No So The Chat Vol. 78 WINTER 2014 The Quarterly Bulletin of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. The Ornithological Society of the Carolinas THE CHAT ISSN No. 0009-1987 Vol. 78 WINTER 2014 No. 1 Editor General Field Notes Editors Don Seriff, 7324 Linda Lake Drive Charlotte, NC 28215 chat@carolinabirdclub.org North Carolina Christina Harvey South Carolina William Post Briefs for the Files Josh Southern THE CHAT is published quarterly by the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., 1809 Lakepark Drive, Raleigh NC 27612. Individual subscription price $25 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Pinehurst, NC 28374 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE CHAT, Carolina Bird Club, Inc., 9 Quincy Place, Pinehurst, NC 28374. Copyright © 2014 by Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Except for purposes of review, material contained herein may not be reproduced without written permission of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Reports 2013 Annual Report of the South Carolina Bird Records Committee Chris Hill, Chair 1 2013 Annual Report of the North Carolina Bird Records Committee Michael Tove, Chair 8 General Field Notes Third Record of Northern Lapwing ( Vanellus vanellus) in North Carolina Martin Wall 14 \Briefs for the Files Fall 2013 Josh Southern 17 Fifty Years Ago in The Chat March 1964 40 Cover: Hermit Thrush and winterberry bush ( Ilex verticillata) Original water color by Leigh Anne Carter. LACarter.com 2013 Annual Report of the South Carolina Bird Records Committee Chris Hill1, Chair, Giff Beaton, Jeff Click, Aaron Given, Lex Glover, Keith McCullough, Irvin Pitts, William Post, Steve Wagner 1 Biology Department, Coastal Carolina University, P.O. Box 261954, Conway, South Carolina 29526-chill@coastal.edu In 2013, the South Carolina Bird Records Committee (SCBRC) took action on 26 new reports of which 21 were accepted, 3 not accepted and 2 recommended for outside review. We also voted a second time on 3 reports for which the original votes had been inconclusive and we had obtained comment by outside experts. Of those three reports, 1 was accepted by the committee and 2 not accepted. Additionally, the committee received 5 other reports that were not circulated, 2 because they were withdrawn by the submitter before a vote, and 3 because the reports involved non-review species. The 2013 submissions added two species to South Carolina’s Main Species List, MacGillivray’s Warbler and Anna’s Hummingbird, bringing the state’s list to 429 species. The most recent version of the list is available online at http://carolinabirdclub.org/brc. In 2013, the committee membership expanded to 9 members, with Keith McCullough (Charleston), Aaron Given (Kiawah Island) and Jeff Click (Easley) joining the Committee, J. B. Hines III rotating off the committee, and Chris Hill becoming chair. The following report details actions taken by the SC Bird Records Committee in 2013. Accepted reports Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) (12-12-17). This report, submitted by Matthew Campbell, involved a bird at the campus of Charleston Southern University in Charleston that remained from 18 January to 11 December 2012. Greater White-fronted Geese are not a review species in South Carolina overall, but since known patterns of occurrence are strictly as a winter visitor (Post and Gauthreaux 1989) the committee reviewed this record as a first documented summer record. Though with waterfowl it is difficult to prove wild origin beyond a doubt, the report fits a pattern of oversummering geese in the southeast and was accepted as a wild bird by the committee. 2 2013 Annual Report of the South Carolina Bird Records Committee Aechmophorus sp . (01-11-05). This report of two grebes seen from Hilton Head Island on 12 February 201 lwas submitted by Dr. Beverly Schneider as pertaining to Western Grebes. An inconclusive vote when circulated two years ago occasioned a revote on this record after the committee received comments from two outside reviewers. The report was accepted unanimously at the level of Aechmophorus sp ., but only one member voted in favor of acceptance to species, so the record is accepted at the level of genus only. This report constitutes the fifth Aechmophorus grebe record for South Carolina. Two previous records, a specimen from McClellanville 22 June 1936 (Post and Gauthreaux 1989) and a bird observed from late August to late October 1999 in Bennettsville and accepted by the committee (Glover et al. 2002), pertain to Western Grebes, and two additional sight reports (14 April 1957 Horry Co; 23 Nov 1966 Charleston Harbor) (Post and Gauthreaux 1989) were not described well enough to distinguish them from Clark’s, and should be assigned to Aechmophorus sp.. Brown Booby ( Sula leucogaster) (09-08-30). This report, with photographs by Lauren Nybeck, was submitted by Chris Hill. The report concerned a banded bird, picked up alive on Surfside Beach on 6 September 2008, the day after Tropical Storm Hannah hit, taken to a veterinarian and rehabber, and later released. The report included information (from the band and communication with the bander) about the bird’s origin. The bird had been banded as a chick on 2 March 2003 at French Cap, St. Thomas, USVI. This record is the third documented occurrence in the state. The previous records are of a specimen from 4 January 1968 in Charleston (Post and Gauthreaux 1989) and a bird at Huntington Beach State Park and North Island, Georgetown County, 8-25 June 2012 (Pitts et al. 2013). Dovekie {Alle alle) (03-03-20). Found alive 3 1 March 2013, Horry County by T. Brun. Dovekie (02-10-21). Found alive on a road in Surfside Beach, Horry County, 6 February 2010. Dovekie (00-13-22). Found dead at Hobcaw Barony, Georgetown County, on a dirt road or causeway by J. Beissinger. Date uncertain, but in January, February or March 2013. Dovekie (04-13-23). Found alive, 8 April 2013, brought to a veterinarian’s office in Surfside Beach, Horry County. All four reports of Dovekies were submitted by Chris Hill and accompanied by photographs. The three birds found alive all died soon after they were picked up. Those three are now specimens in the collection at Coastal Carolina University (the fourth was decomposed and was discarded). Post and Gauthreaux (1989) cite 14 Dovekie reports up to 1950, and the committee had previously accepted three other reports between 2005 and 201 1 The Chat, Vol. 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 3 (Slyce et al. 2006, 2008; Slyce et al. 2011). The Dovekie found on 8 April establishes the late date for the species in South Carolina. Sabine’s Gull (Xema sabini) (09-13-07). The committee accepted a written report and photograph submitted by Rebecca Byrd of two individuals at Lake Hartwell on 15 September 2013, viewed from the Georgia side. This report constitutes the third record for South Carolina, all in the same mid- September window, the others being an individual photographed 7 September 1985 off Georgetown County (Post and Gauthreaux 1989), and an individual seen 13 September 1992 at the Charleston jetties (McNair and Post 1993). Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) (12-13-34). Chris Feeney submitted this written report and accompanying photographs from of a bird at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Charleston Co., on 15 December 2013, with Chris Snook also submitting a description of the same bird. There are at least 15 valid records of Snowy Owl for South Carolina, but only 5 since 1956, most recently one in January 2012 in Kershaw Co. that died soon after being photographed alive (Pitts et al. 2013). Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) (12-07-25). This written description by Chris Hill, including some detail on vocalizations, of a bird encountered on the Winyah Bay Christmas Bird Count on 20 December 2007, was accepted by the committee. Post and Gauthreaux (1989) consider Northern Saw-whet Owl a rare winter visitor throughout the state. In 2012, the South Carolina Bird Records Committee (SCBRC) took action on 17 records of which 14 were accepted, two rejected and one recommended for outside review. The decisions on two other reports initially reviewed in 2011 are also still pending outside review. Additionally, the committee received four other reports that were not circulated because of their non-review status. South Carolina’s Main Species List continues to stand at 427 species. The most recent version is available online at http :// carolinabirdclub . org/brc . Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) (12-10-33). A report from bander Doreen Cubie of a bird at Hanahan in Berkeley County, in 2010 was very well documented with description and photographs. This is the first accepted record for the state, and diagnostic photographs place it on the definitive list. Buff-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis) (12-12-20). Lori Owenby submitted an excellent report accompanied by in-hand photographs from when Dwayne Martin banded the bird on 19 December 2012. This bird was photographed and seen by many observers at McClellanville during its stay in the winter of 2012-2013. This constitutes the second Buff-bellied Hummingbird record for the state, with the previous being one banded by Bill Hilton in December 2001 (Slyce et al. 2004). 4 2013 Annual Report of the South Carolina Bird Records Committee Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum) (08-13-06). Irvin Pitts submitted detailed notes and a photograph of a bird seen and heard on 26 August 20 1 3 at Carolina Sandhills NWR , in Chesterfield County, by Pitts and Dennis Forsythe. Accepted on the basis of the description, particularly of the vocalizations of the bird, which sang. Alder Flycatcher (09-13-31). This report from Aaron Given is of a bird banded at Kiawah Island, Charleston County, on September 25, 2013, and it was accepted based on excellent description, extensive measurements and comparison with criteria published in Pyle (1997). Although a photograph accompanied one of these reports, Alder Flycatcher remains on the Provisional I list, meaning that written reports have been accepted but there is not yet documentary evidence (photo, specimen, sound recording) sufficient to move it to the Definitive List. The photograph submitted with the first record above was consistent with Alder, but not definitive without the accompanying description of the vocalizations. There is one previous documented record of Alder Flycatcher in the state, of a bird in hand by bander Chris Snook on 16 September 2009 at Folly Island, Charleston County, (Pitts et al. 2012). Ash-throated Flycatcher ( Myiarchus cinerascens ) (11-13-32). Aaron Given submitted a report including definitive photos, of a bird banded on Kiawah Island on 4 November 2013. This constitutes the fifth record for South Carolina. Bell’s Vireo ( Vireo bellii) (09-13-32). A report by Aaron Given, with photographs, of a bird banded on Kiawah Island on 9 September 2013. Bell’s Vireo (2014-012). Another report by Aaron Given, with photographs, of a bird banded on Kiawah Island on 6 September 2012. The Kiawah Island fall banding project has captured one Bell’s Vireo in each of the past three years, on dates from 6 to 17 September (Pitts et al. 2012). In addition to those records, there is a specimen in the Charleston Museum (14 October 1985, Mt. Pleasant (Post and Gauthreaux 1989), and a sight report from the Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Charleston County in April 2000 accepted by the committee (Slyce et al. 2004). One additional report published in American Birds without details (LeGrand 1989) has not been evaluated by the committee. Cave Swallow ( Petrochelidon pyrrhonota ) (2014-001). This submission by Chris Snook consisted of notes (including a photocopy of field notes) describing a Cave Swallow seen on the McClellanville Christmas Bird Count on 15 December 2013. The SCBRC has accepted three previous reports, including a specimen salvaged October 1994. Although Cave Swallows have The Chat, Vol. 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 5 been reported extensively from South Carolina in the last decade, submission of documentation is still encouraged, especially from areas away from the coast. Swainson’s Thrush ( Catharus ustulatus) (12-12-35). Reviewed as an out of season record, this submission by Irvin Pitts included excellent photos of a bird observed 5-11 December in Lexington, Lexington County. Any non- Hermit brown-backed thrush in December is noteworthy, and so many Hermit Thrushes get misidentified in winter as other thrushes that the true winter status of Swainson’s Thrush, Veery, and Wood Thrush is difficult to discern, which makes this record valuable. This record is the latest documented Swainson’s Thrush in South Carolina. MacGillivray’s Warbler ( Geothlypis tolmiei) (10-13-27). Aaron Given submitted a written report and four photos of a bird banded on Kiawah Island on 18 October 2013. This is the first record of the species in South Carolina and the diagnostic photos place this bird on the definitive list. Northern Parula ( Setophaga americana ) (01-13-01). This report consisted of an excellent written description by Simon Harvey of a late lingering bird watched at Lake Conestee Nature Park, Greenville County, on 5 January 2013. Post and Gauthreaux (1989) say that in the Piedmont and mountains Northern Parula is accidental in winter and list one record, from 1 5 December 1984 in Martin, Allendale County. American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) (05-13-04). This well- written report by Aaron Given included convincing details of a bird seen on Dewees Island, Charleston County on 5 May 2013. Post and Gauthreaux (1989) mention an “extremely late” record of this rare winter visitor, a bird photographed 26 April 1985 when it landed on a boat 20 km east of Edisto Island. The current report establishes a new late date and the second report outside of the winter months. Non-accepted reports White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) (04-12-08). This report received an inconclusive vote in 2012. It was recirculated with comments from reviewers familiar with problems in identifying Plegadis ibis. A re-vote elicited another split vote with the preponderance of members concluding that although the blurry photograph was suggestive of White-faced Ibis, the evidence did not meet the standard needed to establish a first state record. Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) (02-13-02). This written description of a bird seen in flight at Savannah NWR, in Jasper County in 6 2013 Annual Report of the South Carolina Bird Records Committee January 2013, was judged by the committee not to conclusively establish the identity of the bird. Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) (07-10-08). This report of two birds in Charleston County, with a blurry photo, also received an inconclusive vote in 2010. After recirculation with comments from two outside experts, the record was not accepted, with most committee members concluding the photograph represented young Eastern Screech-Owls. Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archiolochus alexandri) (04-13-03). Sight report from the ACE Basin NWR Combahee Unit on 28 April 2013. This description relied heavily on the appearance of a black throat, and did not provide details that would eliminate a Ruby-throated Hummingbird viewed from an angle where the reflective gorget feathers appeared black. Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammed) (11-13-29). This written report from a backyard bird bath in Rock Hill, York County 29 November 2013, did not provide enough detail to conclusively eliminate House Finch. Unresolved reports Certain split votes, according to committee bylaws, require the soliciting of input from outside reviewers, followed by a re-vote by the committee. The following reports are awaiting outside review. Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) (10-13-19). Written report of a bird seen at Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve on 26 October 2013 on Folly Island, Charleston County. Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius ) (02-10-10). Written report of a sighting 15 February 2010 in Columbia, SC. Acknowledgements The committee thanks all the observers who submitted reports. Your actions increase our understanding of bird occurrence in the state. We thank J.B. Hines III for four years of service on the Bird Records Committee. We thank Bill Pranty, Dennis Paulson, Bill Hubick, Sherman Suter, Joshua Uffman, William Rowe, Mark Robbins Chris Wood and Tony Leukering for supplying comments on unresolved reports from previous years. The Chat, Vol. 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 7 Literature Cited Glover, L., D. S. Bailey, G. Beaton, Jr., T. Kahlbach, T. Piephoff, and W. Post. 2002. 2000-2001 Report of the South Carolina Bird Records Committee. Chat 66:1 15-1 18. LeGrand, H., Jr. 1989. The Winter Season. American Birds 43:302. McNair, D. B. and W. Post. 1993. Supplement to Status and Distribution of South Carolina Birds. Charleston Museum Ornithological Contribution No. 8:1-48. Pitts, I., G. Beaton, L. Glover, C. Hill, J. B. Hines, III, W. Post, and S. Wagner. 2012. 201 1 Annual Report of the South Carolina Bird Records Committee. Chat 76:7-10. Pitts, I., G. Beaton, L. Glover, C. Hill, J. B. Hines, III, W. Post, and S. Wagner. 2013. 2012 Annual Report of the South Carolina Bird Records Committee. Chat 77:1-5. Post, W. and S.A. Gauthreaux, Jr. 1989. Status and distribution of South Carolina birds. The Charleston Museum, Charleston, SC. Pyle, P. 1997. Identification Guide to North American Birds. Part I. Columbidae to Paloceidae. Slate Creek Press, Bolinas, CA. Slyce, D., G. Beaton, L. Glover, C. Hill, J. B. Hines, III, W. Post, and S. Wagner. 2011. 2010 Annual Report of the South Carolina Bird Records Committee. Chat 75:147-148. Slyce, D., G. Beaton, Jr., N. Dias, L. Glover, C. Hill, T. Kalbach, T. Piephoff, W. Post, and S. Wagner. 2006. 2005 Annual Report of the South Carolina Bird Records Committee. Chat 70:37-39. Slyce, D., G. Beaton, Jr., N. Dias, L. Glover, C. Hill, T. Kalbach, T. Piephoff, W. Post, and S. Wagner. 2008. 2007 Annual Report of the South Carolina Bird Records Committee. Chat 72:69-70. Slyce, D., P. L. Worthington, R. Carter, J. Cely, R. Clark, S. Compton, D. Forsythe, S. Gauthreaux, Jr., L. Glover, and P. Laurie. 2004. Report of the South Carolina Bird Records Committee 2003. Chat 58:88-92. Received 10 March 2014 2013 Annual Report of the North Carolina Bird Records Committee Michael H. Tove1, Chair, Keith E. Camburn, Richard J. Davis, Z. Taylor Piephoff, H. Douglas Pratt, Harry E. LeGrand, Jr., Jeffrey S. Pippen, Steven P. Shultz, Nathan A. Swick 1 303 Dunhagen Place, Cary, NC 27511 - mtove@deltaforce.net The roster of North Carolina Records Committee members changed in 2013 with Douglas Pratt and Steven Shultz replacing Eric Dean and Wayne Forsythe, and with the addition of Taylor Piephoff and Nathan Swick. We thank Eric and Wayne for their service to the committee. Accepted as Valid. The following reports were judged to be acceptable. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) (13-06, 13- 07). A single bird was found by Gilbert S. Grant on 26 May 2013 in Wilmington, New Hanover County and photographed by Grant and Jamie Adams. In addition, a flock of 12 individuals found by Wayne K. Forsythe on 12 June 2013 in the Mills River area of Henderson County was seen and photographed by Forsythe and other observers. Both records were unanimously accepted. The Mills River birds constitute the westernmost occurrence of this species from the state and the first from the mountain region. The species is already on the Definitive List, with multiple records from three coastal counties (LeGrand et al. 2014). Trumpeter Swan ( Cygnus buccinator ) (13-18). A single immature bird was seen and photographed by Luis J. Suau on Jordan Lake, Chatham County on 19 December 2013. Based on the photographs, the NCBRC accepted the report. Eight members voted AV (Accept as Valid) and one voted QO (Questionable Origin). While the species is already on the Definitive List, this sighting constitutes the first Piedmont record and the westernmost known occurrence of the two accepted records for the species from the state. Zino’s Petrel (. Pterodroma madeira ) (12-02.2). A bird photographed by Brian Patteson on 16 September 1995 offHatteras, Dare County and published by Howell (2012) as a Zino’s Petrel was reviewed by the NCBRC (Tove et al. 2013) and not accepted. In its decision, the NCBRC cited concerns about the reliability of field marks used to reach that identification, including an unaddressed contradiction of the bird’s wing proportion with descriptions in the published literature plus insufficient general knowledge of field 8 The Chat, Vol. 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 9 identification of the Fea’s Petrel {P.feae)! Zino’s Petrel complex to adequately rule out Fea’s Petrel. Subsequently, new significant information was provided to the NCBRC (Shirihai et al., 2010, Flood and Fisher, 2013). In addition, the NCBRC, in cooperation with the American Birding Association Checklist Committee (ABA CLC), solicited and received written reviews by Hadoram Shirihai and Killian Mullamey who kindly provided an additional series of personal photographs. Based on the weight of this new evidence, the NCBRC reconsidered this report and unanimously voted to accept. With this vote and based on Patteson’s photos published in Howell (2012) and Flood and Fisher (2013), Zino’s Petrel is added to the Definitive List. Finally, the NCBRC wants to extend thanks to Bill Pranty, chair of the ABA CLC for his assistance in providing us with this body of evidence. White-faced Ibis ( Plegadis chihi) (13-03). A group of up to 5 birds identified as this species were reported from 25 February through 8 April 2013 from Lake Mattamuskeet, Hyde County. The NCBRC was able to review formal written documentations of single birds by Ryan Bakelaar and Scott Winton, as well as informal communications from Susan Campbell who reported that up to 5 individuals were present. The NCBRC unanimously accepted the collective reports. This species is already on the Definitive List based on two previous records from the state (LeGrand et al. 2014). Roseate Spoonbill ( Platalea ajaja) (13-15). The NCBRC reviewed a second-hand report from 1 4 September 2009 seen by David Jackson at Lake Townsend, Greensboro, Guilford County. The report was accepted by eight members and not accepted by one. The dissenting member expressed concern that regardless of how obvious the species may be, second hand descriptions are “hear-say” evidence and should not be deemed reliable evidence. This species is already on the Definitive List. Though most records are from the coast, there are multiple inland records west to the western Piedmont (LeGrand et al. 2014). Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis harlani) (13-17). The NCBRC reviewed photographs of a NC Museum of Natural Sciences specimen of an adult male of this western race of Red-tailed Hawk, taken in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County on 13 January 2003. Seven members accepted the identification, one voted Inadequately Documented (ID) and one abstained. This record is accepted. Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk is currently on the Provisional List based on a single previous sight record. With acceptance of the specimen, this subspecies is elevated to the Definitive List. Normally the NCBRC does not review reports of recognized subspecies. However, in this case, there are prominent raptor biologists who believe Harlan’s is a distinct species. Regardless of that future determination, it clearly is a distinct form. Therefore, this vote seemed to be warranted. 2013 Annual Report of the North Carolina Bird Records Committee 10 Northern Lapwing ( Vanellus vowellus) (13-02). A single individual was first reported by Martin Wall on 24 February 2013 West of Roxboro, Person County and subsequently was seen by scores of observers through 8 March 2013. The NCBRC reviewed four written reports from Martin Wall, Kent Fiala, Harry LeGrand, and Michael Tove plus photographs by Wall, Kent Fiala, Ali Iyoob and Tom Justice. Based on this body of evidence, the NCBRC unanimously accepted the bird. There are two previous records from the state, one from the coast documented by photographs and a specimen from the Piedmont (LeGrand et al. 2014). This is the first that was observed over multiple days by numerous observers. Snowy Plover ( Charadrius nivosus) (13-01, 13-11). Two reports of this species from Onslow County were received and unanimously accepted. The first was a bird observed and photographed at Hammocks Beach State Park near Swansboro on 18 February 2013 by Ed Corey. The second was photographed by Gilbert S. Grant on 3 September 2013 at North Topsail Beach. Although the NCBRC voted on these two reports separately, with only 12 miles separating the two locations, there is a distinct possibility that both sightings refer to the same individual. While this species is already on the state Definitive List based on 8-9 previous records, all from the coast (LeGrand et al. 2014), the Hammocks Beach record constitutes the first winter record from the state. If both records do refer to the same individual, it suggests the possibility that this species might, on occasion, occur as a year-round visitor. Long-tailed Jaeger ( Stercorarius longicaudus ) (13-13). An adult was photographed at Lake Norman, Mecklenburg County on 1 1 September 2013 by Chris Talkington. Based on the photographs, this report was unanimously accepted. While this species is a regular, if not uncommon migrant to NC’s offshore waters, there is only a single previous inland record, a 1960 specimen from Wake County (LeGrand et al. 2014). This is by far the westernmost record of the species from the state. Wagtail sp. {Motacilla sp.) (13-19). A bird seen on 15 September 2013 by John Fussell, Jack Fennell, Chandra Biggerstaff, and Stan Rule at the Cedar Island Ferry Terminal, Carteret County was identified to genus only. While suspected of being a White Wagtail (M alba), the observers were unable to get adequate views of the species to satisfactorily eliminate other species of the group. The NCBRC unanimously accepted the written report by Fussell. There are two previous records of wagtail from NC, both White Wagtails including one from the same location as the present bird (LeGrand et al. 2014). As White Wagtail is currently on the Definitive List, a record of Motacilla sp. results in no change to the status of that genus from the state. The Chat, Vol. 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 11 Lazuli Bunting ( Passerina amoena) (13-04). A male of indeterminate age was photographed at a feeder by Maryann Mayer at Jamestown, Guilford County on 2 April 2013. Based on a single photograph and to a lesser degree, a written description, this report was unanimously accepted. This species is already on the Definitive List based on a single previous well documented record from the coast. This constitutes the first record from the Piedmont (LeGrand et al. 2014). Not Accepted. The following reports were judged to be unacceptable by a majority of NCBRC Members. Muscovy Duck ( Cairina moschata) (13-08). The NCBRC considered the possibility of adding Muscovy Duck to the Not Established (NE) List. That this species occurs in the state as an exotic is not disputed but the question of whether it constitutes a feral, self-sustaining (albeit highly domesticated) population was considered. The NE List is a new list category whose purpose is to recognize certain non-native or captive-reared repatriated species whose populations may be in the process of becoming established but are currently insufficiently established to be considered on either the Provisional or Definitive Lists. By a vote of four in favor (NE) and five against (QO - Questionable Origin), the NCBRC deferred adding this species to the NE List. Two dissenting members cited concerns that because of insufficient documentation of free-flying birds and/or breeding without direct human intervention, adding the species to the NE List at this time is premature. Burrowing Owl {Athene cunicularia) (13-05). The NCBRC reviewed photographs of a specimen of an individual picked up in a parking lot in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County on 25 October 2005. The bird had been banded as a chick in Alberta, Canada during the previous summer. The specimen was noted to have suffered a skull fracture and died (presumably) of cerebral hematoma, suggesting that it collided with a vehicle. Ultimately, the NCBRC concluded that the bird more than likely was hit by a car or truck somewhere out of state, got lodged in that vehicle’s superstructure and thusly transported into the state. Accordingly, the record is considered QO (Questionable Origin). There are two previous accepted records from the state and the species is already on the Definitive List. White-collared Swift {Streptoprocne zonaris) (13-20). A bird seen by an observer, without the aid of binoculars, was reported as this South American species. Two members voted to Accept as Valid (AV), and seven voted to not accept (4 ID - Inadequately Documented, 3 US - Unaccepted Sighting). Accordingly, this report is not accepted. 12 2013 Annual Report of the North Carolina Bird Records Committee The NCBRC also reviewed reports of four other species that were unanimously non-accepted. It is the policy of the NCBRC to not publish any details, including the reported name, of any species which received no acceptance reports. The NCBRC feels that exercise serves no useful purpose while putting the name of the species in print in The Chat , where it might be indexed. Finally, the NCBRC received reports of six species which are too common to warrant BRC review plus one report of “Do not know.” While the NCBRC welcomes rare bird reports from anyone of any skill level, we ask that observers first check to ensure their sighting is actually rare and not submit a report of something for which they cannot identify. Delisted. The following species are removed from their current placement on lists of Birds from North Carolina. Violet-green Swallow ( Tachycineta thalassina) (11-17). A bird seen in Chapel Hill, Orange County on 1 October 20 1 1 that was previously accepted (Tove et al. 2012), was reconsidered. In light of the discovery that the photograph offered as evidence may have been of a bird from other than North Carolina, the original observer requested that the NCBRC rescind the record. The NCBRC unanimously agreed and the species was removed from the NC List. With this action, the species is now regarded to have not occurred in North Carolina. Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) (13-10). This species is currently on the Definitive List by virtue of nine previously published reports (LeGrand et al. 2014). However, because none of those reports contained photographic documentation or compelling descriptions, the NCBRC unanimously voted to remove the species from the Definitive List. Seven members felt that the species was adequately documented to be retained on the Provisional List while two members felt the possibility of misidentification and inadequate documentation warranted delisting altogether. Accordingly, Pine Grosbeak is removed from the Definitive List and added to the Provisional List. Summary With this round of voting, Zino’s Petrel is added to the Definitive List, Harlan’s Red-tailed Hawk is elevated from the Provisional List to Definitive List, Pine Grosbeak is moved from the Definitive List to the Provisional List, and Violet-green Swallow is delisted altogether. The total number of species from North Carolina remains at 474 on the Accepted List, of which 460 are considered Definitive (a net loss of one species, not including subspecies), one is considered Not Established, and 13 are Provisional (a net increase of one for that category). The Chat, Vol. 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 13 Literature Cited Flood, B. and A. Fisher, 2013. Multimedia Identification Guide to North Atlantic Seabirds: Pterodroma Petrels. Pelagic Birds & Birding Multimedia Identification Guides, Publisher. Howell, S.N.G., 2012. Petrels, Albatrosses and Storm-Petrels of North America: A Photographic Guide. Princeton University Press. LeGrand, H., J. Haire, A. Iyoob, and T. Howard. 2014. Birds of North Carolina: their Distribution and Abundance . http : //www . carolinabirdc lub . org/ncbirds/accounts .php . Shirihai, H., V. Bretagnolle, and F. Zino, 2010. Identification of Fea’s, Desertas and Zino’s Petrels at sea. Birding World 23(6):239-275. Tove, M.H., K. Cambum, R. Davis, E. Dean, W. Forsythe, H. LeGrand and J. Pippen, 2012. 201 1 Annual Report of the North Carolina Bird Records Committee. The Chat 76(1): 1-6. Tove, M.H., K. Cambum, R. Davis, E. Dean, W. Forsythe, H. LeGrand and J. Pippen, 2013. 2012 Annual Report of the North Carolina Bird Records Committee. The Chat 77(1):6-10. Corrigendum to the 2012 Annual Report: The 2012 report of the NCBRC referenced a Monk Parakeet reported in Davie County in Farmington, NC on August 6, 2008. The photograph of this bird was taken by Phil Dickinson, not by Ron Morris as was originally stated. The two did observe the bird together. Received 17 February 2014 General Field Notes General Field Notes briefly report such items as rare sightings, unusual behaviors, significant nesting records, or summaries of such items. First, second, or third sightings of species in either state must be submitted to the appropriate Bird Records Committee prior to publication in The Chat. Third Record of Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) in North Carolina Martin Wall 643 Washington Street, Eden, NC 27288 - mwbirdmail@gmail.com After birding sections of the Caswell Game Land the morning of 24 February 2013, I thought I’d drive along NC Highway 57 through Person County, NC, and look for a Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) reported in the area the day before. After not seeing any flocks of geese in the fields along the highway, I turned around and headed north to Concord Church Road towards home. Just after I turned west onto Concord Church Road, I noticed about 100 Canada Geese (. Branta canadensis) near a small pond on the north side of the road. I found a place to turn around, went back and parked on the south shoulder of the road, rolled my window down and started picking through the geese. After a couple of minutes, I got out of my car for better views. At approximately 11:10 a.m., while scanning with my 10x50 binoculars, I saw something green move in the com stubble field closest to me. When I first saw the bird, it was approximately 50 meters north of my position. I hadn’t immediately seen it because it was foraging in a furrow. It was much larger than the nearby Killdeer ( Charadrius vociferus) and darker in color. When it moved, I could see the green on its back (Fig.l), and I was able to identify it as a Northern Lapwing ( Vanellus vanellus). I never got a good look at the crest due to my angle of view, strong sunlight, and the com stubble in the background. In flight the bird was amazing ~ broad, dark green upper wing surfaces with a little white at the front of the unusually rounded wingtips (Fig. 2). 14 The Chat, Vol. 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 15 Figure 1. Northern Lapwing (back), 24 February 2013, Person County, NC. Photo by Kent Fiala. Figure 2. Northern Lapwing (underwing), 24 February 2013, in Person County, NC. Photo by Kent Fiala. 16 Third Record of Northern Lapwing in North Carolina I had seen many photographs of the Northern Lapwings reported along the East Coast this winter so I was confident in the identification. At that point I got my camera rig out of the car to get some photographic proof of the sighting. I made the mistake of crossing the road to the north side to get closer. After a few photos, the Lapwing flew to the bottom of the field approximately 200 meters away. I watched it for another 1 5 minutes and took some distant photos. At approximately 1 1 :30, a noisy group of Killdeer flew over the Lapwing, heading north. The Lapwing took flight and followed them out of my sight. I immediately made the one-hour drive home and reported the bird on the carolinabirds listserve and on eBird. Fortunately, the bird was relocated and seen by many others, daily until 9 March. According to eBird data and reports from various rare bird alerts, there were an unusual number of Northern Lapwing records in the eastern US during 2013, ranging from Maine as far south as Georgia. This Eurasian shorebird was first recorded in the North Carolina Piedmont province at Siler City in Chatham County, where collected on 12 November 1926 (Pearson et al., 1942). The second state record was one photographed near the coast at Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge in Currituck County on 23 December 2004 (Davis 2005; LeGrand et al., 2005). This is the third record for the state. Literature Cited Davis, R. 2005. Briefs for the Files. Chat 69:79. eBird report for Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus , 2013, US. http://ebird.org LeGrand, H.E. Jr., K. E. Cambum, S. Cooper, R. J. Davis, E. V. Dean, W. K. Forsythe, R. L. Tyndall. 2005. Annual Report of the North Carolina Bird Records Committee. Chat 70:9. Pearson, T. G., C. S. Brimley, and H. H. Brimley. 1942. Birds of North Carolina. BRIEFS FOR THE FILES Josh Southern 203 Hyannis Drive Holly Springs, NC 27540 joshsouthem79@gmail.com (All dates Fall 2013, unless otherwise noted) 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 Spring March 1-May 31 Summer June 1-July 31 Fall August 1 -November 30 due March 20 due June 20 due August 20 due December 20 Reports may be submitted in any format, but I prefer that you use email, list multiple sightings in taxonomic order (rather than by date or location), and type your report directly into the body of the email. If your sightings are in a file, please copy-and-paste the text into the body of the email, rather than sending an attachment. 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. Reports published herein may include sightings that require review by the state’s bird records committee. Such reports are not considered accepted records until, and unless, they are so ruled by the committee. Greater White-fronted Goose: One was found along the causeway at Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Hyde County (Co), NC, 30 Oct (Mike & Peggy Eubank, Albert Kuhnigk, Audrey Whitlock). A flock of 41 geese in flight over Sandy Mush Game Land, Buncombe Co, NC, 1 Nov (Doug Johnston) was a record count for North Carolina. 17 18 Briefs for the Files - Fall 2013 Snow Goose: Sightings outside of the species’ typical range were one with a flock of Canada Geese in the Village Green Subdivision in Charleston Co, SC, 2 Nov {fide Clint Ball); 100 at Santee Coastal Wildlife Management Area (WMA), border of Charleston Co and Georgetown Co, SC, 14 Nov (Diana Doyle); four along Lee Buck Road (Rd) in Brunswick Co, NC, 16 Nov (Greg Massey); a dark-morph individual with Canada Geese at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in Wilkes Co, NC, 22 Nov (Guy McGrane); and one photographed on Coddle Creek Reservoir, Cabarrus Co, NC, 28 Nov (Chris Talkington). Ross’s Goose: Individuals were found on North Pond, Pea Island NWR, Dare Co, NC, 16 Oct (Albert Kuhnigk, Audrey Whitlock); at Savannah NWR, Jasper Co, SC, where photographed, 21 Nov (Philip Hodgkins); and on Lake Junaluska, Haywood Co, NC, where photographed, 23 Nov (Stan & Connie Wulkowicz, multiple observers [m. obs.]). Ross’s Goose, 23 Nov 2013, Haywood Co, NC. Photo by Connie Wulkowicz. Brant: A flock of six Brant were seen in flight over South Pond, Pea Island NWR, Dare Co, NC, coming from the ocean and headed towards the Pamlico Sound, 23 Oct (Ricky Davis). Five were seen in flight with Snow Geese over the same location 30 Nov (Steve Shultz, m. obs.). Tundra Swan: One on Lake Crabtree, Wake Co, NC, 3 Nov (Mike Turner) and ten near the dam on Falls Lake in Wake Co, NC, 13 Nov (Cathy Sue Harvey) were unusual for sites outside the coastal plain. Eurasian Wigeon: Individual drakes were found at New Field, Pea Island NWR, Dare Co, NC, 16 Oct (Albert Kuhnigk, Audrey Whitlock); at the same The Chat, Vo l 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 19 location during the Wings over Water Festival (W.O.W.), 27 Oct (m. obs.); on the Bodie Island Lighthouse Pond, Dare Co, NC, 9 Nov (Jeff Lewis); and at Mattamuskeet NWR, Hyde Co, NC, 17 Nov (Lewis, et ah). Mottled Duck: One was photographed on a small pond adjacent to the aquarium at Fort (Ft) Fisher, New Hanover Co, NC, 12 Oct (Sam Cooper) and again on 17 Oct (Bruce Smithson). Canvasback: Sightings from the western half of our region included nine on Lake Hickory, Alexander Co, NC, 24 Nov (Dwayne Martin); two on Lake Junaluska, Haywood Co, NC, 24 Nov (Connie & Stan Wulkowicz, et al.); four on Salem Lake, Forsyth Co, NC, 28 Nov (Ron Morris, et al.); six on Coddle Creek Reservoir, Cabarrus Co, NC, 28 Nov (Chris Talkington); and one female on Lake Crabtree, Wake Co, NC, 30 Nov (Harry LeGrand). Redhead: Counts from the western half of our region included five on Lake Junaluska, Haywood Co, NC, 20 Nov (Michael Lester); four on Lake Hickory, Alexander Co, NC, 24 Nov (Dwayne Martin); four on Lake Townsend, Guilford Co, NC, 25 Nov (Henry Link); and 40 at Coddle Creek Reservoir, Cabarrus Co, NC, 28 Nov (Chris Talkington). Common Eider: A hen seen on the ocean at the south end of Oregon Inlet, Dare Co, NC, 3 Aug (Jeff Lewis) may have been the same eider seen in that area last May. Surf Scoter: One seen in Beaufort, Carteret Co, NC, 17 Sep (Nate Bacheler) was early. Inland, individual hens were found on the catfish pond along US- 64 in Creswell, Washington Co, NC, 23 Oct (Jeff Pippen) and on Falls Lake in Durham Co, NC, 3 Nov (Pippen). White-winged Scoter: An adult hen on Lake Crabtree, Wake Co, NC, 29 Nov (Mike Turner) and 30 Nov (Harry LeGrand) was the first of many sightings on inland lakes for the coming winter season. Black Scoter: Three scoters, two drakes and one hen, at Cape Romain NWR, Charleston Co, SC, 12 Sep (John Cox, et al.) were early. Three hens on Lake Crabtree, Wake Co, NC, 10 Nov (Harry LeGrand) were a good find for that inland site. Long-tailed Duck: Sightings on inland lakes included two hens on Lake Higgins, Guilford Co, NC, 13 Nov (Nate Swick); one photographed near the dam on Lake Norman, border of Lincoln Co and Mecklenburg Co, NC, 24 Nov (Kevin Metcalf, Chris Talkington); and six photographed on Coddle Creek Reservoir, Cabarrus Co, NC, 28 Nov (Jeff Lemons, Talkington). Seven at Murrells Inlet, Georgetown Co, SC, 24 Nov (Jamie Adams) and two in flight at the same location, 30 Nov (Steve Compton, et al.) were good finds. 20 Briefs for the Files - Fall 2013 Common Goldeneye: Two hens were found on Lake Townsend, Guilford Co, NC, 25 Nov (Henry Link). Common Merganser: Two female/immature-types on the Catawba River below Lake James in Burke Co, NC, 25 Sep (Jamie Cameron, Dwayne Martin) were early. Red-breasted Merganser: Inland sightings included seven on Lake Junaluska, Haywood Co, NC, 20 Nov (Michael Lester); three or four near the dam on Lake Norman, border of Lincoln Co and Mecklenburg Co, NC, 24 Nov (Kevin Metcalf, Chris Talkington); eight on Salem Lake, Forsyth Co, NC, 25 Nov (Marbry Hopkins); and five on Lake Crabtree, Wake Co, NC, 30 Nov (Harry LeGrand). Red-throated Loon: Three, two immature birds and one adult, were photographed together on the Reeds Creek arm of Lake Norman in Iredell Co, NC, 16 Nov (Jeff Lemons, Chris Talkington). An adult was seen on Coddle Creek Reservoir, Cabarrus Co, NC, 30 Nov (Chris & Cheryl Talkington). Common Loon: Two seen off of S Nags Head, Dare Co, NC, 8 Sep (Ricky Davis) were likely the same birds seen in that area during the summer. Red-necked Grebe: One was photographed on Lake Norman, on the border of Iredell Co and Mecklenburg Co, NC, 16 Nov (Jeff Lemons, Chris Talkington). Eared Grebe: One was photographed amongst Homed Grebes on Coddle Creek Reservoir, Cabarrus Co, NC, 28 Nov (Chris Talkington). Aechmophorus Grebe: One, more likely a Western than a Clark’s, was seen on the ocean off of Jeanette’s Pier in Nags Head, Dare Co, NC, 30 Nov (Steve Shultz, et al.). Herald (Trindade) Petrel: On pelagic trips out of Hatteras, Dare Co, NC, three were seen 1 2 Aug, one was seen 1 3 Aug, two were seen 1 7 Aug, and one was seen 25 Aug (Brian Patteson, et al.). Five seen from a NOAA research vessel off of Dare Co, NC, 18 Aug (Tom Johnson) was a fantastic one-day count. Sooty Shearwater: Singles were observed on pelagic trips out of Hatteras, Dare Co, NC, 18 Aug and 24 Sep (Brian Patteson, et al.). Manx Shearwater: Three seen on a pelagic trip out of Hatteras, Dare Co, NC, 1 8 Aug (Brian Patteson, et al.) provided a good count for the fall season. The Chat, Vol. 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 21 White-tailed Tropicbird: Individuals were seen on a pelagic trip out of Hatteras, Dare Co, NC, 17 Aug (Brian Patteson, et al.) and from a NOAA research vessel off of Dare Co, NC, 13 Aug, 18 Aug, and 19 Aug (Tom Johnson). Red-billed Tropicbird: One was seen from a NOAA research vessel off of Dare Co, NC, 12 Aug (Tom Johnson). Wood Stork: Wandering immature individuals were seen over Howell Woods in Johnston Co, NC, 24 Aug (John Finnegan, Stephanie Horton) and in the company of Great Egrets where Seven Bridges Rd crosses Swift Creek in Edgecombe Co, NC, 25 Aug (Ricky Davis). Masked Booby: One was seen from a NOAA research vessel off of Dare Co, NC, 9 Sep (Tom Johnson). Brown Booby: First-year birds were seen from a NOAA research vessel off of Dare Co, NC, 14 Aug (Tom Johnson); in flight over the ocean from Ft Fisher, New Hanover Co, NC, where photographed, 15 Aug (Greg Massey, Harry Sell); at Bloody Point, Daufuskie Island, Beaufort Co, SC, where photographed, 20 Aug (Michael Loftus); and from a research vessel about 40 miles SE of Cape Lookout, Carteret Co, NC, where photographed, 14 Sep (Keith Rittmaster). Is it possible that the same individual, flying down our region’s coast, was responsible for all three sightings in August? Northern Gannet: An adult seen in flight over the ocean off Edisto Beach, Colleton Co, SC, 4 Aug (Sid England, Giff Beaton) was very unusual for the season. Anhinga: One seen on a small pond between Moyock and Currituck, Currituck Co, NC, 22 Oct (Skip Morgan) was unusual for a site so far north. American White Pelican: Coastal high counts included 49 at Mattamuskeet NWR, Hyde Co, NC, 31 Aug (Susan Campbell); 80 on Marsh Island in Bulls Bay, Charleston Co, SC, 7 Sep (John Cox); 43 on Pawleys Island, Georgetown Co, SC, 21 Sep (Jerry Walls); 95 on Bulls Island, Cape Romain NWR, Charleston Co, SC, 26 Sep (David McLean); 40 at Huntington Beach State Park (SP), Georgetown Co, SC, 23 Oct (Phil Turner); and 83 at Pea Island NWR, Dare Co, NC, 2 Nov (Audrey Whitlock). 43 on Lake Hickory, border of Alexander Co and Catawba Co, NC, 27 Oct (Dwayne Martin, Lori Owenby) was a fantastic count for the Piedmont. One at Lake Conestee Nature Park, Greenville Co, SC, 21-24 Nov (Steven Anschel, Paul Serridge) was a first for that park. 22 Briefs for the Files - Fall 2013 Brown Pelican: An immature seen near the dam on Lake Wateree, Kershaw Co, SC, 13 Aug (Steve Patterson) may have been the same bird seen on that lake July 4th. American Bittern: Away from the coast, individuals were seen at Lake Conestee Nature Park, Greenville Co, SC, 1-21 Nov (Paul Serridge, m. obs.) and at Prairie Ridge Ecostation, Wake Co, NC, 16 Nov (Ryan Justice) into winter (m. obs.). “Great White” Heron: One was seen and photographed along North Buffalo Creek in Guilford Co, NC, 8-15 Aug (Dennis Burnette, m. obs.). The bird was found in the same area in late September (Amy Hansen) and remained through at least 9 Oct (Henry Link). Great Egret: Individuals in the wetlands at Tanglewood Park, Forsyth Co, NC, 16 Nov (Maulik Trivedi) and 1 7 Nov (Ron Morris); and in the Beaverdam arm of Falls Lake, border of Granville Co and Wake Co, NC, 28 Nov (Harry LeGrand) were late for sites in the Piedmont. Snowy Egret: Inland, individuals were found at the Super Sod farm in Orangeburg Co, SC, 7 Aug (Brad Dalton) and in the Ellerbe Creek area of Falls Lake, Durham Co, NC, 20 Sep (Nick Flanders). Tricolored Heron: Wandering immature individuals were found at multiple inland sites in August — at Cane Creek Park Lake, Union Co, NC, 6-21 Aug (George Andrews); at the Super Sod farm in Orangeburg Co, SC, 7 Aug (Brad Dalton); at the water treatment plant (WTP) in Camden, Kershaw Co, SC, 15 Aug (Steve Patterson); in the west bay of Lake Conestee Nature Park, Greenville Co, SC, 15-19 Aug (Paul Serridge); and at the Greensboro Bog Garden, Guilford Co, NC, 14 Aug (Ron Morris) through 31 Aug (Phil Dickinson). Reddish Egret: Counts from SC included five at Hunting Island SP, Beaufort Co, 9 Aug (Buddy Campbell, Ryan Justice); four in Bulls Bay, Cape Romain NWR, Charleston Co, SC, 12 Sep (John Cox, et al.); and three on Bulls Island, Cape Romain NWR, 26 Sep (David McLean, et al). In NC, sightings were of an adult near the east end of Shackleford Banks, Carteret Co, 2 Aug (Dick Barmore, Chandra Biggerstaff, Elizabeth White); an immature bird near New River Inlet, Onslow Co, 7 Aug (Gilbert Grant) through 1 Oct (Mary Bridges); two immature birds on North Pond, Pea Island NWR, Dare Co, continuing from the summer period, 10 Aug (Jeff Lewis); and one immature bird remaining on North Pond until 8 Sep (Ricky Davis, Audrey Whitlock). Cattle Egret: One in a horse pasture in Caswell Co, NC, 28 Oct (Edith Tatum) was late for a location so far inland. The Chat, Vol. 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 23 Black-crowned Night-Heron: Four in the Ellerbe Creek area of Falls Lake, Durham Co, NC, 20 Sep (Nick Flanders) was a good count for a site in the Piedmont. Glossy Ibis: Three at the Super Sod farm in Orangeburg Co, SC, 7 Aug (Brad Dalton) were a good find for that inland site. Roseate Spoonbill: Counts from the SC coast included ten at Huntington Beach SP, Georgetown Co, 27-28 Aug (Phil Lanoue, Sharon & Phil Turner); 148 at the Savannah Spoil Site (restricted access), Jasper Co, SC, 26 Sep (Steve Calver); 16 at Jack’s Creek on Bulls Island, Cape Romain NWR, Charleston Co, SC, 26 Sep (David McLean); 17 on Shammy Creek Pond in Beaufort Co, SC, 12 Oct (Buddy Campbell); and eight in Palm Key, Beaufort Co, SC, 31 Oct (Elizabeth Way). In NC, an immature spoonbill was photographed on Bald Head Island, Brunswick Co, 2 Sep {fide Susan Campbell). Swallow-tailed Kite: Two seen over a field along Hill Creek Rd in Scotland Co, NC, 21 Aug (Rex Badgett) were locally unusual. Northern Harrier: Individuals along Hooper Lane, Henderson Co, NC, 10 Aug (Ron Selvey, Wayne Forsythe) and at the American Turf farm, Washington Co, NC, 13 Aug (Audrey Whitlock, et al.) through 18 Aug (Ryan Bakelaar) were early. Broad-winged Hawk: 11,043 hawks were counted during a hawk watch at Caesar’s Head SP, Greenville Co, SC, 22 Sep (Marion Clark, et al.), a record one-day count for that 25 year-old event. Rough-legged Hawk: One was photographed at Mackay Island NWR, Currituck Co, NC, 19 Nov (Colleen Tillett). Golden Eagle: One was seen during a hawk watch at Caesar’s Head SP, Greenville Co, SC, 22 Sep (Marion Clark, et al.). Virginia Rail: Inland, individuals were seen at Tanglewood County Park, Forsyth Co, NC, 12 Nov (David & Susan Disher) through 22 Nov (Ron Morris) and in South Bay, Lake Conestee Nature Park, Greenville Co, SC, 4 Nov (Brad Dalton), a first for that park. Sandhill Crane: A flock of seven Sandhill Cranes was found between Mattamuskeet NWR and Englehard in Hyde Co, NC, 28 Nov {fide Lee Adams). Black-necked Stilt: 234 at the Savannah Spoil Site (restricted access), Jasper Co, SC, 15 Aug (Steve Calver) was our region’s high count. One remained at 24 Briefs for the Files - Fall 2013 North Pond, Pea Island NWR, Dare Co, NC, until the late date of 1 1 Oct (Tina Nauman). American Avocet: Individuals at Clark Hill Lake in McCormick Co, SC, 1 Sep (John Patten Moss) and at Lake Junaluska, Haywood Co, NC, 7 Oct (Bob Olthoff, Connie & Stan Wulkowicz) were great finds for sites so far from the coast. Black-bellied Plover: Inland sightings included one at the southern end of Lake Brandt, Guilford Co, NC, 8 Aug (Henry Link); three at the Modem Turf farm in Sumter Co, SC, 17 Aug (Steve Patterson); 23 at the American Turf farm in Washington Co, NC, 1 8 Aug (Ryan Bakelaar); and two at the Super Sod farm along Hooper Lane in Henderson Co, NC, 31 Aug (David Gardner). American Golden-Plover: High counts from sod farms included 32 at American Turf along US-64 just west of Creswell, Washington Co, NC, 3 Sep (Peggy Eubank, Audrey Whitlock); 14 at Super Sod along Hooper Lane in Henderson Co, NC, 7 Sep (Jeff Click, et al.); 13 at Super Sod’s Bookhardt farm in Orangeburg Co, SC, 8 Sep (John Cox, Andy Harrison); and 16 at Super Sod’s Old Elloree farm in Orangeburg Co, SC, 17 Sep (Chris Feeney) One molting adult at Mason Inlet, Wrightsville Beach, New Hanover Co, NC, 6 Aug (Sam Cooper) was an unusual find for a beach location. Snowy Plover: One photographed on North Topsail Beach, Onslow Co, NC, the morning of 3 Sep (Gilbert Grant) and spotted later that afternoon (Bmce Smithson) was a one-day wonder. Wilson’s Plover: 1 1 1 on Bird Shoal (Rachel Carson Reserve), Carteret Co, NC, 23 Aug (John Fussell) was an impressive count. One observed at Beaufort Inlet, Carteret Co, NC, 29 Nov (Fussell) was likely wintering in that area. Semipalmated Plover: Counts from inland sod farms included 15 at Super Sod along Hooper Lane, Henderson Co, NC, 7 Aug (Wayne Forsythe); 15 at American Turf in Washington Co, NC, 17 Aug (Steve Shultz); four at Modem Turf in Sumter Co, SC, 17 Aug (Steve Patterson); and 20+ at Super Sod in Orangeburg Co, SC, 21 Aug (Chris Feeney). Piping Plover: Two of the better counts were 23 at Rich Inlet, border of New Hanover Co and Pender Co, NC, 24 Aug (Derb Carter) and 12 at Bird Shoal (Rachel Carson Reserve), Carteret Co, NC, 12 Oct and 4 Nov (John Fussell, et al.). One found at the southern end of Lake Brandt, Guilford Co, NC, the morning of 8 Aug (Henry Link) and observed again later that day (m. obs.) was a great find for that inland site. Spotted Sandpiper: Two seen in Morehead City, Carteret Co, NC, 25 Nov (John Fussell) were likely wintering in that area. The Chat, Vol. 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 25 Solitary Sandpiper: One photographed along a creek near where NC-42 crosses over the Cape Fear River in Lee Co, NC, 3 Nov (Paul Hubert) was late. Willet: Two along NC-191 in the Mills River area of Henderson Co, NC, 18 Aug (Wayne Forsythe) were notable for the mountain region. Upland Sandpiper: This species was found at the American Turf farm along US-64 in Washington Co, NC, throughout much of August (m. obs.), with a high count of five made 16 Aug (Natalia Ocampo-Penuela, Nate Swick, Steve Tucker, Scott Winton). At other sod farms, one was seen intermittently at Super Sod in Orangeburg Co, SC, 3 Aug (Pam Ford, et al.) through 19 Sep (Cherrie Sneed); one was found at Oakland Turf, along NC-87 in Brunswick Co, NC, 4 Aug (John Ennis); five were found at Bucksport Sod in Horry Co, SC, 16 Aug (Steve Thomas); and three were seen at Super Sod in Orangeburg Co, SC, 18 Aug (John Grego). 12 at the Wilmington International Airport, New Hanover Co, NC, 23 Aug (Sam Cooper) was the season’s high count. Long-billed Curlew: Individuals were found at the Ft Fisher Spit, New Hanover Co, NC, 16 Aug (Greg Massey) and on Bulls Island, Cape Romain NWR, Charleston Co, SC, 12 Sep (Scott Davis, David McLean). Up to five were seen around Key Inlet at Cape Romain NWR, during a field trip led by Coastal Expeditions, 27 Oct (Pam Ford, Kathy Hare, David McLean, et al.). Hudsonian Godwit: Individuals were found at the Savannah Spoil Site (restricted access), Jasper Co, SC, 15 Aug (Steve Calver); at the east end of Mattamuskeet NWR, Hyde Co,NC, where also heard vocalizing, 23 Sep (Scott Winton); at South Pond, Pea Island NWR, Dare Co, NC, 26 Sep (Audrey Whitlock); and again on South Pond, where photographed, during W.O.W., 23 Oct (Ricky Davis, m. obs.) through 29 Oct (Jeff Lemons). Marbled Godwit: Notable counts were 100+ on Marsh Island in Bulls Bay, Cape Romain NWR, Charleston Co, SC, 7 Sep (John Cox); 600 at Cape Romain NWR, Charleston Co, SC, 16 Oct (John Fitzpatrick); 100 on Browns Hudsonian Godwit, 23 Oct 2013, Dare Co, NC. Photo by Ricky Davis. 26 Briefs for the Files - Fall 2013 Island (The Straits), Carteret Co, NC, 9 Nov (John Fussell, Nick Flanders, Mark Kosiewski); and 230 at South Pond, Pea Island NWR, Dare Co, NC, 28 Nov (Nathan Gatto). Sanderling: One seen on the mudflats in the Ellerbe Creek area of Falls Lake, Durham Co, NC, 20 Sep (Nick Flanders) was notable for that inland site. Dunlin: Inland sightings included one at Clemson’s Simpson Experiment Station, Anderson Co, SC, 1-8 Nov (Linda Montgomery); two at Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge, Mecklenburg Co, NC, 2 Nov (Kevin Metcalf); four on the mudflats where Ellerbe Creek empties into Falls Lake, Durham Co, NC, 3 Nov (Jeff Pippen); two at Ebenezer Point on Jordan Lake, Chatham Co, NC, 16 Nov (Bob Rybczynski, et ah); and one where Morgan Creek empties into Jordan Lake, 22 Nov (Ginger Travis). Baird’s Sandpiper: Sightings included one at the Super Sod farm in Orangeburg Co, SC, 7 Aug (Brad Dalton) and 17 Aug (Kevin DeBoer); two at the American Turf farm along US-64 in Washington Co, NC, 8 Sep (Ricky Davis); and one remaining at American Turf 22 Sep (Steve Ritt). White-rumped Sandpiper: Sightings included one on North Pond, Pea Island NWR, Dare Co, NC, 15 Aug (Elisa Enders, Nick Flanders); one at the American Turf farm in Washington Co, NC, 24 Aug (Thierry Besan^on); one at the Super Sod farm in Orangeburg Co, SC, 4 Sep (Kent Bedenbaugh, Lewis Burke); two on South Pond, Pea Island NWR, 23 Sep (Steve Ritt); three at the same location, 26 Sep (Audrey Whitlock); two at the east end of Mattamuskeet NWR, Hyde Co, NC, 21 Oct (Scott Winton); and one on South Pond, Pea Island NWR, on the late date of 29 Nov (Nate Swick, et al.). Buff-breasted Sandpiper: Counts from sod farms included two at Super Sod in Orangeburg Co, SC, 13 Aug (Chris Feeney) and 18 Aug (David McLean); eight at American Turf in Washington Co, NC, 13 Aug (Peggy Eubank, Jeff Shenot, Audrey Whitlock); two at Modem Turf in Sumter Co, SC, 17 Aug (Steve Patterson); and three at Super Sod along Hooper Lane in Henderson Co, NC, 7 Sep (Jeff Click, et al). Along the coast, individuals were found at Rich Inlet, border of New Hanover Co and Pender Co, NC, 24 Aug (Derb Carter); at Mason Inlet, New Hanover Co, NC, 5 Sep (Sam Cooper); and on North Pond, Pea Island NWR, Dare Co, NC, 5 Sep (Audrey Whitlock) and 12 Sep (Steve Ritt). Pectoral Sandpiper: Some impressive counts were 225 at the Super Sod farm along Hooper Lane in Henderson Co, NC, 1 Aug (Wayne Forsythe, Ron Selvey); nearly 600 at Super Sod in Orangeburg Co, SC, 15 Aug (Peter Stangel); and up to 300 at Modem Turf in Sumter Co, SC, 17 Aug (Steve Patterson). One on the mudflats where Ellerbe Creek empties into Falls Lake, Durham Co, NC, 3 Nov (Jeff Pippen) was a little late. The Chat, Vol. 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 27 Short-billed Dowitcher: Eight at the Super Sod farm along Hooper Lane in Henderson Co, NC, 20 Aug (Wayne Forsythe) were notable for the mountain region. Wilson’s Phalarope: 16 at the Savannah Spoil Site (restricted access), Jasper Co, SC, 15 Aug (Steve Calver) was a fantastic count. One was seen on North Pond, Pea Island NWR, Dare Co, NC, 6 Sep (Peggy Eubank, Pat Moore, Audrey Whitlock, et al.). Red-necked Phalarope: Individuals were one-day wonders at the Hemingway WTP in Williamsburg Co, SC, where photographed, 17 Aug (Jay Chandler) and on South Pond, Pea Island NWR, Dare Co, NC, 7 Sep (Audrey Whitlock). Pomarine Jaeger: The second-year jaeger discovered on Lake Norman, Mecklenburg Co, NC, 28 July (Sarah Clark, Nathan Gatto, Jeff Lemons, Chris Talkington) remained until at least 4 Aug (Karyl & Samir Gabriel). Parasitic Jaeger: From-shore sightings included one at New River Inlet, Onslow Co, NC, 4 Sep (Gilbert Grant); one off of Pea Island NWR, Dare Co, NC, 23 Oct (Ricky Davis); two off of Atlantic Beach, Carteret Co, NC, 23 Nov (John Fussell); and one at New Topsail Inlet, Pender Co, NC, 28 Nov (Guy McGrane). Long-tailed Jaeger: An adult was photographed on the Davidson Creek arm of Lake Norman, Mecklenburg Co, NC, 24 Aug (Chris Talkington, David & Marcia Wright). Amazingly, this bird was the second jaeger species on that lake in a one-month span! Sabine’s Gull: One was seen from a NOAA research vessel off of Dare Co, NC, 9 Sep (Tom Johnson). Two, and adult and a juvenile, were Pomarine Jaeger, 02 Aug 2013, Mecklenburg Co, NC. Photo by Chris Talkington. Long-tailed Jaeger, 24 Aug 2013, Mecklenburg Co, NC. Photo by Chris Talkington. Briefs for the Files - Fall 2013 28 found on Lake Hartwell, border of Anderson Co, SC and Hart Co, GA, 1 5 Sep (Jim Flynn, Mark McShane). Though the birds were initially seen from the Georgia side of the lake, at least one was seen on the SC side of the lake, 16 Sep (Caroline Eastman, Irvin Pitts). Laughing Gull: 80 amongst two large flocks of Ring-billed Gulls near Tarboro, Edgecombe Co, NC, 29 Nov (Ricky Davis) was a good total for the late season. Lesser Black-backed Gull: 330+ at the north end of Ocracoke Island, Hyde Co, NC, 12 Oct (Gilbert Grant) was a notable count. 75 amongst a mixed gull flock at Fort Macon SP, Carteret Co, NC, 27 Nov, after the passage of strong storms the previous day, was an excellent count for a site away from the Outer Banks. Roseate Tern: Individuals were seen at Bird Shoal (Rachel Carson Reserve), Carteret Co, NC, 23 Aug (John Fussell), at the same spot where three Roseate Terns were seen in late May; and at Rich Inlet, border of New Hanover Co and Pender Co, NC, 24 Aug (Derb Carter). Sandwich Tern: Lingering late into the season were two on Browns Island (The Straits) in Carteret Co, NC, 9 Nov (John Fussell, Nick Flanders, Mark Kosiewski) and one at Cape Point, Dare Co, NC, 28 Nov (Kyle Kittelberger). Black Skimmer: 1500+ photographed at Mason Inlet, New Hanover Co, NC, 16 Nov (Sam Cooper) may have been the largest congregation observed in the state since the 1970s. Common Ground-Dove: One was seen in the prairie restoration area of McDowell Nature Preserve in southern Mecklenburg Co, NC, 24 Oct (Marcia Howden) and photographed 25 Oct (Kevin Metcalf, m. obs.). Interestingly, this county’s only other record of this species was from this same spot, October 16th 2002. Black-billed Cuckoo: Sightings included one heard calling in Reynolda Gardens, Forsyth Co, NC, 25 Sep (Nathan Gatto); one seen at Saluda Shoals Park, Lexington Co, SC, 27 Sep (Roger Smith) and 29 Sep (Keith McCullough); one photographed in Hillsborough, Orange Co, NC, 10 Oct (Carol Tuskey); and one photographed along Brickhouse Rd in the Butner - Falls of the Neuse Gamelands, Durham Co, NC, 20 Oct (Elisa Enders, Nick Flanders). Snowy Owl: Snowy Owls began showing up in the NC coastal plain during the last week of November — a precursor to the irruption to follow. The first was found at Cape Point, Buxton, Dare Co, 26 Nov (Marcia Lyons) where it was seen by many birders into December. An individual seen and The Chat, Vol. 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 29 photographed on private farmland four miles north of Englehard, Hyde Co, 28-30 Nov (Jamie McGlaughon) may have been the same bird photographed at nearby Mattamuskeet NWR, Hyde Co, 30 Nov (Louise Fredericksen, Joan Jordan). Short-eared Owl: One flushed along Hooper Lane, Henderson Co, NC, 3 Nov (Paul Super) was a good find for the mountain region. Northern Saw-whet Owl: One found roosting in the Triangle Land Conservancy’s Johnston Mill Preserve, Orange Co, NC, the afternoon of 9 Nov (Laurie Degemes, Julia Storm) was seen later that afternoon (Marty McClelland), but not thereafter. Common Nighthawk: One lingered in Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co, NC, until the late date of 6 Nov (Tom & Tammy Sanders). Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Immature males remained at feeders into December in north Raleigh, Wake Co, NC, and in Apex, Chatham Co, NC ( fide Susan Campbell). Rufous Hummingbird: An adult male visiting a feeder near Sparta, Alleghany Co, NC, 22 Aug through 12 Sep (Jim Keighton), and banded 29 Aug (Dwayne Martin), was somewhat early. Dwayne Martin banded nine other Rufous Hummingbirds, most of which were hatch-year birds, in the western half of NC in late October into November. Individuals visited feeders in Wake Co, NC, an immature male, 26 Oct into winter (Patty Tice); in Black Mountain, Buncombe Co, NC, an adult male, 3-4 Nov (Stu Gibeau); and in Forsyth Co, NC, an adult female, 25 Nov into winter (Phil Dickinson). Allen’s Hummingbird: An individual began visiting a feeder in Oriental, Pamlico Co, NC, 30 Sep (Liz Lathrop) where it remained into winter. This bird’s species was positively determined when banded 11 Jan (Susan Campbell). Selasphorus Hummingbird: Adult females, possibly Allen’s but more likely Rufous, visited feeders in Durham Co, NC, 1 0 Nov (Cody Porter); in Socastee, Horry Co, SC, 12 Nov (K.C. Foggin) and in Forsyth Co, NC, 19 Nov into winter (Phil Dickinson, Ann Williams). Peregrine Falcon: One returned to downtown Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co, NC, for an eighth straight winter, in October (Ron Clark). One over a cattle pasture just south of the regional airport in Lee Co, NC, 1 7 Nov (Eddie Owens, Mike Tove) was a first for that county. Olive-sided Flycatcher: Individual migrants were found at Historic Bethabara Park, Forsyth Co, NC, 14 Aug (David & Susan Disher, Marbry 30 Briefs for the Files - Fall 2013 Hopkins); along Lee Buck Rd in Brunswick Co, NC, 4 Sep (Greg Massey); at Reynolda Gardens, Forsyth Co, NC, 4 Sep (Carol Cunningham); at Salem Lake, Forsyth Co, NC, 5 Sep (Andrew Thornton); at Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve, Greenville Co, SC, 8 Sep (Kevin DeBoer); at Waterrock Knob, mile 45 1 along the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP), border of Haywood Co and Jackson Co, NC, 14 Sep (Brock Hutchins); and at Sandy Creek Park, Durham Co, NC, 29 Sep (Randy Neighbarger) through 1 Oct (Nate Swick). Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: Individuals were noted along Lee Buck Rd in Brunswick Co, NC, 5 Sep (Greg Massey); at Jackson Park, Henderson Co, NC, 5 Sep (Jon Smith), 22 Sep (Wayne Forsythe, Simon Harvey), and 28 Sep (Dan Garber); at Howell Woods in Johnston Co, NC, 21 Sep (Steve Ritt, et al.); and at Greenfield Lake, New Hanover Co, NC, 25 Sep (Jamie Adams). Alder Flycatcher: South Carolina, a state previously with only one accepted report of Alder Flycatcher, had two reports this fall — one seen and heard vocalizing at Carolina Sandhills NWR, Chesterfield Co, SC, 26 Aug (Dennis Forsythe, Irvin Pitts) through 28 Aug (Caroline Eastman) and one captured and measured at a banding station on Kiawah Island, Charleston Co, SC, 25 Sep (Aaron Given, et al.). Ash-throated Flycatcher: One photographed at the banding station on Kiawah Island, Charleston Co, SC, 4 Nov (Aaron Given, et al.) was only the second ever photographed in SC. Found annually in the NC coastal plain for many years now, an Ash-throated Flycatcher in the wetland restoration area at North River Farms, Carteret Co, NC, 17 Nov (Jack Fennell, John Fussell, et al.) was not as surprising. Myiarchus Flycatcher: A flycatcher of the genus Myiarchus seen at Lake Conestee in Greenville Co, SC, 30 Oct (Jane Kramer) was either a late Great- crested or the first Ash- throated seen in western SC. Ash-throated Flycatcher, 04 Nov 2013, Kiawah Island, Charleston Co, SC. Photo by Aaron Given. The Chat, Vol 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 31 Western Kingbird: Individuals were found at Federal Point, Ft Fisher, New Hanover Co, NC, where photographed, 4 Sep (John Ennis); in the prairie restoration area of McDowell Nature Preserve, Mecklenburg Co, NC, 17 Sep (Kevin Metcalf); and off of Montford Rd in Georgetown Co, SC, 29 Nov and 1 Dec (Dale Gawlik). Eastern Kingbird: One in Duck, Dare Co, NC, 12 Oct (Jeff Lewis) was a little late. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher: Individuals were found along Pilgrim Church Rd in Lexington Co, SC, 27 Aug (Irvin Pitts); and at the Ft Fisher Ferry Terminal, New Hanover Co, NC, a juvenile bird seen and photographed by many, 22 Oct (Shun Endo) through 27 Oct (Lucas Bobay, et al.). Bell’s Vireo: One was captured at the banding station on Kiawah Island, Charleston Co, SC, 9 Sep Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, 23 Oct 2013, Fort Fisher, New Hanover Co, NC. Photo by Harry Sell. Bell’s Vireo, 09 Sep 2013, Kiawah Island, Charleston Co, SC. Photo by Aaron Given. 32 Briefs for the Files - Fall 2013 (Aaron Given, et al.). Amazingly, this is the third year in a row they’ve captured a Bell’s Vireo there! This bird provided the sixth record for the state. Warbling Vireo: Individual migrants were found at Jackson Park, Henderson Co, NC, 26 Sep (Michael Lester, Simon Thompson, et al.); and along the boardwalk in Duck, Dare Co, NC, 13 Oct (Jeff Lewis) and 14 Oct (Audrey Whitlock). Philadelphia Vireo: This species was well-reported in late September. Though most sightings were of individuals, counts of multiple birds included two at Nags Head Woods, Dare Co, NC, 19 Sep (Peggy Eubank); two at Carver’s Gap, Mitchell Co, NC, 23 Sep (Rick Knight); two at Jackson Park, Henderson Co, NC, 26 Sep (Michael Lester, Simon Thompson, et al.); and three at Ridge Junction along the BRP in Yancey Co, NC, 26 Sep (Vin Stanton). One along the boardwalk in Duck, Dare Co, NC, 23 Oct (Ricky Davis) was somewhat late. Barn Swallow: One seen along Milltail Rd at Alligator River NWR, Dare Co, NC, 27 Oct (Jeff Lewis) was somewhat late. Red-breasted Nuthatch: This species didn’t irrupt into our region like last winter. The handful of reports from outside the mountains included one heard calling at Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area, Alexander Co, NC, 22 Sep (Dwayne Martin); one along the entrance road to the Bodie Island Lighthouse, Dare Co, NC, 24 Oct (Ricky Davis); four at the same location, 5 Nov (Audrey Whitlock); and one in a yard in Aynor, Horry Co, SC, 20 Nov into winter (Steve Thomas). Sedge Wren: Individuals at Jackson Park, Henderson Co, NC, 26 Sep (Wayne Forsythe, Ron Selvey) and at Lake Crabtree, Wake Co, NC, 2 Nov (Mike Turner) were locally unusual. Marsh Wren: Individuals at Dinkins Bottom, Yadkin Co, NC, 31 Oct (Phil Dickinson); at Pee Dee NWR, Anson Co, NC, 2 Nov (Michael Fulbright, Eddie Owens, Jennifer Schrand); and in the Lake Hills wetland in Forsyth Co, NC, 21 Nov through early December (Dickinson, et al.) were locally unusual. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: One at Carver’s Gap, Mitchell Co, NC, 10 Sep (Rick Knight) was early. Bicknell’s Thrush: Nocturnal flight calls were heard in the pre-dawn hours at Falls Lake, Wake Co, NC, during the Fall Bird Count, 17 Sep (Brian Bockhahn) and at Hanging Rock SP, Stokes Co, NC, 24 Sep (Bockhahn). Some birders question whether or not nocturnal flight calls can accurately identify the species. The Chat, Vol. 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 33 Motacilla species: Pending review by the NCBRC was a report of a wagtail species, most likely a White Wagtail, along the barrier strand just SE of the Cedar Island Ferry Terminal, Carteret Co, NC, 15 Sep (John Fussell, Jack Fennell, John Voigt, m. obs.). The bird was not photographed because it quickly flushed upon approach. The bird did vocalize, however, and its vocalizations matched that of a White Wagtail. Cedar Waxwing: A recently- fledged juvenile along the Tar River in eastern Rocky Mount, Edgecombe Co, NC, 25 Aug (Ricky Davis) was indicative of breeding in that area. Pairs in the Elizabethan Gardens, Dare Co, NC, 21 Aug (Jeff Lewis) and along Dudley Rd in the Croatan National Forest, Carteret Co, NC, 21 Aug (John Fussell) probably summered in those areas. Lapland Longspur: Individuals were found near Lake Phelps, Washington Co, NC, 21 Oct (Brian Bockhahn); at the Ft Fisher Spit, New Hanover Co, NC, where photographed, 28 Nov (Bruce Smithson); and at Murrells Inlet, Georgetown Co, SC, 30 Nov (Steve Compton). Snow Bunting: Three were seen at Cape Point, Dare Co, NC, 29 Nov (John Ennis, Martin Wall), 30 Nov (Jeff Lewis), and into December (m. obs.). One at Ft Sumter, Charleston Co, SC, 27 Nov (Ted Wolff) was a good find for a site so far south. Louisiana Waterthrush: Late were individuals seen in the Bolin Forest subdivision in Orange Co, NC, where photographed, 17 Sep (Chloe Gude) and at Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Charleston Co, SC, 2-3 Oct {fide David McLean). Golden-winged Warbler: Individual migrants at Reynolda Gardens, Forsyth Co, NC, 14 Sep (John Haire, et al.); at West Branch Nature Preserve, Mecklenburg Co, NC, 15 Sep (Jeff Lemons); and at Harris Lake, Wake Co, NC, 18 Sep (Lucas Bobay) were good finds for sites outside the mountains. One was seen multiple times at Jackson Park, Henderson Co, NC, 22 Sep (Simon Harvey) through 6 Oct (Wayne Forsythe, Ron Selvey). Lapland Longspur, 28 Nov 2013, New Hanover Co, NC.. Photo by Bruce Smithson. Briefs for the Files - Fall 2013 34 Tennessee Warbler: Sightings from the coast, where less common, included one at Patriot’s Point, Charleston Co, SC, 9 Oct (Keith McCullough); one photographed in Southport, Brunswick Co, NC, 20 Oct (John Ennis); and one along the boardwalk in Duck, Dare Co, NC, 20-28 Oct (Jeff Lewis). Orange-crowned Warbler: Two seen together in a field edge along Leggett Rd in Edgecombe Co, NC, 1 7 Nov (Ricky Davis) were thought to be migrating through the area. Davis notes the birds were much yellower than the wintering birds he typically sees in NC, leading him to speculate these birds were from the western population. Nashville Warbler: There were numerous sightings of this species this fall. Most notable were the two Nashville Warblers reliably seen along the boardwalk in Duck, Dare Co, NC, 13 Oct (Jeff Lewis) through the late date of 20 Nov (Skip Morgan, Linda Ward), with a high count of three seen there 20 Oct (Lewis). Also late was an individual that visited a birdbath in Charleston Co, SC, 20 Nov (Keith McCullough). Connecticut Warbler: At least two were found this fall — one at Pilot Mountain SP, Surry Co, NC, 21 Sep (Mike Tove, Eddie Owens) and the other at the old quarry (permission required) in New Bern, Craven Co, NC, 24 Sep (Chandra Biggerstaff), a first for that county. MacGillivray’s Warbler: A first-year female was captured at the banding station on Kiawah Island, Charleston Co, SC, where measured and photographed, 18 Oct (Aaron Given, et al.), providing the state with its first record of this western species! MacGillivray’s Warbler, 18 Oct 2013, Kiawah Island, Charleston Co, SC. Photo by Aaron Given. The Chat, Vol. 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 35 Mourning Warbler: Sightings included a first-year female in a yard in Asheville, Buncombe Co, NC, 15 Aug {fide Ryan Justice); one on Ocracoke Island, Hyde Co, NC, 1 1 Sep (Haven Wiley); a first-year bird at Greenfield Lake, New Hanover Co, NC, 23 Sep (Jamie Adams, Greg Massey); one in a yard in Asheville, Buncombe Co, NC, 25 Sep (Simon Thompson); and one at Leicester Patch, Buncombe Co, NC, 30 Sep (Doug Johnston). American Redstart: An interesting fallout event occurred when thousands of songbirds, most of which appeared to be American Redstarts, landed on a 225- foot research vessel 40 miles southeast of Cape Lookout, Carteret Co, NC, ahead of a storm on the night of 13 Sep (Keith Rittmaster^de John Fussell). Cape May Warbler: Two at Ebenezer Point, Jordan Lake, Chatham Co, NC, 9 Nov (Bob Rybczynski) were a little late. Cerulean Warbler: Individual migrants were found at Jackson Park, Henderson Co, NC, an adult male, 3 1 Aug (David Gardner) and at Hamilton Lakes Park, Guilford Co, NC, 23 Sep (Henry Link, Lou Skrabec). Yellow Warbler: An adult female photographed at Union Point Park in New Bern, Craven Co, NC, 28 Nov (Bryan Barmore) may have been attempting to overwinter. Chestnut-sided Warbler: One in Duck, Dare Co, NC, 29 Sep (Jeff Lewis) was a good find for a site along the coast. Blackpoll Warbler: One along the boardwalk in Duck, Dare Co, NC, 20 Nov (Skip Morgan, Linda Ward) was late. Black-throated Blue Warbler: Somewhat late were a male at a feeder in Orange Co, NC, 30 Oct (Norm Budnitz) and a female along the boardwalk in Duck, Dare Co, NC, 3 Nov (Jeff Lewis, Brian Pendergraft). Yellow-rumped Warbler: A juvenile seen at Carver’s Gap, Mitchell Co, NC, 24 Aug (Rick Knight) was suggestive of breeding in that area. One at Holly Point on Falls Lake, Wake Co, NC, during the Fall Bird Count, 17 Sep (fide Brian Bockhahn) was somewhat early. Canada Warbler: An immature male captured at the banding station on Kiawah Island, Charleston Co, SC, 16 Sep (Aaron Given, et al.) was great for a site along the coast. Wilson’s Warbler: Individual migrants were found at Reynolda Gardens, Forsyth Co, NC, a male, 7 Sep (Nathan Gatto); along the entrance road to the Bodie Island Lighthouse, Dare Co, NC, a male, 8 Sep (Ricky Davis); at Reynolda Gardens, a female, 10 Sep (Phil Crisp, Phil Dickinson, John Haire); Briefs for the Files - Fall 2013 36 at Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve, Mecklenburg Co, NC, 12 Sep (Ron Clark); in Southern Shores, Dare Co, NC, 15 Sep (Jeff Lewis); at Saluda Shoals Park, Lexington Co, SC, 9 Oct (Lewis Burke, Irvin Pitts); and on Seabrook Island, Charleston Co, SC, 1 1 Oct (David Gardner). Yellow-breasted Chat: One at Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge, Mecklenburg Co, NC, 2 Nov (Kevin Metcalf) was late. Clay-colored Sparrow: Sightings, increasing in recent years, included one at the Ft Fisher Ferry Terminal, New Hanover, Co, NC, 28 Sep (Sam Cooper); one at North River Farms, Carteret Co, NC, 29 Sep (John Fussell, et al.); two at the Ft Fisher Ferry Terminal, 12-19 Oct (Cooper); one in the Mills River Valley, Henderson Co, NC, 14-16 Oct (Steve Ritt); one near the base of Jeanette’s Pier, Dare Co, NC, during W.O.W., 22 Oct (Brian Bockhahn, et al.); one at Warren Wilson College, Buncombe Co, NC, 2-3 Nov (Kelly Hughes); and one near Atlantic, Carteret Co, NC, 14 Nov (Fussell). Vesper Sparrow: Counts of multiple birds included three at Dinkins Bottom, Yadkin Co, NC, 3 1 Oct (Phil Dickinson); two photographed along Ben Wilson Rd in Orange Co, NC, 1 Nov (Mark Anthony); two along Mid Pines Rd in Wake Co, NC, 2 Nov (Ryan Justice); three along Prater Gin Rd in Anderson Co, SC, 3 Nov (Simon Harvey); three at Sutton Lake, New Hanover Co, NC, 3-4 Nov (John Ennis); three at Warren Wilson College, Buncombe Co, NC, 4 Nov (Steve Ritt); and two along Scuffletown Rd in Greenville Co, SC, 10 Nov (Harvey). Lark Sparrow: Sightings, quite numerous this fall, included one at Mills River Park, Henderson Co, NC, 4 Aug (Jeff Click, Rich Leppingwell); two photographed at the same location 5 Aug (Wayne Forsythe); one in southwest Chatham Co, NC, 20 Aug (Parker Backstrom); one at Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, Charleston Co, SC, 20 Sep (Keith McCullough); one at the Ft Fisher Ferry Terminal, New Hanover Co, NC, 29 Sep (Jamie Adams, Greg Massey, Natalia Ocampo-Penuela, Harry Sell, Scott Winton); one on Roanoke Island, Dare Co, NC, 2 Oct (Jeff Lewis); one along a roadside near Red Hill, Edgecombe Co, NC, 6 Oct (Ricky Davis); an adult photographed along Shepherd Rd in Brunswick Co, NC, 16 Oct (John Ennis); two, an adult and a first-winter bird, photographed at the same location, 23 Oct (Ennis); and one near Atlantic, Carteret Co, NC, 24 Oct (John Fussell). Henslow’s Sparrow: Individual migrants were found at three sites in western NC this fall — in a grassy powerline cut at Jackson Park, Henderson Co, 6 Oct (Wayne Forsythe, Ron Selvey); between the bam and the river at Warren Wilson College, Buncombe Co, where photographed, 30 Oct (Steve Ritt); and in a yard in Greensboro, Guilford Co, where photographed, 8 Nov (Melissa Whitmire). The Chat, Vol. 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 37 Lincoln’s Sparrow: Sightings included one at Hefner Gap, Mitchell Co, NC, 22 Sep (Audrey Whitlock); one at Ridge Junction, Yancey Co, NC, 26 Sep (Jeff Lewis); one at Lake Lure, Rutherford Co, NC, 6 Oct (Steve Ritt, Simon Thompson); one at Price Park, Guilford Co, NC, 8-9 Oct (Henry Link); one in Reynolda Gardens, Forsyth Co, NC, 9 Oct (Phil Dickinson, Nathan Gatto, Royce Hough); one in the Mills River Valley, Henderson Co, NC, 14-29 Oct (Ritt); one at Alligator River NWR, Dare Co, NC, during W.O.W., 27 Oct (Lewis, et al.); three at Warren Wilson College, Buncombe Co, NC, 30 Oct through 2 Nov (Ritt); and one along Mayo River Rd in Rockingham Co, NC, 31 Oct (Marty Wall); Rose-breasted Grosbeak: 160+ at Carver’s Gap, Mitchell Co, NC, 23 Sep (Rick Knight) was an impressive concentration of migrants. Dickcissel: Individual migrants were found at North River Farms, Carteret Co, NC, 29 Sep (John Fussell, et al.); at the Ft Fisher Ferry Terminal, New Hanover Co, NC, 29 Sep (Jamie Adams, Greg Massey, Natalia Ocampo- Penuela, Harry Sell, Scott Winton); in the dunes next to the Old Coast Guard Station at Oregon Inlet, Dare Co, NC, 12 Oct (Jeff Lewis, Audrey Whitlock); in the Mills River Valley, Henderson Co, NC, 14 Oct (Steve Ritt); and at Huntington Beach SP, Georgetown Co, SC, 15 Oct (Frank Lawkins). Yellow-headed Blackbird: First-winter males were photographed at a feeder in Wilmington, New Hanover Co, NC, 23 Aug (Bruce Smithson) and at the Ft Fisher Ferry Terminal, New Hanover Co, 28 Sep (Sam Cooper). Yellow-headed Blackbird, 28 Sep 2013, New Hanover Co, NC. Photo by Sam Cooper. 38 Briefs for the Files - Fall 2013 Purple Finch: Individuals, either female or immature birds, were seen at a feeder in Forsyth Co, NC, 14 Nov (Phil Dickinson) and in a field edge along Gay Rd in Edgecombe Co, NC, 17 Nov (Ricky Davis). Red Crossbill: Up to five were seen around Carver’s Gap, Mitchell Co, NC, 24 Aug through 29 Sep (Rick Knight). Two were reliably seen at Mount (Mt) Mitchell SP, Yancey Co, NC, 25 Aug (Issac Kerns) through late September (Audrey Whitlock). A flock of up to 25 crossbills, including juveniles, was seen in spruce trees along the Commissary Trail at Mt Mitchell SP, 27 Sep (Bill Haddad) and 29 Sep (Mark Simpson, Marilyn Westphal). Pine Siskin: Up to four were seen around Carver’s Gap, Mitchell Co, NC, 24 Aug through 29 Sep (Rick Knight). Corrigenda : In the Briefs for the Files for Fall 201 1 (Chat 76:32-33) a Violet- green Swallow was reported in Chapel Hill, NC, and in Briefs for the Files for Summer 2012 (Chat 77:19) a Magnificent Frigatebird was reported as seen over Southpoint Mall in Durham, Co., NC and then later at Jordan Lake. It has been determined that the photos presented as evidence for the Violet-green Swallow report and for the second report of the Magnificent Frigatebird at Jordan Lake were actually taken in other states, not in North Carolina. These reports are withdrawn (although the initial sighting of the frigatebird over Southpoint Mall stands). Snowy Owl, 26 Nov 2013, Cape Hatteras, Dare Co, NC. Photos by Jeff Lewis. The Chat, Vol. 78, No. 1, Winter 2014 39 Snowy Owl, 26 Nov 2013, Cape Hatteras, Dare Co, NC. Photos by Jeff Lewis. Fifty Years Ago in The Chat — March 1964 In this issue, Dr. John Grey, a prominent founding member of the Carolina Bird Club in 1937 and the first editor of The Chat , published a very important summary regarding the status of the “official” list of North Carolina birds. He noted that both South Carolina and Virginia maintained “official” state lists and that South Carolina required a specimen of a bird for it to be placed on the “accepted” state list. However, Virginia included all birds with specimens taken as well as “certain species... admitted on the basis of sight records”. North Carolina’s list at this time was primarily a list of birds whose records had been personally vetted and approved by C.S. Brimley for the 1942 edition of Birds of North Carolina , with some additions added during the 1959 revision of the book, a revision that Grey characterized as “not all one had hoped for”. Grey advocated that the Carolina Bird Club should take on the responsibility for the creation of a formal records committee “of at least three persons who would be charged with the responsibility of passing upon the acceptability of all North Carolina records of birds”. He recommended the development of specific criteria to be followed for admitting new bird species to the list. He also recommend that all records added since the publication of the 1942 edition of the Birds of North Carolina be reevaluated using these newly established criteria. This article provided the initial impetus for the development of what today are the North Carolina and South Carolina Bird Records committees. Several interesting bird records were also included in this issue. Paul Sykes provided a detailed report on the second record of Lark Bunting in North Carolina. This bird was sighted on Bodie Island on September 2, 1963. The observers carefully watched it feeding on grass seed for 5 minutes. The bird would periodically jump up and bend a stalk down to feed on the seed. A very detailed description of its markings was provided. A group from the Greensboro Junior Museum reported a flock of 1 8 White-winged Crossbills sighted at the headwaters of Lake Brandt on the Greensboro Christmas Count, December 28, 1963. The flock was comprised of mostly males with some females and a few immature birds present as well. Plumage details were provided but attempts later made to secure a specimen were unsuccessful. Also, a single Red Phalarope was observed and photographed by James Shuler on September 15, 1963 on a small pond in Charleston County providing a rare land record for South Carolina. Don Seriff editor 40 CAROLINA BIRD CLUB www.carolinabirdclub.org The Carolina Bird Club is a non-profit organization which represents and supports the birding community in the Carolinas through its official website, publications, meetings, workshops, trips, and partnerships, whose mission is • To promote the observation, enjoyment, and study of birds. • To provide opportunities for birders to become acquainted, and to share information and experience. • To maintain well-documented records of birds in the Carolinas. • To support the protection and conservation of birds and their habitats and foster an appreciation and respect of natural resources. • To promote educational opportunities in bird and nature study. • To support research on birds of the Carolinas and their habitats. Membership is open to all persons interested in the conservation, natural history, and study of wildlife with particular emphasis on birds. Dues, contributions, and bequests to the Club may be deductible from state and federal income and estate taxes. Make checks payable to Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Send checks or correspondence regarding membership or change of address to the Headquarters Secretary, or use this web address: http://www.carolinabirdclub.org/about.html. Dues include $6 for a subscription to the CBC Newsletter and $7 for a subscription to The Chat. ANNUAL DUES Individual or non-profit $25.00 Family or business $30.00 Patron $50.00 Student $15.00 Life Membership (payable in four consecutive $125 installments) $500.00 Associate Life Membership (in same household as life member) $100.00 ELECTED OFFICERS President Katherine Higgins, Wilmington, NC kathwrens@gmail.com NC Vice-Presidents Ron Clark, Kings Mountain, NC waxwing@bellsouth.net Scott Winton, Durham, NC scott.winton@gmail.com SC Vice-President Jeff Click, Easley, SC jeffreyclick@yahoo.com Secretary Phil Fowler, Concord, NC janmfowler@gmail.com Treasurer Samir Gabriel, Huntersville, NC Samir.Gabirel@itg-global.com NC Members-at-Large Christine Stoughton-Root, Merritt, NC cssjar@aol.com John Voigt, Emerald Isle, NC jvoigt@coastalnet.com Jesse Pope, Linville, NC highcountrybirder@yahoo.com Karyl Gabriel, Huntersville, NC kmcclusky@yahoo.com SC Members-at-Large Don Faulkner, Easley, SC donrfaulkner@aol.com Irvin Pitts, Lexington, SC pittsjam@windstream.net EX-OFFICIO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Chat Editor Don Seriff, Charlotte, NC chat@carolinabirdclub.org Newsletter Editor Steve Shultz, Apex, NC newsletter@carolinabirdclub.org Web site Editor Kent Fiala, Hillsborough, NC webeditor@carolinabirdclub.org Immediate Past President Marion Clark, Lexington, SC mclark66@sc.rr.com Carol Bowman HEADQUARTERS SECRETARY 9 Quincy Place Pinehurst, NC 28374 hq@carolinabirdclub.org *c ? cU (D « o 0- Tt ” §s* ■2 o 0. j/> CO o .2 u CD a. 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