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The Kentucky Warbler

(Published by the Kentucky Ornithological Society)

IN THIS ISSUE

THE FALL MIGRATION, 2000, Fred M. Busroe . 3

MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT, 2000-2001 . 11

FIELD NOTES . 22

NEWS AND VIEWS . 24

2

The Kentucky Warbler

Vol. 77

THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

President .

Vice-President .

Corr. Secretary .

Treasurer .

Recording Secretary .

Councillors:

Gary Ritchison, Richmond .

Arthur Ricketts, Berea .

Jackie Elmore, Bowling Green

Gerald Robe, Mt. Sterling .

Richard Cassell, Louisville .

Janet Howard, Owensboro .

. Marilee Thompson, Owensboro

. . Kathy Caminiti, Crittenden

. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.

8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222

. Lee McNeely

P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY 41005
. Mark Bennett, Russellville, KY

2000-2002

2000-2002

2001-2003

2001-2003

2001-2004

2001-2004

Retiring President

Wendell Kingsolver, Carlisle

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 S8.00; Contributing, $15.00; Student $4.00; Life,
$ 1 00.00; Family, $2.00 in addition to Regular, Contributing or Life Membership dues; Cor¬
porate. All articles and communications should be addressed to the editor. Subscriptions,
memberships and request for back issues should be sent to the Treasurer.

Editor . B.R. Ferrell, Ogden College, Western Kentucky Univ.

Bowling Green. 42101

Editorial Advisory Board

Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.

Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely

P.O. Box463, Burlington, KY 41005

Staff Artist . Ray Harm

THE COVER

Thanks to Kathy Caminiti for this photograph of a Snow Bunting ( Plectrophenax nivalis)
taken in Boone County. There was an influx of Lapland Longspurs and Snow Buntings
noted during the Mid-winter Bird Count period.

2001

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

3

FALL MIGRATION, 2000
Fred M. Busroe

This November was 2.7°F below normal with widespread upper teens on November 22.
November 2000 was the coldest since 1991.

Shorebird migration was unusual with a scarcity of some species and an abundance of
others that lingered to very late dates.

Several important observations occurred during the season. A first state record, an Inca
Dove, was collected during a Carlisle County dove hunt. An Anhinga was photographed
near John J. Audubon State Park. A Pacific Loon, Wood Storks, a Sabine’s Gull and an
Ash-throated Flycatcher were reported from western Kentucky.

Abbreviations - WMA = Wildlife Management Area; AJP = A.J. Jolly Park, Campbell
County; Ash = E.W. Brown Power Plant ash pond, Mercer County; Ball = Ballard County;
BWMA = Ballard WMA, Ballard County; Bark = Barkley Dam, Lyon County; Bam =
Barren County; BRSP = Barren River State Park, Barren County; Bar = Barren River Lake,
Allen/Barren counties; Bee = Bee Rock, Pulaski County; BBL = Big Bone Lick State Park,
Boone County, Bio = Blood River Embayment, Kentucky Lake, Calloway County; Bur =
Burlington, Boone County; CM#1 1 = Camp Mines #11, Union County; Cam = Campbell
County; Can = Caneyville Reservoir, Grayson County; Cen = Central Park, Boone County;
Coo = Cooley’s Pond, Wayne County; Cra = Craig’s Creek, Gallatin County; Dra = Drake’s
Creek, Warren County; Falls = Falls of Ohio, Jefferson County; Fer = Anna Ferry Farm,
Butler County; Flo = Florence, Boone County; GRL = Green River Lake, Adair/Taylor
counties; Gray = Grayson County; Hart = Hart County; Hend = Henderson County; Hib =
Hickman Bottoms, Fulton County; I#1 = Island #1 , Carlisle County; Jef = Jefferson County;
Jon = Jonathan Creek, Marshall County; KBend = Kentucky Bend, Fulton County; KBRC
= Kentucky Bird Records Committee; KyLake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall/Trigg counties;
L#9 = Lake #9, Fulton County; LBark = Lake Barkley, Livingston/Lyon/Trigg counties;
LCum = Lake Cumberland, Pulaski County; Lak = Laketon, Carlisle County; Letc = Letcher
County; Lim = Limestone Lake, Warren County; Line = Lincoln County; Lin = Lake Linville,
Rockcastle County; Liv = Livingston County; Lou = Louisville, Jefferson County; Lyon =
Lyon County, MCNP = Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson County; Mel = Meldahl
Dam, Bracken County; Meng = Meng’s Pond, Warren County; MCFH = Minor Clark Fish
Hatchery, Rowan County; MCP = Middle Creek Park, Boone County; MtZ = Mt. Zion,
Pulaski County; Muh = Muhlenberg County; NKU = Northern Kentucky University,
Campbell County; New = Newport, Campbell County; Par = Paradise. Muhlenberg County;
PWMA = Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg/Ohio counties; Pet = Petersburg, Boone County;
PMt = Pine Mountain, near Whitesburg, Letcher County; Pul = Pulaski County; Pum =
Pumphouse Pond, Pulaski County; Red = Red River Gorge, Powell County, Ree = Big
Reedy Lake #9, Edmonson County, SWMA = Sloughs WMA, Henderson County; Smi =
Smithland Dam, Livingston County; Thu = Thurston’s Pond, Wayne County; War = War¬
saw, Gallatin County; Warn = Warren County; WKUF = Western Kentucky University Farm,
Warren County; WKUW = Western Kentucky University Woods, Warren County.

RED-THROATED LOON - 1 immature at GRL on November 12 (Hap, RD), Novem¬
ber 18 (DO) and November 21 (DR). Documentation not submitted.

PACIFIC LOON- 1 on November 1 (BPB) and 19 (DR) on KyLake above dam Observa¬
tion was videotaped by DR.

Common Loon - 1 10+ on November 4 at GRL (RD, JE); 1 20+ on November 1 8 at GRL
(BPB, DO), 100+ on November 4 at KyLake above the dam (DR).

4 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 77

Pied-billed Grebe- 7 on October 29 at Cra ( JP); about 1 50 on Ohio River. Lou on Novem¬
ber 4 (BPB); 1 0 on November 4 at Can ( JP).

Horned Grebe - 1 on November 17 and 8 on November 1 8 at New (FR).

American White Pelican - 1 13 on September 24 at L#9 (KL); 245 on October 31 at KBend
(GC); 1 10 on November 1 at KBend (KL, NM); 100 on November 4 at Bark (DR); 1 on
November 15 at Smi (BPB).

Double-crested Cormorant - 20 on August 20 and September 9 on Ohio River at Cam
(FR); 12 on August 24 at Bio (Hap); 17 on August 26 in Line (RD); 2 on September 9 on
farm pond in SE Gray (JP); 15 on September 10 at Jon (Hap); 16 on September 16 at
Falls (DO); 96 on September 26 at L#9 (KL); 60 on October 9 above dam on KyLake
(FR); 23 on October 21 at Mel (FR); an estimated 3000 on October 23 and 5000 on
October 25 at mouth of Little River, LBark (ER).

ANHINGA - 1 on August 17 (BPB. DR) through August 19 (JE) near J. J. Audubon State
Park, Hend. Observation was photographed/videotaped.

American Bittern - 1 on October 8 at Muh (LMc, DR); 3-4 on October 14 at SWMA (DR.
KOS).

Great Blue Heron - 35 on August 6 at Falls ( JP); 25 on August 24 at Bio and 20 on Septem¬
ber 10 at Jon (Hap); 300 on August 30 at L#9 (GC, KL); 12 on September 16 at Falls
(DO); 29 on October 3 at KBend (KL).

Great Egret - 12 on August 6 at Falls (JP); 285 on August 6 at Ball and 18 on August 24 at
Bio (Hap); 7 on August 26 at MCFH (NKBC); 1600 on August 30 at L#9 (GC, KL); 1 on
August 30 at AJP (FR); 1 000+ on September 2 at L#9 (BPB. Hap. MT); 250 on Septem¬
ber 3 at L#9 (KL); 63 on September 29 at Hib (FR); 10 on September 10 at Jon (Hap); 1
on September 16 at Falls (DO).

Snowy Egret - 10 on August 6 at Ball (Hap); 200 on August 14 at L#9 (JS); an estimated
700 on August 30 at L#9 (GC, KL); 1 on October 3 at Lin (RD).

Little Blue Heron - 6 on August 6 at Ball and 2 on September 10 at Jon (Hap); 6 on Oc¬
tober 23 at I#9 (KL, NM)."

TRICOEORF.D HERON - 1 on September 6 near Kuttawa, Bark (DR); 1 on September
30 in northern Madison County (SR). Documentation to be submitted to KBRC.

Cattle Egret - 5000+ on September 1 ( BPB ) and a high of 9700 on September 6 at Kuttawa
roost, LBark (DR).

Black-crowned Night-Heron - 3 on August 2 at AJP (FR); 30 on August 6 at Falls (JP); 3
on August 30 at AJP (FR); 1 on September 2 at Cra (LMc); 19 on September 16 at Falls
(DO); 10 on October 9 at Bark (FR); 15 with 4 immatures on November 15 at Eddy
Creek, LBark (BPB).

WOOD STORK - 3 sight records are the first in several years, 6 on September 2 at L#9
(KL), 5 on September 20 over Ball. McCracken County (FB) and 1 on September 26
over Jon (PC).

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck - 2 at Mitchell Lake. Ballard County on 19 August 2000
(SRd). Documentation submitted to KBRC.

Greater White-fronted Goose - 4 on October 4 at Sauerheber Unit, SWMA (BPB, et al.)\
1 at Smi and at KyLake on November 4 (DR).

Snow Goose - 4 on November 26 at LCum (RD).

Wood Duck - 20 on September 10 at Jon (Hap); 10 on October 3 at KBend (KL. NM).

Gadwall - High count during the season was 800+ at Jon ( BPB); 3 on October 25 at KBend
(GC. KL); 2 on November 1 at KBend (KL, NM); 50 in mid-November at Falls (BPB); 2
from November 19-22 at Can (JP, et al.).

American Wigeon - 4 on October 15 at KBend (KL, BL).

Mallard - 40 on September 9 at Jon (Hap); 82 on September 16 at Falls (DO).

2001

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

5

Blue-winged Teal - 15 on August 24 at Bio and 20 on September 10 at Jon (Hap); 68 on
August 30 at L#9 (GC, KL); 250 on September 10 at L#9 (KL, BL, NM); 150+ near I# I
with 350+ at BWMA on September 9 (BPB); 4 on September 16 at Falls (DO).

Northern Shoveler - 4 on September 5 at KBend (GC, KL); 4 on September 10 at Jon
(Hap); 3 on November 18 on Ree (JP).

Northern Pintail - 2 at KBend on October 1 8 and 24 (KL, NM); 4 on October 25 at KBend
(GC, KL).

Green-winged Teal - The highest count for October at KBend was 19 (KL, NM); 21 on
November 5 at KBend (GC, KL); a high count for November 14 was 250 at CM#1 1
(BPB); 1 on November 21 at Can (MR RF).

Ring-necked Duck - 1100+ on November 9 above Bark (DR).

Greater Scaup - 2-3 throughout the period at Bark (DR); 1 male on November 24 in Pul
(RD).

White-winged Scoter- 1 female on November 4 at Lou on Ohio River (BPB, JPa).

Black Scoter - 2 on October 29 at KyDam (DR).

Long-tailed Duck (formerly Oldsquaw) - 1 female present at Lim for at least three weeks
from November 26 (JE, TD, DR).

Common Goldeneye - 4 on November 23 at LBark (JE).

Ruddy Duck -1 from August 4 through the period at Ash (RD, et al.); 22 on November 1 5
at Bar (JE).

Osprey - 4 on August 26 at MCFH (NKBC); 1 on September 4 at Mel (FR); 1 on September
12 at L#9 (KL, NM); 2 on September 15 at LCum (RD); 5 on September 16 at PMt hawk
watch (SS, et al.).

Mississippi Kite - 2 on August 26 at KBend (GC, KL); 1 or 2 juveniles near probable
nesting area of SWMA in NE Union County on September 14 (BPB); 1 on September 4
(KL, et al.) and 1 on October 3 at KBend (KL, NM).

Bald Eagle - 1 adult and 1 immature on August 26 at MCFH (NKBC); 5 immatures on
October 17 at I#9 (GC); 3 on October 22 (GC, KL) and 3 on October 24 (KL, NM) at
KBend; 3 on October 29 at L#9 (KL, BL); 1 adult on November 4 at GRL (JE).

Northern Harrier - 2 on October 8 at Hib (FR); 3 on October 22 at KBend (GC, KL); 1 on
October 23 in Bar (MS); 1 on October 23 at WKUF (JE); 1-2 during October at KBend
(KL, NM); 1 on November 22 at Can (JP); 1 on November 24 at Mel (FR).

Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1 on November 9 in Cam (FR).

Cooper’s Hawk - 2 on August 4 and 1 on August 14,21 and September 1 2 in Hart (MS); 1
on November 4 near Cra (IP); 1 on November 10 at AJP (FR).

Broad-winged Hawk - 627 on September 1 5 and 3 1 8 on September 1 6 at PMt hawk watch
(SS, et al.)

Golden Eagle - 1 on November 19 in Liv (DR).

Merlin -1 on August 28, October 29 in Warn and September 19 at Lak (DR); 1 on Septem¬
ber 15 and 16 at PMt hawk watch (SS, et al.); 1 on October 24 at KBend
(KL, NM); 1 at Flo on November 19 (DG).

Peregrine Falcon - 1 on September 10 at Jon (Hap); 1 on September 12 over Ohio

River at New (FR); 1 on October 29 at Ohio River, Lou (DO); 1 on November 1 at KBend
(KL, NM).

Northern Bobwhite - 5 on October 28 at PWMA (DO).

YFJ ,1 ,PW RAH, - 1 on October 14 and 2 1 at SWMA (KOS, DR). Documentation not sub-

. mitted.

King Rail - 1 on October 21 at SWMA (KOS); 1 on October 26 in Muh (DR).

Virginia Rail - 5+ on October 14 at SWMA (KOS) and 1 on October 26 in Muh (DR); 1 on
October 28 PWMA (DO, et al.).

6 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 77

Sora-1 onOctober 14 at Cen (LMc); 12-15 on October 14 at SWMA (KOS); 1 or 2 on
October 21 at SWMA (KOS).

American Coot - 2500 to 3000 on November 4 on Ohio River. Lou (BPB); 2000+ on
November 4 at GRL (JE); several thousand on LBark and KyLake on November 4 (DR).

Sandhill Crane - Large number heard overhead on the night of November 16 in Hart (MS)
and Lou (DO); 16 on November 4 at GRL (JE); 6 over Boyd County on November 13
(LT); 93 on November 21 at LCum (RD); 14 on November 21 over Cam (FR); 3 on
November 23 at Pet (LMc).

Black-bellied Plover - 2 on October 28 at PWMA (DO); 3 on October 8 at Par (LMc); 1-
3 during September at L#9 (GC, et al .); 1 on October 14 and 18 at KBend (KL, NM).

American Golden Plover - 1 on August 19 at Ash (RD); 2 on August 24 at Bio and 2 on
September 10 at Jon (Hap); 1 on September 13. 22, 23 and 28 at KBend (GC, et al.).

Semipalmated Plover - 1 on August 6 in Ball (Hap); 3 on September 16 at LCum (RD); a
high of 7 on October 14 and 18 at KBend (KL. NM); a high of 7 on October 7 at L#9 (GC.
KL).

Killdeer - 300+ on October 3 at KBend (KL, NM).

Black-necked Stilt - 4 on August 12 (Hap, et al.)-, 3 on August 14 (JS) and 2 on August 21
(RD) at L#9; 2 on August 1 7 and 3 on August 22 at L#9 (GC, KL).

American Avocet - 1 remained at Jon from September 29 to October 2 (ME, et al.).

Greater Yellowlegs - 3 on August 6 in Ball and 2 on September 10 at Jon (Hap); 14 on
October 14 at KBend (KL, MN); 1 on November 7 at Thur (RW).

Lesser Yellowlegs - 6 on August 24 at Bio and 5 on September 1 0 at Jon ( Hap ); a high of 24
at L#9 on September 10 (KL, BL, NM); 1 on October 3 at Lin (RD).

Willet - 1 on August 17 at L#9 (GC, KL); 1 on September 9 at Mitchell Lake. BWMA
(BPB).

Solitary Sandpiper - 4 on September 10 at Jon (Hap).

Hudsonian Godwit - a juvenile was observed at KBend on 3 October (KL, NM). This is a
third state record. Documentation has been submitted to the KBRC.

Ruddy Turnstone - 1 on September 2 near I#1 ( BPB. Hap, MT); 1 on September 22 at Bark
(DR); 1 on September 23 at Lak (Hap. DR).

Spotted Sandpiper - 4 on September 16 at Falls (DO).

Red Knot - Two individuals were observed over a month later than the species has ever

been reported in Kentucky; 1 November 4-6 at Jon (Hap); 1 on November 19-24 at Jon
(Hap, JE).

Sanderling - 22 on September 10 at Jon (Hap); 56 on September 19 at Lak (DR); approxi¬
mately 45 near I#1 on September 23 (BPB. Hap, DR); 6 on September 23 at I#9 (GC. KL,
NM); 2 on October 3 at KBend (KL, NM).

Semipalmated Sandpiper - 8 on August 6 at Ball, 30 on August 24 at Bio and 10 on
September 1 0 at Jon (Hap); a high of 30 on September 4 at KBend (KL, et al.).

Western Sandpiper - 1 on August 24 at Bio (Hap); 19 on October 3 at KBend (KL, NM).

Least Sandpiper - 30 on August 24 at Bio and 30 on September 10 at Jon (Hap); 1 on
September 16 at Falls (DO); 720 on September 28 (DR) and high count of 1059 on
September 23 at L#9 (Hap, DR); 30 on September 29 at Hib (FR); 275+ on October 3 at
KBend (KL, NM); 150 on October 20 at KBend (GC, KL); 350 on November 4 and 46
on November 19 at Jon (Hap).

White-rumped Sandpiper - 1 on August 6 at Ball (Hap); 2 adults on September 7-8 at Ash
(BK, FL. BPB); 1 on September 9 at Mitchell Lake. BWMA (BPB); 1 on September 12
at L#9 (KL, NM); a juvenile on September 17 at Par (DR).

Baird's Sandpiper - 1 on August 26 at MCFH (NKBC); 1 on September 22 at Ash (RD).

Pectoral Sandpiper - 6 on August 6 in Ball, 140 at Bio on August 24, 15 on September 10,

2001 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 7_

2 on November 4 and 1 on November 19 at Jon (Hap); 105 on August 17 at L#9 (GC,
KL); 1 at Falls on September 16 (DO); 8 on September 29 at Hib (FR).

Dunlin - 1 on October 8 at Par (LMc); 12 on October 20 and 22 at KBend (GC, KL); 9 on
October 24 at KBend (KL, NM); 16 on November 4 -6 at Jon (Hap); 2 on November 1 5
in Bar (JE).

Stilt Sandpiper - 2 on August 6 at Ash (RD); 3 on August 13 at L#9 (GC, KL); 16 on
September 4 at KBend (BPB, Hap, KL, NM); 2 on November 4-6 at Jon (Hap).

Buff-breasted Sandpiper - 1 on August 22 at L#9 (GC, KL); 16 on September 2 at L#9
(KL); 9 on September 19 at Lak (DR).

Long-billed Dowitcher - 4 on October 1 5 at KBend (KL, BL); 2 on November 4-6 at Jon
(Hap); 2 vocalizing on November 7 at Jon (BPB); 1 lingered at Jon until November 9
for a record late date (Hap).

Common Snipe - 1 2 on November 1 9 at Jon ( Hap); 1 3 on November 27 at Lin ( RD ).

RFO PHALAROPF - 1 on September 8 and 14 at Ash (RD, et al.); photographed and 1
juvenile on September 17 at Meng (DR; videotaped).

Franklin’s Gull - 1 on September 5 and 9 above dam at LBark (BPB); 2 on October 1 at
KyLake (BPB, MB); 6+ on October 4 at KyLake (DR, et al.)', 1 at GRL ( JE), 5 below
Smi (DR) and 1 on Ohio River, Lou (BPB) were all seen on November 4; the second
largest number reported for the state was on November 1 4 when a flight of 24 was seen
at Lou (BPB).

Bonaparte’s Gull - 1 juvenile on September 3 at Jon (Hap, BPB), a high count of 400-600
at Jon on November 24 (BPB).

Ring-billed Gull - Several hundred were present by September 1 at KyDam and Bark
(BPB); 20 on October 20 at KBend (GC, KL).

Herring Gull - 57 above dam at Bark on September 24 (BPB); 3 on October 24 at KBend
(KL, NM); 2 on November 5 at KBend (GC, KL).

Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 from October 20 - November 30 at Bark (DR); 1 on Novem¬
ber 7 at Jon (BPB, RD).

Great Black-backed Gull - 1 first-year bird was videotaped on September 19 above KyDam
(DR); a first-year bird on September 29 at KyDam (FR).

SAB1NF.1S GULL - A juvenile was at KyLake from September 30 - October 1 (BPB, et
al.). Documentation not submitted.

BLACK-I FGGFD MTTIWARF - 1 first-year bird on November 25 at Bark (MB, BPB,
Hap, RD, DR). Documentation not submitted.

Caspian Tern - 5 on August 6 at Falls (JP); a state record of 172 on September 1 at north
end of LBark (BPB); 3 on September 16 at LCum (RD); 1 on September 16 at Falls
(DO); 2 on November 16, a late date, at Bio (Hap).

Common Tern - 1 on September 29 at Ash (RD).

Forster’s Tern - 38 on September 10, 36 on November 4 and 19 on November 19 at Jon
with 6 at Bio on November 16 (Hap).

Least Tern - 2 on August 6 in Ball (Hap); 1 on September 4 at KBend (KL, et al.).

Black Tern - 33 on September 8 at Ash (BPB, et al.).

Eurasian Collared -Dove - Reported from several areas including new locations of Simpson
County (LD) and Owensboro (JSt).

INCA DOVF - The state’s first Inca Dove was killed at a dove shoot in NE Carlisle County
on October 1 (S. White, Murray State University). The bird was photographed, preserved
and will be deposited at the US National Museum.

Black-billed Cuckoo - 1 on August 20 in Ball (DR).

Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 1 on October 18 at WKUW (JE).

Barn Owl - 3-4 on August 1 7, with 1 present on August 2, Boone County (LMc, DV).

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 77

Eastern Screech-Owl - 1 heard on six dates in August and September in Hart (MS).

Great Horned Owl - 1 on August 25 at L#9 (GC, KL); 2 on August 25 and October 10. 18
and 27 in Hart (MS); 1 on September 12 at L#9 and KBend on September 14 and 1 8 (KL,
NM); 1 on November 14 at Short Creek, Gray (JP).

Barred Owl - 2 on August 24 at Bio (Hap); 2 calling on October 13 in Cam (FR); 1 on
November 5 at KBend (GC, KL).

Long-eared Owl - 1 on November 29 in the Riverqueen Unit of PWMA (BPB).

Common Nighthawk - 150+ on September 10 at Mel (FR).

Rufous Hummingbird - 6 individuals were reported and confirmed by capture and band¬
ing. First reported on October 3 1 and all lingered into December. An adult female near
Brandenburg, Meade County ( J. and R. St.Claire, et al .); adult female November 1 5 to
December 20 at Lake Forest, Jef (B. Regan, et al.); adult female October 31 to December
20 in eastern Lou (B. Ashley, et al.); 2 adult females from early November to December
16 at Briensburg, Meade County (S. and B. Kane, et al.); 1 from early November to
December 9 at Rockholds, Whitley County (S. Helton, et al.). The first 5 birds were
banded by Chris Sloan and Portia MacMillan while the sixth was banded by Fred Moore,
members of the Hummingbird Study Group.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 1 on September 16 at BBL (LMc) was an early state arrival
date by three days.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - 1 on August 24 in Warn (DR); 2-3 vocalizations on September
6 in Jeff and 1 on September 9 at I#1 (BPB).

Acadian Flycatcher - Call notes were heard on October 1 at Lak (BPB, MB).

Least Flycatcher - 1 singing in Jef on August 9 (BY).

ASH-THROATF.D FI YCATCHFR- 1 on October 15 at WKUW (JE, DE). Documenta¬
tion has been submitted to the Kentucky Bird Records Committee.

Loggerhead Shrike- 1 on October 6 in Hart (MS); 2 on November 1 at KBend (KL, NM).

White-eved Vireo - 1 on August 24 at Bio and 1 on September 10 at Jon (Hap); a juvenile
learning to sing from mid-August to September 1 1 in Gray (JP); 1 on October 23 at
WKUW (JE); 2 on November 1 at KBend (GC, KL, NM).

Bell’s Vireo - 1 singing on September 1 at PWMA and on 1 on September 1 5 below Newburgh
Dam in Hend (BPB).

Blue-headed Vireo - 1 singing on August 26 in Red(FR); 1 on October 18 at WKUW (JE).

Warbling Vireo - 2 on October 18 at KBend (GC, KL. N'M).

Philadelphia Vireo - 1 on September 2 at Fer (DT); 1 on October 8 at WKUW (JE).

Red-eyed Vireo - An adult feeding a Brown-headed Cowbird on August 9 at MCP (LMc);

1 on October 16 at WKUW (JE).

Fish Crow - 1 on August 6 in Ball (Hap); 2 on October 3 and 18 at KBend (KL, NM).

Common Raven - 2 on October 23 at Bad Branch, Letc (BPB); 2 on November 11 in Letc
(Hap, RD).

Horned Lark - 3 on September 10 at Jon (Hap); 200+ on October 3 at KBend (KL, NM);
50 on October 8 at Hib (FR); 65 on October 22 at KBend (GC, KL).

Tree Swallow - 20+ on October 20 at KBend (GC, KL); 20+ on November 10 at Bar (JE).

Northern Rough-winged Swallow - 350+ on October 3 at KBend (KL, NM); 300+ on
October 8 at Hib (FR).

Red-breasted Nuthatch - A pair near nest site on August 25 on Rock Bridge Trail, Red
(FR); 1 from October 8-13 at WKUW (JE).

Winter Wren - 1 on September 30 at MCP (LMc).

Sedge Wren - At least two pairs were seen on August 1 6 at Ft. Knox airfield, Hardin County
(BPB); 3+ on October 14 at SWMA (DR); 1 juvenile on October 21 at SWMA (KOS); 2
on October 28 at PWMA (DO).

9

2001 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Marsh Wren - 6+ on October 14 at SWMA (DR); 9 on October 21 at SWMA(KOS); 1 on
October 28 at PWMA (DO); at least 5 on October 28 at SWMA (BY, MSt).

Golden-crowned Kinglet - 1 on October 28 at PWMA (DO).

Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1 on September 7, 9 and 22 at Fer (DT); 1 on October 28 at
PWMA (DO).

Gray-cheeked Thrush - I on September 22 at Fer (DT).

American Robin - An estimated 500 on October 24 and 1200 on November 28 at NKU
(FR).

European Starling - An estimated 100,000 on November 28 at NKU (FR).

American Pipit - 1 on October 1 5 (KL, NM) and 2 on October 22 (GC, KL) at KBend; 20
on October 25 at Coo (RD).

Cedar Waxwing - 45 on September 9 at BBL (LMc); a high of 200 on November 1 9 at
Can (RF, MH, JP).

Blue-winged Warbler - 1 on September 26 at WKUW (JE).

Golden-winged Warbler - 2 on September 12, 3 on September 1 7 and 2 on September 26
at WKUW (JE).

“Brewster’s Warbler” - 1 on September 26 at WKUW (JE).

Tennessee Warbler - 20+ on September 13 at MCNP (JE); 15 on September 16 at BBL
(LMc); 1 on September 22 at AJP with 6 on October 9 at KyDam (FR); 4+ on October 7
at BRSP (DO); 30+ on October 16 at WKUW (JE); 1 on October 21 in Cam (FR); 1 on
October 28 at PWMA (DO); 1 on October 28 at Mel(NKBC); 2 on November 3 in Warn
(JE); another late migrant on November 1 1 in Letc (Flap, RD).

Orange-crowned Warbler - 1 on October 18 at Mt2; (RD); 2 on October 18 at KBend
(KL, NM); 1 on October 23 in Warn and 1 on October 23 at WKUW (JE).

Nashville Warbler - 7 on September 9 at BBL (LMc); 5+ on October 3 at BRSP (DO); 2
on October 9 at KyDam (FR); 4 on October 12 and 1 on October 23 at WKUW (JE); 3 on
October 1 8 at KBend (KL, NM).

Northern Parula - 3 on August 13 at WKUW (JE); 2 on September 7 and 1 on September
19 at Fer (DT).

Yellow Warbler - 1 on October 8 at Muh (DR).

Yellow-rumped Warbler - 1 on October 1 at Fer (DT); 40 on October 1 8 at KBend (KL,
NM); 7 on October 22 at KBend (GC, KL); 8 on November 18 at Ree and 8 on No¬
vember 19 at Can (JP).

Chestnut-sided Warbler - 3 on September 4 at MCP(LMc); 8 on September 13 at MCNP
and 1 on October 18 at WKUW (JE); 1 on October 18 at KBend (KL, NM) .

Magnolia Warbler - 1 on August 20 at WKUW (JE); 1 on August 25 in Red (FR); 1 on
September 6 at Fer (DT); 6 on September 9 at BBL (LMc); 15+ on September 12 and 1
on October 23 at WKUW (JE); 1 on October 18 at KBend (KL, NM).

Cape May Warbler - 1 on September 9 and 16 at BBL (LMc); 1 on October 8 and 25
(WKUW) and 1 lingered to November 2 in Warn (JE).

Black-throated Green Warbler - 1 on September 6, 19 and 22 at Fer (DT); 1 on October
7 at BRSP (DO); 2 on October 16 in WKUW (JE).

Blackburnian Warbler - 4 on September 9 at BBL (LMc); 2 on October 18 in WKUW
(JE),

Yellow-throated Warbler - 1 on August 3 1 at Fer (DT); 1 on October 8 in WKUW ( JE).

Pine Warbler - 4 on August 25 in Red (FR); 1 on October 7 at BRSP (DO).

Prairie Warbler - 7 on September 9 at BBL (LMc); 1 on September 4 at Fer (DT).

Palm Warbler - 1 on September 24-28, 4 on September 29 and 2 on October 1 at Fer ( DT);
2 on October 7 at BRSP (DO); 1 on October 16 near Leitchfield, Gray (JP); 1 on No¬
vember 1 at New (FR).

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

10

Vol. 77

Bay-breasted Warbler - 7 on September 13 and 1 on October 16 in WKUW (JE); 2 on
October 1 8 at KBend (KL, NM).

Black-and-White Warbler - 7 on September 13 in WKUW (JE).

American Redstart - 1 on August 1 3, 30+ on September 26 and 1 on October 1 0 in WKUW
(JE).

Swainson’s Warbler - 1 carrying food on August 2 at Bee (RD).

Ovenbird- 6 on September 26 in WKUW (JE).

Northern Waterthrush - 1 on September 9 at BBL and 1 on September 30 at MCP
(LMc).

Kentucky Warbler -1 on August 3 1 and September 1 at Fer (DT); 1 on September 26 at
L#9 (KL, NM).

Mourning Warbler - 3 on September 14 at Dra (JE, DR); 1 on September 26 at L#9 (KL,
NM).

Hooded Warbler - 1 on August 25 and 2 on August 26 in Red (FR); 2 on September 30 at
Bee (RD).

Wilson’s Warbler - 1 on September 1 5 at MtZ (RD).

Canada Warbler - 1 August 23 at WKUW (JE); 1 on September 6 at Fer (DT).

Summer Tanager - 3 on August 30 at Short Creek, Gray (JP); 4 on September 9 at BBL
(LMc); 1 on October 7 at BRSP (DO); 1 on October 18 at KBend (KL, NM).

Chipping Sparrow - 1 on November 1 1 in Pul (RD).

Vesper Sparrow - 1 on October 13 at MtZ (RD); 2 on October 28 at PWMA (DO).

Lark Sparrow - 1 on October 20 in Lyon (DR).

Savannah Sparrow - 6 on October 22 at KBend (GC, KL); 1 on November 1 7 at MtZ
(RD).

Henslow’s Sparrow - 12 on August 1 at MtZ (RD).

LeConte’s Sparrow - 1 on October 14 at SWMA (KOS); 1 on October 26 in Muh (DR); 2
on October 28 at PWMA (DO).

Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow - 1 on October 8 in PWMA (LMc, DR); 4 on October 14
at SWMA and 3 on October 26 in Muh (DR); 2 on October 28 at PWMA (DO).

Fox Sparrow- 1 on November 19 at KBend (KL, NM).

Lincoln's Sparrow - 1 on October 5 at MtZ (RD); 5 on October 10 at WKUF (JE); 2 on
October 1 7 at New (FR); 1 on October 28 at PWMA (DO): 1 on November 5 at KBend
(GC, KL).

Swamp Sparrow - 10+ on October 3 at WKUF (JE); 2 on October 17 at New (FR); 6 on
October 23 at L#9 (KL, NM).

White-throated Sparrow - A high of 22 on October 18 at KBend (KL, NM); as many as
12 from November 23 to 30 in Hart (MS).

White-crowned Sparrow - 10 on October 17 at New (FR); 5 on October 18 and 4 on
November 1 at KBend (KL, MN).

Dark-eyed Junco - 13 on October 18 at KBend (KL, NM); as many as 10 at Cra from
October 29 - November 19 (JP).

Lapland Longspur - 1 on October 28 at ash basin. PWMA (DO. BPB); a flock of 34 and
a flock of 13 were over CM#1 on November 28 (BPB).

Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1 female on September 1 7 at Fer (DT); 8 on October 3 at
KBend (KL, NM); an immature male at feeder on November 7 in Warn (LD).

Blue Grosbeak - 1 on August 1 and August 30 in Cam (FR); 1 on August 1 7 and 23 in Hart
(MS); 1 on September 22 at Ash (RD); 3 on October 1 at West KyWMA, McCracken
County (BPB, MB); 1 on October 15 at WKUF (JE); 1 lingered near WKUW to October
1 7 in Warn (JE. BPB).

Indigo Bunting - 1 late migrant on October 28 at Mel (NKBC).

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

2001

11

Dickcissel - 4 on September 5 in Ful (BPB, Hap); 1 on September 14 at SWMA (KOS); 1
in Hend on September 1 5 (BPB); 1 on October 1 7 at Cha (BPB).

Rusty Blackbird - 1 reported on October 17 in Warn (BPB).

Baltimore Oriole - 3 at Short Creek, Gra from mid- August to September (JP); Ion Sep¬
tember 1 9 at Fer (DT).

Purple Finch - Scattered reports in early November (m.ob.); 1 from November 14-27 in
Gray(JP).

Pine Siskin - 1 on October 16 at WKUW (JE); 1 on October 19 in Green County (SR).

Contributors - Frank Bennett (FB), Mark Bennett (MB), Pat Ceas (PC), Jackie Elmore
(JE), Hap Chambers (Hap), Glen Criswell (GC), Lester Doyle (LD), Roseanna Denton
(RD), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Rebecca Foreman (RF), Darlena Grahm
(DG), Mary Harrel (MH), Bill Kemper (BK), Kentucky Ornithological Society field trip
(KOS), Betty Leggett (BL), Ken Leggett (KL), Lee McNeely (LMc), Fred Loetscher (FL),
Mark Monroe (MM), Nancy Moore (NM), Northern Kentucky Bird Club field trip (NKBC),
Darrin O’Brien (DO), Brainard Palmer-Ball (BPB), Jim Pasikowski (JPa), Larry Peavler
(LP), Joyce Porter (JP), Ed Ray (ER), Scott Record (SRd), Frank Renfrew (FR), David
Roemer(DR), Gary Ritchison (GR), Sue Reehm (SR), Jay Stenger(JS), Matt Shekel (MSt),
Mitchell Sturgeon (MS), Steve Sweeney (SS), Doris Tichenor (DT), Lin Towler (LT), Matt
Thomas (MT). Dennis Vesper (DV), Ben Yandell (BY).

-- 437 Sunset Lane, Morehead, KY 40351

MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT
2000-2001

Reports of 26 counts were received from across the state. A total of 129 species was
recorded on count days, 1 22 of which are represented on the table. Those species observed
on count days but not represented on the table include: Long-tailed Duck (Bowling Green),
Merlin (Louisville), Lesser Black-backed Gull (Ballard), 2 Rufous Hummingbirds (Land
Between the Lakes), House Wren (Green River), 2 Vesper Sparrows (Kleber Wildlife Man¬
agement Area), and Western Meadowlark (Ballard). Species added during the count week
were Laughing Gull (Louisville), Lincoln’s Sparrow (Land Between the Lakes), and Harris’s
Sparrow (Yelvington), bringing the count period total to 132 species . Eighteen species
were observed on all counts and 12 species on only one count.

Temperatures were more normal throughout the count period compared with the last
several years, with a low of 3 F on December 23 to a high of 55 F on December 16. The
high was 10°F less compared with last year and the low was 19°F lower than last year. As a
result of colder temperatures and snow cover to our north, numbers of several species ap¬
peared to be effected. Several waterfowl, including Canada Geese, Mallards, Canvasbacks
and Green-winged Teal, experienced large increases in numbers compared with last year.
Numbers of other waterfowl seemed to be uneffected. Other species, such as American
Pipit and nuthatches, experienced a decline in numbers. The cold weather appeared to be
responsible for a large influx of American Tree Sparrows (2,470 this year vs. 1 20 last year).
Homed Larks (9,823 this year vs. 1,204 last year), and Lapland Longspurs ( 1 .604 this year
vs. 2 1 9 last year). Eleven Snow Buntings accompanied the latter two species. Cedar Wax-
wings also were in greater abundance. This may have been due to the concentration of large
numbers of waxwings along the roads of Mammoth Cave National Park (3,500+ birds) due

Vol. 77

12 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

to the abundance of cedar berries this year.

It will be interesting to see if the Eurasian Collared-Dove will increase in numbers. The
Wild Turkey population appears to have continued to grow.

Thanks to the many observers and compilers who participated this year. Also, thanks to
compilers that submitted documentation for unusual species. Please submit data for un¬
usual species to the Kentucky Bird Records Committee to make these sightings official
state records.

Ballard County (all points within a 1 5-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1984.)
Habitat as described in 1984. Dec. 19; 6:30 a. m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky mostly clear; temp. 10°to
20 F; wind W, 5-12 m.p.h. Water mostly frozen.

Four observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 13.5 (3.5 on foot, 10 by car). Total party
miles 80 (1 on foot, 79 by car). Total species 72; total individuals 166,683.

Observers: Hap Chambers, Robert Dever, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), and David
Roemer.

Cold temperatures and a brisk breeze made birding conditions less than ideal. During
the few days prior to the count, a snow/freezing rain storm had coated the area with a couple
of inches of crusty ice, making for especially difficult conditions for the birds. The species
total (72) was relatively low for the area due to the lack of coverage of all habitats. Totals
for Canada Geese, Snow Geese and Mallards were obtained from Pat Hahs, Biologist for
the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, who happened to conduct an
overflight waterfowl survey of the Ballard Wildlife Management Area during the count day.
Highlights included small numbers of Greater White-fronted ( 1 5+) and Ross’s (2) geese, 2 1
Bald Eagles, an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull (on Ohio River opposite the WMA-a first
record for the county), at least 1 00 Lapland Longspurs, and a Western Meadowlark (studied
and photographed at point blank range on a roadside north of Bandana in rural Ballard
County).

Calloway County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Douglas Cem¬
etery.) Habitat 25% urban and residential, 20% deciduous and pine woods, 35% open
fields, 20% lake shore and streams. Dec 30; 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 14° to
23°F; wind W, 10 m.p.h. Very little open water.

Seven observers in 6 parties. Total party-hours 23 (3 on foot, 20 by car). Total party-
miles 146 (3 on foot, 143 by car). Total species 72; total individuals 9,479.

Observers: Hap Chambers (compiler), Melissa Easley, Joe Tom Erwin, Bob Head, Mike
Miller, Clell Peterson, and Tommy Sherwood.

Land Between the Lakes (all points within a 1 5-mile diameter circle, center Pisgah Bay
picnic ground.) Habitat as described in 1984 in. American Birds. Dec. 16; 7:00 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. Sky a.m., partly overcast; temp. 42 to 53oF; wind W, 10 m.p.h. Rain in the morning,
cloudy at noon and rain late afternoon.

Twenty observers in 8 to 12 parties. Total party-hours 50.25 (21.75 on foot, 28.50 by
car). Total party-miles 348 (15 on foot, 333 by car). Total species 96; total individuals
36,763.

Observers: Mark Bennett, Richard Cassell. Hap Chambers, Melissa Easley, Joe Tom Erwin,
Bob Head. Patrick Holcomb. Stephanie Holcomb, Bill Lisowsky, Paula Lisowsky, Carl
Mowery (compiler), Kathy Mowery, John Pollpeter, David Roemer, Darrin Samborski,
Daphne Sewing, Shari Sherwood, Tommy Sherwood, Wendell Webb, and Avira Yasgur.

There were 13 adult and 3 immature Bald Eagles on the count day.

Sorgho (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Hwy. 279-S and Audubon
Parkway intersection.) Habitat river bottoms, 2 rivers, the Green and the Ohio, some woods,
one county park, one state park, agriculture areas, and small feed lots. Jan. 1 ; 8:00 a.m. to

2001

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

13

5:00 p.m. Sky cloudy most of the day; temp. 23° to 19°F; windO-lOm.p.h. Ground covered
with snow. There was light snow until mid-afternoon.

Fourteen observers in 5 parties. Total party -hours 20 (4 on foot, 16 by car). Total party-
miles 177 (4 on foot, 173 by car). Total species 48; total individuals 7,017.Hundreds of
Ring-billed Gulls were seen during the count week.

Observers: Brenda Eaden, Tony Eaden, Grace Ford, Joe Ford, Mike Flenshaw,

Janet Howard (compiler), Mary Kissel, Bill Little, Charles Morris. Laura Morris, Joyce
Porter, Rob Rold. Marilee Thompson, and Carolyn Williams.

Yelvington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center intersection of Hwy. 405
and 662). Habitat: Ohio River bottoms, Blackford Creek, Carpenter’s Lake and environs,
also feeders. Dec. 16; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky overcast-rainy; temp. 45°F; wind 5-7
m.p.h. Intermittent rain.

Eleven observers in 6 parties. Total party-hours 38 (3 on foot, 35 by car). Total party-
miles 93 (4 on foot. 89 by car). Total species 52; total individuals 2.078.

Observers: Brenda Eaden, Mike Henshaw, Jody Jones, Bill Little. Brenda Little, Charles
Morris, Laura Morris, A.L. Powell (compiler), Rob Rold, Roseann Radzelovage and Eric
Williams.

Additional comments: Due to rain we were delayed in starting, but the rain didn’t seem to
bother the birds as we saw a decent number.

The Sandhill Crane and Wild Turkey are noteworthy, as is the Harris’s Sparrow observed
December 17 at the feeder of Mike Brown.

We would like to mention that three members of the Department of Fish and Wildlife
Resources, Mike Henshaw, Rob Rold. and Eric Williams joined us.

We could not get an accurate count of starlings. Red-winged Blackbirds, cowbirds, and
Common Grackles because of the large numbers in mixed flocks.

Olmstead (all points within a 1 5-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1993.) Habitat
as described in 1993. Dec. 28; 6:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 1.5 hours of owling. Sky cloudy in
the morning transitioning to partly sunny around noon to mostly sunny in the late after¬
noon; temp. 21° to 30°F; wind NW, 5-10 m.p.h. Prolonged cold in the area caused every
non-flowing body of water in the count circle to be frozen. Visibility was excellent at about
7 miles with light conditions ranging from outstanding to good.

Four observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 13.75 (8.25 on foot, 5.50 by car). Total
party-miles 100.25 (4.25 on foot, 96.00 by car). Total species 68; total individuals 26.277.

Observers: Mark Bennett (compiler), Tommie Gail Bennett (feeder Watcher). Alyson
Lyne, Frank Lyne, and David Roemer.

Additional comments: Highlights of this count included the following: one Bald Eagle,
eight Northern Harriers, four Common Snipe, two Eurasian Collard-Doves (feeder watcher
within circle), four Eastern Phoebes, three Loggerhead Shrikes, 890 Homed Larks, 1 8 Ameri¬
can Tree Sparrows, 320 Lapland Longspurs, over 20,000 blackbirds, and a flock of eight
Red Crossbills. The blackbirds above do not include a ribbon of mixed birds observed for
nearly two hours flying northward in the late afternoon. This ribbon of birds had no visible
beginning or end and was from 10 to 100 birds wide at any given moment.

Paradise (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1993.) Habi¬
tat as described in 1993. Dec. 30; 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; light to mod¬
erate snow showers through most of the day; temp. 5° to 25t>F; wind WNW, 5-12 m.p.h.
Water mostly frozen; light snow cover.

Eleven observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours 29.5 (9.5 on foot, 20 by car). Total
party-miles 152.5 (6 on foot, 146.5 by car). Total species 86; total individuals 15,758.

Observers: Mark Bennett, Robert Dever, Shari Forsythe, Mike Henshaw, Darrin

O’Brien.Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Don Parker. Robert Rold, Ed Toone, Eric

Total

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Vol. 77

18 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Williams, and Jonathan Young.

Cold, mostly cloudy skies and light to moderate snow showers prevailed throughout the
day, making for difficult birding conditions. The species total (86) is about average given
the amount of observer coverage (about average). Most of the waterfowl ( 1 7 species) were
crammed into small parts of lakes that the birds had kept free of ice.

Highlights included at least 20 Greater White-fronted Geese, an adult Ross’s Goose, and
a sub-adult Mute Swan, all on or near the Gibraltar Unit of the Peabody WMA; a hardy
Double-crested Cormorant; 36 Black Vultures; two Bald Eagles (adult and near-adult); all
seven woodpeckers; three Pine Warblers (Muhlenberg County); what must be a record KY
CBC total of 743 American Tree Sparrows (at least 200 in one flock in Ohio County!); a
few Lapland Longspurs; and at least 14 LeConte’s Sparrows (no less than 12 in one spot
where the species has become regular on the Sinclair Unit of Peabody WMA in Muhlenberg
County). Raptor abundance continues to remain below the peak of the late 1 980's and early
1 990’s. Species that were lacking or especially low in numbers included Great Blue Heron,
Sharp-shinned Hawk, Killdeer, Common Snipe, gulls. White-breasted Nuthatch, kinglets,
and Easten Meadowlarks. Two female Common Mergansers were observed the day before
the count in Muhlenberg County.

Bowling Green (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Three Springs, six
miles south of Bowling Green.) Habitat deciduous forest 20%, fields and pastures 60%,
and town and parks 20%. Dec. 17; 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sky partly cloudy with light snow
in the a.m.; temp. 15° to 15QF; wind NW 5-15 m.p.h.

Six observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 12.5 (2 on foot, 10.5 by car). Total party-
miles 72.5 (2.5 on foot, 70 by car). Total species 73; total individuals 3,696.

Observers: Lester Doyle, Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Dick Lord, Wayne Mason, Albert
Meier, and Neil Shields.

Glasgow (all points within a 1 5-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1986.) Habi¬
tat as described in 1 986. Dec. 30; 6:45 a.m. to 4: 1 5 p.m. Sky overcast in morning to partly
cloudy in late afternoon; temp. 15° to 210F; wind W 5-1 5 m.p.h. Gusty in morning to 5-10
m.p.h. by late afternoon. Intermittent snow showers in the morning, some heavy at times,
made visibility poor during morning hours. Wind gusts up to 15 m.p.h.

Five observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 14.5 (9.5 on foot, 5 by car). Total party-
miles 61 (6 on foot, 55 by car). Total species 65; total individuals 3,531.

Observers: Lester Doyle, Marquita Gillenwater, Wayne M. Mason (compiler), Billie Mae
Moore, and Emma Jean Pitcock.

Mammoth Cave National Park (Center and habitat as described in 1980.) Dec. 18; 7:00
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sky clear in the a.m. turning cloudy with sleet and snow in the p.m.; temp.
12° to 33°F; wind calm.

Six observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 12.75 (2.25 on foot, 10.50 by car). Total
party-miles 95 (4 on foot, 91 by car). Total species 49; total individuals 8,503. Ground was
snow covered and roads were icy.

Observers: Lester Doyle, Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Dick Lord, and Ian Mason,
McKenzieMason, and Wayne Mason. Roads were slick and nearly impassible.

Because of the abundance of cedar berries and snow covered conditions, thousands of
American Robins and Cedar Waxwings were concentrated along roadways. Unusual for
this count were the Savannah Sparrows and the Killdeer which were foraging on ice at First
Creek.

Falls of Rough (all points withn a 15-mile diameter circle, center Short Creek (Ky Hwy
79 and 54 intersection). Habitat: Rough River, Rough River Lake, tributary streams, bot¬
tomland farms, yard feeders, woodland, and cultivated fields. Dec. 30; 7:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 16° to 23°F; wind, negligible. Light snowfall throughout the day.

2001 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 19

Four observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 14 ( 1 .75 on foot, 12.25 by car). Total party
miles 129.3 (1.5 on foot, 127.8 by car). Total species 61; total individuals 3,106.

Observers: Kathryn Clay, Rebecca Foreman, Mary Harrel, Janet Howard, Deborah Peck,
and Joyce Porter (compiler). Debbie Peck joined the count for one hour late in the day,
making a third party.

Bernheim Forest (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in
1974.) Habitat as described in 1974. Dec. 23; 7:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky mostly clear;
temp. 2o to 30OF; wind SWAV, 0-12 m.p.h. Water mostly frozen; slight snow cover.

Ten observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 31 (16.5 on foot, 14.5 by car). Total party-
miles 106 (8 on foot, 98 by car). Total species 74; total individuals 7,826.

Observers: Jamie Baker, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Dona Coates, Celia Lawrence, Joanna Minch,
Philip Minch, Mark Monroe, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), and Major Waltman.

The day was cold, but a light breeze and a mostly sunny sky made for good birding
conditions. The species total (74) is above average for this count. Highlights included the
two Greater White-fronted Geese and three Snow Geese observed with a flock of Canadas
at a distillery pond north of Boston, Kentucky; throe Golden Eagles all soaring together
over the southern part of the forest along Wilson Creek; a dark morph Harlan’s Hawk (prob¬
ably this same individual has been observed off and on at the same location since the winter
of 1995-1996) ; a small flock of migrant Sandhill Cranes; 20 Red-breasted Nuthatches; 17
Hermit Thrushes, 1 52 American Tree Sparrows; two Chipping Sparrows; a LeContes’s Spar¬
row (closeley sudied at the Pine Creek Barrens Nature Preserve east of Sheperdsville - JB;
MW); at least five Lapland Longspurs with two flocks of Homed Larks; and two Pine
Siskins.

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. 31; 7:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky
cloudy; temp. 12o to 25oF; wind W, 6 m.p.h. Light snow shower in a.m., snow cover 3-5
inches.

Twenty three observers in 9 parties. Total party-hours 61 (34 on foot, 27 by car). Total
party-nules 384 (24.5 on foot, 359.5 by car). Total species 86; total individuals 18,554.

Observers: Garrett Adams, ,Win Ahrens, Michael Autin, Mary Bill Bauer, Rosemary
Bauman, Jane Bell and Pat Bell (compilers). Dona Coates, David Dorman. Jane Fender,
Rod Goforth, Cheryl Jones, Celia Lawrence, Jerry Lewis, Norman Lewis, Mark Monroe,
Peggy Oates, Clara Ann Pallares, David Pallares, Brainard Palmer-Ball, George Rodgers,
Helga Schutte, and Matt Stickel.

On this last day of the month, snow covered the ground and lakes and ponds were frozen
as Louisville had experienced its coldest December on record. The cold weather brought
huge numbers of Homed Larks and Lapland Longspurs into the area. A Brown Thrasher
still lingered despite the cold and snow. Other interesting finds were two Bald Eagles, a
Golden Eagle, a Merlin, a Peregrine Falcon, 300 American Tree Sparrows, and two Snow
Buntings.

Shelbyville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center three-quarters of a mile
south of U.S. 60 and Guist Creek Lake on KY 714.) Habitat elevation 640'-1190’, farm¬
land, fallow land, suburban, wooded and grassland. Dec. 17; 7:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky
overcast all day except for brief period of sun in mid-aftemoon. It snowed most of the day;
temp. 150 to 18°F; wind N, 10-20 m.p.h. Heavy fog made visibility extremely poor until
after 1 0:00 a.m. Heavy rains the day before, followed by a cold front that evening, into the
night, and most of the count day with snow cover.

Eight observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours 26.25 by car). Total party-miles 206 by
car. Total species 58; total individuals 2,670. Seen during the count period but not on count
day: Great Blue Heron, Rough-legged Hawk, Ring-billed Gull, Short-eared Owl, Belted

20

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 77

Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker. Pileated Woodpecker, and Eastern Towhee. Observers:
Heather Brown, Iris Brown, Joan Brown, Seth Brown, Todd Brown, W.H. Brown (com¬
piler), Benton Young and Steven Earl Young.

Extreme heavy rains on December 16 made it very difficult to locate congregated water
fowl. Kingfishers and Great Blue Herons. A cold front brought down sparrows cranes and
Lapland Longspurs. I believe it is the first time for Lapland Longspurs on this count.

Frankfort (all points within a 1 5-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1972.)

Habitat as described in 1977. Dec. 23; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; temp.
40 to 29°F; wind E, 0-3 m.p.h. Moving water clear, still water partly frozen.

Seven observers in 5 parties, plus three at feeders for 12 hrs. Total party-hours 20.75 (4
on foot, 16.75 by car). Total party-miles 212.3 (4.5 on foot, 207.8 by car). Total species 52;
total individuals 3,723.

Observers: James Derryberry, Margaret Derryberry, Jim Durrell, Peggy Gould (com¬
piler), Ralph Gould, Pat Hankla, Scott Hankla, Jeff Jones, Margaret LaFontaine, and Timm
williams

Food was scarce in the area. Privet was most abundant; there was some honeysuckle and
multiflora rose. Very little Smilax.

Hart County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center comer of Craddock
Road and Geralds Lane.) Habitat rural farmland and wooded areas, including Green River
and 100 Acre Pond. Dec. 29; 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky cloudy, then clearing; temp. 21°to
25°F; wind very gusty. Snow showers all day.

Six observers in 1 party. Total party-hours 10 (7 on foot, 3 by car). Total party-miles 67
(2 on foot, 65 by car). Total species 51; total individuals 4,495.

Observers: Bruce Bardin, John Brittain, Carol Friedman, Janet Kistler, Steve Kistler (com¬
piler), and Mitch Sturgeon.

Cold windy day limited bird activity and numbers of bluebirds and Red-tailed Hawks.

Green River (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Green River Memorial
Baptist Church, Taylor County, Kentucky.) Habitat as described in 1999. Dec. 27; 8:00
a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 22° to 280F; wind 0-10 m.p.h. Light snow, ponds
frozen, but Campbellsville City Lake had one small open pool of water.

Three observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 12 (3 on foot, 9 by car). Total party-miles
63 (2 on foot, 61 by car). Total species 50; total individuals 2,812.

Observers: Lloyd Curry (compiler), Daniel Holt, and Richie Kessler.

Unfortunately, due to a miscommunication the Green River Lake itself was not covered,
thus numbers are down, especially for gulls and waterfowl.

Otter Creek Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in
1972.) Habitat 38% farmland, 20% park area. 15% bmshy fields, 13% woodland, and 14%
ponds, creeks, lake and river. Dec. 27; 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 22° to
28°F; wind 10-20 m.p.h. All water frozen, except the river and Doe Valley Lake and the
creek across from the lake.

Twelve observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 33.5 (18 on foot, 15.5 by car). Total
party-miles 206.5 ( 10.25 on foot, 196.25 by car). Total species 75; total individuals 8,915.

Observers: Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Richard Cassell, Dona Coates, Robert
Dever (compiler), Celia Lawrence, Pat Sebree Meyers, Peggy Oates. Brainard Plamer-Ball,
Jr., Mary Walter, and Mark Zody.

Kleber Wildlife Management Area (all points within a 1 5-nule diameter circle, center
as described in 1 972.) Habitat as described in 1 972. Dec. 31; 8:10 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. Sky
mostly cloudy; temp. 1 7° to 23°F; wind SSW, 0-5 m.p.h. Still water frozen, moving water
open to partly frozen.

Four observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 12.5 (2.5 on foot, 10 by car). Total party-

21

2001 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _

miles 150 (2 on foot, 148 by car). Total species 45; total individuals 2,065.

Observers: Joe Burgess, Jim Durell, Peggy Gould (compiler), and Ralph Gould.
Danville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Boyle County Courthouse.)
Habitat as described before. Dec. 30; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky cloudy to partly cloudy;
temp. 150 to 20oF. Flurries in the a.m.

Thirty observers in 10 parties. Total party-hours 47.5 (7 on foot, 40.5 by car). Total
party-miles 404.3 (9.8 on foot, 394.5 by car). Total species 60; total individuals 12,431.

Observers: Joe Amburgey, Ron Barbato, Andre Brousseau, Bill Catron, Ginny Eklund,
Neil Eklund (compiler). Matt Ellis, Martha Foster, Bill Garriott, Mrs. West Hill, Tom Kearns,
Gail Manning, Tori Morris, Eric Mount, Jack Newton, Amelia Nichols, John Nichols, Don
Pelly, Erin Pelly, Rob Pendygraft, Herb Petitjean, Art Ricketts, Tina Ricketts, Rose-Marie
Roessler, Ralph Schiefferle, David Shewmaker, Patsie Trollinger, Charles Vahlkamp, and
Maynard VanHom.

Lexington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center East Hickman Church on

Tates Creek Road.) Habitat mixed residential and farmland. Dec. 16; 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

0 0 ...

Sky partly cloudy to cloudy; temp. 43 to 52 F; wind 10-15 m.p.h. Light rain in the a.m. to
heavy rain in the p.m.

Twenty one observers in 9 parties. Total party-hours 59 ( 1 8.5 by foot, 40.5 by car) . Total
party-miles 401 ( 16 by foot, 385 by car). Total species 60; total individuals 10,622. Noctur¬
nal birding 2 hours over 5 miles.

Observers: Rose Canon, Wayne Davis, Phyllis Deal, Christopher Demoll, Edward Demoll,
Mike Flynn, Jonathon Glixson, Paul Hager, Kelly Helton, Kevin Hopper, Allen Kingsland,
Teri Koontz, Betty Maxson, Mark Morgan, Robert L. Morris (compiler), Susan Pollack,
Art Ricketts, Tina Ricketts, Marie Sutton, Dave Svetich, and Jim Williams.

Burlington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Camp Michaels.)
Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 30; 7:00 a.m. to 6: 15 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 10° to
20oF; wind WSW, 8 m.p.h. One to two inches of snow cover on ground, light snowfall
throughout most of the day, lakes, ponds, and streams frozen.

Nine observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours 23 (10 on foot, 13 by car). Total party-
miles 1 14 (7 on foot, 107 by car). Total species 61; total individuals 6,413.

Observers: Joe Caminiti, Joey Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Elaine Carroll, Melissa Desjardin,
Andy Dickerson, Ed Groneman, Lee McNeely (compiler), and Tommy Stephens. Feeder
watchers: Marjorie Hill, Lynda McNeely, Nora Meyer, and Carmen Schulte.

The Mute Swans and Peregrine Falcon were found at the East Bend Power Plant. Above
normal numbers were noted for Canada Geese, Homed Lark, American Tree Sparrow, and
Lapland Longspun

Warsaw (all points within a 1 5-mile diameter circle, center Gallatin County Courthouse.)
Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 16; 7:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 450 to
540F; wind SW, 5-12 m.p.h. Steady rain from start of count until 2:00 p.m..

Seven observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours 27.5 (9.5 on foot, 18 by car). Total party-
miles 165 (4 on foot, 161 by car). Total species 71; total individuals 4,743.

Observers: Joe Caminiti, Joey Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Ed Groneman, Lee McNeely
(compiler), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Tommy Stephens.

Steady rain hampered morning birding and kept some numbers low. Peregrine Falcons
and Short-eared Owls were found at the Ghent Power Plant. Small numbers of Lapland
Longspurs were present at two locations.

Falmouth (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Caddo, Kentucky.)
' Habitat 50% woodland and forest edge, 25% river and lake shoreline, 20% agricultural, and
5% residential. Dec. 23; 7:40 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky clear to partly cloudy ; temp. 3° to 28°F;
wind SW, 6-10 m.p.h. Most lakes frozen. Licking and Ohio rivers were open, light snow.

22 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 77

Five observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 16 (7 on foot, 9 by car). Total party-miles
116 (3 on foot, 1 13 by car). Total species 59; total individuals 4.216.

Observers: Rhonda Bryant, Scott Marsh, Lee McNeely (compiler), Julie Ritchie, and
Tommy Stephens.

The below zero wind chill factor kept numbers low during the early morning. The Red¬
breasted Nuthatches and Evening Grosbeaks were found at Kincaid Lake State Park.

Richmond (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.75 miles north of inter¬
section of Bobtown Road and the Kingston-Berea Road). Habitat Fencerows and road¬
sides (20%), woodland (20%), pasture and open fields (55%), lawns (4%), lakes and ponds
(1%). Dec. 16; 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky overcast, occasional rain; temp. 45" to 55 F;
wind SW, 10-25 m.p.h. Heavy rain beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Seven observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 20.5 (8 on foot, 12.5 by car). Total party-
miles 219 (3 on foot. 216 by car). Total species 68; total individuals 9.253.

Observers: Mark Bostrom, Janet Gorrell, Brian Leibacher, Jen Leyhe, Mark Monroe,
Brandon Ritchison, and Gary Ritchison (compiler).

Somerset (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at the junction of Bypass E.
80 and Highway 39, Crab Orchard Road.) Habitat 21% water edge, 13% cultivated, 24%
wooded and edge, 11% urban, and 31% field/fence. Dec. 30; 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky
cloudy; temp. 15QF to 26°F; wind W, 5-15 m.p.h. Light snow intermittently with one to two
inches of snow on the ground.

Eleven observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 45.25 (16.5 on foot, 28.75 by car). Total
party-miles 311 (8 on foot, 303 by car). Total species 73; total individuals 9,459.

Observers: Ray Cornett, Granville Cox, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Steve Denton, Steve
Hieronymus, Carolyn Gay Hodges, Laura Kamperman, Steve Kickert. Gary McClendon.
Linda McClendon, and Arlene Morton.

Still water was frozen and moving water was partially frozen causing the number of
some waterfowl to be down. Some areas weren't covered due to snow and ice covered
roads.

Feederwatchers: Hazel Brown, Julie Denton. Grace Floyd, Evelyn Garrett, Ruth
Hieronymus, Jim Hodges, Susan Hoffman, Eileen Hurst, Mary Moss, Joe Richards, Martha
Ricks. Chris Wynne, and Margaret York.

FIELD NOTES

CALIFORNI A GULL AT CALV ERT CITY

On February 11, 1996, we found an adult California Gull (Lams californicus ) while
birding at Calvert City, Marshall County, Kentucky. The bird was loafing with a large
concentration of Ring-billed Gulls ( Lams delawarensis ) and Herring Gulls (Lams argentatus)
on an industrial settling pond along the Tennessee River near the end of KY 95. This pond
has produced numerous sightings of unusual waterbirds over the years, especially gulls.

The California Gull was first noticed because of its slightly darker gray mantle color.
Upon closer inspection, we could see that the bird had yellowish legs and feet with a
suffusion of grayish or grayish-green tone. In size it appeared intermediate between
nearby Ring-billed and Herring gulls, but closer in bulk to the Herrings. When the bird
turned its head in profile, we could see that its eyes had dark irises, although we were
unable to discern exactly what color and we could not clearly see the color of the eye-
ring. There was a reddish spot on the distal portion of the lower mandible, and a black
smudge appeared on both the upper and lower mandibles just distal of the reddish spot.
The head, tail and underparts were clear white, although the back of the crown and nape
were moderately streaked with light brown.

23

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

VoL 77

Although the day was very windy, and the sun was angled off to one side (making for
some distinct shadowing on the bird’s body), the distance of observation (about 1 50 yards)
was sufficient for field confirmation of most all characters that identify the species. Details
of the wing tips were not clearly discerned, although the views we obtained were indicative
of a pattern of white mirrors and terminal spots that are typical for California Gull.

Photographs were taken of the bird and although lacking in specific detail, the slightly
darker gray mantle and yellowish legs can be seen, as well as a comparison in size to nearby
Herring Gulls. Also apparent is the shape of the head and bill, which is somewhat smaller
and more rounded than Herring Gull and is fairly characteristic of the species. Jon Dunn, a
nationally known authority on identification of North American birds reviewed these pho¬
tographs and considered them to definitively identify the bird as a California Gull.

This represents the second record of California Gull for the state, the first being from
Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall counties, in the spring of 1984. Based on records
from surrounding states, it would seem that California Gull should continue to be expected
to occur occasionally with concentrations of other gulls, especially during late fall, winter
and early spring. — BRAINARD PALMER-BALL, JR., 8207 Old Westport Road, Louis¬
ville, Kentucky, 40222, MARK MONROE, 22345 Ridge Road, Anchorage, Kentucky
40223, and BURT MONROE, III, 844 Rosewood Drive, Bloomington, Indiana, 46404.

MISSISSIPPI KITE NEST IN FULTON COUNTY

The Mississippi Kite ( Ictinia mississippiensis ) is an uncommon to fairly common, but
very locally distributed nesting bird in southwestern Kentucky. Prior to the summer of
2000, evidence of nesting was limited to several observations of adults carrying food and
recently fledged young in the counties bordering the Mississippi and lower Ohio rivers.On
July 3, 2000, we visited the Long Point Unit of Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, western
Fulton County, in part to search for a kite nest. We had noticed birds frequenting several
large blocks of bottomland forest on the refuge, and knew that the timing was right for nests
to be active. We focused our attention on a pair of birds that were known to have been
present during the spring, and watched for evidence of nesting behavior.

After about 30 minutes of observation, it was clear that the birds were repeatedly disap¬
pearing into a block of mature forest with food items. Upon moving for a better perspec¬
tive, we discovered an active nest containing one downy chick approximately three-quar¬
ters grown.

The nest was typical of the species, a relatively small platform of sticks built in the fork
of an upper branch of a large tree. The nest tree was a sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
approximately 1 00 feet in height. The nest was situated in about the middle of the crown,
approximately 8-10 feet from the tips of the highest branches. The forest block in which the
nest was located was approximately 1,000 feet wide by 3,500 feet long; the nest was situ¬
ated a few hundred feet in from one of the comers and was visible to the surrounding open
agricultural land from only one side. The normal clutch size for the species is two, but can
vary from one to three, so this nest could be considered typical, especially if one of two
young perished during the early nestling period.

We revisited the site on July 16, 2000, and found the young bird still present. On this date
. it appeared to be nearly full grown, lacking down, and perching on a branch next to the nest.
When the adults would bring in food, it would hop back onto the nest to eat. During the
time we watched feeding activity, all prey items brought to the nest appeared to be large

2001

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

24

insects, mostly cicadas. As noted above, this is the first actual nest of Mississippi Kite that
has been reported from Kentucky. — MARK MONROE. Biology Department, Eastern
Kentucky University, Richmond, KY, 40475, and BRAINARD PALMER-BALL, JR.,
Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601.

NEWS AND VIEWS

K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Avian Research Grant Fund

Persons that need money (/. e., up to $500) to assist them in conducting research on birds
in Kentucky should contact the K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Avian Research Grant Fund
Committee c/o Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green,
Kentucky 42101 (email: blaine.ferrell@wku.edu) for a set of guidelines and an application
form.

Kentucky Bird Records Committee

Rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season should be well documented and the
documentation should be sent to Lee McNeely, Secretary of the KBRC, P.O. Box 463,
Burlington, Kentucky 41005, for consideration by the committee for official state record
status.

Reminder of the Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline

The number for the Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline is (502)-326-0878. Please report
any unusual sightings in order to provide others with the opportunity to see rare birds.

K.O.S Web Page

Visit the Kentucky Ornithological Society’s web page at www.biology.eku.edu/kos.htm.

The Kentucky Warbler

(Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society)

* ° Mann i t RDa

VOL. 77

MAY 2001

IN THIS ISSUE

THE WINTER SEASON. 2000-200 1 , Fred M. Busroe . 27

KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING MEETING, Mark

Bennett . 30

KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY AUDITED STATEMENT

OF ACCOUNTS, Wendell Thompson . 34

EIGHTH REPORT OF THE KENTUCKY BIRD RECORDS

COMMITTEE, Lee McNeely, Secretary . 35

FIELD NOTES . 37

KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC. BYLAWS, Mark

Bennett . 38

NEWS AND VIEWS . 44

26

The Kentucky Warbler

Vol. 77

THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAE SOCIETY

President . Marilee Thompson. Owensboro

Vice-President . Kathy Caminiti. Burlington

Corr. Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr.

8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville, KY 40222

Treasurer . Lee McNeely

P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY 41005

Recording Secretary . Mark Bennett, Russellville

Councillors:

Gary Ritchison, Richmond . 2000 thru 2001

Arthur Ricketts, Berea . 2000 thru 2001

Jackie Elmore, Bowling Green . 2001 thru 2002

Gerald Robe. Mt. Sterling . 2001 thru 2002

Richard Cassell. Louisville . 2001 thru 2003

Janet Howard, Owensboro . 2001 thru 2003

Retiring President

Wendell Kingsolver, Carlisle

THE KENTUCKY WARBUER

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 $8.00: Contribut¬
ing. $15.00; Student $4.00; Life, $100.00: Family. $2.00 in addition to Regular.
Contributing or Life Membership dues: Coiporate. All articles and communica¬
tions should be addressed to the editor. Subscriptions and memberships should be
sent to the Treasurer. Requests for back issues should be sent to the Corresponding
Secretary.

Editor . B.R. Ferrell. Biology Department, Western Kentucky Univ.

Bowling Green. KY 42101

Editorial Advisory Board

Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. and Wayne Mason

Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely

P.O. Box 463, Burlington. KY 41005
Staff Artist . Ray Harm

THE COYER

Thanks go to Kathy Caminiti for this photograph of a Blue-w inged Warbler
( Vermivora pimis) at a nest in Boone County.

2001

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

27

THE WINTER SEASON - 2000-2001
Ered M. Busroe

December 2000 was the third coldest December on record, about 10 degrees below the
average normal temperature. Frequent snow flurries and cold air combined to keep a seem¬
ingly continual snow cover. The weather did moderate during January and February 2001 .
The season was highlighted by observations of Pacific Loon. Northern Goshawk, Least
Sandpiper. Dunlin, several gull species, Lapland Longspur, Snow Bunting, and Red Cross¬
bill.

Abbreviations - WMA = Wildlife Management Area; AJP = A.J. Jolly Park, Campbell
County; Aug = Augusta, Bracken County; Bar = Barren River Reservoir, Allen/Barren coun¬
ties; Bark = Barkley Dam, Lyon County; BBL = Big Bone Lick State Park, Boone County;
Bio = Blood River Embayment. Ky Lake, Calloway County; Cad = Cadiz, Trigg County;
Cal= Calloway County; CEL = Camp Ernst Lake, Boone County; Cor = Corbin. Laurel
County; Cov = Covington, Kenton County; Cra = Craig’s Creek, Gallatin County; Day =
Dayton, Campbell County; EBP = East Bend Power Plant. Boone County; Ful = Fulton
County; Ghe = Ghent Power Plant, Carroll County; Gray = Grayson County; Hart = Hart
County; Her = Herndon, Christian County; Hib = Hickman Bottoms. Fulton County; Jon =
Jonathan Creek, Marshall County; KyDam = Kentucky Dam, Marshall/Livingston coun¬
ties; KyLake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall/Lyon counties; L#9 = Lake No. 9. Fulton County;
Lex = Lexington. Fayette County; LBark = Lake Barkley, Livingston/Lyon/Trigg counties;
LBL = Land Between the Lakes, Lyon/Trigg counties; Lim = Limestone Lake, Warren
County; Log = Logan County; LPU = Long Point Unit of Reelfoot NWR. Fulton County;
Lyon = Lyon County; Mark = Markland Dam, Bracken County; McC = McCracken County;
Mel = Meldahl Dam, Bracken County; New = Newport. Campbell County; NKU = North¬
ern Kentucky University, Campbell County; PWMA = Peabody WMA. Muhlenburg/Ohio
counties; Pet = Petersburg, Boone County; Rab = Rabbit Hash, Boone County; RRL =
Rough River Lake, Grayson County; SC = Short Creek, Grayson County; She = Shelby
County; Smi = Smithland Dam, Livingston County; Ste = Steele’s Bottom, Gallatin County;
Uni = Union, Gallatin County; UKF = University of Kentucky Farm, Fayette County; Warn
= Warren County.

Red-throated Loon - 1 from December 3 -7 at Bar (DR).

Pacific Loon - 1 on November 19 on KyLake (DR). Documentation to be submitted.
Horned Grebe - 2 on December 2 and 1 on December 12 at New; 4 on January 21 at
KyDam (Hap, CP).

Eared Grebe - 1 on December 3 on Bar (DR).

American White Pelican - 9 on December 31 near Bark; 150 on February 10 in Ful
(Hap, RD); 250 on February 23 on LBark (DR).

Black Vulture - 100 on December 16 at Ghe and 25 on December 30 at EBP (LMc); 8 on
January 31 at LPU (GC); 2 on February 1 1 in Ful (Hap. RD).

Ttirkey Vulture - 95 on February 1 1 in Ful (Hap. RD); 94+ on February 11 at LPU (KL);
2 on February 18 at Bio (Hap).

Mute Swan - 1 on December 4 on Bar (DR); 7 on December 30 - January 1 at EBP (LMc);
9 on January 1 at New and 9 on January 8 at Mel (FR); 2 observed from January 1 1 -16 at
LBark (BL).

Trumpeter Swan - 2 on January 21 west of Paducah, McCracken County (Hap, CP).
Documentation to be submitted.

Greater White-fronted Goose - 175+ on January 9. 130 on January 17 and 60 on January

28

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 77

26 at LPU ( KL ); 5 on February I 1 in Ful (Hap. RD); 12 on February 28 at LPU (KL).

Snow Goose - 19 on January 9 at LPU (KL); approximately 500 on February 10 in Ful
(Hap. RD).

Ross’s Goose - 4 on February 10 in Ful (Hap. RD); 1 on February 28 at LPU (KL).

Canada Goose - 130 on January 5 in Bar (MS); 55 in cornfield on January 10 in Gray (JP);
40 on February 10 and 200 on February 1 1 in Ful (Hap, RD); 24 on February 18 at Bio
(Hap).

Wood Duck - 10 on February 19 at Ste and 2 on February 24 at Pet (LMc).

Gadwall - 77 on February 6 at LPU (KL); 8 on February 18 at Bio, 8 at Jon and 25 in Cal
on February 25 (Hap).

American Wigeon - 30 on February 1 1 in Ful (Hap. RD).

American Black Duck - 10 on January 13 in Gray (JP); 21 on February 7 at Mel (FR); 2
on February 1 1 in Ful (Hap, RD).

Mallard - 150 on January 4 at Mel (FR); 18 on January 13 in Gray (JP); 60 on February 7
at AJP ( FR); approximately 500 on February 1 1 in Ful (Hap. RD); 30 on February 25 at
Jon (Hap).

Northern Pintail - 2 on February 3 in Ful (JP); 150 on February 11 in Ful (Hap. RD).

Northern Shoveler - 4 on February 6 at LPU (KL); 12 on February 1 1 in Ful (Hap. RD);
4 on February 25 at Jon (Hap).

Green-winged Teal - 12 on February 6 at LPU (KL); 19 on February 11 in Ful (Hap, RD);
6 on February 25 in Cal (Hap).

Greater Scaup - 3 on December 16 at Willow Bay, LBark (BL, PL); 450 on February 23
on Bark (DR).

Lesser Scaup - Approximately 9,500 on December 27 on Bark (DR).

Surf Scoter - 1 from December 3 - 4 at Bar (DR).

Long-tailed Duck - 1 on November 30 at Lim and 1 on December 6 at Bar (DR).

Common Goldeneye - 65 on January 21 at KyDam (Hap, CP).

Hooded Merganser - 3 on January 1 1 and 4 on February 18 at Bio (Hap); 3 on February
10 at CEL and 8 on February 19 at Ste (LMc).

Common Merganser - 3 on December 7 on Bar ( DR); 1 1 on the Ohio River at Rab on
January 1 (LMc).

Ruddy Duck - 3 on February 18 at Bio and 100 on February 25 at Jon (Hap).

Bald Eagle - 1 immature on December 28 at Mel (FR); 1 - 6 seen during January at
LPLI (GC); 2 on January 18 at Bio (Hap); 2 on February 7 at RRL (CL. LL); 1 immature
on February 13 at Mark (FR); 4 on February 10 and 3 on February 1 1 in Ful (Hap, RD);
1 on February 18 at Bio (Hap); 2 on nest at L#9 during February (BL. KL).

Northern Harrier- 1 on December 12 at PWMA(JP); 3 on February 1 1 in Ful (Hap. RD);
12 observations on February 1 1 in Ful (KL).

Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1 on January 13 in Gray (JP); 1 on January 22 (GC) and
February 1 1 at LPU (KL); I on February 23 in Hart (MS).

Cooper’s Hawk - 2 on January 8 at Cov (FR); 1 on February 11 in Ful (Hap. RD); 1 on
February 14 in Leitchfield, Gray (JP); 1 on February 18 in Hart (MS).

Northern Goshawk - 1 juvenile on December 1 1 at Cor (DR). Documentation to be sub¬
mitted.

Red-tailed Hawk - 1 dark morph on December 30 at EBP (LMc); 5 on February 1 1 in
Ful (Hap.RD).

Rough-legged Hawk - 1 on January 6 near Cad ( BL. BP); 1 on January 9 at LPU (GC); 1
on February 5 and 1 1 at L#9 (KL); 1 on Febraury 10 and 1 1 in Ful (Hap, RD).

Merlin - 1 on January 9 in Ohio County (JP); 1 on December 27 near Cad (BL, PL); 1 near
SC on February 4 (JP).

2001

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

29

Peregrine Falcon - 2 on December 16 at Ghe and I on December 30 at EBP (LMc).

Wild Ttirkey - 39 on December 8 at LBL (BL).

American Coot - 40 on February 27 at New; 21 on February 28 at FPU (GC).

Sandhill Crane - 1 20 on December 3, 1 38 on December 6 and 1 00+ on February 1 8 in Hart
(MS); 40 on December 3 at SC (JP).

Spotted Sandpiper - 1 on December 1 at Bark (DR).

Least Sandpiper - 12 on January 18 at Bio (Hap).

Dunlin - 2 on January 18 at Bio (Hap).

Common Snipe - 16 on January 18 at Bio (Hap).

American Woodcock - 1 on January 13 and 5 on January 15 in Hart (MS); first heard on
February 1 7 in Trigg County ( BL, PL).

Laughing Gull - 1 to 2 adults from December 27 to 3 1 at KyDam (DR); 1 on January 2 1 at
KyDam (Hap, CP); 1 adult on February 17 at Mark (FR).

Bonaparte’s Gull - 8 on December 13 and 15 on December 15 at New (FR); 76 on January
18 at Bio (Hap).

Ring-billed Gull - 700 on December 28 at Mel (FR); 3 on January 3 at Fayette Mall, Lex
(WD); 1,500+ on January 4, 3000 on January 8 and 1.800 on January 20 at Mel (FR);
1,200 on February 6 at LPU (KL); 400 on February 1 1 in Ful (Hap, RD); 30 on February
18 at Bio and 74 on February 25 at Jon (Hap); 18 on February 25 in Cal (Hap).

Herring Gull - 12 on December 28 and January 4 with 15 on January 8 at Mel (FR); 30 on
January 21 at KyDam (Hap, CP); 3 on February 18 at Bio (Hap); 3 on February 19atCra
and 1 at Pet on February 24 (LMc); 10 at Jon and 4 in Cal on February 25 (Hap).

Thayer’s Gull - Several observations of different age birds seen during the period at KyDam,
Bark, and Smi (DR).

Lesser Black-backed Gull - Several of different ages were observed during the period at
KyDam, Bark, and Smi (DR).

Glaucous Gull - a first year bird on December 2 1 and 27 at LBark (DR).

Forster's Tern - 9 on February 25 at Jon ( Hap).

Eurasian Collared-Dove - 1 on January 26 at Her (BL, PL).

I Eastern Screech-Owl - 1 on December 6 and January 18 in Hart (MS).

Great Horned Owl - 2 on December 13, 1 on December 24, and 2 on January 12 in Hart
(MS); 1 on February 18 at Bio (Hap).

Barred Owl - 1 on February 9 in Ful (Hap, RD); 1 on February 1 1 at Hib (JP); 1 on Febru¬
ary 18 at Bio (Hap).

Short-eared Owl - 5 on December 16 at Ghe (LMc); 1 on February 9 in Ful (Hap, RD); 1
on February 1 1 near Western Kentucky Parkway, Ohio County (JP).

Loggerhead Shrike - 1 on December 24 in Hart (MS); 1 on January 6 at UKF (WD); 1 on
February 3 in McLean County, 1 in Hib, and 1 in Ful on February 1 1 (JP).

Horned Lark - Over 200 observed on December 17 near Cad (BL, PL); 50 in Day on
December 1 7 and 25 on December 1 8 in Day with 90 in She on December 21 (FR); 50 on
February 2 in Hib (JP).

Purple Martin - 3 on February 27 in Cal (Hap).

European Starling - 100,000+ on December 7 and 50,000+ on December 13 at NKU (FR);
an albino was seen in Hart on December 15 (MS).

American Robin - Approximately 1,500+ on December 7 and 8,000+ on December 15 at
NKU (FR); 250+ on February 1 1 at LPU (KL).

Yellow-rumped Warbler - 12 on January 21 at KyDam (Hap, CP); 33 on February 3 at
LPU (KL); 10 on February 1 1 in Ful (Hap, RD).

Pine Warbler - 1 December 16 near Hillman Ferry, LBL (BL.PL); 1 singing on February
22 in LBL (BL, PL); 1 on February 25 in Cal (Hap).

30

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 77

American Tree Sparrow - First observed on December 22 at Cad and remained until mid-
February (BL, PL); 60 on December 23 at Day and 40 on January 3 at Hib ( FR ); 2 on
January 20 at SC (JP); 2 on February 3 in Ful ( JP); 42 on February 3 and 56 on February
18 in the L#9 area (BL, KL).

Chipping Sparrow - 1 at LBL feeders during much of the period (BL, PL).

Savannah Sparrow - 3 on December 23 in Day (FR); as many as 6 were seen in LBL
during the period (BL.PL); 2 on February 3 at L#9 (BL.KL).

LeConte’s Sparrow - 4 on February 1 1 in Ful (Hap. RD, KL, et ol.).

Swamp Sparrow -As many as 200 on February 1 1 at LPU (KL, et al.).

Harris's Sparrow - 1 on February 3 through 18 at L#9 (BL. GC, JP. KL). Documentation
to be submitted.

White-crowned Sparrow - As many as 50 were seen on several dates during the period
in Hart (MS); 6 on December 2 at SC (JP); 10 on February 3 in L#9 area (BL. KL).

Lapland Longspur - 3 on December 16 at Ste (LMc); 8 on December 17 at Day (FR);
600-700 on December 18 in Bark and KyDam areas (DR); 16 on December 21 in She
(FR); 10+ on December 22 near Cad (BP, PL); 35 on December 30 at EBP and 15 at Uni
December 30 - January 1 (LMc).

Snow Bunting - 1 on December 20 in Warn (DR); 2 on December 21 in She (FR).

Purple Finch - As many as 10 near offices at LBL during the period with up to 3 at feeders
near Cad (BL, PL); 2 on December 1 - 2 and 1 on January 13 at SC (JP).

Pine Siskin - 3 on December 3 near Cad (BL. PL).

Eastern Meadowlark - 150+ on February 18 in L#9 area (BL. KL).

Western Meadowlark - I on February 4 in Ful (DR); 1 on February 1 1 in Ful (JP).

Red Crossbill - 8 on December 28 in Log (DR).

Contributors - Hap Chambers (Hap), Glen Criswell (GC), Wayne Davis (WD), Roseanna

Denton (RD). Betty Leggett ( BL). Ken Leggett ( KL). Bill Lisowsky (BL), Paula Lisowsky

(PL). Charles Logsdon (CL), Larry Logsdon (LL), Lee McNeely (LMc). Clell Peterson

(CP), Joyce Porter (JP). Frank Renfrow (FR), David Roemer (DR). Mitchell Sturgeon ( MS).

- 137 Sunset Lane, Morehead, KY 40351

Kentucky Ornithological Society Spring Meeting
Carter Caves State Resort Park
April 27lh through April 29lh.

The spring meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held from April 27,h
through April 29,h at Carter Caves State Resort Park in Carter County. President Marilee
Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. EDT in the Olive Hill Room of the Park
lodge. The evening program consisted of two speakers, Elizabeth Ciuzio of Eastern Ken¬
tucky University and Lee McNeely, KOS member. The speakers were introduced by Vice-
President Kathy Caminiti.

Elizabeth Ciuzio presented an outline of her planned research of The Effect of the Elk
Reintroduction on Edge- and Grassland-Nesting Songbirds in Eastern Kentucky. Ms. Ciuzio
presented background information on Elk in general including the now extinct eastern sub¬
species. She discussed reintroduction efforts in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

2001

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

31

Ms. Ciuzio presented habits of Elk that might have an effect, either positive or negative,
on certain edge and/or grassland-nesting birds in Kentucky based primarily on their grazing
habits.

Elizabeth plans to measure effect on songbirds indirectly through changes in habitat where
Elk have been reintroduced with a focus on the habitat of four species: the Yellow-breasted
Chat, the Grasshopper Sparrow, the Blue-winged Warbler, and the Common Yellowthroat.
Elizabeth Ciuzio is a full-time student at Eastern Kentucky University and a part time em¬
ployee of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Following Ms. Ciuzio’s presentation on Elk reintroduction in Kentucky, Mr. Lee McNeely
presented a program on A Birding Day on Attn. Attu is the farthest point west in North
America and is the last island in the Aleutian Island chain off southwest Alaska. Because of
is unique geography, Eurasian species often stop over on Attu during migration south or
north. Lee and four other KOS members traveled to Attu in the spring of 2000. The pro¬
gram was focused on presenting what a typical day of birding on Attu was like and included
a very nice slide presentation.

Mr. McNeely presented information concerning the climatic and weather conditions, ac¬
commodations, food and travel on Attu, as well as some nice photographs of birds seen on
the trip. Some of the noteworthy species observed by Lee and his colleagues were Mongo¬
lian Plover, Siberian Ruby-throat, and Olive-backed Pipit. Other interesting species in¬
cluded Harlequin Duck, Puffin species and various waterfowl of the north Pacific region.
Organized trips to Attu have ended and the island is now only accessible for day trips via a
cruise.

On Saturday morning, three field trips departed from the lodge at 8:00 a.m. Gerald Robe
led a trip to nearby Grayson Lake and Lee McNeely and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. each led
a trip to varioius parts of Carter Caves Park and surrounding areas. Meetings of the KOS
Board, the Kentucky Bird Records Committee, and the Nomination Committee were held
in succession beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the lodge. Most members continued to bird inde¬
pendently during this time within the park.

Dr. Kenneth Able presented the Saturday evening program beginning at 7:30 p.m. Origi¬
nally from Louisville, Dr. Able is presently an editor for Birding, the bimonthly magazine
of the American Birding Society, and a professor of biological sciences at New York Uni¬
versity, Albany. Dr. Abie's program included an excellent presentation on the current knowl¬
edge of bird migration with an entertaining, exciting, and difficult quiz embedded within
the migration slides.

Dr. Able presented evidence suggesting that birds use a variety of abilities in migrating
accurately to and from their breeding grounds. Based on evidence presented, it appears that
birds use a complex interaction of their sense of true north as measured by star pattern and
other solar cues with their ability to sense magnetic fields and the magnetic poles. Evi¬
dence suggests that birds are able to use both sets of cues to determine their relative loca¬
tion and to alter their path as their location changes relative to true north and the magnetic
north pole. Dr. Able also presented strong evidence suggesting that some species are able
to interpret a combination of odors and wind direction to assist in navigation.

Interspersed in Dr. Abie’s presentation was a slide quiz on six North American birds.
The quiz was very challenging. Of those in attendance, only three members were able to
correctly identify three of the birds. The lucky winners, Mark Monroe, Jackie Elmore, and
Tina Ricketts, were awarded a copy of Dr. Abie’s book. All members thoroughly enjoyed
the informative presentation and the quiz.

On Sunday morning, one field trip departed for the Minor Clark Fish Hatchery and adja-
cent Cave Run Lake in Rowan and Bath counties. Other KOS members informally birded
! the park before departing for home.

32

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 77

Through Saturday evening, 103 species were observed and are listed below. Additional
species observed on Sunday brought the weekend total to 119 species.

There were 5 1 people in attendance at the meeting.

Respectfully submitted by
Mark Bennett, Recording Secretary

Birds Observed at the Spring 2001 KOS Meeting

Bird species observed in the proximity of Carter Caves State Resort Park and Grayson
Lake included: Pied-billed Grebe, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Common Mergan¬
ser. Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red¬
shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Wild Turkey,
Killdeer, Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper. Rock Dove, Mourning Dove. Yellow-billed
Cuckoo, Eastern Screech-Owl, Barred Owl, Whip-poor-will, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated
Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker,
Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-
sided Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee. Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Great-crested
Flycatcher. Eastern Kingbird, Homed Lark. Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swal¬
low, Cliff Swallow, Bam Swallow, Blue Jay, American Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted
Titmouse,White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren. Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnat-
catcher, Eastern Bluebird, Wood Thrush, American Robin. Gray Catbird, Northern Mock¬
ingbird, Brown Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, White-eyed Vireo, Blue¬
headed Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo. Red-eyed Vireo, Blue- winged Warbler, Nashville
Warbler, Northern Pamla, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow-rumped War¬
bler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine
Warbler. Prairie Warbler, Palm Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Ov-
enbird. Northern Waterthrush, Louisiana Waterthrush. Kentucky Warbler, Common Yel-
lowthroat. Hooded Warbler. Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager. Northern Cardinal. Rose¬
breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow,
White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark,
Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch.
American Goldfinch, and House Sparrow for a total of 103 species. Species observed on
Sunday field trips at Cave Run Lake and the Minor Clark Fish Hatchery that were not
included in the Saturday list were; Common Loon, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret. Green
Heron, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Lesser Yellowlegs. Bonaparte’s Gull. Ring-billed Gull,
Forster’s Tern. Bank Swallow, Warbling Vireo. Yellow-breasted Chat, Field Sparrow, Sa¬
vannah Sparrow, and Swamp Sparrow, bringing the weekend total to 1 19 species.

2001

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

33

Meeting Attendance

ALEXANDRIA: Deanna Lusby, Mary Beth Lusby, Ron Lusby
BEREA: Art Ricketts, Tina Ricketts

BOWLING GREEN: Diane L. Elmore, Jackie B. Elmore, Blaine Ferrell
BRONSTON: Margaret York

BURLINGTON: Joe Caminiti, Joey Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Lee McNeely, Lynda
McNeely

CARLISLE: Ginny Kingsolver, Wendell Kingsolver, Brian Myres,

CYNTHIANA: Jimmy Edwards, Julie Richie
DANVILLE: Ginny Eklund, Neil Eklund
FALLS OF ROUGH: Joyce Porter
FRANKFORT: Amy Covert

LEXINGTON: Rhonda Bryant, Elizabeth Cuzio, Shirley Davis, Wayne Davis, Daniel Marsh,
Scott Marsh, Jim Williams

LOUISVILLE: Richard Cassell. Bonnie Dever. Robert Dever, Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr.,
Wally Roberts

MOREHEAD: Fred Busroe
MT. STERLING: Gerald H. Robe
OWENSBORO: Mariiee Thompson, Wendell Thompson
PRINCETON: John W. Niemi, Phyllis B. Niemi
PROSPECT: FredT. Mansmith

RICHMOND: Mark Monroe, Gary Ritchison, Pete Thompson

RUSSELLVILLE: Mark Bennett

SCIENCE HILL: Roseanna Denton

SOUTH WILLIAMSON: Joan Carr, Les Estep

UTICA: Brenda M. Eaden. Tony D. Eaden

34

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 77

Kentucky Ornithological Society
Audited Statement of Accounts
October 19, 2000

Checking Account:

National City Bank Account #8537882 1

Balance reported 9/25/00

Checks written since then:

#745 Paul Baicich

$216.00

#746 ABA

100.00

#747 Barren River State Park

189.38

#748 Bell South

18.43

#749 Kathy Caminiti

75.58

Balance at 10/19/00

Burt Monroe Research Fund

National City Bank Account #33855788
Balance 10/19/00

No additional activity since 9/25/00

Anne Stamm Education Fund
Heritage Bank Account #822213
Balance 10/19/00

No additional activity since 9/25/00

Gordon Wilson Fund

Heritage Bank Account #283613
Balance 10/19/00

No additional activity since 9/25/00

Certificate of Deposit

Heritage Bank CD#4047 dated 1/22/99
Face Amount $ 1 1 ,879.67

24 months - matures 1/22/01 - interest at 5% credited annually
Balance 10/19/00

Endowmen t Fund Certificate of Deposit
Heritage Bank CD#4347 dated 1/19/99
Face Amount $10,933.00

12 months - matures 12/19/00 - interest of 5.75% credited
annually

Balance 10/19/00

$4,546.62

599.39

$3,947.23

$2,033.18

$ 798.88

$1,911.62

$12,473.72

$10,933.00

TOTAL OF ALL ACCOUNTS AS OF 10/19/00

$32,097.63

2001

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

35

EIGHTH REPORT OF THE KENTCUKY BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

Lee K. McNeely, Secretary

This report is the eighth from the Kentucky Bird Records Committee (hereafter KBRC),
and covers actions completed from July 1999 through April 2001 . Members serving on the
committee during this period were Fred Busroe, Wayne Mason, Lee McNeely, Brainard
Palmer-Ball Jr., and David Roerner. The stated purpose of the KBRC is to determine the
validity of records of rare birds within Kentucky, maintain the documentation of these records,
and to publish a summary of the committee’s deliberations.

During this period there were two rounds of circulation through the KBRC consisting of
24 individual records. Twenty-one of these were finalized, while three remain unresolved at
this point.

Accepted records:

Pelecanits occidentalis. BROWN PELICAN. [#99-8] May 30, 1999, Kentucky Lake above
Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall counties (RD) [second Kentucky record].

Gavia pacifica. PACIFIC LOON. [#99-16] November 19, 1999. Kentucky Lake, Marshall
County (DR)

Egretta tricolor. TRICOLORED HERON. [#98- 1 1 ] August 10, 1 998, Lake #9, Fulton County
(DR).

Dendrocygna autumnalis. BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK. [#00-07] August
19, 2000. Mitchell Lake, Ballard County (SR) [2 birds, first Kentucky record],
Numenius plraeopus. WHIMBREL. [#00-04] May 15, 2000, Smithland Dam, Livingston
County (FBe) [4 birds],

Limosafedoa. MARBLED GODWIT. [#99-9] August 1 7, 1999, Smithland Dam, Livingston
County (FBe) [2 birds].

Limosafedoa. MARBLED GODWIT. [#99-14] May 10, 1999, Kentucky Darn, Marshall
County (DR) [videotaped],

Phalaropus lobatus. RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. [#99-15] September 20, 1999, Blood
River at Kentucky Lake, Marshall County (DR.HC) [videotaped].

Stercorarius pomarinus. POMARINE JAEGER. [#99-6] January 23. 1999, Kentucky Dam.

Livington/Marshall counties (MB.HC.DR.CS) [videotaped, third Kentucky record],
Xenia sabini. SABINE’S GULL. [#99-13] October 7, 1999, Ohio River, McCracken County
(FBe) [second Kentucky record].

Rissa tridactyla. BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE [#00-03 ] December 4- 1 5, 1999, Meldahl
Dam, Bracken County (FR) [photographed].

Colibri thalassinus. GREEN VIOLET-EAR. [#99-10] August 25-27, 1999. Taylor Mill,
Kenton County (LM.BPB.WA) [videotaped and photographed, first Kentucky record].
Sayornis saya. SAY’S PHOEBE. [#99-18] December 28-January 16, 2000. Logan
County, (MB, DR) [second Kentucky record, first documented by photographs].

Rissa tridactyla. BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE [#00-03] December 4-15, 1999,
Meldahl Dam, Bracken County (FR) [photographed].

Colibri thalassinus. GREEN VIOLET-EAR. [#99-10] August 25-27, 1999, Taylor Mill,
Kenton County (LM. BPB, WA) [videotaped and photographed, first Kentucky record].
Sayornis saya. SAY'S PHOEBE. [#99-18] December 28-January 16, 2000, Logan County,
(MB, DR) [second Kentucky record, first documented by photographs],

Poecile atricapilla. BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE. [#00-01] November 1999-March
2000, multiple observations of several birds from Boyd County, Lawrence County, and
Madison County (LT, SS, DR. BPB, MM) [first accepted Kentucky records,
individuals photographed and measured].

36

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 77

Sitta pusilla. BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH. [#99-12] September 26-October 12, 1999,
below Wolf Creek Dam, Russell County (FBu. DR ) [photographed, first Kentucky record].
Dendroica discolor. PRAIRIE WARBLER. [#99-17] December 18, 1999, Warsaw, Gallatin
County (TS, KF).

Spizella pallida. CLAY-COLORED SPARROW. [#98- 13] October 24. 1 998. Warren County
(DR. JR).

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus. YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD. [#00-02] Decem¬
ber 31,1 999, Meade County ( BPB ).

Observers: William Angel (WA), Frank Bennett (FBe), Mark Bennett (MB), Fred Busroe
(Fbu), Hap Chambers (HC). Bonnie Dever (BD), Robert Dever (RD). Kevin Flowers
(KF). Lee McNeely (LM). Mark Monroe (MM). Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. (BPB), Scott
Record (SR), Frank Renfrew (FR), David Roemer (DR), Joan Roemer (JR), Chris Sloan
(CS), Tommy Stephens (TS), Steve Sweeney (SS), and Lin Towler (LT).

Rejected records:

Podiceps grisegena. RED-NECKED GREBE. [#98-3] March 19. 1998. Dix Dam ash
pond. Mercer County.

Plegadis falcinellus. GLOSSY IBIS. [#99-1 1 ] September 17-20, 1999. Drakes Creek,
Simpson County [accepted as Plegadis species],

Spizella pallida. CLAY-COLORED SPARROW. [#98-14] October 1, 1998. Louisville,
Jefferson County.

The current official Kentucky list now stands at 363 species (12 of which are by sight
only) with Black-bellied Whistling Duck. Green Violet-ear, Black-capped Chickadee, and
Brown-headed Nuthatch added since the last report. All records of birds on the mandatory
review list should be sent to the secretary of the KBRC, Lee McNeely. P.O. Box 463,
Burlington, Kentucky 41005.

FIELD NOTES

HUDSONIAN GODWIT AT KENTUCKY POINT

On 3 October 2000 at 13:20 until 14:05 the author and Nancy Moore observed a Hudsonian
Godwit (Limosa haemastica) in a pool on the sandbar at Kentucky Point in the Kentucky or
Madrid Bend, Fulton County.

The bird was first spotted by Nancy and was observed by both individuals with 10x40
binoculars and a KOWA 32X spotting scope for nearly an hour from a number of angles and
positions. The bird was still there when we left. The weather was mostly clear with tem¬
peratures in the high 80s and a southwest wind of 8-12 knots.

The bird was in juvenile plumage and was in the company of over 200 other shorebirds.
They consisted of 100+ Least Sandpipers (Charadrius minutilla ), seven Semipalmated Plo¬
vers ( Calidris semipalmatus), two Sanderlings (Calidris alba ) and one Lesser Yellowlegs
(Trin ga flavipes).

The Hudsonian was over 1.5 times as large as the Lesser Yellowlegs and nearly twice
as large as the Semipalmated Plovers. The bird had all the colors of a juvenile except that
the belly and flank was almost as white as a winter adult. The white stripe over the eye
was clearly visible and prominent. The bird cooperated by extending its wings so that the

2001

37

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

narrow white stripe and black wing linings were clearly visible along with the black feath¬
ers on the tail and the white bar. The bird did this a number of times and we could clearly
see the wing pattern. This pattern clearly separated it from a Willet ( Catoptrophorus
semipalmatus), which does not have any black on the tail, and from the Black-tailed God-
wit ( Limosa limosa ), which has more white on the tail an a less prominent wing pattern and
an almost straight bill.

The slightly upturned dark-colored (we could not see two colors) bill was clearly visible
from a number of angles. The upper part of its back was brownish and scaly appearing as
shown in the third addition of The National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North
America on page 168. The legs were a dark gray in contrast to the yellow legs of the Lesser
Yellowlegs.

As an interesting side note. The Sibley Guide to Birds did not come out until nearly a
month after this observation. However, we both agreed that the juvenile shown on page 177
depicted the bird more accurately than any of the other guides we had at the time.

According to the Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Kentucky (Monroe et al. 1988), this
represents the third record of Hudsonian Godwit for Kentucky and the first one in the fall.
There are nine other records that include a flock of eight birds for the Reelfoot Lake area
Kentucky and Tennessee with one previous report in the fall. One of these records was for
a single bird seen by Don and Gina Manning in both Tennessee and Kentucky on the Long
Point Unit of Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge on 9 May 197 1 .— KEN LEGGETT, 554
Lakewood Drive, Dyersburg, TN 38024

ANHINGA IN HENDERSON COUNTY

On the afternoon of August 1 7, 2000, 1 was scanning the trees of a recently used heronry
in a swamp just north of the John James Audubon State Park. Henderson County, when I
found an Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) perched on a low snag in the middle of the swamp.
The bird was approximately the size of a Double-crested Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax auritus),
with a long neck and tail, and long, pointed bill. It was a female based on the bright huffy
throat and chest, with abrupt cut-off to black of the belly. The bill was yellowish and the
gular area and webs of the large feet were relatively bright orange-yellow. The long tail was
irregular in shape due to the presence of several shorter feathers, presumably the result of
molt. The upper wing coverts and back feathers displayed the characteristic pale markings
of the species; this patterning was somewhat huffy rather than silvery-white, suggesting
that the bird might be in its first year.

The Anhinga was photographed and videotaped that afternoon, and it was observed off
and on through part of the afternoon of August 19, 2000. At that time, it was last observed
by Jackie and Diane Elmore and Lester Doyle as it soared upwards over the swamp before
heading out of view to the south. Subsequent attempts to find the bird by other birders were
unsuccessful. During most periods of observation, the Anhinga was seen perched on one or
more of the numerous snags in the swamp, either resting or preening. A few birders ob¬
served the bird in the water or flying overhead.

This sighting represents the first conclusively documented record of an Anhinga in Ken¬
tucky in many years. There have been several reports of the species in the last few decades,
but none have been documented by photographs. The most recent of these sightings was
that of a male reported by Jeff Wilson, a very reliable Tennessee birder, from Lake No. 9 in
Fulton County on 15 June 1996 — BRAINARD PALMER-BALL, JR., Ky. State Nature
Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane. Frankfort, KY, 40601 .

38

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 77

KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I — MEMBERSHIP

Section A. Membership in the Kentucky Ornithological Society. Inc. (hereafter, the Soci¬
ety, which includes Corporation, as used occasionally in earlier versions of the Bylaws)
shall be open to all persons interested in any phase of bird life and shall consist of Active,
Contributing, Life, Student, Honorary, and Corporate Members.

Section B. Active Membership shall consist of those persons who pay the active member¬
ship fee, and who desire to cooperate in the work of the Society and wish to receive its
publications. They are entitled to participate in all the activities of the Society and to vote
and hold office.

Section C. Contributing Membership shall consist of those persons who pay the contrib¬
uting membership fee. They shall be accorded all the privileges and duties of Active Mem¬
bers.

Section D. Life Membership shall consist of those persons who pay the life membership
fee. They shall be accorded all the privileges and duties of Active Members.

Section E. Student Membership shall include bona fide full-time students. This member¬
ship may continue as long as the individual satisfies the stated conditions. Such members
are entitled to all the privileges of Active Members.

Section F. Honorary Membership shall consist of those persons who because of special
merit have been elected to such status by the Board of Directors (hereafter, the Board) after
recommendation by five (5 ) members. They are entitled to all the privileges of Active Mem¬
bers.

Section G. Family Membership shall consist of the head or heads of a family and their
children under eighteen ( 18) years of age, who live at the same address, and who pay one
Active, Contributing, or Life Membership fee plus an additional annual fee (see Art. II, Sec.
A). All members within a Family Membership are entitled to the privileges of active mem¬
bers except: they shall receive only one ( 1 ) copy of The Kentucky Warbler and only one ( 1 )
copy of notices of meetings or other information about the activities of the Society; they
shall be allowed only one ( 1 ) vote at Society business meetings; and only one ( 1 ) of the
heads of a Family Membership may hold office at any one ( 1) time.

Section H. Corporate Membership may be conferred by the Board upon any business
organization that shows interest in the work of the Society by contributing to it. in money or
other considerations, to assist it in carrying out its various activities. All contributions made
under the provisions of this category of membership shall be appropriately recognized and
membership shall continue for the duration of such interest. It requires no regular dues and
gives no right to vote or hold office. Corporate Members are entitled to a subscription to
The Kentucky Warbler if requested.

2001

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

39

Section I. The anniversary date of every membership shall be January 1 . New memberships
shall begin with January of the calendar year in which application and payment is dated,
except that a new member whose application and payment is dated during or subsequent to
the annual fall meeting of that year shall become a member the following January 1, but
shall receive a courtesy copy of the last issue of The Kentucky Warbler for the year in which
payment is made.

ARTICLE II — DUES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

Section A. The annual dues for the various classes of members may be established or changed
by the Board with the concurrence of a majority of the members present at the business
meeting announced as the occasion for a vote on the proposed action, provided that a quo¬
rum is present (See Art. V. Sec. C). The dues for life membership may be paid in two (2) or
three (3) equal, consecutive monthly installments. The dues for family membership shall be
a sum of not less than one dollar ($1.00) annually in addition to the regular dues for one
Active, Contributing, or Life Membership.

Section B. Dues from Life Members shall be placed in the Endowment Fund (see Art. VII,
Sec. A).

Section C. Dues are payable for the fiscal year which shall run from January 1 through
December 31 (see Art. I, Sec. I). Members who have not paid their dues by March 1 shall be
deemed not in good standing and shall be reminded by mail. If dues are not paid within
fifteen (15) days after that notice, membership shall lapse. Members are responsible for
giving the Corresponding Secretary prompt notice of any change of address.

Section D. Any organization or institution may subscribe to The Kentucky Warbler by pay¬
ing a fee determined by the Board.

ARTICLE III— GOVERNMENT

Section A. The governing body of the Society shall be the Board, composed of eleven (11)
elected officers, three (3) appointed officers, the immediate past President of the Society,
and one ( 1 ) representative chosen by each qualified affiliated organization ( see Art. VI. Sec
A). All living past Presidents shall serve as Ex Officio Board members. The elected officers
shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, a
Treasurer, and six (6) Councillors, two (2) of whom shall be elected each year. The ap¬
pointed officers shall be the Editor of The Kentucky Warbler, the Curator, and the Secretary
of the Kentucky Bird Records Committee. A quorum of the Board shall consist of fifty
percent (50%) of its voting membership plus one ( 1 ) voting member.

Section B. The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee that shall nominate one
(1 ) member for each of the elective offices, except that only two (2) Councillors shall be
nominated at each election unless additional vacancies have occurred. The committee shall
submit its nominations to the Corresponding Secretary forty-five (45) days before the an¬
nual meeting; the Corresponding Secretary shall send the names of the nominees to all
members not less than two (2) weeks prior to the meeting. Other nominations may be
•submitted for any elective office by three (3) members in good standing; such nominations
must also be received by the Corresponding Secretary forty-five (45) days in advance of
the annual meeting. The nine (9) officers shall be elected by ballot (show of hands or voice

40

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol, 77

vote, at the discretion of the President) by a majority of the members present, provided that
a quorum (as defined in Art. V, Sec. C) be present. All of ficers shall take office at the
conclusion of the fall meeting.

Section C. Officers (except Councillors and affiliate Representatives) shall be elected for
one ( 1 ) year, and they may be re-elected to the same office for not more than four (4)
successive terms. Councillors and affiliate Representatives shall be elected for three-(3)
year terms, and may not serve consecutive terms.

Section D. Vacancies occurring in any office shall be filled by the Board. Any person so
selected shall act until the next annual meeting, at which time a person shall be elected to
fill the unexpired term.

Section E. There shall be three (3) appointed officers: the Editor of The Kentucky Warbler;
the Curator, who shall be appointed annually by the Board at the fall meeting; and the
Secretary of the Kentucky Bird Records Committee. Appointed officers may also be elected
officers.

Section F. There shall be a Standing Committee, The Kentucky Bird Records Committee
(KBRC), which shall be governed by its own bylaws. The KBRC shall determine the valid¬
ity of records of rare birds from Kentucky, publish annually in The Kentucky Warbler a
report of accepted records, maintain documentation of these records, and keep the official
Kentucky State List of Birds. The Secretary of the KBRC shall be appointed for a three (3)
year term by the Board. The Secretary of the KBRC may be replaced at any time by either
the unanimous consent of all other members of the KBRC or by a majority of the Board.
Bird records resulting from the KBRC deliberations shall be kept in the possession of the
KBRC until publication in The Kentucky Warbler. At that time they shall be turned over to
the Curator of the Society for archiving.

Section G. There shall be a Standing Committee. The Affiliate Committee, appointed by
the Society President and approved by the Society Board. This committee shall develop
guidelines, subject to Board approval, to define and enhance the relationship between the
Society and its affiliates.

ARTICLE IV— DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section A. The Board shall meet at least twice a year to conduct the regular business of the
Society and shall have power to carry on any necessary business in the interim between
meetings. It shall advise, assist, and cooperate with the various individual officers and com¬
mittees in the performance of their duties. It shall make appointments to fill out the unex¬
pired term of any office in which a vacancy occurs.

Section B. The duties of the officers shall be such as pertain to their respective offices in
similar organizations. The President shall be the Chairperson of the Board and shall appoint
all committees (but see Art. Ill, Sec. F and Sec. G).

Section C. The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in his/her absence.
She/he shall be primarily responsible for planning the fall and spring meetings.

41 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vo], 77

Section D. The Recording Secretary shall record the proceedings of the Society and of the
Board in books kept for that purpose and shall have charge of the records of the Society not
appropriate for archiving. All records more than five (5) years old shall be turned over to the
Curator for archiving.

Section E. The Corresponding Secretary shall conduct the correspondence of the Society
and keep a record thereof, shall give notice of all meetings; and shall be responsible for
mailing the Society's publications.

Section F. The Treasurer shall take care of the accounts and funds of the Society; shall pay
from the funds of the Society all bills duly approved by the President or the Board; shall
collect all bills due the Society; and at the annual meeting shall furnish a statement of the
financial condition of the Society. The Treasurer shall not pay any sum greater than two
hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for any one purpose, other than publication costs of The
Kentucky ’ Warbler, unless such expenditure has been approved by the Board.

Section G. The six (6) Councillors, besides serving as members of the Board, shall act as
advisors to the members of the Society, and shall not only endeavor to be familiar with the
species of birds occurring in their own sections of the state, but shall also foster relevant
activities in their sections.

Section H. The Representative from each qualified Affiliated organization shall serve as a
member of the Board and shall have the rights and obligations of all board members and
shall in addition maintain communication between their organization and the Society (See
Art. VI, Sec. A) during his/her term of three (3) years.

Section I. The Editor of The Kentucky Warbler shall edit four (4) seasonal issues which
shall be sent to all members in good standing (see Art. II, Sec. C).

Section J. The Curator shall have charge of all scientific records (including archived records
from KBRC) and all society documents as specified in Article VIII. The Curator shall also
be responsible for the legal disposition of birds, nests, and eggs that may come into posses¬
sion of the Society.

ARTICLE V— MEETINGS

Section A. The Society shall hold one ( 1 ) regular meeting in the spring and one ( 1 ) regular
meeting in the fall. The location for the meetings shall be selected by the Board. The fall
meeting shall be the annual meeting and it shall be held in a central location of the state. At
this meeting the members of the Society shall meet to discuss and act upon significant
issues. The spring meeting shall alternate between eastern and western parts of the state as
far as practicable.

Section B. Special meetings may be called at any time by action of the Board, or upon
written petition of fifteen (15) Active, Contributing, or Life Members, which includes one
(1) adult from each Family Membership, to the president, who shall thereupon call the
meeting. Two (2) weeks’ notice of such meeting must be given in writing, stating the pur¬
pose of the call, to the members by the Corresponding Secretary.

Section C. A quorum at any meeting shall consist of twenty-five (25) Active, Contributing,
or Life Members, which includes one adult from each Family Membership.

2001 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 42;

ARTICLE VI — AFFILIATED CHAPTERS

Section A. The Society shall encourage the formation of local affiliates in all cities anc;
areas of the state. Such affiliated organizations shall have a major interest in hirding 01
ornithology, and must include at least five (5) Society members to maintain affiliated status.!
They shall retain autonomy of their organization, but shall act in cooperation with the Soci-;
ety. Each affiliated organization shall remit annually to the Society the sum equivalent tc|
one (1) individual membership, and shall receive in exchange, one (1) copy of each Tht\
Kentucky' Warbler and newsletter. Each such organization shall transmit annually lists ofitsj
Society members to the Society Treasurer. Affiliates including at least fifteen (15) Society
members shall be entitled to seat one ( 1 ) representative on the Society Board. Affiliated
organizations shall have certain privileges, the specifics of which are to be determined)
updated, and made known to all interested organizations by the Society Board through z\
standing Affiliate Committee.

ARTICLE VII — SPECIAL FUNDS

Section A. An Endowment Fund shall be established to further the work of the Society!
from which the investment income only may be used for current needs. All monies obtainec.
from bequests, gifts, etc, given for endowment purposes, and the dues of Life Members
shall be placed in this fund. Such monies shall be invested in accordance with the laws ol[
the State of Kentucky governing investments by fiduciaries. The investment income from
this Fund shall be transferred to the General Fund annually.

Section B. The Gordon Wilson Fund was established in honor of Dr. Wilson, one of the
founders of the Society and an active member until his death in 1970. Monies in this fund
are gifts to the Society designated for the fund. The Board may draw upon the fund foi
purposes covered by its original intentions: to assist in publication of The Kentucky War¬
bler; to improve and expand it, to help finance and publish ornithological research in Ken-!
tucky; and help provide fellowships and scholarships in the study of ornithology. The Boarq
shall approve expenditures from the fund.

Section C. The Burt Monroe Jr. Avian Research Fund was established in honor of Dr. Burl
L. Monroe Jr., who was an international authority on the taxonomy of birds and an active
member of the Society. Monies in this fund are gifts to the Society designated for this fund i
The Board may draw upon the fund for purposes covered by its original charter: to assislj
persons in conducting research on birds within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A
Board-appointed committee shall review all research proposals and make recommenda¬
tions to the Board regarding grant awards. The Board has the authority to approve expendi¬
tures from the fund.

Section D. The Anne Stamm Fund was established in honor of Mrs. Anne L. Stamm, a!
distinguished member of the Society who remained active until her death in 1999. Monies
in this fund are gifts to the Society designated for the fund. The education of children in the
deeper appreciation of birds and ornithology is the focus of the fund. The Board shall ap¬
prove expenditures from the fund.

43

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vo I. 77

ARTICLE VIII — SOCIETY DOCUMENTS

Section A. Western Kentucky University shall be the repository of all books, manuscripts,
and works of art acquired by the Society, the files of other ornithological journals accumu¬
lated through exchanges, and the stock of back issues of The Kentucky Warbler.

ARTICLE IX — RULES OF ORDER

Section A. The rules of parliamentary procedure as laid down in the current edition of
Robert's Rules of Order shall govern all meetings of the Society.

ARTICLE X --- AMENDMENTS

Section A. These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present
at any legal meeting, provided that a written notice of the proposed amendment has been
sent to each member by the Corresponding Secretary at least two weeks before the meeting
in which it is to be voted upon.

Note: The present bylaws were adopted by the membership September 28, 1 99 1 ( Amended
September 25. 1999 and October 07, 2000.

2001

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

44

NEWS AND VIEWS

Reminder of the Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline

The Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline is (502 >-326-0878. Please report any unusual
sightings in order to provide others with the opportunity to see rare birds.

K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Avian Research Grant Fund

Persons that need money (i.e., up to $500) to assist them in conducting research on birds
in Kentucky should contact the K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Avian Research Grant Fund
Committee c/o Blaine Ferrell, Department of Biology, Western Kentucky University. Bowling
Green, Kentucky 42101 (email: blaine.ferrell@wku.edu) fora set of guidelines and an ap¬
plication form.

Kentucky Bird Records Committee

Rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season should be well documented and the
documentation should be sent to Lee McNeely, Secretary of the KBRC, PO. Box 463,
Burlington, Kentucky 41005, for consideration by the committee for official state record
status.

The K.O.S. Fall Meeting

The fall meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society is September 28 through Sep¬
tember 30 at Kcnlake State Resort Park. Hardin, Kentucky. Reservations must be made by
August 1, 2001 because the park will not hold rooms after this date. The number for reser¬
vations is 1-800-325-0143.

VOL. 77

The Kentucky Warbler

j i _ - — —

(Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society)

AUGUST 2001

NO. 3

IN THIS ISSUE

THE SPRING MIGRATION, 2001, Fred M. Busroe . 47

RECENT CHANGES TO ORNITHOLOGICAL NOMENCLATURE

OF KENTUCKY'S BIRDS. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr . 53

NEWS AND VIEWS . 55

46

The Kentucky Warbler

Vol. 77

THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

President . Marilee Thompson, Owensboro

Vice-President . Kathy Caminiti, Burlington

Corr. Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.

8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222

Treasurer . Lee McNeely

P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY 41005

Recording Secretary . Mark Bennett. Russellville

Councillors:

Gary Ritchison, Richmond . 2000 thru 2001

Arthur Ricketts, Berea . 2000 thru 2001

Jackie Elmore, Bowling Green . 2001 thru 2002

Gerald Robe, Mt. Sterling . 2001 thru 2002

Richard Cassell, Louisville . 2001 thru 2003

Janet Howard, Owensboro . 2001 thru 2003

Retiring President

Wendell Kingsolver. Carlisle

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 $8.00: Contribut¬
ing, $15.00; Student $4.00: Life, $200.00: Family, $2.00 in addition to Regular,
Contributing or Life Membership dues: Corporate. All articles and communica¬
tions should be addressed to the editor. Subscriptions and memberships should be
sent to the Treasurer. Requests for back issues should be sent to the Corresponding
Secretary.

Editor. . B.R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering,

Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Editorial Advisory Board

Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. and Wayne Mason

Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely

P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY 41005
Staff Artist . Ray Hamt

THE COVER

Thanks to Kathy Caminiti for this picture of a Kentucky Warbler ( Oporornis
formosus) at its nest in the Boone County Cliffs Nature Preserve.

2001

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

47

THE SPR I NG MIGRATION, 2 0 0 1
Fred M. Busroe

The temperatures ranged from near normal to below normal. The precipitation
was near normal but not heavy enough to alleviate the drought conditions that
developed the previous year.

Rare to uncommon species reported this spring include: Eared Grebe, Black
Rail (a possible first state record), California Gull from two locations as well as
other gull species and a Varied Thrush.

Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that
these reports have been accepted as records for the official checklist of Kentucky
birds. Observers are cautioned again that records of out-of-season birds and all
rarities must be accompanied with good details or documentation for acceptance.
Documentation must be submitted to the Kentucky Bird Records Committee
(KBRC: see pg. 55). Decisions regarding the official Kentucky list are made by
the KBRC and will be reported periodically in The Kentucky > Warbler.

Abbreviations — WMA = Wildlife Management Area ; Bad = Bad Branch Nature
Preserve, Letcher County; Bark = Lake Barkley Dam, Livingston/Lyon counties;
Bar = Barren River Lake, Allen/Barren counties; Bam = Barren County; BBL =
Big Bone Lick State Park, Boone County; BCNP = Boone County Cliffs Nature
Preserve, Boone County; Bel = Bellevue, Campbell County; Bern = Bernheim
Forest, Bullit/Nelson counties; Bio = Blood River Embayment, Kentucky Lake,
Calloway County; BGA = Blue Grass Army Depot, Madison County; Bur =
Burlington, Boone County; CEL = Camp Ernst Lake, Boone County; Can =
Caneyville Reservoir, Grayson County; Chris = Christian County; Day = Dayton,
Campbel 1 County; Eng = England-Idlewild Park, Boone County; Falls = Falls of
the Ohio, Jefferson County; FtT = Fort Thomas, Campbell County; Ful = Fulton
County; GCA= Greater Cincinnati Airport, Boone County; Ghe = Ghent Power
Plant, Carroll County; Gri = Basil Griffin Park, Warren County; GRC = George
Rogers Clark Park, Louisville, Jefferson County; Gray = Grayson County; Hart =
Hart County; Heb = Hebron, Boone County; Hopv= Hopkinsville, Christian County;
Jef = Jefferson County; JMF = Jefferson County Memorial Forest, Jefferson County;
Jon = Jonathan Creek Embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall County; KBend =
Kentucky Bend, Fulton County; KyDam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall
counties; KyLake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall/Trigg counties; Kut = Kuttawa Land¬
ing, Lyon County; L#9 = Lake #9, Fulton County; LBark = Lake Barkley,
Livingston/Lyon/Trigg counties; LBL = Land Between the Lakes, Lyon/Trigg coun¬
ties; Log = Logan County; Long = Longpoint Unit, Reelfoot National Wildlife
Refuge, Fulton County; LWC = Louisville Water Company settling ponds, Jefferson
County; MCNP = Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson County; Mel =
Meldahl Dam, Bracken County; MCP = Middle Creek Park, Boone County; New
= Newport, Campbell County; Open = Open Pond, Fulton County; Owen =

48

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 77

Owensboro, Daviess County; Par = Paradise Ash Pond, Muhlenberg County; PBF
= Palmer-Ball Farm, Jefferson County; Pend = Pendelton County; Pet = Peters¬
burg, Boone County; Pie = Pleasant Hill Road, Cadiz, Trigg County; PWMA =
Peabody WMA, Muhlenburg/Ohio counties; RRSP = Rough River State Park,
Grayson County; SC = Short Creek, Grayson County; SWMA= Sloughs WMA,
Henderson County; Smi = Smithland Dam, Livingston County; SCCT = Swift
Camp Creek Trail, Red River Gorge, Wolfe County; Tod = Todd County; Tow =
Towhead Island, Jefferson County; Van = Vanceburg, Lewis County; War = War¬
saw, Gallatin County; WKU = Western Kentucky University, Warren County; Whit
= Whitley County; Wil = Willow Pond, Fulton County.

Common Loon - 1 on April 13 at KyDam (MB); 1 on April 20 on KyLake (PL,
WL); 1 on April 24 at CEL (LMc).

Horned Grebe - 12 on March 10 at Bark (Hap); 200+ at LBark and KyLake on
March 10 (DR); 2 on March 16 at CEL (LMc).

Eared Grebe - 1 on March 10 at KyDam (DR).

American White Pelican - 169 on March 10 at Bark (Hap); approximately 200
on March 10 on LBark (DR); 6 on April 8 at L#9 (BL, KL); 3 on April 13 at
LBark (MB).

Double-crested Cormorant - 1 2 on March 10 at LBark (Hap); 125 at Kut, 500 at
LBark with 20+ at Smi on April 13 (MB); 4 on May 12 at Falls (DO); 30 on May
28 at Par (MB).

American Bittern - 1 on April 21 at SWMA (DO).

Least Bittern - 1 on April 2 1 at SWMA (DO).

Great Blue Heron - 1 1 on May 1 7 at L#9 (KL); 3 active nests observed on May
28 at PWMA (MB).

Great Egret - 12 on April 8 near Miller, Ful, and 6 on May 17 at L#9 (KL).
Snowy Egret - 4 on April 3 at Long (GC).

Little Blue Heron - 1 on April 21 at SWMA (DO); 1 on April 28 in Ful (Hap); I
on May 23 at LBL (PL, WL).

Black-crowned Night-Heron - 1 00+ on April 1 3 at Kut (MB); 25 on April 25 at
Falls (FR); 50 on May 12 at Falls (DO).

Turkey Vulture - 75 on March 5 at Long (GC).

Ross’s Goose - 1 on March 15 at Gri (JE).

Wood Duck - Female with 7 young on May 1 5 at L#9 (KL); 2 females with broods
of 7 and 4 on May 19 at Pet (LMc).

American Wigeon - 8 on April 8 at Wil (BL, KL).

Blue-winged Teal - First observed at LBL on March 12 (PL. WL); 13 on April 8 at
Wil (BL, KL).

Northern Shoveler - 8 at Kut on April 13 (MB).

Northern Pintail - 2 on March 10 at Bark (Hap).

Green-winged Teal - 5 on March 1 1 at Pet (LMc).

Canvasback - 6 on March 10 at Bark (Hap).; 1 on Arpil 13 at Par (MB).
Ring-necked Duck - 12 on March 6 in Pend (FR; 16 to 27 at Pet from March 1 1-
I 7 (LMc); 20 on March 24 at Heb (FR); 3 at Can on March 25 (JP); 8 on March

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

49

2001 _

30 at Gri (MB).

Lesser Scaup - 100 on March 10 Bark (Hap); approximately 10,000 on LBark on
March 10 (DR); 50 on March 29 at Falls (MB); 69 at Kut and 300+ above Bark
on April 13 (MB).

Ruddy Duck - 15 on March 10 at Bark (Hap); 2 at CEL March 1 6-17 (LMc); 3 on
March 29 at Falls and 40 on April 1 3 above Bark (MB).

Osprey - 1 on March 9 in Gray (JP); 1 on March 18 at LBL (PL, WL); 4 in LBL
area and 2 at Smi on April 13 (MB); 1 on April 16 below Bar(JE); I on May 19
at FtT (FR).

Mississippi Kite - 3 on April 28 in Ful (Hap); total of 5 near two possible nest
locations from May 1 to 25 at KBend (BL, KL).

Bald Eagle - 1 on nest on March 5 at L#9 (GC); 2 on April 21 at SWMA (DO); 1
on April 28 in Ful (Hap); 2 adults at nest and feeding young in Ful from April 30
to May 23 (KL).

Northern Harrier - 5+ on March 3 at PWMA (DO); I on April 8 at WKU farm
(JE); I female on April 8 and 1 male on April 9 at L#9 ( BL, KL).

Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1 on April 21 at SWMA (DO).

Cooper’s Hawk - 1 on March 13 in Bar and 1 on March 28 in Hart (MS); 1 on
March 26 in Gray (JP).

Broad-winged Hawk -1 on April 8 at WKU woods (JE); 1 on April 14 at War
(LMc).

Red-tailed Hawk - Active nest on April 1 4 at Ghe and nest with two young at Pet
on May 19 (LMc).

Merlin - 1 on April 2 1 at SWMA ( DO).

American Kestrel - 1 at nest box at SC on April 1 8 (JP).

Wild Turkey - Nest with 20 eggs on April 30 at Eng (LMc).

Virginia Rail - I on April 21 at SWMA (DO).

BLACK RAIL - 1 on April 24 at PWMA (DR). This would be a first Kentucky
observation. Documentation to be submitted.

Sandhill Crane - 35 on March 2 in Hart (MS); 25 on March 2 over Hardin County
(JP).

American Golden-Plover - 8 on April 28 in Ful (Hap).

Semipalmated Plover- Approximately 100 on April 25 at L#9( (KL); 56 on April
28 in Ful (Hap); 3 on May 28 at Par (MB).

Greater Yellowlegs - 3 on March 8 at Long (GC); 8 on April 13 at Par (MB); 2
on April 2 1 at SWMA (DO); 50 on April 22 at Wil (BL, KL); 5 on April 28 in
Ful (Hap); 6 on April 30 at KBend (KL).

Lesser Yellowlegs - 2 on April 22 and 4 on April 9 at L#9 with 40 at Wil on April
30 (BL, KL); 4 on April 28 in Ful (Hap).

Solitary Sandpiper - 20 on April 28 in Ful (Hap); 1 on April 30 at KBend (KL).

Willet - 7 on April 21 at CEL (LMc); 5 on May 7 at KyDam (Hap).

Spotted Sandpiper - 1 on April 28 in Ful (Hap).

Marbled Godwit - 1 5 at Falls on April 22 (DO); Documentation to be submitted.

.Semipalmated Sandpiper - 2 on April 28 at Bio (Hap); 1 2 on May 28 at Par
(MB).

Least Sandpiper - 6 on March 11 at Bio (Hap); 1 on May 28 at Falls (DO).

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White-rumped Sandpiper - 22 on May 28 at Par (MB).

Pectoral Sandpiper - 35 on April 8 and 110 on April 30 at Wil (BL, KL); 50+ in
western Chris on April 13 (MB); 250 on April 28 in Ful (Hap).

Dunlin - 4 on April 9 at L#9 (KL); 1 on April 28 in Ful (Hap).

Common Snipe - 3 on March 1 1 at Pet (LMc); 5 on March 1 1 at Bio and 1 on
April 28 in Ful (Hap).

American Woodcock - 1 on March 2, 2 on March 12, and 1 on March 30 in Hart
(MS); 1 juvenile on April 29 at Van (LMc).

Bonaparte’s Gull - 15 on April 7 near BBL (LMc); 200 at Bark and 20 at Smi on
April 13 (MB).

Ring-billed Gull - 13 on May 12 at Falls (DO).

CALIFORNIA GULL - 1 adult observed on March 1 7 at Boyd’s Landing, LBark
(DR). Documentation to be submitted. 1 adult on April 25 at Falls (FR). Docu¬
mentation has been submitted to the Kentucky Bird Records Committee.

Herring Gull - 8 on March 21 at Jon (Hap); 2 on May 1 8 at KyDam (Hap).

Thayer’s Gull - 2 on March 10 at Bark (Hap, DR); 1 first year bird on LBark on
March 1 7 (DR).

Lesser Black-backed Gull - 3 adults on March 10 at Bark and 2 on March 17 on
LBark (DR).

Glaucous Gull - 1 first year bird on March 10 on KyLake and 2 on March 17 at
Boyd’s Landing, LBark (DR).

Great Black-backed Gull- 1 first year bird seen on March 10 at Bark and 1 on
March 17 at Boyd’s Landing, LBark (DR). Documentation to be submitted.

Caspian Tern - 1 at Smi on April 13 (MB); 1 on April 20 at LBL (PL, WL); 3 on
May 12 at Falls (DO).

Forster’s Tern - 1 on March 7 near Hopv (PL); 8 on March 1 1 at Bio (Hap); 9 on
Jon and 1 1 in LBL on April 13 (MB); 3 on April 29 near BBL (LMc).

Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 2 on May 16 at KBend (KL).

Great Horned Owl - 2 on March 1 1 and March 30 in Hart (MSA); nest with two
young on March 24 at Ghe (LMc).

Barred Owl - 3 on April 29 in Gray (JP); 1 on April 30 in Hart (MS); 1 on May 12
at JMF (DO).

Short-eared Owl - 2 on March 3 at PWMA (DO).

Common Nighthawk - 39 on May 12 at Falls (DO); 1 at Pie on May 17 (PL).

Chuck-will’s-Widow - 1 in Log on April 12(MB); 1 heard on April 1 4 at Pie ( PL,
WL); 10 on April 29 in Gray, and 1 from May 3 to 6 at SC (JP).

Whip-poor-will - First heard in Gray on April 29 (JP); 7 on May 12 at JMF (DO);
1 on May 12 at Pie (PL, WL).

Chimney Swift - First seen at Pie on April 7 (PL, WL).

Red-headed Woodpecker - 8 on May 16 in KBend (KL).

Red-bellied Woodpecker - 13 on May 16 in KBend area (KL).

Acadian Flycatcher - 3 on May 12 at JMF (DO); 15 on May 16 at KBend (KL).

Alder Flycatcher - 1 heard on May 22 and two seen and heard on May 26 at LBL
(WL).

Willow Flycatcher - 4 on May 28 at PWMA (MB).

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51

Great-crested Flycatcher - 22 on May 16 in KBend area (KL).

Eastern Kingbird - 1 on April 16 in Jef (DO); 1 at Hopv on April 18 (PL, WL).

Loggerhead Shrike - 2 on April 30 and May 16 at KBend (KL).

White-eyed Vireo - 2 on April 8 at WKU woods (JE); 1 on April 22 in Jef (DO); 9
on April 30 at KBend (KL).

Bell’s Vireo - 14 at various locations, Sinclair Unit of PWMA on May 28 (MB).

Yellow-throated Vireo - 4 on April 9 at MCNP (JE); 1 on April 16 at LBL (PL,
WL).

Blue-headed Vireo - 3 on May 22 and 2 on May 23 at SCOT (FR).

Warbling Vireo - 6 on April 1 3 in LBL area (MB); 1 on May 12 in Jef (DO); 1 on
May 16 at KBend (KL).

Philadelphia Vireo - 1 on May 15 at KBend and 1 on May 16 at L#9 (KL).

Fish Crow - 2 on April 13 at Jon (MB); 3 on May 16 at KBend (KL).

Horned Lark - 26 on April 1 2 with 1 6 on April 30 at KBend (KL).

Purple Martin - 6 on March 15 at Gri (JE); 6 on March 17 at Can (JP).

Tree Swallow - First seen on March 12 at LBL (PL, WL); 8 on March 15 at Gri
(JE); 8 on March 25 at Can (JP); approximately 1,000 on April 13 in PWMA
(MB).

Cliff Swallow - 1 0 at KyDam and 50 on Bark on April 1 3 (MB); 25+ on April 1 6
at Bar dam (JE); 2 on May 21 in Gray (JP).

Red-breasted Nuthatch - 4 on April 16 at Bar (JE); a pair exhibiting nesting
behavior on May 22 to 23 at SCCT (FR).

Carolina Wren - 2 building a nest on March 19 in Bel (FR).

House Wren - I on April 22 in Jef (DO); 1 on May 6 at RRSP (JP).

Winter Wren - 2 on April 8 at WKU woods (JE).

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - First observed at LBL on Arpil 4 (PL, WL); 2 on April 5
at WKU woods (JE); 67 on April 13 in LBL area (MB); 3 on April 21 in Gray
(JP).

Eastern Bluebird - Nest with 5 eggs on April 25 at SC (JP).

Swainson’s Thrush - A wave passed through LBL and Pie from May 9 until May
16 (PL,WL).

Hermit Thrush - I on April 8 in Whit (FR); 1 on April 13 in LBL (MB).

Wood Thrush - Adult on nest at BCNP on May 19 (LMc).

VARIED THRUSH - 1 on March 16 at Wranglers Camp, LBL (PL, WL); 1 on
March 1 7 at LBL (DR); last seen on March 22 ( WL). Bird was observed by
many and photographed by Chris Sloan.

Brown Thrasher - 1 on March 13 at SC (JP).

American Pipit - 3 on April 21 at SWMA(DO); 16 on April 26 at KBend and 9 on
April 30 at L#9(KL).

Blue-winged Warbler - 1 on April 8 at WKU woods and 1 on April 9 at MCNP
(JE); seen regularly after April 1 3 at LBL (PL, WL); 1 on May 12 at JMF (DO).

Golden-winged Warbler - A male on April 26 to 27 at LBL (PL, WL); 1 female
on May 13 at GRC (JE).

Nashville Warbler - First seen in LBL on April 1 6 (PL, WL); 2 on April 24 at
WKU woods ( JE); 1 on May 1 2 at JMF ( DO).

Northern Parula - 1 on April 6 at LBL (PL, WL); 8 on April 8 at WKU woods

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Vol. 77

(JE); 5 on April 12 at KBend (KL); 25 on April 13 in LBL area (MB); 1 on April
2 1 in Gray (JP); 1 on May 12 in JMF (DO); 3 on May 23 at SCCT (FR).

Yellow Warbler - 1 building nest on April 30 at Eng (LMc).

Magnolia Warbler - 1 on April 2 1 in Gray ( JP); 1 on May 5 at LBL ( WL); 8+ on
May 13 at GRC (JE).

Cape May Warbler - 3 on May 12 at JMF (DO); 7+ on May 13 at GRC (JE).

Yellow-rumped Warbler - 26 on April 13 in LBL area (MB); 20+ on April 24 at
WKU woods (JE); 2 on April 28 at SC (JP); 1 on May 12 at JMF (DO).

Black-throated Green Warbler - 1 on April 5 at WKU woods ( JE); 2 on April 8
in Whit (FR); 1 on April 22 in Jef (DO); 5 on May 22 at SCCT (FR).

Blackburnian Warbler - 1 on April 22 at WKU woods (JE).

Yellow-throated Warbler - 1 on April 5 at WKU woods ( JE); 3 on April 8 in Whit
(FR); 3 on May 22 and 5 on May 23 at SCCT (FR).

Pine Warbler - 1 on March 9 at WKU woods (JE); 1 on March 1 1 at Bio (Hap);
5 on April in Whit (FR); 6 on May 22 and 5 with two feeding young fledglings
on May 23 at SCCT (FR); 1 on May 12 at JMF (DO).

Prairie Warbler - 10 on April 13 in LBL area (MB); 2 on May 12 at JMF (DO).

Palm Warbler - 1 on April 21 in Gray (JP); 1 on April 22 at LBL ( WL); 25+ on
April 24 at WKU woods (JE).

Blackpoll Warbler - Observed regularly from April 27 until May 18 at LBL (PL.
WL); 2 on may 12 in JMF (DO).

Black-and-White Warbler - 4 on May 22 and 7 on May 23 at SCCT (FR).

American Redstart - First observed in LBL on April 19 (WL); 3 on May 16 at
KBend (KL).

Prothonotarv Warbler - 19on April 13 in LBL area (MB); 8 on April 30 and 14
on May 16 at KBend (KL).

Worm-eating Warbler - First observed at LBL on April 27 (PL. WL); 2 on May
23 at SCCT (FR).

Swainson’s Warbler - 2 to 3 on May 12 at Bad (JP); 1 on May 22 to 23 at SCCT
(FR).

Ovenbird - First seen at LBL on April 27 (PL. WL); 4 on May 22 with 7 on May
23 at SCCT (FR).

Northern Waterthrush - 1 on May 9 at LBL (WL); 1 on may 12 at Bad (JP).

Louisiana Waterthrush - 1 on April 5 at Jon (PL, WL); 1 on April 5 at WKU
woods (JE); 1 on April 2 1 in Gray (JP); adults building nest on May 19 at MCP
(LMc); 1 on May 22 at SCCT (FR).

Kentucky Warbler - 2 on April 30 and May 16 at KBend (KL).

Mourning Warbler - 1 on May 7 at LBL (WL); 1 on May 13 at PBF (DO).

Hooded Warbler - 1 on May 16 at KBend (KL); 8 on May 23 at SCCT (FR).

Yellow-breasted Chat - 9 on May 16 at KBend (KL).

Scarlet Tanager - Adults building a nest at BCNPon May 5 (LMc); 8 on May 16
at KBend (KL).

Eastern Towhee - 13 on April 30 and 18 on May 16 at KBend (KL).

Chipping Sparrow - 1 on March 30 in Bern (MB); 2 on April 3 in Gray (JP).

Vesper Sparrow - 1 on March 31 at Day (FR).

Savannah Sparrow - 3 on March 3 at PWMA (DO); 4 on March 29 at Day (FR);

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53

an adult singing at GCA on April 29 (LMc); 3 on May 16 at KBend (KL).
Grasshopper Sparrow - 1 singing on April 13 at Pie (PL, WL); 1 at GCA on May
26 (LMc).

Henslow’s Sparrow - 5 on April 1 3 and 4 on May 28 in Sinclair Unit of PWMA
(MB); 2 singing from April 30 to May 3 1 at Eng (LMc).

LeConte’s Sparrow - 3 on March 3 at PWMA (DO).

Lincoln’s Sparrow - 1 on April 2 1 at WKU woods ( JE); 1 on April 28 at Pie (PL,
WL).

Fox Sparrow - 1 at feeder on April 1 in Pie (PL, WL).

White-throated Sparrow - 25 on April 12 at KBend (KL); 25+ on April 2 1 at
WKU woods (JE); last seen at Pie feeder on May 6 (PL, WL); 1 on May 12 at
JMF (DO). Harris’s Sparrow - 1 on April 26 at L#9 (KL). Documentation to
be submitted.

White-crowned Sparrow - As many as 40 with last observation on May 6 in Hart
(MS); birds present from April 14 to May 1 at SC (JP, RF, MH).

Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 5 males on April 24 at WKU woods (JE); 3 males
on April 26 at LBL (WL).

Indigo Bunting - 1 00 on April 30 at KBend (KL).

Blue Grosbeak - 1 on April 21 at WKU woods (JE); I on April 21 at Pie (PL,
WL); 1 on April 24 to 25 in Hart (MS); 1 on April 29 at SC (JP).

Dickcissel - 3 on April 26 at L#9 with 3 on April 30 and May 16 at KBend (KL);

several observations in Pie area after May 24 (PL, WL).

Bobolink - 2 on April 26 at L#9 (KL); 40+ on May 1 at WKU farm (JE).
Orchard Oriole - First seen at SC on April 12 (JP); 1 on April 19 in LBL (PL,
WL); 16 on April 30 and 3 1 on May 16 at KBend (KL); 1 or 2 during May in
Hart (MS).

Baltimore Oriole - First noted at SC on April 22 (JP); 3 on April 24 at WKU
woods (JE); several observed at LBL and Pie on April 26 (PL, WL); 4 on April
30 at KBend (KL).

Purple Finch - 1 to 3 present at SC from March 3 to April 1 1 ( JP); 1 male at feeder
in Pie until April 3 (PL, WL).

Contributors -- Mark Bennett (MB), Hap Chambers (Hap), Glen Criswell (GC),
Jackie B. Elmore (JE), Rebecca Forman (RF), Mary Harrel (MH), Betty Leggett
(BL), Ken Leggett (KL), Paula Lisowsky (PL), William Lisowsky (WL), Rick
Lowe (RL), Lee McNeely (LMc), Darrin O’Brien (DO), Joyce Porter (JP), Frank
Renfrow (FR), David Roemer (DR), Chris Sloan (CS), and Mitchell Sturgeon
(MS).

-- 437 Sunset Lane, Morehead, KY 40351

54

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 77

RECENT CHANGES TO ORNITHOLOGICAL NOMENCLATURE
OF KENTUCKY'S BIRDS

The relatively recent publication of the 7th edition of the American Ornitholo¬
gists' Union Check-list of North American Birds (1998) included several changes
to the nomenclature of Kentucky birds. These changes first appeared in the 41st
supplement to the Check-list ( The Auk 1 14:542-552, 1 997). One more recent change
was published in the Checklist’s 42nd Supplement that appeared in the July 2000
issue of The Auk (Vol. 1 1 7:847-858). These changes have been based on a variety
of recently published taxonomic and nomenclatural studies. Also included in the
7th edition was a number of changes in the taxonomic placement of various groups;
most of these changes in relationships were based on recent DNA analysis re¬
search. Shifts in arrangement included movement of the vultures into the wading
bird order Ciconiifonnes from the raptorial Falconiformes; a shuffling of the or¬
dering within the diving ducks, and a reordering of several family and sub-family
groups within the Passeriformes (songbirds). The latter change moved the vireosand
shrikes earlier and the cardinals/grosbeaks/buntings later. Several other more subtle
alterations in relationships caused a few additional shifts in taxonomic ordering.
Individual changes in the English and scientific names of Kentucky birds included
in the 7th edition of the Check-list and the 42nd Supplement are listed below:

The English name for Chen rossii has been corrected to reflect the appropriate
spelling of the possessive of Ross and is now Ross’s Goose. The English name
had been spelled Ross’ Goose in the 6,h edition.

The genus name for the Masked Duck (one Kentucky record) was changed to
Nomonyx to reflect the results of recent work on the relationships between mem¬
bers of the genus Oxyura. The scientific name is now Nomonyx dominions.

The scientific name of the Olive-sided Flycatcher (formerly Contopus borealis )
was changed to Contopus cooperi to reflect results of investigation into the origin
of the name assigned to this species.

The genus name for the Cliff Swallow was changed back to Petrochelidon to
reflect the results of recent work on the relationships between members of this
genus and the closely related genus Hirundo.

The Solitary Vireo ( Vireo solitarius) was taxonomically split into three species,
one of which occurs in eastern North America. Our form is now called the Blue¬
headed Vireo but retains the scientific name Vireo solitarius.

The genus name for the chickadees was changed to Poecile to reflect the results
of recent work on the relationships among and between New World and Old World
members of the family. This changed the scientific names of our two chickadees
to Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis — common permanent resident) and
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus — extremely rare or accidental va

2001

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

55

grant). Note, however, that in the 42nd supplement, the scientific name of the latter
was corrected to Poecile atricapilla.

The genus name for the Tufted Titmouse was changed to Baeolophus to reflect
the results of recent work on the relationships among and between New World and
Old World members of the family. The new scientific name is Baeolophus bi¬
color.

The English name for Zonotrichia querula has been corrected to reflect the ap¬
propriate spelling of the possessive of Harris and is now Harris’s Sparrow. The
English name had been spelled Harris’ Sparrow in the 6th edition.

— BRAINARD PALMER-BALL, JR., Kentucky State Nature Preserves Com¬
mission, 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601.

NEWS AND VIEWS

The K.O.S. Fall Meeting

The fall meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society will be held at KenLake
State Resort Park, Hardin, Kentucky. Reservations can be made at 1 -800-325-
0143. If you are interested in making a presentation at the Friday evening session,
please contact the program chair, Kathy Caminiti, 4980 Middle Creek Road,
Burlington, Kentucky 41005-8663; phone: (859)-689-4 1 66; email
krzy4owls@aol.com.

Kentucky Bird Records Committee

Rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season should be well documented
and the documentation should be sent to Lee McNeely, Secretary of the KBRC,
P.O. Box 463, Burlington, Kentucky 41005, for consideration by the committee
for official state record status.

K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Avain Research Grant Fund

The K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Research Grant Fund supports research on birds
in Kentucky up to S500. For guidelines on how to apply, please contact Blaine
Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Deans Office, Western Ken¬
tucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, 42101 .

56

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 77

Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline

The Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline is (502)-326-0878. Please report any
unusual sightings in order to provide others with the opportunity to see rare birds.

Visit the K.O.S. Website

To learn about the Kentucky Ornithological Sociey and interesting happenings,
visit the K.O.S. Website, www.biology.eku.edu/kos.htm, maintained by webmaster
Gary Ritchison.

The Kentucky Warbler

(Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society)

Vol. 77

NOVEMBER 2001

NO. 4

IN THIS ISSUE

THE SUMMER SEASON , 2001, Fred Busroe . 59

KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2001 FALL MEETING 61

BREEDING RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES IN KENTUCKY: A
NESTING ATTEMPT IN CAMPBELL COUNTY AND WOLFE

COUNTY UPDATE, Frank Renfrew . 64

NORTHERN SAW- WHET OWL SURVEYS IN THE BIG FORK
NATIONAL RIVER AND RECREATION AREA, KENTUCKY AND

TENNESSEE, Stephen J. Stedman . 68

NEWS AND VIEWS . . 76

58

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 77

THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

President . Kathy Caminiti, Burlington

Vice-President . Hap Chambers, Murray

Corn Secretary . Mark Monroe

1 1 14 Silvercrest Lane, Louisville 40223

Treasurer . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr

8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222

Recording Secretary . Mark Bennett, Russellville

Councillors:

Jackie Elmore, Bowling Green . 2000 thru 2002

Gerald Robe. Mt. Sterling . 2000 thru 2002

Richard Cassell. Louisville . 2001 thru 2003

Janet Howard. Owensboro . 2001 thru 2003

Scott Marsh, Lexington . 2002 thru 2004

Roseanna Denton. Science Hill . 2002 thru 2004

Retiring President . Marilee Thompson, Owensboro

Staff Artist . Ray Harm

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 $8.00: Contribut¬
ing, $15.00; Student $4.00; Life, $200.00; Family, $2.00 in addition to Regular.
Contributing or Life Membership dues; Corporate. All articles and communica¬
tions should be addressed to the editor. Subscriptions and memberships should be
sent to the Treasurer. Requests for back issues should be sent to the Corresponding
Secretary.

Editor. . B.R. Ferrell. Ogden College of Science and Engineering

Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Editorial Advisory Board

Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. and Wayne Mason

Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely

PO. Box 463. Burlington. KY 41005

THE COVER

We thank Jennifer Leyhe. for the photograph of the Northern Saw-whet Owl ( Aegolius
acadicus) taken in Madison County, Kentucky in November 1999 (see pg. 68 for related
article).

2001

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

59

THE SUMMER SEASON, 2001
Fred M. Busroe

The temperature for June was near normal, with July’s temperature slightly above
normal and humidity being unusually high. The high humidity may have kept
some birders from going afield. However, several interesting observations were
recorded. These include a juvenile Hooded Merganser photographed in Campbell
County, a Blacknecked Stilt in Fayette County, possible continued nesting of
Red-breasted Nuthatches in the Red River Gorge and observation of Swainson’s
Warbler in the Gorge as well.

Abbreviations - WMA = Wildlife Management Area; AJJ = A. J. Jolly Park,
Campbell County; Bern = Bemheim Forest, Bullitt/Nelson counties; Camp =
Campbell County; Cane = Canewood, Clark County; Can = Caneyville Reservoir,
Grayson County; Day = Dayton, Campbell County; Hart = Hart County; Gray =
Grayson County; Jef = Jefferson County; JMF = Jefferson County Memorial For¬
est, Jefferson County; KBend = Kentucky Bend, Fulton County; L#9 = Lake # 9,
Fulton County; Lou = Louisville, Jefferson County; LWC = Louisville Water Com¬
pany, Jefferson County; Mel = Melbourne, Campbell County; MCFH = Minor
Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan County; Old = Oldham County; PWMA = Peabody
WMA, Muhlenberg/Ohio counties; RRSP = Rough River State Resort Park,
Grayson County; SC = Short Creek, Grayson County; Sky = Sky Bridge, Wolfe
County; SCCT = Swift Camp Creek Trail, Red River Gorge, Wolfe County; UKF
= University of Kentucky Farm, Fayette County; Wild = Wilder, Campbell County.

Great Blue Heron - 1 on July 4 at Can (JP); 2 on July 14 at PWMA (DO).

Great Egret - 20+ on June 1 5 and 1 5 on July 29 at L#9 (KL).

Snowy Egret - 8 on July 29 at L#9 (KL).

Green Heron - 1 on July 14 at PWMA (DO); 50+ daily during July at MCFH
(FB).

Black-crowned Night-Heron - 1 adult on July 13 and July 3 1 at AJJ (FR).

Wood Duck - 3 on July 4 at Can (JP); 10 on July 1 8 at AJJ (FR); 4 on July 29 at
L#9 (KL).

Hooded Merganser - 1 juvenile, capable of flight, was photographed on July 25
at Watertown Yacht Club, Day (FR).

Mississippi Kite - 7 on June 25 at KBend and 1 on July 15 at L#9 (KL).

Bald Eagle - 1 immature near nest on June 25 at KBend and 1 adult on July 15 at
L#9 (KL); I adult seen through the period at MCFH (FB).

Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1 on June 16 and 27 in Hart (MS).

Northern Bobwhite - 2 on June 1 6 in Jef (DO); 2 on several occasions during July
at SC (JP).

Killdeer - 100 on June 15 at L#9 (KL); 1 on nest with four eggs on June 10 and
27 at Day (FR)

Black-necked Stilt - 1 on June 3 at UKF (BM, BPB, JW).

•Greater Yellowlegs - 2 on July 15 at L#9 (KL).

Solitary Sandpiper- 3 on July 15 at L#9 (KL).

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Vol. 77

Least Sandpiper - 8 on July 1 5 at L#9 (KL).

White-rumped Sandpiper- 1 on June 3 at UKF (BM, JW).

Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 1 on June 2 and July 14 at SC (JP); 1 on June 13 in Lou
(DO).

Eastern Screech-Owl- 1 on July 31 at RRSP (JP).

Great Horned Owl - 2 young calling on June 8 in Hart (MS), 2 on June 1 1 at
SC (JP)

Chuck-will’s-Widow - 1 on June 5 and 10 at SC and 1 on June 24 in Gray (JP).

Red-headed Woodpecker - Two on June 3 at SC (JP); 2 on July 14 at PWMA
(DO).

Acadian Flycatcher - 1 on July 4 at Can (JP).

Willow Flycatcher - 1 on June 10 and 2 on June 16-18 at Day (FR); 1 on June
16 at LWC (DO).

Cliff Swallow - 4 on June 13 and 3 on June 24 in northwest Gray (JP).

White-eyed Vireo - 1 on July 4 at Can (JP).

Yellow-throated Vireo - 1 on July 4 at Can (JP).

Wood Thrush - 1 on June 13 and 24 in Gray (JP); 2 on July 1 at SCCT (FR); 2
on July 14 at PWMA (DO).

Blue-winged Warbler- 1 on June 3 at Bern (DO).

Northern Parula - 5 on July 1 on SCCT (FR).

Black-throated Green Warbler - 7 on June 30 and 5 including a female
gathering nesting material on July 1 at SCCT (FR).

Yellow-throated Warbler - 3 on June 30 and 4 on July 1 at SCCT (FR); 1 on July
16 in Jef (DO)

Pine Warbler - 1 on June 3 in JMF (DO); 4 on June 30 and 3 on July 1 on
SCCT (FR).

Black-and-White Warbler - 2 on June 17 at Bern (DO); 2 on June 30 on SCCT
(FR).

American Redstart - 2 males singing on June 18 and 21 near Mel (FR).

Worm-eating Warbler - 3 on June 30 and 2 on July 1 at SCCT (FR).

Swainson’s Warbler - 1 on June 30 and July 1 on SCCT (FR).

Ovenbird - 2 on June 30 on SCCT (FR).

Louisiana Waterthrush - 1 on June 16 in Old (DO); 2 adults feeding 2 young
on June 30 plus 2 observed on July 1 at SCCT (FR).

Kentucky Warbler - 2 on June 21 near Mel (FR).

Hooded Warbler - 8 on June 30 and 7 on July 1 at SCCT (FR); 1 on July 16 in
Bern (DO).

Common Yellowthroat - 1 on June 13 and 2 on June 24 in Gray with 1 on July 4
at Can (JP).

Yellow-breasted Chat - 1 on June 13 in Gray and 1 on July 4 at Can (JP).

Summer Tanager - 1 on June 24 in northwestern Gray ( JP); 2 on July 1 6 in JMF
(DO); 1 on July 24 at SC (JP).

Grasshopper Sparrow - 1 -6 during the period in Hart (MS); 1 on June 30 at Cane
(FR); 2 on July 14 at PWMA (DO).

Henslow’s Sparrow - 5 on July 14 at PWMA (DO).

Blue Grosbeak - 1 on June 4 and June 1 5-22 also on July 3, 5 and 1 4 in Hart (MS);
1 on June 1 3 and June 24 in Gray (JP); 2 on June 1 6, 1 on June 28, a pair of

2001 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 6]_

adults carrying food on July 3 and a pair of adults with 3 fledglings on July 13

near Wild (FR); 4 on July 14 at PWMA (DO).

Dickscissel - A high count of 5 during the period in Hart (MS); 8 on June 29-30 at

Cane (FR); 5 on July 14 at PWMA (DO).

Contributors - Fred Busroe (FB), Ken Leggett (KL), Bob Morris (BM), Darrin
O’Brien (DO), Brainard Palmer-Ball (BPB), Joyce Porter (JP), Frank Renfrow
(FR), Mitchell Sturgeon (MS), Jim Williams (JW).

— 437 Sunset Lane, Morehead, KY 40351

Kentucky Ornithological Society
2001 Fall Meeting
Kenlake State Resort Park
September 28 - 30

The 2001 fall meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was opened by
President Marilee Thompson at 7:30 p.m. at Kenlake State Resort Park. Ms.
Thompson introduced Vice President, Kathy Caminiti, who made announcements
and introduced the speakers for the evening.

The first speaker was Mr. Rick Huffines, Manager of the Clark’s River National
Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1997, this refuge is the only National Wildlife
Refuge located entirely within the commonwealth of Kentucky. The Refuge con¬
sists of 18,000 acres of river bottom timber and farm land of which over 7,000
acres is currently owned by the refuge itself. The remaining land is under private
ownership and is sought by the refuge. The Clark’s River Refuge is located prima¬
rily in Marshall County along the East Fork of the Clark’s River but extends into
southeastern McCracken County.

Mr. Huffines explained that the purpose of the refuge was to preserve river bot¬
tom timber and to protect migrant birds and other endemic species. He also pre¬
sented a short history of events leading to its establishment. He stated that birders
are welcome to use the refuge and encouraged individual members to study and
observe the bird life of the property.

The second speaker of the evening was KOS member Dr. Gary Ritchison of
Eastern Kentucky University. Dr. Ritchison spoke on communication tactics of
woodland Kentucky owl species. With tapes of the Eastern Screech-Owl, Barred
Owl, and Great Horned Owl, Dr Ritchison demonstrated different calls of each
owl species and discussed the purposes of each call. He pointed out that lower
pitched notes were used for territory establishment and defense as they traveled
further in the woodland environment than the higher pitched calls of owls. These
calls are used primarily for communication within the territory between mating
pairs, according to Dr. Ritchison.

Following the program, a short owl walk was held and members of the Society
were able to hear several Eastern Screech-Owls and a Great Homed Owl.

On Saturday morning, three field trips departed the Kenlake lodge. One trip was
led to Blood River and Jonathan Creek mudflats by Ms. Hap Chambers. This trip

Vol. 77

62 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

focused on shorebirds, migrant passerines, and land birds. Several species of war¬
blers and other migrant passerines were observed. A second trip was led by Mr.
David Roemer to Kuttawa Landing and other points along upper Lake Barkley.
Water birds and migrant passerines were the focus of this trip which also visited
Kentucky Dam and Smithland Dam. This trip also reported numerous species of
migrant warblers and other passerines as well as water birds. Ken Leggett led a
third field trip to the Land Between the Lakes.

At 3:00 p.m. the KOS Board of Directors met to discuss Society Business. At
7:30 p.m. on Saturday, the evening meeting was opened by Marilee Thompson.
The evening program was presented by Mr. Brian Myres. Mr. Myres is a retired
biology teacher at Cypress College in California where he directed students in the
study of coastal salt marshes. His program included numerous slides of birds and
the coastal salt marsh itself. Mr. Myres discussed teaching methodology, salt marsh
ecology and avian fauna, and the pressures of development in southern California
on this fragile and increasingly rare ecosystem. The program was highly informa¬
tive and included a photo quiz on “Birds of the World" embedded within the pre¬
sentation.

Following the program. President Marilee Thompson presided over a general
business meeting of the Society. The following were elected as officers by accla¬
mation:

Kathy Caminiti, President; Hap Chambers, Vice President; Brainard Palmer-Ball
Jr., Treasurer; Mark Monroe, Corresponding Secretary; Mark Bennett, Recording
Secretary; Richard Cassell, Councillor; Janet Howard, Councillor; Scott Marsh,
Councillor; and Roseanna Denton, Councillor.

The term of service for officers is one year except for the office of Councillor
which is a three year term. Scott Marsh and Roseanna Denton were elected to a
regular three year term while Richard Cassell and Janet Howard were elected to
complete two years remaining on their original three year term. Ms. Howard and
Mr. Cassell were appointed by the Board last year when a by-laws revision created
two vacant positions. All terms begin and end at the conclusion of the annual fall
meeting.

On Sunday morning, a single field trip returned to the east side of upper Lake
Barkley. This trip was again led by David Roemer. Numerous sites were visited
and several species of migrant warblers, other passerines, and water birds were
observed.

Society members observed a total of 122 species through Saturday evening. On
Sunday, four additional species were added bringing the grand total of species
observed for the weekend to 126. There were 64 members in attendance at the
meeting. — MARK BENNETT, Recording Secretary, 113 Iroquois Circle,
Russellville, Kentucky 42276

2001

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63

ATTENDANCE AT THE FALL MEETING 2001
BEREA: Art Ricketts and Tina Ricketts

BOWLING GREEN: Valerie Brown, Tina Coates, Diane Elmore, Jackie
Elmore, Blaine Ferrell, David Roemer, Joanie Roemer
BURLINGTON: Joey Caminiti, Joe Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Lee McNeely,
Lynda McNeely

CADIZ: Cookie Gray, Willard Gray

CARLISLE: Ginny Kingsolver, Wendell Kingsolver, Brian Myres
COX’S CREEK: Dona Coates, Roger Coates
ELIZABETHTOWN: Janet Gebler
FRANKFORT: Amy Covert

GILBERTSVILLE: Rowena Cary, E. J. Conrad, Madelyn Conrad
JAMESTOWN: Arlene Martin

LEXINGTON: Rhonda Bryant, Hollianne Hash, Tony Hash, Scott Marsh, Jim
Williams

LOUISVILLE: Richard Cassell, Katherine Fulkerson, Celia Lawrence, Mark
Monroe, Marsha Noe, Peggy Oates, Brainard Palmer-Ball
MADISONVILLE: Ann Morgan, Marian Morgan
MORGANTOWN: Carroll Tichenor, Doris Tichenor
MT. STERLING: Gerald Robe
MURRAY : Hap Chambers

OWENSBORO: Janet Howard, Emily Kavolus, Michael Kavolus, Cassie
Knight, Marilee Thompson, Wendell Thompson
PADUCAH: Bernice Caddell
PRINCETON: John W. Niemi, Phylis B. Niemi
RICHMOND: Gary Ritchison
RUSSELLVILLE: Mark Bennett
SCIENCE HILL: Roseanna Denton
SOUTH WINSON: Joan Carr, Les Estep
CORYDON, IN: Mary Walter
DYERSBURG, TN: Bette Leggett, Ken Leggett
KNOXVILLE, TN: Kathleen Kramer
TIPTONVILLE, TN: Nancy Moore

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BIRDS OBSERVED AT THE FALL MEETING

Bird species observed in the proximity of Ken Lake State Resort Park and the
Land Between the Lakes included: Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-
crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Cattle Egret,
Black-crowned Night-Heron, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Ring-necked
Duck, Lesser Scaup, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Sharp-
shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Ameri¬
can Kestrel, Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, American Coot, Semipalmated Plo¬
ver, Killdeer, Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least
Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed
Gull, Caspian Tern, Forster’s Tern, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed
Cuckoo, Eastern Screech-Owl, Great Homed Owl, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated
Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Wood¬
pecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, North¬
ern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee,
Eastern Phoebe, Great-crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Tree Swallow, North¬
ern Rough-winged Swallow, Bam Swallow, Blue Jay, American Crow, Carolina
Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch,
Carolina Wren, Sedge Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Gray¬
cheeked Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Cat¬
bird, Northern Mockingbird, American Pipit, Cedar Waxwing, Loggerhead Shrike,
European Starling, White-eyed Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo,
Philadelphia Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Tennessee Warbler, Orange-crowned War¬
bler, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided War¬
bler, Magnolia Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated
Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Palm
Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Ameri¬
can Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat,
Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Swamp Spar¬
row, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Common
Grackle, House Finch, American Goldfinch, and House Sparrow for a total of 122
species. Species added on the Sunday field trip were Franklin's Gull, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Brown-headed Cowbird, and Purple Finch, bringing the weekend total to
126 species.

Breeding Red-breasted Nuthatches in Kentucky:

A Nesting Attempt in Campbell County and a Wolfe County Update

This article details two distinctive categories of Red-breasted Nuthatch ( Sitta
canadensis) nestings within Kentucky. The first being an extralimital nesting at¬
tempt following a postirruption winter in a setting of planted conifers in Northern
Kentucky. The second is an update on the nest activities of a small population
inhabiting a natural eastern hemlock (Tsaga canadensis) and white pine (Pinus
strobus ) forest in Eastern Kentucky.

2001

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65

A Campbell County Nesting Attempt

The winter of 1999-2000 was a banner season for Red-breasted Nuthatches in
our region. Individuals were present at several Campbell County, Kentucky loca¬
tions beginning in early autumn. It was not until mid-March (2000), however, that
I was able to locate them at the Evergreen Cemetery in Southgate. On 1 8 March I
observed a pair foraging among a stand of centenarian Austrian pines ( Pinus ni¬
gra), flat-topped and gnarled with age, where I had seen a male several days ear¬
lier. As I followed the pair into a nearby tuliptree ( Liriodendron tulipifera) I was
surprised to witness the male calling excitedly from a dead twig adjacent to a dead
snag, in which it then began to tap out an indentation. It was soon joined by the
female, which began tapping out another indentation a few inches away.

They soon abandoned their efforts to begin foraging again, but even at this their
behavior was somewhat exceptional. Under the close-cropped yews ( Taxus ), only
2-3 foot high, which border the stone chapel walls, they kept up a lively chatter.
While bouncing wren-like on the lowest branches they tapped on the bark for
insects, remaining for some ten minutes only inches from the ground. Later in the
day, I found the female swaying in a pendulum motion from side to side, at the top
of a dead snag on an Austrian pine, behavior strongly indicative of courtship in
this species (Matthysen 1 998). During the next several days the pair spent much of
the time foraging in a large American elm (Ulmus americana).

On 22 March, I returned to find the male excavating a dime-sized hole near the
top of a dead snag about 20 feet up in a medium-sized black maple ( Acer nigrum).
The female took over the task a few minutes later, and continued to enlarge the
cavity for about five minutes. Shortly thereafter, the male Red-breasted Nuthatch
aggresively chased away a Brown Creeper ( Certhia americana) which was feed¬
ing nearby. 1 arrived the next morning to find the male digging away at the hole
which was now enlarged to almost an inch in diameter and several inches deep.
The female soon relieved the male and worked very vigorously, with wood chips
flying, for almost a half hour. The male attempted to return to the hole several
times during this period, but the female would not budge from her task.

I was unable to return to the cemetery until 2 April, during which time the unsea¬
sonably warm weather of March had changed to unseasonably cold weather for
April. The hole was now an almost perfectly round one inch in diameter. I found
the pair foraging in nearby deciduous trees but only observed the female at the
hole on one occasion, during which she briefly looked inside. The next several
days were cold and stormy. On 5 April I found the female sitting perfectly still in a
near dormant state on a short stub, sheltered from the gusting wind under the thick
needle clusters near the top of an Austrian pine. On 6 April I found the pair feeding
in deciduous trees near the black maple. The male briefly went to the hole but did
not dig or go in.

I did not return until 18 April. A Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) was calling
from the top of the maple. The hole was greatly enlarged to almost 2 inches in
diameter. I did find the pair of Red-breasted Nuthatches in a nearby section of the
cemetery. This time the tables were turned. A pair of American Robins ( Turdus
migratorius) angrily chased the nuthatches from a large white cedar ( Thuja
occidentalis) in which the robins’ nest was located.

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Vol. 77

I returned often during the next several days but could not find the nuthatches.
The flicker was frequently observed in the maple, as well as a pair of Red-bellied
Woodpeckers (Melanerpes carolinus ) which were working on a nest hole in an¬
other dead snag on the same tree.

I had pretty much given up hope when on 23 April I found the pair of Red-breasted
Nuthatches showing renewed interest in a 1-inch diameter hole just to the side of
and below the enlarged hole. At one point the male looked in the hole and then
aggresively charged a nearby Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata). The
warbler remained in the tree until the female nuthatch also confronted it, giving an
“electric buzzer" type alarm call. The nuthatch pair continued to bicker with sev¬
eral yellow rumps in a nearby tree. They then began to bicker between themselves,
and after another buzzer type call the nuthatches copulated briefly. 1 returned on
25 April to find the male foraging alone for about an hour. Despite repeated trips to
the cemetery 1 was unable to locate these birds again, except for a distant call note
heard on 28 April.

The 250 acre Evergreen Cemetery was founded in 1 847 and contains many large
coniferous trees. Cemetery records indicate that the planting of “evergreen trees”
was initiated in 1866 (Pretot 1980). A ring count of a recently toppled Austrian
Pine indicates an age of at least 1 14 years.

Evergreen Cemetery is quite similar in character to Spring Grove Cemetery, ten
miles to the north in Cincinnati, Ohio where a Red-breasted Nuthatch nest was
found in the summer of 1982 (Renfrow 1982). This was also located in the dead
portion of a live deciduous tree, adjacent to a stand of Austrian pines. A previous
Cincinnati record has just recently come to my attention. A Red-breasted Nuthatch
was observed going in and out of a cavity in May of 1972 by Worth Randle and
Karl Maslowski (pers. comm. Karl Maslowski). This was near the home of the
noted naturalist, E. Lucy Braun, in a beech-maple woods but also near a mature
stand of Austrian pines. This location is only 3 miles east of Evergreen Cemetery.
All three of these records are consistent with a pattern of extralimital nesting records
following Red-breasted Nuthatch irruption winters. These extralimital nestings
often occur in urban residential areas and cemeteries with ornamental conifers
(Peterjohn and Rice 1991).

The 22 March date for commencement of nest excavation was somewhat early,
possibly prompted by the unseasonably warm, sunny weather. However, 1 did ob¬
serve fledging of this species in southeastern Ohio on 4 June 2001, indicating a
similar nesting chronology. Nestlings were still in the hole at this same Ohio nest
site on 21 June 1999 (Renfrow 1999a). These records demonstrate that a consider¬
able variability in the timing of nesting can occur from year to year in this species.

The Wolfe County Population

The only other known nestings of this species in Kentucky have occurred at the
Rock Bridge area of the Red River Gorge in Wolfe County, Kentucky Red-breasted
Nuthatches have now been found in this area for six consecutive summers. Breed¬
ing evidence has included observation of recently fledged young and a nearby
resin-coated nest hole on 4 July 1996 (Renfrow 1996), at least 4 young birds with
an adult on 3 June 1997 (pers. comm. Brainard Palmer-Ball), and a pair at a nest
hole with the female apparently incubating inside during the period of 5-27 May

2001

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67

1999 (Renfrow 1999b). Both of these nest holes were located in severely rotted
sections of live red maples ( Acer mbruni). This population appears to consist of
only 2 to 4 pairs with a total of 7 individuals counted on 4 July 1996 and 5 on 9
July 1998. 1 have had no definite summer records farther than 2 miles from Rock
Bridge, despite numerous extensive searches.

During a trip to this location on 5 June 2000, 1 observed a female as it flew out of
a hole in a dead white pine ( Pinus strobus ) near the junction of the Swift Camp
Creek and Rock Bridge trails. The 1-inch diameter hole was about 20 feet up and
coated with droplets of resin. The female Red-breasted Nuthatch was observed
flying out of the hole as the male called from the top of a dead snag nearby. Two
other Red-breasted Nuthatches were located along Swift Camp Creek the next
day, with a male carrying food just past the old log dam site. A pair was again
located on 25 August very close to Rock Bridge.

Upon returning to Rock Bridge on 23 May 2001 I found a male Red-breasted
Nuthatch calling from the overlook area just above the Rock Bridge and Swift
Camp Creek trail junction and heard the female answering from nearby on the
following day. On 30 June and again on 1 July, I found the pair in this vicinity.
There were indications that they may have been accompanied by fledged young,
but this was not confirmed. The dead white pine from the observations of the
previous year had fallen. Upon inspection I found the hole to be several inches
deep, but with no descending cavity, indicating that last year’s nesting attempt was
not completed in this cavity.

The Rock Bridge population of Red-breasted Nuthatches may represent one of
several disjunct populations in the plateau and lower elevation areas of the South¬
ern Appalachians (as defined in Holt 1970). This species is also found along the
Chatooga River in Rabun County, Georgia and Oconee County, South Carolina. In
mid-June 2000 I found a total of 14 Red-breasted Nuthatches along a 17.6 mile
stretch of the Chatooga River south from Burrell’s Ford. This area contains exten¬
sive forests of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and white pine, mixed in with
cove hardwoods and rhododendron thickets (Carter 1993). This area is remarkably
similar in habitat and elevation to the Rock Bridge site. I have observed the
Red-breasted Nuthatches moving freely back and forth from the white pines up
into the Virginia (Pinus virginiana) and pitch pines (P. rigida ) which line the upper
slopes at both the Rock Bridge and Chatooga River areas.

Nesting activity was first suspected in South Carolina on 26 May 1 986, although
there is also a 10 June 1910 record from the same location (Post and Gauthreaux
1989). There are no published summer records from the Red River Gorge area
prior to 1996 (Renfrow 1996). Two previous Kentucky summer records occurred
at Bardstown, Nelson County on 16 July 1886 and Big Black Mountain, Harlan
County 3 July 1982 (Monroe, 1994).

A tendency of the breeding range of the Red-breasted Nuthatch to expand to the
south has been documented (Matthysen 1998), and this may explain these recent
discoveries. It is also possible that these populations were simply overlooked, as
was the case with the Swainson’s Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) (Mengel 1965)
with which the Red-breasted Nuthatch shares these same haunts.

■ — FRANK RENFROW, 611 South O’Fallon Ave, Bellevue, KY 41073.

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Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Karl Maslowski for sharing his recollections on the 1972 Cin¬
cinnati record. Thanks also to Brainard-Palmer Ball for his trips to Rock Bridge to
help confirm breeding and for sharing his records.

Literature Cited

Carter,R.M.1993. Finding Birds in South Carolina. University of South Carolina
Press, Columbia, South Carolina.

Holt,P.C. 1970. The Distributional History of the Biota of the Southern Appala¬
chians; Part II: Flora. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University,
Blacksburg, Virginia.

Matthysen,E. 1998. The Nuthatches. Academic Press, San Diego, California.
Mengel,R.M.1965. The Birds of Kentucky. American Ornithologists' Union Mono¬
graph No. 3. Allen Press,Lawrence, Kansas Monroe, B.L. 1994. The Birds of Ken¬
tucky. Indiana University Press, Bloomington.Indiana.

Peterjohn,B.G,and D.L. Rice. 1991. The Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas. Ohio Depart¬
ment of Natural Resources,Columbus,Ohio.

Post W. and S.A. Gauthreaux.1989. Status and Distribution of South Carolina
Birds. The Charleston Museum. Charleston, South Carolina.

Pretot,W. 1 980. Evergreen Cemetery; A Place in Space. Fort Thomas Living 4: 10-11
Renfrow,F. 1982. Red-breasted Nuthatches Nesting in Cincinnati. The Ohio Car¬
dinal 5:40.

Renfrew, F. 1996. Red-breasted Nuthatches Nesting at the Red River Gorge: A
First State Record for Kentucky. The Kentucky’ Warbler 72:62-64.

Renfrew, F. 1999a. Red-breasted Nuthatches Nesting at Hocking Hills: The First
Records for Southeastern Ohio, The Ohio Cardinal 22: 13 1-133
Renfrew, F. 1 999b. An Active Nest of the Red-Breasted Nuthatch at the Red River
Gorge. The Kentucky’ Warbler 75:53-55

Northern Saw-whet Owl Surveys in the Big South Fork National River and
Recreation Area, Kentucky and Tennessee
Stephen J. Stedman
Department of English
Box 5053

Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN 38505

INTRODUCTION

Northern Saw-whet Owls ( Aegolius acadicus) are considered rare winter resi¬
dents in Kentucky (Monroe 1994) and Tennessee (Robinson 1990). They are also
rare permanent residents in the eastern mountains of the latter state (Robinson
1 990). Prior to 2000, no observations of Northern Saw-whet Owl had taken place

2001

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69

in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BSF). Furthermore, no
records of this owl existed for any of the five counties in which the BSF is located,
including McCreary County, Kentucky, and Fentress, Morgan, Pickett, and Scott
counties, Tennessee.

During the fall of 1999, a major irruption of saw-whet owls took place in the
northeastern U. S. and southeastern Canada (Contreras 2000), reaching south to
north-central Kentucky (M. Monroe, pers. comm.) and the Carolinas (Contreras
2000) and prompting me to undertake a project to detect this small owl in the BSF
during the following winter. During January, February, and March 2000 I con¬
ducted a 1 00-stop survey and detected 1 0 Northern Saw-whet Owls in the BSF. To
determine whether the Northern Saw-whet Owls present during 2000 were winter
residents resulting from the irruption event or members of a previously undetected
permanent resident population, I surveyed 50 sites, including 48 sites originally
surveyed during 2000, for these owls in the BSF during February 2001 . No saw-
whets were detected during the second survey, indicating that those encountered
during 2000 were probably present as a result of the irruption event.

Details about the locations of the Northern Saw-whet Owls encountered during
the 2000 survey are presented (Table 1 ). Since winter vocalizations of this species
in Kentucky and Tennessee have been infrequently heard and rarely described in
the past (C. E. Hill, pers. comm.), details about these are also discussed and pre¬
sented (Table 2).

STUDY AREA

Occupying an area of about 50,000 hectares (125,000 acres), the BSF was au¬
thorized by Section 108 of the Water Resources Act of 1974 (PL 93-251) to pre¬
serve the scenic and ecologic features of the Big South Fork of the Cumberland
River, its larger tributaries, and adjacent portions of the Cumberland Plateau. More
than 40,000 hectares (100,000 acres) of the authorized total have been purchased.
Lying about one-third in McCreary County, Kentucky, and two-thirds in Fentress,
Morgan, Pickett, and Scott counties, Tennessee, the BSF features one of the most
pristine river gorges in the eastern United States. Elevation ranges from 212 m
(700 ft) above mean sea level in the gorge to 545 m ( 1 800 ft) on the plateau. The
Area varies from 15 to 40 km wide east to west, while it is over 100 km long from
its northernmost point near Whitley City, Kentucky, to its southernmost point near
Rugby, Tennessee. Various forest communities are found in the BSF, depending
on the elevation, slope, and aspect of the sites involved. The most common com¬
munity of upland sites is the mixed pine-hardwood forest, while the most common
communities in the gorge are the white pine-hemlock and mixed mesophytic for¬
ests.

METHODS

During January, February, and March 2000 I surveyed 100 BSF sites, 80 situ¬
ated in Tennessee and 20 in Kentucky. During February 2001 1 surveyed 50 BSF
sites (40 in Tennessee and 10 in Kentucky); 48 sites surveyed during 2001 were
identical to sites surveyed during 2000, and five of the 48 sites were ones at which
Northern Saw-whet Owls had been located during 2000. I placed all sites along
gravel roads within the BSF at intervals of 0.65-0.8 km. In nearly all cases the
stops were selected during hours of darkness and placed at 0.8-km intervals with

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out regard to the forest type or other characteristics of the sites involved. In the few
remaining cases a shorter interval between stops was used because gravel roads
were limited in the areas surveyed. I drove from one site to another with an auto¬
mobile.

Surveys typically began about 40 min after sunset (c. 1 840- 1 920 EST. when full
darkness had fallen). During 2000 I spent about 80-90 min surveying each evening
of the survey, and I surveyed no sites later than c. 2100 EST; during 2001 I spent
about 90-120 min surveying each evening, and I surveyed no later than c. 2130
EST. I generally selected nights when clear skies and calm wind conditions (Beau¬
fort 0-2) prevailed.

At each survey site I spent about 5-6 min. After stopping at each site, I played a
recording of Northern Saw-whet Owl vocalizations for 1 min, listened for 1-2
min, played the recording for 1 more min, and listened for 1-2 additional min. I
seldom varied this routine except in instances when Northern Saw-whet Owls re¬
sponded to the recordings. In those instances, I often remained at the site listening
to the responses for an additional 2-10 min, depending on how vocal the owls
were. I classified vocal responses by ear, using vocal categories described by
Cannings (1993) and Hill (1995).

I used a battery-operated tape recorder (GE Model No. 3-5301 A) to play a re¬
cording of Northern Saw-whet Owl vocalizations obtained from the Stokes Guide
to Bird Songs: Eastern Region (Elliot et al. 1997). The Stokes recording consists
of two sequences of advertising calls (one about 35 notes long and the other 1 1
notes long) and two contact calls (see descriptions in Results). I copied the ver¬
sion on the Stokes recording twice to create the tape used for the surveys. I played
the recording at a rather low volume. I do not know how far the recording could be
heard by humans or owls, but I strongly suspect <300 m.

RESULTS

Ten Northern Saw-whet Owls were detected at nine of 100 sites surveyed dur¬
ing 2000, for an average of one owl per 1 0 sites surveyed (Table 1 ). Five Northern
Saw-whet Owls were detected in Tennessee (where 80 sites were located) and five
in Kentucky (20 sites), possibly indicating a more dense population of owls oc¬
curred in the Kentucky portion of the BSF. Seven detections were of single owls
at stops 3.2 km or more from other stops at which Northern Saw-whet Owls were
heard; the three remaining owls heard were at adjacent sites (two owls at one site
and one at the other). No Northern Saw-whet Owls were detected during the 50-
stop survey conducted in 2001 (Table 1 ), suggesting that they were absent from, or
present at much lower density in the BSF that winter.

I carried a flashlight and attempted to observe vocalizing Northern Saw-whet
Owls, but in no case did I see one. Northern Saw-whet Owls heard in the BSF
uttered three identifiable calls (Table 2), each described by Cannings (1993) and
Hill (1995): 1 ) the advertising (# 1 in Cannings 1993) or toot call (Hill 1995); 2) a
wail/whine (# 3 in Cannings 1993) or whine (Hill 1995); and 3) a loud, sharp
squeaking (# 4 in Cannings 1993 ) or kew (Hill 1995) resembling a short version
of the call of Elf Owl ( Micrathene whitneyi ) as presented in The Field Guide to
Western Bird Songs (Anonymous 1975). I refer to these below as the advertising,
contact, and threat calls, respectively. I heard various other short, indistinct calls
that probably were also uttered by Northern Saw-whet Owls a few times during

2001 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ _ 7J_

the survey, but in no case could 1 assign any of these calls to one of the call types
described by Cannings or Hill.

All Northern Saw-whet Owls registered during the survey were detected by call.
Considerable difference in the amount of vocal response to the recording was ex¬
hibited, ranging from owls that used a single call in response to the recording to
several that called many times for several minutes. In Hill’s (1995) study, similar
variability in winter calling was also detected. Nine owls responded to my record¬
ing during the time when the first sequence was playing or immediately after the
first playing ended; one of the owls responded after the second playing of the
recording. The most frequently used vocal response was the contact call, uttered
by seven of the ten owls heard during the survey; the advertising call was used by
six owls; and the threat call by three. Hill (1995) also found advertising and con¬
tact calls to be more commonly used winter vocalization than threat calls. Collec¬
tively, the calls 1 heard indicate that Northern Saw-whet Owls are quite vocal dur¬
ing winter in response to tape playback of their calls, more so perhaps than is often
appreciated.

Six owls responded to my recording with two of the three call types, and four
used only one call type (Table 2). For owls responding with two call types, the
order of the calls was noted: two owls uttered one or more contact calls and fol¬
lowed with one or more series of advertising calls; two owls uttered one or more
series of advertising calls and followed with one or more contact calls; one owl
uttered several series of advertising calls, followed with two contact calls, and
resumed uttering the advertising call; and one owl began with one threat call and
followed it with an unusual version of the advertising call (see below). Hill (1995)
also detected owls that used these (and other) sequences of calls in his study.
Additionally, he found that only males use the advertising and contact calls, while
either sex may use the threat call.

The contact calls uttered by the Northern Saw-whet Owls in the BSF were in¬
flected at the end both upwardly and downwardly. No pattern in the inflections of
this call emerged from the instances in which it was heard. Most birds uttered this
call only one or two times. However, one owl heard 5 March 2000 used this call 4-
5 times before switching to the advertising call.

The advertising calls heard during the survey varied in duration quite a bit among
the six owls that uttered them: several owls gave a couple of short tooting bouts
and then became silent; others called for 2-4 min before becoming silent; one owl
continued to call for 10 min and was still calling when I left the site. Hill (1995)
also found considerable inter-individual variation among advertising calls he en¬
countered. In one instance the musical quality of the advertising call given by a
Northern Saw-whet Owl was somewhat different from the quality of all other ad¬
vertising calls I heard. On 2 March 2000, an owl first responded to my recording
with a single threat call (Cannings # 4); about 2 min later it began uttering the
advertising call and gave about 15-20 toots having a metallic, somewhat strained
quality, noticeably unlike the more mellow quality of all other advertising calls I
heard. The threat call was heard from three owls, each uttering it in a slightly
different manner. These differences and the differing distances and behaviors of
the owls that uttered them suggest that the threat call may have a range of possible
delivery forms that depend on the situations (indicating the degree of aggressive

72 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 77

Table 1. Results of Northern Saw-whet Owl surveys in the Big South Fork National
River and Recreation Area, Kentucky and Tennessee, during January-March 2000
and February 2001.

Date

Number

Number

County in

NSWOs

Stops

which NSWO

Heard

Conducted

Heard

14 January 2000

1

7

Fentress, TN

9 February 2000

2

11

Pickett (1), TN

Scott ( 1 ), TN

15 February2000

0

12

2 1 February 2000

1

10

Scott, TN

25 February 2000

1

10

Scott, TN

28 February 2000

1

10

McCreary, KY

29 February 2000

0

10

2 March 2000

1

10

McCreary. KY

5 March 2000

3

10

McCreary, KY

6 March 2000

0

10

2000 Totals

10

100

1 1 February 2001

0

8

19 February 2001

0

11

23 February 2001

0

15

26 February 2001

0

16

2001 Totals

0

50

Table 2. Summary of Northern Saw-whet Owl vocalizations heard during a survey
of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Kentucky and Tennes¬
see, Januarv-March 2000.

Date

Advertising
Call 1

Contact

Call2

Threat

Call3

14 January

X

X

9 February /bird 1

X

9 February /bird 2

X

X

21 February

X

25 February

X

28 February

X

X

2 March

X

X

5 March/bird 1

X

X

5 March/bird 2

X

5 March/bird 3

X

X

1 Cannings # 1 (Cannings 1993).

2 Cannings # 3 (Cannings 1993).

3 Cannings # 4 (Cannings 1993).

2001

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

73

ness to be evidenced?) in which they are used. One of the owls heard 9 February
2000 responded to the recording with a single utterance of this call from moder¬
ately close range ( 1 5-20 m). The call was three-syllabled, rapidly repeated, and
somewhat emphatic. The owl heard 2 1 February 2000 uttered this call twice, each
call being three-syllabled; each call was less emphatically delivered than the call
of the first owl described above, and the two calls were separated by an interval of
silence lasting about 1 sec; the bird was about 25-30 m away when it uttered this
call. The third owl uttering the threat call was heard 2 March 2000 giving a single,
three-syllabled version from close range (c. 10 m) in a louder, more emphatic
manner than the calls used by either of the other two owls. When the recording
was repeated, the owl responded by flying closely and very audibly by me rather
than by uttering another threat call. This owl then began uttering a “strained”
sounding version of the advertising call, as noted above.

Nights with wind speed above Beaufort 2 were much less productive than nights
when wind speed was Beaufort 0-2. Variations in temperature and phase of moon
did not affect owl response rates in any obvious manner.

DISCUSSION

Size of Northern Saw-whet Owl Population in the BSF during the Winter of
1999-2000

Although the advertising call of a Northern Saw-whet Owl can be heard across
open terrain for a distance of about 1 km (Cannings 1993; Milling et al. 1997), it
can be heard in forested terrain for a distance of only about 300 m (Cannings
1993). From my experience with Northern Saw-whet Owl vocalizations during
this survey, I do not believe that either of the other two calls I encountered can be
heard for distances > 300 m in forested terrain. Nine of the owls I detected re¬
sponded immediately from distances of 10-100 m. The immediacy of their re¬
sponses suggested they did not fly toward me before responding. The remaining
owl called from a distance of 100-150 m after the second series of recording had
been played and may have flown in from a greater distance. Assuming a maximum
detection distance of 300 m, each stop represents 0.28 km2. Thus, the 100 stops
surveyed covered 28 km2. The BSF contains about 500 km2. Therefore, about 5.6
percent of the BSF was surveyed during 2000, with 10 owls being detected. Ex¬
trapolation to the entire BSF indicates that a population of about 1 80 Northern
Saw-whet Owls may have been present in the BSF during the major irruption
winter of 1999-2000. The accuracy of this figure depends on the ratio of birds
present to those that responded to recordings, which in turn depends on unknown
differences in tendency to vocalize among the owls, as determined by sex, age,
individual variation, and other factors. It is unlikely that 100 percent of owls
present responded to the recordings, so 1 80 is undoubtedly a conservative figure.

Winter territory size of Northern Saw-whet Owls is not well known, especially
for owls at the southern edge of the species’ range. Winter territory size for one
Northern Saw-whet Owl radio-tagged in Minnesota during 1965 was 1 15 ha (Forbes
and Warner 1974). In the southern Appalachians winter territory size of perma¬
nent resident Northern Saw-whet Owls may be roughly equivalent to summer ter¬
ritory size, which varies from 73 to 250 ha (Milling et al. 1997) with 160 ha per

74

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 77

haps being average (M. Rowe, pers. comm.). Assuming 160 ha to be the average
size of the winter territory of migratory Northern Saw-whet Owls in the mid-south,
a maximum of 3 1 2 winter territories could exist within the BSF. The figure of 1 80
owls calculated above is therefore mathematically possible, but still conservative.

Factors Possibly Influencing Results of the Surveys

Results of the 50-stop survey conducted during February 2001 may have been
affected by two factors not in evidence during January-March 2000. First, an
infestation of southern pine beetles (Dendroctinus frontalis) considerably reduced
the number of living pines present in 2001 at many of the 40 sites surveyed in the
Tennessee portion of the BSF. Mortality among Virginia pines ( Pinas virginiana)
and shortleaf pines (P. echinata) was close to 100 percent at 15-20 of the 40 sites,
and at the remainder of sites mortality among these pine species was generally
more than 50 percent. However, mortality among white pines (P. strobus) and
Eastern hemlocks ( Tsuga canadensis ) was not evident at any of the sites. Second,
recent extensive logging activity had taken place near all 10 sites surveyed in the
Kentucky portion of the BSF; these sites lie directly adjacent to the Daniel Boone
National Forest where the logging occurred. However, there is currently no evi¬
dence that wintering saw-whet owls are ever limited in density by availability of
suitable roosting sites (C. E. Hill, pers. com.). Therefore, these factors may not
account for much of the difference in owl numbers detected between 2000 and
2001.

Hill (1995) presents evidence that playbacks of contact calls of Northern Saw-
whet Owl are much less effective in eliciting responses than playbacks of advertis¬
ing calls. In fact. Hill recommends that playback of contact calls be entirely avoided
by those surveying populations of these owls. Since the recording I used in this
survey included examples of both contact calls and advertising calls, it is possible
that the results I obtained were somewhat reduced by the presence of the contact
call on the recording. If so, the extrapolation data presented above are even more
conservative than already suggested.

“Lazy” Migrant

Some Northern Saw-whet Owls are known as “lazy” migrants because they de¬
lay migration northward long after most individuals in the migratory population
have departed the winter range. A probable instance of delayed migration behav¬
ior was noted in the BSF during 2000. At the Hattie Blevins Cemetery in the BSF,
Scott County, Tennessee, a Northern Saw-whet Owl was heard 9 and 25 February
2000; on 7 June 2000 a Northern Saw-whet Owl was heard at the same site; on 26
February 2001 no owl responded when this site was surveyed.

CONCLUSION

A survey for Northern Saw-whet Owls conducted in the Big South Fork Na¬
tional River and Recreation Area during January-March 2000 resulted in the de¬
tection of 10 saw-whet owls, revealing that a moderately large population win¬
tered there, perhaps as many as 1 80 individuals. Half of the sites surveyed in 2000
were resurveyed in February 2001, but no saw-whet owls were detected. The
population discovered during the first survey winter probably occurred as a result
of a major irruption event rather than being a newly discovered resident popula

2001

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

75

tion. Owls were most often found at sites with mixed (i.e., coniferous-deciduous)
forest on ridgetops adjacent to slopes with white pine-hemlock forest. Vocaliza¬
tions of owls heard during the survey were of three call types encountered with
varying frequency, collectively indicating that saw-whet owls are moderately vo¬
cal during winter, at least in response to tape playbacks of their calls.

Acknowledgments

B. H. Stedman provided the cassette tape with which I conducted the survey. D.
L. Combs (28 February 2000), A. L. Covert (5 March 2000), and B. L. Palmer-
Ball, Jr. (5 March 2000) provided assistance during surveys on the dates indicated.
W. T. Thornton, M. Monroe, D. L. Combs, C. Welsh, C. E. Hill, and B. L. Palmer-
Ball, Jr., offered valuable comments on early versions of the manuscript.

Literature Cited

Anonymous, 1975. A Field Guide to Western Bird Songs. Cornell Laboratory of
Omithology/Houghton Mifflin Co., Ithaca, New York.

Cannings, Richard J. 1993. Northern Saw-whet Owl ( Aegolius acadicus). In The
Birds of North America , No. 42 (A. Poole and F. Gill, Eds.). Philadelphia: The
Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, D.C.: The American Ornithologists’
Union.

Contreras, A. 2000. Changing seasons — fall migration: August-November 1999.
North American Birds 54: 16-17.

Elliott, L., D. Stokes, and L. Stokes. 1997. Stokes Field Guide to Bird Songs:

Eastern Region. Time Warner Audio Books.

Forbes, J. E., and D. W. Warner. 1974. Behavior of a radio-tagged Saw-whet Owl.
Auk9\ \ 783-795.

Hill, C. E. 1995. The Vocal Behavior of Northern Saw-whet Owls: An Analysis of
Context and Variation. M.S. Thesis. Eastern Kentucky University. 52 pp.
Milling, T. C., M. P. Rowe, B. L. Cockerel, T. A. Dellinger, J. B. Gailes, and C. E.
Hill. 1997. Population densities ofNorthem Saw-whet Owls ( Aegolius acadicus )
in degraded boreal forests of the southern Appalachians. In Biology and Con
servation of Owls of the Northern Hemisphere : 2nd international symposium;
1997 February 5-9; Winnipeg, MB (J. R. Duncan, D. H. Johnson, and T. H.
Nicholls, Eds.). Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-190. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station. 635 pp.

Monroe, B. L., Jr. 1994. The Birds of Kentucky. Indiana University Press,
Bloomington, Indiana.

Robinson, J. C. 1 990. An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Tennessee. Univer¬
sity of Tennessee Press, Knoxville, Tennessee.

76

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 77

NEWS AND VIEWS

Spring KOS Meeting at Mammoth Cave Hotel

The Spring KOS meeting will be held at Mammoth Cave Hotel on April 26 to 28. The
room release date is March 20, 2002. Mark your calendar and let’s make this the best
attended meeting yet.

KOS Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Avian Research Grant Fund

Persons that need money (i.e., up to S500) to assist them in conducting research on birds
in Kentucky should contact the KOS Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Avian Research Grant Fund Com¬
mittee c/o Blaine Ferrell. Ogden College, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green,
Kentucky 42101 (email: blaine.ferrell@wku.edu) for a set of guidelines and an application
form.

Kentucky Bird Records Committee

Rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season should be well documented and the
documentation should be sent to Lee McNeely, Secretary of the KBRC, P.O. Box 463,
Burlington, Kentucky 41005, for consideration by the committee for official record status.

/ The Kentucky Warbler

(Published by the Kentucky Ornithological Society)

8 Vol.78 FEBRUARY 2002 _ No. 1

5 Mi 'L 9 2002

IN THIS ISSUE

THE FALL MIGRATION, 2001, Fred M. Busroe . . . 3

MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT, 2001-2002 . 14

FIELD NOTE . 26

NEWS AND VIEWS . 27

1

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

President . . . . . . . . .......Kathy Caminiti. Burlington

Vice-President . . . . . . . . ....................Hap Chambers, Murray

Corr. Secretary . . . . . . . . ...Mark Monroe

1114 Silvercrest Lane, Louisville 40223

Treasurer . . . . . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr

8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222

Recording Secretary . . . . . Mark Bennett, Russellville

Councillors:

Jackie Elmore, Bowling Green.. .................................... ...2000 thru 2002

Gerald Robe, Mt. Sterling . . . . . ..2000 thru 2002

Richard Cassell, Louisville . . ................2001 thru 2003

Janet Howard, Owensboro . .......2001 thru 2003

Scott Marsh, Lexington . . . 2002 thru 2004

Roseanna Denton, Science Hill . 2002 thru 2004

Retiring President . . . Marilee Thompson, Owensboro

Staff Artist . . . . . Ray Harm

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 $8.00: Contribut¬
ing, $15.00; Student $4.00; Life, $200.00; Family. $2.00 in addition to Regular,
Contributing or Life Membership dues; Corporate. All articles and communica¬
tions should be addressed to the editor. Subscriptions and memberships should be
sent to the Treasurer. Requests for back issues should be sent to the Corresponding
Secretary.

Editor. . . . B.R. Ferrell. Ogden College of Science and Engineering

Western Kentucky University. Bowling Green. KY 42101

Editorial Advisory Board

Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. and Wayne Mason

Secretary. Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely

P.O. Box 463, Burlington. KY 41005

THE COVER

We thank Chris Sloan for the photograph of the Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naerius) taken on
March 17, 2001 at the Wranglers Campground, Land Between the Lakes, Trigg County.
Kentucky, (see FIELD NOTE)

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

3

THE FALL MIGRATION, 2001
Fred M. Busroe

The fall season had above normal temperatures and in many areas below nor¬
mal precipitation. There was a large number of forest fires, especially in eastern
Kentucky. These conditions may help explain the variations that many observed
in the fall migration. The major warbler movement seems to have occurred during
the week of September 20. Some unusual sightings from western Kentucky in¬
cluded Red-necked Grebe, Eared Grebe, and a Great Black-backed Gull. In east¬
ern Kentucky an American Avocet lingered for nearly a week and a Snow Bunting
was seen at Minor Clark Fish Hatchery.

Abbreviations- WMA= Wildlife Management Area; AWMA= Adair WMA, Boone
County; AJJ = AJ Jolly Park, Campbell County; Ash = Ash Basin Pond, Paradise,
Muhlenburg County; Bal = Ballard County; BWMA = Ballard WMA, Ballard
County; Bark = Barkley Dam, Lyon County; Bari - Barlow Bottoms WMA, Ballard
County; BRSP = Barren River State Park, Barren County; Bar = Barren River
Reservoir, Barren County; Bel = Bellevue, Campbell County; Bern = Bemheim
Forest, Bullitt/Nelson counties; BBL = Big Bone Lick State Park, Boone County;
Bow = Bowling Green, Warren County; Bur= Burlington, Boone County; Camp =
Campbell County; Cam= Campbellsville, Taylor County; Can = Caneyville Res¬
ervoir, Grayson County; CRL = Cave Run Lake, Bath/Rowan counties; CEL =
Camp Ernst Lake, Boone County; EBP = East Bend Power Plant, Boone County;
Falls = Falls of Ohio, Jefferson County; Free = Freeman Lake, Hardin County; Ful
= Fulton County; Gray = Grayson County; GRL = Green River Lake, Adair/Taylor
counties; Hart - Hart County; Hie - Hickman, Fulton County; I#1 - Island num¬
ber one, Carlisle County; I#8 = Island number eight. Fulton County; JMF = Jefferson
County Memorial Forest, Jefferson County; Jon = Jonathan Creek Embayment,
Kentucky Lake, Marshall County; KBend = Kentucky Bend, Fulton County;
KyLake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall/Trigg counties; Kut = Kuttawa, Lyon County;
LaC = LaCenter, Ballard County; LBark= Lake Barkley, Livingston/Lyon/Trigg
counties; LBL = Land Between the Lakes, Trigg County; LBR = Laketon Boat
Ramp, Carlisle County; L#9 = Lake number nine, Fulton County; LPew = Lake
Pewee, Hopkins County; Liv = Livingston County; Log = Logan County; Long =
Longpoint WMA, Fulton County; Lou = Louisville, Jefferson County; MCNP
Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson County; Mark = Markland Dam, Gallatin
County; Mel = Melbourne, Campbell County; Meng = Meng’s pond, Warren
County; MCFH = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan County; Mic - Michell Lake,
Ballard County; More = Morehead, Rowan County; Mos = Mosley’s Pond, Logan

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Vol. 78

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

County; Muh = Muhlenburg County; NKU - Northern Kentucky University,
Campbell County; Ohio = Ohio County; PB farm = Palmer-Ball farm, Jefferson
County; Pea = Peabody Coal Company. Union County; PWMA = Peabody WMA,
Muhlenburg/Ohio counties; Pet = Petersburg, Boone County; PHC = Pleasant Hill
Church Road, Cadiz, Trigg County; Rab = Rabbit Hash, Boone County; RRSP =
Rough River State Park, Grayson County; Rou = Falls of Rough, Grayson County;
Rus = Russellville, Logan County; Saw = “Tom" Sawyer Park, Jefferson County;
SC = Short Creek. Grayson County; SWMA = Sloughs WMA, Henderson County;
Smi = Smithland Dam, Livingston County; WKW = Western Kentucky University
Woods, Warren County; Wild - Wilder, Campbell County; WWMA = Westvaco
WMA, Carlisle County.

RED-THROATED LOON - 1 on October 31 at KyLake and a juvenile on
November 29 at Bar (DR). Documentation to be submitted.

Common Loon - 23 on November 3 at Little Bear Creek, KyLake (MB); 60+
on November 10 at GRL (DO).

Pied-billed Grebe - 3 on November 13 at Can (JP).

Horned Grebe - 2 on November 1 1 at Falls (DO).

EARED GREBE - 1 on September 4 at Bar (DR).

American White Pelican - 1 on August 1 at Meng (DR); 17 on November 3 and
18 on November 24 at LBark (MB).

Double-crested Cormorant - 15 on September 14 at KBend (KL, NM. BPB.

DR); 46 on September 15 at Falls (MB), 12 on October 12 at Mark (FR).
American Bittern - 1 on October 1 and 18 at Muh and 1 on October 16 in Liv
(DR); 2 on October 21 at PWMA (DO).

Great Blue Heron - 12 on October 6 at L#9 (KL, BL); 46 on August 25 at Falls
(DO).

Great Egret - 3 at Mic. 7 at Bari, 23 at Hie, 5 at Cairo Slough, Bal. and 10 at L#9
on August 12 (MB), 1-3 from August 25 - October 6 at Falls (DO); 15 at
KBend on September 14 (KL, MN. BPB. DR); 220 on September 30 and 550
on October 6 at L#9 (KL, BL); 1 on November 1 below Smi (MB), 1 on
November 1 1 at Bar (DR).

Snowy Egret - 2 at WWMA, 4 at L#9, and 4 at Hie on August 12 (MB); 1 on
August 1 2 at B WMA ( DO); 1 on September 30 at LBark ( DR); 55 on October
6 at L#9 (KL, BL).

Little Blue Heron - 13 at BWMA. 24 at Bari. 10 at I#8 and 30 at L#9 on August
12 (MB); 1 on August 12 at BWMA (DO).

TRICOLORED HERON - 1 present in Hart on September 17 (MS). Documen¬
tation has been submitted.

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

5

Cattle Egret - Over 100 were seen on September 10 over Trigg County (WL, PL);
25 on October 16 at KyLake (DR).

Green Heron - 1 on October 7 at Mos (MB).

Black-crowned Night-Heron - 57 on August 25 at Falls (DO); 1 on September 18
at AJJ (FR); 1 on October 28 at Falls (DO); 1 immature on October 29 at AJJ
(FR).

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - 2 juveniles on August 4 at Long (DR).

Black Vulture - 6 on September 5 and 14 on October 27 at Falls with 53 on No¬
vember 10 at GRL (DO); 40 on October 21 at RRSP (JP).

Turkey Vulture - 39 on August 25 and 63 on October 27 at Falls (DO), 14 on
September 1 in Gray and 15 on October 21 at RRSP (JP).

Greater White-fronted Goose -3 on October 20 and 12 on October 27 at SWMA
(DO).

Snow Goose - 1 on October 20 at CRL and 2 on October 30 at MCFH (FB); 1 blue
morph on October 27 at SWMA (DO).

Canada Goose - 108 at Cairo Slough, Bal and 20 at L#9 on August 12 (MB); 4 on
September 5 at Falls (DO).

Wood Duck - 15 on August 12 at L#9 (MB); 1 on August 26 and 6 on October 7 at
Falls (DO); 16 on September 18 at AJJ (FR); 4 on October 14 in Gray (JP).

Gadwall - 7+ on October 6 at Falls (DO); 1 1 on November 3 at Boyd’s Landing,
LBark (MB); 35 on November 17 at Goose Ponds, CRL (FB).

American Wigeon - First seen at LBL on October 1 (WL, PL); 1 on October 6 at
Falls (DO).

American Black Duck - 14 on October 20 at SWMA (DO).

Mallard - 40 on August 12 at L#9 (MB); 35 at KBend and L#9 on October 6 (KL,
NM, BPB, DR); 122 on September 15 at Falls (DO), 40 on October 6 at L#9
(KL, BL).

Blue-winged Teal - 5 on August 12 at L#9 (MB); 6 on September 6 and 7 on
September 15 at Falls (DO); 16 on September 14 at KBend and 25 on Septem¬
ber 1 6 at L#9 ( KL et al.).

Northern Shoveler - 2 on August 24 at WWMA (MB); 5 on October 1 at LBL
(WL, PL); 5 on November 3 at Jon (MB).

Northern Pintail - 4 on October 6 at Falls and 5 on October 20 at SWMA (DO);
1 male on October 1 at LBL (WL, PL); 12 on October 6 at L#9 (KL, MN,
BPB, DR).

Green-winged Teal - 160+ on October 20 at SWMA (DO).

Canvasback - 4 on November 3 at LBark (MB).

Redhead - 1 on October 27 at SWMA (DO).

Ring-necked Duck - 5 on October 21 at LPew (DO); 20 on November 17 at Goose
Ponds, CRL (FB).

Greater Scaup - 13 on November 3 at LBark (MB).

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Vol. 78

Lesser Scaup - 1 on October 27 at Falls (DO); 1500+ on November 3 on LBark
(MB).

White-winged Scoter - 1 on October 31 at LBark (DR).

Bufflehead - 2 on October 27 at Falls (DO); 50 on November 3 on LBark (MB);
10 on November 17 at Goose Ponds, CRL (FB).

Ruddy Duck - 67 on October 21 at LPew (DO); 5 on November 3 on LBark
(MB).

Osprey - 2 on August 12 at PWMA with 2 at Falls on September 15, 21 and
October 7 (DO); 1 on August 15 at PWMA (MB); 1 on September 14 at
KBend (KL, NM, BPB, DR); 1 on September 19 at Rab (LMc); 1 on October
30 at MCFH (LK).

Mississippi Kite - 1 on August 12 at BWMA and 4 on August 24 at WWMA
(MB).

Bald Eagle - 1 on August 12 at LBR (MB); 2 on September 14 at KBend (KL,
NM, BPB, DR); 1 on September 19 at EBP (LMc); 1 on September 26 at
BRSP (JE); 2 adults on October 20 at SWMA (DO); 3 on November 13 at
L#9 (KL, NM).

Northern Harrier - 2 on September 30 at L#9 (KL, BL); 2 on October 20 at
SWMA (DO); 2 on November 14 at More (FB); 1 on November 25 in Gray
with 1 on November 29 in Ohio County (JP).

Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1 on August 9, September 28 and November 22 in Hart
(MS); 1 on September 2 in Gray (JP); 1 on September 15 at JMF (DO).

Cooper’s Hawk - 1 on August 24 at WWMA (MB); 1 on August 3 1 in Hart
(MS); 1 on September 14 at KBend (KL, NM, BPB. DR); 1 on September
20 in Lou (DO); 1 on November 1 at Bel (FR).

Red-shouldered Hawk - 1 at BWMA and Bal on August 12 with 2 on Novem¬
ber 19 at PWMA (MB).

Broad-winged Hawk - 2 on August 17 at Bel (FR); 2 on September 14 at
KBend (KL, NM, BPB, DR); 1 on September 29 near SC (JP).

Rough-legged Hawk - 1 north of Bark and 1 in Christian County on November
2 (WL. PL).

American Kestrel - 12 on October 7 at KBend (KL, BL. BPB).

Merlin - 1 on September 13 at Bark and 1 on September 14 at Long (DR); 1 on
October 3 at KBend and November 19 at L#9 (KL, NM); 1 on November 4 at
Long (KL, BL).

Peregrine Falcon - 1 adult on September 6 at Falls (DO).

Virginia Rail - 1 on October 16 in Liv (DR); 2 on October 20 at SWMA (DO);

2 on October 20 in Henderson County and 1 on October 25 in Ohio (DR).

Sora - 4 on October 20 at SWMA ( DO).

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

7

Sandhill Crane - 24 on November 10 at GRL, 61 on November 1 1 at Bern (DO);
8 on November 12 in Hart (MS); 42 on November 21 at Bur (LMc); 85+ on
November 27 in Hart (MS).

Black-bellied Plover - 4 on September 14 and 2 on October 7 at KBend (KL et
al.).

American Golden Plover - 2 on September 14 at KBend (KL, NM, BPB, DR); 1
on September 15 at Falls (DO).

Semipalinated Plover - 3 in Bal and 5 at L#9 on August 12 with 20 at L#9 and 5
at I# 1 on August 24 ( MB ); 1 on August 26 and September 5 at Falls ( DO ); 5
on September 14 at KBend (KL, NM, BPB, DR).

Killdeer - 60 on August 26 at Falls (DO); 70 on September 2 at Panther Creek
Park, Daviess County (JP), 100+ on October 21 and 150+ on October 30 at
MCFH (FB); 55 on November 13 at L#9 (KL, BL).

Black-necked Stilt - 5 on August 24 at L#9 (MB).

American Avocet - 1 from October 27 - 30 at MCFH (FB, LK, et al.).

Greater Yellowlegs - 2 on August 12, 20 on August 24 at L#9 with 4 below Snti
on November 3 (MB); 2 on October 26, 5 on October 27 and 4 on October
30 at MCFH (FB).

Lesser Yellowlegs - 40 on August 12 and 50 on August 24 at L#9 (MB); 3 on
August 23 and 1 on October 7 at Falls (DO); a high number of 35 at L#9 on
October 6 (KL, BL); 1 on October 20, 2 on October 26 and 4 on October 30
at MCFH (FB).

Solitary Sandpiper - 3 on August 12 in Bal (MB); 2 on September 14 at KBend
(KL, NM, BPB, DR).

Spotted Sandpiper - 2 at each of the following: Bal, LBR and L#9 on August
12 (MB); 2 on August 25 and September 13 at Falls (DO).

Upland Sandpiper - 1 on September 14 at KBend (DR, KL, NM, BPB).

Sanderling - 2 on August 24 at I#1 (MB); 16 on September 14 and 8 on October
7 at KBend (KL et al.): 1 on October 28 at Falls (DO).

Semipalmated Sandpiper - 26 in Bal, 30 at L#9 on August 12, 25 at Ash, 50 at
L#9 on August 15 and 20 on August 24 at I#1 (MB); 3 on August 26 at Falls
(DO).

Western Sandpiper - 5 on November 3 at Jon (MB).

Least Sandpiper - 23 in Bal, and 10 at L#9 on August 12, 25 on August 14 at Ash,
100 at L#9 and 30 at I#1 on August 24, 20 on November 3 at Jon and 3 on
November 19 at Ash (MB); 78 on September 14 at KBend (KL, NM, BPB,
DR); 3 on September 15 at Falls (DO); 34 on September 16 at L#9 (KL, BL,
BPB, DR); 22 on October 7 at KBend (KL, BL, BPB); 3 at Pet from Novem¬
ber 3 - 24 (LMc).

White-rumped Sandpiper - 1 on October 21 at MCFH (FB).

Pectoral Sandpiper - 5 on August 12 and 80 on August 24 at L#9 with 10 at I#1

8

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

on August 24 (MB); 5 on September 14 at KBend (KL,NM, BPB, DR); 1 on
September 15 at Falls (DO); 6 on October 21 and 26 at MCFH (FB).

Dunlin - 2 on October 7 at KBend (KL, BL, BPB); 1 on October 21 at Ash (DO);
8 on October 21, 5 on October 26 and 2 on October 30 at MCFH (FB); 16 on
November 11 at Jon (MB).

Stilt Sandpiper - 1 in Ball and L#9 on August 12 with 10 at L#9 and 3 at WWMA
on August 24 (MB); 1 on September 9 at Pet (LMc); 4 on September 14 at
KBend (KL, NM, BPB, DR); 1 on October 21 at Ash (DO).

Buff-breasted Sandpiper - 1 on August 26, September 1 and September 5 at Falls
(DO).

Short-billed Dowitcher - 2 on August 24 at L#9 (MB).

Dowitcher sp. - 3 on August 26 at Falls (DO).

Common Snipe - 18+ on October 20 at SWMA (DO); 1 on October 28 at

MCFH (FB); 5 on November 3 at Jon and 10 on November 1 1 at Mos (MB);
1 on November 10 in Gray (JP).

Franklin’s Gull - 45 on October 4, 43 on October 15, and 25 on October 24 at
KyLake (DR).

Bonaparte’s Gull - 4 on October 28 at dam of CRL(FB); 30+ on November 10 at
GRL(DO).

Ring-billed Gull - 4 on September 6, 7 on September 15 and 14 on October 6 at
Falls (DO); f»rst fall observation on November 6 at MCFH (FB).

Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1 seen regularly from September 28 through the sea¬
son on KyLake and LBark (DR),

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL - 1 first year bird on October 4 at KyLake
(DR). Documentation has not been submitted.

Caspian Tern - 12 on August 23, 15 on September 5, and 6 on September 21 at
Falls (DO); 1 on October 31 at Smi (DR).

Common Tern - 1 on September 19 at Jon, 3 on September 30 at Smi, and 1 on
October 4 at KyLake (DR); 1 on October 31 at Jon (WL, PL).

Forster’s Tern -70+ on November 3 at Jon (MB); 1 on November 10 at GRL
(DO).

Least Tern - 1 at WWMA. 5 at Hie, and 9 at L#9 on August 12 with 14 on August
24 at WWMA (MB).

Eurasian-Collared Dove - 4 at LaC. 3 at Hie on August 12 (MB. DO); 2 to 6 in
Rus during August and September (MB); 1 on September 5 at Bow (DR).

Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 1 on September 22 at Saw (DO).

Eastern Screech-Owl - 1 on September 1 at SC (3P); 1 on September 4, and 2 on
September 6 at Bel (FR); 1 on September 21 and October 29 in Hart (MS); 1
on October 7 at KBend (KL, BL, BPB).

Great Horned Owl -2 on August 2 1 at Rou ( JP); 2 juveniles heard weekly during
the period, plus 1 adult on October 29, two adults on October 30-31 and 1

9

2002 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

adult on November 18 and 29 in Hart (MS).

Barred Owl - 1 on October 20 at SWMA (DO); 1 on October 8 and November 18
in Hart (MS); 2 calling in Harlan County on November 2 (FB).

Short-eared Owl - 6 on November 1 1 in Muh (DR).

Northern Saw-whet Owl - 1 on November 10 at PB farm (DO).
Whip-poor-wiil - 1 on September 15 at JMF (DO).

Chimney Swift - 170+ on October 7 at Falls (DO).

Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1 on November 2 in Bow (DR).

Red-headed Woodpecker - 1 on September 1 at SC, 1 on September 2 in Daviess
County and 1 on October 28 at Can (JP); 2 on October 3 at KBend (KL, NM);

6 on October 29 at AJJ (FR).

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 1 on September 22 at MCNP (JE); 1 on November 9
in Cam (FR); 1 on November 10 at SC and 1 on November 11 in Gray (JP)
Olive-sided Flycatcher - 1 at Devil’s Elbow, LBLon September 28 (MB).
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - 1 on September 10 at MCNP (JE).

Eastern Wood-Pewee - 1 on August 22 at SC (JP), 1 on September 15 at JMF
(DO); 5+ on September 25 at Devil’s Elbow, LBL (MB); 1 on October 17 at
BRSP(JE).

Least Flycatcher - 1 seen and heard on September 15 at LBL (WL, PL); 1 on
September 16 at WKW (JE).

Loggerhead Shrike - 1 on August 9 in Gray (JP); 2 on September 14 and October

7 at KBend (KL, et al.).

White-eyed Vireo - 3 on September 14 at KBend (KL, NM. BPB, DR); 1 on
September 22 at Saw (DO); 5 on October 7 at KBend (KL, BL, BPB).
Blue-headed Vireo - 1 on October 5 at LBL (WL, PL); 1 on October 6 at Saw
(DO); 1 on November 1 1 at WKW (JE).

Philadelphia Vireo - 5 on September 20 at MCNP (JE); 1 on September 22 and
23 at Saw (DO); 1 on September 25 in LBL (WL, PL); 1 on October 7 at
KBend (KL, BL, BPB).

Fish Crow - 4 at LBR and Mitchell Lake, Bal on August 12 (MB, DO); 3 on
September 14 and 12 on October 3 at KBend (KL. et al.); 1 on October 4 at
Smi (DR).

Horned Lark - 3 1 on September 13 and 12 on October 3 at KBend (KL, et al.);
35 on October 7 at KBend (KL, BL, BPB); 2+ on October 21 at Ash (DO);
250 on November 22 in field in Log (MB).

Tree Swallow - 59 on October 6 at Falls and 14 on October 21 at PWMA (DO),
30 on October 14 at Can (JP).

Northern Rough-winged Swallow - A high number of 670 on October 7 at KBend
(KL, BL, BPB); 4 on October 14 at Can (JP); 1 on October 28 at MCFH (FB).
Barn Swallow - 15 on August 9 at Can (JP); 1 on October 20 at SWMA (DO); 1
on a rather late date of November 1 1 at Bar (DR).

10

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1 on September 12 at WKW, 2 on September 22 at
MCNP and 6 on September 26 at BRSP (JE); 1 on September 28 and 29, 2 on
October 2 and 1 on October 1 4 and 1 5 in Cam ( FR); 3 on October 20 near dam
of CRL ( FB ); 1 on November 2 and 29 at Bel (FR); 1 on November 1 1 at PB
farm (DO); 3 on November 19 at PWMA (MB).

Brown Creeper- First seen at LBL on October 7 (WL, PL); 2 on October 27 at
SWMA, Union County (DO).

House Wren - 1 on September 23 at Saw and 1 on October 21 at PWMA (DO).

Winter Wren - 1 on October 6 at Saw (DO); 2 on October 28 at MCNP (LMc).

Sedge Wren - 1 on September 25 at Devil’s Elbow. LBL (MB); 1 on October 20 at
SWMA (DO); 1 on November 6 in Ohio (DR).

Marsh Wren - 1 on October 6 and October 28 at Saw (DO); 1 on November 6 in
Muh and Ohio (DR).

Golden-crowned Kinglet - Numerous at LBL between October 2 and 7 (WL,
PL); 3 on October 7 at KBend (KL, BL, BPB); 1 on October 7 at LBL (MB);

2 on October 2 1 at LPe w ( DO); 3 on October 1 5 in Cam ( FR ); 5 on November
19 at PWMA (MB).

Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1 on September 15 in Cam (FR), 1 on October 6 and 3
on October 7 at Saw (DO); 1 on October 7 at Mos (MB); 3 on October 7 at
KBend (KL, BL, BPB); several observations October 2 - 7 at LBL (WP,

PL); 1 on November 1 1 in Gray (JP).

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 20+ on September 9 at WKW (JE).

Veery - 4 on September 10 at MCNP ( JE).

Gray-cheeked Thrush - 1 on October 6 at Saw (DO).

Swainson’s Thrush - 1 on September 22 at Saw (DO); 15+ on September 20 at
MCNP (JE).

Hermit Thrush - First fall observations on October 12 at LBL (WL, PL); 1 on
November 4 at Can and 1 on November 1 1 in Gray (JP); 1 on November 17 in
Lou (DO); I on November 19 at PWMA (MB).

Wood Thrush - 1 on September 15 at JMF (DO).

American Robin - Approximately 1500 on October 3 and 2200 on October 24 at
NKU (FR).

Gray Catbird - 1 on November 15 at Bow (JE).

American Pipit - 3 on September 15 at Falls and 2 on November 10 at Free (DO);

3 on November 6 at MCFH (FB).

Cedar Waxwing - 2 on August 19, 22, and 28 at SC (JP); 150+ on September 20
at MCNP (JE).

Blue-winged Warbler - 1 on August 26 at WKW (JE); 3 on September 1 at AWMA
(LMc).

2002 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ U

Golden-winged Warbler - 1 female on August 26 at WKW, 3 on September 10
and 4 on September 20 at MCNP (JE).

Tennessee Warbler - 15 on September 1 at AWMA (LMc); 4 on September 2 at
WKW and 25+ at MCNP (JE); 1 on September 21 at SC (JP); 3 on September
22 at Saw (DO); 10 at BBL on September 15 (LMc); 1 on October 6 and 5 on
October 7 at Saw (DO); 3 on October 7 at KBend (KL, BL, BPB).

Orange-crowned Warbler - Several observations at LBL between September 20
and October 19 (WL, PL); 1 below the dam on September 26 at BRSP and 2
on October 17 at WKW (JE).

Nashville Warbler - 1 on September 2 and 2 on October 17 at WKW (JE); 2 on
September 15 and 3 on October 7 in Lou (DO).

Northern Paruia - 1 on September 23 at Saw (DO).

Chestnut-sided Warbler - 3 on August 26 at WKW with 10+ on September 10
at MCNP (JE).

Magnolia Warbler - 2 on August 26 at WKW and 20+ on September 10 at
MCNP (JE); 2 on September 14 at KBend (KL, NM, BPB, DR); 1 on
September 16 at Bel (FR); 1 on September 22 at Saw (DO), 1 on September
22 at SC and 2 on September 23 in Gray ( JP); 4 on October 7 at Mos (MB ); 3
on October 7 at KBend (KL, BL, BPB).

Cape May Warbler - 1 on September 28 in Camp (FR); 1 on October 2 at LBL
(WL, PL); 1 male on October 17 at WKW (JE).

Yellow-rumped Warbler - 2 on September 26 at BRSP ( JE); 1 on October 1 with
larger numbers on October 10 at LBL ( WL, PL); 1 on October 7 at Saw (DO);
30+ on October 7 at WKW (JE), 9 on October 7 at KBend (KL, BL, BPB); 12
on October 20 at SC (JP); 150+ on October 21 and 100+ on October 26 at
MCFH(FB).

Black-throated Green Warbler - 2 on September 9 at WKW and 15+ on Sep¬
tember 20 at MCNP (JE); 1 on September 23 in Gray ( JP); 1 on September 23
and October 6 at Saw (DO); 1 on October 7 at KBend (KL, BL, BPB); 1 on
October 27 at WKW (JE).

Blackburnian Warbler - 1 on September 2 at WKW (JE); 2 on September 14 at
KBend (KL, NM, BPB, DR); 2 seen on October 2 - 3 at LBL (WL, PL).

Pine Warbler - 1 on September 15 in JMF (DO); 1 on September 28 in Camp
(FR); 1 on November 25 at Cave Hill Cemetery, Lou (JE).

Prairie Warbler - 1 on October 21 at RRSP, 1 on November 10 at SC and 1 on
November 16 in Gray (JP).

Palm Warbler - 3 on September 10 in Camp (FR); 1 on September 22 at Saw
(DO); 5+ on September 26 at LBL and 1 on October 6 at Rus (MB); 1 on
October 6 - 7 at Saw (DO); 1 on October 7 at LBL (WL, PL); 4 on October
1 1 in Camp (FR).

Bay-breasted Warbler - 1 on September 3 at WKW and 20+ on September 20 at
MCNP (JE); several observations at LBL from October 1-7 (WL, PL).

12

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

Cerulean Warbler- 1 on September 28 at Kut was exceptionally late (DR).

Black-and-White Warbler - 2 on September 22 at Saw (DO); 25+ on September
22 at MCNP (JE).

American Redstart - 1 on August 26 and 15+ on September 20 at MCNP ( JE); 3
on September 14 at KBend (KL, NM, BPB. DR); 5 on September 15 at BBL
(LMc); 4 on September 15 at JMF (DO).

Prothonotary Warbler- 2 on September 14 at KBend (KL, NM. BPB, DR).

Ovenbird - 8 on September 20 at MCNP (JE); 1 at Saw on September 22-23
(DO).

Northern Waterthrush - 2 on September 14 at KBend (KL, NM, BPB, DR); 1
on September 15 at CEL (LMc); 2 on September 16 at L#9 (KL, BL, BPB,
DR); 1 on September 20 at MCNP (JE).

Kentucky Warbler - 1 on August 15 at Mel (FR).

Mourning Warbler- 1 on September 20 in Gray (JP); 1 on September 22 at Saw
(DO).

Wilson’s Warbler - 1 on August 26 at WKW ( JE); 1 on September 1 at AWMA
(LMc), 2 on September 14 at KBend (KL, NM, BPB. DR); 1 on September 15
at JMF (DO); 1 male on September 20 at LBL (WL, PL).

Common Yellowthroat - 2 on August 9 in Gray (JP); 1 on September 15 at Saw
(DO); 2 on October 6 at Rus and 3 on October 7 at Mos (MB).

Scarlet Tanager - 20+ on September 10 at MCNP (JE).

Eastern Towhee - 5 on September 15 at JMF (DO).

Chipping Sparrow - 30 on September 28 and 20 on October 1 1 in Camp (FR); 3
on October 6 at Rus (MB); 3 on October 7 at KBend (KL, BL. BPB); 2 on
October 27 at PB farm (DO).

Vesper Sparrow - 1 on October 20 at SWMA and 1 on October 21 at PWMA
(DO); 1 on November 9 in Liv (DR).

Savannah Sparrow - 3 on September 14 at KBend (KL, NM, BPB. DR); 15+ on
October 21 at PWMA (DO); 3 on October 30 at MCFH (FB); 2 on November
3 below Bark (MB).

Grasshopper Sparrow - 1 on October 9 in Muh and 1 on October 18 in Ohio
(DR); 1 on October 21 at PWMA (DO).

Henslow’s Sparrow - 3 on August 1 2 and October 2 1 at PWMA ( DO); 5 on Au¬
gust 15 on the Sinclair Unit of PWMA (MB); 2 on November6 in Muh (DR).

Le Conte’s Sparrow - 2 on October 9 and 1 on October 18 in Muh. 1 on October
25 in Ohio with 1 on November 6 in Muh (DR).

Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow - 1 on October 9 in Ohio, 2 on October 1 6 in Liv,
2 on October 18 in Ohio and 1 on October 20 in Henderson County (DR); 1
on October 21 at PWMA (DO).

Fox Sparrow - 1 on November 15 at MCFH (FB); 1 on November 19 at PWMA
(MB).

13

2002 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Lincoln’s Sparrow - 1 on October 3 at Rus (MB); 1 on October 8 at BBL (LMc);
1 on October 5 at LBL ( WL. PL); 1 on October 17 at Bel (FR); 1 on October
21 at PWMA(DO).

Swamp Sparrow - 2 on September 25 at LBL (MB); 1 on October 7 at Saw (DO);
3 on October 7 at KBend (KL, BL, BPB); several seen in LBL after October
15 (WL, PL); 9 on November 13 at L#9 (KL, NM).

White-throated Sparrow - Seen regularly after October 1 1 at LBL ( WL, PL); 2
on October 21 at PWMA (DO).

White-crowned Sparrow - 1 on October 11 at LBL(WL. PL); 1 on October 21 at
PWMA (DO); as many as 12 from November 12 to end of period in Hart
(MS).

Dark-eyed Junco - 1 on September 28 in Camp (FR); 8 on October 17 at WKW
(JE); 6 on October 14 at Can (JP); 1 on October 27 at SWMA (DO); 300 on
November 4 at Long (KL, BL).

Lapland Longspur - 7 on November 22 near Cave Spring, Log (MB).

Snow Bunting - 1 on November 7, a first observation at MCFH (FB, LK, EM).

Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 5 on September 22 at MCNP ( JE); 1 on September 23
and October 6 at Saw (DO); 2 on October 7 at Mos (MB); 3 on October 7 at
KBend (KL, BL, BPB).

Blue Grosbeak - 1 on August 8 and 14 at Wil (FR); 1 on August 10 near RRSP
( JP); 1 on August 12 at PWMA (DO); 2 immatures on October 7 in Hart
(MS).

Indigo Bunting - Approximately 100 on September 14 at KBend (KL, NM,
BPB, DR); 10+ on October 6 at Rus (MB); 16 on October 7 at KBend (KL,
BL, BPB); 2 were at PHC until October 12 (WL, PL).

Bobolink - 3 on September 30 at SC (JP).

Yellow-headed Blackbird - 2 adult males on October 27 at Pea (DO).

Purple Finch - 1 on October 8 at BBL (LMc); 2 on October 29 at AJJ (FR); first
observed at PHC on November 20 (PL).

Pine Siskin - 5 on October 20 in Christian County (WL, PL); 1 on October 30 in
Warren County (JE); 1 on November 1 at Bel (FR); 3 on November 11 at
Mos (MB); 1 on November 8 at SC (JP).

Contributors - Mark Bennett (MB), Fred Busroe (FB), Jackie Elmore (JE), Lewis

Komman (LK), Betty Leggett (BL), Ken Leggett (KL), Paula Lisowsky (PL),

William Lisowsky ( WL), Lee McNeely (LMc), Nancy Moore (NM), Evelyn Mor¬
gan (EM), Darrin O’Brien (DO), Brainard Palmer-Ball (BPB), Joyce Porter (JP),

Frank Renfrow (FR), David Roemer (DR), Mitchell Sturgeon (MS).

— 437 Sunset Lane, Morehead, KY 40351

14

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT
2001-2002

Reports of 26 counts were received from across the Commonwealth. A total of
123 species was recorded on count days, 1 19 of which are represented on the table.
Those species observed on count days not represented on the table include: Ameri¬
can Bittern (1, Paradise), Blue-winged Teal, Glaucous Gull (1 each. Land Between
the Lakes), Lesser Black-backed Gull (6, Land Between the Lakes), Brewer’s Black¬
bird (1, Danville). There were 20 species observed on all counts and 7 species
observed only on one count.

Temperatures were very mild on average throughout the count period. The low
temperature was 10°F in Shelby ville on December 30 and the high temperature at
60°F in Bowling Green on December 16. The mild temperatures may have con¬
tributed to the reduced numbers of Canada Geese, several species of waterfowl,
the absence of Snow Buntings, and the much lower number of Lapland Longspurs
( 1604 last year compared with 21 this year). American Tree Sparrow numbers
dropped back to more normal numbers and Vesper Sparrows seemed to crop up on
a number of counts. Other species which seemed to be represented in higher num¬
bers were Double-crested Cormorant, Hooded Merganser. Bald Eagle. Wild Tur¬
key, Northern Bobwhite, Killdeer, Belted Kingfisher, American Pipit. Red-breasted
Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Carolina Wren, and Eastern Bluebird. The Eurasian
Collared-Dove did not appear to increase in numbers.

Thanks to the many observers and compilers who participated in this year's count.
Also, thanks to compilers who submitted documentation for unusual species to the
editor and to the Kentucky Bird Records Committee.

Frank Bennett (compiler), Andrea Douglas and Terri Treacy conducted a count
in southern Illinois that extends into McCracken County, Kentucky. This Marmet
Lake/Massac County Count was conducted December 3 1 on a clear to partly cloudy
day with a temperature range of 12°F to 23°F. The species observed in the Ken¬
tucky portion are as follows: 5 Great Blue Herons, 2 Mallards, 1 adult Bald Eagle.
2 Northern Harriers, 10 Red-tailed Hawks, 9 American Kestrels, 29 Northern Bob-
whites, 2 Killdeer, 5 Ring-billed Gulls, 2 Belted Kingfishers, 17 Red-headed Wood¬
peckers, 19 Red-bellied Woodpeckers. 7 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, 9 Downy
Woodpeckers, 7 Northern Flickers, 1 Pileated Woodpecker. l(cw) Loggerhead
Shrike. 44 Blue Jays, 4 American Crows, 57 Carolina Chickadees, 14 Tufted Titm¬
ice, 2 White-breasted Nuthatches, 1 Brown Creeper. 6 Carolina Wrens, 1 Golden-
crowned Kinglet. 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 15 Eastern Bluebirds, 49 American
Robins, 7 Northern Mockingbirds, 1 Brown Thrasher, 420 European Starlings, 51
Cedar Waxwings, 33 Yellow-rumped Warblers. 16 Eastern Towhees, 5 American
Tree Sparrows, 1 1 Field Sparrows, 14 Song Sparrows, 4 Swamp Sparrows, 121
White-throated Sparrows, 17 Dark-eyed Juncos, 54 Northern Cardinals, 56 Red¬
winged Blackbirds, 5 Eastern Meadowlarks. 5059 Common Grackles, and 1 Purple
Finch.

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 15

Ballard County (all points within a 1 5-mile diameter circle, center as described
in 1984). Habitat as described in 1984. Dec. 31; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky mostly
clear; temp. 15° to 30° F; wind NW-W, 0-10 m.p.h. Water partly frozen. The day
was cold, but otherwise weather conditions were excellent for the count.

Four observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 13 (7 on foot. 6 by car). Total
party-miles 90 (2 on foot, 88 by car). Hours owling 0.5. Total species 86; total
individuals 117,796. The species total (86) represents a new high for this count,
eclipsing the previous high count of 79 species in December 1999.

Observers: Hap Chambers, Roseanna Denton, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (com¬
piler), and Scott Record.

Highlights of the count included a good variety of waterfowl including approxi¬
mately 350 Greater White-fronted Geese, at least 3 Ross's Geese, approximately
20,000 Snow Geese, at least 80 Northern Shovelers, a state record high count of
550 Green-winged Teal (506 counted in one group), two Canvasbacks, one Red¬
head, five Common Goldeneye, and one Ruddy Duck. A House Wren, heard scold¬
ing and then briefly observed in a brushy area along Bethel Church Road in west¬
ern McCracken County, was the day’s only passerine surprise. Red-headed Wood¬
peckers, missed completely the previous year, were back in full force; a conserva¬
tive total of 56 was tallied in only a few hours of looking in the bottomland forests.
The day began with two American Woodcocks performing their aerial courtship
display on the West Kentucky WMA in the frigid conditions of the 15-degree dawn.

Calloway County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Douglas
Cemetery.) Habitat 25% urban and residential, 20% deciduous and pine woods,
35% open fields, 20% lake shore and streams. Dec 29; 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky
partly cloudy; temp. 15° to 32°F; wind SW. 5-10 m.p.h.

Nine observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 25 ( 10 on foot, 15 by car). Total
party-miles 209 (8 on foot, 201 by car). Total species 86; total individuals 9,255.

Observers: Hap Chambers (compiler). Melissa Easley, Joe Tom Erwin, Mike
Miller, Dr. Mercer, Clell Peterson, Shari Sherwood, Tommy Sherwood, and Wendell
Webb.

Land Between the Lakes (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center
Pisgah Bay picnic ground.) Habitat as described in 1984 in American Birds. Dec.
15j 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky partly cloudy in the a.m., cloudy in the p.m.; temp.
41 to 54°F; wind, 4-12 m.p.h.

Twenty five observers in 12 parties. Total party-hours 51.5 (32.5 on foot, 19.0
by car). Total party-miles 281.5 (21.5 on foot, 260 by car). Total species 90; total
individuals 17,520.

Observers: Mark Bennett, Richard Cassell, Hap Chambers, Karen Clement, Dick
Cook, Melissa Easley, Joe Tom Erwin, Dan Gladis, Adam Green, Judy Hallisey,
Bob Head, Bill Lisowsky, Paula Lisowsky, Carl Mowery (compiler), Kathy Mowery,
Pat Osborn, John Pollpeter, Darrin Samborski, Tommy Sherwood. Jami Sims,
Wendell Webb. Steve White, Robert Wright, Paula Yambert, and Avira Yasgur.

There were 13 adult and 3 immature Bald Eagles on the count day.

Sorgho (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Hwy. 279-S and
Audubon Parkway intersection.) Habitat river, roadsides, woods, farmland, creek,
lakes, and includes a state, county, and city park. Dec. 29; 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Total

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RUBY-CR. KINGLET 415 23 1741 311 12 36

EASTERN BLUEBIRD 13 49 170 6 44 70 4 66 101 27 67 180 93 22 64 55 25 191 42 96 188 75 19 58 117 246 2088

HERMIT THRUSH 9 14 2 4 1 I 8 I 4 I 2 9 4 2 3 1 14 80

AMERICAN ROBIN 65 13 95 64 123 110 394 1582 346 1036 448 312 2607 71 195 263 40 391 259 126 100 153 123 49 249 46 9260

NO. MOCKINGBIRD 18 16 10 8 23 29 19 48 25 2 25 60 103 53 16 29 4 44 4 33 13 21 33 21 72 144 873

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20

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

Sky cloudy with snow, turning clear by noon; temp. 20° to 32°F; wind 0-10 m.p.h.
Most ponds and lakes were frozen.

Eleven observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours 18 (12.5 on foot, 5.5 by car).
Total party-miles 73.5 (14.5 on foot, 59 by car). Total species 43; total individuals
3,003. There were many Ring-billed Gulls around parking lots. Observ¬

ers: Betty Davis, Chip Carpenter, Brenda Eaden, Tony Eaden, Steve Hahus, Mike
Henshaw, Janet Howard (compiler). Bill Little, Brenda Little, Sissy McNulty, and
Carolyn Williamson.

Yelvington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center intersection of
Hwy. 405 and 662). Habitat: Fields, woods. Yellow Creek Park, Carpenter’s Lake,
Kingfisher Lake, Ohio River bottoms, Ohio River, and Blackford Creek. Dec. 15;
8:00 a.m, to 1 :00 p.m. Sky overcast and intermittent sun; temp. 43°F to 48°F; wind
5-10 m.p.h. Comfortable.

Thirteen observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours 16. Total party-miles 115 (4
on foot, 1 1 1 by car). Total species 54; total individuals 12,887.

Observers: Grace Ford, Joe Ford, Steve Hahus, Mike Henshaw, Jan Howard.
Jody Jones, Mary Kissel, A.L. Powell (compiler). Roseann Radzelovage, Rob
Rold, Marilee Thompson, Carolyn Williams, and Eric Williams.

Additional comments: The finding of 44 Bluebirds is worthy of note. The large
number of grackles is to be expected at this time of year. The finding of nine Red¬
breasted Nuthatches is most unusual in that we normally get only 1 or 2, and then
mostly at feeders.

We were fortunate in having three members of the Department of Fish and Wild¬
life help on this count; Rob Rold, Mike Henshaw, and Eric Williams. They are
excellent birders. We were happy to have Marilee Thompson, past president of
our beloved Kentucky Ornithological Society participate. We had 18 species at
the Powell’s feeders.

Olmstead (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at the junction of
Ky 1041 and Ky 1151.) Habitat approximately 75% is cultivated farmland. The
remaining habitat includes blocks of deciduous woods, fencerows, pasture, grown¬
up fields, developed areas, and open water. Dec. 27; 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 1.5
hours of owling. Sky overcast early, changing to mostly clear; temp. 19° to 41°F;
wind, sustained 5-20 m.p.h, gusts to 30 m.p.h. Small bodies of water and ground
were frozen.

Three observers in 1 party, plus 2 feeder watchers. Total party-hours 10 (2 on
foot, 8 by car). Total party-miles 105 (1 on foot, 104 by car). Total species 64;
total individuals 6,584.

Observers: Mark Bennett (compiler), Frank Lyne, and David Roemer, plus feeder
watchers Alison Lyne and Tommie Gail Bennett.

Additional comments: Ring-billed Gull was a count first and starlings were ab¬
normally high in number. There were also good numbers of Red-tailed Hawks and
American Kestrels. The 170 American Pipits were an additional highlight.

Paradise (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in
1993). Habitat as described in 1993. Jan. 5; 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky variably
cloudy to mostly clear; temp. 30° to 42° F; wind W-SW, 0-10 m.p.h. Water partly
frozen.

Eighteen observers in 7 parties. Total party-hours 5 1 (26 on foot, 25 by car).
Total party-miles 224 (19 on foot, 205 by car). Total species 90; total individuals
20,958.

21

2002 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Observers: Michael Autin, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Mark Bennett, Amy Covert, Hap
Chambers, Julie Craves, Mike Henshaw, Mark Monroe (MM), Darrin O'Brien
(DO), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Robert Rold, David Roemer,
SteveThomas, Mark Vukovich (MV), Mary Walter (MWr), Major Waltman (MWn),
and Eric Williams.

A variably cloudy to mostly clear sky, above-freezing temperatures and light
breezes made for good birding conditions. The species total (90) is slightly above
average for this count. Three additional species were observed during the count
week: Common Snipe, Herring Gull and Vesper Sparrow, the latter closely ob¬
served and well-described on the Ken-Homestead Unit of Peabody WMA in Ohio
Co. (MM; MV). Highlights of the count included the American Bittern (DO, etal.:
a second winter record for KY - observed in a marshy area on the Sinclair Unit of
Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg County); 3 Greater White-fronted Geese (Ohio
County); 2 Ross’s Geese (Muhlenberg County); a female Greater Scaup (count
first - Muhlenberg County); two immature Bald Eagles (along Green River,
Muhlenberg County); an adult Golden Eagle (Muhlenberg County); a House Wren,
also observed closely and well-described (MWn; MWr) (Ohio County); and a Le
Conte’s Sparrow (Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg County). Raptor to¬
tals on the mines were about average, although the number of Rough-legged Hawks
continues to be lower than in the early 1990s; there are definitely a few more
Short-eared Owls present this year than in the last couple of years, although num¬
bers are well below the highs noted in the mid-1990s. Not included in the tally are
several tens of thousands of blackbirds that were observed moving toward a roost
somewhere to the west of the count circle.

Bowling Green (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Three Springs,
six miles south of Bowling Green.) Habitat deciduous forest 20%, fields and pas¬
tures 60%, and town and parks 20%. Dec. 16; 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky overcast
with periods of heavy rain in the morning and cloudy with light rain in the after¬
noon; temp. 56° to 60°F; wind SW 4-10 m.p.h.

Ten observers in 2-3 parties. Total party-hours 25.5 ( 19.25 on foot, 6.25 by car).
Total party-miles 138 ( 18 on foot, 120 by car). Total species 68; total individuals
15,173.

Observers: Tiffany Cummins, Connor Doyle, Lester Doyle, Diane Elmore, Jackie
Elmore, Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Dick Lord, Wayne Mason, Albert Meier, and
Kelli Vowels.

Glasgow (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in
1986.) Habitat as described in 1986. Dec. 29; 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky clear in
the morning to partly cloudy in the afternoon; temp. 24° to 36°F; wind NNW, 0-5
m.p.h.

Five observers in 3 parties, 3 feeder watchers. Total party-hours 21 ( 13 on foot,
8 by car). Total party-miles 71 (8 on foot, 63 by car). Total species 72; total
individuals 7,859.

Observers: Lester Doyle, Marquita Gillenwater, Mae Dean Kinslow, Dick Lord.
Wayne M. Mason (compiler), Billie Mae Moore. Emma Jean Pitcock, and David
Roemer.

Mammoth Cave National Park (Center and habitat as described in 1980.)
Dec. 19; 6:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Sky clear in the a.m. turning cloudy, with drizzle in

Vol. 78

22 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _

the afternoon; temp. 32° to 40°F; wind calm in the a.m. to windy, W, 15 m.p.h.

Six observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 14.5 (6 on foot, 8.5 by car). Total
party-miles 91 (4 on foot, 87 by car). Total species 51; total individuals 2,276.
Two turtles were sunning themselves at First Creek.

Observers: Tiffany Cummins. Lester Doyle, Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Dick Lord.
Wayne Mason, and Kelly Vowels.

Falls of Rough (all points withn al5-mile diameter circle, center Short Creek
(Ky Hwy 79 and 54 intersection). Habitat; Rough River, Rough River Lake, tribu¬
tary streams, bottomland farms, yard feeders, woodland, and cultivated fields. Jan.
5; 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky cloudy to partly cloudy, with full sunshine for 2
hours in the early p.m.; temp. 23° to 54c>F; wind, calm. Ponds, small lakes, tribu¬
taries (slow moving) were frozen. The only open water was Rough River.

Five observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 24.25 (12.25 on foot, 2 by car).
Total party miles 209.25 (4 on foot, 205.25 by car). Total species 60; total indi¬
viduals 4,192.

Observers: Kathryn Clay, Rebecca Foreman, Mary Harrel, Neal Hayden, and
Joyce Porter (compiler).

Bernheim Forest (all points within a 1 5-mile diameter circle, center as described
in 1974). Habitat as described in 1974. Dec. 22; 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky vari¬
ably partly cloudy to cloudy; temp. 30° to 55° F; wind S. 5-15 m.p.h. Water mostly
open.

Fourteen observers in 6 parties. Total party-hours 40 (20.5 on foot, 19.5 by car).
Total party-miles 223 (22 on foot, 201 by car). Total species 67; total individuals
7,050.

Observers: Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Joan Brown, Richard Cassell. Dona Coates. Amy
Covert. Charles Homaday, Kathy King, Celia Lawrence. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.
(compiler). Bill Pratt, Philip Tamplin, Major Waltman. and Zeb Weese.

Weather conditions were relatively good for conducting the count. The species
total is about average given the low variety of waterfowl. Highlights of the count
included the Ross’s Goose, an immature bird in the company of a flock of Canada
Geese north of Boston, Nelson County; a House Wren, observed in brushy habitat
along Wilson Creek on the south end of the Forest; and the three Golden Eagles,
observed all soaring together in the traditional Wilson Creek area where the spe¬
cies has been observed regularly. Berry-eating species were fairly abundant, ap¬
parently in large part due to a good crop of cedar berries. Other notable observa¬
tions included both vultures, good numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches, a Bock of
approximately 120 American Pipits, and one Pine Siskin. A Bald Eagle was re¬
ported from the southern part of the Forest on the day prior to the count.

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: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 43° to 49oF; wind WNW, 4 m.p.h. Light rain in a.m. to
heavy rain in p.m.

Thirty-five observers in 13 parties. Total party-hours 61.25 (28.5 on foot, 32.75
by car). Total party-miles 304 (18.5 on foot, 285.5 by car). Total species 77; total
individuals 17,921.

Observers: Garrett Adams, .Win Ahrens, Janet Aylward. Mary Bill Bauer, Jane
Bell and Pat Bell (compilers). Dona Coates, Amy Covert. David Dorman. Bo Fender,
Jane Fender. Rod Goforth, Geri Gottbrath. J.R. Harris, Charles Hatten. Carol Hyatt,

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

23

Bob Johnson, Cheryl Jones, John Krull, Celia Lawrence, Jonathan Lawrence, Fred
Mansmith, Mark Monroe, Doxie Noonan, Peggy Oates, Clara Ann Pallares, David
Pallares, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Martha Pike, Helga Schutte, Matt Stickel, Midge
Susie (feeder watcher), Scottie Theiss, Mary Walter, Major Waltman, and Barbara
Woemer.

Sunday, December 16, was a rainy, soggy day for the Louisville Christmas Bird
Count, The rain was coming down so hard that it caused our participants to wait
for about two hours. After the delay, 35 birders took up the challenge again and
were able to record 76 species with 17,920 individuals. This was one of the lowest
counts we have had in some years. We are missing several duck species, but we
were able to find two Eastern Phoebes and a House Wren. American Robins seem
to be everywhere, with a count of 2,607 compared with last year’s count of 327.

Shelby ville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center three-quarters of
a mile south of U.S. 60 and Guist Creek Lake on KY 714.) Habitat elevation 640’-
1190’, farmland, fallow land, suburban, wooded and grassland. Dec. 30; 7:00 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m. Sky clear and sunny; temp.lOo to 29°F; wind SW, 10-15 m.p.h.

Nine observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours 29 by car. Total party-miles 248
by car. Total species 52; total individuals 4,759.

Observers: Heather Brown, Joan Brown, Lloyd Brown, Todd Brown, W.H. Brown
(compiler), Judy Crouch, Kathy King, Benton Young and Steven Earl Young.

Hart County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center comer of
Craddock Road and Geralds Lane.) Habitat rural farmland and wooded areas,
including Green River and 100 Acre Pond. Dec. 31; 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky
mostly clear; temp. 13° to 30°F. Few clouds with an occasional breeze.

Nine observers in 1 party. Total party-hours 10 (7 on foot, 3 by car). Total party-
miles 72 (2 on foot, 70 by car). Total species 57; total individuals 1 1,262.

Observers: Bruce Bardin, John Brittain, Carol Friedman, Dan Givens, Billy Hawk,
Janet Kistler, Steve Kistler (compiler), Judy Petersen, and Mitchell Sturgeon.

This ties our species total for this count, which is 16 years old. None of us had
seen and eagle in Hart County before. There were three today!

Frankfort (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in
1972.) Habitat as described in 1977. Dec. 15; 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky cloudy;
temp. 37° to 49°F; wind NE, 0-6 m.p.h.

Eleven observers in 7 parties, plus three at feeders for 7 hrs, and 2.5 hours owling.
Total party-hours 29.5 ( 10.5 on foot, 19 by car). Total party-miles 201.5 (9 on
foot, 192.5 by car). Total species 52; total individuals 4,101.

Observers: James Derryberry, Margaret Derryberry, Jim Durrell, Peggy Gould
(compiler), Ralph Gould, Pat Hankla, Scott Hankla, Virginia Horn, Jeff Jones,
Michael Kenawel, Robert Laurenson, Susan Laurenson, Patty Newton, and Tim
Williams

Bush honeysuckle was in abundant supply.

Green River (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Green River
Memorial Baptist Church, Taylor County, Kentucky.) Habitat old fields, agricul¬
tural fields and borders, second growth forest. Green River riparian areas, open
water, including Green River Lake and Campbellsville City Lake, as well as feeder
watchers. Dec. 29; 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky partly to mostly cloudy; temp. 30°
to 25°F; wind 5-15 m.p.h.

Four observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 12.25 (5.5 on foot, 6.75 by car).
Total party-miles 52.75 (2.75 on foot, 50 by car). Total species 69; total individu-

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

24_ _

als 3,626.

Observers: Gale Dalton, Steve Dalton, Richie Kessler (compiler), and Brainard
Palmer-Ball.

Sparrows seemed especially stubborn this day, hanging tight to cover. Juniper
trees with berries held many songbirds, including Yellow-rumped Warblers. There
was a large number of eagles for Green River Lake.

Otter Creek Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as de¬
scribed in 1972). Habitat as described in 2001. Dec. 27; 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky
cloudy to partly cloudy; temp. 23° to 35° F; wind WSW 5-15 m.p.h. Water partly
frozen.

Eleven observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 36 ( 1 1 on foot, 25 by car). Total
party-miles 220 ( 1 1 on foot, 209 by car). Total species 65; total individuals 7,382.

Observers: Jane Bell, Pat Bell. Richard Cassell. Amy Covert. Joyce Fry, Celia
Lawrence, Peggy Oates, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler). Mary Walter, Major
Waltman, and Mark Zody.

A mostly cloudy sky and cold breeze made for less-than-optimal birding condi¬
tions. The species total (65) is about average for this count. Waterfowl were
below average, with only a few species present on Doe Valley Lake and the Ohio
River. Three different parties observed 1-2 adult Bald Eagles along the Ohio River
at or near Otter Creek Park. Other highlights included good numbers of both
vultures, a small flock of migrating Sandhill Cranes, one flock of Eastern Blue¬
birds containing at least 82 individuals, and a Chipping Sparrow (observed on the
western side of Fort Knox).

Kleber Wildlife Management Area (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle,
center as described in 1972.) Habitat as described in 1972. Dec. 29; 7:45 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. Sky cloudy: temp. 18° to 26oF; wind NW, 10-15 m.p.h. Intermittent
snow showers throughout the day. The ground was snow covered.

Four observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 13.5 (0.5 on foot. 13 by car).
Total party-miles 134.5 (0.5 on foot, 134 by car). Total species 38; total individu¬
als 1,711 .

Observers: Joe Burgess, Jim Durell. Peggy Gould (compiler), and Ralph Gould.

Danville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Boyle County Court¬
house.) Habitat as described before. Dec. 29; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky cloudy
in a.m. to partly sunny in the p.m.; temp. 240 to 3 1°F. Light snow in the a.m. with
slick roads.

Twenty-seven observers in 9 parties. Total party-hours 41.25 (6.5 on foot, 34.75
by car). Total party-miles 405.5 (6.75 on foot, 398.75 by car). Total species 59;
total individuals 6,847.

Observers: Joe Amburgey, Ernest Baird. Andre Brousseau. Linda Brousseau.
Bill Catron. Shirley Catron. Andrew Eklund. Ginny Eklund, Neil Eklund (com¬
piler), Scott Eklund. Martha Foster. Bill Garriott, Will Garriott. Tom Kearns. Bill
Kemper, Fred Loetscher, Gail Manning, Eric Mount. Jack Newton, Amelia Nichols.
John Nichols, John Nisbet, Rob Pendygraft, Joan Smith, Patsie Trollinger. Charles
Vahlkamp, and Maynard VanHom.

Lexington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center East Hickman
Church on Tates Creek Road.) Habitat mixed residential and farmland. Dec. 15;

o o

6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy to clear; temp. 42 to 53 F; wind S, 5-7
m.p.h.

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

25

Twenty-five observers in 9 parties. Total party-hours 63 (3 by foot, 60 by car) .
Total party-miles 596 (5 by foot, 591 by car). Total species 67; total individuals
9,842.

Observers: Earl Boggs, Judy Brant, Mike Bums, Rose Canon, Christopher
Demoll, Edward Demoll, Mike Flynn, Jonathon Glixson. Paul Hager, John Jack-
son, Allen Kingsland, Teri Koontz, Betty Maxson, Mark Morgan, Robert L. Mor¬
ris (compiler), Jim Osborne, Carol Pickett, Susan Pollack, Art Ricketts, Tina
Ricketts, Lew Shain, Marie Sutton, Dave Svetich, Jim Williams, and Bernice Woods.

Burlington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Camp
Michaels.) Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 29; 5:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky
partly sunny; temp. 20° to 25°F; wind WNW, 10-18 m.p.h. Most water was open.

Eleven observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 3 1 ( 1 3 on foot, 1 8 by car). Total
party-miles 170 (7 on foot, 163 by car). Total species 63; total individuals 3,166.

Observers: Linda Altevers, Joe Caminiti, Joey Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Elaine
Carroll, Melissa Desjardin, Lee McNeely (compiler), Gayle Pille, Carmen Schulte,
Katie Schulte, and Tommy Stephens. Feeder watchers: Marjorie Hill and Lynda
McNeely.

Breezy conditions may have accounted for unusually low numbers of raptors.

Warsaw (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Gallatin County
Courthouse.) Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 15; 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky
partly cloudy; temp. 42o to 50°F; wind N, 3-8 m.p.h. All water open.

Six observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 18.5 (9 on foot, 9.5 by car). Total
party-miles 173 (4 on foot, 169 by car). Total species 64; total individuals 3,917.

Observers: Joe Caminiti, Joey Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Ed Groneman, Frank
Lewandowski, Lee McNeely (compiler), and David Powers.

Noticeable by their absence were both vulture species and Short-eared Owl.

Falmouth (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Caddo, Ken¬
tucky.) Habitat 50% woodland and forest edge, 25% river and lake shoreline, 20%
agricultural, and 5% residential. Dec. 22; 6:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky partly cloudy
to clear ; temp. 29 to 41 F; wind SE, 3-8 m.p.h. All water open.

Five observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 18 (7 on foot, 11 by car). Total
party-miles 126 (4 on foot, 122 by car). Total species 53; total individuals 1,874.

Observers: Rhonda Bryant, Ed Groneman, Scott Marsh, Lee McNeely (com¬
piler), and Tommy Stephens.

Waterfowl were quite scarce. The Sandhill Cranes were observed in (light from
Kincaid Lake State Park.

Richmond (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.75 miles north
of intersection of Bobtown Road and the Kingston-Berea Road). Habitat Fencerows
and roadsides (20%), woodland (20%), pasture and open fields (55%), lawns (4%),
lakes and ponds ( 1%). Dec. 15; 7:45 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. Sky cloudy to partly cloudy;
temp. 48° to 53°F; wind WSW, 0-5 m.p.h.

Thirteen observers in 6 parties. Total party-hours 32.1 (13.6 on foot, 18.5 by
car). Total party-miles 334.3 (16.5 on foot, 317.8 by car). Total species 63; total
individuals 5,369.

Observers: Mark Bostrom, Angela Burkhart, Janet Gorrell, Joanne Gorrell, John
Gorrell, Michael Hodge, Lauren Lawson, Chris Leftwich, Scott Marsh, Brandon
Ritchison, and Gary Ritchison (compiler), Deanne Swartley, and Mark Vukovich.

For the first time, we were not permitted on the Blue Grass Army Depot.

26

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 78

Somerset (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at the junction of
Bypass E. 80 and Highway 39, Crab Orchard Road.) Habitat 21% water edge.
13% cultivated. 24% wooded and edge, 11% urban, and 31% field/fence. Jan. 5;
5:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 27°F to 50°F; wind SW, 3-12
m.p.h. Still water mostly frozen, moving water partly frozen.

Fifteen observers in 6 parties. Total party-hours 60 ( 17.5 on foot, 42.5 by car).
Total party-miles 426 ( 12 on foot, 414 by car). Total species 77; total individuals
223,317.

Observers: Judy Brant, Jean Brickell. Rhonda Bryant. Terry Campbell. Granville
Cox, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Steve Denton, Carolyn Gay Hodges, Steve
Kickert, Scott Marsh, Linda McClendon, Lynda Mills, Tom Mills, Arlene Morton,
and Stephen Stedman.

Ten feeder watchers also participated in the count.

FIELD NOTE

Kentucky’s Third Record of Varied Thrush

No matter what they are really supposed to be doing at the time, whenever avid
birders are outside, their senses are working to detect sounds and movements and
determine their origin. The third visual and first photographic record of Varied
Thrush (. Ixoreus naevius ) in Kentucky was discovered just this way. On Friday
morning, March 16, 2001, I was riding with Rick Lowe through the Wranglers
Campground in the Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, Trigg
County, on a routine review of the facilities. Even though we were working, my
mind was registering the usual complement of grackles, robins, cowbirds and black¬
birds, when a familiar but most unlikely bird appeared.

The Varied Thrush was among a group of American Robins ( T urdus migrator ius )
feeding on the ground, poking and scratching at the duff and residual straw near a
campsite. It was the size of a robin, though a bit chunkier, dark bluish-gray on the
back, with an orange eyebrow, and notable blackish band across the upper breast.
It was an adult male, confirmed mainly by the darkness of the breastband and
back. Female and immature birds have a gray or speckled breastband. It was actu¬
ally close enough for us to identify without binoculars.

Usually reclusive and shy, especially in winter, amidst the other birds it was
content to continue to feed uninterrupted for at least five more minutes before
Hying to the lower branches of a nearby tree. It seemed to become more wary but
returned to the ground in a more remote spot a few minutes later. It finally flew
even farther away towards an intermittent stream whose banks were steep and
heavily vegetated with shrubs and tangles. It disappeared from sight on the far side
and we lost track of it about thirty minutes after we first saw it.

Over the next six days, at least twenty-five birders from Kentucky and Tennes¬
see were able to relocate the bird; it was last reported on 22 March. The front gate
of the campground often became a "check-in point” for latest updates. The camp¬
ground manager. Matt Edwards, tried hard to keep tabs on where it was being seen

2002 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 27_

and the campground hosts. Bill and Dorothy Bondy, shared the most recent sight¬
ing information as new folks arrived and inquired.

On Saturday, March 17, Chris Sloan from Nashville was able not only to locate
the bird, but also photograph it (see cover of this issue), the first such documenta¬
tion for Kentucky. During the week it was observed, the bird was seen in a variety
of locations within the campground, but most often it was seen along the stream-
side zone near or at the original spot. Once it was observed on short grass at the
edge of the trees near the entrance. It did not seem to keep regular company with
any group of birds in particular but was reportedly with American Robins, Com¬
mon Grackles ( Quiscalus quiscula) and Rusty Blackbirds ( Euphagus carolinus) at
times.

The Varied Thrush is a species of western North America, breeding primarily in
coniferous and mixed forests of western Canada and Alaska and wintering in the
western United States. A small number of birds occur during the non-breeding
season as vagrants in the eastern United States, where the species is found at mul¬
tiple locations on an annual basis. Traditionally this species does tend to spend the
winter in dense underbrush and tangles, and from personal experience, it has an
annoying though very effective habit of “slipping out the back side” unnoticed.
Fortunately for Rick and myself, on this occasion it chose to be in the open at just
the right time. — BILL LISOWSKY, 1059 Pleasant Hill Church Road, Cadiz,

Kentucky 42211.

NEWS AND VIEWS

Spring KOS Meeting at Mammoth Cave Hotel

The Spring KOS meeting will be held at Mammoth Cave Hotel on April 26 to
28. Mark your calendar and let’s make this the best attended meeting yet. If you
would like to make a presentation at the Friday evening meeting, contact Hap
Chambers

KOS Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Avian Research Grant Fund

Persons that need money (i.e., up to $500) to assist them in conducting research
on birds in Kentucky should contact the KOS Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Avian Research
Grant Fund Committee c/o Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College, Western Kentucky Uni¬
versity, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 (email: blaine.ferrell@wku.edu) for a
set of guidelines and an application form.

28

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

Kentucky Bird Records Committee

Rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season should be well documented
and the documentation should be sent to Lee McNeely, Secretary of the KBRC,
RO. Box 463, Burlington, Kentucky 41005. for consideration by the committee
for official record status.

The Kentucky Warbler

(Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society)

VOL. 78

MAY 2002

NO. 2

IN THIS ISSUE

THE WINTER SEASON, 2001-2002, Fred M. Busroe
KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING MEETING. Mark
Bennett .

FIELD NOTES . 39

NEWS AND VIEWS . 44

30

The Kentucky Warbler

Vol. 78

THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

President . Kathy Caminiti, Burlington

Vice-President . Hap Chambers. Murray

Corr. Secretary . Mark Monroe

1 1 14 Silvercrest Lane. Louisville. KY 40223

Treasurer . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr.

8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222

Recording Secretary . Mark Bennett. Russellville

Councillors:

Jackie Elmore, Bowling Green . 2001 thru 2002

Gerald Robe, Mt. Sterling . 2001 thru 2002

Richard Cassell, Louisville . 2001 thru 2003

Janet Howard. Owensboro . 2001 thru 2003

Scott Marsh. Lexington . 2002 thru 2004

Roseanna Denton. Science Hill . 2002 thru 2004

Retiring President

Marilee Thompson. Owensboro

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 $8.00; Contribut¬
ing, $15.00; Student $4.00; Life, $100.00; Family, $2.00 in addition to Regular,
Contributing or Life Membership dues; Corporate. All articles and communica¬
tions should be addressed to the editor. Subscriptions and memberships should be
sent to the Treasurer. Requests for back issues should be sent to the Corresponding
Secretary.

Editor . B.R. Ferrell. Ogden College, Western Kentucky Univ.

Bowling Green. KY 42101

Editorial Advisory Board

Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. and Wayne Mason

Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely

P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY 4 1005
Staff Artist . Ray Harm

THE COVER

We thank David Roemer for the cover photograph of the White-winged Dove,
Zenaida asiatica, observed in Murray, Kentucky, (see Field Note)

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

31

THE WINTER SEASON - 2001-2002
Fred M. Busroe

The winter season was rather mild, with few if any sub-zero temperatures reported. The
precipitation was normal with little snow accumulation. Without question this affected the
seasonal observations. Several unusual observations were reported. These included: a Snowy
Owl, an American Bittern, a Prairie Falcon, California Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, and
an Inca Dove, along with several interesting perching bird observations.

Abbreviations - WMA = Wildlife Management Area; Bar = Barren River Reservoir, Allen/
Barren counties; Bark = Barkley Dam, Lyon County; Bem= Bernheim Forest, Nelson County;
Bio = Blood River Embayment, Kentucky Lake, Calloway County; BPB farm = Brainard
Palmer-Ball Farm, Jefferson County; Brec = Breckinridge County; BRSP = Barren River
State Park, Barren County; Cal= Calloway County; Camp = Campbell County; Can =
Caneyville Reservoir, Grayson County; Car = Carroll County; CRL = Cave Run Lake,
Rowan County; Dams = Barkley Dam and Kentucky Dam combined; Dav = Daviess County;
Day = Dayton, Campbell County; Eve = Evergreen Cemetery, Campbell County; Falls =
Falls of Ohio, Jefferson County; Ful = Fulton County; Gal = Gallatin County; Gray = Grayson
County; Han = Hancock County; Hart = Hart County; Hie = Hickman, Fulton County; Jef
= Jefferson County; Jon = the Jonathan Creek embayment of Kentucky Lake, Marshall
County; KyDam = Kentucky Dam. Marshall/Livingston counties; KyLake = Kentucky Lake,
Marshall/Lyon counties; L#9 = Lake No. 9, Fulton County; LBL = Land Between the
Lakes, Lyon/Trigg counties; LBark = Lake Barkley, Livmgston/Lyon/Trigg counties; Lex
= Lexington, Fayette County; Long = Long Point Unit of Reelfoot N WR, Fulton County;
Lou = Louisville. Jefferson County; Mark = Markland Dam, Gallatin County; Mars =
Marshall County; MCFH = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan County; McL = McElroy
Lake, Warren County; Mel = Meldahl Dam, Bracken County; Mur = Murray, Calloway
County; New = Newport, Campbell County; NKU = Northern Kentucky University,
Campbell County; OR = Ohio River, Jefferson County; Pie = Pleasant Hill Road, Cadiz,
Trigg County; PWMA = Peabody WMA, Muhlenburg/Ohio counties; Ref = Reformatory
Lake, Oldham County; RRSP = Rough River State Park, Grayson County; SC = Short
Creek, Grayson County; Six = Six Mile Island, Jefferson County; SWMA = Sloughs WMA,
Henderson County; Trim = Trimble County; UKF = University of Kentucky Farm, Fayette
County; Warn = Warren County.

Common Loon - 5 on December 5 at CRL (FB); 19+ on December 8 on OR (DO); 3 on
January I at CRL (FB); 3 on February 16 (Hap, MM, DR).

Pied-billed Grebe - 5 on December 9 and 29 at Can ( JP).

Red-necked Grebe - 1 at Bar from January 7 to 25, videotaped (DR, etal .) Documentation
has been submitted.

Horned Grebe - 3 on December 7 at the dam, CRL (FB); 100+ on December 8 on OR
(DO); 8 on February 16 at Dams (Hap, MM, DR); ! on February 22 at CRL (FB, LK).
American White Pelican - 2 on December I in Trigg, 7 at LBL on December 15 and 7 at
Boyd’s Landing, LBark, on February 18 (PL, WL); 1 on January 6 at LBL (Hap); 7 on
February 16 at Bark (Hap, MM, DR).

Double-crested Cormorant - 8 on December 1 at Falls (DO); 4 on February 3 at Cal
(Hap); 1 5 on February 16 at Dams (Hap, MM, DR).

American Bittern - 1 on January 5 at PWMA (DO). Second winter record for Kentucky.

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

32

Vol. 78

Great Blue Heron - 20+ on December 1 at Falls (DO); 3 on December 15 at Gray (JP).

Black Vulture - 3 on December 1 at RRSP and 5 in Gray on December 15 (JP).

Turkey Vulture - 30 on December 13 in Gray ( JP); 200 on February 2 at Long (Hap. RD).

Greater White-fronted Goose - 200+ on December 9 at SWMA ( DO); 100 on January 9 at
Long (DR); 1 ,000 on January 1 2 at Long (Hap); 200 on January 21 at Long (PL. WL);

7 on January 28 at SWMA (JP); 2.000 on February 2 at Long (Hap. RD).

Snow Goose - 4 on December 9 at SWMA(DO); 1 on January 8 at CRL (FB); 200 on
January 12 at Long (Hap); 400 on January 21 at Long (PL. WL); 200 (50 were blue
morphs) on January 28 at SWMA (JP); 1.500 on February 2 at Long (Hap. RD); 3.500
on February 1 7 at Long (Hap. ME); 2 on February 22 at CRL (FB, LK).

Ross’s Goose - 2 on January 21 at Long (PL. WL); 1 on January 26 in Mars (DR); 2 on
January 27 at Long (GC); 4 on February 2 at Long (Hap, RD); I on February 9 at
PWMA (DR); 55 on February 17 at Long (Hap, ME).

Canada Goose - 354 on January 5 at Goose Lake. PWMA (DO); 1.000 on January 25 at
SWMA ( JP); Richardson's race - 4 on January 5 at PWMA, 1 on January 8 in Livingston
County and 2 on January 31 at McL, videotaped (DR).

Mute Swan - 2 on December 10 at New (FR); 6 on January 1 1 on LBark (DR).

Gadwall - 3 on December 9 at Six (DO); 8 on December 25 at Falls, 2 on January 25 at
SWMA, and 25 on January 27 at Falls (JP); 2 on January 4 at Mel ( FR); 8 on January 29
at UKF (WD); 30+ on February 22 at Goose Ponds, CRL (FB, LK).

American W'igeon - 3 on December 9 at Falls ( DO); 14 on January 25 at SWMA ( JP).

American Black Duck - 2 1 on December 8 and 5 on January 26 at Falls (DO); 6 on Jan¬
uary 6 at LBL (Hap); 1 5 on February 1 in Gray (JP).

Mallard - 100 + on January 2 on Ohio River, Camp (FR).

Northern Pintail - 1 on December 8 at Falls (DO); 1 male on December 10 at New (FR);

1 male on January 8 at MCFH (FB, LK); 22 on January 25 at SWMA (JP).

Northern Shoveler - 6 on December 8 at Falls ( DO); 4 on January 28 at SWMA (JP); 101
on February 2 and 10 on February 17 at Long (Hap).

Green-winged Teal - 1 8 on December 8 on OR (DO); 1 06 on February 1 7 at Long (Hap).

Canvasbaek - 8 on December 8 on OR and 3 on February 3 at Falls (DO); 24 on January
20 at Jon (Hap); 12 on February 16 at Dams (Hap, MM, DR).

Redhead - 280+ on December 8 on OR (DO); 2 on January 8 at MCFH (FB. LK); 4 on
February 16 at Dams (Hap, MM. DR).

Ring-necked Duck - 36 on December 8 on OR ( DO); 2 on January 6 at LBL ( Hap); 20 on
January 8 at MCFH (FB, LK); 10 on January 25 at SWMA (JP); 75+ on February 22 at
Goose Ponds, CRL (FB, LK).

Greater Scaup - 22 on December 8 on OR and 8 on February 3 at Falls ( DO).

Lesser Scaup - 325 on December 8 at Six (DO); 200 on January 6 at LBL (Hap); 500 on
February 16 at Dams (Hap, MM, DR).

Long-tailed Duck - 1 on January 26 at KyLake (DR).

Surf Scoter - 4 at Falls, 27 at Six, and 5 in Gal on December 8 (DO).

Black Scoter - 3 at Six, 1 each at Carl and Gal on December 8, with a female at Falls on
January 13 through the end of the period (MB. DO, JP).

Common Goldeneye - 2 on January 13 at Falls (DO); 4 on February 16 at Dams (Hap,
MM, DR).

Bufflehead - 60+ on December 8 on OR ( DO).

Hooded Merganser - 2 at Falls, 9 at Six, 17 in Trim and 1 1 in Gal on December 8 (DR);
35 on January 8 at MCFH (FB).

Common Merganser - 1 on January 5 at Day (FR); 2 males and 1 female on January 1 1
on CRL (FB, LK); 1 male and 1 female on January 31 below Bark (PL, WL).

2002 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 33.

Red-breasted Merganser - 343 at Six and 42 on the Ohio River in in Trim on Decem¬
ber 8 (DO); 2 on January 1 at Day (FR).

Ruddy Duck - 12 on December 8 on OR (DO); 1 on January 9 on CRL and 2 on Jan¬
uary 1 1 at MCFF1 (FB, LK); 20 on January 20 at Jon (Flap).

Bald Eagle - 1 on January 2 in Hart (MS); 2 at LBL and 1 at Bio on January 6 (Hap); 2
adults and 1 immature on January 8 at MCFH and 1 on January 9 at CRL (FB, LK); 1 on
January 19 at Bio, 1 on February 2 and 2 on February 1 7 at Long (Hap); 4 on February

16 at Dams (Hap, MM, DR).

Northern Harrier - 1 on December 8 at Falls ( DO); 1 on December 1 5, 1 on January 2, 2
males on February 7 and 1 on February 19 in Gray (JP); 1 on February 16 at Dams (Hap,
MM, DR).

Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1 on December 18 at Eve and 1 on January 2 at New (FR); 1 on
January 5 at PWMA (DO); 1 in Dav on January 15, February 5 and 14 (MT); 2 on
February 10 at Eve and 1 on February 25 at New (FR).

Cooper’s Hawk - 2 on December 9 in Lou (DO); 1 on December 20 and January 20 in
Dav (MT); 1 on December 26 in Gray (JP); 1 on February 6 in Hart (MS).

Rough-legged Hawk - 1 on December 4 at Long (KL, etal.)\ 1 on February 7 in Brec(JP).

American Kestrel - 10 on January 25 in Henderson County (JP).

Merlin - 1 on January 2 in Warn (DR).

Peregrine Falcon - 2 on January 26 at Lou (DO).

PRAIRIE FALCON - 1 on December 4 near L#9; videotaped (DR et al.) Documentation
has been submitted.

Wild Turkey - 75 on December 20 and 50 on February 24 in Han (MT); 42 on February 1 2
at LBL (PL, WL).

Sandhill Crane - Approximately 100 in Rowan County on December 31 (LK); 43 on Janu¬
ary 17, and 80+ on January 18 in Hart (MS); 56 on January 19 at Bio (Hap); 350 on
January 26 in Hart and 450+ in Warren County (MS); 45 on January 26 at RRSP (JP).

Killdeer - 7 on February 28 in Dav (MT).

Greater Yellowlegs - I on December 4 in Ful (DR).

Lesser Yellowlegs - 1 on December 4 in Ful (DR).

Least Sandpiper - 12 on December 9 at SWMA (DO); 5 on January 6 at Bio (Hap); 3 on
January 21 at Jon (PL, WL).

Common Snipe - 104 on December 9 at SWMA (DO); 8 on January 6 at Bio (Hap); 1 on
January 19 at RRSP (RF, MH).

American Woodcock - Vocalizations were heard at LBL on February 2 (PL, WL); 3 vocal¬
izations on February 22 in Hart (MS).

Bonaparte’s Gull - 271 on December 8 at Falls (DO); 1 on December 22 at New (FR); 425
on January 19 at Bio (Hap).

Ring-billed Gull - 278 on December 8 at Falls (DO); 1 10 on December 29 at New, 400 at
the mouth of the Licking River, Camp, and 635 in flight at Camp on December 31, with
500 on January 1 to 2 at New (FR); 120 on January 4 at Mel (FR); 425 on January 19 and
300 on January 20 at Bio (Hap); 150 on February 2 at Long (Hap, RD) and 300 on
February 3 at Bio (Hap); 1 ,500 on February 16 at Dams (Hap, MM, DR); 84 on February

1 7 at Falls (DO); 1 on February 25 in Hart (MS).

Herring Gull - 2 on December 8 at Mark (DO); 10 on February 3 in Cal (Hap); approxi¬
mately 200 on February 16 at Dams (Hap, MM, DR).

Thayer’s Gull - An adult and an immature from December 3 through the period at Dams
(DR); 1 immature on January 27 and February 16 at Bark (PL, WL); 2 on February 16 at

34

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

Bark (Hap, MM, DR).

Lesser Black-backed Gull - at least 1 through the period at Dams ( DR ); 1 second-year bird
on February 16 below Bark (WL).

Glaucous Gull - 2 first-year birds from December 3 through the period at Dams ( DR); 1 on
February 16 at KyDam (Hap, MM, DR); 1 on February 22 below KyDam (PL, WL).

Great Black-backed Gull - 1 on January 1 1 at KyLake (DR). Videotaped.

Forster’s Tern - 2 on January 6 and 5 on January 20 at Bio (Hap); as many as 3 observed on
several trips during the period at Jon ( PL, WL).

Eurasian Collared-Dove - 5 on February 10 at Hie (KL et al. ); 1 1 on February 16 in Hie
(DO); 1 on February 2 in Mur (PL, WL).

INCA DOVE - 1 on February 9- 1 0 at Hie; videotaped ( BY et al. ). Documentation has been
submitted.

Eastern Screech-Owl - 1 on December 2 at Bern (DO); 1 on December 6 at SC (JP).

Great Horned Owl - 1 on January 19 at Bio (Hap).

SNOWY OWL - 1 second-year male from at least February 22 to April 1 south of Falmouth
Pendleton County; Photographed and banded (JH, KC, et al.).

Barred Owl - 1 on January 13 in Gray (JP); 1 on January 19 at Bio (Hap).

Short-eared Owl - 8 on January 5 at PWMA (DO).

Loggerhead Shrike - 1 on January 19 and 20 in Gray (JP); 4 on February 16 in Ful (DO).

Horned Lark - 20 on December 1 at RRSP and 15 on January 25 in Henderson County
(JP).

Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1 on December 1 and 17 in Lou (DO); 2 from December 9 to 14
and 1 on February 4 in Lex (WD); 1 on December 15 at LBL (PL, WL); 1 at SC from
December 25 to January 19 (JP); 2 in Dav on December 3, February 3 and 18 (MT); 2 on
February 18 in Mars (PL, WL).

Brown Creeper - 2 on December 2 at Bern (DO); 1 on December 18 at Eve (FR); 1 on
January 19 in Brec (RF, MH); 1 on February 12 in Dav (MT).

Golden-crowned Kinglet - 4 on January 5 at PWMA (DO); 4 on January 19 in Brec (RF.
MH).

Eastern Bluebird - 14 on December 1 at RRSP (JP); 15 on December 2 at Bern (DO).

Hermit Thrush - 2 on January 3 at CRL dam. CRL (FB); 1 on January 13 at BPB farm
(DO); 1 on January 19 in Brec (RF, MH).

American Robin -Approximately 1.500 on December27 atNKU (FR); 5 on December31
in Dav (MT); 275 on January 5 at PWMA (DO).

European Starling - An estimated 120,000 at NKU roost on December 27 (FR).

Gray Catbird - 1 on December 8 in Jef (DO).

Brown Thrasher - 1 on December 1 5 and February 15 at LBL (PL. WL); 1 on January 5 at
PWMA (DO).

American Pipit - 100+ on January 6 in Trigg County ( DO).

Cedar Waxwing - 18 on December 9 in Gray (JP).

Pine Warbler - 4 singing on February 18 in Mars and 1 at Pie on February 27 to 28 (PL,
WL).

Palm Warbler - 1 on January 13 at Bar (DR).

American Tree Sparrow - 10 on January lto 2 at Day (FR); 2 on February 3 near Pie
(PL. WL).

Chipping Sparrow - Present during the period in Warn, with a high count of 1 9 on January
19 (DR); 37 on February 3 in Cal (Hap).

Savannah Sparrow - 4 on January 5 at PWMA (DO); 1 on February 20 at RRSP (JP).

LeConte’s Sparrow - 1 on January 5 at PWMA (DO); I on February 9 at PWMA (DR).

35

2002 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Fox Sparrow - 2 on January 5 at PWMA (DO); as many as 10 during early January at Pie
(PL, WL); 1 on January 19 in Brec and Gray (RF, MH).

Swamp Sparrow -2 on December 9 at Can (JP).

White-throated Sparrow - 4 on December 3 and 10 on December 3 1 in Hart (MS); 25 on
February 7 in Brec (JP); 1 1 on February 1 1 in Dav (MT).

White-crowned Sparrow - A high of 5 on January 19 at SC (JP); seen daily in Hart, with a
high number of 53 on February 26 (MS).

Dark-eyed Junco - 12 on December 8, 1 1 on December 14, and 12 on February 3 in Dav
(MT).

Lapland Longspur - Sighted regularly during the period in Trigg (PL, WL).

Indigo Bunting - I observed on February 18, 26 to 27 at feeder in Dav (MT).

Western Meadowlark - 1 on January 9 in Ful (DR).

Brewer’s Blackbird - 7 on January 20 and 23 in Warn (DR).

Rusty Blackbird - 3 on January 19 in Gray (RF, MH); 50 on January 27 north of KyDam
(PUWL).

Brown-headed Cowbird - 3 on January 5 at PWMA (DO).

Purple Finch - 1 on December 12 in Hart (MS); 1 to 2 present in January and February at
SC feeder, with 6 on February 14 in Gray (JP); 2 on January 12 at BRSP (DO); 2 on
February 3 and 3 on February 18 in Dav (MT).

White-winged Crossbill - 1 female on January 19 in Warn, videotaped (DR).

Pine Siskin - 1 on December 18 at Eve (FR); 1 on February 8 at SC (JP).

Contributors - Fred Busroe (FB), Hap Chambers (Hap), Glen Criswell (GC), Wayne Davis
(WD), Roseanna Denton (RD), Melissa Easley (ME), Rebecca Forman (RF), Mary Harrel
(MH), Jeff Hays (JH), Lewis Kornman (LK), Betty Leggett (BL), Ken Leggett (KL), Bill
Lisowsky (BL), Paula Lisowsky (PL), Mark Monroe (MM), Nancy Moore (NM), Damn
O'Brien(DO), Joyce Porter(JP), Frank Renfrow(FR), David Roemer(DR), Mitchell Stur¬
geon (MS), Marilee Thompson (MT), Ben Yandell (BY).

— 437 Sunset Lane, Morehead, KY 40351

Kentucky Ornithological Society Spring Meeting
Mammoth Cave National Park
April 26,h through April 28,h.

President Kathy Caminiti called the spring meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Soci¬
ety to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting program consisted of slides shown by members, a
silent auction for the benefit of the Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund, and an informal
social time devoted to a discussion of Kentucky birds.

The Board established the Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund in memory of the late
Anne L. Stamm, a venerable ornithologist and life-long member of the Society. The fund is
dedicated to furthering the education of young people in the area of birding and/or ornithol¬
ogy. Items entered into the silent auction included numerous books, references, and jour¬
nals donated to the Society by the late Anne L. Stamm, donations of books and materials
from members, and donations of bird-related supplies from businesses. The silent auction
was the primary focus of the activity on Friday night and continued through the close of the
Saturday evening meeting. The total funds generated from the silent auction for the two-
day period exceeded $ 1 ,600. Places of business that donated items to the auction were:

Vol. 78

36 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

—The Boggs Group. Nicholasville, Kentucky.

—David L. Flores Nature Photography. Taylor Mill. Kentucky.

—Wild Bird and Nature Store. Bowling Green. Kentucky.

Society members donating items for the auction or cash to the Fund include: Leif Ander¬
son. Peggy Barrington. Mark Bennett. Kathy Caminiti. Granville Carey. Joan Carey, Joan
Carr, Margaret Chase, Michael Hamm, Janet Howard, Ron Lusby, Brian Myres, and Clell
Peterson.

While the auction was proceeding as the basis of Friday’s program, Joan Carr, David
Flores. Win Ahrens, and Kathy Caminiti displayed slides of birds that they had taken re¬
cently. Mr. Flores, who is a professional photographer, displayed stunning images of the
recent Snowy Owl from Pendleton County. In addition, the membership was able to enjoy
assorted cheeses, vegetables, meats, and crackers, as well as bottled water, soft drinks, or
wine.

On Saturday morning, two field trips departed the Mammoth Cave Hotel promptly at
8:00 a.m. The first trip was led by Dr. Blaine Ferrell. Locations visited on this trip included
the Green River Ferry area and the River Styx nature trail. The second field trip was led by
Jackie Elmore and visited Houchen's Ferry, Tumhole Bend Trail, and Sloan’s Crossing
Pond. Unfortunately, heavy rains hampered the Saturday morning field trips. Despite the
weather, numerous species of woodland birds were observed.

On Friday afternoon, the KOS Board met from 3:00 to 5:15 p.m. During the Board
meeting, the rain abated and many members were able to catch up on birding that had been
dampened during the morning.

At 6:00 p.m. on Saturday evening, the Society was able to have dinner as a group in the
meeting room of the Hotel. A buffet was available to members and the silent auction re¬
sumed and continued through the Saturday evening program.

At 7:00 p.m., the Saturday evening program began. There were three featured presenta¬
tions: “Birding in Staffordshire England” by Frank Gobble, “Cuba: Remarkable” by Darrin
O'Brien, and "Documenting Rare Birds in Kentucky" by David Roemer.

Frank Gnbble, a resident of Staffordshire County in England, presented slides and infor¬
mation regarding birds and birding near his home. The slides included many remarkable
species to be observed in England. Conservation efforts, population trends, habitats, and
other issues facing the avian fauna of the county were discussed during the entertaining and
informative program.

Damn O’Brien, a KOS member from Louisville, presented a program on the birds of
Cuba. Darrin participated in the American Birdmg Association sponsored Cuban Bird Sur¬
vey in February and March of this year. Using PowerPoint as the delivery vehicle, Mr.
O’Brien presented photos of Cuban endemic species and discussed the culture and the avi¬
fauna of this Caribbean Island. The difficulties and rewards associated with travel to Cuba
were also discussed.

David Roemer made the final presentation of the evening. Using PowerPoint as a deliv¬
ery vehicle, David presented photographs and video stills he has made while documenting
rare or unusual birds in Kentucky. The purpose of the program was to point to the need for
photographic documentation of rare bird sightings, regardless of the quality of the photo.
Using his spotting scope, video camera, and digital camera, Mr. Roemer demonstrated the
technique of merely holding the photographic equipment to the scope to produce accept¬
able photographic documentation of rare or unusual species.

The program concluded with an opportunity for members to sign a petition asking the
United States government and the government of the Commonwealth of Kentucky to fol¬
low current law in dealing with the license request for the Thoroughbred Power Plant that is
planned for possible construction in Muhlenberg County.

2002

_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 37

On Sunday morning, one field trip led by Lee McNeely left the hotel while a second trip
led by David Roemer visited McElroy Lake in Warren County. Mr. McNeely’s trip in¬
cluded visits to the Green River, the historic cave entrance, and the delightful area near the
hotel. The second group traveled to the Warren County transient lake area in search of
shorebirds and waterfowl. The local field trip concluded at about 1 1 :00 a.m. and the McElroy
trip concluded at about 12:00 p.m. officially closing the spring meeting of the Kentucky
Ornithological Society for 2002.

During the meeting a total of 89 species was observed through Saturday. An additional
24 species were observed on Sunday bringing the grand total for the meeting to 1 13. All
species on the meeting list for the spring of 2002 are listed later.

There were 71 members in attendance.

Respectfully submitted

Mark Bennett, Recording Secretary

BIRDS OBSERVED AT THE SPRING 2002 KQS MEETING

Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vul¬
ture, Wood Duck, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Wild Turkey, Mourning
Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Barred Owl, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, North¬
ern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe,
Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Red¬
eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Purple Martin, Northern Rough-winged Swallow,
Barn Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina
Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird Wood
Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Blue¬
winged Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, North¬
ern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Yellow-rumped
Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler,
Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Palm Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler,
Cerulean Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler,
Qvenbird Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded War¬
bler, SummerTanager, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, White-throated
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Black¬
bird, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Orchard Oriole,
Northern Oriole, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow. The total number of
species for Mammoth Cave and surrounding areas was 89.

A trip to McElroy Lake on April 28th added the following species: Canada Goose, Mal¬
lard, Northern Pintail, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Lesser
Scaup, Ruddy Duck, Peregrine Falcon, American Coot, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer,
Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Least Sand¬
piper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Common Snipe, Laughing Gull, Horned Lark, Tree Swal¬
low, American Pipit, Savannah Sparrow. This brought the total number of species observed
during the weekend to 113.

38

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

ATTENDANCE AT THE SPRING MEETING, 2002
ALEXANDRIA: Ron and Mary Beth Lusby

BOWLING GREEN: Valerie Brown, Jeftie Carpenter, Dave Dunham, Tom Durbin,

Jackie and Diane Elmore, Blaine Ferrell, Kim Rainey, David and Joan Roemer,
Marvin and Nancy Russell, Herb Shadowen
BURLINGTON: Joe, Kathy and Joey Caminiti, Lee McNeely
CANEYVILLE: Rebecca Foreman, Mary Harrel
CARLISLE: Wendell and Ginny Kingsolver, Brian Myres
COX’S CREEK: Dona Coates

DANVILLE: Bill and Margaret Chase, Michael and JoAnn Hamm

ELIZABETHTOWN: Doug and Janet Gebler

FALLS OF ROUGH: Kathryn Clay, Joyce Porter, Doralee St. Clair

FRANKFORT: Amy Covert

GILBERTSVILLE: Rowena Cary

LEXINGTON: Jim Williams, Scott Marsh, Rhonda Bryant

LOUISVILLE: Richard Cassell, Scott and Cheryl Jones, Mark Monroe, Darrin O'Brien,
Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.

MOREHEAD: Fred, Joanna and Katie Busroe
MORGANTOWN: Carroll and Dons Tichenor
MOUNT STERLING: Gerald Robe
MURRAY: Hap Chambers
OWENSBORO: Wendell and Marilee Thompson
PADUCAH: Bernice Caddell
PRINCETON: John and Phyllis Niemi
PROSPECT: Win Ahrens

RICHMOND: Gary Ritchison, Dr. and Mrs. Pete Thompson, Mark Vukovich

RUSSELLVILLE: Mark and Andrea Bennett

SCIENCE HILL: Roseanna Denton

SOUTH WILLIAMSON: Jim Carr, Les Estep

RAINBOW CITY, AL: Bettye Boyd

DAVIS, CA: Greg Schwab

MILAN, MI: Jeff Schultz

STAFFORD, ENGLAND: Frank Gribble

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

39

FIELD NOTES

First White-winged Dove Sighting in Kentucky

On April 14, 2002, my wife Kathy and I identified a White-winged Dove, Zenaida
asiatica , in our back yard in Murray, Calloway County. The bird was present for
the next four days, with the last sighting on April 18. It routinely fed on the ground
under our feeders. It was fairly aggressive towards other birds. Often this bird
called and since it was warm we had the windows open and could hear the very
distinctive call quite plainly.

On the afternoon of April 20, 1 received a note by e-mail from Mr. Steve White,
not the Murray State University professor, telling me that he had had a White¬
winged Dove at his feeders from April 1 7, 2002. I went to his home at 16441 US
Route 68-E in Aurora, Marshall County, Kentucky, located directly across from
the Lakeland Resort Motel and for one hour I observed this bird. It was indeed a
White-winged Dove. Because this bird was spotted at his feeders on April 1 7, and
since “my” bird was at my house all day on that date, I believe these are two
different birds.

I have turned in proper forms for the Kentucky Bird Records Committee in that
the bird at my house was a Kentucky first. David Roemer obtained several excel¬
lent images of the bird on April 16 as it sat in a tree in our back yard (see cover
photo). —CARL MOWERY, 1406 Vine Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

Evidence of Breeding Pied-billed Grebes in
a Restored Menifee County Wetland

Kentucky lost 81% of its wetland area between 1780 and 1980 (Dahl 1990). This habitat
loss has resulted in declining populations of plants and animals dependent on wetlands for
survival. Nearly half of the 800 species of migratory birds in the United States rely on
wetlands to fulfill their life history requirements (Wharton et al. 1982). The Daniel Boone
National Forest (DBNF) covers more than 691,000 acres of land in eastern Kentucky. Wet¬
lands are rare habitats within DBNF. To combat some of this loss of habitat in eastern
Kentucky, the U.S. Forest Service, Morehead Ranger District, in cooperation with other
agencies and organizations, has established over 100 wetland habitats on flood plains of the
Licking River valley. The wetlands are designed to provide habitat for breeding and migra¬
tory waterfowl. However, the preponderance of the evidence is that most wetland restora¬
tions and construction efforts fail to replace the functions and values of the destroyed wet¬
lands (Zeller 2000). Previous bird observations on these wetlands have found they were
providing some value to birds (Haight and Reeder 1997), but extensive breeding of water-
fowl had not been observed outside of birds using artificial structures (i.e., nesting plat¬
forms and boxes).

On 9 June 2000 three hatchling Pied-billed Grebes ( Podilymbus podiceps) were observed
qt one of the wetlands in the Forest Service complex. The presence of naturally breeding
birds suggests the wetlands are providing food, cover, and protection commensurate with

40 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 78

natural wetlands for this obligate wetland species. The wetland has an area of 0.6
ha, has an average depth of 0.5 m, and a maximum depth of 1.2 m. Cattails and
rushes ( Typha latifolia and Juncus acuminatus) ring the outer edge of about two-
thirds of the marsh. About 10% of the wetland has a shallow flat dominated by
moneywort (Lysimachia nummularia), the rest is open water. We are hopeful that
as these wetlands mature they will continue to increase the wetland bird popula¬
tions in the region. — MICHAEL E KENAWELL and BRIAN C. REEDER,
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Morehead State Univer¬
sity, Morehead Kentucky 4035 1 .

Dahl, T. E. 1990. Wetlands losses in the United States 1780's to 1980’s, U.S. De¬
partment of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. 2 1 p.
Haight, A. and B.C. Reeder. 1997. Avifauna use of constructed wetlands in the
Cave Run Lake Area, The Kentucky > Warbler , 73:24-27.

Wharton, C.H., W.M. Kitchens, E.C. Pendleton, andT.W. Sipe. 1982. The ecology
of bottomland hardwood swamps of the southeast: a community profile, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological Services Program, FWS/OBS-87/37, 1 33pp.
Zedler, J.B. 2000. Progress in wetland restoration ecology. Trends in Ecology and
Evolution, 15:402-407.

SOME NOTES FROM THE 2001 BREEDING SEASON

During the summer of 2001, the authors made several noteworthy observations
of breeding birds in the Shawnee Hills (Western Coal Field) region of Kentucky,
details of which are included in the following notes.

On 7 June, we conducted a terrestrial survey of a tract of land in the Pennyrile
State Forest next to Lake Beshear and along Copeland Bluff, in eastern Caldwell
County. This tract of land is forested with relatively mature, closed-canopy de¬
ciduous woodland with Virginia Pines (Pinus virginiana) along the top of the bluff.
Copeland BlutT, itself, is a massive sandstone cliff that extends for nearly a mile in
total length and varies from 50- 1 00 or more feet in height. In one of several coves
along the cliff, we located three nests of Northern Rough-winged Swallows
( Stelgidopteryx serripennis ), all containing young. All three nests were within
sight of one another in a U-shaped canyon created by the massive cliff, and all
were situated within about 15 feet of the ground thus near the base of the cliff.
Because of the size of the cliff, which precluded any sizable trees from growing
next to it. there was quite a large open area beneath the canopy of the towering
trees nearby. This situation apparently made for an optimal nesting area. While
nesting of Northern Rough-winged Swallows in natural situations has been previ¬
ously documented in Kentucky (both on cliffs and dirt banks along streams), it
was interesting to see a small colony present in a natural setting. Most Northern
Rough- winged Swallows now nest in human structures such as bridges and along
vertical rock walls of highway rights-of-way and quarries. Also notable at this
same site was a colony of Big Brown Bats (Eptesicus fuscus), a number of which
were heard calling from behind a large slab of rock along the face of the cliff,
approximately 60 feet above the ground. Similar to the swallows, this species
largely has adapted to human structures for summer and maternity colony use, and
it is quite unusual to find a colony of these bats in a natural situation.

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

41

2002 _

On 22 June, we helped conduct an aerial survey of some western Kentucky

heronries. One of the sites we checked was the known Great Blue Heron ( Ardea
herodias ) colony adjacent to the Cypress Creek State Nature Preserve, northwest
of Central City along Cypress Creek, about a mile north of KY 81, in Muhlenberg
County. While circling over the site, we noted a pair of Mute Swans (Cygnus olor)
with an approximately half-grown cygnet in their company. Subsequent to our
flight, Mr. Wayne Rosso, who owns the portion of the swamp where we saw the
swans, called the office of the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission to
report that a pair of swans had raised a young bird in the swamp during the sum¬
mer. He reported having seen the adult birds there from January through the end
of March, and he observed the cygnet on 23 June and photographed the family
group on 3 July. Although there have been reports of captive and pinioned Mute
Swans nesting in Kentucky, this appears to be the first report of the species nesting
in a natural situation. It is unclear if this is a sign of things to come or just a
random event.

During mid-June, we conducted surveys of several wetland areas, searching in
particular for additional sites with nesting Least Bitterns ( Ixobrychus exilis ). Evi¬
dence of nesting was observed at several sites as follows. On 4 June, we heard a
bird giving the species’ descending “coo-coo-coo-coo” territorial call in a marsh
dominated by reeds (Phragrnites communis ) along Clear Creek at Manitou-Richland
Road several miles southwest of Madisonville, Hopkins County.

On 20 June, we conducted a canoe survey of an impoundment on the Sinclair
WMA, just northeast of Drakesboro, in Muhlenberg County. This marsh has hosted
breeding Least Bitterns in past years, including observations of an active nest in
1998 (Palmer-Ball, KW 74:86, 1998). During our visit, we located two bittern
nests, one with an adult incubating a clutch of eggs and the other recently aban¬
doned by at least two downy young that were observed in adjacent cattails (Tvpha
latifolia). In addition to the bitterns, we observed two (a pair?) of Common
Moorhens ( Gallinula chloropus) in the marsh.

On 21 June, we observed one adult Least Bittern and heard it giving territorial
calls along Weirs Creek, downstream of KY 109, in western Hopkins County.
Although no further evidence of nesting was obtained, this area contains numer¬
ous patches of cattails and looks excellent for the presence of a small breeding
population.

Also on 2 1 June, we heard two Least Bitterns calling and observed a young bird,
still retaining some down in the crown, in patches of reeds along the southeastern
margin of the large, open-water lake in the Flat Creek Bottoms on the White City
WMA, in southeastern Hopkins County. A thunderstorm forced us off the lake
before we were able to complete a circuit of the area, but again, the habitat at this
site appeared to be quite suitable to support a small breeding population.

On 1 0 July, we heard a Least Bittern giving territorial calls from a large marsh of
reeds on the Camp #1 1 Mine, Union County. It is very possible that by this date
the individual could have represented a migrant, but the fact that it was calling led
us to believe that nesting at the site was possible.

The results of the surveys of these marshes indicate that Least Bitterns appear to
be receptive to nesting in at least some marshes dominated by reeds rather than
cattails ( Tvpha spp.). A predominance of Phragrnites communis in wetlands of
this region often signals the presence of water quality problems (e.g., elevated
levels of iron and other metals causing a low pH); such a situation may result in
reduced levels of invertebrate and fish populations, which serve as prey for the

42 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 78

bitterns. However, it is apparent from our observations that there must be enough
food to support Least Bitterns, at least in small numbers, in these systems of im¬
paired water quality.

Finally, on 19 July, we noted a probable colony of breeding Sedge Wrens
(Cistothorus platensis ) in an extensive growth of thick grasses on the Rockford
Road Moist Soils Unit of the Jenny Hole-Highland Creek Unit of Sloughs
WMA.This site is approximately three miles northeast of Uniontown, in Union
County. At least four males were singing in the stand of grass, most of which was
barnyard grass (Echinocloa crusgalli). This is a first summer and probable breed¬
ing record for Union County. — BRAINARD PALMER-BALL, JR., Ky. State
Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort. KY, 40601. and
PAUL R. MOOSMAN, JR., 33 1 Funchess Hall. Department of Biology, Auburn
University, Auburn. AL, 36849.

A Study of Barn Owl Pellets Found at a Boone County Nest Site

An examination of 23 owl pellets collected by Lee McNeely in August 2000 at
a Barn Owl (Tyto alba ) nest site near Burlington, Kentucky yielded remains of 42
voles ( Microtus sp.), 5 short-tailed shrews ( Blarina brevicauda) and one house
mouse (Mas musculus ) (Table I ). Most of the vole skulls had 5 clearly defined
dentine islands in all three upper molars, which identified them as meadow voles
(Microtus pennsylvanicus). I believe that all the voles were meadow voles, but
several juveniles had less clearly defined dentine islands, making identification to
species doubtful in these cases.

Table 1 . Analysis of Barn Owl pellets for prey species.

Prey species % of Pellets Number of ^Composition

Containing Prey Remains Individuals of Prey Species

Vole

Microtus sp.

100%

42

87.5%

Short-tailed shrew
Blarina brevicai id a

13%

5

10.4%

House mouse

Mus musculus

4.3%

1

2.1%

Total

48

100%

The results of this study are similar to other studies of Bam Owl food habits in
that voles are the main food item. For instance, 22 Bam Owl pellets collected in
Superior Township, Michigan in 1942 by John and Frank Craighead contained 40
prey individuals consisting of 70% meadow voles and 30% white-footed mice
(Peromvscus leucopus). The lack of any white-footed mice in the Boone County
sample may indicate that this hunting territory was too frequently clipped to allow
for much seed production . Seeds are the preferred food of white-footed mice,
while voles prefer grass shoots and other fresh vegetation (Barbour 1974). This

43

2002 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

inference is only speculative, though from Lee's description of the area it mght be
close to the mark. The semirural farmstead where the nest was found is close to a
busy highway and shopping area and the Greater Cincinnati Airport is approxi¬
mately one mile away, with broad noise buffer areas of closely mowed grass. No
study of small mammal populations was conducted near the nest site, however,
nor was it determined exactly where these owls hunted.

It would have been necessary to do a companion study of small mammal popu¬
lations in the owls’ hunting territory as was done in a snidy of Long-eared and
Short-eared owl food habits (Machniak and Elliott, Ky. Warbler 73: 58-65) to draw
any conclusions as to whether these prey items were chosen in an opportunistic or
selective manner. This study merely adds one more small piece to an ongoing
puzzle. — FRANK LYNE, 7792 Watermelon Road, Adairville, Kentucky 42202.

Identification References:

The Wild Mammals of Missouri, Charles W. and Elizabeth R. Schwartz, Univer¬
sity of Missouri Press and Missouri Conservation Commission, 1959.
Mammals of Indiana, Russell E. Mumford and John O. Whitaker, Bloomington
Indiana University Press, 1982.

The Mammals of Virginia, Donald W. Linzey, Internet, 1998.

Literature Cited:

Craighead, J. J. and F.C. Craighead. 1969. Hawks, Owls and Wildlife, Dover
Publications.Inc.

Machniak, A. and C. Elliott. 1997. Comparison of Long-eared and Short-eared
owl winter food habits on a reclaimed stripmine in Western Kentucky, The Ky.
Warbler , 73: 58-65.

Barbour, R.W. and W.H. Davis. 1974. Mammals of Kentucky, Umversity of Ken¬
tucky Press.

Acknowledgements:

Lee McNeely - for sending me the owl pellets.

Brainard Palmer-Ball - for confirming my short-tailed shrew identification.

44

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

NEWS AND VIEWS

Reminder of the Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline

The Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline is (502 )-326-0878. Please report any unusual
sightings in order to provide others with the opportunity to see rare birds.

K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Avian Research Grant Fund

Persons that need money (i.e.. up to S500) to assist them in conducting research on birds
in Kentucky should contact the K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Avian Research Grant Fund
Committee c/o Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering, Western Ken¬
tucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 (email: blaine.ferrell@wku.edu) for a
set of guidelines and an application form.

Kentucky Bird Records Committee

Rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season should be well documented and the
documentation should be sent to Lee McNeely, Secretary of the KBRC, P.O. Box 463,
Burlington, Kentucky 41005, for consideration by the committee for official state record
status.

The Kentucky War bier % ? 7

(Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society)

•^C/i

Ny

VOL. 78 AUGUST 2002

IN THIS ISSUE

THE SPRING MIGRATION, 2002, Fred M. Busroe . 47

HELD NOTE . 55

NEWS AND VIEWS . 56

46

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

President . Kathy Caminiti, Burlington

Vice-President . Hap Chambers, Murray

Corr. Secretary . Mark Monroe

1114 Silvercrest Lane, Louisville 40223

Treasurer . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr

8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222

Recording Secretary . Mark Bennett, Russellville

Councillors:

Jackie Elmore, Bowling Green . 2000 thru 2002

Gerald Robe, Mt. Sterling . 2000 thru 2002

Richard Cassell, Louisville . 2001 thru 2003

Janet Howard, Owensboro . 2001 thru 2003

Scott Marsh. Lexington . 2002 thru 2004

Roseanna Denton, Science Hill . 2002 thru 2004

Retiring President . Marilee Thompson, Owensboro

Staff Artist . Ray Harm

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 $8.00; Contribut¬
ing, $15.00; Student $4.00; Life, $200.00; Family, $2.00 in addition to Regular.
Contributing or Life Membership dues; Corporate. All articles and communica¬
tions should be addressed to the editor. Subscriptions and memberships should be
sent to the Treasurer. Requests for back issues should be sent to the Corresponding
Secretary.

Editor . B.R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering

Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Editorial Advisory Board

Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. and Wayne Mason

Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely

P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY 4 1005

THE COVER

We thank Kathy Caminiti for this photograph taken on March 8, 2002 of the Snow Owl
( Nyctea scandiaca) in Pendleton County.

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

47

THE SPRING MIGRATION, 2002
Fred M. Busroe

The spring season weather was unusual. There were near record high temperatures early
in the season and a hard freeze on May 1 6. The precipitation was heavy early and light for
the latter part of the period.

There were observations reported front the highest elevation ( Big Black Mountain ) to the
lowest elevation (Fulton County). Some of the unusual observations from western Ken¬
tucky included: Pacific Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Western Grebe, Ruff and a White-winged
Dove. Reports from eastern Kentucky included; Black-capped Chickadees from Lawrence
County, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Veerys and Dark-eyed Juncos from Big Black Mountain
and nesting Red-breasted Nuthatches in Wolfe County.

Abbreviations- WMA = Wildlife Management Area; Ano = Ano Strip Mine, Pulaski County;
Bark = Barkley Dam, Lyon County; Bath = Bath County; Bee = Bee Rock, Pulaski County;
Bern = Bemheim Forest, Bullitt/Nelson counties.; BBMt = Big Black Mountain. Flarlan
County; BCNP = Boone County Cliffs Nature Preserve, Boone County; PB = Palmer-Ball
Farm, Jefferson County; Bur = Burlington, Boone County; Cal = Calloway County; Camp
= Campbell County; CEL = Camp Ernst Lake. Boone County; Cane = Canewood, Clark
County; Can = Caneyville Lake, Grayson. County; CRL = Cave Run Lake, Rowan County;
Cra = Craig’s Creek, Gallatin County; Cre = Joe Creason Park, Jefferson County; DBNF =
Daniel Boone National Forest, Powell/Wolfe counties; EBP = East Bend Power Plant,
Boone County; EIP = England-Idlewild Park, Boone County; Eve = Evergreen Cemetery,
Campbell County; Falls = Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson County; Fre = Freeman lake. Hardin
County; Ful = Fulton County; Ghe = Ghent Power Plant, Carroll County; Gray = Grayson
County; GRL = Green River Lake, Adair/Taylor counties; Gri = Griffin Park, Warren County;
Hie = Hickman, Fulton County; Jon = Jonathan Creek Embayment, Marshall County; I#8 =
Island Number 8, Fulton County; Jef = Jefferson County; JMF = Jefferson County Memo¬
rial Forest, Jefferson County; KyDant = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall counties;
KyLake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall/Trigg counties; LBL = Land Between the Lakes, Trigg
County; LBark = Lake Barkley, Livingston/ Lyon/Trigg counties; LCWMA = Lake
Cumberland WMA, Pulaski County; L#9 = Lake Number 9, Fulton County; LPew= Lake
Pewee, Hopkins County; LMc = McElroy Lake, Warren County; Letc = Letcher County;
Lit = Little Lick, DBNF, Pulaski County; Long = Longpoint WMA, Fulton County; Lou =
Louisville, Jefferson County; Mark = Markland Dam, Gallatin County; MCNP = Mam¬
moth Cave National Park, Edmonson County; MCP = Middle Creek Park, Boone County;
MCFH = Minor Clark Hatchery, Rowan County; Mor = Morgan’s Pond, Christian County;
MtZ = Mt. Zion, Pulaski County; New = Newport, Campbell County; Old = Oldham County;
Open = Open Pond, Fulton County; Owen = Owensboro, Daviess County; PWM A = Peabody
WMA, Muhlenburg County; Pet = Petersburg, Boone County; PHC = Pleasant Hill Church
Road, Cadiz, Trigg County; Pul = Pulaski County; Pump = Pumphouse Pond, Pulaski County;
RNWR = Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Fulton County; Roc = Rock Bridge Trail,
DBNF, Wolfe County; RRSP = Rough River State Park, Grayson County; Scott = Scott
County; SC = Short Creek, Grayson County; SWMA = Sloughs WMA, Henderson County;
Split = Split Rock Nature Park, Boone County; Trigg =Trigg County; Wal = Walton’s Pond,
Warren County; Warn = Warren County; War = Warsaw, Gallatin County; Yate = Yatesville
Lake, Lawrence County; YWMA = Yatesville WMA, Lawrence County.

48

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

PACIFIC LOON - 1 was observed on KyLake above KyDam on March 30, April 23, May
2 and 10 (DR); and lingered to May 13 (WL). The loon was videotaped, documentation
to be submitted.

Common Loon -2 on March 24 at LPew (DO); 6 on March 27 at CRL dam (FB); 1 on
April 29 and May 4 at Yate (SF); 1 on May 13 at KyDam (WL).

Pied-billed Grebe - 9 on March 23 at Fre (DO); 1 2 on March 27 at CEL (LMc).

Horned Grebe - 9 on March 20 at Can (JP); 1 on March 23 at Fre (DO); 18 on March 23 at
Mark and 3 at CEL from March 26- 30 (LMc); 10 on March 25 at New (FR); 1 on March
27 at Yate (SF).

Red-necked Grebe - 1 on April 10 at KyLake above KyDam (DR). It was videotaped.

Eared Grebe - 1 on April 1 0 at KyLake and 3 on April 29 at Mor, these were photo¬
graphed (DR). Documentation to be submitted.

WESTERN GREBE - 1 on April 10 at KyLake (DR). The bird was videotaped and docu¬
mentation to be submitted.

American White Pelican - 7 on March 14 at L#9 (GC, KL); 40 above Bark on March 17
(WL); 300+ on March 21 and 625+ on March 30 at LBark between the dam and Eddyville,
Lyon County (DR); 3 on March 24 at Hie (DO).

Double-crested Cormorant - 14 on March 16 at Falls (DO).

American Bittern - 1 on March 3 1 at Yate (SF); 1 on April 8 at Eve (FR); 1 on April 1 1
atSWMA(DR).

Least Bittern - 1 on May 20 at PWMA (DR).

Great Blue Heron - 34 on March 2 at colony at Lee’s Ford Dock, Pul ( RD); 27 present on
March 16 at rookery in Gray (JP); an active nest at EBP on May 1 1 (LMc),

Great Egret - 5 on March 14 and 27 at Long (GC); 2 on April 23 at Yate (SF); 1 on May 19
at Mor (WL); 23 at L#9 and 16 at Long on May 27 (KL, BL).

Snowy Egret - 2 on April 14 at Long (GC, NM).

Cattle Egret - 1 on March 24 near RN WR ( DO); 1 on March 30 at Long ( KL, Hap, NM);
1 on May 27 at RNWR (WL); 1 on May 27 at Open (KL, BL).

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - 1 on April 29 in Marshall County (DR).

Black-crowned Night-Heron - 2 on April 26 at Lou (DO).

Ross’s Goose - 3 on March 15 at SWMA and 1 on March 23 at Gn (DR).

Snow Goose - 500+ on March 24 near RNWR (DR).

Wood Duck - 8 on March 24 at Yate (SF); 1 female and 9 young on April 27 at MCNP
(LMc); a female with 7 young on May 1 1 at Pet (LMc).

Green-winged Teal - 2 on March 20 at Yate (SF); several hundred on March 24 at
RNWR (DR); 30+ on March 29 in a flooded field in Bath (FB).

Northern Pintail - 20+ on March 24 at Hie ( DO).

Blue-winged Teal - 9 on March 1 0 at Long (GC, NM); a high of 20 between March 20 -
April 14 (PL, WL); 5 on March 23 at Fre (DO); 4 on March 26 at YWMA (SF); 150 on
March 29 in Bath flooded field (FB).

Cinnamon x Blue-winged Teal - 1 was videotaped on April 17 at Mor (DR).

Northern Shoveler -27 on March 23 at Fre (DO); 22 on April 6 at Pet (LMc); 2 males on
April 20 at MCFH(FB).

Gadwall - 22 on March 10 at Falls (DO); 25 on March 30 at Pet (LMc).

Redhead - 6 males on March 6 at Can (JP); 6 on March 16 at Falls (DO); 20 on March
20 at Can (JP); 1 on May 20 at PWMA (DR).

Ring-necked Duck - A seasonal high at Can was 10 on March 20 (JP); 5 on March 23at
Fre ( DO); 9 on March 24 at Yate (SF).

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

49

Greater Scaup - 30 on March 20 at Can (JP); 2 on March 22 at CEL (LMc); 1 on
March 23 at Falls (DO).

Lesser Scaup - 17 on March 23 at Fre (DO); 55 at Pet gravel pit on March 24 (LMc).

Black Scoter -The female that wintered on the Ohio River at Louisville lingered to March
23 at Falls (DO).

Hooded Merganser - I lingered at EBP and Pet until May I 1 (LMc).

Red-breasted Merganser - 8 on March 22 near Owen (JP); 70 on March 23 at GRL (DR);
25+ on March 24 at Fre (DO).

Ruddy Duck - 200 on March 1 1 at Jon (WL); 1 1 on March 23 at Fre (DO); 3 at CEL on
March 27 (LMc).

Osprey - 1 on March 13 at LBL ( WL); 1 on March 24 at Hie (DO); I on April 9, 23 and
May 20 at Yate (SF).

Mississippi Kite - A group of 20 were feeding at French Bend, Ful and 1 at RN WR on
May 27 (WL); 2 on May 27 at Long (KL, BL).

Bald Eagle - 1 adult fishing in CRL on March 1 (FB, LK); 1 adult on nest on March 10
and 24 at L#9 (GC, BL, KL); 2 immatures on March 24 at L#9 (GC, BL, KL); 1 imma¬
ture on March 24 at RNWR (DO); 1 on March 27 at Yate (SF); 14 on April 10 at L#9
(GC, NM); 1 adult on May 3 - 4 at MCFH (FB).

Northern Harrier -2 on March 24 at RNWR and 1 in Lou on April 14 (DO).

Cooper’s Hawk - 1 at nest on April 1 5 at MtZ ( RD); 1 on April 2 1 at YWMA (SF).

Red-shouldered Hawk - 3 on March 24 at RNWR (DO).

Broad-winged Hawk - 1 on April 1 0 in Blame, Lawrence County (SF); 2 on April 1 3 at
Bern (DO).

Red-tailed Hawk - 2 active nests at Pet and 1 at Ghe during the period (LMc).

Golden Eagle - 1 on March 6 at Open (DR); 1 on March 10 in Ful (GC, NM).

American Kestrel - A pair arrived at SC nest box on March 24 (JP).

Merlin - 1 on March 24 at PWMA (DO); 1 on April 16 and 25 at LMc (DR).

Peregrine Falcon - 1 - 2 at LMc from April 22 to May 19 (DR); 1 on May 21 at
RRSP(JP).

Prairie Falcon - 1 on March 17 at L#9 (KL, BL).

Wild Turkey -26 on March 3 in Pul (RD); 8 on April 2 at YWMA (SF); a nest with 1 1 eggs
at BCNP on May 1 1 (LMc).

Northern Bobwhite- 15 on May 21 in Ohio County (JP); 15 on May 27 at L#9 (KL, BL).

King Rail - I on May 20 at PWMA (DR).

Sora-1 on April 26 at Pum(RD).

Common Moorhen - I on May 20 at PWMA (DR).

American Coot - 43 on March 16 at Falls (DO); 790 on March 23 at Fre (DO); 300+ on
March 27 at Goose Pond, CRL (FB).

Black-bellied Plover - I on April 27 at Mor (WL); 2 on May 1 1 at Pet (LMc); 8 on May
19 at Mor (WL).

American Golden Plover - 170+ on April 23 in Ful (DR).

Semipalmated Plover - A high number of 7 was seen during May in Trigg ( WL); 25 on
May 14 at MCFH (FB).

Piping Plover - 1 was videotaped on May 7 at Mor (DR).

Black-necked Stilt - I on April 20 at SWMA, 2 on April 23 at I#8 slough and 1 - 2 at
LMc on April 26 -27 and May 3 1 ( DR).

Greater Yellowlegs - 3 on March 9 at GRL (RD); I on March 21 atLBL(WL); 5+ on
March 24 at RNWR (DO); 7 on March 14 and 9 on March 27 at Long (GC); 1 on
March 27 at Yate (SF).

Lesser Yellowlegs - 3+ on March 24 at RNWR (DO); 9 on March 27 at Long (GC); 5 on

50

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

May 1 7 at MtZ (RD).

Solitary Sandpiper-A high count of23 on April 19 at Long (GC); 1 on April 21 at
YWMA (SF); 69 on April 23 at Long (DR); 1 on May 17 at MtZ (RD).

Willet - 1 on April 25 at LMc (DR); a flight of 17 on May 5 at Cane (FR); 1 on May 1 1 at
EBP(LMc).

Upland Sandpiper - 1 on April 16 at LMc (DR)

Whimbrel - 1 on May 8 at LMc and 4 on May 1 7 at Mor ( DR). Birds were videotaped.

Ruddy Turnstone - 1 7 on May 17 at Mor (DR).

Sanderling - 1 on May 19 at LMc (DR).

Semipalmated Sandpiper - 20+ on May 14 at MCFH (FB); 25 on May 16 in Trigg and 5
on May 19 at Mor (WL); 16 on May 31 at MtZ (RD).

Western Sandpiper - 2 on May 1 8 in Trigg ( WL).

Least Sandpiper - 3 on March 9 at Pet (LMc); 3 on March 9 at GRL (RD); 40 on May
14 at MCFH (FB).

Baird’s Sandpiper - 3 on May 4 at LMc, 2 on May 7 - 8 at Wal (DR); one on May 14
and 3 on May 29 at MCFH (FB).

Pectoral Sandpiper - 25 on March 24 at RNWR ( DO); 9 on March 27 at Long (GC).

Dunlin - 1 on April 2 at LMc (DR); 8 on May 14 at MCFH (FB); 24 on May 18 in Trigg
and 150+ at Mor on May 19 (WL).

Stilt Sandpiper - 1 - 4 from May 4 - 8 at LMc (DR)

RUFF - 1 female from 23-28 May at Mor (DR, WL). Bird photographed and documenta¬
tion to be submitted.

Short-billed Dowitcher - 37 on May 7 and 1 (possible griseus ) on May 30 at Wal (DR).

Long-billed Dowitcher - 33 on April 29 at LMc (DR).

Common Snipe - 50+ on March 24 at RNWR (DO).

American Woodcock - 1 1 on March 3 at RRSP airport (JP); 7+ on March 24 at PWMA
(DO).

Wilson's Phlalarope - 3 on May 4 at LMc (DR).

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE - 5 were photographed on May 17 at Mor, 3 on May
18 at LMc (DR. RD), 1 on May 19 - 20 at LMc (DR); 1 at Mor on May 19 (WL).

Laughing Gull - 1 on April 28 at LMc and 1 on April 29 at KyDam (DR).

Franklin’s Gull - 1 on April 29 at KyDam (DR).

Bonaparte's Gull - 5 on March 23 near War (LMc); 8 on April 3 at Yate (SF).

Ring-billed Gull - 200 on March 4 on Ohio River, New (FR); 67 on March 10 and 25 on
March 16 at Falls (DO); 10 on April 3 at YATE (SF).

Herring Gull - 1 on March 16 at Falls (DO); 1 on March 23 near War (LMc).

Thayer's Gull - 1 adult on March 6 at Bark and a second-year bird on March 14 at KyDam
(DR).

Lesser Black-backed Gull - 2 on March 1 1 at Bark, 1 on March 14 at KyDam and 1 on
March 21 at Bark (DR); 1 adult on March 24 at KyDam (DO).

Glaucous Gull - 1 - 2 from March 14-30 at KyDam and Bark (DR); 1 on March 24 at
KyDam ( DO).

Caspian Tern - 2 on March 30 at LBark ( DR); 2 on April 20 at MCFH (FB); 2 on May
8 near Dix Dam, Mercer County (RD).

Common Tern - 1 on April 25 in Camp (FR); 2 on May 13 at Yate (SF); 20+ on May 19 at
KyDam (DR).

Forster's Tern - 5 on March 1 1 at Jon ( WL); 6 on April 28 at Cra (LMc); 2 on May 2 at
Yate (SF); 2 on May 8 at Dix Dam, Mercer County (RD); 8 on May 13 at Yate (SF).

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

51

Black Tern - 10 on May 15 at KyDam and 10 on May 17 at LMc (DR).

Eurasian Collared-Dove - 1 on nest at Hie on March 24 (DO).

WHITE-WINGED DOVE - 1 on April 1 7 in Cal (DR, CM). Bird photographed and docu¬
mentation to be submitted.

Black-billed Cuckoo - 1 on May 14 in Warn (DR); 1 on May 5 at LBL ( WL); I on May 1 5
at Bur (LMc).

Eastern Screech-Owl - 1 on March 27 at Blaine, Lawrence County (SF); 1 on April 18 at
RRSP(JP).

Great Horned Owl - 2 on April 1 at SC (JP); a nest with 2 young on April 6 at Bur (LMc);
1 on April 7 and 1 0, 2 on April 1 2 and 2 adults with two immatures on April 1 5 at Eve
(FR); 1 on May 9 at PB (DO).

SNOWY OWL - 1 on March 10 near Falmouth, Pendleton County (DO).

Barred Owl - 2+ at RNWR and 1 at KyDam on March 24 (DO); 1 on April 9 atYWMA
(SF).

Long-eared Owl - 2 on March 24 at PWMA (DO).

Northern Saw-whet Owl - 1 on March 10 at Lit (RD).

Chuck's-will-widow - First heard at PHC on April 17(PL,WL); 1 in Gray on April 22 (JP).

Whip-poor-will - First heard at PHC on March 14 (PL, WL).

Olive-sided Flycatcher - 1 on May 20 at PWMA (DR).

Acadian Flycatcher - 2 on May 2 at YWMA (SF); 2 on May 1 1 at JMF (DO).

Alder Flycatcher - 1 on May 1 1 at LCWMA (RD, JB); 1 on May 1 3 in Warn (DR).

Least Flycatcher - 1 heard singing on May 2 at LBL (WL); I on May 21 at PB (DO); I on
May 2 1 at RRSP (JP); 8 on May 26 at BBMt (RD); 10 singing males with I carrying food
on May 29 at BBMt (DR).

Loggerhead Shrike - 5 on March 24 in Ful ( DO).

White-eyed Vireo - 4+ on April 27 in Jef (DO).

Blue-headed Vireo - 1 onApril I in Lawrence County (SF); lOon April 6at Lit (RD);3on
April 20 at Eve (FR); 1 on April 2 1 at LBL (WL).

Yellow-throated Vireo - 1 on April 12 at LBL (WL); 2 on April 13 at Bern (DO).

Warbling Vireo - 1 on March 18 near Can (JP); 1 on May 1 1 in Lou (DO); 2 on May 1 1 in
Pul (RD, JB).

Philadelphia Vireo - 1 on May 6 near Princess Arch, DBNF ( JP); 1 on May 1 1 at LBL
(WL); I on May 19 at MtZ (RD).

Fish Crow - 2+ on March 24 at RNWR (DO); I on April 12 at Jon (WL); a flock of 9 on
April 29 near KyDam (DR).

Common Raven - I on May 29 in Letc (DR).

Horned Lark - 1 on March 24 at RRSP airport (JP); 3+ on April 28 in Lou (DO).

Purple Martin - 8 on April 13 at RRSP (JP).

Tree Swallow - 14 on March 10 at Long (GC, NM); 2 on March 15 at Yate (SF); 75 on
March 16 at MCFH (FB); first seen in LBL on March 20 (WL); 16 on March 16 at
Falls and 12 at Fre on March 23 (DO); 8 on March 21 at Can (JP); 150+ on March 23
and 200+ on May 4 at MCFH (FB).

Bank Swallow - 150+ on May 4 at MCFH (FB); I on May 17-18 at Trigg pond (WL);
50+ active nests on May 18 at Pet gravel pit (LMc).

Cliff Swallow - 3 on April 24 at Yate (SF); 1 50+ on May 4 at MCFH (FB); 80+ birds at
nests on May 1 1 at EBP (LMc); 4 adults and 2 immatures on May 27 in Gray (JP).

Black-capped Chickadee - 3 on March 26 at Blaine (SF); 3 photographed at Blaine,
Lawrence County and 1 at Yate on March 28 (DR). Documentation to be submitted.

52

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

Red-breasted Nuthatch - 2 on April 9 at Eve; 3 on April 10 at YWMA (SF); 1 on April 13
at Bern (DO); 1 on April 15 in Gray (JP); 1 on April 19, 2 at nest hole on April 20-21 and
1 on May 5 at Roc (FR).

Brown Creeper - 5 on April 6 at Fit (RD).

Bewick’s Wren - 1 on May 5 in Warn (DR); 1 on May 25 in Scott (DO).

House Wren - 1 on April 18 at YWMA (SF).

Winter Wren - 1 on March 24 near KyDani (DO).

Golden-crowned Kinglet - 18 on March 30 in Gray (JP); 3 on April 2 at YWMA (SF); 13
on April 6 at Fit (RD).

Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 3 on April 1 1 at YWMA (SF).

Veerv - 3 on May 4 at BCNP (FMc); 1 on May 1 1 at JMF (DO); 8 ( 1 with nesting
material) on May 26 at BBMt (RD).

Gray-cheeked Thrush - 1 on May 1 1 at BCNP (FMc); 1 on May 1 1 at JMF (DO).

Swainson’s Thrush - Several were seen and heard on May 2 at both PHC and FBF
(WF).

Hermit Thrush - 1 on March 23 near RNWR (DO); 19 on April 6 at Fit ( RD); 2 on
April 10 at YWMA (SF).

American Pipit - 3+ on March 24 at RNWR (DO); 5 on March 27 at Fong (GC, KF);
200+ on April 25 at FMc (DR).

Cedar Waxwing - 1 24 on May 1 1 at JMF (DO); 10 on May 12 at SC (JP).

Blue-winged Warbler - 2 on April 1 3 at Cre (DO); 1 on April 16 at FCWMA (RD); a
research team from Queen’s University of Ontario netted and banded 35 at Ft.

Campbell and FBF between April 27 and May 7 (WF).

Golden-winged Warbler - Several singing males were heard at FBF from April 25 to
May 5 (WF).

Tennessee Warbler - 40 on May 1 1 at JMF ( DO).

Nashville Warbler - First seen at FBF on April 19 ( WF); 1 on April 27 at Fou (DO).

Northern Parula - 1 on April 6 at Bee (RD); first heard singing on April 12 at FBF
(WF); 1 on April 13 at Bern (DO); 1 on April 15 at YWMA (SF); 1 on April 21 and 22 in
Gray (JP); 4 on April 20 — 21 at Roc (FR).

Yellow Warbler - 1 on April 14 in Fou (DR); 1 on April 29 at SC (JP).

Chestnut-sided Warbler - 1 on May 12 at PB(DO).

Magnolia Warbler - 1 on April 25 and seen regularly until May 11 atFBF(WF); 1 on May
5 in DBNF(JP).

Cape May Warbler - 2 on May 1 1 at Eve (FR); 1 on May 1 8 at Split (FMc); 1 on May 21
at MtZ (RD).

Black-throated Blue Warbler- 1 on May 1 1 at BCNP (FMc); 10 on May 26 at BBMt
(RD).

Yellow-rumped Warbler - 3 on April 13 at Bern and 4 on May 11 at JMF (DO); 1 still
present at Bur on May 21 (FMc); 75 on May 4 at MCFH (FB).

Black-throated Green Warbler - 1 on April 2 at YWMA (SF); 2 1 on April 6 at Fit(RD);
10 on April 20-21 at Roc (FR); 4 on May 1 1 at JMF (DO).

Blackburnian Warbler- 3+ on May 5 at FBF (WF); 1 on May 15 at Eve (FR); 1 at BBMt
and 3 in Fete on May 26 (RD).

Yellow-throated Warbler - 2 on April 1 3 at Bern (DO); an active nest at MCNP
April 26 - 28 (FMc).

Pine Warbler - 1 on March 2 at Blaine, Fawrence County ( SF); 1 on March 13 at
Fit (RD); 1 on April 14 at JMF ( DO); 5 on April 20 at Roc (FR); 1 on May 6 in
DBNF (JP).

2002 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 53_

Prairie Warbler- 1 on April 10 at YWMA (SF); 1 onApril 1 1 at RRSP ( J P ) ; 1 on April 13
at Cre (DO); 4 on April 14 at Ano and 36 on April 29 at Lit (RD).

Palm Warbler - 1 on April 14 at PB (DO).

Bay-breasted Warbler - 4 on May 8 - 9 at LBL ( WL); 4 on May 2 1 at MtZ (RD).

Blackpoll Warbler - 1 - 3 at Bur from May 2-24 (LMc); several from May 2-11
at LBL (WL); 4 on May 22 in Boyle County (RD); 2 on May 12 at PB (DO).

Black - and -White Warbler - I on April I at YWMA (SF); 1 1 on April 6 at Lit (RD);
a high of 10 on April 21 at Roc (FR).

Cerulean Warbler - 1 male singing at LBL on April 19 (WL); 1 onApril 19 at YWMA
(SF); 1 on April 19 in Ohio County and 1 in Gray onApril 22 (JP); 3 on May 26 at BBMt
(RD).

American Redstart - 1 on April 21 at YWMA (SF); 1 onApril 29 at Lit (RD); 1 on May 1 1
at JMF (DO).

Prothonotary Warbler- 1 onApril 1 1 at LCWMA (RD); 1 onApril 18 at YWMA (SF); 1
on April 27 in Jef (DO); 1 male and female on May 3 - 4 at MCFH (FB); 4 on May 27 at
L#9 (KL, BL).

Worm-eating Warbler - 1 on April 1 5 at YWMA (SF); 6 on May 1 1 at JMF (DO).

Swainson’s Warbler - 2 onApril 19-21 and May 5 at Roc (FR); 4 on April 29 at Lit (RD);
2 on May 29 in Letc (DR).

Ovenbird - I on April 10 at YWMA (SF); 1 on April 14 at JMF (DO); a high of 6 on
April 20 at Roc (FR).

Louisiana Waterthrush - 2 on March 21 at LBL(WL); Ion March 25 at LCWMA
(RD); 3 on March 29 at MCFH (FB); I on March 30 in Gray (JP); 3 on April 1 at
YWMA (SF); 1 on April 13 at Bern (DO); 1 on May 1 1 at JMF (DO).

Kentucky Warbler - 1 on April 18 at YWMA (SF); 4 on May 1 1 at JMF (DO).

Connecticut Warbler - 1 male on May 21 at PB (DO); 1 on May 21 at LCWMA (RD).

Mourning Warbler - 1 on May 18 at Split (LMc).

Hooded Warbler -1 onApril 14 at JMF (DO); 2 on April 1 8 at YWMA (SF); I onApril
19 at MtZ (RD); 8 on April 20 -21 at Roc (FR); 1 male on May 6 near Chimney Top,
DBNF(JP).

Wilson's Warbler - 1 on April 19 at MtZ (RD).

Canada Warbler - 1 on May 26 at BBMt (RD).

Summer Tanager - 2+ were singing at LBL on April 15 (WL); 1 on April 22, May 13 -
14 in Gray (JP); 2 on May 1 1 at JMF (DO).

Scarlet Tanager - 1 on April 15 at MtZ (RD); 7 on May I 1 at JMF (DO).

CLAY-COLORED SPARROW - 1 on April 29 at EIP (LMc). Documentation has been
submitted.

Vesper Sparrow - 2 on March 24 near Open (DO); 6 on March 25 at MtZ (RD); 2 on
March 25 at YWMA (SF); 2 on March 27 at MCFH (FB); 1 at EIP and 2 at EBP on
April 6 (LMc).

Lark Sparrow - 1 on May 5 in Warn (DR); 1 or 2 in Mercer County on May 8 (RD, BK).

Savannah Sparrow - 7 on March 13 at MtZ (RD); 3 on March 20 at YWMA (SF); 3+ on
March 24 near Open (DO); 8 on March 29 at MCFH (FB).

Grasshopper Sparrow - 1 onApril 13 at PHC (PL, WL); 2 onApril 14 at Ano (RD); 1 on
April 28 in Old and 1 on May 31 at Bern (DO).

Henslow's Sparrow - 10 on April 17 in Wayne County and 7 on May 5 at Ano (RD).

Fox Sparrow - 1 seen on March 10 at PHC (PL, WL); 1 on March 14 at MtZ (RD); 2 on
March 24 near RNWR (DO); 1 on March 30 at MCP (LMc); 3 on April 1 at YWMA
•(SF).

54

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

Lincoln's Sparrow - I on April 29 at MtZ ( RD); at least 4 on May 4 at LBL (WL); 1 on
May 12 at PB (DO).

Swamp Sparrow - 1 on May 3 in Pul (RD).

White-throated Sparrow - 4 on April 22 at SC ( JP); 2 on May 1 1 at JMF ( DO).

White-crowned Sparrow - 5+ on March 24 near Open (DO); 5 on April 6 at SC (JP); 1 on
April 27 in Trigg (WL); 1 still present at Bur on May 14 (LMc); 1 on May 1 5 at PB ( DO).

Dark-eyed Junco - 6 on May 26 at BBMt ( RD).

Lapland Longspur - Several observations through April 11 atLMc(DR). Bird was photo¬
graphed.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1 on May 2 at LBL (WL); 8 on May 26 at BBMt (RD); 1 still
present at BCNP on May 27 (LMc).

Blue Grosbeak- First seen at PHC on April 19 (PL, WL); 1 on May 1 1 at Pet (LMc); 2 on
May 1 1 in Lou (DO); 1 on May 1 1 in Ful (KL); 1 on May 12 at RRSP (JP); a pair on May
3 1 in Camp (FR).

Dickcissel - 1 on May 5 in Trigg (WL); 1 on May 1 1 in Jef (DO); 21 on May 27 at L#9 (KL,
BL).

Bobolink - 1 on April 28 in Old ( DO); 19 on May 5 at PHC (WL); 8 on May 4 at Cane (FR).

Rusty Blackbird - 12+ on March 24 near RNWR ( DO); 5 at E1P on April 4 (LMc).

Brewer's Blackbird - A near record size Bock of 1 10 were seen on March 20 at Wal
(DR); 3+ on March 24 near Open (DO).

Brown-headed Cow bird - 2 cowbird eggs in a Wood Thrush nest on May 25 at MCP
(LMc).

Purple Finch - 5 at PHC feeder until March 22 ( WL); 1 male on March 24 near KyDam
(DO); 4 males and 2 females on March 24 at SC feeder (JP); 32 on March 24 at Blaine,
Lawrence County (SF).

Pine Siskin — 6 on March 19 in Camp (FR); 2 on April 4 and 1 on May 5 at Bur (LMc); 2 on
April 21 at MtZ (RD).

Contributors- Judy Brant (JB), Fred Busroe(FB), Glen Criswell (GC), Roseanna Deaton

(RD), Scott Freidhof (SF), Hap Chambers (Hap), Betty Leggett (BL), Ken Leggett (KL),

Paula Lisowsky (PL), William Lisowsky ( WM), Bill Kemper (BK), Lewis Kornman (LK);

Lee McNeely (LMc), Nancy Moore(NM), Carl Mowery (CM). Darrin O'Brien (DO). Joyce

Porter (JP), Frank Renfrow(FR), David Roemer(DR).

— 437 Sunset Lane, iVlorehead, KY 40351

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

55

FIELD NOTE

Evidence of Breeding Pied-billed Grebes in Restored Menifee County Wetland

Kentucky lost 81% of its wetland area between 1780 and 1980(Dahl 1990). This habitat
loss has resulted in declining populations of plants and animals dependent on wetlands for
survival. Nearly half of the 800 species of migratory birds in the United States rely on
wetlands to fulfill their life history requirements (Wharton et al. 1982). The Daniel Boone
National Forest (DBNF) covers more than 691 ,000 acres of land in eastern Kentucky. Wet¬
lands are rare habitats within the DBNF. To combat some of this loss of habitat in eastern
Kentucky, the U.S. Forest Service and Morehead Ranger District, in cooperation with other
agencies and organizations, has established over 1 00 wetland habitats on former flood plains
of the Licking River valley. These wetlands are designed to provide habitat for breeding
and migratory waterfowl. However, the preponderance of the evidence is that most wetland
restoration and construction efforts fail to replace the functions and values of the destroyed
wetlands (Zedler 2000). Previous bird observations on these wetlands have found they
were providing some value to birds (Haight and Reeder 1997), but extensive breeding of
waterfowl had not been seen outside of birds using artificial structures (i.e., nesting plat¬
forms and boxes).

On 9 June 2000 three hatchling Pied-billed Grebes {Podilymbus podiceps) were seen at
one of the wetlands in the Forest Service complex. The presence of naturally breeding
birds suggests the wetlands are providing food, cover, and protection for this obligate wet¬
land species commensurate with natural wetlands. The wetland is 0.6 ha, has an average
depth of 0.5 m, and a maximum depth of 1.2 m. Cattails and rushes ( Typha latifolia and
Juncus acuminatus) ring the outer edge of approximately two-thirds of the marsh. Ap¬
proximately 10% of the wetland has a shallow flat dominated by moneywort (Lysimachia
nummularia), the remainder is open water. We are hopeful that as these wetlands mature
they will continue to increase the wetland bird populations in the region. — MICHAEL E.
KENAWELL and BRIAN C. REEDER, Department of Biological Sciences, Morehead
State University, Morehead, Kentucky 40351.

Literature Cited

Dahl.T.E. 1990. Wetlands losses in the United States 180's to 1980s, U.S. Department of
the Interior. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C., 2 1 p.

Haight. A. and B. C. Reeder, 1997. Avifauna use of constructed wetlands in the Cave Run
Lake Area. The Kentucky’ Warbler, 73: 24-27.

Wharton, C.H., W.M. Kitchens, E.C. Pendleton, and T.W. Sipe, 1982. The ecology of bot¬
tomland hardwood swamps of the southeast: a community profile. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Biological Services Program, FWS/OBS-87/37, 133 pp.

Zedler, J.B. 200, Progress in wetland restoration ecology. Trends in Ecology and Evolution,
15: 402-407.

56

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

NEWS AND VIEWS

Kentucky Bird Records Committee

Rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season should be well documented and the
documentation should be sent to Lee McNeely, Secretary of the KBRC, P.O. Box 463,
Burlington, Kentucky 41005. for consideration by the committee for official state record
status.

K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Avain Research Grant Fund

The K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Research Grant Fund supports research on birds in Ken¬
tucky up to S500. For guidelines on how to apply, please contact Blaine Ferrell, Ogden
College of Science and Engineering Deans Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling
Green, Kentucky, 42101 (blaine.ferrell@wku.edu).

Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline

The Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline is ( 502 )-326-0878. Please report any unusual
sightings in order to provide others with the opportunity to see rare birds.

Visit the K.O.S. Website

To learn about the Kentucky Ornithological Sociey and interesting happenings, visit the
K.O.S. Website, www.biology.eku.edu/kos.httn, maintained by webmaster Gary Ritchison.

i | . . UBRAR

The Kentucky Warbler

* JAN I c. 2003

(Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society)

3 ol. 78 _ NOVEMBER 2002 , , ,, , MV , NQ. 4

IN THIS ISSUE

THE NESTING SEASON , JUNE-JULY 2002, Fred Busroe . 59

KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2001 FALL MEETING,

Mark Bennett . 68

TREASURER’S REPORT, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. . 71

FIELD NOTES . 72

NEWS AND VIEWS . 76

58

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

President . Kathy Caminiti, Burlington

Vice-President . Hap Chambers, Murray

Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.

8207 Old Wesport Road. Louisville, KY 40222-3913

Treasurer . Jim Williams

480 Seeley Drive, Lexington, KY 40502-2609

Recording Secretary . Gerald Robe, Mt. Sterling

Councillors:

Richard Cassell, Louisville . 2001 thru 2003

Janet Howard, Owensboro . 2001 thru 2003

Scott Marsh, Lexington . 2002 thru 2004

Roseanna Denton, Science Hill . 2002 thru 2004

Doris Tichenor, Morgantown . 2003 thru 2005

Phyllis Niemi, Princeton . 2003 thru 2005

Retiring President . Marilee Thompson, Owensboro

Staff Artist . Ray Harm

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 $15.00; Contrib¬
uting, $25.00; Student $10.00; Family, $20.00; Corporate. $100.00; and Life,
$300.00. All articles and communications should be addressed to the editor. Sub¬
scriptions and memberships should be sent to the Treasurer. Requests for back
issues should be sent to the Corresponding Secretary.

Editor . B.R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering

Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green. KY 42101

Editorial Advisory Board

Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. and Wayne Mason

Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely

P.O. Box 463, Burlington. KY 41005

THE COVER

We thank David Roemer for the cover photograph of young Scissor-tailed Fly¬
catchers (Tyrannus forficatus) being fed near Grand Rivers, southern Livingston
County, June 19 (see Nesting Season report).

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

59

THE NESTING SEASON, JUNE- JULY 2002

Fred M. Busroe

Precipitation during the season was below normal with much of the state expe¬
riencing mild to moderate drought conditions. This summer was the fourth warm¬
est on record with a record number of days with temperatures over 90° F. The hot
humid conditions undoubtedly had an effect on birding activity.

Most noteworthy among the reports for this period were the first documented
nesting records for two species: Scissor-tailed Flycatchers in Livingston and Lyon
counties, and Snowy Egret in Lyon County. Also, the rediscovery of nesting Double-
crested Cormorants and only the second documented successful nesting of Ameri¬
can Coots were reported from Calloway and Union counties, respectively. More
information was gained concerning current nesting status of the Bachman’s Spar¬
row in southwestern Kentucky and continued nesting activity of Red-breasted
Nuthatches was documented in the Red River Gorge, Wolfe County.

Abbreviations - KBRC = Kentucky Bird Records Committee; WMA = Wild¬
life Management Area; AJJ = A.J.Jolly Park, Campbell County ; Ano = Ano sturface
mine, Pulaski County; Bark = Barkley Dam, Livingston/Lyon counties; Bar = Barren
River Lake, Barren County; Bee = Bee Rock Recreation Area, Daniel Boone Na¬
tional Forest, Pulaski County; Bern = Bemheim Forest, Bullitt/Nelson counties;
Bio = Blood River Embayment of Kentucky Lake, Calloway County; Bro = Brown
Power Plant, Dix Dam, Mercer County; BSF = Big South Fork National Recre¬
ational Area, McCreary County; Cal = Calloway County; Cam = Campbell County;
Camp #11 = Camp #11 Mine, near Morganfield, Union County; Cas = Casey
County; Cha = Chaney Lake, Warren County; Cree = Creelsboro, Russell County;
Doe = Doe Run Lake/Park, Kenton County; EBP = East Bend Power Plant, Boone
County ; Falls = Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson County ; Ful = Fulton County; Glas =
Glasgow, Barren County; Gray = Grayson County; Hard = Hardin County; Hick =
Hickman, Fulton County; I #8 = Island # 8 Slough, Fulton County; JMF = Jefferson
County Memorial Forest, Jefferson County; KyBend = Kentucky Bend, Fulton
County; KyDam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall counties; KyLake = Ken¬
tucky Lake, Calloway /Livingston/Marshall counties; L#9 = Lake # 9, Fulton
County; LCum = Lake Cumberland, Pulaski County; LL = Little Lick Recreation
Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Pulaski County; Liv = Livingston County;
LRL = Laurel River Lake, Laurel County; Long = Long Point Unit of Reelfoot
National Wildlife Refuge, Fulton County; Lou = Louisville, Jefferson County;
McC - McCreary County; McL = McElroy Lake, Warren County ; Mars - Marshall
County; Mel = Melbourne, Campbell County; MCFH = Minor Clark Fish Hatch¬
ery, Rowan County; Mor = Morgan's Pond, Christian County; More = Morehead,
Rowan County; MtZ = Mt. Zion, Pulaski County; Open = Open Pond, Fulton
County; Paradise = TVA Paradise Steam Plant, Muhlenberg County; Pet = Peters¬
burg, Boone County; Pul = Pulaski County; Pum = Pumphouse Pond, Pulaski
County; PWMA = Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg/Ohio counties; Red = Red River
Gorge, Powell/Wolfe counties; Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA,
Henderson County; SC = Short Creek, Grayson County; SWMA = Sloughs WMA,
Henderson/Union counties; WYC = Watertown Yacht Club, Campbell County;
Wal = Walton's Pond, Warren County; Wil = Willow Pond, Fulton County.

60

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

Common Loon - 1 to 2 birds may have summered at three locations as indicated
by the following observations: 2 birds on LRL about June 13-19 (fide SK) and
probably the same 2 birds there again on July 25 ( DS ); 1 bird on the Ohio River
above J.T. Meyers Dam. Union Co., during June (fide RM); and 1 bird below
Bark on June 21 (SM).

Pied-billed Grebe - The species was present until mid-June and may have nested
at Cha (DR); an adult was at I#8 on June 22 (DR); 1 bird on June 23 at L#9 (KL,
BL); 2 pairs were observed with young ( 1 nearly grown juvenile with one pair,
3 half-grown juveniles with the other - the latter young assisting in building or
refurbishing a nest) at Sauerheber on July 1 (DR) confirming nesting in that
county for the first time; adult birds (early migrants?) were present at Mor on
July 5 (BPB. MM) and on a small pond at MtZ on July 1 1 (RD); others assumed
to be early migrants were observed at several locations during the latter half of
July (m. ob.) including 1 adult and 1 immature on July 27 at L#9 (HC).

Double-crested Cormorant - Quite noteworthy was the rediscovery of this spe¬
cies nesting in the state (last reported in the early 1950s) — 14 nests containing
young were first observed June 25 (DR, JTE) and photographed on July 6 (BPB.
AC) and July 7 (HC) on an island in southern KyLake, Calloway County. How¬
ever, it was subsequently learned that birds had been nesting at this location
since 2000, with likely fewer nests present in both 2000 and 2001 (PR. TY).
Also reported was 1 bird at Bro on July 28 (RD).

American White Pelican - A probable group of 1 8 birds was seen from a great
distance circling north over the PWMA, Ohio/Muhlenberg counties on June 7
(MM, MV ); a group of approximately 120 individuals was observed loafing on
a sandbar upstream from Hick on July 15 (BPB. PB).

Great Blue Heron - Nesting season appeared to be generally successful from
most accounts. The following miscellaneous observations were reported: 1 bird
on June 9 in Gray (JP); 17 on June 21 at KyBend (KL, NM); 1 on June 22 in
Hard and 46 at the Falls on July 14 (DO); 9 on June 23 at L#9 (KL. BL); 6 on
July 6 at LCum (RD).

Great Egret - Breeding was observ ed in several heronries as follows: at least one
active nest on Lake Barkley near Kuttawa. Lyon County, on June 14 (BPB); at
least two active nests on the Jenny Hole-Highland Creek Unit of SWMA, Union
County, on July 15 (BPB); three or four active nests on Middle Bar. Hickman
County, on July 1 5 ( BPB. PB ); probably 50+ active nests near the confluence of
Bayou de Chien and Little Bayou de Chien. Fulton County, on July 15 (BPB.
PB). Post-breeding dispersal was in evidence by early July with 10 birds at Mor
on July 5 (BPB, MM) and small numbers were quite widespread by mid-July
(m. ob.); largest post-breeding concentration reported was more than 700 birds
at I#8 on July 22 (DR); also reported were 15 birds on June 21 at KyBend and 99
birds on June 24 at Open (KL, NM); 35 birds on June 30 in Ful (HC); 1 bird on
July 20 at PWMA, Muhlenberg County (HC. RD. ME); and single birds on July
28 at Bro and on July 26 and 29 at Fishing Creek, LCum (RD).

Snowy Egret - Nesting has been considered likely at the Lake Barkley heronry
near Kuttawa, Lyon County, for several years, but active nests (at least five)
were observed on June 14 confirming nesting of this species in KY for the first
time (BPB). Also, two birds were reported on June 30 in Ful (HC).

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

61

Little Blue Heron - At least 10-12 active nests were observed (but probably twice
that number were actually present) at the heronry on Lake Barkley near Kuttawa,
Lyon County, on June 14 (BPB); a vagrant adult was observed near South
Williamson, Pike County, in mid-July for a rare far eastern KY record (LE).

Cattle Egret - At least 200 (perhaps 300+) active nests were present at the her¬
onry on Lake Barkley near Kuttawa, Lyon County, on June 14 (BPB ); additional
active nests (ca. 50 and ca. 35) were located on two islands above Bark on July

6 (BPB, AC); 1 wandering individual was at Moron July 5 (BPB, MM) and July

7 (DR).

Black-crowned Night-Heron - A total of 200+ active nests were spread about
three islands on northern Lake Barkley, one near Kuttawa and two above the
dam, Lyon County, on June 14/July 6 (BPB, AC); a count of 140 birds feeding
and loafing below Bark on July 7 was rather impressive (BPB); peak count of
feeding/loafing birds at the Falls was 104 birds on July 14 (DO).

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - An adult was observed at the Falls on June 15
(BPB); 2 adults (ferrying food to nearby woods) and a juvenile were observed at
Sauerheber on July 1 8 (DR, TD).

Least Bittern - 6 birds were observed in a marsh on the Sinclair Unit of PWMA,
Muhlenberg County, on July 20 (HC, RD, ME).

Mute Swan - A pair of adults without young was observed on July 15 in a swamp
along Cypress Creek NW of Central City, Muhlenberg Coumty, where they nested
in 2001 (BPB).

Wood Duck - 20 birds on July 26 at Pum (RD); 72 on July 27 at L#9 (HC).

Blue-winged Teal - Small numbers bred successfully at McL and Cha (one brood
on June 30 at McL and two broods on June 21 at Cha) and at Mor (two broods on
July 7) (DR); nesting also was suspected at several locations in western Ful in
June (DR, HC), especially at Open, where 17 birds (perhaps including young)
were observed on June 24 (KL, NM); a few birds summered but nesting was not
confirmed at Camp# 1 1 (BPB).

Canvasback - A female that was capable of flight was present at Mor from June
27 (BPB, BM) to July 15 (DR).

Ring-necked Duck- A drake (perhaps injured?) summered at Camp#ll (BPB);
another was observed at Mor June 28 - July 15 (DR).

Lesser Scaup - Again this year, a few birds (probably injured) lingered on Lake
Barkley between the dam and Eddyville. Lyon County (m. ob.); also this sum¬
mer, 1 to 2 birds (known to be or likely injured) were observed on KyLake
above the dam (m. ob.), at Bio (HC), and on the Jonathan Creek embayment of
KyLake, Marshall County (ME).

Hooded Merganser - Several broods of young were observed on flooded back
water areas along the levee in the lower Hickman bottoms, Fulton County, on
June 1 (BPB, MM, MV); 1 to 3 birds were observed at a few other locations in
central and western Kentucky without substantive evidence of nesting; these
included 2 birds at Moron June 27 (BPB, BM) and 3 birds on July 4 at gravel pit
near Pet and 2 birds on July 20 at EBP (LMc).

Ruddy Duck - For some reason, a relatively conspicuous late spring movement
or lingering event occurred with birds present at several locations well into sum¬
mer — 3 males were on flooded backwater areas along the levee in the lower
Hickman bottoms on June 1 (BPB, MM, MV); 4 were at McL on June 1/3 with
2 still there on June 4 (DR); a pair was still present at Mor on June 4 (DR), but a

62

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

dozen were there on June 19 (DR) and 4 still there on June 28 (DR); at least 1
drake lingered at Camp#l 1 and was last observed there on July 22 (BPB).

Mississippi Kite - Birds were observed in traditional summering areas as follows;
3 on June 21 at KyBend (KL. NM); 1 on June 22 in Mar (DR); 3 on June 30 in
Ful (HC); and 1 on July 27 at Long (HC). More interesting, however, were the
follow reports of extralimital birds outside of known breeding areas: adult and
first-year birds were observed off and on all summer on the Sinclair Unit of
PWMA, Muhlenberg County, as follows: 1 adult on May 14 (MM. MV ); 1 adult
on June 8 (MM. MV ); 2 adults and 1 unaged bird on June 17 (MM. MV ); 1 adult
on June 25 (MM. MV); 2 adults on July 20 (HC, RD. ME); and 6 birds (4 adults.
2 first-year birds) were observed perched in a single tree on July 24 (BPB); also,
a first-year bird was seen at Sauerheber on July 18 (DR. TD).

Osprey - The traditional pair on the Ohio River near Bayou. Liv, was present at
the nest on June 14 (BPB); a new location for nesting and the easternmost record
for the state was confirmed in July along Clear Creek, western Hopkins County,
on June 26/27 (ND, JC1, ME. HW ); relatively unusual for mid-summer was a
bird at the Falls on July 14 (DO); a bird at MCFH on July 28 may have been a
summering non-breeder or early migrant (GR).

Northern Harrier - An ongoing raptor study on the PWMA. Muhlenberg/Ohio
counties detected the presence of NO LESS than 26 nests during Mav-July ( MV,
MM).

Bald Eagle - Apparently a generally successful nesting season; a pair returned to
and nested successfully at LRL. where a pair had attempted nesting in the mid-
1990s without success (fide SK); also, 1 adult on July 22 at MCFH (FB).

Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1 bird on July 28 at JMF (DO).

Cooper’s Hawk - 1 bird on June 15 at Doe and 2 on July 7 at Red (FR); 1 on July
16 in Jefferson County (DO); an active nest was watched during the season at
MtZ. with an adult incubating on April 15 and 4 large voting in the nest on July
7 ( RD).

Red-shouldered Hawk - 5 birds on June 21 at KyBend (KL. NM); 2 on June 23
at Bern (DO); 2 on July 6 at LCum (RD); 1 on July 29 at Bio (HC).

Broad-winged Hawk - 3 birds on June 2 at Bern (DO); 3 on June 2 in Cas (RD);
1 on July 7 at Red (FR).

Red-tailed Hawk - 1 bird on June 15 at Bern (DO); an adult feeding a juvenile on
June 18 in Cam (FR); 3 on June 21 at KyBend (KL, NM); 2 on June 30 in Ful
(HC); 4 on July 19 at MtZ (RD); 2 on July 27 at L#9 (HC).

American Kestrel - 20 birds on June 21 at KyBend (KL. NM).

Peregrine Falcon - 5 pairs of nesting birds are now present along the Ohio River
between Lou and Ashland (on bridges and power plants) with the addition of a
new pair on a bridge at Milton. Trimble County, this year (JCs).

American Coot - A few birds lingered at several locations in central and western
portions of the state into June and July (m. ob. ); these reports included 6 birds
on June 21 at KyBend (KL. NM); nesting was documented in the state for the
first time since 1968 when at least several pairs with young chicks were ob¬
served at Camp#l 1 on May 29 and continued into July (BPB).

Black-bellied Plover - Last observed June 1/3 at McL (DR) and on June 19 at
Mor (DR); the latter establishes a new late spring departure date for the state.

American Golden-Plover - An early fall migrant (molting adult) was present at
Mor on July 5 (BPB, MM) and July 7 (DR).

Semipalmated Plover - Lingering spring migrants were last observed as follows:

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

63

20 birds in the lower Hickman bottoms, Fulton County, on June 1 (BPB, MM,
MV); 30+ birds at McL on June 3 (DR); 1 bird on a pond at MtZ on June 3 (RD);
a few birds at Mor on June 4 (DR); it is unclear if 2 birds at Open on June 22
(DR) were lingering spring migrants, non-breeding visitors, or early fall mi¬
grants? Obviously returning fall birds included 1 at Wil on July 20 (KL, NM), 4
on July 29 at Bio (HC) and 1 on July 29 at LCum WMA (RD).

Black-necked Stilt - At least 2 pairs attempted to nest at Open in mid-June (2
birds incubating, 5 adults observed, third nest possible on June 22 (DR)), but
water dried up there soon thereafter and the nesting was considered unsuccess¬
ful (DR, HC); an amazing count of 37 birds at Open on 24 June established a
new state high count for the species (KL, NM); 1 bird was at McL on June 1
(DR), but 3 birds were there on June 2 (TD) with 2 lingering to June 4 (DR).

Willet - Probably an early returning fall bird was observed and photographed at
Open on June 22 (DR).

Greater Yellowlegs - Last lingering spring migrants (single birds) were observed
on June 1 at Wal and June 3 at McL (DR). First returning fall birds (singles)
were observed on July 20 at Paradise (HC, RD, ME), on July 28 at Bro (RL)) and
on July 29 at Bio (HC).

Lesser Yellowlegs - Likely first fall migrant was observed at Open on June 22
(DR); 50+ were at Camp#ll on July 22 (BPB); also reported were 2 birds on
July 29 at Bio (HC) and 1 on July 29 at LCum (RD).

Spotted Sandpiper - A probable nesting record for a pond at MtZ was docu¬
mented by the following observations: 1 bird there in latter May and on June 1
and 5; 4 juveniles still with some down on July 2, and 2 birds there on July 1 1
(RD). Another suspicious report was of a bird exhibiting territorial behavior at
Mor on June 27 (BPB, BM). Reports of returning fall migrants included 1 bird
on July 14 at the Falls (DO) and 10 birds on July 26 at LCum WMA (RD).

Solitary Sandpiper - 2 birds on July 26 at AJJ (FR); 1 on July 29 at MtZ (RD).

Least Sandpiper - 75 returning fall migrants were already at Mor on July 15
(DR); at least 145 birds were at Camp#l 1 by July 22 (BPB). Also reported were
7 birds on July 20 at Paradise (HC, RD. ME); 3 on July 20 at Wil (KL, NM); 2
on July 25 at MtZ (RD); 3 on July 26 at AJJ (FR); 2 on July 27 at Wil and 8 at
Bio on July 29 (HC).

Western Sandpiper - First reported fall migrants were observed near Long on
July 22 (3 birds) (DR).

Semipalmated Sandpiper - Lingering spring migrants were last observed as fol¬
lows: 100 birds in the lower Hickman bottoms, Fulton County, on June 1 (BPB.
MM, MV); 100+ at McL on June 3 (DR); a few at Mor on June 4 (DR); 1 on
June 7 at MtZ (RD); 26 on June 11 and 23 on June 13 at MCFH (FB); 10 on June
13 at Camp#ll (BPB); 3 at Cha on June 16 (DR); and 27 on June 24 at Open
(KL, NM). Returning fall birds were reported as follows: 20 on July 20 at Wil
(KL, NM); 4 on July 29 at Bio (HC); and 3 on July 29 at LCum (RD).

White-rumped Sandpiper - Lingering spring migrants were last observed as fol¬
lows: ca. 8 birds in the lower Hickman bottoms. Fulton County, on June 1 (BPB,
MM, MV ); 40+ at McL on June 3 ( DR); 2 on a pond near MtZ on June 3-4 with
1 still there on June 7 (RD); a few at Mor on June 4 (DR); 18 at Camp#l 1 on
June 13 (BPB); and 2 at Mor on June 19 (DR).

Pectoral Sandpiper - Likely first fall migrant was 1 bird at Open on June 22
(DR); 30 were at Mor on July 15 (DR); 60+ were at Camp#ll on July 22 (BPB);
150+ were near Long on July 22 (DR). Also reported as follows — 12 birds on

64 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol, 78

July 20 at Paradise (HC, RD, ME); 1 on July 26 at AJJ (FR); 35 on July 29 at Bio
(HC); and 28 on July 29 at LCum (RD).

Stilt Sandpiper - First reported on July 15 at Mor (DR); relatively impressive
early fall counts of 26 birds observed at Camp# 1 1 (BPB) and 15 birds near Long
(DR), both on July 22.

Short-billed Dowitcher - Last spring migrants were birds of the eastern race, L.
g. griseus and were observed as follows: 1 bird at Wal on June 1 (DR) and 2
birds at McL on June 1-2 (DR, TD). Returning fall migrants (3 birds) were observed
on July 29 at Bio (HC).

Laughing Gull - An adult bird was perched on an island in Lake Barkley above
the dam, Lyon County, on July 6 (BPB, AC).

Bonaparte’s Gull - An adult in alternate plumage was observed on Bar, Allen/
Barren counties on June 24 (DR) for a very rare summer record.

Ring-billed Gull - An obvious influx of adult birds occurred in early to mid-July
with numbers appearing on rivers and lakes across the western part of the state;
7 birds at the Falls on July 14 were likely part of this movement rather than
summering birds (DO); a count of 75 birds on KyLake, Calloway County, was
rather impressive for July 7 (HC); with ca. 250 at KyDam, and 200 on the Ohio
River below Smithland Dam, Liv, by July 22 (DR).

Caspian Tern - A few birds lingered in the vicinity of KyDam into early June
(BPB. MM, MV); other possible summering birds (5 to 6 individuals) were
observed on KyLake, Calloway County, on June 25 (DR, JTE); likely early fall
arrivals were observed on Lake Barkley above the dam, Lyon County, on July 6
(BPB, AC) on the lower Ohio River, Liv, July 7 (BPB, AC) and on KyLake,
Calloway Co. - same location as June 25 report - on July 7 (17 birds) (HC).

Forster's Tern - At least 6 first-year birds were still at KyDam on June 1 (BPB.
MM, MV ); a few birds possibly summered or returned rather early as follows; 1
bird on KyLake. Calloway County, on June 25 (DR, JTE); 2 at the same location
on June 28 (DR, JTE) and 1 at the same location on July 7 (HC); an adult in
alternate plumage was observed on a pond near Woodbum, Warren County, on
June 28 (DR); a bird on the Ohio River below Smithland Dam, Liv, on July 7
was more likely an early fall migrant (BPB, AC).

Common Tern - At least 6 adult birds were still at KyDam on June 1 (BPB, MM,
MV).

Black Tern - 5 birds were at Paradise on July 28 (MBt, DR); 4 birds were on
LCum on July 29 (RD).

Least Tern - As of early August, Least Terns were having a better year of it than in
2001 , especially on the lower Ohio River (where nesting was completely unsuc¬
cessful in 2001 ); mid-July surveys of four sites on the lower Ohio by the Ken¬
tucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources detected more than 70 active
nests, most at one site in Liv between Ledbetter and Smithland where fresh
dredge spoil had been placed in the river in June: this site lies JUST outside of
KY waters in adjacent Pope County. IL. ( PB, et al. ). Reports of birds at or near
traditional Mississippi River breeding areas included 5 birds on June 21 at KyBend
(KL, NM); 6 birds on June 23 at L#9 (KL, BL); 4 birds on June 30 in Ful (HC);
and 3 birds at Wil and 6 birds at L#9 on July 20 (KL, NM).

Eurasian Collared-Dove - The most disjunct new reports this summer were from
northwestern Shelby County (LL). northwestern Harrison County (EC), andGlas
(DR), all in mid-July.

Yellow -billed Cuckoo - 1 bird on June 2 at Beni (DO): 1 on June 9 at SC (JP); 41

2002

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65

on June 21 at KyBend (KL, NM); 6 on July 6 at LCum (RD).

Eastern Screech-Owl - 1 bird on July 27 at LL (RD).

Great Horned Owl - 1 bird on June 3 at SC (JP).

Barred Owl - 2 birds on June 1 at Bee (RD); 1 on June 22 in Gray (DO); 2 on July
29 at Blo(HC).

Common Nighthawk - 1 bird on July 20 at PWMA (HC, RD, ME).

Chuck-wilPs-widow - 1 bird on June 3 at SC (JP).

Eastern Wood-Pewee - At least 6 birds on June 15 at Bern (DO); 10 on July 6 at
LCum (RD).

Acadian Flycatcher - 1 bird on June 1 at Bern (DO); 18 on June 29 at Bee (RD).

Willow Flycatcher - 1 bird on June 9 in Gray ( JP); 2 on June 14 near City Park in
More (FB); 2 on July 6 at WYC (FR); 1 showing territorial behavior on July 13
in Breck (DR); one territorial adult on 16 July in Henry County (DR); and 2
including a territorial male on July 18 at Sauerheber (DR).

SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER - One of the more eventful occurrences for
the Kentucky summer season was the discovery of two different nests within
about two miles of one another in the western part of the state. A bird was first
seen at what turned out to be the eventual nest site #1 near Grand Rivers in
southern Liv in May and independently observed and photographed on June 1
(RR); the presence of the bird was first circulated on the BIRDKY listserve
based on a report on June 16 (JQ); the nest was discovered on June 17 (DR); 5
young fledged within a week or so and the family group was last reported on
July 7 ( JE); interestingly, a second male bird was observed near the nest on June
17 (MM, MBt, HC, MV). A second pair (possibly involving the female from the
first nesting and the “second” male) was discovered about two miles away on
June 29 below Bark (CP, HC); this pair was attending a nest some 100+ feet
above the ground on a tall powerline tower on July 6 (BPB, AC); 3 young fledged
from this nest during the first few days of August (m. ob.). In addition to these
birds, single adults were reported from Land Between the Lakes, Trigg County,
on June 18 (AW) and in northeastern rural Shelby County on June 19 (CM,
HB — photos).

Loggerhead Shrike - 2 birds on June 8 in Pul (RD); 2 on June 21 at KyBend (KL,
NM); 2 on July 27 at L#9 (HC).

White-eyed Vireo - 1 bird on June 1 at Bern (DO); 2 on June 21 at KyBend (KL,
NM); 16 on June 29 at Bee (RD).

Bell’s Vireo - 1 bird showing territorial behavior June 17-22 near Grand Rivers
in southern Liv (DR); 1 on July 20 at PWMA (HC, RD, ME).

Blue-headed Vireo - Unusual for central Kentucky was a singing male at Bern,
Bullitt County, on June 8 (BPB) and June 16 (DO); 4 birds, with 1 observed on
a nest, at LL on June 1 (RD, et al.)\ 1 adult and 1 juvenile on June 25 at LL and
2 on June 29 at Bee (RD).

Yellow-throated Vireo - 1 bird on June 1 at Bern (DO); 1 on June 15 at Doe and
1 on June 19 at Mel (FR).

Warbling Vireo - 2 birds on June 8 in Pul (RD); 3 on July 6 at WYC (FR).

Horned Lark-1 juvenile on June 3 at MtZ (RD); 28 on June 21 at KyBend and 67
on June 24 at Open (KL, NM).

Purple Martin - 50 birds on June 1 in Pul (RD); 6 on July 20 in Gray (JP).

Tree Swallow - 9 birds on June 21 at KyBend (KL, NM); 2 on June 22 in Hard
(DO); 5 on July 6 at LCum (RD); 100+ on July 27 at L#9 and 50 on Julv 29 at
Bio (HC).

66

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

Bank Swallow - Several colonies were thriving on the Ohio River between
Ledbetter and Smithland, Liv, on July 7 (BPB, AC).

Barn Swallow - Ca. 100 birds on July 29 at Cree (RD).

Cliff Swallow - A colony with 10-12 active nests was observed on June 1 near
Monterey. Owen County, for a new county nesting record (LMc); 75 on June 9
in Gray ( JP); 1 on June 23 in Lou (DO); a total of 36 on June 30 in Pul and
200 on July 21 at Cree (RD); numerous active nests were observed on the US
51 bridge between Wickliffe and the Ohio River. Ballard County, in mid-July
for a new county nesting record (MG. JM).

Red-breasted Nuthatch - 5 birds including a pair and a juvenile were observed at
the now traditional nesting area in Red River Gorge. Wolfe County, on Julv 7
(FR).

Bewick’s Wren - Single singing males were heard on two BBS routes in June as
follows: 1 ca. 2.0 mi NW of Spurlington in northern Taylor County on June 9
(BPB) and 1 ca. 3.4 mi S of Mackville in western Washington County on June
20 (BPB); the pair that was present near Mount Sterling. Scott County, in May
successfully raised young and the male was last heard there in mid-June (LB).

Cedar Waxwing - 1 bird on a nest on June 29 in Pul (RD); 2 on July 20 at SC (JP).

Blue-winged Warbler - 1 bird on June 1 at Bern (DO).

Northern Parula - 1 bird on June 1 at Bern (DO); 1 on June 1 at Mel and 3 on
June 9 at BSF (FR); 21 on June 21 at KyBend (KL. NM); 1 1 on June 29 at Bee
and 1 1 on July 6 at LCum (RD); 5 on July 2 at Mel and 2 at Red on July 7 (FR).

Chestnut-sided Warbler - A late departing spring migrant or summer vagrant
female was observed at Lou on June 16 (MS).

Black-throated Green Warbler - 1 bird on June 9 at BSF (FR); 14 on June 29 at
Bee (RD).

Yellow-throated Warbler - 1 bird on June 1 at Bern (DO); 3 on June 7 at Red and
2 on June 19 at Mel (FR).

Pine Warbler - 2 birds on June 1 at Bern (DO); 6 on July 1 at LL (RD); 3 on July
7 at Red (FR).

Prairie Warbler - 1 bird on June 1 at Bern (DO); 10 on June 30 at Ano (RD).

Cerulean Warbler - 2 birds on June 1 at LL (RD).

Black-and- White Warbler - 2 birds on June 1 at Bern (DO); 8 on June 29 at Bee
(RD); 2 on July 7 at Red (FR).

Prothonotarv Warbler -5 birds on June 21 at KyBend (KL. NM): 15 on July 6 at
LCum (RD).

Worm-eating Warbler - 13 birds on June 29 at Bee (RD).

Swainson's Warbler - Probable breeding birds were reported from some tradi¬
tional sites in the Daniel Boone National Forest with 4 birds at LL on June 29
(RD) and 1 bird at Red on July 7 (FR). Five birds were still heard singing and
one carrying food at LL on July 27 (RD); a bird at Carter Caves State Park.
Carter County, on June 29 was north of previously documented breeding range
in eastern Kentucky (SM).

Louisiana Waterthrush - 2 birds on June 2 at Bern (DO); 2 on June 4 at MtZ
(RD).

Kentucky Warbler - 1 bird on June 9 in Gray (JP); 3 on June 15 at Bern (DO); 2
adults and 1 juvenile on July 30 at MtZ (RD).

Hooded Warbler - 2 birds on June 15 at Bern (DO); 35 on June 29 at Bee (RD).

Yellow -breasted Chat - 1 bird on June 9 in Gray (JP): 2 on June 15 at Bern (DO);
2 on June 21 at KyBend (KL. NM); 6 on June 25 at LL (RD).

2002 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 67

Summer Tanager - 2 birds on June 15 at Bern (DO); 2 on June 21 at KyBend
(KL, NM); 3 on June 28 at MtZ (RD); 2 on July 6 at Mel (FR).

Scarlet Tanager - 5 birds on June 15 at Bern (DO); 7 with a female carrying food
on June 29 at Bee (RD); 3 on July 6 at Mel (FR).

Bachman's Sparrow - More work was done with the Foil Campbell. TN-KY
population this year; 18 birds were banded as part of research work being con¬
ducted there by D. Moss and J. Giocomo. At least one active nest was found in
the TN portion of the Reservation. A single bird was reported from rural Calloway
County between New Concord and Hamlin on June 28 (DR) near where the
species was observed in the late 1980s.

Grasshopper Sparrow - 2 birds on June 23 in Nelson County (DO); 1 on June 25
in McC, 17 on June 30 at Ano. and 2 on July 25 at MtZ (RD).

Lark Sparrow - Probable and confirmed nesting birds were reported at two loca¬
tions within the Kentucky portion of Ft. Campbell, Trigg County, in June and
early July (DM, JG).

Henslow’s Sparrow - Probable breeding birds continue to be reported in decent
numbers at a variety of locations scattered across central and western portions
of the state; among these reports were several birds that were heard in a field in
northern Jessamine County in late June, which would represent a new county
nesting record if confirmed (MBn). Also reported were 1 bird on July 2 at MtZ
and 1 bird on July 14 at Ano (RD).

Song Sparrow - 6 birds with an adult on a nest with four eggs on July 4 at MtZ
(RD).

Blue Grosbeak - 1 bird on June 5 in Gray (JP); 5 on June 18 along the AA High¬
way, Cam (FR); 3+ on June 22 in Hard (DO).

Dickcissel - 6 birds on June 21 at KyBend (KL, NM); 5+ on June 22 in Hard
(DO); 6 on July 20 at Wil (KL, NM).

Bobolink - Birds were again nesting in northern Jessamine Co. on a farm where
they have been present for several years (MBn).

Observers: Pat Brandon (PB); Laura Burford (LB); Mark Bennett (MBt); Horace
Brown (HB); Mike Bums (MBn); Fred Busroe (FB); Jessica Call (JC1); John
Castrale (JCs); Hap Chambers (HC); Elizabeth Chesna (EC); Amy Covert (AC);
Roseanna Denton (RD); Nick Drozda (ND); Tom Durbin (TD); Melissa Easley
(ME); Jackie Elmore (JE); Joe Tom Erwin (JTE); Les Estep (LE); Marc Evans
(ME); Jim Giocomo (JG); Mark Gumbert (MG); Steve Kistler (SK); Lee Lafferty
(LL); Betty Leggett (BL); Ken Leggett (KL); John MacGregor (JM); Scott Marsh
(SM); Lee McNeely (LMc); Mark Monroe (MM); Calvin Montfort (CM); Bill
Moore (BM); Nancy Moore (NM); Robert Morton (RM); Daniel Moss (DM);
Darrin O'Brien (DO); Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BPB); Clell Peterson (CP);
Joyce Porter (JP); Jamie Quinn (JQ); Scott Record (SR); Frank Renfrow (FR);
Paul Rister (PR); Gerald Robe (GR); David Roemer (DR); Robert Rowe (RR);
David Skinner (DS); Matt Shekel (MS); Mark Vukovich (MV); Heather Weese
(HW ); Alan Whited (AW ); Terry Yarbrough (TY ).

— 437 Sunset Lane, Morehead, KY 40351

68

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

Kentucky Ornithological Society
2002 Fall Meeting
September 27 through 29, 2002
Natural Bridge State Resort Park

The fall meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held September 27
through September 29 at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. President Kathy Caminiti
called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. EDT on the evening of the September 27.
Immediately following the call to order. Vice-president Hap Chambers introduced
the speakers for the evening.

The first speaker was David Roemer of Bowling Green. Mr. Roemer used
PowerPoint to present “Scissor-tailed Flycatchers and Selected Other Kentucky
Birds”. Digital photographs of the recent nesting occurrence of Scissor-tailed Fly¬
catchers in southern Livingston County near Grand Rivers were the highlight of
the program. Photographs of the adult birds, the nest, fledglings, and general ac¬
tivity of the birds were presented. Other uncommon and common species ob¬
served recently in Kentucky were included in the program including Wilson's
Phalarope, Red-necked Phalarope, Bobolink, Baird's Sandpiper, and Short-billed
Dowitcher.

The second speaker for the evening was Lee McNeely of Burlington. Mr.
McNeely's topic was “Birding Ethics”. Using slides, Mr. McNeely took attendees
to a variety of locations and a variety of real-life situations to ask. "What would
you do?” Locations used during the slide presentation included south Texas, the
island of Attu. Kentucky, and others. Situations involved trespassing on private
property, reporting rare species, tape playing and pishing, in addition to many
other issues. The American Birding Association Code of Ethics was used as a
guidepost for decision-making for the questions.

During the Friday night session, remaining books and miscellaneous articles
from the Anne L. Stamm collection were offered for sale to members to augment
the Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund. Refreshments consisting of soft drinks,
bottled water, cookies, and other snacks were offered in the meeting room at the
conclusion of the program during a social period.

Early morning fog dampened Saturday morning field trips that departed the lodge
at 8:00 a.m. Luckily, the fog gave way to partly sunny skies by about 10:30 a.m.
Three trips with several birders in each trip birded the area until almost 12:00
Noon. The trips and leaders were as follows: Zeb Weese. Park Naturalist and KOS
member, a four mile hike on the trails of the park. Lee McNeely. a gentle walk on
the roads near the lodge and the chair lift, and Gerald Robe, the Rock Bridge Trail
in the Red River Gorge.

At 2:00 p.m., Dr. Gary Ritchison presented a workshop program on bluebirds
and their conservation. The forty-five minute program covered the Eastern
Bluebird housing requirements, preferred habitat, competition with the House
Sparrow and European Starling, and other interesting facts about the species. The
KOS Executive Board met from 3:00 to 5:45 p.m. while other members birded
on their own or relaxed around the lodge.

Dr. Denver Holt of the Owl Research Institute in Charlo, Montana, presented
the Saturday evening program beginning just after 7:30 p.m. (see related article on
Denver Holt and the Owl Research Institute in this issue of The Kestrel.) Dr. Holt
informed participants with slides and a brilliant lecture on the unique features of
owls. The presentation included owl evolution, owl taxonomy, structural features

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

69

of owls such as their ears, feathers, and head shape, as well as dietary consider¬
ations, habitat considerations, and other factors. Another focus of the program
was the location and observation of owls. During this segment, a variety of owl
species were shown in their typical habitat as they might appear in daylight hours
and techniques for finding the birds were discussed.

Following the program, the annual business meeting of the Society was held.
There were two orders of business. The first item was the election of officers for
the year 2003. The slate of the nominating committee was approved on a voice
vote with no opposition noted. Officers elected by the Society are: Kathy Caminiti,
President, Hap Chambers, Vice President, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Correspond¬
ing Secretary, Jim Williams, Treasurer, Gerald Robe, Recording Secretary, Doris
Tichenor, Councillor, Phyllis Niemi, Councillor. All offices are for one-year terms
except councillors who hold a three-year term.

The second order of business was a proposed increase in dues. The change in
dues structure was approved by the Society membership on a voice vote with no
opposition noted. The new dues structure is: Individual $15, Family$20, Student
$10, Contributing $25, Corporate $100, and Life $300.

Sunday morning found that the fog had not relented. Zeb Weese and Gerald
Robe led morning field trips to within the park and to the Red River Gorge, respec¬
tively. This day, the fog burned away more quickly and birding conditions were
somewhat improved. The field trips concluded in the late morning bringing a
close to the 2002 fall meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society.

A total of 88 species of birds was observed over the weekend. A total of 72
members and guests attended the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Bennett, Recording Secretary
Russellville, Kentucky

Attendance at the Fall 2002 KOS Meeting

BEREA: Paul Hager, Jean Hibberd, Gene Stinchcomb

BOWLING GREEN: Valerie Brown, Dave Dunham, Diane and Jackie Elmore,
Blaine Ferrell, David and Joan Roemer, Dale and Kim Rainey
BROWDER: Preston and Shari Forsythe

BURLINGTON: Joe, Joey and Kathy Caminiti, Lee and Lynda McNeely.

CAMPTON: Kim Feeman

CANEYVILLE: Rebecca Foreman, Mary Harrel.

CARLISLE: Virginia and Wendell Kingsolver
COX’S CREEK: Dona Coates
FT. WRIGHT: George and Marian Crabtree
FRANKFORT: Amy Covert
HARRODSBURG: Betsy Sale

LEXINGTON: Rhonda Bryant, Bruce Cryder, Shirley and Wayne Davis, Daniel
Marsh, Scott Marsh, Joan Van Arsdall, Jim Williams
LOUISVILLE: Jesse Barkin, Jane and Pat Bell, Richard Cassell, Celia Lawrence,
Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.

MOREHEAD: Fred Busroe
MORGANTOWN: Carroll and Doris Tichenor
MT. STERLING: Gerald Robe

70

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

MURRAY : Hap Chambers

OWENSBORO: Janet Howard, Cassie Knight, Marilee and Wendell Thompson
PAINT LICK: Ilona Leki, Ken Tunnell
PRINCETON: John and Phyllis Niemi

RICHMOND: Brandon, Brianna, Gary and Tammy Ritchison, Mark Vukovich

RUSSELLVILLE: Mark Bennett

SCIENCE HILL: Roseanna Denton

SOMERSET: Gay Hodges

TAYLOR MILL: Dave and Sandy Luzader

GLENVIEW, IL: Jeffrey Sanders

CORYDON, IN: Mary Walter

CINCINNATI, OH: Mark Hipskind

HENDERSONVILLE, TN: Debby Ventress

KNOXVILLE, TN: Elizabeth Mei Wong

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA: Roly Lloyd

Birds Observed at the Fall 2002 KOS Meeting
(Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Red River Gorge Geological Area, and

Vicinity)

Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Black Vulture.
Turkey Vulture, Canada Goose, Osprey, Bald Eagle. Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's
Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American
Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Wild Turkey, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Eastern
Screech-Owl. Barred Owl, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Belted
Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Wood¬
pecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-
Pewee, Eastern Phoebe. White-eyed Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo. Yellow-throated
Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo. Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Carolina
Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse. Red-breasted Nuthatch. White-breasted Nuthatch.
Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird.
Gray-cheeked Thrush, Swainson's Thrush. Hermit Thrush. Wood Thrush. Ameri¬
can Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Cedar Wax¬
wing, European Starling, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler. Northern Panda.
Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler. Cape May Warbler, Black-throated
Blue Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler. Black-throated Green Warbler. Blackburnian
Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler. Palm Warbler,
Bay-breasted Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler. Black-and-white Warbler, American
Redstart, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler. Yellow-breasted Chat.
Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Song Spar¬
row, Lincoln's Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo
Bunting, American Goldfinch.

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

71

KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY
TREASURER’S REPORT

September 27, 2001 - September 25, 2002

Beginning Balance (September 27, 2001 )

$3,500.71

RECEIPTS

1st half yr

2nd half yr

2001-2002

Reimbursement to petty cash (after fall 2001 meeting)

$100.00

$-.—

Fall 2001 meeting registrations

$316.00

$-.—

Spring 2002 meeting registrations

$-.—

$369.00

Membership dues (new memberships/renewals)

$1,720.00

$179.00

Life memberships

$-.—

$-.—

Sales (KOS pins, field cards. Annotated Checklists)

$58.00

$28.00

Sales of back issues of The Ky Warbler (to go to

Gordon Wilson Fund)

$135.00

$-.—

Annual transfer of interest from endowment fund

$764.79

$-.—

Donations to Gordon Wilson Fund

$162.00

$-.—

Donations to Anne Stamm Fund

$80.00

$159.00

Donations to General Fund

$10.00

$-.—

Donations to Burt Monroe, Jr. Avian Research Fund

$5.00

$-.—

Transfer from Bun Monroe, Jr. Avian Research Fund

$500.00

$-.—

Totals

$3,850.79

$735.00

$4,585.79

DISBURSEMENTS

1 st half yr

2nd half yr

2001-2002

Fall 2001 meeting room rental

$50.00

$-.—

Fail 2001 meeting miscellaneous expenses

$49.57

$-.—

Spring 2002 meeting catering expenses

$-.—

$145.22

Spring 2002 meeting speaker room

$-.—

$59.28

United Graphics (two+three issues of The Ky Warbler)

$1,288.00

$1,701.00

United Graphics (mailing envelopes)

$177.00

$155.00

Postage ($125 annual fee; four issues of The Ky Warbler;

one meeting flyer)

$210.00

$200.00

BellSouth (Ky bird line — 1 1 months)

$118.45

$104.00

Ky. State Treasurer (annual filing fee)

$4.00

$-.—

Transfer to Endowment Fund

$200.00

$-.—

Transfer to Gordon Wilson Fund

$377.00

$-.—

Transfer to Anne L. Stamm Fund

$80.00

$159.00

Transfer to Burt Monroe, Jr. Avian Research Fund

$5.00

$-.—

Corresp. Sec. Misc. expenses reimbursement

$486.25

$61.27

Bank Account Stamp ( for deposits )

$-.—

$18.55

Burt Monroe Avian Research Fund grant award (to EKU )

$500.00

$-.—

Anne Stamm library collection appraisal (Buteo Books)

$75.00

$-.—

Bookkeeping error (recorded during audit)

$11.50

Totals

$3,620.27

$2,614.82

$6,235.09

Net gain (loss)

$230.52 !

i>( 1,879.82) $( 1,649.30)

Ending Balance (September 25, 2002) $1,851.41

The K.O.S. accounts and financial statements were audited by Wendell
Thompson, September 28, 2002.

72

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

FIELD NOTES

Vol. 78

FIRST KENTUCKY RECORD FOR NESTING SNOWY EGRETS

Since the early 1980s, a mixed-species nesting colony of wading birds has been
present on Lake Barkley in western Kentucky. When first discovered in 1981 , this
colony was situated on an island near the community of Linton in southern Trigg
County (Thomas 1982). At that time, most of the breeding birds were Black-
crowned Night-Herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) with small numbers of Cattle Egrets
( Bubulcus ibis) and Little Blue Herons ( Egretta caemlea) (Thomas 1982). In the
mid- to late 1980s this colony shifted northward to an island off the mouth of
Taylor Bay in northern Trigg County, where it remained active into the mid-1990s
(Palmer-Ball and Wethington 1994). During that time. Little Blue Herons were
not confirmed breeding in the colony, but up to 8-10 pairs of Cattle Egrets were
observed there (Palmer-Ball and Wethington 1994) and a single nest of Great Egrets
(Ardea alba ) was observed in 1989 (Stamm 1990).

Probably in 1996, the colony shifted again, this time to an island near the Old
Kuttawa Recreation Area in Lyon County. This island was created by the place¬
ment of dredge spoil at the site in November 1987 ( W. Ligon, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, pers. comm.); trees, mostly black willows ( Salix nigra), cottonwoods
( Populus deltoides) and sycamores ( Platanus occidentalis ), soon sprouted in the
bare soil and grew quickly, creating a favorable habitat for nesting waders by the
early 1990s. Beginning in 1997, Cattle Egrets and Little Blue Herons were de¬
tected nesting in the colony (R. Denton, pers. comm.) and numbers of both species
increased significantly in subsequent years, reaching the highest levels ever docu¬
mented for the state (Palmer-Ball and Thomas 1999); in fact, by 1999. numbers of
Cattle Egrets began outnumbering Black-crowned Night-Herons. In 2001, at least
one pair of Great Egrets nested in the heronry. In addition to serving as a breeding
site, the colony, wherever it has occurred on Lake Barkley, has been used as a
night-time roost for many herons and egrets during and subsequent to the end of
the nesting season.

During the past few years, the presence of small numbers of Snowy Egrets
( Egretta tluila) at and in the vicinity of the 'Kuttawa' nesting colony has suggested
that at least a few birds were nesting, but such confirmation has been lacking. The
first evidence of possible Snowy Egret nesting at the ‘Kuttawa' heronry was the
relatively late observation of one to two immatures foraging along the lakeshore
of Lake Barkley near Suwanee, Lyon County, 25 September to 2 October 1998.
The following summer, on 10 June 1999, Steven Thomas (Ky. Dept, of Fish and
Wildlife Resources). Robert van Hoff (U.S. Army Coips of Engineers) and myself
visited the heronry to determine the approximate number of heron and egret nests
present. During that visit, two or three adult Snowy Egrets were seen, but we
could not obtain further evidence of nesting. On 14 June 2002. I visited the her¬
onry. cautiously working around the perimeter of the island in a small boat. Dur¬
ing about three hours of careful observation. I was able to find at least five active
Snowy Egret nests, one containing an approximately half-grown chick that was
fed several times w hile I watched, and four others on which the adult birds ap¬
peared to be incubating eggs or brooding small young. During my observations I
was able to obtain a few photographs of the nesting birds. In addition to these
nests, the following counts of nests of other species were made: Cattle Egret (200+);
Black-crowned Night-Heron (35-50+); Little Blue Heron ( 10-1 2+ ); Great Egret

2002

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

73

( 1 ). A complete survey of nests was not conducted; thus, there were undoubt¬
edly many more, at least of the three most common species, present.

All five Snowy Egret nests were small platforms of sticks that were situated in
the forks of branches of some of the smaller deciduous trees on the island. I esti¬
mated the nests to vary from six to twelve feet above ground. All five nests were
loosely associated with collections of Little Blue Heron and Cattle Egret nests,
perhaps more closely with the former species. Although the tops of eggs could be
seen in one nest, it was impossible to determine the size of that clutch; the contents
of the remaining three nests were not observed.

The nesting of Snowy Egrets in Kentucky is not unexpected; even Mengel ( 1965 )
suspected that the species might soon breed in Kentucky as of the early 1960s due
to the presence of breeding birds in western Tennessee. Since about 1950, it has
been confirmed nesting in western Tennessee (Ford 1998), southeastern Missouri
(Robbins and Easterla 1992), western Illinois (Bohlen 1989) and southwestern
Indiana (Jackson 1997). In fact, a recent nesting colony of smaller waders includ¬
ing many Snowy Egrets in southeastern Missouri (near Charleston, Mississippi
County) has been situated in close enough proximity to far western Kentucky that
feeding adults have routinely crossed the river to feed in Kentucky during the day.

I would like to thank Frank Bennett and Ken Brock for providing Snowy Egret
nesting references for Illinois and Indiana, respectively.

LITERATURE CITED

Bohlen, H.D. 1989. The birds of Illinois. Indiana University Press, Bloomington,

IN

Ford, R.P. 1998. Snowy Egret. Pp. 73-75 in Atlas of Breeding Birds of Tennessee
(C. Nicholson, ed.) University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville, TN.

Jackson, S. 1997. Field Notes: Summer 1996. Indiana Audubon Quarterly 75:191-
210.

Mengel, R.M. 1965. The birds of Kentucky. American Ornithologists’ Union Mono¬
graph No. 3. The Allen Press, Lawrence, KS.

Palmer-Ball, B., and S. Thomas. 1999. 1999 survey of Kentucky heronries. The
Kentucky Warbler 75:62-71.

Palmer-Ball, B., and T. Wethington. 1994. 1994 survey of Kentucky heronries.
The Kentucky Warbler 70:77-83.

Robbins, M.B. and D.A. Easterla. 1992. Birds of Missouri: their distribution and
abundance. University of Missouri Press, Columbia, MO.

AMERICAN COOTS NESTING IN UNION COUNTY

The American Coot (Fulica americana) is a common waterbird across much of
North America, nesting primarily in wetlands of Canada and the northern United
States and wintering on reservoirs and coastal wetlands of the southern United
States and Central America (American Ornithologists’ Union 1998). In Kentucky,
the species is most abundant during migratory periods in April and October/No¬
vember, but relatively large numbers may overwinter in years lacking extremely
cold weather. In summer, a few individuals regularly linger on bodies of water of
nearly any size, but little evidence of nesting has been compiled over many years
of record-keeping.

74

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

On 30 May 2002, I was conducting a waterbird survey of some impoundments
on the Peabody Coal Company's Camp #11 Mine in Union County, which is lo¬
cated approximately six miles east-southeast of Morganfield. This facility has
four separate impoundments varying is size from about 20 to more than 50 acres in
size. Three of these impoundments were constructed for the deposition of coal
slurry (a waste product from the cleaning of coal). These slurry impoundments
have now been reclaimed by direct seeding of native prairie grasses on the upland
areas, and controlling the water level in the inundated lower areas. The fourth
impoundment was built as a fresh water supply lake and now serves as a final
settling lake for the slurry impoundments.

Surrounding the open water portions of most of these impoundments are exten¬
sive patches of reeds (Phragmites communis) and other wetland plants including
cattails (Typha spp.). In one such impoundment, I was scanning the margin of the
vegetation when I located a family group of coots that consisted of two adults and
at least three small chicks. Further scanning of the margins of the patches of reeds
yielded views of at least two additional family groups, each containing 2-3 young.
Characteristic of newly hatched coot chicks, their heads were covered with bright
orangish down and their bills were bright red. The adult coots gathered and deliv¬
ered food to the chicks while they hid in the edge of the reed patches; the adults
would browse on algae, but seemed to be feeding only invertebrates, especially
dragonfly nymphs, to the young.

I returned to the site on 13 June 2002, and located one family group containing
five young which were large enough to be feeding on their own in addition to
being fed occasionally by the two parents. On that date I obtained several photo¬
graphs of this family group. On 22 July 2002, I visited the site and found that
young coots from a number of families had mostly joined into a single, loose group
of no less than thirty-five individuals. A few were still about two-thirds grown,
very pale gray in color, and were still somewhat downy, while most were larger,
although lighter in color and smaller, with smaller bills, than a few nearby adults.
It is interesting to note that while I visited this site on several occasions in June
2001, 1 detected only a couple of adult American Coots. I am unsure if nesting that
year went undetected or if it did not occur. Prior to 200 1 , these impoundments had
never been surveyed for nesting birds.

Reports of breeding American Coots in Kentucky are few, and only one previ¬
ous record may have pertained to successful nesting. Several attempts were docu¬
mented from the transient lakes in southern Warren County in the first half of the
20th Century by Wilson ( 1929, 1935, 1939. 1940), but all failed due to fluctua¬
tions in the water levels of the lakes or predation. A report of nesting based on the
observation of an adult with five young in Fayette County on 28 April 1 968 [seem¬
ingly an improbably early date for young?] was included by Stamm ( 1969). In
addition to these records, there are other vague and unconfirmed reports listed by
Wilson ( 1942) for Crittenden and Union counties.

I wish to thank the Peabody Coal Company for allowing me to conduct surveys
of waterbirds at the Camp #1 1 Mine, and special thanks is extended to Bob Hill,
environmental scientist for the facility. -- BRAINARD PALMER-BALL, JR.
Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission. 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601.

LITERATURE CITED

American Ornithologists' Union. 1998. Checklist of Birds of North America. 7th

edition. American Ornithologists' Union. Washington, DC. 829 pp.

2002 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 75

Stamm. A. 1969. K.O.S. Nest-Card Report. 1968. The Kentucky Warbler 45:30-31.
Wilson. G. 1929. Bird life of a transient lake in Kentucky. The Wilson Bulletin 41:177-185.
Wilson, G. 1935. The McElroy Farm B season of 1935. The Kentucky Warbler 1 1 :[22-23].
Wilson, G. 1939. The McElroy Farm B season of 1939. The Kentucky Warbler 15:35-36.
Wilson, G. 1940. The McElroy Farm B a study of a transient lake. The Kentucky Warbler
16:13-21.

Wilson. G. 1942. Breeding birds of Kentucky B a composite list. The Kentucky Warbler
18:17-25

SNOWY OWLS, WINTER 2001-02

The winter of 2001-02 was relatively mild, but Kentucky hosted at least three Snowy
Owls (Nyctea scandiaca) during the season. Movements of Snowy Owls are apparently
independent of weather conditions, being much more closely tied to the population cycles
of certain small mammal prey and corresponding owl population levels on the breeding
grounds of the Arctic tundra.

First to be reported was an immature female bird that was found at the Grant County
High School at Dry Ridge on 13 November 2001 by Marshall Iseral. Reports by others in
the area confirmed that it had been in the vicinity for about a week, and subsequent to the
November 13, it or another individual was reported by various local individuals for a week
or two.

Photographs of the three Snowy Owls that were observed in Kentucky during the
•winter 2001-2002. Top left: immature female in Grant County (by T. Harp); top right:
second-year male in Pendleton County (by K. Caminiti); bottom: immature female in
Henderson County (B. Palmer-Ball, Jr.).

76

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 78

On the late afternoon of 9 December 2001, an immature female bird was discovered by
Robert Soaper on the Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs Wildlife Management Area, Henderson
County. This bird was perched in a soybean stubble field off KY 268 and was photographed
by Brainard Palmer-Ball before it took flight to the southwest and went out of view. It was
never reported again.

Finally, on 22 February 2002, a local resident in Pendleton County contacted Jeff Hays
with Raptor, Inc., in Cincinnati about a Snowy Owl that had been present in the farmland
about five miles south of Falmouth for several days. This bird ended up lingering in the
immediate vicinity of the original reports for about five weeks, being last observed on 1
April 2002. Over its five-week stay, the bird was admired by hundreds of people. On 11
March 2002, the bird was banded; it proved to be a second-year male.

This apparently represents only the second time that more than one Snowy Owl has made
an appearance in Kentucky in a given winter. During the winter of 1949-50, three separate
individuals were reported ( Audubon Field Notes 4:204, 1950; Mengel, Birds of Kentucky, p.
279).— KATHY CAMINITI. 4980 Middle Creek Road, Burlington. KY41005. JEFF HAYS,
7867 Bankwood Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45224 and MARSHALL ISERAL, 1015 Mason
Sipple Road. Williamstown. KY 41097.

NEWS AND VIEWS

Spring KOS Meeting at Blue Licks State Park

The Spring KOS meeting will be held at Blue Licks State Park on April 25 to 27.
The room release date is February 15, 2003. Mark your calendar and let’s enjoy
some great spring birding.

KOS Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Avian Research Grant Fund

Persons that need money ( i.e ., up to $500) to assist them in conducting research
on birds in Kentucky should contact the KOS Burt L. Monroe. Jr. Avian Research
Grant Fund Committee c/o Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College, Western Kentucky Uni¬
versity, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 (email: blaine.ferrell@wku.edu) for a
set of guidelines and an application form.

Kentucky Bird Records Committee

Rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season should be well documented
and the documentation should be sent to Lee McNeelv, Secretary of the KBRC,
P.O. Box 463, Burlington. Kentucky 41005. for consideration by the committee
for official record status.

The Kentucky Warbler

(Published by the Kentucky Ornithological Society)

Vol.79 FEBRUARY 2003 No. 1

APR 2 Z 2003

L_ _ _

: ITHACA, NY 1 <553

IN THIS ISSUE

THE FALL MIGRATION, 2002, Fred M. Busroe . 3

MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT, 2002-2003 . 18

NINTH REPORT OF THE KENTUCKY BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE,

Lee McNeely, KBRC Secretary . 29

FIELD NOTES . 31

HUNTING BEHAVIOR OF AND HABITAT USE BY EASTERN
SCREECH-OWLS DURING THE NON-BREEDING PERIOD, Carlo M.

Abbruzzese and Gary Ritchison . 33

IN MEMORIAM: HUNTER M. HANCOCK . 39

NEWS AND VIEWS . 40

2

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

President .

Vice-President .

Corresponding Secretary .

Treasurer .

Recording Secretary .

Councillors:

Richard Cassell, Louisville .

Janet Howard, Owensboro .

Scott Marsh, Lexington .

Roseanna Denton. Science Hill
Doris Tichenor, Morgantown ...
Phyllis Niemi, Princeton .

. Kathy Caminiti. Burlington

. Hap Chambers, Murray

. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.

8207 Old Wesport Road. Louisville, KY 40222-3913

. Jim Williams

480 Seeley Drive. Lexington. KY 40502-2609
. Gerald Robe, Mt. Sterling

. 2001 thru 2003

. 2001 thru 2003

. 2002 thru 2004

. 2002 thru 2004

. 2003 thru 2005

. 2003 thru 2005

Retiring President . Marilee Thompson, Owensboro

Staff Artist . Ray Harm

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, published quarterly in Lebruary, May. August
and November. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER is sent to all members not in arrears for dues.
Membership dues are: Active or Regular $15.00; Contributing, $25.00; Student $10.00;
Lamily, $20.00; Corporate, $100.00; and Life, $300.00. All articles and communications
should be addressed to the editor. Subscriptions and memberships should be sent to the
Treasurer. Requests for back issues should be sent to the Corresponding Secretary.

Editor . B.R. Lerrell. Ogden College of Science and Engineering

Western Kentucky University. Bowling Green, KY 42101

Editorial Advisory Board

Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. and Wayne Mason

Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely

P.O. Box 463. Burlington, KY 41005

THE COVER

We thank Phil Kelly for the cover photograph of the Long-billed Murrelet (Brachyramphiis
perdi.x ), taken on the Ohio River off the Louisville waterfront on October 30. 2003 (see
Lall 2002 Seasonal Report).

2003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

3

THE FALL MIGRATION - 2002
Fred M. Busroe

The fall season 2002 was wet overall, but it began with much of the state in severe
drought. In contrast, September and October were the wettest in 107 years. The temperature
was cyclic, warm and then cold. On November 10 strong storms swept across the state and
November 22 was cold with snow flurries.

Perhaps in part due to the odd weather conditions, a number of unusual observations
were recorded. Potential first records for the state included Sooty Terns at Kentucky Lake
and on the lower Ohio River, McCracken County, a Long-billed Murrelet on the Ohio River
at Louisville, and a Common Ground-Dove near Lake No. 9 in western Fulton County.
Additional especially notable observations included a Western Grebe on Lake Cumberland,
a Hudsonian Godwit at the Falls of the Ohio at Louisville, and no less than three Rufous
Hummingbirds. Peak movements (or at least fall-outs) of passerine migrants (most notably
warblers) seemed to occur September 15 and September 21-22.

Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these
reports have been accepted as records for the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Observ¬
ers are cautioned that records of out-of-season birds and all rarities must be accompanied
with good details or documentation for acceptance. Documentation must be submitted to
the Kentucky Bird Records Committee (KBRC). Decisions regarding the official Kentucky
list are made by the KBRC and are reported periodically in The Kentucky Warbler.

Abbreviations - County names appear in italics ; when used to separate dates, the “/”
symbol is used in place of "and”; WMA = Wildlife Management Area; A.J. Jolly = A.J.
Jolly Park, Campbell ; Annis = Annis Ferry Farm, Butler. Barren = Barren River Lake,
Allen! Barren'. BRSRP = Barren River State Resort Park, Barren'. Beech Grove = Beech
Grove Ridge, Pulaski'. Bellevue = Bellevue, Campbell'. Blood R. = Blood River embayment
of Kentucky Lake, Calloway ; Bowling Green = Bowling Green, Warren'. Brown = Brown
Power Plant, Mercer. Camp#l 1 = Peabody Camp Mine #11, Union'. Caperton = Caperton
Swamp Nature Preserve, Jefferson', Cave Run = Cave Run Lake, Rowan', Drakes = West
Fork Drakes Creek, Simpson', Falls = Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson', Fishing Creek = Fishing
Creek embayment of Lake Cumberland, Pulaski', Green = Green River Lake, Taylor! Adair',
Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment of Kentucky Lake, Marshall', Ken-Home¬
stead = Ken-Homestead Unit of Peabody WMA, Ohio', KyBend = Kentucky Bend, Fulton',
KyDam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston! Marshall', KyLake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall!
Calloway, LkBarkley = Lake Barkley, Livingston! Lyon/Trigg', Laketon = Mississippi River
sandbars near Laketon boat ramp, Carlisle', LkCum = Lake Cumberland, Pulaski! Russell!
Wayne', Lk#9 = Lake # 9, Fulton', LBL = Land Between the Lakes, Lyon/Trigg', Louisville =
Louisville, Jefferson ; Markland = Markland Dam on the Ohio River, Gallatin', McElroy =
McElroy Lake, Warren', Meldahl = Meldahl Dam on the Ohio River, Bracken', MCFH =
Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan', Mt. Zion = Mt. Zion, Pulaski', MCNP = Mammoth
Cave National Park, Edmonson/ Hart', Middle Creek = Middle Creek Park, Boone', Peabody
= Peabody WMA, Ohio! Muhlenberg', Petersburg = Petersburg, Boone', Owensboro =
Owensboro, Daviess', Pleasant Hill = Pleasant Hill Church Road near Cadiz, Trigg ; Red R.
Gorge = Red River Gorge Geological Area, Powell/Wolfe ; Riverqueen = Riverqueen Unit
of Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg', RRSRP = Rough River State Resort Park, Grayson', Short
Creek = Short Creek, Grayson', Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson',

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THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

Sinclair = Sinclair Unit of Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg-, Smithland = Smithland Dam on

the Ohio River, Livingston-, Waitsboro = Lake Cumberland at Waitsboro Recreation Area,

Pulaski-, WKU = Western Kentucky University, Warren.

Red-throated Loon - 1 was reported on November 18 at Lake Peewee. Hopkins (PN).

Pacific Loon - 1 was reported on KyLake above KyDam on November 24 (BY). KBRC
review required.

Common Loon - Certainly unusual was a bird on a farm pond near Mt. Zion, Aug 2-6
(RD); 1 on September 29 on Cave Run was likely an early migrant (SM); a normal
November movement was highlighted by an exceptionally pronounced peak fallout of
birds on the November 16; notable reports included an early peak of 49 on November 3
on Barren (JE); 800+ on November 16 on Barren (DR); 75+ total in scattered flocks on
November 17 on Green (BPB); 30 on November 19 at Waitsboro (RD): and 150+ on
November 26 on Barren (DR). Also reported were 2 on October 30 on Ohio R. at Louis¬
ville (FR); and 3 on Ohio R„ Gallatin, 2 on Ohio R. at Big Bone Creek, Boone, and 1 on
Ohio R. at Petersburg, all on November 16 (LM).

Horned Grebe - First reported on October 13 at Blood R. (HC); typical peak of fall move
ment occurred during mid- to late November as evidenced by 210+ on November 16 on
Barren (DR); also reported were 8 on October 31 on Ohio R. at Louisville ( JP); 11 on
Novemberl6 on Ohio R.. Gallatin, and 1 on November 23 at Meldahl (LM); 10 on No¬
vember 17 on Cave Run (FB); 28 on November 16 on the Ohio R.. Daviess/ Hancock line
(DA); and 70 on November 27 at Waitsboro (RD).

Red-necked Grebe - There were two reports of single birds as follows: 1 on November 3
at Brown (BC/MC photos); and 1 adult on November 13 on KyLake above KyDam (DR
video). KBRC review required.

Western Grebe - 1 bird was present November 6-30 at Waitsboro (RD, BPB photos).
KBRC review required.

American White Pelican - The presence of probable summering birds along the Missis¬
sippi R. blended into a now-typical fall movement of birds across the western quarter of
the state including the Mississippi R. corridor and KyLake/LkBarkley. Peak counts in¬
cluded: 220+ on August 21 over Laketon (DR); 200+ on August 22 at KyBend (DR); and
125 on September 1 at the south end of Lk#9 (BY); later in the season, the first birds (ca.
12) showed up on October 4 on LkBarkley, Lyon (DR); and 150+ were seen on Novem¬
ber 13 over west Fulton (DR). Also reported were 26 on August 25 at Lk#9 (BL. KL); 18
on October 27 in Fulton (HC); 75 on November 2 at Open Pond, Fulton (KL); and 100+
on November 27 at LkBarkley (JE). Away from western Kentucky, a single bird was
present on November 26 on Barren. Allen (DR photos).

Double-crested Cormorant - There did not seem to be an exceptionally large movement
through the state this fall or perhaps it went unreported in detail. The exception appeared
to be a flight (number unreported) on October 26 over LkBarkley, Trigg (DR). Also
reported were 150 on August 17 at KyLake and 6 on September 7 at Blood R. (HC); 7 on
September 12714 at Jonathan Creek (MM); 35 on October 26 in Calloway and 65 on
October 27 in Fulton (HC); and 120 on Ocobert 30 on Ohio R. at Louisville (FR).

American Bittern — Peak count of presumed fall migrants (it is possible that nesting is
occurring in marshes in the general vicinity) was 4 birds at one location at Ken-Home¬
stead on September 25 (DR); otherwise, single birds were reported from several scat¬
tered localities during typical fall flight period: most interesting records were of a bird at
McElroy on October 13 (DR) and a lingering bird to at least November 9 at Kentucky R.
WMA. Henry (TS).

5

2003 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _

Great Blue Heron - A high number of 52 on October 29 at Jonathan Creek ( MM).

Great Egret - Post-breeding concentrations in far western Kentucky remained below the
highs of the late 1990s, but included ca. 600 at Lk#9 on August 24 (BPB, AC) and 550+
there on August 25 (KL, NM). Elsewhere some relatively significant numbers were re¬
ported as follows: 125 on August 17 on a floodplain slough in western Henderson (BPB/
KOS); 32 on September 3 in LBL. Trigg (WL); a count of 20 on August 31 at the Falls was
the largest number reported in the Louisville area in many years (BPB, et al.)\ and 62 on
September 14 at Swan Lake WMA, Ballard (CM/DCAS). 2 lingered at Paint Lick Creek
off the Ohio R., Gallatin, November 11-16 (LM) and 1 was still in west Fulton on Novem¬
ber 23 (HC, RD). Also reported were 4 on August 3 at Fishing Creek (RD); 7 on August
29 at Jonathan Creek (MM); 8 on August 31 at MCFH (LM); 15 on September 7 at Blood
R. and 1 on October 24 at Jonathan Creek (HC); and 7 on September 27 at MCFH (FB).

Snowy Egret - As is typically the case, the peak post-breeding concentration occurred at
Lk#9, where at least 260 were counted (with likely more than 300 present) on August 24
(BPB, AC). Also reported were 44 on August 10 at Laketon (HC, RD) and 1 on September
7 at Blood R. (HC).

Little Blue Heron - The peak count during the late nesting/post-breeding period at the
LkBarkley heronry near Kuttawa, Lyon, was 100+ (perhaps 200) on July 30 (DR); rela¬
tively unusual for the east Knobs region was an immature at MCFH on August 29 (MV),
August 31 (LM/NKBC), Septenber 29 (SM) and October 5 (FB). Latest fall report was 1
on Oct 13 at Blood R. (HC). Also reported were 6 on August 10 at Laketon (HC, RD);
and 1 August 29-30 at Jonathan Creek (MM).

Cattle Egret - The peak count during the late nesting/post-breeding period at the LkBarkley
heronry near Kuttawa, Lyon, was “several thousand" on July 30 (DR); a post-breeding
wanderer appeared at a farm pond near Dot, Logan, on August 29 (FL).

Black-crowned Night-Heron - 1 on September 20 at A.J. Jolly (FR); 1 on October 3 in
Louisville (MS).

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - 1 juv. was observed at Jonathan Creek August 27-31 (DR);
the species was last reported ( 1 juv. ) on the relatively late date of October 20 at Sauerheber
at a location where the species had likely bred nearby during summer (DR/KOS).

Black Vulture - 64 on September 9 at Fishing Creek (RD); 15 on September 27 at Short
Creek (JP); 22 on October 9 at Barren (JE); 2 on November 23 in Fulton (HC, RD).

Greater White-fronted Goose - First fall birds (flock of 90-100) were observed flying over
Smithland on October 26 (DR, HC); 2 were seen near Woodbum, Warren, November 19/
21 (DR); numbers were also present in extreme west Fulton by the last week of Novem¬
ber. when 417 were counted on November 24 near Lk#9 (RD. HC, et al.).

Snow Goose - A likely injured bird (that likely summered) was present at Mitchell Lake,
Ballard WMA. Ballard, on August 2 ( HC); certainly unusual was a free-flying white morph
on KyLake, Calloway, on August 17 (HC photos). The first sizable flocks of 75 and 78
birds were noted in west Fulton on November 23/24, respectively (HC, RD, et al.).

Ross’s Goose - 3 individuals were carefully identified from within a flock of Snow Geese
passing over west Fulton on November 24 (DR, etal.). This record represents a new early
fall arrival date for Kentucky by one day.

Mute Swan — The apparently resident pair along Cypress Creek, northwest of Central City,
Muhlenberg, was observed in mid-September and continued through the period (WR).

Wood Duck - 13 on September 7 at Blood R. (HC); 20 on September 20 at A.J. Jolly (FR);
86 on September 26 on LkCumb (RD); 6 on November 23 in Fulton (HC, RD).

Gadwall -First reported were 2 onAugust 27 on KyLake, Calloway (DR) and 5 on August
31 at Jonathan Creek (MM). Also reported were 50 on October 31 at the Falls (JP); 17 on

6 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 79

November 16 at Sugar Creek, Gallatin (LM); and ca. 60 November 11-30 at Goose
Pond, Cave Run (FB).

American Wigeon - First reported was 1 bird on KyLake, Calloway , on August 27 (DR);
also reported were 50+ on October 28 at Goose Pond, Cave Run (FB).

Blue-winged Teal - 36 on August 25 at Lk#9 (KL, NM); 90 on September 3 at Jonathan
Creek (MM); 4 on September 11 at LBL(PL, WL); and 74 on September 21 in McCreary
(SBC).

Northern Shoveler - Peak fall count was 150+ at Lk#9 on November 13 (DR); also re¬
ported were 9 on September 1 at Lk#9 (KL); 1 on September 3 at Jonathan Creek (MM);
2 on September 7 at Blood R. (HC) and 75 on November 23 in Fulton (HC, RD); and 15
on November 27 at Waitsboro (RD).

Northern Pintail - A female (early returning migrant?) was present near Ledbetter,
Livingston , on August 5 (DR).

Green-winged Teal - 84 on November 18 at Meldahl (FR).

Redhead - 43 on November 17 at Waitsboro (RD).

Ring-necked Duck - A drake that summered on an impoundment at Camp#l 1 was ob¬
served on September 7 (BPB, RJJ) and September 15 (BPB, RL); the peak count during
the height of the migratory movement was ca. 300 on November 17 at Waitsboro (RD.
SSt); also reported were 10 on November 1 1 at Goose Pond. Cave Run (FB).

Surf Scoter - An excellent movement was documented this fall during typical late October
through mid-November flight period as evidenced by the following reports: 2 on
the Ohio R. at Louisville on October 29 (MS. et al.)\ separate groups of 2 and 3 on the
Ohio R. at Louisville on October 30 (BY): separate groups of 1 and 9 on the Ohio R. at
Louisville on October 31 (BPB. DR. etal.); 6 on the Ohio R. at Louisville and 4 above
Markland, both on November 1 (DR); 2 at Waitsboro on November 1 (RD); 1 at MCFH
on November 2 (GR); 1 on the Benton, Marshall, sewage plant lagoon on November 2
(PN); 1 on Ohio R. at Louisville on November 3 (BPB); 2 on the Ohio R. near Big Bone
Creek, Boone, on November 11 (LM); 2 at Waitsboro on November 17 (RD); 4 on Green,
Taylor, on November 17 (BPB): 4abov>e Meldahl on November 18 (FR); 2 above Meldahl
on November 23 ( LM ) ; 2 on Barren . ,i November 27 ( DR ) : and 2 at Meldahl on Novem¬
ber 29 (FR).

White-winged Scoter - Single birds were reported during peak of fall movement as fol¬
lows: 1 female on the Ohio R. above Louisville on October 29 (DR); 1 at Sinclair on
November 2 (RLr photos); 1 on Barren, Barren, on November 19 (DR video).

Black Scoter - A small but noticeable flight occurred during late October through mid-
November as evidenced by the following reports (all except the Daviess! Hancock
individuals were seen in the company of similar or greater numbers of Surfs): 2 on the
Ohio R. at Louisville on October 31(BPB, DR, etal.): 3 above Markland on November
1 (DR); 2 on the Ohio R.. Daviess/ Hancock line on November 16 (DA); 4 on Green,
Taylor, on November 17 (BPB).

Long-tailed Duck - 1 female or immature was observed on KyLake above KyDam on
November 24 (BY).

Bufflehead - 48 on November 26 at Waitsboro (RD).

Hooded Merganser - 3 on October31 at lonathan Creek (PL, WL); 15on November 17at
MCFH (FB).

Common Merganser - A probable . .male was observed several times on KyLake

above KyDam from September 1 rough the end of the period (m.ob.).

Red-breasted Merganser - Peak c+ . irred on November 26. when 150+ were on

Barren (DR) and 30 were at Waitsboro tRD).

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

7

2003 _ _

Ruddy Duck - A bird was present at Camp #1 1 on September 7; it is unknown if this was
a summering bird or early migrant. Also reported during normal fall migratory period as
follows: 10 on October 31 on Ohio R. at Louisville (JP); 17on November 1 7 at Waitsboro
(RD); 4 on November 18 and 3 on November 29 at Meldahl (FR).

Osprey - A relatively early migrant or post-breeding wanderer was observed near RRSRP
on August 8/22 (JP); also reported were single birds in Taylor on October 2 (MS) and at
Fishing Creek on October 6 (RD); last reported bird was 1 at the dam at Barren on Octo¬
ber 28 (JE).

Mississippi Kite - The last of MANY extralimital reports from the late spring/summer
season were 2 observed flying over Tom Sawyer State Park, east Jefferson, on August 18
( JB, PB). Latest report of the species in far western Kentucky was 3 on September 8 at
KyBend (KL).

Bald Eagle - Relatively unusual for eastern Kentucky was a bird at Red R. Gorge, Powell ,
on September 29 (DR, JR). Also reported were 2 on August 10 at Laketon (HC. RD); 1 on
August 3 1 at MCFH (LM); 5 imms. on September 25 at KyBend (KL); 1 on October 8 at
LkCumb (LM); 1 on November 1 at Waitsboro (RD); 2 adults and 2 imms. on November
18 at Meldahl (FR); and 1 to 2 during period at MCFH (FB).

Northern Harrier - 2 on October 23 at Cooley’s Pond, Wayne (RD).

Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2 on August 21 and 1 on November 28 in Barren (MS).

Cooper’s Hawk - 1 on August 20 and October 29 in Barren (MS); 1 on September 7 at
Jonathan Creek (MM); 1 on September 16 and November 25 in Hart (MS); 1 was seen
taking a Dunlin on October 30 at MCFH (FB); 1 on November 20 at Short Creek (JP).

Broad- winged Hawk - Peak fall counts were 131 in several flocks on September 21 and
another 177 in several flocks (including one kettle of 125 birds) on September 22, both
counts being made at Peabody (MV, MG). Also reported were 5 on September 8 at KyBend
(KL).

Red-tailed Hawk - 6 on September 25 at KyBend (KL); 1 dark morph on November 2 at
East Bend Power Plant, Boone (LM); 2 ( 1 almost entirely white) on November 14 at
Hogue, Pulaski (RD); 27 on November 24 in Fulton (HC, DR).

Rough-legged Hawk - First report of a returning winter resident was of a bird at Sinclair
on November 3 (MV, MG).

Golden Eagle - Relatively unusual was an apparently migrant adult on November 27 at
Woodbum, Warren (DR video).

American Kestrel - Relatively late was the presence of 3 large young in a nest box in east
Jefferson on August 9 (unfortunately these young were found dead in the box about a
week later — probably due to West Nile Virus).

Merlin - An above-average number of reports of migrants and apparently returning winter
residents included two relatively early sightings, 1 at KyBend on August 25 (KL, NM)
and 1 at Louisville on August 28 (BY); also reported were 1 at Lake Reba, Madison , on
September 18 (MV); 1 over Sinclair on September 21 (MV, MG); singles at McElroy on
October 2/24 (DR); 1 at Chaney Lake, Warren , on October 22 (DR); 1 in Trigg on No¬
vember 1 (WL); 1 at Riverqueen on November 2 (MV, MG); 1 at Ken-Homestead on
November 12 (MG); and 1 at Sinclair on November 24 (BY).

Peregrine Falcon - There were more than a dozen reports of migrants and resident birds at
scattered localities across much of central and western Kentucky during the period in¬
cluding 1 on August 25 and November 8 at KyBend (KL) and the nesting pair at the
power plant near Ghent, Carroll , on November 2 (LM).

Prairie Falcon - 1 was reported on August 28 at KyBend (KL, NM). This would be about
ten weeks earlier than previous Kentucky records. KBRC review required.

8

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

Virginia Rail - 3 on October 23 at Ken-Homestead were the only ones reported (DR).

Common Moorhen - 3 that appeared to be juveniles and were perhaps locally raised were
observed at Camp #11 September 1 - 1 5 ( B PB , et al. ) ; a mi grant was observed near Peters¬
burg on October 5 (LM).

American Coot - Lingering nesting birds were observed at Camp #11 on several dates in
August and September (BPB. et al.).

Sandhill Crane - A pronounced flight occurred slightly earlier than in recent years.with a
peak during late November; the highest count was 950+ resting on flats of Barren, Allen,
on November 26 (DR); also reported were 3 at Cooley’s Pond, Wayne, and 55 in Adair on
November 2 (RD); an unknown number overhead on the night of November 17 and 90+
on November 18 in War? (MS); and 200 on November 25 at Short Creek (JP).

Black-bellied Plover - 1 on August 16 at Brown (RD).

American Golden-Plover - The peak fall count was 7 at McElroy on October 23 (DR); 1
lingered there to November 21 (DR); also reported was 1 on October 5 at MCFH (FB).

Semipalmated Plover - 3 on August 3 at Fishing Creek (RD); 16 on August 10 at Laketon
(HC, RD); 4 on September 1 at Lk #9 (KL): 5 on September 17 at Jonathan Creek (MM);
the latest report was of a single bird at McElroy on October 14 (DR).

Piping Plover - Only fall report was of a single adult (photographed) on a bar on KyLake,
Calloway, on August 17 (HC).

Killdeer - Peak fall count was 720+ at McElroy on November 2 1 ( DR) ; the peak at Jonathan
Creek was 100+ on September 7 (MM).

Black-necked Stilt - Following a spring and summer during which birds showed up at a
number of localities scattered across the midwest, a few birds were reported during what
apparently represents the species’ fall migratory period as follows: 1 adult near Ledbetter,
Livingston, on August 5 (DR photos); a juv. at the same location on August 18 (DR pho¬
tos); 2 adults at Laketon on August 21 (DR); 4 (migrant family group) at KyBend on
August 22 (DR); birds were present at Lk #9 from August 22 (5 - DR) to September 2 16-
DR), with impressive peak counts of 19 at the south end of the lake on August 24 (BPB,
AC) and September 1 (KL). The Livingston and Carlisle records represent the first docu¬
mented for those counties.

Greater Yellowlegs - 2 on October 24 at Jonathan Creek and 4 on October 27 in Fulton
(HC); 10-13 on October 28-31 at MCFH (FB); 2 at Lick Creek, Boone, on November 2
(LM); a few individuals lingered into mid-November as follows: 7 in west Fulton on
November 13 (DR); 1 at Somerset. Pulaski, on November 17 (RD); 1 at Jonathan Creek
on November 19 (MM): 2 at Walton's Pond near Woodbum. Warren, on November 21
(DR); 2 in west Fulton on November 23 (HC, RD); and 2 at Sinclair on November 28
(MV).

Lesser Yellowlegs - Peak fall count was 99 at Lk #9 on September 14 (CM/DCAS); also
reported were 1 on August 10 at Laketon (HC. RD); 2 on August 25 at Lk #9 (KL. NM);
12 on September 7 at Blood R. (HC): 16 on October 27 in Fulton (HC); 40+ on Septem¬
ber 12 at Jonathan Creek (MM); and 2 on September 14 at KyBend (KL, BL).

Solitary Sandpiper - 4 on August 5 at AJ. Jolly (FR): 3 on September 1 at Lk #9 (KL); 6
on September 6 at Jonathan Creek (MM); 2 on October 8 at Fishing Creek (RD).

Willet - 1 bird was present on August 30 on the Little R. embayment of LkBarkley. Trigg
(DR).

Spotted Sandpiper - Relatively late birds were observed as follows: 3 at Fishing Creek on
October 26 (RD) and 1 at the Falls on November 6 (BPB). Also reported were the follow¬
ing: 9 on August 10 at loiketon (HC, RD); 2 on August 17 at KyLake, Calloway (HC);
and 1 to 2 were present on September 7-12 at Jonathan Creek (MM).

9

2003 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Upland Sandpiper - A small movement was detected as evidenced by 2 reports: 1 heard
calling over east Jefferson on August 18(BPB); 1 heard calling at KyBend on September
14 (DR).

Hudsonian Godwit -Ajuv. resting at the Falls on October 31 represents only the fourth
documented record for the species in Kentucky (DR photos, et al.). KBRC review re¬
quired.

Marbled Godwit - Relatively extraordinary were 2 birds on a relatively late date of Sep¬
tember 17 on sandbars below Smithland (DR photos, JE). KBRC review required.

Ruddy Ttirnstone - A small movement was detected during mid- to late August as
evidenced by the following reports: 1 adult on August 17 at Camp #11 (BPB/KOS);

1 on August 17 on a bar in KyLake, Calloway (HC); 1 adult on August 18 at the Falls
(BPB); and 1 on August 22 at KyBend (DR).

Sanderling- 2 on August 10 at Laketon (HC, DR) and 4 on September 7 at Blood R. (HC);

2 on September 16 -17 at Jonathan Creek (MM); 4 on October 30 at MCFH (EM).

Semipalmated Sandpiper - Peak fall count reported was an unimpressive 22 birds at Lk

#9 on September 1 (KL); also reported were 3 on August 3 at Fishing Creek (RD); 16 on
August 10 at Laketon (HC, RD); 2 on September 7 at Blood R. (HC); 19 on August 28 at
KyBend (KL, NM); and 1 to 2 present at Jonathan Creek August 3 1 -September 16 (MM)

Western Sandpiper - Unimpressive peak counts included 6 on August 4 at Brown (RD)
and 5 juvs. on September 7 at Camp #11 (BPB, RH); also reported were 2 on August 10
at Laketon (HC, RD) and 2 on August 28 at Fishing Creek (RD).

Least Sandpiper - Perhaps a below-average migration this season; peak fall count was 368
on Septemberl4 at Lk#9 (CM/DCAS); a few lingered into mid-November at several
localities (m. ob.); also reported were 83 on August 10 at Laketon (HC, RD); 4 on Au¬
gust 17 at KyLake (HC); 60 on August 28 at KyBend (KL, NM); 36 on September 1 at Lk
#9 (KL); 40+ on September 12 at Jonathan Creek (MM); 33 on September 16 and 2 on
October 26 at Fishing Creek (RD); 78 on September 25 at KyBend (KL); 15 on October
24 at Jonathan Creek (HC); and 20 on October 24 in Fulton (HC).

Baird's Sandpiper - 2 on August 3 1 at MCFH (LM); 1 onAugust 10 at Laketon (HC, RD);
2 on September 7 at Blood R. (HC).

Pectoral Sandpiper - Last fall report was from McElroy on November 7 (DR); also re¬
ported were 79 onAugust 10 at Laketon (HC, RD); 80 on September 1 at Lk#9 (KL); 15
on September 7 at Blood R. (HC); and 15 on September 17 at Jonathan Creek (MM).

Dunlin - Noteworthy concentrations were noted during late October and early November
with peak counts of 200+ at MCFH on October 29-31 (FB. EM); 151 at McElroy on
October 24 (DR); at least 138 at McElroy on October 22 (DR); and two flocks totaling
136 individuals at the Falls on October 29 (DR); also reported were ten on October 24 at
Jonathan Creek (HC); 2 to 3 were present October 25-November 1 1 at Camp Ernst Lake,
Boone (LM); 23 on October 28 at Fishing Creek (RD); 79 on October 29, 99 on Novem¬
ber 11, 58 on November 19 and 23 on November 24 at Jonathan Creek (MM); and 8 on
November 23 in Fulton (HC, RD).

Stilt Sandpiper - Relatively far east were single individuals at Creelsboro, Russell , on
September 7 (SBC) and at Fishing Creek on October 8 (RD); peak fall counts included
19 at KyBend onAugust 1 1 (HC, etal.)\ 13 at Jonathan Creek on September 5 (DR); and
11+ birds at McElroy on October 13 (DR).

Buff-breasted Sandpiper - First reported on August 30 on the Little R. embayment of
LkBarkley, Trigg (DR); generally a below-average movement was detected during early
to mid-September, although a count of 18 on September 7 at Blood R. represented an
impressive total (HC); small numbers also were reported from several additional loca-

10

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

tions including 3 on September 7 at Camp # 1 1 ( BPB.RH ) and 2 on September 8 at Laketon
(BPB) with 1 bird as far east as Mt. Zion on September 7 (RD); last observed on Septem¬
ber 17/19 at Jonathan Creek (MM/HC).

Short-billed Dowitcher - 1 on August 18 at Brown (RD); 1 on September 8 at KyBend
(KL).

Long-billed Dowitcher - What must be considered to represent probably a typical move¬
ment of the species when observers are out and habitat is present was evidenced by the
following reports: 1 adult at Meng's Pond, Warren , on August 14 (DR photos); a flock of
varying sizes from 24+ on October 13 to 12 on October 24 at McElroy (TD, DR); 4 at
Sauerheber on October 20 (DR/KOS); 2 at Sauerheber and 1 at Camp#l 1, both on Octo¬
ber 27 (BPB, BY, MS); and 1 bird at Lk#9 on the relatively late date of November 13
(DR).

Wilson's Snipe - First fall report was 1 bird at Blood R. on September 4 ( HC); peak count
of fall migrants was 98 in west Fulton on November 23 (HC, RD); also reported were 2
on November 1 at LBL (PL, WL) and 4 on November 24 at Jonathan Creek (MM).

Wilson’s Phalarope - Ajuv. on August 3 at Fishing Creek was likely a first county record
(RD).

Red-necked Phalarope - Ajuv. was at McElroy on October 14 (DR video). KBRC
review required.

phalarope sp. - Another phalarope at McElroy on October 20 was likely a Red-necked or
Red, but its identity was not confirmed (TD).

Laughing Gull - 1 to 5 birds were present in the vicinity of Kentucky /Barkley/Smithland
dams during most of the period, at least some perhaps lingering birds from summer re¬
ports in the same area: 1 on bars below Smithland on August 5 (DR); 2 first-year birds
below Smithland and 1 adult at KyDam on September 8 (HC, DR); 4 at KyDam on
September 13 (DR); at least 4 on September 17 (at least 2 above KyDam and 2 below
Smithland) (JE, DR) and September 20 ( 1 on KyLake and 3 below Smithland) (DR);
peak count of 5 on KyLake, Marshall , on October 4 (DR); with at least 2 lingering into
late November on KyLake (DR, WL, etal.). Also, an adult was observed on the Ohio R.
at Louisville on November 1 (DR).

Franklin's Gull - A modest movement occurred during typical late September-November
period as evidenced by the following reports: 1 on KyLake above KyDam on Septem¬
ber 29 (HC); at least 4 on KyLake, Marshall , on October 4 (DR); 1 at Jonathan Creek on
October 5/22 (HC) and again on November 11 (MM); 6+ on KyLake above KyDam on
October 1 1 (DR, RDv); 4 on KyLake above KyDam on October 14 (HC); 2 at Meldahl
on October 26 (NKBC); 1 below Smithland and 2 on KyLake above KyDam on Octo¬
ber 26 (DR); 2 at the Falls on October 29 (DR); 1 at Markland on November 1 (DR); and
2 on Barren on November 4 ( DR).

Bonaparte's Gull - First reported on August 30 at Brown ( RD photo ) and on September 22
at Fishing Creek (RD); the species was scattered in small numbers by the last week or so
of October (m. ob.); peak count was 900+ at Meldahl on November 18 (FR); also re¬
ported were 60+ on November 24 at Jonathan Creek (MM); 100 on November 16 at
Craig's Creek, Gallatin (LM); and 300+ on November 29 at Meldahl (LM).

Ring-billed Gull - 2 hundred on October 3-4 at Jonathan Creek (MM); 250 on November
18 at Meldahl (FR).

Herring Gull - First reported were a few (summering birds or early migrants) on August
17 on KyLake, Calloway (HC) and 1 juv. on August 22 below Smithland (DR). Also
reported were 1 on October 4 and November 1 1 at Jonathan Creek (MM) and 4 on No¬
vember 18 at Meldahl (FR).

II

2003 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Lesser Black-backed Gull - A first-summer bird was seen on the IL side of the Ohio R.
downstream from Smithland on August 8 (BPB, PBn, BvH); first of the season actually
in Kentucky was a second-year bird below Smithland on September 8 (DR): by Septem¬
ber 20, 3 adults were reported from KyLake (DR); 1 was at Jonathan Creek on October 3
(HC. MM).

Sabine's Gull - A nice flurry of reports of juvs., perhaps involving at least some of the
same individuals, occurred during September to early October (reminiscent of the fall of
1984) as follows: 1 on LkBarkley, Lyon on September 1 1 ( DR photos); then 2 on KyLake
above KyDam September 14-20 (DR video, HC, etal.); finally, 1 on KyLake near Little
Bear Creek, Marshall , on October 4 (DR video). KBRC review required.

Caspian Tern - Peak fall counts included 200 on LkBarkley between the dam and Kuttawa,
Lyon, on September 11 (DR); 130 on a bar on LkBarkley near Kuttawa, Lyon, on August
22 (DR); and 20+ at the Paradise Steam Plant slurry pond, Muhlenberg, on August 25
(MV). Also reported were 15 on August 10 at Laketon (HC, RD) and 4 on September 22
at Fishing Creek (RD).

Common Tern - Quite unusual for southcentral Kentucky was a flock of ca. 40 at Fishing
Creek on September 22 (RD). Otherwise, only small numbers were reported with most
from the western quarter of the state (m. ob.) with peak counts being at least 15 on KyLake,
Marshall, on October 4 (DR) and 13 below Smithland on October 11 (DR, RDv); latest
report was of several birds at Jonathan Creek on October 24 (HC).

Forster’s Tern - A record Kentucky count was reported at Jonathan Creek during late
October, when about 300 (260 in one area) were counted on October 26 (DR. HC); at
least 200 were still present at this location on November 9 (HC); 2 were near Waitsboro
on November 16 (RD); a few lingered on the Ohio R. at Louisville longer than normal; 1
was last seen thereon November 17 (BPB). Also reported were 2 on August 17 at KyDam
(HC) and 20 on September 22 at Fishing Creek (RD).

Least Tern -The species apparently had a much better year of it than in 2001. Many flying
young were observed at traditional sites along the Mississippi R., Carlisle! Hickman, on
August 24 (BPB, AC); ca. 500+ were observed on sandbars at KyBend on August 11
(HC).

Sooty Tern - One of the most interesting finds of a spectacular fall for rarities had to be the
appearance of no less than 3, and perhaps 4 individuals of this pelagic species during the
passage of the remnants of hurricane Lili, on the afternoon of October 4. 2 adults were
observed over KyLake from KyDam (DR video) and possibly a third adult was seen later
in the day over KyLake near the mouth of Little Bear Creek, Marshall ( DR): also, 1 adult
was observed along the Ohio R. shoreline at the Joppa. IL, boat ramp, and subsequently
flying out over the river upstream towards Paducah, McCracken (FBT). KBRC review
required.

Black Tern - Peak fall count was ca. 50 on August 17 on KyLake, Calloway (HC); also
reported were 5 on August 15 at Mt. Zion (RD); ca. 20 on August 18 at the Falls (BPB);
and 12 at Brown on August 18 (RD).

Long-billed Murrelet - This small alcid from eastern Asia has been reported with greater
and greater regularity in North America, including the eastern United States, especially
since it was elevated to species status in the early 1990s. An individual was found on
Ohio R. at Louisville on October 29 (DR video) and subsequently observed by nearly
100 people later that day and on October 30 (PK photos, JMc photos, CO photos). KBRC
review required.

Eurasian Collared-Dove - 1 to 8 birds were reported daily during the period on the Bar¬
ren! Hart line - a new location for the species (MS); and 2 were seen on October 26 in

12

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

Calloway (HC).

Common Ground-Dove - A bird was found on November 23 near Lk #9 (HC, RD photos;
DR photos) where it lingered to at least November 30 (JW, MGn). KBRC review re¬
quired.

Black-billed Cuckoo - A few reports of fall migrants included single birds at MCNPon
September 15 (JE) and Honker Lake, LBL, Trigg , on September 29 (KL).

Yellow-billed Cuckoo - A bird was observed gathering nest material near Island No. 1,
Carlisle , on August 24 (BPB); a late lingering bird was observed at the Waitsboro Recre¬
ation Area, Pulaski, on November 9 (AC, BPB); also reported were 2 on August 26 and
September 5 at Annis (DT); 7 on August 28 at KyBend (KL, NM); 8 on September 15 at
MCNP (JE); and 1 on October 9 at Drakes (JE).

Barn Owl - 1 in rural eastern Calloway in late October (JTE. HC).

Eastern Screech-Owl - 1 on August 9/30 in Hart (MS); 1 on August 12. 24 and 30 at Short
Creek (JP); 1 calling on August 29 and 2 on September 5 at Bellevue (FR); 1 on October
11 at LBL (PL, WL).

Great Horned Owl - 1 on September 7 at Blood R. (HC).

Barred Owl - 1 on August 30 at Annis (DT); 1 on September 7 at Blood R. (HC); and 1 on
October 24 at Jonathan Creek (HC).

Short-eared Owl - Returning winter birds were first reported at Sinclair on October 31
(MV) and on a reclaimed surface mine in Boyd on November 24 (SS).

Northern Saw-whet Owl - Only report for the fall was of a bird that vocalized with a
contact call adjacent to Barren. Barren, on the night of November 12 (DR).

Common Nighthawk - Peak of fall migration passed largely without any noteworthy con¬
centrations; peak counts reported were 200 over east Jefferson on August 29 (JB. PB)
and 60 in Owensboro on August 31 (JP); latest reports were of a bird seen roosting at
Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, on October 23 (BBC); and TWO seen flying over Louis¬
ville on November 9 (MS).

Whip-poor-will - 3 on August 10 in Grayson (JP).

Ruby-throated Hummingbird - There were a number of reports of birds lingering into
late October with the latest individuals being last seen on November 3 at Owensboro
(MT) and November 15 at West Liberty, Morgan (ME photos). A leucistic individual was
observed at a feeder near New Concord, Calloway, during early August (DSh. SW; DR
photos); peak concentration was 50+ in Trigg on September 2 (DR).

Rufous Hummingbird - 3 birds were confirmed by capture and measurement by Chris
Sloan as follows; October 22 - end of the period. 1 female outside of Danville, Boyle,
(NE photos, GE); late October - end of the period, 1 immature male in south Jefferson
(MS, DS, BPB photos); and November 15-30, an adult female south of Bowling Green,
Warren, (JE photos, DE) that had been previously banded near Grayson, GA. in mid-
January 2001 (fide CS). An unconfirmed, but seemingly adequately described adult male
visited a yard near Smiths Grove. Warren, on August 28 (EL). KBRC review required.

Likely Selasphorus sp. - Another bird described as a Selasphorus was observed at
Taylorsville. Spencer, in mid-November, but it was not confirmed (fide CS).

Red-headed Woodpecker -7 on August 28 and September 25 at KyBend (KL, NM); 5 on
September 2 in east Jefferson (BW).

Olive-sided Flycatcher -A few were reported during what is likely the peak in the species'
fall migratory movement through the state in late August as follows: near Lk #9 on Au¬
gust 24 (BPB, AC); at Sinclair on August 26 (DR); and in Calloway, on August 27 (DR).

Eastern Wood-Pewee - A road-killed bird was observed near Barren. Allen, on November
6 (DR).

13

2003 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - A typically small, but noticeable movement was reported dur¬
ing mid-September to early October; earliest reported individuals were in east Jefferson
on September 12 (JB, PB) and September 14 (BY); latest was 1 in east Jefferson on
October 3 (BPB).

Acadian Flycatcher - Single birds were heard singing on 2 dates in early September in
Fulton (BPB); 2 were still present on September 25 at KyBend (KL).

Alder Flycatcher - Distinctive call notes were heard from 1 bird observed near Island No.
1, Carlisle, and 2 observed near Lk#9, all on August 24 (BPB).

Least Flycatcher - 1 on September 8 at KyBend (KL).

Great Crested Flycatcher - Relatively late records included 1 on September 21 in Trigg
(WL) and 1 on September 25 in Pulaski (RD). The identity of a Myiarchus flycatcher
(thought to be a Great Crested) that was observed on October 15 along Fords Bay.
LkBarkley, Trigg, was not confirmed (MEs).

Western Kingbird - A bird was reported on October 21 from the levee pumping pond at
Hickman, Fulton (LA). KBRC review required.

Eastern Kingbird - There were several reports of birds a bit later than normal and includ¬
ing 4 in a flock on September 21 in Trigg (WL) and 1 that lingered to October 5 near Dot,
Logan (FL).

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - Young (3) of the Barkley Dam. Lyon, pair fledged during the
first week of August (HC; m. ob.) and were present as a family group with parents through
September 8 (BPB, RH); the only subsequent report of any birds was the observation of
2 thought to belong to the Barkley Dam family that were observed at the same location
on the surprisingly late date of October 1 1 (DR. RDv).

Loggerhead Shrike - 2 on August 28 and September 25 at KyBend (KL, NM); 1 on Sep¬
tember 20 at Pleasant Hill (PL, WL); 1 on October 25 in Adair (RD); 1 on October 27
(HC) and 3 on November 23 in Fulton (HC, RD).

Bell’s Vireo - A bird was heard singing at Camp #1 1 on September 1 (BPB ).

Blue-headed Vireo - Latest reports included 1 at Mt. Zion on October 31 (RD); 1 at
WKU Woods on November 7 (JE); and an extraordinarily late bird at Cave Hill Cem¬
etery. Louisville, on November 30 (BJ. BBC).

Philadelphia Vireo - 1 on August 26 at Annis (DT) represents a new early fall KYdate by
one day; also reported was 1 on October 9 at Drakes (JE).

Fish Crow - 2 on August 27 and 31 with 1 still present on September 2 and 12 at Jonathan
Creek (MM); 1 on August 28, 2 on September 8 and 3 on September 25 at KyBend (KL).

Horned Lark - A high of 120 on August 28 at KyBend (KL. NM); 25 on November 8 at the
RRSRP airport (JP).

Purple Martin - 250 on September 7 at Blood R. (HC).

Tree Swallow - Latest reports included 50+ at MCFH on October 31 (FB); 5 at Jonathan
Creek on November 1 (PL, WL); 3 at Fishing Creek on November 6 (RD); 9 at Barren on
November 6 (DR) and 1 still there on November 9 (DR); peak count was 200+ on Sep¬
tember 15 at KyBend (KL); also reported were 30 on September 7 at Blood R. (HC).

Bank Swallow - 6 on September 1 at Lk #9 (KL).

Barn Swallow - A few birds lingered later than normal as evidenced by the following
reports: 1 at McElroy on October 22 (DR); and 1 at Barren November 6/9 (DR).

Red-breasted Nuthatch - NONE were reported all fall other than in the vicinity of the Red
R. Gorge, Wolfe, breeding population (m. ob.).

Brown Creeper - 1 on November 1 and 2 on November 2 at Annis (DT).

Bewick's Wren - A convincing description was provided for 1 to 2 birds in east Jefferson,
for more than a week, September 11-13/21-22 (BW); this represents the first report from

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THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

Jefferson in more than 20 years.

House Wren - 1 on October 25 in Adair (RD); 1 on November 1 in Trigg (PL, WL).

Sedge Wren - At least 3 birds were singing on the Jenny Hole-Highland Creek Unit of
Sloughs WMA, Union , on August 17 (BPB/KOS); birds showed up in some fields of
thick grass in east Jefferson in late July and subsequently bred successfully, with at least
two broods of young observed in mid-September (BPB etal.).

Marsh Wren - Call notes of a bird were heard at Camp #1 1 on September 1 (BPB); peak
fall counts included 12-15 at Sauerheber on October 20 (DR/KOS) and 7 at Peabody on
October 7 (DR); also reported were 1 on October 7 at LkCum WMA (RD) and 1 on
October 9 at Drakes (JE).

Golden-crowned Kinglet - 2 on September 14 at KyBend (KL, BL).

Ruby-crowned Kinglet - The season's first noticeable wave was detected in LBL on Octo¬
ber 11 (PL, WL).

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - Relatively late was a bird at Caperton on October 27 (BY, MS,
BPB).

Veery - 1 on September 7 at MCNP (JE); 1 on September 21 in McCreary (SBC).

Gray-cheeked Thrush - 1 on October 7 at Beech Grove (RD).

Swainson's Thrush - 1 on September 25 at Annis (DT); 2 on October 7 at Beech Grove
(RD).

Northern Mockingbird - 16 on August 28 at KyBend (KL, NM).

American Pipit - First reported ( 1 bird at Fishing Creek) on September 23 (RD); peak
reports included a few flocks of 100+ during latter October (m. ob.); also reported were 6
on October 14 at MCFH (FB) and 76 on November 24 at Lk#9 (KL, BL).

Cedar Waxwing - 150+ on September 27 at MCFH (FB); 25 on October 8 at Short Creek

(JP).

Blue-winged Warbler - Latest lingering bird was observed on October 16 at Bowling
Green (DR); this represents a new late departure date for Kentucky by two days; also
reported were 2 on September 1 at Annis (DT).

Golden-winged Warbler - An impressive count of "5 or 6" was tallied in west Jefferson
on September 12 (JB, PB); also reported were 3 on September 15 at MCNP (JE) and 1 on
September 24 at Annis (DT).

Tennessee Warbler - Last observed as follows: Mt. Zion on October 31 (RD); Bowling
Green on November 4 (JE); and Caperton on November 9 (BY, MS); also reported were
75+ on September 15 at Echo R. Spring area of MCNP (JE).

Orange-crowned Warbler - Fairly typical flight occurred as evidenced by the following
reports: 1 at Caperton on September 18 (GL); 1 in LBL, Trigg, on September 21 ( WL); 1
in Warren on October 13 (DR); "a few” in east Jefferson on October 14 (JB. PB); 1 at
Pleasant Hill on October 18 (WL); 1 in Henderson on October 20 (DR/KOS); 1 in Adair
on October 25 (RD); 1 in east Jefferson on October 27 (JB. PB); 1 at Barren on October
28 (JE); 1 below the dam at Barren on November 3 (JE).

Nashville Warbler - 6 on October 5 at WKU Woods (JE); 1 on October 13 at Mt. Zion
(RD).

Northern Parula - Latest report was 1 on Ocober 9 at Drakes (JE): also reported were 8 on
September 3 at MCNP (JE).

Yellow Warbler - 2 were noted on the unusually late date of October 9 at Drakes (JE).

Chestnut-sided Warbler - 3 on September 12 at LBL (PL, WL); 1 on September 12/19 at
Bellevue (FR); 1 on September 24 at Annis (DT).

Magnolia Warbler - 1 on September 12 and 19 at Bellevue (FR); 1 on September 30 at
Annis (DT); 25+ on October 2 at BRSRP (JE); 15+ on October 5 at WKLJ Woods (JE).

2003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

15

Cape May Warbler - 3 on September 23 in Campbell { FR); 1 at a bird bath on October 12
in Warren (JE).

Black-throated Blue Warbler - A small, but noticeable movement occurred in mid-Sep¬
tember when single birds were reported from no less than three locations in central Ken¬
tucky.

Yellow-rumped Warbler - First reported on September 22 near Dot, Logan (FL).

Black-throated Green Warbler - 10+ on October 2 at BRSRP (JE); 1 on October 23 at
Drakes (JE).

Blackburnian Warbler - First fall arrival was 1 south of Bowling Green on 29 August
(JE); relatively late was an individual in LBL, Trigg , on October 1 1 (WL); also reported
were 3 on September 12 at LBL(PL, WL) and 2 on September 25 at LkCum WMA(RD).

Yellow-throated Warbler - 2 on August 28 at KyBend (KL, NM); 2 on September 2 at
Annis (DT); 1 on September 21 in McCreary (SBC).

Pine Warbler - 2 on September 25 at KyBend (KL); 1 on September 30 at Annis (DT).

Prairie Warbler - 2 on September 21 in McCreary (RD).

Palm Warbler - A relatively late bird was still in east Jefferson on November 21 (JB); also
reported were 1 on September 25 at KyBend (KL); 16 on October 12 at Pleasant Hill
(PL.WL); 2 on November 1 in Trigg (PL, WL); and 1 on November 8 at RRSRP (JP).

Bay-breasted Warbler - 1 on September 25 at KyBend (KL); 2 on October 27 in McCreary
(RD).

Blackpoll Warbler - This species occurs with some regularity in Kentucky in fall, but it is
overlooked to some extent and is much more regular in the eastern part of the state.
Single birds were reported from Red R. Gorge. Powell , on September 26 (DR) and at
Bowling Green on October 13 (DR). The latter represents a new late departure date for
the state by one day.

Cerulean Warbler - 1 on August 31 at Mt. Zion (RD); 1 on September 15 at MCNP(JE).

Black-and- White Warbler— 1 onAugust 31 at Annis (DT); 30+ on September 15 at MCNP
(JE).

American Redstart - 1 on September 12 at Bellevue (FR); 10+ on September 15 at MCNP
(JE); 1 on September 20 at Annis (DT); 3 on September 25 at KyBend (KL); 1 on Octo¬
ber 13 at Mt. Zion (RD).

Prothonotary Warbler - 1 on August 26/30 at Annis (DT); 2 on September 2 at KyBend
(KL, BL); 1 on September 11 at LkCumb WMA (RD).

Ovenbird- A freshly window-killed bird was found in downtown Louisville on November
11 (BY).

Northern Waterthrush - The first returning fall migrant was a bird observed at Louisville
onAugust 7 (JB, PB), representing a new early fall date for Kentucky by a single day;
another or the same individual was also observed onAugust 9 (JB, PB); also reported
was 1 on October 9 at Drakes (JE).

Kentucky Warbler - 1 onAugust 28 at KyBend (KL, BL); 2 on September 2 at Annis
(DT); 1 on September 11 at LkCumb WMA (RD).

Connecticut Warbler - Single birds (perhaps the same individual) were observed at Caperton
on September 14 (BY) and September 18 (GL).

Mourning Warbler - Latest of several reports during normal migratory period were single
birds on October 1 at LBL ( WL, PL) and October 7 in east Jefferson (JB. PB).

Hooded Warbler - 3 on September 21 in McCreary (RD).

Wilson's Warbler - 1 on September 2 at Middle Creek (LM).

Canada Warbler - Certainly a record early fall date away from breeding areas in southeast
Kentucky was a single bird at Louisville onAugust 5 (JB, PB); last reported at Bowling

16 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 79

Green on October 1 (DR); also reported were 1 on August 28 LkCum WMA (RD); 1 on
September 2 at Middle Creek (LM); and 2 on September 7 at MCNP (JE).

Yellow-breasted Chat - Extraordinarily late was a bird observed in Menifee on Septem¬
ber 29 (SM). There have been only about 6 sightings reported in the state later than this.

Summer Tanager - 1 on August 26 and 2 on September 2 at Annis (DT); 6 on September
8 and 5 on September 14 at KyBend (KL, BL); 1 on October 5 at Short Creek (TP); 1 on
October 11 at LBL(WL).

Scarlet Tanager - 1 on October 13 at Mt. Zion (RD).

American Tree Sparrow - First reported on November 19 at a Bowling Green feeder (JE);
2 on November 21 at LB L (PL, WL).

Chipping Sparrow - Relatively impressive peak counts during fall migration included at
least 125 in a single, loose flock in LBL, Trigg , on October 31 (WL) and more than 100
in Trigg on November 1 ( WL). Also reported were 22 on September 30 and 25 on Octo¬
ber 12 in Campbell { FR); 8 on October 24 at Short Creek (JP); 8 on November 3 at Annis
(DT); and 43 on November 3 and 3 on November 22 at Mt. Zion (RD).

Clay-colored Sparrow - An imm. was reported on October 7 at Sinclair (DR). KBRC
review required.

Vesper Sparrow - 1 on October 7 at Beech Grove (RD); 5 on October 24 at Mt. Zion (RD).

Savannah Sparrow - 30 on October 8 at Mt. Zion (RD).

Grasshopper Sparrow - Single lingering summer residents or migrants were observed
near Mt. Zion on October 13 (RD) and at Ken-Homestead on October 23 (DR). Little is
known of the timing of fall migration for this species.

Le Conte’s Sparrow - The only report for the season was one on October 20 at Sauerheber
(DR/KOS).

Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow - A few birds were reported during what appears to be the
species' normal migratory period through the state as follows: 2 at Ken-Homestead on
October 7 - one day earlier than the previous fall record (DR); 3 at Sauerheber on Octo¬
ber 20 (DR/KOS).

Fox Sparrow - 1 on October 28 at Meldahl (LM); 2 on November 2 at Pleasant Hill (PL,
WL).

Lincoln’s Sparrow - Relatively late was a lingering bird in Harrison on November 16
(SM). Also reported were 2 on October 9 at Big Bone Lick State Park, Boone (LM);

4 on October 9 at Drakes (JE); 1 on October 15 at Bellevue (FR); first seen on October 18
and remained until November 1 at Pleasant Hill (PL, WL).

Swamp Sparrow - First observed on September 25 at Sinclair (DR); peak count during
height of fall migratory movement was "at least 105” counted in a single wet area at
LBL, Trigg, on October 25 (WL).

White-throated Sparrow - Extraordinarily early was a bird closely studied on August 28
and 30 at Lexington. Fayette (IS); this report establishes a new early fall arrival date for
the state by three days; there are only a few reports before mid-September. The species
was first seen in LBL on October 1 1 (PL, WL); 4 at feeding station in Bellevue on Octo¬
ber 21 (FR); first seen at Short Creek on November 3 (JP).

White-crowned Sparrow - 20 on October 28 in Campbell ( FR): a group of 50 was seen on
November 2 in Trigg (PL, WL); 8 on November 20 at Short Creek (JP); 2 on November
26 and 1 1 on November 30 in Hart (MS).

Dark-eyed Junco - Possible individuals of the "pink-sided” race (J. h. mearnsii) were
observed in Trigg, on November 15 (WL) and at Louisville on November 17 (PM. JM).
Both individuals were photographed but photos do not show definitive characters for
pure J. h. mearnsii. Also, first appeared at Annis on October 7 (DT); 1 on October 12 in

17

2003 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Campbell (FR); 10 on October 24 in Grayson (JP); first observed at Cave Run on Octo¬
ber 31 (FB).

Lapland Longspur - An early fall date for the state was represented by one heard calling
as it passed overhead west of Carter Caves State Resort Park, Carter , on October 1 1
(BPB); an exceptionally impressive peak fall count of 550+ was tallied at McElroy on
November 25 (DR). Also reported were 4 on November 24 in Fulton (HC. RD).
Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1 on September 21-22, 5 on September 30. with 1 present
October 1-16 at Annis (DT); 19 on September 25 at KyBend (KL); 1 female on October
2 at Bellevue (FR); 1 on October 8 at Short Creek (JP); last observed in LBL on October
10 (PL, WL).

Blue Grosbeak - 1 on August 5 and 21 in Campbell (FR); 1 on August 11 at Short Creek
(JP); 1 onAugust 17/26 in Hart (MS); 3 (a male and a female carryingfood toarecently
fledged young) on August 20 at Mt. Zion (RD); 1 on September 2 at KyBend (KL, BL);
a group of 5 present in east Jefferson until September 22 (BW).

Indigo Bunting - 1 was still in Adair on October 25 (RD); 2 late lingering individuals were
reported at Barren, Barren , on November 3 (JE) and at Green, Taylor , on November 17
(BPB).

Bobolink - A few migrants were noted during typical flight period with latest being 1 on
October 9 at Drakes (JE).

Red-winged Blackbird - Flock of 450+ on September 25 at KyBend (KL, BL).
Yellow-headed Blackbird - 1 or 2 males were seen at Camp # 1 1 on October 27 ( B PB , MS ,
BY).

Rusty Blackbird - 3 on November 16 at Petersburg (LM).

Brewer’s Blackbird - Pall migrants were reported as follows; 2 at McElroy on October 25
(DR) and 2 at the WKU Parm on November 21 (DR).

Brown-headed Cowbird - Flock of 300 on October 27 in Fulton (HC).

Purple Finch - Noteworthy for their general absence during the fall period were any num¬
bers of this species at all.

Pine Siskin - Conspicuous by its near absence during the normal fall flight period; the only
reports were from South Williamson, Pike , on October 5/12 (JC) and a single individual
at Barren on November 7 and 16 (DR).

Evening Grosbeak - A single female was well described from near West Liberty, Morgan ,
on the extraordinarily early date of September 22 (ME). This report is five days earlier
than Kentucky’s previously reported early fall record.

Contributors: Leif Anderson (LA); David Ayer (DA); Jane Bell (JB); Pat Bell (PB); Prank
Bennett (PBt); Pat Brandon (PBn); Pred Busroe (FB); Joan Carr (JC); Bill Case (BC); Mar¬
garet Case (MC); Hap Chambers (HC); Amy Covert (AC); Roseanna Denton (RD); Robert
Dever (RDv); Tom Durbin (TD); Melissa Easley (MEs); Ginny Eklund (GE); Neil Eklund
(NE); Mary Elam (ME); Diane Elmore (DE); Jackie Elmore (JE); Joe Tom Erwin (JTE);
Matt Giovanni (MG); Mark Greene (MGn); Richard Healy (RH); Bob Johnson (BJ): Phil
Kelly (PK); Rodney Lear (RLr); Betty Leggett (BL); Ken Leggett (KL); Paula Lisowsky
(PL); William Lisowsky (WL); Roly Lloyd (RL); Eleanor Lobb(EL); Glen Lovelace (GL);
Frank Lyne (FL); Scott Marsh (SM); Jeff McCoy (JMc); Lee McNeely (LM); Michael
Miller (MM): Joanna Minch (JM); Philip Minch (PM); Nancy Moore (NM); Evelyn Mor¬
gan (EM); Charles Morris (CM); Phyllis Niemi (PN); Chelsey Olson (CO); Brainard Palmer-
Ball, Jr. (BPB); Don Parker (DP); Joyce Porter (JP); Frank Renfrow (FR); Gerald Robe
(GR); David Roemer (DR); Joan Roemer (JR); Wayne Rosso (WR); David Shelton (DSh);
Chris Sloan (CS);Tim Slone (TS); Doris Smith (DS); Mac Smith (MS); Steve Stedman

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

18

Vol. 79

(SSt); lan Stewart (IS); Mitchell Sturgeon (MS); Steve Sweeney (SS); Marilee Thompson
(MT): Doris Tichenor (DT); Bob van Hoff (BvH); Mark Vukovich (MV); Stephen White
(SW); Jeff Wilson (JW); Barbara Woemer (BW); Ben Yandell (BY); Beckham Bird Club
(BBC); Daviess County Audubon Society (DCAS); Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS);
many observers (m. ob.); Northern Kentucky Bird Club ( NKBC); Somerset Bird Club ( SBC).

— 437 Sunset Lane. Morehead. KY 40351

Y1ID-YVHNTER BIRD COUNT
2002-2003

Reports of 28 counts were received from across the Commonwealth. A total of 137
species was recorded on count days, 125 of which are represented on the table. Those
species observed on count days not represented on the table include: Red-necked Grebe
(Land Between the Lakes). Blue-winged Teal (Glasgow), Black Scoter (Warsaw), Golden
Eagle (Bemheim Forest), Ruffed Grouse (Richmond), Lesser Black-backed Gull (Land
Between the Lakes), Bam Owl (Calloway County), Rufous Hummingbird (Danville), House
Wren (Somerset), Sedge Wren and 2 Barn Swallows (Paradise), and a Palm Warbler
(Bemheim Forest). There were 16 species observed on all counts and 19 species observed
only on one count.

Temperatures were fairly mild on average throughout the count period. The low tem¬
perature was 19°F at Falls of Rough on January 4 and the high temperature at 62°F in
Glasgow on December 20. The mild temperatures may have contributed to the reduced
numbers of most species of waterfowl. The number of Red-breasted Nuthatches decreased
from 105 last year to 14 this year. Despite reports of increased incidence of West Nile Virus
in raptors and owls, the number of these groups held their own this year. However, the
number of crows was lower. The Eurasian Collared-Dove increased in number. Cedar Wax¬
wing and American Robin numbers were much lower.

Thanks to the many observers and compilers who participated in this year’s count.Three
new counts were initiated this year, Wayne County, Upton, and Natural Bridge State Resort
Park. One count that is partially in Kentucky will be covered at the end of this report. Also,
thanks to compilers who submitted documentation for unusual species to the editor and to
the Kentucky Bird Records Committee.

Ballard County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1984.)
Habitat as described in 1984. Dec 23; 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST. Sky mostly clear; temp.
27 ° to 40 ° F; wind NE 0-15 m.p.h. Water mostly open.

Four observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 18 ( 10 on foot, 8 by car). Total party-miles
82 (4 on foot, 78 by car). Total species 82; 16.563 individuals.

Observers: Hap Chambers. Amy Covert. Robert Dever, and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.
(compiler).

Wonderful weather made for pleasurable birding. Mild conditions for several weeks
prior to the count accounted in large part for lower waterfowl diversity and numbers, which
resulted in a relatively low species total. Highlights included a Marsh Wren in a patch of
cattails at a small pond in La Center; two "peenting” American Woodcocks and at least two
Le Conte's Sparrows on the West Kentucky WMA, McCracken County; and a flock of 140
Greater White-fronted Geese on the Ballard WMA. Also, some of the bottomland forest
tracts on Ballard WMA were filled to capacity with Red-headed Woodpeckers - more, in

2003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

19

fact, than in any year since 1984 (in contrast, none were observed on the 2000-01 count).
Eurasian Collared- Doves were observed again in LaCenter. Canada and Snow Goose num¬
bers were reported by an overflight by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. An
additional Accipiter and thousands of blackbirds that streamed overhead at dawn are not
included in the count total.

Calloway County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Douglas Cem¬
etery.) Habitat 30% urban and residential, 15% deciduous and pine woods, 35% open
fields, 20% lake shore and streams. Dec 28; 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp.
33° to 52°F; wind SW, 6-12 m.p.h.

Six observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours 30.5 (8 on foot, 22.5 by car). Total party-
miles 237.5 (6.5 on foot, 231 by car). Total species 83; total individuals 6,485.

Observers: Hap Chambers (compiler), Melissa Easley, Joe Tom Erwin, Bob Head, Mike
Miller, Dr. Charles Mercer, and Wendell Webb.

Land Between the Lakes (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Pisgah Bay
picnic ground.) Habitat as described in 1984 in American Birds. Dec. 14; 7:00 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 33 to 49 F; wind, SW, 8-12 m.p.h.

Twenty three observers in 8-10 parties. Total party-hours 56 (17.25 on foot, 38.75 by
car). Total party-miles 371 (14 on foot, 357 by car). Total species 93; total individuals
25,207.

Observers: Mark Bennett, Jami Caroll, Hap Chambers, Laura Chapin, Karen Clement,
Melissa Easley, Joe Tom Erwin. Donald Gladis, Adam Green. Patrick Holcomb, Bill
Lisowsky, Paula Lisowsky, Jamie Lua, Carl Mowery (compiler), Kathy Mowery, Della
Oliver, John Polpeter, Lisa Richter, Darrin Samborski, Tommy Sherwood, Garrett Thomp¬
son, Wendell Webb, and Avira Yasgur.

There were 13 adult and 3 immature Bald Eagles on the count day.

Sorgho (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Hwy. 279-S and Audubon
Parkway intersection.) Habitat agriculture, rivers, ponds, river bottoms/small woods, ur¬
ban, city, county, and state parks with woods and open spaces. Jan 1 ; 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sky overcast, with mist to light rain most of the day; temp. 40 to 43 F; wind N, 9 m.p.h. It
was a dismal day with poor visibility, especially early.

Twelve observers in 6 parties. Total party-hours 32.5 (5.5 on foot, 27 by car). Total
party-miles 273 (4 on foot, 269 by car). Total species 63; total individuals 12,365.

Observers: Pat Augenstein, Amy Covert, Brenda Eaden. Tony Eaden, Joe Ford, Janet
Howard (compiler), Mary Kissel, Charles Morris, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Joyce Porter, Marilee
Thompson and Carolyn Williams.

Olmstead (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at the junction of Ky 1041
and Ky 1151.) Habitat approximately 75% is cultivated farmland. The remaining habitat
includes blocks of deciduous woods, fencerows, pasture, grown-up fields, developed areas,
and open water. Dec. 28; 6:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Two hours of owling. Sky clear early,
changing to overcast in mid-morning, then to partly sunny, shortly before sunset; temp. 28°
to 54°F; wind, sustained from SW, 5-15 m.p.h. Small bodies of water had a thin layer of
ice. The ground was frozen, but covered by an upper layer of thawed mud.

Three observers in 1 party. Total party-hours 9 (3 on foot, 6 by car). Total party-miles 97
(2 on foot, 95 by car). Total species 66; total individuals 3,127.

Observers: Mark Bennett (compiler), Frank Lyne, and David Roemer.

Starlings were at a record high. Starlings and Homed Larks combined accounted for the
majority of individuals. A good variety of species was observed, but individual numbers
were down for most species and no rarities were observed.

20

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 79

Paradise (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1993.) Habi¬
tat as described in 1993. Jan 4; 5:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST. Sky clear to partly cloudy; temp.
23° to 45° F; wind SW 0-12 m.p.h. Water open.

Thirteen observers in 7 parties. Total party-hours 44.5 (16.5 on foot, 28 by car). Total
party miles 233 (12 on foot, 221 by car). Hours owling: 1.0. Total species 88; 114,447
individuals.

Observers: Mary Bill Bauer. Mark Bennett. Hap Chambers. Amy Covert, Brad Davis,
Roseanna Denton, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Scott Record, Robert Rold, Mark
Vukovich. Major Waltman. Katie Wilding, and Eric Williams.

Participation was slightly below average for recent years, but a very nice day weather-
wise assisted in obtaining an approximately average species total (88). Warm weather through¬
out the early winter period resulted in the lowest numbers and diversity of waterfowl in
several years, however a couple of highlights included a Ross’s Goose with domestic geese
on a farm pond in Ohio County (MW) and two Greater White-fronted Geese on the Gibraltar
WMAin Muhlenberg County (MV. BD). Additional highlights were mostly lingering mi¬
grants and summer residents and included four species that were all found within about a
one square mile area on the Sinclair Unit of Peabody WMA and the Paradise Steam Plant in
Muhlenberg County: nvo Bam Swallows were observed foraging over the main power
plant slurry pond (and remained at least to 8 January) (MB. HC, RD, SR); two Great Egrets
were observed on a small lake (MB. SR); a Sedge Wren was found in a marshy grassland
(MB, HC, RD, SR); and a Least Sandpiper was on another power plant impoundment (MB,
SR). Slightly less exciting finds included a Merlin (MW. MV, BD) and a peenting American
Woodcock in Ohio County (BPB, AC), and three Pine Warblers in Muhlenberg County
(BPB. AC. RR). The total number of Northern Harriers (49) and Rough-legged Hawks (6)
remained well below count highs recorded in the early to mid-1990s. A warm, breezy
evening was in part responsible for a low total (5) of Short-eared Owls, but there do seem to
be few birds on the mines again this winter. Very conspicuous by their absence in the area's
numerous pine thickets were Red-breasted Nuthatches. Two Accipiters and probably sev¬
eral hundred thousand blackbirds are not included in the total.

Bowling Green (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Three Springs, six
miles south of Bowling Green.) Habitat deciduous forest 20%, fields and pastures 60%,
and town and parks 20%. Dec. 18; 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. with 1 hour owling 6:00 - 7:00
a.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 53° to 62°F; wind SW 10-30 m.p.h.

Six observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 16 ( 14 on foot, 2 by car). Total party-miles
82 (4 on foot,78 by car). Total species 68; total individuals 5.297.

Observers: Lester Doyle, Blaine Ferrell (compiler). John Kitsteiner, Dick Lord. Wayne
Mason, and Albert Meier.

Glasgow (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1986.) Habi¬
tat as described in 1986. Dec. 20; 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky clear: temp. 31° to 62°F: wind
SSW, 5-15 m.p.h.

Two observers in 2 parties. 1 feeder watcher. Total party-hours 1 5.5 ( 1 1 .5 on foot. 4.0 by
car). Total party-miles 49 (8 on foot, 41 by car). Total species 57; total individuals 4,604.

Observers: Marquita Gillenwater, Wayne M. Mason (compiler), and Billie Mae Moore
(feeder watcher).

Mammoth Cave National Park (Center and habitat as described in 1980.) Dec. 21: 6:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sky sunny; temp. 37° to 47oF; wind SW, 0-9 m.p.h.

Four observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 16.5 ( 10 on foot. 6.5 by car). Total party-
miles 95.5 (12.5 on foot. 83 by car). Total species 46; total individuals 997. Two turtles

2003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

21

were sunning themselves at First Creek.

Observers: Lester Doyle, Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Wayne Mason, and Albert Meier.

Falls of Rough (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Short Creek Ky Hwy
79 and 54 intersection). Habitat: River corridor, lakes, woodland, and cultivated fields.
Jan. 4; 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky not recorded but no precipitation; temp. 19° to 39°F;
wind, calm.

Eight observers in 6 parties. Total party-hours 15 (2 on foot, 13 by car). Total party
miles 159 (2 on foot, 157 by car). Total species 56; total individuals 1,751.

Observers: Kathryn Clay, Rebecca Foreman, Mary Harrel, Neal Hayden, Janet Howard,
Kevin Litsey, Joyce Porter (compiler), and Doralee St. Clair.

Bernheim Forest (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in
1974.) Habitat as described in 1974. Dec. 22; 7:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. EST. Sky mostly clear;
temp. 34° to 49°F; wind NW 5-20 m.p.h. Water open.

Eight observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 37 (18 on foot, 19 by car). Total party
miles 204 (12 on foot, 192 by car). Total species 68; total individuals 8.700.

Observers: Mary Bill Bauer, Jane and Pat Bell, Dona Coates, Pat Meyer, Brainard Palmer-
Ball, Jr. (compiler). Father David Powers, and Major Waltman.

Breezy conditions hampered the detection of songbirds to some extent. Berry-eating
species were present in well-below-average numbers. For the first time in recent memory,
both Red-breasted Nuthatches and Purple Finches were missed on this count. Highlights
included the two adult Bald Eagles (DC, DP, BPB) and one sub-adult Golden Eagle (BPB);
one Bald and the Golden were observed in the traditional area along Wilson Creek, but the
other Bald was observed in rural countryside closer to Bardstown. A Palm Warbler was
seen very close to a spot in open farmland near Lebanon Junction where at least two were
seen in 1998 (BPB). Two Chipping Sparrows were observed east of Sheperdsville (MW).
Most of the vultures were observed gathering at what is becoming a traditional roost site
near the Nelson County landfill (DC, DP). A small flock of migrant Sandhill Cranes was
observed passing by in mid-afternoon (BPB).

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. 15; 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky partly
cloudy to mostly sunny; temp. 29° to 50°F; wind SW, 5-8 m.p.h.

Thirty-one observers in 14 parties. Total party-hours 72 (31.25 on foot, 40.75 by car).
Total party-miles 373 (28 on foot, 345 by car). Total species 89; total individuals 16,287.

Observers: Win Ahrens, Michael Autin, Charlie Baker, Mary Bill Bauer. Jane Bell and
Pat Bell (compilers). Dona Coates, David Dorman, Cindy Dumas, Jane Fender, Rod Goforth,
Adrienne Hardesty, J.R. Harris, Charles Hatten, Carol Hyatt, Bob Johnson, John Krull,
Celia Lawrence, Fred Mansmith, Doxie Noonan, Clara Ann Pallares, David Pallares, Brainard
Palmer-Ball. Bill Parsley, Mary Ann Parlsey, Martha Pike, Helga Schutte, Jack Still, Scottie
Theiss, Major Waltman, and Barbara Woemer.

The 31 observers had a beautiful day on Sunday, December 15 for the Louisville bird
count. The sky was mostly sunny with a high of 50 degrees and the wind was calm. The
species count was much better than last year’s 76 but the individual count was lower by
1,633. Some of the highlights were: four Common Loons, two Mute Swans, 78 Hooded
Mergansers, two Peregrine Falcons, 15 Sandhill Cranes, 42 Bonaparte’s Gulls, 591 Ring¬
billed Gulls, 1 14 American Crows (Last year 386- West Nile Virus may have played a part in
this low count), four Brown Thrashers, four American Pipits, two Lapland Longspurs, one
Pine Siskin, and two Gray Catbirds.

Shelbyville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center three-quarters of a mile

Total

Somerset
Nat. Bridge
Wayne Co.

Richmond

Falmouth

Warsaw

Burlington

Lexington

Danville

Kleber WMA

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Green River Lake
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Upton

Hart County
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26

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

south of U.S. 60 and Guist Creek Lake on KY 714.) Habitat elevation 640'-1190\ farm¬
land. fallow land, suburban, wooded and grassland. Dec. 29; 7:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sky
clear and sunny; temp. 32° to 55°F; wind SW. 10 m.p.h.

Eight observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 22.25(2.00 on foot. 20.25 by car). Total
party-miles 148 (2 on foot, 146 by car). Total species 51: total individuals 8,124.

Observers: Heather Brown, Iris Brown, Joan Brown, Todd Brown, W.H. Brown (com¬
piler), Kathy King, Kathy Robertacio, and Benton Young.

Hart County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center comer of Craddock
Road and Geralds Lane.) Habitat rural farmland and wooded areas, including Green River
and 100 Acre Pond. Dec. 27; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 22°to 40°F; wind 0
m.p.h. Only open water was the Green River. Excellent visibility.

Nine observers in 1 party. Total party-hours 11 (9 on foot, 2 by car). Total party-miles 69
(2 on foot, 67 by car). Total species 69; total individuals 3910.

Observers: Bruce Bardin, John Brittain, Lisa Brittain, Carol Friedman, Dan Givens, Dave
Givens, Danny Gosser, Steve Kistler (compiler), and Mitchell Sturgeon.

This ties our species total for this count, which is 16 years old. None of us had seen an
eagle in Hart County before. There were three today!

Upton (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.5 miles S.W. of Hilltop in
Grayson County. Dec. 29; 7:00a.m. Sky mostly sunny; temp. 30° to 57°F.

Nine observers in 1 party. Total party-miles 98 (3 by foot, 95 by car). Total species 53;
total individuals 2.654.

Observers: John Brittain (compiler), Lisa Brittain, Steve Kistler, Janet Kistler, Dan Giv¬
ens, Dave Givens. Bruce Bardin, Carol Friedman, and Daniel Gosser.

Frankfort (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1972.)
Habitat as described in 1977. Dec. 14; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 34o to
37°F; wind NW, 8-19 m.p.h.

Ten observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 22.5 (6.0 on foot, 16.5 by car). Total party-
miles 236 (5 on foot, 231 by car). Plus 4 at feeders for 10 hours. Total species 49: total
individuals 3,275.

Observers: James Derryberry, Margaret Derryberry, Jim Durrell, Peggy Gould (com¬
piler), Ralph Gould, Pat Hankla, Scott Hankla. Virginia Honaker. Margaret Lafontaine,
Robert Laurenson, Susan Laurenson, Anna Schindler, David Schindler, and Tim Williams

Food was in good supply with bush honeysuckle, multiflora rose, and holly.

Green River Lake (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Green River Me¬
morial Baptist Church, Taylor County. Kentucky.) Habitat old fields, agricultural fields and
borders, second growth forest. Green River riparian areas, open water, including Green
River Lake and Campbellsville City Lake, as well as feeder watchers. Dec. 28; 7:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 28° to 53°F; wind 0-20 m.p.h. Ponds had a thin
layer of ice.

Six observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 19 (9.25 on foot, 9.75 by car). Total party-
miles 85 (4 on foot. 8 by car). Total species 65; total individuals 4,933.

Observers: Richard Cassell. Lloyd Curry (compiler), Roseanna Denton, Richie Kessler,
Arlene Morton, and Brainard Painter-Ball.

There were low numbers of some species, such as Downy Woodpeckers and a low spe¬
cies count on Green River Lake. There were good numbers of Bald Eagles.

Otter Creek Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in
1972.) Habitat as described in 2001. Dec. 29:7:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. EST. Sky mostly clear;
temp. 34° to 58°F; wind SW 5-15 m.p.h. Water open.

Eight observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours 25 (5.5 on foot, 19.5 by car). Total party-
miles 217 (5 on foot, 212 by car). Total species 63; total individuals 6,311.

27

2003 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Observers: Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Richard Cassell, Brainard Palmer-Ball,
Jr. (compiler), Dakin Poland, Jeff Sells, and Mary Walter.

Weather conditions were good for the count with mostly sunny skies and a light breeze
until mid-afternoon. Lower-than-average participation and a lack of waterfowl resulted in
a below-average species total (63). Berry-eating species were present in well below-aver-
age numbers. Highlights included the Ross’s Goose, which was found at a farm pond near
Maples Comer in southwestern Meade County in the company of a flock of domestic geese
(JB, PB), and an adult Bald Eagle sitting along the Ohio River adjacent to the Park (MB).

Kleber Wildlife Management Area (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center
as described in 1972.) Habitat as described in 1972. Dec. 28; 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Sky
cloudy; temp. 28° to 49°F; wind S, 9-21 m.p.h. Intermittent snow showers throughout the
day. The ground was snow covered.

Four observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 14.75 (1.00 on foot, 13.75 by car). Total
party-miles 156 (1 on foot, 155 by car). Total species 44; total individuals 1,108 .

Observers: Joe Burgess. Jim Durell. Peggy Gould (compiler), and Ralph Gould.

Bittersweet was available for food. Warmer temperatures brought out gnat-like insects.

Danville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Boyle County Courthouse.)
Habitat as described before. Dec. 14; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 34° to 38°F;
wind S, 5 m.p.h.

Twenty-five observers in 8 parties. Total party-hours 46.5 (8.5 on foot, 38.0 by car).
Total party-miles 436 (11 on foot, 425 by car). Total species 57; total individuals 12,993.

Observers: Kurt Dorman, Neil Eklund (compiler), Virginia Eklund, Martha Foster, Bill
Garriott, Bruce Gordon, JoAnn Hamm. Mike Hamm, Tom Kearns, J.W. Kemper, Cheryl
Kreider, Debbie Larkin, Fred Loetscher. Gail Manning, Jack Newton, Amelia Nichols, John
Nichols, Don Pelly, Rob Pendy graft, Jami Powell, Rose-Marie Roessler, Ralph Schiefferle,
Joan Smith, Denise Stams, and Tracey Ward.

Lexington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center East Hickman Church on
Tates Creek Road.) Habitat mixed residential and farmland. Dec. 14; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sky partly cloudy to clear; temp. 40 to 54 F; wind SW, 5-7 m.p.h.

Thirty-six observers in 9 parties. Total party-hours 27 (2 by foot, 25 by car) . Total party-
miles 482 ( 1 by foot, 481 by car). Total species 74; total individuals 12,864.

Observers: Bob Andrini, Janine Baker. Marty Barr, Judy Brant, Mike Bums, Rose Canon,
Wayne Davis, Phylis Deal, Edward Demoll, Mike Flynn, Jonathon Glixson, Paul Hager,
Meg Hatch, Kelly Helton, Jeanne Hibberd, Mike Kenawell, Allen Kingsland, Teri Koontz,
Betty Maxson, Robert L. Morris (compiler), Emily Morrison, Kay Neikerk, Brian Perry.
Carol Pickett, Art Ricketts, Tina Ricketts, Lew Shein, Chris Smigell, Ann Stewart, Gene
Stinchcomb, Jannet Stith, Marie Sutton, Dave Svetich, Andy Uterhart, Jim Williams, and
Bernice Wood.

This was one of the better days we have had for quite some time. The weather was the
best we have had for some years. We found larger numbers of birds for the most part. We
had more people working, but some were only for short times. Every little bit helped.

Burlington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Camp Michaels.)
Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 28; 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 27°
to 42°F; wind SW, 6-13 m.p.h. Lakes, ponds and streams open.

Twelve observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 31 ( 13 on foot, 18 by car). Total party-
miles 181 (8 on foot, 173 by car). Total species 63; total individuals 3,656.

Observers: Joe Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Elaine Carroll, Melissa Desjardin, Allen Easton.
EdGroneman. Lee McNeely (compiler), Rachel Ryan, Carmen Schulte, Katie Schulte, Sandy
Seddersen, Susanne Stahley, and Tommy Stephens. Feeder watchers: Marjorie Hill and
Lynda McNeely.

Vol. 79

28 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

A pair of Brewer's Blackbirds was observed at a feedlot near the East Bend Power Plant.

Warsaw (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Gallatin County Courthouse.)
Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 14; 7:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; temp. 34°
to 40°F; wind NW, 5-15 m.p.h. Most lakes and ponds frozen.

Seven observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 21 (8 on foot, 13 by car). Total party-
miles 136 (4 on foot, 132 by car). Total species 64; total individuals 2,994.

Observers: Joe Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Amy Covert, Allen Easton, Helen Lloyd, Lee
McNeely (compiler), and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.

The Black Scoter was found on the Ohio River above Markland Dam. The Peregrine
Falcons were at the Ghent Power Plant.

Falmouth (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Caddo, Kentucky.)
Habitat 50% woodland and forest edge, 25% river and lake shoreline. 20% agricultural, and
5% residential. Jan. 4; 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky mostly sunny; temp. 26 to 32 F; wind W,
0-10 m.p.h. Most water open.

Six observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 19 (6 on foot, 13 by car). Total party-miles
156 (2 on foot, 154 by car). Total species 57; total individuals 1 .842.

Observers: Rhonda Bryant, Ed Groneman, Frank Lewandowski, Scott Marsh, Lee
McNeely (compiler), and Tommy Stephens.

The Merlin was seen outside of Falmouth. All three Bald Eagles were seen near Meldahl
Dam.

Richmond (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.75 miles north of inter¬
section of Bobtown Road and the Kingston-Berea Road). Habitat Fencerows and road¬
sides (20%), woodland (20%), pasture and open fields (55%), lawns (4%), lakes and ponds
( 1%). Dec. 14; 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky overcast with occasional heavy rain and sleet;
temp. 32 to 38 F; wind, 5-15 m.p.h.

Nine observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 33.25 (4 on foot, 29.25 by car). Total
party-miles 261 (4 on foot, 257 by car). Total species 70; total individuals 56.557.

Observers: Chris Distel. Janet Gorrell. Michael Hodge, Daniel Marsh, Scott Marsh, Bran¬
don Ritchison, Gary Ritchison (compiler), Budd Veverka, and Kathleen Welsh.

We were not permitted access to the restricted area on the Blue Grass Army Depot; lim¬
ited access was permitted in the perimeter area.

Wayne County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at the junction of
Hwy. 1275 and Highway 3106) Habitat 5% urban. 20% residential. 15% lakes, streams and
ponds, 25% woodland, 20% pastures, and 15% cultivated. Dec. 14; 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sky cloudy; temp. 32°F to 36°F; wind WNW. 5-15 m.p.h. It drizzled occasionally in the
early morning.

One observer in 1 party. Total party-hours 10 (5.5 on foot. 4.5 by car). Total party-miles
56 (1 on foot, 55 by car). Total species 70; total individuals 3,625.

Observers: Roseanna Denton (compiler).

Somerset (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at the junction of Bypass
E89 and Hwy. 39.) Habitat as described in 2002. Jan. 1; 6:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky cloudy;

o o

temp 42 to 50 F: wind NNW, 2-7 m.p.h. Occasional drizzle throughout the day.

Fifteen observers in 6 parties. Total party-hours 56 (20.5 on foot, 35.5 by car.). Total
party-miles 373 ( 14 on foot. 359 by car). Total species 74; total individuals 65,910. Two
and one-half hours and 12 miles of owling. Feeder watchers spent 16 hours watching feed¬
ers.

Observers: Judy Brant, Granville Cox, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Steve Denton. Gay
Hodges, Steve Kickert. Gary McClendon, Linda McClendon. Lynda Mills, Tom Mills. Arlene
Morton. Connie Neeley, Stephen Stedman. Jim York and Margaret York. Feeder watchers:
Irene Broyles, Evelyn Garrett, Jim Hodges, Susan Hoffman, Eileen Hurst. Mary Moss,

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

29

>003

—

iVendell Neeley, Joe Richards and Jo Vanolver.

Natural Bridge State Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Whittleton
3ranch Trailhead.) Habitat: mostly mixed mesophytic forest, some roadside fields, some
itreamsides. Jan. 4; 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; temp. 25 to 35 F; wind NW,
5 m.p.h. There was some snow but with no accumulation.

Seven observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 30.5 (28.5 on foot, 2.0 by car). Total
party-miles 33.5 ( 16 on foot, 17.5 by car). Total species 27; total individuals 414.

Observers: Beth Blankenship, Peter Rapoport, Gerald Robe, Dave Skinner, Heather Weese,
Zeb Weese (compiler), and Aimee Wilson.

Mermet Lake, Illinois/Kentucky - This count was conducted December 3 1 in McCracken
County. It rained and the temperature dropped from 54 F to 40 F. Birding lasted 7.5 hours
and included 40 miles on the Kentucky side.

Observers; Frank Bennett (compiler), Mike Bowers, Dan Kasselbaum, Vicki Lang, Kelly
McKay, Keith McMullin, Cathie Hutchinson, Rhonda Rothrock, Eleanor Smith. Jim Smith,
Andrea Douglas, and Terri Treacy. The latter two conducted the Kentucky portion.

Birds observed in the Kentucky portion were: 2 Great Blue Herons, 2 adult Bald Eagles,
1 Northern Harrier, 2 Red-tailed Hawks, 2 American Kestrels, 17 Ring-billed Gulls, 1 Barred
Owl, 1 Red-headed Woodpecker, 14 Red-bellied Woodpeckers, 5 Downy Woodpeckers. 1 1
Northern Flickers, 46 Blue Jays, 1 0 Carolina Chickadees, 1 5 Tufted Titmice, 2 White-breasted
Nuthatches, 5 Carolina Wrens, 4 Golden-crowned Kinglets, 1 1 Eastern Bluebirds, 1 Hermit
Thrush, 1 American Robin, 30,000 European Starlings, 101 Northern Cardinals, 24 Eastern
Towhees, 2 American Tree Sparrows, 100 Field Sparrows, 10 Song Sparrows, 5 Swamp
Sparrows, 161 White-throated Sparrows, 108 Dark-eyed Juncos, 5 Eastern Meadowlarks.
550 Common Grackles, 9 Brown-headed Cowbirds, and 95 American Goldfinches.

Ninth Report of the Kentucky Bird Records Committee
Lee McNeely, Secretary

This report is the ninth from the Kentucky Bird Records Committee (hereafter KBRC),
and covers actions completed from April 2001 through October 2002. Members serving on
the committee during this time period were Fred Busroe, Wayne Mason, Lee McNeely,
Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and David Roemer. The stated purpose of the KBRC is to deter¬
mine the validity of records of rare birds within Kentucky, maintain the documentation of
these records, and to publish a summary of the committee's deliberations.

During this period there was one round of circulation through the KBRC consisting of 22
individual records. Twenty of these were finalized, while two remain unresolved at this
point.

Accepted records:

Anhinga f/n/n/z.gfl. ANHINGA [#01-03] August 17-19, 2000, Henderson County (BPB) [pho¬
tographed],

Egretta tricolor. TRICOLORED HERON. | #00-09] September 30, 2000, Madison County
(SRee).

Egretta tricolor. TRICOLORED HERON. [#01-16] August 31 -September 17, 2001, Horse
Cave, Hart County (MS, SK, JK).

Plegadis chihi. WHITE-FACED IBIS. [#00-11] May 20-21, 2000. Lake Shelby, Shelby
County (SL) [photographed, first Kentucky record] .

Elanoides forficatiis. SWALLOW-TAILED KITE. [#01-15] July 31, 2001, Central Ken¬
tucky WMA, Madison County (MB).

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30

Vol. 79

Falco mexicanus. PRAIRIE FALCON. [#01-07] February 8, 2001, Muhlenberg County
(BPB).

Liinosa haemastica. HUDSONIAN GODWIT. [#01-01] October 3, 2000, Kentucky Bend,
Fulton County (KL, NM) [second Kentucky record].

Liinosa fedoci. MARBLED GODWIT. [#00-05] May 4. 2000, Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson
County (RDev, PO).

Liinosa fedoa. MARBLED GODWIT. [#01-13] April 15, 2001, Ballard WMA, Ballard
County (SR) [eight birds],

Phalaropus fidicaria. RED PHALAROPE. [#01-04] September 7-11, 2000, E.W. Brown
Power Plant, Mercer County (WK, BPB) [photographed],

Larus ininutus. LITTLE GULL. [#00-06] April 4, 2000, Ohio River, Kenton And Campbell
counties (FR) [second Kentucky record],

Larus calif ornicus. CALIFORNIA GULL. [#01-02] March 15-17, 2001. Lake Barkley, Lyon
County (BPB, HC, DR).

Larus californicus. CALIFORNIA GULL. [#01-14] April 25, 2001. Falls of the Ohio,
Jefferson County (FR).

Xenia sabini. SABINE'S GULL. [#01-06] September 30-October 1, 2000. Kentucky Lake,
Marshall/Livingston counties (BPB. MBe. HC, RD).

Streptopelia decaocto. EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE. [#01-05] May 30, 1999. Hickman,
Fulton County (BPB) [first documented Kentucky record],

Streptopelia decaocto. EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE. [#01-08] Summer 2000.
Hopkinsville. Christian County (EG) [photographed].

Coliunbina inca. INCA DOVE. [#01-11 ] October 1, 2000, Carlisle County. (SW) [speci¬
men of bird shot by hunter, first Kentucky record].

Myiarchus cinerascens. ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER. [#00-10] October 15. 2000.
Western Kentucky University Woods, Warren County (JE. DE) [first Kentucky record],

Ixoreus naevius. VARIED THRUSH. (#01-10] March 16-22, 2001 , Land Between the Lakes,
Trigg County, (BL, CS, DR) [photographed, third Kentucky record].

Observers: Mark Bennett (MBe). Mark Bostrom (MB), Hap Chambers (HC), Roseanna
Denton (RD). Robert Dever (RDev), Diane Elmore (DE), Jackie Elmore (JE). E.L. Gold
(EG), Janet Kistler (JK), Steve Kistler (SK), William Kemper (WK), Bill Lisowky (BL),
Ken Leggett (KL), Shelby Landers (SL), Nancy Moore (NM). Peggy Oates (PO), Brainard
Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BPB), David Roemer (DR), Frank Renfrow (FR). Scott Record (SR), Sue
Reehm (SRee), Chris Sloan (CS), and Steve White (SW).

Rejected records:

Larus glaucoides. ICELAND GULL. [#99-07] January 10. 1999, Barkley Dam. Lyon/
Livingston counties.

Recent action by the KBRC led to a review of species reported in Kentucky without
photographic or specimen evidence. The committee agreed to place birds reported by single
observers and without photographic or specimen documentation into the hypothetical cat¬
egory. This led to the removal of five species (Black-bellied Whistling Duck. Swainson's
Hawk, Northern Shrike. Kirtland's Warbler, and Pine Grosbeak) from the official Kentucky
list. In addition, two species (Purple Sandpiper and Fork-tailed Flycatcher) were moved to

>003 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 3J_

he hypothetical list based on doubt as to whether the birds were actually recorded in Ken-
ucky. As a result, the current official Kentucky list now stands at 359 species ( 12 of which
tre by sight only) with White-faced Ibis, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Inca Dove, and Ash-
hroated Flycatcher added since the last report.

FIELD NOTES

An American Bittern at Evergreen Cemetery

During the spring of 2002, 1 spent a considerable amount of time observing the birds of
Evergreen Cemetery, which is located at Southgate, Campbell County. While watching the
nesting activities of the resident White-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) and Great
Homed Owls (Bubo virginianus ), an unexpected and very much out of place appearance
was made by Thoreau’s "genius of the bog” -the American Bittern (Botciurus lentiginosus).

In the early afternoon of 8 April, the adult Great Horned Owl had moved out of its normal
spruce into an exposed location in a pine much closer to the nest tree. It was staring intently
in the direction of the nest. It retreated back to the spruce upon my approach. My attention
was then drawn to an odd object sticking up from the ground under the nest tree. My first
thought was that it was a fallen limb with a branch sticking upwards. I then checked with
my binoculars, and was startled to realize that it was actually an American Bittern! It was
standing in a rigid upright posture with its neck outstretched and bill pointed upward. It was
next to an upright headstone, as if the bittern had mistaken the many obelisk-shaped stones
in the cemetery plot for clumps of cattails.

In my stunned condition, I was unsure of what to do next. I was rather concerned that the
parent owl might have been eyeing the bittern as a possible prey item or threat to the nest. I
quickly went back to my van to gather my camera. I half expected that the bittern would be
gone upon my return. But there it was, still standing in rigid stillness next to the stone,
apparently confident that its method of deception had not been discovered. I had deter¬
mined to make my approach between predator and possible prey in order to keep them
apart. I hoped to eventually flush the bittern off in the direction opposite of the owl. As I
came within camera range. I began snapping off shots with my 300mm lens in place. It was
not until well after the bird filled the image of my viewfinder that it began walking ( !), not
away but actually towards (!) me in order to maneuver around behind an adjacent Northern
White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis). As I continued towards it. the bittern finally flew off.
Although its flight seemed weak and laborious as it disappeared from view, the Great Homed
Owl did not follow in pursuit. I was greatly relieved.

This was my first sighting of an American Bittern for Campbell County, and may well be
the only record for the county. There is a small area of cattails in a silted in pond at the
cemetery, about a hundred yards distant. One can only guess why the bittern was out in the
open with this much more appropriate habitat so close by.

It is possible that this species may be attracted to conifers as an alternate source of cover
during migration. Peterjohn (1989) describes one of his first sightings of an American
Bittern as having been in a residential area, “looking very out of place”, perched 15 feet up
in a spruce tree. Forbush (1925) lists “cedar swamps” as a characteristic habitat for this
species. It might be expected that American Bitterns en route to and from the boreal portion

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Vol. 79

of their range would have an affinity for conifers along their migration route.

Migrating American Bitterns have been known to end up in a variety of odd situations,
such as a fall migrant found in an Ohio warehouse restroom (Whan 2000). There is also that
rather notable account from John James Audubon of a Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis)
having found it's way into a house in Cincinnati. This enterprising bird did its best to cam¬
ouflage itself by standing perched atop a bedpost (Adams 1966). Within Kentucky, there
have been several other sightings of American Bitterns in residential areas ( Brainard Palmer-
Ball pers. comm.). Mengel (1965) describes this species as common in wet broomsedge
fields and lowland woods in spring migration. The American Bittern often resorts to the
cryptic stance or camouflage posture when standing among tall vegetation as well as out in
the open, especially when approached or alarmed (Bent 1926, Sibley 2001 ). — FRANK
RENFROW, 61 1 South O’Fallon Ave, Bellevue, KY 41073

Literature Cited

Adams, A. B. 1966. John James Audubon, a Biography. G.P. Putnam's Sons. New York.
Bent. A.C. 1926. Life Histories of North American Marsh Birds. Smithsonian United States
National Museum, Bulletin 135.

Forbush, E.H. 1925. Birds of Massachusetts and other New England States. Massachusetts
Department of Agriculture, Boston, Massachusetts.

Mengel. R.M. 1965. The Birds of Kentucky. American Ornithologists' Union Ornithologi¬
cal Monograph no. 3. The. Allen Press, Lawrence. Kansas.

Peterjohn, B.G. 1989. The Birds of Ohio. Indiana University Press. Bloomington, Indiana.
Sibley, D.A. 2001. The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behavior. Alfred A. Knopf. New York.
Whan, B. 2000. Autumn 2000 Overview. Ohio Cardinal 24: 1-26.

INCA DOVE IN FULTON COUNTY

While looking at Eurasian Collared-Doves ( Streptopelia decaocto) on the west side of
Hickman, Fulton County, on the morning of February 9, 2002, Jenny Yandell and I found an
unusually small dove sitting in the middle of the road about 25 feet in front of us. After
closer inspection, we realized that we were looking at Kentucky's second recorded Inca
Dove (Columbina inca). The bird was pale with a whitish face and a scaly appearance to its
body caused by even, dark edges to the light grayish-brown feathers. When the bird flew up
from the road, we also could see that it had a long, square-tipped tail with extensive white
areas in the outer feathers and bright rufous areas in the primaries.

Luckily, the bird stayed in the area for at least two more days, usually being observed
near the grain-storage bins along highway 94 where it was originally located. David Roemer
and Michael Todd were able to photograph the bird on the 10Ih and 11th, respectively. On
one occasion on the 10,h the Inca Dove answered and flew in to a whistled imitation of its
'no hope’ call. Diligent searching by a number of birders on February 16 did not produce
the bird, and it was assumed to have left the area.

Kentucky's first recorded Inca dove was shot on a dove hunt in northeastern Carlisle
County on October 1 . 2000, and given to Dr. Stephen B. White of Murray State University.
That specimen has been preserved and will be deposited with the U.S. National Museum in

>003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

33

Washington, D.C. (B. Palmer-Ball, Jr„ pers. comm.).

Further observations of this species in Kentucky seem likely. As is the case with several
)therdove species, the Inca dove is expanding its range. The species was originally known
o occur throughout much of northern Central America and Mexico, but it has expanded its
range both north and south during the past 100 years, typically in association with habita¬
tion (Mueller 1992). It was first sighted in North America at Laredo, Texas, in 1866 (Mueller
1992), and has more recently shown up in California, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma. Kansas
(Ehrlich, etal. 1988; Kelling 2002). As the Inca Dove's range has expanded northward, the
number of records of vagrant individuals also has increased. These include one in north¬
western Missouri that was found huddled by a clothes-dryer vent in December 1987 (Wil¬
son 1997), and others as far north and east as New Jersey and Ontario (Mueller 1992).
Theories for this expansion include the spread of backyard bird feeding, urbanization (many
of the expanding doves seem well-adapted to human neighborhoods), and global warming
(doves have small feet that are susceptible to frostbite). — BEN YANDELL. 513 Lymington
Ct., Louisville, KY, 40243 (benyand@cs.com).

LITERATURE CITED

Ehrlich, P.R.. D.S. Dobkin, and D. Wheye. 1988. Range expansion. http://www.

stanfordalumni.org/birdsite/textyessays/range_expansion.html (24 October 2002).
Kelling, Steve. 2002. Dynamic dove expansions, http://birdsource.comell.edu/features/
doves/ (24 October 2002).

Mueller, A.J. 1992. Inca Dove. In The Birds of North America, No. 28 (A. Poole, P.
Stettenheim, and F. Gill, Eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Wash¬
ington, DC: The American Ornithologists’ Union.

Wilson, J.D. 1997. Rare birds, Conser\’ation Magazine , Missouri Department of Conser¬
vation. http://www.conservation.state.mo.us/conmag/ 1997/09/2.html (24 October 2002).

Hunting Behavior of and Habitat Use by Eastern Screech-Owls
During the Non-breeding Period

Carlo M. Abbruzzese and Gary Ritchison
Department of Biological Sciences
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY 40475

Eastern Screech-Owls (Otus asio) are small, nocturnal, sit-and-wait predators found
throughout eastern North America (Johnsgard 1988). While several aspects of their behav¬
ior and ecology have been examined, e.g., food habits (Ritchison and Cavanagh 1992),
home range sizes and habitat use (Sparks etal. 1994), and nest site selection (Belthoff and
Ritchison 1990), less is known about their hunting behavior. Gehlbach (1994) gathered
some information concerning the hunting behavior of Eastern Screech-Owls in centra! Texas,

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Vol. 79

however, observations were made only in suburban yards and near nest sites. Thus, little is
know about how screech owls hunt in more natural habitats and at locations away from nest
sites. The objective of our study was to describe habitat use by hunting Eastern Screech-
Owls during the non-breeding period and, specifically, to examine the characteristics of
used versus unused perch sites.

Methods

The hunting behavior of screech-owls was studied from November 1994 through March
1995 at the Central Kentucky Wildlife Management Area, located 17 km southeast of Rich¬
mond, Madison County, Kentucky. The study area was composed of a patchwork of small
deciduous woodlots, old fields, agricultural fields, and mowed fields connected by woodrows.
Beginning in November 1994. screech-owls were captured by checking nest boxes distrib¬
uted throughout the study area. Nest boxes were checked during daylight hours when screech-
owls are typically docile and more easily handled. After capture, radio-transmitters (Wild¬
life Materials, Inc., Carbondale, IL) were attached backpack style (Smith and Gilbert 1981 ).
Transmitters weighed about 6 gms or about 3 to 4% of total body mass. Owls appeared to
adjust quickly to the transmitters and did not appear to behave abnormally (pers. observ.). I
Owls were allowed at least one week to become accustomed to transmitters before observa¬
tions began. To facilitate observations, a 5 to 8 cm piece of reflective tape was attached to
transmitter antennas. The tape was glued and sewed to the wire so that it protruded about
2.5 to 5 cm from the owl's body. The reflective tape added little weight (0.2 to 0.3 gms) to
the transmitters.

Owls were observed four or five times each week, with observations typically beginning
shortly after sunset and continuing for three to five hours. Observations of each owl were
usually 2 to 3 hrs in duration and we usually observed one or two owls each night. During
focal owl observations, the general location of a radio-tagged owl was determined using a
receiver (TR-2; Telonics, Inc.. Mesa, AZ) and a hand-held, two-element antenna. Then, a
headlamp or flashlight was used to scan the area. Normally the light would strike the reflec¬
tive tape on the transmitter's antenna and permit precise location of the owl. We always
tried to avoid shining the light directly into an owl's eyes. Because Eastern Screech-Owls
are relatively tame and do not fly until an observer comes within 3 or 4 m (pers. observ.), i
observations of screech-owls were typically made at a distance of 10 to 12 m using 10 x 25
binoculars. At this distance, our presence appeared to have little effect on the owls. Focal
owls sometimes allowed us to watch them for more than an hour before moving.

When observing owls, all information was recorded on a portable tape recorder for later
transcription. During each observation, we noted the location of all hunting perches and,
after an owl moved to another location, perches were marked with flagging and plotted on
an aerial photograph of the study area. We subsequently returned to perch sites during day¬
light hours to categorize habitats and characterize vegetation.

Perches were categorized based on the habitat in which they were located. Habitats were
categorized as woodlot, woodrow (a strip of woods, generally less than 30 m wide, located
along abandoned fencerows or streams), edge (within 2 m of the edge of a woodlot or
woodrow), mowed old field (old fields that had been mowed and with vegetation less than
0.5 m high), unmowed old field (with vegetation greater than 0.5 m high), cropland, wet
area (an area with standing water: generally these areas were shallow, with water only a few
cm deep, and temporary), or stream (within 2 m).

From their perches, screech-owls search for prey and. sometimes, owls perched in one

003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

35

/pe of habitat search for prey in another, nearby habitat. For example, owls perched in
dge habitat may scan for prey in an adjacent old field. Thus, in addition to noting perch
abitats, we also noted search habitats,
fegetation Sampling

We measured the vegetation surrounding 34 randomly-selected hunting perches ( 10% of
11 perches) following the methods described by James and Shugart (1970). Similarly, we
andomly selected 34 apparently unused perches by using a random number generator to
elect map coordinates within the ranges of focal owls. At these randomly-selected coordi-
tates, we then selected a potential, but apparently unused, perch located in woody vegeta-
ion. Within a 0.04-ha circular plot centered on used and unused perches, we noted the
iresence or absence of crayfish burrows, any evidence of small mammals (tunnels in ground
;over or fecal pellets), or birds (bird droppings). We also counted the number of dead and
lowned logs and individual shrubs in each plot. The dbh of all trees greater than 8 cm dbh
vas also recorded. Canopy height was estimated by calculating the mean height of five
andomly chosen trees within the plot. Leaf litter depth and percent canopy, understory, and
ground cover were estimated by sampling five 1 nf areas in each plot. One of these areas
was located directly below the perch and the four remaining areas were located 1 m from
the edge of the center area in each of the four cardinal directions. The depth of the leaf litter
was measured using a small ruler, while we estimated the percent ground cover. Percent
understory and canopy cover were determined using a spherical densiometer. To determine
understory cover, we placed the densiometer above the ground cover and subtracted the
percent canopy cover from our reading.

We compared the mean values of used and unused perch sites using multivariate analysis
of variance (MANOVA). Chi-square tests were used to compare habitat use by male and
female screech-owls and certain characteristics of used and unused perches. All values are
presented as mean ± one standard deviation.

Results

Eight adult Eastern Screech-Owls (5 females and 3 males) were captured during the
period between 10 November 1994 and 1 1 March 1995 and these owls were observed for a
total of 168.5 hours during 91 evenings. Based on observations during previous breeding
seasons and during the breeding season that followed our study, it was determined that two
of these owls (male 099 and female 285) represented a mated pair. The mated status of the
other owls was unknown.

General hunting behavior

Screech-owls in our study usually left roost cavities 30 - 45 minutes after sunset, and
hunted most actively during the first 2-3 hours after leaving their roost sites. We observed
35 attacks by screech-owls, with 27 unsuccessful (77%) and eight (23%) successful (one
bird, one crayfish, one short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda), and five moths). During
attacks, the owls flew quickly from perches (rather than just dropping off perches) and
struck prey (or attempted to strike prey) with talons outstretched. Often, screech-owls bobbed
their head from side to side (and, less often, up and down) after locating prey. Screech-owls
hunting moths typically exhibited jerky head movements, presumably corresponding to the
flight patterns of their potential prey. Owls usually waited until moths landed on the ground
or other substrate before attacking. Only once did we observe an owl try to ‘hawk’ a flying
moth.

We sometimes observed screech-owls apparently hunting roosting birds. When doing so.

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THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol.75:

owls typically perched about 4 - 6 m high and looked intently into eastern red cedar;
( Juniperus virginiana) or dense patches of cane (Arundinaria gigantea). The one success
ful attack on a bird occurred after the screech-owl had been perched in a small tree for 3(
min. When the owl located the bird, it moved about 1 .5 m and waited 90 sec before diving
into a blackberry ( Ritbus spp.) bush. The owl took the small bird to a nearby perch, pluckec
a few feathers, and swallowed it.

On one occasion, we observed what appeared to be prey thawing behavior. While search
ing for the focal owl on a cold night (- 12 degrees C), a dead vole (Microtiis Pennsylvania
was observed on the ground. It was completely frozen and had puncture wounds in the necl
area. Because owls sometimes cache prey on the ground, we left the vole and continuec
searching for the owl. About 20 min later, the owl was finally located sitting on top of the
frozen vole as if it was incubating eggs. The owl’s feathers were fluffed out and completelj
covered the vole. Twice the owl sat up and poked at the vole with its bill. When we lef
(after 40 min), the owl was still on the vole. While the owl was not observed eating the vole
we believe the owl was sitting on the vole to thaw it out before eating it (the vole was gont
when we checked the area the next day). Similar thawing behavior has been reported foi
Boreal ( Aegolius fnnereus) and Saw-whet ( Aegolins acadicus) owls ( Bondrup-Nielsen 1977
and Great Homed Owls (Bubo virginianus : George and Sulski 1984).

Habitat and perch data

Eastern Screech-Owls (N = 8) used 338 hunting perches in 33 different plant species
White ash (Fraxinus americana : 12.2% of all perches), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia\
11.6%), summer grape ( Vitis aestivalis: 7.9%), silky dogwood ( Cornus amomum ; 7.9%)
smooth sumac ( Rhus glabra: 6.1%), and sweet gum ( Liquidambar styraciflua: 5.5%) wert
used most frequently. Of the six perch types (dead branch, dead and downed log, shrub
standing snag, tree, and vine), trees (53.2%) and shrubs (25.4%) were used most frequently
Most hunting perches were located in edge habitat (39.5% of all perches), woodlots (23.1%);
and along streams (21.9%). Fewer perches were located in woodrows (5.2%), unmoweel
oldfields (4.8%), mowed old fields (3.3%), and wet areas (2.1%). From these perches, owl;,
searched for prey in mowed old field habitat (29.5% of all observations), along streamii
(27.0%), and in woodlots (17.8%), wet areas (9.5%), unmowed oldfields (6.7%), woodrow;1
(5.1%), and edges (4.4%). Male and female screech-owls differed (A2 = 62.4, df = 6, P <1
0.0001) in the habitats where they searched for prey. Males were more likely to search ir
old-fields that had been mowed and wet areas, while females more often searched alonj
small streams.

The characteristics of the vegetation surrounding used and unused perch sites did no
differ significantly (Wilk's Fambda = 0.81, F = 1.69. P = 0.12). Although there was nc
overall difference (i.e., multivariate) between used and unused sites, a significant differ
ence was found between used and unused sites in mean litter depth (F, 66 = 8.59. P = 0.0046)
Mean litter depth for unused sites was 4.37 + 2.29 cm ( N = 34), while that for used sites wa:
2.93 + 1.72 cm (N = 34).

We also looked for evidence of possible prey in the vicinity of used and unused huntin|
perches, and found no differences between used and unused sites in the frequency of detec
tion of small mammal or bird sign ( X2 tests, P > 0.54). However, signs of crayfish activity
were more likely to be found in the vicinity of used perches than in the vicinity of unusec
perches (X2 = 4.0. df = 1 . P = 0.045).

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

37

'.003

discussion

Hunting perches were located primarily in edge habitat, woodlots, and along streams
ind, from these perches, screech-owls searched for prey primarily in mowed old fields,
ilong streams, and in woodlots. Sparks et al. (1994) found that screech-owls in the same
,tudy area were typically located in woodlots and edge habitat, but were found in old fields
ess than expected. Different conclusions concerning use of old fields is likely due to differ-
inces in methodology. Sparks etal. ( 1994) monitored radio-tagged screech-owls from fixed
ocations and estimated the position of owls by triangulation. In contrast, we made direct
observations of owls and, therefore, could more accurately determine owl locations. Other
nvestigators have also reported the apparent use of edge habitats by screech-owls (Smith
ind Gilbert 1984, Hegdal and Colvin 1988), and these habitats may provide the owls with
both suitable perches and high prey densities (Kenward 1982, Sparks et al. 1994). Edge
habitats may also provide more suitable perches than more open habitats and, in addition,
greater light levels than more densely wooded areas (Sparks etal. 1994). Light levels could
be important because previous investigators have suggested that Eastern Screech-owls may
rely primarily on sight when searching for prey because they have symmetrical ear open¬
ings (Marshall 1967, Norberg 1987). In contrast, some owls, such as Boreal Owls, have
asymmetrical ear openings and appear to rely primarily on their sense of hearing ( Bye et al.
1992).

Streams may have be used frequently by some screech-owls (particularly by one female
in our study) because they sometimes prey on small fish (Gehlbach 1995, pers. observ.) and
because crayfish are often found in and along streams. Screech-owls that appeared to be
hunting crayfish typically used low perches (as low as 0.25 m high) directly over areas
where crayfish burrows was common, including streams (pers. observ.). In these areas, the
owls seemed to stare directly at crayfish burrows, apparently waiting for one to come to the
entrance (pers. observ.).

We found few differences between the characteristics of used perch sites and randomly
selected sites. However, used sites did have significantly less litter. Marshall (1967) also
reported an apparent preference for hunting areas with little or no litter and observed that
screech-owls foraged "by a short flight from a tree to capture prey on the ground . . “ and
such foraging “is facilitated by open woodland growth, where there is bare ground under
the trees . . One possible explanation for the apparent preference of screech-owls for
hunting sites with little leaf litter in our study may be their tendency to hunt for crayfish.
Areas with high levels of crayfish activity on our study area typically had little litter or had
bare ground (pers. observ.), and areas in the vicinity of perches used by screech-owls in our
study were more likely to have evidence of crayfish activity (burrows) than unused sites.
Other investigators have also noted that crayfish are more likely to be found in areas with
little or no litter (Tertuliani 1991).

Acknowledgments

We thank numerous field assistants, including Jeff Hawkins, Dawn Wilkins, Eric Will¬
iams, Randy Mowrer, and Ann Abbruzzese, for help in observing the owls, and the Eastern
Kentucky University Research Committee for financial support.

38

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

VOL. 79

Literature Cited

Belthoff, J. R. and G. Ritchison. 1990. Roosting behavior of postfledging Eastern
Screech-Owls. Auk 107:567-579.

Bondrup-Nielsen, S. 1977. Thawing of frozen prey by Boreal and Saw-whet owls. Can J.
Tool. 55:595-601.

Bye, F. N., B. V. Jacobsen, and G. A. Sonerud. 1992. Auditory prey location in a pause-
travel predator: search height, search time, and attack range of Tengmalm's owls
(Aegolius funereus). Behav. Ecol. 3:266-276.

Gehlbach, F. R. 1994. The Eastern Screech-Owl: life history, ecology, and behavior in
suburbia and the countryside. Texas A&M Univ. Press, College Station.

Gehlbach, F. R. 1995. Eastern Screech-Owl (Otus asio). In The Birds of North America,
No.165 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia,
and The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington. D.C.

George. W. G. and R. Sulski. 1984. Thawing of prey by a Great Homed Owl. Can. J.
Zool. 62:314-315.

Hegdal. P. L. and B. A. Colvin. 1988. Potential hazard to Eastern Screech-Owls and other
raptors of brodifacoum bait used for vole control in orchards. Envir. Toxicol. Chem.
7:245-260.

James, F. C. and H. H. Shugart. Jr. 1970. A quantitative method of habitat description.
Audubon Field Notes 24:727-736.

Johnsgard, P. A. 1988. North American owls: biology and natural history. Smithsonian
Inst. Press, Washington, D.C.

Kenward, K. E. 1982. Goshawk hunting behaviour and range size as a function of food
and habitat availability. J. Anim. Ecol. 51:69-80.

Marshall, J. T.. Jr. 1967. Parallel variation in North and Middle American screech owls.
West. Found. Vert. Zool., Monogr. No. 1:1-72.

Norberg, R. A. 1987. Evolution, structure, and ecology of northern forest owls. Pp. 9-43
in Biology and conservation of northern forest owls (R. W. Nero, R. J. Clark, R. J.
Knapton, and R. H. Hamre, eds.). Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-142. USDA Forest Serv..

Rocky Mtn. For. Exp. Stn, Fort Collins, CO.

Ritchison, G. and P. M. Cavanagh. 1992. Prey use by Eastern Screech-Owls: seasonal
variation in central Kentucky and a review of previous studies. J. Raptor Res. 26:66-
73.

Smith. D. G. and R. Gilbert. 1981. Backpack radio transmitter attachment success in
Screech Owls (Otus asio). N. Anier. Bird Bander 6: 142-143.

Smith, D. G. and R. Gilbert. 1984. Eastern Screech-Owl home range and use of suburban
habitats in southern Connecticut. J. Field Ornithol. 55:322-329.

Sparks, E. J., J. R. Belthoff. and G. Ritchison. 1994. Habitat use by Eastern Screech-Owls
in central Kentucky. J. Field Ornithol. 65:83-95.

Tertuliani. J. S. 1991. Movements of Cambarus batchi in central Kentucky, with notes on
its burrowing behavior. M.S. thesis. Eastern Kentucky Univ., Richmond.

303

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39

IN MEMORIAM: HUNTER M. HANCOCK

Hunter M. Hancock, Murray State University Professor Emeritus, and longtime member
ad former President of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, passed away January 28,
003 at the Hickory Woods Retirement Center, Murray, Kentucky. Dr. Hancock was a
uperior educator, as attested to by his many students, stressing the importance of learning
l the field. Dr. Hancock was also a friend who took a personal interest in each of his
tudents. Dr. Hancock had just celebrated his 92nd birthday on December 22, 2002 and his
pirit was typically very positive and high.

Dr. Hancock’s long and illustrious career took him from western Kentucky where he
;raduated from Murray State College to Oklahoma and back to his alma mater during the
950s as a professor in the biology department. Dr. Hancock served as biology department
hairman from which office he retired during the mid 1970s. He was very instrumental in
he establishment of a unique MSU Biological Station at Kentucky Lake. The Hancock
Biological Station bears his name as a tribute to this effort. Civil War history was another
avorite subject and much time was devoted to projects associated with preserving and
naintaining interest in the Civil War era. Hunter was still participating in birding trips on
^ake Barkley last fall. Dr. Hancock was a Kentucky Bluebird Society member and played
m active role in installing successful bluebird boxes and bird feeders at Hickory Woods for
esidents to enjoy.

Hunter M. Hancock will be greatly missed by those of us who were fortunate enough to
have known him, learn from his teachings, and work with him. KOS expresses its sincere
sympathies to family and friends.

Submitted by Willard Gray and Ed Ray

Errata: The author line for the Field Note included in the November 2002 issue of The
Kentucky Warbler (Vol. 78, pp. 72-73) entitled "First Kentucky Record for Nesting Snowy
Egrets” was omitted. It should read: — BRAINARD PALMER-BALL, JR., Kentucky
State Nature Preserves Commission, 801, Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.

2003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

NEWS AND VIEWS

40

Kentucky Bird Records Committee

Rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season should be well documented and thei
documentation should be sent to Lee McNeely, Secretary of the KBRC, RO. Box 463.
Burlington. Kentucky 41005, for consideration by the committee for official state recordi
status.

Reminder of the Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline

The number for the Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline is (5021-326-0878. Please report
any unusual sightings in order to provide others with the opportunity to see rare birds.

K.O.S Web Page

Visit the Kentucky Ornithological Society's web page at www.biology.eku.edu/kos.htm

K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Avain Research Grant Fund

The K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe. Jr. Research Grant Fund supports research on birds in Ken
tucky up to $500. For guidelines on how to apply, please contact Blaine Ferrell, Ogder
College of Science and Engineering Deans Office. Western Kentucky University, Bowling
Green, Kentucky, 42101 (blaine.ferrell@wku.edu).

The Kentucky Warbler

• (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society)

TOL. 79 _ MAY 2003 _ NO. 2

I 2 8 .

IN THIS ISSUE

THE WINTER SEASON. 2002-2003, Fred M. Busroe . 43

KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING MEETING, Gerald

Robe . 50

PASSIVE SURVEILLANCE OF WEST NILE VIRUS FROM WILD BIRDS

IN KENTUCKY, 2002, J.F. Roberts et al . 53

BQOK REVIEW, Blaine Ferrell . 60

NEWS AND VIEWS . 60

THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

President .

Vice-President .

Corresponding Secretary .

Treasurer .

Recording Secretary .

Councillors:

Richard Cassell, Louisville .

Janet Howard, Owensboro .

Scott Marsh, Lexington .

Roseanna Denton, Science Hill
Doris Tichenor, Morgantown ...
Phyllis Nienn, Princeton .

. Kathy Caminiti. Burlington

. Hap Chambers, Murra\

. Brainard Painter-Ball, Jr.

8207 Old Wesport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913

. Jim Williams

480 Seeley Drive, Lexington, KY 40502-26091
. Gerald Robe, Mt. Sterling

. 2001 thru 2003

. 2001 thru 2003

. 2002 thru 2004

. 2002 thru 2004

. 2003 thru 2005

. 2003 thru 2005

Retiring President . Marilee Thompson. Owensbord

Staff Artist . Ray Ham

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

i

Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, published quarterly in February, May, Augusl
and November. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER is sent to ail members not in arrears for dues;
Membership dues are: Active or Regular SI 5.00; Contributing, $25.00; Student S10.00!
Family, $20.00; Corporate, $100.00; and Life, $300.00. All articles and communication
should be addressed to the editor. Subscriptions and memberships should be sent to th
Treasurer. Requests for back issues should be sent to the Corresponding Secretary.

Editor. . B.R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering

Western Kentucky University. Bowling Green, KY 42101

Editorial Advisory Board

Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. and Wayne Mason

■

Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee .

P.O.

THE COVER

. Lee McNeely

Box 463, Burlington, KY 41005

We thank Kathy Caminiti for the cover photograph of a Barred Owl (Strix varia) taken
during the Fall 1998 KOS meeting at Kenlake State Park.

1003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

43

WINTER SEASON, 2002-2003
Fred M. Busroe

|

The weather during the Winter Season had an adverse affect on both the birds and birders.
3n December 5 and 6 rain, ice and snow (up to 7”of snow) occurred with single digit
emperatures. The coldest weather in seven years occurred on January 23. with subzero
wind chill and one to six inches of snow covering the state. February 14 to 16 saw heavy
ain that caused flooding in southern Kentucky, while a severe ice storm caused extensive
labitat damage from Lexington to Ashland. Among the more interesting observations re¬
torted was a Pacific Loon at Lake Peewee in Hopkins County, two Red-necked Grebes, and
nultiple reports of all three species of scoters plus Long-tailed Duck.

Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these
reports have been accepted as records for the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Observ¬
ers are cautioned that records of out-of-season birds and all rarities must be accompanied
j with good details or documentation for acceptance. Documentation must be submitted to
the Kentucky Bird Record Committee (KBRC). Decisions regarding the official Kentucky
list are made by the KBRC and are reported periodically in The Kentucky Warbler.

Abbreviations - County names appear in italics', when used to separate dates, the “/” sym¬
bol is used in place of “and”; "ph.” next to an observer’s initials indicates that the observa¬
tion was documented with photograph(s); “vt.” next to an observer’s initials indicates that
the observation was documented on videotape; next to an observer's initials indicates
that written details were submitted with the report; CBC = Christmas Bird Count; WMA =
Wildlife Management Area; Ano = reclaimed surface mines near Ano, Pulaski', Barkley
Dam = Barkley Dam, Lyon/Livingston', Barren = Barren River Lake, Allen/Barren; Bee
Rock = Bee Rock Recreation Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Laurel', Bemheim =
Bemheim Forest, Bullitt/Nelson: Blood River = Blood River embayment of Kentucky Lake,
Calloway, Cave Run = Cave Run Lake, Rowan/Bath', Cooley’s = Cooley’s Pond, Wayne;
Dayton = Dayton, Campbell; Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment of Lake
Cumberland, Pulaski; Freeman = Freeman Lake, Hardin; Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek
embayment of Kentucky Lake, Marshall; KyDam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall;
KyLake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall/Calloway; LBL = Land Between the Lakes, Lvon/
Trigg; Little Lick = Little Lick Recreation Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Pulaski;
LkBarkley = Lake Barkley, Livingston/Lyon/Trigg; LkCumb = Lake Cumberland, Pulaski/
Russell/Wayne; LkPeewee = Lake Peewee, Hopkins; Long Point = Long Point Unit Reelfoot
National Wildlife Refuge, Fulton; Lower Hickman Bottoms = Lower Hickman Bottoms,
Fulton; Markland = Markland Dam on the Ohio River, Gallatin; McElroy = McElroy Lake,
Warren; MCFH = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan; Meldahl = Meldahl Dam on the Ohio
River, Bracken; Mt. Zion = Mt. Zion, Pulaski; Newport = Newport, Campbell; Paradise =
Paradise Power Plant ash basin, Muhlenberg; Peabody = Peabody WMA, Ohio/Muhlenberg;
Riverqueen = Riverqueen Unit of Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg; Rough River = Rough
River State Resort Park, Grayson; Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA,
Henderson; Short Creek = Short Creek, Grayson; Sinclair = Sinclair Unit of Peabody WMA.
Muhlenberg; Waitsboro = Waitsboro Recreation Area on Lake Cumberland, Pulaski.

44

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

Pacific Loon 1 was at LkPeewee on December 1 7 (vt.DR). KBRC review required.

Common Loon - small numbers ( 1 -5) were observed on six CBCs (m. ob.); 1 at Fishing
Creek on January 25 may have wintered ( RD ); also reported at Cave Run with 3 there on
January 2 (FB) and 1 there on January 18 (GR).

Horned Grebe 6 on December 23 at Cave Run near the dam ( FB); 39 on December 25 at
LkCumb, Pulaski, and 2 on January 8 on LkCumb. Wayne (RDj; also 9 on January 13 on
Cave Run near the dam (FB).

Red-necked Grebe - a bird was observed on LkBarkley at Boyd's Landing, Lyon, on De¬
cember 14 (*MB). Among the most out-of-place (but also lucky) birds in recent memory
must be the Red-necked Grebe that was “rescued” from the talons of a probable Red¬
tailed Hawk along KY 468 in rural Pike, on February 27 by Paul Evans, who was driving
down the road and observed the raptor with prey in tow. The car apparently frightened I
the hawk into dropping the grebe, which was subsequently retrieved, rehabilitated, and
released on nearby Tug Fork (fide CE, ph.PE). It is suspected that the grebe landed on
wet pavement and became an easy target for the raptor, which must have grabbed it at the I
untimely moment when the observer's car was passing! KBRC review required.

American White Pelican - quite unusual was a bird on the Ohio R. at the mouth of the
Licking R.. Campbell! Kenton, on January 24 (JH. ph.FR); at least in part due to mild
early-winter weather, impressive numbers remained on LkBarkley into mid-winter with
9 birds near Boyd's Landing, Lyon, on December 14 (MB); ca. 75 near Kuttawa. Lyon, on
December 18 (DR); ca. 175 in two groups in Lyon on December 22 (DR); ca. 12 birds at
the Silo Overlook, Trigg, on January 1 1 (ME); 55 on the Hurricane Creek embayment,
Trigg, on January 13 (MO); and “good numbers” near the mouth of Little River, Trigg,
on January 24 (ER). By February 20, ca. 350 had returned to north LkBarkley, Lyon
(DR. DL).

Great Blue Heron 13 on February 1 5 at Lee's Ford, LkCumb, Pulaski (SBC).

Great Egret - 2 were observed at Sinclair on January 4 (MB, SR) for a rare winter
record.

Black-crowned Night-Heron 4 birds lingered at Lexington at least to December 23 (SM) !
and were observed again January 30 (SM) and likely remained through the period.

Black Vulture - an impressive count of 275 birds was made at the roost at Rough River on
January 29 (JP); also reported were 8 on January 18 in Pulaski (RD).

Turkey Vulture an impressive count of 600+ birds was made at Barren on December 2
(DR); the next largest count was ca. 400 birds near Rough River on January 4 (KC1); also
reported were 25 on December 17 at Rough River (JP); 18 on January 18 in Pulaski
(RD); and 20 on January 29 at Rough River (JP).

Greater White-fronted Goose - ca. 140 at Ballard WMA. Ballard, on December 23 (BPB.
et al.) and likely wintered there; 30 at McElroy December 28/30 (DR); 2 at Gibraltar
WMA, Muhlenberg, on January 4 (MV, BD); 1 or 2 at Freeman on January 26 (RH); the
winter flock at Long Point peaked at ca. 5,000 birds - a new record count for the state
on December 3 1 (DR) with ca. 3,000 reported on the official USFWS waterfowl survey
on January 8 (fide CD); ca. 3,500 birds were observed January 1-1 5 at Sauerheber (MM)

- also an all-time high count at that location; finally, a pair of birds was observed at
Walton's Pond, Warren, on February 17 (DR).

Snow Goose - 1 on December 14 at Cooley’s (RD).

Ross’s Goose single birds were observed as follows: a rural farm pond in southern Ohio,
December 7 through the winter period (JB. PB. KOS; in. ob.): a rural farm pond near
Maples Comer in west Meade on December 29 ( JB. PB); Long Point on January 1 (BY); .
Germann’s Pond, Mercer, January 15-16 (BK, NE, et al.): and the Reformatory Lake,

1003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

45

Oldham , January

17-19 (MS, etui).

Janada Goose - there were scattered reports of single individuals and small groups of the
“Richardson's” race during the period.

Trumpeter Swan 3 birds were at Sauerheber on December 1 7 (vt.DR). As expected, their
origin - based on a trace of labels on the neck collars they wore proved to be a Wiscon¬
sin reintroduction program (DR). Ornithological societies in a few mid-western states
have acted to move these reintroduced, and seemingly now-established, populations of
swans back into an “accepted” status for listing purposes. Such action has not yet been
considered by the KBRC.

Tundra Swan - the apparently now regular wintering flock at Sauerheber returned in late-
Noventber, with a peak count of 23 birds during late December and early January (MM);
8 were still there on March 6 (SV, TS) with the latest observation about March 10-15
(MM). Also reported were 5 (2 ads. and 3 imms.) on December 9 on Cave Run near the
dam (FB).

Wood Duck the mild early winter period may have been responsible for more birds than
normal lingering through the CBC period (reported on 12 CBCs) and into mid-winter (/;;.
ob.y, also reported were 4 on January 25 on LkCumb at Burnside, Pulaski (RD).

Gadwall present through January at the Goose Pond adjacent to Cave Run, Rowan , with
a high number of 100 on January 8 (FB); 49 on January 1 1 at Somerset ( RD).

American Wigeon - 27 on January 25 at Cooley’s (RD).

American Black Duck - 25 on December 7 in Mercer (SBC).

Mallard 400 on December 7 in Mercer (SBC).

Northern Shoveler - 50 were reported on the Lexington CBC on December 14 (ASK); 26
were on the Reformatory Lake, Oldham , on January 19 (BPB, AC); 100+ were at Long
Point on February 15 (FIC, ME); also reported were 1 on January 18 at Somerset (RD)
and 1 male on February 12 on Cave Run near the darn (FB).

Northern Pintail - 3 on December 7 in Mercer (SBC); 3 on February 24 at MCFFJ (FB,
LK); 1 on February 26 on the Ohio R. at Dayton (FR).

Green-winged Teal - 7 on January 25 at Fishing Creek (RD).

Canvasback - 30 on February 12 on Cave Run near the dam (FB).

Redhead - 3 on January 1 1 at Somerset (RD); 4 on February 25 on the Ohio R. at Dayton
(FR); and 7 on February 26 at Taylor Park, Campbell (FR).

Ring-necked Duck - 1 0 on December 1 6 at the Goose Pond adjacent to Cave Run, Rowan
(FB); 48 on January 8 at Cooley’s (RD).

Greater Scaup - small numbers were present during January and February on the Ohio R.
in vicinity of Cincinnati, Campbell/Kenton (FR , et al.).

Surf Scoter - 4 were above Meldahl on December 3 (DR); and 2 were there on December
18 (FR).

White-winged Scoter single birds were on the Ohio R. as follows: 1 at the Watertown
Yacht Club, Campbell , on January 25-26 (BPB, et a/.); 1 at Rabbit Hash, Boone , on
February 9 (JS).

Black Scoter - single females/imms. were above Markland on December 14 (BPB, et at.)
and on LkBarkley above Barkley Dam, December 22 and February 20 (DR).

Long-tailed Duck a female/imm. was on the Ohio R. at the mouth of the Licking R.,
Rent on /Campbell. January 24-30 (FR, et al.): a male was at Meldahl on February 21
(WH).

Common Goldeneye 1 on December 3 at Mt. Zion (RD); 2 on January 24 and 1 on
January 28/29 on the Ohio R. at Newport (FR).

46 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 79

Hooded Merganser 20 on December 16 at MCFH (FB); 12 on January 25 at Waitsboro
(RD).

Common Merganser - 29 were on the Ohio R., Gallatin, on December 14 (KOS); 2 were
at LkPeewee on December 17 (DR); small numbers were in the LBL area during the
season ( m . ob.).

Ruddy Duck 3 on December 3 at Waitsboro (RD).

Osprey - latest report was a bird at Barren, Barren, on December 9 (DR).

Bald Eagle - 9 (7 at MCFH and 2 on Cave Run) on January 1 1 (LK. et al.); 4 on January 18
on LkCumb. Russell (RD).

Northern Harrier - 1 male on December 9 and a female on January 1 1 at MCFH (FB); 1
on December 1 7/30 and January 9 in Grayson ( JP); 3 on January 5 at Peabody, Ohio ; 3 on
January 13 at Ano (RD, CN).

Sharp-shinned Hawk - 1 on February 19 at Dayton (FR).

Cooper’s Hawk 1 on January 5 in Breckinridge and 1 in Grayson during the third week
of January (JP); 1 on February 21 at Dayton (FR).

Red-tailed Hawk a number of western individuals were observed during the period; mosij
interesting was a darkmorph B. j. calurus near Belleview, Boone, on January 20 (LM).

Rough-legged Hawk small numbers of birds were reported from traditional areas during
the season (m. ob.); a bird along 1-64 in Bath on December 18 may represent a new |
county record (DS).

Golden Eagle the traditional wintering area at Bemheim hosted at least 6 birds during thf
winter, as evidenced by a count of that many birds on January 15 (RM); a bird wras seerl
on a reclaimed surface mine in Martin on January 17 (*CL); ajuv. was observed at
Riverqueen on January 30 (MV); an imm. near Taylorsville Lake, Anderson, on January!
12, and perhaps the same bird again in Spencer on February 1 (*PG); and 1 on Decembeil
7 near McQuady, Breckinridge (JP).

Merlin - winter reports of this species have been on the increase over the last several years,
Sightings during the season included 1 at McElroy on December 2 (DR); 1 at Peabody/
Ohio, December 7 ( JB, PB, et al.) - February 2 with 2 birds on the latter date (MV); 1 if
Pulaski on December 8/1 1 (RD); 1 at Freeman on December 10 (DR); 1 at Blood Rivet
on December 28 (KOS); 1 in Pendleton on January 4 (NKBC); and 1 at Ano on Januan
12-13, with 2 there on the latter date (CN, RD ).

Peregrine Falcon - resident nesting pairs were observed at Ghent, Carroll, on December
14 (KC, JC, et al.) and at Louisville on December 15 (BPB. AC). Another bird was
reported from along State Line Road, Lower Hickman Bottoms, on February 19 (JW).

Sandhill Crane - small numbers of southbound birds continued to pass through into late
December ( in. ob. ); first northbound birds were noted at Sinclair on January 1 1 ( MV); ail
excellent late winter/early spring northward flight was witnessed with flocks regularly
reported by the first week of February; by mid-February the spring flight was in full
swing, but a period of about two weeks of nasty weather grounded perhaps the largest
number of cranes ever to be "on the ground” in Kentucky in spring. Numbers W'ere
observed in a variety of locations during the latter two weeks of February. Most birds
were seen in the traditional central Kentucky corridor, but at least a few were seen as fa
east as Morgan (MEm) and Montgomery (GR).

Lesser Yellowlegs - began showing up in February, with 1 at Dayton by February 2 1 (FR)

Least Sandpiper as a result at least in part of mild weather, small numbers lingered inti
early winter, with latest observations including one at McElroy on December 2 (DR); 9
on December 14 at Jonathan Creek (HC); 1 at Barren. Allen, on December 25 (DR); 9 a .

>003 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 47.

Blood River on December 28 (HC); and 1 at Sinclair on January 4 (MB, SR) with per¬
haps the same bird at Paradise on January 8 (MV). A flock of 12 birds at Blood River on
February 1 2 may have been early returning migrants or wintering birds that had not been
seen during mid-winter (HC).

Pectoral Sandpiper - quite unusual was a flock of 15 birds, presumably early returning
spring migrants, at McElroy on February 22 (DR).

Dunlin - due at least in part to a mild early winter, a few birds lingered into December with
1 at Meng's Pond, Warren , on December 2 (DR); 3 at Jonathan Creek on December 14
(HC); and 5 at Blood River on December 28 (HC). Single birds at Blood River on
February 13 (HC) and with the above-noted flock of Pectoral Sandpipers at McElroy on
February 22 (DR) were likely early returning migrants.

4merican Woodcock - single birds were reported on the LBL and Mammoth Cave CBCs,
both on December 14 (KOS); 2 were heard at West Kentucky WMA, McCracken , on
December 23 (BPB, AC); 1 was heard in southern Ohio on January 4 (BPB, AC); 1 was
seen in Calloway on January 26 (HC); 1 was heard at Mammoth Cave National Park,
Edmonson , on February 5 (BPB); by mid-February, the species was present in good num¬
bers.

Wilson’s Snipe 5 on February 17 at Somerset (RD).

Laughing Gull - single first-year birds lingered in western Kentucky as follows: 1 at KyDam
on December 8 (HC); 1 each at KyDam and Barkley Dam on December 18 (DR); and I
at KyDam on December 22/29 and January 1 5 (DR).

Bonaparte’s Gull - peak count was 3,6 1 8 on the LBL CBC (ca. 1 ,000 at KyDam) on
December 14 (fide HC); also reported were 9 on December 23/30 at MCFH (FB); and 82
on January 25 on LkCumb at Burnside, Pulaski (RD).

Ring-billed Gull 700 on January 15 at Meldahl (FR); 526 on January 18 on LkCumb,
Russell (RD); a high count of 400 on the Ohio R. at Newport was on February 19 (FR).

Herring Gull 4 on January 3 1 on the Ohio R. at Newport (FR).

Thayer’s Gull - an adult at Barkley Dam on December 22 (ph.DR); an adult and a first-
year bird were observed at Barkley Dam on February 20 (vt.DR).

Lesser Black-backed Gull small numbers lingered through the season as follows: a first-
year at KyDam on December 8 (HC); an adult at KyDam on December 14 (MB, HC); an
adult on LkBarkley, Lyon, on December 18 (DR); an adult at KyDam on December 22
(DR); a second-year bird at Barkley Dam and an adult on the Tennessee R. near Calvert
City, Marshall, both on February 20 (DR).

Glaucous Gull - only 1 reported ail winter was a first-year bird on KyLake above KyDam
on December 1 8 ( DR ).

Forster’s Tern - only report for the winter season was a bird at Jonathan Creek on January
7 (WL).

Barn Owl 1 was reported from east Calloway in December ( JTE).

Eastern Screech-Owl - 1 on January 1 3 at Little Lick (RD, CN); 1 on February Mat Short
Creek (JP).

Barred Owl - 3 on February 24 at Cane Creek WMA, Laurel (RD).

Short-eared Owl peak winter counts were 18 birds at Sinclair in early December (P&SF)
and 15-20 at Sinclair in early January (MV).

Northern Saw-whet Owl 1 responded to a tape at Little Lick.on January 12 (RD, JD).

Rubv-throated Hummingbird a hummingbird that was in poor health and captured at a
Midway, Woodford, home in mid-November was rehabilitated over the winter, was de¬
termined to be a Ruby-throated (DM, BPB).

48

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

Rufous Hummingbird - 2 of 3 birds banded in November lingered well into winter, but
both disappeared amidst the coldest weather of the season. The Danville bird was found
dead at a perch on January 24 (NE, GE); the southern Jefferson bird was last seen on
January 22 (D&MS). Another bird that was first observed in October, lingered to Decem¬
ber 5 at Nicholasville, Jessamine (ph.SD). Photos of this individual confirmed it to be a
Rufous/Allen's (BPB).

Red-headed Woodpecker - it was a good winter for the species in select areas, primarily
in bottomland forest tracts where hickories and oaks produced significant mast. A total of
265 were counted on the Ballard CBC on December 23 (BPB, et al.). The species was
also noted as present in above-average numbers in the Somerset area (RD), Calloway
(HC), and LBL(ME, WL).

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2 on December 22 at LkCumb WMA, Pulaski (RD); 1 on
December 5 and January 27 at Short Creek (JP).

Eastern Phoebe - above-average numbers lingered into the winter including 1-5 birds on
15 CBCs; also reported were 1 on January 7 at Short Creek ( JP) and 2 on January 1 1 at
Little Lick (RD).

Loggerhead Shrike - relatively unusual for northern Kentucky was 1 in west Boone
(Burlington CBC) on December 28 (LM); otherwise, the species was reported in small
numbers at scattered localities including 1-5 birds on an additional eight CBCs; also
reported was 1 on January 9 at Mt. Zion (RD).

Common Raven 1 was observed being chased by 8 American Crows near Harlan. Harlan,
on December 15 and on January 4 (FB).

Horned Lark - peak winter count was 800-1 .000 birds at McElroy on December 2 (DR);
also reported were 3 on December 7 at Dayton (FR); 50 on December 8 in Pulaski (RD);

1 5 on January 1 1 at Rough River ( JP); and 25 on February 1 7 at Short Creek ( JP).

Barn Swallow - the most interesting record of the winter for an out-of-season species was
the presence of 2 individuals at Paradise January 4-9 (MB. HC, RD, SR. *BPB, vt.DR).
This is a third winter record and first of more than one bird.

Red-breasted Nuthatch very small numbers were reported this winter, with reports from
only four CBCs; peak count was 8 birds on the Natural Bridge State Park CBC (which
includes the area where a resident nesting population is established) on January 4 (ZW, et
al.).

House Wren 1 near Burnside. Pulaski, on January 1 (*SS, J&MY).

Winter Wren 3 on December 1 at Bee Rock (RD).

Sedge Wren - 1 at Sinclair on January 4 (MB. HC, RD. SR).

Marsh Wren - single birds were reported on two CBCs as follows: 1 in cattails surround¬
ing a pond at La Center. Ballard, on December 23 (HC. RDv) and 1 in cattails surround¬
ing a pond near Rough River Lake, Breckinridge, on January 4 (KC1).

Golden-crowned Kinglet 3 on December 1 at Bee Rock (RD).

Gray Catbird 1 at Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve. Jefferson, on December 7 (MS);
and 2 on the Louisville CBC on December 15 (BBC).

Brown Thrasher 1 on February 12 at Mt. Zion (RD).

American Pipit - small numbers were reported at a variety of localities across central and
west Kentucky through the period including on nine CBCs (m. ob.). More unusual re¬
ports for the season included 25 in Lincoln on December 7 (RD, SBC); and several near
the Ohio R. in Lewis on January 20 (GR).

Orange-crowned Warbler - a presumed lingering fall migrant was observed at Mt. Zion
on December 16 (RD).

!Q03

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

49

Fellow-rumped Warbler - 25 on January 18 at Wolf Creek Dam, Russell (RD).

Mne Warbler 3 were observed in a loose group in east Muhlenberg on January 4 (BPB,
AC, RR); singles were reported on the Bowling Green and Mammoth Cave CBCs on
December 14 and December 21, respectively (KOS); a bird came to suet at a feeder at
Murray during late January and again in late February (ME). Returning birds began
showing up in mid-February as evidenced by 1 at Owensboro on February 14 (MT).

Palm Warbler latest lingering birds included 1 at Barren, Allen, on December 13 (DR),
and 1 near Lebanon Junction, Bullitt, on December 22 (BPB).

\merican Tree Sparrow the species showed up in small to moderate numbers this win¬
ter; 1-41 individuals were reported on 14 CBCs (in. ob.) ; also reported were 6 on Decem¬
ber 18 at A.J. Jolly Park, Campbell FR).

Chipping Sparrow - as is now becoming traditional, small numbers of birds were reported
at scattered localities across central and western portions of the state throughout the win¬
ter as follows: 4 at Bemheim, Bullitt, on December 1 0 (DR); at least 8 in east Jefferson
on December 15 (BPB, AC); 2 east of Shepherds vi lie, Bullitt , on December 22 (MWm);
6 in south Ohio on January 4 (MWm); 9 at Wolf Creek Dam, Russell, on January 1 8
(RD); and 3 in Warren on February 23 (DR).

Vesper Sparrow - presumed lingering fall migrants were noted as follows: 1 in the Lower
Flickman Bottoms on December 1 (DR); 2 at Cooley’s on December 14 (RD); and 1 in
northeast Harrison on December 25 (SM).

Savannah Sparrow -3 on December 9 at LkCumb WMA(RD); 1 on February 21 and 3 on
February 22 at Dayton (FR).

Le Conte’s Sparrow - at least 2 birds were observed on the West Kentucky WMA,
McCracken, on December 23 (BPB, AC).

Fox Sparrow 1 on December 6 and January 27 with 2 on February 16/17 at a feeding
station at Short Creek (JP).

Swamp Sparrow 5 on December 1 0 at MCFFJ ( FB); 2 on January 5 in Breckinridge ( JP).

White-crowned Sparrow - 2 on January 27 and 5 on February 19 at a feeding station at
Short Creek (JP).

Lapland Longspur peak counts included new record high counts for the state as follows:
1,100+ at McElroy on December 2 (DR) and ca. 1,000 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms
on December 30 (DR). The former record is anomalous in that the location is not a tradi¬
tional one for large wintering numbers and no severe weather had occurred prior to the
observation. Also reported were 1 in Fayette on December 6 (IS); 34 in Logan on De¬
cember 28 (MB, et al.y, at least 25 in west Daviess on January 1 (BPB, AC); at least 2 in
northeast Gallatin on January 20 (LM); at least 2 in west Boone on February 24-25 (KC);
and 4 in east Jefferson on February 28 ( JB, PB). “Good numbers” lingered in the vicinity
of McElroy into late February (DR).

Snow Bunting - single birds were reported at McElroy on December 2 (DR) and at Home¬
stead WMA, Ohio, on December 7 (MW, DP).

Rusty Blackbird 1 on January 18 at Mt. Zion (RD).

Brewer’s Blackbird the species was reported on three CBCs as follows: 3 at Camp Roy
C. Manchester, Marshall, on December 14 (fide HC); 20 north of Berea, Madison, De¬
cember 14 (SM); and 2 in west Boone on December 28 (LM, AE). The latter 2 represent
rare records from the central part of the state.

Purple Finch the species was perhaps reported in the smallest numbers it has EVER been
recorded for a winter season; it appeared ( 1-30 birds) on only five CBCs. Peak count of
30 birds was on the Natural Bridge State Park CBC on January 4 (ZW, et al.).

Pine Siskin the species was reported on only two CBCs (only 1 and 6 birds).

50

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

Contributors: Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK); Beckham Bird Club (BBC); Jane
Bell (JB); Pat Bell (PB); Mark Bennett (MB); Fred Busroe (FB); Joe Caminiti (JC); Kathy
Caminiti (KC); Hap Chambers (HC); Kathryn Clay (KC1); Amy Covert (AC); Brad Davis
(BD); Julie Denton (JD); Roseanna Denton (RD); Robert Dever (RDv); Sue Dickerson
(SD); Clarke Dirks (CD); Melissa Easley (ME); Allen Easton (AE); Ginny Eklund (GE);
Neil Eklund (NE); Mary Elam (MEm); Joe Tom Erwin (JTE); Chris Evans (CE); Paul
Evans (PE); Preston and Shari Forsythe (P&SF); Peggy Gould (PG); Jeff Hays ( JH ); Rich¬
ard Healy (RH); Walter Herzog (WH); Bill Kemper (BK); Kentucky Ornithological Soci¬
ety (KOS); Lew Komman (LK); William Lisowsky (WL); Charlie Logsdon (CL); Dick
Lord (DL); many observers (m. ob.)\ Scott Marsh (SM); Debi Martin (DM); Lee McNeely
(LM); Ronnie Moore (RM); Mike Morton (MM); Connie Neely (CN); Northern Kentucky
Bird Club (NKBC); Mike O'Malley (MO); Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BPB); Dakin Poland
(DP); Joyce Porter (JP); Ed Ray (ER); Scott Record (SR); Frank Renfrew (FR); Gerald
Robe (GR); David Roemer (DR); Robert Rold (RR); David Skmner (DS); Tim Slone (TS);
Doris and Mac Smith (D&MS); Somerset Bird Club (SBC); Steve Stedman (SS); Jay Stenger
(JS); Ian Stewart (IS); Matt Shekel (MS); Marilee Thompson (MT); Shawchyi Vorisek
(SV); Mark Vukovich (MV); Mary Walter (MW); Major Waltman (MWm); Zeb Weese
(ZW); Jeff Wilson (JW); Ben Yandell (BY); Jim and Margaret York (J&MY).

I

— 437 Sunset Lane, Morehead, Kentucky 40351

Kentucky Ornithological Society
2003 Spring Meeting
April 25 through 27, 2003
Blue Licks Battlefield State Park

The Spring meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held April 25 - 27 at1
Blue Licks Battlefield State Park. President Kathy Caminiti called the meeting to order al
7:30 p.m. EDT on the 25th. Several first-time attendees were present at the meeting.

After introductory remarks. Vice President Hap Chambers and Lee McNeely unveiled,
the recently revised Annotated Checklist of Kentucky Birds by Brainard Palmer-Ball. Mr
Palmer-Ball secured two grants that greatly reduced the cost of publication of the new
Annotated Checklist, and put a great deal of work into its publication. In recognition of his
efforts, KOS presented him with a copy of the book Amphibians and Reptiles of Kentucky
by Roger Barber, which completed Mr. Palmer-Ball's collection of the Roger Barber series 1

Following this presentation, Hap Chambers introduced the first speakers of the evening
Beth Ciuzio. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) Water Birc
Biologist and Shawchyi Voisek. KDFWR Partners in Flight (PIF) Coordinator. Ms. Ciuzic!
discussed the goals of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) and its
plans to conduct research for improving shorebird and waterfowl habitats in Kentucky anc
similar bird conservation regions. The NABCI goals include monitoring the managemeni
practices on management areas, developing a map of birds that use Kentucky during migra¬
tion, and submitting data to the Manomet Center for Environmental Research for analysis
Shawchyi Voisek spoke about PIF"s goal to identity species of Neotropical migrants anc
other land birds that are of concern in different physiographic areas in North America. PIF':
obiectives are to monitor and inventory bird populations in North America and create a

2003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

51

national database to compare data across states, and to conduct research in conjunction with
other organizations, such as Murray State University, University of Kentucky, Eastern Ken¬
tucky University, and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. PIF also aims to improve
management of public and private lands to improve habitat conditions for birds, and to
sponsor educational programs such as International Migratory Bird Day and the Salato
Wildlife Educational Center. Ms. Voisek encouraged KOS members to become involved
with PIF by volunteering for projects, reporting rookeries and eagle nesting sites and moni¬
toring shorebirds.

Bob Russell, USFWS Midwest Shorebird Coordinator and Nongame Bird Biologist, spoke
next on the Shorebird Plan for the Upper Mississippi region. Mr. Russell discussed conser¬
vation concerns for several bird species, including Greater Yellowlegs, Whimbrel. Buff-
breasted and Upland Sandpipers, Short-billed Dowitcher, Wilson’s Pharalope, Marbled
Godwit, American Woodcock, and Piping Plover. Kentuckians were urged to help shore-
bird conservation efforts by participating in shorebird surveys and submitting data to
Manomet. Mr. Russell also listed several other ongoing projects. One of these projects is a
King Rail survey that is gathering data with the hope of eliminating the hunting of King
Rails. He also discussed a recent project in which ultralight planes were used to train Whoop¬
ing Cranes to fly along migratory routes to Florida in and attempt to establish an eastern
population of the species.

The fourth and final speaker of the evening was Mark Vukovich, a graduate student at
Eastern Kentucky University, who reported on Ins study of the abundance and reproductive
success of Northern Harriers on reclaimed surface mines in Kentucky. Mr. Vukovich’s study
revealed that reclaimed mines provide important overwintering areas, migratory stopover
sites, and hunting grounds for Northern Harriers and other raptor species. The suitability of
these areas for Northern Harriers can be greatly affected by human disturbances (such as
hunting and timing of management practices), the presence of terrestrial predators, and the
suitability of nesting sites. Implications for land management indicated by Mr. Vukovich’s
study include continuous fire management to produce tall, dense grass that is beneficial to
Northern Harriers, increasing education and enforcement on management areas, establish¬
ing wild areas and preserves where hunting is not allowed, and surveying predators.

The evening program concluded with a discussion of Saturday's scheduled field trips.
The meeting attendees then enjoyed a social time together, with snacks and soft drinks. A
display table of products manufactured by the Boggs Group of Nicholasville, Kentucky
was set up so that the attendees could examine TBG products.

BIRDS OBSERVED AT THE SPRING 2003 KOS MEETING

Bird species observed in the vicinity of Blue Licks Battlefield State Park were: Common
Loon, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey
Vulture, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Red-breasted Merganser, Osprey, Bald Eagle,
Sharp-shinned Hawk. Cooper's Hawk. Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red¬
tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, Killdeer, Greater Yel¬
lowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Her¬
ring Gull, Caspian Tern, Forster's Tern. Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Chimney Swift, Ruby-
throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sap-
sucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker,
Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Log¬
gerhead Shrike, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, Red-eyed
Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged

52

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

Swallow, Bank Swallow, Bam Swallow, Carolina Chickadee. Tufted Titmouse. Red-breasted
Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird,
Northern Mockingbird. Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Blue-winged Warbler, Ten¬
nessee Warbler, Northern Parula. Yellow Warbler. Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated
Green Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American
Redstart, Ovenbird, Louisiana Waterthmsh, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat. Yel¬
low-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager. Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting,
Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-throated Spar¬
row. Red-winged Blackbird. Eastern Meadowlark, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cow-
bird, Orchard Oriole. Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch, and House Spar¬
row for a total of 104 species for the weekend.

ATTENDANCE AT THE SPRING MEETING, 2003

ALEXANDRIA: Mary Beth Lusbv and Ron Lusby.

BEREA: Kyle Powell, Art Ricketts and Tina Ricketts.

BOWLING GREEN: Gary Boggs, Valerie Brown, Blaine Ferrell, David Roemer
and Joan Roemer.

BURLINGTON:

CADIZ:

CARLISLE:

DANVILLE:

EDDYVILLE:

ERLANGER:

FALLS OF ROUGH:

FRANKFORT:

Kathy Caminiti, Joe Caminiti, Joey Caminiti, and Lee McNeely
Mabel Gray and Willard Gray.

Ginny Kingsolver, Wendell Kingsolver, and Brian Myres.

Neil Eklund and Virginia Eklund.

John Niemi and Phyllis Niemi.

Ed Groneman

Joyce Porter and Doralee St. Claire

Elizabeth Ciuzio. Amy Covert, and Shawchyi Vorisek.

HENDERSONVILLE: Deborah Ventress.

LEXINGTON: Rhonda Bryant. Shirley Davis, Wayne Davis. Phyllis Deal, Daniel

Marsh. Scott Marsh. Bobbi Shain. Lou Shain. Marie Sutton. Jim

Williams.

LOUISVILLE:

MIDWAY:
MOREHEAD:
MORGANTOWN:
MT. STERLING:

Richard Cassell. Bonnie Dever, Robert Dever. Katharine Fulkerson,
Katharine Griswold, Mark Monroe, Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr.

Ian Holn.

Fred Busroe, Katie Busroe and Joanna Busroe.

Carroll Tichenor, Doris Tichenor.

Gerald Robe.

MURRAY:

NICHOLASVILLE:

OWENSBORO:

PROSPECT:

RICHMOND:

RUSSELLVILLE:

SCIENCE HILL:

Happy Chambers.

Earl Boggs, Michael Boggs.

Marilee Thompson, Wendell Thompson, Bill Tyler and Susie Tyler.
Win Ahrens.

Gary Ritchison, Brenda Thompson, and Pete Thompson.

Andrea Bennett and Mark Bennett.

Roseanna Denton.

SOMERSET: Connie Neeley.

HECTOR, AR: Leif Anderson and Teresa Mathews.

SILVER SPRING, MD: Vicki Wright.

WORTHINGTON, OH: Patrick Boggs.

2003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

53

Passive Surveillance of West Nile Virus From Wild Birds of Kentucky, 2002

J.F. Roberts, M.L. Vickers, S.F, Sells, D.L. Watson, S.K. Billings, C.B. Jackson,

B.L. Palmer-Ball, Jr., L.R. Harrison, D.C. Bolin, R.C. Giles and M. Sebastian

Introduction

The human impact of the West Nile Virus (WNV) pandemic is well documented, but the
environmental impact has not been fully assessed and may produce long-term effects on
populations of wild animals. An estimated 200 species of birds, reptiles and mammals have
been reported affected by the virus (Weiss 2002). When WNV entered the United States in
1999 by way of New York City, scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) predicted the vims would spread to the West coast in less than five years (Enserink
2000). The virus has reached the Western United States and Canada in less than three years
and will likely proceed to the tip of South America, perhaps impacting populations of tropi¬
cal birds (CDC 2002). Currently the virus has been identified in over 138 species of birds in
the United States (CDC 2002); ninety percent of reported WNV-infected birds, however,
are either American Crows or Blue Jays (family: Corvidae) (Chow et al. 2002). Many other
bird species were excluded from testing and it is now widely acknowledged that infectivity
rates among species have been biased toward corvids. Although undetermined numbers of
wild birds died during 2002, many more birds were infected and acted as transport and
amplification hosts for the WNV (Lord and Day 2001 ).

From 1996 to 2000 four human epidemics of WNV have occurred worldwide. These
epidemics occurred in southern Romania, the Volga Delta in southern Russia, Israel and the
northeastern United States (Marfin and Gubler 2001 ). Unlike previously documented epi¬
demics where thousands of rural inhabitants experienced asymptomatic or mild febrile dis¬
ease, these recent urban epidemics have shown an increase in the number of severe or fatal
human encephalitis cases (Hayes 1999). [n the United States human clinical cases of WNV
increased from 149 during 1999-2001 to more than 3,389 in 2002. In August of 2002 the
United States experienced the peak of the largest mosquito transmitted avian amplified
human viral epidemic ever documented in the Western Hemisphere (Chow et al. 2002). Of
human cases reported in 2002, 241 people died (Chow et al. 2002). Previously the 1975
epidemic of St. Louis encephalitis virus, a close relative of WNV, had been the largest
recorded mosquito borne viral human epidemic in the United States. That epidemic resulted
in mortality of 1 70 people (Chow et al. 2002).

Mosquito populations are an essential factor determining the local infectivity of
WNV. Of more than 88 species of mosquitoes tested, WNV has been detected in 36 mos¬
quito species in the genera Culex, Aedes, Anopheles* Psorophora and Ochlerotatus (Chow
et al. 2002). The common house mosquito, Culex pipiens , also the primary vector for St.
Louis encephalitis virus, has been documented as the primary WNV vector (Hayes 1999).
In the winter of 2000 WNV was isolated from dormant mosquitoes in underground sewers
and abandoned buildings in New York City (Enserink 2000). Because mosquito activity is
low during the winter, year-round transmission in Northern States is not likely. In Florida,
however, where Culex spp. are more active in the winter, transmission of the virus may
occur year round (Enserink 2000). In addition to mosquito transmission, non-vector trans¬
mission from a WNV infected carcass has been reported in raptors that consumed WNV-
infected prey (Weiss 2002).

Recent WNV epidemics in Israel and the United States are the first to be associated with
an increase in avian mortality (Marfin and Gubler 2001 ). The first avian cases of WNV in

54 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ VoL 79

the United States were detected in 14 species of birds at the Bronx Zoo, New York City, in
the late summer and early fall of 1999 (Steel et al. 2002). Since WNV was first isolated in
1937 from a woman in Uganda, numerous isolates have been grouped into two lineages (I
and II) (Hayes 1999; Marfm and Gubler 2001 ). The New York strain is type I and shares a
high degree of homology with a WNV isolated from a goose in Israel in 1998. For this
reason the origin of the virus that emerged in New York City in 1999 is thought to have
originated from the Mediterranean area (Hayes 1999; Steele et al. 2000).

The first confirmation of WNV activity in Kentucky occurred in August 2001 from a
horse submitted from Bourbon County. Of 504 avian specimens submitted from 85 Ken¬
tucky counties in 2001, 41 birds, including 14 American Crows, tested positive for WNV at
the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center (UKLDDC) (Billings and
Mahl 2002).

The CDC provided funding to most states for WNV surveillance programs. This included
reporting of wild bird mortality and testing dead birds, along with the human, mosquito and
equine surveillance components. In Kentucky, the program was coordinated by the Ken¬
tucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) (Division of Epidemiology and Health Plan¬
ning) and involved cooperation from the Kentucky Department for Agriculture, the Ken¬
tucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (Division of Wildlife, Wildlife Diversity
Section), the UKLDDC and hundreds of concerned citizens.

Just a few years ago such a monitoring program for a viral disease would have been
nearly impossible; however, thanks to the increased use of nucleic acid based testing, vi¬
ruses can be quickly identified, closely related viruses can be differentiated and fewer virus
particles are needed to make a positive test. Like other flaviviruses the WNV genome con¬
sists of a single-stranded RNA molecule. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction j
(RT-PCR) testing allows the molecular biologist to convert specific viral RNA sequences
into DNA and then amplify the DNA until you have sufficient copies to detect the virus
(Sells and Donahue 2003).

Methods

The KDPH provided directive in the form of instructions and shipping containers for
submission of WNV-suspect dead birds. Samples were received from 115 of Kentucky's
120 counties. Concerned citizens collected the majority of birds, but veterinarians, Ken¬
tucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources employees, and raptor rehabilitators also
submitted specimens. Birds were necropsied unless considered unsuitable for testing due to
decomposition. Birds were not actively excluded because of obvious gross lesions or signs
of trauma. Not all birds received were tested as available funding and resources precluded
repetitive testing from counties where WNV already had been confirmed. After 1 Septem¬
ber 2002 submission of birds was discouraged from counties where WNV had been identi¬
fied.

All bird necropsies were performed in a biologic safety cabinet. Birds were labeled and
tentatively identified at the time of necropsy. Photographs were taken of birds not readily
identifiable and submitted to an ornithologist for identification. Brain, heart and kidneys
were removed from the carcass during gross examination with sterile scissors. These tis¬
sues were pooled and homogenized prior to nested RT-PCR testing (Johnson et al. 2001).
Samples of brain, heart and kidney were also placed in 10% formalin for histology process¬
ing. Initially brain, heart, and kidney were microscopically examined from all birds. After
10 August 2002, only organs from well-preserved specimens were taken for microscopic
examination. Submission addresses were reviewed to identify birds submitted from the

2003 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 55.

same premises. Birds received from the same address during the same week were consid¬
ered a group.

Table 1. Comprehensive Results of West Nile Virus Testing onWild Kentucky Birds,

2002.

ALL GROUPS ( 1 549 sampled: 696+, 853-)

WNV continued ( + ) in at least one individual

Anseri formes

Canada Goose, Branta canadensis (2+,3-)
Falconiformcs

Sharp-shined Hawk, Accipiter atriatus ( 1+)
Cooper’s Hawk, Accipiter coopeni (3+,6-)
Red-shouldered Hawk. Bnteo lineatus (4+)
Broad-winged Hawk, Bnteo playtpterus ( I +)
Red-tailed Hawk, Bnteo jamaicensis (5+,2-)
American Kestrel, Falco sparverius (5+,l-)
Galliformes

Northern Bobwhite, Colinns virginianus (l+,3-)
Columbifonncs

Rock Dove, Colnmbu livia (2+.16-)

Mourning Dove, Zenaida macronra (23+, 1 12-)
Cuculiformcs

Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Coccyzns americamts
(1+, I7-)

Strigiformcs

Great Homed Owl, Bnbo virginianus (6+, 1-)

Barred Owl, Strix varia ( I +, 1 - )

Anodiformes

Chimney Swift, Chaetnra pelagica ( 1+, 2-)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Archilocus
colubris (2+, 10-)

Picifonnes

Red-headed Woodpecker, Melanerpes
erythrocephalus ( 1 +)

Downy Woodpecker, Picoides pnbescens (1+)
Passeriformes

Tvrannidae

Eastern Kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus ( 1+.4-)
Corvidae

Blue Jay, Cyanocitta cristata ( 1 76+, 43-)
American Crow, Connis brachvrhyncos (96+
14-)

Hirundinidae

Bam Swallow, Hintndo rustica ( l+, 4-)

Paridac

Carolina Chickadee, Poecile carolinensis (2+)
Tufted Titmouse, Baeoloplnts bicolor (3+, 1-)
Turdidae

Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis ( 18+, 3-)
Swainson’s Thrush, Cartharus nstulatus (3+,

9-)

, American Robin, Tnrdus migratorins (55+.143-)

Mimidac

Gray Catbird, Dnmetella carolinensis ( 1+, 12-)

N. Mockingbird, Minins polyglottns (3+. 1 1-)
Brown Thrasher, Toxostoma rujivn ( 1 +, I - )
Stumidac

European Starling, Sturnus vulgaris (3+, 90-)
Bombvcillidac

Cedar Waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum (5+, 5-)
Parulidac

warbler sp. ( l+, 7-)

Cardinalidae

Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis ( 34+,24- )
letcridae

Red-winged Blackbird, Agelains phoeniceus ( 1+,
3-)

Eastern Meadowlark, Sturnella inagna ( 1+, 2-)
Common Grackle, Qniscalus quiscula (42+, 82-)
Fringillidac

Purple Finch, Carpodacus purpnreus ( 1+, 3-)
House Finch, Carpodacus mexicanus (4+, 40- )
Passeridae

House Sparrow, Passer domesticus ( 1 4 1 +, 1 1 7-)

Tested for WNV but not confirmed in the species.

Ciconi formes

Great Blue Heron, Ardea, herodia (2-)

Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus (2-)

Anseriformcs

Mallard, Anas platyrynchos ( 1 -)

Galliformes

Virginia Rail, Rallus limicola ( 1-)

Sora, Porzana Carolina ( 1 -)

Charadri formes

Killdeer, Charadrius voci ferns ( 1-)

American Woodcock, Scolopax minor ( I - )

Herring Gull, Lams argentatus ( 1 -)

Strigiformcs

Eastern Screech-Owl, Otus asio ( I - )

Coracii formes

Belted Kingfisher, Cen le alcyon ( I -)

Picifonnes

Northern Flicker, Colaptes anratns (8-)
Passcrifonncs

Virconidae

Red-eyed Vireo, Vireo, olivaceus ( 1 - )
Hirundinidae

Purple Martin, Prague snbis (2-)

56 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol .79

Table 1 . Continued.

Troglodvtidae

Carolina Wren, Thryothorus hudovicianus (1-)
House Wren, Troglodytes aedon (4-)

Parulidae

Magnolia Warbler, Dendroica magnolia (1-)
Worm-eating Warbler, Helmitheros vermivorus
(1-)

Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapillus (2-)
Connecticut Warbler, Oporomis agilis ( I - )
Common Yellowthroat, Geothlvpis trie has ( 1-)
Yellow-breasted Chat, Icteria virens (I-)

Thraupidae

Summer Tanager, Piranga rubra (5-)
Embenzidae

Chipping Sparrow, Spizella passerina ( 1 -)
Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia ( 1-)
sparrow sp. (2-)

Cardinalidae

Blue Grosbeak, Passerina caerulea ( 1-)
Indigo Bunting, Passerina cy’anea (2-)
Icteridac

Brown-headed Cowbird, Molothrus ater (4-)

Table 2. West Nile Virus RT-PCR results and histologic findings for species with sample size >10,

# Birds

#WNV+

%WNV

#Groups# Histology

# Heart

Tested

(#+,#-)

(#+.#-)

Lesions

Falconiformes (6spp)

28

19

68%

2+, 0-

6+, 5-

2+, 1-

Rock Dove

18

2

11%

0

0+, 6-

0

Mourning Dove

135

23

17%

0+, 2-

11+, 61-

1+, 0-

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

18

1

6%

0+. 1-

0+, 6-

0

Strigiformes (3spp)

10

7

70%

0

0+, 3-

0

Ruby-thoated. Hummingbird

12

2

17%

0

0+3-

0

Blue Jay

219

176

80%

1+, 2-

47+, 28-

12+, 1-

American Crow

110

96

87%

2+, 0-

32+, 16-

1+, 0-

Eastern Bluebird

21

18

86%

0

1+, 0-

0

Swainson’s Thrush

12

3

25%

0

0+1-

0

American Robin

198

55

28%

l+, 3-

20+, 81-

9+, 1 7-

Northern Mockingbird

14

3

21%

0

0+, 3-

0

European Starling

93

3

3%

0+, 9-

3+, 62-

1+, 7-

Northern Cardinal

58

34

59%

0

5+, 9-

0

Common Grackle

124

42

34%

3+, 8-

I6+, 57-

5+, 1-

House Finch

80

40

50%

l+, 2-

I0+, 12-

0

American Goldfinch

14

6

43%

0

2+, 1-

0

House Sparrow

258

141

55%

3+, 6-

37+, 57-

8+. 1-

+ or - = West Nile Virus positive or negative by RT-PCR

#Histology = number of birds that had microscopic examination of the heart

I Group = 2 Birds from the same address in the same week.

Results

The first WNV-positive birds detected in 2002 were two Common Grackles that died in
Metcalfe County on 14 June. Subsequently, a total of 1,549 birds representing 69 species in
13 orders were tested for WNV by the UKLDDC in 2002 (Table 1 ). Of these. 696 (45%)
showed positive tests for the presence of WNV (Table 1 ); those 696 individuals represented
40 species in nine orders (Table 1 ).

Presence of WNV varied within orders of birds. Raptors (Falconiformes and Strigiformes)
represented by nine species, collectively, showed a high (68% [26/38]) incidence of WNV
(Table 1). In fact, WNV infection was detected in almost all raptors submitted in August
and September. The orders Anseriformes, Galliformes, Columbiformes, Cuculiformes, Apod-j
iformes and Piciformes had low incidences of WNV, and WNV was not identified in the
orders Ciconiformes, Gruiformes, Charadriformes and Coraciformes (Table 1).

2003 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ _

Overall, the order Passeriformes was represented in WNV testing by 39 species in 17 fami¬
lies. Families also showed marked variation in susceptibility to WNV (Table 1 ). WNV was
not identified from Passeriform families Vireomdae (vireos, 0/1), Troglodytidae (wrens, 0/
5), Thraupidae (tanagers, 0/5) or Embenzidae (sparrows, 0/4). However, the Corvidae (crows/
jays, 272/329), Paridae (chickadees/titmice, 5/6), Bombycillidae (waxwings, 5/10),
Cardinalidae (cardinals/grosbeaks/buntings, 34/61), Fringill idae (47/98), and Passeridae
(House Sparrow, 141/258) showed high (>50%) susceptibility.

For species of birds in which over ten individuals were tested, those with at least one
WNV-positive result were separated into groups of high incidence of 65-100% (American
Crow - 87% [96/1 10]; Eastern Bluebird - 85% [18/21]; Blue Jay - 80% [176/219]), me¬
dium incidence of 35-65% (Northern Cardinal - 58% [34/58]; House Sparrow 55% [141/
258]; House Finch - 50% [40/80]; American Goldfinch 42% [6/14] ), and low incidence of
3-34% (Common Grackle - 33% [42/124]; American Robin 27% [55/198]; Swainson's
Thrush - 25% [3/12]; Northern Mockingbird 20% [3/14]; Gray Catbird 8% [1/13];
European Starling - 3% [3/93]).

Three species (Common Grackle, European Starling and House Sparrow) were the most
likely to be submitted to the UKLDDC in groups of two or more. Of the nine separate
groups of European Starlings received, none contained WNV-positive birds. Six out of nine
groups of Common Grackles and three out of six groups of House Sparrows were also
WNV-negative (Table 1).

Of the 1,549 identified birds tested for WNV, limited histology of at least the heart and
usually the kidney was performed on 650 birds. The brains of approximately 400 birds were
also examined microscopically. More inclusive microscopic examination including lung,
liver, pancreas, spleen and gastrointestinal tract was done on approximately 250 birds. Re¬
sults of histologic examinations for species or orders containing >10 specimens is summa¬
rized in Table 2. Microscopic changes caused by WNV were often non-existent or difficult
to detect. Inflammation of heart muscle (myositis) was the most commonly identified le¬
sion. This microscopic change was only observed in approximately 20% of WNV-positive
birds where microscopic examination of the heart was conducted (Table 2). Mild vacuoliza¬
tion and hemorrhage was observed in the brain of a few birds. Grossly, many WNV-positive
birds had enlarged spleens. Splenic enlargement was confirmed microscopically by the
observation of increased numbers of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the spleen (splenic
leukocytosis or splenitis). Hepatitis (inflammation of liver) and nephritis (inflammation of
the kidney) were observed in a few WNV-positive birds. American Robins were the species
most likely to show severe myocarditis. Splenic leukocytosis was observed in American
Crows, Blue Jays and American Robins. Myocardial lesions consistent with WNV infec¬
tion in Passeriformes were observed in one WNV-positive Mourning Dove. Myocarditis
and splenic leukocytosis were seen in one specimen of WNV-positive Downy Woodpecker
that were comparable to changes observed in the American Robin.

Discussion

Varying rates of autolysis in each species may account for variation in WNV detection. In
general, smaller birds were more often decomposed and microscopic examination was of¬
ten not possible. Diagnosis of WNV in the Ruby-throated Hummingbird was of interest yet
microscopic lesions from this infection could not be studied because of post-mortem au¬
tolysis. Of the 14,122 avian deaths nationwide attributed to WNV in 2002, 7,7 19 cases were
crows (50%) (Chow et al. 2002). This number was biased by selection. Crows represented
about 7% of birds submitted for testing at UKLDDC in 2002 and made up about 14% of

58

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

total WNV-positive birds. In late August and September 2002, raptor rehabilitators reportedan
influx of neurologic and dead birds (K. Caminiti, pers. comm.: E. Wicker, pers. comm.:
Weiss 2002). Grossly, birds typically had prominent keel bone, serous atrophy of heart fat
and an empty gastrointestinal tract. Almost 100% of these hawks and owls were WNV-
positive. It has been speculated that raptors may become infected by consuming WNV-
positive prey (Garmendia et al. 2000).

Variations in the infection rate could be influenced by multiple factors including biology
of immunity, metabolism, behavior, habitat and method of transmission. European Star¬
lings may be relatively resistant to WNV as the virus was only detected in 3% of a relatively
large number (93) of submitted birds. Starlings are also resistant to a strain of avian influ¬
enza. When inoculated with Hong Kong-origin H5N 1 avian influenza, starlings were seemly
unaffected while Zebra Finches died within two days (Perkins and Swanyne 2001 ). House
Sparrows have been suggested as likely amplification host for WNV. This species' abun¬
dance worldwide and its close association with human dwellings have also made it a likely
choice to be used as free ranging sentinels. When House Sparrows were infected with the
NY 99 strain of WNV by mosquito bite and bled at 24-hour intervals, most birds survived
infection with the longest detectable viremia being six days. The average infectious viremia
was 2.3 days (Komer et al. 2000).

Neutralizing antibodies for WNV were detected in 8.6% of 93 resident House Sparrows 1
tested in October of 2000 on Staten Island, New York (Komer et al 2001). In the Czech
Republic where WNV is endemic, 5.5% of House Sparrows showed antibodies to WNV
( Juricova et al. 2000). The presences of seropositive birds suggest that many birds survive
WTMV infection and may play an important role in the transmission (Komer et al. 2001 ).

Conclusions

i

In 2002 WNV was detected by nested RT-PCR in 696 birds representing 40 species of I
Kentucky's wild birds. This sample represents 45% of birds tested from 101 of the state’s
120 counties. Microscopic changes observed in the heart, liver, kidney and spleen showed ;
variation between individual avian species. Minimal microscopic changes were observed
by examination of the brain with routine histopathological staining (H&E) in all species of
WNV infected birds. American Crows had the highest incidence of WNV infection yet
exhibited mild microscopic inflammatory changes, whereas American Robins had a lower
incidence of WNV infection but often demonstrated severe inflammatory responses in mul¬
tiple organs. Different orders and different families within orders exhibit markedly differ¬
ent incidence of WNV infection. Passeriformes with similar morphological characteristics
exhibited similar infection rates. This was observed in families Corvidae, Fringillidae and
Turdidae. The overall mortality of corvids and raptors submitted for necropsy at UKLDDC
showed a direct correlation with diagnosis of WNV by RT-PCR.

i

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the excellent technical assistance given and the additional workload
forborne by the personnel of the histology, virology, receiving and administrative depart¬
ments of the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. This is pub¬
lished as paper number 03-14-009 by permission of the Dean and Director, College of
Agriculture and Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station.

2003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

59

Literature Cited

Billings, S.K., and C. Mahl. 2002. West Nile Surveillance Summary, Kentucky 2001. Ken¬
tucky Department for Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning,
January 2002.

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Division of Vector-Borne Infectious
Diseases, West Nile Virus, Vertebrate Ecology, web site www.cdc.gov. October 2002.
Chow, C.C., S.P. Montgomery, D. O'Leary. R.S. Nasci, G.L. Campbell, A.M. Kipp, J.A.
Lehman, K. Olson, P. Collins, and A. A. Marfin. 2002. Provisional Surveillance Sum¬
mary of the West Nile Virus Epidemic-United States, January-November 2002. Morbid¬
ity and Mortality Weekly Report, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, December
20, 2002.

Enserink, M. 2000. The enigma of West Nile. Science 290(5496): 1482.

Garmendia, A.E., H.J. Van Kruiningen, R.A. French, J.F. Anderson, T.G. Andreadis, A.
Kumar, and A.B. West. 2000. Recovery and identification of West Nile Virus from a
hawk in winter. J. of Clinical Microbiolog y 38(8): 3 1 1 0-3 111.

Hayes, C.J. 1999. West Nile Vims: Uganda, 1937, to New York City, 1999. Annals of New
York Academy of Sciences 95 1 .

Johnson, D.J., E.N. Ostund. D.D. Pedersen, and B.J. Schmitt. 2001. Detection of North
American West Nile Vims in Animal Tissue by a Reverse Transcription-nested Poly¬
merase Chain Reaction Assay. Emerging Infectious Disease 7(4): 739-741 .

Juricova, Z., I. Literak. and J. Pinowski. 2000. Antibodies to arboviruses in House Sparrow
(Passer domesticus) in the Chech Republic. Acta Veterinaria Brno 69( 3):2 1 3-2 1 5.
Komer, N„ J. Bums, C. Dean, N. Panella, S. Dusza, and B. Cherry. 2001. Serological evi¬
dence for West Nile vims infection in birds in Staten Island, New York after an outbreak
in 2000. Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases 1(3):191-196.

Komer, N„ B. Davis, M. Bunning, and D. Hettler. 2000. Experimental infection of wild
birds with West Nile Vims (New York 1 999 strain). American Journal of Tropical Medi¬
cine and Hygiene 62(3), 229-230.

Lord, C.C., and J.F. Day. 200 1 . Stimulation studies and the St. Louis Encephalitis and West
Nile vimses: The impact of bird mortality. Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases 1(4).
Marfin, A. A., and D.J. Gubler. 2001 . West Nile Encephalitis: An emerging disease in the
United States. Clinical Infectious Disease 33:1713-1719.

Perkins, L„ and D. Swanyne. 2001 . Pathogenicity of a Hong Kong-origin H5N1 avian in¬
fluenza vims for four passerine species. Veterinary Patholog}’ 38(5):588.

Sells, S.F., and J.M. Donahue. 2003. Nucleic acid based testing in disease diagnosis. Equine
Disease Quarterly Newsletter 12(1 ): 5-6.

Steele K.E., M.J. Linn, R.J. Schoepp, N. Komar, T.W. Geisbert, R.M. Manduca, P.P. Calle,
B.L. Raphael, T.L. Clippinger, T. Larson, J. Smith, R.S. Lanciotti, N.A. Panella, and T.S.
McNamara. 2000. Pathology of fatal West Nile vims infections in native and exotic birds
during the 1999 outbreak in New York City, New York. Veterinary Pathology 37 (3): 208-
224.

Weiss, R. 2002. Ecological impact of West Nile Vims. Washington Post. December 28,
2002.

-University of Kentucky, Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, P.O. Box 14125, Lexing¬
ton, KY 40502-4125 (Billings. Bolin, Giles, Harrison, Jackson, Roberts, Sebastian. Sells,
and Vickers); Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, KY,
40601 (Palmer-Ball); Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Game Farm Rd, Frank¬
fort, KY, 40601 (Watson).

60

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

BOOK REVIEW

Notes on the Birds of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and
Obed National Wild and Scenic River

By Stephen J. Stedman and Barbara H. Stedman
Printing Services Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, Tennessee
2002

146 pp. 12 black and white photographs, flexible cover

If you plan to visit the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and/or the
Obed National Wild and Scenic River, this handy book is a treasure trove of information. It
covers the ornithological history and avifaunal changes that occurred in these wild areas.
This information is a helpful backdrop from which to view the accounts of present avifau¬
nal occurrences. Climate, geology, habitats and a general description of the parks are also
covered. In addition, a section covering information regarding the best birding trails, rivers
for canoeing and other recreational pursuits is included. A major portion of the book is
devoted to the occurrences of birds within the park. Several blank pages are included for
taking notes. This book is ideal for anyone wanting to visit these two wild areas and inter¬
ested in observing birds. Copies of the book may be obtained from the authors for $1 5.00
plus S2.00 postage and handling at 2675 Lakeland Drive, Cookeville, Tennessee 38506.

NEWS AND VIEWS
Kentucky Bird Records Committee

Rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season should be well documented and the
documentation should be sent to Lee McNeely, Secretary of the KBRC. P.O. Box 463,
Burlington, Kentucky 41005, for consideration by the committee for official state record
status.

Reminder of the Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline

The number for the Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline is ( 502 >-326-0878. Please report
any unusual sightings in order to provide others with the opportunity to see rare birds.

K.O.S Web Page

Visit the Kentucky Ornithological Society's web page at www.biology.eku.edu/kos.htm.

K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Avain Research Grant Fund

The K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Research Grant Fund supports research on birds in Ken¬
tucky up to S500. For guidelines on how to apply, please contact Blaine Ferrell, Ogden
College of Science and Engineering Deans Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling
Green. Kentucky, 42 1 01 (blaine.ferrell@wku.edu).

The Kentucky Warbler

(Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society)

VOL 79 _ AUGUST 2003 _ _ NO. 3

MANN LIBRARY

IACA, NY 14853

in Tins issue

K.O.S. THANKS FRED M. BUSROE . 63

SPRING SEASON 2003, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr and Lee McNeely . 64

HELD NOTE . 74

NEWS AND VIEWS . 75

62

_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 79

THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

President .

Vice-President .

Corresponding Secretary .

Treasurer .

Recording Secretary .

Councillors:

Richard Cassell, Louisville .

Janet Howard, Owensboro .

Scott Marsh, Lexington .

Roseanna Denton, Science Hill
Doris Tichenor, Morgantown ...
Phyllis Niemi, Princeton .

. Kathy Caminiti, Burlington

. Hap Chambers, Murray

. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.

8207 Old Wesport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913

. Jim Williams

480 Seeley Drive, Lexington, KY 40502-2609
. Gerald Robe, Ml Sterling

. 2001 thru 2003

. 2001 thru 2003

. 2002 thru 2004

. 2002 thru 2004

. 2003 thru 2005

. 2003 thru 2005

Retiring President . Marilee Thompson, Owensboro

Staff Artist . Ray Harm!

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, published quarterly in February, May, Augusi
and November. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER is sent to all members not in arrears for dues)
Membership dues are: Active or Regular $15.00; Contributing, $25.00; Student $10.00
Family, $20.00; Corporate, $100.00; and Life, $300.00. All articles and communication
should be addressed to the editor. Subscriptions and memberships should be sent to th

Treasurer. Requests for back issues should be sent to the Corresponding Secretary.

Editor..

..Blaine R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering
Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Editorial Advisory Board

Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. and Wayne Mason

Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely

P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY 41005

THE COVER

K.O.S. thanks Kathy Caminiti for the photo of a Tree Swallow ( Tachycineta bicolor) ah

nest box in Grant County.

1003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

63

K.O.S. Thanks Fred M. Busroe

The Winter Season, 2002-2003 ( Ky. . Warbl. 79(2): 43-50) was Fred M. Busroe’s last
seasonal report for the K.O.S. Fred has compiled the seasonal lists over a period of ap¬
proximately eight years since his first report compiled jointly with the late Anne L. Stamm
for The Fall Season 1 994. Those who have not compiled such a report might not appreciate
the amount of work that goes into making certain all records are collected and that all
reports are accurate. The large volume of submissions makes the task tedious and time
consuming. The K.O.S. sincerely thanks Fred for his dedication and diligence in making
sure the seasonal reports have been complete, accurate and on time.

1 think the K.O.S. would be remiss if it did not take this opportunity to also thank Fred
Busroe for his many years of service to K.O.S. in other capacities. Fie served as Councillor
from 1981-1983, Vice President in 1984 and 1985 and filled in again in that capacity for a
period of time in 1992 and 1993. He served as President of K.O.S. in 1986 and 1987. Fred
also served as Recording Secretary on an emergency basis in 1991. He is also one of the
founding members of the Kentucky Bird Records Committee and makes many contribu¬
tions of his own regarding sightings of unusual birds and birds that are out of season. In
short, Fred has served the society in whatever capacity was needed whenever it was needed
willingly and very competently. His willingness to volunteer for tasks that benefit the K.O.S.
and its members serves as a model for others. The K.O.S. thanks Fred for these many years
of dedication.

Although Fred Busroe has retired from Morehead State University where he taught orni¬
thology, K.O.S. knows that Fred will continue to be an integral part of this society, continu¬
ing to participate and help out when needed. We look forward to his continued involvement
and friendship.

64

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER
SPRING SEASON 2003

Vol. 79

Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. and Lee McNeely

The Spring Season 2003 was characterized by a lack of precipitation early followed by
copious rainfall during late April and early May. March was marked by above-average
temperatures, but April and May were near to slightly below normal. Unsettled weather
patterns that occurred during late April and early May contributed to some good fallouts of
birds during the last week of April and first ten days of May. Highlights from the season
included a few rare spring migrants (Red-throated Loon, Yellow Rail and Marbled Godwit),
a few vagrants (California Gull, White-winged Dove and Painted Bunting), and additional
reports of increasing species (Black-necked Stilt and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher).

Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these
reports have been accepted as records for the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Observ¬
ers are cautioned that records of out-of-season birds and all rarities must be accompanied
with good details or documentation for acceptance. Documentation must be submitted to
the Kentucky Bird Records Committee (KBRC). Decisions regarding the official Kentucky
list are made by the KBRC and are reported periodically in The Kentucky Warbler.

Abbreviations - County names appear in italics ; when used to separate dates, the “/”
symbol is used in place of “and”; “ph.” next to an observer’s initials indicates that the
observation was documented with photograph(s); “vt.” next to an observer’s initials indi¬
cates that the observation was documented on videotape; next to an observer’s initials
indicates that written details were submitted with the report; A.J. Jollv = A.J. Jolly Park,
Kenton ; Barklev Dam = Barkley Dam, Lyon/Livingston ; Big South Fork = Big South Fork
National River and Recreation Area, McCreary, Blood River = Blood River embayment of
Kentucky Lake, Calloway, Camp #11 = Peabody Camp #11 Mine, Union, Cooley’s =
Cooley’s Pond, Wayne; Cypress Creek - Cypress Creek Nature Preserve, Marshall; DBNF
= Daniel Boone National Forest; East Bend = East Bend Power Plant, Boone; Highland
Creek = Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Union; Homestead = Homestead Unit Peabody
WMA, Ohio; Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment of Kentucky Lake, Marshall;
Ken Hopewell = Ken Hopewell Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio; KvDam = Kentucky Dam,
Livingston/Marshall; KvDam Village = Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Marshall;
KDFWR = Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; KvLake = Kentucky
Lake, Marshall/C all oway/Livingst on/Lyon/ Trigg; Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon;
LBL = Land Between the Lakes, Lyon/Trigg-, Little Lick = Little Lick Recreation Area,
Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF), Pulaski; LkBarklev = Lake Barkley, Livingston/
Lyon/Trigg; Long Point = Long Point Unit Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Fulton; Lost
River = Lost River Cave and Valley, Bowling Green, Warren; Lower Hickman Bottoms =
Lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton; Mammoth Cave = Mammoth Cave National Park,
Edmonson (unless otherwise noted); Markland = Markland Dam on the Ohio River, Gallatin;
McElrov = McElroy Lake, Warren; Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatcheiy, Rowan;
Meldahl = Meldahl Dam on the Ohio River, Bracken; Mt Zion = Mt. Zion, Pulaski; New¬
burgh = Newburgh Dam on the Ohio River, Henderson; Newport = Newport, Campbell;
Obion = Obion WMA, Fulton (unless otherwise noted); Open Pond = Open Pond, Fulton;
Paradise = Paradise Power Plant impoundments, Muhlenberg ; Peabody = Peabody WMA,
Ohio/Muhlenberg (unless otherwise noted); Petros Pond = Petros Pond, Warren; Rock Bridge
= Rock Bridge, DBNF, Wolfe; Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson;
Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg; WMA = Wildlife Management Area.

2003 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 65

Red-throated Loon - a first-year bird (retaining dusky throat of juv. plumage) was ob¬
served on KyLake above the dam, Marshall, on 22-25 March (ph. BPB, HC).

Common Loon - a few of the more unusual reports included the following: 1 at Caneyville
Reservoir, Grayson, on 26 March (JP); 3 were present for several days in mid-April on L.
Peewee, Hopkins, (AM); Lark Camico, Nicholas, hosted up to 11 birds on 26 April (m.
ob.); one at Owsley Fork L., Madison/Jackson, on 29 April (PH); 1 at Camp Ernst L.,
Boone , on 29 April (LM); and 1 at a gravel pit at Petersburg, Boone, on 17 May (LM).

Horned Grebe - peak count was 1 8 on the Ohio R. at Newport on 21 March (FR).

American White Pelican - following up the mid-January bird in the same general area, 1
to 4 were seen on the Ohio R. from near New Richmond, OH, Campbell, to Chilo, OH,
just above Meldahl, 15-17 March (CCn, LB, et al.); the species was numerous on north
LkBarkley, Lyon, on 29 March (BY) with at least 75 still on LkBarkley above the dam on
17 April (BPB); 3 still there on 1 May (BPB, MM); and a bird with an injured wing that
remained there into mid-May (BPB); also reported were 70+ on KyLake, Calloway, on
30 March (HC); and 1 at Paradise on 27 May (MV).

Double-crested Cormorant - ‘"thousands” were observed in the KyLake/LkBarkley area
on 6 April (HC, RD); some of the larger counts also reported were 300+ over Sinclair on
12 April (MV); 250+ on KyLake, Calloway, on 3 May (HC); and 91 in Boone on 10 May
( fide LM).

American Bittern - 2 at Sauerheber on 12 April (DR, KOS); 2 at Chaney L., Warren, on 13
April (BPB); 2 or 3 at Long Point on 30 April (BPB, MM); 1 at Yatesville WMA, Lawrence,
on 2 May (SF); and 1 at Camp #11 on 5 May (MM).

Least Bittern - only reports were single birds at Sauerheber on 5 May (BPB, MM) and
Camp #1 1 on 8 May (BPB, JD).

Great Blue Heron - nesting colonies were active at Lee’s Ford, Pulaski, on 7 March (RD)
and L. LinviUe, Rockcastle, on 25 April (RD); a nest at East Bend contained young on 10
May (LM).

Great Egret - first observed at Highland Creek on 13 March (CC).

Snowy Egret - among the few reports was 1 at Meng’s Pond, Warren, on 24 April (ph. DR)
and 1 at Paradise on 16 May (MV).

Cattle Egret - only report of birds away from what might be considered expected areas
was 2 at Ellis Park, Henderson, on 5 May (BPB, MM)

Green Heron - earliest reports included 1 at Bowling Green on 31 March (JE) and 1 at Mt.
Zion on 3 April (RD).

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - only report during the period was an adult at Long Point
on 6 May (MM, LM, BPB).

Black Vulture - an impressive kettle of 200+ over Higginsport, OH, along the Ohio R.,
Bracken, 1 7 March was at least partially in Kentucky when observed (LB); also
reported were 60 at Shelbyville on 14 March (JP).

Turkey Vulture - peak count was ca. 100 at Big South Fork on 9 March (RD).

Greater White-fronted Goose - 3 near Homestead on 1 March (BPB, RL, MW); 3 each
at McElroy and Walton’s Pond, Warren, on 3 March (DR); 9 in western Fulton on 9
March (HC, et al.); 2 still at Sauerheber on 15 March (HC, RD, RDv); 4 still at Open
Pond on 1 5 March (BY); 1 injured bird still at Sauerheber on 16 March (BY); and 1
still at Ballard WMA on 2 1 March (BPB).

Snow Goose - ca. 7,000 were still in the general vicinity of Open Pond on 16 March
(HC, RD); also reported were 25 at McElroy on 6 March (DR) and 2 Blues at Cooley’s
on 21 March (RD).

66

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

Ross’s Goose - 1 at Walton’s Pond, Warren, on 3 March (DR); the individual that wintered
in southern Ohio was still present on 7 March (DR); 4 at Open Pond on 9 March (HC, et
al .); 5 near Open Pond on 16 March (HC).

Tundra Swan - a portion of the wintering flock at Sauerheber was still present on 6 March
(SV) with 9 last seen there on 13 March (MMn); 2 imm’s. were at Blood River 1-8 March
(HC, et al.). A flock of ca. 10 swans near Mt. Sterling, Montgomery , on 15 March were
unconfirmed to species but thought to be Tundras (GR).

Gadwall - peak count was 200 in west Fulton on 1 6 March (HC, RD); a drake lingered at
Camp #11 to at least 20 May (BPB).

American Wigeon - peak counts included 50+ al McElroy on 8 March (BPB, AC); 48 at
Cooley’s on 1 2 March (RD); and 1 46 in west Fulton on 1 6 March (HC, RD); a late drake
was on the Ohio R. at Newport on 8 May (FR).

Blue-winged Teal - small numbers lingered at traditional wet-year breeding areas into
mid- and late May (m. ob.).

Northern Shoveler - peak count was 1 52 in west Fulton on 16 March (HC, RD).

Mallard x Northern Pintail - late in being reported was a drake captured and banded at
Sauerheber on 21 February (ph. MMn, EC).

Northern Pintail - peak counts included ca 40 in southern Ohio on 1 March (BPB, RL,
MW); 64 along the Ohio R. in west Boone on 2 March (KCa); 130+ at McElroy on 3
March (DR); 75 at Highland Creek on 13 March (CC); and 110 in west Fulton on 16
March (HC, RD).

Green-winged Teal - peak count was 120 in west Fulton on 16 March (HC, RD).

Canvasback- peak count was 120 at Meldahl on 3 March (FR).

Redhead - peak counts included 250 at Meldahl on 3 March (FR) and 62 al Cooley’s on 1
March (RD).

Ring-necked Duck- 1 drake (likely injured) lingered on LkBarkley above the dam until at
least 6 May (BPB, MM, LM).

Greater Scaup - a few birds lingered on the
Ohio R., Campbell , into mid-March (FR),
with a drake at the Watertown Yacht Club
until 3 April (FR); peak count of migrants
was 80 at Meldahl on 3 March (FR); 1
likely injured male (ID’d as a probable
Greater) lingered at Paradise through the
end of the period (MV).

Lesser Scaup - at least 10 birds (most likely
injured) lingered on LkBarkley near the
dam into early May (m. ob.); a drake was
at Camp #11 on 8 May (BPB, JD).

Surf Scoter - one at Meldahl on 3 March (FR); 2 at Mary dale, Boone , on 1 8 April (ph.
LH); 3 on KyLake above the dam, Livingston, on 28 April (BPB, MM)

White-winged Scoter - single birds were on the Ohio R. at New Richmond, OH,
Campbell , on 2 March (DM) and 1 7 March (LB).

Bufflehead - a pair was present on LkBarkley above the dam to 5 May with a female
present there until at least 8 May (BPB, JD).

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2003

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Hooded Merganser - females with broods of young were observed near Ellis Park, Hen¬
derson, on 5 May (BPB, MM); at Sauerheber on 9 May (BY); and at Caperton Swamp
Nature Preserve, Jefferson, in late May (BY, MS).

Common Merganser - 2 late lingerers were observed at East Bend on 10 May (KCa, JC,
fide LM).

Ruddy Duck - at least 6 lingered at Camp # 1 1 through the end of the period (BPB).

Osprey - first arrivals included 1 on LkBarkley near the dam on 14 March (BY); 4 on
LkBarkley, Trigg, on 16 March (JM); and birds on two nests at the same location on 17
March (ER). A previously unknown nest along the Green R. in southern Ohio was blown
down by a storm in late April, but was rebuilt and active by the end of May (MV); as of
early May, at least four pairs were thought to be nesting on structures in KyLake, Calloway
(and adjacent Stewart, TN) (HC).

Mississippi Kite - first observed at Obion on 29 April (MM); single vagrant birds were
also observed along the Natcher Parkway in Ohio near the Butler line on 1 May (DR) and
at Sauerheber on 9 May (BY).

Bald Eagle - new nests were reported from the Jenny Hole Unit of Sloughs WMA,
Henderson (MMn), north of Audubon State Park, Henderson (BPB), on Rough River L.,
Grayson (RM, JBr, JP), on the Ohio R. downstream from Brandenburg, Meade (MMn,
SV), and along the Rolling Fork, Larue (fide SV); the nest at Yatesville L., Lawrence,
contained 2 chicks in late April (SF); relatively unusual were presumed migrants at
McElroy on 30 March (LD); over Mammoth Cave on 28 April (MA); at Bowling Green
on 11 May (DR); at Paradise on 16 May (MV); and along the Ohio R. at Rabbit Hash,
Boone, on 1 8 May (LM).

Northern Harrier - a continuing study of nesting birds at Peabody had logged 1 4 nests by
19 May (MV).

Red-tailed Hawk - a dark morph “Harlan’s” was seen near Rockfield, Warren, on 3 March
(vt. DR); a dark morph “ calurus ” was still at Homestead on 26 March (MV).

Rough-legged Hawk - last reported was 1 at Homestead on 29 March (MV).

Merlin - a probable wintering bird at Sinclair on 1 March (BPB, RL, MW); a likely mi¬
grant over Sinclair on 26 April (MM, MV); 1 over Kuttawa on 28 April (BPB, MM); 1 in
the Lower Efickman Bottoms on 29 April (BPB, MM); 1 over Obion on 30 April (BPB,
MM).

Peregrine Falcon - an unbanded imm. was observed in west Boone on 10 May (LM, JC);
what was presumably the female of the Louisville pair was found sick on the riverbank
on 28 May and subsequently died, probably due to poisoning of an as yet unknown na¬
ture (fide EW).

Yellow Rail - an individual was flushed seven times over a two-day period 1-2 April while
mowing operations were underway on Surrey Hills Farm, east Jefferson, for a first spring
record for the state (BPB). KBRC review required.

King Rail - only report was 1 flushed at Sauerheber on 5 May (BPB, MM).

Virginia Rail - at least 2 were heard at Cypress Creek on 22 March, indicating possible
wintering there (BPB); at least 1 was at the same location on 6 April (HC, RD); 1 to 2
were at Sauerheber on 12 April (DR, KOS); at least 3 were heard at Long Point on 29
April (BPB, MM); at least 2 were heard at Gibraltar WMA, Muhlenberg, on 30 April
(BPB, MM) and 6 May (BPB, MM, LM); a single bird periodically responded to a tape at
Pumphouse Pond, Pulaski from 23 April through the end of the period, indicating pos¬
sible breeding (RD, et al.).

68 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol, 79

Common Moorben - 1 to 2 were observed at Camp #1 1,

5 May (BPB, MM) through the end of the period
(BPB).

American Coot - a number of birds lingered at Camp
# 1 1 into May and a bird was observed incubating a
nest on 5 May (ph. BPB, MM).

Sandhill Crane - flocks continued migrating north
through central Kentucky during the first week of
March (m.ob.), but numbers quickly diminished as
weather improved. Peak counts were seen during the
first few days of March when thousands were present
in south central Kentucky, including 1,300 at McElroy
on 3 March (DR). Birds outside the normal central Kentucky corridor included small
flocks over west Boone (KCa); southwest Logan (MB, FL); Cave Run L., Rowan (EC);
north Boone (KM ,fide NK); and Lexington (IS). Last reported were 5 at McElroy on 23
March (TD).

Black-bellied Plover - 1 below Newburgh on 5 May (BPB, MM); species reported at
Petros Pond on 17 May (TD); 3 at Paradise on 18 May (MV).

American Golden-Plover - first reports included a nearly record early bird at McElroy
on 4 March (DR) and 16 in west Fulton on 16 March (HC, RD); peak counts included
at least 500 in west Fulton on 6 April (HC, RD) and 1 10 at McElroy on 7 April (DR);
also reported were 16 at McElroy on 23 March (TD); 2 at Jonathan Creek on 29 March
(HC, ME); 6 at Cooley’s on 29 March (RD); and 2 at Open Pond on 9 May (BY).

Semipalmated Plover - earliest reports were single birds at Paradise on 1 2 April (MV) and
Swallow Spring, Christian , on 16 April (BPB); peak count was 75+ at Obion on 29 April
(BPB, MM).

Black-necked Stilt - this spring’s reports were limited to traditional areas for migrants and
occasional nesters in west Fulton , with 2 present on 6 May (RD, JD) and 5 present on 3 1
May (HC, ME).

American Avocet- quite impressive was a flock of 40 in west Caldwell on 1 May (J&PN);
this represents the largest number ever to be reported in the state.

Greater Yellowlegs - first arrivals were noted at Jonathan Creek on 8 March (HC) and in
west Fulton on 9 March (HC); peak count was 68 at scattered locations in Henderson on
19 April (BPB).

Lesser Yellowlegs - first arrivals were noted at Jonathan Creek on 8 March (HC) and in
west Fulton on 9 March (HC); peak counts were 225 in Henderson on 1 9 April (BPB)
and 200+ at Obion on 29 April (BPB. MM).

Willet - well represented this spring with a number of reports as follows: 6 below Barkley
Dam on 25 April (BL); 43 at Kuttawa on 28 April (BPB, MM); 36 at the same location on
30 April (BPB, MM, DR, RDv); 1 at LkBarkley near the dam on 30 April (BPB, MM);

1 at KyDam Village beach on 1 May (BPB, MM); 1 below Newburgh on 5 May (BPB,
MM); 28 at KyDam Village beach on 7 May (BPB, JD); and 24 at Kuttawa on 7 May
(BPB, JD).

Spotted Sandpiper - first reported on the Ohio R. at Dayton, Campbell , on the relatively
early date of 3 1 March (FR).

Upland Sandpiper - only reports were single birds in north Barren on 1 4 April (MSn) and
south Warren on 24 April (DR).

2003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

69

Vfarbled Godwit - 1 was at Minor Clark on 26 April

i— —

(ph. LK); 2 were observed flying north over LkBarkley

HHT5I ■■■

_

Marbled Godwit, Rowan County
26 April 2003. Lew Komman

above the dam on 28 April (*BPB, MM). KBRC
review required.

Ruddy Birnstone - 2 at Kuttawa on 7 May (BPB, JD);

1 at Paradise on 1 8 May (MV).

Sanderling - only report for the spring was a freshly-
molted bird at the KyDam Village beach on 7 May
(BPB, JD).

Least Sandpiper - 1 was relatively early at McElroy
on 7 March (BPB, AC); early migrants or wintering
birds were noted at Jonathan Creek on 8 March (HC).

VVhite-rumped Sandpiper - first reported (1 bird) at
Obion on 30 April (BPB, MM).

Pectoral Sandpiper - early birds returned by the first few days of March including 1 in
south Ohio on 1 March (BPB, MW, RL), 27 at Jonathan Creek on 2 March (HC, RL,
MW), and 41 at McElroy on 3 March (DR); early peak counts occurred soon thereafter
and included 1 10+ at McElroy on 4 March (DR); 52 at Cooley’s on 12 March (RD); 98
at Jonathan Creek on 14 March (BY); 800 at Sauerheber on 15 March (HC, RD, RDv);
1,400 at the same location on 16 March (BY); 156 in west Fulton on 16 March (HC,
RD); 60 at Cooley’s on 21 March (RD); 300 at McElroy on 23 March (TD); “hun¬
dreds” in west Fulton on 6 April (HC, RD); and 200+ at Obion on 16 April (BPB).

Dunlin - 1 at McElroy on 3/5 March was exceptionally early for a presumed non¬
overwintering individual (DR); 2 at Mt. Zion on 1 1 April (RD); 1 at Morgan’s Pond,
Christian, on 16 April (BPB); 1 at Obion on 30 April (BPB, MM); 1 in west Fulton on
12 May (LA); 1 at Paradise on 18 May (MV); 2 in Trigg on 26 May (BL); peak count
was an unimpressive 28 in west Fulton on 24 May (HC).

Stilt Sandpiper- 1 at Obion on 16 April (BPB);
species was reported at Petros Pond on 1 7 May
(TD).

Long-billed Dowitcher - 1 (calls heard) at Obion
on 16 April (BPB); 1 (calls heard) at Obion on
29 April (BPB, MM); 4 at Long Point (ID’d
by plumage) on 29 April (BPB, MM); 1 (calls
heard) at Sauerheber on 5 May (BPB, MM).

Wilson’s Phalarope - 2 males were at Sauerheber
on 5 May (BPB, MM) and a female was there
on 9 May (BY).

Laughing Gull - a first-year bird was on
LkBarkley near the dam on 16 April (ph. BPB);
an adult was below Barkley Dam on 25 April
(BL); an adult was at East Bend on 10 May
(LM JC).

Franklin’s Gull - 1 flew by Kuttawa on 16 April (BPB); at least 2 on KyLake above the
dam on 28 April (BPB, MM); 4 flew by Newburgh on 5 May (BPB, MM); 3 on KyLake
above the dam on 8 May (BPB, JD).

Bonaparte’s Gull - latest observations (all first-year birds) included 2 below Newburgh on
5 May (BPB, MM); 1 on LkBarkley above the dam on 6 May (BPB, MM, LM); and 3 at
KyDam Village marina on 7 May (BPB, JD) with 1 still there on 8 May (BPB, JD).

Laughing Gull, Lyon Co, 16 April 2003
Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr.

70

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

Ring-billed Gull - late peak counts included 170 at Newport and 250 at Watertown Yacht
Club, Campbell, on 1 March (FR); 250 at Meldahl on 3 March (FR); 250+ lingered in the
vicinity of KyDam to at least 7 May (BPB, JD). A partially albinistic bird was observed
on the Ohio R at Newport on 8 April (* FR); a relatively late and somewhat wayward
migrant was found at the McCreary airport on 29 May (LMs ,fide SS).

California Gull - a second-year bird was closely studied at the KyDam Village marina on
7 May (* BPB, * JD). KBRC review required.

Herring Gull - at least 15 were still in the vicinity of KyDam as of 8 May (BPB, JD).

Thayer’s Gull - an adult was at Barkley Dam on 2 March (HC, et al.).

Lesser Black-backed Gull - an adult was observed at Kuttawa 14/29 March (BY); 2 adults
were observed on KyLake, south Marshall, on 29 March (HC, ME).

Caspian Tern - first reported was a bird on LkBarkley near the dam on 29 March (BY)
that established a new early arrival date for the state by one day; a few birds lingered into
late May with the latest report being 1 at Paradise on 26 May (MV).

Common Tern - first observed ( 1 to 2 birds) on KyLake above the dam on 30 April (BPB,
MM, DR, RDv); an impressive flock of 60+ birds at Newburgh on 5 May (BPB, MM);
15 on the Ohio R., Campbell, on 12 May (FR); 1 still at Barkley Dam on 26 May (HC,
RL, MW).

Forster’s Tern - small numbers returned to KyLake by the first week of March (HC) with
25 at Jonathan Creek on 8 March (HC); also reported was 1 at Minor Clark on 12 April
(SM) and 3 on the Ohio R., Campbell, on 12 May (FR).

Black Tern - first observed were single birds on the Ohio R. at Newport on 5 May (FR) and
on KyLake above the dam on 6 May (BPB, MM, LM); 1 was at Camp #11 on 20 May
(BPB); peak count was a dismal 4 on the Ohio R., Campbell, on 12 May (FR).

Eurasian Collared-Dove - 2 birds were reported for
the first time in Union, northeast of Morganfield,
on 13 March (CC).

White-winged Dove - 1 was at Hickman. Fulton, on
6 May (ph. BPB, MM, LM) and 7 May (NM, ph.

MT). KBRC review required.

Black-billed Cuckoo - 1 at Mt. Zion on 2 May (RD);

1 at Kuttawa Rec. Area, Lyon, on 6 May (BPB.

MM. LM); I at Bowling Green on 1 2 May (JE);

1 at Long Point on 1 1 May (JW); 2 at Miller,

Fulton, on 1 3 May (KL, et al. ); species reported
near South Williamson, Pike, on 28 May (JCr).

Yellow-billed Cuckoo - first reported on 25 April in LBL, Trigg (BL).

Barn Owl - 1 to 2 birds continued in rural east Calloway through the period (HC, JTE);
another was reported second-hand from south Logan in late April (fide FL); as was an¬
other from Vernon, Monroe in early May (TC, fide SS).

Short-eared Owl - last observed were 2 al Ken Hopewell on 29 March (MV) and 1 at
Sinclair on 12 April (MV).

Common Nighthawk - extraordinarily early was one seen and heard at Lexington on 1 8
March (SM RB).

Whip-poor-will - earliest reports were calling birds west of Munfordville, Hart, on 24
March (SK) and a bird in southwest Jefferson on 27 March (CL).

Ruby-throated Hummingbird - earliest reports were single birds at Murray on 7 April
(KC) and 8 April (ME).

I

!003 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 71_

ted-headed Woodpecker - large numbers were still at Ballard WMA on 21 March (BPB);
good numbers were also at Cypress Creek on 22 March (BPB).

)live-sided Flycatcher - only reports were single birds in LBL, Lyon, on 6 May (BPB,
MM, LM) and 9 May (BY).

Vlder Flycatcher - only reports were at least 3 at Ken Hopewell on 16 May (MV) and 1 at
Paradise on 1 8 May (MV).

Least Flycatcher - birds of the probable nesting population at Black Mt. were present by
1 1 May (BY); a relatively late migrant was reported from Bemheim Forest, Bullitt, on 28
May (SM).

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - it was the second banner
year in a row for the species; a bird in rural north¬
east Bourbon on 27 April (ph. G&NE) homed out
to be 1 of a pair that apparently have been nesting
at the location since 1 999 (fide SW); one or both
birds continued at this site through the end of May
(m. ob.); 1 was observed several miles west of the
2002 Livingston nest site on 1 May (J&PN); 1 was
near Long Point on 1 1 May (ph. JW); 1 was at
Sinclair on 21 May (ph. MV); 1 was observed
sporadically 21 April (J&PN) and 25 April (BL) -
7 May (BPB, JD) below Barkley Dam but
apparently disappeared; what must represent last
year’s pair was present along KY 453 north of
Grand Rivers, Livingston, 27 April (HC), but
despite their presence there through the end
of the period, no firm evidence of nesting was observed. KBRC review required.

Loggerhead Shrike - a probable resident bird near the northern limit of the species’ range
was reported from Boone on 10 May (fide LM).

Bell’s Vireo - the species returned to Sinclair by 30 April (BPB, MM); a singing bird had
returned to an apparent territory (present at same place in 2002) in south Livingston by 7
May (BPB, JD); 1 was at West Ky WMA, McCracken, on 13 May (SR).

Blue-headed Vireo - earliest arrivals included 1 at Little Lick on 1 8 March, which set a
new early date for the state by three days (RD); 2 near Rock Bridge on 22 March (FR);
4 at Yahoo Falls, DBNF, McCreary, on 22 March (RD); and 1 at Bowling Green on 26
March (JE).

Warbling Vireo - first reported in south Jefferson on 12 April (DP) and at Rough River
State Resort Park, Grayson, on 1 5 April (JP).

Philadelphia Vireo - first reported (heard and seen) at Murray on the extraordinarily early
date of 23 April (KC); good numbers appeared at LBL after the first week of May with at
least 6 observed on 8 May (BPB, JD).

Fish Crow - small numbers were observed in west Fulton from 1 6 March (HC, RD) through
the period; the species was first observed at Jonathan Creek on 22 March (ME); 1 was
heard at Blood River on 30 March and the species was thought to be more common
around KyLake in general this year (HC).

Common Raven - 1 was observed flying over Black Mt. on 10 May (BPB, JD).

Purple Martin - first arrivals were reported from Murray on 10 March (HC).

Northern Rough-winged Swallow - earliest reports included a new early arrival date for
Kentucky by one day with 2 birds at KyDam Village beach on 14 March (vt. BY"); also
relatively early were 2 at Cooley’s on 21 March (RD) and 2 at the mouth of Craig’s

Vol. 79

72 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Creek, Gallatin , on 22 March (LM, KOS).

Bank Swallow - first reported at A.J. Jolly on 22 April (FR).

Red-breasted Nuthatch - at least 2 pairs of birds were at the traditional Rock Bridge
breeding area with courtship noted on 22 March (FR) and an active nest cavity observed
on 22 May (FR).

Bewick’s Wren - 1 was singing at the 2002 Scott nesting location on 1 April and for about
a week thereafter and again in early May, but apparently no nesting occurred (LBd); the
only additional report for the period was a bird at the KyDam Village marina on 8 May
(BPB, JD).

Sedge Wren - only reports were single birds in the Lower Hickman Bottoms on 29 April
(BPB, MM) and in east Jefferson on 4 May (BPB, MM).

Marsh Wren - only report was 1 at Camp #1 1 on 5 May (BPB, MM).

Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1 was still at LBL, Lyon, on 8 May (BPB, JD); last reported on
1 2 May at Lost River (JE).

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - first reported on 22 March in LBL (ME).

Gray Catbird - an exceptionally early spring arrival or lingering overwintering bird was
reported from Boyle on 23 March (MH).

American Pipit - relatively late was a flock of 30 in Fayette on 10 May (JWs).

Cedar Waxwing - hard to come by early in the season, waxwings began to appear in
numbers during the first week of May and staged an impressive flight in mid-May with
many birds likely lingering to nest (m. ob.); peak count was 400-500 at Frankfort on 23
May (DW).

Blue-winged Warbler - first reported at LBL, Trigg, on 13 April (BL) and at Bowling
Green on 16 April (JE).

Golden-winged Warbler - first reported on Indian Knob Road, McCreary- where nesting
is suspected - on 20 April (RD); observed in LBL 29 April (BPB, MM) - 9 May (BL)
with more than one bird on several dates (BL); also reported from Lost River on 4 May
(JE). Work sponsored by the University of Kentucky, KDF WR and the Cornell Lab of
Ornithology yielded an abundance of information on the species in southeastern Ken¬
tucky. One was first observed at Flatwoods, Pike , on 28 April (SF, LP), and 16 individu¬
als, with most probably on territory were detected 10 May - 15 June, mostly in Bell,
Harlan and Pike, but with single individuals detected in McCreary and Whitley (LP, JL).

Brewster’s Warbler - 1 was observed in LBL, Trigg, on 9 May (BL); the above-noted
survey work for Golden-winged’s in southeastern Kentucky yielded observations of single
birds in Bell on 1 0 May and Harlan on 22 May (LP).

Tennessee Warbler - amazingly abundant (probably 100-150+ seen/heard) in LBL,

Lyon on 6 May (BPB, MM, LM).

Northern Parula - first reported at LkBarkley, Lyon, on 29 March (BY), one day later
than the previous early arrival date.

Cape May Warbler - probably 25+ were seen/heard in LBL, Lyon, on 6 May (BPB,

MM, LM).

Black-throated Blue Warbler - single migrants were reported from Lexington in early
May (BJ); Boone on 10 May (fide LM); and Louisville on May 18 (JE); local nesting
birds were “everywhere” at Black Mt. on 1 1 May (BY).

Black-throated Green Warbler - earliest reports included 2 near Rock Bridge on 22
March (FR); 2 at Yahoo Falls. DBNF, McCreary, on 22 March (RD); 2 at Natural Arch,
DBNF, McCreary, on 23 March (RD); and 1 at Louisville on 30 March (J&PB).

Blackpoll Warbler - first reported in LBL, Trigg, on 25 April (BL); amazingly abundant
(probably 50-75+ seen/heard) in LBL, Lyon, on 6 May (BPB, MM, LM).

003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

73

'erolean Warbler - earliest report was 1 at Mammoth Cave on 1 8 April (J&PB).

Ilack-and-white Warbler - a new record early spring date was established by a bird near
Rock Bridge on 22 March (FR).

’rothonotary Warbler - earliest arrivals included 2 at L. Cumberland WMA, Pulaski , on
14 April (RD) and LBL, Trigg, on 14 April (BL).

iwainson’s Warbler - a few were reported at traditional breeding areas as early as 3 May
in east Calloway (fide HC); 16 May at Big South Fork (SS); 17 May at Little Lick (RD,
et al .); and 22 May near Rock Bridge (FR)

Northern Waterthrush - earliest report was 1 at A.J. Jolly on 22 April (FR).

Louisiana Waterthrush - earliest report was 1 along the Fishing Creek embayment of L.
Cumberland, Pulaski , on 21 March (RD).

Kentucky Warbler - earliest report was 1 heard at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park,
Whitley , on 5 April (MV).

Connecticut Warbler - single birds were reported in southwest Jefferson on 1 0 May (CL);
at Bowling Green on 11 May (JE); and in east Jefferson on 15 May (BPB).

Hooded Warbler - earliest report was 1 at Little Lick on 14 April (RD).

Wilson’s Warbler - first reported on the relatively early date of 30 April in LBL, Lyon
(BPB, MM).

Canada Warbler - two pairs were observed at the summit of Black Mt. on 10 May includ¬
ing a female already gathering nest material (BPB, JD).

Summer Tanager - first reported in LBL, Trigg, on 15 April (BL) and at Russellville on
16 April (MB).

Scarlet Tanager - first reported in east Calloway on 8 April (BH ,fide HC).

Chipping Sparrows - at least 7 birds that wintered in eastern Jefferson were still present
on 2 March and lingered into mid-March when spring migrants began to arrive (BPB).

Vesper Sparrow - peak count was 8 at Cooley’s on 21 March (RD); last reported at
England-Idlewild Park, Boone , on 19 April (LM).

Lark Sparrow - only report for the season was 1 in west Fulton on 1 1 May (JW).

Henslow’s Sparrow - especially numerous on Sinclair this spring with 25+ heard on 30
April (BPB, MM); also recorded at Beech Grove Ridge, Pulaski, (3 birds) on 1 0 May
(RD) and near Ano, Pulaski, (3 birds) on 17 May (RD, et al.).

LeConte’s Sparrow - 1 at Sinclair on 1 March likely wintered (BPB, RL, MW); on 21
March 1 was still at the location on West Ky WMA, McCracken, where at least 2 were
observed on the CBC indicating that the species apparently overwintered there (BPB);

1 was reported from east Calloway on 8 April (HU, fide HC).

White-throated Sparrow - last reported at Bowling Green on 12 May (JE).

Lapland Longspur - “many” were still at McElroy on 3 March (DR).

Rose-breasted Grosbeak - an exceptionally early
bird was reported from Caneyville Reservoir,

Grayson, on 24 March (JP); few were reported at
feeders during the first ten days of May (m. ob.);

1 lingered at a feeder near Cadiz, Trigg, until 16
May (BL).

Painted Bunting - a male was found at Miller,
west Fulton, on 30 April and remained on territory
to the end of period (ph. BPB, ph. MM, et al.).

KBRC review required.

Bobolink - migrant flocks were noted from a variety
of locations across central and western Kentucky

74

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 79

during normal flight period (m. ob.); first reported in Bourbon on 27 April (BPB, RC,
AC); also reported from Vernon, Monroe , on 3 May (BS, TC); and at the McCreary
airport on 28 May (SS).

Western Meadowlark - 4 were reported from near Open Pond on 9 March (JW .fide HC);

1 was reported from west Fulton on 12 May (LA).

Brewer’s Blackbird - 2 were at McElroy on 1 March (JE); 4 were at Walton’s Pond,
Warren, on 4 March (DR); 1 was near Open Pond on 9 March (JW, fide HC); ca. 12 were
in northwest Ballard on 21 March (BPB).

Baltimore Oriole - first reported on 19 April at Murray (KC).

Purple Finch - hardly detected during the entire period; a male was observed at Bee
Rock Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski, on 20 March (RD); a male was observed at
Short Creek, Grayson, on 5 April (JP); a pair was observed at a feeding station in
Florence, Boone, on 30 April (GC).

Contributors: Leif Anderson (LA); Mathew Arnold (MA); Jane and Pat Bell (J&PB);
Mark Bennett (MB); Joan Brown (JBr); Lori Brumbaugh (LB); Rhonda Bryant (RB);
Laura Burford (LBd); Joe Caminiti (JC); Kathy Caminiti (KCa); Terry Campbell (TC);
Granville Carey (GC); Joan Carr (JCr); Richard Cassell (RC); Hap Chambers (HC);
Elizabeth Ciuzio (EC); Chris Clingman (CCn); Katherine Cohen (KC); Amy Covert
(AC); Charlie Crawford (CC); Julie Denton (JD); Roseanna Denton (RD); Robert
Dever (RDv); Lester Doyle (LD); Jon Dunn (JD); Tom Durbin (TD); Melissa Easley
(ME); Ginny and Neil Eklund (G&NE); Jackie Elmore (JE); Joe Tom Erwin (JTE);
Scott Freidhof (SF); Paul Hager (PH); Michael Hamm (MH); Lana Hays (LH); Bob
Head (BH); Bonnie Jacobs (BJ); Ned Keller (NK); Kentucky Ornithological Society
(KOS); Steve Kistler (SK); Lew Komman (LK); JeffLarkin (JL); Celia Lawrence
(CL); Ken Leggett (KL); Bill Lisowsky (BL); Roly Lloyd (RL); Frank Lyne (FL); Jon
Mann (JM); many observers (m. ob.); Scott Marsh (SM); Kathy McDonald (KM); Lee
McNeely (LM); Rick Mehlbauer (RM); Lynda Mills (LMs); Mark Monroe (MM);
Nancy Moore (NM); Ann Morgan (AM); Donald Morse, Jr. (DM); Mike Morton
(MMn); John and Phyllis Niemi (J&PN); Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BPB); Don Parker
(DP); Laura Patton (LP); Joyce Porter (JP); Ed Ray (ER); Scott Record (SR); Frank
Renfrew (FR); Gerald Robe (GR); David Roemer (DR); Barbara Stedman (BS); Steve
Stedman (SS); Ian Stewart (IS); Matt Shekel (MS); Mitchell Sturgeon (MSn); Mike
Todd (MT); Shawchyi Vorisek (SV); Mark Vukovich (MV); Mary Walter (MW); Steve
Watkins (SW); Danny Watson (DW); Eileen Wicker (EW); Jim Williams (JWs); Jeff
Wilson (JW); Ben Yandell (BY). - 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222
(brainard.palmer-ball@mail.state.ky.us) (Palmer-Ball) and P.O. Box 463, Burlington,
KY, 41005 (lkmc9@netscape.net) (McNeely).

FIELD NOTE

ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER AT BOWLING GREEN

On the morning of October 15, 2000, while Diane Elmore and I were birding at the
Western Kentucky University woods on Bennett Road, in southern Warren County, we
were somewhat surprised to find a Myiarchus- type flycatcher. We originally thought it
might be a Great Crested Flycatcher ( Myiarchus crinitus), however I realized the tim-

75

2003 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _

mg of this sighting was late so we scrutinized the bird very closely. With my field
guide in my truck, I could only remember that the undertail pattern played a role in the
separation of Myiarchus flycatchers. I asked Diane to look at the bird closely espe¬
cially the undertail. Standing and viewing from as close as 40 to 50 feet underneath the
bird, with bright morning sunlight we could easily see the pattern with our binoculars.
Both Diane and I agreed on the pattern of the underside of the tail: rufous coloring on
the inner webs and a dark tip. This pattern, along with a rather pale face and throat
with little contrast between the neck and yellowish belly had us thinking this was not a
Great Crested. The bill and feet were black. The top of the head and back was brown¬
ish. The top of the tail appeared to be brown but showed some rufous as the bird
foraged for food. There was a hint of rufous on the edge of the primaries. It had two
wing bars.

During the observation the flycatcher did not vocalize, and while we watched it
appeared to glean insects off branches and at least once flew out to catch an insect from
its perch. The bird spent much of the time sitting in a bare dead pine tree allowing
Diane and me a close observation. After about five minutes of viewing, we returned to
my truck to look in my National Geographic field guide. Turning to the Myiarchus
flycatchers page, Diane and I both agreed the bird we observed was an Ash-throated
Flycatcher ( Myiarchus cinerascens). The binoculars used in this observation were Minox
10x42 and 8x32. The flycatcher was still present when we left the area to notify others
of its presence, but unfortunately it could not be relocated later that day or on subse¬
quent visits.

This represents the first Kentucky record for Ash-throated Flycatcher. The species
exhibits a pattern of fall vagrancy in the eastern United States, typically showing up in
several locations on an annual basis. Tennessee has had two records, both in December
(C. Sloan, pers. comm.). - JACKIE B. ELMORE, 140 Crockett Dr., Bowling Green,
KY, 42101.

NEWS AND VIEWS
Kentucky Bird Records Committee

Rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season should be well documented and the
documentation should be sent to Lee McNeely, Secretary of the KBRC, P.O. Box 463,
Burlington, Kentucky 41005, for consideration by the committee for official state record
status.

K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr. Avian Research Grant Fund

The K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe. Jr. Research Grant Fund supports research on birds in Ken¬
tucky up to $500. For guidelines on how to apply, please contact Blaine Ferrell, Ogden
College of Science and Engineering Deans Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling
Green, Kentucky, 42101 (blaine.fexrell@wku.edu).

76

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline

The Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline is (502)-326-0878. Please report any unusual
sightings in order to provide others with the opportunity to see rare birds.

Visit the K.O.S. Website

To learn about the Kentucky Ornithological Sociey and interesting happenings, visit the
K.O.S. Website, www.biology.eku.edu/kos.htm, maintained by webmaster Gary Ritchison.

The Kentucky Warbler

(Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society)

Vol. 79 NOVEMBER 2003 NO. 4

IN THIS ISSUE

SUMMER SEASON 2003, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. and Lee McNeely . 79

KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2003 FALL MEETING,

Gerald Robe . 86

FIELD NOTES . 89

NEWS AND VIEWS . 92

78

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

President . Kathy Caminiti, Burlington

Vice-President . Hap Chambers, Murray

Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.

8207 Old Wesport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-39 13

Treasurer . Jim Williams

480 Seeley Drive, Lexington, KY 40502-2609

Recording Secretary . Gerald Robe, Mt. Sterling

Councillors:

Richard Cassell, Louisville . 2001 thru 2003

Janet Howard. Owensboro . 2001 thru 2003

Scott Marsh, Lexington . 2002 thru 2004

Roseanna Denton, Science Hill . 2002 thru 2004

Doris Tichenor, Morgantown . 2003 thru 2005

Phyllis Niemi, Princeton . 2003 thru 2005

Retiring President . Marilee Thompson, Owensboro

Staff Artist . Ray Harm

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 $15.00: Contrib¬
uting, $25.00; Student $10.00; Family, $20.00; Corporate, $100.00; and Life,
$300.00. All articles and communications should be addressed to the editor. Sub¬
scriptions and memberships should be sent to the Treasurer. Requests for back
issues should be sent to the Corresponding Secretary.

Editor . B.R. Ferrell. Ogden College of Science and Engineering

Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green. KY 42101

Editorial Advisory Board

Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. and Wayne Mason

Secretary. Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely

P.O. Box 463, Burlington. KY 41005

THE COVER

Wc thank David Roemer and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. for the photographs of the Painted
Bunting (Passerina ciris) on the front and back covers. Both were taken on May 1, 2003, in
Fulton County (see Field Notes).

2003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

79

SUMMER SEASON 2003

Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely

June and July 2003 were characterized by approximately average rainfall and slightly
below average temperature. Highlights from the season included confirmed records of two
new nesting species for the state (Gadwall and Ruddy Duck), nesting of Scissor-tailed Fly¬
catcher for the second year in a row, and a few vagrants (including White -winged Dove and
continued Painted Bunting). As of late July, only a few avian cases of West Nile Virus had
been reported (J. Roberts, pers. comm.), perhaps portending a much less devastating late
summer season than in 2002.

Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these
reports have been accepted as records for the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Observ¬
ers are cautioned that records of out-of-season birds and all rarities must be accompanied
with good details or documentation for acceptance. Documentation must be submitted to
the Kentucky Bird Records Committee (KBRC). Decisions regarding the official Kentucky
list are made by the KBRC and are reported periodically in The Kentucky > Warbler.

Abbreviations Miscellaneous: county names appear in italics ; when used to separate
dates, the symbol is used in place of “and”; “ph.” next to an observer's initials indicates
that the observation was documented with photograph(s); “vt.” next to an observer’s initials
indicates that the observation was documented on videotape; next to an observer’s ini¬
tials indicates that written details were submitted with the report; ad. = adult; imm. = imma¬
ture; juv. = juvenile; yg. = young; KDFWR = Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife
Resources. Place names: Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam, Lyon/Livingston ; Barren = Barren
River Lak e, Allen/Barren; Big South Fork = Big South Fork National River and Recreation
Area, McCreaty ; Black Mt. = Black Mountain , Harlan (unless otherwise noted); Blood
River = Blood River embayment of Kentucky Lake, Calloway ; Camp #1 1 = Peabody Camp
#1 1 Mine, Union ; Caperton = Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve, Jefferson', Chaney Lake =
Chaney Lake State Nature Preserve, Warren; Cumberland Gap = Cumberland Gap National
Historical Park. Harlan (unless otherwise noted); DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest;
Grassy Pond = Grassy Pond Unit Sloughs WMA, Union (unless otherwise noted); Ky Bend
= Kentucky Bend, Fulton ; Ky Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall; Ky Lake =
Kentucky Lake, Marshall/Calloway/Livingston/Lyon/Trigg; Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at
Kuttawa, Lyon; Lake Barkley = Lake Barkley, Livingston/Lyon/Trigg; Lake No. 9 = Lake
No. 9, Fulton; Long Point = Long Point Unit Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Fulton;
Meng’s Pond = Meng’s Pond, Warren; Morgan's Pond = Morgan’s Pond, Christian; Open
Pond = Open Pond, Fulton; Paradise = Paradise Power Plant impoundments, Muhlenberg;
Petros Pond = Petros Pond. Warren; Rock Bridge = Rock Bridge, DBNF, Wolfe; Sauerheber
= Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson; Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA,
Muhlenberg; WMA = Wildlife Management Area.

Common Loon 1 in basic plumage was at
Kuttawa 7 June (BP, AC); 3 birds (2 in
basic, 1 in alternate plumage) were above
Ky Dam from 22 July through the remain¬
der of summer and likely had been present
the entire period (BP, MM et al.).

Pied-billed Grebe the species lingered into

June at Chaney Lake and an ad. with 7
juvs. was observed 4 June (ph. DR); a bird
also lingered at Caperton to 3 June and
may have nested (BY); at least 2 lingered
at Camp #11 to 6 June with 1 heard/ob¬
served there to 6 July (BP et al.); a family
group was observed on Island No. 8
Slough, Fulton. 23 July (BP).

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Vol. 79

Pied-billed Grebe family, Warren
4 June 2003
David Roemer

American White Pelican only reports for
the period were the injured bird on Lake
Barkley above the dam 17 June (BP, KB,
JC) and 6 at Ky Bend 25 June (KL, NM).

Double-crested Cormorant - as is becom¬
ing the norm, a number of birds lingered
through the summer. Reports included 40
at Paradise 1 7 June (BP. KB, JC); 2 at Ky
Bend 25 June (KL, NM). 5 at Lake No. 9
on 8 July (KL, NM); 6 on Green River
Lake, Adair , 1 9 July ( RD, SS, SBC); and
35+ at Kuttawa 24 July (BP, MM). The
Ky Lake, Calloway , nesting colony was
again active this summer with about the
same number of nests ( 1 5-20) as in 2002
and 68 birds present 26 July (HC).

Least Bittern 4 were heard at Camp #1 1
on 6/20 June (BP) with at least 1 linger¬
ing there to 1 3 July (BP, AC); 1 was heard
at Sinclair 13 June (MV).

Great Blue Heron new heronries were
reported at two sites along Eagle Creek,
Carroll and Owen , 20 June (CG, RP) and
along Beaver Creek, Menifee , in late June
(WM).

Great Egret - not especially abundant in
western Kentucky this summer, with peak
counts being 1 54 at Ky Bend 25 June (KL,
NM) and 73 in Fulton 6 July (HC).

Cattle Egret the northern Lake Barkley,
Lyon , nesting colonies were active through
the period.

Black-crowned Night-Heron 4 juvs. in
the company of several ads. at Paradise
14 June through the remainder of the pe¬

riod suggested nesting somewhere in the
local area (MV etal.); an imm. at Lexing¬
ton 22 July may have indicated persistence
of that local nesting population (SM).

Gadw all - a male lingered at Camp # 1 1 to 6
June (BP); 1 8 June, a female with 2 duck¬
lings was observed there ( BP, KB, JC) and
on 20 June the pair and yg. were observed
all together (BP); the female and yg. were
observed through 1 August (BP et al.).
This represents the first confirmed breed¬
ing of Gadwall in the state.

American Black Duck - 1 was at Camp # 1 1
on 18 June (BP, KB, JC) and 20 June (BP).

Blue-winged Teal - a male was at Morgan's
Pond 5 June (BP); a few birds lingered at
Camp #1 1 into June with 6 males and a
female there 20 June (BP); on 6 July, at
least two broods of nearly full-grown yg.
were observed (BP, BY); a female and
brood was observed on a farm pond in
Jessamine 2 July (JL), representing a new
county nesting record; in addition, 2 were
at Ky Bend 25 June (KL, NM).

scaup sp. - a lingering male at Paradise was
last observed 1 3 June (MV).

Hooded Merganser - the species nested at
Caperton with a female and brood of yg.
observed as late as 29 June (BY); a juv.
on Banklick Creek, Kenton , 20 June indi¬
cated possible breeding in the vicinity
(ph.FR); not far away, at least 4 birds pos¬
sibly representing a family group were
observed at the Petersburg gravel pits.
Boone , 2 1 June ( LM ); the species was also
reported at Sauerheber 14 June (BY); and
above Ky Dam (3 birds — family group
of local origin?) 24 July (BP, MM).

Ruddy Duck at least 6 birds (5 male/1
female) lingered to 20 June at Camp #1 1
(BP); 2 males and 1 female were still there
6 July (BP, BY ) and 12-13 July, a female
was observed with 4 downy yg. (ph.BP,
AC); by 22 July, only 1 yg. may have been
present with the female and 1 or 2 males
(BP. MM, LPv). This represents the first
confirmed breeding of Ruddy Duck in the
state.

Osprey - the 2003 nest survey on L. Barkley,
Lvon/Trigg, yielded observations of 43

2003 _

nests, at least 27 with yg. (ER); 3 nests
are now known along the Green River,
Muhlenberg/ Ohio, with the addition of a
new one near Smallhouse, Ohio (MV);
four nests were active on southern Ky
Lake, Calloway, as of late July (HC).

Mississippi Kite - again this year, at least 1
bird was present at Sinclair throughout the
summer period (MV, etaly, also, the same
nest site at Long Point was active again
this year with a chick observed in the nest
on 6 July (HC).

Bald Eagle - yg. were still in the Audubon
heronry nest, Henderson, in mid-July
( BP); an ad. was observed near Trailwood
Lake in northeastern Shelby 1 June (HB);
a second-year bird was observed at the
Homestead Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio, 14
June (MV); an ad. was on Green River
Lake, Adair, 19 July (AM, SBC).

Northern Harrier - the continuing Eastern
Kentucky University/KDFWR sponsored
study of nesting birds at Peabody WMA,
Muhlenberg! Ohio, yielded reports of an
additional 19 nests in 2003 (MV).

Cooper’s Hawk - an ad. at Yahoo Falls 5
June was thought to be a first summer
record for Big South Fork (SS) and a beg¬
ging juv. from the same area 8 July con¬
stituted a first confirmed breeding record
(SS).

Peregrine Falcon a bird from last year’s
hacking project in the Red River Gorge,
DBNF, Powell, returned to the site during
late June (KH).

Virginia Rail - quite unusual was a calling
bird that lingered at Pumphouse Pond,
Pulaski, to 13 June (RD). It is possible
that this bird was nesting.

Common Moorhen 1 to 3 birds lingered
at Camp #11 to 6 July (BP et al.); on 1 8
July a pair was observed attending 4 half-
grown downy yg. (BP, AC); a total of 9
birds (including 3 yg.) was present at
Camp #11 on 22 July (BP, MM, LPv).

American Coot - at least a dozen birds lin¬
gered at Camp #1 1 into June (BP); by 18
June, a few pairs of ads. were observed
with yg. (BP, KB, JC).

American Golden-Plover 1 in full alter-

_ 81

nate plumage was observed at Open Pond
17 June (BP, KB, JC).

Semipalmated Plover latest spring reports
included 4 at Chaney Lake and 2 at Petros
Pond, both 1 June (DR), and 1 at Morgan's
Pond 5 June (BP). First fall report was 1
at Brown Power Plant, Mercer, 31 July
(BP).

Black-necked Stilt - 5 birds observed east
of Open Pond 3 1 May (HC, ME); a male
was present at Morgan’s Pond 5 June
(ph.BP); single birds were observed at and
east of Open Pond 17 June (BP, KB, JC);
2 were in a flooded field at Ky Bend 25
June (KL, NM ); a pair was at Camp #1 1 on
20 June (ph.BP); finally, a single bird was
at Grassy Pond 30 June (*CC). KBRC re¬
view required for reports outside of
Fulton.

Greater Yellowlegs - first fall reports were

I at Paradise 9 July (MV); 1 at Meng’s
Pond 13 July (DR); and 1 at Sauerheber
13 July (BP, AC).

Lesser Yellowlegs - first fall reports were 2
yellowlegs sp. at Grassy Pond 2 July (CC);

I I at Sauerheber 6 July (BP, BY); an 1 at
Lake No. 9 on 8 July (KL, NM).

Solitary Sandpiper - first fall report was 1
at Sauerheber on 6 July (BP, BY); 17 were
at Petros Pond 17 July (DR); 26 were in
Fulton 19 July (HC).

Spotted Sandpiper - latest spring reports in¬
cluded 1 at Meng's Pond 1 June (DR); and
at least 1 at Morgan's Pond 5 June (BP);

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

82

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Vol. 79

an ad. in western Henderson 6 July was

acting territorial but may have been an
early fall migrant (BP, BY).

Ruddy Turnstone - only report was 1 on
Ky Lake, Calloway 26 July (HC)

Semipalmated Sandpiper - latest spring
reports were 1 3 at Petros Pond and 1 at
Meng’s Pond 4 June (DR); 40 at Morgan's
Pond 5 June (BP), and 1 at Open Pond 1 7
June (BP, KB, JC). First fall report was 1
in western Henderson 22 July (BP, MM).

Western Sandpiper - first fall reports were
2 ads. at Paradise 24 July (MM, MV et
al.).

Least Sandpiper - first fall reports were 3
at Camp #1 1, 3 at Sauerheber, and ca. 130
at three additional locations (at least 80 at
one spot) in western Henderson 6 July
(BP, BY).

White-rumped Sandpiper - latest spring
reports were 7 at Petros Pond and 3 at
Meng’s Pond 4 June (DR), and 40 at
Morgan’s Pond 5 June (BP).

Pectoral Sandpiper - first fall reports were
2 at Camp #9 mine. Union , and 1 at Sauer¬
heber, 13 July (BP) and 1 at Petros Pond
17 July (DR).

Dunlin latest spring report was 1 at
Morgan’s Pond 5 June (BP).

Stilt Sandpiper - first fall reports were 1 at
Blood River (HC) and 2 at Paradise (BY),
both 27 July.

Short-billed Donitcher - first fall reports
were 1 in western Henderson 1 3 July (BP.
AC); 1 at Lake No. 9 on 17 July (KL,
NM); and 3 at Paradise 19 July (DR).

American Woodcock - relatively uncom¬
mon for the season were reports of single
birds at Dog Slaughter Falls, DBNF, Whit¬
ley 8 June (FR); near Mt. Victory, Pulaski ,
14 June (RD); and Barren, Barren , 20 July
(DR).

Laughing Gull - a very molty, first-summer
bird was above Ky Dam 24 July (MM,
BP).

Franklin’s Gull - quite unusual for mid¬
summer was a first-summer bird at Para¬
dise 17 June (BP, KB, ph.JC).

Franklin’s Gull, Muhlenberg
17 June 2003
John Cassady

Ring-billed Gull 2 were at Ky Dam 17
June (BP, KB, JC); 40-50 were above Ky
Dam by 22 July (BP. MM) with 75-100
there by 24 July (BP. MM); 2 were on the
Ohio River at Newport, Campbell , 3 1 July
(FR).

Caspian Tern - as in some past summers, it
appeared that a few birds may have sum¬
mered as indicated by observations of 1
at Paradise 1 4 June ( MV ); 3 on Lake Bark¬
ley above the dam 1 8 June ( BP. KB, JC);
and 2 (probably different birds) below
Barkley Dam 18 June (BP, KB. JC). At
least 1 3 birds had returned to Ky Lake,
Calloway , 26 July (HC).

Forster's Tern presumed fall migrants
arrived relatively early and included 5 at
Barren 1 1 July (DR).

Least Tern a number of birds likely at¬
tempted nesting in agricultural fields dur¬
ing abnormally high water of June. Sev¬
eral scrapes were observed in a field east

2003

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

of Open Pond 1 7 June (BP, KB, JC). The
lower Ohio River population was likely
mostly unsuccessful at nesting again this
summer due to high water levels; the site
above Caseyville, Union , hosted 18 ads.
and 6 active nests 1 July, but the sandbars
soon went under water from a rise in the
river (PB, EC).

Black Tern - first fall report was 1 at
Walton's Pond, Warren , 22 July (DR).

Eurasian Collared-Dove - the species con¬
tinued to be reported in new areas and in¬
creased numbers. 1 was observed at
Harford, Ohio , 2 July (DR); 5 were seen
at Monticello, Wayne, 1 July (CB); and
14 were seen at the same location 9 July
(RD); also 1 was nest building in Cadiz,
Trigg, 13 July (BL, PL).

White-winged Dove - representing the
fourth record in two years was a bird at
Berea, Madison, 1 -2 June (ph.AR, TR, et
al.). KBRC review required.

White-winged Dove
Madison, 1 June 2003
Art Ricketts

Black-billed Cuckoo - only report for the
period was 1 in eastern Fayette 2 June
(SM).

Barred Owl - 2 juvs. were observed 1 June
at the summit of Black Mt. (DT, AT) where
nesting has not been reported previously.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - a lingering mi¬
grant at the Lexington Cem. 7 June (SM)
. represents a new late departure date for
the state.

Least Flycatcher the species was reported

83

at the summit of Black Mt. 1 June (DT,
AT); a family group including 3 recently
fledged yg. (nearly full grown, but with
tails 1/2 to 2/3 normal length) was ob¬
served at the same location 1 July (BP);
also present 1 July were 3 additional birds,
1 singing and 2 calling (BP). Unique for
mid-summer was a report of a singing bird
at Ky Bend 25 June (KL, NM).

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - the pair near
Grand Rivers in southern Livingston was
observed 7 June (BP, AC) and 17 June (BP,
KB, ph.JC); on 22 July an ad. was ob¬
served with what appeared to be a juv. at
this site (MM, BP). KBRC review re¬
quired.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Livingston, 1 7 June 2003
John Cassady

Bell’s Vireo - 2 were observed at Camp #1 1
from 1 8 June to mid-July (BP, et al.); the
nesting population at Sinclair now may ex¬
ceed two dozen pairs with numerous re¬
ports this year (m. ob.).

Blue-headed Vireo - there were a number
of reports of birds in traditional breeding
areas including 1 ca. 2.5 mi. west of
Yamacraw Bridge in western McCreary
8 June (SS), the species was found to be
numerous at Cumberland Gap 10-19 June
(MM).

Warbling Vireo - 1 was encountered in
western Metcalfe, where the species is sel¬
dom reported, 14 June (SS).

Fish Crow - an apparent family group was
seen/heard just north of Sauerheber 22
July (BP, MM); another likely family
group was seen/heard near Long Point 23

84

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

July (BP, MM).

Common Raven - at least 1 was reported
from Kingdom Come State Park, Harlan /
Letcher , 1 June (DT, AT); 1 was heard in
the vicinity of White Rocks, Cumberland
Gap, 1 5 June (MM).

Purple Martin - a roost at Blood River con¬
tained an estimated 1,200 birds 26 July
(HC).

Tree Swallow - further evidence of this spe¬
cies' increase across the state as a breeder
is reflected by the presence of 1 in south¬
western Metcalfe 14 June (SS) and 3 in
north-central Wayne 15 June (SS).

Bank Swallow 1 bird 4 June and 2 birds
1 2 July at Pumphouse Pond, Pulaski, were
in an area where no nesting colonies are
presently known (RD); the colonies at
Petersburg, Boone , were active during the
period (LM); a sizable colony of ca. 450
burrows (with many active) was reported
at a new site on the Lewis WMA, near
Quincy, Lewis , in early July (SF).

Red-breasted Nuthatch 2-3 birds were
heard at the traditional Rock Bridge nest¬
ing area 28 June (BP. KH) and 29 June
(FR).

Sedge Wren - up to 3 were heard at Camp
#11 beginning 6 July and remaining
through the period (BP etal.f, 1 w'as heard
26 July in eastern Jefferson where the spe¬
cies nested last year with a second there
by 29 July (BP).

Marsh Wren 1 was heard at Camp #11 on
6 July (BP, BY).

Veery - 1 was seen at the Pinnacle Over¬
look parking area, Cumberland Gap, Bell,
1 1 June (MM); in addition, ca. 7 birds
were seen/heard at high elevations from
Hensley Settlement to just west of White
Rocks at Cumberland Gap 1 7 June (MM).

Gray-cheeked Thrush latest spring report
was 1 at the Lexington Cem. 1 June(SM,
RB).

Cedar Waxw ing - what seemed to be above-
average numbers of probable and con¬
firmed breeding birds were present at a
number of locations statewide during
June-July (m. ob.).

Golden-winged Warbler the KDFWR/

Cornell sponsored atlas project continued
into June with a final tally of 1 6 presumed
territorial birds detected as follows: 4 birds
in three different areas in Bell, 5 birds in
two areas in Harlan, 5 birds in two areas
in Pike, and 1 each in McCreary > and Whit¬
ley (LP et al.). Full details will be pub¬
lished in an upcoming article.

Brewster’s/Lawrence’s hybrids - the
KDFWR/Comell sponsored atlas project
also resulted in the observation of 5
Golden-winged x Blue-winged hybrids as
follows: single Brewster's in Bell, Harlan,
and Knox and single Lawrence's in Knox
and Pike (LP, SF). Full details will be pub¬
lished in an upcoming article.

Chestnut-sided Warbler - the species was
reported at Kingdom Come State Park,
Harlan/ Letcher, 1 June (DT, AT) where
nesting may be occurring. The latest
spring report away from suspected or
known breeding areas was 1 at the Lex¬
ington Cem. 1 June (SM, RB). The spe¬
cies was encountered at only two locations
at high elevations between Hensley Settle¬
ment and White Rocks, Cumberland Gap
18-19 June (MM) where the species has
formerly been considered more numerous.

Magnolia Warbler - latest spring report was
1 on Black Mt. 1 June (DT, AT).

Black-throated Blue Warbler -as would be
expected, the species was observed at the
summit of Black Mt. 1 June (DT, AT); the
species was considered common at higher
elevations at Cumberland Gap from
Gibson Gap, east to the Park's northeast¬
ern border 10-19 June (MM).

Black-throated Green Warbler - a trail
count of 1 9 birds on DBNF near Vanhook
Falls, Laurel, 21 June was relatively im¬
pressive (RD).

Blackburnian Warbler quite significant
was the observation of 5+ males at high
elevations from Hensley Settlement to just
west of White Rocks at Cumberland Gap
17-18 June (MM). This species has pre¬
viously been unreported as a possible
breeder in Kentucky away from Black Mt.

Swainson’s Warbler birds were heard at
traditional breeding areas at the Big South

2003 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 85

Fork 8 June and 8/9 July (SS, BS); Little
Lick Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski , 14
June (RD) and 13 July (SM); Rock Bridge
12 June (DG et a/.), 28 June (BP, KH) and
29 June (FR); Cumberland Gap, Bell , 1 1
June ( MM); and Bad Branch State Nature
Preserve, Letcher , 1 July (BP). Others re¬
ported included 1 at Cumberland Falls
State Park, McCreary , 22 June (RD); 1 at
Fishtrap WMA, Pike , 10 June (SF); and 3
at Ned’s Branch, DBNF, Laurel , 26 July
(RD).

Canada Warbler - at high elevations at
Cumberland Gap, 1 male was heard just
west of Gibson Gap 14 June (MM) and 2
males were heard at Chadwell Gap 18
June (MM).

Bachman's Sparrow - again this year, a few
birds were seen/heard on Fort Campbell,
Trigg, during June (DM, JG).

Lark Sparrow - at least two nests were
found on Fort Campbell, Trigg, during
June (DM et al.).

Grasshopper Sparrow - a count of 24 on
reclaimed surface mines near Ano,
Pulaski, 7 June was impressive (RD,
SBC).

Henslow’s Sparrow the species was es¬
pecially numerous at Sinclair during the
period (m. ob.); 5 were on Beech Grove
Ridge, Pulaski , 15 July (RD); 2 were
heard 9 June and may have nested in a
grassy floodplain field in Land Between
the Lakes, Trigg (BL).

Song Sparrow reports of 3 singing birds
in the Big South Fork may represent a re¬

cent spread into that area in summer ( SS ).

Dark-eyed Junco - quite significant was the
discovery of small numbers at high eleva¬
tions in Cumberland Gap 18 June (MM);
6 singing males were heard from just west
of Chadwell Gap to just west of White
Rocks and a juv. was observed being fed
just west of Chadwell Gap 1 8 June ( MM ).
This species has previously been unre¬
ported as a probable breeder in Kentucky
away from Black Mt.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak ca. 8 males were
detected at high elevations from just east
of Hensley Settlement to just west of
White Rocks in Cumberland Gap 17-19
June (MM). This represents a distinct in¬
crease in the species’ occurrence in the
Park since earlier survey work. Also of
interest was the capture of 6 different juvs.
at two MAPS banding stations in Rowan,
1 in the Big Perry area and another on Elk
Lick Rd. near Cranston 14 July - 6 Au¬
gust (ARb).

Painted Bunting the male at Miller,
Fulton, lingered well into summer and was
last reported 23 July (BP, MM).

Bobolink - a lingering bird or summer va¬
grant was observed at Sinclair 14 June
(MV); nesting birds were observed at
Masterson Station Park, Fayette, 1 5 June
(MK); a male that may have been territo¬
rial was observed near Cropper, Shelby ,
19 June (HB).

Baltimore Oriole one was encountered 14
June in southwestern Metcalfe, where the
species is seldom reported (SS).

Erratum: The location for at least 3 Alder Flycatchers on 16 May reported in the Spring
2003 report (ATT 79:71, 2003) should be changed to “near the Riverqueen Unit of Peabody
WMA, Muhlenberg

Contributors: Clay Black (CB); Pat Brandon (PB); Kenneth Brock (KB); Horace Brown
(HB); Rhonda Bryant (RB); John Cassady (JC); Hap Chambers (HC); Elizabeth Ciuzio
(EC); Amy Covert (AC); Charlie Crawford (CC); Roseanna Denton (RD); Melissa Easley
(ME); Scott Freidhof (SF); Jim Giocomo (JG); Darlena Graham (DG); Chris Grasch (CG);
Kathryn Huie (KH); Michael Kenawell (MK); Joe Lacefield (JL); Ken Leggett (KL); Bill
Lisowsky (BL); Paula Lisowsky (PL); many observers (m. ob.); Scott Marsh (SM); Lee
McNeely (LM); Mark Monroe (MM); Nancy Moore (NM); Arlene Morton (AM); Daniel
Moss (DM); Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP); Laura Patton (LP); Larry Peavler (LPv); Rocky
Pritchert (RP); Ed Ray (ER); Frank Renfrow (FR); Art Ricketts (AR); Tina Ricketts (TR);
Arlinda Robertson (ARb); David Roemer (DR); Somerset Bird Club (SBC); Barbara

86

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

Stedman (BS); Stephen Stedman (SS); Allan Trently (AT); David Trently (DT); Mark
Vukovich (MV); Wes Mattox (WM); Ben Yandell (BY). - 8207 Old Westport Road, Louis¬
ville, KY, 40222 (brainard.palmer-ball@mail. state. ky.us) (Palmer-Ball) and P.O. Box 463,
Burlington, KY, 41005 (lkmc9@netscape.net) (McNeely).

Kentucky Ornithological Society
2003 Fall Meeting
October 3 through 5, 2003
Henderson, KY

The Fall Meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held October 3-5 in
Henderson, Kentucky. President Kathy Caminiti called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
CDT on the 3rd of October. Several first-time attendees were present at the meeting. Fol¬
lowing the introductory remarks. Vice President Hap Chambers and Councillor Phyllis Niemi
challenged the attendees to a bird trivia contest.

The first speaker of the evening was Mike Morton, the Area Manager for the Sloughs
Wildlife Management Area. Mr. Morton explained that the Sloughs WMA administration
had a two-fold purpose: to provide recreational opportunities for hunters, and to manage the
land for waterfowl habitat. He shared several examples of the water management chal¬
lenges that he and his six-member staff have overcome since the WMA was founded in
1978, including the flooding of their offices in 1997 and the completion of a 2001 shorebird
habitat management initiative after it was abandoned by the Corps of Engineers. Mr. Morton
also introduced the meeting attendees to a proposal for the Green River National Wildlife
Refuge (NWR), which would protect and manage lands along the confluence of the Green
and Ohio Rivers in Henderson County, KY. He discussed the potential benefits of establish¬
ing this new refuge and detailed some of the political obstacles facing the project. Mr.
Morton then encouraged those in favor of the refuge’s establishment to contact their repre¬
sentatives in Washington and voice their support for Senate Bill 1 898, which would autho¬
rize the creation of the Green River NWR.

Next, Hap Chambers gave a short presentation on the MAPS (Monitoring Avian Produc¬
tion and Survivorship) bird-banding project. Ms. Chambers described the MAPS project as
an effort to check bird populations and determine the effects of management practices and
reasons for species declines. Under the MAPS project, breeding birds are netted, banded,
measured and released over 6-hour periods during May through August. The information
collected from recaptured birds is then used to generate data on population dynamics and
species longevity. MAPS stations were established at 475 locations across the USA last
year.

KDFWR Water Bird Biologist Beth Ciuzio next discussed several projects that she had
recently been involved with, including management of a new shorebird habitat area created
on the Sloughs WMA and a Mourning Dove banding project undertaken in Kentucky and
29 other states that allow dove hunting.

Kathy Caminiti, Blaine Ferrell, and Hap Chambers made the final presentation of the
evening, which was an award given to Fred Busroe in recognition of his eight years of
service compiling Seasonal Reports for KOS. Mr. Busroe was presented with a beautiful
woodcarving of a Blue Jay, one of his favorite birds.

Kathy Caminiti closed the Friday meeting with a discussion of the field trips scheduled
for Saturday, including the Sloughs WMA and John James Audubon State Park. At the
social following the meeting, attendees enjoyed snacks and soft drinks. Several members

87

2003 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

brought snacks and appetizers that they had prepared from their favorite recipes to share
with the group.

On Saturday, Morning, several members braved the crowd from the Arts and Crafts fes¬
tival at John James Audubon State Park. Brainard Palmer-Ball Jr. led the rest of the group
on a field trip to the Sloughs WMA. Several interesting species of birds were observed at
the Sloughs, including American Bittern, Marsh and Sedge Wrens, Sora, and Virginia Rail.
At noon, KOS provided a picnic lunch at the Sloughs for all meeting participants.

The KOS Executive Board met from 2:25 to 4:22 PM CDT to discuss KOS business,
while other members were free to relax or go birding around the Henderson area.

Saturday Night’s program began at 5:30 PM CDT with a catered banquet from the Moon¬
light Bar-BQ restaurant in Owensboro. After the banquet, Kathy Caminiti called the meet¬
ing to order at 6:45 PM CDT, with the introduction of the slate of nominees for KOS of¬
fices. The nominees were Hap Chambers (President), Mark Bennett (Vice President), Brainard
Palmer-Ball, Jr. (Corresponding Secretary), Jim Williams (Treasurer), Gerald Robe (Re¬
cording Secretary), Win Ahrens and Mark Monroe (Councillors). The slate of officers was
unanimously accepted by the membership.

Following the election. President-elect Hap Chambers made some introductory com¬
ments, and thanked outgoing President Kathy Caminiti for her service to the Society.

The first speaker of the night was Lee McNeely, who presented a slide show of a trip he
and 10 other KOS members recently made to Montana. In Montana, the KOS group was
joined by Denver Holt, who accompanied the group for about two-thirds of their visit. The
slide show featured pictures taken by Hap Chambers and Kathy Caminiti. Along with scenes
of the beautiful Montana landscape, there were photos of Grizzly Bears, Antelope, Bison,
wildflowers, and many birds, including Boreal and Great Gray Owls, Upland Sandpiper,
Mountain Bluebird, Western, Red-necked and Clark’s Grebes, Harlequin Ducks, Yellow¬
headed Blackbirds and a Blue Grouse.

Following Mr. McNeely's presentation Hap Chambers introduced Jon Dunn, the evening’s
featured speaker. Mr. Dunn, a resident of California and noted bird author, first came to
Kentucky to bird in July 1 990, and now returns to Kentucky at least once per year. Mr.
Dunn’s presentation, titled “The Identification and Behavior of Sparrows of the Midwest”
introduced the meeting attendees to his “Generic” approach to sparrow identification, in
which sparrows of the same taxonomic genus that share similar traits are compared and
contrasted. With the use of slides, Mr. Dunn illustrated some of the key behavioral traits and
field marks that can be used to simplify the identification of these challenging birds. Mr.
Dunn concluded his presentation with a discussion of several endangered sparrow species,
including the Florida subspecies of the Grasshopper Sparrow, and the Dusky Seaside Spar¬
row, which became extinct in the 1970’s due to habitat mismanagement.

Following Jon Dunn’s presentation, Blaine Ferrell led the attendees in the Weekend Spe¬
cies Tally. As of the close of the meeting on Saturday Night, a total of 1 00 species had been
observed.

The Saturday Night Meeting concluded with a discussion of Sunday’s field trip to the
Sloughs and the announcement of the Spring 2004 meeting at Kentucky Dam Village.
Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. announced that the newly updated KOS field cards would be
available by the spring meeting, and Hap Chambers made a request for articles for the
Kentucky > Warbler. The meeting closed at 8:49 PM CDT, and was followed by a book sign¬
ing by Jon Dunn.

On Sunday Morning, Brainard Palmer-Ball led a second field trip to the Sloughs.

Respectfully submitted,

Gerald Robe

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

BIRDS OBSERVED AT THE FALL 2003 KOS MEETING

Birds observed during Saturday field trips were: Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cor¬
morant, American Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Green Heron, Canada
Goose, Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal, American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Pintail,
Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Turkey Vulture, Osprey,
Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad¬
winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk. American Kestrel, Northern Bobwhite, King Rail, Vir¬
ginia Rail, Sora, American Coot, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least
Sandpiper, Wilson's Snipe, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Yel¬
low-billed Cuckoo, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-
bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker,
Northern Flicker, Pi leated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Homed Lark,
Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Bam Swallow, Blue Jay, American Crow,
Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, House Wren,
Winter Wren, Sedge Wren, Marsh Wren, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin. Gray Catbird,
Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Northern Parula, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Mag¬
nolia Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Palm Warbler, Bay¬
breasted Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, North¬
ern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Dickcissel, Eastern
Towhee, Field Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow. Lincoln’s Spar¬
row, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadow¬
lark, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, American Goldfinch, and
House Sparrow. Species added during Sunday field trips were: Bald Eagle, Merlin, Ring¬
billed Gull, Short-eared Owl, Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Brown Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing,
Tennessee Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Northern Waterthrush making a total of
1 10 species for the weekend.

ATTENDANCE AT THE SPRING 2003 KOS MEETING

ABERDEEN:

Deanne McKinney

BEREA:

Tina and Art Ricketts

BISHOP, CA:

Jon Dunn

BOWLING GREEN:

Tom Durbin, Blaine Ferrell, Joan and David Roemer

BURLINGTON:

Kathy, Joe, and Joey Caminiti. Lee McNeely

CARLISLE:

Ginny and Wendell Kmgsolver

CARMEL, IN:

Lou Anne Barringer

CORYDON, IN

Mary Walter

COX’S CREEK:

Dona Coates

CUNNINGHAM:

Maurica and Matthew Toon

DANVILLE

Ginny and Neil Eklund

EDDYVILLE:

Phyllis and John Niemi

ERLANGER

Ed Groneman

FALLS OF ROUGH:

Joyce Porter

FRANKFORT

Beth Ciuzio, Amy Covert

HECTOR, AR:

Leif Anderson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN:

Larry Peavler

KNOXVILLE, TN:

David Trendy

31

2003_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

LEXINGTON:

Rhonda Bryant, Bruce Cryder, Mike Kenawell, Scott
Marsh, Carol Sheppard , Bobbi and Lou Shain, Jim
Williams

LOUISVILLE:

Mary Bill Bauer, Richard Cassell, Bonnie and Robert
Dever, Celia Lawrence, Mark Monroe, Brainard Palmer-
Ball, Esther, Philip, William, and John Tamplin

MOREHEAD:

Joanna and Fred Busroe

MORGANTOWN:

Doris and Carroll Tichenor

MT. STERLING:

Gerald Robe

MURRAY:

Hap Chambers, Melissa Easley, Bonnie and Sam McNeely

OWENSBORO

Brenda and Tony Eaden, Janet Howard, Marilee and
Wendell Thompson, Susie and Bill Tyler

PROSPECT:

Win Ahrens

QUALITY

Brenda Jenkins

RICHMOND:

Brenda and Pete Thompson, Mark Vukovich

RUSSELLVILLE:

Mark Bennett

SCIENCE HILL

Roseanna Denton

SOUTH WILLIAMSON:

Joan Carr, Les Estep

FIELD NOTES

PAINTED BUNTING IN FULTON COUNTY

On 30 April 2003, the authors were birding adjacent to the Long Point Unit of Reelfoot
National Wildlife Refuge in western Fulton County when we were fortunate enough to
chance upon a male Painted Bunting ( Passerina ciris). The bird was singing from a road¬
side wire at the corner of KY 94 and KY 1282, and we were able to obtain excellent looks at
it over nearly an hour of study, hi all respects it appeared to be an adult bird, with blue head,
red underparts and eye-ring, and vivid yellow-green back, (see cover photographs)

The Painted Bunting remained in nearly the same spot in the following weeks, moving
only a few hundred yards at most, and it continued to sing vigorously into late June. During
this period, the bird was frequently observed chasing male Indigo Buntings (Passerina
cyanea) whose territory overlapped its own. In addition, it was seen on a number of occa¬
sions displaying to female Indigo Buntings. It seemed improbable that the many birders
visiting the location failed to observe a female Painted Bunting, but it is possible that the
male engaged in some extra-pair copulations with female Indigos. We visited the site on 23
July 2003 and observed the male in his usual spot, although song was less frequently heard.
We were unable to visit the area again until 3 1 August 2003, at which time there was no sign
of the bird and much less Indigo Bunting activity. On the latter two visits, no evidence of
hybrid young were observed, but only one juvenile Indigo Bunting was ever seen in the
area, so it is possible that hybrid young could have gone undetected. Interestingly, Painted
Buntings from the western portion of the range (from which this individual likely origi¬
nated) leave the breeding grounds relatively early, migrating to staging areas in the south¬
western United States and northern Mexico where they undergo a pre-basic molt before a
final move to the wintering grounds in Central America (Lowther et al. 1999.). This may
explain the bird’s absence by late August at a time when many Indigo Buntings remain.

This represents the first fully documented record of Painted Bunting in Kentucky. There
have been at least two prior sight reports: a bird in Fulton County in August 1 892 (Mengel
1965) and a female at a feeder in Pulaski County on 27 April 1997 (R. Denton, pens.

90

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

comm ). This southern species is a regular breeder along the lower Mississippi River Valley
as far north as Memphis, Tennessee, with occasional birds scattered farther north to the St.
Louis, Missouri, area. In addition, records of vagrants, mostly in spring and summer, are
known from many states in the eastern United States north of the normal range.

LITERATURE CITED

Lowther, RE., S.M. Lanyon, and C.W. Thompson. 1999. Painted Bunting ( Passerina ciris).
In the Birds of North America, No. 398. (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North
America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

Mengel, R.M. 1965. The birds of Kentucky. American Ornithologists’ Union Monograph
No. 3. The Allen Press, Lawrence, KS.

Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222, and Mark
Monroe, 1 1 14 Silvercrest Lane, Louisville, KY, 40223.

GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS IN MCCREARY COUNTY DURING MID- TO

LATE MAY 2002

Little evidence of breeding by the Golden-winged Warbler ( Vermivora chtysoptera) in
Kentucky has been collected in the past. An adult feeding a young bird in Harlan County 1 7
June 1981 represents the best evidence currently available, while summering birds have
been noted in that county, as well as in Bell, Letcher, and Pike counties (Palmer-Ball 2003).
Therefore, the presence of this threatened warbler in recent years during mid- to late May at
several sites in McCreary County is worth reporting. Information about the sightings is
also presented here because it was not included in the recently published 2nd edition of the
Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Kentucky (Palmer-Ball 2003).

On 14 May 2002 many observers including the author heard and saw a singing male
Golden-winged Warbler on Indian Knob Road, Steams Ranger District. Daniel Boone Na¬
tional Forest, McCreary County. This male sang both Type I and Type II songs (Confer
1992) and appeared territorial, but it was not relocated on subsequent visits to the site.
However, at a site about one km away another male (perhaps a second individual) was
heard singing Type I songs 3 1 May 2002 by L. M. Mills and T. B. Mills (pers. com.). The
habitat at both of the sites was composed of thick early successional undergrowth with
scattered dead pine snags. This habitat resulted from past management efforts for Red-
cockaded Woodpeckers (Picoides borealis ) and an outbreak of southern pine beetles
(Dendroctonus frontalis). The elevation of these sites is about 375 m ( 1200 ft), lower than
most breeding sites of Golden-winged Warblers in Kentucky and in adjacent areas of Ten¬
nessee where breeding sites usually occur at 500 m (1600 ft) or above (Nicholson 1997).

On 22-23 and 27 May 2002 another male Golden-winged Warbler (likely a third indi¬
vidual) was detected singing Type I songs in similar habitat on Route 478, McCreary County,
also within the Daniel Boone National Forest, about 2-3 km from the two sites noted above.
This site had also been managed in the past for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and affected by
the southern pine beetle outbreak. The male’s presence for nearly a week at a possible
breeding site suggested it was making an attempt to breed there.

Interestingly, 2002 was not the first time that Golden-winged Warblers had been recorded
in recent years in this area during what is likely the early part of the breeding season. On 12
May 2000 L. M. Mills (pers. com.) heard a Golden-winged Warbler on Indian Knob Road
near the sites described above, and she heard another bird on Pete Owen's Mine Road, also
in McCreary County, during the early part of the breeding season in a year prior to 2002.
Also, subsequent to the 2002 observations, there have been at least two reports of Golden¬
winged Warblers in this part of McCreary County. R. M. Denton (pers. com. ) heard one on
Indian Knob Road 20 April 2003, and L. Patton (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

2003

91

Resources, unpubl. data) heard and saw a male Golden-winged Warbler on Indian Knob
Road within 1.5 km of the 2002 observations 19 May 2003.

The five egg records of Golden-winged Warbler available prior to the publication of the
Tennessee Breeding Bird Atlas (Nicholson 1 997 ) indicate a peak of egg laying in the second
half of May in Tennessee. If this peak is representative, then it suggests that birds present in
adjacent McCreary County during the latter half of May might well be breeders. It is also
instructive to note that breeding Golden-winged Warblers on the Cumberland Plateau and
in the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee often curtail singing considerably by early June
(N. Moore, peri, com.)

The sites within the Daniel Boone National Forest where the Golden-winged Warblers
were found in 2002 underwent a prescribed burn 16 March 2003, changing the habitat
considerably and possibly rendering it less suitable for breeding Golden-winged Warblers
for several years. However, in part because of extensive U.S. Forest Service management
and the southern pine beetle outbreak, an abundance of suitable breeding habitat for this
warbler likely remains across a large portion of McCreary County.

If breeding of Golden-winged Warblers have been present in McCreary County in recent
years, it would represent an extension of the known breeding range of this species and
would be particularly interesting due to the low elevation of the probable breeding sites. As
noted above, Golden-winged Warblers have been known to occur in adjacent portions of
the Cumberland Plateau of eastern Tennessee and it is possbile that they have heretofore
gone undetected in McCreary County.

LITERATURE CITED

Confer, J. L. Golden-winged Warbler. In Birds of North America, No. 20 ( A. Poole, P.
Stettenheim and F. Gill, Eds.) Philadelphia: The Academy fo Natural Sciences; Wash¬
ington, D.C. : The American Ornithologists’ Union.

Nicholson, C. P. 1997. Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Tennessee. University of Tennessee
Press, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Palmer-Ball, B., Jr. 2003. Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Kentucky. 2nd ed. Kentucky
Ornithological Society, Louisville, Kentucky.

—Stephen J. Stedman, Department of English, Box 5053, Tennessee Technological Uni¬
versity, Cookeville, TN 38505.

A SPRING YELLOW RAIL

The Yellow Rail (Coturnicops novaboracensis) is considered to be an extremely rare to
rare transient through the interior of the eastern United States. In Kentucky, it has been
observed on less than a dozen occasions, but all during fall migration and all during the
month of October. In Tennessee, there are at least two spring reports for 30 April and 4 May
( Robinson J. 1 990. An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Tennessee, University of Tennes¬
see Press) and in Indiana the species is considered a rare spring transient with records from
22 March to 20 May (K. Brock, pens, conun.y, there is also a record for 3 March 1901 (K.
Brock, pers. comm.) that I would interpret as possibly pertaining to an individual that win¬
tered in an era when the species was likely more numerous.

On 1 April 2003, I was mowing a field of Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) on our
family farm in eastern Jefferson County. The field is approximately seven acres in size, and
the grass had stood through the winter and was matted down in places. As I reached one
end of the field on a mowing pass, a rail flew up and circled back into the tall unmowed
grass. The bird seemed distinctly smaller than a Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) or Sora

92

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 79

(Porzana Carolina). Because I was looking into the sun, I could not see the rail well, but as
it landed in the grasses, I thought I caught a glimpse of white in the trailing edge of the
wing. The wind was blowing at 1 5-20 mph and I thought I would not get another chance to
see it, but two passes later I noticed the bird running in the stubble in front of the tractor. It
darted in and out of cover, but then turned and ran back into the taller grass. As the mower
passed by the place it had disappeared, the bird again took flight, this time away from the
sun and closer. It was a warm, buffy brown, obviously smaller than a Sora, but with a
shortish bill. As it fluttered back into the grass, I could see the distinct white patches on the
inner portions of the trailing edge of the wings characteristic of a Yellow Rail.

I did not see the bird again that day, but on 2 April 2003 I was finishing the mowing of
this field, and twice more flushed it from the grasses and once saw it running on top of some
of the matted areas of grass. Armed with binoculars, I also was able to see it flying away
and dropping into the grass with the aid of magnification, and got a pretty nice look at it and
the white patches in the secondaries. Later on the second day, Wallace Gullett and I also
saw it flush again as we baled up the grass, getting yet another brief but nice study of the
size, overall coloration and white wing patches.

As noted above, this represents the first spring record of Yellow Rail for Kentucky, al¬
though the difficulty encountered in attempting to find this elusive species certainly ex¬
plains at least in part the paucity of records. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., 8207 Old Westport
Road, Louisville, KY, 40222.

NEWS AND VIEWS
Visit the K.O.S. Website

To learn about the Kentucky Ornithological Sociey and interesting happenings, visit the
K.O.S. Website, www.biology.eku.edu/kos.htm, maintained by webmaster Gary Ritchison.

7

The Kentucky Warbler

,, a (Published by the Kentucky Ornithological Society)

2>0

jy j1.80 FEBRUARY 2004 No. 1

IN THIS ISSUE

THE FALL MIGRATION, 2003, . 3

MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT, 2003-2004 . 17

FIELD NOTES . 32

NEWS AND VIEWS . 35

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

President .

Vice-President .

Corresponding Secretary .

Treasurer .

Recording Secretary .

Councillors:

Scott Marsh, Lexington .

Roseanna Denton. Science Hill
Doris Tichenor, Morgantown ...

Phyllis Niemi, Princeton .

Mark Monroe, Louisville .

Win Ahrens, Louisville .

. . Hap Chambers, Murray

. Mark Bennett, Russellville

. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.

8207 Old Wesport Road. Louisville, KY 40222-3913

. Jim Williams

480 Seeley Drive. Lexington, KY 40502-2609
. Gerald Robe, Mt. Sterling

. 2002 thru 2004

. 2002 thru 2004

. 2003 thru 2005

. 2003 thru 2005

. 2004 thru 2006

. 2004 thru 2006

Retiring President . Kathy Caminiti, Burlington

Staff Artist . Ray Harm

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 $15.00; Contributing. $25.00: Student $10.00: Fam¬
ily, $20.00; Corporate, $100.00: and Life, $300.00. All articles and communications should
be addressed to the editor. Subscriptions and memberships should be sent to the Treasurer.
Requests for back issues should be sent to the Corresponding Secretary.

Editor . B.R. Ferrell. Ogden College of Science and Engineering

Western Kentucky University. Bowling Green. KY 42101

Editorial Advisory Board

Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. and Wayne Mason

Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely

P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY 41005

THE COVER

Thanks to Kathy Caminiti for the cover photograph of a Great Horned Owl {Bubo virgin-
ianus) with a broken wing that was successfully rehabilitated and released.

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

3

THE FALL MIGRATION - 2003
Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely

The fall season 2003 experienced close-to-nonnal precipitation and slightly above-
average temperatures overall. August presented the hottest weather of an abnormally cool
summer overall; the month began dry. but heavy rains occurred in some parts of the region
in late August, causing river and lake levels to rise, inundating prime shorebird habitat.
September was overall cooler and wetter than normal while October experienced normal
temperatures, but precipitation was below normal. In contrast. November was wanner than
normal, and the lack of strong fronts limited waterbird fallouts to one major event early in
the month.

In great contrast to the fall of 2002. West Nile Vinis appeared to be much less pervasive
upon bird populations, with only a fraction of the dead and sick birds reported to rehab-
ilitators. Rarities were not especially numerous, although some good finds included Glossy
Ihis. Swallow-tailed Kite. Marbled and Hudsonian godwits. Red-necked and Red phalaropes.
and Clay-colored Sparrow. What surely will become the state's best-ever season for Selas-
phorus hummingbirds began with six reports (four confirmed Rufous) hy the end of Novem¬
ber. Fall songbird migration was not especially noteworthy, although good flights occurred
on several occasions, especially early in the season. Winter finches and Red-breasted
Nuthatches returned in small numbers, although the movement was definitely below-average.

The sequence of species given in this report reflects changes in the latest supplement
to the American Ornithologists Union Check-list of North American Birds, which has placed
the Anseriformes (waterfowl) and Galliformes (game birds) before the other groups. Pub¬
lication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these reports have
been accepted as records for the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Observers are cautioned
that records of out-of-season birds and all rarities must be accompanied with good details
or documentation for acceptance. Documentation must be submitted to the Kentucky Bird
Records Committee (KBRC). Decisions regarding the official Kentucky list are made by die
KBRC and are reported periodically in The Kentucky Warbler.

Abbreviations - Miscellaneous: comity names appear in italics: when used to separate
dates, the symbol is used in place of "and"; "pli.” next to an observer's initials indicates
that the observation was documented with photograph(s); "vt.” next to an observer's initials
indicates that the observation was documented on videotape; "*" next to an observer's
initials indicates that written details were submitted with the report; ad. = adult; imm. =
immature; juv. = juvenile; yg. = young. Place names: A.J. Jolly = A.J. Jolly Park. Campbell:
Ballard = Ballard WMA. Ballard: Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam. Lyon/Livingston: Barren
= Barren River Lake. Allen/ Barren: Beargrass = Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve.
Jefferson: Blood River = Blood River embayment of Kentucky Lake, Calloway: Brown
Power Plant = E.W. Brown Power Plant. Mercer: Calvert City = Calvert City, Marshall:
Camp #9 = Peabody Camp #9 Mine, Union: Camp #1 1 = Peabody Camp #1 1 Mine. Union:
Caperton = Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve. Jefferson: Chaney = Chaney Lake State
Nature Preserve, Warren: Cumberland Gap = Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.
Harlan (unless otherwise noted): DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; East Bend = East
Bend Power Plant. Boone: Eddy Creek = Eddy Creek embayment of Lake Barkley. Lvon:
Falls of the Ohio = Falls of the Ohio. Jefferson: Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment
of Lake Cumberland. Pulaski: Gibraltar = Gibraltar Unit Peabody WMA. Muhlenberg:

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THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Green Turtle Bay = Lake Barkley at Green Turtle Bay marina. Lyon: Island No. 1 = Missis
sippi River sandbars at Island No. 1. Carlisle: Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek enibayment
of Kentucky Lake. Marshall: Ky Dam = Kentucky Dam. Livingston/Marshall: Kuttawa =
Lake Barkley at Kuttawa. Lvon: Lake Cumberland WMA = Lake Cumberland WMA.
Pulaski: Lake No. 9 = Lake No. 9. Fulton: Lake Reba = Lake Reba. Madison: Laketon =
Mississippi River sandbars at Laketon. Carlisle: LBL = Land Between the Lakes.
Lvon/Trigg: Long Point = Long Point Unit Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge. Fulton: Lost
River = Lost River Cave and Valley. Warren: Mammoth Cave = Mammoth Cave National
Park, Edmonson (unless otherwise noted); McElrov = McElroy Lake. Warren: Miles Park
= Miles Park. Jefferson: Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Elatchery, Rowan: Mt. Zion = Mt.
Zion. Pulaski: Paradise = Paradise Power Plant impoundments, Muhlenberg: Pinnacle =
Pinnacle Overlook. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Bell: Riverqueen =
Riverqueen Unit. Peabody WMA. Muhlenberg: Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs
WMA, Henderson: Shaker Mill = Shaker Mill portion of e. Bowling Green. Warren: Sinclair
= Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA. Muhlenberg: Stone Mt. = Stone Mountain Recreation Area.
Harlan: Walton's Pond = Walton's Pond. Warren: WKU Farm = Western Kentucky
University Farm. Warren: WKU Woods = Western Kentucky University Woods. Warren:
WMA = Wildlife Management Area.

Gr. White-fronted Goose - earliest reports
included 2 with a flock of Snow Geese
over the Pinnacle 13 November (MM.

MV. BP) - a first for the Cumberland
Mts. region of the state; 4 at Shaker Mill
19 November (DR); and 2 at Minor
Clark 24 November (GR). The species
also was reported front now traditional
wintering spots as follows: ca. 100 at
Ballard by 21 November (CW) and ca.

1.000 at Long Point by 29 November
(NM).

Snow Goose — presuming that a blue
morph bird that appeared at Minor Clark
17 August (ph.GR) was not injured or
had summered, it tied the early arrival
date for the state and lingered into early
November when it was joined by a white
morph bird (m. ob.). By early October, a
few Hocks were passing through but a
very pronounced movement was noted in
mid-November as documented by mi¬
grant Hocks over Ballard ( SR), the Pin¬
nacle (MM, et al.). Boone (LM), Cal¬
loway (ME). Hardin (tide RR). Shelby
(I IB) and Warren (DR). Interestingly,
most of these birds must have passed
through as only 150-200 were at Ballard
by 21 November (CW).

Ross’s Goose - 3 birds at Walton's Pond
19 November (ph. DR) established a new
earlv arrival date for the state bv more

than a week. A bird at Camp Ernst Lake.
Boone, lb-21 November (ph.GC. LM)
represented nc. Kentucky's first record.

Ross's Goose. Boone
27 November 2003
Granville Carey

Mute Swan - the seemingly resident pair
along Cypress Creek. Muhlenberg, was
observed 5 August (BP. EC): a sub-ad.
was observed at East Bend 3 October
(KC. LM. BP).

Tundra Swan - what likely represented a
portion of the wintering Hock from
Sauerheber was first observed there 25
November (MMn).

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

5

Gadwall - the female and 2 yg. that were
raised at Camp #1 1 were observed there
1 August (BP. EC. LP) and probably
again 27 September (BP. AC): peak
count was 1 50 at Ballard 24 November
(SR).

.American Black Duck - earliest reports
included 1 at Camp #11 17 August (BP)
and 1 in LBL. Trigg , 19 August (DR).

Blue-winged Teal - 3 at Willow Pond. w.
Fulton, 12 August (KL, NM) were either
summering birds or early migrants: peak
counts included 175 at Camp #1 1 on 14
September (BP); 200 diere 27 September
(BP, AC); and 100+ at Addington
WMA. Knott! Breathitt, 5 September
(CLg. fide EC).

Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal - a bird
that had many red brick colored
underpart feathers (but non-red eyes) and
was in a delayed stage of molt (as
compared to all of 100+ Blue-wingeds it
was in the company of), was observed at
Lake No. 9 on 30 August (MM. BP).

Northern Shoveler - earliest reports in¬
cluded 2 at Minor Clark 23 August (LM.
NKBC) and 2 at Camp #1 1 on 23 August
(BP. KOS); peak count was 50+ at Camp
#1 1 on 29 October (BP, MM).

Northern Pintail - peak counts included
ca. 30 at Camp #11 on 1 October (BP,
JD, MM); and 10 in e. Jefferson 20
September (BW).

Green-winged Teal - earliest report was 1
at Camp #1 1 on 1 August (BP. EC, LP),
tying the early fall arrival date for the
state; peak count was 150+ at Camp #11
on 29 October (BP. MM).

Ring-necked Duck - earliest report was a
presumed migrant at Sauerheber 27 Sep¬
tember (BP).

Greater Scaup - only reports during the
season were 1 at Waitsboro Recreation
Area. Lake Cumberland. Pulaski, 6 No¬
vember (RD) and 4 at Barren 7 Novem¬
ber (DR).

Lesser Scaup - ca. 10 birds (none ap¬
peared to be Greater this year) summered
on Lake Barkley above the dam. where
they were observed 14/21 September
(BP. et al.) and 1 October (BP. JD); an

early bird (migrant or summerer?) was
present at Brown Power Plant 27 Sep¬
tember (B&MC); peak counts were rela¬
tively low and included 200+ at Barren 7
November (DR) and 1.000+ on Lake
Barkley between the dam and Boyd's
Landing, Lyon , 9 November (BP. et al.).

Surf Scoter - modest movement included
the following reports: 15 on the Ohio
River at Louisville 21 October (MA); 9
at Barren 7 November (DR); 3 at Fishing
Creek 9 November (RD); and 1 at A.J.
Jolly 21 November (LM).

Black Scoter - a modest movement oc¬
curred as indicated by 3-5 on the Ohio
River at Louisville 7 November (MA.
MS. BY) and 1 at Fishing Creek 9 No¬
vember (RD).

Hooded Merganser - peak count was 150-
200 at Honker Lake. LBL. Trigg, 29
November (BP, AC).

Ruddy Duck - a male was at Camp #11
(where a brood had been present earlier
in the summer) 1 August (BP, EC. LP).

Red-throated Loon - 1 was observed at
Barren 7 November (vt.DR).

Common Loon - continuing from summer
dirough the entire season were 1-3 birds
above Ky Dam (m. ob.). The peak move¬
ment was highlighted by a new state high
count of 1.342 birds at Barren 7
November (DR); also. ca. 40 birds were
on the Ohio River at Louisville 6 No¬
vember (JB. PB) and 10 were at Lake
Reba 7 November (MV).

Pied-billed Grebe - a bird at Hardy
Slough. Sauerheber. 3 August (BP) sug¬
gested nesting there again this year,
although a likely early migrant was ob¬
served at Lake Peewee. Hopkins, on the
same date (BP. AC) and 2 birds at Camp
#11 on 3 August had not been present on
previous visits (BP).

Horned Grebe - earliest report was for 3
birds at Minor Clark 18 October (ph.
LH); peak counts included 200-300
above Ky Dam and 100+ above Barkley
Dam. both 26 November (BY) and 170+
at Barren 7 November (DR).

Eared Grebe - the only report for the
season was a bird on the Ohio River at

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THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Louisville 20 September (*BP. et al. ).

American White Pelican - possible sum¬
mering birds or early fall migrants were
noted as follows: 75-80+ at Island No. 8.
Fulton , and 6 on Lake No. 9. both 5
August (BP. EC. et al) and 1 at Lake No.
9 on 12 August (KL. NM). Birds began
to arrive in numbers during October with
250 on Lake Barkley. Trigg, 6 October
(BL): 250-275 birds on Lake Barkley.
Trigg, 18-19 October (KB): 80-100+ at
Fords Bay. Lake Barkley. Trigg, 20
October (ME); 9 at Blood River 25/26
October (HC); and 78 in w. Fulton 26
October (RD. SD). Peak fall counts were
ca. 400 on n. Lake Barkley. Lyon. 9
November ( BP. et al. ) and 300-350 birds
on Lake Barkley. Trigg. 29 November
(KB). A bird at Hardy Slough.
Sauerheber. 20 October, was relatively
out of place (EC. SV).

Double-crested Cormorant - a flock of ca.
85 birds over Sinclair 13 August must
have been early migrants (MM. BP); a
count of ca. 6.000 birds on Lake Barkley
nr. Little River embayment. Trigg (ER)
represented a new high count for the
state.

American Bittern - only a few were
reported this fall: 1 at Sauerheber 27
September (CC); 2 there 4 October (BP.
KOS): and 1 there 18 October (DR.
KOS)

Least Bittern - there were a number of
reports this fall: 1 observed at Paradise 3
August (BP): 2 juvs. heard calling at
Camp #11 on 3 August provided a new
county nesting record (BP, AC); 1
observed at Camp #11 on 17 August
(BP); 2 heard calling at Paradise 7 Sep¬
tember (BP); 1 observed at Yatesville
WMA. Lawrence. 9 September (RJVI.
tide SF) was a first for e. Kentucky; and
a bird at Sauerheber 18 October (DR.
KOS) established a new late departure
date for the state.

Great Blue Heron - a count of 52 birds at
the Falls of the Ohio 2 August (BP) may
be the most ever reported at that loca¬
tion.

Great Egret - quite out-of-place was an

active nest in a residential area near
downtown Louisville (RH) that con¬
tained at least 1 large yg. 8 August (BP.
JB); the egret nest was in association
with nesting Black-crowned Night-Her¬
ons. Peak counts included 48 at Ellis
Park. Henderson. 1 August (BP); 350-
400 on a slough near Sauerheber in mid-
September (MMn). Latest reports in¬
cluded 4 at Paradise 19 October (HC.
RD); 1 at A.J. Jolly 29 October (FR); 1
at Camp Ernst Lake, Boone, to 29
October (LM), and 10 at Eddy Creek 9
November ( BP. et al.).

Snowy Egret - latest report was for several
birds at Eddy Creek 2 1 September (BP.
MS. BY).

Little Blue Heron - ca. 200+ white
Egretta herons/egrets (probably mostly
Little Blues but certainly with some
Snowies included) were counted coming
into the Kuttawa heronry 29 August (BP.
MM).

Cattle Egret - peak count at the Kuttawa
heronry was ca. 2.500+ on 29 August
(BP. MM): latest reports included 4 at
Barkley Dam 19 October (J&PN); 1 at
Minor Clark 25 October (ph.LH): 1 at
Camp #11 on 29 October ( BP. MM): 2 at
Lake Reba 7 November (MV) and 1 at
Barren 19 November (DR).

Green Heron - latest reports were 1 at
Fishing Creek 13 October (RD) and 1 at
Minor Clark 15 October (FB).

Black-crowned Night-Heron - 1 bird was
observed off and on at A.J. Jolly to 29
October (FR): a bird at the Lexington
Cem. 8 September (SM) likely originated
from the local nesting population, which
has apparently been reestablished on
some of the city's water supply reser¬
voirs (tide KS): latest reports included 3
at Paradise 19 October (HC. RD): a juv.
at Barkley Dam 9 November (BP et al.):
and a few birds at St. Mathews. Jeffer¬
son. through the end of November ( B W ).

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - only
report for the season was a juv. at Lake
No. 9 on 30 August (BP. MM).

Glossy Ibis - 3 Plegadis ibis were present
at Meng's Pond. Warren. 12 October

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

7

(vt.DR). One appeared to be an ad. (first-
basic) and the other 2 juvs. Video-docu¬
mentation of the older bird supports its
identity as a Glossy, but the 2 juvs, while
likely also Glossy based on developing
face patterns, probably should remain
unidentified. KBRC review required.

Turkey Vulture - peak count was 500-600
birds at Glasgow. Barren. 19 November
(DR).

Osprey - latest reports were 1 at Fishing
Creek (RD) and 1 at Minor Clark (FB).
both 3 November.

Swallow-tailed Kite - one of the high¬
lights of the season was an individual
that was discovered at Sinclair 12 August
(ph.SA). The bird was seen by many and
lingered to 31 August (HC). KBRC
review required.

Mississippi Kite - a lingering vagrant was
observed at Sinclair 1 5 August ( DR) and
17 August (RR).

Bald Eagle - seldom reported fall migrants
in e. Kentucky included 2 ads. along
Pine Mt. nr. Whitesburg, Letcher. 15
September (SS et al.) and 1 ad. over
Stone Mt. 24 September (MM. BP).

Broad-winged Hawk - peak fall counts
were 2 1 1 over a two-day period on Pine
Mt. nr. Whitesburg. Letcher. 15-16 Sep¬
tember (SS et al); 124 at the Pinnacle 23
September (MM. BP); and 51 at Fishing
Creek 29 September (RD).

Red-tailed Hawk - a dark morph ad. B. j.
cal urns was relatively early nr. Morgan-

field. Union. 5 October (JD. BP. AC);
other early reports included an ad. dark
morph Harlan's in w. Fulton 27 October
(RD. SD) and light morph ad. B. j.
cal urns at Sinclair (DR) and Camp #11
(MM. BP) both 29 October. A dark
morph ad. B. j. calurus was present at
East Bend 15 November (LM.KC); this
is probably the same individual that has
been observed for five straight winters.

Rough-legged Hawk - earliest report was
1 at Sinclair 29 October (MM. BP); also
reported was a dark morph at East Bend
15 November (KC. LM).

Golden Eagle - quite impressive was the
sight of 5 birds (2 ads. and 3 sub-ads.) in
one field of view soaring over Bemlieim
Forest, Nelson. 30 November (MM. BP).

y

7

Swallow-tailed Kite. Muhlenberg
12 August 2003
Steve Anderson

Merlin - another good fall migration was
experienced with the following reports:
14 September at Eddy Creek (BP. RL.
MW): 2 1 September at Eddy Creek ( BY,
MS. BP); 26 September in Warren (DR);
28 September at Bowling Green (DR);
30 September at Chaney (DR): 2 October
(2) at Lake Cumberland WMA (RD); 5
October at the WKU Farm (JE); 5
October (BP. KOS) and 1 8 October (DR.
KOS) at Sauerheber; 5 October at Camp
#9 (BP. JD); 1 1 November at Frankfort
(MM); and 22 November at Cedar Creek
Lake. Lincoln (RD. SBC).

Peregrine Falcon - not many were re¬
ported this fall: the Louisville pair was

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THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

observed bathing at the Falls of the Ohio
2 August (BP); 1 at Minor Clark 20 Sep¬
tember (SM); 1 at Louisville 20 Septem¬
ber (BY); 1 at Blood River 20 September
(HC); 2 past the Pinnacle 23 September
(MM. BP); 1 at Camp #11 on 27 Sep¬
tember and 5 October (BP. et al.); 1 at
Minor Clark 2 October (FB); and 1 on
the Ohio River at Cincinnati 10 Novem¬
ber (SM).

King Rail - single birds (migrants or
lingering breeders?) were observed at
Sauerheber 4 October (BP. KOS) and 18
October (JP).

Virginia Rail - a juv. at Camp #11 on 1
August was not seen exceptionally well
but appeared not to be full grown, cer¬
tainly suggesting that the species nested
there (LP. BP. EC); 2-3 birds were heard
at Gibraltar 2 1 September - 9 November
(BP. et al.); also reported were 1 at
Sauerheber 4 October (BP. KOS) and 1
at Flays Kennedy Park. Jefferson . 26
October (MA).

Sora - earliest reports included 1 at Sauer¬
heber 3 August (CC) and 1 at Paradise
10 August (DR), both earlier than when
migrants might be expected and perhaps
suggestive of summering?? By 17 Au¬
gust, several were present at Camp #1 1
(BP); latest report was 1 that replied to a
tape at Gibraltar 9 November (BP. et al.);
peak count was an unimpressive 10-12 at
Sauerheber 4 October (BP. KOS)

Common Moorhen - at least 1 bird lin¬
gered at Camp #1 1 into August (BP. et
al.); an ad. and 2 nearly full grown yg.
were observed at Sauerheber 3 August
(CC), confirming nesting at that location
for the first time.

American Coot - nesting birds lingered
through the season at Camp #1 1 (BP. et
al.): arrival of the first migrants appeared
to be represented by the following re¬
ports: Sauerheber 27 September (CC)
and Minor Clark 28 September (GR).

Sandhill C rane - a few birds were seen a
few weeks earlier than normal, with a
flock of 36 over Murray. Calloway. 10
October (KCo) and ca. 30 over s. Jeffer¬
son 12 October (MB). During the main

migratory period, birds were reported
from as far w. as Muhlenberg 9 Novem¬
ber (MS. et al.) and as far e. as Cave Run
Lake. Rowan, in mid-November (LK).

Black-bellied Plover - there were only a
few reports including 1 at Blood River
19 September (HC); 1 at the Falls of the
Ohio 20 September (BP. et al.); 2 at
Jonathan Creek 25/26 October (HC): and
1 at Petros Pond, Warren. 30 October
(DR).

American Golden-Plover - certainly not
an exceptional flight, although a few
juvs. occurred in late September and ear¬
ly October (m. ob.); latest reports includ¬
ed 2 at Blood River 12 October (HC); 1
at Blood River 20 October (HC): and 1
at Jonathan Creek 4 November (HC).

Semipalmated Plover - latest report was 1
at Lake No. 9 on 26 October (RD. SD).

Killdeer - peak counts included 250 at
Ballard 12 August (SR) and 200 at Camp
#9 on 1 August (BP. LP, EC).

American Avocet - there were two reports
for the season: 1 at Calvert City 13 Au¬
gust (ph.SV. EC. et al.) and 2 at Brown
Power Plant 28 September (ph.B&MC).

Greater Yellovvlegs - peak counts were 32
at Blood River 12 October (HC) and 3 1
at Minor Clark 28 October (FB): latest
reports included several at Minor Clark
2 November (LH): 1 at Mt. Zion 3
November (RD); 1 at Lake Reba 8
November (MV) and 2 at Walton's Pond
19 November (DR).

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

9

Lesser Yellowlegs - peak count was 45 at
Blood River 12 October (HC); latest
report was for 2 birds at Blood River 16
November (HC).

Willet - only reports were for 4 at Island
No. 1 on 21 August (MM. BP) and 1 at
Brown Power Plant 22 August (RD).

Spotted Sandpiper - latest reports were 1
at Freeman Lake. Hardin . 25 October
(RD. SD) and 1 at Lake Reba 30 October
(MV).

Upland Sandpiper - only report for the
season was a bird ( seen and heard) over
Sinclair 14 August (BP).

Hudsonian Godwit - 1 was observed at
Blood River 19 September (*HC).
KBRC review required.

Marbled Godwit - 1 was present at Camp
#11 on 1 August (ph.BP. BC. LP).
KBRC review required.

Ruddy Turnstone - only report for the fall
was for 2 at Petersburg. Boone. 30
August (LM).

Sanderling - certainly a below-average
flight was documented: earliest report
was for 2 at Laketon 12 August (SR):
peak count was an unimpressive 4 at the
Falls of the Ohio 15 September (C&TB).

Western Sandpiper - not numerous this
fall, with only a few reports including up
to 3 or 4 at Paradise during mid-August
(m. ob.) and 2 at Fishing Creek 1 Sep¬
tember (RD); latest reports included a
few at Jonathan Creek and Blood River
12-26 October (HC); 2 at Jonathan Creek

4 November (HC. ME) and 4 last ob¬
served there 16 November (HC).

Least Sandpiper - peak counts included
200 at Laketon 19 August (SR) and 200
at Jonathan Creek and 150 at Blood
River, both 12 October (HC).

White-rumped Sandpiper - the only re¬
port for this rare fall migrant was from
Minor Clark 20 September (SM).

Baird’s Sandpiper - peak count was an
unimpressive 4 at Paradise 2 1 September
(BP. MS. BY).

Pectoral Sandpiper - latest report was for
3 at Minor Clark 31 October (LH. FB).

Dunlin - earliest report was for 2 birds at
Camp #9 on 27 September (BP. AC);
peak count was 79 at Fishing Creek 6
November (RD).

Stilt Sandpiper - a somewhat below-
average flight this fall; relatively unim¬
pressive peak counts included 17 at
Camp #9 on 29 August (BP) and 14 at
Jonathan Creek 20 September (HC);
latest report was 4 at Blood River 12
October (HC).

Buff-breasted Sandpiper - unimpressive
movement detected this fall; first repor¬
ted at Island No. 1 on 21 August (BP.
MM); also observed at both Camp #9
and Camp #11 on 23/29 August (BP.
KOS); and at Blood River 19 September
(HC); latest report was 1 bird at Camp
#1 1 on 1 October (BP. JD. MM), estab¬
lishing a new late departure date for the
state by a day.

Short-billed Dowitcher - peak count was
7 at Camp #11 on 17 August (BP).

Long-billed Dowitcher - earliest report
was of 2 worn ads. (calls heard) at Camp
#11 on 1 August (BP. EC. LP); 2 juvs.
were observed at Camp #11 on 27 Sep¬
tember/1 October with 3 there 5 October
and 2 there 29 October (BP. et al.); the
following reports of dowitcher sp. were
also likely this species: 2 at Jonathan
Creek and 6 at Blood River 12 October
(HC) and 2 at Blood River 22 November
(HC).

Wilson’s Snipe - earliest reports included
1 at Camp #11 on 21 August (BP. MM);
3 at Minor Clark 23 August (LM.

10

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

NKBC); 1 at Sauerheber 25 August
(CC): and 1 at Minor Clark 29 August
(LM. NKBC).

American Woodcock - likely migrants
were 2 in e. Jefferson 7 November (BP)
and 3 at Sinclair 9 November (BP. et
al.).

Red-necked Phalarope - a juv. was pres¬
ent at Camp #11 on 14 September (* BP).
KBRC review required.

Red Phalarope - a juv. was present at
Jonathan Creek 13 September (ph.HC. et
al.) — 17 September (ME). KBRC re¬
view required.

Red Phalarope. Marshall
14 September 2003
Hap Chambers

Laughing Gull - a few birds were reported
during the season, perhaps involving
multiple observations of the same few
individuals: juv. at Ky Dam 2 August
(HC): ad. at Kv Dam 6 September (DR.
HC); 1 at Green Turtle Bay 13 Sep¬
tember (HC); 1 first-year at Ky Dam 5
October (LA); and 1 second-year at Ky
Dam Village State Park. Marshall . 29
November (BP, AC).

Franklin’s Cull - a few birds were repor¬
ted as follows: 1 first-year at Jonathan
Creek 15 September (DR); I over Mar¬
tins Fork Lake. Harlan. 23 September
(MM. BP) provided a second report for
the Cumberland Mts. region of the state;
3 at Ky Dam 5 October ( LA ); 1 first-year
at Jonathan Creek 5 October (HC. ME);
2 at Jonathan Creek 23 October (SR); 1
at Jonathan Creek 24 October (BL); 1 at
Blood River 25/26 October (HC); 15 at
Blood River 3 November (HC); and 1 at

Jonathan Creek 22 November (HC).

Bonaparte’s Gull - earliest report was for
several birds at Ky Dam 5 October (LA).

Ring-billed Gull - early peak coimts were
75+ at Calvert City and 75+ on Ohio
River sandbars nr. Ledbetter. Livingston.
both 5 August (BP. EC).

Herring Gull - earliest reports included 3
ads. above Ky Dam 19 August (DR); at
least 20 were at Green Turtle Bay by 14
September (BP. HC. RL. MW).

Lesser Black-backed Gull - a few reports
(perhaps of same individual) as follows:
ad. above Ky Dam 15 September (DR);
ad. at Kuttawa 5 October (LA); and an
ad. at Kuttawa 26 November (BY).

Caspian Tern - peak coimts included ca.
75 total on n. Lake Barkley. Lyon. 19
August (DR); 50+ at Kuttawa 29 August
(BP. MM); and 17 at Paradise 13 August
(BP. MM) and 24 August (BP. AC).

Common Tern - the only report was for a
very late individual observed with the
Forster's Terns at Jonathan Creek 1 1
November (BL).

Forster’s Tern - peak coimts were 70+ at
Jonathan Creek 1 1 November (BL) and
65 at Jonathan Creek 12 October (HC);
the species was still well distributed on
bays of Kentucky Lake. Callowav/Mar-
shall. including 42 at Blood River. 23
November (HC. ME).

Least Tern - relatively significant was the
discovery of a small breeding colony at
an industrial plant settling pond at Cal¬
vert City in early August (EC. et al.); at
least 13 ads. and 10 juvs. were observed
at the site 13 August (EC. SV. et al.).
Birds on the Mississippi River appeared
to do relatively well this season, with
numerous juvs. observed loafing with
ads. at the normal haunts (m. ob.). Peak
count of lingering nesting birds was 60+
at Island No. 1 on 21 August (BP. MM).

Black Fern - a modest movement included
1 at Mt. Zion (RD) and 1 at Camp #1 1
(BP. AC), both 3 August; 1 at Laketon
14 August (SR); 6 at Island No 1 on 21
August (BP. MM); 15 at Lake Camico.
Nicholas. 23 August (G&WK); 10 over
Sinclair 26 August (JE); 18 at Camp #9

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

11

on 29 August (BP); 3 at Fishing Creek 2
September (RD); 4 at Blood River 2
September ( HC); 5 at Walton's Pond 3
September (DR); 1 at Minor Clark 7
September (GR); 2 at Fishing Creek 17
September (RD): and 1 at Camp #1 1 on
27 September (BP. AC).

Eurasian Collared-Dove - as is now the
norm, this season brought reports from a
few new locations including at Hiseville,
Barren, 10 August (AT); nr. Oakland.
Warren, late August (Z&CB); and in
Fredonia. Caldwell (BP).

Yellow-billed Cuckoo — a relatively late-
nesting bird was flushed from a nest in
Pulaski 2 August (RD): latest reports
included 1 at WKU Woods 5 October
(JE); 1 at Miles Park 16 October (BW)
and 1 at Garvin Brown Preserve, Jef¬
ferson, 27 October (BW).

Long-eared Owl - single birds were
observed at the Wendell Ford Regional
Training Center. Muhlenberg, and at
Riverqueen. both 28 November (BP.
AC).

Short-eared Owl - earliest report was for
1 at Sauerheber 5 October (BP. KOS);
also reported was 1 in e. Jefferson 26
October (MM. BP) and 10-15 at Sinclair
20 November (P&SF. BP. MM).

Northern Saw-whet Owl - the only report
was 1 netted in e. Jefferson 7 November
(MM. BP).

Whip-poor-will - 2 were still singing in
nw. Jackson 20 September (BP) and at
Sinclair 21 September (BP. MS. BY); a
fresh road-kill was observed at Cumber¬
land Gap. Bell, 25 September ( MM. BP);
latest report was 1 at Short Creek. Gray ¬
son. 15 October (JPt).

Ruby throated Hummingbird - birds did
not linger as late this year, with only a
few reports after the first week of Octo¬
ber and the latest being 2 in s. Warren 22
October and 1 in s. Warren 24 October
(JE). A nearly complete albino was
observed at Eminence. Henry, during
late August (R&WY. ph.BC).

Rufous Hummingbird - at least 4 birds
were confirmed to species during the
period as follows: ca. 2nd week August-

ca. 2nd week November, an ad. male at
Bowling Green (ph.SB. fide JE): 12
October - end of November, an ad.
female n. of Rich Pond. Warren (ph.JE,
banded CS/PM); 8 November - end of
November, an ad. female at Rich Pond.
Warren (TB. ph.JE, banded CS/PM); late
October - end of November 2003, an
imm. female at Russellville. Logan (GM.
ph.MBt. banded CS/PM).

Selasphorus sp. - single birds ( unidentified
to species) were reported from two other
locations as follows: a "brownish” hum¬
mingbird at Plano. Warren, 12 October
(FBw) and a likely ad. female at Berea.
Madison, 23 October - end of November
(ph. A&TR).

Olive-sided Flycatcher - only reports were
for singles at King Bee. Pulaski, 6 Sep¬
tember (RD) and Westvaco WMA. Hick¬
man, 30 August (MM. BP).

Eastern Wood-Pewee - two extremely late
nesting records were documented by an
ad. feeding 2 yg. at Mt. Zion 25 Septem¬
ber (RD). and ads. feeding yg. at Miles
Park 24-30 September (BW). Assuming
normal timing of post-fledging parental
care, these nestings occurred approx¬
imately a month later than has been pre¬
viously documented in the state.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - several re¬
ports as follows: 1 at Mammoth Cave.

12

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Barren. 5 September (MM): 1 at Mt.
Zion 12 September (RD); 1 in sw. Jef¬
ferson 20 September (CL); 1 in Warren

16 and 30 September (DR); 1 at Cave
Hill Cem.. Jefferson. 8 October (BJ.
BBC); and 1 in e. Jefferson 10 October
(JB. PB).

Alder Flycatcher - tentatively identified
was 1 (heard only) calling along the
Mississippi River above Laketon 2 1 Au¬
gust (BP. MM).

Least Flycatcher - earliest report was a
bird calling (‘whit’) in e. Jefferson 9
August (BP) that tied the early arrival
date for non-breeding areas in the state:
the next earliest report was 1 at Mt. Zion
26 August (RD).

Great Crested Flycatcher - latest report
was 1 in LBL. Lyon. 14 September (HC,
BP. RL. MW).

Eastern Fdngbird - a few birds lingered
into the latter half of September with
latest reports being 1 in Jefferson 20
September (BW); 5 at Sinclair 21 Sep¬
tember (BP. MS, BY); 2 in nw. Grayson

17 September (JPt); and 1 at Knifley.
Adair. 27 September (RD. SBC).

Loggerhead Shrike - relatively unusual
for n. Kentucky was a bird just s. of
Aspen Grove, s. Campbell. 10 November
(SM).

Bell’s Vireo - extraordinarily late and
establishing a new late departure date for
the state by three weeks was a singing
bird (heard only) at Sinclair 19 October
(HC. RD).

Yellow-throated Vireo - latest report was
1 at WKU Woods 8 October (JE).
Blue-headed Vireo - a bird at Mammoth
Cave. Barren. 5 September (MM) was
likely an early migrant; latest report was

1 at Big South Fork National Recreation
Area. McCreary. 1 November (RD).

Red-eyed Vireo - a relatively late nesting
record was documented by an ad. feeding

2 yg at Mt. Zion 10/1 1 September (RD).
Common Raven - 2-3 birds were seen at

Stone Mt. 23/24 September (BP. MM);

I was heard s. of Hensley Settlement.
Cumberland Gap. 25 September (MM.
BP); 1 was observed ca. 3 mi ne. of

Prestonsburg, Floyd. 29 October for a
still relatively rare report away from the
Cumberland Mts. (CLg).

Purple Martin - 6-7 birds over Miles Park
21 September (BW) and 4 birds in
Wayne 22 September (RD) were about a
week earlier than the latest state depar¬
ture date ever recorded.

Tree Swallow - peak count was 700+ in
Wayne 22 September (RD); latest reports
included 50+ in w. Fulton 26 October
(RD. SD); 30 at Somerset 28 October
(RD); “numerous" on the Little River
embayment of Lake Barkley. Trigg. 28
October (ER); 30 at Camp #11 on 29
October (BP. MM): and 7 at Sinclair and
Paradise 9 November (MS. et al.).

No. Rough-winged Swallow - latest report
was 1 in w. Fulton 26 October (RD. SD).

Cliff Swallow - interesting reports includ¬
ed 2 at Watertown Yacht Club. Camp¬
bell. 9 August (FR) and 2 relatively late
birds in Wayne 22 September (RD).

Red-breasted Nuthatch - the earliest re¬
port was 1 at Beargrass 27 October
(RD); a few showed up during Novem¬
ber. but by the end of the month, only
small numbers were being reported, sug¬
gesting a modest but relatively unspec¬
tacular movement overall.

Brown Creeper - earliest report was 1 at
Louisville 13 October (JB. PB).

House Wren - several birds were observed
lingering into November with the latest
being 1 at Mt. Zion 1 1 November (RD)
and 1 at Riverqueen 28 November (BP.
AC).

Sedge Wren - at least 3 birds lingered in e.
Jefferson into mid-August (BP) and at
least 4 w ere present - with nesting likely

- at Sinclair 17 August (RR) through
October (MM. BP. et al.); other possible
nesting birds included 1-2 heard at Camp
#1 1 during the latter half of August (BP.
et al.): 1 heard at Ballard 17 August
(MM. BP): 1 heard nr. Ledbetter, s.
Livingston. 29 August ( BP): and 2 heard
at Long Point 3 1 August ( BP. MM). Die
species was also reported at Sauerheber

- where birds had summered - with sev¬
eral birds including a juv. observed 4

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

13

October (BP. KOS) and 18 October (DR.
KOS). Single birds that were likely
migrants were reported at Beargrass 28
September (DP, BBC) and Chaney 30
September (DR). The species lingered at
Sinclair into November with 2 still there
9 November (BP. et al.) and at least 4
seen/heard 20 November (BP. MM. SV).

Marsh Wren - earlier than normal was 1
heard and seen at Camp #11 on 17/23
August (BP. KOS) and a singing bird
still in juv. plumage at Sinclair 30 Au¬
gust (BP, MM) that seemed suspiciously
of local origin. Other reports included 1
at McElroy 16 September (DR); 1 at
Beargrass 28 September ( DP. BBC); 2 at
Chaney 6 October (DR); 2 at McElroy 8
October (DR); and several at Sauerheber
4/5/18 October (KOS). Two lingering
birds were heard singing full songs at
Sinclair 20 November (MM. BP).

Golden-crowned Kinglet - earliest reports
included 1 at WKU Woods 8 October
(JE) and 2 in e. Jefferson 13 October
(JB, PB).

Ruby-crowned Kinglet - earliest reports
included 1 in nw. Jackson 20 September
(BP) and ca. 6 at Cumberland Gap 25
September ( MM. BP).

Veery - the only report was for 1 at Shaker
Mill 8 September (DR).

Gray-cheeked Thrush - 1 at Shaker Mill
2 September (DR) established a new
early arrival date for the state by three
days.

Swainson’s Thrush - earliest reports in¬
cluded 1 at Frankfort 24 August (BP)
and 1 at Mt. Zion 4 September (RD).

Wood Thrush - latest reports were for 1 at
Sauerheber 25 October (BL) and 2 at
Stephen’s Knob. McCreary , 1 1 October
(RD. SBC).

American Robin - an estimated 5.000
birds were observed going to roost at
Highland Heights. Campbell, 9 October
(FR); a very late nesting record was
indicated by an ad. feeding fledglings in
e. Jefferson ca. 20 September (BW).

Gray Catbird - latest reports were for 1 at
Mt. Zion 22 October (RD) and 1 in s.
Warren 26 October ( JE).

Cedar Waxwing - fledglings were ob¬
served still being fed at two locations in
e. Jefferson 20 September (BW); a
noticeable movement of birds came
through during latter October and early
November (m. ob.).

Blue-winged Warbler - a bird at Lost
River 5 August (JE) was a relatively
early post-breeding wanderer/migrant.

Golden-winged Warbler - it seemed to be
a good fall for this declining species,
with reports as follows: 1 at Middle
Creek Park. Boone , 1 September (LM.
NKBC); 1 at Mt. Zion 4/10/11/23 Sep¬
tember (RD): 1 at Mammoth Cave. 5
September (MM); 2 in e. Jefferson 6
September (BP); 1 in LBL. Lyon, 7 Sep¬
tember (BP); 1 nr. Lake Barkley, Lyon .
13 September (HC. et al.); 1 at Lake
Cumberland WMA 19 September (RD);
1 in nw. Jackson 20 September (BP); 1
at Sloans Valley, Pulaski. 21 September
(RD); 1 in LBL, Lyon , 21 September
(BP); 1 at Manunoth Cave 21 September
(JE. KOS); 1 at Louisville 24 September
(JB. PB); and I at Miles Park 1 October
(BW).

Brewster’s Warbler - 1 was seen adjacent
to Stone Mt. 24 September (MM).

Tennessee Warbler - earliest report was
for 1 at Mt. Zion 24 August (RD); 30+
were at WKU Woods 8 October (JE).

Orange-crowned Warbler - an extremely
early individual was observed at Mam¬
moth Cave. Barren, 5 September (MM):
also reported were 2 at Big Bone Lick
State Park. Boone. 24 September (LM),
and singles 10/13 October in e. Jefferson
(JB. PB) and 19 November in s. Warren
(ph.JE).

Northern Parula - 6 birds at Eddy Creek
1 October (BP. JD) and 4 birds at WKU
Woods 8 October were nice tallies for
the relatively late dates (JE).

Yellow Warbler - latest reports were 2 at
Mt. Zion 1 1 September (RD) and 1 in
Lyon 21 September (MS. BY. BP).

Chestnut-sided Warbler - earliest reports
included 1 (a presumed non-breeder) at
Lake Cumberland WMA 19 August
(RD) and 1 at Mt. Zion 24 August (RD).

14

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Magnolia Warbler - 20+ birds were at
WKU Woods 5 October (JE).

Cape May Warbler - earliest report was
for 3 at Adair WMA. Boone. 6 Sep¬
tember (LM. NKBC): well distributed
during the remainder of September with
reports from as far w. as w. Henderson
27 September (CC) and Lyon 21 Sep¬
tember (BP. MS. BY); peak counts in¬
cluded 4 at Mammoth Cave. Edmonson
and Barren . 21 September (JE. KOS)
and 10-12 at Cumberland Gap 25 Sep¬
tember (MM. BP).

Yellow-rumped Warbler - earliest reports
included 1 at Jonathan Creek (MS. BY.
BP) and 1 at Mammoth Cave (JE. KOS).
both 2 1 September.

Black-throated Green Warbler - earliest
reports away from breeding areas were 1
at Lost River on the exceptionally early
date of 10 August (JE) and 1 at Bellevue.
Campbell. 30 August (FR).

Black-throated Blue Warbler - lingering
nesting birds were still quite numerous at
Stone Mt. 24 September (4 males) (BP.
MM) and Cumberland Gap 25 Septem¬
ber (at least 8. mostly ad. males) (MM.
BP); a female was observed at Mammoth
Cave 21 September (JE. KOS); what is
likely the first ever report from w.
Kentucky in fall was a female observed
at Jonathan Creek 13 September (HC.
EC. RL. MW).

Blackburnian Warbler - earliest report
was for 1 at Mt. Zion 26 August (RD).

Prairie Warbler - 2 birds at Lost River 5
August (JE) were early post-breeding
migrants: latest reports included 5 (likely
lingering breeders) at Sinclair 21 Sep¬
tember (BP. MS. BY) and 1 at Somerset
1 October (RD).

Palm Warbler - earliest report was 1 in e.
Jefferson 4 September (BP).

Pine Warbler - latest reports included 1
nr. Richwood, Boone. 26 November
(FR) and 1 at Jonathan Creek 26 Novem¬
ber (ME).

Bay-breasted Warbler - peak counts
included 30-35+ at both Stone Mt. and
Cumberland Gap. 24/25 September, re¬
spectively (MM. BP).

Blackpoll Warbler - only reports were 2 at
Stone Mt. 24 September ( BP. MM); 2 at
Cumberland Gap 25 September (MM.
BP) and 1 at Frankfort 6 October (BP).

Cerulean Warbler - relatively unusual
was a male at Mt. Zion 24 August (RD).

.American Redstart - latest report was 1 at
Mt. Zion 14 October (RD).

Prothonotary Warbler - an impressive
count of late summer/earlv fall lingering
family groups totaling 37 birds was made
at Lake Cumberland WMA 2 August
(RD).

Worm-eating Warbler - a bird at Lost
River 5 August (JE) must have been an
early post-breeding migrant: relatively
late were a bird at Mt. Zion 24 Sep¬
tember (RD): 2 at Stone Mt. 24 Septem¬
ber (BP. MM) and 1 at Cumberland Gap
25 September (MM. BP).

Swainson’s Warbler - as part of an effort
to determine departure dates for the
species in DBNF. 1 was taped in at Little
Lick Recreation Area. Pulaski. 14 Au¬
gust (RD). establishing a new late
departure date for local nesting birds for
the state.

Northern Waterthrush - an extremely
tardy bird in e. Jefferson 4 November
(JB. PB) represented a new late depar¬
ture date for the state by more than a
week.

Louisianan Waterthrush - relatively
unusual was a likely fall migrant at Lake
Cumberland WMA 19 August (RD).

Kentucky Warbler - 3 birds at Lost River
5 August (JE) must have been early
migrants.

Mourning Warbler - only reports were for
1 at Shaker Mill 30 August (DR) and 1
in e. Jefferson 6 September (BP).

Hooded Warbler - latest reports included
3 at Stephen's Knob. McCreary. 1 1
October (RD. SBC) and 1 in Boyd 3
November (LT).

Canada W arbler - latest report was for 1
at Shaker Mill 24 September (DR).

Yellow-breasted Chat - latest reports were
for 1 at Lost River 7 September (JE): 2
calling at Sinclair 21 September (BP.
MS. BY); and 1 at Big Bone Lick State

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

15

Park. Boone, 24 September (LM).

American Tree Sparrow - earliest reports
were for 1 at East Bend 15 November
(LM); 4+ at Sinclair 20 November (MM.
BP); and a small flock at Garvin Brown
Preserve. Jefferson. 22 November (BW).

Chipping Sparrow - flocks lingered well
into November with 45 at Shaker Mill 7
November (DR) and a few at Plano.
Warren. 19 November (FBw); singles
were still at Cumberland Gap. Bell, 13
November ( MM. et al. ); Evergreen Cem.,
Campbell, 14 November (FR); and Wen¬
dell Ford Regional Training Center.
Muhlenberg, 28 November (BP).

Clay-colored Sparrow - there were two
reports of this very rare transient: 1 at
Tom Sawyer State Park. e. Jefferson on
the extremely early date of 24 August
(*JB. PB) and 1 at Mt. Zion 10 No¬
vember (RD). KBRC review required.

Lark Sparrow - there were two reports of
likely fall migrants: 1 at Sinclair 30
August (MM. BP) and 1 at Mt. Zion
9/10 September (RD).

Grasshopper Sparrow - a pair feeding
small yg. in a nest at Sinclair 13 August
(MM. BP) represented a relatively late
nesting record; latest report was 1 at Mt.
Zion 20 October (RD).

Henslow’s Sparrow - lingering birds
remained at Sinclair well into fall with a
not fully grown juv. and nearby ad. with
food observed 21 September (BP, MS,
BY); at least 2 were still at Sinclair 9
November (MM. et al.); also observed
was 1 at Riverqueen 2 October (BP. JD.
MM).

Le Conte’s Sparrow - reports included 1
at Sauerheber 18 October (DR. KOS)
and birds that will likely winter observed
at Sinclair on several occasions 26
October (5) (MS) - 20 November (MM.
et al.).

Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow - only
report was for 1 at Sinclair 19 October
(HC. RD).

Fox Sparrow - earliest report was for 2 at
Sinclair 9 November (MM. et al.).

Lincoln’s Sparrow - earliest report was 1
at Big Bone Lick State Park. Boone, 27

September (LM. NKBC); peak count
was 7+ at Sinclair 29 October (MM.
BP); latest report was 1 at Sinclair 9
November (BY. et al.).

Swamp Sparrow - earliest reports were
from Sauerheber 27 September (BP.
AC); nr. Dot, Logan, 28 September (FL);
and at McElroy 29 September ( DR).

Dark-eyed Junco - a male was observed
where a nesting pair had been found
earlier in the year at Cumberland Gap 25
September ( MM. BP); first fall migrants
arrived on time with two reports from 12
October in s. Jefferson ( BBC) and Gray¬
son (JPt).

Lapland Longspur - earliest reports in¬
cluded at least 2 at McElroy 19 Novem¬
ber (DR) and several flyovers at Sinclair
20 November (BP. MM).

Indigo Bunting - latest reports included 4
at Lake No. 9 on 26 October (RD. SD)
and 1 in Warren 4 November (DR).

Dickcissel - a bird was observed carrying
food nr. Ledbetter, s. Livingston, 29
August (BP); 1 was still at Sauerheber 4
October (BP. KOS).

Bobolink - a few were reported during the
normal flight period; more interesting
reports included 12 at McElroy 16 Sep¬
tember (DR) and 12 at the WKU Farm 5
October ( JE).

LeConte's Sparrow. Muhlenberg
20 November 2003
Shawchyi Vorisek

Yellow-headed Blackbird - a male was
observed at Camp #11 on 27 Sep¬
tember/5 October/29 October (BP. et
al.). KBRC review required.

16

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Rusty Blackbird - earliest reports included
1 at Caperton 8 November (BY) and 1 in
Boyd 16 November (LT); flocks of 60+
at Fort Campbell. Trigg. 14 November
(DM) and at least 100 at Caperton 20
November (BY) were both relatively
unusual.

Brewer's Blackbird - only report was for
3 at Walton's Pond 29 November (DR).

Orchard Oriole - latest reports included a
family group of 3 at Sinclair 26 August
(JE) and a female/imm. plumaged bird
nr. Saratoga. Lyon. 21 September (MS.
BY, BP) that established a new con¬
firmed late departure date for the state.

Purple Finch - a few birds began being
reported in early November (earliest
report 8 November in e. Jefferson - BP);
by the end of November, still only small
numbers were being observ ed including
a few at feeders.

Pine Siskin - a modest flight commenced
in early November and by the end of the
month small numbers were still being
reported including a few at feeders.
Earliest reports were 3 at Barren 7
November (DR) and 2 in w. Boone (KC).
1 at Shaker Mill (DR), and 2 in e.
Jefferson (BP), all 8 November.

Evening Grosbeak - 1 was heard at Shaker
Mill 8 October (DR).

Observers: Leif Anderson (LA); Steve Anderson (SA); Michael Autin (MA); Mary Bill
Bauer (MB); Colleen & Tom Becker (C&TB); Shirley Becknell (SB); Jane Bell (JB); Pat
Bell (PB); Mark Bennett (MBt); Thad Bessinger (TB); Fred Bowman (FBw): Karon
Broadbent (KB); Horace Brown (HB); Zack & Crystal Bumes (Z&CB); Fred Busroe (FB);
Kathy Caminiti (KC); Granville Carey (GC); Bill & Margaret Case (B&MC); Hap Chambers
(HC); Elizabeth Ciuzio (EC); Katharine Cohen (KCn); Amy Covert (AC); Byron Crawford
(BC): Charlie Crawford (CC); Roseanna Denton (RD); Steve Denton (SD); Jonathan Dunn
(JD); Melissa Easley (ME); Jackie Elmore (JE); Preston & Shari Forsythe (P&SF): Scott
Freidhof (SF); Lana Hays (LH); Rose Hensel (RH); Bob Johnson (BJ); Lew Kommaii (LK);
Ken Leggett (KL); Ginnv & Wendell Kingsolver (G&WK); Celia Lawrence (CL); Bill
Lisowsky (BL); Roly Lloyd (RL); Charlie Logsdon (CLg); Frank Lyne (FL); Portia
MacMillen (PM); Scott Marsh (SM); Rick Mauro (RM); Gene McDonald (GM); Lee
McNeely (L.M); Mark Monroe (MM); Nancy Moore (NM); Mike Morton (MMn); Daniel
Moss (DM); John & Phyllis Niemi (J&PN); Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. (BP); Johnny Parks
( JP); Laura Patton (LP); Joyce Porter (JPt); Dakin Poland (DP); Ed Ray (ER); Scott Record
(SR); Frank Renfrow (FR); Art & Tina Ricketts (A&TR); Gerald Robe (GR); David Roemer
(DR); Randel Rogers (RR); Chris Sloan (CS); Matt Stickel (MS); Keith Stucker(KS); Steve
Sweeney (SS); Lin Towler (LT); Anthony Trimboli (AT); Shawchyi Vorisek (SV); Mark
Vukovich (MV); Mary Walter (MW); Charlie Wilkins (CW); Barbara Woemer (BW); Ben
Yandell (BY); Raymond & Wilma Young (R&WY); Beckham Bird Club (BBC); Ky. Orni¬
thological Society (KOS): many observers (nr. ob.); Northern Ky. Bird Club (NKJ3C);
Somerset Bird Club (SBC).

- 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY. 40222 (brainard.palmer-ball@mail.state.ky.us)
(Palmer-Ball) and P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY. 41005 (lkmc9@netscape.net)
(McNeely).

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

17

MID- WINTER BIRD COUNT

2003-2004

Reports of 27 counts were received from across the Commonwealth. A total of 1 37 spe¬
cies was recorded on count days, 123 of which are represented on the table. Those species
observed on count days not represented on the table include: a Common Merganser (Dan¬
ville), two Red-throated Loons (Land Between the Lakes),

a Ruffed Grouse (Richmond), an Osprey (Calloway County), a Virginia Rail (Paradise), two
Glaucous Gulls and a Laughing Gull (Land Between the Lakes). 3 Rufous Hummingbirds
(2 at Bowling Green and 1 at Richmond), a House Wren (Ballard County, Paradise, and
Falls of Rough), a Sedge Wren (Paradise), a Veery (Falls of Rough), a Yellow-throated Vireo
(Lexington), a Spotted Towhee ( Paradise), and a Lincoln's Sparrow (Lexington). There were
1 5 species observed on all counts and 19 species observed only on one count. A small flock
of Brewer's Blackbirds was observed during the count week in Ballard County.

Temperatures were fairly mild on average throughout the count period. The low tem¬
perature was 15°F at Lexington on December 20 and Upton on December 26. and the high
temperature at 69°F at Sorgho on January 3. The mild temperatures may have contributed
to the reduced numbers of most species of migratory waterfowl as was the case last year.
This trend was not entirely consistent with much greater numbers of Green-winged Teal and
Common Goldeneyes. The number of Red-breasted Nuthatches was also down, similar to the
trend last year. There were good flocks of Sandhill Cranes that were observed. The number
of Eurasian Collarecl-Doves was about half that of last year. Cedar Waxwing and American
Robin numbers were back up. Their numbers appear to vary with food availability. Purple
Finch numbers, although not high, increased over last year. Lingering birds, such as Palm
Warblers. House Wrens and the Yellow-throated Vireo, were evident.

Thanks to the many observers and compilers who participated in this year’s count. Also,
thanks to compilers who submitted documentation for unusual species to the editor and to
the Kentucky Bird Records Committee. Records of species unusual for the count do not
constitute official records until reviewed by the Kentucky Bird Records Committee.

Ballard County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1984.)
Habitat as described in 1984. Dec 29; 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST. Rain showers through
most of the a.m. hours; cloudy p.m. with partly cloudy sunset; temp. 51° to 53 ° F; wind
WNW 5-13 m.p.h. Water open.

Three observers in 1 to 3 parties. Total party-hours 14 (8 on foot, 6 by car). Total party-
miles 68 ( on foot, 66 by car). Total species 82; 45.070 individuals.

Observers: Roseanna Denton, Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. (compiler) and Scott Record.

Morning rain showers dampened hireling activity for part of the day. Mild conditions
accounted in large part for the lower-than-average waterfowl diversity and numbers, which
resulted in a below average species total (82). Highlights included two American Woodcocks
and at least three LeConte's Sparrows adjacent to the West Kentucky WMA, McCracken
County and at least 35 Greater White-fronted Geese on the Ballard WMA. Berry-eating
species were present in above-average numbers; sugarberry trees and Smilcix vines seemed
to be providing most of the food. Mild weather may have accounted for above-average
numbers of several species such as Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Brown Thrashers. Numbers
of Red-headed Woodpeckers appeared to be about one-half the number present during the
winter of 2002-03. Eurasian Collared-Doves were observed again in La Center. Thousands
of additional blackbirds that streamed overhead at dusk are not included in the count total.
Interesting count-week birds included a House Wren, a male Spotted Towhee, and a flock
of Brewer’s Blackbirds.

18

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Calloway County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Douglas Cemetery.)
Habitat 20% lake shore, 30% open fields, 35% urban and residential, and 15% deciduous
and pine woods. Jan. 3; 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 65° to 68°F: wind SSW.
8-12 m.p.h.

Seven observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours 31 (11 on foot, 20 by car). Total party-
miles 214 (6.5 on foot. 207.5 by car). Total species 88; total individuals 8,184.

Observers: Hap Chambers (compiler), Joe Tom Erwin. Bob Head, Charles Mercer. Mike
Miller, Clell Peterson, and Wendell Webb.

Land Between the Lakes (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Pisgah Bay
picnic ground.) Habitat as described in 1984 in American Birds. Dec. 14: 6:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. Sky cloudy: temp. 40° to 32°F; wind, N, 10-15 m.p.h.

Twenty observers in 10 parties. Total party-hours 55 ( 19 on foot, 36 by car). Total party-
miles 360 (36 on foot, 324 by car). Total species 94: total individuals 12.867.

Observers: Mark Bennett, Jami Caroll. Val Carter. Hap Chambers, Laura Chapin, Karen
Clement. Melissa Easley. Donald Gladis, Bill Lisowsky. Paula Lisowsky. Carl Mowery
(compiler), Kathy Mowery, John Polpeter. Elizabeth Raikes, Laura Rissler, David Roemer.
Darrin Santborski. Tommy Sherwood, Kelly Werheim, and Aviva Yasgur.

There were 13 adult, six immature and three other Bald Eagles on the count.

Sorgho (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Hwy. 279-S and Audubon
Parkway intersection.) Habitat river, river bottoms, woods, corn stubble, plowed fields,
urban park, and city neighborhoods. Jan 3; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky cloudy, misty rain
occasionally, diminishing in the afternoon; temp. 61° to 69°F; wind SSW. 1 2 m.p.h. Show¬
ers occurred late in the afternoon.

Fourteen observers in 6 parties. Total party-hours 29.5 (8.5 on foot, 21 by car). Total
party-miles 217 (7.5 on foot. 209.5 by car). Total species 51: total individuals 18.012.

Observers: Pat Augenstein. Brenda Eaden, Joe Ford. Steve Hahus, Mike Henshaw. Janet
Howard (compiler). Mary Kissel, Charles Morris, Joyce Porter. Bob Rold. Rob Rold. Marilee
Thompson. Obbie Todd, and Carolyn Williams.

Olmstead (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at thejunction of Ky 1041
and Ky 1151.) Habitat approximately 75% is cultivated farmland. The remaining habitat
includes blocks of deciduous woods, fencerows, pasture, grown-up fields, developed areas,
and open water. Dec. 29; 6:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky cloudy throughout the morning until
10:00 a.m. when precipitation began to fall in earnest. From that time until sunset, rain
continued unabated. At times it transitioned to drizzle then back to light or moderate rain.;
temp. 55" to 45°F; wind, sustained from S, 0-20 m.p.h. The warmest temperatures occurred
in the morning and early afternoon. A wind of 10-20 m.p.h. was sustained throughout the
morning. Once the rain began, the wind diminished until there was essentially no wind by
2:00 p.m. Thereafter, a very light northerly wind developed before sunset. All bodies of water
were open. A few nights of subfreezing temperatures (3-4) before the count might have
affected results. Wind hampered early a.m. observations and rain hampered observations
the remainder of the day. Additionally, the combination of warm windy weather replaced by
warm rainy weather seemed to cause the birds to remain "down”, minimizing observation
opportunities.

Three observers in I party, with 1 feeder watcher. Total party-hours 9 ( I on foot, 8 by
car). Total party-miles 98.5 (0.5 on foot, 98 by car). Total species 58; total individuals
2.850.

Observ ers: Mark Bennett (compiler), Frank Lync. and David Roemer. Feeder watcher:
Alison Lync.

1 1 ighlights of this v ear's eount included the following: 52 Wild Turkeys in a single flock,
nine Great Blue Herons. 105 Killdeer. mostly in 2 large groups, 204 Rock Pigeon. 34

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

19

Eurasian Collared-Doves at 3 locations including 25 at one farm, 2 1 1 American Robins,
140 American Pipits, and 45 Yellow-rumped Warblers were all record numbers for the 1 1 -
year old count. Other highlights included two Wilson’s Snipe. Misses this year included
Red-headed Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Northern Bobwhite, Great Horned Owl. Brown
Creeper, and Winter Wren. Barn Owl pellets were observed on the count day. but the owl
itself elluded counters. This owl was observed on I January 2004 by the land owner, Ms.
Betty King.

Paradise (all points within a 1 5-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1 993. ) Habitat
as described in 1993. Jan 3; 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST. Sky mostly cloudy to cloudy: temp.
52° to 66° F: wind SW 0-15 m.p.h. Water open.

Eleven observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 44 (24.5 on foot, 19.5 by car). Total party
miles 196 (9 on foot. 187 by car). Total species 90; total individuals 20,369.

Observers: Michael Autin, Maiy Bill Bauer. Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Mark Bennett. Amy Covert,
Preston Forsythe, Shari Forsythe. Eddie Huber, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), and
Mary Walter.

Predicted rains did not develop, and winds remained below debilitating levels for finding
birds for most of the day. The species total (90) was slightly above average. Warm weather,
in part, resulted in another year with below-average numbers and diversity of waterfowl
althought a Ross's Goose was found with domestic geese at the same Ohio County location
as last year (MA, MB. JB, PB) and the count of Green-winged Teal (60) was impressive
for the count area. Two count firsts were recorded, a Spotted Towhee (AC, BP) and a Palm
Warbler (BP), both in eastern Muhlenberg County. Additional highlights were mostly lin¬
gering migrants and summer residents and included two Merlins on the Homestead Unit.
Ohio County (JB. PB), a Virginia Rail on the Gibraltar Unit. Muhlenberg County (AC.
BP), and a Sedge Wren on the Sinclair Unit, Muhlenberg County (MB. PF). Slightly less
exciting finds included at least 3 Bald Eagles, at least 239 Wild Turkeys in a single group.
7 performing American Woodcocks, a House Wren and a Pine Warbler. The total number
of Northern Harriers (37) and Rough-legged Hawks (2) remained well below count highs
recorded in the early to mid-1990’s. The count total does not include an additional tens of
thousands of blackbirds going to roost in the evening.

Bowling Green (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Three Springs, six
miles south of Bowling Green.) Habitat deciduous woods 20%, fields and pastures 60%,
and town and parks 20%. Dec. 20; 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sky sunny; temp. 19° to 33° F;
wind WNW 0-5 m.p.h.

Seven observers in three parties. Total party-hours 20 (5 on foot, 1 5 by car). Total party-
miles 163 (4 on foot. 159 by car). Total species 80: total individuals 14.205.

Observers: Jackie Elmore, Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Dick Lord. McKenzie Mason. Wayne
Mason, Albert Meier, and David Roemer. Feeder watcher: Diane Elmore.

A highlight of the count was the two adult female Rufous Hummingbirds that were pre¬
viously banded (.IE, DR). The Merlin was a juvenile male based on size and plumage (JE.
DR). Several Hocks of Sandhill Cranes flew over.

Glasgow (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1986.) Habitat
as described in 1 986. Dec. 27; 6:30 a.m. to 4: 15 p.m. Sky partly cloudy in the a.m. to clear
in the p.m.: temp. 24° to 5L’F; wind SSW, 5-10 m.p.h.

Three observers in 2 parties, with 1 feeder watcher. Total party-hours 15 (11 on foot.
4 by car). Total party-miles 48 (8 on foot. 40 by car). Total species 53: total individuals
1,724.

20

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Observers: Blaine Ferrell, Marquita Gillenwater. and Wayne Mason (compiler). Feeder
watcher: Billie Mae Moore.

Mammoth Cave National Park (Center and habitat as described in 1980.) Dec. 21 ; 7:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sky sunny; temp. 30° to 50°F; wind SW. 0-10 m.p.h. There was no wind
in the a.m., but it became breezy in the afternoon.

Five observers in three parties. Total party-hours 15.5 (13 on foot, 2.5 by car). Total
party-miles 94 (4 on foot. 90 by car). Total species 47; total individuals 3,071.

Observers: Connor Doyle, Lester Doyle, Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Steve Kistler, and
Wayne Mason.

As was the case last year, turtles were observed sunning themselves on logs. There was
one mature and one immature eagle observed on the count.

Falls of Rough (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Short Creek, Ky..
Hwy. 79 and 54 intersection). Habitat: woodland, river bottoms, watershed lakes, ponds,
old fields. Rough River lake, streams, and cultivated fields. Jan. 1 ; 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sky partly cloudy; temp. 34° to 67°F; wind, calm.

Six observers in three parties. Total party-hours 23 (22 on foot, 1 by car). Total party
miles L86 (5 on foot. 181 by car). Total species 50; total individuals 3.378.

Observers: Brenda Eaden, Tony Eaden, Rebecca Foreman. Mary Harrel. Janet Howard,
and Joyce Porter (compiler).

Bernheim Forest (all points within a 1 5-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1 974.)
Habitat as described in 1974. Dec. 28; 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. EST. Sky mostly clear; temp.
33° to 65°F; wind SW 5-20 m.p.h. Water mostly open.

Fifteen observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 41 (21 on foot. 20 by car). Total party
miles 196(17 on foot, 179 by car). Total species 62; total individuals 8,520.

Observers: Mary Bill Bauer. Jane Bell, Pat Bell. Dona Coates. Charles Hornaday, Eddie
Huber. Celia Lawrence. Pat Meyer, Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. (compiler), Esther Tamplin.
John Tamplin, Philip Tamplin, William Tamplin, and Major Waltman.

Breezy conditions somewhat hampered the detection of songbirds but the warm tem¬
peratures were welcome. Berry-eating species were present in above-average numbers, but
overall the species count (62) was below average. Both Red-breasted Nuthatch and Purple
Finch returned to the count in small numbers this year. Highlights included the two Golden
Eagles (DC, CL. EH, JH, BPB). Five Mute Swans were on Lake Nevin ( JB. PB) apparently
having arrived the previous day.

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. 14: 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky
cloudy; temp. 27° to 31°F; wind W. 7 m.p.h. There were 3.3 inches of snow on the ground
with snow flurries and fog.

Twenty-nine observers in 1 0 parties. Total party-hours 66.25 (22.25 on foot, 44.00 by car).
Total party-miles 321 (17 on foot, 304 by car). Total species 89; total individuals 31.845.

Observers: Win Ahrens. Mary Bill Bauer. Jane Bell and Pat Bell (compilers). Dona Coates.
David Dorman, Rod Goforth. .1. A. Harris, Charles Hatten. Gerald Heath, Eddie Huber, Jen¬
nifer Huber, Carol Hyatt. Bob Johnson, John Krull. Celia Lawrence. Aurilla Lesley, Fred
Mansmith, Mark Monroe, Doxie Noonan. Clara Ann Pallares, David Pallares. Brainard
Palmer- Ball. Bill Parsley. Tim Ritter. Jack Still. ScottieTheiss. Major Waltman, and Barbara
Woerner.

It was a colil, snowy day for the 29 participants who took part in the count. The Ohio
River was high and murky. The group tallied 89 species the same as last year with an in¬
crease of over 15.000 in the number of individuals compared with last year due to the

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

21

count of starlings. Some highlights were 2 Palm Warbers. 2 Lapland Longspurs. 2 1 Wilson’s
Snipe (a record count), 91 Chipping Sparrows (a record count), 327 Song Sparrows (a record
count), six Pine Siskins, 175 American Pipits (a record count). 2,651 American Robins, two
Peregrine Falcons, one each of Eastern Phoebe. Brown Thrasher, Red-breasted Nuthatch,
Winter Wren and Purple Finch.

Shelbyville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center three-quarters of a mile
south ofU.S. 60 and Guist Creek Lake on KY 714.) Habitat elevation 640’- 11 90', farmland,
fallow land, suburban, wooded and grassland. Jan 3: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky cloudy all
day. 47° to 60°F: wind S. 15 m.p.h.

Five observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 26 (2 on foot. 24 by car). Total party-miles
261 (2 on foot, 259 by car). Total species 51; total individuals 7.578.

Observers: Heather Brown. Joan Brown, Todd Brown, W.H. Brown (compiler) and Kathy
King.

Upton (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center one-half mile south of Hilltop
or 5 miles southwest of Millerstown.) Habitat is mixed woodland, river, agriculture, a small
lake and Nolin Reservoir. Dec. 26; 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 15° to 50°F; wind
SE, 5 m.p.h.

Nine observers in 1 party. Total party-hours 12 (3 on foot. 9 by car). Total party-miles
102 (2 on foot. 100 by car). Total species 63; total individuals 28.518.

Observers: Bruce Bardin. John Brittain (compiler), Lisa Brittain, Carol Friedman. Dan
Givens. Ron Gouterman. Dan Gosser, Janet Kistler, Steve Kistler.

Hart County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center corner of Craddock
Road and Geralds Lane.) Habitat rural farmland and wooded areas, including Green River
and 100 Acre Pond. Dec. 22; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 42°to 59°F; wind
gusty. Mild temperatures.

Nine observers in 1 party. Total party-hours 11 (8 on foot. 3 by car). Total party-miles
59 (2 on foot, 53 by car, 4 by kayak). Total species 59; total individuals 4.701 .

Observers: Bonnie Avery. Bruce Bardin, John Brittain. Lisa Brittain. Carol Friedman,
Janet Kistler. Steve Kistler (compiler), Mitchell Sturgeon and Randall Sullivan.

Four miles via kayak on the Green River yielded dozens of woodpeckers. A record number
of Yellow-rumped Warblers was observed.

Frankfort (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 38° 14’ N by 84°51’W.)
Habitat as described in 1977. Dec. 14: Sky cloudy; temp. 26° to 30°F; wind W, 0-10 m.p.h.
Periodic snow showers.

Fourteen observers in 9 parties. Total party-hours 27.5 ( 12.75 on foot. 14.75 by car). Total
party-miles 228.25 (9.25 on foot. 219 by car). Plus 3 at feeders for 5 hours. Total species
51 ; total individuals 3.088.

Observers: Martha Buckwald. James Derryberry. Margaret Derryberry, Jim Durrell. Peggy
Gould (compiler), Ralph Gould, Pat Hankla. Scott Hankla, Jeff Jones. Robert Laurenson.
Susan Laurenson. Anna Schindler, Gen'i Miller, Tom Miller and Tim Williams

Green River Lake (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Green River
Memorial Baptist Church, Taylor County, Kentucky.) Habitat old fields, agricultural fields
and borders, second growth forest. Green River riparian areas, open water, including Green
River Lake and Campbellsville City Lake, as well as feeder watchers. Dec. 18; 8:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 32° to 38"F; wind 0-20 m.p.h. Snowed in the a.m. Turned
to rain in the p.m.

Eight observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 21 (9.5 on foot, 1 1 .5 by car). Total party-
miles 109 (5 on foot. 104 by car). Total species 79; total individuals 14.102.

Observers: Beth Ciuzio, Lloyd Curry (compiler), Steven Fields, Richie Kessler. Chris
Mason. Mark Monroe. Brainard Palmer-Ball and Laura Patton.

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RED-BR. NUTHATCH

4

2

1

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WHITE-BR. NUTHATCH

10

10

71

19

5

2

3

6

9

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32

BROWN CREEPER

4

2

10

1

5

8

3

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CAROLINA WREN

27

53

74

24

17

65

37

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WINTER WREN

4

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GOLDEN-CR. KINGLET

2

2

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RUBY-CR. KINGLET

15

6

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EASTERN BLUEBIRD

34

72

71

15

12

156

1 1

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72

89

HERMITTHRUSH

6

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AMERICAN ROBIN

74

79

322

346

21 1

133

130

133

2250

446

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GRAY CATBIRD

2

NO. MOCKINGBIRD

13

22

15

14

12

36

39

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BROWN THRASHER

6

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760

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302

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140

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317

YEL-RUMPED WARB

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146

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117

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91

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18

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80

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25

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103

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1670

515

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26

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31750

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347

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30

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Otter Creek Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in
1972.) Habitat as described in 2001. Dec. 2T, 7:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. EST. Sky mostly clear:
temp. 25° to 52°F; wind SSW 5-15 m.p.h. Water partly open: partial light snow cover.

Fifteen observers in 6 parties. Total party-hours 37 (17.5 on foot. 19.5 by car). Total
party-miles 234 (12 on foot, 222 by car). Total species 70; total individuals 6.311.

Observers: Kyle Anderson, Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell. Pat Bell. Richard Cassell, Amy
Covert. Eddie Huber, Jennifer Huber, Celia Lawrence, Amy Leist. Pat Meyer. Zack Nelson,
Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. (compiler), Mary Walter and Major Walton.

Weather conditions were fairly good for the count, altough a gusty breeze made finding
songbirds a little difficult. The species total (71 ) was slightly above-average. Most of the
small lakes and ponds were frozen: as a result, nearly all of the waterfowl were observed
on Doe Valley Lake (MWn, AL, ZN). Berry-eating species were present in above-average
numbers; most seemed to be utilizing honeysuckle and poison ivy. Highlights included the
immature Golden Eagle observed along the Ohio River east of Brandenburg (MWn, AL,
ZN), two Short-eared Owls east of Flaherty (RC. AC. BP) and the count's first Loggerhead
Shrike (northeast of Flaherty) in several years (EH. JH, MWr).

Kleber Wildlife Management Area (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center
as described in 1972.) Habitat as described in 1972. Dec. 27; 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky
clear; temp. 26° to 54°F; wind calm.

Six observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 21.75 (5.75 on foot. 16 by car). Total party-
miles 180 (5 on foot, 175 by car). Total species 49: total individuals 2.451 .

Observers: Joe Burgess. Mary Carol Cooper. Jim Durell. Peggy Gould (compiler), Ralph
Gould and Tim Towles.

Danville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Boyle County Courthouse.)
Habitat as described before. Dec. 20; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 18° to 30°F;
wind S, 3-5 m.p.h.

Twenty-six observers in 9 parties. Total party-hours 45.5 (7.5 on foot. 38.0 by car). Total
party-miles 402 (6 on foot. 396 by car). Total species 70; total individuals 8.298.

Observers: Jim Amburgey, Ernie Baird. J.P. Brantley. Jane Brantley. Neil Eklund (com¬
piler). Virginia Eklund. Martha Foster. Bill Garriott. JoAnn Hamm, Mike Hamm. Tom
Keams, Bill Kemper, Debbie Larkin, Gail Manning. Jack Newton. Amelia Nichols. John
Nichols, Don Pelly, Erin Pelly, Rob Pendy graft. Herb Petitjean. Jami Powell. Ralph Schief-
ferle. Joan Smith. Robbie Stamps. Charles Vahlkamp.

Lexington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center East Hickman Church on
Tates Creek Road.) Habitat mixed residential and farmland. Dec. 20; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sky clear: temp. 15° to 30°F: wind 0-5 m.p.h. Water partly frozen. One inch of snow on the
ground.

Twenty-four observers in 9 parties. Total party-hours 1 12.5 ( 10.5 by foot, 102 by car) .
Total party-miles 421 (6 by foot. 415 by car). One feeder watcher. Total species 75: total
individuals 134.929.

Observers: Ann Bradley. Rhonda Bryant. Rose Canon. Phylis Deal. Chris Demoll. Edward
Demoll. Jonathon Glixson. Margaret Hatch. Kevin Hopper. Mike Kenawell. Allen King-
sland. Bruce Kryder. David Marques, Daniel Marsh. Scott Marsh. Betty Maxson. Robert
L. Morris (compiler). Kay Neikerk. Rev. David Powers. Lew' Shain, Marie Sutton. Dave
Svetich. Jackie Van Willigen. and Jim Williams.

2004

31

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Burlington (all points within a 15-nule diameter circle, center near Camp Michaels.)
Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 27; 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky clear to partly cloudy:
temp. 28° to 5 1 °F: wind E, 2-8 m.p.h. Most water frozen, Ohio River open.

Eleven observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 26 (6 on foot, 20 by car). Total party-
miles 147 (5 on foot, 142 by car). Total species 66; total individuals 3.080.

Observers: Linda Altevers, Joe Caminiti. Kathy Caminiti. Elaine Carroll. Grey Cunning¬
ham. Denis Desjardin, Melissa Desjardin. Lee McNeely (compiler). Gary O'Hair. Gayle
Pille. and Tommy Stephens. Feeder watcher: Lynda McNeely.

The Snow Goose and Greater White-fronted Geese were found at the East Bend Power
Plant. The Sandhill Cranes were seen flying over the Big Bone Lick State Park.

Warsaw(all points withina 15-mile diameter circle, center Gallatin County Courthouse.)
Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 20; 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky partly cloudy: temp. 17°
to 31°F; wind NW. 6-10 m.p.h. Most water open.

Six observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 21.5 (7 on foot. 14.5 by car). Total party-
miles 141 (3 on foot. 138 by car). Total species 67: total individuals 3,504.

Observers: Joe Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Frank Lewandowski. Lee McNeely (compiler),
Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr and Tim Towles.

The Sandhill Cranes were found in three separate flocks.

Falmouth (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Caddo, Kentucky.)
Habitat 50% woodland and forest edge, 25% river and lake shoreline, 20% agricultural, and
5% residential. Jan. 1; 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky partly sunny during the morning hours,
overcast during the afternoon: temp. 31° to 52°F; wind E. 3-5 m.p.h.

Four observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 15 (4 on foot. 1 1 by car). Total party-miles
123 (2 on foot, 121 by car). Total species 50: total individuals 2.005.

Observers: William Field, Ed Groneman, Lee McNeely (compiler) and Tommy Ste¬
phens.

Limited coverage and an absence of waterfowl contributed to low count numbers.

Richmond (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.75 miles north of intersec¬
tion of Bobtown Road and the Kingston-Berea Road). Habitat Fencerows and roadsides
(20%). woodland (20%). pasture and open fields (55%), lawns (4%), lakes and ponds (1%).
Dec. 14; 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky overcast: occasional snow showers and sleet: temp.
30" to 34°F; wind NW. 0-5 m.p.h.

Thirteen observers in 7 parties. Total party-hours 32 ( 17 on foot, 15 by car). Total party-
miles 253 ( 1 1 on foot. 242 by car). Total species 67; total individuals 3,655.

Observers: Mark Bostrom, Bruce Callahan, Paul Hagar, Jeanne Hibberd. Kyle Powell,
Robin Powell, Nicole Ranalli. Art Ricketts, Tina Ricketts. Gary Ritchison (compiler). Ben
Sutter, Budd Veverka and Mark Vukovich.

We were permitted access to the Blue Grass Army Depot this year.

Wayne County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at the junc¬
tion of Hwy. 1275 and Highway 3106) Habitat 5% urban, 20% residential, 15%
lakes, streams and ponds, 25% woodland, 20% pastures, and 15% cultivated. Dec.
17; 6:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Sky partly sunny in the morning, partly cloudy in the af¬
ternoon: temp. 28"F to 35°F: wind WNW. 10-20 m.p.h. There was 0.5 inches of
snow on the ground at higher elevations and none on the ground at lower elevations.

Two observers in 2 parties. Total party-hours 19 (5.75 on foot. 13.25 by car). Total party-
miles 202.25 (2.25 on foot, 200 by car). Total species 74; total individuals 22.661.

Observers: Roseanna Denton (compiler) and Stephen Stedman.

Somerset (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at the junction of Bypass E 89
and Hwy. 39.) Habitat as described in 2002. Jan. 1; 5:50 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. Sky cloudy to
partly cloudy; temp 28° to 60°F: wind SSW. 0- 1 0 m.p.h.

32

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Sixteen observers in 6 parties. Total party-hours 52 ( 15.75 on foot, 36.25 by car.). Total
party-miles 346.5 (9 on foot, 337.5 by car). Total species 82; total individuals 177,099.

Observers: Judy Brant. Jean Brickell, Rhonda Bryant. Granville Cox, Roseanna Denton
(compiler), Steve Denton, Kimberly Feltner. Gay Hodges, Scott Marsh, Lynda Mills. Tom
Mills. Arlene Morton. Connie Neeley. Wendell Neeley, Stephen Stedman and Margaret York.
Feeder watchers: Irene Broyles. Julie Denton. Grace Floyd, Evelyn Garrett, Susan Hoffman,
Eileen Hurst. Mary Moss Cathy Rogers. Clarence Spears, Creston Vaught and Jim York.

Two ducks were observed in flight after they were flushed by a boat. Their profile sug¬
gested a sea duck. When they landed, they appeared light-brownish colored. Their bills
were stubby. Their heads were knobby with a dark crown and a whitish cheek. Their napes
and lower necks were also dark. These ducks were identified as Long-tailed Ducks, one of
which has been on a pond in the city the last week or so. giving me recent experience with
the species (SJS).

FIELD NOTES

NESTING GADWALL AND RUDDY DUCK IN UNION COUNTY

For approximately two years, the author has been conducting waterbird surveys at sev¬
eral impoundments on the Peabody Coal Company's Camp #1 1 Mine in Union County,
which is located approximately six miles east-southeast of Morganfield. This facility
has four separate impoundments varying in size from about 20 to more than 50 acres in
size. Three of these impoundments were constructed for the deposition of coal slurry (a
waste product from the cleaning of coal). These slurry impoundments have now been
reclaimed by establishing native prairie grasses on the upland portions, and by controlling
the water level in the inundated lower portions. The fourth impoundment was built as a
fresh water supply lake and now serves as a final settling lake for the slurry impound¬
ments. Surrounding the open water portions of most of these impoundments are extensive patch¬
es of reeds ( Pliragmites communis) and other wetland plants including cattails (Typlui spp.). Wa¬
ter depth may reach 8- 1 0 feet at some times of the year, but many marginal areas are shallower.

During the spring of 2003, a male Gadwall (Anas slrepera ) was observed repeatedly at
one of the Camp #11 impoundments into early June. During a survey on 18 June 2003.
a female Gadwall was observed brooding two small ducklings along an open shoreline.
The ducklings were overall a lighter, more buffy color than about a dozen young Mal¬
lards (Anas platxrhvnchos ) that were nearby, and they associated with the female con¬
tinuously. On 20 June 2003. the male Gadwall was noted associating closely with the
female and the two ducklings, indicating that this was likely a breeding pair. The female
and ducklings were photographed on the latter date (Figs. 1 and 2). The male Gadwall
was not seen again, but the female and two young remained through at least 1 August,
when the young were the same size as their mother and could also now easily be iden¬
tified as Gadwall.

Also present at the Camp #1 1 impoundments during May and early June were up to
six Ruddy Ducks (O.xyura doininica). Most of the birds were males, but at least one
and probably two females were also seen on some occasions through 15 July. On a few
occasions in May and early June, males were observed performing their unique, chest¬
pounding courtship displays to one another and females. On 17 July 2003, a female was
found attending four downy ducklings as they dabbled on the surface of the shallow
water for duckweed. Despite their downy plumage and small size (they were about 1/4
to 1/3 grown), the young were immediately identifiable by their facial pattern, dark color-

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

33

Figure 1&2 Female Gadwall with young.

observed again and photographed as they dabbled and dove in shallow water (Figs. 3 and
4). On 22 July 2003, only one duckling was observed with the female and a remaining

Figure 3. Female Ruddy Duck with young.

Figure 4. Ruddy Duck with young.

34 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 80

ation. bill shape and stiff, upturned tail feathers. The following day. the family group
wasmale, but the birds were working a part of the impoundment that was difficult to
see and more young may have been present. On 1 August, only a male Ruddy Duck
was seen, and on subsequent August and September visits, no Ruddys were seen at all.
Given their absence on subsequent visits, it is unknown if the young were raised suc¬
cessfully.

This represents the first reported nesting of both Gadwall and Ruddy Duck in Ken¬
tucky. Both species have been observed in the state during the summer months, but
prior evidence of nesting has not been substantive. Ruddy Ducks seem to have increased
as a late spring migrant or lingerer in recent years; although these birds have been as¬
sumed to be non-breeders, the observation of courtship displays by males at Camp #11
in early June 2002 may have been indicative of attempts to nest there the previous year.
The normal nesting range for both Gadwall and Ruddy Duck does not extend south to
the vicinity of Kentucky east of the Mississippi River, but it does reach south to a com¬
parable latitude in the Great Plains. There are no nesting records for either species in Tennes¬
see ( Robinson 1990; Nicholson 1997). but Ruddy Ducks have nested on at least one occasion
in northwest Indiana in the mid-1950s (Castrale et al 1998: K. Brock, pers. comm.). Both
species have nested occasionally in northern Illinois (Bohlen 1989) and Ruddy Duck also has
been reported nesting in southern Illinois on two occasions, in Jackson and Alexander counties
(Bohlen 1989). In Ohio, both species are considered rare nesters along western Lake Erie
(Dister et al. 2002), although Ruddy Duck has nested a few times farther south, including a
report from Hamilton County (Cincinnati area) in the early 1970s (Peterjohn and Rice 1991).

It was interesting to note the gradual disappearance of first adult males, then fe¬
males and young, of all of these ducks over the course of the summer. This dispersal
from actual breeding grounds may be responsible for a number of mid- to late summer
observations of otherwise rare and non-breeding species of waterfowl that have accum¬
ulated across the state over the years. It is unknown how far such individuals may disperse,
but it certainly may involve great distances.

1 wish to thank the Peabody Coal Company for allowing me to conduct surveys of water-
birds at the Camp #1 1 Mine, and a special thank you is extended to Charles Lilly, environ¬
mental scientist for the facility. — BRAINARD PALMER-BALL, JR.. Ky. State Nature Pre¬
serves Commission. 801 Schenkel Lane. Frankfort. Kentucky. 40601 (brainard.palmer-
ball@ mail. state. ky.us).

LITERATURE CITED

Bohlen. H.D. 1989. The birds of Illinois. Indiana University Press. Bloomington. IN.

Castrale, J.S., E.M. Hopkins, and C.E. Keller. 1998. Atlas of breeding birds of Indiana.
Indiana Dept, of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife. Indianapolis, IN.

Dister. D.C.. J.W. Hammond, R. Harlan. B.F. Master, and B. Whan. 2002. Ohio Bird
Records Committee Checklist of the birds of Ohio. Ohio Dept, of Natural Resources Div.
of Natural Areas and Preserves and the Ohio Bird Records Committee. On line version
current as of 3 1 December 2002.

Nicholson. C.P. 1997. Atlas of the breeding birds of Tennessee. University of Tennessee
Press. Knoxville, TN.

Peterjohn. B.G. and D.L. Rice. 1991. The Ohio breeding bird atlas. Ohio Dept, of Natural

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

35

Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Columbus, OH.

Robinson, J.C. 1990. An annotated checklist of the birds of Tennessee. University of Ten
nessee Press. Knoxville. TN.

Late Singing Winter Wren in Whitley County

On 13 May 1997 1 heard a singing Winter Wren ( Troglodytes troglodytes ) at a site lo¬
cated about 100 m from the bridge over Bark Camp Creek in the Daniel Boone National
Forest in extreme northwestern Whitley County, Kentucky. Daniel C. Dourson simultane¬
ously and independently identified the song of this wren. About a dozen other observers,
including Barbara H. Stedman. Lynda M. (Perry) Mills, and Kathryn M. Huie, also heard
the wren sing multiple versions of its high-pitched, fairly long breeding vocalization. The
habitat in which the wren sang was a hillside of mixed forest with a fairly thick under¬
story composed mainly of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia). The date of this observation
supersedes the late spring departure date (8 May) for Winter Wren in Kentucky listed by
Palmer-Ball (2003) and, in the absence of later records, represents, at least temporarily,
the new late spring departure date for the Commonwealth. Due to an oversight, this re¬
cord was not submitted for inclusion in the bird report for this season (Busroe 1997).

Literature Cited

Busroe, F. M. 1997. The Spring Season. 1997. Kentucky Warbler 73 (3): 51-
58.

Palmer-Ball. B., Jr. 2003. Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Kentucky. 2nd ed.

Kentucky Ornithological Society, Louisville, Kentucky.

STEPHEN J. STEDMAN, Department of English, Box 5053, Tennessee Technological
University, Cookeville, TN 38505.

NEWS AND VIEWS
Kentucky Bird Records Committee

Rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season should be well documented
and the documentation should be sent to Lee McNecly, Secretary of the KBRC.
P.O. Box 463. Burlington, Kentucky 41005, for consideration by the committee
for official state record status.

K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr, Avian Research Grant l-'und

I he K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe. Jr. Avian Research Grant Fund supports research

36

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol.80

on birds in Kentucky up to $500. For guidelines on how to apply, please contact Blaine
Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean's Office, Western Kentucky Uni¬
versity. Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 (blaine.ferrell@wku.edu).

Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline

The Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Flotline is (502)-326-0878. Please report any unusual
sightings in order to provide others with the opportunity to see rare birds.

Visit the K.O.S. Website

To learn about the Kentucky Ornithological Society and interesting happenings, visit the
K.O.S. Website, www.biology.eku.edu/kos.htm. maintained by webmaster Gary Ritchi-
son.

The Kentucky Ornithological Society Spring 2004 Meeting

The spring meeting of the K.O.S. will be held at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort
Park from April 23 to the 25th. More details will appear in the Newsletter.

The Kentucky Warbler

(Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society)

VOL. 80 MAY 2004 NO. 2

IN THIS ISSUE

THE WINTER SEASON, 2003-2004, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr and Lee

McNeely . 39

KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING MEETING, Gerald

Robe . 49

POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE SUMMER

DISTRIBUTION OF KENTUCKY’S NONGAME BIRDS, Jeff Price . 52

FIELD NOTE . 59

NEWS AND VIEWS . 60

38

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

President . Hap Chambers, Murray

Vice-President . Mark Bennett, Russellville

Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer- Ball, Jr.

8207 Old Wesport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913

Treasurer . Jim Williams

480 Seeley Drive, Lexington, KY 40502-2609

Recording Secretary . Gerald Robe, Mt. Sterling

Councillors:

Scott Marsh, Lexington . 2002 thru 2004

Roseanna Denton, Science Hill . 2002 thru 2004

Dons Tichenor, Morgantown . 2003 thru 2005

..2003 thru 2005

Phyllis Nienn, PrtflEHtoir. . . .

Mark Monroe, Lpuisvill4 R ' U’-

Wm Ahrens, Loi isvill

Retiring President

.2004 thru 2006
.2004 thru 2006

Kathy Caminiti, Burlington

Staff Artist . . j . ; . . . Ray Hann

ITHACA, NY 14653

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, published quarterly m February, May, August
and November. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER is sent to all members not in arrears for dues.
Membership dues are: Active or Regular $15.00; Contributing, $25.00; Student $10.00; Fam¬
ily, $20.00; Corporate, $ 1 00.00; and Life, $300.00. All articles and communications should
be addressed to the editor. Subscriptions and memberships should be sent to the Treasurer.
Requests for back issues should be sent to the Corresponding Secretary.

Editor . B.R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering

Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Editorial Advisory Board

Brainard Palmer- Ball, Jr. and Wayne Mason

Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely

PO. Box 463, Burlington, KY 41005

THE COVER

We thank Roseanna Denton for the photograph of a Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia
adamsii) on Kentucky Lake, Marshall County, taken March 14, 2004 (See Field
Note ).

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

39

WINTER SEASON 2003-2004
Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. and Lee McNeely

The winter 2003-2004 season was overall wamrer-tlian-nonnal with lower-tlian-nomial
precipitation. However, a cold spell in late January and early February was one of the
coldest periods in several winters and was likely responsible for several interesting reports.
Despite the period of colder weather, snowfall was below normal, and in large part due to a
good crop of natural foods (perhaps as a result of a mild, wet sununer), many fruit-eating
species lingered through winter in good numbers.

As expected, the banner fall season for Selasphorus hummingbirds continued with
additional reports into early winter, hi fact, for the first time ever - and despite the cold snap
of late January and early Febniary - Selasphorus hummingbirds (an unidentified bird in
Lexington and a female Rufous south of Bowling Green) successfully wintered in Kentucky.
Non-hummingbird rarities included Pacific Loon. Little and Great Black-backed gulls. Say's
Phoebe, two Spotted Towhees and a Harris's Sparrow. Out-of-season birds included
American Bittern. Spotted Sandpiper. Mourning Warbler and Wilson's Warbler. As ex¬
pected. winter finches and Red-breasted Nuthatches lingered in generally small numbers,
although numbers of Purple Finches appeared to be the highest in several years.

Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these
reports have been accepted as records for the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Observers
are cautioned that records of out-of-season birds and all rarities must be accompanied with
good details or documentation for acceptance. Documentation must be submitted to the
Kentucky Bird Records Committee (KBRC). Decisions regarding the official Kentucky list
are made by the KBRC and are reported periodically in The Kentucky Warbler.

Abbreviations - Miscellaneous: county names appear in italics : when used to separate
dates, the "/’’ symbol is used in place of "and"; “ph." next to an observer’s initials indicates
that the observation was documented with photograph) s); "vt." next to an observer’s initials
indicates that the observation was documented on videotape; next to an observer’s
initials indicates that written details were submitted with the report: ad. = adult: imm. =
immature; juv. = juvenile: yg. = young. Place names: Ballard = Ballard WMA. Ballard ;
Barklev Dam = Barkley Dam. Lvon/ Livingston', Barren = Barren River Lake. Allen! Barren:
Cave Run Lake = Cave Run Lake. Bath! Rowan: Cooley's Pond = Cooley's Pond. Wayne:
Falls of the Ohio = Falls of the Ohio. Jefferson: Gibraltar = Gibraltar Unit Peabody WMA.
Muhlenberg: Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embavment of Kentucky Lake. Marshall: Ky
Dam = Kentucky Dam. Livingston Marshall: Lake No. 9 = Lake No. 9. Fulton: Lake Peewee
= Lake Peewee, Hopkins: LBL = Land Between the Lakes. Lyon/Trigg: Long Point = Long
Point Unit Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge. Fulton: Mammoth Cave = Mammoth Cave
National Park. Edmonson (unless otherwise noted); Riverqueen = Riverqueen Unit. Peabody
WMA. Muhlenberg: Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA. Henderson: Surrey Hills
Farm = Surrey Hills Farm, Jefferson: Waitsboro = Waitsboro Recreation Area on Lake
Cumberland. Pulaski: WMA = Wildlife Management Area.

Greater White- fronted Goose: small num¬
bers were reported from several locales
during the season. Peak counts at what
have become traditional wintering loca¬
tions for large numbers included 5390 at
Ballard 11 February (CW); ca. 1000 at

Sauerheber 22 January (MM); and a
mind-blowing tally of 2 1 .650 counted on
an aerial survey by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Serv ice in the vicinity of Long
Point 8 January (CD). Also reported were
1000+ at Long Point 3 December (MT):

40

3000 at Long Point 18 December (CD);
some 16,500 still at Long Point 12 Jan¬
uary (KL); up to 7 at Buckner, Oldham .

21 December (MS); 2 in w. Boone 27
December (KC, et al.); and 2 in Barren

22 February (ph.SS, WW).

Snow Goose: peak counts included a new
state high count of 125,000 estimated to
be in the vicinity of Long Point 8 January
(CD) and 76,000 in Ballard 3 February
(CW); 14.500 were still at Long Point 12
January (KL). Small numbers were re¬
ported at a number of additional scattered
locations as far e. as Boone (FR) and
Rowan (LK, et al.).

Ross's Goose: small numbers were reported
from several locales including 1 through
the period in s. Ohio ( JB. PB. et al.); 1 at
Ballard 2 January (BP, et al.) and 24
January (SR); at least 1 at Sauerheber 19
January (BP, AC); 1-3 in Warren 21
January through the period (DR); and 1
in Barren 22 February (*SS. WW). Only
1 could be found at Long Point as of 14
December ( JDs), but at least 6 were there
by 4 January (RD). hi addition, 1 was
reportedly shot by a limiter in Rowan in-
January (fide LK).

Canada Goose: with the lack of prolonged
periods of inclement weather, numbers
remained below average again this win¬
ter.

Swans: there were an unusually large num¬
ber of reports of swans this whiter, but
with the difficulties in separating species,
many of the reports could not be con-
fimied to species, hi the summaries be¬
low, reports considered unconfirmed are
qualified as to the level of certainty with
which the birds were described.

Mute Swan: there were a number of reports
of birds presumed to have come south
from Great Lakes populations including 5
at Bemheim Forest, Bullitt. 28 December
(JB, PB) - 16 Febmary (RDv); 2 on the
Shelbyville CBC 3 January (fide HB); an
imm. on Cave Run Lake 9 January (LK,
FB) [some details provided, but see

Vol. 80

report of similarly aged Tundra below]; 8
on Paintsville Lake, Floyd , 24 January
(SM); 2 at Fishing Creek embayment of
Lake Cumberland. Pulaski. 2 February
(RD); 8 at Cooley's Pond 1 1-14 February
(RD); 1 at Lentz' Pond, Jefferson . 14
February (BBC); and 8 on the s. side of
Paducah, McCracken 21 February (SR),
hi addition, one of the apparently resident
pair along Cypress Creek, n. Muhlenberg.
was observed during February (WR).

Tundra Swan: 1 imm. on Cave Run Lake,
22 December (CCv) [provided details do
not rule out Trumpeter or Mute]; 4 on
Cave Run Lake in late January (WM)
[details convincing; yellow lores of ads.
noted]; the flock at Sauerheber built up to
a peak count of 25 during mid- to late
January (CC. RDv, MM); 1 ad. at the
Falls of the Ohio during the last week of
January (BE, ph.AG) [photos seem indi¬
cative of Tundra but are not definitive]; 8
above Meldalil Dam 29 January (KR,
SC) [no details] with 5 still there 2
February (CCv) [provided details do not
rule out Trumpeters]; 1 near Boston,
Nelson. 25 February - 1 March (ph.MH)
[photos do not rule out Trumpeter].

American Wigeon: peak counts included
an aerial count of 2256 in the vicinity of
Long Point 8 January (CD) and 74 at
Cooley's Pond 11 February (RD).

Northern Shoveler: peak count was from a
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service aerial
estimate of 775 in the vicinity of Long
Point 8 January (CD); other interesting
reports included ca. 20 at Buckner, Old¬
ham 3 1 January (BP, JE) and 130 at Lake
No. 9 on 1 February (KL. BLt).

Northern Pintail: peak counts included an
aerial count of 2395 in the vicinity of
Long Point 8 January (CD) and 160 at
Lake No. 9 on 1 February (KL, BLt).

Green-winged Teal: peak count was 150 at
Mitchell Lake, Ballard. 29 December
(BP, et al).

Canvasback: peak counts included several
hundred birds on Lake Barkley above the

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

41

dam. Lyon , 16 January (DR) and 65 on
Barren 30 January (DR).

Redhead: 1 -5 were reported on four CBCs;
later in the season a sprinkling of birds
showed up during January and early
February; reports from the Great Lakes
suggest that these birds are likely late
migrants from areas that freeze up to our
north; reports included 3 at Waitsboro 10
January (RD); 18 at Cedar Creek Lake.
Lincoln. 11 January (RD); 7 at Cliffy
Pond. Pulaski. 1 8 January with 20 there
20 January and some lingering into
March (RD); 4 at Honker Lake. LBL.
Lvon/Trigg, 23 January (KB); 5 at
Buckner. Oldham. 23 January (BP. JE); 5
on 31 January and a few on 9 February',
both at Griffin Park. Warren (DR); and
small numbers at McElroy Lake. Warren.
11/18 February (DR).

Ring-necked Duck; a flock of 175 at Pe¬
tersburg. Boone. 10 January was unus¬
ually large for winter (LM).

White-winged Scoter: 1 was on Ky Lake,
Marshall. 8 February' (BP, MS) -26 Feb¬
ruary (DR).

Black Scoter: a female was present on the
Ohio River at the mouth of the Licking
River, Campbell! Kenton. 17 January
through the end of the period (FR.
ph.LH).

Black Scoter. Campbell! Kenton
3 1 January 2004
Lana Hays

Long-tailed Duck: there were a few reports
including 2 at Bemheim Forest, Bullitt. 6
December (MS); 2 at Waitsboro 1 Jan¬

uary (SS, et al.); 1 on Lake Barkley.
Lyon. 13 January (DR); and an impres¬
sive flock of 1 8 at Waitsboro 10 January
(ph.RD. JD).

Common Goldeneye: peak counts included
several hundred on Ky Lake 16 January
(DR) and 200-250 on Ky Lake above the
dam on 7 December (BP. BY).

Hooded Merganser: peak counts included
375 on Energy Lake, LBL. Trigg. 14
December (BL); 175-200 there 23

January (KB): and 150-200+ on Honker
Lake. LBL, Lyon/Trigg. 7 December
(BP. BY).

Common Merganser: the period of harsh¬
est winter weather in late January
brought a sprinkling of birds to scattered
locales across the state. Peak counts were
from Honker Bay. LBL. Lyon, and in¬
cluded 75-100 there 23 January' (KB) and
125 there 6 February (ME).

Red-breasted Merganser: peak count was
250 on Lake Barkley. Lvon. 16 February'
(BL).

Ruddy Duck: more than 300 were on Lake
Peewee during late December and Jan¬
uary. and a new state high count was
established when 339 were counted there
21 January (AM).

Wild Turkey: relatively impressive was a
single loose flock containing at least 239
birds in e. Muhlenberg 3 January (BP.
AC).

Red-throated Loon: there were 3 reports
from Ky Lake as follows: 1 above the
dam. Marshall. 7 December (*BP. BY): 2
in Marshall. 14 December (DR); and 1 at
Birmingham Point. Marshall. 26 Feb¬
ruary (DR).

Pacific Loon: 1 was observed on Ky Lake
at Birmingham Point. Marshall. 26 Feb¬
ruary (DR). KBRC review required.

Common Loon: 1-8 individuals (late mi¬
grants and lingering birds) were reported
on five CBCs: a few birds likely lingered
or wintered on larger reservoirs as indi¬
cated by 1 on Barren 9 January (DR); 1

42

on Lake Barkley 13 January (DR) and
15-20 on Ky Lake 16 January (DR).

Horned Grebe: lingering birds were ob¬
served on five CBCs; the peak late fall /
early winter count was 75+ on Ky Lake
above the dam 7 December (BP. BY)
with 53 tallied on the LBL CBC 14
December (fide CM). Birds lingered
through winter on a few of the larger res¬
ervoirs and reports included 60+ col¬
lectively on Lake Barkley /KyLake 16
January (DR) and 14 on Green River
Lake. Taylor , 28 January (RD).

Eared Grebe: 1 was on Lake Peewee 6
December ( *BP, BY).

American White Pelican: a few birds
lingered throughout the whiter on Lake
Barkley: mid-winter reports included 6
on Lake Barkley, Trigg . 1 January (BL);
15 on Lake Barkley at Kuttawa. Lyon, 13
January (ME. DR); 50 over Lake Bark¬
ley. Trigg . 6 February (KB); 100+ on a
sandbar in the same area 7 February
(KB); 17 on a sandbar in the same area
10 February (ME); and 30 on Ky Lake
above the dam 21 February (BP, BY).

Double-crested Cormorant: peak count
was 500+ on Lake Barkley at Silo Over¬
look. Trigg, 7 December (BP. BY).

American Bittern: 1 was seen at the Sin¬
clair Unit of Peabody WMA, Muhlen¬
berg, 14 February (*MS); interestingly,
this is the same location where 1 was
seen in early January 2003 on the Para¬
dise CBC.

Green Heron: a tardy individual was ob¬
served at Backbone Swamp. Franklin, on
6 or 7 December (RS).

Black-crowned Night-Heron: at least 2
birds spent the winter in St. Mathews,
Jefferson ( BW); birds were also reported
in mid-December at the Louisville Zoo
(BBC) and at Lexington (fide BM).

Black Vulture: peak counts included at
least 137 in sw. Ohio 1 1 January (BP. et
al.) and 60+ at East Bend Power Plant,
Boone, 23 January (BP, KC).

Vol. 80

Osprey: quite unusual for early January
was a report of a bird on Ky Lake, Cal¬
loway, 3 January (JEr, WWb).

Bald Eagle: a new nest was discovered on
Cave Run Lake in mid- January (fide
WM).

Red-tailed Hawk: reports of western fomis
during the season included an adult light-
morpli B.j. harlani for the 3rd winter in a
row (ph.DR); a B. j. krideri far e. of
normal sightings in Pike 28 December
(JC, LE); an ad. B. j. krideri near Ban¬
dana, Ballard, 29 December (BP); a B.J.
krideri in Logan 29 December (DR); a
dark morph ad. B. j. calurus at Gibraltar
3 January (BP. AC); a light morph adult
B. j. calurus in Muhlenberg 7 January
(DR); a dark morph adult B. j. calurus
near Waverly, Union, 19 January (BP,
AC); and an ad. dark morph B. j. calurus
in Allen 21 January (DR) and a bird
considered an adult intergrade B. j.
calurus /krideri in Warren 18 February
(DR).

Rough-legged Hawk: birds were reported
as far s. as Wayne (2 individuals) 3
December (RD); Science Hill, Pulaski,
30 January (RD); s. Warren 10 January
(DR); Fulton 4 February (KW); and
Trigg 28 February (BW). Singles in
Campbell 1 December (FR); Gallatin 20
December (fide LM); Madison 23 De¬
cember (fide GR); Pendleton 23 January
(FR); and Boone 31 January (LM, KC)
were in areas the species is not regularly
reported.

Golden Eagle: 1 ad. or sub-ad. was ob¬
served at the traditional Bemheim Forest
area. Bullitt/Nelson, 6 December (BP,
BY. MS, MV) and 2 were observed there
28 December (BP. et al.). An imm. was
discovered unable to fly at Bemheim For¬
est in early February and was taken in for
rehabilitation. The bird apparently had
high levels of lead and pesticides (fide
EW). Also reported were 1 along the
Ohio River e. of Brandenburg, Meade, 23
December (MW, MWn); 1 at and near

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

43

Long Point 12 January and 27 February7
(KL); and 1 in Martin 12 January (CL).

Merlin: winter reports are really becoming
too numerous to warrant listing, but all
reported again this season are included as
follows: 2 at Riverqueen 5 December
(MV); 3 at Riverqueen 6 December (BP.
BY); singles in Warren on 5 dates
(including the Bowling Green CBC 20
December) 9 December - 27 February
(DR): 1 on the LBL CBC 14 December
(CM): 1 at Ano 20 December (RD. JD.
SD); 1 at Riverqueen 30 December (BP.
MS): 1 near St. Mathews. Jefferson. 30
December (BW); 1 on the Falmouth CBC

1 January (fide LM); 1 in Trigg 1 January
(BL); 2 at Homestead Unit of Peabody
WTV1A. Ohio. 3 January (JB. PB); 1 at
Surrey Hills Farm 13 January (JB. PB)
and 30-31 January (BP): and 1 nr.
Worthington, ne. Jefferson 31 January
(BP. JE. JB. PB).

Peregrine Falcon: the local pair at
Louisville was seen on the waterfront 14
December (RG, et al.); 1 w as also seen at
the Falls of the Ohio in early February
(GD) and 1 was seen near St. Mathew's.
Jefferson, during January7 (BW). Two
different birds were observ ed at Meldahl
Dam as follows: 23 January7 (imm. - FR).
29 January7 (ad. and imm. - KR. SC), and

2 February7 (ad. - CCv).

Virginia Rail: 2 birds answered a tape at
Gibraltar 30 December (BP. MS) with at
least 1 still there 3 January (BP. AC).

Sandhill Crane: as is becoming more and
more common, southbound flocks
continued well into early winter with
reports from nine CBCs. Of special note
is the report that apparently 100+ cranes
have wintered in the vicinity7 of Guthrie.
Todd, for about the last ten y ears (DM.
fide B Wi). There w'ere a few7 mid-January
records including 4 over Louisville 9 Jan¬
uary (JB. PB): 12 (northbound) over Lou¬
isville 12 January7 (MS): and 4 at Wal¬
ton's Pond and 25 over Barren (north¬
bound) 21 January (DR). By early Feb¬
ruary. northbound flocks were being ob¬

served regularly including up to 400 in
Hart 1 1 February (MS): ca. 600 in the
Ohio River bottoms near Maceo.
Daviess. 16 February (MM): ca. 500 still
in that area 18 February (DA): and 615+
at various points in Barren 22 February7
(SS. WW).

Killdeer: peak count was 420 at Barren 8
December (DR).

Spotted Sandpiper: certainly rare for win¬
ter was 1 along Lake Barkley at Eddy-
ville Landing. Lyon. 13 January (*ME).

Least Sandpiper: a few birds lingered into
winter as follow's: 1 at Jonathan Creek 14
December (HC. ME): 10 at Blood River
embayment of Kentucky7 Lake. Calloway.
28 December (HC) and 8 still there 3
January (fide HC): 2 at Barren 8 Decem¬
ber (DR). 4 there 4 January (DR), and 2
there 9 January (DR): and 4 in w7. Fulton
4 January (RD). Hie species was also
reported from Kv Lake 16 February7 (HC)
and at Jonathan Creek 21 February (ME).

Dunlin: a few7 birds lingered into winter at
Barren as follows: 6 on 8 December
(DR): 5 still there 4 January (DR): and 1
still there 9 January (DR).

Wilson's Snipe: peak count was 35 at
Canewood. Clark. 29 February (FR).

.American Woodcock: warm December
and early January weather resulted in
several reports of performing individuals,
and birds were reported on four CBCs
(Ballard. Hart. LBL and Paradise).

Laughing Gull: latest lingering individual
reported was a second-winter bird at Kv
Dam 14 December (HC. DR. MB).

Little Gull: a first-year bird was present on
Ky Lake above the dam 14 February
(*HC) through the end of the period
(vt.DR. et al.). KBRC review required.

Bonaparte's Gull: a surprising number re¬
mained on Ky Lake this winter, espe¬
cially in fight of the cold snap of late Jan¬
uary and arrival of large numbers of
bigger gulls: 500+ were in the vicinity of
Ky Dam 25 January7 (BP). Other impres-

44 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 80

sive counts included 519 on Lake Cum¬
berland. Wayne. 17 December (RD) and
500+ at Barren 9 January (DR).

Ring-billed Gull: numbers peaked in the
latter part of January when the following
estimates were made: 10.000 in the vi¬
cinity of Ky Dam 23 January (BL) and
14.000 in the vicinity of Ky Dam 25
January (BP). Peak count on the Ohio
River. Campbell /Kent on. was 380 birds
on 6 February (FR).

Herring Gull: numbers around Ky Dam
peaked in late January and early
February, with at least 500 there 25
January (BP, HC).

Thayer's Gull: a number of birds were
present during the season, all at or in the
vicinity of Ky Dam and Barkley Dam as
follows: an ad. at Barkley Dam 13/16/22
January (DR); an ad. and 2 first-years at
Ky Dam 23 January (BL); a first-year
below Ky Dam 24 January (BP); an ad.
and a first-year below Ky Dam 25
January (BP, HC); an ad. at each of Ky
Dam and Barkley Dam 8 February (DR.
TD); an ad. along the Tennessee River at
Calvert City, Marshall. 8 February (BP.
MS, et al.); a first-year at Ky Dam 13
February (DR); and a first-year below
Barkley Dam 21 February (BP).

Iceland/Thayer's Gull: a first-year bird
below Ky Dam 25 January (ph.BP. HC) -

26 February (ph.DR) showed intermed¬
iate characters between 'typical' indiv¬
iduals of the two forms. It is unclear to
which end of the continuum this indi¬
vidual was closest, but most authorities
polled by D. Roemer suggested it was
closer to Iceland (or probably or perhaps
one). Insufficient knowledge concerning
the variability in plumages likely renders
this individual perpetually questionable
concerning parentage.

Iceland/Thayer's Gull. Ky Dam
13 February 2004
David Roemer

Lesser Black-backed Gull: birds in all age
classes were observed during the period
with up to 3-4 individuals observed as
follows: an adult on Lake Barkley at
Boyd's Landing. Lyon. 7 December ( BP,
BY); an adult below Ky Dam 28 Decem¬
ber (HC, RD); an adult below Barkley
Dam 4 January ( RD); 2 ads. at Ky Dam
13 January (DR); 3 at Ky Dam 16 Jan¬
uary (DR); 1 below Ky Dam 18 January
(HC); 1 adult at Ky Dam 22 January
(DR) and 23 January (BL); 1 sub-adult
(third or fourth-year) bird below Ky Dam
24 January (BP): 3, maybe 4 separate
birds (1 or 2 ads., 1 third-year, and 1
second-year) in vicinity of Ky Dam 25
January (BP); perhaps the same 3-4
individuals again in the vicinity of Ky
Dam 8 February (BP, MS); 2 ads. at Ky
Dam 13/17 February (DR); and an adult
below Ky Dam 26 February (DR).

Glaucous Gull: 2 to possibly 3 or more
first-year birds were present on Ky Lake
and Lake Barkley during the period, most
in the vicinity of Ky Dam but also at

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

45

Barkley Dam arid as far s. on Ky Lake as
Sherwood Shores. Marshall : first re¬
ported were 2 on Ky Lake above the dam
14 December (DR. et al.) and the same
individuals were likely in part respon¬
sible for continuing reports into March.

Great Black-backed Gull: a first-year bird
was present below Ky Dam 8 February
(ph.DR. et al.) - 17 February (DR).
KBRC review required

Great Black-backed Gull. Ky Dam
13 February 2004
David Roemer

Forster's Tern: 5 were still at Jonathan
Creek 14 December (HC. ME) and while
the species was not reported during Jan¬
uary. 4 had returned to Jonathan Creek
by 21 February (ME) with 9 there by 27
February (ME).

Eurasian Collared-Dove: the species was
reported on five CBCs this year with
peak counts of 37 on the Sorgho CBC.
Da\’iess. 3 January (fide JH) and 34 on
die Olmstead CBC. Logan . 29 December
(MB).

Barn Owl: the only ones reported were in
Logan 1 January (BK, fide MB) and in
Calloway 3 January (fide FIC).

Long-eared Owl: only reports were for 1-2
at Riverqueen 6/30 December (BP. et al).

Short-eared Owl: it was not an impressive
winter for large numbers, but interesting
reports included 2 at Ano 20 December
(RD. JD. SD); 2 at the Fort Campbell
airfield. Christian. 29 December (DM),
and 1 in w. Wayne. 10 January (RD).

Northern Saw-whet Owl: quite impressive
was a total of 6 individuals that replied to
taped calls at several points in the Little
Lick area of Daniel Boone National For¬
est. Pulaski. 1 February (RD); likely 1 of
these same individuals was also heard in
the same area 28 February (BY).

Rufous Hummingbird: the winter 2003-
2004 season was the best ever for lin¬
gering Rufous and Selasphorus sp. hum¬
mingbirds with 10 reports (see Table 1 ).
In fact, by the end of February it ap¬
peared that 2 birds were about to become
die first ever to conclusively survive a
Kentucky winter, those being an adult
female Rufous near Woodbum. Warren
(ph.JE) and a probable female Rufous at
Lexington (ph.RS).

Probable Rufous Hummingbird.
Lexington

Winter 2003-2004
Robert Staib

Red-headed Woodpecker: wintering num¬
bers were down in w. Kentucky as com¬
pared to the previous winter, but were
still probably above-average (m.ob).

Say's Phoebe: a bird was observed approx¬
imately 1 mile w. of Buffalo. Larue. 26
December (ph.L&BA). KBRC review
required.

Tree Swallow: earliest report of spring mi¬
grants was for 2 over Ky Lake above the
dam 21 February (BY. BP).

Red-breasted Nuthatch: as seemed appar¬
ent by the end of the fall season, only a
modest movement occurred with small

46

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Table 1. Winter 2003-2004 Hummingbird Summary

Species ID

Age/sex

Location

Date last observed

Selasphorus sp

Prob female (photos)

Nolin Lake, Grayson

mid-December 2003

Rufous

Ad. female (banded)

Russellville, Logan

12 December 2003

Rufous

1mm female (specimen)

Nr Verona, s. Boone

14 December 2003

Selasphorus sp

Prob ad female (photos)

N of Crestwood, Oldham

24 December 2003

Rufous

Ad. female (banded)

Rich Pond, Warren

6 January 2004

Selasphorus sp

Prob ad female ( photos )

Se. .Jefferson

1 1 January 2004

Selasphorus sp.

Prob. ad. female (photos)

Berea, Madison

16 January 2004

Rufous

Ad. male (photos)

Mt. Washington, Bullitt

26 January 2004

Selasphorus sp

Female (photos)

Lexington, Fayette

24 March 2004

Rufous

Ad. female (banded)

N. of Rich Pond, Warren

7 April 2004

numbers of birds relatively widely dis¬
persed during the season. One to 10 were
reported on only seven CBCs. At least 3
birds were observed at the Wolfe breed¬
ing location 29 February (FR).

Rufous Hummingbird, Bullitt
January 2004
B. Palmer-Ball. Jr.

House Wren: there were a few reports of
lingering individuals as follows: 2 at
Mammoth Cave, 1 each in Barren and
Edmonson . 2 December (MMn): 1 in w.
McCracken 3 1 December ( SR. MS) - 24
January (BP): and 1 at Gibraltar 3 Jan¬
uary (BP, AC).

Ruby-crowned Kinglet: relatively unusual
was a high count of 15 on the Ballard
CBC 29 December (BP, et al. ); numbers
seemed well above average during the
CBC period with 1-15 reported on 17
CBCs.

birds reported on 17 CBCs.

American Robin: it was a good winter for
'berry eating' species including this one;
peak counts included "many thousands"
in Hart 27 December (SK); and 2000 at a
roost at Louisville in December (BW).

American Pipit: as is becoming more the
norm than the exception, significant num¬
bers lingered into the winter period, espe¬
cially in open farmland and along reser¬
voir margins. Peak counts included 250+
in Allen 9 January (DR); 200+ n. of Os¬
car. Ballard . 3 1 December ( SR); and 1 85
(150 in a single flock) in Logan 29
December (fide MB). The presence of a
number of small groups became apparent
during the cold, snowy period of late
January and early February.

Say's Phoebe. Larue
26 December 2003
Lyn Atherton

Hermit Thrush: above-average numbers
were present during the winter with 1-17

Cedar Waxwing: this species seemed to be
present in above average numbers, at

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

47

least in early winter. Peak counts includ¬
ed 180 at LBL. Trigg. 1 December (BL).

Tennessee Warbler: a late-departing bird
was observed at Owensboro. Daviess. 1
December (MTh).

Pine Warbler: there were a few winter
season reports including 1 at Riverqueen
30 December (BP. MS); 1 in Pulaski 1
January (KF); 1 in e. Muhlenberg 3 Jan¬
uary (BP. AC); and 1 at a feeding station
at Madisonville. Hopkins, throughout the
winter (AM).

Yellow-rumped Warbler: it was a good
winter for the species, either due to rela¬
tively mild conditions or a good food
supply with 8-268 individuals reported
on all’ 27 CBCs.

Palm Warbler: there were perhaps more
reports of this species this winter than in
any previous year. One to 1 1 birds were
reported from six CBCs and several other
locations in the following counties: Allen
(flock of 7 on 30 January - DR); Boone
(LM): Boyle (fide NE); Fayette (WS and
fide BM); Hart( SK); Larue (DR); Logan
(FL); Madison ( fide GR); Marshall ( DR);
Muhlenberg (BP and flock of at least 5
on 30 December - BP. MS); Warren
( DR) and Way ne ( RD).

Mourning Warbler: extraordinarily late
was an imm. female near Woodbum.
Warren. 9 December (*DR). To be re¬
viewed by KBRC.

Wilson's Warbler: an adult male was ob¬
served at Berea, Madison. 13 December
(*A&TR) for one of only a few early
winter records. To be reviewed by
KBRC.

Spotted Towhee: 2 different birds - both
males - were present this winter. 1 in w.
McCracken 30 December thru the end of
the period (ph.BP. et al.) and 1 along
Rockport-Paradise Rd. Muhlenberg 3
January (*BP. AC), which was still there
27 February (BP. SV). KBRC review
required.

American Tree Sparrow: perhaps slightly

below average numbers were distributed
across much of the state with 1-48 indiv¬
iduals reported on 1 1 CBCs; during the
harshest part of the winter a few were at
feeders.

Chipping Sparrow: this species continues
to increase as a winter visitor/resident
with an unprecedented number reported
during the winter 2003-2004 season. A
flock of 60-65+ birds began the winter at
Surrey Hills Farm with at least 58 still
there 7 February' (BP); overall 1-91 were
reported on 1 1 CBCs. Also reported later
in winter were 2-3 elsewhere in e. Jef¬
ferson 31 January (BW); up to 30 at
Shaker Mill through the period ( DR); 1 in
s. Warren 25 February (JE); 1 in w.
McCracken 1 January (MS); 2 in Cal¬
loway 16 January (ME); and flocks of 8
at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park.
Russell. 21 January (RD) and 15 in
Wayne 1 1 February (RD).

Vesper Sparrow: very rare for winter were
3 in Trigg 1 January (*BL).

LeConte’s Sparrow: at least 3 birds were
observed adjacent to the West Ky WMA.
McCracken. 29 December (BP. RD) - 1
January (MB, SR).

Spotted Towhee. McCracken
24 January 2004
B. Palmer-Ball. Jr,

Fox Sparrow: it was a relatively good
winter for the species with 1-12 indiv¬
iduals reported on 17 CBCs: there were
also numerous reports from feeding sta¬
tions including 8+ at Fisherville. Jef¬
ferson. during February (AL. fide BW).

48 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 80

Lincoln's Sparrow: there were three sep¬
arate reports of this very rarely docu¬
mented in whiter sparrow as follows: 1 at
Lexington 20 December (*SM); 1 in Pul¬
aski 29 January (*RD), and 1 in Barren .
9 February (DR).

Harris's Sparrow: an immature was pres¬
ent in a yard in Lovelaceville, Ballard .
mid-February into March (ph.RH. et al.).

White-crowned Sparrow: an impressive
tally of 310 was observed in a relatively
small part of Boone 20 December (NK):
and a record count for the Danville CBC
of 155 was tallied 20 December (fide
NE).

Lapland Longspur: the species was fairly
well distributed in small numbers across
much of c. and w. Kentucky during the
period with peak numbers occurring dur¬
ing the harshest weather in late January
and early February. Peak counts included
25-30 near Worthington, ne. Jefferson. 3 1
January (JB. PB. et al.) and 25+ near
Oscar. Ballard. 29 December (BP. SR.
RD) and 10 January (BP. AC). Only 10
were seen in w. Fulton where the species
is normally present in greater numbers. 4
January (RD).

Snow Bunting: for the first time in several
years, decent numbers showed up — albeit
for only a few days - during the snowiest
part of an otherwise relatively mild win¬
ter. First observed were 36 in Campbell
(FR) and 5 at Falls of the Ohio (BP) 30

January followed by 3 at Surrey FLQls
Fann (BP. JE). 4 near Worthington, ne.
Jefferson (JB. PB. et al.), and 50+ near
Petersburg, Boone, all 31 January (KC,
LM); and finally 75-80 near Worthing¬
ton. ne. Jefferson. 1 February (BY).

Rusty Blackbird: peak count was ca. 200
at Cooley's Pond 14 February (RD).

Brewer's Blackbird: a flock of 19 birds
was present n. of Oscar. Ballard. 30 De¬
cember (MS. BP) with 14 at the same
location 31 December (SR).

Purple Finch: generally small numbers
were well distributed across all parts of
the state with moderate to high numbers
reported in a few locales. One to 56 birds
were reported on 18 CBCs. Although
there were a few at feeders throughout
the season, the incidence of birds seemed
to peak during February, perhaps as
natural food supplies began to diminish.
Peak counts included 100+ at Mammoth
Cave 2 December (MMn); 15 in Trigg
(BL); 75 s. of Fisherville. Jefferson 14
February (E&JH); and ca. 60 at
Fisherville. Jefferson during February
(AL. fide BW).

Pine Siskin: very small numbers were
widely distributed across most of the
state. Peak counts were unimpressive and
included up to 7 at Surrey Hills Fami
through December and early January
(BP) and at least 12 at Pine Mountain
State Park. Bell. 29 February (BY).

Undocumented reports: the following Winter 2003-2004 CBC reports published in The
Kentucky Warbler. Vol.80, No. 1 should be qualified as follows: Blue-winged Teal. 13 on
Lexington CBC - details were solicited but none were received; Yellow-throated Vireo.
Lexington CBC - details were solicited but none were received; Veery. Falls of Rough
CBC - details were solicited but none were received.

Observers: Lyn & Brooks Atherton (B&LA); David Ayer (DA); Jane Bell (JB): Pat
Bell (PB); Mark Bennett (MB); Karon Broadbent (KB); Horace Brown (HB); Fred Busroe
(FB); Kathy Caminiti (KC); Joan Carr (JC); Craig Carver (CCv); Hap Chambers (HC);
Suzanne Clingman (SC); Amy Covert (AC); Charlie Crawford (CC); Julie Denton (JD):
Roseanna Denton (RD); Steve Denton (SD); Jay Desgrosellier (JDs); Robert Dever (RDv);
Clarke Dirks (CD): Gary Dorman (GD); Tom Durbin (TD); Melissa Easley (ME); Neil
Eklund (NE); Jackie Elmore (JE); Joe Tom Erwin (JEr); Les Estep (LE); Bett Etenohan

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

49

(BE); Kirn Feltner (KF); Rod Goforth (RG); Alan Goldstein (AG); Michael Flardin (MH);
Lana Hays(LH); Renee Hooks (RH); Janet Howard (JH); Eddie and Jennifer Huber (E&JH);
Ned Keller (NK); Betty King(BK); Steve Kistler (SK): Lew Komman (LK); Betty Leggett
(BLt); Ken Leggett (KL); Aurilla Lesley (AL); Bill Lisowsky (BL); Charlie Logsdon (CL);
Frank Lvne(FL); Scott Marsh (SM); Wes Mattox (WM); Lee McNeelv (LM); Mark Monroe
(MMn); Ami Morgan (AM); Bob Morris (BM); Mike Morton (MM); Daniel Moss (DM);
Carl Mowery (CM); Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. (BP); Scott Record (SR); Frank Renfrew
(FR); Art & Tina Ricketts (A&TR); Gary Ritchison (GR): Keith Robinson (KR); David
Roemer (DR); Wayne Rosso (WR); Woody Schat ( WS); Ron Scott (RS); Bob Staib (BS);
Stephen Stedman (SS); Matt Shekel (MS); Marilee Thompson (MTh); Mike Todd (MT);
Mark Vukovich (MV); Winston Waldon (WW); Mary Walter (MW); Major Waltman
(MWn); Wendell Webb( WWb); Eileen Wicker(EW); Katie Wilding(KW); Charlie Wilkins
(CW); Barbara Woemer (BW); Ben Yandell (BY); Beckham Bird Club (BBC); many
observers (m. ob.).

- 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY. 40222 (brainard.pahner-ball@ky.gov) (Palmer-
Ball) and P.O. Box 463, Burlington. KY. 41005 (lkmc9@netscape.net) (McNeely).

Kentucky Ornithological Society
2004 Spring Meeting
April 23 through 25

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Hie spring meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society' was held April 23-25 at
Kentucky Dam Village. President Hap Chambers called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m.
CDT on the 23rd. Following Hap's introductory comments. Elizabeth Ciuzio of the
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) gave a brief presentation
on an environmental impact study on the effects of Double-crested Cormorants on the two
islands in Kentucky Lake where they breed. These two islands provide important fish
spawning habitats, and the activities of the cormorants cause a loss of trees that could
potentially damage this habitat. The environmental impact study would determine the best
way to manage the cormorant population to protect these islands. The Double-crested
Cormorant is considered an endangered breeding bird in Kentucky, with only 15-20
breeding pairs. However, the nationwide cormorant population is not endangered.

After Ms. Ciuzio's presentation. Vice-President Mark Bennett introduced Phyllis Nienii.
who challenged the KOS members present at the meeting with a bird trivia contest. The
contest was won by Lee McNeely.

Next. Mark Bennett introduced Bill Lisowsky. area Director of the Land Between the
Lakes National Recreation Area, who gave a presentation entitled LBL - Birds Between the
Lakes. Mr. Lisowsky's presentation included some background information on the history
and geography of the LBL area, current proposals for the management of the area, ongoing
research projects and efforts to attract visitors, and concluded with a slide show featuring
birds and wildlife from the LBL area.

Following Mr. Lisowsky's presentation. Rick Huffinesof Clarks Riv er N.W.R. and Pat
Brandon of KDFWR made a presentation of the 2003 Kentucky Warbler Migratory Song¬
bird Award to KOS member Dr. Gary Ritchison. The award was presented in recognition of
his many avian conserv ation research efforts, as well as for the inspiration that he has given

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

50

Vol. 80

to others. Dr. Ritchison accepted the award, and offered his thanks for the support of his
students and his wife, Tammy.

Mark Bennett then turned the meetmg over to Brainard Palmer-Ball, who announced to
the KOS membership that the newly revised KOS field cards were now available for sale
for 250 each, or 5 for $ 1 .00.

Mark then concluded the Friday evemng meeting with a discussion of changes to the
published meetmg program and a description of Saturday’s planned field trips. The meetmg
closed at 8:36 p.m, and was followed by refreshments and a social hour.

The ram on Saturday morning did not seem to dampen the KOS members’ enthusiasm.
Although the scheduled Ed Ray cruises to view Osprey nests on Lake Barkley had to be
cancelled due to the weather, there were four other field trips that left from the Lodge
Saturday mormng. These mcluded: a walk around the lodge and campgrounds led by Fred
Busroe, a trip around the upper dam area to look for waterfowl and migrants led by David
Roemer, two trips for the LBL area leaving at 6: 1 5 and 8:30 a.m. led by Bill Lisowsky and
Maunca Toon, and a trip to Fulton County to look for shorebirds led by Hap Chambers.

The KOS Executive Board met from 2:30 to 4: 13 p.m..

The Saturday night general meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.. Hap Chambers
made several introductory announcements, including a request for leaders for a bird walk
scheduled for May 8 at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, and an announcement to the KOS
membership that sales of birdhouses from the Boggs Groups website ( http://www.theboggs-
group.com) would benefit KOS.

Following Hap’s mtroductory comments, Blame Ferrell conducted the species tally for
the meetmg. As of Saturday night, 162 total species had been observed by KOS members
m the LBL area.

The first speaker of the night was Dr. Jeff Hoover of the Illinois Natural History Survey.
Dr. Hoover’s presentation. Swamping out the Negative Effects of Habitat Fragmentation:
Avian Ecology and the Restoration of Bottomland Forests , outlined his research efforts to
study the effects of habitat fragmentation on breeding bird populations. Dr. Hoover spoke on
the causes of habitat fragmentation and how fragmentation impacts breedmg bird success by
increasing predation by animals such as Raccoons and brood parasitism by Brown-headed
Cowbirds, and how this information can be used to improve songbird conservation efforts.
The next presentation of the evening. Increases in Nesting Osprey at Lake Barkley and
Kentucky' Lakes, was given by Ed Ray and Tammie Sanders. Mr. Ray presented information
on the history of the Osprey in the LBL area, and outlined the efforts of his organization,
KenUicky Environmental Education Projects, Inc. (KEEP), to involve local schools in the
conservation of Ospreys and other birds. Following the main presentation. Miss Sanders
and Mr. Ray provided KOS members with literature about their ongoing projects, answered
questions, and displayed other materials, such as Eastern Bluebird nest cams, that they use
to educate school children about bird conservation.

The meeting concluded at 9:00 p.m. following closing statements from Hap Chambers
regarding the upcoming Fall, 2004 KOS meeting at Pine Mountain State Resort Park and
the announcement of the schedule for field trips on Sunday.

Sunday’s field trips were a trip to the Clarks River Wildlife Management Area led by Hap
Chambers, and the area around the dams and upper Lake Barkley led by Brainard Palmer-
Ball.

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

51

BIRDS OBSERVED AT THE SPRING 2004 KOS MEETING

Bird species observed in the vicinity of the Land Between the Lakes were: Canada Goose,
Wood Duck, Mallard, Blue-wmgedTeal, Northern Shove ler, Green-wingedTeal, Canvasback,
Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser. Red-breasted
Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, Common Loon, Pied-billed
Grebe, American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret,
Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Cattle Egret, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron.
Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Mississippi Kite, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk,
Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American
Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Virginia Rail, Sora, American Coot, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs,
Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Willet, Spotted Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Pectoral
Sandpiper, Wilson’s Snipe, Laughing Gull. Franklin’s Gull, Bonaparte’s Gull, Ring-billed
Gull, Herring Gull, Caspian Tern, Forster’s Tern, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared- Dove,
Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Eastern Screech-Owl, Great Homed Owl, Barred
Owl, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed
Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern
Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe,
Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Loggerhead Shrike,
White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Philadelphia
Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Homed Lark, Purple Martin, Tree Swal¬
low, Northern Rough- winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, Carolina Chickadee,
Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, House
Wren, Ruby -crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird Swainson’s Thrush,
Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird Northern Mockingbird Brown Thrasher,
European Starling, Blue- winged Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Orange -crowned Warbler,
Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Cape May
Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler,
Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Palm Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Black-
and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Prothonotary Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler,
Swainson’s Warbler, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky
Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager,
Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow,
Henslow’s Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Dickcissel, Red-winged
Blackbird Eastern Meadowlark, Rusty Blackbird Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird
Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch, and House Sparrow
for a total of 1 64 species for the weekend.

ATTENDANCE AT THE SPRING MEETING, 2004

ALEXANDRIA:
BOWLING GREEN:
BURLINGTON:

CORY DON, IN:
COX’S CREEK:
CUNNINGHAM:

DY ERSBURG, TN:

Mary Beth Lusby and Ron Lusby.

Blaine Ferrell, David Roomer and Joan Roemer.

Kathy Cammiti, Joe Caminiti, Joey Caminiti, Lee McNeely
and Lynda McNeely
Mary Walter

Dona Coates and Roger Coates
Matthew Toon and Maunca Toon
Betty Leggett anti Ken Leggett

Vol. 80

52_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

EDDYVILLE:

FALLS OF ROUGH:
FRANKFORT:
INDIANAPOLIS, IN:
LEXINGTON:
LOUISVILLE:

MOREHEAD:

MORGANTOWN:

MT. STERLING:

MURRAY:

PROSPECT:

RICHMOND:

RUSSELLVILLE:
SCIENCE HILL:
SOMERSET:
TAYLOR MILL:

John Niemi and Phyllis Niemi
Joyce Porter

Will Carlisle, Elizabeth Ciuzio, and Amy Covert
Lou Anne Barnger and Larry Peavler
Bruce Cryder and Jim Williams

Pat Bell, Jane Bell, Kathryn Clay, Bonnie Dever, Robert Dever,
Katharine Fulkerson, Eddie Huber, Katharine Griswold, Celia
Lawrence and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.

Fred Busroe and Joanna Busroe
Carroll Tichenor and Doris Tichenor
Gerald Robe

Happy Chambers and Elizabeth Raukes
Win Ahrens

Brandon Ritchison, Bnanna Ritclnson, Gary Ritchison, Tammy

Ritchison, Brenda Thompson, and Pete Thompson

Mark Bennett

Roseanna Denton

Gay Hodges and Connie Neeley

Gary O’ Hair

Potential Impacts of Climate Change on the Summer Distributions of
Kentucky’s Nongame Birds

Jeff Price, Director of Climate Change Impact Studies
American Bird Conser\’ancy
6525 Gunpark Drive, Suite 370, PMB146
Boulder. CO 80301

Introduction

Imagme returning to your car after birdmg on a hot summer’s day. Opening the door, you
stagger back as a wave of superheated air blasts out. That videotape of Rare Birds you forgot
to return now looks like a snowman left in a greenhouse - because it was. The windows
of your car acted very much like the glass m a greenhouse, trapping some of the incoming
infrared wavelengths of light that then heated up the mside of the car. If the greenhouse ef¬
fect didn’t exist then the temperature inside your car would be no higher than the maximum
outside temperature that day.

Water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO,), methane, and other trace gases in the Earth’s at¬
mosphere act much like the glass in a greenhouse (or your car), helping to retain heat by
trapping and absorbing infrared radiation. This “greenhouse effect ” acts to keep the Earth’s
surface temperature significantly warmer than it would otherwise be, allowing life, as we
know it, to exist. However, since pre-industrial times, there have been significant mcreases
in the amount of these greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The current levels of the two
primary greenhouse gases are now greater than at any tune during at least the past 420,000
years (likely much longer) and are well outside of the bounds of natural variability ( IPCC
2001).

Accompanying the mcreases in greenhouse gases has been an increase in temperature.
The 1990s were the warmest decade and the 1900s the wannest century of the last 1000
years. Of the more than 1 00 years for which instrumental records are available, 1 998 was

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

53

the warmest year on record and 7 of the top 10 years all occurred in the 1990s. The annual
global mean temperature is now 1.1 °F (0.6°C) above that recorded at the beginning of the
century. Limited data from other sources mdicates that the global mean temperature for the
20th century is at least as warm as any other period since approximately 1400 AD ( IPCC
1996, 2001). And, "There is new and stronger evidence that most of the warming obsen’ed
over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities’’ (IPCC 2001 ). These activities
include the burning of fossil fuels, increases m agriculture and other land use changes (such
as deforestation ). Increases in greenhouse gases (past and projected), coupled with the length
of tune these gasses remam in the atmosphere, are expected to cause a contmued mcrease in
global temperatures. Models estimate that the average global temperature, relative to 1 990
values, will rise by 2.5°-10.4°F ( 1.4°- 5.8°C) by the year 2100 (IPCC 2001 ).

Warming due to increases in greenhouse gases is expected to be even greater in some
areas, especially Northern Hemisphere land areas. Models based on various scenarios for
population growth, economic well bemg, improvements m technology, and fossil fuel use
project annual average temperature mcreases of 3°- 1 8°F ( 1 ,7°C - 1 0°C ) for the Umted States;
4°-10°F (2.2°C - 5. 5°C) for the southeastern U.S. (including Kentucky). These temperature
changes are projected to be highest in the north ( Arctic) and in winter with lesser mcreases
in the south and m summer (NAST 2000). However, more recent models are projecting even
greater temperature increases with more of the change occurring in summer than previously
thought. For example, these new models project average temperature increases in neighbor¬
ing Illinois of 7-13°F m winter and 9-1 8°F in summer by 2100 (Kling et al. 2003).

How might these changes impact the summer distributions of Kentucky's Passerine
birds?

" Recent regional changes in climate, particularly increases in temperature, have already
affected hydrological systems and terrestrial and marine ecosystems in many parts of the
world" (IPCC 2001). For example, there have been changes in growing season, earlier
spring green-up and earlier arrival and breeding m some birds (Root et al. 2003). If these
changes have been observed with only a small rise ( 1°F) in the global average temperature,
what might happen if temperatures contmue to rise? In addition to rising temperatures,
many climate models also project an overall increase in evaporation - leading to increases
in precipitation (mostly in storms) but also to overall declmes in soil moisture. Shifts in the
timmg of precipitation and snowmelt are also possible. Even after emissions are reduced,
CO, concentrations, temperature and sea level will all contmue to nse for a period ranging
from decades/centuries (CO, stabilization, temperature rise) to millennia (sea-level nse).
Thus, climate change will likely have a continumg impact on Kentucky’s birds and their
habitats.

Projected habitat changes -

Temperature, precipitation and soil moisture are important factors limiting the distribution
of both plants and animals. As the clunate changes so will plant and animal distributions.
In general, the geographic range of North American plants and animals will tend to shift
poleward and/or upwards m elevation in response to temperature changes. Range shifts in
plants will be dependent upon factors such as soil types, migratory pathways (e.g., no cities
blocking the way), seed dispersal mechanisms and pollinator availability. Range shifts of
wildlife populations will be dependent upon factors such as the availability of migration
corridors, suitable habitats and the concurrent movement of forage and prey. It is very
unlikely that plant and animal species will respond in the same manner to climate change.
The best available evidence from paleoclimatic studies, models and observations suggests

Vol. 80

54 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

that each plant and animal species will move independently. Thus, communities as we now
know them will look different in the future. Indeed, there is evidence indicating that many
ecosystems have already begun to change in response to observed climatic changes (Root
et al. 2003).

Models project possible major changes in the suitable climates of many vegetative com¬
munities occurring over the next 75-100 years. For example, these models estimate that
climate suitable for elm-ash-cottonwood and maple-beech-birch forests will potentially
become more suitable for a spread of oak-hickory forests (NAST 2000). Models developed
for individual species project potential complete loss of sugar maple, yellow birch and
northern red oak; potential major declines in the extent of American beech and white ash;
and potential eventual gam or spread of species like loblolly pine, mockemut hickory, winged
elm, and post and water oaks (Iverson et al. 1999).

As many tree species are long-lived and migrate slowly it could potentially take decades
to centuries for species in some vegetative communities to be replaced by others ( Davis and
Zabinski 1 992). 1 lowever, as increased temperatures and drought stress plants they become
more susceptible to tires and insect outbreaks. These disturbances could play a large role
in the conversion of habitats from one type to another. There could very well be instances
where existmg plant communities are lost to disturbance but climatic conditions and migra¬
tion rates limit the speed at which they are replaced. Thus, invasive species, grasslands and
shrublands may transitionally replace some of these areas.

Projected changes in bird distributions -

Summer bird ranges are often assumed to be tightly linked to particular habitats. This
generalization is only partially true. While certain species are usually only found in specific
habitats (e.g., Rutland’s Warbler breeding in jack pmes), others are more flexible in their
habitat use. Species found in a particular habitat type throughout then summer range may
not be found in apparently equivalent habitat north or south of their current distribution.
Birds are also limited in their distributions by their physiology and food availability. The link
between physiology and the wmter distributions of many species is well established ( Kendeigh
1934, Root 1988a, 1988b). Research shows that physiology plays a role in limiting summer
distributions as wel I ( Dawson 1 992, T. Martin, pers. comm. ). Often, the choice of a specific
habitat may actually be to provide a microclimate suitable for a species’ physiology. While
habitat selection, food availability, and competition may all play a role hi influencing local
distributions of a given bird species, looking at a species’ overall distribution often yields
different results. This study examined the association between summer bird distributions
and climate and how these distributions may change with a changing climate.

Methods

Logistic regression was used to develop models of the association between bird distri¬
butions (from Breeding Bird Survey data) and climate - the climate variables acting as
surrogates for the many factors possibly limiting a species distribution (e.g., physiology,
habitat, food availability). One way of determining how ‘accurate’ these models are is to
compare how well the predicted species distribution map based on climate ( Fig. I b ) matches
a map of the actual distribution ( Fig. la) based on similar bird data ( Price et al. 1 995 ). This
comparison (and various statistical tests) indicates that at least a portion of the summer dis¬
tributions of many North American birds can be modeled accurately based on climate alone.

To determine how bird distributions might change m response to climate change, climate
projections from the Canadian Climate Center (CCC) were used to determine what the
average climate conditions might be once CO, has doubled, sometime in the next 75-100

2004

I HK KENTUCKY WARBLER

years. For example, for a given point the difference in average summer temperature between
the “current" and “future ” (both model derived) climate might be +2°C. This value is then
added to the actual average summer temperature at that point to estimate what the climate
at that pomt might be with a doubling of CO,. A more complete explanation of methods
used to develop the models and maps has been published elsewhere (Price 1995, Pnce m
press).

These results were then used to create maps of the projected possible future climatic
ranges for almost all North American passerine birds (e.g.. Fig. 1 c). What these maps actually
show are areas projected to have the proper chmate for the species, or clnnatic range, under
conditions derived from the CCC model. While the results of the models cannot be used to
look at the fine points of how a given species’ distribution might change, they can provide
an impression of the possible direction and potential magnitude of the change in the suitable
chmate for the species. These maps of projected summer climatic ranges of birds were then
compared with the information found in The Kentucky’ Breeding Bird Atlas (Palmer-Ball
Jr. 1996) to determine how Kentucky’s avifauna might change under this climate change
scenario.

Figure 1 . A. Map depicting the distribution of Mouse Wren as detected bv the Breeding Bird

Survey. This map is based on one found in Price et al. ( 1995). B. Map depictmg a model of
the distribution of House Wren based solely upon the chmate of 1985-1989. The scale rep¬
resents the probability of the species’ occurrence with shaded areas depictmg the distribu¬
tion of the species (i.e., areas with suitable chmate). C. Map depictmg the possible distribu¬
tion of House Wren under the doubled CO, chmate conditions projected by the CCC. The
scale represents the probability of the species’ occurrence - shaded areas depictmg the di¬
stribution of the species (areas with suitable climate for the species).

House Wren

A. B

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Vol. 80

& _

Results

Species whose future climatic summer ranges might exclude Kentucky (i.e., possibly
extirpated as summer residents) - Acadian Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Least Fly¬
catcher, Blue-headed Vixeo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Tree Swallow, Bank
Swallow, Cliff Swallow, House Wren, Gray Catbird, Blue-winged Warbler, Golden¬
winged Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler,
Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, American
Redstart, Ovenbird Kentucky Warbler, Canada Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Vesper Spar¬
row, Savannah Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Rose¬
breasted Grosbeak, Bobolink, Baltimore Oriole, Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch.

Species whose future climatic summer ranges in Kentucky might contract -
Red-eyed Vireo, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Thrasher,
Prairie Warbler, Black-and- White Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Hooded War¬
bler, Summer Tanager, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow and Indigo Bunting.

Species whose future climatic summer ranges in Kentucky might expand - Loggerhead
Shrike, Bell’s Vireo, Prothonotary Warbler, Bachman’s Sparrow, Lark Sparrow and Diekcissel.

Species whose future climatic summer ranges might eventually include Kentucky
- Western Kingbird Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Painted Buntmg and Great-tailed Grackle.

Discussion

These lists are not all-inclusive, since results obtained from models of some species were
not adequate to assess how their climatic ranges might change. Nor do the lists include
those species whose clunatic ranges in Kentucky may undergo little change. Finally, these
lists are based on output from a single commonly used climate model. Using output from
different climate models may yield somewhat different results. In addition, the geographic-
scale of these models, like those of the underlying climate change model, is relatively coarse.
As such, the models are unable to take into account localized topographic changes and the
possible existence of suitable microclimates (e.g., along rivers or on north-facing mountain
slopes). Therefore, some of the species whose climatic ranges are projected as shifting
out of Kentucky may be able to persist in refugia if suitable microclimates are available.

Smce these models were originally developed, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher has bred in
Kentucky. It is difficult, if not impossible, to say with any certainty whether this breed¬
ing event is tied to regional climate change. It is only by collecting data on many species
changing in many areas that any degree of confidence can be placed on whether the changes
can be attributable to climate (i.e.. Root et al. 2003). However, tins is the sort of change
expected with a warming climate. It is helpful to consider how species’ ranges might
change to know what sorts of changes to look for m the future. As the average temperature
(climate) increases, weather will still occur - some years being cooler and others warmer
than otherwise expected. So, colonization will most likely occur in tits and starts before a
species can truly be considered to be established as part of Kentucky’s breeding avifauna.
In some cases, a species may start appearing as a vagrant, off and on, for several years
before breedmg is attempted. In other cases a species may start breeding m an area, then
become extirpated, and then resume breedmg possibly in greater numbers than before.

How quickly distributional changes might occur is unknown - the rate of change
•will largely depend on whether limits to a given species’ distribution are more
closely linked with climate (especially temperature), vegetation, or some other fac¬
tor. The rate of change will also likely be tied to the rate of change of the climate itself.
If the climate changes relatively slowly, then species may be able to adapt to the new-
climate. However, many changes could occur (and are occurring) relatively quickly.

2004

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57

One pilot study found that the average latitude of occurrence of some species of Neo¬
tropical migrants has already shifted significantly farther north in the last 20 years,
by an average distance of almost 60 miles (100 km) (Price and Root 2001; Price, un¬
published data). In another study, the arrival date of 20 species of migratory birds in
Michigan was found to be 21 days earlier in 1994 than in 1965 (Price and Root 2000;
Root, unpublished data). Many other species have been found to be arriving and breed¬
ing earlier, not only in the US but also in Europe and elsewhere (Root et al. 2003).

Conclusion

Projected future rapid climate change is of major concern, especially when viewed in
concert with other population stresses (e.g., habitat conversion, pollution, invasive spe¬
cies). Research and conservation attention needs to be focused not only on each stressor
by itself, but also on the synergies of multiple stressors acting together. These synergistic
stresses are likely to prove to be the greatest challenge to wildlife conservation m the 21st
Century. Because anticipation of changes improves the capacity to manage, it is important
to understand as much as possible about the responses of animals to a changing climate.

Society may ultimately need to adapt not only to changes in ranges but also to the loss
of ecological services normally provided by wildlife. For example, it may be necessary
to develop adaptations to losses of natural pest control, pollination and seed dispersal.
While replacing providers of these services may sometimes be possible, the alternatives
may be costly. Fmding a replacement for other services, such as contributions to nutrient
cycling and ecosystem stability/biodiversity are much harder to imagme. In many cases
any attempt at replacement may represent a net loss (e.g., losses of the values of wild¬
life associated with recreation, subsistence hunting, cultural and rehgious ceremomes).

In summary, a high probability exists that climate change could lead to changes in bird
distributions. Even a relatively small change in average temperature could unpact bird
distributions within the state. Some of these changes could occur (and may be occurring)
relatively quickly. While these changes may have some ecological and, possibly, economic
effects, the magnitude of these effects is unknown. Ultimately, the greatest impact on wild¬
life and vegetation may not come from climate change itself, but rather from the rate of
change. Given enough tune, many species would likely be able to adapt to climatic shifts,
as they have done in the past. However, the current projected rate of warming is thought
to be greater than has occurred at any time m the last 10,000 years (IPCC 1996). This
rate of change could ultimately lead to many changes m Kentucky’s nongame avifauna.

Birders can help scientist look for and document changes in bird ranges and popula¬
tions. Besides participating in regular events like the Breeding Bird Survey or Christ¬
mas Bird Count, information is also needed on nesting, arrival and departure. If you, or
your club, have 10 or more years of data please contact me at the address listed above.

Acknowledgments

This study was funded by cooperative agreements between the U.S. Environmen¬
tal Protection Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey and American Bird Conservancy.
The views expressed herem are solely those of the author and do not represent the of¬
ficial opinion of the Environmental Protection Agency nor the U.S. Geological Survey.

Literature Cited

Davis, M B. and C. Zabinski. 1992. Changes m geographical range resulting from green¬
house warming: effects on biodiversity in forests. Pp. 297-308 in R. L. Peters and T.

E. and T. E. Lovejoy. Global Wanning and Biological Diversity. Yale University

Vol. 80

58 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Press, New Haven, CT.

Dawson, W. R. 1992. Physiological responses of animals to higher temperatures. Pp. 1 58-
170 in R. L. Peters andT. E. Lovejoy. Global Warming and Biological Diversity. Yale
University Press, New Haven, CT.

[IPCC] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 1996. Summary for Policymakers.
Pp. 3-7 in J.T. Houghton, L.G. Meira Filho, B.A. Callander, N. Harris, A Kat-
tenberg and K. Masked, eds. Climate Change 1995: The Science of Climate Change.
Cambridge Umversity Press, Cambridge, England.

IPCC. 2001. Climate Change 2001: Synthesis report. R.T. Watson (editor). Cambridge
Umversity Press, Cambridge, England.

Iverson, L. R., A. M. Prasad, B. J. Hale and E. K. Sutherland. 1999. Atlas of Current and
Potential Future Distributions of Common Trees of the Eastern United States. General
Technical Report NE-265. U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station,
Delaware, OH.

Kendeigh, S. C. 1934. The role of environment in the life of birds. Ecological Mono¬
graphs 4: 297-417.

Kling, G. W., K. Hayhoe, L. B. Johnson, J. J. Magnuson, S. Polasky, S. K. Robmson, B.
J. Shuter, M. M. Wander, D. J. Wuebbles, D. R. Zak, R. L. Lindroth, S. C. Moser, and
M. L, Wilson. 2003. Confronting Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region: Impacts
on Our Communities and Ecosystems. Union of Concerned Scientists, Cambridge, MA
and Ecological Society of America, Washington, DC.

[NAST] National Assessment Synthesis Team. 2000. Climate Change Impacts on the
United States: The potential consequences of climate variability and change. Cam¬
bridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.

Palmer-Ball, B. L., Jr. 1996. The Kentucky ’ Breeding Bird Atlas. The University Press of
Kentucky, Lexington, KY.

Price, J. T. In press. Potential Impacts of Climate Change on the Summer Distri¬
butions of Some North American Grassland Birds. U.S.G.S. Technical Report.

Pnce, J. T. 1995. Potential Impacts of Global Climate Change on the Sum¬
mer Distributions of Some North American Grassland Birds. Ph.D. Disserta¬
tion, Wayne StateUmversity, Detroit, MI.

Pnce, J. T. and T. L. Root, 2000. Focus: effects of climate change on bird distnbu-
tions and migration Patterns. Pages 65-68 in P.J. Sousounis and J.M. Bisanz, eds.,
Preparing for a changing climate: the potential consequences of climate variability and
change. University of Michigan, Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences Dept.,

Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Price, J. T. andT. L. Root. 2001. Climate change and Neotropical migrants. Transactions
of the 66th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference pp. 371-379.

Price, J., S. Droege and A. Price. 1995. The Summer Atlas of North American Birds. Aca¬
demic Press, San Diego, CA.

Root, T. L. 1988a. Environmental factors associated with avian distributional boundaries.
Journal of Biogeography 15: 489-505.

Root, T. L. 1988b. Energetic constraints on avian distributions and abundances. Ecology
69:330-339.

Root, T. L., J. T. Price, K. R. Hall, S. H. Schneider, C. Rosenzweig and J. A. Pounds.
2003. Fingerprints of global warming on animals and plants. Nature 421: 57-60.

2004

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59

FIELD NOTE

FIRST KENTUCKY RECORD FOR YELLOW-BILLED LOON

The Yellow-billed Loon (Gcivia adamsii) is a large, heavy-bodied loon that breeds locally
along the Arctic coastline and interior from north-central Canada westward across northern
Alaska to eastern Siberia (North 1994). In North America, the species winters primarily
along the Pacific coastline of western Canada but small numbers are found farther south
along the Pacific coastline and inland across the mtermountain western United States (North
1 994 ). In addition, a few individuals are now found annually on reservoirs across the Great
Plains, with a few valid records now distributed across the eastern United States. Most inland,
mid-continental United States reports have occurred during November and December, but
several individuals have appeared to overwinter and there are reports from early August to
mid-May (Domagalski 2003).

On the late afternoon of 13 March 2004, the authors were birding at Kentucky Lake in
the vicinity of Birmingham Point. Marshall County, when we found a Yellow-billed Loon
in basic plumage. The bird was loosely associated with a small group of 5-10 Common
Loons ( Gavin immer). We watched the bird for more than an hour as it loafed on the water.
We notified Ben Yandell, who was also birding in the area; Yandell concurred with our
identification, and the three of us watched the bird until the evening light faded.

The Yellow-billed Loon was similar in appearance to the nearby Common Loons, although
the tones of its upperparts were more brownish than the coal gray colors of the Commons.
The sides of the face were decidedly lighter in color than the Commons, with the relatively
small eye surrounded by whitish. Noticeably darker areas on the face appeared as a verti¬
cally oblong auricular patch and a malar stripe. The back was relatively uniformly colored,
although light bufty or grayish edgings could be clearly seen on some feathers. The underparts
appeared entirely whitish. The bill was mostly a chalky yellow-white in color, especially the
distal half, but more grayish basally. Ihe culmen was rather straight-edged, and the lower
mandible was sharply angled at the gonys with a thick basal half in profile. When combined
with the bird’s behavior of often holding the bill somewhat above horizontal, the bill appeared
decidedly upturned. Based on the pattern of the face and the pale color of the margins of
some of the back leathers, we judged the bird to be in its first year.

On the morning of 14 March 2004, the Yellow-billed Loon was observed m the same
area, and several images, including one excellent profile shot taken by Roseanna Denton
(see cover photo), were obtained showing all characteristic field marks. On one occasion
it lloated in among the nearby Common Loons and it was notably - perhaps one-half agam
- larger in body size than the Commons ( Fig. 1 ). The bird lingered on tins part of the lake
for more than two weeks and was observed by many birders. As far as we are aware, it was
last observed by Larry Peavler on 30 March 2004.

Interestingly, this Yellow-billed Loon appeared unmediately subsequent to the disap¬
pearance of two Yellow-billeds that had been observed on Kentucky Lake in Henry and Stewart
counties, Tennessee, approximately 35 air miles to the south. It is unknown if this individual
could have been one of the two Tennessee birds, but Jeff Wilson (discoverer of the Tennessee
birds) saw the Kentucky individual and definitely thought that it was a different individual.

This observation represents the first record of Yellow-billed Loon m Kentucky. It is un¬
clear if the occurrence of the species in the eastern United States was simply overlooked
until recent years or if there has been an increase m its frequency in the region. Whatever is

60

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Vol. 80

going on, it appears that this loon should be considered to be a relatively regular possibility
on large reservoirs.

Literature Cited

North, M.R. 1994. Yellow-billed Loon ( Gavia adamsii). In The Bnxls of North America,
No. 121 (A. Poole and F. Gill, Eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences;
Washington, D.C.: The American Ornithologists’ Union.

Domagalski, R.C. 2003. Mid Continent rare bird records. Unpublished Summary Report.

-Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222, and Amy
Covert. 109 Lafayette Drive, Frankfort, KY, 40601.

Figure 1 . Yellow-billed Loon (on nght ) next to a Common Loon showmg larger size. Taken
14 March 2004 on Kentucky Lake at Birmingham Pomt, Marshall Co., KY.

By Brainard Palmer-Ball,, Jr.

NEWS AND VIEWS

Kentucky Bird Records Committee

Rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season should be well documented and
the documentation should be sent to Lee McNeely, Secretary of the KBRC, P.O. Box 463,
Burlington, Kentucky 41005, for consideration by the committee for official state record
status.

Reminder of the Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotline

The number for the Kentucky Rare Bird Alert Hotlme is (502)-326-0878. Please report
any unusual sightings in order to provide others with the opportunity to see rare birds.

K.O.S Web Page

Visit the Kentucky Ornithological Society’s web page at www.biology.eku.edu/kos.htm.

i

37

O

VOL. 80

The Kentucky Warb'ler~~ --

JAN - 3 9n

(Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) ^

I

AUGUST 2004

NO. 3

IN THIS ISSUE

THE SPRING SEASON, 2004. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. and Lee McNeely . 63

GOLDEN- WINGED WARBLER AND BLUE- WINGED WARBLER ON RECLAIMED

MINES IN EASTERN KENTUCKY, L.L. Patton, S. Vorisek. and J.L. Larkin . 73

FIELD NOTE . 76

NEWS AND VIEWS . 76

62

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

President . Hap Chambers. Murray

Vice-President . Mark Bennett. Russellville

Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr.

8207 Old Wesport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913
Treasurer . Jim Williams

Recording Secretary .

Councillors:

Scott Marsh, Lexington .

Roseanna Denton, Science Hill
Doris Tichenor. Morgantown ...

Phyllis Niemi, Princeton .

Mark Monroe. Louisville .

Win Ahrens. Louisville .

480 Seeley Drive, Lexington, KY 40502-2609
. Gerald Robe. Mt. Sterling

. 2002 thru 2004

. 2002 thru 2004

. 2003 thru 2005

. 2003 thru 2005

. 2004 thru 2006

. 2004 thru 2006

Retiring President . Kathy Caminiti, Burlington

Staff Artist . Ray Harm

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 $15.00; Contributing, $25.00; Student
$10.00; Family. $20.00: Corporate. $100.00; and Life. $300.00. All articles and communica¬
tions should be addressed to the editor. Subscriptions and memberships should be sent to
the Treasurer. Requests for back issues should be sent to the Corresponding Secretary.

Editor . B.R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering

Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green. KY 42101

Editorial Advisory Board

Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. and Wayne Mason

Secretary. Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely

PO. Box 463. Burlington. KY 41005

THE COVER

KOS thanks Laura Patton for this photograph of the male Golden-winged Warbler
( Vennivora chrysoptera), one of a number of individuals banded in 2004 as part of a Uni¬
versity of Kentucky study following up a Golden-winged Warbler atlas project in south¬
eastern Kentucky in 2003 (see accompanying article, p. 73).

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

63

Spring Season 2004

Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely

Weather conditions during the season were rather average overall, but below normal precip¬
itation occurred early in the period. Relatively normal early spring temperatures yielded to well
above normal readings during the last three weeks of May, resulting in a disappointing lack of
fallouts of spring migrants after the first week of May. Violent storms across much of the northern
half of the state during the last week of May likely disrupted some nesting activities.

The highlight of the season in the rarities department was - pending Kentucky Bird Records
Committee acceptance - a first state record for Yellow-billed Loon. Other noteworthy rarities
included a Pacific Loon, a California Gull, and continuing Little Gull. Spotted Towhees (2) and
Harris’s Sparrow. Baird's Sandpiper - typically a rare spring migrant - was reported on four occa¬
sions in mid-April. Two Selasphoms hummingbirds became the first ever known to survive a
Kentucky winter! Black-necked Stilts and Scissor-tailed Flycatchers continued their recent trends
by appearing in multiple locations again this year. And finally, Bachman's Sparrows were again
found in good numbers in the Trigg County portion of Fort Campbell Military Reservation.

Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these reports
have been accepted as records for the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Observers are cautioned
that records of out-of-season birds and all rarities must be accompanied with good details or docu¬
mentation for acceptance. Dociunentation must be submitted to the Kentucky Bird Records Com¬
mittee (KBRC). Decisions regarding the official Kentucky list are made by the KBRC and are
reported periodically in The Kentucky Warbler.

Abbreviations - County names appear in italics', when used to separate dates, the “/” symbol is
used in place of "and"; "ph." next to an observer's initials indicates that the observation was
documented with photograph! s); “vt.” next to an observer's initials indicates that the observation
was documented on videotape; next to an observer's initials indicates that written details were
submitted with the report; Ano = Ano surface mine, Pulaski'. Ballard WMA = Ballard WMA,
Ballard: Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam, Lyon/ Livingston: Big South Fork = Big South Fork
National River and Recreation Area, McCreaty: Birmingham Point = Kentucky Lake at
Birmingham Point, Marshall '/Lyon: Black Mountain = Black Moiuitain, Harlan: Blood River =
Blood River embayment of Kentucky Lake, Calloway: Camp #9 = Peabody Camp #9 Mine,
Union: Camp #11 = Peabody Camp #1 1 Mine. Union: DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest;
Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment of Kentucky Lake, Marshall: Ken Hopewell = Ken
Hopewell Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio: Ky Dam = Kentucky Dam. Livingston Marshall: Ky Dam
Village = Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Marshall: KDFWR = Kentucky Department
of Fish and Wildlife Resources; Ky Lake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall/Calloway/Living¬
ston/ Lyon/Trigg: Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa. Lyon: Lake Peewee = Lake Peewee,
Madisonville. Hopkins: LBL = Land Between the Lakes, Lyon/Trigg: Little Lick = Little Lick
Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski: Lake Barkley = Lake Barkley, Livingston/Lyon Trigg: Long
Point = Long Point Unit Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Fulton: Lower Hickman Bottoms =
Lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton: Mammoth Cave = Mammoth Cave National Park. Edmonson
(unless otherwise noted); McElroy = McElroy Lake, Warren: Meng's Pond = Meng's Pond,
Warren ; Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery. Rowan: Obion = Obion WMA, Fulton (unless
otherwise noted); Paradise = Paradise Power Plant impoundments, Muhlenberg: Peabody =
Peabody WMA, Ohio/Muhlenberg (unless otherwise noted); Petersburg = Petersburg, Boone:
Rock Bridge = Rock Bridge, DBNF, Wolfe: Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA.
Henderson: Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA. Muhlenberg: Surrey Hills Farm = Surrey
Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson: Waitsboro = Waitsboro Recreation Area on Lake Cumberland. Pulaski:
Walton's Pond = Walton's Pond, s. Warren: West Ky = West Ky WMA. McCracken: WMA =
Wildlife Management Area.

64

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Greater White-fronted Goose: latest report
was for 1 at Ballard WMA 12 April (SR).

Snow Goose: the most interesting reports in¬
cluded 1 at Owsley Fork Lake. Madison /
Jackson, 8-10 March (PH) and 6 Blues in
Campbell 8 March ( FR); the continued pre¬
sence of a blue-morph bird at Minor Clark
in late May (LH) suggests that the late sum¬
mer-early fall 2003 bird was injured or res¬
ident and not an early fall arrival.

Ross's Goose: only report was for 1 at Bark¬
ley Dam 2 1 March ( RDn ).

Tundra Swan: the flock at Sauerheber (as¬
sumed to be all Tundras) numbered 29 on 1
March (MMr) but they left the area ca. 4
March ( MMr); 2 were observed in ne. Fay¬
ette 7 April (SM).

Wood Duck: a brood of 12 young was ob¬
served at Pumphouse Pond. Pulaski, on the
very early date of 9 April ( RDn).

Gadwall: latest reports included 2 pair at
Camp #11 on 6 May ( BP); 3 males at Lake
Peewee 10 May (BP, JDu); and 3 males and
a female at Camp #11 on 18 May (BP,
MMn).

Blue-winged Teal: peak count was a relative¬
ly unimpressive 60 at Jonathan Creek 28
March (HC).

Green-winged Teal: latest reports were for
single males at both McElroy and Chaney
Lake, Warren, both 9 May (DR).

Redhead: the peak count of migrants was 40
in the Ohio River floodplain, e. Daviess, 5
March (DA); relatively late individuals in¬
cluded 1 at Camp #1 1 on 21 April (BP) and
1 there 18 May (BP. MMn).

Ring-necked Duck: 1-2 males that were cer¬
tainly injured lingered at Camp #11 to 30
May (BP. AC).

Greater Scaup: only a few reports as follows:
1 in the Ohio Riv er floodplain, e. Daviess.
5 March (DA); at least 1? at Green River
Lake. Taylor. 7 March ( RDn. HC); and at
least 4 at Waitsboro 17 March (RDn).

Lesser Scaup: as is now the norm. 10+ birds
(all or most likely injured) were still on
Lake Barkley. Lyon, into May (m.ob. ): also
reported were 1 at Lake Peewee and 1 at
Camp #11. both 10 May (BP. JDu).

Surf Scoter: the only reports were for 3 at
Green River Lake. Taylor, 7 March (ph.
RDn. HC) and 1 on a pond at Hickman.
Fulton, 17 April (ph.HC).

Surf Scoter. Fulton
17 April 2004
Hap Chambers

Black Scoter: certainly extraordinary were 3
birds (a male and 2 females) on Lake Her¬
rington. Bovlel Garrard, 6 May (KP).

Hooded Merganser: interesting reports in¬
cluded a female at Sloans Crossing Pond.
Mammoth Cave, 5 May (BP. MMn): 15
first-year birds at Obion 9 May (BP. JDu);
and 2 broods of young at Ballard WMA 25
May (SR).

Ruddy Duck: several showed up during late
April and early May at Camp #11 and at
least 6 birds were still there 30 May (BP.
AC).

Red-throated Loon: there were an impressiv e
number of reports including 1 probable
adult on Ky Lake at Birmingham Point 13
March ( BY. BP. AC ) and 1 4 March ( ME );
a first-year bird on Ky Lake above the dam
14 March (BP, et al.) and 15 March (DR);
and 2 on Ky Lake - 1 above the dam and 1
at Birmingham Point - 24 March (DR).

Pacific Loon: 1 bird was reported on Ky Lake
at Birmingham Point 10 March (DR).
KBRC review required.

Yellow-billed Loon: a probable first-year bird
on Ky Lake at Birmingham Point 13 March
(ph. BP. AC. BY) - 30 March (LPe) will
represent a first state record if accepted.
KBRC review required.

Common Loon: lingering birds included 1 at

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

65

Goose Lake, Sinclair, 6 May (BP); 1 at
Petersburg 8/15 May (LM, et al.); 2 at
Kuttawa 9 May (BP, JDu); 1 at Paradise 18
May (MMn, BP); and 2 ( 1 in basic plumage
and 1 in alternate plumage above Ky Dam
through 29 May (BP, AC).

Yellow-billed Loon. Ky Lake. Marshall
14 March 2004
B. Palmer-Ball, Jr.

Horned Grebe; peak count was 75-100 on
Ky Lake, Marshall , 14 March (BP, et al.).

Red-necked Grebe: perhaps the same indi¬
vidual was observed on Ky Lake from the
mouth of Little Bear Creek, Marshall. 10
March (vt. DR) to Ky Lake at Sherwood
Shores, Marshall. 13 March (BP, AC) and
Ky Lake at Birmingham Point 15 March
(DR). KBRC review required.

American White Pelican: there were many
reports during the period: of greatest
interest were the following: ca. 20 at Swan
Lake, Ballard. 4/9 March (SVi); a new state
record count of 2000 at Mitchell Lake. Bal¬
lard WMA, 1 0 March with 1 500 still there
11/12 March (SVi); nearly 400 on Linton
Bay, Lake Barkley, Trigg, 14-15 March
(fide MBe); 75 at Mitchell Lake. Ballard
WMA, 16 March (SR); 1 7 over Long Point
7 March (KL); 96 at Blood River 22 March
(HC). Reports of 1 at Paradise 1 1 April
( BY) and 9 at McElroy 29 April (LD) were
the easternmost for the season.

Double-crested Cormorant: 300+ were ob¬
served migrating over Hart 16 April (SK).

American Bittern: scattered reports included
1 at Sinclair 27 March (HC, RDn. ME), 1 1

April (BY) and 17 April (MSi); 1 at Sauer-
heber 18 April (DR, KOS); 1 w / a broken
wing at Camp #1 1 on 21 April (BP); 2 there
29 April (BP, JE); 1 at Long Point 1 May
(BP. JE); 1 at Beech Grove Ridge, Pulaski,
5 May (RDn); 2 at Sinclair 7 May (BY);
and 1 at Meadow Creek Swamp, Wayne, in
early May (EH, fide MH).

Least Bittern: earliest reports included 1 at
Long Point (KL. BLe) and 2 at Sauerheber
(DR. KOS), both 18 April.

Great Blue Heron: a number of new colonies
were reported during the spring season, full
results of which will be published in a later
issue as part of results of a statewide her¬
onry survey that was conducted during the
spring and siunmer of 2004.

Great Egret: earliest report was for 2 in w.
Henderson 2 April (CC); a bird at Cliffy
Pond. Pulaski. 1 1 April was somewhat un¬
expected (RDn); peak coimt was 65 at
Obion 9 May (BP, JDu).

Snowy Egret: earliest report was for 1 on
Lake Barkley nr. Eddyville. Lyon, 10 April
(J&PN): the most out-of-place transients
included 1 at Paradise 6 May (BP) and 3 at
Camp #1 1 on 10 May (BP, JDu).

Cattle Egret: unusual for Hart were 2 in
flight 8 May (SK).

Black-crowned Night-Heron: earliest report
was for 4 at Barkley Dam 2 1 March (RDn);
also of interest were 4 at Lake Camico,
Nicholas, where the species is not regularly
observed (G&WK).

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron: only reports
for the season were for 1 at Highland Creek
Unit Sloughs WMA, Union, 5 April (CC);
1 over St. Matthews, Jefferson, a few tunes
in early May (BW); and 2 pairs nesting
along Woodbine Drive. Lexington, in mid-
May (TS, fide SM).

Osprey: earliest report was for 2 at Ky Dam
15 March (DR); there are now at least 4
nests along the Green River, Muhlenberg/
Ohio (SVo, BP, JF).

Mississippi Kite: there were several reports of
vagrant birds this spring including 2 over
LBL at the head of Cravens Bay. Lyon, 30
April (JE, BP); 1 at Sinclair 6 May (BP)
with 1 or 2 there 18 May (BP, MMn): 1 on

66

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Fort Knox ca. two miles sw. of Westpoint.
Hardin. 7 May (DD) with another or the
same bird on Fort Knox on Lower Douglas
Lake e. of Radcliff. Hardin. 26 May ( KB.
fideJ&PB).

Bald Eagle: somewhat out of place was a sub¬
adult at Paradise 18 May (MMn, BP).

Northern Harrier: a bird at Ano 17 May
(RDn) is suggestive of nesting; several ter¬
ritorial birds were observed at Sinclair 18
May (BP, MMn).

Broad-winged Hawk: earliest report was for
1 near Plano. Warren. 24 March (TD).

Rough-legged Hawk: there were a few re¬
ports of lingering birds at Sinclair 27 March
(HC. RDn. ME); 9 April (BLi); and 11
April (BY).

Merlin: reports of presiuned spring migrants
included 1 at Bowling Green 1 1 March
(DR); 1 at Shaker Mill. Wanen, 18 March
(DR); and 1 at Mammoth Cave 26 March
(MMn).

Peregrine Falcon: there were a few reports
including 1 in e. Jefferson 1 5 March ( KC1 );
1 of the local nesting pair on the Louisville
waterfront 21 March (RDv. MW); an adult
at McElroy 2 May (DR) and 5 May (BP.
MMn); an adult at Obion 9 May (BP. JDu);
and at least 1 of a pair frequenting a power
plant in s. Indiana was observed on the US
231 bridge, ne. Daviess in late May (DA).

King Rail: 1 was observed at Sauerheber 18
April ( DR. KOS) and 3 were heard there 29
April (BP. JE).

Virginia Rail: 4 were reported from Sinclair
27 March ( HC. RDn. ME ); a new state high
count of 8 individuals was observed at Sau¬
erheber 18 April (DR. KOS); also reported
were 2 seen/heard at Camp #1 1 on 29 April
(BP. JE) and 1 at Long Point 1 May (BP.
JE).

Sora: peak count was 35+ at Camp #11 on 21
April (BP); a bird at Long Point 29 May
(BLi ) represented a new late departure date
for the state.

Common Moorhen: 1 was heard along Ter¬
rapin Creek. Graves , 1 May (CM); 1 was
observed near Petersburg 8 May (LM. et
al.); 1 was at Camp #11 on 18 May (BP.

MMn) with at least 2 there 30 May (BP.
AC).

American Coot: birds lingered and likely
initiated nesting at Camp #11 during May
(BP, et ah).

Sandhill Crane: most birds moved through
early, but a few lingered into March; a tar¬
dy flock of 23 birds was observed over e.
Jefferson 19 April (BW); a bird with a bro¬
ken wing was observed at McElroy 23 May
and lingered there into June (DR).

Black-bellied Plover: earliest report was for 1
heard in w. Fulton 1 May (BP, JE); peak
count was of 15 at McElroy 24 May (DR.
NR); also reported were 2 at McElroy 3
May (DR); 2 at McElroy 5 May (BP.
MMn); 1 at Camp #9 on 6/18 May (BP.
MMn); 1 at Paradise 9 May (MSi); and 1 at
McElroy 23 May (DR).

American Golden-Plover: there were only a
few reports including 3 at Long Point 18
April (KL. BLe); 4 near Ellis Park. Hen¬
derson. 21 April (BP); and 2 in the Lower
Hickman Bottoms. Fulton. 9 May (BP.
JDu).

Semipalmated Plover: earliest reports in¬
cluded 1 in w. Fulton 17 April (HC); 1 at
Long Point 18 April (KL. BLe); and 1 at
Ballard WMA 18 April (SR); peak count
was for 90+ at McElroy 24 May (DR. NR).

Piping Plover: 2 (a pair?) were observed at
Camp #9 on 29 April (ph.BP. JE).
Black-necked Stilt: as is becoming the norm,
there were a few scattered observations of
migrants and/or vagrants as follows: 3 at

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

67

Sauerheber 15 April (DR) to 20 April (CC);
7 at Obion 1 May (BP, JE); and 1 at Boone
Lake, Boone , 2 May (DMc) which repre¬
sented a first for n.-cen. Kentucky.

Greater Yellowlegs: earliest reports were
from w. Henderson 12 March (CC) and
from Sauerheber 14 March (BY); peak
counts included 128 at Long Point 20 April
(KL, NM) and ca. 85 in w. Henderson 21
April (BP).

Lesser Yellowlegs: earliest reports were for
w. Henderson 7 March (CC) and 3 at Long
Point 14 March (BY); peak counts included
200+ at Long Point 1 8 April (KL, BLe) and
"hundreds" there 7 May (BY).

Willet: earliest report was for 2 at Waitsboro
21 April (RDn); also observed were at least

23 at Ky Dam Village beach 23 April
(RDn, et al.); 2 at Ky Dam Village beach

24 April (m.ob.); 1 migrating n. while rest¬
ing on drift on Lake Barkley, Trigg , 27
April (BLi); 10 at Kuttawa 30 April (BP,
JE); 1 at Walton's Pond 2 May (DR), and 3
at Ky Dam Village 9 May (BP, JDu).

Spotted Sandpiper: earliest report was for 2
at Blood River 16 April (HC).

Upland Sandpiper: the only report was for 2
in McCracken 25 April (SR).

Ruddy Turnstone: the only report was for I
at McElroy on the relatively early date of
30 April (DR).

Semipalmated Sandpiper: earliest report was
for 5 at Paradise 1 May (RDn); peak counts
included 200+ at McElroy 24 May (DR,
NR) and 105 at Camp #9 on 18 May (BP,
MMn); 12 were still at Camp #9 on 30 May
(BP).

Western Sandpiper: 1 was seen at Obion 1 7
April (HC).

White-rumped Sandpiper: earliest report
was for 1 at McElroy 3 May (DR); also
reported were 1 at Paradise 6 May (BP); 3-
4 at Obion 9 May (BP. JDu); 5+ at Camp
#9 on 18 May (BP, MMn); and 5 at McEl¬
roy 24 May (DR. NR).

Baird's Sandpiper: there was a significant
movement of this rare spring shorebird a-
cross the w. part of the state during mid-
April with the following reports: 1 at Blood

River 16 April (HC); 4 at Obion 17 April
(HC); 1 at Ballard WMA 22 April (SR);
and a loose group of 9 at Camp #9 on 21
April (ph.BP) that represents a new spring
high count.

Ml

Baird's Sandpiper (1 of 9), Union
21 April 2004
B. Palmer-Ball, Jr.

Pectoral Sandpiper: peak counts included
500+ at Long Point 1 1 April ( BY); 700+ in
w. Fulton 17 April (HC); and 100+ at
Obion 9 May (BP. JDu).

Dunlin: earliest report was for 1 at Long Point
1 1 April (BY); peak counts included 133 at
McElroy 16 May (MSi) and 35 near Sauer¬
heber 18 May (RDv); also reported were 4
at Long Point 18 April (KL, BLe) and 6
there 20 April (KL, NM); 1 at Camp #9 on
21 April (BP) and 29 April (BP. JE); 1 at
Paradise (BY) and 7 in sw. Warren (DR),
both 30 April; I at Paradise 1 May (RDn);
1 at McElroy 5 May (BP, MMn); 10 at
Camp #9 on 6 May (BP); 6 at Obion 9 May
(BP, JDu); 6 at Camp #11 on 10 May (BP.
JDu); 20-30 at Camp #9 on 10 May (BP,
JDu); 4 at Petersburg 15 May (LM) with 2
still there 16 May (LM); 1 at Camp #9 on
18 May (BP. MMn); and 4 at McElroy and
1 at Walton's Pond 24 May (DR. NR).

Stilt Sandpiper: earliest report was for 1 at
Walton's Pond 1 1 May (DR): peak count
was for 1 2 near Sauerheber 1 8 May ( RDv );
also reported were 1 at Obion 9 May (BP.
JDu) and 6 at Walton's Pond 14 May ( DR).

Short-billed Dowitcher: few reports for this
spring; all are included: 2 at Long Point 20
April (KL, NM); 3 in Trigg 2 May (BLi);
some of 30 dowitchers at McElroy 5 May

68

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

gave Short-billed call notes (BP. MMn); 1
seen/heard at Obion 9 May (BP. JDu); 3
seen/lieard at Camp #11 on 10 May (BP.
JDu): ca. 60 total were present at McElroy/
Walton's Pond/ Meng's Pond 1 1 May (DR):
5 at McElroy 12 May (DR): 1 at McElroy
14 May (DR); 22 at Petersburg 15 May
(LM) with 6 still there 16 May (LM): and 2
at McElroy 18 May (DR).

Long-billed Dowitcher: earliest report was
for 1 at Sauerheber 27 March (vt.BY); peak
counts included 22 at McElroy 25 April
(DR) and 14 at McElroy 3 May (DR); also
reported were 5 at Paradise 29 April (BP.
JE); 1 (by visual characters) in Trigg 2 May
( BLi); 1 in w. Henderson near Sauerheber 2
May (BY); some of 30 birds at McElroy 5
May were identified by sight as Long-billed
(BP. MMn); 1 in e. Trigg near Gracey 3
May (BLi): 1 at Camp #1 1 on 6 May (BP);
at least 3 at Long Point 7 May (BY): and 4
at Walton's Pond 9 May (DR).

Wilson’s Snipe: 2 were still at Meng's Pond 5
May (BP. MMn).

American Woodcock: relatively impressive
was a count of 24 birds at Ano 2 March
(RDn).

Wilson's Phalarope: only reports were for 2
birds at both McElroy and Walton's Pond 5
May (BP. MMn).

Franklin's Gull: the only reports were for an
adult at Ky Dam 23 April (DR) and a first-
year bird at Ky Dam Village marina 25
April (KOS).

Laughing Gull: the only reports were for 2 at
Kentucky Dam Village 24 April (KL); 1
adult at Calvert City 25 April (BP. AC);
and 1 adult at the Falls of the Ohio, Jef¬
ferson. 18 May (MMn. BP).

Little Gull: the first-year bird that was found
on Ky Lake above the dam in February
lingered to at least 17 March (BP. MMn).
KBRC documentation already submitted
from winter 2003-2004.

Bonaparte's Gull: 400-500 on Lake Cum¬
berland at Lees Ford dock, Pulaski, 16
March (BP. EC. RDn) was a rather impres¬
sive concentration; only a few were around
Ky Lake and Lake Barkley 24-25 April
(KOS).

Ring-billed Gull: ca. 150 were still at the Ky
Dam Village marina 1 May (BP, JE) but
only 4 were still there 30 May (BP. AC).

California Gull: an adult at Ky Dam 17
March (MMn. ph.BP, MSi) was observed
by many individuals through 29 March
(TD). KBRC review required.

Herring Gull: at least 150 and possibly 200.
mostly first-year birds, were still in the vi¬
cinity of Ky Dam 17 March (BP, MMn.
MSi); 17 sub-adults were at Ky Dam mar¬
ina 1 May ( BP. JE); 1 second-year was still
at Ky Dam Village marina 29 May (BP.
AC): and 1 first-year bird was at Camp #9
on 30 May (BP. AC).

Thayer's Gull: only reports for the spring
season were for a first-year bird below Ky
Dam 21 March (RDn. JW): a first-year bird
at Ky Dam 24 March (DR): and an "im¬
mature" below Ky Dam 29 March (TD).

Lesser Black-backed Gull: all reports are
listed: 1 adult below Ky Dam 8 March
(HC): 1 adult and 1 first-year bird below
Ky Dam 10 March (DR. et al.); 1 first-year
bird below Ky Dam 13 March (BP. AC); 1
adult above Ky Dam and 1 first-year bird
below Ky Dam 17 March (BP. MMn. MSi):
1 adult below Ky Dam 19 March (MO); 2
at Ky Dam 24 March (DR); 1 adult at
Kuttawa 27 March (BY); and 1 at Ky Dam
23 April (DR. KL. BLe).

Glaucous Gull: 1-2 first-year birds continued
from winter as follows: 1 at Birmingham
Point lOMarch(DR); 1 above Ky Dam and
1 on Ky Lake at Sherwood Shores. Mar-

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

69

shall, both 13 March (BP, AC); 1 above Ky
Dam 14 March ( BP, et al.); 1 on Ky Lake at
the mouth of Little Bear Creek, Marshall,
and 1 above Ky Dam, both 1 5 March (DR);

1 below Barkley Dam 17 March (BP,
MMn); 2 above and below Ky Dam 17
March ( BP, MMn, MSi); 1 on Ky Lake at
the mouth of Little Bear Creek, Marshall,

24 March (DR); 1 above Ky Dam 27 March
(BY); and 1 at Birmingham Point 29 March
(TD).

Caspian Tern: earliest reports were record
early birds at Ky Dam 27 March (BY) and
Jonathan Creek 28 March (HC); peak count
was 44 at Ky Dam Village beach 25 April
(KOS); 3 were still at Ky Dan 29 May (BP,
AC).

Forster's Tern: 52 had returned to Blood
River by 28 March (HC); also reported
were 25 at Calvert City 25 April (BP, AC)
and 32 on Lake Barkley at Green Turtle
Bay, Lyon, 1 May (BP, JE).

Least Tern: 4 birds were at Calvert City,
Marshall, and 1 bird was above Ky Dam,
both 29 May (BP, AC).

Black Tern: incredibly, this species went un¬
reported dining the season.

Eurasian Collared-Dove: 6-8 in Lovelace-
ville, Ballard, 17 March, and have appar¬
ently been there for some time (fide RHo).

Black-billed Cuckoo: the only reports were
single birds at Mt. Zion. Pulaski, 27 April
(RDn); in LBL, Trigg, 3 May (BLi); near
Fisherville, e. Jefferson, 8 May ( AL, BW);
at E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park ,, Jefferson,
12 May (J&PB. BBC); and at Hancock
Biological Station, Calloway, 15 May (VR.
MBi).

Yellow-billed Cuckoo: earliest reports in¬
cluded 1 at Cherokee Park, Louisville, 24
April (HS, BW, BBC) and in w. Henderson

25 April (CC).

Common Nighthawk: earliest report was
from Bowling Green 26 April (FB).

Chuck-will's-widow: an interesting report of
an apparently late migrant was 1 in e. Jef¬
ferson 20 May (J&PB); likely a county
nesting record was a bird on 2 eggs just ne.
of Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park,
nw. Fleming, 19 May (HH, et al.).

Ruby-throated Hummingbird: earliest re¬
ports were for 1 at Science Hill, Pulaski, 1 1
April (RDn) and 1 in s. Warren 15 April
(JE).

Rufous Hummingbird: the adult female that
wintered s. of Bowling Green was last seen

7 April (ph.JE, DE). KBRC documentation
already submitted from winter 2003-2004.

Selasphorus sp. hummingbird: the probable
adult female that wintered in Lexington
was last observed 24 March (ph. RS).

Olive-sided Flycatcher: the only report was
for 1 near Blue John. Pulaski, 12 May
(RDn).

Alder Flycatcher: the only report was for 1 at
Ano 19 May (RDn).

Willow Flycatcher: earliest reports were for 1
at Sinclair 7 May (BY ) and 1 at Little Lick

8 May (SM, RB).

Least Flycatcher: an impressive count of 17
presumed territorial males were heard and
observed at and near the summit of Black
Mountain 9 May (BY).

Eastern Kingbird: earliest report was for 1 at
Kuttawa Springs, Lyon, 10 April (J& PN).

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher: the Grand Rivers,
Livingston, pair was first observed (nest
building) 24 April (BP, AC) and the female
was incubating 29 May (BP, AC). One to 2
birds were also present below Barkley Dam
from 4 May (BLi) into June. Another indi¬
vidual was reported at Murray, Calloway,
21 May (CP, fide HC). KBRC review re¬
quired for Calloway record; others re¬
viewed from previous years.

White-eyed Vireo: earliest report was for 1 at
Sinclair 9 April (BLi).

Beil's Vireo: earliest report was for 1 at Camp
#11 on 6 May (BP) with a pair there 10
May (BP, JDu); also reported were birds at
Homestead Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio, and
Sinclair 7 May (BY).

Blue-headed Vireo: earliest reports included
a record-early bird at Yahoo Falls, DBNF,
McCreary, 17 March (RDn), 1 at Rock
Bridge and 1 at Natural Bridge State Resort
Park, Powell, both 20 March (FR): and 1 at
Little Lick 24 March (RDn); a relatively
impressive count of 8 was tallied at West

70

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Ky 26 April (SR); 1 + 2 (a pair?) were
observ ed at Mammoth Cave 5 May ( MMn.
BP); an extremely late migrant was at
Surrey Hills Farm 17 May (BP. J&PB).

Philadelphia Vireo: this species did not seem
to be numerous this spring with only a few
reports including 1 at Long Point on the
extremely early date of 1 8 April ( KL. BLe);
1 at Miles Park as early as 27 April (BW); 1
in sw. Jefferson 8 May (CLa); 1 in LBL.
Trigg, 12 May (BLi) and 2 at Surrey Hills
Farm 17 May (BP. J&PB).

Red-eyed Vireo: earliest report was from
Blood River 7 April (ME).

Fish Crow: earliest reports included 1 over
Ragland. McCracken, 8 March (SR); sev¬
eral at Long Point 14 March (BY); and
birds heard at Ky Dam 21 March (HC, et
al. ): also reported were 1 at Jonathan Creek
9 April (HC); a bird in LBL. Trigg , 15
April (BLi) which was in an area the
species has not been previously reported: 2
heard s. of Hardy Slough. Sauerheber. 21
April (BP); and 2 heard at Cypress Creek
Swamp, Marshall, 25 April (BP. et al.).

Common Raven: a new nesting site was
found on Paintsville Lake WMA. Morgan,
in mid-April (RHa, tide CLo); 2 birds,
maybe 4. were observed at Black Mountain
9 May (BY).

Purple Martin: earliest reports included 1 at
Bowling Green 2 March (DR): 3 in Mar¬
shall 3 March (HC); and 4 in s. Logan 3
March (MBe).

Northern Rough-winged Swallow: earliest
reports were for singles in Wayne 20 March
(RDn, SBC) and at Kentucky Dam Village
21 March (HC, et al.).

Cliff Swallow: earliest reports included 15-20
birds at Barkley Dam. 17 March (MMn.
BP) setting a new early arrival date for the
state, and 1 at Ky Dam 2 1 March ( RDn. et
al.); colonies were reported on the Licking
River at Butler, Pendleton, and Claysville,
Harrison - both new counties - in mid-
May (GM).

Red-breasted Nuthatch: 2 were seen at the
Rock Bridge nesting area 20 March (FR);
last reports of lingering birds included 1 at
Bee Rock. DBNF. Pulaski, 1 1 April (RDn.

SD. JDe) and 1 at Louisville 17 April (JE).

Bewick's Wren: the only report for the spring
season was from the Scott yard n. of Stamp¬
ing Ground where a pair nested two years
ago; the male was seen/heard the last week
of April and again 26-27 May (LB).

House Wren: earliest report was from Har¬
rison 4 April (fide SM).

Sedge Wren: 1 at Sinclair 13 March (BY). 27
March (RDn. HC. ME). 1 1 April (BY) and
17 April (MSi), and 2 there 9 April (BLi),
may have been wintering birds; other re¬
ports included 1 at Golden Pond. LBL.
Trigg, 23 April (BLi); 1 at West Ky 26
April (SR); 1 at Sauerheber 2 May (BY);
and 2 at Surrey Hills Farm 11 May (BP.
JDu) that lingered into late May (BP).

Marsh Wren: 1 at Winchester. Clark, 13
March ( MBo ) may have wintered; 1 at Sin¬
clair 27 March (RDn. HC. ME). 2 there 9
April (BLi) and 1 there 11 April (BY)
likely wintered: other reports included 1 in
w. Henderson 15 April (DR); 3 heard at
Camp #11 on 21 April (BP); 1 at Long
Point 1 May (JE. BP); and 1 at Sauerheber
2 May (BY).

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: earliest reports were
for singles at Lake Cumberland WMA.
Pulaski, (RDn) and 1 at Mammoth Cave.
Barren (MMn). both 26 March.

Gray-cheeked Thrush: a relatively impres¬
sive count of 10-15 birds was tallied in
LBL 12 May (MBi).

.American Pipit: peak counts included 150+
at Long Point 14 March (BY) and up to 125
in Ballard 25 April (SR); 20 were still at
Willow Pond. Fulton. 20 April (KL. NM)
and 1 was still at McElroy 5 May (BP.
MMn).

Cedar Waxwing: continuing a trend of recent
years, the species was scarce until May and
did not become abundant until the second
week of the month.

Blue-winged Warbler: earliest reports were
for single birds at Louisville 17 April (JE);
in Boone 19 April (KCa); and in Hart 19
April (SK).

Golden-winged Warbler: earliest report was
for 4 males in LBL, Lyon, 30 April (BP,

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

71

JE); also reported were 1 at the Pinnacle,
Cumberland Gap, Bell, 1 May(MMn); 1 in
LBL, Lyon , 2 May (BY); 1 in LBL, Trigg ,
3 May (BLi); 1 male in LBL, Lyon , 7 May
(BY); and at least 5 males and 2 Brewster's
hybrids at a newly discovered breeding site
on Jellico Mt. Whitley , in early May (LPa)
and 8 May (BP, JDu).

Tennessee Warbler: 100+ were seen/heard in
LBL, Lyon , 30 April (BP, JE).

Orange-crowned Warbler: the only reports
were for the season were 1 in LBL, Trigg,
17 April (BLi) and 1 in LBL, Lyon, 24
April (BP).

Nashville Warbler: earliest report was for 2
at Louisville 17 April (JE).

Northern Parula: earliest reports included 4
in LBL, Trigg, 30 March (BLi) and from w.
Henderson 5 April (CC).

Chestnut-sided Warbler: earliest reports in¬
cluded singles in LBL, Lyon, 24 April (AC)
and at West Ky 26 April (SR); a probable
breeder was observed on Jellico Mt., Whit¬
ley, 8 May (BP, JDu); an impressive count
of 58 was tallied at Black Mountain 9 May
( BY); even more impressive was a count of
39 (most or all on territory?) tallied along
the crest of Pine Mountain, Harlan, 13 May
(SS, JK et al.) where the species has been
known to occur in siunmer only since 1989.

Cape May Warbler: the species was consid¬
ered fairly numerous at several locales dur¬
ing the first week of May (m. ob.).

Black-throated Blue Warbler: 1 was at Gun¬
powder Creek Nature Park, Boone, May 2
(LM); a relatively impressive count of 20
was tallied at Black Mountain 9 May (BY).

Black-throated Green Warbler: earliest re¬
ports included a record-tying bird at Rock
Bridge 20 March (LR) and 3 at Little Lick
24 March (RDn); an impressive count of 52
birds was tallied at Little Lick 10 April
(RDn).

Yellow-throated Warbler: earliest reports
were for 1 at Jonathan Creek 28 March
(HC) and 3 in LBL, Trigg, 30 March (BLi).

Pine Warbler: a count of 30 birds was tallied
in the Red River Gorge area, Powell /Men¬
ifee! Wolfe 19-21 March (FR).

Palm Warbler: relatively late was a bird in
LBL, Lyon, 13 May (SR).

Blackpoll Warbler: earlist report was for 2 in
LBL, Lyon, 24 April (BP, AC).

Cerulean Warbler: a relatively impressive
coiuit of 1 5 birds was made near Blue John.
DBNF, Pulaski, 12 May (RDn); an even
more impressive coimt of 27 was tallied
along the crest of Pine Mountain, Harlan,
13 May (SS, JKet al.).

Black-and-white Warbler: earliest report
was for 1 in LBL, Trigg, 30 March (BLi).

American Redstart: earliest report was for 2
at Louisville 20 or 21 April (RDv).

Prothonotary Warbler: earliest report was
for 1 at Blood River 7 April (ME).

Worm-eating Warbler: earliest report was
for 1 at Louisville 17 April (JE).

Swainson's Warbler: 1 in LBL, Lyon, 24
April was not near a known breeding loca¬
tion (BP, AC); also reported was 1 at Cum¬
berland Gap, Bell, 1 May (MMn).

Northern Waterthrush: earliest report was
an exceptionally early individual in w.
Henderson 9 April (CC).

Louisiana Waterthrush: earliest reports in¬
cluded singles near Canton, Trigg (BLi)
and at Hematite Lake, LBL, Trigg (J&PB),
both 23 March; and 1 at Mammoth Cave 26
March ( MMn ).

Connecticut Warbler: as is typical, a small
niunber of birds was reported from scat¬
tered localities including 1 at Shaker Mill.
Warren, 9 May (DR); 1 at Tom Wallace
Lake, sw. Jefferson, 1 1 May (CLa); 1 in
LBL. Lyon, 11 May (MBi) that was farther
w. than most published records; 1 heard at
Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone, 15
May (LM); and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 17
May (BP, J& PB).

Mourning Warbler: there were only a few
reports including 1 at Mammoth Cave. Bar¬
ren, 5 May (BP, MMn); 1 at Surrey Hills
Farm 11 May (BP, JDu); and 1 in LBL,
Lyon, 13 May (SR).

Hooded Warbler: earliest report was for 1 at
Little Lick 10 April (RDn).

Canada Warbler: earliest report was from

72

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Mammoth Cave 4 May (DD); latest report
was for 1 seen/heard at Surrey Hills Farm
31 May (BP).

Scarlet Tanager: earliest report was for 1 at
Bee Rock. DBNF. Pulaski, 1 1 April (RDn).

Spotted Towhee: the male that was present in
w. McCracken during the winter was last
observed 17 April (SR). KBRC documen¬
tation already submitted from winter 2003-
2004.

Bachman's Sparrow: earliest report at Fort
Campbell. Ti-igg , was for 28 April (DM);
by late May. at least a dozen territorial
males were accounted for there, including
the location of an active nest (DMo. et al.).

Chipping Sparrow: wintering birds blended
with early migrants in early March, but 3 at
Lexington 6 March (RM) may represent
early migrants as they had not been ob¬
served prev iously. An early fledgling was
observed in Calloway 26 April (HC).

Lark Sparrow: the species was reported only
at Fort Campbell. Trigg, where 1-2 indi¬
viduals were observed at no less than four
locations (DMo, et al.).

Savannah Sparrow: an apparently lingering
migrant was late at McElroy 24 May ( DR).

Grasshopper Sparrow: earliest report was
for 1 at Sinclair 1 1 April (BY): a count of

26 birds at Ano 17 May was relatively
impressive (RDn).

Henslow's Sparrow: earliest report was for 1
heard singing at Surrey Hills Farm 27
March (BP): also reported were 1 or 2 at
Beech Grove. Pulaski. 8 April (RDn); the
species had returned to Sinclair in numbers
as of 9 April (BLi); 5-6 were heard at anew
location near Lawrenceburg, Anderson, 1 1
April (CLa); a count of 15 birds at Ano 19
May was relatively impressive (RDn. BS);
a nest w / 4 eggs was found at Sinclair 18
May (MMn. BP).

LeConte's Sparrow: only reports were for
single birds at Sinclair 13 March (BY) and

27 March (HC. RDn. ME).

Lincoln's Sparrow: an unusually early mi¬
grant (or perhaps a wintering individual)
was observed at Mammoth Cave 26 March
(MMn).

White-throated Sparrow: quite tardy was a
lingering individual at St. Matthews. Jeffer¬
son, 22 May through the end of the month
(BW).

Harris's Sparrow: the wintering immature at
Lovelaceville. Ballard, lingered to 5 May
(RHo). KJ3RC documentation already sub¬
mitted from winter 2003-2004.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak: earliest report was
for a bird at a feeder in Jessamine 22 April
(DWe); 1 along the crest of Pine Mt. Har¬
lan, 1 3 May. could have been either a mi¬
grant or summer resident (SS. JK et al.).

Blue Grosbeak: earliest reports were for
single birds in Hart 22 April (MSu) and w.
Henderson 25 April (CC).

Harris's Sparrow'. Ballard
1 7 March 2004
Mark Monroe

Dickcissel: earliest report was for 1 at Sinclair
17 April (MSi).

Bobolink: earliest report was for 6 in vv. Fu¬
lton 17 April (HC): peak count was for ca.
120 birds in vv. Fulton 1 May (BY): prob¬
able territorial males were observed near
Danville. Boyle. 4 May (DWa. DP) and out¬
side of Harrodsburg. Mercer. 5 May (DP).

Rusty Blackbird: peak counts included 800-
1000 in scattered flocks in w. Henderson
( BY ) and 200+ at Long Point ( BY), both 14
March.

Brew er's Blackbird: the only reports for the
season were for 3 at the WKU Farm. s.
Watren, 6 March (DR) and 21 near Petros,
sw. Warren. 11 April (DR).

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

73

Baltimore Oriole: earliest report was for 1 at
Frankfort 17 April (BP).

Purple Finch: good numbers ofbirds lingered
through March with 25 at Short Creek,
Grayson (JP) and 20 in mral Hart (SK) by
the end of the month and 6+ at Berea. Mad¬
ison , 15 April (PH); a few individuals lin¬
gered to record late dates, probably at least
in part due to the presence of conjunctivitis

infections. Two birds were still present near
Fisherville, Jefferson , as of the end of May
(E&JH) and a female was still at a feeding
station in Trigg 29 May (BLi, PL).

Pine Siskin: the only reports of lingering
birds/'spring migrants were 2 at Mammoth
Cave 26 March (MMn) and 1 heard over
Jellico Mt., Whitley , 8 May (BP, JDu).

Observers: David Ayer (DA), Jane & Pat Bell (J&PB), Mark Bennett (MBe). Michael Bierly
(MBi), Mark Bostrom (MBo), Fred Bowman (FB), Rhonda Bryant (RB), Laura Burford

(LB) , Ken Burton (KB), Kathy Caminiti (KCa), Hap Chambers (HC), Elizabeth Ciuzio (EC),
Kathryn Clay (KC1), Amy Covert (AC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Dean Demarest (DD), Julie
Denton (JDe). Roseanna Denton (RDn), Steve Denton (SD), Robert Dever (RDv); Lester
Doyle (LD). Jonathan Dunn (JDu), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Diane Elmore
(DE), Jackie Elmore (JE), Joy Fitzgerald (JF), Paul Hager (PH), Rusty Hamilton (RHa). Mike
Hardin (MH). Ed Hartowicz(EH). Lana Hays (LET). Renee Hooks (RHo). Heather Housman
(HH). Eddie & Jennifer Huber (E&JH), Ginny & Wendell Kingsolver (G& WK), James Kiser
(JK), Steve Kistler (SK), Celia Lawrence (CLa), Betty Leggett (BLe), Ken Leggett (KL).
Aurilla Lesley (AL), Bill Lisowsky (BLi), Paula Lisowsky (PL), Charlie Logsdon (CLo).
Scott Marsh (SM), Lee McNeely (LM), Daniel McNulty (DMc), Gillian Miller (GM). Mark
Monroe (MMn), Nancy Moore (NM), Robert Morris (RM). Mike Morton (MMr), Daniel
Moss (DMo), Carl Mowery (CM), John & Phyllis Niemi (J&PN), Mike O'Malley (MO),
Brainard Pahner-Ball, Jr. (BP), Laura Patton (LPa), Larry Peavler (LPe), Don Pelly (DP),
Clell Peterson (CP), Joyce Porter (JP), Kerry Prather (KP), Nicole Ranalli (NR), Scott
Record (SR). Frank Renfirow (FR). Vince Robinson (VR). David Roemer (DR). Helga
Schutte (HS), Travis Snyder (TS). Robert Staib (RS), Stephen Stedman (SS), Matt Stickel
(MSi), Mitchell Sturgeon (MSu). Ben Sutter (BS), Sara Viemum (SVi), Shawchyi Vorisek
(SVo). Mary Walter (MW), Danny Watson (DWa), Doris Westerman (DWe). Jeff Wilson

(JW) , Barbara Woemer (BW), Ben Yandell (BY). Beckham Bird Club (BBC), Kentucky
Ornithological Society (KOS), many observers (m. ob.), Somerset Bird Club (SBC).

- 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222 (brainard.pahner-ball@ky.gov) (Pahner-Ball)
and P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY, 41005 (lkmc9@netscape.net) (McNeely).

GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER AND BLUE-WINGED WARBLER ON
RECLAIMED SURFACE MINES IN EASTERN KENTUCKY

L.L. Patton, S. Vorisek, and J.L. Larkin

The Golden-winged Warbler (Vennivora chrysoptera ) is a declining neotropical migrant
songbird of the eastern United States and Canada. Breeding populations inhabit a variety' of natural
and human-created early successional woodland habitats (Confer 1992). Annual population de¬
clines of as much as 7.6% have been attributed to habitat loss, nest parasitism by the Brown¬
headed Cowbird (Molothms ater ), and interspecific competition and hybridization with the Blue-
winged Warbler ( Vennivora pinns) (G ill 1980. Confer 1992, Confer and Larkin 1998. Confer et al.
2003, Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2003). Currently, the Golden- winged Warbler is a species of
special concern (Confer 1992) and is under review by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service for
listing under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Historically, summering and presumed breeding Golden-winged Warblers were considered
rare and primarily restricted to the higher elevations of Black Mountain. Harlan Co., in southeast¬
ern Kentucky (Mengel 1965). However, in more recent years, the species has been documented

74

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

from additional sites in and near the Cumberland Mountains (Croft 1969, J. Larkin unpubl.
data, Palmer-Ball 2003). One record from Harlan County in 1981 involved the observation
of an adult feeding a fledgling, the first definitive evidence of breeding ever reported for
the state (Palmer-Ball 1996). Over the past three years Golden-winged Warblers have also
been observed in the Daniel Boone National Forest in McCreary County in areas managed
for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers ( Picoides borealis) and damaged by pine beetles (Stedman
2003). This area is a short distance north of known breeding locations in Scott County,
Tennessee (Lesley Bulluck, pers. comm.). The recent observations of Golden-winged
Warblers in McCreary County may be a result of the Tennessee populations expanding
into Kentucky, although it is also possible that they have been inhabitants of the area all
along (Stedman 2003).

The Golden-winged Warbler Atlas Project (KDFWR 2003), a cooperative effort be¬
tween the Kenaicky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and Cornell Lab of Or¬
nithology, was conducted in order to identify populations of Golden-winged Warblers in
Kentucky and locate potential habitats for conservation where Blue-winged Warblers are
absent. As part of the Atlas Project, a total of 162 points were surveyed in suitable, early
successional habitats from 10 May to 15 June 2003 using 10 minute playback songs of
Golden-winged and Blue-winged warblers. Surveys at the 162 points yielded a total of 16
Golden-winged Warblers, 62 Blue-winged Warblers, and 5 hybrids (3 Brewster’s and 2
Lawrence's). Golden-winged Warblers were identified in Bell (4 individuals), Harlan (5),
McCreary (l). Pike (5), and Whitley (1) counties. All except one Golden-winged War¬
bler were observed on reclaimed surface mines. The exception was a bird observ ed in the
aforementioned area of the Daniel Boone National Forest in McCreary County at 427 m.
Interestingly, despite the presence of some hybrid individuals, segregation between popu¬
lations of Golden-winged and Blue-winged warblers was found to occur in most areas. Oc¬
currence of Golden-winged Warblers on reclaimed surface mines ranged from 393-783 m,
but the majority were identified above 660 m. Blue-w'inged Warblers were observed from
264 to 825 m. Golden-winged Warblers were never observed in small patches (< 2.02 ha) of
early successional forest, even if the habitat appeared suitable. They were mostly observed
in large, contiguous areas of early successional vegetation. Blue-winged Warblers did uti¬
lize habitat patches < 2.02 ha in size, but the majority w'ere also observed on larger areas.
Although the emphasis of the Atlas Project w'as to document simply the presence of Golden¬
winged Warblers, anecdotal observations strongly suggest that the species continues to breed
in Kentucky. While no nests were found, on one occasion a male and female responded to
the playback songs, and on a separate occasion a male wras observed carrying food

The occurrence of breeding Golden-winged Warblers on reclaimed surface mines in eastern
Kentucky presents an opportunity for research and conserv ation of this rapidly declining
songbird of early successional habitats. Surface mining has created approximately 219.000
hectares of reclaimed shrubland/grassland habitat in Kentucky since 1984 (Environmental
Quality Commission 1997). Delayed succession of these areas due to poor soil quality
maintains this type of habitat over a much longer period than forest openings or abandoned
farmland. Surface mines that are properly reclaimed may be a valuable habitat source for the
Golden-winged Warbler and serve as colonization areas for a species that has experienced
declines throughout much of its historical range. Additionally, there appears to be a degree
of habitat segregation between the Golden-winged and Blue-winged warblers in Kentucky.
Management to maintain promote segregation may reduce interspecific competition and
hybridization between these two species. Ultimately, such management activities may
prevent local extirpation of Golden-winged Warblers, which has occurred in some portions
ofits range. One potential concern that must be investigated is the effect that Brown-headed
Cowbird parasitism may have on the fledging success of Golden-winged Warblers and

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 75

other bird species associated with the fragmented landscape created by surface mining.
It is important to determine whether reclaimed surface mine habitats support viable bird
populations, or serve as population sinks. Research is currently underway at the University
of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee to address habitat needs, productivity, and
several other aspects of Golden-winged Warbler and Blue-winged Warbler ecology on
reclaimed mineland habitat.

LITERATURE CITED

Confer, J.L. 1992. Golden-winged Warbler. Pages 1-16 in A. Poole, P. Stettenheim, and F.
Gill, editors. The Birds of North America. No. 20. Philadelphia: The Academy of Natu¬
ral Sciences; Washington, D.C.: The American Ornithologists' Union.

Confer, J.L. and J.L. Larkin. 1998. Behavioral interactions between Golden-winged and
Blue-winged warblers. Auk 1 15:209-214.

Confer, J.I... J.L. Larkin, and P. E. Allen. 2003. Effects of vegetation, interspecific com¬
petition, and brood parasitism on Golden-winged Warbler ( Vermivora chiysopterci)
nesting success. Auk 120:138-144.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 2003. Golden-winged Warbler atlas project. Retrieved April
1 6, 2004, http://birds.cornell.edu/gowop/index.html.

Croft, J. E. 1969. Notes from the southeastern mountains. The Kentucky Warbler 45:67-
81.

Environmental Quality Commission. 1997. Resource Extraction. State of Kentucky’s En¬
vironment Series, Frankfort, Kentucky, USA.

Gill, F. B. 1980. Historical aspects of hybridization between Blue-winged and Golden¬
winged warblers. Auk 97: 1 - 1 8.

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. 2003. Performance Report on
Avian Monitoring, Research, and Management in Kentucky for Grant Segment T-2
Project B.

Mengel, R. M. 1965. The birds of Kentucky. Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas, USA.
Palmer-Ball, B., Jr. 1996. The Kentucky Breeding Bird Atlas. University Press of Ken¬
tucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.

Palmer-Ball, B., Jr. 2003. Annotated checklist of the birds of Kentucky. Gateway Press,
Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

Stedman, S. J. 2003. Golden-winged Warblers in McCreary County during mid- to late
May 2002. The Kentucky Warbler 79:90-91 .

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2002. Birds of conservation concern. Division of Migra¬
tory Bird Management. Arlington, Virginia. 99pp.

--Laura L. Patton, 205 T.P. Cooper Building, Department of Forestry, University of
Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0073.

— Shawchyi Vorisek, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, # I Game
Farm Rd.. Frankfort, KY 40601

—Jeffery L, Larkin, 205 T.P. Cooper Building, Department of Forestry, University of
Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0073.

76

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

E1ELD NOTE

Late Nesting Grasshopper Sparrows in Clinton County

On 16 August 2003 we found a pair of Grasshopper Sparrows ( Ammodramus savanna-
rum) in a grassy field a few kilometers east of Albany. Clinton County, Kentucky. As we
watched, one of the birds flew to a fence post approximately 8 meters from us and perched
on top of the post. As we viewed the bird, we immediately noted that it was carrying a
large green insect in its mandibles. Stedman was able to obtain documentary photographs
of the bird carrying the insect. Despite our presence, the sparrows remained close by, and
the bird carrying the insect did not consume it while we observed for several minutes, lead¬
ing us to conclude that it was carrying food for young, a standard means of confirming the
nesting of many songbirds. We did not search for a nest or fledged young of this species
because we did not want to inadvertently disturb them. We watched for a few minutes to
see if one of the adults would go to a nest or young, but neither did so.

Mengel (1965) indicates that Grasshopper Sparrows may complete clutches as late as
early August. While reviewing the nesting phenology of Grasshopper Sparrow, Palmer-
Ball (1996) cites Mengel’s dates for clutch completion and late nesting without adding
to them, presumably because no additional data were available at that time. However,
Palmer-Ball and McNeeley (Ky. Warbl. 1:15, 2004) cite a record of a nest with small young
found in Muhlenberg County 13 August 2003 as being a “relatively late nesting record."
Thus, it would appear that the observation described above is noteworthy as another late
nesting record of this species, especially since there were no confirmed or probable nesting
records of Grasshopper Sparrow obtained for Clinton County during the Kentucky' breed¬
ing bird atlas project (Palmer-Ball 1996).

Literature Cited

Mengel, R. M. 1965. The Birds of Kentucky. Ornithological Monographs No. 3. Ameri¬
can Ornithologists' Union, Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas.

Palmer-Ball. B. L., Jr., 1996. The Kentucky Breeding Bird Atlas. The University Press of
Kentucky, Lexington. Kentucky.

Palmer-Ball, B.. Jr., and L. McNeeley. 2004. The Fall Migration 2004. The Kentucky
Warbler 80 ( 1 ): 3-16.

STEPHEN J. STEDMAN, Department of English. Box 5053. Tennessee Technological
University, Cookeville. TN 38505. W INSTON A. WALDEN. Angelo and Jennette Volpe
Library, Box 5066, Tennessee Technological University. Cookeville, TN 38505

NEWS AND VIEWS

Kentucky Bird Records Committee

Rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season should be well documented and
the documentation should be sent to Lee McNeely. Secretary of the KBRC, P.O. Box 463,
Burlington, Kentucky 41005. for consideration by the committee for official state record
status.

k.O.S Web Page

Visit the Kentucky Ornithological Society's web page at www.biology.eku.edu/kos.

37 The Kentucky Warbler

$0

(Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society)

I - - - - - - - - - - - - -

VOL. 80 NOVEMBER 2004

NO. 4

IN THIS ISSUE

THE SUMMER SEASON 2004. Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., and Lee McNeely . 79

2004 SURVEY OF KENTUCKY HERONRIES, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and

Elizabeth Ciuzio . 87

TENTH REPORT OF THE KENTUCKY BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE.

Lee McNeely . 96

THE K.O.S. FALL MEETING AT PINE MOUNTAIN STATE RESORT PARK,

Gerald Robe . 97

SELECTED INDEX, VOLUMES 77-80 (2001-2004), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr . 100

78

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

President . Hap Chambers. Murray

Vice-President . . . Mark Bennett. Russellville

Corresponding Secretary

Treasurer.

. Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr.

8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY 40222-3913

. Jim Williams

480 Seeley Drive. Lexington. KY 40502-2609

Recording Secretary .

Councilors:

Scott Marsh. Lexington .

Roseanna Denton, Science Hill.
Doris Tichenor. Morgantown ...

Phyllis Niemi. Princeton .

Mark Monroe. Louisville .

Win Ahrens. Louisville .

Gerald Robe. Mt. Sterling

2002 thru 2004

2002 thru 2004

2003 thru 2005

2003 thru 2005

2004 thru 2006
2004 thru 2006

Retiring President . Kathy Caminiti. Burlington

Staff Artist . Ray Harm

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: Regular $15.00; Contributing $25.00; Student $10.00: Family
$20.00; Corporate $100.00: and Life $300.00. All articles and communications should be
addressed to the editor. Subscriptions and memberships should be sent to the Treasurer.
Requests for back issues should be sent to the Corresponding Secretary .

Editor . B.R. Ferrell. Ogden College of Science and Engineering

Western Kentucky University. Bowling Green. KY 42101

Editorial Advisory Board
Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., and Wayne Mason

Secretary. Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely

P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY 41005

THE COVER

We thank Tom Fusco for the cover photograph of an incubating Black-crowned Night-
Heron ( Nycticorax nycticorax) taken on an island in Lake Barkley. Lyon County, in early
June 2004.

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

79

SUMMER SEASON 2004
Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely

June and July 2004 were characterized by slightly higher-than-normal rainfall and
well-below-average temperature. In fact, July temperatures may have been the coolest on
record with multiple frontal passages reinforcing the mild weather. The stormy weather of
May persisted into the first part of June, but July was nearly devoid of severe weather
events (the exception being an especially severe outbreak in north-central Kentucky 13
July). Mississippi and Ohio river levels dropped gradually over the period, allowing for suc¬
cessful nesting of Least Terns on the former.

The most exciting rarity from the season was a potential first state record for Black
Skimmer. Other unusual observations included lingering Purple Finches and a juvenile Red
Crossbill. Black-necked Stilt and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher continued their recent trends of
nesting in the western part of the state, and an Anhinga at a heronry in Fulton County may
be a promising sign of future nesting. Again this summer. West Nile Virus incidence ap¬
peared to be much less prevalent than in 2002.

Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these
reports have been accepted as records for the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Observers
are cautioned that records of out-of- season birds and all rarities must be accompanied by
good details or documentation for acceptance. Documentation must be submitted to the
Kentucky Bird Records Committee (KBRC). Decisions regarding the official Kentucky list
are made by the KBRC and are reported periodically in The Kentucky Warbler. Note that on
September 18, 2004. the KBRC voted to remove Black-necked Stilt and Scissor-tailed Fly¬
catcher from the review list.

Abbreviations - Miscellaneous: county names appear in italics: when used to
separate dates, the "7” symbol is used in place of “and”; “ph." next to an observer’s initials
indicates that the observation was documented with photograph) s); “vt." next to an observ¬
er’s initials indicates that the observation was documented on videotape; next to an
observer’s initials indicates that written details were submitted with the report; ad. = adult:
imm. = immature; juv. = juvenile; yg. = young; KDFWR = Kentucky Department of Fish
and Wildlife Resources; WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Place names: Ano =
reclaimed surface mines near Ano. Pulaski : Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam. Lvon/Livingston:
Calvert City = Calvert City, Marshall: Camp #9 = Peabody Camp #9 coal facility. Union:
Camp #11 = Peabody Camp #11 mine. Union: Chaney Lake = Chaney Lake State Nature
Preserve. Warren: DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek
embayment of Lake Cumberland. Pulaski: Homestead = Homestead Unit Peabody WMA.
Ohio: Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall: Ky Dam Village = Kentucky Dam
Village State Resort Park, Marshall: Ky Lake = Kentucky Lake, Calloway (unless
otherwise noted); Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa. Lyon: Lake Barkley = Lake Barkley.
Livingston/Lvon/Trigg: Lake No. 9 = Lake No. 9, Fulton: LBL = Land Between the Lakes
National Recreation Area, Lyon/Trigg: Long Point = Long Point Unit Reelfoot NWR.
Fulton: Mammoth Cave = Mammoth Cave National Park. Edmonson (unless otherwise
noted); Mitchell Lake = Mitchell Lake. Ballard WMA. Ballard: Open Pond = Open Pond,
Fulton: Paradise = Paradise Power Plant impoundments. Muhlenberg: Petros Pond = Petros
Pond, Warren: Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson: Smithland
Dam - Smithland Dam on the Ohio River, Livingston: Surrey Hills Farm = Surrey Hills
Farm. Jefferson: Walton's Pond = Walton's Pond, Warren.

80

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Snow Goose - an apparently resident blue
morph bird was observed at Overbrook
Farm, Favette, in early July (WS fide
RC).

Blue-winged Teal - 2 females with broods
were present at Chaney Lake 20 June
(DR. CH); 2 were observed at Open
Pond 27 June (KL. BLg); a female was
also observed at Petros Pond 28 July
(DR).

Gadwall - a male, probably injured, was
observed at Kuttawa 3 June (BP. EC et
al.).

Ring-neeked Duck - an injured male was
at Kuttawa 3 June (BP. EC et al.); an
apparently summering (injured?) male
was observed at Homestead 20 July
(DR) and 31 July(RD. HC).

Greater Scaup - 2 females, likely injured,
were on Lake Barkley above the dam 3
June (BP, EC et al.).

Lesser Scaup - at least 8 birds, some cer¬
tainly injured, were present both at Kut¬
tawa and on Lake Barkley above the dam
3 June (BP. EC et al.) with at least 6 still
at the latter 1 8 June (BP).

Bufflehead - a male and a female, possibly
injured, were on Lake Barkley above the
dam 3 June (BP, EC et al.).

Hooded Merganser - 1 was observed at
Chaney Lake 20 June (DR. CH): 1 was
observed above Ky Dam 18 June (BP).

Common Loon - 2 to 3 birds continued
above Ky Dam into Jime. with 3 there 3
June (BP); 2 there 4 June (HC) and 18
June (BP); and 1 molting out of alternate
plumage there 9 July (BP). Also reported
were singles in basic plumage at Kut¬
tawa 3 June (BP. EC et al.): at Bemheim
Forest, Bullitt. 7 July (ph.E&JH); and on
Otter Creek, Meade, from early July into
August (ph.BLw).

Pied-billed Grebe - the species was last
observed at Chaney Lake 4 June (DR).

American White Pelican - 53 were at
Obion WMA. Fulton . 5 July (HC); 18
were over Fords Bay, Lake Barkley.
Trigg. 20 July (ME).

Double-crested Cormorant - again this
summer, a few birds lingered into or
through the season at several localities
including 12 at Calvert City and ca. 30 at
Kuttawa 3 June (BP. EC et al.); 5 still at
Calvert City and ca. 20 still at Kuttawa
18 June (BP) with ca. 6 remaining at
Calvert City through July (BP); and
several at Paradise in late July (DR). The
Ky Lake, Calloway, nesting colony was
again active this summer with at least 20
nests present 21 June (HC).

Anhinga - promising as a possible indica¬
tion of future nesting was a female at a
heronry near the confluence of Bayou de
Chien and Little Bayou de Chien, Ful¬
ton. 8 June (*BP. EC). KBRC review
required.

Least Bittern - 1 was observed at Paradise
29 July (DR. NR).

Great Blue Heron - several new nesting
sites were reported this season: a nest
along the golf course at Pine Mountain
State Resort Park. Bell, had to be the
most out-of-place (SM). Full details ap¬
pear elsewhere in this issue.

Cattle Egret incubating
L. Barkley. Lyon
2 June 2004
Tom Fusco

Great Egret - 2 birds were at Chaney
Lake 4 June (DR). A statewide heronry
survey yielded confirmed breeding of
birds at 7 distinct sites in Carlisle. Ful¬
ton (2). Hickman (2), Lyon, and Mar¬
shall, including at least 115 active nests
at Long Point at the former site of "Ken¬
tucky Cranetown" (BP. EC. PB). As
usual, post-breeding birds began show¬
ing up in early July with 2 at South

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

81

Shore WMA. Greenup , 8 July (SM) and
2 at Casey Creek embayment of Green
River Lake, Adair , 10 July (RD); as
usual, numbers of post-breeding birds
were highest in the w. part of the state
and included up to ca. 150 on a slough
near Sauerheber 13/21 July (NR); 200 in
w. Fulton 22 July (HC. ME) and 300 at
Mitchell Lake 23

Little Blue Heron incubating
Lake Barkley. Lyon
3 June 2004
Tom Fusco

Little Blue Heron - an undetermined num¬
ber of nesting pairs were present at Kut-
tawa in early June (ph.TF; BP, EC et ah);
a somewhat unusual record was the ob¬
servation of 2 juvs. at Fishing Creek 28
July through the end of the month (RD).

Snowy Egret - a wandering bird was pres¬
ent at Petros Pond 2 June (DR, NR); the
presence of a few birds at the heronry at
Kuttawa 3 June indicated nesting was
likely occurring again (ph.TF. BP, EC et
al.).

Cattle Egret - active nests were again
present at Kuttawa and on 1 of 2 islands
on Lake Barkley above the dam, in early
June (ph.TF, BP, EC et al.).

Black-crowned Night-Heron - again this
summer, a few birds were present at
Paradise (m. ob.) but no nests were
located; active nests were again present
at Kuttawa and on 2 islands on Lake

Barkley above the dam 3 June (ph.TF,
BP, EC et al.).

Yellow-crowned Night Heron - a juv. was
observed at the Highland Creek Unit
Sloughs WMA. Union , 14 July (CC); 2
nests over Woodbine Drive, Lexington,
were successful in fledging 4 and 5 yg.
in early July (ph.TS. JWm).

Osprey - out-of-place for the early dates in
presumed non-breeding areas were 1 at
Open Pond 5 July (HC) and a juv. at
Barren River Lake, Allen, 22 July (DR).
Six nests were observed on Ky Lake 21
June (HC). New nesting areas were lo¬
cated along the Ohio River, w. McCrack¬
en , in April (KT) and on the lower Ten¬
nessee River below Ky Dam, Livingston ,
3 June (BP).

Juv. Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Lexington, Fayette

3 July 2004 !

Travis Snyder

Mississippi Kite - 2 birds (1 a first-year)
were observed at the Sinclair Unit of
Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg , 8 July
(BP); also, the same nest site at Long
Point was active again this year with ads.
present 13 June (HC, ME) and at least 1
chick observed in the nest 6 July (HC).
Also reported in seemingly traditional
summering areas were 3 or 4 near Kaler
Bottoms WMA, Graves , 21 July (GL)
and 1 over the Highland Creek Unit
Sloughs WMA. Union , 14 July (CC). A
first-year bird between Danville and Per-

82

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

ryville. Boyle. 9 June (BK) represents a
first for the Inner Bluegrass region.

Bald Eagle - quite unusual was an ad. at
South Shore WMA. Greenup. 8 July
(SF).

Northern Harrier - nesting birds were
reported on the Peabody WMA. Muhlen¬
berg! Ohio. on several occasions during
the season (m. ob.).

Sharp-shinned Hawk - a family group in¬
cluding juvs. was observed at Homestead
20 July (DR).

Peregrine Falcon -pairs again nested at 5
locations along the Ohio River in Jeffer¬
son. Trimble (2), Carroll and Greenup .
with successful fledging of 1-4 yg. in all
locations except one of the Trimble sites
(TC, SV); 2 of the Louisville family
group were observed at the Falls of the
Ohio 25 July (GD).

Common Moorhen - 1 was observed at
Sauerheber 23 June (CC); with 2 ads.
and 4 chicks there 2 July (CC); 3 ads.
and 4 yg. there 14 July (CC); and 1 ad.
and 3 yg. there 28 July (CC).

American Coot - at least a dozen birds lin¬
gered at Camp #11 into June (BP) with
several observed there 9 July (BP. TE).

American Golden-Plover - a probable
early fall migrant in basic plumage was
observed near Open Pond 5 July (ph.
JWs).

Semipalmated Plover - latest spring re¬
ports were for 7 at Walton's Pond 2 June
(DR. NR) and 1 there 4 June (DR). First
fall report was for 1 at Mitchell Lake 29
July (SR).

Killdeer - peak counts included 170+ at
Camp #9 on 9 July (BP) and 500+ at
Mitchell Lake 27 July (NR).

Black-necked Stilt - unprecedented num¬
bers appeared in w. Fulton in early July,
with up to 67 counted (49 at Open Pond
alone) and 4 nests observed 5 July (JWs.
HC). By 10 July, water was receding and
the count of birds was only 7; 1 addi¬
tional nest was observed in w. Fulton 1 8
July (JWs). Although chicks hatched
from at least one nest 22 July (HC. ME).

it is unknown if any yg. were success¬
fully raised to fledging. Extralimital ob¬
servations were limited to a male at
Chaney Lake 2 June (DR. NR) and 2 at
Mitchell Lake 1 July (CW).

Greater Yellowlegs - an early peak fall
count was 14 at Mitchell Lake 29 July
(DR).

Lesser Yellowlegs - first fall reports in¬
cluded 2 at Open Pond 26 June (HC) and
13 there by 5 July (HC).

Solitary Sandpiper - first fall report was
for 1 near Sauerheber 13 July (NR).

Spotted Sandpiper - latest spring report
was for 1 at Paradise 8 June (DR). Birds
reappeared in early July with 1 on the
Ohio River at Dayton. Campbell. 12 July
(FR).

Semipalmated Sandpiper - latest spring
reports were for 34 at Walton's Pond and
ca. 20 at Chaney Lake, both 4 June (DR).
Earliest fall reports were for 3 at Cool¬
ey's Pond. Wayne. 22 July (RD) and 5 at
Long Pond. Swan Lake WMA. Ballard.
23 July (GL).

Least Sandpiper - first fall reports were
for 3 at Open Pond 26 June (HC) and 5
July (JWs), 1 at Paradise 8 July (BP),
and 3 at Camp #11 on 9 July (BP, TE).

White-rumped Sandpiper - latest spring
reports were for 23 at Walton's Pond 2
June (DR. NR). 1 there 4 June (DR), and
4 at Paradise 8 June (DR).

Pectoral Sandpiper - first fall report was
for 1 at Open Pond 26 June (HC). Peak
early season count was 340+ at Mitchell
Lake 27 July (NR).

Stilt Sandpiper - first fall reports were for
6 at Mitchell Lake 23 July (GL) and 2 at
Lake No. 9 on 25 July (KL. BLg).

Short-billed Dowitcher - first fall reports
were for 4 at Lake No. 9 on 25 July (KL,
BLg); 8 in w. Fulton 29 July (HC, ME);
and 1 at Mitchell Lake 29 July (DR.
NR).

Laughing Gull - an ad. was observed at
the Ky Dam Village marina 6 June (HC,
CP).

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

83

Ring-billed Gull - 6 were still at Ky Dam
Village marina 3 June (BP) with 15 there
18 June (BP); an impressive count of 290
(most ads.) had returned to Ky Dam
Village marina by 9 July (BP) with 450
including a juv. there by 26 July (DR);
also reported were ca. 20 below Smith-
land Dam 9 July (BP) and 30-40 both
below Southland Dam and at Barkley
Dam 26 July (DR).

Caspian Tern - 8 birds were still at Ky
Dam 6 June (HC. CP).

Forster’s Tern - 2 first-year birds were
still at Calvert City 3 June (BP. EC) with
1 still there 18 June (BP).

Common Tern - quite unusual was the ob¬
servation of 7 ads. at Barren River Lake,
Alien! Barren, 29 June (DR).

Least Tern - it was a mixed season for the
species. Populations on the lower Ohio
River again endured near or complete
failure of nesting attempts due to a lack
of optimal sites. At least 26 nests were
initiated at the Calvert City industrial
pond site as of 18 June (BP), but a pred¬
ator had destroyed all nests by 9 July
(BP) and the colony did not reestablish
(BP, EC). Eighteen nests were initiated
on bars below Southland Dam 29 July
(LC), but a subsequent rise in the river
inundated them. On the Mississippi Riv¬
er the story was much better - a 22 July
survey detected nesting at the 3 tradi¬
tional sites: Island No. 1, Carlisle (125
birds); Middle Bar, Hickman (420 birds);
and Kentucky Bend. Fulton (141 birds)
(KJ. JR). During the latter part of July, at
least 6 birds were observed foraging on
the Ohio River and associated sandbar,
nw. Hancock , upstream from Grandview,
Indiana, where nesting is occurring on a
power plant basin (DA). Also reported
were 4 on a water treatment pond on the
e. side of Paducah, McCracken , 8 June,
where they have been reported in recent
years (HC); 5 on buoys above Ky Dam 3
June (BP); and 2 at Camp #9 on 9 July
(BP).

Black Tern - first fall report was for 1 in
w. Fulton 5 July (JWs). A noticeable
early season movement occurred in late

July with 14 at Fishing Creek 30 July
(RD); "about the same number" over
Lake Barkley, Trigg, 30 July (ER); 15-
20 at Mary Ross Lake, Shelby, 31 July
(TB fide HB); and 4 at Paradise 31 July
(RD, HC).

Black Skimmer - what will become a first
state record if accepted was an ad. bird
observed loafing and flying around a
sandbar along the w. margin of Kentucky
Bend, Fulton, 22 July (*JR, KJ). KBRC
review required.

Eurasian Collared-Dove - no significant
expansion was documented this breeding
season.

Black-billed Cuckoo - only report for the
period was 1 in n. Livingston 18 June
(BP).

Bam Owls (3 of 5 yg.), Carlisle
mid-July 2004
Hap Chambers

Barn Owl - it was a banner season for re¬
ports of this secretive and poorly known
species; unfortunately, however, most
were reported by wildlife rehabilitators
who cared for 5 broods that were disrup¬
ted by a variety of natural and human
created events. Broods of displaced yg.
were reported as follows: ca. 1 mi nw. of
Massac, sw. McCracken, in mid-May
(SL, fide EW); Eminence, Henry, 28
May (FM, fide EW); Central Ky WMA,
Madison, in early June (MS, fide EW); s.
of Gold City, Simpson, in early June
(RB, fide EW); ca. 2.5 miles nw. of
Cropper, Shelby, in early July (JH, fide
EW); and ca. 1 mile ne. of Cunningham,
Carlisle, in mid-July (ph.HC). Also, a

84

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

family group of up to 2 ads. and 5 yg.
was observed in a building at the General
Electric plant, s. Jefferson , 29 June into
mid- August (DPr); a family of 5 yg.
fledged from an attic ca. 1.0 mi SE of
Hammonville. Hart , in early August (ph.
E&SG), and a family of 5 yg. fledged
from a silo ca. 4 miles n. of Lebanon,
Marion , in late August (DMa, DJ). Fi¬
nally, a bird was observed being con¬
sumed by a Great Homed Owl along the
Salt River w. of McAfee. Mercer , 10
June (JL).

Chuck-will's-widow - unusual for the ne.
part of the state was a late report of a
bird singing for ca. a week “about the
third week of May" at West Liberty.
Morgan (ME).

Red-headed Woodpecker - a count of 7 in
the former Red-cockaded Woodpecker
management areas along KY 90 e. of
Cumberland Falls. Whitley (FR), was in¬
dicative of the habitat changes that have
occurred there, especially subsequent to
die southern pine beetle infestation that
occurred several years ago.

Olive-sided Flycatcher - 1 was relatively
late at Mammoth Cave 5 June (J&PB et
al.).

Willow Flycatcher - birds were observed
in a few locations where reports are not
regular including Creelsboro. Russell, 22
July (RD) and Ballard WMA. Ballard,
29 July (DR).

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - the pair near
Grand Rivers in s. Livingston nested suc¬
cessfully with incubation underway in
early June (m. ob.) and 4 yg. observed
near the nest 18 June (BP); 1 was ob¬
served below Barkley Dam 3 June (BP.
EC) but no later reports originated from
that location and nesting likely did not
occur there.

Bell’s Vireo - a bird singing at Mayfield,
Graves, 21 July represents a new county
summer record (GL).

Blue-headed Vireo - 2 were reported from
the S Tree area. DBNF. Jackson, 10 June
(RD); and the species was reported at
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. Pike, in
mid-June (DPt).

Tree Swallow - relatively late was a fam¬
ily of yg. that fledged near Dot. Logan,
17 July (FL).

Bank Swallow - a nesting colony was
again active this year on the Ohio River
at Lewis County WMA 8 July (SF);
several colonies continue at the gravel
pits at Petersburg. Boone (LM).

Cliff Swallow - quite impressive was a
post-breeding gathering of ca. 3000 birds
observed in w. Fulton 18 July (JWs).

Red-breasted Nuthatch - 2 birds were ob¬
served at the traditional nesting area in
the Rock Bridge area of DBNF. Wolfe,
26 June (FR).

Sedge Wren - 2 were heard in n. Tay lor 6
June (BP); a few birds showed up at
Surrey Hills Fami beginning 20 July
(BP).

Swainson's Thrush - latest migrants were
3 at Mammoth Cave 1 June (MM) and 1
in LBL. Lyon. 3 June (BP).

Gray-cheeked Thrush - a late migrant
was still in LBL. Lyon, 3 June (BP).

European Starling - a potential first re¬
port for Kentucky was a non-cavity,
globe-shaped nest situated in the dense
interior cover of a red cedar tree in
Shelby during June (ph.HB).

Golden-winged Warbler - a University of
Kentucky graduate project following up

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

85

last year's KDFWR/Comell sponsored
atlas project resulted in the study of 36
territorial males (23 in Bell . 2 in Harlan,
1 1 in Whitley ) and the discovery of 7
active nests ( 1 each in Bell and Whitley,
5 in Bell) (LP et al). The nests are the
first ever reported from the state. Full
details will be published in a future
article.

Brewster’s Warbler - the same University
of Kentucky graduate project located 8
territorial males (4 in Bell , 4 in Whitley )
(LP et al.).

Chestnut-sided Warbler - quite unusual
was a bird in basic plumage at Mammoth
Cave 21 July (SK).

Yellow-throated Warbler - relatively im¬
pressive was a count of 29 birds along
the Rockcastle River downriver of Bee
Rock, Laurel! Pulaski, 26 June (RD).

Cerulean Warbler - surveys for the spe¬
cies in LBL during May and early June
were successful in finding a pitifully
small number of territorial males (4) in
the Kentucky portion (MB. BP. VR); 14
birds (down from as many as 34 in 1996
and 23 as recently as 2002) were record¬
ed on a survey at Wolf Knob, DBNF,
McCreary’ /Whitley, 5 June (SS). Indica¬
tive of the early migratory period for this
species was a bird in a yard in s. Warren
28 July ( JE).

Worm-eating Warbler - a nest containing
yg. was found at Boone County Cliffs
State Nature Preserve, Boone, 5 July
(LM).

Prothonotary Warbler - a bird along Pig¬
eon Roost Creek, just w. of McKee,
Jackson, was e. of the species' normal
range.

American Redstart - a relatively late mi¬
grant was in a yard near St. Matthews,
Jefferson, 1 June (BW).

Swainson’s Warbler - birds were heard at
traditional breeding areas in DBNF in¬
cluding an impressive count of 6 at Little
Lick, DBNF, Pulaski, 19 June (RD,
TFo); near the mouth of Cogur Fork,
DBNF, McCreary’, 1 1 June (JK); at

Yahoo Falls, Big South Fork National
Recreation Area, McCreary’, 14 June
(SS); and 1 near Bee Rock, DBNF, Pul¬
aski, 3 July (RD); also reported were
single singing males in DBNF ca. a mile
s. of Yahoo Falls, McCreary’, 9 June (JK.
MVu) and at Natural Arch, DBNF, Mc¬
Creary, 11 July(RD).

Connecticut Warbler — a relatively late
spring migrant was seen and heard at
Surrey Hills Farm 1 June (BP).

Hooded Warbler - relatively impressive
was a trail count of 44 birds near Bee
Rock, DBNF. Pulaski, 3 July (RD).

Bachman's Sparrow - a total of 14 ter¬
ritorial males and 2 confirmed breeding
pairs (1 pair carrying food and 1 active
nest) was accounted for at Fort Camp¬
bell, Trigg, during June (DMo). Four yg.
fledged from the nest 15 June (DMo).

Lark Sparrow - a total of 5 territorial
males, 2 probable breeding pairs, and 1
non-singing bird were found on Fort
Campbell, Trigg, during June (DMo); 2
birds were reported from a somewhat
traditional nesting area in w. Boyle 11
July (fide BK).

Grasshopper Sparrow - a count of 25 at
Ano 17 July was impressive (RD).

Henslow’s Sparrow - this species contin¬
ues to be found in new areas, especially
in the w. part of the state: reports of birds
in new locations for probable breeding
included up to 5 singing at Blizzard
Ponds, Clarks River NWR, McCracken,
in early June (AW, HC) and 1 singing in
ne. Graves 21 July (GL). Also reported
were birds at Green River Lake State
Park, Taylor, in mid-June (BG), w. of
Danville, Boyle, 2 July (DW, DPe); and
22 including ads. carrying food and at
least 2 juvs. at Ano 17 July (RD).

White-throated Sparrow - a singing male
lingered in a yard near St. Matthews, Jef¬
ferson, to 8 June (tape recording/ph.
BW).

Dickcissel - a singing bird at Burlington,
Boone, 3 July was noteworthy for the n.-
central part of the state (LM).

86

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Yellow-headed Blackbird - quite unusual
was a male observed in the company of
numerous nesting Red-winged Black¬
birds in a hayfield at Shaker Village,
Mercer , 3 June (DW, DPe). KBRC re¬
view required.

Purple Finch - unprecedented was the
presence of 1-2 birds (what appeared to
be a female and a first-year male) that
lingered through June near Fisherville,
se. Jefferson (E&JH) with 1 last ob¬
served there 3 July (ph.E&JH). At least
one bird had conjunctivitis, which likely
contributed to their presence so late in
the season.

Red Crossbill - a juv. bird was picked up
dead in a yard in Fort Mitchell. Kenton,
14 July for an extremely unusual
summer report (CB fide MVi). It is un¬
known if the bird was of local origin, but
suitable breeding habitat is apparently
present in the form of several groves of
large conifers in at least one nearby
cemetery (fide FR).

Contributors: David Ayer (DA): Jane and & Pat Bell (J&PB); Michael Bierly (MB): Pat
Brandon (PB); Horace Brown (HB); Ronnie Brown (RB); Todd Brown (TB): Cindy Bums
(CB); Tina Carter (TC): Hap Chambers (HC): Ron Cicerello (RC); Elizabeth Ciuzio (EC):
Lee Cope (LC); Amy Covert (AC): Charlie Crawford (CC); Roseanna Denton (RD); Gary
Domian (GD); Melissa Easley (ME); Mary Elam (ME); Jackie Elmore (JE): Tim Ervin
(TE); Tarcila Fox (TFo); Tom Fusco (TFu); Scott Freidhof (SF); Eric & Summer Garris
(E&SG); Brian Gray (BG); John Hammond (JH): Carter Hooks (CH); Eddie & Jennifer
Huber (E&JH): David Jones (DJ); Kenneth Jones (KJ); Bill Kemper (BK); James Kiser
( JK); Steve Kistler (SK); Joe Lacefield (JL); Betty Leggett (BLg); Ken Leggett (KL);
Bryan Lewis (BLw); Glen Lovelace (GL): Stacy Loe (SL); Frank Lyne (FL); many
observers (m. ob.); Frank Marlow (FM); Scott Marsh (SM): David Mattingly (DMa); Lee
McNeely (LM); Mark Monroe (MM); Daniel Moss (DMo); Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. (BP);
Don Parker (DPr): David Patrick (DPt): Laura Patton (LP); Don Pelly (DPe): Clell Peterson
(CP); Nicole Ranalli (NR); Ed Ray (ER); Scott Record (SR): Frank Renfrew (FR); Vince
Robinson (VR): David Roemer (DR): John Rumancik (JR): Woody Schatt (WS); Marcia
Schroder (MS): Travis Snyder (TS); Somerset Bird Club (SBC): Stephen Stedman (SS):
Kevin Tucker (KT); Marilyn Vickers (MVi); Shawchyi Vorisek (SV): Mark Vukovich
(MVu); Danny Watson (DW); Eileen Wicker (EW); Charlie Wilkins (CW); Jim Williams
(JWm); Jeff Wilson (JWs); Barbara Woemer (BW); Ben Yandell (BY).

- 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville, KY. 40222 (brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov) (Pal¬
mer-Ball) and P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY. 41005 (lkmc9@netscape.net) (McNeely).

Purple Finch. Jefferson
3 July 2004

Eddie & Jennifer Huber

Bobolink - territorial birds were observed
just s. of Harrodsburg. Mercer, in May.
and confirmed nesting was observed nne.
of Parksville. Bovle, in June and early
July (DW. DPe).

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

87

2004 SURVEY OF KENTUCKY HERONRIES
Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Elizabeth Ciuzio

In 2004 the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) and the
Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC) coordinated a survey of Ken¬
tucky’s known heronries. The majority of sites were surveyed by helicopter overflights 6-8
April 2004 and 8-9 June 2004, and the most current information for others was gathered by
ground or boat surveys.

The 2004 survey was conducted similarly to surveys undertaken in 1994 (Palmer-Ball
and Wethington. Kentucky’ Warbler 70:77-83. 1994) and 1999 (Palmer-Ball and Thomas,
Kentucky Warbler 75:62-71, 1999). During aerial surveys, nesting colonies were circled
several times, and the number of active nests was estimated by noting the presence of incu¬
bating adults, young, or white-wash beneath nests. In addition, colonies were scanned for
species other than Great Blue Herons ( Ardea herodias ), which typically comprise a major¬
ity of nesting birds. Unlike surveys in 1994 and 1999. during 2004 some helicopter over¬
flights were conducted in early April, which allowed for more accurate counts of the num¬
ber of active nests because leaf emergence had just begun. During these early flights, some
late-arriving species such as Great Egret ( Ardea alba) may have been under-represented or
missed, but the most crucial sites for rare species were overflown again in early June.

Results of the 2004 survey are presented in Table 1; colony sites are arranged alpha¬
betically by county. Colony sites active as recently as 1999 but inactive in 2004 are
included in Table 1; however, the following sites, found to be inactive in 1999 but checked
again in 2004 and found to remain inactive, are not included in Table 1: Ballard Co. - Flat
Lake and Minor Lake; Butler Co. - Roundabout Swamp; Crittenden/Livingston cos. -
Claylick Creek near mouth; Crittenden/Lyon cos. - Livingston Creek above mouth; Fulton
Co. - Little Bayou de Chien wetland; Marshall Co. - Clear Pond; McCracken Co. - Ohio
River floodplain east of 1-24 and West Kentucky WMA; and Ohio Co. - Bens Lick. The
folowing sites surveyed in 1994 and/or 1999 were not resurveyed in 2004 because of
suspected or known inactivity: Bullitt Co. - Pearl Pond (Ft. Knox); Daviess Co. - Green
River upstream of Audubon Parkway; Jefferson Co. - Shippingport Island; and Marshall
Co. - Jonathan Creek and Malcolm Creek.

The 2004 total of approximately 5240 nesting pairs of Great Blue Herons represented
an increase of more than two-fold over the 1999 total of 2235 pairs and nearly a three-fold
increase over the 1994 total of 1750 pairs. Of the 48 active Great Blue Heron nesting col¬
ony sites surveyed in 1999, 38 remained active (although a few had moved slightly); most
birds that formerly inhabited the 10 sites found to be abandoned probably moved to new
sites (some known or surmised, and some as yet undiscovered). Of 38 sites remaining
active, 21 increased in numbers, 10 decreased in numbers, and 7 remained fairly stable
since 1999. Part of this remarkable increase was certainly attributable to better surveys at a
few of the larger sites. These included colonies on Bear Creek, Marshall Co. (count of 1300
compared to 200+ in 1999 and previous high of 697 in 1993); at Jenny Hole-Highland
Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Union Co. (960 compared to 250+ in 1999 and previous high
count of 430 in 1986); and on Muddy Fork of Little River, Trigg Co. (250 compared to 75-
80 in 1999). The collective increases at these three sites made up nearly two-thirds of the
overall increase. While the number of birds at these sites certainly increased in the last five
years, the 2004 surveys probably also provided more accurate counts than were obtained in
1999 when all were made in June after leaf development was complete.

Nesting Great Blues also continued to colonize new areas at a remarkable pace. Tire
species was found nesting at no less than 85 distinct sites in 2004 compared to 48 sites in
1999 and 24 sites in 1994. Some of this increase can obviously be attributed to discovery of

Table 1. Summary of Kentucky Heronries, 2004

88

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90

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

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2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

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THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

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2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

93

Table 1 continued.

94

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

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Kev:BCNU - Black-crowned Night-1 leron ( Nycticorax nycticoraxX CAEG - Cattle Egret ( Bubulcus ibis)', G BI-IE = Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)\ GREG
Great Egret (Ardea alba ); LBHE :: Little Blue Heron ( Egret t a caenilea); SNEG Snowy Egret (Egreita thula).

2004

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

95

previously unknown sites that have been present for some time, but many of the sites
discovered since 1999 were known to be newly established. Only one site surveyed but
inactive in 1999 was found to be recolonized (Buck Lake Swamp, Ballard Co.); 18 sites
discovered since 1999 were surveyed and found to be active; and 14 new sites were re¬
ported in 2004. In addition, surveys were conducted at a few sites for which specific
information was lacking in 1999. Only one site considered active in 1999, Cumberland
River at Turkey Neck Bend. Monroe Co., was not surveyed in 2004. This colony was
reported by a local fishing guide in the late 1990s, but we were unable to locate it in 1999,
and its status remains uncertain.

In addition to the extraordinary increase in Great Blue Herons, another significant
discovery of the 2004 survey was the reestablishment of "Kentucky Cranetown" on the
northern end of Reelfoot Lake on the Long Point Unit of Reelfoot National Wildlife
Refuge. This site had not been confirmed to be active since 1963, but it contained a sizable
number of Great Egret and Great Blue Heron nests 8 June 2004. Also of interest was a
female Anhinga ( Anhinga anhinga) observed at the heronry near the confluence of Bayou
de Chien and Little Bayou de Chien, Fulton County. This individual was observed perched
in a tree within the heronry and subsequently flew to the water beneath. Strangely, this
colony was active when surveyed 8 April 2004 (see Table 1). but other than the Anhinga,
the only bird at the site 8 June 2004 was a lone Great Egret perched near, but not on, one of
the empty nests. It was suspected that birds at this colony abandoned it early in the season
in favor of Kentucky Cranetown.

Thanks in large part to the reestablishment of the colony at Reelfoot National Wildlife
Refuge, numbers of Great Egrets continued to increase ( 146± pairs compared to 15 in 1999
and 25+ in 1994). Overall, however, the number of colony sites hosting this species
remained about the same as during the mid- to late 1990s and a considerable amount of
shifting in sites seemed to continue. Great Egrets were found nesting at seven sites in 2004,
but they were not present at two sites where they were observed in 1999 (Mayfield Creek
above KY 121, Ballard Co., and Jenny Hole-Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA. Union
Co.) and at one site they used in the early 2000s (Obion Creek ENE of Baltimore, Graves
Co.). The species was found for the first time - at least in recent years - at four sites (Fish
Lake. Carlisle Co.; Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Fulton Co.; Obion Creek between
US 51 and KY 307, Hickman Co.; and Cypress Creek Swamp, Marshall Co.) and small
numbers were observed again at three sites that have been consistently utilized in recent
years (Bayou de Chien at Little Bayou de Chien. Fulton Co.; Middle Bar, Hickman Co.,
and Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon Co.).

The number of nesting Black-crowned Night-Herons ( Ny ctic or ax nycticorax) seemed
to decrease; numbers of birds on Lake Barkley definitely declined, and the Louisville
nesting colony suffered greatly from efforts to remove it from residential areas near the
Louisville Zoo, where night-herons were evicted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
because of their predation on animals within the zoo collection. It is unclear why the Lake
Barkley population decreased despite abundant foraging habitat, and it may be that the
birds simply utilized a new but undiscovered nesting site. The fate of the Louisville
population looks grim if the birds are unable to find an area to nest where they do not cause
conflicts with humans.

The state's most diverse heronry continued to exist on an island in northern Lake
Barkley, near Kuttawa. Lyon County. Since its initial colonization by Black-crowned
Night-Herons, Cattle Egrets ( Bubulcus ibis), and Little Blue Herons ( Egretta caerulea) in
the mid- to late 1990s, a few Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets ( Egretta thula) have begun
utilizing the site (Palmer-Ball, Kentucky Warbler 78:72-73). Because of the extraordinarily
intense use of this small island, the only way to attempt to make an accurate count of nests
without causing a great disturbance was to visit the island after nesting was complete and

96

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

make a tally of the nests that appeared to have been used during the previous breeding
season. The total count of nests was 1475. of which at least 1400 were considered to be
Cattle Egret nests, based on estimates of birds present during the breeding season.

This survey would not have been possible without the assistance of several agencies
and many individuals. We would like to specifically thank the following agencies for
assistance: Kentucky Department of Natural Resources (formerly the Department for
Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement [DSMRE]); Daniel Boone National Forest
(DBNF), U.S. Forest Service; and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

We would also like to acknowledge the following individuals, who contributed current
and recent information about heronries: Steve Beam. Pat Brandon. Will Carlisle. Tom
Edwards. Scott Freidhof. Chris Grasch. Brian Gray. Lew Komman, Chris Mason. Wes
Mattox. Rick Mauro. Mike Morton. Brad Pendley. Kerry Prather. Rocky Pritchert. Barry
Richmond. Martin Wheeldon and Shawchyi Vorisek (KDFWR): Mark Bennett. Rhonda
Bryant. Kathy Caminiti. Roseanna Denton. Scott Marsh. Lee McNeely. Mark Monroe.
Joyce Porter and David Roemer (Ky. Ornithological Society): Ronald Cicerello. Nicholas
Drozda. Marc Evans. Martina Hines. Sara Hines. Heather Housman and Deborah White
(KSNPC); Mark Clements. Jim Drake. Don Livingston and Jim Schafer (Ky. Division of
Air Transport); Amy Covert, Anna Kunzler, and Jeff Taylor (DSMRE): Byron Crawford
(Shelbyville. Ky.): Charles Elliott (Eastern Ky. University): Ed Hartowicz (Lexington.
Ky.); Ham Head (Prospect. Ky.); Tasha Helm and Jon Summers (USACE); Rose Hensel
(Louisville Zoo); Greg Johnson (Bowling Green. Ky.); Richard Kessler (Ky. Chapter of
The Nature Conservancy): Steve Kicked (DBNF): John and Helen Kielkopf (Louisville.
Ky.): Marion Murphy (Liberty. Ky.); Richard Podolsky (Boston. Ma.); Ed Ray and
Tammie Sanders (Ky. Environmental Education Projects. Inc.); Keith Stucker (U.S. Dept,
of Agriculture): John Sugars (Liberty'. Ky.); and Marion Swinney. (Crestwood. Ky.).
Finally, we thank Stephen J. Stedman for critical review of the draft manuscript. Funding
for this survey was provided in part bv taxpayer donations received through the Nature and
Wildlife Fund, as well as KDFWR funds generated by support from Kentucky's sportsmen.

--Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission. 801 Schenkel Lane. Frankfort. Kentucky.
40601 (brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov)(Palmer-Ball) and Elizabeth Ciuzio. South Carolina
Department of Natural Resources/Marine Resources Division. P.O. Box 12559. Charleston.
South Carolina 29422-2559 (ciuziobf2)mrd.dnr.state.sc.us) (Ciuzio).

TENTH REPORT OF THE
KENTUCKY BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

This report is the tenth from the Kentucky Bird Records Committee (hereinafter
KBRC). and covers actions completed from October 2002 through December 2003. Mem¬
bers serving on the committee during this period were Mark Bennett. Jackie Elmore. Lee
McNeely. Darrin O'Brien, and David Roemer. The stated purpose of the KBRC is to deter¬
mine the validity of records of rare birds within Kentucky, maintain the documentation of
these records, and publish a summary of the committee's deliberations.

During this period there was one round of circulation through the KBRC consisting of
18 individual records. Fourteen of these records were finalized, while four remain unre¬
solved at this point.

The KBRC met 1 8 September 2004 and voted to remove the Black-necked Stilt and
Scissor-tailed Fly catcher from the KBRC Review List.

Accepted Records:

Gavia pacifica PACIFIC LOON [#01-12]: November 15. 2000; Kentucky Lake. Mar-
shall/Livingston counties (DR).

97

2004_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Mycteria americana WOOD STORK [#00-08]; September 20, 2000; McCracken County
(FB) [5 birds].

Laterallus jamaicensis BLACK RAIL [#02-11]; April 24, 2001; Peabody WMA, Muh¬
lenberg County (DR) [single observer sight record],

Limosa haemastica HUDSONIAN GODWIT [#03-03]; October 31, 2002; Falls of the
Ohio, Jefferson County (DR) [videotaped, fourth Kentucky record].

Philoniachus pugnax RUFF [#02-01]; September 7-8, 2001; Mississippi River. Carlisle
County (BPB. RD) [photographed].

Sterna fuscata SOOTY TERN [#03-01]; October 4, 2002; above Kentucky Dam. Marshall
County (DR) [2 birds videotaped, first Kentucky record].

Sterna fuscata SOOTY TERN [#02-10]; October 4, 2002; Ohio River. McCracken County
(FB) [second Kentucky record].

Brachyramphus perdix LONG-BELLED MURRELET [#03-02]; October 29-30, 2002;

Ohio River at Louisville. Jefferson County (DR) [videotaped, first Kentucky record],
Zenaida asiatica WHITE-WINGED DOVE [#02-04]; April 14-18, 2002; Murray, Cal¬
loway County (CM. DR) [photographed, first documented Kentucky record].

Zenaida asiatica WHITE- WINGED DOVE [#02-05]; April 17-20, 2002; Aurora. Marshall
County, (CM. SW) [photographed, second Kentucky record].

Coluinbina inca INCA DOVE [#02-03]; February 9-11, 2002; Hickman. Fulton County
(BY, JY, DR) [photographed, second Kentucky record],

Columbina passerina COMMON GROUND-DOVE [#02-08]; November 23-24, 2002;

Lake #9, Fulton County (HC, RD, DR, JW) [photographed, first Kentucky record].
Spizella pallida CLAY-COLORED SPARROW [#02-07]; April 29. 2002; Burlington,
Boone County (LM).

X anthocephalus xanthocephalus YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD [#02-07]; April 24-
27, 2002; Lexington. Fayette County (MT) [photographed].

Observers: Frank Bennett (FB), Happy Chambers (HC). Roseanna Denton (RD). Lee
McNeely (LM), Carl Mowery (CM), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BPB), David Roemer (DR),
Mary Tyler (MT), Steve White (SW), Jeff Wilson (JW). Ben Yandell (BY), and Jenny
Yandell (JY).

The current official Kentucky list now stands at 363 species (12 of which are by sight
only), with Sooty Tern, Long-billed Murrelet, White-winged Dove, and Common Ground-
Dove added since the last report. Black Rail will be added to the hypothetical list.

Submitted by Lee McNeely. Chair of the KBRC
P.O. Box 463

Burlington. Kentucky 41005

The Kentucky Ornithological Society
Fall 2004 Meeting
September 17-19, 2004
Pine Mountain State Resort Park

Hie Fall meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held September 17-19 at
Pine Mountain State Resort Park. Hiis historic meeting was co-sponsored by KOS and the
Bristol Bird Club of Bristol. Tennessee and Virginia. President Hap Chambers called the
meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. EDT on Friday evening.

Hap introduced Phyllis Niemi. who entertained the group with a challenging bird trivia
contest. In honor of the meeting's featured speaker, Brian K Wheeler, author of Raptors of
North America, Phyllis's quiz had a "birds of prey" theme. Lee McNeely of KOS was the
winner of the trivia challenge.

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THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Following Phyllis’s trivia challenge. Hap Chambers introduced the members of the
Bristol Bird Club. Wallace Coffey from the BBC announced that copies of the BBC’s
book. Birds of the Virginia Cumberland, were available for purchase at the meeting. Also
present at the meeting was James Brooks, whose humorous nature novel Comeback of the
Bears was also available for purchase.

Hap then turned the meeting over to Vice President Mark Bennett, who made every¬
one aware of the list of future KOS meetings that was published on the meeting program.
After his introductory comments. Mark introduced Shawchyi Vorisek of the Kentucky
Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, who gave an informative presentation on the
status of Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons in the state of Kentucky. Shawchyi asked the
meeting attendees for help with monitoring eagle and falcon populations by reporting new
nesting locations, conducting observations at known breeding sites, and reporting sightings
during the breeding season.

Following Shawchyi's presentation. Mark introduced Laura Patton and Patricia
Hartman, graduate students under Dr. David S. Maehr at the University of Kentucky. They
each presented information on their graduate research. Laura’s presentation was entitled
"Golden-winged and Blue-winged Warbler Use of Reclaimed Mine Lands in Eastern Ken¬
tucky". and Patricia's presentation was entitled "The Natural History of Cerulean Warblers
in Kentucky". These research programs were partially funded by the KOS Burt Monroe. Jr.
Avian Research Fund.

The next speaker of the evening was Brenda Little of the Kentucky Audubon Council,
who presented information on the Audubon Society's Important Bird Areas program.
Important Bird Areas, or "IBAs" are areas that have been identified as significant for the
support of bird species. This program was begun in Europe in the 1970s. and is now being
conducted in the United States. Information about the IBA program is available at the
Kentucky Audubon Council's web site at www.kentuckyaudubon.org.

Mark concluded the meeting with announcements concerning the field trips scheduled
for Saturday morning, and a poll to see how many attendees were attending their first KOS
meeting. Eight first-time attendees were identified. After a few closing comments by Hap
Chambers, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Snacks and sodas were served at the social
following the meeting.

Friday's rainy weather gave way to beautiful, sunny skies and cool temperatures on
Saturday. There were two field trips on Saturday: a hawk watch at the Pinnacle Overlook at
Cumberland Gap National Park led by David Roemer and Brian Wheeler, and a walk
around Pine Mountain State Park's trails led by Lee McNeely and Gerald Robe. The hawk
watch yielded approximately 700 Broad-winged Hawks, as well as several other species of
migrating raptors. Many species of migratory songbirds were observ ed on the Pine Moun¬
tain State Park bird walk.

The KOS Board meeting was held at 2:30 p.m.. and a meeting of the Kentucky Bird
Records Committee followed the Board meeting at 4:30 p.m.

Hap Chambers called the Saturday night general meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.. She in¬
troduced Wallace Coffey of the Bristol Bird Club, who thanked Hap for inviting the BBC
to co-sponsor the Fall meeting, and then introduced the evening's featured speaker. Brian
Wheeler. Brian Wheeler's presentation, titled "Raptors: a Photographic Quest" featured
slides taken by the author for his book. Raptors of North America. After explaining his field
methods and giving the attendees a personal history of how he got into the field of raptor
photography, Brian showed slides of raptors and other birds, reptiles and mammals taken in
Wyoming, western Colorado. Texas. Florida. Minnesota. Washington. Arizona. New Jer¬
sey. and Mexico. His presentation featured a great deal of information on raptor behavior
and identification. At the conclusion of his presentation. Brian announced that he was
working on publishing illustrated field guides to raptors of the eastern and western United
States.

2004

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99

Following Brian's presentation, Blaine Ferrell conducted a tally of all the bird species
observed so far during the meeting.

Next. Hap Chambers initiated the business portion of the general meeting. She intro¬
duced Elizabeth Ciuzio. who informed the membership about an educational program
called "Flying WILD" that promotes nature education by encouraging middle school stu¬
dents to put on birding festivals. Beth asked for volunteers to help with the program and
discussed the possibility of a training workshop to be held at the Spring, 2005 KOS meet¬
ing.

Win Ahrens presented the slate of KOS officer nominees for 2005. Several officers
were returning to their positions for a second term, but Elizabeth Ciuzio and Mary Walter
were new nominees for councilorship. All nominations were unanimously accepted by the
KOS membership.

Tlie meeting concluded with several announcements, including the field trips sched¬
uled for Sunday morning, future meeting locations, and a half-price sale for books and
journals being sold by KOS. The Saturday night meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m.

Sunday was another beautiful day. Lee McNeely led a field trip to the Cumberland
Gap Pinnacle Overlook area, and Gerald Robe led a bird walk around Pine Mountain State
Park. Both trips yielded several species that were not on the list from Saturday.

Submitted by Gerald Robe, Recording Secretary

Blountville, TN:
Bowling Green:
Bristol, TN:
Burlington:

Cory don, IN:
Crossville, TN:
Eddyville:

Falls of Rough:
Frankfort:

Hartford:

Jonesborougli, TN:
Kingsport, TN
Knoxville, TN:
Lexington:

Louisville:

Morehead:

Mt. Sterling:
Murray:

Prospect:
Richmond:
Rosedale, VA:
Russellville:
Science Hill:
Somerset:

Taylor Mill:

Attendance at the KOS Fall Meeting

Carol Cross and Rack Cross

Blaine Ferrell, Joan Roemer, and David Roemer

Wallace Coffey and Chris O'Bryan

Kathy Caminiti, Joe Caminiti, Lee McNeely, and Lynda McNeely
Mary Walter
Nora Beck

John Nietni and Phyllis Niemi
Joyce Porter and Doralee St. Clair

Elizabeth Ciuzio, Amy Covert, Louis Dallaire, Amy Marr, Brian
Smith, and Shawchyi Vorisek
Brenda Bailey Little and G. William Little
James Brooks

Mary Jane Erwin, Bill Grisby, and Judy Roach
Dave Mooney and Laura Mooney

Rhonda Bryant. Phyllis Deal. Patricia Hartman. Scott Marsh, and Jim
Williams

Richard Cassell, Robert Dever, and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.

Fred Busroe and Joanna Busroe
Gerald Robe

Hap Chambers and Melissa Easley
Win Ahrens

Nicole Ranalli and Brian Scofield
Diana Worley and Doug Worley
Mark Bennett
Roseanna Denton
Carolyn Gay Hodges
Gary O' Hair

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THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Bird Species Observed at the KOS Fall Meeting
Pine Mountain State Resort Park and Cumberland Gap National Park

The following bird species were observed during the weekend of September 17-19:
Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey. Double-crested Cormorant. Great Blue Heron. Green Heron,
Black Vulture. Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle. Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk. Red¬
shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk. Red-tailed Hawk. Killdeer. Spotted Sandpiper.
Rock Pigeon. Mourning Dove. Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Eastern Screech-Owl. Chimney
Swift. Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Belted Kingfisher. Red-headed Woodpecker. Red-
bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker. Pileated
Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee. Eastern Phoebe. White-eyed Vireo. Yellow-throated
Vireo. Blue-headed Vireo. Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay. American Crow. Common Raven.
Carolina Chickadee. Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch. White-breasted Nuthatch.
Carolina Wren. Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Veery, Swainson's Thrush.
Wood Thrush. American Robin. Gray Catbird. Northern Mockingbird. Brown Thrasher,
European Starling. Cedar Waxwing. Tennessee Warbler. Nashville Warbler, Chestnut¬
sided Warbler. Magnolia Warbler. Cape-May Warbler. Black-throated Blue Warbler,
Yellow-rumped Warbler. Black-throated Green Warbler. Blackburnian Warbler. Yellow-
throated Warbler. Palm Warbler. Bay-breasted Warbler. Blackpoll Warbler. Black-and-
white Warbler. American Redstart. Ovenbird. Northern Waterthrush. Hooded Warbler,
Wilson's Warbler. Summer Tanager. Scarlet Tanager. Eastern Towhee. Chipping Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Red-winged Blackbird.
Brown-headed Cowbird. House Finch. American Goldfinch, and House Sparrow. The spe¬
cies total was 83.

SELECTED INDEX, VOLUMES 77-80 (2001-2004)
Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.

The names of participants in the Mid-winter Bird Counts, attendees to Spring and Fall
Society Meetings, and contributors to the Seasonal Reports have not been included in this
index. The names of bird species recorded on Mid-winter Bird Counts, at Spring and Fall
Society Meetings, and in the Seasonal Reports also have not been listed. Species included
in lengthy tables typically do not appear as well.

AUTHORS

Abbruzzese, Carlo 79:33-38

Bennett. Mark 77:30-32, 61-62; 78:35-37, 68-69

Billings, S.K. 79:53-59

Bohn, D C. 79:53-59

Busroe, Fred M. 77 3-1 1. 27-30, 47-53, 59-61;

78 3-14, 31-35, 47-54, 59-67; 79:3-18, 43-50
Cammiti, Kathy 78:75-76
Ciuzio, Elizabeth 80 87-96
Elmore, Jackie B 79 74-75
Ferrell, Blaine R 77: 11-22; 78 14-26; 79: 18-29;
80 17-32

Giles, R.C. 79:53-59
Gray, Willard 79 39
Hamson, L R 79 53-59
Hays, Jeff 78 75-76
Iseral. Marshall 78 75-76
Jackson, C B 79:53-59
Kenawell, Michael E. 78:39-40
Larkin, Jeffery L 80 73-75

Leggett, Ken 77:36-37
Lisowsky, Bill 78:26-27
Lyne, Frank 78:42-43

McNeely, Lee K. 77:35-36; 79:29-31, 64-74, 79-
86; 80 3-16, 39-49, 63-73, 79-86, 96-97
Monroe, Burt. Ill 77:22-23
Monroe, Mark 77:22-23, 23-24; 79:89-90
Moosman, Paul 78 40-42
Mowery. Carl 78 39

Palmer-Ball, Brainard, Jr. 77:22-22, 23-24, 37,
54-55, 78:40-42, 72-73, 73-75; 79:53-59, 64-
74, 79-86, 89-90, 91-92; 80:3-16, 32-35, 39-
49, 63-73, 79-86, 87-96, 100-104
Patton, Laura 80:73-75
Price, Jeff 80 52-58
Ray, Ed 79 39
Reeder, Brian C 78:39-40
Renfrow, Frank 77:64-68; 79:31-32
Ritchison, Gary 79:33-38

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101

Robe, Gerald 79:50-51, 86-87; 80:49-50, 97-99
Roberts, J.F 79:53-59
Sebastian, M, 79:53-59
Sells, S.F 79:53-59

Stedman, Stephen J. 77:68-75; 79:90-91, 80 35,76

Vickers, ML. 79 53-59
Vorisek, Shawchyi 80 73-75
Walden, Winston A. 80:76
Watson, D L 79:53-59
Yandell, Ben 79:32-33

BIRDS

Anhinga 77:37; 79:29, 80:95
Bittern, American 79:31-32
Least 78:41-42; 79:32
Blackbird, Red-winged 79:55
Rusty 78:27

Yellow-headed 77:36, 80:97
Bluebird, Eastern 79:55, 56, 57
Bobwhite, Northern 79:55
Bunting, Indigo 79:56, 89

Pamted 79:77-78, 89-90, 92
Cardinal, Northern 79:55, 56, 57
Catbird, Gray 79:55, 57
Chat, Yellow-breasted 79:56
Chickadee, Black-capped 77:35, 54
Carolina 77:54; 79:55
Collared-Dove, Eurasian 79:30, 32
Coot, American 78:73-75
Cormorant, Double-crested 77:37
Cowbird, Brown-headed 79:56; 80 73
Creeper, Brown 77:65
Crow, American 79:55, 56, 57, 58
Cuckoo, Yellow-billed 79:55, 56
Dove, Inca 79:30, 32-33; 80:97
Mourning 79 55, 56, 57
Rock 79:55, 56

White-winged 78:30, 39; 80:97
Duck, Masked 77:54
Ruddy 80:32-35
Egret, Cattle 78:72; 80 92, 95

Great 78:72; 80 87, 88-92, 94, 95
Snowy 78:72-73; 80 92, 95
Falcon, Prairie 79:30
Finch, House 79:55,56,57
Purple 79:55

Flicker, Northern 77:65; 79:55
Flycatcher, Ash-throated 79:30, 74-75
Fork-tailed 79:30
Great Crested 79:74
Olive-sided 77:54
Scissor-tailed 78:58; 80:96
Gadwall 80:32-35
Godwit, Black-tailed 77:37

Hudsoman 77:36-37; 79:30; 80:97
Marbled 77: 35; 79:30
Goldfinch, American 79:56, 57
. Goose, Canada 79:55
Ross’s 77:54

Grackle, Common 78:27; 79:55, 56, 57
Grebe, Pied-billed 78: 39-40
Red-necked 77:36
Grosbeak, Blue 79:56

Grosbeak, Pine 79:30
Ground-Dove, Common 80 97
Gull. California 77:22-23; 79:30
Herring 79:55
Iceland 79:30
Little 79:30
Sabine's 77: 35; 79:30
Hawk, Broad-wmged 79:55
Cooper’s 79 55
Red-shouldered 79 55
Red-tailed Hawk 79 55
Sharp-shinned 79:55
Swamson’s 79:30

Heron, Great Blue 78:41; 79:55; 80 87-96
Little Blue 78:72; 80 92, 95
Tricolored 77:35; 79:29
Hummingbird, Ruby-throated 79:55, 56, 57
Ibis, Glossy 77:36
White-faced 79:29
Jaeger, Pomarine 77:35
Jay, Blue 79:55, 56, 57
Kestrel, American 79:55
Killdeer 79:55
Kingbird, Eastern 79:55
Kingfisher, Belted 79:55
Kite, Mississippi 77:23-24
Swallow-tailed 79:29
Kittiwake, Black-legged 77:35
Loon, Common 80 59
Pacific 77:35:80:96
Yellow-billed 80:37-38, 59-60
Mallard 79:55; 80:32
Martin, Purple 79:55
Meadowlark, Eastern 79:55
Mockingbird, Northern 79:55, 56, 57
Moorhen, Common 78 41
Murrelet, Long-billed 79: 1-2; 80:97
Night-Heron, Black-crowned 78:72, 80 77-78,
90-92, 95

Nuthatch, Brown-headed 77:36
Red-breasted 77:64-68
White-breasted 79:31
Ovenbird 79: 56
Owl, Bam 78:42-43
Barred 79:41-42,55
Boreal 79:36
Elf 77: 70

Great Homed 79:31, 36, 55; 80:1-2
Northern Saw-whet 77:68-75; 79:36
Snowy 78:45-46, 75-76
Pelican, Brown 77:35

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Vol. 80

Phalarope. Red 79:30
Red-necked 77:35
Phoebe, Say's 77:35
Plover, Serrupalmated 77:36
Rail. Black 80 97
Virginia 79:55, 91
Yellow 79:91-92

Robin, American 77:65; 78:26. 79:55, 56, 57, 58
Ruff 80: 97
Sanderlmg 77:36
Sandpiper, Least 77:36
Purple 79:30

Screech-Owl, Eastern 79 33-38, 55
Shrike, Northern 79:30
Sora 79:55,91
Sparrow, Chipping 79:56

Clay-colored 77:36, 36; 80:97
Grasshopper 80 76
Hams's 77:55
House 79:55,56,57,58
Song 79:56

Starling, European 79:55. 56, 57
Stilt, Black-necked 80:96
Stork. Wood 80:97
Swallow, Bam 79:55
Cliff 77:54

No. Rough-winged 78:42
Tree 79:61-62
Swan, Mute 78:41
Swift, Chimney 79 55
Tanager, Summer 79:56
Tem. Sooty 80 97
Thrasher. Brown 79:55
Thrush, Swamson’s 79:55, 56, 57

Thrush, Varied 78: 1-2, 26-27; 79:30
Titmouse, Tufted 77:55; 79:55
Violet-ear, Green 77:35
Vireo, Blue-headed 77:54
Red-eved 79:55
Solitary 77:54
Vulture. Black 79:55
Warbler. Blue-winged 80 73-75
Brewster's 80:74
Connecticut 79:56

Golden-winged 79 90-91; 80:61-62, 73-75
Rutland's 79:30
LawTence's 80 74
Magnolia 79:56
Praine 77:36
Swamson's 77:67
Worm-eating 79:56
Yellow-rumped 77:66
Waxwing. Cedar 79:55
Whimbrel 77:35

Whistling-Duck. Black-bellied 77:35; 79:30
Willet 77:37

Woodcock, American 79:55
Woodpecker, Downy 79:55, 57
Red-bellied 77:66
Red-cockaded 79:90; 80:74
Red-headed 79:55
Wren, Carolina 79:56
House 79:56; 80 55
Sedge 78:42
Winter 80:35
Yellowlegs, Lesser 77:36
Yellowthroat, Common 79:56

LOCALITIES

Albany 80 76
Aurora 78:39; 80:97

Ballard County 77: 12; 78: 1 5; 79: 1 8; 80: 1 7, 87,
88, 95

Barren County 80: 88
Bath County 80:88
Bayou de Chien 80 89. 95
Bell County 79 90,80 88
Bens Lick 80 87

Bemhetm Forest 77:19; 78:22; 79:21; 80:20
Big South Fork National River and Recreation
Area 77.68-75; 79 60 (Book Review)
Birmingham Point 80:59
Bissell Bluff 80:92
Black Mountain 80 73
Blakely Bend Slough 80:88
Blue Licks Battlefield State Park 79:50
Bluegrass Army Depot 80:92
Boone County 78 42-43, 80:88. 97
Bowling Green 77 18; 78 21 . 79:20; 80 19
Buck Lake Swamp 80' 95
Bull Run 80' 43

Burlington 77:21; 78:25, 42. 79:27; 80 31, 97

Bullitt County 80:87
Butler County 80:87, 88
Caldwell Countv 78 40; 80 88
Calloway County 77 12. 78 15. 39; 79:19; 80 18,
89, 97

Calvert City 77:22
Camp #1 1 Mine 78 41, 74; 80:32
Campbell County 77:65. 79:31
Carlisle County 79:32. 80:89, 95. 97
Carroll County 80 89
Carter Caves State Resort Park 77:30-33
Carter County 77 30
Casey County 80 89
Cemetery, Evergreen 77:65-66, 79:31
Spring Grove (OH) 77:66
Central City 78 41
Central Kentucky WMA 79: 34
Christian County 80 89
Clinton Countv 80 76
Copeland Bluff 78:40
Crittenden County 80 87, 89
Creek, Bark Camp 80 35
Bear 80 87, 92

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Creek, Beaver 80:93
Claylick 80:87
Clear 78:41
Clifty 80:89
Cypress 80:93
Eagle 80 89
Earle 80:91
Elk Pond 80:93
Ferguson 80:92
Flat 78:41; 80:91
Guist 80:94
Harrods 80:91
Hooper 80:93
Jonathan 80:87
Knoblick 80:94
Livingston 80:87, 89
Malcolm 80:87
Mayfield 80:88, 89, 95
North Fork Elkhom 80:94
Obion 80:90, 91, 95
Piney 80 89
Skmframe 80: 89
Slate 80:88
Sugarcamp 80:92
Terrapin 80:90
Weirs 78:41

Cumberland County 80:89
Cumberland Gap National Park 80 98, 100
Cumberland Mountains 80 74
Cypress Creek State Nature Preserve 78:41
Daniel Boone National Forest 78:39; 79:90;
80:35, 74

Danville 77:21; 78:24; 79:27; 80:30

Daviess County 80 87

Drakesboro 78:41

Dry Ridge 78:75

East Bend Power Plant 80:88

Falmouth 77:21, 78:25, 76; 79:28; 80:31

Falls of Rough 77:18; 78:22; 79:21; 80:20

Falls of the Ohio 80:97

Fayette County 78:74, 80:97

Fentress County, TN 77:68-75

Fleming County 80:88

Floyds Fork 80:91 , 93

Frankfort 77:20; 78:23; 79:26; 80:21

Franklin County 80:89

Fulton County 77:23, 36, 37; 79:32-33, 78. 89;
80:87,89, 95,97

Glasgow 77: 18; 78:21; 79:20; 80:19

Grand Rivers 78:58

Grant County 78:75; 79:62

Graves County 80:90, 95

Grayson County 80 90

Green County 80:90

Greenup County 80:90

Hardin County 80:90

Harlan County 79:90; 80:74

Hart County 77:20; 78:23; 79:26; 80:21

Henderson 79:86-87

Henderson County 77:37; 78 75, 76; 80:90

Hickman 79:32; 80:97

Hickman County 80:90, 91, 95

Hopkins County 78:41; 80:88, 91

Island, Shippingport 80 87

Jefferson County 79:91; 80:87, 91, 97

John James Audubon State Park 77:37, 80:90

Kaler Bottoms WMA 80: 90

Kenlake State Resort Park 77:61-64; 79:42

Kentucky Dam 77:23; 80:97

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park 80 49

Kentucky Point 77:36

Kleber WMA 77:20; 78:24; 79:27, 80 30

Kuttawa 80:92, 95

Lake, Axe 80:88

Barkley 78:72:80:92, 95
Barren River 80:88
Beshear 78:40; 80 89
Buck 80:88
Cave Run 80:93
Cumberland 80:93
Fish 80: 89, 95
Flat 80:87

Green River 77:20; 78:23; 79:26, 80:21

Kentucky 80 38, 59, 96

Linville 80 93

Mermet (IL) 79:29

Metropolis 80:93

Minor 80:87

No. 9 77:37,80:97

Reelfoot 80 95

Shanty Hollow 80 94

Yatesville 80 91

Land Between the Lakes 77: 12; 78:2, 15, 26-27;

79:19; 80:18
Laurel County 80:91
Lawrence County 80:91
Letcher County 79:90
Lexington 77:21; 78:24, 79:27; 80:30, 97
Lincoln County 80:91
Linton 78:72

Little Bayou de Chien 80:87, 89, 95
Livingston County 78:58; 80:87, 92, 96
Louisville 77: 19; 78:22, 79:2, 21; 80:20, 95, 97
Louisville Zoo 80:91, 95
Lyon County 78:72; 80 87, 89, 92, 95
Madison County 79:34; 80 92
Madisonville 78:41

Mammoth Cave National Park 77: 18; 78:20, 35-
37; 79:20; 80:20

Marshall County 77:22; 78:39, 80:38, 59, 87, 92,
95, 96, 97

Mason County 80:93

McCracken County 80:87, 93, 97

McCreary County 77 68-75; 79:90-91, 80 74

McLean County 80:93

Menifee County 80:93

Middle Bar 80:90, 95

Monroe County 80 93, 95

104

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER

Vol. 80

Morgan County, TN 77:68-75
Morganfield 78:74; 80:32
Muhlenberg County 78:4 1 . 80 76, 88. 93, 97
Murray 78 30, 39, 80 97
Natural Bridge State Resort Park 78:68-70;
79:29

Nicholas County 80 93
Obed National Wild and Scenic River (TN)
79:60 (Book Review)

Obion WMA, Schaaf Tract 80 89
Ohio County 80 87, 90, 93
Old Kuttawa Recreation Area 78 72
Oldham County 80 93
Olmstead 77: 13, 78:20; 79 19; 80 18
Otter Creek Park 77:20; 78:24; 79:26; 80 30
Owen County 80 89
Paradise 77: 13, 78:20, 79 20. 80: 1 9
Peabody WMA 80 97
Pennynle State Forest 78 40
Pendleton County 78:46, 75, 76
Pickett County, TN 77:68-75
Pike County 79:90; 80 74
Pine Mountain State Park 80 88, 97, 100
Pond. Clear 80 87
Fish 80:89
Murphy's 80 90
Open 80:89
Pearl 80 87
Pond Run 80 90
Preston Highway 80 91
Pulaski County 79 89; 80 93
Red River Gorge National Geological Area
77:66-67

Reelfoot NWR 77:23, 37; 79 89. 80 89, 95
Richmond 77:22; 78:25; 79 28, 34; 80:31
River, Blood 80 89

Cumberland 80 89, 93, 95

Dix 80 91

Gasper 80:94

Green 80 87, 89, 90, 93

Kentucky 80 89, 94

Laurel 80 91

Licking 78 39,80 88, 93

Little Barren 80:90

Little Kentucky 80 94

Mississippi 77 23, 80 89, 97

Mud 80 88

Book Review 79 60
Busroe, Fred M 79 63
Climate Change, Potential Impacts on the
Summer Distributions of Kentucky’s
Nongame Birds 80 52-58
Bvlaws 77:38-43

Fall Meeting 77:61-64, 78:68-70, 79 86-89;

80 97-100
Heronries 80 87-96
In Memonam

River, Muddy Fork Little 80:87, 94
Nolin 80 90

Ohio 77:23. 79:2; 80 87, 97
Rough 80 90
Salt 80:94

Tennessee 77:22; 80:92
Tradewater 80:88, 89
West Fork Clarks 80 90
Robertson County 80:93
Rock Bridge 77:66-67
Rockcastle County 80:93
Roundabout Swamp 80:87
Russell County 80:93
Scott County 80 94
Scott County, TN 77:68-75. 80 74
Shawnee Hills 78:40-42
Shelby County 80 93, 94
Shelbyville 77: 19; 78:23; 79:21, 80:21
Sinclair WMA 78:41; 80 93
Sloughs WMA, Jenny Hole-Highland Creek Unit
78:42; 80:87, 94, 95
Sauerheber Unit 78:76
Somerset 77:22, 78:26; 79 28; 80 3 1
Sorgho 77:12, 79:19; 80 18
Southgate 77:65; 79: 3 1
Spencer County 80 94
Steams Ranger District 79:90
Suwanee 78 72
Swamp, Buck Lake 80 95
Cypress Creek 80 92, 95
Taylor Bay 78:72

Tngg County 78:2; 78:26. 78:72, 80:87, 94
Trimble County 80:94

Umon County 78 4, 42, 74; 80 32-35, 87, 94. 95

Umontown 78 42

Upton 79:26; 80 21

Warren County 78:74; 79 74; 80 94

Warsaw 77:21; 78:25; 79 28; 80 31

Wayne County 79 28; 80 31

Webster County 80 89, 94

West Kentucky WMA 80:87

Western Kentucky University Woods 79 74

White City WMA 78 41

Whitley County 80:35, 74

Wolfe County 77:66-67

Woodford County 80 94

Yelvington 77 13; 78 20

Hunter M. Hancock 79 39
Kentucky Bird Records Committee Report
77 35-36; 79 29-31 . 80 96-97
Mid-winter Bird Count 77: 11-22; 78: 14-26;

79 18-29; 80 17-32

Ornithological Nomenclature 77:54-55
Spring Meeting 77:30-33; 78:35-38; 79:50-52;
80:49-52

Treasurer’s Report 77 34; 78:71
West Nile Virus Surveillance 79:53-59

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