Albert FL. Mann Library Cornell University CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 1924 101 559 916 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from BHL-SIL-FEDLINK https://archive.org/details/kentuckywarbler8184kent The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) y VOL. 81 FEBRUARY 2005 NO. 1 IN THIS ISSUE THE FALL SEASON 2004, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 3 MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT, 2004-2005 . 17 FIELD NOTES . 33 Eastern Phoebe Uses Elk Hair as Nesting Material . 33 First Kentucky Long-tailed Jaeger . 33 Sooty Tern in Southeastern Kentucky . 34 NEWS AND VIEWS . 36 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 2 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Hap Chambers, Murray Vice-President . Mark Bennett, Russellville Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 Treasurer. Recording Secretary . Councilors: Doris Tichenor, Morgantown ... Phyllis Niemi, Princeton . Mark Monroe, Louisville . Win Ahrens, Louisville . Elizabeth Ciuzio, Frankfort . Mary Walter, Corydon, Indiana . Jim Williams 480 Seeley Drive, Lexington, KY 40502-2609 . Gerald Robe, Mt. Sterling . 2003 thru 2005 . 2003 thru 2005 . 2004 thru 2006 . 2004 thru 2006 . 2005 thru 2007 . 2005 thru 2007 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 David Roemer for the cover photograph of the juvenile Long-tailed Jaeger (Stercorarius longicaudus) taken on Kentucky Lake, Marshall County, 2 September 2004 (see Field Notes). 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER FALL SEASON 2004 3 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely The fall season of 2004 was characterized by several extremes. Late summer started off with a cooler- and wetter-than-normal August, but September was very dry, outside of the eastern portion of the state, which received copious rainfall from the remnants of two tropical systems. In contrast, some portions of central and western Kentucky went through¬ out September without measurable precipitation. October and November returned to more normal conditions, although killing frosts were delayed well into November in many areas and the period was devoid of strong, rainy weather systems. The season brought several notable rarities including two state-firsts (Long-tailed Jaeger and Northern Shrike), a second-state Reddish Egret (first photo-documented record), an apparent third-state White-faced Ibis (photo-documented), and a third-state Sooty Tern (first specimen). The overall lack of nasty weather in November may have contributed to a less-than-stellar appearance by migratory waterbirds. Relatively poor conditions for shorebird migrants resulted in diminished numbers during the season. By season's end, a somewhat less-active season for western hummingbirds seemed to be shaping up. Passerine migration was noted by several observers to be lacking in numbers, but was better than the spring migration, when weather conditions allowed for many to pass right through un¬ noticed. A moderate winter finch movement commenced in October, but species other than Pine Siskins and Purple Finches were lacking. 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; KDFWR = Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Place names; Ano = reclaimed surface mines near Ano, e. Pulaski ; Audubon State Park = J.J. Audubon State Park, Henderson ; Ballard = Ballard WMA, Ballard ; Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam, Lyon/Livingston ; Barren = Barren River Lake, Allen! Barren (unless otherwise noted); Beargrass Creek = Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve, Jefferson ; Bemheim Forest = Bernheim Forest. Bullitt/Nelson ; Blanton Forest = Blanton Forest State Nature Preserve, Harlan ; Blood River = Blood River embayment of Kentucky Lake, Calloway ; Bnarwood = Briarwood, Jefferson: Camp #9 = Peabody Camp #9 coal facility. Union: Camp #1 I = Peabody Camp #1 1 mine. Union: Cape Hills = Cape Hills Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson: Caperton = Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve, Jefferson: Cave Hill Cemetery = Cave Hill Cemetery, Jefferson: Chaney Lake = Chaney Lake State Nature Preserve, Warren: DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Eddy Creek = Eddy Creek embayment of Lake Barkley, Lyon: Evergreen Cemetery = Evergreen Cemetery, Campbell: Falls of the Ohio = Falls of the Ohio. Jefferson: Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment of Lake Cumberland, Pulaski: Homestead = Homestead Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio: Island No, 1 = Mississippi River sandbars opposite Island No. 1, Carlisle: Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment of Kentucky Lake, Marshall: Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon: Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall: Kv Dam Village = Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Marshall: Kv Lake 4 THE KENTUCKY W ARBLER Vol. 81 = Kentucky Lake, Marshall (unless otherwise noted); Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon: Lake Barkley = Lake Barkley, Livingston/Lyon/Trigg; Lake No. 9 = Lake No. 9, Fulton ; Lake Peewee = Lake Peewee, Hopkins ; Laketon = Mississippi River sandbars at and immediately upstream of Laketon boat ramp. Carlisle ; LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lyon/Trigg-, Little Lick = Little Lick Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski: Little River = Little River embayment of Lake Barkley, Trigg ; Long Run Park = Long Run Park, e. Jefferson ; Mark = Mark, e. Pulaski ; McElrov = McElroy Lake, Warren ; Miles Park = Miles Park, e. Jefferson ; Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Flatchery, Rowan', Mitchell Lake = Mitchell Lake, Ballard WMA, Ballard: Mt, Zion = Mt. Zion, Pulaski: Murray = Murray, Calloway: Paradise = Paradise Power Plant impoundments, Muhlenberg: Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson: Shaker Mill = Shaker Mill, Warren: Shawnee Park = Shawnee Park, Jefferson: Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg: Smith land Dam = Southland Dam on the Ohio River, Livingston: Surrey Hills Farm = Surrey Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson: Tom Sawyer = E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park, Jefferson: Waitsboro = Waitsboro Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski: Westvaco = Mississippi River sandbars at Westvaco WMA, Carlisle (unless otherwise noted); WKU Farm/Woods = Western Kentucky University life Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose there were a few reports during the season; earliest was for 12 over Pleasant Hill Road. Trigg, 30 October (BL, PL); also reported were a juv. at Conley Bottom, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski, 6 November (RDn) and 2 at Homestead 15 November (DR). Snow Goose - a white morph bird at Lex¬ ington 18 September (BM) may have been a bird reported elsewhere in the county in summer; also early or lingering from summer were 3 at Minor Clark 17 October (LH, FB). The first major move¬ ment of the fall was noted over Murray 20 November (ME). Ross's Goose - presumably the same bird that has wintered in s. Ohio the past few years was observed 5 November (DR), establishing a new early fall arrival date for the state. Cackling Goose - there were two reports of this newly designated species: "sev¬ eral" at Sinclair 14 November (DD, DA) and 4 at Homestead 26 November (ph. DR. RDv, BDv, MW). Mute Swan - I bird from the resident pair at Cypress Creek Swamp, Muhlenberg, was noted 8 August (WR); also reported were an ad. on Lake Barkley above the dam 17 October (BP. BY) and 2 ads. at the Louisville Water Company Ponds, Farm and Woods, s. Warren: WMA = Wild- ne. Jefferson, 29 November (J&PB et al.). Tundra Swan - the first of the traditional wintering flock to return to Sauerheber were 4 there 19 November (CC) with 12 there by 29 November (fide MMr). Gadwall - earliest report was for a male at Roadhouse Pond, Cold Spring, Camp¬ bell, 28 September (FR). American VVigeon - peak count reported for the season was 200-300 at Sauerheber 19 November (CC). Green-winged Teal - earliest report was for I at Camp #11 on 1 September (BP); peak counts included 80-85 at Camp #1 I on 29 September (BP) and 60 near Bos¬ ton, Nelson, 28 October (BP). Ring-necked Duck - a male at Lake No. 9 on 27 August may have summered (DR, JR); also reported rather early were a male on Lake Barkley above the dam (possibly from summer) and 5 at Camp #9. both 1 7 October ( BP. BY). Greater Scaup - there were a few reports during November; earliest was for 1 at Barren 1 November (DR). Lesser Scaup - 3 at Kuttawa 27 August were likely injured birds continuing from summer (DR, JR); the earliest report of likely fall migrants was for 20-25 on Lake Barkley above the dam 1 7 October 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 5 (BP, BY); then 200+ were on Lake Bark¬ ley above the dam by 27 October (BP) with 3500+ there by I 7 November (DR). Surf Scoter - all reports for the season are listed: 2 on Lake Cumberland, Wayne , 5 November (RDn); 2 on Barren 8 Novem¬ ber (DR, RDv); 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville 12 November (J&PB); and 10 there 24 November (J&PB). Black Scoter - there were only two reports for the season: I at Barren 8 November (DR, RDv) and 3 imms./females on the Ohio River at Louisville 23 November (BP). Bufflehead - earliest report was for 1 at Barren 10 November (DR); peak count was a relatively unimpressive 41 on the Ohio River at Louisville 29 November (J&PB). Ruddy Duck - earliest report was for a fe¬ male on Lake Barkley above the dam 1 7 October (BP, BY); peak count was for 90 on Lake Peewee 27 October (BP). Red-throated Loon - the only report was for 1 at Paradise 31 October (RL, MW), tying the state's early fall arrival date. Common Loon - no pronounced fallout was detected during the species' south¬ ward movement this year, likely due to the lack of prime weather conditions for grounding birds; peak counts included 25 at Lake Peewee 6 November (AM); 23+ on Green River Lake, Taylor, 6 Novem¬ ber (RDn); and 70+ on Ky Lake 17 No¬ vember (DR). Pied-billed Grebe - peak count was for 89 on Lake Peewee 27 October (BP). Horned Grebe - peak count was for 170+ on Ky Lake 1 7 November ( DR). Eared Grebe - the only report was for I at Waitsboro 5 November (ph.RDn). Amer. White Pelican - the only report from the late summer season was for 1 0 at Westvaco, Hickman, 28 August (DR, JR); migrants arrived in numbers during late September with first arrivals noted on Lake Barkley, Trigg , 22 September (KB); peak counts included 600 in w. Fulton 2 October (RDn, HC); 338 on Lake Barkley, Trigg, 6 October (KB); more than 500 (including 1 with a broken wing) on Lake Barkley from dam to Ed- dyville, Lyon, 17 October (BP, BY); and 400+ on Lake Barkley from the dam to Eddyville, Lyon, 27 October (BP). Also reported were 1 at Minor Clark 6 No¬ vember (ph.LH, FB et al.), representing a new e.-most report for the state, and 1 at Taylorsville Lake, Spencer, 13 Novem¬ ber (BW). Double-crested Cormorant - peak count, as usual, was recorded on Lake Barkley, Trigg, and this year consisted of 4,000- 6,000 birds 19 October (ER, BDg). Least Bittern - the only report for the sea¬ son was 1 at Paradise 16 August (DR. NR, RDv). Great Egret - higher numbers were de¬ tected this fall than in the past couple of years; peak counts included 500+ at Mitchell Lake in early August (DR, NR); 1500+ at Lake No. 9 on 27 August (DR, JR) with 1000+ still there 1 I September (DR, NR); and 28 at Taylorsville Lake, Anderson , 10 September (BW). Latest reports were for 22 still at Eddy Creek 27 October (BP); 1 over Shaker Mill 2 No¬ vember (DR); I at Barren, Barren , 10 November (DR); 3 at Paradise 13 No¬ vember (RDn, HC, ME); and finally 2 there 14 November (MB). Snowy Egret - numbers of post-breeding birds were not large; peak counts in¬ cluded 19 at Sauerheber 7 August (MS) and ca. 100 at Lake No. 9 on 27 August (DR, JR); I was an unusual visitor to 6 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ Vol. XI Fishing Creek 21-27 August (RDn); lat¬ est report was for 1 at Eddy Creek 1 7 October (BP. BY). Little Blue Heron - numbers of post¬ breeding birds were not especially great; peak count was 400-500 at Lake No. 9 on 27 August (DR. JR); 1 continued at Fishing Creek to 27 August ( RDn). Reddish Egret - extraordinary was a juv. at Island No. 1 on 12 September (ph.DR, NR), constituting the second state record and first to be photo-documented. KBRC review required. Reddish Egret, Carlisle 12 September 2004 David Roemer Cattle Egret - 1475 nests (most probably used by this species) were counted at Kuttawa 27 October (BP, TF, JS); peak counts of post-breeding birds included 1000+ at Lake No. 9 on 27 August (DR, JR) with 800-1000 still there 11 Sep¬ tember (DR. NR), and "probably several thousand" at Kuttawa 2 September (BP, MMn). Latest report was for 2 at Barren 2 November ( DR). Green Heron - latest report was for 1 at Miles Park 6 October (BW). Black-crowned Night-Heron - latest re¬ ports included a juv. at Paradise 17 Octo¬ ber (BP. BY) and a few birds that lin¬ gered to the end of the period in St. Mat¬ thews ( BW). White-faced Ibis - a Plegadis ibis ob¬ served at Willow Pond, Fulton, 1 I Sep¬ tember was reported as this species (vt.DR. NR). KBRC review required. Black Vulture - peak counts included 73 at Pulaski County Park 13 August (RDn); 80 at Rough River State Park, Grayson , 4 October (JP); a kettle of 85 near Paradise 17 October (BP. BY); and ca. 90 at Tay¬ lorsville Lake, Spencer , 15 November (BW). Two birds at Yatesville Lake, Lawrence , 20 October (SF) were the first locally. Turkey Vulture - a striking dilute albino was present at Dry Ridge, Grant, in early November (ph.LL). Osprey - probably an early migrant was 1 at Fishing Creek 4 August (RDn); latest report was for 1 at Taylorsville Lake, Nelson, 10 November (BW). Mississippi Kite - 23 were still at Ballard 25 August (DR); latest report was for 4 juvs. over the floodplain at Laketon 12 September (DR. NR). Bald Eagle - probably an early migrant was 1 at Fishing Creek 4 August (RDn). Northern Harrier - presumed migrants showed up as early as 14 August in w. Fulton (RDn. HC, RL, MW) and I September at Camp #1 I (BP. MMn). 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 7 Broad-winged Hawk - peak counts oc¬ curred 18/19 September, with 300+ noted each day (most on the Virginia side 19 September) from the Pinnacle Overlook, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Bell (DR/HC, KOS). Red-tailed Hawk - notes on western forms: earliest report of a western bird was an ad. light morph B. j. calurus at Sauerheber 9 October (DR); also re¬ ported were an ad. B. j. krideri in Butler 17 November (DR); an ad. dark morph B.j. calurus in Allen 19 November (DR); an ad. dark morph B. j. harlani at Home¬ stead 26 November (DR); an adult light morph likely B. j. calurus x B. j. krideri at McElroy 29 November (DR); and an ad. light morph B.j. harlani at the WKU Farm for the 4th consecutive winter start¬ ing 29 November (DR). Rough-legged Hawk - earliest reports were for 1 near Belleview, Boone , 25 November (LM) and single birds at Homestead and the Ken Hopewell Unit of Peabody WMA, Ohio (DR), and Sinclair (MW, BP et ah), all 26 Novem¬ ber. Golden Eagle - 3 had returned to Bern- heim Forest by 8 November (BP); also reported were 1 there 24 November (BP) and 25 November (MS); and 1 s. of Sin¬ clair 26 November (DR et ah). Merlin - all reports are included: 1 at Fish¬ ing Creek 3 September (ph.RDn); 1 at Ano 24 September (RDn); 1 in w. Fulton 2 October (HC, RDn); a male at Garvin Brown Preserve, ne. Jefferson , 4 October (BW); 1 in Warren (DR) and 1 at Briar- wood (J&PB), both 1 1 October; 1 at Jon¬ athan Creek 15 October (DR); 1 in Adair 16 October (SS, WW); and 2 at Sinclair 31 October (MW, RF). Peregrine Falcon - all reports are includ¬ ed: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 5 Septem¬ ber (MS); 1 at Jonathan Creek 2 October (HC, RDn); 1 at McElroy 8 October (DR); 1 at Fishing Creek 23 October (RDn); an ad. in downtown Henderson 23 October (BP, AC, JK); pair at the Falls of the Ohio 21 November (BP); 1 along the Ohio River above Maceo, Dav¬ iess , 26 November (DA, DD); and 2 above Meldahl Dam, Bracken , 27 No¬ vember (FM). King Rail - the only report was for 1 at Sauerheber 9 October (DR, KOS). Sora - there were only a few reports in¬ cluding 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 13 Sep¬ tember (BP); 1 at Sinclair 21 September (DR); 1 at Sauerheber 5 October (DR); and 2 at Sauerheber 9 October (DR, KOS). Common Moorhen - lingering breeding birds continued to be seen at Sauerheber into October with up to 7 observed 6 Septembcr/2 October (CC) and with the latest report being 4 there 5 October (DR). Also reported was a juv. at Camp #1 1 on 1 September (BP, MMn); American Coot - 5 ads. observed at Camp #11 on I September likely summered (BP. MMn). Sandhill Crane - as usual, there were nu¬ merous reports during November; well west of the corridor of highest density were 10 near Cayce, Fulton , 10 Novem¬ ber (BE). Black-bellied Plover - not many reports; all are included: an ad. at Mitchell Fake 9 August (SR) and 19 August (NR. DR); 1 at Faketon 25 August (DR); 1 at Island No. 1 on 26 August (SR); 1 at Blood River 24 October (HC); and 3 at Paradise 31 October (RF, MW). American Golden-Plover - not many re¬ ports; all are included: 9 ads. at Camp #9 on I September (BP. MMn); 1 at Para¬ dise 21 September (DR); 2 juvs. at Eddy Creek 30 September (DR. JR); and 9 )uvs. at Camp #9 on 17 October (BP. BY). Semipalmated Plover - peak count was for 12 at Mitchell Lake 2 September (NR et ah); latest reports included 3 in w. Fulton 3 October (RDn. HC) and 4 at Sauerheber 9 October (DR. KOS). Killdeer - peak counts included 300+ at Mitchell Lake 4/24 August (NR); 450+ at Camp #9 on 1 September (BP, MMn); and 500 at Barren 23 November (DR). 8 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 Black-necked Stilt - a possible local fam¬ ily group of 2 ads. and 2 juvs. was ob¬ served at Willow Pond, Fulton , 27 Au¬ gust (DR, JR); 1 at Blood River 10-24 October (HC) and 2 at Homestead 19 October (NR) were late fall migrants. American Avocet - the only report was for 1 at Westvaco 28 August ( DR, JR). Greater Yellowlegs - peak count was an unremarkable 6 at Mitchell Lake 19 Au¬ gust (DR, NR); latest reports were for singles at Sauerheber 30 October (CC), and at Paradise 5 November (DR) and 13 November (RDn, HC, ME). Lesser Yellowlegs - not numerous this fall; latest report was for 6 at Barren 30 Octo¬ ber (DR). Solitary Sandpiper - peak count was for 13 at Mitchell Lake 4 August (DR, NR). VVillet - all reports are included: 4 at Para¬ dise 16 August (DR, NR, RDv); I at Blood River 26 August (HC); 2 at Island No. 1 on 26 August (ph.SR); 1 at West¬ vaco, Hickman, 28 August (DR, JR); and I at Lake No. 9 on I I September (DR, NR). Spotted Sandpiper - latest reports in¬ cluded I at Eddy Creek 17 October (BP, BY); I on Lake Barkley at the dam 27 October (BP); and 1 at Fishing Creek 3 November (RDn). Ruddy Turnstone - only reports were for an ad. at Westvaco 20 August (EC, SV); a juv. at Camp #9 on 1 September (BP, MMn); and a juv. at Blood River 16 Sep¬ tember (HC). Sanderling - not many reports; all are in¬ cluded: 1 at Paradise 3 September (NR) and 4 September (MS); 1 at Fishing Creek 8 September (RDn); 3 at Laketon 12 September (DR. NR); 3 juvs. at Paradise 28 September (BP); and 1 at Paradise 6 October (DR). Semipalmated Sandpiper - peak count was for 32 juvs. at Mitchell Lake 2 Sep¬ tember (NR et al.); latest reports were for I at Blood River 24 October (DR) and 6- 10 (with Least Sandpipers) at Paraise 31 October ( RL, MW). Western Sandpiper - earliest reports were for 1 at Paradise (DR) and 2 at Mitchell Lake (DR. NR), both 19 August. Peak counts were low and included 3 at Mit¬ chell Lake 24 August (NR); 3 juvs. at Camp #9 on 1 September (BP, MMn); and 4 at Jonathan Creek 10 October (HC). Latest report was for I that lin¬ gered at Jonathan Creek to 24 October (HC, DR). Also reported were 1 at Minor Clark 21 August (LM, NKBC); 2 at Fishing Creek 1 7 August/3 September (RDn); at least 1 or 2 at each of Jonathan Creek, Eddy Creek and Little River 24 September (DR); and 2 at Blood River 26 September (HC). Least Sandpiper - most peak counts oc¬ curred late in the season and included 175 in w. Fulton 2 October (HC, RDn); 100+ at Jonathan Creek 15 October (DR); and 150+ at Eddy Creek 17 Octo¬ ber (BP. BY). Latest reports included 2 at Minor Clark 6 November (LH); 2 at Fishing Creek 12 November (RDn); 6 at Paradise 14 November (MB, DR); 10 at Eddy Creek and 1 on Lake Barkley above the dam, both 21 November (DR); 1 at Barren to 23 November (DR); and 1 at Paradise to 26 November (MB). VVhite-rumped Sandpiper - the only re¬ port was for 1 at Eddy Creek 29/30 September (DR. JR). Baird's Sandpiper -earliest report was for I at Mitchell Lake 14 August (HC, RDn); peak counts included 5 juvs. at Camp #9 on 1 September (BP, MMn); 8 juvs. at Eddy Creek 2 September (BP, MMn); and 5 at Paradise 4 September (MS). Latest report was for 2 juvs. at Paradise 26/29 October (DR). Also re¬ ported were I at Blood River 1 Septem¬ ber (HC), 2 at Paradise 3 September (NR); I at Fishing Creek 3 September (RDn); I at Minor Clark 4 September ( SM ); 1 at Town Creek moist soils unit, Westvaco WMA, Hickman, 12 Septem¬ ber (DR, NR); and 2 at Camp #9 on 29 September ( BP). Pectoral Sandpiper - peak count during the season was for 233 at Mitchell Lake 24 August (NR). Latest reports included 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 9 4 at Minor Clark 14 November (LH) and 1 at Barren 23 November ( DR). Dunlin - earliest report was for 1 at Sauer- heber 5 October (DR); peak counts in¬ cluded 20 at Minor Clark 27 October (FB); 50 at Paradise 29 October (DR); and 30 at Barren 23 November (DR). Other reports of some note included 6 at Meng's Pond, Warren , 20 October (DR) and 2 at Fishing Creek 12 November (RDn). Stilt Sandpiper - peak counts included 8 at Mitchell Lake 19 August (NR, DR); 8 at Blood River 16 September (HC); 11 at Little River 24 September (DR); and 10 at Eddy Creek 15 October (DR). Latest reports were for 5 in w. Henderson (BP, AC, MS) and 1 at Blood River (HC), both 24 October. Also reported were 1 at Fishing Creek 17 August (RDn); 2 in w. Henderson 24 August (NR); 1 at Miller, Fulton , 27 August (DR, JR); 2 juvs. at Camp #9 on 1 September (BP, MMn); 1 juv. at Eddy Creek 2 September (BP, MMn); 1 at Paradise 4 September (MS); 5 at Eddy Creek and 1 at Jonathan Creek 24 September (DR); 6 at Sauerheber 9 October (DR, KOS); several at each of Little River, Jonathan Creek, and Blood River 15 October (DR); and 3 at Eddy Creek 17 October (BP. BY). Buff-breasted Sandpiper - earliest report was for 1 below Smithland Dam 19 August (DR); peak count was for 5 at the Ft. Campbell Airfield, Christian , 25 August (DM) that represent the first to ever be reported on an airfield in the state; latest report was for 2 at Little River 24 September (DR). Also reported were I at Mitchell Lake 24 August (NR) and 26 August (SR); I juv. at Camp #9 on 1 September (BP, MMn); 3 (2 ads. and a juv.) at Westvaco, Hickman , 28 August (DR, JR); and 3 juvs. at Mitchell Lake 2 September (NR et ah). Short-billed Dowitcher - there were only a few reports for the season: 1 at Mitchell Lake 4 August (NR); a juv. at Willow Pond 27 August (DR, JR); and a juv. at Jonathan Creek 24 September (DR). A dowitcher sp. at Mitchell Lake 9 August (SR) was most likely this species based on date. Long-billed Dowitcher - there were only two reports (both with call notes heard) of 3 at Sauerheber 9 October (DR, HC, KOS) and 5 juvs. there 24 October (MS, BP, AC). Reports of 10 dowitcher sp. in w. Fulton 2 October (HC, RDn) and 1 at Jonathan Creek 24 October (HC) were almost certainly this species based on dates. Wilson's Snipe - earliest report was for 1 at Mitchell Lake 25 August (DR). American Woodcock - a few likely mi¬ grants were observed as follows; 1 at Beargrass Creek 2 November (RDv) and singles at Surrey Hills Farm 6 and 12 November (BP, MMn). Wilson's Phalarope - the only report was for I at Mitchell Lake 19 August (NR, DR). Long-tailed Jaeger - what should become a first state record was a juv. discovered on Ky Lake above the dam 29 August (ph.HC, RDv, NR) and observed by many individuals during the following week (ph.NM, ph.DR). The bird was last observed II September (DR, NR). See Field Notes (p. 34). KBRC review re¬ quired. Laughing Gull - all reports are included: a second-year at Ky Dam 2 September (DR); a new state high count of 7 (6 first- 10 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 year and I ad.) at Ky Dam 24 September (DR); an ad. at the Falls of the Ohio 28 October (BP); and 1 below Ky Dam 13 November (vt.BY). Franklin's Gull - all reports are included: an ad. at Ky Dam 24 September (DR); 1 at Jonathan Creek 3 October (RDv, BDv); 2 at the Falls of the Ohio 17 October (MS); and an ad. on Lake Bark¬ ley above the dam 1 7 October ( BP. BY). Bonaparte's Gull - earliest reports includ¬ ed 1 at Jonathan Creek 2 October (RDn, HC); 1 at Paradise 26 October (DR); 6 at Paradise 31 October (RL. MW); 1 at Jon¬ athan Creek 31 October (BL); and 8+ at Barren 1 November (DR). Peak count was 400+ at Barren 23 November ( DR). Flerring Gull - earliest reports were for 1 at Minor Clark 21 August (LM. NKBC) and a juv. at Ky Dam 30 August (DR. RDv); early peak count was for 15-20 on Lake Barkley above the dam 1 7 October (BP. BY). Thayer's Gull - the only report was for an ad. at Barkley Dam 17 November (ph. DR) with perhaps the same bird at Ky Dam 26 November (HC). Lesser Black-backed Gull - earliest report was for an ad. at Kuttawa 24 September (DR); also reported were 2 ads. at Kutta¬ wa 30 September (DR) and 17 October (BY, BP); I ad. on Ky Lake near Ky Dam Village 1 October (RDn); single ads. at Ky Dam Village marina and Kut¬ tawa 10 October (BY); 1 ad. on Ky Lake above the dam 17 October (BY, BP); 1 ad. at Ky Dam Village marina 7 Novem¬ ber (HC); 3 ads. on Lake Barkley from the dam to Eddy vi lie and a first-year bird on Ky Lake, Marshall, all 17 November (DR); and 1 ad. at Ky Dam 26 November (HC). Caspian Tern: peak counts included 13 at Paradise 8 August (BY); 12 at Taylors¬ ville Lake, Anderson, 21 August (BW); and 150+ at Kuttawa 27 August (DR, JR). Latest report was for 1 at Kuttawa 17 November (DR). Also reported at less-than-regular locales were 1 at Pe¬ tersburg, Boone, 7 August (LM); 4 at Fishing Creek and 1 at Waitsboro, both 8 September (RDn); and 2 at Barren 9 Sep¬ tember (DR). Common Tern - the inclement weather as¬ sociated with the passage of the remnants of Hurricane Frances resulted in peak counts of 17 at Fishing Creek (RDn) and 27 at Waitsboro (RDn), both 8 Septem¬ ber (RDn) with 3 still at Fishing Creek 9 September (RDn); then, rainy weather with the passage of the remnants of Hur¬ ricane Ivan resulted in the observation of 18 on Lake Cumberland above the dam, Russell (DR), 10 at Fishing Creek (RDn, DR) and 1 at Waitsboro (RDn), all 17 September. Otherwise, the only report was for 2 at Jonathan Creek 24 Septem¬ ber (DR). Forster's Tern - earliest report for the sea¬ son was for 1 below Smithland Dam 19 August (DR). Peak count was for 125 at Jonathan Creek 24 September (DR). Lat¬ est reports included 40 at Kuttawa 21 November (DR) and a few birds to the end of the period at Jonathan Creek (HC). I, east Tern - a count of "at least 200, per¬ haps as many as 300" made at Island No. I on 26 August (SR) was relatively im¬ pressive; ca. 70 including juvs. were at Mitchell Lake 26 August (SR); I at Blood River 27 August (HC) was a first for that locale. Latest report was for a juv. at Mitchell Lake 12 September (DR, NR). Sooty Tern — the remnants of Hurricane Frances were responsible for depositing an ad. onto US 1 19 on the n. side of Pine Mt., Letcher, where it was picked up freshly dead 9 September (*GL), See Field Notes (pp. 34-36). KBRC review required. Black Tern - all reports are included: 6 at Fishing Creek 1 1/21 August (RDn); 4 on the Ohio River below Smithland Dam 19 August (DR); 8 at Mitchell Lake 19 Au¬ gust ( DR. NR); 1 5 at Minor Clark 2 1 Au¬ gust (LM. NKBC); peak count of 50+ at Laketon 25 August (DR); I at Mitchell Lake 26 August (SR); and 1 at Waitsboro 8 September (RDn). 2005 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ II Eurasian Collared-Dove - birds continue in Monticello, Wayne , with 14 there 9 September (RDn). Mourning Dove - a yg. bird still in a nest in s. Logan 7 October (FL) represented a relatively late breeding record. Black-billed Cuckoo - only reports were for singles at Sassafras, Knott , 12 Sep¬ tember (BG); at Mark 22 September (CN, WN); and near Burnside, Pulaski, 8 October (LO). Barn Owl - 4 yg. were found in a grain bin near Boaz, McCracken, 1 1 October (DF, fide EW) for a rare late-season nesting record. Short-eared Owl - the only reports were for 1 at Sinclair 20 November (MW, RL) and 26 November (MS). Northern Saw-whet Owl - a bird was turned in anonymously to a veterinarian's office in sw. Jefferson, 1 November, but it died of injuries; presumably, this owl originated nearby during very late Octo¬ ber, but even its county of origin is un¬ clear (fide EW); 4 were netted at Surrey Hills Farm 8 November (MMn et al.) and I was netted there 12 November (MMn et al.). Also reported was 1 heard at Little Lick 14 November (RDn). Northern Saw-whet Owl , Jefferson 1 2 November 2005 Jennifer Huber Chuck-will's-widow - the observation of 2 hawking insects from exposed snags e. of Shepherdsville, Bullitt, 19 August (BP, MMn) may represent a seldom-reported behavior. Whip-poor-will - single birds were still heard calling at Ft. Campbell, Christian, 5 August (DM) and at Thompson Creek Glades State Nature Preserve, Larue, 18 August (BP, MMn). Ruby-throated Hummingbird - a nearly complete albino was present at Hebron. Boone, 8 August (ph.DW). Latest reports included single birds at Murray 31 Octo¬ ber - 4 November (ME); South William¬ son, Pike, I November (JC); and Lexing¬ ton 1 -9 November (BS). Rufous Hummingbird - there were 4 re¬ ports of confirmed Rufous: 29 September - 17 December, an ad. female (banded) at Lexington (ph.LR, CS); 1 1 October - 2 December, an imm. male at Shaker Mill (ph.DR, *RS); late October into De¬ cember, an ad. female (banded) at Cyn- thiana, Harrison (R&JH, ph.BP, CS); and 25 November into December, an ad. male (banded) at Louisville (ph. D&1W. CS). Rufous/Allen's Hummingbird - 2 addi¬ tional female-type birds were not cap¬ tured and banded, but photos show them to be Rufous/Allen's sp.: 1 at Bowling Green. 9 November - 23 December (JS. ph.JE); and 1 near Kuttawa, Lyon, late October - 23 December (ph.P&RK). Red-headed Woodpecker - two nests at Long Run Park were of interest not only because they were only a few feet apart THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 11 and were active at the same time, but also because nestlings were still being fed 18 August (BW) and each nest may have been attended by the same male. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - earliest re¬ ports included singles at Briarwood 3 October (J&PB) and Butler 5 October (DR). Olive-sided Flycatcher - the only reports were for singles at Ballard 25 August (DR) and Caperton 18 September (BY). Eastern Wood-Pewee - another late nest¬ ing record was documented by the obser¬ vation of a pair of ads. feeding a juv. at Evergreen Cemetery 23 August (FR); relatively late was 1 at Sauerheber 23 October (BP, KSNH). Y ellow-bellied Flycatcher - all reports are included: 1 at Shaker Mill 26 August (DR); 1 banded at Clarks River NWR. Marshall , 16 September (HC); and 1 at Briarwood 17 September (J&PB). Acadian Flycatcher - a likely migrant was a bird at Briarwood 8 August (J&PB); latest report was for I in Warren 12 Oc¬ tober ( DR). Alder Flycatcher - 1 was identified by "pip" call notes at Shaker Mill 5 Septem¬ ber (DR). Least Flycatcher - there were several re¬ ports including a probable bird giving "whit" call notes in e. Jefferson 1 August (MMn); I at Shaker Mill 26/28 August/5 September (DR); 1 at Minor Clark 4 Sep¬ tember (SM); I at Briarwood 17 Septem¬ ber (J&PB); and 1 at Caperton 18 Sep¬ tember ( B V). Great Crested Flycatcher - latest report was for I at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski, 22 September (RDn). Eastern Kingbird — latest report was for 3 at Long Run Park 15 September (BW). Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - 1 (probably an ad. female) was observed at the Ft. Campbell Airfield, Christian, 3 August and 3 September (DM). Loggerhead Shrike - interest in this de¬ clining species may be resulting in a few more reports. Birds were reported a bit outside remaining strongholds at Hogue, Pulaski, 22 September (RDn) and Beech Grove (3 individuals), Pulaski, 23 Sep¬ tember (RDn). Northern Shrike - a juv. discovered at Sinclair 13 November (ph.RDn, HC, ME) will constitute the first fully docu¬ mented record for the state; it was ob¬ served at least through 28 November (ph.DR). KBRC review required. White-eyed Vireo - latest report was for 1 heard at Briarwood 24 October (J&PB). Bell's V ireo - latest report was for 1 sing¬ ing at Sinclair 4 September (MS). Blue-headed Vireo - a bird at the Twin Knobs Rec. Area, DBNF, Rowan, 5 Sep¬ tember may have been a local breeder (DP); latest reports included I in Warren 2 November (DR); 3 in LBL, Trigg, 4 November (BL); 1 at Little Lick 14 No¬ vember (RDn); and 1 at Caperton 20 November (MS, BY). Philadelphia Vireo - a decent movement was detected; earliest report was for 1 at Bernheim Forest 1 I September (J&PB, BBC); latest reports were for 2 at Shaker Mill 1 October (DR) and I at Briarwood 3 October (J&PB). Blue Jay - following an extremely heavy and noticeable migration of birds through the state during the latter half of Septem¬ ber and throughout October, the species became quite scarce in some portions during the latter part of November. 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 13 Common Raven - 2 were observed at Kingdom Come State Park, Letcher , 19 September (DR, JR, RDv). Purple Martin - latest report was of a rela¬ tively tardy bird at Long Run Park 20 September (BW). Tree Swallow — latest report was for scat¬ tered birds at Peabody, Muhlenberg / Ohio , 29 October (DR). Northern Rough-winged Swallow - latest report was for a few at Sauerheber 9 October (DR, KOS). Barn Swallow - latest reports included 3 in w. Fulton 2 October (RDn, HC); a few at Sauerheber 9 October (DR, KOS); 1 at Jonathan Creek 15 October (DR); and 1 at Minor Clark 2 November (FB). Cliff Swallow - I at Taylor Park, Camp¬ bell, 13 August was a local first (FR); 2 near Dot, Logan, 16/17 August (FL) were also likely indicative of a mid-Au- gust post-breeding movement; the peak count was 100+ at Camp #11 on 1 Sep¬ tember (BP, MMn). Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1 was observed at the Wolfe breeding area 4 September (FR); a moderate movement occurred during the season, mostly by early No¬ vember. Earliest reports included 2 at Evergreen Cemetery 19 September (FR); I at Homestead 21 September (DR); 1 at Audubon State Park 27 September (DA, DD); and 5 or 6 at Riverqueen 29 Sep¬ tember (BP). Brown Creeper - earliest reports included 1 at Bowling Green 28 September (TD) and at least 1 at Berea College Forest, Madison , 30 September (TH). House Wren - 2 at Blanton Forest 20 Sep¬ tember (BP, AC) may have been linger¬ ing, seemingly out of place breeders. Winter Wren - earliest reports were for singles at Briarwood I October (J&PB) and at Miles Park 6 October (BW). Sedge Wren - nesting was again confirmed at Surrey Hills Farm, where a family group was heard calling 2 October, a pair plus another family group were heard calling 3 October, and a pair was heard scolding 6 October (BP). Other likely territorial birds included 6 at Homestead in mid-August (RDn et al.); 1 at Sinclair 4 September (MS); and 8+ at Sauerheber 9 October (DR, KOS). Latest reports in¬ cluded 1-2 still at Surrey Hills Farm 21 October (BP); I at Sauerheber 24 Octo¬ ber (MS); and 2 or 3 at Sinclair 26 No¬ vember (JE, DE, MMn, BP, NR). Marsh Wren - all reports are included: 1 heard at Paradise 28 September (BP); 1 at Camp #11 on 29 September (BP) and 17 October (BP, BY); 2 at Sauerheber 5 October (DR); 1 at Sinclair 6 October (DR); 2 near Boston, Nelson, 28 October (BP); and 1 at Mark 7 November (CN). Golden-crowned Kinglet - earliest reports were for 1 at Sauerheber 5 October (DR); 3-5 at Surrey Hills Farm 7 October (BP); 2 in Pulaski 10 October (SS et al.); and 1 at Bellevue, Campbell , 1 1 October (FR). Ruby-crowned Kinglet - earliest reports were for singles at Audubon State Park 27 September (DA, DD); in sw. Jefferson 29 September (CL); and at Berea College Forest, Madison, 30 September (TH). Peak count was for 20 birds (10 in each of 2 groups) in LBL, Trigg, 1 November (BL). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - likely indicative of the onset of the species' relatively early migratory period was 1 at Briar- wood 7 August (J&PB). Latest report was for 1 at Lexington 13 October (LR). Veerv - the only reports were for singles at Beargrass Creek 6 September (JE); Miles Park 7/18 September (BW); and Shaw¬ nee Park 10 September (J&PB, BBC). Swainson's Thrush - latest report was for 1 at Cave Hill Cemetery 16 October (BJ. BBC). Gray Catbird - latest reports included sin¬ gles in LBL, Trigg, 21 October (BL); at Shaker Mill 24 October (DR, JE, BE); and in e. Pulaski 27 November (RDn). Northern Mockingbird - an especially late nesting was indicated by an ad. in the company of 4 fledglings at Miles Park 1 1 September (BW). 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. SI American Pipit — earliest report was for 1 at Camp #9 on 29 September (BP); peak count was for 130+ near Buckner, Old¬ ham , 9 November (BP). Cedar Waxwing - the species' fall move¬ ment peaked in October and early No¬ vember with counts of ca. 200 at Miles Park 1 October (BW) and "hundreds" at Lexington 3 November (AR). Golden-winged Warbler - a fairly good movement was detected with reports as follows: 1 at Tom Sawyer I September (J&PB); 1 at Beargrass Creek 5 Septem¬ ber (JE); 3-4 at Shawnee Park 9 Septem¬ ber (J&PB, BBC); singles at Shaker Mill 15/20 September (DR); 2 in sw. Jeffer¬ son 23 September (CL); and 1 at Cape Hills 26 September (CC). Brewster's Warbler - a male was seen at Beargrass Creek 5 September (JE). Orange-crowned Warbler - all reports are included: I at Briarwood 7 October (J& PB); I at Bowling Green 10 October (DR); 1 at LBL. Trigg, I I October and 3 November (BL); I at Homestead 17 Oc¬ tober (BP, BY); I at WKU Woods, 22 October (JE); 1 at Audubon State Park 23 October (BP, K.SNH); I in Monroe 23 October (SS); and 1 at Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve, Garrard , 26 Octo¬ ber (BP). Nashville Warbler - latest report was for 2 at Shaker Mill 20 October (DR). Yellow Warbler - a relatively late nesting was indicated by a pair with 3-4 fledg¬ lings at Garvin Brown Preserve, ne. Jef¬ ferson, 15 August (BW); there were sev¬ eral late reports including 1 in s. Warren 29 September (JE); a male at Miles Park 1 October (BW); 1 at Murray 5 October (ME); and a probable imm. female at LBL, Trigg, on the extraordinarily late date of 4 November (*BL). Chestnut-sided Warbler - earliest report was for 1 at Tom Sawyer 22 August (J&PB, BBC); latest report was for 1 at Caperton3l October (MS). Cape May Warbler - several observers noted that it seemed to be a good fall for the species; earliest report was for I at Shawnee Park 10 September (J&PB. BBC); latest report was a relatively tardy individual at Burlington. Boone, 2 No¬ vember (LM). Other interesting reports included a single-species flock of 5 at Evergreen Cemetery 25 September (FR) and 1 at Mason County Recreational Park 3 October (KSc). Black-throated Blue Warbler - there were a few more than the normal number of reports; all are included: a male at Cumberland Gap National Park, Bell, 18 September (RDn); 2 males at Blanton Forest 20 September (BP, AC); a male at Miles Park 18 September (BW); a male at the Jenny Hole Unit Sloughs WMA, Union, 26 September (CC); and a female in sw. Jefferson 27 September (CL). Yellow-rumped Warbler - earliest reports included 2 at Sauerheber 26 September (CC) and 10 at Riverqueen 29 September (BP). Black-throated Green Warbler - latest report was for I at Little Lick 30 October (RDn). Blackburnian Warbler - earliest reports were for I at Mt. Zion 22 August (RDn) and 2 at Tom Sawyer 26 August (J&PB). Pine Warbler - latest reports included I at WKU Woods 1 5 November (JE) and 2 at Barren River Lake State Park, Barren, 20 November (SS, WW). Palm Warbler - latest reports included 2 or more at Sinclair 14 November (MB) with 1 still there 26 November ( MB). Blackpoll Warbler - there were three re¬ ports: 1 at Pine Mountain State Park, Bell, 18 September (SM); I at Caperton 26 September (ph.JY, BY); and I at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski, 29 Septem¬ ber (RDn). American Redstart - latest report was for 2 at Shaker M i 1 1 2 1 October ( DR ). Prothonotarv Warbler - latest report was for 2 in w. Fallon 2 October (RDn, HC). Northern Waterthrush - a bird at Mark 30-3 1 October (CN) was quite tardy. Louisiana Waterthrush - I near Natural Bridge State Park, Wolfe, 5 September 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 15 (*FR), represents one of the latest reports in recent years. Connecticut Warbler - there were two re¬ ports: 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 12 Septem¬ ber (BP) and 1 at Briarwood 17 Septem¬ ber (J&PB). Mourning Warbler - all reports are in¬ cluded: singles at Shaker Mill 28 August/ 5 September (DR); I at Shawnee Park 9 September (J&PB, BBC); and 1 in sw. Jefferson 27 September (CL). Wilson's Warbler - latest report was for 1 at Cave Hill Cemetery 24 October (WA, BBC). Canada Warbler - earliest report was for I at Briarwood 30 August (J&PB). Yellow-breasted Chat - latest reports were for singles at Cape Hills 26 September (CC); Shaker Mill 27 September (DR); and Miles Park 9 October (BW). Summer Tanager - latest report was for 1 at Mt. Zion 24 October (RDn). Scarlet Tanager - latest report was for a male at WKU Woods 22 October (JE). American Tree Sparrow - earliest report was for a few at Sinclair 26 November (BP, MMn). Chipping Sparrow - a very late nesting was indicated by the observation of an ad. still feeding a fledgling at Long Run Park 20 September (BW); peak count was 120 at Evergreen Cemetery 24 Oc¬ tober (FR); continuing a recent trend, flocks lingered well into November with at least 20 at Surrey Hills Farm 28 November (BP); 20 at Somerset, Pulaski , 30 November (RDn); and a flock at Shaker Mill 30 November ( DR). Vesper Sparrow - an unusually early mi¬ grant was observed at Bemheim Forest, Bullitt, 1 I September ( * J&PB, BBC). Peak counts included 6+ at Sinclair 26 October (DR); 1 1 at Mt. Zion 27 October (RDn); 3-4 at Little Lick 30 October (RDn); and 8 at Clifty Pond, Pulaski , 31 October (RDn). Lark Sparrow - unusual for fall was a probable migrant at Ragland, McCrack¬ en, 26 August (SR). Savannah Sparrow - earliest reports were for I at Camp #9 on I September (BP, MMn) and 2 in McCreary 1 1 September (RDn, SS et al.). Grasshopper Sparrow - latest reports were for several at Sinclair 23 September (DR) and 2 at Hardy Slough, Sauerheber, 5 October (DR). Henslow's Sparrow - only report for the post-breeding season was for 1 at Ano 10 October (RDn, SS, AM. CN). LeConte's Sparrow - only reports were for singles at Sauerheber 24 October (MS) and Sinclair 26 November (MMn, BP, NR). Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow - the only report was for 2 at Sauerheber 9 October (DR, ph.JH, KOS). Lincoln's Sparrow - earliest report was for 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 18 September (BP). Peak count, representing a new state high count, was at least 20 there 2 October (BP). Latest reports were for I at Mark 5 November (CN) and 2 very late in e. Harrison 27 November (*SM). Swamp Sparrow - earliest reports were for 1 at Camp #11 on 29 September (BP); I near Somerset, Pulaski, 30 September (RDn); and 6 at Surrey Hills Farm 2 Oc¬ tober (BP). White-throated Sparrow - earliest reports included an extremely early bird at Sur¬ rey Hills Farm 28 August (BP, AC); then 3 at Surrey Hills Farm 2 October (BP) and 1 at Jefferson Memorial Forest, Jef¬ ferson, 3 October (BJ, BBC). White-crowned Sparrow - earliest reports were for 2 or 3 at Surrey Hills Farm 2 October (BP) and I at Sauerheber 5 Oc¬ tober (DR). Dark-eved Junco - earliest report was for I at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone, 2 October (LM). Lapland Longspur - earliest report was for I at McElroy 14 October (DR. CH). Also reported was a flock of 30+ in n. Fayette 5 November (JW); by mid-No¬ vember small numbers were being seen at widely scattered locales (m. ob.). 16 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Snow Bunting - only report was for a fe¬ male at Sinclair 14 November (MB). Rose-breasted Grosbeak - over the last 20 years or so, this species has become a regular visitor to feeding stations during spring migration; this year, that occur¬ rence was extended into the fall migra¬ tory period with several reports including I at Bellevue, Campbell , 9 September (FR); 1 at South Williamson, Pike, 2 October (JC); 2 at Short Creek, Grayson , I I October (JP); and an imm. male that lingered near Cox's Creek, Nelson, to the unusually late date of 1 December (ph. GH). Other late reports included I at Shaker Mill 25 October ( DR). Bl ue Grosbeak - latest reports were for 3 at Sauerheber 9 October (DR. KOS) and 1 at Mt. Zion 21 October (RDn). Indigo Bunting - a relatively late nesting was indicated by the observation of an ad. still feeding a fledgling at Fisherville, e. Jefferson , 18 September (BW); a prob¬ able peak in movement of migrants was indicated by the presence of ca. 50 at Surrey Hills Farm 2 October (BP). Latest reports included 2 in LBL, Trigg, I No¬ vember (BL); 1 at Mark 5 November (CN); and I at Barren 8 November (DR. RDv). Dickcissel - I at St. Matthews, Jefferson, 30 August (BW) was likely a migrant; latest report was for I at Sauerheber 9 October ( DR. KOS). Bobolink - there were a few reports of fall migrants including 3 in McCreary I 1 September (RDn, SS et al.); a flock of 24 at Surrey Hills Farm 12 September, with 6 continuing to 13 September (BP); 4 at the same location 3 October (BP); and I at Sauerheber 9 October ( DR. KOS). Brewer's Blackbird - the only reports were for 1 ne. of Oscar, Ballard, 13 No- Vol. 81 vember (BY) and 19 at the WKU Farm 1 6 November (DR). Orchard Oriole - latest report was for an imm. /female at Miles Park 4 September (BW). Baltimore Oriole - latest report was for 1 at Cave Hill Cemetery 16 October (BJ. BBC). Purple Finch — a seemingly moderate movement occurred, mostly after I No¬ vember. Earliest reports included I at Cherokee Park, Jefferson (EH. BBC) and 2 at Big Bone Lick State Park, Boone (LM). both 23 October, and I at Shaker Mill 25 October (DR); there were sub¬ sequently a half-dozen more reports dur¬ ing the first several days of November with continued generally small numbers through the month (m. ob.). Pine Siskin - a small to moderate move¬ ment commenced in early October and peaked during late October and early November with small numbers lingering through the end of the period. Earliest reports were for 1 heard at Surrey Hills Farm 7 October (BP) and 7 at Mark 10 October (RDn. SS). Subsequent reports of 1-20+ birds were reported from Bour¬ bon (KSe); Calloway (KC); Campbell (FR); Fayette (TS); Henderson (BP, AC); Jefferson (BP, J&PB); Logan (MB); Madison (TH); McCracken (SR); Muhlenberg (BP, SN); Ohio (DR. NR); Pulaski (KS); Trigg (BL. PL); Warren (TD, DR); and Wayne (RDn). The peak of occurrence seemed to slowly move southward with highest counts in n. Ken¬ tucky during October and in the s. part of the state during November. American Goldfinch - peak count re¬ ported during the season was 125-150 at Surrey Hills Farm in early October (BP). Observers: Win Ahrens (WA); David Ayer (DA); Jane & Pat Bell (J&PB); Mark Bennett (MB); Karon Broadbent (KB); Fred Busroe (FB); Joan Carr (JC); Hap Chambers (HC); Elizabeth Ciuzio (EC); Katharine Cohen (KC); Amy Covert (AC); Charlie Crawford (CC); Roseanna Denton (RDn); Bonnie Dever (BDv): Robert Dever (RDv); Beth Diggs (BDg); David Dister (DD); Tom Durbin (TD); Melissa Easley (ME); Bradford Elmore (BE); Diane Elmore (DE); Jackie Elmore (JE); Scott Freidhof (SF); Donald Frick (DF); 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 17 Tom Fusco (TF); Brad Goodrich (BG); Gail Hart (GH); Lana Hays (LH); Rex & Jan Hiday (R&JH); Carter Hooks (CH); Tim Houghton (TH); Eddie Huber (EH); Jennifer Huber (JH); Bob Johnson (BJ); Paula & Randall Kepner (P&RK); James Kiser (JK); Celia Lawrence (CL); Linda Lawrence (LL); Gary Libby (GL); Bill Lisowsky (BL); Paula Lisowsky (PL); Roly Lloyd (RL); Frank Lyne (FL); Scott Marsh (SM); Lee McNeely (LM); Mark Monroe (MMn); Nancy Moore (NM); Ann Morgan (AM); Bob Morris (BM); Arlene Morton (AM); Mike Morton (MMr); Daniel Moss (DM); Susan Neace (SN); Connie Neeley (CN); Wendell Neeley (WN); Laura Obiso (LO); Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP); David Patrick (DP); Joyce Porter (JP); Nicole Ranalli (NR); Ed Ray (ER); Scott Record (SR); Frank Renfrow (FR); Alicia Rodrian (AR); David Roemer (DR); Joan Roemer (JR); Wayne Rosso (WR); Leisa Royse (LR); Robert Sargent (RS); Kurt Schwarz (KSc); Jackie Seaton (JS); Kristin Secaur (KSe); Chris Sloan (CS); Travis Snyder (TS); Bob Staib (BS); Stephen Stedman (SS); Matt Shekel (MS); Jon Summers (JS); Carol & Andre Trevathan (C&AT); Shawchyi Vorisek (SV); Winston Walden (WW); Mary Walter (MW); Dick & Irene Ward (D&iW); Eileen Wicker (EW); Jim Williams (JW); Barbara Woerner (BW); Donna Wolfe (DW); Ben Yandell (BY); Justin Yandell (JY); Beckham Bird Club (BBC); Ky. Ornithological Society (KOS); Ky. Society of Natural History (KSNH); Northern Ky. Bird Club (NKBC). MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT 2004-2005 Reports of 30 counts were received from across the Commonwealth. A total of 134 species was recorded on count days with four additional species reported only during count weeks. Temperatures were fairly mild on average throughout the count period, with a slight dip during December 19 and 20. The low temperature was 13°F at Hart County on Decem¬ ber 20 and the high temperature at 68°F at Calloway County on January 1. The pattern of temperatures was much like last year. As a result, the numbers of waterfowl were similar to the numbers last year. However, the number of geese was higher, with seven Cackling Geese being observed. Wild Turkey numbers continue to increase. The number of American White Pelicans was also higher. Numbers for most hawk species were up. The number of Eurasian Collared-Doves declined. The widespread lack of a mast crop this year may have accounted for the lower number of Blue Jays. The numbers of Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches was up compared with last year's numbers. Cedar Waxwing and American Robin numbers declined significantly, probably due to the lack of cedar berries and other food. Yellow-rumped Warblers were hard to find this year. Some of the increases observed for certain species were most likely due to the increase in the number of counts and therefore eyes in the field. Lingering birds, such as Palm Warblers, House Wrens and Least Sandpipers, were evident. Some nice finds were the three Virginia Rails on the Paradise count, the three Pectoral Sandpipers on the Richmond count, and the Spotted Towhee on the Ballard County count. 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 1 5-mile diameter circle, center as described 1 984). Habitat as described in 1984. Dec 21; 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST; Sky cloudy. Temp. 35° to 52° F; wind NE 0-15 m.p.h. Water partly open; Ohio River floodwaters in recession. 18 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 Five observers in two to three parties. Total party hours 20 (8 on foot. 12 by car). Total party miles 139 (3.5 on foot, 135.5 by car). Hours owling 1.0. Total species 93; total individuals 70,245. Observers: Hap Chambers, Roseanna Denton, Robert Dever, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), and Scott Record. The species total was the highest ever for this count, eclipsing the old high of 86 in 2001. The Ohio River had recently flooded much of the Ballard WMA, but waters had receded enough by count day for much of the area to be accessed. Highlights were a rela¬ tively diverse list of waterfowl including 4 species of geese, a Mute Swan (BP), and 14 species of ducks. Lingering birds included a Least Sandpiper (HC, RDn, RDv) and a female Common Yellowthroat (BP), the latter observed foraging among dense herbaceous vegeta¬ tion along the margin of a roadside ditch next to Ballard WMA. The male Spotted Towhee, found last winter adjacent to West Ky WMA in western McCracken County, has returned and was observed in the same location (BP. SR)! Also of interest were 40 Brewer’s Black¬ birds (BP, SR) in an area where they were reported the previous winter, 3 Eastern Phoebes, and a Chipping Sparrow (HC, RDn, RDv). Red-headed Woodpeckers were nearly absent; the only bird observed was found foraging on corn along a field margin. Mast (acorns and hickory nuts) and berries (most notably sugarberry fruits) appeared to be entirely absent, accounting for the lack or scarcity of some species. Calloway County (all points within a 15 mile diameter circle, center Douglas Cem¬ etery.) Habitat 20% lake shoreline and streams, 35% open fields, 30% urban and residential, and 1 5% deciduous and pine woods. Jan. 1 ; 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 53° to 60°F; wind SE, 4-7 rn.p.h. Seven observers in 5 parties. Total party-hours 34.5 (10.0 on foot, 24.5 by car). Total party-miles 1 67.5 (6.0 on foot, 161.5 by car). Total species 85; total individuals 7,252. 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. 18; 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky clear in a.m., partly cloudy in p.m.; temp. 27° to 56°F; wind, SW, 8-10 m.p.h. Twenty-two observers in 10 parties. Total party-hours 60.5 (27 on foot, 33.5 by car). Total party-miles 401 ( 1 5 on foot, 386 by car). Total species 92; total individuals 13,625. Observers: Mark Bennett, Jami Caroll. Hap Chambers, Mark Donham, Melissa Easley, Joe Tom Erwin, Donald Gladis, Heather Guilderson, Kristi Hanson, Chris Hunter, Bill Lisowsky, Carl Mowery (compiler), Kathy Mowery, John Polpeter, Elizabeth Raikes, Dar¬ rin Samborski, Wendell Webb, Kelly Werheim, Amy White, Daniel White, Steve White, and Aviva Yasgur. The Golden Eagle was an immature bird. Sorgho (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Hwy. 279-S and Audubon Parkway intersection.) Habitat farm, plowed fields, standing corn, pastures, reclaimed strip mine, county parks, woodland and industrial. Jan I; 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky cloudy with showers 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; temp. 55° to 58°F; wind calm. The ground was very wet. A heavy snow was nearly gone. Some lakes were still frozen. Seven observers in four parties. Total party-hours 21 (7 on foot, 14 by car). Total party-miles 83.5 (5 on foot, 78.5 by car). Total species 40; total individuals 10,342. Observers: Pat Augenstein, Joe Ford, Mike Henshaw, Janet Howard (compiler), Mary Kissel, Joyce Porter, 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. 29; 6:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Sky was entirely cloudy most of the 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 19 day, changing to mostly cloudy during periods in the afternoon; temp. 43° to 53°F; wind, SW, 5-12 m.p.h. The area was covered by the remnants of an ice/sleet storm. Most ground and back roads were covered with about 1-2 inches of melting sleet/ice. This dramatically slowed driving and thus reduced the total area covered. Recent weather had been very cold and Mosley’s Pond and shallow bodies of water were frozen. Lake Herndon and some transient bodies of water were exceptions to this rule and some larger ponds contained some open water. Three observers in 2-3 parties, with one feeder watcher. Total party-hours 20 (5.5 on foot, 14.5 by car). Total party-miles 126.4 (2.4 on foot, 124.0 by car). Total species 70; total individuals 13,651. Observers: Mark Bennett (compiler), Frank Lyne, and David Roemer. Feeder watcher: Alison Lyne. Highlights of this year’s count were largely a result of having 2-3 parties for the first time ever. Even so, coverage of the circle was hindered by slushy/icy road conditions. Two Greater White-fronted Geese represented a first tabulation of this species on the Olmstead count. Other nice birds for this count included 190 Canada Geese, 33 Red-tailed Hawks, 9 Northern Harriers, 29 Wilson’s Snipe, 12 Ring-billed Gulls, 1 Eastern Phoebe, 5 Logger- head Shrikes, 1,455 Horned Larks, 49 Carolina Wrens, 36 Eastern Towhees, 191 Northern Cardinals, and 17 Lapland Longspurs. Big misses were Northern Bobwhite, Fox Sparrow, and Cedar Waxwing. The species number of 70 represents the highest species total ever for this count, the individual tally ranks second highest. With the big misses, the missed owls, and a few more waterfowl, the total for this count could exceed 75 species, with good coverage and some luck. Paradise (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described 1993). Hab¬ itat as described in 1993. Jan 2; 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST. Cloudy. Temp. 54° to 63° F; wind WSW 5-15 m.p.h. Water mostly open. Twelve observers in six parties. Total party hours 50 (20 on foot, 30 by car). Total party miles 272 (13 on foot, 259 by car). Hours owling: 3.0. Total species 85; total individuals 14,969. Observers: Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Mark Bennett, Hap Chambers, Amy Covert, Roseanna Denton, Robert Dever, Eddie Huber, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Don Parker, Matt Stickel, and Mary Walter. The species count was slightly below average for recent years as was the level of participation. The biggest gaps in the day’s list were for waterfowl (with only one species of goose observed and a couple of species of dabblers missing) and rarities (which were limited to three different Virginia Rails (MB, AC, HC, RDn, BP) at two marshes - birds answered taped calls). Less unusual but notable observations for this count included two Mute Swans (EH, MS) and a Common Merganser (JB, PB) in Ohio County, and three calling American Woodcocks in Muhlenberg County (RDn). Raptor numbers were as low as on any previous count, at least in part due to what appears to be low populations of small mammals on the reclaimed surface mines this winter. Only 4 Short-eared Owls were found, tying this count's low for that species. One of the Red-tailed Hawks was a rufous morph B. j. calurus at the same Muhlenberg County location it has been observed for a couple of winters in a row. As in other areas, natural food crops seem to be at a premium. Species that are often recorded on this count but that were missed included Turkey Vulture, Yellow- bellied Sapsucker, Loggerhead Shrike, and Pine Warbler. 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. 19; 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sky sunny early to cloudy, windy and snow showers throughout the remainder of the day; temp. 32° to 19° F; wind WNW 12 m.p.h. Eight observers in three parties. Total party-hours 25 (10 on foot, 15 by car). Total 20 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. XI party-miles 187 (7 on foot, 180 by car). Total species 76; total individuals 7,061. Observers: Lester Doyle, Tom Durbin, Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Dick Lord, Wayne Mason, Albert Meier, David Roemer, and Neil Shields. Feeder watchers: Jackie Elmore (early), Diane Elmore, Joan Roemer and Jackie Seaton. The Selasphonts hummingbird was at a feeder on Smallhouse Road. It had been coming to the feeder since November 9 (JE, DR). The Blue-winged Teal was an unusual find ( DR). Glasgow (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1986.) Habitat as described in 1986. Dec. 31; 6:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 26° to 41°F; wind WNW, 15-20 m.p.h., with gusts to 30 m.p.h. during the morning hours. There was a steady drizzle early, then steady showers by mid-morning. The rain ceased after noon. Four observers in two parties. Total party-hours 19 (12 on foot, 7 by car). Total party- miles 1 18 (8 on foot, 1 10 by car). Total species 70; total individuals 7,643. Observers: Marquita Gillenwater, Wayne Mason (compiler), David Roemer, and Stephen Stedman. 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 mostly cloudy to overcast; temp. 40° to 52°F; wind SW, 10 m.p.h. Three observers in two parties. Total party-hours 13 (10 on foot, 3 by car). Total party- miles 95 (4 on foot, 91 by car). Total species 39; total individuals 843. Observers: Lester Doyle, Blame Ferrell (compiler), and Wayne Mason. With the complete lack of a mast crop and no cedar berries, we had to struggle to get the birds we did. There were only 2 Blue Jays, 4 Yellow-rumped Warblers, and no Amer¬ ican Robins. Falls of Rough (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Short Creek, K.y., Hwy. 79 and 54 intersection). Habitat: woodland, river bottoms, watershed lakes, ponds, old fields. Rough River lake, streams, and cultivated fields. Dec. 21; 6:40 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Sky partly cloudy to cloudy; temp. 43°F; wind, calm. Seven inches of snow had fallen on December 22 and the ground was still covered. Five observers in two parties. Total party-hours 19 (1.5 on foot, 17.5 by car). Total party miles 1 74 (2 on foot, I 72 by car). Total species 48; total individuals 1 ,203. Observers: Lowell Foreman, Rebecca Foreman, Mary Harrel, Janet Howard, and Joyce Porter (compiler). Otter Creek Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described 1972). Habitat as described in 2001. Dec 31; 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Cloudy; temp. 51° to 55° F; wind SW 5-15 m.p.h. Water partly open. Fifteen observers in five parties. Total party hours 32.5 (20.5 on foot, 12 by car). Total party miles 296.5 (6.5 on foot, 290 by car). Total species 67; total individuals 5,458. Observers: Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Richard Cassell, Robert Dever, Bill Friel, Eddie Huber, Jennifer Huber, Catherine Lawrence, Celia Lawrence, Jon Lawrence, Bryan Lewis, Brain- ard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Don Parker, Nancy Vance, and Mary Walter. The species count was slightly below average for this count. Highlights of the day in¬ cluded the Common Mergansers (Doe Valley Lake) (RD, MW) and the Short-eared Owl in rural farmland of southern Meade County (DP, RC, BP). Other nice finds included the two Bald Eagles (BL et al.) along the Ohio River and two Chipping Sparrows in rural Meade County (BP, RC, DP). As in other areas, a good supply of natural food crops appeared to be lacking. Bernheim Forest (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described 1974). Habitat as described in 1974. Dec 28; 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Partly cloudy; temp. 18-43° F; wind S 5-20 m.p.h. Water mostly frozen. 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 21 Three observers in two parties. Total party hours 13 (5 on foot, 8 by car). Total party miles 102 (2 on foot, 100 by car). Total species 67; total individuals 3,254. Observers; Dona Coates, Mark Monroe, and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler). The species count was relatively good for the low level of participation. Highlights of the day included a single Golden Eagle (thought to be sub-adult) and an adult Bald Eagle. The total of only ONE Blue Jay was indicative of the absence of a mast crop in the area. Berry-eating species were also at a premium, including Cedar Waxwing, which was missed for only the fourth time in 32 years of conducting this 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. 19; 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky cloudy a.m. to partly cloudy p.m.; temp. 30° to I9°F; wind W, 18 m.p.h. Morning snow, very windy all day. Thirty-two observers in 15 parties. Total party-hours 77.25 (33 on foot, 44.25 by car). Total party miles 354.8 (25 on foot, 329.8 by car). Total species 88; total individuals 24,414. Observers: Garrett Adams, Win Ahrens, Mary Bill Bauer, Tom Becker, Jane Bell and Pat Bell (compilers), Ann Caudill, Cody Clark, Dona Coates, Colleen Craven-Becker, David Dorman, Jane Fender, Rod Goforth, J. R. Harris, Charles Hatten, Eddie Huber, Jennifer Huber, Bob Johnson, John Krull, Celia Lawrence, Aurilla Lesley, Burt Monroe III, Mark Monroe, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Donald Parker, Martha Pike, Rev. David Powers, Jan Raia, Tim Ritter, Jack Still, Scottie Theiss, and Barbara Woerner. Strong winds, snow and cold temperatures were a challenge to the 32 participants of the Louisville Christmas Bird Count, but they were able to tally 88 species - one less than last year. However, the overall individual count was low. The weather conditions brought in a large number of gulls, 3 Bald Eagles, and 181 Sandhill Cranes. Other birds of interest were a Bam Owl, an adult Rufous Hummingbird, 2 Least Sandpipers, and a Black Scoter. Thanks to all the participants who had to endure such a cold, windy day. 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 K.Y 714.) Habitat elevation 640'- 1 1 90’, farmland, fallow land, suburban, wooded and grassland. Dec. 26; 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky mostly sunny all day. 23° to 30°F; wind N, 10 m.p.h. Eleven observers in four parties. Total party-hours 23 (3 on foot, 20 by car). Total party-miles 246.5 (3 on foot, 243.5 by car). Total species 57; total individuals 4,588. Observers: Heather Brown, Joan Brown, Savannah Brown, Seth Brown, Todd Brown, W.H. Brown (compiler), Mike Crouch, Cathy King, Taylor Morgan, Benton Young, and Steve Earl Young. Two flocks of 100 and 75 Sandhill Cranes were observed over Shelbyville December 15 and 23, respectively. 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. 20; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky mostly sunny; temp. 13° to 35°F; wind gusty to 20 m.p.h. Ten observers in one party. Total party-hours II (8 on foot, 3 by car). Total party- miles 66 (2 on foot, 64 by car, 4 by kayak). Total species 62; total individuals 2,664. Observers: Bonnie Avery, Bruce Bardin, John Brittain, Caro! Friedman, Janet Kistler, Steve Kistler (compiler), John Knecht, Tamara Meinecke, Mitchell Sturgeon, and Randall Sullivan. Upton (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 1/2 mile south of Hilltop or 5 miles southwest of Hilltop, eastern Grayson County.) Habitat is woodland, farmland, river and Nolin Reservoir. Dec. 18; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky mostly sunny; temp. 25° to 55°F; wind SW, 5-10 m.p.h. THE KENTUCKY W ARBLER_ Vol. SI Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Ol instead Paradise Bowing Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat'l Park Falls of Rough Otter Creek Park Bemheim Forest Greater White-fronted Goose 500 - - - 7 - - - - Ross's Goose 3 - - - - - - - - - Snow Goose 3000 - - - - - - - - - - - Canada Goose 820 538 374 318 190 663 322 - - - 80 1 100 Cackling Goose - - - - - - 6 - - - - 1 Mute Swan 1 - - - 2 - - - - - Tundra Swan - - - - - - - - - - Wood Duck 7 - 2 - 1 - 1 - 1 - - Gadwall 253 25 240 - - 79 2 27 - - - - ] American Wigeon 40 1 - - 23 - 1 - - - - j American Black Duck 14 2 10 - - 20 4 10 - - - - Mallard 10000 61 115 26 30 333 446 84 - - 260 26 Blue-winged Teal - - - - - 1 - - - - - ] Northern Shoveler 35 - - - - - - - - - - - j Northern Pintail 47 2 - - 32 6 - - - - - Green-winged Teal 75 4 - - - - 2 2 - - - - | Canvasback - - 2 - - - - - - - - - | Redhead - 4 - - - - - - - - - - Ring-necked Duck 14 - 123 - - 320 13 i - - - - Greater Scaup 5 - 6 - - - - - - - - - Lesser Scaup 5 310 2784 - 1 2 - - - - - Black Scoter - - - - - - - - - - - - Bufflehead - 39 276 - - i - - - - - Common Goldeneye 6 12 263 - - 2 - - - - - Hooded Merganser 34 34 253 - - 4 - i - - | Common Merganser - 1 - 1 - 7 - 7 - ] Red-breasted Merganser 2 30 - - - - - - - - - | Ruddy Duck 7 4 133 - - - 2 - - - - - ] Ruffed Grouse - - - - - - - - - - - ] Wild Turkey 29 - 18 - 1 121 55 - 49 77 36 85 | Northern Bobwhite 10 - 7 - cw 1 - - 6 - - Pacific Loon - - 1 - - - - - - - - - Common Loon - - 43 - - - - 2 - - - - Pied-billed Grebe - 12 36 - 1 40 2 8 - - 6 - Homed Grebe - 4 139 - - - - - - - - Double-crested Cormorant 1 150 673 - - 1 - - - - - . American White Pelican - 125 480 - - - - - - Great Blue Heron 48 31 119 4 8 30 8 10 4 1 | 2 2 1 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 23 Louisville Slielbyville Hart County Upton Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Burlington Falmouth Warsaw Richmond Somerset Wayne County Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Wiliamson, Pike County Total - - - - - - - - l - - - - - - - - 503 - - 3 - 2 3002 889 1079 52 22 12 710 164 661 975 1008 368 329 694 321 644 - 41 - 12374 7 2 - - - - - - - - 1 - - - 21 - - - 27 2 - - - 2 14 - 2 - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - 29 30 - - - - 1 - - 52 I - 18 10 12 37 - 4 - 791 6 - 15 - - - 86 25 1 2 2 - 3 - 5 - 14 4 40 4 82 10 - - - 252 757 38 52 38 37 134 - 277 174 313 14 131 209 626 290 - 6 8 14485 1 8 - - - - - - - 36 - - - - - - - - - 79 2 1 6 - - 1 - - - 97 44 - - - 3 - - 4 - - - 2 3 5 - - - 144 4 6 10 12 - - - 26 181 - - 12 - - - 1 4 - - 10 29 37 - 1 - 746 18 29 44 - - - 10 - - - - - - - 50 - 3 - - - 3209 1 1 4 - - - 12 - - - 8 - 2 - - - 18 - - - 360 - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - 285 106 - - - 4 2 - 1 38 - i - 71 14 - - - 563 - 16 - - - - - - - 1 - - i 1 - - - - - - 35 3 - - - - - - - 60 - 2 - - - - - - - 206 - cw CW 5 30 64 23 24 9 42 - - 79 21 29 36 45 12 32 44 cw 91 1 - 18 6 1 - 4 - 14 26 - - 5 1 - - - - 99 - 1 - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - 46 7 - - - 9 1 - 4 14 cvv 4 2 18 2 4 - 1 - 171 - - - - 4 - - - - - - - - - 36 - - - 183 21 - - - - - - - - 1 - 2 - - 1 - 1 - 851 - cw 605 19 9 2 26 1 1 22 6 17 33 4 8 15 10 12 10 1 14 - 486 24 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. SI Ballard County Callow'ay County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Ol instead Paradise Bowing Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat'l Park Falls of Rough Otter Creek Park Bemheim Forest Black-crowned Night-Heron - - - - - - - - Black Vulture - 5 3 18 88 - 9 - 10 13 - Turkey Vulture - 41 7 - 18 - 5 4 7 23 49 - Bald Eagle 21 9 27 - - - - - - - 2 1 Northern Harrier 5 4 - - 9 40 3 2 - 3 4 5 Sharp-shinned Hawk i 1 3 - 1 4 1 i 1 1 1 3 Cooper's Hawk 3 3 2 - 2 4 4 5 - 2 2 Accipiler species 1 - - - 2 - - - - 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 10 10 8 - - 7 - - 2 1 i 1 1 Red-tailed Hawk 24 16 24 1 1 33 42 18 12 3 8 23 19 Rough-legged Hawk - - - - 4 . - 2 - - | Golden Eagle - 1 - - - - - 1 American Kestrel 20 1 1 1 1 17 30 23 21 14 - 7 30 8 Merlin - - - - - - - - - - Peregrine Falcon - - - - - - - - - - - - Virginia Rail - - - - - 3 - - - - - - American Coot 23 75 550 - 9 85 32 - - - 13 - Sandhill Crane - - - - CW - 16 - - - - - Killdeer 74 50 51 - 21 1 1 70 - 5 6 1 15 Wilson's Snipe 2 - - - 29 - 10 - - 1 - American Woodcock - - - - - 3 - - - - Least Sandpiper i 7 - - - - - - - - - - ] Pectoral Sandpiper - - - - - - - - - - Laughing Gull - cw - - - - - - - - " Bonaparte's Gull i 826 1801 ' - - - 200 - - Ring-billed Gull 18 560 1241 CW 12 24 148 4600 - - 4 - Herring Gull 3 6 97 - - - - 10 - - Thayer's Gull - - 3 - - - - - - - Lesser Black-backed Gull - 2 - - - - - - - - - 1 Forster's Tern - - 7 - - - - - - - - Rock Pigeon - 18 63 16 400 57 263 55 - - 22 68 Eurasian Collared-Dove •> -> - 2 7 - - - - - - ' J Mourning Dove 64 61 63 23 342 48 169 60 - 157 286 40 Bam Owl 1 - - - - - - - - - - ] Eastern Screech-Owl 1 3 - - 1 4 - 1 - - 2 Great Homed Owl 3 i - 12 2 - 1 - - Barred Owl 1 5 3 cw - 5 2 - 1 2 1 " | Short-eared Owl - - - - - 4 - - - - 1 2005 25 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Louisville Shelbyville Hart County Upton Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Burlington Falmouth Warsaw Richmond Somerset Wayne County Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Wiliamson, Pike County Total 9 - - - - - - - l - - - - - - - - - 10 35 25 14 57 - 64 171 12 4 3 5 25 40 36 6 - - - 643 30 16 11 180 - 109 36 1 1 1 22 CW 7 5 45 71 3 - - - 800 3 - 1 - 1 - - - - - 1 - CW 3 - I - 70 - 1 1 4 1 - 1 9 i - - - 1 cw CW - 2 - 96 cw CW 3 - - 2 - - 2 - - 2 1 2 2 - - CW 32 9 4 2 2 3 4 2 3 6 2 - 2 6 4 - i cw 79 3 - - - - 6 2 - 2 2 - - i 1 2 - 3 - 3 10 2 1 - - 79 26 37 15 13 8 37 17 51 39 16 14 14 50 46 17 - 9 1 643 - CW - 1 - - - - 3 - - - 1 - - - - - > 1 1 - - 3 10 20 33 23 18 16 20 41 49 14 5 14 43 73 31 1 6 2 611 ! - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - 1 CW CW 3 15 - - - 20 4 - 15 47 4 5 - 232 2 3 - - - 1 127 181 3 4 CW - CW - - - CW - - - - - - - - 204 53 13 5 14 3 40 18 675 76 3 - 3 53 32 6 - 7 3 1308 4 20 - 12 - - - 3 9 - - - 2 18 1 - - - 1 1 1 3 2 - - - - - - 3 - - - - - - - - - - 13 - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 - - - - - 3 - CW 20 - - 2 14 - - 7 32 8 - - - 14 225 - - - 3150 1427 - - 50 632 - - 16 5 20 550 4 36 147 42 - - - 9536 28 - - - - - - - - - 3 - - 1 - - - - 148 3 2 7 480 36 19 2 76 931 13 1 10 314 2 7 36 43 298 47 - 15 10 3401 1 - - - 14 326 368 97 135 220 153 132 353 223 281 57 57 170 1069 256 - 19 7 5236 1 2 2 - - 1 - 1 - - 2 2 - 2 - 2 1 - - - 25 4 1 2 2 - 1 - CW 7 - 6 i - 8 1 - 1 - 53 - - 2 4 - - - - - i - - - 1 - - - - 28 - 1 6 26 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Ol instead Paradise Bowing Green £ OXJ _£3 Mammoth Cave Nat'l Park Falls of Rough Otter Creek Park Bernheim Forest Rufous Hummingbird - - - - - - - - - Selasphorus hummingbird - - - - - - 1 - - - - - Belted Kingfisher 3 3 17 7 4 3 5 3 1 1 5 Red-headed Woodpecker 1 4 14 - 5 1 i - - - 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 20 29 52 18 32 29 1 1 10 1 8 29 3 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 7 2 12 - 4 - 7 1 4 - 2 2 Downy Woodpecker 32 40 74 8 21 49 20 18 1 1 10 36 21 Hairy W'oodpecker 8 17 7 6 7 6 5 1 1 5 2 3 5 Northern Flicker 43 22 34 15 15 71 19 21 6 10 22 4 Pileated Woodpecker 9 12 25 5 2 13 2 10 6 4 1 1 10 Eastern Phoebe 3 1 4 - i 1 - 4 " i 2 Loggerhead Shrike 3 - - - 5 i - - - Blue Jay 74 58 1 12 48 48 106 34 16 7 6 216 i American Crow 16 169 70 17 1 16 147 41 100 33 55 422 50 Homed Lark 117 17 - 17 1455 98 430 30 - 122 179 66 Carolina Chickadee 78 146 285 23 46 131 50 21 30 9 85 48 Tufted Titmouse 32 101 432 14 30 56 33 18 25 5 1 12 23 Red-breasted Nuthatch - 3 1 2 - 9 3 4 - - 4 8 White-breasted Nuthatch 18 33 190 10 16 1 1 18 1 1 9 - 30 10 Brown Creeper 9 2 12 1 5 5 6 6 5 - 5 3 Carolina Wren 46 55 104 14 49 65 . 33 44 13 3 30 29 House Wren - - - - - - - - - - - -] Winter Wren 6 - 6 - 2 1 4 2 4 - - I Golden-crowned Kinglet 9 3 29 - 9 20 16 14 23 i 36 42 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 17 1 3 - 1 12 - - - ' - 3 Eastern Bluebird 45 242 106 7 61 149 46 50 8 48 85 13 Hermit Thrush 4 - 12 - 1 5 - 1 5 1 3 6 American Robin 17 87 47 45 132 233 137 87 - 31 42 459 Gray Catbird - - - - - - - - - - Northern Mockingbird 25 18 16 23 36 28 35 30 1 12 46 24 Brown Thrasher 2 - 1 - cw 1 - - - - - - European Starling 6825 122 371 1389 4580 7057 2783 1 175 232 207 1653 385 American Pipit 15 - - - 38 - 40 72 - - - -| Cedar Waxwing - 38 2 - - 13 31 - - 1 - Yellow-rumped Warbler 5 - - - 4 27 - - 4 - 14 2 Pine Warbler - 1 - - - - - 2 - - - -| Palm Warbler - 2 - - - - 1 - - - - - Common Yellowthroat i - - - - - - - - - - 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 27 Louisville > x: c n Hart County j O CL ZD Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Burlington Falmouth Warsaw Richmond Somerset | Wayne County Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Wiliamson, Pike County Total 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I - - - ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 6 9 1 3 6 6 1 5 3 4 - 3 5 10 2 - 7 2 120 - - - 1 1 - - 1 - - - - i 2 - - - - 33 27 23 1 6 6 40 8 35 30 42 21 17 23 52 15 - 1 i 590 10 - 3 1 - 3 - - 7 1 - 3 - 2 3 - - - 74 80 9 10 5 9 36 4 25 37 27 24 12 19 74 16 2 9 2 740 7 - 2 i 3 1 1 2 3 3 5 6 ? - 13 2 2 - - 144 14 6 4 4 1 1 20 6 5 12 17 5 13 31 34 9 - 1 1 i 485 4 3 6 4 5 . 12 2 i 3 3 1 2 5 12 4 i 10 2 189 - - 1 2 - 2 - - 1 - - - 1 10 4 2 2 cw 42 - - 1 - - - - i 1 - - - 2 1 - - - 15 28 18 22 4 12 1 1 1 27 78 42 89 50 32 87 125 49 - 23 14 1532 134 262 160 160 46 121 186 73 134 173 71 107 97 288 202 21 440 16 3927 40 77 135 4 1 58 - 13 1 19 121 50 - 1 - - - - 3150 179 23 20 52 50 135 10 39 102 1 1 1 31 25 73 195 52 20 39 5 2113 »' 17 19 26 44 80 14 32 65 50 15 1 1 49 149 33 9 25 7 1607 1 - 1 - - - 1 - 2 - 1 2 2 - - - - 44 46 6 12 16 16 24 5 10 10 38 5 6 25 75 36 7 12 3 708 8 I 1 - - 5 - - 3 1 2 1 1 4 2 - - - 88 84 6 26 20 58 101 20 26 44 25 28 23 41 199 25 5 15 1 1 1242 1 - - - - 1 3 - 1 4 4 1 1 - 1 1 - - 1 8 1 - - - 52 29 2 10 4 16 38 6 - 10 30 2 4 6 39 12 10 2 - 422 1 - - - 2 1 - - - - - - 6 4 2 1 - - 54 20 25 42 50 49 45 22 36 63 32 6 23 155 256 73 5 42 - 1804 1 - 1 2 - - - 2 - 2 - - 3 2 - 1 - 52 1664 231 74 5 82 222 41 136 562 82 49 26 36 22 ! 17 - 6 6 4777 - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - 1 95 19 30 7 17 47 1 1 65 60 30 9 22 86 143 36 i 7 3 982 ; 1 - - CW - CW - 3 - - - - - 2 1 - - - 1 1 14729 1415 715 1240 1231 1265 370 4446 2541 889 343 290 2703 35738 6303 7 85 27 101 1 16 1 - - - 20 3 - - - - - - - - 2 - - - 191 15 - - - - 7 - - 30 - - - 15 - - - - - 152 10 - 10 CW 17 1 1 1 - 2 2 3 14 3 22 - - - CW 151 j cw - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 - - - - - - - 3 - - - - - i - - - 7 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 2S _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. SI Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowing Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat'l Park Falls of Rough Otter Creek Park Bernheim Forest Eastern Towhee 21 16 4 36 37 24 9 4 14 9 23 Spotted Towhee 1 - - - - - - - - - - - American Tree Sparrow II 66 - - - 55 - 2 - - 8 70 Chipping Sparrow 1 6 - - 5 - 8 4 - - 2 1 Field Sparrow 36 1 49 3 39 90 53 58 54 I 71 60 j Savannah Sparrow 7 36 6 - 46 29 19 1 - 7 2 Fox Sparrow 4 - 5 - cw 3 2 2 6 - 1 1 1 Song Sparrow 97 16 84 28 76 235 37 56 18 16 83 83! Swamp Sparrow 29 2 14 - 8 113 15 14 3 - 3 3 White-throated Sparrow 141 124 192 32 88 124 156 118 98 36 138 64 White-crowned Sparrow 8 4 19 59 60 1 1 5 - 18 46 24 Dark-eyed Junco 67 155 535 40 34 137 108 79 98 84 205 10! Lapland Longspur - 1 - - 17 - 76 - - - - - j Snow Bunting - - - - - - - - - - - - ] Northern Cardinal 181 232 117 133 191 184 142 83 23 92 295 82 ! Red-winged Blackbird 26215 1019 275 72 930 2100 556 120 - 25 12 3 Eastern Meadowlark 46 30 3 1 290 30 158 39 - 22 39 35 Rusty Blackbird - - 6 - 23 5 - 40 - - - - | Brewer's Blackbird 40 - - - - - - - - - - - ] Common Crackle 20338 1063 33 7221 3120 1 100 53 - - 49 16 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 116 58 1 500 530 15 14 20 - - 29 3 j Purple Finch - 6 - - 16 - 4 2 9 3 ' blouse Finch 42 30 50 1 23 30 30 12 - 30 55 6 Pine Siskin - 6 2 - - - - - - - American Goldfinch 69 61 75 38 44 100 79 49 36 17 392 34 House SpaiTow 58 42 20 172 210 13 75 39 1 1 126 40 Day of count D21 J01 DI8 .101 D29 .102 DI9 D30 D2I D29 D3I D2' Number of Species 93 85 92 40 70 85 76 70 39 48 67 64 Number of Individuals 70245 7252 13625 10343 13651 14969 7061 7643 843 1203 5458 325 Number of Observers 5 6 22 7 3 12 8 5 3 5 15 3 2005 29 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Louisville | Shelby ville Hail County ! Upton Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Burlington Falmouth Warsaw : Richmond Somerset | Wayne County | Natural Bridge Dewey Lake j Wiliamson, Pike County Total 25 10 3 CW 16 13 3 3 1 1 46 1 1 10 5 36 9 - 3 2 403 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 4 2 - - 3 10 1 - 57 3 6 2 - - 1 1 - - 311 cw i - - - - - 6 - 3 - - 4 20 4 l 40 - 106 3 2 12 15 116 18 33 7 10 10 - 14 33 190 74 - 3 - 1055 cw - - 1 6 - - 1 - - 1 1 2 10 9 - - - 184 “ - 1 CW 5 1 - - 1 - 2 - - 17 - - - cw 51 145 67 259 23 168 151 15 19 57 101 36 41 104 401 106 4 82 1 1 2619 1 - 8 1 16 31 - - 3 13 2 - 3 25 5 - 5 - 317 508 16 67 65 161 130 17 55 188 138 67 23 87 232 44 3 72 5 3189 10 40 95 - 16 10 4 53 29 5 2 45 14 82 23 - - - 682 306 39 45 100 83 148 44 43 55 53 160 29 50 181 87 6 28 2 3102 26 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 120 - - - - - - - - CW - - - - - - - - CW 663 186 86 36 182 237 77 220 287 153 122 85 165 499 138 3 79 16 4989 17 2 32 702 1 12 62 5 1 17 15 1 3 38 16 - 22 - 32273 26 18 42 108 13 49 9 99 24 CW 2 1 50 91 87 - 6 - 1318 1 10 - 100 - - - - - - - - - - 75 - - - 260 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 40 3 2 - 3 210 - 150 181 4 1 1 - 2 101 36120 15384 - - - 85165 5 3 1 502 - 2 30 CW 13 2 5 - - 3 54 - - - 1906 _ 3 8 4 4 8 1 - 4 2 15 3 1 3 - - 5 - 101 ! 62 12 20 14 1 66 1 89 90 44 15 13 30 98 4 - - 7 875 - - - - - 4 - - - - - 4 - - - - - - 16 122 59 67 28 28 128 39 83 139 119 19 86 235 226 134 1 58 18 2583 318 241 221 2 30 254 69 108 135 76 34 38 31 65 49 - 8 1 2486 D19 D26 D20 DI8 J04 DI8 .101 DI8 D14 .101 D26 D18 DI8 .101 D27 .102 .102 .102 88 57 62 63 64 66 51 58 75 62 60 63 72 79 83 25 48 29 134 24414 4588 2664 3941 3899 5871 1973 8370 7088 4430 2394 1829 6173 79075 25031 157 1321 193 338958 32 1 1 10 8 6 10 6 26 21 15 4 5 14 14 6 6 5 2 295 30 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 Eight observers in one-two parties. Total party-hours 16 (6 on foot, 8 by car, 2 by motorboat). Total party-miles 72 (2 on foot, 60 by car, 10 by motorboat). Total species 63; total individuals 3,941 . Observers; Bruce Bardin, John Brittain (compiler), Lisa Brittain, Carol Friedman, Dan Givens, Dan Gosser, Janet Kistler, and Steve Kistler. Species observed for the first time on this count were Bonaparte’s Gull, Rough-legged Hawk, and Savannah Sparrow. 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. Jan. 4; 8;00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky totally overcast most of the day, a little dreary in the afternoon; temp. 60°F; wind 0-10 m.p.h. Rain all day with fog. Very poor visibility. Five observers in two parties with a feeder watcher. Total party-hours 23 (4.5 on foot, 18.5 by car). Total party-miles 107.5 (4.5 on foot, 103.0 by car). Total species 64; total individuals 3,899. Observers: Richard Cassell, Lloyd Curry (compiler), Steven Fields, Richie Kessler, and Brainard Palmer-Ball. Feeder watcher: Frances Johnson. There were low numbers, especially of Blue Jays and decent numbers of passerines. There were probably plenty of waterfowl, they were simply unobservable through the fog. Frankfort (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1972.) Habitat as described in 1 977. Dec. 1 8; 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 24° to 48°F; wind SSW, 0-23 m.p.h. Ten observers in six parties. Total party-hours 39 (13.5 on foot, 25.5 by car). Total party-miles 292.5 (9.5 on foot, 283 by car). Owling 0.5 hours. Plus 3 at feeders for 7 hours. Total species 66; total individuals 5,87 1 . Observers: Joan Brown, Amy Covert, James Derryberry, Margaret Derryberry, Jim Durrell, Peggy Gould (compiler). Ralph Gould, Pat Hankla, Scott Hankla. Virginia Hona- ker, Jeff Jones, Brainard Palmer-Ball, and Tim Williams. kleber Wildlife Management Area (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1972.) Habitat as described in 1972. Jan. 1; 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 53° to 59°F; wind S, 0-5 m.p.h. Foggy in areas. Six observers in three parties. Total party-hours 17.5 (1.0 on foot, 16.5 by car). Total party-miles 225 (1 on foot, 224 by car). Total species 51; total individuals 1,973, plus 2 unidentified gull species and 8 unidentified duck species. Observers: Joe Burgess, Jim Durell, Peggy Gould (compiler), Ralph Gould, Pat Hankla, and Scott Hankla. Danville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Boyle County Court¬ house.) Habitat as described before. Dec. 18; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky clear in a.m. to partly cloudy in p.m.; temp. 26° to 45°F; wind 0-5 m.p.h. Twenty-six observers in eight parties. Total party-hours 46.5 (8.5 on foot, 38.0 by car). Total party-miles 436 ( 1 1 on foot, 425 by car). Total species 57; total individuals 12,993. Observers: Joe Amburgey, Ernie Baird, Joe Baron, Don Bolelage, J.P. Brantley, Jane Brantley, Carolyn Carter, Neil Eklund (compiler), Virginia Eklund, Martha Foster, Bill Garriott, Jamie Hester, Tom Kearns, Bill Kemper, Debbie Larkin, Fred Loetscher, Gail Manning, Sam Morgan, Eric Mount, Amelia Nichols, John Nichols, Don Pel ly. Herb Petitjean, Abby Piper, Judy Ross, and Rob Stamps. New high counts for Danville: Northern Harrier (9). Killdeer (675)!. Bonaparte’s Gull (7). New species for Danville: Least Sandpiper, with documentation and photographs submitted. 2005 31 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Lexington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center East Hickman Church on Tates Creek Road.) Habitat mixed residential and farmland. Dec. 14; 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy to clear; temp. 24° to 50°F; wind calm. Twenty-one observers in eight parties, 2 feeder watchers. Total party-hours 53 (3 by foot, 50 by car). Total party-miles 436 (1 by foot, 435 by car). Total species 74; total individuals 12,864. Observers: Marty Barr, Ramish Bhatt, Susan Bhatt, Ann Bradley, Rhonda Bryant, Phyllis Deal, Mike Flynn, Kevin Hopper, Mike Kenawell, Katie Knowles, Teri Koontz, Scott Marsh, Betty Maxson, Robert L. Morris (compiler), Kay Neikerk, Susan Pollack, Tanti Sanderson, Marie Sutton, Dave Svetich, Susan Svetich, Jackie Van Willigen, Jim Williams, and Bernice Wood. Burlington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Camp Michaels.) Habitat as described in 1992. Jan. 1; 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky overcast, light to heavy fog; temp. 52° to 56°F; wind SE, 2-5 m.p.h. Fifteen observers in six parties. Total party-hours 29 (5 on foot, 24 by car). Total party-miles 1 77 (3 on foot, 1 74 by car). Total species 62; total individuals 4,430. Observers: Linda Altevers, Joe Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti. Elaine Carroll, Pat Carroll, Dennis Desjardin, Melissa Desjardin, Craig Holocher, Mike Laytart, Lee McNeely (com¬ piler), Dorothy Osterhage, Gayle Pille, Carmen Schulte, Sally Soderlund, and Tommy Stephens. Feeder watchers: Marjorie Hill and Burt Schulte. Fog hampered visibility throughout the day. Blue Jay numbers were close to average. Falmouth (ail points within a 1 5-mile diameter circle, center near Caddo, Ky.) Habitat 50% woodland and forest edge, 25% river and lake shoreline, 20% agricultural, and 5% residential. Dec. 26; 6:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky mostly clear; temp. 21° to 26°F; wind NE, 0-5 m.p.h. Most roads covered with ice and snow, lakes and streams frozen. Four observers in three parties. Total party-hours 16 (3 on foot, 13 by car). Total party- miles 106 ( 1 on foot, 105 by car). Total species 60; total individuals 2,394. Observers: Rhonda Bryant, Ed Groneman, Scott Marsh, and Lee McNeely (compiler). The majority of waterfowl and gulls were found in the vicinity of Meldahl Dam. Warsaw (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Gallatin County Court¬ house.) Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 18; 7:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 24° to 45°F; wind NW, 6-10 m.p.h. Most lakes and ponds frozen. Five observers in two parties. Total party-hours 14 (3 on foot, 1 I by car). Total party- miles 145 (2 on foot, 143 by car). Total species 63; total individuals 1.829. Observers; Joe Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Tony Goedde, Ed Groneman, and Lee McNeely (compiler). The Merlin was seen along Eagle Creek near Glencoe. Gulls were unusually scarce. 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. 18; 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky overcast in a.m.; partly cloudy later in the afternoon; temp. 29° to 41°F; wind, WNW, 0-5 m.p.h. Fourteen observers in eight parties. Total party-hours 37.2 (8 on foot, 29.2 by car). Total party-miles 311 (10.8 on foot. 300.2 by car). Total species 72; total individuals 6,173. Observers: Matt Beckett, Jacqueline Bennett, Rob Foster, Paul Hager, Tim Houghton, Barbara Kieffer, Jennifer Morse, Nicole Ranalli, Art Ricketts, Tina Ricketts, Brandon Ritchison, Gary Ritchison (compiler), Brian Thompson, and Kayde Thompson. Somerset (all points within a 1 5-mile diameter circle, center junction of Bypass Hwy. 80 and Hwy. 39.) Habitat as described in 2000. Jan. 1 ; 5:40 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky cloudy to partly cloudy; temp. 49° to 67°F; wind S, 0-5 m.p.h. 32 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 Fourteen observers in six parties. Total party-hours 57 (16.25 by foot, 40.75 by car). Total party-miles 465.25 (6.75 on foot, 458.5 by car). Total species 79; total individuals 79,075. Observers: Judy Bryant, Rhonda Bryant, Granville Cox, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Steve Denton, Gay Hodges, Steve Kickert, James Kiser, Scott Marsh, Linda McClendon, Lynda Mills, Tom Mills, Arlene Morton, and Stephen Stedman. Feeder watchers; Julie Denton, Grace Floyd, Floyd Halcomb. Susan Huffman. Eileen Hurst, Barbara Johnson, Dottie Kinnamon, Peggy Morrison, Mary Moss, Connie Neeley, Wendell Neeley, Hazel Spears, and Joe Richards. Wavne 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. 27; 5:50 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. I8°F to 33°F; wind 3-12 m.p.h. Six observers in three parties. Total party-hours 27.75 (9.50 on foot, 18.25 by car). Total party-miles 256.5 ( 1.5 on foot, 255 by car). Total species 83; total individuals 25,03 1 . Observers: Jean Brickell, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Arlene Morton, Connie Neeley, Jo Ann Rose, and Stephen Stedman. Natural Bridge State Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Whit- tleton Branch Trailhead.) Habitat: mostly mixed mesophytic forest, some roadside fields, some streamsides. Jan. 2; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky overcast to rainy; temp. 49° to 62°F; wind SSW, 9 m.p.h. It rained the entire time. Six observers in three parties. Total party-hours 20 (15 on foot, 5 by car). Total party- miles 30 ( 1 5 on foot, 1 5 by car). Total species 25; total individuals 1 57. Observers: Joan Brown, Mary Carol Cooper, Hanna Helm, Kathy King, Gerald Robe, and Zeb Weese (compiler). The weather was horrible and there were no birds. Dewey Lake (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Dewey Lake, approx¬ imately UTM 17 34781 IE 4175855N (WGS84/NAD83).) Habitat is Lake, golf course, strip mine, open fields, and northern hardwoods. Jan. 2; 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 1 5° to 35°F; wind 0-5 m.p.h. Cold and clear. Five observers in three parties. Total party-hours 18 (2.5 on foot, 15.5 by car). Total party-miles 56.5 (2.5 on foot, 54 by car). Total species 48; total individuals 1,321. Observers: Joan Carr, Les Estep, Chris Evans, Troy Evans (compiler), and Paul Hager. Great experience. It was a small turnout, but not bad for the first Mid-winter Bird Count for this area. Hopefully, we will have continual support for the Dewey Lake count for years to come. Williamson, Pike County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center point where Pigeon Branch and Benton Branch converge to form Meathouse Fork.) Habitat is heavily wooded mountainside, mountaintop removal area with grasses, wet bottom land, and riverside. Jan. 2: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky foggy, cloudy with breaks of sun.; temp. 38° to 54°F; wind NE, 3 m.p.h. Hard rain at times. Two observers in one party. Total party-hours 6 (2 on foot, 4 by car). Total party-miles 35 (3 on foot, 32 by car). Total species 29; total individuals 193. Observers: Joan Carr (compiler), and Les Estep. 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 33 FIELD NOTES Eastern Phoebe Uses Elk Hair as Nesting Material On 20 April 2003, we found an active Eastern Phoebe ( Sayomis phoebe ) nest located under a capstone rock ledge on a reclaimed mine in Breathitt County, Kentucky. The cap¬ stone was one of several clustered together on top of a southwestern slope at 420 m in ele¬ vation and was located approximately 100 m from the forest-reclaimed grassland edge. The nest was positioned 2 m off the ground near the ceiling-vertical wall interface. The nest contained three eggs and was comprised of a mosaic of moss, mud, and grasses. The lining of the nest was a mixture of grass and elk ( Cervus elaphus) hair. The dark brown color and length of the hair suggested it was from the neck mane region of an elk. Elk were restored to Kentucky in 1997 after being absent from the state for more than 150 years (Maehr et al. 1999). The site where elk were first released was less than 5 km from the location of this nest. The construction of the phoebe nest overlapped with the period in which elk molt their winter coat. Although Dixon (1938) observed that Say’s Phoebe ( Sayomis saya) used caribou (Rangifer tarandus ) hair to line its nest, we are unaware of any findings that describe Eastern Phoebe using elk hair for such purposes. Our finding is not the first documented example of a bird species that has benefited from the return of elk to Kentucky. Cox et al. (2003) and others (C. Logsdon, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, personal communication) have observed the Common Raven (Corvus corax ) scavenging elk carcasses in this area. Although elk can af¬ fect the structure and function of ecosystems at various spatial and temporal scales (Larkin 2001), the use of its hair for nesting material indicates a less conspicuous ecological service provided by this large herbivore. Literature Cited Cox, J.J., N.W. Seward, J.L. Larkin, and D.S. Maehr. 2003. Common Raven nests in east¬ ern Kentucky. Southeastern Naturalist 2: 99-104. Dixon. J.S. 1938. Birds and mammals of Mount McKinley National Park. Fauna Series Number 3. United States Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. Larkin. J. L. 2001. Demographic and spatial characteristics of a reintroduced elk popula¬ tions. Ph.D. dissertation. University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky. Maehr, D.S., R. Grimes, and J.L. Larkin. 1999. Initiating elk restoration: the Kentucky case study. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 53: 350-363. - Nathan W. Seward1 2, John J. Cox1, Joshua H. Brown1 and Jeffery L. Larkin.1 1 University of Kentucky, Department of Forestry, Lexington, KY 40546-0073. 2 Current Address: United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521-2154. First Kentucky Long-tailed Jaeger On the morning of 29 August 2004, the authors met on the east pull-off on Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall counties, for a day of birding. As we began scanning the lake above the dam, the first bird we saw appeared to be a jaeger; it was about one mile ( 1 .6 km) out. We soon became certain the bird was a jaeger, and we called and reported it on the BIRDKY listserve. 34 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 After consulting several field guides we remained unsure which species of jaeger we were observing. The bird did not appear to be a Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus ), the only species of jaeger identified in Kentucky prior to this date. In flight the wings were narrow at the base so the extension of the body and tail looked long. The head appeared rounded and the bill short. The bird did not have the bulky body look of a Pomarine Jaeger and was noticeably smaller than Ring-billed Gulls ( Larus delawarensis) in direct compar¬ ison when sitting on the water. This was a time when cell phones proved to be very handy. Jeff Wilson and David Roemer were called for some expert advice. They both reviewed a series of field marks to help us with the identification. We were lucky when the bird flew quite close and landed very near the dam. We were able to carefully study the bill, head and feather pattern through our scopes and binoculars and take some diagnostic photographs for documentation. The bill looked small and stubby and was bicolored (grayish base and dark tip) with the length-of-the-nail to length-of-the-bill ratio being almost equal. The head was rounded with an unstreaked gray nape. Feathers of the mantle, scapulars, and tertials had crisp whitish edges that lacked any rusty tones. The upper and lower tail coverts were crisply barred blackish and white. The overall color of the bird appeared more grayish- brown rather than rusty-brown. In flight we could see the two outer primary shafts were white. The central tail feathers protruded noticeably beyond the rest of the tail feathers and were round-tipped rather than pointed. All of these field marks led us to conclude that the bird was a Long-tailed Jaeger (Stercorarius longicaudus). During the following two weeks many birders from around the region were able to see and to enjoy this arctic visitor to Kentucky; it allowed close approach by boat, and some excellent photos were obtained (see photos on cover and on p. 9). The last reported sighting was 1 1 September 2004. Hap Chambers, 33 Wildwood Drive, Murray, KY, 42071; Robert Dever, 1872 Prince¬ ton Drive, Louisville, KY, 40205; and Nicole Ranalli, 344 High Street #1. Richmond, KY, 40475. Note: This is the first report of Long-tailed Jaeger in Kentucky. Indiana has a number of records, but all are from Lake Michigan (K. Brock, pers. comm.); Illinois has had several reports away from Lake Michigan, especially at Carlyle Lake. Clinton County, where inter¬ estingly there were two birds present 6-25 September 2004 (D. Kassebaum. pers. comm.); and Tennessee has had three reports, two from the Mississippi River (Stedman. S. J. 1985. Migrant 56:64-66; Peeples, IV. R. 2001. Western Coastal Plain Report [Fall 2000J. Migrant 72 (I): 36-48.) and one on Kentucky > Lake at Paris Landing. Stewart County (C. Sloan, pers. comm.). Like this first Kentucky record, most others in adjacent states have occurred early in late August and September, somewhat earlier than the peak southward movement for the other two jaeger species. Sooty Tern in Southeastern Kentucky On the morning of 9 September 2004, as I was driving over Pine Mountain on US 119 south of Whitesburg, Letcher County, Kentucky, 1 noticed an unusual black-and-white bird dead on the road. It was near the top of the mountain on the north side, and conditions were quite foggy. I collected the bird that had recently died and later identified it as an adult Sooty Tern (Sturna J'uscata) (see accompanying photos on p. 36). The Sooty Tern is a medium-sized tern that grows to a body length of approximately 45 cm and a wingspan of up to 94 cm (http://southseas.nla.gov.au/biogs/ P000398b.htm). The bird has black plumage on its upperparts, while its underside, including wing linings, and outer feathers of the deeply forked tail, are white. It has a black bill and white forehead. The Sooty Tern is a pelagic bird that lives in open oceans and normally only comes ashore 2005 35 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER to breed. These terns often circle high in the air over water ranging far and wide over the seas. Perhaps this is why they are so often blown inland, sometimes many hundreds of miles, by hurricanes and tropical storms (http://www.enature.com/fieldguide). They are known to have a remarkable homing ability. Sooty Terns feed largely at dusk and at night. Unlike other terns, they do not dive but pluck small fish and squid from the surface of the water. They spend most of their time in the air, almost never perching or alighting on the water. The Sooty Tern is found throughout the world’s tropical and subtropical seas. They nest in colonies on offshore rocky or coral islands and isolated ocean beaches. In the eastern United States, the Sooty Tern breeds on Dry Tortugas off southern Florida and rarely on the Gulf Coast in Louisiana and Texas (Farrand 1998). They are occasionally seen in summer far offshore from North Carolina to Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico. This bird was likely grounded by the remnants of Hurricane Frances, which made landfall southwest of Tallahassee, Florida, during mid-day 6 September 2004 after having crossed peninsular Florida the day before. The remnants of this storm then passed north- northeastward over northwestern Georgia, eastern Tennessee, and southwestern Virginia into West Virginia during 7-8 September 2004, passing just east of southeastern Kentucky during mid-day 8 September 2004. The storm's passage was accompanied by gusty winds and copious rainfall. During this same time, another displaced Sooty Tern was observed at South Holston Lake, Sullivan County, Tennessee, approximately 90 km SSE of the Letcher County location (Sloan and Palmer-Ball, in press). In Kentucky, there have been only two other records for Sooty Tern (Palmer-Ball 2003). These were in western Kentucky (Kentucky Lake, Livingston County; Ohio River, McCracken County), 4 October 2002, and likely represent birds similarly displaced by Hurricane Lili. The current record represents the first specimen of this species from Kentucky. The specimen has been deposited in the collection at the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. The Sooty Tern would be expected to occur at an inland location only during such circumstances as these birds were found, the passage of the remnants of a tropical cyclone. - Gary W, Libby, Senior Biologist, Eco-Tech, Inc., 1003 East Main St., Frankfort, KY, 40601. References Farrand, Jr. J. 1998. An Audubon Handbook: Eastern birds. McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York. 484 pp. Palmer-Ball, B. 2003. Annotated checklist of the birds of Kentucky. 2nd edition. Kentucky Ornithological Society, Louisville, KY. Sloan, C. and B. Palmer-Ball, Jr. In press. Tennessee & Kentucky In North American Birds 59(1). Sooty Tern, eNature.com (http://www.enature.com/fieldguide). March 10, 2005. Sooty Tern, Sterna fuscata - South Seas Companion Natural Phenomenon (http://southseas. nla.gov.au/biogs/P000398b.htm) March 10, 2005. 36 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 Sooty Tern, Letcher County, Kentucky 9 September 2004 Photos by Claudia Angle (NMNH) 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, KY, 41005, for consideration by the committee for official state record status. K.O.S. Web Site Visit the Kentucky Ornithological Society's web site at www.biology.eku.edu/kos. The Kentucky Warbler 2005 (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL 81 MAY 2005 NO. 2 IN THIS ISSUE THE PEREGRINE FALCON AND ITS RECOVERY rN KENTUCKY, Matthew R. Dzialak, Laura S. Burford, Shawchyi Vorisek, Michael J. Lacki, and Brainard L. Palmer-Ball, Jr . 39 WINTER ABUNDANCE OF NORTHERN HARRIERS, SHORT-EARED OWLS, AND OTHER RAPTORS ON RECLAIMED GRASSLANDS IN WEST-CENTRAL KENTUCKY, Mark Vukovich and Mark Monroe . 46 THE WINTER SEASON 2004-2005, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 54 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING 2005 MEETING, Gerald Robe . 62 FIELD NOTES . 66 Common Ground-Dove in Fulton County . 66 Northern Shrike in Muhlenberg County . 67 NEWS AND VIEWS . 67 38 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Hap Chambers, Murray Vice-President . Mark Bennett, Russellville Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 Treasurer . Recording Secretary . Councilors: Doris Tichenor, Morgantown ... Phyllis Niemi, Princeton . Mark Monroe, Louisville . Win Ahrens, Louisville . Elizabeth Ciuzio, Frankfort . Mary Walter, Corydon, Indiana Retiring President . Staff Artist . . Jim Williams 480 Seeley Drive, Lexington, KY 40502-2609 . Gerald Robe, Mt. Sterling 2003 thru 2005 2003 thru 2005 2004 thru 2006 2004 thru 2006 2005 thru 2007 2005 thru 2007 Kathy Caminiti, Burlington . 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 Matthew Dzialak for the cover photograph of the juvenile Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus), one of ten individuals hacked in the Red River Gorge Geological Area in 2002. Financial support for color cover provided by the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Kentucky* Touchstone Encrvv Cooperative* 2005_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER THE PEREGRINE FALCON AND ITS RECOVERY IN KENTUCKY 39 Matthew R. Dzialak, Laura S. Burford, Shawchyi Vorisek, Michael J. Lacki, and Brainard L. Palmer-Ball. Jr. In 1993. the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) initiated efforts to restore the American Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus anatum ) as a nesting species in Kentucky. At that time, the anatum subspecies was federally endangered with no known breeding location in the Commonwealth. The program expanded in 2000 to include partnerships with the University of Kentucky (UK), the U.S.D.A. Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF), and the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC). By 2003, 115 peregrines had been released in both urban and natural settings in Kentucky. Presently there are five known active peregrine nesting locations in the state and unpaired territorial males appear to occupy additional sites. In this paper we provide an overview of the recovery effort for die Peregrine Falcon in Kentucky. History of Peregrine Falcons in the United States The Peregrine Falcon is a medium-size raptor with nearly global distribution (Rat- cliffe 1993). Peregrine populations have been the focus of research and conservation efforts in North America for more than four decades. These efforts emerged largely in response to the widespread extirpation of temperate peregrines in the post-World War II era (Hickey 1969) and evolved into recovery programs initiated in the mid-1970s (Cade et al. 1988). Habitat alteration, disturbance of eyries by egg collectors, and poaching contributed to the decline and extirpation of these populations (Ganier 1931, Hickey 1942. Bond 1946, Hick¬ ey 1969), but contamination by organochloride pesticides such as DDT and concomitant reproductive failure of nesting peregrines were even more devastating in their effects (Ratcliffe 1967, Hickey and Anderson 1968. Peakall 1976). Consequently, by the mid- 1960s this falcon was virtually eliminated as a nesting species in the eastern United States, a region where more that 350 breeding pairs were Uiought to nest historically (Hickey 1942). Efforts to restore peregrine populations in the U.S. included a ban on the use of DDT in 1972. federal listing of the species as endangered in 1975, and initiation of recovery projects by state agencies, private organizations, and raptor breeders (Ratcliffe 1993, Cade et al. 1996). Captive-produced peregrines were first released in the U.S. in 1974. By 1994. more than 4,600 individuals had been released as part of four regional programs: ( 1 ) The Peregrine Fund in the East; (2) The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions; (3) the Peregrine Fund in the West; (4) and the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group in the Pacific Northwest (Enderson et al. 1995, Cade et al. 1996). Concurrently, researchers in Canada released an additional 1.500 birds. While most of the falcons released in the eastern United States were of Rocky Mountain F. p. anatum descent, some were F. p. tundrius . F. p. pealei . F. p. brookei . F. p. peregrinus. and F. p. cassini. and a few were hybrids among subspecies. Some anatum populations were migratory, but those in southern portions of their distribution were non-migratory (Ganier 1934). Similary. F. p. cassini exhibits migratory and non-migratory tendencies depending on latitude. F. p. pealei . F. p. brookei. and F. p. peregrinus are non-migratory. whereas F. p. tundrius is strongly migratory (White 1986. Redig and Tordoff 1993). Because pere¬ grines hacked in Kentucky were genetically disparate, it was unclear how far and in what direction they might disperse after fledging and to what degree they might be sedentary versus migratory as adults. For this reason, a significant attempt was made to document the dispersal and migratory tendencies of reintroduced peregrines and their offspring. As a result of recovery efforts, 160 known pairs of Peregrine Falcons occupied eyries from the Mississippi River eastward by the mid 1990s (Cade et al. 1996). The Arctic Pere¬ grine Falcon (F. p. tundrius) was removed from the Endangered Species List in 1994, and the American Peregrine Falcon (F. p. anatum) was delisted in 1999 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife 40 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 Service 1999). However, recovery in the southeastern U.S. has progressed more slowly than in other regions. Of the recovery regions designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the southeast region supports the fewest breeding pairs (about 18). despite a record of >70 historical eyries (Dzialak et al. 2005a). In large part because of this deficiency, removal of F. p. anatum from the endangered species list occurred without unanimous support of scien¬ tists and managers (e.g.. Cade et al. 1997, Pagel and Bell 1997). Peregrine Falcons in Kentucky Prior to the mid-1960s. Peregrine Falcons had not been confirmed nesting in Ken¬ tucky, but documented nest sites had been reported from adjacent locales including Reel- foot Lake, Lake County, Tennessee (Wilson 1942. Mengel 1965, Berger et al. 1969). the Wolfe River Gorge. Pickett County, Tennessee (Mengel 1965), and in the vicinity of Cum¬ berland Gap [probably at White Rocks], Lee County. Virginia (Mengel 1965). Although confirmed breeding records were lacking, likely or possible nesting areas were described from along the Kentucky River in the early 1900s (Pindar 1924), along the Rockcastle River, Laurel County, up to 1939 (Mengel 1940. 1965), and among large cliffs of Powell and Wolfe counties in the late 1940s (Mengel 1965). Mengel (1965) described the likely historical breeding range as including rugged areas with cliffs along the Pine Mountain thrust fault along the Virginia line and within the western "Cliff Section" of the Cumberland Plateau; he also noted the possibility of city buildings and bridges being used in the Louisville area. Palmer-Ball ( 1996) included bottomland forests of far western Kentucky as likely part of the peregrine's historical breeding range. Outside of the breeding season. Peregrine Falcons were sparingly reported at scattered locales across much of the state, mostly during migratory periods but occasionally during winter, often at or near large bodies of water (Mengel 1965). In years subsequent to the ban on DDT and the initiation of recovery projects in some midwestem states. Peregrine Falcon sightings began increasing. By the mid-1980s, several sightings were being reported each spring and fall season, but nesting remained unconfirmed until the mid-1990s. Recovery efforts: releases in urban and industrial areas, 1993-1999 During the period 1993-1999. 82 peregrines were released at three urban and industrial hack sites in Kentucky. Thirty birds were released at the Vine Center Building in Lexington, Fayette County; 31 were released at the Kentucky Utilities E.W. Brown Gen¬ erating Station near Burgin. Mercer County: and 2 1 were released at the Kentucky Utilities Ghent Station, Carroll County (Burford 1999). Human-made structures in urban or indus¬ trial settings were used as initial release sites because these areas typically supported abun¬ dant prey such as European Starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris) and Rock Pigeons (Columbia livia) and because of the reduced levels of Great Homed Owls (Bubo virginiauus), a potential predator. Human-made structures also met logistical needs, such as accessibility for daily feeding by hack-site attendants and public relations events including media coverage. Goals of this phase of the program included achieving high survival-to-dispersal rates, and, ulti¬ mately, reestablishing breeding locations in the state. Burford (1999) reported that nearly 78% of fledglings released at these locations survived to disperse. Predominant sources of mortality included collision with vehicles and buildings or entrapment in industrial struc¬ tures (Burford and Yancy 1994). Although incidence of predation was low during this phase of the program, Burford (1996) reported three fledglings killed by a Great Homed Owl at the Mercer County site in 1995, and at least one falcon was lost to predation by a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) at the Carroll County site in 1999 (Burford 1999). Recovery efforts: releases on cliffs 2000-2003 During the period 2000-2003, 33 young Peregrine Falcons were released among cliffs in the Red River Gorge Geological Area of DBNF, Menifee/Powell counties, and along the Kentucky River at Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve (SNP), Jessamine County. Efforts to 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 41 reintroduce the species in cliff habitats represented a novel phase of the program because research was a primary focus. Twelve individuals were released at a large rock arch near the junction of highways 77 and 715 in Menifee County in 2000; 16 were released at a large cliff ledge at the terminus of Tunnel Ridge Road in Powell County in 2001 and 2002; and 5 were released at Tom Dorman SNP in 2003. These release sites were chosen based on nu¬ merous criteria including habitat attributes, estimated prey base and predation risk, and potential for research opportunities (Dzialak et al. 2005a). As part of this phase. >900 hrs of observation on the behavioral ecology of reintroduced peregrines were obtained (Carter 2003). Dzialak (2003) monitored movement and dispersal and obtained >540 aerial tele¬ metry locations on released individuals. Birds at DBNF perched frequently on pine (Pimis spp.) snags along cliff edges and oriented their movement within agricultural habitat west of DBNF. such as areas near the Mountain Parkway and the city of Stanton (Dzialak et al. 2005b). Individuals at Tom Dorman SNP tended to spend more time flying and less time perching, and they were relocated frequently along the Kentucky and Dix river corridors and near Lake Herrington. All falcons released at Tom Dorman SNP survived and dis¬ persed: five released in the Red River Gorge Geological Area died before dispersal. It was difficult to determine the cause of mortality for those individuals, but we suspect that a bobcat ( Lynx rufus) and a raccoon (Procvon lot or) were sources of mortality in 2001 and 2002. respectively. Using Soft Catch® padded foothold traps and Havahart® box traps (Woodstream Corp., Lititz. PA. 17543). we captured and removed a bobcat from the hack site in 2001, and we removed three raccoons from the hack site in 2002. We observed gray fox ( Urocvon cinereoargenteus ). red fox. timber rattlesnake ( Crotalus horridus), copper¬ head ( Agkistrodon contortrix ), and vultures (both Coragyps citratus and Cathartes aura) scavenging quail carcasses provided as a supplemental food source, but these species were not known to be associated with fledgling mortality. Survival and dispersal Reintroduced peregrines generally spend several weeks near the hacking stations (i.e., on the post-fledging area) before dispersal (Sherrod et al. 1982). During this time they dev¬ elop survival skills such as hunting and defensive behavior. Peregrines dispersing after spending too few days on the post-fledging area might not have sufficient hunting or defen¬ sive skills necessary for survival (Sherrod 1983). Generally, wild-produced peregrines and those hacked in urban areas remain on the post-fledging area longer than those hacked in cliff habitat. Sherrod (1983) reported that wild-produced young dispersed after spending 38- 69 days on the post-fledging area. Wild-produced peregrines in Kentucky typically spent 36 days on the post-fledging area (Carter 2003). In contrast, peregrines hacked at urban sites in Kentucky spent an average of 37 days on the post-fledging area and those hacked in cliff habitat remained from only a few to 36 days, with most remaining 16-31 days (Burford and Yancy 1994. Burford 1996, 1999, Dzialak et al. 2005b). Young released at Tom Dorman SNP spent 27-36 days on the post-fledging area before dispersing, but a few birds released in the Red River Gorge Geological Area dispersed after having remained only a few days. Barclay and Cade (1983) suggested that raptor hacking programs generally achieve 75% success. Burnham et al. (1988) estimated that about 81% of hacked peregrines sur¬ vived at least 3 weeks. Typically, survival-to-dispersal among wild-produced peregrines is lower and has been reported to be 26-47% (Enderson 1969, Nelson 1988. Ratcliffe 1993, Vorisek 2005). Barclay and Cade (1983) reported hacking success of 63%, 79%, and 83% for pere¬ grines hacked on cliffs, towers, and urban sites, respectively. Other studies have demon¬ strated high survival among peregrines in urban areas (Kauffman et al. 2003), possibly because of the extensive prey resources available in these areas or because many urban areas are largely devoid of predators. Urban released peregrines also have a higher likeli¬ hood of being discovered and treated with medical care if they become injured than falcons fledged in more remote areas. 42 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 Survival-to-dispersal rates are easy to interpret and are appropriate to present in initial species recovery efforts, job performance reports or other public relations media, but this rate could misrepresent the actual contribution made to peregrine recovery. For example, survival-to-dispersal among peregrines released in cliff habitat in Kentucky was 85%. but there is a high probability that several premature dispersers lacked necessary survival skills and succumbed to starvation. Conversely, it is probably not accurate to assume that all premature dispersers die. particularly those individuals that may have remained on the post- fledging area for 10-13 days as opposed to just 2 or 3 days (Sherrod 1983). Some research suggests that individuals that disperse earlier may be in better physical condition than late dispersers (Belthoff and Duffy 1998, Willey and van Riper 2000). Powell et al. (2002) con¬ ducted the only other quantitative assessment of post-fledging survival in reintroduced pere¬ grines. They estimated survival over a 10-wk post-fledging period to be 89%. Their success exceeded previous estimates and, to some extent, mirrored habitat-specific trends in success rates observed previously. The true contribution that hacking programs make to peregrine recovery is probably somewhere between best and worst case scenarios. Assessing success of recovery Success of Peregrine Falcon reintroduction must be assessed over broad spatial and temporal scales because peregrines traverse vast areas and often wander nomadically for several years before establishing nesting territories. It may be too early to fully assess Kentucky's contribution to peregrine recovery, but it is clear that the status of the species in Kentucky and adjacent states has improved since the inception of the program. Since 1995, breeding locations have been established at five sites within the Ohio River corridor along the state's northern border (Vorisek 2005, Tordoff et al 2004) as follows: 1) a complex of bridges at Louisville, Jefferson County, since at least 1995; 2) a utility stack at the Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E) Station near Bedford, Trimble County, since 1999; 3) a utility stack at the Kentucky Utilities Ghent Station, Carroll County, since 2000; 4) the highway bridge between Russell. Kentucky and Ironton. Ohio, Greenup County, since 2001; and 5) the US 421 bridge at Madison, Indiana/Milton. Kentucky, Trimble County, since 2002. The nest site at Louisville has moved back and forth between at least two and perhaps three different bridges, and the makeup of the Louisville pair has changed dramatically with several known replacements of individual birds that have died or dis¬ appeared. The pair currently consists of a female hacked in the Red River Gorge Geologic Area. Powell County, in 2002, and an unknown male. The LG&E pair currently consists of a male that was hacked at a power plant near St. Louis, Missouri, in 1997, and a female that was wild-produced in Toledo, Ohio, in 1997. The pair at Ghent formerly included a male that had been hacked and subsequently took up residence there in 1997; it now includes a male that was wild-produced at LG&E in 2001 and a wild-produced female that was banded in Manitowoc. Wisconsin in 1999. Of the pair nesting at Russell, the female is a bird that was hacked in Toronto, Canada, in 1998 (Tordoff et al. 2002). The male currently at Milton was hacked at Ghent in 1997 (Vorisek 2005). During the period 2000-2004, the birds at these five locations produced 65 young with 49% of young surviving and dispersing (Vorisek 2005; Tordoff et al. 2001, 2002. 2003. 2004). In addition to the five pairs noted above, at least three pairs have recently become established immediately adjacent to Kentucky along the Ohio River in Ohio: two at power plants at Cleves and Aberdeen, as well as one in downtown Cincinnati (Tordoff et al. 2003). Another pair may be present at a power plant at Rockport. Indiana (Tordoff et al. 2004). Finally, in addition to the several Kentucky-released peregrines that have established breeding locations within the state, at least three more have dispersed to nest in adjacent states: one at Indianapolis, Indiana; one at Lima, Ohio, and one at the above-noted power plant at Cleves, Ohio. Clearly, specific recovery efforts in various states have interacted with each other throughout the region. Although numerous human-made nesting sites ap¬ pear to remain unoccupied throughout the Midwest, core areas of peregrine activity clearly 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 43 exist. Conspeciflc attraction among peregrines has resulted in the establishment of these high traffic nesting areas, often in habitat such as lakefronts and river corridors, hi Ken¬ tucky. the Ohio River corridor currently represents the focus of nesting activity. As these areas have become occupied, impaired or displaced individuals have slowly begun to oc¬ cupy adjacent locations. Nesting chronology and biology among the five nesting pairs have been relatively consistent. Pairs appear to remain resident on and defensive of territories throughout the year with courtship commencing in late winter. Clutches have been typically completed in late March to early April with hatching occurring most frequently during the latter half of April. Young usually fledge from late May to mid- June. Clutch size has typically consisted of four eggs, although only two or three sometimes hatch. In addition to known nesting birds, unpaired peregrines have been observed in several locations in Kentucky. Establishment of defended territories by males is a promising step towards the emergence of additional breeding locations. Since 1998. an unpaired male has been observed in Lexington. Fayette County. Little is known about this individual, but it has been observed frequently perching in the downtown district where it preys on European Starlings and Rock Pigeons (Royce 2002). The past two years (2004 and 2005). a female has also been seen in downtown Lexington with the male but no nest site has been found (Vorisek 2005). KDFWR has installed several nest boxes on downtown buildings over the years, but to date they have not been occupied. Peregrines also have been observed occasionally at the Cynergy East Bend Power Plant. Boone County, and in cliff habitat near the Red River Gorge Geologic Area. Powell/Menifee counties (Vorisek 2005). In 2003. a male established a territory at the terminus of Tunnel Ridge Road in the Red River Gorge following its release at that site the previous year. KDFWR personnel were unable to locate this individual in 2004, but considering the extent of available habitat and continued sightings of peregrines there by reputable biologists, we suspect that birds remain in the area. About 75% of reintroduced peregrines in the Midwest use human-made structures for nesting (Tordoff et al. 2004). Currently, all five of Kentucky's nesting pairs use human- made structures, and nest boxes installed by KDFWR are used at two of these locations. The significance of nest boxes cannot be overstated in terms of current nest productivity. Two of the most productive sites-Ghent and Trimble counties-did not become successful until nest boxes were installed. Thus, it appears that nest box maintenance will continue to be critical in maximizing nesting success until cliff nesters become established. Recently, cliff habitats have become occupied in the Midwest; for example, in 2000, five pairs established territories on Mississippi River cliffs where a year earlier there were none (Tordoff et al. 2000). We anticipate that a similar trend of occupancy may also occur in Kentucky, with human-made structures occupied first followed by cliff habitats. Also, given the high survival among Peregrine Falcons released in Kentucky and current trends in the Midwest, we suspect that the local population should continue to increase. Cliffs along the Kentucky River and in the Red River Gorge area could be the first to be occupied be¬ cause of their proximity to known sites. Another promising location might be Golden Eagle Cliff in McCreary County because of its size and its proximity to habitats that support abun¬ dant prey such as Lake Cumberland. We encourage continued vigilance among wildlife enthusiasts in discovering newly established eyries at these locations and throughout Ken¬ tucky. The year 2003 marked the final year of the release-phase in Kentucky, but KDFWR continues to monitor Peregrine Falcon status in the state. In 2003. a cooperative federal and state effort was initiated to monitor peregrine populations nationwide pursuant to section 4(g)(1) of the Endangered Species Act (U.S Fish and Wildlife Service 2003). The plan calls for five monitoring periods, conducted at three-year intervals, from 2003 to 2015. KDFWR is participating in this effort and will be gathering information on territory occupancy, new- THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 44 Vol. 81 ly established territories, nest success and productivity at existing eyries, and potential threats of contamination. Acknowledgments We thank the many individuals who participated in this effort. Numerous individuals representing the Kentucky World Trade Center Building, Kentucky Utilities. Louisville Gas and Electric. Cynergy, KDFWR. DBNF, KSNPC. University of Kentucky College of Agri¬ culture. and raptor rehabilitators, veterinarians, and birding enthusiasts throughout the Com¬ monwealth made important contributions to the program. Individuals who made unique contributions to the cliff-release phase include T. Slone and B. Baida of KDFWR. K. Car¬ ter. J. Larkin, and K. Anderson of Die University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, K. Huie and R. Braun of DBNF. and J. Bender and D. Skinner of KSNPC. This research (KAES 04-09-188) was connected with a project of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station and is published with the approval of the Director. All methods used during the program were approved by the University of Kentucky Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (protocol # 00504A2002). Literature Cited Barclay. J. H., and T. J. Cade. 1983. Restoration of the peregrine falcon in the eastern United States. Bird Conservation 1:3-39. Belthoff, J.R.. and A.M. Duffy Jr. 1998. Corticosterone, body condition and locomotor activity: a model for dispersal in screech-owls. Animal Behavior 55:405-415. Berger, D.D., C.R. Sindelar Jr., and K.E. Gamble. 1969. The status of breeding peregrines in the Eastern United States. Pages 165-173 in J.J. Hickey, editor. Peregrine Falcon pop¬ ulations: their biology and decline. University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. Bond, R.M. 1946. The peregrine population of western North America. Condor 48:101- 116. Burford. L.S. 1996. Peregrine Falcon restoration in Kentucky: 1995-1996 summary report. Nongame Wildlife Program. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Project number W-45, Frankfort. KY. Burford. L.S. 1999. Peregrine Falcon restoration: job performance report. Nongame Wildlife Program, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Project Num¬ ber W-45. Frankfort. KY. Burford. L.S., and D.C. Yancy. 1994. Peregrine Falcon restoration in Kentucky: 1993-1994 summary report. Nongame Wildlife Program, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wild¬ life Resources. Project number W-45, Frankfort. KY. Burnham. W.A.. W. Heinrich. C. Sandfort. E. Levine. D. O'Brien, and D. Konkel. 1988. Recovery effort for the peregrine falcon in the Rocky Mountains. Pages 565-574 in T.J. Cade, J.H. Enderson, C.G. Thelander. and C.M. White (eds.). Peregrine Falcon popu¬ lations: their management and recovery. Peregrine Fund Inc., Boise, ID, USA. Cade, T.J.. J.H. Enderson, C.G. Dielander. and C.M. White. 1988. Peregrine Falcon popu¬ lations: their management and recovery. The Peregrine Fund, Inc., Boise, ID. Cade. T.J.. J.H. Enderson, and J. Linthicum. 1996. Guide to management of Peregrine Fal¬ cons at the eyrie. The Peregrine Fund Inc., Boise. ID. Cade, T.J.. J.H. Enderson, L.F. Kiff, and C.M. White. 1997. Are there enough good data to justify de-listing the American Peregrine Falcon? Wildlife Society Bulletin 25:730-738. Carter, K. M. 2003. Food habits, reproductive status, habitat use, and behavior of the Pere¬ grine Falcon in Kentucky. M.S. Thesis. University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. Dzialak, M.R. 2003. Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus ) reintroduction in cliff habitat in Kentucky. Ph.D. dissertation. The University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. Dzialak. M.R.. M.J. Lacki. and K.M. Carter. 2005a. Characterization of potential release sites for Peregrine Falcon reintroduction. Natural Areas Journal 25: 188-196. 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 45 Dzialak, M.R.. M.J. Lacki. J.L. Larkin. K.M. Carter, and S. Vorisek. 2005b. Corridors af¬ fect dispersal initiation in reintroduced peregrine falcons. Animal Conservation 8 \in press. Enderson. J. H. 1969. Peregrine and prairie falcon life tables based on band-recovery data. Pages 505-509 in J. J. Hickey, editor. Peregrine falcon populations: their biology and decline. University of Wisconsin Press, Madison. WI. Enderson. J.H.. W. Heinrich. L. Kiff, and C.M. White. 1995. Population changes hi North American Peregrines. Transactions of the North American Wildlife and Natural Re¬ sources Conference 60:142-161. Ganier, A.F. 1931. Nesting of the duck hawk in Tennessee. Wilson Bulletin 43:3-8. Ganier, A.F. 1934. The status of the duck hawk in the southeast. Auk 5 1:371-373. Elickey. J.J. 1942. Eastern population of the duck hawk. Auk 59: 176-204. Hickey. J.J. 1969. Peregrine Falcon populations: their biology and decline. University of Wisconsin press. Madison. WI. Hickey. J.J.. and D.W. Anderson. 1968. Chlorinated hydrocarbons and eggshell changes in raptorial and fish eating birds. Science 162:271-273. Kauffman. M.J. W.F. Frick, and J. Linthicum. 2003. Estimation of habitat-specific demo¬ graphy and population growth for peregrine falcons in California. Ecological Appli¬ cations 13:1802-1816. Mengel. R.M. 1940. Notes from eastern Kentucky. Auk 57:424. Mengel. R.M. 1965. The birds of Kentucky. American Ornithologists' Union Monographs No. 3. The Allen Press, Lawrence, KS. Nelson. R. W. 1988. Do large natural broods increase mortality of parent peregrine falcons? Pages 719-728 in Cade. T. J.. J. H. Enderson, C. G. Thelander. and C. M. White (eds). Peregrine falcon populations: their management and recovery. The Peregrine Fund. Boise. ID. Page! J.E., and D.A. Bell. 1997. Reply to Cade et al. regarding de-listing the American Peregrine Falcon. Wildlife Society Bulletin 25:739-742. Palmer-Ball Jr.. B.L. 1996. The Kentucky breeding bird atlas. The University Press of Ken¬ tucky. Lexington. KY. Peakall. D.B. 1976. The Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus) and pesticides. Canadian Field Naturalist 90:301-307. Pindar. L.O. 1924. An early spring trip up the Kentucky River. Oologist 41: 120-122. Powell. L. A.. D. J. Calvert. I. M. Barry, and L. Washburn. 2002. Post-fledging survival and dispersal of peregrine falcons during a restoration project. Journal of Raptor Research 36:176-182. Ratcliffe. D.A. 1967. Decreases in eggshell weight in certain birds of prey. Nature 215:208- 210. Ratcliffe, D. 1993. The Peregrine Falcon. 2nd edition. Buteo Books. Vermillion, SD. Redig, P.T.. and H.B. Tordoff. 1993. Midwest peregrine falcon restoration. 1993 report. Bell Museum of Natural History, and the Raptor Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. MN. Royce, C. 2002. Peregrine Falcon sightings in downtown Lexington. Kentucky: December 2001- March 2002. Unpublished Report, Lexington Falcon Watch. Sherrod, S.K. 1983. Behavior of fledgling peregrines. The Peregrine Fund. Inc.. Ithaca, NY. Sherrod, S. K.. W. R. Heinrich. W. A. Burnham. J. H. Barclay, and T. J. Cade. 1982. Hack¬ ing: a method for releasing Peregrine Falcons and other birds of prey. The Peregrine Fund, Inc., Ithaca. NY. Tordoff, H.B.. M.S. Martell. P.T. Redig, and M.J. Solensky. 2000. Midwest peregrine fal¬ con restoration, 2000 report. Bell Museum of Natural History, and the Raptor Center. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. MN. 46 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 Tordoff. H.B.. M.S. Martell. P.T. Redig, and M.J. Solensky. 2001. Midwest peregrine fal¬ con restoration, 2001 report. Bell Museum of Natural History, and the Raptor Center, University of Minnesota. Minneapolis. MN. Tordoff. H.B.. M.S. Martell. and J.S. Castrale. 2002. Midwest peregrine falcon restoration. 2002 report. Bell Museum of Natural History, and the Raptor Center, University of Minnesota. Minneapolis. MN. Tordoff. H.B., J.A. Goggin, and J.S. Castrale. 2003. Midwest peregrine falcon restoration. 2003 report. Bell Museum of Natural History, and the Raptor Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. MN. Tordoff, H.B., J.A. Goggin. and J.S. Castrale. 2004. Midwest peregrine falcon restoration. 2004 report. Bell Museum of Natural History, and the Raptor Center. University of Minnesota. Minneapolis, MN. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1999. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; final rule to remove the American Peregrine Falcon from the federal list of endangered and threatened wildlife; and to remove the similarity of appearance provision for free-flying peregrines in the conterminous United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Bloom¬ ington. MN. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003. Notice of availability of the post-delisting monitoring plan for the American Peregrine Falcon < Falco peregrinus anatum). Federal Register 68:67698-67699. Vorisek, S. 2005. Final report submitted to the U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wild¬ life Service; Peregrine Falcon monitoring. Wildlife Diversity Program, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Agreement No. 401814G017, Frankfort, KY. White. C.M. 1986. The peregrine-systematics and evolution. Pages xii-xxx in R.D. Porter, M.A. Jenkins, and A.L. Gaski, editors. Working bibliography of the peregrine falcon. National Wildlife Federation Scientific and Technical Series No. 9. Washington, D.C., USA.. Willey, D.W.. and C. van Riper III. 2000. First-year movements by juvenile Mexican spot¬ ted owls in the canyonlands of Utah. Journal of Raptor Research 34: 1-7. Wilson, G. 1942. Breeding birds of Kentucky-a composite list. Kentucky Warbler 18:17-25. - Natural Resources, Utah State University - Uintah Basin. 1680 W Highway 40, Vernal. UT 84078; mattd@ext.usu.edu (Dzialak); 127 Plummer Road. Stamping Ground, KY 40379 (Burford); Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources. #1 Game Farm Road. Frank¬ fort. KY 40601 (Vorisek); Department of Forestry. University of Kentucky, Lexington. KY 40546 (Lacki); and Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort. KY 40601 (Palmer-Ball). WINTER ABUNDANCE OF NORTHERN HARRIERS, SHORT-EARED OWLS, AND OTHER RAPTORS ON RECLAIMED GRASSLANDS IN WEST-CENTRAL KENTUCKY Mark Vukovich and Mark Monroe Introduction Grasslands are among the most threatened habitats in North America (Jones and Bock 2002), and many grassland bird populations are declining at rates exceeding those of forest species (Herkert 1994). Two species of grassland raptors. Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) and Northern Harrier ( Circus cyaneus), have been classified as species of national manage¬ ment concern by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS 1987). Short-eared Owl is listed because of current population declines and Northern Harrier because of dependence on rare and vulnerable habitats. During the past 35 years. Short-eared Owls and Northern 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 47 Harriers have declined at rates averaging 0.7% and 4.4% per year, respectively, throughout their North American breeding ranges (Sauer et al. 2001). Investigators have attempted to determine the causes for these declines, and available data suggest that conversion of grasslands to croplands, disrupted fire regimes, and fragmentation of remaining grassland habitats have been important factors (Melvin et al. 1989. Serrentino 1992). In Kentucky. Short-eared Owl is considered rare to locally uncommon in winter and is classified as endangered as a breeding species (Palmer-Ball 2003. KSNPC 2001); Northern Harrier is considered an uncommon to locally fairly common winter resident and threatened as a breeder (Palmer-Ball 2003. KSNPC 2001). Although native grassland habitats were widespread across large portions of southern and western Kentucky at the time of European settlement, all but a few tiny patches have been converted to agricultural use and settlement. However, certain human activities and uses have created habitats that in some ways mimic native grasslands, leading to their use by grassland birds, hr fact, current reclamation practices on surface mines have produced some extensive areas of grassland in west-central and eastern Kentucky. Previous research results have indicated that Short-eared Owl, Northern Harrier, and other species of raptors use reclaimed surface mines in Kentucky during both the non¬ breeding and breeding seasons (Clay 1989, Palmer-Ball 1996); however, no comprehensive effort has been focused on determining the extent to which the reclaimed mine areas are used by raptors during the non-breeding season or about the suitability of these areas as raptor habitat. Although several inherent biases (e.g., weather, species detectability, perch availability along roads, observer expertise) have raised concerns about the reliability of road surveys (Millsap and LeFranc 1988). this technique can be effective in determining abundance and long-term population trends of raptors over large areas. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the relative abundance of Northern Harriers, Short-eared Owls, and other raptors using an area dominated by reclaimed mines in west-central Kentucky in winter and (2) to compare raptor abundances with other regional studies. Study site This study took place in Muhlenberg and Ohio counties in west-central Kentucky, and focused on the Peabody Wildlife Management Area (Peabody WMA). The Peabody WMA includes 25,000 ha of which most is reclaimed coal-mined land. At the time this study was conducted, the WMA was divided into six units: the Ken Hopewell and Homestead units in Ohio County, and the Gibraltar, Sinclair, Riverqueen, and Vogue units in Muhlenberg County. The Ken Hopewell and Homestead units consisted primarily of grasslands and herbaceous vegetation with scattered woodlots. Hie Sinclair Unit consisted mainly of open grassland and herbaceous vegetation with scattered patches of shrubs. The Gibraltar unit consisted primarily of open grasslands (adjacent to private croplands), but remained an active mine and closed to public access. The Riverqueen and Vogue units included both forested and open habitats. Hie open areas of the Peabody WMA consisted primarily of non-native vegetation, including sericea (Lespedeza c uneat a) and fescue (Festuca sp.), but mixed with native vegetation like switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum), Indian current (Sym- phoricarpos orbiculatus ). and blackberry ( Rubiis spp.). A number of ponds were also pres¬ ent on the Peabody WMA, and the area was accessible by a network of gravel roads. Lands outside or adjacent to the Peabody WMA but covered by this study consisted primarily of rural farmland including tilled fields, hayfields. and pastures, as well as woodlands, both upland and floodplain. Methods Field surveys and general data gathering Populations of diurnal raptors within the study area were monitored using road surveys (Craighead and Craighead 1956, Fuller and Mosher 1987). Data were taken from 17 winter 48 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 season (defined herein as January through March) road surveys in a more comprehensive data set of road surveys conducted continuously during the period from 4 January 2002 through 25 July 2003. The survey route was approximately 70.7 km in length and was selected for the purpose of covering as much of the Peabody WMA as possible in one relatively direct route. Approximately 42.5 km (60%) of the route passed through the Peabody WMA. while 28.2 km (40%) passed through surrounding private lands. Surveys were conducted at least twice a month, and all were conducted during the period from 1000-1700 CST on days with little or no precipitation and winds less than 20 kph. During surveys, the vehicle was typically driven at a speed of 20-30 kph where possible. Periodic stops were made to identify distant individuals and at a few prime locations to briefly scan for birds. Binoculars (10 x 40 and 8 x 42) and spotting scopes (20-60 X) were used to aid in identification. For each raptor observed, the time, odometer reading, habitat and, when possible, species, sex, and age were noted. The area within a 50 m radius of where a raptor was observed perched or in flight was categorized as tall grass (>50% of the area with grass or other herbaceous vegetation >0.5 m high), short grass (>50% of the area with grass or other herbaceous vegetation <0.5 m high), agricultural land (>50% of the area had been tilled or grazed), scattered shrub (shrubs covering >50% of the area), woodlot (>50% of the area with trees including woodlot edges), wetland (over open water or within 10 m of water's edge), or roadside edge (<10 m from a road). In addition, in order to assess habitat availability, we drove the survey route and stopped about every 0.75 km (N = 96 points) and determined the dominant (>50%) habitat type at each location. Because Short-eared Owls are largely crepuscular during the winter (Clark 1975). road surveys conducted during daylight hours did not produce acciuate estimates of their populations. Therefore, a concerted effort was made to locate all diurnal roost sites used by these owls on the Peabody WMA and to count all owls present at those roosts. Roost sites used in previous years were checked, as were other apparently suitable sites, particularly areas where owls were observed foraging regularly. Incidental observations of Short-eared Owls made by the authors and reported by other observers were also used in estimating owl populations. Counts of owls were made during the periods from January through March 2002 and November 2002 through March 2003. Data Analysis Data collected during the road surveys were used to determine the distribution and abundance of raptors on the Peabody WMA throughout the year (Fuller and Mosher 1987). Percentages and totals of observed species, habitats, and behaviors were determined for raptors both on and off the Peabody WMA. Because the number of surveys conducted during each month differed in 2002 and 2003, means were used for comparisons among months. Abundances were calculated as the number of individuals recorded divided by dis¬ tance traveled multiplied by 100 (i.e.. raptors/100 km). This same measure was calculated from selected publications for comparison with this study. For the determination of habitat availability, dominant habitat types were identified using the maximum transect width for the 96 points along the route. The maximum transect width was calculated by determining the maximum width a raptor would have been visible along each side of the road. For example, at a typical open area along the route, the maxi¬ mum transect width was about 600 m (i.e.. 300 m on both sides of the road). Then we added 50 m (radius of habitat estimation for a raptor) to both sides of the road. The result was a 700 m diameter circle (with the vehicle as the center) in which we estimated the dominant habitat type. Percentages of dominant habitat types were then calculated. Chi-square tests were used to examine possible non-random use of habitats between raptor species (SAS Institute 1989). We used a Fisher’s Exact test to examine the difference between habitats on and off the Peabody WMA (SAS Institute 1989). Data were considered significant at p< 0.05. 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 49 Results Road surveys and roost censuses Table 1 summarizes the results of road surveys during the winter (January through March) in 2002 and 2003. Seventeen surveys were conducted and 1.040 individuals of 11 species of raptors were observed. The mean linear density was 86.5 raptors/ 100 km on the survey route with similar numbers observed in 2002 (85.8 indivs/100 km; 10 surveys) and 2003 (87.4 indivs/100 km; 7 surveys). In both 2002 and 2003. the greatest number of rap¬ tors was observed during February (Figure 1 ). Raptor abundance as measured by linear den¬ sity was remarkably higher on the Peabody WMA (1 17.6 indivs/100 km) than on surround¬ ing private lands (39.8 indivs/100 km). Within the WMA. the Sinclair Unit had the highest diversity and linear density of raptors in winter. More species of raptors (8) were observed on the Sinclair Unit than on any other unit. Similarly, a higher linear density (178.0 indivs/100 km) was observed on the Sinclair Unit than on other units (99.9 indivs/100 km). The Northern Harrier was the second most frequently observed raptor during winter road surveys (342 individuals; 32.9% of total). An average of 45.9 harriers/100 km was observed on the Peabody WMA as compared to only 2.3 harriers/100 km on adjacent lands. Peak numbers of Northern Harriers were observed in February 2002 and March 2003. Most harriers identified were adults (166 of 342. or 48.5%). with adult males (98 of 166. or 59.0%) observed more often than adult females (68 of 166. or 40.9%). Only 27 juveniles were identified, and 149 individuals were not seen well enough to determine age and/or sex. Numbers of harriers at a communal roost on the Sinclair Unit were highest in March in both 2002 (25) and 2003 (23). Although only two Short-eared Owls were observed during surveys, additional at¬ tempts to locate owls by locating diurnal roosting sites were made, specifically on the Peabody WMA. Based on those efforts, it was estimated that up to 27 Short-eared Owls were present in 2002 (all on the Sinclair Unit), while as many as 28 individuals were pres¬ ent in 2003. Habitat Use Woodlot and tall grass habitats were the most abundant habitats along the survey route (Table 3). Distribution of Northern Harriers along the survey route was non-random (%2 = 1416.5. df = 7. p < 0.0001). with harriers observed most frequently in areas with tall grass (272 of 342. or 79.5%). In addition, habitat use by Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis ) was also non-random (% = 540.8. df = 7. p < 0.0001). with these hawks observed most often in tall grass habitats ( 181 of 410. or 44.1%). American Kestrel ( Falco sparverius) presence in habitats along the survey route was non-random (%2 = 228.8. df = 6. p < 0.0001). with kestrels also frequently observed in tall grass habitats (76 of 180. or 42.2%), as well as roadside edges (62 of 180. or 34.4%). Habitats on the Peabody WMA differed significantly compared to off the WMA (one sided. Fisher's Exact, df = 5, p < 0.0001). Tall grass habitats occurred more frequently on the Peabody WMA (22 of 55 points, or 42.2%) com¬ pared to off the Peabody WMA (1 of 41 points, or 1.04%). Discussion Abundance of raptors for this study as measured by linear density was among the highest reported in the east-central United States (Table 2). Andres (1994) studied a small, but raptor-rich area in Clark County. Kentucky, and reported 108.4 individuals/ 100 km. Sferra (1982) reported much lower numbers of wintering raptors in Madison County, Ken¬ tucky, with a mean linear density of 24.6 indivs/100 km. Similarly, Bildstein (1987) reported lower densities in central Ohio (8.4 indivs/100 km). Although overall raptor abundance was lower in Tennessee, linear density of American Kestrels (11.3 indivs/100 km) was relatively comparable to oiu survey route (Stedman 1988). In contrast to those other studies, winter abundance of Northern Harriers on our survey route (28.5 indivs/100 km) was the highest that has been reported for the region (Table 2). 50 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 81 Table 1. Summary of diurnal raptor road surveys, Muhlenberg and Ohio counties, Ken¬ tucky. during the winters of 2002 and 2003. Species Number observed Percentage of total observed Avg. # of individuals/ 100 km Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis 410 39.4 34.1 Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus 342 32.9 28.5 American Kestrel Falco sparverius 180 17.3 15.0 Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus 38 3.7 3.2 Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus 29 2.8 2.4 Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter s trial us 11 1.1 0.9 Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperi 10 <1.0 0.8 Unidentified Buteo 9 <1.0 0.7 Merlin Falco columbarius 5 <1.0 0.4 Osprey* Pandion haliaetus 3 <1.0 0.2 Short-eared Owl Asia flammeus 2 <1.0 0.2 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 1 <1.0 0.1 Total 1040 100.0 86.5 * March observations of returning migrants/summer residents. Table 2. Linear density of raptors. Northern Harrier (NOHA) density, and number of spe¬ cies taken from published road surveys (including this study) in the east-central United States during winter. Sudy Location Raptors/ 100 km NOHA/ 100 km Number of species Total distance traveled (km) Andres (1994) Central KY 108.4 1.4 5 340.1 Present study West-central KY 86.5 28.5 11 1201.9 Sferra ( 1982) Central KY 24.6 0.4 7 2350 Stedman ( 1988) Statewide TN 19.5 0.3 9 8432 Bildstein (1987) Central OH 8.4 1.8 9 4592.4 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 51 Figure 1. Winter abundance of raptors by month. Table 3. Proportion of dominant habitats and observations of Red-tailed Hawks (RTHA), Northern Harriers (NOHA), and American Kestrels (AMKE) in different habitats along the survey route through Muhlenberg and Ohio counties. Kentucky, January - March 2002 and 2003. Habitat Occurrence of dominant habitats at random survey points (96) RTHA observations (410) by dominant habitat NOHA observations (342) by dominant habitat AMKE observations (180) by dominant habitat Woodlot 47.9% 25.9% 2.3% 2.8% Tall grass 24.0% 44.1% 79.5% 42.2% Agricultural land 12.5% 3.4% 1.1% 3.0% Short grass 10.4% 4.4% 5.0% 16.1% Scattered shrubs 3.1% 3.4% <1.0% 2.2% Wetland 2.1% 3.2% 2.6% <1.0% Roadside edge 0.0% 15.1% 7.9% 34.4% Unknown - <1.0% <1.0% " 52 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 Variation in abundance of both all raptors and Northern Harriers between study sites shown in Table 2 was possibly due to differences in dominant habitats and levels of human use. Populations of meadow voles ( Microtits pennsylvanicus ). a favorite prey item of grass¬ land raptors, typically are more abundant in areas with higher vegetative cover (Bart 1977). Bildstein (1987) had more observations of Northern Harrier in fallow fields than in crop¬ land. Andres ( 1994) recorded overall abundance of raptors similar to the overall abundance recorded in our study, but his predominant species were Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel with a much smaller presence of Northern Harrier. This was likely due to the abun¬ dance of agricultural lands, the favored habitat for Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel, along his survey route. Moreover, while "tall vegetation" was also a dominant habitat in his study area, the term was defined differently to include shorter vegetation than our definition and consisted primarily of lightly grazed pastures rather than idle grasslands. Based on our results, harriers were observed in areas with a mixture of ungrazed tall and short grasses or other herbaceous vegetation, a type of habitat that is characteristic of the reclaimed mine land dominating the Peabody WMA. particularly the Sinclair Unit. It should be noted, how¬ ever. that habitat differences alone may not be responsible for variation in raptor abundance between various studies. A combination of factors (e.g.. year-to-year variation in numbers of raptors, prey availability, weather conditions, etc. ) may also cause significant differences. Range-wide distribution and abundance of Short-eared Owls during the winter are poorly known, but based on Christmas Bird Count (CBC) data, populations in most areas of the United States appear to be low (Sauer 1997) and in some states (e.g., Illinois and Iowa) declining (McKay et al. 2001). Counts of Short-eared Owls on the Peabody WMA during the winter have been among the highest reported in the United States. For example, the highest number reported for all CBCs published by the National Audubon Society (NAS) in 2002 and 2003 was 19 at the Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area in Ohio (NAS 2002) and 29 at the Hulah Reservoir in Oklahoma (NAS 2003), respectively. Historically, the Kentucky Ornithological Society's Paradise CBC. which includes much of the Peabody WMA. has recorded good numbers of Short-eared Owls with an obvious peak in 1990 of 137 indiv¬ iduals (Ferrell 1991). We believe that our winter roost counts of Short-eared Owls in the study area in 2002 and 2003 may have under-represented the total population. For example, observers participating in the 2002 Paradise CBC, which included much of the study area, reported 37 Short-eared Owls (Ferrell 2002). The Peabody WMA is an important wintering area for a large and diverse population of raptors in Kentucky. The higher numbers of raptors, especially Northern Harriers, on the WMA relative to adjacent areas suggests that this reclaimed mine land may indeed be supporting a density of winter raptors comparable to that of historical grassland habitats. Although we did not survey for Short-eared Owls off the Peabody WMA. the above-noted CBC data and anecdotal observations in Kentucky and elsewhere suggest reclaimed mine areas are also important wintering sites for this species. It should be noted, however, that the overall level of success of grassland raptors on reclaimed mine areas is unclear. For example, reproductive success of Northern Harriers nesting on the Peabody WMA (21.7%) was among the lowest recorded in North America (Vukovich 2004) and the number of immature birds detected on our winter roadside surveys (27) was lower than expected. In addition, hunting success of Northern Harriers (7 %) and Short-eared Owls (10.9 %) were lower than most reports (Vukovich 2004). Although raptors like Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel have shown a great deal of adaptability to human activities and develop¬ ment, grassland raptors do not appear to have been as successful. Frequent mowing, graz¬ ing, and other uses all appear to reduce the quality of human-created and human-altered grasslands for raptors. In contrast, management activities like prescribed burning or infer- quent mowing, which result in the perpetuation of an early successional state of vegetation dominated by herbaceous species and shrubs, are probably creating good conditions for Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls on the Peabody WMA. In Illinois, these raptors 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 53 used various habitat types selectively depending on the nature of management activities and frequency of disturbance (Herkert et al. 1999), suggesting that management regimes are very important to sustaining viable grassland raptor populations. Therefore, review of cur¬ rent management practices on reclaimed mine lands and development of conservation strategies for grassland raptors in Kentucky are needed to maintain current grassland hab¬ itats and to supplement further grassland habitat loss. Acknowledgments We would like to acknowledge Bradley Davis, Matt Giovanni, Jacob Stewart, and Ben Sutter for assistance. Dr. Gary Ritchison and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., for advice. Dr. Stephen J. Stedman for a critical review of the manuscript, and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for funding. Literature Cited Andres, B. 1994. Density and habitat use of hawks wintering in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. Kentucky > Warbler 70:57-63. Bart, J. 1977. Whiter distribution of Red-tailed Hawks in central New York state. Wilson Bulletin 89: 623-625. Bildstein, K. L. 1987. Behavioral ecology of Red-tailed Hawks. Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Harriers, and American Kestrels in south central Ohio. Ohio Biol. Surv. Bio. Notes 1 8. Ohio State Univ., Columbus. Clark, R. J. 1975. A field study of the Short-eared Owl (Asio Jlammeus ) in North America. Wildlife Monographs 47: 1-67. Clay, H.L. 1989. A unique habitat for raptors in southern Ohio County. Kentucky’ Warbler 65:23-24. Craighead, J. J., and F. C. Craighead. 1956. Hawks, owls, and wildlife. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg. PA. Ferrell, B.R. 2002. Mid-winter bird count, 2001-2002. Kentucky ; Warbler 78:14-26. Ferrell, B.R. 1991. Mid-winter bird count, 1990-1991. Kentucky Warbler 67:10-22. Fuller, M. R.. and J. A. Mosher. 1987. Raptor survey techniques. Pp. 37-65 in Raptor management techniques manual (B.A. Giron Pendleton, B.A. Millsap, K.W. Cline, and D. M. Bird, eds.). Natl. Wildl. Fed., Washington. D.C. Herkert, J. R. 1994. Status and habitat selection of the Henslow's Sparrow in Illinois. Wilson Bulletin 106: 35-45. Herkert. J.R., S.A. Simpson. R.L. Westemeier, T.L. Esker and J.W. Walk. 1999. Response of northern harriers and short eared owls to grassland management in Illinois. J. Wildl. Management 63(2):5 17-523. Jones, Z. F„ and C. E. Bock. 2002. Conservation of grassland birds in an urbanizing land¬ scape: a historical perspective. Condor 104: 643-651. KSNPC (Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission). 2001. Endangered, threatened, special concern, and historic plants and animals of Kentucky. http://www.kynature preserves.org/. McKay, K. J., J .W. Stravers, P. C. Peterson, C. J. Kohrt, J. S. Lundh, and G. V. Swenson. 2001. Long-term trends of raptors on CBCs in the Midwest. American Birds 102: 15-21. Melvin, S. M„ D.G. Smith, D.W. Holt, and G.R. Tate. 1989. Small owls. Pp. 88-96 in Proceedings of the Northeast raptor management symposium and workshop (B.G. Pendleton, ed.). Nat. Wildl. Fed., Washington. D.C. Millsap, B. A., and M. N. LeFranc. 1988. Road transect counts for raptors: how reliable are they? J. Raptor Research 22: 8-16. NAS (National Audubon Society). 2002. The 102nd Christmas Bird Count, pp. 107-112. http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/pdf/american_birds 1 02B.pdf NAS (National Audubon Society). 2003. The 103rd Christmas Bird Count, pp. 123-128. http ://www. audubon.org/bird/cbc/pdf/ 1 03US_highcounts.pdf THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 54 Vol. 81 Palmer-Ball. B. L.. Jr. 1996. The Kentucky breeding bird atlas. Univ. Press of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky. Palmer-Ball. B.L.. Jr. 2003. Annotated checklist of the birds of Kentucky. 2nd ed. Kentucky Ornithological Society. Louisville. KY. SAS Institute. 1989. SAS user's guide: statistics. 1989 ed. SAS Institute. Cary. NC. Sauer. J. R. 1997. Christmas Bird Count summary and analysis 1959-1988. http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/cbc/cbcnew.html. Sauer. J. R.. J. E. Hines, and J. Fallon. 2001. The North American Breeding Bird Survey, results and analysis 1966-2000. Version 2001.2 U.S.G.S. Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel. MD. http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/bbs.html. Serrentino, P. 1992. Northern Harrier, Circus cyaneus. Pp. 89-117 in Migratory nongame birds of management concern in the Northeast (K.J. Schneider and D.M. Spence, eds.). U.S. Dept, of Interior. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv.. Newton Comer. MA. Sferra, N. J. 1982. Population densities of diurnal raptors wintering in Madison County, Kentucky. Tram. Ky. Acad. Sci. 45: 128-131. Stedman, S. J. 1988. The winter roadside raptor survey in Tennessee: 1986-1987 results. Migrant'. 59:14-21. USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 1987. Migratory nongame birds of management concern in the United States: the 1987 list. U.S Fish and Wildlife Serv., Washington. D.C. Vukovich, M. 2004. Use of reclaimed mine grasslands by Northern Harriers. Short-eared Owls, and other raptors: abundance, behavior, and reproductive success. Master’s thesis. Eastern Kentucky University. Richmond, KY. — 600 Anderson Flighway #714, Clemson, SC. 29631 (mvukovich@fs.fed.us) (Vukovich) and 1114 Silvercrest Lane. Louisville. KY 40223 (Monroe). WINTER SEASON 2004-2005 Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., and Lee McNeely The winter season of 2004-2005 was characterized by variable temperature, with several abnormally warm periods interspersed with short bouts of below-average readings. The season's most severe outbreak of cold weather occurred during the last week of Decem¬ ber: in fact, the minimum reading at Louisville for the winter was 2°F on Christmas morn¬ ing. Overall, precipitation was near normal, but significant snowstorms were absent. A brief period of above-average precipitation occurred in early January, resulting in the formation of some water at the transient lakes in southern Warren County, but it did not last long enough to allow them to persist for more than a few weeks. Rarity highlights of the season included a state-first Bullock's Oriole, a state-second Common Ground-Dove, and a likely returning Spotted Towhee. As expected based on the number of fall reports, a less active winter for western hummingbirds occurred. Winter finches and Red-breasted Nuthatches ended up occurring in relatively small numbers state¬ wide. A remarkable scarcity of hard and soft mast in at least some portions of the state re¬ sulted in much reduced numbers of some woodpeckers. Blue Jays. Cedar Waxwings, and Yellow-rumped Warblers. 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. 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 55 Abbreviations - Miscellaneous: county names appear in italics ; when used to sep¬ arate 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; KDFWR = Ky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Place names: Ballard = Ballard WMA, Ballard ; Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam. Lyon/ Livingston: Barren = Barren River Lake, Allen/Barren (unless other¬ wise noted); Bemheim Forest = Bemheim Forest, Bullitt/Nelson: Blood River = Blood River embayment of Kentucky Lake. Calloway ; Chaney Lake = Chaney Lake, Warren; Cooley’s Pond = Cooley's Pond. Wayne : DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Gibraltar = Peabody Gibraltar mine, Muhlenberg; Griffin Park = Griffin Park, Warren: Homestead = Homestead Unit Peabody WMA. Ohio; Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment of Kentucky Lake, Marshall; Ken Hopewell = Ken Hopewell Unit Peabody WMA. Ohio: Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam. Livingston/Marshall: Kv Lake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall (unless otherwise noted); Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa. Lyon; Lake Barkley = Lake Barkley, Livingston/Lyon/Trigg: LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lvon/Trigg; Long Point = Long Point Unit Reelfoot NWR. Fulton; lower Hickman bottoms = lower Hickman bottoms. Fulton; McElrov = McElroy Lake. Warren: Murray = Murray, Calloway; Peabody = Peabody WMA. Muhlenberg! Ohio; Petros Pond = Petros Pond. Warren; Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA. Henderson; Shaker Mill = Shaker Mill, Warren; Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA. Muhlenberg; Surrey Hills Farm = Surrey Hills Farm. Jefferson; Waitsboro = Waitsboro Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland. Pulaski; Walton's Pond = Walton’s Pond, Warren; WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Mute Swan - there were a number of re¬ ports this season, likely as a result of the coldest temperatures in a few years: 2 continued from the fall season near Pros¬ pect. Jefferson , to 22 January (J&PB, BBC); 1 in Bourbon 5 December (SM); a juv. at Owensboro, Daviess , in mid- December (DA); 6 at Bemheim Forest, Bullitt , 21 December (MS); an adult at Ballard 21 December (BP) - 15 January (SR); 1 above Meldahl Dam 26 Decem¬ ber (LM); 21 at Cooley's Pond 27 De¬ cember (ph.RD et al.); 6 at Petros Pond 28 December-8 February (ph.DR et al.); 2 at Ken Hopewell 2 January (MS, EH) with 8 there 9 January (BP. MS); 10 that moved back and forth between McElroy and Chapman's Pond. Warren, 16 Janu¬ ary-14 February (ph.DR et al.); 11 on Lake Herrington, Boyle /Garrard. 25 Jan¬ uary (B&MC) with perhaps some of the same in a flock of 12 on Lake Herring¬ ton. Mercer/Garrard, 30 January (BF, fide SV); up to 14 (perhaps some of the same from Lake Herrington), se. of Dan¬ ville. Boyle, in late February (ph.WC); and 1 at Owsley Fork Lake, Madison, 28 January (PH). Tundra Swan - the flock at Sauerheber numbered up to 27 birds in early January (MMr): also reported were 2 imms. at Cooley's Pond 27 December (ph.RDn et al.) and an imm. at London, Laurel, 24- 26 January (GC, ph.RDn). Greater White-fronted Goose - as has be¬ come the norm, large numbers wintered at three w. Kentucky locales represented by the following peak counts: 2000 at Long Point 18 December (KL. NM et al.) with 1000 still in the vicinity 23 Feb¬ ruary (ME et al.); 2050 at Sauerheber 6 January (MMr); and 900-1000 at Ballard 19 December (CW); also reported were a few in s. Warren 7 December (DR) - 30 January (BP, BY); 9 at Homestead 11 December (RDv, KOS); 1 at Conley Bot¬ tom marina. Lake Cumberland, Wayne, 12 December (RDn); and 2 near Oak¬ ville. Logan, 29 December (DR). Ross's Goose - the s. Ohio bird that has been seen off-and-on for a few years was present 11 December (RDv. KOS) but not later, suggesting that something un¬ fortunate happened to it; an impressive count of 54 was made at Long Point 18 56 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 December (KL, NM. MGr) followed by a count of 37 near Open Pond, Fulton, in early February (JWi); also reported were at least 3 at Ballard 21 December (BP, SR); an ad. at Griffin Park 1 January (DR. CH); an ad. at Camp Erast Lake, Boone, 17 January (LM); an imm. at Griffin Park 18 January (DR); and 7 in w. Fulton 29 January (HC. ME). Snow Goose - peak counts at the usual wintering locales included 3000 at Long Point 18 December (KL, NM et al.) and 8000 in w. Fulton 29 January (HC. ME); 40.000-50,000 at Ballard 26 December (CW); and 650 at Sauerheber 19 January (MMr); other reports of interest included a few birds observed off and on in s. Warren 9-24 January (DR); and 21 w. of Bemheim Forest. Bullitt, 22 February (BP. MGu). Cackling Goose, Warren 20 December 2004 David Roemer Cackling Goose - because this was the first winter season subsequent to the ele¬ vation of this form to full species status, all reports are included: 1-9 at Griffin Park 19 December - 24 January (ph.DR et al.); at least 35 at the Reformatory Lake. Oldham, 16 December (*BP) with at least 10 still there 20 December (BP. RDv); 1 at Bemheim Forest. Bullitt, 28 December (MMn, BP); 5 near Rich Pond, Warren, 12 January (ph.DR); 1 in the Devil's Elbow area of LBL, Trigg, 18 January (BL); 1 in s. Warren 25 January (DR); 1 near Worthington, Jefferson, 29 January' (vt.BY); 1 at Ballard 31 January (SR); and 12 in the Ohio River bottoms n. of Maceo. Dcniess 21 February (DA). Canada Goose - numbers were certainly below average this winter, peak counts including 6150 at Sauerheber 20 Decem¬ ber (MMr); 1300 at Griffin Park 28 De¬ cember (DR); and a paltry 8000 at Bal¬ lard in late December (CW). Wood Duck - there was an above-average number of birds reported through the winter season, perhaps part of a trend caused by recent milder than normal win¬ ters; 1-14 were reported on eight CBCs. Blue-winged Teal - quite unusual was a female that apparently wintered in s. Warren that was observed at McElroy 19/28 December and 28 January (DR); another rare winter record was provided by a pair at Long Point 18 December (MGr. JWi). Earliest spring arrival re¬ ports were for a pair at Long Point (MT) and 2 near Petersburg. Boone (LM). both 21 February: and 2 at Blood River 22 February (HC). American Wigeon - peak count was for 100+ at Sauerheber 14 December (DR). Northern Pintail - generally unimpressive peak counts included 18 at Walton's Pond 7 December (DR); a flock of 30 over Gibraltar 2 January (BP, AC); and 300 in the lower Hickman bottoms 23 February (ME et al.). Green-winged Teal - good numbers re¬ mained through the season with peak counts of 50+ at Sauerheber 14 Decem¬ ber (DR); 75+ at Ballard 21 December (BP. SR); and 500 in the lower Hickman bottoms 23 February (ME et al.). Canvasback - winter numbers were gener¬ ally small in most areas as the peak count involved 100+ on Lake Barkley above the dam 10 Januaiy (DR, RDv); an appa¬ rent late season movement northward in¬ cluded 20 at McElroy 28 January (DR); 20+ at Petros Pond 31 January (DR); and 2 at Fishpond Lake, Letcher, 4 February (JC1), which were relatively unusual for se. Kentucky. Redhead - a few birds were present fol¬ lowing late December's cold weather (4- 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 57 12 birds on three CBCs); however, by mid-January, birds were probably mov¬ ing back northward, accounting for the season's peak counts including 20 at Pet¬ ros Pond 15 January (DR, JR. CH) and 30 January (BP, BY); 17 on the Ohio River at Covington, Kenton . 26 January (FR); 75 at McElroy and 6 at Petros Pond 28 January (DR); 109 at Waitsboro 13 February (RDn); and 112 at Cooley's Pond 25 February (RDn). Greater Scaup - peak counts included 50-t¬ on Ky Lake 8 December (DR) and 100+ on Lake Barkley, Lyon , 10 January (DR); other reports of interest included 9 in each of two mixed-species flocks of scaup on Ohio River at Louisville 19 December (BP); 5 at Ballard 21 Decem¬ ber (BP, SR); and 4 at Thurston's Pond, Wayne , 22 January (RDn). Lesser Scaup - as usual, peak counts came from the LBL area and included 5000+ on Lake Barkley, Lyon . and 2000+ on Ky Lake both 10 January (DR. RDv). Black Scoter - only report was for a fe- male/imm. on the Ohio River at Louis¬ ville 19 December (BP et al.). Surf Scoter - only reports were for an ad. male at Waitsboro 12 December (RDn); and a female/imm. on the Ohio River at Louisville 5 February (MS, BY). Long-tailed Duck - only report was for an ad. male on Lake Barkley above the dam. 6 January (DR). Common Goldeneye - relatively unim¬ pressive peak counts included 300+ on Ky Lake 8 December (DR); and 200+ on Lake Barkley, Lyon , and 400+ on Ky Lake, both 10 January (DR). Common Merganser - a few were present following the mid-December cold snap, including 7 at Barren 3 1 December (DR, SS); 7 at Doe Valley Lake, Meade . 31 December (RDv, MW); a female at Long Run Park, Jefferson , 18 January (BW); a pair at Homestead 17-27 January (BP et al); and a female at the Reformatory Lake, Oldham, 3 February (BW). Red-breasted Merganser - relatively un¬ usual for mid-winter was a flock of 90 on Lake Barkley, Lyon , 10 January (DR. RDv); otherwise only a few scattered individuals were observed during mid¬ winter. Ruddy Duck - peak counts included 175 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 10 January (DR. RDv) and 300 on Lake Barkley above the dam 15 February (DR). Pacific Loon - the only report was for a juv. on Lake Barkley at Demumbers Bay, Lyon, 18 December (*BL). KBRC re¬ view required. Common Loon - a total of 43 on the LBL CBC 18 December (CM et al.) repre¬ sented mostly lingering individuals; evi¬ dence of overwintering was limited to a few singles on the larger reservoirs in January and early February. Horned Grebe - peak counts included 125+ on Ky Lake/Lake Barkley 8 De¬ cember (DR); 51 on Lake Cumberland, Wayne. 28 December (RDn); and 125 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, and 200+ on Ky Lake, both 10 January (DR); the last two records represent impressive mid- winter totals. American White Pelican - lingering birds were represented by 150 at Kuttawa 8 December (DR) and 35+ on Lake Bark¬ ley, Lyon, 18 December (MB) while 125 on Ky Lake. Calloway, 1 January (HC) may have been overwintering. By mid- February, numbers increased with 120 on Lake Barkley from Boyd's Landing to Kuttawa, Lyon, 15 February (DR); 292 at Blood River 22 February (HC); and ca. 50 over the lower Hickman bottoms 23 February (ME et al.). Great Blue Heron - locally nesting birds were present at several traditional colony sites by mid-February. Black-crowned Night-Heron - a few birds lingered into winter with 9 on the Louis¬ ville CBC 19 December (J&PB. BBC) and 1 on the Lexington CBC 14 Decem¬ ber (fide BM); at least 2 adults wintered at St. Matthews, Jefferson (BW). Northern Harrier - peak count was for ca. 20 at Peabody. Ohio, including 14 at a likely roost 9 January (BP, MS). 58 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 Red-tailed Hawk - all reports of western forms are included: ad. B. j. krideri in Muhlenberg 2 December (DR); ad. light morph B. j. harlani continuing in s. War¬ ren through the period; (DR); ad. dark morph B. j. harlani along Pleasant Hill Rd.. Trigg , 25 December (BL. PL); ad. light morph B. j. calurus and juv. dark intermediate morph B. j. calurus, both in Logan 29 December (DR); ad. intermed¬ iate morph B. j. calurus at McElroy 1 January (vt.DR. CH); ad. intermediate morph B. j. calurus at Gibraltar 2 Jan¬ uary (BP. AC); ad. dark or intermediate morph B. j. calurus near Monkey's Eye¬ brow. Ballard, 7 January (SR); ad. dark or intermediate morph in e. Muhlenberg 17 January (BP. AC); and ad. dark morph B. j. harlani with partially banded tail near Monkey's Eyebrow. Ballard, 1 8/ 23 January/24 February (ph.SR). Rough-legged Hawk - not numerous at Peabody this winter; peak counts in¬ cluded 4 each at Ken Hopewell/Home¬ stead 19 January (DR) and 12 February (J&PB et al.). Golden Eagle - single birds were at Bem- heim Forest 2 December (BP) and 28 December (BP, MMn); a juv. was ob¬ served in LBL. Lyon, 18 December (BL); and a sub-adult was observed near Swif- ton, Wayne, 27 December (SS) for a first county record. Merlin - there were three reports: 1 at Long Point 18 December (KL. NM et al.); 1 over n. Warren 24 December (GRo); and 1 near St. Matthews. Jef¬ ferson, in mid-January (BW). Peregrine Falcon - only reports were for 1 in downtown Louisville in mid-Decem¬ ber (AM); 1 at Barkley Dam 10 January (DR. RDv); 1 near Kingston, Madison. 3 February (EO); and 1 at Murray 25 Feb¬ ruary (HC). Virginia Rail - 3 different birds (2 at Gib¬ raltar and 1 at Sinclair) answered tapes on the Paradise CBC 2 January (BP. AC. RDn. HC). Sandhill Crane - a moderate series of s. flights continued through December, with a few small flocks noted into early January; as has typically been the case. mid-January flocks werer moving both s. and n. with a pronoimced n. flight occur¬ ring by mid-February. Peak counts for the season included several hundred over Woodford (ME), hundreds over Paris. Bourbon (MH). and up to 2000 over Elizabethtown. Hardin, (JN), all 14 December; ca. 100 over Shelbyville, Shelby, 15 December (HB); 1200 over Woodbum. Warren. 28 January (DR); and 250 resting w. of Chaney Lake 30 January (BP. BY). A few w. of the nor¬ mal migratory corridor included 9 near Dawson Springs. Hopkins. 13 December (ER) and a small flock in s. Christian 13 February (SR); birds along the e. side of the corridor included three flocks of ca. 40 each over Berea. Madison, 15 Decem¬ ber (PH). A flock apparently wintered again near Guthrie, s. Todd (fide DM). Least Sandpiper - lingering birds were represented by 50 in w. Fulton 4 De¬ cember (HC, ME); birds were found on 4 CBCs including 3 nw. of Davistown, nw. Garrard. 18 December (ph. G&NE); 2 near Prospect. Jefferson. 19 December (JK et al.); 1 at Ballard 21 December (HC. RDn. RDv); and 7 at Blood River 1 January (HC); later in the season, the only report involved 4 at Jonathan Creek 5 February (ME). Dunlin -2 lingerers remained in w. Fulton 4 December (HC. ME). Wilson’s Snipe - peak count was for 100 in w. Fulton 4 December (HC. ME). American Woodcock - there were a few reports during the season, all being in¬ cluded: 1 at Paintsville Lake WMA. Johnson, 12 December (SF); 3 at Sinclair 2 January (RDn); by mid-February, num¬ bers had returned to local breeding sites including 1 at Ragland, McCracken, 10 February (SR); 1 near Rock Bridge. DBNF. Wolfe. 19 February (FR); 10 on the reclaimed surface mines near Ano. Pulaski, 22 February (RDn et al.); and 12 in the Bear Creek area of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Mc¬ Creary', 25 February (SS). 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 59 Laughing Gull - likely continuing from late fall was a second-year bird at Ky Dam 15 December (HC, MR) and 10 January (DR. RDv. HC). Bonaparte's Gull - peak counts included 500+ at Barren 8 December (DR); 1801 on the LBL CBC 18 December (CM et al.); 826 on the Calloway CBC 1 January (HC. et al.); and 3500-4000 at Kuttawa 15 February (DR). Ring-billed Gull - peak counts included 4600 at the Barren roost 31 December (DR, SS); 300 at McElroy 2 January (DR); and 1000+ at Barren 21 January (DR); a notable influx arrived with the cold front of 19 December (BP, DR). Thayer's Gull - all reports are included: 1- 2 ads. at Barkley Dam 8 December - 15 February (DR. HC et al.); a first-winter bird at Barkley Dam 14 December (HC. MR); an ad. and a first-winter bird at Ky Dam 18 December (MB et al.); and a first-winter bird below Barkley Dam 26 January (BL). Herring Gull - interesting counts included 26+ in a significant movement of gulls along the Ohio River at Louisville 19 December (BP) and 9 first-winter birds at Barren 3 1 December (DR. SS). Lesser Black-backed Gull - all reports are included: ad. below Ky Dam 18 Decem¬ ber (MB); ad. at Barkley Dam 6 January (DR); ad. at Ky Dam 10 January (DR. RDv); ad. above Ky Dam 15 January (BY); first-winter bird at Ky Dam 26 January (BL, SR) and 15 February (DR); and a first-winter bird just e. of Long Point 21 February (ph.MT) providing a first county record. Great Black-backed Gull - a first-winter bird was present at Ky Dam 6-10 January (ph.DR. HC). KBRC review required. Forster’s Tern - as usual, a few birds lin¬ gered through winter at Jonathan Creek with no less than 25 there 5 December (HC); 7 there 18 December (HC, ME); 1 there 5 February (ME) and 3 there 18 February (ME); the species appeared at Blood River 8 February (HC) with 6 there 22 February (HC). Eurasian Collared-Dove - the only new location reported for the season was Sci¬ ence Hill. Pulaski . where 5 were ob¬ served 17 January (RDn). Common Ground-Dove - a bird was pres¬ ent off and on in a yard ne. of Union Mills. Jessamine . from late December through the period (EB. GB. ph.MMn). KBRC review required. Barn Owl - singles were reported on the Louisville (DP) and Calloway (HC) CBCs; also reported was 1 along Pleas¬ ant Hill Rd„ Trigg, 6 February (BL, PL). Short-eared Owl - the species was not nu¬ merous this winter, all reports being in¬ cluded: 1 on the Shelbyville CBC 26 December (HB et al.); 1 near Flaherty. Meade, 31 December (DP, RC, BP); 3 at Ken Hopewell (RDv. MW) and 1 at Sin¬ clair (RDn), both 2 January; 2 at Ken Hopewell 9 January (BP, MS); 1 near Kingston. Madison, 16 January (GRi) and 3 February (EO); and 4 at Ken Hope- well 12 February (J&PB et al.). Rufous Hummingbird - 4 Selasphorus hummingbirds were confirmed to be Ru¬ fous as follows: a first-year male at Sha¬ ker Mill was seen through 2 December (ph.DR. *RS); an ad. female banded at Lexington 11 December (CS) was seen through 17 December (ph.LR); an ad. fe¬ male banded at Cynthiana. Harrison , 1 1 December (CS) was seen through 31 Jan¬ uary (R&JH; ph.BP); and an ad. male banded at Louisville 11 December (CS) was seen through 15 February (I&DW; ph.JE). 60 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 81 Rufous Hummingbird. Jefferson 15 January 2005 Jackie Elmore Selaspliorus hummingbird - 2 additional hummers (probable adult females) were not definitively identified and must be left as Rufous/Allen's types: 1 at Bowl¬ ing Green last seen 23 December (JF; ph.JE) and 1 at Kuttawa, Lyon, also last seen 23 December (ph.P& RK). Red-headed Woodpecker - the species was scarce this winter, with only 33 in¬ dividuals reported on 12 CBCs includ¬ ing only 1 on the Ballard CBC where hundreds are sometimes present. Eastern Phoebe - a relatively impressive early winter showing included 1-10 birds on 17 CBCs. Loggerhead Shrike - a few birds were re¬ ported during the season including sin¬ gles at feeding stations at Shaker Mill (JR, DR); in Anderson (SL); and in n. Jessamine (JWe). Blue-headed V'ireo - an unlucky bird struck a window and died at Richmond, Madison, 6 December (CO). Horned Lark - peak cormts occurred in late December and January', following the coldest weather of the season, and included 400 at Surrey Hills Farm 26 December (BP); 250+ near Petersburg, Boone, 26 December (KCa, JCa); 1455 on the Olmstead. Logan. CBC 29 De¬ cember (MB et ah); and 300+ at and near Woodbum. Warren, 3 January (DR). Purple Martin - earliest report was for se. Monroe 24 February (JT fide TC). Tree Swallow - quite early was a bird be¬ low Ky Dam 15 February (DR). Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1-9 on 15 CBCs represented a moderate presence during the season. House Wren - there were two reports: 1 near Burnside. Pulaski, 1 January (SS) and 1 at Mt. Zion. Pulaski, 19 February (RDn). Ruby-crowned Kinglet - a total of 17 on the Ballard CBC was relatively impres¬ sive (BP et ah). Gray Catbird - 1 was reported on the Richmond, Madison, CBC 18 December (KT). American Pipit - the species was fairly well represented on the CBCs with 1-72 individuals reported on 8 counts. Peak count for the season was 140 at McElroy 16 December (DR). Cedar Waxwing - the species was well be¬ low average on CBCs with only 1-38 in¬ dividuals reported on 9 counts. Pine Warbler - there were only a few win¬ ter reports including 1 in s. Jefferson in mid-December (DP); 1 at a feeding sta¬ tion in Webster , 25 December (SA); 2 at Barren River Lake St. Pk., Barren. 31 December (DR. SS); 2 in Calloway 1 January (HC); 1 at Lake Cumberland St. Pk.. Russell. 17 January (CN. GHo); and 1 at Murray 26 January (ME). Palm Warbler - only a few were reported on CBCs, including 3 at Lexington 14 December; also reported later in the sea¬ son were singles at Griffin Park 24/25 January (DR) and McElroy 30 January (BP. BY); 2 at Cooley's Pond 28 Decem¬ ber (RDn); and 1 on Frazier Rd., Wayne. 8 February (RDn). Common Yellowthroat - quite unusual was a female adjacent to Ballard 21 De¬ cember (*BP). Spotted Towhee - presumably the male that was found in w. McCracken last winter was present at the same location 21 December (*BP. SR), but there were no subsequent reports. 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 61 Savannah Sparrow - an interesting report involved at least 32 individuals eating cracked com along the edge of a small weed patch on Surrey Hills Farm 27 De¬ cember (BP). Chipping Sparrow - again this winter, in¬ creasing numbers of wintering birds were reported; 1-40 were reported on 15 CBCs including 40 below Dewey Dam. Floyd , 27 December (TE et al.); birds were con¬ firmed overwintering at Shaker Mill - up to 21 birds 23 December (DR); and at Surrey Hills Farm - at least 40 birds 27 December (BP); also reported were 2 at Barren. Barren . 20 December and 1 there 21 January (DR); 2-4 on Pleasant Hill Rd.. Trigg . during most of the winter (BL. PL); 1 at Lake Cumberland at Mys¬ tic View. Wayne. 8 February (RDn); and a few in sw. Jefferson 20 February (EH. BBC). Amer. Tree Sparrow - peak count in¬ volved ca. 50 at Surrey Hills Farm 23 December (BP). Lapland Longspur - there were reports from several areas as follows: ca. 25 along the Ohio River at Louisville (BP) and at least 1 in ne. Jefferson (MMn), both 19 December: at least 2 near Pe¬ tersburg. Boone, 26 December (KCa. JCa); 3 near Dot, Logan. 26 December (FL); at least 17 in s. Logan 29 Decem¬ ber (MB, DR); up to 10+ at Surrey Hills Farm during the last week of December (BP); 5 in w. Calloway 28 December (ME); flocks in s. Warren throughout the season (DR) with a peak count of 100- 125+ at McElroy 30 January (BP. BY); at least 5 near Oscar. Ballard, 7 January (SR); at least 50 near Open Pond. Fulton. 15 January (BY); and 11 in s. Ohio 12 February (DR). Snow Bunting - the late-December cold spell brought a few birds into the n.-cen. part of the state with 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 23/26 December (BP) and 9 near Petersburg, Boone, 26 December (KCa. JCa). Rose-breasted Grosbeak - a male lingered at a yard near Cox's Creek. Nelson, to 1 December (ph.GHa). Indigo Bunting - quite tardy in departing was a bird near Lake No. 9. Fulton. 4 December (HC. ME). Eastern Meadowlark - likely indicative of the commencement of the species' spring migratory period was a bird in suburban Frankfort 16 February (BP). Western Meadowlark - 7 were reported in the lower Hickman bottoms 6 February (JWi); also. 1 was present at Walton's Pond 14 February (ph.DR). Rusty Blackbird - 1 to 100 were reported on eight CBCs; peak counts included 100 on the Upton. Hart, CBC 18 December (J&PB et ah); 80 at McElroy 28 January (DR); and 200 at Chaney Lake 30 Janu¬ ary (BP, BY). Brewer's Blackbird - the only reports in¬ volved 4 near Open Pond. Fulton. 4 De¬ cember (HC, ME) and 40 along Smokey Road. Ballard, 21 December (SR, BP). 62 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 Bullock's Oriole - a male that will repre¬ sent a first state record was first noted at a feeding station outside of Lawrence- burg, Anderson, in early January and was seen by many in February (ph.A&BR et al.); it subsequently lingered through the end of February. KBRC review required. Pine Siskin - small numbers lingered throughout the season; 2-6 were reported on only four CBCs; peak count was up to 40+ at Panorama Shores, Calloway , dur¬ ing early to mid-January (KCo). Purple Finch - small numbers lingered at many areas through the season; 1 to 16 were reported on 19 CBCs; peak counts included ca. 25 near Fisherville, Jeffer¬ son. in mid- to late February (EFI, JH); 20 at a feeding station in s. Ohio 19 Jan¬ uary (DR); and 15 at LBL, Lyon. 30 Jan¬ uary (BL). Uncorroborated report; A Common Red¬ poll was reported via Cornell's Project Feederwatch from Louisville, Jefferson. 8 January (fide DB); unfortunately, sol¬ icited details from the observer were never received and the validity of this report is imclear. Erratum: Conley Bottom. Lake Cumber¬ land is located in Wayne, not Pulaski, as was incorrectly reported for the Greater White-fronted Goose in the Fall 2004 season report (KW 81:4. 2005). Observers: Steve Anderson (SA); David Ayer (DA); Jane & Pat Bell (J&PB); Mark Bennett (MB); Earl Boggs (EB); Gary Boggs (GB); David Bonter (DB); Horace Brown (HB); Joe Caminiti (JCa); Kathy Caminiti (KCa); Terry Campbell (TC); Bill & Margaret Case (B&MC); Richard Cassell (RC); Hap Chambers (HC); Wayne Clements (WC); Jeff Climie (JC1); Katharine Cohen (KCo); Amy Covert (AC); Granville Cox (GC); Roseanna Denton (RDn); Robert Dever (RDv); Melissa Easley (ME); Ginny & Neil Eklund (G&NE): Jackie Elmore (JE); Troy Evans (TE); Jackie Featon (JF); Scott Freidhof (SF); Bill Fuller (BF); Paul Hager (PH); Gail Hart (GHa); Mark Greene (MGr); Mark Gumbert (MGu); Rex & Jan Hiday (R&JH); Martina Hines (MH); Gay Hodges (GHo); Carter Hooks (CH); Eddie Huber (EH); Jennifer Huber (JH); Paula & Randall Kepner (P&RK); John Krull (JK); Susan Lambert (SL); Ken Leggett (KL); Bill Lisowsky (BL); Paula Lisowsky (PL); Frank Lyne (FL); Amy Marr (AM); Scott Marsh (SM); Lee McNeely (LM); Mark Monroe (MMn); Nancy Moore (NM); Bob Morris (BM); Mike Morton (MMr); Daniel Moss (DM); Carl Mowery (CM); Connie Neeley (CN); Joan Noel (JN): Erin O'Brien (EO); Chelsey Olson (CO): Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. (BP); Don Parker (DP); Ed Ray (ER); Scott Record (SR): Frank Renfrow (FR): Mike Resell (MR); Annette & Bobby Riddle (A&BR); Gary Ritchison (GRi); Gerald Robe (GRo) David Roemer (DR); Joan Roemer (JR): Leisa Royse (LR); Robert Sargent (RS); Chris Sloan (CS); Stephen Stedman (SS); Matt Shekel (MS); Kayde Thompson (KT); Mike Todd (MT); Joas Troyers (JT); Shawchyi Vorisek (SV); Mary Walter (MW); Dick & Irene Ward (D&IW); Jill Weast (JWe); Charlie Wilkins (CW); Jeff Wilson (JWi); Barbara Woemer (BW): Ben Yandell (BY); Beckham Bird Club (BBC); Ky. Ornithological Society (KOS). The Kentucky Ornithological Society Spring 2005 Meeting April 29-May 1, 2005 Shepherdsville, Kentucky The spring 2005 meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held April 29 to May 1, 2005, at the Best Western Hotel in Shepherdsville. Kentucky. The Beckham Bird Club hosted the meeting. The meeting featured a 3:00 p.m. "early bird” field trip to Bemheim Forest led by Celia Lawrence. 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 63 The Friday evening program was held at nearby Davidson Memorial United Methodist Church in Shepherdsville. President Hap Chambers called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m. (EDT) with several opening announcements and introductions. There were several first¬ time attendees at the meeting. Hap introduced Wayne Davis, who was offering free Carolina Wren bird boxes to the attendees. These boxes are more open than bluebird boxes and are preferred by Carolina Wrens over traditional nest boxes. They can be placed almost anywhere. Next. Hap introduced Dona Coates to the attendees, and announced a Beckham Bird Club (BBC) field trip to Mexico planned for February 2006. Interested parties were encouraged to contact Dona for details. KOS Vice-President Mark Bennett took the floor next and thanked the BBC and Donna Coates for hosting the meeting, providing refreshments and organizing the field trips, including a special Saturday afternoon field trip for attendees not involved with the KOS Board meeting. The first speaker of the evening was Pam Polston, a graduate student from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), who gave a presentation based on her research on the nesting behavior and reproductive success of Chimney Swifts, the only swift that breeds in the eastern United States. Ms. Polston stated that Chimney Swifts are common and widespread, but their population has statistically declined by 1-6% in the U.S. and Canada. She ex¬ plained that this decrease is probably a result of loss of nesting habitat, since most new houses are now constructed with capped chimneys. She mentioned an organization called the Driftwood Wildlife Association (www.concentric.net/~dwa/index.html), which has recently begun developing artificial chimneys for Chimney Swifts to use for nesting sites. The evening’s next speaker was Darren Proppe. another EKU graduate student, whose presentation Possible Functions of the “Simple" and “Complex" songs of Grasshopper Sparrows summarized Iris research. Mr. Proppe explained that Grasshopper Sparrows have two distinct types of songs: a simple (grasshopper-like) song and a more complex, musical song. His research, which was conducted at the Bluegrass Army Depot near Richmond, suggests that the simple song is also used to attract females and establish and maintain territory, whereas the complex song, which is used in response to predators, is used as a warning after pairing and during nesting when the female is most vulnerable. The third speaker of the evening was Matt Beckett, another EKU graduate student, whose presentation was entitled Singing Behavior of Male Indigo Buntings. Mr. Beckett explained that only male Indigo Buntings sing, and that each male has a repertoire of only one song. This song is learned from neighboring males on the breeding ground during the bird’s second year, rather than from the bird’s father. Males living in close proximity (in “song neighborhoods") may have similar songs, but each individual male has its own unique song. An individual bird may vary the number and order of phrases in his song throughout the year, but the individual phrases are not altered after they are learned. Mr. Beckett’s research was conducted at the Central Kentucky Wildlife Management Area. Next, KOS Vice President Mark Bennett thanked the speakers and gave a short pres¬ entation on the results of an educational program at Heritage Elementary School in Shelbyville. Kentucky, which was funded by the Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund. The funding was used to purchase field guides, several sets of binoculars, owl pellet dis¬ section kits and supplies for building and maintaining several bird feeding stations. Jamie Smith, the teacher who requested funding for the project, sent the Power Point presentation to KOS to show the results of the project, and to thank KOS for their support. Mark introduced Phyllis Niemi, who challenged the attendees with a bird trivia con¬ test. The contest ended in a tie between Lee McNeely and Ben Yandell. The meeting concluded at 9:44 p.m. after Dona Coates described the field trips scheduled for Saturday morning. A social, with refreshments provided by the Beckham Bird Club, was held after the conclusion of the meeting. 64 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 The morning field trips included a trip to the Falls of the Ohio and the Louisville Nature Center led by Robert Dever. a trip to Tioga Falls in Bullitt County led by Celia Lawrence, and a tour of the Boston Wetlands in Bullitt County led by Brainard Palmer-Ball. An afternoon field trip to Bemheim Forest, led by Eddie and Jennifer Huber left from the Best Western Hotel at 2:00 p.m. The KOS Board meeting was held at 2:30 p.m. at the Best Western Hotel. The board meeting was followed by a meeting of the Kentucky Bird Records Committee. The Saturday evening program was held at the Davidson Memorial United Methodist Church, and was called to order at 7:33 p.m. by KOS President Hap Chambers. Opening statements included an announcement that copies of the booklet Watchable Wildlife & Bird- ing Trails Across Western/ Eastern Kentucky \ published by the West Kentucky Corporation (www. 10000trails.com/wildlife), were available for free after the meeting. Evelyn Morgan of the Kentucky Department of Forestry made a request for KOS volunteers to set up information booths at a workshop to be conducted June 19-20 by the Kentucky Association of Environmental Education. Next, the prize for Friday night’s bird trivia contest was presented to Lee McNeely and Ben Yandell. Since Ben was not present at the Saturday night meeting, the prize was awarded to Lee. Hap thanked Dona Coates and the Beckham Bird Club again for hosting the meeting, and turned the floor over to Dona. Dona introduced the evening’s first speaker. Brian Patteson. Brian Patteson has organized and led pelagic birding trips off Cape Hatteras since 1995 for Seabirding Pelagic Trips (www.seabirding.com). These trips explore the warm Gulf Stream waters around the continental shelf and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Because the continental shelf is so close to land off Cape Hatteras, these trips allow for shorter travel times and longer tunes spent birding versus other locations. Mr. Patteson showed slides featuring photographs of some of the seabirds and other creatures observed on his trips. The birds featured in his slides from the summer months included shearwaters, petrels, storm-petrels. Red-billed and White-tailed Tropicbirds, jaegers. South Polar Skua, terns. Masked Booby and Sabine’s Gull. Birds observed during the winter included: Razorbills, Gannets, Dovekies, Atlantic Puffins, Thick-billed Murres. phalaropes. Manx Shearwaters, Kittiwakes, Fulmars. Yellow-nosed and Black-browed Albatross, Great Skuas and Sooty Shearwaters. Other creatures featured in Mr. Patteson's slides included: leather¬ back sea turtles; ocean sunfish; pufferfish; dolphin (mahi-mahi); marlin; bottle-nosed, Atlantic spotted, Riso’s, rough-toothed and common dolphins; and Pilot, Couvier's beaked, and sperm whales. Following Mr. Patteson's presentation, Shawchyi Vorisek of the Kentucky Depart¬ ment of Fish and Wildlife Resources spoke concerning a new Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project study of private lands. She asked for volunteers to help with the study, especially property owners owning more than 500 acres and private companies who would be willing to participate. Volunteers would help by driving down roads in the study areas, playing tapes of Cerulean Warbler songs, and listening for responses from the birds. Next. Elizabeth Ciuzio, also of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, gave an update on shorebird surveys in Kentucky and asked for volunteers for the project, especially those capable of aging shorebirds. Blaine Ferrell then took the floor to tally the list of birds observed during the meeting. A total of 108 species was observed up to the time of the Saturday night meeting. Dr. Ferrell also encouraged the attendees to submit articles for The Kentucky Warbler. The species total for the entire weekend was 115 species. The meeting concluded with remarks from Hap Chambers and Dona Coates. Hap announced that Lake Cumberland State Resort Park would be the location for the 2005 KOS fall meeting on September 25-25. and announced that a silent auction for birding- related materials would be featured during that meeting. 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 65 Dona announced the field trip agenda for Sunday morning, including: Bemheim Forest, led by Lee McNeely; the Riverwalk at Shawnee Park, led by Jane and Pat Bell, and Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, led by Bob Johnson. The meeting concluded at 8:52 p.m., and was followed by a reception including refreshments provided by the Beckham Bird Club. - Submitted by Gerald Robe, Recording Secretary Attendance at the KOS Spring Meeting Berea: Gene Stinchcomb Bowling Green: Blaine Ferrell, David Roemer. and Joan Roemer Burlington: Lee McNeely Carlisle: Virginia Kingsolver and Wendell Kmgsolver Cory don, IN: Mary Walter Cox’s Creek: Dona Coates and Roger Coates Danville: Ginny Eklund, Neil Eklund, and Michael Hamm Dearborn, MI: Darrin O'Brien Dyersburg, TN: Betty Leggett and Ken Leggett Eddyville: John Niemi and Phyllis Niemi Elizabethtown: Janet Gebler Floyds Knobs, IN: Colleen Becker and Tom Becker Frankfort: Elizabeth Ciuzio, Jim Durell. and Shawchyi Vorisek Greenville. IN: Bill Fender and Jane Fender Indianapolis, IN: Larry Peavler Lexington: Shirley Davis, Wayne Davis, Bobbi Shain. Lou Shain. Jim Wil¬ liams, and Jackie Van Willigen Louisville: Mary Bill Bauer. Pat Bell. Jane Bell, Anne Caudill, Bonnie Dever, Robert Dever, Katharine Fulkerson, Missy Hubbard, Eddie Huber, Jennifer Huber, Celia Lawrence, Pat Myers, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.. Pam Polston, and Ben Yandell Morehead: Fred Busroe, Joanna Busroe. and Katie Busroe Morgantown: Carroll Tichenor and Doris Tichenor Mt. Sterling: Gerald Robe Murray: Hap Chambers Olive Hill: Evelyn Morgan Prospect: Win Ahrens Richmond: Matt Beckett, Darren Proppe, and Pete Thompson Russellville: Mark Bennett Science Hill: Roseanna Denton Somerset: Gay Hodges and Connie Neeley Taylor Mill: Gary O'Hair Bird Species Observed at the KOS Spring Meeting Shepherdsville, Kentucky, and Vicinity The following bird species were observed during the weekend of April 29 - May 1 : Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard. Ring-necked Duck. Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Surf Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Wild Turkey, Common Loon. Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture. Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Killdeer, Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Caspian Tem. Common Tem, Rock Pigeon. Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher. Red-bellied 66 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 Woodpecker. Downy Woodpecker. Hairy Woodpecker. Northern Flicker. Pileated Wood¬ pecker. Least Flycatcher. Eastern Phoebe. Great-crested Flycatcher. Eastern Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo. Blue-headed Vireo. Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo. Blue Jay. Amer¬ ican Crow, Purple Martin. Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow. Bank Swal¬ low. Cliff 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. Swainson's Thrush. Wood Thrush. American Robin. Gray Catbird. Northern Mockingbird. Brown Thrasher. European Starling, Cedar Waxwing. Blue-winged Warbler. Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Cape-May Warbler. Yellow-rumped Warbler. Black-throated Green Warbler, Pine Warbler. Prairie Warbler, Palm Warbler. Cerulean Warbler. Black-and-white Warbler. Womi-eating Warbler. Ovenbird. Northern Waterthrush. Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler. Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee. Chipping Sparrow. Field Sparrow. Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow. White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal. Rose¬ breasted Grosbeak. Blue Grosbeak. Indigo Bunting. Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Mea¬ dowlark, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch. American Goldfinch and House Sparrow. The species total was 1 15. FIELD NOTES Common Ground-Dove in Fulton County On 23 November 2002 we were birding Lake #9 in Fulton County, KY when a Com¬ mon Ground-Dove (Columbina passerina ) landed in a willow tree 10 feet from where we stood. It flew down to the mudflat among some American Pipits (Anthus rubescenes) where it was flushed by a Northern Harrier ( Circus cyaneus). It then flew low over the trees toward the west. We were trying to relocate the dove when Nancy Moore arrived and joined us in the search. The property owner stopped and told us he had been seeing a small dove in the dirt road that led down to the lake. We began focusing our search on the road. The dove was located feeding along the road using nearby bushes for cover. It fed on seed in the dirt road along the edge of the pigweed. It was approximately the same length as the pipits; but it appeared bulkier. Overall, it was a grayish brown color and was a small, rather square tailed dove. It had a dark tail with white outer tips. The bill was small with a deep pink base and a darkish gray tip. The eyes were a dark reddish color. The breast had a scaled effect and to a lesser extent, so did the head and sides of the neck. The primaries were rufous, as were the underwings. The wing coverts had rust to wine-colored markings on them, which could look purplish under some lighting conditions. The legs were short and the body was very close to the ground. The legs and feet were pink. We took photographs and called other birders. Ben Yandell happened to be in the area and came to see it that afternoon. We saw it again the following day along with several others, and additional photographs were taken by David Roemer (see p. 68) and Jeff Wil¬ son. The dove was last reported on 30 November 2002. Common Ground-Dove is a permanent resident in most areas, but in parts of the south¬ west it is much more common in summer, suggesting a regular migration to the south (Lives of North American Birds , Kenn Kaufman 1996). There is a previous report of this species on 25 July 1999 on the Westvaco WMA, Carlisle County (J. Quinn notes; Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Kentucky \ Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. 2003). - Happy Chambers. 33 Wildwood Drive, Murray. KY; and Roseanna Denton. P.O. Box 222. 968 Hwy 1676, Science Hill. KY 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 67 Northern Shrike in Muhlenberg County While birding the Sinclair Unit of the Peabody WMA in Muhlenberg County on 13 November 2004, we spotted a Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor) along the S5 road. As we were driving back out from the S5 marsh, a bird flew along the side of the vehicle going the opposite direction from us. It perched in the top of a small tree just long enough for us to determine that it was a shrike before it flew across the road and over the hill out of sight. The narrow dark mark behind the eye made us realize we should try to relocate it to determine which shrike we had seen. We walked up the hill in the direction the bird flew and located it near a pond moving around in some small locust trees. It was hunting, and we watched as it flew down and came back up with a grasshopper a number of times. It stuck the grasshoppers on thorns and appeared to leave some of them; others it picked apart and ate as we watched. The bill was a dark gray with a pale base. The head and back were brownish gray. The bill looked smaller than we expected for a Northern Shrike; the hook was longer than in Loggerhead Shrike ( Lanius ludoviciamis). There was a whitish border between the brownish gray forehead and the bill. The black mask extended below and behind the eye and flared out at the back. It was narrower than a Loggerhead Shrikes mask. The area below the dark mask was washed in brown. This area should be white in a Loggerhead Shrike. There was a thin whitish area around the eye. The lores were mostly pale, but there was a thin dark mark from the upper mandible that joined the mask below the eye. The throat was whitish with a thin dark mark down it. The upper tail coverts were whitish (they should be gray on most Loggerheads), and the underparts were whitish with brownish barring. The wings were mostly black with a white patch at the base of the primaries. The tertials were tipped with white. The long tail was blackish with white on the ends of the outer tail feathers. From the center of the tail outward the amount of white increased. The brownish color and the barring on the underparts with no barring on the upper parts eliminated Loggerhead Shrike. After we had studied the bird and taken photographs, we made some calls to alert others. The bird was subsequently seen by a number of birders. It proved to be a challenge to locate, as it apparently occupied a large territory on the Sinclair Unit. David Roemer was able to obtain some additional photographs 28 November 2004 (see p. 68), the last day it was observed. Photographs taken, along with written descriptions, make this the first fully documented record of Northern Shrike for Kentucky. - Happy Chambers, 33 Wildwood Drive, Murray, KY; Roseanna Denton, P.O. Box 222, Science Hill, KY; and Melissa Easley, 1610 Loch Lomond Dr., Murray, Ky. NEWS AND VIEWS Visit the K.O.S. Website To learn about the Kentucky Ornithological Society and interesting happenings, visit the K.O.S. website at www.biology.eku.edu/kos.htm, maintained by Dr. Gary Ritchison. 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 Dr. Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Deans Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, 42101 (blaine.Ferrell@eku.edu). Above: Common Ground-Dove, Fulton County, KY; 24 November 2002 Below : Northern Shrike, Muhlenberg County, KY; 28 November 2004 Photographs by David L. Roemer ,7 The Kentucky Warbler ?/ (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) K ^ VOL. 81 AUGUST 2005 NO. 3 IN THIS ISSUE WESTERN FORMS OF RED-TAILED HAWK IN KENTUCKY, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and David Roemer . 71 THE SPRING SEASON 2005, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 81 FIELD NOTE First Nests of Least Flycatcher in Kentucky . 94 NEWS AND VIEWS . 95 70 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Hap Chambers, Murray Vice-President . Mark Bennett, Russellville Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 Treasurer . Recording Secretary . Councilors: Doris Tichenor, Morgantown ... Phyllis Niemi, Princeton . Mark Monroe, Louisville . Win Ahrens, Louisville . Elizabeth Ciuzio, Frankfort . Mary Walter, Corydon, Indiana Retiring President . Staff Artist . . Jim Williams 480 Seeley Drive, Lexington, KY 40502-2609 . Gerald Robe, Mt. Sterling . 2003 thru 2005 . 2003 thru 2005 . 2004 thru 2006 . 2004 thru 2006 . 2005 thru 2007 . 2005 thru 2007 . Kathy Caminiti, Burlington . 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 . 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 We thank David Roemer for the cover photograph of an adult dark-intermediate morph Red-tailed Hawk ( Buteo jamaicensis calurus), photographed 18 February 2002 in Ohio County. Financial support for color cover provided by the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. • — Kentuckyi Touchstone Energy Cooperatives' 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER WESTERN FORMS OF RED-TAILED HAWK IN KENTUCKY 71 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and David Roemer Most Kentucky birders are quite familiar with the seemingly ubiquitous Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jcimciicensis ) that occurs statewide throughout the year. The resident and fairly consistent looking local birds are joined by a large number of migrants and winter residents during the non-breeding season. While many of these birds are also individuals of the wide¬ spread eastern North American race (B. j. borealis), some belong to races and forms from the western part of the continent that breed as far away as Alaska and that may differ con¬ siderably in appearance from eastern Red-tails. Eastern B. j. borealis (including all birds that breed and most that pass through and overwinter in the state) is a race that exhibits some degree of variability in plumage. All attentive Kentucky birders have noted adult "white-bellied" birds and adults with heavy belly bands, but there are also several other characters that show less obvious variation including the extent of light mottling in the scapulars, the extent of dark feathering in the throat and underwing, and the amount of dark banding in the otherwise predominantly reddish-orange tail feathers. However, the variation in eastern birds is minimal when compared to the remarkable polymorphism exhibited by some of the races and forms that inhabit western North Amer¬ ica. The most widespread race, B. j. calurus, breeds across much of western Canada and the western United States and is highly migratory (Wheeler 2003); a significant number of individuals winter in the south-central United States including areas east of the Mississippi River. B.j. calurus exhibits a wide spectrum of plumages from light birds that are not much more heavily marked than dark eastern birds to dark chocolate-brown birds. Also exhibiting a striking degree of polymorphism is B. j. harlani, a more-often-than- not dark-plumaged race that breeds primarily in Alaska and northwestern Canada, and migrates as far as the south-central United States to overwinter (Wheeler 2003). Although a majority of B. j. Iiarlani are actually intermediate morphs, both light and dark morph birds also occur in the southeastern United States (Wheeler 2003). Accumulated data suggest that B. j. harlani is quite a bit less numerous than B. j. calurus east of the Mississippi including Kentucky. Another "western" Red-tail that occurs in Kentucky is the "Krider's Hawk," actually a pale morph of the eastern B. j. borealis that breeds in the northern Great Plains and winters primarily in the south-central United States (Wheeler 2003). This form does not really "behave" like a true race in that it breeds in a relatively distinct geographic area, but most birds within that breeding range do not exhibit traits that distinguish the form (i.e., they look more like typical B. j. borealis). Primarily for this reason, raptor authorities have not treated Krider's Hawk uniformly. Regardless of its taxonomic treatment, however, it is in effect just another form of Red-tailed Hawk exhibiting geographically centralized genetic influence of a group of characteristics (in this case a morph that exhibits dilute or pale coloration, especially on the tail, head, and underparts). Krider's Hawks occur regularly during winter in Kentucky, especially the western portion, although they may be somewhat less numerous than B. j. calurus. In addition to those listed above, several other races of Red-tailed Hawk occur in North America. However, most are more sedentary and have not been documented to occur regularly outside of their normal ranges, so they will not be discussed here. The intent of this article is two-fold: 1) to summarize published and unpublished sightings of western Red-tailed Hawk forms in Kentucky; and 2) to comment briefly on the occurrence of each form in the state. Over the years, individuals of these two races and one morph have been infrequently reported in Kentucky's ornithological literature. In more recent years, they have been reported with greater regularity, probably due more to an interest in detecting and reporting 72 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 them than to an increase in their occurrence. Evolving hand in hand with an interest in these forms (and perhaps being the primary cause for it) has been coverage of them in recent identification guides. Taking this coverage into an entirely new realm has been Brian K. Wheeler's most recent raptor identification guide (Wheeler 2003). In fact, this guide has taken the taxonomy of Red-tailed Hawks to such an ambitious level that great care must be used in the field to assign the correct label to many individuals. Especially in the absence of another descriptive system, Wheeler’s terminology will undoubtedly become the standard for reporting Red-tailed Hawk plumages. Table 1 summarizes the known sightings of apparent individuals of western forms reported in Kentucky prior to the summer of 2005. In addition to published records. Table 1 contains reports received through a general appeal on the B1RDKY listserve and corres¬ pondence with active birders. Doubtless some valid observations were missed in the data collection process, but one effect of this article will be to elicit submission of missing sightings. It is worth noting at the onset of this summary that the paucity of information on the various plumages of western Red-tailed Hawks in most popular resources prior to the late 1980s complicates current interpretation of many earlier reports of these birds. One example is the lack of a clear description of an intermediate (rufous) morph of B. j. calurus in earlier field guides. In many field situations intermediate (rufous), dark-intermediate (dark rufous) and dark morph B. j. calurus cannot be distinguished from one another, and until recently most dark individuals were not critically examined for the subtle differences that distinguish them from one another. For this reason, most earlier reports of dark B. j. calurus listed in Table 1 have been interpreted as being collectively intermediate/dark-inter¬ mediate/dark morphs. Another note of caution concerns the fact that there is apparently a gradual continuum of plumages of B. j. calurus and B. j. harlani from "light" to "dark" that is represented fairly evenly along a spectrum. This being the case, correctly assigning individual birds observed in the field to one of up to nine morph classes can be extremely challenging. In recent years, about 5-10 individuals of western Red-tailed Hawk forms have been accounted for each winter, with winter site fidelity being exhibited by several individuals wearing distinct plumages (Table 1). Most reports have come from open agricultural and reclaimed mine land in the western portion of the state (Figure 1). The extent to which true "migrants" are included in this body of records is unclear, but individuals occurring at the early and late extremes may well be birds simply passing through. The earliest well- documented reports of western Red-tails have been made in early October, while the latest, well-documented report falls in mid-May (Table 1). Interestingly, within the body of records, few reports of juvenile B. j. calurus and none of B. j. harlani are present. Exactly why juveniles of these forms are poorly represented in the Kentucky data set is unknown, but, in contrast, relatively more reports of juvenile Krider's Hawk exist. The following paragraphs summarize the various plumages for each race or form and provide cautionary notes and proposed guidelines for reporting: B. /, ca!urus\ Wheeler uses the following terminology for classes of morphs — light, light-intermediate (light rufous), intermediate (rufous), dark-intermediate (dark rufous), and dark. Under sub-optimal field conditions, many individuals probably cannot be reliably assigned to one of these five categories, and, as noted above, some individuals lie between the “norms” for each. While not trying to discourage field observers from attempting to assign individuals to one of Wheeler’s morph types, it is recommended that sightings be qualified to reflect the degree of certainty with which the identity has been assessed. For example, in many field situations it is impossible to distinguish among intermediate, dark- intermediate, and dark morph birds, so some dark birds may be reported simply as "darkish" morphs. Another pitfall is the presence of a small percentage of eastern B. j. borealis that breed in Canadian boreal forests and that closely resemble light morph B.j. calurus. Some 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 73 Table 1 continued. 74 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 75 Table 1 continued. 76 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 77 Table 1 continued. 78 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 -- it is unclear to what extent some of these birds could be dark, boreal-forest breeding B.j. borealis, more research is needed to clar ify this potential problem. — all earlier reports of B j. hatlatii are presumed to have involved "darkish’’ morphs. - included in Krider’s Hawk may be some B j. borealis x Krider's Hawk individuals -- parentage of these individuals is somewhat speculative, but is theorized based on observed characters 2005 THF KENTUCKY WARBLER 79 80 Vol. 81 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER of these individuals may be similar enough that their true identity cannot be determined in the field. As a result of such subtleties, individual birds often can be expected to be iden¬ tified with certainty only when they are observed at relatively close range and under ideal lighting conditions. Otherwise, qualifiers such as “probable" or "likely” may be appropriate. B. i. harlani-. Wheeler uses the following terminology for classes of morphs - light, light-intermediate, intermediate (normal, streak breasted type, streaked type), dark-inter¬ mediate (normal, streak-breasted type, spot-bellied type), and dark. Recommendations for reporting these morphs follow the logic and cautionary notes expressed above for B. j. calurus. However, of greater concern is that individuals of B. j. calurus be clearly dis¬ tinguished from individuals of B. j. harlani (a seemingly less numerous race in Kentucky). The corresponding morph classes of the two races are somewhat similar, and good study under ideal conditions may be required to differentiate some individuals. Also, Wheeler describes individuals that exhibit characters typical of intergrades between B. j. calurus and B. j. harlani , indicating that extreme caution should be exercised when identifying these forms. Krider's Hawk: typically, field identification of individuals of this pale morph of B. j. borealis should be more straightforward; however, the possibility of partial albinism of otherwise typical B. j. borealis , as well as intergrades between the two, should never be discounted as individuals showing these characteristics occur regularly. It should also be noted that some eastern B. j. borealis individuals in worn plumage (especially late spring through early fall) may be quite "washed out” in appearance, causing superficial resem¬ blance to Krider's Hawk. Intergrades: As indicated above, it should be noted that, in addition to the many plumage types of these two races and one color morph, there may be individuals that exhibit intergradation between B. j. calurus and B. j. harlani or Krider's Hawk, as well as inter¬ gradation of both B. j. calurus and Krider's Hawk with eastern B. j. borealis ! Even Wheeler (2003) has not been able to clearly describe the appearance of some of the myriad pos¬ sibilities, seemingly relying on intuition for a description of some intergrade forms. Also, it is impossible to ascertain to what degree intergrade individuals are influenced by genetic input from one race or the other (i.e„ 25%, 50%, or more of their genetic makeup). Cur¬ rently the frequency with which Red-tailed Hawk intergrades occur in Kentucky is unclear, but accumulated data suggest they are present less frequently than birds of seemingly clear- cut lineage. The study and classification of western Red-tailed Hawks in Kentucky is an enor¬ mously complex yet immensely interesting puzzle. As more study is undertaken and des¬ criptions put forth, patterns of occurrence of these forms may become apparent. As with all field endeavors, careful observation and description of multiple characters and photo¬ graphic documentation are highly desirable. This summary would not have been possible without the years of Red-tailed Hawk study undertaken by Brian Wheeler; all birders should be grateful for his dedication to raptor study. We extend thanks to Stephen Stedman for a review of the manuscript which resulted in numerous improvements. Literature Cited Mengel, Robert M. 1965. The Birds of Kentucky. American Ornithologists' Union. Law¬ rence, KS. Wheeler, Brian K. 2003. Raptors of Eastern North America. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. - Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (Palmer-Ball), and 294 Drakes Creek Drive, Bowling Green, KY, 42103 (Roemer). 2005 81 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER THE SPRING SEASON 2005 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely The spring 2005 season was relatively mild overall, primarily the result of several extended periods of cooler-than-normal temperatures. The most significant of these cool spells occurred during the last week of April and first week of May. Precipitation was slightly below average throughout the period, making shorebird habitat relatively scarce. The season was devoid of significant snow and severe storm events. Highlight rarities of the season included a potential state-first Mottled Duck, second- state Brant, and continuing Common Ground-Dove and Bullock's Oriole. Waterbird migra¬ tion was relatively unremarkable, although shorebirds put in a decent showing thanks to the presence of suitable habitat in a few localized areas, especially western Henderson County. Songbird migration was a bit late primarily due to cool late-April weather, with a peak in diversity occurring nearly a week later than normal, during the latter portion of the second week of May. 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 sufficient 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 indicates that the observation was documented on videotape; next to an observer’s initials indicates that written details were submitted with the report; Ballard = Ballard WMA, Ballard ; Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam, Lyon! Livingston-. Barren = Barren River Lake, Allen! Barren-. Berea College Forest = Berea College Forest, Madison'. Big South Fork = Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, McCreary. Black Mountain - Black Mountain, Harlan-. Blood River = Blood River embayment of Kentucky Lake, Calloway, Camp #9 = Peabody Camp #9 Coal Preparation Plant, Union: Camp #1 1 = Camp #11 impoundments. Union: Chaney Lake = Chaney Lake, Warren: DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Falls of the Ohio = Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson: Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment. Lake Cumberland, Pulaski: Garvin Brown = Garvin Brown Preserve, Jefferson: Gibraltar - Gibraltar Mine, Muhlenberg: Horseshoe Road = slough next to Horseshoe Road, w. Henderson: Jenny Hole = Jenny Hole-Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Union: Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment of Kentucky Lake, Marshall: Ken-Hopewell = Ken-Hopewell Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio: Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston! Marshall: Kv Lake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall/Calloway/Livingston/Lyon/ Trigg: Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon: Lake Barkley = Lake Barkley, Livings ton! Lyon/Trigs: Lake No. 9 = Lake No. 9, Fulton: LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lyon/Trigg: Long Point = Long Point Unit Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Fulton: Mammoth Cave = Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson (unless otherwise noted); McElrov - McElroy Lake, Warren: Meldahl Dam - Meldahl Dam on the Ohio River, Bracken: Mitchell Lake = Mitchell Lake, Ballard WMA, Ballard: Murray = Murray, Calloway: Obion = Obion WMA, Fulton (unless otherwise noted); Panorama Shores = Panorama Shores on Ky Lake, Calloway: Paradise = Paradise Power Plant impoundments, Muhlenberg: Peabody = Peabody WMA, Ohio! Muhlenberg (unless otherwise noted); Petersburg = gravel pit at Petersburg. Boone: Petros Pond = Petros Pond. Warren: Pleasant Hill Church Road = Pleasant Hill Church Road near Cadiz, Trigg: Riverqueen = Riverqueen Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg: Rock Bridge = Rock Bridge, 82 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 DBNF, Wolfe\ St. Matthews = St. Matthews, Jefferson', Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson', Shaker Mill = Shaker Mill, Warren', 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 Kv = West Ky WMA, McCracken', SNP = State Nature Preserve; SRP = State Resort Park; WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose - a flock of 5 on Boilermaker Lake, Carter , 6 March (RM, JB, Fide SF) represents the farthest e. the species has ever been reported; an injured bird lingered at Ballard through the period (SR). Brant - 1 was present at various locales in and near Somerset, Pulaski, 14-28 May (ph.LK, ph.RDn, et al.). KBRC review required. Mute Swan - the remaining resident bird - its mate having been killed in January 2004 - along Cypress Creek, nw. of Cen¬ tral City, Muhlenberg, was seen in mid- March (WR); also reported were 2 along Bethel Road. Fayette, 26 March (BM). Gadwall: peak counts included 250+ at Lake No. 9 (BP) and 60+ at Chaney Lake (DR), both 16 March; latest reports in¬ cluded 4-5 at Camp #11 on 4 May (BP) with a male still there 20 May (BP). American Wigeon: peak counts included 300+ at Lake No. 9 on 16 March (BP); latest reports included at least 2 nw. of Miller. Fulton, 1 May (BP et al.) and 2 at Sauerheber 10 May (DR, TD). Mottled Duck - an individual that ap¬ peared to be a male was present at Horseshoe Road 20 May (ph.BP). KBRC review required. Blue-winged Teal - peak counts were un¬ spectacular and included 70 at Chaney Lake 6/25 April (DR); latest reports included 2 at Mitchell Lake 20 May (MEa); at least 1 male at Camp #1 1 to 20 May (BP); 1 male at Horseshoe Road 28 May (CCr); and a male at Petersburg 29- 30 May (LM). Cinnamon x Blue-winged Teal - a male was present at Chaney Lake 9-27 April (DR). Northern Shoveler: peak count was for ca. 250 at Long Point 16 March (BP); latest reports included 5 at Chaney Lake 1 May (DR) and ca. 6 at Camp #11 on 4 May (BP). Northern Pintail; peak counts included 30 ne. of Sauerheber 13 March (CCr) and 100-120 at Obion 16 March (BP). Green-winged Teal: peak counts included a remarkable 900+ at Long Point and 30- 500 at Obion, both 16 March (BP); latest reports included 2 at Sauerheber 6 May Brant, Pulaski 14 May 2005 Laura Kamperman 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 83 (MMn, BP) with 1 still there 11 May (BY). Redhead — peak counts included 25 at Mel- dahl Dam 5 March (FR) and 97 at Coo¬ ley's Pond, Wayne , 10 March (RDn). Ring-necked Duck - peak count was for 383 at Long Creek Refuge, LBL, Trigg , 11 March (BL); latest reports included 2 on Lake Barkley above the dam 2 May (SR); 1 on Ky Lake, Calloway , 7 May (MEa et al.); a male at Sauerheber 10 May (DR, TD); 1 at Ballard 12 May (SR); and 1 at Petersburg 29 May (LM). Greater Scaup - peak counts for the spring included 15 on Lake Barkley above the dam 5 March (DR) and 24 at Lake Pee- wee, Hopkins, 20 March (BP, AC); latest report was for a female on the Ohio River at Louisville 30 April (DR, JRo). Other reports of interest included 1 at Camp Ernst Lake, Boone , 5 March (LM); 9 at Riverqueen 13 March (BY, MW) and 2 at Waitsboro 31 March (RDn). Lesser Scaup - peak count was for 260 at Meldahl Dam 5 March (FR); latest re¬ ports included 3 at Camp #11 on 4 May (BP); a female at Horseshoe Road 20-28 May (BP, CCr); and 8 on Ky Lake above the dam and 18 on Lake Barkley above the dam, both 29 May (BP, AC). Surf Scoter - there were several reports of spring migrants including a female on the Ohio River at Taylor Park. Campbell, 27 March (ph.FR); 13 on the Ohio River at Louisville 29 April— 1 May (ph.DR, KOS); 5 on Ky Lake above the dam 1 May (BP et ah); and an extremely late female at Horseshoe Road 23-28 May (ph.BP, ph.DR, CCr). Long-tailed Duck — only report was for a male on Lake Barkley at Boyd's Landing, Lyon, 5 March (HC, KOS). Bufflehead — latest report was for a pair on Lake Barkley at Eddyville Ferry, Lyon, 2 May (SR). Common Goldeneye — latest reports were for a male on Lake Barkley above the dam 7 May (BP, MMn) and a female there 29 May (BP, AC). Hooded Merganser: a displaying male at Three Ponds SNP, Hickman , 16 March, suggested nesting (BP); broods of young were reported from several locales as follows: a female w / 9 young at Sauer¬ heber 22 April (MS); a female w / 10 downy young at Caperton 5 May (BY, MW); a female w / 6 young at Ballard 2 May (SR); 2 broods of young at Ballard 4 May (ph.SR); a family group at Jenny Hole 28 May (CCr); and a female w / 5 young at Horseshoe Road 29 May (BP, AC). — . : ‘mmm my ,:r ^C:y|VC. * ./V f : i’ ||j .sSlfe l IV Hooded Merganser family, Ballard 4 May 2005 Scott Record Red-breasted Merganser - peak count was an unimpressive 25 on Lake Bark¬ ley, Trigg, 14 March (BL); latest report was for 1 at Horseshoe Rd 6 May (BP, MMn). Ruddy Duck — latest reports included 1 at Lexington 10 May (LR et ah) and a pair plus another male at Camp #11 to 20 May (BP). Wild Turkey - a flock of 90 at Long Creek Refuge, LBL, Trigg, 15 March (BL) was noteworthy. Common Loon - peak counts included 30 at Barren 7 April (DR) and 26 at Waits¬ boro 23 April (RDn); latest reports included 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 19 May (BP, LP); 1 on Lake Cumberland, Wayne, 20 May (RDn); 1 on Ky Lake above the dam 29 May (BP, AC); and 1 at Petersburg 30 May (LM). Also of interest were 4 at Fishing Creek and 7 at Green River Lake, AdairlTaylor, 22 84 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 April (RDn); 6 at Caneyville Reservoir, Grayson, 30 April (JP); 1 on the Ohio River below Louisville 1 May (J&PB, BBC): 1 at Clifty Pond. Pulaski. 1-5 May (RDn); 4 at Waitsboro 2 May (RDn): and 2 on Ky Lake. Calloway, 7 May ( MEa et al.). Pied-billed Grebe - at least 6 were still at Camp #1 1 on 20 May with much calling, suggesting that nesting was being at¬ tempted (BP); nesting was also likely attempted by lingering birds at Chaney Lake (DR); also late was a bird on Lake Barkley above the dam 29 May (BP, AC). Horned Grebe: peak count was an impres¬ sive tally of 165 at Meldahl Dam 5 March (FR); also reported were ca. 50 on Ky Lake/Lake Barkley 5 March (DR) with 15 still on Ky Lake above the dam 15 March (BP) and 2 at Barren, Barren 7 April (DR). Western Grebe: 1 was on Lake Barkley above the dam 1-8 May (ph.BP et al.). KBRC review required. American White Pelican - peak counts for the season included "hundreds" at Blood River 13 March (MEa); an exceptionally large group of 1500 at Boyds Branch embayment, Ky Lake, Calloway, 29 March (HE, fide HC): 400+ at Blood River (HC); 400-500 at Jonathan Creek (MEa); and 250 at Duck Island, Lake Barkley, Trigg (SV et al.), all 30 March; 200-250 at Jonathan Creek and 150+ on Lake Barkley, Trigg, both 1 April (BL) and 200 on Lake Barkley, Trigg, 10 April (ER); a few birds lingered into May with 3 at Kuttawa 1 May (BP et al.) and 17 on Ky Lake, Calloway 7 May (MEa et al.). Also reported outside of the normal w. Kentucky range were 8 over the Ohio River bottoms near Cloverport, Breckinridge. 23 March (EN, fide SV). Double-crested Cormorant - peak counts were for 2000+ on Lake Barkley, Trigg, 30 March (SV et al.) and 1 April (BL); by mid-May it appeared that ca. 20 pairs were again nesting on Ky Lake, Callo¬ way (KS); 50-100 were still at Kuttawa 20 May (EC). American Bittern - only report was for 3 at Sauerheber 16 April (DR, KOS). Least Bittern - only reports were for 2 heard at Sauerheber and 4 heard at Camp #11, both 4 May (BP); 5-6 seen/heard at Sauerheber 10 May (DR, TD); and 1 at Sauerheber, 13 May (BY, MW). Great Egret: 3 were present at the Kuttawa heronry 30 March (BP). Snowy Egret - a bird near Long Point 25 March (MT, DMa) represents a new ear¬ ly arrival date for the state; next earliest birds were 2 at Long Point 27 April (PLe). Cattle Egret - transient or wandering birds away from known nesting sites included 1 at Cooley's Pond, Wayne, 22 April (RDn); 1 at Petros Pond 27 April (DR); and 1 along the Ohio River above Lou¬ isville 29 April (DR, JRo). Black-crowned Night-Heron - nesting birds returned to Lake Barkley and Lou¬ isville in late March; up to 25-30 were present at Paradise 12 May (TE), but fur¬ ther evidence of nesting remains unre¬ corded at this locale. Three to 4 birds at Camp Ernst Lake, Boone, 26-28 April (LM) were also not near known breeding areas. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - only re¬ ports were for returning nesting birds at Lexington 10 April (PD, fide JWm); and 1 over Long Point 27 April (BP, MMn). Osprey - earliest reports were for 1 on Lake Barkley w. of Kuttawa 10 March (TF) and 2 on Lake Barkley, Trigg, 17 March (BL). Mississippi Kite - earliest reports were for single birds near Hickman, Fulton (PLe) and at Three Ponds SNP, Hickman (MMn. BP), both 27 April, which rep¬ resented new early arrival dates by one day. Bald Eagle - there were a few reports of likely spring migrants including an ad. near Mt. Sterling, Montgomery, 6 May (GRo); new nests were reported along the Kentucky River, Henry (DD, fide KCa) and on Ky Lake, Calloway (AW). 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Northern Harrier - several, including dis¬ playing males, were seen at Peabody 25 April (DR) and 12 May (TE). Cooper's Hawk - nesting reports included adults gathering nesting material at Sha¬ ker Mill 8 March (DR) and an active nest along Indian Knob Road, McCreary, 16 April (SS et al.) Red-tailed Hawk - there were several re¬ ports of lingering western birds, all being included: light morph harlani in Warren 2-23 March (DR); a calurus x "krideri" intergrade at McElroy 2 March (DR); a dark morph calurus and an adult light morph calurus, both near Morganfield, Union, 17 March (DR); a juv "krideri" at Homestead on the unusually late date of 25 April (ph.DR); and an ad. "dark" morph [i.e. intermediate, dark-interme¬ diate, or dark morph] calurus over Pine Mt. just w. of Cumberland, Harlan, on the unprecedentedly late date of 15 May (BY, *MW). Rough-legged Hawk - latest reports in¬ cluded 3 at Homestead 13 March (BY, MW); 1 near Morganfield, Union, 17 March (DR); and 1 at Ken-Hopewell 19 March (BP, AC). Merlin - there were not as many reports this season, all being included: a male at Petros Pond 23 March (DR); 1 at St. Matthews 16/28 March (BW); and 1 near Hickman, Fulton, 27 April (PLe). Peregrine Falcon - there were only a cou¬ ple of reports of likely migrants: 1 at Walton's Pond 13 April (DR) and 1 over Munfordville, Hart, 28 April (SK). Lo¬ cally nesting birds were documented at traditional sites in Jefferson, Carroll, Trimble (2), and Greenup (SV, ASm, et al.) King Rail — only report was for a bird heard at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, 10 May (DR). Virginia Rail - all reports are included: 1 or 2 heard at Gibraltar 25 March (BY, MW); 1 at Hardy Slough, Sauerheber, 16 April (DR, KOS); 2 heard at Gibraltar 1 May (BP et al.) and 7 May (BP, MMn); 85 and 1 at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, 10 May (DR, TD). Sora - peak counts included 33+ at Sauer¬ heber 16 April (DR, KOS) and 40-45+ at Camp #11 on 4 May (BP); latest reports were for a bird heard at Camp #11 on 20 May (BP); and 1 at East Bend Power Plant, Boone, 21 May (LM). Common Moorhen - all reports are in¬ cluded: 1 nw. of Miller, Fulton , 1 May (BP et al.); 3-4 at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, 10/25 May (DR, TD); and 2 at Camp #11 on 20 May (BP). American Coot - 80+ were still at Camp #11 on 4 May (BP), but only 1 could be found there 20 May (BP); also lingering were 6+ at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauer¬ heber, 10 May (DR, TD); 1 at Garvin Brown 14 May (BW); and 2 on Lake Barkley above the dam 29 May (BP, AC). Sandhill Crane: spring flight remained conspicuous only through about the first ten days of March; latest reports included 25 at Chaney Lake 22 March (DR); 2 at Bowling Green 26 March (TD); and a pair near St. John, Hardin, 11-15 May (CCu). Black-bellied Plover - earliest report was for 1 nw. of Miller, Fulton 7 May (BP, MMn); peak counts included 17 at Horseshoe Road and 9 at Camp #9, both 23 May (BP, RDv) and 12 at Horseshoe Road 25 May (DR). Latest reports were for 1 along KY 268 on 29 May (BP, AC) and 1 at Horseshoe Road 31 May (CCr). American Golden-Plover: earliest reports included 18 at Open Pond, w. Fulton, 1 at Obion, and 1 at Long Point, all 16 March (BP); 1 at Sauerheber 20 March (BP); and 2 along KY 268 on 21 March (TE fide NR). Peak count was for 40 at Chaney Lake 31 March (DR). Also re¬ ported were 12 over Walton's Pond 28 March (DR); 18 adjacent to Ballard 30 March (BP); 4 at Chaney Lake 4 April (DR); and 1 at McElroy 27 April (DR). Semipalmated Plover - earliest report was for 1 at Petros Pond 12 April (DR); peak counts included 300 along KY 268 on 5 86 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 May (TE fide NR); 150+ at Obion 7 May (BP, MMn); 200 in w. Henderson 10 May (DR, TD); 70 at Horseshoe Road and 50 along KY 268, both 20 May (BP); and 100+ at Horseshoe Road 23 May (BP, RDv) with 75+ still there 29 May (BP, AC). Piping Plover: only report was for 1 at Paradise 6 May (MMn, ph.BP, et al. ). Black-necked Stilt - all reports are in¬ cluded; 1 at Long Point 23 April (MT, DMa); 2 there 27 April (PLe); and 2 at Sauerheber 13 May (BY, MW). Greater Yellowlegs - peak counts included 40 at Ballard 18 April (SR) and 45+ at Obion 27 April (BP, MMn). Lesser Yellowlegs - earliest reports in¬ cluded 1 at Blood River (HC), 4 at Sauerheber (CCr), and 2 in w. Fulton (JWn), all 6 March: peak counts included 125+ at Obion 1 May (BP et al.); 225+ along KY 268 (BP) and 105 at Chaney Lake (DR), both 4 May; and 100+ at Obion 7 May (BP, MMn); latest reports included 1 at Bronston, Pulaski, 20 May (RDn) and 2 at Horseshoe Road 29 May (BP. AC). Two at Begley WMA, Harlan, 12 May were unusual for se. Ky (SS, JK, et al.). Solitary Sandpiper - earliest reports were for 1 at Petros Pond 28 March (DR) and 2 at Ballard 30 March (BP); peak counts were for 30 at Chaney Lake 27 April (DR) and 24 there 10 May (DR); latest report was for 1 at Hays Kennedy Park, Jefferson, 17 May (BW). Several at Beg¬ ley WMA, Harlan. 12 May were unusual for se. Ky (SS, JK, et al.). Willet - all reports are included: 1 at Sauer¬ heber 22 April (MS); 5 e. of Long Point 23 April (ph.MT, DMa); 14 on Ky Lake nr. Kenlake SRP, Marshall, 26 April (AT); 41 e. of Cadiz, Trigg, 29 April (BL); and 8 at Ky Dam Village SRP beach, Marshall, 1 May (BP et al.). Spotted Sandpiper - earliest report was for 1 at Petros Pond 9 April (TD); a few birds lingered at Horseshoe Road into late May with behavior suggestive of nesting (BP); also, 1-2 at Lake Shelby, Shelby, lingered to the last week of May (HB). One at Begley WMA, Harlan, 12 May was unusual for se. Ky (SS, JK, et al.). Upland Sandpiper - only reports were for single birds at Chaney Lake 12 April (DR) and over Hardy Slough, Sauer¬ heber, 16 April (DR). Ruddy Turnstone - all reports are in¬ cluded: 2 at Horseshoe Road 20 May (BP) with 8 at the same location 23 May (BP, RDv) and 1 still there 31 May (CCr); 1 at Ellis Park 23 May (BP) - 27 May (BP, EC): and 1 at Camp #9 on 29 May (BP, AC). Semipalmated Sandpiper - earliest re¬ ports included 1 at Chaney Lake 1 May (DR) and 1 along KY 268, w. Hender¬ son, 4 May (BP); relatively unimpressive peak counts included 150 at Paradise 19 May (DR); 120+ at Horseshoe Road 23 May (BP, RDv) with 125+ there 29 May (BP, AC); and 100 at Ellis Park 29 May (BP, AC). Least Sandpiper - the earliest report for the period - 17 at Jonathan Creek 4 March (HC, RDn) - likely represented continuing winter birds; other early re¬ ports included 1 at Petros Pond 23 March (DR) and 1 at Clifty Pond, Pulaski, 30 March (RDn); peak counts included 300 at Sauerheber 10 May (DR, TD) and 100+ at Chaney Lake 12 May (DR); lat¬ est reports were for singles at Mt. Zion 28 May (RDn) and at Horseshoe Road 29 May (BP, AC). Several at Begley WMA, Harlan, 12 May were unusual for se. Ky (SS, JK, et al.). White-rumped Sandpiper - earliest report was for 2 along Mud Creek at KY 94, Fulton, 1 May (BP et al.); also reported were 8+ in w. Henderson 4 May (BP); 6 along KY 268 on 6 May (BP, MMn); 5+ at Obion and 6+ nw. of Miller. Fulton, 7 May (BP, MMn); 5 at Paradise 9 May (DR, TD); 2 along KY 268 on 11 May (BY); 3-5 at Mitchell Lake 21 May with 2 still there 24 May (SR); 4 at Horseshoe Road and 2 at Ellis Park, both 23 May (BP. RDv); 5 at Ellis Park and 1 at Horseshoe Road 27 May (BP, EC); 4 at 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 87 Calvert City, 4 at Camp #9, 3 at Horse¬ shoe Road, 15 along KY 268, and 10 at Ellis Park, all 29 May (BP, AC); and 5 at Horseshoe Road 31 May (CCr). Baird's Sandpiper: there were three re¬ ports for the season: 1 at Chaney Lake 3 1 March (ph.DR); a different individual there 4 April (ph.DR); and 1 nw. of Mil¬ ler, Fulton 7 May (BP, MMn). Pectoral Sandpiper: earliest reports in¬ cluded 16 at Chaney Lake and 2 at Petros Pond, both 16 March (DR); 17 at Blood River 17 March (HC); and 2 at Sauer- heber 18 March (CCr); peak counts in¬ cluded 160 at Long Point 25 March (MT, DMa); an impressive assemblage of 2000 at Sauerheber 16 April (DR, KOS); 123 at Chaney Lake 1 May (DR, TD); and 150-200 nw. of Miller, Fulton 1 May (BP, MMn). Dunlin — peak counts included 200 along KY 268 on 5 May (TE fide NR); 100 in w. Henderson 1 May (CCr); and 60 at Horseshoe Road 23 May (BP, RDv); latest reports were for 1 at Camp #9, 8 at Horseshoe Road, and 2 along KY 268, all 29 May (BP, AC). Stilt Sandpiper earliest report was for 5 in w. Henderson 4 May (BP); peak count was for 12 at Paradise 19 May (DR, TD); also reported were 1 along KY 268 on 5 May (TE fide NR) with 4 there 6 May (BP, MMn, et al.); 1 at Paradise 6 May (BP, MMn) and 9 May (DR, TD); 1 at Ballard 12 May (SR); 4 at Horseshoe Road and 2 at Camp #9, both 20 May (BP); and 2 at Horseshoe Road 23 May (BP, RDv). Short-billed Dowitcher - earliest reports included 1 at Chaney Lake 21-23 April (DR) and 4 at Sauerheber 22 April (MS) and 24 April (BY, MW); peak counts included 50 along KY 268 on 13 May (BY, MW); 41 (including a L. g. griseus) at Horseshoe Road 20 May (ph.BP) with 10 (including the L. g. griseus) still there 23 May (BP, RDv); latest report was for 1 along KY 268 on 27 May (BP, EC). Also reported were 1 at Pulaski County Park 2 May (RDn); 2 at Ballard 4 May (SR); 10 along KY 268 on 5 May (TE fide NR); 1 at Obion 7 May (BP, MMn); 5 along KY 268 10 May (DR, TD); 8 at Chaney Lake 15 May with 2 still there 16 May (DR, RDv); 27 at Paradise 19 May (DR, TD); and 7 at Mitchell Lake 20 May (MEa). Long-billed Dowitcher - all reports are included: 1 at Lake No. 9 on 6 March represented a new early arrival date for the state (JWn); 1 at Chaney Lake 21-25 April (DR); 1 at Sauerheber 24 April (BY, MW); 4 at Long Point 27 April (PLe); 4 at Walton's Pond 1 May (DR); 23 in w. Henderson 4 May (BP); 4 along KY 268 on 6 May (BP, MMn); 4 nw. of Miller, Fulton 7 May (BP, MMn); and 4 along KY 268 on 1 1 May (BY). Wilson's Snipe: peak counts included 80 s. of KY 268 on 13 March (CCr); at least 325 at Long Point 16 March (BP); 60+ along Clear Creek bottoms, w. Hopkins , 20 March (BP, AC); and 50 at Petros Pond 28 March (DR). Latest reports included 1 at Marydale Retreat Center Lake, Boone , 3 May (LH); 4 on the Nor¬ thern Kentucky University campus, Campbell , 5 May (FR); and 1 in w. of Sassafras Ridge, Fulton , 7 May (BP, MMn). American Woodcock - surprisingly early was the observation of a well-feathered, but still flightless young bird just e. of Future City, McCracken , 30 March (EHa). 88 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Wilson's Phalarope: all reports are in¬ cluded: 2 along KY 136, w. Henderson, 30 April (TE fide NR); 3 at Sauerheber 3 May (MMr) with 3 still there and 2 along KY 268, both 4 May (BP); and 1 on the Olmstead Unit, Ballard, 10 May (TE fide NR). Laughing Gull: only report was for an adult at Falls of the Ohio 19 May (LPe, BP). Franklin's Gull: there were only two re¬ ports: an adult at Falls of the Ohio 19 May (LPe, BP) and a first-year bird on Lake Barkley above the dam 29 May (BP, AC). Bonaparte's Gull - peak count was for 265 between two locations on Lake Cumber¬ land, Pulaski, 30 March (RDn): latest reports were for 3 first-year birds at Kut- tawa and several including an ad. on Lake Barkley above the dam, all 1 May (BP et al.). Ring-billed Gull - 5 were still at Ky Dam 29 May (BP. AC). Herring Gull - unusual numbers for the dates and locations were 32 at the Falls of the Ohio 29 April (DR, JRo) with 30 still there the following day (RDv, KOS), and 3 at the mouth of Craig's Creek, Gal¬ latin, also 1 May (LM); single first-year birds were still at Ky Dam and on Lake Barkley above the dam 29 May (BP, AC). Thayer's Gull - latest report was an adult at Barkley Dam 5 March (HC, KOS). Lesser Black-backed Gull - latest report was for 2 ads. at Kuttawa 5 March (HC, KOS). Caspian Tern — reports of interest included 4 at the mouth of Craig's Creek, Gallatin, 1 May (LM) and 3 at Lake Vega, Blue- grass Army Depot, Madison, 18 May (GRi). Common Tern - all reports are included: 1 at the KY 80 bridge over Jonathan Creek, Marshall, 24 April (HC); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 30 April (DR, KOS); 1 on the Ohio River at Dayton, Campbell, 30 April (FR); ca. 15 on Ky Lake above the Vol. 81 dam 7 May (BP, MMn); and 18 at Waits- boro 20 May (RDn). Forster's Tern - continuing from the win¬ ter season were 8 at Jonathan Creek 4 March (BL, HC, RDn) and 11 at Blood River 6 March (HC), with 28 at Blood River by 13 March (MEa); latest reports included 1 on the Ohio River, w. Hen¬ derson, 25 May (DR) and a first-year on Ky Lake above the dam 29 May (BP, AC). Least Tern - a few birds were present at the Camp Mines complex. Union, 20/29 May and behavior suggested they would attempt to nest there (BP); also, a pair was present at Horseshoe Road 24-29 May (CCr et al.) with 3 there 31 May (CCr); also present were up to 10 on a sandbar on the Ohio River below Lewis- port, Hancock, 29 May (DA) where nest¬ ing was suspected. Black Tern - only two reports: 1 at Camp #11 on 20 May (BP); 6 below Smithland Dam 29 May (BP, AC). Eurasian Collared-Dove - new locations for the species included Ragland, Mc¬ Cracken, 27 April (SR); Waverly, Union 23 May (BP, RDv); and Richmond, Mad¬ ison, 30 May (D&MF). Common Ground-Dove - the bird ne. of Union Mills, Jessamine, continued to 1 1 April (EB, fide GB). Black-billed Cuckoo - only reports in¬ cluded 1 at Bemheim Forest, Bullitt, 21 April (EHu); 1 heard in LBL, Lyon, 7 May (BP, MMn); 1 at Long Run Park, Jefferson, 11/14 May (BW); and 1 near Garmeada, Bell, in mid-May (AJ). Yellow-billed Cuckoo - earliest report was for 1 in LBL, Trigg, 25 April (BL). Barn Owl - again this season there was an increased number of reports, all of which are included: a pair nesting in a hollow tree nw. of Sugar Grove, s. Butler, in late March, which ended up unsuccessful (ASt); a pair with 5 young in an attic at New Haven, Nelson, during May (ph. C&CL); dead individuals were found along US 68 near the Marion/Taylor line 28 April (JY, CCa) and along US 60 just 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 89 w. of Winchester, Clark, 25 May (BG, CCa) Young Bam Owls, Nelson mid-May 2005 Charles Lemons Long-eared Owl - 1 was observed at Riv- erqueen 13 March (BY, MW). Short-eared Owl - 2 were still at Ken- Hopewell 13 March (BY, MW); also 4 or 5 were observed in an extensive, marshy wetland mitigation area along Shady Lane, w. of Boston, Nelson, 15 March (DPe. MH, et al.). Chuck-will's- widow - earliest report was for Trigg 18 April (ER). Whip-poor-will - earliest report was for 1 heard in Hart 7 April (SK). Chimney Swift - quite impressive was a foraging flock of ca. 500 at Cadiz, Trigg, 26 April (BL, PLi). Ruby-throated Hummingbird - earliest reports were for 2 at Murray 9 April (fide MEa); 1 along Pleasant Hill Church Road 10 April (BL, PLi); and 1 at Pan¬ orama Shores 1 1 April (KCo). Red-headed Woodpecker - following a nearly complete absence in w. Kentucky in winter, birds were seen in typical breeding haunts of w. Fulton 16 March (BP) and Trigg 9 April (BL). Olive-sided Flycatcher - only reports were for 1 at Shawnee Park, Jefferson, 14 May (A&CT); 1 at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone, 15 May (LM); and 1 in LBL, Lyon, 17 May (BL). Eastern Wood-Pewee - earliest report came from Berea College Forest 22 April (TH). Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - only three re¬ ports: 1 heard at Surrey Hills Farm 12 May (BP); 1 at Jenny Hole 23 May (CCr); and 1 heard at Taylorsville Lake State Park, Spencer, 25 May (BW). Acadian Flycatcher - earliest report came from Berea College Forest 22 April (TH). Alder Flycatcher - only two reports: 2 heard in LBL, Trigg, 17 May (BL); 4 seen/heard w. of Alzey, Henderson, 20 May (BP). Least Flycatcher - relatively late was a bird in LBL, Trigg, 18 May (BL); a nest under construction, the first ever reported for the state, was observed at the summit of Black Mountain, Harlan, 1 1 May (MK. SS, ph.EM, ph.JK, et ah). Great Crested Flycatcher - earliest report was for a bird at Potato Knoll, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski, 13 April (BP). Eastern Kingbird - earliest reports were for 1 in Pike 4 April (LE, fide JC); and 1 at Garvin Brown 10 April (BW). Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - the pair n. of Grand Rivers, Livingston, had returned and was already nest building 26 April (HC); 1 was seen ca. a mile or more nw. of there along 1-24 on 13 May (BL); sin¬ gles were also present at the Ft. Camp¬ bell airfield, Christian, 20 May (DMo) and along 1-24 near Newstead, Christian, 28 May (HC, MEa); there have been at least a couple of reports in the Ft. Campbell area in recent years, suggesting that nesting is occurring in the vicinity. White-eyed Vireo - earliest reports were for 1 outside of Murray 2 April (HC) and 1 in LBL, Trigg, 5 April (BL). Bell's Vireo - earliest report was for 1 near Grand Rivers, Livingston, 7 May (BP, MMn). Yellow-throated Vireo - earliest reports included a new early arrival date for a bird at Bemheim Forest, Bullitt, 3 April 90 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 (BY, MW) and 1 in LBL, Trigg, 8 April (BL). Blue-headed Vireo - earliest report was for 2 at South Williamson, Pike, 28 March (JC); latest report away from known breeding areas was 1 at West Ky WMA 7 May (SR). Warbling Vireo - earliest report was for 2 at Panorama Shores 1 1 April (KCo). Philadelphia Vireo - unusually early was a bird seen and heard at Panorama Shores 22 April (*KCo); overall the species was not well-represented during the peak of spring songbird migration. Red-eyed Vireo - earliest reports were for 1 at Lake Cumberland SRP, Russell, 10 April (SS); 1 in LBL, Trigg, 11 April (BL); and 2 in McCreary and 1 in Pul¬ aski 12 April (RDn). Fish Crow - earliest report was from Blood River 3 April (MEa); 2 were pres¬ ent at Ellis Park 27 May (BP, EC). Common Raven - all reports are included: 1 at Black Mountain 11 May (SS, JK, et al.); 1 at Black Mountain and 2 along Pine Mountain, just w. of Cumberland, Harlan, all 15 May (BY, MW); and 3 birds at the Paintsville Lake, Morgan, nest site 17 May (SF). Purple Martin - earliest report during the period was from LBL, Trigg, 4 March (BL). Tree Swallow - earliest report during the period was for 3 at Paradise 8 March (BL). No. Rough-winged Swallow: earliest re¬ port was for 1 at Hickman 16 March (BP). Bank Swallow - earliest reports were for 2 at Chaney Lake 21 April (DR) and 1 at Fishing Creek 23 April (RDn). Cliff Swallow: earliest report was for LBL, Trigg, 31 March (BL). Barn Swallow - earliest reports were for 1 at Panorama Shores 20 March (KCo) and from Jonathan Creek 24 March (BL). Red-breasted Nuthatch - a pair was ob¬ served at the traditional Rock Bridge nesting area 20 May (FR); latest reports in non-breeding areas included 1 heard at Mammoth Cave 17 April (J&PB); 1 at Berea College Forest 22 April (TH); 1 at Bemheim Forest, Bullitt, 30 April (BP, KOS); 6 at Lexington Cemetery 1 May (TH, ASK); and 1 in LBL, Lvon, 2 May (SR). Winter Wren: a count of 8 at Three Ponds SNP. Hickman, 16 March (BP) likely indicated the peak migratory period (BP); latest reports were for singles at Bouteloua Barrens SNP, Lincoln, 15 April (BP); and Devil's Jump, near Blue Heron. Big South Fork 16 April (SS). Marsh Wren - only report was for 1 heard at Camp #11 on 4 May (BP). Ruby-crowned Kinglet - latest report was for 1 at West Ky WMA 12 May (SR). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - earliest reports were for LBL, Trigg, 29 March (BL), and in Pulaski (RDn) and Ballard (BP, both 30 March. Gray-cheeked Thrush - latest report was for 1 at St. Matthews 30-31 May (BW). Swainson's Thrush - earliest report was for 2 nr. Murray 24 April (MEa); latest report was for 1 at St. Matthews 30 May (BW). Hermit Thrush - latest report was for 1 at Boone County Cliffs SNP 6 May (*JRy). Wood Thrush - earliest reports were for 1 at Berea College Forest 8 April (TH) and 1 at Lake Cumberland SRP, Russell, 10 April (SS). American Pipit - peak counts were for 50 at Mt. Zion 3 March (RDn) and 50+ at Ballard on the unusually late date of 4 May (SR); other late reports included 20+ nw. of Miller, Fulton, 1 May (BP et al.); and 1 at Walton's Pond 6 May (DR). Blue-winged Warbler - earliest report was for LBL, Trigg, 1 1 April (BL). Golden-winged Warbler - earliest report was for a male near Williamsburg, Whi¬ tley, 22 April (LPa, AJ), with additional birds subsequently observed during the last week of April and first week of May at nine study sites in Bell, Harlan, and 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 91 Whitley (LPa et al.). Also reported were a male near Jamestown, Russell , 28-29 April (AM); males along Pleasant Hill Church Road 29 April/2 May (BL); a male in LBL, Lyon, 7 May (BP, MMn); a male heard in Harrison 7 May (SM); a male heard at Frankfort 8 May (BP, AC); and a female at Surrey Hills Farm 12 May (BP). Brewster's Warbler - males were seen/ heard at seven different study sites in Bell, Harlan, and Whitley as early as 26 April (LPa et al.). Also reported were 1 in LBL, Lyon, 2 May (SR) and a male observed chasing a male Blue-winged Warbler in sw. McCreary 31 May (RDn). Tennessee Warbler - earliest report was for 1 at Panorama Shores 21 April (KCo). Orange-crowned Warbler: 1 bird at Three Ponds SNP, Hickman, 16 March may have wintered (BP); also reported were 1 at Big South Fork 16 April (BP. AC); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 24 April (BP); 1 in LBL, Trigg, 25/27 April (BL); 1 at Three Ponds SNP, Hickman, 27 April (BP, MMn); 1 in LBL, Lyon, 2 May (SR); and 1 extremely late individual in LBL, Lvon, 17 May (*BL). Nashville Warbler - earliest report was for 1 at Panorama Shores 10 April (KCo). Northern Parula - earliest report was from LBL, Trigg, 31 March (BL). Yellow Warbler - earliest report was from Lake Cumberland SRP, Russell, 10 April (SS). Chestnut-sided Warbler - again this year, a substantial tally of likely breeders (43) was reported along the crest of Pine Mountain, Harlan, 10 May (SS, JK, et al.); also impressive was a tally of 61 along the crest of Black Mountain 15 May (BY, MW). A singing male near the Sky Bridge Picnic Area, DBNF, Wolfe, 21 May (FR) also may have represented a territorial male. Magnolia Warbler - the species appeared late this year, probably due to the cool weather, with earliest reports from along Pleasant Hill Church Road (BL) and Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan (DPa), both 8 May. Cape May Warbler - earliest report was for 1 at Mt. Zion 22 April (RDn). Black-throated Blue Warbler - there were a few reports of spring migrants as follows: 1 at Shaker Mill 6 May (DR); a male at Berea College Forest 6 May (TH); a male in LBL, Lyon, 12 May (BY, MW); 1 at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park. Boone, 15 May (LM); and a quite tardy male near Hargis, Pulaski, 31 May (LO). Yellow-rumped Warbler - latest report was for 1 at Miles Park, Jefferson, 17 May (BW). Black-throated Green Warbler - females were observed gathering nesting material at Big South Fork 16 April (BP, AC) and at Natural Arch, McCreary, 17 April (BP), while a female was observed feed¬ ing several fledglings at Rock Bridge 20 May (FR); 2 on Hog Mountain, sw. Wayne, 28 May (RDn) may have been breeders. Yellow-throated Warbler - earliest report was for 1 in Pulaski 30 March (RDn). Pine Warbler - 7 frequented a peanut but¬ ter feeder at West Liberty. Morgan, dur¬ ing the first week of March (ME1). Prairie Warbler - earliest reports were for 1 in LBL, Trigg, 5 April (BL); 7 at Berea College Forest 8 April (TH); and 1 along Indian Knob Road, McCreary, 9 April (RDn, SS, SBC). Palm Warbler - latest reports included 1 at Taylor Park, Campbell, 12 May (FR) and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 13 May (BP). Blackpoll Warbler - earliest reports came from Panorama Shores (KCo) and Berea College Forest (TH), both 22 April; latest report was from South Williamson, Pike, 30 May (JC, LE). Cerulean Warbler - earliest reports in¬ cluded birds s. of Cave Run Lake, Row¬ an, 15 April (PH); Big South Fork 16 April (BP); Jenny Wiley SRP, Floyd, 17 April (TE); and Mammoth Cave 17 April (J&PB). Likely territorial birds (3+) were 92 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 seen/heard at Three Ponds SNP, Hick¬ man 27 April (BP, MMn). Black-and-white Warbler - a bird per¬ forming a distraction display (with pre¬ sumed young nearby) at Natural Bridge SRP. Powell, was rather early in the season when observed 3 May (DS). Prothonotary Warbler - earliest reports were for birds in s. Trigg 6 April (BL) and at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski, 7 April (RDn). Worm-eating Warbler - earliest report was for 2 at Natural Arch, DBNF, Mc¬ Creary, 9 April (SS, RDn, SBC). Swainson's Warbler - birds observed or heard at traditional breeding locales in¬ cluded several along the Rockcastle Riv¬ er, DBNF, Pulaski, 7 May (TH, ASK); a pair at Bad Branch SNP, Letcher, 1 1 May (WH); singles on the Wildcat Trail, DBNF, Wolfe, and near the Sky Bridge Picnic Area, DBNF, Wolfe, both 21 May (FR); and 1 along Swift Camp Creek Trail, DBNF, Wolfe , 22 May (FR). Also reported were singles on the s. slope of Pine Mt., ne. of Harlan, 10/12 May (SS, JK, et al.); near Pine Mt. Settlement School, Harlan, 12 May (SS, JK, et al.); and ca. 10 mi. e. of Pine Mt. Settlement School, 12 May (SS, JK, et al.). Ovenbird - earliest reports were for 1 in McCreary 9 April (RDn, SS. SBC) and 1 in Russell 10 April (RDn). Northern Waterthrush - earliest report was for 1 at Raven Run Nature Preserve, Fayette, 14 April (TH). Kentucky Warbler - earliest report was for 1 at Mammoth Cave 19 April (DR). Connecticut Warbler: all reports are in¬ cluded: 1 at WKU Woods, Warren, and 1 at Lost River Cave Natural Area, War¬ ren, both 16 May (DR, RDv); 1 heard at Surrey Hills Farm 19 May (BP. LPe); 1 in LBL, Trigg, 20 May (BL); and 1 at Jenny Hole 23 May (CCr). Mourning Warbler - only reports were for 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 12 May (BP) and 1 at Mark, Pulaski, 22 May (WN). Common Yellowthroat - earliest reports were from LBL, Trigg, (BL) and Pano¬ rama Shores (KCo), both 11 April. Hooded Warbler - earliest report was for 1 at Natural Arch. DBNF, McCreary, 9 April (RDn, SS, SBC). Canada Warbler - earliest report was for 1 at Shaker Mill 6 May (DR). Yellow-breasted Chat - earliest report was for 1 in Adair 22 April (RDn). Summer Tanager - earliest report was for LBL, Trigg, 14 April (BL). Scarlet Tanager - earliest reports were for singles in Russell 10 April (SS, AM); in LBL, Trigg, 1 1 April (BL); and in Mc¬ Creary 12 April (RDn). Bachman's Sparrow - again this year, the species was reported in small numbers at Ft. Campbell, Trigg, during the season (DMo et al.). American Tree Sparrow - latest reports were for a flock that remained at Garvin Brown through 16 March (BW); and 1 at Sauerheber 17 March (DR). Vesper Sparrow - peak counts included a relatively impressive total of 30+ in scat¬ tered flocks in Warren 23 March (DR, RDv); 6 in Warren 28 March (DR); and 6 nr. Stephensburg, Hardin, 29 March (BP); latest report was for a singing bird seen in w. Henderson 6 May (BP, MMn). Lark Sparrow — again this year, the spe¬ cies was reported in small numbers at Ft. Campbell, Trigg, during the season (DMo et al.); also reported were 1 near Ragland. McCracken, 28 April (SR); and 2 near Murray 7 May (MEa). Savannah Sparrow: 12 birds on the Nor¬ thern Kentucky University campus, Campbell, 6 May (FR) may have at¬ tempted to nest if the habitat had not been plowed up in mid-May (FR); at least 3-4 were still at Horseshoe Road 25 May (DR). Henslow's Sparrow - earliest reports were for 2 e. of Pottertown, Calloway, 31 March (BH, fide HC) and 1 at Central Ky WMA, Madison, 15 April (TH); birds were reported at a few new locations 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 93 including Bouteloua Barrens SNP, Lin¬ coln , in mid-April (DS, BP); and just s. of Cadiz, Trigg, 14 May (BL). Le Conte’s Sparrow - a bird along Bethel Church Rd., w. McCracken , 30 March likely overwintered (BP). Fox Sparrow - latest report was for 3 at St. Matthews 20 March (BW). White-throated Sparrow - 3 were still in Jefferson 14 May (BBC); again this year, a singing male lingered at St. Matthews to at least 30 May (BW). Dark-eyed Junco - latest report was for 2 near Hargis, se. Pulaski . 15 April (LO). Rose-breasted Grosbeak - earliest report was for 2 at Panorama Shores 17 April (KCo) with a peak count of 10 at feeders there 30 April (KCo). A singing bird along the crest of Pine Mt., Harlan, 10 May (SS, JK, et al.) may have been on territory. Indigo Bunting - earliest report was for 1 at South Williamson, Pike, 24 April (JC). Dickcissel - somewhat unusual for n. Ken¬ tucky were 3 singing at Petersburg, Boone, 17-21 May (LM). Bobolink; the species was not numerous this spring; earliest reports were for sev¬ eral near Vernon, Monroe, 22-23 April (TC); and ca. 15 at WKU Farm (DR) and 2+ at Ballard (SR), both 27 April; peak counts were for 40+ in s. Trigg 30 April (BL) and 50+ at Ballard 16 May (SR). Other reports of interest included 2 at Petersburg, Boone, 1 May (LM); 10-15 in w. Green 2 May (RK); 15-25 in Boyd 5 May (MH); a few in Hart 7 May (SK); at Lexington 11 May (LR et al.); in w. Fulton 12 May (BY, MW); and 6 at Ballard 18 May (SR). Rusty Blackbird - peak count was for scattered flocks totaling 1000-1500+ across w. Henderson 20 March (BP, AC). Brewer's Blackbird - all reports are in¬ cluded: 6 at the WKU Farm 22 March (DR); 1 at Walton's Pond and 3 along Bogle Road, s. Warren, 23 March (DR, RDv); 2 at Walton's Pond 26/28 March _ (DR, JRo); 1 at WKU Farm 28 March (DR); at least 30 along Smokey Road, Ballard , 30 March (BP); and 1 at Chaney Lake 27 April (DR). Bullock's Oriole - the male that had been frequenting a yard outside of Lawrence- burg, Anderson, since mid-January con¬ tinued regularly through March and was last seen 8 April (AR). Purple Finch - peak count for the period was at least 30 in w. Anderson 10 March (CL); latest report was from Fisherville. Jefferson, 3 May (EHu, JH). Pine Siskin: a few birds lingered into spring with latest reports being 2 at Big South Fork 16 April (BP, AC): 9 at Pan¬ orama Shores to 30 April (KCo) with 1 still there 7 May (KCo); and 1 at Shaker Mill 8 May (DR). Observers: David Ayer (DA); Jane & Pat Bell (J&PB); Earl Boggs (EB); Gary Boggs (GB); Horace Brown (HB); Josh Burton (JB); Kathy Caminiti (KC); Terry Campbell (TC); Chris Carpenter (CCa); Joan Carr (JC); Hap Chambers (HC); Elizabeth Ciuzio (EC); Kathy Cohen (KCo); Amy Covert (AC); Charlie Crawford (CCr); Cathy Cunning¬ ham (CCu); Dennis Davis (DD); Phyllis Deal (PD); Roseanna Denton (RDn); Robert Dever (RDv); Tom Durbin (TD); Melissa Easley (MEa); Maty Elam (ME1); Joe Tom Erwin (JTE); Les Estep (LE); Troy Evans (TE); Doug & Margaret Foote (D&MF); Scott Freidhof (SF); Tom Fusco (TF): Brian Gasdorf (BG); Wendell Haag (WH): Mike Hardin (MH); Patricia Hartman (PH); Ed Hartowicz (EHa); Lana Hays (LH); Bob Head (BH); Tim Houghton (TH); Mason Howell (MH); Eddie Huber (EHu); Jennifer Huber (JH); Anne Johnson (AJ); Laura Kamperman (LK); Richie Kessler (RK); James Kiser (JK); Steve Kistler (SK); Michael Kuntz (MK); Celia Lawrence (CL); Paul Lehman (PLe); Cindy & Charles Lemons (C&CL); Bill Lisowsky (BL); Paula Lisowsky (PLi): Don Manning (DMa); Scott Marsh (SM); Rick Mauro (RM); Lee McNeely (LM); Mark Monroe (MMn); Bob Morris (BM); Evelyn Morgan (EM); Mike Morton (MMr); Arlene 94 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 Morton (AM); Daniel Moss (DMo); Wendell Neely (WN); Earl Newby (EN); Laura Obiso (LO); Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP); David Patrick (DPa); Danny Peake (DPe); Larry Peavler (LP); Joyce Porter (JP); Nicole Ranalli (NR); Ed Ray (ER); Scott Record (SR); Frank Renfrow (FR); Gary Ritchison (GRi); Annette Riddle (AR); Gerald Robe (GRo); David Roemer (DR); Joan Roemer (JRo); Wayne Rosso (WR); Leisa Royse (LR); Jennifer Rycenga (JRy); David Skinner (DS); Adam Smith (ASm); Andy Stahl (ASt); Stephen Stedman (SS); Matt Stickel (MS); Keith Stucker (KS); Mike Todd (MT); Allan Trendy (AT); Andre and Carol Trevathan (A&CT); Shawchyi Vorisek (SV); Mary Walter (MW); Alan Whited (AW); Jim Williams (JWm); Jeff Wilson (JWn); Barbara Woemer (BW); Ben Yandell (BY); Josh Young (JY); Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK); Beckham Bird Club (BBC); Ky. Ornithological Society (KOS). FIELD NOTE First Nests of Least Flycatcher in Kentucky A nest of Least Flycatcher ( Empidonax minimus ) was discovered within 100 m of the highest point on Black Mountain, Harlan County, Kentucky, at an elevation of 1260 m |4 1 30 ft] on 1 1 May 2005 at 1530 EDT by Michael Kuntz. He pointed out the nest, in the process of being built in the crotch of an oak ( Quercus sp.) at a height of approximately 12 m, to Stephen J. Stedman, who realized that the nest was undoubtedly the first to be discovered in the Commonwealth. An adult bird was noted at or near the nest several times in the course of observations spanning a period of about an hour. This adult was not noted singing, but another Least Flycatcher sang in the immediate vicinity of the nest site during much of the observation period. Documentary photographs of the nest were obtained by James Kiser and Evelyn Morgan (Figure la, p. 96), both present at the site during the time of discovery. The nest appeared to be about 5-6 cm in diamter and about 3 cm deep. Loose strands of nesting material about 2-6 cm long hung from the bottom of the nest. On several occa¬ sions during the observation period an adult Least Flycatcher sat in the cup of the nest, moving about slightly as if to shape the cup to the proper contours. In an attempt to make some follow-up observations of this nest, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Mark Monroe visited the site 13 June 2005. Although a nest could not be relocated in the previously described oak, at least two birds calling from the canopy of a nearby tree suggested that the nest may have produced young. Moreover, approximately 30 m southeast from the first nest site, a second nest was located. This one was placed in an upright, central fork about 3 m high in a 5-m black locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia). At the time of obser¬ vation it contained 3 down-covered young that were being fed (Figure lb, p. 96). This nest was composed of grayish plant material that blended perfectly with the locust bark. Least Flycatcher was first reported at this location 5 July 1944 (Breiding 1947) but was then apparently quite rare as Mengel (1965) was later unable to add further records of its presence despite 40 days of observations on Black Mountain. The species began to be reported on Black Mountain again during the early 1980s (Palmer-Ball 1996) and became considerably more conspicuous by the late 1990s and early 2000s, with a high count of 17 being noted 9 May 2004 by B. Yandell (Palmer-Ball and McNeely 2004). Prior to 2005 the best breeding evidence derived from D. Noonan's sighting of an adult carrying food 27 May 1985 (Stamm 1985); D. Roemer’s additional sighting of an adult carrying food 29 May 2002 (Busroe 2002); and the observation by B. Palmer-Ball, Jr., of a family group including at least 3 fledglings 1 July 2003 not more than 150 m north of the 2005 nest sites (Palmer-Ball and McNeely 2003). We thank B. Palmer-Ball, Jr„ and M. Monroe for generously sharing information about and photographs of the Least Flycatcher nest they found on Black Mountain during June 2005. 2005 Literature Cited THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 95 Breiding, G. H. 1947. A List of Birds from Big Black Mountain. The Kentucky Warbler 23 (3): 37-40. Busroe, F. M. 2002. The Spring Migration, 2002. The Kentucky Warbler 78 (3): 47-54. Mengel, R. M. 1965. The Birds of Kentucky. Ornithological Monographs No. 3, American Ornithologists' Union, Allen Press, Lawrence, KS. Palmer-Ball, B., Jr. 1996. The Kentucky Breeding Bird Atlas. University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. Palmer-Ball, B., Jr., and L. McNeeley. 2003. Summer Season 2003. The Kentucky Warbler 79 (4): 79-86. Palmer-Ball, B., Jr., and L. McNeeley. 2004. Spring Season 2004. The Kentucky Warbler 80 (4): 63-73. Stamm, A.L. 1985. The Nesting Season, Summer 1985. The Kentucky Warbler 61: 55-60. — Michael Kuntz, 200 Barkley Dam Overlook, Grand Rivers, KY 42045, and Stephen J. Stedman, Department of English, Box 5053, Tennessee Technological University, Cooke¬ ville, TN 38505. NEWS AND VIEWS Visit the K.O.S. Website To learn about the Kentucky Ornithological Society and interesting happenings, visit the K.O.S. website maintained by Dr. Gary Ritchison at www.biology.eku.edu/kos.htm. K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Grant Fund The K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Grant Fund supports research on birds in Kentucky up to $500. For guidelines on how to apply, please contact Dr. Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean’s Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, 42101 (blaine.ferrell@eku.edu). Kentucky Bird Records Committee Rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season should be well documented, and the documentations should be sent to Lee McNeely, Secretary of the KBRC, P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY, 41005, for consideration by the committee for official state record status. Reports of Cackling Geese Sought Last year the American Ornithologists' Union determined that small races of the Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) composed a separate species, the Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii). In preparation for an article summarizing historical reports of Cackling Geese in Kentucky, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., would like to solicit any unpublished sight¬ ings from observers. Information can be mailed to him at 8207 Old Westport Road, Lou¬ isville, KY, 40222 or brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov. Sightings with specific dates and loca¬ tions would be most useful, but any recollected observations are welcomed. Any photo¬ graphs of Cackling Geese taken in Kentucky are also desired. Figure la Least Flycatcher nest. Black Mountain; 1 1 May 2005; Evelyn Morgan. (See Field Note, p. 94) Figure lb. Least Flycatcher nest. Black Mountain; 13 June 2005; B. Palmer-Ball, Jr. L 'H \ The Kentucky Warbler | (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) H VOL. 81 _ NOVEMBER 2005 _ NO. 4 IN THIS ISSUE 2005 SURVEY OF INTERIOR LEAST TERN NESTING COLONIES IN KENTUCKY. Elizabeth Ciuzio, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Gerald Burnett . . 99 THE SUMMER SEASON 2005, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr„ and Lee McNeely . . 103 THE FALL 2005 KOS MEETING, Gerald Robe . . . . 1 10 FIELD NOTES First Kentucky Record for Bullock's Oriole . . . . . . 113 Northern Goshawk ( Accipiter gentilis) Documentation from Boone County . 113 KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION.................................... . . . . . . . . . 114 KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, TREASURER'S REPORT.. . . 1 15 NEWS AND VIEWS . . . . . . . 1 16 V*. |Tt iACA, NY 14653 98_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Vol. 81 President Mark Bennett, Russellville Vice-President . Win Ahrens, Prospect Corresponding Secretary . Amy Covert 109 Lafayette Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601-3456 Treasurer . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 Recording Secretary . Laura Patton, Frankfort Councillors: Mark Monroe, Louisville . 2004 thru 2006 Melissa Easley, Louisville . 2004 thru 2006 Shawchyi Vorisek, Frankfort . 2005 thru 2007 Mary Walter, Corydon, Indiana . 2005 thru 2007 Gay Hodges, Somerset . 2006 thru 2008 Eddie Huber, Louisville . 2006 thru 2008 Retiring President . Hap Chambers, Murray 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 . 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 We thank Mark Monroe for the cover photograph of Interior Least Tern chicks at a nest site on the Mississippi River, Hickman County, 25 June 2005. See associated article on p. 99 of this issue. Financial support for color cover provided by the Touch- stone Energy Cooperatives. ^ — Kentucky* Toudutonc Enciyv Cooperative* 99 2005_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 2005 SURVEY OF INTERIOR LEAST TERN NESTING COLONIES IN KENTUCKY Elizabeth Ciuzio, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Gerald Burnett Introduction The Interior Least Tern (Sterna antillarum athalassos) was listed as federally endan¬ gered in 1985 (USFWS 1990). The breeding range of this subspecies extends from the unimpounded stretches of the Missouri River in North Dakota southward through the Great Plains (primarily on western tributaries of the Mississippi River), eastward along the lower Ohio River and major tributaries east as far as central Kentucky and southwestern Indiana, and southward on the mainstem Mississippi River as far south as Baton Rouge, Louisiana (USFWS 1990). Since 1985, monitoring efforts have been undertaken at differing scales across the tern's breeding range; some populations have been surveyed annually while others have never been counted. Population estimates have been calculated by compiling the results of surveys conducted in different years and at varying times during the breeding season. This methodology has resulted in poor confidence in population estimates because the lack of coordination may have resulted in birds being counted more than once or missed altogether. In response to the need for a single-year, range-wide census of the Interior Least Tern, the American Bird Conservancy coordinated an effort to survey the entire breeding popu¬ lation from 20 June to 3 July 2005. As part of the Interior Least Tern Working Group, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), along with the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC), conducted surveys of tern nesting colonies along the Ohio and Tennessee rivers. In addition, KDFWR and KSNPC partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation to survey the portion of the Mississippi River along Kentucky’ s western border. These efforts served to account for the entire known population of nesting birds in Kentucky. Methods On 23 June 2005, a helicopter overflight was conducted to assess habitat conditions along the entire lower Ohio and Mississippi River corridors within and adjacent to Ken¬ tucky. Sites potentially suitable for nesting Interior Least Terns were marked on field maps for subsequent ground surveys. These ground surveys were conducted 24 June to 6 July 2005 (nesting was not confirmed at one site until after the official survey window closed); numbers of adults, nests and chicks, habitat data, and location coordinates were recorded during ground surveys. Sites on the lower Ohio River with nesting terns were posted with signs to deter human disturbance. Sites on the Mississippi River are so exten-sive and relatively isolated from human disturbance that they have not been posted in recent years. During various dates in July and August, many of the sites were revisited to quali¬ tatively assess the level of success of nesting efforts. Again, numbers of adults, nests, chicks, and juveniles were recorded. At the end of the nesting season signs were retrieved from posted sites if high water had not already removed them. Results Results of the 2005 survey of Interior Least Tern nesting colonies in Kentucky are summarized below (Table 1). Two additional sites on the lower Ohio River that technically lie within the boundaries of Indiana and Illinois are included because Kentucky has assumed responsibility for monitoring these sites. The 2005 survey yielded a total of ap¬ proximately 525 pairs of nesting Interior Least Terns at eight colony sites within the borders of Kentucky, plus another 50 pairs observed at the two sites in the adjacent waters of Indiana and Illinois. 100 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 s Z \ > 1 t « : -ts ; : 2 ; -3 | § >N C cfc 22 W £ "O • I i i -3 45 5 g M ; = Sf : 56 ft s § OJ< if ? 33 S taj 3 JS E5 5 a g ? S O **3 S -3 ta w I 3 g 5J ■r3 "* §* § ° Z3 ^ ® ! © I •5 J | ■It \ I 5 «S ! ••§ ! « a. 1 af j f i _, -|D • ^ S, E I § S -T) £ =3 >» : > 3 ! §>f : < = <» g 5 2 4? o ,£ »y ***•' •*= yj — * *a « ” v « 2f | "S ® -O S 1>£ v o * gJ'-g ^ S3 _v *i> ■° «6 3 % §.'1 2 Z 4 cf o o ~ '■g I 1 n -S5 = .p g § II c $> 8*8.5 & 3 g f fl o, o o B ig ^ J2 « • J=» 3U .g £ >’ 8 3 ^ 1 3 J -S rf* 5 » 5 S? J2 Ci M = ^ ^ T 0> ; Zi syj o s! g a. o ft 'g '**' *r o 5> O .> ^5 £ c ^ ^ 3 1 |o : -O X i po‘ : o i 03 ^ i § il ■t 2 I |€ jj 9; : Q. ;i ~ W ; _> o Vx w* ^ ^ r\ \ V T- g i S ■ £> t; '£> 3 00 U i S S) I J £ i o ^ g j* a. ^ EO 15 ^ O CQ = qj: i i •3 ^ o ^ 3 ^ 9 S c ai c 5 “2 < O V'. Z d <=■ ^ *A 2 f &u ^ t: J£ * o g 6 *?■ > 2 § •— ?9 ^ :CQ £3 ~ S -tf 1 1 *8 JS‘ p LZ s2 |2 8 a g -r 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 101 In addition to confirmed nesting colonies listed (Table 1), several other potential nest¬ ing sites were surveyed by boat or helicopter during the 2005 survey period. No activity was detected at the following sites where nesting was documented in 1994: lower Ohio River - Livingston Point and Cottonwood Bar sandbar near Ledbetter, both in Livingston County; Mississippi River - head of Middle Bar, Hickman County; head of Island No. 8, Fulton County; and Kentucky Point, Fulton County. It is possible that some limited amount of nesting occurred at some of the Mississippi River sites subsequent to the late June-early July survey period, but no activity was documented during the main survey window. A few adult terns were also observed at the following sites in 2005: Ohio River — below Smithland Dam, Livingston County; opposite Metropolis Lake, McCracken County; Mississippi River - at and below Campbell Dikes, Carlisle/Hickman counties; and along Island No. 6, Fulton Co. (latter fide J. Rumancik and K. Jones, pers. comm.). It is believed that reproduction did not occur at the above-mentioned sites this year because of unfav¬ orable landform characteristics (e.g., low relief or attachment of the island to mainland areas). Discussion KDFWR and KSNPC have monitored the lower Ohio River Interior Least Tern population annually in recent years, but the only prior comprehensive survey of Kentucky's entire nesting population was conducted in 1994 (Palmer-Ball 1995). Although a peak in nesting activity occurs during June in most years, the nesting season is rather drawn out. Nests can be initiated any time from mid-May to late July depending on a variety of factors including age and experience of individual pairs as well as variation in river levels. For this reason, two surveys were conducted at most sites in 1994 in an effort to obtain an accurate estimate of the number of nesting pairs in Kentucky (Palmer-Ball 1995). In contrast, the goal of the 2005 survey was to contribute data to the Interior Least Tern Working Group census; therefore, one intensive survey was conducted during the two-week survey window. Thus, the 2005 survey was likely a slightly less than complete count of nests in Kentucky; however, birds that moved to Kentucky waters or initiated nesting later in the season should have been counted elsewhere during the survey window. The 1994 survey yielded a total of approximately 400 nests at nine sites compared to 581 at eight sites in 2005. A qualitative comparison of subtotals of the population by drainage indicates that increases appear to have occurred along both the Mississippi River (350+ pairs in 1994; 481 in 2005) and lower Ohio River (33+ pairs in 1994; 93 in 2005); however, while it is tempting to compare results of the 2005 survey to results of the previous surveys to evaluate population trends, gaps in our knowledge about the number of breeding sites do not allow it. For example, birds on the Mississippi River may shift from site to site between years, with some exchange occurring among sites that lie within the boundaries of adjacent states that have not been included in Kentucky survey totals (1994, for example). For this reason, no single year total from a portion of the range (Kentucky's portion of the Mississippi River, for example), can be directly compared to the total from another year. In contrast, in the lower Ohio River region we continue to discover new sites, and there may be some exchange of birds breeding along the lower Wabash River (with numbers not accounted for in Kentucky totals). Therefore, meaningful year-to-year comparisons of the lower Ohio River population numbers also remain impractical. This scenario is true for all states that monitor Interior Least Tern breeding populations, hence the need for the coordinated, range-wide survey that was conducted in 2005. One apparent trend is the gradual loss of those sites considered most significant to nesting terns in the mid- to late 1990s along the lower Ohio River. The sandbar at Living¬ ston Point (ORM 932.5), Livingston County, which harbored as many as 50 nests in 1996 and 64 nests in 2000, has disappeared due to changes in sediment deposition. At the Cot¬ tonwood Bar sandbar near Ledbetter (ORM 928.5), Livingston County, where as many as 25 nests were counted in 1995 and 2000, trees have overgrown the island. Consequently, 102 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 both sites no longer support suitable nesting habitat for the Interior Least Tern. Unfortun¬ ately, sites where terns have attempted to nest in recent years have been more susceptible to flooding during brief rises in river level that occur during the nesting season. Some of these sites have consisted of dredge material that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, has intentionally placed in a configuration that has resulted in some nesting success and shows promise for creating more secure sites in the future. Two additional sites on industrial ponds, both of artificial materials, have been discovered, and it is probable that these sites have recently become colonized by terns, perhaps in response to habitat loss on the Ohio River in recent years and the corresponding lack of reproductive success that has occurred. One site is located just off the lower Tennessee River, Marshall County, and has been active at least since 2003 (Palmer-Ball and McNeely 2004); the other is on a coal slurry impoundment in north-central Union County about 10 miles ( 16 km) by air from the Ohio River. So far, rate of fledging success does not appear to be high at these sites; however, they may also offer potential as important nesting sites because they are not as vulnerable to flooding and human disturbance as sandbar sites. Early-season nest counts may not necessarily be indicative of the level of nesting success. For this reason, we made an attempt to assess the relative success Interior Least Terns experienced at various sites in 2005. Several factors may influence nesting success: rises in river levels (and consequent flooding of nests or drowning of chicks); human disturbance (from all-terrain vehicles and other recreational activities); and predation (coyotes, raptors, etc.). On the lower Ohio River, where sites typically protrude above average water levels by only a couple of feet (0.7 m) during the breeding season, fledging success is believed to have been quite low in recent years because of rises in river levels during the nesting season. In 2005, we believe that high mortality occurred as a result of one brief rise in water level that occurred subsequent to the passage of the remnants of Tropical Storm Cindy through the Appalachian region 6-7 July, causing the Ohio River to rise about two feet (0.7 m) for one to two days. For example, at the site upstream from Ledbetter, Kentucky, in Pope County, Illinois, where 41 nests were observed 24 June, only about six chicks were observed 15 July, a date by which numerous chicks and flightless juverules should have been present. In addition, the presence of eight apparently incubating birds on that date indicates that birds may have attempted to renest following the high water event a week prior. At the industrial pond site in Marshall County, a sudden decrease in the number of chicks in mid-August occurred too early to be attributed to maturation and departure of juveniles and was likely the result of mortality by an unknown predator. An exception to this downward trend occurred on the small gravel bar near Monkey's Eyebrow, Ballard County, where many flying juveniles were observed in late August, suggesting high productivity at this site. In contrast, fledging success appeared to be greater on the Mississippi River, where sandbars are typically larger and protrude higher at normal water levels. We observed a relatively high percentage of juveniles in the company of adults at three sandbars in Carlisle and Hickman counties in late August. In some years, abnormally dry weather caused many sandbars in the Mississippi River to become attached to shore, allowing access by predators and humans on all-terrain vehicles; in other years, sudden rises in the river level have caused major losses of nests and young. This year, however, was one in which we believe moderate rises of the river claimed only a few nests and flow remained high long enough to preclude access by most mammalian predators and human visitors. While survey data suggest an increase of breeding pairs of Interior Least Tern on both the Mississippi and lower Ohio Rivers, this observation may reflect an increase in survey efforts, rather than a real increase in terns. With the recent formation of the Interior Least Tern Working Group, we can expect that much more attention will be paid to population estimates for this endangered species. In addition, KDFWR and KSNPC list the Interior 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 103 Least Tern as a species in greatest need of conservation and endangered, respectively, and plan to continue to monitor the state's nesting population. Although two important colony sites for the Interior Least Tern have been lost on the lower Ohio River, two artificial sites have been colonized (off the river). With proper man¬ agement, perhaps these artificial sites can be utilized to maximize reproductive potential within the lower Ohio River population. Funding for the 2005 survey effort was provided, in part, by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District; taxpayer donations to the Nature and Wildlife Fund; and KDFWR funds generated by support from Kentucky sportsmen and women. We acknow¬ ledge and appreciate the efforts and assistance of Ken Jones (Dyersburg State Community College), Casey Lott (American Bird Conservancy), Mark Monroe (KSNPC), Rochelle Renken and associates (Missouri Department of Conservation), John Rumancik (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District), and Robert van Hoff (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District). Thanks also to Rocky Pritchert. Brian Smith, and Stephen Stedman for helpful reviews of the manuscript. Literature Cited Palmer-Ball. B., Jr. 1995. 1994 Survey of Least Tern nesting colonies in Kentucky. The Kentucky Warbler 71;5-8. Palmer-Ball. B., Jr., and L. McNeely. 2004. The fall migration — 2003. The Kentucky Warbler 80:3-16. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1990. Recovery plan for the interior population of the Least Tern (Sterna antillarum). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Twin Cities, MN. THE SUMMER SEASON 2005 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely The summer 2005 season was overall hot and dry, with temperatures reaching the 90 degree mark in Louisville on 23 days and precipitation at Louisville slightly below normal for the period. Some areas of the state were not as dry, especially in the eastern and western portions, which received rainfall from the remnants of two tropical storms. Tropical Storm Cindy (east) 7 July and Hurricane Dennis (west) 12-13 July. Certainly without doubt the highlight of the season was the collection of rare pelagic birds that were deposited with the remnants of Dennis 12-15 July. Multiple Sooty Terns were observed in western Kentucky, with one on the Ohio River above Cincinnati, and an Audubon’s Shearwater on Kentucky Lake 12 July may represent the first-ever “mid-con¬ tinent” record for the species! Grabbing smaller headlines, but certainly noteworthy were an early June Rough-legged Hawk in Boyd County, two Marbled Godwits at Kentucky Dam, nesting of Pied-billed Grebe, Least Bittern, and Common Moorhen in Union County, and continued nesting of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers in Livingston County. Least Tern nesting success was mixed, with moderate success on the Mississippi but low success on the lower Ohio and Tennessee rivers. 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 - 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 104 Vol. 81 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER indicates that written details were submitted with the report; ad(s). = adult(s); juv(s). = juvenile(s); yg. = young; BBS = Breeding Bird Survey. Place names: Ballard = Ballard WMA, Ballard ; Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam, Lyon! Livingston-, Big South Fork = Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, McCreary, Black Mountain = Black Mountain, Harlan-, Calvert City = industrial ponds at Calvert City, Marshall ; Camp #9 = Peabody Camp #9 Coal Preparation Plant, Union-, Camp #1 1 = Camp #11 impoundments. Union-, Cooley's Pond = Cooley's Pond, Wayne-, Danville = Danville, Boyle-, DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Falls of the Ohio = Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson: Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment. Lake Cumberland, Pulaski: Green Turtle Bay = Lake Barkley at Green Turtle Bay marina, Livingston: Horseshoe Road = slough next to Horse¬ shoe Road, w. Henderson: Jenny Hole = Jenny Hole-Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Union: Keniana = Kentucky Lake at Keniana, Calloway: KY 268 = slough along KY 268 w. of Sauerheber, w. Henderson: Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall: Kv Lake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall (unless otherwise noted); Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon: Lake No. 9 = Lake No. 9, Fulton: Ledbetter = Ledbetter, Livingston: Little Lick = Little Lick Recreation Area. DBNF, Pulaski: Meng's Pond = Meng's Pond, Warren: Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan: Mitchell Lake = Mitchell Lake, Ballard WMA, Ballard: Paradise = Paradise Power Plant impoundments, Muhlenberg: Petersburg = gravel pit lakes at Petersburg. Boone: Petros Pond = Petros Pond, Warren: Rock Bridge = Rock Bridge loop trail, DBNF, Wolfe: Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA. Hen¬ derson: Smithland Dam = Smithland Dam on the Ohio River, Livingston: Surrey Hills Farm = Surrey Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson: Van Buren = Taylorsville Lake at Van Buren boat ramp, Anderson: SNP = State Nature Preserve; SRP = State Resort Park; WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose - an injured bird lingered through the season at Mit¬ chell Lake (ph.SR et al .). Blue-winged Teal - 3 males and a female were still at Camp #11 on 10 June (BP, MM), but nesting was not confirmed there this year; a bird was at Keniana 10 July (ME, HC, et al.); 3 early migrants or pos¬ sibly local nesters were present near Dot, Logan, 31 July (FL). Green-winged Teal - certainly out of place - and a first July record for the state - was a male at Kuttawa 13 July (DR et al.) Ring-necked Duck - a male was present s. of Ledbetter, Livingston, 21 July (BP, MM); another male continued at Peters¬ burg to 2 July and likely summered (LM). Lesser Scaup - 1 at Keniana 10 July (ME, HC, et al.) and 2 at Green Turtle Bay 12 July (DR, MM) were likely injured and summering. Bufflehead - a male, likely injured and summering, was present on Ky Lake above the dam 12 July (DR). Hooded Merganser - 7 juvs. were still at Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve, Jeffer¬ son (where a brood had been observed in May) 11 June (BY. MW); 2 birds at Meng's Pond 21 June (DR) may have nested somewhere in the vicinity. Red-breasted Merganser - a female, pos¬ sibly summering, was present at the Falls of the Ohio 13-14 July (BP). Ruddy Duck - a male lingered at Camp #11 to 6 July (BP), but no other evidence of nesting was observed there this summer. Ruffed Grouse - family groups were seen near Wolf Knob, Whitley, 4 June (SS) and at Little Lick 18 June (RD, SBC). Common Loon - 1 in basic plumage was present on Ky Lake above the dam 12 July (DR). Pied-billed Grebe - the species was present throughout the season at Camp #11 with at least 6 broods of 1-6 yg. being fed by ads. 6 July (BP). Also reported were 1 at Long Run Park, Jefferson, 16 July (BW) and 2 at the Long Point Unit Reelfoot NWR, Fulton, 31 July (KL, BLe), both of which likely attest to the early date by which some individuals of this species be¬ gin to move south. 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 105 Audubon’s Shearwater - quite remarkable was the presence of 1 deposited by Hur¬ ricane Dennis on Ky Lake above the dam 12 July (vt.DR, MM, BP). KBRC review required. Audubon’s Shearwater, Ky Lake 12 July 2005 David Roemer Double-crested Cormorant - non-breeders lingered throughout the season at a few traditional locales including Calvert City, Kuttawa, and Paradise (m. ob.); up to 50- 75 were at Kuttawa during June (EC, BP). Also reported were 7 on the Casey Creek embayment of Green River Lake, Adair , 1 July (RD) and 4 at Van Buren 14 July (BW); 21 nests remained active at Keni- ana 10 July (ME, HC, et al.). Least Bittern - 1 was observed at Camp #11 on 10 June (BP) with at least 3 ads. seen and calling yg. heard there 6 July (BP); also reported was 1 at a marsh along KY 176 e. of Drake sboro, Muhlenberg, 17 June (JW) and 1 heard at Paradise 20 July (BP). Great Blue Heron - a count of 70+ at the Falls of the Ohio 13 July was a new high count for that location (BP); a count of 50 at Van Buren 14/18 July (BW) was also rather impressive. Great Egret — 2 active nests were present among ca. 120 Black-crowned Night- Heron nests near downtown Louisville in June (RH); a bird in Pike 5 July (LE) was perhaps a first for the county; impressive early-season concentrations included 100 at Horseshoe Road 6 July (CC) and 99+ at Ballard 8 July (SR). Little Blue Heron - post-breeding visitors included a few at Van Buren 14/18 July (BW) and 1 at Minor Clark 31 July (GR). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - 2 nesting pairs on Woodbine Road, Lexington, pro¬ duced 7 yg. this year (fide JW). Osprey — new nests were located along the Ohio River near Metropolis Lake, Mc¬ Cracken, 24 June (BP et al.) and along the Tennessee River near Ledbetter 21 July (BP, MM). Mississippi Kite - 1 over a woodlot along I- 24 in suburban Paducah, McCracken, 20 July (MM, BP) and 1 over Tennessee Riv¬ er bottoms, Marshall, s. of Ledbetter 21 July (MM, BP) were in areas where the species previously has not been reported. Cooper's Hawk - an active nest was ob¬ served at Beargrass Creek SNP, Jefferson, 25 June (RG.KSNH). Rough-legged Hawk - unprecedented was a likely juv. bird on a reclaimed mine off Happy Fork Road, e. Greenup, 7 June (*BP). Peregrine Falcon - yg. fledged from a nest along the Ohio River at Louisville in late June (SV, AS); yg. at the nest at Milton, Trimble, fledged relatively late - during the last week of July (SV, AS). One of the birds from Louisville was admitted to a local rehabilitator with elevated lead level in its blood (EW). Vol. 81 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 106 Common Moorhen - birds again nested at Camp #11 with 8 ads. counted 10 June (BP. MM) and a pair with 6 yg. and a nest with 5 eggs observed 6 July (ph.BP). Also reported was a bird at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, where nesting has occurred in recent years, 26 June (CC) with 2 there 6 July (CC). American Coot - 7 were still at Camp #1 1 on 10 June, with 1 possibly incubating (BP, MM), but only 1 bird was seen there 21 July (BP, MM). Semipalmated Plover - latest spring reports were for 1 at Clifty Pond, Pulaski, 2 June (RD): 20 at Horseshoe Road (CC) and 1 at Petros Pond (DR), both 3 June; a few along KY 268 on 4 June (CC); 1 at Para¬ dise 6 June (DR); and 1 below Newburgh Dam, Henderson, 10 June (MM, BP). Ear¬ liest fall report was for 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 14 July (BP). Killdeer - peak counts were at Camp #9 and included 300+ on 21 June (BP, MM) and 440 on 21 July (BP, MM). American Avocet - there were 2 reports at the Falls of the Ohio: 1 bird 14 July (BP) and 5 birds 28 July (BE et al.). Lesser Yellowlegs - latest spring reports were for singles at Cooley's Pond (RD) and Petros Pond (DR), both 2 June. Willet - there were a remarkable number of reports of likely grounded migrants during and after the passage of the remnants of Hurricane Dennis, all being included: 4 + 1 at Ky Dam Village SRP beach (m. ob.), 2 at Green Turtle Bay (DR, MM), and 2 at Calvert City (BP), all 12 July; 22 at the Falls of the Ohio (BP), 15 at Ky Dam (DR et al.), and 2 below Smithland Dam (DR et al.), all 13 July; at least 16 still at the Falls of the Ohio 14 July (BP et al), with 4 still there 15 July (MW), 1 there 16 July (MS), and 2 there 17 July (MS); and 1 at Minor Clark (SM) and 2 near Honey Cy¬ press Slough, Henderson (CC), both 18 July. Spotted Sandpiper - at least 2 pairs nested at Horseshoe Road with 3 ads. seen 21 June (BP, MM) and at least 2 family groups of 2 & 3 chicks there 6 July (BP); 1 was still at Clifty Pond 2 June (RD); and 1 was present at Petersburg 4 June and 2 July (LM). Marbled Godwit - quite unusual were 2 fly-by birds at Ky Dam 12 July (*BY, *MS, MM). Ruddy Turnstone - a tardy spring bird was observed at Cooley's Pond 2 June (ph. RD). Semipalmated Sandpiper - 60 were still at Petros Pond 2 June (DR); latest reports were for 1 at Clifty Pond 7 June (RD); 6 at Petros Pond and 2 at Meng's Pond, both 9 June (DR); and 10 at Camp #9 on 10 June (BP, MM). Earliest fall report was for 1 at Paradise 14 July (RD). Western Sandpiper - there was a flurry of reports of grounded southbound ads. dur¬ ing and immediately after the passage of the remnants of Hurricane Dennis, all be¬ ing included: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio (BP) and 1 at Fishing Creek (RD), both 13 July; 3 at the Falls of the Ohio (BP) and 6 at Paradise (RD), both 14 July; 3 at Para¬ dise (DR) and 1 at Calvert City (BP), both 15 July; 1 at Minor Clark 18 July (SM); and 2 at Paradise 20 July (BP). Least Sandpiper - returning fall birds were apparent by early July with 1 at Paradise 5-6 July (DR); 5 at Horseshoe Road 6 July (BP); and 1 at Fishing Creek 8 July (RD). White-rumped Sandpiper - latest spring reports were for an impressive count of 61 at Petros Pond (DR) and 27 at Horseshoe Road (CC), both 3 June; 1 at Clifty Pond 6 June (RD) and 1 at Horseshoe Road 21 June (BP, MM). Baird's Sandpiper - earliest fall report was for 1 in w. Fulton 30 July (HC). Pectoral Sandpiper - latest spring report was for 1 at Petros Pond 3 June (DR); earliest fall report was for 1 at Horseshoe Road 10 July (CC). Dunlin - latest spring reports were for 1 at Horseshoe Road 3 June (CC): 1 along KY 268 on 4 June (CC); and 1 at Camp #9 on 10 June (BP, MM). Short-billed Dowitcher - earliest fall report was for 1 at Horseshoe Road 6/10 July 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 107 (CC); also reported were 1 at Ky Dam Village SRP beach 12 July (DR, MM); 7 at the Falls of the Ohio (BP et al.) and 4 at Paradise (RD), both 14 July; 1 at Calvert City 15 July (BP); and 8+ at Van Buren (BW), 2 at Minor Clark (SM), 1 at Horse¬ shoe Road (CC), and 5 near Honey Cy¬ press Slough, Henderson (CC), all 18 July. Laughing Gull - 1 was present at Keniana 10 July (ME, HC, et al.); at least 3 differ¬ ent birds were observed 12 July in the vicinity of Ky Dam - an ad., a second- summer, and a first-summer (DR, BP, MM. et al.) with 2 there 13 July (SR) and at least 1 still there 15 July (BLi). Franklin's Gull — an ad. or second-year bird was present on the Homestead Unit of Peabody WMA, Ohio, 3 June (DR, NR, TE). Bonaparte's Gull - quite unusual was a likely first-summer bird on Lake Barkley above the dam 13 July (DR, LPe). Ring-billed Gull - 1 on the Ohio River at Newport, Campbelll Kenton, 5 June (FR) was either a late spring bird or summerer; as is the norm, a few birds began return¬ ing in late June with 12 below Smithland Dam 21 June (BP); ca. 120 were at Keni¬ ana by 10 July (ME, HC, et al.) with 300 at Ky Dam (DR et al.) and 300-400 at Calvert City (BP) by 12 July. Herring Gull - a count of 6 at Keniana 10 July (ME, HC, et al.) was rather impres¬ sive for that early in the season; also re¬ ported was an ad. at Ky Dam 12 July (DR). Caspian Tern - 1 at Calvert City 24 June (BP et al.) was likely an early returning fall migrant. Common Tern - a flurry of reports during the passage of the remnants of Hurricane Dennis included 1 at Keniana (HC) and 1 ad. at the Falls of the Ohio (BP), both 13 July; and at least 2 at the Falls of the Ohio (BP) and 2 at Paradise (RD), both 14 July. Forster’s Tern — early fall reports included 1 at Ky Dam 12 July (DR); scattered flocks on both Ky Lake and Lake Barkley, Livingston! Lyon, 13 July (DR); and at least 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 14 July (BP). Least Tern — 2 new nesting colonies were documented this season: up to 16 birds (including 3 that were incubating/brood¬ ing) were at Camp #9 on 21 June (BP, MM) with a few chicks present in July (BP); a small colony was also found on the Ohio River opposite Monkey's Eye¬ brow, Ballard, and consisted of at least 17 nests 25 June (EC, GB, BP). Another new site that represents the most upstream on the Ohio River that a colony has ever been documented was discovered ca. 2 mi. downstream from Lewisport, Hancock, but located barely into Spencer, IN; there were at least 5 active nests there in late June (DA, BP, EC). Also reported was 1 on Ky Lake at the US68/KY80 bridge, Trigg, 4 June (BLi). A full summary of the year's nesting appears elsewhere in this issue. Sooty Tern - remnants of Hurricane Dennis brought unprecedented numbers to the state, with no less than 10 individuals re¬ ported as follows: up to 6 on Ky Lake above the dam 12 July (vt.DR, ph. MM, et al.) with 4 still there 13 July (DR et al.), 5 there 14 July (DR, NR), and 3 last seen there 15 July (DR, SR); 1 at Green Turtle Bay 12 July (DR, MM); at least 2 and possibly 3 below Smithland Dam 13 July (DR); and 1 on the Ohio River near New Richmond, OH, 12 July (*DMr). KBRC review required. 108 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 Black Tern - a few were on Lake Barkley, Lyon , and 1 was below Smithland Dam, both 13 July (DR et al.); 1 was on the Ohio River below Lewisport, Hancock, 16 July (DA). Eurasian Collared-Dove - reports of birds in new locales included 1 at Fairfield, Nel¬ son, 12 June (BY); and 2 in Oscar, Bal¬ lard, 20 July (BP. MM). Black-billed Cuckoo - the only report was for 1 near Danville 17 June (BD). Barn Owl — the family of yg. at New Ha¬ ven, Nelson, fledged in late June (C&CL); also reported was a pair nesting in Hart during late June (fide SK). Red-headed Woodpecker - again this year, interesting interactions between indivi¬ duals involved in three nesting cavities in adjacent trees were studied at Long Run Park. Jefferson, during June and July (BW). Willow Flycatcher - birds in interesting ar¬ eas included singles along KY 553, ca. 1 .4 mi. w. of Albany, Clinton, 6 June (SS); along Miller Road near Creelsboro Pond, Russell, 2 July (RD); and in n. Taylor, 5 June (BP). Least Flycatcher - in addition to an active nest with 3 yg., 11 birds were seen/heard at the summit of Black Mountain 13 June (ph.BP, MM); quite out of place was a bird seen and heard at Clarks River NWR, Marshall, 28 July (HC, JH). Scissor- tailed Flycatcher - the pair near Grand Rivers, Livingston, continued with an attempt to nest through the period (m. ob.). Bell’s Vireo - 2 each were heard at Camp #9 and Camp #1 1 , both 6 July (BP). Blue-headed Vireo - 1 near Slagle Hollow, Wayne, 7 June (RD) was away from known breeding areas. Fish Crow - a likely family group of 6 was seen at Ky Dam 14 July (DR. NR); 1 or more were heard at Jenny Hole 21 June (BP, MM). Tree Swallow - 2 pairs at nest boxes along US 119 near Dione, Harlan, and ne. of Harlan, Harlan, 14 June (MM, BP) were county firsts. Bank Swallow - the colony at Lewis WMA, Lewis, was active with 200-300 birds in¬ cluding recently fledged yg. observed 4 July (SF). Cliff Swallow - birds flying around a US 25E bridge between Barbourville, Knox, and the Bell line 13 June (MM, BP) likely represented a new county nesting record. Other newly documented colony sites in¬ cluded 100+ birds under the approach to the US 231 bridge over the Ohio River, Daviess (DA); 100+ nests under the US 231 bridge over Drakes Creek, Warren (DR); and a few nests under the Halifax- Bailey Road bridge over Bays Fork Creek, nw. Allen (DR). Also of interest was a post-breeding gathering along the Ohio River at Dayton, Campbell, with a peak of 60 birds 17 July (FR) Red-breasted Nuthatch - a pair was pres¬ ent at Rock Bridge 8/10/15 June (FR); 2 males were heard singing at Rock Bridge 3 July (BP, AC). Of great interest was the discovery of a pair at a nest cavity in a new location ca. 3 mi. nw. of Rock Bridge, along the Rough Trail at Parched Com Creek, Red River Gorge, Wolfe, 18 June (ph.FR). Bewick's Wren - the only report for the state this year was a male n. of Stamping Ground, nw. Scott, that sang off and on 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 109 during June and was last heard 1 July (LB). Sedge Wren - not many reports, all being included: 1 at Lloyd WMA, Grant , 4 July (DO, JCr); 1 heard at the Gibraltar Mine, Muhlenberg , 15 July (BP, MM); 3 near Gentle Pond, Sauerheber, 29 July (CC): 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 31 July (BP). Blue-winged Warbler - a continuing Uni¬ versity of Kentucky study focusing on Golden-winged Warblers in se. Kentucky documented 28 territorial male Blue- wingeds in Bell (22) and Harlan (6) (LPa et al.). The study also resulted in data col¬ lection on 5 active nests in Bell (3) and Harlan (2) (LPa et al.) Golden-winged Warbler - the same Uni¬ versity of Kentucky study documented 44 territorial male Golden-wingeds in Bell (21), Harlan (12), and Whitley (11) (LPa et al.). The study also resulted in data collection on 5 active nests in Bell (2), Harlan (2), and Whitley ( 1) (LPa et al.). Brewster's Warbler - the same University of Kentucky study documented 13 ter¬ ritorial male Brewster's in Bell (5), Harlan (2), and Whitley (6) (LPa et al.); a bird in Bell was observed feeding a fledgling (LPa et al.). Also reported was 1 at South Williamson, Pike , 27 July (JCa). Chestnut-sided Warbler - a nest with 2 small yg. was found at the summit of Black Mountain 13 June (MM. BP); out¬ side of known breeding areas was a sing¬ ing male at the Sky Bridge Picnic Area, Red River Gorge, Wolfe, 9/10/19 June (ph.FR). Black-throated Green Warbler - 1 along W.S. Criswell Road off KY 167, Wayne, 3 June (RD) was in a region where the species has been seldom reported in sum¬ mer. Blackpoll Warbler - latest spring report was for 1 at Sauerheber 4 June (CC). Worm-eating Warbler — a pair was ob¬ served feeding a fledgling Brown-headed Cowbird at Boone County Cliffs SNP, Boone, 4 June (LM). Swainson’s Warbler — all reports are in¬ cluded: 1 at Bee Rock Recreational Area, DBNF, Pulaski, 4 June (BY, MW); 1-2 at Rock Bridge during a few June visits (FR); 1 along KY 11 and the Middle Fork Red River, Wolfe, 1.8 road mi. s. of the Powell line, 9/10 June (FR); 2-3 heard in the Parched Com Creek drainage. Red River Gorge, Wolfe, 9/10/18 June (FR); 1 along KY 715 at Swift Camp Creek, DBNF, Wolfe, 17 June (FR); 2 at Little Lick 18 June (RD, SBC); 1 at Yahoo Falls, Big South Fork, 26 June (RD); and 2 still heard singing at Rock Bridge 3 July (BP, AC). Canada Warbler - latest spring report was for 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 4 June (BP). Bachman's Sparrow - 4 were recorded at Ft. Campbell, Trigg, 1 July (DMs). Lark Sparrow - the only report was for an ad. at Calvert City 12 July (ph.BP). Savannah Sparrow - a bird exhibiting de¬ fensive nesting behavior was present sw. of Buffalo, Larue, 6 July (DR et al.). This would be a significant range expansion outside of the central Bluegrass region. Henslow’s Sparrow — there were a number of reports in scattered locales, several on BBS routes, including 1 in n. Taylor 5 June (BP); 2 at Addington/Starfire WMA, Knott, 7/8 June (EC, SV): 3 in se. Wash¬ ington 11 June (BP); 1 along A.R. Oliver Road, Allen, 15 June (DR); 1 in sw. Met¬ calfe, 18 June (SS): and 4 in nc. Living¬ ston 21 June (BP). An Eastern Kentucky University graduate study yielded the fol¬ lowing number of territories at the follow¬ ing sites (all BD et al.): near Sonora, Hardin (an incredible estimate of at least 120!); Ano (25); w.-cen. Anderson (8); near Danville (5); Green River State Park, Taylor (10); Ft. Knox airfield, Hardin (6); Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln (9); Central Ky WMA, Madison (11); and Sally Brown Nature Preserve, Garrard (8). White-throated Sparrow - for the second year in a row, 1 lingered veiy late at St. Matthews, Jefferson, this time to 6 June (BW). Rose-breasted Grosbeak - a seemingly ter¬ ritorial male was present at Middle Creek Park, Boone, 4 June (LM). 110 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol.81 Dickcissel - there were 2 reports from the e. edge of the species' Kentucky breeding range: 1 on a reclaimed mine w. of Ash¬ land, e. Greenup, 7 June (BP) and 1 on the Addington/Starfire WMA, Knott, 8 June (EC). Bobolink - there were several reports of summering birds, including 2 males just n. of Mackville, Washington, 11 June (BP) which were a first for that area; 2 males off Holloway Lane, Jessamine, 13 June (JL); at least 4 or 5 ca 2.5 mi. sw. of Plea- sureville, Shelby, 19 June (BS); and 3-5 at two sites near Danville during June (BD). Observers: David Ayer (DA); Laura Burford (LB); Gerald Burnett (GB); Joan Carr (JCa); Hap Chambers (HC); Elizabeth Ciuzio (EC); Amy Covert (AC); Julie Craves (JCr); Charlie Crawford (CC); Brian Davidson (BD); Roseanna Denton (RD); Melissa Easley (ME); Les Estep (LE); Bett Etenohan (BE); Troy Evans (TE); Scott Freidhof (SF); Rod Goforth (RG); Rose Hensel (RH); Jenny Howard (JH); Steve Kistler (SK); Joe Lacefield (JL); Betty Leggett (BLe); Ken Leggett (KL); Charles & Cindy Lemons (C&CL); Bill Lisowsky (BLi); Frank Lyne (FL); Scott Marsh (SM); Lee McNeely (LM); Mark Monroe (MM); Donald Morse, Jr. (DMr): Daniel Moss (DMs); Darrin O'Brien (DO); Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP); Laura Patton (LPa); Larry Peavler (LPe); Nicole Ranalli (NR); Scott Record (SR); David Roemer (DR); Frank Renfrew (FR); Gerald Robe (GR); Adam Smith (AS); Brian Smith (BS); Stephen Stedman (SS); Matt Shekel (MS); Shawchyi Vorisek (SV); Mary Walter (MW): Eileen Wicker (EW); Jim Williams (JW); Barbara Woemer (BW); Ben Yandell (BY); Ky. Society of Natural History (KSNH); Somerset Bird Club (SBC). The Kentucky Ornithological Society Fall 2005 Meeting September 23-25, 2005 Lake Cumberland State Resort Park The Fall 2005 meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held September 23-25 at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Russell County. President Hap Chambers called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. CDT on September 23. She introduced Vice-Pres¬ ident Mark Bennett who made the opening announcements and introduced the speakers. Mark announced that the Spring 2006 KOS meeting would be held April 28-30 at Pennyrile State Resort Park. Rooms for the Spring meeting will be released February 28, so those planning to attend should make their reservations by that date. Next, Mark announced the first speaker of the evening, Nicole Ranalli of Eastern Ken¬ tucky University. Ms. Ranalli’s presentation, Shorebird Migration in Kentucky, detailed her work with the Kentucky shorebird study, which evaluated the location and quality of areas important to shorebird migration in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, which includes 35 hectares of land in Kentucky. Since 50 to 90 percent of historical wetlands have been lost, the remaining wetlands need to be preserved in order to ensure the survival of the bird species that use them. The Ballard, Peabody, and Sloughs Wildlife Management Areas were included in her survey. These areas were categorized according to the types of habitat and food sources available for migrating shorebirds in order to determine the factors that attract shorebirds to these areas. After Ms. Ranalli's presentation, Mark Bennett announced that Wayne Davis had several free Carolina Wren houses and information on how to place them to attract wrens for anyone who was interested. Mark then introduced the second speaker of the evening, KOS member Dona Coates, who gave a presentation detailing her recent birding trip to Bolivia. Despite problems with fires that often prevented travel. Dona managed to observe 248 life birds during her trip. 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 111 Following her presentation. Dona announced a Beckham Bird Club-sponsored field trip to San Bias, Mexico, for KOS/BBC members scheduled for February 2006. Anyone interested in participating should contact Dona for more information. Next, Mark introduced KOS members Marilee and Wendell Thompson, who gave a presentation on their birding trip to Peru in September 2003. Their three-week trip featured endemics and the high elevation specialties of the Andes of southern and central Peru. At the conclusion of Friday evening’s presentations, Mark announced the field trips scheduled for Saturday morning, and reminded the attendees that the proposed changes to the KOS bylaws would be discussed during Saturday’s business meeting. KOS Treasurer Jim Williams reminded everyone to register for the meeting, if they had not already done so. Field trips on Saturday morning included a trip to the Kendall Recreation Area led by Roseanna Denton, birding around the Lake Cumberland State Resort Park area led by Brainard Palmer-Ball, and a trip in the proximity of the lodge led by Blaine Ferrell. The KOS Board meeting was held from 2:35 to 5:47 p.m. CDT at the Lake Cum¬ berland Activities Center. The Saturday evening meeting was called to order by Hap Chambers at 7:05 p.m. CDT. Hap began the meeting with several announcements, including the “Wild Mountain Mania” festival scheduled for Friday, October 7 at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, and the new Christmas Bird Count being organized at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site. Hap also reminded the attendees about the Spring 2006 KOS meeting at Pennyrile State Resort Park. After the opening announcements. Hap called the annual KOS business meeting to order. The first item on the agenda was the proposed bylaw changes that were listed in the meeting flyer. Hap noted that the KOS Board had voted to table item #6 on the list, pending further clarification of the intent of the change. The remaining five proposed changes on the list were voted on and accepted without dissent. The next item of business was the proposed slate of officers. Nominated were Mark Bennett for President, Win Ahrens for Vice-President, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., for Treasurer, Amy Covert for Corresponding Secretary, Laura Patton for Recording Secretary, Gay Hodges for Councilor for three years, Ed Huber for Councilor for three years, and Shawchyi Vorisek to fill Elizabeth Ciuzio's vacant councilor position (to 2007). Existing councilors include Mary Walter for two more years. Mark Monroe for one more year and Melissa Easley for one year to fill in for Win Ahrens. The proposed slate of KOS officers was accepted by the membership and passed without dissent. Following the business portion of the evening. Hap introduced the guest speaker. Dr. Fred Alsop, professor of biological science at East Tennessee State University. Dr. Alsop gave a slide presentation about bird photography, detailing some of his techniques for obtaining photographs of birds. These techniques included building scaffolds (some as high as 65 feet from the ground) and building platforms (some built in precarious places, such as on the edge of cliffs), as well as using various types of blinds and camouflage to get close to his subjects. After Dr. Alsop’ s presentation, Blaine Ferrell compiled the bird count list for the meeting. Attendees had observed 86 species of birds between Friday and Saturday night. Blaine concluded with a request for articles for The Kentucky Warbler , and thanked Hap Chambers for her service as KOS President. At the conclusion of the meeting, Hap Chambers made announcements concerning the field trips scheduled for Sunday morning: birding on the park trails and golf course led by Lee McNeely and birding the Wolf Creek Dam area to be led by Gerald Robe. Hap also announced that there would be a silent auction of donated bird-related items held at the Spring 2006 meeting, with the proceeds of the auction sales to go to the KOS general fund. The Fall 2005 KOS meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m. CDT. 112 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol.81 On Sunday morning, the weather conditions were very poor, with high winds and impending rain. Due to the poor birding conditions, the field trip around the park area was cancelled, and Lee McNeely and Gerald Robe both led separate field trips to the Wolf Creek Dam area. Alexandria: Berea: Bowling Green: Burlington: Carlisle: Carmel, IN: Cox’s Creek: Cunningham: Danville: Frankfort: Indianapolis, IN: Johnson City.TN: Lexington: Louisville: Morehead: Morgantown: Mt. Sterling: Murray: Owensboro: Prospect: Richmond: Russellville: Science Hill: Somerset: Attendance at the KOS Fall Meeting Ron Lusby and Mary Beth Lusby Paul Hager Blaine Ferrell, Joan Roemer, and David Roemer Kathy Caminiti, Joe Caminiti, and Lee McNeely Virginia Kingsolver and Wendell Kingsolver Lou Anne Barriger Dona Coates Matthew Toon and Maurica Toon Ginny Eklund and Neil Eklund Shawchyi Vorisek Larry Peavler JoAnn Alsop and Fred Alsop Bruce Cryder, Shirley Davis, Wayne Davis, Phyllis Deal, Carol Goes Sarah Goes, Mike Kenawell, Jim Williams, and Jackie van Willigen Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell. Pat Bell, Carol Besse, Bonnie Dever, Robert Dever, Eddie Huber, Jennifer Huber, Celia Lawrence, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Betsy Sangster, Collette Sangster, David Sangster, Mary Walter, and Ben Yandell Fred Busroe. Joanna Busroe, and Katie Busroe Carroll Tichenor and Doris Tichenor Gerald Robe Hap Chambers and Melissa Easley Marilee Thompson and Wendell Thompson Win Ahrens Brenda Thompson and Pete Thompson Mark Bennett Roseanna Denton Gay Hodges Bird Species Observed at the KOS Fall Meeting Lake Cumberland State Resort Park The following bird species were observed during the weekend of September 23-25: Wood Duck, Mallard, Wild Turkey, Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Red¬ shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Killdeer, Laughing Gull, Herring Gull, Caspian Tern, Common Tern, Forster’s Tern, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Eastern Screech-Owl, Barred Owl, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted King¬ fisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Purple Martin. Cliff Swallow. Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Veery, Swainson's Thrush, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Orange-crowned Warbler, Northern Parula, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 113 Black-throated Green Warbler, Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Palm Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Worm-eating Warbler, Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson’s Warbler, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting. Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, American Goldfinch and House Sparrow . The total for the weekend was 87 species. FIELD NOTES First Kentucky Record of Bullock's Oriole While involved in some cooperative field work 9 February 2005, Brian Gasdorf with East Kentucky Power Cooperative mentioned to me that he had recently heard about an oriole visiting the yard of Annette and Bobby Riddle just outside of Lawrenceburg, Ander¬ son County. The Riddles had first noticed the oriole in early Januaiy and had observed it since then on a nearly daily basis during its visits to feed on oranges and suet. With keen interest in determining the identity of the bird, we arranged to visit the Riddles’ yard later that day, but the oriole did not appear during our hour-long, late afternoon stay. The following day the Riddles emailed two photographs they had taken, confirming the bird to be an adult male Bullock's Oriole ( Icterus bullockii) (The Kentucky Warbler 81:61, 2005). I arranged to revisit the Riddles' home 12 February 2005, when David and Joan Roemer, Amy Covert, and I were able to see the oriole as it repeatedly visited the yard to feed. David was successful in obtaining some excellent images of the bird (Figure 1; p. 116), which did, in fact, appear to be an adult male Bullock's Oriole devoid of any indica¬ tion of intergradation with Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula). In subsequent weeks, many birders were able to enjoy the oriole as it continued to visit the Riddles’ yard daily. As the season progressed, the Riddles did not notice the bird frequenting the yard as much, but it occasionally visited until early spring, last being observed 8 April. About a dozen winter records of orioles are scattered across much of Kentucky, mostly at feeding stations in suburban and rural yards. Some of these individuals have been conclusively documented with written or photographic evidence as Baltimore Orioles, but several have been described with little detail. With Bullock's Oriole possible in the eastern United States and female/immature plumages of the two species being quite similar, one or more previous winter oriole record may have pertained to Bullock's. Not surprisingly though, the individual described above represents the first documented record for Bullock's Oriole in Kentucky. Like many other western songbirds that occur occasionally in the East, this one most often occurs during late fall and winter. — Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222. Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) Documentation from Boone County Although Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) has been reported from more than a dozen counties on nearly two dozen occasions, no extant specimen documents its occur¬ rence in Kentucky. Mengel (1965. Birds of Kentucky, p. 205) cites the collection of an adult bird near Bardstown, Nelson County, in 1917, but he could not locate the specimen. For the purpose of acceptance onto the Official State List, the only conclusive documen¬ tation for this rare raptor within Kentucky consists of photographs obtained by Kathy Caminiti in December 1988 of a juvenile captured by falconer, Ken Brol, in southern Boone County 28 October 1988 (Figures 1 and 2, p.l 14). The bird was kept in captivity for several years, but when it died, its remains were not preserved. Publication of these photographs serves to conclusively document the occurrence of the species in Kentucky. — Kentucky Bird Records Committee, Lee McNeely, Secretary, P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY, 41005. 1 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 Figures 1 and 2. Juvenile Northern Goshawk ( Accipiter gentilis) captured in southern Boone County, Kentucky, 28 October 1988. KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION September 23 2005 Depository Account Balance National City Bank, Louisville General Fund (Checking) $2,959.82 National City Bank, Louisville Burt Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Fund (Checking) $2,014.71 Heritage Bank, Burlington Gordon Wilson Fund (CD) $15,442.23 Hentage Bank, Burlington Gordon Wilson Fund (Savings) $2,442.72 Hentage Bank, Burlington Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund (Savings) $3,474.69 Heritage Bank, Burlington Endowment Fund (CD) $14,135.00 Total assets $40,469.17 Submitted by James Williams, Treasurer, September 23. 2005 Audited by Wendell Thompson, November 19, 2005 2005 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY TREASURER’S REPORT September 18, 2004 - September 23, 2005 Beginning Balance (September 18, 2004) RECEIPTS Membership Dues $3,885.00 Annotated Checklist Sales $228.00 Meeting Registration Income $545.00 Misc. Sales (KOS Pins, Field Cards, Etc.) $ 1 5 1 .60 Donations - Gordon Wilson Fund $40.00 - Burt L. Monroe Fund $115.00 - Anne Stamm Fund $220.00 Wheeler Book Sales Gross $777.00 Old Book Sales $70.00 Bristol Bird Club - Mtg. Expense Contribution $225.00 Book Fund CD Disbursement $954.76 Endowment Fund Annual Yield $173.62 Warbler Back Issue Sale $ 1 62.50 East Kentucky Power Cooperative Donation $300.00 Adjustment To Corresponding Secretary Expense (April $5.00 28,2005) Total DISBURSEMENTS Heritage Elementary School - Anne Stamm Fund Award $250.00 Meeting Speaker Expense $428.27 Meeting Speaker Fees $600.00 Meeting Expenses $188.11 Transfer from Checking To B.L. Monroe Fund $1,600.00 United Graphics - 5 Issues of Warbler $3240.38 BellSouth - Hotline Phone $255.80 Transfer Two Life Memberships To Endowment Fund $600.00 Postmaster - Two Warbler Mailings $135.00 Ky. State Treasurer - Sales Tax $14.53 Corresponding Secretary & Treasurer Misc. Expenses $536.67 Transfer To Gordon Wilson Fund $40.00 Transfer To B.L. Monroe Fund $ 1 1 5.00 Transfer To Anne Stamm Fund $220.00 Postmaster - Permit Fee & Deposit $300.00 Total Ending Balance (September 23, 2005) Submitted by James Williams, Treasurer, September 23, 2005 Audited by Wendell Thompson, November 19, 2005 115 $3,631.10 $7,852.48 ($8,523.76) $2,959.82 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 81 1 16 NEWS AND VIEWS Visit the K.O.S. Website To learn about the Kentucky Ornithological Society and interesting happenings, visit the K.O.S. website maintained by Dr. Gary Ritchison at www.biology.eku.edu/kos.htm. K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Grant Fund The K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Grant Fund supports research on birds in Kentucky up to $500. For guidelines on how to apply, please contact Dr. Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean's Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green. Kentucky, 42101 (blaine.ferrell@eku.edu). Kentucky Bird Records Committee Rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season should be well documented, and the documentations should be sent to Lee McNeely, Secretary of the K.B.R.C., P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY, 41005, for consideration by the committee for official state record status. Figure 1. Bullock's Oriole, Lawrenceburg, Anderson Co.; 12 February 2005. Photograph by David Roemer (See Field Note, p. 1 13). . i 0(o VOL. 82 The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) FEBRUARY 2006 NO. 1 IN THIS ISSUE THE FALL 2005 SEASON. Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., and Lee McNeely . 3 MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT 2005-2006. Blaine Ferrell . 17 HURRICANE-RELATED BIRDS IN KENTUCKY - SUMMER 2005. Mark Monroe, Donald Morse. Jr.. Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr.. David Roemer. Mary Walter, and Ben Yandell . 32 AN 18TH-CENTURY REFERENCE TO IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER (Campephilus principalis) IN KENTUCKY, Benjamin E. Leese . 37 A.R. MANN LIBRARY" MAY 3 2006 I . - - - - J 2 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President Mark Bennett. Russellville Vice-President . Corresponding Secretary Treasurer . Recording Secretary . Councillors: Mark Monroe, Louisville . Melissa Easley, Murray . Shawchyi Vorisek. Frankfort Mary Yandell, Louisville . Gay Hodges, Somerset . Eddie Huber, Louisville . . Win Ahrens, Prospect . Amy Covert 109 Lafayette Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601-3456 . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 . Laura Patton. Frankfort 2004 thru 2006 2004 thru 2006 2005 thru 2007 2005 thru 2007 2006 thru 2008 2006 thru 2008 Immediate Past President Staff Artist . . Hap Chambers, Murray Ray Harm. Sonoita. AZ 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; 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 . Blaine R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Wayne Mason, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Stephen Stedman Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY 41005 THE COVER We thank David Roemer for the video capture of an Audubon's Shearwater (Puffmus Iherminieri) observed following the passage of the remnants of Hurricane Dennis 12 July 2005 (see article on p. 32). Financial support for color cover provided by the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. r Ktntudiyl Touchstone Energy Cooperative*" 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER THE FALL 2005 SEASON 3 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely The fall 2005 season was overall wanner and drier than normal. August was hot, with the temperature reaching 90°F or higher on 20 days at Louisville. The most remarkable weather event of the season was the passage of the remnants of Hurricane Katrina, which passed across Kentucky 30-31 August with copious precipitation — 4.4" (11.2 cm) at Bowling Green; 3.0" (7.6 cm) at Paducah; 2.6" (6.6 cm) at Louisville; and 2.0" (5.1 cm) at Lexington — and moderate winds. In fact, the rains provided by the storm's passage provided many areas with the only substantial precipitation over the entire period! September and October remained warmer than normal with little precipitation (e.g. Bowling Green re¬ ceived less than 1.0" (2.5 cm) of rain during the entire two-month period). November remained slightly warmer than normal, but precipitation began to return towards normal. Rarity highlights included Band-rumped Stonn-Petrels at two locales during the pas¬ sage of the remnants of Katrina, several rare waders (Tricolored Heron, White Ibis, and Roseate Spoonbill) in the far western part of the state, a few rare shorebirds (including Marbled Godwit and Red Phalarope), a Pomarine Jaeger, and a returning Spotted Towhee. An unusually large number of reports of Laughing Gulls and terns was also attributable to the nasty weather associated with Katrina. In contrast to the previous year, natural food crops including evergreen cones, berries, acorns, and hickory nuts, all appeared to be pro¬ duced in abundance, boding well for wintering species. 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 reminded that records of out-of-season birds and all rarities must be accompanied by written and/or photographic documentation. This 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 ob¬ servation 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 indi¬ cates that written details were submitted with the report. Place names: Ano = surface mines near Ano, Pulaski', Ballard = Ballard WMA, Ballard, Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam, Lyon/ Livingston', Barren = Barren River Lake, Allen/ Barren', Berea College Forest = Berea Col¬ lege Forest, Madison ; Bernheim Forest = Bemheim Forest, Bullitt', Blackacre = Blackacre SNP, Jefferson', Blood River = Blood River embayment, Ky Lake, Calloway ; Boston = Ky Transportation Cabinet wetland mitigation area near Boston, Nelson', Briarwood = Briar- wood, Jefferson', Campbell Dikes = Mississippi River sandbars at Campbell Dikes, Carlisle ; Caperton = Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve, Jefferson', Cathy Crockett Trail = Cathy Crockett Trail, Sloan's Valley, Pulaski', Cliffy Pond = Cliffy Pond, near Mt. Zion, Pulaski', Cooley's Pond = Cooley's Pond, Wayne; E.W, Brown = E.W. Brown power plant ash basin, Mercer; Eddy Creek = Eddy Creek embayment. Lake Barkley, Lyon; Eddvville = Lake Barkley at Eddyville, Lyon; Falls of the Ohio = Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson; Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment. Lake Cumberland, Pulaski; Frankfort = Frankfort, Franklin; Freeman Lake = Freeman Lake, Hardin; Garvin Brown = Garvin Brown Nature Preserve, ne. Jefferson; Grassy Pond/Powells Lake = Grassy Pond/Powells Lake Unit Sloughs WMA, w. Henderson; Gunpowder Creek = Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone; Havs Kennedy = Hays Kennedy Park, ne. Jefferson; Homestead = Homestead Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio; Horseshoe Road = slough next to Horseshoe Road, w. Henderson; Island No. 1 = Missis¬ sippi River sandbars at Island No. 1, Carlisle; Joe Creason = Joe Creason Park, Jefferson; Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall; Kv Bend = Kentucky Bend, w. Fulton; Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall; Kv Dam 4 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 Village = Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Marshall ; Kv Lake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall (unless otherwise noted); Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon; Lake Bark- lev = Lake Barkley, Livingston/Lyon/Trigg-, Lake No. 9 = Lake No. 9, Fulton', Laketon = Mississippi River sandbars at Laketon, Carlisle', LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Trigg (unless otherwise noted); Little River = Little River embayment, Lake Barkley, Trigg', Mammoth Cave = Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson (unless otherwise noted); Miles Park = Miles Park, Jefferson', Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan', Mitchell Lake = Mitchell Lake, Ballard WMA, Ballard', Mt. Zion = Mt. Zion, Pulaski', Newport = Newport, Campbell', Paradise = Paradise Power Plant impound¬ ments, Muhlenberg', Pleasant Hill Church Road = Pleasant Hill Church Road, Trigg', Roch¬ ester = Green River at Rochester Dam, Muhlenberg! Ohio', St. Matthews = St. Matthews, Jefferson', Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson', Shaker Mill = Shaker Mill, Warren', Shawnee Park = Shawnee Park, Jefferson', Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg', Smithland Dam = Smithland Dam on the Ohio River, Living¬ ston', Sonora = Sonora, Hardin', Surrey Hills Farm = Surrey Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson', Thurston's Pond = Thurston's Pond, Wayne; Tom Sawyer = E.P. "Tom" Sawyer SP, Jef¬ ferson; Town Creek = Town Creek moist soils unit, Westvaco WMA, Hickman; Van Buren = Taylorsville Lake at Van Buren boat ramp, Anderson; Waitsboro = Waitsboro Recreation Area on Lake Cumberland, Pulaski; Wolf Creek Dam = Wolf Creek Dam, Lake Cumber¬ land, Russell; SNP = State Nature Preserve; SRP = State Resort Park; WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose the injured and summering bird at Ballard was seen several times in August and September (m. ob.); otherwise, earliest reports were for 22 at Jonathan Creek 19 October (ME) and 16 at Sauerheber 22 October (DRo, KOS); other interesting reports included a remark¬ ably large group of 58 at A.J. Jolly Park, Campbell, 3 November (FR); 4 over Plea¬ sant Hill Church Road 4 November (BLi); 3 at Jonathan Creek 17 November (ME); ca. 200 at Sauerheber by 26 November (BP, AC); and 1 over Shaker Mill 29 No¬ vember (DRo). Snow Goose - an early dark morph bird was again present this year at Minor Clark 25 September (BP et ah), perhaps the same possibly "resident" individual that has been present in previous years. Ross's Goose - the only report was for 1 over Shaker Mill 29 November (DRo). Tundra Swan - the first of Sauerheber’s wintering flock to return were 8 there 18 November (MMr). Gadwall - peak counts were for 284 at Jon¬ athan Creek 28 October (ME) and 100+ at Lake Peewee, Hopkins, 26 November (BP, AC). American Wigeon - earliest report was for 1 at Minor Clark 25 September (BP et ah); peak count was for 1 50+ at Sauerheber 25 November (BP, AC). Blue-winged Teal - peak counts were for 150+ at Mitchell Lake (SR) and 100+ at Jonathan Creek (ME), both 14 September; latest report was for 2 tardy birds at Lex¬ ington 19 November (SM, RB). Northern Shoveler - earliest reports includ¬ ed 1 at Cliffy Pond 25 August (RDn) and 3 at the Falls of the Ohio 31 August (DRo et ah); peak counts were for 105+ total in scattered flocks on the Ohio River at Lou¬ isville 16 November (BP) and 200+ at Sau¬ erheber 25-26 November (BP, AC). Northern Pintail earliest report was for 3 at Mitchell Lake 10 September (BP, MS). Green-winged Teal - earliest reports in¬ cluded 2 at Little River 24 August (DRo) and 4 at Horseshoe Road 4 September (CC). Redhead - earliest report was for 2 at Twin Lakes Subdivision lake near Somerset, Pul¬ aski, 25 October (RDn). Ring-necked Duck - earliest report was for 1 at Camp Ernst Lake, Boone, 10 October (LM). 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ 5 Greater Scaup - earliest reports were for singles on the Ohio River at Louisville (BP) and at Waitsboro (RDn), both 16 No¬ vember. Lesser Scaup - peak counts were for 1 500+ on n. Lake Barkley, Lyon , 12 November (HC, ME) and 150+ on the Ohio River at Grandview, IN, Daviess! Hancock, 16 No¬ vember (DA). Surf Scoter - the only report was for 2 at Doe Run Lake, Kenton, 2 November (FR). Hooded Merganser - peak count was for 83 at Lexington 19 November (SM, RB). Ruddy Duck - earliest reports were for 1 on the Ohio River at Newport 1 7 October (FR) and 1 at Cooley’s Pond 25 October (RDn); peak count was for 200+ on Lake Barkley above the dam 30 November (SR). Red-throated Loon - the only report for the season was for a juv. on the Ohio River at Louisville 2 November (JB, PB, ph.EH) to 6 November (EH, JHu). Common Loon - earliest reports, likely in¬ volving summering birds, included an ad. at Barren, Barren , 7 August (ph.LK); a basic-plumaged bird on Lake Barkley above the dam 24 August (DRo); and 2 ads. above Wolf Creek Dam 3 September (RDn); pronounced fallouts were lacking with the following peak counts reported: 43 above Wolf Creek Dam 1 1 November (RDn); 13 at Freeman Lake 15 November (RH); and 183 at Barren 21 November (DRo). Horned Grebe - earliest reports were for 2 at Waitsboro 25 October (RDn) and 1 on the Ohio River at Newport 29 October (FR); peak count was for 50+ on n. Lake Barkley 30 November (SR). Band-rumped Storm-Petrel - there were 2 reports of this pelagic species following the passage of the remnants of Hurricane Ka¬ trina: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 31 August (vt./*BY & MWr, BP) and 2 at the Frank¬ fort Fish Hatchery, Franklin, 31 August (ML). Both at the latter location were described as being barely able to fly or swim, and remnants of 1 were retrieved from the shore of one of the ponds and preserved the following day (*BP). KBRC review required. American White Pelican - earliest reports were for 2 at Grassy Pond/Powells Lake 20 August (CC) and 2 at Smithland Dam 4 September (HC, DRo); the species arrived in numbers on Lake Barkley during the first week of October (m. ob.) with peak counts including 210 on Lake Barkley near Canton, Trigg, and 160 at Eddyville, both 28 October (KL, BLe). Double-crested Cormorant - notable fall counts included 72+ at Van Buren 8 Sep¬ tember (BP) with 45 still there 14 October (BW); 100+ at Kuttawa by 10 September (BP et al.) and ca. 1000 on the Ohio River above the Falls of the Ohio 15 November (AG, BE). American Bittern - there were only 2 re¬ ports: 1 at Sinclair 10 October (DRo) and I at Sauerheber 22 October (DRo, KOS). Great Blue Heron - notable fall counts in¬ cluded 100+ at Mitchell Lake 12 August (SR) and 62+ at Van Buren 8 September (BP) with 60+ still there 14 October (BW). Great Egret - post-breeding concentrations in the w. portion of the state were smaller than in some recent years and included at least 300 at Mitchell Lake 12 August (SR) with 150 there 25 August (SR) and 50+ still there 14 September (SR) and 300 at Honey Cypress Slough, Grassy Pond/Powells Lake 13 August (CC); other reports of post-breeding gatherings included 17 at Boston 25 August (BP); 67 at Paradise 30 August (RDn, SDn); more than have been observed in many years at the Falls of the Ohio with 32 there 5 September (BP, AC), an impressive count of 75 there 2 October (T&CB) and 60+ still there 7 October (T&CB et al.); other interesting reports in¬ cluded up to 22 at Van Buren 8 September (BP); 50 at Eddy Creek 10 September (BP et al.); 1 1 at Lake Linville, Rockcastle, 23 September (RDn); and 70 at Little River 4 October (DRo). Small numbers lingered especially late into the season with 1 at Minor Clark 12 November (LH); 9 in w. Henderson 12 November (CC); 7 still at the Falls of the Ohio 18 November (BE); 1 near Versailles, Woodford, 19 November 6 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 (IH); and I at Van Buren 21 November (BW, MB). Snowy Egret peak counts of post-breeding gatherings included 245 at Lake No. 9 on 29 August (BP, JDu) and 25 at Mitchell Lake 12 August (SR) with 20 still there 10 September (BP, MS) and 1 1 September (DRo); also reported were 1 at Paradise throughout the early portion of the period (m. ob.); 1 at Homestead (DRo, RDv) and 1 at the Falls of the Ohio (RG), both 8 August; and a few at Little River 10 Sep¬ tember (BP et ah). Little Blue Heron - there were an above- average number of reports of post-breeding birds with 1-2 as far e. as Minor Clark 7 August (DP) and 4 September (LH); peak counts included 18 at Homestead 8 August (DRo, RDv); 20+ at Mitchell Lake 1 1 Au¬ gust (DRo); 19 at Blood River 21 August (HC); and 1 10 at Lake No. 9 on 29 August (BP, JDu). Additional reports of some in¬ terest included 6 juvs. at Van Buren 18 August (BW); 8 juvs. at Grassy Pond/ Powells Lake 20 August (CC); single juvs. at McDougal Lake, Larue, (BP) and at Boston (BP) both 25 August; and 4 juvs. at Thurston's Pond 27 September (RDn). Tricolored Heron - a juv. was at Lake No. 9 from 4 August (ph.DRo) to 7 August (ph. RDn, BY, MWr) with 2 reported there 21 August (ph.JW). KBRC review required. Cattle Egret — several thousand came in to the roost at Kuttawa 10 September (BP et ah); a report of both late and out-of-range birds was a flock of 8 at Russell Springs, Russell, 1 5 November (LC). Black-crowned Night-Heron latest re¬ ports were for an ad. at A.J. Jolly Park, Campbell, 1 November (FR) and 2 at Par¬ adise 19 November (RDn, HC); as is now the norm, a few lingered at St. Matthews into December (BW). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - the only reports were for 2 juvs. at Ballard 1 1 Au¬ gust (DRo); a juv. at Lexington 21 August (JV); and a juv. at St. Matthews 31 Au¬ gust — 6 September (BW). White Ibis - single juvs. were reported at Lake No. 9 on 4 August (ph.DRo) and at Mitchell Lake 9 August (ph.NR et ah) through 13 August (HC, ME). KBRC re¬ view required. White Ibis (juv.), Ballard 9 August 2005 Nicole Ranalli Roseate Spoonbill - a juv. was observed in flight over Lake No. 9 on 5 August (*DRo). KBRC review required. Turkey Vulture - peak counts were for 178 at Dayton, Campbell, 22 October (FR) and 100+ at Taylorsville Lake, Spencer, 21 November (BW). Osprey - 1 over the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River, Pike, 19 September was a local first (JCr, LE); latest reports were for 1 on Lake Barkley near Canton, Trigg, 28 October (KL, BLe); 1 at Fishing Creek 1 November (RDn); 1 at Freeman Lake 6 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 7 November (EH, JHu, CB); and a very tardy bird at Lexington 19 November (SM, RB). Mississippi Kite - the only reports of va¬ grants involved 1 (same individual?) in ne. Fayette 21 May and 24 July (DS); another interesting report involved 4 birds includ¬ ing a juv. below Ky Dam 24 August (DRo). Bald Eagle - early or out of breeding range reports included I at Wolf Creek Dam (DRo, JR) and 1 at Fishing Creek (RDn), both 25 September. Northern Harrier - earliest report in a non¬ breeding area was for 1 at Minor Clark 27 August (LM, NKBC). Red-tailed Hawk - there were several re¬ ports of individuals of western races, all being included: ad. intermediate morph harlani in Simpson 12 October (DRo, CHo); ad. light morph calurus at Sauer- heber 22 October (DRo); ad. dark or dark intermediate morph calurus at Homestead 3 1 October (DRo); ad. dark morph harlani in Barren 2 November (vt.DRo); ad. dark morph calurus at Shaker Mill and at Barren (latter for third consecutive winter), both 1 1 November (DRo); and ad. light morph harlani at the WKU Farm, Warren, for fifth consecutive winter beginning 18 No¬ vember (DRo). Golden Eagle - the only report was for a juv. over Pleasant Hill Church Road 12 No¬ vember (BLi). Merlin - there were slightly fewer reports this fall season, all being included: 1 at Mammoth Cave 24 September (TD); sin¬ gles at Ky Dam and Smithland Dam 27 September (DRo); 1 at Burnside marina on Lake Cumberland, Pulaski, 27 September (RDn); 1 at Homestead 3 1 October (DRo); and 1 at Cox’s Park, Louisville, 5 Novem¬ ber (ph. EH, JB, PB). Peregrine Falcon - there were an average number of reports, all being included: 1 at Shawnee Park 23 August (JB, PB, et al.) and 14 September (JB, PB, BBC); 1 on the Natcher Bridge over the Ohio River, Dav¬ iess, 30 August (DA); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 1 September/9 October (BY, MWr); 1 at St. Matthews 4/1 1 September (BW); 1 at the East Bend Power Plant, Boone, 10 Sep¬ tember (LM); I near the Greater Cincin¬ nati Airport, Boone, 4 October (LM); an ad. at Shaker Mill 9 October (DRo, JR); 1 at Garvin Brown 29 October (BW); I at Lex¬ ington 30 October (SM); and 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville 5 November (JB, PB, EH). A banded bird was present at Minor Clark from early September to mid-No¬ vember (LH); it had been hacked at Red River Gorge in 2003 (AS). King Rail - the only report was for 1 at Sauerheber 22 October (BW, DRo, KOS). Virginia Rail - the only report was for i at Sauerheber 22 October (DRo, KOS). Sora - earliest report was for 1 at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, 3 September (CC); latest report was for 3 at Sauerheber 22 October (DRo, KOS). Purple Gallinule - a juv. with an injured wing was found near Sharkey, Rowan, 18 September (ph.TB et al.). It was observed by several others on subsequent days (ph.DRo, ph.RDn) and was last observed 25 September (ph.BP, AC, BY, MWr, LP). KBRC review required. Common Moorhen - there were reports of single birds from only two locations: Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, 20/28 August (CC) and Lexington 24 September (SM). Sandhill Crane - the species did not seem to be as numerous this fall, with no reports of unusually large numbers; there were, however, a much greater than nonnal num¬ ber of reports along the e. side of the cor¬ ridor (e. of Louisville to around Lexing¬ ton); earliest report was for ca. 20 over Somerset, Pulaski, 18 October (JDn); peak counts were for 120 on the ground at Bar¬ ren 21 November (DRo) and "hundreds" on the ground near Versailles, Woodford, 22 November (DRa). Black-bellied Plover - only a few reports, all being included: 1 at Blood River 28 Au¬ gust (HC); 1 at Mitchell Lake 29 Sep¬ tember (SR); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 9 October (BY, MWr); and 1 at Jonathan Creek 1 November (HC et al.). American Golden-Plover - all reports are included: 1 at Fishing Creek 29 August (RDn); an ad. accidentally shot during a 8 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 dove hunt in s. Casey 1 September (fide BS); 4 at Horseshoe Road 4 September (CC) with 2 there 5 September (CC), 6 there 9 September (CC), and 1 there 18 September (CC); an ad. at Campbell Dikes 10 September (BP, AC); 7 at Mitchell Lake 13 September (AH); 1 at Blood River 26- 29 September (HC); and 1 at Mitchell Lake 27 September (AH). Semipalmated Plover not numerous this fall; peak count was for 18 at Ky Bend 5 August (DRo). Piping Plover the only report was for an ad. just upstream from Laketon 17 August (ph.SR). Killdeer - peak counts were for ca. 300 at Mitchell Lake 4 August (NR) and 250+ at Ky Bend 5 August (DRo). American Avocet - there were two reports: 3 at a gravel pit at Petersburg, Boone , 13 August (LM) and 5 at Blood River 28 August (HC). Greater Yellovvlegs - latest reports were for 1 at Minor Clark 5 November (LH); 2 at Fishing Creek 6 November (RDn); and 1 in Mercer 12 November (RDn, SBC). VVillet - following the flurry of reports in July, there was only one report later in the season: 4 at Smithland Dam 4 August (DRo). Spotted Sandpiper - latest report was for 3 at Fishing Creek 5 November (RDn). Upland Sandpiper the only report was for 1 at Ky Bend 5 August (DRo). Marbled Godvvit - 1 was at Jonathan Creek 25-26 September (ph.HC, ME). KBRC re¬ view required. Sanderling - not numerous this fall, all re¬ ports being included: 1 molting ad. at Mit¬ chell Lake 9 August (NR); 1 at Town Creek 25 August (SR); 3 juvs. at Laketon 29 August (BP, JDu); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 31 August (BP et al. ), 2 September (BY et al.), and 17 September (BY, MWr); 5 at Island No. 1 and 1 at Campbell Dikes, both 10 September (BP, MS); 2 at Mitchell Lake 14 September (SR); and 1 at Jonathan Creek 13-14 October (HC). Semipalmated Sandpiper - peak count was for 50+ upstream from Laketon 25 August (SR); latest report was for 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 9 October (BY, MWr). Western Sandpiper - following the flurry of Jtdy reports, the species was not numer¬ ous later, all reports being included: 7 at Ky Bend (DRo) and 1 at E.W. Brown (RDn), both 5 August; 1 at Mitchell Lake 9 August (NR); at least 5 upstream from Laketon 17 August (SR); 1 juv. at Little River 24 August (DRo) with 1 or 2 juvs. still there 10 September (BP et al.); 2 up¬ stream from Laketon 10 September (BP, MS); 2 at Jonathan Creek 14 September (HC); 1 at Mitchell Lake 22 September (SR); 4 at Blood River 26 September (HC); and I at Blood River and 2 at Jonathan Creek, both 30 October (HC). Least Sandpiper - peak counts were for 150 at Jonathan Creek 13-14 October (HC), 190 there 1 November (HC), and 150 still there 12 November (HC, ME), as well as 97 at Mitchell Lake 14 October (AH); as is now the norm, small numbers lingered at Jonathan Creek and at Blood River into December; a few birds also lingered late into the season at other locales including 3 at Minor Clark 12 November (LH) with 1 still there 19 November (LH) and 4 at Par¬ adise 19 November (RDn, HC). Marbled Godwit, Marshall 25 September 2005 Hap Chambers White-rumped Sandpiper - the only report was for 1 at Little River 16 September (DRo). 2006 9 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Baird’s Sandpiper - not numerous this fall, all reports being included: 1 at Mitchell Lake 4 August (NR); 2 at Laketon 29 Au¬ gust (BP, JDu); I at the Falls of the Ohio 31 August (BP et al.), with 3 there 5 Sep¬ tember (BP, AC) and 1 there 7 September (BY, MWr); and 1 at Paradise 10 October (DRo). Pectoral Sandpiper - peak counts were for 100 at Mitchell Lake 4 August (NR); 100 at Ky Bend 5 August (DRo); 350+ at Mitchell Lake 13 August (HC, ME); and 130 at Little River 24 August (DRo). Dunlin - peak count was for 73 at Blood River 1 November (HC et al.). Stilt Sandpiper - peak counts were for 12 at Mitchell Lake 9 August (NR) and 1 1 at Blood River 15 September (HC); also re¬ ported were 6 at Ky Bend 5 August (DRo); 2 at the Falls of the Ohio 21 August (T& CB); 1 at Fishing Creek 29 August and 23 September (RDn); 4 at Eddy Creek 10 Sep¬ tember (BP et al.); 6 at Mitchell Lake 10 September (BP, MS) through 22 Septem¬ ber (SR) with 7 there 29 September (SR); 1 at Minor Clark 20 September (BP, RDn); 6 at Blood River 26 September (HC); and 5 at Jonathan Creek 16 October (ME). Buff-breasted Sandpiper - not many re¬ ports this fall, all being included: 2 adjacent to Lake No. 9 on 6 August (HC et al.); 1 at Ballard 18 August (SR) and 14 September (SR); 6 at Lake No. 9 on 21 August (JW); 4 at Little River 24 August (DRo); 1 at Par¬ adise 26 August (DRo, AH); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 5 September (BP, AC) with 3 there 1 1 September (BY, MY, MWr); and 3 at Fishing Creek 5-8 September (RDn). Short-billed Dowitcher - there were only a few reports, all being included: 1 at Willow Pond, Fulton , (DRo) and 1 at Mitchell Lake (NR), both 4 August; and 1 at Ky Bend 5 August (DRo). Long-billed Dowitcher - establishing a new late departure date was a bird seen and heard at Fishing Creek 30 November that lingered into early December (ph.RDn); other reports included 2 near Grassy Pond/ Powells Lake 8 October (CC) and 1 at Van Buren 14/19 October (BW). Wilson’s Snipe - earliest report was for 3 at Mitchell Lake 9 August (NR); a count of 20 at Horseshoe Road 4 September (CC) was exceptional for early September; peak counts were for 1 00+ at Ballard 27 October (SR) and 80 at Cooley's Pond 26 November (RDn). American Woodcock likely fall migrants were reported as follows: 1 at Mitchell Lake 6 October (AH); 1 at St. Matthews 7 November (BW); 1 at Surrey Hills Fann 10 November (BP) with 2 there 17 November (BP); I at Garvin Brown (MWm) and 1 on the Cathy Crockett Trail (RDn), both 16 November. Wilson's Phalarope - all reports are includ¬ ed: I at Mitchell Lake 13 August (HC, ME); 1 (same bird?) there 20/25 August (SR, AH); 2 at Town Creek 25 August (ph. SR); 2 at Mitchell Lake 27 August (AH); and 1 at Paradise 15 September (AH). Red Phalarope - a molting juv. was present on the Ohio River at the mouth of the Licking River, Campbell/ Kenton, 31 Au¬ gust (DB, ph.FR, ph.JDu). KBRC review required. Red Phalrope (juv.), Campbell/Kenton 3 1 August 2005 Jon Dunn phalarope sp. - a flock of 3-5 at Van Buren 31 August may have been Red-necks but were not seen well enough to confirm their identity (*AS). Pomarine Jaeger - an intermediate morph juv. was present at Freeman Lake 3 No¬ vember (RH, ph.BP, ph.DRo, et al.) to 7 10 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 November (DA, SK, JK). KBRC review required. Pomarine Jaeger (juv.), Hardin 6 Nov 2005 David Roemer Laughing Gull - although there were sev¬ eral reports from sites where the species is traditionally observed in late summer and fall, record numbers occurred after the pas¬ sage of the remnants of Hurricane Katrina, and small numbers appeared to linger for some weeks afterwards; all reports are included: a juv. at Eddyville 24 August (DRo); a juv./first-year at Ky Dam (BP, JDu, DRo) and a first-year at Rochester (RDn, SDn), both 30 August; a juv./first- year at the Falls of the Ohio 31 August (BP et al.) with 2 juv./first-years there 1-3 Sep¬ tember (BY, MWr) and 1 still there 5 Sep¬ tember (BP, AC); a remarkable state-high flock of 10 at Freeman Lake — right along the path of Katrina — (RH) and 1 on Ky Lake near Kenlake SRP, Marshall, (HC), both 31 August; 1 at Barkley Dam, 2 at Smithland Dam, 1 on Lake Barkley at Green Turtle Bay marina, Lyon, and 4+ at Ky Dam, all 4 September (DRo, HC); 4 at Ky Dam and 3 at Smithland Dam 5 Sep¬ tember (DRo); 1 on Ky Lake, Calloway, 9 September (HC et al.); an ad. at Little River 10 September (BP et al.); 5 at Smithland Dam 16 September (DRo) with 1 there 21 September (DRo); 2 at Wolf Creek Dam 25 September (DRo, JR); 3 at Waitsboro (first local record) 26 September (RDn) with 1 still there 27 September (ph.RDn); a record count in one day of 12 in the dams area (5 at Ky Dam; 5 at Smithland Dam; 2 at Bark¬ ley Dam) 27 September (DRo); 2 at Smith- land Dam 4 October (DRo); and a second- year bird at Barren (first local record) 24/25 October (ph.DRo). Franklin’s Gull - all reports are included: a first-year above Ky Dam 30 August (BP, JDu); a first-year at Smithland Dam 4 Sep¬ tember (DRo, HC); a second-year at Smith- land Dam 16 September (DRo); a first-year at Smithland Dam 27 September (DRo); a first-year at Jonathan Creek 4 October (DRo); 2 at Kuttawa 12 October (BP); and 3 ads. at the Falls of the Ohio 16 November (BP). Bonaparte's Gull - earliest reports were for single ads. at Eddyville 24 August (DRo) and Smithland Dam 4 September (HC, DRo); peak counts were low and included ca. 100 on the Ohio River above Union- town Dam, Union, 20 November (CC). Ring-billed Gull - ca. 1500 were in the dams area by 24 August with 450-500 in the vicinity of Ky Dam alone (DRo); one of the larger groups away from the dams area was 400-500 on the Ohio River above Uniontown Dam, Union, 20 November (CC). Herring Gull 4 were already at Barkley Dam 24 August (DRo), with at least 12 ads. nearby at Green Turtle Bay marina, Lyon, by 30 August (BP, JDu); an ad. above Wolf Creek Dam 24 September (DRo) was rel¬ atively unusual for both the time and place. Lesser Black-backed Gull - earliest report was for an ad. on Ky Lake near Ky Dam Village 21 September (DRo); with an ad. at Kuttawa 27 September/4 October (DRo); single ads. at Ky Dam Village beach and Kuttawa, both 13 October (BP, SDu, AM); and an ad. on Lake Barkley near Canton, Trigg, 24 November (KB). Caspian Tern as is becoming the norm, peak counts all came from n. Lake Barkley from the dam to Eddyville, where 250+ were counted 30 August (DRo) and 200+ were in the area 10/21 September (BP et al.) with 190+ still present 27 September (DRo) and 90-100 still there 4 October (DRo); other peak counts were for 12-15 at the Falls of the Ohio 31 August (BP et al.) 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 11 with 16 there 5 September (BP, AC) and 8 at Wolf Creek Dam 3 September (RDn). Common Tern - occurrence peaked during the passage of the remnants of Hurricane Katrina; all reports are included: 20 at Fish¬ ing Creek 29 August (RDn); 75+ on n. ends of Ky Lake and Lake Barkley combined (DRo) and 60 at Rochester (RDn, SDn), both 30 August; 20-25 at the Falls of the Ohio (BP et al.); 3 at Taylorsville Lake, Spencer (AS); and 2 at Barren (DRo), all 31 August; 10 with 4 Forster’s on Lake Cumberland, Russell, 24 September (LM, JCm, KC, et al.); and 10+ above Ky Dam and 10+ at Smithland Dam, both 27 Sep¬ tember (DRo). Forster’s Tern - widespread in small num- ers with other terns during late August and September; peak counts were for 100+ at Jonathan Creek 10 September (BP et al.); 1 10 at Ky Dam 27 September (DRo); and ca. 50 at Kuttawa and 85 above Ky Dam (75 in a raft on the water), both 12 October (BP). Least Tern - late-season nesting continued into August, with juvs. observed at several locations including a small island near Monkeys Eyebrow, Ballard, where ca. 50 flying birds included juvs. and 3 as yet un¬ fledged juvs. were still present 29 August (GB); a mixed gathering of ads. and juvs. numbering up to 25-30 birds was present relatively near to this site at Mitchell Lake into mid-September (m. ob.). Black Tern - it was an excellent fall for the species; all reports are included: 2 at Mit¬ chell Lake 13 August (HC, ME); 5 moving down the Ohio River at Dam #53, Ballard, 17 August (SR); 7 at Paradise 20 August (MS); 1 at Meng's Pond, Warren, 21 August (TD); 60-70 at Laketon (BP, JDu) and 14 at Fishing Creek (RDn), both 29 August; 2 on the Mississippi River opposite Lake No. 9 on 29 August (BP, JDu); 25 on the Ohio River near Grandview, IN, Han¬ cock/Daviess (DA), 8-10 at the Falls of the Ohio (JB, PB, EH, et al.), 8 on the Ohio River at Newport (FR), several above Ky Dam (BP, JDu), 4 on Lake Barkley, Trigg, (DRo), and singles at Fishing Creek, Bar¬ ren, and Paradise (RDn, SDn), all 30 Au¬ gust; a loose flock of at least 66 birds at Markland Dam on the Ohio River, Gallatin (BP), 10 at E.W. Brown (RDn), 10 at Bar¬ ren (DRo), and 2 at Newburgh Dam, Hen¬ derson, (MT, JHo) all 31 August; 14 at Barren 1 September (DRo); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 3 September (BY, MWr); and 1 at Smithland Dam 27 September (DRo). Eurasian Collared-Dove - the only reports of birds in new areas were 2 in Edmonton, Metcalfe, 30 September (SS, BP) and 5-10 n. of Morganfield, Union, throughout the season (CC). Black-billed Cuckoo - the only report was for an imm. at Joe Creason 9 September (BW). Yellow-billed Cuckoo - latest report was for 1 adjacent to J.J. Audubon SP, Hen¬ derson, 7 October (BP). Barn Owl - 1 was observed at Ballard sev¬ eral times during the season (fide CW); 1 was found dead in a bam e. of Dry Ridge, Grant, in late September (fide SV). Short-eared Owl - there were only 2 re¬ ports: a relatively early bird at Sauerheber 22 October (DRo, KOS) and 1 at Sinclair 28 November (BY, MWr). Northern Saw-whet Owl - netting efforts at Surrey Hills Farm yielded captures of 3 birds 10 November and 2 birds 17 Novem¬ ber (MMn, BP, et al.). Common Nighthawk - an impressive flock of ca. 1000 birds was observed at Mt. Zion 31 August (RDn); latest reports were for singles at Elizabethtown, Hardin, 8 Octo¬ ber (SK) and near Mark, Pulaski, 1 1 Octo¬ ber (CN, WN). Whip-poor-will - latest report was for 1 heard in Anderson 17 September (CL). Ruby-throated Hummingbird - most birds departed by the end of the second week in October; latest report was for an injured bird at Shaker Mill to 1 1 November (JR). Rufous Hummingbird - there were 6 re¬ ports during the season (a full summary will appear in the winter season report); an imm. m. banded near Ballardsville, Old¬ ham, 2 October (ph.JDa; MMn, BP); an ad. m. banded at Corbin, Knox, 6 November 12 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 (J&MP, MMn, BP); an imm. m. banded ne. of Georgetown, Scott, (DG, MMn, BP) and an imm. f. banded in ne. Jessamine, (N&JN, MMn, BP), both 22 November; an imm. m. banded near Peytona, Shelby, 23 November (H&MG, MMn, BP); and an ad. m. captured just w. of Owensboro, Daviess, (previously banded in Princeton, IN, two weeks prior), 25 November (JHo, CHu, BP, AC). Rufous Hummingbird, imm. S, Scott late November 2005 Dawn Gottron Yellow-bellied Sapsucker earliest report was for 1 in sw. Jefferson 28 September (CL). Olive-sided Flycatcher the only reports were for singles near Lake No. 9 on 7 Au¬ gust (BY, MWr); at Shawnee Park 19 Sep¬ tember (JB, PB, EH); in e. Jefferson 23 September (BW); and at Lake Cumberland SRP, Russell , 23 September (LAB). Eastern VVood-Pevvee latest report was for 1 at Pulaski County Park 23 October (RDn). Yellow-bellied Flycatcher the only re¬ ports were for singles at Caperton 3 Sep¬ tember (BY, MWr), 5 September (MS, MWm), and 17 September (BY). Willow Flycatcher 1 was still singing at Sinclair 7 August (BLi). Least Flycatcher - earliest report was for 1 at Tom Sawyer 25 August (JB, PB, et al.). Eastern Kingbird - latest report was for 1 at Hays Kennedy 12 September (BW). Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - 2 were still in the vicinity of the nesting area near Grand Rivers, Livingston, 24 August (DRo) with 2 a couple of miles away below Barkley Dam 4 September (HC, DRo) and 1 last ob¬ served near the nesting area 16 September (DRo). Loggerhead Shrike -1 at Cooley's Pond 21 September (RDn) was somewhat uncom¬ mon for Wayne. Bell’s Vireo - latest reports were for singles at Sinclair 7 September (BP, EC) and 8 September (DRo, RDv). Yellow-throated Vireo - latest report was for 1 at Red River Gorge, Powell, 1 5 Octo¬ ber (SM, RB). Blue-headed Vireo - earliest report from a non-breeding area was 1 at Briarwood 27 September (JB, PB); latest report was for 1 at Ano 8 November (RDn). Philadelphia Vireo earliest report was for 1 at Caperton 3 September (BY, MWr); lat¬ est report was for 1 at Mammoth Cave 16 October (JB, PB, et ah). Red-eyed Vireo latest report was for 1 at Red River Gorge, Powell, 15 October (SM, RB). Fish Crow - a noteworthy count of at least 100 was tallied near Laketon 17 August (SR). Purple Martin latest reports were for 5 over Caperton 17 September (BY, MWr) and a very tardy bird at Lake Cumberland SRP, Russell, 24 September (BP, KOS). Tree Swallow - 100+ were still at Barren 24 October (DRo); 90 were still at Thurston’s Pond 25 October (RDn); 60 were still at Fishing Creek 26 October (RDn). Northern Rough-winged Swallow - latest report was for a very tardy bird in the lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton, 28 November (vt.BY, MWr). Barn Swallow - latest reports were for 1 at Van Buren 19 October (BW) and 2 at Thurston's Pond 25 October (RDn). Cliff Swallow latest reports were for an unspecified number at Jonathan Creek 7 October (ME) and singles at Lake Cum- 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 13 berland SRP, Russell , (BP, KOS) and in w. Henderson (CC), both 24 September. Red-breasted Nuthatch - a few birds ar¬ rived earlier than average, but only a mod¬ erate flight resulted; earliest reports were for singles at Surrey Hills Farm 4/18 Sep¬ tember (BP); singles (different birds) at Evergreen Cemetery, Campbell, 5/22 Sep¬ tember (FR); 2 at the Lexington Cemetery 15 September (TH); 1 in Knott in mid-Sep¬ tember (BG); and 1 at Pulaski County Park 28 September (RDn); the species was rela¬ tively widespread by mid-October (m. ob.). Brown Creeper - earliest reports were for singles at Cold Spring Park, Campbell, 27 September (FR) and at Briarwood 28 Sep¬ tember (JB). House Wren - latest report was for 1 at Mt. Zion 6 November (RDn). Winter Wren - earliest reports were for 1 banded at Frankfort 28 September (AS) and singles on the Cathy Crockett Trail (RDn) and at Briarwood (JB, PB), both 29 Sep¬ tember. Sedge Wren - there were an average num¬ ber of reports, all being included: 2 at Sauerheber 2-20 August (CC); 1-2 at Clifty Pond 12 August (RDn); 1 at Green River WMA, Adair, 1 October (RDn); singles observed/heard at Surrey Hills Farm 1 Oc¬ tober (BP), 2 October (BP), 20 October (BP), and 29/30 October (BP); 1 at Hays Kennedy 4 October (JB, PB, et al.) and nearby at Garvin Brown 9 October (BY, MWr) and 17 October (MWm); 1 at Big Bone Lick SP, Boone, 10 October (LM); 2+ including likely calls of fledglings nr. Sonora 1 1 October (BP, BD, SV); and at least 2 at Sauerheber 22 October (DRo, KOS). Marsh Wren - all reports are included: 1 at Shaker Mill 17 September (DRo); 1 at Green River WMA, Adair, 1 October (RDn); 1 heard at Surrey Hills Farm 2 Oc¬ tober (BP) with 2 there 3 October (BP); 1 at Paradise 10 October (DRo); 1 nr. Son¬ ora 1 1 October (BP, BD, SV); 1 at Hays Kennedy 15 October (JB, PB, et al.); at least 3 at Sauerheber 22 October (DRo, KOS); and 1 at Sinclair 19 November (RDn, HC). Golden-crowned Kinglet - earliest report was for a few at Berea College Forest 1 October (SM, RB). Ruby-crowned Kinglet - earliest reports were for singles at Briarwood 27 Septem¬ ber (JB, PB) and at Mt. Zion 29 September (RDn). Swainson's Thrush - earliest reports were for singles at Gunpowder Creek (LM) and near Fisherville, Jefferson, (EH), both 4 September. Wood Thrush - latest report was for I banded at Frankfort 12 October (AS). American Robin - with abundant cedar ber¬ ries and other fruits on trees, the species re¬ mained abundant through the season; a roost of 2500-3000 birds was noted near Seneca Park, Louisville, in early November (BW). American Pipit - earliest reports were for singles at Dayton, Campbell, 25 September (FR) and Jonathan Creek 26 September (ME, HC); peak count was for 90 in War¬ ren 1 8 November (DRo). Cedar Waxwing - it was a good fall for the species, with numerous reports of sizable flocks of migrants, mostly in October and November; peak count was for 300+ in LBL 1 8 November (BLi). Golden-winged Warbler - it was a good fall for the species with numerous reports, all being included: 1 at Shawnee Park 28 August (JB, PB, et al.); 1 at Mt. Zion 1 September (RDn); 1 at Joe Creason (BW) and 3 at Caperton (MS, MWm), both 5 September; 1 at Miles Park 7 September (BW); 1 at Caperton 9 September (JB, PB); 3 at Surrey Hills Farm (BP, AC) and sin¬ gles at Caperton (BY, MW) and Miles Park (BW), all 17 September; 1 at Mammoth Cave 18 September (JB, PB, BBC); and 1 at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace, Larue, 22 September (JB, PB, et al.). The latest report — representing a new late departure date for the state — was for an imm. f. at Pulaski County Park 15 October (RDn, GC). Brewster's Warbler - the only report was for 1 at Briarwood 7 September (JB). 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 Tennessee Warbler - latest reports in¬ cluded 1 at Long Run Park, Jefferson , 4 November (BW) and 2 at Caperton 6 No¬ vember (BY, MWr). Orange-crowned Warbler - earliest reports were for 1 at Briarwood 1 1 September (JB) and 1 in Jefferson 17 September (JB, PB); also reported were 1 found dead under a TV tower at Henderson, Henderson, 7 October (BP); 1 at Green River WMA, Adair, 9 October (SM); singles at Home¬ stead (DRo) and LBL (BLi), both 10 Octo¬ ber; 1 at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski, 16 October (RDn); and 1 at Mt. Zion 30 October (RDn). Nashville Warbler earliest reports were for 1 at Caperton 23 August (JB, PB, et al.); singles at Mt. Zion (RDn), Joe Creason (CB), and Taylorsville Lake, Spencer (BW), all 1 September; and 1 at Shawnee Park 4 September (JB, PB, BBC). Yellow Warbler latest report was for 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 5 September (BP, AC). Chestnut-sided Warbler - earliest reports were for 1 at Mt. Zion 22 August (RDn); 1 at Shawnee Park 23 August (JB, PB, et al.); and 1 at Briarwood 25 August (JB, PB). Magnolia Warbler - earliest reports in¬ cluded singles at Shawnee Park and Cap¬ erton, both 23 August (JB, PB, et al.), and 2 at Tom Sawyer 25 August (JB, PB, EH). Cape May Warbler earliest reports were for singles at Shawnee Park 28 August (JB, PB, et al.) and at Surrey Hills Farm 5 Sep¬ tember (BP, AC); latest report was for 1 at Blackacre 9 October (EH, BBC). Black-throated Blue Warbler - there were a few reports, all being included: an imm f. banded at Frankfort 8 October (AS); an imm. m. banded at Frankfort 10 October (AS); and a f. on the Cathy Crockett Trail 18 October (RDn). Yellow-rumped Warbler - earliest reports were for singles at South Williamson, Pike, 24 September (JCr); and at Briarwood 27 September (JB, PB). Black-throated Green Warbler - latest re¬ port was for I at Caperton 5 November (MS). Blackburnian Warbler - earliest reports were for 1 at Caperton 21 August (BY, MWr); 2-3 at Tom Sawyer 25 August (JB, PB, EH); and singles at Joe Creason (EH, BBC) and Caperton (BY, MWr), both 27 August. Prairie Warbler - latest reports were for 1 at Berea College Forest 1 October (TH, ASK) and a very tardy bird at Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln, 12 November (ph.RDn, SBC). Palm Warbler - earliest report was for 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 17 September (BP, AC); latest reports were for singles at Garvin Brown 19 November (EH, BBC), Mt. Zion 22 November (RDn), and Sauerheber 26 November (BP, AC). Bay-breasted Warbler earliest reports in¬ cluded 1 at Mt. Zion 1 September (RDn) and singles at Middle Creek Park, Boone, (LM, NKBC) and Caperton (MS, MWm), both 5 September. Blackpoll Warbler there were two re¬ ports: 1 banded at Frankfort 15 October (ph.AS) and 1 on the Cathy Crockett Trail 18 October (*RDn); the latter represented a new late departure date for the state. Cerulean Warbler infrequently seen as a fall migrant, 1 at Caperton 21 August (BY, MWr) was of interest. Worm-eating Warbler latest report was for 1 at Shaker Mill 28 September (DRo). Louisiana Waterthrush relatively unus¬ ual for the time of year were singles at Shallow Flats, Cave Run Lake, Rowan, 7 August (DP) and Pumphouse Pond, Pul¬ aski, 8 August (RDn). Connecticut Warbler there was one re¬ port of this rare fall migrant: 1 at Mam¬ moth Cave 16 October (JB, PB, et al.). Mourning Warbler there were several reports, all being included: singles at Joe Creason 27 August (EH, BBC) and 1 Sep¬ tember (CB); singles at Caperton (MS) and Shawnee Park (JB, PB, et al.), both 28 August; singles at Caperton 5 September (MS, MWm) and 17 September (BY, MWr); and 1 at Briarwood 29 September (JB, PB). 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 15 Common Yellowthroat - 1 adjacent to J.J. Audubon SP, Henderson, was rather late 26 November (BP, AC). Hooded Warbler - latest reports were for an imm. at Blackacre 8 October (EH); an ad. f. banded at Frankfort 10 October (AS); and an ad. m. banded at Frankfort 12 Octo¬ ber (AS). Wilson's Warbler - earliest reports were for 1 at Joe Creason 27 August (EH, BBC) and 1 at Shawnee Park 28 August (JB, PB, et al.). Canada Warbler - earliest reports were for 1 at Mt. Zion 22 August (RDn); 1 at Cap- erton 23 August (JB, PB, et ah); and 3-6 at Caperton 27 August (BY, MWr); latest report was for 1 at the Lexington Cemetery 1 8 September (TH). Yellow-breasted Chat - latest report was for 1 at Tom Dorman SNP, Garrard, 21 September (BP). Summer Tanager - latest report was for a f. at Murray, Calloway, 17 October (ME). Spotted Towhee - the m. that has been present in w. McCracken the last two win¬ ters was found at the same spot 27 October (SR) and seen again 30 November (SR). American Tree Sparrow - earliest report was for 1 at Bemheim Forest 26 November (EH, BBC). Chipping Sparrow - a flock of 60 was still in w. Pidaski 1 November (RDn); 1 was still at Taylorsville Lake, Spencer, 19 No¬ vember (BW); and at least 5 remained through November at Pleasant Hill Church Road (BLi, PL). Clay-colored Sparrow - 2 were reported at Garvin Brown 15 October (*MWm). KBRC review required. Vesper Sparrow - earliest report was for a very early individual at Bemheim Forest 17 August (*JB, PB, BBC); also reported dur¬ ing normal migratory period were 1 at Bur¬ lington, Boone, 8 October (LM); 1 at Ano 16 October (RDn); 1 at Garvin Brown 17 October (BW); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 18 October (BP); 1 at Cliffy Pond 30 October (RDn); 1 at Homestead and 2 at Sinclair, both 3 1 October (DRo); 2 at Boston 3 No¬ vember (BP, AS); and 4 at Cliffy Pond 6 November (RDn). Savannah Sparrow - earliest report was for I at Fishing Creek 8 September (RDn). Grasshopper Sparrow - latest reports in¬ cluded 1 at Ballard 29 September (SR); 2 at Sinclair 10 October (DRo); 6+ nr. Sonora II October (BD, BP, SV); and 1 at Mt. Zion 20 October (RDn). Henslow’s Sparrow - at least 7 were still in song at Clifty Pond 9 August (RDn) and 1 was still singing at Sinclair 7 September (BP, AC); latest reports were for I at Sin¬ clair 10 October (DRo); 3+ at a breeding site nr. Sonora 1 1 October (BD, BP, SV); 1 at Sauerheber 22 October (DRo, KOS); and 1 at Clifty Pond 30 October (ph.RDn). Le Conte’s Sparrow - there were a few re¬ ports, all being included: a juv. at Hays Kennedy 15 October (JB, PB, et ah; ph. KT); at least 5 at Sauerheber 22 October (ph.DRo, KOS); and 1 at Boston 3 Novem¬ ber (BP, AS). Le Conte's Sparrow (juv.), Jefferson 1 5 October 2005 Kevin Thompson Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow there was an above-average number of reports this fall, all being included: 1 at Hays Kennedy 3-6 October (MWm) with perhaps a different bird there 16 October (BY et ah); 1 at Homestead 10 October (DRo); 2 at Boston 1 1 October (BP, BD); and an im¬ pressive peak count of at least 6 at Sauer¬ heber 22 October (ph.DRo, KOS). 16 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Fox Sparrow - earliest reports were for 1 at Mark, Pulaski, 16 October (CN); 2 at C 1 i tty Pond 19 October (RDn) and 2 at Sauer- heber 22 October (DRo, KOS). Lincoln’s Sparrow - earliest report was for 1 at Shaker Mill 27 September (DRo); lat¬ est report was for 1 at Clifty Pond 6 No¬ vember (RDn). Swamp Sparrow earliest report was for 2 at Sauerheber 1 October (CC). White-throated Sparrow - earliest reports were for unusually early birds at St. Mat¬ thews 6 & 12 August (BW); next earliest were singles at Gunpowder Creek 3 Sep¬ tember (LM) and at Jefferson Memorial Forest, Jefferson, 2 October (BJ, BBC). White-crowned Sparrow - earliest reports were for singles at St. Matthews 28 Sep¬ tember (BW) and Florseshoe Bend, Hen¬ derson, 7 October (BP). Dark-eyed Junco - earliest reports were for 1 at Wolf Creek Dam 24 September (DRo, JR) and 2 at Berea College Forest 1 Oc¬ tober (SM, RB). Lapland Longspur - earliest report was for at least 1 in Warren 18 November (DRo); also reported were 2 near Monkey’s Eye¬ brow, Ballard, 29 November (SR) and 70+ in Warren 30 November (DRo). Rose-breasted Grosbeak - earliest report was for 1 at Gunpowder Creek, which is not far from Middle Creek Park where the species has been found summering on a few occasions, 3 September (LM, NKBC). Blue Grosbeak - latest report was for a family group at Miles Park 7 October (BW). Vol. 82 Dickcissel - latest report was for 1 at Bal¬ lard 10 September (BP, MS). Bobolink - there were several reports in¬ cluding singles at Surrey Hills Farm 4 Sep¬ tember (BP), 5 September (BP, AC), 17 September (BP), 1 October (BP), and 20 October (BP) with 1 lingering to 30 Octo¬ ber (BP), a new late departure date for the state; also reported were 3 at Boston 1 1 October (BP, BD). Eastern Meadowlark - 2 at Surrey Hills Farm 7 October (BP) had not been present in previous days and likely represent a typical early arrival date for fall migrants. Brewer’s Blackbird - earliest report was for a bird seen/heard at Sauerheber 22 October (DRo, BP, KOS); 2 along Schuler lane, sw. Oldham, 6 November (MWm) were the first in the Louisville area in several years; also reported was an impres¬ sive group of 53 near Oscar, Ballard, 20 November (BY, MWr) with 21 there 29 November (SR). Purple Finch - a small to moderate flight occurred; earliest reports were for singles at Shaker Mill (DRo) and Surrey Hills Farm (BP), both 28 October. Pine Siskin there was only a modest flight documented; earliest reports were for sin¬ gles at Sauerheber 22 October (DRo, KOS) and Mt. Zion 29 October (RDn). Addition to Fall 2004 report: Clay-colored Sparrow 1 was noted with a tlock of Chipping Sparrows in a yard near Hardin, Marshall, 5 November (*MI). KBRC review required. Observers: David Ayer (DA); Lou Anne Barriger (LAB); Mary Bill Bauer (MB); Tom & Colleen Becker (T&C’B); Jane Bell (JB); Pat Bell (PB); Carol Besse (CB); Tom Biebighauser (TB); David Brinkman (DB); Karon Broadbent (KB); Rhonda Bryant (RB); Gerald Burnett (GB); Joe Caminiti (JCm); Kathy Caminiti (KC); Granville Carey (GC); Joan Carr (JCr); Hap Chambers (HC); Elizabeth Ciuzio (EC); Amy Covert (AC); Charlie Crawford (CC); Lloyd Curry (LC); Brian Davidson (BD); John Davidson (JDa); Julie Denton (JDn); Roseanna Denton (RDn); Steve Denton (SDn); Robert Dever (RDv); Shauna Dunham (SDu); Jon Dunn (JDu); Tom Durbin (TD); Melissa Easley (ME); Les Estep (LE); Bett Etenohan (BE); Alan Goldstein (AG); Rod Goforth (RG); Brad Goodrich (BG); Dawn Gottron (DG); Heidi & Mark Gregg (H&MG); Lana Hays (LH); Richard Healy (RH); Amber Heramb (AH); Carter Hooks (CHo); Ian Horn (IH); Tim Houghton (TH); Janet Howard (JHo); Eddie Huber (EH); Jennifer Huber (JHu); Cathie 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 17 Hutcheson (CHu); Marshall Iliff (MI); Bob Johnson (BJ); Linda King (LK); Janet Kistler (JK); Steve Kistler (SK); Mike Larimore (ML); Celia Lawrence (CL); Betty Leggett (BLe); Ken Leggett (KL); Bill Lisowsky (BLi); Paula Lisowsky (PL); Alice Mandt (AM); Scott Marsh (SM); Lee McNeely (LM); Mark Monroe (MMn); Mike Morton (MMr); Connie Neeley (CN); Wendell Neeley (WN); Nell & John Newton (N&JN); Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP); David Patrick (DP); Larry Peavler (LP); June Ann & Michael Perkins (J&MP); Nicole Ranalli (NR); Diana Ratliff (DRa); Scott Record (SR); Frank Renfrow (FR); David Roemer (DRo); Joan Roemer (JR); Adam Smith (AS); Bob Snow (BS); Stephen Stedman (SS); Matt Stickel (MS); David Svetich (DS); Kevin Thompson (KT); Marilee Thompson (MT); Jackie Van Willigen (JV); Shawchyi Vorisek (SV); Mary Walter (MWr); Major Waltman (MWm); Charlie Wilkins (CW); Jeff Wilson (JW); Barbara Woerner (BW); Ben Yandell (BY); Mike Yandell (MY); Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK); Beckham Bird Club (BBC); Ky Ornithological Society (KOS); Northern Ky Bird Club (NKBC); Somerset Bird Club (SBC). MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT 2005-2006 Reports of 28 counts and one partial count were received from across the Common¬ wealth. A total of 140 species was recorded on count days with two additional species reported during count week only. Seventeen species were observed on all counts, and seventeen species were observed on only one count during count days. Temperatures were fairly mild on average throughout the count period, with a slight dip during December 20 and 21. The low temperature was 8°F at Otter Creek 20 December 20 and the high temperature 64°F at Ballard County 27 December. The pattern of tem¬ peratures was much like last year's pattern. The variety and number of waterfowl were also similar to last year's. Cackling Geese were observed again this year. After a steady increase for several years. Wild Turkey numbers were down by almost half. The number of American White Pelicans was also down considerably. Raptor numbers were similar to last year's numbers. Gull numbers were also much lower compared with last year's. It was good to see the number of Red-headed Woodpeckers increase approximately three times com¬ pared with last year's number. The presence of abundant food crops, cedar berries, and mast accounted for dramatically increased numbers of some species, such as Blue Jays, Cedar Waxwings, and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Blackbird numbers were off this year. Nice finds for the count were numerous and included Great Egrets (Land Between the Lakes), American Bittern (Paradise), Merlin during the count week (Wayne County), Virginia Rails (Paradise), Rufous Hummingbirds (Louisville and Lexington), Blue-headed Vireo (Green River Lake), Sedge Wrens (Ballard County), Marsh Wrens (Paradise and Somerset), Blue- gray Gnatcatcher (Lexington), Mourning Warbler (Land Between the Lakes), Spotted Tow- hees (Hart County and Kentucky portion of Mermet, IL), Grasshopper Sparrow (Paradise), Vesper Sparrow (Calloway County), and Indigo Bunting (Somerset). 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 1984). Habitat as described in 1984. Dec 27; 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST; Sky mostly cloudy. Temp. 3 1° to 64°F; wind S 5-20 m.p.h. Water open. Two observers in one to two parties. Total party hours 16 (6 on foot, 10 by car). Total party-miles 122 (2 on foot, 120 by car). Hours owling 1.75. Total species 87; total individuals 56,082. Observers: Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler) and Scott Record. 18 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 The species total was lower this year mostly due to two factors: lower level of par¬ ticipation and lower number of waterfowl species. Highlights were a flock of American White Pelicans, 5 species of geese, 2 Sedge Wrens in different locations on and adjacent to the West Kentucky WMA, McCracken County, and at least 2 Le Conte's Sparrows on the Ballard WMA. The male Spotted Towhee, observed earlier in the month where it had been present on the previous year's count, could not be found on count day. Red-headed Wood¬ pecker numbers were back up from a near absence the previous winter. Mast (acorns and hickory nuts) and berries (most notably sugarberry fruits) appeared to be in good supply. One of the Red-tailed Hawks was a light morph B.j. calurus. Calloway County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Douglas Cem¬ etery.) Habitat 20% lake shoreline and streams, 35% open fields, 30% urban and residential, and 1 5% deciduous and pine woods. Dec. 31; 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 39° to 52°F; wind SW, 4-9 m.p.h. Seven observers in four parties. Total party-hours 26.5 (4.0 on foot, 22.5 by car). Total party-miles 174.5 (2.5 on foot, 172.0 by car). Total species 92; total individuals 6,944. Observers: Hap Chambers (compiler), Kathy Cohen, Joe Tom Erwin, Kathy Mowery, Carl Mowery, Charles Mercer, and Wendell Webb. There were 5 adult and 2 immature Bald Eagles. 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. 17; 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy to cloudy; temp. 28° to 47°F; wind, NW, 8-10 m.p.h. Twenty observers in seven parties. Total party-hours 52 (10 on foot, 42 by car). Total party-miles 382 (1 1 on foot, 371 by car). Total species 92; total individuals 16,644. Observers: Jami Caroll, Karen Clement, Bobby Deggendorf, Joe Tom Erwin, Donald Gladdis, Adam Green, Heather Guilderson, Patrick Holcomb, Bill Lisowsky, Paula Lisow- sky, Carl Mowery (compiler), Kathryn Mowery, John Polpeter, Darrin Samborski, Wendell Webb, Kelly Wehrheim, Amy White, Daniel White, Steve White, and Aviva Yasgur. There were 18 adult and 14 immature Bald Eagles counted this year. The Great Egrets had been hanging around in the area for several weeks before the count, usually in their group of three. The Mourning Warbler was a fantastic find in the Jonathan Creek area, near the airstrip. This bird was very sharply colored and behaved just the way a Mourning Warbler should. I got to see this bird for about 60-90 seconds as it jumped about in a clump of brush. After it dropped back into the grass and lower brush, it never appeared again. Sorgho (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Hwy. 279-S and Audubon Parkway intersection.) Habitat river, river bottoms, woods, com field, and county park. Dec. 17; 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 33°F; wind calm. Seven observers in four parties. Total party-hours 20.5 (6.0 on foot, 14.5 by car). Total party-miles 232.5 (3.5 on foot, 229.0 by car). Total species 49; total individuals 6,029. Observers: Pat Augenstein, Joe Ford, Mike Henshaw, Janet Howard (compiler), Ken Hurm, Mary Kissel, and Charles Morris. 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 hab¬ itat includes blocks of deciduous woods, fencerows, pasture, grown-up fields, developed areas, and open water. Dec. 27; 6:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., with 1 hour 10 minutes owling. Sky mostly clear with brief periods of partly cloudy; temp. 27° to 63°F; wind, S, 0-23 m.p.h. Three observers in two parties, with one feeder watcher. Total party-hours 18.25 (5.00 on foot, 13.25 by car). Total party-miles 180.8 (3.0 on foot, 177.8 by car). Total species 75; total individuals 6,440. Observers: Mark Bennett (compiler), Frank Lyne, and David Roemer. Feeder watcher: Alison Lyne. 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 19 Previous weather had been unseasonably warm allowing most bodies of water to remain unfrozen. Shallow bodies had a thin sheen of ice and associated muddy shores were frozen. However, unseasonably dry weather led to very few potholes and low water levels in some ponds. The warm windy weather reduced bird numbers available for observation. For the second consecutive time, two parties were utilized and a record number of species was recorded. A Greater Scaup, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and a Red-shouldered Hawk were recorded for the first time in this count. Other nice records for this count included 580 American Pipits, 2 Greater White-fronted Geese, 5 Wood Ducks, 4 Eastern Phoebes, and a Brown Thrasher. Paradise (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described 1993). Hab¬ itat as described in 1993. Jan 1; 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST. Mostly cloudy. Temp. 29° to 60°F; wind S 5-15 m.p.h. Water open. Nine observers in six parties. Total party hours 48.50 (23.75 on foot, 24.75 by car). Total party-miles 194 (17 on foot, 177 by car). Hours owling: 4.5. Total species 96; total individuals 27,641 . Observers: Mary Bill Bauer, Mark Bennett, Amy Covert, Roseanna Denton, Steve Denton, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler). Matt Stickel, Major Waltman, and Barbara Woemer. The species total set a new count record, eclipsing the old one of 95 attained in 1998- 1999. The biggest gaps in the day list were for waterfowl (with several species of dabbling and diving ducks missing). Rarity highlights included a Ross’s Goose and Greater White- fronted Geese in Ohio County; an American Bittern and at least 3 Virginia Rails at the same marshy areas in Muhlenberg County where they have been reported on previous counts; two flocks of Sandhill Cranes; 2 Marsh Wrens in marshy vegetation on the Gibraltar Mine; at least 2 Le Conte’s Sparrows in widely separated areas in Muhlenberg County; and a count-first Grasshopper Sparrow in the company of a flock of Savannah Sparrows on the Gibraltar Mine. The total of only 2 Short-eared Owls represents the lowest number ever tallied for this count. One of the Red-tailed Hawks was a light morph B.j. calurus. Bowling Green (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Three Springs, 6 miles south of Bowling Green.) Habitat deciduous woods 20%, fields and pastures 60%, and town and parks 20%. Dec. 21; 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sky sunny to partly cloudy; temp. 15° to 42°F; wind SW 7 m.p.h. Six observers in three parties. Total party-hours 25.5 (6.0 on foot, 19.5 by car). Total party-miles 202 (4 on foot, 198 by car). Total species 70; total individuals 10, 1 12. Observers: Lester Doyle, Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Ian Mason, McKenzie Mason, Wayne Mason, and David Roemer. Glasgow (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1986.) Habitat as described in 1986. Dec. 31; 6:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Sky overcast to partly cloudy to overcast; temp. 36° to 55°F; wind WSW 5-10 m.p.h. Three observers in three parties. Total party-hours 21.75 (13.00 on foot, 8.75 by car). Total party-miles 122 (9.5 on foot, 1 12.5 by car). Total species 57; total individuals 1,490. Observers: Marquita Gillenwater, Wayne Mason (compiler), and Billie Mae Moore. Mammoth Cave National Park (Center and habitat as described in 1980). Dec. 18; 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sky clear to partly cloudy; temp. 29° to 42°F; wind N, 5 m.p.h. Three observers in two parties. Total party-hours 17 (5 on foot, 12 by car). Total party- miles 1 15.5 (5 on foot, 1 10.5 by car). Total species 50; total individuals 1,867. Observers: Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Albert Meier, and Wayne Mason. An excellent, close up view of an adult Bald Eagle at First Creek was the highlight of the count. The weather couldn’t have been any nicer. 20 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 Otter Creek Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described 1972). Habitat as described in 2001. Dec 20; 8:00 a.nt. to 5:30 p.m. Cloudy; temp. 8° to 32° F; wind WSW 0-10 m.p.h. Water mostly frozen. Five observers in three parties. Total party hours 20 (4 on foot, 16 by car). Total party- miles 164.5 (2.0 on foot, 162.5 by car). Total species 68; total individuals 14,61 1. Observers: Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Eddie Huber, and Brainard Palmer- Ball, Jr. (compiler). The species count was slightly below average for this count. Highlights of the day in¬ cluded two count-firsts found in rural farmland northeast of Flaherty: a flock of 25 Eurasian Collared-Doves sitting with Mourning Doves in a tree out in the middle of a large cornfield and a Le Conte’s Sparrow in the company of a large group of Savannah Sparrows in a low area with an abundance of foxtail and weeds. Other nice finds included a Palm Warbler and several small groups of Purple Finches. Perhaps thousands of American Robins were followed to a roost site south of Brandenburg in the evening. Doe Valley Lake had most of the waterbirds. The Bald Eagle was observed at its nest on the Indiana shoreline of the Ohio River. A good supply of natural food crops appeared to be responsible for a return to more- normal numbers of Blue Jays and berry-eaters. Bernheim Forest (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described 1974). Habitat as described in 1974. Dec 23; 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mostly clear; temp. 32 to 54°F; wind SW 5-20 m.p.h. Water partly open. Seventeen observers in five parties. Total party hours 32.50 (15.75 on foot, 16.75 by car). Total party-miles 200 (8 on foot, 192 by car). Total species 71; total individuals 10,274. Observers: Bonnie Avery, Mary Bill Bauer, Bruce Bardin, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Dona Coates, Amy Covert, Bill Friel, Carol Friedman, Paul Hagar, Eddie Huber, Celia Lawrence, Aurilla Lesley, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Mitch Sturgeon, Shawchyi Vorisek, and Barbara Woerner. The species count was slightly above average thanks mostly to above-average coverage. Highlights of the day included a Ross’s Goose with Canada Geese near Boston, a flock of 23 Mute Swans on Lake Nevin, 2 adult Bald Eagles and 2 Golden Eagles at their traditional area along the Forest’s southern boundary, 8 Eastern Phoebes, and at least a dozen Chipping Sparrows with a mixed flock of sparrows near Lebanon Junction. The Blue Jay total was back up to relatively normal (390) after tallying only ONE the previous year. Natural food crops were in good supply — especially cedar fruits — so berry-eating species were also back up to normal numbers. 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. 18; 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky partly cloudy to cloudy; temp. 28° to 40°F; wind N, 7 m.p.h. Water partly open. Thirty-four observers in 10 parties. Total party-hours 79.25 (32.25 on foot, 47.00 by car). Total party-miles 387 (22 on foot, 365 by car). 1.75 hours feeder-watching; 6.75 hours and 29.5 miles owling. Total species 87; total individuals 53,404. Observers: Garrett Adams, Win Ahrens, Mary Bill Bauer, Tom Becker, Jane Bell and Pat Bell (compilers), Carol Besse, Sandy Brue, Anne Caudill, Dona Coates, Colleen Craven-Becker, Rod Goforth, Charles Hatten, Mark Homback, Eddie Huber, Jennifer Huber, Bob Johnson, Frank Krull, John Krull, Aurilla Lesley, Fred Mansmith, Doxie Noonan, Bill Parsley, Martha Pike, Janice Raia, Tim Ritter, Jeff Sells, Carol Stallard, Jack Still, Scottie Theiss, Mary Walter, Major Waltman, Barbara Woerner, and Ben Yandell. The 34 participants counted 87 species on a mild day with light winds and partly cloudy sky. Our total individual count was high due to a large number of European Starlings in the count area. Unexpected finds were a Short-eared Owl in southern Indiana and 2 Tundra Swans that flew over Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve. This is the second 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 21 year in a row that we have had a Rufous Hummingbird in the count circle. Thanks to all who took part in the Louisville count. Shelbyville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.75 miles south of U.S. 60 and Guist Creek Lake on KY 714.) Habitat elevation 640’- 1 190’, farm-land, fallow land, suburban, wooded and grassland. Dec. 31; 7:50 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy early, sunny after that. 35° to 48°F; wind S, 20 m.p.h. Eight observers in three parties. Total party-hours 33 (3 on foot, 30 by car). Total party-miles 275 (2 on foot, 273 by car). Total species 42; total individuals 2,887. Observers: Heather Brown, Iris Brown, Joan Brown, Savannah Brown, Seth Brown, Todd Brown, W.H. Brown (compiler), and Cathy King. For some reason birds were somewhat scarce. Hart County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center comer of Craddock Road and Jaggers Lane.) Habitat rural farmland and wooded areas, including Green River and 100 Acre Pond. Dec. 19; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 21°to 30°F; wind light and variable. Eleven observers in three parties. Total party-hours 12 (7 on foot, 5 by car). Total party-miles 102 (3 on foot, 99 by car). Total species 65; total individuals 3,085. Observers: Bonnie Avery, Bruce Bardin, John Brittain, Lisa Brittain, Carol Friedman, Dan Givens, Janet Kistler, Steve Kistler (compiler), Cap Middleton, Mitchell Sturgeon, and Randy Sullivan. The Spotted Towhee was a new species record for this count. It was observed before and after the count date, but not on December 19. Upton (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.5 miles south of Hilltop or 5 miles southwest of Millerstown, eastern Grayson County.) Habitat is woodland, farmland, river and Nolin Reservoir. Dec. 30; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; temp. 35° to 42°F; wind W, 5-10 m.p.h. Nine observers in one party. Total party-hours 11 (5 on foot, 6 by car). Total party- miles 75 (2 on foot, 73 by car). Total species 60; total individuals 1 1,538. Observers: Bonnie Avery, Brace Bardin, John Brittain (compiler), Lisa Brittain, Carol Friedman, Dan Givens, Janet Kistler, Steve Kistler, and Tony Smith. 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. Dec. 28; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 50° to 58°F; wind 5-40 m.p.h. Thunderstorms with lightning and hail. Four observers in three parties. Total party-hours 21 (10 on foot, 11 by car). Total party-miles 128 (5 on foot, 123 by car). Total species 76; total individuals 4,234. Observers: Lloyd Curry (compiler), Roseanna Denton, Richie Kessler, and Brainard Palmer-Ball. Feeder watcher: Betty Wilcoxson. The weather was variable with a lot of wind, rain, lightning and hail. There were very few waterfowl on Green River Lake. The highlight of the count was the Blue-headed Vireo observed with a mixed-species flock of small passerines in a forested area near the dam. Frankfort (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 38°N by 84°W.) Habitat as described in 1977. Dec. 17; 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky cloudy to partly cloudy; temp. 24° to 43 °F; wind ENE, 0-5 m.p.h. Thirteen observers in eight parties, plus two at feeders. Total party-hours 37.00 (18.25 on foot, 18.75 by car). Total party-miles 246 (25 on foot, 221 by car). Total species 58; total individuals 3,823. (continued on page 30) 22 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 2005-2006 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowling Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat. Park Otter Creek Park Bemheim Forest Louisville Greater White-fronted Goose 1200 - - - 2 5 - - - - - - Ross's Goose 2 - - - - 1 - - - - 1 - Snow Goose 6800 8 - - - 13 - - - - - 17 Canada Goose 4100 280 331 151 171 781 320 - - 16 1112 1514 Cackling Goose 1 1 - - - - 7 cw - - - - - Mute Swan - - - - - 6 - - - - 23 3 Tundra Swan - - - - - - - - - - - 2 Wood Duck 9 2 - - 5 2 - - - - - 35 Gadwall 125 69 349 - 4 49 4 - 34 - 17 66 American Wigeon 100 - 19 - - 4 - - - 1 - 19 American Black Duck 10 4 3 10 4 18 1 1 - 27 - - 13 Mallard 4000 189 307 51 80 407 266 - 5 59 94 870 Blue-winged Teal - - - - - - - - - - - Northern Shoveler 50 18 54 - - - - - - - - 1 Northern Pintail 100 - 6 - - - 1 - - - - - Green-winged Teal 20 8 94 6 - 1 1 - - - - 5 8 Canvasback 1 - 157 - - - - - - - - 9 Redhead - - 1 - - - - - - - - 7 Ring-necked Duck 8 252 25 - 147 3 7 - - 2 591 Greater Scaup - 12 509 - 1 - - - - - - 1 Lesser Scaup 10 50 4651 - - 1 6 - - - - 13 Bufflehead - 17 223 - - 1 1 - - - - 9 Common Goldeneye - 30 78 - - - - - - - - - Hooded Merganser 105 25 124 - - 1 5 - - - 28 Common Merganser - 8 3 - - - - - - - - - Red-breasted Merganser - - 30 - - - - - - - - - Ruddy Duck 1 58 51 - - - 2 - - - - - duck species - - 450 - - - - - - - - - Ruffed Grouse - - - - - - - - - - - - Wild Turkey 14 - - - 4 6 51 - 2 3 67 - Northern Bobwhite 16 1 2 - 1 2 - - - - - - Common Loon - 1 3 - - 2 - - - - - - Pied-billed Grebe - 14 34 - 2 55 CW 1 - 4 2 16 Homed Grebe - 5 13 - - - - - - - - Double-crested Cormorant - 11 207 - - - - - - 2 - 39 American White Pelican 10 254 20 - - - - - - - - - American Bittern - - - - - 1 - - - - - - Great Blue Heron 19 52 179 8 7 32 16 7 1 3 6 52 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 23 | Shelbyville Hart County 1 Upton Green River Lake Frankfort 1 Kleber WMA I Danville I Lexington Burlington 1 Warsaw Falmouth I Richmond 1 Somerset Wayne County Natural Bridge Dewey Lake ! Mermet Lake (K.Y portion) | Total 1207 4 - - - - 1 - - 3 - - - 5 - 1 - - - 6848 311 50 96 180 548 69 424 1683 203 782 35 269 126 238 - - - 13790 - - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 - - - - - - - - CW - - - 1 7 - - - 40 - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 - 10 cw 1 - - 9 - - 2 - - - - - - - 75 - - - - - - 13 43 - 6 - 1 25 120 - 7 - 932 - - - - - - 2 - - - - 14 - 23 - - - 182 - 3 - 2 3 - 8 1 24 39 9 9 6 12 - - - 216 1 81 25 60 136 - 1096 712 65 361 7 353 255 358 - - - 9838 - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - 2 - - 12 - 2 - 49 CW - - - - 188 - - - - - - 1 - - - - - 1 - - - - 109 - - - - - - 11 - - - - 12 - 21 - - - 196 - - - 10 - - - - - 3 9 3 - 2 - - - 194 - - - - - - - 3 - - - - - 2 - - - 13 - - - 11 - - 3 3 - - - 26 13 ii - - - 1102 - - - 3 - - - - - - - - - i - - - 527 - - - 15 - - - 1 - 7 1 45 - - - 1 - 4801 - - - 30 - - 2 25 - - - 6 2 5 - - - 321 - - - 1 - - - 4 - 9 - - - - - - - 122 - - - 26 - - - 225 7 6 - 2 39 11 - - 1 605 - - - - - - - - - i - - - - - - - 12 1 - 31 - - - 2 - - - 56 - - - 5 2 1 - - - 178 - 450 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 - - 4 - 94 29 - - 65 8 9 8 52 55 13 - 11 CW - - 491 - 1 - - - - - 1 5 - - 1 16 - - - - 46 - - - 8 - - - - - - 1 2 - 2 - 1 - 20 - - - 18 - - - 10 - 2 34 1 20 6 - 11 - 230 - - - 7 1 4 - - - 30 - - - - - - - - - 2 1 - - - - - - 262 - - 284 - - - 1 8 5 7 8 19 1 15 50 10 16 4 9 16 1 1 - 6 1 568 24 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 2005-2006 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowling Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat. Park Otter Creek Park Bemheim Forest Louisville Great Egret - - 3 - - - - - - - - - Black-crowned Night-Heron 5 Black Vulture - 22 - - 39 34 CW 8 - 16 7 20 Turkey Vulture - 69 - - 35 6 2 2 2 10 8 38 Bald Eagle 17 7 32 - - 1 - - 1 1 2 Northern Harrier 4 1 - 1 1 21 cw - - 4 i 3 Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 - - - - 2 cw 1 1 - 6 4 Cooper's Hawk cw - - - 2 3 3 - 1 1 3 14 Accipiter species - - - - - - - - - - 1 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 7 8 12 - 1 8 - 1 1 2 13 24 Red-tailed Hawk 21 9 12 27 16 26 22 2 2 17 1 1 44 Rough-legged Hawk - - - - - 4 - - - - - - Golden Eagle - - - - - - - - - - 2 - American Kestrel 16 1 1 4 38 33 23 25 2 - 29 22 14 Peregrine Falcon - 1 - - - - - - - - - - Virginia Rail - - - - - 3 - - - - - - American Coot - 150 1371 - - 75 25 - - 6 - 8 Sandhill Crane - - - - - 18 - - - - - - Killdeer 9 235 75 2 9 22 21 4 - - 28 16 Wilson's Snipe 2 - 3 - 1 - 2 - - - - - i American Woodcock - - Least Sandpiper - 19 2 - - - - - - - - - Dunlin - - 7 - - - - - - - - - Bonaparte's Gull 20 565 728 - - - - 14 - - - - Ring-billed Gull 250 360 1740 - - 3 1 346 - - - 397 Herring Gull 1 8 62 1 - - - - - - - 1 Thayer's Gull - - 3 - - - - - - - - Lesser Black-backed Gull - Rock Pigeon 10 15 47 5 57 12 733 37 - 43 34 1305 Eurasian Collared-Dove - 8 - 3 1 - - - - 25 - - j Mourning Dove 61 180 12 96 187 126 475 26 4 51 81 579 Bam Owl - 1 - - - - - - - - - - Eastern Screech-Owl 3 I - - 2 7 - - - - 1 6 Great Homed Owl - 2 - - CW 13 1 - - - - 8 Barred Owl 5 2 1 1 2 6 1 - - - - - Short-eared Owl - - - - CW 2 - - - - - 1 Rufous Hummingbird - - - - - - - - - - - 1 Belted Kingfisher 1 6 11 2 6 16 3 2 - 1 3 18 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 25 Shelbyville Hart County Upton i Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Burlington Warsaw Falmouth Richmond | Somerset | Wayne County ! Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Mermet Lake (KY portion) Total 3 - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 6 37 1 34 12 165 88 5 250 32 - 2 1 39 20 3 - - 835 13 5 179 7 49 88 28 85 15 - - 4 12 16 CW - - 673 - - - 2 - - 1 - - 1 2 - 1 1 - - - 69 - 1 3 1 - - 3 - - - - - 3 3 - 4 1 55 cw 2 CW - 1 - - 3 1 1 - - 1 - - - - 25 1 1 3 1 2 - 8 9 3 3 3 4 4 4 - - 1 74 2 1 1 - - 6 I - 9 1 - 10 - 3 - - 2 2 5 1 - - 1 112 23 10 5 7 22 - 37 12 1 1 13 13 26 25 10 cw 2 8 433 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 - - - 6 2 33 15 17 28 3 14 33 29 7 16 16 55 65 54 cw 2 2 606 - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - 2 3 - - - 30 1 - 2 48 1 29 19 16 1 8 - 6 - 1796 - 75 6 cw - CW - 70 3 - 65 - 96 - 7 - - - 334 CW 11 6 5 5 - 1 8 1 7 3 8 32 13 - 5 - 526 - 3 - - - - 1 5 - - - 1 9 4 - - - 31 i - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - 21 7 - - 8 29 - - - - - 10 - - 27 313 - - - 1714 - - 1 833 - - 37 12 200 540 200 - 40 33 - - 130 5123 - - - - - - - - 1 1 3 - - - - - - 78 - - 3 1 1 46 12 9 113 360 14 571 678 - 75 75 11 227 10 - 9 3 4511 - 37 236 308 224 157 82 65 445 337 89 61 206 208 400 87 3 15 40 4841 - - • - 1 - 1 - - - - - CW - 2 - 1 4 4 - - - 32 - 2 CW - 1 - 2 2 - 3 - - 1 3 - - - 38 - 1 cw - - - - - 1 - - - 3 3 cw - - 26 - - 3 - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 2 1 1 3 3 12 2 3 10 4 7 2 2 8 4 2 1 - 134 26 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 2005-2006 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes ! Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowling Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat. Park Otter Creek Park Bemheim Forest Louisville Red-headed Woodpecker 25 8 30 - 6 7 2 - 1 2 2 - Red-bellied Woodpecker 26 22 80 22 31 24 18 7 12 15 34 58 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 8 9 52 1 2 3 2 2 9 4 8 2 Downy Woodpecker 13 13 57 2 17 38 17 12 6 1 1 33 88 Hairy Woodpecker 4 2 10 1 2 8 7 4 2 4 2 9 Northern Flicker 22 24 57 13 14 46 9 9 26 14 13 33 Pileated Woodpecker 8 10 29 1 4 15 6 5 5 5 6 10 Eastern Phoebe 3 - 6 - 4 2 1 1 7 2 8 2 Loggerhead Shrike 2 1 - - 3 - 1 - - - - - Blue-headed Vireo - - - - - - - - - - - Blue Jay 25 69 139 73 83 261 41 17 32 192 390 205 American Crow 25 125 159 15 156 102 99 25 103 129 235 262 Homed Lark 42 31 - 28 850 10 294 27 - 3 7 76 Carolina Chickadee 33 32 215 30 24 113 31 20 39 61 187 241 Tufted Titmouse 23 15 307 7 23 42 29 15 34 56 125 88 Red-breasted Nuthatch - - 5 - 1 19 CW 3 - - 10 3 White-breasted Nuthatch 12 18 180 16 3 8 8 9 8 10 46 29 Brown Creeper 5 1 8 - - 6 2 4 1 1 7 5 Carolina Wren 29 41 53 6 34 68 34 14 8 24 71 98 House Wren - - - - - - - - - - - - Winter Wren 7 1 1 - 1 4 3 2 3 1 3 3 Sedge Wren 2 - - - - - - - - - - - Marsh Wren - - - - - 2 - - - - - Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - - - - - - - - - - - - Golden-crowned Kinglet 18 8 20 - 6 24 4 8 7 4 23 16 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 1 1 17 - 4 7 2 - - 1 2 5 Eastern Bluebird 37 66 123 49 71 171 54 29 14 106 177 50 Hermit Thrush 2 - 27 - 2 5 4 1 5 13 4 1 American Robin 120 1189 185 434 260 331 446 126 406 1976 557 3288 Northern Mockingbird 9 8 6 13 33 13 29 5 1 16 25 72 Brown Thrasher 3 1 6 - 1 4 2 2 - 1 1 - Eurpean Starling 5600 1283 235 1452 1900 2010 5470 231 11 10453 2555 40137 American Pipit cw - 1 - 580 1 70 - - 2 - 4 Cedar Waxwing 3 18 185 29 38 23 56 33 259 177 359 153 Yellow-rumped Warbler 18 17 62 1 40 184 81 24 158 91 138 24 Pine Warbler - 1 6 - - 2 - 2 - - - - Palm Warbler - - - - - - - - - 1 - - Mourning Warbler - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 27 1 £ 13 m Hart County Upton Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Burlington Warsaw Falmouth Richmond Somerset Wayne County Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Mermet Lake (KY portion) Total i 7 2 1 - 1 - - - - - 3 13 4 - - 1 116 4 39 20 16 30 7 25 25 25 14 15 30 37 40 1 3 11 691 - 4 3 4 CW - 4 10 3 5 1 - 6 9 3 - - 154 12 16 8 10 39 5 24 16 26 19 21 19 23 29 10 5 6 595 1 1 3 5 9 3 14 3 5 4 2 4 9 2 9 3 1 133 4 10 7 10 17 5 7 17 5 16 7 22 27 16 2 6 11 469 2 6 4 10 11 5 5 20 5 4 3 4 1 1 12 10 8 1 225 - 2 3 1 2 - - - 1 - 1 2 14 10 4 1 - 77 - 2 - - - - - - - - - 3 1 - - - - 13 - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 21 67 114 57 81 34 86 94 88 71 121 155 216 164 3 14 18 2931 129 270 310 74 88 133 95 262 102 100 213 80 382 85 45 47 2 3852 9 29 - 13 - - - - 13 156 - - - - - - - 1588 24 19 35 43 98 9 89 351 82 34 56 105 152 96 49 26 18 2312 7 24 20 29 46 14 56 124 43 16 30 24 115 62 11 7 19 1411 - - 3 2 - - - 1 3 1 3 - 6 - 3 - - 63 2 34 12 14 22 1 17 21 26 10 9 27 50 38 19 6 5 660 1 cw 1 1 4 1 - 5 4 - 3 - 5 2 4 - 2 73 8 20 19 25 77 13 40 37 32 18 32 41 115 39 10 9 15 1030 - - 1 - - - - 1 - 1 - 1 - - - 4 - 1 2 - 1 - 1 - - - 1 1 8 1 3 - - 48 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - 3 - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 1 1 6 2 1 25 3 2 41 20 12 2! 4 14 13 29 1 3 336 - - - - - - - 5 - - - - 2 3 9 1 2 72 10 51 92 51 58 42 80 65 36 6 123 108 194 75 7 29 18 1992 - i 2 3 - - - 2 - 2 - 4 6 8 - 2 2 96 54 78 342 477 133 48 70 912 563 161 316 46 98 14 2 15 34 12681 12 14 8 8 28 3 79 53 10 22 11 57 67 19 - - 6 627 - 1 1 - CW - 1 - - - - 1 4 2 - - 1 32 1449 680 5651 798 671 266 2139 3522 1232 685 620 1495 3006 3197 16 166 495 97425 - - - 51 - - - - - - - - 1 61 - - - 771 87 22 32 146 53 20 51 9 8 - 74 12 382 17 53 10 5 2314 3 42 88 9! 13 4 CW 59 22 19 112 10 219 95 4 2 8 1629 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11 - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - i 28 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 2005-2006 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowling Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat. Park Otter Creek Park Bemheim Forest Louisville Eastern Towhee 21 19 29 3 15 54 20 2 10 23 22 10 Spotted Towhee - - - - - - - - - - - - American Tree Sparrow 8 14 1 - - 14 - - - 2 - 9 Chipping Sparrow - 1 - - - - 3 - - - 12 2 Field Sparrow 46 60 36 11 7 64 67 26 5 69 105 33 Vesper Sparrow - 1 - - - - - - - - - - Savannah Sparrow 15 7 - - 18 62 84 - 3 65 1 cw Grasshopper Sparrow - - - - - 1 - - - - - - Le Conte's Sparrow 2 - - - - 2 - - - 1 - - Fox Sparrow 5 2 2 - 1 9 - 2 5 3 3 - Song Sparrow 63 38 36 24 36 422 80 27 35 107 159 254 : Swamp Sparrow 52 1 1 29 - 1 1 325 23 - 4 6 31 10 White-throated Sparrow 175 171 370 4 52 236 213 117 247 70 301 228 White-crowned Sparrow 17 9 - 17 18 33 23 - 2 51 33 2 Dark-eyed Junco 31 164 1506 21 34 248 82 23 194 185 390 289 Lapland Longspur - - - - 12 - 4 - - - - - Northern Cardinal 54 106 96 36 72 208 126 38 23 69 119 362 Indigo Bunting - - - - - - - - - - - - Red-winged Blackbird 6000 46 8 81 600 7430 106 45 1 - 12 29 Eastern Meadowlark 56 19 43 67 126 58 93 6 - 30 40 29 - Rusty Blackbird 104 - 20 1 110 58 - - 28 31 - 81 Common Grackle 25000 149 36 2820 150 12707 - - - 2 2212 394 Brown-headed Cowbird 1 100 - 30 205 200 19 200 45 - - - 70 Purple Finch - - 6 - 7 5 2 30 23 14 6 House Finch 1 28 1 10 6 32 35 10 - 20 31 265 Pine Siskin - - - - - - - - - - - - American Goldfinch 35 12 70 20 15 99 102 32 42 50 146 276 House Sparrow 32 24 15 114 84 26 34 13 - 135 63 273 Date of Count D27 D21 D17 DI7 D27 J01 D21 D31 DI8 D20 D23 D18 Number of Species 87 92 92 49 75 96 70 57 50 68 71 87 Number of Individuals 56082 6944 16644 6029 6440 27641 10112 1490 1867 1461 1 10274 5340 1 Number of Observers 2 7 22 7 3 9 6 3 3 5 17 34 . 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 29 Shelbyville Hart County Upton Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Burlington Warsaw Falmouth Richmond Somerset Wayne County Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Mermet Lake (KY portion) Total - 5 6 9 4 1 7 14 26 7 11 5 42 23 2 3 8 401 - cw - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 1 - - - 2 10 1 6 2 40 23 - 1 - - 5 - - 138 - - - - 3 - 4 3 - - - 13 - 6 - 40 - 87 - 4 4 46 16 3 18 5 31 18 17 23 128 26 3 2 5 878 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - 1 3 - - - 10 4 5 - - 23 10 - - - 311 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 - - CW - 4 1 - - 1 1 - - 5 - - 1 - 45 10 82 20 133 108 18 49 47 81 80 67 92 201 96 - 30 6 2401 - 6 1 35 2 - 6 1 7 4 5 1 14 6 - 8 5 603 7 23 23 94 68 - 47 334 74 50 47 41 229 104 48 56 59 3488 55 81 2 10 54 2 116 78 28 19 2 23 58 43 1 - 1 778 40 28 191 65 145 47 22 131 90 59 164 91 135 118 7 23 20 4543 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 16 49 14 19 81 168 12 226 296 94 108 76 109 244 84 8 16 23 2936 - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - 1 - 500 506 - - - - 1 1 5 - - 12 15 - 30 15428 6 13 48 7 2 24 26 7 13 11 6 47 103 79 - 3 1 963 - 10 35 - - - 11 - - 100 - - 6 - - - 595 - 19 3100 1 - - 20 19 - 2 - 3 5255 3 - 1 4150 56043 - 4 - - 4 - - 1 6 18 - 7 - - - 1 1 1911 - CW 14 61 2 - 10 3 - 5 8 - 12 6 - - - 214 1 6 14 37 44 - 124 118 1 1 51 14 43 149 53 - 23 - 1 127 - - - - 4 - 2 - - - - 4 1 - - - - 11 30 51 100 49 129 59 106 155 92 104 26 120 136 72 19 20 - 2167 137 100 12 45 137 2 98 198 52 44 54 25 63 54 - 5 - 1839 - D31 D19 D30 D28 D17 D31 D17 D17 D31 D17 J02 DI7 D31 D20 DI7 D29 D3I 42 65 60 76 58 42 66 81 61 72 61 74 84 86 36 49 47 140 2887 3085 11538 4234 3823 1203 6622 11418 3694 4213 2996 4165 13428 6365 412 664 5183 297468 8 11 9 4 13 4 26 45 9 5 5 11 15 7 7 2 2 301 30 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 Observers: Terry Anderson, Joan Brown, Martha Buckwald, Margaret Derryberry, Jim Durrell, Jim Fries, Peggy Gould (compiler), Pat Hankla, Scott Hankla, Virginia Honaker, Jeff Jones, Joel Jones, Robert Laurenson, Susan Laurenson, and Tim Williams. [A Nashville Warbler reported during count week is under review by the KBRC - ed.j Kleber Wildlife Management Area (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 38°N by 84°47'W) Habitat as described in 1972. Dec. 31; 8:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 28° to 48°F; wind WSW, 8-20 m.p.h.. Four observers in two parties. Total party-hours 13 (0.5 on foot, 12.5 by car). Total party-miles 129.5 (0.5 on foot, 129.0 by car). Total species 42; total individuals 1,203, plus 4 Ring-necked Pheasants, probably escapees from a game farm. Observers: Joe Burgess, Peggy Derryberry, Jim Durcll, and Peggy Gould (compiler). Danville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Boyle County Court¬ house.) Habitat as described before. Dec. 17; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy in а. m. to clear in p.m.; temp. 30° to 40°F. Twenty-six observers in nine parties. Total party-hours 46.25 (1 1.75 on foot, 34.50 by car). Total party-miles 378.5 (12.5 on foot, 361 by car). Total species 66; total individuals б, 622. Observers: Joe Amburgey, Ernie Baird, J.P. Brantley, Jane Brantley, Bill Garriott, JoAnn Hamm, Michael Hamm, Jamie Hester, Paula Hill, Tom Kearns, Bill Kemper, Debbie Larkin, Gail Manning, Mark Morgan, Sam Morgan, Eric Mount, Jack Newton, Amelia Nichols, John Nichols, Don Pelly, Rob Pendygraft, Rose-Marie Roessler, Judy Ross, Ralph Schiefferle, Rob Stamps, Charles Vahlkamp, and Maynard Van Horn. Compiled by Neil Eklund. Lexington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center East Hickman Church on Tates Creek Road.) Habitat urban, farm and pasture, woodland, river and pond mixture. Dec. 17; 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sky clear to partly sunny; temp. 24° to 43°F; wind 0-3 m.p.h.. Forty-five observers in 13 parties. Total party-hours 85 (17 by foot, 68 by car). Total party-miles 507.5 (22.5 by foot, 485.0 by car). Total species 81; total individuals 1 1,419. Observers: Tom Barnes, Tim Bcmardi, Susanne Bhatt, Thad Bishop, Earl Boggs, John Bottom, Howard Bowden, Marie Bowden, Rose Canon, Ariana Combs, Chris DeMoll, Edward DeMoll, Phyllis Deal, David Fine, Mike Flynn, Sara Henderson, Kevin Hopper, Doreen Jezek, Allen Kingsland, Andy Klapper, Katie Knowles, Van Knowles, Teri Koontz, Betty Maxson (compiler), Dan Morris, Robert L. Morris, Kay Neikerk, Nell Newton, Brian Perry, Susan Pollack, John Poundstone, Mary Poundstone, David Powers, Joe Pulliam, Glenn Raleigh, Alicia Rodrian, Tami Sanderson, Lew Shain, Marie Sutton, Rea Swan, Dave Svetich, Susie Svetich, Jackie Van Willigen, Jim Williams, and Bernice Wood. Burlington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Camp Michaels.) Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 31; 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 37° to 44°F; wind W, 5-10 m.p.h. All water was open. Nine observers in four parties. Total party-hours 29 (7 on foot, 22 by car). Total party- miles 157 (4 on foot, 153 by car). Total species 61; total individuals 3,694. Observers: Linda Altevers, Vivian Brun, Joe Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Lee McNeely (compiler), Gayle Pille, Janet Scanlon, Carmen Schulte, and Tommy Stephens. Feeder watchers: Tom Compte, Kurt Fromme, Marjorie Hill and Lynda McNeely. Rock Pigeon was missed for the first time in count history. The House Wren was seen in the Big Bone area. Warsaw (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Gallatin County Court¬ house.) Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 17; 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky clear to partly cloudy; temp. 23° to 36°F; wind SSW, 0-6 m.p.h. Ohio River open, most other water frozen. 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 31 Five observers in three parties. Total party-hours 22 (7 on foot, 15 by car). Total party- miles 157 (3 on foot, 154 by car). Total species 72; total individuals 4,213. Observers: Joe Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Ed Groneman, and Lee McNeely (compiler), and Tommy Stephens. Waterfowl diversity was above average. Noticeable by their absence were both vulture species. Falmouth (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Caddo, Ky.) Habitat 50% woodland and forest edge, 25% river and lake shoreline, 20% agricultural, and 5% residential. Jan. 2; 6:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 50° to 61°F; wind SW, 0-10 m.p.h. Water open. Five observers in three parties. Total party-hours 20.5 (4.0 on foot, 16.5 by car). Total party-miles 158 (2 on foot, 156 by car). Total species 61; total individuals 2,996. Observers: Rhonda Bryant, Ed Groneman, Scott Marsh, Lee McNeely (compiler), and Tommy Stephens. Both Bald Eagles and the Peregrine Falcon were seen in the vicinity of Meldahl Dam. The House Wren was found in rural farmland east of Falmouth. 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 road¬ sides (20%), woodland (20%), pasture and open fields (55%), lawns (4%), lakes and ponds (1%). Dec. 17; 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 37° to 54°F; wind, calm. Eleven observers in seven parties. Total party-hours 30 (5 on foot, 25 by car). Total party-miles 294.8 (4.5 on foot, 290.3 by car). Total species 74; total individuals 4,165. Observers: Sarah Asher, Rebecca Bates, Jacqueline Bennett, Paul Hager, Sarah Martin, Erin O’Brien, Nicole Ranalli, Art Ricketts, Tina Ricketts, Brandon Ritchison, and Gary Ritchison (compiler). Somerset (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center junction of Bypass Hwy. 80 and Hwy. 39.) Habitat as described in 2000. Dec. 31; 5:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky partly clear to clear; temp. 49° to 67°F; wind SW, 0-25 m.p.h. All water open. Fifteen observers in six parties. Total party-hours 54.50 (1 1.75 by foot, 42.75 by car). Total party-miles 418.5 (5.5 on foot, 413.0 by car). Total species 84; total individuals 13,428. Observers: Judy Brant, Jean Brickell, Rhonda Bryant, Granville Cox, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Steve Denton, Kimberly Feltner, Gay Hodges, James Kiser, Scott Marsh, Linda McClendon, Lynda Mills, Tom Mills, Arlene Morton, and Stephen Stedman. Feeder watchers: Irene Broyles, Julie Denton, Jo Ann Digby, Grace Floyd, Floyd Halcomb, Susan Huffman, Dottie Kinnamon, Joe Richards, Hazel Spears, Pauline Vault, and Dee Whitis. [One of the American Black Ducks included on the table was actually a hybrid American Black Duck x Mallard - ed.] Wayne County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Junction Hwy. 1275 and 3106.) Habitat as described in 2002. Dec. 20; 5:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 16°F to 38°F; wind variable, 0-5 m.p.h. Still water mostly frozen, running water mostly open. Seven observers in four parties. Total party hours 36 (1 1.5 on foot, 24.5 by car). Total party-miles 337 (1.5 on foot, 335.5 by car). Total species 86; total individuals 6,365. Observers: Jean Brickell, Terry Campbell, Roseanna Denton (compiler). Gay Hodges, Arlene Morton, Stephen Stedman, and Jason Troyer. Natural Bridge State Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Whit- tleton Branch Trailhead.) Habitat: mostly mixed mesophytic forest, some roadside fields, some streamsides. Dec 17; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy to sunny; temp. 30° to 45°F; wind SSW, 8 m.p.h. 32 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol, 82 Seven observers in three parties. Total party-hours 20 (15 on foot, 5 by car). Total party-miles 40 ( 1 0 on foot, 30 by car). Total species 36; total individuals 4 1 2. Observers: George Hardebeck, Patricia Hartman, Mary Seeger, Marty Simione, Nancy Sullivan, Noelle Theres and Zeb Weese (compiler). Dewey Lake (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Dewey Lake, approx¬ imately UTM 17 34781 IE 4175855N (WGS84/NAD83).) Habitat is lake, golf course, strip mine, open fields, and northern hardwoods. Dec. 29; 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Sky overcast to very rainy; temp. 29° to 41°F; wind 0-5 m.p.h. Lake not frozen this year. Two observers in one party. Total party-hours 7 (2 on foot, 5 by car). Total party-miles 31 (1 on foot, 30 by car). Total species 49; total individuals 664. Observers: Chris Evans and Troy Evans (compiler). Mermet Lake (KY portion) (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 37°12’N, 88°45'W in Massac Co, IL). A portion of this circle extends south into McCracken County, KY, and those results are included in the summary table. Dec. 31; 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Variable sky; temp 36° to 50° F; light winds. Two observers in two parties. Total party-hours: 10.5 (3.5 on foot, 7 by car). Total party-miles 58 (3 on foot, 55 by car). Total species 47; total individuals 5 1 83. Observers: Frank Bennett (compiler) and Andrea Douglas. HURRICANE-RELATED BIRDS IN KENTUCKY - SUMMER 2005 Mark Monroe, Donald Morse, Jr., Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., David Roemer, Mary Walter, and Ben Yandell It is likely that 2005 will serve as a benchmark for Kentucky ornithological record¬ keeping for many years due to the occurrence of several noteworthy pelagic rarities that appeared during the passage of the remnants of two tropical cyclones. Hurricane Dennis in mid-July and Hurricane Katrina in late August. These storms were both quite powerful when they struck the Gulf Coast of the United States, imparting massive amounts of damage from winds and storm surge. Their fury extended into the mid-south region, where both dissipated, but not before depositing a number of pelagic species either never or seldom seen that far inland. A summary of these storms’ histories and their attendant fall¬ out of avian vagrants in Kentucky follows. Hurricane Dennis The tropical wave that spawned Dennis formed in the Atlantic Ocean during the first few days of July. It reached Tropical Storm status in the eastern Caribbean 5 July and strengthened rapidly to a Category 4 hurricane as it proceeded west-northwestward, skirting the southern coast of Cuba 7-8 July. After crossing western Cuba, it entered the eastern Gulf of Mexico 9 July, reintensified, and shifted to a more north-northwesterly track, mak¬ ing landfall as a Category 3 hurricane at the extreme western end of the Florida panhandle near the Alabama state line on the afternoon of 10 July. Overnight the storm weakened rapidly but continued north-northwest during the daylight hours of 1 1 July; the center of the depression reached far western Kentucky during the evening hours of 1 1 July (20 miles [32 km]) south of Paducah at 2200 CDT). The lack of steering currents present at that time resulted in the low pressure system stalling in southern Illinois during 12 July, and it moved little over the next three days, slowly meandering northeast, then east, and back to the southwest across southern Illinois and Indiana. The system finally dissipated when an eastward moving frontal boundary picked it up, resulting in a rapid exit to the northeast 17- 18 July (all information above from National Hurricane Center 2005a and Hydrometeor¬ ological Prediction Center 2005a). With far western Kentucky right along the path of the center of lowest pressure, it appeared that the large reservoirs and the lower Ohio River would be the most likely sites 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 33 for pelagic waifs to appear. On the morning of 12 July, Monroe and Roemer were the first to arrive at Kentucky Dam; winds were blustery from the southwest with intermittent light to moderate rain showers. Soon after first-light it became apparent that the storm had brought with it pelagic waifs, as within only a few minutes an adult Sooty Tern (Sterna fus- cata) was in view and within a half-hour, a loose flock was milling about over the northern end of Kentucky Lake. It was difficult to keep track of the birds as they periodically dis¬ appeared into the wind-driven mist and rain showers, but at one point in the early morning, both Roemer and Monroe detected at least seven large, dark terns during independent scans of the lake. In retrospect, these scans may have included an unidentified dark tern discussed below, so the maximum count of confirmed Sooty Terns obtained 12 July was decreased by one. It is very possible, and perhaps likely, that more individuals were present, but the max¬ imum count of six was never repeated during subsequent observations. Early in the morn¬ ing, with viewing conditions poorest, the distinction between adults and juveniles was not always clear, but it eventually became evident that all but one or two were adults. The Sooty Terns were never observed resting on the water, shoreline, or debris, but always in flight, typically at 10-50 ft (3-15 m) above the water, but occasionally much higher. While scanning for birds at about 0800 CDT, Roemer found a small shearwater flying low over the water, some 0.25 to 0.5 miles (0.4 to 0.8 km) above the dam on the eastern side. Monroe and Palmer-Ball were able to locate the bird, as it alternately tlew and sat on the water, slowly approaching the dam from the south. It came within 0.25 miles (0.4 km) before returning south and disappearing into the mist and fog. All aspects of the bird were consistent with Audubon’s Shearwater (Puffmus Iherminieri). Its upperparts were rather uniformly dark sooty-brown. The underparts of the body were white except for the undertail coverts, which were dark but somewhat lighter than the upperparts. The underwing was largely dark, but with a relatively narrow region of light (whitish) color in the mid-linings. The dark on the face extended below the eye. The bill and feet appeared dark. The tail was relatively long, and the wings were not excessively long. No other bird was ever observed close to the shearwater for size comparison, but all observers considered the bird to be smallish for a shearwater. Palmer-Ball, who had had extensive experience with Audubon’s from numerous trips off North Carolina, considered it typical in coloration and flight behavior for that species. About an hour later, presumably the same bird was noted a second time, this time flying parallel to the dam from the east within 50 ft (15 m) of it. As the bird passed very close to the easternmost pull-off on the dam, Roemer was able to obtain some video of the bird (see cover and p. 40) as Monroe and Palmer-Ball studied its field marks more closely. Reviews of images by authorities familiar with eastern North American shearwaters have corroborated the field identification. Moreover, this record appears to be only the second for interior North America, the only other record occurring at Lanmark, Ontario, 8 September 1975 (Godfrey 1986). Throughout the late morning and mid-day. Sooty Terns were almost always in view from the dam with up to four or five still present late in the afternoon. During the course of the day, various observers fanned out to other observation points in the vicinity, but nearly all of the pelagic bird activity remained at the northern end of Kentucky Lake just above the dam. In fact, the only bird observed at another location was an adult Sooty Tern seen by Roemer and Monroe in the late morning on northern Lake Barkley southeast of the Green Turtle Bay marina. With dreary weather continuing for several days. Sooty Terns lingered in the vicinity, and the following observations were reported subsequent to 12 July. On 13 July, Roemer and others observed up to four (three adults and a juvenile) from Kentucky Dam and at least two and possibly three adults over the Ohio River below Smithland Dam, Livingston County (a location that, unfortunately, was not checked 12 July). On 14 July, Roemer and others observed five Sooties (four adults and a juvenile) above Kentucky Dam, where three 34 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 adults were last observed 1 3 July by Roemer and Scott Record. On a few occasions during this period, Roemer observed the juvenile bird sitting on the water for brief periods. He was successful in obtaining video of two of the adults and a juvenile 12 July, but the best images of an adult were obtained 1 3 July (see p. 40). The only other location in Kentucky that yielded a pelagic bird from Hurricane Dennis was the Ohio River, Campbell County, near New Richmond, Ohio, where Morse observed an adult Sooty Tern for about five minutes at about 1900 EDT on the evening of 12 July. This bird was seen quite well as it flew downstream to the north, allowing study of the blackish upperparts contrasting with white underparts, light forehead, and dark bill. One of the most intriguing observations at Kentucky Dam on 12 July was a bird that will likely remain unconfirmed, but that was observed reasonably well on at least two occa¬ sions by Roemer, Monroe, Palmer-Ball, and perhaps others. The bird was a nearly or com¬ pletely all-dark tern that was thought to be a juvenile or sub-adult Brown Noddy ( Anous stolidus). On its closest pass, sometime during the mid-morning, all three observers believed they detected no light feathering in the undertail and non-white underwing linings. Moreover, all detected a distinct carpal bar, noticeably lighter than the rest of the upper¬ wing, a feature that possibly eliminates juvenile Sooty Tern from consideration. Deter¬ mination of the shape of the tail was inconclusive. Unfortunately, the best observations were brief, and retrospective analysis suggests the prudent stance is to consider the identification unconfirmed. Weather conditions and distance did not allow for photography of this bird, but notes on its field marks and behavior have been filed in personal archives by Roemer and Palmer-Ball. Non-pelagic birds observed during the passage of the remnants of Dennis that were probably grounded southbound migrants included two Marbled Godwits ( Lirnosa fedoa ) at Kentucky Dam on 12 July by Yandell, Monroe, and others; a remarkable number of Willets (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus) at scattered localities 12-18 July, includeing peak counts of 22 at the Falls of the Ohio and 15 at Kentucky Dam 13 July; an above-average number of reports of adult Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri); a few Laughing Gulls ( Lams atricilla ) (probably not driven north by the hurricane); and a few Common Terns (Sterna hirundo ) and Black Terns ( Chlidonias niger ) (Palmer-Ball and McNeely 2005). Hurricane Katrina The tropical depression that subsequently evolved into one of the most destructive hurricanes in United States history formed over the southeastern Bahamas 23 August. The depression soon developed into Tropical Storm Katrina as it moved slowly northwestward and then rapidly strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane as it turned westward and crossed the southern tip of Florida overnight 25-26 August. Once it entered the Gulf of Mexico, the storm reorganized, deepened in intensity, and began a gradual turn towards the northwest. Between 26 and 28 August, Katrina underwent two periods of rapid intensification and became a Category 5 hurricane with an abnormally extensive wind field by late in the day 28 August. During 29 August, the storm weakened somewhat as it neared the coasts of Louisiana and Mississippi but still dealt its now infamous blow on a nearly due-north track, striking the coast during the morning of 29 August as a strong Category 3 storm. Katrina continued to move northward across Mississippi during 29 August, and it was downgraded to a tropical depression during the early morning of 30 August, about the time it arrived at the southern border of Tennessee. During the morning of 30 August, the remnants of the storm continued to move north-northeastward across west-central Tennessee and into Kentucky with the center of circulation passing somewhere in the vicinity of Russellville, Logan County, around mid-day. The remnants of Katrina gradually picked up speed, and by late afternoon the system was centered near Louisville and became extratropical as it continued northeastward; during 3 1 August, the low pressure was absorbed within a frontal zone over the eastern Great Lakes and rapidly dissipated (all information above from National Hurricane Center (2005b) and Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (2005b)). 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 35 Numerous pelagic rarities were documented from scattered localities across the eastern United States during the passage of the remnants of Hurricane Katrina. Just before dawn on the morning of 30 August, remnants of the storm were centered near the convergence of the state boundaries of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, some 120 miles (192 km) to the south of Kentucky. Pickwick Lake and environs, where the center of circulation was located about an hour before sunrise, experienced one of the most concentrated fallouts of hurricane-borne rarities ever documented in the interior of the United States. In contrast, Kentucky reports were limited to the observation of Band-mmped Storm-Petrels (Oceano- droma caslro) at two locations. On the morning of 30 August light to heavy rain showers and moderate winds were present across western Kentucky, making observation conditions difficult. Throughout the day, rain spread north and east, with the worst conditions in north-central Kentucky during the afternoon. Across south-central Kentucky, precipitation was intermittent, but winds were persistent and gusty. By afternoon, most of the rain had exited western Kentucky, but skies remained cloudy. During much of 30 August, Roemer watched for hurricane-borne birds at various locales in the Kentucky Dam-Barkley Dam-Smithland Dam area, also stopping briefly at other spots on Lake Barkley including overlooks at Kuttawa and Eddyville, Lyon County, and near Canton, Trigg County. Although small groups of terns and a few Laughing Gulls were observed at several locations, no birds clearly of coastal or pelagic origin were ob¬ served. Several other observers were also out during the day at a variety of locations across central Kentucky including the Falls of the Ohio at Louisville, Taylorsville Lake, Lake Cumberland, Barren River Lake, and the Green River corridor in Ohio and Muhlenberg counties. Unfortunately, results of their efforts were similar — an above-average fallout of terns and a few Laughing Gulls, but no definitely coastal or pelagic species observed. On the morning of 31 August, weather conditions had improved with all precipitation having ended and skies beginning to clear. Yandell and Walter were at the Falls of the Ohio at Louisville, Jefferson County, early in the morning when they located a storm-petrel fly¬ ing back and forth over the rapids below McAlpine Dam. Over the course of approx¬ imately 45 minutes of study, they were able to compare the bird to field guide images and look closely for distinguishing characters noted in the guides. The storm-petrel flew with steady wing beats, alternatively gliding for short periods on slightly bowed wings and only a few times settling on the water to rest. The bird was all dark (blackish) other than a white patch that extended completely across the rump and a lighter, golden or light brownish carpal bar on the upper wings. The tail was not forked, even appearing squared off, and the feet did not protrude beyond the tips of the rectrices. The underwings appeared to be entirely dark. This combination of characters clearly identified the bird as a Band-rumped Storm-Petrel. Yandell obtained some video that shows a discernible storm-petrel foraging over the water, but specific identification remains confirmed only through the observation of field marks and resulting written descriptions. Palmer-Ball arrived just in time to observe the bird for perhaps a minute or so, flying low over the water and resting on the surface. It floated out of sight behind some trees and was inexplicably never observed again. It was assumed that the bird either continued to float downstream or departed by flying down¬ stream. On the morning of 1 September, Palmer-Ball retrieved from voice mail a message from Mike Larimore, superintendent of the Frankfort Fish Hatchery, northern Franklin County, saying that he had observed two storm-petrels in poor condition on ponds at the hatchery for most of the previous day (3 1 August). He had, in fact, picked up one of the two birds in a state of exhaustion and kept it in his possession for a time, but when he noticed the second bird, he returned the first to the edge of the pond where the second was seen. A visit to the hatchery 1 September yielded no observations of a live bird, but the remnants of one were present along the shore of the pond where Larimore had placed it the day before. 36 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 It was presumably located and eaten by a predator during the night. Palmer-Ball retrieved the front of the head (including nearly intact bill), one relatively intact wing, and several rectrices. Measurement of these parts yielded the following data: wing 6.1" (155mm); exposed culmen ca. 0.5" (12.5 mm) as measured from feathers at dorsal point of base of upper mandible to tip or ca. 0.55" (14 mm) as measured from base of gape to tip (due to the odd shape of storm-petrel bills, this measurement is difficult to obtain); tail (based on average length of two rectrices from tip to the base of the most basal veins) 28.75" (73 mm). All of these measurements clearly place the bird well within normal values for Band- rumped, but although they are greater than similar measurements for Wilson's Storm-Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) and smaller than similar measurements for Leach's Storm-Petrel ( Oceanodroma leucorhoa ), they would not necessarily rule out an extremely large female Wilson's or a small male Leach's. Another character appears to confirm the identity of the bird as Band-rumped, however; two of the three rectrices are white on the basal third, a character that appears to be diagnostic for Band-rumped (Roberson 2005). The "specimen" represents the second collected in Kentucky and will eventually be submitted to the U.S. National Museum for curation. Larimore's description of the second storm-petrel would suggest it also was a Band-rumped, but in the absence of detailed description, it must be regarded as unidentified. The only other birds clearly brought inland by the remnants of Katrina were Laughing Gulls, which although somewhat regular in Kentucky during late summer, were observed in record numbers and at several new locales during and after late August. In fact, the only bird probably driven north by the storm that was observed in Kentucky 30 August was a juvenile Laughing Gull found on the Green River at Rochester, Ohio County, by Roseanna Denton. Most remarkable among numerous reports of Laughing Gulls was a flock of at least 10 at Freeman Lake, Hardin County, observed by Richard Healy on the morning of 3 1 August but likely deposited there late 30 August. Other than specific pelagic or coastal species, the passage of Katrina grounded a number of southbound migrant waterbirds. As noted previously, a large number of terns, especially Common and Black terns, were observed 30 August- 1 September. A Red Phalarope ( Phalaropus fulicarius) molting out of juvenile plumage was observed at the mouth of the Licking River, Campbell/Kenton counties, across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio, 31 August by David Brinkman and Frank Renfrow. The bird was photographed by Renfrow and Jon Dunn. Also of interest was the fact that Laughing Gulls appeared to linger in the region for a few weeks, with abnormally large numbers still observed in western Kentucky during late September. Of specific interest was Roemer's tally of at least 12 birds in the tri-dam area 27 September (five at Kentucky Dam, five at Smithland Dam, two at Barkley Dam). Although late September is a time when Laughing Gulls appear regularly in western Kentucky, it would seem that the large number of birds was probably related to the passage of Katrina. Summary The summer of 2005 saw the passage of the remnants of two major hurricanes through Kentucky. Although fallouts of coastal and pelagic species from each storm were more impressive to the south, the assemblage of rarities that was observed in the Commonwealth represents the most significant ever documented. Although both storms entered the state from the south and crossed northeastward, they were vastly different in character. The rem¬ nants of Dennis were moving slower and in the absence of steering winds, lingered over the general region for several days. In contrast, Katrina arrived about a day sooner after landfall and was influenced by steering currents that quickly carried it out of the region. It is believed that most pelagic waifs become "trapped" within the relatively calm region of the eye of landfalling hurricanes, and once the storm begins to wind down and the eye closes in, these birds remain disoriented until barometric pressure rises and winds calm to about the level of a tropical depression. Until that time, most birds either continue to be 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 37 driven along by prevailing winds or perish. This may in part be responsible for the overall lack of significant reports of pelagic species that often occurs within the initial period following landfall, as well as for the dearth of reports for most species once the system becomes extratropical. That being said, widely distributed reports of frigatebirds subsequent to the passage of the remnants of Katrina are a testament to the great distances to which some strong-flying species can end up as a result of such an event. With most birds having an affinity for water, it is not surprising that most storm waifs are found on water bodies, but each bird's level of stamina likely determines how successful it is in surviving, and some are found dead or exhausted far from water. Another trend that seems borne out by these two tropical systems is that most waifs are distributed along and to the east of the center of the deteriorating circulation. With both Dennis and Katrina, however, there were exceptions to this trend in eastern Tennessee, which was far removed from the path of both. In fact, the pattern of distribution of pelagic birds left in Katrina's wake across the region suggests that birders pursuing such species should focus attention on bodies of water — no matter how large or small — lying along and just to the east of the path of the center of circulation. Of particular note during the passage of the remnants of Katrina was the flock of Laughing Gulls at Freeman Lake and the two storm-petrels on the relatively small surface area of water provided by the hatchery ponds in Franklin County. The study of hurricane-borne birds will continue as birders become accustomed to the conditions and locations that favor the appearance of these wayward individuals. It must be presumed that for every one that is located alive, many more must perish, and some surely return safely to coastal areas and oceans without ever being noticed. References Cited Godfrey, W.E. 1986. Birds of Canada, revised ed. National Museum of Natural Sciences and National Museums of Canada, Ottawa. National Hurricane Center. 2005a. Website: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/TCR-AL042005 _Dennis.pdf National Hurricane Center. 2005b. Website: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/TCR-AL122005 _Katrina.pdf Hydrometerological Prediction Center. 2005a. Website: http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/ tropical/DENNIS/DENNIS_archive.shtml Hydrometerological Prediction Center. 2005b. Website: http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/ tropi cal/KATRIN A/KATRIN Aarc hi ve . shtml Palmer-Ball, B., and L. McNeely. 2005. The summer season 2005. The Kentucky Warbler 81:103-110. Roberson, D. 2005. Website: http://montereybay.com/creagms/ID-stpet-inhand.html. — 1114 Silvercrest Lane, Louisville, KY 40223 (Monroe); 1906 Harvey Road, New Richmond, OH 45157 (Morse); 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222 (Palmer- Ball); 294 Drakes Creek Drive, Bowling Green, KY 42103 (Roemer); and 513 Lymington Ct., Louisville, KY 40243 (Walter and Yandell). AN 18TH-CENTURY REFERENCE TO IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER (Campephilus principalis) IN KENTUCKY Benjamin E. Leese Introduction There is firm evidence of the existence of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker ( Campephilus principalis) in Kentucky during historical times. The earliest record is from Colonel William Fleming, who saw two Ivory-billed Woodpeckers in March of 1780 in what is now Lincoln County (McKinley 1958; Schorger 1949), far away from the species’ traditional bottomland swamp habitat. Other records include Audubon’s note that the species occurred 38 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 near the confluence of the Ohio and the Mississippi rivers, in the western part of Kentucky, up to Henderson on the Ohio River (Audubon 1840). Audubon even refers to the species’ nesting in Kentucky and Indiana (Audubon 1840). The other main source of information for the species’ past existence in Kentucky comes from L. Otley Pindar, who suggested that the species had been fairly common at one time in Fulton County (Pindar 1889). While Pindar doubted late 19th-century records from that southwestern Kentucky county, he believed that the bird lived in Kentucky as late as 1872 or 1874 (Pindar 1925). Hasbrouck (1891), on Pindar’s and Audubon's authority, drew the range of the species well up the Ohio River to include Cincinnati, Ohio, and the adjacent parts of Kentucky. Tanner (1942) did not believe that the species occurred that far up the Ohio River but still included Kentucky within the Ivory-billed Woodpecker’s former range. There are no specimens of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker from Kentucky, nor have there been any sight records in over 100 years (Jackson 2004; Mengel 1965). Another 18th-Century Reference About the time of Colonel Fleming’s early sighting of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in Kentucky, John Filson (1784 in Imlay 1793) also wrote in reference to the species’ occur¬ rence in Kentucky. Filson's text provides an early description, albeit cursory, of the soil, resources, flora, and fauna of Kentucky. His brief description of the Ivory-bill follows in its entirety (the traditional 18th-century s, which was written as an / of sorts, is rendered into modern English style); "... the ivory-bill woodcock, of a whitish colour, with a white plume, flies screaming exceeding sharp [sic]. It is asserted, that the bill of this bird is pure ivory, a circumstance very singular in the plumy tribe.” This reference has gone largely undescribed in the previous literature. Although Wright (1912, 1915) was aware of this early American document and used it to describe Wild Turkeys ( Meleagris gallopavo) and Carolina Parakeets ( Conuropsis carolinensis) in early Kentucky, he apparently was uninterested in or unable to decipher this reference to the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Also, curiously, Mengel (1965) notes the reference in his discussion of the history of ornithology in Kentucky, but he does not describe the reference further or include it in his species account. It also should be noted at this juncture that Imlay includes the Ivory-billed Wood¬ pecker in his own list of birds in the western frontier region, including Kentucky. However, Imlay was obviously familiar with Filson’s record, as he published it as an addendum to his volume. Therefore, Imlay’s reference does not stand as an independent reference to the species’ past occurrence in Kentucky. Discussion While it seems that Filson clearly described an Ivory-billed Woodpecker, there are some points in his reference that merit further discussion. First, Filson refers to the species as a “woodcock,” which obviously is an altogether different group of birds than the woodpeckers. However, the Pileated Woodpecker (Dry- ocopus pileatus) was commonly referred to as the logcock in early American history (Thwaites (1905) includes such usage in the Lewis and Clark journals) and up until the early 20th Century (Eifrig 1927). It is therefore not difficult to see how the name woodcock might also be attached to the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, and there is at least one example of the species’ being called the Ivory-billed Woodcock in more recent literature (Bassett 1938). Second, the description of the species as “of a whitish colour, with a white plume” seems an unusual description for a bird that many people might characterize as black with a red crest. However, Filson may have used the phrase to point out a field mark to separate the Ivory-billed from the Pileated Woodpecker, as the Ivory-billed Woodpecker does, in fact, have a great deal of white on its body in comparison to the Pileated Woodpecker. The 2006 39 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER issue of the white plume remains ambiguous, but it could refer to the white patch of feathers in the crest that is revealed only when the crest is held erect (Jackson 2002, illustrated in Wilson 1829) or perhaps to the stripe down the back of the head and neck. Last, the description of the voice as "exceeding sharp [sic]” seems unusual if one thinks only of the "kent” call of this species. However, Jackson (2002) notes a variety of alarm calls that might make sense of Filson's description of its call. Filson’s observation clearly does not stand on a par with the details of Colonel Fleming's record of the species for Kentucky, as Filson does not give a full description or a location at which he or his source saw an Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Still, his description is thorough enough to indicate that he or a close associate saw the bird during his stay in the state in 1783. A clearer location for this reference to the species cannot be established, because although Filson owned land near Lexington, he was also very familiar with other frontier settlers, including Daniel Boone (see Wisconsin Historical Society 2003 for a full description). Despite this deficiency, Filson’s reference provides excellent validation of other sightings of the species in Kentucky during historical times and allows greater con¬ fidence in claiming the species' former presence in the state. Acknowledgments The Wisconsin Historical Society sponsors the American Journeys Online Library and Learning Center, and the University of Wisconsin provides the Digital Library for the Decorative Arts and Material Culture: Image and Text Collections. Those collections made this work much easier than it would have been in a traditional library. Both of those online libraries provide excellent collections and search processes that will be a treasure for anyone interested in the historical aspects of ornithology. References Cited Audubon, J.J. 1840. The birds of America. First octavo edition. Philadelphia, PA. Online edition at http://www.audubon.org/bird/BoA/BOA_index.html. Bassett, A.S. 1938. Some Georgia records of John Abbott, naturalist. Auk 55(2): 244-254. Eifrig, C.W.G. 1927. Some notes on Pileated Woodpeckers. Wilson Bull. 39(3): 174-175. Filson, J. 1784. The discovery, settlement, and present state of Kentucky and an essay towards the topography and natural history of that important country (originally pub¬ lished 1784, Wilmington, Delaware). In Gilbert Imlay, 1794. A topographical description of the western territory of North America: containing a succinct account of its soil, clim¬ ate. natural history, populations, agriculture, manners and customs. With an ample des¬ cription of the several divisions into which that country is partitioned. Printed for J. Debrett, Opposite Burlington House, London. Pp. 269-415. Online facsimile edition at www.americanjoumeys.org/aj-125. Hasbrouck, E.M. 1891. The present status of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker ( Camphephilus principalis). Auk 8(2): 174-186. Jackson, J.A. 2002. Ivory-billed Woodpecker ( Camphephilus principalis). In Poole, A., and F. Gill (eds.). The birds of North America, No. 711. The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA. Jackson, J.A. 2004. In search of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Smithsonian Books, Wash¬ ington, D.C. McKinley, D. 1958. Early record for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in Kentucky. Wilson Bull. 70(4): 380-381. Mengel, R.M. 1965. The birds of Kentucky. Ornithological Monographs No. 3. American Ornithologists’ Union, Lawrence, KS. Pindar. L.O. 1925. Birds of Fulton County. Kentucky. Wilson Bull. 37(2): 77-88. Pindar, L.O. 1889. List of the birds of Fulton County, Kentucky. Auk 6(4): 310-316. Schorger, A.W. 1949. An early record and description of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in Kentucky. Wilson Bull. 61(4): 235. 40 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 Tanner, J.T. 1943. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Research Report No. 1. National Audu¬ bon Society, New York, NY. Thwaites. R.G. (ed.) 1905. Original journals of the Lewis and Clark expedition. 1804-1806. Printed from the original manuscripts in the Library of the American Philosophical Society' and by direction of its Committee on Historical Documents. Note-Books, Letters. Maps. etc. and the Journals of Charles Floyd and Joseph Whitehouse, now for the first time published in full and exactly as written. Vol. 5. Dodd. Mead & Company. New York. Online facsimile edition at www.americanjourneys.org/aj-100e/ Wilson, A. 1829. American Ornithology; the natural history' of the birds of the United States. Plates [Vol. IV). Collins & Co.. New York. Online facsimile edition at www.digital. library. wisc.edu/1 7 1 1 .dl/DLDecArts. AmOmWil04. Wisconsin Historical Society. 2003. "Author note for John Filson." Website at www.americanjoumeys.org/aj-125/summary/. Wright. A.H. 1912. Early records of the Carolina Paroquet. Auk 29(3): 343-363. Wright. A.H. 1915. Early records of the W ild Turkey. IV. Auk 32(2): 207-224. — 886 Menges Mills Road. Spring Grove. PA 17362 (Ben.Leese@valpo.edu). Audubon's Shearwater 12 July 2005 (above) and adult Sooty Tem 13 July 2005 (below) at Kentucky Lake above Kentucky Dam. Livingston/Marshall cos., KY (see accompanying article, p. 32). Video captures by David Roemer. 1 9s l _ (o VOL. 82 The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) MAY 2006 NO. 2 IN THIS ISSUE WINTER SEASON 2005-2006, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. and Lee McNeely . 43 ELEVENTH REPORT OF THE KENTUCKY BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE Lee McNeely, KBRC Secretary . 51 KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING 2006 MEETING, Laura Patton, Recording Secretary' . 53 FIELD NOTE An Eastern Bluebird Nest in a Mature Woodland . 55 NEWS AND VIEWS . 56 42 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Vice-President . Corresponding Secretary Treasurer . Recording Secretary . Councillors: Mark Monroe, Louisville . Melissa Easley, Murray . Shawchyi Vorisek. Frankfort Mary Yandell. Louisville . Gay Hodges, Somerset . Eddie Huber. Louisville . . Mark Bennett, Russellville . Win Ahrens, Prospect . Amy Covert 109 Lafayette Drive, Frankfort. KY 40601-3456 . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY 40222-3913 . Laura Patton, Frankfort 2004 thru 2006 2004 thru 2006 2005 thru 2007 2005 thru 2007 2006 thru 2008 2006 thru 2008 Immediate Past President Staff Artist . A.R. MM LIBRARY JUL I 8 2006 T/.rHap Chambers, Murray .{lay Harm. Sonoita. AZ ITHACA, NY 14833 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; 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 . Blaine R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Wayne Mason, Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., and Stephen .1. Stedman Secretary. Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY 41005 THE COVER We thank David and Clara Ann Pallares for the photograph of the female Varied Thrush ( Ixoreus naevius ) observed in their Louisville yard from early February into April 2006 (see winter season report). Financial support for color cover provided by the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Kentucky^ Touchstone Energy Cooperatives' 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 43 WINTER SEASON 2005-2006 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. and Lee McNeely Like the autumn leading into it, the winter 2005-2006 season was overall warmer and drier than normal. Slightly colder-than-normal temperatures during the months of Decem¬ ber and February were more than offset by extremely warm temperatures in January. In fact, there were only two relatively short bouts of cold weather, the first immediately prior to Christmas when the temperature dipped to 10°F at Louisville on the morning of 20 December, and a second in mid-February, when temperatures dipped to a season low of 7°F at Louisville on the morning of the 19th. Precipitation was average to below average with hardly any periods of snow cover and no significant snow events. In fact, at no time during the season did Louisville have more than three inches (7.6 cm) of snow cover. Rarity highlights during the season included Red-necked Grebe, Varied Thrush. Har¬ ris's Sparrow, and two Spotted Towhees. With natural and ornamental food crops in good supply, it was a good winter for berry, cone, and mast eaters with American Robins present in above-average numbers and Blue Jays and Red-headed Woodpeckers back to more normal numbers. 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 - 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; Place names: Ballard = Ballard WMA, Ballard: Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam, Lyon/Livingston: Barren = Barren River Lake, Allen/Barren: Bernheim Forest = Bernheim Forest, Bullitt (unless otherwise noted); Blood River = Blood River embayment, Ky Lake, Calloway ; Boyd's Landing = Lake Barkley at Boyd's Landing, Lyon ; Caperton = Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve. Jefferson: Cave Run Lake = Cave Run Lake, Rowan: Cooley's Pond = Cooley's Pond. Wayne: Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment. Lake Cumberland, Pulaski: Flaherty = Flaherty, Meade: Gibraltar = Peabody Gibraltar Mine, Muhlenberg: Griffin Park = Griffin Park, Warren: Homestead = Homestead Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio: Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall: Ken Hopewell = Ken Hopewell Unit Peabody WMA. Ohio: Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall: Kv Lake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall (unless otherwise noted); Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon: Lake Barkley = Lake Barkley, Livings to n/Ly o n/T r igg ; Mt, Zion = Mt. Zion, Pulaski: Long Point = Long Point Unit Reelfoot NWR. Fulton: Meldahl Dam = Meldahl Dam on the Ohio River, Bracken: Reformatory Lake = Reformatory Lake, Oldham: Riveruueen = Riverqueen Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg: Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA. Henderson: Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg: Twin Lakes = Twin Lakes Subdivision, Pulaski: Waitsboro = Waitsboro Recreation Area on Lake Cum¬ berland, Pulaski: Wolf Creek Dam = Wolf Creek Dam, Lake Cumberland, Russell: SNP = State Nature Preserve; SRP = State Resort Park; WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose - most were (BP, JD. NM), a few thousand there 16 seen at their normal congregation points December (BP), ca. 2000 there 17Decem- with ca. 500 at Long Point 2 December ber (BP, NM, KL) and 14 January (KH 44 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 tide CD), and 130 still there 26 February (HC, RDn); perhaps as many as 500 at Sauerheber 15 December (BP, DA) with a peak count of 2300 there 4 January (MMr); and 1200 at Ballard 27 December (BP, SR) with 500+ still there 26 January (BP). Other reports of interest were for 6 at Homestead 10 December (BP, KOS) with 5 there 1 January (MSti) and 6 there 15 January (BY, MY); 1 s. of Russellville, Logan, 24 December (MBe); 4 at Boone Lake, Boone, 25 December (DM); 2 in Logan 27 December (DR); and 3 at Grif¬ fin Park 1 January (DR). Greater White-fronted Goose x Snow (Blue) Goose - a goose that possessed all the characters of such a hybrid was pres¬ ent at Long Point 2 December (BP, JD, NM). Snow Goose - peak counts included 12,000 at Sauerheber in late February (MMr); 7500 at Long Point 14 January (KH fide CD); and a new state-high count of ca. 150,000 at Ballard 6 February (CW). An¬ other report of interest was for 17 over Caperton 18 December (BY, MY). Ross's Goose - all reports are included: 2 ads. at Long Point 2 December (BP, JD, NM); a juv. at Twin Lakes 4-1 1 Decem¬ ber (ph.RDn); an ad. at Sauerheber 15 December (BP, DA); an ad. and a juv. at Long Point 16 December (BP) with at least 7 there 17 December (BP, KL, NM); 2 ads. at A.J. Jolly Park, Campbell, 19 December (FR); an ad. n. of Boston, Nel¬ son, 23 December (ph.BP, AC, SV); 2 ads. at Mitchell Lake, Ballard 27 Decem¬ ber (BP, SR) with 3+ there 26 January (BP); an ad. at Homestead 1 January (MW); ca. 5 at Long Point 14 January (BY, MY); and a peak count of 26 at Sau¬ erheber 28 January (vt. BY, MY). Canada Goose - numbers during this mild winter were quite unimpressive; peak counts included 5400 at Sauerheber 19 December (MMr) and 4100 at Ballard 27 December (BP, SR). Cackling Goose - again this season, all reports are included: 15+ at Sauerheber 15 December (*BP, DA); 1+ at Long Point 16 December (BP) with at least 10 there 17 December (BP, KL, NM); 4 at the Re¬ formatory Lake (ph.BP) and 7 at Griffin Park (ph.DR), both 18 December; at least 1 at Ballard 27 December (BP, SR); 2 at the Campbellsville City Lake, Taylor, 28 December (ph.RDn, BP); 1+ at the Re¬ formatory Lake (BP, AC, BW) and 1 at Blood River (HC, KC), both 31 Decem¬ ber; with an impressive count of at least 46 at the Reformatory Lake 19 February (BP, TP). Mute Swan - there continue to be numer¬ ous reports with some birds now appear¬ ing to exhibit winter site fidelity: up to 6 in s. Ohio on and adjacent to Homestead 19 December (MMr) to 14 February (DR); 7 at Cooley's Pond 20 December/7 January (RDn); 1 at Twin Lakes 24 December — 6 February (RDn); up to 3 at Griffin Park 30 December — 27 February (DR, MBe, et ah); up to 25-30 at Bemheim Forest from mid-December 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 45 through February (m.ob.); 5 at Sinclair 19 December (MMr); 5 at Clear Creek Lake, Rowan , and 3 at Cave Run Lake, both 1 3 January (EM, SB); 1 at the Louisville Water Company basins, ne. Jefferson, 21 January (BJ, BBC); 1 at L Springs Pay Lake, Pulaski, 16 February (RDn); and 1 at Fishing Creek 18 February' (RDn, GH, AM). Tundra Swan - the wintering flock at Sau- erheber numbered 38 as of 15 December (BP, DA) and peaked at 56 — a new state high count — 1 February (MMr); 5 were still present there 27 February (MMr). Al¬ so reported were 1 at Frankfort 17 Decem¬ ber (*JF), 2 ads. over Caperton (BY, MY), and 2 ads. (perhaps the same birds?) at the Reformatory Lake 18 December (MSti, ph. BP). Gadwall - peak count was for 125+ at Sauerheber 15 December (BP, DA). Gadwall x Mallard - am. duck at Sauer¬ heber 15 December showed field marks consistent with a hybrid between these two species (*BP, DA). American Wigeon - peak counts were for 265+ at Sauerheber 15 December (BP, DA) and 200+ at Long Point 16 Decem¬ ber (BP). Blue-winged Teal - there were two reports during the mid-winter period: a m. off Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, 1 7 Decem¬ ber (*PD) and a male at Cooley's Pond 7 January (ph.RDn). Earliest reports of north-bound migrants were for 1 at Shal¬ low Flats Viewing Area, Cave Run Lake, 20 February (SW et al.) and 1 at Barren 28 February (DR). Northern Shoveler - peak counts were for 50-75 at Sauerheber 15 December (BP, DA) and 175 at Long Point 26 February (HC, RDn). Northern Pintail - peak counts were for 100+ at Ballard 27 December (BP, SR); "hundreds" at Sauerheber 20 February (CC); and ca. 100 there 22 February (MBe). Green-winged Teal - peak count was for 100+ at Ballard 26 January (BP). Canvasback - peak counts were for 340+ at Boyd's Landing 13 December (MR); 100+ at Lake Peewee, Hopkins, 6 January (MBe); and 1 10 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 21 February (DR). Redhead - peak counts included an excep¬ tionally large flock of 350+ late migrants at Waitsboro 5 December (RDn), as well as more typical late-winter counts of 95 at Homestead 13 February (DR, RDv); 42 at Cooley's Pond and 18 above Wolf Creek Dam. both 15 February' (RDn); and 30 at Shaker Village, Mercer, 20 February (DPe) with 92 there and 12 nearby 23 February (DPe). Ring-necked Duck - peak count was for 200 at Anderson Pond. Sauerheber, 15 January (CC). Greater Scaup - the species was mostly reported from normal locations; peak count was for 403 on Ky Lake from the dam to Birmingham Point 22 February (DR. HC). One on Lake Herndon. Logan. 27 December (DR) and 30 December (MBe) was a county first. Lesser Scaup - peak counts included "many thousands" on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 13 December (MR) and ca. 2000 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 21 February (DR). Surf Scoter - there were several reports of late migrants, and one in mid-winter: 2 f./imms. on the Ohio River at Louisville 3 December (MSti); 1 at Freeman Lake. Hardin , 4 December (RH); 9 at Fishing 46 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 Creek and 13 at Waitsboro, both 5 De¬ cember (RDn); 2 f./imms. above Wolf Creek Dam 6 December (RDn); a f. on the Ohio River at Dayton, Campbell, 10 December (FR); and a f./imm. above Ky Dam 26 January (BP). Black Scoter - there were two reports: 5 including an ad. m. above Wolf Creek Dam 6 December (RDn) and a f. on Ky Lake, Marshall, 22 February (DR, HC). Bufflehead - peak counts were for 55+ at Waitsboro 5 December (RDn) and 100+ on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 23 January (DR). Common Goldeneye - peak count was for 2350 on Ky Lake, Marshall, and 200+ on Lake Barkley, Lyon, both 22 February (DR, HC). Hooded Merganser - peak count was for 180 at Lexington 4 December (SM) with 225 on the CBC there 17 December (fide BM). Common Merganser - small numbers were reported at normal locales, mostly during mid-winter. Peak counts were for 8 on the Calloway CBC 31 December (fide HC) and 8 above Meldahl Dam 20 February (LMcN et al.). Another report of interest was for 1 at Taylorsville Lake, Spencer, 20 February (BW). Red-breasted Merganser - peak counts were for 100+ at Barren 5 December (MBe, DR) and 327 on Lake Barkley above the dam 22 February (DR, HC). Ruddy Duck - peak counts included 150+ at Lake Peewee, Hopkins, 6 Jan (MBe) and 120+ on Lake Barkley above the dam 21 February (DR). Common Loon - a few likely wintered as indicated by 8 at Green River Lake, Adair/Taylor, 28 December (BP, RDn); 1 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 23 January (DR); 1 on Lake Barkley above the dam 21 February (DR); and 3 on Ky Lake, Mar¬ shall, 22 February (DR, HC). Other re¬ ports of interest included 5 at Lexington 4 December (SM) and 1 on Dewey Lake, Floyd, 29 December (TE). Horned Grebe - peak counts of late mi¬ grants were for 70 at Barren (DR) and 66 at Waitsboro (RDn), both 5 December; a few lingered through mid-winter with 1- 1 3 reported on five CBCs and 49 on Lake Cumberland, Russell, 7 January (RDn). Peak counts of possible or probable re¬ turning spring birds included 50+ on Lake Barkley, Lyon, and 450 on Ky Lake, Mar¬ shall, both 22 February (DR, HC). Red-necked Grebe - 1 was present at Lex¬ ington 10 December (ph.JP). KBRC re¬ view required. American White Pelican - reports of inter¬ est included 10 over Ballard 27 December (BP); 254 on Ky Lake, Calloway, 31 De¬ cember (HC et ah); 250 at Swan Lake, Ballard, 8 January (CW); and at least 280 at Kuttawa 26 January (BP) with 250+ there 25 February (DR, HC). Double-crested Cormorant - small num¬ bers wintered on Ky Lake/Lake Barkley (m. ob.). American Bittern - 1 was observed 1 Jan¬ uary at the same marsh on Sinclair where the species has been present on two prev¬ ious occasions in winter (MBe, RDn, SD). Great Egret - quite unusual for early winter were 3 at Energy Lake, Land Between the Lakes, Trigg, 17 December (AY et ah). Black-crowned Night-Heron - as is now the norm, a few wintered at St. Matthews, Jefferson, with 6 present in early January (BW); a single bird was reported on the Lexington CBC 17 December (fide BM). Black Vulture - a count of 400+ in a mixed-species vulture roost at Frankfort 18 January (BP) represented a new state high count. Turkey Vulture - peak counts included 250+ at Frankfort in mid-January (BP) and perhaps as many as 500-1000 during the latter half of January in the vicinity of Radcliff, Hardin (DPa). Red-tailed Hawk - reports of western forms included a calurus x "Krider's" intergrade at McElroy 21 December (DR); a differ¬ ent calurus intergrade on the WKU Farm 21 December (DR); and an ad. light morph calurus in e. Muhlenberg 1 Jan¬ uary (BP). The light morph harlani and its 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 47 possible mate calurus continued on the WKU Farm through 8 January (DR). Rough-legged Hawk - the species was not numerous this winter; only reports were of 1-2 indivs. on various units of Peabody WMA (m. ob.) and 2 in e. Wayne 17/20 December (RDn et al.). Golden Eagle - 3 birds (2 ads. and a juv.) were observed at Bernheim Forest, Bul¬ litt/Nelson, 1 December (BP, JD) with 2 (a sub-adult and a juv) there 23 December (BP. SV, AC) and a juv. there 8 January (BP, SK, et al.). Only other report was for 1 in Butler 19 January (DR). Merlin - an impressive tally of 6 — repre¬ senting a new state high count — was made at Riverqueen 5 February (BP, AC); at least 1 f. was of the “prairie race-’, F. c. richardsoni (ph.BP). The species was present there throughout the season (m. ob.). Additional reports included a m. at Fishing Creek 5 December (ph.RDn); a f./juv. along Frazier Road, e. Wayne, 17 December (RDn); and 1 at Owsley Fork Lake, Madison, 24 February (TH). Merlin, f. of "prairie" race, F. c. richardsoni 5 February 2006, Muhlenberg Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Peregrine Falcon - an imm. was present above Barkley Dam 18 December (BP), 15 January (BY, MY), and 21 February (DR); 1 was present off-and-on through¬ out the winter at the US 68/KY80 bridge over Lake Barkley, Trigg (BLi); the pair at Louisville put in occasional appearan¬ ces throughout the period (m. ob.); addi¬ tional birds were reported on Ky Lake, Calloway, 31 December (JTE, WW) and at Meldahl Dam 2 January (LMcN). Virginia Rail - at least 3 replied to taped calls at a marsh at Gibraltar 1 January (BP, AC); another was observed along the edge of a marsh along Cypress Creek nw. of South Carrollton, Muhlenberg, 15 Jan¬ uary (WR). Sandhill Crane - as is the norm, south¬ bound birds continued into January with northward flight commencing before the end of the month; reports of interest in¬ cluded 65 over Carlisle, Nicholas, 2 De¬ cember (VK, WK) and 15 over Cave Run Lake 10 December (SF), both relatively far e., and I over Long Point 17 Decem¬ ber (NM, BP, KL); the main northward flight commenced during the last week of February (m. ob.). Peak counts of north¬ bound birds included 210 over Barren 26 January (DR); 400 over Munfordville, Hart, 4 February (SK); 600+ over Hart 15 February (MStu); 2500-3000 over Cum¬ berland 21 February (C.D&VM); and "several thousand" over ne. Hart the last week of February (CF, BB). Lesser Yellowlegs - earliest reports of re¬ turning spring birds were for singles in w. Henderson 19 February (JM) and 20 February (CC). Least Sandpiper - a few birds may have wintered as evidenced by the following reports: 15 at Jonathan Creek 7 December (MEa) with 2 there 17 December (CM, KM), 8 there 21 February (MEa), and 6 there 25 February (DR, HC); 19 at Blood River 31 December (HC); 16 outside of Hickman, Fulton , 14 January (BY, MY); and 9 at Wildcat Creek embayment, Ky Lake, Calloway, 21 January (MEa). Dunlin - latest reports were for 1 at Jona¬ than Creek 3 December (MEa); 5 at Bar¬ ren 5 December (DR); and 7 at Jonathan Creek 17 December (CM, KM). Long-billed Dowitcher - establishing a new late departure date for the state was a juv. 48 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ Vol. 82 that lingered at Fishing Creek to 15 De¬ cember (ph.RDn). American Woodcock - 4 were seen/heard in vv. McCracken 1 December (BP, JD) with 2+ there 26 January (BP); 1 was reported on the Lexington CBC 17 De¬ cember (fide BM); the species was heard during the second week of January in Hart (SK) and back in numbers by early February (m. ob.). Laughing Gull - an ad. was present at the dam at Barren 26-30 January' (DR). Bonaparte's Gull - probably in large part due to the mild weather, numbers lingered throughout the winter; peak counts includ¬ ed 75-100 at Barren 20 January (DR) and 1 000+ on both Ky Lake and Lake Barkley 23 January (DR). Flundreds were present most of the period near the mouth of Jon¬ athan Creek, Marshall (MEa, HC, et al.). Ring-billed Gull - peak counts were unim¬ pressive and included ca. 1000 around Ky Dam 23 January (DR); 800+ at Barren near the dam 26 January (DR); and 350+ at Meldahl Dam 20 February (LMcN). Herring Gull - peak counts were unimpres¬ sive and included 85 below Ky Dam 18 December (BP) with 70+ there and 20 at Barkley Dam 23 January (DR). Thayer’s Gull - the only reports were for an ad. below Barkley Dam 16/18 December (ph.BP) and 2 first-year birds below Ky Dam 17 December (*BLi). Lesser Black-backed Gull - the only re¬ ports were for single ads. on the Ohio River opposite Joppa, IL, McCracken, 31 December (*FB) and at Boyd's Landing 22 February (DR, HC). Forster's Tern - as is the norm, a few birds lingered on s. Ky Lake with 2 at Jonathan Creek 3 December (MEa) and 7 there 16 February (MEa). Eurasian Collared-Dove - a flock of 25 just n. of Flaherty 20 December (BP, EH) was in a new location for the species. A late report of 90 in w. Daviess 12 Novem¬ ber (JH) represents a new state high count. Barn Owl - the only reports were for 1 in Calloway 31 December (HC) and rem¬ nants of 1 picked up at Ken Hopewell in mid-January (EW, AS). Long-eared Owl - the only report was for 2 at Riverqueen 28 January (BY, MY). Short-eared Owl - quite scarce this winter, all reports are included: 1 off Old Glas- gow-Munfordville Road, Barren, 6 De¬ cember (EW); 1 near Dot, Logan, 31 De¬ cember (FL); only 2 on the Paradise CBC 1 January (MW, MBe); 2 at Ken Hope- well 15 January (BY, MY) and 12 Feb¬ ruary (BP, KOS); and 1 off Red Hill Road, Hopkins, 18 January (EW). Rufous Hummingbird - 7 were captured/ banded during the fall/winter (MMn, BP) (see Table 1 on following page). Red-headed Woodpecker - more numerous than last winter, but not present in exces¬ sive numbers, even in w. Kentucky; 1-30 on 18 CBCs represented a near-normal showing. Loggerhead Shrike - 1-3 were reported on seven CBCs; singles near Canmer, Hart, 8 January (SK, BP, et al.) and 1 February (DR), and at Blaze Valley, Pulaski 31 December (LMcL, JB, KF), were some¬ what unusual for the locations. Blue-headed Vireo - 1 near Green River Lake dam, Taylor, 28 December (RDn, *BP) represented a second winter record for the state. Under KBRC review. 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 49 Table 1. Rufous Hummingbirds in Kentucky, fall-winter 2005-2006 Age/sex Location First noticed Last observed Hosts HY S nr. Ballardsville, Oldham ca. 25 September 2 October John & Arna Davidson AHY c? Corbin, Knox 20 October 29 March June Ann & Michael Perkins HY S ne. of Georgetown, Scott 7 October mid-December Dawn Gottron HY ? n. of Nicholasville, Jessamine mid-November 27 December Nell & John Newton HY S w. of Peytona, Shelby ca. 17 November 27 November Heidi & Mark Gregg AHY <$ Owensboro, Daviess 23 November* 25 November Janet Howard HY S Louisville, Jefferson mid-October 26 January Randall & Doris Hancock * Owensboro bird had been banded 2 weeks prior in Princeton, IN (ca. 45 mi. to nw.) (CH). Purple Martin - earliest report was for 2 at Lewisport, Hancock , 27 February (MBr; fide Purple Martin Conservation Asso¬ ciation web site). Tree Swallow - uncorroborated report of a bird at Owensboro, 24 January (fide Purple Martin Conservation Association web site). Red-breasted Nuthatch - small to mod¬ erate numbers were present during the winter. One to 19 were reported on 14 CBCs; peak count was for 19 on the Paradise CBC 1 January (m. ob.). House Wren - singles were reported on four CBCs including 1 adjacent to Waits- boro 31 December (*SS); another was found near Cliffy Pond, Pulaski, 22 De¬ cember/20 February (RDn). Sedge Wren - single birds were seen at two different locations on and adjacent to the West Ky WMA, McCracken, 27 Decem¬ ber (BP, SR). Marsh Wren - there were three reports: 1 heard at Homestead 10 December (BP, KOS); 1 at Twin Lakes 31 December (GC, L&TP) — 3 January (RDn); 1 seen and a second heard at Gibraltar 1 January (BP). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 1 was reported off Simpson Lane, n. Madison, 17 De¬ cember (*BM, KN). Under KBRC review. American Robin - numbers were above average this winter; representative roost counts included 2500-3000 at Louisville throughout the period (BW) and several thousand in nc. Meade 20 December (BP, EH). Varied Thrush - a f. was present in Indian Hills, Louisville, 4 February into March (ph.DPr, CP) and seen by many during its stay. KBRC review required. Gray Catbird - 1 was observed near Big Gimlet, Grayson Lake, Elliott, 20 Febru¬ ary (*EM). American Pipit - not numerous this winter; only exceptional peak count was a total of 580 in various flocks in Logan 27 Decem¬ ber (DR). Pine Warbler - 1-6 were reported on four CBCs in the w. part of the state; 3 at Bernheim Forest 24 January (JB, PB, et al.) may have wintered; returning birds were reported at several locales by the last week of February (m. ob.). Palm Warbler - there were not as many reports this winter (more back to normal); 1 on the Lexington CBC 17 December (fide BM); 4 in Larue 20 December (DR); 1 ne. of Flaherty 23 December (BP, EH); 1 along Mystic View Road, Wayne, 7 January (RDn); 1 at Sinclair 15 January (BY, MY); and 2 at Mt. Zion 17 February (RDn). Mourning Warbler - quite unusual was a report of an ad. m. adjacent to Jonathan Creek 17 December (*CM). Under KBRC review. Spotted Towhee - the male in w. McCrack¬ en was seen 1 December (BP, JD), 13 December (MR), 31 December (AD), 26 January (BP), and 27 January (DA, CM); another male was present ne. of Canmer, Hart, from the last week of December into March (CF, BB, *SK, *BP, et al.). Amer. Tree Sparrow - 1-40 on 15 CBCs was representative of a somewhat below- average occurrence this winter, probably at least in part due to the lack of snow. 50 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 Chipping Sparrow - relatively widespread in small numbers again this winter. One to 40 were reported on ten CBCs. Additional reports included up to 1 1 at Shaker Mill, Warren (DR) and up to 8 at Mt. Zion (RDn) through the period; 1 at Indian Hills, Louisville, 4 February (BP); 1 at Pulaski County Park 15 January (RDn); 4 at Barren 19 February (DR); "a flock" at West Liberty, Morgan, 20 February (ME1); and up to 7 at Plano, Warren, in late February (FB). Vesper Sparrow - quite rare for winter, 1 was reported on the Calloway CBC 31 December (JTE, WW). Savannah Sparrow - peak counts were for 65 nr. Flaherty 20 December (BP, EH) and 84 in Warren 21 December (DR). Grasshopper Sparrow - representing one of only a few winter records for the state was 1 studied with a mixed flock of spar¬ rows at Gibraltar I January (*BP, AC). Under KBRC review. Le Conte’s Sparrow - there were several reports; all are included: 1 ca. 2.0 mi ne. of Flaherty 20 December (BP, EH); at least 2 at Ballard 27 December (BP, SR) with at least 6 in the same field 26 Jan¬ uary (BP); 1 at Gibraltar (BP. AC) and at least 1, perhaps more, at Sinclair (MBe, RDn, SD), both 1 January; and 1 below Barkley Dam 25 January (BP) and 25 February (HC, KOS). Harris’s Sparrow - an ad. was present ca. 2.5 mi sse. of Red Hill, Daviess, from late December into March (ph.BLo, et al.) (see p. 56). Lapland Longspur - not widespread or numerous this year, all reports are in¬ cluded: 10+ e. of Long Point and 100+ at Open Pond, both 2 December (BP, JD, NM); 2 heard at Sinclair (BP, KOS) and at least 2 near Dot, Logan. (FL), both 10 December; 4 in Warren 21 December (DR); and 12 on the Olmstead CBC 27 December (fide MBe). Indigo Bunting - what was probably a male in basic plumage was observed at Mark. Pulaski. 31 December/12 January (ph.CN, WN). Under KBRC review. Western Meadowlark - at least 4-6 and probably 10-12 were seen/heard at Open Pond 2 December (BP, JD, NM). Rusty Blackbird - reports of interest in¬ cluded 100 on the Warsaw CBC 17 De¬ cember (LMcN et al.); 110 on the Olm¬ stead CBC 27 December (MBe, et al.); and 3 in Russell 1 December (RDn. GH). Purple Finch - it was a slightly better year for the species with 2-61 reported on 17 CBCs; peak counts included at least 60 at Green River Lake State Park campground, Taylor, 28 December (BP. RDn); 47 at Fisherville. Jefferson, 3 February (EH); 20+ along Union Hill Road, Ohio, 13 Feb¬ ruary (DR); and up to 72 at Open Fork, Elliott (EM) and up to 60 near Avenstoke, Anderson (SL), both in mid- to late Feb¬ ruary. Pine Siskin - there were relatively few re¬ ports including 1-4 on four CBCs. Addi¬ tional reports included 1 at Panorama Shores, Calloway, 7 January (KC) with 2 there 19 February (KC); and 3 at West Liberty, Morgan, 20 February (ME1); the only sizable flock was 50+ at Laurel Gorge, Elliott, 1 1 February (EM. et al.). Evening Grosbeak - the only report was for a f. at West Liberty. Morgan. 4-5 January (ME1). Observers: David Ayer (DA); Bruce Bardin (BB); Jane Bell (JB); Pat Bell (PB); Frank Bennett (FB); Mark Bennett (MBe); Steve Bonney (SB); Fred Bowman (FB); Judy Brant (JB); Mike Brown (MBr): Hap Chambers (HC); Kathy Cohen (KC); Amy Covert (AC); Granville Cox (GC); Charlie Crawford (CC); Phyllis Deal (PD); Roseanna Denton (RDn); Steve Denton (SD); Robert Dever (RDv); Christine Donald (CD); Andrea Douglas (AD): Jon Dunn (JD): Tom Durbin (TD); Melissa Easley (MEa); Mary Elam (ME1); Joe Tom Erwin (JTE); Troy Evans (TE); Kim Feltner (KF); Scott Freidhof (SF); Carol Friedman (CF); Jim Fries (JF); Richard Healy (RH); Gay Hodges (GH); Ken Hogg (KH); Tim Houghton (TH); Janet Howard (JH); Eddie Huber (EH); Cathie Hutcheson 2006 51 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER (CH); Bob Johnson (BJ); Virginia & Wendell Kingsolver (V&WK); Steve Kistler (SK); Susan Lambert (SL); Ken Leggett (KL); Bill Lisowsky (BLi); Bobby Lloyd (BLo); Frank Lyne (FL); Scott Marsh (SM); Betty Maxson (BM); Linda McClendon (LMcL); Lee McNeely (LMcN); Daniel McNulty (DM); John Meredig (JM); Carol, Don & Virginia Merrill (C,D&VM); Chuck Mills (CM); Mark Monroe (MMn); Nancy Moore (NM); Eveyln Morgan (EM); Arlene Morton (AM); Mike Morton (MMr); Carl Mowery (CM); Kathy Mowery (KM); Connie Neeley (CN); Wendell Neeley (WN); Kay Neikirk (KN); Dale Painter (DPa); Clara Ann Pallares (CP); David Pallares (DPr); Brainard Palmer- Ball, Jr. (BP); Thames Palmer-Ball (TP); Don Pelly (DPe); Lynda & Tom Perry (L&TP); Joe Pulliam (JP); Scott Record (SR); Frank Renfrow (FR); Mike Resch (MR); David Roemer (DR); Wayne Rosso (WR); Adam Smith (AS); Stephen Stedman (SS); Matt Stickel (MSti); Mitchell Sturgeon (MStu); Shawchyi Vorisek (SV); Major Waltman (MW); Wendell Webb (WW); Stephanie Welter (SW); Charlie Wilkins (CW); Eric Williams (EW); Barbara Woemer (BW); Ben Yandell (BY); Mary Yandell (MY); Aviva Yasgur (AV); Beckham Bird Club (BBC); Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS). ELEVENTH REPORT OF THE KENTUCKY BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE Lee McNeely, KBRC Secretary This report is the eleventh from the Kentucky Bird Records Committee (hereinafter KBRC) and covers actions completed from January 2004 through April 2006. Members serving on the committee during this period were Mark Bennett, Jackie Elmore, Lee Mc¬ Neely, Darrin O’Brien, and David Roemer. The stated purpose of the KBRC is to determine the validity of records of rare birds within Kentucky, maintain documentation of these records, and publish a summary of the committee’s deliberations. During this period there were five rounds of circulation through the KBRC consisting of 35 individual records. Twenty-eight of these were finalized, while seven remain unre¬ solved at this point. The current official Kentucky list now stands at 366 species (11 of which are by sight only), with Cackling Goose, Neotropic Cormorant, and Painted Bunting added since the last report. The KBRC met at the spring 2006 meeting and took the following actions: 1 ) Black¬ necked Stilt was removed from the review list; 2) Red Knot was added to the review list; 3) as a result of the introduction and establishment of Trumpeter Swans in a few Great Lakes states and the subsequent appearance of these birds in Kentucky, the species was moved from Extirpated status to Introduced status, and it was added to the review list. Accepted records: Branta hutchinsii. Cackling Goose [# 1 999E0 1 ] 17 January 1999, Warren County (LD) [videotaped] Branta hutchinsii. Cackling Goose [#2002E01J 31 January 2002, Warren County (DR) [videotaped] Gavia pacifica. Pacific Loon [#03winE04] 17 December 2002, Hopkins County (DR) [videotaped] Phalacrocorax brasilianus. Neotropic Cormorant [# 1 998E0 1 ] 27 September 1998, Trigg County (DR) [videotaped; first official Kentucky record] Plegadis falcinellus. Glossy Ibis [#03falE08] 13 October 2003, Warren County (DR, CH) [videotaped] Elanoides forficatus. Swallow-tailed Kite [#03falE04] 12-31 August 2003, Muhlenberg County (SA, DR) [photographed, videotaped] THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 52 Vol. 82 Conturnicops noveboracensis. Yellow Rail [#03spr()5] 1-2 April 2003, Jefferson County (BP) Charadrius melodus. Piping Plover [#2002E05] 7 May 2002, Christian County (DR) [videotaped] Numenius phaeopus. Whimbrel [#2002E03] 8 May 2002, Warren County (DR) [video¬ taped] Limosa fedoa. Marbled Godwit [#03spr02] 26 April 2003, Rowan County (LK) [photo¬ graphed] Limosa fedoa. Marbled Godwit [#03spr0l] 28 April 2003, Lyon County (BP, MM) [two birds] Limosa fedoa. Marbled Godwit [#03falE01] 1 August 2003, Union County (BP) [photo¬ graphed] Limosa haemastica. Hudsonian Godwit [#03falE03] 19 September 2003. Calloway County (HC) Phalaropus lobatus. Red-necked Phalarope [#2002E04a] 17 May 2002, Christian County (DR) [five birds; videotaped] Phalaropus lobatus. Red-necked Phalarope [#2002E04b] 19 May 2002. Warren County (DR) [photographed] Phalaropus lobatus. Red-necked Phalarope [#2002E04c] 14 October 2002, Warren County (DR) [videotaped] Phalaropus fulicarius. Red Phalarope [#03falE07] 13-17 September 2003, Marshall County (HC. DR), [photographed] Larus californicus. California Gull [#03spr03] 7 May 2003, Marshall County (BP. JD) Xema sabini. Sabine's Gull [#2002E08a] 1 1 September 2002, Lyon County (DR) [photo¬ graphed] Xenia sabini. Sabine's Gull [#2002E08c] 4 October 2002, Marshall County (DR) [video¬ taped] Zenaida asiatica. White-winged Dove [#03spr04] 6-7 May, 2003, Fulton County (BP, JD) [photographed] Zenaida asiatica. White-winged Dove [#03sum01] June 1, 2003, Madison County (AR) [photographed] Selaspliorus rufus. Rufous Hummingbird [#03falE02] November 29 — December 1, 2003, Logan County (GM, MB. JE, DR. CS) [photographed] Hirundo rustica. Barn Swallow [#2002winE01] 4-9 January 2003, Muhlenberg County (MB. HC, RD) [videotaped by DR] Spiiella pallida. Clay-colored Sparrow [#2002E13] 17 October 2002, Muhlenberg County (DR) Spizella pallida. Clay-colored Sparrow [#03falE09] 10 November 2003. Pulaski County (RD) Passerine i ciris. Painted Bunting [#03sprl 1] 30 April — 23 July 2003, Fulton County (BP, MM) [photographed; first official Kentucky record] Observers: Steve Anderson (SA). Mark Bennett (MB). Hap Chambers (HC), Roseanna Denton (RD), Lester Doyle (LD), Jon Dunn (JD), Jackie Elmore (JE), Carter Hooks (CH). Lew Komman (EK). Mr. & Mrs. Gene McDonald (GM), Mark Monroe (MM), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP), Art Ricketts (AR), David Roemer (DR), and Chris Sloan (CS). — P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY, 41005. 53 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING 2006 MEETING April 28-30, 2006 Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Laura Patton, Recording Secretary The Spring 2006 meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held at Penny¬ rile Forest State Resort Park near Dawson Springs, Kentucky. Registration was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. CDT on Friday, April 28. A silent auction began at 6:45 p.m. President Mark Bennett called the general meeting to order and welcomed members and guests at 7:00 p.m. Win Ahrens introduced the guest speakers and made announcements. The first speaker on Friday evening was Daniel Moss, biologist at Fort Campbell Mil¬ itary Reservation. Fort Campbell contains a rare native prairie ecosystem that was part of the historical “Big Barrens” dominated by grasslands maintained by fire (natural and set by native Americans) and grazing elk and bison. The areas are currently maintained in grass¬ land habitat through burning in 1-3 year cycles and mechanical manipulations. A research study on Henslow’s Sparrows documented 1 14 nests, the majority of which were found in larger fields. Nest parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds was low. Perhaps more sur¬ prising was the discovery of nesting Bachman’s Sparrows. At Fort Campbell, about 20 individuals are found each year. The Bachman’s Sparrows are not using their typical pine habitat, but rather are found close to burned fields with scattered large trees and a native grass understory. Other species present on the grasslands include Grasshopper Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Dickcissel, Eastern Meadowlark, and Sedge Wren in late summer. The military training appears to have minimal impact on the avian community, and maintaining the grasslands is consistent with military needs. Some areas are restricted only to biol¬ ogists, and signs that warn of unexploded ordnance are ones to obey! Past-president Hap Chambers was the second speaker on the Friday program. Wearing an “Ivory-billed - Found” t-shirt, Hap told tales of her 12-day volunteer search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in the White River NWR in Arkansas. These were long days starting as early as 4:00 a.m., and going till 6:00 p.m., and then data entry back at the trailer. A signed confidentiality agreement with Cornell University prevented full disclosure, but Hap remained skeptical. Hap then shared slides from her first birding instructor, Dr. Clell Peterson. Clell was a professor of English at Murray State University and president of KOS in 1963. The pictures from Reelfoot and from the “Land Between the Lakes” before the dams were most interesting. Hap asked members for ideas of how to archive these photographs. After discussing Saturday morning field trips, the meeting was adjourned and popcorn and cookies were available. Birding began bright and early Saturday morning with Lee McNeely and Hap Chambers leading trips on the Pennyrile Forest trails and Land Between the Lakes, respec¬ tively. The KOS board meeting was called to order Saturday afternoon at 2:45 p.m. The Kentucky Bird Records Committee meeting followed the board meeting, beginning at 4:00 p.m. The Saturday evening program began at 7:00 p.m. President Mark Bennett welcomed back all birders and guests and highlighted the evening activities. The guest speaker on Saturday night was Dr. Doug Stotz from Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Stotz gave an informative presentation entitled The Chicago Migration Corridor, Spectacular and How to Preserve It. Dr. Stotz described Chicago’s stopover areas for migrant birds, which largely include the lakefront and isolated forest patches. He explained how doppler radar was used to map areas of concentrated use by using the radar to detect bird activity as they dropped from the sky onto roosts. These areas overlapped with riparian corridors and forest patches. Dr. Stotz also talked about the inevitable collision of birds into Chicago buildings. Chicago building owners were urged to turn off their lights at night, because migrating birds are 54 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol, 82 drawn to light and consequently crash into the buildings. Several buildings have committed to turning out their lights at night. Dr. Blaine Ferrell presented the count of species observed during the KOS field trips. A total of 139 bird species were observed on Friday and Saturday w ith the addition of five species on Sunday trips. The Saturday evening program ended with a review of field trips for Sunday morning by Win Ahrens, and closing announcements by President Mark Bennett. All would agree it was yet another exceptional meeting. Alexandria: Bowling Green: Burlington: Carmel, IN: Carlisle: Chicago, 1L: Clarksville. TN: Cox's Creek: Dawson Springs: Dearborn, MI: Eddyville: Frankfort: Indianapolis, IN: Lexington: Louisville: Madisonville: Morehead: Morgantown: Murray: Owensboro: Prospect: Richmond: Russellville: Somerset: Attendance at the Spring 2006 KOS meeting Ron & Mary Beth Lusby Blaine Lerrell, David & Joanie Roemer Lee McNeely Lou Anne Barriger Wendell & Ginny Kingsolver Doug Stotz Daniel Moss Dona Coates Ed Ray, Marvin Russell Darrin O'Brien John & Phyllis B. Niemi Amy Covert, Laura Patton Larry Peavler Rhonda Bryant, Wayne & Shirley Davis, Scott Marsh, Ryan & Brooke Slack, Jim Williams Jane & Pat Bell. Carol Besse, Anne Caudill, Marge Constan. Robert Dever, Katharine Fulkerson, Katharine Griswold, Gerald Heath, Eddie & Jennifer Huber, Celia Lawrence, Brainard Palmer- Ball, Jr., Gary Sprandel, Mary W. Yandell Ann & Marian Morgan Fred & Katie Busroe Doris & Carroll Tichenor Hap Chambers, Kathy & Mike Cohen, Bonnie & Sam McNeely Marilee & Wendell Thompson Win Ahrens Gary Ritchison, Brenda & Pete Thompson Mark Bennett Gay Hodges, Connie Neeley Bird Species Observed at the KOS Spring 2006 Meeting Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Vicinity (Christian/Caldwell/Hopkins cos) (additional birds from Land Between the Lakes area only are followed by an asterisk *) The following bird species were observed during the weekend of April 28-30: Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Northern Shoveler*. Northern Pintail*, Redhead*, Lesser Scaup*. Red-breasted Merganser*, Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, Common Loon*, Pied-billed Grebe*, Horned Grebe*, Red-necked Grebe*, Double-crested Cormorant*, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret*, Little Blue Heron*, Cattle Egret*, Green Heron, Black- crowned Night-Heron*, Black Vulture. Turkey Vulture, Osprey*, Bald Eagle*, Sharp- shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, American Coot*, Killdeer, Solitary Sandpiper, Willet*, Spotted Sandpiper. Laughing Gull*, Bonaparte’s Gull*, Ring-billed Gull*, Herring Gull*, Caspian 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 55 Tern*. Forster's Tern*. Common Tern*. Least Tern*. Rock Pigeon. Eurasian Collared- 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. Pileatcd Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee. Eastern Phoebe. Great-crested Fly¬ catcher. Eastern Kingbird. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher*. White-eyed Vireo. Yellow-throated Vireo. Blue-headed Vireo. Warbling Vireo. Philadelphia Vireo. Red-eyed Vireo. Blue Jay, American Crow. Fish Crow. Purple Martin. Tree Swallow. Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White¬ breasted Nuthatch. Carolina Wren. House Wren. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Blue-gray Gnat- catcher. Eastern Bluebird. Swainson's Thrush. Wood Thrush. American Robin, Gray Cat¬ bird. Northern Mockingbird. Brown Thrasher. European Starling. Cedar Waxwing, Blue¬ winged Warbler. Tennessee Warbler. Nashville Warbler. Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler. Chestnut-sided Warbler. Magnolia 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. Prothon- otary Warbler. Worm-eating Warbler. Ovenbird. Northern Waterthrush. Louisiana Water- thrush. Kentucky Warbler. Common Yellowthroat. Hooded Warbler. Yellow-breasted Chat. Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager. Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow. Field Sparrow'. Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow. White- crowned Sparrow. Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird. Eastern Meadowlark. Common Grackle. Brown-headed Cowbird. Orchard Oriole. Baltimore Oriole. House Finch. American Goldfinch and House Sparrow. The species total was 144. FIELD NOTE An Eastern Bluebird Nest in a Mature Woodland The Eastern Bluebird (Sicilia sialis) is a widespread, medium-sized passerine of temperate eastern North America. A characteristic inhabitant of open to semi-open habitats including farmland, residential areas, and woodland edges in Kentucky, this beautiful song¬ bird occurs throughout the year, breeding commonly across the central and western por¬ tions. although more locally in the heavily forested eastern mountains. On 15 April 2003. I was conducting a faunal survey of "Big Woods" in Mammoth Cave National Park. Hail County, when I came across a pair of Eastern Bluebirds in the forest. I stepped back and watched the pair until one bird and then the other flew up to a small snag in the understory and entered a small cavity. The hole, likely a former nest cav¬ ity of Downy Woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens). was situated about 7-8 ft (2.00-2.25 m) above the ground and near the end of the snag. The unique feature about this nesting cavity was that the location was at least 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from the nearest edge within continuous mature forest. Big Woods is an old-grow th tract of nearly 300 ac (121.5 hectares) that occupies broad upland ridges and slopes that descend into a moister ravine. The forest is composed of a diverse mixture of upland oaks ( Ouercus spp.) with hickories ( Caiya spp.) and tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) transitioning to American beech (Fagus grandifolia). sugar maple (Acer saccharinum), and American basswood (Tilia america ) in moister portions. During the early part of the 20th Century, the American chestnuts (Castanea dentata ) in the forest died off. creating a generation of younger growth, but many remaining trees are excep¬ tionally large. The forest structure in Big Woods differs substantially from the structure throughout most of the park because of the age of the trees, a result of no known logging. The canopy has numerous small gaps, the mid-story is typically quite open, and the shrub layer is sparse to heterogeneous with mixed species of saplings and spicebush (Lindera benzoin) in moister areas. There is also an abundance of dead snags and fallen trees, making Vo). 82 56_ THK KENTUCKY WARBLER for an excellent variety of nesting substrate for many species of birds. Because of the scarcity of old-growth tracts like Big Woods, occupancy of such naturally open woodlands by birds typically considered to prefer open lands is seldom observed today. At the time of European settlement, when Kentucky was covered primarily in mature forest, species like the Eastern Bluebird were likely much less numerous and widespread than they are today, and they certainly occurred most widely in open wood¬ lands, especially along the margins of the native prairies. The occurrence of nesting blue¬ birds in what would be considered "forest interior" provides insight into the role forests might continue to play, if allowed to mature, in providing habitat for a rich diversity of wildlife. — Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.. Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane. Frankfort. KY. 40601. NEWS AND VIEWS Visit the K.O.S. Website To learn about the Kentucky Ornithological Society and interesting happenings, visit the K.O.S. website maintained by Dr. Gary Ritehison at www.biology.eku.edu/kos.htm. K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Grant Fund The K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe. Jr.. Avian Research Grant Fund supports research on birds in Kentucky up to $500. For guidelines on how to apply, please contact Dr. Blaine Ferrell. Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean's Office, Western Kentucky University. Bowling Green. Kentucky. 42101 (blaine.ferrell@wku.edu). Kentucky Bird Records Committee Documented records of rare bird sightings and birds observed out of season are sought by the Kentucky Bird Records Committee (KBRC). Electronic records in DOC, PDF or JPEG format are preferred to hard copy, but both formats are accepted. Electronic docu¬ mentations should be emailed to Mark Bennett at benn56Q9@bellsouth.net: hard copy doc¬ umentations should be mailed to Mark at 113 Iroquois Circle. Russellville. KY 42276- 8777. Lee McNeely, KBRC Secretary , supervises record circulation and maintains appro¬ priate documentation for the Committee. Harris's Sparrow, January-March 2006. se. Daviess County (p.50). Photo by Bobby Lloyd. The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) ? VOL. 82 AUGUST 2006 NO. 3 3 IN THIS ISSUE NESTING BALD EAGLES IN KENTUCKY — TWO DECADES OF RECOVERY, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Shawchyi Vorisek, and Adam Smith . 59 SPRING SEASON 2006, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. and Lee McNeely . 66 58 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Vice-President . Corresponding Secretary Treasurer. Recording Secretary . Councillors: Mark Monroe, Louisville . Melissa Easley, Murray . Shawchyi Vorisek, Frankfort Mary Yandell, Louisville . Gay Hodges, Somerset . Eddie Huber, Louisville . . Mark Bennett, Russellville . Win Ahrens, Prospect . Amy Covert 109 Lafayette Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601-3456 . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 . Laura Patton, Frankfort 2004 thru 2006 2004 thru 2006 2005 thru 2007 2005 thru 2007 2006 thru 2008 2006 thru 2008 Immediate Past President . Hap Chambers, Murray Staff Artist . Ray Harm, Sonoita, AZ 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; 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 . Blaine R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Wayne Mason, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Stephen J. Stedman Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY 41005 THE COVER We thank David Roemer for the photograph of the adult light morph Swainson’s Hawk ( Buteo swainsonii) observed over the Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs Wildlife Management Area, Henderson County, 8 April 2006 (see p.67). Financial support for color cover provided by the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Kentucky* Touchstone Energy Cooperatives' 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 59 Nesting Bald Eagles in Kentucky — Two Decades of Recovery Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Shawchyi Vorisek, and Adam Smith Kentucky’s population of Bald Eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus) occurs in highest numbers during the winter months when birds from the northern United States and Canada migrate south in search of open bodies of water on which to hunt (Burford 2001 ). Most of the historic records (pre- 1950s) were from extreme western Kentucky, although observa¬ tions farther east, especially along the Ohio River floodplain, occurred fairly regularly (Mengel 1965). In more recent years, numbers of non-breeding eagles have increased across central and eastern Kentucky, likely the result of a combination of the availability of habitat on reservoirs and the overall increase in the continental population. Depending largely upon the severity of the weather, approximately 1 50 to 300 Bald Eagles have been detected during mid-winter surveys in the state in recent years (Burford and Vorisek 2005). In contrast, historically Kentucky’s nesting eagle population appears to have been relatively small and presumably non-migratory, occurring primarily in association with the larger rivers and associated floodplains. Very little information exists on the breeding status of the species in the state prior to the 20th Century. However, the presence of “about 6 pairs” that nested regularly in the vicinity of Island No. 8 on the Mississippi River in western Fulton County in the 1890s (Pindar 1925) is suggestive of a relatively healthy pop¬ ulation in the far western portion. Moreover, accounts by Audubon from the early 1 800s in the vicinity of Henderson (Audubon 1831, cited in Mengel 1965) indicate that the species probably nested at least occasionally farther east. In more recent times, Mengel (1965) believed it “unlikely that more than 5 or 10 pairs nested in the state as of the 1950’s.” During the 1960s, the effects of the accumulation of residues from organochloride pesticides like DDT in the ecosystem were detrimental to large raptors like Bald Eagles. Like the numbers of many other birds feeding primarily on fish, eagle numbers crashed due to poor nesting productivity associated with eggshell thinning that resulted in broken eggs. The last active eagle nest reported from Kentucky actually occurred in Ballard County in the late 1940s (Mengel 1965) although it seems reasonable to assume that a few later nests went unreported. In sub-sequent years the species apparently disappeared entirely as a breeding bird, and no nesting attempts were reported through the mid-1980s. With the banning of DDT in the early 1970s and the listing of the species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1978, the number of Bald Eagles began to increase. Additionally, in 1980 the Tennessee Valley Authority, in cooperation with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the Tennessee Conservation League, and the USFWS, initiated a restoration effort in the west¬ ern Kentucky /Tennessee area by releasing captive-bred and wild-captured young. These eaglets were brought to Land Between the Lakes (LBL) and reared to Hedging age in a hacking tower on the Tennessee side. This effort was undertaken through 1988 and resulted in the successful release of 44 birds (S. Bloemer, pers. comm.). During the winter of 1985-1986, a pair of Bald Eagles constructed a nest on Mud Slough at Ballard Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Ballard County (Andrews 1987). Although the nest was not active the first year, this pair hatched two eggs the following year. Unfortunately, these two eaglets died of unknown causes, and the pair continued to have nesting problems nesting for several years. However, this initial effort was a prelude to additional attempts, and during the late 1980s active nests were discovered elsewhere in Ballard County at Swan Lake WMA and in LBL. In 1989, a pair of eagles at LBL became the first known to raise young successfully in Kentucky in forty years. One of the members of this pair was banded, strongly suggesting it originated Trorn, the. TV A-led restoration project. In fact, during the mid- to late 1980s, several of the b i pdT indi.afLy \n£$fjj3gTnrthe LBL area were known or presumed, due to the presence < the local restoration effort. In 1991, an LBL-released bird H o a ptisv-to-nave- originated- was |)ne of a pair of Bald Eagles OCT ' THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 60 Vol. 82 that became the first to nest successfully in Indiana in nearly a century (S. Bloemer, pers. comm.). By 1990, at least five pairs of eagles had established nesting territories in western Kentucky, and the nesting population continued to expand through the mid-1990s, primarily in LBL and along the lower Ohio and Mississippi river floodplains. A notable exception involved a pair that built a nest at Laurel River Lake, Laurel County, in 1991. This pair, like many other eagle pairs engaged in their first nesting efforts, experienced difficulty in raising young; in fact, it was not until 2002 that young fledged successfully on the lake. During this same period, one of 73 birds hacked by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources at Lake Monroe during 1985-1989 became one of the first to nest in Henderson County in 1991 (J. Castrale, pers. comm.). In 1995, in response to a widespread and remarkable in¬ crease in numbers across the lower 48 states, the Bald Eagle was down-listed from Endan¬ gered to Threatened by the USFWS (USFWS 1995). During the late 1990s, Kentucky’s nesting eagle population increased dramatically. Most of the expansion occurred at LBL and along the Mississippi River, but a few pairs were also discovered across the Shawnee Hills (Western Coalfield) region. In 2000 the state’s nesting eagle population reached the 30-pair plateau. The early 2000s have marked the appearance of nesting eagles at several additional sites across central Kentucky as well as the establishment of nesting territories at two new sites in the eastern part of the state, where suitable habitat was absent historically but is present today in the form of flood control/recreational reservoirs. Gradual expansion also has continued in western Kentucky. Most nests continue to be established in close proximity to the larger reservoirs and rivers, but several are now known far from large bodies of water. As the 2006 nesting season commenced, Kentucky was hosting nearly 50 pairs of Bald Eagles with established nesting territories (Table 1; Figure 1). Of the total, not every pair has been successful in the past few years, but in 2005 at least 42 pairs were known or thought to have been successful, with a similar 40+ successful pairs documented in 2006. The loca-tions in Table 1 and Figure 1 represent areas where a pair of birds has been documented to be actively engaged in nesting. Some pairs likely no longer consist of the original birds, and often more than one nest has been involved as nests are destroyed by storms or simply rebuilt in nearby locations. For example, at least four nests have been built by the pair of eagles at Laurel River Lake since 1991. In addition to the pairs listed in Table 1, there are also more than a dozen pairs holding active territories immediately adjacent to the state, mostly along the banks of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers (e.g.. Brown and Scioto counties, Ohio; Crawford, Harrison, Perry, and Posey counties, Indiana; Massac and Pope counties, Illinois; New Madrid County, Mis¬ souri; and Pickett and Stewart counties, Tennessee). Several additional pairs have built nests but have not attempted to nest, and a few others have been reported but not yet con¬ firmed. Kentucky’s nesting Bald Eagle population continues to be monitored annually by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) in cooperation with other state and federal agencies and local volunteers. In March of each year, all known nesting territories are surveyed by helicopter to search for incubating birds. Although budgetary contraints have limited later-season surveys, nesting success has been determined to the extent possible using follow-up nest observations from a variety of agency personnel and volunteers. In most years, this methodology has allowed for the compilation of productivity information for a majority of the nests. The Bald Eagle currently remains listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. In 1999, the USFWS proposed to remove the species entirely from listing, but due to various objections delisting was postponed to allow for the gathering of additional infor¬ mation to support the action. In February 2006 the USFWS reopened the public comment period for the proposal to delist the Bald Eagle in the lower 48 States and provided addi- 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 61 Table 1. Bald Eagle Nesting Pairs in Kentucky, 1986-2006 County Location Yr. first active Comments including most recent activity Mississippi River and associated tributaries Ballard Ballard WMA#1 1986 Successful in 2006. " Ballard WMA #2 1989 Successful in 2006. " Swan Lake WMA 1989 Not successful until 1995. Successful in 2006. 1" " Honey Slough 1994 Successful in 2006. |" " Mayfield Creek 2000 Still active in 2006. Carlisle Back Slough 1995 Last activity noted in 1997. " Wilson Creek 2004 Still active in 2006. Fulton Bayou de Chien/Littlc Mud Creek/Obion WMA 1987 Not successful until 1994. Last confirmed success¬ ful in 2002. Still active in 2006. " " Lake No. 9 1993 Successful in 2006. " " Long Point Unit, Reelfoot NWR 1999 Active only in 1999. " Kentucky Bend NE 2000 Last confirmed successful in 2004. Active in 2006. " Kentucky Bend W 2003 Last confirmed successful in 2004. Active in 2006. " " Island No. 8 2003 Active in 2006. Hickman Wolf Island 1991 Last confirmed successful in 2001. Active in 2006. " " Westvaco WMA 2001 Successful in 2006. Land Between the Lakes area Calloway Bailey Hollow 2005 Successful in 2005. Inactive in 2006. Lyon LBL - Fulton Bay 1987 Last confirmed successful in 1996. Likely success¬ ful in 2000. Last known active in 2001 . " LBL - Mammoth Furnace Bay 1990 Last confirmed successful in 2003. Likely success¬ ful in 2006. LBL - Smith Bay 1995 Successful in 2006. [' " LBL - Dcmumbers Bay 1997 Last successful in 2003. Last active in 2005. LBL - Duncan Bay 1998 Last successful in 2003. Pair present but nesting not attempted in 2006. 'll II LBL - Eddyville Ferry 1998 Successful in 2006. LBL - Cravens Bay 2000 Successful in 2005. Likely successful in 2006. Marshall Ky Dam Village State Resort Pk. 2002 Successful in 2006 [' " Olive Branch/Jonathan Creek Bay 2004 Successful in 2006. [Trigg LBL - Pryor Bay 1990 Apparently never successful. Last active in 1998 when nest location was in Tennessee. [' " LBL - Rhodes Bay/Higgins Bay 1991 Successful in 2006. [’ " LBL - Sugar Bay 1992 Last successful in 1995. Last active in 1997. " " LBL - Devil’s Elbow 1993 Last confirmed successful in 2004. Likely successful in 2006. ' " LBL - Shaw Branch 1996 Successful in 2005. Pair present but nesting not attempted in 2006. 1 " LBL - Blockhouse Bay 1997 Successful in 2006. 1" " LBL - Turkey Bay 1999 Still active and likely successful in 2006. " " LBL - Terrapin Bay 1999 Still active and successful in 2006. [' » LBL - Empire Farm 2002 Last successful in 2005. Pair present but nesting not attempted in 2006. " ■' Twin Trees subdivision/Little River Bay 2004 Last successful in 2005. Inactive in 2006. " " LBL - Savelis Bay 2005 Likely successful in 2006. Lower Ohio River Henderson Sloughs WMA, Anderson Pond #1 1991 Successful in 2005. A pair was present but nesting apparently was not attempted in 2006. " " Audubon Swamp 2003 Successful in 2006. " " Sloughs WMA, Jenny Hole Unit 2003 Successful in 2006. 62 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol 82 Table 1 continued. Henderson Sloughs WMA, Anderson Pond #2 2006 A second nest was built in close proximity to #1 pair’s former nest and was successful in 2006. Livingston Ohio River floodplain below Smithland 2001 Successful in 2005. Inactive in 2006. Western Coalfield Hopkins White City WMA 1998 Successful in 2005. Active in 2006. M M Tradewatcr River 1999 Successful in 2005. Active in 2006. " " Lake Peewee vicinity 2006 Nest built but apparently not used in 2006. Muhlenberg Cypress Creek 2003 Successful in 2006. Central and Eastern Kentucky Bath Cave Run Lake 2004 Successful in 2005. Active in 2006. Grayson Rough River Lake 2003 Successful in 2006. Henry Kentucky River flooplain, Mar¬ shall's Bottom 2005 Successful in 2005. Inactive in 2006. Larue Rolling Fork 2001 Successful in 2005. Active in 2006. Laurel Laurel River Lake 1991 Finally successful in 2002. Successful in 2005. Active in 2006. Lawrence Yatesville Lake 2000 Successful in 2006. Lewis Ohio River nr. Garrison 1998 Possibly used to about 2001. Only limited information available on this nest. Mason Ohio River bluff nr. South Ripley 2003 Built but apparently not successful in fledging young. Destroyed in 2004. Likely now active on Ohio side of river nearby. Meade Ohio River floodplain nr. Lodale 2003 Successful in 2006. tional information lacking in the previous ruling (USFWS 2006). Included were delisting goals for productivity and numbers of occupied breeding areas within each recovery region and statements on how these goals have been achieved. Based on these considerations, it seems likely that the Bald Eagle will soon be officially delisted, marking a significant conservation achievement. As a condition of the Endangered Species Act, the species will continue to be monitored for a period of at least five years. It will also remain protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 63 Acknowledgments We thank the many present and former participants in Bald Eagle surveys and restor¬ ation efforts who contributed to the collection of data that has made this summary possible. Dozens of individuals have contributed in one manner or another. Cooperating agencies include the Ky. Dept, of Parks, Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, Tenn. Div. of Parks and Conservation, Tenn. Wildlife Resources Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Service. We thank Steve Bloemer (U.S. Forest Service, FBF) and Faura Burford (KDFWR) for contributions of unpublished nesting data from Kentucky. John Castrale (Indiana Dept, of Natural Resources), Becky Foust (U.S. Forest Service, FBF), Bob Gillespie (Missouri. Dept, of Conservation), Greg Nivens (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Dale Hollow Fake), Mark Shieldcastle (Ohio Dept, of Natural Resources), and Jody Shimp (Illinois Dept, of Natural Resources) provided additional data on nests adjacent to Kentucky. Literature Cited Andrews, L.J. 1987. Breeding bald eagle field investigation at Ballard County Wildlife Management Area, Spring 1987. Unpublished report for the U.S. Army Corps of En¬ gineers. Audubon, J.J. 1831. Ornithological Biography, Vol. 1. Adam and Charles Black. Edin¬ burgh, Scotland. Burford, F. 2001. 2001 Bald Eagle nesting activity in Kentucky. Unpublished report. Kentucky Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Frankfort, KY. Burford, L. and S. Vorisek. 2005. 2005 Report: Kentucky midwinter eagle survey. Unpub¬ lished report. Kentucky Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Frankfort, KY. Mengel, R.M. 1965. The birds of Kentucky. The American Ornithologists’ Union, Law¬ rence, KS. Lowe, R.L. 1980. Bald eagle restoration efforts at LBL. The Kentucky Warbler 56:71. Pindar, L.O. 1925. Birds of Fulton County, Kentucky. Wilson Bulletin 37:77-88. USFWS. 1995. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; final rule to reclassify the Bald Eagle from Endangered to Threatened in all of the lower 48 states. Federal Reg¬ ister 60(133):36000-36010. USFWS. 2006. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; removing the bald eagle in the lower 48 states from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife. Federal Reg¬ ister 7 1:8238-8251. — Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (Palmer-Ball) and Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (Vorisek and Smith). SPRING SEASON 2006 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely The spring 2006 season was one of highly variable weather conditions. While the nor¬ thern portion of Kentucky experienced relatively normal rainfall, much of southern Ken¬ tucky was quite dry, especially during April. Overall, temperatures were warmer-than- normal, with an abnormally warm month of April bringing an early onset to spring. In contrast, much of the middle of May was cooler and wetter than normal. The early season warmth resulted in early emergence of leaves, making for difficult passerine viewing condi¬ tions. The cool, wet period in mid-May was severe enough to cause some mortality and nesting failure in several species. Most remarkable was an apparently fairly widespread die¬ off of Purple Martins across central and western portions of the state. In part due to the lack of early-season floodwaters to create habitat, shorebird migration was relatively unspec- 64 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 tacular in most areas. Rarity highlights included a pair of Cinnamon Teal, Red-necked and Western grebes, Swainson's Hawk, a large flock of Marbled Godwits, Clay-colored Spar¬ row, Painted Bunting, and continuing Varied Thrush, Spotted Towhee and Harris's Spar¬ row. 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 - 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; Place names: Ballard = Ballard WMA, Ballard, Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam, Lyon/L i v ings to n ; Barren = Barren River Lake, Alien! Barren', Berea Forest = Berea College Forest, Madison, Blood River = Blood River embayment, Kentucky Lake, Calloway, Camp #9 = Peabody Camp #9 coal preparation plant, Union, Camp #1 1 = former Camp #1 1 mine. Union', Caperton = Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve, Jefferson ; Chaney Lake = Chaney Lake, Warren, Cliftv Pond = Clifty Pond, near Mt. Zion, Pulaski', Cooley's Pond = Cooley's Pond, Wayne', DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Dry Creek = Dry Creek Unit, Barren River Lake WMA, Barren', East Bend = East Bend Power Plant, Boone', Ellis Park = Ellis Park Race Track, Henderson', Falls of the Ohio = Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson, Garvin Brown = Garvin Brown Nature Preserve, ne. Jefferson ; Grandview, IN = Ohio River upstream from Grandview, Indiana, Hancock', Gibraltar = Peabody Gibraltar Mine, Muhlenberg', Grassy Pond = Grassy Pond Unit, Sloughs WMA, w. Henderson, Gunpowder Creek = Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone', Horseshoe Road = slough next to Horseshoe Road, w. Henderson, Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall ; KY 268 = slough along KY 268, w. Henderson, Ky Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall', Kv Dam Village = Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Marshall, Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon, Lake No. 9 = Lake No. 9, Fulton, Lake Peewee = Lake Peewee, Hopkins', LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lyon/Trigg; Long Point = Long Point Unit, Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Fulton, Mammoth Cave = Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson, Meng’s Pond = Meng’s Pond, Warren; Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan; Mt. Vernon = slough along Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road near Mt. Vernon, Indiana, Union; Mt. Zion = Mt. Zion, Pulaski; Newport = Newport, Campbell; Paradise = Paradise Power Plant impoundments, Muhlenberg; Rock Bridge = Rock Bridge Trail, DBNF, Wolfe; Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson; Tom Sawyer = E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, Jefferson; Shaker Mill = Shaker Mill, Warren; Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg; Smithland Dam = Southland Dam on the Ohio River, Livingston; South Shore = South Shore WMA, Greenup; Surrey Hills Farm = Surrey Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson; Waitsboro = Waitsboro Recreation Area on Lake Cumberland, Pulaski; Watson Point = Watson Point, Kentucky Bend, Fulton; NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; SNP = State Nature Preserve; SRP = State Resort Park; WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose - latest re¬ ports were for 100 at Horseshoe Road 1 March (CC) with 80+ still there 1 1 March (BP, CC); and 3 at Scales Farm Pond, Logan, 1 5 March (MB). Ross's Goose x Snow Goose an imm. ex¬ hibiting intermediate characters between these two species was present at Griffin Park, Warren, 21 March-20 April (ph. DR; see p. 65). 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ 65 Ross’s Goose x Snow Goose, Warren 10 April 2006 David Roemer Ross's Goose - there were three reports: 1 at Blood River 4 March (HC); an ad. in n.- cen. Ballard 25 March (BP); and 1 at Crocker Farm Pond, Logan, 29 March (MB). Mute Swan - the only report of presumed non-feral birds was for 1-2 at Long Run Park, Jefferson, 2-26 May (BW). Tundra Swan - the wintering flock at Sau- erheber lingered into early March with 34 there 1 March (CC); ca. 30 there 10 March (MMr); and 7 last reported there 1 1 March (BP, CC). Gadwall - latest reports were for a pair on a farm pond near Union, Boone, 13 May (MD, EC fide LeM); a m. at Paradise 19 May (BP); and a m. at Ky Dam 25 May (DR). American Wigeon - latest report was for a m. on Ky Lake above the dam 6 May (HC et al.). Blue-winged Teal - peak count was for 175-200 at Sauerheber 13 April (DR); a few birds lingered into the last week of May, but no evidence of breeding was detected. Cinnamon Teal - a pair was present at Sau¬ erheber 8 April (ph.DR, KOS; see p. 76) through 10 April (DA). KBRC review re¬ quired. Northern Shoveler - peak count was for ca. 250 at Sauerheber 1 1 March (BP, CC); other reports of interest included 70 above Ky Dam 28 April (DR); 8 at Camp #9 on 2 May (BP); and a pair at the Falls of the Ohio 7 May (BP et ah); last observed was a pair at Sauerheber 19 May (DR). Northern Pintail - peak count was for ca. 1000 at Horseshoe Road 1 March (CC); an injured m. was present on Ky Lake above the dam from late April (HC, KOS) to at least 25 May (DR). Green-winged Teal x Blue-winged Teal - a m. teal possessing characters of both Green-winged and Blue-winged was in the company of ca. 6 Blue-wings at Sauer¬ heber 1 8 May (BP). Green-winged Teal - peak count was for ca. one-third of 500 dabblers at Sauer¬ heber 31 March (BP); with 120+ still there 8 April (DR, KOS). Redhead - peak season counts were for 40+ on Cliffy Pond, 36 at Cooley’s Pond, and 30+ at Thurston's Pond, Wayne, all 4 March (RDn); 20 upstream from Grand¬ view, IN, 6 March (DA); 42 at Freeman Lake, Hardin, 10 March (BW); and 40 at Lexington 18 March (SM). Latest reports were for a pair at Ballard 23 April (SR) and a m. on Ky Lake above the dam 30 April (BP, KOS). Ring-necked Duck - latest reports were for a m. at Kuttawa to 4 May (BP); a m. at Petersburg, Boone, 13 May (LeM); and a f. at Minor Clark 20 May (GR). Greater Scaup - there were several reports of interest including at least 2 upstream from Grandview, IN (DA), and 6 at Waitsboro (RDn), both 6 March; a f. at Lake Peewee 12 March (BP); and I at Long Point 5 May (ph.HC et ah). Lesser Scaup - latest reports were for 2 on Ky Lake above the dam 1 1 May (DR) with 1 still there 25 May (DR); and ca. 30 on Lake Barkley above the dam 4 May (BP) with small numbers lingering there and at Kuttawa through May (m. ob.). Black Scoter - there were two reports of single f./imms. on the Ohio River: 1 at Louisville 5 March (ph.BY, MY) and 1 upstream from Grandview, IN, 6 March (DA). Bufflehead - peak counts were for 30+ at Minor Clark 18 March (LH) and ca. 40 on THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ Vol, 82 66 the Ohio River at Louisville 31 March (T&CB). Hooded Merganser - a f. with 1 1 yg. at Homestead Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio, 4 May (RDn); a f. with 9 yg. at Scott Creek wetlands, DBNF, Rowan , 9 May (BS, SS, et al.); and a f. with 7 yg. at Split Rock Conservation Park, Boone 13 May (LeM, JCm, KCa) represented first county breed¬ ing records. Other reports of interest in¬ cluded two family groups at Horseshoe Road 27 May (BP, RDv); 3 juvs. at Mt. Vernon 19 May (DR) that likely hatched locally; and a f. at South Shore 20 May (SF, EKBC). Common Merganser latest report was for 5 f. on Lake Barkley above the dam 25 March (BP). Red-breasted Merganser - peak counts were for 35 at Waitsboro (RDn) and 32 on Lake Barkley above the dam (BY, MY), both 25 March; latest reports were for a f. above Ky Dam 4 May (BP) and a f. on the Ohio River at Newport 20 May (FR). Ruddy Duck peak counts were for 340 at Lake Peewee 12 March (BP) with a new state high count of 546 there 26 March (AM); latest report was for 3 at Camp #1 1 on 2 May (BP). Common Loon - peak count was for 1 1 at Barren 21 March (MB); 5 still on Ky Lake above the dam 30 April (BP, KOS) with 3 there 13 May (ME); other relatively late birds were 2 at Waitsboro 12 May (RDn); 2 at Petersburg, Boone, 13 May (LeM) and 2 at Barren 14 May (DR). Pied-billed Grebe latest reports were for 2 at Lake No. 9 on 26 May (BP) and several, likely breeding, at Camp #11 through May (BP). Red-necked Grebe - there were two re¬ ports: 2 at Owensboro, Daviess, 26 March with I remaining 29 March (ph.SA); and 1 on Ky Lake above the dam 29 April (ph.HC, KOS) to 7 May (JBr, BY, MY). KBRC review required. Western Grebe 1 was on Ky Lake above the dam 6 May (*JBr). KBRC review required. Red-necked Grebe, Marshall 29 April 2006 Hap Chambers American White Pelican - peak season counts were for 600+ on Lake Barkley at Canton, Trigg, 3 March (KB); 200+ on Ky Lake, Calloway, 5 March (HC); and 200+ at Jonathan Creek 16 March (HC). The only report away from w. Kentucky was for 1 at Barren 19 April (MVe; /it/e DR). Latest reports were for 34 on Ky Lake, Calloway, 8 May (HC et al.) and 1 perhaps the same injured bird that has been present in past years — on Lake Barkley above the dam 1 7 May (DR). Double-crested Cormorant - northbound migrants did not seem to be as numerous this season; lingering birds included 2 at Van Buren boat ramp, Taylorsville Lake, Anderson, 24 May (BW), and ca. 15 at Kuttawa (BP) and 2 at Dry Creek (DR, RDv), both 26 May. The small nesting colony on Ky Lake, Calloway, expanded onto a nearby island this year (HC). American Bittern 5 at Hardy Slough, Sauerheber, 8 April (DR, KOS) repre¬ sented a new state high count. Least Bittern there were three reports: 3 heard at Camp #11 on 2 May (BP); 1 at Sinclair 11 May (BP); and 1 at Pond Creek Marsh 19 May (DR). Great Egret - earliest report was from w. Fulton 19 March (HC, JHo); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 31 March (T&CB) was rel¬ atively early for the local area; small num- 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 67 bers were reported from scattered loca¬ tions throughout w. and c. Kentucky. Re¬ ports of interest included up to 17 at Para¬ dise/Sinclair 26 April (DR) and 8 at East Bend 13 May (LeM et al.). Snowy Egret - there were a few scattered reports away from w. Kentucky including 1 at Chaney Lake 13 April (DR); 1 along KY 90, e. Wayne, 14 April (RDn); 1 at Paradise 27 May (RDn, SD); and 1 at Mt. Vernon 28 May (CC). Little Blue Heron - earliest reports includ¬ ed single ads. in Henderson and at Cha¬ ney, both 13 April (DR) and an ad. at Paradise 17 April (DR). Cattle Egret — the only report from away from w. Kentucky was for 2 along KY 106, Butler, 21 April (RDn). Black-crowned Night-Heron numbers of birds at Louisville wintering sites began to increase noticeably 18 March (BW); the earliest report away from Louisville was for an ad. at Barkley Dam 25 March (BP). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - the only reports were for 4 along the Tradewater River just e. of Dawson Springs, Hopkins, 13 April (ER) and 1 at Caperton 23 April (BY, MY). Osprey - earliest report was for 2 on Lake Barkley at the US 68/KY 80 bridge, Trigg, 7 March (HC), representing a new early arrival date. Late reports of birds in areas away from known breeding loca¬ tions included 1 hunting over Lake No. 9 on 26 May (BP) and 1 along KY 910, Casey, 28 May (RDn). Mississippi Kite - the only extralimital report was for 1 over Sauerheber 19 May (DR). Bald Eagle - the number of reports of birds away from known breeding areas contin¬ ues to increase; there were scattered re¬ ports of sub-ads. throughout the season (m. ob.). Northern Harrier - reports of interest in¬ cluded a m. performing courtship flight over a reclaimed mine in Bell in April (JS; fide MVu) and a migrant over Warren 8 May (DR). Sharp-shinned Hawk - a banded juv. f. was picked up on US 1 19, Bed, 3 March (BP). Swainson's Hawk - a light morph ad. over Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, 8 April (ph.DR et al.) will become a first confirmed record for the state. KBRC review required. Red-tailed Hawk there were several re¬ ports of w. races/morphs; dark morph ad. B. j. calurus (BP); dark morph ad. B. j. harlani (ph.BP), and intermediate morph ad. B. j. harlani (ph.BP), all along Clear Creek, Hopkins, 12 March; ad. light morph B. j. calurus in Warren 1 3 March (DR); ad. dark morph B. j. calurus in Graves and ad. light morph B. j. calurus ne. of Long Point, both 14 March (DR); ad. light morph B.j. calurus at Sinclair 15 March (DR); ad. light morph B.j. calurus in Warren 29 March (DR); and an ad. dark morph B. j. calurus over Middle- town, Jefferson, 30 March (MMn). Golden Eagle - a juv. was found electro¬ cuted near Owenton, Owen, in early April (BSn; fide BSm). Merlin - there were four reports: a f. at Surrey Hills Farm 1 March (BP, CB); 1 at the WKU Farm, Warren, 4 April (DR); 1 at Bowling Green, Warren, 30 April (DR); and a likely m. at Surrey Hills Farm 7 May (BP et al.). Peregrine Falcon other than locally nest¬ ing birds, the only reports were for 1 along KY 504, Elliott, 10 April (EM); 1 at Long Point 17 April (GL); and 1 at Ky Dam 1 1 May (DR). Work by KDFWR resulted in the discovery of 4 new pairs along the Ohio River, adding to the 4 pairs already known (BV, AS, SV; details will be provided in the Summer Season report). King Rail - the only report was for 1 heard at Sauerheber 8 April (DR, KOS). Virginia Rail - there were several reports, all being included: I at Sauerheber 8 April (DR, KOS); 2 (likely pair) heard at Sin¬ clair and 12 (likely 6 pairs) present at Gibraltar 3 May (BP); 1 still at Sinclair 1 1 May (BP); at least 2 still at Gibraltar with 68 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol, 82 a complete but empty nest located 19 May (ph.BP). Sora peak counts were for 15+ at Sauer- heber 8 April (DR, KOS) and 20+ seen/ heard at Camp #11 on 2 May (BP). Common Moorhen the only reports came from known breeding areas: 2 seen and 5 more heard at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauer- heber, 22 May (CC); and 4 at Camp #1 1 on 2 May (BP). American Coot latest reports were for 5 at Gibraltar 19 May (BP); 1 at Grassy Pond 22 May (CC); 2 at the swamp n. of Aud¬ ubon State Park, Henderson, 27 May (BP, RDv); 1 along the Licking River, Bour- bon/Harrison, 27 May (SM, RB); and several at Camp #11 through the end of the month (BP). Sandhill Crane the main push of north¬ bound birds extended through the first week of March (m. ob.); latest reports were for 5 over Lincoln Boyhood Home, Larue, 15 April (SB, BBC) and 1 in se. Daviess 27 April (ph.BLo). Black-bellied Plover earliest report was for 1 at Willow Pond, Fulton, 22 April (RDn, JD); also reported were 1 at Para¬ dise 30 April/16 May (DR); 5 at Horse¬ shoe Road 18 May (BP); 3 at Mt. Vernon 19 May (DR) with 2 still there 20 May (CC); 2 at Grassy Pond 22 May (CC); and 2 at a slough along West Franklin Road, Henderson, 28 May (CC). American Golden-Plover scarcely noted, all reports being included: 3 at Sauerheber 16 March (CC); 1 at Blood River 28 March (HC); and 9 at McElroy 13 April (DR) with singles there 17/19 April (DR). Semipalmated Plover earliest reports were for 4 at Paradise 17 April (DR) and 1 at Cooley's Pond 19 April (RDn); peak counts included 60+ at KY 268 on 18 May (BP); and 35 along KY 268 and 25+ at Horseshoe Rd, both 27 May (BP, RDv); latest report was for 2 at Meng's Pond 3 1 May (DR). Greater Yellowlegs - earliest reports were for 6 at Sauerheber 1 1 March (BP) and 1 at Minor Clark 12 March (DP); peak counts were for ca. 50 at Sauerheber 8 April (DR, KOS); 51 at Chaney Lake 19 April (DR); and 170+ in w. Fulton 22 April (RDn, JD). Latest reports were for 3 at Paradise (RDn) and 1 at Horseshoe Road (BP, RDv), both 27 May. Lesser Yellowlegs peak counts were for ca. 200 at Sauerheber 8 April (DR, KOS); 72 at Chaney Lake 20 April (DR); and 80+ in w. Fulton 22 April (RDn, JD). Latest report was for 2 at Horseshoe Road 27 May (BP, RDv). Solitary Sandpiper peak counts of 79 and 1 13 at Chaney Lake 17 and 19 April, res¬ pectively (DR), represented new state high counts. Willet there were fewer reports this spring, all being included: 18 at Ky Dam Village beach 29 April (HC, KOS); 9 at Paradise 4 May (RDn); and 1 at Sauerheber 13 May (MS). Spotted Sandpiper 5 were still at Horse¬ shoe Road — where they nested in 2005 — 27 May (BP, RDv); other late reports included 1 at Lake No. 9 on 26 May (BP) and 1 along the Licking River, Bourbon/ Harrison, 27 May (SM, RB). Marbled Godwit establishing a new state high count was a flock of 20 at Paradise 21 April (ph.RDn; see next page). KBRC review required. Ruddy Turnstone - the only reports were for 1 at Paradise 16 May (DR); 3 at Mt. Vernon 19 May (DR); and I still at the latter location 20 May (CC). Semipalmated Sandpiper the species ar¬ rived and peaked a bit later than normal (perhaps a result of cool, rainy mid-May weather). Earliest reports were for 1 at Long Creek, LBL, Trigg, 1 May (BLi) and 2 at Paradise 2 May (DR); peak counts were for 39 at Watson Point 26 May (BP); 25 at Camp #9 on 27 May (BP); 30 at Horseshoe Road and 20 at KY 268, both 27 May (BP, RDv); and ca. 500 at Paradise 29 May (DR, TD). Western Sandpiper - there were three re¬ ports for this rare spring shorebird: 2 at Blood River 9 April (HC), 5 at Sauerheber 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 69 Marbled Godwits (most of 20), Muhlenberg 21 April 2006 Roseanna Denton 28 April (*CC), and 2 (perhaps some of the same individuals) at Sauerheber 2 May (ph.BP). Least Sandpiper - wintering or early re¬ turning birds were observed at Blood River 4 March (HC) and South Shore 1 1 March (SF, EKBC); the peak of migration occurred about a week later than nonrial, and numbers lingered well into May; peak counts were for 50 at Sauerheber 2 May (BP); 220 at Paradise 1 1 May (BP); 70 at Meng's Pond 16 May (DR); 55 at Ellis Park and 50 at Horseshoe Road, both 18 May (BP); and 48 at Mt. Vernon 19 May (DR). Latest reports were for 2 at Meng's Pond 23 May (DR) and 1 at Horseshoe Road 27 May (BP, RDv). White-rumped Sandpiper - earliest reports were for singles at Paradise 6 May (BY, MY) and Meng's Pond 9-11 May (DR); peak counts were for at least 14 at Minor Clark 25 May (RDn); 32 at Horseshoe Road 27 May (BP, RDv); and 1 5 at Para¬ dise 29 May (DR, TD). Pectoral Sandpiper - earliest report was for 1 at Blood River 5 March (HC); peak count was for 300 at Sauerheber 8 April (DR, KOS); latest reports were for 2 at Meng's Pond 25 May (DR) and 1 there 28 May (DR). Dunlin - earliest reports were for 3 at Sauer¬ heber 8 April (DR, KOS) and 1 at Long Point 17 April (GL); 1-11 at scattered locales during first two weeks of May (m. ob.); peak counts were for 25 at Sauer¬ heber 22 April (CC) and 234 at KY 268 on 19 May (DR). Latest report was for the flock at KY 268 on 19 May (DR). Stilt Sandpiper - the only reports were for I at Sauerheber 8 April (DR, KOS) and 1 at Horseshoe Road 18 May (BP). Short-billed Dowitcher - earliest reports were for 10 at Meng's Pond (DR) and 1 1 at Minor Clark (SS, BS, et al.), both 1 1 May; peak count was for 22 at Ellis Park 18 May (BP); also reported were 1 at East Bend 13 May (LeM); 5 at KY 268 14 May with 1 there through 20 May (CC); and 8 at Mt. Vernon 20 May (CC). The following reports of dowitcher sp. were likely all Short-billeds: 1 at Sauerheber 8 April (DR, KOS); 8 there 13 May (MS); and 4 at Paradise 1 9 May (BP). Long-billed Dowitcher - only reports were for 10 at Sauerheber 28 April (CC) with at least 2 there 2 May (BP) and 7 May (BY, MY). Wilson's Snipe - peak counts were for 132 e. of Open Pond, Fulton, with 100+ at Long Point, both 26 March (BY, MY) and 50-75 at Sauerheber 8 April (DR, KOS). Wilson's Phalarope - there were four re¬ ports, all being included: a f. at Sauer¬ heber 22 April (CC); a f. at Minor Clark I I May (GS, SS, BS, et al.); a m. at KY 268 on 22 May (CC); and 2 (m. and f.) at Camp #9 on 27 May (BP). Laughing Gull - there were several reports, all being included: an ad. at Ky Dam Vil- 70 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 lage marina 30 April (BP, KOS); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 1 May (BY, MY); 5 at Ky Dam Village marina 11-12 May (BP, BY, MY); 3 at the Falls of the Ohio 24 May (ph.AG, BE); and 1 at Ky Dam 25 May (DR). Franklin's Gull - the only reports were from the Ky Dam Village marina, where up to 4 were present 11 May (BY, MY, BP), with 5 there 12 May (BP), and 2 there 1 5 May (BLi). Bonaparte's Gull peak season count was for 400+ at Jonathan Creek 16 March (HC); 3 lingered at Ky Dam Village to 4 May (BP) with 1 first-year bird still there 1 1 May (BY, MY, et al. ); the only other tardy bird was an ad. at the Falls of the Ohio 2 May (BP). Ring-billed Gull nearly 100 were still in the vicinity of Ky Dam 1 1 May (DR) with 2 on the Ohio River at Covington, Camp¬ bell , 20 May (FR) and 16 still at Ky Dam Village marina 26 May (BP). Another report of interest was for 300 on the Ohio River at Dayton, Campbell, 16 March (FR). Herring Gull 10 sub-ads. were still in the vicinity of Ky Dam 1 1 May (DR et al.) with 2 still there 12 May (BP, BY , MY); the only other late bird was an ad. at the Falls of the Ohio 7 May (BP et al.). Thayer's Gull only report of a lingering bird was for a first-year bird at Barkley Dam 15 March (DR). Lesser Black-backed Gull only report of a lingering bird was for an ad. on Ky Lake above the dam 25 March (BP). Caspian Tern - establishing a new early arrival date were 2 at Kuttawa 25 March (BY, MY, BP); also early was 1 at Jona¬ than Creek 27 March (HC); latest report was for a first-year bird at Ky Dam Village marina 26 May (BP). Common Tern - earliest report was for 2 at Ky Dam Village marina 30 April (BP, KOS); an exceptional count of at least 280 in the vicinity of Ky Dam — most loafing at the Ky Dam Village marina — 1 1 May (BY, MY, BP) represented a new state high count, with many still there 15 May (BLi); latest report was for 8 below Southland Dam 25 May (DR). Also re¬ ported were 7 at Paradise 1 1 May (BP). Some of ca. 280 Common Terns Marshall , 30 April 2006 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Forster's Tern - likely wintering birds were observed at Blood River 4 March (HC) and Jonathan Creek 10 March (BLi); peak counts were for 60+ on Ky Lake above the dam 29 April (HC, KOS) with 400+ (a new state high count) there 1 1 May (DR, BY, MY) with many dozens still there 15 May (BLi). Black Tern - earliest report was for 1 at Green Turtle Bay 30 April (DR); 1-4 were in the vicinity of Ky Dam 12-15 May (m. ob.) with a peak count of 12 in the vicinity of Ky Dam 1 1 May (DR). Also reported were an unspecified number at Minor Clark 20 May (GR) and 6 below Smith- land Dam 25 May (DR). Eurasian Collared-Dove only report of a bird in a new area was 1 on the EKU cam¬ pus at Richmond, Madison, 28 April (TE). Black-billed Cuckoo there were an above- average number of reports this spring, all being included: 1 along the Cathy Crock¬ ett Trail, DBNF, McCreary, 28 April (RDn); 1 at Burlington, Boone, 1/10 May (LeM); 1 at Berea Forest 1 May (TH); 1 at A.J. Jolly Park, Campbell, 13 May (RL); 1 heard at Surrey Hills Farm 14 May (BP); 1 heard along Red River near the Stillwater Creek confluence, Wolfe, 17 May (BP); 1 nr. Sinclair 19 May (BP); 1 at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone, 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 71 14/20 May with 2 there 17 May (LeM); 1 at Blood River 23 May (HC, ME); 2 heard at Watson Point 26 May (BP); and 1 at Middle Creek Park, Boone, 27 May (LeM). Yellow-billed Cuckoo - earliest report was for 1 at Tom Sawyer 20 April (JBe, PB). Barn Owl - the only report was from e. Cal¬ loway in early May (HC). Eastern Screech-Owl — extraordinarily ear¬ ly was a flightless hatchling turned in to Raptor, Inc., 19 March (JHa). The young bird originated from Newport and likely hatched around 1 March (fide JHa). Whip-poor-will - earliest report was for I near Campton, Wolfe, 7 April (KF). Ruby-throated Hummingbird - earliest reports were for singles at Murray 6 April (ME) and Mt. Zion 10 April (RDn). Rufous Hummingbird - latest report was for the ad. m. that wintered at Corbin, Knox, and lingered to 29 March (J&MP). See The Kentucky Warbler 82:49 (2006). Olive-sided Flycatcher - there were four reports: 1 in LBL, Lyon, 28 April (JBe, PB, et al.); 1 at Cherokee Park 19 May (MW); 2 at Dry Creek 26 May (DR, RDv); and 1 at Watson Point 26 May (BP). Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - all reports are included: 1 in Hart 13 May (SK et ah); 1 at Mt. Zion 14/20 May (RDn); 3 seen/ heard at Surrey Hills Farm 20 May (BP et ah); 1 at Shaker Mill 22 May (DR) with 1 there 26 May (DR, RDv); 1 heard at Rivercliffs SNP, Franklin, 23 May (BP, DS); 1 heard at Watson Point 26 May (BP); 1 seen/heard in w. Henderson 27 May (BP, RDv); 1 at Ft. Campbell, Chris¬ tian, 30 May (DM); and 1 heard in e. Lee 3 1 May (BP). Alder Flycatcher - there were several re¬ ports, all being included: singles at Sauer- heber (DR) and at Sinclair (BP), both 19 May; 3 at Dry Creek 23 May (DR); 1 at Calvert City 25 May (DR); singles in LBL, Trigg, and along Pleasant Hill Church Road, Trigg, both 26 May (BLi); 2 at Dry Creek 26 May (DR, RDv); 5 seen/heard at Watson Point 26 May (BP); and 1 seen/heard in w. Henderson 27 May (BP, RDv). Willow Flycatcher - earliest report was for 2 at Gibraltar 3 May (BP). Least Flycatcher - earliest report was for 1 at Mt. Zion 23 April (RDn); latest report was for 1 heard at Watson Point 26 May (BP). A tally of 22 at the crest of Black Mountain, Harlan, 14 May eclipsed a previous high count from that location in May 2004 (BY, MY). Great Crested Flycatcher - earliest report was for I in LBL, Lyon, 9 April (BY, MY). Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - 1 was seen in nw. Bourbon 19 April (*MH, PK); a pair was present and building a nest below Barkley Dam 29 April (HC, KOS) through May, with a bird also present at the previous years' nesting site n. of Grand Rivers, Livingston, in the latter half of May (m. ob.). Loggerhead Shrike - a pair were at a nest at Hogue, Pulaski, 8 May (RDn). White-eyed Vireo - earliest report was for 1 in LBL, Trigg, 4 April (BLi). Bell's Vireo - earliest report was for 2 at Sinclair 26 April (DR). Yellow-throated Vireo - earliest reports were for a few in LBL, Lyon, 5 April (JBe, PB, et al.); and 1 at Scuttle Hole Trail, DBNF, Laurel, 10 April (RDn, LiM). Blue-headed Vireo - 8 at Yahoo Falls, Big South Fork, 13 March (RDn) and 3 at Lit¬ tle Lick 15 March (RDn) continued the pattern of earlier and earlier spring reports of this species. Philadelphia Vireo - extraordinarily early was 1 at Panorama Shores, Calloway, 18 April (KCo); next earliest was 1 in LBL, Lvon, 29 April (BP, AC); peak count was for 4 in LBL, Lyon, 12 May (BP, BY, MY); latest report was for 1 seen/heard in w. Henderson 27 May (BP, RDv). Red-eyed Vireo - earliest report was for 1 in LBL, Trigg, 7 April (BLi). 72 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 82 Fish Crow - earliest reports were for several in the vicinity of Long Point 14 March (DR) and 6 at Ballard 27 March (SR). Common Raven only report was for 2 birds (assumed to be a pair) at a nest site at Rebel's Rock, Letcher , 3 March (BP, BV). Purple Martin - after a single late February report, next earliest reports were for sin¬ gles at Winchester, Chirk (BLi), and in e. Calloway (HC), both 4 March. The cool, rainy period in mid-May resulted in wide¬ spread mortality of martins across much of cen. and w. Kentucky (m. ob.; fide DW). Tree Swallow - earliest reports were for 3 at Lake Cumberland, Wayne, 4 March (RDn) and 15 at Freeman Lake, Hardin (BW); 1 at Stanford, Lincoln (JM); and 1 at Rus¬ sellville, Logan (MB), all 10 March; early peak counts were for 750-1000 along Clear Creek, w. Hopkins, 12 March (BP) and "thousands" on Lake Peewee during the last week of March (AM). Bank Swallow - earliest report was for at least 1 at Sauerheber 8 April (DR, KOS). Cliff Swallow - several at Barkley Dam 14 March (DR) represented a new early arrival date. Barn Swallow earliest report was for 1 in Hart 18 March (SK). Red-breasted Nuthatch - nest cavity in¬ spection/excavation was noted by at least 1 pair at Rock Bridge 1/22-23 April (FR, VR); other possible breeders included a male along Swift Camp Creek near the Red River, Wolfe, 23 April (FR, VR) and a male calling as if territorial along Red River just below the Stillwater Creek con¬ fluence, Wolfe, 5 April (BP). Latest re¬ ports of non-breeders were for a f. in LBL, Lyon, 4 May (BP) and 1 at Berea Forest 7 May (SM, RB). House Wren singles at Kendall Recre¬ ation Area, Russell, 4 March (RDn) and Clifty Pond 16 March (RDn) were likely continuing from winter. Sedge Wren - 1 heard in a field se. of Oscar, Ballard, 24 March (BP) and 1 at Sinclair 26 March (BY, MY) had likely wintered; also reported were singles at Sauerheber 22 April — 14 May (CC); Sur¬ rey Hills Farm 7-20 May (BP et al.); and the Berea Forest entrance area 15 May (TH). Marsh Wren - additional evidence of scat¬ tered overwintering was provided by sev¬ eral birds present prior to normal spring arrival: 1 at Lewis County WMA 1 1 March (SM, EKBC; fide SF); 1 along Pond Creek, w. Hopkins, 12 March (BP); 1 at Garvin Brown 23 March (KT); 1 heard at Gibraltar 26 March (BY, MY); and 1 singing at Camp #11 on 31 March (BP). Three at Sauerheber 8 April (DR, KOS) were also a bit early but perhaps on the cusp of representing early arrivals. Also reported were 1 at Paradise 21 April (RDn, JD); 2 near Long Point 22 April (RDn, JD); 2 heard at Camp #11 on 2 May (BP); 1 in Hart 13 May (fide SK); and 1 at Shaker Mill 26 May (DR, RDv). Golden-crowned Kinglet latest report was for 1 at Rock Bridge 24 April (FR, VR). Ruby-crowned Kinglet latest report was for 1 at Garvin Brown 13 May (BW). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - earliest report was for 1 at Jonathan Creek 25 March (BY, MY). Veery earliest report was for I at Mam¬ moth Cave 22 April (JBe, PB, et ah). Gray-cheeked Thrush - earliest report was for 1 at Berea Forest 1 May (TH). Swainson's Thrush earliest report was for 1 at Berea Forest 21 April (TH); latest re¬ port was for a singing bird at Frankfort through the end of May (BP). Hermit Thrush it is not uncommon to see small birds and occasionally raptors inside large commercial buildings, but a Hermit Thrush was certainly out of place inside the Lowe's store at Highland Heights, Campbell, 22 March (FR). Latest reports were for 1 or 2 at Berea Forest 8 May (SM, RB) and a very tardy bird at Gun¬ powder Creek 20 May (LeM) that rep¬ resented a new late departure date by a day. 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Wood Thrush - earliest report was for 1 at South Williamson, Pike, 1 1 April (JCr). Varied Thrush - the bird at Indian Hills, Louisville, was last seen 25 March (ph.D&CP). American Pipit - peak count was for two flocks totaling 150+ in s. Warren 21 March (DR); latest reports were for 1 at Floyds Fork Park, Jefferson , 9 May (TF) and at least 1 at Horseshoe Road 18 May (BP). Blue-winged Warbler - earliest report was in LBL, Trigg, 7 April (BLi). Brewster's Warbler - there were two re¬ ports: 1 at Fisherville, Jefferson, 27 April (JHu, EH) and 1 along Indian Knob Road, McCreary, 6 May (ph.RDn). Golden-winged Warbler - earliest report was in LBL, Trigg, 27 April (BLi); also reported were 1 at Ragland, McCracken, 2 May (SR); 3 in LBL, Lyon, 4 May (BP); 2 — likely on territory — along Indian Knob Road, McCreary, 6 May (RDn); 2 in w. Henderson 7 May (CC); and 1 in LBL, Lyon, 12 May (BP, BY, MY). Tennessee Warbler - earliest report was for 1 at Caperton 23 April (BY, MY). Orange-crowned Warbler - there were several reports, all being included; 1 at Cherokee Park, Louisville, 19 April (MW); 1 at Tom Sawyer 21 April (JBe, PB); 1 at Bellevue, Campbell, 24 April (FR); 1 in LBL, Trigg, 27 April (BLi); 1 near Munfordville, Hart , 1 May (JBr); and 1 at Floyd's Fork Park, Jefferson, 1 May (EH, BBC). Nashville Warbler - earliest report was for 1 at Cherokee Park, Louisville, 19 April (MW); the species lingered in numbers through the second week of May with the latest report being 3 still singing at Surrey Hills Farm 18 May (BP). Northern Parula - earliest report was at Mammoth Cave 3 April (JBe, PB, et al.). Chestnut-sided Warbler - a likely ter¬ ritorial m. was heard in a heavily logged area in ne. Wolfe 17 May (BP); a ter¬ ritorial m. was again present at Sky Bridge, DBNF, Wolfe, 22 April (FR, VR). 73 Magnolia Warbler - earliest report was for 1 at Mt. Zion 28 April (RDn). Black-throated Blue Warbler - the only reports of migrants were for a f. at Middle Creek Park, Boone, 6 May (LeM et al.) and 1 to 2 m. at Berea Forest 7 May (TH, SM, RB). Yellow-rumped Warbler - latest reports were for a few at Floyds Fork Park, Jef¬ ferson, 15 May (BW) and 5 at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone, 21 May (LeM). Blackburnian Warbler - earliest report was in sw. Jefferson 13 April (CL). Yellow-throated Warbler - earliest reports were at Mammoth Cave (JBe, PB, et al.) and Shaker Mill (DR), both 3 April. Prairie Warbler - earliest reports were in Warren 4 April (DR) and in LBL, Trigg, 7 April (BLi). Palm Warbler likely continuing from winter was 1 at Garvin Brown 17 March (JBe, PB, et ah), 22 March (BW), and 24 March (KT). Latest report was for 1 at Garvin Brown 16 May (BW). Blackpoll Warbler - earliest report was for 1 at Cherokee Park, Louisville, 19 April (MW). Cerulean Warbler - earliest report was for 1 at Wolf Knob, DBNF, Whitley, 15 April (RDn, SBC). Black-and-white Warbler - 2 seen/heard at Watson Point 26 May (BP) were not near any known breeding areas and if early post-breeding dispersers, would be mov¬ ing about two weeks earlier than has been previously thought; similarly, 1 singing in Frankfort — also not near a known breed¬ ing location — 29 May (BP) had not been heard previously and similarly may have been a dispersing bird. Prothonotary Warbler - earliest reports were for a few in LBL, Lyon, 5 April (JBe, PB, et ah) and 1 at Blood River 7 April (HC). Worm-eating Warbler - 1 in LBL, Lyon, 5 April (JBe, PB, et ah) represented a new early arrival date by one day. 74 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 Swainson's Warbler - most reports were from traditional areas including a rela¬ tively early bird at Rock Bridge, 23 April (FR); also reported were singles at Natural Arch, DBNF, McCreary, 9 May (FR); 2 seen/heard along Red River below the Stillwater Creek confluence, Wolfe, 17 May (BP); and 1 at Blood River 26 May (ME, HC). Ovenbird - earliest reports were for 1 at Frankfort 12 April (AS) and 4 along Buck Creek, Pulaski, 13 April (RDn). Northern Waterthrush - earliest reports were for singles at Sauerheber (CC) and in w. Fulton (RDn), both 22 April. Louisiana Waterthrush - earliest report was for 1 in ne. Calloway 16 March (HC), which represented a new early arrival date by two days. Connecticut Warbler there were only a few reports, all being included; 1 at Joe Creason Park, Louisville, 19 May (MW); 1 banded at Clarks River NWR, Marshall, 24 May (HC et ah); and 1 heard at Watson Point 26 May (BP). Mourning Warbler earliest report was for 1 in LBL, Lyon, 4 May (BP); there were a number of scattered reports 15-23 May (m. ob.); latest report was for 2 at Watson Point 26 May (BP). Common Yellowthroat - earliest report was for 1 at Long Point 9 April (BY, MY) that conceivably wintered. Hooded Warbler - earliest reports were for singles at Jefferson Memorial Forest, Jefferson , 12 April (AS) and along Buck Creek, Pulaski, 13 April (RDn). Wilson's Warbler - earliest reports were for singles at Raven Run Nature Preserve, Fayette, 3 May (TH) and LBL, Lyon, 4 May (BP); latest report was for 1 at Dry Creek 26 May (DR, RDv). Yellow-breasted Chat - earliest report was in LBL, Trigg, 18 April (BLi). Spotted Towhee - the wintering m. in ne. Hart was last observed 24 April (CF, BB). American Tree Sparrow - latest reports were for 2 or 3 at Surrey Hills Farm 18 March (BP) and 12 at Dayton, Campbell, 23 March (FR). Clay-colored Sparrow - 1 was reported at Barren River Lake State Park, Barren, 10 May (*DR). KBRC review required. Vesper Sparrow a moderate push of birds was documented during the normal flight period from mid-March to early April (m. ob.); latest reports were for 1 in Muhlen¬ berg 17 April (DR) and a very tardy indi¬ vidual along the edge of a large soybean field se. of Watson Point 26 May (BP). Savannah Sparrow - latest reports in non¬ breeding areas were for 1 at Clifty Pond 20 May (RDn) and 2 at Horseshoe Road 27 May (BP, RDv). Grasshopper Sparrow - at least 10 singing males were of interest in no-till com and soybean fields at Kentucky Bend, Fulton, 26 May (BP). Henslow's Sparrow a bird at Surrey Hills Farm 17 March (BP) established a new early arrival date; next earliest report was for 1 at Clifty Pond 1 1 April (RDn). Le Conte's Sparrow - the only report was for 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 10/11 April (BP). Fox Sparrow - latest report was for 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 9 April (BP). Lincoln's Sparrow - earliest report was for 1 near Long Point 22 April (RDn). White-throated Sparrow - latest reports were for 1 heard in e. Lee 31 May (BP) 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 75 and at least 1 at St. Matthews, Jefferson , through the end of May (BW). Harris's Sparrow - the ad. that wintered in se. Daviess was last seen 6 May (ph.BLo); another was reported near Owingsville, Bath, 5 March (*CV). KBRC review required. White-crowned Sparrow latest report was for I at Mt. Zion 21 May (RDn). Dark eyed Junco - latest reports were for 1 at Burlington, Boone , 15 April (LeM); and 1 at Open Fork, Elliott, 24 April (EM). Lapland Longspur latest report was for 3 in the Ohio River bottoms SW of New¬ burgh Dam, Henderson, 31 March (BP). Rose-breasted Grosbeak an unprece¬ dented number dropped in to use feeding stations with earliest report of 2 at Murray 17 April (ME) and peak counts in early May (e.g, 28+ at Panorama Shores 3 May (KCo)) with a few birds lingering rela¬ tively late including 1 at Mt. Zion to 21 May (RDn) and 1 at Murray 24 May (ME). Blue Grosbeak - earliest report was for 1 near Dot, Logan, 1 6 April (FL). Indigo Bunting earliest report was for a m. at Long Point 9 April (BY, MY). Painted Bunting - a m. at a feeding station at Burkesville, Cumberland, 26 May (vt.GT; see p. 76) will represent a second fully-documented record. KBRC review required. Bobolink - peak counts included 50+ in the lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton, 5 May (HC, ME); 11 at Clifty Pond 13 May (RDn); and at least 30 near Fish Pond, Fulton, 16 May (HH). Western Meadowlark the only reports came from Open Pond, Fulton, where 1 was present 14 March (DR) and at least 2 were present 26 March (BY, MY). Rusty Blackbird - establishing a new late departure date was 1 at South Shore 20 May (SF, EKBC). Brewer's Blackbird all reports are in¬ cluded: three small groups of 2 to ca. 15 birds that came in to the roost at Camp #11 on 3 1 March but did not land with the rest of the blackbirds, instead proceeding on southward (BP); a f. at Surrey Hills Farm 1 1 April (BP); and 7 at the WKU Farm, Warren, 12 April (DR). Baltimore Oriole - earliest report was for a m. at Surrey Hills Farm 1 1 April (BP). Purple Finch following a winter with above-average numbers, the species was fairly widespread at feeders during its northward movement; peak count was for 80+ in Hart 25 March (SK); latest reports were for 1 at Calhoun, McLean, 30 April (SA); 1 at Berea Forest 7 May (TH); and I at Fisherville, Jefferson, l6May(AL). Pine Siskin after a scarce winter showing, there were a few reports of spring mi¬ grants, all being included: a few at Open Fork, Elliott , 2-24 April with 1 there to 2 May (EM); ca. 10 at Richmond, Madison , 21 April (TH); and 1 at Calhoun, McLean, 30 April (SA). Observers: Steve Anderson (SA); David Ayer (DA); Bruce Bardin (BB); Tom & Colleen Becker (T&CB); Jane Bell (JBe); Pat Bell (PB), Mark Bennett (MB); Carol Besse (CB); Karon Broadbent (KB); Sandy Brae (SB); John Bmnjes (JBr); Rhonda Bryant (RB); Joe Caminiti (JCm); Kathy Caminiti (KCa); Joan Carr (JCr); Elaine Carroll (EC); Hap Cham¬ bers (HC); Kathy Cohen (KCo); Amy Covert (AC); Charlie Crawford (CC); Julie Denton (JD); Roseanna Denton (RDn); Steve Denton (SD); Melissa Desgardin (MD); Robert Dever (RDv); Tom Durbin (TD); Melissa Easley (ME); Bett Etanohen (BE); Troy Evans (TE); Kim Feeman (KF); Scott Freidhof (SF); Carol Friedman (CF); Teresa Fultz (TF); Alan Goldstein (AG); Jeff Hays (JHa); Lana Hays (LH); Martina Hines (MH); Tim Houghton (TH); Heather Housman (HH); Jenny Howard (JHo); Eddie Huber (EH); Jennifer Huber (JHu); Steve Kistler (SK); Philipp Krumm (PK);Aurilla Lesley (AL); Celia Law-ence (CL); Bill Lisowsky (BLi); Bobby Lloyd (BLo); Glen Lovelace (GL); Ron Lusby (RL); Frank Lyne (FL); Scott Marsh (SM); Linda McClendon (LiM); Lee McNeely (LeM); Jack Metcalfe (JM), Mark Monroe (MMn); Ann Morgan (AM); Evelyn Morgan (EM); Mike 76 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 Morton (MMr); Daniel Moss (DM); David & Clara Ann Pallares (D&CP); Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP); David Patick (DP); June Ann & Michael Perkins (J&MP); Ed Ray (ER); Scott Record (SR); Frank Renfrow (FR); Veronica Renfrow (VR); Gerald Robe (GR); David Roemer (DR); David Skinner (DS); Adam Smith (AS); Brian Smith (BSm); Bob Snow (BSn); Gary Spran-del (GS), Barbara Stedman (BS); Stephen Stedman (SS); Jacob Stewart (JS); Matt Stickel (MS); Gary Thompson (GT); Kevin Thompson (KT); Christopher Verch (CV); Mike Vessels (MVe); Budd Veverka (BV); Shawchyi Vorisek (SV); Mark Vukovich (MVu); Major Waltman (MW); Danny Watson (DW); Barabara Woemer (BW); Ben Yandell (BY); Mary Yandell (MY); Beckham Bird Club (BBC); Eastern Kentucky Bird Club (EKBC); Ken-tucky Ornithological Society (KOS); multiple observers (m. ob. ); Somerset Bird Club (SBC). Above: Pair of Cinnamon Teal, Henderson County, 8 April 2006. Photo by David Roemer (see p. 65). Below: Male Painted Bunting, Burkesville, Cumberland County, 26 May 2006 (see p. 75). Video clip from video by Gary Thompson. The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 82 NOVEMBER 2006 NO. 4 £ - IN THIS ISSUE SUMMER SEASON 2006, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 79 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL 2006 MEETING . 85 KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC. BYLAWS . 87 NEWS AND VIEWS . 91 78 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President Mark Bennett, Russellville Vice-President . Corresponding Secretary Treasurer. . Win Ahrens, Prospect . Melissa Easley 1610 Loch Lomond, Murray, KY 42071 . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 Recording Secretary . Councillors: Shawchyi Vorisek, Frankfort . Mary Yandell, Louisville . Gay Hodges, Somerset . Eddie Huber, Louisville . Marilee Thompson, Owensboro Evelyn Morgan, Olive Hill . John Brunjes, Frankfort 2005 thru 2007 2005 thru 2007 2006 thru 2008 2006 thru 2008 2007 thru 2009 2007 thru 2009 Retiring President Hap Chambers, Murray 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 SI 5.00; Contributing S25.00; 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 . Blaine R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Wayne Mason, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Stephen Stedman Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Mark Bennett 1 13 Iroquois Circle, Russellville, KY 42276 THE COVER We thank Lana Hays for the cover photograph of a Ruff ( Philomachus pugnax) molting out of alternate plumage at the Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan County, 8 July 2006 (see Summer Season 2006). Financial support for color cover provided ^-(K. by the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. (T--! Toudutunc Energy Cooperative** 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER SUMMER SEASON 2006 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely Weather conditions during the summer season 2006 were relatively normal, although:, there was some variation across the state. In general, precipitation was higher (slightly above normal) in the northern portion, but lower (slightly below to below normal) in the southern and eastern portions. Temperatures were slightly cooler-than-norma! in June, but warmer-than-normal during July. The only real rarity of the season was a Ruff in Rowan County. Nesting Least Terns experienced mixed results, with low water conditions on the Mississippi River resulting in relatively good success, while small rises on the lower Ohio River (where nesting sites are not as high above normal water level) caused much failure in early nestings there. Quite possibly indicating a very sad landmark event, assuming there are no late-season reports, 2006 will constitute the first year in the state’s recent ornitho¬ logical history in which a Bewick’s Wren was not reported. Publication of any unusual sightings in this report does not imply that those observa¬ tions 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 - 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. Place names: Camp #9 = Pea¬ body Camp #9 coal preparation plant, Union', Camp #1 1 = former Camp #1 1 mine, Union', DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski', Grand Rivers = Grand Rivers, Livingston', Guthrie Swamp = Guthrie Swamp, Todd', Homestead = Home-stead Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio', Horseshoe Road = slough next to Horseshoe Road, w. Henderson', KY 268 = slough along KY 268, w. Henderson', Kv Bend = Kentucky Bend, Fulton', Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Living¬ ston/Marshall', Ky Dam Village = Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Marshall', Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyotr, Lake No. 9 = Lake No. 9, Fulton', Long Point = Long Point Unit, Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Fulton', Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan', Mitchell Lake = Mitchell Lake, Ballard WMA, Ballard ; NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; Paradise = Paradise Power Plant impoundments, Muhlenberg', Van Buren = Taylorsville Lake above Van Buren boat ramp, Anderson', Watson Point = Watson Point, Fulton', WMA = Wildlife Management Area. _ 79 JAN 2 2200? Wood Duck - a count of 350 at Lake No. 9 Lesser Scaup - an injured m. lingered above on 26 July (DR, HC) was rather impress- Ky Dam at least to 1 June (BP), sive. Blue-winged Teal - the only reports were of a family group of 5 at Camp #11 on 5 July (BP, JB) and 1 at Lake No. 9 on 26 July (DR, HC). Northern Shoveler - quite unusual were 2 at Mitchell Lake 22 July (HC). Ring-necked Duck -a m. on a pond ssw. of Mt. Carmel, se. Hopkins, 2 June (BP) may have been injured. Ruddy Duck - 1 was present on a small pond in Lexington during the first half of July (SM); and 1 was present at Mitchell Lake 29 July (ME). Common Loon - 1 was present at Whitco Pay Lake, Letcher, from sometime in June into early August but it subsequently died (NG); another turned up on a shopping center parking lot in Somerset, Pulaski, in mid-July (fide SB). 80 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 Pied-billed Grebe ca. 10 ads. plus family groups of 3 and 3 chicks being fed by ads. were observed at Camp #11 on 20 June (BP); several family groups were also recognizable there 5 July (BP, JB). American White Pelican 4 were at Para¬ dise from 21 July into August (DR et al.). Brown Pelican 1 was observed flying up¬ stream over the Ohio River at the Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson, 3 June (*TB, MT). KBRC review required. Double-crested Cormorant as is the norm, a few lingered into or through the summer as evidenced by the following reports: 3 still at Paradise and 2 still at Calvert City, Marshall, both 1 June (BP) and 1 at Lake Peewee, Hopkins, 9 June (BP). Mid-July birds may have been early returning migrants and included 1 at Long Run Park, Jefferson, 19 July (BW); 2 at Homestead 21 July (DR); and 10 at Van Buren 22 July (EH, JHu). American Bittern - 1 was flushed from a hayfteld at Surrey Hills Farm, Jefferson, 17 July (BP). This report may say some¬ thing about how early some birds begin to disperse after breeding. Least Bittern 1 was heard at the Peabody Gibraltar mine, Muhlenberg, 1 June (BP); 1 was seen and 2 more heard at Camp #1 1 on 20 June (BP) with 2 seen there 5 July (BP, JB). Great Egret nesting records of interest in¬ cluded at least 5 pairs at Jenny Hole-High¬ land Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Union, and at least 20 pairs at Murphy’s Pond, Hickman, both 14 June (BP, JB, DL). Un¬ fortunately, the heronry at Long Point has again been abandoned (BP, JB, DL). Peak post-breeding counts during July were rel¬ atively unimpressive and included 210 at Lake No. 9 on 26 July (DR, HC) and 75+ at Mitchell Lake 28 July (DR). Snowy Egret at least 2 were present at the nesting colony at Kuttawa 24 June (ME); post-breeding peak counts were unimpres¬ sive during July and included 12 at Mit¬ chell Lake 28 July (DR). Little Blue Heron “many” were present at the nesting colony at Kuttawa 24 June (ME); the easternmost post-breeding birds were 4 juvs. at Fishing Creek 26 July (RD). Cattle Egret - the nesting colony at Kuttawa was very active in late June (ME). Black-crowned Night-Heron a new nest¬ ing colony containing about 6 nests was observed on Lake Barkley at the mouth of the Elbow Creek embayment, Trigg, 6 July (ER). Y ellow-crowned Night-Heron an ad. was observed carrying sticks towards an appar¬ ent nest site along Grays Branch, Hopkins/ Christian line, 8 June (BP); an ad. was ob¬ served s. of Mayfield Creek on the w. side of US 62, Carlisle, 26 June (JB); and at least 1 nest was present again this year in suburban Lexington in June (PD fide JW). Mississippi Kite the only extralimital re¬ port was of 1 along New Circle Road near the Harrodsburg Road exit in Lexington 1 1 June (JB). One over the Blood River em¬ bayment of Kentucky Lake, Calloway, 8 July (HC) was a local first. Northern Harrier - an active nest with 5 yg. ssw. of Mt. Carmel, se. Hopkins, in early June (ph. BP; see p. 92) represented a first confirmed county breeding record; a likely m. was observed near South Wil¬ liamson, Pike, 24 June (JC, LE). Peregrine Falcon - 5 nesting pairs were again active at traditional sites along the Ohio River in Carroll, Greenup, Jefferson, and Trimble (2) with successful fledging 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 81 documented in all but Jefferson (BV, AS, SV, et al.). In addition, expanded moni¬ toring work by the Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources yielded 4 new terri¬ tories, all also along the Ohio River as fol¬ lows: the 1-275 bridge e. of Ft. Thomas, Campbell ; the Mill Creek power plant in sw. Jefferson ; the Spurlock power plant near Maysville, Masotr, and the KY 79 bridge w. of Brandenburg, Meade (BV, AS, SV). Fledging success was not con¬ firmed at any of the new sites although a nestling was seen in Campbell (BV). Common Moorhen - a count of 1 1 ads. at Camp #11 on 20 June (BP) represented a new state high count; 6-8+ ads. plus a family group of 2 ads. and 4 chicks were observed there 5 July (BP, JB). The only other report was of 1 at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, 29 July (CC). American Coot - although 10-12 ads. were present at Camp #11 on 20 June (BP) and at least 6-8 were still there 5 July (BP, JB), no evidence of nesting was observed this year. Also reported was 1 above Ky Dam 5 July (BP, JB); 1 with an injured wing on Turner Creek near Marrowbone, Cumber¬ land, , 9 July (WW, SS); and 1 at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, 29 July (CC). American Golden-Plover - 2 in basic plum¬ age at Camp #9 on 20 June (ph. BP) were presumably very early fall migrants. Semipalmated Plover - earliest reports of returning fall birds were of 10 along KY 268 on 10 July (CC) and 1 in Fulton 26 July (DR). Spotted Sandpiper - again this summer a few lingered at Horseshoe Road through June and into early July, but confirmed nesting was not detected this year (BP, CC). Also reported was 1 at Camp #9 on 5 July (BP, JB). Solitary Sandpiper - earliest report was of 1 at Horseshoe Road 6 July (CC). Greater Yellowlegs - earliest report of a re¬ turning fall bird was of 1 at Camp #9 on 5 July (BP, JB). Willet - the only report was of 1 on Ken¬ tucky Lake, Trigg, 8 July (BL). Lesser Yellowlegs - a presumably tardy spring migrant was present in the lower Hickman bottoms, Fulton, 3 June (HC, ME). Ruddy Turnstone - earliest report of a fall migrant was 1 at Paradise 28 July (DR). Sanderling — there were a few early reports of ads.; all are included: 1 at Fishing Creek 26-29 July (RD); 2 along the Mississippi River, Hickman, and I along the Missis¬ sippi River, Carlisle, both 27 July (DR); 1 at Paradise 28 July (DR); and 2 at Mitchell Lake 31 July (HC, ME). Semipalmated Sandpiper - latest spring re¬ ports were of 20 on a pond s. of Elkton, Todd, 1 June (BP); 9 at Camp #9 on 9 June (BP) and 1 at Clifty Pond near Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 12 June (RD). Earliest reports of returning fall birds were of 2 at Paradise 21 July (DR) and 4 at Mitchell Lake 22 July (HC). Western Sandpiper - there were a few early reports of ads.; all are included: 2 at Para¬ dise 12 July (DR); 2 at Mitchell Lake 22 July (HC); and 6+ at Lake No. 9 and 3 at Ky Bend, both 27 July (DR). Least Sandpiper - latest spring reports were of 1 on a pond s. of Elkton, Todd, 1 June (BP) and 1 in the lower Hickman bottoms, Fulton, 3 June (HC, ME); earliest reports of returning fall birds were of 1 at Petros Pond, Warren, 30 June (DR); small num¬ bers at several locations in w. Henderson 5 July (BP, JB) and 6 July (CC); and 2 at Homestead and 5 at Paradise, both 7 July (DR). Peak early-season counts were of 200 at Horseshoe Road 10 July (CC); 250 at Lake No. 9 on 26 July (DR, HC); 100 on the Mississippi River, Hickman, 27 July (DR); and 110 at Mitchell Lake 28 July (DR). White-rumped Sandpiper - latest spring report was of 1 on a pond s. of Elkton, Todd, 1 June (BP). Pectoral Sandpiper - earliest report of a re¬ turning fall bird was of 1 at Guthrie Swamp 16 July (DR, MB). Early-season peak counts were of 250 at Lake No. 9 and 125 at Ky Bend, both 27 July (DR). 82 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 Stilt Sandpiper earliest reports of return¬ ing fall birds were of 4 at Mitchell Lake 22 July (HC) and 2 in Fulton 26 July (DR). Ruff - a spectacular looking m. molting out of alternate plumage was at Minor Clark 8 July (MW et ah; ph. LH - see cover photo of this issue). KBRC review required. Short-billed Dowitcher - earliest reports of returning fall birds were of 1 at Camp #9 on 5 July (BP, JB); 1 along KY 268 on 10 July (CC); and 7 at Guthrie Swamp 13 July (DR, MB). Long-billed Dowitcher - an ad. at Fishing Creek 29 July (ph. RD) was an extremely early fall migrant. __ * » * * '» j#- * ■ *"'* * Long-billed Dowitcher, Pulaski 29 July 2006 Roseanna Denton Wilson’s Phalarope - earliest report of a returning fall bird was of 1 at Lake No. 9 on 27 July (DR). Ring-billed Gull 12 were still at the Ky Dam Village marina 1 June (BP); 1 was on the Ohio River at Livingston Point, Living¬ ston, 27 June (BP, JB, GB); 75-80 had returned to Ky Dam Village 28 June (BP, JB); then widespread by early July with ca. 35 below Smithland Dam on the Ohio Riv¬ er, Livingston, 5 July (BP, JB) and 1300 including 5 juvs. in the vicinity of Ky Dam 28 July (DR). Least Tern up to 18 were present at Camp #9 in early June (BP), with at least 6 incu¬ bating 20 June (BP). Surveys of traditional nesting sites on the Mississippi River yielded the following nest counts during the last week of June: 160 at Ky Bend/ Watson Point; 133 at Middle Bar Sandbar, Hickman', 58 at Campbell Dikes, Hickman! Carlisle (RR et ah); and 1 1 at Island No. 1, Carlisle (RR, JB, et ah). Caspian Tern 3 were still at the Ky Dam Village marina 1 June (BP); 1 was on the Ohio River at Livingston Point, Living¬ ston, 27 June (BP, JB, GB); and 10 had returned to Ky Dam Village 5 July (BP, JB). Black Tern - 1 at Minor Clark 12 June (ph. RJ); ca. 6 on a sandbar in the Ohio River above Mound City, IL, Ballard, 26 June (JB, GB); and I at Minor Clark 10 July (MW) were all unusual for mid-summer. Small numbers were present by the last week of July including 7 at both Mitchell Lake (DR, SR) and Paradise (DR), 2 at Van Buren (BW), and 5 at Cooley’s Pond, Wayne (RD), all 28 July. Forster's Tern a summering or early re¬ turning fall bird was at Ky Dam Village marina 28 June (BP, JB); earliest reports of probable returning fall birds were of 2 at Ky Dam 26 July (DR) and 2 at Van Buren 22 July (EH, JH) and 28 July (BW). Eurasian Collared-Dove - the only birds reported in new areas were 2 near Trenton, Todd, 1 June (DM, BP). Black-billed Cuckoo the only reports were of 3 at Fishtrap Lake WMA, Pike, 9 June (SF) and 1 in w. Hickman 17 June (BL). Barn Owl - there were two reports: 3 includ¬ ing 2 yg. in e. Calloway 7 June (HC); and 3 yg in a church steeple at Poplar Plains, Fleming, 5 June (JF, fide HB, EWr). Rufous Hummingbird an ad. m. was re¬ ported at Corbin, Knox, 28 July (JP) in the same yard where an ad. m. was present the previous winter; unfortunately the bird was not seen again. KBRC review re¬ quired. Least Flycatcher a late spring migrant or summer vagrant was seen/heard along KY 1675 near Acorn, Pulaski, 1 June (RD). Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - birds were again present at the two now-traditional nesting sites with 1 below Barkley Dam, Lyon, 83 2006_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER during June (m.ob.) and 1 incubating with another perched nearby n. of Grand Rivers 1 June (BP); birds continued n. of Grand Rivers into early July, but nesting did not appear successful (BP, JB). Bell’s Vireo - an active nest with 4 eggs n. of Grand Rivers 1 June (ph. BP) and ano¬ ther with 4 eggs along Atkinson School Road, n. Christian , 8 June (BP) represent¬ ed county-firsts for confirmed breeding; also of interest were 2 m. singing along Orange Grove Church Road, se. Hopkins, 2 June (BP) and 2 active nests at Camp #9 (1 with a large cowbird chick 20 June [ph. BP; see p. 92] and 1 with 3 yg. 5 July [BP, JB]). Bell’s Vireo nest, Livingston 1 June 2006 B. Palmer-Ball, Jr. Warbling Vireo - 1 along the Sulfur Lick BBS route in sw. Metcalfe 18 June (SS) was probably only the second local record in summer, and 1 in the Schickel Veterans Park in Burkesville, Cumberland, 9 Ju¬ ly (SS, WW) was likely a local first for summer. Common Raven - the only report was of 1 at Carr Creek Lake Park, Knott, 30 June (CB). Cliff Swallow - post-breeding concentra¬ tions of interest included 40+ along the Ohio River at Dayton, Campbell, 16 July (FR) and 500-600 at Meng’s Pond, War¬ ren, 24 July (DR). Also reported were ca. 130 used nests under the Natcher Bridge over the Ohio River, Daviess (DA). Red-breasted Nuthatch - the only report was of 1 at the traditional Rock Bridge, DBNF, Wolfe, nesting locale 1 1 June (FR, VR). Sedge Wren - there were several reports of likely breeding birds in July; all are in¬ cluded: 1 along Holloway Lane, n. Jes¬ samine, 1 July (BP, JL, SV); at least 1-2 at Long Point 26 July (DR, HC); 2 at Gentle Pond, Sauerheber, 29 July (CC); and 2 at Homestead 30 July (RD). Eastern Bluebird - quite unusual was the use of an abandoned American Robin nest on a drainpipe under the eave of a home at Panorama Shores, Calloway (KC). Veery - 1 was heard on Log Mt. at the head of Chenoa Creek, Bell, 1 5 July ( JK). Swainson’s Thrush - a late spring migrant continued to sing at Frankfort to 4 June (BP). Golden-winged Warbler - continuing stu¬ dies by University of Kentucky personnel resulted in the monitoring of 9 territorial m. and 2 active nests at two sites in Bel! during the season (PH). Also monitored were a Golden-winged Warbler x Blue¬ winged Warbler nest and a Golden-winged Warbler x Brewster’s Warbler nest, both in Bell (PH). Brewster’s Warbler - personnel with the same University of Kentucky study moni¬ tored 3 territorial m. at two sites in Bell during the season (PH). Chestnut-sided Warbler - again this year, a male was present on territory at the Sky Bridge picnic area, DBNF, Wolfe, 10-13 June (FR, VR). Blackburnian Warbler - a late spring mi¬ grant was observed near Fisherville, Jef¬ ferson, 3 June (EH). Cerulean Warbler - a relatively impressive count of 8 singing birds was tallied at S- Tree, DBNF, Jackson, 5 June (RD); the species was considered common through¬ out the South Lake Horse Trail portion of Fishtrap Lake WMA, Pike, 9 June (SF). THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 84 Vol. 82 Swainson’s Warbler small numbers were reported at traditional breeding locales including several in tire Red River Gorge, DBNF, Wolfe, 10-13 June (FR, VR); 1 along Whittleton Trail, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Powell, 24 June (DPa); and 3 (including 1 carrying food) at Bee Rock, Pulaski, 8 July (RD). Northern Waterthrush quite unusual was a m. banded at Clarks River NWR, Mar¬ shall, 30 June (ph.FIC). Connecticut Warbler - a tardy spring mi¬ grant was present at Obion WMA, Fulton, 3 June (HC, ME). Hooded Warbler - an impressive count of 38 was tallied at Bee Rock, Pulaski, 8 July (RD). Savannah Sparrow - at least 2 males ap¬ peared on territory along Holloway Lane, n. Jessamine, 7 July (BP, JL, SV). Lark Sparrow - the only report was of 1 at Lake No. 9 on 27 July (DR). Henslow’s Sparrow substantial colonies were encountered on reclaimed mine land along Red Hill Road, se. Hopkins, and n. of Atkinson School Road, Christian, in early June (EWs, BP); other reports of birds in new areas included two colonies in w.-cen. Todd during June (JG, DH, et al.); 3 in sw. Boyd 10 June (JM, SH) and ca. 6 along Holloway Lane, n. Jessamine, 7 July (JL, BP, SV). White-throated Sparrow - again this sum¬ mer, 1-2 birds lingered at St. Matthews, Jefferson, into June, with at least 1 still present 1 7 July (BW). Rose-breasted Grosbeak - a bird that ap¬ peared to be a yg. m. was observed at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone, 8 July (LM). Dickcissel - 1 along KY 691 w. of Burkes- ville, Cumberland, 9 July (SS, WW) provided the first breeding-season record for that county. Bobolink - there were a few reports of breeding birds including 10-15 along Holloway Lane, n. Jessamine, during June (JL), with 15-20+ including full-grown juvs. present there 7 July (JL, BP, SV); up to 20 (ads. & juvs.) off Bohon Road just nw. of Harrodsburg, Mercer, in June (G&BD); 2 w. of Cropper, Shelby, and 2 each at two adjacent locations n. of North Pleasureville, Henry, all 18 June (BS); and an unspecified number along Sparrow Lane, Mercer, in mid-June (GF fide DPe). Baltimore Oriole 1 building a nest just w. of Trenton, Todd, 3 June (DM) was in an area where the species is quite locally distributed in summer. Corrigenda (Spring Season 2006, Vol. 82, No. 3): the location of the Cathy Crockett Trail (Black-billed Cuckoo entry) was incorrect; the trail is adjacent to but not part of DBNF, and it is in Pulaski, not McCreary. Also, the date of a Least Flycatcher at Mt. Zion should have been 26 April, not 23 April. Observers: David Ayer (DA); Steve Beam (SB); Tom Becker (TB); Mark Bennett (MB); Clay Black (CB); Herb Booth (HB); John Brunjes (JB); Gerald Burnett (GB); Joan Carr (JC); Hap Chambers (HC); Kathy Cohen (KC); Charlie Crawford (CC); Phyllis Deal (PD); Roseanna Denton (RD); Gary & Becky Dorman (G&BD); Melissa Easley (ME); Les Estep (LE); Gus Faeth (GF); Scott Freidhof (SF); Jeff Fryman (JF); Norma Gibson (NG); Jim Giocomo (JG); Patricia Hartman (PH); Stratton Hatfield (SH); Lana Hays (LH); Daniel Hinnebusch (DH); Eddie Huber (EH); Jennifer Huber (JHu); Rachel Jenkins (RJ); James Kiser (JK); Joe Lacefteld (JL); Bill Lisowsky (BL); Don Livingston (DL); Scott Marsh (SM); Lee McNeely (LM); Jenny Michaels (JM); Daniel Moss (DM); Brainard Palmer- Ball, Jr. (BP); David Patick (DPa); Don Pelly (DPe); June Perkins (JP); Ed Ray (ER); Scott Record (SR); Frank Renfrow (FR); Veronica Renfrow (VR); Rochelle Renken (RR); David Roemer (DR); Adam Smith (AS); Brian Smith (BS); Stephen Stedman (SS); Don Swearingen (DS); Mark Trabue (MT); Budd Veverka (BV); Shawchyi Vorisek (SV); Winston Walden (WW); Eileen Wicker (EWr); Eric Williams (EWs); Jim Williams (JW); Barbara Woemer (BW); Mike Wright (MW); multiple observers (m. ob.). 2006 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 85 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL 2006 MEETING September 29-October 1, 2006, Greenbo Lake State Resort Park The Fall 2006 meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park in Greenup County. President Mark Bennett opened the Friday evening program at 7:40 p.m. Mr. Bennett welcomed members and guests to a fun-filled weekend of bird watching and educational programs. Vice-President Win Ahrens con¬ tinued the opening remarks with a warm welcome back to President Bennett following a serious auto accident in May. Dr. Ahrens then introduced the evening’s first speaker, Budd Veverka. Mr. Veverka is currently a Wildlife Technician with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, primarily assisting with the Peregrine Falcon Monitoring Program. Mr. Veverka gave an informative talk on the historical and present status of Peregrine Falcons in Kentucky. Today, established nesting sites are monitored in order to document nesting success and dispersal. Eight fledgling Peregrine Falcons were banded in 2006. Please email Shawchyi Vorisek (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov) if you see a Peregrine Falcon. Lana Hays was the second speaker during the Friday evening program. Ms. Hays is an avid bird photographer from Walton, Kentucky. She has been a photographer for several years, but has specifically focused on birds for the last four years. Ms. Hays shared numer¬ ous remarkable photos including a Harlequin Duck, Common Loons, and Northern Gan- nets. She shared entertaining tales of her travels to New Mexico, Alaska, and Lake Erie in pursuit of birds. Ms. Hays also spoke to the audience about photographic techniques includ¬ ing ways to vary from the fundamental “bird on a stick” pose. She also described her enjoyment of capturing photographs of birds expressing behaviors such as feeding, singing, and courting. The Friday evening program ended with a description of the field trips that were to be held the following day. Saturday field trips were led within Greenbo Lake State Resort Park and to nearby Jesse Stuart State Nature Preserve and the South Shore Wildlife Management Area. On Saturday afternoon, both the KOS board and the Kentucky Bird Records Committee held meetings to conduct their respective business. Mark Bennett called the Saturday evening meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. Mr. Bennett began the evening asking for introductions from any visitors; four such individuals from Missouri introduced themselves and explained that they were attempting to visit ornithol¬ ogical society meetings in all states surrounding their home state. Mr. Bennett also reminded everyone about the dates and locations of upcoming meetings. Details of Sunday morning field trips were also announced. After the opening announcements, Mark Bennett introduced the guest speaker, Chris Sloan from Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Sloan gave an hour-long presentation entitled Hummingbirds: Winged Jewels. The program covered a variety of topics concerning hum¬ mingbird taxonomy, biology, life history, and distribution and was wonderfully accom¬ panied by both images and video tape of hummingbirds from the United States, Costa Rica and Ecuador. Mr. Sloan is a member of the Hummer/Bird Study Group banding network, and he has been banding hummingbirds in Tennessee and Kentucky for nearly ten years. A major component of the presentation was a run-down of the occurrence of hummingbirds in the Tennessee-Kentucky region in fall and winter. Mr. Sloan described identification characteristics and patterns of occurrence for the eight species of hummers that have occurred in the two states in recent years, as well as some potential future additions. Following the featured program, Mark Bennett called on Blaine Ferrell to compile the meeting bird list (88 species were observed as of Saturday evening). Then Mr. Bennett opened the annual business meeting of the Society. The first item of business was the vote for approval of proposed changes to the bylaws that were listed in the fall meeting flyer that 86 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 had been mailed to KOS members. Bylaws committee member, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., briefly outlined the proposed changes, most of which dealt with organizational matters and brought the bylaws up to date. Neil Eklund made a motion to approve the proposed changes to the bylaws, the motion was seconded by Lou Shain, and the motion carried unanimously by voice vote. The newly revised Bylaws appear elsewhere in this issue (see pp. 87-91). The second item of business was the vote for the slate of officers for the 2006-2007 year. In the absence of Dona Coates, chair of the Nominating Committee, Mark Bennett called upon Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., to present the slate. Because of a conflict in com¬ mitments for the coming year, Laura Patton had removed her name from nomination for Recording Secretary, but Mr. Palmer-Ball nominated John Brunjes from the floor to fill that slot. The resulting slate was nominated: Mark Bennett for President, Win Ahrens for Vice- President, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., for Treasurer, Melissa Easley for Corresponding Secretary, John Brunjes for Recording Secretary, and Evelyn Morgan and Marilee Thomp¬ son for councillors (three-year terms). Existing councillors are Shawchyi Vorisek and Mary Yandell (through 2007) and Gay Hodges and Eddie Huber (through 2008). Hap Chambers made a motion to approve the slate of officers, the motion was seconded by Bobbi Shain, and the motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Mark Bennett then thanked everyone who had contributed to making the fall 2006 meeting a success, at 9:30 p.m. as well as everyone for attending. The fall 2006 meeting was adjourned Attendance at the KOS 2006 Fall Meeting Alexandria: Ron & Mary Beth Lusby Berea: Paul Hager, Art & Tina Ricketts Bowling Green: Blaine Ferrell, Joan Roemer, David Roemer Burlington: Lee McNeely Carlisle: Virginia Kingsolver, Wendell Kingsolver Columbia, MO: Bonnie Heidy, Edge & Jerry Wade Covington: Gary O’Hair Danville: Ginny & Neil Eklund Frankfort: Amy Covert, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Laura Patton, Alisa & Budd Veverka, Shawchyi Vorisek Gravois Mills, MO Della Rhoades Lexington: Shirley & Wayne Davis, Bobbi & Lou Shain, Jackie & John van Willigen Louisville: Richard Cassell, Marge Constan, Katharine Fulkerson, Katharine Griswold, Gerald Heath, Eddie Huber, Ben & Mary Yandell Morehead: Fred Busroe, Katie Busroe Murray: Hap Chambers, Melissa Easley Nashville, TN: Chris Sloan Olive Hill: Evelyn Morgan Owensboro: Marilee & Wendell Thompson Prospect: Win Ahrens Richmond: Brenda & Pete Thompson Russellville: Mark Bennett Science Hill: Roseanna Denton Somerset: Gay Hodges, Connie Neeley Walton: Lana Hays 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 87 Bird Species Observed at the KOS Fall Meeting Greenbo Lake State Resort Park The following bird species were observed during the weekend of September 29-October 1 at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup, Ky., South Shore WMA, Greenup Co., and Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan Co.: Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Wild Tur¬ key, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Black- crowned Night-Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, American Coot, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Solitary Sand¬ piper, Least Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Wilson's Snipe, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Barred Owl, Chimney Swift, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Wood¬ pecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Kingbird, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Homed Lark, Tree Swallow, Bam Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Winter Wren, Marsh Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, East¬ ern Bluebird, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Eur¬ opean Starling, American Pipit, Cedar Waxwing, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow- rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Pine Warbler, Palm Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Common Yel- lowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Black¬ bird, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Grackle, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch and House Sparrow. The total for the weekend was 1 00 species. KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC. BYLAWS ARTICLE I — MEMBERSHIP Section A. Membership in the Kentucky Ornithological Society, Inc. (hereinafter, the Society, which includes Corporation, as used occasionally in earlier versions of the By- aws), shall be open to all persons interested in any phase of bird life and shall consist of Regular, Contributing, Life, Student, Family, and Honorary Members. Section B. Regular Membership shall consist of those persons who pay the Regular Membership fee, who desire to cooperate in the work of the Society, and who wish to receive its publications. They are entitled to participate in all the activities of the Society, to vote, and to hold office. Section C. Contributing Membership shall consist of those persons who pay the Con¬ tributing Membership fee. They shall be accorded all the privileges of Regular Members. Section D. Life Membership shall consist of those persons who pay the Life Membership fee. They shall be accorded all the privileges of Regular Members. Section E. Student Membership shall include bona fide full-time students. Student Mem¬ bership may continue as long as the individual satisfies the stated condition. Such members are entitled to all the privileges of Regular Members. Section F. 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 (1) Regular, or Contributing, Membership fee plus an additional annual fee (see Art. II, Sec. 88 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 A). All individuals within a Family Membership are entitled to the privileges of Regular Members except they shall collectively 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 collectively 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 time. Section G. Honorary Membership may be conferred by the Board upon any business, organization, agency, institution, or individual showing an 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 member¬ ship 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 to hold office. Honorary Members are entitled to a subscription to The Kentucky Warbler if requested. Section H. The anniversary date of every membership shall be January 1. New mem¬ berships 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 sub¬ sequent 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 memberships 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 quorum (See Art. V, Sec. C) is present. The dues for Family Membership shall be a sum of not less than five dollars ($5.00) annually in addition to the dues for one Regular, or Contributing, 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 calendar year which shall run from January 1 through December 3 1 (see Art. I, Sec. H). 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 providing the Corresponding Secretary with prompt notice of any change of address. Section D. Any organization or institution may subscribe to The Kentucky Warbler by paying the equivalent of the Regular Membership fee plus any extraordinary postage. 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). All living Past Presidents shall serve as ex officio members of the Board. 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 appointed 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 (See Art. Ill, Sec. D). The Committee shall submit its nominations to the Corresponding Secretary forty-five (45) 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 89 days before the annual 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 nomi¬ nations 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 seven (7) officers shall be elected by ballot (show of hands or voice vote, at the discretion of the President) by a majority of the members present, provided that a quorum (See Art. V, Sec. C) is present. All officers shall take office at the conclusion of the fall meeting. Section C. Officers (except Councillors and Representatives of qualified affiliated organ¬ izations) 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 Representatives of qualified affiliated organizations shall be elected for terms of three (3) years and may not serve con¬ secutive terms. Appointed officers may also be elected officers. 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 a standing committee, the Kentucky Bird Records Committee (KBRC), which shall be governed by its own bylaws. The KBRC shall determine the validity of records of rare birds from Kentucky, publish annually in The Kentucky Warbler a report of its decisions, maintain documentation of its actions, and keep the official Kentucky State List of Birds. The Secretary of the KBRC shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years by the Board and may serve an unlimited number of terms. The Secretary of the KBRC may be replaced at any time either by the unanimous consent of all other mem¬ bers of the KBRC or by a majority of the Board. Records resulting from the KBRC deliberations shall be kept in the possession of the KBRC until publication of the outcome of their review in The Kentucky Warbler. At that time they shall be turned over to the Curator for archiving. 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 committees in the performance of their duties. 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. E; and Art. VII, Sec. C and Sec. D). Section C. The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in his/her absence. He/she shall be primarily responsible for planning the fall and spring meetings. 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 Hinds of the Society; shall pay from the funds of the Society all bills duly approved by the President or the Board; shall be responsible for all payables 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. 90 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 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 Representatives from each qualified affiliated organization shall serve as members of the Board and shall have the rights and obligations of all members of the Board. They shall in addition maintain communication between their organizations and the Society. Section I. The Editor of The Kentucky Warbler shall edit four (4) issues per annum that shall be sent to all members in good standing (see Art. II, Sec. C). Section J. The Curator, who shall be appointed annually by the Board at the fall meeting, shall have charge of all scientific records (including archived records from the KBRC) and all Society documents. 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. At this meeting the members of the Society shall meet to discuss and to act upon significant issues. The meetings shall rotate among eastern, central, 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) Regular, Contributing, Student, 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 purpose of the call, to the members by the Corresponding Secretary. Section C. A quorum at any meeting shall consist of twenty-five (25) Regular, Con¬ tributing, Student, or Life members, which includes one ( 1 ) adult from each Family Mem¬ bership. ARTICLE VI — AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS Section A. The Society shall encourage the formation of local affiliates in all cities and areas of the state. Such affiliated organizations shall have a major interest in birding or ornithology, and must include at least five (5) Society members to maintain affiliate status. The affiliated organizations shall retain their autonomy but shall act in cooperation with the Society. Each affiliated organization shall remit annually to the Society the equivalent of one (1) Regular Membership fee, and shall receive, in exchange, one (1) copy of each issue of The Kentucky Warbler and other periodic Society publications and announcements. Each such organization shall transmit annually lists of its 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. ARTICLE VII — SPECIAL FUNDS Section A. The Endowment Fund, from which the investment income only may be used for current needs, was established to further the 2006 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 91 Section B. The Gordon Wilson Fund was established in honor of Dr. Gordon Wilson, one of the founders of the Society and an active member until his death in 1970. Monies in this fund are from designated gifts. The Board may draw upon this fund for purposes covered by its original intent: to assist in publication of The Kentucky Warbler, to improve and expand it; to help finance and publish ornithological research in Kentucky; and to help provide fellowships and scholarships in the study of ornithology. The Board shall approve expenditures from this fund. Section C. The Burt L. Monroe Jr. Avian Research Fund was established in honor of Dr. Burt 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 from designated gifts. The Board may draw upon this fund for purposes covered by its original intent; to assist persons in conducting research on birds within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. A Board-appointed committee shall review all research proposals and make recommendations to the Board regarding grant awards. The Board shall approve expenditures from this fund. Section D. The Anne L. Stamm Avian Education 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 from designated gifts. The Board may draw upon this fund for purposes covered by its original intent; education of children in the deeper appreciation of birds and ornithology. A Board-appointed committee shall review all research proposals and make recommendations to the Board regarding grant awards. The Board shall approve expenditures from this fund. 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 University of Louisville library shall be the repository of ornithological journals accumulated through exchanges. The Corresponding Secretary shall maintain suitable storage for 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 (2) weeks prior to the meeting at which it is to be voted upon. Note: The present bylaws were adopted by the membership September 28, 1991 (amended September 25, 1999, October 07, 2000, September 24, 2005, and September 30, 2006). NEWS AND VIEWS KOS Burt L. Monroe Jr. Avian Research Grant Fund The KOS Burt L. Monroe Jr. Avian Research Grant Fund supports research on birds in Kentucky up to $500. For guidelines on how to apply, please contact Dr. Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean’s Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, 42101 (blaine.ferrell@eku.edu). (cont’d next page) 92 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 82 Visit the KOS Website To learn about the Kentucky Ornithological Society and interesting happenings, visit the KOS website maintained by Dr. Gary Ritchison at www.biology.eku.edu/kos.htm. Kentucky Bird Records Committee The Kentucky Bird Records Committee (KBRC) is charged with determining the validity of records of rare and out-of-season birds in Kentucky. Sightings of such birds should be documented with information supporting the identification promptly submitted to the KBRC. Photographic evidence is desirable but not essential. Electronic documentation is preferred and should be submitted to K H 7 The Kentucky Warbler < (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 83 FEBRUARY 2007 NO. 1 IN THIS ISSUE IN MEMORIAM - DR. CLELL T. PETERSON, 1918-2006, Hap Chambers . 3 NEW TERRITORIES AND NOTEWORTHY DYNAMICS IN KENTUCKY’S BREED¬ ING PEREGRINE FALCON POPULATION, Adam D. Smith, Shawchyi Vorisek, and Norman Budd Veverka . 4 THE FALL 2006 SEASON, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 7 MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT 2006-2007, Blaine Ferrell . 21 FIELD NOTES Black Vulture Fledges Young in Historic Griffith Tavern, John J. Cox . 36 Little Stint in Jefferson County, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr . 37 NEWS AND VIEWS . 39 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Mark Bennett. Russellville Vice-President . Win Ahrens. Prospect Corresponding Secretary . Melissa Easley 1610 Loch Lomond. Murray, KY 42071 Treasurer . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 Recording Secretary . Councillors: Shawchyi Vorisek, Lrankfort . Mary Yandell, Louisville . Gay Hodges, Somerset . Eddie Huber, Louisville . Marilee Thompson, Owensboro Evelyn Morgan, Olive Hill . John Brunjes, Frankfort 2005 thru 2007 2005 thru 2007 2006 thru 2008 2006 thru 2008 2007 thru 2009 2007 thru 2009 Retiring President . Hap Chambers, Murray Staff Artist . Ray Harm, Sonoita, AZ 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: Regular $15.00; Contributing $25.00; Student $10.00; Family $20.00; 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 . Blaine R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Wayne Mason, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Stephen Stedman Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Mark Bennett I 13 Iroquois Circle, Russellville, KY 42276 THE COVER We thank Mark Monroe for the photograph of the Little Stint ( Calidris minuta) observed in Jefferson County 16-20 August 2006 (see Field Note, p. 37). Financial support for color cover provided by the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Kentucky* Touchstone Energy Cooperative*' 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER IN MEMORIAM - DR. CLELL T. PETERSON, 1918-2006 Hap Chambers Dr. Clell T. Peterson of Murray, Kentucky, died December 1 1, 2006, at the age of 88. He was a life member and past president (1963-1964) of the Kentucky Ornithological Society. He was bom in northern Minnesota and grew up in Minneapolis. After serving three years in the United Sates Army (Tank Destroyers Unit), he enrolled in the University of Minnesota in 1946 and earned BA, MA and PhD degrees. In the fall of 1956, he took a position as professor of English at Murray State University. Shortly thereafter, at the friendly prodding of Hunter Hancock of the Murray State University Biology Department, Clell participated in a western Kentucky bird count and within a few years became an avid birdwatcher and field ornithologist. He took an interest in the wintering Bald Eagles observed at Reelfoot Lake and the TVA Land Between the Lakes Recreational Area. In the late 1970s, he helped organize the Kentucky-Tennessee Eagle Management Team, an organization that did valuable work in publicizing the plight of Bald Eagles and restoring them as nesting species in the area. Throughout his career, Clell published numerous books, reviews and articles and was co-author of Kentucky Birds, A Finding Guide (1973). His 16-page book, The Eagles Return, was published in 1988; its Preface includes the following description of its contents: “This little book briefly describes the life history of the Bald Eagle, the forces that endanger it, and the efforts of the Kentucky-Tennessee Eagle Management Team to protect eagles and restore a breeding population in western Kentucky and Tennessee. It has the further purpose of relating the Bald Eagle to our history and culture.” Clell shared his love of birds and the natural world whenever he had the chance. He offered a class in continuing education at Murray State University where he introduced his passion to students from all walks of life. He encouraged his students to become members of KOS and to participate with Kentucky birders from around the state. Clell devoted many years of his life to conservation and the betterment of the world around us. He shared his knowledge and left a lasting legacy. He will be missed. 4 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 NEW TERRITORIES AND NOTEWORTHY DYNAMICS IN KENTUCKY’S BREEDING PEREGRINE FALCON POPULATION Adam D. Smith, Shawchyi Vorisek, and Norman Budd Veverka In 2003, four years after removal of the Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus) from the federal endangered and threatened species list, federal and state agencies, as required by the Endangered Species Act, began implementation of a nationwide monitoring plan for the species. This plan was devised to document indices of Peregrine population health (e.g., territory occupancy, nest success, and productivity) at three-year intervals through 2015 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2003). The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) has monitored the state’s known Peregrine nesting territories since the mid-1990s; additionally, as required by the monitoring plan and with federal funding assistance, KDFWR followed the fate of Kentucky’s Peregrine territories thoroughly in 2006. These monitoring efforts resulted in the discovery of four new territorial pairs, nearly doubling the number of known pairs in the Commonwealth, as well as the documentation of some noteworthy dynamics within Kentucky’s nesting Peregrine population. New territories in Kentucky Dzialak et al. (2005) described five established Peregrine Falcon breeding locations in Kentucky through 2004, as well as three breeding sites in Ohio adjacent to Kentucky along the Ohio River (Figure 1). In 2006, we documented four new territorial pairs that, like the previously known pairs, resided within the Ohio River corridor along the state’s northern border (Figure 1). New territories were found at the following locations: (1) the East Ken¬ tucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) Spurlock Station west of Maysville, Mason County; (2) the 1-275 bridge east of Covington, Campbell County; (3) the Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) Mill Creek Station southwest of Louisville, Jefferson County; and (4) the KY-79 bridge west of Brandenburg, Meade County. We documented a nesting attempt only at the 1-275 bridge; however, the pair was unsuccessful in fledging any young. Both members of the 1-275 pair are wild-produced, banded individuals, although at present they remain unidentified. The Spurlock Station pair consists currently of a male hatched at the Miami Fort Station, Cleves, Ohio, in 2004, and a female hatched in down¬ town Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in 2004, nearly 400 miles to the north. The Mill Creek Station pair consists of a wild-produced and banded, but as yet unidentified, male and an unknown female. The KY-79 pair consists of a male hatched in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2004, and an unknown female. Floaters and the replacement of lost individuals In addition to territorial, breeding pairs, healthy Peregrine populations typically con¬ tain a non-breeding component, termed “floaters” (Brown 1969, Tordoff et al. 1998). Floaters of both sexes may linger near breeding Peregrine territories, allowing for the quick replacement of lost breeders (Ratcliffe 1993). Essentially, quantifying the floater com¬ ponent of a Peregrine population is impossible; however, floaters may be more prevalent when suitable nest sites are limited (Tordoff et al. 1998). The replacement of lost indiv¬ iduals on four occasions in 2006 suggests a significant floater constituent in Kentucky’s Peregrine population. Moreover, the apparent rapidity with which replacement occurred implies that Peregrine’s may have saturated suitable nesting locations in the Ohio River corridor (Figure 1) and thus suggests that nesting locations are a primary factor limiting breeding Peregrines in this area. The four documented replacements in 2006 occurred at three utility stations. The EKPC Spurlock Station had two of these replacements and certainly the most dramatic sequence of events. On 1 1 April we observed a banded adult male and a banded sub-adult female hunting in proximity of the utility stacks. On 14 April, the sub-adult female (fledged 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 5 from the US 421 bridge in Milton, KY, in 2005) was found injured. Less than two weeks later, on 26 April, a new unbanded sub-adult female was present with the male. On 25 May, a third female for the season, a banded adult female from Ontario, was present with the adult male, apparently having evicted the preceding sub-adult female. Single replacements occurred at the LG&E Mill Creek and Trimble County Stations. On 20 June, a banded adult male was found dead along the entrance road into the Mill Creek Station. Ten days later, a new, banded adult male was present with the unbanded sub-adult female. Finally, in August, the female breeder since 2000 at the Trimble County Station was found dead. Within two months, a new adult female was present and behaving territorially with the adult male. All in the family In 2006, the breeding female Peregrine present since 2001 at the Kentucky Utilities (KU) Ghent Station, Carroll County, failed to return and a new female Peregrine, hatched at the LG&E Trimble County Station in 2000, assumed the maternal role. The new female fledged two young with the incumbent male, which interestingly shares parents with his new mate (although the male was hatched in 2001). Thus, the pair comprises full siblings from different wild broods. Such close inbreeding in the reintroduced Midwestern Pere¬ grine population is rare but not unprecedented. Between 1987 and 1998, 4% of the nesting pairs in the Midwest comprised half siblings, full siblings, or parent and offspring (Tordoff and Redig 1999). Nonetheless, during this 12-year span, all offspring resulting from these closely-related pairs appeared in good health, and the ability of closely-related pairs to produce viable young did not differ from the Peregrine population at large (Tordoff and Redig 1999). Looking forward The apparent lack of nesting attempts at three of the four new territories discovered in 2006 may have resulted from an absence of adequate nesting sites. To address this pos¬ sibility, KDFWR, with assistance from EKPC and LG&E, installed nest boxes at both the Spurlock and Mill Creek stations, respectively, and the Indiana Department of Transpor¬ tation is considering a nesting structure for the KY-79 bridge. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KTC) has agreed to allow KDFWR to install nesting structures on several KTC-maintained bridges spanning the Ohio River beginning with the Big 4 in Louisville; KDFWR also plans to install nesting structures on the US 421 and 1-275 bridges. This collaboration emerged from the documented success of nesting structures in improving the productivity of Peregrines nesting at utility stations in Kentucky (Dzialak el al. 2005), the probability that suitable nest sites are a limiting factor in Kentucky, and the relatively high mortality of young Peregrines hatched on bridges since their reintroduction (Tordoff et al. 2004). In a similar collaboration with the Commerce Cabinet, the KDFWR installed a nest box on the 23rd floor of the Capital Plaza Tower (CPT) overlooking the Kentucky River in downtown Frankfort. Additionally, Peregrines continue to use the nest box in downtown Lexington as a winter roost and feeding site; win¬ ter 2006-2007 tenants currently include a male from Dayton, Ohio, and a female hatched in eastern Wisconsin; both hatched in 2006. Despite the intensity of KDFWR’s Peregrine monitoring work in 2006, many potential sites for additional nesting territories remain unmonitored. For example, numer¬ ous industrial sites and bridges are located along the Ohio River corridor, as well as other major river corridors in the state’s interior (i.e.. Green and Kentucky rivers). Furthermore, many of the natural clifflines of the Cumberland Plateau seem adequate from an historical perspective. In the effort to document the reestablishment of the state's Peregrine breeding population, we encourage members of Kentucky’s birding community to monitor potential sites and contact us with any evidence of use. 6 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Acknowledgments The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service funded Peregrine monitoring personnel (NBV) in 2006. We are tremendously grateful to staff at the EKPC Spurlock and LG&E Mill Creek Stations for expediting the construction (Mill Creek) and installation of nesting structures at their respective plants. Likewise, we thank Commerce Cabinet and Finance and Adminis¬ tration Cabinet staff for access to the 23rd floor of the CPT during nest box installation. Furthermore, we thank those who facilitated this year’s monitoring efforts by providing access to their respective properties: LG&E Trimble County and Mill Creek, KU Ghent, EKPC Spurlock, Craig Royce and The Webb Companies (Lexington Financial Center), and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (1-275 bridge). Finally, we appreciate the dedication of Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky, Inc., and Wingspan of Kentucky, Inc., for their efforts to rehabilitate several injured or ill Peregrines in 2006. Literature Cited Brown, J. L. 1969. Territorial behavior and population regulation in birds. Wilson Bulletin 81:293-329. Dzialak, M. R., L. S. Burford, S. Vorisek, M. J. Lacki, and B. L. Palmer-Ball, Jr. 2005. The Peregrine Falcon and its recovery in Kentucky. The Kentucky Warbler 81:39-46. Ratcliffe, D. 1993. The Peregrine Falcon. 2nd ed. Buteo Books, Vermillion, SD. Tordoff, H. B., J. A. Goggin, and J. S. Castrale. 2004. Midwest Peregrine Falcon res¬ toration, 2004 report. Accessed online at: http:// midwestperegrine.org/downloadpdfs/2004pf.pdf. Last accessed: 29 January 2007. Tordoff, H. B., M. S. Martell, and P. T. Redig. 1998. Midwest Peregrine Falcon restora¬ tion, 1998 report. Accessed online at: http:// midwestperegrine.org/downloadpdfs/1998pf.pdf. Last accessed: 29 January 2007. D Tordoff, FI. B., and P. T. Redig. 1999. Close inbreeding in Peregrine Falcons in Mid¬ western United States. Journal of Raptor Research 33:326-328. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003. Monitoring plan for the American Peregrine Falcon, a species recovered under the Endangered Species Act. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Divisions of Endangered Species and Migratory Birds and State Programs, Pacific Region, Portland, OR. 53 pp. Figure 1 . The locations of known territorial Peregrine Falcon pairs in Kentucky and along the Ohio River corridor in Ohio in 2006. The shaded portion of the state map indicates the counties shown in detail; specifically, we detail all Kentucky counties along the Ohio River from Greenup County to Meade County. 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 7 FALL SEASON 2006 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely The fall 2006 season was characterized by overall relatively normal temperatures and precipitation; however, the conditions during individual months were more variable. Temperatures in August were warmer than normal, in large part due to a hot period during the first two weeks of the month when the temperature reached summer maximums of 95°F on three days at Louisville, 96°F on two days at Paducah, and 99°F on one day at Bowling Green. Temperatures during September and October were cooler than normal, but Novem¬ ber temperatures were warmer than normal across the state. Precipitation was above aver¬ age statewide during August through September, especially in western Kentucky, where Paducah experienced a record amount of rain for the month of September. The major precipitation event of the autumn occurred 22-23 September, when Louisville recorded about five inches of rainfall, causing much local flash-flooding. In contrast, November was drier than normal in the central and eastern parts of the state, but wetter than normal again in the west. The rarity of the season was the Little Stint at Louisville, a bird that represents one of only a handful of confirmed interior North American records. Other rarity highlights in¬ cluded a Wood Stork, a Great Black-backed Gull, and two White Ibis. In contrast to 2005, this year saw the remnants of no tropical systems pass through the state as well as the accompanying pelagic vagrants. By season’s end, it was clear that there would be no pro¬ nounced flight of boreal species, notably finches. Natural food crops including evergreen cones, berries, acorns, and hickory nuts, all appeared to be produced in average to slightly below average abundance. 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 - 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; Place names: Barren = Barren River Lake, Alien! Barren', Berea = Berea, Madison', Blood River = Blood River embayment, Ky Lake, Calloway, Briarwood = Briarwood, Jefferson', Camp #9 = Peabody Camp #9 coal preparation plant. Union; Camp #1 1 = former Camp #11 mine. Union; Caperton = Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve, Jefferson; Cherokee Park = Cherokee Park, Jefferson; Cliftv Pond = Clifty Pond, near Mt. Zion, Pulaski; Cooley's Pond = Cooley's Pond, Wayne; Falls of the Ohio = Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson; Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski; Frankfort = Frankfort, Franklin; Freeman Lake = Freeman Lake, Hardin; Garvin Brown = Garvin Brown Nature Preserve, ne. Jefferson; Grassy Pond/Powells Lake = Grassy Pond/Powells Lake Unit Sloughs WMA, w. Henderson; Gunpowder Creek = Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone; Guthrie Swamp = Guthrie Swamp, Todd; Hardy Slough = Hardy Slough, Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson; Hays Kennedy = Hays Kennedy Park, ne. Jefferson; Horseshoe Road = slough next to Horseshoe Road, w. Henderson; Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall; Joe Creason Park = Joe Creason Park, Jefferson; Ken/Hopewell = Ken/Hopewell Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio; Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Living- ston/Marshall; Kv Lake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall (unless otherwise noted); Kuttawa = THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon; Lake Barkley = Lake Barkley, Livingston/Lyon/Trigg; Lake No. 9 = Lake No. 9, Fulton; LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Trigg (unless otherwise noted); Little River = Little River embayment, Lake Barkley, Trigg; Mammoth Cave = Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson (unless otherwise noted); Melco = Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson; Middle Creek Park = Middle Creek Park, Boone; Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan; Mitchell Lake = Mitchell Lake, Ballard WMA, Ballard; Mt. Zion = Mt. Zion, Pulaski; NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; Newport = Newport, Campbell; Open Pond = Open Pond, Fulton; Oven Fork = crest of Pine Mountain near Oven Fork, Letcher; Paradise = Paradise Power Plant impound¬ ments, Muhlenberg; Payne Plant = Louisville Water Company Payne Treatment Plant, Jefferson; Pleasant Hill Church Road = Pleasant Hill Church Road, Trigg; Pumphrev Farm = Pumphrey Farm, n. Pulaski; St. Matthews = St. Matthews, Jefferson; Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson; Shaker Mill = Shaker Mill, Warren; Shawnee Park = Shawnee Park, Jefferson; Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg; Sloughs WMA = Sloughs WMA, Henderson! Union; Surrey Hills Farm = Surrey Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson; Thurston's Pond = Thurston's Pond, Wayne; Tom Sawyer Park = E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park, Jefferson; Waitsboro = Waitsboro Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski; WMA = Wildlife Creek Dam, Lake Cumberland, Russell. Greater White-fronted Goose earliest re¬ ports were of several flocks totaling ca. 1 1 5 birds over Sauerheber 29 October (CC, DR, TD) and a flock heard over Pleasant Hill Church Road 31 October (BL, PL). Peak count was “many hun¬ dreds” at Sauerheber 26 November (BY, MY) and 1000 there 28 November (MMr). Snow Goose - a flock of 130 over Barren 31 October (DR) was relatively far e. for such a sizable group. Ross’s Goose the only report was of 1 at Island Lake, Homestead Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio, 25 November (DR). Mute Swan there were a few reports, in¬ cluding two of early-season birds that may have been of local origin rather than early migrants, all being included: 1 first-year bird at Cooley’s Pond 19 August (RDn); 1 at Reformatory Lake, Oldham, 14 Sep¬ tember (BW); 1 on the Ohio River at Lou¬ isville 22 November (RDv) to 26 Novem¬ ber (MAu). Tundra Swan - earliest report of Sauer- heber’s wintering flock were 7 there 16 November (MMr) with 13 there by 28 November (MMr). Wood Duck - 125-150+ at Lake No. 9 on 13 August (BP, RDv, RDn). Management Area; Wolf Creek Dam = Wolf Gadwall - earliest reports were of 2 at Lake No. 9 on 14 August (BP, RDv, RDn) and 2 at Camp #11 on 23 August (BP); peak count was of 2250 at Sloughs WMA 28 November (MMr). American Wigeon earliest report was of a f. at Minor Clark 4 September (LH). Blue-winged Teal peak count was of 80+ at Paradise 15 August (DR); Northern Shoveler - earliest report was of 3 at Mitchell Lake 14 August (BP, RDv). Green-winged Teal - earliest reports were of 2 at Horseshoe Road 23 August (BP) and 1 or 2 at Melco 4 September (BP et al.); peak counts included 100+ on Barren 25 October (DR); “hundreds” at Sauer¬ heber 29 October (CC, DR, TD) with 330 at Sloughs WMA 28 November (MMr); and 200+ at Camp #11 on 9 November (BP). Ring-necked Duck earliest report was of 2 at Minor Clark 7 October (LH). Greater Scaup earliest report was of 1 on Barren 3 1 October (DR). Lesser Scaup - ca. 10 on Lake Barkley above the dam 17 September (BP et al.) were likely summering birds. Surf Scoter there were not many reports this fall, all being included: a female/imm. 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 9 at Freeman Lake 2 November (RH); 2 at Waitsboro 12 November (RDn); single females/imms. on the Ohio River at and just upstream from Louisville 12 Novem¬ ber (EH, BP, et al.); and 6 (including 3 ad. males) on Skaggs Creek embayment. Bar¬ ren, Barren, 15 November (DR). White-winged Scoter - there were two re¬ ports of females/imms.: 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville 21-23 November (TB, ph. EH, et al.) and 1 shot on the Ohio River near the mouth of the Green River, Henderson, 23 November (ph. JDu, fide JL). Black Scoter - there were three reports of females/imms.: 1 at Waitsboro (RDn); 1 on Barren (DR); and 3 on the Ohio River at Louisville (EH, MS, et ah), all 12 November. Common Merganser - earliest reports were of 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville 1/1 1 November (EH). Ruddy Duck - a summering bird continued at Lexington into late October (SM); 1 on Lake Barkley above the dam 17 Septem¬ ber (BP et ah) was either a summering bird or early migrant. Early season peak counts were of 80+ on Lake Barkley above the dam 17 October (DR) with ca 175 there 21 October (HC, ME). Common Loon - reports of likely early mi¬ grants included 1 at Ken/Hopewell 28 August (EWm); peak counts were limited to 160 on Barren 31 October (DR); 86 on Lake Cumberland, Russell, 1 November (RDn); ca. 100 on Barren 3. November (DR); and 50 on Lake Cumberland, Rus¬ sell, 12 November (RDn). Pied-billed Grebe - 12 each at Camp #9 and Camp #1 1 were likely of local nesting origin 23 August (BP); singles at Fishing Creek 9 August (RDn) and Ky Dam 15 August (DR, HC) were likely early migrants. Horned Grebe - earliest report was of 1 at Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln, 1 October (JE); peak counts included 80-100 on the Ohio River at Louisville 1 November (DR) and 95 on Lake Cumberland, Rus¬ sell, (RDn); 50 at Waitsboro (RDn); 55 on the Ohio River at Louisville (EH, MSi, et ah); and 100-110 on Barren (DR), all 12 November. Red-necked Grebe - there were two reports: 1 at Waitsboro 4-24 November (ph. RDn) and 1 on the Ohio River at Towhead Island, Jefferson, 19 November (*JBe, PB). KBRC review required. Red-necked Grebe, Pulaski 5 November 2006 Roseanna Denton American White Pelican - peak counts were of 630+ on Lake Barkley, Trigg, 6 October (DR) and ca. 490 at Kuttawa 25 November (BY, MY); the farthest e. vagrants this season were 4 that continued at Paradise from late July to 22 September (DR et ah) and 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville 12 November (MSi). Double-crested Cormorant - 6 at Nolin Lake, Hart, 16 September (SK et ah) were a local first; peak counts were not remarkable and included 400+ on Lake Barkley, Trigg, 8 October (HC). American Bittern - there were several re¬ ports, all being included: 1 at Garvin Brown 25 September (MWa et ah); 1 at Sauerheber 1 October (JBr); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 6 October (WG); 1 at Mark, Pulaski, 12 October (RDn, CN, GH); 1 at Sauerheber 14 October (DR, KOS); 2 at Garvin Brown and 1 at Hays Kennedy, both 22 October (MWa); 2 at Hardy Slough 29 October (DR, TD, CC); and 1 at Camp #11 on 9 November (BP). 10 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ Vol. S3 Least Bittern - only report was of 1 at Sauerheber 14 October (DR, KOS). White Ibis (2 juvs), Fulton 9 August 2006 David Roemer Great Egret - peak counts of post-breeding aggregations included 8 s. of Boston, Nelson, 9 August (BP); ca. 700 at Lake No. 9 on 9 August (DR) with 450+ there 13 August (BP, RDv, RDn); up to 15 at the Van Buren boat ramp, Taylorsville Lake, Anderson, during August (BW, MBa); 20 at Melco 1 1 August (BP) with a peak count of 24 there 2 September (BP et al.); 20+ at Paradise 20 August (DR); ca. 50 at Mitchell Lake 21 August (DR); and 100+ at Little River 6 October (DR). Small numbers again lingered late into November with the latest reports being 1 each at Cooley’s Pond and Thurston’s Pond 18 November (RDn, SBC) and 1 at Jonathan Creek 22 November (HC, BH). Snowy Egret 1 at Guthrie Swamp 6 August (MBe, DR); 50-75+ at Lake No. 9 on 13 August (BP, RDv, RDn); 2 near Horseshoe Road 23 August (BP); 20 still at Mitchell Lake and a few on Lake Barkley above the dam, both 17 September (BP et al.). Latest reports were of 2 at Little River and 1 on Lake Barkley, Trigg, both 6 October (DR). Little Blue Heron - reports of interest included 2 at Guthrie Swamp 6 August (MBe, DR); 10 s. of Boston, Nelson, 9 August (BP); ca. 50 at Lake No. 9 on 9 August (DR); 1 juv. at Thurston’s Pond 19 August (RDn); an ad. at Paradise 30 August (DR); and 13 juvs. at Hardy Slough 23 August (BP). Cattle Egret - latest reports were of 15-20 along US 68, Trigg, 6 October (DR); 15 quite far e. along KY 504, Elliott, 20 October (EM); and 1 at Camp #11 on 9 November (BP). White Ibis - 2 juvs. were present at Lake No. 9 on 9 August (DR) with 1 juv. lingering there to 14 August (BP, RDv, RDn) Wood Stork an imm. was found at Lake No. 9 on 9 August (ph. DR) and lingered through 13 August (RDn). KBRC review required. Wood Stork, Fulton 9 August 2006 David Romer Osprey - an ad. at the Falls of the Ohio 9 August (BP) and 1 at Lake No. 9 on 14 August (BP, RDv, RDn) were both relatively early for migrants and may have been in the vicinity of nesting attempts. Latest reports were of 1 at Fishing Creek 31 October (RDn); 1 at Taylorsville Lake, Spencer, ca. 4 November (EH); and a juv. at Lake Peewee 10 November (BP). Northern Harrier - an ad. male was seen sw. of Willow Pond, Fulton, 14 August (BP, RDv). Northern Goshawk - a juv. was reported from near Walnut Creek embayment. Barren, A Hen, 20 October (DR). KBRC review required. 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 11 Broad-winged Hawk - the only peak count reported was a tally of 302 from Oven Fork during 16-19 September (SSw, TBr, et al.). Red-tailed Hawk - there were several re¬ ports of western forms including a dark morph type (B. j. calunis or B. j. harlani) at Oven Fork 18 September (SSw, TBr, et al.); 2 adult light morph B. j. calurus in Henderson 14 October (DR); 2 adult light morph B. j. calurus in w. Fulton 1 8 Octo¬ ber (DR); an adult light morph B. j. calur¬ us at Sauerheber 29 October (DR, TD); a dark/intermediate morph adult B. j. cal¬ urus near Camp #9 on 9 November (BP). Golden Eagle - the only report was of 1 near Birmingham Point, Marshall , 10 November (DR). Merlin - there was an above average num¬ ber of reports, all being included: 1 at Briarwood 22 August (JBe, PB); 1 over St. Matthews 6 September (BW); singles at Melco 8 September/3 October/9 No¬ vember (EH); 1 at Oven Fork 16 Septem¬ ber (SSw, TBr, et al.); 1 along the Red River near the Stillwater Creek conflu¬ ence, Wolfe, 20 September (BP); 1 at Fishing Creek 21 September (RDn); at least 1, possibly 2 at South Shore WMA, Greenup, 30 September (BP, KOS); 1 at Sauerheber 10/14 October (DR, et al.); 1 at Ken/Hopewell 23 October (DR, RDv); 1 in e. Trigg 24 October (BL); 1 at Sauer¬ heber 29 October (DR, TD); 1 in Barren 21 November (DR); 1 at Walton’s Pond, Warren, 24 November (DR); singles at Hartford, Ohio, and at Shaker Mill (DR), both 25 November; 1 along the Ohio River at Louisville 26 November (MA); and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 28 November (BP). Peregrine Falcon - there were several re¬ ports, all being included: 1 or both mem¬ bers of the Louisville breeding pair were observed off and on at the Falls of the Ohio during the period (m. ob.); a juv. at Melco 17 August (BP et al.); 1 in Hart 16 September (SK et al.); 1 at Jonathan Creek 1 1 September (DR); 1 at Minor Clark in mid-September (LH, MWr); 1 along Pine Mountain n. of Putney, Har¬ lan, 29 September (AS); an imm. picked up injured at Shively, Jefferson, 1 October (EWc); 1 at the Louisville landfill, Jef¬ ferson, during November (SC); and a banded adult in Lexington in late October that was noteworthy for its diet, which included 2 Homed Grebes and a Pied¬ billed Grebe, presumably obtained at one of the city’s water reservoirs (AS). King Rail - the only report was of 1 at Sauerheber 14 October (DR, KOS). Virginia Rail - there were a few reports, all being included: 2 that responded to tapes at the Gibraltar Mine, Muhlenberg, 17 September (BP et al.); 1 at Sauerheber 14 October (DR, KOS); 1 at Garvin Brown 22 October (MWa); and 1 in a marsh e. of Drakesboro, Muhlenberg, 24 November (BY, MY). Sora - peak count was ca. 12 at Sauerheber 14 October (DR, KOS); latest report was of 1 at Sauerheber 29 October (DR, TD). American Coot - peak count was of ca. 2000 at Camp #11 on 9 November (BP). Sandhill Crane - earliest reports were of a single bird at Sauerheber 25 September (JBr); 30-40 over w. Mercer 21 October (RV); a flock over Prospect, Jefferson, 23 October (BW); 4 over Barren (DR) and 12 over Vernon, Monroe (JT, fide TC), both 25 October; and 3 over Garvin Brown 28 October (JBe, PB, et al.). The peak count was of 1200 over Hart 22 November (MSu). Black-bellied Plover - very few reports, all being included: 1 ad. at Melco 20 August (BP et al.); 1 at Lake No. 9 on 21 August (DR); and 1 at Jonathan Creek 9 October (HC) and 1 1 October (ME). American Golden-Plover - very few re¬ ports, all being included: 1 ad. at Mitchell Lake 10/14 August (SR; BP, RDv); 1 ad. at Melco 18 August (BP); 5 at Hardy Slough 16 September (CC); 1 juv. at Mitchell Lake 17 September (BP et al.); and 1 juv. at Sauerheber 25 September (JBr). Semipalmated Plover - latest report was of 1 at Melco 30 October (ph. EH). 12 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Piping Plover - there were at least three re¬ ports: 1 at Paradise 15 August (ph. DR); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 15 August (TBc, CB, MY) to 16 August (BY) with perhaps a different individual there 26 August (TBc); 2 at Minor Clark 24 August (MWr, MG, et al.) with 1 there to 29 August (TH, ph. LH); and I at Paradise 12 September (ph. DR). Piping Plover, Rowan 26 August 2006 Roseanna Denton American Avocet there were two reports: 8 at the Falls of the Ohio (MWa et al.) and 4 at Paradise (DR), both 15 August. Greater Yellowlegs latest reports were of 16 at Melco 31 October (EH, BP); 12 at Grassy Pond/Powell’s Lake 5 November (CC); 2 at Jonathan Creek (DR) and 2 n. of Lafayette, Christian (BP, BL), both 10 November; 4 e. of Cadiz, Trigg, 18 November with 1 last observed there 24 November (BL); and 1 at the Payne Plant 27 November (BW). Willet there were several reports, all be¬ ing included: a juv. at Lake No. 9 on 13- 14 August (BP, RDv, RDn) with 2 there 19 August (HC) and 1 there 21 August (DR); 1 at Blood River 28 August (HC); 1 just w. of Winchester, Clark, 30 August (ph. JY et al.); and a juv. at Melco 31 August 9 September (JBe, PB, BP, et al.). Lesser Yellowlegs - peak counts included 50+ at Melco 2/4 September (BP et al.) and 150+ at Sauerheber 25 September (JBr); latest report was of 2 tardy birds at Sauerheber 26 November (BY, MY). Solitary Sandpiper latest report was of 1 at Jonathan Creek 25 October (HC). Spotted Sandpiper - latest reports were of 1 at Blood River 23 October (HC, BH) and 1 at Jonathan Creek 28 October (HC, BH). Upland Sandpiper the only reports were of 2 at Minor Clark 5 August (ph. LH et al.) and 1 heard over Melco 17 August (DR). VVhimbrel - 2 reported at the Falls of the Ohio 15 August (MWa) would represent a first state record for fall. K.BRC review re¬ quired. Sanderling there were not many reports, all being included: a juv. on a slough along KY 268 nw. of Sauerheber 23 August (BP) with 2 there 26 August (CC); 2 at Melco 27 August (JBe, PB, et al.) with 1 there 30 August (EH); 1 at Blood River 28 August (HC); 3 at Laketon 31 August with 4 there I September (DR); 1 ad. at the Falls of the Ohio 1 September (BP); and a juv. at Minor Clark 4 September (LH). Semipalmated Sandpiper - peak counts were of ca. 50 at Lake No. 9 on 9 August (DR) with 85+ there 13 August (BP, RDv, RDn). Western Sandpiper not numerous this fall; all reports are included: 2 at Mitchell Lake 2 August (JBr); 2 at Paradise 2 Au¬ gust (DR); 6 at Lake No. 9 on 9 August (DR) with 3 ads. there 13 August (BP, RDv, RDn); 1 at Blood River 23/28 Au¬ gust/17 September (HC); 8 juvs. at Para¬ dise 24 August (DR); 1 juv. at Laketon 31 August (DR); 1 at Minor Clark 2-4 Sep¬ tember (MWr, LH); a juv. at Mitchell Lake 17 September (BP et al.); 2 at the Wildcat Creek embayment of Ky Lake, Calloway, 20 September (HC, BH). Little Stint - an ad. in worn alternate plum¬ age at Melco 16-21 August (ph./* BP et al.) will represent a first state record. KBRC review required. 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 13 Little Stint, Jefferson 17 August 2006 David Roemer Least Sandpiper - peak counts were of ca. 200 at Lake No. 9 on 9 August (DR) and 165 at Jonathan Creek 23 October (HC, BH); latest reports away from Ky Lake (where small numbers likely overwinter) were of 3 n. of Lafayette, Christian, 10 November (BP, BL) and 2 e of Cadiz, Trigg , 24 November (BL). White-rumped Sandpiper - there were several reports of this rare fall shorebird this season, all being included: 1 at Minor Clark 1-2 September (MWr, MG, ph. LH); 1 ad. at Melco 1-7 September (ph. BP et al.); 2 at Fishing Creek 20 Septem¬ ber (ph. RDn) with 1 still there 21 Sep¬ tember (RDn); and 1 at Sauerheber 26 September (JBr). Baird’s Sandpiper - earliest report was of 1 at Mitchell Lake 2 August (JBr); also re¬ ported were 1 at Minor Clark 26-27 Au¬ gust (MWr et al.); an ad. at Melco 26-29 August (BP, JBe, PB); at least 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 1/7 September (BP); 1 at Fishing Creek 29 August (RDn); a juv. at Melco 2-9 September (BP et al.); 1 at Jonathan Creek (HC, BH) and 1 at Para¬ dise (DR, RDv), both 23 October. Pectoral Sandpiper - peak counts were of 500+ at Lake No. 9 on 13 August (BP, RDv, RDn) with 650 there 21 August (DR); 300+ at Mitchell Lake 14 August (BP, RDv); and 110 at Melco 19 August (BP). Dunlin - earliest report was of a juv. at Sauerheber 25 September (*JBr); latest reports were of 6 at Open Pond 25 November (BY, MY) and an unspecified number at Jonathan Creek 26 November (HC). Peak counts were of 47 at Blood River 25 October (HC) and 85 at Jonathan Creek 10 November (DR). Other reports of interest included 1 at Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln, 16 October (JE, DE); 9 at Melco 31 October (EH, BP) with 1 still there 1 November (EH); 2 at Minor Clark 4 November (MWr, LH); 10 at Grassy Pond/Powell's Lake 5 November (CC); 13 e. of Cadiz, Trigg, 10 November (BL, BP); and 1 at Walton’s Pond, Warren, 18 November (DR). Stilt Sandpiper - peak counts were of 15 at Mitchell Lake 14 August (BP, RDv) and 30 (an all-time high count for the Louis¬ ville area) at Melco 4 September (BP et al.) with 20-25 still there 7 September (BP); latest reports were of 1 at Fishing Creek 12-18 October (RDn) and 1 in w. Fulton 19 October (DR). Other reports of interest included 1 at Fishing Creek 9 August (RDn) with 2 there 27 August/4 September (RDn) and 4 there 6 September (RDn); at least 5 at the Payne Plant 21 September (BW); I as far e. as Minor Clark 15 August (LH); and 7 at Sauer¬ heber 25 September (JBr). Buff-breasted Sandpiper - there were not many reports, all being included: 1 at Camp #9 on 23 August (BP); 2 at Blood River 25 August (HC et al.); 1 at Melco 27-28 August (JBe, PB, et al.); 12 at Laketon 3 1 August (DR); 2 at the Falls of the Ohio 1/7 September (BP); 1 at Minor Clark 4 September (SSw, NS); and 2 at Melco 7-10 September (BP, EH, JH). Short-billed Dowitcher - peak counts were of 5 at the Falls of the Ohio 6 August (TBc, CB) and 13 at Melco 1/4 September (BP et al.) with 10+ still there 9 Septem¬ ber (BP); latest reports were of a juv. at Mitchell Lake 17 September (BP et al.); 1 at Jonathan Creek 20 September (HC, BH); and 1 seen and heard at Sauerheber 10 October (DR) that established a new late fall date. Other reports of interest in- 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 eluded 1 at Minor Clark 26 August (GR) and a juv. at Fishing Creek 4-6 September (RDn). Four dowitchers at Sauerheber 25- 26 September were not confirmed to identity (JBr). September (BP et al.) with 5 juv./first- winter birds there 19 September (RDn) and 4 juvs. there 22 September (DR); and 2 juv/first-winter birds there 1 October (HC, ME) and 6 October (DR). Long-billed Dowitcher there were several reports, all being included: 1 was rather early at Guthrie Swamp 6 August (MBe, DR); 1 at Sauerheber 10 October (DR) with 9 there 14 October (DR, KOS); 8 in w. Fulton 18 October (DR) with 17 there 19 October (DR); a juv. at Melco 31 October (ph. EH, BP); a juv. n. of Lafay¬ ette, Christian, 10 November (BP, BL); and 8 at Open Pond 25 November (vt. BY, MY). Nine dowitchers unconfirmed to species at Blood River 21 October (HC, ME); 1 1 there 23 October (HC, BH); and 5 there 25/28 October (HC) were likely Long-billed, as was a fly-by at Sauerheber 29 October (DR, TD) and 1 at Jonathan Creek 26-27 November (HC, ME). Wilson’s Snipe - earliest reports were of 1 at Minor Clark 15 August (LH) and 1 at Melco 18 August (BP et al.); peak count was of 100+ at Sauerheber 14 October (DR, KOS). American Woodcock there were a few reports including one of a juv. still retain¬ ing some down along Open Fork Road, Elliott, 14 August (EM); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 12 November (BP, MMn); 1 near Dot, Logan, 17 November (FL); and 2 in Hart 23 November (MSu). Wilson’s Phalarope - there were three re¬ ports: 2 juvs. at Lake No. 9 on 9 August (DR) with 1 lingering there to 13 August (BP, RDv, RDn); 2 juvs. at Hickman, Fulton, 12 August (JBe, PB, AC); and a juv. at Melco 29-30 August (BP et al.). Laughing Gull - there were several reports, all being included: a juv. on Lake Barkley at Mineral Mound State Park, Lyon, 15 Au-gust (DR); a second-year or ad. at Ky Dam 21 August (DR): 5 juvs. at the Ky Dam Village marina, Marshall, 13 Sep¬ tember (DR); a juv. on the Ohio River at the mouth of the Licking River, Camp¬ bell/Kenton, 14-15 September (DB, ph. FR); 3 juvs. in the vicinity of Ky Dam 17 Franklin’s Gull there were five reports: a first-year bird at Jonathan Creek 1 1 Sep¬ tember (DR); 5 first-year birds on Ky Lake 17 October (DR); 2 at Jonathan Creek 23 October (HC, BH); 2 (adult and first-year) at Barren 3 1 October (DR); 7 at Freeman Lake 1 November (DR); and 2 first-years on Ky Lake at Birmingham Point 10 November (DR). Bonaparte’s Gull earliest report was of a juv. at Ky Dam 21 August (DR); peak count was of 800 at Barren 6 November (DR). Herring Gull earliest report was of an ad. on Lake Barkley above the dam 15 Au¬ gust (DR) with 10+ there by 21 August (DR) and 25-30 there by 17 September (BP et al.). Lesser Black-backed Gull - there were only two reports: a first-year bird at Ky Dam 6/19 October (DR) and an adult at Jonathan Creek 9 October (HC). Great Black-backed Gull - a first-year bird was present at the Falls of the Ohio 6-9 September (vt. BY, MY, ph. BP). KBRC review required. Great Black-backed Gull , Jefferson 7 September 2006 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Least Tern - there were three reports of va¬ grants: an ad. at Cliffy Pond 3 August (ph. RDn); an ad. and a juv. together at Melco 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 15 26 August (BP, JBe, PB); and interest¬ ingly another ad. and juv. at Paradise, also 26 August (DR, TD). A juv. was still at Mitchell Lake 17 September (BP et al.). An impressive count of ca. 150 late-sea- son nesting birds was tallied on an island in the Ohio River upstream from Mound City, IL, Ballard , 1 August (JBr, GB). Caspian Tern - peak counts were of 30 at Paradise 21 August (DR); 150+ on Lake Barkley, Lyon , 21 August (DR) with 300 in the same area 1 1 September (DR) and 110 still in the same area 18 September (RDn); and ca. 50 still at Kuttawa 6 Octo¬ ber (DR). Black Tern - there was a widespread flight of small numbers, especially along the Mississippi and lower Ohio rivers; peak counts were of 25 at Paradise 20 August (DR) and 1 1 at Melco 28 August (BP et al.). Other reports of interest included 4 at Cliffy Pond and 2 at Fishing Creek, both 18 August (RDn); 1 at Fishing Creek 27 August (RDn); 6 at Minor Clark 1 Sep¬ tember (MWr, MG) with 7 there 10 Sep¬ tember (MWr); and 2 at Fishing Creek 20 September (RDn). Common Tern - there were only two re¬ ports: 1 at Tompkinsville City Park, Mon¬ roe , 27 August (ph. SSt, WW) that was a county-first; and several at Minor Clark 1 September (MWr). Forster’s Tern - earliest report was of 2 at Fishing Creek 4 August (RDn); peak counts were of 2 1 at Paradise 1 5 August (DR) and 59 at Jonathan Creek 26 August (ME, HC) with 131 there 11 October (ME) and 166 there 28 October (HC, BH). Another report of interest was of 8 at the Tompkinsville City Park, Monroe , 27 Au¬ gust (SSt, WW) that represents a county- first. Eurasian Collared-Dove - the only report from a new area was of 2 at Hartford, Ohio, 25 November (DR). Black-billed Cuckoo - the only report was of 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 1 1 September (JBe, PB). Yellow-billed Cuckoo - latest reports were of singles in w. Fuhon 18 October (DR) and along Pleasant Hill Church Road 20 October (BL). Barn Owl - there were four reports: 1 at Mt. Zion 21 August (RDn); 5 in a family group were still present outside New Cas¬ tle, Hemy, where they had been present since at least August, on 1 1 September (GD, BP); a family group of up to 5 birds in Salt Lick, Bath, during the first two weeks of August (JW, EWc); and 2 in¬ jured yg. and an ad. at a farm ne. of Pleas¬ ant Home, Owen, in August (WSt, EWc). Short-eared Owl - earliest reports were of 1 along the Bluegrass Parkway, sw. of Bards-town, Nelson, 23 October (AS); 1 at Overbrook Farm, Fayette, 10 Novem¬ ber (WSc, fide RC); and 4 at Sinclair 19 November (P&SF). Northern Saw-whet Owl - the only report was of 1 banded at Surrey Hills Farm 20 November (MMn et al.). Common Nighthawk - peak counts were right on schedule and included “hun¬ dreds” over sw. Jefferson (CL) and 800- 1000 over Rineyville, Hardin (MAd), both 29 August; latest reports were of 1 over Middletown, Jefferson, 1 October (MY, BY); 1 at Fulton, Fulton, 19 Octo¬ ber (DR); and a very tardy individual was observed at Somerset, Pulaski, 17 No¬ vember (RDn). Whip-poor-will - 1 was heard along Open Fork Road, Elliott, 26 August (EM). Chimney Swift - latest reports were of several in w. Fulton 1 8 October (DR) and ca. 10 over Prospect 22 October (BW). Ruby-throated Hummingbird - peak counts included 50 at Dunmore, Muhen- berg, in mid-August (fide LC) and at least 50 at Cherokee Park 15 September (MA). A number of birds lingered at scattered localities into latter October with the lastest reports being a likely injured fe¬ male near Fisherville, Jefferson, 1 No¬ vember (EH, JH) and a female near Dot, Logan, 2 November (FL). 16 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Rufous Hummingbird - there were three reports: an imm. female banded near Pey- tona, Shelby, 26 October (*BP, HG) that lingered to 4 or 5 November (HG); an ad. female banded s. of Waddy, Shelby, 28 October (*BP, D&LD) that lingered for about two weeks (D&LD); and an ad. male at Panorama Shores, Calloway, about 1 or 2 October (no details; fide KC). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - earliest reports were of singles at Shawnee Park 20 Sep¬ tember (JBe, PB, et al.) and Hays Ken¬ nedy 21 September (BW); above average numbers were reported from the LBL area into early winter (BL). Northern Flicker - a “nice movement with many flocks of up to 10-12 birds” was noted in w. Fulton 1 8 October (DR). Olive-sided Flycatcher - the only reports were of singles outside of Berea 30 Au¬ gust (TA) and at East Bend Power Plant, Boone, 16 September (LM et al.). Eastern Wood-Pewee an ad. with bob¬ tailed fledglings was present at Miles Park, e. Jefferson, 1 6 September (BW); a very tardy individual was present below Wolf Creek Dam 12 November (ph. RDn). A wood-pewee unconfirmed to species was present at Barren River Lake State Park, Barren, 20 October (*/ph. DR). Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - there were several reports, all being included: 1 at Gunpowder Creek 2 September (LM); 2 at Casey Creek, Adair, 8 September (RDn); 2 at Berea College Forest, Madison, 14 September (TH); I at Shaker Mill 16 Sep¬ tember (DR); 1 at Mammoth Cave 17 September (JBe, PB, BBC); 1 along the Red River near the Stillwater Creek con¬ fluence, Wolfe, 20 September (BP); sin¬ gles banded at Frankfort 12/25 Septem¬ ber (AS); and 1 at Shaker Mill 1 1 October (DR) that represented a new late fall date for the state. Alder Flycatcher - there was one con¬ firmed report: 1 seen and heard calling at Mt. Zion 24-25 September (*RDn). Willow Flycatcher - 1 at Shawnee Park 16 September that responded to a tape (JBe, PB, TBc, CB) was rather late. Eastern Kingbird - latest report was of 1 at South Shore WMA, Greenup, 30 Septem¬ ber (BP, KOS). Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - 5 members of the family group below Barkley Dam, Lyon, were still present 12 September (BL) with 2 yg. and an ad. last observed there 1 October (HC, ME). White-eyed Vireo - latest reports were of 1 banded at Frankfort 6 November (AS) and 1 at Jefferson Memorial Forest, Jefferson, 13 November (BW). Bell’s Vireo - latest report was of 1 at Sin¬ clair 15 September (BP). Warbling Vireo - latest report was of 1 at Floyds Fork Park, Jefferson, 7 October (EH, BBC). Philadelphia Vireo - earliest report was of 1 at Briarwood 5 September (JBe, PB); latest reports were of singles on the Cathy Crockett Trail, Sloans Valley, Pulaski, 7 October (RDn) and at Caperton 9 October (MY, BY). Loggerhead Shrike - 1 seen off and on 14 August (MWa) into November (BW, BBC) at Garvin Brown was the first to be reported in Jefferson in more than 20 years. Common Raven - the only reports origi¬ nated from Pine Mountain, where 3 were seen at Oven Fork 17 September (SSw, TBr, et al.); 5 were seen n. of Putney, Harlan, 29 September (AS); 1 was seen at Oven Fork 29 October (RDn et al.); and singles were seen twice at Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Bell, 18 November (BY, MY). Purple Martin - a roost of less than 100 birds was located at Maysville, Mason, 1 1 August (SFr et al.); another at Glasgow, Barren, involved “hundreds/thousands” of birds 13 August (LC). Latest reports were of 2 at Melco 4 September (BP et al.) and 2 at Cliffy Pond 24 September (RDn). 17 2007_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Tree Swallow - “thousands” were observed in w. Fulton 18 October (DR); latest re¬ port was of 1 in Hopkins 10 November (DR). Northern Rough-winged Swallow - peak count was of 1000+ in w. Fulton 18 Oc¬ tober (DR); latest reports were of 1 at Cooley’s Pond 21 October (RDn); 1 at Barren 25 October (DR); 10-12 in w. Henderson 29 October (DR, TD); 2 at Freeman Lake 1 November (DR); and 2 at Lake Barkley, Lyon, 10 November (DR). Cliff Swallow - latest reports were of 1 at Fishing Creek 21 September (RDn) and 1 in w. Fulton 1 8 October (DR). Barn Swallow - latest reports were of 8-10 in w. Fulton 18 October (DR); 1 at Cooley’s Pond 21 October (RDn); 20 at Barren 22 October (DR); 3 at Peabody WMA 23 October (DR, RDv); 2 at Barren 25 October (DR); and 1 at Sauerheber 29 October (DR, TD). Red-breasted Nuthatch - there was only a slight movement into the state this fall and it did not occur early; all reports are in¬ cluded: 3-4+ at Hillman Ferry camp¬ ground, LBL, Lyon, 12 October (SR); 1 at the Rock Bridge nesting area, DBNF, Wolfe, 14 October (FR, VR); 1 near Holmes Bend, Adair, 1 1 November (RDn); 1 along Rowena Road, Russell, 22 November (RDn); 1 heard at Surrey Hills farm during the last week of November (BP); and 1 at Berea in late November (PH). Brown Creeper - earliest report was of 1 at Mammoth Cave 1 October (TD). House Wren - at tardy individual was seen below Wolf Creek Dam 22 November (RDn). Winter Wren - earliest report was of 1 at Indian Hills, Jefferson, 15 September (CP, fide DPa). Sedge Wren - there were a number of re¬ ports, all being included: 2 males that re¬ mained territorial at Surrey Hills Farm into mid- August (BP); 1 s. of Boston, Nel¬ son, 9 August (BP); at least 8 singing at Long Point Unit, Reelfoot NWR, Fulton, 14 August (BP, RDv); at least 5 singing at Hardy Slough, 1 along the w. side of Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, and 4 along KY 268 nw. of Sauerheber, all 23 August (BP); 2 singing near White Mills, Hardin, 3 1 August (BP et al.); 1 singing at Sinclair 15 September (BP); at least 1 at Hays Kennedy/Garvin Brown 25 September (MWa et ah); 1 at Big Bone Lick State Park, Boone, 9 October (LM); 3 at Sauer¬ heber 14 October (DR, KOS); and 3-4 at Surrey Hills Farm through 4 November (BP). Marsh Wren - there were several reports, all being included: at least 1 at Hays Ken¬ nedy/Garvin Brown 25 September (MWa et ah); 4 at Sauerheber 14 October (DR, KOS); 1 in w. Fulton 18 October (DR); 1 at Pumphrey Farm 19 October (RDn); 1 at Garvin Brown 29 October (BP et ah); and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 30 October (BP). Ruby-crowned Kinglet earliest reports were of 4 in Jefferson 16 September (m. ob.; fide BY). Veery - the only reports were of 1 at Iro¬ quois Park, Jefferson, 16 September (MAu, fide BY) and 1 in e. Daviess in 23 or 24 September (MT). Gray-cheeked Thrush - latest report was of 1 at Mammoth Cave 16 October (TD). Swainson’s Thrush - earliest report was of 1 at Gunpowder Creek 2 September (LM, NKBC). Hermit Thrush - a count of 8 at Caperton 29 October (BY, MY) was rather impres¬ sive, especially for the small size of the preserve. American Pipit - earliest reports were of 1 at Minor Clark 16 September (LH) and 2 at Fishing Creek 21 September (RDn); peak count was for a few hundred in s. Todd 21 November (DR, FL). Cedar Waxwing - waxwings staged a notable flight through the state from mid- September to mid-November, but it ap¬ peared by late November that most had gone farther south for the winter (m. ob.). Peak counts included 125+ at Minor Clark 9 September (LM, NKBC); 200+ at Miles 18 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Park, Jefferson, 10 September (BW); and ca. 200 in Seneca Park and 300-500 in the Cherokee Park/St. Matthews area 8 No¬ vember (BW). Golden-winged Warbler there were a number of reports, all being included: 1 in e. Daviess 4 September (MT); 2 at Briar- wood 5 September (JBe, PB); 1 at Shaw¬ nee Park 7 September (JBe, PB, BBC); 1 at Casey Creek, Adair, 8 September (RDn); 1 along Pleasant Hill Church Road 10 September (BL); 2 at Shawnee Park 14 September (JBe, PB, et al.); 1 in e. Jef¬ ferson 16 September (BW); 2 at Mam¬ moth Cave 1 7 September (JBe, PB, BBC); 1 in LBL, Lyon (RDn) and 1 in e. Daviess (MT), both 19 September; and 1 at Mt. Zion 28 September (RDn). Tennessee Warbler earliest reports were of 1 at Richmond, Madison, 18 August (TH); I at Mt. Zion 22 August (RDn); and 1 at Tom Sawyer Park 23 August (JBe, PB). Latest reports were of 1 banded at Frankfort 2 November (AS) and 1 at Bar¬ ren 3 November (DR). Orange-crow ned Warbler earliest report was of 1 at Shawnee Park 30 August (JBe, PB, et al.) that represented a new early fall arrival date; other reports included 1 along Pleasant Hill Church Road 10 September (BL) that was also earlier than expected; also reported were singles at Shawnee Park 29 September (JBe, PB, et al.) and Garvin Brown 29 October (BP et ah). Nashville Warbler - earliest report was of 1 at Middle Creek Park 2 September (LM); latest reports were of 1 at Garvin Brown 3 November (JBe, PB, EH, JH) and 2 there sometime during the last week of Novem¬ ber (MWa). Yellow Warbler - latest reports were of 1 at Lake Peewee 15 September (BP); 1 at Minor Clark 29 September (RDn); and 1 at Lake Barkley at Green Turtle Bay, Liv¬ ingston, 6 October (DR). Chestnut-sided Warbler earliest report was of 1 at Mt. Zion 21 August (RDn). Magnolia Warbler - earliest report was of 1 at Mt. Zion 22 August (RDn); of interest was a bird initially captured and banded at Frankfort 27 September and recaptured 18 October (AS) indicating a greater than three-week migratory stopover. Latest re¬ ports were of an unspecified number at Caperton 29 October (BY, MY) and 1 in ne. Hart 1 8 November (CF, fide SK). Cape May Warbler there were only a few reports, all being included: singles at Shawnee Park 14/29 September (JBe, PB, et ah); 1 at Joe Creason Park 24 Septem¬ ber (DPo, BBC); 1 at Mt. Zion 6 October (RDn); and I banded at Frankfort 18 Oc¬ tober (AS). Black-throated Blue Warbler - there were several reports, all being included: an ad. male at Middle Creek Park 2 September (LM); a female at Shawnee Park 14 Sep¬ tember (JBe, PB, et ah); 1 at Gunpowder Creek 16 September (LM et ah); 1 at Mammoth Cave 17 September (JBe, PB, BBC); and an ad. male along the Red River near the mouth of Twin Branch, Wolfe, 20 September (BP). Yellow-rumped Warbler earliest report was of 1 at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pul¬ aski, 25 September (RDn). Blackburnian Warbler earliest reports were of 2 at Mt. Zion 22 August (RDn) and 2 at Tom Sawyer Park 23 August (JBe, PB); 1 in Barren 20 October (DR) was rather late. Palm Warbler - earliest report was of 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 16 September (BP). An individual of the eastern race D. p. hypo- chrysea, was present at Barren, Barren, 20 October (ph. DR); this represents only the second documented report of this race from Kentucky and the first accompanied by photos. Bay-breasted Warbler earliest reports were of 1 at Shawnee Park 30 August (JBe, PB, et ah) and 1 at Middle Creek Park 3 September (LM). Blackpoll Warbler there were five reports including two that represented new west¬ ernmost fall records for the state: 1 near Barkley Dam, Livingston, 17 September (*BP et ah); 1 at Briarwood 21 September 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 19 (JBe, PB); 1 at Cherokee Park 22 Septem¬ ber (MAu); 2 on Pine Mountain n. of Putney, Harlan , 29 September (AS); and 1 at LBL, Trigg, 8 October (*HC). Cerulean Warbler - 1 at Middle Creek Park 3 September (LM) was exceptionally late. Prothonotary Warbler - quite unusual was a loose group of ca. 30 birds at Blood River 4 August (HC). Worm-eating Warbler - latest report was of 1 in LBL, Trigg, 8 October (HC). Swainson's Warbler - the only report was of 1 banded at Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Powell, 2 August (AS). Northern Waterthrush - earliest report was of 1 at Briarwood 6 September (JBe, PB); also of interest was a bird initially captured and banded at Frankfort 25 Sep- ember and recaptured 7 October (AS) in¬ dicating a greater than two-week migra¬ tory stopover. Louisiana Waterthrush - latest reports were of 1 at Blood River 4 August (HC) and 1 in Monroe 27 August (SSt, WW). Connecticut Warbler - there were two re¬ ports: 1 at Gunpowder Creek 2 September (LM, NKBC) that represented a new early fall arrival date, and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 16 September (JBe). Mourning Warbler - there was a below- average number of reports, all being in¬ cluded: single imms. at Cherokee Park 5/27 September (MAu); and 1 in e. Dav¬ iess 27 September (MT). Wilson’s Warbler - earliest report was of 1 at Caperton 27 August (BY, MY); latest report was of 1 at Mammoth Cave 1 October (TD). Canada Warbler - earliest report was of a first-fall male banded at Clarks River NWR on the incredibly early date of 2 August (HC et al.); 1 at Mt. Zion 21 August (RDn); and 1 at Shawnee Park 30 August (JBe, PB, et ah); latest report was of 1 at Joe Creason Park 24 September (DPo, BBC). Scarlet Tanager - latest report was of 1 at General Burnside Island State Park, Pul¬ aski, 24 October (GH). Chipping Sparrow - as has become the norm, small numbers lingered into late November at several locales (m. o.b); an impressive flock of 200+ was seen along River Road, Jefferson, 1 November (DR). Clay-colored Sparrow - there were two reports: singles were seen at Garvin Brown 25 September (JBe, PB) and at Floyds Fork Park, Jefferson, 7 October (*EH, TBc). KBRC review required. Savannah Sparrow - earliest report was of 1 at Fishing Creek 6 September (RDn). Henslow’s Sparrow - late-season reports of interest included 8 singing males and 2 juvs. at Mt. Zion 6 August (RDn) and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 24 October (BP). LeConte’s Sparrow there were several reports, all being included: 1 at Sauer- heber 14 October (DR, KOS); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 25 October (BP); 1 at Garvin Brown 29 October (BP et ah); 1 at Long Creek Waterfowl Refuge, LBL, Trigg, 10 November (BL, BP); and at least 1 below Barkley Dam, Lvon, 26 November (BY, MY). Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow there were three reports: 1 picked up dead in a parking lot in Owensboro, Daviess, 19 September (ph. SA) that represents a new early fall arrival date; 1 at Garvin Brown 26 September (MWa); and 2 at Sauer- heber 14 October (DR, KOS). Lincoln's Sparrow - relatively impressive was a tally of 1 1 at Pumphrey Farm 20 October (RDn, GH, JDe). Swamp Sparrow - a tally of at least 178 at Pumphrey Farm 20 October (RDn, GH, JDe) was noteworthy. White-crowned Sparrow - earliest report was of 1 at Shawnee Park 29 September (JBe, PB, et ah). Lapland Longspur - earliest report was of 1 heard over Garvin Brown 29 October (BP); also reported were ca. 50 in w. Henderson 1 8 November with 4 there 24 20 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 November (CC); an unspecified number near Woodbum, Warren, 19 November (DR); 50-100 in the vicinity of Open Pond 25 November (BY, MY); and a few in s. Todd 27 November (DR, FL). Snow Bunting the only report was of a female at the Falls of the Ohio 12 Novem¬ ber (BP et al.). Rose-breasted Grosbeak earliest report was of several birds at Gunpowder Creek 2 September (LM, NKBC). Blue Grosbeak - relatively late was a juv. being fed by an ad. female along KY 749, Wolfe, 20 September (BP). Indigo Bunting latest reports were of 12 at Pumphrey Farm (RDn, GH, JDe), 3 along Pleasant Hill Church Road (BL), and 2 at Barren, Barren (DR), all 20 Octo¬ ber; 1 at Peabody WMA 23 October (DR, RDv); and 1 at Sauerheber 29 October (DR, TD). An extremely late nesting was represented by yg. that fledged from a nest at Fort Campbell, Christian, 25 Sep¬ tember (DM). Dickcissel 2 were still carrying food and defensive at Sauerheber 23 August (BP); 1 at the LBL Elk-Bison Prairie, Trigg, 24 August was a local-first (BL). Bobolink there were only three reports: 2 along Utley Road, Hopkins, 1 5 September (BP); 1 at Garvin Brown 29 September (BP); and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 24-30 October (BP). Rusty Blackbird earliest report was of 1 in e. Jefferson 10 October (BW); also of interest were 80-100 near Woodbum, Warren, 19 November (DR) and 1 at Morehead, Rowan, 22 November (SFr). Baltimore Oriole latest report was of a very tardy female at Twin Knobs camp¬ ground, Cave Run Lake, Rowan, 25 No¬ vember (ph. PC). Purple Finch - very few were reported during the period; earliest reports were of 1 at Mark, Pulaski (CN) and a female at Garvin Brown (JH, EH, et al.), both 29 October; also reported were 1 near Fish- erville, Jefferson , 19 November (EH, JH); 1 along Pleasant Hill Church Road 23 November (BL); and 1 at Berea in late November (PH). Pine Siskin there was only the slightest of tlights this fall with only a few reports, all being included: 1 at Hickman, Fulton, 18 October (DR); 1 at Shaker Mill 20 Octo¬ ber (DR); 3 at Ken/Hopewell 23 October (DR, RDv); and I heard at Garvin Brown 29 October (BP et al.). Observers: Mark Adams (MAd); Steve Anderson (SA); Terry Anderson (TA); Michael Autin (MAu); Mary Bill Bauer (MBa); Tom Becker (TBc); Colleen Craven-Becker (CB); Jane Bell (JBe); Pat Bell (PB); Mark Bennett (MBe); Tom Bernardo (TBr); David Brinkman (DB); John Brunjes (JBr); Gerald Burnett (GB); Terry Campbell (TC); Shane Carnahan (SC); Hap Chambers (HC); Ron Cicerello (RC); Kathy Cohen (KC); Amy Covert (AC); Patrick Cox (PC); Linda Craiger (LC); Charlie Crawford (CC); Julie Denton (JDe); Roseanna Denton (RDn); Robert Dever (RDv); Don & Linda Dott (D&LD); John Durbin (JDu); Tom Durbin (TD); Gerry Durrett (GD); Melissa Easley (ME); Diane Elmore (DE); Jackie Elmore (JE); Preston & Shari Forsythe (P&SF); Scott Freidhof (SFr); Carol Friedman (CF); Mickey Greene (MG); Heidi Gregg (HG); Wallace Gullett (WG); Paul Hager (PH); Barry Hart (BH); Lana Hays (LH); Richard Healy (RH); Gay Hodges (GH); Tim Houghton (TH); Eddie Huber (EH); Jennifer Huber (JHu); Steve Kistler (SK); Joe Lacefield (JL); Celia Lawrence (CL); Bill Lisowsky (BL); Paula Lisowsky (PL); Frank Lyne (FL); Scott Marsh (SM); Lee McNeely (LM); Mark Monroe (MMn); Evelyn Morgan (EM); Mike Morton (MMr); Daniel Moss (DM); Connie Neeley (CN); Clara Anne Pallares (CP); David Pallares (DPa); Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP); Dakin Poland (DPo); Scott Record (SR); Frank Renfrow (FR); Veronica Renfrow (VR); Gerald Robe (GR); David Roemer (DR); Woody Schat (WSc); Adam Smith (AS); Neil Smith (NS); Stephen Stedman (SSt); Woody Stewart (WSt); Matt Stickel (MSi); Mitchell Sturgeon (MSu); Steve Sweeney (SSw); Marilee Thompson (MT); Jason Troyer (JT); Rick VanArsdall (RV); Winston Walden (WW); Major Waltman (MWa); Jayla Wheeler 2007 21 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER (JW); Eileen Wicker (EWc); Eric Williams (EWm); Barbara Woemer (BW); Mike Wright (MWr); Ben Yandell (BY); Mary Yandell (MY); Josh Young (JY); Beckham Bird Club (BBC); Ky Ornithological Society (KOS); Northern Ky Bird Club (NKBC); Somerset Bird Club (SBC). MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT 2006-2007 Blaine R. Ferrell Reports of 29 counts were received from across the Commonwealth. A total of 137 species was recorded on count days with two additional species reported during count week only. Eighteen species were observed on all counts, and 17 species were observed on one count only during count days. Temperatures were fairly mild on average throughout the count period, with a fairly narrow range of extremes (high of 66°F December 16 to low of 27°F January 3). This period of warmer temperatures followed a short, cold period in November. The fact that most counts were conducted on a few days, with eight being conducted December 16, may have influenced count results. The variety of waterfowl seemed to be similar to the past two years but the numbers were down slightly. Cackling Geese were not observed this year. Wild Turkey numbers bounced back somewhat from last year’s apparent decline. Raptor numbers were similar to last year's numbers. Ring-billed Gull numbers declined for the second year in a row. Red-headed Woodpeckers numbers remained healthy. Red-breasted Nuthatch numbers were low this year. The relative absence of food crops, including cedar berries, may have accounted for decreased numbers of some species, such as Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-rumped Warblers and Purple Finches. There was only one Pine Siskin sighted during the count (Richmond). Blackbird numbers were back up, mainly due to large flocks in the western part of the state. Nice finds for the count were numerous and included a Black Scoter (Ballard County), White-winged Scoter (Green River Lake), Eared Grebe (Calloway County), Red-necked Grebe (Green River Lake), Merlin (Somerset and Fal¬ mouth), Virginia Rails (Paradise), Sabine’s Gull (Land Between the Lakes), Bam Owl (Calloway County), Rufous Hummingbird (Louisville), Sedge Wren (Ballard County), Marsh Wrens (Ballard County and Paradise), Gray Catbird (Danville), and a returning Spotted Towhee (Hart County). As usual, trends cannot be determined using count data from a given year because of the many variables, such as weather, number of observers, and number of counts. 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 (KBRC). Records of species unusual for the count do not constitute official records until reviewed by the KBRC. Ballard County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described 1984). Habitat as described in 1984. Dec 18; 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST; Sky cloudy with a few light sprinkles in the afternoon. Temp. 55° to 45°F; wind N 0-15 m.p.h. Water open. Three observers in one to three parties. Total party hours 15.5 (9.5 on foot, 6.0 by car). Total party-miles 100 (3 on foot, 97 by car). Hours owling 2. Total species 95; total indiv¬ iduals 49,639. Observers: Hap Chambers, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler) and Scott Record. The species total (95) eclipsed the old record for this count (93) set in 2004-2005. Highlights included a nice diversity of waterfowl, including four Ross’s Geese, at least 450 Greater White-fronted Geese, and nine species of diving ducks, including an adult male Black Scoter; three calling American Woodcocks at dawn; both species of Cistothorus wrens: a Sedge adjacent to the West Kentucky WMA, McCracken County, and a Marsh on the Ballard WMA; four Chipping Sparrows; at least three Le Conte’s Sparrows on the 22 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Ballard WMA; and good numbers of Lapland Longspurs and small groups (2 and 1 1) of Brewer’s Blackbirds in rural farmland of Ballard County. Red-headed Woodpecker num¬ bers were again relatively high in the bottomland forests. The cloudy day was likely respon¬ sible for the lack of vultures, and Loggerhead Shrike was a disappointing miss. Calloway County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Douglas Cem¬ etery.) Habitat 20% lake shoreline and streams, 35% open fields, 30% urban and residential, and 15% deciduous and pine woods. Jan. 3; 4:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 21° to 52°F; wind SW, 2-7 m.p.h. Eight observers in four parties. Total party-hours 45 (16 on foot, 29 by car). Total party-miles 262 (6.5 on foot, 255.5 by car). Total species 95; total individuals 14,065. Observers: Hap Chambers (compiler), Kathy Cohen, Michael Cohen, Melissa Easley, Bob Head, Jennie Howard, Brainard Palmer-Ball, and Wendell Webb. Feeder watcher: Sally Leedom. 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. 16; 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky heavy fog and 100% cloudy until 9:00-9:30 a.m., then clouds giving way until 60- 70% cloud cover by noon; temp. 40° to 60°F; wind, SSW, 3-10 m.p.h. (slower early, faster later in day). The fog was very low and heavy for the first several hours of the count, making it very difficult to see birds flying in the air or at much of a distance across the water. The temperatures were unseasonably warm. Twenty-nine observers in 12 parties. Total party-hours 68 (23.5 on foot, 44.5 by car). Total party-miles 461 (20 on foot, 441 by car). Total species 97; total individuals 20,612. One party was one observer watching the feeding stations at the Nature Station. Observers: Sarah Bullock, Jami Carroll, Hap Chambers, David Chiles, Karen Clement, Julie DesPlaines, Melissa Easley, Heather Faught, Kathy Garmoe, Donald Gladis, Judy Hallisey, Patrick Holcomb, Chris Hunter, Kristy Jobe, Amy Krzton-Presson, Bill Lisowski, Paula Lisowsky, Carl Mowery, Kathryn Mowery, Ann Policastri, John Pollpeter, Elizabeth Raikes, David Roemer, Lindsey Rogers, Darrin Samborski, Wendell Webb, Kelly Wehr- heim, Steve White, and Aviva Yasgur (compiler). An impressive total of 29 observers enjoyed the unusually balmy day. With so many participants eager to get out and bird on a nice day, together we were able to tally a total of 98 species. Some of the species that appeared in high numbers this year included Canvas- back, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, American White Pelican, Bald Eagle and Rusty Blackbird. It has been exciting for us to see the American White Pelican become a standard member of the count total here in LBL. Some of the more unusual sightings included 3 Greater White-fronted Geese, 2 Golden Eagles, an American Woodcock, a Sabine’s Gull, a Pine Warbler, and a Le Conte’s Sparrow. Also, a Cape May Warbler was seen on the day of the count, but it was not within the count area. The Sabine’s Gull con¬ tinued at Honker Bay into early January. Some of the conspicuously missing or low- counted birds were Northern Pintail (none). Wood Duck (none). Northern Bobwhite (none), Purple Finch (none). Cedar Waxwing (only 1) and Yellow-rumped Warbler (only 1). One of the noteworthy weather details was a heavy fog that lingered over the entire area until 9:30 a.m., making visibility very difficult during the morning hours. We thank all of our observers who came out in full force and enthusiasm this year. We would also like to thank Carl Mowery, our previous count compiler, who recently moved to Colorado. Carl spent many years working very enthusiastically to make the LBL count a success and we thank him for all of his time and dedication over the years. The summary table does not include the following: duck sp. 370; Buteo sp. 1; gull sp. 39; sparrow sp. 15. Sorgho (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. Hwy 279-S and Audubon Parkway.) Habitat: river, river bottoms, woods, com fields stubble, yards, ponds, and coun¬ ty park. Jan. 1; 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 37°F to 40°F; wind 15 m.p.h. 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 23 Eleven observers in five parties. Total party-hours 20.5 (6.0 on foot, 14.5 by car). Total party-miles 232.5 (3.5 on foot, 229.0 by car). Total species 40; total individuals 2,409. Observers: Pat Augenstein, Henry Conner, Brenda Eaden, Tony Eaden, Jill Flachskam, Joe Ford, Janet Howard (compiler), Ken Hurm, Mary Kissel, Roseann Radzelovage, 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., with 3 hours owling. Sky mostly clear with brief periods of partly cloudy; temp. 32° to 58°F; wind, SSE, 10-15 m.p.h. with gusts to 20 m.p.h. Except for a period of unseasonably cold weather in late November-early December, temperatures have been well above average again this season. Three observers in two to three parties. Total party-hours 19.25 (5.50 on foot, 13.75 by car). Total party-miles 1 14.5 (4.5 on foot, 1 10.0 by car). Total species 60; total individuals 6,424. Observers: Mark Bennett (compiler), Frank Lyne, and David Roemer. For the third consecutive time, two parties were utilized. This year, warm weather and a steady breeze may have reduced the numbers of individuals and species observed as both were near average for the 14-year history of the count. Two American Woodcocks were recorded for the first time. Other nice records for this count included five Eastern Phoebes, 57 (nearly double the count average) American Kestrels, over 600 (nearly double the previous record) Mourning Doves, 24 (count number record) Chipping Sparrows, and 1 1 8 (count record number) White-crowned Sparrows. Surprising misses were the absence of kinglets altogether (the first time in 14 years that at least one kinglet of one species has not been observed), and the absence of Common Grackles and Cedar Waxwings. Red-tailed Hawks were slightly below average. Paradise (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described 1993). Hab¬ itat as described in 1993. Dec. 30; 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST. Sky cloudy. Temp. 37° to 58°F; wind SE 5-15 m.p.h. Water open. Ten observers in five parties. Total party hours 46.25 (22.00 on foot, 24.25 by car). Total party-miles 253.5 (13.5 on foot, 240.0 by car). Hours owling: 2.5. Total species 82; total individuals 66,376. Observers: Michael Autin, Mark Bennett, Hap Chambers, Amy Covert, Dianna Dub- beld, Eddie Huber, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Matt Stickel, Major Waltman, and Barbara Woemer. The species total was below average this year, primarily due to the low waterfowl diversity. Highlights were mostly lingering summer residents and migrants including two Ross’s Geese in Ohio County; single Black-crowned Night-Herons in both Muhlenberg and Ohio counties, six Virginia Rails (calling at three different marshes in Muhlenberg County); five performing American Woodcocks in Muhlenberg County; all seven Eastern Phoebes in one Ohio County party’s territory; at least two Marsh Wrens at one of the marshes in Muhlenberg County; and at least seven Le Conte’s Sparrows at scattered sites in Muhlen¬ berg County. Raptor totals were about average with Short-eared Owls conspicuous for the first winter in a few. The Red-tailed Hawk tally includes an adult dark morph B. j. calurus and an adult dark morph B. j. harlani. Several tens of thousands of additional unidentified blackbirds are not included in the table. Bowling Green (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Three Springs, 6 miles south of Bowling Green.) Habitat deciduous woods 20%, fields and pastures 60%, and town and parks 20%. Dec. 21; 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky overcast, light rain; temp. 41° to 61°F; wind SE 3 m.p.h. (continued on page 32) 24 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 2006-2007 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowling Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat. Park Otter Creek Park Bemheim Forest Louisville Greater White-fronted Goose 450 - 3 Ross’s Goose 4 - - - - 2 - - - - - - i Snow Goose 192 - Canada Goose 747 278 541 65 102 334 52 - - 15 224 1025 Mute Swan - - - - - - - - - - 10 4 Wood Duck 15 - - - - - - - 14 - - 20 Gad wall 160 121 474 - - 71 - - - - - 26 American Wigeon 55 1 31 - - 30 - - - 1 - 4 American Black Duck 40 1 1 1 Mallard 10500 102 429 5 3 229 26 - - 37 34 748 Northern Shoveler 46 - 48 - - - - - - - - 2 Northern Pintail 9 Green-winged Teal 40 2 25 - - 9 CW - - - - 45 Canvasback 6 1 236 - - - - - - - - - Redhead 14 4 2 - - - - - - - - - Ring-necked Duck 475 3 82 - - 585 - - - - - 585 Greater Scaup - 13 83 Lesser Scaup 16 1700 3396 - - - 1 - - - - 18 Black Scoter 1 - - White-winged Scoter - - - - - - - - - - - - Bufflehead 1 69 302 - - - - - - - - 13 Common Goldeneye 5 155 118 - cw - - - - - - - Hooded Merganser 10 3 91 - - - - - - - - 84 1 Common Merganser - 2 - - - - - - - - - - Red-breasted Merganser - 6 31 - - - - - - - - 9 Ruddy Duck 4 - 341 - - - - - - - - 1 Wild Turkey 76 7 36 - 4 120 43 50 8 15 59 2 Northern Bobwhite 18 - - - CW - - 7 cw - - 1 - Common Loon - 7 25 - - - - 2 - - - Pied-billed Grebe 1 97 99 - 6 115 4 8 - 7 - 3 Eared Grebe - 1 - - - - - - - - - - Homed Grebe - 171 84 - - - - - - - - 5 Red-necked Grebe - - - - - - - - - - - - Double-crested Cormorant - - 382 - ■- - 1 - - - - 29 American White Pelican - 92 377 - - - - - - - - - Great Blue Heron 18 45 134 3 4 38 7 7 2 9 8 28 Black-cr. Night-Heron - - - - - 2 - - - - - 7 2007 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 25 | Shelbyviile .. Hart County E Upton Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA I Danville Lexington Burlington Warsaw I Falmouth I Richmond | Russell County Somerset | Wayne County Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Total - 453 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - 7 2 - - 194 jt85 37 7 26 275 24 221 709 376 225 11 400 177 97 249 - 49 6751 5 - - - - - - - - - 3 - - - - - 22 S 1 2 5 - - - - - - - - - - 7 - 2 - 66 4 - - 10 - - 30 66 - 6 - 2 - 13 51 - - 1034 ! " - - 1 - - 2 50 - - - 1 - - 15 - - 191 I- - - 2 2 - 2 7 23 12 1 12 6 70 5 - - 194 4 14 7 31 39 - 238 427 70 83 5 105 47 229 65 - 29 13506 . - - - - - CW 69 - 3 - - - - - - - 168 E - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6 - - 15 . - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - 122 ‘ 243 . - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - - 22 i| - - - 8 - - - u - - - 1 1 17 3 - - 1771 - 96 j 3 - - 1 - - - 38 5173 1 || - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - 10 - - 3 46 - - - - 7 1 3 - - 455 | - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 - - 280 ' ” - - 10 - - 2 200 5 - - 2 - 43 6 - - 456 1 - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - 3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - 47 J _ - - 5 - - - 36 - 4 - - - - - - - 391 25 7 14 cw 8 13 - 29 41 38 13 10 45 7 19 - 697 H14 - - - - - 12 - 7 - - - - - 4 - - 56 |- - - 1 - - - - - 1 - - i - 2 - - 39 - - 3 15 - - 1 38 1 3 3 25 - 15 13 3 6 466 - 1 I. - - 15 - - - 1 - - - - 2 - 68 - - 346 - - - 1 - 1 | - - - - - - 14 - - 1 - - - - - - - 427 I - 469 24 8 2 13 20 4 18 34 18 22 8 10 7 13 5 1 4 514 - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 10 26 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 2006-2007 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowling Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat. Park Otter Creek Park Bemheim Forest Louisville Black Vulture - 12 - - 8 1 CW - - 32 56 123 Turkey Vulture - 22 2 3 10 1 cw 99 3 63 9 43 Bald Eagle 12 5 59 - - - - 2 cw - 1 1 1 J Northern Harrier 3 - 2 3 1 47 cw 2 - 4 4 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 1 i - - 2 2 i - 1 1 4 Cooper’s Hawk 2 6 i - 1 6 6 i - 2 6 7 Accipiler species 1 - - - - 2 - - - - - - ; Red-shouldered Hawk 8 16 13 - 1 12 - - - 1 20 9 Red-tailed Hawk 11 18 26 13 15 41 10 9 4 23 39 26 Rough-legged Hawk - - - - - 2 - - - - - - , Golden Eagle - - 2 - - - - - - - 2 - American Kestrel 16 13 8 45 57 19 21 2 2 41 18 9 Merlin - - - - - - - - - - - - i Peregrine Falcon - - - - - - - - - - - 2 j Virginia Rail - - - - - 6 - - - - - - ; American Coot 163 609 2537 - - 98 8 4 - 4 - 68 Sandhill Crane - - - - - - 1 - - 1 30 - | Killdeer 26 1 19 84 2 43 56 38 25 - - 71 9 Wilson's Snipe 11 55 - - CW 3 2 - - - 11 4 American Woodcock 3 3 1 - 2 5 - - - - - - ! Western Sandpiper - - cw - - - - - - - - - : Least Sandpiper - - 5 - - - - - - - - - Dunlin - - CW - - - - - - - - - Bonaparte's Gull - 2280 1196 - - - - 435 - - 1 2 Ring-billed Gull 3 614 921 - - 1 - 452 2 - - 58 Herring Gull - 25 141 - - - - - - - - - Sabine's Gull - - 1 - - - - - - - - - : Forster's Tern - 5 3 - - - - - - - - - j Rock Pigeon 22 16 242 123 10 18 457 43 - 19 67 501 | Eurasian Collared-Dove 3 - - 28 2 - 7 - - - - - : Mourning Dove 25 57 54 31 639 66 261 12 - 259 137 467 Bam Owl - 1 - j Eastern Screech-Owl 4 9 1 - 2 7 - - - - 1 1 Great Homed Owl 4 6 3 - CW 6 2 - - 1 - 2 Barred Owl 5 5 4 - - 8 2 - 2 - - - 1 Short-eared Owl - - - - - 20 - - - - - - Rufous Hummingbird - - - - - - - - - - - l ; 2007 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 27 1 D m la r Hart County a © cl D Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville | Lexington j Burlington Warsaw Falmouth Richmond Russell County Somerset Wayne County Natural Bridge Dewey Lake T otal 6T 2 9 4 399 73 5 131 25 102 11 13 33 CW 116 - - 1236 ' ■ 2 10 80 20 372 34 58 108 14 10 1 - 41 12 11 CW - 1098 w - - 4 - - 1 - - - - - 1 1 1 - - 87 2 1 2 1 - 1 3 2 - - - 1 - 1 2 - 2 85 1 2 1 - - - 2 4 - - 1 - - 3 2 - - 30 4 - 4 1 3 - 5 5 1 1 - - - 4 2 1 - 69 | - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - 1 - - - 5 1 4 3 2 - - - - - 4 1 2 4 4 - 2 107 7 8 12 10 18 12 41 40 12 9 11 2 3 31 19 1 2 503 2 ; 4 6 23 12 14 7 8 31 33 5 12 14 17 13 51 35 cw 2 574 - - - - - - - - - 1 - - 1 - - - 2 - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - 3 6 - _ 1 - - 39 - - 25 58 - 7 - 62 1 5 3 - - 3692 0 cw - - - - - - - 14 - - 16 12 - - - 134 5 11 56 17 40 - 48 45 1 3 15 2 - 36 38 - 7 827 3 - - - 2 - 6 10 - - - - 23 24 19 - - 173 3 2 - - - - - 1 - - - 1 - 3 - - - 24 : 0 - 5 . - 0 _ - - 76 - - 3 - - - - - 33 45 194 - - 4265 . ~ - - 4 770 - - 4 3 - 4 3 - 9 22 2 - - 2872 ■ - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 167 1 8 ,3 30 2 33 222 20 153 397 51 131 33 14 - 273 41 - 14 2995 1 - - - - - - - - - - 2 - - - - - 42 |° 170 12 41 196 56 322 456 86 no 106 160 7 1109 423 - 3 5815 ■ 1 - ■ 2 1 - - - - 2 3 4 1 - 3 3 2 - - 46 2 4 - - - 1 2 1 3 - - - - 4 - - - 41 - 4 2 - - - - - 1 1 - - - 3 1 cw - 38 1 21 L 1 28 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 2006-2007 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowling Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat. Park Otter Creek Park Bemheim Forest Louisville Belted Kingfisher 2 14 29 - 5 13 5 3 2 5 6 11 Red-headed Woodpecker 83 8 37 - - 1 1 - - - 1 - Red-bellied Woodpecker 27 44 94 14 31 52 18 5 14 21 49 45 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4 4 9 - 2 2 8 - 7 2 6 7 Downy Woodpecker 21 49 65 10 12 53 21 13 14 31 41 95 Hairy Woodpecker 4 4 15 1 1 1 1 4 7 4 11 6 3 Northern Flicker 44 35 77 18 17 54 20 6 9 13 41 15 Pileated Woodpecker 7 18 27 2 2 8 2 1 15 5 24 10 Eastern Phoebe 2 1 12 - 5 7 - - 2 2 2 CW Loggerhead Shrike - - - - 4 - i - - - - cw Blue Jay 70 136 165 40 42 244 46 21 32 34 144 137 American Crow 39 258 184 2 62 181 100 65 49 313 145 194 Homed Lark 200 24 4 146 493 9 200 - - - 4 - Carolina Chickadee 57 164 228 26 38 130 55 24 42 125 292 272 Tufted Titmouse 34 139 223 21 28 60 45 10 47 75 150 113 Red-breasted Nuthatch - - 2 - - 4 - - - - 2 - White-breasted Nuthatch 16 42 76 11 15 10 11 7 21 35 74 37 Brown Creeper 5 8 1 1 3 - 3 5 1 4 2 6 20 Carolina Wren 41 95 130 8 36 83 66 37 29 39 78 134 House Wren - - - - - - - - - - - 1 Winter Wren 7 3 - - 1 1 - 2 1 1 3 3 Sedge Wren 1 - - - - - - - - - - Marsh Wren 1 - - - - 2 - - - - - - Golden-crowned Kinglet 8 21 23 - - 39 8 3 26 37 34 33 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 7 3 4 - - 10 CW 1 3 2 2 3 Eastern Bluebird 64 125 83 24 109 121 43 39 19 273 151 35 Hermit Thrush 2 1 10 - 2 7 1 - 2 6 7 1 American Robin 43 176 47 346 147 362 222 51 212 641 320 914 Gray Catbird - - - - - - - - - - ■ - - Northern Mockingbird 18 23 13 21 32 22 32 10 2 23 55 90 Brown Thrasher 6 10 5 - - 6 2 - - - - - Eurpean Starling 4360 4579 217 494 3270 6329 4793 84 23 593 5075 2991 American Pipit - 7 2 - 15 - 15 - - - - CW Cedar Waxwing - 3 1 3 cw 14 - 2 - 1 88 23 Yellow-rumped Warbler 2 5 1 - 2 106 7 10 7 52 67 10 Pine Warbler - 4 1 - - - - - 1 - - - Palm Warbler - - - - - - - - - - - - 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 29 Shelbyville Hart County a o H O Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville j Lexington | Burlington | Warsaw | Falmouth Richmond Russell County Somerset Wayne County Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Total 3 3 4 4 7 4 8 18 7 5 4 5 2 9 2 2 4 186 1 - 1 - - - - 1 - - - - 2 4 - - 140 12 35 9 20 35 22 47 50 30 15 26 9 20 77 47 4 2 874 1 2 2 - 5 3 2 22 2 6 - - 3 5 2 - 1 107 10 19 6 9 32 13 29 55 35 11 15 1 1 9 70 30 11 4 794 1 2 2 1 20 14 15 10 7 1 6 1 1 10 5 6 3 176 11 34 15 11 19 21 12 28 11 9 13 7 9 36 24 2 6 617 3 12 7 5 9 18 5 6 8 - 6 6 4 21 10 n 9 261 6 1 1 2 2 - - 1 - - 2 4 9 9 4 1 75 1 I - - - - 1 1 - - - - - 1 - - - 10 18 34 14 50 133 122 74 192 41 38 100 59 35 217 136 4 13 2391 f24 255 163 174 83 194 91 260 62 79 206 50 120 323 149 47 47 4419 26 12 50 31 - - - 15 9 25 - - - - 1 - - 1249 40 42 32 69 115 40 128 129 97 34 43 71 30 246 112 73 18 2772 17 23 19 53 53 31 38 91 58 21 18 19 38 97 89 20 15 1645 1 - - - - - - 1 - - - 1 - - - 1 - 11 3 23 13 15 23 13 40 22 31 6 12 16 16 66 58 17 13 742 3 2 1 1 7 - 3 - 8 3 1 - - 3 2 - - 102 10 45 23 35 86 35 42 132 40 37 21 18 17 180 98 10 21 1626 - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - 3 - - 1 1 2 - - 1 - - - - 2 8 3 3 - 43 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 10 4 14 5 15 24 2 27 42 12 13 10 12 43 16 20 2 503 - 1 - - 2 - - 4 - - - - 3 2 3 - - 50 | 60 194 125 57 29 55 142 186 45 27 99 63 44 265 149 - 25 2651 - 3 3 7 cw 1 - 2 - - 1 - - 6 10 - - 72 45 94 161 117 204 799 423 1855 556 392 936 82 1170 506 51 2 3 10877 - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - 1 36 35 10 21 42 8 107 118 18 17 2 32 7 113 37 i - 945 - 2 - 1 1 - - 4 - - - 1 - 5 2 - - 45 1514 1094 1240 6160 868 582 2100 6958 304 646 648 842 60 6378 1970 27 70 86268 1 - 3 - - - - - - - - - - - 51 - - 94 9 124 - 5 34 - 38 11 - - - 5 - - 12 - - 373 - 31 17 19 14 19 CW 59 54 30 53 2 32 109 14 1 10 733 - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - 7 - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - 1 - - 3 30 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 2006-2007 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowling Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat. Park Otter Creek Park Bemheim Forest Louisville Eastern Towhee 26 46 81 2 22 54 22 3 2 6 21 23 Spotted Towhee - - - - - - - - - - - - J American Tree Sparrow 12 2 - - - 27 - - - 6 6 18 Chipping Sparrow 4 - - - 24 - 1 - - - 1 2 Field Sparrow 101 148 78 - 9 92 69 34 18 126 88 26 Savannah Sparrow 7 1 3 - 20 37 20 - - 6 - CW Le Conte's Sparrow 3 1 1 - - 7 - - - - - - Fox Sparrow 6 1 4 - 1 10 3 - 1 5 5 1 Song Sparrow 96 64 70 11 99 384 45 31 63 48 265 197 Swamp Sparrow 77 14 19 - 35 476 24 - 50 6 53 2 White-throated Sparrow 228 248 237 7 57 125 113 73 141 76 238 446 White-crowned Sparrow 13 22 1 - 1 18 1 1 27 - - 82 18 5 Dark-eyed Junco 134 190 954 57 60 226 34 26 106 307 418 163 Lapland Longspur 160 1 - - 8 - 210 - - - - - Northern Cardinal 123 131 93 62 147 155 173 55 47 147 258 431 Red-winged Blackbird 6525 185 51 58 110 19900 200 - - 5 5 23 Eastern Meadowlark 80 29 5 29 98 30 51 1 - 46 66 25 Rusty Blackbird 118 2 375 - - 10 - - - - - - j Brewer's Blackbird 13 - - - - - - - - - - - j Common Grackle 23350 102 4071 459 cw 34720 1310 36 - - - cw Brown-headed Cowbird 30 - 5 - 210 89 120 2 - - - - ] Purple Finch - - - - - - 4 - - - - 1 House Finch 21 1 1 3 6 17 3 30 15 3 36 18 80 Pine Siskin - - - - - - - - - - - - . American Goldfinch 23 68 69 21 33 1 1 1 93 43 29 147 121 259 House Sparrow 88 18 9 186 75 3 25 18 - 35 49 236, Date of Count D18 J3 DI6 Jl D28 D30 D2I D29 D18 Jl D23 D17 Number of Species 95 95 97 40 60 82 66 50 43 61 67 82 Number of Individuals 49639 14065 20612 2409 6424 66376 9256 1891 1084 3962 9313 1113 Number of Observers 3 9 29 1 1 3 10 7 3 6 7 18 33 . 2007 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 31 1 g r> D P | Hart County Upton Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA | Danville | Lexington Burlington 1 Warsaw Falmouth Richmond | Russell County Somerset | Wayne County Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Total 8 6 1 1 18 7 4 22 12 6 3 3 7 61 30 2 7 518 l 1 1 - - - 1 5 - - - 16 27 3 - - - - 5 - 128 [ - - 10 2 - - 1 - - - - 4 2 - - 12 63 f 38 6 48 37 1 13 32 44 9 12 40 - 153 116 3 21 1368 L - - 1 - - - 2 1 - 1 - - 16 5 - - 120 (- - 12 l 6 - 2 3 2 2 1 - - - - - 21 2 - - 77 3 154 46 85 92 30 74 134 76 56 48 161 41 409 140 - 20 2952 e 34 2 12 - - - 1 9 - 1 1 8 47 4 - 10 887 !» 75 80 62 146 28 126 636 109 46 81 88 36 241 52 10 34 3842 |8 27 - 19 16 2 54 28 10 13 19 10 - 192 25 2 - 762 8 31 49 81 132 82 73 140 58 62 146 35 70 232 113 53 36 4096 L 379 3 114 75 59 179 111 230 297 123 59 81 81 53 491 198 11 11 4028 J°3 195 60 - 6 313 7 1 - - - - - 71 2 - 31220 9 123 55 9 31 46 99 30 9 - 1 11 - 53 56 - 6 1018 pO 655 1 " 13 iboo 142 - 5500 14 8 54 2 4 30 - - - 7659 9 - - 91470 BO - - - 4 - 70 - - - - - - 13 35 - - 828 \ cw - - 2 - 1 1 - - - - 3 - 4 - - - 29 4 - 14 46 1 86 164 10 37 7 14 - 83 3 - 9 728 i - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - 1 j p 83 36 28 100 13 91 202 72 42 50 38 33 222 61 18 26 2161 V 131 8 8 133 12 117 139 37 25 46 12 1 78 135 - 8 1875 16 D18 D17 D29 DI6 D30 D16 D16 D30 D16 J1 D16 D26 D30 D19 D16 J3 7 63 56 76 57 46 68 76 57 56 53 58 54 78 85 34 42 137 ‘221 3655 2590 14022 4403 2917 5727 15120 2788 2635 2991 2659 “Z33T" 21053 5506 397 587 329767 P 16 7 7 12 5 38 37 11 5 3 6 2 14 6 11 2 331 ' 32 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Seven observers in three parties. Total party-hours 25.5 (4.0 on foot, 21.5 by car). Total party-miles 206 (3 on foot, 203 by car). Total species 66; total individuals 9,256. Observers: David Brown, Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Aaron Hulsey, Wayne Mason, Albert Meier, David Roemer, and Matt Skaggs. Feeder watcher: Dick Lord. The Double-crested Cormorant was observed on Barren River at Beech Bend Park. The rain seemed to keep the vultures down. Glasgow (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1986.) Habitat as described in 1986. Dec. 29; 6:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky clear in the morning, partly cloudy after noon; temp. 24° to 41°F; wind calm in a.m., S 5-10 m.p.h. late in afternoon. Three observers in two parties. Total party-hours 17 (12.5 on foot, 4.5 by car). Total party-miles 124 (9 on foot, 1 15 by car). Total species 50; total individuals 1,891. Observers: Marquita Gillenwater, Aaron Hulsey, and Wayne Mason (compiler). Mammoth Cave National Park (center and habitat as described in 1980). Dec. 18; 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sky clear to partly cloudy; temp. 40° to 60°F; wind S, 8 m.p.h. Six observers in two parties. Total party-hours 17 (5 on foot, 12 by car). Total party- miles 106 (4 on foot, 102 by car). Total species 43; total individuals 1,084. Observers: Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Aaron Hulsey, Dick Lord, Albert Meier, Wayne Mason and Matt Skaggs. Despite the wanner than normal weather and pleasant day, the count was very low. There were few finches and no blackbirds or waxwings due to poor food availability. Waterfowl were absent. Although not reported because definitive identification could not be made, a bird that appeared to be a Red-eyed Vireo both in coloration and behavior was observed foraging high in a tree near the park headquarters. Otter Creek Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described 1972). Habitat as described in 2001. Jan. 1; 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Cloudy; temp. 44° to 37° F; wind W 5-20 m.p.h. Water open. Seven observers in four parties. Total party hours 28 (9 on foot, 19 by car). Total party-miles 228.5 (5.5 on foot, 223.0 by car). Total species 61; total individuals 3,962. Observers: Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Eddie Huber, Jennifer Huber, John Krull, and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), and Barbara Woemer. The species count was below average due to especially low waterfowl diversity and below average coverage. The day was raw with a brisk breeze and cloudy skies. Highlights of the day included an adult Bald Eagle soaring near the Ohio River and a single Sandhill Crane in a field east of Flaherty. Natural food crops appeared to be somewhat scarce, and numbers of berry-eating species and Blue Jays consequently were depressed. One of the Dark-eyed Juncos was a nicely marked individual of the western race J. h. oreganus. Bernheim Forest (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described 1974). Habitat as described in 1974. Dec 23; 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Mostly clear; temp. 37 to 48°F; wind W 5-15 m.p.h. Water open. Eighteen observers in six parties. Total party hours 35.5 (15.0 on foot, 20.5 by car). Total party-miles 225.5 (11.0 on foot, 214.5 by car). Total species 67; total individuals 9,313. Observers: Lou Ann Barriger, Mary Bill Bauer, Shane Camahan, Dona Coates, Amy Covert, Mary Carol Cooper, Bill Friel, Paul Hager, Eddie Huber, Jennifer Huber, Kathy McGrath, Mike McGrath, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Larry Peavler, Tim Towles, Nancy Vance, Major Waltman, and Barbara Woemer. The species count was slightly above average as a result of above average coverage. Highlights of the day included a Bonaparte’s Gull (a count first) on a lake near Boston, a flock of 10 Mute Swans on Lake Nevin, an adult Bald Eagle and two Golden Eagles at their traditional area along the forest’s southern boundary, and a flock of migrating Sandhill 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 33 Cranes. Natural food crops were not as abundant as the previous year, resulting in berry¬ eating species’ being present in below average numbers. 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. 17; 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky partly sunny; temp. 57° to 70°F; wind S, 21 m.p.h. High temperature for the date. Thirty-three observers in 11 parties. Total party-hours 70.00 (35.75 on foot, 34.25 by car). Total party-miles 310.7 (30.5 on foot, 280.2 by car). 1.75 hours feeder-watching; 6.75 hours and 29.5 miles owling. Total species 82; total individuals 1 1,130. Observers: Garrett Adams, Win Ahrens, Ryan Ankeny, Tom Becker, Pat Bell (non¬ participating compiler), Carol Besse, Sandy Brae, Anne Caudill, Dona Coates, Colleen Craven-Becker, William Friel, Teresa Fultz, Rod Goforth, Caroline Hancock, Charles Hatten, Mark Homback, Eddie Huber, Jennifer Huber, Bob Johnson, Frank Krall, John Krall, Fred Mansmith, Kathy Nagy, Doxie Noonan, Bill Parsley, Martha Pike, Janice Raia, Carol Stallard, Jack Still, Nancy Vance, Major Waltman, Barbara Woemer, Ben Yandell, and Mary Yandell. The 33 participants of the Louisville Christmas Bird count were faced with unusually warm weather that probably accounted for the low individual count for some species. For the third year in a row a Rufous Hummingbird was seen. A House Wren was still present in the area. A Loggerhead Shrike that has been seen off and on the past few months was seen during the count week. Thanks to all who took part in the Louisville count. Shelbyville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.75 miles south of U.S. 60 and Guist Creek Lake on KY 714.) Habitat elevation 640’-l 190’, farm-land, fallow land, suburban, wooded and grassland. Dec. 16; 7:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky mostly sunny all day. 42° to 60°F; wind SW, 5-10 m.p.h. Unseasonably warm. Ten observers in four parties. Total party-hours 24 (3 on foot, 21 by car). Total party- miles 297 (3 on foot, 294 by car). Total species 67; total individuals 44,221. Observers: Heather Brown, Iris Brown, Joan Brown, Seth Brown, Todd Brown, W.H. Brown (compiler), Cathy King, Benton Young, Severn Earl Young, and Penn Waggoner. Second best count ever for species and individuals on such a nice, almost spring-like day. Hart County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center comer of Craddock Road and Jaggers Lane.) Habitat rural farmland and wooded areas, including Green River and 100 Acre Pond. Dec. 18; 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; temp. 40° to 60°F; wind almost none. Sixteen observers in four parties. Total party-hours 15 (6 on foot, 9 by car). Total party-miles 1 10 (3 on foot, 107 by car). Total species 63; total individuals 3,655. Observers: Bonnie Avery, Lauren Avery, Brace Bardin, Judy Brent, Kasey Brent, Makenzie Brent, John Brittain, Lisa Brittain, Carol Friedman, Dan Givens, Richard Healy, Janet Kistler, Steve Kistler (compiler), Cap Middleton, Mitchell Sturgeon, and Randy Sullivan. Two American Woodcocks displaying at dusk represented a new species for the count. Upton (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.5 miles south of Hilltop or 5 miles southwest of Millerstown, eastern Grayson County.) Habitat is woodland, farmland, river and Nolin Reservoir. Dec. 17; 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sky mostly sunny; temp. 28° to 60°F; wind W, 5-10 m.p.h. Seven observers in one party. Total party-hours 12 (4 on foot, 8 by car). Total party- miles 72 (2 on foot, 70 by car). Total species 56; total individuals 2,590. Observers: Brace Bardin, John Brittain (compiler), Lisa Brittain, Carol Friedman, Dan Givens, Janet Kistler, and Steve Kistler. 34 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 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. Dec. 29; 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 38° to 60°F; wind 0-5 m.p.h. Very mild temperatures. Six observers in three parties. Total party-hours 22.0 (10.5 on foot, 1 1.5 by car). Total party-miles 79.75 (5.25 on foot, 74.50 by car). Total species 76; total individuals 14,022. Observers: Amy Covert, Lloyd Curry (compiler), Roseanna Denton, Richie Kessler, Samuel Kessler, and Brainard Palmer-Ball. Feeder watcher: Betty Wilcoxson. Frankfort (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 38°N by 84°W.) Habitat as described in 1977. Dec. 16; 7:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Sky partly clear; temp. 30° to 64°F; wind SE, 3-12 m.p.h. Twelve observers in seven parties, plus three at feeders. Total party-hours 38.75 (16.25 on foot, 22.50 by car). Total party-miles 205.25 (13.75 on foot, 191.50 by car). Total species 57; total individuals 4,403. Observers: Craig Braginton, Margaret Derryberry, Jim Durell, Jim Fries, Peggy Gould (compiler), Ralph Gould, Pat Hankla, Scott Hankla, Virginia Honaker, Jeff Jones, Joel Jones, Robert Laurenson, Susan Laurenson, Debbie Williams, and Tim Williams. Kleber Wildlife Management Area (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 38°N by 84°47’W) Habitat as described in 1972. Dec. 30; 6:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 30° to 57°F; wind E, 0-8 m.p.h.. Five observers in three parties. Total party-hours 22.5 (3.0 on foot, 19.5 by car). Total party-miles 213 (3 on foot, 210 by car). Total species 46; total individuals 2,917. Observers: Joe Burgess, 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. 16; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky clear to partly cloudy; temp. 31° to 66°F, wind SW 1-22 m.p.h. Beautiful warm day. Thirty-eight observers in ten parties. Total party-hours 60.5 (19.0 on foot, 41.5 by car). Total party-miles 439.50 (19.25 on foot, 420.25 by car). Total species 68; total individuals 5,727. Observers: Joe Amburgey, Keith Amburgey, Anna Anderson, Paul Anderson, Robert Anderson, Susan Anderson, Joe Baron, Jane Brantley, Carol Clark, Yancey Clark, Rhea Crowley, Ginny Eklund, Neil Eklund (compiler), Stephanie Fabritius, Martha Foster, Bill Garriott, Bill Kemper, Anne Lubbers, Gail Manning, Jody Metcalfe, Preston Miles, Mark Morgan, Eric Mount, Jack Newton, Amelia Nichols, John Nichols, Don Pelly, Rob Pendygraft, Jamie Powell, Amadeus Pyrek, Judy Ross, Ralph Schiefferle, Elizabeth Stamps, j Rob Stamps, Ronnie Stamps, Courtney True, Maynard Van Horn, and Chad Young. Lexington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center East Hickman Church on Tates Creek Road.) Habitat suburban, rural, farms, woodland, river bottom. Dec. 16; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky sunny; temp. 37° to 60°F; wind 5-10 m.p.h.. Thirty-seven observers in 11 parties. Total party-hours 58.5 (14.5 on foot, 54 by car). Total party-miles 414 (12 by foot, 402 by car). Total species 76; total individuals 15,120. Observers: Tom Barnes, Marty Barr, Thad Bishop, Ann Bradley, Bonnie Bradley, Rhonda Bryant, Rose Canon, James Cox, Wayne Davis, Phyllis Deal, Mike Flynn, Mike T. Flynn, Kevin Hopper, Tim Houghton, Beverly James, Allen Kingsland, Katy Knowles, Lucy Knowles, Van Knowles, Terri Koontz, Dave Maehr, Scott Marsh, Betty Maxson (compiler), Greg Mellin, Nancy Mellin, Kay Neikerk, Susan Pollack, Louis Scheidt, Pat Scheidt, Marie Sutton, Davis Svetich, Andy Uterhart, Marion Uterhart, Jackie Van Wil- ligen, Jim Williams, Bernice Wood, and Hank Yacek. 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 35 Burlington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Camp Michaels.) Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 30; 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 34° to 50°F; wind S, 0-10 m.p.h. All water was open. Eleven observers in five parties. Total party-hours 34 (10 on foot, 24 by car). Total party-miles 139 (10 on foot, 129 by car). Total species 57; total individuals 2,788. Observers: Linda Altevers, Vivian Bran, Joe Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Denis Des- : jardin, Melissa Desjardin, Lee McNeely (compiler), Donna O’Daniel, Gayle Pille, Carmen Schulte, and Tommy Stephens. Feeder watcher: Marjorie Hill. Warsaw (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Gallatin County Court¬ house.) Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 16; 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky clear to partly cloudy; temp. 34° to 61°F; wind S, 1-8 m.p.h. All water was open. Five observers in two parties. Total party-hours 15 (5 on foot, 10 by car). Total party- miles 141 (3 on foot, 138 by car). Total species 56; total individuals 2,635. Observers: Joe Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Ed Groneman, Lee McNeely (compiler), and Tommy Stephens. Waterfowl and gulls were unusually scarce. Falmouth (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Caddo, Ky.) Habitat 50% woodland and forest edge, 25% river and lake shoreline, 20% agricultural, and 5% residential. Jan. 1; 7:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky partly cloudy, light rain in a.m.; temp. 36° to 43 °F; wind SW, 0-12 m.p.h. Water open. Three observers in two parties. Total party-hours 16 (5 on foot, 1 1 by car). Total party- miles 164 (2 on foot, 162 by car). Total species 53; total individuals 2,991. Observers: Rhonda Bryant, Scott Marsh, and Lee McNeely (compiler). The Merlin was seen in rural Pendleton County and the Peregrine Falcon was present at Meldahl Dam in Bracken County. 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 roadsides (20%), woodland (20%), pasture and open fields (55%), lawns (4%), lakes and ponds (1%). Dec. 16; 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky mostly clear to partly cloudy; temp. 41° to 50°F; wind, 0-4 m.p.h. Six observers in four parties. Total party-hours 19.15 (4.15 on foot, 15.00 by car). Total party-miles 160.30 (3.50 on foot, 156.80 by car). Total species 58; total individuals 2,659. Observers: Rebecca Bates, Paul Hager, Sarah Martin, Art Ricketts, Tina Ricketts, and Gary Ritchison (compiler). Russell County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Owensby Road and Highway 3281.) Habitat mixed and deciduous woodland, pasture fields and lake, mostly rural with a small percentage urban. Dec. 26; 6:05 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky cloudy with drizzle on and off throughout the day. Two observers in one party. Total party-hours 10.5 (5.0 on foot, 5.5 by car). Total party-miles 91 (2 on foot, 89 by car). Total species 54; total individuals 2,335. Observers: Roseanna Denton (compiler) and Steve Denton. Somerset (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center junction of Bypass Hwy. 80 and Hwy. 39.) Habitat as described in 2000. Dec. 30; 5:20 a.m. to 5:56 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 35° to 63°F; wind 0-5 m.p.h. All water open. Fourteen observers in six parties. Total party-hours 59.25 (15.25 by foot, 44.00 by car). Total party-miles 468.0 (8.5 on foot, 459.5 by car). Total species 78; total individuals 21,053. Observers: Judy Brant, Jean Brickell, Rhonda Bryant, Granville Cox, Roseanna Den¬ ton (compiler), Kimberly Feltner, Gay Hodges, James Kiser, Scott Marsh, Linda McClen- 36 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 don, Lynda Mills, Tom Mills, Arlene Morton, and Stephen Stedman. Feeder watchers: Irene Broyles, Julie Denton, Jo Ann Digby, Grace Floyd, Floyd Halcomb, Susan Huffman, Dottie Kinnamon, Joe Richards, Hazel Spears, Pauline Vault, and Dee Whitis. Firsts for the count were an American Woodcock and a male Merlin. The Merlin was observed catching and eating a bird. Wayne County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Junction Hwy. 1275 and 3106.) Habitat as described in 2002. Dec. 19; 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sky partly clear; temp. 40°F to 63°F; wind variable, 0-5 m.p.h. All water open. Six observers in four parties. Total party hours 36.25 (11.00 on foot, 25.25 by car). Total party-miles 315.5 (2.0 on foot, 313.5 by car), plus 12 miles and 45 minutes by boat, 5 hours and 39 miles owling. Total species 85; total individuals 5,506. Observers: Terry Campbell, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Gay Hodges, Arlene Morton, Donald Pelly, and Stephen Stedman. Natural Bridge State Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Whit- tleton Campground Booth.) Habitat: mostly mixed mesophytic forest, some roadside fields, some streamsides. Dec 16; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy to sunny; temp. 30° to 50°F; wind SSW, 5 m.p.h. Eleven observers in four parties. Total party-hours 20 (15 on foot, 5 by car). Total party-miles 45 (15 on foot, 30 by car). Total species 34; total individuals 397. Observers: Doug Foote, Margie Foote, Sherry Freena, Hobie Henninger, Colleen Ryall, Jonathan Sickman, Margie Stelzer, Spencer Stelzer-Wiese, Noelle Theres (compiler), Bob van Hoff, and Zeb Weese. Pablo Alcala, a photographer with the Lexington Herald-Leader, was with us for a couple hours taking pictures. An article was in the Sunday paper. Dewey Lake (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Dewey Lake, approx¬ imately UTM 17 34781 IE 4175855N (WGS84/NAD83).) Habitat is lake, golf course, strip mine, open fields, and northern hardwoods. Jan. 3; 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky sunny, no clouds; temp. 35° to 60°F; wind W, 0-5 m.p.h. Very foggy morning. No ice on the lake at all. Two observers in one party. Total party-hours 8 (3 on foot, 5 by car). Total party-miles 32 (2 on foot, 30 by car). Total species 42; total individuals 587. Observers: Chris Evans and Troy Evans (compiler). FIELD NOTES Black Vulture Fledges Young in Historic Griffith Tavern Mengel (1965) described the Black Vulture ( Coragyps atratus ) as rare to fairly com¬ mon west of the Cumberland Plateau, with marginal summer records occurring as far east as the Knobs region of northeast Kentucky. Palmer-Ball (1996) described the species as “most frequent in rural situations with a mixture of openings and forest,” and that they “nest in a variety of situations including sheltered crevices and small caves along clifflines, hollow trees and fallen logs in forests, and abandoned houses and bams”. Despite frequent observations of the species, however, Palmer-Ball (1996) noted the scarcity of confirmed breeding locales. Purchased in 2002 by The Nature Conservancy, the 300 ha preserve known as Griffith Woods in Harrison County, Kentucky is thought to contain the largest savanna-woodland remnant in the Commonwealth, but it is also comprised of a mosaic of old fields and mesic woods. Since becoming resident site manager of Griffith Woods in November 2005, 1 have frequently observed Black Vultures in groups of two to six individuals perched atop tall bur oaks ( Quercus macrocarpa ) and chinkapin oaks ( Quercus muehlenbergii), and as indiv¬ iduals or small kettles several hundred feet above the site. Between early February and late THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 37 2007 July 2006, I commonly observed one to two adult Black Vultures perched on the roof or open window sills of the old Griffith Tavern, a three-story 600 m2 federalist-style building constructed in 1827 and uninhabited by humans since 1983. On 6 May 2006, an adult Black Vulture, apparently disturbed by motorized brush clearing activities near the tavern, flew out of the open third story window, perched in a nearby snag about 10 m away, and remained there for about a minute. This observation led me to suspect the possibility of a nest on the third floor; however, the fragile structural integrity of the tavern precluded safe inspection of the upper floors for a nest. Later in the summer, while inspecting vegetation near Griffith Tavern 30 July 2006, I was startled by a rustling noise about a meter away emanating from a clump of tall vege¬ tation near the basement entrance. Subsequently, a fledgling Black Vulture emerged and hopped onto the fallen basement entrance door (Fig. 1). While observing the first bird, I saw another fledgling appear and sit near the edge of a third floor window for about five minutes before returning inside. I revisited the tavern the next two days, but no additional obser¬ vations were made of the two fledglings. Fig. 1. Fledgling Black Vulture at Griffith Tavern, 30 July 2006. Literature Cited Mengel, R.M. 1965. The birds of Kentucky. Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas. 581 pp. Palmer-Ball, Jr. B.L. 1996. The Kentucky breeding bird atlas. The University Press of Ken¬ tucky, Lexington. 372 pp. — John J, Cox, University of Kentucky, Department of Forestry, 208 T.P. Cooper Bldg., Lexington, Kentucky 40546-0073. Little Stint in Jefferson County On the early afternoon of 16 August 2006, 1 was birding with Jared Quillen and Shane Carnahan at the Louisville/Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District’s Melco flood retention basin, just south of the Louisville International Airport, in southern Jefferson County, when I found an odd-looking peep that I could not readily identify. After several minutes of study, it became apparent that the bird was either a Little Stint ( Calidris minuta) or Red-necked Stint ( Calidris nificollis ) in worn alternate plumage; however, the subtle differences between the two species in this plumage required that a better look be obtained. We moved closer to the bird and changed our orientation to take advantage of the sun angle. Upon closer inspection, it was apparent that the field marks favored Little Stint and several 38 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol, 83 calls were made to local birders to share in the observation. During the next couple of days, the bird was seen almost constantly during the daylight hours as it alternately fed and loafed at the Melco basin. On the afternoon of 1 7 August, a brief visit by a juvenile Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus ) caused the bird to disappear for several hours, but it returned late in the day. Images of the bird were obtained by several individuals 16-19 August (see cover photo; photo on p. 13; and Figs. 1 & 2 on p. 40). The bird was a small peep, approximately the size of a Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla). The legs were blackish and relatively long; their length was at least partly responsible for a “hunched over” posture during feeding. Webbing between the toes was absent as viewed best from close distance when the bird was walking away. The bill was blackish, relatively straight, and moderate in length. To me the bill’s relative shape was most reminiscent of the bill of a Baird's Sandpiper ( Calidris bairdii). The feathers of the back were quite colorful, with dark centers and distinctly lighter bases and edges, some of the edges being bright rufous. At times, two buff-colored lines (formed by edges of symmetrical tracts of back feathers) or “braces” were very apparent running longitudinally down the sides of the back; however these lines were not always apparent depending on posture. The wing coverts were grayish brown with narrow, lighter and relatively worn edges. The tertials were a slightly darker gray-brown with only modest lighter edgings. The tail pattern was typical of most small peeps, with dark central feathers and whitish outer feathers. The most remarkable aspect of the stint’s plumage was the relatively bright orange-red color on the head, neck and breast area. This color was brightest on the crown, nape, and breast and stippled with small brownish flecks. In contrast, the throat was whitish, setting off the color of the breast. Within the suffusion of orange-red of the breast were noticeable brownish flecks that were distributed in a wide collar. The median crown stripe was darker due to the presence of darker streaking, but the lateral crown stripes and especially the supercilium were slightly paler than the rest of the head. The lower breast, belly and undertail were white. During its stay at the Melco basin, the Little Stint fed primarily by picking small invertebrate prey from the exposed substrate of shale and mud, but it occasionally waded into shallow water. It also seemed to keep to itself rather than associate with other shorebirds. The stint was observed through the afternoon of 20 August 2006 and viewed by over a hundred birders during its five-day stay. This is the first report of Little Stint in Kentucky and one of only a few in the interior of North America for this Old World shorebird. As of 2004, there had been but seven reports away from coastlines of the continent, two each in California and Ontario, and singles in North Dakota, Washington, and the Yukon Territories (Iliff and Sullivan 2004); since that time, an additional report has come from New Mexico (Oldenettel 2007). All but a late November record of a juvenile from California have been of adults and distributed bi- modally during the year as follows; 18/19/23 May (presumed spring migrants) and 4- 5/10/25 July and 5-13 August (presumed fall migrants). Thus, the Kentucky bird fits the pattern of occurrence for interior birds, although slightly later in August than the latest previous record of an adult. The Melco flood retention basin was excavated in 2004 to provide temporary flood water storage within the drainage area of Northern Ditch during extreme precipitation events. Severe flooding of residential and industrial areas within the drainage has occurred sporadically over the past several decades. During heavy rains, excess water is diverted into the basin; when the rain subsides, water is released from the lower end of the basin until it is nearly dry. The site proved to be an excellent one for migratory shorebirds during the fall of 2006, with at least 24 species observed resting and feeding at the area. Members of the birding community want to thank Mr. David Schaftlein with the Metropolitan Sewer Dis¬ trict for allowing us access to the Melco flood retention basin for birding purposes. 2007 Literature Cited THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 39 Iliff, M.J., and B.L. Sullivan. 2004. Little Stint (Calidris minuta ) in North America and the Hawaiian Islands: a review of status and distribution. North American Birds 58:316-323. Oldenettel, J.R. 2007. Little Stint at Bitter Lake NWR, Chaves Co., on 5/31/05. Accessed online at: http://members.aol.com/borealowl/. Last accessed: 10 March 2007. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222. NEWS AND VIEWS Visit the K.O.S. Website To learn much more about the Kentucky Ornithological Society and interesting happenings, visit the K.O.S. website maintained by Dr. Gary Ritchison at the following link: http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/default.htm. K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Grants Available The Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Fund supports research on birds in Kentucky up to S500. For guidelines on how to apply, please contact Dr. Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean’s Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, 42101 (blaine.ferrell@wku.edu). K.O.S. Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund Grants Available The Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund supports education of children in the deeper appreciation of birds and ornithology. For guidelines on how to apply for grants, please contact Mark Bennett by mail at 1 13 Iroquois Circle, Russellville, KY, 42276, or via email at (benn5609@bellsouth.net). Kentucky Bird Records Committee The Kentucky Bird Records Committee (KBRC) is charged with determining the validity of records of rare and out-of-season birds in Kentucky. Sightings of such birds should be documented with information supporting the identification promptly submitted to the KBRC. Photographic evidence is desirable but not essential. Electronic documentation is preferred and should be submitted to KBRC Secretary, Mark Bennett, via e-mail at benn5609@bellsouth.net. Hard copy documentation should be mailed to Mark Bennett, KBRC Secretary, 1 13 Iroquois Circle. Russellville, KY 42276. Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Kentucky Still Available The Society’s Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Kentucky , published in 2003, re¬ mains available for a cost of $10.00 plus $2.00 shipping. This 189-page book contains entries for 363 species of birds that have occurred in Kentucky and a 10-page seasonal bar graph for quickly determining species occurrence. It is available through the KOS by send¬ ing a check payable to the Kentucky Ornithological Society for $12.00 to the Society Treasurer: Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.; c/o KSNPC; 801 Schenkel Lane; Frankfort, KY 40601. 40 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Figs. 1 & 2. Little Stint (Calidris minuta ) 16-20 August 2006 Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson County (see accompanying article, pp. 37-39) Photos by David Roemer (above) and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (below). The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 83 MAY 2007 NO. 2 IN THIS ISSUE WINTER SEASON 2006-2007, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 43 KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING 2007 MEETING, John Brunjes, Recording Secretary . 53 FIELD NOTES Scott’s Oriole in Franklin County . 56 Substantiating Evidence for the Occurrence of Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) in Kentucky . 57 42 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Mark Bennett, Russellville Vice-President . Win Ahrens, Prospect Corresponding Secretary . Melissa Easley 1610 Loch Lomond, Murray, KY 42071 Treasurer . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 Recording Secretary . John Brunjes, Frankfort Councillors: Shawchyi Vorisek, Frankfort . 2005 thru 2007 Mary Yandell, Louisville . 2005 thru 2007 Gay Hodges, Somerset . 2006 thru 2008 Eddie Huber, Louisville . 2006 thru 2008 Marilee Thompson, Owensboro . 2007 thru 2009 Evelyn Morgan, Olive Hill . 2007 thru 2009 Retiring President. Staff Artist . A.R. MANN LIBRARY AUG 6 2007 ITHACA. NY 14853 Hap Chambers, Murray Ray Harm, Sonoita, AZ 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; 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 . Blaine R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Wayne Mason, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Stephen Stedman Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Mark Bennett 1 13 Iroquois Circle, Russellville, KY 42276 THE COVER We thank David Knapp for the photograph of the Scott’s Oriole (Icterus par isorum) taken 12 February 2007 in Franklin County (see Field Note, p. 56). Financial support for color cover provided by the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Kentucky* Touch* tunc EnciyY Cooperatives ‘ 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 43 WINTER SEASON 2006-2007 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely The winter 2006-2007 was one of the most variable on record. Warmer than normal temperatures in December and January quickly transitioned to colder than normal temp¬ eratures in February. In fact, the average January temperature was the warmest on record at Louisville, and both minimum and average February temperature values there were the coldest in several years. Precipitation was below normal overall, with virtually no snow cover recorded outside of a two-week period during early to mid-February in north-central Kentucky. Rarity highlights included Neotropic Cormorant, Sabine’s Gull, returning Spotted Towhee, and first-state-record Scott’s Oriole. Most berry and mast crops were in below- average supply, so it was not a good winter for species dependent on these foods, although Red-headed Woodpeckers were present in good numbers in western Kentucky. 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 - 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; Place names: Ballard = Ballard WMA, Ballard, Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam, Lyon/Livingston', Barren = Barren River Lake, Allen/Barren', Blood River = Blood River enrbayment, Ky Lake, Calloway, Cave Run Lake = Cave Run Lake, Bath/Rowan', Cedar Creek Lake = Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln', East Volunteer = East Volunteer Mine, Hopkins', Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski', Frankfort = Frankfort, Franklin', Freeman Lake = Freeman Lake, Hardin', Gibraltar = Gibraltar Mine, Muhlenberg', Homestead = Homestead Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio ; Honker Bay = Honker Bay, Lake Barkley, Lyon', Honker Lake = Honker Lake, Land Between the Lakes, Lyon\ Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall', Ken Hopewell = Ken Hopewell Unit, Peabody WMA, Ohio', Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall', Kv Lake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall (unless otherwise noted); Lake Barkley = Lake Barkley, Livingston/Lyon/Trigg', Lake Linville = Lake Linville, Rockcastle', Lake Peewee = Lake Peewee, Hopkins', LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Trigg (unless otherwise noted); Long Point = Long Point Unit, Reelfoot NWR, Fulton', Lower Hickman Bottoms = Lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton', Markland Dam = Markland Dam on the Ohio River, Gallatin', McElrov = McElroy Lake, Warren', Meldahl Dam = Meldahl Dam on the Ohio River, Bracken', Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan', Mt. Zion = Mt. Zion, Pulaski', Paradise = Paradise Power Plant impoundments, Muhlenberg', Pleasant Hill Church Road = Pleasant Hill Church Road, Trigg', Reformatory Lake = Reformatory Lake nr. Buckner, Oldham', Riverqueen = Riverqueen Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg', Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson', Shaker Mill = Shaker Mill, Warren', Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg', Six-Mile Island = Ohio River above Six-Mile Island, Jefferson', Sloughs = Sloughs WMA, w. Henderson', Surrey Hills Farm = Surrey Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson-, Waitsboro = Waitsboro Recreation Area on Lake Cumberland, Pulaski', Warsaw = Warsaw, Gallatin', WMA = Wildlife Management Area; Wolf Creek Dam = Wolf Creek Dam, Lake Cumberland, Russell. 44 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Greater White-fronted Goose - flocks were typically conspicuous in traditional wintering areas of w. Kentucky and nota¬ ble peak counts in these areas included a new state high count of 13,250 in the vicinity of Long Point 2 January (GP) with “thousands” in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 22 February (DR, HC); 7000 at Sauerheber 29 January (MMr) with “thou¬ sands” there 19 February (CC); and 3000- 4000 at Ballard during the first week of February (CW). Other reports of interest included I at Blood River 15 December (HC, BH); 3 over LBL, Lyon, 16 December (BL); ca. 2000 at Long Point 16 December (BP, NM, KL, DW); ca. 425 at Ballard 18 December (BP, SR, HC); 9 at Guthrie Swamp, Todd, 6 January (MB); 1000 at Long Point 8 January (HC, ME); 1 in rural Trigg 14 January (BL); 1 at the Reformatory Lake 29 January (BP); 2 at Lake Linville 3 February (RDn); 6 at Freeman Lake 10 February (RH) with 8 there 17 February (RH); 1 on the Ohio River above Warsaw 15 February (BP). Snow Goose peak counts included ca. 2500 at Long Point 16 December (BP, NM, KL, DW) and 8 January (HC, ME); ca. 15,000 at Sauerheber during the first week of February (MMr); ca. 100,000 in the vicinity of Ballard, with another 20,000 along the Mississippi River, and 10,000 along the lower Ohio River, all 6 February (PH); 3000 on the Ohio River near Sauerheber 10 February (CC); 10,000 at Sloughs 15 February (MMr); 20,000 at Ballard with another 25,000 in the Upper Hickman Bottoms, Fulton, 87,500 along the Mississippi River, and 75,000 along the lower Ohio River, all 15 February (PH); and “thousands” in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 22 February (DR, HC). Other reports of interest in¬ cluded 45 over Mt. Zion 1 December (RDn); 30-35 at Green River Lake, Tay¬ lor, 10 February (RDn); Ross's Goose x Snow Goose - 1 was re¬ ported in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 22 February (DR, HC). Ross's Goose - there were a number of reports, all being included: 1-2 continued at Island Lake, Homestead, through De¬ cember (m. ob.) and were last observed 16 January (SH); 2 at Long Point 16 Decem¬ ber (BP, NM, KL, DW); 2 at Ballard 18 December (BP, HC, SR); an ad. on Lake Cumberland at Conley Bottom, Wayne, 19 December (ph.RDn); 7 at Long Point 8 January (HC, ME); 12+ at Sauerheber 11 January (BP); 4 at McElroy 23 January (DR); 2 at Cave Run Lake Dam 16 February (BP); and a new state high count of 95 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 22 February (DR, HC). Cackling Goose - there were a few reports, all being included: 2 at Long Point 16 December (BP, NM, KL, DW); 15-20 at the Reformatory Lake 29 January (BP) with at least I there 18 February (MS); 1 at Lake Linville 3 February (RDn); and 2 at Freeman Lake 10 February with at least I still there 12 February (RH). Gadwall - notable peak counts included a survey total of 7822 at Long Point 2 Jan¬ uary (GP); 1 12 at the Reformatory Lake 29 January (BP); and 200+ at Honker Lake 1 1 February (DR, TD). American Wigeon - notable peak counts included 50 at Lexington 16 December (SMs, RB); a survey total of 1807 at Long Point 2 January (GP); and 75+ at Sauer¬ heber 1 1 January (BP). American Black Duck - notable peak counts included 70 on the Somerset CBC 30 December (fide RDn); 46 at the Re¬ formatory Lake 29 January (BP); and 40+ on a lake along KY 259, w. Grayson, 27 February (BP). Blue-winged Teal - earliest report was of 2 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 22 Feb¬ ruary (DR, HC). Northern Shoveler - notable peak counts included 47 at Lexington 16 December (SMs, RB); 179 at Honker Lake/Honker Bay 23 December (DR); a survey total of 441 at Long Point 2 January (GP); 100+ at Sauerheber 1 1 January (BP); and 40+ at the Reformatory Lake 29 January (BP). Northern Pintail - modest peak counts included 30+ at Sauerheber 1 1 January 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 45 (BP) and ca. 25 at McElroy 23 January (DR). Canvasback - the February cold spell re¬ sulted in an influx of birds that accounted for some remarkably high counts on the Ohio River for recent years including ca. 300 above J.T. Meyers Dam, Union , 10 February (CC); up to 240+ on the Ohio River at and upstream from Louisville 17- 19 February (DR, RDv, et al.); and 140 above Meldahl Dam 19 February (DR, RDv, LM). Other peak counts included 200+ on Lake Barkley 16 December (DR, HC, ME) and 350 above Barkley Dam 21 February (DR, HC). Redhead - there was a flurry of reports dur¬ ing the February cold snap including 30+ on the Ohio River at Louisville 17 Febru¬ ary (BP); 30 on Barren 18 February (BP); ca. 50 above Six-Mile Island (BP) and 1 10 above Meldahl Dam (DR, RDv, LM), both 19 February; and 30 at Minor Clark 24 February (DPt). Greater Scaup - peak counts included 70 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 16 December (DR); 10-15 on the Ohio River at Louis¬ ville 17 February (BP) and 18 February (DR); and a new state high count of ca. 2850 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 21 February (DR). Another report of interest was of 1 at Cedar Creek Lake 8 February (RDn et al.). Lesser Scaup - peak counts included 85-90 on the Ohio River at Louisville 20 Febru¬ ary (BP); ca 5000+ on Ky Lake, Marshall, 21 February (DR); and a new state high count of ca. 1 1 ,400 counted on Lake Barkley above the dam 21 February (DR, HC). Surf Scoter - imm. males were present at Meldahl Dam 18 February (BS, CBC) and 19 February (DR, RDv, LM) and at Para¬ dise 28 February (BP et al.). White-winged Scoter - it was the best year in a long time for the species, with all reports representing females/imms.: 1 at the Campbellsville City Lake, Taylor, 29 December (LC, ph.BP, ph.RD, AC)-18 February (BP); 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville 14 February (BP) with 3 there 17 February (MS et al.)— 1 9 February (DR, RDv), 2 still there 20 February (BP), and 1 still there 25 February (B&MY); 3 at Wolf Creek Dam 18 February (ph.RDn); and 2 at Waitsboro 18-27 February (ph. RDn). White-winged Scoter, Taylor 29 December 2006 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Black Scoter - quite unexpected was an ad. male at Mitchell Lake, Ballard, 18 De¬ cember (ph.SR, HC, BP)-21 December (fide CW). Long-tailed Duck - a female was present above Six-Mile Island 18-19 February (ph.T&CB, DR, RDv, et al.). Common Goldeneye - notable peak counts included 17 on Lake Cumberland, Russell, 10 February (RDn); 250 on Lake Barkley above the dam 21 February (DR, HC); and a new state high count of ca. 9235 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 21 Feb-ruary (DR). Hooded Merganser - notable peak counts included 115 at Lexington 3 December (SMs, RB); 160 on Barren 18 February (BP); and 136 on Lake Peewee 19 Feb¬ ruary (BP). Common Merganser - small numbers were present during the period including a pair on the Ohio River at Warsaw 9 December (LM); 1 on the Danville CBC 16 Decem¬ ber (fide NE); up to 12 at Honker Bay 23 December (DR); a female on Lake Peewee 1 1 January (BP); 1 at Petersburg, Boone, 1 1 February (LM); 3 above Markland Dam 18 February (DR, RDv); 5 above Meldahl Dam 19 February (DR, 46 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 83 RDv, LM); 20 on Cave Run Lake 16 February (BP); 8 on Barren 18 February (BP); 6 above Six-Mile Island 19 February (BP); 10 on Freeman Lake 25 February (B& MY); and 6 at Homestead 28 February (BP). Red-breasted Merganser - small numbers were present at scattered locales through¬ out the period with peak counts of 13 at Waitsboro 25 December (RDn) and 70 on Lake Barkley above the dam 21 February (DR) Ruddy Duck - peak counts included 150- 200 on Lake Peewee 15/28 December (BP et al.) and 180 on Lake Barkley above the dam 21 February (DR, HC). Wild Turkey - peak counts included 95 in e. Muhlenberg 10 December (P&SF) and 130+ in se. Muhlenberg 28 December (BP, EH, JH). Red-throated Loon - there were two re¬ ports: 1 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 1 1 Feb¬ ruary (ph.DR, TD) and 1 on Barren 16 February (ph.DR>-18 February (BP). Red-throated Loon, Barren River Lake 16 February 2007 David Roemer Pacific Loon - a juv. was reported on De- mumbers Bay, Lake Barkley, Lyon, 4 December (*BL). KBRC review required. Common Loon - small numbers lingered throughout the winter at traditional lo¬ cales; notable reports included 37 on Lake Cumberland at Rowena Road, Russell, 2 December (RDn); 8-10 on Barren 3 De¬ cember (DR); 15 on Lake Barkley 16 December (DR, HC, ME); 7 on Ky Lake s. of Newburg, Calloway, 3 January (BP); 1 at Cedar Creek Lake 8 February (RDn); and 50-60 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 21 February (DR). Pied-billed Grebe - notable peak counts included 100+ on Ky Lake above Ky Dam 10 February (BP, B&MY) and 128 on Lake Peewee 19 February (BP). Horned Grebe - notable counts included 70 on Lake Cumberland at Fall Creek, Wayne, 2 December (RDn); at least 215 on Ky Lake above the dam 15 December (BP); 68 on Lake Cumberland, Wayne, 19 December (fide RDn); 41 on Lake Cum¬ berland at Conley Bottom, Wayne, 10 January (RDn); 48 on Lake Cumberland at Rowena Road, Russell, 7 February (RDn); 50+ still on Ky Lake, Marshall, 1 1 February (DR, TD); ca. 40 at Cave Run Lake 16 February (BP); and 100+ on Ky Lake, Marshall, 2 1 February (DR). Red-necked Grebe - there were two re¬ ports: 1 at Green River Lake near the state dock, Taylor, 29 December/2 January (ph. BP, AC, RDn) and 1 above Meldahl Dam 19 February (ph. DR, RDv, LM). Eared Grebe - there were four reports: 1 at Paradise 3 December (ph.DR}-9 Decem¬ ber (BP, KOS); 1 on Ky Lake at Keniana, Calloway, 3 January (HC, WW); 1 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 1 1 February (DR, TD); and 1 at Paradise 28 February (ph.BP, ph. DR). American White Pelican - small to mod¬ erate numbers lingered into mid-winter with ca. 100 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 16 December (DR); 160 at Blood River 23 December (HC); 250+ over Honker Bay 23 December/1 1 February (DR); and 80 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 47 on Lake Barkley above the dam 21 Feb¬ ruary (DR, HC). Neotropic Cormorant - 1 was present with 3 Double-cresteds at Paradise 28 February (ph./*BP, ph. DR). KBRC review re¬ quired. Neotropic Cormorant, Muhlenberg 28 February 2007 _ David Roemer _ Double-crested Cormorant - only a few lingered at scattered locales through the mid-winter period; peak count during ear¬ ly winter was of 350+ on Lake Barkley 23 December (DR). American Bittern - a lingering individual was still at Sinclair 9 December (RDn, HC, ME). Black-crowned Night-Heron - 1 was still present at Lexington 3 December (SMs, RB); 1-2 were present at Paradise into late December (m. ob.) with 2 there 28 De¬ cember (BP, EH, JH) and 1 each there (MB et al.) and at Ken Hopewell (MWa) 30 December; 1 at Paradise 5 February (DR) suggested that at least 1 overwin¬ tered at that locale. Black Vulture - again this winter, large numbers congregated at Frankfort, with 399 tallied on the local CBC 16 December (fide PG), and an estimated one-third of 1 1 00 vultures at a roost there 1 8 January being Blacks (BP). Turkey Vulture - a mixed-species vulture roost of several hundred birds consisting mostly of Turkeys was present outside of Radcliff, Hardin, in early December, but broke up in response to harassment (fide DPn); ca. two-thirds of a mixed-species roost of 1100 vultures at Frankfort 18 January were Turkeys (BP). Osprey - the earliest report was of a new state-record early bird on Lake Barkley, Trigg, 28 February (HC). Bald Eagle - an ad. from Grape Creek, Magoffin, was turned in to Raptor Rehab¬ ilitation of Ky with lead poisoning 8 De¬ cember (EW). Red-tailed Hawk - reports of western forms included a dark or intermediate morph B. j. harlani near Lake Linville 8/23 Decem¬ ber (ph.RDn); a light morph B. j. calurus “intergrade” at the WKU farm, Warren, 15 December through the period for the 3rd year in a row (DR); an ad. Krider’s form near Long Point 16 December (BP, NM, KL, DW); a dark morph B. j. calurus at Mt. Zion 17 December (RDn); a light morph ad. B. j. calurus in s. Warren 8 January for at least the 3rd year in a row (DR); a dark or intennediate morph B. j. calurus at Long Point 8 January (HC, ME); a dark morph ad. B. j. harlani along Clear Creek, Hopkins, 1 1 January (BP); a dark or intermediate morph B. j. harlani at Fishing Creek 27 January (*RDn); and a light morph ad. B. j. calurus x Krider’s form at McElroy for the 3rd year in a row 23 January (DR). Rough-legged Hawk - the species was not numerous again this winter; singles were present at Ken Hopewell/Homestead, Sin¬ clair and Gibraltar, and 1-2 were present at East Volunteer, all through the period (m. ob.) Golden Eagle - there were a few reports, all being included: a juv. at LBL, Lyon, 9/16 December (BL) with another or the same individual n. of Barkley Dam, Lyon, 16 December (DR, HC, ME); 1 over Hopkins 16 December (DR); 1 at Long Point 17 December (JW, fide MG); up to 3 in the traditional area of Bemheim Forest, Bul¬ litt/Nelson, during December and January (B&MY, EH, JH, et al.); a juv. at Green River WMA, Adair, 10 February (RDn); and a juv. at Minor Clark 18 February (*SF). Vol. 83 48_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Merlin - there were several reports, all be¬ ing included: 1 at East Volunteer 15 De¬ cember (BP); a male. s. of Science Hill, Pulaski, 30 December (GC, JK, L&TM); a female of the prairie race, F. c. richard- sonii, at Riverqueen 1 1/17 January (BP et al.) and 1 there 10 Febmary (BP, B& MY); 1 along Concord-Caddo Road, Pen¬ dleton, 1 January (LM); 1 turned in in¬ jured to Raptor Rehabilitation of Ky from Breckinridge Lane, Louisville, 13 January (EW); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 19 January (BP); 1 at Dayton, Campbell, 11-14 Feb¬ ruary (FR); 1 at Sinclair 5 February (DR); and 1 along Mark Welborn Rd., ne. Pu¬ laski, 19 February (ph.RDn). Peregrine Falcon - the Louisville pair was seen at the Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson, during the period (m. ob.) as were 1-2 birds on the 1-275 bridge, Campbell (FR); the only other reports were of 1 over Shaker Mill 10 December (DR) and 1 at Meldahl Dam 1 January (LM). Virginia Rail there were a few reports of likely wintering individuals, all being in¬ cluded: 4 heard just e. of Drakesboro, Muhlenberg, 9 December (BP, KOS) with 2 calling there 28 February (BP) and a total of 6 birds calling at three locales in se. Muhlenberg 30 December (BP, AC). Sandhill Crane - southbound flocks of Sandhill Cranes continued through the CBC period with 1-60 reported on eight counts; the mild weather that continued into January resulted in a large number of birds short-stopping in w. Hardin without proceeding farther, and 3600+ were ob¬ served there 28 January (LB, BP) with ca. 6000 estimated there 30 January (DR) and ca. 2000 still present in the area 23 Febru¬ ary (RDv, BD). The cold weather of early February forced most to retreat a bit far¬ ther south, but as soon as the cold weather broke during the third week of the month, birds were moving back north in full force with numerous flocks reported during the last week of the month. Reports of interest outside of the main flight corridor in¬ cluded 2 over Pleasant Hill Church Road 23 December (BL); ca. 50 n. of Madison- ville, Hopkins, 17 January (KW); 6 along the Licking River near Minor Clark, Bath, 19 February (MWr); and 75 near Dot, Logan, 24 February (FL). Greater Yellowlegs - quite unusual for mid-winter, and possibly an early migrant, was 1 at Guthrie Swamp, Todd, 21 Jan¬ uary (ph.DR, MB). Lesser Yellowlegs earliest reports were of 3 at Sauerheber 24 February (HC, ME, RDn) and 2 at Chaney Lake, Warren, 26 February (DR). Western Sandpiper - a very tardy indiv¬ idual was present at Jonathan Creek 15 December (HC, BH). Least Sandpiper - small numbers were present off and on at Blood River and Jonathan Creek during the period with the following peak counts: 109 at Jonathan Creek 29 January (BH) and 94 there 16 February (HC). The only other report for the period was of 3 at Sauerheber 24 February (HC, ME, RDn). Pectoral Sandpiper - earliest report was of 1 at Chaney Lake, Warren, 26 February (DR). Wilson’s Snipe peak count was 80 at Long Point 16 December (BP, NM, KL, DW). American Woodcock - the mild early win¬ ter period was conducive to enticing small numbers to linger in the state, and 1-5 were reported on 10 CBCs; the species disappeared during the cold snap in early February, but numbers were back in full force by the last week of the month (m. ob.). Franklin’s Gull - the only report was of a first-year bird at Fishing Creek 1 Decem¬ ber (ph.RDn). Bonaparte’s Gull - notable counts includ¬ ed ca. 2 1 00 that came to roost on Ky Lake at the mouth of Blood River 3 January (BP); 200+ at Cave Run Lake 3 January (JBr); 100 at Wolf Creek Dam 7 Febru¬ ary (RDn); 1000+ on Ky Lake above the dam 10 February (BP, B&MY) with 7000-10,000 estimated on Ky Lake 11 February (DR, TD); and 200+ at Barren 20 February (DR). 2007 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 49 Ring-billed Gull - it was an odd winter for this species, with below-average numbers reported across the state prior to the cold snap in early February. Some impressive peak counts occurred during February and included at least 10,000 and possibly up to 25,000 birds on Ky Lake in the vicinity of Ky Dam 6-7 February (BP); ca. 700 at Wolf Creek Dam 7 February with ca. 1000 there 18 February (RDn); an esti¬ mate of 40,000 on Ky Lake 1 1 February (DR, TD); 1000-1500 at Cave Run Lake 16 February (BP); 1000-1100 above the dam at Barren 17 February (DR); 1000+ at Markland Dam 18 February (DR, RDv); 2500-3000 at Meldahl Dam 19 February (DR, RDv, LM); and 600-700 near Woodbum, Warren , 25 February (DR). Herring Gull - peak counts occurred during the early February cold spell and included several hundred at Ky Dam 6-7 February (BP); 250-300 on Ky Lake 1 1 February (DR, TD); 85 on the Covington water¬ front, Kenton , 15 February (FR); 200+ in the vicinity of Markland Dam 18 February (DR, RDv); 415+ in the vicinity of Mel¬ dahl Dam 19 February (DR, RDv, LM); and at least 105 at Cave Run Lake 16 February (BP). Thayer’s Gull - the only reports were of an ad. below Ky Dam 7/10 February (ph.BP et al.) and an ad. at Barkley Dam 21 February (DR, HC). Lesser Black-backed Gull - there were several reports in the western part of the state, all being included: an ad. on Ky Lake above the dam 1 5 December (BP); 2 and possibly 3 third-year/fourth-year/ad. birds below Ky Dam 6-7 February (BP) with 1 still there 10 February (BP, B& MY); an ad. at Jonathan Creek 8 Febru¬ ary (HC); and a first-year bird at Barkley Dam and an ad. or third-year bird on Ky Lake, Marshall, both 1 1 February (DR, TD). An ad. (ph.DR) and a first-year bird (DR, RDv) at Markland Dam 18 Feb¬ ruary; and an ad. above Six-Mile Island, Jefferson, 19 February (ph.BP; JBe, PB) represented the first-ever reports for the Ohio River above Smithland Dam. Great Black-backed Gull - there were two reports: a second-year bird below Ky Dam 6-7 February (ph.BP); and 2 first-year birds over Markland Dam 18 February (DR, RDv). KBRC review required. Great Black-backed Gull, Ky Dam 6 February 2007 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Sabine’s Gull - a juv. at Honker Bay 16 December (vt.SW, et al.)— 3 January (BP) represents a first winter record for the state. KBRC review required. Sabine’s Gull, Lyon 23 December 2006 David Roemer Forster’s Tern - a few individuals were seen off and on at Blood River and Jon¬ athan Creek during the period, with a peak count of 5 at Blood River 15 December (HC, BH). Eurasian Collared-Dove - reports in new areas included 3 at Fairfield, Nelson, 14 December (SC) and 1 at Upton, Hart, 7 February (RH). 50 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Barn Owl - the only reports were of a road- killed bird s. of Plummers Mill, Fleming, 30 December (SF) and 1 in Calloway 3 January (HC). Long-eared Owl - the only reports were of 2-4 at Riverqueen during the period (BP, et al.). Short-eared Owl - more numerous than usual this winter with up to 10 at Sinclair during December (P&SF et al.); a total of 17 on the Paradise CBC 30 December (fide BP); and 3-4 still at Sinclair 28 February (BP). Also reported were 1 at East Volunteer 1 1 January (BP); 4 at Gib¬ raltar 15 January (BP, EH, LM); 1 at Riverqueen 10 February (BP, B&MY); 1 in ne. Jefferson 18 February (ph.KT); and 1 near Grassy Pond Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson, 24 February (CC). Northern Saw-whet Owl - the only report was of 1 heard at Bear Creek, Big South Fork, McCreary, 3 January (RDn, JD). Rufous Hummingbird - with a mild late fall/early winter period, it was late in the season before reports of winter humming¬ birds ceased to come in. As noted in the fall season report, both earlier birds de¬ parted by the end of November, but 2 were reported later and included an ad. female at Louisville that was first noted around Thanksgiving, banded 20 Decem¬ ber, and lingered through the entire period (MC, RT, BP, MMn) and an imm. female at Frankfort that was first noted in early November, banded 12 February, and lin¬ gered to 15 February (N&RG, BP, MMn). Rufous Hummingbird, Jefferson 31 January 2007 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr, Red-headed Woodpecker - numerous in bottomland forests of w. Kentucky again this winter, being especially conspicuous at Ballard and in LBL. Loggerhead Shrike - the bird at Garvin Brown, ne. Jefferson, was seen in mid- December (BW). White-eyed Vireo - 1 at Lost River Park, Warren, 29 December (*DB) was either tardy or overwintering. Common Raven 1 was heard near Rebel Rock, Harlan, 23 February (BP et al.). Purple Martin earliest report originated from se. Monroe, 25 February (JT fide TC). Tree Swallow - earliest reports were of 2 in the Upper Hickman Bottoms, Fulton, 22 February (DR); 3 in the LBL area 25 Feb¬ ruary (HC, KOS); and at least 17 at Cool¬ ey’s Pond, Wayne, 27 February (RDn). Red-breasted Nuthatch - very few were present this winter, with 1-4 reported on only six CBCs; small numbers were ob¬ served in traditional wintering areas in¬ cluding 6 at Riverqueen 15 December (BP). Also reported was 1 at Rebel Rock, Harlan, 23 February (BP). House Wren singles were reported on three CBCs as follows: 1 heard at Surrey Hills Farm 17 December (MWa); 1 in Wayne 19 December (fide RDn); and 1 on the Green River Lake count 29 December (fide LC). Sedge Wren - at least 1 and possibly 2 at Long Point 16 December (BP, NM, DW) and 1 near West Ky WMA, McCracken, 18 December (BP, SR) were likely over¬ wintering. Marsh Wren - all reports are included: 2 heard just e. of Drakesboro, Muhlenberg, 9 December (BP, KOS); 1 at Ballard 18 December (BP, HC, SR); and 2 at Gibral¬ tar 28 December (BP, EH, JH) and 30 December (BP, AC). Eastern Bluebird - following the cold snap of mid-February, very few individuals appeared to be present in many portions of n.-cen. Kentucky, suggesting that mor¬ tality may have been high in this area; 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 51 summer 2007 BBS surveys should con¬ firm the cold temperature’s effect. Hermit Thrush - a tally of at least 13 at Raven Run Nature Preserve, Fayette, 10 December (SMs, RB) was impressive. Gray Catbird - the only report was of 1 on the Danville CBC 16 December (fide NE). American Pipit - not especially conspic¬ uous this winter with 1-51 reported on only eight CBCs; peak counts were of 150 at Walton’s Pond, Warren, (DR) and ca. 100 at Morgan’s Pond, Christian (MB, DR), both 21 January; 150+ in Barren and Allen 17 February (DR) and ca. 50 near Barren 18 February (BP). Cedar Waxwing - below-average numbers were present into early January (1-124 reported on 17 of 29 CBCs), but an influx or wave of birds was noted 17 January (BP et al.) and 5 February (DR). Orange-crowned Warbler - 1 was present along Figgett Bend Road, ne. Hart, 2 Jan¬ uary (BP) and subsequently in January (CF). Cape May Warbler - a male in LBL, Trigg, 16 December (ph.DR) represented a first winter record for the state. Cape May Warbler, Trigg 16 December 2006 David Roemer Pine Warbler - there were several early winter reports including 1-4 on four CBCs; the species made an obvious return to scattered locales during the last week of February (m. ob.). Palm Warbler - there were very few re¬ ports during the period including 1 at Bar¬ ren, Allen, 1 December (DR); 1 at Long Point 16 December (BP, NM, KL, DW); 2 on the Danville CBC, 16 December (fide NE); and 1 on the Wayne CBC 19 Decem¬ ber (fide RDn). Common Yellowthroat - a tardy bird was seen at Pumphrey Farm, Pulaski, 5 De¬ cember (RDn, GH). Spotted Towhee - the male that wintered along Figgett Bend Road, Hart, last year returned and was observed 12 December through the period (CF, BB, et al.). American Tree Sparrow - the species was noted in about-average numbers with 1-27 reported on 12 CBCs, although an influx arrived with the cold spell of early to mid- February when small numbers showed up at feeders at many locales (m. ob.). Peak count was of 70+ at Sinclair 5 February (DR). Chipping Sparrow - the species continues to be well-represented on CBCs, with 1- 24 reported on 1 1 counts; also reported later in the season were up to 11+ at Shaker Mill through the period (DR); 3-4 most of the winter along Pleasant Hill Church Road (BL, PL); 4 at Rocky Hill, Barren, (BP) and 5 at Mystic View, Wayne, (RDn), both 18 February; and 8- 1 0 in Barren 20 February (DR). Le Conte’s Sparrow - there were several reports, all being included: at least 1 be¬ low Barkley Dam, Lyon, 5 December (SA) and 16 December (HC et al.); 4 at Ballard 18 December (BP, HC, SR); 6 at Gibraltar (BP, AC) and 1 at Sinclair (MB, HC), both 30 December; 1 nw. of Boat¬ wright, Calloway, 3 January (ph.BP); and 1 in the Green River bottoms near Provo, Butler, 28 February (BP). White-crowned Sparrow - peak counts in¬ cluded a tally of 267 in n. Boone 16 De¬ cember (NK, DG) and 192 on the Som¬ erset CBC 30 December (fide RDn). Lapland Longspur - 50-100 at Open Pond , Fulton, 1 6 December with a few scattered elsewhere in vicinity of Lake No. 9, Ful¬ ton, all 16 December (BP, NM, KL, DW); 52 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 1 over Clarks River NWR, Marshall, 17 December (BP); 25+ e. of Monkey’s Eye¬ brow, Ballard , and 130+ along Smokey Road, Ballard, 18 December (BP); 210 near Woodbum, Warren 21 December (DR); and 8 in s. Logan 28 December (DR); 1 in ne. Calloway 3 January (BP); 4 near Dot, Logan, 4 February (FL); several along US 127 N of Owenton, Owen, and 75+ s. of Warsaw, both 15 February (BP); 200+ at Chamberlain Lane, ne. Jefferson, 17 February (BP, B&MY); singles at three locales in w. Boone 18 February (LM); 2 near Burlington, Boone, 19 Feb¬ ruary (LM); and 1 along the Green River n. of Provo, Butler, 28 February (BP). Baltimore Oriole, Franklin early February 2007 Mary Ann Scott Snow Bunting - the cold snap of early to mid-February brought decent numbers to n.-cen. Kentucky as follows: 1 s. of War¬ saw 15 February (ph.BP); 1 in ne. Jef¬ ferson 18 February (JBe, PB, et al.); small flocks up to 19 birds near Burlington and in w. Boone and ne. Gallatin 1 8 February (LM); 6-8 at Meldahl Dam 19 February (DR, RDv, LM); a peak count of ca. 60 along Aurora Ferry Road, w. Boone, 19 February (LM); 1 at Minor Clark 19 Feb¬ ruary (MWr); and at least 2 at Petersburg, Boone, 21 February (LP). Western Meadowlark - the only report was of 2 in the Lower Flickman Bottoms 22 February (vt.DR, HC). Rusty Blackbird - small to moderate num¬ bers were present during the period including 2-150 on five CBCs; additional reports of interest included 100 at Jon¬ athan Creek 15 December (HC, BH); 50 along the Ohio River, Gallatin, 19 Feb¬ ruary (DR) and 90 near Jonathan Creek 21 February (BL). Brewer’s Blackbird - there were three re¬ ports: 2 along KY 744 e. of Monkeys Eyebrow, Ballard, and 1 1 along Smokey Road, Ballard, both 18 December (BP) and 1 at the WKU Farm, Warren, 23 Feb¬ ruary (DR). Baltimore Oriole an imm. female visited a yard at Frankfort from mid-January to mid-February (ph.MAS). Scott's Oriole - the rarity highlight of the winter season was an imm. female that was present in a yard n. of Frankfort from early February through the end of the period (ph.F&DS, m. ob.). KBRC review required. Scott’s Oriole, Franklin 8 February 2007 David Roemer Purple Finch - the species was present in extremely low numbers, with 1-11 re¬ ported on only eight CBCs; there were a 2007 53 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER few more reported during February, but Pine Siskin - the only report during the en- peak counts were remarkably low and tire period was 1 on the Richmond CBC, included 2-5 along Pleasant Hill Church 16 December (*SMt). Road during the period (BL, PL). Observers: Steve Anderson (SA); Bruce Bardin (BB); Tom & Colleen Becker (T&CB); Lucia Beeler (LB); Jane Bell (JBe); Pat Bell (PB); Mark Bennett (MB); J.P. & Jane Brantley (J&JB); David Brown (DB); John Brunjes (JBr); Rhonda Bryant (RB); Terry Campbell (TC); Shane Carnahan (SC); Hap Chambers (HC); Mary Cleary (MC); Amy Covert (AC); Granville Cox (GC); Charlie Crawford (CC); Lloyd Curry (LC); Julie Denton (JD); Roseanna Denton (RDn); Bonnie Dever (BD); Robert Dever (RDv); Tom Durbin (TD); Melissa Easley (ME); Neil Eklund (NE); Jackie Elmore (JE); Preston & Shari Forsythe (P&SF); Scott Freidhof (SF); Carol Friedman (CF); Peggy Gould (PG); Darlena Graham (DG); Nora & Rich Green (N&RG); Mark Greene (MG); Pat Hahs (PH); Scott Harp (SH); Barry Hart (BH); Richard Healy (RH); Gay Hodges (GH); Tim Houghton (TH); Eddie Huber (EH); Jennifer Huber (JH); Ned Keller (NK); James Kiser (JK); Ken Leggett (KL); Bill Lisowsky (BL); Paula Lisowsky (PL); Frank Lyne (FL); Scott Marsh (SMs); Sarah Martin (SMt); Lee McNeely (LM); Lynda & Tom Mills (L&TM); Mark Monroe (MMn); Nancy Moore (NM); Eveyln Morgan (EM); Mike Morton (MMr); Dale Painter (DPn); Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP); David Patick (DPt); Larry Peavler (LP); Gary Pogue (GP); Scott Record (SR); Frank Renfrow (FR); David Roemer (DR); Mary Ann Scott (MAS); Fran & David Slezak (F&DS); Bill Stanley (BS); Matt Stickel (MS); Kevin Thompson (KT); Russ Thompson (RT); Jason Troyer (JT); Major Waltman (MWa); Donna Ward (DW); Wendell Webb (WW); Steve White (SW); Eileen Wicker (EW); Charlie Wilkins (CW); Katie Williams (KW); Jeff Wilson (JW); Mike Wright (MWr); Ben & Mary Yandell (B&MY); multiple observers (m.ob); Cincinnati Bird Club (CBC); Ky Ornithological Society (KOS); Somerset Bird Club (SBC). KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING 2007 MEETING April 27-29, 2007 Powderly, Muhlenberg County, Kentucky John Brunjes, Recording Secretary The Spring 2007 meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held at the Convention Center Inn, at Powderly, Muhlenberg County. President Mark Bennett called the meeting to order by welcoming members and guests. Attendance was quite good and included numerous first-time attendees and guests from as far as Idaho and England. Mark Bennett and David Roemer made the evening’s first presentation on behalf of the Kentucky Bird Records Committee (KBRC). Mr. Bennett provided an informative dis¬ cussion on appropriate procedures for the reporting of rare, truly unusual, and out-of-season observations. He highlighted numerous rare birds recently seen for which the KBRC had not received documentation. Mr. Bennett strongly encouraged each birder to report rare or out-of-season birds to the committee on a proper form, located on the KOS website at the following link: (http://www.biologv.eku.edu/KOS/KBRCreportform.pdD. Mr. Roemer con¬ tinued the presentation by discussing how to document observations properly. He noted that there are several critical parts to a written documentation, one of the most important of which is a comparison between the bird being described and similar species with which it might be confused. Mr. Roemer also encouraged members to photo-document their sightings. The second presentation of the evening was by Dr. Win Ahrens. Dr. Ahrens provided a travelogue style presentation of a recent trip to Antarctica. He presented some excellent 54 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 slides of Antarctic birds and numerous breathtaking pictures of the Antarctic landscape. He also showed slides and discussed pre-and post trip birds seen in Chile and Argentina. After the presentations, Mark Bennett called Hap Chambers to the podium. He pre¬ sented her with a framed copy of the eulogy she gave at Dr. Clell T. Peterson’s memorial service. He asked Hap to share the eulogy with the KOS membership present. Ms. Cham¬ bers read the very moving eulogy so that everyone might share in some of her experiences with her mentor and a past KOS president. Mark Bennett concluded the evening’s meeting with announcements concerning Saturday’s field trips. Everyone in attendance then adjourned to snacks and soda at the social following the meeting. Saturday field trips were greeted by wonderful, sunny spring weather. Threats of rain evaporated overnight. The Peabody Wildlife Management Area was the focus of the week¬ end’s birding. Two Saturday morning field trips covered areas of the WMA. The first was to the Sinclair Unit in Muhlenberg County and was led by David Roemer. The second field trip covered the Homestead Unit in Ohio County and was led by Brainard Palmer-Ball. A Saturday afternoon field trip returned to the Sinclair Unit and was led by Larry Peavler. Field trip highlights included sightings of Great Egret, the Great Blue Heron rookery on the Sinclair Unit, several Bell's Vireos, Henslow's Sparrows, and Grasshopper Sparrows, as well as numerous Blue Grosbeaks and Orchard Orioles. Multiple Bald Eagles, several other raptor species, several shorebird species, and numerous species of swallows, warblers and sparrows were also observed. The KOS board meeting was held at 2:30 pm CDT and was followed by a meeting of the KBRC at 4:30 pm CDT. The Saturday evening meeting was called to order by president Mark Bennett. He introduced the evening’s featured speaker. Dr. Jim Giocomo, a post-doctoral research associate at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. His talk, entitled "Ecology and habitat requirements of grassland birds in the eastern United States", was timely, as many members saw the Henslow's and Grasshopper sparrows at Peabody WMA earlier in the day. His research initially focused on finding nests in the Fort Campbell Military Reservation of Kentucky and Tennessee, and his team has found approximately 1500 nests of 43 species, with 120 Henslow's Sparrow nest records. He is expanding his research to include the historical “Big Barrens” area that includes portions of Trigg, Christian, Todd, Logan, and Simpson counties of Kentucky. Many of the grassland species have declined nationally since 1966, based on the Breeding Bird Survey data. Despite the nationwide decline in Henslow's sparrow since 1966, there are reasons for hope. Within the Central Hardwoods Bird Conservation Region, a large portion of which lies in Kentucky, there has been an annual increase since 1980. Dr. Giocomo is interested in obtaining nesting occurrence records of Henslow's Sparrows throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. He has developed a standardized reporting form, and members interested in participating may refer to his web site at http://web.utk.edu/~jgiocomo/. Following Dr. Giocomo’s presentation, a silent auction of member-donated items was held. Over $240 was raised by the auction for the Society. President Bennett thanked members Hap Chambers and Dona Coates for organizing the silent auction. He also thanked the Kentucky Bird Records Committee, Win Ahrens, and Dr. Giocomo for program presen¬ tations, Brainard Palmer-Ball, David Roemer, and Larry Peavler for field trip leadership, and all persons in attendance for their support. Dr. Blaine Ferrell tallied the preliminary weekend list of 124 species. The Sunday morning field trip was slated to return to the Sinclair Unit of the WMA while some members would journey to the Sloughs WMA, Henderson County, to search for the recently sighted Glossy Ibis. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm CDT to a social with refreshments and the conclusion of the silent auction. 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 55 Attendance at the Spring 2007 Meeting Berea: Judith Singleton Bowling Green: Valerie Brown, Blaine Ferrell, David & Joan Roemer, Alice Rowe, Marvin Russell Browder: Preston & Shari Forsythe Burlington: Kathy & Joe Caminiti, Lee McNeely Central City: Jacob & Susan Neace Cox’s Creek: Dona Coates Danville: Bill & Margaret Case Eddyville: Ken & Betty Leggett Frankfort: John Brunjes, Amy Covert, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Shawchyi Vorisek Glasgow: Linda Craiger Hebron: Donna O’Daniel Lexington: Rhonda Bryant, Scott Marsh Louisville: Carol Besse, Robert & Bonnie Dever, Gary Sprandel, Gene Stinchcomb Madisonville: Linda Holt Morehead: Fred Busroe, Katie Busroe Morgantown: Carroll & Doris Tichenor Murray: Hap Chambers, Kathy & Michael Cohen, Melissa Easley Owensboro: Marilee & Wendell Thompson Prospect: Win Ahrens Richmond: Gary Ritchison Russellville: Mark Bennett Science Hill: Roseanna Denton Somerset: Gay Hodges, Connie Neeley Union: Tillman Burnett Lewiston, ID: Jerry Cebula Carmel, IN: Lou Anne Barriger Indianapolis, IN: Larry Peavler Dearborn, MI: Julie Craves, Darrin O’Brien Stafford, England: Frank Cribble Bird Species Observed at the KOS Spring 2007 Meeting Powderly, Kentucky, and Peabody Wildlife Management Area Vicinity (Muhlenberg and Ohio counties) The following bird species were observed during the weekend of April 27-29: Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Least Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Virginia Rail, Sora, American Coot, Sandhill Crane, Killdeer, Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Wilson’s Snipe, American Woodcock, Caspian Tern, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Barred Owl, Chuck-will’s Widow, Whip-poor-will, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Wood¬ pecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Great-crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Bell’s Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue 56 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Jay, American Crow, Homed Lark, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Bank Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Bam Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby- crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Swain- son’s Thrush, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Blue-winged Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Palm Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Louisiana Water-thrush, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow¬ breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Dickcissel, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Orchard Ori¬ ole, Baltimore Oriole, American Goldfinch and House Sparrow. The species total was 136. FIELD NOTES Scott’s Oriole in Franklin County On 5 February 2007, David and Fran Slezak emailed photographs of an oriole that had been frequenting their suet feeder since 1 February to K.O.S. Birdline facilitator, Scott Marsh. Marsh, in turn, emailed the photographs to me the following day. The bird's identity was not clear to me, so I forwarded them to Paul Lehman and David Roemer, who each suggested that the bird looked like a Scott’s Oriole ( Icterus parisorum), a bird of the south¬ western United States and Mexico. On 8 February 2007, several birders visited the Slezak’s home about 5 miles (8 km) north of Frankfort, Franklin County, and found that the bird was, in fact, a Scott’s Oriole, probably a first-year female. The Slezak’s were kind enough to allow birders to visit their home and yard, and the bird was seen by more than 50 individuals in the following weeks. The oriole continued daily visits to their yard into mid-April, and they last observed it 23 April 2007. During its stay, the bird fed primarily on suet cakes, with occasional forays onto the sunflower shelf feeder to pick through the seed. As far as 1 am aware, no vocalizations were ever heard. The Scott’s Oriole was very distinctive in appearance; the bright feathers of its body plumage were quite yellow, showing no hint of orange so characteristic of most oriole species (see images on front and back covers). It was also a large oriole, being relatively similar in size to nearby Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) at the Slezak’s feeders. The bird’s bill was very long and straight; approximately the basal one-third of the mandible was grayish, but the remainder was black. The throat, breast, belly, and undertail were bright yellowish with a hint of greenish or olive, with yellow of the face, neck, and rump quite muted by a strong suffusion of olive. The back feathers were primarily medium grayish with darker centers and lighter edgings making for a distinctive pattern. The tail feathers were mostly olive-yellow, with distal portions darker than proximal portions and the central feathers darker than the others; only the slightest traces of light margins to the tips to the outer feathers could be detected in photographs of the bird. The flight feathers and tertials were mostly dark grayish, with light outer margins; the greater and median wing coverts were broadly tipped with white forming two very distinctive wing bars, while the lesser coverts were largely yellow at the bend of the wing. The underwing linings appeared yellowish-olive, but were never seen extremely well. The bases of at least a few throat feathers appeared to have some blackish color on them, making for only the slightest hint of adult pattern. David Roemer sent images of the bird to Peter Pyle, a North American authority on bird plumages; he agreed it was in its first year and almost certainly a female. 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 57 This Scott’s Oriole is the first to be reported in Kentucky and one of only a few in the midwestem United States. An unpublished summary of mid-continent North American vagrant birds (Domagalski 2006) lists eight records from five states and one province: Illinois (1), Kansas (1), Minnesota (2), Nebraska (2), Wisconsin (1) and Ontario (1). In addition, a review of web sites for additional states in the eastern United States and Canada turned up records in Georgia and Louisiana. These reports were scattered throughout the calendar year with little pattern apparent other than that winter birds at feeders make up about 50% of the reports, most others having occurred from spring into early summer. Other than a flurry of initial reports in the mid-1970s, most reports have occurred since 2000. One other Scott’s Oriole was reported in the eastern United States during the winter of 2006-2007. This bird was an adult male that frequented a yard in Cumberland County in southeastern Pennsylvania 19 February to 8 April 2007 (Cameron Rutt, pers. comm.) Whenever a vagrant oriole is observed, the question of its origin must be assessed. These colorful birds are easily kept in captivity on a diet of fruits and sugar water, and the trade in this group is apparently relatively widespread in some Latin American countries (Eduardo Inigo-Elias, pers. comm.). The Franklin County Scott’s Oriole was unbanded and showed no signs of captivity including worn feathers, abnormal feather molt or sores, or tame behavior. Consequently it is assumed to have been a natural vagrant. Literature Cited Domagalski, Robert. 2006. Mid Continent Rare Bird Records. Unpublished summary. — Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 (brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov) Substantiating Evidence for the Occurrence of Cackling Goose {Branta huichinsii ) in Kentucky In 2004, the Committee on Classification and Nomenclature of the American Ornithol¬ ogists’ Union split the various races of the widespread Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) into two species (Banks et al. 2004). About seven races of large-bodied birds remained in the parent species ( B . canadensis), but four small-bodied races breeding at high latitudes of Arctic Canada and Alaska were split off into a new species, the Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) (Sibley 2007). Cackling Geese are generally characterized by relatively small size, short neck, sharply rounded head with a steep forehead, and stubby bill. However, slight overlap in some characteristics exists between large Cackling Geese and at least some individuals of the smallest race of Canada Goose, the “Lesser” Canada Goose (B. c. parvipes) (Sibley 2007). Culmen length overlaps slightly between large male Cackling Geese and small female Lesser Canada Geese (Mowbray et al. 2002). Moreover, typical culmen lengths are only slightly longer for Lesser Canadas (ca. 1.75 inches [low 40s mm]) than for Cackling Geese (ca. 1.50 inches [high 30s mm]) (Mowbray et al. 2002). Difference in bill shape may be helpful, but the less stubby bill shape of Lessers is a relative difference rather than an absolute one. Overlap is also present between body masses of larger Cackling Geese (range: 3 to 7 pounds [1.36 to 3.17 kg]) and Lesser Canada Geese (range: 5 to 6 pounds [2.27 to 2.72 kg]) (Stackhouse 2007). Thus, only smaller Cackling Geese would be clearly distin¬ guishable from Lesser Canada Geese by size. The average Mallard weighs about 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg) (Sibley 2000), so it can serve as a reference point on the lower end of the size scale in the field; however, one seldom has the opportunity to compare small geese directly to Mallards because a majority of these small geese are found in the company of larger geese, especially “Giant” Canada Geese (B. c. maxima), the race that now breeds regularly and is a permanent resident in Kentucky. Also, Arctic-breeding Canada Geese (primarily B. c. interior) that visit or overwinter in our region are significantly smaller than resident Giant Canadas and not much larger (7.5 to 9.5 pounds [3.40 to 4.31 kg]) than Lesser Canadas 58 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 (Stackhouse 2007). These birds typically look strikingly smaller than resident Giants and may be mistaken for Cackling Geese for this reason. Longer, less stubby bill shape and less sharply rounded head should help differentiate these individuals from Cackling Geese. Finally, hybridization between Cackling Geese and Lesser Canada Geese occurs where their nesting ranges meet in Arctic Canada (Sibley 2007). Given that essentially nothing is known concerning the status of Lesser Canada Goose in the eastern United States and that hybrid Cackling Geese x Lesser Canada Geese may be potentially present, the degree to which the two forms can be accurately separated in the field remains unclear. Evidence of Occurrence in Kentucky Through various communication efforts, 1 located one extant specimen of an apparent Cackling Goose collected in Kentucky. This mounted specimen is housed at the headquarters of the Ballard Wildlife Management Area. It was collected in 1989 or 1990 in Ballard County (Jack Sloan, pers. comm.). The culmen length of this bird is 1.55 inches (39.4 mm) (Charlie Wilkins, pers. comm.), placing it at mid-range for Cackling Goose and smaller than for most Lesser Canadas. The stubby bill of the specimen is also consistent with this determination (John Brunjes, pers. comm.). Through the same efforts I located photographs appearing to substantiate the occurrence of two individuals from the late 1970s and early 1980s, respectively (see below). A review of Kentucky’s ornithological literature prior to 1990 revealed several additional reports of possible Cackling Geese. The earliest evidence is summarized by Mengel (1965), who cites three reports of B. c. hutchinsii : listed as a rare migrant in Fulton County around 1890 (Pindar 1925); tentatively reported in Warren County during spring of 1937 (Wilson 1940); and noted in Warren County 20 January 1952 (Wilson 1956). Others are listed as follows: 1 1 December 1977: “1 1 small Canada Geese were carefully watched [by Barry Howard] on a reservoir in Lexington ...; although the subspecies was not determined, the difference in size was readily apparent when compared to two larger birds swimming nearby” (Stamm 1978a). 5 March 1978 and later: a bird found at Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Jefferson County, by Jackie Elmore and Lawrence Smith (Stamm 1978b; Brainard Palmer-Ball, pers. slide coll.; Fig. 1). 20 December 1980: “a pint sized hutchinsii1' observed at Brown Power Plant, Mercer County, by Fred Loetscher (Stamm 1981). 13 January 1982 and later: an individual photographed at the Louisville Zoological Gardens, Jefferson County, by Nancy Scheldorf (Stamm 1982; Beckham Bird Club slide coll.). In literature 1990 to present, small-bodied Canada Geese have continued to be reported occasionally during winter. Moreover, subsequent to the recent (2004) elevation of these birds to full species status, birders have paid more attention to them, and the number of sightings has increased, resulting in a number of published reports in The Kentucky Warbler. It appears from accumulated records that the Cackling Goose can be considered a rare to uncommon transient and winter resident, appearing most years by December and lingering into March. Peak numbers likely occur during periods of cold weather in mid¬ winter. The specimen described above and the photograph below (Fig. 1) appear to provide the earliest substantiating documentation for Cackling Goose in Kentucky. It is hoped that additional reports might come to light through publication of this summary. Any individuals possessing photographic images or specimens of Cackling Geese from Kentucky are encouraged to report their holdings. Finally, observers are encouraged to report sightings of likely Cackling Geese, although they are reminded that little is known about the occurrence of Lesser Canada Goose in the state and that careful study is needed to clarify the occur- 2007 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 59 rence of both that subspecies and newly described species. As always, photographic documentation is highly recommended. Literature Cited Banks, R.C., C. Cicero, J.L. Dunn, A.W. Rratter, P.C. Rasmussen, J.V. Remsen, Jr., J.D. Rising, and D. F. Stotz. 2004. Forty-fifth supplement to the American Ornithologists ’ Union Check-list of North American Birds. The Auk 121 :985-995. Mengel, R.M. 1965. Birds of Kentucky. American Ornithologists’ Union Monograph No. 3. American Ornithologists' Union. Lawrence, Kansas. Mowbray, T., C. Ely, J. Sedinger, and R. Trost. 2002. Canada Goose ( Branta canadensis). In The Birds of North America, No. 682 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA. Pindar, L.O. 1925. Birds of Fulton County, Kentucky. The Auk 37:77-88. Sibley, D.A. 2000. The Sibley guide to birds. Alfred A. Knopf. New York, New York. Sibley, D.A. 2007. http://www.sibleyguides.com/canada cackling.htm. Web site accessed 18 June 2007. Stackhouse, M. 2007. http://www.utahbirds.org/RecCom/NewGoose.htm. Web site ac¬ cessed 18 June 2007. Stamm, A.L. 1978a. The winter season of 1977-1978. The Kentucky Warbler 54:27-31. Stamm, A.L. 1978b. The spring season of 1978. The Kentucky Warbler 54:42-47. Stamm, A.L. 1981. The winter season of 1980-81. The Kentucky Warbler 57:35-39. Stamm, A.L. 1982. The winter season of 1981-82. The Kentucky Warbler 58:27-32. Wilson, G. 1940. The McElroy farm — a study of a transient lake. The Kentucky Warbler 16:13-21. Wilson, G. 1956. The Woodbum lakes— 1951-1956. The Kentucky Warbler 32:59-61. — Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601 (brainard.palmer-ball@kv.gov). Fig. 1. Cackling Goose, 5 March 1978, Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Jefferson County. Photograph by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 60 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Scott’s Oriole (Icterus parisorum) north of Frankfort, Franklin County February 2007 (see Field Note, pp. 56-57) Photos by David Knapp (above) and David Slezak (below). The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 83 AUGUST 2007 NO. 3 IN THIS ISSUE POPULATION HEALTH AND DYNAMICS IN KENTUCKY’S LANDBIRDS: THE MONITORING AVIAN PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVORSHIP (MAPS) PROGRAM, Adam D. Smith and Shawchyi Vorisek . 63 PROJECT SOS (SAVE OUR SIALIA), Bob Peak and Judy Peak . 67 SPRING SEASON 2007, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 71 FIELD NOTE Neotropic Cormorant in Muhlenberg County . 86 NEWS AND VIEWS . 87 62 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President Mark Bennett, Russellville Vice-President . Corresponding Secretary Treasurer. . Win Ahrens, Prospect . Melissa Easley 1610 Loch Lomond, Murray, KY 42071 . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 Recording Secretary . Councillors: Shawchyi Vorisek, Lrankfort . Mary Yandell, Louisville . Gay Hodges, Somerset . Eddie Huber, Louisville . Marilee Thompson, Owensboro Evelyn Morgan, Olive Hill . John Branjes, Frankfort 2005 thru 2007 2005 thru 2007 2006 thru 2008 2006 thru 2008 2007 thru 2009 2007 thru 2009 Retiring President . Hap Chambers, Murray Staff Artist . Ray Harm, Sonoita, AZ 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; 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 . Blaine R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Wayne Mason, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Stephen Stedman Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Mark Bennett 1 13 Iroquois Circle, Russellville, KY 42276 THE COVER We thank David Roemer for the image of the Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasiliensis) in the company of a Double-crested Cormorant (P. auritus) taken 28 February 2007 in Muhlenberg County (see Field Note, pp. 86-87). Financial «. support for color reproduction in this issue provided by the Daniel jirAcf - — Boone National Forest and the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. (lJWjs, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives' 2.007 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 63 POPULATION HEALTH AND DYNAMICS IN KENTUCKY’S LANDBIRDS: THE MONITORING AVIAN PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVORSHIP (MAPS) PROGRAM Adam D. Smith and Shawchyi Vorisek Prompted by documented population declines in many of our migratory songbirds in the latter half of the 20th century, the Institute for Bird Populations (IBP) and many colla¬ borators initiated a program to assess and monitor the vital rates (i.e., productivity and survivorship) and population dynamics of North American landbirds. This program, dubbed the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship program, or MAPS, relies on the coop¬ erative efforts of public agencies, private organizations, and individuals to operate a continent-wide network of constant-effort mist netting and banding stations during the breeding season (DeSante et al. 1995). From its humble beginnings in 1989 with 16 stations, the MAPS network has expanded to 471 stations in 2007, with stations located throughout the North American continent. The MAPS program is designed to address monitoring, research, and management goals; MAPS data are used to describe temporal and spatial patterns in the vital rates of target species, and to relate these patterns to population trends, ecological and habitat characteristics, and weather. Subsequently, this information is used to identify the causes of population declines, to devise and to evaluate management actions and conservation strat¬ egies to address population declines, and, ultimately, to promote and to maintain healthy landbird populations. Additionally, some MAPS stations, including the station at Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge in Kentucky, are collaborating with the IBP and UCLA in a proactive effort to detect a highly pathogenic strain (H5N1) of avian influenza in North American landbirds; this strain, which likely ori¬ ginated from domestic poultry in Asia, has yet to reach the North American continent. MAPS Station Operation MAPS stations use a standardized constant-effort mist-netting protocol. Each station consists of 10 nets at per¬ manent locations (i.e., same placement every year) situated uniformly in the in¬ terior of a 50.0 acre (20.2 ha) study area (DeSante et al. 2001). Each of the 10 mist nets is 8.1 ft (2.5 m) tall by 39.0 ft (12.0 m) long. Typically, the array of nets is operated for six hours, beginning at sunrise, during one day in each of six to ten consecutive 10-day periods. The MAPS season begins between 1 May and 10 June, depending on the latitude and elevation of the station, and operation continues through each of the ten-day periods ending 8 August. Captured birds (Figure 1) are identified, fitted with a uniquely numbered aluminum band provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and, when possibteya'ged' and sexed-aeeording to a standard reference (i.e., Pyle 1997). j A. P. MANN LIBRARY p~~ ” . . . . — —1 Figure 1. An adult female American Gold¬ finch ( Carduelis tristis) captured in a mist net. Photo by Adam Smith. 5?nn7 64 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 The MAPS Program in Kentucky Kentucky is home to nine of the 471 MAPS stations currently operating in North America. Individual stations have been in operation at Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge in Marshall County and Natural Bridge State Park Nature Preserve in Powell County since 2003 and at Mammoth Cave National Park in Hart County since 2004. These stations are operated cooperatively by site personnel, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, and volunteers. Additionally, the IBP operates six MAPS stations on the Fort Knox Military Reservation in Hardin, Bullitt, and Meade counties; these stations opened in 1994. Because the IBP administers and operates the MAPS stations at Fort Knox, we provide only general information about MAPS banding at Fort Knox. MAPS stations were also operated on a trial basis at Tom Dorman State Nature Preserve in Garrard County in 1997 and at Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve in Powell County from 1998-2001. Kentucky’s MAPS season extends through eight 10-day periods beginning 21 May and ending 8 August. Although MAPS stations are intended to monitor breeding bird popula¬ tions, a few late spring migrants typically are captured during the first session in late May. The number of birds captured varies throughout the two and a half month season, as well as among stations (Figure 2). Typically, however, Kentucky’s MAPS stations experience an increase in bird captures at the end of June and beginning of July associated with a new cohort of individuals (i.e., fledglings) joining the population. Interestingly, the MAPS station at Clarks River captures relatively more birds during the last week of May and first week of June. This phenomenon at Clarks River is seemingly unrelated to an increased presence of late spring migrants, but appears partly due to the capture of a large proportion of the seasonal total of several species early in the season (e.g., Acadian Flycatcher [Empi- doncix virescens), Carolina Chickadee [Poecile carolinensis ], Indigo Bunting [ Passer ina cyanea], and Ruby-throated Hummingbird [Archilochus colubris]). Figure 2. Average number of individual birds captured during each of eight 10-day MAPS periods at Natural Bridge State Park Nature Preserve (NB), Mammoth Cave National Park (MC), and Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge (CR) from 2003 to 2006. Trend lines are smoothed to clarify general trends. 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 65 The number of birds captured can vary dramatically among years and stations depend¬ ing on a variety of factors that the IBP is only now beginning to explore (Saracco and DeSante 2007). On average, however, Kentucky’s MAPS stations capture between 90 and 140 birds representing 10 to 29 species annually (Table 1). Several species designated as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Kentucky (KDFWR 2005) are well represented at no less than a single MAPS station, including Kentucky Warbler {Oporornis formosus), Louisiana Waterthrush ( Seiurus motacilla ), Prairie Warbler (Dendroica discolor), Pro- thonotary Warbler ( Protonotaria citrea), Wood Thrush ( Hylocichla mustelina ) and Worm¬ eating Warbler ( Helmitheros vermivorus). In a given year, 12% to 30% of birds captured are individuals banded previously in the current year or in prior years; such encounters are termed “recaptures.” Recaptures comprise a vital component of the MAPS program, as estimates of survivorship derive largely from the capture histories of individual birds. Productivity estimates stem from the proportion of young birds captured relative to adult birds of the same species. The most commonly captured species are indicative of the habitat monitored at a given station (Table 2). The Clarks River site is situated within a bottomland hardwood corridor along Dunn Slough, a major tributary of the East Fork of the Clarks River; additionally, two small old fields occur within the otherwise mature forest where the banding station is located. MAPS banding at Mammoth Cave occurs in a bottomland hardwood corridor along the Green River. The river, an old clearing, and a small parking area result in the presence of edge habitat in close proximity to the station. The Natural Bridge MAPS station possesses the least diverse habitat of the three, occurring within a ravine of predominantly mixed mesophytic forest along Lower Hoods Branch. Additionally, the list of captured species reveals a bias inherent in many studies using mist nets; specifically, birds that spend more time nearer the ground (i.e., on the ground or within the shrub layer) are sampled much more frequently than mid-story and canopy-dwelling birds. Looking forward Recently, the IBP compared population trends in 37 species of wood warblers esti¬ mated from the MAPS program with those estimated from the North American Breeding Bird Survey (Saracco and DeSante 2007); trend estimates exhibited a strong positive correlation. Subsequently, the IBP examined trends in productivity and adult survivorship as they relate to population trends. Preliminary analyses suggest a relationship between adult survivorship and population trends (Saracco and DeSante 2007). Future work will explore differences in productivity and survivorship among regions and populations, as well as identify regional trends in productivity and survivorship. Furthermore, the IBP is pursuing a targeted expansion (by up to 70%) in the MAPS program to improve coverage of under-represented habitats and species. Table 1. Number of birds captured and species diversity at MAPS stations in Kentucky from 2003 to 2006. Data from the Fort Knox Military Reservation are averages from the six MAPS stations on the reservation. Total captures (# species) Site 2003 2004 2005 2006 Clarks River NWR 115(23) 1 82 (25) 133 (23) 141 (29) Natural Bridge SPNP 84(11) 76(10) 96(17) 1 13 (13) Mammoth Cave NP 86(19) 108 (18) 129(17) Fort Knox Military Reservation 90(19) 97 (21) 116(25) 66 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Table 2. Species most commonly captured at three MAPS stations in Kentucky from 2003 to 2006. Species at each station are ordered with regard to the frequency of capture; only those species captured at least four times per year, on average, are listed. Clarks River NWR Natural Bridge SPNP Mammoth Cave NP Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) Hooded Warbler ( Wilsonia citrina ) Kentucky Warbler (Oporornis formosus) Kentucky Warbler Louisiana Waterthrush (Seirus motacilla) Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vennivoms) Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) Worm-eating Warbler Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) Ovenbird (Seims aurocapillus) Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) Carolina Wren Acadian Flycatcher Ovenbird Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) Indigo Bunting Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor ) Carolina Wren Northern Cardinal Blue-gray Gnatcatcher ( Polioptila caendea) Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia ) Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) Downy Woodpecker Louisiana Waterthrush Acknowledgments We greatly appreciate the effort of our fellow MAPS cooperators in Kentucky, past and present: Hap Chambers and personnel at the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge including Rick Huffines (former refuge manager), Michael Johnson (current refuge man¬ ager), and Andy Eller; Bill Moore, Brice Leech, and Larry Johnson at Mammoth Cave National Park; and Dave Skinner, Zeb Weese, Gena Davenport, and Noelle Theres at Natural Bridge State Park Nature Preserve. Furthermore, we thank Danielle Kaschube and Phil Nott of the IBP for providing banding data from Fort Knox. Literature Cited DeSante, D. F., K. M. Burton, J. F. Saracco, and B. L. Walker. 1995. Productivity indices and survival rate estimates from MAPS, a continent-wide programme of constant- effort mist netting in North America. Journal of Applied Statistics 22:935-947. DeSante, D. F., K. M. Burton, P. Velez, and D. Froehlich. 2001. MAPS manual: 2001 protocol. The Institute for Bird Populations, Point Reyes Station, CA. 67 pp. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR). 2005. Kentucky's Com¬ prehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Frankfort, KY. http://fw.ky.gov/kfwis/stwg/ (Date updated 9/21/2005) Pyle, P. 1997. Identification guide to North American birds, part I. Slate Creek Press, Bolinas, CA. Saracco, J., and D. DeSante. 2007. Taking stock of the MAPS program: a look back and a vision for the future. MAPS Chat 8:1-2. Available online at: http://www.birdpop.org/ DownloadDocuments/MAPSChatS.pdf. — Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (raptorbio@hotmail.com [Smith] and shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov [Vorisek]). 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 67 Project SOS: Save our Sialia Project Overview and 2006 Nesting Season Results Bob Peak and Judy Peak In 1990, the authors initiated a nest box project to maintain a core population of Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis ) in western Kentucky. We named the effort Project SOS (Save Our Sialia) and formulated a mission of attempting to offset losses in the bluebird population caused by nest cavity competition and severe weather, particularly winter seasons with exceptionally harsh conditions comparable to those of 1977-1978 and 1978- 1979. Furthermore, as a secondary part of the mission, Project SOS nest boxes are typically situated so that they provide some degree of recreational wildlife viewing and nature educa¬ tion opportunities. This report summarizes the results of Project SOS efforts conducted during the 2006 nesting season in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, as well as additional efforts at Lake Barkley State Resort Park and John James Audubon State Park. It also provides some summary data for previous years’ efforts. Description of Locations The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) is a 170,000-acre (68,800-ha) parcel of public land that was dedicated in 1963. It is located in Lyon and Trigg counties, Kentucky, and Stewart County, Tennessee, and consists of a 40-mile (64-km) long isthmus that was formed when the Tennessee River and Cumberland River were impounded, creating Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, respectively. The government project was intended to demonstrate how an area with limited timber, agricultural, and industrial resources could be converted into a recreation asset that would stimulate eco¬ nomic growth in the region. Today LBL is managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture- Forest Service and, as the focal point of a $600 million tourism industry, is one of the most visited attractions in Kentucky and Tennessee. With 300 mi (480 km) of undeveloped shoreline, LBL offers a multitude of recreational opportunities and provides unique exper¬ iences in the areas of environmental education and historic interpretation to an average of two million visitors each year. Bluebird nest boxes are located along bluebird trails (a series of bluebird boxes placed along a prescribed route) in 17 different areas of LBL (Table 1). Visitors to LBL can view nearly all of the boxes. Lake Barkley State Resort Park is the largest park in the Kentucky State Park system, consisting of 3700 acres (1500 ha). It is located on the Little River embayment on the eastern side of Lake Barkley in Trigg County approximately 5 mi (8 km) east of LBL. The park is primarily forested and has a variety of openings and edge habitats. Nearly all of the bluebird nest boxes located there can be observed from the roads in the park. John James Audubon State Park is composed of 692 acres (280 ha), with 325 acres (132 ha) designated as a Kentucky state nature preserve; it is located at Henderson in Henderson County. The Audubon Museum in the park houses many of John James Audubon’s original watercolors, oils, engravings, and personal memorabilia. The park’s nest boxes are located in areas where park visitors can easily observe them. Most importantly, the nest boxes are close to the park’s roads, so physically challenged people can view the birds from the comfort and convenience of a vehicle. The bluebird trails at LBL and Lake Barkley State Resort Park are registered as a part of the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail and the Trans-Kentucky Bluebird Trail. The trans¬ continental trail, developed by the North American Bluebird Society, is a network of bluebird trails stretching across the United States and Canada that provides thousands of nest boxes for bluebirds and other cavity-nesting species. The Trans-Kentucky trail was developed by the Kentucky Bluebird Society; this organization’s goal is eventually to have a registered bluebird trail in every county of the state. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 68 Vol. 83 Table 1. Location of LBL bluebird trails and number of Eastern Bluebirds fledged in 2006. Trail Location # Boxes # Fledglings North Information Center 5 26 Hillman Ferry Campground 7 53 Nature Station 35 255 Camp Energy 7 59 Elk-Bison Prairie 10 67 Golden Pond Visitor Center 15 69 Administration Office 5 25 Hunter’s Check Station 3 31 Central Maintenance 10 52 Colson Overlook 1 12 Rushing Creek Campground 8 61 The Homeplace-1850 4 14 South Bison Range 23 149 South Maintenance Area 7 42 Brandon Spring Group Camp 9 77 South Information Center 6 51 Piney Campground 10 49 Total 165 1092 Summary of LBL Data Including travel time to LBL, speaking engagements, preparatory work, and nest box monitoring work in the field, we spent over 200 hours working on Project SOS and drove approximately 1 ,200 mi ( 1 920 km) to monitor, to repair, or to relocate bluebird nest boxes at LBL in 2006. During the 2006 nesting season, 1297 Eastern Bluebird eggs were laid in the 165 bluebird nest boxes at LBL, with 1092 bluebirds fledging, for an 84.2% fledging success rate. (Note: Young are considered to have successfully fledged if there is positive evidence of fledging (e.g. pin feather sheath sheds, compressed nests, undisposed fecal sacs, etc.) at the time of nest monitoring, and no evidence of predation [e.g. broken eggs, nest material in disarray, mud or scratch marks on the exterior of the box, loose nestling feathers] is detected.) Adult bluebirds made 316 nesting attempts in the boxes. (Note: An “attempt” is defined as a bird building a nest and laying at least one egg). There were 159 unhatched bluebird eggs and 46 dead bluebird nestlings discovered in the boxes. Evidence (i.e., feathers, eggshells, nests in disarray, etc.) existed that additional adult birds and eggs may have been the victims of predation by Raccoons ( Procyon lotor), but exact numbers could not be determined. From nest construction to the fledging of the young birds, the Eastern Bluebird’s reproductive cycle covers approximately one month. Therefore, nest boxes must be moni¬ tored on a monthly basis to determine the outcome of each nesting attempt accurately. In 2006 we monitored the boxes on the following dates: 25-26 March, 14-15 April, 19-20 May, 13-14 June, 10-11 July, 8-9 August, and 2 September. We often observe the first clutches of eggs by the last week of March, and in a few instances, have encountered late clutches in late August and early September. Although unconfirmed, we believe it is possible that some females may nest three times in a given season. Eastern Bluebird eggs are normally the light blue color that is characteristic of thrushes. However, clutches of white eggs occasionally occur, and white eggs account for roughly 5 percent of all eggs (Toops 1994). White bluebird eggs (n=37 [2.85% of the total]) were found in nests at the following LBL trails: Nature Station, Camp Energy, South Main¬ tenance Area, Rushing Creek Campground, and the South Bison Range. Twenty-five of the white eggs produced birds that eventually fledged. There is no certainty that bluebirds 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 69 fledged from a clutch of white eggs will produce white eggs when they become sexually mature. Additionally, there is usually no mixture of white and blue eggs in a bluebird clutch. In 17 nesting seasons and inspections of many hundreds of bluebird clutches, the authors have never observed a mixture of egg colors in a bluebird nest. On the rare occasion that one white egg is found among a clutch of blue eggs, or vice versa, a second female probably “dumped” the anomalous egg at an opportune moment. The LBL nest boxes also yielded 38 Carolina Chickadee ( Poecile carolinensis) fledglings, 13 Prothonotary Warbler ( Protonotoria citrea ) fledglings, and 15 Tree Swallow ( Tachycineta bicolor) fledglings during 2006. The Prothonotary Warbler, a neotropical migrant, is the only cavity-nesting warbler in the eastern United States, and its populations have been declining in recent years (U.S. Geological Survey 2007). The number of bluebirds fledged in 2006 was the second-highest total in the 17 years that we have managed the LBL bluebird trails (Table 2). Based on the ratio of bluebirds fledged per nest box, the 2006 nesting season ranked as the third-best year, with a ratio of 6.62 fledglings per box. During the 17-year duration of Project SOS, 1049 additional juvenile birds, representing six species (Tree Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Tit¬ mouse, White-breasted Nuthatch [Siita carolinensis ], Carolina Wren [Thryothorus litdo- vicianus ], and Prothonotary Warbler) have fledged from the LBL bluebird nest boxes. Also of interest from the 2005 nesting season was a Tufted Titmouse clutch involving nine eggs. The clutch was located in a nest box at Piney Campground on the south end of LBL, Stewart County, Tennessee. Grubb and Pravosudov (1994) give clutch size for Tufted Tit¬ mouse (Baeolophus bicolor) as 3-9, most commonly 5-6, so the LBL clutch was at the maximum limit for the species. Table 2. Total fledglings recorded in previous years at LBL. Year 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 # Boxes 108 153 159 155 159 157 156 162 # Fledglings 544 720 727 820 898 872 754 599 Year 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 # Boxes 149 152 153 154 158 161 164 164 # Fledglings 774 719 871 964 1086 978 1129 976 During the 2002 and 2003 nesting seasons, we participated in an Eastern Bluebird banding study at LBL under the direction of Dr. David Pitts, a University of Tennessee- Martin biologist and master bird bander. Due to relatively few banding recoveries and other limiting factors, Dr. Pitts decided to discontinue the banding study in 2004. However, we continue to record sightings and recoveries of banded bluebirds. On 14 April 2006, a banded female bluebird (metal band #1871-33289) was discovered in nest box #2 at the Golden Pond Visitor Center trail; she was incubating a clutch of five eggs, and all of the hatchlings eventually fledged. This bluebird had been banded 26 April 2003 in nest box #5, in the Central Maintenance Area. This natal nest box is less than one mi (0.6 km) from the recovery nest box. Another banded female bluebird (metal band #1871-33203 & faded orange plastic band) was found in nest box #19 at the South Bison Range 1 3 June 2006; she was incubating a clutch of five eggs, and all of the hatchlings subsequently fledged. This individual was banded 19 April 2003 in nest box #23 at the South Bison Range. Inter¬ estingly, the two nest boxes are approximately 0.5 mi (0.3 km) apart and are located on the same fence. Each recovery demonstrates that Eastern Bluebirds may possibly exhibit some degree of site fidelity, i.e., returning to the general vicinity of a natal nest box. To date, we have recovered or observed 1 1 banded Eastern Bluebirds (7 females, 4 males) at LBL, and the females have selected nest boxes that are in relatively close proximity to their natal nest boxes. 70 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 While monitoring the bluebird nest boxes in 2006, we found that some of the boxes were used at various times by ants, wasps, and a variety of other insects. We also found four bats (species unknown) in nest box #7 at the entrance to the Golden Pond Visitor Center 2 September 2006. Lake Barkley State Resort Park As an additional part of Project SOS, we continued maintenance of a 41-box bluebird trail at nearby Lake Barkley State Resort Park. In 2006, there were 421 bluebird eggs laid in these boxes, with 350 birds fledging, for an 83.1% fledging success rate. The ratio of bluebirds fledged per nest box at this location was 8.54. Twenty (4.75%) of the bluebird eggs along this trail were white, and 13 of hatchlings from these eggs fledged successfully. We also found 19 dead bluebird nestlings in the boxes. There were 97 nesting attempts by bluebirds at this site, and, for the fourth year in a row, raccoon predation had a less serious impact on the fledging success of the birds than in previous years (Table 3). This reduced predation by raccoons may have been attributable to the fact that at the conclusion of the 2002 nesting season, we partially covered the nest box posts with aluminum sheet metal. During the 2004 nesting season, we added additional sheet metal to nest box posts where raccoon predation was evident and installed taller posts in the most troublesome locations. The dramatic improvement in fledging success seems to indicate that the sheet metal and taller posts are serving as an effective deterrent. In 2006, the trail also yielded six Carolina Chickadee fledglings. Since 1990, in addition to bluebirds, the nest boxes along this bluebird trail have yielded 224 fledglings, representing five species (Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Prothonotary Warbler, Carolina Wren, and Tree Swallow). Table 3. Total fledglings in previous years at Lake Barkley State Resort Park. Year 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 # Boxes 10 11 27 30 31 29 29 28 # Fledglings 23 27 91 97 85 87 67 99 Year 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 # Boxes 28 29 29 36 37 37 41 41 # Fledglings 93 118 128 116 148 302 296 316 John James Audubon State Park As a further extension of Project SOS, we established a 12-box bluebird trail at John James Audubon State Park in 2005. During the 2006 nesting season, these nest boxes resulted in 1 1 bluebird nesting attempts that produced 56 eggs, 37 hatchlings, 5 unhatched eggs, and 14 dead hatchlings. The 2006 fledging success rate was only 66%. The boxes also harbored three Carolina Chickadee nesting attempts that resulted in three hatchlings. Regrettably, there were five nesting failures, consisting of three clutches of bluebirds and two clutches of chickadees. Raccoons and House Sparrows ( Passer domesticus) were the cause of the failures, but such failures are common occurrences in the avian world, and these events underscore the fragility of songbird reproduction. To alleviate the problem, we intend to add sheet metal to nest box posts where raccoon predation was evident. If bluebirds exhibit some degree of nest box fidelity, it is hopeful that surviving adult bluebirds will return to this trail next spring and continue boosting the local population. Acknowledgments We wish to acknowledge the assistance of the Land Between the Lakes Association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Forest Service. The latter provided a vehicle for the fieldwork at LBL. We also wish to thank Phil Hazle, the Jailer for Calloway County, Kentucky, who provided replacement nest boxes through a special training program he has 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 71 developed for the jail inmates. The nesting data in this report will be shared with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Forest Service, Lake Barkley State Resort Park, John James Audubon State Park, the Land Between the Lakes Association, the North American Blue¬ bird Society, the Kentucky Bluebird Society, and other governmental or ornithological organizations. Literature Cited Grubb, T.C., Jr., and V.V. Pravosudov. 1994. Tufted Titmouse (Pants bicolor ). In The Birds of North America, No. 86 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). Philadelphia: The Acad¬ emy of Natural Sciences; Washington, D.C. The American Ornithologists’ Union. Toops, C. 1994. Bluebirds Forever. Voyageur Press, Inc., Stillwater, MN. 128 p. U.S. Geological Survey. 2007. http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs. gov/cgi-bin/atlasa99.pl?06370& 1&05. — 322 Bittersweet Lane, Henderson, KY, 42420 (blubrds@bellsouth.net) Spring Season 2007 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely The spring 2007 season was one of extreme temperature variation. Following a colder- than-average period in February, temperatures in March averaged above normal, largely due to a period of near record-high temperatures during the latter two weeks that made the month the fifth warmest March on record at Louisville. However, temperatures abruptly “went south” in early April, and a nearly two-week period of near record-cold temperatures from 4-15 April set spring back significantly. Emerging vegetation was significantly burned back, and it took several weeks for deciduous trees and shrubs to begin to recover. As a result, returning summer residents and migrants were confronted with very unusual con¬ ditions. Temperatures during May subsequently returned to above-normal. Precipitation was below-average for the three-month period, with March and May being the driest months; southern portions of the state suffered from lack of rainfall more than the northern portions. The loss of early season food due to the April freeze was at least partly respon¬ sible for an unprecedented showing of several species at feeding stations; included in the trend were primarily Cardinalids like Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Blue Grosbeaks, and Indigo Buntings. Rarity highlights included two Western grebes, three Anhingas, multiple reports of Glossy Ibis, Yellow Rail, Hudsonian Godwit, Little Gull, Iceland Gull, Painted Bunting, and continuing Spotted Towhee and Scott's Oriole. 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 - 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; 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; Berea Forest = Berea College Forest, Madison ; Black Mt. = Black Mt., Harlan', Blackacre = Blackacre SNP, Jefferson', Blood River = Blood River embayment, Kentucky Lake, Calloway, Boatwright = Boatwright WMA, Ballard; Camp #9 = Peabody Camp #9 coal preparation plant, Union ; Camp #1 1 = former Camp #1 1 mine, Union; Caperton = Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve, 72 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Jefferson ; C'hanev Lake = Chaney Lake, Warren; Cherokee Park = Cherokee Park, Jef¬ ferson. ; DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Drakesboro = Drakesboro, Muhlenberg; Ellis Park = Ellis Park Race Track, Henderson; Falls of the Ohio = Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson; Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment of Lake Cumberland, Pulaski; Floyds Fork = Floyds Fork Park, Jefferson; Gibraltar = Gibraltar Mine site, Muhlenberg; Green Turtle Bay = Lake Barkley from Green Turtle Bay, Livingston! Lyon; Hardy Slough = Hardy Slough, Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson; Hickman = Hickman, Fulton; Homestead = Homestead Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio; Honey Cypress Slough = Honey Cypress Slough, Grassy Pond-Powells Lake Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson; Horse Pond Slough = Horse Pond Slough along West Franklin Road, Henderson; Horseshoe Road = slough next to Horseshoe Road, Henderson; J.J. Audubon = J.J. Audubon State Park, Henderson; Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall; Ky Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall; Kv Dam Village = Kentucky Dam Village SRP, Marshall; Ky Lake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall! Lyon/ Calloway/Trigg; Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon; Lake Barkley = Lake Barkley, Lyon/Trigg; Lake No. 9 = Lake No. 9, Fulton; LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 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; Melco = Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson; Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan; Mitchell Lake = Mitchell Lake, Ballard WMA, Ballard; Mt. Zion = Mt. Zion, Pulaski; Obion = Obion WMA, Fulton; Open Pond = Open Pond, Fulton; Paradise = Paradise Power Plant impoundments, Muhlenberg; Petersburg = Petersburg, Boone; Pleasant Hill Church Road = Pleasant Hill Church Road, Trigg; Richmond = Rich¬ mond, Madison; Sandy Slough = Sandy Slough at West Franklin Road, Henderson; Sauer¬ heber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson; Shaker Mill = Shaker Mill, Warren; Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg; SNP = State Nature Pre¬ serve; SRP = State Resort Park; Swan Lake = Swan Lake Unit Boatwright WMA, Ballard; at Uniontown Mt. Vernon Road = slough along Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road near Mt. Vernon, Indiana, Union; WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose - latest re¬ ports were of 2 at Mitchell Lake 21 March (BP) and 1 with a broken wing at Sauer¬ heber 21 April (DR, KOS). Snow Goose - latest reports were of 1 1 at Mitchell Lake 3 May (BP) and an im¬ mature at Griffin Park, Warren, 24 May (DR). Ross's Goose - latest report was of at least 8 at Mitchell Lake 21 March (BP). Gadwall - peak counts of interest included ca. 125 along KY 252, Allen, 22 March (DR); ca. 180 at Blood River 26 March (BH); a few hundred in w. Henderson 9 April (DR); and 75 near Obion 26 April (BP). Latest reports were of 2 at Horse¬ shoe Road 6 May (DR, CC); a few at Lake No. 9 on 7 May (DR); a pair at Ky Dam 8 May (BP, AS); and a female at Paradise 1 1 May (BY, MY). American Wigeon - latest report was of a pair at Mitchell Lake 8 May (BP, AS). American Black Duck - latest report was of 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 1 1 May (BP). Blue-winged Teal - peak counts of interest included “hundreds” in w. Henderson 9 April (DR) and 200-250 at Obion 26 April (BP); latest reports of possible breeding birds included 3 at Camp #11 on 12 May (BP); 2 males at Horseshoe Road and 1 male at Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road, both 23 May (BP); 2 at Lake No. 9 on 23 May (DR); and 3 males and a female at Island No. 8 Slough, Fulton, 24 May (BP). Northern Shoveler - peak counts were of 250+ at Ballard 21 March (BP); a few hundred at Ky Dam 28 March (DR); and ca. 335 in w. Henderson 10 April (BP). Latest report was of a male at Swan Lake 23 May (BP). Green-winged Teal - peak count was of ca. 450 in w. Henderson 10 April (BP); latest reports were of single males in the Lower 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 73 Hickman Bottoms and at Swan Lake, both 17 May (BP). Canvasback - a late season count of more than 1 00 on Cave Run Lake, Bath/ Rowan, 19 April (JBs) was notable. Redhead - peak count was of 50 at A.J. Jolly 8 March (FR); latest reports were of 11 at Taylorsville Lake, Anderson , 19 April (BW) and a male that lingered at Clifty Pond, Pulaski, to the end of May (RD). Ring-necked Duck - a notable count of 170 was made at A.J. Jolly 8 March (FR); a male was still at Lake No. 9 on 24 May (BP). Greater Scaup - reports of interest included 8 at Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road 21 March (DR); 2 females on Lake Cumber¬ land above the dam, Russell, 13 April (RD); 15-20 on Barren 14 April (DR); and a female still on Ky Lake above the dam 2 May (BP et al.). Lesser Scaup - latest reports of possibly injured birds were of 23 on Lake Barkley above the dam 22 May (DR) and 7 at Kuttawa 23 May (BP). Surf Scoter - there were a few reports, all being included: 1 at Paradise 1 March (RD)-3 March (BY, MY); 10+ on Ky Lake above the dam 30 March (DR); at least 9 at the same location 31 March (BY, MY, BP); and a male at South Shore WMA, Greenup, 21 April (ph.RS). White-winged Scoter - 1 was still present on the Ohio River at Louisville 2 March (DA). Bufflehead - a male lingered at the Ky Dam Village beach area into the last week of May (m. ob.). Common Goldeneye - latest reports in¬ cluded a female at Ky Dam Village mar¬ ina 24 April (BP); an immature male at Ky Dam 8 May (BP, AS); and a male, most certainly injured, that lingered on Lake No. 9 to at least 24 May (BP). Hooded Merganser - females with young were observed as follows: at Homestead 8 May (DR); at Split Rock Conservation Park, Boone, 12 May (LM); at Caperton (2 broods) 13 May (MS); at both Horse Pond Slough and the slough along KY 268 nw. of Sauerheber, Henderson, both 30 May (BP); and at Honey Cypress Slough 3 1 May (CC). Red-breasted Merganser - peak count was of 200-300 on Lake Barkley above the dam 4 March (BY, MY); latest reports were of single females at Lake No. 9 on 8 May (DR); at East Bend Power Plant, Boone , 12 May (LM); and on the Ohio River at Louisville 16 May (BP). Ruddy Duck - peak counts were of 250-300 on Lake Barkley above the dam 28 March (DR) and ca. 350 on Lake Barkley at the Silo Overlook, Lyon/Trigg, 30 March (DR); latest report was of 1 on Lake Bark¬ ley above the dam 3 May (BP). Red-throated Loon - the only report was of 1 on Ky Lake at the mouth of Little Bear Creek, Marshall, 30 March (DR). Common Loon - notable peak counts included 20 at Paradise 20 March (DR); at least 15 at Lake Peewee, Hopkins, 21 March (BP); 100+ scattered on Ky Lake, Marshall, 29 March (BP, EH); 275+ total on Ky Lake/Lake Barkley 30 March (DR); ca. 25 on Barren 14 April (DR); and 52 at Cave Run Lake, Bath/Rowan, 15 April (MWr, MG). Other reports of interest included 6 on Barren (DR) and 1 7 on Ky Lake above the dam, 1 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, and 1 at Paradise (BY, MY), all 11 May; 1 at Camp #9 on 12 May (BP); 1 on Shanty Hollow Lake, Warren, 15 May (DR); 1 at Petersburg 20 May (LM); and 2 above Ky Dam 17 May (BP) with 1 still there 23 May (BP). Pied-billed Grebe - late spring reports of possible breeders included 1 at Caperton 4 May (BY) and 6 May (BP et al.); a few at Camp #11 into mid-May (BP); 1 at Lake No. 9 on 7/23 May (DR); and 1 at Horse¬ shoe Road 30 May (BP). Horned Grebe - latest report was of 2 at Camp #9 on 3 May (BP). Eared Grebe - there were three reports, all being included: 1 was still at Paradise 10 March (BY, KOS); 1 near Ky Dam Village beach 21 March (*BP, KH); and 1 74 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 PHOTO SALON OF SPRING 2007 WATERBIRDS Glossy Ibis, Fulton 3 May 2007 Photo by David Roemer Piping Plover, Jefferson 27 April 2007 Photo by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. American Avocets (most of 9), Marshall 24 April 2007 Photo by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Black-necked Stilt, Ballard 30 April 2007 Photo by Scott Record Glossy Ibis, Henderson 21 April 2007 Photo by David Roemer 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 75 PHOTO SALON OF SPRING 2007 WATERBIRDS Hudsonian Godwit ( 1 of 2), Henderson 25 April 2007 Photo by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Marbled Godwits (some of 37), Marshall 19 April 2007 Photo by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. nug \ i kj i i w irtui o r ilai i 16 May 2007 Photo by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Dunlin, Long-billed Dowitchers (2), and Wilson's Phalarope, Union , 25 April 2007 Photo by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Red-necked Phalarope, Henderson , 23 May 2007 Photo by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 76 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 on Lake Barkley near Energy Lake, Trigg, 30 March (DR). Western Grebe - 2 were present on Ky Lake above the dam 28 March-18 April (vt.DR et al.). KBRC review required. Western Grebes (2), Ky Lake, Marshall 28 March 2007 Video clip by David Roemer American White Pelican reports of inter¬ est included no less than 600 at Blood River 9 March (HC); 300 on Lake Bark¬ ley 30 March (DR); 4 on the Lexington Reservoir 25 March (JW); 1 at Paradise 18-19 April (BP); 16 still on Ky Lake, Calloway , 1 2 May {fide HC); and 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville 25 May (LD). Double-crested Cormorant peak counts included “thousands” moving northward on Lake Barkley 28 March with 15,000 (a new state high count) on Lake Barkley off the Silo Overlook, Lyon/Trigg, and an additional 1000 at Kuttawa 30 March (DR); with 1500+ still on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 13 April (BP). Two on the Casey Creek em- bayment of Green River Lake, Adair, 26 May (RD) were relatively late. Birds were reported nesting on Ky Lake, Calloway, 13 May (HC). Anhinga - 3 males were seen soaring over Obion 7 May (ph.DR). This repre¬ sents an early arrival date for the state and the first of more than 1 individual since 1950. KBRC review required. American Bittern - there were several reports, all being included: singles heard at Sauerheber 9 April (DR) and 10 April (BP); 2 at Sinclair 18 April (BP); 1 heard in se. Hopkins 19 April (BP); 1 at Boatwright 20 April (SRe); 3 at Sauerheber 21 April (DR, KOS) with 1 there 22 April (CC); and 1 at Homestead 17 May (DR). Least Bittern - there were several reports, all being included: 1 heard e. of Drakes- boro 29 April (BP, AC) and 1 1 May (BY, MY); 1 heard at Hardy Slough 6 May (BY, MY); 2 heard at Camp #11 on 12 May (BP); 1 seen at Grassy Pond-Powells Lake Unit Sloughs WMA, Union, 19 May (CC); and 1 heard near the n. end of Lake No. 9 on 24 May (BP). Great Blue Heron new nesting colonies were reported from Grayson Lake WMA, Elliott, (SF); Ky Lake, Calloway (HC); and at the Mill Creek power plant, sw. Jefferson (DC). Great Egret early reports of interest in¬ cluded 1 at Sauerheber 15 March (CC); 1 at England-Idlewild Park, Boone, 24 March (LM) and 2 at A.J. Jolly 30 March (FR). Four pairs were present with Great Blue Herons at a new nesting colony at Sinclair 28-29 April/9 May (DR, KOS). Peak counts included ca. 100 at Obion 23 May (DR) and 60+ at Hardy Slough 28 May (CC). Also of interest were 2 in El¬ liott 25 April (EM). Anhingas (3 males), Fulton 7 May 2007 Photo by David Roemer 2007 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 77 Snowy Egret - reports of interest included 1 at Drakesboro 27 April (DR, JR) and 1 at Horseshoe Road 30 May (BP). Little Blue Heron - reports of interest in¬ cluded 5 in s. Ohio 27 April (DR, JR); 1 at Homestead 8 May (DR); and 1 at Mary- dale, Boone, 18-19 May (LH). Cattle Egret - earliest report was of 3 on Lake Barkley above the dam 31 March (BP, BY, MY); 1 at Petersburg 7 April (LM) was notable for n. Kentucky. Black-crowned Night-Heron - 85 at the Falls of the Ohio 30 May (BP) was a relatively impressive count for recent years. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - there were a few reports, all being included: 1-2 at Boatwright 19-20 April (SRe); 1 at a nest along Woodbine Drive, Lexington, in mid-May (PD, fide JW); and 1-3 along the Greenbelt Highway, sw. Jefferson, during the last two weeks of May (CL et al.). Glossy Ibis - there was an impressive flurry of reports, all being included: 2 uncon¬ firmed Plegadis sp. at Sauerheber 18 April (MM) with 1 being subsequently confirmed to be an adult Glossy 21 April (ph.DR, KOS) and again 25 April (BP); an adult at Long Point 3 May (ph.DR); and 1 at Sauerheber 6 May (ph.DR, CC) that was different than the individual observed 21/25 April (DR, CC). An uni¬ dentified ibis was noted flying over Cypress Creek, Muhlenberg, 24 March (WR). KBRC review required. Black Vulture - active nests were located at Kentucky River WMA, Henry, with 2 eggs 27 March and 2 young 15 May (BP et ah), and at East Bend Power Plant, Boone, with 2 small young 12 May (LM). Osprey - returning nesting birds were wide¬ spread on Lake Barkley by the second week of March (m. ob.); other early birds were observed at Paradise 1 0 March (BY, KOS); Lake Cumberland, Pulaski, 14 March (RD); and Minor Clark 18 March (LH). A new nest was located on the Ten¬ nessee River immediately below Ky Dam, Livingston, in mid-April (BP); another was unsuccessful at Shippingport Island, Jefferson, in late May (BV et ah). Mississippi Kite - 2 near Obion 26 April (BP) represented a new early arrival date; outside of known breeding areas, a sub¬ adult in Butler 9 May (ph.DR) was of in¬ terest. Bald Eagle - several new nests were located this spring as follows: on the Blood River embayment of Ky Lake, Calloway (HC et ah); on French Island No. 2 on the Ohio River, Daviess (B&BVa et ah); along the Mississippi River w. of Hickman, Fulton, (SV, AS); below Barkley Dam, Lyon (BP); at Taylorsville Lake, Spencer (LF, KR); on the Little River embayment of Lake Barkley, Trigg (PFn et ah); and along the Ohio River near Bedford, Trim¬ ble (RBe); a count of 14 (all but one being sub-adults) in view at one time at Obion 26 April (BP) was notable. Northern Harrier - a late-season count of 15-20 over a recently burned area at Sinclair (BY, KOS) was notable; latest reports away from known nesting areas were 1 at Open Pond 20 May (HC) and a male in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 23 May (DR), probably different birds. Sharp-shinned Hawk - a female banded in Michigan 30 April 2005 was recovered along Tates Creek Road, Lexington, in mid-April (AS, SV). Red-tailed Hawk - there were a number of reports of western forms, especially dur¬ ing the March migratory period for the species (DR, BP, AS); an adult light morph B.j. calurus s. of Catesville, Web¬ ster, 8 March (AS) was a county-first for western forms. A Red-tailed Hawk band¬ ed at French River, Minnesota, in October 1991 as a hatch-year bird was recovered along Billy Drake Road, Muhlenberg, 13 March 2007, making it more than 1 5 years old (SRo ,fide AS). Rough-legged Hawk - latest reports were of 2 at Sinclair 10 March (BY, KOS); and 1 at Gibraltar and 3 at the East Volunteer Mine, Hopkins, both 16 March (BP, AS, SV). 78 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol, 83 Golden Eagle - the only reports were of a juvenile at Berea Forest 1 1 March (SM, RBr) and a juvenile at Homestead 8 April (ph.DR). Merlin - there were only a few reports, all being included: 1 at Sinclair of the prairie race (F. c. richardsonii) 20 March (ph. DR); 1 at Homestead 8 April (DR); and 1 at Open Pond 5 May (BY, MY). Peregrine Falcon - as of mid-May, 8 of 9 known nesting pairs along the Ohio River had active nests (SV, AS, BV); there were a number of reports of birds other than local nesters, all being included: 1 along KY 268, Henderson, 18 March (CC); an adult at Hardy Slough 27 March (DR); 1 at Sauerheber 1 April (CC); 1 at Obion and 1 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms, both 14 April (BP); 1 near Obion 18 April (DR); 1 on Ky Lake, Calloway, 20 April (HC); 1 over Sandy Slough 21 April (DR, KOS); I near Horseshoe Road 25 April (BP); 1 near Obion 26 April (BP); singles at Obion and at Long Point, both 3 May (DR); 1 at Melco 4 May (EH); and 1 at Swan Lake 5 May (BY, MY). Yellow Rail at least 1 and possibly 2 were observed during a prescribed burn of a native grass planting in ne. Crittenden 23 March (*BM). KBRC review required. King Rail - the only report was of 1 heard at Hardy Slough 10 April (BP). Virginia Rail - there were several reports, all being included: 1 heard e. of Drakes- boro and 2 heard at Gibraltar, both 10 March (BY, KOS); 2 heard at Gibraltar 31 March (BP, BY, MY); 7 at Sauerheber 21 April (DR, MWa, KOS); 2 acting terri¬ torial e. of Drakesboro 29 April (BP, AC); 1 at Hardy Slough 30 April (DR); and 1 at Pumphrey Farm, Pulaski, 4 May (RD, GH). Sora - earliest report was of 1 at Sauerheber 27 March (DR); peak count of at least 65 at Sauerheber 21 April (DR, KOS) estab¬ lished a new state high count. Common Moorhen - there were a few re¬ ports, all being included: 1 at Hardy Slough 21 April (DR, KOS) and 28 April (MS); 1 heard at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, 6 May (DR, CC); and 2 at Camp #1 1 on 12 May (BP). American Coot - peak count was of 10,000+ on Lake Barkley 30 March (DR); late reports of interest included ca. 75 still at Camp #11 on 12 May (BP); 2 at Split Rock Conservation Park, Boone, 12 May (LM); 60 still on Ky Lake, Calloway, 12 May {fide HC); 1 at Melco 16 May (BP); 10-12 still on Lake No. 9 on 24 May (BP); and 7 at Camp #9 on 30 May (BP). Sandhill Crane - northbound flocks were conspicuous during the first week of March, but declined significantly there¬ after; ca. 700-1000 were still in w. Hardin 4 March (N&GE); latest report was of 1 over Sinclair 29 April (DR, KOS). Black-bellied Plover earliest reports were of 3 near Obion 26 April (BP) and 1 heard at Sandy Slough 30 April (DR); peak count was of 15 at Camp #9 on 16 May (BP); latest reports were of 2 on the Mis¬ sissippi River at Island No. 1, Carlisle, 24 May (BP) and 1 at Horseshoe Road 31 May (CC). American Golden-Plover - earliest report was of 1 at Chaney Lake 3 March (DR) that tied the state’s early arrival date; peak count was of ca. 80 along Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road 27 March (DR); latest report was of 1 near Open Pond 10 May (BY, MY). Other reports of interest included 7 in Henderson 21 March (DR); 2 at Melco 4 April (BP); 1 at Minor Clark 23 April (MWr); 2 near Ellis Park 25 April (BP); 7 at Open Pond 26 April (BP); and 6 near Monkey’s Eyebrow, Ballard, 3 May (SRe). Semipalmated Plover - earliest reports were of singles at Fishing Creek 18 April (RD) and at Horseshoe Road 19 April (BP). Notable peak counts included 86 near Long Point 2 May (MT); 200+ at Horseshoe Road 7 May (BP, AS); 100+ at Swan Lake 9 May (SRe); 40 at Fishing Creek 12 May (RD); 110 at Melco 15 May (BP) which established a new high count for the Louisville area; 275+ at Horseshoe Road 17 May (BP); and 44 total at Fishing Creek and Pulaski County Park, 1 8 May (DR). Latest reports were of 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 79 2 at Fishing Creek 27 May (RD) and 30+ at Horseshoe Road 30 May (BP). Piping Plover - there were two reports: 1 at Melco 27 April (LM, ph.BP, et al.) and 1 at Camp #9 on 7 May (ph.BP). Black-necked Stilt - there were several re¬ ports, all being included: 2 near Obion 18 April (DR); 3-4 at Hardy Slough 30 April (DR); 4 at Cook Slough, Ballard, 30 April (ph.SRe); 2 pair at Swan Lake 3 May (ph. BP); a pair at Open Pond 10 May (vt.BY, MY); and a female at Camp #9 on 23 May (ph.BP). American Avocet - there were two reports: 9 at the Ky Dam Village beach 24 April (KA, ph.BP) and 1 at Green Turtle Bay 3 May (ph.BP). Spotted Sandpiper - latest reports were of 1 at Fishing Creek 24 May (RD); singles at several sites in Henderson/Union (BP) and 3 at Lake No. 9 (DR), all 23 May; 1 calling as if territorial at Horseshoe Road 30 May (BP); and 1 on the Ohio River along Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road 31 May (CC). Solitary Sandpiper - earliest report was of 1 at Jonathan Creek 26 March (BH); peak count was of at least 90 at Mitchell Lake 3 May (BP). Greater Yellowlegs - earliest reports were of 2 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 3 March (BY, MY) and 1 at Blood River 7 March (HC, ME); peak counts included ca. 250 at Muddy Slough, Sauerheber, 9 April (DR) and ca. 150 at Obion 14 April (BP) with 200+ there 18 April (DR). Lat¬ est reports were of singles at Horseshoe Road (BP) and Lake No. 9 (DR), both 23 May. Willet - there were a number of reports, all being included: 18 at Kuttawa and 2 at Camp #9, both 24 April (BP); 4 at Kut¬ tawa 25 April (BP); 1 near Long Point and 53 at Kuttawa 26 April (BP); 6 at Camp #9 (BP) and 60+ at Freeman Lake, Har¬ din, (RH), both 1 May; 2 at Ky Dam Vil¬ lage beach 2 May (BP et al.); 1 heard over Mitchell Lake 3 May (BP); 3 at Paradise 4 May (BY, MY); 5 at Ky Dam Village beach 7 May (SRe, DR); 1 at Melco 6-13 May (BP, EH, et al.); and 14 at the Ky Dam Village beach 10 May (KC) with 38 there 10 May (BY, MY) and 1 there 15 May (HC). Lesser Yellowlegs - earliest report was of 1 at Chaney Lake 3 March (DR); notable peak counts included ca. 250 at Obion 14 April (BP); ca. 300+ at and near Obion 18 April (DR) with 300+ at Obion 26 April (BP); and 125 at Ballard 3 May (BP). Upland Sandpiper - there were only two reports: 1 near Chaney Lake 18 April (ph. BP) and 1 e. of Murray, Calloway, 9 May (KC). Hudsonian Godwit - 2 females were pres¬ ent at Horse Pond Slough 25 April (ph. BP). KBRC review required. Marbled Godwit - 37 including 1 that had been banded in coastal Georgia were at Ky Dam Village beach 19 April (ph.BP). KBRC review required. Ruddy Turnstone - there were a few re¬ ports, all being included: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 12 May (MA); and 1 at Par¬ adise, I at Camp #9, and 6 at Kuttawa, all 16 May (BP). Sanderling - there were a few reports, all being included: 4 at Camp #9 on 15 May (BP), and 5 at Kuttawa and 10 at Ky Dam, both 16 May (ph.BP). Semipalmated Sandpiper - earliest report was of 1 at Paradise 27 April (DR, JR). Notable peak counts included 100-125 at Melco 16 May (BP); 325 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms and ca. 200 n. of Hick¬ man, both 17 May (BP); 125-150+ at Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road, 250+ at Horseshoe Road and 650+ at Sandy Slough, all 23 May (BP); ca. 120 at Lake No. 9 on 23 May (DR); 62 at Fishing Creek 27 May (RD); and “hundreds” at Horseshoe Road 31 May (CC). One was also still at Fishing Creek 31 May (RD). Western Sandpiper - 1 at Jonathan Creek 15 March (BH) was either an overwin¬ tering bird or early migrant; additional re¬ ports of spring migrants were of 8 at Para¬ dise 28 April with 4 still there 29 April (DR, KOS); 1 at Sandy Slough 28 April 80 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 (MS); and 1 at Swan Lake 3 May (BP) and 4 May (SRe). Least Sandpiper - peak counts were rela¬ tively unimpressive and included 72+ at Melco 10 May (EH); 109 at Fishing Creek 12 May (RD); and 75 n. of Hickman 17 May (BP). Latest report was of 3 at Fish¬ ing Creek 24 May (RD). White-rumped Sandpiper earliest report was of 1 near Horseshoe Road 19 April (BP) that established a new early arrival date for the state. Peak counts included at least 10 at Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road 16 May (BP), and 25-30+ just e. of Open Pond and 40-45+ n. of Hickman, both 17 May (BP). Latest reports were of 4 at Horseshoe Road and 2 at Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road, both 30 May (BP). Other reports of interest included 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 1 1/16 May (BP); 1 at Meng’s Pond, Warren , 12 May (DR); 2-3 at Mel¬ co 15-18 May (BP, EH, et al.); and 3 at Fishing Creek 19 May (RD). Baird's Sandpiper - there were a few re¬ ports, all being included: 1 near Horse¬ shoe Road 19 April (BP); 1 at Sandy Slough 30 April (ph.DR); and singles in the Lower Hickman Bottoms (HC, ME) and near Ellis Park (BP), both 1 May. Pectoral Sandpiper - early reports included 3 at Sauerheber 4 March (BY, MY); 1 at Fishing Creek 5 March (RD) and 44 at Chaney Lake 7 March (DR); peak counts included ca. 350 along Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road 27 March (DR); ca. 200 at Obion 14 April (BP) with 200 at and near Obion 18 April (DR); 500+ near Horse¬ shoe Road 19 April (BP); ca. 200 at Swan Lake 3 May (BP); and ca. 500 at Obion 3 May (DR). Dunlin - earliest reports were of 1 along Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road 27 March (DR); 1 in w. Henderson 10 April (BP); and 2 at Melco 1 1 April (EH). Peak counts were relatively unimpressive and included 10 at Sauerheber 28 April (MS); ca. 20 at Horseshoe Road 6 May (DR); 10 at Minor Clark 16 May (MWr); 25-30 at Paradise 16 May (BP); 37 n. of Hickman 17 May (BP); 17 at Sandy Slough 17 May (BP); and 35 at Horseshoe Road 19 May (CC). Latest report was of 10 at Horse¬ shoe Road 31 May (CC). Other reports of interest included 1 at Minor Clark 13 April (MWr); 8 at Melco 26 April (EH, MWa); 1 at Fishing Creek 12 May (RD) and 18 May (DR); 5 at the Falls of the Ohio and 1 at Melco, both 16 May (BP); and 1 at Pulaski County Park 18 May (DR) Stilt Sandpiper - earliest reports were of 1 at Hardy Slough 30 April (DR) and singles in the Lower Hickman Bottoms (HC, ME) and at Ballard (BP), both 1 May. Peak counts were of 19 at Paradise and 7 at Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road, both 16 May (BP); the farthest e. reports were of 1-2 at Melco 15-18 May (BP, EH, et al.). Short-billed Dowitcher - earliest reports were of 1 seen/heard at Camp #9 on 24 April (BP); 3 at Willow Pond, Fulton , 26 April (BP); and 1 near Long Point 27 April (MT). Peak counts were of 15 at Open Pond 10 May (BY, MY); 21 at Fish¬ ing Creek 12 May (RD); 12 at Horseshoe Road 15 May (BP); and 19 at Minor Clark 16 May (MWr). Long-billed Dowitcher - earliest report was of 3 at Obion 14 April (BP). Peak counts were of 19 at Sauerheber 25 April (BP); 22 at Camp #9 on 1 May (BP); 15 at Mitchell Lake 1 May (BP); and ca. 10 at Lake No. 9 on 3 May (DR). Other notable reports included 1 at Melco 22 April (BP et al.) and 1 at Meng’s Pond, Warren , 2 May (DR). Also, most of 52 dowitcher sp. at Sauerheber 28 April (CC, *MS) and at least 1 in a group of dowitchers at South Shore WMA, Greenup , 7 May (*RS) were likely Long-billed. Wilson’s Snipe peak count was of 150 total in w. Henderson with a flock of ca. 130 along KY 136 on 21 March (DR); latest report was of 1 at Honey Cypress Slough 6 May (DR, CC). Wilson's Phalarope - there were a few re¬ ports, all being included: 2 at Horse Pond Slough, 3 at Sauerheber, and 1 at Camp #9, all 25 April (BP); and 2 at Obion and 1 at Open Pond, both 26 April (BP). 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 81 Red-necked Phalarope - a probable male was at Horseshoe Road 23 May (ph.BP). KBRC review required. Laughing Gull - there were several reports, all being included: 3 at the Falls of the Ohio 3 May (MS); 1 at Ky Dam 7 May (SRe, DR) with 3 there 8 May (DR); an adult over Homestead 9 May (DR); and an adult at Green Turtle Bay 11/16/18 May (BP). Franklin's Gull - the only report was of an adult on Lake Barkley above the dam 31 March (BP, BY, MY). Little Gull - an adult was observed on Lake Barkley above the dam 31 March (BY, MY, *BP) to 13 April (BP). KBRC re¬ view required. Bonaparte's Gull - peak counts of interest included ca. 1500 still on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 30 March (DR) and 200+ at Barren 14 April (DR); latest reports included 9 at Ky Dam Village 3 May (BP) with 1 first- year bird there to 10 May (KC). Ring-billed Gull - as usual, small numbers lingered in the vicinity of Ky Dam and on Lake Barkley, Lyon, into late May (m. ob.); 4 were still at the Falls of the Ohio 30 May (BP). Herring Gull - notable late-season peak counts included nearly 300 in the vicinity of Ky Dam 28 March (DR) and 10-15 at the Falls of the Ohio 3 May (MS); latest reports included I at the Falls of the Ohio 12 May (MA); 1 on Ky Lake, Cal¬ loway, 12 May (fide HC); 1 below Smithland Dam on the Ohio River, Livingston, 1 or 2 at Green Turtle Bay, and 2 at Ky Dam, both 18 May (BP); and 1 below New¬ burgh Dam on the Ohio Riv¬ er, Henderson, and 1 at Ky Dam, both 23 May (BP). Thayer’s Gull - the only re¬ ports were of a first-year bird at Ky Dam 28 March (ph. DR) and 31 March (*BP, BY, MY). Iceland Gull - a first- or second-year bird was present at Kuttawa 28 March (vt.DR). KBRC review required. Lesser Black-backed Gull - the only re¬ ports were of an adult at Wildcat Creek embayment, Ky Lake, Calloway, 26 March (BH); an adult on Lake Barkley near Energy Lake, Trigg, 30 March (ph. DR); and a first-year bird at Kuttawa 26 April (*BP). Caspian Tern - earliest reports were of 2 on Lake Barkley 28 March (DR) and 2 at Minor Clark 13 April (MWr); peak counts were unimpressive and included 1 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 1 1 May (BP); latest report was of 2 at Ky Dam 22 May (DR). Black Tern - the only report was of 2 above Ky Dam 17 May (BP). Common Tern - there were only a few re¬ ports, all being included: 1 at Barren 1 1 May (DR); at least 2 of about 20 Sterna terns above Ky Dam 12 May (BP); I at Lake Barkley, Lyon, 15 May (HC): and at least 2 and maybe most or all of 25 Sterna terns above Ky Dam 17 May (BP). Forster's Tern - latest report was of 7 first- year birds at Green Turtle Bay 23 May (BP). Eurasian Collared-Dove - 1 on KY 90 in Monroe just east of the Barren line 25 April (BSt) provided a county-first. Iceland Gull, Lake Barkley, Lyon 28 March 2007 Video clip by David Roemer 82 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Black-billed Cuckoo - there were several reports, all being included: 1 heard at Richmond 21 April (TH); 1 at Swan Lake 5 May (BY, MY); 1 at Blackacre 6 May (EH, BBC); 1 at Floyds Fork (AL, fide BW) and 1 at Barren River Lake SRP, Barren (SSt et al.), both 7 May; 1 at LBL, Lyon, 8 May (MS); 1 along Sinking Creek, Laurel, 10 May (BP); 1 at Chero¬ kee Park 13 May (BW, BBC); 1 that hit a window in e. Fayette 23 May (DS); and 1 along Pleasant Hill Church Road 25 May (BL, PL). Barn Owl - there were a few reports, all being included: 1 near Science Hill, Pu¬ laski, 16 March (RD); 1 at last year’s nest site just se. of New Castle, Plenty, 4 April (BP); a family of 5 young at Dalesburg, Fleming, 1 May (SF); and 4 including young in e. Calloway 12 May (HC). Long-eared Owl - 3 lingered at the River- queen Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg, to 20 March (BP); 4 were noted in a yard in ne. Boyle in early March, with 4 lin¬ gering there to 21 March and 1 last ob¬ served there 23 March (KS). Short-eared Owl latest reports were of at least 8 at the Ken Hopewell Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio, 6 March (EW) and 7 at Sin¬ clair during the second week of March (PFr). Whip-poor-will earliest reports were of birds heard in Hart 29 March (SK) and Elliott 30 March (EM). Chimney Swift - earliest report was of 1 at Shaker Mill 6 April (DR). Ruby-throated Hummingbird - earliest re¬ ports were of birds in Hart (SK) and at Glasgow, Barren, (LC), both 7 April. Rufous Hummingbird the female that overwintered at Louisville was last ob¬ served 18 March (MC). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker — latest report was of 1 at Floyds Fork 7 May (AL, fide BW). Olive-sided Flycatcher - there were several reports, all being included: 1 at Blackacre (EH, BBC) and 2 at Cherokee Park (MWa), both 6 May; 2 in Fulton 7 May (DR); 1 at Ballard 8 May (BP, AS); 2 at LBL, Lyon, 1 1 May (BY, MY); and 1 at Caperton 12 May (BY, MY). Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - there were on¬ ly a few reports, all being included: 1 at LBL, Lyon, 8 May (MS); 1 along Sinking Creek, Laurel, 10 May (BP); 1 at Berea Forest 1 1 May (TH); and 7 in Calloway 12 May (fide HC). Alder Flycatcher - there were several re¬ ports, all being included: 1 seen/heard at Swan Lake 3 May (BP); 1 heard at Honey Cypress Slough 6 May (DR, CC); 3+ at Dry Creek Unit, Barren River Lake WMA, Barren, 1 1 May (DR); 1 at Home¬ stead (DR), 2 heard at Boatwright (BP, AC), 1 in Calloway (fide HC), and 2 at Caperton (BY, MY), all 12 May; 1 at Caperton 21 May (MS); and 2 at Lake No. 9 on 23 May (DR). Willow Flycatcher - earliest reports were of 1 heard at Blood River 1 May (HC) that established a new early arrival date for the state; and 1 at Melco 4 May (BP). Least Flycatcher -earliest report was of 1 at Sinclair 28 April (DR, KOS); latest report away from se. Kentucky was of 1 at Mid¬ dletown, Jefferson, 26 May (BY); breed¬ ing birds were reported from the summit of Black Mt. 13 May (BY, MY) and 21 May (DR). Eastern Kingbird - earliest report was of 1 in Warren 9 April (DR); loose foraging Hocks of 45 (DR) and 27 (BY, MY) were reported in w. Henderson 6 May. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher earliest report was of 1 below Barkley Dam 2 April (PN, DR); birds continued both there and along KY 453, Livingston, in April and May, but nesting was not noted at either loca¬ tion. White-eyed Vireo - earliest reports were of 1 at LBL, Lyon, 30 March (DR) and 2 at LBL, Lyon, 31 March (BY, MY, BP), both of which were earlier than the pre¬ vious early arrival date for the state of 1 April. Bell’s Vireo - earliest report was of 2 at Sinclair 28 April (DR, KOS); 1 in Cal- 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 83 loway 12 May (fide HC) was away from known breeding areas.. Yellow-throated Vireo - earliest reports were of singles at LBL, Trigg, 30 March (DR) and at Blood River 2 April (ME), both of which were earlier than the pre¬ vious early arrival date for the state of 3 April. Blue-headed Vireo - earliest report was of 1 heard at Paintsville Lake WMA, John¬ son, 22 March (SF). Philadelphia Vireo - earliest report was of 1 at Mammoth Cave 27 April (SK). Red-eyed Vireo - earliest report was of 1 at Berea Forest 31 March (SM, RBr) that established a new early arrival date for the state. Fish Crow - earliest report was of 1 at Blood River 7 March (HC, ME); the spe¬ cies was noted at the margins of its nest¬ ing range in Henderson/Union and at Ky Dam several times (m. ob.). Common Raven - the only reports were of 1 heard near Paintsville Lake Dam, John¬ son, 22 March (SF); 1 at Black Mt. 13 May (BY, MY); and 2 at Black Mt. 21 May (DR). Purple Martin - the April cold snap was challenging for the species, at least in ne. Kentucky, where one colony was kept alive on crickets (SSw). Northern Rough-winged Swallow - ear¬ liest report was of 2 se. of Corbin, Knox, 21 March (CB). Bank Swallow - earliest report was of 1 at Paradise 8 April (DR). Cliff Swallow - earliest report was of at least 6 at Barkley Dam 21 March (BP). Barn Swallow - earliest reports were for singles in nw. Muhlenberg 20 March (BP) and at Barren 22 March (DR). Red-breasted Nuthatch - following a poor winter showing, predictably there were only a few reports during the spring sea¬ son, and probably only one of a migrant: 2 were still in sw. Ohio 10 March (BY, KOS); 1 was seen at the traditional Wolfe breeding location 24 March (FR, VR); and 1 at Berea Forest 28 April (TH, ASK). Bewick’s Wren - 1 was seen/heard along KY 607 nw. of Beechwood, Owen, 28 May (LM). Marsh Wren - there were several reports, all being included: 1 singing e. of Drakes- boro 10 March (BY, KOS) was probably a wintering individual; 1 at Camp #11 on 19 April (BP); 1 at Paradise 23 April (DR) and 28 April (DR, KOS); 1 near Long Point 2 May (MT); 1 at Ballard (BP) and 1 at Long Point (DR), both 3 May; and 1 at Hardy Slough 6 May (BY, MY). Ruby-crowned Kinglet - latest reports came from Calloway (fide HC) and Jef¬ ferson (fide BY), both 12 May. Eastern Bluebird - very few were noted in open farmland of the Bluegrass region in mid-April, suggesting some mortality dur¬ ing past February’s cold snap (m. ob.); in addition there were a few reports of dead bluebirds being found in nest boxes (m. ob.) and simply out on the open ground (JL) in the same area. Veery - earliest report was of 1 in Trigg 30 April (BL); a bird in Fulton 23 May (DR) was relatively late. Gray-cheeked Thrush - latest report was of 1 at Natural Bridge SRP, Powell, 24 May (AS). Hermit Thrush - 1 at Surrey Hills Farm, Jefferson, 6 May (BP et al.) was rather late. Wood Thrush - earliest report was of 1 near Fisherville, Jefferson, 13 April (EH, JHu). American Pipit - latest reports were of sin¬ gles at Ballard 9 May (SRe) and Melco 1 5 May (BP). Blue-winged Warbler - earliest report was of 1 at LBL, Trigg, 2 April (BL) that es¬ tablished a new early arrival date for the state. Golden-winged Warbler - there were sev¬ eral reports, all being included: a male at J.J. Audubon 25 April (BP); 3 along Plea¬ sant Hill Church Road 29 April (BL); 6 at LBL, Lyon, 2 May (BP et al.); 1 at Carter 84 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Caves SRP, Carter, 5 May (JV, ASK); 1 at Cherokee Park 6 May (MWa); 2 at Richmond 7 May (TH); 2 at LBL, Lyon, 8 May (BP, AS); and 2 in Calloway 12 May (j'ide HC). Orange-crowned Warbler there were several reports, all being included: at least 2 at Mt. Zion 20 April (RD); 1 at J.J. Audubon 25 April (BP); 1 at Long Point 26 April (BP); 1 in Hart 29 April (SK, JK); 1 at LBL, Trigg , 3 May (BL); 1 at Caperton 4 May (BY, MY); and 1 at LBL, Lyon, 8 May (MS). Nashville Warbler - earliest report was of 1 at Beargrass Creek SNP, Jefferson, 9 April (JBe, PB) that tied the early arrival date for the state. Northern Parula - earliest reports were of birds at Shaker Mill (DR) and in nw. Hart (RH), both 26 March. Chestnut-sided Warbler earliest report was of 1 along Pleasant Hill Church Road 22 April (BL). Magnolia Warbler - earliest report was of 1 at LBL, Trigg, 30 April (BL); latest reports were of singles at Mt. Zion 26 May (RD) and Middletown, Jefferson, 27 May (BY). Cape May Warbler it was an excellent spring for the species, with numerous re¬ ports and several comments concerning overall abundance. An especially remark¬ able concentration of no less than 30 and possibly as many as 50 birds foraged in a single large spruce tree at the Ky Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources headquarters in Frankfort, Franklin, during the first week of May (AS, BSm, SV, et al.). Black-throated Blue Warbler - reports of interest included a female at Lake Barkley SRP, Trigg, 20 April (HC, JHo); 1 at Mammoth Cave 27 April (SK); a male at Cherokee Park 5 May (MA); 1 at the Lexington Cemetery 5/6 May (SM); a male at Barren River Lake SRP, Barren, 7 May (SSt et al.); 1 at the UK Arboretum, Lexington, 8 May (RBu et al.); a male at Berea Forest 10 May (TH); and a male along Sinking Creek, Laurel, 10 May (BP). Blackburnian Warbler latest report was of I at the Laketon boat ramp, Carlisle , 24 May (BP). Prairie Warbler earliest report was of 1 at LBL, Trigg, 4 April (BL). Bay-breasted Warbler - earliest report was of 1 at Alpine Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski, 26 April (RD). Blackpoil Warbler earliest report was of 1 at J.J. Audubon 25 April (BP). Swainson's Warbler reports away from known breeding locations included 2 along Sinking Creek, Laurel, 10 May (BP) and 1 singing in s. Boyle 21/23 May (MH). Louisiana Waterthrush - earliest reports were of 1 at Mt. Zion 14 March (RD), that represented a new early arrival date for the state, and 3 in Trigg 22 March (BL). Connecticut Warbler the only reports were of 1 seen/heard at Surrey Hills Farm, Jefferson, 1 1 May (BP) and 2 at Shanty Hollow Lake, Warren, 15 May (DR). Mourning Warbler there were several re¬ ports, all being included: singles at Shaw¬ nee Park, Jefferson, (JBe, PB, BBC) and at LBL, Lyon, (BP, AS), both 8 May; 1 at Frankfort 10 May (GS); 1 at Mark, Pulaski (CN), and 1 at West Kentucky WMA, McCracken (SR), both 1 1 May; singles at Homestead and Shaker Mill (DR) and 1 at Floyds Fork (BW), all 12 May; 1 at Raven Run Nature Preserve, Fayette, 15 May (TH); 1 at McConnell Springs, Fayette, 16 May (ZC); 1 at Pu¬ laski County Park 12 May (AM) and 18 May (DR); and 1 at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone, 1 9 May (LM). Wilson's Warbler - earliest reports were of singles at Cherokee Park (MA) and Vet¬ erans Park, Lexington (BA), both 5 May. Spotted Tovvhee - the wintering male near Canmer, Hart, was last observed 15 April (CF). American Tree Sparrow - 60-70 were still in Henderson 4 March (DR). Chipping Sparrow - 2 near Centerview, Breckinridge, 3 March (BP, AC, et al.) may have been wintering birds. 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 85 Vesper Sparrow - earliest report was of 2 in Henderson 4 March (DR); peak count was of ca. 12 in Henderson 21 March (DR); latest report was of 1 along Mc¬ Donald Landing Road, w. Henderson, 21 April/6 May (DR). Lark Sparrow - there were a few reports, all being included: 1 at Long Point 14 April (BP); 1 along McDonald Landing Road, w. Henderson, 21 April (BP, MS, et al.) with 2 mating at the same location 6 May (BY, MY); and 1 at Swan Lake 8 May (BP, AS). Savannah Sparrow - latest reports were of 3 at Horseshoe Road (BP) and 1 in Fulton (DR), both 23 May. Henslow’s Sparrow - reports of interest included 1 to 2 birds along Charles Turner Road, Barren, 6-9 May (SSt et al.) that would represent a county-first if breeding; and 1 singing just w. of Harrodsburg, Mercer, 27 May (GD). White-throated Sparrow - 1 was still at a feeding station at Richmond 31 May (TH). Rose-breasted Grosbeak - it was an unpre¬ cedented spring for the species at feeding stations across the state; earliest reports were from Calloway (KC), Hart (B& BLt), and Morgan (DH), all 22 April; some impressive peak counts at feeding stations in early May included 50 at Cen¬ tra! Kentucky Wildlife Refuge, Boyle (JBy); at least 50 near Hartford, Ohio (B& BLt); and 30-40 at Central City, Muhlen¬ berg (SN); latest reports away from known breeding areas included 1 at Mt. Zion 20 May (RD); 1 at Henderson, Hen¬ derson, 3 1 May (CC); and a pair through the end of May in Kenton (MB , fide LM). Blue Grosbeak - this species, like the prev¬ ious one, also put in an above-normal showing at feeding stations during early May (m. ob.). Painted Bunting - a male and female were reported in a yard near Bethlehem, e.-cen. Hemy, 12 May (*ML, EL). KBRC review required. Bobolink - earliest report was of 1 heard at Sandy Slough 21 April (DR, KOS); mi¬ grants were not especially numerous this spring (m. ob.); 37 at Spindletop Farm, Fayette, 4 May (IS) was the largest num¬ ber reported away from far w. Kentucky. At least 8 territorial males were reported from just w. of Harrodsburg, Mercer, dur¬ ing the latter half of May (KD, GD, et al.); a female was unintentionally flushed from a nest containing 5 eggs there 28 May (GD). Rusty Blackbird - reports of interest in¬ cluded 15 at Petersburg 3 March (LM) and ca. 100 at Sloughs WMA, Henderson, 9 April (DR). Brewer's Blackbird - there were several reports, all being included: 1 at the WKU Farm, Warren, 1 March (DR); 4 along Smokey Road, Ballard, (BP) and 1 along KY 268, Henderson, (DR), both 21 March; 1 below Barkley Dam 29 March (BP, EH); 3 at the WKU Farm, Warren, 1 April (DR); 3 in Henderson 18 April (DR); and 3 at Sandy Slough 21 April (DR, KOS). Baltimore Oriole - earliest reports were of singles at Caperton (BY, MY) and Pan¬ orama Shores, Calloway, (KC), both 22 April. Scott’s Oriole - the female n. of Frankfort, Franklin, lingered to 23 April (F&DS et al.). Purple Finch - following a dismal winter for the species, a few migrants were re¬ ported at scattered locales from mid- March through mid-April (m. ob.). Pine Siskin - the only reports were of 1 at Mark, Pulaski, 22-25 April (CN ,fide RD) and 1 at Black Mt. 21 May (DR). Observers: Ben Albritton (BA); Ken Allen (KA); Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK); Michael Autin (MA); David Ayer (DA); Mary Ann Barnett (MB); Beckham Bird Club (BBC); Jane Bell (JBe); Pat Bell (PB); Ron Bethany (RBe); Clay Black (CB); Jane Brantley (JBy); John Brunjes (JBs); Rhonda Bryant (RBr); Roberta Bumes (RBu); Hap Chambers (HC); Doug Chin (DC); Mary Cleary (MC); Kathy Cohen (KC); Amy Covert 86 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 (AC); Linda Craiger (LC); Charlie Crawford (CC); Zach Czirr (ZC); Luckett Davidson (LD); Phyllis Deal (PD); Roseanna Denton (RD); Gary Dorman (GD); Kurt Dorman (KD); Melissa Easley (ME); Neil & Ginny Eklund (N&GE); Pixie Fontechia (PFn); Preston Forsythe (PFr); Lisa Freeman (LF); Scott Freidhof (SF); Carol Friedman (CF); Michael Greene (MG); Michael Hamm (MH); Barry Hart (BH); Keith Hawkins (KH); Lana Hays (LH); Richard Healy (RH); Doug Hennig (DH); Gay Hodges (GH); Tim Houghton (TH); Jenny Howard (JHo); Eddie Huber (EH); Jennifer Huber (JHu); Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS); Janet Kistler (JK); Steve Kistler (SK); Eugene Lacefield (EL); Joe Lacefield (JL); Celia Lawrence (CL); Aurilla Lesley (AL); Bill & Brenda Little (B&BLt); Bill Lisowsky (BL); Paula Lisowsky (PL); Margaret Lowe (ML); Bill Mahan (BM); Scott Marsh (SM); Lee McNeely (LM); Evelyn Morgan (EM); Arlene Morton (AM); Mike Morton (MM); multiple observers (m. ob.); Susan Neace (SN); Connie Neeley (CN); Phyllis Niemi (PN); Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP); Scott Record (SRe); Frank Renfrow (FR); Veronica Renfrow (VR); Keith Richardson (KR); David Roemer (DR); Joan Roemer (JR); Stony Roliey (SRo); Wayne Rosso (WR); Rick Seelhorst (RS); Kirtley Settles (KS); Fran and David Slezak (F&DS); Adam Smith (AS); Brian Smith (BSm); Gary Sprandel (GS); Barbara Stedman (BSt); Stephen Stedman (SSt); Ian Stewart (IS); Matt Stickel (MS); David Svetich (DS); Steve Sweeney (SSw); Mike Todd (MT); Jackie Van Willigen (JV); Bob & Barb Varble (B&BVa); Budd Veverka (BV); Shawchyi Vorisek (SV); Major Wait- man (MWa); Eric Williams (EW); Jim Williams (JW); Barbara Woerner (BW); Mike Wright (MWr); Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY). FIELD NOTE NEOTROPIC CORMORANT IN MUHLENBERG COUNTY On 28 February 2007, I was scanning for waterbirds at the TVA Paradise Power Plant ash ponds, Muhlenberg County, when I noticed a group of four cormorants loafing on an extended float in the largest pond. Although only Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacro- corax auritus) is expected to occur in Kentucky, especially in late winter, I noted that one of the birds was significantly smaller than the others. I moved to obtain better lighting on the birds and then slowly moved closer to see greater detail. Over the course of about 30 minutes of study, I was able to confirm that the smaller bird was a Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax bras i liens is). The Neotropic Cormorant was judged to be two-thirds to three-quarters of the overall size of the nearby Double-cresteds. It was blackish overall with some glossy appearance to the centers of the back feathers, scapulars, and wing coverts creating a scaly appearance; the underparts were a sooty blackish-brown, with the brownest tone most noticeable on the breast area. The head was more rounded in profile than the heads of the Double-cresteds standing next to it, with a steeper forehead (Front Cover; Figure 2, p. 88). The eye color was turquoise green. The bill was pale grayish with a yellowish base to the lower mandible; the bill appeared somewhat slimmer than those of the Double-cresteds, and it was significantly shorter in proportion to their bills. The loral area was dingy, being a grayish or grayish-brown color. The amount of exposed yellowish-orange skin in the gular area was noticeably reduced in the Neotropic Cormorant as compared to the amount exposed on the Double-cresteds. The smaller extent of the exposed gular skin was primarily due to the basal margin of the gular area being angled forward beneath the lower mandible (the basal gular margin of Double-crested Cormorants is relatively perpendicular to the orientation of the bill, making for a greater amount of exposed skin) (Front Cover). Because the bird was in basic plumage (and perhaps not fully adult based on the brownish tones visible in the plumage), the conspicuous line of white feathering around the margin of the gular area present on adults during the breeding season was absent. The tail of the Neotropic Cormorant was proportionately longer than those of the Double-cresteds, and the margin of the tail tip was irregular due to molt of rectrices. 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 87 After loafing for some time, all four birds entered the water and began foraging in typical cormorant fashion, diving beneath the surface of the water for fish. I called David Roemer to notify him of the bird’s presence, and he was able to obtain some excellent photographs of the bird in side-by-side comparison with one of the Double-cresteds later in the afternoon (Front Cover). I returned before David departed, and a little before sunset we both watched the birds lift off the lake (Figure 1, p. 88) and fly north until they were specks on the horizon, apparently departing on migration. In subsequent days the bird was not relocated. This is the second record of Neotropic Cormorant for Kentucky. The first was docu¬ mented by David Roemer from Lake Barkley, Trigg County, 27 September 1998 (McNeely 2006). The species is a regular vagrant into the Great Plains and Mississippi Valley with nearly 40 records from that area as of 2002 (Domagalski 2006). Most reports have come during the summer months, but there is an early January record from southern Illinois, so the late February date of this bird in our region is not unprecedented. This record does, however, appear to represent the farthest east a Neotropic Cormorant has occurred in the central United States. Literature Cited Domagalski, Robert. 2006. Mid Continent Rare Bird Records. Unpublished summary. McNeely, L. 2006. Eleventh report of the Kentucky Bird Records Committee. The Kentucky Warbler 82:51-52. — Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222. NEWS AND VIEWS K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Grants Available The Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Fund supports research on birds in Kentucky up to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, please contact Dr. Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean’s Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, 42101 (blaine.ferrell@wku.edu). K.O.S. Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund Grants Available The Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund supports education of children in the deeper appreciation of birds and ornithology. For guidelines on how to apply for grants of up to $500, please contact Mark Bennett by mail at 1 13 Iroquois Circle, Russellville, KY, 42276, or via email at (benn5609@bellsouth.net). Visit the KOS Website To learn about the Kentucky Ornithological Society, visit the KOS website maintained by Dr. Gary Ritchison at http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/default.htm . Kentucky Bird Records Committee The Kentucky Bird Records Committee (KBRC) is charged with determining the validity of records of rare and out-of-season birds in Kentucky. Sightings of such birds should be documented with information supporting the identification promptly submitted to the KBRC. Photographic evidence is desirable but not essential. Electronic documentation is preferred and should be submitted to KBRC Secretary, Mark Bennett, via e-mail at benn5609@bellsouth.net. Hard copy documentation should be mailed to Mark Bennett, KBRC Secretary, 1 13 Iroquois Circle, Russellville, KY 42276. 88 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Figures 1 (above) & 2 (below). Neotropic Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax brasilienis ) with Double-crested Cormorants (P. auritus ) 28 February 2007 Paradise Power Plant ash ponds, Muhlenberg County (see Field Note, pp. 86-87) Photos by David Roemer (above) and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (below) 7 3 - ! VOL. 83 The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) NOVEMBER 2007 NO. 4 IN THIS ISSUE BEWICK’S WRENS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE: DISTRIBUTION. BREEDING SUCCESS. HABITAT USE, AND INTERACTIONS WITH HOUSE WRENS, Michael E. Hodge and Gary Ritchison . 91 SUMMER SEASON 2007. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 102 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL 2007 MEETING John Brunjes . 107 FIELD NOTES Late Indigo Bunting Nest in Christian County . 110 Documentation of Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) in Kentucky . 1 1 1 NEWS AND VIEWS . 112 90 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Vice-President . Corresponding Secretary Treasurer . Recording Secretary . . Win Ahrens, Prospect . Scott Marsh, Lexington . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville, KY 40222-3913 . Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463. Burlington, KY 41005 . John Brunjes, Frankfort Councillors: Gay Hodges, Somerset . 2006 thru 2008 Eddie Huber. Louisville . 2006 thru 2008 Marilee Thompson, Owensboro . 2007 thru 2009 Evelyn Morgan. Olive Hill . 2007 thru 2009 Kathy Cohen. Murray . 2008 thru 2010 Lana Hays, Walton . 2008 thru 2010 Retiring President . Mark Bennett, Russellville Staff Artist . Ray Harm, Sonoita, AZ 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; 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 . Blaine R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101 Editorial Advisory' Board Wayne Mason, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Stephen Stedman Secretary', Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Ben Yandell 513 Lymington Court. Louisville. KY 40243 THE COVER We thank Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., for the image of the fledgling Bewick’s Wren ( Thryomanes bewickii) taken 20 June 1990 in Caldwell County. Financial support for color reproduction in this issue provided by the Daniel Boone National - - - Forest and the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. n ]Lq( - — 11 Kenruckyi “ !J Touchstone Energy Cooperative*’ 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 91 BEWICK’S WRENS IN KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE: DISTRIBUTION, BREEDING SUCCESS, HABITAT USE, AND INTERACTIONS WITH HOUSE WRENS Michael E. Hodge and Gary Ritchison During the 19th and early to mid-20th centuries, Bewick's Wrens (Thryomanes bewickii) were common in the eastern United States (Bent 1948). Over the past 40 years, however, populations east of the Mississippi River (widely considered to represent the subspecies T. b. bewickii) have, for reasons that remain unknown, decreased precipitously. Although uncommon, Bewick’s Wrens were reported at several locations in Tennessee and Kentucky during the period from 1990 to 2002 (Robinson 1990; Palmer-Ball 1996; Nicholson 1997; Terry Witt, pers. comm.; Lisa Gericke, pers. comm.). Examining the distribution of Bewick's Wrens and obtaining information about their breeding biology may provide clues about behavioral and habitat factors that could prove useful in maintaining and perhaps increasing populations. Thus, the objectives of our study were to locate as many breeding pairs of Bewick's Wrens as possible in Kentucky and Tennessee, to docu¬ ment their breeding success, and to quantify the vegetation structure and other features of nest sites and territories. Methods All documented nesting records of Bewick’s Wrens for the period 1990-2000 were obtained for Kentucky (Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission, Frankfort, KY) and Tennessee (Tennessee Division of Natural Heritage, Nashville, TN). We also requested information concerning past and current sightings by posting messages on the Kentucky and Tennessee birding listservs during March 2001 and March 2002. From these sources, 12 locations were reported in Tennessee and 11 in Kentucky (Fig 1.). These locations were visited during April - August 2001 and May - July 2002 to determine if Bewick’s Wrens were still present. In addition, 285 locations with apparently suitable habitat were searched (Fig. 2). When apparently suitable habitat was located, property owners were contacted, asked about the possible presence of wrens on their property, and requested to grant permis¬ sion to search the area. To help confirm the presence or absence of wrens, tapes with the songs of Bewick's Wrens, obtained from commercially available recordings, were made and played over a speaker for 10 minutes at these sites. After playback, we spent 2-5 minutes listening for any wren vocal responses. Fig. 1. Locations where Bewick's Wrens were reportedly observed in Kentucky and Ten¬ nessee during the period 1990 - 2000. 92 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Fig. 2. Areas searched in Kentucky and Tennessee for the possible presence of Bewick’s Wrens in 2001 and 2002. When located, wrens were observed to determine their status (paired or unpaired). For pairs of wrens, we located nests by observing their movements and behavior (e.g., carrying nesting material or food). The fate of all nests was determined and, if successful, clutch sizes and number of fledglings were noted. In addition, territory maps were generated by noting the locations of singing males and monitoring the movements of males and females. Vegetation was analyzed using methods described by James and Shugart (1970) to quantify characteristics of current and previously used territories and of randomly selected, potentially available (but apparently unused) sites (i.e., potential territories). Vegetation was sampled during the periods from May - early August 2001 and June - July 2002. Territory vegetation was sampled using 100-m radius circular plots centered at the approximate center of the territory (determined using territory maps generated previously). If a territory was one reported to have been used previously-i.e., sometime during the three years ( 1 998. 1 999, and 2000) prior to our study-and if its boundaries were unknown, a random number table was used to obtain a compass bearing and distance from where we parked to a point that was then used as the center of the territory plot. Random sites were selected by randomly selecting page and grid numbers from the appropriate DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer and using a Garmin GPS unit to locate the point. Territory plots were divided into four quadrants, and we noted the species, diameter breast height (dbh). and height of 10 randomly selected trees greater that 8 cm dbh in each quadrant. Trees were selected within each quadrant using randomly selected compass bearings and randomly selected distances. In addition, at 10-m intervals along four transects extending from the plot center in the four cardinal directions, we determined foliage cover at vertical intervals of < 1 m, 1-2 m, 2-3 m, and > 3 m by counting the number of stems or other vegetation within 10 cm of a 3-m pole. For each plot, we also determined the number of trees < 8 cm dbh, percent canopy cover, percent ground cover of grass, forbs, and shrubs, foliage height (< 8 cm dbh), non-woody vegetation height, and canopy height (> 8 cm dbh). Percent cover (canopy and ground cover) was determined using a densitometer. To determine which habitat variables permitted best discrimination between active, previously used, and random sites (i.e., potential territories), we used stepwise discriminant analysis (backward procedure). The cross-validation technique was then used to evaluate model classification efficacy (Williams et al. 1990). All statistical procedures were conducted using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS Institute 1999). Values are presented as means + standard error. 2007 Results THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 93 During the two-year study, we traveled 15,000 km and searched for Bewick's Wrens at 290 locations in 47 counties in Kentucky and Tennessee (Fig. 2). Despite this extensive search, we located only 14-18 Bewick’s Wrens at eight sites during the 2001 and 2002 breeding seasons (Table 1). Four wrens (one pair and two males) were found at the same locations during 2001 and 2002 and, if they were the same individuals in both years, the number of Bewick's Wrens observed during the two years was 14. If some or all of these wrens represented different individuals in the two years, we may have observed as many as 18 individuals. During 2001, a breeding pair was reported on a farm (the Robinson Farm) in Ruther¬ ford County, Tennessee (Terry Witt. pers. comm.), and a search revealed the breeding pair plus two unpaired males on adjacent territories at Storey's Tractors, a tractor junkyard (about 20.2 ha in size) located 25 km south of the Robinson Farm. Also during 2001, an unpaired male Bewick's Wren was reported on private property in northern Warren County, Kentucky (Brainard Palmer-Ball, pers. comm). During 2002, a pair of Bewick's Wrens was again located at the Robinson Farm location, and two territories were again being defended by male Bewick's Wrens at the Storey's Tractors site. However, during 2002, the two males at the Storey's Tractors site were paired. Because the wrens had not been banded in 2001 (to minimize risk to the birds and chances that territories would be abandoned), we were unable to determine if the same wrens were present on these territories during 2001 and 2002. During 2002, no wrens were present at the location in Warren County, Kentucky, where an unpaired male had been present during 2001. Also during 2002, breeding pairs of Bewick’s Wrens were reported on the Burford property in Scott County, Kentucky (Laura Burford. pers. comm.), and on the Volunteer State Community College campus in Gallatin, Tennessee (Jim Hiett pers. comm.). Unpaired males were also present on private properties in Taylor County, Kentucky. Wilson County, Tennessee (Brainard Palmer-Ball, pers. comm.), and Rutherford County, Tennessee. In general, Bewick's Wren territories were located in farmland, with little or no understory vegetation, few or no shrubs, and scattered trees. The areas also included a variety of small buildings, farm implements, and/or abandoned automobiles. No House Wrens ( Troglodytes aedon) were detected in any of the areas occupied by Bewick's Wrens. The territories of Carolina Wrens ( Thryothorus ludovicianus) overlapped those of three pairs of Bewick's Wrens (the territory at Robinson Farm and the two territories at Storey’s Tractors). No interactions between Bewick’s Wrens and Carolina Wrens were observed, and both species nested successfully in all overlapping territories. All paired and unpaired male Bewick's Wrens initiated nest building in early April, with second nesting attempts initiated from late May to early June. All nests were in man¬ made structures, including an abandoned house trailer, a motorcycle helmet, and a hay baler on the Robinson Farm, trucks and tractors at the Storey's Tractors site, a bulldozer in Warren County, Kentucky, and a barbecue grill at the Burford property in Scott County, Kentucky. During 2001, we located multiple nests (n = 2 and 3, respectively) in the territories of the unpaired males on the Storey property. Mean nest height was 1.25 + 0.15 m above the ground or substrate floor. The mean height and width of nest entrances were 9.0 ± 0.84 cm and 12.29 ± 2.0 cm, respectively. Young fledged from all nests in the territories of paired wrens (n = 7). A total of 43 nestlings fledged (23 on the Robinson Farm, 11 at Storey's Tractors, seven at the Volunteer State Campus site, and two on the Burford property). Multivariate analysis revealed that differences in the characteristics of active territories and previously used locations approached significance ( Wilk's lambda = 0.59, F9 27 = 2.08, P = 0.069). Stepwise discriminant analysis revealed two variables that best discriminated between active and previously used locations: vegetation hits at 3 - 4 m and percent forb cover (Table 2). Classification analysis using those two variables correctly classified 88.9% 94 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 (n = 18) of active nests and territories, but only 42.1% (n = 19) of previously used nest and territory sites. In general, previously used locations had denser vegetation 3 - 4 m above ground and less forb cover. Table 1. Locations of Bewick’s Wrens in Kentucky and Tennessee during the 2001 and 2002 breeding seasons. Year Location No. of wrens Latitude Longitude 2001 William Simmons Rd., Warren Co., KY Male 37° 08' 13 8 86° 21 54.7" 2001 Robinson Farm, Rutherford Co., TN Pair 35° 45' 46 1" 86° 18' 15.8" 2001 Storey’s Tractors #1, Rutherford Co., TN Male 35° 41' 08.0" 86° 27' 30.9" 2001 Storey's Tractors #2, Rutherford Co., TN Male 35° 41' 05.5" 86° 27' 30.9" 2002 KY 744, Taylor Co., KY Male 37° 25' 38.0" 85° 18' 14.9" 2002 Storey’s Tractors #3, Rutherford Co., TN1 Pair 35° 41' 08.0" 86° 27 '30.9" 2002 Storey's Tractors #4, Rutherford Co., TN2 Pair 35° 41 05.5 " 86° 27 ' 35.0" 2002 Burford property, Scott Co., KY Pair 38° 20' 58.9" 84° 4 F 28.0" 2002 Robinson Farm, Rutherford Co., TN3 Pair 35° 45' 46 1' 86° 18' 15.8" 2002 Volunteer State Community College, Gallatin, Sumner Co., TN Pair 36° 22' 00.8 " 86° 30' 12.2" 2002 Hebron Road, Wilson Co., TN Male 36° 00 15.2" 86° 20' 52.2" 2002 Rocky Hill Road, Rutherford Co., TN Male 36° 00' 15.0" 86° 21' 08.5" The male wren at Storey's Tractors #3 and Storey’s Tractors #1 may have been the same individual in both years; unpaired in 2001 and paired in 2002. “ The male wren at Storey’s Tractors #4 and Storey’s Tractors #2 may have been the same individual in both years; unpaired in 2001 and paired in 2002. 3 The pair of wrens at the Robinson Farm in 2002 may have been the same pair present at the same location in 2001. Table 2. Characteristics that permitted best discrimination of locations occupied by Bewick’s Wrens in 2001 and 2002 versus locations previously used, but not used in 2001 or 2002 (Values presented as means ± one standard error). Variable Active Previous Vegetation hits at 3 - 4 m 0.78 ±0.41 1.67 ±0.53 % Forb cover 48.0 ± 4.0% 40.0 ± 4.0% Finally, we compared the characteristics of active territories to randomly selected, unused sites and found a significant difference (Wilk's lambda = 0.35, F12 , is = 2.83, P = 0.023). Stepwise discriminant analysis revealed three variables that best discriminated between active and randomly selected, apparently unused sites: vegetation hits at 1 - 2 m, percent grass cover, and percent shrub cover (Table 3). Classification analysis using these three variables correctly classified 88.9% of active nest sites and territories and 61.5% of randomly selected, apparently unused sites. In general, unused sites had denser cover 1 - 2 m above ground, less grass cover, and more shrub cover. 2007 95 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Table 3. Characteristics that permitted best discrimination between areas currently used by Bewick’s Wrens (in 2001, 2002, or both) versus randomly selected, apparently unused areas. Values are presented as means ± one standard error. Variable Active Sites (n = 18) Random Sites (n = 13) Vegetation hits, 1 - 2 rn 0.83 ±0.39 1.17 ±0.55 % grass cover 59.1 ±4.3% 44.6 ±10.4% % shrub cover 0.4 ± 0.2% 3.3 ± 1.3% Discussion Our results confirm that population densities of Bewick’s Wrens in Kentucky and Tennessee are very low and that this species is continuing its ‘quiet exit' from the eastern United States (Wilcove 1990). The distribution and population status of Bewick's Wren in the eastern United States have changed dramatically over the past two centuries. Nicholson (1997) speculated that prior to European settlement these wrens probably occurred around burned areas and clearings maintained by native Americans in Tennessee. However, Audubon apparently did not find the species in Kentucky in the early 1800s (Mengel 1965). Moreover, although Bewick's Wrens most certainly occurred in Kentucky and Tennessee earlier than the ornithological record indicates, the first regional reports did not occur at Cincinnati, Ohio, until 1879 (Dury and Freeman 1880), in Kentucky until the early 1880s (Beckham 1885), and in Tennessee until 1885 (Fox 1886). During this same era and into the early 1900s, the range of Bewick's Wrens rapidly expanded northward as far as Minnesota, southern Ontario, and New York (Kennedy and White 1997). The species remained fairly common to common as a breeding bird throughout much of the eastern United States into the early 1940s, but decreases in some northern populations were noted as early as the 1920s (Kennedy and White 1997). Decreases accelerated over the next several decades, especially in the northernmost and easternmost portions of the breeding range (Kennedy and White 1997). Although the species was still considered a common summer resident in Kentucky during the mid-1950s (Mengel 1965), significant local reductions in numbers were noted in some portions of Kentucky and Tennessee by the mid-1930s (Monroe 1955) and by 1948 (Nicholson 1997), respectively. The decrease in the number of Bewick's Wrens in Kentucky and Tennessee was probably most apparent during the 1960s and early 1970s. This decline is exemplified by data from a Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) route located primarily in Owen County, Kentucky, with numbers of Bewick’s Wrens fluctuating during the 1960s and then declining throughout the 1970s (Sauer et al. 2007; Fig. 3). From 1966 to 1994, an annual decrease of 14.4% per year was documented for the eastern population of Bewick's Wren (Sauer et al. 1997, Kennedy and White 1997). The greatest decreases during this period were in Tennessee (22% per year) and in Kentucky (12.6% per year; Sauer et al. 1997). Although the pre-settlement status of Bewick’s Wren in the eastern United States remains uncertain, settlement of the region greatly altered available habitats and drama¬ tically affected the species’ distribution and abundance. As European-Americans spread across the eastern United States during the 1800s, forests were cleared (Conner and Hartsell 2002), and this rate accelerated to its highest levels after the Civil War and into the early 1900s (Bristow 1996). However, this ‘clearing’ was, in many areas, not comparable to what is now called even-aged management (clearcutting). Rather, in the Appalachians, patches of forests were repeatedly cut by hillside farmers whose clearings served them agriculturally 96 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Fig. 3. Numbers of Bewick’s and House wrens observed on a BBS route located primarily in Owen County, Kentucky, 1966- 1998. for only a few years and, in addition, forests in many areas were ‘selectively’ logged, with only the most valuable trees taken (Bristow 1996). These forestry practices created openings that likely benefited a disturbance-dependent species like Bewick's Wren. The period with the most rapid clearing of forests occurred over an extended period ( 1861-1929; Hicks 1997) that coincided with the expansion of Bewick’s Wrens populations in the eastern United States. Deforestation and lumber production in the eastern United States peaked in the 1920s and a trend in reversion of farmland to forest began (Hicks 1997). However, much of this farmland consisted of subsistence farms (Hicks 1997) that likely provided habitat for Bewick's Wrens and other disturbance-dependent species. As a result of this 'reforestation', the area of forested land in Ohio increased from about 1.98 million ha in 1907 to over 2.83 million ha in 1977 (Sohngen 2005). In Tennessee, the forested area increased from 3.79 million ha in the 1920s to 5.81 million ha in 1999 (Tennessee Department of Agriculture 2007). As subsistence farmers gave up farming, extensive tracts of land were purchased and consolidated by large timber and mineral companies (Eller 1985). This trend accelerated during the depression, with many people abandoning marginal farms (Hicks 1997). Beginning around 1910-1920, significant changes were also taking place in agriculture, with tractors gradually replacing draft stock and the size of farms increasing. The average farm size in the United States was about 59 ha in 1900 and that increased to 178 ha by 2000 (Dimitri and Effland 2005). In addition, farming, particularly in northern portions of the range of Bewick’s Wren in the early 1900s, gradually tended to become more intensive, with more land per farm used for crop production and less remaining for wildlife habitat (Ribic et al. 1998). One result of these landscape-level changes was almost certainly a reduction in the availability' of suitable habitat for Bewick's Wrens in the eastern United States. Our results indicate that areas where we located Bewick’s Wrens in Kentucky and Tennessee were more open, with less dense vegetation, than either areas formerly, but no longer, occupied or areas randomly selected. However, our analysis was necessarily based on a very small sample size and other authors have noted that Bewick’s Wrens are often associated with brushy, wooded habitats (Bibbee 1947, Hunter et al. 2001). Similarly, in Arizona, Bewick's Wrens often inhabit open, serai woodlands characterized by dense shrub cover (Masters 1979). Pavlacky and Anderson (2001) suggested that Bewick's Wrens in Wyoming favor mid- to late-successional woodlands with mature trees and greater than average shrub cover. As noted above, the availability of such habitat has declined in the 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 97 eastern United States and, as a result, populations of several species that are dependent on disturbed habitats, such as Bewick's Wrens, Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chry- soptera ), and Prairie Warblers ( Dendroica discolor ), have decreased over the past several decades (Hunter et al. 2001). However, given the current status and distribution of other early successional or disturbance-dependent species, clearly some suitable habitat remains. Thus, it is not clear why population declines of Bewick's Wrens have been more dramatic than those of other disturbance-dependent species. Kennedy and White (1997) suggested that Bewick's Wrens are no longer found in apparently suitable habitat because of competition with House Wrens, a species that destroys nests and removes eggs and nestlings from the nests of a variety of species, including Bewick’s Wrens. Others have also reported apparent interactions between these two species of wrens. For example, Stamm (1951:54) pointed out that "ordinarily the two species do not live together amicably.” In addition, Monroe (1955) suggested that "with the advent of the House Wren, the Bewick’s Wren moved out and almost disappeared” from the Louisville, Kentucky, region. However, Stamm (1951) also pointed out that as House Wren populations increased in Louisville, Bewick's Wrens continued to nest successfully. In her own yard, Stamm (1951) reported successful nesting by both House and Bewick's Wrens in nest boxes just 8.5 m apart. In addition, Monroe (1955:41) pointed out that there was “some evidence” that Bewick's Wren populations were, as of 1955, increasing slightly in Louisville and even "moving back into some of the territory formerly taken over ... by the House Wren.” In the western United States, the ranges of Bewick's and House wrens overlap and there the two species coexist (Kennedy and White 1997). Vemer and Purcell (1999) reported no evidence of interspecific competition between these two species of wrens in California and specifically noted that the two species did not overlap in their selection of nest sites. Bewick’s Wrens nested almost exclusively in natural cavities, and their nests were significantly lower in height above the ground than those of House Wrens (Vemer and Purcell 1999). Although the relationship between these species in the eastern U.S. could differ from that in the western U.S., it seems likely that populations of other cavity-nesting species, e.g.. Eastern Bluebirds ( Sialia sialis) and Tree Swallows ( Tachycineta bicolor ), would also have been impacted as the range of House Wrens expanded if the latter exerted a competitive influence. In addition, the timing of range expansion of House Wrens in many areas did not correspond with the timing of the decrease in Bewick’s Wren populations. In Ohio, for example, populations of Bewick's Wrens peaked during the 1920s and early 1930s and, during that period, were recorded breeding in 61 counties (Hicks 1935). During the same period. House Wrens in Ohio were found breeding in every county and were described as being fairly common to abundant (Hicks 1935). As noted above, Bewick’s Wrens populations in Tennessee and Kentucky decreased precipitously from 1966 to 1981. However, House Wren populations in Tennessee and Kentucky increased most after 1981 (e.g.. Fig. 3), and, currently, their densities remain relatively low (approximately one individual observed per BBS route in Tennessee and five per route in Kentucky). In the late 1960s, in contrast, there was an average of about four Bewick’s Wrens per BBS route in Tennessee, about four times the current density of House Wrens. A similar absence of correspondence between the period of decrease of Bewick’s Wren populations and the period of increase in House Wren populations is apparent in other regions and states in the eastern United States (Sauer et al. 2003). In addition. Bent (1948) noted that, by 1931, the range of Bewick’s Wrens in the eastern United States extended north to northern Illinois, southern Michigan, and central Pennsylvania and that most of this expansion apparently occurred from 1890 to 1910. Interestingly, Jones (3903) reported that House Wrens had been a common resident in Ohio, but were 'forced out’ by the invasion of Bewick’s Wrens. Similarly, Hicks (1935) noted that House Wrens were less abundant in southern Ohio and seemed to be ‘partially 98 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 displaced' by Bewick's Wrens. Such observations, along with differences in the habitats used by the two species (Mengel 1965, Kroodsma 1973, Whitmore 1977, Robbins and Easterla 1991) and the tendency of House Wrens to nest in boxes (and destroy nests) in sparse rather than dense vegetation (White and Kennedy 1997), suggest that, although House Wrens do sometimes destroy the nests of Bewick's Wrens and those of other species where their breeding territories overlap, they are not responsible for the persistent, long¬ term decrease of Bewick's Wren populations in the eastern United States, a conclusion reached by other investigators as well (e.g., Robbins and Easterla 1991, Byrd and Johnston 1991, Lee 1999). Investigators have suggested that a variety of other factors may have contributed to or caused the decrease in Bewick’s Wrens populations. For example. Laskey ( 1966) suggested that urbanization and an increase in the human population caused Bewick's Wrens to abandon formerly suitable areas. Although urbanization has certainly contributed to the loss of habitat for many birds, including Bewick’s Wrens, many investigators have noted that these wrens formerly occurred in populated areas. For example, Brewster ( 1886) noted that, in western North Carolina. Bewick’s Wrens were “confined almost exclusively to the towns . . and. in Asheville, North Carolina, they were breeding in . . such numbers that nearly every shed or other out-building harbored a pair.’’ Bibbee (1947) noted that, in the eastern United States, these wrens were often found near (and even in) farm buildings (and other structures built by humans) near wooded areas in fairly open country. Similarly, Hancock (1954) indicated that Bewick's Wrens were common permanent residents in Hopkins County, Kentucky, with nests recorded in “rural mail boxes, atop a dictionary in an outbuilding, in gourds, in an old automobile tire, on a ledge in a shed, etc.” Pesticides and severe winters (Robbins et al. 1986), as well as competition with House Sparrows (Passer domesticus ) and European Starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris ; Simpson 1978), have also been implicated as possible factors in the decrease. However, populations of Bewick's Wrens began decreasing in some areas before the widespread use of DDT (Kennedy and White 1997), and there is no evidence that competition with either House Sparrows or European Starlings has contributed to their decrease (Kennedy and White 1997). Vemer and Purcell (1999) reported that the Bewick’s Wren population in their study area in California decreased after a 'cold snap' but subsequently recovered over the next few years. Such results indicate that severe winters can cause decreases in Bewick’s Wren populations, but, in the absence of other factors, those populations should recover. Thus, although severe winters seem an unlikely explanation for the persistent, long-term (i.e., many decades) decrease of Bewick’s Wrens populations, severe winters, particularly where populations were already in serious decline, may have exacerbated the effects of other factors contributing to the decrease. As the preceding paragraphs suggest, no obvious, single explanation presents itself to account for the precipitous decrease of Bewick’s Wren populations in the eastern United States. However, a possible contributing factor not considered previously is that, although some suitable Bewick’s Wren habitat remains, the size and distribution of patches ol suitable habitat have changed over the past several decades. Crooks et al. (2001) found that, for successful colonization of new areas, Bewick’s Wrens in southern California required relatively large, suitable habitat fragments (about 13 ha) located near each other (<3.5 km apart). Such area-dependence has been reported for other species of birds, such as Golden¬ winged Warblers (Hunter et al. 2001). Although their territories typically range from 2 to 4 ha (Kennedy and White 1997), Bewick’s Wrens may require larger patches of habitat because, as with several other species of birds, they exhibit conspecific attraction, i.e., they use the presence or abundance of conspecifics as a cue for selecting habitat (Stamps 1988). Although no empirical evidence currently supports this hypothesis, it is interesting that given the few Bewick's Wrens we were able to locate, two males with adjacent territories were found at one location in Tennessee. Similarly, Palmer-Ball (1993) reported five 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 99 territorial Bewick's Wrens in . . one expansive area of recently cleared land in Lyon County' in 1991. In addition, in an observational study of nest-site selection by another wren, the House Wren, Muller et al. (1997) found that new breeders at a site selected nest boxes based on their proximity to the territories of other males Reasons for such behavior include the possibilities that the presence of conspecifics provides an important cue concerning habitat quality and that individuals may receive some sort of social fitness benefit (e.g„ increased opportunities for extra-pair copulations) from settling near conspecifics (Fletcher and Miller 2006). Fletcher (2006) suggested that conspecific attraction would enhance fitness when population densities are relatively high (because with more conspecifics, their presence would represent an honest indicator of habitat quality), but species with decreasing populations would suffer from conspecific attraction. Another implication of conspecific attraction is that it increases the probability that empty, but otherwise suitable, habitat patches will remain unoccupied (Ray et al. 1991). This may be particularly true for Bewick's Wrens because of their limited vagility. As noted previously. Crooks et al. (2001) found that successful colonization of new areas (or areas with decreasing populations) by these wrens required habitat fragments less than 3.5 km apart. Such proximity may be necessary because young Bewick's Wrens apparently tend to disperse relatively short distances from natal territories. For example, Kroodsma (1974) reported that the mean dispersal distance of young Bewick’s Wrens was only 1.2 km (range = 0.1 - 3.2, n = 11). Thus, if Bewick’s Wren populations began decreasing due to landscape-level changes in habitat (i.e., the size and distribution of suitable patches of habitat), apparently beginning in the 1930s and 1940s and continuing to the present, the process might have then accelerated due to the negative impact of conspecific attraction on a decreasing population and, perhaps, other stochastic events (e.g., severe winter weather and competition with House Wrens) that impacted certain sub-populations. Populations of other species dependent on disturbed habitats have also decreased over the past few decades, but not to the same degree as for Bewick's Wren populations. Possible reasons for differences among species in response to habitat loss may include the degree to which they are area-dependent, their migratory status, and dispersal abilities. Species that are less area-dependent would be more flexible in choice of breeding sites and. concerning migratory status, populations of migratory species, particularly long-distance migrants, in contrast to those of non-migratory species or short-distance migrants, would not be affected by severe weather during the non-breeding season. Finally, individuals in species that exhibit long-distance dispersal (natal dispersal, breeding dispersal, or both) may be more likely to locate patches of suitable habitat than would those that disperse shorter distances. The precipitous decrease of Bewick's Wren populations in the eastern United States over the past several decades is almost certainly the result of several interacting factors. Landscape-level changes in the availability of suitable habitat (i.e., loss and fragmentation of disturbed habitats), in combination with area-sensitivity (conspecific attraction), may have initiated the decrease. Competition with House Wrens and severe weather during the non-breeding season — because Bewick’s Wrens in the eastern United States were likely either resident or short-distance migrants (Kennedy and White 1997) — may have then exacerbated the decrease by reducing or eliminating subpopulations. This combination of characteristics and events, i.e., habitat loss, area-sensitivity, competition with House Wrens, occasional severe weather, and limited dispersal ability, might have represented the ‘perfect storm' of factors that have led the Bewick’s Wren to the brink of extirpation in the eastern United States. Much of the above is, of course, conjectural, and the reason or reasons for the decrease of Bewick’s Wrens in the eastern United States may never be determined with any degree of certainty. However, current trends suggest that these once rather common wrens may eventually disappear completely from Kentucky, Tennessee, and the eastern United States. 100 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Perhaps appropriately and again for reasons not entirely understood, populations of this enigmatic bird remain relatively stable (Vemer and Purcell 1999) in portions of its western range, and in some areas its range is even expanding (Taylor 2003). Acknowledgments We thank Janet Gorrell. Lee Holt, and Penny Ragland for assistance in the field, and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for funding. We also thank the many landowners, including Ruth Robinson and her family, who provided access to their property, and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., for numerous comments and suggestions that greatly improved our paper. Literature Cited Beckham, C.W. 1885. List of the birds of Nelson County , Kentucky. Kentucky Geological Survey. John D. Woods. Frankfort, KY. Bent, A.C. 1948. Life histories of North American nuthatches, wrens, thrashers and their allies. Smithsonian Institution National Museum Bulletin 195, Washington, D.C. Bibbee, P.C. 1947. The Bewick’s Wren ( Thryomanes bewickii (Audubon)). Ph.D. diss., Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY. Brewster, W. 1886. An ornithological reconnaissance in western North Carolina. Auk 3: 173-179. Bristow, D. 1996. Forest conservation in Kentucky, http://www.webcom.com/duane/ wood/state.html. Byrd, M.A. and D.W. Johnston. 1991. Birds. Pp. 477-537 in Virginia’s endangered species: proceedings of a symposium (K. Terwilliger, coordinator). McDonald and Woodward Publishing Co., Blacksburg, VA. Connor, R.C. and A.J. Hartsell. 2002. Forest area and conditions. Pp. 357 - 402 in Southern Forest Resource Assessment (D. N. Wear and J. G. Greis, eds.). Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS - 53. U.S. Dept, of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Asheville, NC. Crooks, K.R., A.V. Suarez, D.T. Bolger, and M.E. Soule. 2001. Extinction and colonization of birds on habitat islands. Conservation Biology. 15:159-172. Dimitri, C. and A. Effland. 2005. Milestones in U.S. farming and farm policy. Amber Waves 3: 10-11. Dury, C., and L.R. Freeman. 1880. Observations on birds. Journal of the Cincinnati Society of Natural History. 2:100-104. Eller, R. 1985. Land as commodity: industrialization of the Appalachian forests, 1880-1940. In: The great forest: an Appalachian story (B. M. Buxton and M. L. Clutchfield, eds.), pp. 15-22. Appalachian Consortium Press, Boone, NC. Fletcher, R.J., Jr. 2006. Emergent properties of conspeciflc attraction in fragmented land¬ scapes. American Naturalist 169: 207-219. Fletcher, R.J., Jr. and C. W. Miller. 2006. On the evolution of hidden leks and the implications for reproductive and habitat selection behaviours. Animal Behaviour 71: 799-810. Fox, W.H. 1886. List of birds found in Roane County, Tennessee, during April, 1884, and March and April. 1 885. Auk 3:3 1 5-320. Hancock, J.W. 1954. The breeding birds of Hopkins County. The Kentucky Warbler 30: 19- 25. Hicks, L.E. 1935. Distribution of the breeding birds of Ohio. Ohio Biological Survey Bulletin, Bulletin No. 32. Hicks, R.R. 1997. A resource at the crossroads: a history of the central hardwoods. In: Proceedings of the lllh Central Hardwood Forest Conference (S. G. Pallardy, R. A. 2007 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 101 Cecich, H. G. Garrett, and P. S. Johnson, eds.), pp. 1-22. U.S.D.A. Forest Service, North Central Experiment Station, Gen. Tech. Report NC-188, St. Paul, MN. Hunter, W.C., D.A. Buehler, R.A. Canterbury, J.L. Confer, and P.B. Hamel. 2001. Conservation of disturbance-dependent birds in eastern North America. Wildlife Society Bulletin 29: 440-455. James, F.C., and H.H. Shugart, Jr. 1970. A quantitative method of habitat description. Audubon Field Notes 24:727-736. Jones, L. 1903. The birds of Ohio, a revised catalogue. Ohio State Academy of Science, Special Papers No. 6. Kennedy, E.D. and D.W. White. 1997. Bewick’s Wren ( Thryomanes bewickii). In The Birds of North America, No. 315 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, D.C. Kroodsma, D.E. 1973. Coexistence of Bewick's Wrens and House Wrens in Oregon. Auk 90: 341-352. Kroodsma, D.E. 1974. Song learning, dialects, and dispersal in the Bewick's Wren. Zeitschrift. fur Tierpsycholie 35: 352-380. Laskey, A.R. 1966. Status of Bewick’s Wren and House Wren in Nashville. The Migrant 37:4-6. Lee, D.S. 1999. Extinction, extirpation, and range reduction of breeding birds in North Carolina: what can be learned? The Chat 63: 103-122. Masters N.L. 1979. Breeding birds of piny on-juniper woodland in north central Arizona. M.S. thesis, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ. Mengel, R.M. 1965. The birds of Kentucky. Ornithological Monograph No. 3. Monroe, B.L., Sr. 1955. Impressions on changes in urban bird populations. The Kentucky Warbler 31:39-47. Muller, K.L., J.A. Stamps, V.V.Krishnan, and N.H.Willits. 1997. The effects of conspecific attraction and habitat quality on habitat selection in territorial birds ( Troglodytes aedon ). American Naturalist 150:650-661. Nicholson, C.P. 1997. Atlas of the breeding birds of Tennessee. University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville. Palmer-Ball, B.L., Jr. 1993. A natural nest site of the Bewick’s Wren. The Kentucky Warbler 69: 64-65. Palmer-Ball, B.L., Jr. 1996. The Kentucky breeding bird atlas. University Press of Ken¬ tucky, Lexington, KY. Pavlacky, D.C., Jr., and S.H. Anderson. 2001. Habitat preferences of pinyon-juniper specialists near the limit of their geographic range. Condor 103:322-331 Ray, C., M. Gilpin, and A.T. Smith. 1991. The effect of conspecific attraction on meta¬ population dynamics. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 42: 123-134. Ribic, C.A., R.E. Warner, and P.C. Mankin. 1998. Changes in upland wildlife habitat on farmland in Illinois, 1920-1987. Environmental Management 22: 303-313. Robbins, C.S., D. Bystrak, and P.H. Geissler. 1986. The breeding bird survey: its first fifteen years, 1965 - 1979. U.S. Dept. Int. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Resource Publ. 157. Washington, D.C. Robbins, M.B. and D.A. Easterla. 1991. Birds of Missouri: their distribution and abun¬ dance. University of Missouri Press, Columbia, MO. Robinson, J.C. 1990. An annotated checklist of the birds of Tennessee. Univ. of Tennessee Press. Knoxville, TN. SAS Institute. 1999. SAS online user’s guide. SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC. Sauer, J.R., J.E. Hines, and J.Fallon. 2007. The North American Breeding Bird Survey, results and analysis 1966 - 2006. Version 10.13.2007. USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. 102 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Sauer. J.R.. J.E. Hines. G. Gough. I. Thomas, and B.G. Peterjohn. 1997. The North Amer¬ ican breeding bird survey results and analysis. Version 96.3. Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. Sauer, J.R.. J.E. Hines, and J. Fallon. 2003. The North American Breeding Bird Survey, results and analysis 1966 - 2002. Version 2003. 1, U.S.G.S. Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. Simpson. M.B., Jr. 1978. Ecological factors contributing to the decline of Bewick's Wren as a breeding species in the southern Blue Ridge Mountain Province. The Chat 42:25-28. Sohngen. B. 2005. Economic and policy trends likely to influence the future of forests in Ohio. Ohio Environment Report 2: 1-8. Stamm. A.L. 1951. The breeding of the House Wren in Kentucky. The Kentucky Warbler 27:47-56. Stamps, J.A. 1988. Conspecific attraction and aggregation in territorial species. American Naturalist 131: 329-347. Taylor, R.V. 2003. Factors influencing expansion of the breeding distribution of Bewick's Wren into riparian forests of the Rio Grande in central New Mexico. Southwestern Naturalist 48: 373-382. Tennessee Department of Agriculture. 2007. Tennessee Forest Facts, (22 December 2007). Vemer. J. and K.L. Purcell. 1999. Fluctuating populations of House Wrens and Bewick's Wrens in foothills of the western Sierra Nevada of California. Condor 101 : 219-229. White, D.W. and E.D. Kennedy. 1997. Effect of egg covering and habitat on nest destruct- tion by House Wrens. Condor 99: 873-879. Whitmore. R.C. 1977. Habitat partitioning in a community of passerine birds. Wilson Bulletin 89: 253-265. Wilcove. D. 1990. A quiet exit. Living Bird 9:10-1 1. Williams, B.K., K. Titus, and J.E. Hines. 1990. Stability and bias of classification in biological application of discriminant analysis. Journal of Wildlife Management 54:331- 341. — Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY 40475 SUMMER SEASON 2007 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely Weather conditions during June-July 2007 were somewhat variable across the state and not extreme. In general, precipitation was lower than normal across central and northern Kentucky in June with near-normal rainfall across southern Kentucky during the month; in July the situation became reversed with near-normal precipitation occurring across the northern half of the state while the onset of a severe period of drought occurred in the southern part of the state. Temperatures were slightly warmer than normal statewide in June, but slightly cooler than normal during July. The only real rarities of the season were a White Ibis in Fulton County and a Red-necked Phalarope in Union County. Nesting Least Terns seemed to experience good results, with low water levels allowing widespread nesting, although these levels also allowed predators and all-terrain vehicles to access some sites. 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. 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 103 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; Place names: Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam, Livingston! Lyon: Camp #9 = Peabody Camp #9 coal preparation plant. Union: Camp #1 1 = former Camp #1 1 mine. Union: Casev Creek = Casey Creek embayment. Green River Lake, Adair: Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment. Lake Cumberland. Pulaski: Guthrie Swamp = Guthrie Swamp, Todd: Homestead = Homestead Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio: Ky Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall: Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon: Lake No. 9 = Lake No. 9, Fulton: Mitchell Lake = Mitchell Lake, Ballard WMA, Ballard: Paradise = Paradise Power Plant impoundments, Muh¬ lenberg: South Shore = South Shore WMA, Greenup: Town Creek = Town Creek moist soils unit. Travis WMA, Hickman: WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Snow Goose - an adult dark morph bird was present at Griffin Park, Warren , 28 June through the end of July (DR). Wood Duck - as many as 300-400 were at Lake No. 9 in late July (BP). American Black Duck - 1, likely a male, was present at Camp #9 on 20 June (BP); 1 was at the heronry island at Kuttawa 22 June (HC, ME). Blue-winged Teal - the only report was of a male at Mitchell Lake 16 July (HC, ME) and 26 July (BP). American Wigeon - a pair involving an in¬ jured female lingered into early summer at Mitchell Lake and apparently nested with 6-7 small ducklings observed in the com¬ pany of the pair about the first week of June (JS1, fide GB); subsequently, what appeared to be a family group of two adults and a juvenile were observed there 16 July (HC, ME). This represents the first documented breeding record for the species in Kentucky. Northern Shoveler - a possible summering bird was at Lake No. 9 on 20 July (HC, ME). Redhead - the male that lingered through May at Clifty Pond, Mt. Zion. Pulaski , was last seen 22 June (RD). Lesser Scaup - 24 were still on Lake Bark¬ ley above the dam 1 June (DR); several at the heronry island at Kuttawa 22 June (HC, ME) were likely summering. Hooded Merganser - 3 juveniles at Lake No. 9 on 20 July (HC, ME) indicated breeding in the vicinity; a juvenile at Clifty Pond, Mt. Zion, Pulaski , 25 June (ph. RD) also was suggestive of local breeding. Common Loon - 2 birds in basic plumage were present above Ky Dam 25 July (BP). American White Pelican - the only reports were from Lake No. 9, where ca. 80 were present 20 July (HC, ME); ca. 100 were present 26 July (BP); and 35 were present 28 July (HC, ME). Double-crested Cormorant - reports of possible summering birds and/or early returning fall birds included a few at the heronry at Kuttawa 22 June (HC, ME); 1 at Griffin Park, Warren , 26 June (DR); 7 over Grassy Pond/Powells Lake Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson! Union, 9 July (CC) with 1 there 20 July (CC); 1 at Paradise 16 July (DR); 1 at Fishing Creek 16 July (RD); 4 at Lake No. 9 on 20 July (HC, ME); 3 at the Van Buren boat ramp, Taylorsville Lake, Anderson , 20/25 July (BW); 2 at Lexington 24 July (SM); and 5 at Casey Creek 24 July (RD). Great Blue Heron - of interest was a nest containing young on Pine Mountain nw. of Dione, Harlan, 14 June (BP et al. ). A new colony of ca. 100 nests was reported on the Barren River, e. Warren (fide DR). Great Egret - reports of nesting at new sites included 6-8 pairs near Goose Pond Ditch, Union ; a few along lower Obion Creek, Hickman! Fulton: 10-15 just se. of Obion WMA, Fulton: and 15-20 near Shawnee Creek, Ballard, all 12 June (BP, JB). At 104 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 least 2 nests were observed with Black- crowned Night-Herons near downtown Louisville in mid-July (RG); one nest was present in the same area several years ago. Two birds along KY 137, Livingston , 20 June (BP) suggested breeding with Great Blues at one of the known heronries along nearby Sugarcamp Creek. Peak counts of post-breeding birds included ca. 25 at the Falls of the Ohio 19 July (BW) and 850 at Lake No. 9 on 26 July (BP). One at South Shore 23 June (RS) was the farthest east the species was reported. Snowy Egret - 1 at South Shore 8 June (RS) was likely a first for Greenup: at least 1 was seen in the heronry at Kuttawa 22 June (HC, ME). Little Blue Heron - 1 at Casey Creek 24 July (RD) was the only report of a post¬ breeding bird away from western Kentucky. Black-crowned Night-Heron - 3 adults at the Winchester Water Supply Lake, Clark , 27 June (JL) suggest that the species may continue to nest somewhere in the vicinity (a colony was present near Winchester in the 1980s). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - there were a few reports, all being included: 2 in backwater of the Jonathan Creek embay- ment of Kentucky Lake, Marshall , 6 June (ME); up to 3 along the Greenbelt High¬ way, sw. Jefferson , in early June (CL et al.); and an active nest with young along Woodbine Drive, Lexington, 10 June (BY, MY). White Ibis - a juvenile was present at Lake No. 9 on 28 July/10 August (ph.HC, ME). KBRC review required. Mississippi Kite - an adult at Mallard Point subdivision, Scott , 8 July (MJ) was the only one reported away from known breeding areas. Osprey - the nest on a mooring cell below Ky Dam was never completed, but one was finished on one of the power line towers e. of the dam (BP); the nest at Homestead produced at least 1 young this year (DR); 1 bird was at the nest near Bayou, Livingston , 20 June (BP); a nest on a power line tower across the river from Joppa, IL, McCracken , 26 July (BP) was in a new location. Reports of birds away from known nesting areas included 1 over Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 10 June (RD); 2 at Lexington 15 July (SM); and another there 24 July (SM). Peregrine Falcon - 8 nesting pairs along the Ohio River corridor were thought to have successfully fledged young (SV, BV, AS); of last year's territorial birds, only the Meade pair did not appear to attempt to nest (BV, SV). Common Moorhen - the only report was of 5 adults including a pair with 2 downy young at Camp # 1 1 on 26 July (BP). American Coot -3 at the heronry island at Kuttawa 22 June (HC, ME) were likely summering; 2 were at Lake Linville, Rockcastle , 18 July (RD); only 1 at Camp #11 on 26 July (BP) suggested that the species did not breed there again this year. Semipalmated Plover- earliest reports of fall migrants were 1 at Paradise 23 July (DR) and 1 at Town Creek 26 July (BP). Black-necked Stilt - the only report was of a family group (2 adults and 4 juveniles) at Lake No. 9 on 28 July (HC, ME). Greater Yellowlegs - earliest report of a fall migrant was 1 at Fishing Creek 30 June (RD). Juv. White Ibis, Lake No. 9, Fulton 10 August 2007 Hap Chambers Spotted Sandpiper - I at the Blood River embayment of Kentucky Lake, Calloway, 2007 105 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 25 June (ME, HC) was either summering or an early fall migrant. Solitary Sandpiper - a possibly injured bird was seen at Fishing Creek 23 June-7 July (RD). Sanderling - earliest report of fall migrants was of 2 adults on the Mississippi River at Campbell Dikes, Carlisle, 26 July (BP). Semipalmated Sandpiper - latest reports of spring migrants were 2 at Meng’s Pond, Warren , 4 June with 1 still there 5 June (DR); earliest reports of fall migrants were 1 at Paradise 23 July (DR) and 4 at Town Creek 26 July (BP). Western Sandpiper - the only report was of an adult at Town Creek 26 July (BP). Least Sandpiper - earliest reports of fall migrants were 1 at Fishing Creek 3 July (RD); 3 at Paradise 5 July (DR) and 2 at Guthrie Swamp 8 July (DR, MB, TD). Pectoral Sandpiper - earliest report of a fall migrant was 1 at Guthrie Swamp 8 July (DR, MB, TD). Short-billed Dowitcher - the only reports were of 1 at Paradise 5 July (DR) and 1 at Lake No. 9 on 25 July (BP). Long-billed Dowitcher - 1 at Paradise 5 July (*DR) represented a new early fall arrival date for the state. Red-necked Phalarope - an injured male was present at Camp #9 on 20 June (ph. BP). KBRC review required. Red-necked Phalarope, Union 20 June 2007 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Laughing Gull - 2 adults or second-summer birds were present at Ky Dam 1 June (DR). Ring-billed Gull - 10-15 were still in the vicinity of Ky Dam 1 June (DR); 1 was at Paradise 5 July (DR); ca. 225 had returned to Ky Dam by 25 July (BP). Herring Gull - 1 was still at Ky Dam 1 June (DR). Caspian Tern - 2 were still at Barkley Dam 1 June (DR); earliest reports of probable returning fall birds were of 2 at Long Run Park, Jefferson, 1 July (BW, JSt); and 2 at Paradise 5 July (DR). Forster’s Tern - a first-year bird was still at Barkley Dam 1 June (DR); likely sum¬ mering birds included a first-year bird on the Ohio River near Ledbetter, Livingston, 26 June (JB, BP, GB) and a first-year bird and an adult on the Mississippi River at Watson Point, Fulton, 27 June (JB, RR. et ah). Least Tern - the species seemed to be doing relatively well during mid-breeding sea¬ son with 12-120 nests documented at four Mississippi River sites in Carlisle, Fulton and Hickman 24-27 June (RR. JB, et al.) and 3-19 nests documented at four sites on the lower Ohio River in Ballard and McCracken (JB, GB, BP). A few pairs were on nests at an industrial pond at Cal¬ vert City, Marshall , in June (DS) and up to 5-6 pairs were present on a small island in the Ohio River below Lewisport, Han¬ cock, in June (DA). The only report of a bird away from nesting areas was a juv¬ enile at Paradise 25 July (DR). Black Tern - the only report was of 1 at Casey Creek 28 July (RD). Eurasian Collared-Dove - 4 were recorded on a Breeding Bird Survey route in Mon- ticello, Wayne, 9 June (SS). Barn Owl - there were several reports, all being included: 1 at Science Hill, Pulaski, 5 June (RD); 1 from a family group at Hardin, Marshall, was turned into a raptor rehabilitator in early June (DF, fide EW); a family group ca 1.6 mi ENE of Colfax, Fleming, in mid-June (TG, fide WM); nesting birds in a chimney at Bardstown, 106 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 83 Nelson , in mid-June (BH. fide EW); and 1 at the WKU Farm. Warren. 30 July (DR). Chuck-wiH’s-widow - 1 singing along Big Gimblet Creek, Elliott , 13 July (EM) was unusual for eastern Kentucky. Willow Flycatcher - 1 along Creelsboro- Miller Pond Road. Russell. 24 July (RD) was the second for that area in the past 3 years. Least Flycatcher - the only reports were of a few breeding birds at the summit of Black Mountain, Harlan, 10-11 July (RD). Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - a nest with 4 young was observed on the w. side of KY 453 at the traditional nesting location north of Grand Rivers, Livingston. 24 June (ph.HC); it is unclear if an immature bird below Barkley Dam, Lyon, 22 July (KL, BL) was from the Livingston nest site or one below the dam as there were no other reports during the season from the latter locale. Bell’s V ireo - a bird singing on territory just nw. of Sonora. Hardin, 22 June (BP, AS) was away from known breeding areas. An active nest was found at the Vogue Unit, Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg, 25 June (AS, BS). Purple Martin - a sizable roost was located in se. portion of Lexington, Fayette, dur¬ ing late July (SM. RB). Bank Swallow - a colony of about 40 bur¬ rows was found at Dayton, Campbell, in early July (FR) for a new county breeding record; the colony at Lewis County WMA was quite active 28 July (SF), as was the one at the Petersburg, Boone, gravel pits during the season (LM). A bird at Lake Linville, Rockcastle, 18 July (RD) was not near a known breeding area. Cliff Swallow - several birds at the Chaplin River bridge at Tathum Springs, Wash¬ ington, 16 June (BP) represented a new county breeding record. Bewick’s Wren - the singing bird reported nw. of Beechwood, Chven, in late May lin¬ gered on territory to at least 6 June (BP, AS, SV); another singing bird was re¬ ported just se. of Buena Vista. Harrison, 9/22/23 June (SM). Sedge Wren - reports of likely breeding birds included 2 at Surrey Hills Farm, Jefferson, 14 July (BP); 5+ at Homestead 23 July (DR); 1-2 at Obion WMA, Fulton, 25 July (BP); 3-4 at Lower Beaverdam Slough, Ballard WMA, Ballard, 26 July (BP); and up to several birds singing at South Shore during the last week of July (RS. SF). Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at nest Livingston, 24 June 2007 Hap Chambers Chestnut-sided Warbler - 2 along KY 92 ca. 3-4 miles w. of Yamacraw Bridge, DBNF, McCreary, 10 June (SS) were likely breeding and represented the first reports for the local area in summer. Blackburnian Warbler - 1 singing near the crest of Pine Mountain just s. of Shell Gap, Llarlan, 14 June (BP) was away from known breeding areas of the higher mountains just to the southeast. Swainson’s Warbler - up to 6 or more were along the Bee Rock Trail. DBNF, Laurel, 3 June (TH et al. ); I in s. Boyle 1 June (MH) was in an area where the species was heard twice in May but has not been reported previously in summer. Prothonotary Warbler - at least 1 and pos¬ sibly 2 nests at Lewis County WMA in early June (SF) represented a first breed¬ ing record for the county. Savannah Sparrow - at least 1 and prob¬ ably 2 were singing at Masterson Station Park, Fayette, 1 June (BP, SV); 1 was 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 107 recorded along the Pleasureville BBS route in ne. Shelby 10 June (BS). Henslow’s Sparrow - at least a few dozen territorial birds were present nw. of Son¬ ora, Hardin , 22 June (BP, AS); a new colony of at least 10 singing males was reported just e. of Touristville, Wayne, in early July (ph.CO); up to 17 were counted at the Ano strip mines, Pulaski. 16 July (RD). White-throated Sparrow - the bird that lingered at Richmond, Madison , into late May was last seen 1 June (TH). Rose-breasted Grosbeak - following the unprecedented spring showing at feeders across the state, a female was present in a yard in n. Woodford, 3-5 June (JL); and a pair was present in a yard at Covington, Kenton, at least into mid-June (MAB .fide LM). Bobolink - there were several reports, all being included: nesting birds nw. of Harrodsburg, Mercer, continued into June (GD et al.); 1-2 singing males at two stops along the Pleasureville BBS route in ne. Shelby 10 June (BS); a small colony of at least 6 males and 4 females along Aiken Road. Woodford, 18 June (ph.JL); 5 ter¬ ritorial birds at the Winchester Municipal Utilities facility n. of Winchester, Clark, 26 June (JSm); and several territorial birds along Stringtown Road. ne. Bourbon, 16 July (SM, RB). Observers: David Ayer (DA); Mary Ann Barnett (MAB); Mark Bennett (MB); John Brunjes (JB); Rhonda Bryant (RB); Gerald Burnett (GB); Hap Chambers (HC); Charlie Crawford (CC); Roseanna Denton (RD); Gary Dorman (GD); Tom Durbin (TD); Melissa Easley (ME); Donna Floden (DF); Scott Freidhof (SF); Travis Gibson (TG); Rod Goforth (RG); Michael Hamm (MH); Ben Haydon (BH); Tim Houghton (TH); Marc Johnson (MJ); Joe Lacefield (JL); Celia Lawrence (CL); Betty Leggett (BL); Ken Leggett (KL); Scott Marsh (SM); Wes Mattox (WM); Lee McNeely (LM); Evelyn Morgan (EM); Chelsey Olson (CO); Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP); Frank Renfrow (FR); Rochelle Renken (RR); David Roemer (DR); Rick Seelhorst (RS); Jack Sloan (JS1); Adam Smith (AS); Brian Smith (BS); Julie Smoak (JSm); Stephen Stedman (SS); Jack Still (JSt); Don Swearingen (DS); Budd Veverka (BV); Shawchyi Vorisek (SV); Eileen Wicker (EW); Barbara Woemer (BW); Ben Yandell (BY); Mary Yandell (MY). THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL 2007 MEETING September 28-30, 2007, Kenlake State Resort Park John Brunjes, Recording Secretary The fall 2007 meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held 28-30 September at the Kenlake State Resort Park outside of Aurora, in Marshall County. The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. CDT Friday evening by President Mark Bennett, who welcomed members and guests. Win Ahrens introduced the guest speakers and made announcements. The first speaker of the evening was Jim McKoy. the Fire Management Officer for Land Between the Lakes. Jim started with a historical perspective of how fire had maintained a sustainable oak-grassland habitat for 15,000 years in this area. An oak- grassland habitat is semi-open woodland of oaks (and hickories) with an understory of native grasses. Fire was initiated by lightning or native Americans who used it to maintain populations of elk and deer. The plants had adapted in a sustainable manner to periodic fires, until the “Smokey the Bear” era starting in the 1940s suppressed the use of fire, and caused an overstocking of vegetation. LBL has initiated restoration of this imperiled ecosystem, using prescribed burning and tree thinning of 2,000 acres (807 ha) in the Prior Creek area near the Kentucky -Tennessee state line. He anticipated the restoration will have a positive effect on Red-headed Woodpeckers, Prairie Warblers, Swainson's Warblers (due THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 108 Vol. 83 to planting 50 acres [20 ha] of cane), and Henslow’s Sparrows. Details of the project can be found at http://www.lhl.org/LRMPProjects.html Past-president Hap Chambers was the second speaker on the Friday program. Hap introduced the audience to the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, the only federal refuge solely in Kentucky. The Refuge was established in 1997 and currently consists of 8500 acres (3432 ha) along the East Fork of the Clarks River with significant bottomland hardwood forests. More information on this refuge is available at http://www.fwx.gov/ southeast/clarksriver/. Hap described the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) protocol for bird banding. She has helped run a MAPS banding station at the Refuge since 2003, with highest captures of Acadian Flycatcher, Kentucky Warbler, and Indigo Bunting (these data are summarized in the August 2007 issue of The Kentucky Warbler). Hap also presented a series of slides illustrating the "Nature of Learning" project, an innovative grant that shares the thrill of seeing mist-netted birds in the hand with school children. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m., and soft drinks and cookies were available. The Saturday field trips were held in fantastic, warm and sunny, fall weather. Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes were the focus of the day’s field trips. One field trip to the Jonathan Creek mudflats was led by Hap Chambers. A second field trip focused on the Honker Lake and Bay vicinity of Land Between the Lakes and was led by Ken Leggett. An informal afternoon trip led by David Roemer was taken to Kentucky Lake to scan for waterbirds. Nearly 130 species were seen by members in attendance with some highlights including Peregrine Falcon, Lesser Black-backed Gull, and Sabine’s Gull. The KOS board meeting was held at 2:30 p.m. CDT and was followed by a meeting of the Kentucky Bird Records Committee at 4:30 p.m. CDT. Ben Yandell was nominated to, and accepted, the position of Secretary of the Kentucky Bird Records Committee to fill a vacancy created by Mark Bennett's resignation from that position. The Saturday evening meeting was called to order by President Mark Bennett. He introduced the evening speaker, Elizabeth Raikes. Ms. Raikes is a biologist with the U.S. Forest Service at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL). Ms. Raikes' presentation provided a very interesting and in-depth look at management practices and planning for birds and wildlife that occur at LBL. She discussed LBL’s mandate to provide for multiple uses including 1) rare species management, 2) wildlife viewing opportunities, and 3) hunting opportunities for the two million visitors to LBL each year. She discussed 20 bird species considered "of viability concern" that are the focus of management efforts. She then reviewed major habitat types within LBL and provided examples of how each habitat type was being managed for these species of concern. In closing she suggested anyone with interest in wildlife and wildlife management at LBL check out their website at www.lbl.org. At the completion of Ms. Raikes talk, Mark Bennett thanked her on behalf of the Society. Mark Bennett then ran down the checklist of Saturday’s birds. At the completion of Saturday night, at least 125 species had been tallied. Mark Bennett then opened the annual business meeting of the Society, calling upon Hap Chambers, Chairperson of the Nominating Committee, to present the proposed slate of officers and new board members for election by the membership. Ms. Chambers then introduced Ben Yandell as the Secretary of the Kentucky Bird Records Committee and presented the slate of officer and board member nominations for the upcoming 2008 year: Win Ahrens (President), Scott Marsh (Vice-President), Lee McNeely (Treasurer), John Brunjes (Recording Secretary), and Brainard Palmer-Ball (Corresponding Secretary); with Kathy Cohen and Lana Hays nominated to new 3-year terms as Councillors. Mark Bennett called for nominations from the floor; with none presented, the slate was moved for acceptance and seconded followed by unanimous voice vote in favor of the proposed slate. 2007 109 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Mark Bennett took a few minutes to discuss access to the impoundments at the TVA Paradise Power Plant in Muhlenberg County. Members who had had experience gaining access to the now-restricted area provided insight into the process of visiting to survey the birds. Mark strongly encouraged all members who access the plant to strictly adhere to rules. Finally, President Bennett thanked everyone for the privilege of serving as president of the Society. He expressed the joy that serving the Society had been and he gave incoming President Win Ahrens his best wishes for continued success and prosperity in the Society. Dr. Ahrens addressed the group thanking everyone for the opportunity to serve as president. He expressed strong hopes and visions for the future of the Society. He also announced the spring meeting at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 25-27 April 2008. He thanked outgoing officers and board members Mark Bennett, Mary Yandell, and Shawchyi Vorisek for their service to the Society. With that he closed the meeting so that everyone might socialize over drinks and cookies. On Sunday morning, Lee McNeely led a field trip around the State Resort Park and Hap Chambers took a large group to the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, where she had several mist nets up to demonstrate capturing and banding songbirds. A lovely male Scarlet Tanager in basic plumage put on a nice show as Hap demonstrated protocol for the banding process. Attendance at the KOS 2007 Fall Meeting Alexandria: Ron & Mary Beth Lusby Bowling Green: Blaine Ferrell, David & Joan Roemer Burlington: Lee McNeely Cadiz Willard Gray Carlisle: Virginia & Wendell Kingsolver Carmel, IN Lou Anne Barriger Eddyville Betty & Ken Leggett, Phyllis Niemi Floyd Knobs, IN Tom Becker, Colleen Craven-Becker Frankfort: John Brunjes, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Greenville, IN Jane Fender Lexington: Rhonda Bryant, Scott Marsh, Bobbi & Lou Shain, Joe Swanson Louisville: Mary Bill Bauer, Richard Cassell, Marge Constan, Bonnie & Robert Dever, Gerald Heath, Eddie & Jennifer Huber, Gary Sprandel, Ben & Mary Yandell Morehead: Fred Busroe, Katie Busroe Morgantown Carroll & Doris Tichenor Murray: Hap Chambers, Melissa Easley, Bobbi Kent, Terrence Little Olive Hill: Evelyn Morgan Prospect: Win Ahrens Russellville: Mark Bennett Science Hill: Roseanna Denton Bird Species Observed at the KOS Fall 2007 Meeting Kenlake State Resort Park and vicinity The following bird species were observed during the weekend of September 28-30, 2007, at Kenlake State Resort Park, Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley and environs (birds added Sunday at Clarks River NWR, Marshall County, are listed at the end): Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, 1 10 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 Osprey. Bald Eagle. Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk. Red-shouldered Hawk. Red¬ tailed Hawk, American Kestrel. Peregrine Falcon, American Coot, American Golden- Plover, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Pectoral Sand¬ piper. Stilt Sandpiper, Wilson's Snipe. American Woodcock, Franklin's Gull, Ring-billed Gull. Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Sabine's Gull, Caspian Tern, Forster’s Tern, Rock Pigeon. Mourning Dove, Barred Owl, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker. Hairy Woodpecker. Northern Flicker, Pileated Wood¬ pecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Loggerhead Shrike. White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, Homed Lark, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Ruby- crowned Kinglet. Eastern Bluebird. Gray-cheeked Thrush, Swainson's Thrush. Wood Thrush. American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing. Blue-winged Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Canada Warbler, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager. Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Car¬ dinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, American Goldfinch, and House Sparrow. Additions from Clarks River NWR were Northern Harrier, Least Flycatcher, Swamp Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, and Red-winged Blackbird. The total for the weekend was 133 species. FIELD NOTES Late Indigo Bunting Nest in Christian County On 6 September 2006 a small, brown bird was flushed off a nest by my riding an ATV through a shrubby, native grass field on the Fort Campbell Military Reservation (SW comer of Christian County approximately 1.0 mi [1.6 km] north of the Tennessee state line). The nest was near the top of a 6.6 ft (2.0 m) flowering dogwood ( Cornus florida) and contained four white eggs. Nest material was composed of dead grasses and leaves and lined with fine grass. The nest tree was located in an overgrown field among a clump of small saplings interspersed with native grasses. Nest identification could not be confirmed without disturb¬ ing the nest, so the next day (7 September) observation with binoculars confirmed an incubating female Indigo Bunting ( Passerina cyanea). The nest was monitored every three to four days in accordance with standard nest monitoring procedures (Martin and Geupel 1993). On 11 September four newly hatched young (< 1 day old) were seen in the nest, and four chicks were observed in the nest during subsequent visits - 14, 18, and 21 September. One large nestling was seen in the cup on the afternoon of 25 September, and when a mirror was held up to the nest to see if any other nestlings were hidden in the bottom, the lone chick in the nest fledged. Extensive fecal material along the rim of the nest and in the bottom of the cup indicated the other three nestlings had most likely fledged earlier that day. An adult Indigo Bunting was heard chipping nearby. The young were in the nest >14 days, a bit longer than the 9-12 day average for the nestling stage of this species (Payne 2006). Based upon an average incubation period of 12-13 days, egg laying was initiated during the last week of August. The latest nest date on record for Indigo Buntings in Kentucky is 16 August, represented by a report of "three well-feathered young’’ observed in Hopkins County in 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 1965 (Stamm and Jones 1966). The Breeding Bird Atlas of Tennessee lists 28 August as the latest nest date with eggs (Nicholson 1997). The latest Indigo Bunting nest with young ever documented occurred 26 September in Ontario (Peck and James 1987). Two late records of fledged broods exist in the United States: two females caring for Hedged broods were observed 18 September 2005 in Ann Arbor, Michigan; and a female with 'partly blue’ male was observed feeding a vocal, begging, long-tailed fledgling at Ann Arbor, Michigan, 21 September 2006 (Payne 2006). Research on climate change and birds has documented early egg-laying dates in recent years (Bonfield 2007; Crick et al. 1997; Inouye et al. 2000); for example, between 1971 and 1995 the laying date for many species of British birds shifted earlier by an average of nine days (Crick et al. 1997). However, late nest initiation has not been studied as well as early nest initiation. According to the National Climatic Data Center (2006) the summer of 2006 was the second warmest on record in the United States. The average June-August 2006 temperature for the contiguous United States was 2.4°F (1.3°C) above the 20th-Century average of 72. 1°F(22.3°C). Literature Cited Bonfield, S. 2007. Climate change and birds. Birder’s JFo/7r/21(3):24-28. Crick, H.Q.P., C. Dudley, D.E. Glue, and D.L. Thomson. 1997. UK birds are laying eggs earlier. Nature 388:526. Inouye, D.W., B. Barr, K.B. Armitage, and B.D. Inouye. 2000. Climate change is affecting altitudinal migrants and hibernating species. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 97(4): 1 630- 1633. Martin, T.E., and G.R. Geupel. 1993. Protocols for nest monitoring plots: locating nests, monitoring success, and measuring vegetation. J. Field Omithol. 64:507-5 19. National Climatic Data Center, U.S. Dept, of Commerce. 2006. Asheville, NC. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2006/aug/aug06.html. Nicholson, C.P. 1997. Atlas of the breeding birds of Tennessee. The University of Ten¬ nessee Press, Knoxville, 425 pp. Payne, R.B. 2006. Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea ). The Birds of North America Online (A. Poole, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology; Retrieved from The Birds of North America Online database. Peck, G.K., and R.D. James. 1987. Breeding birds of Ontario, nidiology and distribution. Vol. 2: Passerines. Life Sciences Misc. Publ., Roy. Ontario Museum, Toronto. Stamm, A.L., and H.P. Jones. 1966. Kentucky Nesting Records, 1965. The Kentucky Warb¬ ler 42:39-43. — E. Daniel Moss, Colorado State University, Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands, AFZB-P-E, 865 16th Street, Fort Campbell. KY 42223. Documentation of Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) in Kentucky Although Rough-legged Hawk ( Buteo lagopus ) is a regularly reported winter resident in Kentucky, no extant specimen documents its occurrence in Kentucky. In the absence of specific dates, Mengel (1965. Birds of Kentucky, p. 205) lists the earliest reports as origin¬ ating in Fulton County prior to 1925 and in Jefferson County in 1934. For the purpose of acceptance onto the Official State List, the earliest conclusive documentation for this un¬ common raptor in Kentucky consists of photographs taken by Ben Yandell in Garrard County 5 January 1975, and by W. Horace Brown in Shelby County in February 1979 and December 1985 (Figs. 1 and 2, p. 112). Publication of photographs of the two birds in Shelby County serves to conclusively document the occurrence of the species in Kentucky. — Kentucky Bird Records Committee, Ben Yandell, Secretary, 513 Lymington Court, Louisville, KY, 40243. 1 12 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 83 NEWS AND VIEWS K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Grants Available The Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Fund supports research on birds in Kentucky up to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, please contact Dr. Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean’s Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, 42101 (blaine.ferrell@wku.edu). K.O.S. Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund Grants Available The Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund supports education of children in the deeper appreciation of birds and ornithology. For guidelines on how to apply for grants of up to $500, please contact Mark Bennett by mail at 1 13 Iroquois Circle, Russellville, KY, 42276, or via email at (benn5609@bellsouth.net). Figs. 1 (above) and 2 (below). Rough-legged Hawks (Buteo lagopus) in Shelby County, Kentucky. Above: February 1979. Below: December 1985. Photographs by W. Horace Brown. / The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 84 FEBRUARY 2008 NO. 1 ? IN THIS ISSUE THE FALL SEASON 2007, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 3 MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT 2007-2008, Blaine R. Ferrell . 17 FIELD NOTE Yellow-rumped “Audubon’s” Warbler at Louisville, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr . 33 NEWS AND VIEWS . 35 2 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Vice-President . Corresponding Secretary . Win Ahrens, Prospect . Scott Marsh, Lexington . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 Treasurer . Recording Secretary . Councillors: Gay Hodges, Somerset . Eddie Huber, Louisville . Marilee Thompson, Owensboro Evelyn Morgan, Olive Hill . Kathy Cohen, Murray . Lana Hays, Walton . . Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY 41005 . John Brunjes, Frankfort 2006 thru 2008 2006 thru 2008 2007 thru 2009 2007 thru 2009 2008 thru 2010 2008 thru 2010 Retiring President Mark Bennett, Russellville Staff Artist Ray Harm, Sonoita, A Z 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; 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 . Blaine R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Wayne Mason, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Stephen Stedman Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Ben Yandell 513 Lymington Court, Louisville, KY 40243 THE COVER We thank Tom Uhlman for the image of the Roseate Spoonbill ( Platalea ajaja) taken 11 August 2007 at Grayson Lake, Elliott County (see Fall Season 2007 report). Financial support for color reproduction in this issue provided by the Daniel /- _ v Boone National Forest and the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Jl lAKv - — • ' * 1 Kentucky* Touchstone Energy Cooperatives ‘ 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER FALL SEASON 2007 I L~ — - — — — - i Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee Merely,- The fall 2007 season was characterized overall by relatively high "temperatures and continued drought conditions across most of the state. Temperatures in August were warmer than normal, with the highest temperatures of the year occurring 15 August (104°F at Paducah) and 16 August (101°F at Louisville and 106 °F at Bowling Green). Tem¬ peratures during September and October continued to be warmer than normal, but temperatures during November finally became slightly cooler than nonnal. The dry conditions of summer extended into fall, actually becoming worse during August and September. Above-average rainfall finally occurred during October, highlighted by a significant system that provided 4.3 inches (10.9 cm) of rainfall to the Louisville area 23 October. November then returned to being slightly drier than normal. It was believed that the dry conditions of the summer and fall periods would exacerbate the shortage of winter food supplies available for birds in the coming winter season. Rarity highlights included a continuing White Ibis, two Roseate Spoonbills, two Wood Storks, Red Knot, Red-necked Phalarope, two Great Black-backed Gulls, California Gull, Northern Shrike, Yellow-rumped “Audubon’s” Warbler, at least three Clay-colored Spar¬ rows, and Common Redpoll. Again this year, no remnants of tropical systems passed through the state. An early push of boreal species indicated a good winter finch season might follow, but by late November it appeared that only modest numbers of boreal species would be seen. Natural food crops, including evergreen cones, berries, acorns, and hickory nuts, appeared to be produced in well below-average abundance. 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 - 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; Place names: Ballard = Ballard Wildlife Management Area, Ballard, Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam, Livingston! Lyon', Barren = Barren River Lake, Alien! Barren', Berea Forest = Berea College Forest, Madison', Bemheim Forest = Bemheim Forest Arboretum and Research Forest, Bullitt', Blackacre = Blackacre State Nature Preserve, Jefferson', Blood River = Blood River embayment, Kentucky Lake, Calloway, Camp #9 = Peabody Camp #9 coal preparation plant, Union', Camp #1 1 = former Camp #1 1 mine, Union', Caperton = Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve, Jefferson', Casey Creek = Casey Creek embayment of Green River Lake, Adair, Cooley's Pond = Cooley's Pond, Wayne; DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Eddy Creek = Eddy Creek embayment of Lake Barkley, Lyon; Falls of the Ohio = Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson; Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski; Fisherville = Fisherville, Jefferson; Floyds Fork = Floyds Fork Park, Jefferson; Garvin Brown = Garvin Brown Nature Preserve, ne. Jefferson; Hardy Slough = Hardy Slough, Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson; Homestead = Homestead Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio; Honker Lake = Honker Lake, LBL, Lyon/Trigg; Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall; Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall; Kv Dam Village = Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Marshall; Kv Lake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall (unless otherwise noted); Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, 4 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Lyon', Lake Barkley = Lake Barkley, Livingston/Lyon/Trigg', Lake No. 9 = Lake No. 9, Fulton\ Laketon = Mississippi River sandbars near Laketon, Carlisle', LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lyon/Trigg', Ledbetter = Ledbetter, Livingston', Lick Creek = Lake Barkley at the mouth of Lick Creek, Lyon', Little River = Little River embayment. Lake Barkley, Trigg', Lower Hickman Bottoms = Lower Hickman Bottoms, w. Fulton, Meldahl Dam = Meldahl Dam on the Ohio River, Bracken', Melco = Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson', Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan', Mitchell Lake = Mitchell Lake, Ballard WMA, Ballard, Mt. Zion = Mt. Zion, Pulaski', NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; Paradise = Paradise Power Plant impoundments, Muhlenberg', Payne Plant = Louisville Water Co. Payne Treatment Plant ponds on Mayfair Ave., Jefferson', Pleasant Hill Church Road = Pleasant Hill Church Road, Trigg', Raven Run = Raven Run Nature Preserve, Fayette ; St. Matthews = St. Matthews, Jefferson', Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson', Sawyer Park = E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park, Jefferson', Shaker Mill = Shaker Mill, Warren', Shawnee Park = Shawnee Park, Jefferson', Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg', Snake Creek = Green River Lake at Snake Creek embayment, Adair, SNP = State Nature Preserve; SRP = State Resort Park; Surrey Hills Farm = Surrey Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson', Swan Lake = Swan Lake WMA, Ballard', Thurston's Pond = Thurston's Pond, Wayne; Van Buren = Taylorsville Lake above Van Buren boat ramp, Anderson; Waitsboro = Waitsboro Recreation Area on Lake Cumberland, Pulaski; Wildcat Creek = Wildcat Creek embayment of Kentucky Lake, Calloway; WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose earliest report was represented by 15+ at Sauer¬ heber 27 October (CC et al.); peak count was represented by 500+ at Long Point 28 November (BP, HC). Snow Goose the summering bird at Griffin Park, Warren, lingered to 25 August (DR). Ross’s Goose the only reports were repre¬ sented by 26 at Sauerheber 2 1 November (BP, JBr) with at least 12 still there 24 November (AH). Cackling Goose earliest reports were rep¬ resented by 1 at Jonathan Creek 26 Octo¬ ber (ME, HC, BH) and 9 at Sauerheber 27 October (BP, ph. BY, et ah). Mute Swan there were two reports: 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville in early October (MF), 24 October (BP), and 26 November (EH); and 4 at Lake Nevin, Bemheim Forest, 28 November (BW, MBa). Tundra Swan - the first of Sauerheber’s wintering flock to be seen this fall were 8 on 15 November (BR,y?r/e MMt). Wood Duck - peak count was represented by several hundred at Lake No. 9 on 4/12 August (BP et ah). Gadwall - peak counts included 150 on Barren 24 October (DR); 200+ at Honker Lake 19 November (ME); and 125+ at Sauerheber 21 November (BP, JBr). American Wigeon 1 at Mitchell Lake 31 August (HC, ME) was either an early migrant or one of the family group repor¬ ted during summer; peak count was of 210+ at Sauerheber 21 November (BP, JBr). American Black Duck 1 at Camp #9 on 1/3 September (BP) was probably contin¬ uing from summer. Blue-winged Teal peak counts included 102 at Camp #9, 240 at Camp #11, and 150+ at Mitchell Lake, all 25 August (BP, BY, MY); ca. 250 at Sauerheber (CC) and 75+ at the Payne Plant (BW, MBa), both 9 September; and a few flocks of 100+ at scattered locales along the Mississippi River corridor 1 1 September (BP). Northern Shoveler earliest reports were represented by 1 at Mitchell Lake 21 August (SR) and 9 at Camp #9 on 25 August (BP, BY, MY). Northern Pintail - earliest reports were rep¬ resented by 2 at Mitchell Lake 25 August (BP, BY, MY) and 1 at Camp #1 1 on 1 September (BP). A case of apparent win- 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 5 ter site fidelity was exhibited by a female that appeared 14 October on the same pond in Allen frequented by presumably the same female last winter (DR). A flock of 23 on the Ohio River above the mouth of Sugar Creek, Gallatin, 25 October (BP) was rather unexpected. Green-winged Teal - earliest reports were of 1 at Mitchell Lake 25 August (BP, BY, MY) and 3 at Camp #11 on 1 September (BP); peak counts were of 150+ on Barren 24 October (DR) and 200-250 at Sauer- heber 27 October (BP et al.). Aythya spp. - the Aythya duck migration was unspectacular with no extraordinary peak counts reported (m. ob.). Lesser Scaup - at least 12 summering birds were present above Barkley Dam 6 Sep¬ tember (BP). Surf Scoter - there were six reports, all being included: 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville 25 October (JBe, PB); 13 at Jonathan Creek 26 October (HC); singles at Waitsboro 25 October and 23 Novem¬ ber (RD); 4 on the Ohio River at Cox’s Park, Louisville, 30 October (MA); and 3 on the Ohio River at Craig’s Creek, Gal¬ latin, 14 November (BP). White-winged Scoter - the only report was of 3 on Barren 24 October (DR). Black Scoter - there were seven reports, all being included: 1 on the Ohio River be¬ low the mouth of Sugar Creek, Gallatin (BP), and 4 on the Ohio River at Louis¬ ville (MR, MA), both 25 October; 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville 29 October (EH); 4 on the Ohio River at Carrollton, Carroll, 14 November (BP); 3 on Barren 19 November (AH); 3 on Lake Cumber¬ land above Wolf Creek Dam, Russell, 24 November (RD); and 1 on Ky Lake at Sherwood Shores, Marshall, 27 Novem¬ ber (BP). Long-tailed Duck - the only report was of 2 at Minor Clark 23 November (MWr, MG). Hooded Merganser - peak counts were rep¬ resented by 100 at Honker Lake 19 No¬ vember (ME) and 150 at Lexington 25 November (SMa, RB). Common Merganser - the only report was of 6 on the Ohio River at Louisville 19 November (EH). Ruddy Duck - peak counts were unremark¬ able and included 40-50 on Barren 25 October (AH) and 48 at Lexington 25 November (SMa, RB). Ruffed Grouse - 1 was heard drumming at Raven Run 1 1 November (SMa). Red-throated Loon - the only report was of a juvenile on Ky Lake above Ky Dam 16/17 November (*BP). Common Loon - earliest reports were of 1 at Taylor Bay, Lake Barkley, Trigg, 18 September (RD, HC, ME) and 1 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 28 September (DR); peak counts were of 90-100 on Barren 24 October (DR) and ca. 120 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 27 November (BP). Pied-billed Grebe - the appearance of 1 at Jonathan Creek 14 August (ME) and 10 at Camp #9 on 25 August (BP, BY, MY) likely represent normal timing for the first push of fall migrants; peak count was of 70 at Waitsboro 25 October (RD). Horned Grebe - peak counts included 202 on Barren 19 November (AH); 84 on Lake Cumberland at Rowena Road, Rus¬ sell, 24 November (RD); 175+ on Lake Barkley above the dam 27 November (BP); and a tally of 980+ on Ky Lake, Marshall, 27 November (BP) that repre¬ sented a new state high count. Eared Grebe - the only report was of 1 on Lake Barkley above the dam 27 November (*BP). American White Pelican - 1 at Lake No. 9 on 4 August (BP) and 36 overhead there 12 August (BP, MS, HC) were likely summering; earliest report of migrants in the LBL area was of ca. 90 over Lake Barkley near the mouth of Little River 3 September (ER); peak counts included ca. 400 on Lake Barkley s. of the mouth of Little River 1 1 September (ER); at least 1200 on Lake Barkley from the dam to the mouth of Little River 20 October (TF); ca. 500 at Blood River 29 October (HC, ME); and more than 1000 on Lake Barkley, Lyon/Trigg, 5 November (HC, NM). Re- 6 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 ports of individuals outside of normal range included 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 1-27 September (KD, BP, et al.); 1 over Jeffersontown, Jefferson, 3 September (MS); 1 on a pond near Loretto, Marion, 8-12 September (ph. R&TD,/Lfe SV); and 1 on Barren 25-27 October (AH, DR). Double-crested Cormorant - peak counts included “thousands” in the LBL area in mid- to late September (m. ob.); 1000+ on the Ohio River in extreme n. Union, 14 October (CC), 1500-2000 over the Falls of the Ohio 25 October (JBe, PB), and 350 on Barren 26 October (DR, AH). American Bittern - there were only a few reports, all being included: 1 at Hardy Slough 3 October (DR) with 3 there 6 October (DR, KOS) and 2 still there 27 October (BP et al.); and 1 at Barren 8 October (DR). Great Egret numbers at Lake No. 9 dropped to ca. 100 by 4 August (BP); ad¬ ditional peak counts for the season in¬ cluded 185+ on a slough w. of Hickman, Fulton, 4 August (BP); 330+ at Fish Pond, Fulton, 12 August (BP, MS, HC) with ca. 250 still there 36 August (BP, BY, MY); 20 at Van Buren 10 August (EH, JHu) with 22 there 30 August/6 September (BW); 55-60 at Camp #1 1 and 62 at Eddy Creek, both 25 August (BP, BY, MY); 40+ at the Falls of the Ohio 26 August (T&C'B); 40 at Ledbetter 6 September Roseate Spoonbill, Lyon/Trigg 4 September 2007 Melodie Cunningham (BP); 43 at Long Creek Refuge, LBL, Trigg, 7 September (BL); and 58 at Blood River 8 September (HC). Latest reports were of 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 14 November (BP) and 2 at Brown’s Ford, Barren, Alien, 20 November (AH). Snowy Egret - peak counts were of 100+ at Lake No. 9 on 12 August (BP, MS, HC) and more than 60 at Mitchell Lake 23 August (SR); latest reports were of 3 at Jonathan Creek 5 October (HC, BH) and 1 at Wildcat Creek 15 October (BH). Little Blue Heron - peak counts at Lake No. 9 were unremarkable and included 90+ on 4 August (BP) and 100+ on 10 August (HC, ME). One at Snake Creek 1 August and 1 continuing from July at Casey Creek 1/14/25 August (RD et al.) were the only wayward post-breeding dis¬ persers/migrants. Cattle Egret the only unusual reports of out-of-place post-breeding dispersers/mi¬ grants were represented by 1 at Snake Creek 10/13 September (RD) and 1 along the Ohio River at Craig’s Creek, Gallatin, 14 November (ph. BP). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - the only report was of a juvenile at Lake No. 9 on 10 August (HC, ME) and 12 August (BP, MS, HC). White Ibis - a juvenile at Lake No. 9 on 10 August (ph. HC, ME) may have been the same one that was present in late July. KBRC review required. Roseate Spoonbill - there were two reports: a sub-adult bird found at Grayson Lake s. of Ibex, Elliott, 1 1 August (ph. TU) and subsequently seen 15 August (ph. RD, SDn), 18 August (m. ob.; ph.BY), and 19 August (EM et al.); and a sub-adult bird at Honker Lake 4 September (ph. MC). KBRC review required. Wood Stork 2 juveniles were at Jonathan Creek 10-11 September (ph. BP, ph. BY, et al.). KBRC review required. Osprey - there were a few reports from ear¬ ly August that likely represent early dis¬ persers from the gradually expanding nesting population; latest reports were 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ 7 represented by 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 29 October (EH) and 14 November (BP). Mississippi Kite - 2-3 during the summer and to at least 4 August at Reidland, Mc¬ Cracken (GB), were just outside of known summering areas along the lower Tennes¬ see River; a loose flock of 21 foraging birds was present over Lake No. 9 on 10 August (HC, ME); 6 were still in the vicinity of Laketon 1 1 September (BP). The only report well outside of known breeding areas was of an adult over Para¬ dise 22 September (*MY, BY) that repre¬ sented a new late departure date for the state. Bald Eagle - 13 in a several-mile long stretch of the Mississippi River, Carlisle, 1 1 September (BP) were likely mostly local nesting pairs and young. Northern Harrier - early reports of interest included a male at Laketon 12 August (BP, MS, HC) and 1 hunting along Airline Road, Henderson, 30 August (LG); 2 were observed migrating past The Pin¬ nacle at Cumberland Gap National His¬ torical Park, Bell, 5 November (SF). Broad-winged Hawk - the only migration- watch tally reported was of 74 in 14.5 hours along Pine Mt. near Oven Fork, Letcher, 22-23 September (SSw et ah). Red-tailed Hawk - 40-50 were seen over Sauerheber 27 October (MY, BY, et ah), Wood Storks, Jonathan Creek 10 September 2007 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. indicating an exceptional migratory flight. Rough-legged Hawk - the only report was of 1 at Cooley’s Pond 10 November (RD). Merlin - all of nearly a dozen reports are included: 2 along the Mississippi River, Carlisle, 1 1 September (BP); 1 at Camp #9 on 20 September (BP); 1 at Barkley Dam 30 September (DR, JR); I at Sauer¬ heber 3 October (DR); 1 at Homestead 12 October (DR, JD); 1 at Barren 23-26 October (DR, AH); 1 along KY 56, w. Webster, 8 November (BP); 1 at Cox’s Park, Louisville, 8/24/26 November (EH); and singles at the Vogue Unit of Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg, and at the East Vol¬ unteer Mine, Hopkins , both 20 November (BP, BS). Peregrine Falcon - all of about a dozen re¬ ports are included: members of the local family group were seen off and on at the Falls of the Ohio during the period (m. ob.); 1 at St. Matthews 8/15 September (BW); 1 at Mitchell Lake 19 September (HC et ah); 1 at Lexington 27 September (JY); 2 at Jonathan Creek 29 September (HC, KOS) with 1 there and at Blood Riv¬ er in early October (HC); 2 on Lake Bark¬ ley at US 68/KY 80 crossing, Trigg, 30 September (LM, KOS); 1 at Casey Creek 5 October (RD); 1 at Sauerheber 6 Octo¬ ber (DR, KOS); 1 at Sauerheber 27 Octo¬ ber (BP et ah); 1 in s. Ohio 1 1 November (AH); and a juvenile below Barkley Dam 26/27 November (BP). Virginia Rail - there were a few reports, all being included: at least 6 at Sauerheber 6 October (DR, KOS); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 20 October (BP et ah); 1 found dead in downtown Lexington 25 October (ph. MMr); and 1 at Sauerheber 27 October (BP et ah). Sora - peak count was of at least 40 at Sauerheber 6 October (DR, KOS). Common Moorhen - the only report was of 1 at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, 18 August (CC). American Coot — 2 at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, 18 August (CC) and 2 at Camp #1 1 on 25 August (BP, BY, MY) may have summered. 8 Sandhill Crane earliest reports were of 2 over Sauerheber 27 October (BP et al.) and 1 at Blood River 6 November (HC). Southbound flocks were most conspicu¬ ous during the last two weeks of Novem¬ ber with peak counts of 800-1000 over Hart 24 November (SK) and 560 over Louisville 27 November (MY). Black-bellied Plover there were not many reports, all being included: an adult at Mitchell Lake 12-21 August (m. ob.); 3 at Sauerheber (CC) and 2 at Blood River (HC), both 8 September; a juvenile at the Falls of the Ohio 9-15 September (DC, T&CB, BY, MY); a juvenile at Minor Clark 20 September (ph. DM); a juvenile at the Falls of the Ohio 24 October (BP); and 1 at Cooley’s Pond 25 October (RD). American Golden-Plover 1-2 were re¬ ported at a few normal locales in cen. and w. Kentucky 1 1 September- 1 5 October (m. ob.); also reported was a juvenile at Minor Clark 15 September (ph. LH) with an adult there 20 September (ph. DM); peak count was of 10 at Camp #9 on 28 September (BP); latest reports were repre¬ sented by singles at Cooley’s Pond 25 October (RD) and at Sauerheber 21 No¬ vember (BP, JBr). Semipalmated Plover peak count was an unremarkable 13 at Blood River 5 Sep¬ tember (BH); latest report was of 1 that lingered at Cooley’s Pond to 3 November (ph. RD). Piping Plover - the only report(s) were of 1 (perhaps the same individual) at the Falls of the Ohio 24 August (ph. BY, MY) to 8 September (BP, G& BD). Killdeer - peak counts were all at Mitchell Lake and included 350 on 3 August (HC, ME), 300-400 on 21 August (SR), and 300+ on 5 September (SR). American Avocet - the only report was represented by 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 26 October (ph.EH, AG, et al.). Spotted Sandpiper - latest report was of 2 at Fishing Creek 25 October (RD). Solitary Sandpiper 1 1 were at Little Riv¬ er by 1 August (DR) and 25 were at Mit¬ chell Lake by 3 August (HC, ME); latest Vol. 84 report was represented by 1 at Wildcat Creek 26 October (BH). Greater Yellowlegs - peak counts were rep¬ resented by 17 at Blood River 29 August (HC, ME) and 8 September (HC), and ca. 60 at Mitchell Lake 8 October (SR); latest reports were represented by 4 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 9 November (HC, ME), 1 at Thurston’s Pond 10 No¬ vember (RD), and 2 at Brown’s Ford, Barren, Allen, 20 November (AH). Ruddy Turnstone - there were three re¬ ports, all being included: 2 at Paradise 25 August (BY, MY, BP); 1 at Lick Creek 3 September (DR, TDu); and 1 at Casey Creek 4/7 September (RD). Red Knot a juvenile at Jonathan Creek 10- 1 1 September (ph. DM et al.) was the first reported in the state since 2000. KBRC review required. Sanderling - small numbers were reported mostly at normal locales as follows: 1-2 at Mitchell Lake 20 August-3 September (m. ob.); a juvenile at Paradise 25 August/ 1 September (BY, MY, BP); single juv¬ eniles at the Falls of the Ohio 29 August- 22 September (m. ob.); 1 at Barren 5 Sep¬ tember (DR); 1-2 at Blood River 5-8 Sep¬ tember (BH, HC); 1 adjacent to Swan Lake 6 September (BP); 1 at Minor Clark 8 September (JW, ASK, fide TH); 3 at THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 2007 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 9 Lick Creek 10 September (DR, HC); 1 at Jonathan Creek 16 September (HC); 3 at Laketon 21 September (BP); and 1 at Thurston’s Pond 18 October (RD). Semipalmated Sandpiper - peak counts were unremarkable and included 20-25 at Laketon 12 August (BP, MS), 100+ at Mitchell Lake 21 August (SR), and 30 near Ledbetter 29 August (BP); latest re¬ ports were represented by 1 on Lake Bark¬ ley, Trigg, 10 October (ME, HC), 2 at Jonathan Creek 1 5 October (BH), and 1 at Jonathan Creek 1 9 October (HC). Western Sandpiper - relatively widespread in small numbers this fall as follows: 5 at Little River 1 August (DR); 4-5 at Lake- ton 12 August (BP, MS) with 5+ there 6 September (BP); 1-6 at Mitchell Lake 12 August-25 September (m. ob.) with a peak count of 10+ there 21 August (SR); 2-3 at Camp #1 1 25-29 August (BP et al.); 1-4 at Jonathan Creek 27 August- 10 Sep¬ tember (HC, BH, et al.); at least 1 near Ledbetter 29 August (BP) with 6 there 6 September (BP); 1 adjacent to Swan Lake 6 September (BP); 3 at Snake Creek 7 September (RD); 4 at Snake Creek and 2 at Casey Creek, both 10 September (RD); and 1 on Lake Barkley, Trigg, 10 October (ME, HC). In addition, 1-19 birds were at Blood River 16 August-5 September (HC, BH) with peak counts of 29 there 24 Au¬ gust (HC, BH), at least 28 there 29 August (HC, ME), and 29 there 30 August (HC, BH) being relatively impressive for recent years. Latest reports were represented by singles at Paradise (BP) and at Jonathan Creek (HC), both 19 October; and 1 at Blood River 29 October (HC, ME). Least Sandpiper - peak counts were unre¬ markable and included 70 near Ledbetter 29 August (BP), 46 at Snake Creek 10 September (RD), 120+ at Mitchell Lake 11 September (BP), and 135 at Jonathan Creek 15 October (BH). Latest reports away from normal Ky Lake wintering locales included 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 16 November (BP); 4 at Sauerheber 21 November (BP, JBr); 4 at Cooley’s Pond 24 November (RD); 8 at Guthrie Swamp, Todd, 25 November (MB); and 17 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 28 November (BP, HC). White-rumped Sandpiper - the only report was of 1 at the Payne Plant 20 October (T&CB). Baird’s Sandpiper - small numbers were reported mostly at normal locales as fol¬ lows: 1-3 at Mitchell Lake 15 August-11 September (m. ob.) with a peak count of 5 there 6 September (BP); 1-2 at the Falls of the Ohio 29 August-8 September (m. ob.) with a peak count of 6 there 9 September (DC); 4 near Ledbetter 6 September (BP); 2 at Blood River (HC) and 1 at Minor Clark (JW, ASK, fide TH), both 8 Sep¬ tember; 1 at Blood River 16 September (HC); 1 at Eddy Creek 20 September (BP); and 1 at Cooley’s Pond 23 October (RD). Pectoral Sandpiper - peak counts were rep¬ resented by 400+ at Lake No. 9 on 4 August (BP) with 240+ still there 12 Au¬ gust (BP, MS, HC), and 300-350 at Mitchell Lake 12 August (BP, MS) with 400-500 there 25 August (BP, BY, MY); latest reports were of 2 at Cooley’s Pond 7 November (RD) and 1 in the Lower Hick¬ man Bottoms 9 November (HC, ME). Dunlin - earliest report was of 1 at Camp #11 on 6 October (BP, BY, MY); latest report was of 1 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 28 November (BP, HC); peak count was of 44 at Fishing Creek 24 October (RD). Stilt Sandpiper - occurred widely in rela¬ tively small numbers as follows: 2-12 at Mitchell Lake 3 August-29 September (m. ob.) with peak counts of 22 there 6 September and 35+ there 1 1 September (BP); 1 at Laketon 12 August (BP, MS); 1 at Snake Creek 25 August (RD et al.) with 6 there 7 September, 1 there 10 Septem¬ ber, and 3 there 9 October (RD); 1-8 at Blood River 24 August-8 September (HC, BH, et al.); 1-4 at Camp #1 1 25 August- 1 1 September (BP et al.); 1 at Eddy Creek 25 August (BP, BY, MY); 1-7 at Jonathan Creek 27 August-29 September (HC, BH, et al.); 1 1 at Wildcat Creek 30 August (HC, BH); 3 at Cooley’s Pond (RD) and 1 along Drakes Creek, Simpson (DR), both 10 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 31 August; 14 at Little River 3 September (DR); 1 at Minor Clark 8 September (JW, ASK ,fide TH); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 9-10 September (DC, T&CB); 16 at Camp #9 on 1 1 September (BP); 2 at Sauerheber 6 October (DR, KOS); 1 at Cooley’s Pond 18 October (RD); 1 at Barren 19 October (TDu); 4 at Long Creek Refuge, LBL, Trigg, 23 October (BL); and 3 at Fishing Creek 24 October (RD). Buff-breasted Sandpiper - small numbers were reported mostly at normal locales as follows: 1-2 at Laketon 4/12 August & 1 1 September (BP et al.); 1-4 at Mitchell Lake 25 August-25 September (SR, HC, et al.); 1-4 at the Falls of the Ohio 29 August-10 September (m. ob.) with a peak count of 6 there 8-9 September (BP, DC, et al.); 1 at Snake Creek 4 September (RD); 5 with Killdeer in a disked corn¬ field along Smokey Road, Ballard , 5 Sep¬ tember (SR); and 2 at Jonathan Creek 22 September (BY, MY). Short-billed Dowitcher - small numbers of juveniles were reported as follows: 1-2 at Mitchell Lake 21 August-11 September (m. ob.); 1-3 at Camp #1 1 25 August 1 1 September (BP et al.); 2 at Laketon 26 August (BP, BY, MY); 1-2 at Jonathan Creek 27 August-13 September (HC, BH, et al.); 1 at Blood River 29 August (HC, ME); and 1 at Lick Creek 10 September (DR, HC). Long-billed Dowitcher there were several reports, all being included: an adult at Mitchell Lake 12 August (BP, MS) and 15 August (HC, ME); an adult at Camp #1 1 on 3 September (ph. BP); 4 at Camp #1 1 on 28 September (BP); 1 at Blood River 5 October (HC, BH); 3 at Sauerheber 6 October (DR, KOS); 2 at Camp #11 on 6 October (BP, BY, MY); 3 at Casey Creek (RD) and 3 at Jonathan Creek (HC), both 19 October; and 1 at Cooley’s Pond 25/30 October (RD). Wilson’s Snipe earliest report was of 1 at Minor Clark 25 August (LM, NKBC); peak counts were represented by 64 at Cooley’s Pond 3 November (RD) and 65 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 9 Novem¬ ber (HC, ME). Vol. 84 American Woodcock - there were a few reports during the season, when the spe¬ cies is typically scarcely observed during fall migration: 1 at Shaker Mill, Warren, 12 August (DR); 1 in Jefferson a few times during September (BW); 1 at Ken- lake SRP, Calloway, 30 September (LM, KOS); and 1-2 at Surrey Hills Farm 25-29 October (BP, MMn). Wilson's Phalarope there were several reports, all being included: a juvenile at Laketon 12 August (BP, MS); 1 at Cool¬ ey’s Pond 21 August (RD); 1 at Blood River 24/30 August (HC, BH); and 4 at Eddy Creek 1 September (BY, MY). Red-necked Phalarope - 1 was present at the Payne Plant 15 September (ph. BY, MY, MS, BW, et al.). KBRC review re¬ quired. Laughing Gull - there were only three re¬ ports: an adult at the Ky Dam Village marina 2 September (ph. BY, MY); 1 at Jonathan Creek 15 September (HC); and a first-year bird at Meldahl Dam 24 Novem¬ ber (BP). Franklin’s Gull - there were only a few re¬ ports, all being included: 1 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 29 September (DR, KOS); exceptional numbers at Barren in late October with 32 there 22 October (DR), 27 still there 23 October (DR), 3 still there 24 October (DR), 4 still there 26 October (DR, AH), and 1 last seen there 27 October (AH); and 1 at Meldahl Dam 19 November (BP). Bonaparte’s Gull - earliest reports were represented by a juvenile at the Falls of the Ohio 18 August (T&CB); 2 there 26 August (T&CB); 1 there 30 August (T& C’B); and I at the Ky Dam Village marina 2 September (BY, MY). California Gull - a first-year bird was pres¬ ent at Ky Dam 17/26/27 November (ph. BP). KBRC review required. Herring Gull - earliest report was rep¬ resented by an adult at Barkley Dam 1 August (DR, HC); at least 50 at Barren 26 October (DR, AH) was an exceptional count away from the larger lakes and for the time of year. 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 11 Thayer’s Gull - the only reports were of an adult above Barkley Darn 14 November (HC) and at Ky Dam 17 November (BP). Lesser Black-backed Gull - there were several reports, all being included: an adult at the Ky Dam Village marina 2 September (ph. BY, MY) matched the previous early fall date; the same bird was also seen there 3 September (AH); an adult and a second-year bird at Ky Dam 10 September (DR); an adult on Ky Lake, Marshall , 28-29 September (DR, KOS); 2 adults on Ky Lake, Marshall , 27 October (HC); a first-winter bird on the Ohio River at Craig's Creek, Gallatin , 14/24 November (ph. BP); 2 adults on Ky Lake above Ky Dam 16 November (BP); 2 first-year birds at Ky Dam 1 7 November (BP, HC); a third-year bird at the Falls of the Ohio 22-27 November (ph. EH, MS, BP) with a second bird (an adult) there 26 November (EH); and an adult at the Ky Dam Village marina 24 November (AH). Great Black-backed Gull - a first-year bird was seen on Ky Lake above Ky Dam 16 November (*BP) with probably the same bird seen below Ky Dam 17 November (BP, HC); a probable second-year bird was on the Ohio River below Markland Dam, Gallatin , 23 November (*MS). KBRC review required. Sabine’s Gull - a juvenile was on Ky Lake, Marshall , 28-29 September (DR, KOS). KBRC review required. California Gull, first-year, Ky Dam 17 November 2007 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Least Tern - several dozen lingered at Mit¬ chell Lake into late August with an im¬ pressive count of 85 on 21 August (SR); the latest report was of 1 in the company of a flock of Black Terns at the Paducah water treatment plant along KY 1954, McCracken , 11 September (BP). Caspian Tern - some impressive counts were tallied during the season on Lake Barkley, Lyon/Trigg, with 285-300 at scattered locales 1 August (DR) and 1050 total-a new state one-day high count- tallied at scattered locales 3 September (DR, TDu); high counts from individual sites included ca. 325 at a bar s. of the mouth of Little River during late August and early September (ER) and at least 250 at Lick Creek 5 September (BP, HC, TF). Other reports of interest included 24 at the Falls of the Ohio 26 August (T&CB) and 9 at Van Buren 30 August (BW); latest report was of 2 at Barren 24 October (DR). Black Tern - peak counts were not remark¬ able and included 20 at Barkley Dam 7 August (DR); 18 at Barren 24 August (DR); 21 at Camp #11 on 25 August (BP, BY, MY); and 34 at the Paducah water treatment plant along KY 1954, McCrack¬ en, 1 1 September (BP). Also reported were 2 at the Falls of the Ohio 1 8 August (T&CB); 1-5 at Mitchell Lake 21-31 Au¬ gust (m. ob.); 3-8 at Camp #9 25 August- 1 1 September (BP et ah); 7 at Lick Creek 25 August (BP, BY, MY); and 2 at Cool¬ ey’s Pond 6 September (RD). Common Tern - the only reports were rep¬ resented by 1 at Lick Creek 1 0 September (DR, HC); 1 at Barren 27 September (AH); and a mixed flock of 80+ Sterna terns (Forster’s and Commons) at Barren 25 October (AH) with 25 Commons still there the following day (DR). Forster’s Tern - 23 had returned to Jona¬ than Creek by 1 August (HC) with 137 there 30 August (HC, BH), ca. 155 there 15 October (BH), and a surprising total of 172 still there 16 November (BY); the only additional high count was of ca. 200 at Lick Creek 15 October (TDu). 12 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Yellow-billed Cuckoo - an adult was ob¬ served feeding a fledgling at Sawyer Park 23 September (BW). Black-billed Cuckoo - the only reports were represented by 2 at South William¬ son, Pike, 24 August (JC); 1 in Boyle 16 September (MH); and 1 at Shawnee Park 6 October (JBe, PB, et ah). Barn Owl there were several reports, all being included: a belated report of a family group off KY 192, Laurel, in late July (GC et ah, fide RD); 1 bird at the traditional nesting territory in Calloway 16 August (HC); 1 in a chimney at Crab Orchard, Lincoln, in late August (RA, fide SV); 1 on Chalk Ridge, Lewis, prior to late August (BF fide WM); and a family in nw. Lincoln just outside of Junction City, Boyle, with 1 still present 30 August (EY, JE, DE). Short-eared Owl - the only reports were represented by 1 over Surrey Hills Farm 28 October (MMn, BP) and 1 near Union- town Dam, Union, 6 November (CC). Northern Saw-whet Owl an incredible total of 91 individuals was captured in 10 nights of banding at Surrey Hills Farm 25 October 18 November (MMn, BP) in¬ cluding peak capture totals of 20 indiv¬ iduals the night of 29-30 October and 17 individuals the night of 1-2 November (MMn, BP). Full details will be published in a future Field Note. Common Nighthawk - peak counts were represented by 170 over Mt. Zion 30 August (RD) and “hundreds” over the Grayson Lake vicinity, Elliott, 1 Septem¬ ber (EM, K.W); latest reports were of I at Surrey Hills Farm 25/28 October & 6 No¬ vember (MMn, BP) and 1 at Seneca Park, Louisville, 13 November (BW, CBu). Chimney Swift peak count was of 800- 900+ at St. Matthews 13 September (BW); latest report was of 1 at Garvin Brown 20 October (JBe, PB, BBC). Ruby-throated Hummingbird the peak of occurrence this fall was late, but it was very pronounced during the last week of August and first week of September, when 65 were banded at Middletown, Jef¬ ferson, 3 September (MMn, BP). Latest reports included a female near Indian Hills, Louisville, to 3 November (JHo, BP); an adult male near Middletown, Jef¬ ferson, until 19 November (KD, BP); and an immature female near Browsboro, Old¬ ham, that appeared 22 November, was banded 29 November, and lingered into December (SMy, ph. BP). Rufous Hummingbird - there were three reports: an adult male at Nolin Lake, Grayson, 3-6 October (ph. CBa); an im¬ mature male banded near Brownsboro, Oldham, 7 November and lingering into December (SMy, BP); and an immature female banded near Waddy, Shelby, 7 November and lingering to 10 November (D&LD, BP). No. Saw-whet Owl, Jefferson 2 November 2007 Mark Monroe Red-headed Woodpecker - generally scarce, although numbers were present in woodlands around Lake Barkley and Ky Lake in late November (BP, BL). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - earliest reports were represented by 2 at Shawnee Park 20 September (JBe, PB) and 1 at Pumphrey Pond, Pulaski, 21 September (RD). Olive-sided Flycatcher - the only reports were represented by a very early migrant at Sawyer Park 1 1 August (JBe, PB); 1 at Cave Hill Cemetery, at Louisville, 15 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 13 September (MS); and 1 at Wildcat Mt., DBNF, Laurel, 15 September (RD). Eastern Wood-Pewee - adult birds were observed in the company of juveniles or fledglings at a few sites in Jefferson 15 September (BW). Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - there were more than a dozen reports, all being in¬ cluded: 1 near Fisherville 27 August (EH); 1 in LBL, Lyon, (BY, MY) and I at Cape Hills Unit, Sloughs WMA, Hender¬ son (CC), both 2 September; 1 at Caper- ton (BY, MY) and 1 at Briarwood, Jef¬ ferson, (JBe, PB), both 3 September; 1 at Blackacre 5 September (EH et al.); 2 in nw. Carlisle 6 September (BP); 1 at Cap- erton 8 September (MY); 1 along Pleasant Hill Church Road (BL) and 1 along Sink¬ ing Creek, Laurel (BP), both 12 Septem¬ ber; 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 15 September (BP); 2 in Ballard 21 September (BP); 2 at Sawyer Park 23 September (BW); and 1 near Honker Lake 29 September (SMa, KOS). Willow Flycatcher - what was likely a lin¬ gering local nester was observed at Melco regularly through 26 August (EH). Eastern Kingbird - latest reports were rep¬ resented by loose flocks of at least 5 and 10 birds each along the Mississippi River bottoms in the vicinity of Laketon 1 1 Sep¬ tember (BP) and 5 in e. Muhlenberg 22 September (BY, MY). Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - 1 was seen along KY 819, Livingston, ca. 5 miles nne. of the Barkley Dam nesting location, in mid-September [probably the 13th or 14th) (KK). Northern Shrike - a first-year bird was seen at Sinclair 8 November (*BP). KBRC review required. Bell’s Vireo - 1 was seen at a probable breeding locale near Ledbetter 29 August (BP). Yellow-throated Vireo - latest report was represented by a bird at Pirate’s Cove, Jonathan Creek, 7 November (HC) that established a new late departure date for the state by about two weeks. Blue-headed Vireo - latest report was of 1 near Science Hill, Pulaski, 16 November (RD). Red-eyed Vireo - a late family group was seen at Long Run Park, Jefferson, 13 September (BW). Purple Martin - a substantial roost of ca. 10,000 birds was located on the se. side of Lexington during mid-August (JS et al.); ca. 150 were still at Swan Lake and 25 at Mitchell Lake, both 6 September (BP). Tree Swallow - 1000+ were still present in w. Henderson 14 October (CC); latest reports included 300 at Fishing Creek 24 October (RD); 5 at Cooley’s Pond 25 October (RD); “hundreds” at Blood River 26 October (HC); and an unspecified number at Barren 27 October (AH). Northern Rough-winged Swallow - latest reports were represented by 1 at Cooley’s Pond 23 October (RD); 1 at Fishing Creek 24 October (RD); an unspecified number at Barren 27 October (AH), and 1 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 9 November (ph.HC, ME). Bank Swallow - latest report was of 1 at Fishing Creek 24 October (ph. RD) that established a new late departure date for the state by two weeks. Barn Swallow - latest reports were of 5 at Fishing Creek 24 October (RD), 3 at Bar¬ ren 26 October (DR), and a very tardy bird at the fish hatchery at Wolf Creek Dam, Russell, 24 November (SMa, RB). Red-breasted Nuthatch - earliest reports of what turned into an excellent movement were of 2 at Bemheim Forest 8 September (JBe, PB, BBC); 1 at Mt. Zion 9 Septem¬ ber (RD); 3 at Shawnee Park 10 Septem¬ ber (JBe, PB, et al.); and 2 at Paintsville Lake WMA, Johnson, 1 1 September (SF). By early October, small numbers were being reported widely across the state with one-day high counts of 16 in s. Ohio 19 October (BP) and 12 at Bemheim For¬ est 28 October (TH). Interestingly, by mid- to late November it appeared that fewer were around with most possibly having moved farther south. 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Bewick’s Wren - the origin of a bird inside the Kentucky State Fairgrounds, Jeffer¬ son, , 20 September was unknown (BY); it seems reasonable to suspect that the bird could have arrived at the site inside a trailer or other storage compart-ment. House Wren - latest reports were of singles at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski, 4 November (RD) and at Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln, 17 November (RD, SBC). Winter Wren - earliest report was of 1 at Floyds Fork 17 September (EH). Sedge Wren - there were several reports, all being included: birds found at South Shore WMA, Greenup, in July were con¬ firmed nesting there in mid-August with at least one nest containing eggs located and at least 6 territorial males present (ph. RS, SF, et al.); at least 3 singing at Travis WMA, Carlisle, 4 August (BP); 3-4+ that continued on territory at Lower Beaver- dam Slough, Ballard, into August (m. ob.); at least 6 at Sauerheber 6 October (DR, KOS) with several still there 27 October (BP et al.); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 15/10/28 October (BP et al.); and 2 at Homestead 19 October (BP). Marsh Wren - there were ca. a dozen reports, all being included: 1 in Fulton 12 September (DR); 1 heard at Surrey Hills Farm 17 September (BP); 1-3 at Melco 23 September-4 October (EH, BP, et al.); 2-3 at Casey Creek 5 October (RD); 30+ at Sauerheber 6 October (DR, KOS) estab¬ lished a new one-day high count for the state; a few heard at Camp #11 on 6 October (BP et al.); 1 at Barren (DR) and 1 at Goose Pond, Ballard, (SR), both 8 October; 1 at Snake Creek 9 October (RD); 1 at Shawnee Park 10 October (JBe, PB); 2 at Ken Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio, 19 October (BP); and 2 still at Sauerheber 27 October (BP et al.). Ruby-crowned Kinglet - earliest reports were represented by 2 at Raven Run (TH, ASK) and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm (BP), both 15 September. Gray-cheeked Thrush - latest report was of 1 at Dale Hollow Lake SRP, Cumberland, 20 October (SSt). Swainson’s Thrush - earliest report was of 1 at Shawnee Park 22 August (JBe, PB, et al.). Hermit Thrush - a tally of at least 12 at Beargrass Creek SNP, Jefferson, 14 Octo¬ ber (BW) was rather impressive. American Pipit - earliest report was of 1 in Boone 15 September (LM). Cedar Waxwing - migrant flocks were most conspicuous from mid-September to mid-October (m. ob.). Golden-winged Warbler - there were ten reports, all being included: 1 at Shawnee Park 26 August (T&CB et al.); 1 at Bear- grass Creek SNP, Jefferson (MA) and 1 at Caperton (MY), both 8 September; 1 at Bee Rock, DBNF, Pulaski, 9 September (RD, SDn); 1 near Fisherville 10 Septem¬ ber (JHu); 2 near Laketon 1 1 September (BP); 1 at Lower Howards Creek SNP, Clark, 12 September (BP); 1 at Honey Cypress Slough, Henderson, 15 Septem¬ ber (CC); 1 at Shawnee Park 20 Septem¬ ber (JBe, PB); and 1 at Berea Forest 6 October (TH, ASK). Tenneesee Warbler 1 at Mt. Zion 5 Au¬ gust (RD) established a new fall arrival date by twelve days; also relatively early was 1 at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulas¬ ki, 22 August (RD). Orange-crowned Warbler - earliest reports were of 1 at Bemheim Forest 8 September (JBe, PB, BBC) that tied the early fall arrival date; 1 at Jonathan Creek 16 September (HC); and 1 at Shawnee Park 20 September (JBe, PB); otherwise, a few birds were reported at scattered locales as late as 26 October at Melco (EH). Nashville Warbler - earliest report was of 1 at Mt. Zion 31 August (RD). Yellow Warbler - latest reports were represented by 1 at Snake Creek 27 Sep¬ tember (RD) and 1 at Melco 23 Septem¬ ber (EH, BP, et al.) and 4 October (EH). Chestnut-sided Warbler - earliest report was of 1 at Mt. Zion 18 August (RD). Cape May Warbler - earliest report was of 1 at Briarwood, Jefferson, 3 September (JBe, PB). 2007 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 15 Black-throated Blue Warbler - there were only a few reports of migrants: 1 at Mid¬ dle Creek Park, Boone , 8 September (LM, NKBC); a male at Lower Howards Creek SNP, Clark , 12 September (BP); a male at Panorama Shores, Calloway , 16 Septem¬ ber (KC) that was quite far west for fall; a male at Shawnee Park 20 September (JBe, PB); and a male at Bailey’s Point, Barren, 27 September (AH). Yellovv-rumped “Audubon’s” Warbler - 1 at Melco 23-24 September (*BP, ph. EH, et al.) represented the first well-docu¬ mented report of this subspecies in Ken¬ tucky. Under KBRC review. Yellow-rumped Warbler - the earliest re¬ port was of 1 at Berea Forest 22 Septem¬ ber (SMa et al.). Blackburnian Warbler - 1 at Shaker Mill 12 August (DR) represented a new early arrival date away from known breeding areas; also early was I at Mt. Zion 19 Au¬ gust (RD). Prairie Warbler - latest report was of 1 in Lincoln 14 October (JE, DE). Palm Warbler - earliest report was of 1 at Fisherville 10 September (BW). Blackpoll Warbler - the only report was of 1 at Melco 24 September (BP). Cerulean Warbler - 1 at Mt. Zion 3 August (RD) was likely a migrant. Louisiana Waterthrush - a presumed mi¬ grant was seen just w. of Hickman, Ful¬ ton , 4 August (BP). Connecticut Warbler - the only report was of 1 at Melco 23 September (EH). Mourning Warbler - there were nine re¬ ports, all being included: an adult male at Caperton 3 September (BY, MY); 1 at Blackacre 5 September (EH et al.); an adult male at Berea Forest 7 September (TH); an adult female at Caperton 8 September (MY) with an immature female there 9 September (BY, MY); an adult male at Floyds Fork 14 September (EH, JHu); and 1 at Melco 25 September (MY) and 4 October (EH). Hooded Warbler - latest report was of 1 at Berea Forest 10 October (TH). Canada Warbler - earliest reports were represented by singles at Shaker Mill 12 August (DR) and at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski , 22 August (RD). Yellow-breasted Chat - latest reports were of 1 at Mark, Pulaski , 25 September (CN) and an exceptionally tardy individual seen in Laurel 1 3 October (GC, fide RD). American Tree Sparrow - earliest report was of I at Cave Hill Cemetery, Louis¬ ville, 12 November (MA). Clay-colored Sparrow - at least 3 birds were present at Melco 15-28 September (ph. EH et al.), with a bird banded there 1 8 September (see Figs. 1 & 2, p. 36) (ph. EH, MMn, BP) and 2 unbanded birds seen 27 September (EH, BP). KBRC review required. Grasshopper Sparrow - 3 were still along Stringtown Road, Bourbon , 2 September (SMa, RB); I was still at Camp #11 on 11 September (BP). Henslow’s Sparrow - there were two re¬ ports: 1 at Sauerheber 3/6 October (DR, KOS) and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 20/26 October (BP, ph.EH, et al.). Le Conte’s Sparrow - there were two re¬ ports: 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 2 October (BP) that represented a new early fall arrival date by four days, and 3-4 at Sau¬ erheber 27 October (BP et al.). Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow - there were three reports: 1 at Melco 16 Sep¬ tember (BP, ph. BY, ph. EH, et al.) that represented a new early fall arrival date by three days; 1 at Sauerheber 6 October (DR, KOS); and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 20-21 October (BP, ph.JHu, et al.). White-throated Sparrow - earliest report was of 1 in Campbell 15 September {fide LM). Lapland Longspur - birds were first heard over Sinclair 10/16 November (BP et al.); the species was widespread in small num¬ bers in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 28 November (BP, HC). Rose-breasted Grosbeak - the species fol¬ lowed up last spring’s unprecedented showing with small numbers at feeding 16 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ Vol, 84 stations across the state from mid-Septem¬ ber to mid-November; latest reports were represented by 1 along Pleasant Hill Church Road 26 October (BL), 1 at South Williamson, Pike , 13 November (JC), and 1 near New Concord, Calloway >, 26-28 November (*SL). Blue Grosbeak - latest reports included 1 at Melco 20 October (MWa) and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 21 October (BP). Indigo Bunting a late family group was noted at Miles Park, Jefferson, 15 Septem¬ ber (BW); latest reports were of singles at Sauerheber (BP et al. ), at Jefferson Mem¬ orial Forest, Jefferson (BW, BBC), and along Pleasant Hill Church Road (BL), all 27 October; 1 at Mark, Pulaski, 28 Octo¬ ber (CN); and 1 at McConnell Springs, Fayette, 4 November (ZC). Dickcissel latest reports were of 8 still at Ballard 25 August (BP, BY, MY), with 2 still there 6 September (BP), and 1 still there 19 September (HC et al.); and 1 at Sauerheber 3/6 October (DR, KOS). Bobolink - at least 60 birds were found in the vicinity of a breeding colony along Stringtown Road, Bourbon, 2 September (SMa, RB); also reported were 20-25 at South Shore WMA, Greenup, 9 Septem¬ ber (RS); 3 at Garvin Brown 15 Septem¬ ber (MA); 1 at Melco 16 September (BP, EH, et al.); 1 heard at the Payne Plant 16 September (BP); 2 at Melco 23 September (BP et al.); 1 heard at Melco 28 Sep¬ tember (BP, EH); 1 at Sauerheber 3/6 October (DR, KOS); and 1 in Simpson 15 October (DR). Western Meadowlark - the only report was of 1 at Sinclair 8 November (ph.BP). Yellow-headed Blackbird - an adult male was seen in the company of a large flock of blackbirds along KY 56 in w. Webster 8 November (ph. BP). KBRC review re¬ quired. Brewer’s Blackbird - the only reports were represented by 1 at Camp #9 on 8 Novem¬ ber (BP) and 1 at Open Pond, Fulton, 28 November (BP). Orchard Oriole - latest report was of 1 near Laketon 26 August (BP, BY, MY). Purple Finch - earliest reports were repre¬ sented by 1 at Mark, Pulaski, 14 October (CN) and 1 at Dale Hollow Lake SRP, Cumberland, 19 October (SSt); the spe¬ cies was widespread in small numbers by early November (m. ob.). House Finch - a flock of at least 250 at Melco 20 October (BP, EH, et al.) was rather impressive. Common Redpoll - a male was observed at a feeding station at Owenton, Owen, 13 November (*SDy). KBRC review re¬ quired. Pine Siskin - earliest reports were repre¬ sented by 1 at Barren (DR, JR) and 2 at Surrey Hills Farm (BP), both 20 October; and 1 near Stanford, Lincoln, 25 October (JE). Small numbers continued to be re¬ ported widely across the state through No¬ vember with modest peak counts of 12 at Glasgow, Barren, 28 October (LC) and 40+ at Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, 12 November (MA). Western Meadowlark, Muhlenberg 8 November 2007 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Observers: Richard Adams (RA); Michael Autin (MA); Carol Barker (CBa); Mary Bill Bauer (MBa); Tom & Colleen Becker (T&CB); Jane Bell (JBe); Pat Bell (PB); Mark Bennett (MBe); Gaye Brewer (GB); John Brunjes (JBr); Rhonda Bryant (RB); Craig Bunting (CBu); Joan Carr (JC); David Chaffin (DC); Hap Chambers (HC); Kathy Cohen 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 17 (KC); Granville Cox (GC); Linda Craiger (LC); Charlie Crawford (CC); Melodie Cunningham (MC); Zach Czirr (ZC); Karmy Dabney (KD); Jordan Davis (JD); Robbie & Tonya Deering (R&TD); Steve Delaney (SDy); Kathy Dennis (KD); Roseanna Denton (RD); Steve Denton (SDn); Gary & Becky Dorman (G&BD); Don & Linda Dott (D&LD); Tom Durbin (TDu); Melissa Easley (ME); Diane Elmore (DE); Jackie Elmore (JE); Millie Farmer (MF); Brian Fite (BF); Scott Freidhof (SF); Tom Fusco (TF); L. Alan Gehre (LG); Alan Goldstein (AG); Mickey Greene (MG); Michael Hamm (MH); Barry Hart (BH); Lana Hays (LH); Judy Hoskins (JHo); Tim Houghton (TH); Eddie Huber (EH); Jennifer Huber (JHu); Aaron Hulsey (AH); Steve Kistler (SK); Kayl Kite (KK); Sally Leedom (SL); Bill Lisowsky (BL); Scott Marsh (SMa); Don Martin (DM); Sue Massey (SMy); Wes Mattox (WM); Lee McNeely (LM); Mark Monroe (MMn); Nancy Moore (NM); Evelyn Morgan (EM); Mark Morgan (MMr); Mike Morton (MMt); Connie Neeley (CN); Brainard Palmer- Ball, Jr. (BP); Ed Ray (ER); Scott Record (SR); Barry Richmond (BR); Mike Riggs (MR); David Roemer (DR); Joan Roemer (JR); Rick Seelhorst (RS); Brian Smith (BS); Stephen Stedman (SSt); Matt Shekel (MS); Joe Swanson (JS); Steve Sweeney (SSw); Tom Uhlman (TU); Shawchyi Vorisek (SV); Major Waltman (MWa); Kenneth Whitt (KW); Jim Williams (JW); Barbara Woemer (BW); Mike Wright (MWr); Ben Yandell (BY); Mary Yandell (MY); Ernie Yaste (EY); Josh Young (JY); Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK); Beckham Bird Club (BBC); Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS); multiple observers (m. ob.); Northern Kentucky Bird Club (NKBC); SBC (Somerset Bird Club). MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT 2007-2008 Blaine R. Ferrell Reports of a 31 counts were received from across the Commonwealth. A total of 135 species was recorded on count days, with one additional species observed during count week. Fourteen species were observed on all counts and twelve species were observed on only one count during count days. To put this winter count in context, it must be remembered that this was an unusual year related to weather. An early period of very warm temperatures during March 2007 stimulated many trees and shrubs to produce leaves early. This very warm period was followed by a lengthy blast of arctic air in early April that plunged temperatures into the teens damaging trees and shrubs, thereby reducing the chances for berries and mast for the subsequent fall. In addition, the region suffered a lengthy drought during the late summer months into the fall. This drought further damaged or killed many trees and shrubs. This climatic backdrop may explain the reduced number of berry and seed-eating birds. Temperatures during the count period were fairly normal and consistent, ranging from a low of 20 F at Hazard on December 21 to a high of 60 F at Bernheim Forest on December 22. Waterfowl numbers were very good, mainly due to the high number on the Ballard County count and the variety of species was also good, with Cackling Geese being observed again this year. After a steady increase for several years, the total number of Wild Turkeys seems to have reached a plateau, being similar to last year’s total number. Only one American White Pelican was observed on a count day. Raptor numbers were similar to last year’s numbers. Gull numbers remained lower, similar to last year. The number of Eurasian Collared-Dove was double that observed last year. The number of Red-headed Woodpeckers remained good and Red-breasted Nuthatch numbers were up. The absence of food crops, cedar berries and mast accounted for dramatically decreased numbers of some species, such as Blue Jays, Cedar Waxwings, and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Blackbird numbers were off again this year. Eastern Bluebird numbers were also down. There were a few more Purple Finches and Pine Siskins this year. It is particularly hard to determine trends due to the increased number of counts coupled with the terrible birding weather experienced on a number of counts. There were few real overall highlights, but the 18 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Common Yellowthroat, Marsh Wren and Virginia Rails at Paradise, the Great Egret and Thayer’s Gull at the Land Between the Lakes, the Black and Surf Scoters at Russell County, and the Ruffed Grouse at Falmouth were nice finds. A Bald Eagle at Frankfort was a first. Thanks to the many observers and compilers who participated in this year’s count and submitted count results on the appropriate form. 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 17; 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST. Sky mostly clear; temp. 22° to 43° F; wind W, 0-12 m.p.h. Water mostly open. Four observers in one to three parties. Total party hours 22.5 (7.5 on foot, 15.0 by car). Total party miles 128 (3 on foot, 125 by car). Hours owling, 1.5. Total species 94; total individuals 248,632. Observers: Hap Chambers, Robert Dever, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), and Scott Record. The species total (94) nearly matched the record for this count of 95 set in 2006-2007. Highlights included a nice diversity of waterfowl including at least 2000 Greater White- fronted Geese, two Ross’s Geese, 28 Cackling Geese, and seven species of diving ducks; three Red-breasted Nuthatches (a count first); and good numbers of Lapland Longspurs and two groups (2 & 9) of Brewer’s Blackbirds in rural farmland of Ballard County. Red¬ headed Woodpecker numbers were again relatively high in the bottomland forests, but numbers of berry-eaters were very low. Calloway County (all points within a 15 mile diameter circle, center Douglas Cemetery). Habitat: lake shoreline and streams (20%), open fields (35%), residential (30%), and deciduous and pine woods (15%). Jan 4; 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 25° to 42°F; wind SW, 8-14 m.p.h. Water partly frozen. Five observers in four parties. Total party-hours 39.5 (12.0 on foot, 27.5 by car). Total party-miles 171 (10 on foot, 161 by car). Total species 83; total individuals 7,207. Observers: Hap Chambers (compiler), Kathy Cohen, Melissa Easley, Bob Head, Aviva Yasgur. Bobbie Kent and Sally Leedom were feeder watchers. Four Green-winged Teal and six Northern Shovelers were seen during count week. 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. 15; 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky 100% cloud cover; temp. 32° to 38UF; wind, E early, then ENE later, 7-10 m.p.h. with stronger gusts at times. Rain fell in the count circle area from overnight Friday through Saturday to yield 3.2 inches as measured by LBL rain gauges. Rain continued to fall throughout the morning, with some periods of downpour. Some roads, especially those at low elevations and near streams and bays, were flooded and impassable. Twenty eight observers in 10 parties. Total party-hours 55.5 (10.0 on foot, 45.5 by car). Total party-miles 530.5 (6.5 on foot, 524.0 by car). Total species 79; total individuals 11,144. Observers: Mitz Bailey, Sherry Bailey, Hap Chambers, J. David Chiles, Julie DesPlaines, Melissa Easley, Bucky Erwin, Alex Faught, Heather Faught, Donald Gladis, Judy Hallisey, Kristy Jobe, Craig Lian, Bill Lisowski, Paula Lisowski, Wen Yi Lo, John Pollpeter, Joseph Schaefer, Robert Schaefer, Mary Schmidt, Carrie Szwed, Josh Szwed, Kelly Wehrheim (feeder watcher at Nature Station Backyard), Wendell Webb, Amy White, Steve White, Sonya Wood-Mahler, and Aviva Yasgur (compiler). Despite an extremely rainy day, with a total accumulation of 3.2 inches of rain measured from overnight Friday through Saturday, a dedicated group of 28 birders parti- 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 19 cipated in the Land Between the Lakes count. That’s dedication! Our total number of species (80) and number of individuals (1 1,087) is comparatively lower for the LBL count, which normally reports over 90 species. However, the heavy rain was a factor in the low numbers this year. No self-respecting bird was out soaring, singing, or even flitting about all morning. Our count numbers are especially low for soaring birds (i.e., hawks) and many songbirds. Moreover, our counters could not access all of the bays and shorelines in the count area due to flooded roads. Despite these conditions, we were able to spot a wide diversity of species in the Land Between the Lakes area. Some of the highlights of the day include: a high number of Bonaparte’s Gulls; three Red-breasted Nuthatches; 507 Common Goldeneyes; a Great Egret; a Snow Goose; 24 Bald Eagles; six Pine Siskins; 87 Pied-billed Grebes; and nine American Tree Sparrows. Some of the birds normally seen during the Land Between the Lakes count were not seen on count day, but were seen during count week and have been observed at various times during the winter season, such as Ruddy Ducks, American White Pelicans, and Common Grackles. Some of the species conspicuously missing or low in number were American Black Duck (0), Wood Duck (0), Northern Pintail (1), Northern Bobwhite (several seen nearby during count week but none in the count area), and American Woodcock (0). We hypothesize that the lower numbers for many songbirds and hawks might reflect the day’s weather conditions and not necessarily species’ absences from this area. We thank all of our observers who showed their dedication and good spirits during this year’s count. Even though we got very soggy, we had fun getting out and about on a gray day, and we got to laugh at how drippy everyone looked at the end of the day. Maceo (area starting at host home on Sour Road, east to Hwy. 405 to Carpenter and Kingfisher Lakes, then to Yelvington Grandview Road north to Kelly Cemetery Road to Hwy. 60, then west on Hwy 60 to 2830 west to Hwy. 1831 to Hwy. 405 and east to the starting point on Sour Road). Habitat: fields, thickets, lakes, cemetery, bottomland trees, farms and feeders. Dec. 27; 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Sky overcast, cool and high humidity; temp. 41° to 43°F; wind 2 m.p.h. The morning followed a period of rain during the preceding afternoon and night. Four observers in two parties. Total party-hours 5(1 on foot, 3 by car, 1 at feeder). Total party-miles 21 (1 on foot, 20 by car). Total species 31; total individuals 236. Observers: Brenda Eaden (compiler), Tony Eaden, Janet Howard, and Roseann Rad- zelovage. A male American Kestrel was observed with a fresh kill of an adult male Northern Cardinal. It happened just as we drove into the cemetery. Forty-three Wild Turkey were seen during count week. Sorgho (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. Hwy. 279-S and Audubon Parkway). Habitat: farmland, river, creeks, river bottoms, urban parks and county parks. Jan. 1; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; temp. 27° to 32°F; wind 10-40 m.p.h. Small snow showers. Fifteen observers in eight parties. Total party-hours 22.75 (7.25 on foot, 15.50 by car). Total party-miles 172.75 (7.25 on foot, 165.50 by car). Total species 47; total individuals 9,226. Observers: Pat Augenstein, Henry Conner, Brenda Eaden, Tony Eaden, Jill Flachskam, Joe Ford, Mike Henshaw, Janet Howard (compiler), Ken Hurm, Mary Kissel, Bill Little, Brenda Little, Charles Morris, Marilee Thompson, and Carolyn Williams. Olmstead (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at the jet. of Ky 1041 and Ky 1151). Habitat largely row crop agricultural fields, with some grassland, scattered woodlands, ponds, water courses, one fairly sizable impoundment (Lake Herndon), and one swampy area (Mosley Pond). Dec. 17; 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with 10 minutes of owling after dusk. Sky clear; temp. 20° to 45°F; wind, S, < 5 m.p.h. Heavy rain on the 15th meant 20 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 84 lots of standing water, yet many ponds had been low or dry until recently. The extra water had little time to attract birds. Two observers in separate parties, then teamed up as one party for most of the day. Total party-hours 11.0 (4.5 on foot, 6.5 by car). Total party-miles 116 (4 on foot, 112 by car). Total species 63; total individuals 23,877. Observers: Frank Lyne (compiler) and David Roemer. We had two count firsts: a Bam Owl, flushed from an abandoned silo, and 3 Northern Pintails at two different locations. Other highlights included 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches in a pine thicket, a dark morph Red-tailed Flawk, and a very large mixed flock of blackbirds. Paradise (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1993). Hab¬ itat as described in 1993. Dec 30; 5:00 a.m. to 5:30 pan. CST. Partly to mostly cloudy; temp. 26° to 45° F; wind S/SW, 0-12 m.p.h. Water mostly open. Twelve observers in six parties. Total party hours 46.5 (22.0 on foot, 24.5 by car). Total party miles 180 (16 on foot, 164 by car). Hours owling: 2.5. Total species 82; total individuals 20,79 1 . Observers: Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Hap Chambers, Robert Dever, Melissa Easley, David Fothergill, Eddie Huber, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Matt Stickel, Major Waltman, and Barbara Woemer. A crisp, calm morning gave way to a relatively quiet day with intermittent periods of partly cloudy and cloudy skies. The species total was below average again this year, primarily due to the now-normal low waterfowl diversity. Highlights included a Greater White-fronted Goose and two Blue Geese with Canada Geese at Goose Lake on the Sinclair Unit; seven Virginia Rails (6 calling from one marsh in Muhlenberg County), three Marsh Wrens ( 1 in Ohio County and 2 in Muhlenberg County), and a male Common Yellowthroat, found in a marshy area along KY 1245 in Ohio County. Another Common Yellowthroat — a female — was observed on the Homestead Unit of Peabody WMA 2 January 2008 for a count-week bird! Raptor totals were about average with Short-eared Owls conspicuous but not numerous again this year. Berry eaters were very scarce with totals for Cedar Waxwing (1), Hermit Thrash (4), American Robin (4), and Yellow-ramped Warbler (2) remarkably low. Perhaps hundreds of thousands of unidentified blackbirds coming from and returning to a roost site outside of the count area are not included in the table. 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. 21; 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sky partly cloudy to overcast, with rain from 1 :30 p.m. on; temp. 30° to 54° F; wind NE 0-6 m.p.h. Heavy rain in the p.m. Seven observers in three parties. Total party-hours 16.5 (5.0 on foot, 11.5 by car). Total party-miles 211 (7 on foot, 204 by car). Total species 79; total individuals 1 1,184. Observers: Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Aaron Hulsey, Ian M. Mason, Wayne Mason, Albert Meier, Jessie Meier, and David Roemer. Glasgow (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Barren County Courthouse) Habitat as described in 1978. Dec. 29; 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky clear to partly cloudy; temp. 31° to 46°F; wind NW calm in a.m. to 5-10 m.p.h. in the afternoon. Early morning fog was thick. It lifted by 8:30 a.m. Four observers in three parties. Total party-hours 26 (8 on foot, 18 by car). Total party- miles 97 (8 on foot, 89 by car). Total species 62; total individuals 2,028. Observers: Linda Craiger, Marquita Gillenwater, Aaron Hulsey, and Wayne M. Mason (compiler). Mammoth Cave National Park (center and habitat as described in 1980). Dec. 16; 6:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Sky overcast to partly sunny; temp. 28° to 33°F; wind NE, 20-25 m.p.h. Flurries in the a.m. 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 21 Four observers in two parties. Total party-hours 15 (6 on foot, 9 by car). Total party- miles 1 16 (3 on foot, 1 13 by car). Total species 41; total individuals 661. Observers: Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Wayne Mason, Albert Meier, and Jessie Meier. Otter Creek Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1972). Habitat as described in 2001. Dec 20; 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky Cloudy; temp. 31° to 47° F; wind E/SE, 0-15 m.p.h. Water open. Five observers in three parties. Total party hours 22 (9 on foot, 13 by car). Total party miles 140 (5 on foot, 135 by car). Total species 70; total individuals 3,553. Observers: Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Eddie Huber, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), and Del Striegel. Despite below-average coverage, the species count was above average for this count due primarily to the presence of several species of waterbirds on Doe Valley Lake. The day started out cold and remained gray throughout the afternoon. Highlights of the day included three Homed Grebes on Doe Valley Lake, a Merlin near Ekron, five Eurasian Collared- Doves in Flaherty, a House Wren on the western side of Fort Knox, and a Palm Warbler east of Flaherty. Blue Jays and Red-headed Woodpeckers were present in surprisingly large numbers; their presence may have been tied to a good red oak acorn crop in some woodland patches. Berry-eaters were quite scarce, however, with tallies of Hermit Thrash (2), American Robin (74), Cedar Waxwing (1), and Yellow-rumped Warbler (10) all well below respective count averages. Bernheim Forest (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1974). Habitat as described in 1974. Dec 22; 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 44° to 60° F; wind S, 5-30 m.p.h. Water open. Eighteen observers in eight parties. Total party hours 45 (25 on foot, 20 by car). Total party miles 227.5 (14.5 on foot, 213.0 by car). Total species 66; total individuals 4,246. Observers: Kyle Anderson, Ryan Ankeny, Michael Autin, Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Dona Coates, Mary Carol Cooper, Jackie Elmore, Paul Hagar, Eddie Huber, Jennifer Huber, Pat Meyer, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Cindy Read, Ken Read, Nancy Vance, and Barbara Woerner. A gorgeous day with partly cloudy skies and relatively warm temperature made for pleasant counting. The species count was slightly below average. Highlights of the day included a flock of 10 Mute Swans on Lake Nevin, two juvenile Golden Eagles, one flying south just east of Lebanon Junction, and a single Ruddy Duck on a lake near Boston, Kentucky. Natural food crops were scarce, especially fruits on trees, hence berry-eating species were hard to come by. The numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches and winter finches were somewhat lower than expected, although three parties found small numbers of 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. 23; 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky cloudy in a.m. to sunny in p.m.; temp. 33° to 45°F; wind W, 33-45 m.p.h. In the morning there was rain, snow, and sleet with strong winds; the afternoon turned sunny but strong winds were still a factor. Twenty-four observers in 10 parties. Total party-hours 64.50 (32.75 on foot, 31.75 by car). Total party miles 365.95 (21.25 on foot, 344.70 by car). Total species 81; total individuals 13,825. Observers: Michael Autin, Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell and Pat Bell (compilers), Carol Besse, Greg Bunting, Dona Coates, William Friel, Rod Goforth, Charles Hatten, Eddie Huber, Jennifer Huber, Bob Johnson, Cheryl Jones, Scott Jones, Frank Krull, John Krull, Fred Mansmith, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Carol Stallard, Jack Stallard, Jack Still, Major Waltman, and Barbara Woerner. (continued on page 30) THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ Vol, 84 2007-2008 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Maceo Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowing Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat. Park Otter Creek Park Bemheim Forest Louisville C Gr. White-ff. Goose 2000 - - - - - 1 1 - - - - - Ross's Goose 2 - - - - - - 1 ' - - - - - Snow Goose 10000 - 1 - - - 2 - - - - - - Canada Goose 1000 802 336 28 63 28 694 183 4 - 32 460 906 1 Cackling Goose 28 - - - - - - - - - - - - Mute Swan - - - - - - - - - - - 10 CW Wood Duck 12 - - - - - - - - 1 - - 21 Gadwall 300 33 267 - - - 78 14 17 - - - 43 . American Wigeon 50 2 5 - - - 5 2 - - - 5 - Am. Black Duck 20 - - - - - - - 2 - 1 - 4 Mallard 50000 142 48 13 16 65 619 137 35 - 52 53 969 Blue-winged Teal - - - - - - - - - - - 1 Northern Shoveler 100 CW 45 - - - - - - - - - CW Northern Pintail 25 - 1 - - 3 - 1 - - - - - Green-winged Teal 35 cw CW - - - - - - - - - - Canvasback 8 18 7 - - - - - - - - - 6 Redhead 2 1 - - - - - - - - - - 3 Ring-necked Duck 100 19 54 - - - 592 4 - - 29 174 Greater Scaup - 15 - - - - - 2 - - - - - Lesser Scaup - 702 1864 - - - - 1 - - - - 57 Black Scoter - - CW - - - - - - - - - - Surf Scoter - - - - - - - - - - - - - Scoter sp. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Buffi eh ead 2 118 103 - - - - - - - - - 4 Common Goldeneye 3 72 507 - - - - - - - - 2 Hooded Merganser 4 - 41 - - - - - 8 - - 1 103 Common Merganser - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - Red-br. Merganser - - CW - - - - - - - - - - Ruddy Duck 17 23 cw - - - 2 6 - - - 1 - Ruffed Grouse - - - - - - - - - - - - - Wild Turkey 45 1 31 CW 26 2 140 10 - 5 16 45 18 Northern Bobwhite cw - - - - - - 1 - - 6 - - Common Loon - 1 7 - - - - - - - - - - Pied-bi lied Grebe 2 61 87 - - 7 28 1 1 21 - 15 1 20 ( Homed Grebe - 33 24 - - - - - 10 - 3 - - Double-cr. Cormorant 55 - 358 - - - 2 - - - 5 - 187 Am. White Pelican - 1 CW - - - - - - - - - 2007_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ 21 Hart County Upton Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Burlington Falmouth Warsaw Richmond Russell County Somerset Wayne County Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Hazard Total 2002 - - - - - - - - I - - - - - - - 3 10003 16 45 34 282 - 325 678 641 20 699 330 70 273 208 - 70 - 8382 - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 29 - 11 - 5 - cw - 1 - 1 - - - - CW - - - - 41 - 23 - - - 28 - 5 5 - 6 12 45 - - - 876 - - 2 - - 1 1 1 - - - - 2 - - - - 76 2 6 - - - 5 26 15 30 1 5 33 - - - - 150 18 8 58 17 - 103 417 92 14 42 113 32 206 74 - 9 - 53359 1 - - - - - 3 18 - - - - 1 1 4 - - - - 185 - - 1 - - - 1 1 33 - - - - - 2 1 1 39 - - - - - - - - - 1 - 10 - - - - - 50 - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - 7 2 - 8 - - - 65 - - - - 2 18 21 - - - 1088 - - 10 - - - - - - " 5 - - - - - 32 - - 16 - - - 3 - - - 20 CW 6 - - - 2676 - - - - - - - - - - - 3 - - - - - 3 - - - - - - - - - - - 3 - - - - - 3 - - - - - - - - - - - 2 - - - - - 2 - - 18 - - - 19 - - - - 15 3 45 - - - 327 - - 1 - - - 1 - - - - - - 2 2 - - 590 - - 25 - - - 161 5 - 5 - 2 37 9 - - - 401 - - - - - - 4 - - - - - - - - - - 5 - - 1 1 1 - - - 2 - - - 137 - - - - - 151 - 1 - - - 25 - - - - 29 2 3 - - - 109 - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - 1 2 - 10 2 - 2 158 - 53 1 53 7 14 53 27 18 4 10 776 - - - - 15 - - 6 - - - - - - - - 20 48 - - - - - - 1 - - - 1 7 - - - - - 17 - 4 15 5 - 1 28 1 5 9 - 5 47 15 - 6 - 394 - 6 - - - 2 - 2 - - 78 1 1 1 - - - 170 - - - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - 609 — - 1 i 24 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 84 2007-2008 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Maceo Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowing Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat. Park Otter Creek Park Bemheim Forest Louisville C Great Blue Heron 20 92 109 1 1 6 20 5 6 1 6 5 16 Great Egret - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - Black-cr. Night-Heron - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 Black Vulture 3 9 - - - 5 4 - 4 - - 61 69 11 Turkey Vulture 2 61 - - 1 17 3 1 81 2 64 64 90 1 Bald Eagle 17 6 24 - - - - - 1 - - - 2 c Northern Harrier 8 1 - - 4 1 41 1 - - 2 7 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 - - - 1 - 4 2 1 - 2 2 3 cl Cooper's Hawk 1 cw 1 CW 1 1 8 6 1 - 1 4 5 Accipiter sp. 1 - - - - - 3 - - - 2 2 Red-shouldered Hawk 9 11 - - - - 18 1 - - 3 11 6 Red-tailed Hawk 20 5 6 3 15 25 42 25 8 3 15 24 27 Rough-legged Hawk - - - - - - 4 - - - - - 1 ( Golden Eagle - - - - - - - - - - - 2 - ^ American Kestrel 23 13 2 5 28 27 23 28 4 1 24 21 8 Merlin - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - Peregrine Falcon - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 Virginia Rail - - - - - - 7 - - - - - - American Coot 40 382 2066 - - 6 86 12 5 - 8 - 191 Sandhill Crane - 9 - - - - 60 - 41 - - - 70 ( Killdeer 46 41 7 - 24 343 42 142 17 1 50 64 2 Wilson’s Snipe 3 1 - - - - 1 96 - - ' - - < American Woodcock - - - - - - - 1 - - - - Least Sandpiper - 2 CW - - - - - - - - - - Bonaparte's Gull - 427 2569 - - - - - 40 - - - 5 Ring-billed Gull 102 960 856 1 104 - - 3 330 - 2 - 61 Herring Gull - 27 57 - - - - - 1 - - - 1 Thayer's Gull - - 1 - - - - - - - - - Les. Black-backed Gull - - CW - - - - - - - - - Forster's Tern - 31 2 - - - - - - - - - - Rock Pigeon 50 15 48 - 579 2 27 702 9 - 38 120 835 Eurasan Collared-Dove 8 - - - 32 - - - - 5 - - Mourning Dove 131 80 4 - 49 159 133 764 4 7 295 70 214 Bam Owl - - - - - 1 - - - - - - Eastern Screech-Owl 1 - - - - - 7 - - - - 1 1 Great Homed Owl 4 2 1 - - 1 10 1 - - - 1 1 Barred Owl 5 1 4 - - - 7 - - - - - 1 _ 2007 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 25 Hart County Upton Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Burlington Falmouth Warsaw Richmond Russell County Somerset Wayne County Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Flazard Total 5 5 5 17 4 11 17 13 7 25 3 3 12 6 1 4 - 430 - 1 " - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - 5 10 12 2 229 30 10 77 1 1 13 47 - 10 14 75 - - - 775 ;46 26 - 187 6 91 1 1 1 10 1 35 - 23 28 4 CW - 1 1045 1 3 cw 2 - - 1 - i - 1 CW 4 - - - 63 ;w 2 1 - - 4 1 - - - - 1 1 1 - 1 1 79 2 1 1 - 1 1 - 1 - - - - 5 - - - 1 29 1 - 1 4 - 4 5 - - 2 - - 1 1 2 - 1 - 61 - - - - - - 3 - - - - - 2 1 1 - - 15 2 7 1 - - - - 2 I - 1 4 3 5 1 3 1 90 4 10 6 1 1 17 27 18 8 12 14 3 2 35 27 2 1 1 424 5 2 !4 15 19 35 9 58 41 10 17 22 26 1 1 61 30 1 2 - 590 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - 2 Ei - - - - CW - - 1 - - - - - - - - 3 7 - 45 4 - - 17 - 1 73 52 8 7 2 - 15 - 3024 p 3 8 2 - - - - 196 |i 136 10 55 32 16 5 2 2 - - 2 4 10 - 7 4 1087 - - 4 - - 1 - - - - - 5 1 - - - 112 W 1 2 1- 5 5 - - - - - - 2 - 11 CW 372 - - - 3436 1 f - 811 36 - 17 22 6 165 85 - 49 6 68 - - - 3684 r - 2 - - 1 - - - - - - - 1 - - - 90 L 1 r - 33 10 36 1075 - 508 156 83 39 50 46 2 183 24 - 139 20 4914 f - - - - - - - - - - - - 13 - - - 70 >6 104 310 230 60 460 222 116 105 75 44 28 943 261 - 14 15 5232 1 - 1 i 1 - 1 - - - 2 - 1 - 1 2 2 - - - 21 *v - - 2 1 - - 3 - 3 - - - 1 - - - 31 1 1 - - - - - 2 - - - - 2 - CW 1 3 28 2fi _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 84 2007-2008 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Maceo Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowing Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat. Park Otter Creek Park Bemheim Forest Louisville Short-eared Owl - - - - - - 17 - - - - - - _ Belted Kingfisher 4 4 21 - - 1 9 5 6 1 1 8 7 Red-hd. Woodpecker 47 3 6 - - 5 3 1 - - 21 - - Red-bel. Woodpecker 22 33 24 3 23 13 20 19 14 5 34 38 18 Yel.-bel. Sapsucker 7 2 4 - 3 1 - - 4 - 2 - 5 Downy Woodpecker 21 28 8 5 13 5 38 25 8 8 14 28 36 Hairy Woodpecker 3 9 3 1 - 4 4 5 5 3 4 7 5 Northern Flicker 46 58 34 3 1 12 54 17 9 8 10 10 5 Pileated Woodpecker 2 7 2 - 3 3 14 4 3 4 7 18 2 Eastern Phoebe i 1 2 - - 1 - 1 1 - - - - Loggerhead Shrike - - - - - 2 2 2 - - - 1 - Blue Jay 101 56 66 16 122 39 243 82 39 33 344 139 95 American Crow 35 34 44 2 3 27 104 163 79 58 217 187 344 Homed Lark 153 64 - - 595 475 12 135 - - 3 71 - Carolina Chickadee 41 66 56 8 28 10 96 62 38 31 100 181 117 Tufted Titmouse 63 60 72 6 7 16 66 69 33 23 97 1 18 66 Red-br. Nuthatch 3 4 3 - 1 2 5 1 6 8 9 39 3 White-br. Nuthatch 10 30 18 - 5 7 18 15 7 1 1 27 66 22 Brown Creeper 1 2 1 - - - 9 1 2 - 2 9 4 Carolina Wren 30 37 26 3 8 1 1 57 48 23 22 50 69 53 House Wren - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - Winter Wren 2 1 - - - - 4 - - 2 - - 1 Marsh Wren - - - - - - 3 - - - - - - Golden-cr. Kinglet 2 9 5 - - 8 10 9 3 4 4 13 1 Ruby-cr. Kinglet 5 2 1 - - - 3 4 - 1 2 7 2 Eastern Bluebird 69 6! 42 9 42 49 130 78 28 18 92 246 32 Hermit Thrush 2 1 2 - - 1 4 1 - 7 2 2 1 American Robin 2 13 14 - 33 6 4 66 6 46 74 47 109 Gray Catbird - - - - - - - - - - - 1 No. Mockingbird 1 1 14 4 5 12 20 11 31 14 1 16 28 42 Brown Thrasher 13 5 3 - - - 5 - - 1 1 - - European Starling 21300 1379 191 19 3748 6000 6738 3895 455 14 732 440 7753 American Pipit 27 - - - 16 80 - 10 - - 33 - cw Cedar Waxwing 12 - 29 - - 13 1 6 12 25 1 45 7 Yel-rumped Warbler - 10 6 - - 7 2 8 14 13 10 13 3 Pine Warbler - - - - - - - - - - - - - Palm Warbler - - - - - - - 1 - - 1 - - 2007_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ 27 Hart County j Upton Green River Lake Frankfort | Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Burlington Falmouth Warsaw Richmond Russell County Somerset Wayne County Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Hazard Total 17 3 3 1 1 1 5 6 9 6 2 6 - 1 1 1 6 3 1 1 146 10 5 1 4 - - - 106 12 12 17 62 10 23 25 24 19 7 7 16 62 31 1 5 1 603 cw - 1 9 1 - 3 2 2 3 1 3 5 2 - - - 61 5 9 8 55 10 19 45 37 21 12 4 6 48 16 5 1 1 2 554 1 2 3 17 4 7 5 12 2 3 1 3 7 5 CW 6 2 134 12 13 14 27 7 1 1 13 8 13 5 3 18 44 15 3 2 4 481 1 7 6 13 1 3 2 8 3 2 - 2 6 6 4 8 3 145 1 1 - 2 - - - - - - - 2 8 - - 1 1 23 - - ' - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - 8 55 120 90 181 65 68 72 75 140 35 1 1 54 247 133 4 18 20 2770 07 506 56 248 192 213 298 51 269 78 215 51 490 213 190 73 50 4631 35 70 1 1 1 - - 8 43 - 12 - - 6 5 - - - 1699 37 36 64 235 13 100 102 102 38 34 22 40 188 59 21 29 10 1972 25 34 62 141 14 37 96 85 38 25 19 55 200 94 3 24 10 1673 1 12 1 1 - 5 3 1 - - - 1 7 3 1 - - 122 18 12 13 39 12 21 24 40 17 10 9 38 71 40 3 22 2 630 - 2 1 9 - 2 6 2 1 1 - 1 - - - - - 57 .30 23 19 142 23 30 44 22 16 26 3 36 124 54 3 30 5 1069 1 - - - - 2 IfW - 1 4 - - 2 - 1 - - - 1 - 2 - - 21 3 1 2 6 40 - - 1 2 - 1 - 6 CW 6 1 13 - 147 r - 1 1 - - - - - - 4 1 - - - 3 - 37 j>9 127 44 12 - 34 43 7 25 2 25 51 292 77 - 23 8 1750 :\V 1 1 - - - - - 1 - - - 1 4 - - - 31 6 5 23 35 106 32 63 17 398 2 3 7 52 36 1 2 10 1243 - 1 6 1 8 15 9 4 37 63 8 6 12 7 16 101 46 - 5 - 566 1 1 - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - 32 06 138 1156 688 230 1372 1980 359 609 201 948 353 7642 2785 - 1 17 500 73760 !r - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 - - - 168 25 15 48 4 67 7 - 1 - - 24 20 20 - - - 391 I 3 18 7 - - 4 10 27 15 - 19 31 74 - 4 - 299 r - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 r 1 - - - - 3 28 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol, 84 2007-2008 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County hand Between the Fakes Maceo Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowing Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat. Park Otter Creek Park Bemheim Forest Fouisville Common Yellowthroat - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - Eastern Towhee 49 18 15 5 4 1 1 33 18 8 5 48 34 11 Amer. Tree Sparrow 8 - 9 3 - - 65 3 - - 4 - CW Chipping Sparrow - 50 - 4 - - - 3 1 - - 3 - Field Sparrow 44 17 39 4 2 8 215 10 39 - 87 1 22 10 Savannah Sparrow 3 - 4 - - 2 53 5 - - - - - Fox Sparrow 18 6 2 - - - 22 7 - - 9 5 l Song Sparrow 97 17 22 10 15 10 338 61 53 24 67 140 80 Swamp Sparrow 46 1 6 - 6 2 186 9 4 - 5 19 2 White-thr. Sparrow 274 129 186 2 14 21 1 10 179 124 55 81 174 156 White-cr. Sparrow 49 23 - 2 6 23 69 18 3 2 55 33 6 Dark-eyed Junco 135 268 447 40 105 32 312 101 63 139 174 368 106 Fapland Fongspur 325 - - - - 6 - 3 - - - - - Northern Cardinal 155 166 92 25 92 51 140 185 59 48 82 205 296 Red-winged Blackbird 10400 21 - - 1767 7000 1660 2070 44 - 15 7 CW Eastern Meadowlark 78 10 2 2 35 80 63 32 28 - 3 23 22 Rusty Blackbird 16 - cw - - 2 7 8 - - - - - Brewer's Blackbird 21 - - - - - - - - - - - - Common Crackle 150350 9 cw 3 1452 7000 6990 1050 19 - 32 - CW Brown-hd. Cowbird 36 - - - - 2000 30 260 21 - - - - Purple Finch 1 cw 10 - - - 5 - - 3 9 4 4 House Finch 70 69 i - 6 15 7 26 22 - 31 26 36 Pine Siskin - 3 6 - - - - - - - - 26 4 American Goldfinch 74 124 43 4 21 73 68 1 10 37 13 119 113 135 House Sparrow 43 63 28 1 94 24 18 99 44 4 175 50 87 Date of count D17 J4 D15 D27 Jl DI7 D30 D21 D29 D16 D20 D22 D23 Ij Number of species 94 83 79 31 47 63 82 79 62 41 70 66 81 Number of Individuals 248632 7207 1 1 144 236 9226 23877 20791 11184 2028 661 3553 4246 13825 Number of Observers 4 8 28 4 15 2 12 7 4 4 5 18 24 2007 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 29 a 3 O J |e icd JC Upton Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Burlington Falmouth Warsaw Richmond Russell County Somerset Wayne County Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Hazard Total - 1 8 3 14 8 - 4 2 8 6 1 2 14 41 18 - 4 4 396 1 - - - - - - 27 2 10 - - - - - - - 133 1 - - 1 1 - 1 1 1 - - - - 33 15 2 - 38 - 163 12 10 58 - - 58 - 14 8 2 - 5 93 29 - 6 - 925 5 - - - - - - 1 - - - - 3 5 - - - 91 2 - 3 cw - - - 2 8 - - - 20 - - 1 - 106 If 9 42 73 54 11 23 57 60 43 65 8 16 474 112 - 28 2 2097 - 19 5 - - 5 1 3 1 2 1 39 1 - 2 - 397 ■2 76 80 89 3 37 174 69 75 19 14 29 170 59 6 45 10 2529 0 10 4 14 - 93 53 14 13 34 - - 150 69 - - - 834 0 82 59 84 68 70 71 188 475 13 10 46 179 174 62 20 20 4002 364 0 73 102 154 69 292 301 154 121 31 78 115 618 304 20 16 10 4138 bo 206 - - 16 - - 2 - 1 - - 13 - - - - 23722 4 82 - 53 13 17 2 - - 2 - 29 80 72 - 2 - 744 f 5 90 - - - 128 1 1 21 1 1 3 - - - 208 - - - 11 4 - 36 7 - - - 167174 ! - - - - 2 - 2 10 - - - 13 4 - - - 2418 ^ i 1 1 34 - 3 8 - 35 - - - - 5 - - - 125 k 79 18 25 - 46 106 23 17 3 3 2 173 22 - - - 858 . - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - 40 2 5 27 66 80 82 24 102 165 28 45 58 289 113 15 63 15 2217 •6 17 36 89 8 122 208 2 25 6 2 15 111 120 - 5 5 1577 >0 D29 D27 D16 D29 D15 D15 D29 .11 D22 J5 D14 D29 J3 DI5 D29 D31 9 62 74 58 38 56 68 66 57 61 38 72 77 77 25 47 35 136 f)2 2279 3638 4910 1149 4958 6084 2691 3082 2002 2077 1788 14206 6320 374 904 773 418797 } 9 5 12 4 31 31 12 6 3 5 2 16 6 10 2 1 309 30 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Because of weather conditions (strong winds, flooding) the Louisville CBC was post¬ poned one week. The weather was not much better on the actual count day. Rain, snow, sleet, and high winds occurred throughout most of the morning. The afternoon im¬ proved only in the fact that it was sunny and the winds subsided to 15-22 m.p.h. as com¬ pared with 45 m.p.h. in the morning. Our participants counted 82 species. The individual count for many species was down due in part to the weather conditions on count day, but also due to lack of natural food. There was a hard freeze in April as many plants were flowering and this summer the area had a severe drought causing low production of seeds. Special thanks to our participants who endured adverse conditions. Shelby ville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.75 mile south of U.S. 60 and Guist Creek Lake on KY 714). Elevation: 640-1190 ft. Habitat: farmland, fallow land, suburban, wooded and grassland. Dec. 15; 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky overcast. 28° to 36°F; wind NW, 25 m.p.h. Morning started with snow, then sleet, then rain all day. Ten observers in five parties. Total party-hours 25.0 (5.5 on foot, 19.5 by car). Total party-miles 262.5 (3.0 on foot, 259.5 by car). Total species 49; total individuals 2,550. Observers: Heather Brown, Iris Brown, Joan Brown, Seth Brown, Todd Brown, W.H. Brown (compiler), Cheryl Houston, Omar Mandeel, Benton Young, and Steven Young. Visibility was extremely difficult due to cloudy skies, and icy/rainy conditions. Hart County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center comer of Craddock Road and Jaggers Lane). Habitat: rural fields and forests, one large (Hundred-Acre) pond, and Green River. Dec. 20; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky cloudy, afternoon rain; temp. 34° to 48°F; wind variable and breezy. Nine observers in one party. Total party-hours 12 (7 on foot, 5 by car). Total party- miles 102 (3 on foot, 99 by car). Total species 59; total individuals 2,402. Observers: Bonnie Avery, Bruce Bardin, John Brittain, Carol Friedman, Dan Givens, Nancy Givens, Richard Healy, Steve Kistler (compiler), and Mitchell Sturgeon. New count species included American Tree Sparrow, Ring-necked Duck, and Savannah Sparrow. Bluebird numbers were strong, with 69 individuals. This was the first time in 22 years that we didn’t find a Great Horned Owl on count day. Upton (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.5 mile south of Hilltop, eastern Grayson County). Habitat: woodland, farmland, river and Nolin Reservoir. Dec. 29; 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; temp. 34° to 42°F; wind W, 5-10 m.p.h. Nine observers in one party. Total party-hours 14 (7 on foot, 7 by car). Total party- miles 92 (2 on foot, 90 by car). Total species 62; total individuals 2,279. Observers: Bonnie Avery, Bruce Bardin, John Brittain (compiler), Lisa Brittain, Carol Friedman, Dan Givens, Richard Healy, Janet Kistler, and Steve Kistler. The Bald Eagle observed near Wax was a first for the count. Green River Lake (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Green River Memorial Baptist Church, Taylor County, Ky.). Habitat: old fields, agricultural fields and borders, second growth forest. Green River riparian areas, open water, including Green River Lake and Campbellsville City Lake. Dec. 27; 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; temp. 42° to 48°F; wind 0-15 m.p.h. Windy in the a.m., calm in the p.m. Five observers in three parties. Total party-hours 22 (13 on foot, 9 by car). Total party- miles 100.0 (3.5 on foot, 96.5 by car). Total species 74; total individuals 3,638. Observers: Lloyd Curry (compiler), Kate Heyden, Richie Kessler, Samuel Kessler, and Brainard Palmer-Ball. No Turkey Vultures were observed even though there is a large roost in the count area. One of the Dark-eyed Juncos was a western “Oregon” Junco. Frankfort (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at jet. US 127 and KY 1900, circa 2.3 miles northeast of downtown; 38.2261N/-84.8502W). Habitat as described 2007 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 31 in 1977. Dec. 16; 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 21° to 48°F; wind W, 12-39 m.p.h. There was light snow throughout the day. Twelve observers in seven parties. Total party-hours 31.75 (14.25 on foot, 17.50 by car). Total party-miles 193.25 (11.25 on foot, 182.00 by car). Total species 58; total individuals 4,910. Observers: Robin Antenucci, Jim Durrell, Jim Fries, Peggy Gould (compiler), Ralph Gould, Pat Flankla, Scott Flankla, Jeff Jones, Joel Jones, Robert Laurenson, Susan Lauren- son, and Tim Williams. The first sighting of a Bald Eagle for Frankfort occurred during the count week. Kleber Wildlife Management Area (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at jet. KY 227 and KY 845 (west) at Hesler, Owen County [38.4633N/-84.7768W]). Habitat as described in 1972. Dec. 29; 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky partly clear in a.m. to cloudy in p.m.; temp. 26° to 42°F; wind W, 5-8 m.p.h.. Four observers in one to two parties. Total party-hours 12.5 (4.5 on foot, 8.0 by car). Total party-miles 100.5 (3.5 on foot, 97.0 by car). Total species 38; total individuals 1,149. Observers: Peggy Gould (compiler), Ralph Gould, Edwin Shouse, and Mary Shouse. Danville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Boyle County Courthouse). Habitat: water edge (15%), urban (8%), cultivated (10%), field/fence row (35%), wooded edge (25%), and feeder (7%). Dec. 15; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 32° to 35°F; wind NE, 2-16 m.p.h. Light rain in a.m., overcast all day. Thirty-one observers in nine parties. Total party-hours 51.00 (10.25 on foot, 40.75 by car). Total party-miles 459.0 (9.5 on foot, 448.5 by car). Total species 56; total individuals 4,958. Observers: Joe Amburgey, Robert Anderson, Ernie Baird, J.P. Brantley, Jane Brantley, Ginny Eklund, Neil Eklund (compiler), Stephanie Fabritius, Martha Foster, Bill Garriott, Paula Hill, Jeff Janovetz, Tom Kearns, Bill Kemper, Anne Lubbers, Gail Manning, Helena McGowan, Jack Metcalf, Jody Metcalf, Preston Miles, Eric Mount, Jack Newton, Amelia Nichols, John Nichols, Don Pelly, Rob Pendygraft, Amadeus Pyrek, Rose-Marie Roessler, Judy Ross, Joan Smith, and Keith Tiemeyer. Lexington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center East Hickman Church on Tates Creek Road). Habitat: suburban farms, woodlots, water company reservoirs, Ken¬ tucky River cliffs and bottomland. Dec. 15; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 29° to 33°F; wind 5-10 m.p.h. Freezing drizzle in the a.m. Thirty one observers in 1 1 parties. Total party-hours 63 (12 by foot, 51 by car). Total party-miles 387.5 (1 1.5 by foot, 376.0 by car). Total species 68; total individuals 6,084. Observers: Ben Albritton, Janine Baker, Tom Barnes, Earl Boggs (fw), Thad Bishop, Rhonda Bryant, Rick Buchanan, Gareth Bums, Roberta Bums, Edward DeMoll, Wayne Davis (fw), Phyllis Deal, Nander Hegyi, Zoltan Hegyi, Kevin Hopper, Allen Kingsland, Katie Knowles, Lucy Knowles, Van Knowles, Teri Koontz, Catherine Lyons (fw), Dave Maehr, Scott Marash, Sarah Martin, Betty Maxson (compiler), Kay Neikerk, Brian Perry, Susan Pollack, Louis Scheidt (fw), Ian Stewart, Rick Stofer (fw), Marie Sutton, Dave Svetich, Joe Swanson, Jackie Van Willigan, and Sally Washilewski. (fw=feeder watcher.) Burlington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Camp Michaels). Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 29; 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 33° to 40°F; wind SW, 5-9 m.p.h. All water was open. Twelve observers in five parties. Total party-hours 25 (13 on foot, 12 by car). Total party-miles 141 (5 on foot, 136 by car). Total species 66; total individuals 2,691. Observers: Linda Altevers, Andrew Baldell, Tillman Burnett, Joe & Kathy Caminiti, Tony Goedde, Ed Groneman, Denise Hodge, Don Martin, Lee McNeely (compiler), Gayle Pille, and Tommy Stephens. Feeder watchers: Marjorie Hill and Carmen Schulte. The Cackling Goose was with a flock of Canada Geese at the East Bend Power Plant. 32 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Falmouth (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Caddo, Ky.). Habitat: woodland and forest edge (50%), river and lake shoreline (25%), agricultural (20%), and residential (5%). Jan. 1; 7:15 a. nr. to 5:00 p.m. Sky overcast, snow flurries throughout the day; temp. 22° to 31°F; wind SW, 10-21 m.p.h. Water open. Six observers in three parties. Total party-hours 20.5 (4.0 on foot, 16.5 by car). Total party-miles 173 (2 on foot, 171 by car). Total species 57; total individuals 3,082. Observers: Rhonda Bryant, Scott Marsh, Lee McNeely (compiler), Dorothy Osterhage, Tommy Stephens, and Sally Soderlund. The Ruffed Grouse was a count first. An adult Peregrine Falcon was seen at Meldahl Dam. Good numbers of Purple Finches were found. W arsaw (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Gallatin County Court¬ house). Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 22; 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; temp. 47° to 58°F; wind SE, 4-16 m.p.h. All water open. Three observers in two parties. Total party-hours 15.5 (6.0 on foot, 9.5 by car). Total party-miles 1 12 (3 on foot, 109 by car). Total species 61; total individuals 2,002. Observers: Joe Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, and Lee McNeely (compiler). Poor weather forced postponment of this count on December 15. Berry-eating birds were low in numbers as were several seed-eating species. Good finds included Black- crowned Night-Heron at Craig’s Creek and a Ross's Goose at the Ghent power plant. Richmond (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.75 mile north of inter¬ section 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%). Jan. 5; 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy to cloudy; temp. 39° to 46°F; wind SW, 2- 12 m.p.h. Five observers in three parties. Total party-hours 12.5 (1.5 on foot, 1 1 by car). Total party-miles 139.4 (3.5 on foot, 135.9 by car). Total species 38; total individuals 2,077. Observers: Joy Hager, Paul Hager, Art Ricketts, Tina Ricketts, Gary Ritchison (com¬ piler). Fewer observers than usual and no access to Blue Grass Army Depot impacted the count. Russell County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center intersection of Owensby Road and Hwy. 3281). Elevation: 530 to 1 140 ft. Habitat: mixed and deciduous woodland, pasture fields, streams and lake, mostly rural with a small percentage of urban. Dec. 14; 5:40 a.m. to 4:25 p.m. CST. Sky cloudy; temp. 34° to 37°F; wind NNW-N-NNE, 0-5 m.p.h. All water open. Two observers in two parties. Total part-hours 18.0 (8.5 on foot, 9.5 by car). Total party-miles 95 (2 on foot, 93 by car). Owling 1.75 hours and 8 miles. Total species 72; total individuals 1,788. Observers: Roseanna Denton (compiler) and Arlene Morton. Highlights included three Black and three Surf Scoters, plus two unidentified scoter species, five Greater Scaup, 137 Red-breasted Mergansers, and eight Sandhill Cranes. Somerset (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. of Bypass Hwy. 80 and Hwy. 39). Habitat as described in 2000. Dec. 29; 5:40 a.m. to 6:10 p.m. Sky cloudy early becoming mostly clear; temp. 37° to 49°F; wind WSW, 0-10 m.p.h. All water open. Sixteen observers in seven parties. Total party-hours 62.0 (16.5 by foot, 45.5 by car). Total party-miles 466.0 (8.5 on foot, 457.5 by car). Total species 77; total individuals 14,206. Observers: Judy Brant, Rhonda Bryant, Granville Cox, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Steve Denton, Daniel Fleagle, Gay Hodges, Laura Kamperman, James Kiser, Scott Marsh, Linda McClendon, Lynda Mills, Tom Mills, Kimberly Morgan, Arlene Morton, and Stephen Stedman. Feeder watchers: Irene Broyles, Evelyn Coldiron, Julie Denton, Grace 2007 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 33 Floyd, Evelyn Garrett, Floyd Halcomb, Susan Huffman, Dottie Kinnamon, Danny Kiser, Mary Moss, Joe Richards, Hazel Spears, and Dee Whitis. Wayne County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. Hwys. 1275 and 3106; 36.8972N/-84.8215W). Habitat as described in 2002. Jan. 3; 6:17 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 10°F to 34°F; wind variable, 0-3 m.p.h. Still water mostly frozen, moving water open, patchy snow cover. Six observers in four parties. Total party hours 37.75 (9.50 on foot, 28.25 by car). Total party-miles 324.5 (5.00 on foot, 319.5 by car). Total species 77; total individuals 6,320. Observers: Terry Campbell, Roseanna Denton (compiler). Gay Hodges, Scott Iffert, Arlene Morton, and Stephen Stedman. The Merlin, Herring Gull, and Red-breasted Nuthatch were firsts for this count. Natural Bridge State Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Whit- tleton Campground booth). Habitat: mostly mixed mesophytic forest. Dec 15; 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 30° to 44°F; wind SSW, 5 m.p.h. Ten observers in three parties. Total party-hours 22 (10 on foot, 12 by car). Total party-miles 45 (5 on foot, 40 by car). Total species 25; total individuals 374. Observers: Chris Denda, Marie Denda, Gaye Fugate, Brian Gasdorf, Hugh Gilbert, Naomi Gilbert, Noelie Grunwald (compiler), David Schneider, Andy Ziss and Lisa Ziss. It was cold and raining throughout the region which may have discouraged participants from coming to the event. It did not rain at all at Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge although it was very cold throughout the day. Dewey Lake (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Dewey Lake, approx¬ imately UTM 17 34781 IE 4175855N [WGS84/NAD83]). Habitat: lake, golf course, strip mine, open fields, old fields and hardwoods. Dec. 29; 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Sky partly cloudy, clearing throughout the day; temp. 30° to 48°F; wind 0-5 m.p.h. Nice day, cool morning, warming through the day, becoming sunny, little bird activity in the afternoon. Two observers in one party. Total party-hours 8 (2 on foot, 6 by car). Total party-miles 32 (2 on foot, 30 by car). Total species 47; total individuals 904. Observers: Chris Evans and Troy Evans (compiler). Hazard (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Spencer farm). Habitat: deciduous woods, woodland edge, pasture/grassland and a few small ponds. Dec. 31. Sky cloudy; temp. 20° to 45°F; wind light. One observer in one party. Total party-hours 14 (12 on foot, 2 by car). Total party- miles 20 (4 on foot, 16 by car). Total species 35; total individuals 773. Observer: Donnie Spencer (compiler). FIELD NOTE Yellow-rumped “Audubon’s” Warbler at Louisville The Yellow-rumped Warbler ( Dendroica coronata) consists of two subspecies (formerly considered two separate species) that are relatively distinct but that hybridize extensively within a limited range of overlap in southwestern Canada (Dunn and Garrett 1997). The nominate race, Dendroica coronata coronata (“Myrtle Warbler”), breeds primarily across the boreal forest region of Canada and Alaska. A common migrant and winter resident across much of the United States including states east of the Mississippi River, it winters as far south as Central America (Hunt and Flaspohler 1998). The western race, Dendroica coronata auduboni (“Audubon’s Warbler”), breeds primarily in mountainous regions of the western United States and southwestern Canada and winters in the southwestern Unites States and much of Mexico, seldom being reported east of the 34 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 western Great Plains (Hunt and Flaspohler 1998; Dunn and Garrett 1997). Both subspecies breed in forests dominated by conifers, such as spruces and firs, and winter primarily in woodlands, edge, and brushy habitats (Dunn and Garrett 1997). On 23 September 2007, while 1 was birding at the Melco flood retention basin in southern Jefferson County with Eddie Huber and Robert Dever, an unusual call note attracted my attention. After a few seconds a small passerine, the source of the note, flew up into a small tree, and we were able to get some brief views before it flew away in the company of a loose group of Tennessee Warblers ( Vermivora peregrina) and Palm Warblers ( Dendroica palmarum). Although I did not initially recognize the identity of the bird making the unusual call, upon seeing the bird, I immediately realized that it was an Audubon’s Warbler, a bird that 1 have seen and heard several times while traveling in the western United States and Canada. The bird was superficially similar to a Myrtle Warbler, ' but its throat was yellowish and adjacent portions of the face and breast were a dusky grayish-brown. After the bird flew, I was able to observe it once more, this time seeing the dorsal portions including the yellow rump. Despite much additional searching, this bird eluded us during the remainder of our visit. However, I returned to the Melco basin the following morning with Jane Bell, Pat Bell, and Eddie Huber to see if we could relocate it. After a bit of searching, we were able to relocate the Audubon’s Warbler in the company of the same warbler flock and followed it off and on for about 30 minutes, several times obtaining good looks at the bird from as close as 35-40 feet (10-13 m). On one occasion, Eddie Huber was able to get a couple of photos of the rear portion of the bird, showing its yellow rump, but the throat and other helpful identification characters were not captured on film. A description of the Audubon’s Warbler follows. This small songbird was the size of a ‘typical’ warbler (circa 5.0 in [12.7 cm] in length). The throat was yellow, although seemingly muted to some extent, perhaps by buffy edgings on the feathers, especially along the side and bottom margins; this yellow area was not as extensive as the white throat area of a Myrtle Warbler, running more straight down the sides of the throat instead of wrapping under the auricular area. The throat was framed by brownish-gray on the upper breast, perhaps a bit lighter than the head. The face was a rather solid gray-brown, with no trace of a supercilium; thin whitish eye crescents were apparent. The sides of the belly had some dark streaking, but yellow under the front of the wing was not observed by me on any occasion. The undertail was whitish. The nape and back were a relatively dark grayish- • brown or brownish-gray. The back pattern was not specifically noted and recorded, but some slightly darker streaks may have been present. The wings (flight feathers and coverts) were predominantly dark gray-brown with narrow light margins; the greater and median coverts had light tips forming two distinct but not especially bold wing-bars. The rump was bright, pale yellow. The inner tail feathers were dark, but a pattern of conspicuous white spots or “tongues” was obvious in the outer feathers when the bird was viewed in flight and from below. Like the tarsi, the bill was blackish and not thin or especially attenuated like the bill of a Vermivora warbler, being more typical of individuals of most species of the genus Dendroica. This bird was probably most similar in plumage to the first-fall male depicted in Dunn and Garrett (1997: Plate 12). During the period we viewed the Audubon’s Warbler, it foraged in saplings and weeds, more or less continuously associating with the aforementioned flock of warblers each day. On one occasion it was seen dropping to the ground to pick up prey. As noted above, the call note of this warbler initially drew my attention to it. Particularly when flying, it uttered this distinctive note, sometimes repeating it a few times in succession while in flight. Sibley (2000) describes this call as “svit” or “ssit.” To my ear it more closely resembles the call notes of Mourning Warbler ( Oporornis philadelpia) and Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis) than the call of a Dendroica warbler. The call notes of Mourning and Connecticut warblers are not that similar to each other, but they are of a | .07 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 35 i (ality quite unlike the call notes of most Dendroica warblers. The Audubon’s call note is a ;o quite unlike the duller note of Myrtle Warbler. I recall noticing the unusual quality of ts note the first time I ever encountered Audubon’s Warblers in the western United States, j, ;d on subsequent visits within the range of the species I have recognized it very quickly. IK r is call note was heard repeatedly during our periods of observation, and several times u*i arted us to the warbler’s location after it had disappeared. This sighting represents the first documented record of the Audubon’s subspecies of li ' llow-rumped Warbler in Kentucky. Although the Audubon’s Warbler is considered li Tsual” in most eastern states (Dunn and Garrett 1997), a cursory review of the jj (lithological literature for the region indicated that this subspecies has occurred only a few I; lies with not all reports being well documented. Moreover, since the “lumping” of the two j 1ms into one species (American Ornithologists’ Union 1973), it is possible that some Jj norts of Audubon's Warbler have not been made public. Although it would certainly be ;i jssible to encounter hybrids between Audubon’s and Myrtle warblers, the number of jnetically “pure” Audubon’s is much greater than the number of hybrids. Moreover, I lithing about the individual observed in Jefferson County was consistent with a hybrid fil (ip., its plumage characteristics and call note). Iterature Cited i f: j .nerican Ornithologists’ Union. 1973. Thirty-second supplement to the American j| Ornithologists’ Union check-list of North American Birds. The Auk 90:41 1-419. f linn, J., and K. Garrett. 1997. A Field Guide to Warblers of North America. Houghton Mifflin, Co., Boston, MA. lint, P.D., and D. J. Flaspohler. 1998. Yellow-rumped Warbler ( Dendroica coronata). In The Birds of North America , No. 376 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North ,, America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA. ® -Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane, if Ijinkfort, KY, 4060 1 . si NEWS AND VIEWS I K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Grants Available si The Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Fund supports research on birds in Kentucky to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, please contact Dr. Blaine Ferrell, Ogden jj, allege of Science and Engineering Dean’s Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling 1 een, Kentucky, 42 1 0 1 (blaine.ferrell@wku.edu). ill : K.O.S. Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund Grants Available ik The Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund supports education of children in the eper appreciation of birds and ornithology. For guidelines on how to apply for grants of ill to $500, please contact Mark Bennett by mail at 1 13 Iroquois Circle, Russellville, KY, li 276, or via email at (benn5609@bellsouth.net). I Kentucky Bird Records Committee The Kentucky Bird Records Committee (KBRC) is charged with determining the lidity of records of rare and out-of-season birds in Kentucky. Sightings of such birds * ould be documented with information supporting the identification promptly submitted to * c KBRC. Photographic evidence is desirable but not essential. Electronic documentation il preferred and should be submitted to KBRC Secretary, Ben Yandell, via e-mail at IS cy@kybirdrecords.org. Hard copy documentation should be mailed to Ben Yandell, I* BRC Secretary, 513 Lymington Ct., Louisville, KY 40243. 36 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Figs. 1 & 2. Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) 18 September 2007 Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson County (see Fall Season 2007, p. 15) Photos by Eddie Huber The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 84 MAY 2008 NO. 2 IN THIS ISSUE IN MEMORIAM: ALBERT L. “BERT” POWELL, JR., Marilee Thompson and Mary Kissel . . . 39 THE WINTER SEASON 2007-2008, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 40 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING MEETING April 25-27, 2008, Win Ahrens . 48 FIELD NOTE Northern Saw-whet Owl Migration Banding Results, Fall 2007, Mark Monroe and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr . . . 50 38 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Vice-President . Corresponding Secretary Treasurer . Recording Secretary . . Win Ahrens, Prospect . Scott Marsh, Lexington . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr, 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 . Lee McNeely P.O, Box 463, Burlington, KY 41005 . John Brunjes, Frankfort Councillors: Gay Hodges, Somerset . 2006 thru 2008 Eddie Huber, Louisville . 2006 thru 2008 Marilee Thompson, Owensboro . 2007 thru 2009 Evelyn Morgan, Olive Hill . 2007 thru 2009 Kathy Cohen, Murray . 2008 thru 2010 Lana Hays, Walton . 2008 thru 2010 Retiring President . Mark Bennett, Russellville Staff Artist . Ray Harm, Sonoita, A Z 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; 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 . Blaine R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Wayne Mason, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Stephen Stedman Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Ben Yandell 513 Lymington Court, Louisville, KY 40243 THE COVER We thank Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., for the image of the female Harlequin Duck ( Histrionicus histrionicus) taken 26 February 2008 on the Ohio River waterfront at New Richmond, Ohio (see Winter Season 2007-2008). Financial support _ _ _ for color reproduction in this issue provided by the Daniel Boone )Tiic( ^ — National Forest and the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 39 IN MEMORIAM: ALBERT L. “BERT” POWELL, JR, Albert L. “Bert” Powell, Jr., one of the Kentucky Ornithological Society’s most beloved members, passed away at the age of 92 on 22 February 2008 at his daughter’s home in Beattyville, Kentucky. Bert became interested in birds at a young age and was encouraged to pursue that interest by his teachers; he became active in the Society in the early 1950s. He was a co-founder and long-time leader of the Society’s unofficial chapter in the Owensboro area, the Daviess County Audubon Society. He and his wife, Mildred (Millie), were always present at semi-annual Society meetings until recent years, when their health limited their ability to travel. Millie passed away in April 2007. Bert was particularly noted for his knowledge of the birds of the Owensboro area, and during a period from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s, he published about 10 papers on the birds of his local region. He was also instrumental in advancing several local environmental education projects. Bert and Millie are pictured below at the dedication of the Powell Bird Viewing Blind at the Pennyroyal Girl Scout Camp in 2001. Bert had a wonderful sense of humor and was full of jokes that livened up every occasion. Millie would enhance bird walks pointing out the wildflowers along the way. Bert Powell subscribed to the philosophy that bird watching should not be a solitary sport; it’s an activity to be shared joyfully with others. True to form, there is likely not a member of the Society who met him who was not touched by the endearing candor in his personality. Expressions of sympathy in the names of Bert and Millie Powell may take the form of donations to the Daviess County Audubon Society, Charles Morris, Treasurer, 1400 Wood- bridge Trail, Owensboro, KY, 42303. — Marilee Thompson and Mary Kissel 40 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 WINTER SEASON 2007-2008 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely The winter 2007-2008 was overall relatively normal regarding temperature and precipitation. Temperature was warmer than normal during December and slightly warmer than normal during January (when season lows of 4°F, 7°F and 9°F were recorded at Lexington, Louisville, and Bowling Green, respectively). Temperature then returned to near normal to slightly colder than normal during February. Precipitation was higher than normal during December, slightly below normal during January, and near normal during February. There was little snowfall during the period with essentially no extended periods of snow cover statewide. The most abnormal feature of the winter season was the number of severe storms; severe winds were reported on three days in January and two days in February with an especially damaging outbreak across western and central Kentucky February 5-6, when 29 tornados were reported in 23 counties. Rarity highlights included Harlequin Duck, Northern Shrike, and several Black-capped Chickadees. Natural and ornamental food crops were well below average in supply in most areas, so it was not a good winter for berry, cone, and mast eaters, although Red-headed Woodpeckers were present in good numbers in scattered locales. Despite a pronounced fall flight of some boreal species, winter numbers were below average, suggesting that scarce food supplies resulted in most birds heading farther south. 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 - 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; CBC = Christmas Bird Count. Place names: Ballard = Ballard WMA, Ballard', Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam, Lyon/Livingston, Barren = Barren River Lake, Alien! Barren', Bemheim Forest = Bernheim Forest, Bullitt! Nelson ; Blood River = Blood River embayment, Kentucky Lake, Calloway, East Volunteer = East Volunteer Mine, Hopkins', Frankfort = Frankfort, Franklin', Gibraltar = Gibraltar Mine, Muhlenberg', Homestead = Homestead Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio', Jon¬ athan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall', Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall ; Kv Lake = Kentucky Lake, Calloway! Marshall', Lake Barkley = Lake Barkley, Livingston/Lyon/Trigg', LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Trigg (unless otherwise noted); Long Point = Long Point Unit, Reelfoot NWR, Fulton', McElroy = McElroy Lake, Warren', Meldahl Dam = Meldahl Dam on the Ohio River, Bracken', Reformatory Lake = Reformatory Lake near Buckner, Oldham', Sauer- heber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson', Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg', Wolf Creek Dam = Wolf Creek Dam, Lake Cumberland, Russell', WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose - the species was widespread across the w. half of the state in small numbers as has become the norm. Peak counts included several thou¬ sand at Long Point 15 December (BP, NM, KL, RK) with a new state high count of 35,498 surveyed there 1 1 January (GP); 2000+ at Ballard 17 December (BP et al.) with a season high count of 5580 there 20 January (CW); ca. 2500 at Sauerheber 21 December (BP, CC, EH) with a high count of 5800 there 9 January (MMr). 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 41 Other reports of interest included 27 at Sinclair 3 February (DR, AH) and 1 at Somerset 26 January (ph. RD) with likely the same bird at Science Hill, Pulaski , 16 February (RD). Canada Goose - numbers again this winter were unimpressive with peak counts of 9290 at Ballard 20 January (CW) and 3500 at Sauerheber 25 January (MMr). Cackling Goose - again this winter, all reports are included: 2 at Sauerheber 1 1 December (AH); 2 n. of Franklin Cross¬ roads, Hardin, 14 December (ph.BP); at least 28 at Mitchell Lake, Ballard, 17 December (BP et ah); at least 7 at Camp Ernst Lake, Boone, 20 December (LM) with 7 there 21 December (EE) and at least 2 still there 1 January (EE); at least 7 at Sauerheber 21 December (BP, CC, EH); 1 at Blood River 29 December (HC); 1 at East Bend Power Plant, Boone, 29 December (ph.KC, JC); up to ca. 20 at the Reformatory Lake 1-26 January (m. ob.); 1 in Allen 7/10 January (ph. DR, AH); 1 at Long Creek Refuge, LBL, Trigg, 15 Jan¬ uary (BL); at least 3 at Freeman Lake, Hardin, 22 January (RHe); 1 at Griffin Park 22-23 January (AH, DR); and 1 at Sinclair 26 January (BP, MA, BW) and 3 February (DR) with I nearby 27 January (BY, MY). Ross’s Goose - there were scattered reports, all being included: I on a farm pond along US 68 e. of Cadiz, Trigg, 7 December (BL) with 3 at the same location 14 Janu¬ ary (BL); 4 at Sauerheber 8 December (BL); 2+ at Long Point 15 December (BP, NM, KL); at least 2 at Mitchell Lake, Ballard, 17 December (BP et ah); at least 5 at Sauerheber 21 December (BP, CC, EH); an imm. at the Ghent power plant, Carroll, 22 December (LM); 1-2 at the Reformatory Lake 3-26 January (EH, BW et ah) with 3 there 27 January (MS); 1 at Homestead 9 January (DR); 1 along Sun- aker Road, Todd, 17 February (DR); 1 along KY 1855, Allen, 24 February (DR); and 15 at McElroy 24 February (DR). Ross’s Goose x Snow Goose - 1 was pres¬ ent along Sunaker Road, Todd, 17 Febru¬ ary (DR). Snow Goose - peak counts included ca. 90,000 at Long Point 1 1 January (GP); 137,870 at Ballard 20 January (CW); 10,000 at Sauerheber 25 January (MMr); and 39 at McElroy 24 February (DR). Mute Swan - 10 at Bemheim Forest 22 De¬ cember (JBe, PBe, et ah) and 2 February (EH, BBC); 1-2 off and on during January at the Reformatory Lake (m. ob.); 3 on the Ohio River at Louisville 26 January (BJ, BBC) and 9 February (TBe, BBC); 2 at Spindletop Farm, Fayette, 30 January-21 February (IS); and 5 at Petersburg, Boone, 2 February (LM). Tundra Swan — the wintering flock at Sauerheber numbered at least 52 by 1 December (CC) with a peak count of 93 on 25 January (MMr), representing a new state high count. Other reports in Hen¬ derson during the season (perhaps repre¬ senting portions of the Sauerheber flock) included 15 in the Scuffletown Bottoms 17 December (MMr), and 5 at Horseshoe Bend and 8 in flooded bottoms w. of Sau¬ erheber (in addition to 66 at Sauerheber for a total of 81), all 9 January (MMr). Nine Tundras on Cave Run Lake 8 De¬ cember (WM) were probably the same as the “10” reported as “swan sp.” there 7 December (JBr). The Sauerheber flock disappeared in early February with the last report being 12 on 3 February (CC). swan sp. - 2 birds present at General Burn¬ side Island State Park, Pulaski, 8 January (ph. RD) and later relocated at London, Laurel, 17 January-mid-February (WA, RHa, ph. RD, et al.) were considered by a majority of consulted authorities to most likely represent Mute Swan x Trumpeter Swan hybrids. An attempt to capture the birds for DNA analysis was unsuccessful, but they were apparently present at Lon¬ don during winter 2006-2007 as dusky imm. birds (ph.RHa), so it is hoped they will return during winter 2008-2009 for another try. Gadwall - peak counts were highlighted by 500+ at Long Point 15 December (BP, NM, KL, RK); 154 at the Reformatory Lake 2 January (BP); and 462 at Cave Run Lake 23 January (JBr). 42 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 American Wigeon - peak count was repre¬ sented by ca. 250 at Long Point 15 De¬ cember (BP, NM, KL, RK). wigeon sp. - there were two reports of Eur¬ asian Wigeon or Eurasian x American Wigeon: a male at Sauerheber 10 Decem¬ ber (*MMr) and a male in a flooded field in the Ohio River flooplain ne. of Siloam, Greenup, 17 December (*JBr). Mallard x Northern Pintail - a male was present at Petros Pond, Warren, 25-26 December (ph. DR, JR). American Black Duck - reports of interest included 45 at the Reformatory Lake 2 January (BP) and an aerial survey total of 804 in ne. Kentucky 23 January (JBr). Blue-winged Teal there were two reports: 2 on Barren 1 1 December (DR) and 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 23/27 December (*RG/MA) & 17 January (MA). Northern Shoveler - peak winter counts were represented by 350-400 at Long Point 15 December (BP, NM, KL, RK) and ca. 100 at Sauerheber 16 January (DR). Green-winged Teal - reports of interest in¬ cluded 85 at Thurston’s Pond 29 Feb¬ ruary (RD) and ca. 150 at Long Creek Refuge, LBL, Trigg, 15 January (BL). Northern Pintail - reports of interest in¬ cluded flocks of 1 1 at Pulaski County Park 6 December (RD); 60 on Ky Lake above the dam (BP) and 65+ at Blood River (HC), both 10 December; and 220 at Sauerheber 17 December (MMr). Redhead - the largest group reported was a flock of 60+ at Mayfair 28 February (BW). Greater Scaup - reports of interest included 12 above Newburgh Dam, Henderson, 9 December (BP); 1 at Cooley’s Pond 1 1 December/29 February (RD); 10 at Green River Lake, Taylor, 27 December (BP, KH); ca. 50 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 29 December (BP); and 10 at Waitsboro Rec¬ reation Area on Lake Cumberland, Pu¬ laski, 29 February (RD). Flarlequin Duck - a female found on the Ohio River on the New Richmond, Ohio, waterfront 26 February (DM) was seen a few times swimming and flying out into Campbell , KY (FR, ph. BP, JC). KBRC review required. Flarlequin Duck, Campbell 26 February 2008 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Black Scoter - there were several reports of late fall migrants: I on the Ohio River at Louisville, 1 December (MS et al.); 2 above Ky Dam and 1 on Ky Lake near Birmingham Point, both 10 December (BP, HC); 2 on the Ohio River at Louis¬ ville 13 December (MA); 2 still above Ky Dam 16 December (BP); 3 above Wolf Creek Dam 14 December (RD). Also, an adult male was seen on the Ohio River w. of Concord, Lewis, 23 January (JBr). White-winged Scoter - there were a few re¬ ports during February, all being included: 1 at Lake Herndon, Logan, 3-18 February (MB, DR); 2 on the Ohio River at Louis¬ ville 23 February (BY, MY) with 4 there 28 February and into March (EH, et ah); and 2 at Jacobson Park, Lexington, 24 February (DS, ASK fide JV). Surf Scoter - all reports are included: 3 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 10 December (BP); 3 above Wolf Creek Dam (RD) and 3 at Wilgreen Lake, Madison (AN, GJ), both 14 December; 7 on Ky Lake above the dam 29 December (BP); and 1 on Lake Barkley above the dam 31 December (BP, EH). Three scoter sp. at Cave Run Lake 23 January were thought to most likely be Surfs (JBr). 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 43 Long-tailed Duck - a male was on Ky Lake above the dam 29 December (ph. BP) with a different individual (female/imm.) present 1 January (ph. AH). Bufflehead - the largest count reported was 126 at Cave Run Lake 23 January (JBr). Hooded Merganser - peak count was rep¬ resented by 170 at Lexington 3 February (SMr, RB). Common Merganser -Modest peak counts included 9 at Meldahl Dam 25 January (DR); 20 at Jacobson Park, Lexington, 24 February (DS, ASK fide JV); and 9 on the Ohio River, opposite New Richmond, OH, Campbell , 27 February (DR, LP). Red-breasted Merganser - the season high count of 112 was reported above Wolf Creek Dam 14 December (RD). Red-throated Loon - there were two re¬ ports: a juv. on Barren 10 December (AH) and a juv. on Ky Lake above the dam 29 December (ph.BP). Red-throated Loon, Ky Lake 29 December 2007 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Common Loon - relatively surprising was a total of at least 8 at Cave Run Lake 24 February (BP, EH, MS). Pied-billed Grebe - ca. 110 were at Lake Peewee, 14 December (BP). Red-necked Grebe - there was only one report: 1 above Meldahl Dam I December (ph.BY, MY, BP). Horned Grebe - reports of interest included ca. 200 still on Ky Lake, Marshall , and on Lake Barkley above the dam, both 1 0 De¬ cember (BP); 219 on Lake Cumberland at Rowena Road, Russell , 23 February (RD) as compared to 89 there 8 January (RD) likely indicates an influx of early migrants on the former date. Great Egret — 1 was quite tardy on the Clear Creek embayment of Ky Lake, Mar¬ shall , 1 5 December (HC, ME). Black-crowned Night-Heron - as is the norm, a few birds wintered at St. Mat¬ thews, Jefferson , with up to 5 seen during the period (BW); quite unexpected, how¬ ever, was an adult above the mouth of Craig’s Creek, Gallatin, 22 December (LM). Osprey - 1 at Cave Run Lake 5 December (BP) was tardy. Red-tailed Hawk - a light morph B. j. har- lani appeared for the 7lh consecutive win¬ ter in s. Warren (DR). Rough-legged Hawk - small numbers were reported at normal locales; peak counts included 1 at Gibraltar and 4 at East Vol¬ unteer 14 December (BP); 4 at East Vol¬ unteer 29 December (BP); 5 total in Ohio, Muhlenberg & Hopkins 26 January (BP, MA, BW); and 3 at East Volunteer 8 Feb¬ ruary (BP). Golden Eagle - there were several reports, all being included: a juv. at Central Ky WMA, Madison, 1 December (SMr, JS); 1 ne. of Ivel, Floyd, 9 December (CL, KE); 1 se. of Lebanon Junction, Hardin, and 1 at Bemheim Forest, both 22 Decem¬ ber (MA, BP, RA); 1 se. of Lebanon Junction, Hardin, 1 3 January (MMn, BP); a juv. at Ky Lake, Marshall, in mid- 44 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 January (PB1); 1 at Taylorsville Lake, Spencer, 12 January (TBr, fide HB); 1 over Sinclair 12 January (AH); 3 at Bemheim Forest 19 January (BP, BBC); and 1 along 1-71 near the Boone! Gallatin line 25 January (DR). Merlin - all reports are included: 1 at East Volunteer 9 December (BP); 1 along Midway Church Road, w. Fulton, 15 December (BP); 1 near Ekron, Meade, 20 December (JBe, PBe); 1 near Petersburg, Boone, 1 January (EE); 1 near Cooley’s Pond 3 January (RD) with perhaps the same bird at Cooley’s Pond 29 February (RD); 1 at Cox’s Park, Louisville, 6 Jan¬ uary (EH) and 23 February (BY, MY); 1 at Sinclair 9 January (DR), 27 January (BY, MY), and 14 February (DR); 1 along 1-71 in sw. Oldham 23 January (BW); 1 at Riverqueen 26 January (BY, MY); 1 at Frankfort 28 January (BP); 1 near Rosetta, Breckinridge, 5 February (BP); 1 at River- queen 8 February (BP); 1 at Pulaski County Park 16/24 February (RD et al.); and 1 at South Shore WMA, Greenup, 28 February (SF). Peregrine Falcon most reports originated at or near known nesting locales: 1 at Meldahl Dam 1 December (BY, MY, BP), 1 January (LM et al.) and 25 January (DR); 1 at the 1-275 bridge over the Ohio River, Campbell, 10 December/6 January (FR); 2 at the US 68/KY 80 bridge over Lake Barkley, Trigg, 18 December (KK); 1 e. of Munfordville, Hart, 20 December (SK et ah); 1-2 along the Louisville water¬ front and Falls of the Ohio during the period (m. ob.). Virginia Rail - 7 on the Paradise CBC with 1 e. of Drakesboro and 6 at Gibraltar, 30 December (BP) represented a new high count for winter. Sandhill Crane — numbers continued to move south into early January; reports of interest included 13 over Clarks River NWR, Marshall, 18 December (HC) and 9 in Calloway 4 January (fide HC), both of which were unusual for so far west; a color-banded bird seen w. of Cecilia, Har¬ din, 13 January (MMn, BP) that had been banded as an adult in Wisconsin in 2001 (fide AL); 1000+ w. of Cecilia 1 Feb¬ ruary (BP) with ca. 2000 there 17 Febru¬ ary (BY, MY); at least 15-20 were killed by a tornado there 5 February (BP); ca. 2000 at Barren near Lucas, Barren, 28 January (DR) with ca. 3500 there 24 Feb¬ ruary (DR); and 545 total in Pulaski 18 February (RD). Killdeer - peak counts included 650+ at Barren 1 1 December (DR); ca. 730 at Mc- Elroy 25 December (DR, JR) with at least 1340 (a new state high count) there 31 December (DR); and 815 at the Walnut Creek embayment of Barren, Allen, 12 January (DR). Greater Yellowlegs - only report was repre¬ sented by 1 at McElroy 18 February (SK). Lesser Yellowlegs earliest reports were represented by 1 at McElroy 23-24 Feb¬ ruary (DR) and 1 at Chaney Lake, War¬ ren, 29 February (DR). Spotted Sandpiper - 1 on the Ohio River at Dayton, Campbell, 31 December-1 Jan¬ uary (*FR) represents one of only a few winter records for the state. Western Sandpiper - 1 at Jonathan Creek 1 January (*BH) was the first reported in Kentucky in winter in several years. Least Sandpiper - there were several re¬ ports during the season: 8 still at Green River Lake at Plum Point, Adair, 1 De¬ cember (RD); 2 at Mayfair 8 December (EH); 2 at Cooley’s Pond 1 1 December (RD); 10 n. of Stateline Road, w. Fulton, 15 December (BP); 2 at Sauerheber 8/21/ 3 1 December (BL/CC, BP, EH/CC); 6 at Blood River and 18 at Jonathan Creek, both 29 December (HC); 2 still at Blood River 4 January (HC) with 31 there and 38 at Jonathan Creek, both 1 February (HC, BH); and 4 at Guthrie Swamp, Todd, 16/17 February (MB/DR). Dunlin - a few may have wintered at new locales with 6 at Sauerheber 21 December (CC, BP, EH), 7 there 27/31 December (CC) and 7 still there 16 January (DR); and 6 at Barren 1 1 December (DR) with 8 there 21 December (AH); 7 there 7 Janu¬ ary (DR, AH) and 3 still there 12 January (DR). 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 45 Wilson’s Snipe - peak count was repre¬ sented by 144 at Petros Pond, Warren, 9 February (DR). Bonaparte’s Gull - high seasonal counts of interest included 2000+ at the roost on Ky Lake, Marshall, 29 December (BP) and 312 on Lake Cumberland, Russell, 8 Jan¬ uary (RD). Ring-billed Gull - the Ohio River from Smithland Dam to Paducah was covered with thousands of Ring-billed Gulls 16 December (BP); other reports of interest included in excess of 2000 at and near Cave Run Lake 24 February (BP, EH, MS); 1000+ at Barren 16 February (DR) and 350-400 at McElroy 17 February (DR). Several patagial-tagged individuals were reported during the fall and early winter period; these birds were tagged during early May 2007 on the Lake Mich¬ igan shoreline at Chicago, IL (fide SB). Herring Gull - several hundred birds at the roost on Ky Lake, Marshall, 29 December (BP) was the high count for the season. Thayer’s Gull - the only reports were rep¬ resented by single adults at Ky Dam 4 De¬ cember (HC) and on the Big Bear Creek embayment of Ky Lake, Marshall, 1 5 De¬ cember (HC). Lesser Black-backed Gull - there were only three reports: a first-year bird at Ky Dam 4 December (HC); an adult on Ky Lake, Marshall, 14 December (BP); and an adult at Barkley Dam 29 December (BP). Forster’s Tern - as is the norm, small num¬ bers were seen off-and-on at Blood River and Jonathan Creek in December with 25 at the former site 29 December (HC); only I was seen at Jonathan Creek 15 January (HC) but 11 were at Blood River 15-16 February (HC). Eurasian Collared-Dove - reports of inter¬ est included 12+ at Lancaster, Garrard, I I December (VR, BP, AC) with repor¬ tedly up to 75 there several times in the past (VR) and 5 in Flaherty, Meade, 20 December (BP, EH). Barn Owl - there were a few reports, all being included: feathers and pellets found in a silo at Needmore, Ballard, 17 Decem¬ ber (BP); 1 sw. of Williams Store, Logan, 17 December/ 16 February (DR, FL/MB, FL); and 1 in a bam in Nelson 23 January (EK et al.). Short-eared Owl - there were only a few reports: 1 found dead along the Bluegrass Pkwy. just e. of Bardstown, Nelson, 15 February (BP, ZH); and 1 at Gibraltar and 8 at Sinclair 30 December (BP, EH). Northern Saw-whet Owl - the only report involved at least 2 that responded to taped calls in the vicinity of Little Lick, DBNF, Pulaski, 30 January (RD). Ruby-throated Hummingbird - the female near Brownsboro, Oldham, that was band¬ ed in late November was last seen 2 Janu¬ ary (ph. [see p. 52] BP, SMs); another fe¬ male was present at Bowling Green 4 November-2 January (ph. CBn fide DR). Under KBRC review. Rufous Hummingbird - there were three reports of lingering birds: an imm. female banded at Lancaster, Garrard, 1 1 Decem¬ ber (BP, VR) and last seen 29 December (VR); an adult female banded outside of Paris, Bourbon, 12 December (BP, BM) last seen 3 January (BM); and an imm. fe¬ male banded e. of Big Spring, w. Hardin 13 January (BP, MMn, M & GW) last seen about 1 February. In addition, the imm. male near Brownsboro, Oldham, lingered to 9 February (SMs). Red-headed Woodpecker - the species was relatively scarce in most areas, but locally numerous, especially in the few areas with hard mast; 1-47 reported on 1 1 CBCs was a slightly below average showing. Eastern Phoebe - somewhat scarce this winter, with 1-8 reported on 13 CBCs. Northern Shrike - 1 was present at E.P. Sawyer State Park, Jefferson, 3-4 Feb¬ ruary (*CBc, *EH, JH). KBRC review required. Fish Crow - 1 heard at Ballard 28 February (SR) was the earliest one reported. swallow sp. - a brown-backed swallow seen foraging over Lake Barkley above the dam 10 December was thought but not 46 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ Vol. 84 confirmed to be a tardy Northern Rough- winged (BP). Black-capped Chickadee - a small influx of birds appeared in ne. Kentucky during the season with the following reports: 1 at Yatesville Lake WMA, Lawrence , 5 De¬ cember (*BP); 1 at Siloam, Greenup , 1 January (*RS); 3 (including 1 banded) in the Boyd/e. Greenup portion of the Ash¬ land CBC area 28 December (RC); and 1 at Blaine, Lawrence , 2 February (*BP, MMn) and 24 February (ph. EH, BP, MS). KBRC review required. Black-capped Chickadee, Lawrence 24 February 2008 Eddie Huber Red-breasted Nuthatch - although the fall flight was very conspicuous, unusually large numbers did not linger through the winter; however, small numbers did re¬ main widely distributed with 1-39 repor¬ ted on 24 CBCs, including at least four counts ( Ballard , Hart , Wayne , Russell) on which the species made its first-ever ap¬ pearance. House Wren - there were a few reports: 1 heard at Lake No. 9 on 15 December (BP); 1 at Ft. Knox, Meade , 20 December (BP, EH); and 1 near Peach Orchard Knob, Pulaski, 29 December (L&TM et al.). Marsh Wren - there were a few reports: 1 heard at Camp #11 on 21 December (BP); 2 heard in se. Muhlenberg 30 December (BP); and 1 in s. Ohio 30 December (MWa). Hermit Thrush - present in below-average numbers this winter with 1-7 reported on 15 CBCs. American Robin - relatively scarce during the CBC period with 1-398 reported on 30 counts. An influx of birds was noted in the n.-cen. part of the state in early to mid- February (m. ob.). American Pipit - 2-80 were reported on six CBCs; other reports of interest included ca. 12 at Yatesville Lake WMA near the mouth of Evans Branch, Lawrence, 6 December (BP) and 1 along the Ohio Riv¬ er at Dayton, Campbell, 2 January (FR). Cedar Waxwing - below average numbers were present again this winter with 1-67 reported on 21 CBCs. Yellow-rumped Warbler - below average numbers were present this winter with 1 - 74 reported on 22 CBCs. Pine Warbler - scarce this winter with the only CBC report, 2 at Frankfort 16 De¬ cember (fide PG); 1 at London 23 January (GC fide RD) represented the only report during mid-winter. As is normal, a few turned up during the last week of Febru¬ ary (m. ob.). Palm Warbler - not conspicuous this win¬ ter with singles reported on only three CBCs. The only report of multiple birds was 3 at Dry Creek Unit, Barren River Lake WMA, Barren, 12 January (DR). Common Yellowthroat - there were two reports, both in Ohio: a male ne. of Rock- port 30 December (*BW); and a female/ imm. at Homestead 2 January (KH, BS, •AS). towhee sp. - a possible hybrid Eastern x Spotted Towhee was present during the season at the site in ne. Hart where the male Spotted Towhee wintered 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 (RHe et al.). Chipping Sparrow - relatively widespread during the early winter season with 1-50 reported on 13 CBCs. Other reports of interest included 2 at Yatesville Lake WMA near the mouth of Evans Branch, 2007 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 47 Lawrence, 6 December (BP); 1 at Berea 7 December (PH); and flocks through the period at Shaker Mill, Warren, and at Bar¬ ren near Lucas, Barren (DR). Vesper Sparrow - quite unusual for winter was 1 seen at the McCreary airport e. of Steams, 1 January (*L&TM). Le Conte’s Sparrow - the only report was of 1 in the Green River bottoms n. of Provo, Butler, 8 February (BP). White-crowned Sparrow - a tally of 195 on the Hodgenville CBC (Larue) 4 Jan¬ uary was noteworthy. Fox Sparrow - a count of 20 at Pumphrey Farm, Pulaski, 4 December (RD) was rather impressive. Lapland Longspur - reports of interest in¬ cluded a flock of 1 1 at the Yatesville Lake office grounds 5 December (BP) and at least a couple heard over Yatesville Lake WMA near the mouth of Evans Branch, 6 December (BP), representing the first re¬ ports in Lawrence', ca. 30 in Shelby 15 December (fide HB); ca. 325 total at a few sites in rural Ballard 17 December (BP, SR); at least 2 in Hardin 1 January (MA, BW); 1 in Larue 4 January (DR); “at least some” in a flock of Homed Larks in n. Bourbon 19 January (SMr, RB); and 1 at Spindletop Farm, Fayette, 14 February (IS). The species was also present at tra¬ ditional wintering locales in Fulton and Warren throughout the period. Rose-breasted Grosbeak - the lingering bird near New Concord, Calloway, was last seen 3 December (SL). Brewer’s Blackbird - there were several reports, all being included: ca. 40 at East Volunteer 9 December (BP); 17 adjacent to East Volunteer 14 December (BP); 2 e. of Monkey’s Eyebrow, Ballard, 17 De¬ cember (BP); a female w. of Cecilia, Har¬ din, 13 January (BP, MMn); 15 adjacent to East Volunteer 8 February (BP). Rusty Blackbird - 2-90 were reported on six CBCs; reports of interest included ca. 700 in s. Warren 4 December (DR); 4 at Yatesville Lake WMA, Lawrence, 6 De¬ cember (BP); and 200+ in the vicinity of Sauerheber 16 January (DR). Purple Finch - the species’ winter presence did not end up being remarkable, although small numbers continued through the sea¬ son with 1-35 reported on 15 CBCs. Pine Siskin - despite the decent fall season flight, only 1-26 were reported on six CBCs, and very few remained through the winter. Reports of interest included 2-4 at Surrey Hills Farm, Jefferson, through the period; at least a couple at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Floyd, 6 December (BP); 1 at Morehead 12-13 January (SF); and 1 at the Laurel Gorge Cultural Center, Elliott, 1 3 January (SF). Observers: Wendi Allen (WA); Ryan Ankeny (RA); Michael Autin (MA); Tom Becker (TBe); Scott Beckerman (SB); Jane Bell (JBe); Pat Bell (PBe); Patti Bell (PB1); Mark Bennett (MB); Carl Bochmann (CBc); Carolyn Bonds (CBn); Horace Brown (HB); Todd Brown (TBr); John Brunjes (JBr); Rhonda Bryant (RB); Joe Caminiti (JC); Kathy Caminiti (KC); Ron Canterbury (RC); Hap Chambers (HC); Amy Covert (AC); Granville Cox (GC); Charlie Crawford (CC); Roseanna Denton (RD); Melissa Easley (ME); Kim Echols (KE); Ed Ehrman (EE); Scott Freidhof (SF); Rod Goforth (RG); Peggy Gould (PG); Paul Hager (PH); Ray Hammons (RHa); Barry Hart (BH); Richard Healy (RHe); Zoltan Hegyi (ZH); Kate Heyden (KH); Eddie Huber (EH); Jennifer Huber (JH); Aaron Hulsey (AH); Gabe Jenkins (GJ); Bob Johnson (BJ); Eric Keeling (EK); Randy Kipling (RK); James Kiser (JK); Steve Kistler (SK); Kayl Kite (KK); Anne Lacy (AL); Sally Leedom (SL); Ken Leggett (KL); Bill Lisowsky (BL); Charlie Logsdon (CL); Frank Lyne (FL); Scott Marsh (SMr); Sue Massey (SMs); Wes Mattox (WM); Beverly McDaniels (BM); Lee McNeely (LM); Lynda & Tom Mills (L&TM); Mark Monroe (MMn); Nancy Moore (NM); Donald Morse, Jr. (DM); Mike Morton (MMr); Andy Newman (AN); Brainard Palmer-Ball (BP); Larry Peavler (LP); Gary Pogue (GP); Scott Record (SR); Frank Renfrew (FR); Vivian Roark (VR); David Roemer (DR); Joan 48 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Roemer (JR); Rick Seelhorst (RS); Adam Smith (AS); Brian Smith (BS); Ian Stewart (IS); Matt Stickel (MS); Dave Svetich (DS); Joe Swanson (JS); Major Waltman (MWa); Matthew & Gail Whelan (M&GW); Charlie Wilkins (CW); Jackie Van Willigen (JV); Barbara Woerner (BW); Ben Yandell (BY); Mary Yandell (MY); Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK); Beckham Bird Club (BBC); multiple observers (m. ob.). KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING MEETING April 25-27, 2008 Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin, KY Win Ahrens, President The Spring meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held the weekend of April 25-27, 2008, at Cumberland Falls State Park near Corbin. President Win Ahrens called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening. Fie reviewed the weekend events including field trips and the silent auction organized by Flap Chambers. The first presentation was given by Kate Heyden, an avian biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Her talk on the Red-cockaded Woodpecker featured her research from Louisiana. This species formerly nested in Kentucky in the Cumberland Falls area as recently as 1999 but has since been extirpated. It is unique among woodpeckers in nesting in live trees and has an interesting social order where the previous year’s birds help in raising the young. The next presentation featured Mary Carol Cooper, who is the coordinator of the native plant program for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. She spoke about and showed pictures of many of the native wildflowers blooming in Kentucky with particular attention to the Cumberland Plateau region. She also brought many plants for the auction. The forest floor is often a blanket of wildflowers in the spring before the trees leaf out. Trilliums, Squirrel Com and Dutchman’s Breeches represent a few of the myriad species present in the spring. A social hour followed the presentations allowing members to catch up on their various activities and travels. Saturday morning field trips departed from the lodge at 8 am. Roseanna Denton led a group to a nearby portion of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Lee McNeely took a group down by the Cumberland River to the falls. Scott Marsh along with Mary Carol Cooper walked the trails around the lodge combining birding with wildflowers. The Board of Directors of the Society met on Saturday afternoon. This was followed by a meeting of the Kentucky Bird Records Committee chaired by Ben Yandell. Before the Saturday program, members had a chance to peruse the selection of items available in the silent auction. The auction concluded after the speaker’s presentation. Win Ahrens tabulated the bird list from Saturday’s trips; nearly 100 species were found on the day. Lots of warbler species were seen, but few waterbirds were present due to the lack of habitat in the area. The feature speaker of the meeting was Steve Maslowski of Cincinnati, Ohio. Steve and his brother, Dave, run Maslowski Productions, a wildlife photography studio in the Cincinnati area, founded by their father Karl who began photographing birds back in the ‘30s. He was one of the true pioneers in the field and he taught Steve well. Steve presented his “Favorite Forty Photos.” These came from a vast array of images Steve has accumulated over the years and showed the evolution of photography into the digital age. Many of Steve’s photos could have been digitally altered but were actually film photos with no alteration possible. Amazing images from all over the world were presented and narrated with Steve’s unique, humorous and enthusiastic style. The program concluded with a review of the Sunday field trips and a mention of the next KOS meeting at Dale Hollow State Resort Park the final weekend in September, the 26-28, 2008. 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 49 Sunday morning members shared their good-byes as field trips departed from the lodge at 8 a.m. Brainard Palmer-Ball led a trip to a nearby nesting site of the Golden-winged Warbler. Scott Marsh led a group up to Laurel Lake. Win Ahrens walked the trails around the lodge with a group. A total of 73 members and guests from all over the Commonwealth and adjacent states registered at the meeting. Acquaintances were renewed, travel adventures were shared and new birds were seen. The Society met its commitment to foster and promote birding in Kentucky. Alexandria: Berea: Boston, MA: Bowling Green: Burlington: Carlisle: Danville: Elizabethtown: Frankfort: Glasgow: Greenville, IN: Hazard: Independence: Indianapolis, IN: Lexington: London: Louisville: Mayfield: Morehead: Morganfield: Morgantown: Murray: Old Hickory, TN: Owensboro: Portland, OR: Prospect: Richmond: Science Hill: Somerset: Union: Attendance at the KOS Spring Meeting Mary Beth & Ron Lusby Paul Hager, Art & Tina Ricketts Sarah Lemelin Valerie Brown, Tom Durbin Lee & Lynda McNeely Virginia & Wendell Kingsolver Ginny & Neil Eklund Doug & Janet Gebler John Brunjes, Amy Covert, Andy Newman, Shawchyi Vorisek Linda Craiger Jane Fender Dennis Sandlin Don & Robbie Martin Larry Peavler Rhonda Bryant, Shirley & Wayne Davis, Phyllis Deal, Scott Marsh, Bobbi & Lou Shain, Gail & Joe Swanson Granville Cox Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Carol Besse, Anne Caudill, Eddie Huber, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Gary Sprandel, Nancy Vance, Ben & Mary Yandell Elizabeth Danks Fred, Joanna, & Katie Busroe Ken Hurm Carroll & Doris Tichenor Hap Chambers, Kathy & Michael Cohen, Melissa Easley Pat Brown Marilee & Wendell Thompson Sarah Hunter Win Ahrens Brenda & Pete Thompson; Brandon, Brianna, Gary, & Tammy Ritch- ison Roseanna Denton Gay Hodges, Connie Neeley Tillman Burnett Birds Observed at the Spring 2008 KOS Meeting The following bird species were observed in the vicinity of Cumberland Falls State Park (includes side trips to Laurel River Lake and Jellico Mountain on Sunday morning): Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-breasted Merganser, Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, Great Blue Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Cooper’s Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, American Coot, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Forster’s Tern, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Whip-poor-will, Chimney Swift, Ruby- 50 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Bam Swallow, Carolina Chick¬ adee, Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Blue¬ winged Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Palm Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Red¬ start, Worm-eating Warbler, Swainson’s Warbler, Ovenbird, Louisiana Waterthrush, Ken¬ tucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Song Spar¬ row, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Gros¬ beak, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Crackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, Purple Finch, House Finch, American Goldfinch and House Sparrow. The total species observed during the weekend was 103. FIELD NOTE Northern Saw-whet Owl Migration Banding Results, Fall 2007 The senior author has netted and banded Northern Saw-whet Owls ( Aegolius acadicus ) intermittently during fall migration since 1999 (Monroe 2000), utilizing protocols estab¬ lished by Project Owlnet (Project Owlnet 2008). Since 2001, the authors have used a station at Surrey Hills Farm in northeastern Jefferson County, Kentucky, for similar efforts. With a banner year for owl banding being reported by late September 2007 at stations in southern Canada, we set up the Jefferson County banding station in late October. During ten nights of netting during good migration conditions (i.e., light winds not blowing from the south) from 25 October to 18 November 2007, we captured 91 Northern Saw-whet Owls (Table 1), far exceeding the previous season high of 19 banded during the irruption year of 1999 (Monroe 2000). During our fall 2007 effort, we captured two owls that had originally been caught and banded away from our station by other banders (i.e., foreign recaptures). The first, a young male, was captured on the night of 28-29 October; it had been banded 12 October 2007 at Port Rowan, Ontario, along the northern shore of Lake Erie. The second foreign recapture, a young female, was captured the following night of 29-30 October; it had been banded 7 October 2007 at Lakefield, Ontario, some 25 mi (40 km) north of the middle portion of the north shore of Lake Ontario. On the night of 6-7 November, we also recaptured the first owl of the fall — first captured on the night of 25-26 October — indicating that it had remained in the vicinity for about two weeks. On 20 November 2007, we received word that a Northern Saw-whet Owl had been hit and injured by a car in rural Scott County, Indiana, and had been turned into the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at Hardy Lake, Austin, Indiana (Z. Walker, pers. comm.). The bird had been banded at our station on the night of 2- 3 November and had thus moved some 30 mi (50 km) to the north during the intervening two and a half weeks. We assumed this movement was an example of “reverse” migration, a well-known behavior of irruptive species, including Northern Saw-whet Owl. Also, we received word 28 November 2007 that another Northern Saw-whet Owl we had banded earlier in the fall 2007 season had been recovered dead in northeastern Jefferson County and turned into Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky (E. Wicker, pers. comm.). This indiv- 2007 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 51 idual, banded on the night of 29-30 October, was recovered in a suburban yard 1.3 mi (2.2 km) west-southwest of the banding station, indicating that it had also lingered in the area rather than moving farther south or back north. We sexed each bird using an analysis of mass and wing chord as described by Brinker et al. (1997). Of 91 birds captured, 50 were determined to be female and 10 male; 31 could not be accurately sexed. Of the individuals of indeterminate sex, the majority had wing chord measurements typical of females but fell into the unknown category due to low weights. Although it has been shown that audiolures increase the capture rate of females (Duffy and Matheny 1997), the large percentage of known and apparent females at our station suggested that females came farther south than males, at least this season. Also, a majority of the birds were hatch-year individuals, being less than one year old. Hatch-year birds numbered 78 while 12 birds were aged as adults. The remaining individual, a female cap¬ tured the night of 9-10 November, could not be aged because it was leucistic. This bird had an overall blonde appearance that made it appear almost ghostly. Interestingly, approx¬ imately a half-dozen individuals displaying this very rare plumage were captured in the eastern U.S. and Canada during this season. The magnitude of the fall 2007 Northern Saw-whet Owl flight was unprecedented across most of southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States. Large southern irruptions probably occur in response to a combination of high nesting success (Cannings 1993) and crashes in the populations of small mammals that the owls rely on for food on their nesting grounds in eastern Canada (Pittaway 2007; Weidensaul, in press). As the life history of this owl has been studied more closely, it has become apparent that population crashes in the most significant prey species occur roughly every four years, resulting in heavier flights of the same frequency (Weidensaul, in press.). The high percentage of hatch-year birds captured at most stations during the fall 2007 indicates that there was very high nesting success during the summer 2007. Moreover, the possibility of a crash in the populations of small mammals in eastern Canada during fall 2007 was noted by Pittaway (2007). The combination of high nesting success and lack of available prey to support the large number of newly fledged young may have been responsible for the record-setting magnitude of the flight. As apparently occurs during such heavy flights, larger-than-normal numbers moved into the southeastern United States. In addition to the record numbers we banded here in Kentucky, all-time high counts were recorded for nearby stations in southern Indiana (R. Brittain, pers. comm.) and as far south as northern Alabama, where Robert and Martha Sargent banded 9 individuals from early December 2007 to mid-March 2008 (R. Sargent, pers. comm.). We thank Ross Brittain and Scott Weidensaul for helpful comments that improved this manuscript. Table 1. Northern Saw-whet Owl Capture Data, Jefferson County, KY, Fall 2007 Date # of new captures # of local recaptures # of foreign recaptures Comments 25-26 October 2 - - 27-28 October 9 — - 28-29 October 12 - 1 Banded 12 October 2007 at Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada 29-30 October 19 - 1 Banded 7 October 2007 at Lakeficld, Ontario, Canada 1 -2 November 17 - - 2-3 November 15 - - 3-4 November 7 - - 6-7 November 3 1 - 9-10 November 4 - - 1 leucistic individual 17-18 November 1 - - 52 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Literature Cited Brinker, D.F., K.E. Duffy, D M. Whalen, B.D. Watts, and K.M. Dodge. 1997. Autumn migration of Northern Saw-whet Owls ( Aegolius acadicus) in the Middle Atlantic and Northeastern United States: What Observations from 1995 Suggest. Pp. 74-89 In J.R. Duncan, D.H. Johnson, and T.H. Nichols (eds.). Biology and Conservation of Owls of the Northern Hemisphere. Gen. Tech. Rpt. NC-190. USDA Forest Service, North Central Research Station, St. Paul, MN. 635 pp. Cannings, R.J. 1993. Northern Saw-whet Owl {Aegolius acadicus). In A. Poole and F. Gill (eds.). The Birds of North America, No. 42. The Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila¬ delphia, and The American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, D.C. Duffy, K.E., and P.E. Matheny. 1997. Northern Saw-whet Owls {Aegolius acadicus) cap¬ tured at Cape May Point, N.J. 1980-1994; Comparsion of two techniques. Pp. 131-137 In J.R. Duncan, D.H. Johnson, and T.H. Nichols (eds.). Biology and Conservation of Owls of the Northern Hemisphere. Gen. Tech. Rpt. NC-190. USDA Forest Service, North Cen¬ tral Research Station, St. Paul, MN. 635 pp. Monroe, M. 2000. Capture records of Northern Saw-whet Owls {Aegolius acadicus) during fall migration in Madison County. The Kentucky' Warbler 76: 37-39. Pittaway, R. 2007. Ron Pittaway’s winter finch forecast, 2007-2008. Ontario Field Orni¬ thologists. http://ca.geocities.eom/larry.neily@rogers.com/pittaway-new.htm. Accessed 20 November 2007. Project Owlnet. 2008. http://www.projectowlnet.org/netproto.htm. Accessed 1 June 2008. Weidensaul, S. in press. Migration and Wintering Ecology of Northern Saw-whet Owls in S.K. Majumdar, ed.. Avian Ecology and Conservation: A Pennsylvania Focus with National Implications. Pennsylvania Academy of Science. — Mark Monroe, 1114 Silvercrest Lane, Louisville, KY 40223, and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601. Ruby-throated Hummingbird near Brownsboro, Oldham Co., one of two Ruby-throateds to be documented lingering in Kentucky into mid-winter (see p. 45). Note the shape of the outer primary of the left wing, a characteristic that eliminates Black-chinned Hummingbird from consideration. Photo by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) IN THIS ISSUE SPRING SEASON 2008, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 55 12TH REPORT OF THE KENTUCKY BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE, Ben Yandell . . 73 FIELD NOTE Sage Sparrow in Warren County . 77 NEWS AND VIEWS . 79 54 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Vice-President . Corresponding Secretary . Win Ahrens, Prospect . Scott Marsh, Lexington . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville, KY 40222-3913 Treasurer. Recording Secretary . Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463. Burlington, KY 41005 . John Brunjes. Frankfort Councillors: Gay Hodges, Somerset . 2006 thru 2008 Eddie Huber. Louisville . 2006 thru 2008 Marilee Thompson. Owensboro . 2007 thru 2009 Evelyn Morgan, Olive Hill . 2007 thru 2009 Kathv Cohen, Murray . 2008 thru 2010 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; 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 . Blaine R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101 Editorial Advisory Board Wayne Mason, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Stephen Stedman Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Mark Bennett 1 13 Iroquois Circle. Russellville, KY 42276 THE COVER We thank Ben Yandell for the image of the Fulvous Whistling-Ducks (Dendrocygna bicolor) taken 8 May 2008 in Fulton County (see Spring Season 2008. p. 56). Financial support for color reproduction in this issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. j| ^ — . Touchstone Energy Cooperatives' 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 55 SPRING SEASON 2008 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely The spring 2008 season’s weather was overall relatively unremarkable, although a late snowstorm and a wetter-than-average period highlighted the season. Temperature were near normal at most stations during March and April although slightly cooler than normal in May, with 90°F not reached at any of the major stations by the end of that month. Precipitation was somewhat variable over the state during the period. March and early April were wetter than normal across the northern and western portions of the state, where Paducah received a record amount of March rainfall (9.6 in; 24.4 cm). The only portion of the state that remained drier than normal overall through the period was the eastern third, especially the southeast. Precipitation across south-central Kentucky was only slightly above normal during March and April, although a couple of rainfall events in early April allowed the transient lakes to rise to a moderate level before receding during the peak of the shorebird season, affording an excellent opportunity to view shorebirds during May. Other than a few periods of copious rainfall, the only significant weather event of the season was the snowstorm of 8 March, which dumped up to 11 inches of snow on portions of north- central Kentucky. Snowfall totals were greatest along the Ohio River from Louisville to the Cincinnati area, but the entire state was blanketed by at least some snow cover. This event was responsible for a flurry of bird activity at feeding stations and a one-day appearance of Snow Buntings in Boone County. In contrast to the previous spring, average rainfall and no abnormally cold weather resulted in good seed crops on deciduous trees. Rarity highlights were numerous and included a flock of Fulvous Whistling-Ducks (first state record), Western Grebe, Brown Pelican, Glossy Ibis, two records each of Hud- sonian and Marbled godwits, Ruff, Great Black-backed Gull, Say’s Phoebe, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and Painted Bunting. We thank Tom Reaugh, National Weather Service in Louis¬ ville, for providing a summary of the 8 March snowstorm. 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 - 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; “f” next to an observer’s initials indicates that written details were submitted with the report; Place names: Ballard = Ballard WMA, Ballard', Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam, Lyon/Livingston', Barren = Barren River Lake, Allen! Barren', Berea Forest = Berea College Forest, Madison', Big South Fork = Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, McCreary, Blackacre = Blackacre SNP, Jefferson', Blood River = Blood River embayment, Kentucky Lake, Calloway, Camp #9 = Peabody Camp #9 coal preparation plant. Union', Camp #1 1 = former Camp # 1 1 mine, Union', Caperton = Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve, Jefferson ; Cave Run Lake = Cave Run Lake, Bath/Rowan (unless otherwise noted); Cecilia = Cecilia, Hardin', Chaney = Chaney Lake, Warren', Cherokee Park = Cherokee Park, Jefferson', Clarks River = Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, Marshall: DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Dog Creek = Dog Creek Campground, Nolin Lake, Hart, East Bend = East Bend Power Station, Boone ; Falls of the Ohio = Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson ; Fisherville = Fisherville, Jefferson: Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment of Lake Cumberland, Pulaski: Garvin Brown = Garvin Brown Preserve, Jefferson: Guthrie Swamp = Guthrie Swamp, Todd: Homestead = Homestead Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio: Horseshoe Road = slough next to Horseshoe Road, 56 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Henderson: Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall ; KY 739 = transient pond along KY 739 se. of Williams Store. Logan: Ky Dam = Kentucky Dam. Livingston/Marshall: Ky Dam Village = Kentucky Dam Village SRP. Marshall: Ky Lake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall/Lyon/Calloway/Trigg: Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa. Lyon: Lake Barkley = Lake Barkley, Lyon/Trigg: Lake No. 9 = Lake No. 9, Fulton: LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lyon/Trigg: Long Point = Long Point Unit. Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Fulton: Lower Hickman Bottoms = Lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton: McElrov = McElroy Lake. Warren: Melco = Melco flood retention basin. Jefferson: Midway Church Road = Midway Church Road. w. Fulton: Morgan Pond = Morgan Pond, Christian: Mt. Zion = Mt. Zion, Pulaski: Murray = Murray, Calloway: Open Pond = Open Pond, Fulton: Reformatory Lake = Reformatory Lake near Buckner, Oldham: Russellville = Russellville, Logan: Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson: Sawyer Park = E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, Jefferson: Shawnee Park = Shawnee Park, Jefferson: Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg: SNP = State Nature Preserve; SRP = State Resort Park; Surrey Hills Farm = Surrey Hills Farm, Jefferson: Swallow Spring = Swallow Spring Pond, Christian: Waitsboro = Waitsboro Recreation Area. Lake Cumberland. Pulaski: WMA = Wildlife Management Area; Woodbum = Woodbum, s, Fulvous Whistling-Duck 5 at and near Open Pond 8 May (ph. BY. MY. et al.) will represent a first state record. See photographs on front cover and on p. 79. KBRC review required. Ross’s Goose x Snow Goose 1 was pres¬ ent at McElroy 21 March (DR). The fact that only one observer (DR) is reporting this hybrid combination (three times in the past three years) suggests that everyone else (including the authors) may be mis¬ sing the presence of such individuals. Ross’s Goose - there were only two reports: I at Cooley’s Pond, Wayne, Ml March (RDn) and 1 at Eubank. Pulaski. 25-28 March (ph. RDn). Cackling Goose - ca. 10 at the Reformatory Lake 6 March (ph. EH) represented a new late departure date for the state. Mute Swan - there were several reports, all being included: 2 at Lexington in early March (JSw, SM); 2 still on the Refor¬ matory Lake 6 March (EH. BW); 1 on a pond in nw. McCracken 8 March-5 April (RFn, fide SR); 2 on a pond near Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln, 15 March (RDn, et al.); 2 in a flooded area at Hartford, Ohio, 23 April (SH); and I at Pulaski County Park/Fishing Creek 15 May through the end of the month (RDn). Tundra Swan - 6 were last seen at Sauer¬ heber 2 March (CC). Warren. Gadwall - ca. 300 at Morgan Pond 23 March (MB) represented the season’s peak count: there were a few reports of lingering birds, all being included: a pair at Dayton, Campbell, 5 May with a male still there 15 May (FR); 2 males at Mc¬ Elroy through 29 May (DR); and 1 male (possibly one of the birds from McElroy) at Chaney 30 May (DR). Mallard - nesting birds were well distrib¬ uted on transient ponds from Warren west to Trigg (m. ob.). Bl ue-winged Teal peak counts included ca. 200 at McElroy 21 March (DR); ca. 150 at Morgan Pond 23 March (MB): 250, maybe 300. at McElroy and 125-150+ at Morgan Pond, both 12 April (BP. BY. MY); and 125-150 at Ellis Park. Hender¬ son, 19 April (BP, EH. BY. MY). Nesting was confirmed at two locales: a nest with 7 eggs at McElroy 5 May (DR. RDv); and a nest with 1 1 eggs at Morgan Pond and a female flushed off another nest, both 17 May (BP, MSt). Tardy birds suggesting possible breeding included the following: a pair at Sauerheber 18 May (CC); 4 still along KY 739 on 19 May (MB); 1 at Sauerheber 25 May (CC); and birds pres¬ ent in w. Fulton 28 May (HC). Cinnamon Teal x Blue-winged Teal - a male was observed in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 5 April (ph.RDn. HC, ME, PHo). 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 57 teal sp. - a female teal at McElroy 15 April (ph. DR) showed characters suggestive of Cinnamon Teal. Under KBRC review. Northern Shoveler - small numbers lin¬ gered at several locales well into May with 2 still at both McElroy and Morgan Pond 17 May (BP, MSt) and 1 at McElroy to 26 May (DR). Green-winged Teal - peak counts included ca. 100 at Sauerheber 10 March (AH); 60 at Thurston’s Pond, Wayne, 14 March (RDn); and 20-25 at Hicks Lake, Hardin, 18 March (BP). There were two reports of tardy males: 1 at McElroy to 21 May (DR) and 1 along Midway Church Road 28 May (HC). Canvasback - a male on Lake Barkley above the dam 9 May (BP, MM) was the latest to be reported. Redhead - reports of interest included 70 at South Lake, Peabody WMA, Ohio, 1 March (DR et ah); 40+ on the Ohio River at Louisville 5 March (BP, CB); and at least 55 at Hicks Lake, Hardin, (BP) and 100 on the Ohio River at Louisville (EH), both 18 March. Ring-necked Duck - peak counts included 68 at Fishing Creek 5 March (RDn) and 110+ at the Payne Plant basins, Jefferson, 29 March (MA). Lingering birds included a male on Ky Lake above the dam to 9 May (BP, MM); 3 at McElroy 18 May with 2 there to 24 May (DR); and a pair at Morgan Pond 17 May (BP, MSt) with a female lingering there into June (m. ob.). Greater Scaup - small numbers were ob¬ served at scattered locales during the March and early April migratory period as expected; reports of interest included ca. 1 5 at McElroy 22 March (DR); a female at McElroy 6 May with a male lingering there to 24 May (DR et ah); and a male at Camp #9 on 18 May (BP). Lesser Scaup - peak counts of interest in¬ cluded ca. 1000 total on Ky Lake and Lake Barkley near the dams 10 March (AH) and 200+ at McElroy 22 March (DR). Quite a few reports of small groups of lingering migrants occurred into the second week of May with the latest re¬ ports including 10 at both McElroy and Morgan Pond 17 May (BP, MSt); I at McElroy to 21 May (DR); 5 at Melco lb- 19 May (BP, EH); 2 at Camp #9 on 18 May (BP); 3 along KY 739 on 19 May (MB); and 3 at Morgan Pond 22 May (DR) with a male there 30 May (DR). Surf Scoter - there were several reports, all being included: 2 female/imms. on Ky Lake above the dam 6/12 April (ph. DR et ah); an adult male at McElroy 8 April-23 May (ph. DR et ah); 2 on Ky Lake n. of the US 68 bridge, Trigg, 12 April (DR, AH); 3 including an adult male on the water supply reservoir at Ft. Thomas, Campbell , 13-16 April with 2 still there 17 April (ph. FR, DHa); 2 on Ky Lake above the dam 26-27 April (DR, JRo); 1 on Ky Lake above the dam 5-9 May (BP et ah); and 4 at Waitsboro 14 May (ph. RDn). White-winged Scoter - there was an unpre¬ cedented flurry of reports, including two new state high counts, in early March, all being included: probably separate flocks of 1 8 on the Ohio River opposite Charles¬ town State Park, Indiana, Oldham, 2 March (ph. CDr) and 13 on the Ohio Riv¬ er at Louisville 3 March (ph. EH, JH. DS) that both represented new state high counts; at least 3 at Hicks Lake. Hardin, 18 March (BP); 2 that continued on the Ohio River at Louisville to 19 March (EH); and 2 on Ky Lake n. of the US 68 bridge, Trigg, 12 April (DR, AH) that established a new late departure date. 58 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Black Scoter - there were two reports: 2 females/imms. on the Ohio River at Lou¬ isville 18 March (EH) and an adult male on the water supply reservoir at Ft. Thomas, Campbell , 13-17 April (ph. FR. DHa). Long-tailed Duck - a female was present at the Lexington Reservoir 1-17 March (ph. .IP. JW. et al.). Bufflehead - ca. 150 on the Ohio River at Louisville 18 March with ca. 135 still in the same area 19 March (EH) represented the season’s high counts; a male lingered on Ky Fake above the dam into mid-May (m. ob.). Common Goldeneye 3 were still on Ky Lake above the dam 9 May (BP, MM) and a pair lingered on Ky Lake above the dam into mid-May (m. ob.). Hooded Merganser - there were several re¬ ports of nesting, all being included: a female with 7 young at Ballard 5 May (SR); a female with 5 young on a pond at Shallow Flats, Cave Run Lake, Rowan. 10 May (GR. FB, et al.); a female with 6 young at Split Rock Conservation Park, Boone , 10 May (LM et al.); a female with 8-9 young at Caperton 10/25 May (BY, MY); a female with 6 young along Aurora Ferry Road, Boone , 18 May (LM); and a female with 3 young at Hays Kennedy Park, Jefferson , during the last week of May (P&CM, fide BW). Common Merganser - 4 at Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan , 16 March (tGR) were the only ones reported during the period. Red-breasted Merganser - 150+ on Lake Barkley. Lyon , 22 March (BP, EH. MSt) with 100+ still there 28 March (DR) represented the season’s high counts; 1 on Lake Barkley above the dam and 1 at Kuttawa, both 9 May (BP. MM), and a male on the Rockcastle River at Bee Rock. Laurel! Pulaski , 15 May (RBu. WL. CP. fide SS) were the latest to be reported. Ruddy Duck ca. 125 on the Ohio River at Louisville 18 March (EH) represented the season’s high count. There were several reports of lingering birds, all being in¬ cluded: 1 on Lake Barkley above the dam 9 May (BP. MM); 1 at Open Pond 12 May (RDn. SD); 1 at Camp #11 on 18 May (BP); the species was last seen at McElroy 24 May (DR); and 5-6 lingered at and near Morgan Pond into June (m. ob.). Common Loon - ca. 50 scattered on Ky Lake, Marshall , 22 March (BP, EH. MSt) represented the season’s high count. Re¬ ports of interest included 12 at Barren 3 April (DR); 9 at McElroy 9 April (DR); 1- 2 birds seen on Ky Lake above the dam, at Kuttawa. at Swallow Spring and at Mc¬ Elroy 9 May (BP, MM); 3 at Cave Run Lake 10 May (GR, FB. et al.); and 1 on Ky Lake above the dam 19 May (BP, SH). Pied-billed Grebe a count of at least 165 at Lake Peewee, Hopkins , 1 March (BP, MSt) represented a new state high count. Birds lingered at several locales into mid- May with the following late reports: a few at McElroy through 17 May (DR. BP. MSt); 1 at Lake No. 9 and I at Open Pond, both 28 May (HC); at least 10 still at Morgan Pond 9 May (BP, MM) with a few there to the last week of May and at least 1 continuing there into June (m. ob.); and at least 1 at Chaney into June (DR). Horned Grebe - peak counts of interest included ca. 50 on the Ohio River at Lou¬ isville 18 March (EH); 53 on Lake Cum¬ berland above Wolf Creek Dam, Russell, 22 March (RDn); and 30+ at Freeman Lake, Hardin, 4 April (BP). A few birds lingered into May as follows: 1 still at Morgan Pond 9 May (BP, MM); 1 at Mc¬ Elroy to 17 May (m. ob.); and 1 at Camp #9 on 18 May (BP). Red-necked Grebe - 1 was present on Lake Barkley above the dam 18 March (fPL). Eared Grebe - 1 was present at Kuttawa 18 March (tPL). Western Grebe 1 was observed on Lake Barkley above the dam 26-27 April (vt./f DR, JRo). KBRC review required. American W hite Pelican - peak counts in¬ cluded 700-1000 at Blood River 2 March (HC); 500 in the vicinity of Barkley Dam 18 March (PL); 540 counted below Barkley Dam 20 March (KL, BLe); and 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER ca. 550 below Barkley Dam with a few hundred more on Lake Barkley, Lyon , 28 March (DR). Other reports of interest included 13 at Ballard 20 March (SR); 1 in flight near Shelby ville, Shelby, 10 May (TB, fide HB); ca. 30 still on Lake Bark¬ ley above the dam 9 May (BP, MM), with 13 still there 13 May (KL, BLe), and 2 still there 23 May (KL, BLe); and 190 total at Lake No. 9 and Open Pond 28 May (HC). Brown Pelican - 1 was present below Bark¬ ley Dam 25April (ph. DB). KBRC review required. pelican sp. - a probable Brown Pelican was present at the Watertown Yacht Club at Dayton, Campbell , for about two days around 1 May (DHs. ph. CS). Verbal des¬ criptions are supportive of this species, but the photograph is not definitive. Un¬ der KBRC review. Double-crested Cormorant - peak counts of interest included ca. 2500 at Kuttawa 22 March (BP, EH, MSt); 900-1000 over Bowling Green 6 April (DR); ca. 75 at McElroy 9 April (DR); and two flocks totaling ca. 120 birds passing over McEl¬ roy 9 May (DR). Nesting birds spread to Kuttawa (DR et al.) and an island on Lake Barkley near the mouth of Little River, Trigg (ER) this year, with at least 75 nests counted at the former locale 6 May (BP et al.). American Bittern - there were several re¬ ports, all being included: 1 at Long Point 6 April (HC, RDn, ME, PHo); 2 at Clarks River 6 April (AE, MJ, fide HC) with 1 there 8 April (AE); a bird killed along the road at McElroy 11 April (DR et al.); 1 at Garvin Brown 12 April (MA); 1 at Long Creek Waterfowl Refuge. LBL, Trigg, 20 April (BLi); 1 at McElroy 3 May (FL, DR, SK. JK); 1 at Arthur Draut Park, Louisville, 4 May (GH, MCo, et al.); and 1 heard at Camp #11 on 5 May (BP). Great Blue Heron - new reports of nesting included the following: 2 pairs along the Beaver Creek drainage above Cave Run Lake, Menifee (EM et al.); Paintsville Lake WMA, Johnson (ph. SB); and Ship- pingport Island, Jefferson (DS). The her- 59 onry at East Bend has grown to 40 active nests (KCa. JCm). Great Egret - 1 at Ballard 20 March (SR) was the earliest to be reported. Snowy Egret - 4 below Ky Dam 12 April (DR, AH) were the earliest to be reported; reports of interest included 1 at Sauer- heber 4/5 May (CC/BP) and 1 at Melco 8 May (EH). Little Blue Heron - a bird at LBL, Trigg , 5 April (BLi) was the earliest to be reported. Cattle Egret - there were only three reports away from the western portion of the state: 1 over McElroy 9 May (MM, BP); 6 along KY 268, w. Henderson, 20 May (CC); and 1 along Aurora Ferry Road, Boone, 26 May (LM). Black-crowned Night-Heron - ca. 12 at Kuttawa 22 March (BP. EH, MSt) were the earliest to be reported away from traditional wintering locales, although 2 at Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, 24 March (MA) may also have been recent arrivals. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - there were only two reports: 2 pairs at nests along Woodbine Drive, Lexington, 18 April (PD) and 1 at the Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Union, 4 May (CC). Glossy Ibis - 2 were present at McElroy 14 May (AH, ph. DR). KBRC review re¬ quired. Black Vulture - a tally of at least 125 at the Reformatory' Lake 6 March (EH) rep¬ resented the peak count reported for the season. Turkey Vulture - 400-500 birds in the vi¬ cinity of Cave Run Lake 18 March (EM) represented the season’s peak count. Osprey - singles on Lake Barkley, Trigg, 9 March (HC) and on the Ohio River at Smithland, Livingston, 10 March (AH) were the earliest to be reported; a pair again initiated a nest on Shippingport Island. Louisville, in late April (DS et al.). Mississippi Kite - 1 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 26 April (DR. JRo) tied the early arrival date for the state; the only report of a vagrant bird was a sub-adult over Mc¬ Elroy 23 May (DR, TD). Vol. 84 60_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Bald Eagle - new nests were reported at the following locales: just ne. of Guthrie Swamp 31 March (DR); near Camp #9 during March (BHe et al.); and a second nest at Cave Run Lake, Bath , in early April (EM, FB, et al.). One to 2 birds on four dates 21 March-30 April at McElroy (DR et al.) is probably indicative of the number of migrants that now occur across the state during spring. Northern Harrier there were a few reports of lingering birds including 1 near Open Pond 8 May (BP. MM) and 1 (per¬ haps different individuals) at McElroy on several dates in May as late as 20 May (DR). Red-tailed Hawk reports of interest in¬ cluded an intermediate or dark morph adult B. j. harlani along Clear Creek, Hopkins , I March (BP. MSt) that was likely the same individual as seen winter 2006-2007 and a juv. bird with at least some Krider’s or light morph B j. harlani lineage apparent in the Lower Hickman Bottoms on the relatively late date of 26 April (ph. DR. JRo). Rough-legged Hawk peak late-season counts were represented by 3 at Peabody WMA. Ohio, and 1 at Sinclair, all 1 March (DR et al.) and 2 at Sinclair and 3 at the East Volunteer Mine, Hopkins, also 1 March (BP. MSt). Merlin - there were nine reports, all being included: 1 at Clear Creek Park, Shelby, 15 March (HB); singles at McElroy 22 March and 9/1 1/30 April (DR. AH, et al.) with an individual of the prairie race, F. c. richardsonii, there 24 March (DR, RDv, AH); 1 along US 68. Todd, 28 March (DR); and 1 at McElroy and 1 at Morgan Pond, both 12 April (mV. BY. BP). Peregrine Falcon there were several re¬ ports of migrants: 1 at Grassy Pond/ Powells Lake Unit Sloughs WMA, Union, 2 March (CC); 1 at Ballard 20 March (SR); 1 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 26 April (DR, JRo); 1 or more birds were present on at least nine days at McElroy 28 April-23 May (DR et al.) with 2 there 30 April (DR) and at least 3 and possibly as many as 6 there 9 May (DR); 1 at Chaney 30 April (DR); 1 at Shawnee Park 10 May (JBe, PB); and 1 along K.Y 739 on 18 May (FL). Local nesting birds were also seen on several occasions in the Louisville area (m. ob.) and on the 1-275 bridge over the Ohio River, Campbell (FR). A pair of banded birds at East Bend was behaving as if territorial during May (KCa, JCm), but a nest was not initiated (KH). Sora - there were not many reports; a count of only 2 at Sauerheber 19 April was re¬ markably low given the date and locale (BP. EH. BY. MY); at least 6 were heard at Morgan Pond 3 May (BP. EH. MSt); 12-15 were heard at Camp #11 on 5 May (BP); a bird at Morgan Pond 30 May (ph. DR) established a new late departure date for the state. American Coot - ca. 1000 at McElroy 9 April (DR) represented the season’s peak count; reports of lingering birds included ca. 35 still at Camp #11 (BP) and 1 at Sauerheber (CC), both 18 May; at least 10 at McElroy through 24 May (DR); and 3 at Morgan Pond into June (m. ob.). Sandhill Crane - ca. 175 were still w. of Cecilia 18 March (BP, PL); there were a few reports of tardy migrants including 1 at Green River Lake across from the mouth of Snake Creek, Adair, 6 May (RDn); 1 at McElroy 12 May (AH) and 1 at Yatesville WMA, Lawrence, 22 May (RMr,/i#e SF). Black-bellied Plover I at Morgan Pond 12 April (BP. BY. MY) missed tying the early state date by one day. The species was well-represented at McElroy during the season with 1 first observed there 21 April (DR), 2-17 seen on several sub¬ sequent dates (m. ob.); peak counts of 22 there 18 May (DR). 45+ there 20 May (DR), and ca. 20 there 21 May (DR); and 1 last seen there 24 May (DR). Other reports of interest included 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 19 April (BP, EH, BY, MY); 1 at Melco 1-2 May (EH et al.); 4 at Mor¬ gan Pond 3/17 May (BP, EH, MSt); 2 near Open Pond 8 May (BP. MM); 19 along KY 739 on 16 May (MB) with 5 there 19 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 61 May (MB) and 3 still there 23 May (FL); and 3 at Open Pond 28 May (HC). American Golden-Plover - the species was well represented at McElroy during the season: at least 20 were first seen there 16 March (BP, EH) followed by peak counts of ca. 40 on 21 March (DR). 25+ on 22 March (DR), 56 on 24 March (DR, RDv, AH), 100+ on 4 April (AH), and ca. 100 on 5 April (DR); then 1-2 were seen there on seven dates 6 April- 12 May (m. ob.) with 1 last seen there 16 May (TD). Other reports of interest included 5 near Fullove Hill, Meade, 4 April (BP); 51 in the Low¬ er Hickman Bottoms 4 April (HC. RDn, ME, PHo); 1 at Morgan Pond 3 May (BP, EH, MSt); and 16 at Open Pond 12 May (RDn, SD). Semipalmated Plover - the species put on an excellent showing at McElroy during the season with new state high counts tallied on three dates; 1 there 8 April (DR, AH) was the earliest to be reported; at least a hundred birds were present there on every date visited 29 April-23 May (DR et al.) with impressive peak counts of 600+ on 7 May (BP), 1000-1200 on 9 May (DR et al.), and 800-1000 on 18 May (DR). Other peak counts of interest in¬ cluded 100+ at Swallow Spring 7 May (BP) and 30+ at Melco 14 May (BP, EH, MM). Late migrants continued to be seen at a few sites into late May with 100+ in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 28 May (HC); 15 at McElroy 30 May (DR); and 7 at Melco 30 May (EH). Piping Plover - there were two reports, both from McElroy: 1 heard 5 May (DR) and a male seen 9 May (ph. DR et al.). Black-necked Stilt - it was a banner spring for the species with more than a dozen reports; all being included: 1 at McElroy 4 April (AH) was the earliest to be reported; 1 at Lower Beaverdam Slough, Ballard. 24 April (SR); 3 at Morgan Pond 25/27 April (DR, JRo); 13 in the Lower Hick¬ man Bottoms 26 April (DR, JRo); 7 at and near Open Pond 8 May (BY. MY, et al) with 6 there 12 May (RDn, SD) and 2 still there behaving as if nesting 28 May (HC); 1 at McElroy 8 May (TD), 16 May (AH, TD) and 18 May (DR) with 2 there 22 May (DR); 3 at Chaney 9 May (BP. MM) with 2 there 23/30 May (DR); 2 at Camp #9 on 18 May (ph. BP); 2 at Sauerheber 25 May (CC); and a nesting pair at Morgan Pond 22 May (DR) with 12+ birds and 10 active nests there 30 May (ph. DR). American Avocet - there was only one report: 1 at Camp #9 on 18 May (ph. BP). Spotted Sandpiper - 1 at McElroy 1 1 April (DR et al.) was the earliest to be reported; peak counts of ca. 20 birds were recorded there 20/22 May (DR) and at least 1 bird lingered there to 27 May (DR). A count of 10-12 along the Licking River down¬ stream from Blue Licks. Robertson! Nich¬ olas, 25 May (SM, RBr) was rather im¬ pressive for so late in the season; other reports of relatively late migrants included 1 on the Rockcastle River at Bee Rock, Pulaski, 24 May (TH, BBC) and 2 in w. Henderson 25 May (CC). Also, 2 in court¬ ship display at a gravel pit at Petersburg, Boone, 15 May (LM) may have been on territory. Solitary Sandpiper - a bird at McElroy 31 March (DR) was the earliest to be re¬ ported. Piping Plover, McElroy Lake 9 May 2008 David Roemer Greater Yellowlegs - peak counts were un¬ impressive and included ca. 40 at Morgan Pond 12 April (BP, BY, MY) and ca. 20 at McElroy 30 April (DR); 2 at McElroy 29 May (DR) were the latest to be re¬ ported. Vol. 84 62_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Willet - there were eight reports: 2 at McElroy 18 April (DR); 41 there 25 April (DR. JRo. AH); 14 there 29 April (DR); 2 there 3 May (m. ob.); 10-15 there 4 May (JP. DPu); 9 at Morgan Pond and I 1 at McElroy. both 7 May (BP); and 1 at Mc¬ Elroy 14 May (DR. AH). Lesser Yellowlegs a tally of 684 at scat¬ tered sites in the vicinity of Woodbum. including 524 at Chapman Pond. 10 May (DR) represented a new state high count; the species was well-represented at McEl¬ roy with peak counts of ca. 300 on 29 April (DR et al.), ca. 350 on 30 April (DR), at least 407 counted 5 May (DR et al.), and 300-400 on 9 May (DR et al.). Other peak counts were highlighted by 55+ at Melco 29 April (EH); 200+ at Mor¬ gan Pond 3 May (BP. EH, MSt); and ca. 100 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 8 May (BY, MY. BP. MM). Latest reports were represented by 10-15 at McElroy 24 May (DR), at least 1 still in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 28 May (HC); and 1 at Morgan Pond 30 May (DR). Upland Sandpiper there was only one report: 1 heard over McElroy 29 April (DR). Hudsonian Godwit there were two reports from McElroy: a female 11-12 May (ph. DR et al.) and a pair 18 May (ph. DR et al.). KBRC review required. Marbled Godwit - there were two reports: 10 total (groups of 8 & 2) at McElroy 1 1 April (ph. DR et al.) and I at the Falls of the Ohio 26 April (tDS. tT&CB). KBRC review required. Ruddy Turnstone - the species put on an unprecedented showing at McElroy dur¬ ing the season as follows: 1 was first ob¬ served there 4 May (JP, DPu); peak counts of 49 on 18 May (ph. DR), 74+ on 20 May (DR), ca. 55 on 21 May (DR) and 35-40 on 22 May (DR) all represented new state high counts; and 1-12+ indi¬ viduals were observed on several addi¬ tional dates 14-27 May (DR et al.). Also reported were 1 along KY 739 on 16 May (MB) and 6 at Morgan Pond 17 May (BP. MSt). Sanderling - small numbers were reported only at McElroy as follows: 4 first seen there 3 May (BP, DR, et al.), 1-3 subse¬ quently seen on twelve dates 5-22 May (DR et al.), and 4 last seen 23 May (DR). Semipalmated Sandpiper - the species put on a good showing at McElroy; 3 there 2 May (DR) were the earliest to be reported; 400 or more were counted on six dates 18-27 May with peak counts of 2500- 3000 on 23 May and 2050 on 26 May (DR) establishing new state high counts; 800+ were still there 27 May with ca. 150 there 30 May (DR). Other relatively note¬ worthy counts included ca. 150 along KY 739 on 26 May (MB) with ca. 120 still there 30 May (DR. FL); “hundreds" in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 28 May (HC); and 175+ at Morgan Pond and ca. 100 at Chaney, both 30 May (DR). Western Sandpiper - 1 reported at Blood River 29 February' (HC, BHa) may have been a wintering bird or extremely early migrant; the species put on a nice showing at McElroy with the following reports: at least 4 first seen there 28 April (BP et al.) with 8 there 29 April (DR, AH); 3 there 30 April (DR); a new state high count for spring of 19 there 2 May (DR); ca. 5 there 3 May (DR et al.); 1 there 5 May (DR), 2 there 9 May (DR), and at least 2 there 16 May (fTD), representing a new late de¬ parture date for the state. Also reported were 2 at Clarks River 1 May (HC). Least Sandpiper - birds continued from winter at Blood River and Jonathan Creek into March (HC. BHa); 14 at Guthrie Swamp (MB), and 1 at Sauerheber (CC), all 2 March (MB), may have been either wintering birds or early migrants; other¬ wise, 2 at McElroy 17 March (AH) were the earliest migrants reported. Peak counts at McElroy established new state high counts for spring on six days 5-19 May with the following exceptional counts: 500+ on 6 May, 2000+ on 9 May, 500+ on 17 May, 800-1000+ on 18 May, and ca. 500 on 19 May (DR et al.). Other peak counts of interest included 250-300+ at Swallow Spring and 100+ at Morgan Pond, both 7 May (BP), and 50 at Melco 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 63 14 May (BP, EH, MM). One at McElroy 29 May (DR) was the latest to be re¬ ported. White-rumped Sandpiper - 1 at Clarks River 1 May (HC) was the earliest to be reported; the species was well-represented at McElroy with 1 first noted there 2 May (DR); 50 or more were counted there on eight days 18-29 May (DR) with peak counts of 130-150 on 22 May, 150+ on 23 May, and 80-100 on 24/26 May (DR). The species was also widely distributed in small numbers at other shorebird hot spots with birds lingering into June at a few locales (m. ob.). Other reports of interest included 10+ at Swallow Spring 17 May (BP, MSt); 5 at Melco 14 May (BP, EH, MM) with 4 still there 30 May (EH); 2 along KY 739 on 13 May (FL, AL) with ca. 10 there 14/16 May (MB); and 2 along US 431 s. of Russellville 16 May (MB). Baird’s Sandpiper -there was only one report: 1 at McElroy 9 May (DR et al.). Pectoral Sandpiper - the species was en¬ countered in below-average numbers this spring; at McElroy ca. 30 birds were first reported 16 March (BP. EH); the species peaked before habitat there was optimal with high counts of ca. 400 on 22 March (DR) and 180 on 24 March (DR. RDv, AH). Other reports of interest included ca. 200 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 8 May (BY, MY, et al.) and a few tardy mi¬ grants that remained in the Lower Hick¬ man Bottoms to 28 May (HC), at McElroy to 29 May (DR), and at Morgan Pond into June (DR, BP). Dunlin - wintering birds were still at Sauer- heber 2 March (6 birds) (CC) and 10 March (7 birds) (AH); the species put on an excellent showing at McElroy, where at least 8 on 4 April (AH) represented the earliest migrants reported statewide; at least 100 birds were counted at McElroy on nine days 14-22 May (DR et al.) with peak counts of ca. 300 on 16 May (TD), 350-400 on 18 May, 200+ on 20 May, and ca. 200 on 21 May (DR). Other reports of interest included an unspecified number in w. Henderson 27 April (CC); 30 at Sauer- heber 4 May (CC); 3 at Melco 9 May (EH); ca. 30 along KY 739 on 16 May (MB) with 35 there 19 May (MB) and 10 still there 26 May (MB); 17 at the Rus¬ sellville airport and ca. 25 along US 43 1 s. of Russellville, both 16 May (MB); and ca. 25 at Swallow Spring 17 May (BP. MSt). Small numbers of birds lingered to the end of the month at McElroy (DR). Morgan Pond (DR, BP) and along KY 739 (DR. FL). Stilt Sandpiper - singles at McElroy 18 April (DR) and along KY 268, w. Hen¬ derson. , 19 April (BP, EH, BY, MY) were the earliest to be reported; peak counts included 12 at Morgan Pond 3 May (BP, EH. MSt), 20 at various sites in the vicin¬ ity of Woodburn 10 May (DR), 50+ at McElroy 14 May (DR, AH), and ca. 15 at McElroy 17 May (DR); an injured bird at McElroy 30 May (ph. DR) was the latest to be reported. Other reports of interest in¬ cluded 6 at Swallow Spring and 10 at Morgan Pond, both 7 May (BP), and 5 at Melco 14 May (BP, EH, MM). Ruff - a female was present at McElroy 27- 28 April (ph. DR et al.). KBRC review required. Short-billed Dowitcher - the species was well represented at McElroy with 12 first reported there 2 May (DR); at least 30 were counted at McElroy on ten days 9-21 May (DR et al.) with peak counts of “most of 80-85 dowitchers" on 9 May (DR et al.), a new state high count of 140+ on 14 May (DR, AH), and 55 on 15 May (DR). Other reports of interest in¬ cluded 25+ at Morgan Pond 7 May (BP); 75+ at Chapman Pond 10 May (DR); “scores” at various sites in Logan 14 May (FL, AL); at least 44 along KY 739 on 15 May (MB) with at least 19 there 16 May (MB) and 12 there 19 May (MB); and 5 at the Russellville airport 16 May (MB). Two at McElroy 23 May (DR) were the latest to be reported. As seems to be the norm, a few individuals with field char¬ acters matching those of the Atlantic sub¬ species, L. g. griseus, were reported in the company of tlocks of the normal L. g. hendersoni in s. Warren (primarily at McElroy) 5-18 May (DR et al.). 64 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Short-billed Dowitcher (Atlantic subspecies) McElroy Lake, 5 May 2008 David Roemer Long-billed Dowitcher - 1 at McElroy 22 March (ph. DR) established a new early arrival date for the state. The season’s peak counts of 28+ on 29 April and ca. 40 on 3 May both occurred at McElroy (DR et al.), and a tardy bird there 23 May (ph. DR) missed the late state departure date by one day. Other reports of interest in¬ cluded 5 at Guthrie Swamp 25 April (DR, JRo); 5 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 26 April (DR. JRo); 2 along John Young Road, sw. Logan , 27 April (MB); and 4 at Morgan Pond 3 May (BP, EH. MSt) with at least 2 there 7 May (BP). Wilson’s Snipe - a winnowing bird was heard along KY 86, w. of Cecilia 18 March (BP, PL); peak counts included 220 at McElroy 28 March (DR), and 89 at the jet. of US 79 and Snardon Mill Road. Todd, (MB) and 100+ at Chaney (DR), both 5 April; 1 along Midway Church Road 8 May (BY. MY. BP. MM) was the latest to be reported. American Woodcock - birds in some por¬ tions of n. -central Kentucky disappeared following the 8 March snowstorm (m. ob. ); 1 was photographed sitting on a deck outside a home in a suburban part of Lou¬ isville 9 March, the day after more than 10 inches of snow fell there (fide MF). A count of 35 near Ano, Pulaski , 14 March (RDn, JDe) was rather impressive. Wilson’s Phalarope - it was an exceptional spring for the species with new high counts, several late-season migrants, and even a nesting attempt! One at McElroy 25 April (DR. JRo) was the earliest to be reported; a count of 18 there 8 May (TD) was followed by one of ca. 30 on 9 May (DR) that represented a new state high count. Two to 6 birds then continued at McElroy to the end of the month, with a nest with eggs located there 30 May (ph. DR). Also, a total of 23 (9 at McElroy, 9 at Chapman Pond, and 5 at Chaney) in the vicinity of Woodburn 10 May (DR) also surpassed the previous one-day state high count. Reports from additional sites in¬ cluded a female at Morgan Pond 7 May (BP); 4 along Midway Church Road 8 May (BY. MY, et al.); 2 at Open Pond 12 May (RDn. SD); and 2 along KY 739 on 13 May (FL. AL) with 3 there 26 May (MB, FL). Red-necked Phalarope it was a banner season for the species with four reports: a female at Morgan Pond 3/4 May (ph. BP. ph. EH. MSt/BY. MY) that represented a new early arrival date for the state; prob¬ ably dit'ferent females at McElroy 14/18 May (phs. DR et al.); and a new state high count of 6 (3 males and 3 females) at Morgan Pond 17 May (tBP. MSt). KBRC review required. Laughing Gull - there were four reports: an adult at Waitsboro 21 March (ph. RDn); an adult below Ky Dam 12 April (DR. AH); 3 at the Ky Dam Village marina 9 May (ph. BY, MY); and an adult at Morgan Pond 30 May (ph. DR). 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 65 Franklin’s Gull - an adult at Barkley Dam 22 March (BP, ph. EH, MSt) was the only one reported. Bonaparte’s Gull - reports of interest in¬ cluded 100+ at McElroy 19 March (DR); ca. 200 at Barren 3 April (DR); and 90 on the Ohio River at Dayton, Campbell (FR), and 400 at Dale Hollow Lake, Clinton (SS), both 5 April (FR). A first-year bird on Lake Barkley above the dam to 9 May (BP, MM) was the latest to be reported. Herring Gull - ca. 200 were still in the vicinity of Ky Dam 18 March (PL) with ca. 300 there 6 April (DR, TD). Lesser Black-backed Gull - there were several reports, all being included: a first- year bird and an adult at Barkley Dam, and a first-year, a first- or second-year, and an adult at Ky Dam, all 18 March (PL); 2 adults at Barkley Dam and a sub¬ adult at Ky Dam, all 22 March (BP, EH, MSt); a first-year bird (DR) and an adult (ph. JRw) at Barkley Dam 28 March; and 2 (second-year and third-year) birds below Ky Dam 6 April (DR, TD). Glaucous Gull - a first-year bird was pres¬ ent in the vicinity of Ky Dam 1 8 March (fPL)-6 April (DR, TD). Great Black-backed Gull - a first-year bird was reported below Ky Dam 18 March (fPL); with the same or a different first- or second-year bird reported below Ky Dam 6 April (fDR, TD). KBRC review required. Least Tern - there were only two reports, both of birds away from known breeding locales: an extremely early individual at the Falls of the Ohio 26 April (tT&CB, fDS) and 1 at McElroy 14 May (DR). Caspian Tern - 1 at Kuttawa 28 March (DR) was the earliest to be reported; other reports of interest included 1 at Guthrie Swamp 5 April (MB) that was a local- first; a modest peak of 17 at the Falls of the Ohio 18 April (AG); and 5 at Jacobson Park, Lexington, 20 April (RO). Black Tern - the species was well-repre¬ sented at McElroy during the season; 1 was first seen there 4 May (JP, DPu), with peak counts of 30 on 8 May (TD), 45+ on 14 May (DR), 80-100 on 15 May (DB fide DR), and 20-30 on 18 May (DR), with l- 12 seen there on six additional dates as late as 22 May (DR). Also reported were 1 at Open Pond 8 May (BY, MY) with 32 there 12 May (RDn, SD); 3 along KY 739 on 16 May (FL) with 1 there 26 May (MB) and 6 there 28 May (FL); and 3 at Melco 16 May (BP) with 1 there 19 May (MW). Common Tern - there were only three re¬ ports: 2 at the Ky Dam Village marina 9 May (BY, MY); 1 at McElroy 1 1 May (DR); and 5 with 9 Forster’s at Dayton, Campbell , 14 May (FR). Forster’s Tern - 1-3 were seen at McElroy 24 April-15 May (DR, TD, et al.); 4 at Morgan Pond 30 May (DR) were the lat¬ est to be reported. Eurasian Collared-Dove - a pair was seen building a nest at Cecilia 18 March (BP). Yellow-billed Cuckoo - the species was either quite tardy in returning or very in¬ conspicuous during most of May, at least across much of central and western Ken¬ tucky (m. ob.); 1 at Blackacre 30 April (EH, BBC) was the earliest to be reported; a nest containing 2 young at Middle Creek Park, Boone, 26 May (LM) was relatively early. Black-billed Cuckoo - there were several reports, all being included: 1 at South Williamson, Pike, 27 April (JCr); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 30 April (BP); I at Shaker Village, Mercer, 1 May (DP z,fide DW) with at least 2 there 6 May (DW); 2 at the KDFWR Game Farm, Franklin, 16 May (AN); 2 at the WKU Upper Green River Biopreserve near Horse Cave, Hart (AH), and 1 at Shawnee Park (JBe, PB). both 21 May; I at Eddyville, Lyon, 27 May (KL, BLe); and I at Fort Campbell, Trigg, 29 May (DMo). Barn Owl - there were only two reports during the season: a possible nest in Lin¬ coln (LJ, fide DW) and I at Mt. Zion 17 May (RDn). Northern Saw-whet Owl - 1 banded at Sur¬ rey Hills Farm 5 March (BP) was the only one reported. 66 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS — SPRING 2008 Glossy Ibis, McElroy Lake 14 May 2008* Photo by David Roemer Surf Scoters (3) and Black Scoter, Kenton 13 April 2008 Photo by Frank Renfrew Long-tailed Duck, Lexington 1 March 2008 Photo by Joe Pulliam Brown Pelican, Barkley Dam 25 April 2008 ’ Photo by David Brown Ruff. McElroy Lake, 27 April 2008 Photo bv David Roemer Hudsonian Godwits, McElroy Lake 18 May 2008 Photo by David Roemer 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 67 PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS — SPRING 2008 Red Crossbill (1 of 10), Hart 10 May 2008 Video Capture by Ben Yandell Eiwn-headed Nuthatch, Marshall 12 May 2008 Photo by Jeff Rowe ■ r*X- \\ 1 Red-necked Phalarope, Morgan Pond 3 May 2008 Photo by Eddie Huber Hudsonian Godwit (female), McElroy Lake 12 May 2008 Photo by David Roemer Say’s Phoebe, Fulton , 5 April 2008 Photo by Roseanna Denton — m Yellow-headed Blackbird, Fulton, 12 May 2008 Photo by Roseanna Denton 68 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Chuck-will’s-widow - 2 birds heard along Oven Fork Road, Elliott, again this year in late May (EM) suggest breeding in north¬ eastern Kentucky. Whip-poor-will - a bird calling near White Oak. Magoffin, 31 March (DHn) was the earliest to be reported. Chimney Swift - birds over Murray 7 April (ME) were the earliest to be reported. Ruby-throated Hummingbird - the spe¬ cies seemed not to be numerous during the spring period. A bird at Panorama Shores, Calloway, 8 April (KCo) was the earliest to be reported. hummingbird sp. - a bird reliably des¬ cribed as a hummingbird was observed in a yard at Brodhead, Rockcastle, 9 March (CH), a date when any hummingbird oc¬ curring in Kentucky would most likely be a Rufous. Olive-sided Flycatcher there were only four reports: I at LBL. Lyon, 9 May (BY, MY); 1 at Clarks River 20 May (BP); 1 at Pulaski County Park 27 May (RDn); and 1 at Cherokee Park 29 May (BW) and 31 May (JSt .fide BW). Yellow-bellied Flycatcher there were on¬ ly three reports: 1 at Shawnee Park 7 May (JBe. PB); 1 banded at Clarks River 20 May (HC, MCh, et al.); and 1 heard at Clarks River 21 May (BP). Alder Flycatcher - there were several re¬ ports, all being included: I at Melco 14 May (BP. EH. MM); 2 at Caperton 18 May (BY, MY); 1 at Sawyer Park 21 May (CB); 3 heard at Clarks River 22 May (BP et ah); 1 at Meadowbrook Park, Fayette, 29 May (BA). Willow Flycatcher - 1 in LBL, Lyon , 7 May (BP) may have been a migrant. Least Flycatcher - 2 at Surrey Hills Farm 30 April (BP) were the earliest to be reported; 1 at Blackacre 31 May (EH, BBC) was tardy. Say’s Phoebe - 1 was found along the Mis¬ sissippi River levee near the Lake No. 9 pumping station at Elbow Slough, Fulton, on 5 April (ph. RDn. ph. HC, ME. PHo). KBRC review required. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - a nesting pair was present again this year along KY 453 n. of Grand Rivers, Livingston (m. ob.); 1 below Barkley Dam 12 April (DR. AH) was the only other one reported. Bell’s Vireo - a territorial bird n. of Grand Rivers, Livingston, was present again this year (m. ob.); birds at Elbow Slough, w. Fulton, 8 May (BY, MY) and in ne. Union 18 May (ph. ZC) were away from known nesting areas. Blue-headed Vireo - a singing bird at Sur¬ rey Hills Farm 17 May (BP. MSt) was rather tardy. Philadelphia Vireo 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 25 May (BY. MY. BP) was the latest to be reported. Red-eyed Vireo singles near White Oak, Morgan, 10 April (DHn) and at Shaker Mill, Warren , 12 April (DR) were the earliest to be reported. Fish Crow - birds were encountered only in traditional nesting areas during the period (m. ob.). Common Raven - there were three reports: singles over US 119, n. of Oven Fork, Letcher, and ne. of Payne Gap, Letcher, both 2 March (BY, MY); and 1 at Bad Branch SNP. Letcher, 18 March (KN). Purple Martin 2 at Bowling Green 2 March (TD) and a few in Murray 3 March (HC) were the earliest to be reported. Bank Swallow 1 at McElroy 2 April (DR) and 3 in Pulaski 15 April (RDn) were the earliest to be reported; peak counts of interest included ca. 400 at McElroy 9 May and 1000+ there 11 May (DR). An active nesting colony was again present at Rome, Lewis, in mid-May (RS). Cliff Swallow - recently discovered nesting colonies on the 1-471 bridge over the Ohio River, Campbell (FR), along the Ohio River at Newport, Campbell (EE, FR), and at Covington, Kenton (FR), may have been active for a few years (fide FR). Barn Swallow - 1 over a field in Calloway 9 March (HC) and 1 at Cooley’s Pond, Wayne, 14 March (RDn) were relatively early. 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 69 Black-capped Chickadee - the wintering bird at Blaine, Lawrence, was reported 1 March (BY. MY). Already under KBRC review. Red-breasted Nuthatch - small numbers continued at feeding stations from winter, and although a pronounced spring move¬ ment was not detected, most likely mi¬ grants were observed at feeding stations during mid-April (m. ob.); a summary of the latest reports for the season follows: Shawnee Park 28 April (JBe, PB): Wood- burn 2 May (BSc); Surrey Hills Farm 4 May (BP et ah); LBL, Lyon , 9 May (BP, MM): the Kentucky Sheriff s Ranch, Marshall , 9/10 May (BY, MY/KL, BLe); and Briarwood. Jefferson, 10 May (JBe, PB). Brown-headed Nuthatch - 1 was present at the Kentucky Sheriff s Ranch, Marshall, 9-19 May (BP. MM, vt. BY, MY, ph. JRw, SH). KBRC review required. House Wren - singles at Lexington 5 April (JSw) and at Glasgow, Barren, 10 April (LC) were the earliest to be reported. Sedge Wren - there were only two reports: 1 along Smokey Road. Ballard. 29 April (SR) and 1 at Gentle Pond. Sauerheber. 3 May (CC). Marsh Wren - there were only four reports: 1 at Garvin Brown 19 April (MA); 1 heard at Camp #11 on 5 May (BP); I at McElroy 9 May (DR); and 1 at Melco 19 May (ph. EH). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - singles at Lexing¬ ton 29 March (ZC) and at both Hender¬ son (CC) and Murray (ME) 31 March were the earliest to be reported. Veery - singles at Berea Forest 20 April (TH, RO, BA) and Cherokee Park 24 April (BW) were the earliest to be re¬ ported. Swainson’s Thrush - 1 at Shawnee Park 17 April (JBe. PB) was the earliest to be re¬ ported. Hermit Thrush - 1 in Calloway 10 May (fide ME) was the latest to be reported. American Pipit - peak counts at McElroy included 200+ on 21 April (DR et al.); 250-300 on 29 April (DR); 300+ on 6 May (DR, AH); and 100+ still there 9 May (DR et al.). Up to a half-dozen lin¬ gered at McElroy to 24 May (DR), and an injured bird there 26-27 May (ph. DR) established a new late departure date for the state. Other reports of lingering birds included 1 at Swallow Spring 7 May (BP) and at least a few still at Morgan Pond 9 May (BP, MM). Lawrence’s Warbler - a male was seen at Shawnee Park 9 May (CDi) and 10 May (JBe, PB). Golden-winged Warbler - there were not many reports, all being included: several birds were on territory at a UK study site w. of Williamsburg, Whitley, by 25 April (PHa et al.); 1 near Mark, Pulaski, 29 April (CN); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 30 April (BP); 1 heard at Sawyer Park 2 May (BW): 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 4 May (BP et al.); 1 at LBL, Lyon, 7 May (BP); and 2 at LBL, Lyon, 9 May (BP, MM). Tennessee Warbler - singing birds in sw. Jefferson 15 April (CL) were the earliest to be reported. Orange-crowned Warbler - there were a few reports, all being included: 1 at Shaw¬ nee Park 23/28 April (JBe, PB); 1 at LBL, Lyon , 9 May (BP. MM); and a tardy bird at Melco 14 May (BP. EH, MM). Yellow Warbler - 1 at Jefferson Memorial Forest. Jefferson, 2 April (MW) was the earliest to be reported. Magnolia Warbler - 1 near Fisherville 23 April (EH, JH) was the earliest to be reported. Cape May Warbler - 1 at Bowling Green 22 April (JDa) was the earliest to be re¬ ported. Black-throated Blue Warbler - there were several reports of migrants, all being in¬ cluded: 1 at Shawnee Park 28 April (JBe, PB); 1 at Floyds Fork Park. Jefferson, 4 May (EH. BBC); 1 at Boone County Cliffs SNP 4 May (DM. RMt); 1 at Berea Forest 5 May (TH); 1 at Shaker Village, Mercer, 6 May (DW); 1 at Beargrass Creek SNP. Louisville, 10 May (RDv, 70 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 BD); and 4 at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone , 1 1 May (LM). Yellow-rumped Warbler a bird at Jon¬ athan Creek 21 May (ME) missed the late departure date for the state by one day. Black-throated Green Warbler an active nest was observed at Cumberland Falls SRP, Whitley , 26 April (KH). Blackburnian Warbler singles at Shaw¬ nee Park 18 April (JBe. PB) and Cave Hill Cemetery. Louisville. 20 April (BJ, EH. BBC) were the earliest to be reported. Prairie Warbler - 1 at Mt. Zion 7 April (RDn) was the earliest to be reported. Blackpoll Warbler 1 at Berea Forest 20 April (TH. RO, BA) was the earliest to be reported. American Redstart 1 in nw. Lee 15 April (BP) was the earliest to be reported. Swainson’s Warbler there were several reports, all being included: 1 at Yahoo Falls. Big South Fork. 19 April (D&LC) was relatively early; 3 along Rock Creek, DNBF, McCreary (Great Meadow Camp¬ ground, Hemlock Grove Picnic Area, and e. of Bell Farm), 26 April (FR), and 2 along Lick Creek Falls Trail. DBNF, McCreary , 3 May (T&LM) were in areas where the species has not been reported previously; the only other reports were of birds at usual summering/nesting areas: Bee Rock Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulas¬ ki (RDn, TH, et al.) and Rock Bridge Trail. DBNF, Wolfe (BP). Oven bird - singles at Raven Run Nature Preserve, Fayette, (TH) and at Red River Gorge Geological Area, Menifee (EM), both 10 April, were the earliest to be re¬ ported. Northern Waterthrush I at Sauerheber 19 April (BP. EH. BY, MY) and 1 near Mt. Zion 20 April (RDn) were the earliest to be reported. Louisiana Waterthrush 2 at Seventy Six Falls, Clinton, 22 March (RDn) were the earliest to be reported. Connecticut Warbler there were several reports, all being included: 1 at Berea For¬ est 10 May (RBa, RFs); 1 at the KDFWR Game Farm. Franklin, 13 May (TA) and 16 May (AN); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 17 May (MSt, BP); 1 at Beargrass Creek SNP, Louisville. 19 May (MW); 1 at Clarks River 21 May (HC, BP. et al.); sin¬ gles at Cherokee Park (MW. BBC), and at Griffith Woods, Harrison (IS), both 24 May; and 2 at Surrey LI ills Farm (BP, BY, MY) and a female at Mt. Zion (RDn), all 25 May. Mourning Warbler - there were several reports, all being included: 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 4 May (BP et al.); I at LBL. Lyon, 7 May (BP); 1 at Berea Forest 1 1 May (TH. BBC); 1 at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone, 1 1/24 May (LM); I at Cherokee Park 12 May (JBa) and 15/18 May (BW. BBC); 3 at Surrey Hills Farm 17 May (BP, MSt); 1 banded at Clarks River 19 May (HC. MCh, et al.); 1 heard there 20 May (BP. HC, et al.); 2 at Shaw¬ nee Park 21 May (JBe. PB); 2 at Cherokee Park 24 May (MW, BBC); and at least 3 at Surrey Hills Farm (BP. BY. MY) and 1 at Sauerheber (CC). all 25 May. Common Yellowthroat - singles near Mark, Pulaski, 9 April (CN) and at Knobs State Forest, Bullitt, 13 April (EH, BBC) were the earliest to be reported. Wilson’s Warbler - single birds at Surrey Hills Farm (BP) and Garvin Brown (BW), both 2 May, were the earliest to be re¬ ported. Scarlet Tanager I at Berea Forest 14 April (TH) was the earliest to be reported. Bachman’s Sparrow - a bird at the tradi¬ tional breeding area on Fort Campbell, Trigg, 29 May (DMo) represented the only report. American Tree Sparrow - the 8 March snowstorm was probably responsible for the appearance of a few birds at feeding stations where they had not been present all winter (m. ob.); 1 in a yard at Burling¬ ton, Boone , 28 March (LM) was the latest to be reported. Chipping Sparrow 4 at Jenny Wiley SRP. Floyd, 2 March (BY. MY) were likely wintering; a bird that was photographed near Frenchburg, Menifee , 10 March (ph. 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 71 RA) had been banded in April 2004 at Catlettsburg, Boyd (RC. BBL). Vesper Sparrow - reports of interest in¬ cluded a relatively early bird in n. Hardin 9-10 March (SL); a flock of at least 20 at Surrey Hills Farm 23 March (BP, JBe, PB); a relatively late migrant at McElroy 6 May (DR); another late migrant or possible nester in Harrison 10 May (SM); and two (perhaps a breeding pair?) along Burbank Road, w. Henderson, 20 May (ph. CC) that could not be relocated on subsequent visits. Lark Sparrow - there were several reports, all being included: a flock of at least 10 birds along McDonald Landing Road, w. Henderson, 19 April (BP, EH, BY. MY), with a few birds remaining in the vicinity through the period; a nest was being built in a fallow field there 5 May, but it was subsequently found destroyed by planting 18 May (ph. BP); 1 at McElroy (BP. EH) and 1 along Homer Murray Road, s. War¬ ren (DR. RDv, BD), both 12 May; at least 2 territorial birds singing along Vance Road. w. of Woodburn 29 April through May (DR et al.); and 1 at Fort Campbell. Trigg , 29 May (DMo). Henslow’s Sparrow - reports of birds at new locales included at least 4 at Knobs State Forest. Bullitt , 13 April (EH, BBC); 4 ne. of Cane Valley, Adair , 6 May (BSt) that were county-firsts; and at least 3 just s. of Elva, Marshall , 20-23 May (BP, HC, et ah). Fox Sparrow - a wave of birds showed up at feeding stations following the 8 March snowstorm (m. ob.); 2 near Fisherville 7 April (EH, JH) and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 10 April (BP) were the latest to be re¬ ported. Lincoln’s Sparrow — 1 at Craigmoor Es¬ tates, Scott, 23 April (D&BLa) was the earliest to be reported. Dark-eyed Junco - a male at Lexington 21 May (ph. ZC) was very tardy. Lapland Longspur - there were several reports, all being included: 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 9 March (BP); ca. 25 along Chamberlain Lane, ne. Jefferson, 9/10 March (JBe, PB/MA, EH, JH); several flocks totaling ca. 50 birds at Spindletop Farm. Fayette, 9 March (JP. DPu); and an undetermined number noted in two mixed-species flocks of open ground birds near Petersburg, Boone, 9 March (DM). One at McElroy 31 March (DR) was the latest to be reported. Snow Bunting - the species put in a brief appearance following the 8 March snow¬ storm; two mixed-species flocks of open ground birds — each containing at least 50 buntings — were found near Petersburg, Boone, 9 March (ph. DM). Rose-breasted Grosbeak - singles at Mur¬ ray 3 April (KM, fide ME) and at Pano¬ rama Shores, Calloway, 17 April (KCo) were the earliest to be reported. Indigo Bunting - I at Guthrie Swamp 5 April (MB) and 1 at Richmond. Madison, 9 April (TH) were the earliest to be re¬ ported. Painted Bunting - a female was reported in a yard at Berea. Madison, 1 May (tRFs). KBRC review required. Bobolink - the species was not remarkably widespread this spring; reports of interest included four flocks totaling 185 birds in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 26 April (DR. JRo); up to 50 at the WKU Farm, Warren, 3 May (BP. EH. MSt); and 45 at Petersburg, Boone, 10 May (LM). Yellow-headed Blackbird - there were two reports: a first-year male along Midway Church Road 12 May (ph. RDn, SD) and a male at Morgan Pond 30 May (DR). Rusty Blackbird - reports of interest in¬ cluded at least 75 combined at a couple of sites at Louisville 29 March (MA) and ca. 200 at Sauerheber 9 April (DR). Brewer’s Blackbird - there were only two reports: 20+ along Smokey Road. Ballard, 20 March (SR) and I on the WKU Farm. Warren, 21 March (DR). Purple Finch - following a winter season of unremarkable abundance, increased num- bers-likely northbound migrants-showed up at feeding stations from the last week of March to mid-April; peak counts in- 72 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 eluded 22 near Fisherville (EH, JH) and 10 at the Alpine Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski (RDn), both 17 April. Latest re¬ ports included a male at Cadiz, Trigg , 8 May (BM); a female at Jefferson Memor¬ ial Forest. Jefferson , 10 May (MA); a female in Hart 1 1 May (SK); a female at Boone County Cliffs SNP 15 May (LM); 4 (2 males and 2 females) w. of Frankfort to 19 May (JBr); and a few near Fisher¬ ville into mid-May with at least 1 there to the end of May (EH. JH). Red Crossbill - quite unexpected were up to at least 10 birds at Dog Creek 10-11 May (RH. SK. vt. BY, et al.) with 2 birds last seen there 13 May (LP). Pine Siskin very small numbers continued from winter at scattered locales into mid- April with a few reports of likely migrants during the month (m. ob.) and the follow¬ ing reports from May: 2 at Panorama Shores 1/6/10 May (KCo); 2 at the LBL Nature Station 1 May (MSc); 4 at LBL. Lyon, 6 May (BP et al.); 1 at Cumberland Falls 13-14 May (SS. EM, IN); and 4 at Dog Creek 14 May (BP, EH. MM). Corrigenda: in the Fall Season 2007 report (The Kentucky Warbler 84:1 1. 2008), the count of 172 Forster’s Terns at Jonathan Creek 16 Nov should be attributed to HC (Hap Chambers); in the Winter Season 2007-2008 report (The Kentucky Warbler 84:44, 2008), the Western Sandpiper re¬ ported from Jonathan Creek was observed on 1 February, not I January. Observers: Rita Adkins (RA), Ben Albriton (BA), Terry Anderson (TA), Michael Autin (MA). Jamie Baker (JBa), Rebecca Bates (RBa), Beckham Bird Club (BBC). Tom & Colleen Becker (T&CB), Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell (PB), Mark Bennett (MB). Bird Banding Lab (BBL), Carl Bochmann (C'B), Steve Bonney (SB), David Brown (DB), Horace Brown (HB). Todd Brown (TB). John Brunjes (JBr), Rhonda Bryant (RBr), Rachel Bush (RBu), Fred Busroe (FB). Joe Caminiti (JCm), Kathy Caminiti (KCa). Ron Canterbury (RC), Joan Carr (JCr). Happy Chambers (HC). Mary Chambers (MCh). Kathy Cohen (KCo), Marge Constan (MCo), Linda Craiger (LC), Charlie Crawford (CC), David & Laura Crotser (D&LC), Zach Czirr (ZC), Jordan Davis (JDa), Phyllis Deal (PD). Julie Denton (JDe), Roseanna Denton (RDn), Steve Denton (SD), Robert Dever (RDv), Bonnie Dever (BD), Charles Dietsch (CDi). Christopher Drake (CDr). Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME). Ed Ehrman (EE), Andy Eller (AE), Millie Farmer (MF). Randy Fondaw (RFn). Rob Foster (RFs), Curt Francis (CF), Scott Freidhof (SF). Alan Goldstein (AG), Scott Harp (SH). Barry Hart (BHa). Patricia Hartman (PHa), Debra Hausrath (Dlla). Richard Healy (RH), Gerald Heath (GH). Bill Heitekamp (BHe), Doug Hennig (Dlln). Dan Henson (DHs). Kate Heyden (KH), Carol Hitsman (CH), Patty' Horner (PHo). Tim Houghton (TH), Eddie Huber (EH), Jennifer Huber (JH). Aaron Hulsey (AH). Bob Johnson (BJ). Michael Johnson (MJ). Les Jones (LJ). Janet Kistler (JK), Steve Kistler (SK). David & Betsey Lang (D&BLa), Celia Lawrence (CL), Betty Leggett (BLe), Ken Leggett (KL), Paul Lehman (PL), Bill Lisowsky (BLi), Wes Little (WL). Sylvia Lovitt (SL). Allison Lyne (AL), Frank Lyne (FL), Scott Marsh (SM). Don Martin (DMa), Robbie Martin (RMt). Rick Mauro (RMr). Paul & Carol McAllister (P&CM), Lee McNeely (LM), Bobby Metz (BM), Tom & Lynda Mills (T&LM). Kathy Mitchell (KM). Mark Monroe (MM), Evelyn Morgan (EM), Daniel Moss (DMo), multiple observers (m. ob.), Jason Nally (JN), Kyle Napier (KN), Connie Neeley (CN), Andy Newman (AN). Ronan O’Carra (RO). Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP). Larry Peavler (LP), Don Pelly (DPe). Doreen Pulliam (DPu), Joe Pulliam (JP), Ed Ray (ER), Scott Record (SR), Frank Renfrow (FR), Gerald Robe (GR). David Roemer (DR), Joan Roemer (JRo), Jeff Rowe (JRw), Bill Scates (BSc), Cathy Schad (CS), Mary Schmidt (MSc), Rick Seelhorst (RS). Barbara Stedman (BSt). Stephen Stedman (SS), Ian Stewart (IS), Matt Stickel (MSt), Del Striegel (DS), Jack Still (JSt), Joe Swanson (JSw). Major Waltman (MW). Danny Watson (DW). Jim Williams (JW), Barbara Woemer (BW). Ben Yandell (BY), Mary' Yandell (MY). 73 2008_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 12th REPORT OF THE KENTUCKY BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE Ben Yandell, KBRC Secretary-Chair The Kentucky Bird Records Committee (KBRC) maintains the official list of bird species documented as having occurred within the state. The committee receives docu¬ mentation of bird observations and takes formal votes to determine whether the document- tation substantiates the natural occurrence of the species in the wild and within state boun¬ daries. Only rare, out-of-season, or out-of-area species require review by the KBRC (email: secv@kvbirdrecords.org). The most recent previously published KBRC report appeared in 2006 (McNeely, L. The Kentucky Warbler 82(2 ):5 1 -52). This report, the 12th from the KBRC, covers approval votes conducted from April 2006 to August 2008. Eighty-one approved records are included (Table 1). Most reports received through December 2006 are included in these actions, as are some reports received during 2007. Several dozen reports are still pending committee action. Recent actions taken by the KBRC add 1 1 species to the official Kentucky list: Mottled Duck. Yellow-billed Loon, Audubon’s Shearwater, Swainson's Hawk. Little Stint, Black Skimmer, Long-tailed Jaeger. Northern Shrike, Sage Sparrow, Bullock’s Oriole, and Scott's Oriole. Except for the Black Skimmer, observed by multiple individuals, all were documented with photographs. The official Kentucky list now stands at 377 species. Recent KBRC action also includes approving records of three species for which no Kentucky voucher specimens exist, but for which previously unreviewed photographs will now serve as the earliest or only formal documentation for each in the state: Cackling Goose, Rough-legged Hawk, and Lesser Goldfinch. Committee members participating in these actions were Happy Chambers, Roseanna Denton. Darrin O'Brien, Larry Peavler, and Ben Yandell (Secretary-Chair). The committee recognizes the work of the previous KBRC Secretary-Chair, Mark Bennett, who prepared much of the 2004-2005 review materials. Observers: Steve Anderson (SA), Claudia Angle (CA), Lyn & Brooks Atherton (L&BA), Jane & Pat Bell (J&PB). Mark Bennett (MB), Tom Biebighauser (TBi), Earl Boggs (EB). Gary Boggs (GB), David Brinkman (DBri). David Brown (DBro), W. Horace Brown (WHB), John Brunjes (JBr), Happy Chambers (HC), Elizabeth Ciuzio (EC), Amy Covert (AC), Roseanna Denton (RDn), Robert Dever (RDv), Jon Dunn (JD), Melissa Easley (ME), Jackie Elmore (JE), Paul Evans (PE), Jackie Featon (JF), Guy Haglund (GH), Don Harker (DH), Lana Hays (LH), Richard Healy (RHe), Renee Hooks (RHo), Aaron Hulsey (AH), Kenneth Jones (KJ), Mary Jo Jones (MJJ), Laura Kamperman (LK), Paula & Randall Kepner (P&RK), Mike Larimore (ML), Gary Libby (GL), Phyllis Linton (PL). Bill Lisowski (BLi), John Meredig (JM), Mark Monroe (MM), Nancy Moore (NM). Donald Morse (DM), David & Clara Ann Pallares (D&CAP), Brainard Palmer-Ball (BP), Larry Peavler (LP), Nicole Ranalli (NR), Frank Renfrow (FR). Jon Rickert (JRi). Bobby Riddle (BR), David Roemer (DR), John Rumancik, Jr. (JRu), Bob Sargent (BS), Nancy Scheldorf (NS), Fran and David Slezak (F&DS), Larry Smith (LS), Matt Stickel (MS), Gary Thompson (GT), Mike Thron (MT), Mary Walter (MW). Stephen White (SW), Jeff Wilson (JW). Mike Wright (MW), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY). able 1. Records approved by the KBRC, April 2006 through August 2008. Species (# if > 1) KBRC Record No. Location, County Date(s) Observed Reporters nt anta bermcla 2005E05 At and near Somerset, Pulaski Co. 14-28 May 2005 LK(ph). RDn(ph) :kling Goose (1-9) anta hutchmsu 2005E02 Basil Griffin Park. Bowling Green, Warren Co. 19 Dec 2004 - 24 Jan 2005 DR(ph) _ „ .. _ . „ „ 74 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLE R _ VoL 84 Species (# if > 1 ) KBRC Record No. Location, County Date(s) Observed Reporters Cackling Goose Branta hutchmsii 2007E0I Cave Hill Cemetery, Louis¬ ville, Jefferson Co. 5 Mar 1978 JE, LS, BP(ph) Cackling Goose Branta hutchmsii 2007E05 Louisville Zoo, Jefferson Co. 13 Jan 1982 NS(ph) Mottled Duck (2) Anas fulvigula 2002E16 Lake No. 9, Fulton Co. 22 Mar 2000 DR(f) Mottled Duck Anas fulvigula 2005E06 Horseshoe Road, Henderson Co. 20 May 2005 BP( ph/f) Cinnamon Teal (2) Anas cyanoptera 2006E05 Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson Co 8-10 Apr 2006 DR(ph/f) et al. Pacific Loon Gavia pacifica 2004E14 Demumbers Bay, Lake Barkley, Lyon Co. 18 Dec 2004 BL(f) Pacific Loon Gavia pacifica 2004Ewin08 Kentucky Lake near Birm¬ ingham Point, Marshall Co. 26 Feb & 10 Mar 2004 DR(t) Yellow-billed Loon Gavia adamsii 2004E02 Kentucky Lake near Birm¬ ingham Point, Marshall Co. 13-30 Mar 2004 BP(ph/f), AC, 1 RDn(ph) Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena 2002E1I Near Sidney, Pike Co. 27 Feb 2003 PE(ph) Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena 2002E14 Lake Barkley at Boyd's Landing boat ramp, Lyon Co. 14 Dec 2002 MB(t) Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena 2004E01 Kentucky Lake (various locales), Marshall Co 10-15 Mar 2004 DR(vt), HC, RDv, 1 NR, MW Red-necked Grebe ( 1-2) Podiceps grisegena 2006E03 Bypass borrow ponds, Owensboro, Daviess Co. 26-29 Mar 2006 SA(ph) Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena 2006E17 Lake Cumberland, Waits- boro Recreation Area, Pulaski Co. 4-24 Nov 2006 RDn(ph) . j Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena 2006E18 Ohio River at Tovvhead Island, Jefferson Co. 19 Nov 2006 J&PB(t) Western Grebe Aechmophoras occidentals 2005E07 Lake Barkley above Barkley Dam, Lyon Co. 1-8 May 2005 BP(ph/t), MS, BY, MY Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentals 2006E07 Kentucky Lake above Ken¬ tucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall cos. 6 May 2006 JBr(t) Audubon's Shearwater Puffinus Iherminieri 2005 E09 Kentucky Lake above Ken¬ tucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall cos. 12 Jul 2005 DR(vt), MM, BP Band-ruinped Storm-Petrel Oceanodrotna castro 2005E20 Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson Co. 31 Aug 2005 BY(vt/t), MY Band-rumped Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma castro 2005E28 Frankfort Fish Hatchery, Franklin Co. 31 Aug 2005 ML, BP(sp/ph/f) 1 Anhinga Anhinga anhinga 2004E06 Bayou de Chien, Fulton Co 8 Jun 2004 BP(t). EC Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor 2005E13 Lake No. 9, Fulton Co. 4-7 Aug 2005 DR(ph). RDn(ph Tricolored Heron (2) Egretta tricolor 2005E18 Lake No 9, Fulton Co. 21 Aug 2005 JW(ph/f) 2008 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 75 - Species (# if > 1) KBRC Record No. Location, County Date(s) Observed Reporters ddish Egret gretta rufescens 2004E10 Mississippi River at Island No. 1, Carlisle Co. 12 Sep 2004 DR(ph/t), NR hite Ibis udoamus albus 2005E12 Lake No. 9, Fulton Co. 4 Aug 2005 DR(ph) . hite Ibis udoamus albus 2005E16 Mitchell Lake, Ballard WMA, Ballard Co. 9-13 Aug 2005 NR(ph) 'hite Ibis (1-2) udocunus albus 2006E12 Lake No. 9, Fulton Co. 9-14 Aug 2006 DR(ph/t) 'hite-faced Ibis legadis chihi 2004E09 Willow Pond. Fulton Co. 1 1 Sep 2004 DR(ph/|), NR Ideate Spoonbill latalea ajaja 2005E15 Lake No. 9, Fulton Co. 5 Aug 2005 DR(t) if-* . 'ood Stork [ycteria americana 2006E13 Lake No. 9, Fulton Co. 9-13 Aug 2006 DR(ph/|) 1 irthern Goshawk ccipiter gentihs 2006E16 Near Walnut Creek embay- ment Barren River Lake, Allen Co. 20 Oct 2006 DR(f) ,' ainson's Haw k uteo swainsoni 2006E06 Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson Co. 8 Apr 2006 DR(ph) et al. liugh-legged Haw k iuteo lagopus 2007E02 Shelby Co. Feb 1979 WHB(ph) liugh-legged Haw k uteo lagopus 2007E03 Shelby Co. Dec 1985 WHB(ph) liugh-legged Hawk uteo lagopus 2008E0I Garrard Co. 5 Jan 1975 BY(ph) 1 rple Gallinule , orphyrio martinica 2005E22 Near Sharkey, Rowan Co. 18-25 Sep 2005 TBi(ph/t) sser Yellow legs ringa flavipes 2006E02 Along KY 268 near jet. KY 136, Henderson Co. 19 Feb 2006 JM(t) arbled Godwit (2) imosa fedoa 2005E08 Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall cos. 12 Jul 2005 BY(f), MS(t). et al. arbled Godwit imosa fedoa 2005E21 Jonathan Creek embayment Kentucky Lake, Marshall Co. 25-26 Sep 2005 HC(ph) arbled Godwit (20) imosa fedoa 2006E01 Paradise Power Plant ash basin, Muhlenberg Co. 21 Apr 2006 RDn(ph) ttle Stint alidris minuta 2006E11 Melco flood retention basin, Louisville, Jefferson Co. 16-21 Aug 2006 BP(ph/f), DR(ph) iff 'hilomachus pugnax 2006E10 Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan Co. 8 Jul 2006 MW, LH(ph) id-necked Phalarope 'halaropus lobatus 2003E13 Camp No. 1 1, Union Co. 14 Sep 2003 BP(t) id Phalarope 'halaropus fulicanus 2005E19 Ohio River at the mouth of the Licking River, Camp¬ bell/ Kenton cos. 31 Aug 2005 DBri, FR(ph), JD(ph/+) bine's Gull (2) ema sabini 2003E12 Kentucky Lake above Ken¬ tucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall cos. 14, 17 & 20 Sep 2002 DR(vt) 76 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ VoL X4 Species (# if > 1) KBRC Record No. Location. County Date(s) Observed Reporters Sabine's Gull Xema sabtni 2006E19 Honker Bay, Lake Barkley, Lyon/Trigg cos. 16 Dec 2006-4 Jan 2007 SW(vt) Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus 2004Ewin07 Kentucky Lake above Ken¬ tucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall cos. 14 Feb - 17 Mar 2004 HC(t), DR(ph) California Gull Laras califormcus 2004E03 Kentucky Lake above Ken¬ tucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall cos. 17-29 Mar 2004 MM, BP(ph), MS Iceland Gull Laras glaucoides 2004Ewin06 Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall cos. 25 Jan -26 Feb 2004 DR(ph/+) Great Black-backed Gull Laras marinus 2004Ewin05 Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall cos. 8-17 Feb 2004 DR(ph) Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus 2006E14 Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson Co. 6-9 Sep 2006 BY(ph/t), MY, BP(ph) Soot}' Tern Onychopnon fuscatus 2004E15 US 1 19, north side of Pine Mountain, Letcher Co. 9 Sep 2004 GL(sp/f), CA(ph Sooty Tern (3-6) Onychopnon fuscatus 2005E1 1(a) Kentucky Lake above Ken¬ tucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall cos. 12-15 Jul 2005 DR(ph/t), MM i Sooty Tern Onychopnon fuscatus 2005E1 1(b) Lake Barkley above Barkley Dam, Lyon Co. 12 July 2005 DR(f), MM Sooty Tern (2) Onychopnon fuscatus 2005E1 1(c) Ohio River below Smithland Dam, Livingston Co. 13 July 2005 DR(t), LP, ME ' Sooty Tern Onychopnon fuscatus 2005E14 Ohio River at New Rich¬ mond, Ohio, Campbell Co. 12 Jul 2005 DM(t) Black Skimmer Rynchops niger 2004E07 Mississippi River along western margin of Kentucky Bend, Fulton Co. 22 Jul 2004 JRu(T), KJ, MT, Ci . . . . . L Pomarine Jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus 2005E23 Freeman Lake, Elizabeth¬ town, Hardin Co. 3-7 Nov 2005 ■ RHe. DR(ph/t) L I Long-tailed Jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus 2004E08 Kentucky Lake above Ken¬ tucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall cos. 29 Aug - 1 1 Sep 2004 HC(ph/+), RDv, b ' NM(ph), DR(ph Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerma 2005E03 Near Union Mills, Jessamine Co. late Dec 2004 - 1 1 Apr 2005 EB. GB, MM(ph Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus 2004E11 Shaker Mill, Warren County 1 1 Oct - 2 Dec 2004 DR(ph), BS(f) : Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus 2004Ewin03 Mt. Washington, Bullitt Co 4-26 Jan 2004 PL, BP(ph) Rufous/Allen’s Humming¬ bird Selasphorus sp. 2004EI3 Kuttawa, Lyon Co. Oct - 23 Dec 2004 P&RK(ph) Rufous/Allen’s Humming¬ bird Selasphorus sp 2004E16 Bowling Green, Warren Co 9 Nov - 23 Dec 2004 JF, JE(ph) Say's Phoebe Sayornis saya 2004Ewin0 1 Near Buffalo, Larue Co 26 Dec 2003 L&BA(ph) Northern Shrike Lamus excubitor 2004E12 Sinclair Unit, Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg Co 13-28 Nov 2004 RDn(ph), HC. !Y 2008_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ 77 i Species (# if > 1) KBRC Record No. Location, County Date(s) Observed Reporters iite-eyed Vireo ireo griseus 2006E20 Lost River Park, Bowling Green. Warren Co. 29 Dec 2006 DBro(t) . Rough-winged Swallow elgidopteryx sernpenms 2005E24 Sutton Rd , Lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton Co. 28 Nov 2005 BY(vt), MY Vried Thrush oreus naevius 2006E04 Indian Hills, Louisville, Jefferson Co. 4 Feb - 25 Mar 2006 D&CAP(ph) pe May Warbler iendroica tigrina 2007E07 Land Between the Lakes, Trigg Co. 16 Dec 2006 DR(ph) (burning Warbler porornis Philadelphia 2003E06 Homer Murray Road, Warren Co. 9 Dec 2003 DR(f) otteci Towhee ipilo maculatus 2004Ewin02 Rockport-Paradise Road. Muhlenberg Co. 3 Jan - 27 Feb 2004 BP(t), AC otted Towhee | pilo maculatus 2004Evvin04 Bethel Church Road. McCracken Co. 30 Dec 2003-17 Apr 2004 BP(ph), MS Ciy-colored Sparrow oizella pallida 2006E08 Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Barren Co. 10 May 2006 DR(t) S >e Sparrow inphispiza belli 2007E09 Pondsville-Kepler Road, Warren County 18 Apr 2006 AH(ph/t) Irris's Sparrow hnotrichia querula 2004Ewin09 Lovelaceville, Ballard Co. mid-Feb - 5 May 2004 RHo(ph), MM(ph) !' . tinted Bunting asserina ciris 2006E09 Burkesville, Cumberland Co. 26 May 2006 GT(vt) t . [Hock's Oriole terus bullocku 2005E01 Lawrenceburg, Anderson Co. mid-Jan - 8 Apr 2005 BR(pli), DR(ph) htt's Oriole tterus parisorum 2007E06 North of Frankfort, Franklin Co. 29 Jan1 - 23 Apr 2007 F&DS(ph), DR(ph) Isser Goldfinch arduelis psaltna 2007E04 Elizabethtown, Hardin Co. 5-7 Dec 1980 MJJ, JRi, DH(ph) [y to Reporter documentation: f = written description; ph = photograph(s); sp = specimen; vt = videotape or deotape capture. 1 = early date of 29 Jan should replace previously published dates of 1 Feb for the Scott's Oriole mnd in The Kentucky Warbler 83(2007), pp. 52 & 56. FIELD NOTE Sage Sparrow in Warren County On the afternoon of 18 April 2006. I was walking through a field on my family’s property off of Pondsville-Kepler Road in eastern Warren County when I noticed a sparrow scratching around in an area of bare dirt created by cattle underneath some trees. 1 didn't recognize the sparrow at once but assumed that it was a regularly occurring species that I had never seen. The head of the bird was dark slate gray with an obvious white malar bordered by black. It had white lores and a white eye-ring as well. The back was dark brown with faint black streaking. The breast was white with a central dark spot and faint streaking down the sides. The tail was black, relatively long, and apparently square tipped. I did not clearly see the pattern of the tail (i.e., whether or not there was any white in the outer rectrices). The wings were similar in color to the back with white edging to the coverts. The remiges were a darker slate gray. After 1 had finished birding the rest of the field, I went into the house and checked my field guides. Based on the obvious facial marks alone, I was able to identify the bird as a 78 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Sage Sparrow (Amphispiza belli), a species not expected in Kentucky. I then grabbed my camera and returned to the field in hopes of getting some photographs of the sparrow. I found the bird near its original location, still foraging in the bare dirt. The sparrow allowed me to approach very closely, within a meter or two, and would only fly very short distances to get away. Many times it would run with its long tail cocked upwards rather than fly. 1 was able to get three photos of the bird before I ran out of film and it flew northwards across the field (Figs. 1 & 2. p. 80). During the approximately 15 minutes 1 had the bird in view I never heard it call. Having to be out of town, I was unable to search for the Sage Sparrow on subsequent days. Although 1 had only been birding for two years, I saw the bird very well, and I believe the photographs 1 took confirm the identification. The combination of structure, plumage, and behavior eliminate all other species. Sage Sparrow breeds primarily in arid, shrub-dominated habitats of the western United States, mostly in and around the Great Basin and west locally through southern California to the Pacific coast (Martin and Carlson 1998). In contrast to many species of western birds that occur with some degree of regularity in the eastern part of North America, this sparrow is seldom reported far from its normal range. A few spring and fall vagrant Sage Sparrows have been reported to the northwest of the breeding range (Martin and Carlson 1998), but in states lying between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River there are only a few records. In addition to representing the first record of Sage Sparrow in Kentucky, my obser¬ vation in Warren County also may represent only the second record for the species east of the Mississippi River. A Sage Sparrow was photographed in Nova Scotia 13 November 1994 (Forsythe 1995), but I could find no other report from the eastern United States or Canada. Domagalski (2008) lists no records of this sparrow in his summary of vagrant bird records for the mid-continental region (all non-coastal states in the central and eastern portions of North America) as of the mid-2000s. Moreover, a review of official lists published on the internet by state ornithological societies across the eastern United States yielded no reports. Five subspecies of Sage Sparrow are recognized across its range (Martin and Carlson 1998). The overall plumage of the Warren County bird is most similar to individuals of the two non-coastal subspecies, A. b. canescens of the southern Central Valley of California and the Mojave Desert and A. b. nevadensis of the Great Basin and adjacent areas. Interestingly, recent studies indicate enough genetic and behavioral difference between these two subspecies to support a species split (Cicero and Johnson 2007). Unfortunately, however, individuals of the two subspecies are similar enough in appearance, differing most significantly in measurements and vocalizations, that the identity of the Warren County bird will likely be impossible to determine if that split occurs. Literature Cited Cicero, C., and N.K. Johnson. 2007. Narrow contact of desert Sage Sparrows ( Amphispiza belli nevadensis and A. b. canescens) in Owens Valley, eastern California: Evidence from mitochondrial DNA, morphology, and GIS-based niche models. Pages 78-95 in Festschrift for Ned K. Johnson: Geographic variation and evolution in birds (Cicero and Remsen, eds.). Ornithological Monographs No. 63, American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C. Domagalski, R.C. 2008. Mid-continent rare bird records. Unpublished but available at http://www.wsobirds.org/wso midcontinent_birds_test6.html. Accessed 15 August 2008. Forsythe. B. 1995. Sage Sparrow in Nova Scotia — first eastern Canadian record. Birders Journal 4:45-47. 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 79 Martin, J.W., and B.A. Carlson. 1998. Sage Sparrow (Amphispiza belli). In The Birds of North America, No. 326 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA. — Aaron Hulsey. 831 Pondsville-Kepler Road, Smiths Grove, KY, 42171. NEWS AND VIEWS K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Grants Available The Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Fund supports research on birds in Kentucky up to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, please contact Dr. Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean’s Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, 42101 (blaine.ferrell@wku.edu). K.O.S. Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund Grants Available The Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund supports education of children in the deeper appreciation of birds and ornithology. For guidelines on how to apply for grants of up to $500, please contact Mark Bennett by mail at 1 13 Iroquois Circle, Russellville, KY, 42276, or via email at (benn5609@bellsouth.net). Visit the K.O.S. Website To learn about the Kentucky Ornithological Society, visit the KOS website maintained by Dr. Gary Ritchison at http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/default.htm . Kentucky Bird Records Committee The Kentucky Bird Records Committee (KBRC) is charged with determining the validity of records of rare and out-of-season birds in Kentucky. Sightings of such birds should be documented with information supporting the identification promptly submitted to the KBRC. Photographic evidence is desirable but not essential. Electronic documentation is preferred and should be submitted to KBRC Secretary, Ben Yandell, via e-mail at secy@kybirdrecords.org. Hard copy documentation should be mailed to Ben Yandell, KBRC Secretary, 513 Lymington Ct., Louisville, KY 40243. Fulvous Whistling-Ducks (flock of 5), Open Pond, western Fulton Co. 8 May 2008. Photo by Ben Yandell. See Spring Season 2008, p. 56. 80 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Figs. 1 (above) & 2 (below). Sage Sparrow (Amphispiza belli) 18 April 2006, Warren County (see Field Note. pp. 77-79) Photos by Aaron Hulsey The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 84 NOVEMBER 2008 NO. 4 IN THIS ISSUE SUMMER SEASON 2008, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 83 KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL MEETING, September 25-27, 2008, John Brunjes . 90 FIELD NOTE Fulvous Whistling-Ducks at Open Pond, Fulton County, Ben Yandell and Mary Yandell . 93 BOOK REVIEW, Birds in Flight; the Art and Science of How Birds Fly, Blaine R. Ferrell . 94 SELECTED INDEX, VOLUMES 81-84 (2005-2008), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr . 94 NEWS AND VIEWS . 99 Rusty Blackbird Hot Spot Blitz . 99 Discount Available for The Literary Bird Journal . 100 82 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 8^ THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Win Ahrens, Prospec Vice-President . Scott Marsh, Lexingtoi Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Ji 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-39L Treasurer . Lee McNeef P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY 4100 Recording Secretary . John Brunjes, Frankfoi Councillors: Gay Hodges, Somerset . 2006 thru 2008 Eddie Huber, Louisville . 2006 thru 2008 Marilee Thompson, Owensboro . 2007 thru 2009 Evelyn Morgan, Olive Hill . 2007 thru 2009 Kathy Cohen, Murray , ~~f)nn8 thru 2010 .^..^....^.^.UKK.ARY...E008 thru 2010 Lana Hays, Walton . Retiring President . Staff Artist . JAN . 5 2009 ITHACA. NY 14853 J Mark Bennett, Russellvill Ray Harm, Sonoita, A THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, published quarterly in February, Ma> August and November. The Kentucky Warbler is sent to all members not in arrears fo dues. Membership dues are: Regular $15.00; Contributing $25.00; Student $10.00; Famil; $20.00; and Life $300.00. All articles and communications should be addressed to th editor. Subscriptions and memberships should be sent to the Treasurer. Requests for bac issues should be sent to the Corresponding Secretary. Editor . Blaine R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineerir Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42 K Editorial Advisory Board Wayne Mason, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Stephen Stedman Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Ben Yande 513 Lymington Court, Louisville, KY 402^ THE COVER We thank Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., for the image of the Western Kingbird (Tyranm verticalis) taken 10 June 2008 at the Melco Flood Retention Basin, southern Jefferso County (see Summer Season 2008). Financial support for color reproduction in this issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Kentucky’s I Touchstone Em j Cpcr3thwl 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 83 SUMMER SEASON 2008 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely Weather conditions during June-July 2008 were somewhat variable across the state but not extreme. In general, precipitation was lower than normal across central and northern Kentucky during June with near-normal rainfall across southern Kentucky during the month; in July the situation became reversed with near-normal precipitation occurring across the northern half of the state while the onset of a severe period of drought occurred in the southern part of the state. Temperatures were slightly warmer than normal statewide during June, but slightly cooler than normal during July. Vagrants reported during the season were a flock of Fulvous Whistling-Ducks, a Roseate Spoonbill, and a Western Kingbird. This year's Least Tern nesting success was dismal, primarily due to prolonged high water levels on the Mississippi and lower Ohio rivers. In contrast. Blue-winged Teal were documented nesting in record numbers, and nesting of Northern Shovelers was confirmed for only the second time. 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 - 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; “f” next to an observer’s initials indicates that written details were submitted with the report; BBS = Breeding Bird Survey; m. ob. = multiple observers; Place names: Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam, Livingston! Lyon', Camp #9 = Camp #9 coal preparation plant, Union', Camp #1 1 = former Camp #1 1 mine. Union', Chaney Lake = Chaney Lake, Warren', DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Fish Pond = Fish Pond, w. Fulton', Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment. Lake Cumberland, Pulaski', Guthrie Swamp = Guthrie Swamp, Todd', Honey Cypress Slough = Honey Cypress Slough, along the Henderson/Union line; Horseshoe Road = sloughs along Horseshoe Road, w. Henderson', Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Living¬ ston/Marshall', Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon\ Lake No. 9 = Lake No. 9, Fulton', McElrov = McElroy Lake, Warren', Melco = Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson', Morgan Pond = Morgan Pond, Christian ; Natural Bridge = Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Powell', Obion WMA = L.E. Schaaf Tract, Obion WMA, Fulton', Open Pond = Open Pond, Fulton', Pond Creek Marsh = Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson', Snake Creek = Snake Creek embayment. Green River Lake, Adair, WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Fulvous Whistling-Duck - a flock of 9 birds was present at the Blood River embayment of Ky Lake, Calloway, 28 July (fBH et al.). KBRC review required. Mute Swan - singles at Fishing Creek 10 June and General Burnside Island State Park, Pulaski, 22 July (RDn) may have been the same individual; 1 was seen on the Ohio River at Augusta, Bracken, 22 July (RSe). American Black Duck what appeared to be an injured bird was present at Fishing Creek 10 June (RDn). Blue-winged Teal - it was an excellent sea¬ son for nesting birds with the following reports: a brood of young at Swallow Spring Pond, Christian, 1 June (MB, DR); a brood at the ditch at McElroy 4 June (DR); a brood on a transient pond near Cerulean, Trigg, 5 June (BP); a brood at 84 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Hicks Lake, w. Hardin , 1 1 June (BP); 5 males were still at Chaney Lake 4 June (BP) with 2 or 3 broods there 14 June (DR); a brood at Willow Pond, w. Fulton , 21 June (DR, JRm) with 22 birds total there 1 1 July (DR, HC); and "broods” at Fish Pond 11 July (DR). Most notably, remarkably high numbers nested in the vicinity of Morgan Pond during June with at least 24 broods on a few ponds in the immediate vicinity 5 June (BP); at least 38 broods counted on six ponds in the vicinity 16 June (BP); at least 41 broods counted in the vicinity 22 June (DR, JRm); and a total tally of 698 birds prob¬ ably representing in excess of 70 broods counted in the vicinity 30 June (BP). Ad¬ ditional reports of summering and/or nest¬ ing birds included 3 at Open Pond 20 June (DR, JRm) with 2 there 30 June (HC) and 1 there 10 July (DR); 4 birds on a slough s. of Lake No. 9 on the Tennessee state line 20 June (DR, JRm); 1 at Island No. 8 Slough, Fulton , 21 June (DR, JRm); and 6 at Obion WMA 21 July (HC). Northern Shoveler although a female was present at Chaney Lake 10 June (DR) and a pair was present at Honey Cypress Slough 13-22 June (CC), evidence of nesting was not detected at either site; however, 3 males were still at and near Morgan Pond 5 June (BP) and, although there was no sign of adults later in the season, 7 half-grown young were seen on a transient pond ne. of Oak Grove near Morgan Pond 30 June (ph. BP). Ring-necked Duck a female continued at Morgan Pond to 1 1 July (DR); 3 were at Camp #9 on 5 June (BP) with 4 there 17 June (BP) & 12 July (BP, EH). Lesser Scaup a tardy male was present on a transient pond along US 79, Todd , 4 June (DR); 1 at Fish Pond 11 July (DR) was perhaps injured and summering; 3 above Ky Dam and 8 above Barkley Dam, both 29 July (DR), were likely injured and summering. Common Goldeneye - a female, likely in¬ jured and continuing from spring, was seen above Ky Dam 22 June (DR, JRm). Hooded Merganser - there were several reports of confirmed nesting as follows: a brood of young at Lake No. 9 on 4 June (HC, ME); broods at Honey Cypress Slough 17/22 June (CC); a brood at Lake No. 9 and another on a slough s. of there at the Tennessee state line, both 20 June (DR, JRm); a brood at Fish Pond 1 1 July (DR); and a brood at Pond Creek Marsh 14 July (CC). Ruddy Duck 6 birds continued at and near Morgan Pond to 5 June (BP), but 8 were seen in the vicinity 30 June (BP) and 4 continued there to 5 July (DR); also, 1 was at Open Pond 4 June (HC, ME); and a female was seen at Horseshoe Road 30 June (CC). Common Loon - a bird in alternate plum¬ age was seen on Taylorsville Lake, Spen- 1 cer, 20 June (EH). Juvenile Northern Shoveler, Christian 30 June 2008 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Pied-billed Grebe there was one report of confirmed nesting: a juv. in the company of an adult on a transient pond ne. of Oak Grove near Morgan Pond 30 June (BP). There were several additional reports of summering/possibly breeding birds as fol¬ lows: 1 at Camp #11 on 5 June (BP) and 12 July (BP, EH); 2 at Morgan Pond 5 /IS June (BP/DR) with 6 there 14 June (DR) 3 there and 1 on a nearby pond 16 Junt (BP), and 2 there 10 July (DR) with 1 las seen there 1 1 July (DR); 1 on a transien pond along US 79, Todd , 10 June (DR FL); 1 at Hicks Lake, w. Hardin , 1 1 Jun< 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 85 (BP); 1 at Chaney Lake 14 June (DR); 1 at Honey Cypress Slough 17 June (CC); and 1 or 2 at Camp #9 on 12 July (BP, EH). Double-crested Cormorant - summer sea¬ son records of presumed non-breeders of interest included 1 at Guthrie Swamp 4/14 June (DR, TD); 1 at Snake Creek 18 June/ 12 July (RDn) and 10 at Lake No. 9 on 21 June (DR, JRm); an increase to 2 birds at Snake Creek 19 July (RDn), 3 there 26 July (RDn), and 1 over Big Gimlet Creek, Elliott , 22 July (EM) might be indicative of the commencement of the fall migra¬ tory season. Nesting birds expanded re¬ markably on Lake Barkley this year with the following reports: up to 50 or more nests at Kuttawa during the season (m. ob.); and 100 and 600 nests on two is¬ lands, respectively, in the lake near Rock¬ castle, Trigg, 6 July (ER). American White Pelican - some birds lin¬ gered along the Mississippi River, w. Ful¬ ton, through the season with the follow¬ ing reports: 51 at Open Pond 4 June (HC, ME); 32 at Lake No. 9 on 16 June (ME); 1 at Lake No. 9 on 24 June (HC, ME); ca. 130 at Open Pond 20 June (DR, JRm); ca. 80 at Lake No. 9 on 21 June (DR, JRm); and 4 at Lake No. 9 on 10 July (DR). Least Bittern -there were reports from only two locales as follows: at least 3 at Clear Creek WMA, Hopkins, 27 June (DB, EW) and 3 July (DB, EW, BP. JBr, SV); and 1 heard at Pond Creek Marsh 14 June (BY, MY) and 18 June (CC). Great Blue Heron - a new nesting colony was reported on the Buck Creek embay- ment of Cave Run Lake, Metiifee, 13 June (EM et al.). Little Blue Heron - reports of wandering birds included 1 at Snake Creek 19 & 26 July (RDn) and 1 at Fishing Creek 10 July (RDn). The only report of a post breeding congregation was ca. 50 at Lake No. 9 on 28 July (DR). Snowy Egret - there were three reports away from far w. Kentucky: 1 at Horse¬ shoe Road 12 July (CC, BP, EH); 1 at Pond Creek Marsh 14 July (CC); and 1 at the Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson, 23 July (T&CB). Great Egret - 3 over the Ohio River at Dayton, Campbell, 8 June (FR) were rather out of place for the time of year. The only substantial count of post breed¬ ing birds was 600-700 at Lake No. 9 on 28 July (DR). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - there were several reports, all being included: 2 nests were successful along Woodbine Drive, Lexington, with 1 and 3 young fledged, respectively (PD); an adult along US 60 near Future City, McCracken, 2 June (JRw); an adult along Bethany Lane, sw. Jefferson 8 July (CL); and a juv. at Lake No. 9 on 29 July (DR). Roseate Spoonbill - a juv. was present at Lake No. 9 on 28 July (ph. DR). KBRC review required. Roseate Spoonbill, Lake No. 9 28 July 2008 David Roemer Osprey - a new nest was located on a pow¬ erline tower near the Barkley Dam power house during June (KL, BLe). Mississippi Kite - the only report of birds away from known nesting areas involved at least 2 seen at Sinclair 26 July (BP, EH, MS). Northern Harrier — there were three re¬ ports of birds away from known nesting areas: a female along KY 848 w. of Keys- burg, Todd, 1 June (MB, DR); 1 over Hickman, Fulton, 21 June (DR, JRm); and a female at Camp #11 on 12 July (BP, EH). THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 86 Vol. 84 spring date (assuming the bird was still moving north). Bald Eagle - there were a few reports of interest including an tmm. at Morgan Pond 1 June (MB, DR); 1 over US 23 at the Narrows, Greenup , 4 June (RSe); and 5 imms. at Cave Run Lake, Rowan, 13 June (EM et al.). Peregrine Falcon this year there were 9 territorial/nesting pairs along the Ohio River corridor including a newly estab¬ lished pair at East Bend Station, w. Boone (KLJ et al.). Of these 9 pairs, 6 were known to successfully fledge young (fide KH). The pair at Louisville was scarcely seen during the late summer period (m. ob.), and it was unknown if any young fledged successfully at that locale. American Coot - a few birds lingered at four sites: 2 were at Camp #11 on 5 June (BP) with 1 still there 12 July (BP, EEL) but no evidence of breeding was ob¬ served; 5 lingered at Morgan Pond to late June (m. ob.) with 3 still there to 1 1 July (DR); 1 was seen at Chaney Lake 14 June (DR); and 1 summered at Griffin Park, Warren (DR). The origin of 1 at Ky Dam 23 July (DR) and 16 at Ky Dam 29 July (DR) is unclear as the dates seem way too early for migrants; it is much more likely that a summering group moved around on Ky Lake. Sandhill Crane - a bird at Morgan Pond 5/10 July (ph. DR) represented the state’s first record for July. Black-bellied Plover 1 at Open Pond 24 June (HC, ME) represented a new late Semipalmated Plover - ca. 10 at McElroy (DR), ca. 30 at Morgan Pond, ca. 1 5 along KY 739, Logan, and 1 at Swallow Spring Pond, Christian (MB, DR), were all still present 1 June (MB, DR); 3 along KY 739, Logan, 4 June (DR) were the latest to be reported in spring. One at Open Pond 24 June (TIC, ME) in between normal spring and fall migratory periods. Killdeer - peak counts included ca. 120 in the vicinity of Morgan Pond 29 June (DR); 125+ at Camp #9 on 12 July (BP, EFT); 183 at Guthrie Swamp 16 July (DR, FL); and 300+ at Lake No. 9 on 29 July (DR). American Avocet - 1 was present along the Ohio River at Dayton, Campbell, 31 July (ph. FR). Black-necked Stilt - it was an interesting season for nesting, although most at¬ tempts appeared to be unsuccessful. Re¬ ports of nesting originated from three lo¬ cales. At Open Pond, 6 adults (some on nests) were seen 4 June (HC, ME) with 5 there (1 incubating) 16 June (ME); 2 there 20 June (DR, JRm); 3 there 24 June (HC, ME); 5 there 30 June (HC); 3 pairs with 1 pair in the company of young there 2 July (JBr, CBo); 2 family groups (1 with large young probably of non-local origin) there 10 July (DR), and 1 family group remain¬ ing there to 21 July (HC). At Morgan Pond. 7 birds were still incubating with several others present 5 June (BP) with 16 birds acting very distressed there but no nesting activity and only empty nests observed (predation must have recently occurred) 16 June (BP); 11 still there 30 June (BP); 4 still there 5 July (DR); and 2 there 10/11 July (DR). Along Horseshoe Road, at least 1 bird was present 14/17 June (BY, MY/BP, CC) with a pair be¬ having as if defending a nest site there 22 June (CC) but subsequently gone (CC). Also observed during the season were 1 at Guthrie Swamp 8 June (DR, TD); 1 at Ellis Park, Henderson, 12 July (BP, EH); and 2 at Obion WMA 21 July (HC). 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 87 Greater Yellowlegs - 3 at Open Pond 13 July (HC, NM, PHo) were the earliest fall birds to be reported. Willet - 1 was at Lake No. 9 on 10 July (DR). Lesser Yellowlegs - tardy spring birds were at Melco (EH) and Morgan Pond (BP) both 4 June; 1 at Morgan Pond 19/22 June (DR) was in between typical spring and fall migratory periods; 5 at Morgan Pond and 2 at Guthrie Swamp, both 29 June (DR), and 1 on a transient pond near Mor¬ gan Pond 30 June (BP) were more likely early fall migrants. A count of 140+ at Open Pond 13 July (HC, NM, PHo) was remarkable for so early in the fall migra¬ tory season. Solitary Sandpiper - a tardy bird was at Chaney Lake 4 June (DR); 1 at Open Pond 10 July (DR) was the earliest fall bird to be reported. Spotted Sandpiper - 1 along the Ohio River at Dayton, Campbell, 8 June (FR) was rather tardy or summering; 1 at Open Pond 20 June (DR, JRm) was in between normal spring and fall migratory periods; 1 at Morgan Pond 5 July (DR) was likely an early fall migrant. Least Sandpiper - 1 at Open Pond 24 June (HC, ME) and 2 there 30 June (HC) were probably early fall migrants; the increase in fall migrants at Open Pond was demon¬ strated by 75 + there 10 July (DR), 120+ there 13 July (HC, NM, PHo), and ca. 300 there 29 July (DR). Semipalmated Sandpiper - as is the norm, small numbers of spring migrants lingered at several locales into the first week of June with several at Morgan Pond (BP) and 10 at Camp #9 (BP), both 5 June, and 1 at Morgan Pond 14 June (DR, TD) be¬ ing the latest to be reported. One at Open Pond 10 July (DR) was the earliest fall bird reported (DR), and 30+ were at Lake No. 9 by 29 July (DR). Western Sandpiper - 2 at Open Pond 13 July (HC, NM, PHo) were the earliest fall birds to be reported; also reported were 5 at Lake No. 9 on 29 July (DR). White-rumped Sandpiper - as is the norm, small numbers lingered at a few sites into the first week of June with several at Mor¬ gan Pond (BP), 2 at Camp #9 (BP), and 17 at Chaney Lake (DR), all 5 June, and 6 along KY 739, Logan (DR, FL), and 2 at Morgan Pond (DR), both 10 June, being the latest to be reported. One at Open Pond (ph. HC) and 2 ( 1 injured) at Mor¬ gan Pond (BP), all 30 June were in be¬ tween typical spring and fall migratory periods; perhaps the same bird was still at Open Pond 21 July (HC). Pectoral Sandpiper - a tardy spring mi¬ grant lingered at Morgan Pond to 5 June (BP); 1 at Open Pond 24 June (HC, ME) was probably an early fall migrant; 25+ were at Open Pond by 10 July (DR). Stilt Sandpiper 3 at Open Pond 13 July (HC, NM, PHo) were the earliest fall mi¬ grants to be reported. Short-billed Dowitcher singles at Open Pond 30 June (HC) and at Morgan Pond 5 July (DR) were the earliest fall migrants to be reported. Long-billed Dowitcher 1 seen and heard at Willow Pond, w. Fulton, 29 July (ph. DR) was relatively early. American Woodcock - 1 in farmland near Dot, Logan, 23 June (FL) and 1 along a fenceline near Morgan Pond 30 June (BP) were both unexpected, especially for mid¬ summer. Wilson’s Phalarope - the nest at McElroy was destroyed by farming operations dur¬ ing the first few days of June (DR); 3 fe¬ males feeding together at Morgan Pond 16 June (BP) were in between normal spring and fall migratory periods and ad¬ ded another twist to a uniquely abnormal season for the species. Ring-billed Gull 2 at Morgan Pond 19 June (DR) and 1 at Open Pond 20 June (DR) and 24 June (HC, ME) were rather unusual for early summer; ca. 35 in the vicinity of Ky Dam 20 June (DR, JRm) was a relatively normal number for late June and may have included some early fall arrivals; 130 were in the vicinity by 1 1 July (DR). 88 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Herring Gull - an adult at Ky Dam 10/1 1 July (DR) was relatively early if a return¬ ing fall bird. Least Tern - the nesting season was rela¬ tively dismal, with water levels on the Mississippi and lower Ohio rivers well above normal into July. A substantial number of nesting attempts were initiated in farmland adjacent to Obion WMA (DR), around Open Pond (HC, ME, DR, CBo, JBr), and adjacent to Swan Lake Unit Barlow Bottoms WMA, Ballard (CBo), but only single juvs. were seen at the latter two locales and no fledging success was documented (CBo). A few clutches were laid on a small island on the Ohio River above Grandview, Indiana, Hancock, but they failed due to a few per¬ iods of high water (DA). The only loca¬ tion where fledging success was docu¬ mented was an industrial pond at Calvert City, Marshall, where 14 active nests were counted during July (CBo, DS). Va¬ grant birds were reported at two locales: 1 at Morgan Pond I June (MB, DR), with 4 there 29 June (DR) and at least 1 there 30 June (BP); and 1 at Guthrie Swamp 4 June (BP) and 14 June (DR. TD). Black Tern - sightings of likely lingering spring migrants included singles at Mor¬ gan Pond 1 June (MB, DR) and 14 June (DR, TD), with 2 there 4/10 June (BP,DR/ DR). Singles at Open Pond 13 July (HC, NM, PHo), Barren River Lake 20 July (DR, JRm), and Obion WMA 28 July (DR) were likely fall migrants. Caspian Tern 1 at Cave Run Lake, Row¬ an, 13 June (EM et al.) was in between normal spring and fall migratory periods. Forster’s Tern 1 at Open Pond 4 June (HC, ME) was probably a tardy spring migrant; 4 at Plum Point, Green River Lake, Adair, 19 July (RDn) and 4 at Barren River Lake 20 July (DR, JRm) were likely early fall migrants. Common Tern - 6 were seen on the Ohio River at Cox’s Park, Jefferson, 18 July (tP&CM). Black-billed Cuckoo there were two re¬ ports: 1 along Pleasant Hill Church Road, Trigg, 2 June (PL, fide BLi) and 1 near the jet. of KY 55 and Clear Creek Rd., ca. 4 mi. n. of Shelbyville, Shelby, 15 June (BS). Barn Owl - there were three reports: a fam¬ ily of 3 young in sw. Logan, 4 June-early July (ph. FL, MB); 1 at Mt. Zion 6 June (RDn); and a family in an abandoned chimney at Junction City, Boyle, during July (BK, fide LD). 1 -« Young Bam Owls, Logan 1 July 2008 Frank Lyne Least Flycatcher - 9 birds were reported at the traditional breeding site at the summit of Black Mt., Harlan, 20 June (RDn). Western Kingbird one of the highlights of the season was a bird that was present at Melco 9-1 1 June and enjoyed by many local birders (ph. EH et al.; see pp. 81 and 100). KBRC review required. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher the nesting pair continued along KY 453 n. of Grand Riv¬ ers, Livingston, through the period (KL, | BLe, et al.); although young were seen in the nest, successful fledging was not con- i firmed. A male at Morgan Pond 1 June : (DR, MB) represented yet another sight- I ing from the vicinity of the Ft. Campbell I airfield over the past decade, suggesting that nesting continues somewhere in the vicinity. II Fish Crow 3 were noted at Kuttawa 11 June (KL). Cliff Swallow' - nesting birds continued along the Ohio River, Campbell/ Kenton, into July (FR). Bewick’s Wren - the only report was of 2 (a pair?) at Ft. Campbell, Trigg, 1 July (tDM). 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 89 Golden-winged Warbler - the continuing University of Kentucky research project on a nesting population w. of Williams¬ burg, Whitley , yielded reports of 16 terri¬ torial Golden-wingeds, as well as 9 nests of Golden-wingeds, 2 nests of mixed spe¬ cies pairs (Golden-winged/Blue -winged), and 2 nests of Golden-winged/hybrid (i.e., Lawrence’s/Brewster’s) pairs (PHa et al.). Black-and-white Warbler - a bird at Briar- wood, Jefferson, 21 June (JBe, PB) is in¬ dicative of how early fall dispersal com¬ mences for this early nester. Swainson’s Warbler - the species was re¬ ported only in traditional breeding areas including 2 at the Little Lick Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski, 21 June (RDn); 2 banded at Natural Bridge, 5 June (KH, ZW, et al.); 1 at Natural Bridge 14 July (BP, ZW) and 19 July (RSI); and 1 along the Rock Bridge loop trail, DBNF, Wolfe, 8 July (EM). Common Yellowthroat — a count of 40 at Fishing Creek (where the Lake Cumber¬ land drawdown has resulted in extensive growth of weedy vegetation) 24 July (RDn) was impressive. Hooded Warbler - a count of 46 at Bee Rock Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski, 12 June (RDn) was impressive. Bachman’s Sparrow - some survey work was reinitiated this season at Ft. Camp¬ bell, resulting in a few reports, all being included: singles singing in Trigg 18 June/8 July (DM) and a pair with a nest from which at least 1 young had just fledged in Trigg 2 July (DM). Savannah Sparrow - the observation of 3 birds including an apparent juv. along Snake Creek Road, Adair, 18 June (RDn) represents a new county breeding record; also of interest was 1 was heard along KY 1607, ca 1.75 miles n. of Hodgenville, Larue, 22 June (BP). Lark Sparrow - there were several reports of this rare breeder, all being included: territorial birds continued along McDon¬ ald Landing Road, Henderson, to 1 8 June (ph. CC), and along Vance Road, s. War¬ ren, with a nest site present 14 June and at least 6 birds in the vicinity 7 July (DR); at Ft. Campbell, 2 (a pair?) were seen in Christian 30 June (DM), and 1 was seen in Trigg 1 July (DM). Also reported were 2 at Lake No. 9 on 29 July (DR). Henslow’s Sparrow - reports of probable nesting birds in new locales included at least 6 males on territory at Bemheim Forest, Bullitt (KV, MA); several at Raven Run Sanctuary, Fayette, in late June (DL et al.); at least 1 near Rowletts, Hart, in late June (AH); and 2 in Barren along KY 70 near the Metcalfe line in late June (AH). At Ft. Campbell, 1 was in Trigg 5 June (DM) and 2 were in Chris¬ tian 2 July (DM) White-throated Sparrow - again this sum¬ mer, the species put in an uncharacteristic appearance with two reports: 1 heard along KY 416, ca. 1.0 mile ssw. of Heb- bardsville, Henderson, 15 June (fMY); and 1 heard in a yard at St. Matthews, Jefferson , 26 June (BW). Bobolink - there were three breeding season reports: 7 males at a BBS stop at the jet. of KY 537 and US 60 on the Bath! Mont¬ gomery line 1 June (SM); 2 and 4 males, respectively, at two BBS stops along US 60, Bath , just e. of the Montgomery line 8 June (SM); and a male a few miles sw. of Danville along Caldwell Road, Boyle, 16 June (MH). Purple Finch - a female-type lingered near Fisherville, Jefferson, to 17 June (EH, JH). 90 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Observers: Michael Autin (MA), David Ayer (DA), Danna Baxley (DB), Tom & Colleen Becker (T&CB), Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell (PB), Mark Bennett (MB), Caitlin Borck (C'Bo), John Brunjes (JBr), Hap Chambers (HC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Phyllis Deal (PD), Roseanna Denton (RDn), Lydia DiMartino-Elhs (LD), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Michael Hamm (MH), Barry Hart (BH), Patricia Hartman (PHa), Kate Heyden (KH), Patty Homer (PHo), Eddie Huber (EH), Jennifer Huber (JH), Aaron Hulsey (AH), Brian Kennedy (BK), David Lang (DL), Celia Lawrence (CL), Betty Leggett (BLe), Ken Leggett (KL), Bill Lisowsky (BLi), Paula Lisowsky (PL), Frank Lyne (FL), Scott Marsh (SM), Paul & Carol McAllister (P&CM), Nancy Moore (NM), Evelyn Morgan (EM), Daniel Moss (DM), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP), Ed Ray (ER), Frank Renfrow (FR), David Roemer (DR), Joan Roemer (JRm), Jeff Rowe (JRw), Rick Seelhorst (RSe), Ryan Slack (RSI), Brian Smith (BS), Matt Shekel (MS), Don Swearingen (DS), Kelly Vowels (KV), Shawchyi Vorisek (SV), Zeb Weese (ZW), Eric Williams (EW), Barbara Woemer (BW), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY). KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL MEETING September 25-27, 2008 Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville, KY John Brunjes, Recording Secretary The fall 2008 meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society meeting was held at Dale Hollow State Resort Park, Clinton and Cumberland counties, near Burkesville, Kentucky. The meeting was called to order at 7:13 p.m. CDT by President Win Ahrens, who wel¬ comed more than 60 members and guests. Scott Marsh recognized new attendees and introduced the evenings three guest speakers. The first speaker on Friday evening was Dr. Wayne Davis. Dr. Davis provided the group with a background on Prothonotary Warbler declines in the United States. He des¬ cribed a project he had been working on to put up nesting boxes for Prothonotary Warblers at two sites along the Kentucky River. In the first season, he had no success getting the warblers to use his boxes, but in subsequent seasons he had good success with warblers using a number of them. Wayne described various designs for Prothonotary Warbler nest boxes. He showed the group nest boxes made from a Metamucil can and one made from an orange juice carton. He described how to mount each and some of the advantages/dis¬ advantages of each design. He also gave some valuable insight into success putting up boxes for Carolina Wrens. He encouraged everyone not to clean out boxes, but to instead put up new boxes. He brought numerous wren and a few Prothonotary Warbler boxes for members to take home and put up. Dr. Stephen Stedman was the second speaker of the evening. He told the members in attendance about a project he was working on to document the birds of the Upper Cumber¬ land Region in Kentucky and Tennessee. He showed everyone components of his website (http://iweb.tntech.edu/sstedman/birds.htm) that he was using to document birds of the region. For anyone traveling to the region, it would be a valuable resource to help you know what birds to expect. Dr. Stedman asked the group for their assistance in an intense birding day in Cumberland County, Kentucky, on Saturday. Several groups were assigned different parts of the county and sought out as many birds as possible. He also asked field trip leaders to keep records of sightings in Cumberland County so they could be included in the database. The final speaker of the evening was Dr. Geoff Hill from Auburn University. Dr. Hill presented a synopsis of work he has been doing on coloration in birds. He presented the group with an extremely interesting talk describing the various pigments that are responsible for coloration in birds. As an example, he showed various birds with black and 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 91 white feathers and described how melanin was responsible for greater resistance to wear in the black portions. Dr. Hill also described how feather structure influenced the colors seen in birds. Throughout the presentation, the group was delighted with some spectacular pictures of birds. At the end of Dr. Hill’s talk. Win Ahrens thanked him for this “bonus” program and announced Saturday’s field trips. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. CDT, and soft drinks and cookies were available during a social hour that followed. The Saturday morning field trips were held in warm and sunny, fall weather. The State Resort Park was the focus of the morning’s three field trips. One field trip occurred in the campground area and was led by Scott Marsh. A second field trip, focused on the marina and woodlands around the marina; that trip was led by Win Ahrens. The third trip, led by Lee McNeely, explored the Eagle Point Trail. While no organized afternoon trip was planned, many of the meeting participants birded around the park after lunch. In addition to the field trips, many participants scattered out across Cumberland County, participating in the Cumberland County fall bird count. The KOS board meeting convened at 2:00 p.m. CDT; with numerous issues before the board, the meeting lasted until 4:20 p.m.. The Saturday evening meeting was called to order by President Win Ahrens. He announced a new nature license plate, featuring a Northern Bobwhite, that will debut on October 1, 2008; proceeds will benefit restoration of the species in the state. He showed everyone a mock-up of the plate and encouraged members to consider it when they renew. Gay Hodges announced the slate of nominees for the KOS board. All nominees stood and introduced themselves so the members in attendance knew who they were. The nominees were: President - Win Ahrens, Vice President - Scott Marsh, Treasurer - Lee McNeely, Corresponding Secretary - Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Recording Secretary - John Branjes, and Councillors - Don Martin, Shawchyi Vorisek, and Mary Yandell. The slate was approved unanimously by the members in attendance. Win then thanked the board members whose term had expired and were leaving at the end of the year (Gay Hodges, Eddie Huber, and Evelyn Morgan). Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., then led the tally of species encountered on the day by members on field trips and those participating in the fall bird survey of Cumberland County. He reported that 101 species had been seen during the day. Win Ahrens introduced the evening speaker, Dr. Geoff Hill, from Auburn University. Dr. Hill, a native of northern Kentucky, has been the ornithologist at Auburn University for the last 15 years. He presented the story of the search for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers along the Choctawhatchee River in the panhandle of Florida that has been undertaken over the course of the last few years. Dr. Hill began with a history of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker in the United States, describing the decline of the species and some of the reasons for this decline. He then chronicled some of the reports of extinctions and rediscoveries over the years before describing the truly fascinating tale of his team’s efforts to document the possible population in Florida. He told everyone about sightings of the birds by his team and by himself. He provided numerous sound recordings of what they believed were the call notes and “double knocks” of Ivory-billed Woodpeckers. He also shared a video of a bird they believed to be an Ivory-billed Woodpecker. While definitive evidence is still lacking, he presented a very compelling argument for the continued existence of the bird along the Choctawhatchee River. If you are interested in his work you can read his book. Ivory Bill Hunters: The Search for Proof in a Flooded Wilderness or visit his website http://www.aubum.edu/academic/science math/cosam/departments/biology/faculty/webpa ges/hill/ivorybill/index.html. At the completion of Dr. Hill’s talk. President Win Ahrens thanked him for the Society. Win then announced the next spring meeting on April 24-26, 2009, at Mammoth Cave National Park. He announced the speaker would be Ted Floyd, the editor of Binding magazine. He also announced plans for Sunday morning field trips and with that he closed the meeting so that everyone might socialize over refreshments. 92 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Bagdad: Berea: Bowling Green: Burlington: Carlisle: Cookeville, TN: Cynthiana: Danville: Eddyville: Floyd Knobs, IN: Frankfort: Greenville, IN: Independence: Lawrenceburg: Lexington: Louisville: Morehead: Morgantown: Mount Sterling: Murray: Prospect: Richmond: Russellville: Somerset: Vero Beach, FL: Attendance at the Fall 2008 Meeting W. Horace Brown Paul Hager, Art & Tina Ricketts Blaine Ferrell, David & Joan Roemer Joe, Joey, & Kathy Caminiti, Lee McNeely, Donna O’Daniel, Katie Smith Virginia & Wendell Kingsolver Stephen Stedman Jimmy & Julie Edwards Jane & J.P. Brantley, Ginny & Neil Eklund Betty & Ken Leggett Tom Becker John Brunjes, Terri Estes, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Jane Fender Don & Robbie Martin Terry Anderson Rhonda Bryant, Shirley & Wayne Davis, Phyllis Deal, Scott Marsh, Layton Register, Bobbi & Lou Shain, Joe Swanson, Jackie Van Willigen, Jim Williams Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Carol Besse, Carl & JoAnn Bochmann, Richard Cassell, Eddie Huber, Ben & Mary Yandell Fred, Joanna, & Katie Busroe Carroll & Doris Tichenor Gerald Robe Kathy & Michael Cohen Win Ahrens Brenda & Pete Thompson Mark & Tommie Gail Bennett Gay Hodges, Connie Neeley Tim Towles Birds Observed at the Fall 2008 Meeting The following bird species were observ ed in the vicinity of Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park: Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Eastern Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Common Nighthawk, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted King¬ fisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Golden-winged Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia 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, Black-and- white Warbler, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, 2008 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 93 Indigo Bunting, Bobolink, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, American Gold¬ finch and House Sparrow. The total species observed during the weekend was 102. FIELD NOTE Fulvous Whistling-Ducks at Open Pond, Fulton County Just after 8:00 a.m. CDT on 8 May 2008, we spotted a flock of five ducks in flight along the western edge of Open Pond in western Fulton County. Even when seen briefly in flight, the birds were immediately recognizable as whistling-ducks from their gooselike appearance, trailing legs in flight, and dark wings. The birds circled and later landed at the edge of the pond. We then were able to positively identify the birds as Fulvous Whistling- Ducks ( Dendrocygna bicolor, the Latin name is translated literally as “two-color tree- swan”). Despite their common name, neither of us heard them call. If accepted by the Kentucky Bird Records Committee, this will be Kentucky’s first record of this species. We enjoyed excellent views through binoculars and telescopes and took about 100 digital photographs (see p. 100 and The Kentucky Warbler 84(2008):54). The ducks remained in the general area until mid-afternoon and were seen by a few other birders; however, they were not reported again. The birds were medium-sized waterfowl with long necks and legs. The bill and legs were dark blue-gray. The face, cheeks, neck, chest and belly were a rich buffy to tawny- cinnamon (“fulvous” means “tawny”). The eyes were dark, without a distinct eye-ring. The long neck had a light-gray band and a narrow, blackish vertical streak along the nape. The back, wings, and tail were dark blackish-brown. The anterior two-thirds of the back had broken transverse chestnut stripes. The wings had no speculum and were dark above and below, without the broad white dorsal wing stripe of the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis). The tail had a white band, visible when flying, and the under¬ tail coverts were white. Bold white streaking separated the dark back from the tawny flanks. The flock slept, fed, and occasionally flew around in the general area, periodically disappearing from view. At one point, the birds stood in weeds in a muddy field with stand¬ ing water along Midway Road and could easily have been missed by passersby. A con¬ siderable amount of aquatic habitat was present in the flooded farm fields in the area, which is less than 2 mi (3.2 km) east of the Mississippi River and the Missouri border, and about 2 mi (3.2 km) north of the Tennessee border, with Reelfoot Lake to the south and east. An Internet search revealed previous records of Fulvous Whistling-Ducks in every state surrounding Kentucky except West Virginia. At least two other sightings of the species occurred in and near Kentucky during spring and summer of 2008 as follows: on 14 June, Jeff Wilson (TN-BIRD Listserv 2008) photographed a Fulvous Whistling-Duck southeast of Reelfoot Lake in Missouri (Pemiscot County); and on 28 July, a group of Tennessee Valley Authority employees reported a flock of 9 in flight at the upper end of Blood River embayment (Crappie Hollow), Calloway County, Kentucky (Barry Hart, pers. comm.). Fulvous Whistling-Duck is one of the most widespread waterfowl species in the world, but its range in the United States is limited to southern California, the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana, and southern Florida. It has a primarily seed-based diet and is mostly asso¬ ciated with rice fields in the United States (Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2008). Literature Cited Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 2008. www.birds.comell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide. Ac¬ cessed 15 August 2008. TN-Bird Listserv. 2008. http://www.freelists.org/archives/tn-bird/06-2008/msg.00076.html. Accessed 15 August 2008. — Ben Yandell and Mary Yandell, 513 Lymington Court, Louisville, KY, 40243. 94 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 BOOK REVIEW Birds in Flight ; The Art and Science of How Birds Fly by Carroll L. Henderson pub¬ lished in 2008 by Voyageur Press, MBI Publishing Company, 400 First Avenue North, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401 (ISBN 978-0-7603-3392-1) has 159 pages, 157 photo¬ graphs and approximately 10 graphic presentations. The first section of this book demon¬ strates the variety of flight patterns (i.e., soaring, diving, hovering, etc.) using photographs as illustrations. The second chapter of the book concerns the physics of flight (e.g., Ber¬ noulli’s principle, aspect ratio, wing loading, etc.) in an easily understandable narrative coupled with graphic depictions and photographs of birds demonstrating each factor. Chapter three explains the structures of birds (e.g., light bones, feathers, etc.) that make flight possible. Chapter four and five cover wing and tail characteristics, respectively. The final three chapters illustrate take off, flight and landing in a variety of birds. The author, who is an Air Force pilot turned wildlife biologist, shares his fascination with all aspects of flight in an informative way without being heavy and illustrates these various aspects of flight with excellent relevant photographs. For anyone interested in learning about bird flight, this book is a very pleasant introduction and easy read. Blaine R. Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering, Western Kentucky Uni¬ versity, Bowling Green, KY,42101 SEEECTED INDEX, VOLUMES 81-84 (2005-2008) 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. Place names lying outside the state of Kentucky and names of species included in lengthy tables typically do not appear as well Page references to photos of Kentucky Bird Records Committee review- list species are included. AUTHORS Ahrens, Win 84:48-50 Brown, Joshua H. 81 33 Burford, Laura S. 81 39-46 Burnett, Gerald 81:99-103 Brunjes, John 82 85-87; 83:53-56, 107-1 10; 84:90-93 Chambers, Happy 81 :33-34, 66, 67; 83:3 Ciuzio, Elizabeth 81:99-103 Cox, John J 81:33; 83:36-37 Denton, Roseanna 81 :66,67 Dever, Robert 81:33-34 Dzialak, Matthew R 81:39-46 Easley, Melissa 8 1 67 Fcn-ell, Blaine R 81 17-32; 82:17-32; 83:21-36; 84:17-33, 94 Hodge, Michael E 83:91-102 Hulsey, Aaron 84:77-79 Kissel, Mary 84:39 Kuntz, Michael 81 94-95 Lacki, Michael J. 81:39-46 Larkin, Jeffery L. 81:33 Leese, Benjamin E. 82:37-40 Libby, Gary W. 81:34-35 McNeely, Lee K 81:3-17,54-62,81-94, 103- 1 10, 1 1 3-1 14; 82:3-1 7, 43-5 1,51 -52, 63-76, 79-84; 83:7-21, 43-53, 71-86, 102-107; 84:3- 17,40-48, 55-72,83-90 Monroe, Mark 81:46-54; 82:32-37, 84:50-52 Morse, Donald, Jr 82:32-37 Moss, E. Daniel 83 110-111 Palmer-Ball, Brainard, Jr. 81:3-17, 39-46, 54- 62,71-80,81-94, 99-103, 103-110, 113; 82:3-17, 32-37, 43-51, 55-56, 59-63, 63-76, 79-84; 83:7-21, 37-39, 43-53, 56-57, 57-59,. 71-86, 86-87, 102-107; 84:3-17, 33-35, 40- 48, 50-52, 55-72, 83-90, 94-99 Patton, Laura 81 110-113; 82 53-55 Peak, Judy 83:67-71 Peak, Bob 83:67-71 Ritchison, Gary 83 91-102 Robe, Gerald 81:62-66 Roemer, David 81:71-80; 82:32-37, Seward, Nathan W. 81:33 Smith, Adam 82:59-63; 83:4-6, 63-66 Stedman, Stephen J. 81:94-95 Veverka, Norman Budd 83:4-6 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 95 Vorisek, Shawchyi 81:39-46; 82:59-63; 83:4-6, Williams, James 81:114,115 63-66 Yandcll, Ben 82:32-37; 83: 1 1 1; 84:73-77, 93 Vukovich, Mark 81:46-54 Yandell, Mary 84:93 Walter, Mary 82:32-37 BIRDS Anhinga 83:76; 84:74 Blackbird, Rusty 84:99 Bluebird, Eastern 82:55-56; 83:67-71, 97 Brant 81:82; 84:73 Bunting, Indigo 81:63; 83:64, 66, 1 10-1 1 1 Painted 82:52, 76; 84:77 Cardinal, Northern 83:56, 66 Chickadee, Black-capped 84:46 Carolina 83:64,69,70 Cormorant, Double-crested 83:86, 87 Neotropic 82:51; 83:47, 61, 86-87, 88 Dove, White-winged 82:52 Duck, Harlequin 84:37, 42 Mottled 81:82; 84:73,74 Eagle, Bald 82:59-63 Golden 81:50 Egret, Reddish 81:6; 84:75 Falcon, Peregrine 81:39-46; 83:4-6, 38 Flycatcher, Acadian 83:64, 66 Least 81:94-95,96 Gallinule, Purple 84:75 Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray 83:66 Godwit, Hudsonian 82:52; 83:75; 84:66, 67 Marbled 82:8, 34, 52, 69; 83:75; 84:75 Goldfinch, American 83:63 Lesser 84:73, 77 Goose, Cackling 81:56; 82:44, 51; 83:57-59; 84:73, 74 Canada 83:57-58 Goshawk, Northern 81:1 13-1 14; 84:75 Grebe, Red-necked 82:66; 83:9; 84:74 Western 83:76; 84:43, 74 Ground-Dove, Common 81 :59, 66, 68; 84:76 Gull, California 82:52:84:11,76 Great Black-backed 83: 14, 49; 84:76 Iceland 83:81; 84:76 Laughing 82:34, 35, 36 Little 84:76 Ring-billed 81:34 Sabine's 82:52; 83:49; 84:75, 76 Harrier, Northern 81:46-54,66 Hawk, Cooper’s 81:50 Red-shouldered 81:50 Red-tailed 81:49,50,51,52,71-80 Rough-legged 81:50:83:111, 112:84:73,75 Sharp-shinned 81:50 Swainson’s 82:57:84:73,75 Heron, Tricolorcd 82:6; 84:74 Hummingbird, Ruby-throated 83:64, 66; 84:52 Rufous 82:52; 84:76 Rufous/Allen’s 84:76 Ibis, Glossy 82:51 ; 83:74; 84:66 White 82:6; 83:10, 104; 84:75 Ibis, White-faced 81:6; 84:75 Jaeger, Long-tailed 81:1, 9, 33-34; 84:73, 76 Pomarinc 81:34; 82:10; 84:76 Kestrel, American 81:49,50,51,52 Kingbird, Western 84:81, 100 Kite, Swallow-tailed 82:51 Knot, Red 84:8 Loon, Pacific 82:51; 84:74 Yellow-billed 84:73, 74 Merlin 81:50 Noddy, Brown 82:34 Nuthatch, Brown-headed 84:67 White-breasted 83:69 Oriole, Blatimore 81:113 Bullock’s 81:, 61, 113, 116:84:73,77 Scott’s 83:41, 52, 56-57, 60; 84:73, 77 Osprey 81:50 Ovenbird 83:66 Owl, Great Homed 81:40 Northern Saw-whet 84:50-52 Short-eared 81:46-54 Parakeet, Carolina 82:38 Pelican, Brown 84:66 Phalarope, Red 82:9, 36, 52; 84:75 Red-necked 82:52; 83:75. 105; 84:67, 75 Phoebe, Eastern 81:33 Say’s 81:33; 84:67, 76 Pigeon, Rock 81:40, 43 Pipit, American 81:66 Plover, Piping 83:74 Rail, Yellow 82:52 Raven, Common 81:33 Ruff 82:77; 84:66, 75 Sandpiper, Baird’s 83:38 Least 83:38 Western 82:34 Shearwater, Audubon’s 81:105; 82:1, 33, 40; 84:73,74 Shrike, Loggerhead 81:67 Northern 81:12, 67, 68; 84:73, 76 Skimmer, Black 84:73, 76 Sparrow, Clay-colored 82:52; 84:36, 77 Grasshopper 81:63 Harris's 82:56; 84:77 House 83:70,98 Sage 84:73,77,77-79,80 Spoonbill, Roseate 84:1, 6, 75, 85 Starling, European 81 :40, 43; 83:98 Stint, Little 83:1, 13, 37-39, 40; 84:73, 75 Red-necked 83:37 Stork, Wood 83:10:84:7,75 Storm-Petrel, Band-rumpcd 82:35; 84:74 Leach’s 82:36 96 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Storm-Petrel, Wilson’s 82:36 Swallow, Barn 82:52 Swallow1, Northern Rough-winged 84:77 Tree 83:69,70,97 Swift, Chimney 81:63 Teal, Cinnamon 82:76; 84:74 Tern, Black 82:34, 36 Common 82:34, 36 Least 81 99-103 Sooty 81:34-35,36, 107; 82:33, 34, 40; 84:76 Thrush, Wood 83:64,66 Varied 82:41; 84:77 Titmouse, Tufted 83:66, 70 Towhee, Spotted 84:77 Turkey, Wild 82:38 Virco, White-eyed 84T7 Vulture, Black 81:41; 83:36-37 Turkey 81:41 Warbler, Black-and-white 83:66 Cape May 84:77 Connecticut 84:34 Golden-winged 83:97 LOO Adair County 81 74 Allen County 81 74; 84:75 Anderson County 81 61, 1 13, 1 16; 84:77 Anderson Pond 82 61 Audubon Swamp 82:61 Aurora 83 1 07 Bailey Hollow 82:61 Ballard County 81 17,74,76-78, 100, 102; 82:6, 17, 59, 61; 83:21, 58; 84:18, 75, 77 Bandana 81:76,78 Bardstown 81:113 Bath County 82:62 Bay, Blockhouse 82:61 Cravens 82:61 Demumbers 82:61; 84:74 Duncan 82:61 Fulton 82:61 Higgins 82:61 Honker 84:76 Little River 82:61 Mammoth Furnace 82:61 Pryor 82:61 Rhodes 82:61 Savelis 82 61 Smith 82:61 Sugar 82:61 Terrapin 82:61 Turkey 82 61 Bayou de Chien 82:61; 84:74 Bedford 81:42 Belleview' 81:73 Bemheim Forest 81:20; 82 20; 83:32; 84:21 Warbler, Hooded 83:66 Kentucky 83:65, 66 Mourning 84:34, 77 Palm 84:34 Prairie 83:64,97 Prothonotary 83:64, 69, 70; 84:90 Tennessee 84:34 Worm-eating 83:64, 66 Yellow-rumped 84:33 Yellow-rumped “Audubon’s” 84:33-35 Waterthrush, Louisiana 83:64, 66 Whimbrel 82 52 Whistling-Duck, Fulvous 84:53, 79, 93, 100 Willet 82:34 Woodpecker, Downy 82:55; 83:66 Ivory-billed 82:37-40; 84:91 Pileated 82 38 Red-cockaded 84 48 Wren, Bewick’s 83:89, 91-102 Carolina 83:66,69,70,93 House 83:93,96,97,99 Yellowlegs, Lesser 84:75 Yellowthroat, Common 83:66 JTIES Big Woods, Mammoth Cave National Park ^ 82:55,56 Birmingham Point 84:74 Bluegrass Parkway 81:76 Boone County 81 :43, 73, 77, 1 13, 1 14 Boston 81:75 Bowling Green 81:19, 73; 82:19; 83:23; 84:20, 73, 76, 77 Boyd County 81:74 Boyle County 81:73 Brandenburg 81:76; 83:4 Breathitt County 81:33 Brown Power Plant 83:58 Brownsboro 84:52 Buffalo 84:76 Bullitt County 81:75; 83:64; 84:76 Burgin 81:40,77 Burlington 81:31; 82:30; 83:35; 84:31 Burkesville 82:76; 84:77, 90 Butler County 81 78 Cadiz 81:77 Caldwell County 83:90 Calloway County 81:18, 74; 82:18, 52, 61; 83:22; 84 18 Calvert City 81 73 Camp #9 81:100 Camp #11 84:75 Camp Mines 81:75 Campbell County 82:9, 34, 36, 83:4; 84:42, 75, 76 Campbell Dikes 81101 Canton 82:35 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 97 Carlisle County 81:6,66,75, 100-102; 82:61 ; 84:75 Carroll County 81:40, 42; 83:5 Cave Hill Cemetery 83:58,59:84:74 Cayce 81:75,76 Christian County 81:74; 82:52; 83:1 10 Clark County 81:49 Clarks River NWR 83:63-66, 108, 109 Clinton County 84:90-93 Corbin 84:48* Cottonwood Bar 81:101 Covington 83:4 Creek, Cypress 82:62 Jonathan 82:61:84:7,8,75 Little Mud 82:61 Mayfield 82:61 Mill 83:4,5 Walnut 84:75 Wilson 82:61 Cumberland County 82:76; 84:77, 90-93 Curlew 81:100 Dam, Barkley 82:35, 36; 84:66, 74, 76 Kentucky 81:33; 82:33-36, 40; 83:49; 84:11, 74-76 Meldahl 84:43 Smithland 81:101; 82:33, 35, 36; 84:76 Danville 81:30; 82:30; 83:34; 84:31 Daviess County 82:56; 84:39, 74 Dawson Springs 82:53 Devil’s Elbow 82:61 Dewey Lake 81:32; 82:32; 83:36; 84:33 East Bend Power Plant 81:73,77 Eddyville 82:35,61 Elizabethtown 84:76, 77 Elliott County 84:2 Empire Farm 82:61 Falmouth 81:31; 82:31; 83:35; 84:32 Falls of Rough 81:20 Falls of the Ohio 82:34; 82:35; 84:74, 76 Fayette County 81:40,43 Fort Campbell Military Reservation 82:53; 83:110-111 Fort Knox Military Reservation 83:64, 65 Frankfort 81:30; 82:21; 83:5, 34, 56, 60; 84:30, 77 Frankfort Fish Hatchery 82:35; 84:74 Franklin County 82:35; 83:42, 52, 56-57, 60; 84:74,77 Fulton 81:77 Fulton County 81:6,66,68,73-78, 100, 101; 82:38, 52, 59, 61; 83:10, 58, 74, 76, 104, 111; 84:54, 67, 74-77,79,93 Gallatin County 81:73 Garrard County 83:64, 111; 84:75 Garrison 82:62 Ghent 81:40,42,43 Gibraltar Mine 81:74,77 Glasgow 81:20; 82:19; 83:32; 84:20 Grant County 81:77 Graves County 81:77 Grayson County 82:62 Greenup County 81:42; 82:85 Griffith Woods 83:36 Griffith Tavern 83:36-67 Hancock County 81:100 Hardin County 82:10, 36; 83:64; 84:76, 77 Harlan County 81 :74, 94 Harmony Village 81:75 Harrison County 83:36 Harrodsburg 81:73 Hart County 81:21; 82:21, 55; 83:33, 64; 84:30 Hazard 84:33 Henderson 82:38, 59; 83:67 Henderson County 81 :73-75, 77-78, 82; 82:60- 62, 76; 83:67, 74, 75; 84:74, 75 Henry County 82:62 Hickman 81:73,74,75,76,77 Hickman County 81:75, 100-102; 82:61 Hopkins County 82:5 1 , 62; 83: 1 1 0 Horseshoe Road 84:74 Indian Hills 84:77 Island No 1. 81:100; 84:75 No. 6 81:101 No. 8 81:101:82:59,61 Towhcad 84:74 Wolf 82:61 Jefferson County 81:42; 82:35, 52; 83:2, 4, 13, 14, 37, 40, 58, 59, 1 1 1 ; 84:34-36, 50-52, 74- 77, 81 Jenny Hole Unit 82:61 Jessamine County 81 :40, 59; 84:76 Kenton County 82:9, 36; 84:75 Kentucky Bend 81:100; 82:61; 84:76 Kentucky Point 81:101 Kuttawa 82:35; 84:76 Lake, Barkley 82:33, 35; 83:67, 87; 84:74, 76 Barren River 82:35; 84:75 Cave Run 82:62 Cumberland 81:43; 82:35; 84:74 Freeman 82:36; 84:76 Grayson 84:2 Green River 81:30, 74; 82:21; 83:34; 84:30 Herrington 81:41 Kentucky 81:1.9,105,107:82:33,40; 83:67; 84:74-76 Laurel River 82:60,62 Me Elroy 81:74; 84:66, 67 Metropolis 81:101 Mitchell 84:75 No. 9 81:66; 82:61; 84:74, 75,85 Peewee 82:62 Rough River 82:62 Taylorsville 82:35 Yatesvillc 82:62 Land Between The Lakes 81:18, 77; 82:18, 59- 61; 83:3, 22, 67-71, 107, 108; 84:18, 77 Larue County 82:62; 84:76 Laurel County 81:40; 82:60, 62 98 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Lawrence County 82:62; 84:46 Lawrenceburg 81:1 13, 1 16; 84:77 Ledbetter 81 100-102 Letcher County 81:34, 36; 84:76 Lewis County 82:62 Lewisport 81:100 Lexington 81:31 , 40, 43; 82:30, 39; 83:5, 34, 58; 84:31 Lincoln County 81 73; 82:37 Livingston County 81:33,73,76-78, 100, 101; 82:33,40, 62; 84:74-76 Livingston Point 81:101 Lodale 82:62 Logan County 81:73-75,78,82:34,52 Lost River Park 84:77 Louisville 81:21, 40, 42; 82:20, 34, 35, 42; 83:4, 33,58,59, 97; 84:21, 74, 77 Louisville Zoo 83:58: 84:74 Lovelaceville 84:77 Lower Hickman Bottoms 81:76, 77: 84:77 Lower Hoods Branch 83:65 Lynn Grove 81:74 Lyon County 81:73, 77, 82:35, 52, 61 ; 83:49, 67,81,99:84:6, 74, 76 Maceo 84:19 Madison County 81:49; 82:52 Mammoth Cave National Park 81:20; 82: 19, 55; 83:32, 64-66; 84:20 Marshall County 81 1,33,73. 100, 102; 82:8, 40, 52, 61, 66, 83:64, 75, 76, 107; 84:67, 74- 76 Marshall’s Bottom 82:62 Mason County 82:62; 83 4 Mayfield 81:77 Maysville 83:4 McAlpine Dam 82 35 McCracken County 81 101; 82:32; 84:77 Meade County 81:76; 82:62, 83:4, 64 Melco Flood Retention Basin 83 37-40; 84:34, 36,75 Menifee County 81:40,41,43 Mercer County 81:40, 73, 77; 83:58 Middle Bar 81 100, 101 Milton 81:42:83:5 Minor Clark Fish Hatchery 82:78; 84:75 Monkey’s Eyebrow 81:74,76, 100, 102 Morganfield 81:74 Moscow 81:75 Mt. Washington 84:76 Mountain, Black 81:94, 96 Pine 81:34,40; 84:76 Mud Slough 82:59 Muhlenberg County 81:12, 46-54, 67, 68, 75- 78; 82:35, 51, 52, 62, 69, 83:47, 52, 55, 62, 86-87, 88; 84:75-77 Nelson County 81:75,76,113 Northern Ditch 83:38 Ohio County 81:46-54, 73-78; 82:35, 36; 83:55 Oldham County 81:73, 75; 82:44; 84:52 Olive Branch 82:61 Olmstead 81:18; 82:18; 83:23; 84:19 Otter Creek Park 81:20; 82:20; 83:32; 84:21 Owen County 83:95,96 Owensboro 84:39, 74 Paducah 82:32 Paradise 81:19; 82:19; 83:23, 86, 88, 109; 84:20, 75 Pike County 81:32, 78; 84:74 Pond, Morgan 84:67 Open 84 79,93 Willow 84:75 Powderly 83:52-56 Powell County 81:40, 41, 42, 43; 83:64 Pulaski County 81:82; 82:52; 83:9; 84:73, 74 Purchase Parkway 81:77 Red River Gorge National Geological Area 81:40,41,42,43 Reelfoot NWR 81:76; 82:61 Richmond 81:31; 82:31; 83:35; 84:32 River, Cumberland 83:67 Dix 81:41 East Fork Clarks 83:65 Green 82:35, 36; 83:5, 65 Kentucky 81:40,41; 82:62; 83:5 Licking 82:36; 84:75 Little 83:67 Mississippi 81 99-103; 82:38, 59-61; 84:75, 76 Ohio 81:42, 43, 99-103; 82:32, 34, 38, 59- 62; 83:4, 5; 84:74-76 Rockcastle 81:40 Tennessee 81:99, 100, 102; 83:67 Tradcwater 82:62 Rochester 82:36 Rockfield 81:76 Rolling Fork 82:62 Rowan County 82:52, 78; 84:75 Russell 81:42 Russell County 81 : 1 10; 83:35; 84:32 Russellville 82:34 Scott County 83:93,94 Shaker Mill' 84:76 Sharkey 84:75 Shaw Branch 82:61 Shawnee Hills 82:60 Shelby County 81:74; 83:111, 112; 84:75 Shelbyville 81:21, 74. 82:21; 83:33; 84:30 Shepherdsville 81:62-66,75 Sidney 84:74 Slough, Back 82:61 Dunn 83:65 Honey 82:61 Smithland 82:62 Somerset 81:31. 82:31; 83:35; 84:32, 73 Sorgho 81:18; 82:18; 83:22; 84:19 Stanton 81:41 State Nature Preserve, Jesse Stuart 82:85 Pilot Knob 83:64 2008 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 99 State Nature Preserve, Tom Dorman 81:40, 41; 83:64 State Park, John James Audubon 83:67 State Resort Park, Barren River Lake 84:77 Cumberland Falls 84:48-50 Dale Hollow Lake 84:90-93 Greenbo Lake 82:85-87 Kcnlake 83:107-110 Kentucky Dam Village 82:61 Lake Barkley 83:67-71 Lake Cumberland 81:110-1 13 Natural Bridge 81:32; 82:31; 83:36, 64-66; 84:33 Pennyrile Forest 82:53-55 Steele’s Bottom 81:73 Taylor County 83:93, 94 Trigg County 81:74, 76, 77; 82:35, 51,61; 83:67, 87; 84:6, 76, 77 Trimble County 81 :42, 43; 83:5 Union County 81:74,75,78, 100, 102; 82:52; 83:105; 84:75 Union Mills 84:76 Uniontown 81:100 Upton 81:21; 82:21; 83:33; 84:30 Waitsboro Recreation Area 84:74 Warren County 81:56, 73-78; 82:51, 52; 83:58, 93,94;84:73,76,77,80 Warsaw 81:31; 82:30; 83:35; 84:32 Watson Point 81:1 00 Waverly 81:74 Wayne County 81:32; 82:31; 83:36; 84:33 Whitesburg 81:34 Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Ballard 81:78; 82:59, 61; 83:58; 84:75 Homestead 81:74 Klebcr 81:30; 82:30; 83:34; 84:31 Obion 82:61 Peabody 81:46-54, 67, 68, 73-78; 83:54, 56; 84:76 Sinclair 81:75; 84:76 Sloughs 81:73, 77; 82:61, 62; 84:74, 75 Swan Lake 82:59, 61 Westvaco 81:66; 82:61 White City 82:62 Williamson 81:32 Wolfe County 81:40 Woodbum 81:76,77 GENERAL Book Review 84:94 Bylaws 82:87-91 Fall Meeting 81:1 10-113; 82:85-87; 83:107- 110; 84:90-93 Hurricane Related Birds 82:32-37 In Memoriam: Dr Clell T. Peterson 83:3 Albert L. “Bert” Powell, Jr. 84:39 Kentucky Bird Records Committee Report 82:51-52; 84:73-77 Mid-winter Bird Count 81:17-32; 82:17-32; 83:21-36; 84:17-33 Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivor¬ ship (MAPS) Program 83:63-66 Project SOS (Save our Sialia) 83:67-71 Spring Meeting 81:62-66; 82:53-55; 83:53- 56; 84:48-50 Statement of Financial Position 81:114 Treasurer’s Report 81:115 NEWS AND VIEWS Mark Your Calendars for the Rusty Blackbird Hot Spot Blitz! The Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolimis) population has been steeply declining with estimates of an 85 to 99% drop over the past 40 years. The cause for this alarming decline is not known, and the increasingly sparse and patchy winter distribution of the Rusty Black¬ bird is making it more difficult to learn more about distribution, abundance, and ecology as a basis for conservation efforts. Collaborating with the Cornell Laboratoiy of Ornithology's and the National Audubon Society’s e-Bird project, the Rusty Blackbird Technical Working Group (RBTWG) needs your help to find local, but predictable wintering concentrations of Rusty Blackbirds by participating in the Rusty Blackbird Hot Spot Blitz. The Blitz will occur, February 7-15, 2009, throughout the Rusty Blackbird winter range in over 20 mid- western and southeastern states. Participants will simply be asked to visit locations where they have previously sighted or would expect to encounter Rusty Blackbirds and submit their observations via e-Bird. As a result of these efforts, the RBTWG is hoping to create maps of wintering Rusty Blackbird "hot spots" that will help direct research, monitoring and conservation attention. Watch the BIRDKY listserv for more information or contact Kate Heyden at (kathryn.heyden@ky.gov), the Blitz coordinator for Kentucky, if you are interested in par¬ ticipating. 100 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 84 Discount Av ailable for The Literary’ Bird Journal The Literary Bird Journal ( LBJ ): Avian Life, Literary Arts is a journal of creative writ¬ ing with a focus on birds. The journal is a compendium of poems, essays and art related to birds. Watercolor plates of birds by Barry Kent MacKay are included. The Editor-in-Chief, Nick Neely can be reached at editor@literarybirdjoumal.org. K.O.S. members are being offered a 40% discount off the cover price of $9.00 per issue. If you are interested you can check it out for yourself at www.literarybirdjoumal.org. Above: Fulvous Whistling-Ducks, Fulton Co., 8 May 2008. Photo by Ben Yandell (see Field Note, p. 93) Below Feft: Western Kingbird, Jefferson Co., 1 1 June 2008. Photo by Eddie Huber (see Summer Season report, p. 88) Below Right: Juvenile Northern Shoveler with Blue-winged Teal, Christian Co., 30 June 2008. Photo by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (see Summer Season report, p. 84) /