — 1 — l Tf —I in co O i-< TrtOvO N-Hin oo Is ^43 43 ,25 43 u33-£3 3 M c3 534? S3 |l J Ss.* T3 'S) ^ ^ .S-'j* "O ^ I "£ •P .5 H C/3 Pi X fi, „» cu ►!? I«pss5^8«^ 3| 3 glN § § * « rf ! Ill I §|a (5zowloShZ>i l^|"vo'|l|l| 8 §>8.ji=:f Ijs g-S s _cJH «P5 4355,2! CO CO CM -h Ov CO © © *-• CO CO Ti- »o CM CO CO CM CM SO OO CM 'Sf - CO rf oo \n CM Ov Ov rr 00 r~- OO so Tf so CM CO CO CM 5 49 11 © 37 11 55 s CM OO so CO O © CM CO vo o tj- SO r- 7-H so OO *o vo ov r~- 00 c- vO co so CM co 8 oo Ov CM CM CM oo CM ov cm r- CO CM CO •*? 1 vo 8 © © »n g Ov vO OO CM VO CM 76 *“* Ov © OO CO vO CM CM so ■st so © CM Ov CO — CM CO OO^HOO cm »n 2 a co O . 9 o o ® « £ ti h y .2 8 Sill *^3 •■cl 1 S 3^ .ais-e « >. of Species 120 124 124 100 78 104 121 77 110 122 57 136 126 175 85 122 98 292 >. of Individuals 11242 7262 7240 2447 1463 2353 9436 1159 3274 4606 275 3975 5623 12185 1236 4495 3198 81469 The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 139 m m ”3 in i°S U in m vO in — « t)- -Ht"Ooon co og O; o^ co -h 1 CO CO »n vo o »n »n On M O CO CO CO § in Ov «n U m m g in vo ov U U C/3 < On VO CO OO CO CO u z. „ CO VO m £ © OO -H U 01 m o- oo 55 vo 04 co U g m m § in co oi CO U ^OOO >> m co 04 06 y m m 2 co o- vo y £ m m 5 On — i OO in m co -NTfinoN ^ C m 04 — < iO>hV]N O vocO'-HOcscorJcoinC! — < co 04 vo co — < — • •5p co 04 o- rf co »n 04 CO CO OincoN »n 04 co co co in in On OO O co t O in jo m m m m m On 04 O' O; O; OV OO -hNCO VO CO — i On Ov 04 . ^ IT) m 04 04 m O' vo 04 —1 mm _ — 1 -H O o o o CO -h 04 Ov — • 00 m m m 04 o^ m CO vo vo Ov rn rf o co 04 m m 04 o~ m ov OV m CO 04 '3' O' ^ — CO CO —1 —1 m m OO — i O' m moo-. m m a O' co m O © OO 04 m -t- o co co OO VO 04 m m rt 04 o- m m m m m o vd m vo -ooi- vO 'f -* Tt S5 O' VO rf g3 y -H 00 CO oo m oo CO CO *0^ VO ^ «n e3 wj 'S o S Si 8 2? ita oo o a 00-3 “2^ ° •“ 00’> T3 Pearson, T G, C S Brimley, and H H Brimley. 1942. Birds of North Carolina. Revised 1959 by D L Wray and H T Davis. NC Department of Agriculture, Raleigh. Potter, E F, J F Parnell, and R P Teulings. 1980. Birds of the Carolinas. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill. Common Loon Entangled in Fishing Line on Lake Jocassee, Oconee County, South Carolina Justin Ellenberger Matthew Bowers Ashley Joye 304 Daniel Court 124 Fulda Court 2815 S. Marion Street Mauldin, SC 29662 Pickens, SC 29671 Lake City, FL 323025 At about 1900 h on 25 May 2000, we observed a Common Loon ( Gavia immer) in basic plumage along the shore of a small cove about 500 m south of the Bad Creek Project discharge on Lake Jocassee, Oconee County, South Carolina. About an hour later, we again saw the loon about 1 00 m from the Bad Creek Project outlet. At this time, Ellenberger and Joye noticed that the loon had monofilament fishing line wrapped around its head and body. The bird, however, appeared to be in good condition and was swimming without trouble. We decided to try to capture the loon from the boat with a large landing net. Joye was able to net the bird on the first try. We found that line was wound around the wings and feet, with most of the line tightly wrapped around the tongue. The tongue was black and hard anterior to the line and soft and tan posterior to the line. With Joye restraining the loon, Ellenberger and Bowers cut the line with a single-edged knife. We found no hook or line traveling into the loon’s throat, and the bird was not emaciated. Except for the injuries to the tongue, the bird appeared to be in good physical condition. Upon release, the loon swam off at a leisurely pace. We observed the bird for another 30 minutes until dark. CBC Rare Bird Alert (704) 332-BIRD BRIEFS FOR THE FILES Ricky Davis 608 Smallwood Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 RJDNC@aol.com All Dates Spring 2000 Briefs for the Files is a seasonal collection of uncommon-to-rare or unusual North and South Carolina bird sightings and events which do not necessarily require a more detailed Field Note or article. Reports of your sightings are due the 20th of the month after the end of the previous season. Winter = December 1 - February 28, due March 20 Spring = March 1 - May 31, due June 20 Summer = June 1 - July 31, due August 20 Fall = August 1 - November 30, due December 20 Reports can be submitted in any format, but I prefer that you type them and list the sightings according to the birds in checklist order (not according to dates or locations). If you submit your report to me through e-mail, please type your report directly into the message or copy it from a word processing program directly into the message. You may also attach your file to the e-mail, but if you do, please let me know the program used and also send a second version saved as a text (.txt) file. Suitable reports for the Briefs include any sightings you feel are unusual, rare, noteworthy, or just plain interesting to you in any way! It is my responsibility to decide which reports merit inclusion in the Briefs. Please be sure to include details of any rare or hard-to-identify birds. I rely in part on sightings reported in Carolinabirds. Please don’t, however, rely on me to pick up your sightings from Carolinabirds. Instead, please also send your sightings directly to me as described above. If I feel that your sighting warrants a Field Note, I will contact either you or the appropriate state Field Notes editor. You may, of course, submit your Field Note directly to the editor without going through me. COMMON LOON: Of several scattered inland reports, the best total was the 40 on L. Julian, Buncombe County, NC, March 20 (Wayne Forsythe). PIED-BILLED GREBE: One was very late, for such an elevation, at Table Rock State Park, SC, May 29 (Scott Stegenga). RED-NECKED GREBE: This rare species was reported several times this spring. Three were on L. Norman, NC, March 10 (Tom Lorenzin), one was at Huntington Beach State Park, SC, March 25 (Robin Carter and Caroline Eastman, sev. obs.) and April 25 (Jack Peachey), and one was at the Garysburg, Northampton County, NC, goose pond April 30 (Ricky Davis, Frank Enders). 150 The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 151 EARED GREBE: Some of the last reported Eareds included two on L. Wylie, SC, March 25 {fide Taylor Piephoff), one at the Hemingway, Williamsburg County, SC, sewage ponds April 2 (Robin Carter and Caroline Eastman), and three at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, April 5 (Steve Calver). HERALD PETREL: This species has become regular off North Carolina the last couple of years. This spring an impressive seven individuals were found. Dark phase birds included singles off Hatteras May 13 (Brian Van Druten), May 20 & 2 1 (Brian Patteson et al.)\ two off Hatteras May 27 (Patteson et al.); and one off Manteo May 28 (Mike Tove et al.). A light phase bird was also off Hatteras May 21 (Patteson et al.). FEA’S PETREL: Two reports of this petrel involved singles off Hatteras May 27 & 28 (Patteson et al.). BERMUDA PETREL: North Carolina got its 6th-8th reports of this rare, endangered species this spring. Single birds were found off Manteo May 26 (Patteson et al.) and May 28 (Tove et al.). One was also seen off Hatteras May 27 (Patteson et al.). BLACK-CAPPED PETREL: The peak one-day total for the spring season off North Carolina was the 203 off Hatteras May 21 (Patteson et al.). In South Carolina, where it is much harder to find, five were off Georgetown May 1 3 (Murray Honick,/zde Jack Peachey). SOOTY SHEARWATER: Numbers of this shearwater were down this spring, with fewer being seen migrating through inshore waters. The best onshore total received was of 20 in a 45-minute period from the east end of Shackleford Banks, NC, May 20 (John Fussell et al.). MANX SHEARWATER: Manx Shearwaters are regular offshore spring migrants, although usually in small numbers. This year off Hatteras, there was one on May 21, two on May 28, and four on May 29 (Patteson et al.). LEACH’S STORM-PETREL: The best Leach’s reports were 45 off Hatteras May 27 (Patteson et al.), and three off Georgetown, SC, May 13 (Murray Honick ,fide Jack Peachey). BAND-RUMPED STORM-PETREL: The peak one-day total this spring was the 51 off Hatteras May 27 (Patteson et al.). INSTRUCTIONS FOR AUTHORS www.carolinabirdclub.org/thechat.html 152 Briefs for the Files, Spring 2000 AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN: One was very rare and unexpected inland at upper L. Norman, Catawba County, NC, from mid-to-late March ( fide Taylor Piephoff). Also an excellent count, especially for so late in the spring, was the 23 at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, May 19 (Steve Calver). DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT: A new breeding location was found at Swan Lake, Sumter, SC, during May (Robin Carter and Caroline Eastman), where one nest was with a couple of Great Blue Heron nests. The species continues to increase as inland migrants, as evidenced by the count of 1,170 at Falls Lake, NC, April 9 (Ricky Davis). ANHINGA: Inland reports this spring included three over Jordan Lake, NC, April 8 (Emily DeVoto); two (possibly from the previous flock), over Mason Farm, Chapel Hill, NC, April 8 (Dennis Burnette et al.)\ one over Chapel Hill, May 14 (Steve Graves); one at Laurinburg, NC, May 2 (Barbara Gearhart); and three at Southern Pines, NC, April 30 (fide Susan Campbell). MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD: The first of the season of this annual visitor involved an adult female near Bogue Inlet, NC, May 10 (Russell and Ruth Roberson). AMERICAN BITTERN: Noteworthy inland bittern sightings were of singles in Durham County, NC, April 17 (Chris Eley), at Pee Dee N.W.R., NC, April 18 & 27 (Ken Reininger et al.), and in Henderson County, NC, April 16-25 (Wayne Forsythe, Marilyn Westphal, Bob Olthoff). Late coastal birds included one at Bear Island, SC, May 1-6 (Robin Carter, Dennis Forsythe) and one at northern Bodie Island, NC, May 30 (Jeff Lewis). The latter bird possibly could represent local breeding. SNOWY EGRET: One was quite unusual far inland near the French Broad River, Henderson County, NC, April 7 (Marilyn Westphal). LITTLE BLUE HERON: Interesting inland reports included three adults at Greenview Pond, Wake County, NC, April 24, with one still there May 22 (John Argentati, Steve Shultz), one north of Charlotte, NC, April 15 (Taylor Piephoff), and one at Broad River W.M. A., Fairfield County, SC, April 1 8 (Tim Kalbach). CATTLE EGRET: Two were far to the west near the French Broad River, Henderson County, NC, April 7 (Marilyn Westphal) and quite possibly the same two were later seen at L. Julian, Buncombe County, NC, the next day (Wayne Forsythe and Marilyn Westphal). Other inland Cattles included one near West Lake, Wake County, NC, from late March to early April (Karen Bearden, sev. obs.), and one at Mapleview Farm in western Orange County, NC, April 27 (Doug Shadwick). BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON: One was a surprise in the mountains at Beaver Lake, Asheville, NC, April 5 (Vin Stanton, Len Pardue, Marilyn Westphal). YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON: One was a good find in the mountains at Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC, April 29 (Wayne Forsythe and Ron Selvey). GLOSSY IBIS: One at Greenview Pond, Wake County, NC, May 24 (John Argentati), provided a rare inland sighting. The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 153 ROSEATE SPOONBILL: One was a good find at Pea Island N.W.R., NC, May 25 (Andrea Zuckerman, sev. obs.), and was observed sporadically on into summer. TUNDRA SWAN: One was late at Pea Island N.W.R., NC, April 29, as noted by Brad Carlson. ROSS’S GOOSE: The wintering bird in Forsyth County, NC, was last seen near Salem Lake April 2 until May 1 (Ramona Snavely, Regina Burt, m. obs.), surprisingly late for this species. EURASIAN WIGEON: The two wintering on Greenfield Lake, Wilmington, NC, were last seen in early March, as noted by Greg Massey. Also the wintering Pea Island N.W.R., NC, bird was last reported April 2 (Ricky Davis). LATE, LINGERING WATERFOWL: Late ducks included three Shovelers, one Green-winged Teal, and one Lesser Scaup at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, May 30 (Steve Calver), one Long-tailed Duck at Mt. Pleasant, SC, until May 21 (Dennis Forsythe, sev. obs.), and one Common Merganser at Jordan Lake, NC, May 7 (fide Norm Budnitz). SURF SCOTER: Always noteworthy inland, a female Surf was on Roanoke- Rapids Lake, NC, April 30 (Ricky Davis). And even more surprising was the discovery of a migratory flock of 1 1 (5 males, 6 females) at a small pond near the Blue Ridge Parkway near Sparta, NC, April 17 (Jim, Alice, and Barbara Keighton). This was a most unusual mountain area report of a species not normally found that far inland in the state. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER: An excellent inland spring total was the 37 on L. Julian, NC, March 22 (Wayne Forsythe). SWALLOW-TAILED KITE: North Carolina sightings of spring migrants included singles at Atlantic, Carteret County March 23 (Rick Metz ,fide John Fussell), at Newport, Carteret County April 8 (Rich Boyd), at Buxton April 15 (Marcia Lyons), and along Macedonia Road in the Green Swamp, Brunswick County April 22 (Doug Shadwick and Bruce Young). MISSISSIPPI KITE: New North Carolina nesting locations included Howell Woods near the Neuse River in Johnston County (James Sasser, Mark Johns, sev. obs.) and two new areas in Laurinburg, in addition to the well-known site (Barbara Gearhart). The Roanoke Rapids nesting site is also active again (Frank Enders), and the presence of several birds in one area near Havelock suggests breeding (John Fussell, Ned Brinkley et al.). BROAD- WINGED HAWK: Rare spring coastal plain sightings included one over Conway, SC, April 16 (Gary Phillips) and five different ones in Richmond County, NC, during May (Barbara Gearhart). Also one at Roanoke Island, NC, May 10 (Jeff Lewis) was very noteworthy for that coastal locality. ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK: The wintering Rough-legged at Alligator River N.W.R., NC, was last reported March 5 (John and Paula Wright). Also the Rough-legged reported from the Pond Mountain, Ashe County, NC, area during the winter was again found March 6 (Ron and Suzanne Joyner). BLACK RAIL: Locally interesting Black Rail reports included two calling (often during the middle of the day!) from the Bodie Island Lighthouse pond marsh from late April (Brad Carlson) through the end of May (sev. obs.), and one being present at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, April 5-23 (Steve Calver). 154 Briefs for the Files, Spring 2000 VIRGINIA RAIL: One was heard calling from the Greenview Pond marsh, Wake County, NC, May 13 (John Argentati); was this a late migrant or a possible breeder? BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER: The only inland migrants reported involved one near Durham, NC, May 21 (Tom Driscoll et al.) and two at Hooper Lane, Henderson County, NC, May 10 (Ron Selvey). AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER: One was at Hooper Lane, NC, April 17 (Wayne Forsythe, Marilyn Westphal and Bob Olthoff) for a good report. Coastally, where very rare in spring, one was at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, April 20-21, as noted by Steve Calver. SEMIPALMATED PLOVER: Numbers of inland migrants were lower than usual, with the best counts being four near the French Broad River, Henderson County, NC, May 6 (Marilyn Westphal and Bob Olthoff) and May 13-14 (M. Westphal et al.) and four at Horse Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (W.T.P.), Aiken County, SC, May 13 (Anne Waters). AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER: One made a surprise visit to the Crosswinds area of Jordan Lake, NC, April 15 (Doug Shadwick, Will Cook). There are only a handful of inland records for this species in that state. SPOTTED SANDPIPER: One at Woodlake, Moore County, NC, March 1 (Susan Campbell) was more likely a wandering wintering bird than an early migrant. UPLAND SANDPIPER: Good numbers of spring Uplands were had with six at the Cherry Hospital area, Wayne County, NC, April 9 (Eric Dean), and eight at Hooper Lane, Henderson County, NC, April 22 (Wayne Forsythe). Other interesting reports involved one singing(!) near the French Broad River, Henderson County, NC, April 21 (Marilyn Westphal) and one very late along NC 12 at Pea Island N.W.R. May 27 (Jeff Lewis and Keith Watkins). WESTERN SANDPIPER: Noteworthy inland Westerns included one at the Columbia, SC, W.T.P. April 20 (Robin Carter and Caroline Eastman), one in Happy Valley, Caldwell County, NC, April 26 (Dwayne and Lori Martin), three at Winston-Salem, NC, May 6 (fide Ramona Snavely), and one in Henderson County, NC, May 26 (Wayne Forsythe and Bob Olthoff). WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER: The best inland totals reported were five in Henderson County, NC, May 29- June 2 (Wayne Forsythe), up to three at the Columbia, SC, W.T.P. April 29-30 (Roger Smith, Robin Carter and Caroline Eastman), and three in Franklin County, NC, May 15 (Ricky Davis). PECTORAL SANDPIPER: One was quite early at Ravenel, Charleston County, SC, March 8, as noted by Perry Nugent et al. PURPLE SANDPIPER: Five were a surprise and out of normal habitat, when seen on a mudflat at Sunset Beach, NC, March 1 1 (Barbara Gearhart)! DUNLIN: Three were locally rare inland migrants at the Horse Creek W.T.P., Aiken County, SC, April 29 (Anne Waters). STILT SANDPIPER: Good inland migrants were singles at the Columbia, SC, W.T.P. April 20 (Robin Carter and Caroline Eastman), and near Margaret, Franklin County, NC, May 17 (Ricky Davis). Also the count of 661 at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, May 10 (Steve Calver) was impressive even for that location. The Chat , Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 155 RUFF: Amazingly, this species was found three times in the Carolinas this spring. A dark reddish-brown male was at Bodie Island Lighthouse pond, NC, April 1-5 (Gail and Keith Sutton, Keith Watson, m. obs.); another well-marked male was at the Santee Coastal Reserve, SC, April 8-10 (Ken Allen, m. obs.), and a duller male was at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, May 10 (Steve Calver, Pete Range, Pat Metz). This is probably the most Ruffs ever found in the Carolinas during a single season. SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER: A flock of nine found near the French Broad River, Henderson County, NC, May 13 (Marilyn Westphal and Len Pardue, Wayne Forsythe and Bob Olthoff) provided a very noteworthy local record. COMMON SNIPE: One found at Pea Island N.W.R., NC, May 27 (Ricky Davis) was considered to be very late. AMERICAN WOODCOCK: Locating the nest of a Woodcock is always an exciting event. One with three eggs was found west of Rosman, Transylvania County, NC, in early April (fide Norma Siebenheller), and by April 10, the young had hatched and left the nest! WILSON’S PHALAROPE: The only report was of three at South Pond, Pea Island N.W.R., NC, May 31 (Pat Moore et al.). RED-NECKED PHALAROPE: Two rare onshore sightings involved one at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, May 19 (Steve Calver), and one at South Pond, Pea Island N.W.R., NC, May 26 (Ricky Davis) and May 30 (Jeff Lewis and Keith Watson). LONG-TAILED JAEGER: Very rare was one off Murrells Inlet, SC, May 5 (Jack Peachey), there are only a handful of records for that state. The only North Carolina sighting was of one off Manteo May 26 (Patteson et al.). LAUGHING GULL: Locally unusual was one inland at the L. Murray Dam, SC, April 28 (Jerry Griggs). Laughing Gulls return in the spring usually along the coast, but on March 19 in North Carolina, a most unusual event was noted. A conservative count of 740 Laughings (in small groups following each other) was observed to follow US 17 north from the Beaufort County line all the way to Williamston and beyond (Ricky Davis). Has anyone else seen this behavior? LITTLE GULL: The only report for the spring was of two (with a large Bonaparte’s Gull flock) at Atlantic Beach, NC, March 14 (John Fussell). ICELAND GULL: A rare late-spring occurrence was provided by an immature Iceland present at Manteo, NC, from April 30 (Larry Crawford) until at least May 2 (Jeff Lewis). GLAUCOUS GULL: The wintering Glaucous from the Horry County, SC, landfill was last reported March 4 (fide Taylor Piephoff). CASPIAN TERN: The best inland total for this species was the 45 at Jordan Lake, NC, April 16 (Ricky Davis). ROSEATE TERN: Seven adult Roseates were found at Cape Hatteras, NC, May 6 (Brian Patteson), an excellent count for this rare species in the Carolinas. ARCTIC TERN: One on the beach at Cape Hatteras, NC, May 6 (Patteson), provided a very rare onshore report. Offshore, where more expected and regular, numbers were somewhat lower than past seasons. The best one-day count was only three off Hatteras May 28 (Patteson et al.). 156 Briefs for the Files, Spring 2000 FORSTER’S TERN : Several found at L. Julian, Buncombe County, NC, April 13 (Marilyn Westphal) were considered locally unusual. BRIDLED TERN: Two off Georgetown, SC, May 13 (Murray Honick ,fide Jack Peachey) were good finds for that state. Off North Carolina, numbers were low with the best count being five off Hatteras May 28 (Patteson et al.). SOOTY TERN: The only onshore sighting was of one at the Cedar Island, NC, ferry terminal May 10 (John Fussell et al.). Offshore numbers were definitely up with the best one-day totals being 32 off Hatteras May 28 (Patteson et al.) and 10 off Georgetown, SC, May 13 (Murray Honick, fide Jack Peachey). WHITE-WINGED DOVE: The Beaufort, NC, White- winged Dove continued to be seen throughout the month of May (Susan Arrington, John Fussell, sev. obs.). Other reports included one at a feeder in Wilmington, NC, in early May (Kitty Kosh, Greg Massey, sev. obs.) and one near the Bodie Island Lighthouse, NC, May 29 (Ricky Davis). BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO: Black-billeds found this spring included singles at Gardendale, Lexington County, SC, April 28 (Robin Carter), Ft. Jackson, Columbia, SC, May 2 (Lex Glover), Transylvania County, NC, May 13 (Bill and Norma Siebenheller), Scotland Neck, NC, May 21 (Ricky Davis), and Havelock, NC, May 28 (John Fussell). LONG-EARED OWL: Of interest was the Long-eared Owl picked up injured in Lincoln County, NC, in late March and taken to the Carolina Raptor Center (fide Taylor Piephoff). Just how many of these secretive owls are overlooked in the Carolinas each winter is a source for discussion. CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD: South Carolina’s first Calliope, which wintered in Greer, was last seen April 15 (Judy and Charles Webb, fide Susan Campbell). YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER: One was a little late east of Landrum, SC, May 5, as noted by Robin Carter. OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER: This rare migrant was found three times this spring. Singles were at Mason Farm, Chapel Hill, NC, May 14 (Will Cook), at the NC Zoo, Asheboro, May 20 (Danny Swicegood), and along the Blue Ridge Parkway at Doughton Park May 26 (Sue and Joel McConnell). WILLOW FLYCATCHER: One was a good spring find near the Silver Bluff Audubon Sanctuary, Aiken County, SC, April 28 (Anne Waters). SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER: This season’s Scissor-tailed was found near Salisbury, NC, May 19 ( fide Taylor Piephoff). This species has become an annual visitor to the Carolinas, and this year there seems to be an unusual number of them in the East. BLUE-HEADED VIREO: One was at the Bodie Island Lighthouse woods May 7 for a locally unusual spring report (Jeff Lewis). WARBLING VIREO: Up to three (2 singing males and one female) were present at Anilorac Farm, Orange County, NC, from April 27 (Doug Shadwick) until the end of the period (Will Cook, sev. obs.). This species has been known to remain to breed when found east of its usual range. BLACK- WHISKERED VIREO: North Carolina’s 5th Black- whiskered was located at C. Lookout May 20 (John Fussell et al.), not far from the exact location of the individual found there in 1994! The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 157 NORTHERN RAVEN: One was at a rather low elevation (1500 feet) near Landrum, SC, April 23, as noted by Robin Carter and Caroline Eastman. TUFTED TITMOUSE: One was a complete surprise, and locally very unusual at Bodie Island Lighthouse woods May 9 (Jeff Lewis). This species is basically absent on the outer banks, even though present on the nearby mainland. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH: One was extremely late, still coming to a feeder, on Roanoke Island, NC, May 31 (Jeff Lewis). BROWN CREEPER: Another lingering bird was the creeper found on the Chapel Hill Spring Count May 14 {fide Will Cook). THRUSHES: The thrush migration was generally lackluster once again. No big counts of grounded migrants were reported. Some late thrushes included a Swainson’ s and a Gray-cheeked at the Bodie Island Lighthouse woods May 31- Junel (Jeff Lewis). “BREWSTER’S” WARBLER: Two individuals of this Blue-winged X Golden-winged hybrid were found at the Stecoah Gap (NC 28) area April 20 (John and Paula Wright). This area is one of the best Golden-winged spots in North Carolina as there are usually multiple pairs here. NASHVILLE WARBLER: One was quite rare near the coast along the NE Cape Fear River, north of Wilmington, NC, May 13 (Greg Massey et al.). CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER: Rare spring coastal migrants included one at Bodie Island Lighthouse woods May 9 (Jeff Lewis) and one at C. Lookout, NC, on the very late date of May 29 (John Fussell). MAGNOLIA WARBLER: This species staged one of its better migrations in the eastern portions of North Carolina this year. Lewis had a peak of five in the Bodie Island Lighthouse woods May 14, and one was still present there as late as May 29 (Ricky Davis). CAPE MAY WARBLER: An excellent one-day total away from the mountains was the 26 found at Ft. Jackson, Columbia, SC, May 2 (Lex Glover). BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER: Ft. Jackson, Columbia, SC, also had good numbers of this warbler on May 2, when Glover counted 56. YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER: A male was found singing near the top of Mt. Mitchell, NC, May 30 (Tom Haggerty). Summer reports of this species are rare at best, but this area has had them a couple of times before. TOWNSEND’S WARBLER: A male was present for one day only at the Elizabethan Gardens, Roanoke Island, NC, April 27, as noted by Jeff Lewis. This constituted about the 4th report (two spring and two fall) for the state. BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER: Very unusual were the three Blackbumians found at Pea Island N.W.R., NC, May 8 (Jeff Lewis). This species is normally very rare along the coast in spring. Carolina Bird Club Web Site www.carolinabirdclub.org 158 Briefs for the Files, Spring 2000 BAY-BREASTED WARBLER: Glover had an impressive one-day total of seven Bay-breasteds at Ft. Jackson, Columbia, SC, May 2; normally a hard- to-fmd species in spring away from the mountains. CERULEAN WARBLER: Noteworthy spring migrants included one at the Congaree Creek Preserve, Lexington County, SC, April 16 (Robin Carter), one along Cane Creek Reservoir, Orange County, NC, April 27 (Doug Shadwick), and one apparently singing on territory along the Neuse River, Johnston County, NC, May 1 1 (Harry LeGrand). PROTHONOTARY WARBLER: Locally rare western reports came from Haywood County, NC, May 20 (Don Hendershot et al.) and at Tryon, NC, April 14 (Simon Thompson). And in the other direction; unexplainable was the singing Prothonotary found in a roadside thicket along NC 12 across from Bodie Island Lighthouse pond May 26 (Ricky Davis). What this bird was doing there at that time of the season is anybody’s guess. WORM-EATING WARBLER: Interesting was the report of a Worm- eating hanging around in the Buxton, NC, woods May 22 & 3 1 (Pat Moore and Sidney Maddock). Could this localized area be attractive to breeding Worm-eatings? SWAINSON’S WARBLER: Two different birds (both in breeding condition) were banded at York, SC, May 7 & 30 (Bill Hilton). This is interesting since breeding areas of this species in the piedmont are few and far between. OVENBIRD: A pair was discovered on territory near Leland, Brunswick County, NC, during May (Greg Massey). This species is very localized and sparse as a breeder that near the coast. NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH: An excellent count of 19 was had May 2 at Ft. Jackson, Columbia, SC, as noted by Lex Glover. Also one was a surprise offshore of Hatteras, NC, in late May (Brian Patteson et al.). MOURNING WARBLER: The only report this spring was of one way offshore of Hatteras, NC, in late May (Patteson et al.). A most unusual occurrence since almost all spring Mournings found in the Carolinas are in the mountains. WILSON’S WARBLER: This species was not reported much this spring. The farthest east one was found was at Mason Farm, Chapel Hill, NC, May 14 (Will Cook). CANADA WARBLER: One was quite early in Greenville County, SC, April 23, as noted by Robin Carter and Caroline Eastman. Other noteworthy reports included birds in eastern North Carolina with one in Bertie County May 13 (Merrill Lynch and John Wright), two at Bodie Island Lighthouse woods May 14-15 (Jeff Lewis), and singles still there May 23 (Lewis) and May 29 (Ricky Davis). SCARLET TANAGER: One was a very late migrant along the coast at the Bodie Island Lighthouse woods May 31 (Lewis). WESTERN TANAGER: A male in good alternate plumage was a complete surprise at C. Lookout, NC, April 24 (Bob Holmes and Wade Fuller). Most of the Westerns found in the Carolinas tend to be in winter plumage or various stages of molt. The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 159 CLAY-COLORED SPARROW: One was photographed at C. Lookout, NC, April 30 (Brad Carlson), providing an extremely rare spring sighting for that species. LARK SPARROW: Two unusual spring reports came from the mountains this year. One was in Asheville, NC, April 12-16 (Charlotte Goedsche, Marilyn Westphal, Wayne Forsythe) and another was in Henderson County, NC, April 26 (Forsythe). LeCONTE’S SPARROW: After the past winter’s influx of LeConte’s into the Carolinas, lingering individuals were found at several sites. The Broad River W.M.A., SC area had at least two still present April 30 (Tim Kalbach et al.). At least three were still present in Mecklenburg County, NC, as late as April 15 (Taylor Piephoff). Other reports of note included singles at Raven Rock State Park, NC, March 24 (Paul Hart), Waties Island, SC, April 1 (Chris Hill), two at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, April 7 (Steve Calver), and one near Raleigh, NC, April 17 (Jim Mulholland). LINCOLN’S SPARROW: Noteworthy spring reports included one at Mason Farm, Chapel Hill, NC, March 2 (Jim Bloor), one at Jackson Park, Hendersonville, NC, April 25 (Ron Selvey), and one extraordinarily late at Bearpen Gap along the Blue Ridge Parkway, NC, May 27 (Chris Eley and Gordon Brown). HARRIS’S SPARROW: One adult was found at C. Lookout, NC, April 24 (Bob Holmes and Wade Fuller), providing one of the very few spring records for the Carolinas. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW: One was locally unusual as a spring migrant at Huntington Beach State Park, SC, April 29 (Jim Edwards et al.). DARK-EYED JUNCO: One was slightly late at Lugoff, SC, May 14, as noted by Lex Glover. LAPLAND LONGSPUR: An excellent count of 23 was at Hooper Lane, Henderson County, NC, March 1 (Wayne Forsythe, Simon Thompson, Stephen Harris). This location has become one of the best, most reliable spots for longspurs in the Carolinas. ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK: An impressive one-day total of 30 was found at Ft. Jackson, Columbia, SC, May 2 (Lex Glover). Also one was very late at Bodie Island Lighthouse woods, NC, May 31, as noted by Jeff Lewis. INDIGO BUNTING: A very interesting congregation of Indigos occurred on the lawn of the Bodie Island Lighthouse April 29 when at least 50 were counted (Brad Carlson). PAINTED BUNTING: A male was a surprise at a feeder inland, just east of Falls Lake, Wake County, NC, May 29 (fide Magnus Persmark). Normally strictly coastal in North Carolina, it seems that a few individuals of this species wander inland almost every year. DICKCISSEL: This species was once again found at widely scattered locations in the Carolinas. Some of the sightings included up to three at Anilorac Farm, Orange County, NC, May 4 until mid-month (Elisa Enders, sev. obs.), one near Greenville, NC, April 29 (John Wright), a pair near Southport, NC, in late May (Taylor Piephoff), one near Watha, Pender County, NC, May 26 (Harry LeGrand), one near the French Broad River, 160 Briefs for the Files, Spring 2000 Henderson County, NC, April 20 (Wayne Forsythe), and two near Margaret, Franklin County, NC, May 24 until the end of the period (Ricky Davis). YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD: The only report this spring was of an immature male at a feeder in Morehead City, NC, April 2-11 (McDuffy Wade, John Fussell, sev. obs.). RUSTY BLACKBIRD: One was quite late at Table Rock State Park, SC, May 2, as noted by Scott Stegenga. SHINY COWBIRD: This species continues to increase in the Carolinas. This season’s reports included one at the Savannah Spoil Site, SC, May 10 (Steve Calver), two atN. Topsail Beach, NC, May 14 (Jamie Cameron), and one in the Bodie Island Lighthouse, NC, area May 26-27 & 29 (Jeff Lewis, Ricky Davis). BALTIMORE ORIOLE: Very impressive for a one-day count, 21 were found at Ft. Jackson, Columbia, SC, May 2 (Lex Glover). PINE SISKIN: The Snowbird Lodge, Robbinsville, NC, has long been known to hold good numbers of winter finches. But the count of 300 or more siskins there April 29 (Simon Thompson) was impressive even for that area. EVENING GROSBEAK: A flock of nine Evening Grosbeaks at Salvo, NC, April 29 provided a most unexpected, locally unusual, spring report (S. Ryan). CAROLINABIRDS Carolinabirds is an Internet e-mail discussion group about birds and birding in the Carolinas. Subscribers frequently post sightings to it similar to those found in Briefs for the Files, but unusual behavior receives more attention. Subscriptions are free. To subscribe, address an e-mail message to . Don’t fill in the subject line. As your message, simply put, “subscribe carolinabirds” (without the quotes). You will receive a confirmation and more information shortly. Submissions for Briefs for the Files should be sent directly to Ricky Davis. Index to Volume 64 of The Chat A Aiken County, SC, 1 1 1 Allegheny County, NC, 22 Allen, Donald, 8, 125 Allendale County, SC, 39 American Bird Conservancy, 43 American Ornithologists’ Union, 97 Anderson County, SC, 39 Anson County, NC, 94 Ansonville, NC, 94 Ani, Groove-billed, 64 Ani, Smooth-billed, 64 Ashe County, NC, 129 Atlantic Beach, NC, 64 Authors, instructions for, 32 Avery County, NC, 47 B Bailey, Donna, 111, 112 Bamberg County, SC, 39 Barnwell County, SC, 40 Batesian mimicry, 1 6 Beaufort County, NC, 1 Beaufort County, SC, 39 Bird Records Committee, NC, 22, 64, 93, 140 Bird Records Committee, SC, 89 Blitch, Edwin, 53, 131 Blue Ridge Parkway, 2 1 Bluebird, Eastern, 5 Bobolink, 47 Bob white, Northern, 43, 125 Bodie Island, NC, 142 Bonnell, Molly, 113 Booby, Red-footed, 19 Bowers, Matthew, 149 Brant, Black, 96 Breeding Bird Survey, 41 Brinkley, Ned, 140 Budnitz, Norman, 129 Bull Island, 39 Bunting, Indigo, 5, 125 Bunting, Painted, 40 C Calhoun County, SC, 39, 111 Campbell, Lyle 112, 113, 132 Campbell, Susan, 52, 130 Capers Island, 39 Cardinal, Northern, 5, 125 Carter, Robin, 53, 111, 113, 131, 132 Carteret County, NC, 64, 93, 140 Catbird, Gray, 4, 125 Cathey, Sam, 49, 128 Cely, John, 37 Chapel Hill, NC, 47, 48, 126 Charleston County, SC, 39, 111, 143 Charleston, SC, 53, 131 Chat, Yellow-breasted, 5 Cheraw State Park, SC, 41 Cherokee County, SC, 1 12 Chester County, SC, 112 Chesterfield County, SC, 40 Chickadee, 125 Chickadee, Black-capped, 62 Chickadee, Carolina, 5, 62 Clarendon County, SC, 39, 112 Clemson University, 144 Coastal Plain, 1 Colleton County, SC, 40 Columbia, SC, 47 Coman, James, 5 1 Congaree Swamp, 53, 131 Conners, John, 51, 130 Conway, Albert, 1 1 2 Cook, Will, 21,48, 126, 147 Core Sound, NC, 93 Cowbird, Brown-headed, 5, 24, 125 Craven County, NC, 96, 141 Crawford, Larry, 141 Crow, Fish, 47, 125 161 162 Index, Vol. 64 Cuckoo, Yellow-billed, 125 Currituck County, NC, 93, 94, 95 Currituck Sound, NC, 94 D Dare County, NC, 94, 95, 142 Darlington County, SC, 39 Debordieu Beach, SC, 39 Dillon County, SC, 39 Disher, David, 52, 131 Dove, Rock, 125 Dove, Mourning, 41 Duck, American Black, 97 Duck, Falcated, 95 Duck, Harlequin, 96 Duck, Mandarin, 96 Duck, Masked, 96 Duck, NC, 93 Duck, Wood, 47, 97 Durham, NC, 48, 127 E Eagle, Bald, 47 Edgefield County, SC, 39 Edisto Beach, 39 Egret, Great, 125, 147 Egret, Snowy, 125 Eley, Chris, 2 1 Ellenberger, Justin, 149 Ellis, Lake, 96 Eutawville, SC, 40 F Fairfield County, SC, 1 12 Ferebee, Peggy, 47, 125 Finch, Purple, 47, 125 Florence, SC, 40 Flycatcher, Acadian, 5, 47, 125 Flycatcher, Great Crested, 5, 125 Flycatcher, Scissor- tailed, 146 Folly Beach, SC, 39, 143 Forsythe, Wayne, 147 Frigatebird, Great, 19 Frigatebird, Lesser, 19 Fussell, John, 140 G Garden City, SC, 39 Garganey, 95 Georgetown County, SC, 40, 112 Glover, Lex, 37, 92 Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray, 5, 125 Goldeneye, Barrow’s, 95 Goldfinch, American, 5, 47, 125 Goose, Barnacle, 94 Goose, Canada, 47, 98, 125 Goose, Hutchinson’s, 96 Goose, Ross’s, 96 Goose, White- fronted, 96 Grackle, Boat-tailed, 64 Great Balsam Mountains, 2 1 Great Smoky Mountains, 62 Greensboro, NC, 48, 125 Greenville, NC, 47 Greer, SC, 88 Grosbeak, Blue, 5 Grosbeak, Rose-breasted, 47 Ground-Dove, Common, 37 Grouse, Ruffed, 144 Gull, Ring-billed, 125 H Halloran, George, 4 1 Halloran, Judy, 4 1 Hampton County, SC, 39 Hampton County, NC, 112 Harbor Island, SC, 40 Hart, Paul C., 52, 130 Hatteras, NC, 95 Hawk, Cooper’s, 47, 125 Hawk, Red-shouldered, 47, 125 Hawk, Red- tailed, 147 Hawk, Sharp-shinned, 47 Henderson County, NC, 125, 128 Hendrickson, HT 47, 125 Heron, Great Blue, 47, 125 Highlands Plateau, 128 Hilton Head, SC, 43 The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 163 Holmes, Bob, 141 Horry County, SC, 40 Howe, Gene, 64 Huckabee, Anna, 144 Hummingbird, Calliope, 88 Hummingbird, Ruby-throated, 88 Huntington Beach State Park, 39 Hurricane, Hugo, 44 Hyde County, NC, 24, 95 1 Intracoastal Waterway, 39 Iredell County, NC, 24, 49, 128 Isle of Palms, SC, 39 J Jackson County, NC, 21 Jaeger, Parasitic 17 Jaegers, 16 Jasper County, SC, 40, 113 Jay, Blue, 47 Jocassee, Lake, 149 Jones County, NC, 96 Jordan Lake, 49, 129, 140 Joye, Ashley, 149 Junco, Dark-eyed, 47, 125 Justice, Michael J., 79 K Kalbach, Tim, 1 12 Kestrel, American, 125 Killdeer, 5, 47 Kingbird, Eastern, 5 Kinglet, Ruby-crowned, 47 Kite, Mississippi, 125 Kleptoparasitism, 17 L Lark, Homed, 47, 125 Laurens County, SC, 148 Lee County, SC, 40 Lee, David S. 15, 93 LeGrand, Harry, 64, 140, 147 Lexington County, SC, 39, 113 Loon, Common, 125, 149 M Mahogany Rock, 22 Marion County, SC, 39 Marlboro County, SC, 39 Martin County, NC, 1 Martin, Dwayne 147 Martin, Lori, 147 Martin, Purple 5, 125 McBee, SC, 40 McCallum, Arch, 4 1 McConnell, John, 52, 130 McNair, Doug, 62 Meadowlark, Eastern, 5, 47, 125 Metz, Patricia E. 1 13 Michigan, 2 1 Mockingbird, Northern, 79, 125 Moilanen, Lois, 21 Monroe, NC, 146 Moore, Jimi, 142 Moore, Nell, 142 Moore, Randy, 142 Morrison, Vaughn, 51, 129 Mount Jefferson, NC, 51, 129 Myrtle Beach, SC, 40 N New Bern, NC, 141 New River, NC, 51, 125 Nighthawk, Common, 47 North Carolina State Museum, 93 Nugent, Perry, 1 1 1 Nuthatch, 125 Nuthatch, Brown-headed, 5 O Oconee County, SC, 149 Ocracoke Island, 24 Olsen, Anne, 146 Olsen, Eric, 146 Olthoff, Bob, 147 Onslow County, NC, 142 Orangeburg County, SC, 39 164 Index, Vol. 64 Oriole, Northern, 125 Oriole, Orchard, 47 Ovenbird, 5, 125 P Partners in Flight, 19 Parula, Northern, 47 Pawleys Island, SC, 39 Pea Island 94, 95 Peachey, Jack, 112 Pee Dee, 39 Pelion, SC, 40 Petrel, Black-capped, 19 Petrel, Collared, 16 Petrel, Herald, 15 Petrel, Jamaican, 19 Petrel, Kermadec, 16 Pickens County, SC, 144 Piephoff, Taylor, 147 Pine Island Hunt Club, 93 Post, William, 41 R Raleigh, NC, 47, 51, 129 Range, Peter, 44 Raven, 125 Raven, Northern, 47 Raven Rock State Park, 52, 130 Redstart, American, 47 Richard, Carroll, 113 Richland County, SC, 113 Robin, American, 125 Rocky Mount, NC, 24 Romain Retreat Development, 39 Roth, Barbara, 49 S Saluda River, Lower, SC, 125, 132 Sandpiper, Least, 125 Sandpiper, Spotted, 125 Sandpiper, Western, 125 Santee River, SC, 40 Sargent, Bob, 88 Sargent, Martha, 88 Savannah Spoil Area, 39 Schultz, Michael, 48, 127 Shadwick, Doug, 21 Shearwater, Sooty, 1 5 Shelduck, Common, 95 Shelduck, Ruddy, 95 Shields, Julia, 2 1 Shrike, Loggerhead, 43 Siskin, Pine, 47 Skua, 16 Snipe, Common, 47 Snow, John, 1 14 South Island, SC, 39 Southern Pines, NC, 52, 130 Sparrow, Chipping, 47 Sparrow, Field, 5, 43, 47, 125 Sparrow, Grasshopper, 47 Sparrow, Henslow’s, 7 Sparrow, Savannah, 47 Sparrow, Song, 47, 125 Sparrow, Swamp, 47 Sparrow, White-crowned, 47 Sparrow, White-throated, 47, 125 Spartanburg, SC, 53, 113, 132 Spring 1999 Bird Count, 47 Spring 2000 Bird Count, 125 Spring 1999 North American Migration Count in SC, 1 1 1 Stacy, NC, 93 Stone Mountain, NC, 52, 130 Strain, Cynthia, 49 Sullivan’s Island, SC, 37 Sumter County, SC, 39 Swallow, Bank, 47, 141 Swallow, Bam, 5, 47 Swallow, Cave, 140 Swallow, Cliff, 47, 140 Swallow, N. Rough-winged, 47, 141 Swallow, Tree, 140 Swan, Mute, 98 Swift, Chimney, 5, 47, 125 The Chat, Vol. 64, No. 3, Summer 2000 165 T Tanager, Summer, 5 Teal, Baikal, 94 Teal, Cinnamon, 96 Teal, Common, 96 Teal, Green-winged (Eurasian), 95 Tern, White, 19 Thrasher, Brown, 43, 125 Thrush, Swainson’s, 47 Thrush, Wood, 6 Titmouse, Tufted, 5, 125 Topsail Island, NC, 142 Towhee, Eastern, 4, 43, 125 Townsend, Johnny, 145 Turkey, Wild, 47, 125 Union County, NC, 146 University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 80 V Veery, 125 Vireo, Blue-headed, 21, 47 Vireo, Red-eyed, 6, 125 Vireo, White-eyed, 5, 47, 125 Vireo, Yellow-throated, 125 Voice of America Site, NC, 7 Vulture, Black, 125, 147 Vulture, Turkey, 125, 147 W Wake County, NC, 129 Walker, Judy, 147 Wanchese, NC, 94 Warbler, Bay-breasted, 47 Warbler, Blackburnian, 21 Warbler, Blackpoll, 47 Warbler, Black-and-white, 7, 125 Warbler, Black-throated Blue, 47, 125 Warbler, Blue- winged, 47, 125 Warbler, Canada, 21, 47 Warbler, Cape May, 23, 47 Warbler, Chestnut-sided, 47 Warbler, Golden- winged, 43 Warbler, Hooded, 5 Warbler, Kentucky, 47 Warbler, Kirtland’s, 21 Warbler, Magnolia, 23. 47 Warbler, Palm, 21, 125 Warbler, Pine, 5, 125 Warbler, Prairie, 5, 23, 43 Warbler, Prothonotary, 7, 47 Warbler, Swainson’s, 7, 47 Warbler, Worm-eating, 5, 47, 125 Warbler, Yellow, 47 Warbler, Yellow-rumped, 47 Warbler, Yellow-throated, 47 Washington County, NC, 1 Waterlily, NC, 95 Waters, Anne, 1 1 1 Waterthrush, Northern, 125 Watts, Bryan, 1 Webb, Charles, 88 Webb, Judy, 88 Webb Wildlife Center, 40 Westphal, Marilyn, 128 Whistling-Duck, Black-bellied, 93 Whistling-Duck, Fulvous, 96 Whistling-Duck, White-faced, 93 Williamsburg County, SC, 39, 114 Wilson, Michael, 1 Winston-Salem, NC, 52, 131 Wood-Pewee, Eastern, 5, 47 Woodcock, American, 47 Woodpecker, Downy, 5, 125 Woodpecker, Hairy, 125 Woodpecker, Pileated, 47 Woodpecker, Red-bellied, 125 Wren, Carolina, 5, 125 Wren, House, 125 Wright, John S., 140 Wright, Paula, 142 Y Yawkee, Tom, Wildlife Center, 44 Yellowthroat, Common, 4 CAROLINA BIRD CLUB MEMBERSHIP The Carolina Bird Club, Inc. is a non-profit educational and scientific association founded in 1937. Membership is open to those interested in the study and conservation of wildlife, particularly birds. Dues, contributions, and bequests to the Club may be deductible from state and federal income and estate taxes. Checks should be made payable to Carolina Bird Club, Inc. and sent to CBC Headquarters, 1 1 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1029. DUES (Payable on a calendar-year basis) Individual $ 20.00 Associate (in same household as individual member) $ 5.00 Student $ 15.00 Sustaining (open to businesses) $ 25.00 Patron $ 50.00+ Life Membership (payable in four consecutive $100 installments) . . $400.00 PUBLICATIONS CBC members receive The Chat, a quarterly journal devoted to bird study and conservation, and the CBC Newsletter, which carries information about meetings, field trips, and club projects. Articles intended for publication in The Chat may be sent to the Editor or the appropriate editor listed in the inside front cover. Items for the Newsletter should be sent to its Editor, Clyde Smith, 2615 Wells Avenue, Raleigh, NC, 27608. Send correspondence regarding memberships, changes of address, or requests for back numbers of either publication to CBC Headquarters, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601- 1029. OFFICERS President: Len Pardue, 16 The Circle, Asheville, NC 28801 Vice Presidents: Donna Bailey, 176 Ravens Place, Winnsboro, SC 29180 Charlotte Goedsche, 8 Cricket Ln, Asheville, NC 28801 John Wright, 1953 A Quail Ridge Road, Greenville, NC 27858 Secretary: Kathleen O’Grady, 1428A Farrington Way, Columbia, SC 29210 Treasurer: Patricia Tyndall, 400 Kilmarnock Ct, Wake Forest, NC 27587 NC Members-at-large: Susan M. Campbell, 144 Pine Ridge Drive, Whispering Pines, NC 28327 Bob Holmes, 4003 Trent Pines Dr, New Bern, NC 28562 Dwayne Martin, 3691 Jinny Lane, Claremont, NC 28610 JoAnn Martin, PO Box 242, Ellenboro, NC 28040 SC Members-at-large Carroll Richard, P.O. Box 893, Hampton, SC 29924 Gary Sowell, 140 Sweetwater Road, Hopkins, SC 29061 Immediate Past President: Bert Fisher, 924 Urban Ave., Durham, NC 27701 Headquarters Secretary: Tullie Johnson, 1 1 West Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27601 Rare Bird Alert: (704)332-BIRD Web Site: www.carolinabirdclub.org Z CO C-i u) CO ►-» O ~ ro x x ui co m CD j g d 35 W o z n 3> a r n ui r rO 01 I> 0" x *2 73 : SL c CD C r a cn U z o ro s* 0 ci 1 - a> o 2*