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However, large numbers of Robins apparently had a roost in the general vicinity. A total of 2,580 were counted and is the largest number ever recorded on an Otter Creek count. Some species were low in numbers, especially the American Goldfinch, Field Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, and Swamp Sparrow. — Mary Bauer, Joseph Croft, J. Hoogerheide, Barry Howard, Violet Jackson, Wilbur Jack- son, John Krull, Eric Neff, Patti Ogden, Anne L. Stamm (compiler), Frederick W. Stamm. BERNHEIM FOREST (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Forest Lookout Tower 2.75 miles SE of forest entrance). — Dec. 26; 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ; temp. 24-41°; wind NW, 10-20 m.p.h. Twelve observers in five parties. Total party-hours 47.5 (26.5 on foot, 21 by car). Total party-miles 303 (22 on foot, 281 by car). Total 70 species, 7,300 individuals. The most exciting finds for this count were the Golden Eagle, seen by Brainard Palmer-Ball Jr. and Don Parker; the Merlin, seen by Dottie Muntan, V. N. Calvert, and Bernheim Ranger Stanley Chesler; and the Common Redpoll seen by Lene Rauth and Diane Elmore. All Field marks were noted on the Golden Eagle including its golden neck feathers and its large size when seen with a harassing Cooper’s Hawk. The Merlin was seen by observers familiar with the species with all field marks seen including the banded tail. The Common Redpoll was well seen as close as 20 feet feeding with Purple Finches and American Goldfinches. — Robert Allen, V. N. Calvert, George Crabtree, Lysbeth Davis, Diane Elmore, Jackie Elmore (compiler). Dot Muntan, Jerry Olsen, Brainard Palmer- Ball Jr., Donald Parker, Lene Rauth, L.D. Smith. LOUISVILLE (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Jet. Hwys. 42 and 22; area and habitat coverage as described 1972). — Dec. 19; 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Partly cloudy; temp. 41 to 63°; wind SW, 0-15 m.p.h. All water open. Thirty-seven observers in 12 parties. Total party-hours 124 (80 on foot, 44 by car). Total party-miles 593 (68 on foot, 525 by car). Total 86 species, 43,271 individuals. Very few rarities were reported this year. An unidentified sandpiper was noted in flight by Judy Robertson’s party; it possibly was a Spotted Sandpiper, which has never been recorded here in winter, although identi- fication to species was not positive. A pair of Shovelers noted by Brainard Palmer-Ball Jr. was the first record of this species in many years for a winter count. Snow Buntings have been showing up for the past few winters; the single individual recorded was seen by several observers in Judy Robertson’s party. Of great interest is the sharp decline in total numbers, due primarily to the failure of two local starling-blackbird roosts to develop this year, perhaps as a result of the early, severe low tempera- tures in November and December. A few species were present in higher numbers than ever before, including Great Blue Heron, Rock Dove, Mourn- 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 11 ing Dove, Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch and White-throated Sparrow. — Robert Allen, Mary Bauer, Altha Cain, Virginia Calvert, Dr. and Mrs. Herbert Clay, George Crabtree, Joseph Croft, Bess Douthitt, Diane and Jackie Elmore, Katherine Fulkerson, Doris Garst, Barry Howard, Frank and John Krull, Burt Monroe Jr. (compiler), Dottie Muntan, Patti Ogden, Brainard Palmer- Ball Jr., Donald Parker, James and Susie Pasikowski, Robert Quaife, Lene Rauth, Judy Robertson, Tim Rumage, Carl Schultz, Helga Schutte, Mrs. Eugene Short, Mabel Slack, L. D. Smith, Anne and F. W. Stamm, A1 and Midge Susie (Beckham Bird Club). SHELBYVILLE( all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Hooper near Interstate 64, as described in 1974). — Dec. 28; 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Temp. 30 to 40°; wind NW, 10-20 m.p.h. Five observers in one party. Total party-hours 11 (5 on foot, 4 by car). Total party-miles 84 (7 on foot, 77 by car). Total 50 species, 40,832 individuals. — Lloyd Brown, Todd Brown, W. H. Brown (compiler), Kerry Morgan, and Mark Roberts. DANVILLE (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Boyle County Courthouse, as described in American Birds, 1972). — Dec. 18; 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Clear and sunny; temp. 26-60°; wind NW to SE, 0-10 m.p.h. Water in streams and ponds partly open. Thirty-six observers in 10 parties. Total party-hours 72 (32 on foot, 40 by car). Total party-miles 460 (37 on foot, 423 by car). Total 64 species, about 8,471 individuals. Figures for Red-tailed Hawks and Horned Larks were unusually high. Nearly all of the Horned Larks were reported by John A. Cheek of Ann Arbor, Mich. The numbers of Red-winged Blackbirds and Brown-headed Cowbirds were unusually low. — W. C. Alcock, Ernest Baird, A1 Byrd, Molly Caldwell, Annette and John Cheek, E. W. Cook, Lois Corcoran, Neil Eklund, Gordon and Jean Freese, Margaret and Scott Glore, Edna Heck, Frank Heck (compiler), Dorothy Hill, Moseill Jester, Jack Kellam, J. W. Kemper, Tad Kreamer, Jane Larson, Ann and John Lawrence, Arthur Leche, F. W. and Naomi Loetscher, Michael Marsh, Robert Rakestraw, Louise and Wilbur Robinson, Mary Roose, John Sieweke, Barry Spoona- more, Marjorie Steer, Betty Ullrich, H. M. Wiley. FRANKFORT (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Junction of U.S. 127 and Ky. 1900; area as described in 1972). — Dec. 18; 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Temp. 26 to 56°; wind SE, 0-8 m.p.h. Water partly open, ground bare. Twenty-seven observers in 11 parties. Total party-hours 65 (45 on foot, 20 by car). Total party-miles 186 (39 on foot, 147 by car). Total 61 species, 4,905 individuals. Hawks were predominant on the Frankfort Count. The Merlin was the most noteworthy find, making its first Count appearance. The bird was observed perched and in flight by Dennis CosKren and Rik Watson with appropriate size, shape and field marks noted. Good numbers of Screech Owls and Great Homed Owls were found as the weather was 12 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 conducive to their calling. Ruby-crowned Kinglets were present in unusual numbers with many being found on the State Capitol grounds. Sparrows were well represented. — Gay Amburgy, W. P. Caine, Jr., Karen, Laura and Rose Canon, Dennis and Faith CosKren, Peggy Derryberry, James Durell, Steve Edwards, Alexander and Virginia Gilchrist, Scott Hankla, Howard Jones (compiler), Ann, Virginia, and Wendell Kingsolver, Betty Maxson, Ray McEntyre, Lewis and Mary Pfouts, Sally Rice, Stephen Rice, Rik Watson, Glen Wells, James Williams, Tim Williams. KLEBER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at junction of US 227 and State Hwy. 845 in Owen County; area as described in 1972). — Dec. 30; 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Temp. 8-43°; wind SW, 5-29 m.p.h. Five observers in two parties. Total party-hours 14 (10 on foot, 4 by car). Total party miles 100 (10 on foot, 90 by car). Total 41 species, 734 individuals. The most obvious difference for this year’s count was the missing American Robins. This was probably due to the almost total absence of cedar berries. The overall wild food crop at Kleber is the poorest in recent years. Hawks provided the most interest with five species represented. A flock of 95 Black Ducks flew over in late afternoon, providing a nice con- clusion to the day. Elmer Davis Lake and Cedar Creek were frozen and supported our weight, with only the Kentucky River being open water. — Peggy Derryberry, James Durell, Howard Jones (compiler), Margaret LaFontaine, Craig Wingate. LEXINGTON (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center East Hickman on Tates Creek Pike, as described in 1972). — Jan. 1; 6:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Temp. 2 to 22°; wind SW to W, 5-14 m.p.h. Mostly clear in a.m. to clear in p.m. Grounds mostly frozen with few ponds open. Wild food crop fair. Twenty-five observers in 15 parties. Total party-hours 75 (23 on foot, 52 by car). Total party-miles 656 (21 on foot, 645 by car). Total 73 species, 5,668 individuals. — Ellen Allen, Lillian Baxter, Mary P. Burns, Ruth Davis, Lyda Feck, Mike and Jean Flynn, Wayne Hinkle, Ron Houp, Maud Hurt, Collin Hyde, Ruth E. Matthews, Robert Morris, Virginia Reece, Alfred M. Reece (compiler), Jerry Reece, Barbara Ruff, Connie and Rick Schwein, Andrew and Marion Uterhart, Rick Watson, Jim Williams, Jim E. Wood, Hilda Woods (Audubon Society of Kentucky, Inc.) JACKSON (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Hilltop Church as described in 1975). — Dec. 18; 6:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Temp. 30 to 50°; wind WSW, 0-10 m.p.h. Thirteen observers in seven parties. Total party-hours 40.5 (22 on foot, 18.5 by car). Total party-miles 138 (21.5 on foot, 116.5 by car). Total 52 species, 1,214 individuals. — Karen Abner, Pierre Allaire (compiler), Neel Daniel, Vicki Hucker, Fred Lan- drum, Casey Marton, Jack, Margaret and Peggy Payne, Mark Ritter, Rome Sewell, Tom Smith, Mark Van Winkle. 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 13 PINE MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at the Pine Mountain Church of God). — Dec. 11; 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Temp 45 to 55°; wind 0 m.p.h., Rain and fog most of day. Twenty-one observers in 14 parties. Total party-hours 82 (77 on foot, 5 by car). Total party-miles 56 (26 on foot, 30 by car). Total 44 species, 1,075 individuals. — Mr. and Mrs. Rufous Beasley, Julius Begley, Rob Belser (compiler). Matt Boggs, Liz Bradshaw, Alice Funk, Afton Garrison, Sam and Esther Lawson, Preston and Loie Lewis, Mary McIntyre, Steve and Pam McKee, Gail Peabody, Burton, Mary and Peter Rogers, Jack Whitfield, Mrs. E. L. Woolsey. CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK (all points within a 15-mile circle, center as described in 1975). — Dec. 18; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Temp. 28 to 60°; wind variable, 0-5 m.p.h. Five observers in one party. Total party-hours nine (7 on foot, 2 by car). Total party-miles 47 (6 on foot, 41 by car). Total 32 species, 222 individuals. — Steven M. Beatty (compiler), John and Susan Graves, Dorothy and William Thomp- son. BURLINGTON (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Huey’s Corner, area as described in 1975. — Dec. 18; 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Temp. 29 to 52°; wind NW, 5-20 m.p.h. Ten observers in two parties. Total party-hours 12.5 (nine on foot 3.5 by car). Total party-miles 103 (12 on foot, 91 by car). Total 31 species, 2,417 individuals. — Mike Andrews, Ed Ditterline, Gladys Ditterline, Lee McNeely (compiler), Lynda McNeely, Tom Otte, Marian Ruschman, Hazel Ulrey, Chuck Voile, Robert Wahl. ABERRANT PIGMENTATION IN KENTUCKY BIRDS Pierre N. Allaire Within the past two years I have encountered a few cases of albinism in birds in eastern Kentucky. These sightings of rather uncommon individ- uals within bird species prompted the writing of this article for two main purposes. The first is a summary of the occurrence of these aberrant in- dividuals in the state and second, the reporting of three more such occur- rences in eastern Kentucky. Discussion relating to the variety of aberrant pigmentation conditions known to exist may be worthwhile at this time. The most commonly reported type is albinism, a reduction or absence 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 of pigments in the feathers (Pettingill, 1970, Wallace, 1963, Witkop, 1975). Pettingill ( op. cit.) list four degrees of albinism which are as follows : Total albinism, when all pigments are completely absent from the plumage, irises, and skin. Incomplete albinism, when the pigments are completely absent from the plum- age, or irises, or skin, but not from all three. Imperfect albinism, when all the pigments are reduced (‘diluted’), or at least one of the pigments is absent, in any or all three areas. Partial albinism, when the pigments are re- duced, or one or more is absent, from the parts of any or all three areas.” Three other types exist. Melanism is the result of an excessive amount of melanin (brown or black) pigments. Erythrism and xanthochroism are due to reductions in melanin and retention of red or yellow pigments respectively. The underlying cause for these abnormalities is primarily genetic (Witkop, op. cit.). In some cases however, it may be due to dietary deficiencies (Pettingill, op. cit.). Summary of Occurrence: A review of The Kentucky Warbler from 1925 to the present showed that seventeen articles pertaining to albinism and its different forms and one dealing with melanism were published (Brecher, 1974; Carpenter, 1965; Left, 1959; Clotfelter, 1954; Cox, 1954; Ellison, 1973; Frazer, 1929; Frazer, 1941; Frazer, 1944; Gray, 1965; Hancock, 1947; Jansing, 1947; Keeley, 1953; Konsler, 1926; Loefer, 1941; Parson, 1961; Schneider, 1937; and Wilson, 1953). The Warbler had reports of 22 different species totaling 62 individuals exhibiting some form of albinism, while there was but one case of melanism cited. Of the 22 albino species there were five species reported as total albinos. No records of erythroism or xanthochroism could be found. Table I summarizes these data. i Four Additional Records: Two partially and one totally albinistic species have been seen within a five mile radius of the Lost Creek area of Breathitt County, Kentucky, east of Highway 15. The first sighting was on 23 October 1974 when a partially albinistic sparrow was seen foraging with a mixed flock of Vesper (Pooecetes gramineus) , Song (Melospiza melodia). Field (Spizella pusilla). Savannah (Passer cuius sandwichensis), and Chipping (Spizella passerina) Sparrows. Photographs taken indicate that the bird probably was a Field Sparrow but absolute certainty would necessitate having the bird in hand and com- parisons made with study skins. The second observation was eight months later when in early May a partially albinistic buteo flew across the road I was traveling and sat in a nearby tree. I quickly jumped out of the car and watched the bird for some time. Judging from its size it probably was a Red-tailed Hawk, the commonest buteo species in the area. My last observation was about six weeks later (26 June, 1975) when 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 15 the local game warden (James Deaton) brought in a pure albino American Robin. The bird was a first year male with rectrices (tail feathers) only half grown. The gape of the mouth was still yellow. The pink irides were present, as well as the white feet. Apparently the bird was ill since it did or could not fly. Unfortunately the bird died later on that afternoon and a study skin was made of the bird (U. L. No. 3974). The museum skin is on permanent loan to the Department of Science and Mathematics, Lees Jr. College in Jackson. In addition one specimen was located in the University of Louisville vertebrate collection. The bird was a pure albino female (Juv.) Robin (U. L. No. 1350) collected by Burt Monroe, Sr. in Jefferson County, Kentucky on 8 August 1948. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I wish to thank Burt L. Monroe, Jr. for allowing access to the Univer- sity of Louisville and Beckham Bird collections and for his comments during the preparation of this manuscript. — Department of Sciences and Mathematics, Lees Jr. College, Jackson, Ky. 41339. TABLE I List of albinistic and melanistic species reported in The Kentucky Warbler since 1926. Total Partial Species Albino Albino Melanistic Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) Buteo sp. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) Bob white (Colinus virginianus) 1 Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 1 Common (Y.-sh.) Flicker (Colaptes auratus) Blue Jay ( Cyanocitta cristata) Common Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) 5 Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) 1 American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 4** House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) Cardinal ( Cardinalis cardinalis) Evening Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) Dark-eyed (S.-c.) Junco (Junco hy emails ) Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) Fox Sparrow (passerella iliaca) Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) Sparrow sp. TOTAL 23 12 1 2* 3 1 1 1 1 16 2 1 1 5 7 1 3 1 3 1 1 1 54 1 1 indicates 4 additional records for species reported in this paper. 16 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 LITERATURE CITED Brecher, L. 1974. A true albino Mourning Dove. Kentucky Warbler, 50(3) :47. Carpenter, F.S. 1975. Albino hawks at Lake Cumberland. Kentucky Warbler, 41(2) :30. Clotfelter, J.W. 1954. Albino crows at Paris. Kentucky Warbler, 30(2) :33. Cox, J.T. 1954. An albino robin. Kentucky Warbler, 30(2) :32. Ellison, W. 1973. Albino Evening Grosbeak. Kentucky Warbler, 49(4) :74. Frazer, T.A. 1929. Black meadowlarks. Kentucky Warbler, 5(2) :2. Frazer, T.A. 1941. Albino robin at Marion. Kentucky Warbler, 17 (4) :39. Frazer, T.A. 1944. Albino robin at Marion. Kentucky Warbler, 20(4) :56. Gray, W. 1965. Albino Red-tailed Hawk in McLean County. Kentucky Warbler, 41(2): 30. Hancock, J.W. 1947. A partial albino Song Sparrow. Kentucky Warbler, 23(4) ;64. Jansin, C. 1947. Two broods of albino mockingbirds. Kentucky Warbler, 23(4) :64. Keeley, J.C. 1953. An albino Blue Jay. Kentucky Warbler, 29(2) :28. Konsler, M.G. 1926. White Crows in Henderson County. Kentucky Warbler, 2(3) :2. Left, L.C. 1959. An oddly marked Junco. Kentucky Warbler, 35(4) :67. Loefer, J.B. 1941. Some unrecorded white-feathered birds. Kentucky Warbler, 17(4) : 42-44. Parson, M. 1961. An albino cardinal. Kentucky Warbler, 37(3) :58. Pettingill, O.S. 1970. Ornithology in field and laboratory. Burgess Publ. Co., Minneapolis, p.252. Schneider, E.J. 1937. Albino Junco. Kentucky Warbler, 13(1) :7. Wallace, G. 1969. An introduction to ornithology. The Macmillan Co., Toronto, p.491. Wilson, G. 1953. An albinistic cardinal. Kentucky Warbler, 19(2) :28. Witkop, C.J., Jr. 1975. Albinism. Nat. Hist., 50(8):48-59. 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 17 FIELD NOTES BLACK-NECKED STILT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY On July 23, 1976 I sighted a Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexi- canus) at the Frankfort National Fish Hatchery, Franklin County, Ken- tucky. The solitary bird had apparently arrived at the hatchery two days prior to my sighting according to John Quam, hatchery manager. The bird, accompanied by Green Herons, Willets, Spotted Sandpipers, Wood Ducks, Mallards, and American Coots, was feeding on invertebrates and bass fry in a recently drained pond. The bird remained at the hatchery until August 9, 1976. The observed stilt’s feeding behavior over the 17 day period was cyclic, as with most birds. In the period from approximately 6:00 a.m. (dawn) until 10:00 a.m., the bird fed extensively. The period from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. the stilt did not feed significantly, and the time could be considered a resting period. The bird was again actively feeding from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (dusk) and apparently did not feed at night, although only spot checks were made to minimize disturbance. Activity periods did vary but the above patterns were generally true. Mengel in Birds of Kentucky (1965) does not list the species as oc- curing in the state except for one unconfirmed sighting by Mrs, Lucas Brodhead, May 6 and 7, 1921, in Woodford County. — Albert G. Westerman, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington. BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus). Photograph by Albert G. Westerman at the Frankfort National Fish Hatchery, July 25, 1976. 18 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL IN KENTUCKY On July 18, 1976, my husband, Frederick, and I drove to the Falls of the Ohio to check for migrating terns. Upon our arrival we found no terns, but four species of heron instead. During the time we examined the herons that fed near the slough, at the upper end of the rock shelf, I spotted the white head of a gull peering above a rock. I waited until the gull emerged from behind its hiding place and was extremely surprised to see an adult Great Black-backed Gull (Lams marinus). The gull was studied carefully for approximately one-half hour in excellent light, with a 20 X telescope. Both of us lived in New England for several years and are familiar with the species. We also photographed it there. The gull appeared very large; its mantle was black in color, with a noticeable white posterior border on the primaries and secondaries. The neck was white as was the head and rest of the body. The feet and legs were pink. The yellow bill had a bright red spot near the tip of the lower mandible. The bird was striking in a black and white color pattern, and easily recognized. I called Dr. Burt L. Monroe, Jr., to notify him of our discovery and to ask him to come and verify our identification before putting out a “bird alert.” Also, I called Donald Summerfield to bring his telescope which has a higher power lens. Together the four of us studied the bird at rest and in flight. It did not mingle with the other birds on the rock shelf, except on one or two occasions when it flew to the wall of the dam and sat beside Black-crowned Night Herons (Nycticorax nycticorax). The gull was notice- ably much larger than the herons. We watched the gull fly to a large boulder, closer to us, but surrounded by swift water. We wanted to photograph it but the upper gates of the dam were open, and the swift current prevented boats from reaching the area. Therefore, we checked the gull very carefully and ruled out the following similiarly appearing species : The Lesser Black-backed Gull (L. fuscus) and the Western Gull (L. occidentalis). The Lesser Black- backed Gull has bright yellow feet and legs in the breeding season and brownish yellow in non breeders. Also, the mantle is slate color. The Western Gull has less white at the tip of the wing, a slaty mantle and is smaller and about the size of a Black-crowned Night Heron. Many local birders viewed this rarity to our area after a “bird alert” was put in effect. The gull was last seen on July 20th. — ANNE L. STAMM, 9101 Spokane Way, Louisville 40222 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 19 NEWS AND VIEWS We regret to report the death of two members of the Kentucky Orni- thological Society from the Louisville area. Dr. Howard L. Hansberry, Louisville dentist, died on January 10, 1977, after a two'-month illness. He served as president of the Louisville Chapter (Beckham Bird Club) during 1964 and 1966 and as a director in 1966 to 1968. Mrs. Marie Pieper Schafer, a retired school teacher in the Jefferson County schools, died on, January 11, 1977. She was secretary of the Louis- ville Chapter in 1944, 1945, 1953 and 1954 and served on several committees. She and her brother, Louis, were gracious hosts to the Louisville Chapter for the compilation of the Spring Counts for many, many years at their farm on River Road. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER At the K.O.S. Fall Meeting the Editor gave a report on the present status and future of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Dendrocopos borealis) as recorded in a manuscript by Jerome A. Jackson and his co-workers (published in The Kentucky Warbler, Nov., 1976) ; they had discovered nesting sites of the species and had made recommendations for its manage- ment. Most of these recommendations were forwarded to Governor Julian Carroll and to the U. S. Forest Service after discussion at the Fall Meet- ing. On November 10, 1976 A. L. Whitt, Jr. and Herb Shadowen attended a hearing at Cumberland Falls State Park on management practices in Daniel Boone National Forest. The meeting was attended by several Forest Service personnel, lumbermen, sportsmen, and other interested people. We were pleased with the professional attitude of those present and with the remarks of Richard H. Wengert, Forest Supervisor, U. S. Forest Service, who stressed the fact that the Red-cockaded Woodpecker is on the Rare and Enda,ngered Species List and will receive high priority in. preservation and protection,. We were impressed by the cooperative attitude of Personnel of the U. S. Forest Service. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: PURPLE MARTIN COLOR-MARKING A large-scale Purple Martin color-marking project was initiated in 1975 for Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties, Maryland and in 1976 for Saxis, Virginia. Observers are asked to look for and report any color-marked (wing tags and/or plastic leg bands) Purple Martins. Please record the color of the band, which leg it is on, age and/or sex (if either is known) , where and when observed, and whether the bird was in a roost, staging flock, migratory flock, or established at a nest site. We are especially interested in the movements of young birds and their return rate to the parent colony or nearby colonies. All reports will be acknowl- edged and should be sent to Ms. Kathleen Klimkiewicz, 13117 Larchdale Rd. #2, Laurel, Md. 20811. 20 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 KOS SPRING MEETING You are reminded of our spring meeting which will be again held at Mammoth Cave National Park. The dates are April 29, 30 and May 1. The Kentucky Warbler (Published by the Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 53 MAY, 1977 No. Z IN THIS ISSUE K.O.S. NEST-RECORD REPORT, 1976, Anne L. Stamm 23 ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN NOMENCLATURE OF KENTUCKY BIRDS, Burt L. Monroe, Jr. 25 SPRING MEETING, APRIL 29-MAY 1 27 FIELD NOTES 30 22 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Founded in 1923 by B. C. Bacon, L. Otley Pindar, and Gordon Wilson President A. L. W”hitt, Jr., Richmond Vice-President Andrew Uterhart, Lexington Corr. Sec.-Treasurer Mrs. Clifford T. Johnson 1320 Barret Ave., Apt. 2, Louisville 40204 Recording Secretary Councillors : Charles Guthrie, Bowling Green .. Mrs. Wendell Kingsolver, Carlisle Mrs. Frank Heck, Danville Michael Miller, Murray Retiring President Sister Casimir Czurles, Owensboro 1975-1977 1975-1977 1976-1978 1976-1978 Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Louisville Librarian Evelyn Schneider, Louisville Staff Artist Ray Harm, Chenoa THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November. The KENTUCKY WARBLER is sent to all members not in arrears for dues. Membership dues are: Active or Regular, $3.00 ; Contributing, $5.00 ; Student, $2.00 ; Life, $50.00 ; Family, $1.00 in addition to Regular, Contributing, or Life Membership dues. All articles and communications should be addressed to the editor. Subscrip- tions, memberships, and requests for back issues should be sent to the treasurer. Editor H. E. Shadowen, Biology Department, Western Kentucky Univ., Bowling Green 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Anne L. (Mrs. F. W.) Stamm Burt L. Monroe, Jr. OUR COVER The photograph of two young owlets in the nest was taken by David Berry at Blandville in Ballard County. 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 23 K. O. S. NEST-RECORD REPORT, 1976 Anne L. Stamm The Kentucky Ornithological Society in cooperation with the Labora- tory of Ornithology, Cornell University, has participated in the North American Nest-record Card Program since its inception in 1965. During this period we have collected considerable information on the biology of birds and have added precise data for some species where heretofore little was known. It is interesting to note that K. O. S. has been cited by Cornell as one of its major contributors to this program. This report for the 1976 breeding season has been made possible by the efforts of 20 contributors working in 13 counties ranging from Madison to McCracken in western Kentucky. These observers, whose names are listed below, reported a total of 165 active nests of 47 species, plus two instances of cowbird parasitism. These figures indicate a decrease in the number of nests over figures for most preceding years. However, this decrease may be a lack of reporting of active nests. It is to be hoped that in the future all members finding nests will take the time to complete nest cards. The following is a complete list of persons who participated in this study during the 1976 season. Their efforts represent additional informa- tion to our knowledge of Kentucky birds. They are: W. 0. Adams, W. H. Brown, Joseph E. Croft, Jackie Elmore, James W. Hancock, Virginia Hectorne, Mr. and Mrs. Ramon lies, Violet and Wilbur Jackson, Howard P. Jones, Virginia Kingsolver, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Martha Pike, Father Terence Rhoades, Anne and Frederick W. Stamm, K. P. Vinsel, Rosita Watkins, and A. L. Whitt, Jr. Although all contributions of time and effort are appreciated, special mention should be made of the work of Howard P. Jones, who reported the largest number of nests — 53. The energetic nest-finding efforts of W. H. Brown resulted in the discovery of the second recorded nest of the Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyziis erythropthalmus) in Kentucky. Also, Ramon lies’ detailed notes on the 12 nest cards of the Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) in McClean County merits mention. Listed below are other records of special interest. Although Yellow-crowned Night Herons (Nyctanassa violacea) were observed in a number of places, the only definite breeding record was re- ported by Virginia Hectorne of Louisville. She observed a pair building a nest in a large sycamore tree in the woods adjacent to her back yard on May 25 and three large feathered young on July 29. Howard P. Jones reported a nest of the Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) with two eggs on May 9 in Franklin County. Six nests of the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) were reported: three in Franklin County (Jones); three in Shelby County (Brown). A completed nest of the Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) was found in Bernheim For- est on May 1 by Father Terence Rhoades. Both adults were seen near the nest on May 10, but no further visits were made. American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) were much in evidence during the breeding season, but only one nest card was received; W. H. Brown found five eggs in a nest 11 feet above the ground in Shelby County on April 10, and five young on May 8. 24 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 A nest with four eggs of the Black-billed Cuckoo was found eight feet up in a sugar maple tree in Lyon County, September 5, and incubation noted on September 6 (Brown). Three nests of the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) were re- ported: adult on nest, February 9, McClean County (lies); two downy young, Jefferson County, March 12 (Palmer-Ball, Jr.) ; in Shelby County two young were visible in a nest on April 3, and three birds on April 11 (Brown) . Two nests of the Tree Swallow (Iridoprocne hicolor), with young, were recorded on June 5, Jefferson County. The nests were in cavities of tree snags (A. Stamm). Twelve nests of the Eastern Bluebird indicate clutches of three to six; egg dates range from April 11 to July 17, while dates for young in the nest range from April 18 to September 11 (lies). Two other Bluebird nests were recorded in Shelby County (Brown) and one in Franklin County (Jones) . Howard P. Jones reported the nest of a Louisiana Waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla), Franklin County, with precise data. The nest was located on a rock shelf in a ravine, and on May 7 it contained one egg and three young. Also, W. O. Adams recorded a nest of the Common Yellow- throat (Geothlypis trichas), with four eggs, June 24, Madison County. A Cardinal (Richmondena cardinalis) nest was parasitized by the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater). The nest contained one host egg and two of the cowbird on April 16. One young cowbird was in the nest on May 6, and two on May 8; two cowbirds were still in the nest on May 13, but found dead on May 19. Virginia Kingsolver found the nest of an Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) parasitized by a cowbird on June 4 (3 host eggs and 1 cowbird egg). The cowbird egg was removed; three young Indigo Buntings were in the nest on June 26. Other 1976 nest records, with usable data, include the following: Mourning Dove (Zenaidura macroura), 9; Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica), 2; Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus coluhris), 1; Yel- low-shafted Flicker (Colaptes auratus), 1; Red-bellied Woodpecker (Cen- turus carolinus), 1; Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), 1; Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoehe), 1; Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), 10; Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata), 1; Carolina Chickadee (Parus carolin- ensis), 2; Tufted Titmouse (Parus hicolor), 1; House Wren (Troglodytes aedon), 4; Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus), 8; Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), 4; Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), 1; Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum), 3; American Robin (Turdus migratorius) , 18; Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), 2; Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus), 1; Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea), 1; House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), 4; Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna), 5; Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) , 6; Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula), 3; Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), 2; Cardinal, 7; Indigo Bunting, 3; Rufus-sided Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), 2; Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina), 2; Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla), 1; Song Spar- row (Melospiza melodia), 2. In addition to the Kentucky nest records, 10 nests of western and southwestern species of birds from Colorado, Idaho, and Texas, were sub- mitted by W. H. Brown. Also, a Florida record of the nest of the Least Tern (Sterna alhifrons) was submitted by Howard P. Jones. 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 25 Although all records have been mailed to Cornell and copies retained as a permanent file for reference and future study, we urge members to send us any completed cards they may have from the past season, or even previous seasons. The Laboratory of Ornithology at Cornell has suggested that “in order to maintain consistency of NRCP files” that we not use the new name changes in species of birds unless the identity of the species can not be determined. For example, use Yellow-shafted Flicker instead of Common Flicker, Baltimore Oriole instead of Northern Oriole. However, if you can not distinguish between the Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum) and the Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) by the songs, then use Traill’s Flycatcher. One further note, American Kestrel, Great Egret, Com- mon Yellowthroat and Gray Catbird may be used, or their previous names. All other new name changes applicable in Kentucky will follow the same procedure as with the flicker mentioned above. Although we are especially eager for nests of hawks, owls, and hole- nesting species, we also welcome records for the more common species of birds found in Kentucky. Naturally, the more detailed information the more valuable the record. It may be well to mention that during the period of the Society’s participation in this program that we have mailed to Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology a total of 2,843 nest cards for a total of 6,231 nests of 107 species of birds. (One card is used for colony nesting species such as Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) and the Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) .) This study has also resulted in the discovery of the first actual nests of six species — Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia), Least Tern, Black-billed Cuckoo, Parula Warbler (Parula americana) , Blue Gros- beak (Guiraca caerulea) and Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) — reported from Kentucky. New cards are available from the writer or the editor. Please do not use obsolete cards, and use PENCIL when recording the data. Let’s make 1977 a “banner year” for reporting all nests we find! We look forward to your continued participation this spring and summer. — 9101 Spokane Way, Louisville, Kentucky 40222. ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN NOMENCLATURE OF KENTUCKY BIRDS Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Recently (Monroe, Ky. Warbler 50: 3-8, 1974) I published nomen- clatural changes involving Kentucky birds brought about by revisions passed by the American Ornithologists’ Union Committee on Classification and Nomenclature and published in The Auk (1973, 90: 411-419) as the “Thirty-second Supplement . . .” to the “Check-list of North American Birds”, 5th edition (1957). The goal now set by the A.O.U. Committee, of which I am presently a member, is for publication of the 6th edition in the early 1980s. In the interim, additional supplements will appear for updating avian nomenclature, and we should continue to incorporate these to stay current with the national ornithological organizations. The “Thirty- third Supplement . . .” has now been published in The Auk (1976, 93: 875- 879), and the changes listed below are ones affecting treatment of Ken- tucky species. 26 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 In general, most changes are the results of lumpings at the generic level (Hydroprogne in Sterna, Centurus in Melanerpes, Dendrocopos in Picoides, Telmatodytes in Cistothorus, Cassidix in Quiscalus [Hypothetical List], and Acanthis and Spinus in Carduelis). Two lumpings at the species level involve names of the Kentucky species (Butorides virescens, the Green Heron, in the tropical B. striatus, the Striated Heron, and Parus atricrista- tus, the Black-crested Titmouse, in P. hicolor, the Tufted Titmouse). One misspelling is corrected, and one binomial becomes a trinomial for con- sistency. The new Kentucky listings involved will be as follov/s: Butorides striatus (Linnaeus). Green Heron. Butorides striatus virescens subspecies group. Northern Green Heron. Butorides striatus virescens (Linnaeus). Ictinia mississippiensis (Wilson). Mississippi Kite. Sterna caspia Pallas. Caspian Tern. Melanerpes carolinus (Linnaeus). Red-bellied Woodpecker. Melanerpes carolinus carolinus (Linnaeus). Picoides villosus (Linnaeus). Hairy Woodpecker. Picoides villosus villosus (Linnaeus). Picoides puhescens (Linnaeus). Downy Woodpecker. Picoides puhescens medianus (Swainson). Picoides borealis (Vieillot). Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Picoides borealis borealis (Vieillot). Campephilus principalis (Linnaeus). Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Campephilus principalis principalis (Linnaeus). Parus bicolor (Linnaeus). Tufted Titmouse. Parus hicolor feicoZor (Linnaeus). Eastern Tufted Titmouse. Cistothorus palustris (Wilson). Long-billed Marsh Wren. Cistothorus palustris palustris (Wilson). Cistothorus palustris dissaeptas (Bangs). Quiscalus major (Vieillot). Boat-tailed Grackle [Hypothetical List]. Carduelis flammea (Linnaeus). Common Redpoll. Carduelis flammea flammea (Linnaeus). Carduelis pinus (Wilson). Pine Siskin. Carduelis pinus pinus (Wilson). Carduelis tristis (Linnaeus). American Goldfinch. Carduelis tristis tristis (Linnaeus). Once again these changes are considered to be “noncontroversiaP’ and reflect general usage today in the primary literature. Other changes will undoubtedly be forthcoming in the form of future supplements as work towards the sixth edition of the “Check-list” proceeds. — Department of Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville 40208 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 27 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING MEETING April 29, 30, May 1, 1977 The Kentucky Ornithological Society held its fifty-fourth Annual Spring Meeting at Mammoth Cave National Park on April 29, 30, and May 1, 1977 with registration set for 5:00 p.m. at the Hotel Lobby. The first general session was opened with a welcome by President A. L, Whitt in the Hotel Annex at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Uterhart, Vice-president, introduced Andy Morton of Knoxville, Tennessee, who heads the TVA Heritage Program. This Program is seeking threatened and endangered nesting localities and unique birding habitats within the TVA power source area encompassing 201 counties, 21 of which are in western Kentucky. Mr. Morton gave detailed information on the scope of the work — gathering information, recording, computerizing, printing manuals, preparing speci- fic detailed maps, etc., including how all this information is being used as, for example, possible routes for transmission lines, etc. Dr. Uterhart told of finding a Swainson’s warbler nesting south of Carbondale in the Shawnee National Forest. Several members reported the scarcity of the Carolina wrens and the bluebirds in their localities following the past severe winter. From the reports of other members, this scarcity seems to be widespread. Slides of the Bachman warbler and its habitat in the 2500 acres of Frances Miriam Forest in South Carolina were next presented by Dr. Uterhart. Of special interest was the reference to the 200 nests collected for museums in the Ton swamps by Audubon and Reverend Bachman. Although the Forest Service had claimed no warblers present and pro- ceeded with clear cutting, the playing of tapes of the Bachman Warbler in the area last April brought out a singing Bachman Warbler. A Bachman Warbler was also recorded in a cypress swamp near Charleston. Mrs. Anne Stamm reported on the 1976 Nest Record Report and showed slides of bird nests, commenting on each. The Field trips for Saturday and Sunday were announced. Dr. Herb Shadowen informed the members that unfortunately the favorite birding spot, especially for shore birds, has been destroyed. McElroy Lake has been channelized and all trees cut down. Chaney Lake has very little water, and only a few Killdeer and Blue-winged Teal have been seen there. Dr. Shadowen invited interested members to join his Audubon group for a bird trip postponed from the previous week due to rains. The leaders and their areas at Mammoth Cave included: — 7:45 a.m. Green River Ferry — Mrs. Gillenwater 7 :45 a.m. Northern Trails — Howard Jones 8:45 a.m. Area around Lodge — Bert Powell Saturday afternoon trips were left open to each one’s desire. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m., followed by the Board of Directors meeting. Vol. 53 28 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER In spite of rain predictions, Saturday dawned cool and sunny. Although shore birds were noticeably absent, the songs of vireos and many warblers were abundant. After the 6:30 p.m. dinner with about 75 members present, James Hancock of Madisonville and Howard Jones of Frankfort presented a Warbler Identification program of colored slides and variations of songs on tape, with breaks for discussion and comparisons. At the general business meeting following, announcements were made concerning the change of dates for the Fall Meeting 1977 at Rough River Dam State Park, the new dates being a week earlier, September 23, 24, 25. The Spring Meeting 1978 has been temporarily set at Mammoth Cave National Park April 21, 22, 23. The site and the date for the Fall Meeting 1978 is still undecided. Mrs. Clifford Johnson gave the Treasurer’s report and also announced that there are 403 members in the KOS. Professor Whitt announced that Dr. Burt Monroe, who could not be present, would be the chairman of the Nominating Committee for next year’s list of candidates for office. The members were reminded by Dr. Herb Shadowen to forward any articles for publication in The Kentucky Warbler to him, by Mrs. Stamm to pick up new Nesting Record Cards and by Andy Morton to send any and all information of rare and endangered nesting localities to him at the Division of Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife Development at Norris, Tenn. 37828. The tallied bird list for Saturday listed 119 species and, with Sunday’s additional 8, brought the total for Spring 1977 to 127. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted. Sister Casimir Czurles Recording Secretary ATTENDANCE AT THE SPRING MEETING, 1977 BOWLING GREEN: Dr. and Mrs. Charles S. Guthrie, Larry Holmes, George Johnson, Wayne Mason, Dr. and Mrs. H. E. Shadowen, Emily Wilson. CADIZ: Mr. and Mrs. C. Wesley Kemper. CUMBERLAND FALLS: Jeannie McConnell. DANVILLE: Mr. and Mrs. Frank Heck. FRANKFORT: Howard Jones, Sally Rice. GLASGOW: Mrs. James E. Gilienwater. LEXINGTON: Jarvis Hudson, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred M. Reece, Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Uterhart. LOUISVILLE: Richard Cassell, Mr. and Mrs. Jackie Elmore, Cora Fraser, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford T. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Wm B. Mathes, Brain- ard Palmer-Ball, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Parker, Mr. and Mrs. Francis P. Shannon, Lawrence D. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Stamm, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Summerfield, Julia Wooldridge. 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 29 MACEO : Mr. and Mrs. Albert Powell. MADISONVILLE : Thelma Gentry, James Hancock, Sue Place, Mr. and Mrs. N. M. Travis. MURRAY : Joe Tom Erwin, Diane Gallamore, Dr. and Mrs. Hunter M. Hancock, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Head, Dr. Mike Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Parker, Dr. Clell Peterson, Paul Sturm. OWENSBORO: Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Bowne, Sister Casimir, Mary Lydia Greenwell, Mr. and Mrs. Ramon lies, Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Wilson. RICHMOND: Doug Henley, Marcia Trodahl, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Whitt. BOONVILLE, INDIANA: Jon Gray, Willard Gray. NORRIS, TENNESSEE: Andy Morton. BIRDS OBSERVED AT THE SPRING MEETING, 1977 Green Heron, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Wood Duck, Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, American Kestrel, Bobwhite, Turkey, American Coot, Killdeer, American Golden Plover, American Woodcock, Common Snipe, Solitary Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Black-billed Cuckoo, Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Chuck-wilTs-widow, Whip-poor-will, Common Nighthawk, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted King- fisher, Common Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Wood Pewee, Horned Lark, Rough- winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Purple Martin, Blue Jay, Common Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Carolina Wren, Mockingbird, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, American Robin, Wood Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Eastern Bluebird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Loggerhead Shrike, Starling, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Solitary Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Black-and-white Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Swainson’s Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Ten- nessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Yellow- throated Warbler, Chestnut- sided Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Palm Warbler, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Ken- tucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Hooded War- bler, American Redstart, House Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, Red-winged Blackbird, Orchard Oriole, Northern Oriole, Common Grackle, Brown- headed Cowbird, Scarlet Tanager, Summer Tanager, Cardinal, Rose- breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Dickcissel, American Goldfinch, Rufous- sided Towhee, Savannah Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Chipping Spar- row, Field Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow. 30 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 FIELD NOTES BEHAVIORAL CHANGES IN STARLINGS AND CROWS The European starling (Sturnis vulgaris) is a hole nesting species. Cavities in trees are favored nest sites. Cavities in buildings or man-made structures of a wide variety are also readily used. The birds show de- finite association with man, his cities and agricultural activities. In 1963 a few starlings began nesting in crevices in limestone cliffs created by roadcuts for interstate 75 between Lexington and the Kentucky River. This new behavior spread rapidly, and within a few years rock crevices were a favored nesting site. During the nesting seasons of recent years, some of the highest nesting populations of starlings that I have seen are found at roadcuts along interstate highways in Kentucky. Com- petition for nest sites seems to intensify each year; the birds are now using small, low, rounded, rock out-croppings that would be readily acces- sible to man and predators. Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchus) are legendary for their wariness. Strictly birds of the countryside, they seldom venture into cities, and gen- erally keep their distance from people. Recently, however, this behavior pattern has been changing. In Lexington crows have always been associated with the university farm attached to the south side of the UK campus. As the city and suburbs grew, this farm became surrounded by residential areas. Although crows apparently did not nest there, they used the farm as a foraging area at all seasons. Occasionally, especially in the early morning, crows would perch in large trees in the residential area where I live just south of the farm. During 1976 crows began using urban Lexington as a part of their regular foraging territory. Early in the morning they descend in small groups into the parking lots at the shopping centers. In September 1976, just before 8:00 AM, I saw a crow alight in a small parking lot that oc- cupies a single lot across the street from the Chevy Chase Cinema in an urban business district of Lexington. During the winter of 1976-1977 crows became bolder in their foraging behavior. Hundreds of crows fly into the city each morning from the northwest. Groups of them commonly stop to forage at various places in the south and west parts of the city. Recently they have been staying later. In early January one was foraging in my back yard at 11:00 AM. On January 15 at noon there were 20 crows foraging in the backyard of my home, a single suburban lot at 130 Jesselin Drive. Snow covered the ground and they did not seem to be finding much to eat. Perhaps the exceptionally cold winter with the long spell of continu- ous snow cover in January has forced the bolder behavior. I suspect, how- ever, that the behavior modification will continue; perhaps someday crows will be foraging on the sidewalks among people and pigeons. As smart and adaptable as the crow is, perhaps most surprising is that it hasn’t happened sooner. — Wayne H. Davis, School of Biological Sciences, Univer- sity of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506. 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 31 WOOD STORK VISITS LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES In July, 1976 Hematite Lake was being drained to enable planting of waterfowl foods and to construct a wildlife photography blind in the south- western part of the lake. It was soon apparent that several species of wading and shorebirds were responding favorably to the lowering of the lake’s water. As the amount of the water decreased, a fresh mud flat was exposed and shallow fish-containing pools were formed. In addition to the increase in the number of common summer residents such as Green Herons (Butorides virescens), Hematite Lake was also visited by Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias), Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis) (two on July 24), and by an unexpected visitor, a Wood Stork (Mycteria americana), as reported below. Several observations of the bird were reported to me by various people from July 16 to July 30, 1976. I first saw the Wood Stork on July 16, flying east of Hematite Lake over Long Creek. It was also observed that same evening at Hematite Lake by a LBL practicum student. On July 24 it was feeding in a shallow pool on the south side of the lake, at which time I photographed the bird (color slide). Robert Duncan and H. Jenkins, LBL practicum students, observed it at the west end of the lake on July 27. Although I checked Hematite Lake on July 29, the Wood Stork was not there, and we received no reports after July 30. Apparently the bird re- mained the entire time in the Hematite Lake area as all observations were made there, with the exception of my first sighting. — EDWIN E. RAY, Rt. 2, Cadiz, Kentucky 42211. Photograph of Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) on July 27, 1976, by Robert Duncan, at Hematite Lake, Land Between the Lakes. 32 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER VoL 53 BILL DEFORMITY IN WORM-EATING WARBLER An immature, male Worm-eating Warbler (Hehnitheros vermivorus) was collected (U. L. No. 3980) on 9 June, 1976, 2 km south of the junction of highway 1111 and Smith’s Branch in Breathitt County. The bird ex- hibited an unusual bill deformity in that the upper mandible angled to the right and was decurved. The lower mandible appeared normal and projected about 3 mm beyond the tip of the upper mandible giving it a somewhat crossed-bill look (Fig. 1). Bill deformities are not uncommon in the literature. One can assume from the ones reported that there are many that do not survive much beyond the fledgling stage. This particular bird was being fed by its par- ents at the time of collection. It is rather doubtful that it would have been able to maintain its place as a viable adult in the population. Research determining the forest avifauna of eastern Kentucky was supported by funds provided by the USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. Research Work Unit NE-1605. — Pierre N. Allaire, Department of Science and Mathematics, Lees Junior College, Jackson, KY 41339 Photograph of bill deformity of Worm-eating Warbler (Helmintheros vermivorus), collected June 9, 1976, by Pierre Allaire. 0 The Kentucky Warbler (Published by the Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 53 AUGUST, 1977 NO. 3 IN THIS ISSUE SOME COMMENTS ON THE 1977 ONE-DAY BALD EAGLE COUNT, Anne L. Stamm 35 1977 SPRING BIRD COUNTS 38 FIELD NOTES 38 BOOK REVIEW: A GUIDE TO BIRD FINDING EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Second Edition, by Olin Sewall Pettingill, Jr., (Reviewed by H. E. Shadowen) 43 NEWS AND VIEWS 44 34 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Founded in 1923 by B. C. Bacon, L. Otley Pindar, and Gordon Wilson President A. L. Whitt, Jr., Richmond Vice-President Andrew Uterhart, Lexington Corr. Sec.-Treasurer Mrs. Clifford T. Johnson 1320 Barret Ave., Apt. 2, Louisville 40204 Recording Secretary Sister Casimir Czurles, Owensboro Councillors : Charles Guthrie, Bowling Green 1975-1977 Mrs. Wendell Kingsolver, Carlisle 1975-1977 Mrs. Frank Heck, Danville 1976'1978 Michael Miller, Murray 1976-1978 Retiring President Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Louisville Librarian Evelyn Schneider, Louisville Staff Artist Ray Harm, Chenoa THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November. The KENTUCKY WARBLER is sent to all members not in arrears for dues. Membership dues are: Active or Regular, $3.00 ; Contributing, $5.00 ; Student, $2.00 ; Life, $50.00 ; Family, $1.00 in addition to Regular, Contributing, or Life Membership dues. All articles and communications should be addressed to the editor. Subscrip- tions, memberships, and requests for back issues should be sent to the treasurer. Editor H. E. Shadowen, Biology Department, Western Kentucky Univ., Bowling Green 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Anne L. (Mrs. F. W.) Stamm Burt L. Monroe, Jr. OUR COVER The photograph of the American Kestrel was taken just as the young bird landed for a morsal of meat. The photographer was Malcolm Guy Briggs of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Western Kentucky University in July, 1977. The stray bird was successfully reared and released. 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 35 SOME COMMENTS ON THE 1977 ONE-DAY BALD EAGLE COUNT Anne L. Stamm February 5, 1977 was the date of the Kentucky Ornithological Society’s annual One-Day Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Count. Fifty-two members and guests participated in the state-wide count conducted in cooperation with the Mississippi Valley Winter Bald Eagle Survey. The sky was clear for the most part and visibility was fairly good, although snow showers were reported in two areas. The wind was north to northwest and varied from two to 15 m.p.h. Temperatures ranged from eight to 30 degrees. However, census takers found roads icy, some inacces- sible, others closed, with moderate to heavy snow cover. Ponds, lakes, and rivers were frozen. These conditions stemmed from the frigid Arctic air that dipped farther south than usual in mid- January and remained through early February. The three weeks prior to the count temperatures dropped to 10 and 20 degrees below zero, with a chill factor, on some days, of 30 to 40 degrees below zero. In some sections of the state it was the coldest January in over 100 years and the snowiest since 1918. These sub-freezing conditions caused some Bald Eagles to depart in search of open water and food. Participants checked Kentucky’s maj or bodies of water by boat, car and on foot. This year, for the first time, a section of the Mississippi River was covered by plane from Reelfoot Lake to Bardwell, Kentucky, on Feb- ruary 6, by Betty and Kenneth Leggett. They reported Reelfoot Lake frozen and observed no eagles. On the previous day, Dr. Clell Peterson, Mike Miller, Larry Taylor, and Tom Garrity covered the Barlow bottoms from Oscar south to Hickman and saw two mature and three immature Bald Eagles. Four of these eagles were seen north of Bardwell and one south of Hickman. Interestingly enough neither the Leggett party nor the Peterson party saw any eagles between Bardwell and Hickman. An un- usual find of the Peterson party was the sighting of an immature Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) soaring over the Mississippi at S. French Point below Hickman. Bettie Sumara covered the “Bend of the River” area in extreme west- ern Kentucky working along KY 94, 1282, 311 and along the levee. She reported that Reelfoot Lake had been frozen solid for the past three weeks and the Mississippi River was the only open water. She sighted an im- mature Bald Eagle flying north toward Baptist Missionary Church and then upward on a thermal until out of sight. The location here is one- half mile east of #9 Lake between KY 94 and the levee. Although 16 observers worked in seven parties at Land between the Lakes, only 13 Bald Eagles were sighted. Apparently the Bald Eagles had moved farther south to open water since the count was far below that of previous years. Two weeks later, after the severe cold weather had sub- 36 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 sided, the eagle population increased by more than 100% (LBL Bald Eagle Weekend). However, three immature Golden Eagles were reported there and added interest to the count: one at Fulton Bay (Ray Nall party) ; one at Kuttawa Landing (Ricky Lowe and Janet Caldemeyer) ; and one at Duncan Bay (John Mechler and Paul Sturm). At the Ballard Waterfowl Management Area, James Moynahan re- ported a total of 13 Bald Eagles (8 adults and 5 immature) and six Golden Eagles. It is quite possible that the high population of geese there provided ample food supply for the eagles. Both the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle were more numerous than on any previous count. Chastain and James Frazer usually find at least six or seven Bald Eages at Dam #50, but this year they reported the river frozen and no eagles in the area. Lawrence Smith and his party found the Ohio River frozen “from shore to shore” south of Derby, Indiana. They saw no eagles. The road to Rock Haven was closed because of icy conditions and this prevented coverage on the Ohio River south of the mouth of Otter Creek, a usual wintering area for Bald Eagles. Also, Doe Lake was frozen from shore to shore. Some sections of the Ohio River south of Doe Lake to Battletown were frozen, although a few areas were open and free of ice. The Ohio River at West Point was open, and the Stamm party spotted two mature Bald Eagles perched along the bank of the river. Emma and Donald Summerfield checked the area on the following day and found two immature birds there. The eagles remained in the area for several weeks. Father Terence Rhoades checked along the Ohio River from Louisville to Westport, Kentucky from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and found no eagles. Lee McNeely and his party checked the Ohio from Petersburg to Big Bone and found the river “mostly frozen.” Also, Wayne Mason’s party covered Barren River Reservoir which was completely frozen. Visibility was poor due to the swirling snow from the strong winds. Professor A. L. Whitt, Jr. planned to cover Laurel Lake but due to snow and ice was unable to reach the area. Virginia and Wendell Kingsolver checked Cave Run Lake and found it frozen. However, four days previous to the count, a biologist from the Fish and Wildlife Service saw an adult Bald Eagle on the “free running river just below the dam.” Dennis Coskren and Mel Hankla covered Wolf Creek Dam and, as usual, found both mature and immature Bald Eagles. The total number of Bald Eagles for the count was 41 (19 adults and 22 immatures). Also, 10 Golden Eagles were tabulated — a record high for the counts. Although the Bald Eagle count is lower than in some previous years, it is fairly good considering the severe winter. Below is the list of areas covered and the number of eagles sighted. 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 37 LOCATION ADULTS IMMATURES TOTALS Bend of the River Area 0 1 1 Reelf oot Lake (Kentucky-Tennessee line) to Bardwell along Mississippi 0 0 0 Oscar south to Hickman 2 3 5 Ballard Waterfowl Management Area on the Ohio River 8 5 13 Land Between the Lakes 4 9 13 Dam #50 — near Marion 0 0 0 West Point to Battletown on the Ohio River 3 2* 5 Along Ohio River to see Kentucky side (Leavenworth, Indiana to Rome) 0 0 0 Along the Ohio River from Louisville to Westport, Kentucky 0 0 0 Barren River Reservoir 0 0 0 Ohio River From Petersburg to Big Bone near Cincinnati, Ohio 0 0 0 Cave Run Lake — eastern Kentucky 0 0 0 Cumberland River — Wolf Creek Dam 2 2 4 Kentucky, 1977 totals 19 22 41 * Observed on February 6 and subsequent dates. As coordinator of these counts in Kentucky, I wish to thank all par- ticipants and especially the personnel from the Fish and Wildlife Service and T.V.A. Whether or not eagles were sighted, each observer’s contribu- tion is significant. Observers were: Betty Abbott, Alida Akers, Martha Bryant, Janet Caldemeyer, John Charron, Marcus E. Cope, Dennis Coskren, Ed Ditterline, Gladys Ditterline, Diane and Jackie Elmore, Walter Ellison, Ronnie Fox, C. L. Frazer, James A. Frazer, Tom Garrity, Mel Hankla, Kathy Howard, George Johnson, Virginia and Wendell Kingsolver, Wayne Larson, Betty and Kenneth Leggett, Ricky Lowe, Lee K. McNeely, Wayne Mason, John Mechler, Michael Miller, J. O. Moynahan, Ray Nall, Eric Neff, Clell Peterson, Lawrence Philpot, Lene Rauth, Ed Ray, Father Terence Rhoades, Mrs. C. A. Robertson, Robert Smith, Lawrence Smith, Jody Stallings, Mel Stampe, Anne L. Stamm, Frederick W. Stamm, Paul Sturm, Betty Sumara, Larry Taylor, Robert Taylor, Emma and Donald Summerfield, Pam Wright. — 9101 Spokane Way, Louisville, Kentucky 40222. 38 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 1977 SPRING BIRD COUNTS Three spring bird counts were reported this year. These counts some- times result in exciting discoveries and serve as an excellent source of training in bird identification. The Mammoth Cave National Park count during the spring meeting of the K.O.S. was reported in the May issue of The Kentucky Warbler. HENDERSON AREA — (Christmas Count area). May 1. Total 114 species, 1,735 individuals. King Benson, Ron Dodson (compiler). Bob DiOrio, Kendall Gentry, Bertha Hartung, James Lodato, Joyce Owens, Nancy Richardson, Virginia Smith, M. G. Stanley, Caroline Summers, Ike Utley, Edna Vogel, Richard Whom. The leafing of trees was ahead of schedule this year which made warbler identification difficult. The Cattle Egret was observed along the banks of Hardy Slough in the Slough Wildlife Area. Twenty species of warblers and five species of shorebirds were reported. LOUISVILLE — (Christmas Count area plus Bernheim Forest, Bul- litt County). May 8; 2:00 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. Partly cloudy; 58° to 80°. Total 151 species, 9,189 individuals. Virginia Calvert, Kathryn Clay, Diane Elmore, Jackie Elmore, Violet Jackson, Wilbur Jackson, Burt Monroe Jr. (compiler), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Lene Rauth, Father Terence Rhoades, Judy Robertson, Mable Slack, Larry Smith, Anne Stamm, Frederick Stamm (Beckham Bird Club). The Alder Flycatcher was identified by call. Two Dunlin in spring plumage were seen at a farm pond. Thirty-one species of warblers and 11 species of shorebirds were reported. BURLINGTON — (Christmas Count area). May 7; 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., rainy in a.m., clearing in p.m., 63° to 75°. Total 65 species, 482 in- dividuals. Mike Andrews, Lee K. McNeely (compiler), Lynda McNeely, Marian Ruschman, Hazel Ulrey, Robert Wahl. During the afternoon three shorebirds were observed skimming low over Camp Ernst Lake near Burlington and landed on the opposite shore. The two larger birds were identified as Greater Yellowlegs, and the third bird was a Dunlin. Ten species of warblers and four species of shorebirds were reported. FIELD NOTES A CROW ROOST IN LEXINGTON In February 1977 I located a large roost of crows (Corvus brachy- rhynchos) in Lexington in a partially wooded area about 50 acres in size between Delmont Drive and Old Frankfort Pike, and made an attempt to determine the total number of birds occupying the roost. The number is estimated at 30,000. At various points in Lexington last winter, crows could be seen flying toward the roost every evening and away from it every morning, and they followed similar routes day after day. Crows could be seen flying to the roost from the North, Northeast, East, South, West, and Northwest, but the greatest number by far was seen coming from the West and Northwest. 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 39 The number of birds flying into the roost from a particular direction was estimated by the following method: all birds flying past a particular point in one minute were counted. One-minute counts were repeated a number of times during an evening. The mean number of birds per minute was calculated and this number was multiplied by the total time that even- ing during which birds were seen flying into the roost. It was often im- possible to count individual birds, and in such cases the numbers of birds was estimated. To avoid biasing the mean in favor of the high numbers of birds that were seen during relatively short periods, means were calculated separately for periods when fewer than 50 birds were counted per minute and periods when 50 or more were counted per minute. On the evening of February 6, crows were observed flying in from the West to a barnyard on the northwest side of Lexington near the point where Viley Road goes under New Circle Road. Between 6:00 and 6:30 about 150 birds per minute were seen flying to this area and landing. No birds were seen flying in after 6:35, which was 30 minutes after sunset. Most of the birds landed on the ground but some perched in a large tree in the barnyard or in other trees nearby. However, the crows did not stay in this area. Groups of them left the area, flying off to the East toward the main roost near Old Frankfort Pike. By 6:45, when it was almost completely dark, nearly all the birds had gone. Stamm and Hardwick (Stamm, Anne L., and Hardwick, Gertrude L., Ky Warbler 34:38-39, 1958) also report an instance of large numbers of crows roosting on the ground. On the evenings of February 14 and 16, crows were observed flying in from the South to a large area containing many tall trees on the west side of Red Mile Road. On February 16, crows flying to this area were counted. They were seen flying into this area from 5.45 to 6:35, with the greatest number arriving between 6:20 and 6:30. They did not remain in the area, but gradually moved off to the North toward the main roost. On the evening of February 21, crows flying into the main roost from the North, Northeast, and East were counted. They were seen coming from the North or Northeast between 5:20 and 6:40, and from the East between 5:30 and 5:55. The number of birds arriving from the North or Northeast was greatest between 6:30 and 6:40, that is, between 10 and 20 minutes after sunset. On the evening of February 22, crows flying to the main roost from the West or Northwest were counted. Birds were seen coming in from these directions between 5:15 and 7:00. Fewer than 100 birds per minute were counted coming from these directions before 6:00; the numbers grad- ually increased and reached a maximum between 6:30 and 6:45. Total follows : Date numbers of birds flying into the roost Direction are summarized as Number 2-16-77 from South 3,600 2-21-77 from North or Northeast 3,300 2-21-77 from East 200 2-22-77 from West or Northwest 22,000 Total 29,100 — Jarvis Hudson, 1341 Royalty Court, Lexington, Kentucky 40504. 40 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 SNOWY OWL IN JEFFERSON COUNTY After receiving some vague information regarding the possible sight- ing of a Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca) at the General Electric Appliance Park property on Poplar Level Road in early February, I drove to the area and found the bird. It was sitting on the ground in a patch of snow near the access road. Employees told me that the bird had been in the vicinity for approximately three weeks and had been seen catching pigeons, which are abundant in the area. I notified the Beckham Bird Club and about forty members saw the bird during its stay. It apparently remained from January 8 to February 28. Numerous pellets were found. There was heavy snow on the ground during the month of January, and the pellets included the feet of some birds smaller than pigeons. — Judy Robertson, 3 River Hill Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40207. Editor’s note: This was another year when the Snowy Owl invaded the United States, and the editorial staff has been advised of the species being found as far south as Shreveport, Louisiana. A Snowy Owl was reported at Niagra, Kentucky on January 12, 1977 by Donald Dodson. Other recent reports for Louisville sightings were in December, 1963, and February, 1965. REPORT OF GREAT BLUE HERON ROOKERY IN HENDERSON COUNTY Of interest is the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) rookery in Hen- derson County. As of May 15, 1977 80 Great Blue Herons were counted in and around the nesting area. It appears that one nest was destroyed over the winter, but two new ones have been built this spring. Also, an- other rookery on the Tradewater River in Crittenden County has been discovered. Nine nests and 11 Great Blue Herons were counted. On May 8 I observed six Cattle Egrets (Buhulcus ibis) in an area north of Henderson called Horse Shoe Bend. All of the egrets were in breeding plumage. — Ron Dodson, 2423 Anne Drive, Henderson, 42420. CLIFF SWALLOWS NESTING ON BARREN RIVER RESERVOIR Little has been reported on the nesting status of the Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) in Kentucky. According to the state’s literature the bird is listed as a rare summer resident with almost all nesting records coming from the bridges and dams of Lakes Barkley and Kentucky. Thus the discovery of a nesting colony along Barren River Reservoir is note- worthy. Dr. Russell Starr first reported a nesting colony on the Dwight- Siddens bridge on Beaver Creek in Barren County. On June 18, 1977 George Johnson and I went to the bridge and found the nesting birds. Approxi- 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 41 mately 40 to 50 adult birds were present; some were busily darting about over the water, and many were feeding young. The 26 retort (bottle-shaped) nests were distributed on both sides of the bridge with several Barn Swallow nests, a Phoebe nest, and two Robin nests located under the bridge. On July 24, 1977 we counted 33 Cliff Swallow nests on the Finney bridge on Beaver Creek in Barren County. The Cliff Swallow has been suspected of nesting in other parts of Kentucky, but nests were not found or not reported. Now with the finding of this colony, the breeding of the species in Barren County has been es- tablished. — Wayne Mason, Glasgow 42141. YELLOW RAIL SIGHTING On the afternoon of October 22, 1976 I was using a tractor to move some lumber on my family’s farm in eastern Jefferson County and de- cided to drive the tractor through a hayfield in an attempt to flush some interesting bird. The field contained a mixture of fescue, orchard grass, and clover with a few clumps of Johnson grass dotting the entire area. My experi- ences earlier in the fall with Soras (Porzana Carolina) had convinced me that rails were attracted to the Johnson grass in cornfields for its cover and seeds, so I crisscrossed the field, concentrating my movements through the Johnson grass clumps. After ten minutes of failing to flush any birds I was about to turn out of the field when, surprisingly, a Yellow Rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis) flushed 25 feet in front of the tractor and veered off into an adjacent cornfield about 45 feet to my right. There was no question of the bird’s identity because of the typical rail-like flight and snow-white wing patches on the trailing half of the wings. The bird appeared to be half to two-thirds the size of a Sora in flight, and its overall coloring was a mottling of buff, black, and white. The yellowish legs trailed below the bird as it gained an altitude of about four feet before it fluttered into the cornfield. Having my 7x35 binoculars with me, I followed the rail through the glasses and noted all of these marks in addition to the short yellowish bill. Needless to say, I have spent many unsuccessful hours since then driving through and cutting hayfields on our farm without flushing an- other Yellow Rail. However, while harvesting corn and cutting hay during the past few years, I have seen Virginia Rails (Rallus limicola) twice and have found Soras to be quite common in both habitats. I firmly believe the birds are attracted to the Johnson grass in the fields, and perhaps other birders should pay close attention to harvesting operations in similar fields in future years. — Brainard L. Palmer-Ball Jr., 8207 Westport Rd., Louisville 40222. (Editor’s note: According to Russell Starr {Ky. Warbler, 43:37-38, 1967), James Hiser, Center, Metcalfe County, caught a Virginia Rail “quite easily” on his farm on October 21, 1966, while mowing a field of Sudax, a hybrid grain. Mr. Hiser finds two or three of these birds each fall in this field.) 42 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 NOTES ON THE STATUS OF THE CAROLINA WREN IN SIX EASTERN KENTUCKY COUNTIES It is thought by some that the severe winter of 1976-77 took a great toll on the Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicians) in Kentucky. Since 1966 the Breeding Bird Survey of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Research Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland has been conducted in Kentucky as well as throughout the nation. The data from these surveys give us a fair understanding of the status of the Carolina Wren as well as other species in the United States. Since 1967 three routes of the survey have been run by the author with observations in the same marked locations. They have been done on or about the same dates each year (the last two weeks of June) ; each count is started exactly 30 minutes before sunrise and only made during ideal weather conditions. The three routes in this report are: route number 0-16 from McKee to Travelers Rest, Kentucky through parts of Jackson and Owsley coun- ties; 0-17 from Pine Ridge to Jackson, Kentucky through Wolf and Breath- itt counties; and 0-18 from Beatty ville to Revenna, Kentucky through Lee and Estill counties. Each route is exactly 25 miles in length with 50 three- minute stops on each. The number of Carolina Wrens sighted or heard by year and route for the past 11 years is as follows: 0-16 0-17 0-18 1967 8 5 4 1968 18 11 9 1969 8 4 10 1970 11 14 13 1971 6 7 8 1972 15 13 19 1973 14 18 16 1974 23 37 19 1975 9 13 10 1976 10 18 12 1977 2 5 0 — A. L. Whitt, Jr., Biology Department, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, 40475. 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 43 BOOK REVIEW A GUIDE TO BIRD FINDING EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Second Edition, by Olin Sewall Pettinghill, Jr. Oxford University Press, New York, 1977; pp. xxvii + 689. $15.95. In the preface of the first edition of this book, published in 1951, Dr. Pettinghill noted that the special types of information needed for birdwatching are precise locations of ornithological attractions and specific directions for reaching them. In both the first and second editions this information is provided to the reader in abundance for each of the 26 states east of the Mississippi River. The second edition takes into account changes that have occurred in bird distribution, changes in environment, and the development of parks, refuges, and other potential birding areas during the past 25 years. Directions for locating some birding areas have been changed due to the development of new roads, particularly interstate highways. The migration timetables should be helpful in timing journeys to coincide with vast bird movements. The Committee on Classification and Nomenclature of the American Ornithologists’ Union has recently proposed several changes in the com- mon names of birds, but Pettinghill prefers to employ many of the older common names as listed by the Checklist Committee of the American Bird- ing Association (A.B.A. Checklist: Birds of Continental United States and Canada, 1975). Thus, names representing some of the geographic varia- tions are retained. The book is also enhanced by the inclusion of 80 pen- and-ink drawings by George Miksch Sutton. The preface contains sug- gestions for bird finders including aids to bird identification and means of gaining additional information about birds. No one person could possibly have knowledge of the information in- cluded in a publication of this scope and, as in the first edition, Pettingill has utilized his knowledge along with that of many others. The section in the first edition concerned with the commonwealth of Kentucky was written by Burt L. Monroe and has been revised by his son. Dr. Burt L. Monroe, Jr. It contains a brief description of Kentucky, its physiographic regions and vegetation, and 11 birding areas. Each area is described, in- cluding the major bird attractions for the visitor, preferred time of year for birding, and concise directions for locating the area. Kentucky Birds: A Finding Guide, by Barbour, etal. University of Kentucky Press, 1973, con- tains descriptions of 46 birding localities in Kentucky along with maps and species descriptions, but includes birding areas only in Kentucky. In any endeavor of this magnitude there will be some birding areas omitted that birders would consider the best in their regions and other areas included that in the eyes of some should not have been. Some will deplore the absence of maps, which would have been helpful but difficult and expensive to reproduce. Birders traveling to an unfamiliar region will surely have state and interstate road maps to assist them in arriving at their destinations. I would highly recommend this second edition of A Guide to Bird Finding to those seeking a clear, concise treatment of bird finding in the eastern United States, but those desiring a verbose, ornate, profusely illustrated publication must look elsewhere. — H. E. Shadowen, Biology Department, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green 42101. 44 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 NEWS AND VIEWS THE REGIONAL HERITAGE PROGRAM At the recent KOS Spring Meeting Andy Morton discussed the TVA’s Regional Heritage Program, which gathers information on the location of critical environmental areas in the TV A power service area. The col- lected data is used to minimize land-use conflicts between planned projects and critical environmental areas. KOS members are urged to provide in- formation on threatened and endangered bird species nesting localities. Kentucky counties within the TV A Power Service Area include Allen, Butler, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Cumberland, Edmonson, Fulton, Graves, Grayson, Hickman, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, McCracken, Marshall, Monroe, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, and Warren. The Kentucky Threatened and Endangered Bird Species include the Mississippi Kite, Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Sandhill Crane, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, and Bachman’s Warbler. Information should be sent to TVA Regional Heritage Program, Division of Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife Develop- ment, Norris, Tennessee 37828. FALL MEETING The Fall meeting of the KOS will be held at Rough River Dam State Resort Park September 23, 24, and 25. The address is Falls of Rough, Kentucky 40119. / The Kentucky Warbler (Published by the Kentucky Ornithological Society) Vol. 53 November, 1977 No. 4 IN THIS ISSUE FIFTY-FOURTH ANNUAL FALL MEETING, Sister Casimir Czurles 47 BOOK REVIEW: WINTERING BALD EAGLE: A Compilation, By Donald A. Spencer (Reviewed by Anne L. Stamm) 54 NEWS AND VIEWS 55 46 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Founded in 1923 by B. C. Bacon, L. Otley Pindar, and Gordon Wilson President A. L. Whitt, Jr., Richmond Vice-President Andrew Uterhart, Lexington Corr. Sec.-Treasurer Mrs. Clifford T. Johnson 1320 Barret Ave., Apt. 2, Louisville 40204 Recording Secretary Sister Casimir Czurles, Owensboro Councillors : Charles Guthrie, Bowling Green 1975-1977 Mrs. Wendell Kingsolver, Carlisle 1975-1977 Mrs. Frank Heck, Danville 1976-1978 Michael Miller, Murray 1976-1978 Retiring President Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Louisville Librarian Evelyn Schneider, Louisville Staff Artist Ray Harm, Chenoa THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November. The KENTUCKY WARBLER is sent to all members not in arrears for dues. Membership dues are: Active or Regular, $3.00; Contributing, $5.00; Student, $2.00; Life, $50.00; Family, $1.00 in addition to Regular, Contributing, or Life Membership dues. All articles and communications should be addressed to the editor. Subscrip- tions, memberships, and requests for back issues should be sent to the treasurer. Editor H. E. Shadowen, Biology Department, Western Kentucky Univ., Bowling Green 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Anne L. (Mrs. F. W.) Stamm Burt L. Monroe, Jr. OUR COVER The photograph of the Pied-billed Grebe was taken April 17, 1977 at the Ballard Game Management Area by K.O.S. member David Berry. 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 47 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FIFTY-FOURTH ANNUAL FALL MEETING September 23-25, 1977 The Kentucky Ornithological Society’s annual Fall Meeting was held at Rough River Dam State Resort Park on September 23, 24, and 25, 1977. The Friday evening session was opened at 7:30 p.m. at the Lodge with President A. L. Whitt presiding. Dr. Andrew Uterhart, Vice-president, introduced Pierre Allaire of Lees Junior College who gave a slide-illus- trated lecture on the avian populations in forests adjacent to an active strip mine site. His three-year study has been conducted in the eastern portion of Breathitt County. The results of declining populations here compared to population decline in the Smith Branch of Robinson Forest of nearby West Virginia showed similar coincidental results. Ground nesters seemed most affected while some species, as the Hooded Warbler, showed no changes. Mr. Allen Stickley, project leader of the Bowling Green Research Station of the Fish and Wildlife Service, discussed the blackbird problem. He revealed that, of the so-called blackbirds. Starlings were the real culprits, especially in causing winter loss at feed lots. At present, research is going on at Gainesville, Florida for a selective avicide which would kill Starlings on contact. The objection to the presently used PA14 spray is that it re- quires certain weather conditions to be effective. Further study has shown that damage by birds to mature corn in the fields has been exaggerated. Mr. Stickley requested the assistance of the K.O.S. members in locating roost areas when they are formed this fall and winter. Dr. Monroe, who has a three-year research grant for the study of the organism, Histoplasma capsulatum, responsible for histoplasmosis, reported that outbreaks of the disease occurred only when the trees in the area of a roost had been cut down and the surface disturbed. In explaining his topic. The Care and Feeding of the American Kes- trel, Dr. Shadowen related his experiences in rearing a young kestrel. He encouraged the audience to record their observations in the field and sub- mit them for publication. A color film from the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary entitled Birds of Prey of North America brought out in detail the special identifying char- acteristics of the various owls, hawks, eagles, and vultures. Professor Whitt announced that 8:00 a.m. field trips would be made to the Old Mill area, area across the dam, the area around the lodge and golf course, and the camping area. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 to be followed by a meeting of the Board of Directors. 48 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 Heavy fog, cloudy skies and cold wind Saturday morning did not daunt the raincoat-clad birders who met in the foyer of the lodge. A drizzly rain turned into a downpour before the trips ended at 10:45. Few birds had braved the dismal morning. A feeble sun after lunch enticed some members to venture out again with better luck. A special meeting at 3:00 p.m. featured Jon Rickert of Elizabethtown, who has been gathering data for his book A Guide to North American Bird Clubs. Mr. Rickert reported that there are some 700 clubs in the United States and Canada. In his discussion he suggested several methods of strengthening the existing bird clubs to attract new members, encourage beginners and improve the interest of present members. This can be ac- complished by newsletters, seminars, workshops, local reports, more field trips, trips to distant places, etc. He then explained the feasibility of a statewide Rare Bird Alert System whereby the sighting of an unusual bird could be relayed to the various chapters. The special meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m. One hundred ten members were present at the 6:30 dinner. Jon Rickert outlined the work of the Kentucky Nature Preserve Commission, a 1976 agency of five non-paid members set up by the Legislature. It will negotiate with owners who will continue to own the area but will allow it to be a nature preserve with legal protection and immunity from condemnation. Professor Whitt called upon each new member present to identify self and hometown. Howard Jones checked the list of birds observed during the day, 84 species being recorded with an almost complete lack of water and shore birds. At the general meeting following the dinner. Dr. Uterhart introduced Dr. Fred Alsop of the University of Tennessee. Dr. Alsop, a field biologist and native Kentuckian, had photographed over 1,500 species of birds over the world. He shared his beautiful shots in a lengthy slide presentation. Dr. Uterhart called the members’ attention to the exhibit of Dr. Alsop’s enlarged photographs in the adjoining recreation room. Mrs. Clifford Johnson gave the treasurer’s and membership report. To date there are 459 members in the K.O.S., 59 of these being new members. Mrs. Anne Stamm reported on the nesting record cards. The Nominating Committee composed of chairman Dr. Burt Monroe, Mrs. Anne Stamm, and Dr. Shadowen presented the following list of candidates for office: Dr. Andrew Uterhart — President Ramon lies — Vice President Mrs. Howard Jones — Corresponding Secretary-Treasurer Sister Casimir Czurles — Recording Secretary Pierre Allaire — Councillor Dr. Hunter Hancock — Councillor 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 49 There were no nominations from the floor, and the proposed slate of officers for 1978 was approved by all members. Mrs. Frank Heck and Dr. Michael Miller are the two councillors continuing in office. The dates for next year’s meetings were announced — the Spring Meeting at Mammoth Cave National Park will be on April 21, 22, and 23 and the Fall Meeting at Danville on September 29, 30, and October 1. Dr. F. W. Stamm commended the outgoing officers for a job well done. Sunday morning field trips were made to the farm of Dr. Herbert Clay Jr. An unusual finding because of the late date was a nesting Mourning Dove with two eggs. Respectfully submitted. Sister Casimir Czurles Recording Secretary BIRDS REPORTED ON FIELD TRIPS AT THE FALL MEETING, ROUGH RIVER DAM STATE RESORT PARK, SEPTEMBER 23, 24, AND 25, 1977 Wood Duck, Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Osprey, American Kestrel, Bobwhite, Killdeer, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Common Nighthawk, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Common Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-headed Wood- pecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird, Eastern Phoebe, Empidonax sp.. Eastern Wood Pewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Horned Lark, Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Blue Jay, Common Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White- breasted Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick’s Wren, Carolina Wren, Mockingbird, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, American Robin, Wood Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Eastern Bluebird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Cedar Waxwing, Loggerhead Shrike, Starling, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow- throated Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Black-and-white Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Palm Warbler, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson’s Warbler, American Redstart, House Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, Red- winged Blackbird, Northern Oriole, Common Grackle, Scarlet Tanager, Summer Tanager, Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Amer- ican Goldfinch, Rufous-sided Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow. Total species: 91. 50 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 ATTENDANCE OF MEMBERS AND GUESTS AT THE FALL MEETING, 1977 BOWLING GREEN: Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Grandpre, Dr. and Mrs. Charles Guthrie, Mr. and Mrs. Jon Heisterberg, Dr. and Mrs. Herb Shadowen, Allen R. Stickley, Jr. CALIFORNIA: Tom Rambo. DANVILLE : Dr. and Mrs. Harry G. Caldwell, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Heck. ELIZABETHTOWN: George Elliott, Jon E. Rickert. FRANKFORT: Mr. and Mrs. Howard Jones, Max Medley. GEORGETOWN: Glen Wells. JACKSON: Mr. and Mrs. Pierre Allaire, Tom Smith. LEXINGTON: Mrs. Ruth Davis, Mary Pat Flynn, Mr. and Mrs. Michael B. Flynn, Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Uterhart, Mr. and Mrs. James Williams. LOUISVILLE : Mrs. Altha N. Cain, Richard Cassell, Dr. and Mrs. Herbert L. Clay, Bess Douthitt, Mrs. John L. Garst, Dr. Sue Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford T. Johnson, Dr. Lois Massie, Mr. and Mrs. William B. Mathes, Dr. and Mrs. B. L. Monroe, Jr., Mrs. Hulbert V. Noland, Mrs. Robert L. Pike, Evelyn J. Schneider, Mr. and Mrs. Francis P. Shannon, Lawrence D. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Stamm, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Summerfield, Chester Sundquist, Audrey Wright. MACEO: Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Powell. MADISONVILLE : Thelma Gentry, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Morgan. MURRAY : Shirley Gallimore, Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Hancock, Mike Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Parker, Dr. Clell Peterson, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sturm. OWENSBORO: Frank Abrams, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bowne, Ted Bowne, Sister Casimir, Mary Lydia Greenwell, Mr. and Mrs. Ramon lies, Emogene Lashbrook, Bruce Schroader, Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Wilson. PADUCAH: Mrs. Perry W. Arnold, Mr. and Mrs. Damon E. Caddell, Mrs. W. W. Foster. RICHMOND: Mr. and Mrs. William Householder, Dr. and Mrs. Pete Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Whitt. SANDY HOOK: Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Greene. SPRINGFIELD: Mr. and Mrs. James D. Reed. VALLEY STATION: Walter Ellison. WEST PADUCAH: David Berry, Shirley Rhea. 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 51 WEST POINT: Mr. and Mrs. William F. Games, Sr. BOONVILLE, IND.: Donald Andrews. JEFFERSONVILLE, IND.: Dr. William Clay. MADISON, IND.: Milton Lipsom, Alice Jane Smith. CARUTHERSVILLE, MISSOURI: Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Leggett REPORT OF THE TREASURER OCTOBER 1, 1977 GENERAL FUND Bank Balance as shown by last report, October 1, 1976 $ 934.16 Receipts Membership Dues $1,563.00 Interest Income: Certificates (2) of Deposit (Endowment Fund) .... 136.20 Colonial Federal Savings & Loan Assoc. Spring Meeting 436.60 Fall Meeting 599.00 Sales - Checklists, badges. Occurrences 74.30 2,809.10 Total Receipts $3,743.26 Disbursements Printing: Kentucky Warbler, 4 issues $1,232.63 Bulk Mail & Mailing Permit 140.00 Supplies: Envelopes, stamps, etc. 135.47 Expenses - Fall Meeting 580.07 Expenses - Spring Meeting 366.16 Dues: Nature Conservancy 15.00 Life Memberships (2) to Endowment Fund 100.00 (Jefferson Federal Savings & Loan Assoc.) Miscellaneous 11.75 2,581.08 Balance, First National Bank, Louisville, Ky. 1,162.18 $3,743.26 52 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 ENDOWMENT FUND Balance in Savings Account, Jefferson Federal Savings & Loan Assoc., Louisville, Ky. $1,266.87 Certificates (2) Colonial Federal Savings and Loan Assoc 2,000.00 $3,266.87 Receipts Interest Income: Certificate, Colonial Federal 136.20 Savings Account, Jefferson Federal 73.58 Two Life Memberships (Young & Dubke) 100.00 Total Receipts 309.78 $3,576.65 Disbursements Transfer of Interest on Certificates to General Fund 136.20 Total Disbursements 136.20 Total $3,440.45 Balance in Fund, October 1, 1977: Savings Account, Jefferson Federal 1,440.45 Certificates (2) Colonial Federal 2,000.00 Total $3,440.45 THE GORDON WILSON FUND FOR ORNITHOLOGY Balance in Savings Account, Greater Louisville Savings & Loan Assoc., October 1, 1976 670.10 Certificate, Colonial Federal Savings & Loan Assoc 1,000.00 1,670.10 Receipts Interest on Savings Account 37.39 Interest on Certificate 68.10 105.49 1,775.59 Balance in Savings Account, Greater Louisville Savings & Loan Assoc. 775.59 Certificate, Colonial Federal Savings & Loan Assoc 1,000.00 $1,775.59 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 53 BALANCE SHEET October 1, 1977 Assets : Cash in General Fund, First National Bank, Louisville $1,162.18 Savings Account, Jefferson Federal Savings & Loan Assoc. 1,440.45 Certificates (2) of Deposit, Endowment Fund, Colonial Federal Savings & Loan Assoc. 2,000.00 Savings Account, Gordon Wilson Fund for Ornithology, Greater Louisville Savings & Loan Assoc. . 775.59 Certificate of Deposit, Gordon Wilson Fund for Ornithology, Colonial Federal Savings & Loan Assoc 1,000.00 Net Worth, October 1, 1977 $6,378.22 Rose Mary Rommel Johnson Treasurer REPORT OF THE AUDITOR I have examined the accounts of the Kentucky Ornithological Society for the year ending October 1, 1977 and find everything in good order. I therefore approve the treasurer’s report submitted by Rose Mary Johnson. Mrs. Johnson is to be commended for her work as treasurer of the Society. — Frederick W. Stamm, Auditor. 54 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 53 BOOK REVIEW WINTERING BALD EAGLE: A compilation by Donald A. Spencer. National Agricultural Chemicals Association, Washington, D.C. 1976; pp. ix plus 170, 3 maps, some eagle photographs. Anyone who has been concerned about the survival of the Bald Eagle will be encouraged by reading this publication. The compiler has gathered much information on the winter-migrant Bald Eagle in the 48 contiguous states from a wide variety of people. The information input stems from direct communication with season-long observers (National Wildlife Refuges of the U.S. Department of the Interior, State Waterfowl Manage- ment Areas, National Forests, National Parks, Reservoir Systems, etc.) ; Annual One-Day Inventories; Migration Records; and local intensive research studies of wintering populations. As the introduction makes clear, the purpose of this compilation is “that you, the reader, will be stimulated to prepare a more in-depth ac- count of the winter-migrant bald eagle in your region.” The book covers much valuable information on the wintering locations, numbers of eagles, feeding behavior patterns, adaptation to habitat, communal roosts, etc. The comments by resident managers of federal and state wildlife management areas and resident personnel of ranger districts of the National Forests are of particular interest and contain much valuable data. One is impressed by the number of organizations and individuals who have played a significant part in studying this majestic bird. A map listing the possible number of birds which may be sighted on an optimum day in the mid-west and western states is included. The compiler states that “to achieve the greatest appreciation of the bald eagle, the interested public must have the opportunity to observe this bird in the wild.” Therefore, the winter season is for “eagle watching.” This is understandable since resident nesting populations should not be disturbed during the breeding season. Dr. Spencer maintains that with “proper programming the wintering bald eagle can be relatively tolerant of an audience at a respectful distance.” Donald Spencer, a well-known authority on wildlife biology, has added his own readily understood commentaries derived from his wide experience not only with the Fish and Wildlife Service but as Chief Staff Officer of Animal Biology in the Pesticide Regulation Division of the Agricultural Research Service. This reference work will not be found in book stores. However, anyone interested in reading this booklet will be glad to know it has been placed in “each of 3,189 university and junior college libraries . . .” Also, copies may be found in libraries of state Waterfowl Management Areas, National Parks, etc. Ornithologists and others studying the conservation of the Bald Eagle will find much valuable data in the book — Anne L. Stamm, 9101 Spokane Way, Louisville, 40222. 1977 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 55 NEWS AND VIEWS MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT The forms used for the Mid-winter Bird Count have been revised and will be mailed to participants during November. If you fail to receive a form or if you desire to initiate a count in your area, you are urged to contact the editor. NEST-RECORD CARDS The 1977 nest-record cards are now due and should be mailed to Anne L. Stamm, 9101 Spokane Way, Louisville, Kentucky 40222. The original cards are sent to the Laboratory of Ornithology at Cornell University, and the copies are retained for the KOS files. BLACKBIRD INFORMATION SOUGHT The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking information on location of winter blackbird-starling roosts in Kentucky and Tennessee, according to Jon Heisterberg, Research Biologist at the Kentucky Research Station. Persons having information about roost locations should write to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 334 15th Street, Bowling Green, Ken- tucky 42101 or call (502) 842-0341 in Bowling Green. The information assembled will be used to determine the numbers, distribution and ecology of wintering blackbirds and starlings in the two- state area. An intensive survey effort using refined census techniques will be made to improve coverage of roosts in Kentucky and Tennessee. The survey will be conducted by Fish and WTldlife personnel over a 12-day period around mid- January, a time when roosts are most stable. Roosts normally begin forming in early November in Kentucky and Tennessee and disperse by the middle of March with the birds migrating northward for the nesting season. Winter blackbird-starling roost surveys have been conducted periodic- ally in Kentucky and Tennessee since 1960. A survey during the 1976-77 winter indicated an estimated roosting population of 20.3 million birds in Kentucky and 47.1 million birds in Tennessee. This compares with 1974- 75 winter roost estimates of 31 million birds in Kentucky and 45.7 million birds in Tennessee. The substantial decrease in the 1976-77 Kentucky pop- ulation is presumably a result of the severe winter weather pushing mi- grating birds further south. It will be interesting to see if Kentucky birds return to their former numbers. 56 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER VoL 53 WANTED: DATA ON THE SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION OF NORTH AMERICAN GULLS We are dveloping a procedure whereby the U.S. Air Force can predict the potential seasonal hazard to aircraft represented by gulls in parts of North America. This knowledge will be used to schedule missions around high risk areas thereby reducing the likelihood of bird/aircraft collisions. Supplemental data on local gull populations are needed from all parts of the continent. The assistance of field workers is solicited to aid us in this task. Please submit reports of your gull observations to Dr. William E. Southern, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115. Data will be gathered for a 2-year period beginning 1 September, 1977. For each observation, please provide the following information: list of species present, approximate number of each species, precise locality description, dates observed, any information about causes for concentra- tions (e.g. sanitary landfill operation), and any details about the frequency of such concentrations in the respective areas. Information is sought from inland as well as coastal localities. Thank you for your cooperation. NOTE FROM THE EDITOR The last four issues of The Kentucky Warbler contain 56 pages — the lowest number in the past ten years. Apparently fewer K.O.S. members are now doing research and writing field notes. If this trend continues the membership should seriously consider the possibility of reducing The Kentucky Warbler from four to two issues per year. The cost of publishing the last four issues was $1,232.63. Members are urged to submit research reports and field notes which may be of interest to our readers and which contribute to the knowledge of Kentucky ornithology. The Kentucky Warbler (Published by the Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 54 FEBEUARY, 1978 No. 1 IN THIS ISSUE MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT, 1977-1978 3 FIELD NOTES 14 NEWS AND VIEWS 16 2 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 54 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Founded in 1923 by B. C. Bacon, L. Otley Pindar, and Gordon Wilson President Vice-President Corr. Sec.-Treasurer Recording Secretary Councillors : Mrs. Frank Heck, Danville ... Michael Miller, Murray Pierre Allaire, Jackson Dr. Hunter Hancock, Murray Retiring President Andrew Uterhart, Lexington Ramon lies, Owensboro Mrs. Howard Jones Rt. 6, Box 119, Frankfort 40601 Sister Casimir Czurles, Owensboro 1976-1978 1976-1978 1977-1979 1977-1979 A. L. Whitt, Jr., Richmond Librarian Evelyn Schneider, Louisville Staff Artist Ray Harm, Chenoa THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November. The KENTUCKY WARBLER is sent to all members not in arrears for dues. Membership dues are: Active or Regular, $3.00; Contributing, $5.00; Student, $2.00; Life, $50.00; Family, $1.00 in addition to Regular, Contributing, or Life Membership dues. All articles and communications should be addressed to the editor. Subscrip- tions, memberships, and requests for back issues should be sent to the treasurer. Editor H. E. Shadowen, Biology Department, Western Kentucky Univ., Bowling Green 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Anne L. (Mrs. F. W.) Stamm Burt L. Monroe, Jr. OUR COVER The photograph of the Barred Owl was taken by K.O.S. member David Berry of West Paducah as it perched by the roadside in late December. 1978 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 3 MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT 1977-1978 A total of 24 counts was reported this year — the highest number of counts ever made in Kentucky. We are pleased at the increase in birding activity in eastern Kentucky. There were 120 species recorded on the days on which counts were made. The reports from Willard and Black Mountain are not shown in the table because of space limitation but are described in full, including species and numbers. The editor expresses appreciation to all participants, particularly to those compilers who wrote additional notes concerning ■ unusual occurrences. LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Trace and Mulberry Flat Roads; habitat as previously de- scribed). — Dec. 17; 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cloudy, raining a.m., clearing before noon; Temp. 60-55°; wind SE, gusting to 10 m.p.h. Twelve observers in seven parties. Total party-hours 58 (25 on foot, 33 by car). Total party- miles 326 (24 on foot, 302 by car). Total 77 species, 1,506,039 individuals. While waterfowl numbers are generally down, there is a fairly good variety of species. Honker Lake has been lowered until little more than a mud flat remains. This has produced interesting shorebirds and has kept the Least Sandpipers around at least until Christmas count time. The Woodcock is not uncommon in the area but has seldom appeared on this count. Red-headed Woodpeckers are abundant over western Kentucky. The count reflects the toll taken of Carolina Wrens and Bluebirds by last winter’s cold and snow. Both American Kestrels and Loggerhead Shrikes seem to be increasing in number as winter birds. — David Berry, Wally Brines, Don Burchfield, Joe Erwin, Bob Head, Don and Gina Manning, Lawrence and LouAnn Philpot, Clell Peterson (compiler), Shirley Rhea, Bob Smith. MARION (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Forrest Grove; habitat 20% river bottoms, 50% deciduous woodlands, 5% coniferus woods, 25% meadows). — Dec. 30; 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sky overcast; Temp. 33-40°; wind SW, 0-10 m.p.h., fog and light rain during a.m. Two observers in one party. Total party-hours 9 (5 1/2 on foot, 31/2 by car). Total party-miles 45 (5 on foot, 40 by car). Total 49 species, 2,256 individuals. A large flock of several thousand blackbirds and Starlings was seen near the Cave-in-rock ferry on the count day. A Snowy Owl was observed during the count period. — C. L. Frazer (compiler), Jim Frazer. HENDERSON (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center junction of Airline Road and Duncan Lane; habitat deciduous forest 35%, pastures 10%, fence rows 15%, city 5%, open water 20%, cypress sloughs 15%). — Dec. 18; 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Clear; Temp. 40-64°; wind S, 0-8 m.p.h. Fourteen observers in six parties. Total party-hours 68 (45 on foot, 23 by car). Total party-miles 228 (48 on foot, 180 by car). Total 77 species, 18,548 individuals. 4 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 54 An adult and an immature Bald Eagle were seen during the count period. (A Swainson’s Hawk and eight Black-capped Chickadees were also reported, with a good description of the hawk, but these are considered to be far from their normal range — editor). — King Benson, George Buckenhoffer, Ben Burnley, Harold Grafton, Ron Dodson (compiler), Julian Duffy, Bertha Hartung, Joyce Owens, Nancy Richardson, C. Smith, V. A. Smith, Edna Vogel, Ed Wallace, W. Wiley. SORGHO (all points with a 15-mile diameter circle, center Sorgho community west of Owensboro; habitat as previously described). — Dec. 31; 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Overcast; temp. 29-36°; wind 0-5 m.p.h. Seven observers in two parties. Total party-hours 16 (15V2 on foot, V2 by car). Total party-miles 30 (13 on foot, 33 by car). Total 43 species; 4,862 individuals. There was a noticeable decrease in wrens and Bluebirds. Most species appeared to be low in numbers. — Joe Ford (compiler), Mr. and Mrs. Ray lies, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Powell, Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Wilson. MACEO (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Maceo; habitat mostly as described previously). — Dec. 26; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. clear; temp. 10-22°; wind 3-15 m.p.h.; lakes partly frozen, river very rough. Six observers in three parties. Total party-hours 15 (12 on foot 3 by car). Total party-miles 24 (6 on foot, 18 by car). Total 41 species; 800 individuals. The river was choppy, and numerous barges discouraged any water- fowl that might have been present. — Mr. and Mrs. Ray lies, A. L. Powell (compiler), Mrs. A. L. Powell, Mrs. Maudie Ray. MADISONVILLE (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center James W. Hancock farm. Brown Road, Elk Creek, Ky. 892, and two lakes at Madisonville; habitat deciduous woodlands and thickets 50%, lake shore 25%, open fields 25%). — Dec. 18; 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Clear to mostly cloudy in a.m., largely clearing in p.m. Temp. 46-52°. Five observers ip. 2 parties. Total party-hours I6V2 (14 on foot, 2V2 by var). Total party- miles 48 (8 on foot, 40 by car). Total 50 species; 1,358 individuals. The Merlin was recognized by its size, falcon appearance, blue-gray head and black wide bands on the tail. — Brodie Carter II, James W. Hancock (compiler), Allen Morgan, Mary Travis, Nathanael Travis. PENNYRILE FOREST STATE PARK (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center park lodge; habitat as described previously). — Dec. 26; 6:40 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. Mostly clear; Temp. 16-32°; wind NW, 8-12 m.p.h. Two observers in one party. Total party-hours 10 (8 on foot, 2 by car). Total party-miles 19 (8 on foot, 11 by car). Total 35 species; 334 individuals. Yellow-rumped Warblers are common again this winter; however, several common species were not recorded on the count day. — Peyton Adams, James W. Hancock (compiler). 1978 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 5 BOWLING GREEN (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Three Springs, 6 miles south of Bowling Green; habitat as described previously). — Dec. 17; 6:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Cloudy and light rain during a.m., sunny to party cloudy p.m. Temp. 38-53°; wind variable, 0-10 m.p.h. Six observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 23 (20 on foot, 3 by car). Total party-miles 134 (17 on foot, 117 by car). Total 60 species; 103,014 individuals. There was one winter roost in the area containing approximately 200,000 birds. The temporary lakes south of Bowling Green contained water and a large number of waterfowl. — George Johnson, Mrs. Pat Kofoglis, Wayne Mason, Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Saxton, H. E. Shadowen (compiler) . MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Turnhole Bend; habitat as previously described). — Dec. 18; 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Clear to partly cloudy; Temp. 42-52°; wind variable 0-5 m.p.h. Seven observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 241/2 (16V2 on foot, 8 by car). Total party-miles 104 (16V2 on foot, 871/2 by car). Total 44 species; 1,361 individuals. The numbers of both vulture species were unusually high, perhaps due to large deer population. Carolina Wrens were scarce, and there were fewer sparrows. The total number of birds seen was less than half the number recorded last year. — Mrs. James Gillenwater, John Heisterburg, George Johnson, Wayne Mason, H. E. Shadowen (compiler), Russell Starr, Allen Stickley. GLASGOW (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Bar- ren County courthouse; habitat woodlands, fields, streams, swamp, and lake). — Dec. 26; 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Partly cloudy to clear; Temp. 11-24° ; wind W, 0-15 m.p.h. Seven observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 30 (18 on foot, 12 by car). Total party-miles 178 (27 on foot, 151 by car). Total species 71; 4,274 individuals. This is probably the highest number of species recorded on a mid- winter bird count for this area. The Green Heron was spotted in an Osage orange thicket alongside South Fork Creek. The Savannah Sparrows were observed for quite some time feeding with Song Sparrows, and all field marks were noted. — Alida Akers, Martha Bryant, Mrs. James Gillenwater, George Johnson, Wayne Mason (compiler), Russell Starr, Frank Wade. OTTER CREEK PARK (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 2 miles southwest of park entrance; habitat coverage: deciduous woods 18%, brushy fields 35%, open fields 26%, hedgerows 5%, creeks, lakes and river 16%). — Dec. 21; 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; overcast; Temp. 26-27° ; wind W, 12 m.p.h. Ohio river open, ponds and lakes frozen, snow flurries all day. Fourteen observers in 6 parties. Total party-hours 49 (37 on foot, 12 by car). Total party-miles 161 (33 on foot, 128 by car). Total species 58; 3,123 individuals. 6 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 54 The duck count was very poor although the low-lying farmlands adjacent to the Ohio River and Doe Lake were inundated. Both vultures and five species of hawks were observed, with a high count for the Ameri- can Kestrel. The woodpecker count was good with some species above normal. Blue Jays were unusually common and in some instances were observed in flocks of 35 to 50 or more. Carolina Wrens were decidedly down from 33 in 1976 to only three. Fewer Robins were counted, perhaps due to the poor wild food crop. — Mary Bill Bauer, Barbara and Joseph Croft, Dennis Coskren, Walter Ellison, John Hoogerhide, Barry Howard, Wilbur Jackson, John Krull, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Lene Rauth, Father Terence Rhoades, Anne W. Stamm (compiler), Frederick W. Stamm. BERNHEIM FOREST (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Forest lookout tower 2.75 miles SE of Forest entrance; habitat as described previously). — Dec. 26; 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Clear in a.m. cloudy in p.m.; Temp. 2-22°; wind WNW, 3-15 m.p.h. Eighteen observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 37 (15 on foot, 22 by car). Total party- miles 201 (17 on foot, 184 by car). Total species 66; 3,871 individuals. — Mary Bauer, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Michael Brown, Chong Min and Lee Calvert, Virginia Calvert, Becky Consaul, Lysbeth Davis, Walter Ellison, David Hoskin, John Krull, Jerrold Olsen, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Margaret Pike, Martha Pike, Lene Rauth, Lawrence D. Smith (compiler). LOUISVILLE (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. Hwys. 42 and 22; habitat coverage as described 1972). — Dec. 18; 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky overcast; Temp. 36-51°; wind WSW, 5-20 m.p.h. fresh water open. Thirty-eight observers in 9 parties. Total party-hours 90 (59 on foot, 31 by car). Total party-miles 635 (49 on foot, 586 by car). Total species 92; 38,189 individuals. Rarities recorded included a White-winged Scoter (present for a week, recorded by the Stamm party), a Gray Catbird (recorded by the Palmer- Ball party), a Vesper Sparrow (noted by Monroe and Quaife), a Lincoln’s Sparrow (Parker party) and the Snow Buntings (reported by the Robert- son party) ; a week prior to the count more than 200 Snow Buntings were present in the Louisville region. The effects of the severe winter of 1976-77 were noted in the low counts of Carolina Wrens and Eastern Bluebirds, which have been slow in recovering from the drastic declines. The three Rough-legged Hawks were reported from the southern Indiana portion of the count circle. — Mary Bauer, Donald Blackburn, Altha Cain, V. N. Calvert, Herbert and Kathryn Clay, Katherine Colburn, Becky Consaul, Barbara and Joseph Croft, Bess Douthitt, Walter Ellison, Diane and Jackie Elmore, Katie Fulkerson, Violet and Wilbur Jackson, Frank, John, and Mary Krull, Burt Monroe Jr., (compiler). Dot Muntan, Brainard Palmer-Ball Jr., Donald Parker, James Pasikowski, Martha Pike, Robert Quaife, Lene Rauth, Judy Robertson, Carl Schultze, Helga Schutte, Mabel Slack, L. D. Smith, Anne and Frederick Stamm, A1 and Midge Susie, Rosita Watkins (Beckham Bird Club). SHELBYVILLE (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Clay Village in the eastern party of Shelby County; habitat from elevation 1978 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 7 of 640 to 1200 feet including cultivated fields, weed fields, cedar thickets, deciduous woods, four lake areas and two creeks). — Dec. 28; 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Clear; Temp. 5-25°; wind W, 10-15 m.p.h. Four observers in one party. Total party-hours 11 (4 1/2 on foot, 6 1/2 by car). Total party- miles 95 (5 on foot, 90 by car). Total species 47; 125,986 individuals. There is a large concentration of birds of prey in the area of a blackbird roost in the eastern part of Shelby County. Sighted at the roost were: one Sharp-shinned Hawk, two Cooper’s Hawk’s, six Red-tailed Hawks, one Goshawk, and one Great-horned Owl. — W. H. Brown (com- piler), Todd Brown, Kerry Magan, Mark Roberts. DANVILLE (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Boyle County Courthouse; habitat: farmland 58%, woodland 20%, streamsides 16%, residential 5%, parks 1%). — Dec. 17; 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Over- cast; Temp. 41-53°; wind E, 0-45 m.p.h.; intermittent light rain. Twenty- seven observers in 7 parties. Total party-hours 53 (15 on foot, 38 by car). Total party-miles 439 (14 on foot, 425 by var). Total species 58; 11,996 individuals. Figures for the following species seem unusually low; Killdeer, Horned Lark, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, American Robin, and Red-winged Blackbird. — W. C. Alcock, Ernest Baird, A1 Byrd, Harry Caldwell, Margaret Caldwell, E. W. Cook, Lois and Robert Corcoran, Margaret and Scott Glore, Edna and Frank Heck (compiler), Moseill Pester, Jack Kellum, J. W. Kemper, F. W. and Naomi Loetscher, Cynthia Murphy, Margaret Myers, J. B. Nichols, Roger Rakestraw, Louise and Wilbur Robinson, Mary Roose, John and Stephen Stamper, Betty Ullrich. FRANKFORT (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at junction of U.S. 127 and Ky. 1900; habitat as described in 1972). — Dec. 17; 6:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Overcast; 45-54°; wind SE, 0-9 m.p.h.; rain in afternoon. All water open. Twenty-nine observers in 15 parties. Total party-hours 78 (62 on foot, 16 by car). Total party-miles 280 (54 on foot, 226 by car). Total species 73; 9,533 individuals. This count represents the most adequate coverage of the Frankfort count circle that we have had, which contributed to our highest totals ever for species and individuals. Duck species and numbers, however, are unusually low. Carolina Wrens are scarce. All wintering blackbird species were noted including a Brewer’s Blackbird found by the Dennis Coskren party in a flock of Rusty Blackbirds. No blackbird roost exists at Frank- fort, but the unusual numbers reported are likely associated with the large roost near Graefenburg. Winter finches were strongly represented. A lone Red Crossbill was identified by Max Medley, a zoologist from Michi- gan, who has extensive familiarity with the species. — E. G. Amburgey, Marvin Bing, William Blackburn, W. P. Caine, Jr., Karen, Laura and Rose Canon, Dennis Coskren, Peggy Derryberry, James Durell, Alexander and Virginia Gilchrist, Charles Grayson, Pat and Scott Hankla, Don Hart- man, Howard Jones (compiler), Betty Maxson, Rae McEntyre, Max Medley, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Lewis and Mary Pfouts, Sally Rice, Stephen Rice, Rik Watson, Glen Wells, Jim Williams, Tim Williams. 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UJ X OC K o ^ ^ ^ E 5 DC ^ CO o 2 X o m X CC H I O 5 OQ O H X a Sxi CD CO UJ o X :c) X X X _ X X h- X o < z o < O liJ X CO X X 2 UJ < O m < X UJ CD □ 2 X S| DC O . X < X X Q X < X ^ CD X *. < >- X (D to O CO CO 1- X LU Q. S2 o w of LU m E 2 X < LU UJ X - o m I- co 8^ DC CO i ^ o > X 0- cc CO 5 X < w 2 X 2 LU < X > CO < LU CO > go 1 I ^ 2 < o ^ X £ Q W X lU Q < >- 2 X LU £ CO ^ g: LU X — LU < X cc Q O I- o o XX ^ X X o < < £ X X ^ CO CO < • XXX CO O H- T T X > > O 5 ^ X E ^ _l CO X Z) X CO o o 2 2 2i iS < > 2x0 O < 2 CO -I CO < 8 9 o > X Q E 2 Indicates the species was recorded but not on the count day. 12 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 54 KLEBER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at junction of U.S. 227 and State Hwy. 845 in Owen County; area and habitat as described in 1972). — Dec. 30; 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Overcast; 32-37°; wind SE, 0-9 m.p.h. Light snow a.m., light rain late p.m.; pond and lakes frozen, streams party frozen. Fifteen observers in 5 parties. Total party -hours 42 (23 on foot, 19 by car). Total party-miles 266 (22 on foot, 244 by car). Total species 49; 3,793 individuals. Greatly expanded coverage brought about the highest counts ever for both species and individuals. Above average numbers were noted for Blue Jays, Purple Finches, Rufous-sided Towhees, and Dark-eyed Juncos. Caro- lina Wrens and Mockingbirds were less than usual. The most unexpected finds were the Gray Catbirds and the Chipping Sparrow. — Marvin Bing, and W. H. Brown, Peggy Derryberry, Pat and Scott Hankla, Howard Jones (compiler), Margaret LaFontaine, Jim, Rae and Ray McEntyre, Brainard Palmer-Ball Jr., Rosita Watkins, Jim Williams, Tim Williams. CARLISLE (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center the Kingsolver cabin on Lake Carnico; habitat agricultural and woodland). — Dec. 29; 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Clear to cloudy; Temp. 26-40°; wind light. Ten observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours 16 (10 on foot, 6 by car). Total party-miles 60 (4 on foot, 56 by car). Total species 48; 1,565 individuals. Two Great Blue Herons, one Pileated Woodpecker, and two Evening Grosbeaks were seen in the area but not on the count day. — Hannah Gabriel, Given Harper, Ann, Ginny, Rob, Jackie and Wendell Kingsolver (compiler), Liz Letton, Jack and Evelyn Morford. JACKSON (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Hilltop Church as described in 1975; habitat woodland 55%, open fields 15%, residential 10%, streamsides 10%, lake 10%). — Dec. 17; 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Clear in a.m., cloudy in p.m. Temp. 31-53°; wind WSW, 0-10 m.p.h. Eleven observers in 8 parties. Total party-hours 42 (27 on foot, 15 by car). Total party-miles 152 (12 on foot, 140 by car). Total species 49; 2,006 individuals. Few Falconiformes were seen, and there was a surprising absence of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. There were unusually high numbers of Red- winged Blackbirds and American Goldfinches. — Karen Abner, Pierre Allaire, Clyde Landrum, Fred Landrum, Doug McLaren, Casey Morton, Jack Payne, Peggy Payne, Rome Sewell, Tom Smith, Mark VanWinkle. PINE MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Putney, Ky. on Hwy. 119 in Harlan County; habitat mostly mountainous forest, some agricultural land, no sizable lakes). — Dec. 10; 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Overcast in a.m., sunny in p.m.. Temp. 8-25°; wind NW, 0-5 m.p.h.; light snow on ground and snowing lightly in a.m. Eighteen observers in 12 parties. Total party-hours 54 (49 V2 on foot, 41/2 by car). Total party-miles 58V2 (24 V2 on foot, 34 by car). Total species 39; 945 individuals. 1978 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 13 The snow and bitter cold discouraged some of our would-be birders and, apparently, some of the birds. Among the usual birds missing or in low numbers were the Brown Creeper, Brown Thrasher, Red-shouldered Hawk, Fox Sparrow, Carolina Wren, and Barred Owl. An injured Chipping Sparrow was observed by a feeder watcher in Baxter. — Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Bailey, Julious Begley, Joanne and Tom Blodgett, Elizabeth Brad- shaw, Afton Garrison, Gary Larson, Gary Lewis, Lane and Preston Lewis, Marcia and Keller McDonald, Pam McKee, Steve McKee (compiler) , Burton Rogers, Jack Whitfield, Mrs. E. L. Woolsey. CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at peak 2610 on Varilla, Ky.-Va. Quadrangle (USGS) ; habitat woodland 50%, residential 30%, openfield 15%, streamside 5%). — Dec. 17; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Overcast; Temp. 40-61°; wind variable, 3-15 m.p.h.; rain after 3:00 p.m. Three observers in one party. Total party-hours 9 (7 on foot, 2 by car). Total party-miles 51 (5 on foot, 46 by car). Total species 33; 201 individuals. — Don Beatty, Steve Beatty (compiler), Terry Thompson. BURLINGTON (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Huey’s Corner, as described in 1975). — Dec. 17; 6:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cloudy; Temp. 38-51°; wind 5-15 m.p.h.; scattered rain during day. Five observers in two parties. Total party-hours 15 (12 on foot, 3 by car). Total party-miles 91 (9 on foot, 82 by car). Total species 41; 880 indi- viduals. Woodpeckers and sparrows were well represented, but Carolina Wrens and Bluebirds were scarce. — Mike Andrews, Ed Larson, Lee K. McNeely (compiler), Lynda McNeely, Robert Wahl. WILLARD (all point within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Willard; habitat six miles of creek bottom, field and woodland areas). — Dec. 29; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Overcast most of day; Temp. 30-33°; wind 4-12 m.p.h. One observer in one party. Total party-hours 8 (all on foot). Total party-miles 6 (all on foot). Total species 17; 167 individuals. Birds observed: Pileated Woodpecker 2, Red-bellied Woodpecker 4, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2, Hairy Woodpecker 2, Downy Woodpecker 9, Blue Jay 8, Crow 4, Carolina Chickadee 10, Tufted Titmouse 11, White- breasted Nuthatch 3, Eastern Bluebird 6, Cardinal 24, Rufous-sided Tow- hee 11, Dark-eyed Junco 62, Field Sparrow 2, White-throated Sparrow 2, Song Sparrow 5. One American Kestrel and 2 Carolina Wrens were seen during the count period but not on the day of the count. — Ercel Kozee (complier) . Ed. note: The count in this location was begun Dec. 26, 1937 and has been continuous except for the winter of 1976-1977. BLACK MOUNTAIN (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Black Mountain radar station IV2 miles from Hwy. 160 ; habitat mostly forest with some clearings; only elevations above 2800 feet were covered). — Dec. 12; 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Clear; Temp. 20-30°; wind WSW, 5-15 m.p.h. 1-4 inches of snow on ground. Three observers in one party. Total party-hours 5 (4 on foot, 1 by car). Total party-miles 28 (8 on foot, 20 by car) . Total species 7; 30 individuals. 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 54 Although the weather was beautiful, we found very few birds. We saw many Ruffed Grouse tracks, but most of the day was spent in eerie silence. Birds observed: Ruffed Grouse 2, Downy Woodpecker 4, Common Crow 3, Carolina Chickadee 5, Tufted Titmouse 2, Winter Wren 1, Dark-eyed Junco 13. — Tom Blodgett, Afton Garrison, Steve McKee (compiler). FIELD NOTES SOME OBSERVATIONS FROM NORTHEASTERN KENTUCKY I have observed some interesting birds near my home in northeastern Kentucky during the past year. The birds were seen in Elliott, Carter, and Rowan Counties, which are adjacent counties and in which are located both Cave Run and Grayson Lakes. On March 9, 1977 a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) was ob- served near Morehead in Rowan County. On May 18, a Henslow’s Sparrow ( Passer her hulus henslowii) was seen near Grayson Lake in Elliott County. On June 5, a singing Swainson’s Warbler ( Limnothylpis swainsonii) was seen on Caney Creek in Elliott County. Two other singing males were heard. The habitat was a wooded ravine with cliffs and with Hemlock and Mountain Laurel. On October 12, two female Red Crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) were observed extracting seeds from a Virginia Pine tree at my home. On October 23 a male Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) was seen at an old strip mine site in Elliott County. On November 22 a Red-throated Loon (Gavia stellata) was observed at Bruin Point on Grayson Lake in Elliott County. The presence of eight Common Loons (Gavia immer) was a help in identification. On December 7 a Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lag opus) was seen near Grayson Lake in Carter County. — WILLIAM GREENE, JR., P.O. Box 227, Sandy Hook, Kentucky 41171. A LATE SIGHTING OF A BLUE GROSBEAK On June 19, 1977 in front of my home in northern Calloway Co. I observed and heard singing a male Blue Grosbeak (Guiraca Caerulea) that I continued to record throughout the summer up until September 2. The bird fed regularly in a predominately clover-lespedeza field of two acres and frequently sang from electric lines nearby and from the tops of trees in an adjacent oak-hickory woodlot. Within two miles of the area of observation (along Ky. 464 between Almo Heights and Kirksey), Blue Grosbeaks have several times been recorded on breeding bird censuses, so 1978 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 15 the bird’s presence is neither unexpected nor unusual. What may make the observation noteworthy is that the September 2 record is well past the July 11 date given in Monroe’s “Summary of Occurrence of Birds in Kentucky” as the latest recorded date of occurrence for this species in the state. — MICHAEL G. MILLER, Rt. 2, Box 114A, Murray, Kentucky 42071. MISSISSIPPI KITE IN JEFFERSON COUNTY At about 5:20 p.m. on the evening of August 23, 1977 I observed a Mississippi Kite (Ictinia misisippiensis) as it flew above the Mall shopping center in eastern Jefferson County, Kentucky. The bird was just discernible to the unaided eye in a cloudy-bright sky. The view through 8X binoculars immediately revealed the characteris- tic shape and easy flight of a kite. The light head and black tail of the adult bird left no doubt as to species. This observer had previously studied Mississippi Kites on several occasions in western Kentucky and in Texas. Though the Mississippi Kite occurs with some regularity in extreme western Kentucky, the last Jefferson County records prior to this sighting were May 3, 1953 (Stamm and Cole, 1954) and May 31, 1955 (Carpenter, 1955). — LAWRENCE D. SMITH, 7010 Bear Creek Dr., B-4, Louisville, Kentucky 40207. TWO OBSERVATIONS IN THE LOUISVILLE REGION On the morning of October 21, 1977 at 9:30 a.m. I was walking through a field of johnson grass to photograph a shrike that was in the area. Several sparrows were in the field. A sparrow of small size and weak flight flushed to the edge of the johnson grass. All that could be seen from this view was a rather dark and heavily streaked back. I made a light buzzing noise hoping to get the bird in better view, and it flushed to within ten feet on top of the johnson grass and in plain view. At this time the buffy fine-streaked breast, ochre face pattern and grey nape were noted. I took a series of photographs which verified the bird to be the inland race of the Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammospiza caudacuta). On November 8, 1977 while at the Falls of the Ohio looking at the Herring Gulls and Ring-billed Gulls, I scanned the canal between the Falls and Shippingport Island. I observed Cormorants, Great Blue Herons, immature Black-crowned Night Herons, five species of ducks, a Horned Grebe, and an extremely large grebe swimming with the ducks. The grebe was nearly twice the size of the Horned Grebe and had a long neck, white from cheek and throat all the way down to the water’s edge. By size and coloration the bird was identified as a Western Grebe ( Aechmophorus occidentalis). — DONALD W. PARKER, 6907 Conn. Dr., Apt. 3, Louisville, Kentucky 40219. 16 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 54 OBSERVATIONS FROM SHELBY COUNTY On December 5, 1977 in the late afternoon I was pinpointing a large blackbird-starling roost for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that has been located in the eastern portion of Shelby County for several years. While talking to the property owner, we observed 10-15 large raptors riding the air currents surrounding the roost. Five Red-tailed Hawks were seen in one tree alone. However, the most interesting discovery was made on the afternoon of December 6 when a Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) in adult plumage was sighted in this same general vicinity. There was no doubt as to the identi- fication, since the bird sat in a tree within 100 yards of the road where we could easily see the gray streaked breast and gray back with binoculars from our car. We even observed an unsuccessful attempt at catching a Cardinal near the edge of a grove of Redcedar. Roosts have a large following of various species of hawks and owls because of the easy source of food. On November 26, 1977 a flock of approximately 80 Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) flying in a V formation in a southerly direction and honking loudly were observed just east of the high school in Shelby County. An adult Goshawk was again observed on December 28, 1977 in the general area of the previous sighting on December 6 as he flew in the midst of several thousand blackbirds. Also sighted at the roost were the following birds of prey: 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 2 Cooper’s Hawks, 6 Red-tailed Hawks and one Horned Owl. Another adult Goshawk was also sighted on January 2, 1978 0.2 miles west of Floyds Fork Creek on the north side of Ky. Hwy. 53 near Ballardsville in Oldham County. — W. H. BROWN, 527 V2 Main Street, Shelbyville, Kentucky 40065. NEWS AND VIEWS K.O.S. SPRING MEETING Our spring meeting will be held at Mammoth Cave National Park on April 21, 22, and 23. Anyone having notes or a paper for the Friday evening program should contact the Program Chairman, Ramon lies, 2223 St. James Court, Owensboro 42301. The Kentucky Warbler (Published by the Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 54 MAY, 1978 NO. 2 IN THIS ISSUE ANALYSIS OF KENTUCKY’S BREEDING BIRDS: DECLINING SPECIES, Burt L. Monroe, Jr 19 THE WINTER SEASON OF 1977-1978, Anne L. Stamm 26 K.O.S. SPRING MEETING, APRIL 21-23 30 FIELD NOTES 34 18 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 54 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Founded in 1923 by B. C. Bacon, L. Otley Pindar, and Gordon Wilson President Vice-President Corr. Sec.-Treasurer Recording Secretary Councillors : Mrs. Frank Heck, Danville ... Michael Miller, Murray Pierre Allaire, Jackson Dr. Hunter Hancock, Murray Retiring President Librarian Andrew Uterhart, Lexington Ramon lies, Owensboro Mrs. Howard Jones Rt. 6, Box 119, Frankfort 40601 Sister Casimir Czurles, Owensboro 1976-1978 1976-1978 1977-1979 1977-1979 . A. L. Whitt, Jr., Richmond Evelyn Schneider, Louisville Staff Artist Ray Harm, Chenoa THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November. The KENTUCKY WARBLER is sent to all members not in arrears for dues. Membership dues are: Active or Regular, $3.00 ; Contributing, $5.00 ; Student, $2.00 ; Life, $50.00 ; Family, $1.00 in addition to Regular, Contributing, or Life Membership dues. All articles and communications should be addressed to the editor. Subscrip- tions, memberships, and requests for back issues should be sent to the treasurer. Editor H. E. Shadowen, Biology Department, Western Kentucky Univ., Bowling Green 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Anne L. (Mrs. F. W.) Stamm Burt L. Monroe, Jr. OUR COVER The photograph of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird at a feeder in Warren County was taken by Malcolm Guy Briggs in July, 1977. 1978 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 19 ANALYSIS OF KENTUCKY’S BREEDING BIRDS: DECLINING SPECIES Burt L. Monroe, Jr. The summer breeding bird surveys, coordinated by the Migratory Bird and Habitat Research Laboratory of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have now been conducted in Kentucky for twelve consecutive years. The data gathered are becoming more important with each passing year and are gaining in significance with regard to the monitoring of avian popu- lation changes. After nine years of data, I reported (Monroe, Ky Warbler, 51:39-45, 1975) results for most of Kentucky’s breeding species. The addi- tional three years have produced both some startling changes and a few reversals in former trends. I have also refined some of the data to increase the reliability, thus also the significance of the figures. Techniques for taking the counts have not changed and have been mentioned in an earlier article (Monroe, Ky. Warbler, 46:43-45, 1970). In viewing the data, I was initially surprised to find the greatest percentage of overall change in Kentucky breeding populations to be be- tween 1966 and 1967, when compared to any two other adjacent years; in addition, most of the changes were indicated as increases in population density. It is apparent from other data that birds did not significantly increase between these two years within the state and thus the data from the surveys must be the product of some artifact. The artifact is clearly observer experience. Since 1966 was the first year in Kentucky, all ob- servers were inexperienced in the count techniques and thus counts were on the low side. In subsequent years, only a very few new observers were utilized each year. In order to remove this artificial bias, I have chosen to omit 1966 from further analysis, leaving eleven summers of continuous data (1967-1977). Of greatest concern to ornithologists and conservationists today are the avian species that are known to be declining; it is with this group that the present article is concerned. Population declines apparent since 1967 fall into three general cate- gories: (1) generally steady declines with a minimum of fluctuation be- tween adjacent years, resulting in changes noticeable primarily on a long- term basis; (2) declines resulting from dramatic decreases only in the last one or two years, with earlier population changes variable, sometimes with actual increases preceding the precipitous decline; (3) noticeable declines over the period but with considerable fluctuation annually. It is difficult to treat the latter category, since one cannot be certain that the decline is real or that 1977 is a “down” year in the fluctuation pattern; species of this kind will be mentioned but not analyzed in detail. Declines that are mathematically significant and thus almost certainly real population changes fall into categories (1) and (2) above. Category (2) contains those species that have suffered declines due to the severe weather changes in the last two years, especially that of 1976-77; popula- tion declines here may well be temporary with recovery in the future likely under better climatic conditions. Those species in category (1) are of greatest concern and probably represent real, perhaps permanent de- clines. The present article will deal with ten species that fall into categories (1) and (2), with data presented both in tabular form (Table 1) and graph form (Figures 1-3). Species that have shown declines from 1967 to 1977 but are classed 20 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER VoL 54 in category (3) because of large annual fluctuations are as follows [mean numbers of individuals recorded on Kentucky counts in 1967 and 1977, respectively, given in parenthesis following name] : Ruby-throated Hum- ming bird, Archilochus colubris (0.76-0.41) ; Pileated Woodpecker, Dryo- copus pileatus (1.24-0.63) ; Horned Lark, Eremophila alpestris (2.61-0.81) ; Rough-winged Swallow, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis (1.24-0.81) ; Loggerhead Shrike, Lanius ludovicianus (1.37-0.63) ; American Redstart, Setophaga Tuticilla (1.47-0.06); and Dickcissel, Spiza americana (9.34-1.41). The Am- erican Redstart and Dickcissel apparent declines are the result of 1967 being a peak year for reports, with 1968 through 1977 not showing signi- ficant decreases; for the Dickcissel, 1967 was a population explosion year that has not subsequently occurred. The high Redstart count may be an artifact produced by a single count route that was changed the following year because of access problems. Horned Lark numbers also fluctuate greatly because by the count time in June, family groups are generally found; missing a single group may cause great fluctuation in numbers, thus inflating annual changes. Of the preceding species, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Loggerhead Shrike have shown declines nationally and may represent real decreases in Kentucky populations, but the state data are too variable to show significance statistically. A few other species have shown declines during the period, but these are too small to be significant when annual variation is considered; all have decreased less than 30% during the eleven-year span. These species are: Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Melanerpes carolinus (8.82-6.72) ; Downy Woodpecker, Picoides pubescens (4.21-3.53) ; Eastern Phoebe, Sayornis phoebe (3.47-2.53) ; Brown-headed Cowbird, Molothrus ater (17.45-14.41) ; Summer Tanager, Piranga rubra (3.74-3.13) ; and American Goldfinch, Carduelis tristis (10.63-7.69). All other species of breeding birds in Ken- tucky, as reported on the summer counts, with the exception of the ten yet to be discussed in detail, have either remained stable over the period or have increased in density. The ten species with significant declines have decreased between 1967 and 1977 by at least a third (>34%) and over some shorter interval dur- ing the period by at least 40%. Furthermore, annual fluctuations are either relatively small or of insufficient magnitude to offset precipitous declines; in both cases, 1977 populations have decreased significantly and are deemed to represent real density changes. The Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) is the most abundant breeding bird to show a significant decrease over the period; it also dis- plays an unusual population curve (Fig. 1). The overall decline from 1967 to 1977 represents a decrease of 35.5% (for actual figures annually on this and following species, see Table 1), but an increase in the early part of the decade resulted in a peak in 1970; numbers declined rather steadily thereafter, with the greatest drop in the past two years, probably influenced by the severity of the winter climate. The drop from 1970 to 1977 represents a loss of 47.8%, while the decrease since 1975 has been 37.0%, a highly significant decline for a two-year period. Back in the late 1960’s, the Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) was suf- ficiently common to have it rank in the top ten species in abundance on Kentucky’s summer counts. Presently it is one of three sparrow species on the declining list, with an overall decrease of 46.0% from 1967 to 1977 (Fig. 1). The greatest single year’s decline was last year, with a drop of 23%; it is very likely that the severe winter was once again responsible for increasing the loss. 1978 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 21 Although relatively stable over the early part of the period, populations of the Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) have declined at virtually a steady but slow rate since 1970 (Fig. 1). The resultant decline since 1967 amounts to 34.9%, with a loss of almost half (49.7%) between 1970 and 1977. It appears, however, that the severe winter of 1976-77 did not influence this species significantly, as the decline has continued at roughly the same rate throughout the 1970’s. None of the three aforementioned species, depicted on Fig. 1, seems to be in any kind of difficulty populationwise and recov- ery from these declines should be expected in the next few years, especially if the winters improve, as all are resident in the state. The Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) is a summer resident only and a species that had ranked in the top fifteen in abundance on Kentucky’s summer counts. It has declined significantly over the decade, and especially since 1970, the peak year (Fig. 2). The overall decrease amounts to 38.4%, the loss since 1970 to 43.0%. There does not seem to be any correlation with climate (wintering is in tropical America) or with habitat destruc- tion; much suitable habitat is presently unoccupied within the state. It is possible that losses are tied in with pesticide pollution or with a decrease in insect food; so far as I am aware, no one has checked to see if repro- ductive success has declined. In any event, this is one bird that will bear close watching in the future. The Tufted Titmouse (Parus bicolor) should perhaps not be among these ten species; it barely meets the required criteria, inasmuch as annual population fluctuations are marginally great for the overall noted decline. Nevertheless, since the decline is statistically significant, it is included for completeness. Since 1967 it has declined 52.3%, but only 37% since 1968 with rather large fluctuations annually both up and down. A resident species, it appears to be unaffected by the winter of 1976-77, as one might expect of so hardy a bird. I suspect future fluctuations will show a recovery and overall stability to be established in the 10-15 birds per count range. Annual fluctuations in Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) popu- lations have been much less than in the preceding species, thus the overall decline takes on more significance. A summer resident only, it has not been affected by the severe winter weather. Overall decline since 1967 has been 41.4% (Fig. 2). Reasons for the decline are obscure but may be similar to those of the Field Sparrow, less the winter situation. The species will bear watching in the future. One of the mysteries of modern avian populations has been the drastic decline in the Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), a situa- tion that is nationwide in scope. Its decline has been steady and inexorible, in Kentucky as well as elsewhere (Fig. 2). Reasons are unknown, but two major factors have usually been cited: pesticide usage (either through loss of reproductive capacity directly or through loss of insect food in agricul- tural systems) and agricultural practices (mowing of breeding areas while nesting is in progress). In any event, it is quite evident everywhere that the species is way down and that suitable ecosystems lack these birds. The decline since 1967 now amounts to a loss of 77.7%. If a decrease in repro- ductive potential is the primary cause, then this species is approaching the extaille condition (headed for possible extinction with low population lev- els). Of all Kentucky species, this one is probably in more trouble than any other. The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) has been another species whose populations have been carefully watched in recent years. From about 1967 to 1975, Kentucky populations fluctuated somewhat annually but without 22 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 54 a significant change overall during the period. Drops in 1976 and again in 1977 have been precipitous, undoubtedly due in part to the severe winter weather (at least in 1976-77). Overall decreases have resulted in a loss of 67.7%; from the peak in 1972, the decline has been 69.0% (Fig. 3). Since 1975, populations fell 63.3%, so that virtually all of the significant change has occurred in this two-year period. In the past, bluebird populations have suffered from severe weather, and it is anticipated that the species will recover once milder winters reoccur. It will be interesting to see if there will be any recovery in the summer of 1978, in view of two severe winters in succession. In any event, populations will continue to warrant careful monitoring. Perhaps the most dramatic decline of all, and one clearly evident to any field ornithologist during the past year, has been that of the Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus ) . After January 1977, winter populations in the midwest went virtually to zero. Summer 1977 brought but a trickle of birds into ecosystems formerly with large populations; in fact, until 1975, the Carolina Wren was one of the dramatically increasing species. There is no doubt that the severe winter did them in. A look at their evo- lutionary history reveals this weakness. The genus Thryothorus, one of the largest in the wrens, is entirely tropical except for the Carolina Wren. The species is an opportunist that has expanded its range northward dur- ing periods of relatively mild winters but is unable to withstand rigorous conditions that most birds tolerate (and that most other wrens withstand, having evolved in temperate climates rather than tropical ones). Despite the loss from 1976 to 1977 (90.4%), the most startling of all (Fig. 3), pop- ulations in the warmer southeast did not suffer and Kentucky’s birds will undoubtedly recover at some future time if winters moderate again. With the severe winter of 1977-78, however, we will probably not see such a recovery in the summer of 1978. Nevertheless, the species overall is in no danger and populations will fluctuate in the future, upwards in milder conditions, down again with severe winters. With overall densities as low as those recorded for the Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes hewickii), it is usually difficult to obtain significant data as small fluctuations annually may obscure the picture. However, the decline has been so steady in this species that the figures take on much significance. Overall loss from 1967 to 1977 amounts to 75.0%. Other in- formation also indicates that the species is decreasing through range con- traction, perhaps in response to a corresponding increase in breeding pop- ulations and range of the House Wren (Troglodytes aedon). The species is still widespread in North America, particularly in the western states, and declines are significant presently only for eastern populations. One other matter pertaining to declining species should be mentioned at this point. In my 1975 paper (p. 51), I mentioned that five species, mostly forest inhabitants, had shown declining trends through 1974. It is interesting to note that all five have shown population recoveries, at least to a level for which the overall change is not significant. These species are: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Polioptila caerulea (2.84-2.66); Yellow- throated Vireo, Vireo flavifrons (1.13-0.88) ; Red-eyed Vireo, Vireo olivaceus (5.84-6.06) ; Warbling Vireo, Vireo gilvus (1.82-1.44) ; and Kentucky Warb- ler, Oporornis formosus (2.05-1.78). Kentucky breeding species on the increase will be the subject of an- other article. — Department of Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville 40208. [Data from Migratory Bird and Habitat Research Laboratory, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.] 1978 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 23 in n O H O td H p P P o P p 3 2 o ^ rD K P w Ui XIX <-+- fD "o c-l- P p s. p' r-f- P in 5' crq O 3 ^ GfQ cr 5‘ p xn P. I-P 2 r+- B p o P o (D i-S in p g fD P O % fD P xn C+- fD P- 2 p" P p- p. 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UJ 2 LU LU CC CC > § DC - > ^ — m DC LU LU ii w 5 is; — ^ 5 LU < CQ O is z 9 ^ CC o DC 2 DQ < Q DC X m CO UJ =) Z) DC _I X CQ CC CO LU < DC LU X iu O -I H- H O UJ < Z -J < . - I- z CC ^ E (DO . - . CC o i!u 9 X LU Q > ^ — , _l CQ h- 3 O X < DQ CD X § LU i^ X LU in cn o CO ■>- cr> C\J LO CV CD CO CO CO CD CO CD CD CNJ un CO 00 -I- C\J CD O CO 00 CO T- ^ 'd- o CO CO Q 5E UJ O 2 m CO Q < LU UJ DC Q DC Q y “ DC ^ m o O < o ^§2 “ ^ 2 ^ LU h- ^ X CO s ■, 3 O X X O CD X o 2 liJ o _ UJ ^ a 5 ^ o;[ § X OQQ- y o z w X ::: O w z _i m CO 3 2 CL CO ,,, X o < X 3 X iT 5 3 O 2 S 3 < X X X < X CO 5 O => < ^ X Q CO X X LU UJ I CO 5 LU < > Q o X W 9 Q X X h- o L»- > ^ X X CO ^ X > O § X X O : 3 X > : X X ^ > CO ^ X w z ii§3 E § o < 3 CO CO 3 Indicates the species was recorded but not on the count day. 10 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 55 fairly well represented. — Alan Barron, Barbara and Joseph Croft, Walter Ellison, Howard Hopkin, Wilbur Jackson, Frank and John Krull, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Martha Pike, Lene Rauth, Helga Shutte, Anne L. Stamm (compiler), Frederick W. Stamm. BERNHEIM FOREST (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Forest lookout tower 2.7 miles southeast of forest entrance; hab- itat as described previously). — Dec. 31; 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky over- cast with intermittent light to moderate rain all day; Temp. 48-61°; wind 10-30 m.p.h. Thirteen observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 37 (15 on foot, 22 by car). Total party-miles 252 (11 on foot, 241 by car). Total species 65; 4,252 individuals. The Short-eared Owl was seen by Lawrence Smith and Susie Pasi- kowski near Boston, Ky. Pine Warblers were well seen by two parties in the many pine trees of the forest. Pine Warblers are sometimes seen in winter at Bernheim, but this is the first time for the count. They nest in Bernheim in the summer months. Numbers of Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, and White-breasted Nuthatch were lower than in previ- ous years, and very few blackbirds were seen. — Alan Barron, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Lysbeth Davis, Diane Elmore, Jackie B. Elmore, Sr. (compiler), Doug Knopf, Frank Krull, John Krull, Martha Pike, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Susie Pasikowski, Lawrence Smith. LOUISVILLE (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. Hwys. 42 and 22; area and habitat as described 1972). — Dec. 17; 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; Temp 29-46°; wind WSW, 0-20 m.p.h. Floodwaters just receded. Thirty-six observers in 13 parties. Total party- hours 123 (59 on foot, 64 by car). Total party-miles 700 (73 on foot, 627 by car). Total species 87; 18,963 individuals. Rarities included a Merlin (Robertson party). Vesper Sparrows (Krull party), a Lincoln’s Sparrow (Robertson party), and the first Christmas Count report of a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. The latter was studied at leisure at close range by Smith, Schulz, and Blackburn. The worst flood locally peaked on the Ohio River on Wednesday; by Sunday waters had receded but access to the river was limited. Waterfowl had abandoned their usual feeding grounds and were difficult to find. Declines in total numbers (about half the previous year) were due to lower numbers of starlings and blackbirds; again, there appears to be no major roost in the Louisville area. Carolina Wrens continue to be down, and for the first time Bluebirds were not recorded (although the species was seen the previous Sunday). — Pierre Allaire, Jane and Pat Bell, Donald Blackburn, Altha Cain, Lee Calvert, Katherine Colburn, Muriel Doolittle, Beth Douthitt, Walter Ellison, Diane and Jackie Elmore, Deke Hook, Violet and Wilbur Jackson, Frank Krull, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Frank Krull, Sr., John Krull, Barbara Lensing, Burt Monroe, Jr. (compiler). Dot Muntan, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Mary and Ted Pettit, Mrs. Robert Pile, Robert Quaife, Lene Rauth, Judy Robert- son, V. C. Rommel, Carl Schulz, Mabel Slack, L. D. Smith, Anne and F. W. Stamm, Midge Susie (Beckham Bird Club). SHELBYVILLE (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center one mile south of U.S. 60 and Guist Creek Lake on Ky. 714; habitat farmland, forests, and suburban). — Dec. 29; 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky overcast 1979 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 11 to clear; Temp. 25-50°; wind E, 15 m.p.h. Two observers in one party. Total party-hours 11 (5 on foot, 6 by car). Total party-miles 109 (6 on foot, 103 by car). Total species 44; 917 individuals. — W. H. Brown (compiler), Todd Brown. DANVILLE (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Boyle County courthouse; habitat farmland 55%, woodland 23%, streamside 20%, residential 1%, parks 1%). — Dec. 16; 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky partly cloudy with rain in the afternoon; Temp. 34-44°; wind SE, 0-30 m.p.h. Thirty-three observers in 8 parties. Total party hours 58 V2 (22 on foot, 331/2 by car). Total party-miles 273 (22 on foot, 251 by car). Total species 62; 14,012 individuals. — W. C. Alcock, E. Baird, Ernest Bronkema, Harry Caldwell, Molly Caldwell (compiler), Lois Corcoran, Walter, Molly, and Janie Donaldson, Neil and Virginia Eklund, Mrs. Scott Glore, John Gower, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Heck, D. Bell and West Hill, Jack Kellam, Pat and Jeff Loane, Dr. and Mrs. Fred Loetcher, Mike Marsh, Paul Morgan, Cyn- thia and Peter Murphy, J. B. Nichols, Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, Roger Rakestraw, Steve Stamper, Betty Ullrich. FRANKFORT (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at junction of U.S. 127 and Ky. 1900; area and habitat coverage as described in 1972). — Dec. 16; 6:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky overcast with steady rain in afternoon; all water open; Temp. 35-47°; wind SSW, 3-12 m.p.h. Twenty- three observers in 12 parties. Total party-hours 70 (57 on foot, 13 by car). Total party-miles 293 (56 on foot, 237 by car). Total species 59; 3,697 individuals. Unexpected finds included the House Wren and the Least Sandpiper recorded during the count period. Declines due to the recent severe winters continue to be seen for Bobwhite, Carolina Wren, Mockingbird, and Eastern Bluebird. The Field Sparrow continues to increase in numbers in wintering populations in the Frankfort area. — E. G. Amburgey, William Black- burn, Karen, Laura, and Rose Canon, Dennis and Faith Coskren, Peggy Derryberry, James Durell, Alexander and Virginia Gilchrist, Bill and Charles Grayson, Pat and Scott Hankla, Howard Jones (compiler), Rae McEntyre, Lewis and Mary Pfouts, Carolyn Short, Glen Wells, Jim Wil- liams, Tim Williams. KLEBER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at junction of U.S. 227 and Ky. 845 in Owen County; area and habitat as described in 1972). — Dec. 31; 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Sky overcast with fog, steady rain all day with streams near flooding; Temp. 47-59°; wind S, 5-17 m.p.h. Two observers in one party. Total party-hours 8 1/4 (5 on foot, 31/4 by car). Total party-miles 85 (6 on foot, 79 by car). Total species 30; 487 individuals. The terrible weather and unavailability of observers hampered cov- erage of the count area. The absence of Carolina Wrens and Mockingbirds can be attributed to recent severe winters. Absence of American Robins and Cedar Waxwings is probably due to a poor crop of Red Cedar cones. White-throated Sparrows and Rufous-sided Towhees were concentrated near a food plot. — Peggy Derryberry, Howard Jones (compiler). LEXINGTON (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 12 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 55 East Hickman on Tates Creek Pike; pasture 25%, lakes 20%, scrub/fence- row 20%, woodland 14%, cultivated fields 8%, river edge 8%, residential 5%). — Dec. 30; 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky overcast with intermittent light rain; Temp. 37-47°; wind SSE, 10-20 m.p.h. Thirty-seven observers in 14 parties. Total party-hours 183.7 (97.5 on foot, 86.2 by car). Total party- miles 606.7 (40.5 on foot, 566.2 by car). Total species 75; 6,347 individuals. — Ellen Allen, Roger Barbour, Robert Barker, Ann, Bonnie and Eugene Bradley, Mary Burns, Lowell Bush, Karen and Rose Canon, Ruth Davis, Helen Edmonds, Carl Ernst, Lyda Fech, Jean and Mike Flynn, Rory Flynn, Given Harper, Anna Helton, Maude Hurt, Irma Johnson, Betty Maxson, Catherine Maxson, Bernice McClure, Robert Morris, Lucy Phenix, Alfred and Virginia Reece, Jerry Reece, Barbara and Don Ruff, Richard Schwein, Rose Shrimpton, Andy and Marion Uterhart, Sally Wasielewski, Jim Wil- liams, Rich Wohschlaeger, Jim Wood, Ellen Allen (compiler). NICHOLAS COUNTY (CARNICO) (all points within a 15-mile dia- meter circle, center Kingsolver cabin. Lake Carnico; habitat lake, hard- woods, open fields). — Dec. 28; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky clear; Temp. 12-34° ; wind 3-10 m.p.h. Seven observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours 14 (7 on foot, 7 by car). Total party-miles 50 (5 on foot, 45 by car). Total party-miles 50 (5 on foot, 45 by car). Total species 37; 659 indi- viduals. — Mrs. John Gabriel, Mr. Given Harper, Dr. and Mrs. W. R. Kingsolver (compilers), Mrs. Harold Lotton, Dr. and Mrs. Jack Morford. BURLINGTON (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Huey’s Corner as described in 1975; 60% woodland, 20% open field, 5% residential, 15% streams and river). — Dec. 30; 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky cloudy with intermittent rain during the day; Temp. 40-47°; wind 0-7 m.p.h. Six observers in three parties. Total party-hours 30.5 (20.5 on foot, 10 by car). Total party-miles 202.2 (5.2 on foot, 197 by car). Total species 39; 1,142 individuals. Blackbird species were absent on the count day, and waterfowl num- bers were low. The Vesper Sparrow was seen by Ed Larson near the Greater Cincinnati Airport. Two small flocks of Eastern Bluebirds were encouraging. — Gerri Kennedy, Laura Kob, Linda Kob, Ed Larson, Lee McNeely (compiler), Lynda McNeely. JACKSON (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Hilltop Church as described in 1975 and habitat as described). — Dec. 16; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky cloudy with rain in the afternoon; Temp. 30-52°; wind SSW, 5-10 m.p.h. Eleven observers in 6 parties. Total party-hours 30 (18 on foot, 12 by car). Total party-miles 83 (14.5 on foot, 68.5 by car). Total species 40; 946 individuals. Numbers of Downy Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatches, and Carolina Wrens were quite low. The Chipping Sparrow was unexpected. — Carrol Fackler, Bill Kuenstler, Fred Landrum, Doug McLaren, Casey Morton, Jack and Peggy Payne, Tom Smith (compiler), Mark and Oda VanWinkle. PINE MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Putney on Hwy. 119 in Harlan County; habitat mostly mountainous forest, some agricultural land, and small 1979 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 13 lakes). — Jan. 2; 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky overcast with heavy snow most of day; Temp. 27-12° (dropped during day) ; wind NW, 1-15 m.p.h. Ten observers in 8 parties. Total party-hours 20 {I6V2 on foot, 31/2 by car). Total party -miles 32 1/2 (6 1/2 on foot, 26 by car). Total species 35; 1,522 individuals. The weather conditions were very poor with snow, wind, and falling temperatures. — Mrs. Rufous Bailey, Julius Begley, Afton Garrison, Pam McKee, Steven McKee (compiler), Anne Moretz, Francis Owens, Burton Rogers, Jack Whitfield, Mrs. E. L. Woolsey. WILLARD (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Willard; habitat creek bottom, field and woodland areas). — Dec. 28; 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky sunny; Temp. 25-35°. One observer. Total party-hours eight (on foot). Total party-miles eight (on foot). Total species 16; 88 indivi- duals. — Ercel Kozee (compiler). (Editor’s note: In his report Mr. Kozee stated that he “walked about eight miles over the same route I’ve walked since Christmas, 1937. I missed one count (two years ago). The 1978 count was number 40. This count will probably be my last. The walk through field and woodland and hills is getting to be too much for my age and strength.” We thank Mr. Kozee for his faithful participation in the Mid-winter Bird Counts for so many years and for the information he has provided concerning the birds in his region of the state. — H. E. SHADOWEN THE FALL MIGRATION SEASON, 1978 Anne L. Stamm The weather during the fall migration, August 1 through November 30, 1978, was unusually warm, with temperatures well above normal, except for the month of October, which averaged below normal. In Louis- ville it was the warmest September since 1959. Western counties, especially Calloway, experienced the “worst drought in more than 25 years.” These drought conditions contrasted sharply with those in Jefferson County, where the rainfall was higher than normal during the month of August. The high water at the Falls of the Ohio covered the rock ledge for much of the time, limiting shorebird habitat. The rainfall recorded in September and October was below normal while in November it was approximately two inches above normal. A good movement of Common Loons was noticeable in mid-November throughout the state. Ducks arrived later than usual, but geese were on schedule, especially in western Kentucky. The hawk migration was, as usual, most evident in the southeastern section of the state. Reports re- vealed a continued scarcity of Cooper’s, Red-shouldered and Marsh Hawks. A few Merlin were reported. The warbler migration was considered poor by most observers; there were few waves of any consequence. Perhaps because of the mild fall some warblers remained later than usual. Few winter finches were reported and received little comment from observers. In general it was felt that the migration of passerines left much to be desired. A few unusual species were reported, including a Reddish Egret. A 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 55 few of the other rarities were: Cattle Egret, Wood Stork, White Ibis, Surf Scoter, Black Scoter, Sandhill Crane and Red Phalarope. Loons through Ibises. — Common Loons were widely scattered: one bird at Barren River Reservoir on September 9 was unusually early (GJ) ; another at Falls of the Ohio on October 30 (LS) ; eight at Grayson Lake in eastern Kentucky, November 14 (WCG) ; and 12 at Lake Pewee on November 20 (JH). However, the big movement south came on November 17 when 36 were recorded at Lake Carnico (VK, WK) ; 151, by actual count, at Lexington Reservoir #4 (DC) ; and hundreds along the Ohio River from Louisville to Prospect (m.o.b.), with estimates of 500 birds (BM). Small flocks of Horned Grebe ranging from 15 and up to 50 were observed along the Ohio River, east of Louisville, November 17 (BM, ALS, BPB, FS), and the earliest arrival was that of a single bird at McNeely Lake on October 6 (DP). No sizeable flocks of Pied-billed Grebe were re- ported, with the exception of the 91 and 79 at Lake Pewee, November 25 and 30, respectively (JH). The only reports of Double-crested Cormor- ants were from Louisville and ranged from four birds on September 29 (JEl) to five birds on November 8 (ALS, FS). Great Blue Heron were reported from most areas in the state and maximum numbers were: 15 at Falls of the Ohio on August 13 (ALS, m.o.b.) ; 27 there on August 16 (JEl) and the 19th (LaS, m.o.b.) ; and 24 at Kentucky Lake, October 12 (JEr). Little Blue Heron were reported at islands in Kentucky Lake, August 3, with 14 immatures there on October 1 (JEr) ; small numbers of immatures and an adult at Falls of the Ohio, from early August to mid- August (m.o.b.), and last observed there on August 25 (JEl). An immature Cattle Egret in Bourbon County, near Ruddles Mills, west of Millersburg, November 7, was of special interest (DC, RM) ; another at Cave Run Fish Hatchery, November 8, is our most eastern record (WCG). A very unusual rarity — the Reddish Egret — was noted at the Falls of the Ohio on Sep- tember 1 (BPB), and later observed by others (BM, LR, ALS, FS). High counts of Black-crowned Night Heron were: 31 at Cadiz (IK) ; 67 at Falls of the Ohio, August 13 (ALS, m.o.b.) and 102 there on August 19 (LaS, m.o.b.). A Least Bittern at McNeely Lake on October 6 was rather late (DP). One of the highlights of the season was the sighting of a Wood Stork in Nelson County, September 9, by Robert K. Brown; the species remained for several weeks and was observed by many birders. Another exciting record was that of three immature White Ibis, three miles from Crestwood on August 9 (Rlr, SI). Waterfowl. — First flights of migrating Geese were recorded on Sep- tember 23, but the following day “thousands passed over the Kentucky Lake area’’ (JEr). Ducks were late in arriving, but a good movement of waterfowl was recorded on the Ohio River at Louisville November 17 ; rafts of scaup, bufflehead and mergansers were counted (BPB, ALS, FS, BM). An interesting group of waterbirds was also found on Lexington Reservoir #4 on November 17 and included 250 Lesser Scaup, 77 Ruddy Ducks, 20 Redheads, 15 Bufflehead, and a few American Wigeon and Gadwall (DC). One thousand Ring-necked Ducks were present on No- vember 6 and 20, at Lake Pewee, Madisonville (JH). An estimated 500 Wood Ducks came to a pond, near Harrods Creek, October 20 (FK, JK). Although only a few Canvasback Ducks were recorded at Louisville, 57 1979 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 15 were counted at Lake Pewee on November 25 (JH). Two Surf Scoters were present in the Ohio River, above the wall of McAlpine Dam, October 26 (LR), and later in the day observed by others (JEl, ALS, FS) ; and two on November 17, along the Ohio River, upstream from Louisville (BPB, CR). One Black Scoter was recorded on the Ohio River at Louisville, Oc- tober 20 (BPB, JEl) ; and one on November 13, above McAlpine Dam (ALS, FS). Raptors. — Fair numbers of Turkey Vultures were reported in the Louisville area and in western Kentucky. A roost of Turkey and Black Vultures numbering about 100 was found in western Kentucky (JEr). A few Cooper’s Hawks were recorded: two pursuing Blue Jays, near Hamlin, September 28 (JEr) ; one at Danville, September 30 (KOS) ; one at Louisville, November 11 (VR) ; two at Bernheim Forest on November 6 (FSh, BS, DD) ; and seven in migration in Bell County, September 18-20 (ALS, FS). Red-shouldered Hawks were recorded from only four counties. Approximately 50 Broad-winged Hawks were observed at Lexington on September 23 (WB) while 687 were seen in migration in Bell County, September 18-20 (ALS, FS). Rough-legged Hawks were mentioned briefly: one in Cherokee Park on October 12 was early (DP) ; one in northeast Louisville, November 18 (BBC). Bald Eagles (3 im. and 1 ad.) were recorded at Land Between the Lakes (Honker Lake) on November 4 (CP) ; an immature was shot in Henry County in mid-November (NT). Marsh Hawks were scarce, although five were observed in migration in Bell County, September 19 (ALS, FS). Ten Ospreys were reported from Ken- tucky Lake to Cumberland Gap, and dates ranged from August 20 — an early date at Louisville (FK, JK) --to early October. Four Merlin were reported: one at Lexington, September 24 (AU) ; one at Bedford on September 28 (JY) ; one at Shakertown on September 30 (KOS) ; and one at Louisville, November 11 (VR, ALS). Cranes and Rails. — Several flocks of Sandhill Cranes were reported: the first flock of 75 birds over south Louisville was on November 1 (WJ) ; one flock of 41 and one of 89 in Barren County on November 19 (FaS, RS) ; six at Louisville on November 19 (CR) ; and a flock heard in Jessamine County on November 28 (JW). Two Virginia Rail at Bedford on Sep- tember 12 were of interest (JY). The two Soras on a Louisville farm, August 17, were early migrants (BPB). Coots through Shorebirds. — American Coot migration was very much in evidence from October 28 to November 25: 1800 at Lake Pewee, Madisonville on October 28; 3700 there on November 20 and 1025 on November 25; and 800 at Falls of the Ohio on November 19 (ALS, FS). Most species of shorebirds were recorded but numbers were small. Some of the more interesting records were: four Piping Plover at Falls of the Ohio on August 16 (BPB) ; two Willet at Falls of the Ohio on August 20 (BPB) and two at Kentucky Lake, August 24 (JEr). Three Greater Yel- lowlegs at Louisville, November 18, established a late record for Kentucky (BBC), and the two Lesser Yellowlegs at Louisville, November 17, were also late in departing (BPB). A Red Knot at Kentucky Lake on August 1 and 3 was extremely early (JEr). A flock of 24 Pectoral Sandpipers lingered until November 9 at Lake Pewee (JH). A few Baird’s were re- ported at Kentucky Lake from July 29 to September 12 (JEr). Noteworthy 16 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER VoL 55 records of the Dunlin included: one at the Cave Run Fish Hatchery in eastern Kentucky November 8 (WCG) ; two at Kentucky Lake, Septem- ber 20 (JEr) ; and three at Lake Pewee, November 25 (JH). A Semipal- mated Sandpiper on November 1, at Falls of the Ohio, established a late local record (DP). Only a few Western Sandpipers were recorded: two at Kentucky Lake on August 22, and three on August 24 (JEr) ; one at Falls of the Ohio on September 6 and 17 (JEl). Two reports of the Buff-breasted Sandpiper were received: two birds on September 6 (BPB) ; two on Sep- tember 17 (JEl) ; both at Falls of the Ohio. The rare Red Phalarope was present at the Falls of the Ohio on November 1 (DP). Two Wilson’s Phalaropes were reported: one at Falls of the Ohio, August 15 (BPB) ; and one at Kentucky Lake, August 20 (JEr). Gulls and Terns. — Thirty-six Ring-billed Gulls were present at Bar- ren River Reservoir on November 24 (ALS, FS) ; one was seen at Cave Run Fish Hatchery on November 8 (WCG). One to two Least Terns were observed from August 28 to September 6, at Kentucky Lake (JEr). Only a few Black Terns were reported : five to six on August 23 and 30, at Kentucky Lake (JEr) ; two on August 10, at Falls of the Ohio (ALS, FS), and seven there on August 19 (JEl) ; and two on September 5, at Kentucky Lake (JEr). Owls through Flycatchers. — Two Short-eared Owls were reported near Glendale, Hardin County, in mid-November (RW, fide JR). A very late date for the Whip-poor-will was established on November 14, at Louisville (BPB). The migration of Common Nighthawks was noted on September 2 in northeast Louisville when 497 were counted (ALS, FS) ; 350 plus were sighted on September 10, two miles south of Murray (JEr) ; a flock of 101 on September 14, over south Louisville (JEl) ; and one bird recorded as late as October 23 (JEl). Chimney Swift migration was under- way on August 19 at Louisville, when 100 were seen (ALS) ; 250 were ob- served five miles south of Murray on September 4 (JEr) ; but 1000 were flying about a chimney in south Louisville on October 7 (WJ). Large groups of Red-headed Woodpeckers were seen during the period at Glas- gow (RS). An Eastern Kingbird on September 2 in Larue County was a late straggler (JEl). Two Yellow-bellied Flycatchers were reported: one on September 3, at Creason Park (JEl) ; and one on September 30, at Louis- ville (BPB). An Olive-sided Flycatcher on September 24, near Hamlin in southwestern Kentucky, was the only one reported (JEr). A large flock of swallows, estimated at 5000 birds, was observed at Columbus, September 15. It was estimated that 80 percent of the birds were Bank Swallows, 15 percent Tree Swallows, and 5 percent Rough-winged, Barn, and Purple Martins (JEr). A Barn Swallow on October 8, in Jefferson County, pro- vided a late local record (DP). Small flocks of Blue Jay were migrating on September 24 over Louisville (ALS) ; and on September 28 and October 12 at Kentucky Lake (JEr). A roost of Common Crows numbering 2000, in southeast Jefferson County, was of interest (JEl). Chickadees through Wrens. — Carolina Chickadees and Tufted Titmice were considered scarce in the Owensboro area (RI). Red-breasted Nut- hatches were reported as being “more numerous than usual” at Glasgow, Barren County (RS), and at Louisville (BS). A Brown Creeper was recorded on September 18 at George Rogers Clark Park, and established 1979 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 17 an early local record (BS). A House Wren on November 12 at Creason Park, Louisville, was a late straggler (JEl). A single Bewick’s Wren was seen at Hamlin on August 20 — the first observed there in two years (JEr). Carolina Wrens suffered great losses during the past two severe winters throughout the state, and it v/as gratifying that a flock of 12 was reported around a woodpile on October 12 and 13 at Hamlin (JEr). Two records of the Long-billed Marsh Wren were received: one at Creason Park on October 8 (JEl) ; and one on the shore’s edge of Kentucky Lake, October 10 (JEr). Thrushes through Kinglets. — Robins began migrating fairly early: a flock of 200 on September 22 was seen at George Rogers Clark Park, Louisville (BS, FSh) ; another peak date was October 7 in northeast Louisville (ALS) ; and in western Kentucky on October 11 (JEr). A Swainson’s Thrush at Kentucky Lake on October 19 was rather late in departing (JEr). A Veery banded at Anchorage on September 4 was an early local record (BM). Although the Eastern Bluebird continues to be scarce throughout the state small flocks of eight to ten were observed at Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge, September 30 (WA, KOS) ; six to eight during the period at Sandy Hook (WCG) ; and eight in Crestwood, Old- ham County (HA, m.o.b.). The earliest Ruby-crowned Kinglet was noticed at Okolona, Jefferson County, August 26 (DP). Warblers. — The warbler migration was not spectacular, few waves were noticed; best days were between September 23 and 25. The Black- throated Blue Warbler arrived on the early date of September 4 at two places: one at Anchorage (BM) ; and one at Creason Park, Louisville (JEl). The individual late departure dates were: an immature Black-and-white Warbler on November 3, McNeely Lake (DP) ; Golden-winged Warbler on September 30, Louisville (BPB) ; Orange-crowned on November 6, at Louis- ville (JEl) ; and Northern Parula on October 6, in Jefferson County (DP). Blackbirds through Finches. — A mixed flock of 3500-5000 Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Crackles was seen in Oldham County on October 5 (ALS, FS) ; a flock of 2000 Common Crackles was recorded in Jefferson County on November 13, but few were present in mid-December (ALS). A male Scarlet Tanager on October 26 at Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, provided a late local record (BS, FSh, DD). A Blue Grosbeak was singing briefly on August 1 southwest of Madisonville (JH) ; six females were feeding along Cox’s Creek, Nelson County, September 11 (KWC), providing Kentucky with its first fall record; four birds in Nelson County, Septem- ber 17, possibly some of the group observed on September 11 (JEl). An immature Indigo Bunting on October 16, at the Falls of the Ohio, was a late straggler (DP). Evening G’^osbeak were scarce or absent, although three males were seen as early as October 6, at McNeely Lake, with six as the high figure, and last observed on November 13 (DP). Purple Finches were not common anywhere; the earliest arrival was of a single bird at Crestwood on October 8 (ALS) but 36 were recorded at Bernheim Forest on November 1 (BS, FSh, DD) ; and first observed at Owensboro on No- vember 18 (RI). Few Pine Siskin were reported. In recent years the Hens- low’s Sparrow has been lingering well into fall and one sighted in Louis- ville on November 2 was a record departure date (BPB). The winter resident sparrows were late in arriving and numbers were down from 18 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 55 1977. White-crowned Sparrows were down, particularly in the Louisville area (ALS). Contributors. — (HA) Helen Abell; (WA) W. C. Alcock; (RB) Rob- ert K. Brown; (KC) Kathryn W. Clay; (DC) Dennis Coskren; (DD) Donald DeVitt; (JEl) Jackie Elmore; (JEr) Joe Tom Erwin; (WCG) William C. Greene, Jr.; (JH) James W. Hancock; (RI) Ramon Isles; (Rlr, SI) Robert and Sharon Irmscher; (GJ) George Johnson; (IK) Irene Kemper; (FK, JK) Frank X. and John Krull; (WJ) Wilbur Jackson; (BM) Burt L. Monroe, Jr. ; (RM) Robert Morris; (BPB) Brainard Palmer- Ball, Jr.; (DP) Donald Parker; (CP) Clell Peterson; (LR) Lene Rauth; (JR) Jon E. Rickert; (VR) Virginia Calvert Rommel; (CR) Mrs. Charles Robertson; (LS) Larry Sanders; (BS) Bernice Shannon; (FSh) Francis Shannon; (LaS) Lawrence D. Smith; (ALS) Anne L. Stamm; (FS) Frederick W. Stamm; (FaS) Faye Starr; (RS) Russell Starr; (NT) Nancy Theiss; (AU) Andrew Uterhart; (RW) Robert Wade; (JW) J. R. Wilson; (JY) John Young. Other abbreviations — (BBC) Beckham Bird Club; (KOS) Kentucky Ornithological Society; (m.o.b.) many observers. — 2101 Spokane Way, Louisville, Kentucky, 40222. WOOD STORK. Photographed on September 12, 1978, at Cox's Creek, Nelson County, by Frederick W. Stamm. 1979 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 19 BOOK REVIEW WHERE TO FIND BIRDS IN FLORIDA, edited by Margaret C. Bowman and Herbert W. Kale II, revised edition 1977. Florida Audubon So- ciety, Maitland, Florida 32751 ; 33 pp. and 21 black-and-white photo- graphs. $2.00 plus .50 postage and handling. This brief guide to bird finding in Florida is the third edition of a publication with the title Where to find birds and enjoy natural history in Florida. It represents the work of several authors acquainted with Flor- ida birding areas; localities are described, directions are given, and species of interest are mentioned. The writers have divided the state into four regions as follows : south Florida and Grand Bahama Island ; interior Florida; east coast; and gulf coast. Many actual birding sites are not listed in the table of contents; for example, under the heading of Deland are described seven birding sites. In addition to such highly publicized areas as Everglades National Park and Corkscrew Sanctuary, many bird- ing areas probably unknown to out-of-staters are included. The descrip- tions are not verbose but are crisply stated. There are many bird-finding guides available today, but for the person interested in an inexpensive publication written by several people well ac- quainted with the birding areas being described, this booklet is recom- mended. — H. E. SHADOWEN, 1927 Cedar Ridge Rd., Bowling Green 32101. FIELD NOTES RAVEN AND OSPREY IN SOUTHEASTERN KENTUCKY Mengel (1965) stated that the Common Raven (Corvus corax) was at one time a resident of the Cumberland Plateau and Cumberland Moun- tains of eastern Kentucky and was probably at least a vagrant in more western portions of the state but is now extirpated. Monroe (1969) also reported the raven to be extinct in the state. On March 22, 1978 we heard a raven below the Ridge Trail between Sand Cave and White Rocks in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Harlan Co., Kentucky. The following day we saw a raven at the same locality and heard one there again on March 24. Dennis Coskren visited the area seeking ravens on April 8. He saw and heard one from White Rocks. Jarvis Hudson, while birding along the Ridge Trail on June 10 heard a raven at Chadwell Gap, in Bell County. Unfortunately, we have no evidence of more than one raven spending the breeding season in Kentucky. Perhaps the aforementioned sightings were of a non-breeding individual. We hope that future observers can establish that this magnificent bird has returned as a member of our breeding fauna. Although the raven is generally rare in the eastern states, it seems to be making a comeback. Hall {American Birds 1977 a, 1977b) notes an increase of the raven in West Virginia, and a modest range ex- pansion from its stronghold in the West Virginia mountains. 20 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 55 At noon on June 21, 1978 we saw an Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) ap- proach the lake at US. 25E and the entrance to Pine Mountain State Park, Bell Co., Kentucky. The bird hit the water, arose and flew off. We could not tell if it captured a fish. Mengel (1965) listed the Osprey as a summer resident of western Kentucky, where he suspected it of breeding at a few localities along the Mississippi River. The bird we saw was probably a wandering indi- vidual. The locality does not seem suitable for breeding ospreys. — CHARLES K. SMITH and WAYNE H. DAVIS, School of Biological Sci- ences, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40506. NEWS AND VIEWS KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP AWARDS Membership Awards in the Kentucky Ornithological Society are avail- able to persons who have shown a sincere interest in birds and the field of ornithology. We particularly invite the nomination of students although by no means is it restricted to that group. Beginning immediately K.O.S. members may send nominations toi Pierre N. Allaire, Dept, of Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Ky. 40208. Nominees will be forwarded an application and asked for one letter of recommendation. The Membership Award provides a one-year gratis new membership in the Kentucky Ornithological Society. K.O.S. SPRING MEETING You are encouraged to attend our spring meeting to be held at Mam- moth Cave National Park on April 27, 28, and 29. Those interested in making a presentation at the Friday evening program should contact the Program Chairman, Ramon lies, 2223 St. James Court, Owensboro 42301. IN MEMORIAM Mrs. Margaret Riddle Mr. Chester Sundquist The Kentucky Warbler (Published by the Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 55 MAY, 1979 NO. 2 IN THIS ISSUE ANALYSIS OF KENTUCKY’S BREEDING BIRDS: INCREASING SPECIES, Burt L. Monroe, Jr 23 THE WINTER SEASON OF 1978-1979, Anne L. Stamm 29 K.O.S. SPRING MEETING, APRIL 27-29 32 FIELD NOTE 34 NEWS AND VIEWS 35 22 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 55 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Founded in 1923 by B. C. Bacon, L. Otley Pindar, and Gordon Wilson President Andrew Uterhart, Lexington Vice-President Ramon lies, Owensboro Corr. Sec.-Treasurer Mrs. F. W. Stamm 9101 Spokane Way, Louisville, Ky. 40222 Recording Secretary Councillors : Pierre Allaire, Jackson Dr. Hunter Hancock, Murray Mrs. Molly Caldwell, Danville Ed Wilson, Owensboro Retiring President Librarian Sister Casimir Czurles, Owensboro 1977-1979 1977-1979 1978-1980 1978-1980 . A. L. Whitt, Jr., Richmond Evelyn Schneider, Louisville Staff Artist Ray Harm, Chenoa THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November. The KENTUCKY WARBLER is sent to all members not in arrears for dues. Membership dues are: Active or Regular, $3.00 ; Contributing, $5.00 ; Student, $2.00 ; Life, $50.00 ; Family, $1.00 in addition to Regular, Contributing, or Life Membership dues. All articles and communications should be addressed to the editor. Subscrip- tions, memberships, and requests for back issues should be sent to the treasurer. Editor H. E. Shadowen, Biology Department, Western Kentucky Univ.. Bowling Green 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Anne L. (Mrs. F. W.) Stamm Burt L. Monroe, Jr. OUR COVER We are indebted to Joe O. Knight, Jr. for the attractive cover picture of the Brown Thrasher feeding young at the nest. He photographed the birds on June 13, 1977, and made the black-and-white print from his color transparency. 1979 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 23 ANALYSIS OF KENTUCKY’S BREEDING BIRDS: INCREASING SPECIES Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Based on Kentucky’s summer breeding bird surveys, coordinated by the Migratory Bird and Habitat Research Laboratory of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I reported (Monroe, Ky Warbler, 54:19-26, 1978) popula- tion changes over an eleven-year period for species that appeared to be declining in numbers. The present paper deals with species that have dis- played increases in numbers over the same period of time. In addition to the paper mentioned above, in which rationalization is presented for utili- zation of data from 1967 through 1977, I refer the reader to two other papers (Monroe, Ky Warbler, 46:43-45, 1970, and 51:39-45, 1975) that explain techniques for taking said counts and general trends for Ken- tucky’s breeding species over a nine-year period (1966-1974), respectively. Thirteen species of breeding birds have exhibited increases exceeding 30% over the eleven-year period under study. Two others (Mourning Dove, Zenataura macroura, and Starling Sturmus vulgaris) had exhibited in- creases of more than 45% at some point during the period but have de- clined slightly in recent years, resulting in a comparative increase of less than 30% between 1967 and 1977; these two are analyzed, however, as it is felt that the increases represent real, overall population changes. Six of the fifteen increasing species have such low breeding population levels or fluctuate so much annually that the increases are not statistically significant. The three with the lowest numbers (White-breasted Nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis, 0.32-0.53; Blue-winged Warbler, Vermivora pinus, 0.26-0.56; Blue Grosbeak Guiraca caerulea, 0.21-0.56) [figures indicate mean number of individuals per Kentucky count in 1967 and 1977, re- spectively] have such small populations that a few additional individuals cause a large change in the count figures, and thus their population in- creases may be artifacts. It should be mentioned, however, that one species (Blue Grosbeak) is expanding its range; a population increase based on individuals per summer count should be expected. The other three species have slightly higher population levels but fluctuate sufficiently to preclude considering the increases as significant. The three are Common (Yellow- shafted) Flicker, Colaptes auratus (4.05-5.31), Eastern Kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus (5.39-7.97), and Purple Martin, Progne subis (4.74-6.25). The nine species that are significantly increasing are analyzed in Table I. The most abundant of the nine increasing species, the Starling, ex- hibits a puzzling and unique pattern. With the exception of 1974, the species seems to have exhibited a significant increase between 1971 and 1972, with essentially stable populations before and since; however, the startling increase of about 35 birds per count (a 35% increase) between 1973 and 1974 remains unexplained. That the increase is probably an artifact is supported by the general stability otherwise between 1972 and the present. My first reaction was that the increase was real, followed by a decline as a result of the initial treatment of winter roosts in Kentucky with the distressing agent PA-14 (“Tergitol”) , as mentioned in Monroe and L. S. Cronholm (Proc. 7th Bird Control Seminar, pp. 90-91, 1977). I suspect now that the exceptionally high 1974 count may have resulted from an earlier breeding season, with an excess of young individuals present at the time of the June counts. In any event, the species does appear to have shown an overall increase over the decade (Fig. 1). Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) , another common sum- 24 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 55 mer resident, have shown a relatively steady increase since 1972, with the major change occurring between 1969 and 1971; measured from 1971 to the present, the change is not statistically significant, due in part to a slight decline in the past year (Fig. 1). The Mourning Dove increased significantly between 1967 and 1970 (more than 40%), remained essentially stable until 1976, and declined sharply in 1977 (result of harsh winter of 1976-77?). These figures are encouraging, however, as they show that proper management of a game species may result in stable or increasing populations (Fig. 1). Robins (Turdus migratorius) increased over the decade, with a peak in 1975, followed by slight declines in the past two years, probably as a result of the winters (Fig. 2). Perhaps of greatest interest among our increasing species are the three totally insectivorous (and migratory) ones, the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) and Common Yel- lowthroat (Geothlypis trichas). Not only have all three increased at a relatively steady and significant rate over the decade (Figs. 2 and 3), but they are the only three (of the nine being analyzed) that have shown increases between 1976 and 1977! These data are certainly supportive of the idea that the other six, all of which winter (at least in part) in Ken- tucky, have been subjected to population declines from the severe winters since 1976. The Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) has shown a very sharp increase, at least from 1967 to 1976; the decline last year, once again, was apparently due to the winter weather. Overall, however, this species has exhibited a significant increase over the decade (Fig. 3). Population increase in the Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is due in part to the range expansion of the series. In contrast to the Blue Gros- beak, which is spreading northward, the Song Sparrow is now breeding in areas south of its former range. Winter again probably produced the decline last year (Fig. 3). As one might expect, all increasing species are in some way associated with man or agricultural systems in habitats that are increasing or at least are not being threatened by human interference. Two of the three insectivorous, migratory species utilize human structures for breeding; the other occupies weedy, brushy or grassy habitats produced in large part by man’s activities. A few comments relative to the most abundant breeding species are pertinent here and fit in well with the data thus present on the increasing species. Among the ten most common birds reported on Kentucky’s summer counts (based on 1977 figures), four (Starling, #2; Red-winged Blackbird, #3; Barn Swallow, #6 and Robin, #8) are among those increasing as might be expected, but one (Eastern Meadowlark, #7) is among the de- clining ones discussed in last year’s article. The remaining species (Common Crackle, #1; House Sparrow, #4; Indigo Bunting, #5; Cardinal, #9; and Common Crow, #10) do not exhibit significant changes over the decade, although most have shown some fluctuation over the years. The only two species of the top ten to migrate out of Kentucky for the winter (Indigo Bunting and Barn Swallow) showed an increase between 1976 and 1977; of the remaining eight, only the House Sparrow and Common Crow in- creased between these years. Thus I think one can safely say that the recent severe winters have had a significant effect on Kentucky’s breeding birds, even the most abundant ones. — Department of Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville 40208. 1979 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 25 1 — 1 C/2 0 m o 0 (D 0 (“h p CO zo at O 1 ►p. 02 02 (D CO P 00 P at bo I-S 1 !-*■ 02 0 O [;— 1 M 02 h-^ 02 P CO w 02 w CT' CO '►12. O CO CO 0 P (Tl- o 1— ‘ -:i «<< 0 00 at 02 b bo b Cj 4^ h- ‘ fD p in cr? b" % a 0 CD CO CO CO 42^ 02 p 42. b b b b 00 CO 0 0 0 CO 42- CO 42. p CO to CO at at CO at b CO CD !-*• 02 42- 1-^ CO CO CO 42- p p CO 42- h-l h-l b b b --3 42^ 0 CO 02 42- CO CO 42- CO p P w P CO b b at !-*• 02 00 CO CD 42^ 42- CO 42. 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X 0. CO CO CO i § D CL § o CC CC CD D. D DC CO LU < ^ X UJ CO — LU ' D. CL ^ UJ CL CO DC LU — LU < DC d: > Q h- O g 2: o5 9 o CL CL < CL o DC ^ ^ 5 'T ^ LU CO O g DC O CL CL < cr CL < CO CL CL W S CD 5 o CO CO in o 'M- o 1- m o Q CD CO O CO CO -I- CM CO -i- Q 00 CO o 00 CM CO o CM CD 00 ° § O CD CD CO CO CD CO Q s CO T- in Q CD CD 0> T- G> Q T- tj- in ^ iu CO < d: 10 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 passed overhead near the park entrance. Alan Barron, Richard Cassell, Wilbur Jackson, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Susie Pasikowski, Helga Schutte, Anne L. Stamm (compiler), Frederick W. Stamm. BERNHEIM FOREST (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Forest lookout tower 2.75 miles SE of Forest entrance; habitat as described previously). — Dec. 23; 6:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky overcast with intermittent rain all day and fog in the afternoon; temp. 52-58°; wind S, 0-14 m.p.h. Eleven observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 41 V2 (2IV2 on foot, 20 by car). Total party miles 251 (18 on foot, 233 by car). Total species 64; 7,700 individuals. Interesting finds included the House Wren, which was seen well as it came out of heavy brush, and the Pine Warblers which may be regularly wintering there in Virginia Pines. The large number of Cedar Waxwings was attributed to the excellent crop of fruits on ornamental shrubs. — Alan Barron, Mary Bauer, Jane and Pat Bell, Joe Caruso, Brainard Palmer- Ball, Jr. (compiler), Jim Pasikowski, Martha Pike, Lene Rauth, L. D. Smith, Cletus Weller. LOUISVILLE (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. Hwys. 42 and 22, as described in 1972; habitat as described in 1972). — Dec. 16; 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy a.m., overcast p.m.; temp. 34-49°; wind E in a.m., NW in p.m., 5-18 m.p.h. Thirty-two observers in 10 parties. Total party-hours 102 (52 on foot, 50 by car). Total party miles 516 (51 on foot, 465 by car). Total species 81; 20,431 individuals. The count this year was characterized by a scarcity of northern finches and a low diversity of waterfowl. The former was no doubt a result of the mild weather, the latter produced by the high level of the Ohio River, forcing waterfowl to ponds and lakes. In the way of rarities, four Lincoln's Sparrows were discovered by Parker in a brushy area where the species has occurred in fall migration. — Alan Barron, Mary Bauer, Jane and Pat Bell, Donald Blackburn, Altha Cain, Katherine Colburn, Muriel Doo- little, Violet and Wilbur Jackson, Frank H., Frank X., John and Mary Krull, Burt Monroe, Jr. (compiler), Dottie Muntan, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Donald Parker, James Pasikowski, Martha Pike, Bob Quaife, Lene Rauth, Judy Robertson, Virginia Rommel, Carl Schultz, Mabel Slack, L. D. Smith, Anne and Frederick Stamm, A. G. and Midge Susie (Beckham Bird Club). SHELBYVILLE (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center three-fourths mile south of U.S. 60 and Guist Creek Lake on Ky. highway 714. Elevation 640 to 1190 feet. Habitat farmland, fallowland, suburban, woodland, and grassland). — Dec. 23; 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Overcast with rain the entire day; temp. 40-55°; wind S-SE, 15 m.p.h. Two ob- servers in one party. Total party-hours 10 (1V2 on foot, 81/2 by car). Total party miles 114 (1 on foot, 113 by car). Total species 40; 1,783 individuals. The rain which lasted all day caused the birds and the observers to stay under cover. The Snowy Owl was observed on Dec. 15 sitting on power poles. — W. H. Brown (compiler), Todd Brown. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 11 DANVILLE (ail points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Boyle County Court House. Habitat farmland 55%, woodland 23%, streamside 20%, residential 1%, and parks 1%). — Dec. 15; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Clear; temp. 40-51°; wind 0-10 m.p.h. Thirty observers in 8 parties. Total party-hours 59V2 (28V2 on foot, 31 by car). Total party miles 278V2 (58V2 on foot, 220 by car). Total species 61; 11,251 individuals. The number of birds was down this year, but the species count was average. — Chauncey Alcock, Ernest Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Doug Brondema, Harry Caldwell, Molly Caldwell (compiler), Mrs. Margaret Caldwell, Bob Corcoran, Ken Dickey, Mr. and Mrs. Neil Eklund, Frank Heck, Edna Heck, Mr. John Gower, Dorothy Bell Hill, West Hill, Bill Kemper, Dr. and Mrs. Fred Loetcher, Mike Marsh, Linda Marsh, Cynthia Murphy, J. B. Nichols, Roger Rakestraw, Les Reid, Wilbur Robinson, John Stamper, Steve Stamper. FRANKFORT (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at junction of U.S. 127 and Ky. 1900; area and habitat coverage as described in 1972). — Dec. 15; 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Partly cloudy, clearing in afternoon, all water open; temp. 24-49°; wind SW 6-14 m.p.h. Twenty-six observers in 13 parties. Total party -hours 69 V2 (39V2 on foot, 30 by car). Total party miles 259 Ve (60% on foot, 209 by car). Total species 66; 5,228 individuals. Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Kestrel, and Blue Jay numbers were def- initely up on this count. Eastern Bluebirds and Mockingbirds show moderate recoveries from recent lows while Bobwhites and Carolina Wrens con- tinue to be scarce. Golden-crowned Kinglets and White-crowned Sparrows seem down. Our best finds were the Bewick’s Wrens seen in roadside fence- rows several miles apart. — E. G. Amburgey, W. E. Blackburn, Christy, Honey, John and W. H. Brown, W. P. Caine, Jr., Rose Canon, Dennis Coskren, Peggy Derryberry, Steve Edwards, Bill and Charles Grayson, Pat and Scott Hankla, Howard Jones (compiler), Rae McEntyre, Ray McEntyre, Robert Morris, Richard Moseson, Lewis and Mary Pfouts, S. P. Rice, Glen Wells, Jim Williams, Tim Williams. KLEBER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at junction of U.S. 227 and State Highway 845 in Owen County; area and habitat as described in 1972). — Dec. 29; 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky overcast with fog until noon; all water open and at normal levels; temp. 25-38°; wind NE, 4-10 m.p.h. Six observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 24 (16V2 on foot, 7V2 by car). Total party miles 125 (20 on foot, 105 by car). Total species 37; 2,855 individuals. A good wild food crop of cedar cones, grapes and poison ivy berries resulted in predictably substantial numbers of American Robins, Cedar W^axwings, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Purple Finches. Carolina Wrens and Mockingbirds have not recovered in the area. Bobwhites are also very scarce according to refuge personnel. Blue Jay numbers seem up. — Peggy Derryberry, Scott Hankla, Howard Jones (compiler), Rae McEntyre, Ray McEntyre, Tim Williams. 12 THE KENTUCKY WARBLEK Vol. 56 BURLINGTON (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Huey’s Corner as described in 1975; habitat 55% woodland, 20% open field, 5% residential, 20% streams and river). — Dec. 29; 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cloudy; heavy fog present until 11:00 a.m.; temp. 24-37°; wind 0-4 m.p.h. Six observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 27 (16 on foot, 11 by car). Total party miles 131 (7 on foot, 124 by car). Total species 37 ; 811 individuals. Waterfowl and blackbird species continue to be scarce on this count. Also in low numbers this year were woodpeckers of all species, American Robins, and Common Crows. Heavy morning fog may have contributed to some low numbers. The Great Blue Heron, Common Snipe, and Loggerhead Shrike appeared for the first time on this area count. — ■ Gerri Kennedy, Laura Kob, Linda Kob, Ed Larson, Lee McNeely (compiler), Lynda McNeely. SOMERSET (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center public square of downtown Somerset; habitat deciduous woodland 20%, coniferous woodland 15%, lake and river shore 35%, open fields and edge 15%, farm- land 10%, residential 5%). — Dec. 16; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mostly cloudy with cold front by midday and falling temperature; temp. 33-47°; wind SE in a.m., NW in p.m., 0-20 m.p.h. Two observers in one party. Total party-hours 11 (2 on foot, 9 by car). Total party miles 119 (1 on foot, 118 by car). Total species 50; 3,000,999 individuals. Due to lack of observers only 50% of the circle could be covered. The double-crested Cormorants were seen at the Waitsboro Recreation Area near Burnside. The Northern Oriole was an adult male seen for several seconds, with all field marks observed. The four House Finches were males feeding with a large flock of House Sparrows. All field marks were noted. A major blackbird roost was estimated by the local newspaper to be between two and three million birds. My personal count estimated the roost to be at least three million birds. — Diane L. Elmore, Jackie B. Elmore, Sr. (compiler). JACKSON (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Hilltop Church in Breathitt County; habitat 50% woodland, 30% bottomland, 10% residential, 10% river banks). — Dec. 15; 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky mostly clear; temp. 20-55°; wind NW, 0-5 m.p.h. Sixteen observers in 11 parties. Total party-hours 48 (33 on foot, 15 by car). Total species 44; 1,149 individuals. All parties reported that birding was exceptionally “slow”. Even the common species were hard to find and in few numbers. The general con- sensus was that the mild fall and winter, so far, had not brought down the normal numbers of winter birds. — Karen Abner, Pierre Allaire (com- piler) , Bob Brown, Carroll Fackler, Fred Landrum, Jerry Learn, Doug McLaren, Warren McMullen, Casey Morton, Jack and Peggy Payne, Dell Sasser, Fred Shergy, R. F. Torok, Hargis Turner, Mark Van Winkle. PINE MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Putney Ranger Station on Ky. Highway 119 in Harlan County ; habitat mostly mountainous forest; some agricul- tural land, old fields, and roadsides) . — Jan. 6; 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 20-34°; wind W, 1-10 m.p.h.; one inch of snow on ground. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WAKBLEK 13 Thirteen observers in 4 parties plus 6 at feeders. Total party-hours 39 (35.5 on foot, 3.5 by car). Total party miles 98 (19 on foot, 79 by car). Total species 43; 1,270 individuals. — Susan Alexander, Katrine Bailey, Stephen Batson, Julious Begley, Liz Bradshaw, Afton Garrison, Catherine Hobson, Marjorie Marenberg, Lydia Mason, Raul Mateer, Scott Matthies, Steven McKee (compiler), Dolores Nice, Francis Owens, Betsy Pierce, Anne Sicilian, Mary Thibo, Jack Whitfield, Mrs. E. L. Woolsey. CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1975; habitat woodland 40%, old fields 30%, faimland 10%, residential 10%, streamside 5%, and reservoirs 5%). — Dec. 15; 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Clear to partly cloudy; temp. 20-54°; wind variable, 0-5 m.p.h. Ten observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 30 (21 on foot, 9 by car). Total party miles 68 (15 on foot, 53 by car). Total species 50; 704 individuals. Increased participation and greater habitat coverage made this year’s count one of the most successful in the Cumberland Gap area. Eleven new species were recorded for this count area, the most notable of which were a Pied-billed Grebe, Eastern Phoebe, and Chipping Sparrow observed by the Lawson party. Sam Lawson also noted, while watching a flock of Carolina Chickadees, that three birds were readily distinguishable because of their larger size and lighter coloration in the wings. These marks are characteristic of Black-capped Chickadees — a species considered rare in Kentucky, but certainly one whose status is difficult to ascertain given its close resemblance to the common Carolina Chickadee. — E. J. Carr, Richard Cassell, Laurie Coughlan, Phyllis Crouse, Barry Howard (com- piler), Ann Jones, Sam and Esther Lawson, Edith Orick, Pat Young (Wil- derness Trail Chapter, Ky. Society of Natural History). — H. E. Shadowen. THE FALL MIGRATION SEASON, 1979 Anne L. Stamm It was not a normal fall season. The weather was warm, the migration pattern varied from poor to good at different locations, the migrants were early in some places and late at others and many lingered beyond the normal departure dates. Few “northern” finches were observed. In most of the state September and November were wetter than normal. In fact, September was the wettest since records were kept in the Louisville area; precipitation for the month was 10.49 inches; normal is 2.99 inches. Heavy rains ranging from 2 to 7.4 inches in less than 48 hours left streams swollen across the state on September 13 and 14 and prompted flash flood warnings for 20 counties. Although October began with mild temperatures, the first killing frost occurred in mid-October, but temper- atures warmed within a few days. Only mild cold fronts were noted in November and the first snow flurries arrived on the 28th and 29th. Duck migration was poor in most of the state; the largest group noted in central Kentucky was on November 9. The water level was high and the ducks did not linger for many days. As usual, the hawk migration was quite evident in eastern Kentucky. Few Rough-legged Hawks were 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBUER Vol. 56 reported. Shorebird migration for the most part was poor, perhaps in large measure due to the flooding of normal habitats. The warbler migration got under way early and large numbers passed through the state in mid and late August. Warbler migration usually reaches its peak in central Kentucky the third week of September, but this season little was noted at that time, with the exception of “heavy migration’’ at Bedford on September 30. In western Kentucky good num- bers of warblers were seen September 18-20. A few unusual species were reported: Oldsquaw, Black Scoter, Surf Scoter, Sandhill Crane, Connecticut Warbler and LeConte’s Sparrow. Loons through Herons. — Last year the Common Loon migration was rather spectacular in much of the state, but this season few were seen anywhere: one at Danville, October 27 (FL) ; one at Fishing Creek Recrea- tional area, Somerset, November 1 and eight on the 11th (JEl) ; four at Louisville, November 10 (JR, BBC) ; and five at Dale Hollow, November 18 (RS). The majority of Pied-billed Grebe are usually at Lake Pewee, Madisonville, and this was true this season with 56 there on November 9 (JH). Only small numbers of Horned Grebe were reported throughout Kentucky. A single Double-crested Cormorant was sighted at the Falls of the Ohio on November 9 (AB) through the 16th (LR). The Great Blue Heron was reported throughout the period in Jefferson, Boone, and Trigg Counties, with the greatest number — 67 — at Barkley Lake, Trigg Coun- ty, September 8 (JEr). An adult Little Blue Heron was seen a number of times at the Falls of the Ohio during August (ALS, LaS, m. ob.) and one at Kentucky Lake, September 24, 25 (JEr). A flock of 58 Cattle Egrets was reported in south Jefferson County on October 28 (DS) and consti- tutes the highest number ever recorded in Kentucky; strangely enough, seven Cattle Egrets were recorded on the same date near Manitoo (MT fide JH). A single Great Egret remained at the Falls of the Ohio area throughout most of August (BBC) ; one was reported at Barkley Lake, September 27 (JEr). The number of Black-crowned Night Heron at the Falls of the Ohio was slightly below that of previous years, but this may have been due to the high water level. Waterfowl. — Twenty-six Canada Geese were recorded as early as September 20 at Kentucky Lake, but 400 were there on October 10 (JEr). A flock of 50 unidentified geese was seen in south-central Kentucky, No- vember 8 (WJ) . Duck migration was poor; however, a fair flight appeared on the Ohio River, Louisville, ahead of a cold front, November 9-13. Also, some 750 to 1000 ducks, mostly Mallards and Blacks, were present on November 24 and 25 at the Louisville Water Company’s settling basins (JK, FXK) . Interesting records at the city reservoir at Jenkins, Letcher County, included a male Wood Duck, November 25 and eight Redhead (4 male, 4 female), November 18 (RP). Although Canvasbacks were present in small numbers, few were reported. Louisvillians had a good opportunity to see six Oldsquaw on the Ohio River, above the Pennsylvania bridge, November 16; they were first discovered by Lene Rauth. Five Surf Scoters were on the Ohio River at Louisville, November 10 (BPB, JR, ALS, m. ob). A female Black Scoter was first discovered at the Falls of the Ohio, No- vember 9 (LR) and another up the river, November 14 (BPB). Flocks of Ruddy Ducks are usually small in Kentucky and therefore the counts of 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 15 97 and 109 at Lake Pewee, November 16 and 27, respectively, were of special interest (JH). Five female Red-breasted Mergansers at Jenkins city reservoir were carefully studied on November 25 and established a noteworthy record — perhaps the first for the Cumberland Plateau (RP). Diurnal Raptors. — Turkey Vultures were reported in small to fairly good numbers all across the state. A flock of 80 Black Vultures, six miles west of Hopkinsville, was apparently on migration on October 2 (PH) ; twenty were sighted near Buckner, November 3 (BPB). Single Sharp- shinned Hawks were recorded at only three locations, but observers may have failed to mention them. Cooper’s Hawks were reported from only a few places: one at Danville, October 27 (FL) ; one at Louisville, October 28 (BPB); and two in Bell County, September 17 (ALS, FS). As usual. Red-shouldered Hawks were scarce and few were reported : one at Bark- ley Lake, September 8 (JEr) ; one at Okolona, October 14 (DP) ; and six at Louisville, possibly on migration, September 28 (BPB). Migrant Broad-winged Hawks were first noted in Louisville on September 12 when 11 were seen (JEl) ; ninety-five were recorded at Cumberland Gap, Sep- tember 17 and 25 there on September 19 (ALS, FS) ; and 2000 to 3000, six miles east of Pikeville, September 24 (GM) ; and a late straggler was observed in the Louisville area, October 28 (BPB). A Rough-legged Hawk at Hamlin in western Kentucky on October 6 was rather early (JEr) ; good numbers were seen at Lexington in November (RM). Several Bald Eagles had arrived by November: five at Frogue Peninsula in the Dale Hollow area on November 18 (RS, FS) ; one immature at Barkley Lake, November 17 (JEr) ; and one at Land Between the Lakes, November 6 (CP). A few Marsh Hawks were reported but the species continues to be rather scarce. A total of 10 Ospreys was reported, and an early date for the Louisville Region was established when a single bird was seen at the Falls of the Ohio, August 18 (FS). Only one Merlin was reported: one at West Hawesville, Hancock County, October 5 (DC). Gruiformes through Shorebirds. — Bobwhites were unusually scarce; they were “completely absent” on farms in Trimble County (JY), but considered “about normal” in western Kentucky (JEr). Several flights of Sandhill Cranes were reported from an early date of August 29 at Okolona (DP) to November 12, all in the Louisville area (FS, BPB, BBC). The August 25 occurrence of a Virginia Rail in Trimble County (JY) and the presence of one at Louisville on September 26 (BPB) were considered noteworthy records. American Coots began arriving early: 500 were at Lake Pewee, October 8 and 2100 there on November 1 (JH) ; “hundreds” were at Dale Hollow Lake on November 18 (RS) and fair to modest groups were at Louisville during early November (BBC) ; and 19 and 20 at Jenkins, November 18 and 25, respectively (RP). The species is rare to uncommon at the latter location. Water levels were high during the peak movement for shorebirds and limited habitat. However, some interesting records were received: A Black-bellied Plover in spring plum- age at Louisville, August 18 (ALS, BBC) ; two Dunlin at Somerset, Oc- tober 24 and one there on November 5 and 7 (JEl); seven Short-billed Dowitcher at Kentucky Lake, August 11 (JEr) ; a Western Sandpiper at the Frankfort Fish Hatchery, August 19 (JEl); Buff -breasted Sandpipers at Falls of the Ohio, September 5 (LR, BPB) ; Sanderlings at Kentucky 16 THE KENTUCKY WARBLEK VoL 56 Lake, August 17 and September 2 (JEr) ; an Avocet at the Falls of the Ohio, August 11 (BPB), and a Wilson’s Phalarope there on the same date (BPB). The following species were not reported: Upland Sandpiper, Willet, Red Knot, White-rumped Sandpiper and Northern Phalarope. Gulls and Terns. — An immature Herring Gull at the Falls of the Ohio, August 9, was unusually early (JEl) ; one also there on August 18, possibly the same bird (ALS, BBC). Five Ring-billed Gulls arrived at Kentucky Lake by August 6 (JEr). Common, Caspian, and Black Terns were all reported, but in very small numbers. Black Terns remained at Kentucky Lake from July 27 to September 27, with 16 as the highest number (JEr); last recorded at the Falls of the Ohio, August 26 (LaS). Mourning Doves through Woodpeckers. — Mourning Doves were nu- merous throughout much of the state, particularly in Breckinridge, Meade, Shelby, Oldham, Trimble, Henry, Trigg and Lyon Counties (JS). Black- billed Cuckoos were reported from Louisville and Bedford during Septem- ber, with one as late as October 21 (BPB). Great Horned Owls were heard calling from October 10 to November 18 in Boone County (LMc). Two Short-eared Owls were observed on November 15 through the period at Masterson Station Park, Lexington (RM). A Whip-poor-will sighted 11 miles northeast of Hopkinsville on September 10 was considered late for that area (PH). Common Nighthawks were migrating in fairly large flocks from August 24 to 30, with the greatest number, 1000 plus, at Okolona on August 26 (DP), and 400 plus at Louisville on August 24 (JEl); and a late straggler at Louisville, October 23 (DE). Chimney Swifts left the Louisville area in early August: 2000 were noted at the Falls of the Ohio on August 7 (JEl). However, many, possibly from far- ther north, were observed in numbers from 10 to 15 at Louisville as late as October 10 (JK) ; Oldham County, October 15 (BL) ; and Louisville and Richmond, October 21 (DC, JEl). Few Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were reported. Swallows through Wrens. — A few Tree Swallows were rather late in departing: 15 at Louisville (Hayes Kennedy Park), October 10 (JK) ; and a single bird at Somerset, October 22 (JEl). The large concentration of some four to five thousand Purple Martins, on an island of Kentucky Lake, August 11, was of special interest (JEr). A flock of Common Crows, 187 by actual count, ten miles northeast of Hopkinsville, at 6:50 to 7:50 a.m., October 1, was considered unusual since no more than 10 were seen at the same place on other days (PH). The Red-breasted Nuthatch was practically absent this season. Two early records were established for the Winter Wren: one at Prospect, September 21 (JK) ; and two at Creason Park, Louisville, September 23 (JEl). The rather rare Long-billed Marsh Wren was found at two locations in the Louisville area: Creason Park on September 22 (JEl) and the Louisville Water Company field on September 28 (BPB) and October 21 (DC, RM, m. ob). Single Short-billed Marsh Wrens were recorded at three Louisville locations from September 23 to October 21 (JEl, LR, BPB). The Carolina Wren appeared to be making a slow comeback in some sections, particularly at Hamlin (JEr) and Glasgow (RS), but was absent at Bedford since 1977 (JY) and scarce in northern Kentucky (LMc). 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 17 Mimids through Thrushes. — Catbirds were not very common this period and a few were late in departing: last observed in Boone County, October 10 (LMc) ; and one at Madisonville, November 6 (JH). Thrush migration in the Louisville area was poor, with the exception of the Robin, but in western Kentucky was considered ‘heavy” on September 26 (JEr). Unusually large flocks of Robins remained throughout November in the Louisville area (ALS), and 10,000 were seen going to a roost in Somerset in mid-November (JEl). The Eastern Bluebird suffered great losses due to the recent hard winters and in some localities there were noticeable scar- cities: none were found at Bedford (JY) ; ‘almost absent” at Glasgow (RS) ; and “much reduced” at Hamlin (JEr). However, it was encouraging that several sightings of small flocks were found in Boone (LMc), Oldham (ALS), and Pulaski Counties (JEl). Kinglets through Warblers. — No one mentioned the kinglets, but both species were scarce. A few Water Pipits were observed in the Louis- ville area from late October to mid-November (BPB). Six Loggerhead Shrike were reported: one at Danville (FL), two at Leitchfield (AB), one at Rough River Reservoir (JK), one in Oldham County (JK), and in Jefferson County (ALS, FS). The warbler migration started much earlier than usual in the Louisville area with a number of early August dates, while September flights were disappointing. Flights in Boone County also seemed poor. However, at Bedford and in western Kentucky warbler mi- gration was considered good, especially in late September. The most signifi- cant early arrivals in Louisville were: Orange-crowned (no details) on September 17 (JEl) ; Cape May Warbler on September 16 (JEl) ; Yellow- rumped (Myrtle) Warbler on September 12 (DP) ; Chestnut-sided on August 23 (BPB) ; Blackburnian on August 16 (JEl) ; Connecticut on September 6 — eleven days early (JEl) ; and Wilson’s Warbler on August 22 (BPB). The most significant departure dates were: Golden-winged Warbler on October 1 (JEl); and Magnolia on October 27 (AB). It was a surprise to hear two warblers in song on August 1: Cerulean and Yellow- throated at Madisonville (JH). Icterids through Fringillids. — Meadowlarks were down in most areas and particularly in Louisville. One-half million blackbirds were estimated at a roost in Bowling Green consisting of Common Crackles, Starlings, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and Red-winged Blackbirds (HS). An Indigo Bunting at Louisville on October 28 was late in departing (JEl). A Blue Grosbeak was seen at Madisonville on August 12 (JH), but an even later date was one at Louisville on October 18 (BPB). The “Northern Finches” were almost totally absent. Only two reports of the Evening Grosbeak were received: one at Valley Station, November 6 (WE); and two at Falls of Rough on November 24 (KC). Although Purple Finches arrived as early as September 12 at the Falls of the Ohio (AB), the flight was not impressive. House Finches have been showing up at various places in the state during the past few years and some 40 were at a feeder in Richmond since November 6 (AW) ; also 13 birds arrived at Lexington during the last week of November (RM, DC, MW). The LeConte’s Sparrow, a rare transient, was found on the Louisville Water Company property, near Hayes Kennedy Park, October 17 (BPB & others). Two Vesper Sparrows were early arrivals: one in Oldham County, September 29 (ALS, BBC) 18 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 and one in Davies County, October 7 (DC). An early migrant Dark-eyed (slate-colored) Junco appeared at Okolona, September 11 (DP), but num- bers were low in the Louisville area. A few Chipping Sparrows were late stragglers: one at Fishing Creek Recreational area, Somerset, November 14 (JEl) ; and one at Louisville, November 21 and 22 (BPB). White- crowned Sparrows were definitely down in east Louisville, where dozens were previously recorded (ALS). Two Fox Sparrows had arrived at Crea- son Park on September 28 and established an early date for the Louisville Region (DP). The Kentucky Seasonal Reports can be more meaningful if more members participate. Reports for the Winter Season (December through February) should reach the writer by March 7. Contributors. — (AB) Alan Barron; (KC) Kathryn Clay; (DC) Den- nis Coskren; (WE) Walter Ellison; (DE) Diane Elmore; (JEl) Jackie Elmore; (JEr) Joe T. Erwin; (JH) James Hancock; (PH) Phillip Hyatt; (WJ) Wilbur Jackson; (FXK) Frank X. Krull; (JK) John Krull; (BL) Barbara Lensing; (FL) Frederick Loetscher; (GM) George Mayfield; (LMc) LeeMcNeely; (RM) Robert Morris; (BPB) Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.; (DP) Donald Parker; (RP) Richard Peake; (CP) Clell Peterson; (LR) Lene Rauth; (JR) Judy Robertson; (HS) Herbert Shadowen; (LaS) Lawrence Smith; (ALS) Anne L. Stamm; (FS) Frederick W. Stamm; (JS) Jim Strader; (FS) Faye Starr; (RS) Russell Starr; (DS) Donald Summerfield; (MT) Mary Travis; (AW) A. L. Whitt, Jr.; (MW) Mike Williams; (JY) John Young; (BBC) Beckham Bird Club; (M. ob.) Many observers. — 9101 Spokane Way, Louisville 40222. FIELD NOTES NOTEWORTHY SPECIES (INCLUDING FRANKLIN’S GULL) IN BELL COUNTY Bell County in southeastern Kentucky, has a rich mountain avifauna. However, recent changes occuring in the topography of the land as a result of surface mining has fostered conditions for diversifying the bird life. Specifically, the mountain-top removal mining method creates large tracts of flat, rolling land generally reclaimed in grasses and legumes (Allaire, 1978; Whitmore and Hall, 1978). Because of this change in habitat, species not normally found in the mountains (certain raptors, shorebirds, and grassland birds) are now beginning to be recorded wher- ever mountain-top removals exist. Much of the data pertaining to reclaimed surface coal mines in eastern Kentucky come from just one locality, Breathitt County (Allaire, 1979). New information concerning reclaimed surface coal mines in Bell County illustrates two points. One is that moun- tain-top removals in Bell County have a fall migratory avifauna common with that of Breathitt County mined areas. The other is the occurrence of new species for the Bell County area, or what Mengel (1965) delineates as the Cumberland Mountain Section of the Appalachian Plateau Province. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 19 Data were collected on 12 October from 1500 to 1830 h and on 13 October, 1979 from 0830 to 1130 h on reclaimed surface coal mines along the Virginia-Tennessee border of Kentucky near Middlesboro, Kentucky. This area was mined and reclaimed by Mountain Drive Coal Company, Inc., following the mountain-top removal mining method. The area was approximately 500 m in elevation. The plant species used in revegetation were those grasses and legumes typical of reclamation practices today. Three ponds, varying in size and shape, were interspersed among the 800 ha of flat land. Weather conditions were generally cloudy with a low ceiling, and with cold winds out of the west and north. Occasional rain on 13 October, mixed one time with freezing rain, made conditions quite severe that morning. Although not comfortable weather for birding, it did produce a classic environment whereby migrants were forced to settle down in the area until conditions for migration improved. Literally, birds were ‘falling out of the sky” during the morning observations. Table I is a list of birds recorded during the two days of observation that were seen on, or flying across, the study area. Notably, a Franklin’s Gull was the rarest and most unusal species observed. According to Mengel (1965) and Monroe (1969) this species has never been recorded for the mountainous section in southeastern Kentucky. The gull was in winter plumage. Identifying field characters were the grayish plumage on the dor- sal portion of the head, dark wings with white trailing edge, and black band at the base of the tail. The bird was observed for about ten minutes in flight at close range (40-50 m). Birds common to both Breathitt County’s and Mountain Drive’s re- claimed areas totalled 20 out of the 22 observed, save for the Franklin’s Gull and Black-bellied Plovers. Interestingly, the numbers of each species were proportionately similar to that of Breathitt County records with one exception, the American Kestrel. Kestrels were rather common those two days. Their occurrence was associated with the power lines that traversed the study area, providing a perching and feeding station environment and resulting in kestrels utilizing this grassland. I recently noted (Allaire, 1979) that the lack of perches on Breathitt County mines precluded the occurrence of certain raptors such as the kestrel. This preliminary obser- vation suggests that this may be the case. Although these data represent only a few species observed during two days in the field they do indicate that as more mining and reclamation take place in eastern Kentucky so will there be changes in the avifauna. Alsop (1973) found this to be true in western Kentucky. Areas such as Mountain Drive will certainly, in the future, attract species rare and un- usual for the typically mountainous terrain of eastern Kentucky. Further field work is planned that should provide more insight into the utilization of this type of manmade habitat by birds. LITERATURE CITED Allaire, P. N. 1978. Reclaimed surface mines: new potential for some North American birds. Am. Birds 32(1) :3-5. Allaire, P. N. 1979. The avifauna of reclaimed surface mined lands: its composition and role in land use planning. Ph.D. dissertation. Univer- sity of Louisville, Louisville. 223 p. 20 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 Alsop, F. J., III. 1973. Shorebirds observed near Hawesville, Hancock County, Kentucky. Ky. Warbler 49:18-19. Mengel, R. M. 1965. The birds of Kentucky. Orn. Monogr. No. 3. The American Ornithologists’ Union. 581 p. Monroe, B. L., Jr. 1969. Summary of occurrence of birds of Kentucky. Ky. Warbler 45:47-56. Whitmore, R. C. and G. A. Hall. 1978. The response of passerine species to a new resource: reclaimed surface mines in West Virginia. Am. Birds 32(1) :6-9. PIERRE N. ALLAIRE, Department of Science and Mathematics, Lees Junior College, Jackson, Kentucky 41339. TABLE I Species Observed on Reclaimed Surface Coal Mines in Bell County, Kentucky. Data Collected on 12 and 13 October, 1979 on Land Mined by Mountain Drive Coal Company, Inc., Middlesboro, Kentucky. October Species 12 13 Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 2 2 Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca ) 1 1 Blue-winged Teal (Anas discolor) 1 1 American Widgeon (Anas americana) 1 Accipiter sp. 1 Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1 Marsh Hawk ( Circus cyaneus ) 1 1 American Kestrel (Falco spaverius ) 4 4 Killdeer ( Charadrius vociferus ) 20 20 Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) 4 Greater Yellowlegs ( T ring a melanoleuca) 6 8 Lesser Yellowlegs (T ringer flavipes ) 1 1 Pectoral Sandpiper ( Calidris melanotos ) 3 Franklin’s Gull ( Larus pipixcan) 1 Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 1 36 Common (Y.-sh.) Flicker ( Colaptes auratus ) 2 Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris ) 15 Common Crow ( Corviis brachyrhynchos ) 3 8 Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) 31 40 Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 1 Savannah Sparrow (Passer cuius sandwichensis ) 1 15 Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus ) 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to thank Bill Bolton, Charles Grace, and Sam Risner of Moun- tain Drive Coal Company, Inc., for their assistance. Financial support was provided by the University of Kentucky’s Institute of Mining and Minerals Research (Grant No. 201-65-53681) . 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 21 COOPER’S HAWK NEST IN BARREN COUNTY On May 19, 1977 while hireling in Barren County near Glasgow I dis- covered the nest of a Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii). Mengel (1965) lists the Cooper’s Hawk as a “resident, uncommon to fairly common, breed- ing throughout the state, . . The nest was located in a grove of white pines (Pinus strobus) in a tree of the same species. The surrounding area consisted of pasture and woodlots. Bent (1961) referring to Massachusetts, reports that ‘all nests have been found in deciduous forest or woodland.” A total of eight trips was made to the nest site, from May 19 to July 2. The platform was approximately 24 feet above the ground; a lack of lower branches in the nest tree did not permit close inspection of the nest or its contents, hence exact dates of laying and incubation were unobtain- able. When checked the first five times one adult was on the nest and left at my approach. No young were seen on these trips. Two young birds in juvenile plumage with some dov/n on the breast and top of the head were seen on each of the next two trips. On the last trip the adults and two young birds were seen in the area of the grove. A change in the behavior of the adults was noted on successive visits to the nest. During the initial visits the adults would fly away from the area, calling softly. On succeeding visits the adults became more ag- gressive until the last visits when they would fly at me calling loudly. At no time did the young seem alarmed by my presence. References Bent, A. C. 1961. Life Histories of North American Birds of Prey. Part 1. Dover Publications, Inc. New York, New York. 409 pp. Mengel, R. M. 1965. The Birds of Kentucky. Ornithological Monographs, No. 3, American Ornithologists Union. 581pp. — GEORGE JOHNSON, Biol. Dept., Western Kentucky University, Bow- ling Green, Kentucky, 42101. HOUSE FINCHES IN PULASKI COUNTY On Sunday, December 16, 1979, at 9:30 a.m., I observed four male House Finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) feeding with House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) just off Rush Branch Road, southeast of Somerset. The birds were easily identified by their rather pale brown plumage, heavy streaked underparts and the bright red wash on the breast, forehead, eye- brow, and rump. They were sparrow-size, with a rather square tail for a finch. The birds fed in a weedy fence row, often landing in the middle of the road. They were very tame, allowing close observation. The finches were also observed by Diane Elmore. Recent sightings of the House Finch could suggest an influx of these birds into Kentucky. Perhaps large flocks of House Sparrows should be checked carefully for House Finches. The birds we observed fed and associated freely among the sparrows and appeared to be part of the flock. JACKIE B. ELMORE, SR., 209 Brookhaven Dr., Somerset, Ky. 42501 EDITOR’S NOTE: Several reports have been received concerning the House Finch, thus confirming that the species is continuing to increase 22 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 in number and spread its range in Kentucky. A. L. Whitt, Jr. of Richmond had reported a sighting on November 6, 1979 at a feeder. Two midwinter bird counts (Somerset and Jackson) listed House Finches. Michael Flynn of Lexington reported on January 15 that he had observed a male House Finch at his feeder since December 24 and that they had been sighted by others. In recent correspondence Pierre Allaire reported the sighting of 17 House Finches in Breathitt County during December. WINTER RECORD OF THE AMERICAN REDSTART IN KENTUCKY On Tuesday, January 1, 1980, while birding the Kendall Recreation Area near the Wolf Creek Dam, Russell County, I observed a small, active bird feeding in the company of Yellow-rumped Warblers (Dendroica cor- onata) in the many pines and leafless trees of the area. The bird Was grayish around the head, had an olive-brown back and slightly darker wing and tail feathers with yellow patches at the base. These patches were visible frequently as the bird constantly spread its wings and tail at it flitted among the bare branches of the trees. The underparts were mostly white but dusky toward the throat area with conspicuous patches of orange on each side of the breast. The bird was very carefully identified as a first year male American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla). It was called in fairly close by the use of a tape recorder (Screech Owl) . Diane Elmore also observed the bird. The occurrence of the American Redstart in winter is very unexpected considering it winters from Mexico and the West Indies to northern South America. This appears to be the first winter record for Kentucky. JACKIE B. ELMORE, SR., 209 Brookhaven Dr., Somerset, Ky. 42501 WINTER RECORD OF THE NORTHERN ORIOLE IN SOMERSET On December 16, 1979 at 3:30 p.m., Diane Elmore and I observed a brightly colored bird fly across Highway 39 in Somerset. The bird, about the size of a Cowbird, was a brilliant orange, with a black head, wings and tail. It had rich orange shoulder patches and some yellow-orange in the tail feathers. It was quickly identified as an adult male Northern Oriole (Icterus galbula). Unusual as it might be that a Northern Oriole would be in Somerset on this date, the behavior of the bird was also quite out of the ordinary. After it flew across the road, the bird perched on the top of an electric oven in the rear of a pick-up truck ! It fluttered its feathers and sat with its wings spread for several seconds. Then suddenly it flew to a nearby tree, then off to the northwest as far as I could see with my binoculars. This appears to be the first winter record of the Northern Oriole in Pulaski County. JACKIE B. ELMORE, SR., 209 Brookhaven Dr., Somerset, Ky. 42501 A FLOCK OF CATTLE EGRETS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY On October 28, 1979, I received a call from L. R. Beahl, an interested farm owner, that two flocks of Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis) numbering from 50 to 60 egrets each had been feeding in his pasture on Johnsontown Road in southern Jefferson County since early morning. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 23 When I arrived at the location about 2:30 p.m. on the same day, one flock had gone but the one that remained numbered 58 egrets. None ap- peared to be in breeding plumage. They were feeding in three groups, one near a farm pond and the other two groups close by or on adjacent pasture land. The exact date of departure is not known, but it is known that they remained on location feeding for several days. It is believed that this is the first record in Kentucky for more than just a few individuals. No particular weather system was apparent to help account for the movement of the flock to the area in which they were observed. Three removed exposures were made with a telephoto lens to document the presence of the birds. — DONALD SUMMERFIELD, 9910 Prairie Drive, Louisville, Ky. 40272. VAST BROADWING HAWK MIGRATION On Monday, September 24, 1979, I was flying home from Dolly Sods, West Virginia. I was about six miles east of Pikeville, Kentucky flying at 4,500 feet above sea level when my plane became surrounded by a massive number of migrating hawks, mostly Broad-winged Hawks (Buteo playtypterus). They were so numerous that no attempt could safely be made to avoid them, but fortunately all of them avoided the plane. Later I circle around two huge kettles of hawks rising out of sight into the clouds at about 6,000 feet above sea level. Scattered groups were seen all the way to Pikeville for about six miles. There must have been two to three thousand hawks in all. Terrain in the area is devoid of long ridges and is very patchy hill country up to about 1,500 feet above sea level. I was flying southwest toward Tennessee. Weather to the southeast was overcast with low clouds and rain ; to the northwest it was clear or with scattered clouds. — GEORGE R. MAYFIELD, Maury County Hospital, Columbia, Tennessee 38401. ONE APPROACH TO WOODPECKER DAMAGE During the fall of 1979 several large holes had been made by wood- peckers completely through the redwood siding of a house in Paducah, Kentucky. I suggested the hanging of net bags of suet around the yard where the woodpeckers would find them. The owners of the house have since reported that the woodpeckers are on the suet constantly and have not drilled on the house since the suet was made available. — MRS. L. WOOLFENDEN, 250 Pecan Drive, Paducah, Kentucky 42001. MOURNING DOVE FROZEN TO GROUND In midmorning on January 6, 1980 on a private road leading to an existing industry in the Shelby Business Park in Shelby County, Kentucky, a Mourning Dove ( Zenaidura macroura) was found frozen to the ice by its feet. The bird was freed but had lost several toes in its desperate at- tempts to escape. — W. H. BROWN, 527 V2 Main Street, Shelbyville, Kentucky 40065. 24 THE KENTUCKY WARBLEK Vol. 56 NEWS AND VIEWS We regret to announce the death of Mrs. S. Charles (Annie) Thacher who died on September 10, 1979, at Westminister Terrace Nursing Home, Louisville, Kentucky. She was a Life Member and active in the Kentucky Ornithological Society and its local chapter, the Beckham Bird Club, until her stroke confined her to her home and more recently to a nursing home. Mrs. Thacher served as secretary-treasurer of the Society for a period of five years. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. K.O.S. SPRING MEETING CHANGE The meeting site for the spring meeting this year has been changed to Bowling Green. This change was necessary because we were unable to reserve a sufficient number of rooms for K.O.S. members and guests at Barren River Resort State Park. The dates of April 25, 26, and 27 remain unchanged. Holiday Inn — Midtown will serve as headquarters. Please make reservations at the motel of your choice. Camping will also be available. STATEWIDE SPRING BIRD COUNT This spring Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. is attempting to initiate a statewide bird count on Saturday, May 10, similar to the one conducted in Illinois. Instead of using Audubon Christmas Bird Count circles as boundaries, county lines will be used. The topic will be further discussed at the spring meeting. If you are interested in participating please contact Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40222. INFORMATION REQUESTED ON BACK-TAGGED STARLINGS As part of a banding program conducted by the U. S. Fish and Wild- life Service, Kentucky Research Station to obtain information on movements and migration patterns of blackbirds and starlings in the Southeast, several hundred starlings have been captured and marked with numbered white and yellow back-tags at a trapsite near Bowling Green, Kentucky. These tags are conspicuous and appear like an oval-shaped fin sticking up out of the back of the bird. Each back-tag has a different letter-number code such as Cl, B9, EO, etc. The following information is requested but any portion of it would be useful: tag color and number; location where bird was observed; date and time of sighting; habitat observed such as pasture, woodlot, etc.; activity of bird; size of flock bird was in; and observer's name, address and tele- phone number. Please report sightings to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kentucky Research Station, 334 15th Street, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101, phone (502) 842-0341. The Kentucky Warbler (Published by the Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 5^1 MAY, 1980 NO. 2 IN THIS ISSUE THE TWO-VOICE PHENOMENON IN VESPER SPARROWS, Gary Ritchison 27 THE WINTER SEASON OF 1979-1980, Anne L. Stamm 30 K.O.S. SPRING MEETING, APRIL 25-27 35 PERIODICAL REVIEW: BIRD WATCHER’S DIGEST (edited by Mary B. Bowers and Pat Murphy) (Reviewed by H. E. Shadowen) 36 FIELD NOTES 37 NEWS AND VIEWS 40 26 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Founded in 1923 by B. C. Bacon, L. Otley Pindar, and Gordon Wilson President Ramon lies, Owensboro Vice-President Pierre Allaire, Jackson Corr. Sec.-Treasurer John Krull 1108 Whetstone Way, Louisville, Ky. 40223 Recording Secretary Sister Casimir Czurles, Owensboro Councillors : Mrs. Molly Caldwell, Danville 1978-1980 Ed Wilson, Owensboro 1978-1980 Blaine Ferrell, Bowling Green 1979-1981 Barry Howard, Pineville 1979-1981 Retiring President Andrew Uterhart, Lexington Librarian Evelyn Schneider, Louisville Staff Artist Ray Harm, Chenoa THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November. The KENTUCKY WARBLER is sent to all members not in arrears for dues. Membership dues are: Active or Regular, $3.00 ; Contributing, $5.00 ; Student, $2.00 ; Life, $50.00 ; Family, $1.00 in addition to Regular, Contributing, or Life Membership dues. All articles and communications should be addressed to the editor. Subscrip- tions, memberships, and requests for back issues should be sent to the treasurer. Editor H. E. Shadowen, Biology Department, Western Kentucky Univ.. Bowling Green 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Anne L. (Mrs. F. W.) Stamm Burt L. Monroe, Jr. OUR COVER The reproduction of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird was taken from an original water color painted by Alan Barron, K.O.S. member from Louisville. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 27 THE TWO-VOICE PHENOMENON IN VESPER SPARROWS Gary Ritchison The vocalizations of certain birds contain two separate, non-harmonic- ally-related tones. Since these tones are uttered simultaneously, it is likely that at least two independent sound sources are operating simultaneously in the vocal tract of these birds. The first suggestion that birds might control two independent acoustical sources was made by Potter, Kopp, and Green (1947:411). Referring to the song of a Brown Thrasher, they stated that “. . . in . . . three . . . notes will be found a ‘double tone’ sound in which two tones without harmonic relation are evident. . .” Subsequently, investigators have found two voices in other species (Borror and Reese, 1956; Thorpe, 1961; Greenwalt, 1968; Stein, 1968; Nottebohm, 1971; Miller, 1977). Upon examination of spectrograms of songs of a Gouldian Finch and a Wood Thrush, Thorpe (1961) suggested the possibility of three and perhaps four independent acoustical sources. The “voice-box” of birds is not the larynx, as in mammals, but the syrinx, which is located at the lower end of the trachea where the two bronchi join. Air columns are set in vibration when forced through certain vibratile membranes in the syrinx. Anatomical evidence suggests that the syringes of many species have up to four membranes (two on each side of the syrinx) that could be involved in sound production. (Figure 1). The best evidence for two independent acoustical sources in birds comes from Nottebohm (1971). He sectioned either the left or right root of the hypoglossus nerve, which innervates the muscles controlling the mem- branes on each side of the syrinx, and found that Chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs) no longer produced one of two non-harmonically-related tones in their song, depending on which root was sectioned. Greenewalt (1968) provided spectrographic evidence for the two-voice phenomenon in individual birds but made no mention of the frequency of occurrence within a species. The present report describes the incidence of this phenomenon among adult male Vesper Sparrows in southern Minnesota. To examine the individual and populational variation in their songs. Vesper Sparrows were recorded in several locations in Le Sueur, Blue Earth, and Waseca Counties during the summer of 1976. Incidental to other aims, the two-voice phenomenon was noted in the songs of several individuals (Figure 2). Recordings were made with a Nagra IV tape recorder, using an Electro-voice 643A microphone mounted on an 18%-inch parabolic reflector. Sound spectrograms were made using a Kay Electric Sonagraph (Model 6061B). The song of the Vesper Sparrow consists of 1 to 4 relatively long, steady or slightly down-slurred notes, followed by 2 to 7 groups of more rapidly uttered notes (Figure 2). The introductory pattern in these songs is quite stable; however, the remainder of the song may be quite variable. Each sparrow possesses a repertoire of notes and these notes are arranged in a variety of sequences within that bird’s songs. Examination of these repertoires revealed that 11 of the 20 sparrows recorded in this study possessed at least one two-voice note (Table 1). This distribution of two- 28 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 Figure 1. At left is an external view of the syrinx of the magpie (Pica pica). At right, a section through the syrinx of the European blackbird showing the four membranes (2 external labia and 2 internal tympaniform membranes) that could be involved in sound production (After Hacker, 1900). FREQUENCY (kHz) Figure 2. A, a typical Vesper sparrow song. B, examples of two-voice notes produced by Vesper sparrows. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 29 voices among the birds in the present sample suggests this phenomenon to be a general feature among Vesper Sparrows. The functional significance of uttering two tones simultaneously re- mains obscure; however, such singing behavior could have several functions. For example, investigators have suggested that in some species the utiliza- tion of distinctive notes may be important in individual recognition (Tret- zel, 1965; Bremond, 1968; Emlen, 1972). One may speculate that uttering two tones simultaneously enhances the ability of a bird to produce such distinctive notes. Thus, the two-voice notes in the songs of Vesper Sparrows may assist in individual recognition. The occurrence of two-voice notes might also convey information about the motivational state of the singer. Experimental evidence has revealed that the number of notes contained in a song provides information about a bird’s aggressive motivation (Brooks and Falls, 1975). The number of tones contained in a note might provide similar information. Finally, Marler (1956) noted in Chaffinches that females responded more strongly to songs with certain notes. Two-voice notes may perform a similar function, i.e., they may increase the attractive- ness of the male song to females. LITERATURE CITED Borror, D. J. and C. R. Reese. 1956. Vocal gymnastics in Wood Thrush songs. Ohio J. Sci. 56: 177-182. Bremond, J. C. 1968. Valeur specifique de la syntaxe dans le signal de defense territoriale du Troglodyte. Behaviour 30 : 66-75. Brooks, R. J. and J. B. Falls. 1975. Individual recognition by song in white-throated sparrows. III. Song features used in individual recog- nition. Can J. Zool 53 : 1749-1761. Emlen, S. T. 1972. An experimental analysis of the parameters of bird song eliciting species recognition. Behavior 36 : 130-171. Greenewalt, C. H. 1968. Bird song: Acoustics and physiology. Smithsonian Inst. Press, Washington, D. C. Hacker, V. 1900. Der gesang der vogel. Gustav Fischer, Jena. Marler, P. 1956. The voice of the chaffinch and its function as a language. Ibis 98: 231-261. Miller, D. B. 1977. Two-voice phenomenon in birds: Further evidence. Auk 94: 567-572. Nottebohm, F. 1971. Neural Lateralization of vocal control in a passerine bird. I. Song. J. Exp. Zool. 177 : 229-261. Potter, R. K., G. A. Kopp, and H. C. Green. 1947. Visible speech. Van Nostrand Co., New York. Stein, R. C. 1968. Modulation in bird sounds. Auk 85: 229-243. Thorpe, W. H. 1961. Bird-song. Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge. Tretzel, E. 1965. Artkennzeichnende und reaktionsauslosende komponenten im gesang der heidelerche. Verhand. Deutsch. Zool. Ges. in Jena, p. 367-380. — Dept, of Biological Sciences, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky 40475. 30 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 Table I. The incidence of two-voice notes in the repertoires of male Vesper Sparrows. Bird Notes in Number of repertoire two-voice notes A B C D E F G Ml M3 M4 M5 A3 B3 C3 E3 A4 B4 C4 VSl 18 2 6 1 7 0 16 0 13 0 10 0 9 0 17 2 8 1 9 0 8 1 12 1 12 0 8 0 24 2 8 1 9 1 5 1 12 2 THE WINTER SEASON OF 1979-1980 Anne L. Stamm The 1979-80 Winter Season was rather dull and for the most part lacked excitement. The scarcity of northern finches was disappointing to many observers and made for a quiet season. Evening Grosbeaks were unusually scarce. Many species were found in low numbers, particularly the ducks, Red-breasted Nuthatches and Ruby-crowned Kinglets; others, such as Red-headed Woodpeckers, Robins and Cedar Waxwings, wintered in fairly large numbers. Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Juncos were reported in fewer numbers than expected. The 22 Mid-Winter Bird Counts {Ky. Warhler, 56:3-13, 1980) indi- cated that a number of species remained later than normal and this was probably due to the mild December. Among the more uncommon species recorded on the counts were the Whistling Swan, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Northern (Baltimore) Oriole and House Finch. Both December and January were mild and the temperature was above normal. The coldest period was from January 28 through February 5, when the temperatures ranged from two to 29 degrees and the ground was 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 31 covered with snow. The heaviest snowfall was recorded during late January, with a total of 10.17 inches for the month. During the period of heavy snow-cover a few Cooper’s Hawks were observed near feeding stations: at Falls of Rough (KC) ; Maceo (AP) ; Louisville (ALS), and a Sharp-shinned Hawk at Danville (FL). Loons th7'ough Grebes. — A few Common Loons lingered into De- cember and one remained as late as January 18 at Somerset (JEl). Horned Grebe were scarce; highest count reported was 16 at Louisville, December 19 (LR). As usual, Madisonville had the greatest number of Pied-billed Grebe (JH). There were only three reports of the Double-crested Cor- morant: one at Shippingport Island, December 8 (DS, ALS, m.o.b.) ; two at Waitsboro Recreational Area, Somerset, December 16 (JEl) ; and two at Louisville, December 19-30 (LR). Great Blue Heron were reported in fair numbers all across the state, with one as far north as Burlington, December 29 (LMc). Swans, Geese and Ducks. — Two Mute Swans were reported in south- west Jefferson County, February 1 (DS). Due to the mild winter in the northern states, the goose population was below noimal throughout most of Kentucky. However, about 500 Canada Geese wintered in the Danville area (FL) and 50 were observed above the dam at Lake Cumberland, January 6 (DC). Maximum monthly counts for the species at Ballard Waterfowl Management Refuge (hereafter B.W.M.R.) were as follows : December 28, 12,000 ; January 29, 40,000 ; and February 12, 125,000. These figures are below those of recent years, according to Gordon Hughes, wild- life biologist at the refuge, but the build-up at the latter date resulted when food became scarce farther north, particularly at Horseshoe Lake, Illinois. Northward flights of Canada Geese began February 22 to 25 over Kentucky Lake, with the greatest number — 5,000 — on February 23 (JEr). The peak population of Snow Geese at B.W.M.R. in late December and early January was 8,000 (GH) ; an adult in the blue phase was seen on several occasions with Canada Geese at Danville (FL). It was a poor season for ducks throughout the state. The duck population at B.W.M.R. was 15,000 and was down more than 50% over previous years (GH) . The 53 Gadwall at Danville were of interest as numbers are usually low in winter (FL) . Canvasback were in small numbers and recorded only on four CBC’s, with the highest count of 52 at Madisonville (JH). Only one re- port of the Greater Scaup was received: three males at Louisville, De- cember 12 and February 23 (LR). The 42 Common Goldeneye on the north shore of Shippingport Island, February 14, were of interest since the species is usually recorded in small numbers (LR). An interesting record was the sighting of 18 Hooded Mergansers at Somerset, January 9 (JEl). Vultures, Hawks and Eagles. — A total of 244 Turkey Vultures was seen going to a roost in south-central Casey County, January 1 (JEl) ; and 125 were seen about 11 miles northeast of Hopkinsville, January 13 (PH). Red-tailed Hawks were widely distributed all across the state, but Red-shouldered Hawks continued to be in low numbers. Small numbers of Rough-legged Hawks wintered in Kentucky, with the majority in the Danville area (FL) ; both the light and dark phase birds were reported. Bald Eagles had arrived at many of the lakes during the fall season. 32 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 During January when the Kentucky Ornithological Society, the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Service and the Corps of Engineers counted eagles, a population of 78 was recorded (JDu, ALS, m.o.b.), with the surprising number of 16 on the Kentucky side of Dale Hollow Lake (JD, FH fide JDu). Also, 10 Golden Eagles were spotted on January 4: nine at Ballard Waterfowl Refuge (JM) ; and one at Land Between the Lakes (RL). Marsh Hawks were sparsely distributed; singles were noted at several locations. The American Kestrel was well distributed throughout the state, with the exception of the mountain section (Appalachian Region) ; 13 were counted in Boone and Gallatin Counties, January 13 (LMc) ; and 13 in the Leitchfield and Rough River State Park area, January 6 (KC) ; smaller numbers recorded elsewhere. Gallinaceous species through Gulls. — Although Bobwhite were up slightly from last year, they had not recovered from the winter of 1977- 78. It was of interest that two American Coot were still present at Jenkins Reservoir, Letcher County, January 27 (RP). Killdeer were up somewhat from last year. American Woodcock were late in arriving; courtship flights first observed in northern Kentucky on February 22 and 23 (EG) ; one at Fern Creek, February 28 (JHe) and “peenting” there on March 6 (DPS, LS) ; and two at Somerset, February 28 (JEl). Common Snipe were recorded during December from eight locations, and one bird remained as late as December 29 at Burlington in northern Kentucky (LMc). Gulls were scarce throughout much of the state. The high water covered the normal resting places for gulls at the Falls of the Ohio. Only 10 Herring Gulls were reported on the 22 CBC’s, with eight at Land Between the Lakes (CP) and two at Louisville (BM) ; two at Wolf Creek Dam, De- cember 1, were of special interest (DP, JEl). The report of several hundred Ring-billed Gulls below Wolf Creek Dam on December 1 was noteworthy (DP, JEl) ; the maximum number at Danville was seven (FL). The Four Bonaparte’s at Danville, December 15, established the first fall record for that area (FL) ; others of interest included one at Wolf Creek Dam December 1 (DP, JEl) and seven there on January 6 (DC). Doves, Owls and Woodpeckers. — Mourning Doves were fairly well distributed and up slightly from last year, with the exception of Danville where numbers were “poor” (FL). The only Snowy Owl reported this winter was one at Shelbyville on December 15 and 16 (WB). As a rule the Short-earred Owl is irregular and uncommon, but this winter it was recorded in higher numbers than normal at Lexington: twenty-three birds on February 17, 13 on the following day (RM) ; and eight there on Febru- ary 22 (DC). During the month of December, the Belted Kingfisher was recorded in greater numbers than the past two years. Pileated Woodpeckers remained stable. Red-headed Woodpeckers were up from last year and were found in 12 localities, but were totally absent in others, such as Dan- ville (FL) and northern Kentucky (EG). Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were scarce throughout the state. Flycatchers through Wrens. — An empidonax remained as late as December 9 in Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville (LR). Horned Larks were scarce and low in numbers all across the state and entirely absent in some areas. Although no American Crow roosts were reported, the species was well represented all across the state and on all 22 CBC’s, with the greatest 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 33 number, 5533, at Danville (FL) ; a few visited feeding stations at Fort Wright (EG) and at Louisville (FS) in late January. Red-breasted Nut- hatches were scarce throughout the state, but a few wintered at Brigadoon Farm, Glasgow (RS) and were reported from six areas during December. It is unusual to have House Wrens during the winter months, but two were reported: one at Bernheim Forest, December 23 (CBC) and one at Louisville, February 5 (BPB). Winter Wrens were scarce throughout the state and were decidedly down fiom three years ago; in the Louisville area it was about normal (ALS) ; and one spent the entire winter in a yard on Watterson Trail, Fern Creek (JHe). As usual, Bewick’s Wrens remained scarce; one to two were reported at Nicholasville, Jessamine County (DC); and at Rough River (KC) ; also one at Hopkinsville (PH) and two at Frankfort (CBC). Carolina Wrens were up slightly from last year but still much below the winter of 1976-77. Mimids and thrushes. — The low number of Mockingbirds in Boone (LMc) and Kenton (EG) Counties was noticeable; numbers throughout the state were much below the winter of 1976-77. A few Brown Thrashers wintered successfully, especially in the Louisville area : one observed fre- quently at a feeding station from January 4 through February 25 (HF) ; and another came to a window sill for food on February 26 (MS). The species was seen in northern Kentucky on December 1 and 28 (EG). Un- usually large numbers of American Robins were found throughout the winter months, with the exception of northern Kentucky, particularly at Burlington (LMc). The Eastern Bluebird was up slightly in most areas. Kinglets through Blackbirds. — Golden-crowned Kinglets continued to be scarce as they have for the past three years. Ruby-crowned Kinglets were also in low numbers and a few were seen at suet feeders at the following locations: Danville (FL) ; Louisville (KC) ; and at Fern Creek from February 7 to March 1 (JHe, DPS, LSa). Cedar Waxwings were fairly common; migrants showed up in yards in early February and were ♦seen feeding on holly berries (WJ, JEl, ALS, RB) , but the big push from the south came on February 25 when 4,000 were seen at Murray (JEr). It was encouraging that the number of Loggerhead Shrikes exceeded those of recent years. Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers were present in fair numbers, but not up to the figures of last winter; one reported drinking sap from a characteristic pit made by the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (LSa) . A first-year male American Redstart at Somerset, January 1, was ex- ceptional (JEl, DE). Eastern Meadowlarks were much above last year. A few Northern (Baltimore) Orioles were late stragglers and singles were found at three locations : Somerset, December 16 (JEl) ; Danville, December 26 (FL) and at Elizabethtown, at a feeding station — no date (Mrs. WG fide EGr). Two blackbird roosts were reported: one with an estimated 3,000,000 birds, at Somerset, comprised mainly of Common Crackles and Starlings, with only a small percentage of Red-winged Black- birds, Rusty Blackbirds and Brown-headed Cowbirds (JEl) ; the other at Bowling Green consisted of one-half million birds (HS). The ground be- neath the latter roost was bulldozed in February and the birds scattered to trees throughout the city where huge numbers were seen morning and night (HS, WM) . During the period of heavy snow, February 5-6, Rusty Blackbirds, in numbers as high as 50, visited feeding stations in the Louisville area (FS, ALS) . 34 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 Fringillids. — Evening Grosbeaks were practically absent, with only small numbers reported: one at Central Wildlife Refuge, Danville on December 15 (JS fide FL) ; two at a feeder in Valley Station in early December (WE) ; a few at a feeder in Glasgow — no date — (RS) ; 12 at St. Matthews on December 21 (AB) ; and four in Jenkins on February 12 (EJ fide RP). This was not a good year for Purple Finches and num- bers were low throughout the state, but in central Kentucky numbers began to build up in late January and early February. The species was par- ticularly scarce in northern Kentucky (LMc, EG) and in Letcher County (RP). Pine Siskins were just about non-existent. House Finches were the big news this year; a small group of five male and four female was dis- covered in Somerset on December 16 and was observed throughout the period (JEl) ; as many as 33 fed at a feeding station from early January to March at Sandy Hook (WG) ; 17 were reported on the CBC at Jackson (PA) ; and the small group at Lexington left the area at the end of Janu- ary (DC). Neither species of crossbill was reported this winter. Only two reports of Savannah Sparrows were received: four birds at Glasgow, De- cember 30 (CBC) and one bird at Louisville, February 3 (BPB). Tree Sparrows were scarce — often absent in some sections. The Harris’ Spar- row, a rare transient, was reported at a feeder in Louisville, February 3 and 19 (MB). White-crowned Sparrows were down slightly from previous years in the Louisville area (ALS). During the month of February single Fox Sparrows were noted at feeding stations: at Falls of Rough (KC) ; Valley Station (DS) ; Louisville (FS, ALS) ; Fern Creek (LS, CM) ; and at Somerset (JEl). Neither the Lapland Longspur nor the Snow Bunting was recorded this winter. CORRECTION. — Note that the Western Sandpipers and Sanderlings for June 24, 1979 {Ky. Warbler 55:56, 1979) should read July 24. CONTRIBUTORS. — Pierre Allaire (PA), Alan Barron (AB), Robert Brown (RB), Mary Frances Bloch (MB), W. H. Brown (WB), Kathryn Clay (KC), Dennis Coskren (DC), Jack Donaldson (JD), James Durell (JDu), Walter Ellison (WE), Jackie Elmore (JEl), Diane Elmore (DE), Joe T. Erwin (JEr), Helen Fisher (HF), Mrs. W. Games (Mrs. WG), Edgerton Graham (EGr), William Greene (WG), Ed Groneman (EG), James Hancock (JH), Janice Heckman (JHe), Frank Huff (FH), Gordon Hughes (GH), Phillip Hyatt (PH), Wilbur Jackson (WJ), Elizabeth Jordan (EJ), Frederick Loetscher (FL), Richard Lowe (RL), Lee Mc- Neely (LMc), William Mathes (WB), Burt L. Monroe, Jr. (BM), Robert Morris (RM), Caroline Musgrove (CM), Jimmy Myatt (JM), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BPB), Donald Parker (DP), Richard Peake (RP), Clell Peterson (CP), A. L. Powell (AP), Lene Rauth (LR), Linda Salmon (LSa), Herbert Shadowen (HS), John Stamper (JS), Anne L. Stamm (ALS), Frederick Stamm (FS), Donald Summerfield (DS), Donna Penny Sumpter (DPS), Margaret Sullivan (MS); other abbreviations: Christmas Bird Counts (CBC), and Many observers (m.ob.). — 9101 Spokane Way, Louisville 40222. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 35 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING MEETING April 25, 26, 27, 1980 The fifty-seventh Annual Spring Meeting of the Kentucky Ornitho- logical Society was held April 25-27, 1980 at Bowling Green, Kentucky. The general sessions at 7:30 on Friday and Saturday evening were held at Western Kentucky University. President Ramon lies welcomed the members and guests. Vice-president Pierre Allaire introduced the program participants. Thomas Padgett gave a progress report on re- search activities concerning photoperiodism in starlings. Dr. Gary Ritchi- son discussed female songs of the Black-headed Grosbeak. Mrs. Anne Stamm reported on a study made by the late Walter Ellison of reproduction and growth in the Turkey Vulture, illustrated by several excellent photo- graphs. Following the Friday evening program announcements were made concerning the Saturday field trips. Conditions were very poor on Saturday morning for birding. How- ever, the sporadic rain and low temperatures dissipated somewhat, and field trips to the transient lakes and surrounding area resulted in a list of 108 species for the day. The Board of Directors met at 4:00 p.m. and discussed several items of business, particularly the financial state of the organization. On Saturday evening 32 members and guests watched and listened to a fascinating illustrated discussion of the birds of Galapagos Islands, pre- sented by Dr. and Mrs. Wendell Kingsolver. Present day conditions and the need for conservation were stressed. Following the program a list of the birds seen during the day was compiled, and announcements were made concerning the Sunday field trips. During the short business meeting Pres- ident lies reported that a recommendation will be made to the membership at the fall meeting that the annual dues be increased to cover increased expenses. He also announced that the 1980 Fall meeting will be held at Natural Bridge State Park September 26-28; the Spring meeting is scheduled for Barren River State Park April 24-26. On Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. a steady rain greeted those partici- pating in the field trip to Dr. Russell Starr’s farm in Barren County. However, the weather cleared during the morning, and a total of 60 species was recorded during the day. Respectfully submitted, H. E. Shadowen Acting Recording Secretary BIRDS OBSERVED AT THE SPRING MEETING, 1980 Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Mallard, Gadwall, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser, Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, American Kestrel, Bobwhite, American Coot, Killdeer, Common Snipe, Spotted Sandpiper, 36 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 Solitary Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sand- piper, Least Sandpiper, Dunlin, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Barred Owl, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Common Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-headed Wood- pecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Acadian Flycatcher, Tree Swallow, Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Purple Martin, Blue Jay, Common Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Carolina Wren, Mockingbird, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, American Robin, Wood Thrush, Eastern Bluebird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Water Pipit, Cedar Waxwing, Loggerhead Shrike, Starling, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow- throated Vireo, Solitary Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Prothonotary Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Palm Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky War- bler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Hooded Warbler, House Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, Red-winged Blackbird, Orchard Oriole, Northern Oriole, Common Crackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Scarlet Tan- ager. Summer Tanager, Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Dickcissel, American Goldfinch, Rufous-sided Towhee, Savannah Sparrow, Grasshopper Spar- row, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, White- throated Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow, total 113 species. ATTENDANCE AT THE SPRING MEETING, 1980 BOWLING GREEN: Dr. and Mrs. Charles S. Guthrie, Dr. Blaine Fer- rell, Mike Jones, Mr. and Mrs. William B. Mathes, Dr. H. E. Shadowen. CARLISLE: Dr. and Mrs. Wendell Kingsolver. GILBERTSVILLE: Mr. E. G. Conrad. JACKSON : Dr. and Mrs. Pierre Allaire. LOUISVILLE: Brian Anderson, Alan Barron, Bob Brown, John Krull, Dr. Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Mrs. Eugene Short, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Stamm, Alan Temple. OWENSBORO: Mary Lydia Greenwell, Mr. and Mrs. Ramon lies, Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Wilson. RICHMOND: Dr. Gary Ritchison. DYERSBURG, TENNESSEE: Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Leggett. PERIODICAL REVIEW BIRD WATCHERS S DIGEST, edited by Mary B. Bowers and Pat Mur- phy. William H. and Elsa E. Thompson, Publishers, Pardson Corporation, P. O. Box 110, Marietta, Ohio 45750. Bimonthly. $1.50 per copy; $7.50 per year. Bird Watcher’s Digest is a family enterprise designed for those inter- ested in birds and bird watching. The bimonthly publication is 96 pages in length, 5" by 8" in size, and is a compilation of printed articles selected from newspapers and magazines in North America plus some manuscripts 1980 THE KENTUCKY WAKBLER 37 submitted for consideration. In a brochure it is described as follows: “It offers both the veteran and the amateur birder features on individual species; practical advice on where to go to see birds; information on rare sightings; personal accounts of binding experiences; updates on endangered and threatened species; profiles of outstanding bird watchers; humorous essays, cartoons, and anecdotes.” For example, in the September/October 1979 issue there were articles concerning the last Heath Hen on earth, two Mississippi Kites sighted in New York, How to choose and use binocu- lars, Stalking the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, the Cornell Laboratory sanc- tuary, and Thomas Bewick. In the November/December 1979 issue some of the subjects were Henslow, Bobwhite ground feeder. The Kingfisher, Feeding wild birds, and Birding in China and India. Our local club made use of an article entitled Make a Christmas Tree for the Birds and decorated a tree for a nursing home. Most of the articles are two to six pages in length and deal with a variety of subjects of interest to birders. There are approximately 24 to 40 articles included in each issue, some of them accompanied by black and white photographs or line drawings. There are also a few cartoons, letters to the editor, and a few advertisements (all of an ornithological nature) such as bird books, birding equipment, food, etc. In reviewing three issues of the publication I found approximately one-fourth of the articles to be of great interest to me, one-half to be of some interest, and one-fourth to be of little or no interest. There are some publications that I have received for years without reading more than one-fourth of any issue. To me it is somewhat like receiving a copy of Reader’s Digest in which all of the articles have to do with birds and birding and conservation. The arti- cles are intended for those with an interest in ornithology, and none of them require advanced ornithological training for understanding. This publication fills a need for those interested in this approach to ornithology and hopefully will result in more bird readers becoming bird watchers. — H. E. SHADOWEN, 1927 Cedar Ridge Rd., Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101. FIELD NOTES SOME BIRD OBSERVATIONS IN THE LOUISVILLE AREA Over the past few years I have made a number of interesting obser- vations at my family’s farm in northeast Jefferson County. Unless other persons are mentioned specifically, I was the only observer involved. After seeing a Yellow Rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis) in a hay- field in 1976 (Palmer-Ball, Kentucky Warbler 53:41, 1977) I searched for the species with Jackie Elmore and Donald Parker by pulling a rope through suitable habitat between two tractors on October 22, 1977. Sur- prisingly, we were fortunate enough to flush a single Yellow Rail several times. The following day we were joined by Diane Elmore and Dr. Burt Monroe, Jr., and all of us got at least a glimpse of this bird as it crept, mouselike, through the grass. In addition we all saw a Henslow’s Sparrow (Passerherbulus henslowii) and a Short-billed Marsh Wren (Cistothorus platensis). 38 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 On January 1, 1977 I found a Nashville Warbler (Vermivora rufica- pilla) in a large stand of White Pines (Pinus strohus). These trees seem to give cover and supply a food source to insectivores. All the field marks on the warbler were noted including the white eye ring, gray head, olive back, and yellow throat, breast, and undertail. On June 23, 1978 I was working in a field of corn when I noticed a peculiarly colored (but seemingly familiar) flycatcher sitting on a barbed wire fence nearby. The reason for its familiarity to me became clear when I went closer and realized it was a Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis), a species which I had seen by the hundreds just three weeks earlier in Texas! All field marks were noted including the bright yellow lower breast and belly, blackish tail with white edge to the outer feathers, gray head, and indefinite division between the whitish throat and yellow breast. The bird sat clearly in view for five minutes as I approached to within forty feet of it. After a general abundance of Pine Siskins (Spinus pinus) during the winter of 1977-78, a group of about 15 birds frequented my feeders through the early part of May 1978. On March 23, 1978 I was playing basketball in my backyard when a siskin flew to the rim of the goal and proceeded to tug at the frayed loops of the net beneath. The bird then flew to a nearby tree and then to the ground where it began to pick up dog hairs. It collected quite a billful before flying about 45 feet up in a nearby white pine. Close scrutiny of the spot in the tree with binoculars revealed a nearly completed nest in a fork of about five small branches that radiated upward from a common point. On March 25 the bird (presumed a female) was sitting on the nest and remained there most of the time for the next five days. However, from March 30 on, no activity was detected in the immediate vicinity of the nest. After repeated attempts to find the bird nearby I climbed the tree and found a single egg, white with tiny brown spots, in the nest. The nesting attempt was unsuccessful. While roping hayfields for rails I flushed Henslow’s Sparrows three times, all at times when the species is considered quite rare. Besides the previously mentioned record of October 23, 1976, Alan Barron and I flushed single birds on October 19, 1978 and November 2, 1978. On November 14, 1978 I startled a Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vo- ciferus) sittirig in a honeysuckle tangle in a small group of trees. The bird was quite reluctant to fly out from the cover of the trees, and consequently I was able to view the bird in flight several times. Its small size, grayish (rather than brownish) plumage, and lack of white patches in the wings separated it from any other confusing species. The bird was an immature and had no white in the tail. The winter of 1978-1979 was enlightening to me in part due to the presence of unusual numbers of Snow Buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis) and Lapland Longspurs (Calcarius lapponicus) in snow covered fields where cow manure and waste hay had been spread. The birds find un- digested pieces of corn and other plant material in the manure and find seeds in the hay. In 1979 Snow Buntings were present from January 8 to February 20 with a peak count of about 60 birds on January 29. Lapland Longspurs were present from January 7 to February 21 with a peak of about 45 on January 29th. I noted that small flocks of Snow Buntings perched high in bare trees, soaking up the morning sun on several occa- sions, but the Lapland Longspur or Horned Lark seldom take advantage 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 39 of anything higher than a cornstalk from which to survey the surround- ings. The buntings, upon hearing a frightening noise, would rise from the ground and perch on the nearest fence or piece of machinery. In contrast the longspurs and larks would take flight, moving some distance before landing in an open field. On May 26, 1979 I was ecstatic upon hearing the “wee-bee-o” song of the Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum) coming from a dense stand of second growth Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) and Black Willow (Salix nigra) along a wet weather creek. I saw the bird briefly several times as it flitted about in search of insects, and was able to identify it by sight as an Empidonax flycatcher by eye ring, wing bars, and olive back, wings, and head. The lower belly was washed with yellow. The bird sang about eight times over a period of five minutes before disappearing out of sight and hearing range to the northeast. On August 12, 1979 Alan Barron and I saw a pair of Blue Grosbeaks (Guiraca caerulea) feeding in a hayfield. For the next few weeks I noted a single female of this species in the same general vicinity, and she always seemed distressed at my approach. On September 9 I found a female with two others that were quite ragged in plumage and obviously juveniles. For another two weeks I noted this group, containing up to four members (three juveniles) . After that I noted one or two birds that appeared to be juveniles until October 18. The late presence of these birds so far past the breeding season extended the fall date for the state by over a month. On October 11, 1979 I pursued a small sparrow through a grassy field for half an hour, flushing it perhaps 20 times, before identifying it as a Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) . The bird had ap- parently just completed the prebasic molt as all of its field marks were strikingly conspicuous including the bright yellow-orange lores, yellow bend of the wing, fresh ashy gray edgings on the back feathers, and the ashy margin to the outer tail feathers. This was the second fall record for the species in the Louisville area. — BRAINARD PALMER-BALL, JR., 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40222. Editorial note: This extensive field note has been published (with some deletions) with the hope that it will encourage our readers to record and report their sightings on a regular basis. However, the Editorial Board reaffirmed its position at the 1980 spring meeting of the Kentucky Orni- thological Society that when a rare or out-of-season species is located, every effort should be made to substantiate the report either by means of photographs or by contacting others to witness the event. We hope that all members will realize that a request for additional information is not a question of integrity but an attempt to be as precise as possible. KESTREL PREYS ON JUNCO Although there is considerable information in the ornithological liter- ature on the predation of birds, there is little on the actual observation of seeing the predator take its prey, or destroy the eggs or young in the nest. Therefore, the following observation may be of interest. On January 27, 1979, the temperature hovered between 27 and 31 degrees and the ground was covered with snow. I had hung a mist net within 15 feet of the house for the capture and banding of birds. As I 40 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 watched from the living room window a Dark=-eyed (slate-colored) Junco (Junco hyemalis) flew into the net and within seconds an American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) appeared, fluttered briefly before the net, and made a swift direct strike and grasped the junco, thereby entangling itself in the net. I rushed out to save the junco, but the bird was dead. The Kestrel, a male, was taken from the net, banded and released. The junco wore a “bracelet” with number 1280-25278 on it and had been banded by the writer on December 29, 1976. It had been recaptured on March 2, 1977 and was not seen again until its tragic fate. The junco was in its fourth calendar year, and may have been older, but at the time of banding its exact age was not known. Kestrel often prey on birds when food is scarce and the ground snow- covered and often at such times are attracted to winter feeding stations. During the severe winter of 1977-78, my husband, Frederick, observed a Kestrel capture a Starling and devour it. During the same week a frozen Starling was found in the yard and was placed on the woodpile. Later in the day, a Kestrel, probably the same one, was seen eating the frozen bird. — ANNE L. STAMM, 9101 Spokane Way, Louisville 40222. GOSHAWK OBSERVATION On December 29, 1979 I observed a hawk perched in a tree in clear view about fifty feet from my kitchen window. Such a sighting was some- what unusual in this suburban location, and noting that it was a Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) made it most unusual. The hawk sat in the tree for about thirty minutes in good light, providing ample opportunity to examine its distinctive markings. The Goshawk eventually flew from the tree and disappeared over our house; however, it immediately returned and took a House Sparrow at our bird feeder. It carried the bird first to the garden and then to a fence post in our backyard, providing excellent views of its plumage. It devoured the sparrow in about 15 minutes and then flew away upon the approach of a neighbor’s dog. — Mrs. JAMES M. WILLIAMS, 480 Seeley Drive, Lexington, Kentucky 40502. NEWS AND VIEWS K.O.S. FALL MEETING Please heed this early reminder to make your reseryations for the fall meeting which will be held at Natural Bridge State Park September 26-28. This is one of the most popular parks in Kentucky and is noted for the fall colors and for Red River Gorge which is nearby. A program is also being planned for Saturday afternoon. IN MEMORIAM MR. WALTER ELLISON DR. L. Y. LANCASTER K 3 "7 The Kentucky Warbler (Published by the Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 5S AUGUST, 1980 NO. 3 IN THIS ISSUE SUMMER BIRDS OF CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, Wayne H. Davis, Charles K. Smith, Jarvis Hudson, and Gregg Shields 43 THE 1980 BALD EAGLE COUNT IN KENTUCKY, Anne L. Stamm and James Durell 55 THE SPRING SEASON OF 1980, Anne L. Stamm 59 FIELD NOTES 65 NEWS AND VIEWS 68 42 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Founded in 1923 by B. C. Bacon, L. Otley Pindar, and Gordon Wilson President Ramon lies, Owensboro Vice-President Pierre Allaire, Jackson Corr. Sec.-Treasurer Recording Secretary John Krull 1108 Whetstone Way, Louisville, Ky. 40223 Sister CJasimir Czurles, Owensboro Councillors : Mrs. Molly Caldwell, Danville 1978-1980 Ed Wilson, Owensboro 1978-1980 Blaine Ferrell, Bowling Green 1979-1981 Barry Howard, Pineville 1979-1981 Retiring President Andrew Uterhart, Lexington Librarian Evelyn Schneider, Louisville Staff Artist Ray Harm, Chenoa THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November. The KENTUCKY WARBLER is sent to all members not in arrears for dues. Membership dues are: Active or Regular, $3.00; Contributing, $5.00 ; Student, $2.00 ; Life, $50.00; Family, $1.00 in addition to Regular, Contributing, or Life Membership dues. All articles and communications should be addressed to the editor. Subscrip- tions, memberships, and requests |pr back issues should be sent to the treasurer. Editor H. E. Shadowen, Biology Department, Western Kentucky Univ.. Bowling Green 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Anne L. (Mrs. F. W.) Stamm Burt L. Monroe, Jr. OUR COVER We are indebted to Mr. W. H. Brown, K.O.S. member from Shelbyville, for the photograph of the Dickcissel, taken in late May of 1979 in Shelby County, Kentucky, 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 43 SUMMER BIRDS OF CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK Wayne H. Davis, Charles K. Smith, Jarvis E. Hudson and Greg Shields Cumberland Gap National Historical Park consists of 20,000 acres in Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee. Elevations range from 1100’ to 3500’. Most of the Park is wilderness, accessible only by hiking trails. A road, passible by four wheel drive vehicle, leads to the edge of the Park at 3200’. Large areas of the Park lie above 3000’, high enough to support a northern fauna. Because of its difficult access few naturalists have visited the area, and the only published reports are those of Croft ( 1969a, b) who listed several northern birds. In 1977 the National Park Service contracted with the University of Kentucky for a survey of the vertebrates of the Park. We studied the resident birds of the Park during the nesting seasons of 1978 and 1979. We hiked all the 40 miles of trails in the Park counting all adult birds seen or heard. This was done during the last week of May and during June to avoid most migrants. We have also compiled notes taken while working with the other vertebrate groups and the notes made by Roger W. Barbour and James Schafer. We camped at the Wilderness Road Area Campground and at the Environmental Center. Most of the Park consists of hardwood forest. Stands of pine occur on some of the ridges and drier slopes. Cleared areas include the Visitor Center, The Environmental Center, Sugar Run Picnic Area and Hensley Settlement. At Hensley Settlement about 75 acres are maintained as pasture and primitive farm by the Park Service for historical purposes. The much larger areas of this high plateau that have been cleared for grazing are now in timber, except the White Rocks Tower, the highest point in the Park at 3515’. This peak retains some grassy areas and is covered mostly by low brush such as blackberry briars, sumac and hawthorn. There are no lakes, reservoirs, or large streams in the Park. There is very little swampland, none extensive enough to support marsh birds. ANNOTATED LIST Green Heron (Butorides virescens) . James Schafer saw one along Station Creek 22 June 1978. Turkey Vulture (Cathares aura). We saw these birds regularly in all parts of the Park visited. Croft (1969b) reported seeing Turkey Vultures on the mountain. Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus). Croft (1969b) saw two birds at White Rocks and another several miles down the ridge. Our only record was two seen over Station Creek in mid-May 1979 by Roger Barbour. The bird seems to be an irregular visitor in the Park. Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii). We saw one near the Visitor Center on 16 October 1977. One was seen on top of the knoll on the Honey Tree Nature Trail, 20 June 1978. At noon on 5 June 1979 one called and flew over the cabin at Martin’s Fork at 3000’. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). On 6 June 1979 we saw a pair below White Rocks. 44 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER VoL 56 Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus). Roger Barbour heard a Red- shouldered Hawk near the railroad tunnel on the Kentucky side in May 1979. Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus). This seemed to be the only common resident hawk in the Park. Broad-wings were seen soaring at various localities from the lowest elevations to over 3000’. Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). Turkeys were released in the Park in Oct. 1973 and seem to have become established. In June of 1979 we found feathers of Turkeys up Davis Branch and on the Woodson Gap Trail. Mr. Chester Thomas, who works at Hensley Settlement for the Park Service, said that a flock of a dozen lived along Shillalah Creek in the fall of 1978 and seven survived the winter. Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umhellus). Grouse seemed at a population high when we were trapping at Hensley Settlement in January 1978. We saw them on each of the four days we went up the mountain with a high count of six on 5 January. We were surprised that the population did not crash but remained high through the following two summers. Nearly all those recorded on our counts were mothers with broods. Croft (1969b) reported several broods seen along the ridge in 1968 and 1969. Bobwhite ( Colinus virginianus) . Bobwhite are Park residents only in the vicinity of the Visitor Center. One that lived just off the Park could be heard from the campground. American Woodcock (Philohela minor). One was flushed beside Station Creek below the campground on 30 April 1978. Since Mengel (1965) reported that clutches are completed in April it seems likely that this was a resident bird. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura). Doves reside in the vicinity of the Visitor Center and the Environmental Center. Elsewhere in the Park they are scarce and irregular. Croft (1969b) reported one at Bailes Meadow, 3500’, on 1 June 1969. We saw one at Hensley Settlement on 8 June 1978. In the evening of 5 June 1978 a pair flew over the Martins Fork Cabin. Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus ) . Croft (1969b) reported this species as common throughout the area. We recorded one or more on more than half of our counts. They seemed more common at lower elevations but several were heard above 3000’. Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus ) . We recorded two on the Tri-State Trail and two on the Ridge Trail east of Chadwell Gap. One heard at the campground on 24 June 1978 was apparently a transient for we have no other records from several weeks at this site in two summers. Croft (1969b) reported one at the edge of Hensley Settlement and two others along the ridge at 3100’. Thus this species seems to be uncommon in the Park. Screech Owl (Otus asio). One was heard at the Environmental Center in October and June. Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus). This species probably resides in the Park but we have no definite records. A large owl flushed along the Ridge Trail just east of Chadwell Gap was thought to be this species. Barred Owl (Strix varia). Barred Owls were heard calling at two places along the western portion of the Ridge Trail during the day. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 45 Barred Owls were also heard calling on two afternoons in May and June along Yellow Creek at the railroad crossing. Chuck-wilBs-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis). This species occurs in and around the Wilderness Road Area Campground on the Virginia side at 1300’. During 1978 two birds could be heard nightly; only one was heard in 1979. Attempts to find the species on the Kentucky side, where the habitat is less favorable, were unsuccessful. -T&a Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus). This species is probably widely distributed in the Park; we heard one at each place we spent nights : Martins’ Fork Cabin ; Environmental Center and the campground. At the campground the Whip-poor-will called from moist deciduous forest, whereas the Chuck-wills-widows were in the dry upland pines around the campsites. Both species were heard at the same time. Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor). One was heard over the campground on 22 May 1979 and one at the same locality a few days later. Mengel (1965) suggests that both residents and transients occur in the state at this time. Chimney Swift ( Chaetura pelagica). Chimney Swifts can be found regularly in small numbers throughout the Park. A pair nested in the chimney of the Willie Gibbons house at Hensley Settlement until the chimneys were capped in 1978. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). We recorded two at the lower elevations on the Kentucky side, and Croft (1969b) reported one at Martin’s Fork at 3000’. Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon). Apparently a pair lives along station Creek. We recorded one there on 30 April 1978 and 29 May 1979. On 10 June 1979 one flew over the campground. Yellow-shafted Flicker (Colaptes auratous) Uncommon. One was occasionally seen at the Visitor Center and one at the Environmental Center. One appeared with a juvenile at the campground on 27 June 1978 and one was occasionally seen there in 1979. Our only other record was one at Hensley Settlement on 8 June 1978. Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus). This was the only woodpecker which seemed to be common in the Park. We recorded one or more on most of our counts and found them at all elevations and all seasons. Red-bellied Woodpecker ( Centurus carolinus). Uncommon. A pair resided in the woods along Yellow Creek at the Environmental Center and we had a few other records including one at about 3000’ near White Rocks. Croft (1969b) reported finding one on the Virginia side. Hairy Woodpecker (Dendrocopos villosus). We have only two records, both from the high country in the eastern part of the Park. One was recorded between Martin’s Fork and Hensley Settlement in 1978 and a pair was seen on Brush Mountain in 1979. Downy Woodpecker (Dendrocopos puhescens) . We have surprisingly few records of this generally common species. A pair resided at the campground in 1979. We have no records from the higher elevations in the eastern portion of the Park. Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Dendrocopos borealis). This endangered species was reported from the Park by Dorothy McConnell who saw one 46 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 58 and heard four others in a stand of pines on the White Rocks Trail 21 Oct. 1973 (Hall, 1974). Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus). We are not convinced that this species is a resident of the Park. Hudson saw one at Hensley Settlement 8 June 1978. It was not seen again in our several visits to this site. Our only other record is one that we found dead on the road beside US 25E at the Visitor Center on 30 May 1979. Great Crested Flycatcher (Myriachus crinitus). This species occurs regularly along the ridge from the dry oak habitat in the western part of the Park to the northern hardwood types on the higher elevations of the eastern part. We saw a pair at a nest site in an oak snag on the Ridge Trail between Lewis Hollow and Woodson Gap on 1 June 1979. All our records are from the ridge except for one bird heard at the campground on June 6 1979. This was apparently an unmated wanderer for it was not heard again. Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe). Found wherever there was suitable nesting sites. Three pairs nested in the vicinity of the Environmental Center in 1979: under a bridge, in a maintenance shed, and at the old slaughterhouse. Other nesting sites were where the highways cross Station Creek and Yellow Creek, the campground registration building, Indian House Rock, Saltpeter Cave and Sand Cave. Croft (1969b) reported a pair at Sand Cave. In both 1978 and 1979 we heard a phoebe at the switchback at Shillalah Creek at 2400’; the nest site there is apparently the face of a boulder. Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens). Regularly distributed wherever wooded swales occur. One was recorded at an elevation above 3000’ on the White Rocks Trail and one in a northern habitat along Martins Fork at 2950’. The species was most common along Sugar Run. Eastern Wood Pewee (Contopus virens). Uncommon. Except for one calling at the Environmental Center on 8 June 1979, all our records are from the ridge or the upper slopes on the Virginia side. We have records from White Rocks Trail, Saltpeter Cave and two localities on the Ridge Trail. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica). A pair of these birds foraged regularly over the mowed meadow below the Visitor Center. One was seen at Hensley Settlement 8 June 1978 and a pair visited that area 5 June 1979. One was seen investigating the sheds at the maintenance area on 4 June 1979, but no nest was found. Perhaps this species does not nest in the Park. Croft (1969b) saw one over the summit of the mountain at 3500’ on 29 May 1969. Purple Martin (Progne suhis). Croft (1969b) reported one flying over the highest point in the Park on 13 June 1968. Hudson saw one over the Ridge Trail between the Sugar Run Trail and Gibson Gap 16 June 1978. This species probably does not nest in the Park. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata). This is one of the more common birds in the Park; it was recorded on nearly all our counts. Young birds just out of the nest were seen along the Tri-state Trail 4 June 1978. Raven (Corvus corax). This magnificent bird, reported by Mengel (1965) as extirpated, is making a comeback in Kentucky. During 1978 we saw and heard a Raven several times at various places in the high 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 47 country ( Smith and Davis 1979) . During 1979 at least three different birds were seen. Ravens seem to range throughout the high country at least from where Shillalah Creek leaves the Park to White Rocks. Mr. Chester Thomas says that he has seen them at Hensley Settlement since 1972. Common Crow ( Corvus brachyrhynchos ) . This is one of the more common, widespread and conspicious birds in the Park. A group of juveniles and their parents lived in the campground during June in 1978 and 1979. Carolina Chickadee (Parus carolinensis). One of the common birds in the Park, the chickadee was usually found in small bands. These bands may have included young of the year as the species nests rather early (Mengel, 1965). Chickadees seemed to be more common at the lower elevations. Tufted Titmouse ( Parus bicolor). This was another common bird often found in small bands. A few more titmice than chickadees were found at the higher elevations, but this species also appeared to be more common in the lowlands. White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) . This bird was fairly common on the dry oak ridges in the western part of the Park during 1978. We have only one record from the high country and a single record for 1979. Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus ) . This species, devastated by recent rugged winters, is scarce in the Park. Our only records were from the lower elevations in the vicinity of Yellow Creek. One was heard at the Visitor Center 16 Oct. 1977. Six were recorded on our count in this area in 1978. On 10 June 1979 a nest with young was found in a metal shed where Park Service vehicles are garaged. Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) . Several Catbirds reside along Yellow Creek and one at the picnic area at Sugar Run. Our only other record was a single bird heard at Hensley Settlement 4 June 1979. Suitable habitat is restricted, but we were surprised not to find the species in some of the brushy portions of the highest areas. Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum). Three Brown Thrashers were seen at the Iron Furnace on 22 June 1978. A few reside in the brushy borders around Hensley Settlement. Our only other record was a single silent individual seen in the deep woods along the Ridge Trail east of Chadwell Gap, a most unlikely place for a thrasher. As with the Catbird we were surprised not to find this species in some of the brushy areas from Bailes Meadows to the White Rocks Tower. Robin (Turdus migratorius) . A pair each resided at the Visitor Center, and the Wilderness Road Area Campground. Several were counted along the Yellow Creek Trail, and one was seen flying over high above the parking area at the Tri-state Trail 10 June 1979. Eleven Robins, including several adults and full grown young of the year were foraging on the lawn at the Iron Furnace 22 June 1978. We have no other summer records. Croft (1969b) reported finding a Robin in an extensive forest on the ridge 29 May 1969. Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina). This is one of the typical birds of the Park, recorded on nearly every count and heard nearly every place we visited. Breeding records include a bird incubating 45’ up in a sugar 48 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 maple on the Tri-state Trail 4 June 1978, a nest with four small young 6’ above the trail above Skylight Cave, one with four eggs 6’ above the Woodson Gap Trail, and one young just out of the nest near the Pinnacle, all on 1 June 1979. Veery (Catharus fuscescens). Croft (1969b) reported a Veery in a rhododendron thicket at 3200’ on 30 May 1969. This apparently is where the trail crosses Shillalah Creek at Hensley Settlement. Previously the species was known in summer in Kentucky only from Big Black Mountain. A third locality has been reported recently (Davis and Smith, 1978). We found the Veeries at Croft’s locality and at the following other places in the Park: Sand Cave, Martins Fork Cabin, and near mile post 9 on the Ridge Trail. All localities are in dense rhododendron thickets along streams at elevations above 2900’. The species seems well established in a narrow band of specific habitat. It seems to share this restricted area with the Canada Warbler. Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis). Two pairs of Bluebirds reside in the field and old orchard behind the Bert Hensley house at Hensley Settlement. A Bluebird was heard at the campground on 1 and 8 June 1979. The ones at Hensley Settlement seem to be the only residents in the Park. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea). Gnatcatchers occur regularly at the lowest elevations, such as at the Environmental Center, the campground and Station Creek. We did not find them in the high country. Cedar Waxwing (Bomhy cilia cedrorum). We saw two waxwings along Yellow Creek on 2 June 1978. Except for a flock of two dozen flying over Shillalah Creek at 2400’ on 5 January 1978, this is our only record for the Park. Croft (1969b) reported one building a nest in an old apple tree at 3000’ on 14 June 1968. This was apparently at Martin’s Fork Cabin where we were not able to locate the species in 1978 or 1979. Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). This introduced pest apparently does not breed in the Park. Starlings regularly feed in the mowed meadow below the Visitor Center, where often a dozen or more can be seen, and they often perch in the trees along Yellow Creek just across from the town of Middlesboro. Flocks of up to 30 birds were often seen flying over the Visitor Center and Environmental Center, especially in the evening. Solitary Vireo (Vireo solitarius). Fairly common at the higher elevations, this species ranged down to lower elevations than the other northern birds. Along Sugar Run they were found below 2000’ in a cool hollow with large hemlocks and other big trees. Perhaps more surprising was one seen on the Woodson Gap Trail between 2200 and 2300’ on 23 June 1978 and one at the Gibson Gap Primitive Campground on 24 June 1978. These localities are on south slopes and do not appear suitable for northern species. Both sites had large deciduous trees, which seemed to be a favored habitat type of Solitary Vireos wherever we found them. White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus). This was a common bird in the suitable habitat available along Yellow Creek and Station Creek. Our only other record was of a pair that resided at the picnic area at Sugar Run. We did not find this species in suitable-looking brushy areas on the mountain. Mengel (1965) reported that it is apparently absent above 2600’ in Kentucky. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 49 Yellow- throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons). Although we have several June records, we are not convinced that this species breeds in the Park. On 2 June 1978 there were two singing males along Yellow Creek above the Environmental Center. We failed to find the species there on two visits a year later. One which sang most of the day 25 June 1978 at the campground was apparently a transient, for none was heard during the two previous weeks. One heard there the afternoon of 10 June 1979 was our only record for the campground that year. We have only two other records for the Park, one of which was a bird heard in unsuitable-looking habitat below Sand Cave 6 June 1979. Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus). This is one of the typical birds of the Park woodlands. It was common at all elevations. Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia). This is one of the more common forest birds, recorded on most of our counts. Considering its weak song it may be more abundant than our counts suggest. Croft (1969b) reported the species as numerous with young out of the nest the second week in June in 1967 and 1968 but not in 1969 when he thought nesting was delayed. On 3 June 1978 we found a nest with five nearly fledged young on the ground beside the trail near the Pinnacle and a nest with four hatchlings and one egg in the same area. This nest was at the base of a cliff, partially sheltered by an overhang. On 6 June and 9 June 1979 we found young just out of the nest at localities above 3000’. On 1 June 1979 we watched a bird sing repeatedly from a perch at the top of a dead tree, an unusual behavior for this species. Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea). On the morning of 2 June 1978 a Prothonotary Warbler was singing from a treetop over Yellow Creek at the railroad trestle just inside the Park. Daily visits to the spot through the next week failed to locate the bird again. Apparently he was unable to get a mate and moved on. Mengel (1965) reported that he was unable to locate this species in southeastern Kentucky. Swainson’s Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) . Our only record is one that Hudson heard up Sugar Run 16 June 1978. Suitable-looking habitat along Yellow Creek above the Environmental Center apparently does not harbor this species. Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorus). This bird occurs in wooded ravines and hillsides throughout the Park. It is especially common along Sugar Run, where we located three broods of volant young 11 June 1979. The young were all quite noisy; their chipping sounds were similar to the song of the adult. On 26 June 1978 we found a juvenile just out of the nest on the White Rocks Trail. Golden-winger Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) . Croft (1969b) found one 13 June 1968 and located several others 28 May — 1 June 1969. One was apparently across Martins Fork from the cabin. The others were from Bailes Meadow to the Tower. We were unable to locate this species and do not think it resided in the Park in 1978 or 1979. The area at Martins Fork and at Bailes Meadow have grown up in forest since Croft’s observation with little, if any, habitat still suitable for this species. The White Rocks Tower, however, looks like excellent habitat, and we were surprised not to find golden-winged warblers on our visits to this spot. 50 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER VoL 56 Parula Warbler (Parula americana) . One was singing in the large hemlocks up the Sugar Run Trail on 1 June 1978. We did not locate the species there the following year. Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia). This species, abundant through- out the general area, is apparently not a resident of the Park, although habitat along Yellow Creek looks quite suitable to us. Our only record was an apparently transient male seen along Yellow Creek across from East Middlesboro on 2 June 1978. Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendroica caerulescens) . Croft (1969b) reported this species as common at higher elevations. We also found it generally distributed above 3000’. Along Shillalah Creek this bird ranges down to 2400’ where we heard two singing males in both 1978 and 1979. Black-throated Green Warbler (Dendroica virens). Croft (1969b) reported several from an oak woods on the Virginia side at 2500’. Our only record from the Virginia side was one heard by Hudson on the White Rocks Trail. We found this species to have a rather strange and irregular distribution. In 1978 a singing male resided in the deciduous forest below 2000’ where the Shillalah Creek Road goes up the mountainside. We could not find it in 1979. In that year, however, we heard one in the big hemlocks where Shillalah Creek crosses the trail at Hensley Settlement, a good habitat but a site where the species had not been previously found. Our only other records were two singing males heard at the same spot in both years in large hemlocks up Sugar Run. Large areas of what look like excellent habitat are not occupied. Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea). We found cerulean warblers only at the higher elevations on the Virginia side in large deciduous trees. Several could be found along the White Rocks Trail, the only place this species could be considered fairly common. We heard one at Chadwell Gap at 3100’. Yellow- throated Warbler (Dendroica dominica). During June 1978 we heard this species at various sites along Yellow Creek from Fern Lake to US 25E. We never heard it in the same place twice and suspect that all four records may have been of the same bird ; it may have been an unmated wanderer. On 8 June 1979 we heard one at the Environmental Center. Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica). Our findings were similar to those of Croft (1969b) who found this bird wherever there were brushy areas above 2900’. We found them most common at the Tower where several could be heard singing. The species is probably less common on Bailes Meadow than when Croft was there because of forest succession. We were surprised to record two singing males along the White Rocks Trail in forest land without much underbrush. Pine Warbler (Dendroica pinus). We do not believe that this species is a resident of the Park. We searched several pine stands at various times without success. Several birds heard up Sugar Run 30 April 1978 apparently were migrants. One male sang repeatedly in the tall pines at the Wilderness Road Area Campground from 29 May through 31 May 1979. He apparently was unable to attract a mate and moved on. Prairie Warbler (Dendroica discolor). Birds that reside just outside the Park could be heard from the campground and from the picnic area at Sugar Run. The only Park residents found were a pair that lived where the trail crosses Station Creek. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 51 Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus). This was by far the most abundant bird in the Park. Although all woodland areas were occupied, ovenbirds were more abundant at the higher elevations. Optimum habitat was dense second growth forest with ground cover of cinnamon fern. At one such locality in Bailes Meadow four were heard singing. Louisiana lYater Thrush (Seiurus motacilla) . The Water Thrush was found along Yellow Creek, Sugar Run and Station Creek. It is not common in the Park. Kentucky Warbler (Oporornis formosus). This species occurs through- out the Park except for the highest elevations. In both years we found one at 2900’ on the White Rocks Trail and one at Woodson Gap on the Kentucky side. At lower elevations the bird was rather common. Yellowthroat (Gepthlypis trichas). A pair in the weedy area along Station Creek may be the only Park residents of this common species. One heard along Yellow Creek near the Visitor Center on 2 June 1978 was never found again. Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens). Chats were found at four places in the Park: at the slaughterhouse just below the Environmental Center; Station Creek; the mouth of Lewis Hollow; and at the Tower at 3515’, the highest point in the Park. Hooded Warbler (Wilsonia citrina). This is one of the typical birds in the Park, common in woodlands at all elevations. Canada Warbler (Wilsonia canadensis) . Croft (1969b) recorded this species from streamside rhododendron at 3000’ (apparently at Martin’s Fork Cabin), the only summer record for this species in Kentucky except for Big Black Mountain. We found the bird at Croft’s site and at several other localities. Along Shillalah Creek we found it at Hensley Settlement, at milepost 9 below the Ridge Trail, and at the park boundary at 2400’. It also occurs at Sand Cave and in a few patches of rhododendron not associated with streams. In the Park this species seems to be restricted to thickets of rhododendron at the higher elevations. American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla). Hudson saw one along the Ridge Trail near White Rocks 8 July 1978. We have two other records of birds heard above 3000’ along this trail. This species is apparently scarce and local in the Park. House Sparrow (Passer dom.-esticus). This introduced pest does not seem to be established in the Park. One or two individuals can usually be found at the Visitor Center; these birds are sometimes seen flying to and from Middlesboro. We have also seen a visiting bird at the Environ- mental Center. Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna). The only Meadowlarks in the Park occur in the mowed area at the Visitor Center. A group of three lived there in 1978 and two in 1979. We were surprised that this species did not occur at Hensley Settlement where the habitat looks ideal. Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus). This species apparently is not a resident of the Park; our only summer records are of males apparently seeking suitable habitat. One briefly visited the Environmental Center 2 June 1978, a site unsuitable for redwings. On 5 June 1979 one called from the treetops and investigated the swamp area below the Bert Hensley house at Hensley Settlement. 52 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER VoL 58 Common Crackle (Quiscalus quiscula). Crackles are common around the Visitor Center and along the Ridge Trail near the Pinnacle. Most birds were seen flying over or were in treetops. Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater). Occasionally Cowbirds were seen at various locations throughout the Park at all elevations. Mengel (1965) reported Cowbirds as unknown in the higher Cumberland Mountains. The species has been extending its range. Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea). This is one of the more common birds in the Park. It occurs at all elevations but seems somewhat more numerous at higher elevations. On 3 June 1978 we found a nest with eggs 25 feet up in a pine below the Ridge Trail near the Pinnacle. Summer Tanager (Piranga ruhra). Fairly common at the lower elevations and on the oak-covered ridges in the western end of the Park. Where the two tanagers occurred together this species was in the drier more open woods; the Scarlet Tanager preferred dense moist woods. On 10 June 1979 a wandering male Summer Tanager was heard at the campground. Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) . Cardinals were common at the lower elevations but apparently were absent above 3000’. Occasional cardinals were heard in the deep woods, a habitat generally not favored by this species. Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea). This is one of the more abundant birds in the Park, found at all elevations. Although generally a bird of the brush country or small forest openings it was sometimes found in deep forest situations. Buntings were the most common birds at Hensley Settlement. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis). Uncommon. A few individuals ranged along Yellow Creek. A single one was heard flying overhead on Brush Mountain 9 June 1979. We were not in the Park during the nesting season for his species. Rufous-sided Towhee (Pipilo erythrophhalamus) . This was one of the most common and widely distributed birds in the Park, of equal abundance at all elevations, wherever there was a break in the forest. Two nests were found. One found on the ground beside the Brownies Fork Road near Hensley Settlement 5 June 1978 contained three eggs. One found in an open field near the woods edge at Hensley Settlement 8 June 1979 had four eggs. Grasshopper Sparrow ( Ammodramus savannarum ) . Hudson heard one at Hensley Settlement 8 June 1978. We failed to locate the bird again on several visits to the site that year and next. Bachman’s Sparrow ( Aimophila aestivalis) . Croft (1969b) reported hearing this species at Hensley Settlement on 30 May 1969. Chipping Sparrow ( Spizella passedina). There were two singing males at Hensley Settlement in June 1979. There are no other records. We were amazed that this common species did not occur in ideal-looking habitat at the Environmental Center or the campground. Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla). A single individual found at Hensley Settlement 5 June and 8 June represents our only records. We were surprised not to find this species at a few other localities. Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia). This species is common along Yellow Creek from the Park entrance to the Environmental Center. The picnic area at Sugar Run is the only other place where we found it. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARHLEII 53 TRAIL COUNTS Since the National Park is an area where conditions can be expected to remain rather stable, trail counts can be expected to reflect changes in abundance of species rather than man’s effects on the habitat. Thus our data should be useful to future workers in measuring changes in abundance of some of our common forest birds. We moved at a steady rather brisk pace, recording on a check list all birds heard or seen, and stopping to listen each time we heard a bird not immediately recognized. In the few instances where a section of trail was retraced we recorded no birds except for species not recorded the first time. Our counts probably give a reasonable account of the territorial males audible from the trail for several species. Weak singers, such as the Black-and-white Warbler, are probably underrepresented as compared to ovenbirds and vireos. Woodpeckers, which seldom call and are inconspicuous in the forest, are underrepresented. Counts of crows and Chimney Swifts are unreliable because of the nature of movements of these birds. Gold- finches, Crackles and Starlings are also subject to irregular counts, and, of course, nosturnal birds are not represented. The trails for which counts are tabulated in Table 1 include : 1. Yellow Creek Trail ; area about Visitor Center; road to Supt’s home; Park entrance ; up Yellow Creek to Davis Branch; Environmental Center ; about 2.5 miles, 2 June 1978, 7 : 30-noon la Same, 30 May 1979, 8 : 30-noon 2. Tri State Trail ; Ft. Foote; Ft. Farragut, 1.4 miles, 4 June 1978, 8:00 2a Same, 10 June 1979, 9:00 3. Picnic area and Sugar Run Trail, 2.5 miles, 1 June 1978, 7:30-10 :00 3a Same, 11 June 1979, 9:00-10:45 4. Around the Campground; Nature Trail, Honey Tree Loop, two miles, 20 June 1978, 8 : 30-noon 4a Same, 23 May 1979, 7:30-11:00 5. Pinnacle Parking area along Ridge Trail to Saltpeter Cave, 1.8 miles, 3 June 1978, 3:00 5a Same, 1 June 1979, 3:15 6. From Picnic Area up Lewis Hollow, to Ridge Trail, to Woodson Gap Trail, to Campground, 5.7 miles, 23 June 1978. 8:30-2 :00 6a Same, 1 June 1979, 7:00-1 :00 7. From mile post 9 on Ridge Trail to Campground via Gibson Gap Trail, nine miles, 24 June 1978, 10:30-4 :00 8. Martins Fk Cabin to mile post 9 ; back to Hensley Settlement ; to cabin via Brownies Fk Rd, about eight miles, 5 June 1978, 7:30-3:00 9. Hensley Settlement — cleared areas to woodland edge, 4 June 1979, 9:00-3:00 10. Shillalah Cr Rd from Hensley Settlement to entrance gate, 4.5 miles, 8 June 1979, 9:00-12:30 11. Brush Mt Rd from county line to Hensley Settlement, five miles, 9 June 1979, 9:15-2:00 12. Ridge Trail from Chadwell Gap to Sand Cave, to White Rocks ; White Rocks Trail to Tower, six miles, 6 June 1978, 8:15-4:00 12a Same, 6 June 1979, 8:00-4:00 54 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER VoL 56 Table 1. Numbers of adult birds seen or heard along trails Trail Number* 1 la 2 2a 3 3a Turkey Vulture Cooper’s Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Broad-winged Hawk .. Ruffed Grouse Bobwhite 4 1 Mourning Dove 3 5 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 4 2 Black-billed Cuckoo .. Great-homed Owl Barred Owl Chimney Swift 5 2 Ruby-th Hummngbrd 1 Yel. -shafted Flicker .. 1 Pileated Woodpecker 1 2 Red-bell. Woodpecker 3 1 Hairy Woodpecker .... Downy Woodpecker .. 3 Gr. Crstd Flycatcher .. Eastern Phoebe 1 1 Acadian Flycatcher ..2 1 Ea. Wood Powee Barn Swallow 2 3 Blue Jay 14 15 Raven Common Crow 3 6 Carolina Chickadee .... 9 5 Tufted Titmouse 5 3 Wh-br. Nuthatch 1 1 Carolina Wren 6 2 Gray Catbird 6 3 Brown Thrasher Robin 7 6 Wood Thrush 9 5 Veery Eastern Bluebird Blue-gr. Gnatcatcher 1 Cedar Waxwing 2 Starling 7 30 Solitary Vireo Wh-eyed Vireo 9 5 Yellow-th. Vireo 2 Red-eyed Vireo 4 9 Bl. & W. Warbler 4 Proth. Warbler 1 Worm-ea. Warbler 2 Parula Warbler Yellow Warbler 1 Black-th. Blue Warb Black-th. Green Warb Cerulean Warbler Yellow-th. Warbler .... 1 Ch-sided Warbler Prairie Warbler Ovenbird 3 La. Waterthrush 3 2 Ky. Warbler 3 Yellowthroat 1 Yellow-br. Chat 3 1 1 2 1 1 1 9 7 4 2 4 1 1 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 1 2 1 3 2 4 3 15 1 13 7 9 1 2 2 2 14 2 2 1 4 4a 5 5a 6 6a 7 8 9 10 11 12 12a 1 2 1 10 1 1 2 7 3 1 7 6 19 15 16 9 4 2 3 9 2 4 2 12 6 1 15 17 11 17 9 4 9 7 1 5 6 1 2 1 1 2 8 17 2 5 2 8 3 8 1 3 10 1 11 9 11 14 24 45 27 63 1 1 13 1 1 ^ 1 43 11 13 9 58 61 61 75 1 1 1 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 55 Trail Number* 1 la 2 2a 3 3a 4 4a 5 5a 6 6a 7 8 9 10 11 12 12a Hooded Warbler 3 2 1 4 4 2 1 1 6 10 11 1 14 10 10 14 Canada Warbler 8 2 2 2 Am. Redstart 1 House Sparrow .. 1 2 Ea. Meadowlark 3 1 Red-wing Blackbird .. 1 Common Crackle .... .. 22 33 2 2 Br-headed Cowbird .. 4 2 1 2 Scarlet Tanager .. 2 2 2 1 3 1 2 3 7 6 6 7 9 2 3 8 7 8 Summer Tanager .. 2 2 3 1 1 2 1 1 1 Cardinal , 10 9 1 3 2 4 3 3 1 1 1 Indigo Bunting .. 6 7 1 3 1 4 5 4 11 9 12 11 12 2 6 7 Am. Goldfinch 6 1 Ruf-sided Towhee .... .. 7 3 2 2 1 2 3 4 3 1 7 9 9 5 4 20 13 Chipping Sparrow 2 Field Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 9 8 1 *See text LITERATURE CITED Croft, J. E. 1969a. Winter notes form the Cumberland Mountains. Ken- tucky Warbler 45: 9-11. — 1969b. Notes from the southeastern mountains. Kentucky Warbler 45: 67-81. Davis, W. H. and C. K. Smith. 1978 Birds of the higher mountains. Ken- tucky Warbler. 54 : 73. Hall, G. A. 1974. Appalachian Region. Amer. Birds. 28: 54. Mengel, R. M. 1965. The Birds of Kentucky. Amer. Ornith Union Monogr. No. 3 581 pp. Smith, C. K. and W. H. Davis. 1979. Raven and osprey in southeastern Kentucky. Kentucky Warbler. 55 : 19-20. — School of Biological Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ken- tucky, 40506. THE 1980 BALD EAGLE COUNT IN KENTUCKY Anne L. Stamm and James Durell The Mississippi Valley Bald Eagle Survey coordinated by Elton Fawks, East Moline, Illinois, since 1961, was expanded in 1979 by the National Wildlife Federation Raptor Information Center to include the entire 48 contiguous states. This year, James Durell, assistant director, Kentucky Division of Game Management, was asked by the Raptor Center to coordinate the count in Kentucky. Durell invited the Kentucky Orni- thological Society, which had been taking a one-day count in the state for the past 19 years in cooperation with Fawks, to work with him in this project. The count now is a part of a total nationwide project rather than just the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Although a few state biologists from the Fish and Wildlife Resources and TVA personnel had 56 THE KENTUCKY WAKBLER Vol. 58 assisted the KOS in previous counts, it was felt by the Raptor Center that a state agency specialist could schedule the eagle count in con- junction with the USFWS Waterfowl Censuses and thereby prove more productive and also less expensive. Therefore, the time of the count was set to cover a 19-day period from January 2-20, with the target date in Kentucky as January 5 and if the weather were inclement to go out on January 6. Participants in the count included biologists from the federal and state Fish and Wildlife agencies, TVA personnel, US Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, and members of the Kentucky Ornithological Society. The same general format used in conducting past counts was followed. However, since more personnel was available we had greater coverage. The Mississippi and Ohio Rivers from the “Bend of the River” to Boyd County in northeastern Kentucky were covered. Also, all major bodies of water and even the small lakes all across the state were checked for eagles. Federal and state workers observed by plane, boat, and auto, while KOS members worked primarily from the ground using cars, with the exception of one plane flight along the Mississippi (Leggett). Twelve parties checked for eagles on January 5. The day was cold with several inches of snow on the ground, and light snow showers were frequent during the morning hours, although visibility for the most part was fair to good. The temperature ranged from 27 degrees to the low thirties; ponds were frozen, but large lakes and rivers were open; roads in some areas were icy and prevented a few parties from participating. Three other parties checked for eagles on January 4 and three on January 6. The other 20 groups covered their respective assignments during the period January 2 to January 20. Although we have known that the greater number of Bald Eagles wintering in Kentucky are found along the Ohio River downstream from Henderson, at Ballard Waterfowl Management Area, Land Between the Lakes, and along the Mississippi River from the Tennessee line northward, the big surprise was the large number found at Dale Hollow Lake. Eagles have been sighted there over the years, but not in such high numbers. However, this may have just been a good year for the Bald Eagles since Dr. Russell Starr, Glasgow, Kentucky, who usually covers the area by boat and fishes there frequently, found eight on December 5, but the sighting of 15 (10 adults, 5 immatures) there on January 11, by the Corps of Engineers was unexpected; an additional 25 were farther down the Lake in Tennessee. The total number of Bald Eagles reported on the January count was 78 (42 adults, 35 immatures, 1 unclassified as to age). This count is below that of last year when 90 were recorded. However, the winter as a whole was mild, fewer ducks and geese were present during the winter months, and this lack of food supply may have been a factor in the eagle population. As usual, a few Golden Eagles were reported: nine at Ballard Waterfowl Management Area and one at Land Between the Lakes. Below is a table indicating both the areas covered and the locations where Bald Eagles were found. In some instances several parties worked the same areas but on different dates. However, apparent duplicate sight- ings were carefully screened and eliminated. Also, any counts taken other than during the count period were disregarded. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 57 BALD EAGLES SIGHTED JANUARY 2-20, 1980 IN KENTUCKY Not Location Adults Imm. Aged Total 1 fw Tennessee line north along the Mississippi kos and Ohio Rivers to Caseyville 7 5 1 13 2 fw Ballard Waterfowl Management Area 10 3 13 3 tva Land Between the Lakes - Barkley & Kentucky Lakes 6 17 23 4 fw Caseyville to Lewisport kos 1 1 5 fw Yellowbank Wildlife Area (Breckinridge County) and along north of Flint Island 6 kos Louisville along the Ohio River down to West Point and Battletown including Doe Lake 1 1 2 7 kos Leavenworth, Indiana to Rome, Ind. to see Kentucky side of Ohio River 8 kos Louisville to Westport, Oldham County, along the Ohio River 9 fw Louisville to Boone County (aerial flight) 10 kos Ohio River, west of Cincinnati to Markland Dam 11 kos Ohio River, upstream from Cincinnati to fw Ashland 12 kos Rough River Dam Area, Breckinridge County 2 2 13 kos Transient Lakes, south of Bowling Green; fw also Barren, Green and Nolin Lakes 14 fw Marion-Casey County line 1 1 15 coe Dale Hollow Lake-Wolf River 10 5 15 16 fw Cave Run Lake, Rowan County 2 2 kos 17 coe Grayson Lake kos 18 fws Wolf Creek Dam Area kos rm 3 1 4 19 fw Fishing Creek, east Wayne County to Burnside 1 1 2 20 nps East bank of Big South Fork of Cumberland River 21 kos Laurel, Buckhorn, Carr Fork, Dewey and coe Fishtrap Lakes fw 22 nps Mammoth Cave National Park 42 35 1 78 Ten Golden Eagles were seen: nine at Ballard Waterfowl Management Area and one at Land Between the Lakes Area. fw Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife fws U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service coe Corps of Engineers nps National Park Service kos Kentucky Ornithological Society rm Resident Manager Wolf Creek Dam Area 58 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 X Where eagles sighted o Areas covered, but no eagles observed Mississippi and Ohio Rivers covered from the Tennessee line to Ashland, Boyd County These annual winter counts constitute our best index to the status of the eagle population in Kentucky. However, if it were possible to take the counts within a one or two-day period, it would give a more accurate figure of the eagles wintering in Kentucky. The following is a listing of persons who participated in the 1980 counts. Their efforts represent a substantial contribution to our knowledge of Kentucky eagles. Group leaders and individuals responsible for covering certain areas are in italics. They are: 1) Mrs. C. K. Sumara, Mrs. James Weatherly; Kenneth Leggett, Danny Anderson, Robert Anderson, Norman Burke, Paul Green ; Frank Dibble; 2) James Myatt ; 3) Richard Lowe, Marcus Cope, Ed Ray; 4) Ben Burnley; William E. Cambron, Dan Pooler; A. L. Powell, the Reverend Wallace Renner; Ramon Res; 5) Vernon R. Anderson; 6) Anne L. Stamm, Frederick W. Stamm, Donald Summerfield ; 7) Lawrence D. Smith, Lene Rauth; 8) James Pasikowski, Susan Pasikow- ski; 9) Robert Kessler (Also #13) ; 10) Mr. and Mrs. Lee McNeeley ; 11) Edwin Larsen, Harold Barber; 12) Kathryn W. Clay, H. E. Clay, Jr., Doris Garst, Kay Mudd ; 13) H. E. Shadowen, Wayne Mason, Dennis Webb; Rob- ert Kessler; 14) Cecil Gorley ; 15) Jack Donaldson, Frank Huff ; 16) Lewis Korman, Virginia and Wendell King solver ; 17) James H. McCormick, Wil- liam C. Greene, Jr., Michael Greene ; 18) Eric Plichta, Dennis Coskren, Wal- lace C. Halcomb; 19) Phillip Miller; 20) Joel Ossoff; 21) A. L. Whitt, Jr., Gary Ritchinson; Mark Burnam; David R. Cable; Robert M. Morton; 22) Connie Hudson; Leon Liscomb. Kentucky Ornithological Society, 9101 Spokane Way, Louisville, Ken- tucky 40222. — Dept, of Fish and Wildlife, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 59 THE SPRING SEASON OF 1980 Anne L. Stamm The spring of 1980 in Kentucky was cold and cloudy, with rainfall below normal in March and April. Weather patterns were a dominant factor during the spring migration. A heavy snowstorm on March 1 blanketed the entire state with a covering of snow from three to eight inches, and the high temperature for the day was 17 degrees. The follow- ing day a low of nine degrees tied the record for the date set in 1925 at Louisville. April was also colder than normal and only on seven days did the temperature go above 70 degrees. Most species of birds were late in arriving — even the blackbirds. Duck migration was late and poor. A brief warm front moved into the state on May 2 and 3 and then cooler weather prevailed until May 11 when winds came from the south bringing numbers of cuckoos, vireos, warblers and the departure of winter sparrows. The migration of birds persisted into June. The “peak” migration dates for land birds was May 13 to 16. Loons through Cormorants — One to five Common Loons were re- ported across the state from the following locations: Kentucky Lake near Hamlin and at Cypress Creek, Calloway County, March 22 (JEr) ; Lake Pewee, Hopkins County, April 17 (PH) and there on May 11 (JH) ; Dan- ville, Boyle County (one bird, well advanced in spring plumage), April 26 (FL) ; at Waitsboro Recreational Area (hereafter WRA) and at Fishing Creek, Pulaski County, during the season, with the latest date, May 16 (JEl) ; and on Dewey Lake, Floyd County, April 13 (RB). Single Horned Grebe were reported from varous locations, but 35 above McApline Dam, Louisville, Jefferson County, March 15, was the highest number reported (JEl). Pied-billed Grebe were found on farm ponds and lakes from mid- March to May 4 in small numbers in various locations. Observers may have failed to mention the Double-crested Cormorant since only one sighting was reported: two birds along Lake Cumberland, Brownston, Pulaski County, March 27, with one bird wearing a band (JEl). Heron through Geese — Few Great Blue Heron were reported, but 16 were observed at Columbus, Hickman County, April 22 (JEr). Green Heron were late in arriving and scarce in some areas, with only 19 re- corded on May 4 on the Louisville Spring Count (BBC). Although Little Blue Heron are to be expected in western Kentucky, the flock of 18 flying over the Mississippi River at Columbus, Hickman County, April 22 was of special interest (JEr). Fourteen Cattle Egrets were also noteworthy near Columbus on April 22 (JEr) ; no others were reported. Two Great Egrets were noted at Lentz’s Pond, Louisville, Jefferson County on the early date of April 6 (JR, VR). Black-crowned Night Heron were in low numbers during the spring months; highest count reported was 33 birds on May 30 at McAlpine Dam (LR). Yellow-crowed Night Heron were scarce. Canada Geese began migrating northward in late February, but small flocks of 80 to 100 were observed on March 10 at Fort Wright, Kenton County (EG) and at Fern Creek, Jefferson County (LSa, DSu). On March 8 some 400 Snow Geese (25% in the white phase) were seen north of Reelf oot in Fulton County (CP) ; also 500-700 late stragglers were observed flying over Kentucky Lake at Hamlin, April 5 (JEr) ; one to three were re- 60 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 ported on a small pond in east Louisville from March 31 to April 5 (Kirtchner — fide JR). Ducks through Mergansers — Waterfowl flights were very poor this season. Dabbling ducks were found in small numbers in most areas. Some interesting records of Gadwall have recently come from Pulaski County, and the flock of 28 at a small lake in Somerset, April 3, was of interest (JEl) ; smaller numbers were recorded elsewhere in the state. The 50 Blue-winged Teal in the settling basins in east Louisville, April 15, was the highest number reported (ALS). Shovelers and American Widgeon were present in small numbers, but most had left by May. Diving ducks were also in low numbers but they were more numerous than the puddle ducks. Numbers of Redheads are usually small; therefore, the 72 at Louisville on March 6 (LR) and the 34 at Danville, Boyle County, March 15 (FL) were thought noteworthy. A single Ring-necked Duck at Simp- sonville, Shelby County, May 17, was a fairly late straggler (JEl). Few Canvasback were reported. Nine Greater Scaup (7m, 2f) were identified at Louisville on March 4 (LR). A small flock of 19 Common Goldeneye (8m, Ilf) was present at Louisville, March 4 (LR). A fairly late Ruddy Duck was seen on a small lake at Simpsonville, May 17 (JEl). The 75 Red-breasted Mergansers in the cove of Kentucky Lake near Hamlin, April 5, were on their way northward as only one could be found two days later (JEr). Diurnal Raptors — Fair numbers of Turkey Vultures were seen in northern Kentucky, with a high of 26 birds in Boone County on May 10 (LMc) ; the five at Fort Wright on May 4 were thought unusual there (EG) ; smaller numbers were recorded in many areas of the state. Few Sharp-shinned Hawks were reported: singles in Pulaski County, March 2 and 8 (JEl) ; at Fern Creek, April 23 (JHe) ; and at Louisville, May 4 (BBC). A Cooper’s Hawk was noted all through the spring at Falls of Rough, Grayson County (KC) ; one “dived” at birds at a feeder in Hamlin on April 14 (JEr) ; three in the Louisville area. May 4 (BBC) ; and also observed at Bowling Green, April 26 (KOS). Single Red-shouldered Hawks were observed at a number of locations: Fishing Creek, March 9 (JEl) ; Louisville, May 4 (BBC) ; Otter Creek, Meade County, May 15 (ALS, BS) ; and Falls of Rough, May 10 (KC). However, the species re- mains at a low level. No concentrations of Broad-winged Hawks were ob- served, although singles were present from Calloway County in western Kentucky (JEr) to Floyd County in the eastern section of the state (RB) . Only one departure date for the Rough-legged Hawk was received : one at Danville, March 15 (FL) . The species, however, was rather widely spread during the winter. Six Bald Eagles (2 ad, 4 im.) were seen as late as March 9 on an island in Kentucky Lake near Hamlin (JEr) . Marsh Hawks were reported from Calloway, Fulton, and Pulaski Counties. Ospreys were reported singly from March 31 to April 16 in Pulaski and Calloway Counties (JEl, JEr, respectively) . A Peregrine Falcon was noted harassing a Red-tailed Hawk over Hays Kennedy Park, along the Ohio River at Louisville, May 15 (AB) ; and one “slooped” at shorebirds in a flooded field adjacent to the Ohio River at Grahamville, McCracken County, May 6 (CN). Another rarity, a Merlin, was seen at Brigadoon Farm, Glasgow, Barren County, April 20; no others were reported. Bohwhite through Coots — Bobwhite continued to be scarce in most 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 61 areas. Although most migrants were late, a flock of 25 Sandhill Cranes on March 7 in Oldham County tied the 1967 early date for the Louisville Region (ER) ; smaller numbers included six over Louisville on March 30 (AB) ; and three on May 4 at Louisville (BBC). Apparently Soras passed unnoticed since only one was reported: one at Somerset, April 3 and 16 (JEl). A Purple Gallinule on Kentucky Lake at Hamlin, May 15 and 16 was an unusual find (JEr) . No large concentrations of American Coots were observed this season. Shorehirds — Shorebirds migration was not spectacular, although some interesting species were recorded from Lyon County in western Kentucky to Franklin and Boyle Counties farther east. However, no large numbers were reported anywhere. A few Semipalmated Plover were present at the Frankfort Fish Hatchery during the season (DC) ; Killdeer were slightly above last year in central Kentucky. Fair flights of Solitary Sandpipers were recorded at Danville (FL). Spotted Sandpipers were thought to be in “good numbers” from April 20 through May 11 in Burlington, Boone County (LMc). A Lesser Yellowleg on a flooded roof-top in downtown Louisville, March 7, was most unusual (AB). A Baird’s Sandpiper, al- though rare in spring, was seen at Hay’s Kennedy Park, Louisville on May 14 (AB, AT). Dunlin are seldom recorded in spring, but a number were seen at the transient lakes, south of Bowling Green, Warren County, April 26; one was in spring plumage (KOS). Five Western Sandpipers in Lyon County on May 10 were of special interest (AB, et al). Gulls and Terns — A few interesting gull records came from Fishing Creek Recreational Area, Pulaski County : 30 Ring-billed Gulls on April 27 ; and 11 Bonaparte’s Gulls, April 8 (JEl). An early Louisville record for the Forster’s Tern was established on April 15 when one was seen at Lentz’s Pond (ALS, FS) ; another was present at McAlpine Dam on April 29 (LR) ; and seven at Rough River State Park, Grayson County, May 10 (KC, et al). The only Caspian Terns reported were singles from Fishing Creek (JEl) and McAlpine Dam (LR) . Cuckoos through Woodpeckers — Although the migration was late, the Yellow-billed Cuckoo arriver earlier than in some years at Danville (FL) ; numbers were up in the Louisville area. The uncommon Black-billed Cuckoo was more obvious than in most seasons : several sightings were made between May 5 and 10, with four birds on the latter date in Boone County (LMc) ; one in Pulaski County, May 10 (JEl) ; one at Valley Station, Jefferson County, May 11 (ALS, DS) ; and one near Hamlin, May 17 (JEr). Screech Owls were considered “more common” from April 30 through May in the Burlington area than they have been for the past five years (LMc). A total of eight Great Horned Owls was reported on the Louisville Spring Count compared with three last year (BBC). Whip-poor-wills arrived later than normal: one April 1, northeast of Hopkinsville, Christian County (PH) ; April 3 at Hamlin (JEr) ; and April 13 at Daniel Boone National Forest (RB, RM). Good numbers of Chuck-will’s-widows were heard May 9 and 10 at Falls of Rough, Grayson County (KC) and in Pulaski County from April 27 through May 3 (JEl) ; three birds calling near Lake Morris, Christian County, May 3 (PH) ; also fair numbers in the Louisville area on May 4 (BBC). Some observers felt that Common Nighthawks were down in numbers, particularly at Danville (FL) and at Bedford (JY) ; most birds arrived late, but one was 62 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 unusually early on April 2 at Shawnee Park, Louisville (AB). A Yellow- bellied Sapsucker was still present at Creason Park, Louisville, May 7 (LR). Flycatchers through Crows — Great Crested Flycatchers were in low numbers, particularly in the Louisville area where they showed a 29% drop from last spring. At Danville the Acadian Flycatcher “seemed earlier than normal,” although migration as a whole was late there (FL). Three Willow Flycatchers were ahead of schedule in the Louisville area by about one week: three on May 4 (BBC) and May 5 (LaS). The rarely observed Alder Flycatcher was noted on Surrey Farm, Louisville, May 24 (BPB). The Least Flycatcher was reported from May 2 through May 15 from Fern Creek, Otter Creek, Louisville and Fort Wright, with more than normal numbers in the Louisville area. The Olive-sided Flycatcher was thought to be “especially numerous” (AB), although few were reported: one at Hamlin, May 15 (JEr) and one at Otter Creek on the same date (ALS, BS, et al) ; three localities in the Louisville area (AB) and in Lyon and Trigg Counties, May 10 (AB). All species of swallows were present during the season. Tree Swallows were again found at Long Run State Park, Jefferson County (ALS, FS). The 100 plus Cliff Swallows in Livington County on May 10 seemed noteworthy (AB, AT, BL) ; also the sighting of 30 -|- at Green River Lake, Taylor County on May 26 was extraordinary (JEl). Purple Martins arrived later than usual and some observers felt that numbers were down. “Dozens” of Fish Crows were seen at Columbus, Hickman County on April 21-22 (JEr). Red-breasted Nuthatches through Thrushes — Red-breasted Nuthatches were scarce everywhere in the state. House Wrens were late in arriving and were below par at Danville (FL) and at Louisville (ALS). The Bewick’s Wren continued to be scarce but more were recorded than in previous years: one at Madisonville, Hopkins County, April 2 (JH) ; two appeared at Falls of Rough on March 2 and remained throughout the period (KC) ; one at Hamlin, April 12 and May 2 (JEr) ; one in Christian County on May 5 (PH) ; and one at Danville, May 10, which was the first observed there in three years (FL) . Carolina Wrens were still difficult to find, although they were thought to be up “slightly” at Danville (FL) and “scarcer” than one year ago at Madisonville (JH). Only a few ob- servers mentioned the Short-billed Marsh Wren, but the sighting of one in Pulaski County from May 3 to 10 was of interest (JEl) . Mockingbirds were up slightly from recent lows at Danville (FL) , but in some sections of Louisville the species was below par (ALS). Gray Catbirds were late in arriving and were uncommon at Danville (FL) ; considered common in Boone County, May 10 (LMc) ; but down about 50% in the Louisville area, when comparing the 1979 and 1980 Spring Counts. Some observers re- marked on the “spectacular” number of American Robins during May at Bowling Green (HS) ; unusually large numbers were also recorded in the Louisville area ( AIS) and at Danville (FL) . A partial albinistic Ameri- can Robin was reported in south Louisville (JR) . Wood Thrushes were low in number and were about a week late in arriving. Late straggling Hermit Thrushes were recorded at Creason Park, May 13 (BM) and May 19 ( AB) . Swainson Thrushes were “below normal” at Danville (FL) and at Louis- ville (ALS) . Gray-cheeked Thrushes were also difficult to find. Most observers felt that the Eastern Bluebird was increasing somewhat from the past few years. However, the species was still below normal. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLEK 63 Gnatcatchers through Starlings — A “wave” of 40 to 50 Blue Gray Gnatcatchers was noted at Hamlin on April 8 (JEr). Golden-crowned Kinglets were very, very scarce; none were found on the April 26 and 27 field trips at Bowling Green (KOS). Ruby-crowned Kinglets were found in fair numbers; good flights at Danville (FL) ; a few were still present in Boone County, May 31 (LMc) and at Louisville on May 4 (BBC). Starlings were “half as numerous” as they were last year in the Bowling- Green area, where large roosts had been the past two winters (HS). Vireos and Warblers — Two records of the Philadelphia Vireo were of interest: one at Hamlin, April 20 (JEr) and two at Louisville, May 4 (BBC). A Bell’s Vireo singing and one carrying nesting material on May 8 near Paducah in McCracken County was extraordinary (CN) ; and one was heard at Louisville on May 11 (ALS). Warblers as a whole were late in arriving and the “peak” migration period appeared to be May 13 in the Louisville area (BM) and May 14-15 in western Kentucky (JEr). Oddly enough, however, in northern Kentucky May 3 and 4 proved to be the best migration dates for numbers of birds (LMc). Warblers were scarce at Danville (FL) and seemed “less common” at Fort Wright (EG). A Swainson’s Warbler at Hematite Lake, Trigg County, May 10, was an interesting find (AB, At, BL). Tennessee Warblers were fairly common at Hamlin (JEr), at Burlington (LMc), and the Louisville area (BBC). Blue-winged Warblers were counted by the “dozens” on April 13 at Hamlin (JEr). Although the Magnolia Warbler made its appearance on April 20 at Hamlin, the “big movement” there did not come until May 14 - 15 (JEr). Large numbers of Cape May Warblers were seen at Lexington (DC). The rare Black- throated Blue Warbler was found at Danville and Somerset; no others were reported, but surely there were many more not reported. The Black-throated Green Warbler was the “most heard bird in the Red River Gorge” on April 13 (RB, RM, PA) ; but only one was heard there May 25-26 (LaS). The “largest migration” of Chestnut-sided Warblers ever encountered was observed at Hamlin, May 14-16 (JEr). Large num- bers of Bay-breasted Warblers were seen at Lexington, May 14-15 (DC) and a big movement was also noted at Hamlin, May 14-16 (JEr). Also, good numbers of Blackpolls were reported at Hamlin (JEr). Pine Warblers were recorded on March 10 at Hamlin (JEr) and March 30 in Powell County (LaS). Ovenbirds were difficult to find at Burlington (LMc), and the migration was poor at Louisville (ALS). More Northern Waterthrushes were encountered on the Louisville Spring Count than the local nesting species, the Louisiana Waterthrush. One Northern Water- thrush was heard singing at Fort Wright on May 10, and was still present two weeks later (EG). One would not expect to see a Kentucky Warbler in downtown Louisville between Broadway and Chestnut Streets singing in the small trees, but this happened on May 3 (AB). The bird was very tame. Connecticut Warblers are rare, but several were reported: singles at Creason Park, May 13 and 19 (AB), Hamlin, May 22 (JEr), Hidden Creek Farms, Oldham County, May 25 (ALS, FS) ; three at Surrey Farm, Louisville, May 19 (AB, BPB). One Mourning Warbler was reported at Louisville, May 19 (AB, BPB) ; no others mentioned. A fair number of Wilson’s Warblers were seen at Lexington May 14-15 (DC). Excellent numbers of American Redstarts were observed near Hamlin, May 14, 15 and 16 (JEr) ; no other large concentrations were reported. Bobolinks through Tanagers — Fair numbers of Bobolinks were en- 64 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 countered in Boyle, Fayette and Oldham Counties. Numbers of Eastern Meadowlarks had increased over last year in the following areas: Bowling Green (HS), Burlington (LMc), Falls of Rough (KC), Fort Wright (EG) and Louisville (ALS). Although many of the Orchard Orioles arrived later than normal, one was unusually early at Hamlin, April 9 (JEr). Good numbers of Northern (Baltimore) Orioles were present during May at Danville (FL) and Louisville (ALS) ; one was fairly early at Hamlin on April 12 (JEr), but in the central part of the state the birds were later than usual. Tanagers were about on schedule, with more Scarlet than Summer in the Boone County area (LMc) ; the opposite was true in Louisville (ALS). Grosbeaks through Sparrows — Blue Grosbeaks continued to spread eastward and were observed from April 17 through May 26 in the follow- ing Counties: Calloway (JEr), Hopkins (JH), Taylor (FL), Mercer (RM, fide DC), and Pulaski (JEl). Cardinals were more numerous this year in the Louisville area as compared with last year’s figures. An Indigo Bunting at Louisville on April 18 tied the early 1965 local record (HF). Several pair of Dickcissel were on territory in Goshen meadows, Oldham County in late May where they had not been seen for three or four years (ALS). Large flocks of House Finches fed at a feeding station in Somerset from March 1 through April 4; highest count was 137 on March 9; two males were still present in the area on April 29 (JEl) ; also reported at Danville (FL). Grasshopper Sparrows were “about normal” at Danville (FL) ; but in some locations the population was down. The rare Bachman’s Sparrow was reported at Hamlin, April 19 (JEr) and one at Louisville, May 4 (ALS). A rather late Dark-eyed (slate-colored) Junco was seen at Louis- ville, May 4 (BBC). No Tree Sparrows were found this spring at Fort Wright (EG). White-crowned Sparrows were more common than in previ- ous years at Fort Wright (EG), but low numbers were found in Louisville suburbs (ALS), and last observed there on May 10. A flock of 50 White- throated Sparrows fed along a hedgerow north of Hopkinsville on April 26-27; numbers decreased after a few days and only one was found there on May 7 (PH) ; a late straggler was seen at Madisonville on May 21 (JH). Two Fox Sparrows came regularly to a feeding station at Murray, Calloway County, from January to March 30 (CP). Lincoln Sparrows were rather numerous in the Louisville area during the first week of May (AB). Contributors — Pierre Allaire (PA), Alan Barron (AB), Robert Brown (RB) , Kathryn Clay (KC) , Dennis Coskren (DC) , Jackie Elmore (JE) , Joe Tom Erwin (JEr) , Helen Fisher (HF), Ed Groneman (EG), James W. Hancock (JH) , Janice Heckman (JHe) , Phil Hyatt (PH) , Barbara Lensing (BL) , Frederick W. Loetscher (FL) , Lee McNeeley (LMc) , Burt L. Monroe, Jr. (BM), Robert Morris (RM), Charles P. Nicholson (CN), Clell Peterson (CP), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BPB), Lene Rauth (LR), Judy Robertson (JR), Virginia Rommel (VR), Mrs. E. Rupard (ER), Linda Salmon (LSa) , Herbert E. Shadowen (HS) , Bernice Shannon (BS) , Lawrence Smith (LaS), Anne L. Stamm (ALS), Frederick W. Stamm (FS), Donald Summerfield (DS), Donna Penny Sumpter (DSu), Alan Temple (AT), John Young (JY), Beckham Bird Club (BBC), Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS) . — 9101 Spokane Way, Louisville 40222. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 65 FIELD NOTES CEDAR WAXWINGS NEST IN WESTERN KENTUCKY On Thursday, June 19, a scout at the Four Rivers Boy Scout Reserva- tion on the western shore of Kentucky Lake at the mouth of Jonathan Creek, in Marshall County, discovered a nest of Cedar Waxwings (Bomby- cilla cedrorum). The nest was attached to an almost vertical branch about 30 feet up in a small (about 50 feet high) white oak (Quercus alba). Climbing the tree, the boy scared four young Cedar Waxwings from their nest, and they hopped and glided to the ground. They were quickly gathered up and returned to the nest but not before a number of other scouts, scout masters, and camp personnel appeared; and several people took pictures of the young birds. The following day, James Weatherly of Murray, one of the scout masters present at the finding, called me and told me of it. Saturday morning I went to the Boy Scout Reservation and was shown the tree and the nest. I observed adult Cedar Waxwings several times, both perching and flying, but no sign of the young or any feeding activity. The tree in which the nest was built was, however, on a narrow point of land not more than 150 yards from the shore on two sides. There were swimming and boating facilities on both sides of the point, and the constant traffic would have moved the young away from the area or kept them hid in the tall grass and brush. It is clear, however, that a pair of Cedar Wax- wings did produce a normal brood of apparently healthy young much further west than any previously reported nesting of this species. — CLELL T. PETERSON, 901 S. 18th Street., Murray, Kentucky 42071. FIRST SIGHTING OF THE GROOVE-BILLED ANI IN KENTUCKY On October 30, 1979, at 1:00 p.m. I was burning trash in my back yard nine miles east of Murray, Kentucky in the Blood River portion of Kentucky Lake in Calloway County and heard an unrecognizable bird call. I looked up to see what appeared to be a large Common Crackle ( Quiscalus quiscula) in a slow undulating woodpecker-type flight. It finally lit in a tree approximately 30 yards from me. I noticed the largeness of the bird and the extremely long tail and a call that was different from that of the grackle. I ran into the house to get my binoculars and when I returned I could not find the bird. It finally appeared out of some knee-high grass chasing a grasshopper. The bird caught the grasshopper and proceeded to eat it. At a distance of about 30 yards the first thing I noticed with my binoculars was the large parrot-like bill. I then went back to the house and returned with my 35mm camera equipped with an 800mm lens and photographed the bird seven times. The accompanying photograph is the nearest photograph I got. The weather was sunny and approximately 50 °F with a 16 mph wind out of the southwest. The bird finally disappeared in a wooded thicket, and about an hour 66 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 later I looked the bird up in one of my bird books. I was surprised to find that is was an ani, a group of birds normally found in tropics north to southern Florida and southern Texas. I first thought it to be a Smooth- billed Ani (Crotophaga ani), since grooves on the bill were not observed, nor are they evident in the photograph. However, the bird has been identi- fied as a Groove-billed Ani (C. sulcirostris), a species ranging north to Texas and frequently wandering to parts of northeastern North America. Verification of the identification was made by Dr. Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Department of Biology, University of Louisville. This sighting is the first known observance of the Groove-billed Ani in Kentucky. — WALLY BRINES, Environmental/ Energy Education, Land Between the Lakes, TVA, Golden Pond, Kentucky 42231. BARRED OWL — HUMAN FISHERMAN INTERACTION On the evening of April 13, 1980, at approximately 5:00 p.m., GST, a strange behavior of a Barred Owl (Strix varia), was observed. Mr. Jess Jennings of Louisville was fishing with a top water artificial fishing lure from the shore of Rough River Reservoir, Grayson County, Kentucky. The lure he was using was a type which splashes and gurgles as it is being retrieved. While fishing, Mr. Jennings observed a Barred Owl approximately 27 meters away, 3 meters above ground level on a limb. When the lure was being retrieved, the owl was observed to become agitated and active-in- place. On six occasions, the owl made an aerial pass without coming in 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 67 contact with the lure, passing within 8-15 centimeters of the lure as it was being retrieved. When Mr. Jennings caught a small largemouth bass, (Micropterus salmoides), the owl became very agitated and obviously interested, but did not leave its perch to dive at the hooked fish. Concerned that the owl might actually become hooked on the lure, Mr. Jennings ceased its use, considering the unpleasant possibility of being faced with a surprised and possibly injured bird of prey. It is believed that this is the first recorded instance of the inter- ference, by an owl, of human sport fishing activities. It is quite likely this Barred Owl considered the lure as possible prey. Several aquatic organism are prey of this owl, including fish, frogs, snakes and mice, which occasionally are seen to swim (Errington, Paul L. 1932. Food Habits of Southern Wisconsin Raptors. Part I. Owls. Condor 34(4) : 176-186) . Therefore, the behavior of this owl, while surprising to the ob- server, is explainable. I thank Dr. Burt L. Monroe, Jr., for his review of this manuscript. — BOB BROWN, Dept, of Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 40292. GREAT HORNED OWL OBSERVATION IN BULLITT COUNTY On April 5, 1980 I discovered two young birds in a nest high on the hillside behind our house. The hill is located in Bullitt County although our house is in Jefferson County. The tree where the nest is located is at least 1,500 feet away. The same tree and nest site had been occupied by a pair of hawks several years ago. The foliage was off the trees, and the telescope revealed that there were two young in the nest. On April 8 they were flapping their wings at dusk, and I thought they would leave the nest. On April 9 at 6 : 45 a.m. I saw the adult Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) at the nest feeding with the young. The ear tufts and white throat were obvious and the bird was dark colored. Later I walked back to the nest site. It is a red oak tree on the side of a steep hill, and the nest is located about 55 feet up in the tree. Most of the trees in the immediate area are maples and oaks. I observed the birds every day through April 23. They became more active and moved about in the tree; one flew about 20 to 30 feet up from one limb to an- other. That was the last day I saw them. The adult was seen at the nest a total of three times, twice early in the morning and once about 11 :45 a.m. on a cold rainy day. — PATRICIA STEILBERG, 5320 Pendleton Rd., Valley Station, Ky. 40272. 68 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 NEWS AND VIEWS K.O.S. FALL MEETING A large turnout is anticipated for our fall meeting at Natural Bridge State Park September 26-28. An interesting program is being planned, and we hope to spend many hours birding in the Park and in the nearby Red River Gorge. NEST RECORD CARDS Those who have completed nest records are encouraged to bring them to the fall meeting or to mail them to Mrs. Anne Stamm at your earliest convenience. The Kentucky Warbler (Published by the Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 56 NOVEMBER, 1980 NO. 4 IN THIS ISSUE BALD EAGLE RESTORATION EFFORTS AT LBL, Richard L. Lowe 71 ANALYSIS OF A KENTUCKY BLACK-STARLING ROOST POPULATION FROM BIRDS KILLED BY PA-14 TREATMENT, Blaine Ferrell, etal 72 THE NESTING SEASON, SUMMER 1980, Anne L. Stamm 78 FIFTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL FALL MEETING, H. E. Shadowen 83 FIELD NOTES 88 INDEX, THE KENTUCKY WARBLER, 1977-1980, H. E. Shadowen 89 70 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Founded in 1923 by B. C. Bacon, L. Otley Pindar, and Gordon Wilson President Ramon lies, Owensboro Vice-President Pierre Allaire, Jackson Corr. Sec.-Treasurer John Krull 1108 Whetstone Way, Louisville, Ky. 40223 Recording Secretary Sister Casimir Czurles, Owensboro Councillors : Mrs. Molly Caldwell, Danville 1978-1980 L. E. Wilson, Owensboro 1978-1980 Blaine Ferrell, Bowling Green 1979-1981 Barry Howard, Pineville 1979-1981 Retiring President Andrew Uterhart, Lexington Librarian Evelyn Schneider, Louisville Staff Artist Ray Harm, Chenoa THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, Published quarterly in February, May, August, and November. The KENTUCKY W ARBLER is sent to all members not in arrears for dues. Membership dues are: Active or Regular, $3.00 ; Contributing, $5.00 ; Student, $2.00 ; Life, $50.00 ; Family, $1.00 in addition to Regular, Contributing, or Life Membership dues. All articles and communications should be addressed to the editor. Subscrip- tions, memberships, and requests for back issues should be sent to the treasurer. Editor H. E. Shadowen, Biology Department, Western Kentucky Univ.. Bowling Green 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Anne L. (Mrs. F. W.) Stamm Burt L. Monroe, Jr. OUR COVER The photograph of the young Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was provided by the Tennessee Valley Authority. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER, 71 BALD EAGLE RESTORATION EFFORTS AT LBL Two young Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were brought to Land Between the Lakes (LBL) from Wisconsin on June 28, 1980 in a joint TVA and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) relocation venture. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources made the birds available. The overall project objective is to restore eagle nesting to the western Tennessee and Kentucky area. The birds were placed on a nesting platform atop a 40-foot tower where a protective cage prevented them from leaving the nest prematurely and guarded them against predators. They were continually monitored from a nearby observation platfoim which was screened to prevent the eagles from seeing their human observers. A variety of foods, including fish and small mammals, was made available to the birds by means of a delivery system that operated on a cable-trolley system. The system was designed so that the eagles could not see the hands that fed them. Daily food consumption averaged about one and one-half pounds per bird but reached two and one-half pounds per bird on cooler days. Due to the extremely hot temperatures during the first six weeks after their arrival, the birds spent most of their time in a drooped wing position, the birds’ thermoregulatory mechanism. However, as time passed, the birds exercised with increasing frequency in preparation for their first flights. During periods of gusty winds, the eaglets jumped from 12 to 18 inches into the air and flapped their maturing wings in an attempt to develop their flight muscles. Short periods of “hovering” above the nest occurred. The eaglets were released from their tower top enclosure on August 10. The birds’ first flights proved much stronger than was expected — both covering about 150-200 yards before experiencing rough landings. The birds were quick to try flight again, and by the end of the second day extended flights of over three minutes were observed. Prior to their release, food was placed on the platform and along surrounding shorelines for the birds as a guaranteed food source until they could refine their hunting-fishing skills. Both birds were observed feeding together along the shoreline by the third day. Post release activities and movements are being monitored by using two small radio tracking devices that were attached to the birds. It is hoped that the eagles will remain in the area for a few months after their release, but some wandering by immature eagles can be expected. The ultimate success of the project will not be known for another four to five years, when the birds reach sexual maturity and hopefully use their “homing instinct” to return to the LBL fledging site to raise their young. This project represents one of several operations that state wildlife agencies and TVA are involved with in an effort to expand nongame species management — RICHARD L. LOWE, Land Between the Lakes, Tennessee Valley Authority, Golden Pond, Ky. 42231. 72 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 ANALYSIS OF A KENTUCKY BLACKBIRD-STARLING ROOST POPULATION FROM BIRDS KILLED BY PA-14 TREATMENT Blaine R. Ferrell, Herbert E. Shadowen, Wayne Mason, Thomas Padgett and Allen R. Stickley, Jr. Accurate analyses of roosting populations of blackbirds and Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are important for understanding roost ecology and assessing the effectiveness of control measures. One such attempt involved the successful application of a trapping technique to analyse the sex and age composition of a Starling population in a unique roosting situation (Davis, 1959). Where trapping techniques are not applicable, samples must be obtained through mortality. Robertson et al., (1978) strip-censused normal roost mortality at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and reported that species are not distributed randomly within the roost. Although not mentioned in Robertson’s et ah, (1978) report, findings from other studies of natural roost mortality (Odum and Pitelka, 1939; Stewart, 1978) indicate that mortality rates among roosting species differ, thereby biasing roost analyses based on such samples. For example, only 0.8% of a roosting population near Russellville, Kentucky were estimated to be Starlings whereas 84.4% of weather-related mortality was suffered by Starlings (Stewart, 1978). In addition, the same biases inherent in samples derived through natural mortality may bias analyses carried out using birds killed by PA-14 treatment (Lustick, 1975). However, analyses of roosting populations based on samples obtained from mortality produced by roost treatment with PA-14 have been infrequent (Monroe and Cronholm, 1977) primarily because of the lack of successful control attempts. An opportunity to obtain additional data of the type described above was afforded on 4 January, 1980 when PA-14 and water were applied to a roost in Bowling Green, Kentucky by the City of Bowling Green and the State of Kentucky. Hence, the following study was carried out. MATERIALS AND METHODS — Roost The Bowling Green Center roost was adjacent to Kroger’s food store on Route 41-W approximately 1 mile southwest of the Western Kentucky University campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The habitat of the 7.2 acre roost was a mixture of eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), a variety of hardwoods, and field dominated by broom sedge (Andropogon virginicus) (Figure 1). The roosting population of blackbirds and Starlings was estimated by visual observations of birds leaving or entering the roost to range between 1.7 and 2.5 million birds during December and the few days prior to roost treatment with PA-14 and water. According to these visual observations. Common Crackles (Quiscalus quiscula) represented 60-70% of the roosting population followed in abundance by Starlings (20-25%), Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) (5-10%), and Red- winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) (5-10%) (Table 1). 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 73 — Roost Kill Birds sampled in this study were assumed killed as a result of the application of PA-14 (surfactant) and water on the evening of January 4, 1980. A 25% solution of PA-14 was applied at a rate of 80 gallons per acre by helicopter, and irrigation was provided by the Bowling Green fire department. The Department sprayed birds with water from fire hoses located around the edge of the roost. Approximately 60-70% of the roost received the water application and although the birds seemed to flush in front of the water, at least a sizeable number got wet. The temperature which ranged between 29 °F and 31 °F was low enough for this treatment to effectively cause blackbird and Starling mortality (Anon., 1975), and the number of birds estimated killed by this treatment far exceed estimates of natural mortality in similar roosts studied (Odum and Pitelka, 1939; Stewart, 1978). The PA-14-water application took 2.5 hours and many birds were reportedly flushed from the roost during this period. — Sampling Technique This study was conducted on January 9, 1980. Prior to the actual roost survey, 50 sample areas were chosen at random according to the following procedure and plotted on a map of the roost site. The center of the initial sample area was determined by randomly chosen coordinates. The distance and compass heading from the center of the initial sample area to the center of the second sample area were similarly generated at random, as was the tilt (degrees) of each sample area relative to North. This process was repeated until 50 sample areas were generated (Figure 1). Each corner of each of the 50 square plots was 10 feet from the center. Therefore, each sample plot covered an area of approximately 200 square feet. Each habitat type appeared to be well represented by sample plots (Figure 1 and Table 3). All birds within each sample plot were sorted according to species and sex, and counted. In sample plots where large numbers of birds were encountered, the sexes were identified in a representative subsample. Common Crackles were sexed according to wing cord length measurements (Meanley, 1967) and Starlings, when possible, by the extent of iridescence along the secondaries and the color at the base of the bill (Kessel, 1951 ; Meanley, 1967). The eye ring method of sexing Starlings (Kessel, 1951), though more reliable, was not used because of the condition of the specimens. RESULTS Results of the technique employed in this study are presented in Tables 1 and 2. Common Crackles suffered the greatest mortality (55.5% of the sample) followed in abundance by Starlings (26.8% of the sample), Brown-headed Cowbirds (14.0% of the sample), and Red-winged Blackbirds (3.6% of the sample) (Table 1). Only two other species were encountered and then only incidentally (Table 1) . The sex ratio of both Common Crackles and Starlings was approximately 1:1 whereas males greatly outnumbered females in brown-headed Cowbirds (3:1) and Red-winged Blackbirds (32:1) (Table 2) . This study was also carried out to estimate the number of birds 74 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 killed by the application of PA-14. Assuming that the number of dead birds counted in the areas sampled are representative of the birds killed within the entire roost, the total number of birds killed was calculated using the following formula: Total Birds Number of = Killed Number of Birds Killed Area Sampled (sq. ft.) X Total Roost Area (sq. ft.) 5144 Birds Killed 10,000 sq. ft. X 315,150 sq. ft. 162,113 Birds Estimated Killed DISCUSSION The proportions of mortality suffered by the four roost species in our sample correspond closely with proportions of each species estimated by visual observations prior to the application of PA-14 (Table 1). For example, 55.5% of the birds sampled were Common Crackles which compares well with pre-control visual estimates in which Common Crackles represented 60-70% of the roost population. Because of the close agree- ment among pre- and post-control estimates it seems unlikely that the effectiveness of PA-14 among the various species was differential as has been previously reported (Lustick, 1975; Monroe and Cronholm, 1977). The colder temperatures during the application of PA-14 reported in this study may account for these differences in results (Monroe and Cronholm, 1977). Normally Starlings are less susceptible to cooling as a result of PA-14 treatment under marginally mild temperatures (32-40 F) (Lustick, 1975). Temperatures during the application of PA-14 reported herein are slightly lower. PA-14 did not appear to have a significant impact on non-roost species. The sex ratios determined for Starlings, Common Crackles, and Red-winged Blackbirds in this roost are in accordance with previous reports (Davis, 1959; Monroe and Cronholm, 1977). The fact that male Starlings consistently outnumber females by a slim margin has been attributed to a differential mortality rate between the sexes (Davis, 1959). Interestingly, Common Crackles and Starlings, species without distinct sexual dimorphism in plumage, are represented approximately equally by males and females. On the other hand, males clearly predominate in the roosting populations of Brown-headed Cowbirds (3:1) and Red-winged Blackbirds (32:1) (Table 2), species with a distinct sexual dimorphism. A possible explanation for this phenomenon would be conjectural at this time. The effectiveness of PA-14 treatment can be evaluated based on samples derived through the use of this technique. By this method 162,113 birds were estimated killed by the application of PA-14. This figure is lower than estimates made by the Bowling Creen Department of Health and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel of 250,000-300,000 birds killed. The fact that most birds died in hardwoods at one end of the roost could account for the difference observed in these two estimates. A casual “random” visual survey of birds killed by PA-14 would tend to be biased. Entering the roost where bird mortality was highest might tend to bias estimates upwards, whereas estimates could be lowered by 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 75 entering the roost site where bird mortality was lowest. In that samples obtained using the technique reported herein were representative of all habitat types, such biasing would be reduced. In fact, the percent of sample plots within a habitat type agree closely with the percent of each habitat type within the total roost area (Table 3) . Results of the present study can not be used to evaluate where birds had roosted prior to disturbance. It was evident that roosting birds had been flushed from the cedars to the hardwoods in that few birds were found associated with heavy fecal build-up under the cedars whereas most birds were found associated with little fecal matter in the hardwoods. This observation is in accordance with the official report of the Department of Health, which states that birds were flushed by the helicopter. In summary, relatively accurate analyses of roost species and sex composition can be made from mortality resulting from the use of PA-14 using the random sampling technique employed in this study. It is also possible that other population parameters (i.e., feeding habits, age, etc.) of roosting species could be determined from such samples. In addition, the impact PA-14 treatment has on roosting blackbird and Starling populations can be estimated using such a random sampling technique. N Figure 1. Habitat of Bowling Green roost site. Sample Area ■ 0 100 feet 76 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 Table 1. Pre- and postPA-14 treatment estimates of species composition of blackbirds and Starlings roosting in the Bowling Green Center roost. Species No. of Dead Birds Sampled % of the Total Sample Visual! Pretreatment Estimate (%) Common Crackle ( Quiscalus quiscula ) 2854 55.5 60-70 Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 1378 26.8 20-25 Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) 721 14.0 5-10 Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 184 3.6 5-10 Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) 6 .1 - Cardinal 1 ( Richmondena cardinalis) .0 - TOTAL 5144 lEstimates made based on observations of birds entering and leaving the roost by Warren County Health Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel, and Wayne Mason. Table 2. Sex composition of roosting blackbird and Starling populations in the Bowling Green Center roost determined from samples of birds killed by PA-14 treatment. Species No. of Birds Sexed % Male % Female Common Gracklei 355 46 54 Starling2 913 58 42 Brown-headed Cowbird 721 75 25 Red-winged Blackbird 184 97 3 iSexed using wing-cord length measurements (Meanley, 1967) 2Sexed using iridescence on the wing and color of the base of the bill (Kes- sel, 1951) 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 77 Table 3. Breakdown of the Bowling Green Center roost site into habitat types and the relative number of sample plots located in each type. Habitat Type %of Total Area, % of Sample Plots Per Habitat Type Cedar (10') 10.2 16.0 Cedar (10')— Field 5.5 10.0 Cedar (10')— Field 13.6 2.0 Cedar (10') 15.5 16.0 Cedar ( 10' ) — Hardwood 10.1 14.0 Hardwood 43.2 40.0 Hardwood— Field 1.9 2.0 LITERATURE CITED Anonymous. 1975. Instructions for the use of PA-14 Avian Stressing Agent. Davis, D. E. 1959. The sex and age structure of roosting Starlings. Ecology 40: 136-139. Kessel, B. 1951. Criteria for sexing and aging European Starlings (Sturnus Vulgaris). Bird-Banding 22: 16-23. Lustick, S. I. 1975. The effects of wetting on blackbird and Starling ener- getics and survival. Ohio State University Res. Found., Final Report, Project 3723, 74pp. Meanley, B. 1967. Aging and sexing blackbirds. Bobolinks, and Starlings. Special Report: Patuxent Wildl. Res. Ctr. Work Unit f-24.1 : Migration and movements of blackbirds and Starlings. Monroe, B. L., Jr., and L. S. Cronholm. 1977. Kentucky Environmental Quality Commission, Blackbird Study (Final Report) pp. 5-15. Odum, E. P. and F. A. Pitelka. 1939. Storm mortality in a winter Starling roost. The Auk 56: 451-455. Robertson, R. J., P. J. Weatherhead, F. J. S. Phelan, G. L. Holroyd, and N. Lester. 1978. On assessing the economic and ecological impact of winter blackbird flocks. J. Wildl. Manage. 42: 53-60. Stewart, P. A. 1978. W eather-related mortality of blackbirds and Starlings in a Kentucky roosting congregation. The Wilson Bull. 90 : 655-656. — Dept, of Biology, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Ky. 42101 78 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 THE NESTING SEASON, SUMMER 1980 Anne L. Stamm The weather during June and July was unusually hot. In Louisville it was the fourth hottest July this century and the warmest since 1936. The temperature reached 90 degrees or above on eight days in June, 22 in July, and it hit 100° to 101° on three days. Thunder storms and tornadoes swooped across Kentucky on June 7 and the early part of July. These storms brought golf ball-size hail in southeast Jefferson and parts of Oldham Counties. Trees were blown down and nesting birds suffered great losses. Rainfall was above normal during July, the rock ledge at the Falls of the Ohio was covered with water, and this had an adverse effect on ground nesting species such as Killdeer and Spotted Sandpipers. On the whole it was a rather dull and unimpressive summer. However, the breeding bird surveys revealed that some species of birds which suffered severe losses during the winters of 1978-79 were beginning to get back to normal, but some still showed great decreases. Considerable field work was done by Lee K. Nelson on the nesting activities of the Mourning Dove in Henderson and McCracken Counties. A new species was added to the list of breeding birds of the state when a Bell’s Vireo was seen carrying nesting material on May 7 and 8, and later in June its nest was found in McCracken County by Charles Nicholson; other males observed on territory in the same county on June 20 by Alan Barron and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Another species of interest was the Least Flycatcher in Wolfe County in late June and was reported last year near the same location by Dennis Coskren. The area should be checked for possible evidence of breeding. A new station was reported for the Cliff Swallow which attests to its continued eastward breeding in the state. Grebes through Ducks — A single Eared Grebe, a rare visitant, was seen on June 3 and 4 at Lake Cumberland by Richard Hines and Danny Watson. The Great Blue Heron was common by July 21 along the Ohio River in Boone County, possibly post-breeding vagrants (LMc) ; five were observed at Pulaski County Park on July 23 (JEl) . A few Little Blue Heron were reported: singles on June 14 in Fulton and Hickman Counties (JEr) ; 23 on June 19 and 20 in Hickman County (AB, BPB) ; and one at the Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson County, July 22 (AB) . Only one report of the Great Egret was received: seven birds in Hickman County, July 19, 20 (AB, BPB) . Sixty-seven adult and four immature Black-crowned Night Heron were recorded at the Falls of the Ohio on June 15, and 39 adults and eight immatures there on July 27 (LR) . The high water on the rock ledge limited feeding for this species and may have been a factor in the decrease in number. Two nests of the Yellow-crowned Night Heron were under construction in April at the University of Kentucky Farm, Lexington (MF) ; two nests there, possibly the same ones, with four fully-feathered young in each, July 6 (DC, RM) ; a third pair was noted there but no nest found (MF). Mallards had a fairly good year: 40 to 50 mostly immatures on a small lake at Simpsonville, July 17 (FS, ALS) . Wood Ducks were 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 79 reported from several locations : a brood of eight left the nest on May 16 in northeast Jefferson County (F. Williams, fide ALS) ; brood of eight in western Kentucky (JEr) ; female with five young in Kenton County on June 30 (EG) ; and fair numbers at Mayfair basins, Jefferson County (JK). Hawks through Shorebirds — Turkey Vultures were seen throughout June and July in Boone County (LMc) , but seemed scarce in nearby Kenton County (EG) ; some increase noted on the Hodgenville Bird Survey (hereafter BBS) , although other sightings did not reflect this increase (LaS) . A Black Vulture at Burlington, Boone County on June 4 was unexpected (LMc) . Three sightings of the Mississippi Kite were reported : one soaring over Burkley, three miles east of Columbus-Belmont State Park, Hickman County, June 14 (JEr) ; 14 in Ballard and Hickman Countines on June 19, 20 (AB, BPB) ; and eight along the Mississippi River in Hickman County in late June ( JC) . The Sharp-shinned Hawk at Bee Rock Campground, Pulaski County, June 29, was of interest ( JEl) . Three nests of the Red-shouldered Hawk reported : a nesting pair at Columbus Park, Hickman County (JEr) ; a pair with fledged young, near Paducah, McCracken County, June 26 (CN) ; and two young in a nest at Fern Creek, Jefferson County (JHe) . Broad-winged Hawks were reported during the breeding season in Boone and Kenton Counties (YMc, EG) . The Bobwhite suffered great losses in the recent severe winters, but seemed to be making a come-back in Boone County (LMc) ; the BBS routes showed increases in Bowling Green (HS) , and western Kentucky areas (JEr) , but were not near previous numbers on the Radcliff, Hodgen- ville (LaS) and Pleasureville routes (ALS) . A Turkey was seen in Ballard County on June 19 (AB) and one in Fulton County in late June (JC) . Shorebirds arrived on schedule, but few records were received. Due to high water on the rock ledge the transient shorebirds spread to outlying areas. A Ruddy Turnstone, one of the more unusual species, was seen at the General Electric sludge pond in Louisville on the early date of July 19 and a very early Willet there the following day (DP) . Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs were also frequenting the sludge pond on July 10 and 11 (DP) and the former at the Falls of the Ohio on July 22, when the ledge was accessible (AB) . A few Least Sandpipers were seen at the Falls on July 22 ( AB) and in Pulaski County, July 23 (JEl) . On the previously mentioned sludge pond there were three Short-billed Dowitchers in breeding plumage on July 19 and five there on July 11 (DP) . The transient lakes at Bowling Green were dry during the period (HS) . Terns through Woodpeckers — Five Least Terns were observed feeding on a sandbar along the Mississippi River in Hickman County, June 14 and one in Fulton County on the same date (JEr) ; also three in Hickman County on June 19 and 20 (AB) . About 70 nests of the Mourning Dove were studied in Henderson County and 34 in McCracken County (LN) . Screech Owls nested successfully in Christian County, 11 miles northeast of Hopkinsville (PH) , and in Burlington, young were seen for the first time in five years, formerly it was a common breeding bird there (LMc) ; numbers also down at Springfield ( JB) . Three nests of the Great Horned Owl were reported : two downy young in nest at Fern Creek, Jefferson County (DSu) ; two young out of nest huddled together in Cherokee Park 80 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 (ALS, BS, FS) ; also two young in a nest in Bullitt County on April 5 to 25 (PS). A Barred Owl was heard at Wolpen Creek, Boone County, June 4 (EG) ; no others reported. Two to three Chuck-wilTs-widows were heard each night from June 1 through July 7 off Hwy. 769 in Maplewood Estates, Pulaski County (JEl) ; also heard at Camp McKee Boy Scout Camp, Montgomery County, July 1 (DC) . Chimney Swifts were up “sharply” on the Radcliff BBS, while the birds were near normal on the Hodgenville route (LaS) ; they were absent from one chimney in northeast Jefferson County where they had nested in past years (ALS). A slight decrease was noted in the Common (yellow-shafted) Flicker in the Spring- field area (JB) ; the same was true for the Pileated Woodpecker. The latter species was doing well in other sections of the state. Red-headed Woodpeckers were “holding their own” at Burlington (LMc), and there was a noticeable increase at Springfield, Washington County (JB) and observed for the first time on the Anderson and Washington County Breeding Bird Surveys (JC) ; breeding successfully in Louisville and in northeast Jefferson County (ALS). Flycatchers through Swallows — Few observers investigate the mosquito infested marshy areas where the Willow Flycatcher nests; how- ever, a pair was at its usual place along Middle Fork Beargrass Creek, Louisville and two birds were recorded at two stops on the Radcliff, Bullitt County BBS in June (LaS). The Least Flycatcher heard east of Campton, Wolfe County on June 26 was of special interest and may indicate possible breeding (DC) . A pair of Tree Swallows nested in a tree snag at Long Run State Park, Jefferson County, but no others were seen there; 10 were seen in Ballard County on June 18 and 19 (AB, BPB). A very small colony of Bank Swallows was nesting at Chalk Bluff, three miles south of Columbus Park, Hickman County, June 14 (JEr) . Rough-winged Swallows were found nesting at Wolpen Creek, Burlington, June 4 (LMc). Barn Swallows began migrating earlier than normal and 500 -j- were observed near a small lake of Oakhill Road, Pulaski County, July 23 (JEl) . The small colony of Cliff Swallows (8 birds — adults and immatures) beneath the overpass of Mountain Parkway, east of Campton, June 26 was noteworthy (DC). The species has spread all across the state in the past 10 years. Purple Martins were observed by the “thousands” in the Owensboro area, Daviess County, the last week of July (RI). Crows through Wrens — The Fish Crow is seldom mentioned in our seasonal report, although it is found regularly along the Mississippi River in western Kentucky. However, this period two reports were received: three birds in Ballard County, June 18 (AB) ; and one in McCracken County on June 26 (CN) . House Wrens increased substantially at Spring- field (JB), but this was not reflected elsewhere. Carolina Wrens were still hard to find, but in a few areas there seemed to be a slight increase. An interesting record was that of two Short-billed Marsh Wrens in a marshy area in Monticello, Wayne County, July 27 (JEl) . Mimids through Starlings — Mockingbirds have not fully recovered from the losses suffered due to the severe winters of 1978-79 in the Radcliff and Hodgenville areas (LaS) , but there was a slight increase noted in the following locations : Hamlin (JEr) , Burlington (LMc), and 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 81 Springfield (JB). Gray Catbirds were found in good numbers in the Owensboro area (RI), but were below normal in the Louisville area (ALS). Unusually large numbers of American Robins were found during June in Bowling Green (HS) and Louisville (ALS). A Swainson’s Thrush was a rather late straggler on June 5 at Madisonville (JH). The Eastern Blue- bird continued to be scarce, but in most areas observers suggested a slight increase. Few Loggerhead Shrikes were encountered but singles were mentioned at Union, June 14 (LMc) and in Pleasureville, June 7 (FS, ALS). Starlings in the Bowling Green area were “about half as numerous as they were last summer” (HS) and they continued to decline on both the Radcliff and Hodgenville BBS’s by about almost 50% (LaS). Vireos through Warblers — Two pair of Bell’s Vireo were on territory near Paducah, McCracken County on May 7 and 8 and one bird was seen carrying nesting material; a nest was found there on June 26, with five pair on territory (CN). Also, another record of four singing males in McCracken County on June 20 (AB, BPB). A Prothonotary Warbler was heard singing in eastern Pulaski County on June 11 and another feeding a fledgling in another section of the county on June 12 indicated new breeding areas for the species (JEl) ; a successful nest was also reported at Cadiz, Trigg County (LSt). The rare Swainson’s Warbler was reported in Ballard County, June 19 (AB) and five were observed in Pine Mountain State Park on June 28 (LSa, BaS). A Worm-eating Warbler on June 20 in Ballard County was of interest as it is seldom found in that area during the breeding season (AB). A Tennessee Warbler on June 9 in a residential section of Lexington was a fairly late straggler (DC). Three Black-throated Blue Warblers were recoided on Black Mountain (LSa). The Cerulean Warbler seemed to be absent from its usual breeding areas in Boone County (LMc) and numbers were down in the Louisville area (ALS). Chestnut-sided Warblers were very common on Black Mountain on June 29 as were Ovenbirds (LSa, BaS). Three instances of Brown-headed Cow- bird parasitism were reported: two pair of Kentucky Warblers and a Louisiana Waterthrush were seen feeding young cowbirds in Boone County on July 26 (LMc). Yellow-breasted Chats were considered down 75% from previous years in McLean County (RI). Hooded Warblers were numerous on Black Mountain on June 29 (LSa). House Sparrows through Blackbirds — Surprisingly enough, the House Sparrow showed a marked increase on the BBS’s of Radcliff, Hodgenville (LaS) and Pleasureville (ALS, FS). A small colony of Bobolinks was nesting in Goshen Meadows, Oldham County on June 6 (ALS) and observed by many on the following day (BBC) ; one heard on the Pleasureville BBS, June 8 (ALS, FS). The Eastern Meadowlark was “scarce” at Owensboro (RI), but had fully recovered from the winter losses in 1978-79 on the Radcliff and Hodgenville BBS (LaS) and an increase noted on the Pleasure- ville BBS (ALS). Apparently Orchard Orioles had a good year in Pulaski County: more than 15 (adults and immatures) were seen on July 9 (JEl) ; a male and two young at Fort Wright, July 9 (EG) ; but numbers down in the Pleasureville and Louisville areas (ALS). The Northern (Baltimore) Oriole was found on eight of the 50 stops of the BBS along the Mississippi River, June 14 (JEr) ; increases were noted in Louisville, Pleasureville (ALS) and at Springfield (JB). Common Crackles showed a drastic decrease in numbers on the Shelby-Henry County BBS, June 8 (ALS, FS). 82 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 Fringillidae — The Cardinal was down significantly on both the Kad- cliff and Hodgenville BBS routes (LaS) . The Blue Grosbeak continued its spread eastward: heard at two locations in Madisonville, July 14, 20 (JH) ; one at Louisville, June 8 (HC) ; one singing north of Lexington, July 6 (DC) ; a noticeable increase at Springfield (JB) ; and at two locations in Pulaski County, June 1 through July 1 (JEl). Dickcissel were con- sidered “thick as flies” in Hickman County during late June (JC) ; a few were sighted in the Madisonville area (JH) ; three to four pairs were breeding in Goshen Meadows, Oldham County, June 6 and 7, where the species had not been found for the past three years (ALS, BBC) . In some areas of central Kentucky the DickcisseFs habitat has changed. A House Finch was seen for several weeks during June in the yard of Dr. Fred Pipkin in Louisville (LaS) . The rare Bachman’s Sparrow was heard singing along the Mississippi River on June 14 (JEr). Rufous-sided Towhee suf- fered some losses during the winters of 1978-79 and have recovered in some areas, particularly on the Radcliff and Hodgenville routes (LaS). Although the Grasshopper Sparrow showed some decrease in numbers on the Radcliffe BBS, it was thought this was due to habitat changes; good numbers were found on the Hodgenville BBS (LaS). Field Sparrows continued to be in low numbers in central and southern Kentucky, while no decreases were noted in northern Kentucky. Reports for the Fall Migration Season (August through November) should reach the writer by December 7. Contributors — John Barber (JB), Alan Barron (AB), Herbert Clay (HC) , Dennis Coskren (DC) , Joseph E. Croft (JC) , J ackie Elmore (JEl) , Joe Tom Erwin (JEr) , Michael Flynn (MF) , Ed Groneman (EG), James W. Hancock (JH), Janice Heckman (JHe), Phillip Hyatt (PH) , Ramon lies (RI) , John Krull ( JK) , Lee McNeely (LMc) , Robert Morris (RM) , Lee K. Nelson (LN), Charles P. Nicholson (CN), Donald Parker (DP), Lene Rauth (LR), Larry Sanders (LSa), Herbert E. Shadowen (HS), Lawrence D. Smith (LaS) , Anne L. Stamm (ALS) , Frederick W. Stamm (FS) , Patricia Steilberg (PS) , L. Stokes (LSt) , Donna Sumpter (DSu) . Other abbreviations and observers: Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), Beckham Bird Club (BBC), Robert Morris (RM), Lee K. Nelson (LN), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BPB) , Barbara Sanders (BaS) , Bernice Shan- non (BS). — 9101 Spokane Way, Louisville, Ky. 40222. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 83 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL MEETING September 26-28, 1980 The fifty-seventh Annual Fall Meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held at Natural Bridge State Park on September 26, 27, and 28. On Friday evening the members met in the lodge annex with President Ramon lies presiding. The program for the evening consisted of discussions of the Murphy Pond Sanctuary by Robert Oddo of Murray and birds in strip-mine areas of eastern Kentucky by Pierre Allaire of Jackson. The program was followed by a social hour arranged by Dr. Allaire. Announce- ments were made concerning the Saturday field trips, which were to be led by Pierre Allaire, Wendell Kingsolver, and Burt Powell. Windy overcast conditions greeted early birders on Saturday, but by midmorning weather conditions were ideal and many birds were seen as well as the beautiful scenery of Natural Bridge State Park and the Red River gorge area. In the afternoon a program on eagle identification ar- ranged by Mrs. Anne Stamm and Mr. James Durell was well attended. In addition a film with excellent views of predatory species was shown by W. H. Brown. On Saturday evening the business meeting followed the dinner. John Krull, Corr. Sec.-Treasurer, gave the Treasurer’s report (included in this issue) and stressed the need for additional funds to offset the increased expense of printing The Kentucky Warbler. A recommendation was made that the dues be changed as follows: Regular membership, from $3.00 to $5.00; Contributing membership, from $5.00 to $6.00; Student membership, from $2.00 to $3.00; and Life membership, from $50.00 to $75.00. The recommendation was approved by the body without dissenting vote. Presi- dent lies announced that he was appointing Dr. Burt Monroe to serve as K.O.S. representative to the Kentucky Nature Preserves Commission, which is in the process of preparing a list of endangered bird species. Mr. lies read a resolution of appreciation to U. S. Congressman Gene Snyder for his sup- port of protection for the Falls of the Ohio area. Dr. Allaire made a compilation of the bird species seen during the day; it included 90 species. An announcement was made concerning the dates and localities for future meetings. The spring meeting is scheduled for April 24-26, 1981 at Barren River State Park; the fall meeting for Ken Lake State Park, September 25-27, 1981; and the spring meeting for 1982 is tentatively planned for Rough River State Park the last weekend in April. The Nominating Committee report was presented by Mrs. Stamm as follows : President: Ramon lies Vice-president: Dr. Pierre Allaire Corresponding Secretary-Treasurer: John Krull Recording Secretary: Mrs. Wendell Kingsolver New Councillors : James Williams and L. E. Wilson. The candidates were duly elected. 84 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 The program for the evening was presented by John Tierney, Natural- ist at Carter Caves State Park, Mr. Tierney gave an illustrated informa- tive presentation concerning trends in Kentucky state parks. He traced the history and present status of the Kentucky state park system and concluded by encouraging K.O.S. members to make known their concerns and desires concerning the park system. A lengthy period of questions and discussion followed. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, H. E. Shadowen Acting Recording Secretary BIRDS REPORTED ON FIELD TRIPS AT THE FALL MEETING AT NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK September 26-28, 1980 Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Wood Duck, Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Red- shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, American Kestrel, Ruffed Grouse, Turkey, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Common Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-headed Wood- pecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Wood Pewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Blue Jay, Common Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Carolina Wren, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, American Robin, Wood Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Veery, Eastern Bluebird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Cedar Waxwing, Loggerhead Shrike, Starling, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Solitary Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Black and white Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Pine Warbler, Ovenbird, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, American Redstart, House Sparrow, Scarlet Tanager, Summer Tanager, Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, American Goldfinch, Rufous-sided Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow. — Total species: 90. ATTENDANCE AT THE K.O.S. 1980 FALL MEETING AT NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK BOWLING GREEN : Blaine Ferrell, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Jones, Herb and Jacky Shadowen BURLINGTON: Mr. and Mrs. Lee McNeely CADIZ: Mr. and Mrs. Wesly Kemper 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 85 CARLISLE: Dr. and Mrs. Wendell Kingsolver COVINGTON: Peggy Kelly JACKSON: Dr. and Mrs. Pierre Allaire, Mr. and Mrs. G. Turner LEXINGTON: Robert Morris, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Poundstone, Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Uterhart, Glen Wells, Mr. and Mrs. James Williams, Ward Wilson LOUISVILLE : Mrs. Elizabeth Boyd, Altha Cain, Richard Cassell, Kathe- rine Colburn, Mrs. Herbert Clay, Mrs. John L. Garst, Dr. and Mrs. R. L. Hectorne, John Krull, Mrs. Kathryn L. Mudd, Martha Pike, Mabel Slack, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Stamm, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Summerfield, Danny Watson MADISONVILLE: Mr. and Mrs. N. M. Travis MOREHEAD : Mr. and Mrs. Fred Busroe MURRAY : Bob Goetz, Robert Oddo RICHMOND: Dr. and Mrs. W. A. Householder, Holly Oldham SHELBYVILLE: Mr. W. H. Brown SOMERSET: Richard Hines, Pam Hines WHITESBURG: Francis Carter DYERSBURG, TN.: Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Leggett KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY REPORT OF TREASURER For The Fiscal Year Ending September 27, 1980 GENERAL FUND Bank Balance as of October 1, 1979 $1,012.69 Receipts Membership Dues $1,717.00 Interest Income : (A) From Certificates (Endowment Fund) 173.37 (B) From Certificates (Gordon Wilson Fund) 80.93 Sales of Checklists, Bar Graphs, etc 45.93 Vernon Kleen Gift to Gordon Wilson 50.00 Fall 1979 Meeting 450.50 Spring 1980 Meeting 53.00 Pre-registration Fall 1980 316.30 2,887.03 3,899.72 86 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 Disbursements Printing: Ky. Warbler, 4 issues 2,207.16 Supplies : Envelopes, Labels, etc. 45.48 Postage: Bulk Permit, Misc. 188.64 Expenses — Fall 1979 Meeting 468.30 Safety Deposit Box Rental 11.00 Corporation Filing Fee 2.00 Transfer Life Memberships (5) @ $50.00 251.00 Nature Conservancy Dues 10.00 Transfer Vernon Kleen Gift to Gordon Wilson Fund .... 50.00 Transfer of Interest to Gordon Wilson 80.93 Miscellaneous 18.73 3,333.24 Balance, First National Bank as of 9/27/80 566.48 ENDOWMENT FUND Balance in Savings Account, Jefferson Federal Savings & Loan as of 10/1/79 $1,868.30 (2) $1,000.00 Certificates of Deposit; (1) $1,500.00 Certificate of Deposit (at Colonial Federal) 3,500.00 $5,368.30 Receipts Interest Income on Certificates 314.44 Interest Income on Savings Account 33.72 Interest Income on Life Memberships (5) (Mr. Eugene Cypert, Mrs. Eugene Cypert, James Durrell, Jerome Jackson, Vernon Kleen) . . 251.00 599.16 5,967.46 Disbursements Transfer of Interest on Certificates to General Fund .. 173.37 Withdrawal of $1,500.00 for Purchase of CD 11/29/79 1,500.00 1,673.37 4,294.09 Certificates of Deposit — (2) @ $1,000.00, (1) @ 1,500.00 3,500.00 Accumulation of Interest on Certificates 141.07 Balance in Savings Account at Jefferson Federal as of 9/27/80 653.02 4,294.09 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 87 GORDON WILSON FUND Bank Balance in Savings Account, Greater Louisville Savings and Loan as of 10/1/79 $1,003.99 Withdrawal of $1,000.00 for Purchase of Certificate 11/2/79 1,000.00 3.99 (2) 1,000.00 Certificates (One at Colonial Federal — One at Greater Louisville) 2,000.00 2,003.99 Receipts Gift from Vernon Kleen 50.00 Interest on Savings 22.15 Interest on Certificates 154.26 226.41 2,230.40 Balance on Savings Account, Greater Louisville as of 9/27/80 157.07 Accumulated Interest on Certificate 73.33 Certificates of Deposit — 2 @ 1,000 ea 2,000.00 2,230.40 BALANCE SHEET Assets: Cash, First National Bank, Lou., Ky $ 566.48 Savings Account, Jefferson Federal Savings & Loan 653.02 Endowment Fund: (2) Certificates of Deposit, Colonial Federal — Endowment 2,000.00 (1) Certificate of Deposit, Jefferson Federal 1,500.00 Accumulated Interest on Certificate 141.07 Gordon Wilson Fund: (2) Certificates of Deposit, Colonial Federal 2,000.00 Accumulated Interest on Certificate 73.33 Savings Account, Greater Louisville, Gordon Wilson Fund for Ornithology 157.07 TOTAL ASSETS 7,090.97 NET WORTH 10/1/80 7,090.97 John Krull, Treasurer 88 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 FIELD NOTES EARED GREBE SIGHTING ON LAKE CUMBERLAND On June 3 and 4, 1980, we observed an Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) on Lake Cumberland near the boundary of Camp Earl Wallace. The bird seemed extremely docile, and we were able to observe it as close as five feet. We were able to see the crested black head and golden ear tufts. According to Peterson’s Field Guide this bird is accidental east of the Great Plains. — RICHARD E. HINES, Rt. 1, Somerset, Ky. 42501 and DANNY WAT- SON, 1418 Mill Race Road, Louisville, Ky. 40223. Editor’s Note: Although the Eared Grebe is a rare winter and spring visitant in Kentucky, we have a few records, the latest previous one on May 12, 1968. A BUTEO SIGHTING FROM WESTERN KENTUCKY On September 18, 1980, at 9:45 a.m. near Cadiz, Kentucky, I saw a swirl of approximately 17 Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) over the woods and the road near my residence. They were low enough to be identified without field glasses. Soon they were joined by another group coming from the west and befoi^e long by another group coming from the south. Soon they were too high and too far to count, but I estimated the group at approximately 50. As they got out of sight we noticed a number of large birds coming from the northeast and moving rapidly toward the southwest. The hawks kept coming as I hurried to the house for field glasses. They flew directly over the house in both small and large groups. They had heavy bodies, broad wings, and wide short tails with a broad white band in the tail. The underside was light with black wingtips; thus we identified them as Broad-winged Hawks (Buteo platypterus). Soon they moved off in a ribbon-like formation toward the southwest, so we were able to count approximately 100 birds with a few stragglers periodically. At 10:45, an hour after seeing the first hawk, there were none. — Mrs. STANLEY STOKES, Rt. 8, Cadiz, Ky. 42211. Editor’s Note : Any member interested in conducting a midwinter bird count can receive the necessary forms by contacting the editor. The dates for this winter count are December 20 through January 4. The count results should be mailed to the editor no later than January 10. 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 89 INDEX TO VOLUMES 53-56, 1977-1980 By H. E. Shadowen The names of participants in the Mid-winter Bird Counts and the Seasonal Reports have not been included in this index nor have the names of the species recorded on these counts and reports been listed. Species included in longer articles do not appear unless accompanied by significant information. The capital letter R is used to indicate a book review. AUTHORS Allaire, Pierre N. ’77:13-16; ’77:32; ’80:65-66 Brines, Wally ’80:65-66 Brown, Bob ’80:66-67 Brown, W. H. ’78:16; ’78:73; ’80:23 Coskren, Dennis ’79:65-66 Czurles, Sister Casimir ’77:27-28; ’77:47-49; ’78:31-33; ’78:65-67; ’79:32; ’79:59-61 Davis, Wayne H. ’77:30 Davis, Wayne H. and Charles K. Hand ’78:73 Davis, Wayne, Charles K. Smith, Jarvis Hudson, and Greg Shields ’80:43-55 Dodson, Ron ’77 :40 Elmore, Jackie B. ’78:54; ’80:21-22; ’80:22 Ferrell, Blaine ’80:72-77 Greene, William, Jr. ’78:14 Hines, Richard E. and Danny Wat- son ’80:88 Householder, Jane ’78:35-36 Hudson, Jarvis ’78:39-38; ’79:67 Irmscher, Sharon and Robert ’79:34- 35 Johnson, George ’80:21 Kingsolver, Virginia and Wendell ’78:53 Krull, Frank, Mary, and John ’78:54 Larson, Edwin ’79:67 Lowe, Richard ’80: Mason, Wayne ’77:40-41; ’78:53; ’79:39-42 Mathes, Ruth and W. B. ’78:55 Mayfield, George ’80:23 McKee, Steven ’79:52 Miller, Michael ’78:14-15 Monroe, Burt L., Jr. ’77:25-26; ’78:19-50; ’79:23-28; ’79:51-52R Palmer-Ball, Brainard, Jr. ’77:41; ’80:24; ’80:27-39 Parker, Donald ’78:15 Peterson, Clell ’80:65 Ritchison, Gary ’80:27-30 Robertson, Judy ’77:40 Shadowen, H. E. ’77:43R; ’78:48-49; ’78:57-59; ’79:3-13; ’79:19R; ’80: 3-13; ’80:35; ’80:83-84; ’89:89-92 Shannon, Bernice B. ’78:71-72R Smith, Charles K. and Wayne H. Davis ’79:19-20 Smith, Lawrence D. ’78:15 Smith, Tom and Pierre Allaire ’78: 35 Stamm, Anne L. ’77:18; ’77 :23- -26; ’77: :35- -37 ’77 :54R; ’78 :27- -31; ’78: :34- -35 ’78: : 42-47; ’78 :49- -52; ’78: :60- -64 ’79: :13-18; ’79 :29- -31; ’79: :42- -45 ’79; : 46-50; ’79 :55- -58; ’80; :13- -18 ’80: :30-34; ’80 ;39- -40; ’80 :39- -40 ’80; :55-58; ’80 :59- -64; ’80: :78- -82 Steilberg, Patricia ’80:67 Stickley, Allen R., Jr. ’78:39-41 Stokes, Mrs. Stanley ’80:88 Summerfield, Donald ’78:36; ’80:22- 23 Westerman, Albert G. ’77:17 Whitt, A. L., Jr. ’77:42 Williams, Mrs. James M. ’80:40 Woolfenden, Mrs. L. ’80:23 90 THE KENTUCKY WAEBLER Vol. 56 BIRDS Ani, Groove-billed ’80:65-66 Avocet, American ’78:53 Blackbird, Red-winged ’79:23-28 Blackbirds ’77:55; ’78:39-41; ’80: 72-77 Bluebird, Eastern ’78:21 Bunting, Snow ’80:38 Chat, Yellow-breasted ’78:21 Crane, Sandhill ’78:16; ’78:54 Crossbill, White-winged ’78:35 Crow, Common ’77:30; ’77:38-39 Dove, Mourning ’79:23-28; ’80:23 Eagle, Bald ’77:35-37; ’77:54; ’78: 49-51; ’79:42-45; ’80:55-58; ’80:71 Eagle, Golden ’77:35-36; ’78:49-51; ’79:43-44; ’80:56-57 Egret, Cattle ’80:22-23 Finch, House ’78:35; ’79:68; ’80:21 Flycatcher, Olive-sided ’79:67 Gnatchatcher, Blue-gray ’78:22 Goshawk ’78:16; ’80:40 Grebe, Eared ’80:88 Grebe, Western ’78:15 Grosbeak, Black-headed ’78:55 Grosbeak, Blue ’78:14; ’79:67; ’80:39 Grosbeak, Evening ’78:36 Gull, Great Black-backed ’77:18 Gull, Franklin’s ’80:18-19 Hawk, Cooper’s ’80:21 Hawk, Broad-winged ’78:73; ’80:23; ’80:88 Heron, Great Blue ’77 :40 Ibis, White ’79:34-35 Kestrel, American ’80:39 Killdeer ’79:23-28 Kingbird, Western ’80-38 Kite, Mississippi ’78:15 Longspur, Lapland ’80:38 Meadowlark, Eastern ’78:20 Mockingbird ’78:21 Oriole, Northern ’80:23 Osprey ’79:19 Owl, Barred ’80:66-67 Owl, Great Horned ’80-67 Owl, Snowy ’77:40 Parulidae ’79:39-42 Phalarope, Wilson’s ’79:52 Purple Martin ’77:19 Rail, Yellow ’77-41; ’80-37 Raven ’79:19 Redstart, American ’80:22 Robin, American ’77:15; ’79:23-28 Siskin, Pine ’78:36; ’80:38 Sparrow, Chipping ’78:21 Sparrow, Field ’78:20 Sparrow, Grasshopper ’78:21; ’80:39 Sparrow, Song ’79:23-28 Sparrow, Sharp-tailed ’78:15 Sparrow, Vesper ’80:27-30 Starling ’77:30; ’79:23-28 Stilt, Black-necked ’77:17 Stork, Wood ’77:31 Swallow, Barn ’79:23-28 Swallow, Cliff ’77 : 40-41 Swift, Chimney ’79:23-28 Titmouse, Tufted ’78:21 Vireo, Red-eyed ’78:22 Vireo, Warbling ’78:22 Vireo, Yellow-throated ’78:22 Waxwing, Cedar ’80:65 Woodcock, American ’78:34 Woodpecker, Red-cockaded ’77:19; ’79:67 Wren, Bewick’s $78:22 Wren, Carolina ’77:42; ’78:22 Yellowthroat, Common ’79:23-28 1980 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 91 LOCALITIES Barren County ’78:53 Barren River Reservoir ’77:40-41; ’78:57-59; ’80-21 Bell County ’80:18-20 Bernheim Forest ’77:10; ’78:6; ’79: 10; ’80:10 Black Mountain ’78:13 Bowling Green ’77:5; ’78:6; ’79:4; ’80:4; ’80:35-36 Breathitt County ’77:32; ’78:35 Bullitt County ’80:67 Burlington ’77:13; ’78:13; ’79:12; ’80:12 Cadiz, ’80:88 Calloway County ’78:14; ’80:65-66 Carlisle ’78:12 Centerfield ’79:34 Cumberland Gap National Historical Park ’77:13; ’78:13; ’80:13; ’80: 43-45 Danville ’77:11; ’78:7; ’78:65-68; ’79:11; ’80:11 Falls of the Ohio ’77:18 Fayette County ’76:67 Frankfort ’77:11; ’78:7; ’79 : 11; ’80: 11 Franklin County ’77:17 Glasgow ’77:5; ’78:5; ’79:5; ’79:39- 42; ’80:5 Grayson County ’80:66 Harlan County ’78:73; ’79:19; ’79:52 Henderson ’77:3; ’78:3; ’80:3 Henderson County ’77:40; ’79:3 Hopkinsville ’80:4 Jackson ’77:12; ’78:12; ’79:12; ’80: 12 Jefferson County ’77:40; ’78:15; ’78:54; ’80:22 Jeffersontown ’78:55 Kleber ’77:12; ’78:12; ’79:11; ’80:11 Lake Cumberland ’80:88 Land Between the Lakes ’77:3; ’77: 31; ’78:3; ’79:3; ’80:3; ’80:71 Laurel County ’79:67 Lee County ’79:65 Lexington ’77:12; ’77:30; ’77:38; ’78:73; ’79:11; ’80:40 Louisville ’77:10; ’78:6; ’78:15; ’78: 34; ’79:10; ’80:10; ’80:37-40 Maceo ’78:4 Madison County ’78:35 Madisonville ’77:4; ’78:4; ’79:4; ’80:4 Mammoth Cave National Park ’77:5; ’77:27-29; ’78:5; ’78:31-34; ’79:5; ’79:32-33; ’80:5 Marion ’77:3; ’78:3; ’79:3; ’80:3 Marshall County ’80:65 Natural Bridge State Park ’80:83-85 Nicholas County ’78:53; ’79:12 Oldham County ’78:54 Otter Creek Park ’77 :5 ; ’78 :5 ; ’79 :5 ; ’80:5 Owensboro ’79:59-62 Pennyrile Forest State Park ’77:4; ’78:4; ’79:4 Pine Mountain Settlement School ’77:13; ’78:12; ’79:12; ’80:12 Pikeville ’80:23 Pulaski County ’80:21 Rough River State Park ’77:47-50 Russell County ’80:22 Shelby County ’78:16 Shelbyville ’77:11; ’78:6; ’79:10; ’80:10; ’80:23 Somerset ’82:12; ’80:22 Sorgho ’77:4; ’78:4; ’79:4; ’80:4 Willard ’78:13; ’79:13 Valley Station ’78:36 Yelvington ’77:4; ’80:4 92 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 56 GENERAL Aberrant Pigmentation ’77:13-16 Analysis of Kentucky’s Breeding Birds ’78:19-26; ’79:23-28 Bald Eagle Count ’77:35-37; ’78:49- 52; ’79:42-45; ’80:55-58 Fall Meeting ’77:47-53; ’78:65-71; ’79:59-65; ’80:83-85 Habitat Section ’79:39-42 Midwinter Bird Count ’77:3-13; ’78: 3-14; ’79:3-13; ’80:3-13 Nest Record Card Program ’77:23- 25 Nomenclature Changes ’77 :25-26 Regional Heritage Program ’77 :44 Roosts ’77:55; ’78:39-41; ’80:72-77 Spring Counts ’77:38; ’78:48-49; ’79:32-33; ’80:35-36 Spring Meeting ’77:27-30; ’78:31-34; ’79:32-33 Summer Avifauna of Barren River Reservoir ’78:57-59 Summer Birds of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park ’80:43-55 Vocalization ’80:27-30 \ I' ; \ i, \ j \ it r. / y A. ^ \ 1 " y. 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