Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from BHL-SIL-FEDLINK https://archive.org/details/kentuckywarbler8588kent DATE DUE PRINTED IN U S. A ALBERT R. MANN LIBRARY AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) fOL. 85 FEBRUARY 2009 NO. 1 IN THIS ISSUE HISTORY AND CURRENT STATUS OF NESTING OSPREYS (Pandion haliaetus) IN KENTUCKY, Ed Ray. Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., and Kathryn Heyden . 3 FALL SEASON 2008. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 8 MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT 2008-2009, Blaine R. Ferrell . 21 BOOK REVIEW. Blaine R. Ferrell . 39 I news and views 39 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY [’resident . Win Ahrens. Prosjl; Vice-President . Scott Marsh, Lexingl Corresponding Secretary' . Brainard Palmer-Ball! 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3! Treasurer . Lee McNe P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY 41 Recording Secretary . John Brunjes. Frank! Councillors: Marilee Thompson. Owensboro . 2007 thru 2009 Mary Yandell. Louisville . 2008 thru 2009 Kathy Cohen. Murray . 2008 thru 2010 Lana Hays. Walton . 2008 thru 2010 Don Martin. Independence . 2009 thru 201 1 Shawchyi Vorisek. Frankfort . 2009 thru 201 1 Retiring President . Mark Bennett, Russelhl Staff Artist . Ray Harm. Sonoita. \l THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, published quarterly in February'. M/J August and November. The Kentucky Warbler is sent to all members not in arrears >r' dues. Membership dues are: Regular $15.00: Contributing $25.00; Student $10.00: Fanjyl $20.00; and Life $300.00. All articles and communications should be addressed to e editor. Subscriptions and memberships should be sent to the Treasurer. Requests for bilk issues should be sent to the Corresponding Secretary. Editor. . Blaine R. Ferrell. Ogden College of Science and Engineeiig Western Kentucky University. Bowling Green. KY 42)' Editorial Advisory Board Wayne Mason, Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., and Stephen Stedman Secretary. Kentucky Bird Records Committee. .Ben Yan'ill 513 Lymington Court. Louisville, KY 4013 THE COVER We thank Jeff Rowe for the image of the apparent male Hooded Oriole ( Ictex cucullatus ) taken 29 November 2008 in his yard at Kevil. Ballard County. Finan(.il support for color reproduction in this issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Ms( , Kcntuclp Touchstone Iin C\*opcrac|| >009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER MANN LIBRARY HISTORY AND CURRENT STATUS OF NESTING OSPREYS (Pan (lion h o I i act us) IN KENTUCKY AF!R 2 2009 Ed Ray, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Kate Heyden ITHACA, NY 14853 Introduction The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is an uncommon to fairly common migrant across ■ Kentucky during spring and fall. The species winters primarily throughout the New World Topics and is not expected here during winter. As a breeding bird, the Osprey has varied remarkably since the days of John James Audubon, who found “several pairs” nesting near the Falls of the Ohio around 1810 (Mengel 1965). During the 1800s and early 1900s, small numbers of birds likely nested along the floodplains of the lower Ohio and Mississippi rivers, although evidence of such was largely limited to the presence of adult birds during the breeding season (Mengel 1965). In 1949. an active nest was reported by DeLime ( 1949) on the Blood River embayment of Kentucky Lake, Calloway County. Based on occasional breeding season observations of birds during the 1950s. Mengel (1965) considered the species to be a very' rare summer resident in the extreme western part of the state, breeding occasionally. Subsequent to Mengel's assessment, the appearance of organochlorine residues from pesticides such as DDT in the environment began to negatively affect nesting success of raptors and waterbirds. As a result. Ospreys, like many other fish-eating birds, declined substantially in numbers during the 1960s and early 1970s. Restoration Efforts In response to rangewide declines experienced during the DDT era, both state and federal agencies became involved in Osprey restoration programs during the early 1980s. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) established an Osprey hacking program in the Tennessee portion of Land Between the Lakes (LBL) in 1981, releasing nestlings obtained from wild nests in Chesapeake and Delaware bays. In 1982 the hacking site was moved to Honker Bay in Lyon County, Kentucky, where the program continued to 1989. As a result of this effort. 61 young Ospreys were released at LBL from 1981 to 1989 (S. Bloemer, pers. comm.). In 1982, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) joined TVA's efforts at LBL and coordinated the hacking of six young at three additional sites (S. Evans, unpubl. report). From 1983 to 1984, KDFWR hacked an additional 20 young at eight sites in central and western Kentucky (S. Evans, unpubl. report). Finally, during 1988-1989. KDFWR assisted the U.S. Forest Service in hacking Ospreys at Laurel River Lake, Laurel County, resulting in the release of 10 individuals (D. Yancy, pers comm, in Palmer-Ball 1996). The LJ.S. Forest Service then continued hacking birds at Laurel River Lake during 1990-1991 (D. Yancy, pers. comm.). At least partially resulting from these efforts, a few nesting pairs became established in western Kentucky. Ospreys were not conclusively known to nest in the state between 1949 and 1986, but during the latter year three nests were documented: one along the lower Ohio River near Bayou, Livingston County; one on Lake Barkley, Trigg County; and one on Kentucky Lake. Calloway County (Stamm 1986; E. Ray notes). That initial year, only the Ohio River nest was successful, but by 1990, several pairs built nests, and at least two pairs on Lake Barkley and the pair on the Ohio River fledged young (Stamm 1990). Recent Expansion on Lake Barkley and Adjacent Land Between the Lakes As of 1991 the known nesting population had grown to seven pairs (six on Lake Barkley and the nest on the Ohio River) (Stamm and Monroe 1991; Palmer-Ball 1996). That year TVA banded 1 1 nestlings from the six Lake Barkley nests (E. Ray. notes). The banding of Osprey nestlings continued over the course of the next several years, and the 4 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 8 nesting population on Lake Barkley steadily increased, with most new nests on channel markers in the lake (TVA, unpubl. summary). Interestingly, one of the young Osprey: banded on Lake Barkley during the summer of 1994 was recovered in Cuba the following February (TVA, unpubl. report). Recognizing that the nesting Osprey population wa: beginning to take hold. TVA coordinated the placement of 12 free-standing Osprey nes platforms on Lake Barkley from just south of the US 68 highway bridge north to Craven: Bay during the early 1990s. By 1995, a total of 17 Osprey nests were documented on Lake Bark¬ ley, including 14 active nests (TVA, unpubl. report); while nests were initi¬ ated on some of the newly erected, free-standing platforms, some pairs were still utilizing channel markers in the lake (Fig L). Unfortunately, the massive stick nests often obscured the lights on these markers, which des¬ ignate the navigation channel for barge traffic at night. At the completion of each nesting season, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) would remove problem nests, only to have them rebuilt by returning Ospreys the following year. In response to this problem, during the mid-1990s the USCG in cooperation with KDFWR installed nesting "rings” above the navigation lights on approx¬ imately a dozen channel markers in Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. The Ospreys were then able to build nests on the nesting rings that extended above the channel markers without blocking the lights. This strategy has remained very successful to this day for both navigation safety and the Ospreys, as the nest rings keep the nest material clear of navigation lights and they are very stable; moreover, nests persist fron1 one year to the next, precluding the need for returning birds to rebuild them. In addition t( the channel markers and free-standing platforms, a few birds also began to utilize utility poles and occasionally trees on adjacent land areas during the mid-1990s. When LBL management responsibility was shifted from TVA to the U.S. Fores) Service in 1996, comprehensive nest survey efforts were discontinued. However, beginnin; in 1999, Ray volunteered to conduct an annual survey of Osprey nests on the Kentuck; portion of Lake Barkley with support from KDFWR. Such surveys have been conducted every year except 2007. As a result of this effort, the increase in the numbers of nestin; birds has been well-documented over the course of the past ten years (Table 1 ). During th period 1999-2008, the number of active nests on and near Lake Barkley has quickly growi; from 26 (14 known to contain young) to 63 (35 known to contain young), respectivel; (Table 1; Fig. 2). Suitable nesting structures now appear to be completely saturated a demonstrated by the observation of five active Osprey nests on the US 68 highway bridg over Lake Barkley in 2008. two on top of the bridge and three in the bridge suppoi structures below the highway. Fig. 1 . Osprey nest on channel marker in Lake Barkley. Photo by Tom Fusco. 2000 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 5 Kentucky Environmental Education Projects, Inc. (KEEP) In response to the opportunity to provide unique educational experiences and the need for additional management attention to nesting Ospreys in the LBL region, in November 2000 Ray founded a non-profit organization. Kentucky Environmental Education Projects, Inc. (KEEP). In addition to conducting the annual Lake Barkley nesting surveys, KEEP worked closely with KDFWR, USCG, Caldwell County Elementary School (CCES), and the Caldwell County Kentucky Technical Vocational School to construct and erect an additional 20 channel marker nest platform extensions and 5 free-standing nest platforms on Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake during the early 2000s. As of 2005, all suitable channel markers on both reservoirs had nest platform extensions. KEEP also partnered with Dawson Springs School to place a platform at Lake Beshear, Christian County, and at Pennyrile Lake. Christian County, in hopes that an expanding Osprey nesting population might be encouraged to nest at these locations. 1. Lake Barkley Osprey nesting survey results. 1999-2008. •y Dates Nests with young Total No. of Nests No. of Birds at Nests Ads Yg link No. of Birds Near Nests No. of Birds Not Near Nests Total Ospreys 5-1999 1-1999 14 26 33 24 0 4a - 61 (37a 24y) 1-2000 3-2000 13 28 34 32 0 2a 2a 2u 72 (38a 32y 2u) 3-2001 1-2001 12 (20) * 34 30 24 0 17a I3y la 6u 91 (48a 37y 6u) 7-2002 9-2002 24 33 50 48 0 12a 2y 4a lu 1 17 (66a 50y lu) 2- 2003 3- 2003 27 43 68 51 0 3a 3u 6u 131 (71a 5 ly 9u) 6-2004 9-2004 34 47 66 69 0 7a 2y 9a 19u 172 (82a 7 1 y 19u) 6- 2005 7- 2005 32** 50 79 63 0 4a 2y 6a 19u 173 (89a 65y 19u) 2-2006 9-2006 34 54 77 71 0 7a 13a ly 5u 174 (97a 72y 5u) 0-2008 3-2008 35 63 79 65 1 3a ly 11a 7u 167 (93a 66y 8u) : Ads (a) = adults; Yg (y) = young; Unk (u) = unknown age. rhe 2001 survey was delayed resulting in an unusually high number of young Ospreys out of nests during the rvey but located near nests. Eight more nests were believed to have been active in 2001 based on young iserved near nests for the total of 20 active nests shown. The nest at NL 37(05) is included as a nest with young even thought the nest was lost before hedging due to an :cident with the platform tower. KEEP is continuing the LBL-region Osprey platform project, recently funding and constructing four new free-standing platforms donated to KDFWR for placement in Lake Barkley during spring 2009. Because all the existing platforms and suitable channel markers have active nests on both Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, some pairs in the still¬ expanding Osprey nesting population are again selecting risky locations for nesting such as communication towers, utility line poles, and low-lying snags that are prone to Hooding. 6 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 KEEP also initially partnered with CCES, Cornell University, and the USCG to place a successful solar-powered Osprey live nest camera above a platform at a navigation light. KEEP is continuing the Internet camera project with live Osprey nest viewing available at KEEP's web site at http://keepky.org/. Reports indicate that Kentucky now has the highest quality Osprey Internet cam site in the world using an entirely new KEEP advanced camera system. KEEP provides new live nesting images seasonally with a new image every nine seconds. Archived images of nesting Ospreys, video clips, project descriptions, nesting survey summaries, and donation opportunities are available at the web site. Almost 90,000 "actions” were recorded by Internet web guests viewing the Lake Barkley Osprey cam nest during the 2008 nesting season. Fig. 2. Recent Distribution of Nesting Ospreys in Kentucky. Ospreys on Kentucky Lake Although the Osprey nesting population has been expanding on Lake Barkley for nearly two decades, the nesting status on Kentucky Lake remained poorly documented until 2004, when Ray suggested to the USCG that navigation light problems and related Osprey ; nesting needs should be assessed on that reservoir. While at least one nest had been documented on a channel marker in the lake near the Blood River embayment for several years during the late 1980s and 1990s. no surveys were undertaken on Kentucky Lake through the 1990s. When Ray first surveyed the lake (channel zone only aboard a USCG cutter) in 2004, there were eight active nests, all on channel markers; at that time. KDFWR platform extensions were already present on a few channel markers. KEEP/CCES platforms were subsequently provided for all channel markers still needing platform extensions. Since 2004, the number of Osprey nests has remained relatively stable on Kentucky Lake, although two new nests have been located: on the US 68 highway bridge and atop a communication tower on Birmingham Point, Marshall County (Fig. 2). A factor that probably is limiting the number of Osprey nests north of the US 68 bridge on Kentucky Lake is the significantly different layout and design of channel markers in this area; most structures are situated along the shoreline of LBL rather than free-standing out in the reservoir; these structures also lack the platform decking of most mid-lake markers that make them conducive to nesting. Potential locations for new free-standing platforms could be identified on this portion of the reservoir, although the limited amount of shallow water area here will limit the number of optimal sites. 2009_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Distribution and Status Away from the LBL Area 7 Away from the LBL area, field survey efforts have continued to document a slow expansion of nesting Ospreys in other parts of western Kentucky. In the central Shawnee Hills section of the state along the Green River, a nest was initiated at the TVA Paradise Power Plant in eastern Muhlenberg County around 2000 (K. Duke, pers. comm.). In addition to this nest, at least four more have been documented in the general area during the last five years including one on the Ken Hopewell Unit of Peabody Wildlife Management Area in southern Ohio County (Fig. 2). Another nest was active in the early 2000s on a utility pole along Clear Creek in western Hopkins County, but this nest has not persisted, and no others have been discovered in the area in more recent years. On the lower Tennessee River between Kentucky Dam and the Ohio River, five active nests have been recently documented (Fig. 2). The number of nesting birds also continues to increase on the lower Ohio River, where at least five nests, including the original nest near Bayou, are now known to occur (Fig. 2); the most recent nest to be documented was constructed on top of a light pole at the new Olmsted Locks and Dam (under construction) in Ballard County. Most recently, in 2007 a pair of Ospreys attempted to build a nest on a tower at the Louisville Gas & Electric's (LG&E) generation station at McAlpine Dam, just below the Falls of the Ohio at Louisville, thus completing the circle from Audubon's original nesting observations in Kentucky in the early 1800s. Unfortunately, this nesting pair may not have been successful during its first two attempts. Other nests were constructed near the Ohio River at Worthington, eastern Greenup County, during 2004 and on Cave Run Lake, Bath/Rowan counties, during August 2007, but no further activity has been documented at either site. The Future The steady increase in Kentucky’s nesting Osprey population is expected to continue. However, because the current population occupies virtually all suitable nesting structures on Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, the number of nests built on troublesome or unsafe structures, such as communication towers and utility poles, will probably increase. At least three nests have been constructed on communication towers, and several others are located on utility poles. Most of these problematic situations can be rectified by providing an alternative, more suitable, nesting structure. For example, LG&E recently cooperated with KDFWR to install a platform on a utility pole where Ospreys were trying to nest at the Kuttawa Sewage Treatment Plant in Lyon County. KDFWR will continue to work with private companies to ensure Ospreys are provided safe nesting locations, while minimizing disruption of communications and utility service. KEEP will continue to monitor the Lake Barkley nesting population and can currently provide funding for any pair of Ospreys in Kentucky needing a nesting platform. Through cooperation with state and federal agencies, maintenance of nesting platforms will remain a priority. Acknowledgments The following agencies and organizations are acknowledged for their contributions to conservation of nesting Ospreys in Kentucky: Caldwell County Elementary School (students fund-raised for purchase of materials for construction of nesting platforms, and school administration provided funding and critical components for the web cam project); Cornell University's Laboratory of Ornithology (provided part of the equipment for our first Kentucky Internet cam and web site (http://keepky.org/) for Osprey images); Dawson Springs School (fund-raised for purchase of material for nesting platforms at Lake Beshear and Pennyrile Lake); Kentucky Environmental Education Projects, Inc. (numerous Volunteers have provided funding, as well as facilitated and participated in all aspects of 8 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 nest platform construction and placement); Kentucky Technical Vocational School, ; Caldwell County (constructed nest ring extensions and nest platforms); International Osprey Foundation (donated funding for nest platforms); Ky. Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and Tennessee Valley Authority (have supported virtually all aspects of Osprey restoration and management through the years); U.S. Forest Service, Land Between the Lakes; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Barkley Project; and U.S. Coast Guard. We also thank the Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission for providing the plot of distribution data for Fig. 2 and Steve Bloemer, U.S. Forest Service at Land Between the Lakes, for providing information summaries on Osprey restoration and survey efforts in Land Between the Lakes during the 1980s. Literature Cited DeLime, J. 1949. An Osprey's and a Bald Eagle’s Nest at Kentucky Lake. The Kentucky Warbler 25:55. Mengel, R.M. 1965. The birds of Kentucky. American Ornithologists’ Union Monograph No. 3. The Allen Press, Lawrence, KS. Palmer-Ball, B., Jr. 1996. The Kentucky breeding bird atlas. University Press of Kentucky, Lexington. KY. Stamm, A.L. 1986. The nesting season, summer 1986. The Kentucky Warbler 62:65-70. Stamm, A.L. 1990. The nesting season, summer 1990. The Kentucky Warbler 66:83-93. Stamm, A.L., and B.L. Monroe, Jr. 1991. The nesting season, 1991. The Kentucky Warbler 67:75-81. — Kentucky Environmental Education Projects, P.O. Box 3, Dawson Springs, KY 42408 (Ray); 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 (Heyden). FALL SEASON 2008 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely The fall 2008 season was warmer and drier than normal overall. Although conditions ■ were not as dry as the same period during the previous year, much of the state was in slight to moderate drought during August and September. Only the southeastern portion remained closer to normal than the remainder of the state. Temperatures from August through Octo¬ ber were warmer than normal across most of the Commonwealth, although slightly cooler than normal during November. Although the entire four-month period was drier than nor¬ mal across most of the state, October precipitation was near-normal in some areas and slightly greater than normal at Bowling Green. The most noteworthy weather event of the season was the passage of the remnants of I lurricane Ike, which breezed through during 14 September. Several hours of sustained winds of greater than 50 mi/hr (83 km/hr) and peak wind gusts of 75-80 mi/hr (125-133 km/hr) caused a great deal of destruction to trees, pri¬ marily along the Ohio River corridor from southwest of Paducah to Cincinnati. Rarity highlights included Mottled Duck, two Red-throated Loons, Tricolored Heron, White Ibis, a flock of Wood Storks, Swallow-tailed Kite, two Red-necked Phalaropes, two Western Kingbirds, Clay-colored Sparrow, and a potential First-state record Hooded Oriole. I rrnpti ve boreal species were limited to a relatively widespread movement of Pine Siskins into the state by late October. Several waterbird reports from Martins Fork Lake in south¬ eastern Kentucky are included because they appear to be the first from Harlan County. Shrub and tree fruit crops were abundant in 2008; these included those of red cedar, hack- berry/sugarberry, poison ivy, white oak, and American beech. The abundance of fruits this 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 9 year may have been a response to the near absence of fruits the previous year that resulted from the April 2007 freeze. 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. Obser¬ vers 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; “t" next to an observer's initials indicates that written details were submitted with the report; Place names: Bailey Hollow = Bailey Hollow embayment. Ky Lake. Calloway: Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam. Livingston! Lyon: Barren = Barren River Lake, Alien! Barren: Bernheim Forest = Bernheim Forest Arboretum and Research Forest, Bullitt: Blood Riser = Blood River embayment. Ky Lake. Calloway: Boyd's Landing = Lake Barkley at Boyd's Landing Recreation Area, Lyon: Camp #9 = Peabody Camp #9 coal preparation plant. Union: Casey Creek = Casey Creek embayment of Green River Lake. Adair: Cave Run = Cave Run Lake. Bath! Rowan: Cooley's Pond = Cooley's Pond. Wayne: Draut Park = Draut Park, St. Matthews, Jefferson: Eddy Creek = Eddy Creek embayment of Lake Barkley, Lyon: Falls of the Ohio = Falls of the Ohio. Jefferson: Fisherville = Fisherville, Jefferson: Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment. Lake Cumberland. Pulaski: Floyds Fork = Floyds Fork Park. Jefferson: Garvin Brown = Garvin Brown Preserve, Jefferson: Honker Bav/Lake = Honker Bay/Lake, LBL. Lyon/Trigg: Iroquois Park = Iroquois Park, Jefferson: Island No. 1 = Mississippi River sandbars at Island No. 1, Carlisle: Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment. Kentucky Lake, Marshall: Ky Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall: Ky Lake = Kentucky Lake, Calloway! Marshall: Lake Barkley at Little River = Lake Barkley in the vicinity' of the mouth of Little River embayment, Trigg: Lake No. 9 = Lake No. 9. Fulton: Laketon = Mississippi River near Laketon. Carlisle: LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Lyon/Trigg: Lower Hickman Bottoms = Lower Hickman Bottoms, w. Fulton: Martins Fork Lake = Martins Fork Lake, Harlan: Melco = Melco Hood retention basin. Jefferson: Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Flatchery. Rowan: Mitchell Lake = Mitchell Lake. Ballard WMA, Ballard: Mt. Zion = Mt. Zion. Pulaski: NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; Obion WMA = Schaaf Tract. Obion WMA. Fulton: Plum Point = Green River Lake at Plum Point, Adair: Putney = crest of Pine Mountain near Putney, Harlan: St. Matthews = St. Matthews. Jefferson: Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson: Shawnee Park = Shawnee Park. Jefferson: Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA. Muhlenberg: Smithland Dam = Smithland Dam on the Ohio River, Livingston: Snake Creek = Green River Lake backwaters across from and below the mouth of the Snake Creek embayment, Adair: Spindletop = Spindletop Farm. Fayette: SNP = State Nature Preserve; SRP = State Resort Park; Surrey Hills Farm = Surrey Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson: Thurston's Pond = Thurston's Pond, Wayne: Waitsboro = Lake Cumberland at Waitsboro Recreation Area, Pulaski: Wildcat Creek = Wildcat Creek embayment of Kentucky Lake, Calloway: WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose - 90-100 ted. Early season peak counts included ca. over the Lower Hickman Bottoms 25 500 at Sauerheber 7 November (CC) with October (DR, JRm); ca. 30 below Smith- “thousands” there by 26 November (DR), land Dam 26 October (DR. JRm); and an Snow Goose - 6 at Sauerheber 29 October unspecified number at Sauerheber 27 Oc- (CC) were the earliest to be reported with tober (CC) were the earliest to be repor- “thousands” there by 26 November (DR); 10 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 3 dark morph birds at Clifty Pond, Pulas¬ ki , 27 November (RDn) were unusual for the area. Ross’s Goose - there were two reports: at least 4 at Sauerheber 26 November (DR) and 1 along Old Richmond Road, Fayette , 29 November (JP, DPu). Mute Swan - there were two reports: 2 in Bourbon I I October (SM, RBr) and 20 that returned to Bernheim Forest by 26 November (AB). Tundra Swan - 3 at Sauerheber 28 October (BR, fide CM) were the earliest of the wintering Hock to be reported. Wood Duck - notable peak counts included 193 at Snake Creek 16 August (RDn) and 250 at Honker Bay 30 September (KC, MC). Gadwall notable peak counts included ca. 240 at Boyd's Landing 21 October (DR); ca. 2100 at Honker Lake 26 October (DR, JRm), with 2500 there and at least 500 more at each of Energy and Hematite lakes, LBL, Trigg , 23 November (DR); at least 400 at Jonathan Creek 13 November (ME, MMi); and at least 160 at the Falls of the Ohio 22 November (BP). American Black Duck - 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 2 August (BY. MY), 6 Septem¬ ber (BP et al.) and 9 September (MA) may have been the same individual; 1 at Fishing Creek 12 September (RDn) was likely a continuing injured bird from sum¬ mer; 2 were on Martins Fork Lake 22 November (RDn). Mottled Duck - I was present at Lake No. 9 on 4-5 September (ph. DR, et al.). KBRC review required. .0 /: ; ; -it C. \\ •'> ' - ' •w. i \ i ' * ‘ ' ' : a, ■ "" I II I mill Til . *''■ J • '• . -• - ■ '/• ■ *'4 — ... Jr ^ Mottled Duck (right bird). Lake No. 9 5 September 2008 David Roemer Blue-winged Teal - 2 at the Falls of the Ohio 10 November (MA) were the latest to be reported. Northern Shoveler - 6 at Lake No. 9 on 21 August (HC, ME) were the earliest to be reported; local peak counts of note in¬ cluded 24 on the Ohio River at Louisville 10 November (MA) and 14 at the Falls of the Ohio 22 November (BP). Northern Pintail - a juv. at Lake No. 9 on 17 August (BY, MY) and I at the Falls of the Ohio 26 August (EH, BP) were the earliest to be reported; modest peak ; counts included ca. 60 over Ky Lake, i Marshall , 21 October (DR) and five : groups of 25. 6. 10, 3, &1 passing south at | Laketon 14 September (BP et al.). Green-winged Teal - notable peak counts included 23 at the Falls of the Ohio 7 October (DS); ca. 50 at Linton Bay, Lake Barkley, Trigg , 9 October (MB); and 250- | 300+ at Mitchell Lake 20 October (BP, BF). Three were on Martins Fork Lake 22 November (RDn). Canvasback - a likely summering bird was present on Lake Barkley above the dam 3 September (DR, HC) & 5 October (DR). Redhead - 2 on Barren 17 October (DR) were the earliest to be reported. Ring-necked Duck - the 4 summering birds l at Camp #9 were seen 4 September (BP, j EH. MMo); I at Ky Dam 15 September (DR) was likely also continuing from summer; 3 were on Martins Fork Lake 22 November (RDn). Lesser Scaup - a continuing injured male was seen on the Ohio River at Covington, Kenton , 19 August (FR); up to 10 sum¬ mering birds continued on Lake Barkley 1 above the dam through the period (m. ob.); modest peak fall counts occurred 16 November, when 65 were on the Ohio River at Louisville (BP. EH, MS) and ca. 150 were on Barren (DR). Surf Scoter - I above Smithland Dam 21 October (DR) was the earliest to be re¬ ported; there were four additional reports: I at Minor Clark 26 October (DPa); 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville 22 November (BY, MY. BP); I over Ky Lake, Mar- ■ 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 1 1 shall, 23 November (DR); and at least 4 ad. males in a flock of at least 20 scoters (perhaps all Surf) on Lake Cumberland, Russell , 30 November (RDn). Black Scoter - there were three reports of imm./females: I on Barren 29 October (DR); 4+1 on the Ohio River at Louis¬ ville 22 November (BY, MY. et al.) with perhaps the same flock of 4 still there 25 November (EH). Long-tailed Duck - there was one report: I on Ky Lake above the dam 23 November (DR. HC). Bufflehead - peak counts occurred 16 November with 35+ on the Ohio River at Louisville (BP, EH. MS) and ca. 50 on Barren (DR). Common Goldeneye - a female on Ky Lake above the dam 14 September ( DR ) was likely continuing from summer. Hooded Merganser - ca. 250 on Honker Lake 23 November (DR) represented the season’s peak count; 7 were on Martins Fork Lake 22 November (RDn). Red-breasted Merganser - at least 475 in three flocks on Lake Cumberland, Rus¬ sell, 30 November (RDn) represented the season's peak count; I was on Martins Fork Lake 22 November (RDn). Red-throated Loon - there were two re¬ ports: a juv. on Lake Cumberland at the end of Rowena Road, Russell, 1 1 Novem¬ ber (ph. RDn); and a juv. at Plum Point 17 November (ph. RDn). Common Loon - 1 on Cave Run 12 Octo¬ ber (SM, RBr) was the earliest to be re¬ ported: peak counts were relatively un¬ impressive but included 32 on Lake Cum¬ berland at the end of Rowena Road, Rus¬ sell, 11 November (RDn); 37 on Barren 1 1 November (AH) and 39 there 13 No¬ vember (AH); groups of 2-12 seen on several occasions flying overhead during mid-day 16 November over the Ohio River. Gallatin & Carroll (BP. EH. MS): and 40-50 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 28 November (DR). Pied-billed Grebe - 2 on Cedar Creek Lake. Lincoln 2 August (RDn) were likely early migrants; 7 were seen on Martins Fork Lake 22 November (RDn); 70-80 on Ky Lake above the dam 21 October (DR) and 52 at Waitsboro 21 November (RDn) were the season's peak counts. Horned Grebe - peak counts of interest in¬ cluded 55+ on the Ohio River at Louis¬ ville 16 November (T&CBe, EH. MS, et al.); 200-250 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 23 November (DR), with a new state high count of 2161 counted on Ky Lake, Mar¬ shall. 28 November (DR); at least 50 on the Lexington Reservoir 29 November (.IP. DPu); and 74 on Lake Cumberland, Russell, 30 November (RDn). Eared Grebe - there were two reports: 1 on Barren 6 September (DR) and I on Lake Barkley above the dam 29 November (tDD). American White Pelican - up to ca. 175 birds continued at Lake No. 9 to 22 Sep¬ tember (HC, m. ob.); 7 on Lake Barkley at Little River 12 September (ER) and 4 at Bailey Hollow 17 September (HC, ME) were the earliest to be reported in the LBL area with 200 w. of Cadiz, Trigg, by 24 September (MB). Peak counts included ca. 1000 on Lake Barkley at Little River 1 1 October (ER) and at least 1600 in the same vicinity 26 October (DR, JRm) and 600 on Lake Barkley off the Silo Over¬ look. Lyon/Trigg, 23 November (DR). There were two reports away from w. Kentucky: I at the Falls of the Ohio 29 October (T&CBe) and 1 at Fishing Creek 1 1 November (ph. RDn). THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 11 Double-crested Cormorant - peak counts of interest included ca. 75 over Big Bone Lick State Park, Boone, 6 September (LM, NKBC); “several thousand” over the Ohio River at J.T. Meyers Dam, Union, 9 September (CC); 52 at Casey Creek 19 September (RDn); at least 600 at the Falls of the Ohio 1 November (MA); and a few thousand on Lake Barkley, Lyon/Trigg, 23 November (DR). Great Egret — peak counts included 4000- 5000 at Lake No. 9 on 5 August (DR) that established a new state high count; 24 on Taylorsville Lake e. of the Van Buren ramp. Anderson, 1 August (BW); ca. 200 along KY 1574, Henderson, 22 August (CC); ca. 120 at Island No. I and at least 1600 at Island No. 8 Slough, Fulton , both 25 August (DR); 10 at Snake Creek 4 September (RDn); ca. 1200 still at Lake No. 9 on 4 September (DR, BP. EH, MMo); 250-300 at Town Creek moist soils unit, Travis WMA, Hickman , 5 Sep¬ tember (BP, EH, MMo); 35-40 at Eddy Creek 5 September (BP, EH, MMo); 41 at Jonathan Creek 23 September (HC); ca. 60 at Pond Creek Marsh. Sauerheber, 30 September (CC) with 30 still there 9 October (CC); and ca. 50 at Linton Bay, Lake Barkley, Trigg , 9 October (MB). Other notable reports included 8 on a pond along Airline Road, Larue, I August (DR); I on Tug Fork near South William¬ son, Pike, in early August (JC); 8 at Snake Creek and 5 at Casey Creek 19 September (RDn); and 30 along the South Fork Ken¬ tucky River at Oneida, Clay, 16 October (JK). One at C 1 i tty Pond, Pulaski, 10 No¬ vember (RDn); 3 at the Falls of the Ohio 16 November (T&CBe); and 1 at Twin Lakes subdivision, Somerset, Pulaski, 20 November (RDn) were the latest to be reported. Snowy Egret - 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 2 August (EII) to 6 September (m. oh.) was the only one reported away from w. Ken¬ tucky; the peak count of post-breeding birds was ca. 50 at Lake No. 9 on 5 Au¬ gust (DR). Little Blue Heron - a juv. continued near Snake Creek to 13 August (RDn); the peak count of post-breeding birds was ca. 50 at Lake No. 9 on 5 August (DR);. Tricolored Heron - an adult was at Eddy Creek 30-31 August (ph. BY. MY. EH). KBRC review required. Green Heron - at count of 14 at Thurston’s Pond 25 August (RDn) was relatively impressive. Black-crowned Night-Heron - I was last seen at the Falls of the Ohio 16 November (T&CBe). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron — there were three reports: 3 (2 ads. and a juv.) at Lake No. 9 on 5 August (DR); 2 juvs. at Lake No. 9 on 4 September (BP. EH, MMo); and a juv. at the Falls of the Ohio 9 September (MA). White Ibis - a juv. was seen in flight over the Mississippi River at Wickliffe, Bal¬ lard. 14 September (EH, MMo, fBP, et ah). KBRC review required. Wood Stork - 5 were seen soaring off from Lake No. 9 with 1 1 (possibly, but not likely, including the 5 seen earlier in the air) observed later feeding at the n. end of the lake 13 September (MY, ph. BY) with 7 still there 14 September (RDn, BP, EH, MMo) and 15 September (RDn). KBRC review required. Wood Stork. I ,ake No. 9 1 5 September 2008 Roseanna Denton 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ 13 Black Vulture -300-400 at Barren 6 Sep¬ tember (DR) represented the season’s peak count. Turkey Vulture -300-400 at Barren 6 Sep¬ tember (DR) represented the season's peak count. Osprey - a remarkable total of 63 nests (35 with young) were counted on and near Lake Barkley 30 June/3 July (ER et al . ). Swallow-tailed Kite - 1 observed on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River at Laketon was watched as it drifted south until it was over Islands No. 2. 3, 4. Car¬ lisle \ 5 September (ph.MMo. ph.EH. ph. BP). KBRC review required. Swallow-tailed Kite, Carlisle 4 September 2008 _ Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr, _ Mississippi Kite -3 at Laketon 15 Septem¬ ber (MMo, EH, BP) were the latest to be reported. Bald Eagle - I 5-20 or 25 along the Missis¬ sippi River. Carlisle! Hickman 5 Septem¬ ber (BP, EH. MMo) with 10-15 still in the same vicinity 14 September (m. ob.) represented a noteworthy concentration. At least 2 ads. and a juv. were seen in the vicinity of the Ohio River at and upstream from Louisville during the period (m. ob.) suggesting that a long-awaited nesting pair might be established in the local area. Northern Harrier - reports of interest in¬ cluded a female at Willow Pond. Fulton , . 5 August (DR): I nearby at Lake No. 9 on 21 August (HC, ME); and 1 at Garvin Brown 27 September (BW. BBC). Red-tailed Hawk - an ad. darkish morph B. j. calurus in Henderson 14 October (DR) and an ad. Krider’s morph over Hender¬ son 17 October (ph. CC) were the earliest individuals of western forms reported. Golden Eagle - there was only one report: a juv. at Mt. Zion 16 November (RDn). Merlin - it was a good season with the fol¬ lowing reports: I at Shawnee Park 15 Au¬ gust (JBe. PB) tied the early fall arrival date; 2 along the Ohio River below New Albany, IN, Jefferson , 17 August (tT& CBe); 1 at Sinclair 8 September (DM); 1 at Laketon 15 September (MMo, EH. BP): 1 at Barkley Dam 23 September (DR); 1 at Dale Hollow Lake SRP. Clin- ton/Cumberland , 27 September (BP et al.); 1 at Putney 1 October (KH, BP, MC); I along Pine Mountain n. of Oven Fork, Letcher , 1 October (KH, BP, MC); 1 at Frankfort 10 October (BSm); 1 at Spin- dletop 1 1 October (DL. ASK) and 2 No¬ vember (SM. RBr); 1 at Sauerheber 18 October (DR. KOS); 1 at Cox’s Park, Louisville, 11/25 November (EH); and I in Christian 15 November (B&PL). Peregrine Falcon - it was not an especially noteworthy season for observations; the local nesting pair at Louisville was vir¬ tually absent at the Falls of the Ohio until the second week of September (m. ob.), which resulted in a few more observations of shorebirds there during August. There were a few additional reports of locally nesting birds during the season, but re¬ ports of likely migrants were limited to I at Spindletop I 1 October (DL, ASK). Virginia Rail - there were only three re¬ ports: a relatively early bird at Wildcat Creek 25 August (BH. HC); 1 at Sauer¬ heber 18 October (DR. KOS); and I that flew in the window of a truck at Yellow- bank WMA. Breckinridge , 3 November (ph. RTa.)! Sora - 1 flushed while mowing at Surrey Hills Farm 2 August (BP) was rather early; only singles and small numbers were reported at normal locales with the 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 peak count being only 5 at Sauerheber 18 October (DR, KOS); also reported was I at Spindletop 12 October (JW). American Coot - at least 400 on Barren 17 October (DR) and ca. 350 at Waitsboro 10 November (RDn) were the season’s peak counts; 2 were on Martins Fork Lake 22 November (RDn). Sandhill Crane - a bird at Sauerheber from sometime in early August (BR. fide CM) to 22 August (CC) was out of season. Circa 60 over Louisville 28 October (MS); 4 over Louisville (EH). 25 over Louisville (MS), and 1 at Blood River (HC), all 29 October; and an unspecified number over Pleasant Hill Church Road, Trigg, 2 November (B&PL) were the earliest migrant tlocks reported. Farthest e. were at least 2 heard over Cave Run 16 November (SF); at least 600 at Barren 22 November (DR) represented the season's peak count. Black-bellied Plover - 1-4 were seen at regular locales from mid- August to mid- October (m. ob.); 1 on Lake Barkley, Trigg, 23 November (DR) was very tardy; otherwise, up to 9 lingered at Jonathan Creek to the last few days of November (DC. ME. MMi, BII) with 5 still there 30 November (ME) that ended up lingering into December. American Golden-Plover - 1-4 were seen at regular locales from late August to ear¬ ly October (m. ob.); reports of interest in¬ cluded an ad. at Cooley’s Pond and 2 ads. at Thurston’s Pond, both 3 September (RDn), 1 at Minor Clark 27 September— 4 October (JP. DPu, DPa). and 10 over the Lower Hickman Bottoms 25 October (DR); 2 at Blood River 1 November (HC) were the latest to be reported. Semipalmated Plover - 14 at Jonathan Creek 25 September (BP) and 13 there 7 October (HC, BII) represented the sea¬ son’s peak counts. Killdeer - peak counts of interest included 227 in the vicinity of Snake Creek 22 August (RDn); 110 at Cooley’s Pond 3 September (RDn); and ca. 130 at Jonathan Creek 14 November (HC, BH). Black-necked Stilt - there were three re¬ ports of likely migrants, all in Fulton: a family group at Willow Pond 5 August (DR), and 8 at Obion WMA 21 August | (HC, ME) with 14 there 25 August (DR). American Avocet - there were six reports: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 7 August (JG et al.); 7 on a Mississippi River sandbar downstream from Middle Bar, Hickman , j 17 August (ph. BY, MY); 1 at Obion WMA 21 August (HC. ME) & 25 August (DR): 1 at Blood River 7 October (HC, ! BH); 1 at Spindletop 17-20 October (ph. JS, IS. et al.); and 1 at Casey Creek 10 November (ph. RDn). Spotted Sandpiper - single birds at Boyd’s Landing 21 October (DR), at Freeman Lake, Hardin, 25 October (SK), and along the shore near the mouth of Jonathan Creek 24 November (ME) were the latest to be reported. Greater Yellowlegs - 10 at Jonathan Creek 7 November (ME), 2 at Snake Creek 10 i November (RDn), I at Plum Point 15 November (RDn), and 1 at Blood River i 16 November (F1C) were the latest to be reported. Willet - there were only two reports: 1 be- 1 low Smithland Dam 3 September (HC, DR) and 3 at Bailey Hollow 17 Septem¬ ber (HC, ME). Lesser Yellowlegs - single birds at Jonathan Creek 13 November (ME. MMi) and 29 November (DD) were the latest to be re¬ ported.. Ruddy Turnstone - there were a few re¬ ports, all from the Falls of the Ohio: 9 there 5 September (MY, BY) with at least 1 still there 6 September (BP et al.) and 2 again 8 September (EH et al.), 9 Septem¬ ber (MA) and 13 September (DS). Sanderling - 1-6 were reported at regular locales from mid-August to early October (m. ob.); modest peak counts included 8 on the Mississippi River. Carlisle, 5 Sep¬ tember (BP, EH. MMo). 7 at the Falls of the Ohio 9 September (MA), and at least 18 at Blood River 23 September (HC); I at the Falls of the Ohio (BBC) and 6 at Blood River (HC), all 12 October, and I 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 15 at Barren 1 7 October (DR) were the latest to be reported. Semipalmated Sandpiper - at least 55 on the Mississippi River, Carlisle , 25 August (DR) represented the season’s peak count. Western Sandpiper - 1-10 were reported at normal locales from mid-August to the first week of October (m. ob.); modest peak counts included 12 at Blood River 23 September (HC) and 16 at Jonathan Creek on the very late date of 19 Novem¬ ber (HC. ME); also tardy were the follow¬ ing: 1 at Spindletop 30 October (DL), up to II at Jonathan Creek 14 November (HC, BH) & 16 November (HC), and 1 at Casey Creek 15/17 November (RDn). Least Sandpiper - the season's peak counts included at least 220 on the Mississippi River, Carlisle , 25 August (DR); 100+ in the same vicinity 5 September (BP. EH, MMo); at least 1 14 at Blood River and 174 at Jonathan Creek, both 7 October (HC. BH); and 127 still at Jonathan Creek 14 November (HC, BH). A few lingered into mid-November at non-traditional lo¬ cales, the latest being 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 10 November (MA), 1 at Lake Lin- ville. Rockcastle , 13 November (RDn et ah), and 8 at Casey Creek and 3 at Fishing Creek, both 15 November (RDn), with 1 at Casey Creek to 29 November (RDn). As is the norm, sizable flocks lingered at Blood River and Jonathan Creek into December (HC et al.) White-rumped Sandpiper - there was a notable Hurry of sightings of this rare fall shorebird, all reports being included: 2 ads. at Minor Clark 1 September (ph. DM); 2 ads. al the Falls of the Ohio 2-6 September (BP, EH. et ah) with 1 still there 9 September (BP et ah); 4 on the Little River embayment of Lake Barkley, Trigg , 3 September (DR. HC); singles at Snake Creek and Casey Creek 4/6 Sep¬ tember (ph. RDn) with 1 still at Casey Creek 11 September (RDn); 4 at Eddy Creek 5 September (BP, EH, MMo); 3 at Thurston's Pond 13 September (RDn): and I at Jonathan Creek 7 October (HC, BH). Baird’s Sandpiper - small numbers were reported at normal locales during the period; 1 at Obion WMA 8 August (HC) was the earliest to be reported; other re¬ ports of interest included 1 at Minor Clark 14 August (DM)/6 September (DPa); 9 juvs. on the Mississippi River, Carlisle , 25 August (DR); and at least 5 at the Falls of the Ohio 9 September (MA). One at Blood River 5/7 October (HC. BH) was the latest to be reported. Pectoral Sandiper - 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 2 August was banded silver over green on its left leg (BY, MY); single birds at Fishing Creek 10/11 November (RDn) and at Jonathan Creek 13 Novem¬ ber (ME, MMi)/14 November (HC, BH) were the latest to be reported. Dunlin -modest peak counts included 16 at Blood River 10 October (HC) and 12 at Casey Creek 16 October (RDn); 1 at Cas¬ ey Creek 17 November (RDn). I at the Falls of the Ohio 22 November (BP), and 7 at Sauerheber 26 November (DR) were the latest to be reported. Stilt Sandpiper - 1-8 were reported at reg¬ ular locales from mid-August to early October (m. ob.); reports of interest in¬ cluded 1 at Minor Clark 7 August (LH), 1 at Casey Creek 22 August (RDn). and 2 at Snake Creek 4 September (RDn); peak counts included 24 at Blood River 1 1 September (HC) with 23 there 23 Septem¬ ber (HC), 12 at Wildcat Creek 12 October (HC) and an impressive tally for the cen¬ tral part of the state of 42 at Casey Creek 16 October (RDn); I at Jonathan Creek 24 October (HC) was the latest reported. White-rumped Sandpipers, Rowan 1 September 2008 Don Martin 16 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 Buff-breasted Sandpiper - it was a down season with all reports being ineluded: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 31 August (GF) with 3 there 5 September (BY, MY) and 1 there to 7 September (T&CBe et ah), 2 there 8 September (EH et ah), and 1 last observed there 19 September (BY); 1 along the Mississippi River at Kentucky Bend, Fulton , 4 September (DR); 1 at Casey Creek 6/1 1 September (RDn); 1 at Jonathan Creek 9 September (DM); and I at Blood River 1 1 September (HC). Short-billed Dowitcher - reports of interest included single birds at Snake Creek and at Casey Creek 22 August (RDn), with 5 at the latter location 28 August (RDn) and 3 still there 6 September (RDn). Long-billed Dowitcher - there were four reports: an ad. at Obion WMA 6 August (DR); 2 ads. at Island No. 8 Slough, Ful¬ ton. 25 August (DR); 7 at Blood River 15 October (HC); and 6 at Sauerheber 5 No¬ vember (DR). Wilson’s Snipe - 1 at Casey Creek 4 Sep¬ tember (RDn) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted. American Woodcock - reports of likely mi¬ grants included 1 in Barren 2 November (DR); I at Surrey Hills Farm 10 Novem¬ ber (BP, MMo); 1 at Mark, Pulaski, 24 November (CN, WN); and I at Chaney Lake SNP, Warren , 28 November (BP). Wilson’s Phalarope - there were two re¬ ports: a juv. at Thurston’s Pond 25 August (RDn), and 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 31 August (ph. GF). Red-necked Phalarope - there were two reports: a juv. on the Mississippi River at Island No. 9. Fulton , 31 August (ph. BY, MY); and a juv. at Minor Clark 20-23 September (MW, ph. LH, GR, et ah). KBRC review required. Bonaparte’s Gull - a juv. at Bailey Hollow 17 September (HC, ME) and a first-year bird below Smithland Dam 25 September (BP) were the earliest to be reported; ca. 500 at Barren 22 November (DR) was a noteworthy local count. Laughing Gull - 1-2 juv. /first-year birds were observed on Ky Lake, Marshall. mostly in the vicinity of Ky Dam, 3 Sep¬ tember-26 October (DR, HC, et ah); also reported was a juv. below Smithland Dam 13 August/5 September (DR); ajuv./first- year bird on the Mississippi River at Wickliffe, Ballard, and 1 or 2 at Laketon, all 14 September (BP et ah); 1 at Wildcat Creek 7 October (HC, BH); 1 at Boyd’s Landing 17 October (BP); and 1 on Ky Lake near Hamlin, Calloway, 25 October (HC et ah). Franklin’s Gull - there was an above-aver¬ age number of reports, all being included: 4-5 below Smithland Dam 30 September (DR) with I there 5 October (DR); 4 at Boyd’s Landing 1 7 October (BP) with 10 there 21 October (DR) and 1 there 24 October (DR); 1 on Lake Barkley at Kut- tawa. Lyon , 21/24 October (DR); 1 on Ky Lake near Birmingham Point, Marshall , 25 October (DR); 220 (a new state high count) tallied 26 October as follows: 164 i below Smithland Dam, 1 at Ky Dam; 12 on Lake Barkley above the dam; 1 on Lake Barkley off the Silo Overlook, Lyon/ Trigg-, and ca. 40 on Lake Barkley at Lit¬ tle River with 2 more n. of the US 68 bridge, Trigg (DR. JRm); 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville 1 November (MA); and 1 on Barren 4 November (DR) and 1 1 November (AH). Red-necked Phalarope (w / Pectoral S’piper) Fulton, 3 1 August 2008 Ben Yandell Ring-billed Gull -tallies ofca. 500 on Bar¬ ren 22 November (DR) and at least 400 at the Falls of the Ohio 28 November (MA) were significant local counts; in western Kentucky, the species was not especially numerous by the end of November. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 17 2009 Lesser Black-backed Gull - the species put in an excellent showing during the season on Ky Lake, Marshall: a third-year bird at Kentucky Dam Village SRP, Marshall, 3/4 September (DR et al.) was the earliest to be reported; subsequently 2-3 birds of various age classes were accounted for on Ky Lake, Marshall, mostly in the vicinity I of Ky Dam, into late October (m. ob.) with a peak count of 5 in the vicinity of Ky Dam 23 September (DR). Nearby on Lake Barkley, probably some of the same birds were reported as follows: an ad. at Boyd's Landing 25 September (BP); an ad. and a third-year bird there 30 Septem¬ ber (DR), I there 5 October (DR). 4 (first- year, third-year, and 2 ads.) there 17 Oc¬ tober (BP), and 2 there 21 October (DR); and a first-year on Lake Barkley above the dam 26 October (DR). A second-year bird on Barren 8 October (ph. DR) was a local first. Least Tern - a run of the Mississippi River, Carlisle! Hickman, 12 August (JBr, DB, CBo, BP) confirmed a dismal nesting sea¬ son with hardly any juvs. observed (most juvs. probably Hedged from farmland along the river); latest reports were of an ad. (DR. HC) and a juv. (BP. EH, MMo) below Smilhland Dam, both 15 Septem¬ ber. Caspian Tern - peak fall counts were not remarkable this year and included 14 at the Falls of the Ohio 2 September (EH), 1 1 at Barren 6 September (DR), and ca. 100 on Lake Barkley at Little River dur¬ ing early September (ER). Black Tern - reports of interest included I at Casey Creek 22/28 August (RDn) with 2 there 1 September (RDn) and 3 there 4/6 September (RDn); 3 at Plum Point 26/28 August (RDn); 14 at Lake Cumber¬ land, Russell, 26 August (RDn); 17 on the Mississippi River below Middle Bar, Hickman, 17 August (BY, MY); at least 22 at Laketon 5 September (BP, EH, MMo); and at least 50 at Barren 6 Sep¬ tember (DR). Common Tern - there were only two re¬ ports: at least 20 at Barren 6 September (DR) and at least 3 below Smithland Dam 15 September (DR, HC). A fly-by Hock of ca. 45 Sterna terns at the Falls of the Ohio 9 September (AG, BP) was thought to be Commons but not confirmed. Forster’s Tern - season peak counts in¬ cluded 149 at Jonathan Creek 6 Septem¬ ber (DC. BH) with 200+ there 14 October (HC), and at least 130 at Ky Dam 23 September (DR) with ca. 200 there 26 October (DR). Black-billed Cuckoo - the only report was of 2 at Big Gimlet, Elliott. 24 September (EM). Barn Owl - there were three reports: I found dead on KY 250, McLean, 4 Au¬ gust (EW); 2 large young in a deer stand along Jarrel’s Creek, Muhlenberg, 2 September (EW); and a pair calling w. of Frankfort, Franklin, 23 October (JBr). Short-eared Owl - the species was reported only from Sinclair, where 1 was seen 2 November (All) and 3 were seen 29 No¬ vember (MS, KOS). Northern Saw-whet Owl - 12 were netted at Surrey Hills Farm 27 October-10 November (MMo. BP, et al ); a male was heard “tooting" there 27 October (MMo, BP, AH). Chimney Swift - counts of ca. 1 100 going into a roost at Somerset, Pulaski, (RDn) and at least 700 going into a roost at St. Matthews (BW), both 13 September, were noteworthy. Ruby-throated Hummingbird - a relative¬ ly impressive peak of birds occurred dur¬ ing the last two weeks of August and the first ten days of September (m. ob.); a few birds lingered at scattered locales into the third week of October; 2 different imm. males lingered at Louisville to 29 October and 30 October, respectively (RTh); a lin¬ gering imm. female was banded at Finley Hill, Jefferson, 23 November (BP, MP) and lingered to 28 November (MP). Rufous Hummingbird - for the first time in nine years, the species went unreported during a fall season. Olive-sided Flycatcher - there were five reports: 1 at St. Matthews 8/10 September 18 THF KENTUCKY WARBLER (BW, BBC); I at Cumberland Falls SRP. Whitley , 13-14 September (SK, EM): I at Barren River Lake SRP, Barren, 17 Sep¬ tember (DR); 1 at Evergreen Cemetery. Campbell, 19 September (FR); and 1 at Douglass Hills, Jefferson, 1 October (MY). Eastern Wood-Pewee- singles sw. of Fish- erville 13 October (EH. Jll); at Cherokee Park. Louisville. 14 October (BW); and at Shaker Mill, Warren, (DR) and Fishing Creek (RDn). both 15 October (DR), were the latest to be reported. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher — there were only two reports: 1 at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone, 30 August (LM, NKBC. BBC) and 1 at Big Gimlet. Elliott, 24 September (EM). Western Kingbird — there were two re¬ ports: 2 of the nesting birds along the Ohio River at a power plant at Joppa, IL, were seen out over the river (and, thus, judged to be in McCracken ) 7 August (FB); and 1 along Tony Thompson Road w. of Smithland, Livingston, 13 August (ph. DR). KBRC review required. ber (RDn) was the latest to be reported. Red-eved Vireo — 1 at Pumphrey Farm. Pulaski , 17 October (RDn) was the latest to be reported. Fish Crow - the species was last heard at Ballard WMA, Ballard, 6 October (SR). Common Raven - 5 passed by Putney 1 October (KH, BP. MC): 1 was seen over Vol. 85 Paintsville Lake WMA. Johnson, 2 October (SF). Purple Martin - a roost of ca. 2000 birds was reported at Glasgow, Barren, 6 Au- j gust (LC); 2 at Casey Creek 6 September (RDn) were relatively late. Tree Swallow - counts of ca. 1000 at Plum Point and 400 at Casey Creek, both 8 October (RDn). were exceptional for cen¬ tral Kentucky; an unspecified number at Sauerheber 27 October (CC), 1 at Lake Linville, Rockcastle, 13 November (RDn, SBC), and 1 at Sauerheber 26 November (DR) were the latest to be reported. No. Rough-winged Swallow - a few at Mitchell Lake 20 October (BP). 2 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 25 October (DR), and 1 at Waitsboro 10 November (RDn) were the latest to be reported. Red-breasted Nuthatch - a female drink¬ ing water at a feeding station just w. of I Fisherville, Jefferson, 2 August (tBW. AL) was exceptional for mid-summer. One heard at Eagle Point. Dale Hollow Lake SRP, Cumberland, 26 September (SS, DR. et al.) was the next earliest to be reported; also reported were 1 or more heard at Lake Forest, sw. Jefferson, 5 October (CL): 1 in Boyd 1 1 October (JM): 1 at Maysville Cemetery, Mason, 1 No¬ vember (KS); and 1 at South Williamson, Pike, 4 November (JC). Winter Wren - 1 at Douglass Hills, Jeffer¬ son, 28 September (MY, BY) was the earliest to be reported; a count of 7-8 at Cherokee Park, Louisville, 17 October (BW) was probably indicative of a peak migratory' period. Sedge Wren - there were no reports of nest¬ ing, and, in fact, the only reports at all during the season were of 1 at Iroquois Park 26 September (MA) and 1 at Sauer¬ heber 18 October (DR. KOS). Marsh Wren - there were several reports, all being included: 1 at Minor Clark 20 September (MW); 1 at Garvin Brown 27/ 30 September (BW et al.); 2 at Melco 3 October (BP, EH); 1 at Peabody WMA. Ohio, 9 October (DR. RDv); 1 at Spindle- top 1 1 October (DL, ASK) & 17 October ’009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 19 (JS); and 2 at Sauerheber 18 October (DR. ! KOS). American Robin - 1 still incubating or brooding on a nest at Mt. Zion 4 August (RDn) was relatively late. American Pipit ca. 25 at Harlan, Harlan , and 7 at Martins Fork Lake. Harlan, both 22 Novemer (RDn) were unusual for the se. part of the state. Golden-winged Warbler there were sev¬ eral reports, all being included: 1 at Shaw¬ nee Park 5 September (JBe, PB, CBs) and 6 September (JBe. PB. BBC); 1 at Mam¬ moth Cave National Park, Edmonson , 6 September (AH); I at Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve, Jefferson , 6 September (BY, MY, EH); 2 in LBL, Lyon , 1 I Sep¬ tember (DM); ad. male at Iroquois Park 14 September (MA); I in Hart 16 Sep¬ tember ( SK. ); singles at Shawnee Park 16- 18 September (CBs et al.); I at Sauer- heber(CC)and I in Ballard (SR), both 17 September; 1 at Iroquois Park 26 Septem¬ ber (MA); and I along Waterview Road, Cumberland (SS) and 1 in ne. Cumbe¬ rland (GH, CN), both 27 September. Tennessee Warbler - 1 at Shawnee Park 28 August (JBe, PB) was the earliest to be reported; I at the Wilson Creek embay- ment of Green River Lake, Taylor , 28 November (ph. ML) was very late. Orange-crowned Warbler there were several reports, all being included: 1 at Mt. Zion 24 September (RDn); 1 at Iro¬ quois Park 26 September and 10 October (MA); 1 at Draut Park 5/6 October (BW et al.); I at Peabody WMA, Ohio , 9 October (DR. RDv); I at Fishing Creek 15 October (RDn); 1 at Shawnee Park 19 October (JBe, PB); and 1 at Smithland Dam 21 October (DR). Nashville Warbler - one at Floyds Fork 15 August (EH) tied the early fall arrival date. Northern Parula I at Panorama Shores, Calloway , 10 October (KC) was relatively tardy. Yellow Warbler - 1 at Draut Park 29 Sep¬ tember (BW) was quite tardy. Magnolia Warbler 1 at Shawnee Park 22 August (JBe, PB) was the earliest to be reported. Cape May Warbler 1 at Briarwood. Jef¬ ferson , 23 August (JBe, PB) established a new early arrival date while another at Shawnee Park 28 August (JBe, PB) tied the old date; other reports of interest in¬ cluded 1 at McNeely Lake, Jefferson , 26 September (MA); a male at Dale Hollow Lake SRP, Cumberland , 27 September (BP et al.); and 2 in Boyd II October (JM). Black-throated Blue Warbler there were a few reports, all being included: an ad. male at Floyds Fork 1 1 September (EH); a female at Shawnee Park 16 September (CBs et al.); a male sw. of Fisherville 25 September (EF1, JH); and 2 males at Shawnee Park 27 September (JBe, PB, CD). Yellow-rum ped Warbler I at Cumber¬ land Falls SRP. Whitley , 13 September (SK, EM) and 2 at Clarks River NWR, Marshall , 20 September (HC) were the earliest to be reported. Black-throated Green Warbler singles at Floyds Fork 13 August (ph. EH) and at Shawnee Park 17 August (T&CBe) were very early. Blackburnian Warbler I at Shawnee Park 22 August (JBe, PB) and 1 at Briar- wood, Jefferson , 23 August (JBe, PB) were the earliest to be reported; 1 at Pan¬ orama Shores, Calloway , 17 October (KC) was the latest to be reported. Prairie Warbler 1 at Garvin Brown 28 November (fBW) was exceptionally late. Bay-breasted Warbler - 1 at Shawnee Park 30 August (JBe. PB) was the earliest to be reported; a loose Bock of at least 25 at Iroquois Park 26 September (MA) was noteworthy. Blackpoll Warbler - there was only one report: I sw. of Fisherville 13 October (EH, JH). Cerulean Warbler - I at Shawnee Park 28 August (JBe, PB) was relatively late for this very early fall migrant. 20 American Redstart 1 at Shawnee Park 13 August (JBe. PB) was a relatively early fall migrant. Prothonotary W arbler I at Sauerheber 9 October (CC) was rather tardy. Louisiana Waterthrush 1 at Ft. Thomas. Cambpell , 5 August (FR) and 6 at Blood River 7-8 August (UC) were all about as late as the species is normally reported. Kentucky Warbler 1 that struck a win¬ dow at Glasgow. Barren, 6 October (LC) was relatively late. Connecticut Warbler there were three re¬ ports, all from Shawnee Park and possibly involving the same individual: 15 Sep¬ tember (JBe). 16 September (CBs. JBe. PB. CBe). and 17 September (PB). Mourning Warbler there were several reports, all being included: an ad. male at Mt. Zion 7 September (RDn): I at Shaw¬ nee Park 8 September (T&CBe et al. ); 1 at Big Bone Lick State Park. Boone. 1 1 September (RR): and 1 at Draut Park 16 September (BW). Wilson's Warbler 1 at Shawnee Park 28 August (JBe, PB) was the earliest to be reported. Canada Warbler I at Shawnee Park 30 August (JBe, PB) was the earliest to be reported; 1 at Sauerheber 30 September (CC) was the latest to be reported. American Free Sparrow 1 at Sauerheber 20 November (CC) was the earliest to be reported. Clay-colored Sparrow 1 was seen at Mel- co 3 October (tBP. EH). KBRC review required. Savannah Sparrow 1 at Martins Fork Lake 22 November (RDn) was unusual for se. Kentucky. Grasshopper Sparrow singles in Larue 12 October (DR et al.), at Sauerheber 18 October (DR, KOS). and at Sinclair 30 October (DR) were the latest reported. Henslow’s Sparrow - at least 5 (including an apparent family group of 3) at Raven Run Nature Preserve. Fayette, 1 August (.IS) represented a new breeding locale; at Vol, 85 least 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 13 October] (BP) was the latest to be reported. Le Conte’s Sparrow - the only report was1 of I at Sauerheber 18 October (DR. KOS). Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow there were two reports: 1 at Spindletop 1 1 Oc-| tober (tJW. DL. ASK) & 14 October) (JW); and 1 at the Ken Unit of Peabody|! WMA, Ohio, 30 October (DR). Fox Sparrow 1 sw. of Fisherville 27 Oc¬ tober (EH. JH) was the earliest to be reported. White-crowned Sparrow 1 near Dot. Logan , 27 September (FL) was the ear¬ liest to be reported. Lapland Longspur I at Spindletop If November (DL, ASK) and 1 heard neai Dot, Logan, 23 November (FL) were the] earliest to be reported. Rose-hreasted Grosbeak only a few in dividuals were reported at feeders frorrj late September through mid-October, per j haps being scarce due to good naturali food supplies. Dickcissel 1 heard over Laketon 15 Sep tember (BP. MMo. EH) and 1 at Melco i October (BP. ELI) were the latest to bn reported. Bobolink there were only three reports: ; heard over Lake No. 9 on 5 Septembe| j (DR); 1 seen and heard over Dale Hollox ! Lake SRP, Clinton. 26 September ( SS DR): and 2 heard over the Dale Hollov | Lake SRP campground, Clinton! Cumber' i land. 28 September (BP. EH). Rusty Blackbird reports of interest in eluded 1 at Lake Linville, Rockcastle, 1 November (RDn, SBC) and 28 at Martin Fork Lake 22 November (RDn). Yellow-headed Blackbird a male wa seen adjacent to Sauerheber 3 Novembe' (tCC). " Orchard Oriole a female/imm. at Jeffei 1 son Memorial Forest. Jefferson. 7 Sep I tember (GA. BBC) was quite tardy. Hooded Oriole a male photographed in yard at Kevil. Ballard, 29 November (pi THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 21 JRw) was not seen again, but will consti¬ tute a first state record if accepted. KBRC review required. Purple Finch 2 at South Williamson. Pike. 4 November (JC); 4 at Cherokee Park. Louisville. 5 November (RBo): and 1 sw. of Fishervi I le 9 November (EH. JH) were the earliest to be reported. The spe¬ cies was relatively widespread in small numbers by the third week of November. Pine Siskin - at least 8 at Evergreen Cem¬ etery, Campbell. (FR). and I heard at Frankfort. Franklin. (BP) both 19 Octo¬ ber, 1 over Barren 20 October (DR), and small numbers heard at Smithland Dam and Boyd's Landing 21 October (DR) were the earliest to be reported: by the last week of October, small groups were being reported statewide. Generally small num¬ bers continued to the end of November with peak counts of 22 at Evergreen Cem¬ etery, Campbell. 23 October (FR); 50 at Blood River 14 November (HC, BH); 30- 40 at Bad Branch SNP, Letcher 22 No¬ vember (AH); and ca. 85 at Fern Lake. Bell , and ca. 40 at Martins Fork Lake. Harlan, both 22 November (RDn). American Goldfinch a wave of migrants arrived during early to mid-October with a peak count of at least 400 at Iroquois Park 8 October (MA); numbers subse¬ quently remained relatively high. Observers: Garrett Adams (GA); Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK); Michael Autin (MA); Danna Baxley (DB); Tom & Colleen Becker (T&C'Be): Beckham Bird Club (BBC): lane Bell ( JBe); Pat Bell (PB); Frank Bennett (FB); Mark Bennett (MB); Andrew Berry (AB); Carol Besse (CBs); Caitlin Borck (CBo); Rod Botkins (RBo); John Brunjes (JBr); Rhonda Bryant (RBr); Joan Carr (JC); Hap Chambers (HC); Kathy Cohen (KC); Michael Cohen (MC); Megan Connor (MC); Linda Craiger (LC); Charlie Crawford (CC): Roseanna Denton (RDn); Robert Dever (RDv); Charles Dietsch (CD); Gary & Becky Dorman (G&BD): David Dugas (DD); Melissa Easley (ME); Garrick Fields (GF); Brent Frazier (BF); Scott Freidhof (SF); Judy Galitzine (JG); Alan Goldstein (AG); Barr)' Hart (BH); Lana Hays (LH): Kate Heyden (KH): Gay Hodges (GH); Eddie Huber (EH); Jennifer Huber (JH); Aaron Hulsey (AH); Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS): James Kiser (JK); Steve Kistler (SK); David Lang (DL); Celia Lawrence (CL); Aurilla Lesley (AL); Bill & Paula Lisowsky (B&PL): Mikey Lutmerding (ML); Frank Lyne (FL); Scott Marsh (SM); Don Martin (DM); Lee McNeely (LM): Jennifer Michaels (JM); Michael Miller (MMi); Mark Monroe (MMo): Evelyn Morgan (EM): Connie Morton (CM); multiple observers (m. ob.); Connie Neeley (CN); Wendell Neeley (WN); Northern Kentucky Bird Club (NKBC); Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP); David Patick (DPa); Mar)' Plummer (MP); Joe Pulliam (JP); Doreen Pulliam (DPu); Ed Ray (ER): Scott Record (SR): Frank Renfrew (FR); Barry Richmond (BR); Rob Ripma (RR); Gerald Robe (GR); David Roemer (DR); Joan Roemer (JRm); Jeff Rowe (JRw); Bill Scates (BSc); Kurt Schwarz (KS): Brian Smith (BSm); Somerset Bird Club (SBC): Stephen Stedman (SS): Ian Stewart (IS); Matt Stickel (MS); Del Striegel (DS): Joe Swanson (.IS): Ryan Taylor (RTa); Russ Thompson (RTh): Eric Williams (EW); Jim Williams (JW); Barbara Woerner (BW); Mike Wright (MW); Ben Yandell (BY); Mary Yandell (MY). MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT 2008-2009 Blaine R. Ferrell Reports of 3 I counts were received from across the Commonwealth (Fig. 1. page 38). A total of 138 species was recorded on count days. Thirteen species were observed on all counts and 18 species were observed on only one count during count days. Temperatures mostly were 20 F to 40 F for lows and 40 F to 60 F for highs during the count period. These readings were fairly normal compared with readings the previous year. The lowest temperature was 2 F in Hart County December 22 and the highest was 75°F December 27 at Calloway County. Waterfowl numbers were good, mainly from Ballard THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 22 County, Calloway County and the Land Between the Lakes. Mallard numbers were double compared with last year. Scoter species were not observed this year. After a steady increase for several years. Wild Turkey numbers were double compared with last year. Raptor numbers were similar to last year’s numbers and gull numbers were up. The number of Eurasian Collared-Dove continued to increase this year. This wasn't the year for Red¬ breasted Nuthatches with only 16 total observed on nine counts. Food crops, cedar berries and mast were abundant, and numbers of some species, such as Blue Jays, Cedar Waxwings, and Yellow-runrped Warblers, returned to more normal numbers. Eastern Bluebird numbers were up slightly compared with last year’s numbers. Blackbird numbers continued to decline this year. Pine Siskins numbers were up this year but Evening Grosbeaks were not observed. Only a few lingering summer residents were observed this year. It is particularly hard to determine trends due to the increased number of counts coupled with the highly variable weather experienced across counts. Highlights included Tundra Swan (Warsaw), Long-tailed Duck (Land Between the Lakes), Red-necked Grebe (Green River Lake). Brown Pelican (Land Between the Lakes), Virginia Rails (Paradise), Black-bellied Plovers (Land Between the Lakes), Solitary Sandpiper (Bowling Green). Western Sandpipers (Land Between the Lakes), Thayer’s Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Land Between the Lakes), Fish Crows (Calloway County), Nashville Warbler (Burlington). LeConte’s Sparrow (Ballard County), and Lincoln’s Sparrows (Ballard. Green River Lake, Somerset). 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 at jet. KY 358 and Stove Corner Road). Habitat as described in 1984. Dec 22; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST; Sky mostly clear. Temp. 7° to 25° F; wind SW, 0-8 m.p.h. Water mostly frozen. Six observers in two to four parties plus one feeder-watcher. Total party hours 25 (14 on foot. 1 1 by car). Total party miles 140.0 (3.5 on foot. 136.5 by car). Hours owling, 1.0. Total species 96; total individuals 125.873. Observers: Hap Chambers, Melissa Easley, Pat Hahs. Eddie Huber. Brainard Palmer- Ball. Jr. (compiler), Scott Record. Feeder-watcher: Jeff Rowe. The species total (96) tied the record high for this count. The count happened to coincide with an aerial waterfowl survey by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, allowing the use of waterfowl numbers from that effort. Highlights included 17 species of waterfowl including 2200 Greater White-fronted Geese and a Cackling Goose; 43 Bald Eagles; a Barn Owl; a Sedge Wren in western McCracken County; a Marsh Wren; a Le Conte’s Sparrow on West Kentucky WMA; a Lincoln's Sparrow in a native grass field in western McCracken County; 2 Brewer’s Blackbirds; and 10 Pine Siskins. Somewhat sur¬ prisingly, American Crows-seemingly never numerous in this count area-were missed. Coverage of the bottomland forest habitat was not as good this year, resulting in forest¬ dwelling birds being somewhat under-represented in the final count. An excellent soft mast crop (most notably poison ivy and sugarberry/hackberry fruits) resulted in excellent totals for berry-eaters. Calloway County (all points within a 15 mile diameter circle, center Daltons Cemetery). Habitat 20% lake shoreline and streams. 35% open fields. 30% residential, and 15% deciduous and pine woods. Dec. 27; 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 66° to 75°F; wind SW. 13-45 m.p.h. Water open. Eight observers in six parties. Total party-hours 42.5 (15.5 on foot, 27.0 by car). Total party-miles 182 ( 13 on foot. 169 by car). Total species 81; total individuals 6719. 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 23 Observers: Hap Chambers (compiler), Melissa Easley, Blue Eubanks, Bruce Eubanks, Bob Head, Bobbi Kent, and Mike Miller. Jan Flynn was the feeder watcher. Land Between the Lakes (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Pisgah Creek ca. 0.25 mile west of The Trace; 36.9333, -88.1 167). Habitat as described in 1984 in American Birds. Dec. 14; 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky 100% cloud cover in a.m., 95% cloud cover (the sun broke through for a couple moments), intermittent drizzle and rain showers in the morning; temp. 40 to 58 F; wind, mainly S, 15-30 m.p.h. with stronger gusts. Twenty three observers in nine parties. Total party-hours 66.50 (16.75 on foot, 49.75 by car). Total party-miles 566.0 (9.5 on foot, 556.5 by car). Total species 96; total indiv¬ iduals 20,358. Observers: Mitz Bailey, Erin Burnside, Hap Chambers, J. David Chiles, Tom Durbin, Joel Freidlander. Brook Gilley, Donald Gladis, Kristy Jobe, Bill Lisowsky, Paula Lisowsky, John Pollpeter, Elizabeth Raikes, David Roemer, Jeff Rowe, Darrin Samborski. Emily Schmadeke, Mary Schmidt, Carrie Szwed. Josh Szwed, Jason Thicke, Wendell Webb, and Aviva Yasgur (compiler). A great group of 23 participants searched the forests and shorelines of the northern section of Land Between the Lakes (LBL) and it outskirts again this year. Despite high winds, which made hireling by ear difficult and probably made many of the smaller songbirds stay under cover, we totaled 96 species on count day. This is slightly higher than average for the LBL count, which has tended to range in the low-to-mid 90’s over the past decade. Sorgho (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center intersection of Hwy 279-S and Audubon Parkway). Habitat farmland, river, creeks, river bottoms, urban parks and county parks. Jan. 1; 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sky sunny early/cloudy in p.m.; temp. 29 to 42 F; wind S, 20 m.p.h. It didn’t seem that windy most of the day. Fifteen observers in six parties. Total party-hours 22 (7 on foot, 15 by car). Total party-miles 155.5 (6.5 on foot. 149.0 by car). Total species 45; total individuals 4. 159. Observers: Pat Augenstein, Henry Conner, Tony Eadcn. Jill Flachskan, Joe Ford, Donna Hanlevy, Janet Howard (compiler), Ken Hurm, Mary Kissel, Bill Little, Brenda Little, Charles Morris, Roseann Radzelovage, Justin Rosemier, and Carolyn Williams. Maceo (area starting at host home on Saur 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 I hvy. 1831 to Hwy. 405 and east to the starting point on Saur Road). Habitat fields, thickets, lakes, cemetery, yards. Dec. 20; 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 30 to 36 F; wind 4 m.p.h. Six observers in three parties. Total party-hours 8.75 (1 on foot, 7.75 by car). Total party-miles 63.2 (1.0 on foot, 62.2 by car). Total species 42; total individuals 770. Observers: Pat Augustein, Brenda Eaden (compiler), Tony Eaden, Janet Howard, Marilee Thompson, and Wendell Thompson. Sandhill Cranes on December I 7 were watched for two hours feeding in a Held across the road from our house. Olmstead (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at the junction of KY 1041 and KY 1151 ESE of Ferguson). Habitat is about 75% cultivated farmland, with the remaining habitat including 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., with 3 and one- quarter hours of owling. Sky clear most of the day with brief periods of patchy clouds; temp. 28° to 56°F; wind calm at start, by 9:00 a.m. picked up until afternoon when sustained winds SW 10 m.p.h. with gusts to 20 m.p.h. Four observers in two or three parties. Total party-hours 20.50 (8.75 on foot, 1 1.75 by car). Total party-miles 221.8 (5.8 on foot, 216.0 by car). Total species 69; total individuals 3394. 24 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 Observers: Mark Bennett (compiler). Alison Lyne, Frank Lyne, and David Roemer. For the fourth year, two parties were utilized expanding to three parties for a short period of time. Warm weather and an afternoon breeze may have reduced individual numbers, but the species total was good for this count. Pine Siskin was recorded for the first time on this count and Palm Warbler for only the third time. Great Flomed Owl, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Pileated Woodpecker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Eastern Bluebird individual numbers set count records. Good numbers of Cedar Waxwing, Yellow- rumped Warbler, and Carolina Wren were also observed. Large flocks of blackbirds and/or starlings were absent. Paradise (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Hopewell Cemetery). Habitat as described in 1993. Jan. 3; 5:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST. Sky cloudy, intermittent showers in the afternoon. Temp. 35° to 60° F; wind E/SE, 0-12 m.p.h. Water mostly open. Ten observers in five to six parties. Total party hours 45 (31 on foot, 14 by car). Total party miles 218.5 (9.5 on foot, 209.0 by car). Hours owling: 3.5. Total species 91; total individuals 1 7,408. Observers: Michael Autin. Mark Bennett. Amy Covert. David Dugas, Eddie Huber, Aaron Hulsey, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler). Matt Stickel, Eric Williams, and Barbara Woerner. The day was cloudy with afternoon showers arriving earlier than had been predicted, resulting in the day being relatively unfavorable for observation of raptors. The species total was slightly above-average, primarily due to better coverage of a variety of habitats. Highlights included overflight flocks of Greater White-fronted Geese, Snow Geese, and Sandhill Cranes: a record high count of Wild Turkey (537. including individual flocks of 326 and 187); a Merlin on the Sinclair Unit; 3 Virginia Rails and 3 Marsh Wrens calling from marshes in Muhlenberg County; a Sedge Wren found in thick grasses in Muhlenberg County; and 3 Pine Warblers. Raptor totals were well below average, in part due to the dreary day; however, hawk numbers have seemed quite low on the reclaimed mine habitat during the fall. Berry-eaters were very numerous with totals for American Robin (396). Ruby-crowned Kinglet (19), Cedar Waxwing (280), and Yellow-rumped Warbler ( 197) all representing record highs for this count. Several tens of thousands of additional uniden¬ tified blackbirds are not included in the table. Bowling Green (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Three Springs, six miles south of Bowling Green). Habitat deciduous woods 20%. fields and pastures 60%, and town and parks 20%. Dec. 17; 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 36 to 40 F; wind WNW 6 m.p.h. Mist early. Six observers in three parties. Total party-hours 26 (15 on foot. 11 by car). Total party-miles 156 (13 on foot. 143 by car). Total species 76; total individuals 1 1.883. Observers: Valerie Brown, Blaine Ferrell (compiler). Aaron Hulsey, Wayne Mason, Albert Meier, and David Roemer. The Solitary Sandpiper was observed at close range at Dewey Lake that had been drained and had broad mudflat-like areas. Glasgow (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Barren County courthouse, as described in 1986). Habitat as described in 1986. Dec. 30: 6:50 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 37 to 51 F: wind calm. Three observers in one party. Total party-hours 9.5 (5.5 on foot, 4.0 by car). Total party-miles 81.5 (5.5 on foot, 76.0 by car). Total species 56: total individuals 1478. Observers: Aaron Hulsey, and Wayne M. Mason (compiler), and Matthew Wood. Mammoth Cave National Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Park headquarters) Habitat as described in 1980. Dec. 18; 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 34 to 46 F: wind ENE. 6 m.p.h. Drizzle and fog in the a.m. Four observers in two parties. Total party-hours 15.5 (6.5 on foot. 9.0 by car). Total 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 25 party-miles 1 13 (3 on foot, 1 10 by car). Total species 44; total individuals 967. Observers; Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Elizabeth Ferrell, Wayne Mason, and David Roemer. The highlight of the count was the five Bald Eagles at First Creek Lake with two adults, one sub-adult, and two immatures. Nolin River (formerly Upton) (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.5 mile southwest of Hilltop, eastern Grayson County). Habitat: woodland, farmland, river and Nolin Reservoir. Dec. 29; 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 24 to 54 F; wind SW, 5- 15 m.p.h. Thirteen observers in one party. Total party-hours 12 (7 on foot, 5 by car). Total party- miles 92 (2 on foot, 90 by car). Total species 65; total individuals 2209. Observers: Bonnie Avery'; Bruce Bardin; John and Lisa Brittain (compilers); Carol Friedman; Dan Givens; Richard Healy; Janet, Logan and Steve Kistler; Audrey. Natalie, and Tony Smith. Six species were seen for the first time on count day: Gadwall, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Pine Siskin. Hart County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center corner of Craddock Road and Jaggers Lane). Habitat: rural fields and forests, one large (Hundred-Acre) pond, and Green River. Dec. 22; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 2 to 27 F; wind light. Ten observers in three parties. Total party-hours I 1 (5 on foot, 6 by car). Total party- miles 80 (3 on foot, 77 by car). Total species 55; total individuals 7354. Observers: Bruce Bardin, John Brittain, Rachel Bush, Carol Friedman, Richard Healy, Janet Kistler. Ronn Kistler, Steve Kistler (compiler), Ken Neagle, and Mitchell Sturgeon. Highlights included a flock of 5000+ American Robins and 28 Rusty Blackbirds. Otter Creek Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center just west of jet. KY 1238 and Pack Lane, as described 1972). Habitat as described in 2001. Dec 26; 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Sky Cloudy, periods of showers in the a.m.; temp. 28° to 62° F; wind S/SW, 5-15 m.p.h. Water open. Ten observers in five to six parties. Total party hours 33 (14 on foot, 19 by car). Total party miles 236 (11 on foot, 225 by car). Hours owling; 0.5. Total species 64; total individuals 4924. Observers: Michael Autin, Rod Botkins, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Eddie Huber, Berl Meyer, and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), and Del Striegel. and Barbara Woerner. The species total was below average for this count, probably due to slightly below- average coverage and the weather. The day started out dreary with a period of showers and remained gray throughout the afternoon. Highlights included a Ruddy Duck, 37 Sandhill Cranes, 22 Eurasian Collared-Doves, and 2 Chipping Sparrows. Raptors were scarce, perhaps in large part due to the weather conditions. With natural food crops-especially cedar berries-abundant, berry-eaters were found in good numbers. Bernheim Forest (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Forest lookout tower as described 1974). Habitat as described in 1974. Dec 28; 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Sky mostly clear; temp. 29 to 62° F; wind SW, 5-25 m.p.h. Water open. Nineteen observers in eight parties. Total party hours 45.0 (24.5 on foot, 20.5 by car). Total party miles 220.5 (13.5 on foot, 207.0 by car). Total species 70; total individuals 7055. Observers: Michael Autin, Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Rod Botkins, Dona Coates, Amy Covert, Bill Friel, Eddie Huber, Jennifer Huber, Brian Klapheke, Robert Klapheke, Celia Lawrence, Pat Meyer, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Cindy Read, Ken Read, Nancy Vance, and Barbara Woerner. (continued on page 34) 26 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 2008-2009 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Maceo Olmstead Paradise Bowing Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat'l Park Nolin River Hart County Otter Creek Park Gr. Wh. -fronted Goose 2200 - - - - - 40 - - - - - - Ross's Goose - - - - - - - - - - - - - Snow Goose 3000 - - - - - 28 1 - - - - - Canada Goose 580 199 536 51 20 16 387 152 14 - 4 - 51 Cackling Goose 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - Mute Swan - - - - - - - - - - - - - t - Tundra Swan - - - - - - - - - - - - - V ' Wood Duck 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - Gadwall 75 26 1769 - - - 30 2 - - 1 - I American Wigeon 50 - 10 - - - 1 - - - - - " Am Black Duck 18 13 2 - - - 44 2 - - - - Mallard 1 13500 28 352 10 - 62 959 148 3 - 96 1 50 3 Blue-winged Teal - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - Northern Shoveler 40 - 109 - - - CW CW - - - - Northern Pintail 20 cw - - - - 42 - - - - - - Green-winged Teal 25 4 61 - - - - - - - - - - Canvasback 14 - 22 - - 1 55 - - - - - - 1 Redhead 1 - - - - CW 14 - - - - - - Ring-necked Duck 75 1 49 - 4 7 386 5 - - 1 - _ Greater Scaup - 6 79 - - CW 2 - - - - - - Lesser Scaup 7 42 1656 - - - 5 2 - - - - 6 Bufflehead - 50 141 - - - - 4 - - 1 - - Long-tailed Duck - - 1 Common Goldeneye - 15 483 - - - - - 2 - - - j - Hooded Merganser 3 CW 134 - - - 5 - 7 - - - - j Common Merganser - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - ! Red-br Merganser - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ruddy Duck 1 1 1 515 - - - - - - - 2 - i Wild Turkey 109 - 18 - 35 9 537 46 - 32 1 - - 3 Northern Bobwhite - - - - - - 5 - - - 1 - - Common Loon - - 8 - - - - - - - - - - | Pied-billed Grebe 5 24 116 - - - 18 1 19 - 1 - i . - Horned Grebe - 31 28 - - - - - 1 - - - _ Red-necked Grebe - - - - - - - - - - - - - D -cr. Cormorant 1 - 77 - - - 1 - - - - - - Am White Pelican - - 3 Brown Pelican - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - 2000 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 27 Louisville Green River Lake Shelbyville Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington W arsaw Burlington Falmouth Richmond Russell County Wayne County Somerset London Natrual Bridge Dewey Lake Total - - - - 1 - - 1 - - - - - - - - 2242 1 - - - - - - 1 1 - - - - - - - - 3 1 - 5 - - 1 - - - - - - 1 - - - - 3037 113 19 386 321 - 198 1211 320 850 52 151 114 55 226 115 - 59 7355 - - - - - - - - 7 - - - - - - - - 8 8 - 1 - - - - 23 - - - - - - - 7 - - - - - - - - - 7 32 1 1 1 - - 37 73 2 - 1 - 31 66 4 4 - - 14 64 79 - - - 2242 1 - - - - - 24 - 1 - - - 3 2 - - - 92 9 i 2 - - - 4 20 15 26 - 6 4 50 - - - 218 936 202 273 91 - 48 67 431 560 28 101 59 71 356 145 - 31 118681 - 2 12 5 9 - - 10 19 - - - - 4 11 8 - - - 227 - 2 7 - - - 3 11 1 10 3 - 9 2 - - - 110 1 - - - - - 7 - - - - - 19 - - - - 117 24 - 3 - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - 123 6 6 - - - 27 203 10 - - - - 15 2 6 - 33 - 3 14 - - - 814 3 1 - - - - - - 3 - - - - - - - - 94 51 18 12 - - - 1 - - - - - 2 CW - - - 1802 16 14 - - - - 29 1 - - - 1 9 1 - - - 267 - 1 6 2 - - - 2 1 - CW 1 - - - 4 - - - 517 54 77 - - - - 310 - - - - 22 30 37 2 - - 681 7 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9 5 - 5 - 8 - - - 1 100 3 - 2 - - 1 - - - - 645 20 1 102 35 - 158 25 1 12 72 58 - 8 - 21 36 16 - 1484 cw - 10 - - - - 1 12 1 - - 1 - - - - 31 1 9 - - - - - - - - 1 6 3 - - - - 28 13 41 - 2 - - 31 6 - 7 - - 20 27 - - 2 335 2 10 - - - 3 - - - - 61 13 1 - - - 150 - 1 - 1 54 4 - - - 3 3 - - - - - - - - - 143 - 3 - - 1 28 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 85 2008-2009 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Maceo Olmstead Paradise Bowing Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat'l Park Nolin River Hart County Otter Creek Park Great Blue Heron 21 22 115 9 4 4 16 8 2 1 4 1 8 Blk.-cr. Night-Heron - - - - - - - - - - - - - Black Vulture - 41 4 - - 19 - - 41 - 63 16 8 ■0 Turkey Vulture - 28 2 2 - 13 1 - 14 - 17 1 18 Bald Eagle 43 4 51 - - - - - - 5 - - Northern Harrier 3 1 - 2 2 1 21 1 I - 4 wk - Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 - 1 i - - 3 1 2 2 - - 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 3 3 2 - 2 4 5 1 - 2 - 4 Accipiter sp. - - - - - - 1 - - - - - 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 10 8 3 - 1 1 6 - - 2 4 i 3 Jl Red-tailed Hawk 22 7 13 17 8 26 26 17 4 3 13 16 11 5 Rough-legged Hawk - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - j. Golden Eagle - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - American Restrel 5 8 4 33 10 26 1 1 23 1 1 17 23 22 7 Merlin - - - - - - 1 1 - - - - - Peregrine Falcon - - - - - - - - - - - - - Virginia Rail - - - - - - 3 - - - - - - American Coot 22 155 3868 - - - 13 12 1 - - - 10 Sandhill Crane - - 13 - cw - 1 1 - 400 - 50 2 37 . Black-bellied Plover - - 4 - - - - - - - - - - ■ Killdeer 1 1 33 70 3 - 81 3 15 32 - 37 7 - '6 Solitary' Sandpiper - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - • Wilson's Snipe 1 cvv 3 - - - 8 2 40 - - - - - Western Sanpiper - - 5 Least Sandpiper - - 32 - - - - - 4 - - - - - Bonaparte's Gull - 191 3389 - - - - 1 18 - - - - - Ring-billed Gull 158 448 3460 I - - - 6 112 1 4 - 3 - Herring Gull 4 8 202 - - - - - - - - - - - Thayer's Gull - - 1 Les. Blk. -backed Gull - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - - Forster's Tern - 3 2 - - - - - - - - - 29 Rock Pigeon 30 6 156 297 25 47 24 630 64 - 4 72 107 Eur Collared-Dove 5 1 - 5 - 1 - 10 - - - - 22 Mourning Dove 28 41 15 304 6 462 41 910 12 6 149 140 240 (5 Barn Owl 1 1 - - Eastern Screech-Owl 1 1 1 - - 2 2 - - - 2 3 2 - Great Flomed Owl 2 - - - - 13 6 1 - - 2 - - : r 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 29 Louisville j Green River Lake X a> 00 Frankfort < £ X U Danville Lexington W arsaw Burlington Falmouth Richmond Russell County Wayne County Somerset London Natrual Bridge Dewey Lake Total ■32 7 26 18 1 10 54 17 12 6 6 8 6 13 7 - 3 447 6 6 65 1 1 201 61 14 43 64 17 18 8 - 112 47 28 5 2 - 1288 38 - 137 63 6 45 64 20 19 1 1 13 22 10 1 - - 578 cw 2 - vvk - - - 4 - 1 - 2 - - - - - 115 3 - 1 - - 1 1 1 - - - - 2 2 - - - 51 5 - 2 - - 1 5 - 1 1 - - - 3 2 - 1 33 6 i 3 CW - 1 1 1 4 - 3 - - i 3 - - 1 62 2 - - - - - - 1 - 1 - - - 3 - - - 9 6 i cw - - 1 - - - 2 - 5 3 7 1 1 i 2 88 40 6 25 13 4 23 42 10 19 1 1 7 7 6 20 9 i 1 452 CW - CW - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - 3 3 16 14 33 i 1 8 37 24 13 7 14 21 26 22 59 18 - - 524 1 3 3 3 3 215 24 - - - 2 39 4 - - 30 2 3 - - - 15 4415 CW - cw CW - - - - CW - - 2 - - - - 515 - 4 6 1 19 11 14 7 9 - 3 1 - 3 36 3 2 - 22 445 - 1 cw - 2 1 - - - 57 - 5 - - 36 6 3 7 393 93 - - 1 4102 818 835 - - - 9 25 115 5 25 - 307 2 40 - - 6374 2 - - - - - - - - - - 4 - - - - - 220 - - 1 - - 2 - - 5 1029 5 66 145 15 181 949 50 15 75 61 13 39 335 160 - 30 4759 - - 32 - - - - - - - - 5 4 - - - - 85 521 46 1244 160 12 761 369 202 101 224 257 345 687 578 465 3 24 8438 - - 2 1 - CW - - 1 1 2 5 1 - 4 1 4 3 - - 37 7 - - - - - 3 4 - - - - - 2 1 - - 41 I 30 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 85 2008-2009 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Maceo Olmstead 8 American Pipit 2 - 5 - - 1 - - - - - - - Cedar Waxwing 16 65 474 - 43 91 280 145 19 49 113 24 442 c >oL Nashville Warbler - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Yel-rumped Warbler 22 1 1 39 - 5 25 197 78 27 80 116 63 183 ) 8 2009_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 31 ) ! 0 3 , 5 J Green River Lake Shelbyville Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Warsaw Burlington Falmouth Richmond Russell County Way ne County Somerset London Natrual Bridge Dewey Lake Total - - - - - 1 - 3 - - - 1 1 - - 23 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7 0 4 3 5 1 4 19 6 3 5 6 10 4 6 2 2 1 167 - 5 - - - 4 - - - - - 6 3 5 - - - 78 9 23 8 30 4 28 48 10 25 20 5 58 34 82 33 2 2 807 5 2 1 4 3 1 2 3 - 8 - 1 1 10 3 1 - - 139 S3 13 13 29 8 35 52 19 21 18 5 21 6 33 20 1 2 618 9 2 1 7 2 16 8 5 6 6 i 3 2 4 5 1 - 166 16 6 14 8 5 15 18 7 10 17 2 33 25 37 25 4 3 526 3 13 2 6 2 5 4 2 5 4 1 1 1 10 14 19 5 3 223 ,2 - - 1 - - - - - - - 4 7 8 1 - 1 56 i - - - - - - - - - - - 1 1 - - - - 9 j )4 105 25 35 20 66 78 39 40 134 41 229 148 322 137 - 26 2699 97 77 145 146 105 198 229 94 114 245 67 196 86 335 420 96 76 4332 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 3 3 260 - - - 10 30 20 - - - 8 3 - - - 2054 63 36 21 106 23 146 168 29 69 25 27 68 41 143 75 25 14 1907 94 72 14 76 9 62 80 28 38 22 8 90 54 115 36 4 8 1673 1 2 - - - - 1 - - - - - 1 - 1 1 - 16 27 7 3 26 6 37 1 1 1 1 19 10 - 42 23 60 21 6 4 553 10 - 1 13 - 1 10 1 2 1 - - - 3 - - - 67 71 22 5 38 16 29 31 18 49 22 8 48 57 100 53 5 8 1046 cw - - 2 - - - - - - - 1 1 4 1 - - 18 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 17 15 3 23 3 2 8 9 42 9 15 3 5 6 9 5 - 272 11 4 - - - - - 2 - - 2 5 2 2 1 - - 99 41 66 20 27 39 74 51 21 38 30 46 148 87 215 117 1 17 2188 1 10 - 2 - - 2 - - 1 - 4 8 5 1 - - 94 655 30 338 802 64 484 2039 137 283 834 15 33 13 227 123 - 52 14688 53 17 16 17 2 82 70 16 5 9 13 31 36 104 77 - - 834 1 - - - - - - - - - - 1 1 1 1 - - 18 4063 1446 4372 1835 134 3300 5578 446 1396 710 885 2869 3365 4769 4136 - 166 66132 CW - - - - - - - - - - - 2 - - - - 11 347 105 6 97 - 106 238 91 6 47 64 275 68 232 31 - 15 4689 - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - 1 13 45 - 31 50 1 1 1 23 14 60 - 79 45 198 36 - 12 1672 32 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 2008-2009 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Maceo Olmstead Paradise Bowing Green Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat'l Park Nolin River Hart County Otter Creek Park Pine Warbler - - - - - - 3 - - - - - - >- Palm Warbler - - - - - 3 - 2 - - - - - ' Eastern Tovvhee 15 24 8 4 - 18 54 24 6 2 3 7 31 - Amer. Tree Sparrow 8 - - 1 - - 28 - - - - - - Chipping Sparrow 3 - 3 - - - - 48 - - CVV' - 2 - Field Sparrow 58 6 18 - - 34 96 45 33 17 12 53 136 Savannah Sparrow 10 2 15 1 - 21 50 40 - - - 1 Le Conte's Sparrow 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Fox Sparrow 4 2 2 - - 4 17 14 - 3 1 2 9 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Song Sparrow 90 16 9 21 6 66 246 211 29 49 21 205 145 4 Swamp Sparrow 59 3 1 - - 25 231 43 - 3 2 14 34 White-thr. Sparrow 176 149 102 13 10 72 260 167 86 100 68 48 1 14 2 White-cr Sparrow 43 10 2 10 4 26 15 52 - - 3 43 13 > Dark-eyed Junco 132 310 428 12 7 48 271 132 2 53 95 36 193 9 Lapland Longspur 110 - - - - 2 - 4 - - - - - Northern Cardinal 84 90 72 29 29 89 143 82 21 23 69 43 161 4 Red-winged Blackbird 1502 1233 25 - 26 5850 347 - 3 155 65 - Eastern Meadowlark 25 63 14 7 1 110 24 71 1 - 36 64 10 Rusty Blackbird - - - - 1 2 2 87 - - - 28 - Brewer's Blackbird 2 2 - - - - - - - - - - - Common Crackle 1 113 753 cvv 609 10 15 4165 30 - - - - Brown-lid Cowbird 2 14 - 1 3 70 506 469 - - - - Purple Finch 6 18 7 - - 3 8 2 - 28 CVV 4 40 4 House Finch 6 63 21 57 13 3 5 37 - - 14 4 44 4 Pine Siskin 10 1 CVV - - 6 2 CVV - 6 13 - 3 American Goldfinch 22 94 83 25 41 68 146 76 15 99 88 42 212 ' 9 House Sparrow 93 27 27 79 14 77 35 68 9 - 65 51 12 9 Day of count D22 D27 DI4 .11 D20 D29 .13 DI7 D30 DI8 D29 D22 D26 >8 Number of species 96 81 96 45 42 69 91 76 56 44 65 55 64 j 0 Number of individuals 125873 6719 20358 4159 770 3394 17408 11883 1478 967 2209 7354 4924 1 55 Number of observers 6 8 23 15 6 4 10 6 3 4 13 10 10 1 9 ?(H)i) _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 33 "l Green River Lake Shelbyville Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Warsaw Burlington Falmouth Richmond Russell County Wayne County Somerset London Natrual Bridge Dewey Lake Total f - - - - - - - - - - 1 1 - - - - 5 - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 - - - 9 !♦ 17 1 4 2 2 4 11 34 4 - 28 12 51 11 3 2 454 i - 1 1 1 - - - - 5 - - - - - - - - 54 Ei - 3 3 - 6 1 - - - - 5 1 15 2 - 15 109 2 23 1 1 10 - 16 - 15 12 - - 67 25 116 32 2 1 956 ’ - - - - - - - - - - - - 15 2 - - 159 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 ) 2 1 - 3 1 2 - CW 1 2 - 14 1 - - 95 ' 1 - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - 3 6 44 1 1 62 61 50 77 45 80 40 17 62 62 300 77 10 15 2387 7 2 - 8 1 - 2 2 3 3 - 5 - 7 3 - 2 492 77 87 8 66 7 38 183 26 77 34 8 121 53 237 113 10 70 2902 3 27 37 26 2 75 34 13 6 7 16 15 25 82 2 - - 653 54 128 16 62 14 1 16 162 31 53 106 - 78 20 188 30 9 1 3146 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 16 32 81 88 157 38 213 218 68 81 35 33 141 90 374 123 10 5 3266 6 - 1 - - 8 17 - - - - - 61 13 - - - 9314 12 39 42 10 57 40 - 1 - 4 1 10 76 157 5 - 2 928 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - 121 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 .25 - 1 2 - 120 7 3 - - 1 1 3782 2 - - - 10844 2 - - 151 - - 1 - 2 - - - 13 - 2 - - 1238 6 8 cw 3 - 10 2 22 4 9 4 1 3 9 1 - - 272 .43 - 23 18 - 70 249 9 19 7 26 72 8 1 12 9 - 30 1276 - 2 - - - CW CW - 1 - - - 4 43 257 1 - 359 !32 308 30 143 31 171 219 68 197 48 26 192 174 284 271 7 75 3666 !46 38 96 43 3 165 244 11 21 29 27 70 53 106 134 - 11 1923 m D17 D20 D14 J3 D20 D20 D20 D27 J3 D20 D17 D18 J1 J3 DI4 D28 93 72 61 54 38 63 75 65 62 57 41 70 85 84 61 27 42 138 1601 4320 8252 5067 789 7371 13769 2758 4542 3122 2043 6309 10213 1 1205 7440 233 831 327416 39 4 13 14 4 27 31 4 16 5 5 7 4 14 1 1 1 1 2 348 34 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 The species count was slightly above average. A mostly clear, but breezy' day made for reduced songbird numbers, but good raptor viewing. Highlights of the day included at least 400 Black Vultures at a roost at Clermont, 3 Bald Eagles, at least 2 Golden Eagles, 3 Canvasbacks on a lake near Boston, and a Palm Warbler near Shepherdsville. Natural food crops were abundant (especially cedar berries, poison ivy berries, and hackberry fruits), so berry-eating species were numerous. An immature Tundra Swan was seen with the wintering flock of Mute Swans two days after the count. Louisville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. US 42 and KY 22. as described in 1972). Habitat as described in 1972. Dec. 14; 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 43 to 59 F; wind S, 15-20 m.p.h. Steady wind all day; periods of very' light rain. Thirty-nine observers in 13 parties. Total party-hours 75.75 (38.50 on foot. 37.25 by car). Total party miles 337.7 (30.0 on foot, 307.7 by car). Total species 93; total individuals 24.601. Observers: Win Ahrens, Bonnie Avery'. Mary' Bill Bauer, Tom Becker. Jane Bell and Pat Bell (compilers), Carol Besse, Carl Bochmann. Jo Ann Bochmann. Rod Botkins. Sandy Brue, Craig Bunting. Dona Coates. Colleen Craven-Becker. William Friel. Rod Goforth, Charles flatten. Eddie Huber. Jennifer Huber. Carol Hyatt, Bob Johnson, Scott Jones, Frank Krull, John Krull, Fred Mansmith. Carol McAllister. Paul McAllister, Judith McCandless, Lisa Morse, Doxie Noonan, Janice Raia. Carol Stallard, Jack Still, Scottie Theiss, Meg Vogt. Stephen Wilson. Barbara Woerner. Ben Yandell. and Mary Yandell. What a difference a year makes! Even though the wind was blowing at a steady 20 m.p.h. the 39 observers were able to find 93 species totaling 24.602 birds. There was a dramatic increase over last year due in part to abundance of natural food. There was an increase in numbers for many species. The Ross’s Goose was seen in the southern Indiana portion of the circle and was a count-first. Thanks to all the Louisville observers. Green River Lake (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Green River Memorial Baptist Church. Taylor County). 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. 17; 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky overcast, drizzle much of the day; temp. 34 to 38 F; wind 0-10 m.p.h. Windy in a.m., calm in p.m. Four observers in three parties. Total party-hours 20 (9 on foot. 1 1 by car). Total party-miles 1 10.25 (5.25 on foot, 105.00 by car). Total species 72; total individuals 4320. Observers: Lloyd Curry' (compiler), Eddie Huber. Richie Kessler, and Brainard Pal¬ mer-Ball. Jr. Shelbyville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center three-quarters of a mile south of U.S. 60 and Guist Creek Lake on KY 714.) Habitat elevation 640'- 1 1 90', farmland, fallow land, suburban, wooded and grassland. Dec. 20; 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky overcast. 35 to 39 F; wind W, 15 m.p.h. Rain held off the entire day. Thirteen observers in six parties. Total party-hours 38 (10 on foot. 28 by car). Total party-miles 267 ( 12 on foot, 255 by car). Total species 61; total individuals 8252. Observers: Heather Brown. Iris Brown, Joan Brown, Luke Brown. Savannah Brown. Todd Brown, W.H. Brown (compiler), Cheryl Houston. Sam Houston, Cathy King. Walt Reichert, Benton Young, and Earl Young. Visibility was poor, however one of our better counts probably due to more observers than usual. Frankfort (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. US 127 and KY 1900). I labitat as described in 1977. Dec. 14; 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sky clear: temp. 21 to 48 F; wind W. 12-39 m.p.h. There was light snow throughout the day. Fourteen observers in seven parties. Total party-hours 37 (21 on foot. 16 by car). Total party-miles 158.5 ( 18.0 on foot, 140.5 by car). Total species 54; total individuals 5067. 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 35 Observers: Brainard Palmer-Ball, John Brunjes, Jim Fries, Peggy Gould (compiler), Ralph Gould, Pat Hankla, Scott Hankla, Jeff Jones, Joel Jones, Robert Laurenson, Susan Laurenson, J.D. Quarles, Tommy Quarles, 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 jet. KY 227 and KY 845W at Hesler, Ky.). Habitat as described in 1972. Jan. 3; 8:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 25 to 56 F; wind E, 4-15 m.p.h. Still water partly frozen. Four observers in two parties. Total party-hours 8.75 (3.75 on foot, 5.0 by car). Total party-miles 76 (4 on foot, 72 by car). Total species 38; total individuals 789. Observers: Terry Anderson, Jim Fries, Peggy Gould (compiler), and Ralph Gould. Danville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Boyle County Courthouse). Habitat water edge (15%), urban (15%), cultivated (10%), field/fence row (25%), wooded edge (20%), and feeder (15%). Dec. 20; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 36 to 48 F; wind SE, 0-7 m.p.h. Light rain in a.m., overcast all day. Twenty-seven observers in nine parties. Total party-hours 57.5 (16.0 on foot, 41.5 by car). Total party-miles 470. 1 (16.4 on foot, 453.7 by car). Total species 63; total individuals 7371. Observers: Joe Amburgey, Anna Anderson, Robert Anderson, Ernie Baird, Joe Baron, J.P. Brantley, Jane Brantley, Rhea Crowley, Neil Eklund (compiler), Virginia Eklund, Stephanie Fabritius, Bill Garriott, Tom Kearns, Bill Kemper, Anne Lubbers, Jack Metcalf, Jody Metcalf, Preston Miles, Eric Mount, Susan Neale, Jack Newton, Amelia Nichols, John Nichols, Don Pelly, Rob Pendygraft, Linda Taylor, and Terry Taylor. Lexington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center East Hickman Church on Tates Creek Road). Flabitat suburban farms, woodlots, water company reservoirs, Kentucky River cliffs and bottomland. Dec. 20; 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 36 to 41 F; wind calm. Thirty-one observers in 12 parties. Total party-hours 47.5 (17.5 by foot, 30.0 by car). Total party-miles 282.5 (22.5 by foot, 260.0 by car). Total species 75; total individuals 13,769. Observers: Martin Barr, Ramesh Bhatt, Suzanne Bhatt, Rhonda Bryant, Rick Buchanan, John Cox, Phyllis Deal, Ed DeMall, Alan Kireland, Terri Koontz, Betsy Lang, David Lang, Clifton Maehr, Scott Marsh, Betty Maxson (compiler), Kay Neikerk, Susan Pollack, David Powers, Louis Shain. Marie Sutton, Dave Svetich. Joe Swanson, Jackie Van Willigen, Sally Wasielewski, Jim Williams, Bernice Wood, and Hank Yacek. Feeder watchers: Earl Boggs, Darna Marshall, and Wayne Davis. Warsaw (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Gallatin County Court¬ house). Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 20; 6:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 33 to 35 F; wind SW, 5-12 m.p.h. All water open. Four observers in three parties. Total party-hours 21 (6 on foot, 15 by car). Total party-miles 155 (2 on foot, 153 by car). Total species 65; total individuals 2758. Observers: Joe Caminiti, Ed Groneman, Lee McNeely (compiler), and Tommy Stephens. The Ross’s Goose was found at the Ghent Power Plant. The seven Tundra Swans (2 adults and 5 immatures) were seen in flight and at rest on the Ohio River north of Warsaw. Four Bald Eagles represented a count high. Burlington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Camp Michaels). Flabitat as described in 1992. Dec. 27; 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; temp. 59° to 70 F; wind S, 13-25 m.p.h. All water was open. Sixteen observers in six parties. Total party-hours 32 (15 on foot, 17 by car). Total party-miles 149 (7 on foot, 142 by car). Total species 62; total individuals 4542. 36 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 Observers: Linda Altevers. Andrew Baldelli, Joe Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Elaine Carroll. Greg Cunningham, Denis Desjardin, Melissa Desjardin, Ed Groneman, Denise Hodge, Lee McNeely (compiler). Sally Moser. Dorothy Osterhage, Jack Osterhage. Gayle Pille. and Tommy Stephens. Feeder watchers: Marjorie Hill and Carmen Schulte. The Greater White-fronted Goose (1 adult). Ross's Goose (I adult), and Cackling Geese (7) were all found in a large waterfowl flock at the East Bend Power Plant. The Nashville Warbler was found near the bank of the Ohio River along Ryle Road. 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. 3; 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p in. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 29 to 49 F; wind E. 8- 14 m.p.h. Most water open. Five observers in two parties. Total party-hours 17 (4 on foot, 13 by car). Total party- miles 146.5 (1.5 on foot, 145.0 by car). Total species 57; total individuals 3122. Observers: Rhonda Bryant. Ed Groneman. Ron Lusby. Scott Marsh, and Lee McNeely (compiler). Berry-eating species were found in good numbers while numbers of seed-eating species were lower than normal. 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. 20: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 38 to 45 F; wind 0-5 m.p.h. Five observers in two parties. Total party-hours 10 (1 on foot, 9 by car). Total party- miles 120 (2 on foot. 1 18 by car). Total species 41; total individuals 2043. Observers: Bruce Callahan, Paul Hager. Jeanne Marie Hibbard. Brandon Ritchison, and Gaty Ritchison (compiler). No access was granted to the Blue Grass Army Depot this year. Russell County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center intersection of Owensby Road and Ihvy 3281). Habitat 50% wooded. 5% urban. 18% pasture, 17% residential, and 10% lake and streams. Dec. 17; 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST. Sky cloudy; temp. 34 to 40 F; wind W. 0-5 m.p.h. Fairly constant showers or drizzle and heavy fog all day. Seven observers in four parties. Total part-hours 31 (5 on foot. 26 by car). Total party- miles 270.25 (2.25 on foot, 268.00 by car). Total species 70; total individuals 6309. Observers: Granville Cox, Thelma Cox. Roseanna Denton (compiler), Steve Denton, Linda McClendon, Arlene Morton, and Donald Pelly. Highlights of this count were 61 Horned Grebes. 4 Herring Gulls. 5 Eurasian Collared- Doves, Loggerhead Shrike. Pine Warbler and 2 Fox Sparrows. Wayne County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. llwy. 1275 and Ihvy. 3106: 36.8972N. -84.8215W). Habitat as described in 2002. Dec. 18: 6:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky foggy a.m., cloudy p.m.; temp. 41 F to 55 F; wind variable, 0-5 m.p.h. Drizzle and foggy until about 10:00 a.m.. cloudy the rest of the day. All water open. Four observers in three parties. Total party hours 25.25 (5.00 on foot, 20.25 by car). Total party-miles 201.0 (1.5 on foot. 199.5 by car). Total species 85; total individuals 10.213. Observers: Roseanna Denton (compiler). Gay Hodges, Arlene Morton, and Stephen Stedman. Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Loggerhead Shrike, Pine Warbler, and Pine Siskin were firsts for this count. An unhanded immature Trumpeter Swan was discovered on Cooley’s Lake and lingered for a few weeks. 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 37 Somerset (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center junction of Bypass Hwy 80 and Hwy 39). Habitat as described in 2000. Jan. 1; 5:45 a.m. to 6:10 p.m. Sky clear with some clouds in the afternoon; temp. 17 to 50 F; wind SSW, 0-15 m.p.h. All water open. Fourteen observers in six parties. Total party-hours 57.75 (15.00 by foot, 42.75 by car). Total party-miles 441.0 (7.5 on foot, 434.0 by car). Total species 84; total individuals 11,205. Observers: Judy Brant, Rhonda Bryant, Granville Cox, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Steve Denton, Gay Flodges, 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 Floyd, Evelyn Garrett, Floyd Halcomb, Susan Huffman, Laura Kamperman, Dottie Kinnamon, Marion Ollszewski, Joe Richards, and Hazel Spears. London (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 37. 1264N, -84. 0963 W). Habitat: Elevation 900' on west edge of the circle at Sinking Creek- 1500’ on east edge near Raccoon Mt. Major streams include Laurel River, Little Laurel River, Woods Creek, Sinking Creek, Hazel Patch Creek, Raccoon Creek, and Little Raccoon Creek. Within the circle is 45% woodland, 50% pastures and hayfields, 1% cultivated and croplands, 1% lakes, ponds, and streams, 1% roads and pavement and 2% residential. Most of Woods Creek Lake, all of Levi Jackson State Park and a portion of the Daniel Boone National Forest are within the survey area. Jan. 3; 5:30 a.m. to 5:35 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 39 F to 55 F; wind W, 3-8 m.p.h. All water open. Eleven observers in four parties and three feeder watchers. Total pary-hours 43.0 (6.5 on foot, 36.5 by car). Total party miles 385.00 (5.25 on foot, 379.75 by car). Total species 61; total individuals 7440. Observers: Wendy Allen. Granville Cox (compiler), Thelma Cox, Roseanna Denton, Steve Denton, Gay Hodges, Paula McWhorter, Marie Oakley, Randy Oakley, Carlo Shivel, and Peggy Tincher. Natural Bridge State Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Whit- tleton Campground Booth). Habitat: mostly mixed mesophytic forest, some open Held, and some countryside with dispersed residences. Dec 14; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy to sunny; temp. 36 to 52 F; wind SSW, 5-25 m.p.h. A large snowfall of 6-8 inches on December 12 left shady valleys and hillsides still snow covered on count day. Eleven observers in two parties. Total party-hours 10 (6 on foot, 4 by car). Total party- miles 52 (6 on foot, 46 by car). Total species 27; total individuals 233. Observers: Brian Gasdorf (compiler). Bob Holmes, Jan Holmes, Steve McLane, Jeri McLane, Tyler Morgan, John Sacks, Marty Simione, Tim Sison, Mary Uhlenbrock, and Travis Wickline. Birding was difficult due to all of the snow melting/falling off branches. This made spotting movement of birds very difficult, and so much snow was melting that the sound made hearing the bird calls difficult as well. 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, old fields, and hardwoods. Dec. 28; 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sky morning rain, clearing skies later in the day; temp. 48 to 60 F; wind 0-5 m.p.h. Cool and raining in the morning, becoming warm and clear as the day went on. There was no significant wind. Two observers in one party. Total party-hours 5 ( I on foot, 4 by car). Total party- miles 26 ( 1 on foot, 25 by car). Total species 42; total individuals 83 I Observers: Chris Evans and Troy Evans (compiler). 38 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 85 Fig. 1. Kentucky Mid- Winter Bird Counts, 2008-2009 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 39 BOOK REVIEW Blaine R. Ferrell Life List: A Woman's Quest for the World's Most Amazing Birds (Bloomsbury hardcover; ISBN 1-59691; $25.00; 336 pages), by Olivia Gentile. Life List is a compelling story of a woman who. unfulfilled by her role as a housewife in the 1960s. took up bird watching in a serious way. Phoebe Snetsinger became obsessed with achieving a life list of over 8.000 species, and because of a significant inheritance she possessed the resources to do so. The book details the many travels, trials, tribulations, and triumphs she experienced during her quest for the most species observed by one individual. It also touched on the lives of people that may have crossed our own paths as birders, such as Burt L. Monroe. Jr., and Doug Pratt. It is a well written book that will hold the interest of anyone who is a bird watcher. NEWS AND VIEWS The United States Nightjar Survey Network Needs Participants in 2009 The Center for Conservation Biology (CCB) developed the Nightjar Survey Network in 2007 to begin the process of learning more about the population distribution and pop¬ ulation trends of nightjars. Very little is known about nightjar biology and prior to this pro¬ gram there was no widespread monitoring strategy for nightjars. Conservation-minded citizens and biologists fuel the Nightjar Survey Network by volunteering to conduct survey routes. Participation is easy. Sur¬ veys are conducted along roads, at least 30 minutes after sunset, between moonrise and moonset and should take less than two hours to complete. Data forms can be submitted electronically or by mail. Those who partici¬ pate will need suitable transpor¬ tation. good hearing, commit¬ ment to conduct a yearly survey for three or more years, and the ability to recognize and differentiate calls of Kentucky nightjar species: Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus), Chuck-will's-widow (C. carolinensis ), and Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor). The 2009 survey windows are May 31 June 15 and June 29— .1 uly 15. Please visit the CCB web-site for more information and to sign up for a survey route: www.ccb-wm.org/nightjars.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 with monetary awards of up to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, please visit the K.O.S. web site (http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm) or contact either Shawchyi Vorisek, Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort. KY. 40601 (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov) or Dr. Blaine Ferrell. Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean's Office, Western Kentucky University. Bowling Green. KY. 42101 (blaine.ferrell@wku.edu). 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/monroe.htm. Photo by Kate Heyden 40 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 85 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 113 Iroquois Circle, Russellville, KY. 42276, or via email at (benn5609@bellsouth.net). Above: Wood Storks 6 of 1 1 Lake No. 9, 13 September 2008 Photo by Ben Yandell (see Fall Season report, p. 12) Right Mottled Duck with Mallards, Lake No. 9, 4 September 2008 Photo by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr (see Fall Season report, p. 10) Below Right Red-necked Phalarope Rowan Co , 21 September 2008 Photo by Lana Hays (see Fall Season report, p. 16) Below Left: Virginia Rail on dashboard of truck Yellowbank WMA. 3 November 2008 Photo by Ryan Taylor (see Fall Season report, p. 13) 1 The Kentucky Warbler j (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 85 MAY 2009 NO. 2 IN THIS ISSUE WINTER SEASON 2008-2009, Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., and Lee McNeely . 43 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING 2009 MEETING, Gary Sprandel and John Brunjes . 55 FIELD NOTE Hooded Oriole in McCracken County . 58 NEWS AND VIEWS 59 42 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. £ THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President Win Ahrens, Prospei Vice-President . Scott Marsh. LexingttP Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball, .' L 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY 40222-39 J Treasurer . Recording Secretary . Councillors: Marilee Thompson. Owensboro Mary Yandell, Louisville . Kathy Cohen. Murray . Lana Hays, Walton . Don Martin. Independence . Shawchyi Vorisek. Frankfort . . Lee McNee if P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY 4 IOC- . John Brunjes. Frankfc I K . 2007 thru 2009 . 2008 thru 2009 . 2008 thru 2010 . 2008 thru 2010 . 2009 thru 2011 . 2009 thru 2011 Retiring President Staff Artist . Mark Bennett. Russellvi . Ray Harm. Sonoita. A THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, published quarterly in February. Mai August and November, The Kentucky Warbler is sent to all members not in arrears fj dues. Current membership categories and corresponding dues follow: Regular ($15.0(| Contributing ($25.00); Student ($10.00); Family ($20.00); and Life ($300.00). Direct maj uscripts and communications to the editor. Send membership dues to the Treasurer. Mali; requests for back issues to the Corresponding Secretary. Editor . Brainard Palmer-Ball, |i c/o Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission. 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort. KY 4061 (brainard. palmer-ball@ky.gc,) 1 Editorial Advisor}' Board Stephen Stedman and Ben Yandell Secretary. Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Ben Yandll 513 Lymington Court. Louisville, KY 40243 (secy@kybirdrecords.o;) i THE COVER We thank Tom Uhlman for the image of the male White-winged Crossbill (Loxi leucoptera ) taken 13 March 2008 at St. Anne’s Convent. Campbell County (see Winr Season 2008-2009). Financial support for color reproduction in this _ _ |l issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Touch- Y'f I k c ( ^ — „ l\j^%j\ Kentucky!. stone Energy Cooperatives. j*) ToudutoncEA :009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Jilt! 4-3 WINTER SEASON 2008-2009 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely The winter 2008-2009 was characterized by relatively normal temperature and precip- tation, with only a few bouts of unusual weather. Temperature was near normal during December and slightly warmer than normal during February. The month of January, how- fiver, was colder than normal, when the season's lowest readings of -3°F, -1°F, -1°F, and i°F were recorded at Lexington, Louisville, Paducah, and Bowling Green, respectively, on he morning of the 16th. Precipitation was near normal to slightly higher than normal during December, but near normal to slightly below normal during January and February, respect¬ ively. There was little snowfall during the period, although a significant winter storm Dccurred 27-28 January, leaving much of western and central Kentucky covered with several inches of ice, sleet and snow. The devastation to forested areas from the Jackson Purchase northeastwards through the Shawnee Hills and into the northwestern Bluegrass was remarkable, and it will have long-lasting repercussions on the birdlife in these areas. Following the storm a brief period of extremely cold weather exacerbated its effect on winter birdlife; during this period there were several reports of dead Great Blue Herons, raptors, and songbirds. Rarity highlights included Red-throated Loon, Brown Pelican. Iceland and Great Black-backed gulls. Snowy Owl, and Common Redpoll. Most natural and ornamental food : crops were in good supply in most regions, so it was a good winter for berry, cone seed, and mast eaters. The presence of irruptive boreal species was the best in many years, highlighted by the first pronounced flight of White-winged Crossbills into the state since 1982. 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; "t” 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. Lyon/Livingston ; Barren = Barren River Lake, Alien! Barren: Bernheim Forest, Bullitt/Nelson: Blood River - Blood River embayment, Ky Lake, Calloway ; Cave Run = Cave Run Lake. Bath! Rowan: Chaney Lake. Warren: Clifts Pond. Pulaski: Cooley’s Pond. Wayne: East Bend East Bend Power Plant, Boone: Falls of the Ohio. Jefferson: Freeman Lake. Hardin: Gibraltar = Gibraltar Mine, Muhlenberg: Griffin Park, Warren: Honker Lake = Honker Lake, LBL. LyonITrigg: Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall: Ken Hopewell = Ken Hopewell Unit, Peabody WMA, Ohio: Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Living¬ ston/Marshall: Ky Lake Kentucky Lake. Marshall (unless otherwise noted); Lake Barkley = Lake Barkley, Livingston! Lyon/Trigg: Lake Herndon. Logan: LBL Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Trigg (unless otherwise noted); Long Point Long Point Unit, Reelfoot NWR, Fulton: McElroy = McElroy Lake. Warren: Morehead. Rowan: Petersburg = gravel pit at Petersburg, Boone: Rabbit Hash = Ohio River at Rabbit Hash, Boone: Reformatory Lake = Reformatory Lake near Buckner, Oldham: Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson: Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA. r Ls 44 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Voi. 8: Muhlenberg ; Spindletop = University of Kentucky Spindletop Agricultural Research Farm] Fayette ; SRP State Resort Park; Surrey Hills Farm. Jefferson: upper Ohio River = Ohic River from South Portsmouth. Greenup , to the mouth of the Licking River. Camp- bell/Kenton: Uniontown Dam = Uniontown Dam on the Ohio River, Union : Walton Pond Warren: Wildcat Creek = Wildcat Creek embayment of Ky Lake, Calloway: WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose peak counts occurred at traditional locales as follows: “thousands" over Long Point 21 December (DR); ca. 1000 at Ballard 22 December (BP, EH. HC. ME. SR); and ca. 1000 at Sauerheber 10 February (CC). Reports of interest away from w. Ken¬ tucky included 1 at East Bend 27 Decem¬ ber (JCm. LM); 1 at Guthrie Swamp. Todd, 28 December (MBe) with 8 there 8 February (MBe); 20 at the Reformatory Lake 2 January (JBe. PB) with 10-12 there 15 January (BP) and 10 there 20 January (DL); 1 at Freeman Lake 16 Jan¬ uary' (DR) with 4 there 7 February (SK): 1 -6 at Griffin Park during the latter half of January and February' (DR); 10 at Peters¬ burg 19 January (LM) with 5 still there 24 January (LM); 2 at Lake Linville. Rock¬ castle , 24 January (RD); 2 at the Camp- bellsville City Lake, Taylor. 26 January (RD); I at Spindletop 1 February (IS); 3 at Walton Pond 2 February (DR); ca. 100 at Island Lake. Ken Hopewell, 7 February' (BY. KOS); up to 24 at McElroy during mid-February (DR); and 3 at Dranes Lakes, w. Hardin, 26 February (BP. EH). Cackling Goose - with observers keenly watching for these geese, there were more reports than during any previous winter, all being included: 3 at Spindletop 14 December (ph. RO) yvith at least 3 there 10 January' (JSw); 1 at Ballard 22 Decem¬ ber (BP): 9 at the marina at Worthington. Greenup. 29 December (JSe. RS) that represents the farthest east the species has been reported in the state; 7 at East Bend 27 December (JCm. LM) with 4 there 18 January (LM, JCm. KCa) and 1 there 31 January (LM, JCm. KCa); 1 at Ky Dam 1 January (DR); at least 2 at the Reform¬ atory' Lake 1/2 January (BW. JBe. PB) with at least 40-50 there 15 January' (BP), 6 there 20 January (DL). ca. 40 there 23 January (BW), and 2 there 31 January (BY. MY); 2 at Griffin Park 15 January, with 6 there 18 January and 17 there f February' (DR); 4 at Freeman Lake If January (DR) with "a feyv" there 18 Jan¬ uary (RHy); 1 at Clermont. Bullitt. 17 January (BP. BBC): 2 on Lake Herndor 18 January (MBe); 1 at Clifty Pond IS January (ph. RD); I at Petersburg 1 Feb¬ ruary (LM); up to 14 at McElroy 9-17 February (DR); up to 20 at Walton Pone! 11-20 February (DR); 10 (including 1 yvith a white patch on the forehead and larger than normal white throat patch) suggesting possible hybridization witll Barnacle Goose [ph. BP. EH]) at Drane:! Lakes, yv. Hardin, 26 February (BP. EH) and 2 on a pond s. of Cadiz, Trigg, 28 February' ( BL). Ross’s Goose there yvere a number of re ports, all being included: 4 at Barren L December (ph. DR); I at East Bend (j December (KCa. JCm) & 18 January (LM, JCm. KCa): 1 off and on at Spindle! top 9 December (ph. JPu)-5 February' (ph JPu, RO. IS. JSyv, et al. ); 3 at Sauerhebe 19 December (BP. EH); 1 at the Ghen Power Plant. Carroll. 20 December (JCm KCa); at least 30 at Long Point 21 De cember (DR); 1 just e. of Danville. Boyle' 29-30 December (ph. N&GE et al.); 1 a Freeman Lake 30 December (SK) and 2.'! January (RHy); I at Petros Pond. Warren 1 January (DR. TD); 2 at the Reformator Lake 1 14 January (BW. EH. et al.) witl 4 there 15 January (BP) and 1 still then1 20 January (DL) and 23 January (BS). an< 2 there again 23 February' (P&CM): 4 a the State Game Farm Lake, Franklin, l.i January (GS. ph. JBr); 2 at Lake Herndoi 18 January' (MBe): I on the upper Ohi< River 21 January (JBr): an imm. at thu Campbellsville City Lake, Taylor, 26 Jan: uary (ph. RD); 1 at Griffin Park 29 Janu ary-26 February (DR); 1 at Camp Ems Lake. Boone , 16 February (ph. LH. LM)I| and 1 on a pond s. of Cadiz, Trigg, 21; I February (BL). 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 45 Snow Goose peak counts included a few thousand at Sauerheber 19 December (BP, EH); "thousands” over Long Point 21 December (DR); and "tens of thousands" at Sauerheber 2 January (CC) with “thou¬ sands" present there during most of Feb¬ ruary (m. ob.). Two at Grayson Lake. Elliott . 7 February (EM) were relatively far east. Mute Swan - as is the norm, small numbers were present during the winter season at scattered locales, but mostly the n.-cen. portion of the state; the now traditional wintering flock at Bernheim Forest num¬ bered as high as 14 during December and remained until cold weather forced them off the main lake (m. ob.). Elsewhere, 1-9 were reported on Lake Cumberland, Pu¬ laski (RD); on the Ohio River. Greenup (JBr); at Petersburg (LM); on the Reform¬ atory Lake (m. ob.); in Bourbon (SMr); at the Falls of the Ohio (BP); at Rabbit Hash (LM. JCm. KCa); on Taylorsville Lake, Spencer (EH); on Goose Lake, Sinclair (BP. KH); on Cave Run (JBr. BP. EH); on the upper Ohio River (JBr); on Cedar Creek Lake. Lincoln (RD); and above Markland Dam. Gallatin (DL). Tundra Swan - there were a number of re¬ ports, all being included: 4 swans on Cave Run 2 December (JBr) and 25 there 22 December (JBr) were likely Tundras; 2 imms. at Blood River 13 December-3 January (ph. HC); 7 on the Ohio River upstream of Warsaw, Gallatin , 20 De¬ cember (LM, EG); 2 on the Ohio River, Greenup , 22 December (JBr); 61 counted at Sauerheber 19 December (BP, EH) with as many as ca. 70 counted there 7 January (BR, fide CM), 67 counted there 16 January (CC), and 4 last seen there 26 February (CC); 8 at Cave Run 25 Decem¬ ber (BP. AC): an imm. at Bernheim For¬ est 30 December (ph. EH) with perhaps the same bird near Boston. Nelson. 17 January (ph. BP. BBC); 4 at Rabbit Hash 18 January (LM, JCm. KCa); 3 on Lake Herndon 23-26 January (MBe); and 1 on Walton Pond 5 February to March (DR). Wood Duck - 32 on the Louisville CBC 14 December (fide PB) and at least 110 at Walton Pond 20 February (DR, FLy, AL) were notable winter season counts. Gadwall - peak counts of interest included ca. 400 on Cave Run 2 December (JBr) with 280 still there 25 December (BP. AC); at least 100 at the Falls of the Ohio 8 December (DSt. MA); 1000-1500 at Hon¬ ker Lake 1 1 December (DR); ca. 400 on the upper Ohio River 22 December (JBr); and 100-120 at the Reformatory Lake 15 January (BP). Blue-winged Teal - 2 males on Lake Bark¬ ley near Kuttawa Landing. Lyon. 14 December (fMSc et al.) were extremely tardy. Mallard - up to ca. 1000 were at McElroy during the first week of February (DR). Mallard x Northern Pintail - a male was present at Freeman Lake 25 February (RHy) and 26 February (BP, EH). American Black Duck peak counts in¬ cluded at least 50 on the Reformatory Lake 15 January (BP); ca. 50 on Freeman Lake 18 January (RHy); 1200+ on the upper Ohio River 21 January (JBr); 120- 125 on Cave Run 23 January (BP, EH); and 110 on South Lake. Ken Hopewell, 25 January (BP. EH). Northern Pintail - peak counts included ca. 30 at Sauerheber 19 December (BP, EH); 22 on Cooley's Pond 7 January (RD, BP); 26 at Pulaski County Park 8 January (RD); 15-20 on the Reformatory Lake 15 January (BP); 50 on Cave Run and 60 on the upper Ohio River, both 21 January (JBr); 108 on South Lake, Ken Hopewell, 25 January (BP. EH); ca. 175 on McElroy 2 February with 200 there 8 February (DR); and ca. 80 at Blood River 6/8 Feb¬ ruary (HC). Redhead - reports of interest included 47 on Cliffy Pond 1 1 December (RD); 31 on a pond at Lexington 12 January (JSw); 20 on the Reformatory Lake 20 January (DL); and at least 20 on the Ohio River above Meldahl Dam, Bracken. 16 Feb¬ ruary (LM). Canvasback - peak counts of interest in¬ cluded at least 50 on Goose Lake, Sin¬ clair, 3 January (MBe. BP. et al.). 240 on 46 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 8 the Ohio River above Smithland Dam, Livingston, 1 January (DR. TD); 50 above Uniontown Dam 7/16 January (CC); aerial survey totals of 760 and 2738 on the upper Ohio River 21 January' and 5 February', respectively, with an additional 235 on the Ohio River from Ashland. Boyd, to South Portsmouth. Greenup, 5 February' (JBr): 25 on the Ohio River at Dayton. Campbell , 19-20 January (FR); 25 at Rabbit Hash (LM) and ca. 200 on the Paradise Power Plant settling pond. Muhlenberg (DR), both 3 1 January': ca. 30 on a transient pond near South Union. Logan, 7 February (MBe); ca. 110 on McElroy 9 February' (DR): and 30 on Cave Run 14 February' (JW, ASK. fide DL). Greater Scaup - this species continues to increase in occurrence across the state: although peak counts were unimpressive, distribution was widespread with the fol¬ lowing reports of interest: 1 on Cooley’s Pond 12 December (RD) with at least 2 there 7 January (RD. BP); ca. 30 on Bar¬ ren 4 December, with 24 there 18 Decem¬ ber (DR); 1 at East Bend 27 December (LM et al. ); 1 on Lake Herndon 28 De¬ cember (MBe): at least 35 on the Ohio River at Louisville 18 January (BP) with ca. 20 still there 22 February' (BP. EH); 1 at Rabbit Hash 18 January' (LM); I on Lake Linville, Rockcastle, 24 January (RD); and I on Cedar Creek Lake. Lin¬ coln, 31 January' (RD). Lesser Scaup peak counts of interest in¬ cluded ca. 350 on Barren 4 December (DR) and most of at least 120 on the Ohio River at Louisville. 8 February (MA). Surf Scoter there were four reports: I on the Ohio River at Louisville 6 December (MA) and 7 December (BY. MY); a pair at Rabbit Hash 6 December (KCa, JCm); I on Clifty Pond 1 1 December (ph. RD); and a female/imm. above Barkley Dam 1 January (JRw. DR. et al.). Black Scoter there were three reports: 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville 7 December (EH) with possibly the same bird at the Falls of the Ohio 8 December (DSt). and a female/imm. on Ky Lak TUI KENTUCKY WARBLE It fide AY) represented the season’s peak count. Wild Turkey - at least 326 were counted in a flock along Rockport-Paradise Road, Muhlenberg , 3 January (BP. AC). Ruffed Grouse - a tally of 8 on a hillside at Grayson Lake WMA, Elliott . 24 Decem¬ ber (SF et al.) was impressive. Red-throated Loon - there was one report: an adult at South Lake, Ken Hopewell, 22 January (ph. BP, KH). Red-throated Loon, Ohio 22 January 2009 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Pied-billed Grebe - peak counts included 1 40 at Lake Peewee, Hopkins. 1 1 Decem¬ ber (BP. EH) and 35 at Waitsboro 18 Jan¬ uary (RD). Red-necked Grebe - there was one report: I at Green River Lake, Taylor. 17 Decem¬ ber (ph. EH, BP)-20 December (BY, fttK Red-necked Grebe, Taylor 17 December 2008 Eddie 1 luber MY). KBRC review required. Horned Grebe - peak season counts in¬ cluded at least 280 on the Ohio River at Louisville 1 December (EH); 61 on Lake Cumberland. Russell , 17 December (RD) with 115 there 9 January (RD); at least 100 still on Ky Lake, Marshall. 21 De¬ cember (BP. EH); ca 20 at Green River Lake, Taylor, 1 January (BP et al.); at least 1 1 1 counted on Ky Lake at Birming¬ ham Point, Marshall. 12 January (HC, ME); 25-30 on Cave Run 23 January (BP. EH); and at least 200 on Ky Lake above the dam 8 February (BY, MY, MSt, BP). Eared Grebe there was one report: 1 on Ky Lake above the dam 8 February (ph. BY, MY, MSt, BP). Brown Pelican a sub-adult bird was pres¬ ent at Ky Dam 10-22 December (ph. HC, ME, et al.). KBRC review required. Brown Pelican. Kentucky Dam 10 December 2008 Hap Chambers American White Pelican ca. 30-40 birds were present on Lake Barkley. Lyon , from mid-January through February (m. ob.); also reported were I 10 at the harbor at Hickman. Fulton . 17 January' (HC, ME); 10 over Smithland Dam, Livingston. 22 January (DR); and 24 at Blood River 6/8 February (HC). Double-crested Cormorant 14 at the mouth of the Little Sandy River, Greenup . 9 December (RS) represented a relatively high winter count for the ne. part of the state. 48 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. i Great Egret a very tardy individual was seen along the Ohio River upstream from Meldahl Dam, Bracken , 2 December (JBr). Black-crowned Night-Heron as is the norm, a few birds wintered at St. Mat¬ thews, Jefferson (BW). Black Vulture at least 400 at Clermont. Bullitt. 28 December (BP. AC) repre¬ sented the season’s peak count. Osprey - a bird at Honker Lake 28 February (BL) tied the early arrival date for the state. Bald Eagle - peak counts of interest in¬ cluded 5 at First Creek Lake. Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson , 18 De¬ cember (BF. DR. EF): 43 counted coming in to roost at Big Turner Lake. Ballard. 22 December (BP. EH); 19 counted around Cave Run 9 January (EM et al.); 12 below Ky Dam 19 January (DR. ID); and 5 on the Ohio River between Belleview and Petersburg, Boone. 7 February' (LM). Red-tailed Hawk reports of western forms of interest included an adult dark morph B j. calurus at Belleview, Boone , seen a few times 27 December-18 Jan¬ uary (LM); a darkish morph B. j. harlani in se. Muhlenberg 7 February (BY. KOS); and a light morph B j. harlani for the 8th consecutive winter at the WKU Farm, Warren. 10 February' (DR). Rough-legged Hawk again this winter, there were not many reports; generally 1- 2 were present on the larger units of Pea¬ body WMA, Muhlenberg/ Ohio, and at the East Volunteer Mine, Hopkins , through¬ out the period (m. ob.). Other reports of interest included 1 at Long Point 21 De¬ cember (DR); 1 at East Bend 18 January7 (LM, JCm. RCa); 1 at Petros Pond. War¬ ren. 28 January (DR); I in sw. Oldham 31 January (BY, MY); and 1 at Spindletop during the first week of February' (ph. IS et ah). Golden Eagle there were at least eight re¬ ports, all being included: a juv. over Point Park. Carrollton, Carroll. 7 December (BP); a juv. over Ky Dam 1 1 December (BP. EH); 1 at Fulton Bay, LBL. Lyon. 14 December (DSa): a sub-adult in ne. Cri tenden 19 December (ph. SMb); an adu or near adult at Bernheim Forest 28 D< cember (m. ob.); a juv. at First Cret Lake, Mammoth Cave National Par Edmonson, 1 January (SK. JKt); a ju and an ad. at Bernheim Forest 17 Januai (BP. BBC), an imm. at Cave Run 14 Felj ruaty' (JW. ASK. fide tDL): and a suit adult at McElroy 21 February (ph. DR ah). Golden Eagle. Crittenden 19 December 2008 Sam Mabe (automated trail-cam photo)! Merlin - there were several reports, all b<| ing included: 1 at Louisville 8 Decembi) (MY); 1 at the East Volunteer Mine, //o/ kins, and 1 at the Riverqueen Unit. Pe; body WMA. Muhlenberg, both 1 1 Di cember (BP. EH): 1 at the WKU Fam! Warren. 17 December (DR. VB) and 1 February (DR); a female in n. Andersa I 19 December (TA); 2 at Jacobson Parlt Lexington. 1 January (JPu); 1 at Waltd 1 Pond 13 January (DR): 1 at Sinclair 3! [ January (DR) and I February (BY. MY 1 at Ken Hopewell 31 January (DR), j February (MY), and 15 February (BS « al.); and a male sw. of Ashland. Boyd, 2; February (SS). Peregrine Falcon in addition to occ; sional observations of local territori birds, there were several reports of inte est, all being included: 1 at the TV.! Shawnee Power Plant, McCracken , December (SR); single birds perched c both the Ky Lake and Lake Barkley U! 68 bridges several times during the wintt! THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 49 : 2009 (m. ob.); an ad. at Ky Dam 25 January (BP, EH); I in downtown Lexington several times during the period (DP fide JPu); and I at Jonathan Creek 7 February - (HC). Virginia Rail the only report was for 3 heard at Gibraltar 3 January (BP, AC). Sandhill Crane - small flocks continued to 1 move southward through the CBC period, and Bocks were first noted moving north¬ ward 3 1 January over Hart (SK) and War¬ ren (JM); spring migration appeared to peak during the latter two weeks of Feb¬ ruary. Peak counts included ca. 4500 be¬ tween Cecilia and Franklin Crossroads, w. Hardin, 22 February (BP, EH) with ca. 4000 still there 24 February (BP), ca. 900 near the Narrows near Barren, Barren , 31 December (DR) with ca. 1000 there dur¬ ing January (DR et ah), and at least 400 at McElroy 20 February (DR, FLy, AL). The easternmost report was for 40 over Rowan 7 December (SF); westernmost reports included flocks heard over Logan 16 December and 5 January (FLy, AL), 13 at Honker Lake 14 December (JPo et ah), 23 s. of KY 272, Christian/Trigg, 21 December (BE). 3 at Blood River 6 Feb¬ ruary (HC), and 92 over w. Henderson 15 February (BP. KH). Black-bellied Plover - a flock continued at Jonathan Creek into December, with 7 still there 2 December (ME); 5 still there 12 December (HC, BH) and 4 last seen there 14 December (HC et ah). These observations represented new late depar¬ ture dates for the state. I Lesser Yellowlegs I at Chaney Lake 20 February (DR) and 7 at Sauerheber 26 February (CC) were the earliest to be re- i ' ported. 1 Solitary Sandpiper I at Dewey Lake near Three Springs, Warren , 17 December 1 (f BF) represented a first winter record for i ' the state. Least Sandpiper - as is the norm, small . flocks lingered into or through winter at Jonathan Creek and Blood River (HC et ah) with 55 at Jonathan Creek 10 Decem¬ ber (HC, ME), 32 there 14 December (HC), 26 there 3 January (HC), and 7 there 23 February (ME); 9 at Blood River 16 January (HC, BH); and 1 at Wildcat Creek 12 February (HC, ME). There were two reports of birds elsewhere: 4 on the Peters Creek embayment of Barren. Bar¬ ren, 30 December (WM. AH) and 2 at Chaney Lake 20 February (DR). Western Sandpiper a few birds lingered into December at Jonathan Creek with 5 last seen there 12/14 December (HC et ah). Dunlin 5 at Sauerheber 19 December (BP, EH) were the latest to be reported. American Woodcock 1 at Spindletop 1 February (tBJ), several calling at Sinclair 7 February (BY. MY), 1 calling near Rag¬ land, McCracken , 8 February (SR), and 4 at Central Ky WMA. Madison, 9 Febru¬ ary (AN) were the earliest to be reported. Laughing Gull there was an unusual flur¬ ry of reports during December, all reports being included: an adult at Ky Dam 21 December (BP, EH) with single adults both there and at Barkley Dam 28 Decem¬ ber (DR et ah); an adult near the Ohio River at Maceo, Daviess, 29 December (DA); and 2 adults at Ky Dam I January (DR et ah) and 12 January (HC, ME). Bonaparte’s Gull - peak counts of interest included ca. 3000 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 14 December (HC) and ca. 4000-5000 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, during mid-January (BL et ah). Ring-billed Gull - again this winter, several patagial-tagged birds from the Chicago area. Lake Michigan study were noted at favored gull locations including the Ohio River at Louisville and Ky Dam (m. ob.); peak counts of interest included ca. 1000 in the vicinity of the Falls of the Ohio 6 December (MA. BY, MY, et ah); 1500- 2000 at Cave Run 23 January (BP. EH); as many as 8000-10,000 in the vicinity of Ky & Barkley dams during mid-January (BL et ah); and at least 300 at McElroy 1 February (DR). Herring Gull peak counts included at least 10 at Cave Run 23 January (BP, EH) 50 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol, { and ca. 200-250 in the vicinity of Ky Dam 25-26 January (BP. EH). Iceland Cull a first-year bird was present at Ky Dam 26 January (ph./t BP. ph. EH) and 31 January (tJPe. SP). KBRC review required. Iceland Gull, Kentucky Dam 26 January 2009 Eddie Huber Iceland Gull x Thayer's Gull a first-year bird that exhibited intergrade characters between the two species was present at Ky Dam 26 January (BP. EH). Thayer's Gull - there were several reports, all being included: an adult on Ky Lake at Little Bear Creek. Marshall , 7 December (TD); a tlrst-year bird (not certain if the same individual) at Ky Dam 14 December (DR, TD). 21 December (BP). 1 January (DR. TD), 19 January (DR. TD). and 8 February (BP. MSt); an adult at Ky Dam 28 December (DR et ah), 22 January (DR), and 26 January (BP. EH); a first- year bird at Barkley Dam 28 December (BL); an adult at Jonathan Creek 3 Jan¬ uary (HC); an adult at Barkley Dam 12 January (HC, ME); and a second-year bird at Ky Dam 8 February (BP. MSt). Lesser Black-backed Gull birds of dif¬ ferent ages classes (first-year, second- year, adult) probably representing at least a half-dozen individuals were reported through the season in the vicinity' of Ky & Barkley dams with up to 3 individuals seen on a few different occasions, mostly during January (m. ob.). Also reported was a first-year bird at the Falls of the Ohio 30 January (+EH et ah). Great Black-backed Gull a first-year bird was present in the vicinity of Ky Dam 29 January-8 February (ph. DR et ah KBRC review required. Glaucous Gull there were a few repor (all of first-year birds), most probabl involving the same few individuals in tn vicinity of Ky & Barkley dams: 1 at thj Falls of the Ohio 6 December (MA. pi; BY. et ah); 2 at Ky Dam 28 Decembi| (DR et ah); singles at both Ky & Barkle dams 1 January (DR et ah) and 12 Jam ary' (HC. ME); at least 2 in the vicinity <) Ky & Barkley dams 19 January (DI TD); 3 at Ky Dam 22 January (DR) — 3i January (JPe, SP) with 1 still there 2 January (DR) and 2 still there 8 Februar (BY. MY. MSt. BP). Glaucous Gulls. Kentucky Dam 28 December 2008 David Roemer Forster’s Tern 29 were still at Jonathr: Creek 12 December (HC, BH) with 2 sti there 14 December (HC). Two had r< turned to Blood River 8 February (HC; with 8 at Wildcat Creek 12 February (HC 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 51 ME) and 1 1 at Blood River and 1 at Jon¬ athan Creek, both 13 February (HC. BH, ME). Barn Owl there were two reports: I at Ballard 22 December (HC, ME, et al.): and 1 in e. Calloway 27 December (HC). Snowy Owl - 1 was present s. of Smith Mills, w. Henderson, 7 December (vt. BB). KBRC review required. Snowy Owl, Henderson Video clip 7 December 2008 Bob Bolds Northern Saw-whet Owl there were two reports: I calling at Little Lick Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski. 12 February (RD, .ID), and I seen at Central Ky WMA, Madison , 14 February (AN, JBr). Short-eared Owl - there were only a few reports, all being included: 7 total on var¬ ious reclaimed mines in s. Ohio and se. Muhlenberg on the Paradise CBC 3 Janu¬ ary (MSt, EH, BP, AC); 1 at Spindletop 1 February (DSv)-8 February (IS. TH). and I on a reclaimed mine e. of Zion. Hender¬ son, 22 February' (AG). Common Nighthawk - I seen and heard at Mt. Sterling, Montgomeiy, 26 February (tBN) represented a new arrival date by three weeks. Red-headed Woodpecker - the species was locally distributed this winter, in part due to the scarcity of red oak acorns in areas affected by the spring 2007 freeze. shrike sp. - a shrike of unconfirmed ID was observed along U.S. 23 at Limeville, Greenup, 9 February (RS). Horned Lark peak numbers were present subsequent to the late January' ice storm with the following peak counts of interest: up to ca. 350 at Surrey Hills Farm 28 Jan¬ uary (BP); at least 500 along Gastineau Rd., Pulaski, at least 300 along KY 914 n. of Oak Hill Rd„ Pulaski, ca. 200 at Font- hill, Russell, and ca. 2000 along I lovious Ridge Road, Adair, all 29 January (RD. SD); ca. 2000 along Anna Brown Rd.. near Monticello. Wayne . 30 January (RD. SD): and ca. 200 along William Whitley Rd.. Lincoln, 31 January (RD). Fish Crow - 2 seen and heard calling at Wildcat Creek 27 December ( R I Id) repre¬ sent a first December record for the state. Red-breasted Nuthatch - the species was present in below-average numbers with only 1-4 found on only nine CBCs: 3 at Sky Bridge. Red River Gorge. Wolfe, and 6-8. possibly as many as 12-15, at Rock Bridge, Red River Gorge, Wolfe, both 21 January (BP) may have been members of the permanent resident population in that area. House Wren none were found on CBCs this winter: 1 at the Long Creek Refuge, LBL, 16 February (BL) was the only one reported. Sedge Wren - there were two reports: 1 along Bethel Church Road near West Ky WMA. McCracken, 22 December (tBP. EH); and 1 at Gibraltar 3 January (tBP. AC). Marsh Wren - there were three reports: 1 at Mitchell Lake, Ballard. 22 December (BP. EH, SR, HC); 1 heard at Ken Hopewell 2 January (BP); and 3 heard at Gibraltar 3 January (BP, AC). Ruby-crowned Kinglet - it was a good winter for the species with 1-19 reported on 21 CBCs; high numbers were present probably in response to the good berry' crop. Hermit Thrush 1-10 were reported on 21 CBCs was well above average; a count of at least 1 1 in Red River Gorge, Wolfe, 2 1 January (BP) was relatively impressive. American Robin the species remained rather numerous in most areas throughout 52 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 the winter with a good supply of berries present. The peak count was ca. 5000 on the Hart CBC 22 December (SK et al.). Cedar Waxwing numbers were above average through the CBC season with 6- 1200 reported on 28 CBCs. Nashville Warbler 1 along Ryle Road near Big Bone. s. Boone , 27 December (tLM et al.) represented a second winter record for the state. Pine Warbler there were several reports prior to the return of a few birds during mid-February, all being included: 1 at Ren Hopewell 2 January (BP, AC); 2 in e. Muhlenberg 3 January (BP, AC); singles on the Russell and Wayne CBCs. 17 De¬ cember and 18 December, respectively ( fide RD); and 1 at feeders at Cave City. Barren , for about a month prior to 19 January (JG). Palm Warbler there were not many re¬ ports: 1-3 on six CBCs in Bullitt (MA). Oldham (JKr). Larue (DR), Logan (DR). Pulaski (GC, T&LM, JRs, RD). and War¬ ren (WM, AH, fide BF). Also reported were up to 6 at Jacobson Park, Lexington, during late December and early January (JPu); 1 at Mt. Zion. Pulaski, 30 Decem¬ ber (RD): I near Dot. Logan, 8 January (FLy); and 2 near Bailey’s Point. Barren. Allen, 15 January (DR). American Tree Sparrow peak numbers turned up following the late January ice storm with small numbers reported at many feeding stations across much of the western two-thirds of the state; peak counts included ca. 50 at Cedar Creek, Adair. 29 January (RD. SD); a flock of at least 25 at Sinclair 1 February (BY. MY); and at least 63 at a feeding station at Sur¬ rey Hills Farm 3 February (BP) with at least 20 still there 21 February (BP). Chipping Sparrow - the species was well- represented on CBCs, with 1-48 tallied on 14 counts. Up to at least 20 again win¬ tered at Shaker Mill, Warren, (DR. JRm) and 1 wintered along Pleasant Hill Church Road. Trigg (BL, PL). Additional reports demonstrating how frequently the species is now encountered during winter follow: 1 at Cub Run, Hart, during December (JKt, fide SK); ca. 15 w. of Bernstadt. Laurel. 10 December (RD); 1 in s. Jeffer¬ son 29 December (MA); 1 at the Reform¬ atory Lake 1 January (BW), 3 at Jacobson Park. Lexington. 3 January (JPu); “a few” at Lucas, Barren, 15 January (DR); 8 at Hickman. Fulton , 17 January (HC. ME); an unspecified number present near West Liberty. Morgan, during mid-January (DH); 1 at Douglass Hills, Jefferson, 28 January (BY. MY); 1-2 nw. of Cadiz. Trigg, during the last week of January (WG); 3 at the Frankfort Cemetery, Franklin , 7 February (BP. AC); and I near Sheperdsville, Bullitt, 22 February (MA). Le Conte's Sparrow there were two re¬ ports: 4 at Long Point 20 December (BP. EH. AW. NM. et al.) and I at West Ky WMA, McCracken, 22 December (BP. EH). Fox Sparrow a tally of 15 along the dewatered Fishing Creek embayment of Lake Cumberland, Pulaski, 2 December (RD) was relatively impressive. Lincoln's Sparrow there were three re¬ ports (all on CBCs) of this extremely rare winter bird: 1 along Hanson Road near Green River Lake. Taylor, 1 7 December (fEJP. EH); 1 along KY 358 ca. 1.5 mi. ese. of Ragland, McCracken, 22 Decem¬ ber (f BP, EH); and 1 e. of Dabney, Pulas¬ ki, I January' (tSMr). Lapland Longspur small numbers were present at traditional wintering locales during the early part of the winter, al¬ though there were a number of reports of interest, especially subsequent to the late January ice storm: at least 750. and prob¬ ably 1000. in the Lower Hickman Bot¬ toms. Fulton , 20 December (BP, EH) with at least 4000-representing a new state high count-there 22 December (DR); ca. 30 at Spindletop 17 January (JPu); I at East Bend 18 January (LM); I in Rowan 28 January (SF); 12-15 at Surrey Dills Farm 28 January (BP et al.); ca. 150 in s. Warren 28 January (DR); at least 500 along Gastineau Road. Pulaski , at least 200 along KY 914 n. of Oak Hill Rd., 53 2009 THE KENTUCKY Pulaski, at least 38 at Fonthill. Russell, and at least 5 along Hovious Ridge Rd.. Adair, all 29 January (RD. SD); 1 along KY 504 between Gimlet and Ibex, Elliott. 29 January (EM); ca. 500 along KY 914 n. of Oak Hill Rd., Pulaski, ca. 1000 along Anna Brown Rd. ne. of Monti- cello. Wayne, and 4 along Frazer Rd., Wayne, all 30 January (RD. SD); ca. 150 along Gastineau Rd.. Pulaski, and ca. 100 along William Whitley Rd.. Lincoln, both 31 January (RD. SD); ca. 10 at Spindletop 4-7 February (JSw et al.); at least 200 along KY 914 n. of Oak Hill Rd.. Pulaski. 4 February (RD); and 1 at the Louisville landfill, s. Jefferson, 4 February (RAn). Snow Bunting - the 27-28 January ice storm brought in good numbers to the state; all reports are included: 51 counted at Surrey Hills Farm 28 January (BP et ah), with ca 10 there 29 January, and 8 there 30-31 January (BP et ah); 39 along CCC Trail e. of Morehead. Rowan, 28 January (SF); ca. 10 w. of Bridgeport. Franklin, 29 January (JBr); at least 1 along Gastineau Road. Pulaski. 29 Janu¬ ary (RD. SD); 2 at Fonthill. Russell, 29 January (ph. RD, SD); 3 along Hovious Ridge Road, Adair, 29 January (ph. RD. SD); 23 along KY 504 between Gimlet and Ibex, Elliott. 28 January with 2 still there 29 January (EM); 30-40 below Barkley Dam and several mixed-species flocks containing this species observed at Ky Dam. both 29 January (DR); 3 along KY 914 n. of Oak Hill Rd.. Pulaski, 30 January (RD. SD); 1 along Anna Brown Rd. ne. of Monticello, Wayne, 30 January (RD. SD); 1 5-20 at Little Mount. Spencer, 30 January (MTo); ca. 20 at the Louisville landfill, s. Jefferson, 30 January (RAn); at least 7 at Spindletop 30 January (DL) with ca. 12 there 31 January' (JSw, JPu). at least 20-30 there 4 February (JSw), ca. 70 there 5 February' (RO) and 6 February (BP) and ca. 10 still there 7 February (BP. JBr, TE); at least 5 along Chamberlain Lane. ne. Jefferson, and at least 1 at the Reformatory Lake, both 31 January (BY, MY); 3 along William Whitley Rd.. Lin¬ coln, 31 January (RD); 2 at Petersburg 31 January (LM); 1 at Belleview. Boone, 1 WARBLER February (LM); and at least 25 se. of Mid¬ way. Woodford, 5 February (ph. MBi). Snow Buntings, Fayette 31 January 2009 Joe Pulliam Dickcisscl - there was one report of this very rare winter bird: 1 at feeders in a yard along Pleasant Hill Church Road. Trigg, 16-17 January (PL. ph. BL). Western Meadowlark there were two reports: at least 1 seen/heard calling near Lake No. 9, Fulton, 20 December (BP. EH) and 3 in the Lower Hickman Bot¬ toms, Fulton, 22 December (DR). Brewer’s Blackbird - there were five re¬ ports: a male near Lake No. 9, Fulton. 20 December (BP. EH); a female in the Lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton, (DR) and 2 se. of Oscar, Ballard, (SR), both 22 December; 2 along Dodd Rd., s. Callo¬ way, 21 December (HC); and a female at Walton Pond 20 February (DR. FLy, AL). Rusty Blackbird - reports of interest in¬ cluded at least 100 at Sauerheber 19 De¬ cember (BP. EH); 28 at Hundred Acre Pond. Hart, 22 December (SK et al.); 1 near East Bend 31 January (LM, KCa. JCm); 35-40 at Chaney Lake 2 February (DR); several hundred on the Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA. Union, 7 Feb¬ ruary (CC); ca. 120 at Green River State Forest. Henderson, 15 February (BP. KH); and ca. 50 at Walton Pond 15 Feb¬ ruary (DR). Purple Finch - it was an above-average year for the species with 1-74 reported on 54 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 23 CBCs; peak counts included 40+ in LBL. Lyon , 13 December (BL); a flock of 20 in ne. Gallatin. 20 December (LM); 40 on the Otter Creek Park CBC 26 Decem¬ ber (m. ob.); 74 on the Bernheim Forest CBC 28 December (m. ob. ); and 41 along Pleasant Hill Church Road. Trigg. 22 Feb¬ ruary (BL. PL). White-winged Crossbill - certainly one of the highlights of the season was an irrup¬ tion of this species into the n.-cen. part of the state, the first such movement since 1982. Circa 12 birds were the first to be reported in a yard at Ft. Thomas, Camp¬ bell. 4 February (SH). Subsequent reports originated from several additional loca¬ tions as follows: at least 20 at St. Anne’s Convent. Melbourne, Campbell. 5 Febru¬ ary (ph. FR) with at least 10 there 6 Feb¬ ruary (FR. VR) and 1 there 7 February (FR); 3-4 at the Lexington Cemetery 5 February (DL) with 25-30 there 6 Febru¬ ary (ph. BP et al.), 35-40 there 7 February (BP. ph. .IBr. et al.), ca. 25 there 8 Febru¬ ary (SK. JKt), at least 10 there 9 February (ph. EH), at least 15 there 10 February (EM, BP. et al.). ca. 12 there 12 February (DSv). ca. 25 there 13 February (DSt), ca. 15-20 there 14 February' (TH), and 4 last observed there 15 February (BJ. LH): 14 at Sky Bridge, Red River Gorge, Wolfe, 8 February (AN); a female at Highland Cemetery, Ft. Wright, Kenton. 8/14 Feb¬ ruary (DM); and at least 25 at Evergreen Cemetery, Southgate, Campbell, 23 Feb¬ ruary (DM). Reports of birds lingering into March will be included in the Spring Season report. Common Redpoll 2 were observed in a yard at Florence, Boone, 25 January (f FLe). KBRC review required. Pine Siskin small to moderate numbers continued through the CBC season with 1-257 tallied on 13 counts; there were definitely more birds in the eastern por¬ tion of the state, with the following peak counts reported across the state: at least 50 e. of Bernstadt, Laurel, 10 December (RD); 25-30 in Trigg 18 December (KB); at least I 10 in the Red River Gorge, Wolfe. 21 January (BP): ca. 50 at the Lex¬ ington Cemetery 6-7 February (m. ob.); 3 flocks of 50-75 in the Red River Gorge, Powell/ Wolfe, 13 February (BP); ca. 60 at Morehead 15 January (SF); ca. 150 at South Williamson, Pike, during mid-Jan¬ uary with 200-300 there during the last week of January (JCr); 80 se. of More- head during last week of January (SF); up to 110 at Mt. Zion. Pulaski, 12 January with ca. 200 there 30 January (RD); "hun¬ dreds” near Big Gimlet. Elliott, around 1 February- with 100+ still there 7 February (EM); ca. 24 at Panorama Shores, Callo¬ way, during early February (KCo); ca. 125 at Natural Bridge SRP. Powell (AN), and 30 at St. Anne's Convent. Melbourne, Campbell (FR et al.), both 8 February; up to 54 at Cub Run, Hart, 9/24 February (JKt); at least 50 near Yahoo Falls. Mc¬ Creary, 10 Februaiy (RD); 42 at Cumber¬ land Falls SRP, McCreaiy (RD). and 51 at Berea, Madison (PH), both 12 February' (RD), and at least 35 at Paintsville, John¬ son, 22 February (SMr). Elsewhere, 1-25 birds were reported in Boyd (SS), Daviess (MTh), Fayette (JBa, IS, et al.), Fulton (BP), Greenup (RS), Jefferson (m. ob.); Kenton (DM). Larue (DR), Lincoln (JE). Lyon (DR), Magoffin (DH). McCracken (SR), Menifee (RAd). Nelson (PG). Pulas¬ ki (CN). Scott (DL), Trigg (BL, PL), and Warren (DR). White-winged Crossbill, Fayette 6 February' 2009 Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 55 Observers: Rita Adkins (RAd). Win Ahrens (WA). Terry Anderson (TA), Ryan Ankeny (RAn). Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK). Michael Autin (MA). David Ayer (DA). Jannine Baker (JBa), Beckham Bird Club (BBC). Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell (PB). Mark Bennett (MBe), Matthew Binns (MBi), Bob Bolds (BB)„ Karon Broadbent (KB), Valerie Brown (VB). John Brunjes (JBr). Joe Caminiti (JCm), Kathy C'aminiti (KCa). Joan Carr (JCr); Hap Chambers (HC). Kathy Cohen (KCo). Amy Covert (AC), Granville Cox (GC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Julie Denton (.ID). Roseanna Denton (RD), Steve Denton (SD). Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Neil & Ginny Eklund (N&GE), Jackie Elmore (JE). Terri Estes (TE). Blaine Ferrell (BF). Elizabeth Ferrell (EF), Scott Freidhof (SF). Julie Gee ( JG); Alan Gehret (AG). Paula Geihs (PG). Willard Gray (WG). Ed Groneman (EG). Paul Hager (PH), Barry Hart (BH). Lana Hays (LH), Robert Head (RHd), Richard Healy (RHv), Doug Hennig (DH). Kate Heyden (KH). Tanner Hooger- heide (TH). Eddie Huber (EH). Aaron Hulsey (AH). Sarah Hume (SH). Bonnie Jacobs (BJ). Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS). James Kiser (JKs). Janet Kistler (JKt). Steve Kistler (SK), John Krull (JKr), David Lang (DL), Frank Lewandowski (FLe); Bill Lisowsky (BL), Paula Lisowsky (PL), Mikey Lutmerding (ML); Allison Lyne (AL), Frank Lyne (FLy), Sam Mabe (SMb); John Mardis (JM); Scott Marsh (SMr); Don Martin (DM). Wayne Mason (WM). Paul & Carol McAllister (P&CM). Lee McNeely (LM); Tom & Lynda Mills (T&LM). Connie Neeley (CN), Nancy Moore (NM). Evelyn Morgan (EM), Connie Morton (CM), multiple observers (m. ob.), Andy Newman (AN), Barry Nichols (BN). Ronan O'Carra (RO), Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. (BP). Jim Peters (JPe), Sasha Peters (SP). John Pollpeter (JPo). Doreen Pulliam (DP), Joe Pulliam (JPu). Scott Record (SR), Frank Renfrew (FR), Veronica Renfrew (VR), Barry Richmond (BR), David Roemer (DR). Joan Roemer (JRm), Jeff Rowe (JRw), Darrin Samborski (DSa). Mary Schmidt (MSc); Jim Seel-horst (JS). Rick Seelhorst (RS). Brian Smith (BS), Gary Sprandel (GS). Ian Stewart (IS), Matt Shekel (MSt). Del Striegel (DSt). David Svetich (DSv), Joe Swanson (JSw), Steve Sweeney (SS), Marilee Thompson (MTh), Mike Tobbe (MTo). Alan Whited (AW), Jim Williams (JW). Barbara Woerner (BW), Ben Yandell (BY). Mary Yandell (MY), Aviva Yasgur (AY). THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING 2009 MEETING April 24-26, Mammoth Cave National Park, Cave City, KY Gary Sprandel and John Brunjes The spring 2009 meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held at Mam¬ moth Cave National Park outside of Cave City, in Edmonson County. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. CDT Friday evening by President Win Ahrens, who welcomed members and guests. The first speaker of the evening was Jason Courier, a graduate student at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). His research on "Responses of Tufted Titmouse to Different Size Raptors" was sponsored in part by the K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe. Jr.. Avian Research Fund. Jason reported that Tufted Titmouse calls rally Carolina Chickadees, Downy Wood¬ peckers and White-breasted Nuthatches to mob potential predators. Additionally. Jason's research asked the question “Do titmouse alarm calls contain specific information about predators?” He concluded that smaller raptors were mobbed for the longest time and that the titmice have more “dee" scolding calls for smaller predators. Andy Newman, a graduate student at EKU, presented on the life history and popu¬ lation status of the American Woodcock. Andy stated that there has been a 1.2% annual population decline during the last few decades based on continental Singing Ground 56 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 Surveys. In Kentucky, woodcock spring migration starts during February and peaks the first week of March while their fall migration occurs from late October to early November. An unknown number of woodcock also nest in Kentucky1. Andy’s research involves spotlight- catching woodcock with nets and looking at habitat use during spring migration. He will analyze the capture locations to look for trends in habitat use that will allow' for more targeted management of the species while in Kentucky. Ted Floyd, editor of the American Bird Association's Birding magazine gave the final presentation of the night. His presentation was on Advanced Warbler Identification. He encouraged the members in attendance to focus on three fundamental strategies for iden¬ tifying w arblers. First, ask yourself what is the size and shape of the bird? Second, w hat is the behavior and demeanor of the bird? Finally, you should make note of the context of the observation such as the date, weather and habitat. Many members w;ere encouraged when Ted told of the lessons learned from his own misidentifications. Ted challenged Kentucky birders to look for the " palmarunT subspecies of Palm Warbler. He also encouraged every one to look more carefully at Golden-w inged and Blue-winged warblers to see hybrids of these species. The Friday meeting adjourned at 9:00 CDT to cookies and soft drinks. The Saturday morning field trips were held in warm and sunny, spring weather. Mam¬ moth Cave National Park was the focus of the three field trips. Ted Floyd led an organized afternoon trip that focused on warbler identification. Mr. Floyd focused on key factors to help participants identify' warblers both visually and by calls. It was an excellent learning opportunity for all with such an experienced birder providing insight. The K.O.S. board meeting convened at 2:00 p.m. CST. With numerous issues before the board, the meeting lasted until 4:00 p.m. CST. The Kentucky Bird Records Committee met follow ing the board meeting. The Saturday evening meeting was called to order by President Win Ahrens at 7:10 p.m. CDT. Win thanked retiring editor of The Kentucky Warbler. Blaine Ferrell, for his 25 years of service as editor of the Society ’s quarterly journal. After a round of enthusiastic applause for Dr. Ferrell, he compiled a list of 93 species encountered by the meeting’s 83 registrants on Saturday. Win .Ahrens introduced the Saturday evening speaker. Ted Floy d. Mr. Floyd gave a thought provoking presentation on "Frontiers of Birding”. Ted stated the common core value that unites all birders is a desire to learn more about birds. After a short history of stereotypes of birders (Jane Hathaway to Gonzo birders) he discussed current advances in birding. He felt that the two most important advances in birding were the w idespread use of digital photography and the use of eBird (http: .ebird.org ) as a multi-user means of pooling data. He showed how eBird could be used to analyze wintering Swamp Sparrow distri¬ bution. Some other current trends in birding discussed were an emphasis on ethics (http://ww w , aba.org/abouf ethics.html) and a movement toward "green” birding. For future trends. Ted suggested assessing the perspectives of younger birders. He stated that in the future, birders w ill focus on details of bird behavior, such as "tertiary (light calls of Robins" or "mid-summer nocturnal movements of Chipping Sparrows.” Although he may not have convinced members that the ABA logo should be an .American Robin, his presentation prompted lively discussion. After announcing the Sunday morning field trips and encouraging everyone to enjoy social time over drinks and cookies. Win Ahrens pronounced the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. CDT. With Sunday morning field trip additions, the bird list stood at 102 species by the end of the w eekend. 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 57 Attendance at the Spring 2009 Meeting Alexandria: Berea: Bowling Green: Burlington: Cadiz: Catnpbellsville: Carlisle: Cox's Creek: Cynthiana: Danville: Eddyville: Elizabethtown: Erl anger: Frankfort: Franklin: Glasgow: Independence: Lawrenceburg: Lexington: London: Louisville: Mary Beth & Ron Lusby Jason Courier Tom Durbin. Blaine Ferrell Lee McNeely. Donna O' Daniel Willard Gray Andrea O'Bryan Virginia & Wendell Kingsolver Dona Coates Jimmy & Julie Edw'ards Ginny & Neil Eklund Betty & Ken Leggett Janet Gebler Ed & Tammy Groneman Gary Sprandel, Shawchyi Vorisek Anthony & Shannon Trimboli Linda Craiger Donnie & Robbie Martin Terry Anderson Rhonda Bryant. Phyllis Deal, Scott Marsh. Jackie Van Willigen Granville Cox Bonnie Avery, Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell. Pat Bell, Carol Besse, Carl & JoAnn Bochmann, Christina & Jeremy Clark. Marge Constan. Steve Deetsch. Bonnie & Robert Dever, Gerald Heath. Eddie Huber. Carol & Madisonville: Morehead: Morgantown: Mount Sterling: Munfordville: Murray: Nicholasville: Owensboro: Prospect: Richmond: Sandy Hook: Science Hill: Somerset: Carmel, IN: Floyds Knobs, IN: Greenville, IN: Indianapolis. IN: Lafayette, CO: Denton. TX: Paul McAllister. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Ben & Mary Yandell Ann & Marian Morgan Fred. Joanna. & Katie Busroe. Stephen Wilson Carroll & Doris Tichenor Gerald Robe Janet & Steve Kistler Hap Chambers, Kathy Cohen Bruce Cryder Marilee & Wendell Thompson Win Ahrens Brenda & Pete Thompson Evelyn Morgan Roseanna Denton Gay Hodges, Connie Neeley Lou Anne Barriger Tom Becker, Colleen Craven-Becker Jane Fender Larry Peavler Ted Floyd Del Joslyn Birds Observed at the Spring 2009 K.O.S. Meeting The following bird species were observed in the vicinity of Mammoth Cave National Park: Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Hooded Merganser, Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron. Green Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vul¬ ture, Sharp-shinned Hawk. Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk. Red-tailed Hawk, Killdeer, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Eastern Screech-Owl. Barred Owl. Whip-poor-will, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Belted King¬ fisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker. Downy Woodpecker, Hairy 58 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Acadian Fly¬ catcher. Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird. White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo. Blue-headed Vireo. Red-eyed Vireo. Blue Jay, American Crow, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Bam Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch. Carolina 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, 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, Cerulean Warbler. Prothonotary Warbler. Black-and-white Warbler. Worm¬ eating Warbler, Ovenbird. Louisiana Waterthrush, Northern Waterthrush, Kentucky Warb¬ ler. Common Yellowthroat. Hooded Warbler. Yellow-breasted Chat. Summer Tanager. Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee. Chipping Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Indigo Bunting. Red-winged Blackbird. Eastern Meadowlark. Common Grackle. Brown-headed Cowbird. Orchard Oriole. Balti¬ more Oriole. House Finch, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch and House Sparrow. The total species observed during weekend was 102. FIELD NOTE Hooded Oriole in McCracken County I am a recent immigrant to western Kentucky, having relocated to western McCracken County in July 2008 after growing up in southwestern Ohio. 1 bought a house with a small lot just northeast of the community of Kevil, hoping to have as bird friendly a yard as I left behind. During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend of 2008, my wife and I returned home on Saturday afternoon after visiting our families in Cincinnati. As I was literally carrying the suitcases into the house, I looked out the kitchen window to see an orange-and-black colored, medium-sized songbird perched on our pool fence about 20 ft (6 m) from where I was standing. In disbelief, I asked my wife to confirm what 1 saw. She did: there was an oriole in our back yard on the unlikely date of 29 November 2008. Because 1 left my binoculars and camera in the car. my initial identification was of a Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullockii) due to the orange color and noticeable white wing patch. My wife left me to keep an eye on the bird while she retrieved my camera. During this time, the bird flew from the fence to my platform feeder and then to a cherry tree. After changing lens on the camera. 1 was able to snap one photo of the bird with my 300 mm lens from about 100 ft (31 m) away. The bird then disappeared from the yard. Recognizing that an oriole in Kentucky during November is rare and initially believing the individual was likely a Bullock’s Oriole. I posted the observation on the "BIRDKY” listserv. During review of my single photo by several Kentucky Ornithological Society members and myself, however, it became apparent that the bird was probably a Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus). a species that had not been previously reported in the state. The photograph and a completed K.O.S. Rare Bird Report Form were submitted to the Kentucky Bird Records Committee soon after the observation. A cropped and enlarged version of the photograph was published on the front cover of the February 2009 issue of The Kentucky Warbler (Vol. 85 [1]: 1). but due to an editorial oversight was on pp. 2 and 20 of that issue erroneously attributed to Ballard County. The photograph highlights the following field marks that appear to confirm the identification of the bird as a male Hooded Oriole: an orange head with black chin and bib. two white wing bars, orange rump, dark mantle, and light gray/black bill that was slightly curved downward. Also, no orange was visible in the tail in either the photo or when I saw the bird in flight. 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 59 The only down side to this observation was that the oriole never returned. I received many calls from various individuals asking if they could come search for the bird. Several local birders came but none were able to find it and confirm my sighting. Jeff Rowe, 4180 Woodland Hill Drive, Kevil. KY. 42053. Editor’s Note: Hooded Oriole is known to be an extremely rare vagrant into the eastern United States and Canada, with many fewer records than most other western North American songbirds that regularly stray eastward. The Birds of North America (Pleasants, B Y., and D.J. Albano. 2001. Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus), No. 568. Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA.) lists only one record from east of the Mississippi River, that from Long Point, Ontario A summary of Midcontinent Rare Bird Records compiled by Bob Domagalski (unpubl., late 2007 version) lists five records in Iowa (1), Michigan (1), Ontario (2), and Wisconsin (1); all but the 1992 record from Ontario occurring since 2003 and all but the Wisconsin record (mid-December) coming from mid-May. Interestingly, two different Hooded Orioles were reported from Baldwin County, Alabama, during the winter 2008-2009, an adult male in Barnwell 27 January-late March 2009 and an imm. male in Lillian 24 Januaiy-mid- Februaiy 2009 (Steve McConnell, pers. comm.). 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 with monetary awards of up to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, please visit the K.O.S. web site (http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm) or contact either Shawchyi Vorisek, Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov), or Dr. Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean's Office, Western Kentucky University. Bowling Green, KY. 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, visit the K.O.S. web site (http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/annestamm.htm) or 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-ot'-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 Visit the K.O.S. Website To learn about the Kentucky Ornithological Society, visit the KOS web site main¬ tained by Dr. Gary Ritchison at http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/default.htm. 60 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 Winter 2008-2009 Season Photographs Above White-winged Crossbills ( 1 5 of 35-40) Lexington Cemetery, 7 February 2009 Photo by John Brunjes Right Brown Pelican, Kentucky Dam 13 December 2008 Photo by Ben Yandell Below Dickcissel, Trigg Co., 17 January 2009 Photo by Bill Lisowsky The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 85 AUGUST 2009 NO. 3 IN THIS ISSUE SPRING SEASON 2009, Brainard Palmer-Bail. Jr., and Lee McNeely . 63 FIELD NOTE Rock Wren in Jefferson County . 78 7 SEWS AND VIEWS . 79 62 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Win Ahrens. Prospect Vice-President . Scott Marsh. Lexington Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY 40222-3913 Treasurer . Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY 41005 Recording Secretary . John Brunjes. Frankfort Councillors: Marilee Thompson, Owensboro . 2007 thru 2009 Mary Yandell, Louisville . 2008 thru 2009 Kathy Cohen. Murray . 2008 thru 2010 Lana Hays. Walton . 2008 thru 2010 Don Martin. Independence . 2009 thru 201 1 Shawchyi Vorisek. Frankfort . 2009 thru 201 I 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. Current membership categories and corresponding dues follow: Regular ($15.00); Contributing ($25.00); Student ($10.00); Family ($20.00); and Life ($300.00). Direct man¬ uscripts and communications to the editor. Send membership dues to the Treasurer. Make requests for back issues to the Corresponding Secretary. Editor . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. c/o Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission. 801 Schenkel Lane. Frankfort. KY 40601 (brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov) j Editorial Advisory Board Stephen Stedman and Ben Yandell Secretary. Kentucky' Bird Records Committee . Ben Yandell 513 Lymington Court. Louisville. KY 40243 (secy@kybirdrecords.org) THE COVER We thank Mark Monroe for the image of the Rock Wren (Salpinctes obsoleuts) taken! 1 1 May 2009 at Surrey Hills Farm in northeastern Jefferson County (see Field Note. p. 78)., Financial support for color reproduction in this issue provided by the -t. Daniel Boone National Forest and Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. )ljAs( . — I I IS ?1 Touchstone Energy I Cooperatives ' I j r 2009_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER SPRING SEASON 2009 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely j ITHaCA. NY 14653 The spring 2009 season's weather was relatively typical overall. Mean temperatures were warmer than normal across the state during March but near normal statewide during April and May. Precipitation was somewhat variable over the state during the period. March was dry across much of Kentucky, but especially so in the north-central part of the state, where Louisville and Lexington received less than half the normal amount of rainfall. In contrast, most of the Commonwealth received above-average rainfall during April and near normal to slightly above-normal precipitation during May. A lack of spring cold snaps bode well for natural and ornamental food supplies. Rarity highlights included Brown Pelican, Anhinga, White-faced Ibis, Great Black- backed Gull. Western Kingbird. Northern Shrike, Rock Wren, Clay-colored Sparrow, Painted Bunting, and lingering White-winged Crossbills. In contrast to the spring of 2008. shorebirds were neither particularly diverse nor numerous despite the presence of some good habitat. Boreal finches lingered well into spring, and Pine Siskins apparently attempted to nest in north-central 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; “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, Alien! Barren; Berea Forest = Berea College Forest, Madison; Blood River = Blood River embayment, Kentucky Lake, Calloway; Calvert City = industrial ponds at Calvert City, Marshall; Camp #9 = Camp #9 coal preparation plant. Union; Camp #1 1 = former Camp #1 1 mine. Union; Casey Creek = Casey Creek embayment. Green River Lake, Adair; Cave Run Lake. Bath/Rowan (unless otherwise noted); Chaney Lake. Warren; Chenoa Lake. Bell; Cherokee Park, Jefferson', Clarks River = Clarks River NWR, Marshall; DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; East Bend = East Bend Power Station, w. Boone; Falls of the Ohio. Jefferson; Fishpond Lake. Letcher; Freeman Lake. Hardin; Griffin Park. Warren; Horseshoe Road = slough next to Horseshoe Road, w. Henderson; Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall; KY 739 = transient pond along KY 739 se. of Williams Store, Logan; Ken = Ken Unit (including former Ken Hopewell and Homestead units) Peabody WMA, Ohio; Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Living¬ ston/Marshall; Kv Dam Village = Kentucky Dam Village SRP. Marshall; Kv Lake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall/Lyon/Calloway/Trigg; Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon; Lake Barklev. Lyon/Trigg; Lake No. 9, Fulton; LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lyon/Trigg; Little Lick = Little Lick Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski; Long Point = Long Point Unit. Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Fulton; Lower Hickman Bottoms, w. Fulton; Mammoth Cave = Mammoth Cave National Park. Edmon¬ son; Martins Fork Lake. Harlan; McDonald Landing Road, w. Henderson; McElroy = McElroy Lake, Warren; Melco = Melco Hood retention basin, Jefferson; Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan; Mitchell Lake. Ballard WMA, Ballard; Mt. Zion. Pulaski; NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; Obion = L.E. Schaaf Tract, Obion WMA, w. f 9' • J ' l)U; : 64 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 Fulton ; Open Pond, w. Fulton; Panorama Shores, e. Calloway on Ky Lake; Paradise = Paradise Power Plant sediment ponds, Muhlenberg; Payne Plant = Louisville Water Com¬ pany Payne Treatment Plant, ne. Jefferson; Petros Pond. Warren; Pine Mt. SRP. Bell; Russellville, Logan; Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson; Sinclair = Sinelair Unit Peabody WMA. Muhlenberg; Spindletop = University of Kentucky Spindletop Farm, Fayette; SNP = State Nature Preserve; SRP = State Resort Park; Surrey Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson; Vogue = Vogue Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg; Waitsboro = Waitsboro Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski; WKU Farm = Western Kentucky University Farm, Warren; WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose - 6 at Bal¬ lard 27 March (SR) were the latest to be reported. Snow Goose - 4 likely injured birds lin¬ gered at Ballard into May (m. ob.). Ross’s Goose - there were three reports: I in flight with Canada Geese over Melco 5 March (BP, EHu) represented a county first; 1 at Griffin Park 16 March 19 May (DR et al.); and 1 at Lake Reba, Madison , 5 April (JCo). Cackling Goose - 1 on the w. side of Lake Barkley just s. of US 68/KY 80, Trigg , 6 April ( t B L i ) established a new late depar¬ ture date for the state. Tundra Swan - there were only two re¬ ports: 4 from the wintering flock at Sauer¬ heber were last seen 8 March (CC) and 1 at Chaney Lake 19 Mareh (DR). Wood Duck - 200+ at and near Long Point 7 March (MA) was a noteworthy tally. Gadwall - ca. 12 at Open Pond I May (BP) and a female on Ky Lake above the dam 7 May (BP et al.) were the latest to be re¬ ported. Blue-winged Teal - 1 at the Louisville land- 1111 3 March (RAn) was the earliest to be reported; at least 300 next to Obion 1 May (BP) represented the season's peak count; I at Chaney Lake 22 May (DR) and 3 at Ellis Park, Henderson , 24 May (BP, EHu) were the latest to be reported. Other re¬ ports of interest included 13 at Pine Mt. SRP, 2 at Martins Fork Lake, and 4 at Fishpond Lake, all I 1 April (RD) Northern Shoveler - peak counts included 250+ at and near Long Point 7 Mareh (MA); 60 at the Reformatory Lake, Old¬ ham, 18 March (BW); and ca. 500 in w. Fulton (BP) and 200+ at Ballard (SR), both 20 March. Latest to be reported was 1 at Chaney Lake 10 May (DR). Also re¬ ported were 5 at Martins Fork l.ake 12 March (RD, SD). Northern Pintail - at least 200 in w. Fulton 3 March (HC, ME) represented the sea¬ son’s peak count. Green-winged Teal - peak counts included ca. 250 at Open Pond, at least 300 at Long! Point, and at least 250-300 next to Obion, i all 20 March (BP); and 300+ at Ballard 27 March (SR). Two males at Melco 5 May (BP et al.) were the latest to be reported;; also reported were 2 at Martins Fork Lakel 6 Mareh (RD). Redhead - I at Hays Kennedy Park, Jef¬ ferson, 25 April (MA, BBC) and nearby at1 the Payne Plant 14 May (BW) was thel latest to be reported. Also reported were 2 at Fishpond Lake 12 March (RD, SD). Ring-necked Duck - 465 on Lake No. 9 onl 3 March (HC, ME) represented the sea¬ son's peak count. A male lingered on Ky Lake above the dam into May (m. ob.); i pair at Camp #11 on 24 May (BP. EHu represented the latest report. Also reporter were 19 at Pine Mt. SRP 6 March (RD) and 8 at Martins Fork Lake and 13 a Fishpond Lake, both 12 March (RD. SD). Greater Scaup - ca. 40 at Freeman Lake ll March (BP) represented the season’:, modest peak count. Lesser Scaup - modest peak counts in eluded at least 250 on the Ohio River a Louisville 19 March (ELlu); ca. 2000 oi Ky Lake, Marshall, and perhaps a fey thousand on l.ake Barkley, Lyon, both 2 March (BP); and ca. 240 on Barren 2 March (DR, SS). Also reported were 6 i, Martins Fork Lake 12 March (RD. SD! and 1 at Fishpond Lake 27 March (RD). 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 65 Surf Scoter - there were only two reports: 5 including an adult male on the Ohio River opposite Shawnee Park, Jefferson , 23 April (JBe, PB) and 2 females/immatures on Ky Lake above the dam 1 May (BP). White-winged Scoter — there were two re¬ ports: 2 including the wintering adult male lingered on the Ohio River at Louisville to 13 March (BP) and I at Fishpond Lake 12 March (RD). White-winged Scoter (adult male) Jefferson , 1 3 March 2009 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Black Scoter - there was only one report: a female/immature on Mitchell Lake 20 March (SR). Long-tailed Duck - there were two reports: a female on Ky Lake at Birmingham Point, Marshall. 15 March (BY, MY, EHu) and a male on Ky Lake above the dam 15 March (JR). Bufflehead - reports of interest included 1 at Martins Fork Lake 6 March (RD); ca. 100 on the Ohio River at Bellevue, Camp¬ bell. , 1 1 March (FR); and 2 both at Mar¬ tins Fork Lake and at Fishpond Lake 12 March (RD, SD). Common Goldeneye - a likely injured bird lingered on Ky Lake above the dam to 2 May (BY, MY). Hooded Merganser - there were three re¬ ports of breeding: a nest with 1 1 eggs in a nest box just se. of Elizabethtown, Har¬ din , during early April (ph. FC) that rep¬ resented a new county nesting record; a female with young in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 1/1 1 May (ph. DR); and a female with young at the Shallow Flats Viewing Area, Cave Run Lake, Rowan , 23 May (ph. GR). Also reported were 2 at Chenoa Lake 6 March (RD) with 4 there 12 March (RD, SD), and 2 at Pine Mt. SRP I I April (RD). Female Hooded Merganser w/ brood Fulton , 1 May 2009 David Roemer Common Merganser - a female at Minor Clark 16 May (|SMa) was exceptionally tardy. Red-breasted Merganser - peak counts included 50-75 on Ky Lake, Marshall , and 35-50 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, both 21 March (BP); and 80 on Barren 25 March (DR. SS). Two on a pond in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 2 May (BY, MY) and I on Barren 6 May (DR) were the latest to be reported. Also reported was 1 at Mar¬ lins Fork Lake 17 April (RD). Ruddy Duck - ca. 150 on Lake Barkley, Lyon. 21 March (BP) represented the sea¬ son’s peak count; 3 on Ky Lake above the dam 8 May (MMo et al.) were the latest to be reported. Red-throated Loon - there was one report: 1 on Ky Lake near Sherwood Shores, Marshall , 21 March (|BP). Common Loon - peak counts included 35- 50 on Ky Lake, Marshall. 15 March (BY, MY, EHu) with at least 110 counted on Ky Lake, Marshall. 21 March (BP); and at least 40 on Barren 29 March (DR) with at least 60 there 6 April (DR) and ca. 30 there 16 April (DR). Small numbers con¬ tinued to pass through into early May with 3 on Cave Run Lake 9 May (EM, JW, et al.); 3 on Green River Lake, Taylor, 16 May (RD); I at Paradise 19 May (KFI, 66 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol, 85 BP); and 1 at Petersburg, Boone, 23 May that lingered into June (LMeN) being the latest reported. Also reported were 2 on Martins Fork Lake 17 April (RD). Pied-billed Grebe - 6 at Melco 5 May (BP et al.); 1 at Island No. 8 Slough, Fulton , 1 1 May (DR); and 2 or 3 at Camp #11 on 24 May (BP, EHu) were the latest to be reported. One to 10 were seen at Chenoa Lake, Fishpond Lake, and Martins Fork Lake on several visits during March and April (RD). Horned Grebe - reports of interest included 1 at Martins Fork Lake 6/12 March (RD, SD); 9 at the State Game Farm Lake, Franklin, 16 March (GSp); 30-35 at Free¬ man Lake (BP) and 125+ on the Ohio River at Louisville (EHu), both 19 March; and at least 100-150 on Ky Lake, Mar¬ shall, 2\ March (BP). American White Pelican - reports of inter¬ est included 385 at Blood River 13 March (1IC); ca. 75 at Obion 20 March (BP); up to ca. 275 below Barkley Dam during early April (m. ob.); and ca. 30 at Calvert City 8 May (BP et al.). One at the Falls of the Ohio 4-9 May (GF fide AG, DSt. et al.) represented the only bird seen away from traditional areas. Brown Pelican - perhaps the same imma¬ ture bird was present on Lake Cumber¬ land, Russell , 23-25 April (ph. T&CS); then on Cave Run Lake 6/8 May (ph. CLe), and finally on Lake Carnico, Nich¬ olas. 16 May into June ( fide W&GK, WH, ph. MMo, ph. BY). K.BRC review re¬ quired. Double-crested Cormorant - peak counts included at least 1500-2000 on Ky Lake, Marshall, and a few thousand on Lake Barkley. Lyon, both 21 March (BP); ca. 200 on the Ohio River above Uniontown Dam. Union, 23 March (CC); 700+ on Mitchell Lake 27 March (SR); and 325+ at the Falls of the Ohio 3 April (DSt). Several with Great Blue Herons at Ship- pingport Island, Jefferson, 29 April (BP, EHu) appeared to be initiating nesting behavior with 6 active nests first observed there 21 May (DSt) and 12 active nests counted there 23 May (BP). One to 2 were seen at Martins Fork Lake 27 March-17 April (RD). Anhinga - 1 was seen on a slough along US 51 nw. of Wiekliffe, Ballard, 26 March (tJBr). KBRC review required. American Bittern - there were six reports; 2 at Green River WMA w. of Neatsville, | Adair, 17 April (BGy); 1 at Long Point 27 April (BP, ph. EHu); I at Lewis County WMA 6 May (SF); 1 at Hardy Slough, , Sauerheber, 6 May (BY, MY); and singles at the Payne Plant (BW) and s. of Pot- tertown, e. Calloway (RH), both 9 May. Least Bittern - there was only one report: 1 heard on the North Fork Dryden Creek embayment of Lake Barkley, Lyon, 20 May (EHa). Great Blue Heron - there were a few re¬ ports of new nesting sites: 1 nest on a wooded slope above Cranks Creek Lake, Harlan, 17 April (RD); 1 nest on Wolper Creek at Petersburg. Boone , 26 April (JCm, KCa); and a new nesting colony along Beaver Creek near Glasgow, Bar¬ ren, 8 April (LC). Brown Peliean Cave Run Lake, 8 May 2009 Chris Leffler Great Egret - 1 in w. McCracken 19/2C March (JR/SR) and 3 at the heronry a Kuttawa 21 March (BP) were the earlies to be reported; other reports of interes included 5 n. of Lewisburg, Logan, 4 May (LC) and 26 near Sauerheber 13 May (CC). Snowy Egret - singles at Ballard (JR) and al Miller, Fulton, (EHu, Jll), both 5 April were the earliest to be reported; othe 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 67 reports of interest included 25 at Long Point 26 April (RD et al.) and 1 along Craddock Lane. Hart. 9 May (SK et al.). Little Blue Heron singles at Ballard 5 April (JR) and at LBL, Trigg. 8 April ( BLi ) were the earliest to be reported; 35 at Long Point 24 April (MTo) represented the season's peak count. Cattle Egret - 1 near Lake No. 9 on 5 April (EHu. JH) was the earliest to be reported; 1 near Leitchfield. Grayson. 19 April (DMt) and 12 near Sauerheber 4 May (CC) were the only ones seen away from far w. Kentucky. Black-crowned Night-Heron - several had returned to the heronry at Kuttawa by 21 March (BP) and 5 seen near the mouth of the Little Sandy River at Greenup, Green¬ up. 21 March (RS, SF. GR) were likely in the vicinity of a nesting colony. Other reports of interest included 2 at Sauer¬ heber 23 April (CC) with I there 9 May (CC). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron there were several reports, all being included: 2 nest¬ ing birds had returned to Woodbine Drive, Lexington, by 2 April (PD); 1 at Green River WMA w. of Neatsville. Adair. 17 April (BGy) with 2 there 22 May (ph. DCm); I along the Greenbelt Highway, sw. Jefferson . 2 May (CLa); and 2 over West Ky WMA. McCracken. 6 May (SR). White-faced Ibis - a bird entering alternate plumage was present at Long Point 25-26 April (ph. DH et al.). KBRC review re¬ quired. Osprey - a previously constructed nest on the Beaver Creek embayment of Cave Run Lake, Menifee, was active 29 April (SB fide EM); the recently established pair at Shippingport Island. Jefferson, was incubating during May (DSt et al.). Mississippi Kite - singles at Boatwright WMA, Ballard (SR), and at Clarks River (HC), both 24 April, established a new early arrival date for the state by two days. There were two reports of birds away from known breeding areas: 1 over Sin¬ clair 19 May (BP, KH) and 1 over the Louisville landfill and Melco 20 May (RAn). Also reported was a loose group of at least 25 adjacent to Ballard 3 1 May (JR). Also see the Addendum at the end of this report. Bald Eagle tallies of 1 1 at and adjacent to Obion 20 March (BP) and at least 10 there I May (BP) were noteworthy; an adult was repeatedly seen in the vicinity of the Falls of the Ohio during the spring, sug¬ gesting the possibility of a nesting pair nearby (m. ob.). New nests were located along Hurricane Creek. Crittenden (KH. SV); at Gentle Pond, Sauerheber (ph. CC); near Snrithland Dam, Livingston (KH, SV); along the Cumberland River a few miles n. of Iuka, Livingston (KH. SV); and on the Wolf Creek embayment of Lake Cumberland, Russell (WC fide KH). Bald Eagle on its "condo" Henderson. 23 March 2009 Charlie Crawford Northern Harrier - as is the norm, a few territorial birds were reported from var¬ ious units of Peabody WMA, Muhlen- berg/Oliio'. other reports of interest in¬ cluded 1 at McElroy 30 April/7 May (DR) and a male at the Startlre Mine, Knott , 20 May (KH). 68 I HF. KENTUCkN WARKLFK Vol. 85 Red-tailed Hawk a juvenile Krider's morph in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 22 April (DR. DB) was the latest individual of western forms reported. Rough-legged Hawk 1 near the Cincinnati airport, nw. Boone. 20-21 March (ph. TSt. LMcN) and 2 at Sinclair 19 April (DMt) were the latest to be reported. Golden Eagle - there were three reports: 2 juveniles at the Dry Creek Overlook. DBNF, McCreary , 21 March (RD); a juvenile or sub-adult over w. McCracken 25 April (t JR); and a very tardy unaged bird over Beargrass Creek SNP, Jefferson. 3 May (tMW. BBC). Merlin - there were only three reports: 1 at Melco 4 March (BP. BW); singles at Bowman Field, Louisville, and Seneca Park. Louisville. 8 March (MA. JSti); and 1 or 2 at Sinclair 5 April (BY. MY). Peregrine Falcon there were only four reports of birds other than local nesting pairs: 1 at Long Point 26 April (RD); 1 at Waitsboro 1 May (RD): 2 migrating past Ky Dam Village 8 May (MMo et al.): and 1 near Dot. Logan . 9 May (FL. AL). A newly established nesting pair at East Bend was incubating eggs during May (KH. LMcN. etal.) Virginia Rail - there was only one report: 1 at Lewis County WMA 6 May (SF). Sora - it was another poor season for the species with only 3 encountered at Sauer- heber 4 April (DR. KOS), only 1 there 12 April (BP. EHu). and only a few others reported elsewhere. One in an enclosed garden section of a Meijer store in Lex¬ ington 16-17 May (DSv) was certainly out of place. American Coot a few thousand total on Ky Lake. Marshall , and Lake Barkley. Lyon. 21 March (BP) represented the season's peak count; 2 at Chaney Lake 22 May (DR) and 4 at Camp #11 on 24 May (BP. EHu) were the latest to be reported. Sandhill Crane good numbers continued w. of Cecilia. Hardin, into the first week of March with 4192 counted in the vicin¬ ity 3 March (RP) and ca. 3370 counted coming in to two roost ponds there that evening (BP, EHu, et al.). Thirty over Hickman. Fulton. 5 April (EHu. JH) and 1 at the Louisville landfill 14 April (RAn) were the latest to be reported. Black-bellied Plover 2 at Chaney Lake 18 April (DR) were the earliest to be repor¬ ted: a female at Camp #9 on 24 May (BP. EHu) was the latest to be reported: 22 at KY 739 on 16 May (FL) represented the season's peak count. American Golden-Plover 3 at Open Pond 14 March (BY. MY) and 1 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 17 March (HC. ME) were the earliest to be reported: modest peak counts were represented by 26 at Open Pond. 60 near Long Point, and 1 0- 1 5 at Obion, all 20 March (BP). | Semipalmated Plover 1 at Chaney Lake 18 April (DR) was the earliest to be re- , ported: scarcely reported during May with 20-25 at Horseshoe Road 24 May (BP. EHu) representing a pitiful peak count for ( the season: 2 at Petros Pond 31 May (DR) were the latest to be reported. Black-necked Stilt there were a few re¬ ports, all at Long Point: 2 there 20 March (ph. BP) established a new early arrival date; 2 there 25 April (DH) with a male i there 27 April (BP. EHu) and a pair there I May (BP). American Avocet there were two reports: j ca. 20 at Ky Dam Village 27 April (BP. EHu) and ca. 20 at Barren 28 April (MV fide DR). Spotted Sandpiper - small numbers lin¬ gered into late May with the following j observations representing the latest to be , reported: at least 6 along the Licking , River. Nicholas! Robertson. 23 May (SMa. , RBr); 1 at Camp #1 1. a few at Horseshoe Road, and 8 on bars below Newburgh Dam. Hender-son (BP. EHu). all 24 May; 1 in Pulaski 26 May (RD): 2 on the Ohio River at Dayton. Campbell. 28 May (FR); and at least 1 at Melco into June (EHu et al.). Solitary Sandpiper I at Sauerheber 4 April (DR. KOS) was the earliest to be reported: 1 at Chaney Lake 22 May (DR) i was the latest to be reported. 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 69 Greater Yellowlegs - 1 at Russellville I I March (MB) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted. Peak counts included at least 50 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 20 March (BP) and at least 87 in w. Henderson 12 April (BP, EHu). One along McDonald Landing Road 24 May (BP. EHu) was the latest to be reported. Willet - there were only a few reports, all being included: 2 at Ky Dam Village 21 April (DMt); 1 at Ky Dam Village and 7 at Kuttawa, both 27 April (BP, EHu); 4 at Barren River Lake SRP. Barren , 30 April (DR); 2 at Paradise 3 May (MY. BY); and ca. 12 at Minor Clark and ca. 40 at Cave Run Lake dam. both 9 May (EM). Lesser Yellowlegs - 1 at Russellville 1 I March (MB) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted. Peak counts included 90 at Sand Slough, Henderson , 12 April (BP, EHu); ca. 100 at Chaney Lake 13 April (DR); and at least 150 at Long Point 22 April (DR. DB). Two at Horseshoe Road 24 May (BP, EHu) were the latest to be reported. Upland Sandpiper - there were only two reports: 2 at Chaney Lake 18 April (DR) and 4 in the vicinity of Chaney Lake 21 April (DR. DB). Ruddy Turnstone there was only one report: 1 at Chaney Lake 10 May (DR). Sanderling - there was only one report: 1 at the Ky Dam Village beach 8 May (BY, ! MY). Semipalmated Sandpiper I at Petros Pond 30 April (DR) and 3 s. of Sassafras Ridge, Fulton , I May (BP) were the ear¬ liest to be reported; the species was not | numerous this spring with the following modest peak counts: 31 at Minor Clark 17 May (SMa); 25 at KY 739 on 22 May (FL); and ca. 75 along Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road. Union, and 200+ in a flooded field near Horseshoe Road, both ); ! 24 May (BP, EHu). I Western Sandpiper - there was one report: 1 at Open Pond 27 April (BP, EHu). Least Sandpiper - wintering birds or early migrants were at Blood River and Jon- athan Creek during early March (HC, BH. et al.); 5 at Casey Creek 5 March (RD) were likely very early migrants; 3 along Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road, Union. 24 May (BP. EHu) and 2 at Melco 25 May (BP. EHu) were the latest to be reported. White-rumped Sandpiper there were on¬ ly a few reports, all being included: 1 at Chaney Lake 22 May (DR); 5 near Camp #9 on 24 May (BP, EHu); I at KY 739 on 27 May (FL); and 8 at Petros Pond 27-28 May (DR) with 6 still there 3 1 May (DR). Pectoral Sandpiper - 60 at Sand Slough. Henderson, 12 April (BP, EHu); ca. 80 at Chaney Lake 15 April (DR); and ca. 250 at Long Point 24/26 April (MT/HC et al.) represented modest peak counts; I at KY 739 on 27 May (FL) was the latest to be reported. Dunlin - the species was quite scarce during the normal May peak; however, small numbers appeared quite early with the following reports of interest: 1 at Chaney Lake 8 March (DR) and 18 April (DR. DB); 1 at Blood River 13 March (HC); and 7 at Sauerheber 23 March (CC) with 12 there 30 March (DR. DB), 15 there 1 April (CC), and 17 there 12 April (BP. EHu). Stilt Sandpiper there were only three reports: 3 at McElroy 18 April (DR); 3 at Chaney Lake 21 April (DR. DB); and 3 at Long Point 26/27 April (BY, MY/BP, EHu). Short-billed Dowitcher - the species was quite scarce with only four reports: 1 at the WKU Farm 28 April (DR): 10 near McElroy 7 May (DR); ca. 30 at Minor Clark 9 May (EM); and 10 at Chaney Lake 10 May (DR). Long-billed Dowitcher there were not many reports, all being included: 1 at Chaney Lake on five dates 15 April-10 May (DR); 14 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 22 April (DR. DB); 34 at Long Point 26 April (HC et al.); and three flocks totaling at least 145 individuals (including 72 at Long Point and 55 near by) in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 27 April (BP, EHu) that represented a new state high count. 70 THK KENTUCKY W ARBLER Vol. 85 PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS — SPRING 2009 Brown Pelican. Lake Cumberland. Russell 23 April 2009 Photo by Carol Stroud White-faced Ibis. Fulton 25 April 2009 Photo by Don Hanks Rough-legged Hawk. Boone. 21 March 2009 Photo by Tommy Stephens 27 April 2009 Photo by Eddie Huber Laughing Gull. Lake Carnico. 28 May Photo by Mark Monroe 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARRLER 71 land Gull x Thayer's Gull,” Kentucky Dam 2 1 March 2009 Photo by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Western Kingbird. Boone 9 May 2009 Photo b\ Joe Caminiti >rthern Shrike, Jefferson , 5 March 2009 Photo by Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. Bell's Vireo. Jefferson , 25 May 2009 Photo by Eddie Huber PICTORIAL HIGHLIGHTS — SPRING 2009 l1 -colored Sparrow, Fayette , 8 May 2009 Photo by Joe Swanson White-winged Crossbill, Campbell 12 March 2009 Photo by Steve & Dave Maslowski L 72 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Wilson’s Snipe - peak counts included 156 at Long Point 3 March (1 1C. ME): at least 250 scattered in w. Fulton 20 March (BP); and 65+ in s. Jefferson 28 March (MA. BW). American Woodcock - tallies of 75 at Cen¬ tral Ky WMA, Madison , 6 March and 32 at Green River WMA. Adair , 14 March (AN et al.) were quite impressive. Wilson’s Phalarope there were only two reports, both from Long Point: 2 there 22 April (DR. DB) and a female there 27 April (BP. EHu). Bonaparte’s Gull ca. 600 at Open Pond 20 March (BP); ca. 1000 at Barren 23 March (DR); 225 at Jonathan Creek 24 March (HC); and ca. 400 at Blood River 27 March (HC. BH) represented the sea¬ son's peak counts. Two adults at Ky Dam 7 May (CBe. EHu. et al.) were tardy. Laughing Gull there were four reports: an adult at the Falls of the Ohio 13-15 March (DSt et al.); 2 adults at the Falls of the Ohio 1 May (EHu); 2 adults at Ky Dam 1 May (DR. BP) and 2 May (BY. MY); and a first-year bird at Lake Camico, Nich¬ olas. 28 May (ph. MMo, BP, G&WK). Herring Gull - at least 25 were still in the vicinity' of Ky Dam 1 May (BP); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 21 May (DSt) was the latest to be reported. Thayer’s x Iceland Gull likely the same first-year bird seen below Ky Dam in late January was present at Ky Dam 21 March (ph. BP). Lesser Black-backed Gull - 2 were still in the vicinity of Ky Dam 22 April (DR. DB). and an adult or third-year bird lin¬ gered in the vicinity of Ky Dam to 1 May (DR. BP). Glaucous Gull - a lingering first-year bird was still at Ky Dam with possibly another on Ky Lake off Sherwood Shores, Mar¬ shall, both 21 March (BP); probably the same first-year bird lingered in the vicin¬ ity of Ky Dam to 22 April (DR. DB). Great Bl ack-backed Gull a first-year bird continuing from winter lingered in the vicinity of Ky Dam to I 1 May (DR. HC). Vol, 85 Least Tern 1 at Sauerheber 13 May (CC) was the earliest to be reported. Caspian Tern - modest peak counts includ¬ ed at least 50 at Calvert City 8 May (BP et al. ) and ca. 40 at Ky Dam 1 I May (DR. HC). Black Tern there were only two reports: 2 on Ky Lake above the dam 8 May (BP, EHu, MMo) and 2 below Ky Dam 17 May (BLi). Common Tern there were several reports, all being included: 10 on Ky Lake above the dam 1 May (DR); 1 at the Ky Dam Village marina 6 May (BY. MY); ca. 6 over Ky Lake above the dam (BP et al.) and 12 at Barren (DR), both 7 May; at least 8-10 over Ky Lake above the dam and several at Calvert City, both 8 May (BP et al.); and at least 1 on Ky Lake above the dam 14 May (BLi). Forster’s Tern 41 were at Jonathan Creek by 6 March (HC) with at least 50 at Blood River 27 March (HC. BH); small numbers were scattered on Lake Barkley. Lyon, 2 1 March (BP); at least 50 were at Calvert City 8 May (BP et al.). Yellow-billed Cuckoo in contrast to the spring 2008. it was an excellent, early season for the species; 1 at Cherokee Park 22 April (JBe. PB. CBe) was the earliest to be reported with a few reports by the last weekend of April (m. ob.) and at least 4 and probably 6 or more at Surrey Hills ii Farm 29 April (BP et al.). Black-billed Cuckoo it was an excellent season for the species with a number of j reports, all being included: 1 heard in n. j Anderson 24 April (KH); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm (BP et al.) and 1 at Mt. Zion (RD), both 29 April; I at South Williamson, j Pike. I May (JCa); 1 in LBL, Lyon, 3 May (BY. MY); 1 at Beargrass Creek SNP. Jefferson. 3 May (RBo. MA, BW): I heard at Shaker Village, Mercer, 5/6 May (BLe/BP et al.) and 27 May (KH): 1 heard w. of Bridgeport. Franklin, 5 May (JBr) and singles at Bridgeport. Franklin, and at ; the State Game Farm, Franklin, both 6 May (JBr). 1 at Floyds Fork Park. Jef¬ ferson. 7 May (BW); 1 heard at Peters- | 2009 73 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER burg. Boone , 9 May (LMcN); I at Casey Creek 16/21 May (RD); 1 at Iroquois Park, Jefferson, 17 May (MA. RBo); and 1 at Veterans Park. Lexington. 25 May (JPu). Barn Owl there were four reports: 1 at Central Kentucky WMA. Madison, 1 1 March (AN). 1 at Green River WMA. Taylor. 18 March (AN); 1 in e. Calloway 9 May (HC); and a pair nesting in sw. Logan (FL). Chimney Swift - 1 at Somerset. Pulaski, 1 April (RD) was the earliest to be reported. Ruby-throated Hummingbird - singles at New Concord, Calloway, 25 March (+BGg) and at Paducah. McCracken, 25 March (tJN) represented new early arri¬ val dates for the state; next earliest were birds in w. Pulaski 5 April (LMcC) and at Panorama Shores 8 April (KCo). Olive-sided Flycatcher - there were only four reports: 1 at Douglass Mills, Jeffer¬ son, I May (MY); 1 at Blood River 9 May (HC, ME); 1 at Cherokee Park 16 May (BW. BA); and 1 at the WKU Woods along Bennett Lane. Warren, 19 May (DR). Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - there were on¬ ly four reports: 1 in e. Calloway 9 May (RH); 1 heard singing " che-bunk' ' at Sur¬ rey Hills Farm 15 May (BP); 1 at Draut Park. Jefferson, 17 May (MY); and I at Surrey Hills Farm 29 May (BP). Alder Flycatcher there were six reports: I at LBL, Lyon, 8 May (BP et al.); 1 in e. Calloway 9 May (RH); 3 heard at Surrey Hills Farm 15 May (BP); 1 heard at Vogue 19 May (BP, KH); 1 heard at Sen¬ eca Park, Louisville, 20 May (RBo); and I heard at J.J. Audubon State Park, Hen¬ derson, 23 May (RM). Willow Flycatcher I in LBL, Lyon, 8 May (BP et al.) was an out-of-place mi¬ grant and the earliest to be reported. Least Flycatcher - a tally of 34 (most or all that were likely on territory) at the summit of Big Black Mountain. Harlan, 10 May (BY, MY) was exceptional for this rare breeder. Western Kingbird 1 was at East Bend 9 May (LMcN, ph. JCm. KCa. GP). KBRC review required. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher unfortunately, none were seen in the vicinity' of recent territories near Grand Rivers. Livingston. or at Barkley Dam. Lyon, this spring. There were only two reports: I just w. of Hickman. Fulton. 26 April (JR) and 1 along Cedarmore Road. e. Shelby, 20 May (CM fide HB). Loggerhead Shrike 1 along Balden Lane. Mercer, 4 May (GSc). represented a rela¬ tively unusual report for the Blue Grass region. Northern Shrike - a first-year bird was at Melco 4-5 March (ph. EHu. et al.). KBRC review required. Bell’s Vireo 1 at Sinclair 21 April (DMt) was the earliest to be reported: 1 at LBL. Lyon, 8 May (BP et al.) was a local first; the species was "perhaps more numerous than ever" on various units of Peabody WMA. Muhlenberg/Ohio. 19 May (BP. KH). There were two reports of birds away from known breeding areas: I at Melco 24 May into early June (BY. MY. ph. EHu, et al.) and I at Owensboro, Daviess, 31 May (LC). Blue-headed Vireo singles at the Alpine Rec. Area. DBNF. Pulaski, 20 March (RD) and at Natural Arch Scenic Area. DBNF. McCreary , 21 March (RD) were the earliest to be reported. Philadelphia Vireo singles at Berea For¬ est 28 April (AN), Eddyville, Lyon, 29 April (KL). and at Owsley Fork Lake. Madison. 30 April (AN) were the earliest to be reported: other reports of interest included a nice total of ca. 10 at LBL, Lyon, 8 May (BP et ah). Fish Crow - 1 at Long Point 3 March (HC, ME), I at Jonathan Creek 6 March (HC). 1 at Blood River 13 March (HC), and at least 3 at Ballard 20 March (SR) were the earliest to be reported. Common Raven there were a few reports from traditional areas including a pair at the nest site at Bad Branch SNP. Letcher, 19 March/15 April (JF); 1 at Big Black 74 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 Mountain, Harlan , 17 April (RD); and 2-3 heard at Big Black Mountain, Harlan , and 1 west of Cumberland, Harlan , both 10 May (BY. MY). Purple Martin I in Fulton 3 March (HC, ME) was the earliest to be reported. Tree Swallow - ca. 20 at Spindletop 12 March ( OL ) were the earliest to be reported. Cliff Swallow 25-30 active nests on the LG&E hydro dam on Shippingport Island 23 May (BP) represented a long-awaited first breeding record for Jefferson. Red-breasted Nuthatch I at Martins Fork Lake, Harlan , 6 March (RD) represented the only report away from the Rock Bridge, DBNF, Wolfe , breeding area, where 5 were seen 23 March (AN) and 2 were seen 18 April (FR. VR) and 31 May (BP. EHu, MS. BY, MY). Rock Wren 1 at Surrey Hills Farm I 1 May ( ph. BP. ph. MMo. ph. JH. et al.) represented a second state record. K.BRC review required. Sedge Wren there was only one report: I in e. Calloway 9 May (RH). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 at Blood River 25 March (HC) was the earliest to be re¬ ported. Veery 1 banded at Clarks River 24 April (HC) was the earliest to be reported. Gray-cheeked Thrush I at Chaney Lake 25 April (BP. EHu) and 1 at Berea Forest 28 April (AN) were the earliest to be re¬ ported. Swainson’s Thrush I at E.P. "Tom" Saw¬ yer State Park. Jefferson , 22 April (CBo) was the earliest to be reported: latest was a singing bird at Surrey Hills Farm 23 May (BP). Wood Thrush - 1 heard at Panorama Shores 14 April (KCo) was the earliest to be reported. Gray Catbird I at Blood River 27 March (HC) was quite early. American Pipit - peak counts of interest in¬ cluded 125+ near Long Point 7 March (MA); ca. 40 at Chaney Lake 18 April (DR); and 35+ at Open Pond 27 April (BP. EHu). Cedar Waxwing - overall, numbers peaked during April, somewhat earlier than dur¬ ing recent years; peak counts included ca. 200 at Bernheim Forest. Bullitt. 1 1 March (RBo, BBC); ca. 200 in Warren 13 March (DB); at least 500 at Shaker Mill. Warren. 3 April (DR); ca. 200 at Martins Fork Lake 1 1 April (RD); and ca. 300 at East Bend 9 May (JCm. KCa). Blue-winged Warbler I at Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve, Jefferson. 18 April (BY. MY. RBo) was early for the local area. Golden-winged Warbler there were six reports of migrants: 1 at Mammoth Cave i 23 April (DMj. MMa): I at Chaney Lake 25 April (BP); 1 at LBL, Lyon (BY. MY) and 2 at LBL. Trigg (BLi). both 3 May; 2 at LBL, Lyon. 8 May (JBr, BP. et al.); and 1 near the Louisville Zoo, Jefferson , 9 May (DCt, NV). Results of Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife atlas work for this spe¬ cies will be reported in the Summer 2009 report. Orange-crowned Warbler there were four reports: 1 at LBL, Lyon. 20 April (DMt); 1 at the Louisville landfill 22 April (RAn); 1 at LBL, Trigg. 23 April (BLi): and 1 at Middle Creek Park, Boone. 24 April (RR). Northern Parula 1 at Blood River 30 March (HC. ME) was the earliest to be reported. Yellow Warbler 1 at Travis WMA. Car¬ lisle. 5 April (EHu. JH) was the earliest to be reported. Magnolia Warbler 1 along the Missis- ; sippi River, Hickman. 30 May (BLi) was the latest to be reported. Cape May Warbler singles at LBL, Trigg , 23 April (BLi) and Chaney Lake 25 April (EHu, BP) were the earliest to be reported. Black-throated Blue Warbler there were only three reports — all of males — away 1 from known nesting areas: 1 at Red River | Gorge. Powell. 2 May (BP. KH. JF); 1 at 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ 75 Jefferson Memorial Forest, Jefferson, 8 May (BW); and 1 at Miles Park, Jeffer¬ son , 9 May (BW). Palm Warbler - 1 at Berea Forest 1 1 April (AN) was the earliest to be reported; 1 at Joe Creason Park, Jefferson, 16 May (RBo, BW) was the latest to be reported. Prothonotary Warbler - singles at Blood River (HC) and near Central City, Muh¬ lenberg (SN, JN), both 2 April, were the earliest to be reported. Swainson’s Warbler - 1 near Great Mea¬ dows, DBNF, McCreary, 24 April (SS, TSa) and 2 at Little Lick 28 April (RD) were the earliest to be reported; also re¬ ported were 1 near Little Lick 9 May (CN); 5 at Little Lick 26 May (RD); and 1 along the Swift Camp Creek Trail, DBNF, Wolfe, 31 May (BP, EHu, MS, BY, MY). Ovenbird - 1 at the Alpine Rec. Area, DBNF, Pulaski, 5 April (RD) was the earliest to be reported. Louisiana Waterthrush - 1 heard at the Ky Sheriffs Ranch, Marshall , 21 March (BP) was the earliest to be reported. Connecticut Warbler - there were only two reports: 2 at East Bend 9 May (JCm) and 3 in e. Calloway 9 May (RH). Mourning Warbler - there were several re¬ ports, all being included: 1 at LBL, Lyon, 8 May (JBr, MMo, et al.); 1 in e. Callo¬ way 9 May (RH); I at Surrey Hills Farm 12/15/17/25 May (BP et al.); 1 at Draut Park, Jefferson, 17 May (MY); 1 at Iro¬ quois Park, Jefferson, 17/22 May (MA, RBo); and 1 at Melco 25 May (EHu). Wilson’s Warbler - a tally of at least 9 at LBL, Lyon, 8 May (BP et al.) was rela¬ tively impressive. Canada Warbler - a male banded at Shaker Village, Mercer, 27 May (KH et al.); I seen at Surrey Hills Farm 29 May (BP); and I heard e. of Pinnacle, w. Lee, 3 1 May (BP) were the latest to be reported. Summer Tanager - a first-year male at Jon¬ athan Creek 20 March (|ME) was excep¬ tionally early, representing a new early arrival date for the state by nearly three weeks. Scarlet Tanager - 1 at LBL, Trigg, 10 April (BLi) was the earliest to be reported. Bachman's Sparrow - the only report was of 3 at the traditional breeding areas on Foil Campbell, Trigg, 17 April (DMo). Clay-colored Sparrow - up to 4 were pres¬ ent at the Lexington Cemetery 8 May (ph. JSw et al.). KBRC review required. Field Sparrow - a Hock of ca. 50 at the Louisville landfill 25 March (RAn) was likely indicative of a peak migratory per¬ iod. Vesper Sparrow - as is the norm, small numbers were reported from scattered locales from mid-March to mid-April; reports of interest included 1 in Menifee 17 March (ph. RAd); 8 at Melco 26 March (BP, EHu); 2 at Minor Clark 18 April (GR); and 1 at Hays Kennedy Park, Jefferson, 25/29 April (MA, BBC/BW). A bird seen at the jet. Handy Road and Shawnee Run Lane, Mercer, 4 May (GSc) was especially tardy and possibly on territory. Lark Sparrow - the only reports originated in areas where the species has nested dur¬ ing the past few years as follows: 1 on Fort Campbell, Trigg, 17 April (DMo); 2 pairs along Vance Road, s. Warren, 25 April (BP, EHu); and 2-3 along McDon¬ ald Landing Road 5 May (CC). Lark Sparrow, Henderson 5 May 2009 Charlie Crawford 76 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 Savannah Sparrow — there were two re¬ ports of late birds possibly on territory: 2 including a singing bird at Fonthill, Rus¬ sell, 16 May (RD) and 1 at the Starfire Mine. Knott, 20 May (KI I). Henslow’s Sparrow - the species was seemingly not as numerous at various units of Peabody WMA. Muhlenberg/ Ohio this year (m. ob.) Reports of interest included 1 at a new locale at LBL, Trigg, 10/23 April (BLi) and 2 near Shanty Hollow Lake. Warren, and at least 2 near .lelson, Butler (DR), both 22 May. Le Conte's Sparrow - the only report was of 2-3 continuing from winter at Long Point 20 March (BP). Fox Sparrow - I near Fisherville, se. Jef¬ ferson, 1 1 April (EHu) and I at Douglass Hills. Jefferson, 12 April (MY, BY) were the latest to be reported. Lincoln's Sparrow - 1 at the Starfire Mine. Knott, 20 May (KFI) was the latest to be reported. Dark-eyed Junco - 2 at Mammoth Cave 24 April ( ph. DMj, MMa); I at Mammoth Cave 25 April (SK. KOS) and 1 at Lex¬ ington 16-18 May (ph. DCh) were the lat¬ est to be reported. Lapland Longspur - at least 20 w. of Miller. Fulton, 20 March (BP) were the latest to be reported. Rose-breasted Grosbeak - a female in s. Scott 24 March (BLa, DL) was the earliest lo be reported. The species did not put on as good a showing at feeders during the peak of migration, but small numbers occurred at many locales. A pair was seen copulating at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone, 23 May (LMcN). Painted Bunting - a male was observed along Squire Holland Road a few miles n. of Murray. Calloway, 9 May (fMMi). KBRC review required. Dickcissel 1 in Ballard 24 April (SR) was the earliest to be reported. Bobolink 4 at the WK.U Farm 25 April (BP, EHu), I at Spindletop 26 April (IS), and I near Dot, Logan, 26 April (FL) were the earliest to be reported. Modest peak counts included at least 150 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms I May (DR) with ca. 70 still there 1 1 May (DR); ca. 50 in e. Trigg 3 May (BLi); and 43 in Cal¬ loway 9 May (HC et al.). Additional re¬ ports of interest included 3 males in Row¬ an 4 May (SF); a female at the Starfire Mine, Knott, 20 May (KFI) and a few on territory nw. of Harrodsburg, Mercer , 30 May (GD). Rusty Blackbird - reports of interest in¬ cluded ca. 6 at Minor Clark 7 March (GR); 60+ at Long Point 7 March (MA); ca. 50 at Chaney Lake 20 March (DR); and 100-150 along McDonald Landing Road 12 April (BP. EHu). Brewer’s Blackbird - there were several reports, all being included: 3 at the WKU Farm 16 March (DR); 3 at Walton Pond. Warren, 19 March (DR) with 1 1 there 28 March (DR. DB); at least 15 near Lake No. 9 on 20 March (BP); and 25 along Smokey Road. Ballard, 13 April (SR). Purple Finch - the species increased during late March and early April as migrants passed through; 2 males in n. Anderson 6 May ( I'A) were the latest to be reported. White-winged Crossbill - 2-7 birds lin¬ gered at St. Anne's Convent. Campbell, into mid-March (ph. FR. ph. D&SMs. DMt, ph. TU/JL fide FR) with 4 or 5 last seen there 15 March (FR). Pine Siskin - abundance and distribution of wintering birds remained relatively stable into early spring; e.g., ca. 70 were still outside Morehead, Rowan, 23 March (SF); ca. 80 were at Bee Rock Rec. Area, DBNF. Pulaski, 31 March (RD); “great numbers” lingered at South Williamson, Pike, through the first week of April (JCa); more than 50 were still near Big Gimlet, Elliott, 9 April (EM); and 40+ were still at St. Anne’s Convent, Camp¬ bell, 26 April (FR). A notable pulse of migrants appeared during the last week of April and first week of May; e.g., at least 50 arrived at Panorama Shores 3 May (KCo); numbers increased to 150-200 at Mt. Zion during the first few days of May (RD); and numbers “increased to medium size flock” in e. Daviess 4 May (MTh). 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 77 Pine Siskins remained relatively numer¬ ous and widespread into the second week of May; numbers then decreased quite rapidly with the latest reports being 1 in e. Daviess 14 May (MTh); I at Prospect, Oldham, 19 May (WA); 1 at Glasgow, Barren, 23 May (LC); 1 at Bardstown, Nelson, on or about 29 May (PG); and 2 at Mt. Zion 26 May with 1 still there into the first week of June (RD). Evidence of breeding was limited to the observation of 2 pairs gathering nesting material in e. Fayette during the second week of April (DSv). Additional reports originated from the following counties: Anderson (TA); Lyon (BY, MY, EHu/BP et ah); Mc¬ Cracken (SR/JR); and Taylor (AN). Erratum to Spring Season 2006: Rebels Rock (location of 2 Common Ravens) (KW 82:72, 2006) is located in Harlan, not Letcher. Erratum to Fall Season 2006: a female Blue Grosbeak was seen feeding a juv¬ enile along KY 746, Wolfe, not KY 749 (KW 83:20, 2007). Erratum to Winter Season 2008-2009: the location of ca. 50 American Tree Spar¬ rows 29 January 2009 (KW 85:52, 2009) should have been Casey Creek, Adair, not Cedar Creek. Addendum to Spring Season 2008: a sec¬ ond-year Mississippi Kite was present just e. of Hillsdale, ne. Simpson, 22-23 May 2008 (ph. JSto). Observers: Rita Adkins (RAd), Win Ahrens (WA), Terry Anderson (TA). Ryan Ankeny (RAn), Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK), Michael Autin (MA), Bonnie Avery (BA), Beckham Bird Club (BBC), Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell (PB), Mark Bennett (MB), Carol Besse (CBe), Carl Bochmann (CBo), Steve Bonney (SB), Rod Botkins (RBo), David Brown (DB), Horace Brown (HB), John Brunjes (JBr), Rhonda Bryant (RBr), Joe Caminiti (JCm), Kathy Caminiti (KCa), Joan Carr (JCa), Fred Carroll (FC), Hap Chambers (HC), Don Chestnut (DCh), Dona Coates (DCt), Kathy Cohen (KCo), Will Connelly (WC). Derek Coomer (DCm), Jason Courter (JCo), Linda Craiger (LC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Phyllis Deal (PD), Roseanna Denton (RD), Steve Denton (SD), Gary Dorman, 11 (GD), Melissa Easley (ME), Josh Felch (JF), Garrick Fields (GF), Scott Freidhof (SF), Alan Goldstein (AG), Paula Geihs (PG), Brian Gray (BGy), Barbara Groening (BGg), Wendell Haag (WF1), Don Hanks (DH), Erin Harper (EHa), Barry Hail (BH), Robert Head (RH), Kate Heyden (KH), Eddie Fluber (EHu), Jennifer Huber (JH), Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS), Wendell & Ginny Kingsolver (W&GK), Steve Kistler (SK), Betsy Lang (BLa), David Lang (DL), Celia Lawrence (CLa), Ben Leffew (BLe), Chris Leffler (CLe), Ken Leggett (KL), Bill Lisowsky (BLi), James Lundberg (JL), Allison Lyne (AL), Frank Lyne (FL), David Marjamaa (DMj); Mary Anne Marjamaa (MMa). Scott Marsh (SMa), Don Martin (DMt), Dave & Steve Maslowski (D&SMs), Linda McClenden (LMcC), Tee McNeely (LMcN), Mike Miller (MMi), Mark Monroe (MMo), Calvin Montfort (CM), Evelyn Morgan (EM), Daniel Moss (DMo), Rudy Mueller (RM), multiple observers (m. ob.), Jacob Neace (JN), Susan Neace (SN), Connie Neeley (CN), Judy Nethery (.IN). Andy Newman (AN), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP), Gayle Pille (GP), Joe Pulliam (JP), Rocky Pritchert (RP), Scott Record (SR), Frank Renfrow (FR), Veronica Renfrow (VR), Rob Ripma (RR), Gerald Robe (GR), David Roemer (DR), Jeff Rowe (JR), Thomas Saya (TSa), Georgann Schmalz (GSc), Rick Seelhorst (RS), Gary Sprandel (GSp), Stephen Stedman (SS), Tommy Stephens (TSt), lan Stewart (IS), Matt Stickel (MS), Jack Still (JSti), Jonathan Stoke (JSto), Del Striegel (DSt), Tom & Carol Stroud (T&CS); David Svetich (DSv), Joe Swanson (JSw), Marilee Thompson (MTh), Mike Todd (MTo), Tom Uhlman (TU), Nancy Vance (NV), Mike Vessels (MV), Shawchyi Vorisek (SV), Major Waltman (MW), Jim Williams (JW), Barbara Woerner (BW), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY). 78 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 FIELD NOTE Rock Wren in Jefferson County On the morning of 1 1 May 2009, I was working on our family farm in northeastern Jefferson County, when I noticed a small, light brown songbird with a long, thin bill fly up from the ground next to one of our barns and perch on a utility wire. Having some binoculars with me, I looked at the bird and recognized it as a Rock Wren (Salpinctes obsoletus). I immediately called several local birders and continued to watch the bird as it moved around from structure to structure before disappearing from view. Within a short time, a few other birders arrived, and we relocated the bird and followed it for more than an hour as it hopped around the bases of the barns and adjacent silos. Most of the time the wren was in view, it foraged for insects gleaned from both the vertical surfaces of the structures and the surrounding vegetation. The bird methodically hopped and flew from place to place while it foraged, sometimes disappearing under small overhangs. It spent most of its time on or within a few feet of the ground, but on two occasions it ascended 25-30 ft (7.7-9. 2 m) up on a silo. During the course of the day, approximately two-dozen birders were able to see the bird, which continued to move about the bams and silos into the late afternoon. On one occasion, the wren flew over to a small pile of bricks and stones that were piled in a gully in an adjacent pasture; it seemed quite at home there, foraging for nearly an hour, but a territorial Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) kept chasing the wren and it finally retreated back to the barns. A few individuals were able to capture photographs of the bird during the morning (see front & back covers of this issue). The Rock Wren was about the same size as a Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovi- cianus). although slightly different in proportions, with a notably long, thin bill that was dark gray in color. Overall the bird’s head and upperparts were grayish brown, with a lighter supercilium that was not always apparent. Many of the feathers of the nape, back, and upper wing coverts were marked with small, dark teardrop markings and tiny whitish spots, creating a unique pattern. The throat, breast, and belly were whitish with some relatively faint and narrow darker streaking on the upper breast, and the flanks were a pale orange-buff. The flight and tail feathers were light grayish brown and marked with darker bars. An obvious pale orangish-brown band was present at the tip of all but the innermost two tail feathers; this character was most notable when the bird flared its tail while landing. The undertail coverts were whitish with several very distinct, wide dark bars. The legs and feet were dark gray or blackish. The Rock Wren was heard calling and/or singing on a number of occasions, but sounds were typically soft and difficult to hear clearly, even at relatively close range. Some of the series of notes sounded like the distant song of a Dickcissel (S/?i:a americana). According to Lowther et al. (2000), only males are known to sing, indicating that this individual was a male. On one occasion during the afternoon, the bird was definitely singing a song of repeated, whistled (but mostly hoarse) notes as it perched on a piece of machinery about 50 feet ( 1 5.4 m) away. Unfortunately, the wren could not be relocated the following day. and it was not encountered again. This is the second record of Rock Wren in Kentucky. One was seen 16 October 1965 along a stone “fence" west of Danville in Boyle County (Kemper and Toetscher 1968). While this species occurs occasionally in eastern North America, it does not wander as regularly as many other western passerine vagrants that show up on an annual basis east of the Mississippi River. Domagalski (2007) lists about 30 records from “midcontinent” states and provinces (i.e. those not touching ocean) east of the Mississippi River, most during the 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 79 spring and fall. The summary includes one record for Indiana and Ohio, and two records for Tennessee. Interestingly, four weeks after the Kentucky sighting, a Rock Wren was seen in St. Clair County. Michigan. 7 June 2009 (D. O'Brien, pers. comm.). Literature Cited Domagalski. Donald. 2007. Midcontinent Rare Bird Records, unpublished summary. Kemper, J.W., and F.W. Loetscher. 1968. First Record of Rock Wren in Kentucky. The Kentucky Warbler 44( 1 ): 18. Lowther, P.E., D.E. Kroodsma, and G.H. Farley. 2000. Rock Wren ( Salpinctes obsoletus). In The Birds ofNorth America. No. 486 (A. Poole and F. Gill. eds.). The Birds of North America. Inc.. Philadelphia, PA. — 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 with monetary awards of up to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, please visit the K.O.S. web site (http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm) or contact either Shawchyi Vorisek. Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort. KY, 40601 (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov). or Dr. Blaine Ferrell. Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean’s Office, Western Kentucky University. Bowling Green. KY, 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 I deeper appreciation of birds and ornithology. For guidelines on how to apply for grants of j up to $500. visit the K.O.S. web site (http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/annestamm.htm) or contact Mark Bennett by mail at 113 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. 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 Visit the K.O.S. Website To learn about the Kentucky Ornithological Society, visit the KOS web site main¬ tained by Dr. Gar}' Ritchison at http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/default.htm. s f . 80 THE KENTUCKY WARBLKK Vol. 85 Above: White-faced Ibis, Long Point Unit Reelfoot N.W.R., Fulton Co.; 25 April 2009 Photo by Don Hanks Below (left and right) Rock Wren. Surrey Hills Farm, Jefferson Co.. 1 1 May 2009 Photos by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (left) and Mark Monroe (right) 'i The Kentucky (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society VOL. 85 NOVEMBER 2009 - IN THIS ISSUE RESULTS OF THE 2009 FORAY IN CLINTON COUNTY. Stephen J. Stedman and Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., . 83 SUMMER SEASON 2009. Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., and Lee McNeely . 90 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL 2009 MEETING. John Brunjes . 96 13th REPORT OF THE KENTUCKY BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE, Ben Yandell, KBRC Secretary-Chair . 99 FIELD NOTE A Presumed Hybrid Tree Swallow x Barn Swallow in Jefferson County . 103 NEWS AND VIEWS . 104 82 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Win Ahrens, Prospect Vice-President . Scott Marsh. Lexington Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY 40222-3913 Treasurer . Recording Secretary' . Councillors: Mari lee Thompson, Owensboro Maiy' Yandell. Louisville . Kathy Cohen, Murray . Lana Hays. Walton . Don Martin. Independence . Shawchyi Vorisek, Frankfort . . Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY 41005 . John Brunjes. Frankfort . 2007 thru 2009 . 2008 thru 2009 . 2008 thru 2010 . 2008 thru 2010 . 2009 thru 2011 . 2009 thru 2011 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. Current membership categories and corresponding dues follow: Regular ($15.00); Contributing ($25.00); Student ($10.00); Family ($20.00); and Life ($300.00). Direct man¬ uscripts and communications to the editor. Send membership dues to the Treasurer. Make requests for back issues to the Corresponding Secretary. Editor . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. | c/o Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission. 801 Schenkel Lane. Frankfort. KY 40601 (brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov) Editorial Advisory Board Stephen Stedman and Ben Yandell Secretary. Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Ben Yandell 513 Lymington Court. Louisville. KY 40243 (secy@kybirdrecords.org) THE COVER We thank Eddie Huber for the image of the presumed Bam Swallow (Hirundo rustica ) x Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) taken 3 July 2009 at Surrey Hills Farm in north¬ eastern Jefferson County (see Field Note. p. 103). Financial support - - % u*s( for color reproduction in this issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest and Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Kentucky* Touchstone Energy Cooperathts ‘ 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 83 RESULTS OF THE 2009 FORAY IN CLINTON COUNTY Stephen J. Stedman and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Foray is a term that has been traditionally used by the Tennessee Ornithological Soci¬ ety (TOS) to describe a bird-monitoring survey designed to gather data on the distribution and abundance of all the birds occurring in a single county during the breeding season. Typically held sometime from late May to mid-June, a foray brings together a group of birders who spend several days collecting data while seeking evidence of breeding of as many species of birds as possible. Results of foray efforts often provide the best available data about the distribution and abundance of breeding birds. For example, in five counties of the “Upper Cumberland Region” (hereinafter UCR) of Tennessee and Kentucky (DcKalb, Jackson, Pickett, and White counties, TN, and Clinton County, KY), data obtained from recent forays have usu¬ ally surpassed in detail of coverage results from two previous efforts along the same lines — TOS-conducted forays from the late 1970s and 1980s and/or the Kentucky/Tennessee Breeding Bird Atlas projects (Palmer-Ball 1996; Nicholson 1997) that were conducted during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Foray Protocol The protocol for conducting a foray is fairly straightforward. Typically, the county being surveyed is divided into discrete units, usually based on 7.5' USGS quadrangle maps. Each quad is then further divided into subunits, typically six of them. These subunits, referred to as "blocks," become the units surveyed during the foray. A typical county may have 30-50 such blocks within its boundaries. During the foray, each block (circa 12 mi" [circa 19 km2]) is visited by a birder or a team of birders who intensively searches it for all species present and for evidence of breeding for as many species as possible. When a block has been searched long enough for about 60 species to be found within it (and with approximately 25-50% in confirmed categories [see below]), it is deemed to have been surveyed well enough for most of its breeding species to have been found. Although this threshold may be obtained in some blocks with lesser effort, a full day of field work— including some night work — may be required to obtain this result. Data concerning breeding evidence are recorded using a simple series of codes that indicate different levels of breeding evidence. A date is also attached to codes for probable and confirmed breeding. Possible Breeders: X = present during the foray. Probable Breeders: T = territorial — present at same site on dates at least a week apart; not usually possible during a foray; P = pair; A = agitated behavior (presumably near nest or young); C = courtship or copulation. Confirmed Breeders: DD = distraction display; CN = adult carrying nest material; NB = adult building nest; UN = used nest; FY = adult carrying food for young; BG = begging young; FL = recently fledged young; FS = fecal sac removed from nest by adult; ON = adult on nest incubating/brooding; NE = nest with eggs; NY = nest with young. In an attempt to obtain at least an informal level of quantitative information about the abundance of birds breeding in each block, an effort is made to devote a certain portion of survey time to a discrete “counting period.” One of two techniques for surveying and recording abundance data has been used. During some forays conducted prior to 2007, participants conducted a miniature roadside Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) route in the block. Such a "mini-route" typically has 10-15 stops located at intervals of 0.5 mi (0.8 km) along roads within a block. At each stop along the mini-route, one observer conducts a point 84 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 count for a set amount of time. Data for each stop are recorded on a standard point count data sheet. These data are then used to generate abundance classifications for the species that are recorded during the mini-route. An alternative manner of collecting abundance data during a “counting period” is to have participants spend a standardized amount of time carefully counting birds throughout as much of a block as they cover in that amount of time. As is normal protocol for standardized data collection, no manner of attracting birds (tape recordings, pishing, etc.) may be utilized during the counting periods. Two hours of counting in the early morning or three hours of counting in the late morning and afternoon appear to provide time- standardized abundance data that can reasonably be substituted for mini-route abundance data. The resulting numerical data are perhaps more prone to being biased by differences in observer skill than would mini-route data (presuming that mini-route data are collected only by persons experienced with this mode of data collection). These data may also be biased by non-uniform coverage of roads and other areas from block to block. Despite these potential pitfalls, having such time-standardized data from each block (instead of just the blocks where mini-routes can be ran by experienced observers) makes collecting numerical data in this manner worthwhile, and this is indeed the method now (2008 and thereafter) used to collect abundance data during forays in the UCR. Results from the DeKalb County, Tennessee, Foray suggest that abundance data collected in this way correlate well with abundance data obtained by other collection methods in terms of depicting the relative abundances of breeding species. History and Status of Forays in the Upper Cumberland Region The first six forays occurring in the Upper Cumberland Region (UCR) were conducted by members of the TOS in the following Tennessee counties (during the following years): Fentress (1979), Pickett (1979), White (1982), Cumberland (1985), Overton (1986), and Bledsoe (1987). More recently, the 2007 UCR Foray was conducted by a group of UCR birders -with support from some TOS members in White County 25-28 May 2007, almost exactly 25 years after an earlier foray took place in that county 28 -31 May 1982. Data resulting from these two forays provided a rare opportunity to view changes taking place in a county avifauna over the course of a quarter century. The 2008 UCR Foray was conducted in DeKalb County, TN, 23-26 May by a small group of UCR birders with support from two TOS members. The 2009 UCR Forays — conducted in Pickett County, TN, 22 -25 May; in Jackson County, TN, 29 May 1 June; and in Clinton County, KY, 12-14 June — were quite successful, with all blocks in all counties receiving minimal or greater coverage. In 2010 UCR Forays are planned in Cumberland County, TN (29 May^t June); Pulaski County, KY (5-1 1 June); and Clay County, TN (12-15 June). Clinton County Foray As noted above, one of three forays undertaken during 2009 in the UCR was con¬ ducted in Clinton County, KY, 12 14 June; it was the first bird survey of its kind to take place in that county. Observers taking part were Roseanna M. Denton, Douglas A. Downs, Thomas M. Saya, Stephen J. Stedman (coordinator and compiler), Winston A. Walden, Ben Yandell, and Mary W. Yandell. The focal species of the 2009 UCR Foray in Clinton County was the Henslow's Sparrow. Although not located during the Foray effort, there is a breeding season record of this species for Clinton County from 1949 (Mengel 1965). A total of 75 hours and 15 minutes was expended by survey parties over the three days of the Clinton County Foray effort. This total can be broken down into a total of 47 hours and 13 minutes during “counting periods,” 3 hours and 45 minutes during “night counting periods,” and 24 hours and 27 minutes of additional time conducted outside of “counting 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 85 Fig. 1. Foray Blocks in Clinton County. Key to 7.5’ USGS topographic quadrangles: AB = Albany; CC = Cumberland City; FR = Frogue; SV = Savage; WC = Wolf Creek Dam. periods.” Counting period surveys used the general searching method rather than mini-route method. Complete results of the Clinton County Foray can be found at the following link: http://iweb.tntech.edu/sstedman/ClintonCountvForav2009-CentralNode.htm A total of 24 blocks was covered during the Foray (Fig. 1). A significant portion of six of these blocks is situated within adjacent counties (Fig. 1), but at least some coverage was devoted to all blocks. Overall, 97 species were detected that were considered to be breeding in the county (Table 1). A minimum of 43 species was found in all 24 blocks with the highest species total (71) being attained in the Cumberland City 2 (CC2) block in the northeastern portion of the county adjacent to Lake Cumberland. Fifty-six species (58%) were classified in the Possible category, 6 (6%) in the Probable category, and 35 (36%) in the Confirmed category. A total of 9031 individuals was counted during “counting periods.” As a matter of comparison, the Kentucky Breeding Bird Atlas (KBBA) effort involved surveys of four “priority” blocks within the county (Albany 2, Cumberland City 2, Savage 2, and Wolf Creek Dam 2) during all or portions of five days 1989-1991. These surveys resulted in the detection of 55-62 species on each block and a composite total of 82 species in or immediately adjacent to the county (approximately one-third of the Wolf Creek Dam 2 block lies in adjacent Cumberland County; it is unknown if any of seven species found only on that block were outside of Clinton County). The KBBA used nearly identical codes for categorizing breeding status, and of the 82 species found in and near Clinton County during the KBBA, 31 species (38%) were considered possible breeders, 14 species (17%) were considered probable breeders, and 37 species (45%) were confirmed breeding. Seventeen species were detected during the Clinton County Foray that were not detected in the county during the KBBA project: Canada Goose, Mallard, Great Blue Fleron, Cooper’s Hawk, Barred Owl, Common Nighthawk, Chuck-will’s-widow, Whip- poor-will, Willow Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Tree Swallow, House Wren, Yellow Warber, Prothonotary Warbler, Ovcnbird, Hooded Warbler, and Dickcissel. Three of these, Blue-headed Vireo, Prothonotary Warbler and Dickcissel, had not been reported previously in the county at any season. Conversely, two species were detected in the county during the 86 THE KENTUCKY YVARBLER Vol. 85 KBBA that were not located during the Foray: Sharp-shinned Hawk and Baltimore Oriole. Two species that have been documented in Clinton County during the breeding season during the course of miscellaneous birding activities but that were not recorded during KBBA or Foray efforts are Warbling Vireo and Henslow’s Sparrow. These species must remain quite uncommon in the county during summer. Table 1. Species Detected during the 2009 Foray in Clinton County, Kentucky, 12-14 June. Species Total Blocks where Recorded (of 24 Possible) Total Individuals Recorded during Day or Night "Counting Period" Highest Breeding Category and Code Detected Comments Canada Goose 6 36 CON— FL Not detected during KBBA Wood Duck 6 33 CON— FL Mallard 2 6 POS— X Not detected during KBBA Wild Turkey 6 32 CON— FL More detected than during KBBA Northern Bobvvhite 13 32 POS— X Fewer detected than during KBBA Great Blue Heron 6 6 POS-X Not detected during KBBA Green Heron 9 4 POS— X More detected than during KBBA Black Vulture 8 16 POS— X Turkey Vulture 23 125 POS— X Cooper's Hawk 2 2 POS— X Not detected during KBBA Red-shouldered Hawk 5 7 POS— X Broad-winged Hawk 4 3 POS— X Red-tailed Hawk 10 7 CON— BG Fewer detected than during KBBA ! American Kestrel 15 31 CON— FL Killdeer 20 49 CON— FL More detected than during KBBA Rock Pigeon 9 17 POS— X Mourning Dove 24 280 CON— FL Yellow-billed Cuckoo 12 10 CON — FY 1 Eastern Screech-Owl * 3 3 POS— X 1 Barred Owl * 2 1 POS— X Not detected during KBBA Common Nighthawk * i 0 POS— X Not detected during KBBA Chuck-will’s-widow * 3 4 POS-X Not detected during KBBA Whip-poor-will * 1 2 POS— X Not detected during KBBA Chimney Swift 18 71 POS— X Ruby-thr. Hummingbird 8 6 POS— X Belted Kingfisher 1 2 PRB — P Rcd-hd. Woodpecker 7 8 POS— X Fewer detected than during KBBA Red-bellied Woodpecker 21 49 CON— FL Downy Woodpecker 20 38 POS— X Hairy Woodpecker 5 4 POS— X Fewer detected than during KBBA| Northern Flicker 14 28 POS— X Fewer detected than during KBBA1 Pileated Woodpecker 13 17 POS— X Eastern Wood-Pewce 24 84 POS-X Acadian Flycatcher 19 51 CON— FY More detected than during KBBA Willow Flycatcher 1 1 POS— X Not detected during KBBA Eastern Phoebe 24 106 CON FY Great Crested Flycatcher 20 46 CON— FL Eastern Kingbird 21 86 CON— FY More detected than during KBBA! Loggerhead Shrike 1 1 POS— X Fewer detected than during KBBA! 2009 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ S7 Species Total Blocks where Recorded (of 24 Possible) Total Individuals Recorded during Day or Night "Counting Period" Highest Breeding Category and Code Detected Comments hitc-eycd Virco 23 83 CON— CN More detected than during KBBA allow-throatcd Virco 16 34 POS— X uc-hcadcd Vireo 1 I POS— X Not detected during KBBA :d-eyed Virco 24 194 POS— X uc Jay 23 118 PRB — A mcrican Crow 24 229 CON— FL trplc Martin 17 183 CON— NY •ee Swallow 9 15 CON— FL Not detected during KBBA a. Rough-wg. Swallow 14 71 POS— X am Swallow 23 502 CON— FL trolina Chickadee 23 48 CON— FL rfted Titmouse 24 1 16 CON— FL hite-br. Nuthatch 17 38 POS-X irolina Wren 24 21 1 POS— X ouse Wren 9 21 POS— X Not detected during KBBA luc-gray Gnatcatchcr 23 113 PRB— P istern Bluebird 22 269 CON-FS ood Thrush 20 86 POS— X More detected than during KBBA mcrican Robin 24 452 CON— FY ray Catbird 12 15 POS— X Fewer detected than during KBBA orthern Mockingbird 21 255 CON— FL rown Thrasher 19 69 CON-FL Fewer detected than during KBBA jropcan Starling 22 1254 CON— NY ;dar Waxwing 5 6 POS— X luc-wingcd Warbler 1 0 POS— X orthem Parula 9 13 POS— X More detected than during KBBA ellow Warbler 1 0 POS— X Not detected during KBBA ellow-thr. Warbler 13 19 POS— X nc Warbler 10 10 POS— X •airic Warbler 19 48 POS— X Ik.-and-whitc Warbler 5 7 POS— X Fewer detected than during KBBA othonotary Warbler 1 1 POS— X Not detected during KBBA 'orm-eating Warbler 8 11 POS— X venbird 14 29 POS— X Not detected during KBBA auisiana Waterthrush 5 7 POS— X cntucky Warbler 20 40 CON— NY More detected than during KBBA ommon Ycllowthroat 24 179 POS— X ooded Warbler 10 26 POS— X Not detected during KBBA ellow-brcastcd Chat 23 87 POS— X Jmmer Tanager 22 53 POS— X More detected than during KBBA :arlct Tanager 14 15 POS— X astern Towhcc 23 131 CON— FL hipping Sparrow 24 169 CON— FL eld Sparrow 24 169 CON— FY rasshopper Sparrow 12 18 POS— X 88 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 85 Species Total Blocks where Recorded (of 24 Possible) Total Individuals Recorded during Day or Night "Counting Period" Highest Breeding Category and Code Detected Comments Song Sparrow 20 189 CON— FL Northern Cardinal 24 267 CON— FY Blue Grosbeak 21 42 POS— X Indigo Bunting 24 502 PRB— C Diekcissel 1 2 POS— X Not detected during KBBA Red-winged Blackbird 21 266 CON— FL Eastern Meadowlark 21 235 CON— FY Common Grackle 16 183 CON— FL Brown-headed Cowbird 22 159 PRB— P More detected than during KBB Orchard Oriole 23 47 POS— X House Finch 15 19 PRB- P More detected than during KBB American Goldfinch 22 84 POS— X House Sparrow 18 317 CON FL Breeding Categories and Codes: POS = possible breeder; PRB = probable breeder; CON = confirmed breeder. X = present; P = pair; A = agitated behavior; C = courtship/copulation; DD = distraction display; CN = adult carrying nest material; NB = adult building nest; UN = used nest; FY = adult carrying food for young; BG = begging young; FL = recently hedged young; FS = fecal sac removed from nest by adult; ON = adult on nest incubating/tending young; NE = nest with eggs; NY = nest with young. * Data reflect results from 8 Night Counting Periods. Discussion From a review of Kentucky’s published ornithological literature, it is safe to say that the Foray constitutes the most significant amount of effort ever undertaken to document the breeding birdlife of Clinton County. The KBBA project constitutes the only other system¬ atic survey of breeding birds undertaken in the county, so it is natural to compare the results of the two efforts. However, any attempt to make such comparisons must be done with caution because of several factors outlined below. From original field cards, it can be estimated that approximately 35—40 hours of field time were expended in the county during the KBBA effort. This is approximately one-half of the amount of effort expended during the Foray. In addition to greater amount of time expended, the Foray likely covered a greater diversity of habitat types, especially large blocks of forest. This factor may be determined from an informal analysis of the 7.5-Minute USGS topographic maps of Clinton County. The four priority blocks that were covered by the KBBA were assigned Forest Cover values of "2” (Savage 2), “3” (Albany 2 and Cum¬ berland City 2) and “4” (Wolf Creek Dam 2) [Note: Scale varied from 1 to 5 with 2 = some forest cover, but predominantly open; 3 = good mixture of open areas and forested land; and 4 = predominantly forest, but some open areas]. If all 24 blocks covered during the Foray are assigned values on a similar scale, it becomes apparent that the Foray effort likely resulted in the coverage of at least four times as much open ground habitat and substantially greater exposure to large blocks of forest habitat, primarily in the northern portion of the Wolf Creek Dam quadrangle (blocks 1, 4, & 5) and the eastern half of the Savage quadrangle (blocks 4, 5 & 6). Also of possible importance in drawing conclusions based on comparison of the two data sets is a comparison of the dates during which the two efforts were undertaken. The dates of KBBA survey work undertaken in Clinton County were 6 I June (Albany 2), 20 June (Cumberland City 2 and Savage 2), and 20 June & 12 August (Wolf Creek Dam 2). Thus, the Foray was conducted, on average, somewhat earlier in the breeding season than most of the KBBA work, a factor that could account for higher i 2009 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 89 frequency of detection during the Foray for some species that decrease or cease singing early in the season. All of the factors outlined above probably contributed in some manner to the greater species total — especially the greater number of nocturnal species detected -as well as the greater frequency of occurrence and abundance for many species during the Foray. It is unclear if habitat changes in the county from the early 1990s to 2009 could be responsible for changes in status for some species, but according to Turner et al. (2008), forest land (1- 2% gain), urban land (1-5% gain), and agricultural land (1-5% loss) were each projected to change very little from 1992 to 2020, suggesting that gross changes to habitats are occur¬ ring quite slowly there. Flowever, despite these limitations, several trends in distribution and/or abundance appear to be relatively apparent. A decrease in distribution and/or abun¬ dance may have taken place between the early 1990s and 2009 for Northern Bobwhite, Red-tailed Hawk, Hairy Woodpecker, Loggerhead Shrike, Gray Catbird, and Black-and- white Warbler. Other species that were detected in lesser distribution and/or abundance during the Foray effort than during the KBBA included Red-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, and Brown Thrasher. Among these species, corresponding regional decreases were documented from 1980 to 2006 for Northern Bobwhite, Red-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Loggerhead Shrike, Gray Catbird, and Brown Thrasher (Sauer et al. 2007). In contrast, an increase in distribution and/or abundance appears to have taken place during the same period for Canada Goose, Mallard, Great Blue Heron, Cooper’s Hawk, Tree Swallow, House Wren, and House Finch. Other species that were detected in greater distribution and/or abundance during the Foray than during the KBBA included Green Heron, Killdeer, Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Wood Thrush, Northern Parula, Kentucky Warbler, Summer Tanager, and Brown-headed Cowbird. Cor¬ responding regional increases have been documented from 1980 to 2006 for only Great Blue Heron, House Wren, and Northern Parula (Sauer et al. 2007). It is difficult to say if the appearance of very limited numbers of Willow Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, and Dickcissel on the Foray is the result of an increase in these species’ distribution and/or abundance in the county or just an artifact of greater effort and habitat coverage. Acknowledgment Many thanks are extended to the numerous individuals who have assisted in conduc¬ ting forays in Tennessee and Kentucky, especially in the Upper Cumberland Region. Literature Cited Mengel, R.M. 1965. The Birds of Kentucky. American Ornithologists’ Union Monograph No. 3. The Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas. 581 pp. Nicholson, C. P. 1997. Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Tennessee. University of Knoxville Press, Knoxville, Tennessee. 426 pp. Palmer-Ball, Jr., B. 1996. The Kentucky’ Breeding Bird Atlas. The University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. 372 pp. Turner, J.A., C. M. Oswalt, J.L. Chamberlain, R.C. Conner, T.G. Johnson, S.N. Oswalt, and K.C. Randolph. 2008. Kentucky's Forests. 2004. Resource Bulletin SRS-129. U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Southern Research Station. Knoxville, TN. 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 Re¬ search Center, Laurel, MD. —2675 Lakeland Drive, Cookeville, TN, 38506 (sstcdman@tntech.edu) (Stedman) and 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222 (brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov) (Palmer-Ball). 90 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 SUMMER SEASON 2009 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. and Lee McNeely Weather conditions during June and July 2009 were variable across the state but not extreme. Precipitation was lower than normal during June in western Kentucky, but higher than normal across the central and eastern portions. During July, precipitation was well above normal statewide, with a few stations recording about twice the normal rainfall. Temperatures were slightly wanner than normal across the state during June, but cooler than normal during July. The only vagrants were a Mottled Duck and at least one Brown Pelican. This year’s Least Tern nesting season was much more successful than in 2008. Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these reports have been accepted for inclusion in the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Reports of out-of-season birds and rarities should be accompanied by written and/or photographic documentation. This documentation is reviewed by 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; ad(s). = adult(s); juv(s). = juvenile(s); m. ob. = multiple observers; Place names: Barkley Dam. Livingston! Lyon; Blood River = Blood River embayment of Kentucky Lake, Calloway, Calvert City = industrial pond at Calvert City, Marshall', Camp #9 = Camp #9 coal preparation plant. Union', Camp #1 1 = former Camp # 1 1 mine. Union; Dayton = Campbell; Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment Lake Cumberland, Pulaski; Horseshoe Road = sloughs along Horseshoe Road, w. Henderson; Island No, 8 Slough. w. Fulton; Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall; Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon; KY 268 = slough along KY 268, w. Henderson; Lake No. 9. w. Fulton; Long Point = Long Point Unit Reelfoot NWR, Fulton; McDonald Landing Road, w. Henderson; Melco = Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson; Middle Bar = sandbar in Mississippi River at Middle Bar, Hickman; Obion WMA = L.E. Schaaf Tract, Obion WMA, Fulton; Open Pond. Fulton; Paradise = Paradise Power Plant slurry ponds, Muhlenberg; Pond Creek Marsh = Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson; Shaker Village = Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, Mercer; SNP = State Nature Preserve; Surrey Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson; Travis WMA = Mississippi River sandbars at Doug Travis WMA, Carlisle; WMA = Wildlife Manage¬ ment Area. Snow Goose up to 5 summering and likely injured birds continued at Ballard WMA, Ballard, through the season (m. ob.). Blue-winged Teal there were several re¬ ports of birds with no evidence of nesting detected as follows: 1 at Lake No. 9 on 9 June (HC, ME); 2 males at Obion WMA 26 June (DR, DBr); and 1 at Camp #11 on 18 July (BP, MA) with 2 there 25 July (BP, EHu). Mottled Duck 1 was reported at Lake No. 9 on 31 July (ph. DR). KBRC review re¬ quired. Canvasback a likely injured bird sum¬ mered on Lake Barkley above the dam (DR et al.). Redhead - quite unusual was a male on the Ohio River at Dayton 21 June (FR) and subsequently on the Ohio side across from Dayton 23/25 June (JF et al.). Lesser Scaup up to 20 likely injured birds summered on Lake Barkley above the dam (m. ob.). Ring-necked Duck a male lingered at Horseshoe Road into early July (CC et 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 91 al.); a female was seen at Camp #11 on 18 July (BP, MA). Hooded Merganser - a family group was observed at Horseshoe Road 1 7 June and 8 July (CC) with 1 2- 1 5 birds seen there 1 8 July (BP, MA). A female with 7 young on Caney Creek, Owen , 6 June (LM) repre¬ sented a county-first breeding record. Common Loon there were two reports: 1 summered on a gravel pit lake at Peters¬ burg, Boone (LM) and 1 was on Ky Lake above the dam 18 June (BP) and 26 June through July (DR). Pied-billed Grebe - there were several re¬ ports with one of confirmed breeding as follows: calls heard at Pond Creek Marsh 6 June (BY, MY); 1 at Blood River 30 June (HC); 3 at Camp #1 1 on 18 July (BP, MA) and 25 July (BP, EHu); and an adult at Island No. 8 Slough 26 June (DR, DBr), with 4 juvs. there 14 July (DR) and an adult and 4 juvs. there 26 July (BP, EHu). American White Pelican - 5 at Kuttawa 19 June (DR, JR) may have been summering; also reported were an unspecified number at Barkley Dam 31 July (DR). Brown Pelican - the imm. that was present at Lake Camico, Nicholas , during late May was last seen there 12 June (WK, GK); perhaps the same imm. bird was observed on the Ohio River at Dayton 1 3 July (ph. FR) and again on the Ohio River ca. 4 mi. upstream from Charlestown , IN, Oldham , 14 July (ph./| WB). KBRC re¬ view required. Double-crested Cormorant 6 nests still contained young at Shippingport Island, Jefferson , 17 July (DS1); at least 250 birds were at the nesting colony at Kuttawa 25 July (BP, EHu); ca. 40 on Barren 9 July (DR) must be indicative of how early some birds begin to disperse or migrate from breeding locales. Anhinga - a male was reported at Long Point 13 July (|DR). KBRC review re¬ quired. Least Bittern there were only three re¬ ports: 2 at the Ken Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio, 6 June (DR, CS), and 1 at Pond Creek Marsh 6 June (BY, MY) and 23 July (EHa, MM). Great Blue Heron - a count of 87 at the Falls of the Ohio 29 July (BP) likely represented a local high count. Great Egret — reports of interest included 13 at Melco 14 July (EHu, BP); 65 along KY 268 and 40 at Horseshoe Road, both 25 July (CC); and at least 1300 counted at Island No. 8 Slough 26 July (BP, EHu). Snowy Egret - 1 at Horseshoe Road 18 July (BP, MA) was likely an early post-breed¬ ing disperser; at least 10-12 came in to roost at Kuttawa 25 July (BP, EHu). Little Blue Heron - at least 150-200 came in to roost at Kuttawa 25 July (BP, EHu). Cattle Egret - probably in excess of 1000 came in to roost at Kuttawa 25 July (BP, EHu). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron there were only two reports: an ad. at the Louisville landfill off and on from mid-June to mid- July (ph. RA) and a juv. at Long Point 31 July-1 August (DR). Osprey - the new nest at Shippingport Is¬ land, Jefferson , contained 2 large young 17 July (DS1); I flying south with a fish at Island No. 8 Slough 26 July (BP, EHu) and 2 adults sitting in a tree at Swan Lake, Ballard , 26 July (BP) were not in the vicinity of known nests. A new nest was discovered on the Ohio River at Cam- town, ne. Pendelton , during June (DSb). 92 1HE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Jefferson 1 July 2009 Ryan Ankeny Mississippi Kite - there were two reports of interest: 1 over Churchill Downs, Jef¬ ferson , 25 June (JB), and 1 or 2 adults over the Highland Creek Unit, Sloughs WMA, Union, 18 July (BP. MA) and 20 July (ph. CC). Northern Harrier - 1 at Camp #11 on 18 July (BP. MA) and 25 July (BP, EHu) was at a locale where the species has not been found nesting. Peregrine Falcon - it was a good season for nesting birds, with 3 new pairs discovered this year (KH, DSb, et al.) as follows: at an industrial complex in w. Louisville, Jefferson-, on a building ledge on the Cov¬ ington waterfront, Kenton, and at the East Bend Power Plant, Boone. This brings to 1 1 the total number of active nesting ter¬ ritories, all along the Ohio River corridor. These 1 1 pairs produced a record 35 young that survived to fledging age during 2009 (KH). American Kestrel a loose group of ca. 35 birds at the Louisville landfill 16 July (RA) represented a remarkable concentra¬ tion. American Coot 2 at Camp #11 on 25 July did not show evidence of nesting (BP, EHu); 2 lingered at Griffin Park, Warren into mid-June (DR). Common Moorhen the species was hearc at Pond Creek Marsh several times during latter July (MM); a family group of 2 adults and at least 1 young was seen a Camp #11 on 25 July (BP, EHu). Semipalmated Plover 1 at Paradise June (DR, CS) was the latest sprin: migrant reported; 1 along KY 268 on July (CC) with 3 there 8 July (CC) and 1 July (BP, MA) were the earliest fall mi grants reported. Black-necked Stilt the species lingere throughout the season in w. Fulton with t least some success at nesting as follows: on a slough adjacent to Lake No. 9 and at Obion WMA, both 9 June (HC, ME); at Lake No. 9 on 14 June (JRw); 18 birc total (without evidence of nesting) ol served at scattered locales in the Low Hickman Bottoms 19 June (DR. JR); continuing at Island No. 8 Slough in mid-July with 3 including at least 1 ju there 26 July (BP, EHu) and 4 including juvs. there 31 July (DR); and 7 includir 3 juvs. and 2 chicks in a slough adjace to Lake No. 9 on 13 July (DR). Ah observed was 1 at Horseshoe Road 5 Jui (CC, DR) with 2 (a pair?) there 17 Ju: (CC). Black-necked Stilt family, Fulton 13 July 2009 David Roemer Greater Yellowlegs 1 at Melco 5 Jte (EHu) was likely a tardy spring migrar at Obion WMA 26 June (DR, DBr) us likely an early southbound migrant. 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 93 Lesser Yellowlegs - I along KY 268 on 29 June (CC) was the earliest fall migrant reported. Spotted Sandpiper - a few lingered at Horseshoe Road (m. ob.), along KY 268 (CC), and at Melco (EHu) into the first week of June, but no evidence of nesting was observed at any locale; 2 were acting territorial at Paradise 6 June (DR, CS) but again no further evidence of nesting was observed; a pair lingered along the Ohio River at Dayton into June with an active nest containing 4 small young located 2 July (ph. FR) and at least 2 chicks still in the vicinity 13 July (FR). Also reported earlier than fall migrants typically appear were 1 at Melco (EHu) and 1 along Min¬ ors Lane, s. Jefferson (MA), both 24 June. Likely early fall migrants included 1 at Horseshoe Road 2 July (CC); 1 at Melco 10 July (EHu) with a juv. likely not of local origin there 14-15 July (BP); and a high count of at least 32 at Travis WMA 26 July (BP, EHu). Upland Sandpiper there was one report: 1 with Killdeer along Smokey Road, Bal¬ lard, 26 July (BP, ph. EHu). Least Sandpiper - a steady increase in ear¬ ly fall migrants was demonstrated by the following summary of reports: 2 at Open Pond 20 June (DR) with 7 there by 2 July (HC); 2 along KY 268 and 1 at Horseshoe Road, both 8 July (CC); 10 at Fishing Creek 13 July (RD); 1 at Dayton 13 July with 2 there 14 July (FR); 15-20 at Melco by 14-15 July (BP); ca. 35 along KY 268 and ca. 50 at Horseshoe Road, both 18 July (BP, MA); 75-100 at Horseshoe Road 25 July (BP, EHu); and ca. 100 at Travis WMA 26 July (BP, EHu). Sanderling a tlock of 8 at Middle Bar 10 June with 5 still there 1 1 June (|JB) rep¬ resented a new late spring date. Semipalmated Sandpiper - 2 at Petros Pond, Warren, 2 June (DR) and 5 at Horseshoe Road 5 June (CC, DR) were the latest spring birds reported; 3 at Lake No. 9 on 13 July (DR), and 1 along KY .268 and 3 at Horseshoe Road, both 18 July (BP, MA) were the earliest fall birds reported. Western Sandpiper - 1 at Open Pond 2 July (HC) represented a new early arrival date for a fall migrant; also reported were 1 at Melco 1 1 July (BP, EHu) and 8 at Lake No. 9 on 13 July (DR). Baird’s Sandpiper singles at Horseshoe Road 25 July (BP, EHu) and at the Ky Dam Village beach 31 July (HC et al.) were the earliest to be reported. Dunlin -2(1 with a broken leg) at Horse¬ shoe Road 5 June (CC); 1 at Middle Bar 10 June (JB); and 1 at Watson Point, Fill- ton, 1 1 June (JB) were the latest spring birds to be reported. Stilt Sandpiper - there were five reports of fall migrants: 1 at Horseshoe Road 8 July (CC); 1 at Willow Pond, w. Fulton, 14 July (DR); 1 at Melco 21 July (EHu); and 3 at Horseshoe Road and 9 at Calvert City, both 25 July (BP, EHu). Short-billed Dowitcher 1 (dowitcher sp.) at Horseshoe Road 8 July (CC) was prob¬ ably this species; 1 at Fishing Creek 13 July (RD); 1-2 in w. Fulton 13-14 July (DR) and 1 at Melco 15 July (BP) were the next earliest to be reported. Wilson's Snipe 1 at Horseshoe Road 8 July (fCC) was quite early. Laughing Gull there were two reports of an adult at Ky Dam 26 June/13 July (DR/DR, DBr). Ring-billed Gull - 22 were at Ky Dam 18 June (BP) with at least 250 including a juv. in the vicinity of Ky Dam by 14 July (DR); also of interest was 1 at Hays Kennedy Park , Jefferson, 17 July (BW). Herring Gull - 2 were at Ky Dam 14 July (DR). Least Tern - the species had a better time of it along the Mississippi and lower Ohio rivers than in 2008; however, some fluc¬ tuation in water levels again caused some nesting losses. Highlights from the breed¬ ing season included 260 nests counted at Watson Point 15 June (JB, KB, et al.) and at least 29 nests counted on an industrial pond at Calvert City 24 June (KB, DSw). Up to 2 birds were seen on the Ohio River bar above Grandview, IN, Hancock, dur- 94 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 ing June (DA) but no evidence of nesting was observed. Caspian Tern there were several reports of early migrants or summering birds as follows: 2 at Calvert City 18 June (BP); 1 n. of Hickman, Fulton , 19 June (DR); 4 at Obion WMA 20 June (DR); and 10 at Barkley Dam 26 June (DR. DBr). Forster's Tern - 2 at Obion WMA and 1 at Ky Dam, both 26 June (DR, DBr) may have been either early fall migrants or summering birds. Black Tern - at least 4 near Middle Bar 10 June (JB) and 2 on a lake ca. 2.5 mi. se. of Red Hill, Daviess , 14 June (BL1) were probably tardy spring migrants; an early peak in fall migration was demonstrated by counts of 3 at Horseshoe Road, 25 at Camp #9, 2 at Camp #11, and 3 on the Ohio River below Smithland Dam, Liv¬ ingston , all 25 July (BP, EHu). Black-billed Cuckoo there were two re¬ ports: 1 on an abandoned mine site at Flat- woods, Pike , 1 June (SF) and 1 heard at Shaker Village 15 June (BLe, DP). Eurasian Collared-Dove birds were re¬ ported for the first time at Middleburg, Casey, 7 June (RD); near Argyle, Casey, 8 June (RD); and at Mackville, Washington, 1 3 June (BP). Barn Owl the only report was of a suc¬ cessful nest in s. Logan during the season (FLet ah). Ruby-throated Hummingbird by the end of July it was apparent that numbers var¬ ied dramatically across the state with nor¬ mal abundance noted across the southern portion but many fewer than normal far¬ ther north. Willow Flycatcher 2 territorial birds were at Backbone Swamp, Franklin, 3 June (BP); a singing bird along Hudson Road, sc. Clinton 13 June (ph. DD) was in an area where the species was reported sev¬ eral years ago; several breeding birds were banded at Shaker Village (KH et ah) during the season. Alder Flycatcher - a bird was heard softly singing “wee-bee-o” twice at Shaker Village 30 July (fBP); this presumably represents a new early arrival date for a fall migrant, although coincidentally, dur¬ ing a summer 2009 study of Willow and Alder flycatchers using adjacent territories in Maine, a Willow Flycatcher was heard singing a “wee-bee-o” song on a few occasions while defending its territory adjacent to that of an Alder Flycatcher (Scott Rea, pers. comm.). Least Flycatcher an extremely early fall migrant or summer vagrant was seen well and heard “whitting” at Surrey Hills Farm 19 July (BP). Scissor-tailed Flycatcher a bird was re¬ ported along 1-24 near the Grand Rivers, Livingston, nesting territory 12 June (PL fide BLi). but no other sightings occurred in the vicinity during the season. Loggerhead Shrike 1 along National Turnpike, s. Jefferson, 1 1 July (MA) was not near known nesting areas. Blue-headed Vireo a singing bird in a pine-dominated habitat ne. of Desda, nw. Clinton, 13 June (SS) was a county-first during the breeding season. Bell's Vireo the singing male at Melco was last seen 1 1 June (EHu); 1 heard along KY 763 nw. of Buma, Livingston, 18 June (BP) was not near a known nest¬ ing location. Purple Martin - several significant roosts were detected on National Weather Ser¬ vice radar images during late July with two confirmed: thousands on the nw. side of Campbellsville, Taylor, 30 July (NC) and many thousands on the nw. side of Lexington, Fayette, during the last week of July (PD fide JW). Tree Swallow x Barn Swallow a bird that was presumed to most likely represent a hybrid of these two species was present at Surrey Hills Farm 29 June/3 July (BP, ph. EHu). Cliff Swallow a colony along Drakes Creek, Simpson, 1 1 June (DR) represented a county-first for nesting. Bank Swallow a colony along the Ohio River at Dayton was active again this year 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 95 with up to 38 burrows and 60 adults ob¬ served 1 1 June (FR); another colony of 30+ birds was present at the Ghent Power Plant, Carrol I, 25 July (LM); ca. 300 were present with other swallows along KY 268 on 25 July (BP, EHu). Sedge Wren - there was only one report: 1 at Camp #11 on 25 July (BP, EHu). Golden-winged Warbler atlas work con¬ ducted by the Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wild¬ life Resources resulted in reports of 13 territorial birds at four sites (two in Bel I and two in Harlan ) during late May (DBa, LP, JS, SV), as well as a singing male on an abandoned mine site at Flatwoods, 3 mi. e. of Dorton, Pike, 1 June (SF). American Redstart reports of interest in¬ cluded a first-year male and female (breeders?) at Obion WMA and a first- year male feeding a juv. adjacent to Three Ponds SNP, Hickman, both 26 July (BP, EHu). Prothonotary Warbler 1 at Dale Hollow Lake, Clinton, 12 June (SS) was a county- first during the breeding season. Svvainson’s Warbler there were two re¬ ports from non-traditional breeding lo¬ cales in e. Kentucky: 2-3 along KY 2009, Leslie, 17 June (RD) and 1 heard at Laurel Gorge WMA, Elliott, 1 8 June (SF). Bachman's Sparrow - a significant amount of survey work was conducted on the Ft. Campbell breeding birds this season with 16 ads. and 3 juvs. observed in Trigg (DM, EHo). Many of these birds were banded as part of the research being con¬ ducted by the University of Tennessee. Savannah Sparrow a singing bird was again present at Christine, Adair, 23 June (RD). Lark Sparrow - at least 2 pairs remained territorial along McDonald Landing Road through the period with probably 10 in¬ cluding juvs. seen there 21 July (CC et al.) and 4 seen there 25 July (BP, EHu); 7 were seen during the season on Ft. Camp¬ bell, Trigg (DM, EHo). Also reported was 1 near Lake No. 9 on 3 1 July (DR). Juvenile Lark Sparrow, Henderson 21 July 2009 Charlie Crawford Vesper Sparrow quite unexpected were 2 singing birds along McDonald Landing Road 18 July (BP, MA) with at least 1 still there 21 July (ph. CC). Dickcissel - 2 between Jones Lane and KY 696 se. of Albany, se. Clinton, 13 June (DD) were likely a county-first during the breeding season. Bobolink - several birds were heard at Shaker Village 12 June (JB) and 30 July (BP). Pine Siskin following the heavy spring flight, 1 lingered at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, to 6 June (RD) and there were two reports during July: 1 at a feeding station near Caney, nw. Magoffin, during the first 10 days of July (DH) and 1 captured at Shaker Village 9 July (ph. KH et al.). 96 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 Observers: Ryan Ankeny (RA), Michael Autin (MA). David Ayer (DA), Wanda Bar- tholomai (WB), Danna Baxley (DBa), Kaitlin Borck (KB), David Brown (DBr), John Brunjes (JB), Nonnie Campbell (NC), Hap Chambers (HC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Phyllis Deal (PD), Roseanna Denton (RD), Douglas Downs (DD), Melissa Easley (ME). Scott Freidhof (SF), Jonathan Frodge (JF), Erin Harper (EHa), Doug Hennig (DH), Kate Heyden (KH), Emily Hockman (EHo), Eddie Huber (EHu), Ginny Kingsolver (GK), Wendell Kingsolver (WK), Ben Leffew (BLe), Bill Lisowsky (BLi), Paula Lisowsky (PL), Bob Lloyd (BLI), Frank Lyne (FL), Lee McNeely (LM), Mike Morton (MM), Daniel Moss (DM), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP), Laura Patton (LP), Don Pelly (DP), Frank Renfrew (FR), David Roemer (DR), Joan Roemer (JR), Chris Sloan (CS), Stephen Stedman (SS), Jacob Stewart (JS), Dan Stoelb (DSb), Del Striegel (DS1), Don Swear¬ ingen (DSw), Shawchyi Vorisek (SV), Jim Williams (JW), Barbara Woemer (BW). Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY). THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL 2009 MEETING John Brunjes, Recording Secretary The fall 2009 meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held 25-27 Septem¬ ber at Lake Barkley State Resort Park outside of Cadiz, in Trigg County. The meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm CDT Friday evening by President Win Ahrens, who welcomed members and guests. Win announced to members that David Sibley would be holding a book signing for his new book, A Sibley Guide To Trees, 29 October at Carmichael's Bookstore, 2720 Frankfort Ave., Louisville. Scott Marsh recognized first-time attendees and introduced the evening's two guest speakers. The first speaker was Kate Heyden, a wildlife biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Kate provided the group with a very interesting synopsis of two research projects she is currently working on. The first project she highlighted was the Peabody Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Raptor Survey. Kate provided a history of previous raptor surveys conducted at the WMA. She then described the new, more stan¬ dardized sampling protocol she initiated in 2008. The goal of these surveys is to provide enough data to quantify the impacts of wann season grass conversion on raptor populations. The Northern Harrier is the focal species in this work. Kate noted that surveys from the first season yielded 30 harrier detections and 108 total raptor detections. Kate believes that the new survey protocol will provide the data necessary to make better management decisions on the Peabody WMA. Her second project was the initiation of a Monitoring Avian Produc¬ tivity and Survivorship (MAPS) station at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Mercer County. Kate told the audience that MAPS yields more reliable data on productivity, survival, and recruitment for multiple species than any other survey method. She described Shaker Village as an ideal site because of its large amount of grassland habitat and exten¬ sive management records. During the 2009 season, the station captured 369 individual birds of 34 species. The site had the highest capture rate and bird diversity of any MAPS station in Kentucky. Finally, Kate mentioned a couple of volunteer opportunities for KOS mem¬ bers. First she asked that anybody finding raptor pellets on Peabody WMA please contact her. Second, she mentioned the need for reports of sightings (especially nest observations) of Common Ravens and Sharp-shinned Hawks for graduate projects at the University of Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University, respectively. Lana Hays was the second speaker of the evening. Lana narrated a spectacular slide show of her bird photography. She started the presentation with photographs of the Red¬ headed Woodpeckers that visit her feeders each year. From there she provided pictures from various trips including Michigan warblers, Florida wading birds and shorebirds, Bosque del Apache NWR, and the Pribilof Islands. As beautiful as her pictures were, the stories behind 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 97 each place and each image were even more compelling. Anyone interested in Lana’s photos can see more at her web site: (httn://homepane. mac.com/lhavsAvebsite/index.html). At the end of Lana’s talk. Win Ahrens thanked her and Kate for their presentations. Brainard Pal¬ mer-Ball, Jr. then announced details of Saturday’s field trips. The meeting was adjourned at 8:44 CDT. Attendees continued socializing over refreshments. The Saturday field trips were held on a cool, overcast morning. The meeting had been preceded by several days of rain, and water levels at lakes across the area were very high. Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, and Kentucky and Barkley lakes were the focus of the day’s field trips. Four field trips were led by Lee McNeely, Hap Chambers, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and David Roemer. One field trip, led by Eddie Huber, returned to Land Between the Lakes in the afternoon. The KOS board meeting convened at 2:00 pm CDT. With numerous issues before the board, the meeting lasted until 4:06 CDT. The Saturday evening meeting was called to order by Win Ahrens. Before the evening’s main speaker, he introduced several informa¬ tional speakers. Horace Brown addressed the members and asked them to support the Kentucky Nature Plates. He told members how the money was used to support conservation in Kentucky. Mark Bennett then spoke to the members about the Anne Stamm and Burt Monroe funds. Both funds have been supporting excellent work for bird education and research in Kentucky, respectively. However, both funds have seen their balances reduced and little money is being generated to replenish them. Mark asked members to consider any donations they could to these two worthy funds. Win announced that the KOS would update its membership directory before the spring meeting. He asked members to be sure to include a current email address when they renewed their dues this year. He also reminded members that there was a Contributing level of membership and asked anyone who could afford to renew at that level to please consider it. Currently, regular memberships only cover the costs of printing and mailing The Kentucky Warbler. Kathy Cohen, chair of the Nominating Committee, presented the list of nominees for the 2009-2010 KOS Board. All nominees stood and introduced themselves. The nominees were: President-Scott Marsh, Vice President-Carol Besse, Treasurer-Lee McNeely, Cor¬ responding Secretary-Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Recording Secretary -John Branjes, and Councillors-Mark Bennett and Mary Yandell. The slate of nominees was approved unanimously by the members in attendance. Blaine Ferrell then reviewed the list of sightings by members on field trips. After a short tally, he reported that 127 species had been seen on the day. Win Ahrens then introduced the featured speaker, Mr. Paul Bannick from Seattle, Washington. Mr. Bannick presented a spectacular, slide-illustrated talk on woodpeckers and owls. The presentation was based on his recent book. The Owl and the Woodpecker. He explained how his fascination with wildlife families led him to write a book on these two families of birds. He also explained how many species in each group play a key role in maintaining the ecosystems in which they respectively occur. Mr. Bannick provided inter¬ esting stories behind many of his compelling photographs. His “cute baby” and “headless rodent” photographic themes were enjoyed by all. After the meeting, Mr. Bannick signed copies of his book. At the completion of the Saturday night meeting. Win Ahrens thanked Mr. Bannick on behalf of the Society. He then announced that the spring 2010 meeting would take place 23- 25 April at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park near Prestonsburg in eastern Kentucky. Win then thanked the members for his time as President of the KOS and told everyone how much he had enjoyed his time as President. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. asked the members in attendance to give Win a big round of applause for his service, and everyone did. After announcing the Sunday morning field trip plans. Win closed the meeting so that everyone might socialize over refreshments. 98 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 Attendance at the Fall 2009 K.O.S. Meeting Bagdad; Horace Brown Bowling Green: Valerie Brown, Blaine Ferrell, David & Joan Roemer Burlington: Lee & Lynda McNeely Cadiz: Willard Gray Cold Spring: Larry Varney, Karen Ware Eddyville: Betty & Ken Leggett Frankfort: John Brunjes, Shawchyi Vorisek Hazel: Andy Radomski Independence: Don Martin, Robbie Martin Lawrenceburg: Kate Heyden Lexington: Rhonda Bryant, Daniel Marsh, Scott Marsh, Bobbi & Lou Shain Louisville: Mary BUI Bauer, Carol Besse, Richard Cassell, Bonnie & Robert Dever, Gerald Heath, Eddie Huber, Brainard Palmer- Ball, Jr., Jack Still, Mary Yandell Morgantown: Carroll & Doris Tichenor Mt. Sterling: Gerald Robe Murray: Kandy Carsten, Hap Chambers, Kathy & Michael Cohen. Melissa Easley Owensboro: Marilee & Wendell Thompson Owenton: Terri Estes Prospect: Win Ahrens, Carol & Paul McAllister Russellville: Mark Bennett Science Hill: Roseanna Denton Union: Karen & Tommy Stephens Walton: Lana Hays Salem, AR: Patty Homer Floyds Knobs, IN: Tom Becker, Colleen Craven-Becker Birds Observed at the Fall 2009 K.O.S. Meeting The following bird species were observed at the Fall 2009 K.O.S. meeting; areas visited included Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Land Between the Lakes, Lake Barkley, Kentucky Lake, and both Kentucky and Barkley dams. Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shovcler, Can- vasback. Lesser Scaup, Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, Pied-billed Grebe, American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Cattle Egret, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Peregrine Flacon, Scmipalmatcd Plover, Killdccr, Spotted Sandpiper, Sanderling, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Franklin's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull. Caspian Tern, Common Tern, Forster's Tern, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Black-billed Cuckoo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Eastern Screech-Owl, Barred Owl, Common Nighthawk, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Wood-pecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pilcated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pcwce, Eastern Phoebe. Say's Phoebe, White-eyed Virco, Yellow-throated Virco, Philadelphia Virco, Red-eyed Virco, Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue- gray Gnatcatchcr, Eastern Bluebird, Swainson’s Thrush, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Blue-winged Warbler, I Golden-winged Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warb¬ ler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Ycllow-rumpcd Warbler, Black-throated Green’ Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Palm Warbler, Bay-breastcdj Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Common Ycllowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat,| Summer Tanagcr, Scarlet Tanagcr, Eastern Towhcc, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow,, ’009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 99 ■Nlorthcrn Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, iastem Meadowlark, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch and House Sparrow. A total of 130 species was observed during the weekend. 13™ 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 documen- ation of bird observations and takes formal votes to determine whether the documentation substantiates the natural occurrence of the species within the state. Only rare, out-of-season, )r out-of-area species require review by the KBRC. The most recent previously published CBRC report appeared in 2008 (Yandell, B. The Kentucky Warbler 84(3):73-77). This report, the 13lh from the KBRC, covers votes conducted from September 2008 to Dctober 2009. The report includes 75 accepted reports and six reports that were not iccepted, including one that was accepted as identified but assumed not to be of natural accurrence (Table 1). Recent actions taken by the KBRC add three species to the official Kentucky list: Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Sandwich Tern, and Hooded Oriole; all were documented with ahotographs. Also, Rock Wren — previously documented in Kentucky only on the basis of a multiple observer sight record —was added to the list of those species documented by ahotographs. The official Kentucky list now stands at 380 species. Committee members participating in these actions were Hap Chambers, Roseanna Denton, Larry Peavler, David Roemer, and Ben Yandell (Secretary-Chair). Observers: Brace Bardin (BB), Tom Becker (TB), Mark Bennett (MB), Carolyn Bonds (CB), David Brown (DB), Ron Canterbury (RC), Joan Carr (JC), Hap Chambers (HC), Amy Covert (AC), Melodie Cunningham (MC), Roseanna Denton (RDn), Robert Dever (RDv), Melissa Easley (ME), Les Estep (LE), Robert W. Foster (RF), Carol Friedman (CF), Don Hanks (DH), Barry Hart (BH), Lana Hays (LH), Patty Homer (PH), Eddie Huber (EH), Jennifer Huber (JH), Aaron Hulsey (AH), Marshall Iliff (MI), Bill Kemper (BK), Steve Kistler (SK), Eugene Lacefield (EL), Paul Lehman (PL), Bobby Lloyd (BL), Mary Margaret Lowe (ML), Don Martin (DMa), Lee McNeely (LM), Mark Monroe (MM), Donald Morse, Jr. (DMo), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP), June Ann Perkins (JPe), Joe Pulliam (JPu), Frank Renfrow (FR), David Roemer (DR), Joan Roemer (JRm), Jeff Rowe (JRw), Matt Stickel (MS), Daniel Twedt (DT), Tom Uhlman (TU), Christopher Verch (CV), Major Waltman (MWa), Mike Wright (MWr), Ben Yandell (BY), and Mary Yandell (MY). le 1, Reports reviewed by the KBRC, September 2008 through October 2009. pecies (# if > 1) KBRC Record No. Location, County Date(s) Observed Reporter(s)1 fED REPORTS Whistling-Duck (5) :ygna bicolor 2008.017 Open Pond, Fulton Co. 8 May 2008 BY (ph/f), MY Whistling-Duck (9) i ygna bicolor 2008.035 Blood River embayment K.y. Lake, Calloway Co. 28 Jul 2008 BH (t) Duck 'vigula 2008.041 Lake No. 9, Fulton Co. 4-5 Sep 2008 DR (ph/f) n Duck icus histrionicus 2008.008 Ohio River at New Rich¬ mond, OH, Campbell Co. 26 Feb 2008 DMo, BP (ph) ted Grebe s grisegena 2005.026 Lexington, Fayette Co. 10 Dec 2005 JPu (ph/f) 100 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 85 Species (U if > 1) KBRC Record No. Location, County Date(s) Observed Reporter(s) Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena 2006.023 Kentucky Lake above Ken¬ tucky Dam. Marshall Co. 29 Apr-7 May 2006 HC (ph) i Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena 2007.010 Green River Lake, Taylor Co. 29 Dec 2006-2 Jan 2007 BP (ph/f), AC,ll Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena 2007.024 Ohio River above Meldahl Dam, Bracken Co. 19 Feb 2007 DR (ph/f), RDv J Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena 2008.003 Ohio River above Meldahl Dam, Bracken Co. 1 Dec 2007 BY (ph/t), MY 1 Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena 2008.025 Lake Barkley above Barkley Dam, Lyon Co. 18 Mar 2008 PL (f) 1 Western Grebe (2) A echniophonis occidenlalis 2007.031 Kentucky Lake above Ken¬ tucky Dam, Marshall Co. 28 Mar-18 Apr 2007 DR (vt/f) i Western Grebe A echniophonis occidenlalis 2008.015 Lake Barkley above Barkley Dam, Lyon Co. 26-27 Apr 2008 1 DR (f), JRi) Brown Pelican P elec anus occidentalis 2006.024 Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson Co. 3 Jun 2006 TB (f) . | 9 Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidenlalis 2008.016 Barkley Dam, Livingston/ Lyon cos. 25 Apr 2008 DB (ph) J Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus 2007.014 Paradise Power Plant, Muhlenberg Co. 28 Feb 2007 BP (ph/f), DRrh Anhinga (3) Anhinga anhinga 2007.028 Obion WMA, Fulton Co. 7 May 2007 DR (ph/ tf t Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor 2008.040 Eddy Creek embay ment Lake Barkley, Lyon Co. 30-31 Aug 2008 BY (f), M\ '.H White Ibis Eudocimus albus 2007.032 Lake No. 9, Fulton Co. 28 Jul-10 Aug 2007 HC (ph). White Ibis Eudocimus albus 2008.044 Mississippi River at Wick- liffc, Ballard Co. 14 Sep 2008 MM, EH, Bit), RDn, BY, IY „ Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 2007.030 Saucrhebcr Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson Co. 21-25 Apr 2007 h DR (ph/ii > Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 2007.026 Long Point Unit Reel foot NWR, Fulton Co. 3 May 2007 DR (ph/ t m I ’ t Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 2007.027 Saucrhebcr Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson Co. 6 May 2007 DR (ph/ 1 h \ *, Glossy Ibis (2) Plegadis falcinellus 2008.031 McElroy Lake, Warren Co. 14 May 2008 AH, DR (p *t)’- White-faced Ibis Plegadis chilli 2009.007 Long Point Unit Reclfoot NWR, Fulton Co. 25-26 Apr 2009 DH (pi- i k Roseate Spoonbill Plalalea ajaja 2007.033 Grayson Lake, Elliott Co. 11-19 Aug 2007 TU (pF Roseate Spoonbill Plalalea ajaja 2007.034 Honker Lake, Land Between the Lakes. Lyon Co. 4 Sep 2007 MC (pi : I4 1 k Roseate Spoonbill Plalalea ajaja 2008.034 Lake No. 9, Fulton Co. 28 Jul 2008 DR (pi y - Wood Stork (2) Mycteria americana 2007.037 Jonathan Creek embayment Ky. Lake, Marshall Co. 10-11 Sep 2007 BP (ph),4 . Wood Stork (at least 1 1) Mycteria americana 2008.043 Lake No. 9, Fulton Co. 13-15 Sep 2008 r MY, BY >1 Vi, ))<> _ k THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 101 KBRC Record No. 2008.042 2007.021 2007.016 2008.022 2008.024 2007.015 2008.013 2007.036 2008.032 2007.018 2007.020 2008.002 2008.020 2008.023 2008.027 2008.039 2008.045 2007.039 2007.029 2007.042 2007.025 2007.023 2007.013 2007.022 Location, County Mississippi River at Islands 2,3&4, Carlisle Co. Guthrie Swamp, Todd Co. Horse Pond Slough, Hen¬ derson Co. McElroy Lake, Warren Co. McElroy Lake, Warren Co. Ky. Dam Village State Resort Park, Marshall Co. McElroy Lake, Warren Co. Jonathan Creek embayment Ky. Lake, Marshall Co. McElroy Lake, Warren Co. Horseshoe Road, Henderson Co. _ Camp #9 coal preparation plant, Union Co. Louisville Water Co. basin, Prospect, Jefferson Co. Morgan Pond, Christian Co. McElroy Lake, Warren Co. McElroy Lake, Warren Co. Island No. 9, Fulton Co. Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan Co. Kentucky Lake, Marshall Co. Lake Barkley above Barkley Dam, Lyon Co. Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall cos. Lake Barkley near Kuttawa, Lyon Co. Markland Dam, Gallatin Co. Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall cos. Markland Dam, Gallatin Co. Date(s) Observed 5 Sep 2008 2 1 Jan 2007 25 Apr 2007 11-12 May 2008 18 May 2008 19 Apr 2007 1 1 Apr 2008 10-11 Sep 2007 27-28 Apr 2008 23 May 2007 20 Jun 2007 15 Sep 2007 3-4 May 2008 14 May 2008 18 May 2008 31 Aug 2008 20-23 Sep 2008 28-29 Sep 2007 31 Mar-13 Apr 2007 17-27 Nov 2007 28 Mar 2007 18 Feb 2007 6-7 Feb 2007 18 Feb 2007 Reporter(s)1 MM (ph), BP (ph), EH (ph) DR(ph/|), MB BP (ph) DR (ph) DR (ph) BP (ph) DR (ph) HC, DMa (ph) DR (ph) BP (ph) BP (ph) BY (ph/t), MY BP (ph), EH (ph), MS DR (ph/t), AH DR (ph/f) BY (ph/t), MY, EH MWr, LH (ph) DR (t) BY (t), MY, BP (t), DR (t) BP (ph/t) DR (ph/t) DR (ph/t), RDv BP (ph) DR (t), RDv 102 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 85 Species (# if > 1 ) KBRC Record No. Location, County Date(s) Observed Reporter(s)1 5 r- h |: Great Black-backed Gull Lams marinus 2008.026 Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall cos. 18 Mar 2008 PL (t) Great Black-backed Gull Lams marinus 2008.012 Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall cos. 6 Apr 2008 DR (ph/f) ir Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis 2008.036 Smithland Dam, Livingston Co. 5 Sep 2008 DR (ph/f) Ruby-thr. Hummingbird Archilochus colubris 2008.028 Bowling Green, Warren Co. 4 Nov 2007-2 Jan 2008 CB (ph) ; Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus 2006.028 London, Laurel Co. 28 Jul 2006 JPe (t) ilf Say's Phoebe Sayornis saya 2008.029 Lake No. 9 pumping station, Fulton Co. 5 Apr 2008 RD (ph/f). HC ( ME, PH ; ft) Western Kingbird Tyr annus vertica/is 2008.030 Mclco flood retention basin, Jefferson Co. 9-11 Jun 2008 EH (ph), BP (pi BY (ph) 111 ¥ 111 Sim SK ml] M sipn Sill j« it!v T foil »■! % $11 'Sill 3li lint % Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis 2008.038 Tony Thompson Road. Livingston Co. 13 Aug 2008 DR (ph/f) 1 Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor 2007.043 Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg Co. 8 Nov 2007 BP (t) j Black-capped Chickadee (3) Poecile atricapillus 2008.009 Ashland area, Boyd/Grccnup cos. 28 Dec 2007 RC (ba/f) j Brown-headed Nuthatch Sitta pusilla 2008.021 Kentucky Sheriffs Ranch, Marshall Co. 9-19 May 2008 BP (t), MM. B'h MY, JRw (p| Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus 2009.008 Surrcv Hills Farm, Jefferson Co. 1 1 May 2009 BP (ph), MM (pJ (Ph) jl Vel.-r. (Audubon's) Warbler Dendroica coronata auduboni 2007.038 Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson Co. 23-24 Sep 2007 BP (f), EH (|) J Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus 2006.021 Figctt Bend Road near Canmer, Hart Co. late Dec 2005-24 Apr 2006 CF, BB, SK (f Bl (t) jl Clay-colored Sparrow Spizella pallida 2005.029 Hardin, Marshall Co. 4 Nov 20043 11 Ml (f) Clay-colored Sparrow (3) Spizella pallida 2007.035 Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson Co. 15-28 Sep 2007 EH (ph), MMtaj Harris's Sparrow Zonotrichia quemla 2006.025 Owingsvillc, Bath Co. 5 Mar 2006 CV (t) j Harris's Sparrow Zonotrichia quemla 2006.027 Near Redhill, se. Daviess Co. late Dec 2005-6 May 2006 BL (ph) Painted Bunting (2) Passerina ciris 2007.017 Near Bethlehem, Henry Co. 12 May 2007 ML (f), e! Painted Bunting Passerina ciris 2008.019 Berea, Madison Co. 1 May 2008 RF (t) - - Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanth. xanthocephalus 2008.01 1 Near Auburn, Logan Co. 19 Aug 1981 DT (ph/J — Hooded Oriole Icterus cucullatus 2008.004 Near Kevil, McCracken Co. 29 Nov 2008 JRw (ph/; UNACCEPTED REPORTS Trumpeter Swan (3)2 Cygnus buccinator 2005.027 A.J. Jolly Park, Aspen Grove, Campbell Co. 1 9 Dec 2005 FR (ph1 - - * 2009 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 103 r Species (# if > 1) KBRC Record No. Location, County f)ate(s) Observed Reporter(s)1 if Ibis (17) 1 cirnus albus 2005.004 South Williamson, Pike Co. 29 May 2005 JC(f), LE t Blaek-baeked Gull i ? marinus 2007.045 Ohio River below Markland Dam, Gallatin Co. 23 Nov 2007 MS (t) D r nd's Warbler b 'roica kirtlandii *old* Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Russell Co. 21 Sep 2003 BK (f) I olored Sparrow (2) i Ha pallida 2005.017 Garvin Brown Nature Preserve, Jefferson Co. 15 Oct 2005 MWa (f) 1 ; olored Sparrow j! lla pallida 2007.011 Floyds Fork Park, Jefferson Co. 7 Oct 2006 EH (|), TB ) = bird banded, (t) = written documentation submitted/reviewed; (pit) - photograph(s) submitted/reviewed; = videotape or video clip(s) submitted/reviewed ntification accepted; assumed not to be of natural origin e of 4 November 2004 should replace date of 5 November 2004 found in The Kentucky Warbler 82( 1 ): 1 6, 2005, 1 I ij J I J ' «| ij 4 4 A i r 4 n 4 — 513 Lymington Ct.. Louisville. K.Y, 40243; (secy@kybirdrecords.org) FIELD NOTE A Presumed Hybrid Barn Swallow x Tree Swallow in .Jefferson County On the afternoon of 29 June 2009. I was mowing hay on our family farm in north¬ eastern Jefferson County, when I noticed a strange-looking swallow foraging over the field with approximately a dozen Barn Swallows ( Hirundo rustica). The color of the bird’s back appeared to be dark brown, although in certain lights it had a dark bluish tone. The swallow flew with a slightly more sweeping wingbeat than the Barn Swallows, perhaps because it seemed to have proportionately wider and shorter wings. Although I watched the bird for more than half an hour from the tractor as it foraged. I did not take time to get binoculars and attempt to see it better, so I was left being totally confused about its identity. On the afternoon of 3 July 2009. I again saw the odd swallow while mowing another hayfield nearby, and I called Eddie Huber to see if he might be able to come over and get some photos of it. Eddie arrived soon thereafter, and he was able to obtain about a dozen surprisingly good tlight shots of the bird as it darted in and out among 15-20 Barn Swallows (see images on front and back covers). The photographs confirmed that the bird was not normal, and the combination of characters suggested that it was probably a hybrid, most likely a Barn Swallow x Tree Swallow ( Tachycineta bicolor). The bird definitely was part Barn Swallow due to its relatively deeply forked tail and buffy underparts. However, several other characters indicated that it was likely a hybrid. For example, despite watching very closely for white spots in the rectrices. I never observed any, nor did any of the photos of the bird disclose the same. Its upperparts including back, rump, nape, crown, wing coverts, remiges, and rectrices all appeared to be relatively uniform dark brown, although at some angles these parts had a dark blue tone. The under¬ parts were mostly a pale buff similar in color to the underparts of some lighter Barn Swallows. The underwing coverts were a pale, buffy color, not unlike that of Barn Swallow, but the light area they formed did not seem as extensive. The throat was light buff with a distinct, dark collar that seemed to be the same color as that of the upperparts. Such a collar, although not as distinct in either species, is present on both juvenile Tree and Barn swallows. In a few photos, the gape appears to be pale, suggesting that the bird was a juv¬ enile. Moreover, in a review of the images, it appears that the back is in molt, a charac¬ teristic of a hatch-year bird for the time of year (Peter Pyle. pers. comm.). 104 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 85 Unfortunately the bird was never observed at rest to assist in confirming its identity. As judged in flight by comparison to other nearby birds, it was at least the same size if not slightly larger than the surrounding Bam Swallows, seemingly eliminating hybridization with the smaller Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) from consideration. A review of the series of images by several authorities resulted in a unanimous theory B that the bird was most likely a Tree Swallow x Bam Swallow, a hybrid combination that ii does not appear to have been previously reported (McCarthy 2006). However, other possi- j bilities that cannot be eliminated without additional information (including several measure¬ ments) include an aberrant Bam Swallow and hybrid Bam Swallow x Bank Swallow. Literature Cited McCarthy. E.M. 2006. Handbook of Avian Hybrids of the World. The Oxford University' Press. New York. NY. 608 pp. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY. 40222. Below (left, center, and right) Presumed hybrid Tree Swallow x Bam Swallow', Surrey Hills Farm, Jefferson Co., 3 July 2009 Photos by Eddie Huber NEWS AND VIEWS fl Mark Your Calendars for the 2010 Rusty Blackbird Hotspot Blitz! This year’s Rusty Blackbird Blitz is set for 30 January-15 February 2010 throughout its winter range in more than 20 mid-western and southeastern states. Participants are asked to visit locations where they have previously sighted or would expect to encounter Rusty Blackbirds and to submit their observations via the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's I eBird web site at http://ebird.ore. Complete information on the 2010 Blitz can be found at 1 http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratorvBirds/Research/Rustv Blackbird/blitz. cfm I The Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources encourages participation in this event. 1 I The Rusty Blackbird is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the agency’s | State Wildlife Action Plan, and the information gained from this effort will be used to direct | further research, monitoring, and conservation efforts. Please contact Kate Heyden, the. I Blitz coordinator for Kentucky, at kathrvn. hevden4Lkv.gov if you are interested in participating or if you want additional information. Visit the KOS Web Site! To learn about the Kentucky Ornithological Society . visit the KOS web site at http://ww\v. biology. eku.edu/kos/default.htm The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 86 FEBRUARY 2010 NO. 1 IN THIS ISSUE IN MEMORIAM: DENNIS S. SANDLIN. Don Spencer, M.D . 3 FALL SEASON 2009, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 3 MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT 2009-2010, Blaine R. Ferrell . 16 NEWS AND VIEWS 35 2 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY [’resident . Scott Marsh. Lexington Vice-President . Carol Besse, Louisville Corresponding Secretary . Treasurer . Recording Secretary... . Councillors: Kathy Cohen. Murray . Lana Hays. Walton . . Don Martin. Independence L Shawchyi Vorisek. Frankfort Mark Bennett. Russellville... Mary Yandell, Louisville . . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY 40222-3913 . Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY 41005 . John Brunjes, Frankfort . 2008-2010 . 2008-2010 . 2009-2011 . 2009-2011 . 2010-2012 . 2010-2012 Retiring President . Win Ahrens, Prospect 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. Current membership categories and corresponding dues follow: Regular ($15.00); Contributing ($25.00); Student ($10.00); Family ($20.00); and Life ($300.00). Direct manuscripts and communications to the editor. Send membership dues to the Treasurer. Make requests for back issues to the Corresponding Secretary. Editor . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. c/o Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort. KY, 40601 (brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov) Editorial Advisor}' Board Stephen Stedman and Ben Yandell Secretary. Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Ben Yandell 513 Lymington Court. Louisville. KY 40243 THE COVER We thank David Roemer for the image of the Mew Gull ( Larus canus ) taken 18 October 2009 at Barren River Lake State Resort Park. Barren County' (see p. 10). Financial support for color reproduction in this issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. 20 1 0 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 3 IN MEMORIAM: DENNIS S. SANDLIN Dr. Dennis S. Sandlin, an avid environmentalist and Life Member of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, died on December 8. 2009. He was killed by a patient seeking narcotic pain pills. When Dr. Sandlin refused to give the narcotics, probably suspecting abuse, he was shot by the patient there at the Leatherwood Blackey Medical Clinic where he had worked for the past 20 years. Dennis was a native of Perry County. 1 le received his medical degree at the University of Louisville in 1978 at County where he had practiced medicine ever since, tre very little money. He will be missed by all his friends and — Don Spencer. M.D. FALL SEASON 200< Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and L m ting ollerfeues. MM APR I b 2010 NY 14863 Weather conditions during fall 2009 varied remarkably across the state. Statewide, temperature was near normal during August and September, although it was cooler than normal during October, and warmer than normal during November. Precipitation was somewhat variable across the state, though near normal during August. During September the northern portion of the state began to receive much more than normal rainfall. This trend continued during October with nearly the entire state experiencing about twice the normal precipitation (Paducah coming in with a record-breaking total of 10.55 inches [26 cm]). Subsequently, November was very dry statewide, with Paducah breaking an all-time record for the least amount of rainfall (0.56 inch [ 1 .25 cm|) during the month! Rarity highlights included Pacific Loon, White-faced Ibis, Hudsonian Godwit, Sab¬ ine’s Gull, a long-overdue first state record Mew Gull, California Gull, White-winged Dove, and two Say’s Phoebes. Irruptive boreal species were very scarce, suggesting a lim¬ ited presence during the upcoming winter season. Shrub and tree fruit crops appeared to be sparse, suggesting that winter bird populations might be lower than normal overall. Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these reports have been accepted for inclusion in the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Reports of out-of-season birds and rarities should be accompanied by written and/or photographic documentation. This documentation is reviewed by 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"; "ba" next to an observer's initials indicates that the bird was banded; “ph.” next to an observer's initials indicates that the observation was docu¬ mented with photograph(s); “vt.” next to an observer’s initials indicates that the observation was documented on videotape; “t" next to an observer's initials indicates that written details were submitted with the report; ad(s). = adults(s); imm(s). = immature(s); juv(s). = juvenile(s). Place names: Anchorage Trail, at Anchorage, e. Jefferson; Barkley Dam. Livingston/ Lyon; Barren = Barren River Lake, Allen/Barren; Bernhcim Forest = Bernheim Forest Arboretum and Research Forest. Bullitt; Blood River = Blood River embayment. Ky Lake. Calloway; Buchanon Park, n. of Woodburn, Warren; Camp #9 = Camp #9 coal preparation plant. Union; Camn # 1 1 = former Camp #11 mine. Union; Casey Creek = Casey Creek embayment of Green River Lake, Adair; Dry Creek Unit = Dry Creek Unit, Barren River Lake WMA, Barren; Eddy Creek = Eddy Creek embayment of Lake Barkley, Lyon; Falls of the Ohio. Jefferson; Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment. Lake Cumberland. Pulaski; Garvin Brown = Garvin Brown Preserve, ne. Jefferson; 1 lonker Bay. LBL. Lyon; Horseshoe Road = slough along I Iorseshoc Road, w. Henderson; Iroquois 4 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 Park, at Louisville, Jefferson: Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment. Kentucky Lake, Marshall: Ken Unit = Ken Unit. Peabody WMA, Ohio', Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall: Ky Lake = Kentucky Lake, Calloway/ Marshall: Kuttavva = Lake Barkley near Old Kuttawa Recreation Area, Lyon: Lake No. 4. Fulton: LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lyon/Trigg: Long Point = Long Point Unit Reelfoot NWR, Fulton: Lower Hickman Bottoms, w. Fulton: McElroy Lake, near Wood- burn, s. Warren: Melco = Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson: Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan: Mitchell Lake, Ballard WMA. Ballard: Mt. /.ion. Pulaski: NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; Plum Point = Green River Lake at Plum Point, Adair: Riverside Park = Riverside Park at abandoned Dam #50 on the Ohio River. Crittenden: Riverwalk. Shawnee Park, w. Jefferson: Sauerheher = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson: Sinclair 5= Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA. Muhlenberg: Spindletop Farm = University of Kentucky Spindletop Farm, Fayette: SNP = State Nature Preserve; SRP = State Resort Park; Surrey .Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson: Waitsboro = Lake Cumberland at Waitsboro Reoreation^ATea. Pulaiki: Wolf Ci = Wildlife Management A*e*r., *..£ Greater White-fronted Goose - 1 at Melco 1 October (EH, TBe, et al.) and 34 over Sauerheber 21 October (CCr) were the earliest to be reported; ca. 5000 at Sauer¬ heber 18 November (CCr) represented an early season peak count. Snow Goose - up to 5 injured birds con¬ tinued from summer at Mitchell Lake through the season (m. ob.). Ross’s Goose - 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 26 August (ph. BP, ph. EH) represented an early date for the state by two months. The only other report was for I in the nearby Portland Canal, Jefferson , 30 No¬ vember (DS, vt. TBe). Mute Swan -2 at the Reformatory Lake. Oldham , 26 November (ELI), represented the only report of non-resident birds. •eek Dam. Lake Cumberland, Russell: WMA Tundra Swan - the first to return to Sauer¬ heber were 5 observed there I November (CCr). Gadwall - ca. 500 on I lematite Lake, LBL, Trigg, 30 November (DR) represented the season’s peak count. American Wigeon - ca. 125 at Sauerheber 25 November (CCr) represented the sea¬ son's peak count. Redhead - 35 on the Ohio River at Louis¬ ville 30 November ( EFI ) represented the season's peak count; also reported was 1 at Fishpond Lake, Letcher , 12 November (RD). Ring-necked Duck - 10 were at Fishpond Lake. Letcher, 12 November (RD). Greater Scaup - a female was at Minor Clark 17 November (ph. RJ). Lesser Scaup - “thousands” on Lake Bark¬ ley above the dam 9 November (DR) rep¬ resented the season's peak count. Surf Scoter - there were five reports: I above Wolf Creek Dam 17 October (RD); I on the Ohio River at Louisville 21-30 November (EH, DS, et al.): an ad. male at Waitsboro 16 November (RD); 4 on the Ohio River at Louisville 18 November (TBe); and I on Barren 23 November (DR). Black Scoter - there were two reports, both from the Ohio River at Louisville: a fe- male/imm. 4-6 November (EH. TBe, et al.) and an ad. male 1 I November (DS). 20 1 0 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 5 Long-tailed Duck - the only report was of 2 on Ky Lake above the dam. Marshall , 28 November (pli JR). Bufflehead - 163 total in several flocks on the Ohio River at and just upstream from Louisville 27 November (EH) represented the season's peak count. Hooded Merganser - ca. 350 on Honker Bay 30 November (DR) represented the season's peak count. Red-breasted Merganser - peak counts in¬ cluded 103 at Waitsboro (RD) and ca. 120 on Barren (DR), both 23 November, and an impressive tally of 463 above Wolf Creek Dam 24 November (RD). Ruddy Duck - 4 at Hebron, Boone , 10 Oc¬ tober (LM): 1 at Twin Lakes subdivision, Pulaski , 15 October (RD); and 2 on Hon¬ ker Bay 20 October (HC, ME) were the earliest to be reported. SBP* Pacific Loon. Barren River Lake 13 October 2009 David Roemer Pacific Loon - an ad. was on Barren 13-17 October (ph. DR, DB, et al.). RBRC re¬ view required. Common Loon - 2 on Green River Lake at the end of Corbin Bend Road. Adair , 21 August (RD) and 3 on Lake Cumberland near the SRP, Russell, 3 September (RD) were presumably very early migrants. Peak counts during the season included at least 1 50 on Ky Lake, Marshall , 9 No¬ vember (DR); ca. 130 on Barren 10 No- . vember (DR); and 154 on the Ohio River at and near Chilo, OH (upstream from Meidahl Dam), Bracken , 17 November (C&SC1) with 240 at the same location 18 November (C&SCI. AC). Horned Grebe - peak counts included 96 at Waitsboro (RD) and ca. 250 on the Ohio River at Louisville (DS et al.), both 23 November; 165 on Lake Cumberland near the SRP, Russell, and 101 above Wolf Creek Dam, both 24 November (RD); and ca. 125 on Barren 24 November (DR). Eared Grebe - there were three reports: 1 at Melco 10 October ( f EH ); I on Ky Lake above the dam. Marshall. 21 November (HC); and I on the Ohio River at Louis¬ ville 24 November (EH, tBP, el al.). American White Pelican - reports of in¬ terest included 9 at Horseshoe Road I August (CCr); 40 at Lake No. 9 on 6 August (1IC. ME) with ca. 150 there 12- 13 August (DR); I on the Ohio River, McCracken , 31 August (SR); 9 on Lake Barkley n. of KY 80. Trigg, 26 September (BP. KOS); at least 1000 at Kuttawa by 7 October (PW) and ca. 1400 on Honker Bay 20 October (HC, ME). Double-crested Cormorant - at least 4000 were on Taylor Bay. Lake Barkley, Trigg, by 2 November (BL). American Bittern - there were only three reports: 1 observed flying across KY 94 at Long Point 1 1 August (NM); 1 at Melco White Ibis, Rowan 2 1 November 2009 Rachel Jenkins 6 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 25 August (EH); and I at Sauerheber 14 October (BP, EH, MM). Least Bittern - the only reports were from Sauerheber, where 1 was seen 26 Sep¬ tember (CCr) and 10 October (DR. KOS) Great Egret - seasonal high counts of inter¬ est included 120 at Horseshoe Road 22 August (CCr); 27 on Taylorsville Lake at the Van Buren ramp. Anderson, 27 Au¬ gust (BW); 150 at Mitchell Lake 28 August (HC, ME); 24 at Melco 8 Sep¬ tember (BP, E1I); "hundreds” at the mouth of Obion Creek at Hickman. Ful¬ ton , 16 September (NM); at least 50 at Jenkins Lake, Letcher , 14 October {fide EM); and 10 at Plum Point 14 October (RD). Singles at Plum Point 31 October (RD); at Sauerheber I November (CCr); and at the Dr)' Creek Unit 10 November (DR) were the latest to be reported. Snowy Egret - I at Melco 27 August-10 September (EH et al.) represented the on¬ ly one reported away from w. Kentucky. Little Blue Heron a juv. at the Dry Creek Unit 17 August (DR) represented the only one reported away from w. Kentucky. Cattle Egret - 1 at Barren 10 November (DR) was tardy. Green Heron - 1 at Sauerheber 28 October (CCr) was the latest to be reported. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron 1 at Green River WMA, Adair, 2 August (DC'o) was the only one reported. White Ibis - there were three reports: a juv. at Melco 21-22 August (ph. BP, ph. EH. et al.); a juv. along Pitman Creek, n. of Campbellsville, Taylor. 26-27 August (RK. ph. JM, et ah), and a juv. at Minor Clark 1121 November (JW, ph. R.l) that was about two months later than one had ever been reported in the state. KBRC review required. White-faced Ibis - an ad. entering basic plumage was at and adjacent to Sauer¬ heber 10-15 October (ph. DR. KOS, ph. El I, et al.). KBRC review required. Black Vulture - peak counts of interest in¬ cluded 135 at the Falls of the Ohio 24 August (DS); at least 190 at the Kendall Recreation Area, Russell , 24 October (RD); and at least 250 near the Dry Creek Unit 10 November (DR). Turkey Vulture - at least 750 al Barren 18 November (DR) represented the season’s peak count. Osprey - 2 were at Martins Fork Lake, Har¬ lan, 2 October (RD). M ississippi Kite there were three reports of birds away from traditional breeding areas: 1 just w. of Cadiz. Trigg, 8 August (RS); 1 over Horseshoe Road 22 August (CCr); and 1 over e. Louisville 27 August (MY). A first-year bird near Long Point 17 October (tHC) represented a new late departure date for the state by more than three weeks. Bald Eagle - reports of interest included an ad. and a juv. at Paintsville Lake. John¬ son, 28 August (SF); 1 at Martins Fork Lake, Harlan, 2 October (RD); and 5 along the Nolin River. Hart, 14 Novem¬ ber (SK, JK). Northern Harrier - a male in the Lower Hickman Bottoms I August (DR) was likely a summering bird. Broad-winged Hawk - peak counts during the season included 30 at Lake Barkley SRP, Trigg, 27 September (LM. KOS) and 64 on Pine Mt. at the US 1 19 crossing near Oven Fork, Letcher, 30 September (RD). 20 1 0 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 7 Red-tailed Hawk - a light morph B j. har- lani returned to the WK.U Farm. Warren. for the 9lh consecutive winter (DR). Rough-legged Hawk - 1 at McElroy Lake 5 November (DR) and I over Barren 21 November (DR) were the earliest to be re¬ ported. Golden Eagle - there were two reports: a juv. in Warren. 9 November (ph. DTh); and a juv. at Honker Bay 30 November (DR). Merlin - 1 at the Riverwalk 16 August (tJBe. PB, et al.) represented a new early arrival date for the state: also reported were 1 at the Dog Creek Campground. Nolin Lake. Hart . 27 September (SK, .IK); I at McElroy Lake 4 October (DR): I at Spindletop Farm 10 October (DL. ASK): I at Barren 13 October (DR. DB): I at Sauerheber 14 October (MM. EH. BP); and 1 at the WKU Farm. Warren. 20 October (DR). Peregrine Falcon - there were not many reports of birds away from known breed¬ ing areas, all being included: a juv. on the Ohio River at Petersburg. Boone. 23 Au¬ gust (LM): a juv. at Melco for about two weeks in early September (EH et ah); I at Riverside Park 24 September (RD); 1 over LBL. Lyon. 25 September (BP, EH. CB); 1 at Sauerheber 14 October (MM. EH. BP); 1 at Barren 19 October (DR et ah); and 1 at Garvin Brown 24 October (JBe, PB. BBC). Virginia Rail — there were two reports: I off National Turnpike. Louisville. 17 October (MA) and 1 at Surrey Dills Farm 29 Octo¬ ber (BP). Sora - again this fall, the species was not numerous with the only reports origin¬ ating from Sauerheber. where 1-4 were seen 7-13 October (CCr. DR. et al.). Common Moorhen - there were only two reports: 2 juvs. lingering from summer at Camp #11 on 8 September (BP) and 2 at Pond Creek Marsh. Sauerheber. 26 Sep- - tember-5 October (CCr) with I last seen there 7 October (CCr). American Coot - 2 were still at Griffin Park. Warren. 5 August (DR): I (injured and lingering from summer) was at the Louisville landfill to 8 August (RA); 3 (probably lingering from summer) were present at Camp #11 on 8 September (BP); a count of ca. 800 on Barren I November (DR) represented the season's peak count. Sandhill Crane - at least 200 over the e. HarrisonlNicliolas line heading into Bourbon 17 October (SM) were the ear¬ liest to be reported. The season's peak count was for ca. 5000 over sw. Jefferson 27 November (BN, CL). Black-bellied Plover - there were not many reports, all being included: singles at the Falls of the Ohio 15 August & 16/23 Sep¬ tember (BP & EH/TBe); 1 at Camp #9 on I I October (BP. Ell); 5 at Plum Point 14 October (RD): 2 at Blood River 16 Octo¬ ber (1IC); and I at Casey Creek 31 Octo¬ ber (RD). American Golden-Plover - reports of inter¬ est included small numbers at Melco 22 August— 19 September (EH et al.) with a peak count of 8 there 29 August (MA): 1 at Guthrie Swamp. Todd. 18 September (MB) with 4 there 19 September (Dll); 5 at Island No. I on the Mississippi River. Carlisle. 19 September (BP. EH, BY, MY); and I at the Louisville landfill 21 September (RA). Semipalmated Plover - 10 at Horseshoe Road 3 August (CCr). 8 at the Falls of the Ohio 21 August (DM. RM). and 14 at Blood River 22 September (HC) repre¬ sented very modest peak counts for the season. Singles at Plum Point 17 October and at Casey Creek 24 October (RD) were the latest to be reported. Piping Plover -1 at the Falls of the Ohio 18-19 August (BP et al.) was the only one reported. Killdeer - peak counts included ca. 300 at Mitchell Lake 28 August (HC. ME); 245 w. of Hickman. Fulton. 17 October (HC); and 302 at Plum Point 22 November (RD). Black-necked Stilt - there were four re¬ ports: 1 along the Mississippi River levee near Lake No. 9 on 6 August (HC, ME) THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 with 4 there 8 August (EL, NM. DTr, AT); 13 at Lake No. 9 on 12 August (DR); and 5 near Long Point 29 August (BY, MY, Ell) American Avocet - there were four reports: I along the Ohio River at Petersburg, Boone , 23 August (LM); 3 on a farm pond along KY 55 ca. 2 miles n. of Bloomfield, Nelson , 29 August (JBe, PB); I at Buch- anon Park 13 October (DB, ph. DR); and 5 at Barren at the SRP, Barren, 24 Octo¬ ber (TD, DR et ah). Solitary Sandpiper - 1 at Shepherdsville, Bullitt, 18 October (MA) was the latest to be reported. Greater Yellowlegs - 2 at Camp Ernst Lake, Boone (LM), 8 at Casey Creek (RD), and ca. 20 over Barren (DR, DB. TD), all 31 October; and 2 at Barren I November (DR) were the latest to be re¬ ported. Lesser Yellowlegs - 91 at Jonathan Creek 18 September (ME) represented the sea¬ son's peak count. One at Melco 2 Novem¬ ber (Ell) and 2 at Sauerheber I November (CCr) with 1 lingering nearby along KY 268 to 27 November (CCr) were the latest to be reported. Mudsonian Godwit - an ad. was present at Mitchell Lake 17-21 September (ph. DM et ah). KBRC review required. Ruddy Turnstone - an ad. at the Falls of the Ohio 18 August (BP et al.) was the only one reported. Sanderling - 6 at the Falls of the Ohio 5 September (DL, BE) represented a modest peak count: a relatively tardy ad. was there 10 September (BP, EH, SBC); ajuv. at Eddy Creek 1 1 October (BY, MY) was the latest to be reported. Semipalmated Sandpiper - 50-75 near Long Point 29 August (BY, MY, EH) represented the season's peak count. Western Sandpiper - reported in very small numbers at normal locales this sea¬ son; 3-5 near Long Point 29 August (BY. MY. EH) and 2 at Blood River and 2 at Wildcat Creek embayment of Kv Lake. Calloway, both 4 September (HC, B1I) represented low peak counts for the sea¬ son; I at the Dry Creek Unit 30 October (DR) was the latest to be reported. Least Sandpiper - season peak counts in¬ cluded at least 75 at Melco 31 August (El I); ca. 250 near Long Point 29 August (BY. MY, EI1); at least 125 at Mitchell Lake 19 September (BP, EH. BY, MY): and ca. 110 at Eddy Creek 11 October (BY. MY). Two at Sauerheber 9 Novem¬ ber (CCr); 5 at Melco 10 November (EH); 7 at the Dry Creek Unit 10 November (DR); and 13 at Casey Creek 22 Novem- I ludsonian Godwit (with Still and Pectoral sandpipers), Ballard I 7 September 2009 Don Martin 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ 9 her ( RD ) were the latest to be reported away from traditional wintering areas. White-rumped Sandpiper - there were three reports: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 20 August (DM. RM): 1 at Meleo 31 August (GD); and 1 at Minor Clark 5 September (ph. LH). Baird’s Sandpiper - there were only a few reports, all being included: 1-2 at the Falls of the Ohio 15 August-6 September (m. ob.); 1-2 at Meleo 22 August-1 September (EF1 et al. ); 1 at Fishing Creek 6/9 September (RD); 1 at Camp #9 on 8 September (BP); and 1 at Minor Clark 19 September/3 October (LF1). Pectoral Sandpiper - 6 at Buchanon Park 26 October (DR) were the latest to be reported. Dunlin - 1 at Mitchell Lake 2 October (HC, ME) was the earliest to be reported; re¬ ports of interest included 18 at Plum Point 14 October (RD); 49 at the Dry Creek Unit and 25-30 at Buchanon Park, both 16 October (DR); 50 at Sauerheber 28 October (CCr) with 30 still there 1 No¬ vember (CCr) and 15 still there 13 No¬ vember (CCr); 18 at Casey Creek and 47 at and upstream from Plum Point, both 24 October (RD); 2 on a pond w. of Cecilia. Hardin , 25 October (BP. EH): and 65 at and upstream from Plum Point 31 Oc¬ tober (RD). Latest reports were of 1 at Buchanon Park 14/18 November (DR) and 4 near the Dry Creek Unit 23 Novem¬ ber (DR). Stilt Sandpiper - reports of interest in¬ cluded 2 at the Falls of the Ohio 19 Au¬ gust (BP): 1 at Meleo 25-26 August (BP. EH) with 2 there 8-9 September (EH); 1 at Fishing Creek 19 August and 2-9 September (RD) with 2 there 6 Septem¬ ber (RD): 1 at the Paradise Power Plant, Muhlenberg, 7 September ( BY, MY ); 6-8 at Eddy Creek 9 September (BP) with 7 there 14-16 September (DM); and ca. 35 at Mitchell Lake 18 September (DR) with 29 there 19 September (BP. EH. BY, ' MY). Buff-breasted Sandpiper - small numbers were reported only at traditional locales as follows: 1-2 at the Falls of the Ohio 26 August- 1 9 September (BP, ELI. et al.); 1- 2 at Meleo 31 August-9 September (EH et al.); 2 at Minor Clark 5 September (MW, ph. LH, ph. R.l) with 1 there 13 September (JP); 2 at Eddy Creek 7 Sep¬ tember (BY, MY): 1 at Camp #9 on 8 September (BP); 1-3 at Mitchell Lake 29 August-9 September (m. ob.; and I at Jonathan Creek 14 September (ME). Short-billed Dowitcher - only singles were reported at Island No. 8 Slough, Fulton, I August (DR); Horseshoe Road 3 August (CCr): and off-and-on at Mitchell Lake 28 August (HC. ME)- 1 8 September (DR). Long-billed Dowitcher — there were only a few reports, all being included: an ad. at Mitchell Lake 8-9 September (BP); and a juv. at Sauerheber 7 October (CCr) with 2 there 21 October (CCr) and 1 still there 28 October (CCr). American Woodcock — 1 was seen at Hig- ginson-Henry WMA. Union, 20 Novem¬ ber (CCr). Wilson’s Plialarope - 2 at Mitchell Lake 29 August (BY, MY. ELI) were the only ones reported. Red-necked Plialarope — a juv. was at the Falls of the Ohio 21-27 September (ph. BP et ah). KBRC review required. Red Plialarope - a juv. was at Meleo 1-2 October (MA. ph. EH. et al.). KBRC re¬ view required. 10 THE: KENTUCKY WARBLER VoL 86 Sabine’s Gull, Union 8 September 2009 Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. Sabine’s Gull - a juv. was at Camp #9 on 8 September (ph. BP). KBRC review re¬ quired. Laughing Gull - there were only two re¬ ports: 1 at Blood River 22 September (1 1C) and 2 at Jonathan Creek 13 October (I1C. ME). Franklin’s Gull - there were several re¬ ports, all being included: 1 below Barkley Dam 12 August (ph. DR) was rather ear¬ ly; 3 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 25 September (DR); 2 at Barren 28 September (DR); 1 at Barren 13-24 October (DR et al.) with 3 there 25 October/ 1 November (DR et al.) and a high of 5 there 3 1 October (DR. DB. TD); and 6 on Ky Lake above the dam 9 November (DR) with I there II November (1 1C). Mew Gull - an ad. at Barren 18 October (ph. DR et al.) will represent a first state record. KBRC review required. Ring-billed Gull — ca. 1000 were in the vi¬ cinity of Ky Dam by 25 September (BP. ELL CB). California Gull an ad. was at Barren 19 October-2 November (ph. DR et al.). KBRC review required. Herring Gull - reports of interest included at least 50 on Lake Barkley above the dam by 20 September (BP et al.) and ca. 40 at Barren 1 7 October ( DR el al. ). Thayer’s Gull - an ad. at Ky Dam 9 No¬ vember (DR) with perhaps the same bird at Barkley Dam 30 November (DR. HC) was the only one reported. Lesser Black-backed Gull - a probable second-year bird above Barkley Dam 12 August (DR) represented a new early ar¬ rival date for the state by two weeks or possibly a bird that summered somewhere in the region; next earliest was perhaps the same first- or second-year bird at Ky Dam 9 September (BP). Also reported were an ad. at the mouth of Bear Creek. Kv Lake. Marshall. 20 September (BP. EH. BY. MY); 4 total on Lake Barkley and Ky Lake 25 September (DR); a first- year bird at Barren 16-31 October (ph. DR et al.): and an ad. and a first-year bird below Ky Dam 21 November (HC). November (MA. ph. ELL ph. BY, et al.). KBRC review required. Least Tern - 22 were still at Mitchell Lake 28 August (HC. ME); an ad. and a juv. there 9 September (BP) were the latest to be reported. Caspian Tern - modest peak counts (com¬ pared to recent years, at least) included 70 on Lake Barkley at Lick Creek. Lyon. 12 August (DR); 138+ on Lake Barkley near the mouth of the Little River embayment, Trigg. 14 August (WG); 250-300 on Lake Barkley, Lyon. 23 August (DR): 7 at Bar¬ ren 10 September (DR); at least 115 on Lake Barkley above the dam 20 Septem- 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 1 1 her (BP et al.); and 15 at the Falls of the Ohio 25 September (AG). Two at Barren 17 Oetober (DR et al.) were the latest to be reported. Great Blaek-backed Gull Falls of the Ohio. 25 November 2009 Eddie Huber Black Tern - reports of interest included 5 on the Ohio River near Paducah, Mc¬ Cracken, 5 August (RF); 1 I at Fishing Creek 19 August (RD) with 2 there 28 August (RD); 3 at Minor Clark (RD) and ca. 20 at Barren (DR), both 20 August; 35 on Lake Cumberland near the SRP. Rus¬ sell, 2 on Lake Cumberland above Wolf Creek Dam, Russell, 32 at Casey Creek, 1 1 on Green River Lake at Corbin Bend Road, Adair, and at least 3 on Green River Lake at the state dock. Taylor, all 21 August (RD); 3 still at Casey Creek 23 August (RD); 4 at Mitchell Lake 28 Au¬ gust (IIC. ME); 1 near Long Point 29 August (BY. MY. EH); I at Sauerheber 30 August (BY. MY, EH); and ca. 8 at Minor Clark during early September (ph. R.I). Common Tern - reports of interest includ¬ ed an ad. at Lake Reba. Madison, 20 August (AN); I at the Falls of the Ohio 24 September (BP); at least 60 total on Lake Barkley & Ky l ake 25 September (DR); 1 at Barren 28 September and 24 Oetober (DR et al.); 8 at Twin Lakes Subdivision, Pulaski. 15 October (RD); and I at Lake Cumberland near the SRP. Russell. 24 October (RD). Forster’s Tern - peak counts included at least 200 at Jonathan Creek 14 September (ME); ca. 80 at the mouth of Bear Creek. Ky Lake. Marshall, 20 September (BP, EH, BY. MY); at least 75-80 at Ky Dam Village SRP. Marshall, with most of 250- 300 Sterna terns in the vicinity of Ky Dam probably Forster's 25 September (BP. EII. CB. DR); al least 120 on Ky Lake above the dam 9 November (DR); and 54 still at Blood River 20 November (HC). One at Barren 18 November (DR) was tardy. Eurasian Collared-Dove — I near Neats- ville, Adair, 1 September (RD) was the first reported for that community. White-winged Dove - 1 was reported in a yard at Independence, Kenton, 23 August (tDM). KBRC review required. Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 1 at Sauerheber 28 October (CCr) was the latest to be repor¬ ted. Black-billed Cuckoo - there were three re¬ ports: I heard near Thruston, Daviess, 23 August (MTh); 1 at Lake Barkley SRP, Trigg, 26 September (BP. KII); and I on the Anchorage frail 8 October (JBe, PB). Short-eared Owl - the only report was for 2 along Stones Chapel Road. w. of White Plains, Hopkins, I 1 November (EW). Northern Saw-whet Owl - 1 was seen near Cedarmore, e. Shelby , 17 October (tTBr. JBn, MCr); a total of 13 birds were cap¬ tured/banded at Surrey Hills Farm 18 Oc¬ tober-12 November (MM, BP. et al.) with some additional birds heard including a tooting male 3 November and two foreign recaptures of birds previously banded in Ontario (see below). A bird banded at the Surrey Hills Farm station as a hatch-year female 2 November 2007 was recaptured at Lincoln. MA (winv. suburb of Boston) 25-26 October 2009 (KS, Jide MM) and again at Northbridge, MA (sw. of Boston) 6 November 2009 (PMi. fide MM). An ad. female caught at the Surrey I lills Farm station I I November 2009. was originally banded as a hatch-year bird at Hilliardton Marsh. ON. Canada, 21 September 2007 (BM . fide MM). 12 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 Common Nighthawk - ca. 100 over the Anchorage Trail 28 August (JBe, PB) and 75 over Hart 6 September (SK. JK) rep¬ resented modest peak counts for the sea¬ son. Whip-poor-will - late-season birds were heard at Grahn, Carter , 6 September (EM); in Hart 7 September (SK, JK); and near Big Gimlet. Elliott , 15 September (EM). Ruby-throated Hummingbird - numbers across most of n. Kentucky were much lower than normal, with peak counts of only a few individuals at any location through September; occurrence seemed to pick up some during mid- to the 3rd week of September but a pronounced peak was not evident in many areas this fall (m. ob.). In contrast, it appeared that rel¬ atively normal numbers were present across southern Kentucky. Young birds still in a nest in nw. Boyle 23 August (ph. R 1 1 fide SH) might have been indicative of especially late attempts to renest fol¬ lowing a rainy summer period. Latest re¬ ports were of an imm. male near Iroquois Park to 9 November (ph. RT. ba. BP); an imm. /female at Ft. Thomas, Campbell, to 9 November (ph. DU); and an imm. male n. of Stanford, Lincoln 15-25 November (ph. JE). Red-headed Woodpecker - a very locally distributed hard mast crop was likely res¬ ponsible for a paucity of reports; one exception appeared to be the Jenny Ilole- llighland Creek Unit of Sloughs WMA, Union , where ca. 35 were seen 25 No¬ vember (CCr). Olive-sided Flycatcher - there were only three reports; a very early bird along the Mississippi River levee near Lake No. 9 on 7 August (fEL. DTr, AT, et al. ); 1 at the Natural Arch Scenic Area. DBNF, McCreary, 2 September (RD); and I on the Anchorage Trail 6 September (PMc, BBC). Eastern Wood-Pewee I in the vicinity of Barren 2 1 October (DR) and 2 at Mt. Zion 27 October (RD) were the latest to be re¬ ported. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - there were on¬ ly four reports: 1 al the Riverwalk 2 Sep¬ tember (JBe, PB); I on the Anchorage Trail 3 September (JBe. PB); I on the Cathy Crockett Trail. Pulaski. 5 Septem¬ ber (ph. RD); and 1 along Long Creek. LBE, Trigg. 26 September (BL). Feast Flycatcher - the species was reported at the Riverwalk on the early date of 12 August (JBe. PB). Say’s Phoebe - there were two reports: 1 at the LBE Nature Station entrance, Lyon, 26 September (tKC, MCo, KOS) and 1 at Camp #11 on 11 October (ph. BP, ph. EH). KBRC review' required. Great Crested Flycatcher — 1 at Kuttawa 25 September (BP, EH. CB); 1 at Iroquois Park 26 September (MA. BBC); 1 at Beargrass Creek SNP. Jefferson , 27 Sep¬ tember (BW. BBC): and I heard at Casey Creek 4 October (RD) were the latest to be reported. Blue-headed Vireo - 1 at Mt. Zion 28 Oc¬ tober (RD), 2 at McNeely Lake Park. Jef¬ ferson 3 1 October (MA), and 1 at McCon¬ nell Springs, Fayette. 4 November (LT) were the latest to be reported. Common Raven - there were several re¬ ports of birds away from the se. mts. as follows: 1 on the Bent Mountain Strip Mine outside Meta, Pike, 6 August (SE); I at Consol WMA. Knott. 4 October (AN); 3 at Begley WMA. Bell, and I at Corrigan WMA. Bell. 14 October (AN): and I heard at Dewey Lake WMA. Floyd, 1 2 November (SF). Purple Martin - up to perhaps 25.000 or more birds were present at the roost on the nw. side of Lexington during early August (JW. BP. et al.) with 8000-10,000 still present there 23 August (JW) but only ca. 150 seen in the vicinity 30 Au¬ gust (JW). Circa 8000 birds were counted from photos taken of a staging flock at Campbellsville. Taylor, 7 August; these birds roosted just w. of the Campbellsville College campus (BP, EH). Thousands of birds from roosts at Huntington, WV fide ED), and at Dale Hollow Lake, Clay, TN (Jide SS) were seen gathering in adjacent 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 13 portions of Kentucky, respectively, during early August. Up to 1700-2000 birds were counted over the Falls of the Ohio on their way to roost nearby in Clark, IN, 15/16 August (TBe, CCv). Four at the Pum- phrey Tract, Pulaski. 15 September (RD); at least 250-300 at Hickman and 1 at Lake No. 9 on 20 September (BP ct al.); and at least 1 at Riverside Park 25 September (RD) were the latest to be reported. Tree Swallow - ca. 1000 at Plum Point 14 October (RD) and 500+ at Barren 15 October (DR) were impressive, late sea¬ son tallies; 2 at South Lake. Ken Unit. 3 November (DR) and 10 at Sauerheber 5 November (CCr) were the latest to be reported. Northern Rough-winged Swallow - at least 1 at and upstream from Plum Point 24 October (RD); 10 at Sauerheber 28 October (CCr); and I at the Dry Creek Unit 31 October (DR, DB, TD) were the latest to be reported. Cliff Swallow - ca. 2500 at Guthrie Swamp. Todd. 21 August (MB. DR) represented a new state high count away from breeding colonies. Two in the Lower Hickman Bot¬ toms 17 October (FIC) were the latest to be reported. Barn Swallow - 1 at Garvin Brown 12 Oc¬ tober (MA); 1 in the Lower Hickman Bot¬ toms 17 October (HC); at least 3 at and upstream from Plum Point 24 October (RD); and 1 at Barren 26 October (DR) were the latest to be reported. Red-breasted Nuthatch - I at Surrey Flills Farm 26 August (BP); I at Mt. Zion 14 September (RD); 1 at the Riverwalk 15 September (.IBe, PB, CB); and 1 at Fish¬ ing Creek 20 September (RD) were the earliest to be reported; by mid-October it appeared that most had passed through and settled in at wintering locales. Sedge Wren - there were only a few re¬ ports, all being included: I along Lamp- ton Lane Road, Adair. I August (DCo); 2 ■ at McElroy Lake 4 October (DR); 3 at Long Point 5 October (MTo); 1-4 at Sauerheber 5-14 October (m. ob.); and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 7/26/29 October (BP). Marsh Wren - there were several reports, all being included: I near Thruston, Dav¬ iess, 10 September (MTh); I at Iroquois Park 24 September (MA); 1 at Hays Ken¬ nedy Park, Jefferson, 3 October (BW, BBC); I at McElroy Lake 4 October (DR): 5 at Long Point 5 October (MT); 2 at Sauerheber 10 October (DR. KOS); 2 near Minors Lane Heights, Jefferson, 17- 18 October (MA); and I at Sinclair 3 November (DR). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 1 at the Louis¬ ville landfill 17 October (RA) with ano¬ ther or the same there 10 November (RA) was the latest to be reported. Veery - I at the Riverwalk 7 September (.IBe. PB) was the earliest to be reported; 1 at Middletown, Jefferson, 30 September (BY, MY) was the latest to be reported. American Robin - a flight of 4000-5000 over Russellville. Logan, 17 November (DR) was impressive. Gray Catbird - singles at Draut Park, Jef¬ ferson, 29 October (BW) and Bernheim Forest 8 November (SD) were the latest to be reported. American Pipit - 1 at Minor Clark 19 Sep¬ tember (LII. RJ) was the earliest to be re¬ ported. Cedar Waxwing - flocks of 30 at Minor Clark 20 August (RD). ca. 75 at Adair WMA. Boone, 29 August (DM, NKBC, BBC), and 100 at Minor Clark 30 August (JP. DJ) were especially early but fore¬ bode of a pronounced, early movement; the species was quite conspicuous from mid-September well into November (m. ob.). Golden-winged Warbler - it was an excel¬ lent season for the species, with 1-2 re¬ ported on nearly 30 dates at more than 20 sites; singles at the Riverwalk 23 August (.IBe, PB, CB) and Sauerheber 29 August (CCr) were the earliest to be reported; 1 at the Riverwalk 1 October (JBe, PB) was the latest to be reported. 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 Tennessee Warbler - 1 at the Riverwalk 23 August (JBe, PB, CB) was the earliest to be reported. Orange-crowned Warbler - there were six reports: I at Begley WMA. Bell, 10 Octo¬ ber (AN); I at the Dry Creek Unit 12 Oc¬ tober (DR); 2 at Sauerheber 14 October (BP, EH, MM); I along Preston Highway, Jefferson, 15 October (BP): 1 at Sauer¬ heber 28 October (CCr); and I at Mc- Neely Lake Park, Jefferson, 31 October (MA) Nashville Warbler - I at Mt. Zion 29 Au¬ gust (RD) was the earliest to be reported; single birds at the Kendall Recreation Area, Russell, 24 October (RD); at LBL, Trigg, 25 October (BL); and at Panorama Shores, Calloway, I November (KC) were the latest to be reported. Yellow Warbler - I at the Louisville land¬ fill 21 September (RA) and I along the Lake Barkley shoreline at Green Turtle Bay Resort, Lyon, 25 September (BP, LH, CB) were rather tardy; however I at Sau¬ erheber 14 October (fBP, ELI, MM) was especially so. Chestnut-sided Warbler I at the River- walk 21 August (JBe, PB, CB) was the earliest to be reported. Cape May Warbler - not numerous this season; I at the Riverwalk I September (JBe, PB) was the earliest to be reported; also reported were 1 near Thruston, Dav¬ iess, 15 September (M l h); 1 at Bernheim Lorest 27 September (SD); 1 at Berea. Madison, 30 September (PH); I at Mt. Zion 5 October (RD); and I at Begley WMA, Bell. 10 October (AN). Black-throated Blue Warbler there were ten reports away from breeding areas: a female at the Riverwalk 23 August (JBe, PB, CB); a female at the Alpine Rec. Area. DBNP, Pulaski, 5 September (RD); a male ne. of Maywood. Lincoln, 6 Sep¬ tember (JE); a male along Middle Creek Road, Boone, 1 September (LM, TY): a female w. of Bridgeport, Franklin, 15 September (JBs); a female banded at Shaker Village, Mercer, 17 September (KH et ah); 1 at Craigmoor Estates, Scott (DL. BL). and 1 at Waitsboro (RD), both 18 September: a female at Lexington 21 September (DCh); and a male at Bear- grass Creek SNP. Jefferson, 27 September (BW, BBC). Yellow-rumped Warbler - 1 near Thrus¬ ton. Daviess , 15 September (MTh) was the earliest to be reported. Black-throated Green Warbler - 1 at the Riverwalk 22 August (JBe, PB, CB. BW) was the earliest to be reported. Blackburnian Warbler - at least 2 at the Riverwalk 23 August (JBe, PB, CB) were the earliest to be reported. Yellow-throated Warbler - I at Russell¬ ville. Logan. 26 November (tMB) rep¬ resented a new late departure date by two weeks. Palm Warbler - singles s. Fisherville. Jef¬ ferson (.III), and at the Riverwalk (JBe, PB, CB. BP) 16 September were the earliest to be reported. There were two reports of individuals of the eastern race (D. p. hypochrysea ): I at the Dry Creek Unit 12 October (DR) and 1 at Barren River Lake SRP, Barren, 13 October (DR). Bay-breasted Warbler - 1 at the Anchor¬ age Trail 3 September (JBe. PB) was the earliest to be reported. Blackpoll Warbler - there were three re¬ ports: 1 at the Riverwalk 16 September (BP. JBe, PB, CB); 1 on the Anchorage Trail 17 September (JBe. PB); and 1 at Craigmoor Estates. Scott, 18 September (DL, BL). Black-and-white Warbler - 1 at the Lou¬ isville landfill 20 October (RA) was the latest to be reported. Worm-eating Warbler - 1 at Riverside Park (RD) and I at LBL, Lyon (BP, EH. CB). both 25 September, were the latest to be reported. Swainson’s Warbler - I at Natural Arch Scenic Area. DBNF, McCreary. 12 Sep¬ tember (RD) was very tardy and repre¬ sents a new late departure date for a live bird. 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 15 Mourning Warbler -1 at Churchill Downs, Louisville, 29 September (DD) was the only one reported. Canada Warbler - singles at Casey Creek 23 August (RD) and Adair WMA, Boone , 29 August (DM. NKBC. BBC) were the earliest to be reported: I along Pleasant Hill Church Road, Trigg, 28 September (BL) and a window-killed bird at Mun- fordville. Hart, 30 September (SK) were the latest to be reported. Yellow-breasted Chat - I at Sauerheber 27 September (CCr) was relatively tardy. Eastern Towhee - a family group including some birds still partially in juv. plumage was observed at McNeely Lake Park, Jef¬ ferson, on the late date of 2 October (BW). Vesper Sparrow - as is the norm, small numbers were reported at scattered lo¬ cales mid- to late October (m. ob.). Four at Spindletop Farm 23 October (.IS) rep¬ resented a modest peak count. Lark Sparrow - breeding birds continued along McDonald Landing Road, w. Hen¬ derson, into August with at least 3 seen there 14 August (CCr); also reported was 1 at Sauerheber 30 August (BY, MY. EH). Grasshopper Sparrow - 3 at Spindletop Farm 10 October (DL, ASK); I or 2 at Sauerheber 14 October (BP, EH, MM); and I at Surrey Hills Farm 2 November (BP, JBe, PB) were the latest to be repor¬ ted. Henslow’s Sparrow - singles at Begley WMA. Bell, 14 October (SF) and at Sin¬ clair 3 November (DR) were the latest to be reported. Le Conte’s Sparrow - 2 at Sauerheber 10 October (DR, KOS) were the only ones reported. Nelson’s Sparrow - I at Sauerheber 10 October (DR, KOS) was the only one reported. Fox Sparrow - 1 s. of Fisherville, Jefferson, 27 October (JII) was the earliest to be reported. Lapland Longspur - 1 at Buchanon Park 13 October (DR, DB) was quite early; next earliest reports were of an unspec¬ ified number at the Ken Unit 3 Novem¬ ber (DR) and several near Dot, Logan, 28 November (FL). Indigo Bunting - singles at the Louisville landfill 30 October (RA); at Sauerheber I November (CCr); at the Riverport, sw. Jefferson, I November (RA, BBC); and at Churchill Downs, Louisville, 5 Novem¬ ber CfDD) were the latest to be reported. Dickcissel - I near Rochester, Butler, 24 September (RD); 2 at Sauerheber 10 October (DR, KOS); and 1 at Sauerheber 26 October (CCr) were the latest to be reported. Summer Tanager - 1 eating seed with a Rose-breasted Grosbeak near Lyndon, Jefferson, 7 October (JBe, PB) was the latest to be reported. Bobolink - reports of interest included ca. 30 at Spindletop Farm 2 August (JP); 23 near Rochester, Butler, 24 September (RD); a few at Garvin Brown 3 October (BW. BBC); 2 at Long Point 5 October (ML); 8 at Sauerheber 10 October (DR, RD. KOS); and I off National Turnpike, Louisville, 1 7 October (M A). Bi •ewer’s Blackbird - there were two re¬ ports: at least 50 e. of Cadiz, Trigg, 22 November (BL) and 4 at Spindletop Farm 30 November (|BP, KH). Purple Finch - 1 at the Anchorage Trail 15 October (JBe, PB) was the earliest to be reported; by mid-November it was appar¬ ent that this year's flight was going to be very light. Pine Siskin - very few were seen this fall with all reports included: 5 at South Wil¬ liamson, Pike, 1 October (JC); I at Bards- town. Nelson, 18 October (PG); and 1 at Glasgow, Barren. 19 November (LC). Observers: Ryan Ankeny (RA). Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK), Michael Autin (MA), Tom Becker (TBe). Beckham Bird Club (BBC), Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell (PB), Mark Bennett (MB), Carol Besse (CB). David Brown (DB), John Brown (JBn), Todd 16 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 Brown (TBr). John Brunjes (JBs), I lap Chambers (1 1C). Joan Carr (JC). Don Chestnut (DCh). Alan Claybon (AC). Chris & Suzanne Clingman (C&SC1). Kathy Cohen (KC). Michael Cohen (MCo). Derek Coomer (DCo). Linda Craiger (LC), Colleen Craven- Becker (CCv). Charlie Crawford (CC'r). Mike Crouch (MCr). Roseanna Denton (RD), Louise Devore (LD), Scott Dickman (SD). Diana Dubbeld (DD). Tom Durbin ( I'D), Melissa Easley (ME), Jackie Elmore (JE), Richard Fischer (RE). Scott Freidhof (SF), Paula Geis (PG), Alan Goldstein (AG). Willard Gray (WG). Paul Hager (PH). Debbie Hamilton (Dll). Ren Hankla (Rll), Scott Hankla (SH). Barry Hart (BH), Debra Hausrath (Dll). Lana Hays (LH), Kate Heyden (KII), Eddie Huber (EH). Jennifer Huber (111), Rachel Jenkins (RJ). Doreen Jezek (DJ), Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS). Richie Kessler (RK). Janet Kistler (JK). Steve Kistler (SK). June Koon (JK). Betsy Lang (BL), David Lang (DL). Celia Lawrence (CL), Edmund LeGrand (EL). Bill Lisowky (BL), Frank Lyne (FL), Scott Marsh (SM). Don Martin (DM). Robbie Martin (RM). Paul McAllister (PMc). John McDermond (JM), Lee McNeely (LM). Paul Milke (PMi). Mark Monroe (MM), Nancy Moore (NM). Evelyn Morgan (EM), multiple observers (nr. ob. ). Bruce Murphy (BM), Andy Newman (AN), Barry Nichols (BN), Northern Kentucky Bird Club (NKBC), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP). Joe Pulliam (.IP), Scott Record (SR). David Roemer (DR). Jeff Rowe (JR). Kathy Seymour (KS). Ryan Slack (RS), Somerset Bird Club (SBC). Stephen Stedman (SS). Del Striegel (DS). Joe Swanson (JS). David Thomas (Di li). Laurie Thomas (LT), Marilee Thompson (MTh). Russ Thompson (RT). Mike Todd (MTo). Allan Trently (AT). David Trently (DTr), Penny West (PW). Eric Williams (EW). Jim Williams (JW). Barbara Woerner (BW), Mike Wright (MW). Ben Yandell (BY). Mary Yandell (MY). Ruth Young (RY): Travis Young (TY). — 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY. 40222 (brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov) (Pal¬ mer-Ball) and P.O. Box 463, Burlington. KY. 41005 (lkmc9@aim.com) (McNeely). MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT 2009-2010 Blaine R. Ferrell Reports of 32 counts were received from across the Commonwealth (Fig. 1. p. 34). A total of 134 species was recorded on count days, with two additional species found during count week (Ruffed Grouse and White-eyed Vireo). Twelve species were observed on all counts and 15 species were observed on only one count during count days. Temperatures during the count period were lower by almost 10 degrees F compared with temperatures last year, and many counts experienced less than ideal weather conditions. The lowest temperature was 1 1°F on the Glasgow and Calloway County counts on 3 and 4 January, respectively. The highest temperature was 66°F on the Russell/Adair counties count 14 December. Waterfowl numbers were similar overall to numbers last year, but up or down depending on the particular species. Mallard numbers were lower mainly due to the reduced numbers counted in Ballard County. After leveling off last year following a steady increase for several years. Wild Turkey numbers were down slightly. Raptor numbers were similar to numbers during the past two years. Gull numbers were lower than last year's numbers. The number of doves was comparable to numbers last year. Numbers of Red-bellied Woodpecker. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. and Pileated Wood¬ peckers were slightly off. Eastern Bluebird numbers were only slightly down. The general absence of food crops, particularly cedar berries and hard mast, accounted for dramatically decreased numbers of some species, such as Blue Jays, Cedar Waxwings. and Yellow- rumped Warblers, as well as American Goldfinches. Blackbird numbers were off again this year. Pine Siskins were in very' low numbers. Less than optimal weather for hireling experienced on a number of counts made determination of trends particularly difficult. Overall there were few real rarities, but individual highlights included Blue-winged Teal (Glasgow), Pacific Loon (Land Between the Lakes), Virginia Rail (Paradise), Spotted 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 17 Sandpiper (Land Between the Lakes), Bam Owl (Calloway County), Thayer's Gull (Land Between the Lakes). Marsh Wren (Paradise), Gray Catbird (Bowling Green), Orange- crowned Warbler (Olmstead), two Common Yellowthroats (Ballard County and Paradise), Le Conte's Sparrow (Ballard County) and Dickcissel (Russell/Adair counties). Thanks to the many observers and compilers who participated in this year's count and submitted count results on the appropriate forms. Also, thanks to compilers who submitted documentation for unusual species. Records of species unusual for the count do not con¬ stitute official records until reviewed by the Kentucky Bird Records Committee. Ballard County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at jet. KY 358 and Stone Corner Road; 37.12284N. -088.9518W). Habitat as described in 1984. Dec 21; 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST; Sky cloudy (a.m.) to partly cloudy (p.m.); temp. 20-35°F; wind SE, 0-10 m.p.h. Water mostly open. Five observers in three parties. Total party hours 21.0 ( I 1.5 on foot, 9.5 by car). Total party miles 96 (3 on foot, 93 by car). Hours owling. 1.0. Total species 89; total individuals 29.378. Observers: Hap Chambers, Pat Hahs, Eddie Huber, Bill Lisowsky. and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler). The species total (89) was below average for recent years. The count did not coincide with the bi-monthly aerial waterfowl survey by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources because of weather conditions, although numbers from a llight made the following day were used for a few waterfowl species that were difficult to estimate on count day. Waterfowl highlights included a single group of ca. 4,200 Ring-necked Ducks and flock after flock of Snow Geese moving north throughout the day. Other highlights included four performing American Woodcocks and a Llouse Wren in McCracken County, and 45 Bald Eagles, a Common Yellowthroat and two Le Conte's Sparrows on the Ballard Wildlife Management Area. One of the Red-tailed Hawks was an adult intermediate (rufous) morph B. j. calwus. Extraordinary misses for this count were Great Homed Owl and Red-headed Woodpecker, the latter due to the apparently complete lack of hard mast in the bottomland forests. A relatively abundant soft mast crop (most notably poison ivy and sugarberry/ hackberry fruits) resulted in more normal totals for berry eaters. Calloway County (all points within a 15 mile diameter circle, center Dalton Cemetery; 36.5984N. -88.1958W). Habitat: 30% urban. 15% deciduous and pine woods, 35% open fields, 20% lake shore. Jan 4; 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST. Sky clear; temp. 11-25°F; wind NW. 10 m.p.h. Bays and ponds frozen. Five observers in five parties plus two feeder watchers. Total party-hours 27 (2 on foot, 25 by car). Total party-miles 141.5 (2.0 on foot. 139.5 by car). Total species 80; total individuals 8.088. Observers: Hap Chambers (compiler), Kathy Cohen. Melissa Easley, Jan Flynn. Bobbie Kent, Sally Leedom, and Mike Miller. Land Between the Lakes (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Pisgah Creek, 1 A mile west of The Trace; 36.9333N. -88.1 167W; as well as Kentucky Dam, Bark¬ ley Dam, Lake Barkley in the vicinity of Kuttawa. and the Jonathan Creek embayment of Kentucky Lake). Habitat as described in 1984 in American Birds. Dec. 19; 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST. Sky cloudy; intermittent rain showers throughout the morning and afternoon. Total rainfall between 'A and ‘A inch; temp. 32-38°F; wind, mainly WNW. 7-12 m.p.h. with stronger gusts at times. Thirty-two observers in 10 parties. (One party was a feeder watcher at the Nature ’Station.) Total party-hours 60.25 (12.25 on foot, 43.00 by car, 5.0 feeder watching). Total party-miles 445.65 (9.25 on foot. 436.40 by car). Total species 88; total individuals 1 1.679. Observers: Tom Anderson, Mitz Bailey, Hap Chambers, J. David Chiles. Marty Davenport, Jen Dowdy, Melissa Easley, Don Forster, Brook Gilley. Donald Gladis (feeder 18 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 watcher), John Gorey, Anna Hill. Amy Krzton-Presson, Morgan Larkins, Bill Lisowski, Paula Lisowski, Frank Mayer, Travis McDonald, Andrea Merimee, I leidi Morgan, LouAnn Patterson, Emily Pollom, Brian Prather, Sabra Richards, Darrin Samborski. Mary Schmidt, Paula Shannon, Carrie Szwed, Josh Szwed, Brent White, Steve White, and Aviva Yasgur (compiler). This year, we had one of our highest numbers of participants ever for the LBT bird count. Despite a cold and rainy day, 32 participants headed out to the woods and shores of LBT in the early hours of the morning to help us tally birds. Compared with previous count days with milder weather during the same week, the songbirds were hard to come by on count day, perhaps because of the blustery conditions. We tallied 88 species on count day. which is slightly lower than average for this count. Our total number of individuals ( 1 1.679) also was lower than usual. Although we tallied a fairly decent diversity7 of species, most observers reported low numbers for many species that are typically abundant on the count. For example, we had low numbers of Mourning Doves. Red-bellied Woodpeckers. Pileated Woodpeckers. Blue Jays. American Crows. Tufted Titmice. White-breasted Nuthatches and White-throated Sparrows. It seemed that many of these small land birds were taking cover in underbrush and other sheltered areas and were difficult to spot. However, there were some species that were seen in higher numbers than usual, such as Red-breasted Mergansers, Hermit Thrushes, Chipping Sparrows, and Fox Sparrows. Some of the more unusual sightings included a Pacific Loon, a Spotted Sandpiper, and a Thayer's Gull. Some of the conspicuously missing species were Wood Duck, Northern Pintail, Redhead. Northern Bobwhite, and Rusty Blackbird. Thank you to all participants who contribute to make the TBL bird count a success each year. We look forward to many more years of mid¬ winter birding. Sorgho (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Hwy. 279-S and Audubon Parkway intersection; 37.76297N, -87.23086W). Habitat: Ohio River, river bottoms, woods, stubble fields, county park, city parks, ponds, and residential areas. Jan. 1; 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST. Sky mainly clear; temp. 18-23°F; wind 8-13 m.p.h. No precipitation, but wind chill of 3°F that morning. Seventeen observers in eight parties. Total party-hours 26.00 (4.40 on foot, 21.20 by car). Total party-miles 261.5 (8.5 on foot. 253.0 by car). Total species 46: total individuals 10,291. Observers: Patricia Augenstein, Hemy Conner, Brenda Eaden, Tony Eaden, Jill Flachskam. Mike Henshaw, Janet Howard (compiler), Ken Hurm, Mary Kissel, Bill Little. Brenda Little, Charles Morris, Laura Morris, Marilee Thompson, Frances Tichenor. Lynn Tichenor, and Carolyn Williams. Olmstead (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at the junction of Ky 1041 and Ky 1151: 36.81673N. -86.89357W). Habitat: 75% is cultivated farmland and the remainder includes blocks of deciduous woods, fencerows. pasture, grown-up fields, devel¬ oped areas and open water. Dec. 30; 6:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. CST. with 3.25 hours of owling after dusk. Sky mostly cloudy to overcast; temp. 29-48°F; wind, S. 5-20 m.p.h. Gray skies for the duration of the day reduced visibility for passerines and other small birds. Strong and sustained southerly winds also hampered viewing. Four observers in two parties most of the day, then three parties for about two hours. Total party-hours 19.75 (9.75 on foot, 10.00 by car). Total party-miles 186.6 (4.4 on foot, 182.2 by car). Total species 65: total individuals 28.863. Observers: Mark Bennett (compiler), David Brown, Frank Lyne, and David Roemer. Highlights of the 17lh consecutive Olmstead count included a record for the number of individuals tallied, a count first Orange-crowned Warbler, a count week first Horned Grebe, and record numbers of Cooper's Hawk (4), Eastern Phoebe (5). American Robin (475). and Purple Finch (8). Near record numbers of Red-tailed Hawk. American Kestrel. Wilson's 20 1 0 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 19 Snipe, and Pileated Woodpecker were also observed. European Starling individual numbers also set a count record. A mammalian highlight was a coyote observed swimming across Whippoorwill Creek. Additionally, the count had two parties of two observers for the duration of the day for the first time. Finally, while the count had several highlights, species diversity was barely above average. Paradise (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Hopewell Cemetery' in southern Ohio County; 37.27755N, -86.95868W). Habitat as described in 1993. Jan. 2; 5:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST. Mostly to partly cloudy; intermittent snow flurries in the a.m.; temp. 15-25°F; wind NW. 5-20 m.p.h. Water mostly open. Eight observers in five parties. Total party hours 38.5 ( 16.5 on foot. 22.0 by car). Total party miles 155.5 (5.5 on foot, 150.0 by car). Flours owling: 2.0. Total species 83; total individuals 6.795. Observers: Michael Autin. Mark Bennett, Boyd Cartwright. Diana Dubbeld, Eddie Huber. Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. (compiler). Matt Stickel. and Jordan Williams. The day was mostly to partly cloudy with periods of snow flurries in the morning and a frigid wind throughout the duration. The species total was below average, in large part due to the combination of below-average coverage and the cold conditions. Geese other than Canada Geese were lacking. Raptor totals were well below average in part due to the below-average coverage: however, the modest totals for Northern Harrier, Rough-legged I lawk, and Short-eared Owl are certainly representative of the decrease in raptors that has occurred within the count circle in recent years. Highlights included a Virginia Rail (one weak call heard during pre-dawn), a Marsh Wren, and a Common Yellowthroat (distinctive chip notes heard; bird not observed) all in Muhlenberg County. Berry-eaters were present in below-average numbers. Several thousand additional unidentified blackbirds going to roost in the evening 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: 36.915896, -86.435922). Habitat: deciduous woods 20%, fields and pastures 60%. and town and parks 20%. Dec. 21; 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CST. Sky overcast; temp. 29-37°F; wind calm in a.m., NNW 5-10 m.p.h. in the p.m. Seven observers in three parties. Total party-hours 19(11 on foot, 8 by car). Total party-miles 182.5 (7.5 on foot. 175.0 by car). Total species 77; total individuals 10.828. Observers: David Brown. Blaine Ferrell (compiler). Austin Harris, Aaron Hulsey, Wayne Mason, Albert Meier, and David Roemer. The large number of Black Vultures represent birds leaving a roost over Hobson Grove in the morning. Upton (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.5 mi. sw. of Hilltop, e. Grayson County; 37.38964N, -86.1 I37W). Habitat: woodland, farmland, river, and Nolin Reservoir. Dec. 28: 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST. Sky cloudy; temp. 21-28°F; wind W, 10- 1 5 m.p.h. Eight observers in one party. Total party-hours 13 (6 on foot, 7 by car). Total party- miles 102 (2 on foot, 100 by car). Total species 61: total individuals 5.181. Observers: Bonnie Avery. Bruce Bardin, John Brittain (compiler), Lisa Brittain, Carol Friedman, Dan Givens. Janet Kistler. and Steve Kistler. Ponds were open but had previously been frozen and waterfowl were scarce. The Common Loon on a large pond was a first for the count. A flock of 25 Brewer’s Black¬ birds closely observed in a barn yard was rare for this area. Robins, Cedar Waxwings. and Yellow-rumped Warblers were noticeably absent due to a lack of berries. • Mammoth Cave National Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Park headquarters; 37.18644N. -86.101 I W). Habitat as described in 1980. Dec. 20; 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CST. Sky overcast; temp. 25-34°F; wind calm. One-half inch of snow blanketed vegetation. 20 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 86 Four observers in two parties. Total party-hours 14.5 (1 1.0 on foot. 3.5 by car). Total party-miles 78 ( 1 0 on foot. 68 by car). Total species 43: total individuals 868. Observers: Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Austin Harris. Aaron Hulsey, and Wayne Mason. The Bald Eagles were not present at First Creek Take because of campers. The one observed was at Dennison Fern,'. There was very little food (cedar berries, mast or berries) and as expected, few berry-eating birds were present. Several Pileated Woodpeckers and Wild Turkeys were eating berries from a small holly tree near the park rangers" residential area. Hart County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center corner of Craddock Road and Geralds Fane; 37.28352. -85.83795W). Habitat: rural Helds and forests: one large (Hundred- Acre) pond, and Green River. Dec. 21: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST. Sky cloudy, after-noon rain; temp. 28-38°F; wind calm. Thirteen observers in three parties. Total party-hours 11 (7 on foot. 4 by car). Total party-miles 125 (6 on foot. 1 19 by car). Total species 64; total individuals 3.460. Observers: Bonnie Avery. Bruce Bardin. John Brittain. Fisa Brittain. Kurt Bush, Rachel Bush. Carol Friedman. Dan Givens. Richard Healy, Joanna Isaacs. Janet Kistler. Steve Kistler (compiler), and Mitchell Sturgeon. Twenty-three Red-headed Woodpeckers was a high number for this count. Glasgow (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Barren County Courthouse; 36.99564. -85.9 1 274 W). Habitat as described in 1986. Jan. 3; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CS I . Sky partly sunny in the a.m. to clear in the p.m.: temp. 1 1-26°F; wind NNW calm in a.m. to 5-10 m.p.h. in the p.m. Six observers in four parties. Total party-hours 19(11 on foot. 8 by car). Total party- miles 181.5 (9.5 on foot. 172.0 by car). T otal species 77: total individuals 7.481. Observers: Linda Craiger. Ron DeGiovanni. Aaron Hulsey. Wayne M. Mason (com¬ piler), Billie Mae Moore, and David Roemer. Otter Creek Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center just west of the jet. of KY 1238 and Pack Lane, about two miles southwest of the Park entrance: 37.91 493N. - 86.0672W). Habitat as described in 2001. Dec 29: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Sky mostly clear to partly cloudy; temp. 18-34°F; wind NW. 5-15 m.p.h. Water mostly frozen. Ten observers in four parties. Total party hours 29 (12 on foot. 17 by car). Total party miles 209 (5 on foot. 204 by car). Total species 68: total individuals 8.055. Observers: Tom Becker. Jane Bell. Pat Bell. Colin Corbett. David Fothergill. Kate lleyden. Eddie Huber. Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. (compiler). Del Striegel. and Barbara Woerner. The species total was about average for this count. The day started out quite cold but remained partly cloudy. Highlights included three Ruddy Ducks on Doe Valley Lake, a nice flight of Sandhill Cranes during the mid-day hours, and five Eurasian Collared-Doves in farmland north of Flaherty. The Red-tailed Hawk total includes two individuals of the western race, B. j. calurus , one darkish morph seen at a distance on the west side of Ft. Knox and an intermediate (rufous) morph adult seen in farmland west of Hillgrove. both in Meade County. With soft mast crops somewhat scarce, berry-eaters were found in below- average numbers, and Cedar Waxwing was missed. Bernheim Forest (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Forest lookout tower, 2.75 miles SE of Forest entrance; 37.902405N, -085.62752W). Habitat as described in 1974. Dec 26: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. FST. Sky partly cloudy: temp. 25-42°F: wind SW. 10-25 m.p.h. Water mostly open. Thirteen observers in seven parties. Total party hours 50.0 (23.5 on foot. 26.5 by car). Total party miles 242.5 (17.5 on foot. 225.0 by car). Total species 69; total individuals 4.859. 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 21 Observers: Michael Autin. Lou Anne Barriger, Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Dona Coates, Paul Hagar, Eddie Huber, Pat Meyer, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Joe Swanson. Nancy Vance, and Barbara Woerner. The species count was about average. The breezy conditions made for reduced song¬ bird numbers. I lighlights of the day included a Green-winged Teal on a lake near Boston, at least five Bald Eagles at scattered locales, and two Golden Eagles. Remarkable misses for this count were Red-breasted Nuthatch and Purple Finch; in fact, the overall absence of winter finches was quite unusual. Natural food crops appeared to be below average (especially cedar berries), so berry-eating species were not present in large numbers; most of the American Robins were found on hollies inside the Forest arboretum. As on many other counts, the presence of small numbers of Chipping Sparrows used to be noteworthy, but is now the norm. flodgenville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center courthouse square in downtown Flodgenville; 37.57375N. -85.74038W). Habitat: Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, open farmland, tracts of woodland, lakes and ponds. Jan. 2; 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. Sky cloudy with snow flurries in a.m., partly cloudy in p.m.; temp. 13-29°F; wind NW 5-20 m.p.h. Light snow cover, water mostly frozen. Ten observers in five parties. Total party-hours 29.5 (5.0 on foot. 24.5 by car). Total party-miles 336.5 (8.5 on foot, 328 by car). Total species 63, total individuals 5,895. Observers: Mary Bill Bauer. Sandy Brue (compiler), Doug and Janet Gebler, Mark Hornback, Berl Meyer, Pat Meyer. Kathy Nagy, David Roemer, and Barbara Woerner. Louisville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Jet. Highways 42 and 22; 38.28 1 3N. -85.63481 W; and including a portion of adjacent Clark County, Indiana). Hab¬ itat: Ohio River, parks, cemeteries, agricultural, suburban, and urban. Dec. 20; 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. Sky cloudy; temp. 33-37°F; wind W. 7 m.p.h. Snow during the morning. Thirty-two observers in 1 1 parties. Total party-hours 72 (33 on foot, 39 by car). Total party miles 361 .4 (26.6 on foot, 334.8 by car). Total species 81; total individuals I 7.2 1 1 . Observers: Garrett Adams, Win Ahrens. Ryan Ankeny, Michael Autin, Bonnie Avery, Mary Bill Bauer. Tom Becker. Jane Bell and Pat Bell (compilers), Carol Besse, Ren Bilkey, Wanda Bilkey, Carl Bochmann, Rod Botkins, Dona Coates, Colleen Craven-Becker, Jane Fender. Teresa Fultz, Jane Gentry. Rod Goforth, Charles I latten, Carol Hyatt, Bob Johnson, Frank Krull, John Krull, Fred Mansmith, Carol McAllister, Paul McAllister, Janice Raia, Jennifer Tucci. Nancy Vance, and Barbara Woerner. Low clouds, snow showers, and a cold day made counting birds difficult for the 32 observers, and it was reflected in a low count of 81 species. Waterfowl were found on lakes and ponds because the Ohio River had risen and the current was fast and the river was filled with debris. There was a large concentration of gulls below the dam. Because of a low food crop there were no Cedar Waxwings or Yellow-rumped Warblers this year. On the whole, the number of birds was about the same for most species as the last year. Thanks to all the participants who took part in the Louisville count. Green River Lake (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Green River Memorial Baptist Church, Taylor County; 37.29905N, -85.36832W). 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. 23; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. Sky mostly overcast, occasional sun in the a.m.; temp. 38-54°F; wind 0-15 m.p.h. Nine observers in three parties. Total party-hours 17.7 (10.2 on foot, 7.5 by car). Total party-miles 108.5 (3.5 on foot. 105.0 by car). Total species 76; total individuals 3,787. Observers: Lloyd Curry (compiler), Amy Etherington, Debbie Etherington, Eddie Huber. Joanna Isaacs, Richie Kessler, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Don Pelly. and Shawchyi Voricek. 22 _ Tin. KENTUCKY WAR It MR _ Vol, 86 The large number of Horned Grebes on Green River Lake (50) was a highlight. Notably missing were Canada Geese and Ring-necked Ducks. Shelbyville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center three-quarters of a mile south of U.S. 60 and Guist Creek Lake on KY 714: 38.18997N. -85. 1 4535 W ). Habitat: elevation 640-1 190". farmland, fallow land, suburban, wooded and grassland. Dec. 19; 6:45 a. m. to 6:00 p.m. EST. Sky overcast. 30— 36 F; wind W. 15-20 m.p.h. Light snow changed to watery mist as the day progressed. Ten observers in five parties. Total party-hours 37.25 (9.00 on foot. 28.25 by car). Total party-miles 266 (9 on foot. 257 by car). Total species 54: total individuals 4.008. Observers: Gus Brown. I leather Brown, Joan Brown. Todd Brown. W.H. Brown (compiler), Cheryl Houston, Cathy King. Karen Quinn, Catherine Smolinski, and Walt Reichert. Visibility was difficult all day. However, binding is always good!!! Frankfort (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. US 127 and KY 1900; 38.226 12N. 84. 85022 W). Habitat as described in 1977. Dec. 19; 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. Sky cloudy; temp. 33-36°F; wind NW. 6-17 m.p.h. There was fog and light snow or rain throughout the day. Ten observers in six to seven parties. Total party-hours 23.5 ( 13.5 on foot. 10.0 by car, with 3 at feeders). Total party-miles 144.5 (9.5 on foot, 135.0 by car). Total species 47; total individuals 3,174. Observers: Terry Anderson, Peggy Gould (compiler), Virginia Honaker. Jeff Jones, Joel Jones, Susan Laurenson, Layton Register, Edwin Shouse, Mary Shouse, and Tim Williams. This count was special in the fact that birds were extremely difficult to find. Even in those areas where birding is always productive, there was little to no movement. Klcber Wildlife Management Area (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. KY 227 and KY 845W at Heslcr, Ky.; 38.46333N, -84.7769W). Habitat as described in 1972. Jan. 2; 7:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST. Sky cloudy; temp. 12-1 7°F; wind NW. 6-21 m.p.h. Three observers in one to two parties. Total party-hours 9.0 (2.5 on foot, 6.5 by car). Total party-miles 117(1 on foot. 1 16 by car). Total species 35; total individuals 675. Observers: Peggy Gould (compiler), Ralph Gould, and David Schindler. Warsaw (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Gallatin County Courthouse; 38.78387N, -84.90227W; portion of circle in adjacent Switzerland Co.. Indiana, is not cov¬ ered). Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 19; 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Sky cloudy; temp. 32-35°F; wind N. 5-8 m.p.h. Light snow throughout the day, one inch of snow cover. Five observers in three parties. Total party-hours 21 (3 on foot. 18 by car). Total party- miles 177(1 on foot. 176 by car). Total species 59: total individuals 1.930. Observers: Joe Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti. Ed Gronetnan, Lee. McNeely (compiler), and Tommy Stephens. Berry-eating birds were low in numbers. The House Wren was found near the back¬ waters of Craig's Creek. Two Red-headed Woodpeckers were unexpected. Burlington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Camp Michaels; 38.94932N. -84.74624W). Habitat as described in 1992. Jan 2; 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Sky partly cloudy; temp. I3-20°F: wind WNW. 5-12 m.p.h. Thirteen observers in live parties. Total party-hours 31 (6 on foot. 25 by car). Total party-miles 161 (4 on foot. 1 57 by car). Total species 64: total individuals 4.088. Observers: Linda Altevers. Joe Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Elaine Carroll. Pat Carroll. Melissa Desjardin. Ed Groneman. Lee McNeely (compiler). Gayle Pille. Patricia Raverty, Jeff Rowe, Carmen Schulte, and Tommy Stephens. 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 23 The Cackling Geese were found at the East Bend Power Plant. High counts were noted for American Tree Sparrow, Common Grackle, and Brown-headed Cowbird. Falmouth (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Caddo, Ky.; 38.74738N. -84. 24473 W). Habitat: 50% woodland and forest edge, 25% river and lake shoreline, 20% agricultural, and 5% residential. Jan. 1; 7:00 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. EST. Sky mostly cloudy; temp. 17-23°F; wind NNW. 8-15 m.p.h. Two observers in two parties. Total party-hours 15 (2 on foot. 13 by car). Total party- miles 118(1 on foot, 1 17 by car). Total species 53; total individuals 1,412. Observers: Lee McNeely (compiler) and Tommy Stephens. Waterfowl were scarce. The Peregrine Falcon was seen at Meldahl Dam, and the Mer¬ lin was found along Concord-Caddo Road. Danville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Boyle County Courthouse; 37.64634N. -84.77345W). Habitat: water edge (15%). urban (8%), cultivated ( 10%), field/ fence row (35%), wooded edge (25%), and feeder (7%). Dec. 19; 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. Sky cloudy; temp. 32-36°F; wind W, 0-10 m.p.h. Light rain & snow in a.m., light rain in p.m. Twenty-nine observers in nine parties. Total party-hours 52.0 (12.0 on foot, 40.0 by car). Total party-miles 424.0 (21.0 on foot. 403.0 by car). Total species 53; total individuals 7,958. Observers: Joe Amburgey, Ernie Baird, Humphrey Ballou, J.P. Brantley, Jane Brantley, Granville Cox, Rhea Crowley, Ginny Eklund, Neil Eklund (compiler), Guf Faeth, Martha Foster. Bill Garriott, Kate Heyden. Tom Kearns, Bill Kemper, Jim Lester, Anne Lubbers. Gail Manning, Jody Metcalf. Preston Miles, Eric Mount, Susan Neale, Jack Newton. Amelia Nichols. John Nichols. Don Pelly, Rob Pendygraft, Terry Taylor, and Linda Taylor. Lexington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center intersection of Tates Creek Road and East Hickman Road in Jessamine County; 37.91979N, -84.46929W). Habitat: suburban, farmland, woodlots, reservoirs, farm ponds, Kentucky River cliffs and bottom¬ land floodplains. Dec. 19; 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. Sky overcast with intermittent rain/snow showers in the morning; temp. 32-35°F; wind W 0-12 m.p.h. Water open. Thirty-two observers plus two feeder watchers. Total party-hours 89.5 ( 15.5 by foot, 74.0 by car). Total party-miles 556 (9 by foot, 547 by car). Total species 73; total indiv¬ iduals 16.437. Observers: Rick Buchanan, Rose Canon, Phyllis Deal, Ed DeMoll, Mike Flynn, Doreen Jesek, Mike King, Katie Knowles, Lucy Knowles. Van Knowles, Teri Koontz, Tommy Kuhlman, Betsy Lang, David Lang (co-compiler) Annie Maguire, Bo Maguire, Wade Maguire. Dorna Marshall, Betty Maxson (co-compiler), Kay Neikerk, Susan Pollack, Joe Pulliam, Pat Scheidt, Gala Sessa, Lou Shain, Charlie Sither, Marie Sutton. Dave Svetich, Joe Swanson, Charles Tremoulet. Gretchen Tremoulet, Jackie Van Willigan, and Sally Wasielewski, and Bernice Wood. Russell/Adair counties (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center intersection of Owensby/Payne Road & Highway 3281; 36.96583N, -85.12167W). Habitat: mixed and deciduous woodland, pasture fields, streams and lake, mostly rural with a small percentage of county urban. Elevation ranges from approximately 530 to I 140 feet above sea level. Dec 14; 6:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. CST. Sky cloudy to partly cloudy; temp. 45-66°F; wind SSW, 5-25 m.p.h. All water open, no precipitation. Eight observers in four parties. Total party-hours: 32.5 (6.5 on foot, 26 by car). Total party-miles: 272 (3 on foot, 269 by car). Total species 77; total individuals 4329. Observers: Terry Campbell, Granville Cox, Roseanna Denton (Compiler), Steve Denton, Ben Leffew, Linda McClendon, Arlene Morton, and Donald Pelly. (continued on page 32) 24 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 86 2009-2010 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Ol instead rj Bowing Green Upton Mammoth Cave Nat’l Park Hart County Glasgow Otter Creek Park Bernheim Forest 1 lodgenville Gr, Wh. -fronted Goose 1000 Snow Goose 2000 1 Canada Goose 592 300 406 69 98 701 96 3 - - 67 329 302 720 Cackling Goose 3 Mute Swan 6 - 1 Tundra Swan - I Wood Duck 3 - - - - 2 1 - 3 1 1 - - - Gad wall 250 3 109 - - 48 - - - - 22 - 3 American Wigeon 50 - 1 - - 4 - - - - - - - - Am. Black Duck 25 - 2 - 2 180 1 - - - 19 10 - 26 Mallard 5070 27 242 58 22 695 251 5 - 1 1 410 126 52 386 Blue-winged Teal - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - ~ Northern Slioveler 60 - 2 - - 6 - - - - 2 - - Northern Pintail 15 - - - - - - - - - i - - - | Green-winged Teal 60 3 15 - - 21 2 - - - 124 - 1 - Canvas back 3 - c\v - - - - - - - CW - - - Redhead - 2 - - - 1 - - - - 1 - - ~ Ring-necked Duck 4250 - 75 - - 810 i - - I - - - - Greater Scaup - 5 91 - - 1 - - - - - - - - Lesser Scaup 1 150 1145 - - 1 - - - - - - - - Bufflehead - 51 194 - - 3 - - - - cw - - ““ Common Goldeneye - 145 315 - cw - - - - - 2 - - jJ Hooded Merganser 12 2 390 - - 8 - - - - 116 - CW - _ Common Merganser - - 11 Red-br. Merganser - - 56 - - - - - - - - - - - Ruddy Duck 14 23 229 - cw - i - - - - 3 - 1 Wild Turkey 129 - 53 - 2 218 72 59 39 63 2 15 44 J9J; Northern Bobwhite 3 7 - - - 17 - - - - - - - - Common Loon - - 1 1 - - - - 1 - - i - - - Pacific Loon - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - Pied-billed Grebe 4 5 1 13 - 2 65 1 2 - - 43 5 1 1 Horned Grebe - 2 101 - cw - - - - - - - - - | D.-cr. Cormorant - - 132 - - - - - - - - - - - Am. White Pelican - - 223 - - - - - - - - - - - j Great Blue Heron 11 25 NJ Gm 2 7 7 ' 4 3 2 7 12 5 2 3 Blk-cr. Night-Heron Black Vulture - 4 - - 16 - 161 21 - 6 62 66 57 28 | 2010 _ TUI. KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 23 Green River Lake Shelbyville Frankfort Rleber WMA W arsaw Burlington Falmouth Danville Lexington Russell/Adair counties Wayne County Somerset Cumberland Falls London Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Ashland/Boyd County Total - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - 1001 - 7 - - - - - 2003 - 171 226 27 469 706 1 99 579 134 9 126 7 153 - - 80 7298 - - - - - 4 - - - - - - - - - - - 7 - 5 13 - 2 - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - 3 - 3 - - - - - - - - - - - 3 - - - 37 50 - - - 1 - - 8 31 10 21 28 - 12 - - - 620 12 - - - - 8 - - 10 - - 2 - - - - - 87 80 1 - - 4 13 14 - 1 1 4 52 - 2 - - - 447 515 206 16 - 45 224 4 126 232 18 63 286 30 210 2 36 6 10355 - 1 15 2 - - - - - - 23 - - 7 - - - - - 123 - - - - - - 10 - - - - - - - - - - 26 1 1 - - - - - - - 6 - 5 CVV - - - - - 256 - - - - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - 10 72 2 - - 3 - - - 81 - - - - - i - - 7 c\v 65 4 - - - - - 5421 - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - 100 10 - - - - - - - - 1 - 1 - - - - - 1321 1 1 - - - - - - - 22 3 12 - - - - - - 307 - - - - - - - - 5 - - - - - - - - 469 10 - - - - 4 - 5 517 19 25 34 4 17 - - - 1260 - 12 - c\v 3 - - - - - - 59 1 - - - - 1 1 - 60 c\v 4 4 - 2 - - - 345 - 17 20 44 - 21 12 47 23 34 52 122 9 48 5 - - 1189 - - - - - 6 - - - 1 - - - - - - - 34 6 - - - - - - - 1 6 - - 3 - - - - 29 - 1 51 - 1 - - - 1 - 30 4 8 8 3 17 - 3 1 375 51 51 9 - 2 - - - - 216 - - - - 16 - - - 1 - - - - - - - - 209 - 223 6 6 14 3 17 9 3 8 31 8 3 7 - 2 2 4 5 403 - - - - - - - - cvv - - - - - - - - 7 2 156 150 - 42 8 2 - 8 162 116 34 i i - - - 1 113 26 _ TIIK KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vo I, 86 2009-2010 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho 01 instead Paradise Bowing Green Upton Mammoth Cave Nat'l Park Hart County Glasgow Otter Creek Park Bernheim Forest = Turkey Vulture - 8 - 7 53 18 8 42 34 54 136 10 3 Bald Eagle 45 9 35 - - 2 - - 1 1 2 3 5 ; Northern Harrier - - - 4 2 14 4 5 - - - 1 2 ' Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 - - 1 - 1 1 i - 2 i 1 - - Cooper's Hawk 2 1 1 - 4 4 9 i 1 i 8 3 3 J Sh-sh. /Cooper's Hawk - Red-shouldered Hawk 10 3 7 - - 8 1 2 1 2 2 9 11 I Red-tailed Hawk 17 6 13 24 28 32 63 8 3 10 10 27 23 ( Rough-legged Hawk - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - -: Golden Eagle 2 - American Kestrel 10 2 8 44 44 7 39 19 1 32 14 22 18 2 Merlin - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - Peregrine Falcon - Virginia Rail - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - American Coot 75 3000 1432 - - 33 20 - - - 35 - - ( Sandhill Crane - - - 8 - - cw CW' - 4 2000 1350 - 22 Killdeer 126 80 52 32 14 25 201 97 - 1 21 27 90 c Wilson's Snipe 5 - - - 17 - 13 - - - 1 - 1 i American Woodcock 4 - 3 - Least Sandpiper - 10 13 Spotted Sandpiper - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - Dunlin - - 3 - - - - - - - - - - - Bonaparte's Gull - 21 2826 - - - - - - - 300 - - - Ring-billed Gull 30 306 527 - - 13 1 32 - - 1000 1 - - Herring Gull 5 53 52 - - 1 - - - 5 - - - Thayer's Gull - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - Rock Pigeon 10 41 97 356 25 30 949 30 - 64 2? 24 169 8 Eur. Collared-Dove 6 4 - 17 4 - 3! | - - 5 -j Mourning Dove 1 1 112 9 72 656 66 1360 94 18 350 67 21 1 232 13 Barn Owl - 1 - Eastern Screech-Owl 2 - - - - 5 - - - 1 - - 2 -j Great Horned Owl - - - 1 2 2 cw - - 1 CW - i 4 Barred Ou 1 9 3 2 - - - [ 2 — 2 1 1 - - Short-eared Owl - - - - - 5 - - | - - - - - Belted Kingfisher 3 3 12 - 3 5 3 | 2 - 2 3 5 3 i Red-lid. Woodpecker - 8 1 6 - 23 - - - J Red-bel. Woodpecker 32 28 | 26 | 21 44 1 24 | 28 | 8 ii 32 36 20 16 '1 2010 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 27 Green River Lake Shelbyville Frankfort Kleber WMA W arsaw Burlington Falmouth Danville Lexington Russell/Adair counties Wayne County Somerset Cumberland Falls London Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Ashland/Boyd County Total 13 80 162 - 19 5 - 6 33 89 76 31 - - - 1 5 955 6 - - - 1 2 1 - - 6 3 1 1 2 - - - 132 - 1 - - - - - 2 - - 2 - - - - 1 2 43 - 1 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 1 i - - 2 - - 3 22 3 cvv 1 2 2 2 2 5 5 4 3 6 2 5 - - - 99 - - - - - - - - i - - 1 - - - - - 3 1 - - - i - 3 - i 5 12 1 1 5 9 - - 6 127 12 26 7 6 6 16 6 31 21 7 24 36 3 10 - 3 13 536 - CVV 1 - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - 3 22 15 4 1 13 10 1 1 26 13 33 40 71 7 30 - 2 7 605 - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - 2 1 - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 1 6 - 1 44 2 - - - 1 - - 20 13 5 4 - 5 - - - 4820 - cw CVV - 6 - - CW - 1 14 161 35 - - - - - 3914 53 24 15 - - 8 1 1 12 7 63 87 21 10 4 - 16 3 1178 - CVV - - - - - - - - - 31 - - - - - 69 - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - 8 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 23 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 89 - - - 1 - - - - 200 47 12 - 3 - 1 - 3507 405 - cvv - 44 2 64 - 1 15 40 80 8 - - - - 3729 I - - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - 122 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 36 102 274 18 20 2 14 167 271 12 47 182 16 169 - 8 450 4774 - 14 - - - - - - - CVV 5 - - - - - - 86 141 356 75 47 108 67 1 12 551 702 130 408 322 101 485 - 2 281 7779 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 1 - - - 3 1 3 - 1 1 4 2 - 1 - - - 28 2 - - - - - - - 3 1 2 3 - - - - - 23 - - - - - 1 - - - 1 i 1 - - - - - 24 5 7 CVV 7 2 4 4 - 6 1 1 5 3 8 3 4 - i 1 130 - - - 2 - - 2 2 - - - - - - - - 44 15 12 31 4 13 36 17 31 40 27 30 66 15 32 1 3 3 757 28 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 86 2009-2010 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County1 Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Ol instead Paradise Bow ing Green Upton Mammoth Cave Nat'l Park Hart County Glasgow Otter Creek Park Bernheim Forest 1 EHxrlo^ow ilie_ I Yel.-bel. Sapsucker 7 5 9 2 2 - 3 2 3 5 6 2 4 Downy Woodpecker 28 26 36 13 16 23 18 15 7 15 7 16 18 2 Hairy Woodpecker 5 1 8 2 5 4 5 7 2 2 8 9 1 c : Northern Flicker 44 27 25 4 26 34 29 10 7 19 32 9 17 1 Pileated Woodpecker 3 5 12 1 4 5 2 4 8 2 9 9 7 Eastern Phoebe 4 9 7 - 5 cw 2 2 3 6 5 - 2 - Loggerhead Shrike - - - - 2 - i - - 1 - - - Blue Jay 20 31 22 30 1 16 1 16 72 14 28 55 53 88 49 3 American Crow 14 87 32 5 70 144 185 170 31 162 75 247 371 1( Horned Lark 156 9 - 366 685 4 335 32 - 100 135 18 66 5' Carolina Chickadee 52 29 68 14 19 72 19 20 14 53 47 71 118 3 Tufted Titmouse 41 35 74 6 51 41 63 22 22 56 40 117 115 6 Red-br. Nuthatch - - cw - - 12 - 1 - - 1 7 - White-br. Nuthatch 1 1 20 52 3 15 7 10 14 7 21 10 51 38 2 Brown Creeper 7 1 5 - - 5 4 3 1 2 9 2 8 Carolina Wren 58 33 91 17 42 52 44 13 22 47 44 40 59 5 House Wren 1 Winter Wren 9 2 1 - - 4 2 1 5 ' 1 1 ■ Marsh Wren - - - - - 1 - - - - - - Golden-cr. Kinglet 4 - 14 - 8 6 2 4 19 6 5 17 16 1 Ruby-cr. Kinglet 2 2 3 - CW 3 2 - 2 2 4 I 6 Eastern Bluebird 56 94 50 38 99 175 76 73 33 123 48 187 151 1 Hermit Thrush 5 4 32 - 4 8 3 1 5 4 12 3 4 • American Robin 98 61 33 121 475 52 121 CW 106 203 63 3 439 4 Gray Catbird - - - - - - 1 - - - - - No. Mockingbird 14 19 10 91 39 18 31 1 1 4 33 34 24 40 3 Brown Thrasher 3 7 1 - 1 3 3 - - 2 - 1 European Starling 4045 1586 479 4623 13945 850 3929 1411 37 870 1725 3223 972 IS American Pipit 91 2 - - 380 - 2 1 - - CW 2 1 2; Cedar Waxwing 3 12 36 - 12 - 9 - 9 - 14 - 3 Orange-cr. Warbler - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - Yel-rumped Warbler 2 1 5 1 23 90 19 - 27 2 51 19 26 Pine Warbler - 2 2 Palm Warbler - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - Common Yellowthroat i - - - - 1 - - - - - - - Eastern Towhee 32 33 30 2 16 32 45 7 10 12 4 23 16 Amer. Tree Sparrow 10 2 - - 1 - 19 1 5 1 15 1 1 2010_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ 29 Green River Lake Shelby v ille Frankfort Kleber WMA W arsaw Burlington Falmouth Danville Lexington Russell/Adair counties Wayne County Somerset Cumberland Falls London Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Ashland/Boyd County Total 1 1 1 - 2 1 2 2 8 2 8 2 - 1 - 5 2 94 14 11 27 10 6 38 1 1 63 57 22 32 50 10 27 2 6 7 724 5 1 8 4 3 7 i 1 1 5 7 2 7 3 5 CVV - - 141 16 5 3 1 1 13 12 5 20 13 29 33 72 9 34 - 4 4 604 16 i 8 2 1 1 1 - 9 4 15 28 15 5 2 - 5 3 209 3 - - i - - - - 1 5 10 12 5 2 2 3 - 91 - - - - - - - CVV - - - 1 - - - - - 5 27 29 56 8 41 33 79 65 118 62 103 194 22 85 - 23 1 1 1813 68 34 90 95 92 86 135 99 359 152 415 593 98 1383 16 158 131 5925 75 140 - - 12 43 - - - - 1 15 15 - - - 2 2734 44 25 80 13 45 67 21 138 99 61 65 123 52 62 9 22 32 1801 49 23 98 23 35 57 17 115 83 79 100 150 60 125 3 21 25 1936 6 - - - - - - - 2 - 3 1 1 2 CVV - - 41 15 4 25 5 10 25 5 31 18 30 61 69 15 47 3 1 1 14 731 2 1 9 - - 4 i 2 9 2 1 5 - - - - - 88 41 4 48 2 12 12 16 49 42 98 78 80 15 55 2 14 23 1282 2 - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 - - - i - - - 1 - 6 2 4 - 2 i - 2 49 - 1 6 17 6 2 1 9 2 9 8 10 7 24 7 1 1 6 15 4 256 1 2 - - - - - - 1 2 - 3 - - 1 - - 39 66 16 28 i 5 33 27 59 57 196 191 276 58 91 - 6 29 2482 1 1 - - - - 2 - - 1 3 9 11 5 5 - 1 2 137 28 102 42 77 59 148 60 180 727 23 20 269 100 70 - 3 20 5095 1 20 14 16 4 14 10 1 44 38 45 49 1 10 9 49 - 4 8 903 1 1 2 2 - 2 - - - 30 934 2094 1 149 12 351 1346 515 4000 10531 1384 2853 12936 129 3237 - 103 5090 94037 2 - - - 1 - - - - - 1 - - 50 - - - 554 - - - - 2 - - 29 107 37 9 14 - 25 - - - 321 1 18 - - 1 3 1 1 9 3 38 49 47 65 - 29 2 2 - 544 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - 5 2 1 - - - - - 4 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 10 4 5 - 12 31 1 1 10 9 15 12 54 1 35 - - 1 496 1 cvv - - 31 113 9 14 - - - - - - - 2 - 225 30_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ Vol, 80 2009-2010 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowing Green Upton Mammoth Cave Nat'l Park Flart County Glasgow Otter Creek Park Bernheim Forest r Chipping Sparrow 7 - 5 45 4 73 - - - - 22 - 8 Field Sparrow 84 6 25 1 40 - 36 35 32 72 58 88 42 Savannah Sparrow 13 1 16 - 31 47 6 - - - c\\ 33 4 Le Conte's Sparrow 2 - - - - - - - - - - - Fox Sparrow 20 2 8 - 2 17 10 1 3 3 - 5 6 Song Sparrow 133 30 90 6 52 208 167 30 66 210 50 148 147 Swamp Sparrow 103 - 8 - 1 88 30 - 6 14 1 13 27 White-thr. Sparrow 226 362 162 10 36 157 308 21 108 93 118 132 189 White-cr. Sparrow 12 16 1 - 46 54 7 3 - 16 8 33 19 Dark -eyed Junco 81 378 678 253 .2. 186 22 165 51 60 77 267 196 Lapland Longspur 150 4 - - 151 - 25 - - - 2 - - Northern Cardinal 107 130 151 56 143 173 146 116 43 97 97 103 223 Dickcissel - - - - - - - - - - - - - Red-winged Blackbird 1300 289 74 16 3250 590 23 2100 20 21 100 47 Eastern Meadowlark 92 31 1 20 127 43 86 85 - 97 43 13 21 Rusty Blackbird 2 - - - 14 CYV 10 - 100 - Brewer's Blackbird - - - - - - - 25 - - - - - q Common Grackle 7645 103 18 3462 7500 172 1035 100 - - - - 2 Brown-hd. Cowbird 523 - - 20 50 10 300 2 - - 1 100 c\v Purple Finch - 15 2 - 8 5 2 36 - 2 - 4 - Flouse Finch 15 48 10 1 43 c\v 47 16 - 171 14 39 19 Pine Siskin “ - - - - - - - - - - American Goldfinch 48 72 86 53 62 79 26 167 62 62 50 1 14 156 House Sparrow 32 3 | 46 293 90 13 185 3 78 16 154 147 Day of Count D21 J4 D19 .11 D30 .12 D2I D28 D20 D21 .13 D29 D26 Number of Species 89 80 88 46 65 83 77 61 43 64 77 68 69 Individuals 29378 8088 . 1 1 679 10291 28863 6795 10828 51.81 868 3460 7481 8055 4859 5 Observers 5 7 | 32 17 4 8 7 8 4 13 6 10 13 2010 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 3_l Green River Lake Shelbyville Frankfort Kleber WMA Warsaw Burlington Falmouth Danville Lexington Russell/Adair counties Wayne County Somerset Cumberland Falls London Natural Bridge Dewey Lake Ashland/Boyd County T otal - - 3 - - 1 - 18 1 8 12 27 32 34 - 5 - 309 56 14 9 - - 14 1 58 - 22 62 122 5 17 - 6 - 964 1 - 14 12 - - - - - 185 2 7 cvv - - - 3 2 1 - 3 4 22 - 1 - - - 122 80 44 44 55 46 37 16 90 43 106 85 268 70 134 4 22 40 2736 19 - 3 - - 15 - - - 4 5 12 2 7 - 2 - 380 101 20 34 7 54 89 19 167 156 120 29 310 26 1 15 3 6 39 3593 15 37 24 - 23 16 - 70 48 4 29 71 1 16 - - - 656 21 28 46 113 36 128 73 48 137 36 97 327 125 205 15 21 84 4469 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 334 96 53 1 1 1 62 77 124 47 321 361 160 1 1 1 516 61 304 5 44 55 4814 - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - 1 8 1 - 1 1 2 - - - - 20 194 1 - - - - 8069 19 25 - - 18 - 2 62 34 47 110 51 10 51 - - - 1132 13 CVV - - - - - - 3 - 1 1 - - - - - 144 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 25 134 5 - - 3 134 - - - CVV - 1070 - - - - - 21384 3 - - - - 125 - 600 13 3 - 132 - - - - cvv 1882 - - 7 - - 1 2 2 - - 3 3 1 21 - - - 118 1 14 45 - 4 13 3 74 262 89 104 172 20 20 - - 18 1363 - - 4 - - - - - 1 1 - - - 2 - - - 8 35 14 72 8 52 121 14 181 248 90 80 264 64 61 20 29 16 2658 15 21 69 3 23 4 1 1 181 73 46 80 79 - 114 - 3 49 2141 D23 D19 D19 J2 D19 J2 .11 D19 D19 D14 Di 7 .11 D19 J2 D19 D29 D26 76 54 47 35 59 64 53 54 73 77 83 83 52 67 20 41 42 134 3787 4008 3174 675 1930 4088 1412 7958 16437 4329 6393 20452 1267 7770 104 627 6578 243343 9 10 10 3 5 13 2 29 34 8 6 14 5 10 1 2 3 340 32 Vol. 86 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Wayne County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, junction of Highway 3106 & 1 275; 36.8972N. -84.82 1 5W). I labitat as described in 2004. Dec. 1 7; 7:20 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Sky clear to partly cloudy; temp. 23-50°F: wind variable. 0-5 m.p.h. Six observers in five parties. Total party-hours 41 (7.75 on foot, 3.25 by car). Total party-miles 336 (2.5 on foot. 333.5 by car). Total species 83; total individuals 6393. Observers: Terry Campbell. Roseanna Denton (compiler). Gay Hodges. Bret Kuss, Arlene Morton, and Stephen Stedman Somerset (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center junction of Bypass Hwy. 80 and Hwy. 39: 37.I0246N. -84.603792W). Habitat as described in 2000. Jan. 1: 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST. Sky cloudy in the a.m.. partly cloudy in p.m.; temp. 23-33°F; wind WNW. 0-12 m.p.h. Fourteen observers in six parties. Total party-hours 54.75 (8.75 by foot. 46.00 by car). Total party-miles 455 (6 on foot. 449 by car). Total species 83; total individuals 20.452. Observers: Jean Brickell, Rhonda Bryant. Granville Cox. Roseanna Denton (com¬ piler), Steve Denton, Gay Hodges, James Kiser, Scott Marsh. Tinda McClendon. Lynda Mills. Tom Mills, Kimberly Morgan. Arlene Morton, and Stephen Stedman. In addition, there were 1 3 feeder watchers. The Tundra Swan was a first for this count. Cumberland Falls (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center on upper Bark Camp Creek: 36.8900N. -84.261 1W). Habitat: mostly forested (about 70% upland oak and pine, mixed forest, and hemlock forest), about 20% in small rural home lots, small farm holdings, and minimal residential and urban areas. One moderately large reservoir (Laurel Lake) and about 17 miles of the Cumberland River/Lake Cumberland and its riparian forest. Dec. 19; 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. EST. Sky overcast: temp. 33-39°F; wind N 0-10 m.p.h. Two to four inches of snow, frequent drizzle, light rain or flurries. Five observers in three parties. Total party-hours 23.0 (6.5 on foot. 16.5 by car). Total party-miles 160 (4 by foot, 156 by car). Total species 52. total individuals 1.267. Observers: Sara Ash. Roseanna Denton. Steve Denton. Brel Kuss (compiler), and Renee Yetter. This was the first count for this area. London (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Route 3432 and U.S. 25: 37. 13546N, -84.09426W). Habitat: 50% pasture and hay fields. 45% forested. 1% culti¬ vated, 1% lakes, ponds and streams, 2% fence rows, residential yards, 1% roads. Jan. 2; 7:40 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. EST. Sky overcast a.m.. partly cloudy p.m.; temp. 14-24°F: wind 10 m.p.h. Ten observers in five parties. Total party-hours 47.75 (4.75 on foot, 43.00 by car). Total party-miles 474.00 (1.25 by foot. 472.75 by car). Total species 67, total individuals 7.770. Observers: Winona Allen, Granville Cox (compiler). Roseanna Denton, Steve Denton, Jacob Dixon, Gay Hodges. Bret Kuss. Marie Oakley. Randy Oakley, and Tucker Oakley. Natural Bridge State Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Whit- tleton Campground Booth; 37.7803N, -83.67424W). Habitat: mostly mixed mesophytic forest. Dec 19; 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST. Sky partly cloudy to sunny: temp. 28-32°F: wind SSW, 5-25 m.p.h. Snowfall of approximately four to six inches occurred from Friday into Saturday. 18-19 December. One observer in one party. Total party-hours 5.0 (4.5 on foot. 0.5 by car). Total party- miles 10 (3 on foot, 7 by car). Total species 20: total individuals 104. Observer: Brian Gasdorf (compiler). Birding was difficult due to all of the snow falling off branches. This made spotting movement of birds very difficult, and so much snow was dropping off the branches that the sound made hearing the bird calls difficult as well. It was cold and raining throughout most 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 33 of the region, which may have discouraged participants from attending. It did not rain at all at Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge, although it was very cold throughout the day. Dewey Luke (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Dewey Lake Dam; 37.73695N, -82.7290W). Habitat: lake, golf course, strip mine, open fields, old fields, and hardwoods. Dec. 29; 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST. Sky overcast early, sunny around noon; temp. 20-35°F; wind 0-5 m.p.h. Very cold morning, but little to no ice on the lake. There was little raptor activity due to cloudiness. Two observers in one party. Total party-hours 5.0 ( 1 .5 on foot, 3.5 by car). Total party- miles 35 ( 1 on foot, 34 by car). Total species 42; total individuals 628. Observers: Chris Evans and Troy Evans (compiler). Not included in either the species total or data table was an unidentified large owl seen at first daylight, surely either a Great Horned Owl or Barred Owl. Ashland/Hoyd County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 3722 Emitt Drive, Ashland, Ky.; 38.46478N, -82.69786W; and including portions of adjacent Law¬ rence County, Ohio, and Wayne County, West Virginia). Habitat: 60% forest, 20% sub¬ urban, 15% roadside and brush edges, 3% open land, and 2% open water and streams. Dec. 26; 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Sky mostly sunny; temp. 3I-42°F; wind mostly calm, variable 1-8 m.p.h. Water partly open. Two observers in one party plus one feeder-watcher. Total party-hours 10 (3 on foot, 7 by car). Three hours feeder-watching. Total party-miles 83 (9 on foot, 74 by car). Total species 42; total individuals 6578. Observers: Ron Canterbury (compiler), Steve Fraley, and Keith Peters. The Peregrine Falcon was seen on the Russell-lronton bridge over the Ohio River. Only one site in Wayne County. West Virginia, contributed to this year's totals. — Ogden College of Science and Engineering, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY, 42101 (blaine.ferrell@wku.edu). 34 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 20 1 0 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 35 NEWS AND VIEWS Mark Your Calendar for the 2010 Nightjar Survey The Center for Conservation Biology (CCB) developed the Nightjar Survey Network in 2007 to begin the process of learning more about the population distribution and pop¬ ulation trends of nightjars. Very little is known about nightjar biology and prior to this pro¬ gram there was no widespread monitoring strategy for nightjars. Conservation-minded citizens and biologists fuel the Nightjar Survey Network by volunteering to conduct survey routes. Participation is easy. Sur¬ veys are conducted along roads, at least 30 minutes after sunset, between moonrise and moonset and should take less than two hours to complete. Data forms can be submitted electronically or by mail. Those who partici¬ pate will need suitable transpor¬ tation. good hearing, commit¬ ment to conduct a yearly survey for three or more years, and the ability to recognize and differentiate calls of Kentucky nightjar species: Whip-poor-will ( Caprimulgus vociferus), Chuck-will’s-widow (C. carol- inensis ), and Common Nighthawk ( Chordeiles minor). The 2010 survey windows are May 20-June 4 and June 1 9— July 4. Please visit the CCB web-site for more information and to sign up for a survey route: www.ccb-wm.org/nightjars.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 with monetary awards of up to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, please visit the K.O.S. web site (http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm) or contact either Shawchyi Vorisek, Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov) or Dr. Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean’s Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY, 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 113 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.biologv.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm. Photo by Kate Heyden White Ibis, Taylor 28 August 2009 John McDermond White-faced Ibis, Henderson 12 October 2009 Eddie Huber California Gull (w / Ring-billed Gulls and Herring (I Barren River Lake State Resort Park 22 October 2009 David Roemer Red Phalarope. Jefferson 2 October 2009 Eddie Huber Say’s Phoebe, Union 1 1 October 2009 Brainard Painter-Ball. Jr n The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 86 _ MAY 2010 _ NO. 2 D IN THIS ISSUE IN MEMORIAM: KENNETH C. LEGGETT . 39 WINTER 2009-2010 SEASON, Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., and Lee McNeely . 39 KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING 2010 MEETING, John Brunjes, Recording Secretary . 48 NEWS AND VIEWS . 51 38 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Scott Marsh. Lexington Vice-President . Carol Besse, Louisville Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY 40222-3913 Treasurer . Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY 41005 Recording Secretary . John Brunjes, Frankfort Councillors: Kathy Cohen. Murray . 2008-2010 Lana Hays, Walton . 2008-2010 Don Martin, Independence . 2009-201 1 Shawchyi Vorisek. Frankfort . 2009-201 1 Mark Bennett. Russell viUe-^r, . . 2010-2012 Mary Yandell, Louisville . . 2010-2012 Retiring President . . j. . j . Win Ahrens, Prospect .Ray Harm. Sonoita. AZ Staff Artist. i 4 20HT 1 _ _ ITHACA, NY 14353 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. Current membership categories and corresponding dues follow: Regular ($15.00); Contributing ($25.00); Student ($10.00); Family ($20.00); and Life ($300.00). Direct manuscripts and communications to the editor. Send membership dues to the Treasurer. Make requests for back issues to the Corresponding Secretary. Editor . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. c/o Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov) Editorial Advisory Board Stephen Stedman and Ben Yandell Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee. . Ben Yandell 513 Lymington Court. Louisville, KY 40243 THE COVER We thank Jackie Elmore for the image of the Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) taken 17 December 2009 at Elizabethtown, Hardin County (see Winter 2009-2010 Season, p. 45). Financial support for color reproduction in this issue ^ provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Touchstone jjjAjy Energy Cooperatives. Hrjnrlfi Ti*>Jin.r-<- tnrrff 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 39 IN MEMORIAM: KENNETH C. LEGGETT Long-time K.O.S. member, Kenneth C. Leggett, passed away 28 March 2010 at Eddyville, Kentucky. Ken was a native of McLemoresville, Tennessee. His family lived in several west Tennessee and Kentucky towns as he was growing up, and he graduated from UT-Martin in 1964. His careers as an accountant, professional photographer, and pilot resulted in periods of residence in Louisville, Memphis and Dyersburg, Tennessee, and Piconning, Michigan. Most recently he and his wife since 1975, Betty, had moved to Eddyville in 2007. Ken became an avid birder during the 1960s, and wherever work took him he studied the local birds with great interest. He participated in many local bird surveys and counts, and he published two articles on the birds of Murphy’s Pond in Hickman County in The Kentucky Warbler in 1968. The membership of the Kentucky Ornithological Society extends its deepest sympathies to Ken’s family. He will be greatly missed by his friends in the birding community. WINTER 2009-2010 SEASON Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely The winter of 2009-2010 was characterized by slightly below normal temperature and below normal precipitation. Temperature was near normal to slightly below normal statewide during December and January, but colder than normal during February. Despite the low overall average, no major recording stations went below 0°F with the following low temperatures during the period recorded: Louisville, 7°F on 3 January; Jackson, 6°F on 3 & 8 January; Paducah, 1°F on 10 January; and Bowling Green and Lexington, 4°F and 2°F, respectively, on 31 January. Precipitation was variable during December with the driest conditions across central Kentucky but normal precipitation in the west and above normal precipitation in the east. During January and February western and southern Kentucky experienced well below normal precipitation with northern and eastern portions only slightly below normal. Little snowfall occurred during the period, although eastern Kentucky received up to 12 inches [30.5 cm] 18-19 December, much of the southern half of state received up to 8 inches [20.3 cm] 29-30 January, and most of the state received significant snowfall 9-10 February with up to 6 inches [15.2 cm] across northern Kentucky. Rarity highlights included a possible Barrow’s Goldeneye, Pacific Loon, Little Gull, California Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, two Rufous Hummingbirds, and Harris’s Sparrow. Also reported were lingering White-eyed Vireo, Dickcissel, and Summer Tanager. Most natural and ornamental food crops were scarce, resulting in low numbers of berry, cone seed, and mast eaters. Numbers of irruptive boreal species were notably low, Purple Finches being present in only modest numbers and Pine Siskins nearly absent. Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these reports have been accepted for inclusion in the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Reports of out-of-season birds and rarities should be accompanied by written and/or photographic documentation. This documentation is reviewed by 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; ad. = adult; imm. = immature; juv. = juvenile; CBC = Christmas Bird Count. Place names: Ballard WMA. 40 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 Ballard ; Barkley Dam. Lyon/Livingston; Barren = Barren River Lake, Alien/ Barren', Bernheim Forest, Bu/litl/Nelson', Blood River = Blood River embayment, Ky Lake, Calloway, Cave Run = Cave Run Lake, Bath/Rowan; Gibraltar = former Gibraltar Mine, Muhlenberg', Griffin Park. Warren; Honker Bay. Lake Barkley, Lyon; Honker Lake. LBL, Lyon/Trigg; Horseshoe Road = slough along Horseshoe Road, w. Henderson; Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Ky Lake, Marshall; Ken Unit = Ken Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio; Ky Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall; Ky Lake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall (unless otherwise noted); Lake Barkley. Livingston! Lyon! Trigg; Lake No. 9. w. Fulton; LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Trigg (unless otherwise noted); Long Point = Long Point Unit, Reelfoot NWR, Fulton; Lower Hickman Bottoms, w. Fulton; Meldahl Dam, on the Ohio River, Bracken; Mt. Zion, Pulaski; NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; Reformatory Lake, near Buckner, Oldham; Riverqueen = Riverqueen Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg; Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson; Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg; Smithland Dam, on the Ohio River, Livingston; Spindletop = University of Kentucky Spindletop Agricultural Research Farm, Fayette; SRP = State Resort Park; WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose - the species was not as numerous as during recent winters; peak counts at traditional winter¬ ing areas included a few thousand at Long Point 10 December (DR) with ca. 1500 there 18 January (HC, ME); ca. 1000 at Ballard WMA 21/22 December (BP, et al. /PH); and ca. 2000 at Sauerheber sev¬ eral times during the season (CC). Other reports of interest included 5 at the Re¬ formatory Lake 2/4 January (MY/EH) and 15 January (JBe, PB); 4 on Barren 8 January (DR); 1 at Lake Reba, Madison, 15 January (AN); 2 at Griffin Park 19 January (DR); 1 at the Paradise Power Plant, Muhlenberg, 23 January (BP, KF1); 2 at Petros Pond, Warren, 2 February (DR); 1 s. of Fishervi 1 le, Jefferson , 31 January- 1 4 February (EH et al.); and 500 at Lake No. 9 on 25 February (SSo). Ross's Goose there were relatively few reports during the season, all being in¬ cluded: at least 2 at Long Point on several occasions early December-mid-January (m.ob.) with peak counts of ca. 20 there 1 I December (DR) and 6 there 18 January (HC, ME); 1 at the Reformatory Lake 24 December (EH); at least 1 at Sauerheber 18 January (BP, EH, CC) & 25 February (BP, EH); 1 at Lake Peewee, Hopkins, 18 January (EFI, BP); and 1 at Griffin Park 28 January (TD). Snow Goose - unusually low numbers in far w. Kentucky this winter, with the follow¬ ing very modest peak counts: ca. 5000 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms I I Decem¬ ber (DR); ca. 5000 at Sauerheber 18 Jan¬ uary (BP, EH, CC); and ca. 10,000 at Sauerheber 7 February (EH, BY, MY). Cackling Goose - there were several re¬ ports, all being included: 23 at Long Point 10 December (DR); 3 in Larue 2 January (DR); I on Barren 10 January (DR); 2 at the State Game Farm, Franklin, 1 1 Janu¬ ary (BLi); small numbers at the Reform¬ atory' Lake 3 January (MSt)-mid-February with a peak count of at least 10 there dur¬ ing the first week of February (BP); 5 at Lake Reba, Madison, 15 January (AN); 2 at Griffin Park 19 January (DR); and 3 at Spindletop 14 February (DS). Mute Swan - there was an average number of reports, all being included: 2 on the Reformatory Lake through the season (m. Cackling Geese (5), Madison 15 January 2010 Andy Newman 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 41 ob.); up to 6 at Lake Nevin, Bernheim Forest, Bullitt , mid-December-mid-Feb- ruary (KV et ai.); 5 on the Shelby ville, Shelby, CBC 19 December (fide HB); 2 near Crestwood, Oldham, 20 December (WA, FM); I at Cedar Creek Lake, Lin¬ coln, 1 January (AN); 6 at Goose Lake, Sinclair, 14 January (EWs); and 3 at Long Run Park, e. Jefferson, 14 February (BW). Tundra Swan - tallies of 62 at Sauerheber 2 January (TY); 37 at Sauerheber and 43 at Horseshoe Road 23 February (TY); and 54 at Horseshoe Road 27 February (CC) represented the season's peak counts; 25 were still at Horseshoe Road 15 February (BP, EH); the only other reports were of 1 on a lake at Twin Lakes subdivision, Somerset, Pulaski, 1 January (ph. JKr, GC, L&TM); 1 on a gravel pit lake at Petersburg, Boone, 16 January (LM); and 2 at Lake Reba, Madison, 31 January (AN). Northern Pintail x Mallard - a male was seen at Sauerheber 18 January (BP, EH, CC). Blue-winged Teal - a female plumaged bird on Barren 4 January (DR, LC) represented an unusual report for early winter; 4 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 27 February (HC) were the earliest returning birds to be reported. Green-winged Teal - at least 200 at Honker Lake I February (DR) with at least 150 still there 26 February (BP, EH), and ca. 175 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 27 February (HC, ME) represented the sea¬ son’s peak counts. Northern Shoveler - up to ca. 50 were on the Reformatory Lake during mid-January (MA et al.). Northern Pintail - peak counts of interest included 50-75 at Horseshoe Road and 85 at Sauerheber 25 February (BP, EH); and an extraordinary tally of ca. 13,000 at Lake No. 9 on 25 February (SSo) with ca. 1700 still there 27 February (HC). American Wigeon - peak counts for the season included ca. 300 at Sauerheber 14 January (CC) with at least 590 counted there 18 January (BP, EH, CC) and ca. 500 there 23 February (TY); and ca. 300 at Lake No. 9 on 25 February (SSo). Gadwall - 400 on Cave Run 1 December (JBr); 150-200 on the Reformatory Lake 3 January (BP); at least 200 on Honker Lake 27 January (BP, EH); and ca. 500 at Sauerheber 23 February (TY) represented the season’s peak counts. Canvasback - peak counts of interest in¬ cluded ca. 550 above Smithland Dam 5 January (DR); at least 500 on Lake Bark¬ ley, Lyon, 19 January (BP, EH) with at least 1000 there 23 January (BY, MY, EH); and 61 on the Ohio River above Uniontown Dam, Union, 26 February (CC). Ring-necked Duck - peak counts of interest included ca. 4435 at Ballard WMA and ca. 3200 at Swan Lake WMA, both 22 December (PH), and ca. 800 at Gibraltar 2 January (BP). Greater Scaup - reports of interest included ca. 30 on Barren 8 December (DR); ca. 50 at Jonathan Creek 20 December (BP, EH); and 38 on the Ohio River at Louisville 23 February (BP). Lesser Scaup - ca. half of several thousand divers on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 19 January (BP, EH) represented a modest peak count for the season. Bufflehead - peak counts of interest in¬ cluded ca. 50 on the Ohio River at Louis¬ ville 10 December (EH); at least a few hundred on Ky Lake 13 December (BP, EH, MM); and a flock of more than 250 on the Ohio River just upstream from Concord, Lewis, 27 January (JBr) that matched the state high count for a single flock. Barrow's Goldeneye - a female was re¬ ported on Ky Lake above Kentucky Dam 1 1 December (fDR). KBRC review re¬ quired. Common Goldeneye - at least 1000 on Ky Lake 13 December (BP, EH, MM); “thou¬ sands” on Ky Lake 15 January (DR); and ca. half of several thousand divers on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 19 January (BP, EH) represented the season’s peak counts. 42 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 86 Black Scoter - there were only three re¬ ports: 2 on Lake Cumberland at the SRP, Russell , 11 December (RD); 1 above Smithland Dam 17 December/5 January (DR); and 2 on Ky Lake 17 December (DR). White-winged Scoter - 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville 27 February (TB, BBC) into early March (nt. ob.) was the only one reported. Surf Scoter - there were only two reports: a pair above Smithland Dam 1 7 December (DR); and 2 above Meldahl Dam 14 Feb¬ ruary (JF, ph. SSa). Long-tailed Duck - there were several reports, all being included: an ad. male on Ky Lake above the dam, 11-18 December (DR, EH, MM, BP); 2 on the Ohio River at the mouth of Big Sugar Creek, Galla¬ tin, 4 January (ph. EH); 1 on Lake Bark¬ ley above the dam 16 January (DR) and 26 February (EH, BP); a female on Free¬ man Lake, Hardin , 21 January (RH et ah); and a female on Willow Bay, Lake Bark¬ ley, Lyon, 26 January (BP, EH). Hooded Merganser - at least 75 at the Lou¬ isville Water Company’s Payne Plant near Prospect, Jefferson, 5 December (BJ, BBC); ca. 400 on Barren 8 January (DR) and ca. 150 at Lexington 9/31 January (JP) represented the season’s peak counts. Common Merganser - as is the norm, a flock was present on Honker Bay/Honker Lake during the season with up to 38 counted there 17 January (BY, MY); other reports of interest included 2 on Barren 20 January (DR) and 1 at the Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan, 28 February (MW). Red-breasted Merganser peak counts included at least 150 on Lake Barkley, Lyon/Trigg, 27 January (BP, EH); 87 on Denuimbers Bay, Lake Barkley, Lyon , 7 February (EH, BY, MY); 125-150 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, with another 75+ on and near 1 lonker Bay, both 26 February (BP, EH); and at least 300 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 27 February (BY, MY). Ruddy Duck ca. 250 on Lake Barkley near the Silo Overlook, Lyon/Trigg, 27 January (BP, EH) represented the season’s peak count. Pacific Loon - 1 was on Ky Lake at the mouth of Little Bear Creek, Marshall , lb- 19 December (vt. DR, HC, ph. EH, et ah). KBRC review required. Common Loon - 40-45 on Ky Lake 13 December (BP, EH, MM) represented a very modest peak count for the season. Horned Grebe - at least 750 birds on Ky Lake 13 December (BP, EH, MM) repre¬ sented the season's peak count. American W hite Pelican - 223 were tallied on the LBL CBC 19 December {fide AY); 10 flying n. over Smithland, Livingston, 19 January (EH, HC, BP) were relatively unusual for mid-winter. Great Egret - 1 at Honker Lake 10 Decem¬ ber (DR) was quite tardy. Black-crowned Night-Heron - as is nor¬ mal, a few birds were observed in the Louisville area during the season includ¬ ing up to 5 off Champion's Trace, Bue- chel, during mid-December (MA) and up to 5 at St. Matthews (BW). Bald Eagle - 38 were counted at the roost at Ballard WMA 21 December (BP, EH). Red-tailed Hawk - both an intermediate morph and a dark morph B j. harlani were present along Clear Creek, Hopkins, I 1 January (BP) where they were initially seen during the winter 2005-2006. Rough-legged Hawk - there were very few reports during the season, all being in¬ cluded: 1 in w. Fulton 5 December (HC, 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 43 ME); I at Shaker Village, Mercer , 15 December (BP, BLe); 1 s. of Shultztown, s. Ohio, 16 December (KH, BP); 1 in Shelby during mid-December {fide HB); 1 at Sinclair 3 January (MB); and I at the Louisville landfill 17-19 February (RA et al.). Golden Eagle - there were several reports, all being included: up to 3 were at the traditional wintering area at Bernheim Forest during the season (KV et al.); 1 on a surface mine along Ivy Creek Floyd i Pike during December (CL, ph. NH, fide SF); a juv. at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski , 1 January (RD, SD); 1 along KY 137, Livingston , 5 January (DR); 1 at Smithland Dam 9 January (DR); a juv. over LBL, Lyon , 23 January (BY, MY, EH); a juv. near Pumpkin Knob, Begley WMA, Bell , 12 February (CL); and a juv. at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski , 24 February (RD). American Kestrel - a bird that was found trapped inside a barn ca. 2 mi. ssw. of Bloomfield, Nelson , 11 January (PA fide KH) had been banded in Michigan 1 April 2007 (Ml fide KH); it was released un¬ harmed. Peregrine Falcon - birds again wintered this season in the vicinities of the US 68/ KY 80 bridges over Lake Barkley, Trigg (m. ob.) and Ky Lake (BLi); 2 were seen at the former location 26 January (DR); another was seen off and on at Ky Dam 19 January^ February (HC, EH, BP); and 1 was at Meldahl Dam 1 January (LM). Merlin - there were nine reports: 1 in s. Warren 21 December (DR, DB); 1 ne. of Concord, Pendleton , 1 January (LM); 1 at Buck Creek Nature Preserve, Pulaski , 3 January (RD, SD); 1 at the WKU Farm, Warren, 21 January (DR); I at the Ken Unit 23 January (KH, BP); 1 along Chamberlain Lane, Jefferson, 6 February (MA); 1 n. of Fragrant, e. Grayson 21 . February (BP, EH); 1 at Cox’s Park, Louisville, 28 February (EH); and 1 near Alton, Anderson, 28 February (KH). Virginia Rail - 1 was heard near Drakes- boro, Muhlenberg, 2 January (BP) & 23 January (BP, KH). Sandhill Crane - southbound flocks contin¬ ued through late December and included the following reports of interest: 98 over Suwanee, Lyon, 13 December (MM, EH, BP); ca. 1000 over Bridgeport, Franklin, 10 December (JBr) with 600 nearby n. of Alton, Anderson, 1 I December (TSI, GS, ph. JBr); ca. 500 over the Woodford/ Franklin line 11 December (IH); several Hocks over Walton, Boone, 17 December (LH); 2000+ in a number of flocks over w. Meade 29 December (BP, BW, et al.); and 3 still going south e. of Shelbyville, Shelby, 9 January (KH). In addition, new record high counts for the state were tallied at Barren and in w. Hardin as high¬ lighted in the following summaries. In areas surrounding Barren the following tallies were reported: ca. 500 on 3 Decem¬ ber (DR, WT); at least 5000 on 29 December (DR); ca. 12,000 on 21 January (WT); at least 15,000 on 14 February (DR, TD); peak of 18,000-20,000 on 15 February (DR), back to 5000 on 19 Feb¬ ruary (WT et al.) and only 500 on 20 February (WT et al.). Near Cecilia, w. Hardin, only 16 birds were present 18 December (BP, EH), but at least 105 were counted there 21 January (BP) and num¬ bers quickly rose to ca. 3500 by 26 Jan¬ uary (BP, KH) with peak counts of 6000 there 29 January (EHa), 6725 there 9 February (EHa), and 7100 there 1 March (EHa). Greater Yellowlegs - 2 at Sauerheber 1 December (CC); 4 near Open Pond, Ful¬ ton, 5 December (HC, ME); and 5 near Sassafras Ridge, Fulton, 10 December (DR) were tardy. One near Open Pond, Fulton, 18 January (HC, ME) was quite unusual for mid-winter. Lesser Yellowlegs - 1 along Mt. Vernon- Uniontown Road, Union, 26 February (CC) was the earliest to be reported. One to a few yellowlegs sp. were at Sauer¬ heber 4 January (CC) with 1 lingering to 14 January (CC). Spotted Sandpiper - I was seen on the beach at Green Turtle Bay, Lake Barkley, Lyon , 19 December (ph. BLi, PL); per¬ haps the same bird was seen on a gravel 44 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 bar on Lake Barkley near Boyd's Landing, Lyon, 25 January (BP, EH). Least Sandpiper - 1 1 spent most of the winter at Blood River (HC et al.); also reported were 1 at Sauerheber 1 8 January (BP, EH, CC) and 2 on Cravens Bay, Lake Barkley, Lyon , 4 February (DR). Dunlin - 5 were still at Barren 3 December (DR); 18 were still at Sauerheber 1 De¬ cember (CC) with 14 birds there 21 De¬ cember (CC), and a few lingered there into January with 2 still there 18 January (BP, EH, CC). American Woodcock - I at Grayson Lake WMA, Elliott, 1 January (SF) was un¬ usual for mid-winter in e. Kentucky; the initial push of returning birds occurred in Madison 22 February (AN) and Pulaski 23 February (CN). Bonaparte's Gull - peak counts of interest included 1000-1500 (1 in alternate plum¬ age) at Jonathan Creek 20 December (BP, EH) and at least 1000 at Barren 27 De¬ cember/1 January (DR). Little Gull - an ad. was present on Honker Bay 23-24 January (ph. BY, MY, EH, AH, et al.). KBRC review required. Ring-billed Gull - ca. 30,000 on Ky Lake 15 January (DR); ca. 3000 at Barren 30 January (DR); and “thousands” at Cave Run 14 February (DPk) represented the season’s peak counts. Lesser Black-backed Gull - at least 3 birds (ad., second-year, third-year) were pres¬ ent off and on during the period in the vicinities of both Barkley Dam and Ky Dam (m. ob.). Herring Gull peak counts included sev¬ eral hundred birds in the vicinity of Ky Dam 1 1 January (BP) with at least 250 there 19 January (BP, EH, HC); and ca. 200 on Lake Barkley from the dam to Boyd's Landing, Lyon, 26 February (BP, EH). Thayer's Gull at least 2 ads., a second- year bird, and a first-year bird were present during the period in the vicinities of both Barkley Dam and Ky Dam (m. ob.). California Gull - an ad. was present at Ky Dam 19/23 January (ph. BP, ph. EH, HC/ EH, BY, MY) with presumably the same bird on Lake Barkley at Green Turtle Bay, Lyon, 26 January (BP, EH) and again below Ky Dam 26 February (ph. EH, BP). KBRC review- required. Great Black-backed Gull - there were at least two reports; a first-year bird at Smithland Dam 14 January (fTD) with another or the same on Ky Lake above the dam 26 February (fBP, EH, HC); and a third-year bird at Ky Dam 1-4 February (vt. DR). KBRC review required Great Black-backed Gull, Livingston 1 February 2010 David Roemer Forster's Tern - 1 on Ky Lake above the dam 13 December (BP, EH, MM) was the only one reported away from Blood River, where up to 26 were seen during Decem¬ ber (HC). Eurasian Collared-Dove - 2 w. of Pleas- ureville, ne. Shelby 12 January (BP) were a local first. Mourning Dove - 1200-1500 in several fields w. of Pleasureville, ne. Shelby, 12 January (BP) represented an impressive congregation. Barn Owl - there were three reports: I in e. Calloway > 4 January (HC); 1 outside of New Castle, Henry, 12 January (BP); and a four-week old chick (one of 2; the other found dead) that was rescued after falling from a nest along Carrick Pike e. of Georgetown, Scott, on the remarkable date of 4 January (MFi, L&EH fide EWr). 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 45 Short-eared Owl - the species was rela¬ tively scarce this winter with up to 3 at Sinclair during the season (m. ob.); 1 at the Ken Unit 2 January (MSt, EH); 2 at Gibraltar 2 January (BP); and 3 along Clear Creek, Hopkins, 25 February (BP, EH) with at least 1 there 26 February (AM) representing the only reports. Long-eared Owl - 2 at Riverqueen late December-mid-February (m. ob.) were the only ones reported. Northern Saw-whet Owl - I at Central Ky WMA, Madison , 22 February (AN) was the only one reported. Rufous Hummingbird - there were two reports: an ad. male at Elizabethtown, Hardin, early December-4 January (CG, BP) that had previously been banded in Louisiana in February 2008 (DPn); and an imm. female (banded) ene. of Dycusburg, Crittenden, 13 December (D&RT, MM, BP, EH) that likely had been present since late October and that lingered to 5 January (D&RT). Common Nighthawk - 1 over the Louis¬ ville landfill 1 December (ph. RA) rep¬ resented a new late departure date for the state. r Common Nighthawk, Jefferson 1 December 2009 Ryan Ankeny Red-headed Woodpecker - the species was very scarce during the winter with only 1— 23 reported on seven CBCs; it was missed on the Ballard count where it is typically quite plentiful, and the only above aver¬ age CBC total was 23 on the Hart count 21 December (SK etal.). White-eyed Vireo - I at the Kendell Rec¬ reation Area below Wolf Ceek Dam, Russell, 11 December (RD) represented only a fourth December record for the state. Common Raven - 1 on the Czar Coal property, Martin, 23 December (SF), was the only one reported. Tree Swallow - 2 at a nesting box near Mark, Pulaski, 21 February (CN) were quite early. Horned Lark - ca. 1000 along Uniontown- Mt. Vernon Road, n. Union, 2 January (DC); 500-750 w. of Pleasureville, n. Shelby, 12 January (BP); and at least 1000 in Barren 14 February (DR) represented the season’s peak counts. Red-breasted Nuthatch - the species was relatively scarce during the winter season with only 1-12 found on 12 CBCs. Peak count was at least 12 in one pine thicket in se. Muhlenberg! January (BP). House Wren - there were five reports: I heard at the Vogue Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg, 16 December (BP); I near the mouth of Craig’s Creek, Gallatin, 19 December (TSt); 1 n. of Woodville, w. McCracken, 21 December (BP, EH); 2 birds were found about a mile apart at the Green River WMA, Adair, 23 December (BP, EH, SV, DPe); and 1 below Barkley Dam, Lyon, 16 January (BLi). Sedge Wren - the only report was of I heard calling at the Ken Unit 16 Decem¬ ber (BP). Marsh Wren - the only reports were of birds heard calling at Gibraltar 2 January (BP) and near Drakesboro 23 January/12 February (BP et al.). Eastern Bluebird - the cold snap of late January and February may have combined with scarce food supplies to result in quite a bit of mortality of wintering birds, espe¬ cially in the northern portion of the state. Analysis of breeding bird surveys will be required to determine how extensive the losses may have been. Gray Catbird - 1 was seen at the WKU Farm, Warren, 21 December (DR, DB); a 46 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 bird frequenting a suet feeder along Figg Lane, Jessamine , 6 Februarv-late March (DW, ph. AW) represented one of only a few mid-winter reports ever to be well- documented. American Pipit - not especially widespread this winter with only 1-91 reported on 1 1 CBCs other than the tally of 380 in several flocks on the Olmstead count in Logan/Todd 30 December [fide MB). Cedar Waxwing - relatively scarce natural and ornamental food supplies limited the number of wintering waxwings this year, with 2-107 on only 15 CBCs representing a well below average showing. A few flocks appeared during late winter in¬ cluding ca. 1000 at Glasgow, Barren , 26 February (LC). Orange-crow ned Warbler - there were two reports: I in s. Logan, 30 December (tMB); and 1 coming to a suet feeder in a yard off Cane Run Road, Jefferson, 31 January (tMA). Pine Warbler - the species was relatively scarce this winter with only 1-2 found on three CBCs. Singles in Barren 10 Febru¬ ary (DR, TD); at Mt. Zion 24/25 February (RD); at Burnside, Pulaski, 26 February' (LO); and near Ky Dam Village SRP, Marshall, 27 February (BY, MY) were the earliest returning birds to be reported. Palm Warbler - the species was not nu¬ merous this winter, with only 1-2 found on three CBCs, and only a few other reports including 1 at Smithland Dam 5 January (DR) and 1 at McElroy Lake, Warren, 8 January (DR). Common Yellowthroat - there were two reports: 1 at Ballard WMA 21 December ( t HC, BLi) and the distinctive chip note of 1 heard at Gibraltar 2 January (tBP). American Tree Sparrow - the species peaked during mid-February, when snow brought birds to many areas for the first time during the season; peak counts in¬ cluded a flock of 32 at the East Bend Power Plant, Boone, 2 January (LM); 65 along Chamberlain Lane, Jefferson, 6 February (MA); at least 55 at a feeding station at Surrey Hills Farm, Jefferson, 14-15 February (BP); and 30-50 at a feeding station w. of Bridgeport, Franklin, 15 February (JBr). Chipping Sparrow - as is now the norm, the species was well represented on CBCs with 1-45 reported on 13 counts. Later during the winter, 1-30 were reported at scattered locales, mostly in the w. half of the state (m. ob.). Savannah Sparrow - “hundreds” were forced to roadsides by snow cover in Liv¬ ingston 1 February (DR) and in Barren 10 February (DR, TD). Vesper Sparrow - quite unusual for mid¬ winter was a group of 4 at Smithland Dam 9 January (ph. DR) with 1 still there 1 February (ph. DR). * ¥ Vesper Sparrow, Livingston 1 February 20 1 0 David Roemer Le Conte's Sparrow - there were three reports: 1 at Clarks River NWR, Mar¬ shall, 20 December (BP, EH); 2 at Ballard WMA 21 December (BP. EH, HC, BLi); and 1 at Sinclair 24 January (DR). Harris's Sparrow - an imm. was present in a yard outside Crestwood, Oldham, 3-30 January' (ph. JC, et al.). KBRC review re¬ quired. Lincoln’s Sparrow - quite unusual for win¬ ter was 1 at a feeding station at St. Mat¬ thews, Jefferson, 9 January (ph. MFa). Lapland Longspur - 2 151 were reported on six w. Kentucky CBCs; peak counts included ca. 300 in the vicinity of Open Pond, Fulton, 1 1 December (DR); and ca. 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 47 1000 along Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road, n. Union , 2 January (DC) with at least 100 still there 4 January (CC). Small numbers arrived with snowy weather of early Jan¬ uary, e.g. ca. 25 at Surrey Hills Farm, Jef¬ ferson, 10 January (BP); 50-75 along Chamberlain Lane, Jefferson, 10 January (JBe, PB, BY, MY); 50-60 w. of Pleas- ureville, ne. Shelby, 12 January (BP), and 25+ at Spindletop 13 January (BP). Ano¬ ther influx occurred during the snowy period of mid-February (m. ob.) with later peak counts of 40 at Spindletop 8 Feb¬ ruary (JS) and 80-100 in Barren 13 Feb¬ ruary (DR). Snow Bunting - there were only three re¬ ports this winter: at least 8 with Horned Larks at the State Game Farm, Franklin, 26 January (JBr); 30^40 in a mixed- species flock in bottomland fields be¬ tween Carrs and Rome Station, Lewis, 27 January (JBr); and a single female off Chamberlain Lane, Jefferson, 12-13 Feb¬ ruary (JBe, PB, et al.). Summer Tanager - a female coming to a suet feeder in a yard at Frankfort, Frank¬ lin, 19 December-4 January (ph. MSc) represented a first winter record for the state. Indigo Bunting - a probable male was pres¬ ent at Anchorage, Jefferson, 1 January-9 February (fJBe, PB, et ah); a probable fe¬ male was present at a feeding station nw. of Cadiz, Trigg, 28 January-early March (WG, ph. JG). Dickcissel - quite unusual for winter was 1 at the Kendell Recreation Area below Wolf Creek Dam, Russell, 14 December (fRD). Western Meadowlark - there were only two reports: 2 in the Lower Hickman Bot¬ toms (where the species is no longer rela¬ tively easily encountered) 10 December (DR); and 1 near Beckton, Barren, 22 January (vt. DR, WT) that was a county ■ first. Rusty Blackbird - reports of interest in¬ cluded at least 13 e. of Coburg, Adair, 23 December (BP, EH, SV, DPe); ca. 100 near Ekron, Meade , 29 December (JBe, PB); at least 120 n. of Fragrant, e. Gray¬ son, 1 January (BP); up to ca. 50 at Clea- ton, Muhlenberg, during late January (KH et ah); ca. 50 in e. Trigg, 10 January (BLi); ca. 70 at a mixed-species roost at Douglass Hills, Jefferson , 6 February (MM); and ca. 200 in Barren 13 February (DR). Brewer's Blackbird - there were several reports, all being included: 2 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 11 December (DR); 3 in LBL, Trigg, 4 January (BLi); and at least 4 s. of Anton, Hopkins, 25 February (BP, EH) with at least 7 there 28 February (EH, BY, MY). In addition, ca. 25 were found along Royal-Oak Grove Road e. of Fragrant, e. Grayson 28 December (SK et ah); a flock wintered at this locale with an impressive peak count of 80-100 birds there and another flock of 20 seen a few miles away, both 10 January (JK, SK); 5 were still at the main locale 21 February (BP, EH). Baltimore Oriole - an ad. male was re¬ ported in a yard at Lyndon, Jefferson, 19 December (|PM). Purple Finch - the species was reported in below-average numbers this winter with only 1-36 reported on 17 CBCs; 34 at a feeding station w. of Bridgeport, Franklin, 8 February (JBr) represented the season’s peak count. Pine Siskin - the species was extremely scarce this winter with only 1^1 reported on four CBCs. Two near Bridgeport, Franklin, 1 1 December (JBr) and 1 at Mt. Zion 6 February (RD) represented the only other reports. Addenda to Winter 2008-2009 Season: Snow Bunting - at least 1 was seen along KY 80 near KY 464, e Calloway, 29 Jan¬ uary 2009 (HC). Red Crossbill - 2 males were present just ne. of Hazel, Calloway, late January-24 February 2009 (SA, ph. TL; see p. 52). 48 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 Contributors: Susie Adams (SA), Paul Adkins (PA), Win Ahrens (WA), Ryan Ankeny (RA), Michael Autin (MA), Tom Becker (TB), Beckham Bird Club (BBC), Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell (PB), Mark Bennett (MB), David Brown (DB), Horace Brown (HB), John Brunjes (JBr), John Callahan (JC), Hap Chambers (HC), Dan Collins (DC), Granville Cox (GC), Linda Craiger (LC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Roseanna Denton (RD), Steve Denton (SD), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Millie Farmer (MFa), Mike Fister (MFi), Scott Freidhof (SF), Jonathan Frodge (JF), Jon Gray (JG), Willard Gray (WG), Caroline Gregory (CG), Pat Flahs (PH), Nathan Harless (NH), Erin Harper (EHa), Lana Hays (LH), Richard Healy (RH), Kate Heyden (KH), Ian Horn (IH), Eddie Huber (EHu), Aaron Hulsey (AH), Linda & Ed Hutchens (L&EH), Bob Johnson (BJ), Nicholas llnicky (NI), James Kiser (JKr), Janet Kistler (JKs), Steve Kistler (SK), Ben Leffew (BLe), Bill Lisowsky (BLi), Paula Lisowsky (PL), Terrence Little (TL), Charlie Logsdon (CL), Fred Mansmith (FM), Paula Martin (PM), Lee McNeely (LM), Lynda & Tom Mills (L&TM), Mark Monroe (MM), Ann Morgan (AM), multiple observers (m. ob.), Connie Neeley (CN), Andy Newman (AN), Laura Obiso (LO), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP), David Patick (DPk), David Patton (DPn), Don Pel ly (DPe), Joe Pulliam (JP), David Roemer (DR) , Samantha Sayre (SSa), Mike Schillhahn (MSc), Tim Slone (TS1), Scott Somershoe (SSo), Gary Sprandel (GS), Tommy Stephens (TSt), Matt Stickel (MSt), Dave Svetich (DS) , Joe Swanson (JS), Wayne Tamminga (WT), Doris & Roger Thouvenin (D&RT), Shawchyi Vorisek (SV), Kelly Vowels (KV), Al Westerman (AL), Doris Westerman (DW), Eileen Wicker (EWr), Eric Williams (EWs), Barbara Woerner (BW), Mike Wright (MW), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY); Aviva Yasgur (AY), Thomas Young (TY). — 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222 (brainard.pahner-ball@ky.gov) (Pal¬ mer-Ball) and P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY, 41005 (lkmc9@aim.com) (McNeely). THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING 2010 MEETING April 23-25, Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg, KY John Brunjes, Recording Secretary The spring 2010 meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held 23-25 April 2010 at the Jenny Wiley State Resort Park outside of Prestonsburg in Floyd County. The meeting was called to order at 7:20 p.m. Friday evening by President Scott Marsh, who welcomed members and guests. Vice-President Carol Besse introduced the evening's three guest speakers. The first speaker was Dan Wetzel, a graduate student at the University of Kentucky. Dan was the recipient of a Burt Monroe Fund award in 2009. He provided the group w ith a synopsis of a research project on parental care in Flouse Sparrows being undertaken near Lexington. Previous studies had demonstrated w ide variation in the amount of parental care given to young. Dan wanted to determine if this variation influenced growth and survival of young. He also attempted to explain any differences that were detected. He found that growth and survival were not affected by parental care nor could differences in parental care be explained genetically. Many other fascinating aspects of the reproduction of House Sparrows were discussed. The second speaker was Dr. David Brown, a professor at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). David provided a brief synopsis of three research projects he is undertaking at EKU. In the first project, he will study the woolly adelgid invasion of Kentucky’s hemlock forests and its effects on songbirds. In his second project, he will study the wintering ecology of bluebirds through radio-telemetry. Finally, he described work he was doing to 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 49 understand changes in bird distribution. He demonstrated how a number of species had shifted their distributions northward and discussed some of the reasons why this might be so. The final presentation of the evening was by Andy Newman, a graduate student at EKU. Andy presented some of the results of his research on the migratory stopover ecology of American Woodcocks in Kentucky. Andy compared sites used by woodcocks to unused sites to determine what factors might provide for better future management of this species. At the conclusion of the evening’s presentations, Carol Besse thanked all three speakers for their participation, and details of Saturday’s field trips were announced. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Attendees continued socializing over refreshments. Three Saturday field trips were held on a cool, overcast morning. The field trips visited various birding hotspots around the area. Trinity Shepherd, park naturalist, led one trip to the Sutton Memorial Park in Knott County to view elk and see birds of an open reclaimed surface mine, and Father Dave Powers and Rick Mauro led trips to areas around Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. The K.O.S. board meeting convened at 2:00 p.m. With numerous issues before the board, the meeting lasted until 4:03 p.m. The Saturday evening meeting was called to order by President Scott Marsh. Before the evening’s main speaker, he offered several acknowledgments on behalf of the Society. He thanked the Beckham Bird Club for a donation of $1000 to the Burt Monroe Fund, and he thanked Win Ahrens for a donation of $5000 to help procure meeting speakers and to supplement the Anne Stamm Fund. Scott thanked Carol Besse for all her hard work to make the meeting such a success. He also thanked Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr„ for his work with the Tennessee Valley Authority to maintain vehicle access to viewing points on Kentucky Dam for birders, as well as Hap Chambers for her work to maintain the current drawdown schedules at Kentucky and Barkley lakes. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., then went through the day’s checklist with the members. After a short tally, he reported that 95 species had been encountered on the day. Carol Besse then announced details of the three Sunday field trips. Scott Marsh then introduced the evening speaker, Mr. Jeff Gordon from Delaware. Mr. Gordon is a long-time birder, tour leader, and birding writer. He presented a talk titled The Ten Greatest Birds of the Last 30 Years. Initially, Mr. Gordon asked the members in attendance what they considered to be a “great bird.” He gave a number of definitions and then gave the logic behind his choices for the ten greatest birds of the last three decades. They included rarities such as the 1975 Ross’s Gull in Newburyport, Massachusetts (#10), the 1987 Crane Hawk in south Texas (#9), a 1978 Spoonbill Sandpiper in Vancouver, British Columbia (#8), a 1997 Brown-chested Martin at Cape May, New Jersey (#6) and a 1985 Swallow-tailed Gull in Monterey, California (#4). He also discussed how a common species like the Red-tailed Hawk could affect our thinking about birds, as when the story of Red-tails in Love was published about hawks nesting in Central Park in New York. He used his #5 (a misidentified Point Reyes, California, Smith’s Longspur) and #3 (a questionable 1996 location of Pygmy Nuthatch in Minnesota) to illustrate shortcomings of birders. Finally, he concluded that the 2004 report of an Ivory-billed Woodpecker in Arkansas was the most important or “greatest” bird of the last 30 years for the interest and debate it created. At the completion of the Saturday night meeting, Scott Marsh thanked Mr. Gordon on behalf of the Society. He then announced that the fall 2010 meeting would take place 24-26 September in Henderson. Scott closed the meeting so that everyone might socialize over drinks and cookies. Sunday morning field trips to the Red River Gorge Geologic Area led by Lee McNeely, to Yatesville Lake Wildlife Management Area led by Marilyn Freidhof and Evelyn Morgan, and in the vicinity of Jenny Wiley led by Scott Marsh and Jeff Gordon added several species to the weekend total. 50 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 Bowling Green Burlington Carlisle Danville Fishervi I le Frankfort Georgetown Lawrenceburg Lexington Louisville Morehead Morgantown Murray Olive Hill Prospect Richmond Science Hill Somerset Cincinnati, OH Attendance at the Spring 2010 K.O.S. Meeting David & Joan Roemer Lee McNeely Virginia & Wendell Kingsolver Granville Cox, Michael Hamm Eddie Huber John Brunjes, Shawchyi Vorisek David Lang Terry Anderson Rhonda Bryant, Scott Marsh, Joe Swanson, Dan Wetzel Bonnie & Sam Avery, Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Carol Besse, Steve Deetsch, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Jim & Mitzie Wittliff, Ben & Mary Yandell Fred, Joanna, & Katie Busroe, Marilyn Freidhof, George & Rachel Jenkins Carroll & Doris Tichenor Flap Chambers, Melissa Easley Evelyn Morgan Win Ahrens, Carol & Paul McAllister, David Brown, Andy Newman, Brenda & Pete Thompson Roseanna Denton Connie & Wendell Neeley Jessica Brzyski Birds Observed at the Spring 2010 K.O.S. Meeting The following bird species were observed in the vicinity of Jenny Wiley State Resort Park and Yatesville Lake Wildlife Management Area; a few birds were also added by a field trip to the Sutton Memorial Park in Knott County. Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Killdeer, Spotted Sand¬ piper, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Barred Owl, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Horned Lark, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Winter Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Blue¬ winged Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Worm-eating Warbler, Ovenbird, Louisiana Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, 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, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Crackle, Brown¬ headed Cowbird, Orchard Oriole, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch and House Sparrow. The total species reported during weekend was 102. 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 51 NEWS AND VIEWS A Note from the Outgoing Editor of The Kentucky Warbler It was my pleasure and honor to serve as editor of The Kentucky Warbler for a little over 25 years. The first issue as assistant editor with Dr. Herbert Shadowen was the February issue in 1982. The first issue as editor was in August 1983 and the last was February 2009. 1 was fortunate to have known and worked with giants of the Kentucky Ornithological Society. Dr. Burt Monroe, Jr., and Ms. Anne T. Stamm. I learned a lot from both. Despite their stature in ornithology, they were never pretentious and both wanted to share the joy of birding with everyone, amateur and professional alike. They understood that birds offer an accessible and unique opportunity for everyone to plug into monitoring the health of the natural world. It is only by getting everyone to understand what is happening in the natural world that there is a chance that we will become better stewards of that world. I endeavored to include articles in The Kentucky Warbler that continued this tradition and that interested readers. I hope you enjoyed the issues during the time period of my editorship. I have enjoyed serving the Kentucky Ornithological Society in this capacity and hope that I can serve the Society in other capacities that bring the love of birding to more people. Thanks for all of your contributions and support. — Blaine R. Ferrell Erratum to Mid-Winter Bird Count, 2009-2010 The total of 73 Chipping Sparrows on the Paradise count presented on page 30 in the composite table for the Mid-winter Bird Count, 2009-2010 (Ferrell, B.R. 2010. The Kentucky Warbler 86:16-34) should be 73 Field Sparrows. 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 with monetary awards of up to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, please visit the K.O.S. web site (http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm) or contact either Shawchyi Vorisek, Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov) or Dr. Blaine Ferrell. Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean's Office. Western Kentucky University. Bowling Green. KY. 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.bioiogv.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm. 52 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 Red Crossbill (1 of 2), Calloway 24 February 2009 Terrence Little California Gull, Kentucky Dam 26 February 2010 Eddie Huber Gray Catbird, Jessamine 14 February 2010 Albert Westerman Summer Tanager, Frankfort 19 December 2009 Mike Schillhahn Harris’s Sparrow, Oldham 29 January 2010 John Callahan Lincoln’s Sparrow, Jefferson 9 January 2010 Millie Farmer 5^ / The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) >L. 86 AUGUST 2010 NO. 3 IN THIS ISSUE WINTER HOME RANGE OF A GOLDEN EAGLE (Aquila ehrysaetos) IN EASTERN KENTUCKY, Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., and Brian W. Smith . 55 SPRING 2010 SEASON, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 62 NEWS AND VIEWS . 7< A.R. MANN LIBRARY SEP 2 7 2010 L ITHACA, NY 14853 54 THE KF.NTl C KY WARBLER Vol. 86 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Scott Marsh, Lexington Vice-President . Carol Besse, Louisville Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY 40222-3913 Treasurer . Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY 41005 Recording Secretary . John Brunjes, Frankfort Councillors: Kathy Cohen. Murray . 2008-2010 Lana Hays, Walton . 2008-2010 Don Martin. Independence . 2009-201 1 Shawchyi Vorisek, Frankfort . 2009-201 1 Mark Bennett. Russellville . 2010-2012 Mary Yandell. Louisville . 2010-2012 Retiring President . Win Ahrens. Prospect 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. Current membership categories and corresponding dues follow: Regular ($15.00); Contributing ($25.00); Student ($10.00); Family ($20.00); and Life ($300.00). Direct manuscripts and communications to the editor. Send membership dues to the Treasurer. Make requests for back issues to the Corresponding Secretary. Editor . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. c/o Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane. Frankfort. KY. 40601 (brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov) Editorial Advisors' Board Stephen Stedman and Ben Yandell Secretary. Kentucky Bird Records Committee. . Ben Yandell 513 Lymington Court. Louisville, KY 40243 THE COVER We thank Melissa Gaither for the image of the Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks ( Dendrocygna autumnalis ) taken 20 May 2010 near Rumsey. McLean County' (see Spring 2010 Season, p. 63). Financial support for color reproduction in this + m issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Touch¬ stone Energy Cooperatives. 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 55 WINTER HOME RANGE OF A GOLDEN EAGLE (Aquila chrysaetos) IN EASTERN KENTUCKY Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Brian W. Smith Introduction As concerns about the environmental impacts of the use of fossil fuels for energy have become more acute, attempts to develop alternative or “green” energy sources have increased. Wind power is one of the first green energy sources to be more widely exploited to date; however, while wind turbine facilities are generally considered a green energy source, in some situations they have negative environmental impacts. For example, it did not take long after the first wind turbine facilities were constructed for scientists to find out that some wildlife, particularly raptors and bats, were susceptible to collision with the rotating blades (American Bird Conservancy 2010; Baerwald et al. 2008; USGS 2010). In an effort to assess the level of impact to wildlife resulting from the presence of wind turbine facilities, a number of studies were initiated. One such group of studies has involved the utilization of satellite transmitters to track the movements of raptors (e.g., Whitfield and Madders 2006). The main goal of such research is to determine if there are certain move¬ ment pathways used by raptors that should be avoided for wind turbine facility construction, or if constructed, if certain mitigation measures could be used to reduce raptor mortalities (e.g., shutdown during peak movement periods and on-site radar to detect high risk events). Beginning in 2006, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Powdermill Nature Reserve at Rector, Pennsylvania, in association with the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, initiated a study to examine habitat use and flight characteristics of Golden Eagles ( Aquila chrysaetos ) using the Appalachian Region of eastern North America, where (numerous wind turbine facilities are planned (Katzner et al., 2009; Miller et al. 2009). The main focus of the research was to locate areas of potential conflict between the eagles and wind power development. Methods The initial phase of the current study resulted in the attachment of satellite telemetry transmitters to eight Golden Eagles from November 2006 to October 2007. Eagles were captured at three locations: a raptor banding station near Central City in central Penn¬ sylvania, a wintering area near Scherr in northeastern West Virginia, and breeding grounds on the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec, Canada. Each bird was fitted with a GPS-based satellite transmitter unit that obtained 10-15 locations daily, as well as readings of speed, altitude, and heading. The units were equipped with solar-recharged batteries with an expected life of several years. One third year (i.e., hatched in 2004) male Golden Eagle was captured and outfitted with a transmitter 25 November 2006 at the Allegheny Front Hawk Watch station in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. This individual, hereinafter referred to as GOEA #40, held a territory along the shore of the Ungava Bay in far northern Quebec, Canada, during the breeding seasons of 2007 and 2008 (Fig. 1). He spent the majority of both summers in one general area engaged in behavior consistent with breeding. The researchers lost track of him 28 August 2008 while he was still on the breeding grounds. During the consecutive winters of 2006-2007 and 2007-2008, GOEA #40 wintered primarily in eastern Kentucky (Fig. 1). The straight-line distance between this bird’s breed¬ ing season territory and the core of its winter home range was approximately 1720 mi (2750 km). For the purposes of this paper, the authors obtained one set of coordinates for each day that the bird was in or near Kentucky; this set of coordinates was typically obtained from the satellite at 1600 GMT (1100 EST). 56 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 86 Fig. I. Migratory Movements of Golden Eagle #40 from 25 November 2006 to 28 August 2008. 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 57 Results After initial capture in Pennsylvania 25 November 2006, GOEA #40 moved southward down the Appalachian Mountains through central West Virginia. He was first detected in eastern Kentucky 13 December 2006 in eastern Breathitt County. During the remainder of the winter season, he spent time in a relatively small area encompassing eastern Breathitt County and northwestern Knott County, although he visited southern Magoffin County on a few occasions (Figs. 2 and 3). Within the relatively localized region where GOEA #40 spent most of his time, he established a pattern of favoring several areas, although daily move¬ ments of 5-10 mi (8-16 km) between nearby locations and occasionally to new sites were not uncommon. Interpretation of coordinate points overlaid on aerial photographs indicates that he typically associated with forested areas or forest edge areas of contour surface mines (Fig. 4). Although he was detected along the margins of some of the larger surface mined areas, no 1100 EST observations were positioned within large expanses of open mine land. Interestingly, between 8 and 9 January 2007, GOEA #40 moved ca. 160 mi (256 km) back east-northeast into central West Virginia where he lingered a few days before gradually moving back west-southwest (Fig. 3). On 21 January 2007 he returned to the core of his winter home range in northern Knott County, where he remained until 3 March. Between 3 and 4 March 2007 he returned to the same central West Virginia area he visited during mid- January, but during 5-8 March he gradually returned to Kentucky via a more northerly route that included southern Ohio (Fig. 3). He was detected again in Kentucky 9 March 2007 in a portion of Magoffin County where he had not been during the winter; he then returned to a frequently visited portion of northern Knott County 10 March. Interestingly, he immediately departed 1 1 March, this time to migrate northeastward, and by 20 April 2007 he was back in the vicinity of his breeding season territory in far northern Quebec. Fig. 2. Combined 2006-2007 (□) and 2007-2008 (o) coordinate data for Golden Eagle #40. Data points represent one location per day (1100 EST) for each season when the bird was in or adjacent to Kentucky. Point data from Trish Miller, Powdermill Nature Reserve. 10 Aug 2010. 58 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 Fig. 3. Winter Home Range of Golden Eagle #40, 2006-2007. Concentric rings represent winter home range as defined by 25% (inner ring), 50% (middle ring), and 95% (outer ring) of the total data points acquired for the season. Fig. 4. Representation of GOEA #40’s use of habitat surrounding a contour surface mine in eastern Kentucky, winter 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 combined. Each white dot represents a satellite telemetry point. Data from T. Miller: Powdermill Nature Reserve. 10 Aug 2010. • Telemetry Location C3 Winter Home Range o State Boundary /\/ Major Highways T Miller Powdermill Nature Reserve 10 Aug 2010 Background data: ESRI 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 59 During fall 2007, GOEA #40 began southward migration 17 October, again moving south along the Appalachian Mountains. He arrived in central West Virginia 18 November and in eastern Kentucky (Pike County) 27 November (Figs. 2 and 5). By the following day he was back within the core of his winter 2006-2007 home range; however, after only two days he moved about 35 mi (56 km) south into southern Perry and southeastern Leslie counties. After spending a few days in that area, he returned to the core of his winter range for the remainder of early December. On 18 December 2007, he moved south for a second time, going as far as Pine and Black mountains 22 December, but he returned to his core area 24 December. On 20 January 2008, GOEA #40 visited the same area for a third time for several days before returning to the core area 26 January. Then, on 28 January 2008 he took a relatively long trip of more than 30 mi (48 km) northeast to the Morgan/Lawrence County line but was back into the core area the following day. On 9 February 2008, he embarked on the first of two trips of approximately 40 mi (64 km) east into Pike County, each lasting several days and including time in southern Martin County. During the first week of March, he made one last trip of interest, a two-day trip of approximately 40 mi (64 km) to the south-southwest into southern Leslie County that took him nearly as far to the south as he had been all winter. Upon returning, he lingered in the core winter territory for about another week before initiating northward migration 1 1 March 2008 (the same date as in 2007) and was back on the breeding season territory 2 April. Interpretation of aerial photographs again indicated that at least when he was at the 1 100 EST coordinate location, GOEA #40 was found primarily in forested areas, including some dissected by contour mining, rather than extensive reclaimed surface mines with few trees. This habitat prefer¬ ence was true for the core of his winter range, as well as areas that he regularly visited out¬ side the core area. Fig. 5. Winter home range of Golden Eagle #40, winter 2007-2008. Concentric rings represent winter home range as defined by 25% (inner ring), 50% (middle ring), and 95% (outer ring) of the total data points acquired for the season. In comparison to GOEA #40, the average dates of arrival/departure for the entire class of eight birds involved in the initial phase of the study were determined as follows: the average spring departure date from the wintering territories was 15 March (± 18 days), and 60 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 the average spring arrival date on the breeding season territories was 9 April (± 23 days). At the conclusion of the breeding season, the average date of departure was 21 October (± 15 days), and the average date of arrival on the winter territories was 22 November (±1 1 days). There appeared to be a pattern of “leap-frogging” migratory movements, with the indiv¬ iduals that bred in far northern Quebec wintering farther south than birds breeding on the Gaspe Peninsula (T. Miller, unpubl. data). Since the initial study group of eight Golden Eagles was fitted with satellite trans¬ mitters during 2006-2007, several additional birds have been fitted with similar transmitters including several by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the College of William and Mary’s Center for Conservation Biology, but none have entered Kentucky (T. Miller, pers. comm.; The Center for Conservation Biology 2010). Discussion Little is known of the historical distribution and abundance of Golden Eagle in Ken¬ tucky, and the species has never been considered anything but relatively rare and locally distributed. The tendency for these large raptors to utilize forest and forest edge habitats likely makes them relatively difficult to observe. Mengel (1965) considered the species to be “a very rare winter resident or vagrant” as of the middle of the 20th Century, although he noted the potential for occurrence at any season and that the species may have nested in Kentucky “in early times.” Moreover, his assessment that the species was “probably most numerous in rugged parts of the Cumberland Plateau and about large bodies of water” is likely true today, although the lack of observers in the eastern portion of the state has probably limited the number of reports there. At least during winter. Golden Eagles forage extensively on carcasses of wild animals, although carcasses of domestic livestock are also scavenged. In recent years, introduction of a population of elk (Cer\’us canadensis) by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) and an increase in the White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population have resulted in an increase in the number of carcasses of these animals that are available to wintering eagles. Perhaps not coincidentally, observations of eagles by KDFWR staff have also increased (C. Logsdon, pers. comm.). Anectdotal observations appear to support evidence revealed by the 2006-2008 satellite transmitter data that wintering Golden Eagles in eastern Kentucky are likely focusing their time in rural, forested areas and along forest edges, especially along the margins of sinuous contour mines, a similar pattern to that observed in east-central West Virginia during the winters of 1 999— 2001 (B. Smith, pers. obs.). The patterns of movement of GOEA #40 in eastern Kentucky appear to be similar to the presumed movements of Golden Eagles wintering in other portions of Kentucky and might also help to explain the occasional observation of individuals in other areas. Preliminary telemetry data suggest that the amount of movement within the winter home ranges of Golden Eagles wintering in the Appalachian Mountains may be related to age, weather conditions, and food availability (T. Miller/T. Katzner, pers. comm.). The small population of Golden Eagles that winters in the vicinity' of Bernheim Forest in Bullitt and Nelson counties has heretofore been the most frequently observed group of individuals in the state during winter. Members of this population, consisting of several to at least six individuals during some recent winters, can usually be found in a core area of forest in the knobs along Wilson Creek. However, there are times when the birds can be difficult to find, and occasional observations of Golden Eagles are made outside of the core wintering area. During the past thirty or so years, numbers of Golden Eagles observed at hawk watches in eastern North America have been increasing (Farmer et al. 2008). This increase is thought to be due to several factors: an increase in the breeding population; increases in ungulate populations; and reduced human persecution. Again, anecdotal observations in 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 61 combination with results of the 2006-2008 satellite transmitter study indicate that eastern Kentucky likely remains home to a small number of Golden Eagles during the winter that may equal or exceed the number of birds in other portions of the state. Additional informa¬ tion on sightings or targeted surveys would help to better document the number of Golden Eagles wintering in eastern Kentucky, as well as the forest types or habitats birds use at that season. Acknowledgments Publication of this article would not have been possible without the participation of Todd Katzner of the National Aviary and Trish Miller of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Powdermill Nature Reserve, as each provided data for the article and commented on drafts of the manuscript. Michael Lanzone, Kieran O’Malley, Jeff Cooper, and David Brandes, as well as numerous staff from West Virginia Department of Natural Resources and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries assisted with field work. We also thank Trish Miller, Geographic Information System Lab Manager for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Powdermill Nature Reserve, for providing us with the maps used in Figs. 1 through 5. We also acknowledge the many additional cooperators in the Carnegie Museum/National Aviary satellite transmitter study for their contributions. Fund¬ ing for the transmitter placed on GOEA #40 came from Powdermill Nature Reserve and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and the field season for 2006-2007 was funded by the National Aviary and a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Wild Resources Conservation Program grant. Literature Cited American Bird Conservancy. 2010. Mortality threats to birds - wind turbines. http://www.abcbirds.org/conservationissues/threats/energyproduction/wind.html. Accessed 29 August 2010. Baerwald, E.F., G.H. D'Amours, B.J. Klug, and R.M.R. Barclay. 2008. Barotrauma is a significant cause of bat fatalities at wind turbines. Current Biology 18: 695-696. Farmer, C.J., L.J. Goodrich, E. Ruelas I., and J.P. Smith. 2008. Conservation Status of North America’s Birds of Prey. Pp. 303-420 in K.L. Bildstein, J.P. Smith, E. Ruelas I., and R.R. Veit (eds). State of North America’s Birds of Prey. Nuttall Ornithological Club and American Ornithologists’ Union Series in Ornithology No. 3. Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C. Katzner, T., D. Brandes, M. Lanzone, T. Miller, and D. Ombalski. 2009. Raptors and Wind Energy Development in the Central Appalachians: Where We Stand on the Issue, http://www.aviarv.org/cons/whpaper wind.php. Accessed 29 August 2010. Mengel, R.M. 1965. The Birds of Kentucky. American Ornithologists’ Union Monograph No. 3. American Ornithologists’ Union. Lawrence, Kansas. Miller, T.A., D. Brandes, M.J. Lanzone, D. Ombalski, C. Maisonneuve, and T.E. Katzner. 2009. Golden eagle migration and winter behavior in Pennsylvania, hr. Majumdar, S.K., ed., Avian Ecology and Conservation: A Pennsylvania Focus with National Implications. Pennsylvania Academy of Sciences, pp 1 1 1-125. The Center for Conservation Biology. 2010. Bird migration: golden eagle. http://ccb- wm.org/programs/migration/GoldenEagle/goldeneagle.htm. Accessed 29 August 2010. United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2010. Bat fatalities at wind turbines: investi¬ gating the causes and consequences, http://www.fort.usgs.gov/batswindmills/. Ac¬ cessed 29 August 2010. 62 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 Whitfield, D.P., and M. Madders. 2006. Flight height in the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and its incorporation in wind turbine collision risk modeling. Natural Research Information Note 2. Natural Research Ltd., Banchory, UK. — 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, Kentucky, 40222 (brainard.palmer-ball@kv.gov) (Palmer-Ball) and Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture Coordinator, Suite 250, Office 205, 1900 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061 (bsmith@abcbirds.org) (Smith). SPRING 2010 SEASON Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely The spring 2010 season’s weather was relatively dry and warm overall. Mean temperatures were slightly wanner than normal across the state during March but well above normal during April and May. March was dry across much of Kentucky although driest in the north-central portion of the state (where Louisville and Lexington received only about one quarter of normal precipitation) and near normal in the west. April con¬ tinued to be dry across most of the state with Louisville coming in closest to normal, but the entire Commonwealth received above-average rainfall during May. Most stations recorded nearly twice the normal rainfall during the month, in large part due to a two-day period of rainfall 1-2 May that was record-setting in some areas, especially the southern and central portions of the state. Up to 10 in (25 cm) of rainfall occurred in Warren County over the two-day period, causing transient lakes there and westward to Trigg County to swell to their highest levels in several years. Area rivers also flooded, resulting in the highest spring reservoir levels in more than a decade. Rarity highlights included Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Pacific Loon, Glossy Ibis, Purple Gallinule, Whimbrel, Great Black-backed Gull, and Western Kingbird. Again this spring, shorebirds were neither particularly diverse nor numerous despite the presence of some good habitat. The presence of lingering boreal finches was minimal. Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these reports have been accepted for inclusion in the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Reports of out-of-season birds and rarities should be accompanied by written and/or photographic documentation. This documentation is reviewed by 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: Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam, Lyon/ Livingston', Barren = Barren River Lake, Allen! Barren', Berea Forest = Berea College Forest, Madison', Black Mountain = summit area of Black Mountain, Harlan', Blood River = Blood River embayment, Kentucky Lake, Calloway, Calvert City = industrial ponds at Calvert City, Marshall ; Camp #9 = Camp #9 coal preparation plant, Union', Camp #1 1 = former Camp #11 mine, Union', Cave Run Lake. Bath! Rowan (unless otherwise noted); Chaney Lake. Warren ; DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Falls of the Ohio. Jefferson', Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment Lake Cumberland, Pulaski; Floyds Fork = Floyds Fork Park, se. Jefferson ; Horseshoe Road = slough next to Horseshoe Road, w. Henderson; Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall; KY 268 = slough along KY 268 w. of Sauerheber, w. Henderson; KY 739 = transient pond along KY 739 se. of Williams Store, Logan; Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall; K\ Dam Village = Kentucky Dam Village 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 63 SRP, Marshall ; Kv Lake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall (unless otherwise noted); Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon: Lake Barkley, Lyon/Trigg-, Lake No. 9. Fulton; LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lyon/Trigg; Ledford = agricultural fields at Ledford, Lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton; Long Creek Unit. Barren River Lake WMA, Allen; Long Point = Long Point Unit, Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Fulton; Lower Hickman Bottoms, w. Fulton; Mammoth Cave = Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson; McElroy Lake, n. of Woodburn, Warren; Melco = Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson; NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; Open Pond, w. Fulton; Panorama Shores, e. Calloway on Ky Lake; Riverwalk. Shawnee Park, w. Jefferson; Sand Slough, w. Henderson; Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson; SNP = State Nature Preserve; SRP = State Resort Park; Surrey Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson; Waitsboro = Waitsboro Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski; WKU Farm & WKU Woods = Western Kentucky University Farm & Woods, Warren; WMA = Wildlife Management Area; Wolf Creek Dam. Lake Cumberland, Russell. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck - 5 were present on a farm pond along Ross Road sw. of Rumsey, McLean 20 May (ph. MG; see cover photo); this report will represent a first fully documented record for the state. KBRC review required. Tundra Swan - 48 were still at Horseshoe Road 9 March (CC) with 42 last seen there 1 1 March (CC). Gadwall - ca. 700 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms (with ca. 500 of the total near Open Pond) 24 March (BP, EHu, MM) represented the season’s peak count; the latest lingering birds were I near Long Point 7 May (BP, EHu, MM) and a pair at McElroy Lake to 23 May (DR et ah). American Wigeon - 3 at Sauerheber 22/28 April (BP, EHu) were the latest to be re¬ ported. American Black Duck - 1 at Sauerheber 22 April (BP, EHu) was the latest to be re¬ ported. Blue-winged Teal - several birds lingered at McElroy Lake into late May (m. ob.). Northern Shoveler - ca. 250 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 24 March (BP, EHu, MM) represented a modest peak count for the season; 2 males lingered at McElroy Lake to 18 May (DR et al.) with I last seen there 20 May (BP, EHu). Northern Pintail - 50 in w. Henderson 4 ' March (CC) and ca. 700 at Lake No. 9 on 5 March (HC) represented the season's peak counts. Green-winged Teal - ca. 600 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms (with ca. 400 of the total at Island No. 8 Slough) 24 March (BP, EHu, MM) represented the season’s peak count. Redhead - reports of interest included 20 on Lake Cumberland at the SRP, Russell, and 98 above Wolf Creek Dam, both 2 March (RD); 25 in w. Henderson 4 March (CC) and 25 at Island No. 8 Slough, Fulton, 24 March (BP, EHu, MM). Two tardy males were present on a transient pond e. of Woodburn, Warren, 12-19 May (DR). Ring-necked Duck - there were three re¬ ports of lingering birds: 1 at Sauerheber 2 May (CC); a pair below Barkley Dam 7 May (ME); and a female at McElroy Lake 12 May into June (DR et al.). Greater Scaup - reports of interest included 10 above Wolf Creek Dam 2 March (RD); 36 on Barren 15 March (DR); and a fe¬ male at McElroy Lake 2 May (DR). Lesser Scaup - modest peak counts includ¬ ed ca. 100 at Waitsboro 25 March (RD) and 90 on Barren 8 April (DR); ca. 20 lingered on Lake Barkley, Lyon, into early May (m. ob.). Surf Scoter - inconsistent with a recent trend of increasing number of spring re¬ ports, there were only three: a pair at Lexington 27 March (LSh fide DL); a pair on the Ohio River near South Higginsport, Bracken , 1 April (ph. JBr, EHa); and 1 at Lake Linville, Rockcastle, 2 May (RD). 64 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ Vol. 86 White-winged Scoter - there was only one report: 2 on the Ohio River at Louisville 1-1 1 March (EHu, TB, BP, et ah). Long-tailed Duck - 1 was present on Lake Barkley above the darn 25 March (BP, EHu, MM) and 27 March (DR). Bufflehead - peak counts during the season included ca. 85 on Barren 28 March (DR, DB) and 50 on the Ohio River near South Higginsport, Bracken , I April (JBr, EHa). Common Goldeneye - a female on Ky Lake above the dam 6 May (BP et al.) was the latest to be reported. Hooded Merganser - a female again nested outside Elizabethtown, Hardin , during April (FC); 5 young were seen in the com¬ pany of 4 ads. at Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve, Jefferson , 8 May (BY, MY); “several broods” were seen in flooded fields along the levee in the Lower Hick¬ man Bottoms 15 May (BY, MY); up to 5 females/imms. lingered at McElroy Lake to 20 May (BP, EHu) with at least I pres¬ ent to the end of the month (DR). Red-breasted Merganser - modest peak counts included 21 on Freeman Lake, Hardin , (EHu) and 54 on Barren (DR), both 17 March; 2 at the Falls of the Ohio 26 April (BP et al.) and 1 on Lake Bark¬ ley, Lyon , 29 April (DR) were the latest to be reported. Ruddy Duck - 1 at Camp #11 on 28 April (BP, EHu) and ca. 10 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 29 April (DR) were the latest to be reported. Pacific Loon - an ad. nearing full alternate plumage was present on Cave Run Lake 23 April (BP, ph. EHu) and 24 April (AN). KBRC review required. Common Loon - reports of interest in¬ cluded ca. 30 on Ky Lake 25 March (BP, EFIu, MM); ca. 35 on Barren 28 March (DR, DB); 63 on Cave Run Lake 23 April (BP, EHu); 1 on Dewey Lake, Floyd , 23 April (DR, JRm); 2 on Ky Lake above the dam 6 May with I still there 7 May (BP et al.); and 1 in flight to the ne. over Black Mountain 14 May (EHu, BP). Pied-billed Grebe - a count of 92 at Green River Lake, Taylor, 3 March (EHu) rep¬ resented the season's peak count. A pair lingered at McElroy Lake through May with a nest located there 30 May (ph. DR); unfortunately the falling lake level caused it to be abandoned soon thereafter. Eared Grebe - 1 was present on Ky Lake, Marshall, 25 March (BP, ph. EHu, MM). Eared Grebe, Ky Lake, Marshall 25 March 2010 Eddie Huber Western Grebe - 1 was reported on Ky Lake off Ky Dam Village 4 May (fKCo, MC). KBRC review required. American White Pelican - peak counts during the season included 500+ at Blood River 12 March (HC); 500+ at Jonathan Creek 20 March (ME); and ca. 130 on Lake No. 9 on 28 April (DR). Other re¬ ports of interest included 5 on Barren 28 March (DR, DB); 6 along Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road, n. Union, 30 March (CC); 5 still at Kuttawa with 2 below Barkley Dam and at least 10 above Barkley Dam, all 6 May (BP et al.); and 50 still at Lake No. 9 on* 18 May (HC, ME). pelican sp. - a pelican thought to be a Brown was seen in flight over Richmond, Madison, 21 May (GR). Double-crested Cormorant - at least sev¬ eral dozen nests were active at the Kut¬ tawa heromy by late March (m. ob.); an impressive count of ca. 750 nests was estimated to be present on two islands in Lake Barkley near the mouth of Little River, Trigg, 28 May (JBr, KD). 65 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 2010 American Bittern - there were five re¬ ports: 1 at the Long Creek Refuge, LBL, Trigg, 12 April (BLi); 2 at Sauerheber 17 April (DR, KOS); 1 at the Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg, 22 April (EHa); 1 at the Boatwright Unit Ballard County Bottoms WMA, Bullard, 23 April (SR); and I at the Powells Lake Unit Sloughs WMA, Union, 4/19 May (MMr). Least Bittern - there were seven reports: 1- 3 at the Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg, 22 April/5 May/18 May (EHa); at least 1 at White City WMA, Hopkins, 23 April/6 May/19 May (EHa); 1 heard at Sauerheber and 3 heard at Camp #11, all 28 April (BP, EHu); I heard near Drakesboro, Muhlenberg, 5 May (BP et al. ); several at Clear Creek WMA, Hopkins, 4/17 May (EHa); and 1 at the Ken Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio, 1 I May (EHa). Great Egret - 3 were at the Kuttawa her¬ onry 20 March (BY, MY) with ca. 20 there 25 March (BP, EHu, MM). One in Tygart’s Creek near Olive Hill, Carter, 7 April (EM) was quite unusual for e. Ken¬ tucky. Snowy Egret - singles near Dot, Logan, 4 May (FL) and n. of Sauerheber 10 May (BY, MY) were the only ones reported away from w. Kentucky. Little Blue Heron - a total of 52 flying over the Lower Hickman Bottoms in several flocks 15 May (BY, MY) represented the season’s peak count. The only one repor¬ ted away from w. Kentucky was an ad. at Chaney Lake 26 May (DR). Cattle Egret - I at Hays Kennedy Park, ne. Jefferson, 2 May (PM, CM) and 2 at the Long Creek Unit 18 May (JBy, MBy) were the only one reported away from w. Kentucky. At least 5 nests were seen on an island in Lake Barkley near the mouth of Little River, Trigg, 28 May (JBr, KD). Black-crowned Night-Heron - at least 3 were seen at the mouth of the Little Sandy River, Greenup, 17/20 March (RS) where a small nesting colony may be present; ca. 30 nests were counted on an island in Lake Barkley near the mouth of Little River, Trigg, 28 May (JBr, KD). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - there were only four reports: an ad. off Outer Loop, s. Jefferson, 18 May (MA); 1 at the Lou¬ isville landfill 22 May (RA); 2 on the Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Union, 23 May (CC); and 1 along the Greenbelt Highway, sw. Jefferson, 31 May (CL). Glossy Ibis - I was present along Clear Creek n. of Rabbit Ridge, Hopkins, 20 May (AK, ph. TJo). KBRC review required. Plegadis sp. - 1 was seen in flight over Sauerheber 17 April (fDR, DA). Osprey - birds at Lake Barkley, Trigg, 1 March (BLi); at Lake Barkley, Lyon, 11 March (ER); in LBL, Trigg, 14 March (HC); and at Lake Reba, Madison, 21 March (AN) were the earliest to be re¬ ported. One over Yatesville Lake, Law¬ rence, 12 May (BP, EHu) may have been a local nester, but there were three reports of likely tardy migrants: 1 over Alton, Anderson, 19 May (BP); I at Barren 20 May (DR); and 2 over Delong Road, Lex¬ ington, 24 May (SM). The nest at the mouth of Leatherwood Creek, Cave Run Lake, Menifee, was inundated by flood- waters during early May (EM). Mississippi Kite - a bird was seen carrying nesting material at Long Point 7 May (MM, EHu, BP); 2 birds over St. Mat¬ thews, Jefferson, 15 May (MS) and I at the Dudley Creek boat ramp on the Wolf Creek embayment of Lake Cumberland, Russell, 21 May (RD) were the only ones detected away from known breeding areas. A loose group of 30 at Long Point 15 May (BY, MY) represented the sea¬ son’s high count. Bald Eagle - new nests were initiated at three locales: Split Rock Conservation Park, Boone (MJ); East Bend Power Sta¬ tion, Boone (KCa, JC, et al.); and Ship- pingport Island, Jefferson (CBc, TB). Also of interest was 1 seen at Dewey Lake, Floyd, 25 April (DL, KOS). 66 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Northern Harrier - 1 on a reclaimed sur¬ face mine near Ano, e. Pulaski , 8 May (RD) was either a tardy migrant or on territory. Broad-winged Hawk - 1 in LBL, Trigg, 2 April (BLi), I at the Bee Rock Rec. Area, DBNF, Pulaski, 3 April (RD); 4 at Barren 4 April (DR); and 1 at Louisville 5 April (MY) were the earliest to be reported. A dark morph bird was reported at Douglass Hills, Jefferson, 13 May (tMY). Merlin - there were two reports: 1 at McEl- roy Lake with 2 nearby at Buchanon Park, Warren, all 15 March (DR), and 1 in LBL, Trigg, 4 April (BLi). Peregrine Falcon - there were at least six reports of non-territorial birds: 1 along Palestine Church Road, Calloway, 27 March (HC); an ad. at Sauerheber 22 April (BP, EHu); an imm. at McElroy Lake 4 May (DR); an ad. at McElroy Lake 5/12 May (DR) with possibly a second bird nearby 12 May (DR); an ad. at Led¬ ford 7 May (BP, EHu, MM); and an ad. at Shaker Mill 14 May (DR). A pair initiated a nest in downtown Frankfort, Franklin, during late April (KH et al.). King Rail - 1 heard at Sauerheber 15 April (BP, EHu) was the only one reported. Virginia Rail - at least 5 were encountered at Sauerheber 17 April (DR, K.OS). Sora - peak counts during the season in¬ cluded 10-15 seen/heard at Sauerheber and 15-20 seen/heard at Camp #11, both 15 April (BP, EHu), and at least 25 at Sauerheber 17 April (DR, KOS). Purple Gallinule - a strong weather system that pushed an abundance of moist air from the Gulf of Mexico region was res¬ ponsible for the arrival of at least 3 birds during the first week of May as follows: 1 at Hardy Slough, Sauerheber, 3^4 May (ph. CC, EHu); 1 at McElroy Lake 4-8 May (ph. DR et al.); and I along Aurora Ferry Road, Boone, 6-8 May (LM, vt. KCa, JC, DMa, RM). K.BRC review re¬ quired. Common Moorhen - 1/3 at Sinclair 22 April/5 May (EHa) were the only ones re¬ ported. Vol. 86 American Coot - 1 was still at Pulaski County Park 21 May (RD); 19 were still at McElroy Lake 20 May (BP, EHu) with some birds lingering to the end of the month (DR). Sandhill Crane - 7100 were still w. of Cecilia, Hardin, 1 March (EHa) but less than 100 were there 6 March (EHa); ca. 350 were still at Chaney Lake 3 March (DR). One se. of Henderson, Henderson, 5 April (AG); 1 in the company of an injured bird at Bon Ayr, nw. Barren, 20 May (DR); and 2 at Shaker Village, Mer¬ cer, 22 May (DL, ASK) were the latest to be reported. Black-bellied Plover - 1 at Horseshoe Road 15 April (BP, EHu) was the earliest to be reported; other reports of interest included 4 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 29 April (DR); 4 near Open Pond 7 May (BP, EHu, MM); singles at and near McElroy Lake 8-20 May (DR et al.) with 4 there 17 May (DR) and 6 there 18 May (DR); ca. 10 e. of Open Pond 15 May (BY, MY); 13 w. of Sassafras Ridge, Fulton, 18 May (HC, ME); 5 at McElroy Lake 21 May (DR); 1 along LIniontown-Mt. Vernon Road, n. Union, 23 May (CC); 1 at Walton Pond 28 May (DR); and 1 at Chaney Lake 31 May (DR). American Golden-Plover - 3 at Jonathan Creek 9 March (HC) were the earliest to be reported; peak counts included at least 145 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 24 March (BP, EHu, MM); 22 at McElroy Lake 26 March (DR); and at least 1 100 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms (800-1000 nw. of Miller and 300+ at Open Pond) 18 April (BY, MY) that represented a new state high count. Other reports of interest included 4 at Horseshoe Road 15 April (BP, EHu) and at least 1 14 at Ledford 7 May (BP, EHu, MM). Semipalmated Plover - 12 at Sand Slough 15 April (BP, EHu) were the earliest to be reported; modest peak counts included 32 at Sand Slough and 80 at Horseshoe Road, both 22 April (BP, EHu); ca. 100 at McEl¬ roy Lake 6 May (DR); at least 200 at Led¬ ford 7 May (BP, EHu, MM); 34 at Melco 19 May (BP); and at least 60 at the Long 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 67 Creek Unit 21 May (DR). Circa 10 were still at Chaney Lake 31 May (DR). Black-necked Stilt - small numbers were reported in Fulton, Henderson, Logan and Warren as follows: 1-4 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 28 April (DR)-18 May (HC, ME) with a high count of 8 in the area 15 May (BY, MY); 1 at Sauerheber 23 April (CC), 1 at Horseshoe Road 21 May (CC), and 1 at Hardy Slough, Sauer¬ heber, 22 May (CC); 2 at KY 739 on 15 May (ph. FL) that represented a county first; and 2 at McElroy Lake 5-6 May (S&DH, DR) with 5 there 13 May (DR), 3 there 16 May (DR), and 2 there again 28 May (DR) with apparent nesting by at least 2 pair by 30 May (DR). American Avocet - there were two reports: 3 at the Falls of the Ohio 22 April (ph. EHu et al.) and 2 at Ballard WMA, Bal¬ lard, 20 May (TSt, ph. KN) that tied the late spring departure date. Spotted Sandpiper - singles at Melco 13 April (EHu) and at Fishing Creek 16 April (RD) were the earliest to be reported; a few birds lingered at several scattered locales into the last few days of May (m. ob.). Solitary Sandpiper - singles at Fonthill, Russell, 5 April (RD) and at Melco 6 April (EHu) were the earliest to be repor¬ ted. Greater Yellowlegs - 1 at KY 268 on 9 March (CC) with 19 there 1 1 March (CC) were the earliest ones reported; peak counts included 38 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 26 March (HC, ME); at least 95 in w. Henderson including 45 at Sand Slough 15 April (BP, EHu); and more than 100 in w. Henderson 22 April (BP, EHu). Singles at Chaney Lake 30 May (DR) and at McElroy Lake 31 May (DR) were the latest to be reported. Willet - there were ten reports: 3 at Waits- boro 20 April (ph. RD); 5 at the Falls of the Ohio 24 April (TSk, DSt); 1 near Dot, ' Logan, (ph. FL) and 4 at Isonville, Elliott (ph. EM), both 25 April; 2 at the Falls of the Ohio and 7 at Melco, both 26 April (BP et al.); 3 at Camp #9 on 28 April (BP, EHu); at least 35 at the Falls of the Ohio 30 April (EHu) with 39 (different birds) there 2 May (BP et al.); and 2 at Green River Lake, Adair, 9 May (RD). Lesser Yellowlegs - peak counts included ca. 300 in w. Henderson 22 April (BP, EHu); 220 in w. Henderson 28 April (BP, EHu); at least 200 at McElroy Lake 4 May (DR); ca. 200 at Ledford 7 May (BP, EHu, MM); and ca. 500 at McElroy Lake 12 May (DR). Upland Sandpiper - I at McElroy Lake 4 May (DR) was the only one reported. Whimbrel - there were two reports: 1 at Lexington 12 April (fDSv) that is a few weeks earlier than any previous spring report; and 3 e. of Open Pond 1 5 May (f BY, MY). KBRC review required. Semipalmated Sandpiper - 1 at McElroy Lake 2 May (DR) was the earliest to be reported; very modest peak counts in¬ cluded 152 at Melco 21 May (EHu); ca. 100 at the Long Creek Unit 21 May (DR); ca. 50 at Morgan Pond 28 May (DR); and ca. 60 at Chaney Lake and ca. 50 at McEl¬ roy Lake, both 29 May (DR). Western Sandpiper - 1 in the Lower Hick¬ man Bottoms 29 April (DR) was the only one reported. Least Sandpiper - 13 at Jonathan Creek 9 March (HC) were either continuing from winter or early migrants; otherwise 3 at Chaney Lake 15 March (DR) were the earliest ones reported; ca. 700 at Ledford 7 May (BP, EHu, MM) and 50-75 at 68 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Melco 19 May (BP) represented the sea¬ son’s peak counts. Three birds were still at Chaney Lake 30 May (DR). White-rumped Sandpiper - singles in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 29 April (DR) and at McElroy Lake 2 May (DR) were the earliest ones reported; modest peak counts included at least 25 at McElroy Lake 6 May (DR) and 50-60 at Ledford 7 May (BP, EHu, MM). As is the norm, a few birds could still be found during the last few days of May, primarily at the transient lakes in s. Warren (m. ob.). Baird’s Sandpiper - 1 in the Lower Hick¬ man Bottoms 29 April (DR) and 1 at Led¬ ford 7 May (BP, EHu, MM) were the only ones reported. Pectoral Sandpiper - a flock at Blood Riv¬ er 8 March (HC); 34 at Jonathan Creek 9 March (HC); 29 at Melco 10 March with 72 there 1 1 March (EHu); and 2 at KY 268 on 1 1 March (CC) were the earliest to be reported. Peak counts included at least 1030 in w. Henderson with 250 at Ellis Park, 330 at Sand Slough, and 300 at Sauerheber 22 April (BP. EHu); at least 400 at McElroy Lake 5 May (DR); and ca. 650 at Ledford 7 May (BP, EHu, MM). Dunlin - 1 at Chaney Lake 15 March (DR) was exceptionally early; otherwise, 1 at Sauerheber 15 April (BP, EHu); 1 at Melco 17 April (BP, EHu); and 20 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 18 April (BY, MY) were the earliest to be reported. Modest peak counts included 25 at Sauer¬ heber 22 April (BP, EHu) and at least 80 at McElroy Lake 17-18/21 May (DR); other reports of interest included 1 at Min¬ or Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan , 25 April (BY, MY, et al.); 2 in Trigg 7 May (BLi); 1 near Mosley Pond, Logan , 15 May (MBt); and 3 at the Long Creek Unit 16 May ( J By, MBy). One lingered at Chaney Lake to 31 May (DR). Stilt Sandpiper - there were several reports, all being included: 1 at McElroy Lake 2— 16 May (DR et al.) with 7 there 12 May (DR); 2 at Ledford 7 May (BP, EHu, MM); and 5 at the Long Creek Unit 16 May (JBy, MBy). Vol. 86 Short-billed Dowitcher - I at KY 268 on 22 April (BP, EHu) was the earliest to be reported; other reports of interest included 3 at McElroy Lake 6/8 May (DR); 1 at Ledford 7 May (BP, EHu, MM); 1 n. of Rich Pond, Warren, 10 May (DR); 19 at McElroy Lake and 2 at Morgan Pond, both 11 May (DR, TD); at least 65 at McElroy Lake 12 May (DR) with ca. 25 there 13/14 May (DR), ca. 70 there 16 May (DR), ca. 30 there 17 May (DR), ca. 60 there 18 May (DR), and 18 there 19 May (TD). A flock of ca. 35 dowitcher sp. was seen near Morgan Pond 1 1 May (DR, TD). Long-billed Dowitcher - 1 at Petros Pond, Warren, 21 March (DR) was the earliest to be reported; other reports of interest included 2 at Sauerheber 15 April (BP, EHu) with 5 there 17/20/21 April (DR, KOS/CC, DR/CC) and a peak of 6 there 22 April (BP, EHu); 7 in the Lower Hick¬ man Bottoms 18 April (BY, MY); ca. 25 at McElroy Lake 3 May (TD); 3 at Melco 26 April (EHu, BP); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 2 May (BP); 15 at McElroy Lake 2 May (DR), both 2 May; 1 at McElroy Lake 6/8/1 1 May (DR); 3 ne. of Long Point (BP, EHu, MM) and 10 at McElroy Lake (DR), both 7 May; 1 n. of Rich Pond, Warren, 10 May (DR); 2 at McEl¬ roy Lake 12 May (DR) were the latest to be reported. American Woodcock - 66 birds were band¬ ed at Central Ky WMA and the Bluegrass Army Depot, Madison, during March as part of an ongoing EKU study on habitat use (AN et al.). Wilson’s Phalarope - the species put in a fantastic, albeit brief, showing including two new state high counts as follows: 1 at KY 739 on 25/26 April (ph. FL/MBt); a remarkable showing at Sauerheber that began with 24 there 26 April (ph. CC) but was followed by at least 50 there 28 April (CC et al.); 2 at Sand Slough (BP, EHu) and 1 at Long Point (DR), both 28 April; at least 80 at Lake No. 9 on 28 April (DR) with a new state high count of at least 85 there 29 April (l)R); 1 at Melco 1 May (EHu); 1 e. of Sauerheber 2 May (CC); 2 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 69 at McElroy Lake 3/4 May (AH/ DR); 3 at Chaney Lake 5 May (BP et al.); 1 at McElroy Lake 5-8 May (DR); and 3 at Ledford 7 May (EHu, BP, MM). Wilson's Phalaropes (5 of ca. 50), Henderson 28 April 2010 Eddie Huber Laughing Gull - there were four reports: an ad. at the Falls of the Ohio 26 April (BP et ah); I or 2 ads. at Calvert City 6 May (BP, EHu, MM); a first-year bird at Ky Dam 7 May (BP, EHu, MM); and an ad. at the Louisville Landfill 12 May (ph. RA). Franklin’s Gull - an ad. at Barren 1 May (DR) was the only one reported. Bonaparte’s Gull - 1 on Lake Barkley near Eddyville, Lyon , 16 May (BY, MY) was quite tardy. Herring Gull - 3 were still present in the vicinity of Ky Dam 7 May (BP, EHu, MM). Lesser Black-backed Gull - there were three reports: a first-year bird at Ky Dam 18-19 March (DR); an ad. at Blood River 22 March (HC); and a second- or third- year bird on Lake Barkley above the dam 25 March (BP, EHu, MM) with perhaps the same bird (third-year) at Ky Dam Village 27 March (DR). Great Black-backed Gull - the third-year bird that was first seen in early February on Ky Lake above Ky Dam was seen at the same location 18-19 March (DR) and 25 March (BP, EHu, MM); a first-year bird was present on Lake Barkley at Green Turtle Bay, Lyon, 25 March (MM, ph. EHu, BP). KBRC review required. Least Tern - 2 at Open Pond 15 May (BY, MY) were the earliest to be reported. Caspian Tern - 1 at Barren 5 April (DR, DB) was the earliest to be reported; other reports of interest included 8 at Barren 19 April (DR, DB); 15 at the Falls of the Ohio 22 April (EHu et al.); and 1 at Cave Run Lake 23 April (BP, EHu). Black Tern - there were only three reports: 1 at Open Pond 15 May (BY, MY) and 1 at McElroy Lake 17/19 May (DR/TD). Common Tern - there were only two reports: 9 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 16 May (BY, MY) and 5 over McElroy Lake 18 May (DR). Forster’s Tern - 6 at Blood River 4 March (HC) were likely continuing from winter; 15-20 at Calvert City 6 May (BP, EHu, MM) represented a very modest peak count for the season. Black-billed Cuckoo - there were only four reports: 1 at Floyds Fork 4 May (BP et al.); singles (same bird?) at McConnell Springs Park, Fayette, 12/15 May (LT); I at Central Park/Boone County Arboretum, 22 May (JRw); and 1 nw. of Harrodsburg, Mercer, 29 May (GD). Barn Owl - there were four reports: a nest¬ ing pair at Central Ky WMA, Madison, during March (AN et al.); 1 heard at the Bluegrass Army Depot, Madison, 23 March (AN); an injured female from Shel¬ by in early April (DSz fide EW); and 1 in s. Logan 15 May (FL). Great Black-backed Gull, Lyon 25 March 2010 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 70 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 Short-eared Owl - 1 at the Bluegrass Army Depot, Madison, 2 March (AN) was the only one reported. Northern Saw-whet Owl - 1 at Central Ky WMA, Madison, 3 March (AN) was the only one reported. Chuck-will’s-widow - 1 calling along Plea¬ sant Hill Church Road, Trigg , 12 April (BLi, PL) was the earliest to be reported. Whip-poor-will - 1 calling in e. Fayette 5 April (DSv) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted. Chimney Swift - 1 over Douglass Hills, Jefferson, 1 April (MM) was the earliest to be reported. Ruby-throated Hummingbird - singles at Louisville 24 March (fTJe); at Mt. Ver¬ non, Rockcastle, 25 March (fBD); at Lou¬ isville (fTY) and at Paducah (fTT) 31 March; at Chalybeate, Edmonson, 1 April (tMP); and at Blood River 3 April (HC) were the earliest to be reported. hummingbird sp. - a hummingbird repor¬ ted at Lone Oak, McCracken, 13 March (LSc) could have been either an early Ruby-throated or another species. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 1 at the River- walk 4 May (BP et al.) was relatively tardy. Olive-sided Flycatcher - there were two reports, both 13 May: I on the Road Creek Mine, Pike, (EHu, BP) and 1 in LBL, Lyon (BLi). Olive-sided Flycatcher, Pike 13 May 2010 Eddie Huber Eastern Wood-Pewee - singles in LBL, Trigg , 26 April (BLi) and in Hart 28 April (SK, JK) were the earliest to be reported. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - 1 calling “pur- wee” at Surrey Hills Farm 30 May (BP) was the only one reported. Alder Flycatcher - there were only two reports: 1 in Madison 4 May (AN) and a bird that was behaving as if territorial on the Road Creek Mine, Pike, 13 May (BP, EHu). Willow Flycatcher - 2 birds singing as if territorial at the Starfire Mine, Perry, 26 May (BS et al.) would be a county first for nesting. Least Flycatcher at nest. Black Mt., Harlan 14 May 2010 Eddie Huber Least Flycatcher - 1 at Lexington 30 April (BA) was the earliest to be reported; birds were heard singing “everywhere” near the summit of Black Mountain with 3 nests observed under construction 14 May (BP, ph. EHu). Western Kingbird - I was present near Maynard, Allen, 22 April (ph. DR). K.BRC review required. Eastern Kingbird - 1 in Nelson 13 April (JS) was the earliest to be reported. White-eyed Vireo - 1 in LBL, Trigg, 4 April (BLi) was the earliest to be reported. Bell’s Vireo - 1 at the Louisville landfill/ Melco 22-31 May (RA) was the only one reported away from known breeding areas. 2010 Yellow-throated Vireo - 1 at Mammoth Cave 4 April (AH) was the earliest to be reported. Blue-headed Vireo - 1 at Fishing Creek 23 March (RD) and I at Natural Bridge SRP, Powell , 24 March (DSt) were the earliest to be reported. Singles at McConnell Springs Park, Fayette, 17 May (LT) and at Sauerheber 22 May (CC) were especially tardy away from known breeding areas. Philadelphia Vireo - at least 6 in one loose group in LBL, Lyon, 6 May (BP et al.) was noteworthy. Fish Crow - at least 2 at Blood River 6 March (HC) were the earliest to be repor¬ ted; other reports of interest included a flock of 30 in the Lower Hickman Bot¬ toms 24 March (BP, EHu, MM); I over the swamp n. of J.J. Audubon State Park 15 April (BP, EHu); and at least 10 over Sauerheber 20 April (DR). Common Raven - 2 at Fishtrap Lake WMA, Pike, 27 April (SF) were not near a known breeding site. Purple Martin - 1 at Bowling Green 9 March (TD) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted. Tree Swallow - 1 n. of J.J. Audubon State Park 10 March (CC) was the earliest to be reported during the period. Northern Rough-winged Swallow - at least 1 at Ky Dam 18/19 March (DR) and at least 1 at Petros Pond, Warren, 21 March (DR) were the earliest to be re¬ ported. Barn Swallow - 1 at Petros Pond, Warren, 21 March (DR) was the earliest to be re¬ ported. Red-breasted Nuthatch - a few lingering winter birds or migrants appeared at scat¬ tered locales into late March; 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, to 15 April (RD) and 1 at Berea Forest 18 April (SM, RB) were the latest to be reported. House Wren - 1 at Texas, Washington, 8 April (RD); 1 at Sauerheber 9 April (CC) and 1 at Glasgow 13 April (LC) were the earliest to be reported. 21 Winter Wren - I singing in the Cliffy Wilderness, Red River Gorge, Wolfe, 19 April (TW) was the latest to be reported. Marsh Wren - there were only four reports: singles at Sauerheber 17 April (DR, K.OS) and 2 May (CC); 1 heard at Camp #1 1 on 28 April (BP, EHu); and 1 heard near Drakesboro, Muhlenberg, 5 May (BP et al.). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 1 at Hematite Lake, LBL, Lyon , 31 March (HC, ME) was the earliest to be reported. Veery - I in LBL, Trigg, 30 April (BLi) was the earliest to be reported. Wood Thrush - birds heard in Hart 18 April (SK); in Owen (AN) and at Fishing Creek (RD), both 20 April; and at Pan¬ orama Shores, Calloway, 21 April (KCo) were the earliest to be reported. Gray Catbird - the wintering bird in Jes¬ samine lingered through March (DW); I along Woolper Creek, Boone, 13 April (PK.) was relatively early. American Pipit - several at Ledford 7 May (BP, EHu, MM) and 2 at Meng Pond, Warren, 1 7 May (DR) were the latest ones reported. Cedar Waxwing - after a near complete ab¬ sence in the state during late winter/early spring, flocks sprung onto the scene dur¬ ing the first week of May and remained numerous into the third week of the month. Blue-winged Warbler - 1 in LBL, Trigg, 7 April (BLi) was the earliest to be reported. Golden-winged Warbler - very scarce this spring with only two reports away from nesting areas: 1 at the Riverwalk (BP et al.) and 1 s. of Mt. Zion, Allen (JBy, MBy), both 4 May; also 2 territorial birds were detected on Log Mt. nw. of Gar- meada. Bell, 25 May (LP). Tennessee Warbler - 1 heard at Lexington (BA) and 1 in LBL, Trigg, (BLi), both 23 April, were the earliest to be reported. Orange-crowned Warbler - 1 in LBL, Trigg, 28 April (KK.) and I at Floyds Fork 4 May (BP et al.) were the only ones reported. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 72 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Northern Parula - 1 in LBL, Trigg, 3 April (BLi) and 1 along Mt. Tussell Road, Adair, 5 April (RD) were the earliest to be reported. Chestnut-sided Warbler - a nest was found under construction at the summit of Black Mountain 14 May (BP, EHu); a male singing as if territorial was present ne. of Greeley, ne. Lee, 31 May (BP). Magnolia Warbler - I at Draut Park, Jef¬ ferson, 31 May (MY) was the latest to be reported. Black-throated Blue Warbler - there were a few reports away from e. Kentucky: 1 at Berea Forest 9/12/15 May (SM, RB/AU/ DL, ASK); a female in LBL, Lyon, 10 May (BY, MY) that was extremely rare during spring for so far west; 1 at Owsley Fork Lake, Madison/Jackson, 12 May (AU); and 1 at Craigmoor Estates, Scott, 13 May (DL). Black-throated Green Warbler - a tally of 44 birds at Bee Rock Rec. Area, DBNF, Pulaski, 3 April (RD) was rather impres¬ sive. Blackburnian Warbler - the species has become much more numerous on Black Mountain during the last decade with at least 30-35 seen/heard 14 May (BP, EHu). Yellow-throated Warbler - 1 at Jonathan Creek 27 March (ME) was the earliest to be reported. Prairie Warbler - 1 in LBL, Trigg, 7 April (BLi) and 1 at Central Ky WMA, Mad¬ ison, 8 April (AN) were the earliest ones reported. Palm Warbler - 1 near Dot, Logan, 17 April (FL) was the earliest to be reported; 1 at the Louisville landfill 13 May (RA) was relatively tardy. Prothonotary Warbler - singles at Hema¬ tite Lake, LBL, Lyon, 6 April (AM) and at Floyds Fork 1 1 April (CBo, JBo) were the earliest ones reported. Worm-eating Warbler - 1 below Nolin Lake Dam, Edmonson, 12 April (TD) was the earliest to be reported. Vol. 86 Swainson's Warbler - I near Natural Bridge SRP, Powell, 10 April (TW) estab¬ lished a new early arrival date for the state; 1 at the Pumphrey Tract of Buck Creek Nature Preserve, Pulaski, 6 May (RD) was in a new area. Ovenbird - at least 1 at Bernheim Forest (EHu) and birds at two locales in the Red River Gorge vicinity, Powell, 12 April (MC) were the earliest to be reported. Northern Waterthrush - 1 below Nolin River Dam, Edmonson, 12 April (TD) and I near Ky Dam Village 17 April (BY, MY) were quite early. Louisiana Waterthrush - 1 at Blood River 18 March (HC) was the earliest to be re¬ ported. Connecticut Warbler - there were only four reports: 1 at Floyds Fork 12 May (AM); 1 heard at Surrey Hills Farm 16 May (BP); 1 offFernbush Lane, Jefferson, 22 May (MA); and 1 heard at WKU Woods, Warren, 23 May (DR). Mourning Warbler - there were several reports, all being included: 1 at Berea Forest 4 May (AN); 2 at Yatesville Lake, Law-rence, 12 May (EHu, BP); 1 at Floyds Fork (AM) and 1 at WKU Woods (DR), both 12 May; and 1 at WKU Woods 19 May (DR) with 2 there 20 May (DR). Common Yellowthroat - singles at Texas, Washington, (RD) and at Central Ky WMA, Madison (AN), both 8 April, were the earliest ones reported. Hooded Warbler - 1 at Natural Bridge SRP II April (MC) was the earliest to be re¬ ported. Wilson’s Warbler - singles at the River- walk (BP et al.) and near Thruston, Dav¬ iess (MT), both 4 May, were the earliest ones reported. Canada Warbler - 1 at Panorama Shores, Calloway, 2 May (KCo) was the earliest to be reported. Yellow-breasted Chat - 1 at Wandering Woods, Mammoth Cave, Barren, 20 April (TD) was the earliest to be reported. 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 73 Bachman's Sparrow - 16 territorial males were tallied at Ft. Campbell, Trigg, as part of an ongoing University of Tennessee study there (EHo, fide DMo). American Tree Sparrow - 1 w. of Bridge¬ port, Franklin, 4 April (JBr) was the latest to be reported. Vesper Sparrow - reports of interest in¬ cluded ca. 15 in Barren 8 April (DR); 1 at the Louisville landfill 8 May (RA); and an extremely tardy migrant in LBL, Lyon, 16 May (f BY, MY). Lark Sparrow - it was another good spring for the species with several reports, all being included: 1 along McDonald Land¬ ing Road, w. Henderson, 15 April (BP, EHu) with at least 6 there 2 May (CC) and at least 1 there 10 May (BY, MY); 1 at Sauerheber 17 April (DR, KOS); 1 along Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road, n. Union, 20 April (DR, CC); 1 in the Sharpe-Elva area of Clarks River NWR, Marshall, 26 April (BH, HC, et al.); 1 near KY 268 on 28 April (BP, EHu); 1 at McElroy Lake 5 May (BP et al.); 2 at Keysburg, Logan, 1 1 May (DR, TD) with 1 at the same locale 19 May (FL); and I along McElwain Road, Warren, 31 May (DR) and at least 1 1 birds seen at Ft. Campbell, Trigg, 8-27 May (EHo fide DMo). Savannah Sparrow - 5 or 6 territorial birds were singing along and near Chinn Lane, Mercer , 19 May (BP). Henslow’s Sparrow - at least 4 se. of Owenton, Owen, 20 April (AN) were in a previously unreported locale. Fox Sparrow - I at Briarwood, Jefferson , 22 April (JBe, PB) was exceptionally tardy. Dark-eyed Junco - 1 at the Riverwalk 23 April (AM, WP) was the latest to be reported. Scarlet Tanager - 1 in LBL, Trigg, 12 April (BLi, PL) was the earliest to be reported. Rose-breasted Grosbeak - a female at E.P. Tom Sawyer Park, Jefferson, 10 April (CBo, BBC) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted; single birds appeared at a few scat¬ tered locales beginning 23 April (m. ob.). At least 27 at the Riverwalk 4 May (CBc, TB) represented the high count for the season; with natural food supplies appear¬ ing to be in relatively good supply, the species was not as numerous at feeding stations this spring as during the past few spring seasons. Blue Grosbeak - several on the Road Creek Mine, Pike, 13 May (BP, EHu) were like¬ ly on territory. Although the species has likely been present this far e. in the state for some years, they have seldom been reported in the e. tier of counties. Indigo Bunting - the wintering bird present outside of Cadiz, Trigg, lingered into early spring and was last noted 22 April (WG). Dickcissel - a few in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 19 April (BY, MY) were the earliest to be reported; 1 on the Road Creek Mine, Pike, 13 May (BP, EHu) was likely on territory. Bobolink - at least 6 in Barren 26 April (DR); 1 near Dot, Logan , 27 April (FL) and a small flock nw. of Coraville, e. Henderson 29 April (AG) were the ear¬ liest to be reported; other reports of inter¬ est included a loose group of birds on territory along Chinn Lane, Mercer, 17+ May (BLe, BP, et al.); a flock of ca. 20 s. of Grayson, Carter, 4 May (EM); “easily 500, mostly females” in the Lower Hick¬ man Bottoms 15 May (BY, MY) with at least 300 seen in the same area 18 May (HC, ME); and 4 at Spindletop Farm, Fayette, 30 May (DSv, MF) that were likely on territory. Western Meadowlark - I s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 10 March (fJBy, MBy) represented a county first. Rusty Blackbird - 1 at Ellis Park, Hender¬ son, 22 April (EHu, BP) was the latest to be reported. Brewer’s Blackbird - 8 were last seen at the wintering area along Royal-Oak Grove Road e. of Fragrant, e. Grayson, 6 March (SK, JK); also reported were 1 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 24 March (BP, EHu, MM); at least 35 along Smokey 74 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 Road, Bullard, 25 March (BP, EHu, MM); and 4 at Tracy, Barren, 5 April (DR, DB). Orchard Oriole - 1 in LBL, Lyon, 1 1 April (BLi, PL) was the earliest to be reported other than the wintering bird noted in the Addendum below. Purple Finch - a few birds lingered into late March with a slight peak in numbers (likely migrants) noted during the first week of April (m. ob.); 1 in nw. Hart 8 May (JBt) was the latest to be reported. Pine Siskin - 1 at a feeder sw. of Hubble, n. Lincoln, 23 April (ph. JE) was the only one reported. Addendum to Winter 2009-2010 Season: Orchard Oriole - an adult male was re¬ ported in a yard at Richmond, Madison, 27 January into March (fCS, GS). Observers: Ben Albritton (BA), Ryan Ankeny (RA), Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK), Michael Autin (MA), David Ayer (DA), Jamin Beachy (JBy), Mathan Beachy (MBy), Colleen Craven-Becker (CBc), Tom Becker (TB), Beckham Bird Club (BBC), Jane Bell ( J Be), Pat Bell (PB), Mark Bennett (MBt), Carl Bochmann (CBo), JoAnn Bochmann (JBo), John Brittain (JBt), David Brown (DB), John Brunjes (JBr), Rhonda Bryant (RB), Kathy Caminiti (KCa), Joe Caminiti (JC), Fred Carroll (FC), Hap Chambers (HC), Mike Clarke (MC), Kathy Cohen (KCo), Michael Cohen (MC), Linda Craiger (LC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Becky Daugherty (BD), Roseanna Denton (RD), Kerri Dikun (KD), Gary Dorman (GD), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Jackie Elmore (JE), Mike Flynn (MF), Scott Freidhof (SF), Melissa Gaither (MG), Alan Gehret (AG), Willard Gray (WG), Steve & Debbie Hamilton (S&DH), Erin Harper (EHa), Barry Hart (BH), Kate Heyden (KH ), Emily Hockman (EHo), Eddie Huber (EHu), Aaron Hulsey (AH), Mark Jacobs (MJ), Tabatha Jennings (TJe), Tim Johnson (TJo), Kay Kavanagh (KK), Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS), Janet Kistler (JK), Steve Kistler (SK), Paul Krusling (PK), Amy Krzton- Presson (AK), David Lang (DL), Celia Lawrence (CL), Ben Leffew (BLe), Bill Lisowsky (BLi), Paula Lisowsky (PL), Frank Lyne (FL), Scott Marsh (SM), Don Martin (DMa), Robbie Martin (RM), Carol McAllister (CM), Paul McAllister (PM), Lee McNeely (LM), Andrew Melnykovych (AM), Mark Monroe (MM), Evelyn Morgan (EM), Mike Morton (MMr), Daniel Moss (DMo), multiple observers (m. ob.), Kim Neal (KN), Andy Newman (AN), Michael Page (MP), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP), Laura Patton (LP), William Pike (WP), Ed Ray (ER), Scott Record (SR), Gary Ritchison (GR), David Roemer (DR), Joan Roemer (JRm), Jeff Rowe (JRw), Luann Schoo (LSc), Claire Schuster (CS), Guenter Schuster (GS), Rick Seelhorst (RS), Lou Shain (LSh), Tom Sklodoski (TSk), Brian Smith (BS), Matt Stickel (MS), Tim Stovall (TSt), Del Striegel (DSt), Dave Svetich (DSv), John Swindells (JS), Diana Szuba (DSz), Laurie Thomas (LT), Marilee Thompson (MT), Tamie Tyra (TT), Alyssa Underwood (AU), Todd Weinkam (TW), Doris Westerman (DW), Eileen Wicker (EW), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY), Tara Young (TY). — 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222 (brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov) (Pal¬ mer-Ball) and P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY, 41005 (Ikmc9@aim.com) (McNeely). 20 1 0 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 75 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 with monetary awards of up to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, please visit the K.O.S. web site (http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm) or contact either Shawchyi Vorisek, Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, KY. 40601 (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov) or Dr. Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean's Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY. 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 Scott Marsh by mail at 4401 Athens-Boonesboro Road, Lex¬ ington. KY. 40509. or via email at (scott.marsh@insightbb.com). 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 4024.3. 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. 76 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 it. Western Kingbird, Allen 22 April 2010 David Roemer Purple Gallinule, Aurora Ferry Road, Booni 7 May 20 10 Kathy Caminiti & x >jQ DL. 86 The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) NOVEMBER 2010 NO. 4 IN THIS ISSUE 10 BARN OWL (Tyto alba) INVENTORY AND CURRENT MANAGEMENT FOR THE SPECIES IN KENTUCKY, Kathryn G. Heyden . 79 JRRENT STATUS OF NESTING BALD EAGLES (Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) IN KENTUCKY. Kathryn G. Heyden . 85 JMMER 2010 SEASON. Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., and Lee McNeely . 89 IE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL 2010 MEETING, John Brunjes . 97 ELD NOTE - Inca Dove in Fulton County . 100 iWS AND VIEWS . 101 iNTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AND 2009-2010 OPERATING STATEMENT, Lee McNeely . 102 78 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 8( THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Scott Marsh. Lexington, Vice-President . Carol Besse. Louisvilltj Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr; 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY 40222-391; Treasurer . Lee McNeel) P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY 4 1 00f| Recording Secretary . John Brunjes, Frankfort Councillors: Kathy Cohen. Murray . 2008-2010 Lana Hays. Walton . 2008-2010 Don Martin. Independence . 2009-201 1 Shawchyi Vorisek. Frankfort , ~~1 "‘OO^ "*01 1 Mark Bennett. Russellville 1.2010-2012 Mary Yandell. Louisville.... Retiring President Staff Artist .2010-2012 Win Ahrens. Prospecl Rav Harm. Sonoita. A 2 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; Current membership categories and corresponding dues follow: Regular ($15.00) Contributing ($25.00); Student ($10.00); Family ($20.00); and Life ($300.00). Direc manuscripts and communications to the editor. Send membership dues to the Treasurer1 Make requests for back issues to the Corresponding Secretary. Editor . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr, c/o Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission. 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort. KY. 4060 ’ (brainard. palmer-ball@ky.gov: Editorial Advisory’ Board Brian W. Smith and Ben Yandell Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Ben Yandel 513 Lvmington Court, Louisville, KY 4024; HE COVER We thank Eddie Huber for the image of the Black-bellied W histling-Duck (Dendro cygna autumnalis) taken 14 June 2010 at McElroy Lake in Warren County (see Summe 2010 Season, p. 90). Financial support for color reproduction in this y- — ^ ^ tp s issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Touch stone Energy Cooperatives. ElKTf C'.rfrrrr^o 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 79 2010 BARN OWL ( Tyto alba) INVENTORY AND CURRENT MANAGEMENT FOR THE SPECIES IN KENTUCKY Kathryn G. Heyden Introduction The Barn Owl ( Tyto alba) is a nocturnal raptor found in open habitats where it preys primarily on rodents and other small mammals. Although the species is one of the most widely distributed birds in the world (found on all continents except Antarctica), it is considered rare to uncommon in many regions. In Kentucky, records of nesting Barn Owls have been quite rare both historically and during modern times. Due to the predominance of forested habitat, the species was likely very rare in or absent from much of the state prior to European settlement. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the species likely colonized open habitats created by settlers (Palmer-Ball 1996). The infrequency of reports of this species in Kentucky is somew hat surprising because much suitable habitat in the form of pastures, hayfields, croplands, reclaimed surface-mine lands, and restored grasslands is present. In fact, 38% of the state is composed of undeveloped, open land (grassland/herbaceous, pasture, cropland, etc.) according to the 2005 National Land Cover Dataset (KDGI 2008). It is likely that the scarcity of breeding records is in part due to the elusive nature of these nocturnal predators. Mengel (1965) noted that the paucity of published records likely exaggerated the perceived rarity of the species, and he stated that during his time most rural people were familiar with the species, implying that Barn Owls must have occurred “widely and regularly." This has not been the case in recent years; despite efforts to track breeding records for this species, detailed reports have remained few in number. For example, only seven confirmed breeding records were documented 1985-1991 during the state’s breeding bird atlas project (Palmer-Ball 1996). Since then, only a handful of nesting records have been confirmed annually with 10 being the most in any single year (Palmer-Ball and McNeely 2004; Palmer-Ball and McNeely 2005). Barn Owls have gained conservation concern throughout most of North America in recent years due to noticeable population changes. Severe declines have been recorded in several midwestern states (Colvin 1985, Stewart 1980, WDNR 2005). Many possible causes for these declines have been identified and examined including habitat loss, human-related mortality, variability in prey populations, low survival during severe winters, predation, pesticides, and limited number of suitable nest sites (Altwegg et al. 2006, Colvin 1985, Stewart 1980). Without doubt, a combination of these factors has affected Kentucky's Barn Owl population. Due to local conservation concern. Barn Owl has been considered a species of Special Concern by the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission since 1986 (Warren et al. 1986), and as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Kentucky's State Wildlife Action Plan (KDFWR 2005). Subsequent to the latter designation, a program to install nest boxes in suitable habitat on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) was initiated in 2006. 2010 Barn Owl Inventory Conservation actions for declining species are usually best implemented when the status of the population is known. In the case of Barn Owl. so little was known about its status in Kentucky that the first step was to conduct a statewide inventory. The goal of this effort was to document as many resident Barn Owls as possible. During 2010, Kentucky Department offish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) personnel opportunistically searched suitable nesting and roosting structures (barns, silos, old houses, etc.) on both public and private lands, the latter with landowner permission, for evidence of use by Bam Owls. Searches were focused in areas where Barn Owl sightings had occurred or near known nest 80 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 and roost sites. Nest boxes that had been installed in past years by KDFWR or cooperating landowners were checked for evidence of Barn Owl use. Wildlife rehabilitators worked with KDFWR to provide locations where they had encountered Barn Owls. Finally, press releases were circulated notifying the general public that KDFWR was conducting the inventory, and leads resulting from responses were investigated. Twenty-six Barn Owl nest locations were confirmed in 23 counties during the 2010 inventory (Fig. 1 ). Nest locations were considered confirmed if at least one of the following was observed by KDFWR personnel or photographed by a landowner: I ) one or two adults present at nest site with eggs or incubation observed; 2) one or more nestling(s) or recently Hedged young present at or in the immediate vicinity of nest site; 3) one or more adults delivering food to nest site; or 4) one or more adults present at nest site with calls of nest¬ lings heard. Fig I Counties with confirmed Bam Owl nesting locations during 2010. Most nests were found on privately owned land, although three were in nest boxes on WMAs. Nests were found in a variety of structures, showing no clear preference for structure type (Table 1); however, our survey methodology likely showed a bias for the use of man-made structures (Colvin et al 1984). Tree cavity nests are difficult to locate and often overlooked unless they are in close proximity to a home, or a tree falls or is cut down. Table 1. Structure types used by Barn Owls, 2010. Nest/Roost Structure Type Nests Roosts Total Sites Attics 2 - 2 Barns and Outbuildings 3 2 5 Other Openings in I louses or Other Buildings 2 1 3 Caves/Rock Shelters - 1 1 Chimneys i - 1 Dead trees 3 - 3 Live Trees 7 - 7 Nest Boxes (all in barns) 4 1 5 Elevated Hunting Blinds ' 1 Silos and Grain Bins 3 2 5 Total 26 7 33 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 81 Most nests were located high above ground level (usually more than 15 ft [4.6 m]), but nests in silos and grain bins were situated not more than four feet (1.2 m) above ground level. Nests that were inspected in hollow trees (Hopkins and Boyle counties) were in cavernous hollows several feet deep. Many nests were found in agricultural settings, but a substantial number were documented in rural towns and one was in an urban area (in an unfinished eave of an office building on the outskirts of Lexington, Fayette County). All of the nests, while located within settled areas, were within ca. 0.5 mi (ca. 0.8 km) of a sig¬ nificant amount of pasture, hayfield, or other open habitat. Nests were scattered throughout much of central and western Kentucky, but none were reported or found on the Cumberland Plateau or in the Cumberland Mountains (Fig. 1). A few Bam Owl "hotspots” were noted where more than one nesting pair or roost were located within several miles of one another. Perhaps most notably, the Boyle/Mercer County area produced three nesting pairs and two additional roosting individuals. The productivity of 24 nest attempts was monitored during 2010. Brood sizes varied from 3-8 with most nests fledging 3-6 young. Nesting was typically initiated during spring (March-April) and most young Hedged by the end of July. Nests were considered successful if they fledged one or more young. Success was documented at 16 nests, although eight failures were also documented. During 2010, at least 79 young were produced and 56 young were known to fledge from 29 nesting attempts; at the time of this writing three late nests remain active. While the cause of two nest failures was unknown, evidence at other locations pointed to exposure to weather (Logan County), unsuccessful fledging (Shelby County), predation (Daviess County), death of one of the pair (Madison County) and nest destruction (Montgomery and Mercer counties). Re-nesting by pairs that had failed in earlier nesting attempts was observed in only one pair (Shelby County). Double-brooding was documented at two nests: one in Bourbon County and one in Scott County. In Bourbon County, a second brood of young was observed in mid-December after a successful nest of young fledged in late May. In Scott County, a second clutch of six eggs was laid during mid-September following a successful nesting during spring 2010. Three additional nesting attempts were initiated in late summer/fall 2010: a brood of eight young was found in a hollow tree that had been cut down in a yard in Boyle County 1 1 September; two downy young, approximately one month old, were found under a nest tree in Simpson County 29 October; and one downy young, approximately five weeks old. was found beneath a nest tree in Muhlenberg County 26 November. These three nest sites had not yet been located in spring, so it is not known if these were double-broods, re-nests, or first attempts for these pairs during 2010. Nesting during fall/winter and double-brooding has been reported occasionally in bordering states including Illinois and Ohio (Walk et al 1999, 82 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 Shipley and Scott 1999), but had not been previously reported in Kentucky. Barn Owls nesting in Kentucky appear to be non-migratorv and usually remain on site year-round, although different locations may be chosen for roosting seasonally. Roosting Barn Owls were observed in a variety of structures including silos, bams, building crevices, j and a rock shelter (Woodford County) (Table 1 ). Nearby suitable nesting structures were searched for nests where roosting Bam Owls were found. If no nest or mate was located, the ; owl was assumed to be un-mated. In addition to the 26 nesting pairs summarized above, one pair was found roosting together with no nesting confirmed, and six solitary owls were documented at roosting sites during 2010. Pellets found at nesting and roosting locations were opportunistically dissected to identify prey remains. Identifiable skulls were usually those of voles (Microtus spp.) or Southern bog lemmings ( Svnaptomys cooperi), although a few mouse (Peromyscus spp. and Mus musculus ) and one Short-tailed shrew ( Blarina brevicauda ) skulls were also noted. Crawfish remains and the wings of a nestling passerine bird were also found under a nest in Crittenden County. Though anecdotal, the observed dominance of voles in the diet of Bam Owls was consistent with other studies on the contents of Bam Owl pellets in Kentucky (Brown 1989, Thogmartin et al 1999) and elsewhere in inland North America (Marti 2009). I Management Efforts Suitable nest site availability in the proximity of areas with a large prey base is assumed to be a major limiting factor for Bam Owl populations. Providing nest boxes near source populations has been found to successfully increase nesting populations (Marti et al 1979). Nest boxes provide not only additional nest sites, but a distinct place to look for owls (Colvin et al 1984). The inclusion of the Barn Owl as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Kentucky's State Wildlife Action Plan (KDFWR 2005) resulted in establishment of a program to install nest boxes in suitable habitat on WMAs and other public lands in 2006. Initially, efforts focused on installing nest boxes in bams and sheds near large tracts of grassland habitat. Nineteen nest boxes have been installed in bams or buildings on public land since 2006 (Table 2). However, several WMAs that have good Bam Owl habitat, do not have barns that are conducive to nest box installation. Thus, in 2008. a new nest box i was designed that could be mounted onto a tree or pole. Since 2008. 18 nest boxes have been installed on trees and poles on public lands. Table 2. Nest boxes installed by KDFWR since 2006. Year \ Ownership Barns and Outbuildings Houses or Other Buildings Poles Live Trees Elevated Hunting Blinds Silos Total 2006 Private/Public 2/6 -/- -/- -/- -/- -/- 2/6 , 2007 ! Private/Public 1/8 -/- -/- -/- -/- -/- 1/8 2008 Private/Public 1/- -/- -/- 1/6 -/- -/- 2/6 2009 i Private/Public 4 /- -/- -/- -12 -/- -/- 4/2 2010 Private/Public 12/4 5/1 2/10 M- 3/- 3/- 29/15 Total Private/Public 20/18 5/1 2/10 5/8 3/0 3/0 38/37 Total Nest Boxes 38 6 12 13 3 3 75 Although several nest boxes on public lands have already become active (e.g.. Clay and Yellowbank WMAs), in 2010 the nest box focus switched to maximizing the fecundity of existing Barn Owl nests, whether they were on public or private land. Productivity may be hindered at unreliable nest sites, perhaps contributing to Barn Owl declines. For example, many nests are discovered when hollow trees are cut down, grain bins are drained, or old barns are demolished. In 2010. KDFWR worked to ensure that all known nesting 83 6 2010 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Barn Owl pairs had a safe and permanent nest site by installing 29 additional nest boxes at e locations with known pairs. Sometimes Barn Owls choose nest locations that present an s inconvenience for the landowner or will not be available in future years (e.g. a hole in an attic vent that is planned to be fixed). KDFWR works with landowners to encourage Bam e ' Owls to nest in a location that is convenient for the landowner and safe for the owls. The e Department also ensures that destroyed Barn Owl nest sites (e.g., removed nest trees) are ; replaced with a nearby nest box in an undisturbed area. It is hoped that these efforts will encourage a more stable Bam Owl nesting population statewide. Banding Efforts In hopes of learning more about the dispersal, movements, and survival of Kentucky : Barn Owls, KDFWR personnel banded 30 Barn Owls in 2010. Owls were banded with US Geological Survey lock-on aluminum leg bands and, when possible, birds were sexed using a combination of measurements and plumage characteristics. Cooperation with local rehabilitators led to the banding and release of 20 Barn Owls during 2010. These owls had been brought in for various reasons includ¬ ing vehicle collisions, nest destruction, and falling from a nest. Nineteen rehabilitated hatch-year owls and one rehabilitated adult owl were banded and released in 2010. The adult female was released at her nest site from a newly installed nest box (Mercer ; County). Meanwhile, young owls were re- ! leased in groups of four to seven in bams with installed nest boxes at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and at Yellowbank WMA. These two locations were chosen based on the availability of several nest boxes in the area and the presence of at least one known nest of Barn Owls nearby. In addition to rehabilitated birds, 10 nestling Barn Owls were banded at acces¬ sible nest locations in 2010. Six nestling owls were banded at a nest in Henderson I County 15 June 2010, and four nestlings were banded at a nest in Boyle County 1 1 September 2010. Future Monitoring and Management Bam Owl nesting locations and productivity will be monitored by KDFWR annually, with an extensive survey and detailed report produced on a three-year interval. KDFWR will continue to band rehabilitated and nestling Barn Owls as time and funding permits. Nest boxes on public lands will be maintained, and additional nest boxes will be installed t where appropriate. Nest boxes on private lands will be maintained by KDFWR and ■ cooperating landowners. Time and funding permitting, KDFWR will continue to install ■ additional nest boxes on private lands where there are Barn Owls in need of safe and permanent nesting locations. Monitoring and nest box management will be continued until the nesting population demonstrates growth and sustained stability. More Information and Request for Sightings Because most Bam Owls are on private land, the extent of KDFWR's knowledge of and ability to help Kentucky’s population depends greatly on the public’s cooperation in 84 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 reporting sightings. Please report any sightings of nesting or roosting Bam Owls to Kate Heyden at kathryn.heyden@ky.gov or (800) 858-1549 ext. 4475. Landowner and exact nest location information are kept confidential, and locations are released to the public only at the county level. KDFWR works with landowners to encourage Barn Owls to nest in locations that are convenient for the landowner and safe for the owls. Interested landowners who would like to install their own nest box can find construction plans at the following link: http://fw.kv.gov/pdf/bamowlboxes2010.pdf. Anyone installing a nest box is encour¬ aged to inform KDFWR of the location and provide updates of any use by Bam Owls. Again, contact Kate Heyden as noted above. More information on Kentucky Bam Owls will also soon be available at: http://fw.kv. gov/navigation. aspx?cid=755&navpath=C753. Acknowledgments A project of this scope would not have been possible without the support of many cooperators and private landowners. KDFWR would like to acknowledge the following wildlife rehabilitators for providing information on Bam Owls and cooperating on banding and releases: Broadbent Wildlife Rehabilitation, Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky. Western Kentucky Raptor Center, and Wingspan of Kentucky. We would also like to express appreciation to Don Pelly and Shaker Village of 1 Pleasant Hill for cooperating on several releases. We would also like to thank those at KDFWR who helped with public and private lands nest box installations, monitoring and releases: Fred Adkins. Jim Barnard, Steve Bonney. Clay WMA staff. Nathan Gregory, The i Habitat Team. Ben Leffew, Josh Lilpop, Steve McMillen. Peabody WMA staff. Kyle Sams. Jacob Stewart. Dan Stoelb, Ryan Taylor, and Eric Williams. Gary Sprandel provided support for the Bam Owl database. Kenergy Corp. also generously donated a utility pole for the installation of a Bam Owl nest box in Hopkins County. Volunteer observers and those who provided historical information on nesting and roosting locations included W. Horace Brown. Hap Chambers. Zachary Danks, Frank Lyne, Don Pelly, Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., j Eric Williams, and Katie Williams. We would also like to acknowledge the many private landowners who have become a host for this rare species. For their privacy, we do not include landowner names here, but : their continued support of the Barn Owl program is very much appreciated. Due to this species' scarcity, the contribution made by providing a single safe nesting site for each pair of Bam Owls is significant. The success of this species is dependent on the individuals, organizations and companies that participate in good management, cooperation, and volun- teerism. Literature Cited Altwegg. R„ A. Roulin. M. Kestenholz, and L. Jenni. 2006. Demographic effects of extreme winter weather in the Bam Owl. Oecologia 149: 44-51. Brown. R.K. 1989. Food habits of Kentucky owls. The Kentucky Warbler 65:38-48. Colvin. B.. P.L. Hegdal. and W.B. Jackson. 1984. A comprehensive approach to research and management of common Bam Owl populations. Proceedings- Workshop on Management of Nongame Species and Ecological Communities. University of Kentucky, Lexington. KY. Colvin. B. 1985. Common Bam Owl population decline in Ohio and the relationship to agricultural trends. Journal of Field Ornithology 56: 224-235. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR). 2005. Kentucky's Com¬ prehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy. 2005. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman's Lane. Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Accessible at http://fw.ky.gov/kfwis/stwg/. Kentucky Division of Geographic Information (KDGI). 2008. 2005 Update to the Kentucky portion of the NLCD01. Kentucky Landscape Census Project: Taking GIS and remote 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 85 sensing to the people of KY with an Open G1S data viewing & distribution system for Kentucky. NASA Cooperative Agreement NCC 13-030 10. Frankfort, KY. Dataset available from ftp://ftn.kvmartian.kv.uov/kls/KY LCC050I ./in. Marti, C.D., P.W. Wagner, and K.W. Denne. 1979. Nest boxes for the management of Barn Owls. Wildlife Society Bulletin 7: 145-148. Marti, C.D. 2009. A comparison of methods for estimating prey biomass of Barn Owls. Journal of Raptor Research 43:61-63. Mengel, R.M. 1965. The birds of Kentucky. American Ornithologists’ Union Monograph No. 3. The 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. McNeely. 2004. Summer Season 2004. The Kentucky Warbler 84:79-86. Palmer-Ball, B„ Jr. and L. McNeely. 2005. Fall Season 2004. The Kentucky Warbler 85:3- 17. Shipley, K.L. and D.P. Scott. 1999. Barn Owl Distribution and Productivity, 1998. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. Olentangy Wildlife Research Station, Ashley, OH 43003. Unpublished Technical Report. 5 pp. Stewart, P.A. 1980. Population trends of Barn Owls in North America. American Birds 34: 698-700. Thogmartin, W.E., A.T. Morzillo, IT. A. Brown, and J.H. Hemer-Thogmartin. 1999. Feeding habits of Barn Owls at Yellowbank Wildlife Management Area, Breckinridge County, Kentucky. Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901. Unpublished Technical Report. 19 pp. Walk, J.W., T.L. Esker, and S.A. Simpson. 1999. Continuous nesting of Barn Owls in Illinois. The Wilson Bulletin 1 1 1:572-573. Warren, J.L., Jr., W.H. Davis, R.R. Hannan, M. Evans, D.L. Batch, B.D. Anderson, B. Palmer-Ball, Jr., J.R. MacGregor, R.R. Cicerello, R. Athey, B.A. Branson, G.J. Fallo, B.M. Burr, M.E. Medley, and J.M. Baskin. 1986. Endangered, threatened, and rare plants and animals of Kentucky. Transactions of the Kentucky Academy of Science 47:83-98. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). 2005. Wisconsin’s Strategy for Wildlife Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Madison, WI. — Nongame Branch, Ky. Dept of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort. KY, 40601 (kathryn.heyden@ky.gov). CURRENT STATUS OF NESTING BALD EAGLES ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus) IN KENTUCKY Kathryn G. Heyden History of Kentucky’s Breeding Bald Eagle Population Very little information exists on nesting Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in Kentucky prior to the middle of the 20th Century. Most of the historic records are from far western Kentucky, with a few observations farther east along the Ohio River floodplain. As of the early 1950s there were an estimated five to 10 nesting pairs (Mengel 1965), although the pre-settlement population was likely larger. A widespread decline, mostly attributed to decreased productivity caused by DDT, occurred during the 1950s-1960s. As a result, nesting Bald Eagles disappeared from Kentucky for over 20 years (Palmer-Ball 1996). Subsequent to the banning of DDT in the United States in 1972 and a nationwide restoration effort during the 1970s and 1980s, the number of Bald Eagles in the continental 86 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 United States began to increase. In 1987 the Bald Eagle became reestablished as a breeding species in Kentucky when two eaglets hatched from a nest at Ballard Wildlife Management Area in Ballard County. Although that nest failed due to owl predation, two eaglets suc¬ cessfully Hedged from a nest at Land Between the Lakes in 1989 (Burford 1999). After reestablishment, the Bald Eagle nesting population steadily increased; six nesting pairs were documented in 1990 and 23 nesting territories were documented in 2000 (Table 1). Due to the presence of an abundance of suitable habitat, the majority of eagle nests are located in western Kentucky, primarily in the floodplains of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, as well as at the Land Between the Lakes. However, the population has recently expanded onto other river systems across the state, and the creation of large reservoirs has provided habitat that was not available to eagles historically. As a result. Bald Eagle nests in central and eastern Kentucky are becoming increasingly common. Kentucky's nesting population of Bald Eagles met criteria set by the Southeast Bald Eagle Recovery Team for removal of the species from the federal list of Threatened and Endangered Species in August of 2007. However. Bald Eagles still remain protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. To ensure the species continues to proliferate. National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines (USFWS 2007) and a Post-delisting Monitoring Plan (USFWS 2009) have been developed. Current Status of Nesting Bald Eagles While Kentucky's nesting Bald Eagle population increased at a relatively slow rate i during the 1990s and early 2000s. the pace of growth has increased rapidly during the past j several years. During 2010, a record 84 occupied nesting territories were documented in 36 counties (Fig. I ); this is twice the number present in Kentucky just five years ago (Table 1 ). Nineteen new nests were located in 2010. the most notable being at Fishtrap Lake in Pike County, near downtown Louisville on Shippingport Island, along the Kentucky River in Franklin County, and at two sites along the Ohio River in Boone County. The record total of nesting territories no doubt reflects the expansion of Kentucky's nesting eagle pop¬ ulation. However, the discovery of some of the new nests was made possible by additional aerial surveys conducted in 2010. A one-time funding opportunity was utilized to survey portions of far western Kentucky by helicopter that had not been intensively checked in recent years. This (light, alone, resulted in the discovery of 10 new nests, some of which may have been built in recent years prior to 2010. 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 87 Table 1. Nesting success of Kentucky Bald Eagle territories since re-establishment. Year No. of Occupied Nesting Territories No. of Successful Nesting Territories No. of Young Produced No. of Young Fledged No. of Young Fledged Per Successful Nesting Territory 1986 1 0 0 0 0 1987 3 0 2 0 0 1988 3 0 0 0 0 1989 3 1 3 2 2.0 1990 6 3 6 6 2.0 1991 8 4 7 7 1.75 1992 7 3 6 6 2.0 1993 10 6 14 13 2.17 1994 12 7 14 13 1.86 1995 15 8 16 15 1.88 1996 12 8 17 17 2.13 1997 18 8 14 12 1.50 1998 14 6 8 8 1.33 1999 20 12 24 22 1.83 2000 23 19 32 32 1.68 2001 25 17 25 24 1.41 2002 25 18 30 30 1.67 2003 39 22 34 34 1.55 2004 39 25 34 46 1.84 2005 42 25 54 51 2.04 2006 43 22 38 36 1.64 2007 48 38 72 67 1.76 2008 62 33 76 59 1.79 2009 56 15 84 27 1.80 2010 84 35 109 63 1.80 Eagle Monitoring in Kentucky Kentucky’s Bald Eagle population is currently monitored twice a year. During Jan¬ uary, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), in cooperation with other state and federal agencies and local volunteers, surveys as many as 20 routes to compile a Midwinter Eagle Survey. Midwinter Eagle Surveys have been conducted in the state since 1961. although route locations have been changed and survey efforts have been expanded and better standardized over the decades. Survey data are submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of a national survey and are available via the internet at http://ocid.nacse.org/nbii/eagles/. During the Midwinter Eagle Survey, 1 50-400 eagles have been counted in Kentucky every winter since 2000. KDFWR also conducts aerial surveys of eagle nests during the early spring (March/ April) to determine the status of known breeding territories. Nesting success is later determined for as many nests as is possible by ground observations made by KDFWR staff. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 88 Vol. 86 other agency personnel, and volunteers. During the nesting season (January-July), the following information is gathered, where possible: • Occupied nesting territories - number of territories with evidence of a nesting pair of eagles. • Successful nesting territories - number of territories that were known to be successful in fledging at least one young. • Young produced - number of young known to hatch. • Young fledged - number of young known to Hedge. • Young fledged/successful nesting territory - number of young fledged divided by the number of successful territories. These criteria are used regionally and nationally to measure productivity trends and are reported annually by each state to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). A territory is deemed “occu¬ pied" if it contains a nest that was recently built or main¬ tained by eagles, adult birds are seen at a nest, or if there is evidence of reproduction (incubation behavior, eggs, or chicks seen). A territory is considered “successful" if at least one young is known to fledge (USFWS 2009). Due to limited accessibility and funding, some territories con¬ firmed to be occupied early in the nesting cycle typically cannot be checked for suc¬ cess each year. Thus, the number of successful nesting territories and resulting totals of Hedged young presented in Table 1 reflect results from only a portion of the occupied territories in any given year. For this reason, the 2010 totals of 109 young produced (hatched) and 63 Hedged are certainly only a portion of the actual total. As dem¬ onstrated by the values in the right-most column of Table 1. the productivity per successful nest has remained fairly consistent over the past two decades. Acknowledgments Monitoring Kentucky’s Bald Eagle population requires a tremendous amount of effort 1 and would not be possible without the cooperation of several federal and state agencies, universities, private organizations, volunteers, and private landowners. Their continued I support is most appreciated. Funding for aerial surveys in 2010 was provided in part by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 89 Literature Cited Burford. L. 1999. 1999 Bald Eagle Nesting Activity in Kentucky. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Un¬ published Technical Report. 7 pp. Mengel. R.M. 1965. The birds of Kentucky. American Ornithologists’ Union Monograph No. 3. The Allen Press, Lawrence, KS. Palmer-Ball, B., Jr. 1996. The Kentucky breeding bird atlas. University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2007. National Bald Eagle Management Guide¬ lines. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Divisions of Endangered Species and Migratory Birds and State Programs, Midwest Regional Office, Twin Cities, Minnesota. 23 pp. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2009. Post-delisting Monitoring Plan for the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the Contiguous 48 States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Divisions of Endangered Species and Migratory Birds and State Programs, Midwest Regional Office, Twin Cities, Minnesota. 75 pp. — Nongame Branch, Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (kathryn.heyden@ky.gov). SUMMER 2010 SEASON Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. and Lee McNeely Following the rainy spring season, June and July 2010 were relatively normal in terms of temperature and precipitation. Transient lakes across the Highland Rim of south-central Kentucky lingering from the heavy early May rains provided a unique opportunity to see waterbirds during a season when highlights from this group are typically somewhat limited. McElroy Lake, in particular, yielded a number of interesting observations including Black- bellied Whistling-Duck, Mottled Duck, nesting Black-necked Stilts, Whimbrel, and Hud- sonian Godwit. Other highlights included a second Mottled Duek, an unprecedented show¬ ing of White Ibis and two reports of Merlin during July, and a summer Alder Flycatcher. Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these reports have been accepted for inclusion in the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Reports of out-of-season birds and rarities should be accompanied by written and/or photographic documentation. This documentation is reviewed by 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: Barkley Dam = Barkley Dam, Lyon/ Livingston', Chaney Lake, Warren; Falls of the Ohio. Jefferson; Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment of Lake Cumberland, Pulaski; Horseshoe Road = slough next to Horseshoe Road, w. Henderson; KY 739 = transient pond along KY 739 se. of Williams Store, Logan; Ky Bend = sandbars on the Mississippi River at Kentucky Bend, Fulton; Ky Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall; Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon; Livingston Point, on the Ohio River at the mouth of the Tennessee River, McCracken; Lower Hickman Bottoms, w. Fulton; McElroy Lake, n. of Woodburn, Warren; Melco = Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson; Morgan Pond, near Oak Grove, Christian; Obion WMA. Fulton; Shaker Village = Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Mercer; Sinclair WMA. Muhlenberg; Starfire Mine. Knott; SNP = State Nature Preserve; WMA = Wildlife Management Area. 90 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 Black-bellied Whistling-Duck - 1 was present at McElroy Lake 13-19 June (ph. DR et al.). KBRC review required. Mottled Duck - there were two reports: 1 at McElroy Lake 3-7 July (vt. DR, et al.); and 1 along KY 94 at Mud Creek, w. Ful¬ ton, 10-16 July (BY, ph. MY, EHu, ph. HC). KBRC review required. Blue-winged Teal - at least 7 were still at McElroy Lake 14 June (BP, EHu), but as smaller bodies of water nearby dried up, a few more collected there with a high count of ca. 12 males and at least 1 female 28 June (BP, EHu); only 3-4 remained there by 5 July as the lake began to dwin¬ dle (BP, EHu); single broods of young in the company of females were finally ob¬ served there 1 1 July (BP, KH) and 14 July (DR). Other reports without evidence of breeding included 1 at KY 739 on 16 June (FL); 1 at Horseshoe Road 3 July (CC); a male at Morgan Pond 14-25 July (BP, EHu, DR) and an unspecified number at Chaney Lake to 27 July (DR). Gadwall - a male was present at Melco 14 June (BP, EHu). Ring-necked Duck - there were two re¬ ports: 2 females lingered at McElroy Lake into early July (m. ob.) and were last seen 15 July (DR); and a male on a transient pond along US 431 s. of Russellville, Logan, 19-21 June(MBt). Lesser Scaup - as has become the norm, small numbers of scaup, most or all Les- sers. likely summered on Lake Barkley with at least 14 above the dam and 4 at Kuttawa, both 17 June (BP). Hooded Merganser - there were four re¬ ports of probable or confirmed breeding: up to 12 birds, most likely juvs. hatched somewhere in the vicinity, were at McEl¬ roy Lake during June (m. ob.) with 1-3 present into July (m. ob.) and last seen 14 July (DR); a female with 5 juvs. was seen at a transient pond along Homer Murray Road. Warren, 13 June (DR. TD); 7 birds (probably a female with 6 full-grown young) were along KY 137 n. of Bayou, Livingston, 18 June (BP); and 7 (probable a family group) were at I Iorseshoe Road 3 July (CC). Other reports of interest in¬ cluded a female along the Ohio River at Dayton. Campbell, 6 June (FR) and a female-type bird at Morgan Pond 14 July (BP, EHu). Ruddy Duck - a female lingered at McEl¬ roy Lake to 9 June (DR). Common Loon - there were five reports: I heard calling at Cave Run Lake, Bath! Rowan, 1 June (EM); 1 at McElroy Lake 3 June (DR); 1 at Morgan Pond 6 June (DR. MBt); and 1 in basic plumage on Ky Lake above the dam and 1 in alternate plumage in the marina area at Kuttawa, both 1 7 June (BP). Pied-billed Grebe - there were two reports of breeding: at KY 739. where an adult was present 16/26 June (FL et al.) and 2 juvs. (thought to have been hatched there) were seen 9 July (ph. FL, MBt): and at Morgan Pond, where a bird was observed incubating 26 June (DR. FL), and 2 broods each with 5 young were present 1 4 July (BP. EHu) with these same families observed into August (m. ob.). Also re¬ ported were 2 adults at McElroy Lake through 14 June (BP. EHu) with 1 linger¬ ing into July (m. ob.) and last seen 15 July (DR); 1 on a transient pond along Homer Murray Road. Warren. 5 June (DR. TD); a juv. at McElroy Lake 14 June (DR, TD) that could have been hatched in the vicin¬ ity: and 1 at Barren River Lake, Barren, 24 June (DR). Juv. Pied-billed Grebes, Morgan Pond 26 July 2010 David Roemer 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 91 American White Pelican - 2 likely sum¬ mering birds were present on Lake Bark¬ ley near Kuttawa 17 June (BP); also of interest were 10-15 over Ky Bend during mid-June (KDi) and 3 at Middle Bar on the Mississippi River, Hickman , 12 July (KDi). Least Bittern - 2 at Clear Creek WMA, Hopkins, 7 July (EHa) were the only ones reported. Great Blue Heron - a relatively impressive number of mostly juv. birds gathered at McElroy Lake during late June and early July with a peak count of 155 tallied there 14 July (DR). Great Egret - 2 birds at Pulaski County Park 7 June (SS) were not near known breeding areas; probably 25-30 birds were at the Kuttawa heronry 17 June (BP); up to 12 birds were seen at McElroy Lake during mid-July (m. ob.); ca. 750 in the vicinity of Obion WMA 16 July (HC) represented a modest peak count for the season. Snowy Egret -there were three reports of birds away from w. Kentucky: 1 at Melco 1 June (EHu); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 9 July (BP); and 1 over Horseshoe Road 10 July (CC). Little Blue Heron - the only birds away from w. Kentucky were an adult at McEl¬ roy Lake 3 June (DR); a juv. near Mosely Pond, Logan, 14 July (BP, EHu); a juv. at Fishing Creek 19 July (RD); a juv. at Guthrie Swamp, Todd, 23/26 July (DR); and a juv. at Chaney Lake 27-29 July (DR). " Cattle Egret - 1 in flight over w. Muhlen¬ berg 26 June (MY, BY) and a juv. at McElroy Lake 17 July (DR, DB, TD) were the only ones reported away from w. Kentucky. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - there were several reports of juvs., all being included: 1 at Chaney Lake 28 June/14 July (BP, EHu/DR); 3 at Hall's Store transient pond, Logan, 9 July (MBt) with 1 still there 10/12 July (ph. MBt); 2 at Obion WMA 10 July (BY, MY, EH) with 1 still there 17 July (BY, MY); and singles near Morgan Pond (BP, EHu) and at the former Camp #11 mine. Union (BP, EHu), both 22 July. Also reported was an adult at the Louisville landfill 7 June (RA). White Ibis - an unprecedented movement of juvs. occurred during July with all reports included: 3 at Lake No. 9, Fulton , 6 July (ph. HC, ME); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 8-21 July (ph. EHu, et ah); 1 at KY 739 on 1 1 July (FL, MBt, ph. DR) with 3 there 13-16 July (ph. FL et ah); 6 at McElroy Lake 13-18 July (D&SH; ph. EHu; ph. DR, et ah); and 1 at Morgan Pond 20/22 July (ph. DR, TD/ BP. EHu). Osprey - reports of interest included 1 at McElroy Lake 16 June (DR) and a juv. at Barren River Lake, Allen! Barren, 31 July (DR). A new nest was located at Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln, where 2 adults and 3 young were present 1 1 June (AN). The nest at Shippingport Island, Jefferson , contained 3 young 20 July (DS et ah). Bald Eagle - an adult was at McElroy Lake 7 June (DR). It was a remarkable breeding season for Bald Eagles; 84 occupied ter¬ ritories were documented in the state dur¬ ing the year! Largely the result of an in¬ tensive effort by personnel with the Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, 19 new territories were documented in 2010 (KH et ah). Notable new nests were locat¬ ed at Fishtrap Lake, Pike ; on Shippingport Island near downtown Louisville, Jeffer¬ son ; along the Kentucky River, Franklin ; and at two sites along the Ohio River, Boone. See article on pp. 85-89. 92 Vol. 86 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Northern Harrier - a female-type bird was seen at McElroy Lake 28 June (BP, EHu). Mississippi Kite - 1 at Sinclair WMA 12 July (ET), 2-3 there 19 July (BY, MY), and a surprising tally of 8 there 25 July (ph. AU, ET) were the only ones reported away from known breeding areas. Merlin - unprecedented for summer were birds reported at McElroy Lake 17 July (tDR, TD) and at Morgan Pond 24 July (+TD). Peregrine Falcon - it was a record-setting year for nesting; 13 pairs held territories with 10 nesting successfully producing 23 chicks, all of which fledged (KH et al.); new pairs were located in Franklin and Pendleton (KH et al.). Sora - 2 heard calling at Sinclair 8 July (EHa) were very unusual for mid-summer and possibly represented summering/ breeding birds. American Coot - a likely injured bird con¬ tinued through the season on a pond at the Louisville landfill where it has been seen since spring 2009 (RA); 8 lingered at Mc¬ Elroy Lake to 14 June (BP, EHu) with at least 4 still there 5 July (BP. EHu); and at least 1 last seen there 16 July (DR). Sandhill Crane - singles were present at McElroy Lake 28 June (BP, EHu. DR) and at the Standard Country Club, ne. Jefferson , 17 July (WA). Black-bellied Plover - 3 at McElroy Lake 3-4 June (DR et al.) and 1 there 5 June (DR, TD) were the latest to be reported. Semipalmated Plover - small numbers lingered into early June with 3 at Melco 1 June (EHu); 2 near Grassy Pond/Powells Lake Unit Sloughs WMA, Union, and 2 at Horseshoe Road, both 3 June (CC); I at KY 739 on 5 June (FL); and at least 15 at McElroy 4 June (DR et al.) with 1 last seen there 19 June (DR). Two at Morgan Pond 22 July (BP, EHu) were the earliest fall birds reported. Piping Plover - 1 at Obion WMA 18 July (BY. MY) was relatively early. Killdeer - an impressive number gathered at McElroy during late June and early July with a peak count of 1400+ there 16-17 July (DR); less impressive numbers were present at Morgan Pond during mid-July with at least 550 in the vicinity 22 July (BP, EHu). Black-necked Stilt - birds were present at McElroy Lake through mid-July with peak counts of at least 19 adults (with at least 5 on nests) 14 June (BP, EHu) through 27 June (DR), and at least 15 adults with 2 still on nests 28 June (BP, EHu). Numbers dwindled during July with at least 8 or 9 adults there with at least 2 still on nests 5 July (BP. EHu). but only 5 still there with 1 still incubating 1 1/14 July (BP, KH/BP, EHu). At least 2 chicks hatched from the remaining nest 17 July (DR) but they soon disappeared, likely the result of predation. Additional reports were as follows: 1 at Chaney Lake 12 June (DR); I on a transient pond along US 431 s. of Russellville, Logan , 19 June (MBt); 3 at Hall's Store transient pond, Logan, 9 July (MBt) with 4 there 10-12 July (MBt); and 2 at KY 739 on 13 July (FL, MBt). American Avocet - 1 at McElroy Lake 10 June (DR) was in between normal spring and fall migratory periods. Three likely fall migrants were at the Falls of the Ohio 16 July (DS, ph. EHu, et al.). Greater Yellowlegs - there were three re¬ ports during June: 1 at McElroy Lake 9- 18 June (DR et al.); I at a transient pond along US 431. Logan , 21 June (MBt); and 1 at McElroy Lake 28-29 June (BP. EHu. DR); other reports of interest included 1 along Schuler Lane, Oldham, 6 July (MA); 7 at McElroy Lake 1 1 July (BP, KH); and 3 at Morgan Pond 14/22 July (BP, EHu). Willet - there was a nice flurry of early fall reports, all being included: 1 at Petros Pond. Warren, 5 July (DR); 1 at McElroy Lake 5/8 July (BP, EHu. DR, MBt/DR); 1 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms (HC, ME) and 1 0 at Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Trigg (MS), both 6 July; 1 at Horseshoe Road 6/10 July(CC); 2 at Obion WMA 10 July (BY. MY, EH): and 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 13 July (EHu). 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 93 Lesser Yellowlegs - an injured bird was still at KY 739 on 5 June (FL); 2 at McElroy Lake 14 June (BP, EHu) may have been returning fall birds with 9 there by 28 June (BP, EHu) and at least 75 there by 7 July (DR); 12-15 were at Morgan Pond 14/22 July (BP, EHu). Solitary Sandpiper - 1 at McElroy Lake 9 July (DR) was the earliest to be reported with least 7 there by II July (BP, KH); ca. 10 at McElroy, ca. 12 at Morgan Pond, and 6-8 at Swallow Spring, all 14 July (BP, EHu); 20-25 at and near Morgan Pond 22 July (BP. EHu). Spotted Sandpiper - although evidence of nesting was not detected this year, there were four reports during early to mid- June: 1 at Horseshoe Road 3 June (CC); 1 on the Ohio River at Dayton, Campbell , where a pair nested last year, 7 June (FR) but not found on subsequent dates; 1 that lingered at McElroy Lake to 7 June (DR); and a bird calling as if territorial at Melco 14/24 June (BP, EHu). Presumed early returning birds included an adult at McEl¬ roy Lake 28 June/5 July (BP); 2 at Melco I July (EHu); 1 at Horseshoe Road 3 July (CC); and ca. 6 at Morgan Pond 14 July (BP, EHu). Upland Sandpiper - there were four re¬ ports: singles at McElroy Lake 1/10 July (DR); 1 adjacent to Obion WMA 10 July (EHu. BY, MY); and 1 at Morgan Pond 26 July (DR). I Whimbrel - 1 at McElroy Lake 13 July (vt. DR, DB, TD) represents a first confirmed report for the fall migratory period. KBRC review required. Hudsonian Godwit - 4 at McElroy Lake 3— 4 June (ph. DR, et al.) were unpreceden¬ ted for the season anywhere in the region; it is unclear where these birds were head¬ ed. but the most likely scenario would seem to be tardy spring migrants. KBRC review required. Ruddy Turnstone - a likely tardy spring migrant was present at Livingston Point on the Ohio River, McCracken , 9 June (ph. KDi); another was seen at the same location 28 July, when it was observed predating Least Tern eggs at the nesting colony there (ph. KDi). Least Sandpiper - singles at Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan, 13 June (DPa) and McElroy Lake 14 June (BP) were unusual for mid-June; 1 at McElroy Lake 26 June (DR) represented the earliest returning fall bird; representative peak counts for the season included 20 at Horseshore Road 3 July (CC); 35-40 at McElroy Lake 1 1 July (BP. KH); ca. 50 at McElroy Lake 13-14 July (DR); ca. 35 at Morgan Pond 14 July (BP, EHu); and 80-100 at Morgan Pond 22 July (BP, EHu). Whimbrel, McElroy Lake 13 July 2010 David Roemer Semipalmated Sandpiper - latest spring flocks included 68 at Melco 1 June (EHu); 13 at Horseshoe Road 3 June (CC); and at least 75 at McElroy Lake 4 June (DR). Two at Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Row¬ an, 13 June (DPa) and 1 at McElroy 15 June (DR) were the latest to be reported;. One at McElroy Lake 1 1 July (BP, KII, DR); 2 at Obion WMA 16 July (HC); and 94 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 4 at Morgan Pond 22 July (BP, EHu) were the earliest returning fall birds. Western Sandpiper - there were three re¬ ports of early fall adults: 1 at McElroy Lake 16 July (DR) and 18 July (TD). and 1 at Chaney Lake 25-26 July (DR). White-rumped Sandpiper - representative late spring reports included at least 75 at McElroy Lake 4 June (DR); ca. 20 at Chapman Pond. s. Warren, 5 June (DR. TD): 55-60 at Chaney Lake 7 June (DR); and 4 last seen at McElroy Lake 15 June (DR). Pectoral Sandpiper - 2 at McElroy Lake 10 July (DR) were the earliest fall birds re¬ ported: at least 1 00 were at and near Mor¬ gan Pond 22 July (BP, EHu) with 160 there 25 July (DR. TD). Stilt Sandpiper — 1 at McElroy Lake 28 June (BP. EHu) represented a new early fall arrival date for the state. Other reports of interest included 3 at KY 739 on I 1 July (MBt. DR. FL); 4 at McElroy Lake 18 July (DR); 12 at Morgan Pond 22 July (BP. EHu); and 1 at Fishing Creek 30 July (RD). Buff-breasted Sandpiper - I at Obion WMA 17 July (BY. MY) represented a new early fall arrival date for the state; also reported was I at Chaney Lake 26 July (DR). Long-billed Dowitcher - an adult at Mor¬ gan Pond 14 July (BP, ph. EHu) was early with another reported there 25 July (ph. DR). Short-billed Dowitcher - 1 at McElroy Lake 26-28 June (DR) represented a new early fall arrival date for the state; small numbers were noted at scattered locales during July with the following reports of interest: 4 at McElroy Lake by 11 July (BP. KH. DR) with peaks of 7 there 13 July (DR) and 5 there 16 July (DR); 1 at Horseshoe Road 3/6 July (CC) with 3 there 16 July (CC); 1 at Hall’s Store tran¬ sient pond. Logan. 10 July (MBt); 1 at Obion WMA 10 July (BY.'mY. EH) and 12 July (HC); 7 at the Falls of the Ohio 13 July (EHu); 1 at Morgan Pond 14 July (BP. EHu); and 1 at Melco 20 July (BP). Wilson’s Phalarope - a male was present at McElroy Lake 21 June (DR. TD); also reported was 1 at Melco 19-20 July (EHu, BY. RH). Laughing Gull - an adult was at McElroy Lake 13 June (DR. DB). Franklin’s Gull - a first-year bird was at McElroy Lake 10 June (DR). Ring-billed Gull - 6 likely summering birds were on Ky Lake above the dam 17 June (BP). Least Tern - 1 at both Chaney and McElroy lakes 15 June (DR. HC, RD) was the only one reported away from known nesting areas. Breeding birds on the lower Ohio and Mississippi rivers had moderate nest¬ ing success as follows: 326 nests were marked at Ky Bend w'ith an estimate of 300^400 total pairs and 25% success rate there during the season (KDi), and 117 nests were marked at Livingston Point, McCracken, with an estimate of 100-150 total pairs and 24% success rate there (KDi); also present were at least 1 1 nest¬ ing pairs on an industrial pond at Calvert City, Marshall, during the season (KDi, DSw) and an undetermined number of pairs in agricultural fields at Swan Lake, Ballard, during early July (SR et ah). Forster's Tern - 4 (3 adults and 1 imma¬ ture) were present at Ky Bend 20 July (KDi). Caspian Tern - 1 at Calvert City, Mar¬ shall, 17 June (BP) was in between nor¬ mal spring and fall migratory periods; other reports of interest included 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 9/20 July (BP) and 4 at Livingston Point 13 July (KDi). Black Tern - singles were at McElroy Lake on a few occasions during June (DR, TD) with 6 there 9 June (DR) and 3 there 3 July (TD et ah). Also reported were 2 at Livingston Point 13 July (KDi); 14 at Morgan Pond 24 July (TD) with 5 there 25 July (DR. TD); and 1 at Ky Bend 27 1 July (KDi). Black-billed Cuckoo - 1 was banded at Shaker Village 13 July (ph. KH et al.) with the same bird captured again and a second bird present 16 July (KH. DPe, et 2010 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 05 al.); perhaps one of the same birds was heard at Shaker Village 27 July (BP). Black-billed Cuckoo, Mercer 13 July 2010 Kate Heyden Eurasian Collared-Dove - reports from General Butler State Park, Carrol! , 1 June (BB) and at Warsaw, Gallatin, 3 July (BB) were the first for the two counties. Barn Owl - 1 was found dead along the Mountain Parkway, se. Clark , 25 June (BP); remains of one were found dead at McElroy Lake 1 July (DR). A concerted effort by the Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources to survey for nesting Bam Owls resulted in the documentation of a remarkable number of records; no less than 26 nesting pairs were located in 23 counties during 2010 (KH et al.). See article on pp. 79-85. Ruby-throated Hummingbird - numbers were abnormally low across much of northern Kentucky until the last week of July (m. ob.). In contrast, above-normal numbers were reported across southern and western portions of the state, perhaps boding well for fall numbers. Common Nighthawk - a juv. present at Shelby ville, Sheby , 29 July (ph. HB; see p. 104) appeared to be a rufous morph in¬ dividual and generated a great deal of dis¬ cussion regarding it’s identity. Least Flycatcher - ca. 25 were heard sing¬ ing/calling at the summit of Black Moun¬ tain, Harlan , 5 June (MA); I banded at Shaker Village 16 July (KH et al.) was most likely an early fall migrant. Alder Flycatcher - the bird heard on the Road Creek Mine, Pike, 13 May (BP, EHu) was still present and calling 10 June (BP, KH), but neither a mate nor further evidence of nesting could be found, and it was not detected there during an early morning visit 25 June (BP). Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - the only report was for 1 observed along KY 416 at its junction with the Audubon Pkwy., sw. of Hebbardsville, e. Henderson, 26 June (fMY, BY). Bell’s Vireo - 1 continued from late May at the Louisville landfill to 3 June (RA); 1 singing at Calvert City, Marshall, 17 June (BP) was not near known breeding areas. Bank Swallow - a small nesting colony was again present along the Ohio River at Dayton, Campbell, mid-June into July (FR); 1 at Fishing Creek 16 July (RD) must have been an early post-breeding disperser. Sedge Wren - there were only two reports: 1 heard along Oakes Road, Pulaski, 6/8 June (SS) and 1 along Bliss Road, Adair, 24 July (DC) and 3 1 July (RD). Golden-winged Warbler - atlas survey work for Golden-wingeds in the se. por¬ tion of the state by Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources resulted in the sight¬ ing of likely territorial birds at two sites in Belt (2 birds at one 25 May [LP], 1 bird at another 28 May [DBa]); two sites in Har¬ lan (7 birds at one 1 8 May [SV], 5 birds at another 27 May [JS]); ca 15 mi. s. of Pikeville, Pike , 4 June (SF); and one site in Whitley (pair 25 May [SA] ). Also re¬ ported at a site in Bell was a Brewster’s Warbler 28 May (DBa). Chestnut-sided Warbler - a bird singing as if on territory near Hail, Pulaski, 6 June (BS) represented a county first during the breeding season. 96 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 Blackburnian Warbler - one of a pair was observed carrying nesting material or food at the summit of Black Mountain, Harlan, 5 June (MA). Prothonotary Warbler - a pair nested at Morscher Park, Silver Grove, Campbell, late May into June (FR). Bachman’s Sparrow - the only reports were singles at Ft. Campbell, Trigg, 10/19/30 June (EHo fide DM). Savannah Sparrow - 2 or 3 along KY 1694 at the Jefferson! Oldham line 6 July (MA) were probably on territory. Henslow’s Sparrow - reports of interest included 3 at the Starfire Mine 10 June (KM. BP); 3 at Ft. Campbell, Trigg, 14 June (DM); and 6 along Bliss Road, Adair, 24 July (DC) and 31 July (RD). Lark Sparrow - singles were present along different stretches of Vance Road. War¬ ren, 3/5 June (DR); and 1 was found along McDonald Landing Road, Henderson, 1 0 July (CC). White-throated Sparrow - 1 heard singing at Louisville 3 June (SW) was tardy. Rose-breasted Grosbeak - a singing bird in the Zilpo area of Cave Run Lake, Bath, 1 June (EM) may have been on territory. A pair was observed incubating at a nest at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park. Boone, 15-22 May (LM); however, the nest ap¬ peared abandoned 31 May (LM). Inter¬ estingly, 3 birds were observed nearby at Boone County Cliffs SNP 19 June (LM). Blue Grosbeak - reports of interest in¬ cluded 1 at the Starfire Mine 10 June (KH, BP); 3 at the Road Creek Mine, Pike, 25 June (BP); and a nest with 3 nestlings w. of Boston, Nelson , 12 June (BP). Dickcissel - 2 at the Road Creek Mine, Pike, 10/25 June (BP, KH) represented a first for the county during summer; other reports of interest included a few singing at the Starfire Mine 10 June (KH, BP) and 2 at Hebron, Boone, 3 July (LMc). Bobolink - reports of interest included a single male along Oakes Road. Pulaski, 6 June (SS); 2 males engaged in courtship behavior along Cummins-McWilliams Road, Pulaski, 9 June (SS) with 3 males and probably a female present there 10 June (RD) that strongly suggested breed¬ ing in the county for the first time [unfor¬ tunately the field was mowed and the birds were gone 19 June (RD)]; and sev¬ eral pairs on territory just nw. of Har- rodsburg, Mercer, again this year (KDo fide GD). Addenda to the Spring 2010 Report: Redhead - 110 at Petersburg, Boone, 7 March (LM). Lesser Scaup - 170 at Petersburg. Boone, 21 March (LM). Willet - 12 at Petersburg. Boone, 1 May (LM). Solitary Sandpiper - I s. of Mt. Zion. Al¬ len, 27 March (MBy) was the earliest to be reported. Caspian Tern - 2 at Petersburg, Boone, 17 April (LM). Black-billed Cuckoo - 1 at Gunpowder Na¬ ture Park, Boone, 22 May (LM). Alder Flycatcher - 1 heard at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park. Boone, 22 May (LM). Northern Parula-1 s. ofMt. Zion. A lien, 2 April (MBy) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted. Canada Warbler - 5 at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park. Boone, 15 May (LM). Lark Sparrow - I at Petersburg, Boone, 22 May (LM). Bobolink - 25 at Petersburg. Boone, I May (LM). Observers: Win Ahrens (WA), Ryan Ankeny (RA), Sara Ash (SA). Michael Autin (MA), Danna Baxley (DBa), Matthau Beachy (MBy). Mark Bennett (MBt). Ben Britton (BB), David Brown (DB), Horace Brown (HB). Hap Chambers (HC), Derek Coomer (DC), Charlie Crawford (CC). Roseanna Denton (RD), Kerri Dikun (KDi), Gary Dorman (GD). Kurt Dorman (KDo). Melissa Easley (ME), Scott Freidhof (SF), Debbie & Steve Hamilton 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 97 (D&SH), Erin Harper (EHa), Richard Healy (Rll), Kate Heyden (KH), Emily Hockman (EHo), Eddie Huber (EHu), Frank Lyne (FL), Lee McNeely (EM), Evelyn Morgan (EM), Daniel Moss (DM), multiple observers (m. ob.). Andy Newman (AN). Brainard Palmer- Ball, Jr. (BP), David Patick (DPa), Laura Patton (LP), Don Pelly (DPe), Scott Record (SR), Frank Renfrew (FR), David Roemer (DR), Mary Schmidt (MS), Barbara Stedman (BS), Stephen Stedman (SS), Jacob Stewart (JS), Evan Tanner (ET), Ashley Unger (AU), Shawchyi Vorisek (SV), Sean Ward (SW), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY). — 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222 (brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov) (Pal¬ mer-Ball) and P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY, 41005 (lkmc9@aim.com) (McNeely). THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL 2010 MEETING September 24-26, John James Audubon State Park, Henderson, KY John Brunjes, Recording Secretary The fall 2010 meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held 24-26 Septem¬ ber in Henderson with activities based at John James Audubon State Park. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm CDT Friday evening by President Scott Marsh, who welcomed members and guests. Alan Gehret, the museum curator for the Park, welcomed KOS mem¬ bers and then gave an overview and some history of the Park and its Audubon holdings. Vice-President, Carol Besse, then introduced the evening’s three guest speakers. The first speaker was Kerri Dikun. a biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR). Ms. Dikun presented a talk about the 2010 nesting season for Least Terns in western Kentucky. She provided a brief background of the Least Tern breeding biology and habitat needs, and discussed how interior populations had lost habitat due to alterations to large river systems by humans. Kerri then described the on¬ going work she was conducting to post signage on the nesting islands and track nest success on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Kerri provided a summary of nesting success and spoke about causes of nest failure and specific predators. She also talked about the consequences of human disturbance and the presence of all terrain vehicles at one of the breeding sites. Mike Morton, area manager at the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Henderson County, was the second speaker of the evening. Mr. Morton talked about marsh bird surveys and various bird banding projects (migratory birds. Mourning Doves, Wood Ducks, and winter waterfowl) at Sloughs WMA. He gave a short description and showed pictures of each of the banding projects. He had very successful Wood Duck (906) and Mourning Dove (>100) banding seasons in 2010. Mr. Morton also talked about different habitats found at the Sloughs WMA and how they manage some of those habitats (water level manipulation, moist soil units, a shorebird unit, and cypress sloughs). He also discussed some of the common food plants for waterfowl on the WMA and how he and his staff manage for them. Micah W. Perkins, Associate Professor of Biology at Owensboro Community and Technical College, presented a talk on comparing the Neotropical migrant breeding bird communities between two areas at John James Audubon State Park during 2004-2007. The Park can be divided into two basic parts: the nature preserve habitat (minimally impacted, core forest habitat) and the recreation area (more highly impacted, dissected forest edge and open habitat). Using fixed-radius point counts, he compared the Neotropical migrant bird diversity and similarity index of species in the two different areas. He also grouped birds by other criteria such as their Partners in Flight conservation priority rank, population status and habitat guild, and looked at how these groups differed between the two habitat areas. Overall, he found differences in habitat guild and conservation priority rank but total Neo- 98 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 tropical migrant diversity and population status were not different between the two areas, and the similarity index was over half for the two areas. Brown-headed Cowbirds were the third most frequently recorded species in his study. He suggested the State Park provides an island refuge for forest breeding Neotropical migrants. At the end of Mr. Perkins' talk Carol Besse announced details of Saturday’s field trips. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 CDT. Attendees continued socializing over refreshments. The Saturday field trips were held on a cool, partly cloudy morning.. Field trips were taken to the Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs Wildlife Management Area, where two groups split up to bird different areas, and within John James Audubon State Park. The KOS board meeting convened at 2:08 pm CDT. With numerous issues before the board, the meeting lasted until 4:18 CDT. The Saturday evening meeting was called to order by President Scott Marsh. Scott thanked the John James Audubon State Park and Museum Curator, Alan Gehret. for hosting the meeting. He also thanked Vice-President Carol Besse and Board members Shawchyi Vorisek (setting up Friday evening program). Tee McNeely (handling meeting registra¬ tions), and Mark Bennett (editing Society newsletter and chairing Anne Stamm Avian Education Fund Committee) for their work on behalf of the Society. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr„ chair of the Nominating Committee, presented the list of nominees for the 2010-201 1 KOS Board. All nominees stood and introduced themselves. The nominees were President- j Scott Marsh. Vice President - Carol Besse. Treasurer - Lee McNeely, Corresponding Sec¬ retary - Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., Recording Secretary - John Brunjes. and Councilors - j 1 lap Chambers and Roseanna Denton. Mark Bennett made a motion to accept the slate of officers and Jane Bell seconded the motion. The slate of nominees was approved unani¬ mously by the members in attendance. Blaine Ferrell then reviewed the list of sightings by members on Saturday’s field trips. Scott Marsh then introduced the evening's speaker. Mr. Jim MeCormac. Mr. McCor- nrac works for the Ohio Division of Wildlife, specializing in birds, education, and wildlife diversity issues, and has published several natural history7 books. He provided a presentation entitled "St. Paul Island Alaska: The Galapagos of the North" describing a recent trip to this isolated island in the Pribilof chain of southwestern Alaska. Jim started by providing some information about the location of the Pribilofs and St. Paul, and also gave a brief history7 of the island and the people inhabiting it. as well as the significance of the island to birds. He talked about the not-so-easy trip out to the island (loss of luggage, foggy conditions). He also gave a brief description of the housing which he termed a “glorified airport hanger.” Jim then discussed the different habitats on the island where they looked for birds, ranging from wetlands to crab pots. He also discussed and show ed videos of other w ildlife found on the island such as arctic foxes and seals, and presented pictures and names of plant species found on the island. Throughout the talk Jim presented pictures of birds he saw on the island including; Lapland Longspur. Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch. Harlequin Duck, and Rcd- faced Cormorant. Jim also described the most common seabirds nesting on St. Paul include- ing Tufted Puffin. Horned Puffin, Common Murre. Thick-billed Murre. Parakeet Auklet. and Crested Auklet. At the completion of his presentation. Mr. MeCormac answered questions from the members in attendance. At the completion of the Saturday night meeting. Scott Marsh thanked Mr. MeCormac on behalf of the Society. He then announced that the spring 201 1 meeting would take place 22-24 April at Barren River State Resort Park. After announcing the Sunday morning field trips and providing a final tally of birds seen that day (98 species), Scott closed the meeting so that everyone might socialize over refreshments. Sunday morning field trips were held • on an overcast morning with scattered light rain showers. Destinations included the J.J. Audubon State Park, Green River State Forest, and Eagle Slough Wildlife Area (across the Ohio River in Indiana). 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 99 Bowling Green: Attendance at the Fall 2010 K.O.S. Meeting Blaine Ferrell Burlington: Lee McNeely Columbia: Wendy Butler Burt Frankfort: Shawchyi Vorisek Glasgow: Linda Craiger Henderson: Charlie Crawford, Alan Gehret Lexington: Rhonda Bryant, Phyllis Deal, Daniel Marsh, Scott Marsh, Bobbi & Lou Louisville: Shain, Marie Sutton, Joe & Gail Swanson, Jackie & John Van Willigen Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Carol Besse, JoAnn & Carl Bochniann, Robert Brown, Mt. Sterling: Richard Cassell, Eddie Huber, Coleen & Fred Mansmith, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Ben & Mary Yandell Gerald Robe Murray: Kandy Carstens, Kathy Cohen, Melissa Easley Owensboro: Micali Perkins, Marilee & Wendell Thompson Prospect: Win Ahrens, Carol & Paul McAllister Richmond: Brenda & Pete Thompson Russellville: Mark Bennett Science Hill: Roseanna Denton Somerset: Gay Hodges, Linda McClendon Floyds Knobs, IN: Tom Becker, Colleen Craven-Becker Newburgh, IN: Chuck Mills Wantagh, NY: Kerri Dikun Birds Observed at the Fall 2010 K.O.S. Meeting The following bird species were observed at the Fall 2010 K.O.S. meeting; areas visited included J.J. Audubon State Park, the Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs Wildlife Management Area, and Eagle Slough across the Ohio River in Indiana (ES). Wood Duck, Mallard, Northern Bobwhite, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant (ES), Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red¬ tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Sora, Killdeer, Wilson’s Snipe, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yel¬ low-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Feast Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Sedge Wren, Marsh Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Swainson’s Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Nor¬ thern Mockingbird. Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Blue-winged Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Chest- nut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Palm Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler(ES), Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Summer Tan- ager. Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Savannah Spar- rqw. Song Sparrow, Lincoln’s 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, House Finch, American Goldfinch and House Sparrow. A total of 108 species was observed during the weekend. 100 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 FIELD NOTE Inca Dove in Fulton County On the morning of 19 August 2010, the authors were on our way to birding at the Long Point Unit of Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge in western Fulton County' when Monroe saw a small dove with reddish brown flashes in the primaries fly up from the roadside. The location was along KY 94. just west of the junction with KY 31 1 and approximately 5 mi (3 km) west of Hickman. We turned around and slowly made our way back to the spot and found the dove again walking along the shoulder of the highway, picking through some spilled corn with several Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura ), Eurasian Collared-Doves (Streptopelia decaocto ), and House Sparrows (Passer domesticus). The dove was noticeably smaller than the other doves near it, and the long tail indicated that it was an Inca Dove ( Columbina inca ) rather than a Common Ground-Dove ( Columbina passerina). Monroe got out of the vehicle and began setting up his spotting scope to attempt to obtain some photographs while Palmer-Ball and Huber remained inside and watched the bird. Unfortunately, after flying up from the roadside and perching on the roof of a barn and in a small tree for a couple of minutes, the bird flew east and behind an old house before photographs could be obtained. Moreover, after speaking with the land- owner and obtaining permission to walk around the bams and grain bins to search for it. we were unable to relocate the bird. Additional searches by us later that day and by others on subsequent days also failed to relocate the bird. All three of us were able to get good looks at the following field marks as the bird walked and perched within 100 ft (31 m) of us: a small, light gray-brown dove; extensive and very noticeable flash of reddish brown in the primaries in flight; long tail with medium gray or gray-brown inner rectrices and extensive white on outer rectrices that appeared to run nearly the length of at least the outer feathers: and noticeable dark edges to many feathers of the body (most noticeable on the back and upper wing coverts and less apparent on the underparts) resulting in a scaly appearance to the body plumage. The bird walked with the long tail tilted slightly upward towards the tip as is a common behavior for this species. Eye and leg color were not noted, and we did not hear it call. Comparison of the bird's plumage to depictions of the plumage in field guides suggested that it was less boldy marked like a female, but this is speculative. If accepted by the Kentucky Bird Records Committee, this sighting will represent the third record of Inca Dove in Kentucky. The other two reports also have come from the westernmost counties bordering the Mississippi River. The state's first occurred in Carlisle County 1 October 2000. and the second very near our sighting within the town of Hickman, 9-11 February 2002 (Palmer-Ball 2003). Inca Dove is a widespread species throughout much of Central America and Mexico, extending north into the southwestern United States and breeding as close as northeast Texas (Mueller 1992). A gradual northward expansion has been accompanied by an increase in the number of vagrant birds over the last ten years. Most vagrants have been found during the fall and winter (Domagalski. unpubl. summary). Literature Cited Domagalski. R. 2007. Midcontinent Rare Bird Records. Unpubl. Summary. Version 2007. Mueller. A. 1992. Inca Dove. In Birds of North America, No. 28 (A. Poole. P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill, eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington. D.C.: The American Ornithologists' Union. Palmer-Ball, B. 2003. Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Kentucky. Ky. Ornithological Society. Louisville, KY. 189 pp. — Mark Monroe. 1114 Silvercrest Lane. Louisville. KY. 40223: Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.. 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY 40222: and Eddie Huber. 5001 Thurman Road. Louisville. KY 40299. 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 101 NEWS AND VIEWS Don’t Miss Out on the Final Rusty Blackbird Hotspot Blitz! In 2009 and 2010, Kentucky birders scoured the countryside for wintering Rusty Blackbirds to increase understanding of their distribution and find important local concen¬ trations or “hotspots.” Much was learned from the last two year’s efforts. Already, the information gained is being used to implement research and conservation efforts! However, there is still more to learn. The Rusty Blackbird Hotspot Blitz will be repeated for the last time in 2011 to locate more hotspots and determine how stable known hotspots are from year to year. Don't miss your chance to contribute to this monumental survey effort for this declining species! The Blitz will occur 29 January-13 February 2011 throughout the Rusty Blackbird winter range in over 20 midwestem 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 eBird. You can go wherever you like, whenever you like, and as often as you like anytime during the counting period. Locations where there are larger concentrations of Rusty Blackbirds are of particular interest. If you are unfamiliar with areas that may support Rusty Blackbirds in your region, contact Ken¬ tucky's Blitz Coordinator, Kate Heyden, at k a t h ry n . h c v d c n ' a k v . g o v for ideas. These efforts will result in the creation of maps of wintering Rusty Blackbird "hotspots" that will help direct research, monitoring and conservation attention. If you don't use eBird regularly, please consider entering all your observations of Rusty Blackbirds (even outside the Blitz period). Your observations will be used by researchers currently studying the steep long-term population decline. Results from the past year's Blitzes, instructions, and information on identification, habitat preferences, etc., are available on the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center's website at the following link: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/migratorvbirds/research/rustv blackbird/blitz.cfm. Additional information and instructions will also be available soon on Cornell Laboratory of Orni¬ thology's eBird web site: http://ebird.org The Kentucky Ornithological Society Thanks Stephen J. Stedman The Kentucky Ornithological Society, most specifically past and current editors of The Kentucky Warbler , Blaine Ferrell and Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., respectively, thank Dr. Stephen J. Stedman for his valued service as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board. Dr. Stedman has assisted in review of manuscripts submitted to and draft versions of The Kentucky Warbler since the February 2006 issue. A need to focus on other tasks recently called for him to step off the Editorial Advisory Board, but we thank him for his five years of enthusiastic and dedicated service. 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. 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 Scott Marsh by mail at 4401 Athens-Boonesboro Road. Lex¬ ington, KY, 40509, or via email at (scott.marsh@insightbb.com). 102 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 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 with monetary awards of up to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, please visit the K.O.S. web site (http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm) or contact either Shawchyi Vorisek, Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY, 1 40601 (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov) or Dr. Blaine Ferrell. Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean's Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY, 42101 ( blaine. ferrell@wku.edu ). 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 t 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, 1 KBRC Secretary, 513 Lymington Ct., Louisville, KY 40243. The Kentucky Warbler Available in PDF Format Members of the Kentucky Ornithological Society who wish to receive their quarterly journal. The Kentucky Warbler , in electronic format rather than hard copy through the mail may now do so. In the new and here-to-stay digital age. we have found that some members I prefer to have a searchable electronic format. The board of the Kentucky Ornithological Society has discussed the eventual scanning of all back issues of The Kentucky Warbler to PDF format and making them available on the internet, but that project may be a few years away. If you wish to receive future issues of The Kentucky Warbler in digital PDF format, email the Society’s Corresponding Secretary, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., at brainard.palmer- ball@ky.gov. KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION September 23, 2010 Depository Account Balance PNC Bank, Louisville General Fund (Checking) $13,759.16 Heritage Bank, Burlington Burt Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Fund (Checking) $1,961.42 Heritage Bank. Burlington Gordon Wilson Fund (CD) $20,819.22 Heritage Bank. Burlington Gordon Wilson Fund (Savings) $1,477.31 Heritage Bank. Burlington Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund (Savings) $5,203.43 Heritage Bank, Burlington Endowment Fund (CD) $16,725.00 Total assets $59,945.54 Submitted by Lee McNeely, Treasurer, 23 September 2010 (unaudited) 2010 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 103 KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Operating Statement September 25, 2009 — September 23, 2010 Beginning Balance (September 25, 2009) $10,804.28 Receipts Dues (Renewals and New Memberships) $3560.00 CD interest from Endowment Fund $543.82 Meeting Registrations (Fall 2009) $543.00 Meeting Registrations (Spring 2010) $479.00 Donation (Win Ahrens) $3,000.00 Life Memberships and Donations $950.00 Sales ( Annotated Checklists , Field Cards, etc.) $82.25 Anne Stamm Fund Donations $2,310.00 Burt Monroe Fund Donations $1,320.00 Gordon Wilson Fund Donations $185.00 Transfer from Anne Stamm Fund $1,189.98 Postage Reimbursement $8.40 Total Receipts $14,171.45 Disbursements Printing - November 2009 issue The Kentucky Warbler $558.47 Printing - February 2010 issue The Kentucky Warbler $565.15 Printing - May 2010 issue The Kentucky > Warbler $426.95 Printing - August 2010 issue The Kentucky Warbler $462.33 Meeting Speaker (Paul Bannick) $1,247.51 Meeting Speaker (Jeff Gordon) $900.00 Transfer to Anne Stamm Fund $2,320.00 Transfer to Burt Monroe Fund $1,330.00 Transfer to Gordon Wilson Fund $195.00 Anne Stamm Grant Fund Award (South Marshall Middle School) $500.00 Anne Stamm Grant Fund Award (Concord Elementary School) $439.98 Anne Stamm Grant Fund Award (Tom Sawyer State Park Foundation) $250.00 Burt Monroe Avian Research Fund Award (lan Horn) $750.00 Mtg. expenses (Fall 2009, Lake Barkley SRP) $207.89 Mtg. expenses (Spring 2010, Jenny Wiley SRP) $444.26 Mtg. expenses (Fall 2010 deposit for J.J. Audubon SP) $100.00 Mtg. expenses (Spring 201 1 deposit for Barren River SRP) $100.00 Mtg. expenses (Meeting flyers for fall 2010 meeting) $8.59 Misc. expenses (Corresponding Secretary; postage, printing) $404.44 Misc. expenses (Bank service charge) $6.00 Total Disbursements $1 1,216.57 Net Receipts $2,954.88 Ending Balance (September 23, 2010) $13,759.16 Submitted by Lee McNeely, Treasurer. September 23. 2010 (unaudited) 104 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 86 White Ibis (6), McElroy Lake 16 July David Roemer Long-billed Dowitcher, Morgan Pond 14 July 2010 Eddie Huber v^uiuiiiuu . 1 1 1 1 u iu > * i\ ^ unvi y v 1 1 1 v 29 July 2010 W Horace Brown Mississippi Kites (5 of 8), Muhlenberg 25 July 2010 Ashley Unger The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) i/OL. 87 FEBRUARY 2011 NO. 1 IN THIS ISSUE ■ISTRIBUTION OF KENTUCKY SEASONAL REPORT RECORDS, 2002-2008, v .Gary Sprandel. Megan Chlopek, and Keith Wethington . 3 ALL SEASON 2010, Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., and Lee McNeely . 10 I1D-WIM I R BIRD COUNT 2010-201 1. Blaine R. Ferrell . 25 ! EWS AND VIEWS . 43 2 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Vice-President . Corresponding Secretary . Scott Marsh. Lexington ; . Carol Besse, Louisville j . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY 40222-3913 T reasurer . Recording Secretary . Councillors: Don Martin. Independence . Shawchyi Vorisek. Frankfort... Mark Bennett. Russellville . Mary Yandell. Louisville . Hap Chambers. Murray . Roseanna Denton. Science Hill Retiring President . Staff Artist . . Lee McNeely! P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY 4 1 00 5 - . John Brunjes. Frankfort! 2009-2011 2009- 2011 2010- 2012 2010-2012 2011-2013 2011-2013 ...Win Ahrens. Prospecl j Ray Harm. Sonoita. A2 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, published quarterly in February, Mayj August and November, The Kentucky Warbler is sent to all members not in arrears for dues; Current membership categories and corresponding dues follow: Regular ($15.00); Con tributing ($25.00); Student ($10.00); Family ($20.00); and Life ($300.00). Direct manu scripts and communications to the editor. Send membership dues to the Treasurer. Make re quests for back issues to the Corresponding Secretary. Editor . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Ji c/o Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission. 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort. KY, 4060: (brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov Editorial Advisory Board Brian W. Smith and Ben Yandell Secretary. Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Ben Yande, 513 Lymington Court, Louisville, KY 4024 THE COVER We thank Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. for the image of the Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis sayt • taken 1 1 September 2010 in Jefferson County (see p. 20). Financial support for color reprc! duction in this issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest. 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER DISTRIBUTION OF KENTUCKY SEASONAL RlfPO^T RECO'RDS?0l? 2002-2008 A.R. MANN LIBRARY Introduction Gary Sprandel, Megan Chlopek, and Keith Wethingtun * j ITHACA. NY 14853 Seasonal summaries of bird observations have been published in the Kentucky Orni¬ thological Society’s (KOS) quarterly journal, The Kentucky Warbler , since 1978. Each quarter the authors review and compile reports of bird observations across Kentucky that have been obtained from a variety of sources. Each summary includes new state records, reports of rarities, early or late dates, evidence of irruptions or range changes, and a variety of additional reports bearing some level of significance. In Kentucky, the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) has statutory authority for all fish and wildlife spe¬ cies, and the State Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC) is charged with monitoring and preserving rare species and natural communities. To perform their missions, these agencies require knowledge of the distribution and abundance of wildlife. For the purposes of this analysis, we converted KOS seasonal reports to geospatial records and examined the usefulness of the digital data. The distribution of the observations contained within the reports was then analyzed. This paper reports on the potential utiliza¬ tion and limits of this information. Readers should be aware that the results presented herein are the result of analysis of only these published observations. Thus, they may not accur¬ ately represent the underlying species distributions or trends and likely over-represent the presence of rare or uncommon species. The seasonal report summaries are no substitute for systematic surveys (e.g.. Breeding Bird Atlases and Breeding Bird Surveys). Methods We obtained Microsoft Word documents containing the pre-press versions of the 24 seasonal reports from Fall 2002 (Busroe 2003) to Summer 2008 (Palmer-Ball, Jr. and McNeely 2008). Our first step was to create a database record for each observation. We I determined to the best of our ability the latitude and longitude associated with each location referenced in the reports, along with a precision value indicating both our confidence in the r ] location and the area extent. The precision values were adopted from Natural Heritage Program Methodology (NatureServe 2007) and included the following categories: 1) county only records, 2) accurate to within 5 mi (8 km) or a 7.5 minute topographic quad, 3) accur- ite to within 1.5 mi (2.4 km), 4) accurate to within 1000 ft (300 m), 5) accurate to within 300 ft (90 m), and 6) not able to be mapped. A variety of sources were used to determine ooordinates for each location description. Web sites used included Google search, Google Vlaps application known as “address matching,” “Birding Locations in Kentucky” (KOS 2009), and “Birding in the Upper Cumberland Region” (Stedman 2009). ArcGIS Geo¬ graphic Information Systems software (ESRI Inc. 2008) was used with data available on the Kentucky Geography Network (Ky. Div. of Geographic Information 2010) including state and local road data (Ky. Dept, of Transportation 2010), named lakes (KDFWR 2010a), and he Geographic Names Information System (U.S. Geological Survey 2010). After data from ■ ill 24 seasonal reports were processed, all issues of The Kentucky Warbler were searched ’ or Errata correcting report data, and relevant observations were corrected. To analyze the ifficiency of this approach, hours worked on this project were entered into an electronic tinerary. Common names were matched with the American Ornithological Union accepted axonomy (American Ornithologists’ Union 1998 and subsequent supplements). Reports of „ lybrids or individuals not identified to species were not included. The frequency of observations by season and by taxonomic Order was tabulated. Observations were mapped o analyze the geographic distribution by county and by longitudinal and latitudinal bands. Torrelation analysis (Snedecor and Cochran 1967, Jandel Scientific 1994) was performed 4 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 between the number of observations and number of KOS members per county. We also looked at how many locations had repeated visits to determine the usefulness for moni¬ toring at specific sites. Spatial statistics allowed determining the mean geographic center of the observations (Mitchell 2005). To look at the potential use of the data by state agencies, we determined the number of observations that occurred within managed lands, specifically State Nature Preserves (SNP) (KSNPC 2007, unpublished data) and Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) (KDFWR 2010b). Additionally observations for State Wildlife Action Plan ; (SWAP) species (KDFWR 2010c) and KSNPC monitored species (KSNPC 2004) were summarized. Sigma Stat software was used to compute the average, range, normality, and skewness j (Snedecor and Cochran 1967, Jandel Scientific 1994) of the number of observations by observer, location, and species. The averages and ranges of earliest and latest dates within a year for representative wintering, migrant, and breeding species were calculated to explore whether they could be used as acceptable date limits for data verification. Results For the 24 seasons in our analysis, 9987 observations of 326 different species at 973 j locations were obtained. Seventy-four observations were not used because of either un¬ known location or unspecific identity (e.g., dowitcher species). Of the 973 locations, 594 1 (61%) could not be located to within a mile (Table 1). Fall season had the most observa¬ tions (3692), followed by spring (3265), winter (1823), and summer (1207). It should be : noted that our analyses by seasons followed the seasons traditionally utilized in the KOS seasonal reports. Thus, “summer” included only two months (June & July) while “fall” j included four months (August through November) and “winter” and “spring” included three months (December through February and March through May, respectively). The most commonly reported taxonomic Order varied by season, with reports of Anseriformes being most prevalent during winter, reports of Passeriformes most prevalent during spring and fall, and reports of Charadrii formes most prevalent during summer (Table 2). These three j orders combined represented 75% of the total observations. Observations were not evenly distributed throughout the state (Fig. 1 ). The mean obser- j vation location was in south-central Ohio County (about 9 mi [14 km] east of Beaver Dam), - around 80 mi (50 km) west of the geographic center of the state (Fig. 1). The portion of the state west of 86UW longitude comprises only about one-third of the total area and only 28% I of the KOS members reside there, but it produced 62% of the observations. The portion of the state east of 84°W longitude comprises about one-fourth of the total area, but harbors just 5% of the KOS members and produced only 5% of the observations. A weak correla¬ tion existed between longitude and the number of observations, with 171 more observations for each degree west (P=0.08, r = 0.32). There was a correlation between both the obser¬ vations and members per county and population per county (P <0.0001, non-parametric Spearman-Rank test). The distribution by taxonomic Order varied by longitude with reports of Charadriiformes more frequent in central and western Kentucky (with the mean obser¬ vation being 15 mi [22 km], west of the overall mean), and reports of Accipitriformes,j Falconi formes, and Passeriformes more prevalent in central Kentucky (17 mi [27 km], 23 mi [37 km], and 37 mi [60 km] east of the overall mean, respectively). Table I . Number of locations and observations in The Kentucky Warbler seasonal reports by precision, 2002-2008. Adopted from Natural Heritage Methodology (NatureServe 2007). Precision Code Description of Precision No. of Locations No. of Observatior c County only record 100 1046 G 5 mi (8 km) or to quad or place name 241 3051 M 1 .5 mi (2.4 km) 260 3024 T 1000 ft (304 m) 129 1459 s 300 ft (91m) 243 1407 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Table 2. Number of published observations from The Kentucky Warbler seasonal reports, 2002-2008 by Order. Fall (Aug-Nov), Spring (Mar-May), Summer (Jun-Jul), and Winter (Dec-Feb). Order Total Fall Spring Summer Winter Anseriformes ( Waterfowl ) 1390 289 381 1 19 601 Galliformes (Game birds) 7 1 1 2 3 Gaviiformes (Loons) 151 38 67 14 32 Podicipediformes (Grebes) 164 47 46 24 47 Procellariiformes (Seabirds) 3 2 0 1 0 Ciconiiformes (Storks) 3 3 0 0 0 Suliformes (Cormorants) 95 21 26 44 4 Pelicaniformes (Pelicans & Wading birds) 650 281 196 117 56 Accipitriformes (Vultures & Hawks) 443 133 119 55 136 Falconil'ormes (Falcons) 293 122 73 6 92 Gruiformes (Rails) 279 80 105 37 57 Charadriiformes (Shorebirds) 2903 1151 1045 430 277 Columbiformes (Doves) 40 1 1 10 9 10 Cuculiformes (Cuckoos) 83 25 51 7 0 Strigiformes (Owls) 154 56 26 21 51 Caprimulgiformes (Goatsuckers) 43 28 13 2 0 Apodiformes (Swifts) 99 54 18 i 26 Piciformes (Woodpeckers) 30 14 5 2 9 Passeriformes (Songbirds) 3157 1336 1083 316 422 ; Totals 9987 3692 3265 1207 1823 Legend ^ State Geographic Center ® Observations Geographic Center - County Boundary Observations by county i — 10 II] 1-82 HI 297 - 565 Longitude i 7ig. 1 . Distribution of published observations from The Kentucky Warbler seasonal reports >y county, 2002-2008. 6 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Almost half (47%) of the observations and roughly one-third (31%) of the locations were on land owned and/or managed by a local, state, or federal government entity. Within 31 different WMAs there were 1369 observations with Sloughs WMA (Henderson and Union counties), Peabody WMA (Muhlenberg and Ohio counties), and Ballard WMA (Ballard County) having the most observations (445, 309, and 263, respectively). Within 19 different SNPs there were 143 observations, with Chaney Lake SNP (Warren County), Beargrass Creek SNP (Jefferson County), and John James Audubon State Park SNP (Hen¬ derson County) having most (67, 13, and 1 1, respectively). The number of observations per location ranged from 1 to 365, with an average of 10.3, and was slightly skewed (skewness = 6.03). The top five locations (<1%) accounted , for 4.5% of the observations. Many of the locations were visited in different seasons, but only one location (Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall counties) had an observation for each of the 24 reporting periods. Fifty-one locations had observations for over half of the reporting periods. Just 10% (103) of the locations had an observation in each of the four seasons, 1 18 in three seasons, 189 in two seasons, and >50% of the locations (563) had an observation in just one season. There was an average of 30.6 observations per species (range of 1 to 158), and the 1 number of observations per species was normally distributed (P < 0.001, skewness = 1.45). I There were 3985 observations of 90 of the 94 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) listed in the State Wildlife Action Plan. Taking into account the correct season 1 (summer for breeding species, winter for wintering species, any season for resident or transient), there were 2681 records for 83 of 94 SGCN species (401 breeding, 128 winter¬ ing, 710 resident, 1442 transient records). There were also 529 breeding season records of 41 of KSNPC’s 48 monitored breeding bird species. Average earliest arrival dates for five selected wintering species ranged from 16 Au¬ gust to 16 September, and average latest departure dates ranged from 30 April to 22 May (Table 3). Dates for eleven selected migrant and breeding species were more variable with average arrival as early as 17 March and average departure as late as 18 November (Table 3). There was an average of 17.4 observations per observer (range 1 to 2149), but five observers accounted for 51% of the observations. The number of observations per observer was not normally distributed (P < 0.001), and was highly skewed (skewness =14.41). Two- thirds of the observers reported in only one of the 24 seasons. It took the two principal investigators 157 hours of work to complete this project. This averaged slightly over one observation per minute worked. Discussion Data availability All observations used in this report are now available through a variety of media. In addition to the hard copy versions available in The Kentucky Warbler, these data are now available on the internet as county and quad summaries (KDFWR 20 1 Od). Moreover, KDFWR staff now have the detailed data available through an ArcGIS (ESRI Inc. 2008) species distribution mapping application (Sprandel and Vichitbandha 2007). The reports also provide the bulk of material for resources such as the Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Kentucky (Palmer-Ball 2003). Potential uses for the data Such data are valuable to those investigating a variety of wildlife conservation issues . such as “introduction and spread of exotics, the relation between weather patterns and occurrence ..., cyclic invasion, or changes in abundance and distribution” (Robertson 1978). 1 Erickson et al. (2008a) adds “obvious population trends” and “early arrivals and late departures” as additional potential uses. Maximum entropy modeling that uses presence- 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 7 only data (such as this), could be used to build species distributions even when location data are not precise (Baldwin 2009). Within KDFWR the data are used for environmental review and species mapping. Additionally, species occurrence checklists are available to WMA managers for use in management plans. ' ble 3. Average arrival and departure dates for selected species reported in The Kentucky Warb- i 1 seasonal reports, 2002-2008. N = 6 for all except for Breeding species, where N = 5 for Yel- 1 y-billed Cuckoo (arrival and departure) and Golden-winged Warbler (arrival). Species Avg. arrival date (earliest - latest) Avg. departure date (earliest - latest) ’ ntering species • dwall (Anas strepera) Sep 1 5 ( Aug 0 1 - Oct 28 ) May 2 1 (May 1 1 - May 3 1 ) 1 ;en-winged Teal (Anas crecca) Sep 05 (Aug 01 - Nov 18) Apr 30 (Mar 16 - May 29) I mmon Loon (Gavia immer) Sep 16 (Aug 02 - Nov-07) May 22 (May 14 - May 30) ] naparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus Philadelphia) Sep 06 (Aug 18 -Oct-05) May 06 (Apr 26 - May 1 1 ) 1 rring Gull (Lams argentatus) Aug 16 (Aug 01 - Aug 24) May 1 3 (Apr 07 - May 3 1 ) 1 grant species L lerican Golden-Plover ( Pluvial is dominica ) Mar 17 (Mar 03 -Apr 19) Oct 25 (Sep 25 - Nov 21 ) 1 ick-bellied Plover (P/uvialis squatarola) Apr 27 (Apr 13 - May 07) Oct 1 4 (Aug 1 6 - Nov 0 1 ) < spian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) Apr 02 (Mar 25 - May 01 ) Oct 06 (Aug 29 - Nov 18) jf ve-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) May 07 (Apr 28 - May 14) Sep 1 2 (Aug 27 - Sep 23) piirsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris) Apr 05 (Mar 10 -May 05) Nov 05 (Oct 20 -Nov 20) 1 ickpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata ) Apr 22 (Apr 19 - Apr-25) Oct 06 (Sep 24 - Oct 18) 1 ceding species fj :at Egret (Ardea alba) Mar 22 (Mar 13 - Apr 03) Nov 1 8 (Nov 09 - Nov 23) fj Uow-bi 1 led Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) Apr 25 (Apr 20 -May 01) Oct 17 (Sep 23 - Nov 09) | thr. Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris ) Apr 08 (Apr 06 - Apr 12) Nov 1 0 (Oct 24 - Nov 29) < lden-wg. Warbler ( Vermivora chrysoptera) Apr 25 (Apr 20 -May 01) Oct 01 (Sep 24 -Oct 15) P bolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) Apr 25 (Apr 18 -May 05) Oct 16 (Oct 05 -Oct 30) These data can be helpful in determining locations of rare species (Erickson et al. 2008b). For example, the Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) is a wintering species in Kentucky and a KDFWR Species of Greatest Conservation Need (KDFWR 2010c). Thus, finding reliable wintering locations for this species is important for identifying sites for research and monitoring, as well as habitat management. The seasonal reports had 30 occurrences at 23 different locations over the six winters; these records were used to direct surveys for the 2010 Rusty Blackbird Hotspot Blitz (Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center , 2010). These data will continue to be used to focus survey efforts in the future. v Additionally, these data may provide records of newly described species or highlight . range expansions. For example, the Cackling Goose ( Branta hutchinsii) is a recently des¬ cribed species (Banks et al. 2004), and the seasonal reports contributed 44 new occurrence records in 17 counties. For the ever-expanding Cattle Egret ( Bubulcus ibis ) (Telfair 2006), there were 28 records in 17 counties; before this effort, the KDFWR species distribution database contained records from just nine counties. For Chuck-will’s-widow ( Caprimulgus carolinensis ), the seasonal reports provide anecdotal records at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park (Fleming County) and Big Gimlet Creek (Elliott County) that hint at the 5 ; expansion predicted by Mengel (1965) into northeastern Kentucky. ](1 1 Documented ranges of occurrence dates for species (e.g.. Table 3) might be used to ( provide automatic validation of records submitted to eBird (Cornell Lab or Ornithology je , 2010) or for KDFWR scientific collection permit reporting. Interpreting variation in earliest e. | arrival and latest departure dates, however, is difficult and best done if consistent effort is THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 applied at consistent locations (Miller-Rushing et al. 2008). Butler (2003) further suggests that arrival dates may be useful to determine effects of climate change, but are most reliable if gathered at a consistent location. Data limitations The use of generalized place names can make the data difficult to use. When the location names used in the reports refer to broad areas such as Land Between the Lakes, which covers 107,594 acres (43,541 ha) in Lyon and Trigg counties and has a latitudinal extent of 25 miles (40 km), a specific location cannot be determined. There is also geographic overlap of some locations (i.e., one observation may refer to a generalized place name [e.g., Lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton County] while another may refer to a specific site within that generalized area [e.g., Lake No. 9, Fulton County]). Published observations in the seasonal reports are not intended to be an exhaustive, systematic survey of Kentucky birds. Observers choose to report what is most interesting to them. Moreover, the report authors choose what observations to publish for a variety of reasons including what may be most interesting in a given year, a greater awareness of their own observations, or even a desire to encourage participation by individual observers. Thus, the published summaries represent neither random samples nor complete data sets of observations. The data are also of limited use for determining population trends because they lack consistent effort and locations (e.g., Ralph et al. 1995). Suggestions for improvement of reporting observations Because only five observers accounted for over half of the observations, we encourage wider reporting by KOS members. We also encourage reporting in the seven eastern Kentucky counties with no observations. The use of standard names (especially DeLorme 2005 and U.S. Geological Survey 2010) for places and roads would better help determine locations. For generalized features such as “the Ohio River,” including a unique qualifier (e.g., Ohio River at Roebling Bridge) would make reports much more useful. We suggest that locations should have a maximum size of one square mile (260 ha) to increase the precision of the data for mapping species occurrences. For example, instead of “US 68 in Trigg Co.”, a more specific description such as “US 68, 0.5 mile west of its intersection with KY 1585” is suggested. Including clear evidence of breeding as in Palmer-Ball (1996) would be particularly | important for breeding or resident KSNPC-listed and SWAP species. For example, for Golden-winged Warbler ( Vermivora chrysoptera), a species of concern for both KSNPC and KDFWR, the seasonal reports had 46 spring records of presumed migrants but only ; four that indicated definite breeding The current format of The Kentucky > Warbler does not lend itself to highly detailed records of species occurrence. For sensitive species like the Bam Owl (Tyto alba), KDFWR has been successful at soliciting more specific information from users of the BIRDKY listserv (KOS 2011) and KOS members (K. Heyden, pers. comm.). Rather than risking disturbance by posting specific coordinates on the listserv, a general location can be posted and more detailed information including latitude and longitude taken by a Global Position System (GPS) can be sent privately by email. The eBird application can also be used for observations of targeted species as demonstrated by the 2009-2011 Rusty Blackbird Hot¬ spot Blitzes. Future efforts might involve looking at gathering data directly from eBird or BIRDKY postings. Future requests for more detailed species information may be made on BIRDKY or in The Kentucky’ Warbler. The birding community w'ithin Kentucky will no doubt continue to make a significant contribution to the knowledge of species occurrence. Acknowledgments We thank the over 400 observers who contributed records to The Kentucky > Warbler seasonal reports for this period. We also thank Brainard Palmer-Ball Jr. who generously 201 I THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 9 provided access to electronic versions of the seasonal reports, assisted with identifying loca¬ tions cited in the reports, was the senior author of the seasonal reports during most of this period, and reviewed and edited this paper. Shawchyi Vorisek also reviewed an early draft of this manuscript. Literature Cited American Ornithologists’ Union. 1998. Check-list of North American Birds. 7th ed. Amer¬ ican Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, D.C. (Available at http://www.aou.oru/ checklist/north/print.php) (Date accessed 3/7/2010). Baldwin, R. 2009. Use of Maximum Entropy Modeling in Wildlife Research. Entropy 11:854-866. Banks, R., C. Cicero, J. Dunn, A. Kratter, P. Rasmussen, J. Rernsen, J. Rising, D. Stotz. 2004. Forty-fifth supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Check-list of North American Birds. The Auk 121:985-995. Busroe, F. 2003. The Fall Migration 2002. The Kentucky Warbler 79( 1 ):3- 1 8. Butler, C. 2003. The disproportionate effect of global warming on the arrival dates of short- distance migratory birds in North America. Ibis 145:484-495. Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 2010. eBird (Available at eBird.org) (Date accessed 3/7/2010). DeLorme. 2005. Kentucky Atlas & Gazetteer. Yarmouth, ME. Erickson, R., R. Flamilton, M. Iliff, R. Carmona, G. Ruiz-Campos, and P. 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The Birds of Kentucky. American Ornithologist’s Union Monograph No. 3. Allen Press, Lawrence, KS. Miller-Rushing, A., R. Primack, and R. Stymeist. 2008. Interpreting variation in bird migra¬ tion times as observed by volunteers. The Auk 125(3):565-573. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 10 Vol. 87 j Mitchell, A. 2005. ERSI Guide to GIS analysis: Vol. 2: Spatial Measurements and statistics. ESR1 Press, Redlands, CA. NatureServe. 2007. Biotics 4: Biodiversity Data Model. Arlington, VA. (Available at http://www.natureserve.org/prodServices/biodatamodel.isp ) (Accessed 6/23/2010). Palmer-Ball, Jr., B. 1996. The Kentucky Breeding Bird Atlas. University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. Palmer-Ball, Jr., B. 2003. Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Kentucky. Kentucky Orni¬ thological Society, Louisville, KY. Palmer-Ball, Jr., B. and L. McNeely. 2008. Summer Season 2008. The Kentuck\> Warbler 84(4):83-90. Ralph, C., J. Sauer, and S. Droege, eds. 1995. Monitoring bird populations by Point Counts. General Technical Report. PSW-GTR-149. Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Dept, of Agriculture, Albany, CA. Robertson, Jr., W. 1978. Regional reports ... have they any scientific value? American Birds 1978:1212-1214. Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. 2010. The Rusty Blackbird Blitz (Available at http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratorvBirds/Research/Rustv Blackbird/blitz.cfm) (Accessed March 12, 2010). Snedecor, G., and W. Cochran. 1967. Statistical methods. Iowa Status University Press, 6th ed. Ames, IA. Sprandel, G. and P. Vichitbandha. 2007. Delivery of Kentucky Action Plan, Hunting Areas, and Species Data. Organization of Fish and Wildlife Information Managers, Shep- | herdstown, WV. Stedman, S. 2009. Counties of the Upper Cumberland Region of Kentucky and Tennessee. ! (Available at http://iweb.tntech.edu/sstedman/UCRCounties.htm). (Accessed December 12,2009). Telfair, R., II. 2006. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis). The Birds of North America Online (A. | Poole, Ed.). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY (Available at http://bna. birds. J cornell.edu/bna/species/1 13) (Date accessed 3/7/2010). U.S. Geological Survey. 2010. Kentucky Geographic Names Information System Dataset. Div. of Geographic Information, Frankfort, KY (Available at http://kygeonet.kv.gov/) (Date accessed 3/7/2010). — Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601 (gary.sprandel@ky.gov & keith.wethington@ky.gov) (Sprandel & Wethington), and Lou¬ isville Science Center, 727 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202 (megan.chlopek@louisville ky.gov) (Chlopek). FALL SEASON 2010 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr„ and Lee McNeely Weather conditions during fall 2010 were somewhat variable across the state. Overall, temperatures were above-normal during August with I00°F. surpassed at many recording stations a couple of times during the month, but precipitation varied from well below normal across north-central Kentucky to above normal across the south-central part of the state. September remained warmer than normal with Louisville hitting 99°F. on the 22nd. Below average rainfall spread in extent as moderate drought conditions took hold across much of Kentucky (Louisville received a record low amount of rainfall for the month [0. 1 2 i n ] ) . October continued to be warmer than normal and the drought continued across all but the southeastern portion of the state. Warmer than normal temperatures continued into November, but precipitation finally returned and many stations recorded above-average rainfall for the month. Again this fall, no significant remnants of tropical weather systems passed across the state, and the lack of unsettled weather resulted in few good shorebird fallouts. 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 1 1 Rarity highlights included White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Yellow Rail, Marbled Godwit, Mew Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Inca Dove, Say’s Phoebe and Clay-colored Sparrow. Irruptive boreal species were relatively scarce again this year, suggesting a limited presence during the upcoming winter season. Natural food crops appeared to be present in below average supply again this year, especially where the driest late summer/fall season con¬ ditions persisted. Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these reports have been accepted for inclusion in the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Reports of out-of-season birds and rarities should be accompanied by written and/or photographic documentation. This documentation is reviewed by 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”; “ba” next to an observer’s initials indicates that the bird was banded; “ph.” next to an observer’s initials indicates that the observation was docu¬ mented 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: Anchorage Trail, at Anchorage, e. Jefferson ; Ballard WMA. Ballard ; Barkley Dam, Livingston! Lyon (unless otherwise noted); Barren = Barren River Lake, Allen! Barren', Barren River Lake SRP. Barren', Berea, Madison', Berea Forest = Berea College Forest, Madison', Blood River = Blood River embay ment, Ky Lake, Calloway, Bowling Green. Warren', Camp #9 = Camp #9 coal preparation plant, Union', Camp #1 1 = former Camp #1 1 mine. Union', Cave Run Lake. Bath/Rowatr, Eddy Creek = Eddy Creek embayment of Lake Barkley, Lyon', Falls of the Ohio. Jefferson', Fisherville. se. Jefferson', Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment. Lake Cumberland, Pulaski', Garvin Brown = Garvin Brown Preserve, ne. Jefferson', Iroquois Park = at Louisville, Jefferson ; Island No. 8 Slough. Fulton', Jacobson Park, at Lexington, Fayette', Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall ; Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall ; Kv Lake = Kentucky Lake, Calloway! Marshall', Kuttawa = Lake Barkley near Old Kuttawa Recreation Area, Lyon', 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); Melco = Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson', Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan ; Mitchell Lake. Ballard WMA, Ballard ; Obion WMA, Fulton', Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson', Shaker Village = Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Mercer, Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg ; Smithland Dam, on the Ohio River, Livingston', Spindletop = University of Kentucky Spindletop Farm, Fayette ; SP = State Park; SRP = State Resort Park; Surrey Hills Farm = Surrey Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson', Travis WMA = Doug Travis WMA, Carlisle! Hickman', Upper Bottom Road = slough along w. side of Upper Bottom Road just n. of Hickman, Fulton', Waitsboro = Lake Cumberland at Waits- boro Recreation Area, Pulaski', WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose - 1 at Sauer¬ heber 19 October (CC) and 4 there 21 October (CC) were the earliest to be re¬ ported. Other reports of interest included 200 at Camp #11 on 31 October (BP, EHu); at least 100 at Camp #9 on 3 No¬ vember (BP, EHu, CC); and ca. 1500 at Sauerheber by 17 November (CC). Snow Goose - 1 at Spindletop 9/1 1 October (GB, JPe/JW) and 3 over Sauerheber 31 October (EHu) were the earliest to be re¬ ported; 8 at Fishing Creek 16 November (RD) were the farthest east to be reported. Ross’s Goose - 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 1 1 August (DSt, ph. TB) represented yet ano¬ ther early date for the state. Other reports of interest included singles at Sinclair 13 12 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 November (MY, BY); at Blood River 15 November (HC); at Miller Pond, Russell, 20 November (ph. RD, AM, GC); and at Lexington 28 November (ph. DL, BLa). Ross’s Goose, Fayette 28 November 2010 David Lang Mute Swan - 1 at Minor Clark 1 August (ph. GR) was possibly summering; 2 in Bourbon 8 October (SM) also may be per¬ manent residents or are exhibiting winter site fidelity based on recurring observa¬ tions in the same vicinity over the past several years. Tundra Swan - the first of Sauerheber’s wintering flock to be reported were 7 there 8 November (SD) with 28 there by 24 November (CC). The only other report was for 12 at Melco 29-30 November (ph. RA et al.). Wood Duck -250 at Sauerheber 15 August (CC) represented the season's peak count. Gadwall - 1 at Kuttawa 4 September (BP, EHu, MMn) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted; peak counts of interest included ca. 75 at the Falls of the Ohio 26 October (BP); at least 350 at Camp #11 on 3 No¬ vember (BP, EHu, CC); 200 at Blood River 2 November (HC, ME); at least 500 at Jonathan Creek 2-12 November (HC, ME) with at least 1000 there 17-27 No¬ vember (MMi et al.); and 60 at Thurston’s Pond, Wayne , 23 November (RD). American Wigeon at least 50 at Camp #11 on 31 October (BP, EHu) represented a modest peak count for the season. Blue-winged Teal - peak counts of interest included 80 at Camp #11 by 18 August (BP); 64 at Jonathan Creek (MMi) and 85 at Blood River (HC), both 12 September; and ca. 150 at Camp #11 on 24-25 Sep¬ tember (BP et al.). Two at Camp #11 on 3 November (BP, EHu, CC) were the latest to be reported. Green-winged Teal - 1 at Camp #11 on 18 August (BP, EHu, MMn) was the earliest to be reported. Peak counts of interest in¬ cluded at least 500 at Camp #11 on 31 October (BP, EHu); more than 100 at the Falls of the Ohio 10 October (MA); and at least 100 on Barren 16 November (DR, TD). Northern Shoveler - 5 at Camp #11 on 18 August (BP, EHu, MMn) were the earliest to be reported; at least 75 at Camp #1 1 on 31 October (BP, EHu) represented a mod¬ est peak count for the season. Northern Pintail - modest peak counts dur- t ing the season included at least 35 at j Camp # 11 on 31 October (BP, EHu) with 53 counted there 3 November (BP, EHu, CC); and 20 on Barren 24 November (DR). Canvasback - 3 at Camp #11 on 3 1 October (BP, EHu) were the earliest to be reported. Redhead - reports of interest included 13 at Camp #11 on 31 October (BP, EHu); at least 100 on the Ohio River at Louisville 19 November (DSt et al.); and ca. 50 on Barren 23 November (DR). Ring-necked Duck - 1 at Minor Clark 9 August (LH), 4/7 September (ph. LH/DL), and 9 October (LH) was likely summer¬ ing; next earliest report was of 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 20 October (EHu). Greater Scaup - an unspecified number on Barren 4 November (DR) were the earliest to be reported. Lesser Scaup - 2 on Lake Barkley above the dam 17 September (BP, MMn) were surely continuing from summer. Modest peak counts for the season included ca. 1000 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 4 November (BP, EHu) and ca. 200 on the Ohio River at Louisville 19 November (DSt et al.). 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 13 Surf Scoter - there were five reports: an ad. male on Barren 16 November (DR, TD); 3 on Barren 17 November (DR); 2 on the Ohio River at Louisville 19 November (DSt, BP et al.); with a different flock of 13 on the Ohio River at Cox Park, Louis¬ ville, 19 November (CBs, JBe, PB); and 1 on Barren 23 November (DR). White-winged Scoter - there were two re¬ ports: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 15 No¬ vember (EHu, DSt) and 2 on the Ohio River at Louisville 20 November (JPu, DP). Black Scoter - an excellent flight was docu¬ mented with all reports included: a tally of 18 (different groups of 2 & 16) on the Ohio River at Louisville 3 November (EHu, BP, et al.) that represented a new state high count; 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 4-8 November (DSt et ah); separate groups of 3 & 5 on Lake Cumberland, Russell, 4 November (RD); separate groups of 2 & 2 on Lake Cumberland at Waitsboro and at Mill Spring Mill, Wayne, 5 November (RD); 6 on Barren 8 November (DR); 2 on the Ohio River at Louisville 15-20 November (EHu, DSt, et ah) with an additional flock of 4 present just upstream 19 November (EHu, RH, DSt, et ah); 1 on Ky Lake above the dam 17 November (MA); 4 on Barren (DR, TD) and 4 on Freeman Lake, Hardin (RH), both 19 November; and 7 at the Falls of the Ohio 24 November (EHu, DSt, et ah). Long-tailed Duck - a male on Ky Lake above the dam 28 November (BY, MY, DR) was the only one reported. Bufflehead - peak counts for the season in¬ cluded 77 on the Ohio River at Louisville 19 November (BP, DSt et ah) and ca. 100 on Barren 24 November (DR). Common Goldeneye - more than 200 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 30 November (BP, EHu) represented a modest peak count for the season. Hooded Merganser - 120 were counted at Jacobson Park 27 November (JPu). Red-breasted Merganser - 2 on Barren 1 November (DR, DB, TD) were the earliest to be reported; modest peak counts in¬ cluded ca. 70 on the Ohio River at Louis¬ ville (DSt et ah) and at least 40 on Barren (DR, TD), both 19 November. Ruddy Duck - the season’s peak counts in¬ cluded ca. 120 on Lake Barkley above the dam 4 November (BP, EHu); ca. 200 on Barren 16 November (DR, TD); at least 130 on the Ohio River at Louisville 19 November (EHu, DSt et ah); and ca. 110 on Barren 24 November (DR). Common Loon - 1 on Cave Run Lake 7 September (DL) may have summered; at least 6 on Barren 19 October (DR) were the next earliest reported; peak counts of interest included ca. 200 on Barren 17 November (DR); at least 150 on Green River Lake, Adair/Taylor, 19 November (BP); at least 500 on Barren 23 November (DR, TD); and at least 170 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 27 November (DR). Pied-billed Grebe - at least 100 on Barren 24 November (DR) represented the sea¬ son's peak count. Horned Grebe - at least 230 on the Ohio River at Louisville 19 November (DSt et ah) represented the season’s peak count. Red-necked Grebe - 1 was present at Jac¬ obson Park 28-29 November (ph. JPu et ah). KBRC review required. Eared Grebe - 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 3 November (fDSt) was the only one repor¬ ted. Double-crested Cormorant - ca. 1500 on Ky Lake, Calloway, 16 October (HC, ANy) represented a relatively modest peak count for the season. American White Pelican - 2 at Kuttawa 1 8 August (JRi) & 4 September (BP, EHu, MMn) were likely continuing from sum¬ mer and may be resident due to injury, but 10-15 above Barkley Dam 16 September (DMa) were likely early migrants. Circa 2000 on Lake Barkley, Trigg, 20 October (HC) with 1500 still there 24 October (HC, ME) represented the season’s peak counts. There were two reports from e. of LBL: 1 just n. of Bloomfield, Nelson, 13 September into November (JN, BF, JBe, PB) and 3 on Barren 29 October (DR, DB, 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 TD) with 6 there 30 October-5 November (DR et al.) and 1 lingering there to 25 No¬ vember (DR). Least Bittern - "several" at Sauerheber dur¬ ing early August (MMr, fide SV) repre¬ sented the only report during the season. Great Blue Heron - up to 72 were reported at the Falls of the Ohio 1 1 August (DSt). Great Egret - ca. 1000 birds were at Obion WMA 18/19 August (RD et al./BP et al.) with 1200 at Island No. 8 Slough 18 Au¬ gust (RD et al.) and 1300 there 19 August (BP, EHu, MMn). Most of the birds in w. Fulton roosted near the mouth of Obion Creek at Hickman again this year (m. ob.); other high counts of interest included 22 at the Falls of the Ohio 4 September (DSt); 74 at Eddy Creek 4 September (BP, EFlu, MMn) with ca. 75 there 17 Septem¬ ber (BP, MMn); 40-45 at the Van Buren boat ramp, Taylorsville Lake, Anderson , 8 September (BW); 82 at Jonathan Creek 14 September (ME); and 176 at White City WMA, Hopkins , 23 September (EFla). One was last seen at the Falls of the Ohio 27 October (BP); 18 were still at Eddy Creek 4 November (BP, EHu); 6 were still at Barren 1 November (DR, DB, TD) with 3 still there to 5 November (DR) and 2 last seen at Barren, Allen , 12 November (DR, DB, SS); 1 1 were still at Jonathan Creek 2 November (HC, ME) with 1 there to 14 November (MMi). Snowy Egret - low numbers were reported again this year with 25 at Island No. 8 Slough 18 August representing the sea¬ son’s peak count (BP, EHu, MMn). Little Blue Heron - ca. 50 at Lake No. 9 on 4 August (DR) represented a very modest peak count for the season. There were on¬ ly four reports away from w. Kentucky: a juv. at Barren 10 August (DR); 4 juvs. at Camp #11 on 18 August (BP, MMn, EHu); a juv. at the Van Buren boat ramp, Taylorsville Lake, Anderson , 24 August (BW); and 3 juvs. at Sinclair 31 August (DR). Cattle Egret I at Sauerheber 27 October (ph. CC) was tardy. Black-crowned Night-Heron - an imm. on the Ohio River at Dayton, Campbell , 17 November (FR) was rather tardy. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - a juv. at Travis WMA 19 August (BP, EHu, MMn) was the only one reported. White Ibis - there were two reports: a juv. at Lake No. 9 on 5 August (ph. DR); and 9 juvs. at Obion WMA 18 August (ph. RD, HC, et al.) with 6 still there 19 Au¬ gust (BP, EHu, MMn). KBRC review required. Glossy Ibis - I was present at Minor Clark 5-9 October (MW, ph. LH). KBRC re¬ view required. Glossy Ibis, Rowan 9 October 20 1 0 Lana Hays Black Vulture - ca. 150 at the Kendall Rec¬ reation Area below Wolf Creek Dam, Russell, 19 November (RD) and ca. 150 at the Frankfort Fish Hatchery, n. Franklin, 22 November (KHa) represented the sea¬ son’s peak counts. Osprey - singles at the Falls of the Ohio 29 October (BP, EHu) and at Fishing Creek 30 October (RD) were the latest to be re¬ ported. Mississippi Kite - a dependent juv. was found during a logging operation along Mayfield Creek w. of the US 45 bridge, n. Graves, 20 July (DMu, RM), establishing one of only a few confirmed reports of breeding for the state; a possible family I group (2 ads. and 2 juvs./subads.) was ob¬ served over the Highland Creek Unit THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 15 1011 Sloughs WMA, Union , 9 August (MMr fide SV); an ad. was present at Ledbetter, Livingston , 18 August (MMn, BP, EHu); at least 12 were still near Laketon, Car¬ lisle , 5 September (MMn, EHu, BP). laid Eagle - a tally of probably at least 8 on the Green River, Mammoth Cave, Edmon¬ son! Hart, 18 November (LJ, JHt) and 14 at Sauerheber 26 November (CC) repre¬ sented local high counts. 'Jorthern Harrier - singles in Barren 30 August (DR) and at Lake No. 9 on 5 Sep¬ tember (MMn, EHu, BP) were the earliest to be reported away from known breeding areas. iod; I on the Anchorage Trail 3 October (JBe, PB); 1 at Melco 8 October (EHu); 1 at Spindletop 13 October (JW); and 1 at Honker Lake, LBL, Lyon/Trigg, 28 No¬ vember (BLi). A new nesting pair was reported near the Ohio River at Carntown, Pendleton, during mid-September (KHe). A juv. bird banded in Jefferson as a nest¬ ling in May 2010 (KHe) dispersed north and was sighted repeatedly into early win¬ ter at various locations around Dearborn, MI (DO). Yellow Rail - 1 was flushed while combin¬ ing at Surrey Hills Farm 19 October (fBP, WG). KBRC review required. led-tailed Hawk - a light morph B. j. har- lani returned to the WKU Farm, Warren, for at least the 10th consecutive winter by 21 November (DR). lough-legged Hawk - 2 over US 25 near Whitehall, n. Madison, 21 November (ET) were the only ones reported during the season. Golden Eagle - a juv. at Minor Clark 20 November (ph. GR) was the only one re¬ ported during the season. derlin - there were at least fifteen reports: 1 at South Union, Logan, 13 September (TD); 1 at the Dry Creek Unit, Barren River Lake WMA, Barren, 24 September (DR); 1 over Ky Lake, Marshall, 25 Sep¬ tember (DR); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 19 October (MMn et al.); singles over Barren River Lake SRP 2/23 October (DR et al.); 1 at Bernheim Forest, Bullitt, 30 October (CBo); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 4/12 No¬ vember (DSt); 1 at Cox Park, Louisville, 5/19 November (EHu/CBs, JBe, PB); 1 at Spindletop 13 November (DSv, MF); I in Allen 25 November (DR); 2 at Sinclair 26 November (MY, BY); 1 at Jacobson Park 27/28 November (JPu/RBu, ASK); and 1 at Berea 28 November (RBa). ’eregrine Falcon - there were only seven reports away from known nesting terri¬ tories: I over Mammoth Cave 26 August (TD); 1 below Smithland Dam 4 Septem¬ ber (MMn, BP, EHu); 2 birds at the US 68/KY 80 bridge over Lake Barkley, Trigg, 25 September (BLi) thru the per- Sora - relatively scarce again this fall with reports from four locales as follows: 1 at Surrey Hills Farm during the last week of August (BP) and 13 September (BP); 1 at Melco 3/5/6 September (EHu/BY, MY/ BY); 1-2 at Sauerheber on several occa¬ sions 25 September (BP, KOS)-31 Octo¬ ber (BP, EFlu) with a peak of 6 there 12 October (CC); and 1 at Spindletop 12 Oc¬ tober (JS). Common Moorhen - a family group (com¬ posed of at least 1 ad. and 4 juvs.) at Sau¬ erheber during early August (MMr, fide SV) represented the only report during the season. American Coot - peak counts for the sea¬ son included ca. 1000 at Camp #11 on 31 October (BP, EHu); ca. 1000 on Lake Cumberland above Wolf Creek Dam, Rus¬ sell, and ca. 600 on Lake Cumberland at the SRP, Russell, both 4 November (RD); at least 500 on Barren 4 November (DR, TD); and ca. 600 on the Ohio River at Louisville 25 November (MA). Sandhill Crane - 1 along US 31W, s. War¬ ren, 16 August (DR) was extremely early; otherwise, two flocks totaling ca. 45 birds at Barren 1 November (DR, DB, TD) and 13 over Bowling Green 6 November (TD) were the earliest to be reported. Black-bellied Plover - scarce this season with only four reports; 1 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton, 4-5 August (DR); 1 at Lake No. 9 on 19 August (BP, EHu, MMn); 2 at Jonathan Creek 3 Oc- 16 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 tober (ME); and 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 14/22 October (EHu). American Golden-Plover - 1 at Upper Bot¬ tom Road 4/10 August (DR/HC) was the earliest to be reported; 1-2 were reported at traditional locales mid-August-14 Oc¬ tober; other reports of interest included 42 at Camp #9 on 24 September (BP) that tied the state’s high count for fall; 3 at Spindletop 9-12 October (DL, ASK, et al.) with 1 still there 13 October (JW); 4 at Sauerheber 19-21 October (CC); 1 at Fishing Creek 16 November (RD); and 1 at Jonathan Creek 31 October into No¬ vember (ME, HC, MMi) that lingered to 29 November (ME) and established a new late fall departure date for the state. Semipalmated Plover - 1 at Travis WMA 15 October (RD) was the latest to be re¬ ported. Killdeer - peak counts included 1300-1400 at Upper Bottom Road 4 August (DR); 750 at Mitchell Lake 5 August (DR) with 800 there 19 August (RD); and 1150 at Barren 29 November (DR). Black-necked Stilt - there were two reports: a family group (2 ads. and 3 juvs. not completely grown) at Obion WMA 6-19 August (ph. HC et al.) confirming breed¬ ing at that location for the first time, and 7 at Island No. 8 Slough 18 August (HC, RD, et al.)— 22 August (NM). American Avocet - there were three re¬ ports: 4 at Island No. 8 Slough 18 August (RD, HC)-23 August (MTo); 1 on the Mississippi River near Island No. 1, Car¬ lisle, 20 September (DR); and 1 on a lake at Spindletop 28 October (DL, ph. LS, et al.). Spotted Sandpiper - 1 along Nabb School Road, Caldwell, 13 October (RD); 4 in w. Fulton 14 October (RD); and 1 at Barren 31 October (DR) were the latest to be re¬ ported. Greater Yellowlegs - 25 at Camp #11 on 3 November (BP, EHu, CC) represented the peak count for the season; singles at the Falls of the Ohio 15 November (DSt) and at Fishing Creek 16 November (RD) were the latest to be reported. lisle, 2 September (DR) were the only ones reported. Lesser Yellowlegs - 1 at Barren 12 Novem¬ ber (DR, DB, SS) was the latest to be re¬ ported. Upland Sandpiper - there were three re¬ ports: 1 near Lake No. 9 on 4 August (DR); 3 at Upper Bottom Road 8 August (BY, MY); and 1 at Mitchell Lake 17 August (HC, RD). Marbled Godwit - 1 was reported at the Falls of the Ohio 25 September (tDC). KBRC review required. Ruddy Turnstone - there were only two reports: 1 at Fishing Creek 14-15 August (RD) and 1 at Eddy Creek 4 September (BP, EHu, MMn). Sanderling - quite scarce this fall: 1 -3 at the , Falls of the Ohio on several occasions 23 | August-24 September (DSt, EHu, TB, CBr, et al.); 1 at Melco 30 August-3 Sep¬ tember (EHu); 1 at Mitchell Lake 4 Sep¬ tember (BP, EHu, MMn); 2 at Minor Clark 4/6/7/14 September (LH/GR/DL/ j EM); and 1 at Blood River 12/22 Sep- j tember(HC). American Avocet, Fayette 28 October 201 O’ Lou Sliain Western Sandpiper - scarce during the fall season; reports of interest included 3-4 at ' Jj Upper Bottom Road 4-5 August (DR) with 4 still there 10 August (HC); 1 at Fishing Creek 14-15 August (RD); 4 at 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 17 Jonathan Creek 4 September (MMi); 5 at Camp #1 1 on 24 September (BP); and 4 at Jonathan Creek 5 October (MMi) with 2 there 2 November (HC, ME). Least Sandpiper - modest peak counts in¬ cluded ca. 100 at Lake No. 9, 100-150 at Obion WMA, and 50+ at Mitchell Lake, all 19 August (BP, EHu, MMn); ca. 100 at Travis WMA 15 October (RD); and 90 at Jonathan Creek 2 November (HC, ME). One at the Falls of the Ohio 29 October (BP, EHu); I at Sauerheber 3 November (BP, EHu, CC); ca. 35 at Camp #11 on 3 November (BP, EHu, CC); 58 at Eddy Creek 4 November (BP, EHu); and I at Barren 1 1 November (DR) were the latest to be reported other than 59 on 29 No¬ vember at Jonathan Creek (ME) where the species sometimes winters. Baird's Sandpiper - reports of interest in¬ cluded 1 at Minor Clark 28 August (LM, NKBC) with 2 there 4/7/14 September (LH/DL/EM); 7 at Mitchell Lake 2 Sep¬ tember (DR); 3 at Eddy Creek 17 Septem¬ ber (BP, MMn); 2 at Franklin, Simpson , 7 September (DR); and 2 tardy birds at Sau¬ erheber 3 1 October (BP, EHu, CC). Pectoral Sandpiper - 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 27 October (BP); 2 at Sauerheber 3 November (BP, EHu, CC); and 4 at Camp #11 on 3 November (BP, EHu, CC) were the latest to be reported. Dunlin - small numbers were well distrib¬ uted at traditional locales late October into mid-November; relatively modest peak counts included 1 7 at Barren 30 October (DR, DB); 52 at Camp #11 on 31 October (BP, EHu); 16 at Jonathan Creek and 1 I at Blood River, both 2 November (HC, ME); and 18 at Blood River 8 November (HC). The latest to be reported were 2 at Fishing Creek 16 November (RD); 3 at the Falls of the Ohio 20 November (EHu); 2 at Thurston’s Pond, Wayne, 23 Novem¬ ber (RD); 2 at Barren 25 November (DR); and singles at Blood River (HC) and Sau¬ erheber (CC), both 29 November. Stilt Sandpiper - one to a few were well distributed at traditional locales through the season; reports of interest (including modest peak counts) included 5 at Upper Bottom Road 4 August (DR); 1 at Minor Clark 28 August (LM, NKBC) & 4 Sep¬ tember (LH); 9 at Eddy Creek 14 Septem¬ ber (DMa); 10 at Mitchell Lake 4 Septem¬ ber (BP, EHu, MMn); 12 at Jonathan Creek 24 September (MMi); and 21 at Camp #1 1 on 24 September (BP). Five at Camp #11 on 31 October/3 November (BP, EHu, CC) were the latest to be repor¬ ted. Buff-breasted Sandpiper - small numbers were reported mostly at traditional locales as follows: 3 at Upper Bottom Road 4 Au¬ gust (DR) with 4 there 7/10 August (BY, MY/HC), 5 there 8 August (BY, MY), and 3 there 2 September (HC, ME); 1 be¬ low Smithland Dam 18 August (BP, EHu, MMn); 1-4 at the Falls of the Ohio 3-16 September (EHu) with a peak of 6 there 12 September (DSt, EHu); I at Melco 3-6 September (EHu, BY, MY); 1 at Mitchell Lake 2/4 September (DR/BP, EHu, MMn); and I at Camp #1 1 on 24-25 Sep¬ tember (BP et a!.). Short-billed Dowitcher - quite scarce this fall with only three reports of juvs.: 1 at Fishing Creek 13-14 August (RD); 2 at Obion WMA 19 August (BP, MMn, EHu); and 1 at Jonathan Creek 14 Sep¬ tember (ME). Long-billed Dowitcher - there were four reports: 2 near Lake No. 9 on 4 August (DR); I (heard) at Jonathan Creek 1 1 Sep¬ tember (MMi); 11 at Camp #11 on 31 October/3 November (BP, EHu, CC); and 3 at Blood River 1 1 November (HC). Wilson’s Snipe - 1 at Camp #11 on 24 Sep¬ tember (BP) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted. At least 100 at Sauerheber 17 No¬ vember (CC) represented the peak count for the season. American Woodcock - there were eight re¬ ports: 1 at Berea Forest 3 October (SM); 1 in Hart 7 October (SK, JKi); 1 at Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge, Boyle, 9 Octo¬ ber (J&JBy); 2 at Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, 31 October (BJo, BBC); 1 in Allen 8 November (DR); I at Shaker Mill, Warren, 17 November (DR); and singles at Surrey Hills Farm 18/23 November (MMn/MMn, BP). 18 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Wilson’s Phalarope - there were only two reports: 1 at Fishing Creek 13 August (ph. RD) and 2 at Mitchell Lake 8 September (EHa). Red-necked Phalarope - there were three reports: 1 at Blood River 12 September (ph. HC); 2 on Lake Barkley off Green Turtle Bay Resort, Lyon , 19 September (vt. DR); and 1 at Camp #11 on 24-25 September (ph. BP et ah). KBRC review required. Black-legged Kittiwake - a first-year bird was on Ky Lake above the dam 4 Novem¬ ber (tBP, EHu). KBRC review required. Bonaparte’s Gull - I at the Falls of the Ohio 8 October (EHu) and 1 at Barren 20 October (DR et al.) were the earliest to be reported; 700 at Barren 12 November (SS, DR, DB) with at least 1000 there 23 No¬ vember (DR, TD) represented the peak counts for the season. Laughing Gull - there were five reports: a juv. on Ky Lake, Marshall, 2 August (DR); a juv. at Barkley Dam 8 September (DR); 3 juvs. on Ky Lake, Marshall, 19 September (DR); 1 at Blood River 22 September (HC); and a first-year bird on Lake Barkley at the mouth of Lick Creek, Lyon, 4 November (EHu, BP). Franklin’s Gull - I on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 3 September (DR) was rather early; a very pronounced peak in migration began with 5 at Jonathan Creek 26 October (MMi) and was highlighted by an exceptional tal¬ ly of 140 at Barren 27 October (ph. DR) and 17 there 1 November (DR, DB, TD). Otherwise, 1-3 were at Barren on several other occasions 29 October-20 November (DR et ah); 2 were at the Falls of the Ohio 28 October (EHu, DSt, et ah) with 1 there 16/19 November (BP, et ah); and 1 was on the Ohio River above Markland Dam, Gallatin, 18 November (EHu). Mew Gull - an adult, most certainly the same bird present last year, was observed at Barren 18-24 October (ph. DR et ah). Ring-billed Gull - peak counts of interest included 700 at Barren 12 November (SS, DR, DB); and 450 at the Falls of the Ohio 27 November (DSt, EHu, et ah). Herring Gull - ca. 15-20 were on Lake Barkley above the dam and at least 20 on Ky Lake, Marshall, by 17 September (BP, MMn); other reports of interest included 7 at Barren 1 November (DR, DB, TD); 8 on Green River Lake, Adair/Taylor, 19 November (BP); 7 at Lake Peewee, Hop¬ kins, 29 November (BP, EHu); and at least 75 in the vicinity of Ky/Barkley dams by 30 November (BP, EHu). Lesser Black-backed Gull - there were four reports, possibly involving most or all of the same individuals: a near adult at Barkley Dam 8 September (DR) with probably the same third-year bird on Lake Barkley above the dam 16/17 September (DMa/BP, MMn); 4 ads. or near ads. on J Ky Lake, Marshall, 19 September (DR); 3 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 25 September (DR); and 2 ads. or near ads. and a first- year bird on Lake Barkley at Boyd’s Landing, Lyon, 4 November (EHu, BP). Glaucous Gull - a first-year bird was below Ky Dam 30 November (|BP, EHu). Least Tern - at least 50 were below Smith- land Dam 18 August (BP, EHu, MMn); 1 1 were still at Mitchell Lake 19 August (RD) with a juv still there 4 September (BP, EHu, MMn). Caspian Tern - modest peak counts in¬ cluded 57 at Blood River 7 September (HC) and ca. 15 at Barren 9 September (DR). Mew Gull, Barren River Lake 18 October 2010 David Roemer 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 19 Black Tern - there were only five reports: 1 at Mitchell Lake 17 August (HC, RD); 8 below Smithland Dam 18 August (BP, EHu, MMn); at least 75 on the Mississippi River, Carlisle , 2 September (DR); 1 on Lake Barkley, Lyon , 19 September (DR); and 2 on the Mississippi River, Carlisle , 20 September (DR). Common Tern - there were only three re¬ ports: 1 on Lake Barkley, Livingston , 3 September (DR); ca. 20 near Kuttawa 8 September (DR); and 1 at Barren 29 Oc¬ tober (DR, TD). Forster’s Tern - reports of interest included ca. 140 on Ky Lake, Marshall , 25 Sep¬ tember (DR); at least 1 15 total at several sites on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 4 November (BP, EHu); and 1 10 at Jonathan Creek 10 November (HC, ME). Eurasian Collared-Dove - singles adjacent to Lloyd WMA, Grant , 15/24 August (VT) represented a first for the county. Inca Dove - 1 was seen along KY 94 ne. of Sassafras Ridge, Fulton, 19 August (MMn, EHu). KBRC review re¬ quired. Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 1 at The Narrows, Barren, Barren, 23 October (ER) was the latest to be reported. Black-billed Cuckoo - a bird wearing a band (surely the bird banded in mid-July) at Shaker Village 9 September (KHe et al.) was seen collecting and carrying off caterpillars for young indicating a rare report of confirmed nesting; also reported were 1 at the Lexington Cemetery 1 1 Sep¬ tember (LS, ASK) and 1 s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 5 October (MBy, DT). Barn Owl - there were two reports: 1 at Ballard WMA 23 November (SRe) and 1 in a barn in Hopkins during late Novem¬ ber (TY). Short-eared Owl - 1 at Camp #1 I on 31 October (BP, EHu) was the earliest to be reported. Also reported were 1 at Spindle- top 13 November (DL, ASK); 5 near Bon ■ Ayr, Barren, 20 November (DR); ca. 12 e. of Shelby vi lie, Shelby, 20/30 November (HB); and I at Sinclair 28 November (P&SF). Northern Saw-whet Owl - 20 birds were banded at Surrey Hills Farm 21 October- 24 November (MMn, BP, et al.) with peak captures of 4 on 21-22 October; 4 on 5-6 November; and 6 on 6-7 November. Eastern Whip-poor-will - 1 heard in Elliott 18 September (EM) was the latest to be reported. Chimney Swift - peak counts included at least 800 dropping into a chimney at Lou¬ isville 28 August (BW) and ca. 1200 at the Falls of the Ohio 30 September (DSt). Broad-billed Hummingbird - an apparent male was present in a yard at Madison- vi lie, Hopkins, during the last week of October and the first week of November (ph. BJa) and will become a first state record if accepted. KBRC review re¬ quired. Ruby-throated Hummingbird - the season was a much more normal one than last year, with numbers building nicely during August and a slightly later than normal peak across most of Kentucky about 5-10 September. Small numbers lingered into the first week of October (m. ob.), and singles at Murray, Calloway (ME), and at Bowling Green (TD), both 18 October, and at Berea 19 October (A&TR) were the latest to be reported. Rufous Hummingbird - an ad. female at Bardstown, Nelson, 14 November into December (ph. PG, ba. BP, MMn, et al.) was the only one reported. Red-headed Woodpecker - small numbers reported during October-November at scattered locales suggested there will be some around during the upcoming winter. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker- 1 at Sauerheber 12 September (CC) represented a new early arrival date for the state; the next earliest was 1 on the Anchorage Trail 18 September (JBe, PB). Olive-sided Flycatcher - there were eight reports: 1 at the WKU Woods, Warren, 16 August (DR); 1 at Floyds Fork Park, Jef¬ ferson, 25 August (EHu); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 31 August (BP); 1 along Upper Bot¬ tom Road, Fulton, 5 September (EHu, BP, MMn); I at Green River Lake, Adair, 9 20 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 September (RD); 1 at Lexington 11 Sep¬ tember (IS); 1 on the Anchorage Trail 1 1 September (BW); and 1 at Big Bone Lick SP, Boone, 1 1 September (LM, NKBC). Eastern Wood-Pewee - an ad. with recently Hedged young at Taylorsville Lake SP, Spencer, 8 September (BW) represented a relatively late nesting. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - there were sev¬ en reports: 1 on the Anchorage Trail 17 August/12 September (JBe, PB); 1 at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski, 28 August (RD); 1 at Ballard WMA 5 Sep¬ tember (EHu, MMn, BP); 1 at Casey Creek, Adair, 19 September (RD); 1 at Barren River Lake SRP 22 September (DR); and 1 at John James Audubon SP, Henderson, 26 September (JM, KOS). Alder Flycatcher - 1 was heard calling at Obion WMA 2 September (DR); another likely Alder came in but did not reply to taped calls at Green River Lake, Adair, 9 September (RD). A “Traill’s” type fly¬ catcher at Cave Creek, Pulaski, 6 October (ba. LO) was unconfirmed to species. Least Flycatcher - 1 seen and heard calling at Shaker Mill, Warren, 16 August (DR) was relatively early. Say’s Phoebe - 1 was at Surrey Hills Farm 1 1 September (ph. BP et al.). KBRC re¬ view required. Great Crested Flycatcher - singles at Sau- erheber 25 September (BP, KOS) and at Green River State Forest, Henderson, 26 September (BP, KOS) were the latest to be reported. Eastern Kingbird - 1 in Trigg 24 Septem¬ ber (BLi) was the latest to be reported. White-eyed Vireo - I at Sauerheber 14 Oc¬ tober (CC) was the latest to be reported. Bell's Vireo - 1 was still singing at Sinclair 13 September (DMa). Yellow-throated Vireo - a tally of 8 at the Alpine Recreation Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Pulaski, 21 September (RD) was relatively impressive for fall. Blue-headed Vireo - 1 on the Anchorage Trail 1 8 September (JBe, PB) was the ear¬ liest to be reported away from breeding areas; 1 in LBL, Trigg, 1 1 November (BLi) was the latest to be reported. Philadelphia Vireo — 1 near Fisherville 29 August (EHu, JHb) was the earliest to be reported; 5 on the Anchorage Trail 18 September (JBe, PB) was an impressive tally. Red-eyed Vireo - an ad. feeding a recently Hedged juv. at Taylorsville Lake SP, Spencer, 8 September (BW) represented a relatively late nesting. Common Raven - there were two reports: 1 heard at Dewey Lake WMA, Floyd, 23 August (SF) and 1 at the Bent Mountain Mine, Pike, 28 October (SF). Purple Martin - 4000-5000 at Lake Reba, Madison, 5 August (ANn) were likely associated with a roost at Richmond; the only count of birds at the Lexington roost this year was a partial count of at least 1000-2000 along US 60 e. of 1-75 on 9 August (SF). An unspecified number in the Lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton, 21 September (DR) were the latest to be reported. Tree Swallow - 500 were seen near Union- town Dam, Union, 16 September (CC); ca. 25 at Sauerheber 3 November (BP, EHu, CC) were the latest to be reported. Northern Rough-winged Swallow - 2 at Sauerheber 27 October (CC) were the latest to be reported. Bank Swallow - peak counts during the season included ca. 300 at the Grassy Pond Unit Sloughs WMA, Union, 13 August (CC) and at least 1000 along the levee near Lake No. 9 on 18 August (BP, EHu, MMn). Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1 heard at Surrey Hills Farm 28 August (BP); 1 at Ever¬ green Cemetery, Southgate, Campbell, 14 September (FR); 1 at Windhover Farm, Oldham, 19 September (MC); and 1 along Pleasant Hill Church Road, Trigg, 20 Sep¬ tember (BLi, PL) were the earliest to be reported. By mid-October the species was relatively widespread in small numbers ■ with 12 around Barren 12 November (SS, DR, DB) representing a high count for the season. 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 21 Brown Creeper - singles near Fisherville (EHu) and at Panorama Shores, Calloway (KC), both 5 October, were the earliest to be reported. House Wren - I at Waitsboro 6 November (RD) was tardy. Winter Wren - singles at Lexington 17 September (JS) and at Blood River 27 September (HC) were the earliest to be reported. Sedge Wren - there were six reports: 1-2 singing as if on territory at Surrey Hills Farm 10 August into September (BP) and 1 there 18 October (BP); 1 still present (from July) along Bliss Road, Adair , 26 August (DC); 1 singing at Obion WMA 2 September (DR); 1 at Melco 9 September (EHu); an ad. and at least 2 flightless juvs. at Sauerheber 25 September (BP) with I still there 14 October (CC); and 1 in Simp¬ son 14 October (DR, TD). Marsh Wren - 1 heard calling at Surrey Hills Farm 23 August (BP) was early, and another was singing there 12 September (BP); also reported were ! at Sauerheber 25 September/31 October (RD/BP, EHu); 1 in Simpson 14 October (DR, TD); and 1 heard near Sauerheber 3 November (BP, EHu, CC). Golden-crowned Kinglet - 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 27 September (BP) and 1 at the WKU Woods, Warren , 28 September (TD) were the earliest to be reported. Veery - 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 1 September (RD); 1 on the Anchorage Trail 12 Sep¬ tember (JBe, PB); and I in Campbell 18 September (RL fide LM) were the only ones reported. Wood Thrush - a nest containing 3 nest¬ lings 5-6 days old at Clay WMA, Nich¬ olas, 20 August (SF) was relatively late. American Robin - “a few thousand” were present in a roost at Douglass Hills, Lou¬ isville, during mid-November (MMn). Gray Catbird - 1 at Shippingport Island, Jefferson, 23 October (DSt) was the latest • to be reported. American Pipit - 1 at Camp #11 on 24 Sep¬ tember (BP); 5 at Crocker Pond, Logan, 1 October (DR); and 1 at Fishing Creek 3/5 October (RD) were the earliest to be re¬ ported; modest peak counts included 62 at Jonathan Creek 2 November (HC, ME) and ca. 70 in Allen 5 November (DR). Cedar Waxwing - earliest Hocks reported were 25 at Uniontown Dam, Union (CC), and 20-25 near Canton, Trigg (KB), both 23 September; species was widespread in moderate numbers during the latter half of October into November; 400 at Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, 20 November (MA) represented the season’s peak count. Lapland Longspur - 3 at Bowling Green 28 October (TD); 2 at Sauerheber 31 October (BP, EFIu); and 5 at Spindletop 13 November (DL, ASK) were the earliest to be reported. Brewster’s Warbler - 1 was seen nw. of Bardwell, Carlisle, 18 September (MMn, BP). Golden-winged Warbler - it was a good season for the species with all reports be¬ ing included: 1 on the Anchorage Trail 23/25/30 August (JBe, PB, et ah); singles at Mammoth Cave 26 August/9 Septem¬ ber/21 September (TD/SK/TD); 1 at John James Audubon SP, Henderson, 4 Sep¬ tember (CP); 1 at the Riverwalk, Jeffer¬ son, 4 September (JBe, PB, BBC); 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 5 September (RD); 1 at Shaker Village 8 September (RD); ! at Berea Forest 12 September (RF, RBa); 2 at Cherokee Park, Louisville, 12 Septem¬ ber (CBs); 2 in LBL, Lyon, 14 September (DMa) with 1 there 15 September (DMa); 1 at Sherwood Shores, Marshall, 17 Sep¬ tember (MMn); 1 at Barren River Lake SRP 17 September (DR); 1 at Travis WMA 18 September (BP, MMn); and 5 separate birds s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, during September (MBy). Tennessee Warbler - 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulas¬ ki, 22 August (RD) was the earliest to be reported; I at McConnell Springs, Lexing¬ ton, 29 October (LT) was the latest to be reported. Orange-crowned Warbler - there were seven reports: 2 at Seneca Park, Louis¬ ville, 26 September (BW); 1 in LBL, THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Trigg , 3 October (BLi); 1 at Iroquois Park 12 October (BW); 1 at Black Mountain, Harlan, 12 October (EHu); 3 banded at Shaker Village 20 October (KHe et ah); 1 at Garvin Brown 23 October (JBe, PB, BBC); and I on the Anchorage Trail 29 October (JBe, PB). Nashville Warbler - 1 on the Anchorage Trail 21 August (JBe, PB, CBs) was the earliest to be reported. Northern Parula - 1 at Columbus Belmont SP, Hickman, 15 October (RD, HC, ME) was the latest to be reported. Yellow Warbler - singles at Sauerheber 25 September (BP, KOS) and at LBL, Trigg, 10 October (BLi) were the latest to be re¬ ported. Chestnut-sided Warbler - 2 on the An¬ chorage Trail 23 August (JBe, PB, BA) and 1 at McConnell Springs, Lexington, 24 August (LT) were the earliest to be reported. Magnolia Warbler - 2 on the Anchorage Trail 23 August (JBe, PB, BA) and 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 24 August (RD) were the earliest to be reported; 1 at Lake Cum¬ berland SRP, Russell, 4 November (RD) was tardy. Cape May Warbler - 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulas¬ ki, 24 August (RD) was quite early. Other reports of interest included 1 at Mammoth Cave 12 September (TD); 1 on the An¬ chorage Trail 3/7/10 October (JBe, PB); 1 at Berea Forest 3 October (SM); and a tar¬ dy bird at South Williamson, Pike, 4 No¬ vember (fJC). Black-throated Blue Warbler - there were five reports: a female at Mammoth Cave 9 September (LC); a male at Lexington 11 September (IS); a female at Middle Creek Park, Boone, 1 1 September (LM); 1 in Campbell 18 September (RL fide LM); and a female at Barren River Lake SRP 24 September (DR). Yellow-rumped Warbler - I at Red River Gorge, Wolfe (DL, ASK), a "small flock" at Cherokee Park, Louisville (BW), and 3 at Sauerheber (BP, KOS), all 25 Septem¬ ber, were the earliest to be reported. Blackburnian Warbler - 2 or 3 on the An¬ chorage Trail 23 August (JBe, PB, BA) and 3 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 24 August (RD) were the earliest to be reported. Palm Warbler - 2 at Cave Run Lake 4 Sep¬ tember (DL, ASK) and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 8 September (BP) were the earliest to be reported; an unspecified number at Adairville, Logan, 13-14 November (ST) and 6 at Barren River Lake SRP 23 No¬ vember (DR) were the latest to be repor¬ ted. Bay-breasted Warbler - 1 on the Anchor¬ age Trail 27 August (JBe, PB, CBs) was the earliest to be reported. Cerulean Warbler - 1 at Mammoth Cave 12 September (TD) was relatively late. Prothonotary Warbler - 2 at Ky Dam Vil¬ lage SRP, Marshall, 17 September (BP) and 1 below Ky Dam 18 September (BP, MMn) were the latest to be reported. Ovenbird - 1 at Thruston, Daviess, 19 Oc¬ tober (MTh) was tardy. Connecticut Warbler - there were three re¬ ports: I at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone, 5 September (LM); 1 on the An¬ chorage Trail 7 September (JBe, PB); and 1 at Berea 12 September (fRF, RBa). Mourning Warbler - there were only three reports: 1 along Pointer Creek Road, Pul¬ aski, 29 August (RD); 2 s. of Mt. Zion, Allen (MBy); and I on the Anchorage Trail 5 September (JBe, PB, CBs). Common Yellowthroat - singles at Garvin Brown 23 October (MA) and below Bark¬ ley Dam, Lyon, 17 November (MA) were tardy. Hooded Warbler - 1 s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 9 October (MBy) was relatively tardy. Wilson's Warbler - singles on the Anchor¬ age Trail 26-27 August (JBe, PB, CBs) and at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski, 28 August (RD) were the earliest to be reported. One at Prospect, Jefferson, 22 November (fJKr) was very tardy. Canada Warbler - singles on the Anchor¬ age Trail 21 August (JBe, PB, CBs) & 23 August (JBe, PB, BA) were the earliest to 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 23 be reported; 1 s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 5 Oc¬ tober (MBy) was the latest to be reported. Yellow-breasted Chat - singles near Lake- ton, Carlisle, 18 September (BP, MMn) and in LBL, Trigg, 22 September (BLi) were the latest to be reported. American Tree Sparrow - 1 near Fisher- ville 24 November (JHu) was the earliest to be reported. Chipping Sparrow - as is now the norm, lingering birds were noted at several lo¬ cales into late November. Clay-colored Sparrow - 1 was reported at Melco 15 October (fMA). KBRC review required. Vesper Sparrow - 1-2 were reported at seven scattered locales 9 October-7 No¬ vember (m. ob.). Lark Sparrow - 2 along Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road, Union, 13 August (CC) were the only ones reported. Savannah Sparrow - peak counts of inter¬ est included 85 at Melco 2 October (MA) and ca. 225 below Barkley Dam, Lyon, 17 November (MA). Grasshopper Sparrow - there were two re¬ ports: I in Simpson 14 October (DR, TD) and 1 at Melco 16 October (BY, MY). Le Conte’s Sparrow - at least 3 at Sauer- heber 31 October (BP) were the only ones reported. Fox Sparrow - singles on the Anchorage Trail 7 October (JBe, PB) and at Iroquois Park 12 October (BW) were the earliest to be reported. Lincoln’s Sparrow - 1 at Sauerheber 25 September (BP, KOS) was the earliest to be reported. Ten at Melco 16 October (EHu) was a relatively impressive tally. White-crowned Sparrow - 1 at Green Riv¬ er State Forest, Henderson, 26 September (BP, KOS) tied the early arrival date for the state. Dark-eyed Junco - 1 in McCreary 2 Octo¬ ber (RD) was the earliest to be reported. Northern Cardinal - a female incubating on a nest at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone, 6 September (LM) repre¬ sented an especially late breeding attempt. Blue Grosbeak - singles at Garvin Brown 23 October (MA) and at Sauerheber 25 October (CC) were the latest to be repor¬ ted. Indigo Bunting - a recently fledged juv. netted and banded at Shaker Village, along with another of the same age seen, 9 September (KHe et al.) represented a rel¬ atively late nesting. Flocks of 42 at Long Point 8 October (HC) and probably at least 100 at Quarry Road Beach, Barren, Barren, 12 October (DR) represented the season's peak counts. Dickcissel - there were several reports of interest: a loose group of 1 5-20 near Clear Creek WMA, Hopkins , 4 September (BP, EHu, MMn); 3 at Long Point 5 September (BP, EHu, MMn) with I there 14 October (RD); 1 at Sauerheber 9 September/9 Oc¬ tober (CC/DR, KOS); and 1 at Moore Pond, Barren, 5 October (DR). Bobolink - 1-2 were reported at six scat¬ tered locales in central and w. Kentucky 26 August-21 September (m. ob.); other reports included a flock of at least 40 call¬ ing overhead at Surrey Hills Farm 3 Sep¬ tember (BP); 3 near Clear Creek WMA, Hopkins, 4 September (BP, EHu, MMn); a flock of ca. 35 nw. of Danville, Boyle, 12 September (BP); I at Fishing Creek 27 September (RD); and 2 at Sauerheber 4/9 October (CC/DR, KOS) with 1 lingering there to 31 October (ph. CC, BP, EHu), the last representing a new late departure date for the state. Eastern Meadowlark - a flock of ca. 65 near Bon Ayr, Barren, 20 November (DR) was relatively impressive. Western Meadowlark - 1 at Camp #11 on 31 October (fBP, ph. EHu) represented a first for Union. Rusty Blackbird - reports of interest in¬ cluded a relatively early bird heard in w. Henderson 9 October (DR, TD); 30 at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski, 3 No¬ vember (RD); 5 in LBL, Lyon, 7 Novem¬ ber (BLi); and ca. 35 at Uno, se. Hart, 23 November (MS). 24 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Brewer’s Blackbird - there were five re¬ ports: 6 at Camp #11 on 31 October (BP, EHu); 1 at Sauerheber 3 November (BP, EHu, CC); 16 at Open Pond, Fulton , 9 November (RD); at least 50 along KY 70 e. of Madisonville, Hopkins , 29 Novem¬ ber (BP, EHu); and 7 at the WKU Farm, Warren , 30 November (DR). Purple Finch - 2 heard at Red River Gorge, Powell , 23 October (BP) and 1 on the An¬ chorage Trail 28 October (JBe, PB) were the earliest to be reported; ca. 30 near Big Gimlet, Elliott , during the last weekend of November (EM) represented the season's peak count. Pine Siskin - 1 heard at The Narrows, Bar¬ ren, Barren , 20 October (DR); 2 at Lex¬ ington 23 October (JS, DSw); 3 at Bards- town. Nelson, 1 November (PG); and 1 in LBL, Trigg, 3 November (BLi) were the earliest to be reported. The species was relatively widespread in small numbers by first week of November with ca. 12 at Cave Creek, Pulaski, 2 November (LO); ca. 30 at Cub Run, Hart, 5 November (JKi); and 15 in Boone 6 November (JRo) representing the season’s peak counts. Erratum to the Summer 2010 Report: The name of Tom Durbin (TD) was omitted from the list of Observers. Observers: Michael Autin (MA), Ryan Ankeny (RA), Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK), Bonnie Avery (BA), Rebecca Bates (RBa), Matthan Beachy (MBy), Tom Becker (TB), Carl Bochmann (CBo), Colleen Craven-Becker (CBr), Beckham Bird Club (BBC), Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell (PB), Carol Besse (CBs), Gretchen Bolton (GB), Jane & J.P. Brantley (J&JBv), Karon Broadbent (KB), David Brown (DB), Horace Brown (HB), Rick Buchanan (RBu), Michael Callan (MC), Joan Carr (JC), Hap Chambers (HC), Kathy Cohen (KC), Derek Coomer (DC), Granville Cox (GC), Linda Craiger (LC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Roseanna Denton (RD), Scott Dickman (SD), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Mike Flynn (MF), Preston & Shari Forsythe (P&SF), Robert Foster (RF), Bill Friel (BF), Judy Galatzine (JG), Paula Geihs (PG), Wallace Gullett (WG), Kay Harker (KHa), Erin Harper (EHa), Lana Hays (LH), Richard Flealy (RH), Kate Heyden (KHe), Eddie Huber (EHu), Jennifer Huber (JHu), John Hutcherson (JHt), Becky Jackson (BJa), Bob Johnson (BJo), Larry Johnson (LJ), Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS), Janet Kistler (JKi), Steve Kistler (SK), John Krull (JKr), Betsy Lang (BLa), David Lang (DL), Bill Lisowsky (BLi), Paula Lisowsky (PL), Ron Lusby (RL), Frank Lyne (FL), Scott Marsh (SM), Don Martin (DMa), Jim McCormac (JM), Lee McNeely (LM), Mike Miller (MMi), Mark Monroe (MMn), Nancy Moore (NM), Evelyn Morgan (EM), Arlene Morton (AM), Mike Morton (MMr), multiple observers (m. ob.), Danny Murphy (DMu), Ronnie Murphey (RM), Jason Nally (JN), Anne Newbury (ANy), Andy Newman (ANn), Northern Kentucky Bird Club (NKBC), Darrin O'Brien (DO), Laura Obiso (LO), Chris Pace (CP), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP), Jennifer Perkins (JPe), Doreen Pulliam (DP), Joe Pulliam (JPu), Scott Record (SRe), Frank Renfrow (FR), John Rice (JRi), Art & Tina Ricketts (A&TR), Michael Riggs (MR), Eric Ripma (ER), Gerald Robe (GR), David Roemer (DR), Steve Rogers (SRo), Jeff Rowe (JRo), Bill Scates (BS), Lou Shain (LS), Stephen Stedman (SS), Ian Stewart (IS), Del Striegel (DSt), Mitchell Sturgeon (MS), Dave Svetich (DSv), Doreen Swanson (DSw), Joe Swanson (JS), Ed Talbott (ET), Laurie Thomas (LT), Marilee Thompson (MTh), Russ Thompson (RT), Mike Todd (MTo), Daniel Troyer (DT), Van Truan (VT), Stephen Tyson (ST), Shawchyi Vorisek (SV), Jim Williams (JW), Mike Wright (MW), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY), Aviva Yasgur (AY); Thomas Young (TY). — 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222 (brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov) (Pal¬ mer-Ball) and P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY, 41005 (lkmc9@aim.com) (McNeely). 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 25 MID-WINTER BIRD COUNT 2010-201 1 Blaine R. Ferrell Reports of 31 counts were received from across the Commonwealth (Fig. 1). A total of 132 species was recorded on count days, with three additional species observed during count weeks: Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull (both at Land Between the Lakes) and Common Yellowthroat (Russell County). Twenty-one species were ob¬ served on all counts and twelve species were observed on only one count during count days. The count period seemed to be colder overall compared with the previous several years, and there was more snow cover in most areas of the state. Temperatures ranged from a low of 9°F. at Green River Lake 28 December to a high of 64°F. at Glasgow 31 Decem¬ ber. Waterfowl numbers were up, with Canada Geese, Gadwall, American Wigeon, and Mallards double in number compared with last year. Cackling Geese and Ross’s Geese were observed. Ring-necked Ducks and Hooded Mergansers were down in number. Wild Turkey numbers remained at the same level as last year. Raptor numbers were similar to last year, except the number of Northern Harriers went from 21 last year to 156. Numbers of Herring and Ring-billed gulls climbed substantially, but numbers were lower for Bon¬ aparte’s Gull. The number of Red-headed Woodpeckers remained good, and Red-breasted Nuthatch numbers were up. Eastern Bluebird numbers remained constant. Seeds and fruits seemed to be in plentiful supply. Consistent with this notion. Blue Jay, American Crow, Cedar Waxwing, American Robin, Purple Finch and several sparrow numbers were up remarkably. Blackbird numbers were up, including a nice influx of Rusty Blackbirds. Pine Siskin numbers remained relatively low. It is particularly hard to determine trends due to the varying number of counts, observers and weather. There were few real overall high¬ lights on count days, but the Ross’s Geese (Ballard County, Hodgenville, and Bernheim Forest), Long-tailed Ducks and Black-crowned Night-Heron (Warsaw), American Bittern and Virginia Rails (Paradise), Ospreys (Falmouth and Lexington), Thayer’s Gull (Land Between the Lakes), and House Wren (Wayne County) were nice finds. Thanks are extended to the many observers and compilers who participated in this year’s count and who submitted results on the appropriate forms. 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 at jet. KY 358 and Stove Corner Road; 37.12284N, -088.9518 W). Habitat as described in 1984. Dec 20; 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sky clear (a.m.) to cloudy (after mid-p.m.); temp. 24-45°F; wind SE, 0- 15 m.p.h. Water partly open. Four observers in three parties. Total party hours 23 (12 on foot, II by car). Total party miles I 12 (4 on foot, 108 by car). Hours owling 1.0. Total species 96; total indiv¬ iduals 38,929. Observers: John Brunjes, Eddie Huber, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), and Scott Record. The day was an excellent one for conducting the count until heavy cloud cover rolled in during the mid-afternoon and put an end to most songbird activity. The species total (96) tied the previous high for the count in 2008. The count did not coincide with the bi-monthly aerial waterfowl survey by the Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, so ground counts of waterfowl were used. Waterfowl highlights included a single Ross’s Goose, ca. 8,000 Snow Geese, 975 Greater White-fronted Geese, and 479 American Wigeon. Other high¬ lights included a yellowlegs that was heard overhead but not observed nor confirmed as to species, seven Pine Warblers (at three locales), a Le Conte’s Sparrow, and eight Brewer’s Blackbirds. Red-headed Woodpeckers were present in average numbers in the bottomland 26 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 forests, and the soft mast crop (most notably poison ivy and sugarberry/hackberry fruits) was present but not abundant. Better coverage of some weedy, lowland fields resulted in some above-average tallies of open habitat sparrows. Again this year, both vulture species were seen just outside of the count circle over southern Illinois. Calloway County (all points within a 15 mile diameter circle, center Douglas Cem¬ etery; 36.5984N, -88.1958W). Habitat 30% urban, 15% deciduous and pine woods, 35% open fields, 20% lake shore. Dec. 30; 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 46- 52°F; wind SE, 13-26 m.p.h. Water partly frozen. Seven observers in one to five parties and two feeder watchers. Total party-hours 24 (4 on foot, 20 by car). Total party-miles 226.5 (5.5 on foot, 221.0 by car). Total species 81; total individuals 14,577. Observers: Hap Chambers (compiler), Kathy Cohen, Bob Head, Mike Miller, John Pollpeter, Darrin Samborski, and Aviva Yasgur. There were 6 adult and 1 immature Bald Eagles. Land Between the Lakes (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Pisgah Creek, 14 mile west of the Trace; 36.9333N, -88.1 167W; as well as Kentucky Dam, Barkley Dam, Lake Barkley in the vicinity of Kuttawa, and the Jonathan Creek embayment of Kentucky Lake). Habitat as described in 1 984 in American Birds. Dec. 1 8; 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky cloudy (a.m.) to partly cloudy (p.m.); temp. 26-36°F; wind, mainly WNW, 3-6 m.p.h. Twenty-nine observers in nine parties (one party was a feeder watcher at the Nature Station). Total party-hours 55.5 (12.0 on foot, 43.5 by car). Total party-miles 426.3 (9.5 on foot, 416.8 by car). Total species 92; total individuals 14,952. Observers: Tom Anderson, Rob Arndt, Mitz Bailey, Hap Chambers, J. David Chiles, Marty Davenport, Jen Dowdy, Emily Dustman, Melissa Easley, Curtis Fowler, Brook Gil¬ ley, Carrie Gindl, Donald Gladis (feeder watcher), Willard Gray, Drew Heyward, Ruthanne Heyward, Amy Krzton-Presson, Bill Lisowski, Paula Lisowski, Andrea Merimee, John Pollpeter, Darrin Samborski, Mary Schmidt, Carrie Szwed, Josh Szwed, Joy Tamminga, Steve White, Sonya Wood-Mahler, and Aviva Yasgur (compiler). This year’s count was a very happy day for many participants because it was the first time in several years that it didn’t rain on us! In fact, we had great weather for birding - cold temperatures, no precipitation, and very light winds. One factor that may have influenced numbers to some extent though was that the good weather brought out a lot of duck hunters. Unfortunately, many parties reported that ducks were scarce but duck hunters were abundant in their areas! Also, a spate of cold temperatures for many days before the count caused many bays and inland lakes (where we typically see a lot of waterfowl) to be frozen. A good showing of 29 participants counted this year, with a mixture of experienced birders as well as beginners. We totaled 92 species on count day (plus a “non-countable” Trumpeter Swan), which is right on a par with past years' numbers for this area. Several species were seen in higher numbers than during the past decade, including Common Goldeneye, Great Blue Heron, Black Vulture, Bald Eagle (37 ads., 25 imms.), Wilson’s Snipe, Ring-billed Gull, Golden- crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Pipit, White-crowned Sparrow, and Purple Finch. There were also several species seen in lower numbers than usual, such as American Coot, Bonaparte’s Gull, Pileated Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Dark-eyed Junco. Some of the more unusual sightings included a Barn Owl, Tundra Swan (immature). Trumpeter Swan, Northern Pintails, Thayer’s Gull, and three Pine Warblers. Some of the conspicuously missing species were Wood Duck, Redhead, and Northern Bobwhite. Approximately 1000 scaup sp. are not included in the table. Thank you to all the participants who continue to make the Land Between the Lakes Bird Count a success each year. We look forward to many more years of midwinter birding! I; 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 27 Sorgho (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. Hwy. 279-S and Audubon Parkway; 37.76297N, -87.23086W). Habitat: Ohio River, river bottoms, woods, stubble fields, county park, city parks, ponds, and residential areas. Jan. I ; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky cloudy to overcast; temp. 42-32°F; wind 7-8 m.p.h. No precipitation with temperatures dropping from a high of 54°F. at midnight to 24°F. by 9:00 p.m. Nineteen observers in ten parties. Total party-hours 27.0 (10.5 on foot, 16.5 by car). Total party-miles 180.5 (12.5 on foot, 168.0.0 by car). Total species 53; total individuals 25,261. Observers: Patricia Augenstein, Michael Autin, David Ayer, Henry Conner, Brenda Eaden, Tony Eaden, Jill Flachskam, Janet Howard (compiler), Ren Hurm, Mary Kissel, Bill Little, Brenda Little, Charles Morris, Laura Morris, Madeline Oetinger, Frances Tichenor, Lynn Tichenor, Rose Ann Radzelovage, and Carolyn Williams. Olmstead (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at jet. Ky 1041 and Ky 1151; 36.81673N, -86. 89357 W.) Habitat: 75% is cultivated farmland and the remainder includes blocks of deciduous woods, fencerows, pasture, grown-up fields, developed areas and open water. Dec. 28; 6:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Sky clear with a few cirrus clouds; temp. 10-39°F; wind, calm to mild WSW. All bodies of water except Lake Herndon (Boy Scout Lake) were ice covered. Five observers in two to three parties with one feeder watcher. Total party-hours 20.25 (8.00 on foot, 12.25 by car). Total party-miles 180.1 (5.1 on foot, 175.0 by car). Hours owling 0.25. Total species 66; total individuals 8932. Observers: Mark Bennett (compiler), David Brown, Tom Durbin, Alison Lyne (feeder- watcher), Frank Lyne, and David Roemer. Highlights of the 18th consecutive Olmstead count included count record numbers for participants (5), Canada Goose (260), Red-shouldered Hawk (2), Mourning Dove (726), Northern Flicker (34), American Crow (188), Horned Lark (1601), Golden-crowned Kinglet (1 1), Eastern Bluebird (129), Eastern Towhee (39), White-throated Sparrow (1 12), and American Goldfinch (135). A covey of 12 Northern Bobwhite was observed marking the first observation of this species since 2005 and the first covey since 2000. Two additional highlights included the Cooper’s Hawk flying with a “blackbird” prey item in its talons and a visual-auditory observation of a second Cooper’s Hawk issuing a warning call. It should be noted that Killdeer was missed for the first time. Paradise (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Hopewell Cemetery in southern Ohio County; 37.27755N, -86. 95868 W). Habitat as described in 1993. Jan. 2; 4:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Clear; temp. 20-35°F; wind W, 0-15 m.p.h. Water mostly frozen. Four observers in four parties. Total party hours 33.0 (14.5 on foot, 18.5 by car). Total party miles 181 (8 on foot, 173 by car). Hours owling 2.0. Total species 82; total indiv¬ iduals 9740. Observers: Eddie Huber, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Eric Williams, and Barbara Woerner. The day was sunny but cold; a calm morning turned breezy in the afternoon. The species total (82) was slightly below average, at least in part due to below-average coverage. Raptor totals continue to be well below the numbers present during the first ten years of the count. Highlights included an American Bittern on the Sinclair Unit of Peabody WMA where one has been seen twice on previous counts, four Merlins, two Virginia Rails (heard calling from different marshes in Muhlenberg County), three Marsh Wrens, a Pine Warbler, and 60 Fox Sparrows. Berry-eaters were present in average numbers. Several thousand additional unidentified blackbirds going to roost in the evening 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; 36.915896N, -86.435922W). Habitat deciduous woods 20%, 28 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 87 fields and pastures 60%, and town and parks 20%. Dec. 19; 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; temp. 19-37°F; wind N, 5-10 m.p.h. Six observers in three parties. Total party-hours 24 (8 on foot, 16 by car). Total party- miles 178 (5 on foot, 173 by car). Total species 77; total individuals 16,528. Observers: Valerie Brown, Tom Durbin, Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Wayne Mason, Albert Meier, and David Roemer. Allen County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Holland Post Office; 36.69887N, -86. 06928 W). Habitat: 55% open grasslands, fencerows, and wood edges, 25% deciduous woods, 20% bare ground and weedy fields (mostly bare ground). Jan. I; 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rain (a.m.) to cloudy (p.m.); temp. 57-39°F; wind NNW, 0- 10 m.p.h. Water open. Seven observers in one to three parties. Total party hours 13.5 (4.5 on foot, 9.0 by horse and buggy). Total party miles 34.5 (4.5 on foot, 30 by horse and buggy). Total species 49; 2190 individuals. Observers: Jamin Beachy, Matthan Beachy (compiler), Daniel Brubaker, Matthew Brubaker, Stephen Brubaker, Daniel Troyer, and Paul Weaver. Upton (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.5 mile southwest of Hill¬ top, eastern Grayson County; 37.38964N, -86.1 137W). Habitat: woodland, farmland, river and Nolin Reservoir. Dec. 22; 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 30-34°F; 10-20 m.p.h. Cold, cloudy, and windy. Seven observers in two parties. Total party-hours 12 (3 on foot, 9 by car). Total party- miles 100 ( 1 on foot, 99 by car). Total species 71; total individuals 2342. Observers: Bruce Bardin, John Brittain (compiler), Lisa Brittain, Carol Friedman, Dan Givens, Janet Kistler, and Steve Kistler. Cold and cloudy weather kept the total individual count the lowest ever, but with open water on several large ponds, the waterfowl count was the best ever and the species total was a record high. A large pond on Brooks Road, Edmonson County (east of Nolin State Park) constructed 4-5 years ago has added considerably to the species count. A raft of ducks included Canvasback and Redheads, seen for the first time in this area, as well as Ring¬ necked and Ruddy ducks and a Gadwall. Other species seen for the first time included Hooded Mergansers, Loggerhead Shrike, and a total of eight Short-eared Owls. A count high of 12 Northern Harriers was recorded. Four Bald Eagles were observed over Nolin Reservoir. Mammoth Cave National Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Park headquarters; 37.18644N, -86.101 1W). Habitat as described in 1980. Dec. 21; 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 41-47°F; wind SE-E, 5-6 m.p.h. Drizzle off and on. Four observers in two parties. Total party-hours 13 (4 on foot, 9 by car). Total party- miles 138 (5 on foot, 133 by car). Total species 45; total individuals 1552. Observers: Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Aaron Hulsey, Wayne Mason, and Albert Meier. What was believed to be a Northern Shoveler x Mallard hybrid was observed at First Creek Lake with a (lock of Mallards. Hart County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center corner of Craddock Road and Jaggers Lane; 37.28352N, -85. 83795 W). 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 partly cloudy; temp. 23^t3°F; wind calm. Eleven observers in three parties. Total party-hours 17 (6 on foot, 1 1 by car). Total party-miles 95 (4 on foot, 91 by car). Total species 65; total individuals 5713. Observers: Bonnie Avery, Bruce Bardin, John Brittain, Lisa Brittain, Linda Craiger, Carol Friedman, Carla Glass, Janet Kistler, Steve Kistler (compiler), David Roemer, and Mitchell Sturgeon. 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 29 This was the 25th year for this winter count. Relatively high numbers of Mourning Doves, American Kestrels, Eurasian Collared-Doves, and Red-headed Woodpeckers were found. Chipping Sparrow was a new species for this count. Glasgow (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Barren County Court¬ house; 36.99564N, -85.91 274 W). Habitat as described in 1986. Dec. 31; 7:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 42-64°F; wind gusty, 15-20 m.p.h. Rained every hour. Five observers in two parties. Total party-hours 16.75 (6.50 on foot, 10.25 by car). Total party-miles 129.5 (5.5 on foot, 124.0 by car). Total species 80; total individuals 6679. Observers: Linda Craiger, Aaron Hulsey, Wayne M. Mason (compiler), David Roemer, and Stephen Stedman. Otter Creek Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center just west of the jet. of KY 1238 and Pack Lane, about two miles southwest of the Park entrance; 37.91409N, -86.06984W). Habitat as described in 2001 . Dec 23; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky mostly clear to partly cloudy; temp. 22-40°F.; wind N, 0-12 m.p.h. Water mostly frozen. Nine observers in three to five parties. Total party hours 25 (12 on foot, 13 by car). Total party miles 148.5 (5.5 on foot, 143.0 by car). Total species 71 ; total individuals 8936. Observers: Dick Dennis, Kathy Dennis, Charlie Fothergiil, David Fothergill, John Fothergill, Eddie Huber, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Del Striegel and Barbara Woerner. The species total (71 ) was about average for this count. The day started out quite cold but remained partly cloudy. Highlights included several uncommon waterfowl species on Doe Valley Lake, 16 Red-headed Woodpeckers in oak-hickory woodlots, three Brown Thrashers, a Pine Warbler, and a flock of at least 1 50 Rusty Blackbirds. Natural food supplies were apparently quite spotty, as many areas that normally hold numbers of song¬ birds were lacking flocks. Bernheim Forest (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Forest lookout tower, 2.75 miles SE of Forest entrance; 37.902405N, -085.62752W). Habitat as described in 1974. Dec 26; 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 24-30°F; wind NW, 5-20 m.p.h. Intermittent light snow flurries and snow showers throughout the day. Water mostly frozen. Eleven observers in six parties. Total party hours 35.0 (13.5 on foot, 21.5 by car). Total party miles 212.5 (8.5 on foot, 204.0 by car). Total species 69; total individuals 6657. Observers: Ryan Ankeny, Mary Bill Bauer, Carl Bochmann, JoAnn Bochmann, Dona Coates, Sharon Henry, Eddie Huber, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Cindy Saffell, Nancy Vance, and Barbara Woerner. The species total (69) was about average for recent years. The cloudy, breezy condi¬ tions made for reduced songbird numbers. Highlights of the day included two immature Ross’s Geese on a lake near Boston, four Bald Eagles, a juvenile Golden Eagle, 8 Chipping Sparrows, at least 20 Lapland Longspurs with a large flock of Horned Larks, and 3 Pine Siskins. Natural food supplies appeared to be below average, so berry-eating species were not present in large numbers, and flocks of ground foraging songbirds were relatively scarce. One exception was the number of Fox Sparrows (32), which was above average despite the relatively poor showing of other sparrows. Hodgenville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center courthouse square in downtown Hodgenville; 37.57375N, -85.74038W) Habitat: urban, old growth hardwood forest, open farm fields, and woodlots; Dec. 17; 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky cloudy and foggy; temp. 27-3 1°F; wind W 6 m.p.h. Icy. Five observers in three parties. Total party-hours 20.0 (5.5 on foot, 15.0 by car). Total party-miles 218 (2 on foot, 216 by car). Total species 73; total individuals 7220. Observers: Sandy Brue (compiler), Tom Durbin, Kathy Nagy, David Roemer, and Barbara Woerner. (continued on page 38) 30 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 2010-201 1 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bow ling Green Allen Count)' Upton Mammoth Cave Nat' 1 Park Hart County Glasgow Otter Creek Park Bemheim Forest Gr. White-fronted Goose 975 - - 21 - - - - - - - - - - Snow Goose 8000 - - - - 2 - - - - - - 35 - Ross’s Goose 1 2 Cackling Goose Canada Goose 817 137 419 203 260 587 670 - 150 - 5 45 - 1496 Mute Swan - Tundra Swan - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - Wood Duck 7 5 - - - 2 - 1 - 2 - - - Gadwall 530 22 482 12 - 43 - - 4 - - 10 - - American Wigeon 479 - 1 - - 7 - - - - - - 2 - American Black Duck 48 - 40 - 4 27 7 - - 10 - 1 17 - Mallard 12560 124 333 75 37 240 718 - 222 20 2 25 767 170 Northern Shoveler 65 - 9 2 4 - Northern Pintail 28 - 4 - - - 1 - - - - - 1 4 Green-winged T eal 186 5 67 - - - 3 - - - - - Canvasback 8 10 5 - - - - - 8 - - i - - Redhead - 5 - - - 8 - - 2 - - - - Ring-necked Duck 365 1 10 - 287 2 - 10 - - - - Greater Scaup - - 49 - - - - - - - - - - Lesser Scaup 4 580 1180 - - I - - - - - - - - Long-tailed Duck BulTlehead 14 45 230 - - - - - - - 8 - - Common Goldeneye 2 15 879 - - - - - - - - 3 - - Hooded Merganser 35 3 66 - - 4 - - 2 - - 5 - - Common Merganser - - 3 - - - - - - - - - - - Red-breasted Merganser Ruddy Duck 30 2 92 - - 7 i - . 3 - - - - 5 Northern Bobwhite 3 - - 12 16 i - 13 - - - - 1 Wild Turkey 29 59 21 14 69 cw 20 85 . 17 34 - 10 125 Common Loon - - 9 Pied-billed Grebe 3 3 55 - - 18 - - - - 50 10 - j Homed Grebe - 15 74 - - - - - - - - 2 - - j Double-cr. Cormorant 10 - 510 American White Pelican - - 47 j - - - - - - - - - - - American Bittern I Great Blue Heron 38 45 173 - 5 9 4 4 7 - 5 ii 10 1 Black-cr. Night-Heron 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 31 Hodgenville Louisville Shelbyville Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Warsaw Burlington Falmouth Danville Lexington Richmond Russell County Wayne County Somerset London Cumberland Falls Total 8 - CW - 13 - 8 - - - - - - - - - - 1025 - - cw - - - - - - - - 6 - - - - - 8043 1 4 4 - 4 1689 1888 1458 99 680 - 1220 2260 12 732 3709 1 1 11 101 1 15 490 226 57 20636 - 3 1 - - - - - - - - 2 - - - - - 6 - - CW - CW - - - - - - i - - - - - 2 2 37 - - - - - - - - 5 - - - 3 1 1 66 5 19 cw 14 - - 9 - - - 29 149 7 8 126 - - 1469 2 - - - - - - 1 - - - 54 1 - 2 - - 549 50 6 - 11 - - 12 10 - - 6 22 6 5 18 4 14 318 625 1036 167 190 51 - 121 117 2 51 530 461 1 19 136 314 149 164 19526 - 6 2 14 - - - - - - 48 1 1 - 12 - 3 167 1 - - - - - 1 - - - - 7 CW - CW - - 47 5 1 9 12 - - - - - 288 - 9 1 1 - - - - 43 - 2 - - - - - - - - - 21 - - - - - 38 - 3 - 142 - - 2 1 - - 8 112 1 - 28 - - 972 - 12 - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - 62 - 20 - 2 - - - - - 3 - 7 1 2 - - - 1800 - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - 2 - 18 CW 6 - - 4 - - - 12 8 2 - 2 - 6 355 - cw - - - - 2 - - 1 3 1 3 - - - - 909 - 75 - 317 - - 4 8 - - 131 2 CW 3 27 4 - 686 - - - - - - 21 - - - 4 - - - - - - 28 - - - - - - - - - - 2 - cw - - - 1 3 14 1 - 4 1 - - 1 - - 26 30 8 - - - 3 228 - - 8 - - - - 10 - - - 3 1 8 - - - 75 9 13 - 14 15 - - 80 39 35 14 79 cw 23 84 58 80 1026 - - - 4 - - 1 - - - - - cw - - - 3 17 - 19 cw 46 - - 2 - - - 10 5 4 7 14 2 5 253 - 4 - 56 - - 4 - - - 8 1 56 2 - 2 8 232 - 41 - - - - 1 - - - 1 - - 1 - - 1 565 - - - 47 - - 1 2 27 10 5 13 1 18 16 - 10 62 4 7 5 19 7 2 520 CW - - - - 1 1 32 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 2010-201 1 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowling Green Allen County Upton Mammoth Cave Nat’l Park Hart County Glasgow Otter Creek Park Bernheim Forest Black Vulture - 20 6 - 29 7 23 - 183 2 56 104 10 29 Turkey Vulture - 187 9 1 11 2 18 1 52 - 9 52 20 3 Osprey Bald Eagle 10 7 62 1 - i CW - 4 - 2 9 1 4 Northern Harrier 7 3 2 1 8 18 10 3 12 - 5 23 1 2 Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 1 - 2 2 2 4 - 1 - 2 1 1 3 Cooper's Hawk 3 1 2 3 2 9 6 1 CW - 2 3 1 4 Sharp-sh.. /Cooper’s Hawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 20 16 13 - 2 16 - 2 1 - 2 1 5 15 Red-tailed Hawk 26 18 18 20 31 17 49 7 10 i 25 11 29 17 Rough-legged Hawk - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - Golden Eagle - - 1 American Kestrel 13 25 8 48 25 12 38 5 16 - 51 12 18 10 Merlin - - - - - 4 1 - - - - - “ - Peregrine Falcon - Virginia Rail - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - American Coot 6 252 590 - - 200 22 - - - - - 6 - Sandhill Crane - - - - - 11 47 - - - - 800 - - Killdeer 13 27 56 - - - 1 - 1 - - 75 - 7 yellowlegs sp. 1 - Least Sandpiper - - 6 - - - - - - - - — - - Dunlin - 4 - - Wilson’s Snipe 17 - 18 - 1 - - - 1 - 1 - - 3 Bonaparte’s Gull - 495 375 - - - - - 2 - - 280 - - Ring-billed Gull 225_j 1050 3870 - - - - 12 14 - - 2330 - - Herring Gull 1 500 183 Thayer’s Gull - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - Rock Pigeon 32 76 244 291 25 50 725 22 26 - 43 65 32 23: Eurasian Collared-Dove 10 - 91 - - - - - - 32 - - -! 1 Mourning Dove 104 570 35 1 216 726 8 1345 123 85 17 830 80 95 10 . Bam Owl - - 1 - - - - - - - - - Eastern Screech-Owl 1 - - 1 4 - - 2 - 1 1 - - ' Great Horned Owl 1 - cw - 3 1 - - - - - Barred Owl 8 1 4 1 7 2 1 - 3 - 1 i _! s Short-eared Owl - - - - 5 - 8 - - 3 - - ■ V Belted Kingfisher 5 1 15 2 4 1 6 2 2 1 1 2 4 4 2 Red-headed Woodpecker 28 13 57 - 8 [ - - 19 2 16 - \ 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 33 Hodgenville Louisville Shelbyville Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Warsaw Burlington Falmouth Danville Lexington Richmond Russell County Wayne County Somerset London Cumberland Falls Total 11 12 180 65 43 2 5 120 - 18 64 2 58 69 65 19 1 1203 13 10 12 8 49 i 3 38 - 65 70 27 37 2 12 4 6 722 - - - - - - - - 1 - 1 - - - - - 2 - 5 CW 5 - - 4 6 - - - - 2 - CW - 4 127 7 5 12 - - - 5 - - 10 8 6 7 5 3 - 1 164 - 3 1 2 1 - - 1 - CW 4 1 2 2 2 - - 40 2 9 1 - 4 i 1 2 2 5 10 4 i 3 7 4 - 93 - 1 - 2 1 - - 3 8 3 19 1 5 - - - 1 3 4 1 - 12 8 8 20 7 185 22 37 44 12 12 8 9 18 4 96 107 49 10 17 12 16 8 760 1 - 2 - - - - 2 - 1 - - - - - - - 7 1 2 23 12 32 15 5 4 12 8 2 55 49 27 29 29 53 30 9 675 - cw - - - 1 - - - - - - - 1 - - - 7 - 4 - - - - 1 1 6 - 2 5 43 CW 56 1 - 11 - - 2 32 132 1 3 2 14 - 1378 CW - - - - - - - 3 - - 138 5 - - - 1004 1 6 1 9 4 - - - 2 11 18 2 20 30 i - 3 288 - 1 6 _ 4 - 1 1 - 1 - - - - 1 9 - 2 - cw 2 2 60 - - - 40 - - 1 - 8 - - - 43 4 i - - 1249 _ 446 - 875 - - 350 53 2500 - 5 - 503 12 124 - 6 12375 : - 1 - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - 687 - 1 ho 967 171 21 10 - 60 18 2 37 162 29 14 1 1 398 219 21 4106 - - 2 9 3 - - - 144 39 374 436 94 161 86 111 324 19 784 539 111 192 430 1181 462 145 10479 - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - 2 1 - - - - 4 - - 1 4 - 1 - 1 3 2 27 " 2 - - - - 2 - - 2 2 - - - CW - - 13 7 , 2 - 2 - - - 1 - 9 - - 1 - - - i 40 '1' - 3 - - - - - - - i - - - - - - 20 it 12 1 1 7 2 5 2 - 4 7 1 3 2 3 3 3 1 10 - - 1 - - - - - 1 2 5 6 - 5 8 7 185 I 34 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 2010-2011 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowling Green Allen County Upton Mammoth Cave Nat'l Park Hart County Glasgow Otter Creek Park Bernheim Forest Red-bellied Woodpecker 33 55 75 35 34 15 31 28 9 23 31 18 48 38 Yel. -bellied Sapsucker 10 8 16 1 8 1 5 3 1 5 4 2 9 4 Downy Woodpecker 29 27 63 19 21 19 23 8 2 11 16 1 1 20 30 1 Hairy Woodpecker 4 4 5 2 5 9 3 2 i 3 2 5 6 4 Northern Flicker 28 22 45 19 35 15 39 17 8 25 50 15 21 10 Pileated Woodpecker 9 5 12 - 4 8 5 9 2 11 7 12 6 Eastern Phoebe 3 - 3 - - - 2 1 - 2 1 - - - || Loggerhead Shrike 1 - - 4 - 1 - i - 2 1 - Blue Jay 46 90 147 85 114 65 51 41 28 19 49 32 137 202 American Crow 18 133 75 35 188 149 133 81 162 35 128 82 192 132 Homed Lark 105 - - 320 1601 4 552 125 - 55 1 1 69 358 Carolina Chickadee 64 64 86 34 27 65 31 18 18 22 47 23 76 140 Tufted Titmouse 45 51 118 1 1 39 46 51 42 22 40 24 28 95 145 Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1 cvv 2 _ 5 1 CW 4 - 2 4 2 f White-breasted Nuthatch 16 15 48 5 9 2 18 19 12 4 13 3 18 29 Brown Creeper 5 3 13 - cw - 4 9 . - 1 3 - 4 1 5 Carolina Wren 64 41 79 9 34 25 52 6 16 30 20 32 26 34 House Wren “ Winter Wren 2 - - - 1 - 6 - CW 1 1 1 1 2 | Marsh Wren - - - - - 3 - - - - - - " 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 22 12 36 5 1 1 2 19 9 6 18 12 53 22 16 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 20 1 19 - 1 4 1 - 2 1 - - 1 ~ 1 Eastern Bluebird 48 154 84 56 129 86 112 43 42 29 120 57 37 64 Hermit Thrush 12 2 46 - 1 9 4 2 2 2 2 7 6 American Robin 65 808 40 49 347 1 1 1580 451 91 339 600 595 192 121 Northern Mockingbird 24 10 44 39 8 35 29 3 45 7 19 37 Brown Thrasher 5 2 - 2 5 2 - 1 2 3 1 European Starling 1175 2631 533 3393 1540 1034 6216 393 528 54 2000 880 5532 102; American Pipit - 10 1 - 1 3 _ - 1 - 4 Cedar Waxwing 9 43 118 63 2 45 123 8 17 31 3 21 4 Lapland Longspur 5 23 - 3 - - - - - 20 Yellow-rumped Warbler 39 I 1 121 4 8 96 37 13 6 20 23 62 41 50 Pine Warbler 7 1 3 - 1 - - - 3 1 Palm Warbler - - - - - - - - - 2 - Eastern Towhee 25 26 85 9 39 31 29 13 3 42 13 9 58 62 ‘ American Tree Sparrow 15 3 1 2 - 35 - - - 15 - - 7 24i Chipping Sparrow 2 - 10 - 6 - - - 2 20 - 8 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 35 Hodgenville Louisville Shelby ville Green River Lake Frankfort Kleher WMA Warsaw Burlington Falmouth _ Danville Lexington Richmond Russell County Wayne County Somerset London Cumberland Falls Total 25 63 14 26 32 15 11 32 4 37 38 23 48 41 57 37 43 1019 5 13 - 2 3 - 2 2 2 1 1 1 - 8 2 3 1 6 138 18 48 15 12 27 10 10 36 7 37 48 27 20 22 44 26 33 739 2 4 1 4 6 1 2 4 2 10 8 1 4 5 6 6 6 126 22 41 14 8 3 2 12 10 1 29 29 20 35 30 37 26 18 686 3 8 3 8 6 6 - 10 1 3 14 5 13 9 10 12 21 227 2 1 - 2 - - - - - - - - 5 4 8 1 5 40 1 - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - 1 - - 13 75 191 29 54 100 22 26 124 25 88 168 97 120 226 321 180 54 3006 243 219 48 16 131 121 52 94 52 192 275 306 215 459 532 2131 396 7025 610 259 30 60 150 - 522 - 13 63 5 - 16 1 40 - - 4969 31 175 22 32 78 20 19 101 36 109 255 46 24 41 128 100 75 2007 40 122 13 36 43 12 22 85 16 154 159 15 78 57 135 94 73 191 1 2 - CW - 1 - - - - - - - 2 2 - 2 2 32 11 34 3 16 15 8 10 36 1 1 21 18 15 29 1 1 37 35 49 570 3 4 - - 3 2 - 3 - 2 5 - - i 4 1 2 71 24 44 5 24 28 14 12 25 9 36 74 28 26 41 83 76 36 1052 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - 1 11 cw 1 2 - - - 1 - 1 2 - 3 - 1 2 1 40 - 3 31 29 1 6 7 4 1 10 10 1 1 25 15 25 18 43 1 1 14 504 2 - 1 - 1 - - I - 2 - - 7 4 2 - 69 80 9 15 82 22 15 17 7 - 65 44 39 104 Ml 205 309 87 2272 3 8 - 5 - - - - 1 - 12 - 8 3 3 3 13 154 246 5461 73 45 541 4 210 471 82 1228 2687 429 103 192 353 104 33 17551 26 46 25 30 17 2 9 11 2 99 89 37 54 55 112 96 26 1062 1 - 1 - - - - - 1 1 1 3 4 2 - 4 41 832 6135 1266 321 1 817 91 585 792 375 6400 10151 1721 1935 1850 8426 11104 603 83228 1 2 2 6 - - - 31 302 23 - - 12 - 20 2 - 2 9 - 4 50 - - 80 991 2 3 - - - - 1 - - - 1 - - - - - - 58 64 38 2 59 5 8 10 14 8 3 5 31 59 48 74 11 5 975 1 - - - - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - 19 - - - - - - - - - - - CW - - - - 2 16 26 CW 11 1 1 6 20 6 5 23 30 34 37 76 25 35 796 | ~ 56 1 1 - 3 105 35 9 - 7 5 CW - 3 3 - 330 :i — 2 2 1 - - - - - 28 13 5 74 39 25 12 40 289 36 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 2010-201 1 Mid-winter Bird Count Ballard County Callow'ay County Land Betw een the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowling Green Allen County Upton Mammoth Cave Nat’l Park Hart County Glasgow Otter Creek Park Bemheim Forest Field Sparrow 91 1 1 10 12 46 74 54 42 10 26 116 73 43 151 Savannah Sparrow 182 1 13 - 10 34 46 2 20 - 7 2 5 20 Le Conte’s Sparrow 1 - - Fox Sparrow 21 2 7 - 1 60 9 3 cw 4 3 1 8 32 Song Sparrow 304 32 35 36 42 164 97 149 16 63 232 92 124 1571 Swamp Sparrow 502 3 7 4 6 143 22 20 - 23 6 16 2 Hi White-throated Sparrow 236 204 334 18 112 109 271 162 10 208 82 107 99 175 White-crowned Sparrow 35 15 7 2 38 25 52 18 3 49 4 50 28 Dark-eyed Junco 125 80 351 39 72 145 75 37 1 1 67 161 20 184 535 Northern Cardinal 181 62 131 1 1 1 156 154 132 83 31 43 60 70 155 29' Red-winged Blackbird 2575 574 439 10160 851 3090 1091 1 10 2 142 34 200 — . Eastern Meadowlark 133 76 16 4 192 77 1 10 33 73 - 87 32 • 12' Rusty Blackbird 70 4 38 1 _ 6 128 - _ i - - 150 - Brewer’s Blackbird 8 - - - - - - 24 - - - - -1 Common Crackle 7525 4765 1173 5029 1 400 ; 2040 1215 - 3 - 163 113 25 1 Brown-headed Cowbird 52 15 4 4252 220 13 239 - 2 - 15 15 81 Purple Finch - 9 40 - - 2 2 8 10 204 4 4 5 8; 1 louse Finch 26 31 36 63 42 - 16 - 41 - 16 7 8 2 Pine Siskin - - - - I - - - - - - - - 3; American Goldfinch 88 89 75 33 135 118 98 68 55 66 71 41 J4] 16 House Sparrow 48 26 1 1 356 75 25 76 6 4 - 86 52 56 4;! Day of Count D20 D30 D18 .11 D28 n DI9 J1 1 D22 1)2 1 D20 1)31 D23 d: Number of Species 96 81 92 53 66 82 77 49 j 71 "I 45] 65] 80 71 1 61 Number of Individuals 38929 14577 14952 25261 8932 9740 16528 2190 2342 1552|5713] 6679 8936: 66 Number of Observers 4 9 29 19 5 ] 4 6 7 7 1 JJ "1 »Tin 1 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 37 Hodgenville Louisville Shelby ville Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Warsaw Burlington Falmouth Danville Lexington Richmond Russell County Wayne County Somerset London Cumberland Falls Total 70 22 12 51 9 5 1 10 2 35 22 161 146 71 125 16 21 1538 43 i cw 19 - - - - - 7 15 3 37 75 5 - - 547 1 7 17 cw 1 3 - 5 1 - 3 9 5 1 1 1 17 1 3 228 65 212 3 99 84 30 40 61 29 220 372 194 181 180 218 82 90 3703 3 24 - 36 5 - - 1 1 - 3 2 6 18 7 19 1 4 904 76 292 1 89 42 17 23 41 24 105 347 1 18 360 117 289 55 112 4235 70 53 21 59 41 5 15 11 4 159 111 24 66 93 169 1 1 13 1251 35 241 8 62 100 18 35 42 52 138 350 106 190 133 178 109 268 4017 65 392 42 120 153 21 56 114 59 302 522 114 328 146 543 210 128 5081 12 21 2 - - - - - - - 33 - - - 24 1 4 19256 80 3 50 32 - - - - - 224 24 28 182 131 51 101 13 2077 3 10 10 - 2 - - 1 - 200 4 250 26 - - - 14 918 32 - 125 20 150 25 - - 22 2 6 141 85 7 10 3 60 1 24109 10 230 12 1 41 - - 4 22 61 180 14 63 3 - 5 22 5576 - 9 1 4 8 10 - 7 1 5 39 2 - 1 3 5 2 393 3 120 18 29 29 4 5 19 - 109 183 3 28 45 129 34 20 1066 - - - 4 - - - - - 2 - - - - 7 - 17 >5 205 21 43 78 12 140 79 20 231 385 52 99 44 144 121 78 2950 34 137 31 45 20 16 28 23 9 57 186 30 46 125 40 70 2 1962 17 D19 J2 D28 D18 D20 D18 J1 D27 D18 D18 D18 D14 D16 J1 D31 D18 3 90 58 75 57 40 67 63 47 69 88 75 82 77 75 66 74 20 20393 4381 6733 3763 606 4030 5470 3495 12433 22873 6587 6249 5510 15747 16556 3132 308104 *5 35 11 6 12 2 2 13 2 20 68 10 7 6 17 10 9 356 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Louisville (all points within a 1 5-mile diameter circle, center Jet. Highways 42 and 22, as described in 1972; 38.28 13N, -85.6348 1W). Habitat: Ohio River, parks, cemeteries, agricultural, suburban, and urban areas. Dec. 19; 8:00 a.m. to 1 1:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 21-32°F; wind WSW, 3 m.p.h. Snow and ice on the ground, lakes and ponds were frozen. Thirty-five observers in 14 parties. Total party-hours 79.00 (46.25 on foot, 32.75 by car). Total party miles 391.3 (33.6 on foot, 357.7 by car). Total species 90; total individuals 20,393. Observers: Garrett Adams, Win Ahrens, Ryan Ankeny, Michael Autin, Jamie Baker, Mary Bill Bauer, Tom Becker, Jane Bell and Pat Bell (compilers), Carol Besse, Ren Bilkey, Wanda Bilkey, Carl Bochmann, Rod Botkins, Sandy Brue, Dona Coates, Colleen Craven- Becker, Sara Deetsch, Steve Deetsch, Jane Fender, Rod Goforth, Charles Hatten, Bob Johnson, Frank Krull, John Krull, Fred Mansmith, Carol McAllister, Paul McAllister, Tim Ritter, David Stewart, Jack Still, Nancy Vance, Meg Vogt, Major Waltman, and Barbara Woerner. Despite icy conditions that continued into the count day from the ice storm 16 December, the number of species found (90) by the 35 observers was very good. Lakes and ponds were frozen; parks and cemeteries were closed; trails were slick and hazardous; food supply was better than last year. Every group was surprised at the number of species that they were able to locate under such conditions. Sunshine and little wind made for pleasant birding. Thanks to those who participated on the Louisville count. Shelbyville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.75 mile south of U.S. 60 and Guist Creek Lake on KY 714; 38.18997N, -85.14535W). Habitat: farmland, fallow land, suburban, wooded and grassland. Elevation 640-1 190 ft. Jan. 2; 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky clear. 18-37°F; wind W, 15 m.p.h. Eleven observers in five parties. Total party-hours 31 (7 on foot, 24 by car). Total party-miles 23 1.5 ( 1 0.5 on foot, 221 .0 by car). Total species 58; total individuals 4381. Observers: Flavia Barbosa, Joan Brown, W.H. Brown (compiler), Cathy King, Karen Quinn, Michael Reichert, Walt Reichert, Anna Schindler, David Schindler, Benton Young, and Steven Young. Green River Lake (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Green River Memorial Baptist Church, Taylor County, Kentucky; 37.175409N, -85.22041 3 W). 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; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 9-37°F; wind 0-20 m.p.h.; calm until late in the day. Six observers in three parties. Total party-hours 20.00 (11.25 on foot, 8.75 by car). Total party-miles 111(5 on foot, 106 by car). Total species 75; total individuals 6733. Observers: Lloyd Curry (compiler), Amy Etherington, Eddie Huber, Richie Kessler, Brainard Palmer-Ball, and Don Pelly. Frankfort (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. LIS 127 and KY 1900; 38.22612N, -84.85022W). Habitat as described in 1977. Dec. 18; 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 24-27°F; wind SW, 1-10 m.p.h. One to two inches of snow cover. Still water partly frozen. Nine observers in five parties plus three feeder watchers. Total party-hours 24 (5 on foot, 19 by car, with 6 at feeders). Total party-miles 167.5 (5.5 on foot, 162.0 by car). Total species 57; total individuals 3763. Observers: Terry Anderson, Peggy Gould (compiler), Mary Pat Hankla, Scott Hankla, Virginia Honaker, Jeff Jones, Joel Jones, Anna Schindler, David Schindler, Edwin Shouse, Mary Shouse, and Tim Williams. 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 39 Kleber Wildlife Management Area (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. KY 227 and KY 845W at Hesler, Ky.; 38.46333N, -84.7769W). Habitat as described in 1972. Dec. 20; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 22-28°F; wind 2-10 m.p.h.. Two observers in one party. Total party-hours 9 (7 on foot, 2 by car). Total party-miles 60 (4 on foot, 56 by car). Total species 40; total individuals 606. Observers: Jeff Jones (compiler) and Joel Jones. Warsaw (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Gallatin County Court¬ house; 38.78387N, -84.90227W; portion of circle in adjacent Switzerland Co., Indiana, is not covered). Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 18; 6:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; temp. 18-31°F; wind SW, 3-5 m.p.h. Three inches of snow cover. Most water frozen but Ohio River open. Two observers in two parties. Total party-hours 18 (4 on foot, 14 by car). Total party- miles 143 (2 on foot, 141 by car). Total species 67; total individuals 4030. Observers: Joe Caminiti and Lee McNeely (compiler). Waterfowl were well-represented with 13 species present. Notable were eight Greater White-fronted Geese at the Ghent Power Plant and two Long-tailed Ducks at the Warsaw riverfront. High numbers of Horned Larks were found along with a single Lapland Long- spur. Burlington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Camp Michaels; 38.94932N, -84.74624W). Habitat as described in 1992. Jan 1; 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky overcast showers in the morning, but some afternoon clearing; temp. 39-55°F; wind SW, 10-14 m.p.h. Ohio River open but most other water frozen. Thirteen observers in seven parties. Total party-hours 37 (17 on foot, 20 by car). Total party-miles 202 (8 on foot, 194 by car). Total species 63; total individuals 5,470. Observers: Linda Altevers, Joe Caminiti, Elaine Carroll, Melissa Desjardin, Don Martin, Robbie Martin, Lee McNeely (compiler), Gayle Pille, Bert Schulte, Carmen Schulte, Tommy Stephens, Lydia Young, and Travis Young. Morning rain hampered counting efforts. Good finds included six Bald Eagles and two Rough-legged Hawks. Falmouth (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Caddo, Ky.; 38.74738N, -84.24473W). Habitat: 50% woodland and forest edge, 25% river and lake shoreline, 20% agricultural, and 5% residential. Dec. 27; 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. I7-27°F; wind calm. Ohio River open, all other water frozen. One-two inches of snow cover were present. Two observers in two parties. Total party-hours 13.5 (4.0 on foot, 9.5 by car). Total party-miles 87 (4 on foot, 83 by car). Total species 47; total individuals 3495. Observers: Ed Groneman and Tommy Stephens. Construction of a hydroelectric plant at Meldahl Dam has limited access to view the Ohio River above the dam. A record high number of gulls was present. The Osprey was well seen in Bight below Meldahl Dam by Tommy Stephens. Danville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Boyle County Courthouse; 37.64634N, -84. 77345 W). Habitat: water edge (15%), urban (10%), cultivated (10%), field/fence row (35%), wooded edge (24%), and feeder (6%). Dec. 18; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 23-28°F; wind 0 m.p.h. Crust on 2-3 inches of snow cover. Twenty-one observers in seven parties. Total party-hours 53.00 (12.25 on foot, 40.75 by car). Total party-miles 432.25 (9.25 on foot, 423.00 by car). Total species 69; total individuals 12,433. Observers: Jane Brantley, J.P. Brantley, Granville Cox, Ginny Eklund, Neil Eklund (compiler), Martha Foster, Bill Garriott, JoAnn Hamm, Michael Hamm, Kate Heyden, Mike Lauer, Ben Leffew, Anne Lubbers, Gail Manning, Jody Metcalf, Preston Miles, Eric 40 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Mount, Jack Newton, Don Pel ly, Rob Pendygraft, and Jami Powell. Two of our nine teams cancelled due to illness and ice-covered roads and paths. Lexington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center intersection of Tates Creek Road and East Hickman Road; 37.91 979N, -84.46929W). Habitat: suburban, farm¬ land, woodlots, reservoirs, farm ponds, Kentucky River cliffs, and bottomland floodplains. Dec. 18; 6:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cloudy; temp. 22-30°F.; wind variable, 0-4 m.p.h. Water partly open. Forty-one observers in 13-14 parties, plus 27 feeder-watchers. Total party-hours 87.75 (24.00 on foot, 63.75 by car). Hours owling: 0.75. Total party-miles 437.5 (14.5 on foot, 423.0 by car). Total species 88; 22,873 total individuals. Observers: Ellen Allen, Patty Allen, Ben Augustine, Laura Baird, Tom Barnes, Ramish Bhatt, Susan Bhatt, Thad Bishop, Gretchen Bolton, Rose Canon, Don Chestnut, Katie Clark, Mary Carol Cooper, John Cox, Wayne Davis, Phyllis Deal, Susan Dombrowski, Sandy Elliot, Josh Felch, Mike Flynn, Brenda Franey, Gay Fugate, Ann Gossage, Bruce Halsted, Sharon Halsted, Susan Hammond, Marsha Hennig, Jim Hodge, Beverly James, Doreen Jesek, Mike King, Allen Kingsland, Terri Koontz, Betsy Lang, David Lang (co¬ compiler), Bob Leeson, Kathrine Lyon, Scott Marsh, Dorna Marshall, Tom Martin, Betty Maxson (co-compiler). Bill Maxson, Jody McKee, Kay Neikirk, Jeff Noffsinger, Michael O'Connor, Barbara Ott, Linda Pannill, David Powers, Joe Pulliam, Nancy Reed, Father Johnny Ross, Pat Scheidt, Lou Shain, Ian Stewart, Rick Stoffer, E. Marie Sutton, Dave Svetich, Joe Swanson, Charles Tremoulet, Gretchen Tremoulet, Jackie Van Willigen, Lesile Wayman, Amy Williams, James Williams, Fred Wohlstein, Karen Wohlstein, Bernice Wood. We had a very good count with a total of 88 species, just missing the record high count of 89 attained in 1984 and 1991. The best Ends included Common Merganser, Osprey, Short-eared Owl, Lapland Longspur (a count Erst), and Pine Warbler. Noticeable misses this year included American Wigeon, Lesser Scaup, Northern Bobwhite, Rough-legged Hawk, Loggerhead Shrike, and Red-breasted Nuthatch. Record numbers of the following species were tallied: Canada Goose (3709), Great Blue Heron (62), Northern Harrier (8), Red-tailed Hawk (107), Chipping Sparrow (13), Savannah Sparrow (15), Song Sparrow (372), and American Goldfinch (385). We also had a record number of participants this year with 68, 41 field observers and 27 feeder watchers. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped organize this year. Richmond (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center ca. 0.7 air mi E of jet. US 25 and KY 1983 (White Station Road); 37.631 IN, -84.2638W). Habitat: fencerows and roadsides (20%), pasture/open fields (55%), woodland (20%), lawns (4%), and lakes and ponds (1%). Dec. 18; 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 21-28°F; wind 0-4 m.p.h. It rained every hour. Ten observers in five parties. Total party-hours 32.5 ( 1 1.5 on foot, 21.0 by car), Total party-miles 230 (15 on foot, 215 by car). Total species 75; total individuals 6587. Observers: David Brown, Andrea Drayer, Adam Heist, Ryan O’Connor, Sarah Martin, Laurel Mclvor, Gary Ritchison (compiler), Tyler Smith, Ian Stewart, and Todd Weinkam. Russell County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. of Owensby Road and Highway 3281; 36.96583N, -85.121 67 W). Habitat as described in 2008. Dec. 14; 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky cloudy (a.m.) to clear (p.m.); temp. 10-23°F; wind W, 0-5 m.p.h. Snow flurries early, approximately three inches of snow on the ground. Seven observers in four parties. Total party-hours 36.5 (5.5 on foot, 31 by car). Total party-miles 319.75 (2.75 on foot, 317.00 by car). Total species 82; total individuals 6249. Observers: Terry Campbell, Granville Cox, Gay Hodges, Arlene Morton, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Steve Denton, and Stephen Stedman. 2011 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 4[ Wayne County (all points within a 15-mile circle, center intersection of Route 3106 and 1275; 36.8972N, -84.821 5 W). Habitat as described in 2004. Dec. 16; 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 pan. Sky overcast; temp. 33-39°F; wind variable, 0-10 rn.p.h. Six observers in five parties. Total party-hours 40.25 (5.00 on foot, 35.25 by car). Total party-miles 301 (3 on foot, 298 by car). Total species 77; total individuals 5510. Observers: Terry Campbell, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Bret Russ, Linda McClen¬ don, Arlene Morton, and Stephen Stedman. Three teal sp. (reported as Blue-wingeds) were observed but are not included in the table. Somerset (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center junction of Bypass Hwy. 80 and Hwy. 39; 37.10246N, -84,603792W). Habitat as described in 2000. Jan. 1; 7:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 45-63°F; wind variable, 0-30 rn.p.h. Seventeen observers in seven parties. Total party-hours 62.25 (9.75 by foot, 52.50 by car). Total party-miles 458.5 (5.0 on foot, 453.5 by car). Total species 75; total individuals 15,747. Observers: Wendi Allen, Judy Brant, Rhonda Bryant, Granville Cox, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Steve Denton, Gay Hodges, James Riser, Scott Marsh, Linda McClendon, Lynda Mills, Tom Mills, Kimberly Morgan, Arlene Morton, David Powers, Carlo Shivel, and Stephen Stedman. A hybrid Mallard x American Black Duck was seen but is not included in the table. London (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Route 3432 and U.S. 25, 37.13546N, -84.0963W). Habitat: 50% pasture and hay fields, 45% forested, 1% cultivated, 1% lakes, ponds and streams, 1% fence rows, residential yards, 2% roads. Dec. 31; 7:30 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. Sky cloudy a.m., partly clear p.m.; temp. 35-64°F; wind SW, 15 rn.p.h. Ten observers in four parties. Total party-hours 37.5 (6.5 on foot, 31.0 by car). Total party-miles 342.0 (2.5 by foot, 339.5 by car). Total species 66; total individuals 16,556. Observers: Winona Allen, Granville Cox (compiler), Thelma Cox, Roseanna Denton, Steve Denton, Gay Hodges, Arlene Morton, Marie Oakley, David Powers, and Carlo | Shivel. Cumberland Falls (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center on upper Bark Camp Creek; 36.89N, -84.261 1W). Habitat: mostly forested (about 70% upland oak and pine, mixed forest, and hemlock forest), about 20% in small rural home lots, small farm holdings, and minimal residential and urban areas. One moderately large reservoir (Laurel Lake) and about 17 miles of the Cumberland River/Lake Cumberland and its riparian forest. Dec. 18; 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 26-34°F; wind NW 5 rn.p.h. Light snow flurries in the morning. Nine observers in four parties. Total party-hours 32.5 (9.5 on foot, 23.0 by car). Total party-miles 207.5 (6.5 by foot, 201.0 by car). Total species 77, total individuals 3132. Observers: Wendi Allen, Sara Ash, Roseanna Denton, Steve Denton, Becky Rillian, Bret Russ (compiler), Marie Oakely, Carlo Shivel, and Renee Yetter. This was the first count for this area. — Ogden College of Science and Engineering, Western Rentucky University, Bowling Green, KY, 42101 (blaine.ferrell@wku.edu). Falmouth 42 Fig. 1. Kentucky Mid-winter Bird Counts, 2010-201 1 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 43 NEWS AND VIEWS Mark Your Calendar for the 2011 Nightjar Survey The Center for Conservation Biology developed the Nightjar Survey Network in 2007 to begin the process of collecting data on the distributions and population trends of night¬ jars. Relatively little is known about nightjar biology, and prior to this program there was no widespread monitoring strategy for the group. Conservation-minded citizens, biologists, and other like-minded groups fuel the Nightjar Survey Network by volunteering to conduct survey routes. Objectives of this project include gaining a better understanding of the popu¬ lation. distribution, and habitat use of nightjars, as well as detecting long-term population changes. Participation in the Nightjar Survey is easy. Surveys are conducted along roads, at least 30 minutes after sunset, between moonrise and moonset and should take less than two hours to complete. Data forms can be submitted electronically or by mail. Those who participate will need I) suitable transportation to complete a survey; 2) good hearing to count birds at a distance; 3) ability to recognize and differentiate calls of Kentucky nightjar species; 4) commitment to conduct a survey, once per year, for 3 or more years; and 5) ability to schedule surveys during one of the two survey windows (the 2011 survey win¬ dows are May 10-May 24 and June 9— July 23). Nocturnal behavior of nightjars is strongly influenced by moonlight. Thus, survey windows are restricted to bright moonlit nights. Please visit the following website to sign up for a survey route: (www.ccb-wm.org/ nightiars.htm). Many Kentucky routes are currently vacant, and your help is needed. At the website, you can also view project objectives and a report on findings from the initial years of survey. This program's success relies entirely on volunteer participation and is a great way to get involved with avian conservation. The efforts of all volunteers are much appre¬ ciated. 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 with monetary awards of up to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, please visit the K.O.S. web site (http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm) or contact either Shawchyi Vorisek. Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, KY. 40601 (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov) or Dr. Blaine Ferrell. Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean's Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green. KY, 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 113 Iroquois Circle. Russellville. KY. 42276, or via email at (benn5609@bellsouth.net). The Kentucky Warbler now available in digital format This journal is now available in digital PDF format. If you would like to have your issues of The Kentucky Warbler emailed to you in PDF format instead of receiving them in hard copy format, contact the Society Corresponding Secretary, Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., at brainard.palmer-ball@ky.gov. 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.biologv.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm. 44 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 I - Red-necked Grebe, Fayette 29 November 2010 Eddie Huber Glossy Ibis. Rowan 9 October 20 1 0 Lana Hays The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 87 MAY 2011 NO. 2 IN THIS ISSUE IN Ml. MORI AM: JAMES W. HANCOCK . 47 COMPARISON OF THE NEOTROPICAL MIGRANT BREEDING BIRD COMMUN¬ ITIES OF THE PRESERVE AND THE RECREATION AREA OF JOHN JAMES AUDUBON STATE PARK. 2004-2007, Micah W. Perkins . 47 WINTER SEASON 2010-201 1, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 56 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING 201 1 MEETING, John Brunjes. Recording Secretary . 67 BOOK REVIEW, The Crossley ID Guide , Carol Besse . 69 NEWS AND VIEWS . 71 46 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Scott Marsh, Lexington Vice-President . Carol Besse, Louisville Corresponding Secretary . Treasurer . Recording Secretary . Councillors: Don Martin. Independence . Shawchyi Vorisek, Frankfort.... Mark Bennett, Russellville . Mary Yandell. Louisville . Hap Chambers, Murray . Roseanna Denton. Science Hill . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. 8207 L 2009- 201 1 ITHACA,- -NY-fa 2005=20 1 1 2010- 2012;' 2010-2012 201 1-2013 201 1-2013 Old W^tp6TT,Rt)arlr4^ftuisville1 KY 40222-3913 . R y . Lee jMcNeely P.O. Box 4ft3TBrrrltngton, R.Y 41005 . . 2’ ■lo*in Brunjes^ Frankfort Retiring President . Win Ahrens, Prospect Secretary. Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Ben Yandell 513 Lymington Court. Louisville, KY 40243 ; (secy@kybirdrecords.org) . THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Organ of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, published quarterly in February. May, i August and November. The Kentucky Warbler is sent to all members not in arrears for dues. Current membership categories and corresponding dues follow: Regular ($15.00); Contributing ($25.00); Student ($10.00); Family ($20.00); and Life ($300.00). Direct manuscripts and communications to the editor. Send membership dues to the Treasurer. Make requests for back issues to the Corresponding Secretary. Editor . Brainard Painter-Ball. Jr. c/o Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane. Frankfort. KY. 40601 (brainard@mindspring.com) Editorial Advisory Board Brian W. Smith and Ben Yandell THE COVER We thank David Gourley for the image of the yellow-pigmented Northern Cardinal {Cardinalis cardinalis) taken 20 January 2011 in southwestern Boyle County (see p. 65). Financial support for color reproduction in this issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest. 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 47 IN MEMORIAM: JAMES W. HANCOCK Long-time K.O.S. member, James W. Hancock, passed away 17 April 2011 at his home in Madisonville, Kentucky. Jim was 93 years old and had lived his entire life in Hopkins County where he worked as a U.S. Postal Carrier. More recent members of the Society may be unfamiliar with Jim’s name and his many contributions to the study of birds in Kentucky. He was most active from the late 1940s to the early 1960s, and he authored 31 articles on birds between 1937 and 1976! Most of his publications dealt with the birdlife of his home county, highlighted by “The Breeding Birds of Hopkins County” (The Kentucky Warbler 30 (1954): 3-5; 19-25; 41-47). He was former president of the Tradewater Audu¬ bon Society as well as a Kentucky Colonel. Jim also had a keen interest in ornithological literature, and he possessed one of the most extensive personal libraries of bird books in the eastern United States. Jim continued to remain active in recent years and went birding with his daughter, Brenda James, every Friday up until early this year, keeping meticulous notes in his trademark mini-spiral notebooks. COMPARISON OF THE NEOTROPICAL MIGRANT BREEDING BIRD COMMUNITIES OF THE PRESERVE AND THE RECREATION AREA OF JOHN JAMES AUDUBON STATE PARK, 2004-2007 Micah W. Perkins Introduction Neotropical migrant birds spend winters south of the continental United States, but they comprise a substantial component of Kentucky’s breeding avifauna, particularly in forested habitats. Neotropical migrant bird populations have declined with the loss of wintering (Rappole and McDonald 1994; Keller and Yahner 2006), migratory (Sherry and Holmes 1993; DeGraaf and Rappole 1995), and breeding (DeGraaf and Rappole 1995; Sherry and Holmes 1995) habitats. Breeding habitats have been negatively affected from the loss of the eastern deciduous forest (Robbins et a!. 1989; DeGraaf and Rappole 1995). Moreover, isolation and fragmentation of forest blocks, an increase in the amount of forest edge, and increased rates of nest predation and brood parasitism have caused additional impacts (Donovan et al. 1995; Faaborget al. 1995; Brittingham and Temple 1983). Stopover and breeding habitat for many Neotropical migrant birds can be found throughout Kentucky on both private and public lands. For example, there are 52 Kentucky State Parks and 54 Kentucky State Nature Preserves totaling about 25% of the total public state-owned lands (Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources 2005). Although designated with different missions and management objectives, both state parks and state nature preserves provide forest habitat for breeding Neotropical migrant birds. Seven Kentucky State Parks, including John James Audubon State Park at Henderson, Henderson County, have a portion of them dedicated as State Nature Preserve. For the purposes of this study, I hypothesized that the forest core-dominant “preserve” at John James Audubon State Park provides a better quality forest habitat for Neotropical migrant birds than the “recreation area” with more forest edge and open mowed areas. The objective was to understand the diversity of the Neotropical migrant breeding bird communities while focusing on com¬ paring the preserve and the recreation area of John James Audubon State Park. Methods John James Audubon State Park is surrounded by a mosaic of residential, urban, agricultural, forest, open land, and bottomland hardwood forest habitats. Lying along the lower Ohio River floodplain, the Park has rich loess soils and rolling hills covered with a mature, mixed hardwood forest with an open understory. Throughout the Park, thick 48 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 understory occurs along edges and in tree-fall openings within forested areas. Dominant tree species include Sugar maple (Acer saccharum ), American beech (Fagus grandifolia). Yellow poplar ( Liriodendron tulipifera), American basswood (Tilia americana). White ash (Fraxinus americana) and various oaks (Quercus spp.). The Park encompasses 283 ha (700 acres), with 137 ha (338 acres) designated as a Kentucky State Nature Preserve. The preserve has reduced human impact with 7.2 km (4.5 mi) of trails that allow only foot traffic. The rest of the Park has a recreational focus with paved roads, tennis courts, picnic shelters, a pet trail, playgrounds, mowed roadsides, parking areas, and mowed open areas including a golf course, campground, and picnic areas. Two lakes are present with one being in the preserve and one in the recreation area. Using ArcGIS Explorer, I determined the amount of forest edge (forest habitat < 100 m (325 ft) from forest edge) and forest core area (forest habitat > 100 m (325 ft) from forest edge) for both the preserve and the recreation area (ESRI 2009). I surveyed breeding bird populations using 10 fixed-radius (radius = 50 m [162.5 ft]) point counts (Ralph et al. 1995). Five points were in the preserve, and five points were in the recreation area. Points were randomly selected within each area. For each point, 1 recorded all birds seen or heard within a five-minute period after a three-minute waiting period at the point. Birds were determined to be within 10 m (32.5 ft), 25 m (81.3 ft) or 50 m (162.5 ft) but all observed birds within 50 m (162.5 ft) were used for analyses. The points within the preserve area contained 100% forest core habitat. Considering all points within the recreation area, there was a total of 2% forest core, 74% forest edge and 24% open (mowed) land. Differing amounts of various habitats within point count boundaries could potentially affect detectability, but 1 made every effort to detect faint bird vocal¬ izations. The centers of individual points were greater than 300 m (975 ft) apart. Through¬ out June of each year, 2004 to 2007, I visited each point three times between sunrise and three hours after sunrise and did not sample during heavy winds (>20 km/hour [12.5 mi/hr]) or rain (Ralph et al. 1995). I sampled preserve and recreation points on the same morning and varied the order of points when sampling. For this research, I considered birds that breed in temperate regions of North America and winter primarily in Central America or farther south to be Neotropical migrants (Free- mark and Collins 1992; Hejl et al. 1995). For analysis, I divided Neotropical migrant birds into three guilds based on habitat requirements (Ehrlich et al. 1988; Freemark and Collins 1992; Palmer-Ball, Jr. 1996). The three habitat guilds were forest interior, forest interior/ | forest edge, and forest edge. Forest interior species require forest interior habitats for their life history requirements. Forest interior/forest edge species use forest interior but can also use forest edge and small woodland blocks. Forest edge species predominantly use forest edges and small woodland blocks. Each species was included in only one of the three habitat guilds. I also categorized Neotropical migrant birds by population trend using North American Breeding Bird Survey 1966-2006 survey-wide individual species trend results (Sauer et al. 2008). Population trend categories were increasing, no change, and declining. To investigate bird diversity, I combined data from all three visits at a given point during a specific year. Data were combined in this manner because of low numbers of observations during each visit. This could possibly result in inflated diversity values but this method was held constant between the preserve and the recreation area and will not affect comparisons. I used a Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index ( // = -Y.P\ ln(/?i) )> which is an estimated value of bird diversity that incorporates bird species richness and abundance of each bird species in the community (Magurran 2004; Legrand et al. 2007). 1 converted each Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index to diversity (e11) also known as the effective number of species (Jost 2006). A higher diversity value indicates greater diversity in the Neotrop¬ ical migrant bird community. Comparing the preserve and the recreation area, I determined diversity values using all Neotropical bird species (total Neotropical diversity) for each year, and 1 determined diversity values using habitat guild and population trend categories. 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 49 Resulting diversity values for the preserve and the recreation area were compared using 90% and 95% confidence intervals. Both confidence interval levels were used because exact p-values were not determined and 1 did not want to overlook a potentially important effect at the borderline of 95% significance. I also determined mean Neotropical migrant bird community conservation values (mbccv) for the preserve and the recreation area. The mean bird community conservation values were based on species priority ranks from Partners in Flight central hardwoods data (Rocky Mountain Bird Observatoiy 2002, Legrand et al. 2007). Each species received a priority rank from 1 to 4 with a higher number indicating a species of more concern (N uttle et al. 2003; Legrand et al. 2007). 1 calculated mean bird community conservation values using each species priority rank (w,), presence of the species (a,-), and species number (S) resulting in mbccv = £s,=1 (a,w,) (Nuttle et al. 2003, Legrand et al. 2007). I compared mean bird community conservation values for the preserve and the recreation area using con¬ fidence intervals. Finally, using point count data I determined the abundance of Brown-headed Cow- birds ( Molothrus ater), a brood parasite that is known to negatively impact productivity of nesting Neotropical migrant birds. 1 analyzed the number of Brown-headed Cowbirds in both the preserve and the recreation area for each year and compared these data using confidence intervals. Results For the purposes of data analysis, I determined the following habitat parameters for the preserve and the recreation area. The preserve contained 1407 m (4572.8 ft) of forest edge, 24 ha (59.3 ac) of forest edge and 112 ha (276.6 ac) of forest core. The recreation area contained 9876 m (32,097 ft) of forest edge, 66 ha (163.0 ac) of forest edge, 14 ha (34.6 ac) of forest core, and 22 ha (54.3 ac) of open land (mowed roadsides, a golf course and picnic areas). During the four-year study, I recorded 63 species at John James Audubon State Park, and 29 of these were Neotropical migrants (Table 1 ). Three of these species, however. Green Fleron ( Butorides virescens ), Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis ) and Chimney Swift ( Chaetura pelagica), were observed only outside of point count boundaries and were not included in analyses. I recorded 21 Neotropical migrant species in each of the preserve and the recreation area. Of these, the five most abundant species for the entire study in decreasing order of abundance were Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea). Eastern Wood-Pewee (Con- topus virens), Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens). Red-eyed Vireo ( Vireo oliva- ceus), and Indigo Bunting ( Passerine i cyanea). Among these five, however, only Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Eastern Wood-Pewee were found to be among the five most abundant in both the preserve and the recreation area. Total Neotropical migrant species diversity did not differ for any of the years when comparing the preserve and the recreation area (Fig. I ). Regarding habitat guild diversity, also known as effective number of species (eH), forest interior (Preserve 1.26 e” + 0.28 [90% C.I .]; Recreation 0.64 eH + 0.31 [90% C.I.j), forest interior/forest edge (Preserve 3.99 e11 + 0.48 [90% C.I.]; Recreation 2.77 e11 + 0.51 [90% C.I.]), and forest edge (Preserve 0.76 e11 + 0.33 [90% C.I.]; Recreation 1.52 eH + 0.39 [90% C.I.]) diversity differed between preserve and recreation area (Fig. 2). When considering 95% confidence intervals, forest interior/forest edge (Preserve 3.99 e11 + 0.57 [95% C.I.]; Recreation 2.77 eH + 0.61 [95% C.I.]) diversity differed significantly when comparing preserve and recreation area, and forest interior (Preserve 1.26 e" + 0.34 [95% C.I.]; Recreation 0.64 eH + 0.37 [95% C.I.]) and forest edge (Preserve 0.76 e11 + 0.40 [95% C.I.]; Recreation 1.52 e" + 0.47 [95% C.I] diversity were extremely close to being significantly different. There were greater levels of forest interior and forest interior/forest edge diversity in the preserve while the recreation area had an increased level of forest edge birds. Considering habitat guilds and both pre- THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 50 Vol. 87 Table 1. Neotropical migrant bird species recorded at John James Audubon State Park, Henderson Co., June 2004-2007 by Area(s) Found (Pre = Preserve area, Rec = Recreation area); Habitat Guild (Interior = forest interior, 1/E = forest interior/forest edge. Edge = forest edge); Population Status (Increase = Increasing population. No Change = Stable population. Decline = Declining population); and Species Priority Rank (1 = not at risk, 2 = low concern, 3 = moderate concern, and 4 = high concern). N/A indicates that the species was not included in habitat guild category. Neotropical Migrant Bird Species Area(s) Found Habitat Guild Population Status Species Priority Rank Yel. -billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) Pre/Rec 1/E Decline 3 R.-th. Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) Pre/Rec Edge Increase 2 Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens) Pre/Rec I/E Decline 3 Acadian Flycatcher ( Empidonax virescens) Pre/Rec Interior No Change 3 Great Cr. Flycatcher ( Myiarchus crinitus) Pre/— I/E No Change 2 Eastern Kingbird ( Tyrarmus tyrarmus) — /Rec Edge Decline 3 White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus) Pre/Rec I/E Increase 3 Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) Pre/Rec I/E Increase 3 Warbling Vireo ( Vireo gilvus ) — /Rec Edge Increase 2 Red-eyed Vireo ( Vireo olivaceus) Pre/Rec I/E Increase 2 Tree Swallow ( Tachycineta bicolor) — /Rec Edge No Change 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher ( Polioptila caerulea) Pre/Rec I/E No Change 3 Wood Thrush ( Hylocichla mustelina ) Pre/Rec I/E Decline 3 Northern Parula (Parula americana) Pre/Rec I/E No Change 2 Yellow-thr. Warbler (Dendroica dominica ) Pre/Rec Interior Increase 3 Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea) Pre/— Interior Decline 4 Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) — /Rec Interior Decline 2 Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) Pre/Rec N/A No Change 3 Louisiana Waterthrush (Seiurus motaciUa) Pre/— Interior No Change 4 Kentucky Warbler (Oporornis formosus) Pre/— Interior Decline 3 Common Yellowthroat (Geolhlvpis trichas) Pre/— Edge Decline 2 Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) — /Rec Edge No Change 2 Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) Pre/Rec I/E No Change 3 Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) Pre/Rec Interior No Change 3 Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) Pre/Rec Edge Decline 3 Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) Pre/Rec Edge Decline 2 serve and recreation area, over half (60%) of the Neotropical migrant bird diversity was comprised of forest interior/forest edge species. Considering population trends, diversity did not differ between areas for any of the population trend categories (Fig. 3). Increasing (Preserve 1.31 e11 + 0.26 [90% C.l.]; Recreation 1.19 e11 + 0.22 [90% C.l.]), no change (Preserve 2.41 e11 + 0.37 [90% C.l.]; , Recreation 2.08 eH + 0.49 [90% C.l.]), and declining (Preserve 2.59 e11 + 0.47 [90% C.l.]; Recreation 1.97 e" + 0.34 [90% C.l.]) status categories were similar for both preserve and recreation area. Considering population trend of both preserve and recreation area, over 75% of the Neotropical migrant bird diversity was comprised of no change and declining species. The preserve had a greater mean Neotropical migrant bird community conservation value (mbccv) when compared to the recreation area (Fig. 4). The preserve value was 1 0.07 mbccv + 1.23 [90% C.I.] and the recreation area value was 7.75 mbccv + 1.02 [90% C.l.]. When considering 95% confidence intervals, mean bird community conservation values 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 51 Fig. 1. Total Neotropical migrant bird diversity (effective number of species, e") at John James Audubon State Park, Henderson Co., K.Y, June 2004-2007. Error bars indicate 90% confidence intervals around each diversity value. An asterisk indicates a significant differ¬ ence between the preserve and the recreation area for a given year. Fig. 2. Neotropical migrant bird diversity (effective number of species, e11) according to habitat guild at John James Audubon State Park, Henderson Co., K.Y, June 2004-2007. Error bars indicate 90% confidence intervals around each diversity value. An asterisk indicates a significant difference between the preserve and the recreation area for the specific habitat guild category. 52 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Fig. 3. Neotropical migrant bird diversity (effective number of species, e11) according to population status at John James Audubon State Park, Henderson Co., KY, June 2004-2007. Error bars indicate 90% confidence intervals around each diversity value. An asterisk indicates a significant difference between the preserve and the recreation area for the specific population status category. Fig. 4. Mean Neotropical migrant bird community conservation values (mbccv) at John James Audubon State Park, Henderson Co., KY, June 2004-2007. Error bars indicate 90% confidence intervals around each value. An asterisk indicates a significant difference be¬ tween the preserve and the recreation area. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 201 I 53 were on the border of significance: preserve (10.07 mbccv + 1 .47 [95% C.I]) and recreation area (7.75 mbccv +1.21 [95% C.I]). Overall, the Brown-headed Cowbird was the third most abundant species recorded in the study area, following only the American Robin (Turdiis migratorius) and Northern Cardinal ( Cardinalis cardinalis). The number of Brown-headed Cowbirds detected in point counts per visit during the entire study indicated an average of 0.91/ha (0.37/ac) + 0.10 SE. Resulting confidence intervals indicated that cowbird levels did not differ between preserve and recreation area for any of the four years. Discussion Neotropical migrant bird diversity based on habitat guild differed between preserve and recreation area. Forest interior and forest interior/forest edge guilds were more prevalent in the preserve, and forest edge species were more prevalent in the recreation area. Larger amount of forest core and reduced amount of forest edge of the preserve likely resulted in greater forest interior bird diversity. Many forest interior Neotropical migrant birds avoid forest edges or are found at decreased levels near forest edges (Kroodsma 1984; Faaborg et al. 1995). Similarly, the recreation area with much forest edge and reduced forest core area likely resulted in greater forest edge Neotropical migrant bird diversity. Comprising 60% of the Neotropical migrant diversity, forest interior/forest edge species are critical in understanding the Neotropical migrant bird community. Forest interior/forest edge species diversity was significantly greater in the preserve area at the 90% and 95% confidence interval levels. Faaborg et al. (1995) indicated that some Neotropical migrant forest bird species use forest interior and edges “with equal fre¬ quency,” but I found that forest interior/forest edge birds were selecting the forest core¬ dominant preserve over the forest edge-dominant recreation area. Many species of Neo¬ tropical migrant birds have greater reproductive success in forest interior habitats (Faaborg et al. 1995). If available, forest interior/forest edge birds may select forest core areas over forest edge habitats. The difference in mean bird community conservation values between the preserve and recreation area was significant at the 90% confidence level and borderline at the 95% confidence level, indicating that the preserve does attract a greater diversity of Neotropical migrant species of conservation interest. From a conservation perspective, the preserve likely has a higher value than the adjacent recreation area. Diversity based on population trend and total Neotropical migrant bird diversity were similar for both preserve and recreation area. Despite possessing different local habitat characteristics (i.e., amounts of forest core area and forest edge), as well as noted significant differences in diversity involving habitat guilds and mean bird community conservation values, the preserve and recreation area likely do not represent two distinct bird communities. Both differences and similarities involving Neotropical migrant bird diversity were found between the preserve and the recreation area. Considering the entire Park, the two areas together offer a variety of general habitat types in which birds can select micro¬ habitats that til their needs. A potential “synergy” may be occurring in which the preserve and the recreation area together provide habitat that would be diminished if the two areas were in isolation. Without the preserve, forest interior species would likely not persist at the Park and without the forested section of the recreation area, the total area of undeveloped habitat would be diminished and likely less attractive to a variety of forest breeding Neotropical migrants. Such synergistic relationships across landscapes have been demon¬ strated for woodland bird populations (Schippers et al. 2009). The Brown-headed Cowbird, one of the most common birds observed at the Park during this study, negatively affects the nesting success of breeding Neotropical migrant birds. Cowbird levels were similar across the study area. Similarly, Donovan et al. (1997) 54 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 found that forest edge and forest core areas had similar cowbird abundance levels and that landscape factors are important in affecting cowbird levels. The surrounding landscape of agriculture, residential, urban, landfill, and open lands, as well as portions of the Park including a golf course, campground, open areas, and bird feeders, provide an abundance of suitable habitat. Brown-headed Cowbirds can travel over 6 km (3.75 mi) from feeding areas to search for host nests (Robinson et al. 1993, Thompson 1994). All nests in the forest at the Park could easily be reached by female cowbirds. However, similar Brown-headed Cowbird abundance across the Park does not necessarily indicate similar parasitism rates within the preserve and the recreation area. Brood parasitism by cowbirds has been found to be greater near open areas (Brittingham and Temple 1983), and cowbirds “favor” forest edges when searching for nests (Robinson et al. 1993). Similarities in total Neotropical migrant bird diversity and Brown-headed Cowbird abundance are likely the result of the preserve and the recreation area being in immediate proximity to one another within the Park. Landscape composition is important in affecting forest bird communities (Freemark and Collins 1992; Lee et al. 2002) and cowbird abun¬ dance (Robinson and Smith 2000; Howell et al. 2007). However, differences were noted regarding habitat guilds and the preserve having greater conservation value. So, does the nature preserve section with a preservation focus provide a better quality forest habitat for Neotropical migrant birds than the recreation area of John James Audubon State Park? My answer is “yes” because of greater mean bird community conservation value of the pre¬ serve. It is important to note that forest interior birds in the preserve likely benefit from additional forest habitat in the adjacent recreation area. It is also important to note that neither nesting success nor recruitment was evaluated as part of this study. Both factors are important in determining habitat quality (Van Horne 1983). Situated in a human-dominated landscape, the preserve and the recreation area of John James Audubon State Park together provide a sanctuary for breeding Neotropical migrant forest birds. In addition to providing breeding habitat, both the preserve and the recreation area are important as migratory stopover habitats. The recreation area may be very impor¬ tant during migratory periods because forests with much edge can be utilized by high num¬ bers of Neotropical migrants (Rodewald and Brittingham 2004). Acknowledgments I thank K..H. Hoffman, R..I. Johnson, .I.L. Perkins, G. Ritchison, and two anonymous reviewers for editorial suggestions. Literature Cited Brittingham, M.C. and S.A. Temple. 1983. Have cowbirds caused forest songbirds to decline? BioScience 33:31-35. DeGraaf, R.M. and J.H. Rappole. 1995. Neotropical migratory birds: natural history, distribution and population change. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY. Donovan, T.M, F.R. Thompson, Ill, J. Faaborg, and J.R. Probst. 1995. Reproductive success of migratory birds in habitat sources and sinks. Conservation Biology 9:1380- 1395. Donovan, T.M., P.W. Jones, E.M. Annand, and F.R. Thompson III. 1997. Variation in local-scale edge effects: mechanisms and landscape context. Ecology 78:2064-2075. Ehrlich, P.R., D.S., Dobkin, and D.W. Whevel. 1988. The birder's handbook: a field guide to the natural history of North American birds. Simon and Schuster, New York, NY. ESRI. 2009. Arc GIS Explorer (build 1200). Environmental Systems Research Institute, Redlands, CA. Faaborg, J., M. Brittingham, T. Donovan, and J. Blake. 1995. Habitat fragmentation in the temperate zone. Pp. 357-380 in Ecology ■ and management of Neotropical migratory 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 55 ) I birds: a synthesis and review of critical issues. (T.E. Martin, and D.M. Finch, eds.). Oxford University Press, New York, NY. Freemark, K.E. and B. Collins. 1992. Landscape ecology of birds breeding in temperate forest fragments. Pp. 443-M54 in Ecology’ and conservation of Neotropical migrant landbirds. (J.M. Hagan, III, and D.W. Johnston, eds.). Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington D.C. Hejl, S.J., R.L. Hutto, C.R. Preston, and D.M. Finch. 1995. Effects of silvicultural treat¬ ments in the Rocky Mountains. Pp. 200-244 in Ecolog\> and management of Neotrop¬ ical migratory birds: a synthesis and review of critical issues. (T.E. Martin, and D.M. Finch, eds.). Oxford University Press, New York, NY. Howell, C.A., W.D. Dijak, and F.R. Thompson III. 2007. Landscape context and selection for forest edge by breeding brown-headed cowbirds. Landscape Ecology 22:273-284. Jost, L. 2006. Entropy and diversity. Oikos 1 13:363-375. Keller, G.S. and R.H. Yahner. 2006. Declines of migratory songbirds: evidence for wintering-ground causes. Northeastern Naturalist 13:83-92. Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources 2005. Kentucky's Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy. KYDFWR, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, KY. http://fw.ky.gov/kfwis/stwg/ (Date updated 9/21/2005). Kroodsma, R.L. 1984. Effect of edge on breeding forest bird species. Wilson Bulletin 96:426^136. Lee, M., L. Fahrig, K. Freemark, and D.J. Currie. 2002. Importance of patch scale vs. landscape scale on selected forest birds. Oikos 96:1 10-1 18. Legrand, H.G., M.J. Chamberlain, and E.B. Moser. 2007. Diversity and abundance of breeding birds in a managed loblolly pine forest in Louisiana. The American Midland Naturalist \ 57:329-344. Magurran, A.E. 2004. Measuring biological diversity. Blackwell Publishing, Malden, MA. Nuttle, T., A. Leidolf, and L.W. Burger, Jr. 2003. Assessing conservation value of bird communities with Partners in Flight-based ranks. The Auk 120:541-549. Palmer-Ball, Jr., B. 1996. The Kentucky breeding bird atlas. The University Press of Kentucky. Lexington, KY. Ralph, C.J., S. Droege, and J.R. Sauer. 1995. Managing and monitoring birds using point counts: standards and applications. Pp. 161-168 in Monitoring bird populations by point counts. (C.J. Ralph, J.R. Sauer, and S. Droege, eds.). Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR- 149. U.S. Dept, of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Albany, CA. Rappole, J.H. and M.V. McDonald. 1994. Cause and effect in population declines of migratory birds. The Auk 111: 652-660. Robbins, C.S., J.R. Sauer, R. Greenburg, and S. Droege. 1989. Population declines in North American birds that migrate to the Neotropics. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 86:7658-7662. Robinson, S.K., J.A. Grzybowski, S.l. Rothstein, M.C. Brittingham, L.J. Petit, and F.R. Thompson. 1993. Pp. 93-702 in Status and management of Neotropical migratory birds (D.M. Finch and P.W. Stangel, eds.). Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-229. U.S. Dept, of Agricul¬ ture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Fort Collins, CO. Robinson, S.K. and J.N.M. Smith. 2000. Environmental correlates of cowbird parasitism at multiple spatial scales. Pp 195-199 in Ecology and management of cowbirds and their hosts: studies in the conservation of North American passerine birds. (J.N.M. Smith, T.L. Cook, S.L Rothstein, S.K. Robinson, and S.G. Sealy, eds.). University of Texas Press, Austin, TX. Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. 2002, Partners in Flight Species Assessment Database, http://www.rmbo.org/pif/pifdb.html ( 10 May 2010). THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 56 Vol. 87 Rodewald, P.G. and M.C. Brittingham. 2004. Stopover habitats of landbirds during fall: use of edge-dominated and early-successional forests. The Auk 121 : 1040-1 055. Sauer, J. R., J. E. Hines, and J. Fallon. 2008. The North American Breeding Bird Survey, Results and Analysis 1966-2007. Version 5.15.2008. USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. Schippers, P., C.J. Grashof-Bokdam, J. Verboom, J.M. Baveco, R. Jochem, H.A.M. Meeuwsen, and M.H.C. Van Adrichem. 2009. Sacrificing patches for linear habitat elements enhances metapopulation performance of woodland birds in fragmented land¬ scapes. Landscape Ecology 24:1 123-1 133. Sherry, T.W. and R.T. Holmes. 1993. Are populations of Neotropical migrant birds limited in summer or winter? Implications for management. Pages 47-57 in Status and manage¬ ment of Neotropical migratory birds (D.M. Finch and P.W. Stangel, eds.). Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-229. U.S. Dept, of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Fort Collins, CO. Sherry, T.W. and R.T. Holmes. 1995. Summer versus winter limitations of populations: what are the issues and what is the evidence? Pages 85-120 in Ecology’ and management of Neotropical migratory birds: a synthesis and review of critical issues. (T.E. Martin, and D.M. Finch, eds.). Oxford University Press, New York, NY. Thompson 111, F.R. 1994. Temporal and spatial patterns of breeding brown-headed cowbirds in the midwestern United States. Auk 111: 979-990. Van Horne, B. 1983. Density as a misleading indicator of habitat quality. Journal of Wildlife Management 47:893-901 . — Division of Mathematics and Science, Owensboro Community and Technical College, 4800 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY 42303 (micah.perkins@kctcs.edu). WINTER SEASON 2010-201 1 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely Weather conditions during the winter of 2010-201 1 were overall colder than normal, but below normal precipitation resulted in a lack of periods of significant snow cover. December began the season with well below normal temperatures and below normal pre¬ cipitation; in fact, some recording stations registered the lowest temperatures of the winter during the month and many recorded only one-half to one-third of normal precipitation. January continued slightly colder than normal across the state, but precipitation continued to be abnormally low. In contrast, February was warmer and wetter than normal in most parts of the state, although it remained dry in the west. Rarity highlights included four Red¬ necked Grebes, two Great Black-backed Gulls, and a Varied Thrush. In addition, hybrid Common Goldeneye x Hooded Merganser and Laughing Gull x Ring-billed Gull were the first ever reported from the state. Irruptive boreal species were relatively scarce, although numbers of Purple Finches were higher than during the past few winters. Shrub and tree fruit crops appeared to be relatively sparse, although some hard mast was present in good supply. Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these reports have been accepted for inclusion in the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Reports of out-of-season birds and rarities should be accompanied by written and/or photographic documentation. This documentation is reviewed by 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”; “ba.” next to an observer’s initials indicates that the bird was banded; “ph.” next to an observer’s initials indicates that the observation was docu- 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 57 merited 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; “°” next to an obsever’s initials indicates that no details were submitted for a report requiring KBRC review; ad(s). = adults(s); imm(s). = immature(s); juv(s). = juvenile(s). Place names: Ballard = Ballard WMA, Ballard ; Barkley Dam, Livingston/Lyon; Barren = Barren River Lake, Allen! Barren', Bernheim Forest = Bernheim Forest Arboretum and Research Forest, Bullitt/Nelson ; Blood River = Blood River embayment, Ky Lake, Calloway ; Cave Run Lake, Bath/Rowan', Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson', Freeman Lake, Hardin', Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall', Ken Unit, Peabody WMA, Ohio', Ky Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall', Ky Lake = Kentucky Lake, Calloway! Marshall', Lake Peewee. Hopkins', LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lyon/Trigg', Long Point = Long Point Unit Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Fulton', Markland Dam, on the Ohio River, Gallatin', Melco = Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson', Meldahl Dam, on the Ohio River, Bracken', Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan', Reformatory Lake, near Buckner, Oldham', Riverqeen Unit. Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg', Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson', Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg', Spindletop Farm = University of Kentucky Spindletop Farm, Fayette', SRP = State Resort Park; Uniontown Dam, on the Ohio River, Union ; WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose - relatively modest peak counts included “thousands” at Sauerheber 1 December (DR); ca. 1000 at Long Point 18 December (AW, BPa, et al.); and 975 at Ballard 20 December ( JBs, BPa, et al.). Other reports of interest included 2 at Griffin Park, Warren, 9-10 December (DR); 18 at the State Game Farm, Franklin, 17-21 December (BPa, GS, et al.); 5 at Freeman Lake 26 Decem¬ ber (RHy) with 2 there 27 January (RHy); 2 at Blood River 27 January (HC); 60 at Lake Peewee 30 January (BPa, EHu); and 1 on Barren 13 February (SK, JKt, et al.). Snow Goose - modest peak counts for the season included only 1500-2000 at Long Point 18 December (AW, BPa, et al.) and ca. 5000 at Ballard 20 December (JBs, BPa, et al.). Ross’s Goose - small numbers were present at traditional wintering locales in Ballard, Fulton, and Henderson. Reports of inter¬ est included at least 40 at Sauerheber 1 December (DR); 3 at Freeman Lake 23 December (RHy) with 1 there 10 February (RHy) and 26 February into March (RHy, JO, et al.); 1 on the Ohio River at Chilo, OH, Bracken, 23 December (SCI, CC1); 2 imms. near Boston, Nelson, 26 December (BPa); 1 at the Reformatory Lake 12 Feb¬ ruary (EHu); 5 in flight near Dot, Logan, 25 February (FL, AL); and 3 at McElroy Lake 28 February (DR). Cackling Goose - not as numerous this win¬ ter with all reports being included: 12 at Sauerheber 1 December (DR); 30 at the Reformatory Lake 5 December (ph. EHu) with 8 there 8/16 January (EHu/BY, MY) and 19 there 5 February (MA); 2 at Barren 12 December (DR); a few at Freeman Lake 22 December (RHy) with at least 1 there 27 January (RHy); 5 at Shelbyville, Shelby, 10 February (ph. BPa); and 6-8 s. of Franklin Crossroads, Hardin, 19 Febru¬ ary (AM, BPi). Mute Swan - there were at least five re¬ ports: 1 at Griffin Park, Warren, 9-10 De¬ cember (DR); 3 on the Louisville CBC 19 December (WA); 1 along Ironworks Pike, Fayette, 3 January (DL); 2 at the Reform¬ atory Lake through most of the season with up to 7 there 9-16 January (BPa et al.) and 4 still there 12 February (EHu); and 2 at Shelbyville, Shelby, 2-10 Febru¬ ary (BPa, AM). Tundra Swan - the wintering flock at Sau¬ erheber built up to 100 by 14 December (MMr) and peaked at 117 in early Febru¬ ary (MMr) with at least 100 still there 23 February (CCr). The tally of 117 would have represented a new state high count, but a count of 140 at Sauerheber the prev- 58 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 ious winter during early February 2010 ( fide MMr) was only recently received. Other reports included 1 at the State Game Farm, Franklin , 16-17 December (GS et ah); an imm. on Ky Lake, Marshall , 18 December (BLi); and an ad. that appa¬ rently frequented both Freeman Lake (ph. RHy et al.) and a large pond n. of Cecilia, w. Hardin (BPa, EFIu), 28 December-15 February. Gadwall - modest peak counts of interest included ca. 450 still at Jonathan Creek 3 December (HC, ME) and at least 50 at Melco 5 February (BPa, EHu). Gadwall x Mallard - a male that appeared to represent this combination was present at Pumphouse Pond, Pulaski , 10 Decem¬ ber (ph. RD); see p. 72. Blue-winged Teal — 1 at Sauerheber 23 Feb¬ ruary (CCr) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted. Northern Shoveler - up to 35 were present on the Reformatory Lake 24 December (EHu) & 5 February (MA). Green-winged Teal - at least 75 were pres¬ ent on the Reformatory Lake 24 Decem¬ ber (EHu). Canvasback - reports of interest included 35+ on Cave Run Lake 13 January (BPa, EFIu); at least 200 above Meldahl Dam 14 January (EHu, BPa) with at least 320 there 6 February (EHu, BPa) and ca. 500 there 13 February (JkS, JyS, EG); ca. 150 on the Ohio River above Uniontown Dam, Union , 4 February (CCr); and ca. 200 on Lake Barkley, Lyon , 26 February (BPa, EHu). Lesser Scaup - a majority of 6000 diving ducks on Ky Lake, Marshall, 26 February (BPa, EHu) represented a modest peak count for the season. Common Goldeneye - 720 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 18 December (HC, ME) and several hundred still present at the same locale 26 February (BPa, EHu) repre¬ sented very modest peak counts for the season. Com. Goldeneye x Hooded Merganser - a male with characters indicating it was a hybrid combination between these two species was present on Barren 10-11 Feb¬ ruary (ph. DR). Black Scoter - there were three reports: 6 on the Ohio River at Louisville 5 Decem¬ ber (T&CB et al.); 2 on Ky Lake above the dam 5 December (DR); and 1 in the Portland Canal, Louisville, 2 January (T&CB). Surf Scoter - there were three reports; 3 on the Ohio River upstream from Uniontown, Union, 3 December (ph. CCr); 1 in the Portland Canal, Louisville, 6 December (DSt) & 11 December (T&CB); and 1 on Barren 15/18 December (DR). White-winged Scoter - there were several reports, all being included: 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville 25 December-16 Feb¬ ruary (ph. SH et al.) with 3 additional birds there 1 February (EHu); 3 on the Ohio River at Rabbit Hash, Boone, 5 Feb¬ ruary (LM); 1 on the Ohio River above Markland Dam 6 February (BPa, EHu) with 2 there 12/16 February (EHu); 1 on the Ohio River above Meldahl Dam 13 February (JkS, JyS, EG) with 6 there 20 February (JkS, JyS); and 1 on Ky Lake at Sherwood Shores, Marshall, and 2 on Lake Barkley above the dam, all 26 Feb¬ ruary (BPa, EHu). I Long-tailed Duck - there were an above- average number of reports, all being in¬ cluded: 3 on the Ohio at Louisville 5 December (T&CB); 1 on Barren on sev¬ eral dates 27 December-1 February (DR et al.) with 2 there 10 February (DR); 2 on 1 Cave Run Lake 4 January (JBs) with 1 there 13 January (EHu, BPa); 1 on Ky Lake above the dam 14-15 January (DR, HC, et al.); 1 on Ohio River at Chilo, OH, Bracken, 22 January (SCI) with 3 there 10-18 February (SCI, PK, et al.); 1 on the Ohio River above Meldahl Dam 6/18 February (BP, EHu/PK) with 2 there 20 February (JkS, JyS) [these birds may or may not have been some of the Chilo, OH, birds]; 2 on the Ohio River upstream from Louisville 30 January-9 February (MA, ph. EHu, et al.); 1 on the Ohio River 1 from Steele's Bottom Road, Gallatin, 19 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 59 February (LM, AB); and 1 on Ky Lake, Marshall , 26 February (BPa, EHu). Common Merganser - reports of interest, including local peak counts for the season, were highlighted by 4 on Barren 15 De¬ cember (DR); 4 above Uniontown Dam 8 December (CCr) with 6 there 4 February (CCr); 7 at Lake Peewee 17 December (BPa, EHu) with 8 there 30 January (BPa, EHu); 1 on the Ohio River above Craig’s Creek, Gallatin , 14 January (BPa, EHu); 30 on Honker Bay, LBL, Lyon, 23 Jan¬ uary (ME); 3 on Ky Lake above the dam 28 January (DR); 1 above Meldahl Dam 6 February (BPa, EHu); and 3 on the Ohio River at Louisville 6 February (T&CB). Red-breasted Merganser - 30+ were on Lake Barkley above the dam by 26 Febru¬ ary (BPa, EHu). Hooded Merganser - peak counts of inter¬ est included 225 at Lexington 5 December (SM); at least 1 80 on Barren 1 5 December (DR); at least 300 on Lake Peewee 1 7 De¬ cember (BPa, EHu); at least 305 on Green River Lake, Taylor, 28 December (BPa, EHu); and 300 on Honker Bay, LBL, Lyon, 23 January (ME). Ruddy Duck - reports of interest included 35 above Meldahl Dam 14 January (EHu, BPa) and 75-100 on Lake Barkley above the dam 26 February (BPa, EHu). Common Loon - 25-30 were on Ky Lake, • Marshall, by 26 February (BPa, EHu). Pied-billed Grebe - season peak counts in¬ cluded at least 90 on Barren 18 January (DR et al.) and 75-100 on Lake Peewee 30 January (BPa, EHu). Red-necked Grebe - there were four re¬ ports: the late November bird at Jacobson Park, Lexington, continued to 5 December (SM, ph. EHu); 1 on Barren 18 December (°DR); 1 on the Ohio River at Chilo, OH, Bracken, 20 February (°JkS, JyS); and 1 at Lake Reba, Madison, 16-26 February (JW, ph. AU, ph. MBu, AN, CG). KBRC review required. Horned Grebe - reports of interest included at least 150 on Ky Lake, Marshall , 19 December (BPa, EHu) with ca. 100 still there 3 January (BPa, EHu); ca. 70 on Lake Cumberland Russell, 1 1 December (RD); ca. 50 on Green River Lake, Adair! Taylor , 28 December (BPa, EHu, DPe); at least 35 on Cave Run Lake 13 January (BPa, EHu); and 250-300 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 26 February (BPa, EHu). Eared Grebe - 1 was present on Little Bear Creek embayment of Ky Lake, Marshall, 28 January (DR) & 26 February (EHu, tBPa). American White Pelican - the cold early- winter season caused most to go farther south, but 47 were counted on the LBL CBC 18 December {fide AY); by 28 Jan¬ uary, ca. 300 were in the vicinity of Bark¬ ley Dam (DR). Other reports of interest included 1 over the Ohio River at Mark- land Dam 19 February (JRw), and the bird that was present on a farm pond n. of Bloomfield, Nelson, during the late fall 60 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 lingered in the vicinity into mid-January (JN). American Bittern - 1 was seen at Sinclair, where a bird has been present on at least a couple of previous occasions during win¬ ter, 2 January (tBPa). Great Blue Heron - a small nesting colony was noted at a new location at Lake Lin- ville, Rockcastle, 4 February (RD). Great Egret - 1 at Minor Clark 19 Decem¬ ber (ph. GRo) was exceptionally late. Black-crowned Night-Heron - up to 3 at St. Matthews, Jefferson , during early Jan¬ uary (BWo) were certainly overwintering at this traditional locale. Osprey - there were two reports of pre¬ sumed extremely tardy birds: 1 at Lexing¬ ton 18 December (fLS et al.); and 1 on the Ohio River below Meldahl Dam 27 December (ITS). Bald Eagle - reports of interest included 12-15 along Tennessee River below Ky Dam 19 December (BPa, EHu); 2 at Dewey Lake, Floyd, 30 January (BG); 2 at Jacobson Park, Lexington, 16 February (JSw); and 13 at Cave Run Lake 13 Feb¬ ruary (BWu). Red-tailed Hawk - a bird photographed at Louisville in early January (MSp) had patagial tags that identified it as having been trapped nw. of Hanover, IL, 24 August 2010 (TG, fide KH). Reports of interest of western forms included obser¬ vation of both B. j. harlani that have win¬ tered along Clear Creek, Hopkins, since the winter of 2005-2006 on 30 January (BPa, EHu); and a light morph B. j. harlani near Dot, s. Logan, 27 February (MBe, DR). Rough-legged Hawk - it was an above- average year for the number of locales with sightings, although the traditional “hot spots” for the species were lacking in numbers; all reports are included: 3 differ¬ ent birds seen at the Louisville landfill 9— 28 December (ph. RA et al.) with 1 there off and on to 24 January (RA); 1 along Duncannon Road, sw. Madison, 12 De¬ cember/29 January (RB/AN); 1 in Lincoln during mid-December (JE); 1 at Spindle- top 27 December (DL)-6 January (MBa, JSw); 1 near Dot, Logan, 5 January (FL, AL); 1 along Cummins-McWilliams Rd., ne. Pulaski, 6-12 January (RD); 1 w. of Bagdad, Shelby, during mid-January (JBs, HB, BPa); 1 along KY 69 at and e. of the Green Valley landfill, Greenup, 14 Janu¬ ary (BPa, EHu); 1 w. of Madisonville, Hopkins, and 1 along Clear Creek, Hop¬ kins, both 30 January (BPa, EHu); and 1 w. Schulztown, Ohio, 23 February (BP, < KH). Rough-legged Hawk, Jefferson 13 December 2010 Ryan Ankeny Golden Eagle - there were five reports: 1 at Lake Herndon, Logan, 24 December (tMBe); 1 at Barren 25 December (DR, JRnt); 1-2 at Bernheim Forest 26 Decem¬ ber (DCt, NV, BPa)-23 January (BY, MY); a sub-ad. at Green River Lake, Adair, 28 December (DPe, BPa, EHu); ; and an imm. at Cave Run Lake, Bath, 13 February (fBWu). Merlin - there were at least 18 reports, all being included: 1 at White Hall House State Historic Site, Madison, 6 December (AN); 1 at Douglass Hills, Jefferson , 7 December (MMn); 1 along Dillard Road, s. Warren, 19 December (TD); 1 along Hegnauer Road, near Mill Springs, Wayne, 19 December (RD); 1 along Millstown Road, ne. Barren, 27 Decem¬ ber (RB, RF); 1 at Sinclair 1 January (BPa) with 2 there (BPa, EHu) and 2 at the Ken Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio (ph. EW), all 2 January; 1 at Shaker Mill 3 January (DR); 1 at Cravens Bay, LBL, Lyon, 15 January (fKM); 1 in e. Shelby 22 January (HB); at least 1 and possibly 2 at 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 61 Sawyer Park, Jefferson , 24 January (MA, ph. TT); 1 e. of Lexington, Fayette , 23 January (DSv); 1 at Garvin Brown Pres¬ erve, ne. Jefferson (MA) and 1 at the Riverqueen Unit (EHu, BPa), both 30 January; 1 at Freeman Lake 2 February (DR); 1 along 1-24 just w. of the Ten¬ nessee River bridge, Marshall , 4 February (fPK); 1 at Warsaw, Gallatin, 19 Febru¬ ary (LM, AB); and singles at both the Riverqueen and Ken units 23 February (KH). Peregrine Falcon - the only reports away from know nesting territories included 1— 2 on the US 68 bridge over Lake Barkley, Trigg, off and on through the winter (m. ob.); 1 over the UK campus, Lexington, 5 January (SB); 1-2 off and on at Ky Dam during January (HC et ah); and 1 below Barkley Dam 15 January (HC et al.). Virginia Rail - single birds heard near Drakesboro, Muhlenberg, and at the for¬ mer Gibraltar Mine, Muhlenberg, both 2 January (BPa) were the only ones repor¬ ted. Sandhill Crane - southbound flocks contin¬ ued into early January (m. ob.) with the following reports e. of the main flight corridor: 30 over Boone 6 December (LG); ca. 30 over Grayson Lake WMA near Bruin, Elliott, 6 December (SF); ca. 100 near Gimlet, Elliott, 7 December (EM); and ca. 25 s. of Walton, Kenton, 13 December (LH). A flock of 17 over Scott 13 January (BLa) was among the earliest to be seen moving back north; by the last week of January, large numbers were on the move with the following reports of northbound birds of interest: two flocks over Calloway during the last week of January (HC, SCh); lots of northward movement during the mid-teens of Febru¬ ary (m. ob.); and 8 over Split Rock Con¬ servation Park, Boone, 26 February (LM). Counts of the wintering flock in the vicin¬ ity of Barren included 2000+ on 14 De¬ cember (LC); 3390 on 10 January (WT); ■ 5830 on 19 January (WT); 5550 on 4 February (WT); a peak of 11,680 on 10 February (WT); and 5090 on 17 February (WT). In w. Hardin near Cecilia, none were present until late January, at least 2000 arrived by the first week of February (m. ob.), and the following peak counts were reported: 2550 on 7 February (EHa); 5130 on 14 February (EHa); at least 5000 on 16 February (RHn et al.); just over 1900 on 21 February (EHu); and less than 1500 there by 1 March (EHu). Greater Yellowlegs - 1 at Sauerheber 20 February (ph. CCr) and 5 at Sauerheber 23 February (ph. CCr) were the earliest to be reported. yellowlegs sp. - a yellowlegs sp. (reported as Lesser) was seen along Old Evansville- Henderson Road, Henderson, 16 January (tKM). Least Sandpiper - 56 were still at Jonathan Creek 3 December (HC, ME) with 6 still there 18 December (HC, ME); after dis¬ appearing from Ky Lake for nearly a month, 4 were back at Blood River 13 January (HC) and ca. 10 were at Jonathan Creek 15 January (ME); also reported were 6 at Barren 18 January (DR) with 7 there 26 January (DR) and 5 still there 10 February (DR), apparently demonstrating overwintering. Dunlin - 2 at Jonathan Creek 3 December (HC, ME) and 2 at Barren 7 December (DR) with 4 there 15-31 December (DR et al.) were the latest to be reported; after an absence a month during mid-winter, 2 were back at Barren 1 February with 4 there 1 0 February (DR). 62 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Wilson’s Snipe - ca. 125 at Sauerheber 5 December (CCr) and ca. 100 in the same area 23 February (CCr) represented the season’s peak counts. American Woodcock - the species was rather late in arriving with courtship first heard off Figett Bend Road, Hart (BB, CF ,fide SK), and 1 seen along Old Evans- ville-Henderson Road, Henderson (KM), both 17 February; and along Lampton Lane Road, Adair (DCm), at Central Ky WMA, Madison (RB, RF), and at the Fishing Creek embayment of Lake Cum¬ berland, Pulaski (RD), all 18 February (RD). Laughing Gull - 1 was reported below Ky Dam 5 December (HC, DR). Laughing Gull x Ring-billed Gull - an ad. with characters indicating it was a hybrid combination between these two species was present below Ky Dam 26 February (BP, ph. EFlu). Ring-billed Gull - representative peak counts for the season included at least 1000 at the Falls of the Ohio 17 December (DSt); 1150 on the Ohio River at Louis¬ ville 24 December (BPa) with at least 1300 there 29 December (BPa); ca. 1500 at Meldahl Dam 14 January /6 February (BPa, EFlu); 1000-1500 on the Ohio Riv¬ er at and upstream from Markland Dam, Gallatin , 6 February (BPa, EHu); ca. 2500 on the Ohio River at and upstream from Markland Dam and 3500 on the Ohio River at Meldahl Dam, both 13 February (JkS, JyS, EG); and ca. 5000 at Jonathan Creek 30 January (HC), the latter an ex¬ ceptionally impressive concentration. Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1-3 of various ages were reported at and near Ky Dam and Barkley Dam on nearly a dozen occa¬ sions during the season (m. ob.); addi¬ tional reports included a third-year bird on the Ohio River above Craig's Creek, Gal¬ latin, 14 January (BPa, EHu) and an ad. at Jonathan Creek 30 January (HC). Herring Gull - 120-150 below Ky Dam 19 December (BPa, EHu) represented a very- modest peak count for the season at that locale; ca. 350 at Jonathan Creek 30 Jan¬ uary (HC) was a very impressive concen¬ tration away from the dams. Thayer's Gull - there were several reports, all being included: 1 at Ky Dam 10 De¬ cember ( BLi); an ad. at Jonathan Creek 18 December (HC, ME); a first-year bird below Ky Dam and an ad. below Barkley Dam, both 3 January (BPa, EHu); a first- year bird below Ky Dam 16 January (DR) & 28 January (DR) with 2 there 29 Janu¬ ary (DR) and 1 there 11 February' (DR); an ad. at Barkley Dam 16 January (DR) & 11 February (DR); and a first-year bird [the first ever reported for this location] at Medahl Dam 20 February (tJkS, JyS). Iceland Gull x Thayer’s Gull? - a second- year bird that may be most accurately con¬ sidered an intergrade between these two taxa was seen at Meldahl Dam 6 February (tBP, fEHu, LM) and again on the Ohio River at New Richmond, OH, Campbell, 13-16 February (tJkS, JyS, MG, ph. BFo, ph. LK, DM). Note: the report of this bird from New Richmond, OH, 13-16 Febru¬ ary has been submitted to the KBRC as an Iceland Gull. Great Black-backed Gull - there were two or three reports: a first-year bird below Ky Dam 19 December-1 1 February (tBP, ph. EHu, et al.) with perhaps the same bird on Lake Barkley above the dam 28 January' (°DR), and an ad. on the Ohio River below and above Markland Dam 13 Feb¬ ruary' (ph. JkS, JyS, MG). KBRC review required 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 63 Glaucous Gull - a first-year bird was pres¬ ent below Ky Dam 3 January (BPa, EHu) through 26 February (m. ob.) with another at Barkley Dam 16 January (DR) and at least 3 in the vicinity of Ky Dam 28 Jan¬ uary (DR). Forster’s Tern - 25 were still at Jonathan Creek 3 December (HC, ME) but not seen there again until 22 February, when 13 were counted (ME). Barn Owl - there were five reports: 1 at Bagdad, Shelby, 6 December (AC); 1 in LBL, Trigg, 18 December (SW fide AY); 1 ca. a mile s. of Rowletts, Hart, 28 De¬ cember (SK, JKt); 1 found injured at Dan¬ ville, Boyle, 18 December (fide DPe, KH); and 1 at Crestwood, Oldham, 8 January (fide KH). Short-eared Owl - an above-average num¬ ber of reports continued from the late fall season with all locations being included: possibly up to 30 birds n. of Clintonville, Bourbon, during early December (DGa) with at least 1 5 seen there 1 5 December (ph. KH); a wintering group near Merry Oaks, Barren , with up to 10 counted there 25 December (DR et ah); at least 5 n. of Winchester, Clark during December (ph. JH); 8-10 wsw. of Bagdad, Shelby, 7 December (HB et al.) with smaller num¬ bers there until late December (BPa et ah); 1 along Chamberlain Lane, ne. Jeffer¬ son, 15 December (PB, JBe); 1 near Sligo, Oldham, 17 December (MC); 1 along Whites Lane sw. of Athens, s. Fayette, 1 8 December (JPu, DPu); 3 at Spindletop Farm 19 December (DSv) with at least 1 still there 27 December (DL); 9 between Leitchfield and Millerstown, e. Grayson, 19 December (SK, JKt) with 8 there 22 December (fide JBn) and 4 there 2 Jan¬ uary/4 February (SK, JKt); 5 at Sinclair 2 January (EHu, BPa) with up to 11 there during late February (JD, CV, AK, fide EW); up to 21 counted on Adena Springs Farm outside Paris, Bourbon, during early January (ph. KP) with only 1-2 still there . by mid-January (KP); 1 at Bowling Green, Warren, 8 January (DR); 1 along Cummins-McWilliams Road, ne. Pulaski, 12 January (RD); 1 near Dot, Logan, 13 January (FL); a wintering group at White Hall House State Historic Site, Madison (RO, AH), with 12 counted there 18 Jan¬ uary (AN); and 1 a few miles e. of Son¬ ora, s. Hardin, 26 February (RHy, JO). Short-eared Owl, Bourbon 15 December 2010 Kate Hey den Rufous Hummingbird - the ad. female at Bardstown, Nelson, was last seen 12 De¬ cember (PG). Red-headed Woodpecker - the species was present in relatively low numbers at scat¬ tered locales during the season with 1-57 reported on 17 CBCs. Several were noted in the woodlands around Cave Run Lake 13 January (BPa, EHu). Horned Lark - the species was relatively well distributed on CBCs with 1-1601 reported on 22 counts, but not especially abundant later in the season considering the extended period of cold weather. American Crow - a tally of ca. 8000 in n. Union 1 January (BT) was rather impres¬ sive. Common Raven - 2 were seen just ne. of Jenkins, Letcher, 3 February (MSt). Purple Martin - 1 at the LBL Nature Sta¬ tion, Lyon, 19 February (AY) represented a new early arrival date for the state; next 64 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 earliest was another there 21 February (AY) and 1 at Bowling Green, Warren, 22 February (TD). Tree Swallow - 1 at Obion WMA, Fulton , 28 January (HC, ME) was extremely ear¬ ly; otherwise 3 over Ky Lake, Marshall (BPa, EFlu), and 1 at Spindletop Farm (LS, ASK), both 26 February, and 1 at Lake Reba, Madison, 27 February (MBu) were the earliest to be reported. Red-breasted Nuthatch - the species re¬ mained relatively scarce during the winter season with only 1-5 reported on 14 CBCs. House Wren — 1 on the Wayne CBC 16 De¬ cember (fide RD) was the only one repor¬ ted. Marsh Wren - 3 heard in e. Muhlenberg 2 January (BPa) were the only ones repor¬ ted. Hermit Thrush - the species was reported in above-average numbers on CBCs with 1^16 reported on 22 counts; a tally of no less than 29 (6 at one spot) at Yatesville Lake WMA, Lawrence, 13 January (BPa, EHu) was an extraordinary total. American Robin - the species was well represented on CBCs with 4-5461 repor¬ ted on all 31 counts; lots were also on the move during mid-January (m. ob.), prob¬ ably the result of food shortages farther north. Varied Thrush - a male was present in a yard nw. of Sharpe, w. Marshall, ca. 6 February into early March (ph. L&CH, et ah). KBRC review required. Brown Thrasher - a tally of at least 6 at Yatesville Lake WMA, Lawrence, 13 Jan¬ uary (BPa, EHu) was relatively impress- sive. American Pipit - the species was relatively scarce this winter perhaps in large part due to the cold weather of mid-December with only 1-10 reported on 10 CBCs. At least 200 in Ballard 2 December (SR) represented a modest peak count for the season. Cedar Waxwing - the species was not ov¬ erly abundant this winter with 2-302 re¬ ported on 23 CBCs. During the course of the winter, fewer and fewer were reported, and the species was quite scarce by early February. Lapland Longspur - the species was not as numerous as might be expected given the prolonged period of cold weather; only 1- u 23 were reported on eight CBCs. Repre¬ sentative maximum counts for individual locales included at least 50 in Henderson 1 December (DR); a few at the Louisville ! landfill during mid-December (RA); only about 50 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 18 December (BPa, EHu); ca. 20 n. of Boston, Nelson, 26 December (BPa); a few in e. Shelby 1 1 January (BPa); at least 10 along Old Evansville-Henderson Road, , j Henderson, 16 January (KM); 15 along Chamberlain Lane, ne. Jefferson, 16 Jan- j uary (BY, MY); up to 20 at Spindletop Farm 27 January (JSw); and 5-10 along KY 86 w. of Cecilia, Hardin, 15 February (BPa). Snow Bunting - there were three reports: 5— 10 with a flock of Horned Larks e. of Carrs, Lewis, 15 December (fJBs); 2 at Spindletop Farm 20 December (JSw); and 1 w. of Bagdad, e. Shelby, 22 January | (HB). Pine Warbler - it was a good season for the species with 1-7 reported on eight CBCs; the 7 on the Ballard count included 2 near Monkey’s Eyebrow, Ballard, 19 Decern- 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 65 ber (BPa, EHu), with 3 there and 4 adja¬ cent to Ballard 20 December (BPa, EHu, SR); the first returning birds appeared near the LBL Nature Station, Lyon , 18 February (JPo, AY), at Berea Forest, Madison, 26 February (RB, RF), and at Surrey Hills Farm, Jefferson, 28 February (BPa). Palm Warbler - an individual of the eastern race P. p. hypochysaea, was reported along Swan Pond Road, w. of Wolf Creek Dam, Russell, 1 1 December (|RD). Indiv¬ iduals of our regular race were not as nu¬ merous as most winters with 1 at Cooley’s Pond, Wayne, 9 December (RD); I at Elizabethtown, Hardin, 13 December (RHy); and 2 at Barren, Barren, 31 De¬ cember (SS et al.) representing the only reports. Common Yellowthroat - I at the Kendell Recreation Area below Wolf Creek Dam, Russell, 1 1 December (fRD), was very late or going to winter. Eastern Towhee - a flock of not less than 16 at one spot along Pack Lane, ne. of Garrett, Meade, 23 December (BPa) was relatively impressive. American Tree Sparrow - 1-105 were re¬ ported on 19 CBCs; at least 50 at a feed¬ ing station at Surrey Hills Farm 25 Jan¬ uary (BPa) represented the season's peak count for a single locale. Chipping Sparrow - 1-74 were reported on 17 CBCs; 2 near Dot, Logan, 10 February (FL, AL) represented one of only a few additional reports during late winter. Le Conte's Sparrow - there were two re¬ ports: 8-10 at Long Point 18 December (BP, AW, et al.) and 1 at Ballard 20 De¬ cember (BPa, EHu, JBs, HC) Fox Sparrow - excellent numbers were present during winter period with 16 at Surrey Hills Farm 13 December (BPa); 25 in a single flock ne. of Boston, Nelson, 26 December (BPa); 60 in e. Muhlenberg 2 January (BPa); at least 30 in a yard near ' Fisherville, se. Jefferson, 27 January (EHu, JH); and at least 50 in a single flock off Figett Bend Road, Hart, in early Feb¬ ruary (BB, CF). Northern Cardinal - a striking yellow-pig¬ mented bird was present in a yard in sw. Boyle during late January-early February (ph. DGo; see front cover). Western Meadowlark - 1 w. of Long Point 18 December (BPa, EHu) was the only one reported. Common Grackle - "hundreds" at South Williamson, Pike, during mid-January (JC) represented an unusual report for e. Kentucky. Rusty Blackbird - it was a good season for the species with numerous reports at scat¬ tered locales across much of the state in¬ cluding 1-250 reported on 18 CBCs high¬ lighted by 250 at Richmond 18 Decem¬ ber (fide GRi); 200 on Salt River Rd. near KY 34, Boyle, 18 December (GC et al.); and at least 150 along KY 1816 e. of Flaherty, Meade, 23 December (BPa). Small numbers were reported in yards at scattered locales across the state from early December to mid-February includ¬ ing 7 at Berea, Madison (RB, RF); 6 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski (RD); 10 at Danville, Boyle (GC); up to 5 s. of Walton, Kenton (LH); 2 outside of Morehead, Rowan (SF); a few e. of Lexington, Fayette (DSv); 1 at South Williamson, Pike (JC); at least 6 at Shaker Mill (DR, JRm); 2 near Fisherville, se. Jefferson (EHu, JH); and 3 at Schochoh, Logan (ST). Other reports of interest included an unspecified number at Minor Clark (GRo) and ca. 60 at Spindletop Farm (DSv), both 19 De¬ cember; at least 500 at Griffin Park 21 December (DR); 32 n. of Alton, Ander¬ son, 19 January (BPa); at least 20 (in¬ cluding a banded bird; surely from last winter’s study) at Cleaton, Muhlenberg, 30 January (BPa, EHu) with at least 50 there 8 February (KH, BPa); 20+ nw. of Cecilia, Hardin, 14 February (BPa); 35 at Jonathan Creek 22 February (ME); and ca. 75 in the vicinity of Sauerheber 23 Feb¬ ruary (CCr). Brewer's Blackbird - a wintering flock was again present along Royal-Oak Grove Rd., e. Grayson with peak counts of 30 there 8 December (JBn, LB, et al.); 24 there 22 December (fide JBn); and 26 66 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 there 2 January (SK, JKt). Also reported were 2 males at North Bend Bottom, Boone , 18 December (fNK, DGr); 3 w. of Long Point 18 December (BPa); 8 n. of Oscar, Ballard , 20 December (BPa); a female wnw. of Clay, Webster, 30 January (BPa, EHu); 12 at Long Point 5 February (tPK); and 2 n. of Franklin Crossroads, Hardin , 1 2 February (M A). Purple Finch - the species was a bit more numerous and widespread overall than in recent years; a few birds began to come to feeders during early December (m. ob.). One to 204 were reported on 25 CBCs with the impressive tally of 204 coming from Mammoth Cave National Park, Ed¬ monson/ Hart, 21 December (fide BFe). Other peak counts during the season in¬ cluded at least 20 at Barren River Lake SRP, Barren, 18 January (DR); and at least 20 near Gimlet, Elliott , during Jan¬ uary and early February (EM). Pine Siskin - relatively small numbers lin¬ gered into early winter with 1-7 reported on five CBCs; most birds disappeared by early January, although up to 50 contin¬ ued near Fisherville, Jefferson (EHu, JH) into early January, and up to 35 there to the last week of January but only 15 by 9 February and only 3—1 thereafter (EHu, JH); at least 100 continued near Gimlet, Elliott through January into early Febru¬ ary (EM), and a few continued at Bern- heim Forest, Bullitt, into early February (SD, BWo, et al.). Other reports of inter¬ est included at least 12 at Whitley City, McCreary, 15 December (JKs); 1 at Rus¬ sellville, Logan, during mid-January (MBe); 7 at another locale near Fisher¬ ville, Jefferson, 26 January (AL); 2 at Cub Run, Hart, 1 February' (JKt); and 25 at Jefferson Memorial Forest, Jefferson, 17 February (MA, BWo). Notable but uncorroborated reports from eBird: 2 Short-eared Owls in Monroe 15 February (SS). Observers: Win Ahrens (WA), Michael Autin (MA), Ryan Ankeny (RA), Andrew Baldelli (AB), Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK), Bruce Bardin (BB), Marty Barr (MBa), Rebecca Bates (RB), Tom & Colleen Becker (T&CB), Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell (PB), Mark Bennett (MBe), Simon Bonner (SB), John Brittain ( J Bn), Lisa Brittain (LB), Horace Brown (HB), John Brunjes (JBs), Marissa Buschow (MBu), Michael Callan (MC), Joan Carr (JC), Hap Chambers (HC), Skip Chambers (SCh), Chris Clingman (CC1), Suzanne Clingman (SCI), Dona Coates (DCt), Derek Coomer (DCm), Amy Covert (AC), Granville Cox (GC), Linda Craiger (LC), Charlie Crawford (CCr), Roseanna Denton (RD), Jason Diaferio (JD), Scott Dickman (SD), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Jackie Elmore (JE), Blaine Ferrell (BFe), Bob Foppe (BFo), Robert Foster (RF), Scott Freidhof (SF), Carol Friedmann (CF), Diane Ganzer (DGa), Paula Geihs (PG), Loran Gibson (LG), Mark Gilsdorf (MG), Carol Gobert (CG), Brad Goodrich (BG), David Gourley (DGo), Darlena Graham (DGr), Ed Groneman (EG), Travis Guerrant (TG), Jim Hanssen (JH), Erin Harper (EFla), Lana Hays (LH), Richard Healy (RHy), Larry & Cheryl Heavrin (L&CH), Adam Heist (AH), Rose Hensel (RFln), Kate Fleyden (KH), Steve Housefield (SH), Eddie Huber (EHu), Jennifer Huber (JH), Laura Keene (LK), Ned Keller (NK), James Kiser (JKs), Janet Kistler (JKt), Steve Kistler (SK), Andrew Kreminski (AK), Paul Krusling (PK), Betsy Lang (BLa), David Lang (DL), Aurilla Lesley (AL), Bill Lisowsky (BLi), Alison Lyne (AL) , Frank Lyne (FL), Scott Marsh (SM), Lee McNeely (LM), Andrew Melnykovych (AM) , Keith Michalski (KM), Mark Monroe (MMn), Evelyn Morgan (EM), Donald Morse, Jr. (DM), Mike Morton (MMr), multiple observers (m. ob.), Jason Nally (JN), Andy Newman (AN), Ryan O'Connor (RO), Jeff Oliver (JO), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BPa), Don Pel Iv (DPe), Bill Pike (BPi), John Pollpeter (JPo), Kiz Potenskv (KP), Doreen Pulliam (DPu), Joe Pulliam (JPu), Scott Record (SR), Gary Ritchison (GRi), Gerald Robe (GRo), David Roemer (DR); Joan Roemer (JRm), Jeff Rowe (JRw), Lou Shain (LS), Michael Spaulding (MSp), Gary Sprandel (GS), Stephen Stedman (SS), Jack Stenger (JkS), Jay Stenger (JyS), Tommy Stephens (TS), Mike Stinson (MSt), Del Striegel (DSt), Dave ? r ii Ml So oe sen Sei lie |fc 111 fe I If! a fa Cm fa | j # in t® |0S oL I aio I L'O ! ai •aii 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 67 Svetich (DSv), Joe Swanson (JSw), Wayne Tamminga (WT), Brian Taylor (BT), Troy Tucker (TT), Steve Tyson (ST), Alyssa Underwood (AU), Nancy Vance (NV), Chantai Villenueve (CV), Alan Whited (AW), Eric Williams (EW), Jim Williams (JW), Sonya Wood-Mahler (SW), Barbara Woerner (BWo), Brian Wulker (BWu), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY), Aviva Yasgur (AY). — 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222 (brainard@mindspring.com) (Palmer- Ball) and P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY, 41005 (Ikmc9@aim.com) (McNeely). THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY SPRING 2011 MEETING 29 April-1 May, Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Glasgow, KY John Brunjes, Recording Secretary The spring 201 1 meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held 29 April-1 May 2011 at Barren River State Resort Park south of Glasgow in Barren County. President Scott Marsh called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm CDT Friday evening, welcoming members and guests. Vice-President Carol Besse introduced the evening’s program on the proposed Sandhill Crane hunting season and introduced the speakers, Ben Yandell repre¬ senting the Kentucky Coalition for Sandhill Cranes, and John Brunjes representing the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Ben and John are both members of the K.O.S. Board. John Brunjes led off the evening’s presentations. He provided a program explaining the series of steps a proposed hunting season on a migratory bird has to go through before that season can be implemented. He explained how the Flyway Councils work and why they were formed to work in concert with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service when imple¬ menting regulations on migratory birds. He provided a synopsis of the remaining steps a season on Sandhill Cranes would have to go through before it could be implemented in Kentucky. He explained how members could get involved in the process. Ben Yandell followed with a presentation by the Kentucky Coalition for Sandhill Cranes, a group formed to oppose the establishment of a Sandhill Crane hunting season in Kentucky. He started with background information on Sandhill Cranes and discussed the proposed hunting season. He summarized the points for and against the season, and closed with survey data on the economic impact of various outdoor activities. At the completion of the presentations, Ben and John took questions from the members in attendance. There were numerous questions for the speakers. Members expressed con¬ cerns about the proposed season and asked both speakers pointed questions about the pro¬ posed season. Everyone’s questions were answered, and the meeting went later than nor¬ mal. At the conclusion of the program, Carol Besse thanked the speakers for their presen¬ tations; she then announced details of Saturday’s field trips. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 pm CDT. Attendees continued discussions and socializing over refreshments. Three different Saturday field trips were held on a beautiful spring morning. Heavy spring rains preceding the meeting resulted in well above normal lake levels. The first trip, was a walking trip that focused on areas around the Barren River Lake State Resort Park and was led by Saturday night speaker, Julie Zickefoose. A second field trip visited various spots around Barren River Lake and was led by Linda Craiger and Lee McNeely. The third trip of the morning, led by Brainard Palmer-Ball, went to McElroy Lake and the WKU Farm in southern Warren County. The KOS board meeting convened at 3:00 pm CDT and adjourned at 5:40 pm CDT. The Saturday evening meeting was called to order by President Scott Marsh at 7: 12 pm CDT. Before the evening’s main speaker, Scott introduced Don Pelly who is the naturalist at Shaker Village in Mercer County. Don told the members about work to improve bird 68 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 habitat occurring at Shaker Village. He also told members about a series of upcoming boat trips to see a Great Blue Heron nesting colony on the Kentucky River sponsored by the Village. Blaine Ferrell then compiled the day’s bird checklist; at least 133 species were seen by members in attendance on Saturday. Scott thanked Ben Yandell and John Brunjes for the previous night’s presentation. Scott Marsh then introduced the evening speaker, Julie Zickefoose from Whipple, Ohio. Julie is a well known nature writer and artist. The title of her presentation was The Bird Friendly Backyard: Planting and Planning for Birds and Ourselves. Ms. Zickefoose described the home she and her husband had built in the Appalachian Mountains of Ohio. She told members the story of how they had decided to build a bird observation tower on their home. She relayed the amazing views that they had from the tower and the many great birds they had seen from there. She then told the members about all of the bird friendly plantings she had put in around the home. She told stories of hours of effort to provide habitat for the natural world around her home. She discussed the use of different plant types and the merits of native and non-native plants. She relayed the story of rescuing monarch butterfly caterpillars from a field that was about to be mowed. At the completion of her talk, she answered many questions about plants for birds. Julie also signed copies of her book, , Letters From Eden , and had numerous pieces of her artwork available for the members to view. More information about Julie Zickefoose, including all of her published works, can be | found at her website: http://www.juliezickefoose.com/. At the completion of the Saturday night meeting, Scott Marsh thanked Ms. Zickefoose on behalf of the Society. He then announced that the fall 201 1 meeting would take place 30 September-2 October at Pine Mountain State Resort Park. He also announced Sunday morning’s field trips, led by Pat and Jane Bell to the Mammoth Cave National Park, and a return to McElroy Lake led by Brainard Palmer-Ball. Scott closed the meeting at 8:38 pm CDT so that everyone might socialize over refreshments. Attendance at the Spring 2010 K.O.S. Meeting Tom Durbin, Blaine Ferrell Lee McNeely Virginia & Wendell Kingsolver Granville Cox Ed Groneman John Brunjes, Shawchyi Vorisek Linda Craiger, Sandra Moss Don & Phyllis Pelly Terry Anderson Rhonda Bryant, Scott Marsh, Joe Swanson Mary Bill Bauer, Carol Besse, Eddie Huber, Jessica Moss, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Ben & Mary Yandell, Herb Zimmerman Fred, Joanna, & Katie Busroe Janet & Steve Kistler Kandy Carstens, Hap Chambers, Melissa Easley, Kathy Cohen Terri Estes Win Ahrens, Carol & Paul McAllister Brenda & Pete Thompson Mark Bennett Roseanna Denton Tom Becker, Colleen Craven-Becker Larry Peavler Julie Zickefoose Bowling Green Burlington Carlisle Danville Erlanger Frankfort Glasgow Harrodsburg Lawrenceburg Lexington Louisville Morehead Munfordville Murray Owenton Prospect Richmond Russellville Science Hill Floyd Knobs, IN Indianapolis, IN Whipple, OH 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 69 Birds Observed at the Spring 2011 K.O.S. Meeting The following bird species were observed in the vicinity of Barren River Lake, Allen/ Barren counties, with additional species seen in the vicinity of Woodburn in southern Warren County (W) and at Mammoth Cave National Park (M). Additional species noted on Sunday morning are noted with (S). Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Gadwall (W), Mallard, Blue-winged Teal (W), Northern Shoveler (W), Redhead, Ring-necked Duck (W), Lesser Scaup, White-winged Scoter (W-S), Bufflehead (W), Ruddy Duck (W), Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, American Coot (W), Semipalmated Plover (W), Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs (W), Lesser Yellowlegs (W), Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Upland Sandpiper (W-S), Semipalmated Sandpiper (M), Western Sandpiper (W-S), Least Sandpiper (M), Pectoral Sandpiper (W-S), Dulin (W), Short-billed Dowitcher (W-S), Long-billed Dowitcher (W-S), Wilson’s Phalarope (W), Ring-billed Gull (W-S), Caspian Tern (S), Forster’s Tern, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Barred Owl (S), Chuck-will’s-widow, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Horned Lark, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Bank Swallow (W), Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Gray-cheeked Thrush (S), Swainson’s Thrush, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Blue-winged Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Magnolia Warbler (S), Cape May Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow- throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Palm Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Cerulean Warbler (M-S), Black-and-white Warbler (M-S), American Redstart, Worm¬ eating Warbler, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler (M-S), Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Lark Sparrow (W), Savannah Sparrow (W), Grasshopper Sparrow (W), Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow (W-S), White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Dickcissel (W), Bobolink (W), Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch, and House Sparrow. The total species reported during weekend was 148. BOOK REVIEW The Crossley ID Guide Will Help You Become a Better Birder Birder and photographer Richard Crossley set out to revolutionize birding guides with his new book The Crossley ID Guide. When you pick up the guide, you’ll see immediately that it is quite different from most field guides. In this review, rather than attempt to compare and measure it against the dozens of other field guides available, I will measure it against the author’s stated goals for his book, which are to create a guide that is visually striking, educational, innovative, entertaining, and comprehensive. The Crossley ID Guide is certainly visually striking. Crossley chose a large format over a pocket-sized guide to allow him to use multiple images of each species on a single 70 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 page. Many bird guides with photographs have been criticized for using an individual image to represent an entire species. Crossley overcomes this limitation by including up to a dozen different photographs showing each species in a variety of plumages, at different ages, and in different poses. Birds are shown in lifelike scenes with depth of field and in the habitat in which you are likely to find them. As every experienced birder knows and most novices don’t realize, the vast majority of birds aren’t all that easy to get a good look at. They are either far away, or they’re moving quickly, or they’re obscured by thick foliage, or they’re spooked by your presence. The fact is most birds just don't sit still long enough to get a good look! That’s why Richard Crossley created his guide using a method he calls “reality birding.” The Crossley ID Guide shows birds closer to the way we actually see them - small, fast-moving, often at a distance, behind leaves or flying away from you. Each page of the book offers a full color plate with multiple photographs of a species in various | plumages and poses, in flight, on the ground, in the water or in a tree, indicating how and where the bird is likely to be seen. Like most guides, it shows each bird up close, but unlike most guides, it also shows the bird at medium and far away distances. There are many images of birds in flight because that’s the way we see a lot of birds. Habitat is an important clue in identification and it is often underemphasized in field guides. Seeing birds in their proper context is a huge help in identifying similar looking species. A good example in this book is the House Wren and Winter Wren, which The Crossley ID Guide places on opposite pages for ease of comparison. The House Wren is shown with a suburban yard as the background whereas the Winter Wren, a very similar appearing bird, is shown low in a forest setting. This is one of the ways the guide fulfills its goal of being educational. Placing birds in appropriate habitats will help beginning and intermediate birders recognize the birds they see because it approximates what they are seeing in the field. Picking up on these visual cues help you become a better birder without even realizing it. The Crossley ID Guide is innovative in several ways. Not only is it the first guide to use extra large life-like scenes, it groups birds in easy to understand categories and displays similar species together for easy comparison rather than placing them in strict taxonomic order. The juxtaposition of species is another visual aide that makes the guide not only | helpful but easy to use. For example showing the Black-and-white Warbler on the page opposite the Blackpoll Warbler rather than placing them in taxonomic order immediately helps the novice distinguish these two somewhat similar-looking warblers. Scarce and localized species are given half-page plates while rare birds warrant only a quarter page, another subtle indicator of what you’re more likely to see. While many guides show birds in both breeding and non-breeding plumages, Crossley often adds examples of birds in tran¬ sition as well. While most field guides are used primarily as reference tools. The Crossley ID Guide is one you might enjoy actually reading cover to cover. Each entry includes a small amount of text giving a description of the species and pointers on how to identify it as well as a distribution map. It’s actually quite well-written and entertaining. For example, here’s his description of the Ovenbird: Arguably no other bird has a much character as this punk rocker. Moving with exaggerated steps, the cocked tail is flicked upward while the head goes backward and forward as though the bird is tiptoeing through the forest. Explosive song often surrounds you. but bird is nowhere to be seen. Lastly, The Crossley ID Guide seeks to be comprehensive and it is. In the guide to Eastern Birds, Crossley uses 10,000 photographic images to illustrate the 660 species covered. In describing his book, Crossley says, “Just as in real life, the harder you look, the more you will see.” It takes years of experience in the field to become adept at identifying birds, and the number one goal of any field guide is to help you become a better birder. The Crossley ID Guide will do just that and perhaps more quickly than most other guides. It’s 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 71 highly recommended for beginning and intermediate birders, but it also offers plenty of information and facts of interest to the accomplished birder. The Crossley ID Guide, Eastern Bird, By Richard Crossley, Copyright 201 1. Princeton University Press $35.00 — Carol Besse (Carmichael’s Book Store, 2720 Frankfort, Ave., Louisville. KY. 40206). 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 with monetary awards of up to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, please visit the K.O.S. web site (http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm) or contact either Shawchyi Vorisek. Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources. #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov) or Dr. Blaine Ferrell. Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean’s Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green. KY. 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 Scott Marsh by mail at 4401 Athens-Boonesboro Road. Lexing¬ ton, KY, 40509. or by email at (scott.marsh@insightbb.com). 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. The Kentucky Warbler now available in digital format This journal is now available in digital PDF format. If you would like to have your issues of The Kentucky Warbler emailed to you in PDF format instead of receiving them in hard copy format, contact the Society Corresponding Secretary. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., at brainard@mindspring.com. 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.biologv.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm. 72 THF. KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87: Red-tailed (Harlan's) Hawk. Hopkins 30 January 201 1 Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. Ring-billed Gull x Laughing Gull. Kentuc 26 February 201 1 Eddie Huber — — i. ? L 2 Varied Thrush, Marshall 23 February 2011 Larrv Heavrin Iceland Gull x Thayer s Gull?, Campb 15 February 201 1 Laura Keene ,c m The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) AUGUST 2011 IN THIS ISSUE KENTUCKY’S MIDWINTER BALD EAGLE SURVEY, 50 YEARS LATER. Kate Heyden and Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr . 75 SPRING SEASON 2011. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 81 BOOK REVIEW. Hawks at a Distance: Identification of Migrant Raptors . 98 NEWS AND VIEWS . 99 74 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Scott Marsh, Lexington Vice-President . Carol Besse. Louisville Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY 40222-3913 Treasurer . .7. . .7.77777. . Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY 41005 Recording Secretary Councillors: Don Martin. Independence ... Shawchyi Vorisek. Frankfort. Mark Bennett. Russellville .... Mary Yandell. Louisville . CD CXJ LO cc 'Si" John Brunjes. Frankfort Q. T'J' O .2009-201 1 .2009-201 1 .2010-2012 .2010-2012 Hap Chambers. Murray . ir . UTi . .L...,l . 201 1-2013 Roseanna Denton. Science Hill...i... c “3 II Lr, g * *’ * S TT03 OTOZ 600Z 8003 £003 9003 S003 17003 £003 3003 1003 0003 666T 8661 £661 9661 S66T fr66I £661 3661 T66T 066T 686T 8861 £861 9861 S86T fr86T £861 386T T86T 0861 6£6T 8£6T ££6T 9£6T S£6T fr£6T ££6I 3£6T T£6T 0£6T 696T 896T £961 996T S96T t?96T £961 396T T96T oooooooooo i/ioi/iowoinoi/7 I ig. 1 Total number of Bald Eagles recorded during winter eagle surveys, 1961-2011. The number of survey routes completed is shown 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 79 MES results should be interpreted with caution due to some biases and problems inher¬ ent to a large-scale, long-term monitoring program. Although coordinators and cooperators have strived for consistent data collection, survey effort (number of routes), survey routes, survey technique and observers have gradually changed over the years. These changes may introduce some bias or variation in counts, though they likely do not overshadow the overall trend shown by the data. Data compilation methods have also changed to promote more consistency in year-to-year data collection. Prior to 2008, “additional observations” during the survey window of eagles away from survey routes (usually totaling less than 5) were also included in counts. Due to high numbers of wintering eagles in recent years and the variation of these data, only standardized survey route data are now included in totals. The MES has no doubt evolved over the years due to funding availability and the need to improve survey methods. Nevertheless, we assume that winter counts are a reasonable index to eagle abundance at the areas surveyed. The 2011 Survey in Kentucky The 2011 MES survey was conducted from 29 December 2010 to 12 January 2011. The Kentucky survey was completed through the efforts of 50 participants representing several state and federal agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations and many volunteers. A total of 192 Bald Eagles were tallied on 16 national and four state routes (Table 2). This total is only about one-half of the number of eagles tallied during the 2010 survey. Weather conditions in early 2011 across the Great Lakes region and in Kentucky likely led to a lower count of wintering eagles in the Commonwealth in comparison to counts in recent years. Many participants recorded mild weather conditions during the sur¬ vey with less ice than normal in 201 1. Counts are conducted at larger water bodies which generally have greater congregations of eagles during winters with periods of extreme cold when smaller water bodies freeze over. However, if smaller water bodies in Kentucky and further north are not frozen, eagles may not need to move as far south or congregate at larger lakes and rivers since there are many places where food is available. This may have resulted in some lower counts for some of Kentucky’s larger lakes and rivers. For example, the eagle count at Land Between the Lakes (37) was lower than it has been in the last decade, and this route usually accounts for a large portion of the statewide tally. Six selected routes were revised in 2011 to better avoid possible double-counting in the future. Overlapping portions of these routes which were conducted by different coop¬ erators were eliminated before the 201 1 survey in order to provide five years of consistent survey data before the next national analysis. Acknowledgements Kentucky’s winter eagle surveys could not have been conducted without the contri¬ butions of numerous state and federal agencies, several non-governmental organizations, and many volunteers. The following individuals have assisted in the coordination of the state’s winter eagle surveys and compilation of survey results: Theresa Anderson ( 1 994— 1995); Lynda Andrews (1986-1989), Laura Burford (1995-2007), Mark Cramer (1987), James Durell (1980-1997), Kate Heyden (2008-2011), Anne Stamm (1961-1985), Shawchyi Vorisek (2005-2007), and David Yancy (1988-1994). Literature Cited Grubb, T. 2003. Wintering Bald Eagle Trends and Northern Arizona, 1975-2000. The Southwestern Naturalist 48:223-230. Heyden, K. 201 1 . 201 1 Bald Eagle Nesting Activity in Kentucky. Unpubl. report. Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resource, Frankfort, KY. 12 pp. 80 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Table 2. Kentucky Midwinter Eagle Survey Summary, 2011. Totals by route represent the number of eagles recorded during the official survey period (December 29, 2010 - January 12, 2011) with probable double counts excluded. AD = Adult, IMM = Immature, UNK = Unknown Age. National Survey Routes Number of Bald Eagles AD IMM UNK TOTAL Ballard WMA 3 29 1 33 Barren River Lake 5 0 0 5 Bernheim Forest 1 1 0 2 Cave Run Lake** 2 1 0 3 Dale Hollow Lake (KY) 1 1 12 0 23 Green River Lake 4 2 0 6 Land Between the Lakes 27 10 0 37 Lake Cumberland** 8 3 2 13 Laurel River Lake 6 1 0 7 Mississippi River** 19 3 0 22 Ohio: Wickliffe-Carrsville 11 3 0 14 Ohio: Carrsville-Henderson 4 2 0 6 Ohio: Henderson-Brandenburg** 1 i 0 2 Ohio: Brandenburg-Louisville 0 0 0 0 Reelfoot Lake NWR (KY)** 2 2 0 4 Taylorsville Lake 5 3 0 8 TOTAL - National Routes 109 73 3 185 State Survey Routes AD IMM UNK TOTAL Ohio: Covington to Ashland 3 0 0 3 Rough River Lake 4 0 0 4 Grayson Lake** 0 0 0 0 Ohio: Louisville to Covington 0 0 0 0 TOTAL - State Routes 7 0 0 7 AD IMM UNK TOTAL TOTAL -All routes 2011 116 73 3 192 ** Route was revised before 201 1 survey to avoid double-counting Stamm, A. 1962. Additional data on the Bald Eagle winter counts, 1961-1962. The Ken¬ tucky Warbler 38:44-45. Stamm, A., and J. Durell. 1980. The 1980 Bald Eagle count in Kentucky. The Kentucky Warbler 56:55-58. Wilson, G., and A. Stamm. 1961. Help requested in investigation of the Bald Eagle. The Kentucky Warbler 37:3. Yancy, D., J. Durell, and L. Andrews. 1989. Bald Eagle count for 1989 in Kentucky. The Kentucky Warbler 65:72-73. — Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (kathryn.heyden@ky.gov) (Heyden) and c/o Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601 (brainard@mindspring.com) (Palmer-Ball). 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 81 SPRING SEASON 2011 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNecly Weather conditions during the spring 2011 were overall wanner and wetter than normal. March began only slightly warmer than normal across most of the state, but April was quite a bit warmer than normal statewide with 90°F. reached at Louisville 10 April. May temperatures varied from normal to slightly above normal statewide. The real story of the spring season, however, was the rainfall. March began near normal across the state, but precipitation was well above normal during April, when Louisville (14 in [35.6 cm]), Lexington (12.7 in [32.3 cm]) and Paducah (15.9 in [40.4 cm]) all established new record rainfall totals for the month. During May, precipitation returned to near normal across south-central Kentucky, but remained higher than normal across the remainder of the state including at Paducah, where about two times the normal rainfall was recorded. Excessive rainfall also occurred across much of the remainder of the eastern and central United States during April, resulting in unprecedented Hooding along the state’s major river floodplains; consequently, reservoir levels were also exceptionally high from late April to the end of May. Reports of rarities included a Hock of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, Pacific Loon, White-faced Ibis (two reports). Yellow Rail, Marbled Godwit (two reports). Buff-breasted Sandpipers, and a state-first Gray Kingbird. Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these reports have been accepted for inclusion in the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Reports of out-of-season birds and rarities should be accompanied by written and/or photographic documentation. This documentation is reviewed by 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”; “ba.” next to an observer’s initials indicates that the bird was banded; “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; “°” next to an obsever’s initials indicates that no details were submitted for a report requiring KBRC review; ad(s). = adults(s); imm(s). = immature(s); juv(s). = juvenile(s); yg. = young. Place names: Anchorage Trail, e. Jefferson', Barkley Dam. Livingston! Lyon; Barren = Barren River Lake, Allen/ Barren', Berea, Madison', Berea Forest = Berea College Forest, Madison', Bernheim Forest = Bernheim Forest Arboretum and Research Forest, Bullitt (unless otherwise notes); Blood River = Blood River embay ment, Ky Lake, Calloway, Buttonsberry = Cypress Creek bottoms at KY 85 just w. of Buttonsberry, McLean', Camp #1 1 = former Camp #1 1 Mine, Union', Cave Run Lake, Bath/ Rowan', Chaney Lake, s. Warren; Cherokee Park, Louisville, Jefferson; Clarks River = Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, Marshall; DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Douglass Hills, e. Jefferson; Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson; Jefferson Memorial Forest. Jefferson; KY 739 = transient pond along KY 739, sw. Logan; Ky Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall; Kuttawa = Lake Barkley near Kuttawa, Lyon; Lake Reba, Madison; LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lyon/Trigg; LBL Nature Station. Lyon/Trigg; Long Point = Long Point Unit Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, Fulton; Lower Hickman Bottoms, w. Fulton; Mammoth Cave = Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson (unless otherwise noted); McElroy Lake, s. Warren; Melco = Melco Hood retention basin, Jefferson; Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, I; Morgan Pond, s. Christian; Owsley Fork Lake. Madison; Rumsev. McLean; Sacramento. McLean; Sauer- heber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson; Sinclair = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg; Sonora. Hardin; SNP = State Nature Preserve; SP = State Park; SRP = State Resort Park; Surrey Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson; Vandetta. ne. Hopkins; Waitsboro = 82 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Lake Cumberland at the Waitsboro Recreation Area, Pulaski; Walton Pond, w. of Wood- burn, s. Warren; WKU Farm = Western Kentucky University Farm, Warren; WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck - 10 were present along Ross Road, sw. of Rumsey 14-16 May (ph. MG, JG, et al.). KBRC review required. Ross’s Goose - there were four reports: 2 at McElroy Lake 2-6 March (DR); 3 along Pleasant Run at Hall’s Store Road, Logan , 8-9 March (ph. DTy); 1 at Petros Pond, Warren, 2 April (DR); and 1 continuing from winter at Freeman Lake, Hardin , to 4 May (RH, BP, et al.). Mute Swan - there were three reports: 1 likely continuing from winter was present along Ironworks Pike, Fayette, 5 March (SM); 3 at Lake Reba 3-28 March (TBo, ANn et al.); and 2 continuing from winter were last seen at the Reformatory Lake, Oldham, 7 April (MCa). Tundra Swan - there were two reports: an imm. at McElroy Lake 3-12 March and then at Petros Pond, Warren, 12-18 March (DR); and 2 lingering at Sauerheber to 9 April (CC). Wood Duck - a female, likely a victim of egg dumping, was seen with 22 small yg. at Woolper Creek, Boone, 7 May (LM). Gadwall - 3 at McElroy Lake 29 April (BP, EHu, CBs) with 1 last seen there 30 April (BP, KOS); and 3 along KY 138 w. of Rumsey 15 May (BP, EHu) were the lat¬ est to be reported. American Wigeon - 2 at Sauerheber 14 April (CC) were the latest to be reported. American Black Duck - 1 at Sauerheber 31 March (BP, EHu) was the latest to be re¬ ported. Blue-winged Teal - modest peak counts at various locales included ca. 200 at and near Sauerheber 31 March (BP, EHu); 150-200 at McElroy Lake 5 April (BP, EHu) with 125-150 there 20 April (BP, EHu); 120 at Melco 9 April (MA); 400- 500 in w. Henderson 12 April (BP, EHu); and ca. 30 at KY 739 on 23 April (MBt). A few lingered on transient ponds in Christian, Hardin, and Warren into mid- May but no evidence of nesting was de¬ tected by the end of the month (m. ob.). Other late reports included a pair at Minor Clark 4 May (BWu); 1 at KY 739 on 20 May (FL); 1 at Melco to 22 May (EHu); a few in flooded areas w. of Rumsey 20 May (BP, EHu, MM) with 15-20 along Cypress Creek s. of McElwain Road, Mc¬ Lean, a pair at Buttonsberry, and 3 along Cypress Creek e. of Sacramento, all 24 May (BP, EHu); and a male still at Sauer¬ heber 30 May (CC). Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler - a male with characters indicating it was a hybrid between these two species was i present at Chaney Lake 5 April (|BP, EHu). Northern Shoveler - relatively modest peak counts included ca. 200 at and near Sauer¬ heber 31 March (BP, EHu) and at least 200 at McElroy Lake 5 April (BP, EHu) with 320 there 6 April (DR) and ca. 50 still there 29/30 April (BP, KOS). Linger¬ ing birds included 5 at Morgan Pond 16 May (EHu, BP); 1 along Pond Drain ne. of Poplar Grove, McLean, and 3 along KY 281 ne. of Vandetta, all 20 May (BP, EHu, MM); 3 along KY 81 s. of Rumsey and 4 along KY 281 ne. of Vandetta 23 May (BP, EHu); and 4 last seen along Cypress Creek s. of McElwain Road, Mc¬ Lean, 24 May (BP, EHu). Green-winged Teal - 60 in w. Henderson 22 March (CC) and at least 50 in w. Hen¬ derson 12 April (BP, EHu) represented modest peak counts for the season. Two lingered at McElroy Lake to 24 April (BP, EHu). Canvasback - a female at Camp #11 on 31 March (BP, EHu) was the latest to be re¬ ported. Redhead - peak counts for various locales included ca. 140 on Barren 8 March (DR); ca. 300 on McElroy Lake 12 March (DR); ■ 20 at Melco 18 March (BP); 39 at Waits¬ boro 16 March (RDn); and 4 on Chaney Lake 5 April (BP, EHu). One on Cooley’s 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 83 Pond, Wayne, 26 April (RDn); a pair on Barren 29 April (BP, EHu); and I on Mc- Elroy Lake 3 May (TD) were the latest to be reported. Ring-necked Duck - lingering birds in¬ cluded a male at Minor Clark 4 May (BWu); 1 still at Kuttawa 16 May (EHu, BP); and a pair at KY 739 from 20 May into June (FL et al.). Greater Scaup - reports of interest included 7 at Melco 15 March (EHu); 12 at Waits- boro 8 April (RDn); 2 on a slough along KY 268, w. Henderson, 12 April (EHu, BP); small numbers at McElroy Lake dur¬ ing March and early April (m. ob.) with 4 there 16 April (BP, EHu) and at least 2 still there 24 April (BP, EHu). Lesser Scaup - modest peak counts includ¬ ed 220 on Cave Run Lake above the dam, Bath/Rowan, 13 March (DP); ca. 200 on Barren 26 March (DR); and ca. 150 on McElroy Lake 28 March (BP, EHu). Lin¬ gering birds included a female at Minor Clark 4 May (BWu); 4 still at Kuttawa 16 May (EHu, BP); and 1 on McElroy Lake 24 May (TD). Surf Scoter - an ad. male on the Ohio River below the Falls of the Ohio 12 March (T&CBe) was the only one reported. White-winged Scoter - there were five re¬ ports: 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville 14-15 March (EHu); 8 on Ky Lake, Lyon, 29 March (HC, DR); 2 on Lake Barkley above the dam and 1 on Ky Lake at Sher¬ wood Shores, Marshall, both 1 April (BP, EHu); and 2 on McElroy Lake 1 May (TD, BP, KOS) that represented a new late departure date for the state. Long-tailed Duck - 1 on the Ohio River at Brent, Campbell, 28 March (FR) was the only one reported. Bufflehead - reports of interest included 26 on the Ohio River at Louisville 20 March (T&CBe); 9 at Minor Clark 16 April (DL, ASK) with a female there to 4 May (BWu); and 1 on Chaney Lake 20 April • (BP, EHu) with perhaps the same bird on McElroy Lake to 29 April (BP, EHu). Common Goldeneye - 1 on Lake Barkley above the dam 4 May (HC, RDv, BD) and 3 on Ky Lake above the dam 5 May (BP, EHu, JD, MM) with 2 still there 6 May (BP et al.) and 16 May (BP, EHu) were the latest to be reported. Hooded Merganser - a female with a brood of yg. at the Long Creek Refuge, LBL, Trigg, 5 May (BLi) represented a first confirmed breeding record for LBL and the county. Red-breasted Merganser - reports of inter¬ est included 37 on Cave Run Lake 18 March (BWu); 22 at Waitsboro 24 March (RDn); 1 1 on Lake Reba 25 March (MBu); 8 at Minor Clark 20/29 April (BWu) with 2 still there 4 May (BWu) and 1 still there 8 May (DL, BLa); and 4 on McElroy Lake 22 April (TD). Ruddy Duck - 217 counted on Lake Bark¬ ley above the dam I April (BP, EHu) represented a modest peak count for the season. Tardy birds included a female along White Hall Road, Madison, 4 May (ANn); a male on Lake Reba to 15 May (ANn); 1 on Morgan Pond 16 May (EHu, BP); and 3 on McElroy Lake 24 May (TD). Pacific Loon - 1 was observed on Vickers Bay, Ky Lake, Lyon, 2 April (fHC, ANy, TT). KBRC review required. Common Loon - at least 100 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 1 April (BP, EHu) represented the peak count for the season; other re¬ ports of interest included 8 on McElroy Lake 4 April (DR) with 2 there 24/25 April (TD et al.) and singles there 3/1 1 May (TD); 4 on Ky Lake above the dam 5 May (BP, EHu, JD, MM); 1 on Ky Lake, Calloway, 14 May (S&BHr fide HC); 1 on Flemingsburg Lake, Fleming, 15 May (ph. KS); 2 on McElroy Lake 24 May (TD); 1 at Sinclair 24 May (ETn); and 1 at Peters¬ burg, Boone, that lingered to 29 May (LM). Pied-billed Grebe - lingering and poten¬ tially breeding birds included a few birds on transient ponds in w. Hardin 4 May (BP et al.); 2 at KY 739 to 5 May (MBt); 1 in a flooded field near Hundred Acre Pond, Hart, 14 May (SK, JK, et ah); a few on flooded areas in n. McLean 15 May 84 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 (BP, EHu); 3 on Morgan Pond 16 May (BP, EHu); and 1 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 31 May (HC). Horned Grebe - reports of interest included 7 at the State Game Farm, Franklin , 10 March (GS) and 1 on Lake Reba 24 April (ANn). Red-necked Grebe — there were two re¬ ports: the bird on Lake Reba continued to 13 April (ANn et al.) and 1 was observed on Lake Cumberland from Rowena Road and above the dam, Russell , 12 March (ph. RDn). K.BRC review required. Eared Grebe - 3 were on McElroy Lake 24-25 April (DR, TD, tBP, EHu). Double-crested Cormorant - at least 1000 were in the vicinity of Barkley Dam 1 April (BP, EHu); other reports of interest included 75-100 at Lake Reba 13 April (BP, EHu, ANn) with 2 still there 22 May (ANn); 40 at McElroy Lake 25 April (TD, DR); 4 at Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln, 20 May (ANn); and a few seen at scattered locales in n. McLean and ne. Hopkins 20/23-24 May (BP, EHu, MM). American White Pelican - there was an unprecedented number of birds e. of their normal haunts with all reports included: a flock of ca. 300 flying n. at Earlington, Hopkins, 9 March (ER) were well e. for that many; at least 35 over Highland Church Road se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 10 March (fMBy et al.); 7 on the Ohio River opposite Chilo, OH, Bracken, 13 March (SC); at least 20 over Warren 14 March (DR); 15 on the Ohio River at Louisville 21/22 March (MPv/ph. KB); 80 on McEl¬ roy Lake 26 March (DR, TD) with 4 there 9 April (MBy et al.) and 1 there 23 April (TD, ph. CS1, DR). In w. Kentucky, ca. 400 were around Ky Dam and 200 were below Barkley Dam, both 15 March (HC et al.) with 50-75 still below Ky Dam 5-6 May (BP. EHu, MM, .ID) and ca. 30 still there 16 May (BP, EHu) with at least 8 still at Barkley Dam 16 May (BP, EHu). American Bittern there were live reports: 1 at the end of Figett Bend Road, Hart, \ April (JSo); 1 at the Cape Hills Unit, Sloughs WMA, Henderson, 7 April (CC); 1 at a pond near the LBL Nature Station, Trigg, 9 April (DW fide JPo); 1 off Nat¬ ional Turnpike, Jefferson, 9/10 April (MA/MA, DSe); and 1 at Clear Creek WMA, Hopkins, 20 April (EHa). Least Bittern - 1 at Sauerheber 12 April (BP, EHu) was early; also reported were 4 at Clear Creek WMA, Hopkins, 20 April (EHa); 2 at Sinclair 21 April with 1 there 18 May (EHa); 1 at Melco 23 April (EHu); 1 heard e. of Drakesboro, Muhlen¬ berg, 4 May (BP, EHu, JD, MM); and 1 at South Shore WMA, Greenup, 9 May (SF). Great Blue Heron - a single nest was lo¬ cated at Fishtrap Lake, Pike, 31 March (SF); a new nesting colony of ca. 23 nests was observed along the Licking River near Visalia, Kenton, 17 April (LM, SR). Great Egret - 1 off Duncannon Road, Mad¬ ison, 26 March (ANn) was early for the n.-cen. part of the state; at least 30 were already present in the heronry at Kuttawa by 1 April (BP, EHu); other reports of interst included 4 on transient ponds in w. Hardin 4 May (BP, EHu, JD, MM); at least 30 below Barkley Dam along US 62, j Lyon, 16 May (BP, EHu); ca. 20 in flood¬ ed areas between Rumsey and Sacramento 23-24 May (BP, EHu); and 243 counted in , the Lower Hickman Bottoms 31 May (HC). Snowy Egret - reports of interest included 1 at Sauerheber 14 April (ph. CC); 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 20 April (RDn); 1 near Woodburn, Warren, 2 May (TD); 28 be¬ low Barkley Dam along US 62, Lyon, 16 May (BP, EHu); 4 in flooded areas be¬ tween Rumsey and Sacramento 24 May (BP, EHu); 1 over Sauerheber 30 May (CC); and 21 in the Lower Hickman Bot¬ toms 3 1 May (HC). Little Blue Heron - 1 was seen at the her¬ onry at Kuttawa 1 April (BP, EHu); re¬ ports of interest included 1 at Chaney Lake 5 April (EHu, BP); 1 at Pumphouse l - Pond, Pulaski, 20 April (RDn); 1 e. of , Flaherty, Meade, 23 April (RPa); up to 13 at the Long Creek Refuge, LBL, Trigg, 3 ft May (BLi); 1 on the slough adjacent to Audubon SP, Henderson, 16 May (KM); 2011 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 85 at least 55 in flooded areas between Rum- sey and Sacramento 23-24 May (BP, EHu); 2 at Chaney Lake 24 May (TD); 2 over Sauerheber 30 May (CC); and 86 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 31 May (HC). Cattle Egret - at least 1 was seen at the her¬ onry at Kuttawa 1 April (BP, EHu); re¬ ports of interest included 6 e. of Flaherty, Meade , 23 April (RPa); 5 at Sinclair 21 April (EHa); 2 at the WK.U Farm 24 April (BP, EHu); 1 at Petersburg, Boone, 24 April (LM); 1 at Henderson, Henderson, 28 April (CC); 1 at McElroy Lake 3/13/26 May (TD/TD/TD, DR); 1 w. of Cecilia, Hardin, 4 May (BP et ah); “a few” outside of Owensboro, Daviess, during the first week of May (MPk); a few flocks totaling 44 birds along the margins of flooded areas between Rumsey and Vandetta 15 May (BP, EHu) with at least 75 in the same area 20 May (BP, EHu, MM) and 150+ in the same area 23-24 May (BP, EHu). Black-crowned Night-Heron - reports of interest included 2 at the mouth of the Lit¬ tle Sandy River, Greenup , 23 March (RS); 2 e. of Drakesboro, Muhlenberg, 5 May (BP et ah); and 1 along Cypress Creek e. of Sacramento 24 May (EHu, BP). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - 6 includ¬ ing 2 pairs nest building were seen at the Jenny Hole/Highland Creek Unit, Sloughs WMA, Union, 13 April (ph. CC); at least 12 were noted in flooded backwaters of Cypress Creek, Marshall, 5 May (BP, EHu, JD, MM); none attempted to nest along Woodbine Road, Lexington, again this year; an active nest was located off Tates Creek Pike, Lexington, in early May but was later found abandoned (JW). White-faced Ibis - there were two reports: 2 just w. of Sauerheber 17 May (fJMr), and 1 at McElroy Lake 26-27 May (|TD, DR). KBRC review required. Black Vulture - ca. 120 at Wolf Creek Dam, Russell, 12 March (RDn) was a relatively large group for early spring. Osprey - 1 at the US 68 bridge over Lake Barkley, Trigg, 2 March (BLi), 1 at Hon¬ ker Lake, LBL, Lyon, 3 March (AMe, BG, fide JPo), 2 at Ky Dam 8 March (HC, AY, et ah), 1 at Cave Run Lake 13 March (DP), and 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 20 March (T&CBe) were the earliest to be reported; 3 including a possible pair were seen along Cypress Creek s. of Rumsey 20 May (MM, EHu, BP) with 1 seen in the same vicinity 23 May (BP, EHu). A pair was again nesting at Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln, 20 May (ANn). A pair was seen nest building on the se. side of Lex¬ ington, 22 April (DSv) but they aban¬ doned attempts again this year (like last year) and apparently moved on. Mississippi Kite - 1 in w. Fulton 28 April (F1C) was the earliest to be reported; there were four reports of vagrant birds away from known nesting areas: 1 at Dawson Springs, Hopkins, 21 May (ER); 1 at the Brown’s Ford Boat Ramp, Barren, Allen, 7 May (fJBy); 5 along Pinchgut Creek, 0.5 mi n. of KY 1333, Allen, 25 May (fJBy, tDB) with 1-3 lingering there to 30 May (JBy, MBy, et ah); and an ad. at the Flat Rock Church off US 27, Mc¬ Creary, 30 May (RDn). Bald Eagle - 6 different individuals seen at McElroy Lake during the day 6 April (DR) was noteworthy; newly discovered nests for 2011 included one at Mammoth Cave (BLe) and 3 along the Ohio River, McCracken (KH). 86 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Northern Harrier - singles at East Bend Power Plant, Boone , 8 May (LM) and se. of Mt. Zion, Allen , 10 May (MBy) were tardy; a female-type seen over Cypress Creek nw. of Buttonsberry, McLean , 24 May (BP, EHu) may have been near a nesting area. Broad-winged Hawk - 1 in LBL, Lyon, 23 March (AY) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted; 2, likely tardy migrants, were seen over Pond Drain, McLean, 20 May (MM, EHu, BP). Golden Eagle - an imm. was seen over Barren River Lake dam. Barren, 1 April (DR). Merlin - there were nine reports: 1 at McEl- roy Lake 3/5 March (DR); 1 at E.P. Saw¬ yer Park, Jefferson, 23 March (CBo, BBC); 1 along Zibb Lane, Louisville, 2 April (MA, DSe); 1 at the Reformatory Lake, Oldham, 5 April (MCa); 1 along Duncannon Road, Madison, 6 April (ANn); 1 along Trammel Creek at the end of Stone Road, Allen, 13 April (JBy); 1 at Minor Clark, 16 April (DL, ASK); and 1 at McElroy Lake 25 April (TD, DR). Peregrine Falcon - there were nine reports of birds away from traditional breeding territories: 1 along KY 88 e. of Cub Run, Hart, 4 March (SK); 1 along White Hall Road, Madison, 23 March (ANn); 1 at Lees Ford Marina, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski, 31 March (RDn, GH, AMo); 1 at McElroy Lake 16 April (BP, EHu, TD); 1 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 19 April (HC, ME); singles at McElroy Lake 26 April & 1 May (TD); 1 along the Barren River at Celsor Road Ford, Allen, 17 May (MBy, JBy); and 1 at Buttonsberry 24 May (BP, EHu, JBa). Yellow Rail - 1 was present at Surrey Hills Farm 29 March (ph. BP et al.). KBRC re¬ view required. Virginia Rail - there were only three re¬ ports: 1 at Sauerheber 12 April (BP); 1 at Melco 24-26 April (MA, EHu, BP); and 2 heard e. of Drakesboro, Muhlenberg, 4 May (BP, EHu, JD, MM). Sora - reports of interest included at least 35 at Sauerheber 12 April (BP, EHu, CC); 4 at Clear Creek WMA, Hopkins, 20 April (EHa); 7 at Sinclair 21 April (EHa); 1 at Melco 24-26 April (MA, EHu, BP); 1 ne. of Farristown, Madison, 28 April (ANn); at least 4-5 e. of Drakesboro, Muhlenberg, 4 May (BP, EFlu, JD, MM); 1 at Minor Clark 8 May (DL, BLa); and 2 at White City WMA, Hopkins, 19 May (EHa). Common Gallinule - 1 at Buttonsberry 24 May (BP, EHu) was the only one repor¬ ted. American Coot - peak counts at various locales included probably in excess of 2000 at McElroy Lake 24 March (TD); 320 on Lake Cumberland above Wolf Creek Dam, Russell, 5 April (RDn); ca. 4000 at Hardy Slough, Sauerheber, 7 April (DR); and 225 at Lake Reba 8 April (ANn). Lingering birds included ca. 30 at KY 739 on 14 May (MBt) with “many” l still there 20 May (FL); at least 50 along KY 138 w. of Rumsey 15 May (BP, EHu); ca. 40 on Morgan Pond and at least 5 on Swallow Spring Pond, Christian, both 16 May (BP, EFlu); a few scattered in Hooded areas w. of Rumsey 20 May (BP, EHu, MM) with 15-20 along KY 281 j ne. of Vandetta 20 May (BP, EHu, MM); | 1 at Long Point 20 May (HC, ME); 1 at Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln, 20 May (ANn); 3 at Buttonsberry 23-24 May (BP, i EHu, et ah); and 1 at Melco into early June (EHu et ah). Sandhill Crane - a few flocks continued to move n. during the first week or so of March highlighted by flocks of ca. 135 over Windhover Farm, Oldham, 1 1 March (MCa) and ca. 250 over Freeman Lake, Hardin, and 50 over the Falls of the Ohio, both 12 March (T&CBe). One over Mc¬ Elroy Lake 1 April (DR); 1 at Pulaski County Park 7 May (RDn); and 2 at Mc¬ Elroy Lake 1 1 May (TD) were the latest to be reported. Black-bellied Plover - all reports are in¬ cluded: 1 at McElroy Lake 6/1 1 May (BP, JD/TD) with 10 there 14 May (TD); 2 at Melco 12 May (BP, EHu); 1 at KY 739 on 20-26 May (FL); 1-51 at eight locales totaling at least 137 individuals in flood¬ ed bottoms between Rumsey and Van- 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ 87 detta 20 May, the total representing a new one-day state high count, and groups of 51 and 33 being observed along Narge Creek n. of KY 254, Hopkins, and along Pond Drain e. of Patterson Road, McLean, res¬ pectively (BP, EHu, MM); at least 42 at Buttonsberry 23-24 May (BP, EHu, et al.); with 14 & 9 at additional locales in ne. Hopkins 23 May (BP, EHu) and 21 along KY 85 w. of the Pond River, Hop¬ kins, 24 May (BP, EHu, JBa). American Golden-Plover - 2 at McElroy Lake 1 1 March (DR) were the earliest to be reported; impressive numbers built there with 19 on 27 March (DR), at least 135 on 28 March (DR), and especially im¬ pressive tallies of 350 on 30 March (TD) & 2 April (DR) followed by ca. 150 on 5 April (DR) and 80-100 on 6 April (DR) then small numbers (less than 10) on most visits into early May (m. ob.) with 7 on 6 May (BP, EHu, JD, MM) followed only by a tardy bird there 24 May (TD). Re¬ ports of interest from other locales in¬ cluded 8 at Sauerheber 31 March (BP, EHu, CC); 1 at Long Point 20 May (HC, ME) and another tardy bird at Buttons- berry 23-24 May (BP, EHu, JBa). Semipalmated Plover - 1 at Clarks River 10 April (SK, JK), 2 near Open Pond, Fulton, 16 April (BY, MY), and 1 at Mc¬ Elroy Lake 16 April (BP, EHu) were the earliest to be reported; other reports of in¬ terest included 25-30+ at McElroy Lake by 20 April (BP, EHu); at least 100 w. of Sonora 12 May (BP, EHu, RH) with at least 130 there 16 May (BP, EHu); 14 along J.C. Jones Road, Hart, 14 May (SK, JK) with 9 there 29 May (SK, JK); 2 at the Banklick Creek Wetlands, Ft. Wright, Kenton, 22 May (DMa); 3-50 at a dozen locales totaling at least 250 individuals in flooded bottoms between Rumsey and Vandetta 20 May (BP, EHu, MM); at least 1060 in n. McLean including at least 750 at Buttonsberry and 300 along J.I. West Road w. of Pond Drain, McLean, 23 May (BP, EHu); and 1100-1300 in n. McLean including 800-1000 at Buttonsberry, 200 along J.I. West Road w. of Pond Drain, and 100 along McElwain Road w. of KY 81, all 24 May (BP, EHu, et al.) the latter representing a new state one-day high count. Black-necked Stilt - birds were reported in four locales: 1-3 at McElroy Lake 4 April-1 1 May (TD, DR, et al.); 1 1 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 16 April (BY, MY, HC) with 4 there 19 April-20 May (HC, ME, RL) and 6 there 31 May (HC); 2 at Morgan Pond 1 1 May (BWi, SW); and 3 along Cypress Creek e. of Sacra¬ mento 20 May (MM, ph. EHu, ph. BP) that represented a county first, although a few days later, a pair was present at But¬ tonsberry and at least 13 including a few pairs engaged in courtship activity were present along McElwain Road w. of KY 81, McLean, all 24 May (ph. BP, EHu). American Avocet - there were two reports: 9 at McElroy Lake 12 April (TD) and 24 there 23 April (ph. CS1, DR, TD). Spotted Sandpiper - tardy birds (potential¬ ly nesting?) were reported as follows: 2 (likely pair) at the Banklick Creek Wet¬ lands, Ft. Wright, Kenton, 22 May into early June (DMa); a few birds scattered in n. McLean and ne. Hopkins 23-24 May (BP, EHu); 2 at Fort Boonesborough SP, Madison, 26 May (ANn); and 2-3 still at Melco 29 May (BP). Solitary Sandpiper - 1 at Melco 22 March (EHu) and 1 near Dot, Logan, 29 March (FL) were the earliest to be reported. Greater Yellowlegs - ca. 75 in w. Hender¬ son 12 April (BP, EHu) represented a THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 modest peak count for the season; 1 at Buttonsberry 23 May (BP, EHu) was the latest to be reported. Willet - there were 15 reports, all being in¬ cluded: 5 at McElroy Lake 20 April (BP, EHu, TD, DR); 20 at Walton Pond 24 April (BP, EHu); ca. 25 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 24 April (RL); 1 at McElroy Lake and 31 at Chaney Lake, both 25 April (TD, DR); at least 42 at Melco 25 April (EHu, MA); 3 at McElroy Lake and singles at Chaney Lake and at Walton Pond, all 26 April (TD); 2 at Long Point 28 April (HC); 1 at McElroy Lake 2 May (TD); 56 along Chamberlain Lane, ne. Jefferson , 2 May (JBe, PB, BP); 1 at Ky Dam 5 May (BP, JD, HC); 1 along West Old State Road, Allen, 6 May (AB, JBk); and 9 at Ky Dam Village SRP, Mar¬ shall ', 16 May (EHu, BP). Lesser Yellowlegs - 2 along J. Dance Road, Henderson, 1 March (CC) and 1 at McEl¬ roy Lake 8 March (DR) were the earliest to be reported; modest peak counts at var¬ ious locales included ca. 75 in w. Hender¬ son 12 April (BP, EHu); 112 at Long Point 16 April (HC) with 53 there 28 April (HC); at least 50 at KY 739 on 19/ 23 April (MBt, FL/MBt); 24 at Melco 20 April (EHu, BP) with 20-25 there 22 April (EHu, BP); at least 225 at McElroy Lake 20 April (BP, EHu); 49 at a transient pond along KY 664 e. of Schochoh, Logan, 8 May (ST, DTy); ca. 20 at Hays Kennedy Park, Jefferson, 8 May (JBe, PB, et ah); at least 100 w. of Sonora 12 May (BP, EHu, RH) with at least 70 there 16 May (BP, EHu); and at least 50 in n. McLean 24 May (BP, EHu). Upland Sandpiper - there were five re¬ ports: 2 at McElroy Lake 6 April (DR); singles at McElroy Lake 24 April (BP, EHu, TD, DR) and 1 May (DR, BP, KOS); 3 off Duncannon Road, Madison, 26 April (ANn); and 1 along KY 281 ne. of Vandetta 23 May (ph. BP, EHu) that was quite tardy. Marbled Godwit - there were two reports: 3 at McElroy Lake 11 April (EHu, tBP) and 1 at the WKU Farm 16 April (ph. BP, ph. EFlu). KBRC review required. Ruddy Turnstone - there were seven re¬ ports: 4 along J.I West Road w. of Pond Drain, McLean, 15 May (BP, EHu); 4 along KY 281 ne. of Vandetta 20 May (MM, EHu, BP); 6 at Buttonsberry and 8 along KY 254 n. of Elk Creek, Hopkins, 23 May (BP, EHu); 8 at Buttonsberry and 1 1 along KY 85 w. of Pond River, Hop¬ kins, all 24 May (BP, EHu, JBa); and 4 at McElroy Lake 24 May (TD). Sanderling - there were five reports: 8 along Pond Drain ne. of Poplar Grove, McLean, 15 May (BP, ph. EHu); at least 2 along KY 281 ne. of Vandetta 20 May (BP, MM, EHu); at least 3 at Buttonsberry 23 May (BP, EHu); and at least 10 at But¬ tonsberry and 5 along KY 85 w. of Pond River, Hopkins, all 24 May (BP, EHu, JBa). Semipalmated Sandpiper - 1 at McElroy Lake 24 April (BP, EHu, TD) was the ear¬ liest to be reported. Peak counts at various locales included at least 35 w. of Sonora 16 May (BP, EHu); at least 175 in flooded bottoms between Rumsey and Vandetta 20 May (BP, EHu, MM); 168 at Melco 22 May (EHu); 5 at the Banklick Creek Wet¬ lands, Ft. Wright, Kenton, 22 May (DMa); 2000-2500 at Buttonsberry and at least 760 along J.I. West Road w. of Pond Drain, McLean, both 23 May (BP, EHu); and 2400-2600 at Buttonsberry, ca. 300 along J.I. West Road w. of Pond Drain, McLean, and ca. 300 along McElwain Road w. of KY 81, McLean, all 24 May (BP, EHu), the total of 3000-3200 rep¬ resenting a new one-day state high count. Other reports of interest included 9 along J.C. Jones Road, Hart, 14 May (SK, JK) with 51 there 29 May (SK, JK); 48 just w. of Sauerheber 30 May (JMr); and 24 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 31 May (ph. HC), one of which was color-banded, having been captured in Suriname, South America, sometime during 2009-2011 by the New Jersey Audubon Society {fide DMi). Western Sandpiper - there were four re¬ ports: 19 at McElroy Lake 16 April (TD, BP, EHu) tied the state high count for spring; 2 at McElroy Lake 19 April (TD); 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 89 3 at Melco 22 April (EHu, fBP) repre¬ sented a first for Jefferson during spring; and I at McElroy Lake 1 May (TD, BP, KOS). Least Sandpiper - 2 at McElroy Lake 12 March (DR) were quite early; very modest peak counts included at least 50 at McEl¬ roy Lake 24 April (BP, EHu, et al.), 60-70 there 26 April (TD), and ca. 75 there 6 May (BP et al.); ca. 30 at KY 739 on 22 April (FL); ca. 75 w. of Sonora 16 May (BP, EHu); at least 100 total from several locales between Rumsey and Vandetta 20 May (BP, EHu, MM); and 30-35 at But- tonsberry 23 May (BP, EHu). White-rumped Sandpiper - there were several reports, all being included: 1 at McElroy Lake 6 May (BP, EHu, JD, MM); 1 at KY 739 on 20 May (FL); 5 at scattered locales in n. McLean 20 May (BP, EHu, MM); 12 at Melco 22 May (EHu, BP, T&CBe); 35-40 at Buttons- berry and at least 25 along .1.1. West Road s. of Pond Drain, McLean , all 23 May (BP, EHu); and at least 50 at Buttonsberry and 10 along McElwain Road w. of KY 81, McLean , all 24 May (BP, EHu). Pectoral Sandpiper - 2 at McElroy Lake 8 March (DR) were the earliest to be repor¬ ted; modest peak counts included at least 300 at and near Sauerheber 31 March (BP, EHu, CC); at least 65 at McElroy Lake 5 April (BP, EHu) with ca. 50 there 11/20 April (BP, EHu); 35 at Chaney Lake 20 April (BP, EHu); and 20-25 at Buttons- erry 23 May (BP, EHu) with 15-20 still there 24 May (BP, EHu, et al.). Dunlin - 3 at McElroy Lake 22 March (DR) were quite early; 2-7 were then present there 5 April-1 1 May (TD, DR, BP, EHu, KOS) with a peak count of 70 there 24 May (TD). Other reports of interest in¬ cluded 1-2 at KY 739 on several dates 6 April-26 May (FL, MBt); 16 at a tran¬ sient pond along KY 664 e. of Schochoh, Logan , 8 May (ST, DTy); 5 w. of Sonora 12 May (BP, EHu, RH) with 3 there 16 May (BP, EHu); 4 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 20 May (HC, ME); 1-512 at six locales totaling at least 1020 individuals in flooded bottoms between Rumsey and Vandetta 20 May with the total represent¬ ing a new one-day state high count and the group of at least 512 being observed along Narge Creek n. of KY 254, Hopkins (BP, EHu, MM); and at least 700 at Buttonsberry 23 May (BP, EHu) with at least 800 counted there 24 May (BP, EHu, et al.) and small numbers scattered about additional locales in n. McLean and ne. Hopkins 23-24 May (BP, EHu). Stilt Sandpiper - there were only three re¬ ports: 1 at Long Point 16 April (HC); 1 at McElroy Lake 2 May (TD); and at least 20 at Buttonsberry 23-24 May (BP, EHu, et al.). Buff-breasted Sandpiper - 1 at Buttons¬ berry 23 May (ph. BP, ph. EHu) with 2 there 24 May (fBP, EHu) represented the first confirmed spring reports for the state. Under KBRC review. Short-billed Dowitcher - 1 at McElroy Lake 16 April (BP, EHu) was the earliest to be reported; reports of interest (includ¬ ing local peak counts) included ca. 40 at McElroy Lake 1/13 May (TD, BP, KOS/ TD); with 11 there 3 May (TD) and 14 there 6 May (BP, JD, EHu, MM); 2 at a transient pond along KY 664 e. of Scho¬ choh, Logan, 8 May (ST, DTy); 3 w. of Cecilia, Hardin, 12 May (BP, EHu, RH); 7 w. of Sonora 12/16 May (BP, EHu, RH/BP, EHu); 13 along KY 281 ne. of Vandetta 15 May (BP, EFlu); 9 total in flooded areas between Rumsey and Van¬ detta 20 May (BP, EHu, MM); and 1 at Buttonsberry 23-24 May (EHu, BP). Long-billed Dowitcher - there were at least ten reports: 1 in the Lower Hickman Bot¬ toms 16 April (BY, MY) with 3 there 19 April (HC, ME); 1 at McElroy Lake 19/20 April (TD/BP, EHu); 10 at KY 739 on 19 April (MBt, ph. FL) with 14 there 23 April (MBt); 16 at McElroy Lake 23 April (TD, CSI, DR) with an impressive tally of 74 there 25 April (TD, DR), but only 5 there 1 May (TD, BP, KOS); 1 along Chamberlain Lane, ne. Jefferson, 1 May (JBe, PB, BP); and 5 at Walton Pond 6 May (BP, EHu, JD, MM). Wilson’s Snipe - modest peak counts in¬ cluded ca. 50 at Sauerheber 31 March 90 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 (BP, EHu, CC); 125 in w. Fulton 1 April (HC); and at least 50 at Melco 3 April (EHu). Singles at KY 739 on 2 May (FL) and heard calling e. of Drakesboro, Muh¬ lenberg, 4 May (BP, EHu, JD, MM) were the latest to be reported. Wilson’s Phalarope - there were several reports, all from McElroy Lake, as fol¬ lows: 3 first seen there 26 April (TD); 6 there 27 April (TD); 5 there 29 April (BP, EHu, CBs); 3 there 30 April (BP, KOS); 2 there 1 May (TD, BP, KOS); 4 there 2 May (TD); and 1 last reported there 6 May (BP, EHu, JD, MM). Red-necked Phalarope - there were two reports: 2 along Pond Drain e. of Poplar Grove, McLean, 20 May (MM, ph. BP, ph. EHu) and 1 at Buttonsberry 23-24 May (BP, EHu). KBRC review required. Red-necked Phalaropes, McLean 20 May 2011 Eddie Huber Bonaparte’s Gull - reports of interest in¬ cluded ca. 100 at McElroy Lake 28 March (BP, EHu); at least 160 at Calvert City, Marshall , 1 April (BP, EHu); and 4 at Ky Dam 5 May (BP, EHu, MM, JD, HC). Laughing Gull - an ad. at McElroy Lake 20 April (TD, DR, BP, EHu) was the only one reported. Franklin's Gull - 2 at McElroy Lake 23 April (TD, ph. CS1, DR) and 1 there 3 May (TD) were the only ones reported. Ring-billed Gull - at least 150 were still at Ky Dam 5 May (BP et al.). Herring Gull - reports of interest included 3 at McElroy Lake 31 March (DR); only 35-40 still at Ky Dam by 1 April (BP, EHu); and singles at McElroy Lake 13 May (TD) and along Cypress Creek s. of McElwain Road, McLean, 24 May (BP, EHu). Lesser Black-backed Gull, Warren 28 March 2011 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Lesser Black-backed Gull - a first-year bird at McElroy Lake 27-31 March (DR, TD, ph. BP, EHu) represented a first for Warren. Elsewhere, an adult was on the Ohio River at Louisville 27 March (ph. EHu et al.); and a few lingered on Ky Lake at or near Ky Dam into late March (DR, HC) with a first-year bird at Kuttawa 1 April (BP, EHu) being the latest to be reported. Glaucous Gull - 2 first-year birds were still on Ky Lake at or near Ky Dam 29 March (DR, HC). Franklin’s Gull, Warren 23 April 201 1 Chris Sloan i j( Fi in Id in ft ft It 111 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 91 Least Tern - there were two reports of birds away from known breeding areas: at least 4 on a borrow pit on the n. side of US 60 ne. of Owensboro, Daviess, 20/23 May (MM, BP, EHu/BP, EHu) and 1 heard at Buttonsberry 24 May (BP). Caspian Tern - 2 at Kuttawa and 5 on Lake Barkley at Green Turtle Bay, Lyon, all 1 April (BP, EHu) and 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 2 April (ANn) were the earliest to be reported. Reports of interest included 2 at McElroy Lake 23 April (TD, CS1, DR); 4 at Camp Ernst Lake, Boone, 23 April (JR); and 2 at Minor Clark 22 May (GR). Black Tern - 1 at McElroy Lake 2 May (TD) was the earliest to be reported; re¬ ports of interest including peak counts in¬ cluded 42 along KY 281 sw. of Jewel City, Hopkins, 15 May (BP, EHu) with 9 there 23 May (BP, EHu); 4 at Morgan Pond 16 May (EHu, BP); 2 at Melco 22 May (EHu); 1 at Buttonsberry 23 May (BP, EHu); 24 at McElroy Lake 24 May (TD); 21 along Cypress Creek e. of Sacra¬ mento 24 May (BP, EHu); and 35-45 at McElroy Lake 26 May (DR). Common Tern - at least 1 at Ky Dam 5 May (BP) and 1 on Ky Lake above the dam 16 May (BP) were the only ones reported. Forster’s Tern - reports of interest included 1 at McElroy Lake 8 April (TD); at least 170 in the vicinity of Ky Dam 5 May (BP, EHu, JD, MM, HC); 1 at Buttonsberry 23- 24 May (BP, EHu, et al.); and 1 on the Ohio River at Ft. Thomas, Campbell, 30 May (EG). Eurasian Collared-Dove - 1 at Waddy, Shelby, 28 March (TA) was a local first. White-winged Dove - 1 was at Panorama Shores, Calloway, 22 May (fKCo, MCo). KBRC review required. Yellow-billed Cuckoo - singles at the Lex¬ ington Cemetery 30 April (DL, ASK), at Berea Forest 1 May (ANn) and at Ansel, Pulaski, 2 May (RDn) were the earliest to be reported. Black-billed Cuckoo - there were six re¬ ports: 1 at Taylorsville Lake, Spencer, 30 April (BWo); 1 at Big Bone Lick SP, Boone, 8 May (TY); 2 at Adair WMA, Boone, 10 May (TY); 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 15 May (DB, MBr, SBr ,fide MBy); 1 heard at the Lexington Cemetery 21 May (DSv fide DL); and 1 w. of Kessin- ger. Hart, 27 May (SK). Barn Owl - 1 was present at Camp #11 during the winter 2010-2011 (TE fide BP); also reported were singles at Central Ky WMA, Madison, 1 1/18 March (ANn); se. of Millerstown, Hart, during late March (JBn fide SK); at Craigmoor Es¬ tates, Scott, 2 May (DL); and heard at Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln, 20 May (ANn). Short-eared Owl - there were five reports: 10 near Merry Oaks, Barren, 13 March (LC) with 3 there 20 March (LC, CG) that were continuing at that locale from win¬ ter; 1 along New Buck Creek Road w. of Petroleum, Allen, 19 March ( J By, AB, TBr, JMa); 1 over Douglass Hills 20 March (MY) with another or the same bird at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer SP, Jefferson, 20 March (BWo); and 3 at the University of Kentucky Spindletop Farm, Fayette, 7 April (BLf). Common Nighthawk - 1 over Louisville 21 April (RL) was the earliest to be reported. Chuck-will’s-widow - 1 ca. 6 mi. ese. of Morehead, Rowan, 19 April (SF); 2 at Owsley Fork Lake 4-22 May (ANn et al.); and 2 at Berea Forest 6/13 May (ANn) were all relatively far east. One at Craig¬ moor Estates, Scott, 2 May (DL) was a local first. Ruby-throated Hummingbird - a male at Calvert City, Marshall, 25 March (ph. TS); a female at Almo, Calloway, 4 April (JF), and 1 at the LBL Nature Station 6 April (AY) were the earliest to be repor¬ ted. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - singles sw. of Rabbit Hash, Boone (MM, EHu), and at Berea (RF, RB), both 27 April), and 1 at Mammoth Cave 7 May (SK) were the latest to be reported. Olive-sided Flycatcher - there were five reports: 1 at Carter Caves SRP, Carter, 7 May (JSw fide DL); 1 at Beargrass Creek 92 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 SNP, Jefferson, 8 May (BWo); 1 on the Anchorage Trail 1 1 May (JBe, PB, BBC); I at Jefferson Memorial Forest 13 May (BWo); and 1 at the Lexington Cemetery 21 May (JSw fide DL). Eastern Wood-Pewee - singles se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 23 April (JBy, MBy) and in Calloway 26 April (HC) were the earliest to be reported. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - 1 at Berea For¬ est 13 May (ANn) was the only one repor¬ ted. Alder Flycatcher - there were seven re¬ ports: 1 off Duncannon Road, Madison, I I May (ANn); 1 at Adair WMA, Boone, 12 May (TY); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 14 May (BP); 1 heard calling n. of Poplar Grove, McLean, 15 May (BP); 1 at the Louisville landfill 17 May (RA); 1 in LBL, Lyon, 19 May (BLi), and 2 at Surrey Hills Farm 22 May (BP). Willow Flycatcher - 1 along Bliss Road, Adair, 8 May (DC) and 4-5 off Duncan¬ non Road, Madison, 1 1/22 May (ANn) were local firsts and likely on territory. Least Flycatcher - singles on the Anchor¬ age Trail (JBe, PB, CBs) and at Adair WMA, Boone (TY), both 28 April, were the earliest to be reported. Two at Erlan- ger, Kenton, 21-22 May (EG) were the latest to be reported. Great Crested Flycatcher - a few in LBL, Lyon/Trigg, 9 April (SK, JK, JPo, CSz) were the earliest to be reported. Eastern Kingbird - singles at Burnside Is¬ land SP, Pulaski (RDn), near Chapel Hill, Allen (W&HG fide MBy), and in LBL, Lyon (fide JPo), all 9 April, were the ear¬ liest to be reported. Gray Kingbird - 1 sw. of Rabbit Hash, Boone, 24/26 April (tLM, ph. JCt) will represent a first state record if accepted. KBRC review required. White-eyed Yireo - 1 along Cliffy Creek, Pulaski, 7 April (RDn) was the earliest to be reported. Bell's Vireo - there were three reports away from know breeding areas: 1 at the Louis¬ ville landfill again this year 18-23 May (ph. RA); 1 singing along Ross Road sw. of Rumsey 20 May (MM, EHu, BP); and 1 just w. of Sauerheber 22/30 May (JMr). Yellow-throated Vireo - singles in Ohio (DR) and se. of Mt. Zion, Allen (MBy), both 7 April, were the earliest to be re¬ ported. Blue-headed Vireo - singles at the Little Lick Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski, 1 7 March (RDn) and at Ft. Boonesborough SP, Madison, 18 March (ANn) were the earliest to be reported; 2 in Calloway 14 May (BH fide HC) and 1 along Ferndale Road, Louisville, 19 May (MA) were rel¬ atively tardy. Warbling Vireo - 2 at the LBL Nature Sta¬ tion 8 April (fide JPo) were the earliest to be reported. Philadelphia Vireo - 1 at Berea Forest 4 May (ANn) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted; 3 at Germantown, Jefferson, 1 May (MA) represented the only report of more than one. Red-eyed Vireo - 3 at the Alpine Recre¬ ation Area, DBNF, Pulaski (RDn), 2 in DBNF, Bath (BWu), and 2 at the LBL Nature Station (fide JPo), all 9 April, were the earliest to be reported. Fish Crow - 2 seen and heard sw. of Rabbit Hash, Boone, 27 April (BP, EHu, MM) represented a first for n. Kentucky. Common Raven - there were only two re¬ ports: 1 on the Road Creek Mine, Pike , 1 7 March (SF) and 1 at Dewey Lake, Floyd, 1 8 April (SF). Tree Swallow - ca. 450 at Lake Reba 26-27 March (ANn) and ca. 300 at the Fishing Creek Recreation Area, Pulaski, 5 April (RDn) represented the peak counts for the season. Northern Rough-winged Swallow - 5 at Ky Dam 15 March (HC et al.), 1 at Cub Run, Hart , 17 March (JK), and 1 at Burn¬ side Island SP, Pulaski, 18 March (GH) were the earliest to be reported. Bank Swallow - 1 at Clifty Pond, Pulaski, 24 March (RDn) and 2 at Bernheim Forest 25/26 March (BWo, DSe/MA, BBC) were extraordinarily early. 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 93 Cliff Swallow - 1 at Ky Dam 1 5 March (HC et al.) was the earliest to be reported. Barn Swallow - 1 along Sydney Lamb Road, Allen, 13 March (JBy) was the ear¬ liest to be reported. Red-breasted Nuthatch - a few birds con¬ tinued to linger from winter into mid- April; a noticeable flurry of reports of migrants occurred during late April and early May including 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulas¬ ki, 25 April (RDn); 1 near Fisherville, se. Jefferson, 26 April with a different bird there 28 April (EHu, JH); 1 at the Lexing¬ ton Cemetery 30 April (DL, ASK); 1 heard along Cypress Creek, Marshall , 5 May (BP, EHu, JD, MM); 1 in LBL, Ly¬ on, 5 May (JBe, BP, et al.); and 1 on the Anchorage Trail 1 1 May (JBe, PB, BBC). One singing along the Rock Bridge Trail, Wolfe, 9 May (BP) was likely one of the local breeders. Brown Creeper - 1 near the Grayson Lake Dam, Carter , 24 April (fVS) was relative¬ ly late. Bewick’s Wren - a singing male just w. of Burlington, Boone, 4 May (LM) was ex¬ ceptional and represented the first well- documented report in the state in two years. House Wren - 1 at Sauerheber 23 March (CC) was either very early or continuing from winter; next earliest were singles at Douglass Hills 2 April (MY, BY) and at Owsley Fork Lake 16 April (ANn). Marsh Wren - there were only three re¬ ports: 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 17-19 March (MBy, et al.); 1 at Clear Creek WMA, Hopkins, 20 April (EHa); and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 21 April (BP). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - 1 se. ofMt. Zion, Allen, 22 March (MBy), and 1 at Sauer¬ heber (CC) and 2 in LBL, Lyon (AY), both 23 March, were the earliest to be reported. Golden-crowned Kinglet - 1 at Bemheim . Forest 24 April (SD) was the latest to be reported. Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1 at the Lexington Cemetery 21 May (DL, ASK) was ex¬ tremely tardy. Veery - 1 at Cherokee Park 24 April (CBs) was the earliest to be reported. Gray-cheeked Thrush - 1 at Cherokee Park 25 April (RL) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted. Swainson’s Thrush - 1 at Douglass Hills 11 April (MY, BY) was quite early. Four banded at Clarks River 21 May (HC) and 2 in LBL, Lyon, 27 May (AY, JPo) were relatively late. Wood Thrush - 1 at Kenlake SRP, Mar¬ shall, 9 April (SK, JK), and several at Lake Barkley SRP, Trigg, (RPe), all 10 April, were the earliest to be reported. Varied Thrush - the bird nw. of Sharpe, w. Marshall, was last seen 14 March (LH). Gray Catbird - 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 28 March (fDB) was exceptionally early. American Pipit - singles at Melco 10 May (EHu) and heard overhead at Surrey Hills Farm 12 May (BP) were the latest to be reported. Cedar Waxwing - the species was nearly absent during March and the first three weeks of April, but returned on the scene during the last week of April and was abundant through the third week of May. Blue-winged Warbler - singles at Bem¬ heim Forest, Bullitt/Nelson, 7 April (BWo), se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 1 1 April (MBy) and at Adair WMA, Boone, 12 April (LM) were the earliest to be repor¬ ted. Golden-winged Warbler - there were only seven reports: 2-3 in LBL, Lyon, 5 May (BP et al.); 1 e. of Indian Knob Road, DBNF, McCreary, 5 May (JMt, GS et al.); 1 in LBL, Lyon 6 May (BP et al.); 2 heard in LBL, Lyon/Trigg, 6 May (BLi); 1 at Boone Cliffs SNP, Boone, 7 May (BWu, GW); 1 at Mammoth Cave 7 May (SK); and I at the head of the Barren Fork trailhead, DBNF, McCreary, 18 May (EM, JMt, et al.) that was likely on ter¬ ritory. 94 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Tennessee Warbler - singles at Jefferson Memorial Forest (MR) and in LBL, Lyon (fide JPo), both 16 April, were the earliest to be reported. Orange-crowned Warbler - there were nine reports: 1 at Camp Catalpa, Madison, 20 March (fANn) that was either contin¬ uing from winter or extremely early; 1 along McDonald Landing Road, Hender¬ son, 12 April (BP, EHu); 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 18 April (MBy, JBy); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 21 April (BP); 1 at the Lexington Cemetery 22 April (SHt); 1 at Melco 24 April (MA); 1 ne. of Lyndon, Jefferson, 26 April (JBe, PB); 1 on the Anchorage Trail 28 April (JBe, PB, CBs); and 1 at Joe Creason Park, Louisville, 8 May (BF fide BWo) Nashville Warbler - 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Al¬ len, 18 April (MBy, JBy) was the earliest to be reported. Northern Parula - 1 at Cherokee Park 28 March (MW) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted. Yellow Warbler - singles se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 4 April (MBy) and at Central KY WMA, Madison, 9 April (ANn, MBu) were the earliest to be reported. Chestnut-sided Warbler - 1 at Bernheim Forest 13 April (BF, BWo) tied the early date for the state; otherwise, singles at the UK Arboretum, Lexington, 24 April (SHt) and near Douglass Hills 25 April (MM) were the earliest to be reported. Magnolia Warbler - 1 at Almo, Calloway, 25 April (CSz) was the earliest to be re¬ ported. Cape May Warbler - 1 at the Lexington Cemetery 21 April (SHt) was the earliest to be reported. Black-throated Blue Warbler - there were six reports of migrants: 2 at Minor Clark 29 April (BWu); 1 at McConnell Springs, Lexington, 2-3 May (LT); 1 at the Lexing¬ ton Cemetery 4 May (DL, ASK); 1 at Ft. Boonesborough SP, Madison, 5 May (ANn); 1 at Boone Cliffs SNP, Boone, 7 May (BWu, GW); and a male in LBL, Lyon, 16 May (ph. BP, EHu) that was rare for w. Kentucky. Yellow-rumped Warbler - singles ne. of Poplar Grove, McLean, 15 May (BP) and off Ferndale Road, Louisville, 19 May (MA) were the latest to be reported. Black-throated Green Warbler - 1 at Cherokee Park 29 March (RL) was the earliest to be reported; 1 at Sauerheber 30 May (CC) was tardy. Blackburnian Warbler - 1 at the Lexing¬ ton Cemetery 22 April (SHt) with 2 there and another a the UK Arboretum, Lex¬ ington, all 24 April (SHt) were the earliest to be reported. Pine Warbler -a singing male along Mc¬ Donald Landing Road, Henderson, 12 April (BP, EHu) was out of place in de¬ ciduous forest along the Ohio River flood- plain. Prairie Warbler - 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 7 April (MBy) was the earliest to be re¬ ported. Palm Warbler - singles off Minors Lane, | Louisville 2 April (MA, DSe) and se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 1 1 April (MBy) could have been either continuing from winter or early; 1 at Shaker Village, Mercer, 25 May (ph. JSw) was extremely tardy. Bay-breasted Warbler - 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 26 April (RDn) was the earliest to be reported. Blackpoll Warbler - 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Al¬ len, 14 April (fMBy et al.) established a new early arrival date for the state; 1 at Mammoth Cave 17 April (JBe, PB, CBs) tied the previous early state date. Cerulean Warbler - singles at Mammoth Cave (JBe, PB) and near the S-Tree Campground, DBNF, Jackson (E&MT1), both 10 April, were the earliest to be re¬ ported. Black-and-white Warbler - “several” in LBL, Lyon, 23 March (AY) were the ear¬ liest to be reported. American Redstart - 1 at South William¬ son, Pike, 22 April (JCr) was the earliest to be reported. Prothonotary Warbler - 1 along Noah Lane, w. of Scottsville, Allen, 5 April 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 95 (JHo fide JBy) and 5 at Blood River (HC) and 3 in LBL, Lyon (fide JPo), all 9 April, were the earliest to be reported. Worm-eating Warbler - singles at the Alpine Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski , 9 April (RDn), and at Mammoth Cave (JBe, PB) and near the S-Tree Camp¬ ground, DBNF, Jackson (E&MTa), both 10 April, were the earliest to be reported. Swainson’s Warbler - reports away from traditional breeding areas included: 1 at Camp Catalpa, Madison, 6 May (ANn) that was certainly a migrant; 1 singing at Blood River 20 May (HC) that was a local first; and 1 at Yahoo Falls, McCreary, and 2 n. off Old Cowhorn Rd. and FR 651, w. McCreary, all 31 May (RDn). Ovenbird - 1 at Bee Rock Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski, 13 April (RDn) was the earliest to be reported. Northern Waterthrush - singles along Mc¬ Donald Landing Road, Henderson (BP, EHu), and below Hematite Dam, LBL, Trigg (AY, JPo), both 12 April, were ear¬ ly; otherwise 1 at Cherokee Park 21 April (JBe, PB, CBs) was the earliest to be re¬ ported. Louisiana Waterthrush - 1 nw. of Riders Mill, Hart, 12 March (BA) represented a new early arrival date for the state; next earliest were singles on Red Hill Road, Allen 19 March (JBy) and along Otter Creek, Ft. Knox, Meade, 21 March (DSr). Connecticut Warbler - there were only four reports: 1 at McConnell Springs, Lexington, 1 1 May (|LT); 1 heard off Ferndale Road, Louisville 14 May (MA); 1 heard at the Long Creek Refuge, LBL, Trigg, 18 May (BLi); and 1 at Cherokee Park 2 1 May (BWo). Mourning Warbler - there were only five reports: 1 in LBL, Lyon, 6 May (MM, JD, EHu, BP); 1 at Berea Forest 8 May (RF, RB); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 14 May (BP); 1 in Pulaski 14 May (LO fide RDn); and I at Owsley Fork Lake 15 May (ANn). Common Yellowthroat - 1 at Blood River 9 April (HC) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted. Hooded Warbler - I in LBL, Lyon (fide JPo) and 4 at the Alpine Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski (RDn), both 9 April, were the earliest to be reported. Wilson's Warbler - 1 on the Anchorage Trail 8 May (JBe, PB, et al.) was the earliest to be reported; I was banded at Clarks River 25 May (HC). Yellow-breasted Chat - 1 heard se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 20 April (JBy) was the earli¬ est to be reported. American Tree Sparrow — 1 lingered at Surrey Hills Farm to 7 April (BP). Clay-colored Sparrow - 1 was present at Shippingport Island, Jefferson, 8 May (ph. KB). KBRC review required. Vesper Sparrow - as is the norm, small numbers were reported during late March and early April, primarily in open farm¬ land (m. ob.); latest reports were of 1 along Homer-Murray Road, Warren, 20 April (BP, EHu); 2 near Owsley Fork Lake 22 April (ANn); and a bird heard singing next to the Hill Crest Cemetery s. of Plumville, e. Mason, 14 May (fKS) that was either a tardy migrant or possibly on territory Lark Sparrow - there were several reports, all being included: 2 at the end of Figett Bend Road, Hart, 2 April (|JSo); 1 along West Old State Road, Allen, 13 April (JBk); 1 at the WKU Farm 16 April (EHu, ph. BP); 1 along Mt. Zion Loop Road, Pulaski, 16 April (RDn); 2 along Bogle Road, s. Warren, 25 April (TD, DR); 1 near Dot, Logan, 29 April (FL); 1 along Vance Road, Warren, 29 April (BP, EHu, CBs) with 2 gathering nesting material there 30 April (BP, KOS); 2 at the Cedar Grove Industrial Park, Shepherdsville, Bullitt, 1 May (ph. RA); and 1 along Pond Drain Road, ne of Poplar Grove, McLean, 15 May (BP, EHu). Savannah Sparrow - scattered presumed migrants were still observed in n. McLean and ne. Hopkins 20 May (BP, EHu, MM); 2 (possibly on territory) were still at Shak¬ er Village, Mercer, 31 May (JSw). Grasshopper Sparrow - I along Clifty Creek, Pulaski, 7 April (RDn), 1 at Surrey 96 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Hills Farm 8 April (BP), and at least 1 1 s. of Richmond, Madison , 10 April (ANn) were the earliest to be reported. Henslow’s Sparrow - 1 singing below Barkley Dam, Lyon , 5 May (BP et al.) was a local first. Fox Sparrow -1 near Fisherville, se. Jef¬ ferson 2 April (EHu) and 2 at Surrey Hills Farm 4 April (BP) were the latest to be reported. Lincoln’s Sparrow - singles on the Anchor¬ age Trail (JBe, PB) and at Lake Reba (ANn), both 26 April, were the earliest to be reported. White-throated Sparrow - 1 at Glasgow, Barren , 18 May (LC) was the latest to be reported. White-crowned Sparrow - 1 at the LBL Nature Station 22 May (AMe fide JPo) was the latest to be reported. Dark-eyed Junco - singles at the Cape Hills Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson (CC), and near Crittenden, Grant (ph. VT), both 25 April; 1 at Cherokee Park 26 April (BWo); 1 at Lake Barkley SRP, Trigg, 29 April (MS), and 1 at Lexington 4 May (G&CT) were the latest to be reported. Summer Tanager - 2 in LBL, Lyon/Trigg 14 April (JPo, AY) were the earliest to be reported. Scarlet Tanager - singles at Blood River (HC) and in LBL, Trigg (AY fide JPo), both 9 April, were the earliest to be repor¬ ted. Rose-breasted Grosbeak - an unspecified number near Morgantown, Butler (DTi), and 1 near Fisherville, se. Jefferson (EHu, JHu), both 22 April, were the earliest to be reported. There were two reports of nesting: an active nest at Middle Creek Park, Boone, during early May (KCa, JCt) and a pair building a nest at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone, 14 May (EG). Blue Grosbeak - singles along Trammel Creek, Allen, 13 April (JBy) and in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 19 April (HC) were the earliest to be reported. Indigo Bunting - 1 at Mammoth Cave 10 April (JBe, PB) was the earliest to be re¬ ported. Diekcissel - 2 at McElroy Lake 24 April (BP) were the earliest to be reported. Bobolink - 1 at the WKU Farm 20 April (BP, EHu); 5 in the Lower Hickman Bot¬ toms 23 April (RL); and 8 at McElroy Lake 24 April (BP) were the earliest to be reported. Reports of interest included 6 s. of D uncannon Road, Madison, 1 May (ANn) with at least 1 still there 1 1 May (ANn); 8 along White Hall Road, Mad¬ ison, 5 May (ANn); 8 at Petersburg, Boone, 7 May (LM); 2 males along US 460 w. of Paris, Bourbon, 7 May (MH) could have been on territory; and at least 6 males and a female along KY 57 near Stoner Creek, Bourbon, 6 May (B&CM) that were likely on territory. Western Meadowlark - 1 was reported at McElroy Lake 1 April (DR). Rusty Blackbird - a few birds continued to linger from winter season at scattered lo¬ cales (m. ob.); reports of interest included ; 25 at Hays Kennedy Park, Jefferson, 20 March (ANn); 1 at Ashland, Boyd, 1 April (SS); ca. 30 along Cypress Creek sw. of Ky Dam, Marshall, 1 April (BP, EHu); : and ca. 30-40 still at Sauerheber 31 March (BP, EHu) with ca. 40 there 7 April (DR); and at least 10 still there 12 April (BP, EHu) and an unspecified number last re¬ ported there 26 April (CC). Brewer's Blackbird - there were several reports, all being included: 2 at McElroy Lake 12 March (DR) with 4 there 25 March (DR), 21 there 30 March (DR), and 10 there and a few others scattered about s. Warren 31 March (DR); 16 at Camp #9, Union, and probably more than 100 total in groups of 2-30 or so at the blackbird roost at Camp #11, both 31 March (BP, EHu); 14 at McElroy Lake 1 April (DR) with 15 there 2 April (DR); and 1 at Chaney Lake and at least 40 at Walton Pond, both 5 April (BP, EHu). Baltimore Oriole - singles at Jefferson Memorial Forest 16 April (BWo, BBC) 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 97 and in LBL, Trigg, 17 April (MS et al.) were the earliest to be reported. Purple Finch - generally small numbers continued from winter into mid-March with a slight increase in numbers likely due to the presence of migrants during the first half of April (m. ob.); reports of in¬ terest (including lingering birds) included 7 still present near Gimlet, Elliott , 14 April (EM); 25 at the Alpine Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski, 9 April (RDn); 4 at Burlington, Boone, 10 April (LM); several at Carter Caves SRP, Carter , 16-17 April (EM, KSNH); 4 still w. of Kessinger, Hart , 25 April (SK); 1 at Berea 4-5 May (PH); 2 at another location at Berea 9 May with 1 still there 10 May (RF, RB); and 1 s. of Stanford, Lincoln, 14 May (JE). Pine Siskin - birds continued from winter at a few locales with highlights being 50-60 still near Gimlet, Elliott, 27 March (EM) and at least 50 still at Jefferson Memorial Forest 16 April (BWo, BBC). A notice¬ able flurry of migrants arrived at new locales during late March and early April including 4 at the Alpine Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski, 9 April (RDn) and a few at Carter Caves SRP, Carter, 16-17 April (EM et al.). A few then continued to show up sporadically and lingered into late April and early May as follows: 1 at Flor¬ ence, Boone, 28 April (JR); 1 or 2 still outside Stanford, Lincoln, 1 May (JE); 4 at Lexington 1 May (JPu); 4 near Fisher- ville, se. Jefferson, 1 May (JHu, EHu); 1 at Glasgow, Barren, 2 May (LC); 9 at Cub Run, Hart, 6 May (SK); 4 still near Gim¬ let, Elliott, 8 May (EM); up to 7 during the first week of May at Berea with 1 there to 10 May (RF, RB); 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 10 May (RDn); 1 at Glasgow, Barren, 19 May (LC); 1 heard calling overhead at Buttonsberry 23 May (BP); and 1 at Lexington 28 May (JPu). Addenda to Winter 2010-2011 Report - the following observations were inadvertently omitted: 3 Long-tailed Ducks on the Ohio River at Louisville 3 February (MBy); single Purple Martins at two locales se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 27 February (MBy, JBy); up to 30 Chipping Sparrows present s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, through the season (MBy); 2 Palm Warblers present s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 18/24 December (MBy) with 1 present through 28 January (MBy); and ca. 45 Fox Sparrows s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 26 Decem¬ ber (MBy). Observers: Terry Anderson (TA), Ryan Ankeny (RA), Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK), Michael Autin (MA), Bonnie Avery (BA), Jamie Baker (JBa), Rebecca Bates (RB), Jamin Beachy (JBy), Matthan Beachy (MBy), Beckham Bird Club (BBC), Tom & Colleen Becker (T&CBe), Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell (PB), Mark Bennett (MBt), Carol Besse (CBs), Carl Bochmann (CBo), Karen Bonsell (KB), Than Boves (TBo), John Brittain (JBn), Abraham Brubaker (AB), Daniel Brubaker (DB), John Brubaker (JBk), Matthew Brubaker (MBr), Stephen Brubaker (SBr), Timothy Brubaker (TBr), Marissa Buschow (MBu), Michael Callan (MCa), Joe Caminiti (JCt), Kathy Caminiti (KCa), Joan Carr (JCr), Hap Chambers (HC), Suzanne Clingman (SC), Kathy Cohen (KCo), Michael Cohen (MCo), Derek Coomer (DC), Linda Craiger (LC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Roseanna Denton (RDn), Bonnie Dever (BD), Robert Dever (RDv), Scott Dickman (SD), Jon Dunn (JD), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Jackie Elmore (JE), Tim Ervin (TE), Jan Flynn (JF), Robert Foster (RF), Scott Freidhof (SF), Bill Friel (BF), John Gaither (JG), Melissa Gaither (MG), Brooke Gilley (BG), Wilbur & Herman Gingerich (W&HG), Carla Glass (CG), Ed Groneman (EG), Paul Hager (PH), Erin Harper (EHa), Susan & Bill Hart (S&BHr), Stratton Hatfield (SHt), Bob Head (BH), Richard Healy (RFI), Larry Heavrin (LH), Kate Heyden (KH), Martina Hines (MH), Gay Hodges (GH), Joseph Hoover (JHo), Eddie Huber (EHu), Jennifer Huber (JHu), Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS), Kentucky Society of Natural History (KSNH), Janet Kistler (JK), Steve Kistler (SK), Rob Lane (RL), Betsy Lang (BLa), David Lang (DL), Brice Leech (BLe), Ben Leffew (BLf), Bill Lisowsky (BLi), Frank Lyne (FL), Scott Marsh (SM), Don Martin (DMa), Jerome Martin (JMa), Lee McNeely (LM), John Meredig (JMr), Andrea Merimee (AMe), Joe Metzmeier (JMt), Keith 98 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Michalski (KM), Bill & Cindy Mitchell (B&CM); David Mizrahi (DMi), Mark Monroe (MM), Evelyn Morgan (EM), Arlene Morton (AMo), multiple observers (m. ob.), Anne Newberry (ANy), Andy Newman (ANn), Laura Obiso (LO), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP), Ross Parker (RPa), David Patick (DP), Robert Peak (RPe), Micah Perkins (MPk); Michael Peveler (MPv), John Pollpeter (JPo), Joe Pulliam (JPu), Ed Ray (ER), Frank Renfrow (FR), Susan Rice (SR), Mike Riggs (MR), Gerald Robe (GR), David Roemer (DR), Jeff Rowe (JR), Vicki Sandage (VS), Mary Schmidt (MS), Kurt Schwarz (KS), Rick Seelhorst (SR), Chris Sloan (CS1), Tammie Smith (TS), Jeff Sole (JSo), Gary Sprandel (GS), Dave Stewart (DSe), Del Striegel (DSr), Dave Svetich (DSv), Joe Swanson (JSw), Steve Sweeney (SS), Carrie Szwed (CSz), Ed & Michelle Talbott (E&MT1); Evan Tanner (ETn), Laurie Thomas (LT), Teresa Thomas (TT), Doris Tichenor (DTi), Gretchen & Charles Tremoulet (G&CT), Van Truan (VT), Debby Tyson (DTy), Steve Tyson (ST), Major Waltman (MW), Sandra Watson (SW), Dea Westfall (DW), Jim Williams (JW), Barbara Wilson (BWi), Barbara Woerner (BWo), Brian Wulker (BWu), Gale Wulker (GW), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY), Aviva Yasgur (AY); Travis Young (TY). — 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222 (brainard@mindspring.com) (Palmer- Ball) and P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY, 41005 (lkmc9@aim.com) (McNeely). BOOK REVIEW Hawks at a Distance: Identification of Migrant Raptors. Jerry Ligouri. 2011. Princeton University Press. 190 pp. + bibliography and index. $19.95 (paper), $49.50 (hard) As any birder who has spent much time in the field can attest, hawks are truly one of the hardest groups of birds to identify with a high level of confidence. The fact that they are wary, seldom allowing close approach, and that juvenile plumages of many species are quite similar, makes the challenges provided by this group among the most difficult in North America. The appearance during the past few of decades of a number of field guides devoted to raptor identification has helped with this dilemma. Each has contributed a slightly different approach. Jerry Ligouri 's Hawks at a Distance becomes the most recent in this series of efforts to help solve the many riddles in hawk identification. It focuses attention on identifying hawks where they are most often seen, in the air, by utilizing the perspective of those w'ho count raptors at migratory lookouts. Like several authors of more recent “raptor” guides, the two species of vulture are included. More than 550 color photographs are utilized to depict 29 species in a variety of typically encountered angles (straight on, overhead, profile, upper side, lower side), behaviors (streaming, soaring, flapping, etc.), and conditions (both backlit and well lit). In addition, a separate section of black-and-white images, a few dozen for each species arranged in a mosaic of representative silhouettes in which birds are encountered while in the air, provides yet another opportunity for becoming more familiar with appearance of each species at a distance. I found the collections of photos and black-and-w'hite images to be the most useful attributes of the book. The text (including photo captions) contained relatively typical information found elsewhere, although identification points noted in the captions typically matched up well with characters that could actually be seen in the photos (something that is not always the case in other references where captions sometimes describe features of a bird that are not well shown by the referenced photo). 1 did find myself wanting to see some photographs in greater detail, and 1 believe that Hawks at a Distance will be most useful when used in combination with reference guides that include images with greater detail. Ligouri’s writing style is easy to read, and with his terminology summarized in the introductory material, most who utilize this book will not get lost in a tangled web of hard- 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 99 to-understand ornithological jargon. Hawks at a Distance is definitely a must-get for any¬ one serious about attempting to improve their hawk identification skills. — the Editor 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 with monetary awards of up to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, please visit the K.O.S. web site (http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm) or contact either Shawchyi Vorisek, Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, KY. 40601 (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov) or Dr. Blaine Ferrell. Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean's Office. Western Kentucky University. Bowling Green. KY. 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 Scott Marsh by mail at 4401 Athens-Boonesboro Road, Lexing¬ ton. KY. 40509, or by email at (scott.marsh@insightbb.com). The Kentucky Warbler now available in digital format This journal is now available in digital PDF format. If you would like to have your issues of The Kentucky Warbler emailed to you in PDF format instead of receiving them in hard copy format, contact the Society Corresponding Secretary. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., at brainard@mindspring.com. 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.biologv.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm. 100 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, McLean 14 May 20 II Melissa Gaither y % V ^ * £^1 A r Yellow Rail, Jefferson 29 March 2011 Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. Marbled Godwit. Warren 16 April 201 1 Eddie Huber Buff-breasted Sandpiper. McLean 23 May 20 1 1 Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. Clay-colored Sparrow, Jefferson 8 May 2011 Karen Bonsell The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 87 NOVEMBER 2011 NO. 4 IN THIS ISSUE POST-RELEASE MOVEMENTS, BEHAVIOR, AND SURVIVAL OF CAPTIVE- RAISED BARN OWLS IN CENTRAL KENTUCKY, Jer-Chung Chien and Gary Ritchison . 103 SUMMER 201 1 SEASON, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 110 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL 201 1 MEETING, John Brunjes . 117 FIELD NOTE First Kentucky Record of Gray Kingbird . 120 NEWS AND VIEWS . 121 102 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President Carol Besse, Louisville Vice-President . Steve Kistler. Munfordville Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville. KY 40222-3913 Treasurer . Recording Secretary . . Councillors: Mark Bennett, Russellville . Mary Yandell, Louisville . Hap Chambers, Murray . Roseanna Denton, Science Hill Linda Craiger, Glasgow . Virginia Kingsolver, Carlisle... . Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463, Burlington. KY 41005 . Blaine Ferrell, Bowling Green 2010-2012 2010-2012 2011-2013 2011- 2013 2012- 2014 2012-2014 Retiring President Scott Marsh, Lexingtonj THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Journal of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, published quarterly in February, Mayi August and November, The Kentucky Warbler is sent to all members not in arrears for dues Current membership categories and corresponding dues follow: Regular ($15.00) Contributing ($25.00); Student ($10.00); Family ($20.00); and Life ($300.00). Direc manuscripts and communications to the editor. Send membership dues to the Treasurer Make requests for back issues to the Corresponding Secretary. Editor . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr] c/o Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort. KY, 4060' (brainard@mindspring.com Editorial Advisory Board Brian W. Smith and Ben Yandell Secretary, Kentucky' Bird Records Committee . . Ben Yandell 513 Lvmington Court. Louisville, KY 4024 (secy@kybirdrecords.org THE COVER We thank Joe Caminiti for the image of the Gray Kingbird ( Tyrannus dominicensis taken 26 April 201 1 near Rabbit Hash in western Boone County (see Field Note, p. 120 Financial support for color reproduction in this issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest. 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 103 POST-RELEASE MOVEMENTS, BEHAVIOR, AND SURVIVAL OF CAPTIVE-RAISED BARN OWLS IN CENTRAL KENTUCKY Jer-Chung Chien and Gary Ritchison Reintroduction programs where captive-bred individuals are released into the wild have been used in an attempt to increase declining populations of several species of birds. Scott and Carpenter (1987) suggested that reintroduction programs provide several potential benefits for small populations, such as increasing the number of animals, increasing genetic diversity, reducing inbreeding depression, and establishing new populations. However, reintroduction programs also can have negative impacts, including the introduction of dis¬ eases and parasites and potential genetic changes (Long 1981). Despite these potential impacts, reintroduction programs have been successful for several species of birds, includ¬ ing Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus). Masked Bobwhite ( Colinus virginianus ridg- wayi), and Puerto Rican Parrots (Amazona vittata) (Scott and Carpenter 1987). In North America, evidence suggests that populations of Barn Owls ( Tylo alba) have declined in recent years (Colvin et al. 1984, Marti et al. 2005). Factors thought to be con¬ tributing to this decline include the loss of suitable habitat due to the development of agricultural areas, reduced availability of suitable nest sites, secondary poisoning from pesticides, and predation by Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus', Colvin et al. 1984, Knight and Jackson 1984, Colvin 1985, Marti 1997). Increased mortality due to collisions with vehicles and severe winter weather also may be factors (Marti 1997, Fajardo 2001, Marti et al. 2005). The status of the Barn Owl population in Kentucky is poorly known, but they ‘are certainly not among the state’s most numerous raptors’ (Palmer-Ball 1996). One possible means of increasing Bam Owl populations in Kentucky, and perhaps elsewhere, is to release captive-bred individuals. Captive-bred Barn Owls have been released at several locations and results of those release programs have varied. In Iowa, Ehresman et al. (1988) found that, after release, captive-raised Bam Owls suffered high mortality rates due to predation and suggested that their reintroduction program did not significantly increase the number of Bam Owls. In the United Kingdom, Bam Owl populations increased during a 21 -year period when captive- raised birds were released, but the extent to which that increase was due to the release of captive-raised birds or other factors was unclear (Meek et al. 2003). In Spain, Fajardo et al. (2000) found that captive-raised Bam Owls were more likely to die of starvation after release than were wild birds, but captive-raised owls given experience at capturing live prey prior to release had higher survival rates. Given the uncertainty concerning the possible role of captive-release programs in in¬ creasing Barn Owl populations (Meek et al. 2003) and the possibility that, if provided with opportunities to capture live prey prior to release, survival rates of captive-raised owls may improve (Fajardo et al. 2000), additional information concerning the behavior and survival of captive-bred owls after release is needed. Our objective was to obtain such information by monitoring the behavior and survival rates of captive-reared Bam Owls that were allowed to develop their flight muscles and capture live mice in aviaries prior to release. Methods From May 2002 through June 2003, 31 captive-reared Bam Owls provided by Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky, Inc. (RROKI) personnel were released and subsequently monitored. The owls were captive-bred at RROKI (Louisville, KY), at the Cincinnati Zoo (Cincinnati, OH), and at the Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago, IL). At each facility, owl chicks were raised by adult owls until they became independent. 104 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 After at least five weeks in flight cages, young Barn Owls were banded with U.S. Geological Survey metal bands. Just prior to release, owls were fitted with 5-gram trans¬ mitters (Wildlife Materials, Inc., Carbondale, IL, and Holohil Ltd., Carp, Ontario, Canada). Transmitters were attached at the base of three or four centrally located rectrices using a sewing needle and dental floss. Release sites were located in Madison (N = 3) and Fayette (N = 1) counties, Ken¬ tucky. All release sites were in areas that included lightly grazed pastures, hayfields, and recently abandoned agricultural fields that appeared to provide suitable foraging habitat. Release sites in Madison County included the Miller Welch-Central Kentucky Wildlife i Management Area, a private farm 9.5 km west of Richmond, and a private farm 1 km west of Union City. In Fayette County, the release site was the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, located 19.5 km south of Lexington. All owls were released between 18:00 and 19:00 h. After release, we attempted to locate roosting locations using a Telonics TR-2 receiver i with either a hand-held two-element Yagi antenna or, when searching for missing owls, an antenna (Magnet-Mount Mobile Scanner Antenna 2000032, Radio Shack) mounted on top of a vehicle. We attempted to locate owls daily from 08:00 to 16:00 h. The day after each release, searches began at release sites and. if owls could not be located, continued along roads surrounding release sites. As owls moved away from release sites, daily attempts to relocate them generally began at or near the previous day’s roost site. If no signal was detected, a search pattern was established along roads radiating out from the previous day’s ( location, and continued until all accessible roads within about 34 km of release sites were searched. In an attempt to locate missing owls, we conducted aerial searches from a fixed-wing airplane on three occasions, including twice during 2002 ( 1 August and 6 September) and once during 2003 (24 July). During flights, all areas within a radius of about 35 km of | release sites were searched from an altitude of about 800 m. When a roosting owl was located, characteristics of the roost site were noted, including site location, roost type (tree or bam), and roost height. For owls roosting in trees, the species, height, and diameter at breast height (dbh) of the tree were determined. To avoid disturbing owls, characteristics of roost sites were determined later (either the next day or the first day the roost was not used). We also searched areas below roost sites to locate and; collect any pellets that may have been regurgitated. Distances and directions of movements by Bam Owls from release sites and previous locations were determined by plotting locations on aerial photos. When an owl was found dead, an attempt was made to determine the cause of death (e.g., predation, hit by a vehicle, ! starvation, etc.); if cause of death was uncertain, we classified it as unknown. For surviving owls that were located, locations and roost sites were monitored until transmitters failed (about three months). Any pellets found were placed in plastic bags and the date and location noted. In the lab, pellets were air-dried for at least two weeks. Pellets were then dipped in water and carefully pulled apart. For each pellet, we extracted all prey remains, including complete or partial skulls and lower jaws, feathers, and exoskeletons. Prey remains were then identified1 to the lowest taxonomic category possible. Results From June 2002 to June 2003, we released 31 captive-raised Bam Owls at four locations on nine separate occasions in Madison and Fayette counties. At the time of re¬ lease, owls ranged from four to nine months in age and had a mean mass of 538.3 grams.! | For dispersing owls located the first day after release (19 of 31, or 61.3%), mean distance moved was 0.5 ± 0.1 (SE) km (range = 0.6-1. 8 km). Mean distance moved during the 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 105 second day post-release was 1 .9 ± 1.3 km (N = 9; range = 0.33-1 1 .97 km). For the third day post-release, mean distance moved was 0.98 ± 0.28 km (N = 4; range = 0.3-1. 6 km). After release. Barn Owls typically remained near release sites for one or two days, then, for those that continued dispersing, generally began moving greater distances (Figure 1). Five Bam Owls were monitored for more than 40 days post-release (mean = 63.4 ± 6.8 days; range = 40-80 days). For these owls, the mean distance from release sites was 7.5 ± 0.9 km (N = 5). Nine Bam Owls (29%) were tracked until either found dead or their transmitters stopped functioning. The locations and fates of the remaining 22 owls (71%) were unknown. Figure 1 . Distances moved per day by captive-raised Barn Owls (N = 3 1 ) released in central Kentucky. Five Bam Owls were documented to have died of various causes after release, with remains of these owls located a mean distance of 3.6 ± 0.7 km from release sites. Two owls apparently were killed by predators. One was found under the previous day’s roost site on day 26 post-release. Numerous feathers had been plucked and the owl’s head was missing, suggesting predation by an avian predator (perhaps a Great Horned Owl [Bubo virgini- anus]). The other apparently depredated owl was found on day 22 post-release. Remains in¬ cluded only a right wing and scattered feathers. One Bam Owl was hit by a vehicle and was found on a road 5.7 km from its release site on day 12 post-release. The fourth dead owl was located 3.7 km from its release site on day 12 post-release. Examination revealed an empty gizzard, suggesting the owl may have died from starvation. The cause of death of the fifth owl could not be determined because only its skeleton and scattered feathers remained when found on day 12 post-release. During our study, 38 different roost sites were used 107 times by 12 owls, with owls roosting in four bams and 34 different trees. Barn Owls roosted in 18 different species of trees, with American elm ( Ulmus americana ), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia ), hack- berry (Celtis occidentals ), boxelder (Acer negundo ), and Virginia pine (Pinus virginianus) used most frequently. Owls roosted at a mean height of 7.5 ± 0.3 m (N = 61, range = 2.2- THE KENTUCKY W ARBLER 106 Voi,87 14.9 m) in trees with a mean height of 12.5 ± 0.5 m (N = 62, range = 7.5-24.3 m) and mean dbh of 29.2 ± 1.5 cm (N = 58, range = 12.7-73.5 cm). We collected 124 pellets from seven Bam Owls. The mean number of prey items per pellet was 3.6 ± 0.4. Shrew (either short-tailed shrew, Blarina brevicauda, or unknown shrew species) remains were found in 100 pellets (80.6%), and prairie vole ( Microtus ochrogaster) remains were found in 88 (71%). Of 460 prey items identified, the most common were shrews (154 of 451 items, or 35.1%), prairie voles (128 of 451, or 28.4%), and unidentified grasshoppers (Order Orthoptera; 106 of 451, or 23.5%). Other prey items j found in pellets included white-footed mice ( Peromyscus leucopus), meadow voles j (. Microtus pennsylvanicus), unidentified beetles, and other mammals, unidentified birds, and insects (Table 1). Table 1. Prey items found in pellets (N = 124) of captive-raised Bam Owls released in central Kentucky. Prey Item % occurrence %of 460 prey Soricidae Northern short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda) 37.1 14.8 Shrew, unknown species 43.5 19.3 Muridae Prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster ) 71.0 29.1 Meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) 10.5 3.0 White-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) 17.7 5.7 Mouse, unknown species 3.2 0.9 Sciuridae Tree squirrel, unknown species 0.8 0.2 Leporidae Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) 0.8 0.2 Passeriformes Passerine, unknown species 1.6 0.7 Cambaridae Crayfish, unknown species 2.4 0.7 Orthoptera Grasshopper, unknown species 11.3 23.0 Coleoptera Beetle, unknown species 4.8 1.3 Hymenoptera Ant, unknown species 2.4 0.7 Hemiptera True bug, unknown species 1.6 0.4 Discussion Most Barn Owls in our study remained near release sites for one or two days before dispersing greater distances. Most owls moved less than 2 km per day. However, by one week post-release, we were unable to locate nearly half of the owls, suggesting that some) Barn Owls moved much longer distances in relatively short periods of time. Stewart (1952) estimated that some young Bam Owls might travel as much as 30-40 km per day during dispersal. For five Barn Owls monitored for at least 40 days post-release, the mean distance moved from release sites was 7.5 km. However, the location and fates of 22 owls were unknown and, assuming the transmitters on these owls were functional and no signals were missed during the aerial searches for missing owls, these individuals apparently dispersed more than 35 km (the distance from release sites searched by airplane) from release sites. Other investigators also have reported long-distance dispersal by young Bam Owls. Marti (1999) reported that the mean dispersal distance of young Bam Owls in northern Utah wasi 102.9 km (range = 0-1267 km). Stewart ( 1952) reported that 34% of Bam Owls banded as nestlings were recovered at distances greater than 80 km from their nest sites. 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 107 In contrast, studies of Bam Owls in the United Kingdom have revealed that many young disperse shorter distances. For example, Meek et al. (2003) found that young Bam Owls (N = 97) dispersed a mean distance of 19 km from natal sites. Taylor (1994) reported that about 53% of breeding-age birds in England were found within 10 km of natal sites, 90% within 50 km, and less than 5% more than 100 km. Several factors may influence dispersal distances. Dale (2001) suggested that dispersal distances for Bam Owls in the United Kingdom may tend to be shorter than at other loca¬ tions because natal philopatry (i.e., reduced dispersal distances) may be the optimal dis¬ persal strategy for isolated (e.g., island) populations. Food availability also may influence dispersal distance. For example. Byholm et al. (2003) found that food availability in the natal area (specifically grouse density) was related to dispersal distances of young Northern Goshawks ( Accipiter gentilis). Although food availability may influence dispersal distances, young Barn Owls that disperse rapidly over considerable distances (e.g., 30-40 km per day; Stewart 1952) likely would be unable to determine prey densities along their dispersal route. If so, other factors must be influencing dispersal distances. Dominant hypotheses currently used to explain the ultimate benefits of natal dispersal are reduced intrasexual competition for resources (e.g., mates, food, and space) and inbreeding avoidance (Dobson 1982, Pusey 1987, Wolff 1993). However, both hypotheses assume that dispersers incur costs to survival and fecundity (Bengtsson 1978) and that these costs increase with distance traveled. Dispersing indiv¬ iduals may face increased risk of mortality associated with unfamiliar habitats, passage through areas of relatively high predator densities, or the physiological costs of extensive movement (Waser et al. 1994, Plissner and Gowaty 1996). Reasons for the long-distance dispersal of many young Bam Owls, therefore, are unclear. Although comparative studies have revealed that Bam Owls do possess characteristics generally associated with relatively long-distance dispersal among birds, including eating animal prey (Paradis et al. 1998, Sutherland et al. 2000) and relatively large size (Sutherland et al. 2000), other character¬ istics of these owls are associated with species of birds that exhibit relatively short-distance dispersal, including defense of breeding territories and resident status (Paradis et al. 1998) Characteristics of roost sites Although Bam Owls in our study selected roost sites with no apparent preference for particular tree species, roost sites generally provided owls with good cover. Similarly, Marti et al. (2005) reported that Barn Owls roosted in trees with dense foliage, especially during the summer. By selecting roost sites that provide cover and concealment, roosting owls likely minimize the chances of being detected by predators and mobbing species (Hayward and Gallon 1984). In addition, roost sites in dense foliage also provide favorable micro¬ climates (e.g., shade and shelter from precipitation; Forsman et al. 1984). Mortality of young owls We determined the fate of nine owls, with five (56%) found dead and four (44%) surviving until transmitters stopped functioning. Ehresman et al. (1988) released 36 captive- raised Bam Owls in Iowa and 24 (67%) were eventually found dead. Taylor (1994) noted that all Bam Owl populations in temperate climates exhibited similar patterns, with first- year mortality rates of 65 to 75%. Similarly, Frylestam (1972) reported mortality rates for first-year Bam Owls as high as 70%. High mortality rates for young owls also have been reported in other species, including Eastern Screech-Owls (Megascops asio , 67%; Belthoff and Ritchison 1989), Northern Tawny Owls (Strix aluco , 45.3%; Overskaug et al. 1999), arid Northern Spotted Owls (48.7%, Strix occidentalis\ Forsman et al. 2002). 108 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Taylor ( 1994) suggested that the high mortality rate of first-year Bam Owls was due to their general lack of experience and the need to develop hunting skills. Our results, although based on a small sample size, suggest that captive-raised Barn Owls were able to capture sufficient prey (only one owl apparently died from starvation). However, we only moni¬ tored owls from late April to mid-September, when prey availability was likely high. First- year Bam Owls, and those in other age classes as well, may be more likely to starve during the winter months when prey availability may be lower (Taylor 1994). At least two of five Bam Owls we found dead were apparently killed by predators. In Iowa, Ehresman et al. (1988) reported that 54.2% of young captive-raised and released Bam Owls were killed by avian predators, primarily Great Homed Owls. High mortality rates also have been reported in wild populations of owls. For example, Overskaug et al. (1999) found that predation was responsible for 40% of deaths of young Northern Tawny Owls, whereas Forsman et al. (2002) reported that up to 68% of the deaths of young Northern Spotted Owls were due to predation by Great Homed Owls, Northern Goshawks, Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jcimaicensis), and mammalian predators. Food habits The most common prey items of Bam Owls in our study were shrews (34.1%), voles (32.1%), and grasshoppers (23.0%). Other investigators also have reported that small mam¬ mals, especially voles, are common prey of Bam Owls. Marti (1988) summarized the food habits of Bam Owls in North America and noted that the most common prey were voles ( Microtus spp.; 60.8%), with other small mammals taken based on availability. Meek et al. (2003) identified prey items in over 20,000 Bam Owl pellets collected in England and also found that the most common prey items were voles ( Microtus spp.; 53.4%). Although voles appear to be a common prey item for Bam Owls throughout their range, the presence of a variety of other prey in their diet in our study and other studies also indicates that Bam Owls are opportunistic predators. Marti (1988) also suggested that Bam Owls were oppor¬ tunistic hunters and took whatever prey was available within a certain size range. i Releasing captive-bred owls Several efforts have been made to supplement Bam Owl populations by releasing captive-bred individuals, and none have apparently been successful (Mooney 1988, Ehres¬ man et al. 1988, Marti et al. 2005). The results of a 21 -year study documenting releases of captive-raised birds in the United Kingdom were unclear; Barn Owl populations increased, in the area, but there was no clear evidence that the release of captive-raised birds con¬ tributed to the increase (Meek et al. 2003). In addition. Carter and Newbery (2004) noted that national surveys confirmed that the Bam Owl population in the United Kingdom did, not increase significantly despite the release of thousands of captive-bred birds. Our results were similar to those of previous captive-release efforts in at least two respects. First, most young Bam Owls dispersed away from release sites and, second, mor¬ tality rates for young whose fate was determined were high. Such results indicate that attempting to augment Barn Owl populations in specific locations would likely be difficult. In addition, captive-release programs can create other problems, including the introduction of diseases and parasites and potential genetic changes (Long 1981). Because Bam Owls have high reproductive potential (i.e., large clutches, potential tc raise two broods per year, and able to breed at an early age) and are known to disperse considerable distances, a better strategy for augmenting populations may be to ensure that sufficient suitable habitat and nest sites are available (McCracken 1998, de Jong 2009). 11 suitable habitat and nesting sites arc present. Barn Owls possess characteristics that pcrmii them to quickly recolonize areas and restore populations. 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 109 Acknowledgments We thank Eileen and John Wicker of Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky, Inc., for providing transmitters and, most importantly, the Barn Owls radio-tracked and observed during our study. We also thank Stephanie McIntosh for help in the field and the many landowners who allowed us to search for owls on their property. Literature Cited Belthoff, J. R. and G. Ritchison. 1989. Natal dispersal of Eastern Screech-Owls. Condor 91: 254-265. Bengtsson, B. O. 1978. Avoiding inbreeding: at what cost? Journal of Theoretical Biology 73: 439-44. Byholm, P., P. Saurola, H. Linden, and M. Wikman. 2003. Causes of dispersal in Northern Goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) in Finland. Auk 120:706-716. Carter, 1., and P. Newbery. 2004. Reintroduction as a tool for population recovery of farmland birds. Ibis 146 (Suppl. 2): 221-229. Colvin, B. A. 1985. Common Bant Owl population decline in Ohio and the relationship to agricultural trends. Journal of Field Ornithology 56: 224-235. Colvin, B. A., P. L. Hegdal, and W. B. Jackson. 1984. A comprehensive approach to research and management of Common Bam Owl population. Pp. 270-282 in Proceedings for a workshop on the management of nongame species and ecological communities (W. McComb, ed.). Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington. Dale, S. 2001. Female-biased dispersal, low female recruitment, unpaired males, and the extinction of small and isolated bird populations. Oikos 92: 344-356. de Jong, J. 2009. The recovery of the Barn Owl Tyto alba in Friesland, northern Nether¬ lands: population growth in relation to landscape features. Ardea 97: 445-452. Dobson, F. S. 1982. Competition for mates and predominant juvenile male dispersal in mammals. Animal Behaviour 30: 1 183-1 192. Ehresman, B. L., D. A. Reeves, and K. P. Schlarbaum. 1988. Post release survival and movements of captively reared Common Bam-Owls in Iowa. Annual Symposium of National Wildlife Rchabilitators Association 7: 133-150. Fajardo, I., G. Babiloni, and Y. Miranda. 2000. Rehabilitated and wild Bam Owls ( Tyto alba ): dispersal, life expectancy and mortality in Spain. Biological Conservation 94: 287-295. Fajardo, I. 2001. Monitoring non-natural mortality in the Bam Owl ( Tyto alba), as an indi¬ cator of land use and social awareness in Spain. Biological Conservation 97: 143-149. Forsman, E. D., R. G. Anthony, J. A. Reid, P. .1. Loschl, S. G. Sovem, M. Taylor, B. L. Biswell, A. Ellingson, E. C. Meslow, G. S. Miller, K. A. Swindle, J. A. Thrailkill, F. F. Wagner, and D. E. Seaman. 2002. Natal and breeding dispersal of Northern Spotted Owls. Wildlife Monographs 149: 1-35. Forsman, E. D., E. C. Meslow, and H. M. Wight. 1984. Distribution and biology of the Spotted Owl in Oregon. Wildlife Monographs 87:1-64. Frylestam, B. 1972. Uber Wanderungen und Sterblichkeit beringter skandinavischer Schleiereulen Tyto alba. Omis Scandinavica 3:45-54. Hayward, G. D., and E. O. Garton. 1984. Roost habitat selection by three forest owls. Wilson Bulletin 96: 690-692. Knight, R. L., and R. E. Jackson. 1984. Food-niche relationships between Great Homed Owls and Common Bam Owls in eastern Washington. Auk 101: 175-179. 1 10 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 87 Long, J. L. 1981. Introduced birds of the world. Universe Books, New York, NY. Marti, C. D. 1988. A long-term study of food-niche dynamics in the Common Barn-Owl: comparisons within and between populations. Canadian Journal of Zoology 66:1803- 1812. Marti, C. D. 1997. Lifetime reproductive success in Bant Owls near the limit of the species’ range. Auk 1 14: 581-592. Marti, C. D. 1999. Natal and breeding dispersal in Bam Owls. Journal of Raptor Research 33:181-189. Marti, C. D., A. F. Poole, and L. R. Bevier. 2005. Barn Owl ( Tyto alba). The Birds of North America (A. Poole, ed.). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY. McCracken, J. D. 1998. A recovery plan for the Barn Owl in Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Toronto, Ontario, Canada and The Ontario Bam Owl Recovery Committee, Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada. Meek, W. R., P. J. Burman, M. Nowakowski, T. H. Sparks, and N. J. Burman. 2003. Bam : Owl release in lowland southern England - a twenty-one year study. Biological Conser- j vation 109: 271-282. Mooney, R. 1988. Helping a heartland hunter. National Wildlife 26:40-44. Overskaug, K., J. P. Bolstad, P. Sunde, and I. J. Oien. 1999. Fledgling behavior and survival l in northern Tawny Owls. Condor 101: 169-174. Palmer-Ball, B. L., Jr. 1996. The Kentucky breeding bird atlas. University Press of Ken¬ tucky, Lexington. Paradis, E., S. R. Baillie, W. .1. Sutherland, and R. D. Gregory. 1998. Patterns of natal and breeding dispersal in birds. Journal of Animal Ecology 67: 518-536. Plissner, J. H. and P. A. Gowaty. 1996. Patterns of natal dispersal, turnover and dispersal costs in Eastern Bluebirds. Animal Behaviour 51: 1307-1322. Pusey, A. 1987. Sex-biased dispersal and inbreeding avoidance in birds and mammals. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 2: 295-299. Scott, J. M. and .1. W. Carpenter. 1987. Release of captive-reared or translocated endangered birds: what do we need to know? Auk 23: 544-545. Stewart, P. A. 1952. Dispersal, breeding behavior, and longevity of banded Bam Owls in North America. Auk 69:227-245. Sutherland, G. D., A. S. Harestad, K. Price, and K. P. Lertzman [online]. 2000. Scaling of i natal dispersal distances in terrestrial birds and mammals. Conservation Ecology 4: 16. . Taylor, I. 1994. Barn Owls: predator-prey relationships and conservation. Cambridge Uni¬ versity Press, Cambridge, UK. Waser, P. M., S. R. Creel, and J. R. Lucas. 1994. Death and disappearance: estimating mor¬ tality risks associated with philopatry and dispersal. Behavioral Ecology 5: 135-141. Wolff, J. O. 1993. Why are female small mammals territorial? Oikos 68: 364-370. Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY 40475 (Ritchison). SUMMER 2011 SEASON Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely Following the rainy spring season, June and July 201 1 were more normal in terms of temperature and precipitation, although a prolonged period of above-normal temperature and below-normal rainfall commenced across most of the state during July. Transient lakes! across the Highland Rim of south-central Kentucky lingering from the heavy spring rains . did not last as long as in 2010, but there were a few interesting reports of nesting water-: birds, particularly in southern Christian County. 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Rarity highlights of the season included up to four Neotropic Cormorants at Lake No. 9 in Fulton County and a Tricolored Heron in Pulaski County. Least Terns apparently had at least some nesting success on higher sandbars in the Mississippi River and at an industrial pond along the lower Tennessee River. Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these reports have been accepted for inclusion in the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Reports of out-of-season birds and rarities should be accompanied by written and/or photographic documentation. This documentation is reviewed by 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: Chaney Lake, Warren ; Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson ; Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment of Lake Cumberland, Pulaski', Horseshoe Road = slough next to Horseshoe Road, w. Hen¬ derson', ICG Mine = former Starfire/Addington WMA now ICG Mine, Knott ; KY 739 = transient pond along KY 739 se. of Williams Store, Logair, Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall', Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon ; Kv Lake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall (unless otherwise noted); Lake No. 9. w. Fulton', Lake Reba, Madison', McElroy Lake, n. of Woodbum, Warren', Melco = Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson ; Morgan Pond, near Oak Grove, Christian', Obion WMA. Fulton', Shaker Village = Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Mercer ; Swallow Spring = Swallow Spring Pond, Christian ; WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Gadwall - a male was at Swallow Spring 15 June (BPa, EHu). Blue-winged Teal - there were two con¬ firmed reports of nesting: 2 broods (1 w / 12 yg.) at Swallow Spring 17 July (BPa, EHu) with a family group still there 30 July (BPa, EHu), and a brood of large yg. at Chaney Lake 17 July (BPa, EHu). The following reports were not accompanied by evidence of nesting: a pair lingered at KY 739 to 14 June (FL); a pair lingered at McElroy Lake to 24 June (BPa, EHu, TD) with 1 still there 1 1 July (DSi); 1 was at Lake No. 9 on 29 June (BPa, EHu, MM); and 2 were at Morgan Pond 30 July (BPa, EHu). Northern Shoveler - 4 were at McElroy Lake 26 June (TD). Green-winged Teal - a male was at McEl¬ roy Lake 1 1 July (DSi). Ring-necked Duck - a pair lingered at KY 739 to 5 July (FL et al.) with the female being last seen there 16 July (FL). Hooded Merganser - a female was at Mc¬ Elroy Lake 19 June (TD). Ruddy Duck - the male at Lake Reba lin¬ gered to at least 17 July (AN). Common Loon - there were five reports: 1 lingered on a pond at Bowling Green, Warren, through most of June (TD); 1 on Morgan Pond 15 June (EHu. BPa); 1 on Lake Cumberland near the Fall Creek embayment, Wayne, 16 July ( fide JBs); 1 on Ky Lake at the US68/KY 80 bridge, Marshall, during early July (CS, ME) and as late as 17 July (BL); 1 (likely contin¬ uing from late May) at Petersburg, Boone, 23 July (LM); and 1 on Cave Run Lake above the dam, Bath/ Rowan 31 July (DP). Pied-billed Grebe - nesting was confirmed at three locations as follows: an ad. at Chaney Lake 15 June (BPa, EHu) with 3 family groups there 17 July (BPa, EHu); at least 6 ads. including 1 on a nest at Swallow Spring 15 June (BPa, EHu), but only 2 ads. with no evidence of nesting there 17 July (BPa, EHu); and 10-12 ads. with 2 on nests at Morgan Pond 15 June (BPa, EHu), with 3 ads. plus a family group consisting of an ad. and 3 chicks there 17 July (BPa, EHu), and 6 ads. and 2 12 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol, 87 juvs. there 30 July (BPa, EHu). Also re¬ ported without evidence of nesting were 2 ads. that lingered at McElroy Lake to 2 June (TD); 2 at Barren River Lake dam 24 June (LC); 1 at Lake No. 9 on 28 June (RD et al.); and an ad. on a pond ca. 2 mi. e. of Morgan Pond 30 July (BPa, EHu). Neotropic Cormorant - 1-4 birds were reported at Lake No. 9 from 19 June to 30 July as follows: an ad. was first seen there 19 June (ph. JW); 3 were there 25 June (ph. JW); at least 2 were there 28 June (HC, ph. RD, ME); 3 were there 1 July (ph. BY, ph. MY); 2 ads. and an imm. were there 3 July (JW, NM); 4 (2 ads. and 2 imms.) were there 5 July (JW); an ad. was there 12 July (tMT); an ad. and an imm. were there 16 July (JW); and an ad. was last observed there 30 July (ph. BPa, ph. EHu). KBRC review required. - ; - Neotropic Cormorant (with Double-crested) Lake No. 9, 1 July 2011 Mary Yandell Double-crested Cormorant - reports of interest included 1 at the Laurel Creek Reservoir, McCreary , 4 June (RD); 2 at Lake Reba 12 June (AN); 2 over Dranes Lakes, Hardin, and 2 at Morgan Pond, all 15 June (BPa, EHu); 15 on the Casey Creek embay ment of Green River Lake, Adair, 26 June (RD); at least 60 at Lake No. 9 on 29 June (BPa, EHu, MM); 1 at Fishing Creek 5-6 July (RD); 1 at Morgan Pond 17 July (BPa, EHu); and ca. 1000 birds including an unknown number of nesting pairs on two islands in Lake Bark¬ ley, Trigg , during June (JBs). Up to 58 were seen at the Falls of the Ohio during June (DSt et al.), but there was no evi¬ dence of nesting there this year. American White Pelican - 1 was present at the Falls of the Ohio 18 June through July (DSt et al); also reported were 20 over Lake No. 9 on 29 June (MM, EHu, BPa). Great Blue Heron - as many as 113 were counted at the Falls of the Ohio 26 June (SD) with a peak count of ca. 150 there 12 July (DSt) probably representing an all- time high count for that location. Great Egret - reports of interest included only ca. 150 at Lake No. 9 and ca. 50 at Island No. 8 Slough, Fulton, 29 June i (BPa, EHu, MM); 5 at McElroy Lake 17 July (BPa); ca. 500 that came to roost at Lake No. 9 on 30 July (BPa, EHu); and 750-1000 at Obion WMA 31 July (BPa, I EHu). Snowy Egret - at least 1 was present at the Kuttawa heronry 26 June (ME); there were two reports away from western Ken¬ tucky: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 5 June 1 (T&CB) and 1 at Minor Clark Fish Hatch- i ery. Rowan , 26 June (fVS). Little Blue Heron - reports of interest included an ad. at Melco 7 June (EHu); an ; ad. at Fishing Creek 5 July (RD); 2 ads. at I Swallow Spring 17 July (BPa, EHu) with 1 there 30 July (BPa, EHu); 2 juvs. at McElroy Lake 17 July (EHu, BPa); an ad. at the Falls of the Ohio 21 July (EHu) into early August (m. ob.); and a juv. near the Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA, Hender- 1 son, 30 July (CC). Tricolored Heron - an ad. was at Fishing Creek 22 July (ph. RD). KBRC review required. Green Heron - a nest (incubating bird) was seen at Swallow Spring 15 June (EHu,1 BPa) with 4 young in the nest 17 July (EHu, BPa). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - there were only two reports: 1 at the Blood River embayment of Ky Lake. Calloway, 1 June (HC); and an ad. and a juv. at the High¬ land Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Union, 10 June (CC) with an ad. and a juv. still in . the vicinity 31 July (ph. CC). 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 113 Osprey - 2 at Lake No. 9 on 29 June (MM, EHu, BPa) and 1 at Fishing Creek 5 July (RD) were not near known nesting terri¬ tories. A statewide nest survey conducted by the Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Re¬ sources during June and July detected at least 87 active nests with most on Ky Lake and Lake Barkley (KFI). Mississippi Kite - there were two reports of birds away from known nesting areas: 1 along Green Road, Kenton , 5 June (fAB) and 1 at the Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg , 1 July (ET). Two at the Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Union, 11 July (ph. CC) were in an area where the species likely breeds. Bald Eagle - 1 along the Cumberland River near Sawyer, McCreary, 5 June (RD) was away from known nesting territories. The Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources accounted for a record number of 98 occu¬ pied nesting territories during 2011 in¬ cluding 10 new territories that were estab¬ lished or detected for the first time (KH). Notable new territories were documented at Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmon¬ son ; along the Ohio River, McCracken (3); at Prospect, Jefferson-, at Laurel River Lake, Whitley, and near Lake Cumber¬ land, Pulaski (KH). Despite at least 20 documented nest failures due to severe spring storms, it is known that at least 114 young were produced (hatched) in 2011, and fledging was confirmed for 81 young (KH). Peregrine Falcon - 1 at Floyds Fork Park, Jefferson, 1 1 June (AM, BPi) was as¬ sumed to be an individual from one of the local nesting pairs. During the 2011 nesting season, the Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources documented nesting attempts by 13 pairs, 7 of which were suc¬ cessful (KH). Combined, all nests pro¬ duced 21 confirmed chicks (KH). An overall reduction of nest success in 2011 may have been due to bad weather in the early part of the nesting season; however a nesting pair in Carroll produced the lar¬ gest documented falcon brood (5) in Ken¬ tucky history (KH). Also of interest was a nesting attempt by a pair in Franklin that occurred on a cliff (old quarry face); al¬ though that nest failed, it was the first fal¬ con nest attempt on a cliff documented in Kentucky since the late 1930s (KH). Common Gallinule - there were four reports: 1 along KY 1375 n. of Franklin Crossroads, Hardin, 12 June (RA); 2 at Swallow Spring and 8 at Morgan Pond, all 15 June (BPa, EHu); 3 with 1 seen carry¬ ing nesting material between Powderly and Central City, Muhlenberg, during ear¬ ly July (SN, JN); and 1 at Morgan Pond and another on a pond about 2 miles to the e., both 30 July (EHu, BPa). American Coot - there were several reports, but none with evidence of nesting: 1 lingered at Melco through the season (EHu et al.); several were still at KY 739 on 1 June (FL); 10 at Swallow Spring 15 June (BPa, EHu) with 3 still there 17 July (BPa, EHu) and 2 still there 30 July (BPa, EHu); 17 at Morgan Pond 15 June (BPa, EHu) with 7 still there 30 July (BPa, EHu); 5 at McElroy Lake 15 June (BPa, EHu) with 8 last reported there 1 1 July (DSi); and 1 at Calvert City, Marshall, 31 July (BPa, EHu). Semipalmated Plover - 15 at KY 739 on 1 June (FL) and 3 at McElroy Lake 15 June (BPa, EHu) were the latest spring birds re¬ ported. The earliest fall birds included 3 at Morgan Pond and 2 at McElroy Lake, all 17 July (BPa, EHu); at least 6 at Morgan Pond and ca. 6 at Lake No. 9, all 30 July (BPa, EHu); 8 at Horseshoe Road 30 July (CC); and 1 at Pulaski County Park 30 July (RD). Killdeer - peak counts during the season included at least 500 at McElroy Lake 17 July (BPa, EHu) and at least 775 at and near Morgan Pond 30 July (BPa, EHu). Black-necked Stilt - nesting was confirmed at two locations: 1 or 2 at Morgan Pond 15 June (BPa, EHu), with 7 ads., 2 with chicks, there 17 July (BPa, EHu), and 3 family groups with 4 chicks each at and near there 30 July (BPa, EHu); and at least 2 family groups with 4 and at least 2 yg„ respectively, at Obion WMA 31 July (EHu, BPa). Also reported was a pair at KY 739 from 14 June to 5 July (ph. FL et 1 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 al.); 4 at McElroy Lake 24 June (TD) with 1 there 26 June (TD); and 3 at and near Open Pond, Fulton , 26 July (DCh et al.). Spotted Sandpiper - the following June re¬ ports were not accompanied by any evi¬ dence of nesting: 1 s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 4 June (MBy); 1 that lingered at Melco to 14 June (EHu, BPa); 1 at the Banklick Creek Regional Wetlands, Kenton, 14/27 June (DM); and 2 at Thurston Park, on the Ohio River at Louisville, 30 June (ph. MC). The earliest returning fall birds were 1 at KY 739 on 2 July (FL); and 1 s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 5 July (MBy); small numbers were present at transient ponds in Christian, Logan, and Warren by 17 July (BPa, EHu) and 10-15 were at Mor¬ gan Pond by 30 July (BPa, EHu). Solitary Sandpiper - 1 at Lake No. 9 on 3 July (JW) was the earliest fall bird repor¬ ted; small numbers were found at transient ponds in Christian, Logan, and Warren 1 7 July (BPa, EHu); and at least 45-50 were at and near Morgan Pond by 30 July (BPa, EHu). Greater Yellowlegs - singles at McElroy Lake 28 June (TD) and at Fishing Creek 6 July (RD) were the earliest fall birds reported; also reported was 1 at Lake No. 9 on 12 July (MT) and 3 at Morgan Pond 17/30 July (BPa, EHu). Lesser Yellowlegs - 3 at McElroy Lake 28 June (TD) were the earliest fall birds re¬ ported; 3 were at Morgan Pond 17 July (BPa, EHu) with 25-30 there 30 July (BPa, EHu). Upland Sandpiper - there were four re¬ ports: 1 at Chaney Lake 17 July (BPa, EHu); 1 at Morgan Pond and 1 heard over Lake No. 9, both 30 July (BPa, EHu); and 2 over Obion WMA with another on the ground adjacent to Obion WMA, all 31 July (EHu, BPa). Semipalmated Sandpiper - 8 were still at KY 739 on 1 June (FL) with 4 still there 14 June (FL); 1 at John Young Road Pond, Logan, 17 July (BPa, EHu) was the earliest fall bird reported; at least 35^40 were at Morgan Pond by 30 July (BPa, EHu). Western Sandpiper - there were four re¬ ports: an ad. at Oak Grove, Christian, and 16 ads. at McElroy Lake, all 17 July (BPa, EHu), the latter possibly a new state high count for fall ads.; and 2 at Morgan Pond and 1 at Lake No. 9, both 30 July (BPa, EHu). Least Sandpiper - singles at KY 739 on 5 July (MBt) and at Melco 10 July (EHu) were the earliest fall birds reported; other reports of interest included ca. 35 at Mc¬ Elroy Lake 13 July (TD); small numbers present at transient ponds in Christian , Logan, and Warren 17 July (BPa, EHu) with peak counts of at least 80 at Morgan Pond and at least 75 at McElroy Lake, all 17 July (BPa, EHu); and at least 75 at and near Morgan Pond and at least 100 at Lake No. 9, all 30 July (BPa, EHu). White-rumped Sandpiper - 1 at KY 739 on 14 June (FL) and 8 at McElroy Lake 15 June (BPa, EHu) were the latest spring birds reported. White-rumped Sandpiper, Logan 14 June 2011 Frank Lyne Pectoral Sandpiper - 1 at McElroy Lake 1 1 July (DSi) was the earliest fall bird repor¬ ted; 10 were at Morgan Pond and 15-20 were at McElroy Lake by 17 July (BPa, EHu) with peak counts of 100 at Horse¬ shoe Road 30 July (CC) and at least 250 at Morgan Pond 30 July (BPa, EHu). Dunlin - a tardy spring bird was at McElroy Lake 15 June (BPa, EHu). 201 1 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 1 15 Stilt Sandpiper - 2 at McElroy Lake 17 July (BPa, EHu) were the earliest fall birds reported; also reported were up to 22 at Morgan Pond 30 July (BPa, EHu) and 1 at Melco 31 July (MA). Short-billed Dowitcher - 2 at Morgan Pond and 3 at McElroy Lake, all 17 July (BPa, EHu) were the earliest fall birds reported; other reports of interest included 3 at Open Pond, Fulton , 26 July (DCh et ah); and singles at Morgan Pond (BPa, EHu) and at Horseshoe Road (CC), both 30 July. Wilson’s Snipe - singles at McElroy Lake 12 July (TD) and at Obion WMA 31 July (BPa, EHu) were rather early. Ring-billed Gull - 2 at Calvert City, Mar¬ shall, and 35 — 40 at both Ky Dam and Lake Barkley at Lick Creek, Lyon , all 31 July (BPa, EHu) were likely early return¬ ing fall birds. Least Tern - at least 200 pairs nested on the Mississippi River off Watson Point, Ful¬ ton (EHa. JBs); ca. 40 birds were at Cal¬ vert City, Marshall, during the season (DSw). Other traditional nesting locales on the lower Ohio River and Mississippi River remained under water through the season (fide JBs). Caspian Tern - 5 at McElroy Lake 26 June (TD) were extremely unusual for the last week of June. Next earliest were 2 at the Falls of the Ohio 9 July (T&CB). Black Tern - 1 at Morgan Pond 30 July (BPa, EHu) was the only one reported during the season. Forster's Tern - there were two reports: 1 at McElroy Lake 2 June (TD, BY, MY) and 28 June (TD). Eurasian Collared-Dove - 2 individuals re¬ ported in n. McCreary 31 May (Stedman 2011) were county firsts; another was re¬ ported at Scottsville, Allen, 16 July (JBy, MBy). Black-billed Cuckoo - there were four reports: 1 near Bridgeport, Franklin, 23 June (JBs); 1 at Boone County Cliffs Na¬ ture Preserve 25 June (NC); 1 singing bird at Surrey Hills Farm, Jefferson, 2/4 July (BPa); and 1 at the St. Anne Wetlands, Melbourne, Campbell, 28 July (SH). Barn Owl - there were 1 5 reports of nesting from the following counties fide KH, EW, JH): Caldwell , Clinton, Edmonson, Graves, Grayson, Logan, Marion (2), Pulaski, Scott, Taylor, Union, Warren (2) and Webster. Also reported were indiv¬ iduals or pairs at 10 non-nesting roost sites in the following counties fide KH): Bourbon, Boyle (2), Logan, Madison, Montgomery, Muhlenberg, Taylor, Union, and Warren. Bam Owl fledglings in silo, Marion 23 June 2011 Kate Heyden Willow Flycatcher - 1 at the ICG Mine was singing as if territorial 6 June (KH); 2 likely territorial birds were encountered in central McCreary 31 May & 2 June (Sted¬ man 2011). Least Flycatcher - a pair was observed at a nest at the summit of Black Mountain, Harlan, 27 June (RW). Common Raven - a group of 7 were re¬ ported at the ICG Mine 6 June (KH). Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 1 was recaptured at Shaker Village 2 June (KH et al.) that was originally banded during summer 2009, ' thus demonstrating breeding ground site fidelity. Purple Martin - the roost on the e. side of Lexington began to form during the last week of July (SM); thousands were seen on the Ken Unit of Peabody WMA, Ohio, 20 July (KH); ca. 1500-2000 were in the 1 16 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 vicinity of Lake No. 9 on 30 July (BPa, EHu). Tree Swallow - a family of fledglings being fed nw. of Beatty ville, Lee, 13 June (BPa) likely represented a first for the county. Bank Swallow - at least 200 were at Morgan Pond 17 July (BPa, EHu). Cliff Swallow - a nesting colony consisting of ca. 50 birds at the Lake No. 9 pumping station, Fulton, 29 June (BPa, EHu, MM) represented only the second report for the county. Also of interest were probably more than 100 at McElroy Lake 17 July (BPa, EHu). Louisiana Waterthrush - 3 at Obion WMA 31 July (BPa, EHu) were unexpected and likely migrants. Golden-winged Warbler - 1 in se. Mc¬ Creary 31 May was likely on territory (Stedman 2011). Atlasing efforts by Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources staff and volunteers yielded the following re¬ ports of territorial males: 4 on Log Moun¬ tain se. of Chenoa, Bell, 20 May (LP); 2 on Jellico Mountain, sw. of Williams¬ burg, Whitley, 25 May (SA); 12 on Black Mountain, Harlan, 1 June (SV); and 1 along Sims Fork ne. of Arjay, Bell, 3 June (DB). Swainson’s Warbler - 1-3 were present at traditional locales in the Red River Gorge vicinity, PowelHWolfe during late June and early July (SK, JK, MS, DCo); also reported were 3 at the Bee Rock Recre¬ ation Area, Pulaski, 20 July (DCo). How¬ ever, the real highlight came from Mc¬ Creary, where at least 25 singing males were detected, particularly in the se. por¬ tion of the county, 31 May-3 June, with 16 recorded 2 June (Stedman 2011). Cerulean Warbler - specific efforts to sur¬ vey for this species yielded the following counts: 4 at J.J. Audubon State Park, Hen¬ derson, 5 June (MBr); 10 along the Nolin River in Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson, 1 July (MBr); and 13 along the Green River in Mammoth Cave Na¬ tional Park, Edmonson, 8 July (MBr). Chestnut-sided Warbler - of interest as continuing confirmation of a relatively re¬ cent breeding range expansion were the reports of at least 1 1 likely territorial in¬ dividuals in at least eight distinct loca¬ tions in McCreary, most in the heavily forested e. portion of the county, 30 May- 3 June (Stedman 2011). Black-throated Green Warbler - a male near Millerstown, nw. Hart, 10 July (BA) was a very early disperser or migrant. Lark Sparrow - there were two reports: 1 along Watermelon Road, Logan, during the first two weeks of June (ph. FL) and 1 along McDonald Landing Road, Hender¬ son, 12 June (CC) with 2 ads. and 2 imms. in the same area 14 July (ph. CC). Savannah Sparrow - 2 present adjacent to KY 739 on 14 June (ph. FL) with 1 still there 17 June (FL) were far outside the documented nesting range; 3 were at Spindletop Farm, Fayette, 25 June (DL, ASK); 3 were singing as if on territory , along Buster Pike, Mercer, 28 June (BPa). Henslow’s Sparrow - reports of interest j included 2 at the ICG Mine 6 June (KH); 1 at Anna, n. Warren, 5 July (GR); and at least 2 ne. of Red Hill, Allen, during mid- July (JBy, MBy, et al.). Rose-breasted Grosbeak - a pair was pres- I ent at Boone County Cliffs Nature Pres- ! erve 19 June (JF, LH). Blue Grosbeak - 3 were at the ICG Mine 6 June (KH). Diekcissel - 1 was at the ICG Mine 6 June (KH); there was an above-average number j of birds reported in many areas including Calloway (34 birds on a Breeding Bird Survey route) (HC); Mt. Zion Road, Boone, during early July (TY); three additional locales in Boone (2-4 territorial birds at each) during June & July (LM); Hart during July (SK), Logan during July 1 (ST); and Henderson during the season (AG). Bobolink at least 2 singing males were reported off Fox Lane s. of Mt. Sterling, Montgomery, 6 June (KH). Pine Siskin - singles lingered near Big Gimlet, Elliott, to 29 May (EM) and in a . yard at Lexington to 5 June (JP). 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 117 Observers: Michael Autin (MA), Ryan Ankeny (RA), Sara Ash (SA), Bonnie Avery (BA), Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK), Andrew Baldelli (AB), Danna Baxley (DB), Jamin Beachy (JBy), Matthan Beachy (MBy), Tom & Colleen Becker (T&CB), Mark Bennett (MBt), Mike Brown (MBr), John Brunjes (JBs), Neill Cade (NC), Mike Callan (MC), David Chaffin (DCh), Hap Chambers (HC), Derek Coomer (DCo), Linda Craiger (LC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Roseanna Denton (RD), Scott Dickman (SD), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Jonathan Frodge (JF), Alan Gehret (AG), Erin Harper (EHa), Stanley Hedeen (SH), Kate Heyden (KH), Les Houser (LH), Janet Howard (JH), Eddie Huber (EHu), Janet Kistler (JK), Steve Kistler (SK), David Lang (DL), Bill Lisowsky (BL), Frank Lyne (FL), Scott Marsh (SM), Don Martin (DM), Lee McNeely (LM), Andrew Melnykovich (AM); Mark Monroe (MM), Nancy Moore (NM), Evelyn Morgan (EM), multiple observers (m. ob.), Jacob Neace (JN), Susan Neace (SN), Andy Newman (AN), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BPa), David Patick (DP), Laura Patton (LP), Bill Pike (BPi), Joe Pulliam (JP), Gerald Robe (GR), Vicki Sandage (VS), Damien Simbeck (DSi), Mike Stinson (MS), Del Striegel (DSt), Don Swearingen (DSw), Carrie Szwed (CS), Evan Tanner (ET), Mike Todd (MT), Steve Tyson (ST), Shawchyi Vorisek (SV), Rick Waldrop (RW), Jeff Wilson (JW), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY), Travis Young (TY). Additional Source: Stedman, S.J. 2011. Central node for the foray in McCreary County, Kentucky — 30 May-5 June 2011. http://iweb.tntech.edu/sstedman/Foray — Mc¬ Creary County201 l-Central%20Node.htm. Date accessed: 19 September 2011. THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL 2011 MEETING September 29-October 1, 2011, Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville, KY John Brunjes, Recording Secretary The fall 201 1 meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held 30 September- 2 October at Pine Mountain State Resort Park near Pineville, Kentucky. President Scott Marsh called the meeting to order at 7:06 pm EDT Friday evening, welcoming members and guests. Carol Besse provided the members in attendance a rundown of the Saturday morning field trips. After Carol finished describing the field trips. Hap Chambers asked to speak to the members. She recounted the story of how she and David Roemer had rescued a sick Parasitic Jaeger which had been present at Barren River Lake. They took the bird to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who was able to nurse the bird back to health; Hap told the members that the bird was subsequently released into the wild and appeared to be doing fine. Carol then introduced the evening’s first speaker, Shawchyi Vorisek; representing the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Shawchyi Vorisek provided the members with a fascinating presentation entitled “Landbird Conservation and the Golden-winged Warbler.” She told the members about conservation efforts that were taking place for this species and detailed the status of knowledge we have for Golden-winged Warblers in Kentucky. She told the members how groups like Partners in Flight and numerous Joint Ventures were working with state and federal wildlife agencies to conserve this species. She told the members that the Golden¬ winged Warbler recently had been petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act and gave the members an update of where that process stood. She spent a good deal of time discussing the concerns about hybridization with Blue-winged Warblers. She told the members how many areas that used to have only Golden-winged Warblers now have Blue¬ winged Warblers. She provided the members with the website address for the Golden¬ winged Warbler Working Group (www.gwwa.org) so they could read more. At the end of THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 118 Vol. 87 the presentation, members had many questions about Golden-winged Warblers here in Kentucky. Carol Besse then introduced the evening’s second speaker, Lee McNeely. Lee pro¬ vided the members with a great slide show of a recent trip to the western United States he had participated in. Lee thanked Tennessee birder Mike Todd for the use of his fine photos in his presentation. Lee recounted many great stories of birds being chased. He told the members of one particularly difficult chase for Black Rosy-Finches. He proved that with determination and hard work, you can get those great birds. Photographs of many bird species not seen here in Kentucky provided the members with ideas for future birding trips. At the end of everyone’s questions, Carol Besse thanked the speakers for their presen¬ tations and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm EDT. Attendees continued discussions and socializing over refreshments. Three different Saturday field trips were held on an overcast, cold and windy fall day. The less than perfect weather conditions, however, did not dampen a great day of bird watching for the field trip participants. The Pine Mountain State Resort Park was the focus of the day’s field trips, which visited various birding hotspots around the Park. One field trip was led by Brainard Palmer-Ball and focused on landbirds and raptors in areas around the old campground and Chained Rock Overlook. A second field trip was led by Lee McNeely and focused on songbirds on the golf course and grounds of the Clear Creek Baptist School. The final trip was led by Mark Monroe and Eddie Huber and went to Cumberland Gap’s Pinnacle Overlook; this trip focused on watching migrating raptors. While no organized afternoon trip was planned, many of the meeting participants birded i around the State Park that afternoon. The KOS board meeting convened at 2:13 pm EDT. i With numerous issues before the board, the board meeting lasted until 4:35 pm EDT. After | conclusion of the board meeting, members of the Kentucky Bird Records Committee convened for about an hour of discussion. The Saturday evening meeting was called to order by President Scott Marsh at 7: 10 pm EDT. After welcoming everyone, Scott turned the meeting over to Vice-President, Carol Besse, to announce the night’s agenda. Carol welcomed everyone and announced the i night’s first item of business, the election of new members for the KOS Board. Lee j McNeely presented the slate of officers for Nominating Committee Chair, Mark Bennett, who could not attend. Lee presented the following slate of candidates for the KOS Board: President Carol Besse; Vice-President Steve Kistler; Treasurer Lee McNeely; Corres¬ ponding Secretary Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.; Recording Secretary Blaine Ferrell; and Coun¬ cillors Ginny Kingsolver and Linda Craiger. Lee asked the members in attendance if they had any additional nominations. Hearing none, Horace Brown made a motion to accept the slate of candidates. Hap Chambers provided a second for the motion, and the KOS members in attendance voted unanimously to support the slate as proposed. Carol Besse then announced details of Sunday morning field trips. Field trips were scheduled to begin at 8:00 am EDT. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., provided the members additional details for a field trip that he was leading to Pine Mountain near Cumberland, Kentucky. Blaine Ferrell then ran through the day’s bird checklist with the members. A good variety of raptors and at least one Common Raven were observed, as were good numbers of migrating warblers, vireos and thrushes. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., then announced the evening’s speakers Bob and Martha Sargent of the Hummer/Bird Study Group. Brainard and Mark Monroe had visited the Sargents a few years ago to train to band hummingbirds. Because Martha was overcoming a cold. Bob led the evening’s discussion entitled “The Ruby-throated Hummingbird: The All American Bird.” The presentation focused on hummingbird biology, and the members were transfixed by the amazing stories shared by Mr. Sargent. He taught the members a great deal about the ■ life history of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, a species which he affectionately described as 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 119 “hateful” on numerous occasions. Bob told the members about albino and leucistic plum¬ ages of hummingbirds and how to recognize the various types. He also gave many great identification tips for all species of hummingbirds, but he went into great detail explaining the differences between the sexes of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and the differences between age classes. He discussed the nesting habits of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and told the story of many unique locations where hummingbird nests have been found. In an interesting note. Bob told the members that most hummingbirds that nest in April are not successful. He thinks that rainfall causes the loss of many of these nests. After covering Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in great detail. Bob then talked about Rufous Hummingbirds. He told the members that in the southeastern U.S., the Rufous is the most common winter hummingbird. He described the Rufous Hummingbird as the meanest of the hummingbirds; “these are hateful birds” said Sargent. He told the members the story of a Rufous Hummingbird banded in Florida during the winter that was recaptured on the breeding ground on an island off the coast of Alaska. He also talked about Black-chinned Hummingbirds. He gave the members good tips to help them identify this western species as well as many others that have occurred in the eastern United States as vagrants. Bob concluded the presentation taking many questions from the members in attendance. While he frequently described hummingbirds as “hateful”, it was clear to the members that he loved these little birds and had made a lifelong commitment to studying them. Mr. Sargent encouraged all KOS members to join the Hummer/Bird Study Group. More details about the organization can be found at the following web site link (www.hummingbirdsplus.org). At the completion of the presentation. President Scott Marsh thanked the Sargents for their presentation and then thanked the members for their attendance. With no further items, he then closed the fall 201 1 meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society. Attendance at the Fall 2010 K.O.S. Meeting Alexandria: Bagdad: Bowling Green: Burlington: Carlisle: Frankfort: Glasgow: Lexington: Louisville: Middlesboro: Morehead: Mt. Sterling: Munfordville: Murray: Owensboro: Pineville: Prospect: Richmond: Science Hill: Somerset: Floyds Knobs, IN: Mary Beth & Ron Lusby Horace Brown Blaine Ferrell Lee & Lynda McNeely Virginia & Wendell Kingsolver Joyce Bender, John Brunjes, Joyce Fry, Barry Howard, Gary Spran- del, Shawchyi Vorisek Sandra Moss Rhonda Bryant, Phyllis Deal, Scott Marsh, Jessica Moss, Bobbi & Lou Shain, Jim Williams Bonnie Avery, Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Carol Besse, JoAnn & Carl Bochmann, Richard Cassell, Eddie Huber, Cheryl & Scott Jones, Mark Monroe, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Ben & Mary Yandell Judy Golden Fred, Joanna, & Katie Busroe, Brian Reeder Gerald Robe Janet & Steve Kistler Hap Chambers, Melissa Easley Patricia Augenstein, Janet Howard Steve Coomes Win Ahrens, Carol & Paul McAllister Andy Newman, Brenda & Pete Thompson Roseanna Denton Linda McClendon Tom Becker, Colleen Craven-Becker 120 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Birds Observed at the Fall 201 1 K.O.S. Meeting The following bird species were observed at the Fall 2011 K.O.S. meeting; areas visited included Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, and Pine Mountain near Whitesburg in Letcher County (L). Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier (L), Sharp-shinned Hawk. Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Killdeer, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Barred Owl, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-headed Woodpecker. Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Nor¬ thern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo (L), Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Common Raven, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White¬ breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, House Wren (L), 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, Ovenbird, Tennessee Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler (L), Palm Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Black-and- white Warbler, American Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow (L), White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Card¬ inal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting (L), Red-winged Blackbird. Eastern Mea¬ dowlark, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow. A total of 108 species was observed during the weekend. FIELD NOTE First Kentucky Record of Gray Kingbird On 24 April 2011, while driving along Lower River Road in western Boone County, my attention was drawn to a bird perched on a wire alongside the road. While initially resembling a species of kingbird, several features appeared unlike the expected Eastern Kingbird ( Tyrannus tyrannus). 1 pulled off the road onto a driveway and was able to observe the bird from a distance of approximately 3 1 m. Over the next 45 minutes I con¬ tinued to watch the bird as it frequently made forays to a nearby cultivated field to catch insect prey, often hovering just above the ground. During this initial observation the following features were noted: general impression of of a Tyrannus kingbird. The color of the crown and back was a medium gray. The head looked large and the birds’s bill was dark in color and noticeably larger and longer than either an Eastern Kingbird or Western Kingbird ( Tyrannus verticalis). A blackish mask extended from the bill to behind the eye. Underparts were off-white in color with no hint of yellow. Wings and tail were brownish-gray in color with a light edging in the secondaries and coverts. The tail did not appear notched but was somewhat ragged toward the end. No lighter-colored feathering was present on the tip or sides of the tail. Attempts to contact someone to come and photograph this bird were unsuccessful so I returned home. After reviewing several field guides for North, Central and South America. I felt strongly that the bird I had seen was a Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis ). 1 am familiar with the species, having observed it on many occasions in south Florida. A few observers tried to relocate the bird 25 April but were unsuccessful. I returned to the site on the afternoon of 26 April and was excited to find the bird still present. Joe Caminiti was • able to arrive a short time later and obtained several photographs using his cell phone 2011 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 121 camera and a spotting scope (see photos on front cover and on p. 124). The photographs in combination with field notes support the identification as Gray Kingbird. No observed features were present to indicate possible hybridization with another member of the genus of Tyrannus, and other possibilities would seem to be eliminated by the combination of field marks observed. Despite visits by other birders in the following days, the Gray Kingbird was not seen again. If accepted by the Kentucky Bird Records Committee, this will represent the first documented record of the species in Kentucky. Gray Kingbird is most common as a breeding bird throughout the Caribbean region and peninsular Florida. It also nests sparingly along the Gulf Coast west to Mississippi, and along the Atlantic coast north to South Carolina. It is rarely found breeding far from coastal sites with the exception of the southern limits of its breeding range in Venezuela (Armistead and Iliff 2003). A compilation of 165 vagrant records for Gray Kingbird through December 2000 noted all but 19 of those records reported from coastal areas (Armistead and Iliff 2003). Domagalski (2008) lists only 11 inland records through 2008 for the eastern and central United States. Seven of those records are from Ontario (all late summer and fall) with the other four coming from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. Only the Illinois and Missouri records represent presumed “overshooting” spring migrants while fall vagrancy is more likely due to “misorientation." Weather patterns do not seem to have a strong influence on Gray Kingbird vagrancy (Armistead and Iliff 2003). The spring season for northern Kentucky was marked by above-average rainfall. Literature Cited Armistead, G., and M. Iliff. 2003. The vagrancy of Gray Kingbird in North America. North American Birds 47:148-161. Domagalski, R. 2008. Midcontinent Rare Bird Records. Electronic version available at: http:wsobirds.org/wso_midcontinent birds_test6.html. Accessed 20 September 2011. — Lee McNeely, 3579 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY, 41005. NEWS AND VIEWS 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. 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 Scott Marsh by mail at 4401 Athens-Boonesboro Road, Lex¬ ington, KY, 40509, or via email at (scott.marsh@insightbb.com). 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 with monetary awards of up to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, please visit the K.O.S. web site (http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm) or contact either Shawchyi Vorisek, Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov) or Dr. Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean’s Office, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY, 42101 (blaine.ferrell@wku.edu). 122 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 Kentucky Bird Records Committee Review List During 2011, the Kentucky Bird Records Committee updated the list of "Review Species,” or those species for which documentation must be provided for reports to be considered for inclusion on the official list of bird species documented as having occurred within the state. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Whimbrel Say's Phoebe Fulvous Whistling-Duck Hudsonian Godwit Vermilion Flycatcher Brant Red Knot Ash-throated Flycatcher Eurasian Wigeon Little Stint Western Kingbird Mottled Duck Curlew Sandpiper Gray Kingbird Cinnamon Teal Ruff Northern Shrike Tufted Duck Red Phalarope Black-capped Chickadee King Eider Black-legged Kittiwake Brown-headed Nuthatch Harlequin Duck Sabine's Gull Rock Wren Red-throated Loon Black-headed Gull Bewick’s Wren Pacific Loon Little Gull Mountain Bluebird Yellow-billed Loon Mew Gull Varied Thrush Western Grebe California Gull Smith's Longspur Black-capped Petrel Iceland Gull Black-throated Gray Warbler Audubon’s Shearwater Lesser Black-backed Gull Green-tailed Towhee Band-rumped Storm Petrel Great Black-backed Gull Spotted Towhee Wood Stork Sooty Tern Clay-colored Sparrow Northern Gannet Gull-billed Tern Bachman's Sparrow Neotropic Cormorant Sandwich Tern Sage Sparrow Anhinga Black Skimmer Nelson's Sparrow Brown Pelican Pomarine Jaeger Harris's Sparrow Tricolored Heron Parasitic Jaeger Black-headed Grosbeak Reddish Egret Long-tailed Jaeger Painted Bunting Glossy Ibis Long-billed Murrelet Yellow-headed Blackbird White-faced Ibis Band-tailed Pigeon Hooded Oriole Roseate Spoonbill White-winged Dove Bullock’s Oriole Swallow-tailed Kite Inca Dove Scott’s Oriole White-tailed Kite Common Ground-Dove Red Crossbill Northern Goshawk Groove-billed Ani White-winged Crossbill Swainson’s Hawk Snowy Owl Common Redpoll Prairie Falcon Green Violetear” Lesser Goldfinch Yellow Rail Blk. -chinned Hummingbird Evening Grosbeak Purple Gallinule Rufous Hummingbird Eurasian Tree Sparrow Notations: - Reports away from Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and Smithland Dam. - Banded hummingbirds do not require review. - Review if outside established Fort Campbell breeding range. - Review if other than during late September/October fall migration period. 201 1 I UK KENTUCKY WARBLER 123 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. The Kentucky Warbler Available in PDF Format Members of the Kentucky Ornithological Society who wish to receive their quarterly journal, The Kentucky Warbler , in electronic format rather than hard copy through the mail may now do so. In the new and here-to-stay digital age, we have found that some members prefer to have a searchable electronic format. The board of the Kentucky Ornithological Society has discussed the eventual scanning of all back issues of The Kentucky Warbler to PDF format and making them available on the internet, but that project may be a few years away. If you wish to receive future issues of The Kentucky Warbler in digital PDF format, email the Society’s Corresponding Secretary, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., at the following address: brainard@mindspring.com. 124 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 87 The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 88 FEBRUARY 2012 NO. 1 IN THIS ISSUE FALL 201 I SEASON, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 3 j CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT 201 1 -2012, Blaine R. Ferrell . 20 i FIELD NOTE First Kentucky Record of Parasitic Jaeger . 37 d MEWS AND VIEWS . 39 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 2 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Carol Besse, Louisville Vice-President .......... . i . Steve Kistler, Munfordville Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville. KY 40222-3913 Treasurer . Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463. Burlington. KY 41005 Recording Secretary . Blaine Ferrell. Bowling Green Councillors: Mark Bennett. Russellville . 2010-2012 Mary Yandell. Louisville . 2010-2012 Hap Chambers, Murray . 201 1-2013 Roseanna Denton. Science Hill . 201 1—2013 Linda Craiger. Glasgow . 2012—2014 Virginia Kingsolver, Carlisle . 2012-2014 Retiring President . Scott Marsh. Lexingtor THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Journal of the Kentucky Ornithological Society', published quarterly in February, May1 August and November. The Kentucky Warbler is sent to all members not in arrears for dues! Current membership categories and corresponding dues follow: Regular (SI 5.00;j Contributing ($25.00): Student ($10.00); Family ($20.00); and Life ($300.00). Diree manuscripts and communications to the editor. Send membership dues to the Treasure!’ Make requests for back issues to the Corresponding Secretary. Editor . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jl c/o Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane. Frankfort. KY, 4060; (brainard@mindspring.con Editorial Advisory Board Brian W. Smith and Ben Yandell Secretary. Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Ben Yandtj , 513 Lymington Court. Louisville. KY 402 J (secy@kybirdrecords.or) THE COVER We thank Mary Yandell for the image of the Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasitici ) and Long-tailed Jaeger (S. longicaudus ) taken 1 1 September 201 1 at Barren River Lai, Allen/Barren counties (see Field Note. p. 37). Financial support for color repro¬ duction in this issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest. 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLE A.R. MANN LIBRARY FALL 2011 SEASON Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee M Weather conditions during fall 201 1 were variable durir g the s<|Tpi*4A©A-TMYtdrt)$dj3 atures were relatively normal during August, although the sAtcon’u high leading of 103T:~ was reached at Bowling Green 3 August. August precipitation was slightly below normal in the east, but very low across the central and west, where Bowling Green and Paducah recorded about one-third and one-half normal rainfall, respectively. September was overall cooler than normal, although Louisville and Bowling Green recorded high readings of 102°F. and I01°F., respectively, 3 September. Most of the state experienced more rainfall than normal during September (Louisville and Lexington experiencing about two times normal rainfall), although some of the east remained a bit dry. During the period 4-8 September, the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee fell apart over the state, but no hurricane waifs were reported. October was cooler than normal across most of the state, while precipitation was slightly above normal in the east but well below normal in the southern and western parts of the state. Finally, November turned warmer and wetter than normal, with many recording stations tallying one and a half to more than two times normal rainfall for the month. Rarity highlights included Red-throated Loon, Anhinga, White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Swallow-tailed Kite, Red-necked Phalarope, Parasitic Jaeger, Long-tailed Jaeger, Western Kingbird, and Clay-colored Sparrow. Irruptive boreal species were relatively scarce again this year, suggesting a limited presence during the upcoming winter season. Most natural food crops appeared to be present in below average supply again, especially where the driest late summer/fall season conditions persisted. Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these reports have been accepted for inclusion in the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Reports of out-of-season birds and rarities should be accompanied by written and/or photographic documentation. This documentation is reviewed by 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. i Abbreviations - County names appear in italics', when used to separate dates, the “/” symbol is used in place of “and”; “ba” next to an observer’s initials indicates that the bird 111 was banded; “ph.” next to an observer’s initials indicates that the observation was documented with photograph(s); “f” next to an observer’s initials indicates that written details were submitted with the report; Place names: Anchorage Trail, at Anchorage, e. Jefferson', Ballard WMA. Ballard', Barkley Dam. Livingston! Lyon (unless otherwise noted); Barren = Barren River Lake, Allen! Barren', Berea Forest = Berea College Forest, Madison', Blood River = Blood River embayment, Ky Lake, Calloway, Camp #1 1 = former Camp #1 1 mine, Union', Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Jefferson ; Cave Run Lake. Bath/Rowan', ji j Cedar Creek Lake. Lincoln ; DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Falls of the Ohio. 21: Jefferson', Fisherville, se. Jefferson', Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment. Lake Cumberland, Pulaski', Floyds Fork = Floyds Fork Park, Jefferson ; Grassy Pond/Powells Lake = Grassy Lake/Powells Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson (unless otherwise noted); Guthrie Swamp. Todd', Horseshoe Road = slough along Horseshoe Road, w. Henderson', Iroquois Park. Louisville, Jefferson', Island No. 1 = sandbars on the Mississippi River at Island No. 1, Carlisle', Jacobson Park. Lexington, Fayette', Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall', Ky Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ * Marshall', Ky Lake = Kentucky Lake, Calloway/Marshall/Trigg', Lake Reba. Madison', d Lake Linville. Rockcastle', Lake No. 9, Fulton', LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Jcj Recreation Area, Lyon/Trigg', Mammoth Cave = Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson 4 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 (unless otherwise noted); Melco = Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson ; Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan', Mitchell Lake. Bal lard WMA, Ballard, Morgan Pond, nw. of Oak Grove, s. Christian ; Nettleroth Sanctuary. Cherokee Park, Louisville; Obion WMA. Fulton', Owsley Fork Lake, Madison', Pine Mt. near Oven Fork. Letcher, Richmond. Madison ; Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit of Sloughs WMA, Henderson', Shaker Village = Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Mercer ; Smithland Dam, on the Ohio River, Livingston ; Snake Creek = Snake Creek embay ment of Green River Lake, Adair, Spindletop = University of Kentucky Spindletop Farm, Fayette', SNP = State Nature Preserve; SP = State Park; SRP = State Resort Park; Surrey Hills Farm = Surrey Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson', Travis WMA = Doug Travis WMA, Carlisle! Hickman', WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Geese - 1 at Blood River 14 October (HC, ME); 38 there 16 October (HC); 35-40 over Sauerheber 16 October (CC); and 20 over Honker Bay, LBL, Lyon, 17 October (JPo) were the earliest to be reported. Early season peak counts included 1500 at Sauerheber 22 November (fide RP) and 450 at Ballard WMA 30 November (KK fide RP). Cackling Goose - ca. 20 at the Reformatory Lake, Buckner, Oldham, 26 November (ph. MC) were the earliest to be reported. Tundra Swan - the first of the wintering flock at Sauerheber to appear were 13 there 16 November (CC) with 78 there by 26 November (CC). Gadwall - 150+ at Sauerheber and 100-150 at Camp #1 1, all 22 October (BPa et al.); ca. 10% of 12,000 ducks at Sloughs WMA, Henderson! Union, 22 November (fide RP); ca. 1100 at Boatwright WMA, Ballard, and 1600 at Duck Island, Lake Barkley, Trigg, all 23 November (PHs); and ca. 400 at Sloughs WMA, Henderson / Union, 23 November (ThY), represented early season peak counts. American Wigeon - early season peak counts included 50+ at Sauerheber and 40-50 at Camp #1 1, all 22 October (BPa et al.); and ca. 825 at Duck Island, Lake Barkley, Trigg , (PHs) and ca. 350 at Sloughs WMA, Henderson/ Union (ThY), all 23 November. Mallard - ca. 60,000 in Ballard 23 No¬ vember (PHs) and 5800 at Sloughs WMA, Henderson/ Union, 23 November (ThY) represented early season peak counts. Blue-winged Teal 10 at Morgan Pond 4 August (BPa, Ellu, MMo) were contin¬ uing from summer, but migrants arrived soon thereafter, and 20-25 were there 13 August (BPa, EHu, AN); peak counts in¬ cluded ca. 100 at Guthrie Swamp 4 Sep¬ tember (MBe); 140 at Honker Lake, LBL, Lyon/Trigg, 29 September (DSa fide AY); and ca. 140 at Blood River 14/16 October (HC, ME/HC). Northern Shoveler - 4 at Obion WMA 25 August (HC, ME) were the earliest to be reported; ca. 500 at Sloughs WMA, Hen¬ derson! Union, 23 November (ThY) repre¬ sented an early season peak count. Northern Pintail - early season peak counts included ca. 25 at Sauerheber and 35-40+ at Camp #11, all 22 October (BPa et al.); ca. 600 in Ballard 23 November (PHs); j and ca. 100 at Sloughs WMA, Henderson! j Union, 23 November (ThY). Green-winged Teal - 2 at the Falls of the Ohio 7 September (BPa, EHu) were the earliest to be reported; early season peak counts included 150+ at Camp #1 1 on 22 October (BPa et al.); at least 200 at Sauer¬ heber 29 October (BPa, KOS); and ca. 1050 at Ballard WMA 23 November (PHs). Redhead - 8 at Camp #11 on 22 October (BPa et al.) were the earliest to be repor¬ ted; modest peak counts included 20 on Lake Barkley, Trigg, 13 November (CSz et al.); 14 at Waitsboro Recreation Area, Lake Cumberland, Pulaski (RD); and 12+17 on Lake Cumberland, Wayne, 30 November (RD). Ring-necked Duck - a male on Mitchell Lake 9 August (ph. RD) likely summered. , Lesser Scaup - ca. 10 on Lake Barkley above the dam 9 October (BPa) were like-, 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 5 ly continuing from summer. Modest peak counts included ca. 550 on the Ohio River at Louisville 4 November (DS1); ca. 150 on Owsley Fork Lake 4 November (AN); and 290 total at four locations on Lake Cumberland, Pulaski! Russell! Wayne, 30 November (RD). Surf Scoter - there were only four reports: 3 on the Ohio River at Louisville 28 Octo¬ ber (BPa et al.); 1 on the Ohio River at Louisville 4 November (DS1 et al.); 1 on Green River Lake, Adair , 24 November (DCo); and 6 on Lake Cumberland above Wolf Creek Dam, Russell, 30 November (RD). Also reported was a flock of 5 scoter sp. on Green River Lake, Taylor, 17 November (RD). Bufflehead - 245 total at five locales on Lake Cumberland, Pulaski/Wayne/Rus¬ sell, 30 November (RD) was by far the season’s peak count; largest flocks that day were 98 off Lake Cumberland SRP, Russell, and 100 on Lake Cumberland above Wolf Creek Dam, Russell (RD). Ruddy Duck - the male that summered on Lake Reba was seen on several occasions during September and October (AN); 15 on the Ohio River at Louisville 17 Octo¬ ber (DS1) were the earliest migrants to be reported; very modest peak counts in¬ cluded 28 on the Ohio River at Louisville 16 November (DS1) and 31 on Green River Lake, Taylor, 24 November (DCo). Red-throated Loon - 1 was reported on Green River Lake at Holmes Bend Dock, Adair, 24 November (DCo). KBRC re¬ view required. Common Loon - reports of interest includ¬ ing the season’s peak counts included 1 over Douglass Hills, Louisville, 4 October (ph. MY); 12 on Cave Run Lake 29 Octo¬ ber (BWu) with 32 there 4 November (BWu); 330 on Barren 11 November (Stedman 2011) with at least 50 there 29 November (BPa); 61 on Green River Lake, Taylor! Adair, 24 November (DCo); and 4 on the Lexington Reservoir 27 November (DL, ASK). Pied-billed Grebe - at Morgan Pond, up to 7 including a few juvs. continued to 17 August (RD); 4 at Camp #11 on 14 Au¬ gust (BPa, EHu, AN) may or may not have been continuing from summer; re¬ ports of migrants of interest included 23 on the Ohio River at Louisville 4 Septem¬ ber (RL, BBC); and at least 18 on Lake Linville and 22 on Owsley Fork Lake all 1 5 October (AN et al.). Horned Grebe - 1 on Cedar Creek Lake 15 October (RD) and 3 on the Ohio River at Louisville 17 October (DSl) were the ear¬ liest to be reported; peak counts included 35-40+ on Barren 5 November (BPa, EHu); at least 215 on the Ohio River at Louisville 4 November (DSl et al.); and 81 total at five locales on Lake Cumber¬ land, Pulaski! Russell! Wayne, 30 Novem¬ ber (RD). Double-crested Cormorant - reports of interest included at least five flocks of 20- 25 birds each over Pine Mt. near Oven Fork 2 October (MMo, KOS) and 595 total from two locales on the Ohio River at Louisville 4 November (DSl). Anhinga - 2 females or imms. were seen circling with vultures over the Swan Lake vicinity, Ballard, 23 September (MMo, EHu, f BPa). KBRC review required. American White Pelican - the bird contin¬ uing at the Falls of the Ohio from the summer season was last seen there 14 August (TBe et al.); other reports of interest included at least 1 13 over Travis WMA 14 August (BY, MY); 1 at Energy Lake, LBL, Trigg, 8 September (BLi); at least 100 over the Mississippi River at Columbus, Hickman, 22 September (EHu, MMo, BPa); ca. 200 on Lake Bark-ley, Trigg, by 7 October (ME); and 450 at Blood River by 22 November (HC). American Bittern - 1 at Sauerheber 29 October (BPa, KOS) was the only one reported. Least Bittern - 1 seen and another heard calling at Camp #11 on 14 August (BPa, EHu, AN) were the only ones reported. Great Blue Heron - 105 at the Falls of the Ohio 14 August (A&NK) represented the season’s peak count there. 6 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 Great Egret - numbers were relatively low in far w. Kentucky during the late summer season with the following modest peak counts: ca. 150 at and near Swan Lake, Ballard , 5 August (BPa, EHu, MMo); ca. 200 at Lake No. 9 on 13 August (BPa, EHu, AN); 15-25 at the Falls of the Ohio during most of August and September with 37 there 13 August (DCo); 22 at Morgan Pond 7 August (C&SRo); ca. 50 at Obion WMA 14 August (BPa, EHu, AN); 175 at Grassy Pond/Powell’s Lake 17 August (CC); 300 at Horseshore Road 5 September (CC); and 63 at Blood River and 52 at Jonathan Creek, both 14 Octo¬ ber (HC, ME). Other reports of interest included 2-3 at Fishing Creek 5 August-8 September (RD et al.) with 1 last seen there 19 October (RD); 2 at Owsley Fork Lake 6-20 October (AN, RF, RBa) with 1 last seen there 29 October (RF, RBa); and 3 at Minor Clark 1 October (BWu). Latest reports included 2 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 4 November (HC, ME); 2 at Jacobson Park 4 November (AN); 1 at Honker Bay, LBL, Lyon, 6 November (JPo); 3 at Uniontown, Union, 1 1 November (CC); and 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 12 Novem¬ ber (RL, BBC). Snowy Egret - 10 at Long Creek Refuge, LBL, Trigg, 12 September (BLi) repre¬ sented a local high count; 2 on Honker Bay, LBL, Lyon, 7 October (JPo) were the latest to be reported. Little Blue Heron - there were two reports away from traditional locales in w. Ken¬ tucky: an ad. continued from July at the Falls of the Ohio to 16 August (MA, EHu, et al.); and 1 at Grassy Pond/Powells Lake 10-24 August (CC). Cattle Egret - reports of interest included a juv. at Morgan Pond 7 August (BPa, EHu, MMo); 80 along KY 272, Trigg , 8 August (RD); ca. 100 in a field in Trigg during the first week of September (BLi); 2 on the East Volunteer Mine, Hopkins, 4 October (KM); 1 at Petersburg, Boone, 5 September (LM, ABa), 1 at Jonathan Creek 23 October (ME); and 1 along Smith Vaught Road, Pulaski, 8 November (ph. RD) that was especially tardy. Black-crowned Night-Heron - reports of interest included 1 at Fishing Creek 1 1 August (RD); 3 at Camp #11 on 13 Au¬ gust (BPa, EHu, AN) with 1 still there 22 October (BPa, et al.); and singles at three locales in Madison 16 August-23 Septem¬ ber (AN). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - 2-3 at Grassy Pond/Powells Lake 2-11 August | (ph. CC) were the only ones reported. White Ibis - there were two reports: 3 juvs. at a transient pond along John U. Young Road, sw. Logan, 13 August (|MBe); and an ad. over the Cathy Crockett Trail, just s. of Sloans Valley, Pulaski, 19 August (tRD). Glossy Ibis - 1 was reported at Owsley Fork j Lake 16 September (ph./fAN). KBRC review required. Osprey - a tally of 12 seen from the US 68/ KY 80 bridge over Ky Lake, Marshalll Trigg, 6 August (MMo, EHu, BPa) was relatively impressive; 4 were counted mi¬ grating over Pine Mt. near Oven Fork 30 I September (MMo, EHu, BPa) with 3 at j the same locale 2 October (MMo, KOS). One at Cave Run Lake 22/20 October ; (BWu); 1 at Dewey Lake, Floyd, 25 Octo- [ ber (SFr); 1 on Lake Barkley, Trigg, 24 1 October (BLi); 1 at Lake Peewee, Hop- : kins, 7 November (ph. CC); and 1 at Fish¬ ing Creek 10 November (RD) were the latest to be reported. Swallow-tailed Kite - 1 was reported along Puncheon Creek s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 15 August (fMBy, fJBv, et al.). KBRC re¬ view required. Mississippi Kite - reports of interest in¬ cluded 2 at the Sinclair Unit of Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg, 4 Aug (ph. MY) and 1 at Horseshoe Road 17/31 August (ph. CC). Good numbers were scattered along the traditional Mississippi River flood- plain locales during the late summer/fall season, but few juvs. were seen, suggest¬ ing low productivity during 201 1 (m. ob.). i Bald Eagle - reports of interest included a pair of ads. at South Shore WMA, Green¬ up, 18 August (SFr); 1 over Lake Linville 27 August (ET); 1 at Doe Run Lake Park, 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 7 Kenton , 24 September (TrY); 1 over Pine Mt. near Oven Fork 30 September (MMo) with 2 at the same locale 2 October (MMo, KOS); and 1 over Pine Mt. SRP, Bell , 1 October (BPa, KOS). Northern Harrier - singles at Grassy Pond/ Powells Lake 10 August (CC) and at Horseshoe Road 24/29 August (CC) were relatively early; 2 were seen migrating over Pine Mt. near Oven Fork 2 October (MMo, KOS). Sharp-shinned Hawk - at least 8 over Pine Mt. near Oven Fork 30 September (MMo, EHu, BPa) with 19 at the same locale 2 October (MMo, KOS) represented the season’s peak counts. Broad-winged Hawk - the season’s peak counts included several flocks totaling at least 256 birds over Douglass Hills, Lou¬ isville, 16 September (MY); 28 birds at the Natural Arch Scenic Area, DBNF, McCreary, 20 September (RD); ca. 30 total in small groups over Wickliffe, Bal¬ lard, 23 September (MMo, EHu, BPa); and 43 over Pine Mt. near Oven Fork 30 September (MMo, EHu, BPa) with 31 at the same locale 2 October (MMo, KOS). Golden Eagle - there were three reports: a juv. s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 31 October (MBy, MBc); a juv. ne. of Red Hill 8 November (fJBb); and 1 at Minor Clark 13 November (tBWu). American Kestrel - 4 were counted migrat¬ ing over Pine Mt. near Oven Fork 2 Octo¬ ber (MMo, KOS). Merlin - it was a good season with at least 14 reports as follows: singles at Fishing Creek 3 September (ph. RD) and 18-19 October (ph. RD); 1 over Obion WMA 22 September (MMo, EHu, BPa); singles at Island No. 1 (BPa, MMo, EHu) and at Minor Clark (fBWu), both 23 September; 1 at Richmond 25 September (AN); 1 along Irl Scott Road, Logan, 26 Septem¬ ber (TD); 5 over Pine Mt. near Oven Fork 30 September (MMo, EHu, BPa) with 1 at the same locale 2 October (MMo); 2 over . Pine Mt. SRP, Bell, 1 October (BPa, KOS); 1 near Dot, Logan, 9 October (ph. FL); 1 in Trigg 24 October (BLi); 1 at Cox’s Park, Louisville, 28 October (ph. MY, EHu); and 1 along the Green River, Hart, 1 9 November (JSo). with at least 13 reports of presumed mi¬ grants as follows: 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 15 September (RD); 1 s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 17 September (MBy), singles over Obion WMA and Columbus Belmont SP, Hickman, both 22 September (MMo, EHu, BPa); 1 at Berea Forest 24 Septem¬ ber (fide DL); 1 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton , 25 September (MY, BY) with 2 there 27 September (F1C); 1 at Richmond (AN) and 2 over Douglass Hills, Louisville (MY), all 29 September; 4 over Pine Mt. near Oven Fork 30 Sep¬ tember (MMo, EHu, BPa) with 2 at the same locale 2 October (MMo, KOS); 1 at Lake Reba 1 October (GB, JPe); 1 over Lake Barkley at Green Turtle Bay, Lyon, 9 October (TBe, CBs, MSt, BPa); and 1 at Jonathan Creek 24 October (MMi). In addition, the wintering bird on the US 68/ KY 80 bridge over Ky Lake, Marshall / Trigg, was first noted 23 October (fide CSz). King Rail - 1 at Sauerheber 22 October (BPa et al.) was the only one reported. Virginia Rail - 1 was heard at Pumphouse Pond, Pulaski, 22 October/ 12 November (RD/RD, AN). Sora - reports of interest included 2 at Mor¬ gan Pond 13 August (AN, BPa, EHu); 1 at 8 _ TUi: KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol, 88 Horseshoe Road 24 August (CC); 1 at Sauerheber 26 August (CC); 1 at Melco 26 September (MC); 3 at Fishing Creek 5 October (RD); 1 at Dix River WMA, Lin¬ coln, 10/15 October (AN et ah); and 4 at Sauerheber 22 October (BPa et ah). Common Gnllinule - 4 (a family group?) were at Camp #11 on 14 August (BPa, EHu, AN). American Coot - 5 were still at Morgan Pond through 13 August (BPa, EHu, et ah) with 1 last seen there 17 August (RD); 3 were still at Swallow Spring Pond, Christian, 13 August (BPa, EHu, AN) with 2 last seen there 17 August (RD). One at the Lexington Reservoir 29 August (TP, SFi) was likely summering, but sin¬ gles at the Falls of the Ohio 16-17 Sep¬ tember (DSI) and at Lake Linville 22 September (RD) may have been early returning fall migrants. Sandhill Crane - a flock of ca. 30 birds ov¬ er Nelson 25 September (JSs) was remark¬ ably early; next earliest reports included at least two flocks heard over se. Hopkins 16 October (KW); 75 over Honker Bay, LBL, Lyon, 17 October (JPo); and 1 at Central City, Muhlenberg, 3 November (iN fide SN). Black-bellied Plover - there were only four reports: 2 ads. at Fishing Creek 5 Septem¬ ber (ph. RD) with a juv. there 6 Septem¬ ber (ph. RD), representing the first for Pulaski', 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 15 Sep¬ tember (BPa, JG); and 1 at Jonathan Creek 6 October (ME). American Avocets, Henderson 22 August 201 1 Charlie Crawford American Golden-Plover - there were at least 13 reports as follows: 1 at Morgan Pond 17 August (RD); ca. 10 at the Falls of the Ohio 3 September (ph. DB) with 1 there 4 September (RL, BBC) and 3 there 6 October (DSI, EHu); 2 at Blood River 4 September (HC); 1 at Fishing Creek 5 September (RD); 4 at Lake No. 9 on 21 September (BPa, EHu, MMo); 2 at Mit¬ chell Lake 24 September (BY, MY); 1 at Melco 5/1 1 October (EHu); 1 at Owsley Fork Lake 6 October (AN); 1 at Minor Clark 8/30 October (BWu/SHa); 1 at the Eddy Creek embayment of Lake Barkley, Lyon, 9 October (CBs, TBe, MSt, BPa); and 2 at Jonathan Creek 23 October (ME). Semipalmated Plover - 15-20 at Morgan Pond 7 August (BPa, EHu, MMo); 6 at Blood River 4 September (HC); 6 at Fish¬ ing Creek 7 September (RD) and 6 at the Falls of the Ohio 1/7-8 September (BPa/ BPa, EHu) represented modest peak counts for the season. One at Freeman Lake, Hardin, 2 November (BF, BBC) was the latest to be reported. Killdeer - 750+ at Morgan Pond 4/7 August (BPa, EHu, MMo); with ca. 1000 at and near there 10-17 August (RD, BPa, EHu, AN); ca. 175 at Mitchell Lake 14 August (BPa, EHu, AN); and 100 at Fishing Creek 2 September (RD) represented the local peak counts of interest for the sea¬ son. Black-necked Stilt - there were several re¬ ports, all being included: 9 ads. and 12 juvs. in three family groups lingering at and near Morgan Pond 4 August (BPa, EHu, MMo) with 12 including some juvs. still there 13 August (BPa, EHu, AN) and at least 6 last seen there 17 August (RD); a family group of 2 ads. and 2 juvs. still at Obion WMA 14 August (BPa, EHu, AN) with 3 still there 25 August (HC, ME); 4 near Island No. 1 on 14 August (ph. BY, MY); and 6 at the Paradise Power Plant, Muhlenberg , 23 September (MY, BY); the latter two reports likely composed migratory family groups. American Avocet - there were six reports: 1 at Morgan Pond 1/3 August (TD/ C&SRo); 1 below Smithland Dam 13 Au- t 111 $ t! 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 9 gust (BPa, EHu, AN); 1 near Grassy Pond/Powells Lake, Union , 17 August (ph. CC); 2 at Horseshoe Road 22 August (ph. CC) with 1 still there 24 August (ph. CC); 1 at Obion WMA 25 August (HC, ME); and 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 28/29 August (RL, BBC/TBe, CBk). Spotted Sandpiper - 1 1 at Fishing Creek 5 September (RD) represented the season’s peak count. Solitary Sandpiper - 1 at Owsley Fork Lake 29 October (|RF, RBa) was very tardy. Greater Yellowlegs - 1 e. of Sauerheber 1 1 November (CC) and 3 at Sauerheber 16 November (ph. CC) were the latest to be reported. Lesser Yellowlegs - 79 at Fishing Creek 5 September (RD) represented the season’s peak count; 1 along White Hall Road, Madison, 4 November (AN) and 7 at the Lexington Reservoir 7 November (ph. JSn) were the latest to be reported. Upland Sandpiper - there were four re¬ ports: 3 at Morgan Pond 4 August (BPa, EHu, MMo) with 1 near Morgan Pond 1 3 August (BPa, EHu, AN); 1 heard over Obion WMA 14 August (BPa, EHu, AN); and 1 at the Stoney Creek Subdivision, Richmond, 4 October (fAN, MBu) that was extraordinarily tardy. Ruddy Turnstone - 1 at Jacobson Park 10 September (AN, ph. JSn, ph. MBu) was the only one reported. Ruddy Turnstone, Fayette 10 September 201 1 Marissa Buschow Sanderling - there were not many reports, all being included: 1 at Morgan Pond 1 1 August (AN); 4 at the Falls of the Ohio 5 September (BPa) with an impressive tally of 16 there 7-8 September (EHu, BPa) and 10 still there 10 September (TBe); 1 at Fishing Creek 5 September (RD); 1 at Jacobson Park 10 September (RO, AN) with 4 there 15 September (ph. JSn); and 5 at the Falls of the Ohio 23 September (TBe, CBk). Semipalmated Sandpiper - 32 at Morgan Pond 4 August (BPa, EHu, MMo); 35 there 1 1 August (AN); and ca. 50 at Fish¬ ing Creek 6 September (RD) represented the season’s peak counts. Western Sandpiper - there were not many reports, all being included: 1 at Morgan Pond 1/7 August (TD/C&SRo); 1 at Mit¬ chell Lake 2 August (HC); singles on a transient pond along John U. Young Road, sw. Logan (MBe), and at the Ghent Power Plant, Carroll (LM), both 13 Au¬ gust; 4 at Blood River 4 September (HC); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 4 September (RL, BBC); 1 at Jacobson Park 10 Sep¬ tember (AN); 1 at Minor Clark 13/16 Sep¬ tember (ph. AN/BWu) with 3-4 there 17 September (ph. AN); and 1 at Lake No. 9 on 21/27 September (MMo, BPa/HC). Least Sandpiper - modest peak counts in¬ cluded at least 60 at Morgan Pond 4 Au¬ gust (BPa, EHu, MMo) with ca. 50 there 13 August (BPa, EHu, AN); ca. 70 at Fishing Creek 6 September (RD); ca. 80 at Lake No. 9 on 21 September (BPa, EHu, MMo); and 35 at Travis WMA 22 September (BPa, EHu, MMo). Latest reports included at least 5 lingering at Jonathan Creek to 17 November (HC); ca 10 at Guthrie Swamp 26 November (MBe); and 6 still at Blood River 30 No¬ vember (HC). White-rumped Sandpiper - there were five reports: 1 at Snake Creek 30 August (RD); 7 at Fishing Creek 6 September (ph. RD); at least 1 at the Falls of the Ohio (BPa, EHu) and 2 at Hays Kennedy Park, Prospect, Jefferson (PM, CM), all 7 Sep¬ tember; and 2 at Minor Clark 16 Septem- 10 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 ber (|BWu) with 1 still there 17 Septem¬ ber (ph. AN). Baird's Sandpiper - the species was repor¬ ted at eight locales as follows: an ad. at Morgan Pond 4-13 August (BPa, EHu, MMo, C&SRo, AN); 1-2 at Fishing Creek 25 August-5 September (RD et al.) with a peak count of 3 there 26-27 August (RD); 1 at Jonathan Creek 30 August (HC, ME); 4 at Crocker Pond, Logan, 3 September (MBe); 2 at Blood River 4 September (HC); at least 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 7 September (BPa, EHu); 1 at Jacobson Park 10 September (AN); and 1 at Minor Clark 16/17 September (BWu/AN) with 1 there 1 October (BWu). Pectoral Sandpiper - season peak counts were all at Morgan Pond, where 350-400 were present 4/7 August (BPa, EHu, MMo), ca. 450 were counted 11/13 Au¬ gust (AN/BPa, EHu, AN), and ca. 300 were still present 17 August (RD). One at Melco 24 October (EHu); 8 at Sauerheber 29 October (BPa, K.OS); 3 at Minor Clark 29/30 October (BWu/SHa); and 1 at Sau¬ erheber 3 1 October (CC) were the latest to be reported. Dunlin - reports of interest included 29 at Minor Clark 29 October (BWu) with 15 still there 30 October (SHa); ca. 45 at Blood River 31 October (HC) with 2 still there 30 November (HC); 1-3 at Jacobson Park 26 October-4 November (JSn, AN); 1 at Melco 5/8 November (MC, BWo/ EHu); and 1 at Guthrie Swamp 26 No¬ vember (MBe). Stilt Sandpiper - reports of interest includ¬ ed 14 still at Morgan Pond 1/4 August (TD/BPa, EHu, MMo) with 6 there^ 17 August (BPRD); 2 on a transient pond along John U. Young Road, sw. Logan, 13 August (MBe); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 23 August (TBe, EHu, DS1); 1-4 at Fishing Creek 23 August-6 September (RD); 1 at Blood River 27 August (HC) with 4 there 31 August-4 September (HC); and 1 at Minor Clark 16 September (BWu). Buff-breasted Sandpiper there were re¬ ports from six locales as follows: 3 at Melco 7 August (TBe, CBk); 3 at Morgan Pond 7 August (BPa, EHu, MMo) with 1 there 13-17 August (BPa, EHu, AN, C&SRo, RD); 12 at Horseshoe Road 29 August (ph. CC) with 8 still there 31 August (CC); 1 at Blood River 1 Septem¬ ber (HC) with 3 there 4 September (HC); 5 at the Falls of the Ohio 5 September (BPa) with 2-3 there through 17 Septem¬ ber (BPa, EHu, DS1); and 3 at the Louis¬ ville landfill 30 September (ph. RA). Short-billed Dovvitcher - there were only six reports: 1 at Morgan Pond 1 August (TD); 1 at Horseshoe Road 4-11 August (CC); 1 near Morgan Pond 1 1 August (AN); 1 at Fishing Creek 17-26 August (RD); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 23 August (TBe, EHu, DS1); and 1 at Blood River 27 Augusts September (HC). Long-billed Dowitcher - 1 e. of Sauerheber 22 October (BPa et al.) was the only one reported. American Woodcock - reports of interest included 1 at the LBL Nature Station, Lvon/Trigg, 7 August (JPo); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 28 August (BPa); 1 at Central Ky WMA, Madison, 1 September (AN); at least 3 s. of Bearville, Knott, 24-25 October (SR); at least 6-8 at Surrey Hills Farm 4 November (MMo, BPa, et al.); and at least 3 s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, during November (MBy). Wilson’s Plialarope - 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 23 September (TBe, CBk) was the only one reported. Red-necked Phalarope - there were two re¬ ports: a juv. at Fishing Creek 6 Septem¬ ber (ph. RD) with another juv. (different plumage) there 7 September (ph. RD). Red-necked Phalarope, Pulaski 7 September 201 1 Roseanna Denton 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 1 1 Bonaparte’s Gull - single first-year birds at the Falls of the Ohio 31 August (DS1) and at Barren 7 September (BPa, EHu) were the earliest to be reported. Laughing Gull - there were four reports: a juv. below Smithland Dam 5 August (BPa, EHu, MMo); a juv. at the Falls of the Ohio 30 September (DS1); and singles at both Jonathan Creek and the Wildcat Creek embayment of Ky Lake, Calloway, 14 October (HC, ME). Franklin’s Gull - there were five reports: I at the Falls of the Ohio 23/24 September (TBe, CBk/TBe, BPa) and 27 September (GH, MA); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 20 October (EHu); 3 at the Falls of the Ohio 4 November (DS1); and 1 along Union- town-Mt. Vernon Road, Union , 26 No¬ vember (ph. CC). Franklin’s Gull, Union 26 November 201 1 Charlie Crawford Ring-billed Gull - at least 100 were below Smithland Dam and at least 250 were at Ky Dam Village SRP, Marshall, by 7 Au¬ gust (BPa, EHu, MMo). Herring Gull - an ad. below Smithland Dam 5/7 August (BPa, EHu, MMo) was the earliest to be reported. Lesser Black-backed Gull - there were several reports, probably some involving the same individuals: 2 ads. or third-year birds at Ky Dam 20 September (HC); an ad. on Ky Lake, Marshall, 23 September (BPa, EHu, MMo); 1 at Ky Dam 2 Octo- ' ber (HC, ME); an ad. or third-year bird on Lake Barkley at Boyd’s Landing, Lyon, 9 October (TBe, BPa et al.) with an ad. and a first-year bird on Lake Barkley near Kuttawa, Lyon , 9 October (BPa et al.); and 1 at Ky Dam 4 November (HC, ME). Least Tern - up to ca. 20 ads. and 6 chicks were present at the nesting sandbar in the Ohio River downstream from Lewisport, Hancock , during early August (DA); al¬ though the bar is situated in Indiana waters the birds also forage in the Ken¬ tucky portion of the river; only a few birds were seen at traditional locales on the lower Ohio and Mississippi Rivers during the late summer season suggesting low productivity (m. ob.). Modest peak counts included 10 below Smithland Dam 14 August (BPa, EHu, AN); at least 130 at Island No. I on 14 August (BPa, EHu, AN); and 14 at/near Obion WMA 25 Au¬ gust (HC, ME). Caspian Tern - reports of interest included 1-17 on a number of dates at the Falls of the Ohio 14 August-15 September (TBe, DS1, EHu, BPa, JG) with peak counts of 32 there 8 September (BPa) and 23 still there 10 September (TBe); 3 at Fishing Creek 6 September (RD); singles on the Kentucky River at Ft. Boonesborough State Park, Clark! Madison, and at Lake Reba, both 6 September (AN); 3 at Barren 7 September (BPa, EHu) with 2 there 14 September (HC); 6 at Jacobson Park 8 September (JSn) with 1 still there 10 Sep¬ tember (AN); 2 on the Ohio River at Petersburg, Boone, 10 September (LM); and at least 3 on Lake Barkley above the dam 9 October (BPa). Black Tern - reports of interest included 12 at Morgan Pond 6 August (C&SRo) with 2 still there 7 August (C&SRo); 1-6 below Smithland Dam 7-13 August (BPa, EHu, MMo, AN); 5 at Island No. 1 on 14 Au¬ gust (BPa, EHu, AN) with 6 there 2 Sep¬ tember (MY, BY); 1 at Obion WMA 25 August (HC, ME); 2 at the Falls of the Ohio 4-7 September (RL, BBC, et al.); 6 at Fishing Creek 5 September (RD) with 1 still there 6 September (RD); and 1 at Barren 14 September (HC). Common Tern - the species was reported at four locales as follows: 6 at the Falls of the Ohio 5 September (BPa, EHu, et al.) 12 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 with 1 there 6/7 September (BWo/BPa, EHu), 12 there 8 September (BPa), and 2 there 23 September (TBe, CBk); 25 at Fishing Creek 5 September (RD) with 4 still there 6 September (RD); 1 at Owsley Fork Lake 6/9 September (AN/PHr, CSp) that was likely a county first; 1 at Ky Dam 20 September (HC) with 3 there 21 Sep¬ tember (BPa, EHu, MMo) and at least 14 on Ky Lake, Marshall , 23 September (BPa, EHu, MMo); and 2 tardy birds at the Falls of the Ohio 20/21 October (+DS1, EHu/TBe). Forster’s Tern - reports of interest included 3 at Morgan Pond 7 August (C&SRo); 33 at Jonathan Creek by 12 August (ME); with 76 there by 30 August (HC, ME); 7 at Guthrie Swamp 4 September (MBe); 1- 2 at the Falls of the Ohio on several dates 5-23 September (DS1, EHu, TBe, CBk, et ah); 1 at Fishing Creek 6 September (RD); at least 200 on Ky Lake above the dam 21 September (BPa, EHu, MMo) with the same number from Ky Dam to the mouth of Big Bear Creek, Ky Lake, Marshall , 23 September (BPa, EHu, MMo); and 180 at Jonathan Creek 14 October (HC). As is the norm, small numbers were still present at Jonathan Creek and Blood River at the end of November (HC et ah). Parasitic Jaeger - a juv. was present at Bar¬ ren 11-14 September (vt. BY, ph. MY, HC, et ah) that will represent a first state record. KBRC review required. Long-tailed Jaeger - a juv. was present at Barren 10-14 September (AH, vt. BY, ph. MY, HC, et ah). KBRC review required. Eurasian Collared-Dove — 1 at Cedar Creek Lake 10 October (AN) was likely a county first. Black-billed Cuckoo - there were six re¬ ports: 1 at Windhover Farm, Oldham , 23- 24 August (ph. MC); 1 at Craigmoor Es¬ tates, Scott , 27 August (DL, BLa) & 9 September (DL); 1 in LBL, Trigg, 8 Sep¬ tember (BLi) 1 on the Anchorage Trail 14 September (JBe, PB); and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 8 October (BPa). Barn Owl - there were three reports: 1 near Dot, Logan, during late August (fide FL); 1 heard at Surrey Hills Farm 24 October (BPa, MMo); and a pair sw. of Bloom¬ field, Nelson, during late November (ph. TH). Short-eared Owl - 1 over the Henderson Airport, Henderson, 28 November (tKM) was the only one reported. Northern Saw-whet Owl - 24 individuals were banded in eight nights 24 October- 1 7 November at Surrey Hills Farm (MMo, BPa, et ah) with a peak night of 15 birds on 16-17 November; also, 2 were heard but none caught 23-24 November (BPa, MMo). A bird (unknown if banded) was found day roosting at Surrey Hills Farm 6 November (ph. BPa et ah). ; 1 Common Nighthawk - peak counts includ¬ ed at least 550 ne. of Red Hill, Allen, 8 September (ABr, JBb); ca. 500 over Nolin Lake at the Wax Campground, Grayson, 9 September (SK, JK); 85 over Morehead, Rowan, 10 September (BWu); tallies of 780 & 705 s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 10 & 1 1 September (MBy, RS); and at least 140 over Morgan 1 1 September (SFr). Black-billed Cuckoo, Oldham 23 August 201 1 Mike Callan Eastern Whip-poor-will - 1 was heard cal¬ ling at Craigmoor Estates, Scott, 13 Sep¬ tember (DL); 2 birds were seen most nights along a lane and driveway in Trigg until about 13 October (ph. KT). 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 13 Eastern Whip-poor-will, Trigg 23 September 201 1 Kevin Terrell Chimney Swift - 1 over Cave Hill Ceme¬ tery 19 October (GH, DSt) was the latest to be reported. Ruby-throated Hummingbird - more than 100 were banded at the LBL Nature Sta¬ tion, Lyon/Trigg, 5-7 August (BPa, MMo, et al.) with 3 recaptures from the 2010 LBL festival. Individuals were reported at several locales into the last week of Octo¬ ber, and tardy birds included 1 at Flor¬ ence, Boone, to 2 November (JR); 1 at Louisville to 3 November (RT); and 1 s. of Haywood, Barren, 3-6 November (banded 5 November) (R&LY, LC, ba. BPa). Rufous Hummingbird - it was a good sea¬ son, with six individuals banded as fol¬ lows: an imm. female near Dot, Logan, 18 October into December (banded 20 Octo¬ ber) (FL, ALy, ba. BPa); an imm. female e. of Science Hill, Pulaski, late October into December (banded 4 November) (SHu, RD, ba. BPa); an imm. female s. of Haywood, Barren, 3 November into De¬ cember (banded 5 November ) (R&LY, LC, ba. BPa) with an ad. female showing up in the same yard 12 November into December (banded 18 November) (R& LY, ba. BPa, MMo); an ad. female w. of Ashland, Boyd, 9 November into Decem¬ ber (banded 17 November) (S&SS, ba. BPa, MMo); and an imm. female at , Franklin, Simpson, 30 October into De¬ cember (banded 29 November) (S&ATr, ba. BPa). Red-headed Woodpecker - the species was quite numerous by late November at some locales such as LBL, where ca. 50 were counted around Honker Lake/Bay, Lyon / Trigg, 24 November (JPo). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - an exception¬ ally early bird at Lexington 23 August (|RO) represented a new early arrival date for the state by nearly three weeks. Northern Flicker - at least 25-30 migrants were noted over Pine Mt. near Oven Fork 2 October (MMo, KOS). Olive-sided Flycatcher - there were seven reports: 1 at Cave Hill Cemetery 8 Sep¬ tember (fDSt, GH, et ah); 1 at Floyds Fork 9 September (EHu, TBe, CBk, ALe); I at the Lexington Cemetery 10 Septem¬ ber (DL, ASK); 1 at Iroquois Park 17 Sep¬ tember (MA); 1 along Upper Bottom Road, Fulton, 22 September (BPa, ph. EHu, MMo); 2 at Cave Hill Cemetery 24 September (MA, GH, et ah); and singles at Nettleroth Sanctuary 5/12 October (|GH, DSt, SD, BPi/jGH, DSt), the latter representing a new late departure date for the state. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - it was an ex¬ ceptional season, with at least 16 reports, all being included: singles on the Anchor¬ age Trail 13/20/26 August & 10/21 Sep¬ tember (JBe, PB et ah); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 28 August/17 September (BPa); sin¬ gles at Craigmoor Estates, Scott (DL) and in LBL, Trigg (BLi), both 8 September; 1 at the Lexington Cemetery 10 September (DL, ASK); 1 at Pilot Knob SNP, Powell, II September (BPa); 1 at Floyds Fork 17 September (EHu, BBC); 1 near Three Ponds SNP, Hickman, and 1 along Bluff Road, Hickman, both 22 September (MMo, EHu, BPa); 1 at Nettleroth Sanc¬ tuary 9 October (GH, BBC); and 1 at Iro¬ quois Park 10 October (GH, DSt). Alder Flycatcher - a calling bird was seen at Lake No. 9 on 13 August (BPa, EHu, AN, BY, MY). Least Flycatcher - singles on the Anchor¬ age Trail 23/26 August (JBe, PB) and at Windhover Farm, Oldham, 23 August (f MC) were the earliest to be reported. 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 Great Crested Flycatcher - 1 heard calling at Douglass Hills, Louisville, 16 October (tMY) represented a new late departure date by nearly two weeks. Western Kingbird - 1 was present near Dot, Logan , 3 October (ph. FL). K.BRC review required. Eastern Kingbird 1 at Richmond 26 Sep¬ tember (AN) and 2 at the Long Point Unit of Reelfoot NWR, Fulton , 27 September (HC) were the latest to be reported. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - there were three reports: 2 along Pondsville-Kepler Road, ne. Warren , 9-16 August (ph. AH et al.); 1 along Upper Bottom Road, Fulton , 22 September (ph. BPa, EHu, MMo); and 1 along US 68/KY 80 just e. of Auburn, Logan , 25 September (STy, ph. DT). Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Fulton 22 September 201 1 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. White-eved Vireo - 1 at Lake Barkley SRP, Trigg , 28 October (MSc) was the latest to be reported. Blue-headed Vireo - 2 at Lexington 27 August (RO) were exceptionally early away from breeding areas; next earliest was 1 at Jefferson Memorial Forest, Jef¬ ferson. , 17 September (GH, MA, DSt). Philadelphia Vireo 1 at Mammoth Cave 1 7 October (JBe, PB) was relatively late. Fish Crow - 1 at Jonathan Creek 14 Octo¬ ber (MMi) and 1 at Blood River 16 Oc¬ tober (HC) with 2 there 17 October (HC) were a bit tardy for the locations. Common Raven - there were five reports: 1 heard at Robinson Forest, Breathitt, 29 September (SFr); at least 4 over Pine Mt. near Oven Fork 30 September (MMo, EHu, BPa); 1 over Pine Mt. SRP 1 Oc¬ tober (BPa, KOS); 1 s. of Bearville, Knott, 23-25 October (SR); and 2 at the Road Creek Mine, Pike, 4-5 November (SFr). Purple Martin - the roost at Lexington peaked at more than 10,000 birds during early August (DSv et al.). An analysis of National Weather Service radar 12 August revealed the presence of at least six roosts at scattered, mostly traditional, locations (BPa). One over Douglass Hills, Louis¬ ville, 14 September (MY) was rather tardy. Tree Swallow - 1 at Uniontown Dam, Un¬ ion, 7 November (CC) and 2 at Grassy Pond/Powells Lake 1 1 November (CC) were the latest to be reported. Northern Rough-winged Swallow - 550 in Fulton 25 August (HC) represented a modest peak count for the season. Bank Swallow - “hundreds” were present at Horseshoe Road 24 August (CC). Cliff Swallow - a concentration of ca. 4000 foraging/loafing birds at Morgan Pond 17 August (RD) was remarkable. 1 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1 at Jefferson Memorial Forest, Jefferson, 22 September (BWo); 1 at Evergreen Cemetery, Camp¬ bell, 25 September (FR); and 1 at the Boyd's Landing Recreation Area, Lyon, 9 October (BPa et al.) were the earliest to be reported, although by mid-November it was apparent that only a light flight was going to occur this year. Brown Creeper - 1 on the Anchorage Trail 9 October (JBe, PB, BA) was the earliest to be reported. Bewick’s Wren - 2 were reported nw. of Burkesville, Cumberland, 15 November (fBZ). K.BRC review required. Winter Wren - 1 at Sauerheber 5 October (CC) was the earliest to be reported. Sedge Wren - there were six reports: 1 heard calling at Honker Lake, LBL, Lyon, 5/11 August (BPa, EHu, MMo/ AN); 1 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 15 along Duncannon Road, Richmond, 19 October (AN); 1 at Fishing Creek 21 Oc¬ tober (RD); 1 at Sauerheber 22 October (BPa et al.); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 23 October (BPa); and 1 s. of Bearville, Knott, 24 October (SR). Marsh Wren - there were at least seven re¬ ports: 1 along Duncannon Road, Rich¬ mond, 9-10 September (AN); 3 at Horse¬ shoe Road 29 September (CC); 1 at Fish¬ ing Creek 5 October (RD); 1 at Dix River WMA, Lincoln, 10/15 October (AN/AN et al.); 1 at Sauerheber 12/22 October (CC/BPa et al.); 1 at Minor Clark 22 October (BWu); and 1 at Georgetown, Scott, 22 October (MHi). Golden-crowned Kinglet - 1 at Melbourne, Campbell, 30 August (fDMr) was excep¬ tionally early and represented a new early fall arrival date for the state by three weeks; next earliest was 1 at Lexington 1 October (DCh). Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1 at Million, Madison, 30 August (tMBu ) was excep¬ tionally early; next earliest was 1 at Mam¬ moth Cave 13 September (TD); 12-15 at Chaney Lake SNP, Warren, 20 October (BPa) represented the season’s peak count. Veery - 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 28 August (MBy) was the earliest to be reported; ad¬ ditional reports of this relatively uncom¬ mon fall thrush included 1 at Berea Forest 8 September (AN); 1 at Floyds Fork 9 September (EHu et al.); singles on the Anchorage Trail 14/21 September (JBe, PB/JBe, PB, BBC); 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 15 September (MBy) with 2 there 17 September (MBy); 1 at Jefferson Memorial Forest, Jefferson, 23 September (BWo); 1 along Scott Creek Forestry Road, Rowan, 24 September (AN, RD, SHa); and 1 at Bernheim Forest, Bullitt, 25 September (BWo). Gray-cheeked Thrush - singles on the An¬ chorage Trail 5 September (JBe, PB, BBC) and at Surrey Hills Farm 6 Septem¬ ber (BPa) were the earliest to be reported. Swainson’s Thrush - singles at Nettleroth Sanctuary 27 August (RBo) and at Surrey Hills Farm 28 August (BPa), and 2 on the Anchorage Trail 29 August (JBe, PB, BPa, JG) were the earliest to be reported. Latest reports were for 1 sw. of Fisherville 18 October (ph. EHu) and a very tardy bird at Bernheim Forest 17 November (ph. DMn) that established a new late departure date for the state. Wood Thrush - I at Surrey Hills Farm 27 October/4 November (BPa, MMo) estab¬ lished a new late departure date for the state. Gray Catbird - there were several reports of birds linging into November with the latest being singles at McConnell Springs, Lexington (LT) and Freeman Lake, Hardin (BF, BBC), both 2 November; 1 at Central Park, Boone, 5 November (LM et al.) and 1 heard at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, Oldham, 13 November (PM, BBC). American Pipit - 2 at Fishing Creek 5 Oc¬ tober (RD) and 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 6 October (DS1, EHu) were the earliest to be reported. Cedar Waxwing - the species was most nu¬ merous and widespread during Septem¬ ber and the first half of October, with numbers declining somewhat during No¬ vember. Ovenbird - 1 that lingered in a yard near Lyndon, Jefferson, to 13 October (JBe, PB) and 1 ne. of Red Hill, Allen, 15 October (ABr, JBb) were the latest to be reported. Worm-eating Warbler - I along Warix Run Boat Dock Road, Cave Run Lake, Rowan, 24 September (AN, RD, SHa) was the latest to be reported. Lawrence’s Warbler - a male was reported at Nettleroth Sanctuary 13 September (f BPi); another bird, either an imm. fe¬ male Lawrence’s or an unknown back- cross, was reported at Walton, Boone, 8 September (fTrY). Brewster’s Warbler - there were two reports: 1 near the boat ramp at Snake Creek 30 August (RD) and 1 at Big Bone Lick SP, Boone, 3 September (JR) J6 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 88 Golden-winged Warbler - it was likely an unprecedented, season for the species with no less than 60 individuals reported at more than 20 locales. A summary of ob¬ servations follows: 1 near the boat ramp at Snake Creek 30 August (RD); 1 at Central Ky WMA, Madison , 1 September (AN); 1-2 on six dates 2-22 September in addition to 3 on 23 September, all s. of Mt. Zion, Allen , (MBy, et al.); 2 at Surrey Hills Farm 6/17 September (BPa); 1 at Beargrass Creek SNP, Louisville, 4 Sep¬ tember (MK, SW); 1 in Hart 6 September (SK); 11 in LBL, Lyonl Trigg , 7-21 September (BLi); 1 at the Lexington Cem¬ etery 8 September (KC); singles at Floyds Fork 8/17 September (EHu/EHu, BBC); singles on the Anchorage Trail 8/9/15 September (JBe, PB, et al.); 1 near Dot, Logan , 9 September (FL); 1 along Pleas¬ ant Hill Church Road, Trigg, 1 1 Septem¬ ber (BLi); at least 9 at Mammoth Cave 13 September (TD) with 2 there 18 Septem¬ ber (JBe, PB, BBC) and 1 there 22 Sep¬ tember (SK, JK, BA); 1 at McConnell Springs, Lexington, 13 September (LT); 2 at Craigmoor Estates, Scott, 14 Septem¬ ber (DL, BLa); 1 at Walton, Boone, 15 September (TrY); 1 at Henson Park, Dan¬ ville, Boyle, 15 September (ML); 1 at Shaker Village 16 September (ba. KH et ah); 1 in w. Franklin 16 September (BPa); 1 along Scott Creek Forestry Road, Row¬ an (AN), and 3 at Caperton Swamp, Jef¬ ferson (BY, MY), all 17 September; 3 at and near Obion WMA 'll September (EHu, MMo, BPa); and 1 along Zilpo Rd., Bath, 24 September (AN, RD, SHa). Prothonotary Warbler - singles at Obion WMA 22 September (BPa, EHu, MMo) and at Owsley Fork Lake 8 October (AN) were tardy, but 1 along Straight Line Road, Henderson , 12 November (|KM) represented a new late departure date by more than a month. Swainson’s Warbler - 1 heard singing at Cumberland Gap National Park, Bell, 12 September (fKO, HO) was among the latest ever to be documented in the state. Tennessee Warbler - 1 on the Anchorage frail 22 August (JBe, PB) and 2 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 28 August (RD) were the earliest to be reported. Orange-crowned Warbler - 1 at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski, 9 September (RD) was exceptionally early; additional reports included 1 at Owsley Fork Lake 6 October (AN); 1 at the Kendall Recreation Area, Russell, 16 October (RD); 1 banded at Shaker Village 21 October (KH et al.); 1 at Sauerheber 28/31 October (CC); and 1 at Grassy Pond/Powells Lake 1 1 No¬ vember (CC). Nashville Warbler - 1 on the Anchorage Trail 29 August (JBe, PB, BPa) and 2 at Veterans Park, Lexington, 29 August (TP, SFi) were the earliest to be reported. Connecticut Warbler - there were three re¬ ports: 1 at Floyds Fork 17 September (EHu); 1 on the Anchorage Trail 21 Sep¬ tember (PB); and 1 at Nettleroth Sanctu¬ ary 21 September (CBs). Mourning Warbler - it was an especially good season for the species with 12 rports, all being included: 2 on the Anchorage Trail 26/28 August (JBe, PB/JBe, PB, BPa, BA) with 1 there 5 September (JBe, PB, BBC) and 15 September (JBe, PB, CBs); 1 at Jenny Hole/Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson, 31 Au¬ gust (ph. CC); 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 2 September (MBy); 1 in LBL, Trigg, 8 September (BLi); 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 9 September (RD); 1 near Green River Lake, Adair, 10 September (RD); 1 along Scott Creek Forestry Road, Rowan, 17 September (AN); 2 at and near Obion WMA 22 September (BPa, EHu, MMo); and 1 at Seneca Park, Louisville, 2 Oc¬ tober (BA). Common Yellowthroat - 1 at Sauerheber 29 October (BPa, KOS) was the latest to be reported. Hooded Warbler - 1 at Mammoth Cave 17 October (JBe, PB) was the latest to be re¬ ported. Cape May Warbler - there were an above- average number of reports from scattered locales from Louisville eastward (m. ob.; ebird); 1 at Lexington 27 August (RO) was the earliest to be reported; 1 at Rich- 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 17 mond 17-18 October (AN) was the latest to be reported. Cerulean Warbler - 1 at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone, 10 September (LM) and 2 along Scott Creek Forestry Road, Rowan , 17 September (fAN) were quite tardy. Bay-breasted Warbler - 1 on the Anchor¬ age Trail 25 August (JBe, PB) was the earliest to be reported; 1 at Minor Clark 22 October (BWu) was the latest to be reported. Blackburnian Warbler - singles at Joe Creason Park, Louisville, 14 August (DSt); at the Alpine Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski, 18 August (RD); and on the Anchorage Trail 20 August (JBe, PB, CBs) were the earliest to be reported. A tally of 12 at Veterans Park, Lexington, 29 August (TP, SFi) was exceptional. Sin¬ gles at Lexington 22 October (DCh) and at Richmond 25 October (AN) were the latest to be reported. Yellow Warbler - singles at Fishing Creek 5 October (RD) and at Owsley Fork Lake 8 October (AN) were the latest to be re¬ ported. Chestnut-sided Warbler - 1 on the An¬ chorage Trail 22 August (JBe, PB) was the earliest to be reported. Blackpoll Warbler - there were four re¬ ports: 1 at Walton, Boone, 9 September (ph. TrY); 1 along FS 193, ne. of Cum¬ berland Falls, DBNF, Whitley, 13 Sep¬ tember (fKO, HO); 1 along Scott Creek Forestry Road, Rowan, 17 September (AN); and 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 12 October (ph. RD). Black-throated Blue Warbler - reports of presumed migrants at locales away from breeding areas in the se. part of the state included 1 at Craigmoor Estates, Scott, 15 September (DL, BLa) and 1 along Scott Creek Forestry Road, Rowan, 17 Septem¬ ber (AN). Palm Warbler - singles at Floyds Fork 9 September (EHu, TBe, CBk, ALe) and Jacobson Park 10 September (AN) were the earliest to be reported. Black-throated Green Warbler - 1 on the Cathy Crockett Trail, Pulaski, 19 August (RD) and 2 at Veterans Park, Lexington, 29 August (TP, SFi) were the earliest to be reported. Canada Warbler - singles at the Alpine Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski, 18 Au¬ gust (RD), on the Cathy Crockett Trail, Pulaski, 19 August (RD), and on the An¬ chorage Trail 21 August (JBe, PB, CBs) were the earliest to be reported. Wilson’s Warbler - singles on the Anchor¬ age Trail 28 August (JBe, PB, BPa, BA) and at Veterans Park, Lexington (TP, SFi), and at Mt. Zion (RD), both 29 August, were the earliest to be reported. Yellow-breasted Chat - singles at Doe Run Lake Park, Kenton, 24 September (TrY, DMr); at the Lexington Cemetery 30 Sep¬ tember (C>); and at Floyds Fork 7 October (EHu, MY) were tardy. American Tree Sparrow - singles on the Anchorage Trail 17 November (JBe, PB) and at Green River State Forest, Hender¬ son, 18 November (CC) were the earliest to be reported. Clay-colored Sparrow - 2 were reported on the Anchorage Trail 18 October (JBe, PB). KBRC review required. Vesper Sparrow - 1 in Hart 23 September (|SK) and at least 1 at Obion WMA 24 September (MY, BY) were quite early; other reports of interest included singles at Stoney Creek Subdivision, Richmond, 8 October (AN) with 3 there 19 October (AN) and 5 there 24 October (AN); 1 at Cedar Creek Lake 10 October (AN); 6 along Straightline Road, Henderson, 29 October (BPa, KOS); several at Spindle- top 29 October (MT) with 2 there 1 No¬ vember (DL); 1 at Melco 29 October (MY); and 1 at Minor Clark 30 October (SHa). Lark Sparrow - there were two reports: an imm. at the Louisville landfill 4 August (RA) and 1 at Travis WMA, Carlisle, 14 August (BPa, EHu, AN). Savannah Sparrow - singles at two loca¬ tions near Richmond 6 September (AN) 18 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 and 10 September (AN, MBu) were rel¬ atively early. Grasshopper Sparrow - 1 at Stoney Creek Subdivision, Richmond, 4/8/15 October (AN et al.) and 1 at Melco 30 October (ph. MY) were the latest to be reported. Henslow’s Sparrow - a juv. in the company of ads. ne. of Red Hill, Allen, 28 August (TBr, ABr, JH, MHo, et al.) confirmed breeding in the county for the first time; 1 at Sauerheber 22 October (SHa, AN, BPa, et al.) and 1-2 ne. of Red Hill, Allen, 24- 25 October (ABr, JBb, JBy, TBr) were the latest to be reported. Le Conte’s Sparrow - singles at Sauerheb¬ er 22/29 October (BPa et al./BPa, KOS) and ne. of Red Hill, Allen, 13 November (tABr, JH, EHo, JBb) were the only ones reported. Nelson’s Sparrow - 1 at Melco 26 Septem¬ ber (ph. MC) was the only one reported. Fox Sparrow - 1 heard at Surrey Hills Farm 4 October (BPa) and 1 at Minor Clark 22 October (BWu) were the earliest to be re¬ ported. Lincoln’s Sparrow - a tally of 7 at the Pumphrey Tract of the Buck Creek Nature Preserve, Pulaski, 12 October (RD) repre¬ sented the season’s peak count. One at Minor Clark 12 November (BWu) was the latest to be reported. Swamp Sparrow - 1 at Green River State Forest, Henderson, 27 September (CC) was the earliest to be reported. White-throated Sparrow - 1-5 at five scat¬ tered locales 2 October (m. ob.; ebird) were the earliest to be reported. White-crowned Sparrow - 1 at Mark, Pul¬ aski, 1 October (CN) and 2 at Sauerheber 3 October (CC) were the earliest to be re¬ ported. Dark-eyed Junco - 1 at Sauerheber 3 Oc¬ tober (CC) was the earliest to be reported. Scarlet Tanager - 1 at Beargrass Creek SNP, Louisville, 14 October (GH, MA, DSt) was the latest to he reported. Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Fayette 21 November 201 1 Don Chesnut Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 6 September (BPa) was the earliest to be reported; 1 ne. of Red Hill, Allen, 23 October (JBy, TBr) and a very tardy bird in a Lexington yard 21-23 November (ph. DCh) were the latest to be reported. Blue Grosbeak - an active nest at Scho- choh, Logan, contained 3 eggs 23 August (STy); a tardy bird at Sauerheber 31 Octo¬ ber (ph. CC) established a new late depar¬ ture date for the state. Indigo Bunting - 2 along West Franklin Road, Henderson, 29 October (BPa, KOS) and 1 ne. of Red Hill, Allen, 30 October (JBb) were the latest to be reported. Dickcissel - 1 off Duncannon Road, Rich¬ mond, 19/24 October (AN); and 2 at Sauerheber 22 October (BPa et al.) with 1 still there 29 October (BPa, KOS) were the latest to be reported. 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 19 Bobolink - there were seven reports: a flock of 50 at Spindletop 12 September (DL); 2 at Shaker Village 16 September (BPa); 10 at Victoria Estates, sw. Scott, 22 Septem¬ ber (LG); 2 at Surrey Hills Farm 29 Sep¬ tember (BPa); 1 at Sauerheber 6 October (CC); 8 at Spindletop 8 October (DL, ASK); and 1 ne. of Red Hill, Allen, 22 October (JBy, ABr, JBb). Rusty Blackbird - 1 at Jacobson Park 25 October (AN) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted; other reports of interest included 1 at Honker Bay, LBL, Lyon, 1 November (JPo) and ca. 15 at Jenny Hole/Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson , 5 November (CC). Orchard Oriole - singles at Surrey Hills Farm 6 September (BPa) and at Lexington 12 September (RO) were quite tardy. Purple Finch - 1 at Nettleroth Sanctuary 5 October (fGH, DSt, SD, BPi) was quite early; next earliest were 2 at Louisville 28 October (BPa); 1 sw. of Fisherville 28 Oc¬ tober (EHu); and 1 at Melco 29-30 Octo¬ ber (MY). Pine Siskin - 3 on the Anchorage Trail 21 October (JBe, et ah); singles heard at Douglass Hills, Louisville, 3 November (MY) and at Surrey Hills Farm 6 Novem¬ ber (BPa); and 3 along Leatherwood Road, ne. Menifee, 13 November (BWu) were the earliest to be reported; additional reports through the remainder of Novem¬ ber remained relatively few in number, suggesting that a limited number of birds would be around during the upcoming winter season. Contributors: Ryan Ankeny (RA), Michael Autin (MA), Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK), Bonnie Avery (BA), David Ayer (DA), Andrew Baldelli (ABa), Rebecca Bates (RBa), Jamin Beachy (JBy), Makaya Beachy (MBc), Matthan Beachy (MBy), Dewey Beadle (DB), Beckham Bird Club (BBC), Tom Becker (TBe), Colleen Craven-Becker (CBk), Carol Besse (CBs), Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell (PB), Mark Bennett (MBe), Rod Botkins (RBo), Gretchen Bolton (GB), Abraham Brubaker (ABr), John David Brubaker (JBb), Timothy Brubaker (TBr), Marissa Buschow (MBu), Michael Callan (MC), Hap Chambers (HC), Don Chesnut (DCh), Katie Clark (KC), Derek Coomer (DCo), Linda Craiger (LC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Steve Deetsch (SD), Roseanna Denton (RD), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Sean Fitzgerald (SFi), Robert Foster (RF), Scott Freidhof (SFr), Bill Friel (BF), Judy Galitzine (JG), Linda Glass (LG), Paul Hager (PHr), Pat Hahs (PHs), Stratton Hatfield (SHa), Gerald Heath (GH), Todd Hendricks (TH), Kate Heyden (KH), Martina Hines (MHi), Ethan Hoover (EHo), Joseph Hoover (JH), Monroe Hoover (MHo), Eddie Huber (EHu), Susan Huffman (SHu), Aaron Hulsey (AH), Meghan Kahn (MK), Amy & Noah Kearns (A&NK), Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS), Janet Kistler (JK), Steve Kistler (SK), Kory Knight (KK), Rob Lane (RL), Betsy Lang (BLa), David Lang (DL), Michael Lauer (ML), Aurilla Lesley (ALe), Bill Lisowsky (BLi), Alison Lyne (ALy), Frank Lyne (FL), Dax Manley (DMn), Don Martin (DMr), Carol McAllister (CM), Paul McAllister (PM), Lee McNeely (LM), Keith Michalski (KM), Mike Miller (MMi), Mark Monroe (MMo), multiple observers (m. ob.), Jacob Neace (JN), Susan Neace (SN), Connie Neeley (CN), Andy Newman (AN), Ronan O’Carra (RO), Helen Ostermiller (HO), Ken Ostermiller (KO), Tony Paladino (TP), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BPa), Jennifer Perkins (JPe), Bill Pike (BPi), John Pollpeter (JPo), Rocky Pritchert (RP), Scott Record (SR), Frank Renfrow (FR), Cyndi & Steve Routledge (C&SRo), Jeff Rowe (JR), Darrin Samborski (DSa), Mary Schmidt (MSc), Christine Sparks (CSp), Jeff Sole (JSo), David Stewart (DSt), Matt Stickel (MSt), Rubin Stoll (RS), Del Striegel (DS1), Dave Svetich (DSv), Joe Swanson (JSn), Steve & Sharon Sweeney (S&SS), John Swindells (JSs), Carrie Szwed (CSz), Ed Talbott (ET), Kevin Terrell (KT), Laurie Thomas (LT), Russ Thompson (RT), Mark Tower (MT), Charles & Gretchen Tremoulet (C>), Shannon & Anthony Trimboli (S&ATr), Debby Tyson (DT), Steve Tyson (STy), Sean Ward (SW), Katie Williams (KW), Barbara Woerner 20 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 (BWo), Brian Wulker (BWu), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY), Aviva Yasgur (AY), Ruth & Lew Young (R&LY), Thomas Young (ThY), Travis Young (TrY), Bryan Zvolanek (BZ). Additional Source: Stedman, Stephen J. 2011. Steve Stedman's 2011 UCR Blog. http://iweb.tntech.edu/sstedman/SteveStedman'sUCRBlog201 1 .htm. Date accessed: 19 Jan¬ uary 2012. CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT 2011-2012 Blaine R. Ferrell Reports of a 32 counts were received from across the Commonwealth. A total of 137 species was recorded on count days. Twenty-three species were observed on all counts and 18 species were observed on only one count during count days. Four species were added during count weeks (Black Scoter - Russell-Adair County; Long-eared Owl - Paradise, Orange-crowned Warbler - Burlington, and Vesper Sparrow - Ballard County). Relatively mild temperatures characterized the count period, and most counts experi¬ enced better weather conditions than during previous years. The temperature extremes were 14°F for Kleber WMA 3 January and 72°F for Russell-Adair County on 14 December. The average low and high temperatures for the period were 3 1 °F and 47°F, respectively, but it must be recognized that the temperature data are impacted by the bimodal distribution of days counts were conducted during the count period. For example there were eight counts conducted 17 December with few counts in the middle of the count period. Although conclusions regarding species numbers and population trends demonstrated by Christmas Bird Count data must be interpreted with caution, there are some observa¬ tions that can be made. Waterfowl numbers were off the norm slightly and down more so compared with last year. The mild weather may have contributed to this reduction in numbers. Wild Turkey and Northern Bobwhite numbers continue to hold steady. Pied-billed Grebes were present in greater numbers than the previous two years, and American White Pelican numbers continued to increase substantially. American Coot numbers continued to decline. Gull numbers were off slightly while numbers for all owls were up slightly. The number of American Robins tends to fluctuate greatly from year to year and is probably related to the presence or absence of berries. European Starling numbers continued to increase as did Yellow-rumped Warbler numbers. Most sparrow numbers were off compared with last year, but similar to the year before. There was more snow last year than this year, and the fluctuations in numbers may have to do with the level of feeding activity (i.e., less feeding, less likely to be observed). Many experienced windy conditions, which would keep sparrows in cover. The number of Common Grackles was up significantly this year whereas the totals of Purple Finches and House Finches were down. Given the milder weather, some unusual reports of lingering species might be expected, and interesting finds included a Green Heron (Somerset), four Rufous Hummingbirds (Glasgow [2], Olmstead and Somerset), a Bam Swallow (Bowling Green), a White-eyed Vireo (Louisville), a House Wren (London), five Gray Catbirds (Bowling Green, Bernheim Forest, and Louisville [3]), a Common Yellowthroat (Somerset), two Lincoln’s Sparrow (Land Between the Lakes and Richmond), and an Indigo Bunting (Eastern Allen County). Other rarities included a Red¬ necked Grebe (Green River Lake), a Virginia Rail (Paradise), a Lesser Black-backed Gull (Land Between the Lakes), a Northern Saw-whet Owl (Burlington), two Le Conte’s Sparrows (Paradise), and a Western Meadowlark (Ballard County). 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 Com¬ mittee. Records of species unusual for the count do not constitute official records until | reviewed by the Kentucky Bird Records Committee. 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 21 Ballard County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at junction KY 358 and Stove Corner Road; 37.12284°N, -088.95 18°W). Habitat as described in 1984. Jan. 2; 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST; Sky clear to partly cloudy; temp. 38° to 24°F; wind WNW, 5- 30 m.p.h. Water open. Two observers in one party. Total party-hours 10 (5 on foot, 5 by car). Total party- miles 53 (1 on foot, 52 by car). Hours owling, 0.5. Total species 92; total individuals 19,663. Observers: Eddie Huber and Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler). Some scheduling snafus including flooding on the Ohio River delayed the count until early January. Despite the incessant strong winds of the count day, the single party was able to tally 92 species. Partly cloudy conditions prevailed. Twenty species of waterfowl were tallied, including about 2000 Greater White-fronted Geese, two Ross’s Geese, and three Greater Scaup. Other highlights included at least four calling American Woodcocks, a Chipping Sparrow, a Western Meadowlark (east of Needmore), and two Brewer’s Black¬ birds. Notable misses included Northern Harrier and Cooper’s Hawk. Red-headed Wood¬ peckers were present in average numbers in the bottomland forests, however, the soft mast crop (most notably poison ivy and sugarberry/hackberry fruits) was apparently absent, making for low counts of berry-eating species. Two Vesper Sparrows were observed within the count circle two days prior to the count day by Kelly McKay. Calloway County (all points within a 15 mile diameter circle, center Douglas Cem¬ etery; 36.5984°N, -88.1 958° W). Habitat: 20% lake shoreline and streams, 35% open fields, 30% residential, and 15% deciduous and pine woods. Jan 3; 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 23° to 36°F; wind SW, 8-14 m.p.h. Water partly frozen. Seven observers in five parties. Total party-hours 33 (13 on foot, 20 by car). Total party-miles 243 (1 1 on foot, 232 by car). Total species 80; total individuals 5,917. Observers: Hap Chambers (compiler), Kathy Cohen, Melissa Easley, Eddie Huber, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Carrie Szwed, and Aviva Yasgur. Land Between the Lakes (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Pisgah Creek, one-quarter mile west of the Trace; 36.9333°N, -88.1 167°W). Habitat as described in 1984 in American Birds. Dec. 17; 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky foggy in the a.m., especially over lakes, clearing by 9:00 a.m. The rest of the morning was sunny (less than 25% cloud cover). It was clear in the afternoon with less than 25% cloud cover; temp. 25° to 45°F; wind, WSW and W, 0-8 m.p.h. Twenty-five observers in 9 parties. Total party-hours 50.0 (12.5 on foot, 37.5 by car). Total party-miles 418.0 (9.0 on foot, 409.5 by car). Total species 87; total individuals 11,047. Observers: Dan Allison, Hap Chambers, J. David Chiles, Mary Couillard, Melissa Easley, Don Forster, Donald Gladis (feeder watcher), Mary Gladis, (feeder watcher) Willard Gray, Tom Funk, Brook Gilley, Heather Knight, Bill Lisowski, Paula Lisowski, Andrea Merimee, Alyssa Parker, John Pollpeter, Elizabeth Raikes, Sabra Richards, Darrin Samborski, Mary Schmidt, Carrie Szwed, Josh Szwed, Joy Tamminga, and Aviva Yasgur (compiler). Thanks to everyone who participated in the Land Between the Lakes count making 2011 another successful year here in western Kentucky! Although a few of our long-time regular participants were unable to make it this year, we still had a great level of parti¬ cipation, with 25 observers taking part. And thanks to the gorgeous weather, we had a very enjoyable day in the field! Bird-wise, our numbers were a bit lower than usual this year, with a total of 87 species and 11,047 individual birds (the Land Between the Lakes count usually totals over 90 species.) One factor that may have affected the numbers was the high water level in the lakes. The water levels on Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake were unusually high for this 00 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 time of year (close to summer pool levels), making shoreline habitat in the LBL count area very different from most years. Areas that typically have exposed mudflats and sandbars during the winter were submerged, reducing this type of habitat. The water had gone down a bit from its high-water mark that occurred about a week before the count, but it was still unusually high for winter. As far as the birds observed this year, we saw our typical mixture of both aquatic and terrestrial species; however, there were several points worth noting. Birds seen in higher than usual numbers included Pied-billed Grebe, American White Pelican (that seem to have become a fixture here on Lake Barkley during winter). Black Vulture, Northern Cardinal, and Eastern Meadowlark. There were also several species with lower than usual numbers: Gadwall, Bufflehead, American Coot, White-breasted Nuthatch, and American Robin. A couple of unusual sightings were a Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Lincoln’s Sparrow, both observed at Barkley Dam. Some of the conspicuously missing species included Wood Duck, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Redhead, and Northern Bobwhite. Sorgho (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Hwy. 279-S and Audubon Parkway intersection; 37.76297°N, -87.23086°W). Habitat: farms, corn stubble, State Park trails, bottomland, some flooded, lake, river, sloughs, woods, city parks and streets. Jan. 1; ; 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky cloudy and windy in the morning, sunny in the afternoon; temp. 45° to 48°F; wind 10-30 m.p.h. No rain. Eighteen observers in ten parties. Total party-hours 37.75 (9.00 on foot, 28.75.50 by car). Total party-miles 265.6 (8.6 on foot, 257.0 by car). Total species 72; total individuals 38,066. Observers: Judy Adams, Pat Augenstein, David Ayer, Mike Brown, Henry Conner, 1 Brenda Eaden, Tony Eaden, Mike Henshaw, Mary Ann Hoskins, Janet Howard (compiler), | Ken Hurrn, Mary Kissel, Bill Little, Brenda Little, Marilee Thompson, Frances Tichenor, j Lynn Tichenor, and Carolyn Williams. Seventy-two species is the highest number recorded since 1 started compiling the count in 1996; previous count totals have varied from 40 to 56. Our local Audubon Society J Chapter had a refresher bird identification meeting presented by Scott Harp who reviewed i the CBC’s from the last few years and concentrated on what is usually seen here in winter and what we had not been finding on the local counts. We also had some hard working birders on January 1, 2012. Olmstead (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at the junction of Ky 1041 and Ky 1151; 36.81673°N, -86.89357°W). Habitat: circa 75% of the area is cultivated farmland. The remainder includes blocks of deciduous woods, fencerows, pasture, grown¬ up fields, developed areas and open water. Dec. 3 1 ; 6:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., with one hour of owling. Sky clear, with some clouds in the afternoon; temp. 35° to 57°F; wind, calm to S, 3- 4 m.p.h. A pleasant almost balmy day. Five observers in three parties most of the day. Total party-hours 27.75 ( 1 1 .00 on foot, 16.75 by car). Total party-miles 223.0 (6.9 on foot, 216.1 by car). Total species 67; total individuals 8,174. Observers: Michael Autin, Mark Bennett (compiler), Gerald Heath, Frank Lyne, and David Roemer with Alison Lyne as feeder watcher. Highlights of the 19th consecutive Olmstead count included count firsts for Bufflehead (single female), Merlin (single female), and Rufous Hummingbird (previously banded by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.). Record count numbers were tallied for Black Vulture (63), Carolina Wren (49), and Savannah Sparrow (47). There were nice numbers of Great Horned Owl (7), Eurasian Collared-Dove (24), and Lapland Longspur (42) and a record number of parties (3) and a tie for the record high number of participants. On the down side, the known resident Bam Owl was missed again. 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 23 Paradise (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Hopewell Cemetery in southern Ohio County; 37.27755°N, -086.95868°W). Habitat as described in 1993. Jan. 1; 5:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST. Sky variably cloudy to partly cloudy; temp. 57° to 35°F; wind W, 5-35 m.p.h. Water open. Six observers in four parties. Total party-hours 39.0 (14.5 on foot, 24.5 by car). Total party-miles 228.5 (8.5 on foot, 220.0 by car). Hours owling: 2.0. Total species 79; total individuals 73,981 . Observers: Michael Autin, Colleen Becker, Tom Becker, Eddie Huber, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), and Barbara Woerner. A strong west wind that howled all day made for very difficult birding conditions. The species total (78) was below average, at least in part due to the windy conditions. Raptor totals continue to be well below the numbers present during the first ten years of the count. Highlights included two Bald Eagles, a Virginia Rail (heard calling from a marsh in Muhlenberg County), three calling American Woodcocks, and at least two LeConte’s Sparrows on the former Gibraltar Mine in Muhlenberg County. A freshly killed Long-eared Owl was found along a road in Muhlenberg County, making for an unfortunate count-week addition to the list. Berry-eaters were present in average numbers. Several thousand additional unidentified blackbirds going to a roost in the evening 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; 36.9159°N, -86.4359°W). Habitat: deciduous woods 20%, fields and pastures 60%, and town and parks 20%. Dec. 18; 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 27° to 53°F; wind SSW 0-6 m.p.h. Seven observers in three parties. Total party-hours 25.25 (6.25 on foot, 19.0 by car). Total party-miles 212.5 (6.0. on foot, 206.5 by car). Total species 73; total individuals 5,106. I Observers: David Brown, Valerie Brown, Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Wayne Mason, Albert Meier, David Roemer, Bruce Schulte, and Matthew Wood. The Barn Swallow, observed by David Roemer and David Brown at Petros Pond, was an interesting find. Pictures were taken. Western Allen County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center !4 mile west of jet. KY 2136 (Towe Road) and Shores Road; 36.71278°N, -86.34689° W). Habitat: 135% woodland; 30% harvest crop fields; 20% open pastureland; 10% fallow fields (CREP); 5% brushy fencerows; weedy wood edges, etc. Dec. 31: 6:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST. Sky clear; temp. 33° to 65°F; wind mostly calm. Water open. Twelve observers in six parties. Total party-hours: 25(19 on foot, 6 by horse and buggy). Total party-miles 21 (5 on foot, 16 by horse and buggy). Hours owling: 1.5. Total species 64, 5020 individuals. Observers: Jamin Beachy (compiler), Abraham Brubaker, Jennifer Brubaker, John David Brubaker, Timothy Brubaker, Wilbur Gingerich, Ethan Hoover, Jamin Hoover, Justin Hoover, Philemon Hoover, Jerome Martin, and Allen Shirk. Eastern Allen County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Holland, Ky„ Post Office; 36.69887°N, -086.06928°W. Habitat as described in 2011. Dec. 24; 5:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST. Mostly clear; temp. 35° to 45°F; wind mostly calm. Fifteen observers in five parties. Total party-hours 33 (10 on foot, 23 by horse and buggy). Total party-miles 59 (1 1 on foot, 48 by horse and buggy). Hours owling: 2.0. Total species 70; 5,680 individuals. Observers: Jamin Beachy (co-compiler) Makaya Beachy, Matthan Beachy (co-com¬ piler), Abraham Brubaker, Daniel Brubaker, John David Brubaker, Matthew Brubaker, ) (continued on page 32) 24 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 2011-2012 Christmas Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowling Green Western Allen County Eastern Allen County Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat’l Park Hart County Upton s I $ - , Gr. White-fronted Goose 2000 I Snow Goose 1500 2 1 - Ross’s Goose 2 - \\ Canada Goose 75 106 185 53 46 265 52 29 46 9 3 2 14 122 4 Mute Swan | Tundra Swan - 9 Wood Duck - - - 2 2 - - - 5 - 2 - - - § Gadwall 700 - 28 3 - 30 - - - 4 - - - 12 1- American Wigeon 75 - 2 4 - 6 - - - - - - - 3 - American Black Duck 10 - 5 - - 11 2 - - - - - - 4 1 Mallard 5000 52 118 56 32 522 115 - - 28 7 6 9 140 8 Blue-winged Teal Northern Shoveler 40 cw 2 Northern Pintail 4 - - 6 - 2 - - - - - - - 3 Green-winged Teal 150 - - - - 8 - - - - - - - Canvasback 2 - 7 Redhead 3 - - - - 4 - - - - - - - l Ring-necked Duck 60 5 16 - - 9 4 - - 8 - - 3 3 - Greater Scaup 3 26 16 Lesser Scaup 4 512 2395 scaup sp. - - 45 - - - - - - - - - - - Ej Buf'flehead 1 89 70 2 1 - f] Common Goldeneye 1 195 286 2 - jl Hooded Merganser 13 cw 191 - - 6 10 - 18 8 - - - ~~ - Common Merganser - 4 CW - P Red-breasted Merganser - - 37 - - - - - - - - - - - 1 Ruddy Duck 6 19 114 2 - H Northern Bobwhite - - - 10 CW 10 - 10 - - - - - 2 - Wild Turkey 33 CW 28 23 30 95 21 36 26 - 14 93 54 148 13 Common Loon - 5 13 — Pied-billed Grebe 3 169 168 1 3 49 5 - 6 13 - 2 3 - 4 Homed Grebe - 31 209 ' T- — Red-necked Grebe — Double-cr. Cormorant 1 - 123 2 - American White Pelican - 462 731 Great Blue Heron 10 53 132 8 9 5 6 1 31 3 - 4 5 7 6 Green Heron n > 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 25 ' ' - - - Bemheim Forest Louisville Shelbyville Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Warsaw Burlington Falmouth Richmond Russell-Adair County Somerset Wayne County London Cumberland Falls Total 2000 1 - 1504 - 1 1 4 ■22 1201 287 - 276 1 193 685 123 285 17 63 65 359 30 109 20 5097 - 1 3 4 - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - 2 - 14 6 - 2 - - 2 - - - - 1 - - - - 36 - 68 - - - - - 106 - - - 52 3 18 121 - - 1145 - 5 - - - - 31 - - - - 38 - 6 - - - 170 7 - 3 2 - 1 1 2 27 - 7 4 26 8 - 1 121 >8 544 26 21 35 54 73 295 44 92 3 41 13 199 88 56 37 7792 2 2 19 8 - - - 12 85 - - - 34 - 16 6 - - 222 - - - - - - 1 - - - - - 1 - - - 18 - 6 - - - - - 24 - - - - - 8 10 1 - 207 - 9 1 8 ' 130 - - - - - 6 - - - 6 - 26 44 11 5 367 1 46 — 5 7 7 1 2919 - 45 - 7 - 2 - - - 14 - - - - - - 26 - - 212 7 - - - - - 6 - - - - - - - - - 497 95 - 31 - - - 59 - 3 - - 16 28 74 - - 552 4 - 38 - - 3 - - - 10 - - - - - - - - - 154 _ 3 - cw - - - - - - 5 - - - - - 1 - 38 21 - 11 12 - 20 23 18 24 20 69 - 42 76 4 - 967 1 - 5 - - - - - - - - 3 - - - 2 29 ; 1 19 cw 42 I - 20 21 9 - 1 39 4 19 10 11 8 637 - - 105 - - - 4 - - - - 16 - 4 - - 370 1 1 j ’ 48 - 2 - - - - 3 3 - - CW 1 - 1 - 184 f. 1193 • 24 24 9 20 - 18 28 14 9 3 6 4 1 1 4 5 - 463 1 1 26 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 2011-2012 Christmas Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowling Green Western Allen County Eastern Allen County Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat’l Park Hart County Upton Hodgenville u u a x y y j u < 5 - Black-cr. Night-Heron Black Vulture - 5 41 - 63 19 18 28 149 2 16 4 118 CW n (K Turkey Vulture 1 10 7 6 27 9 26 73 157 30 1 9 48 5 Bald Eagle 47 7 32 2 - 2 - - 3 3 2 1 - - 2 Northern Harrier - 2 - 3 7 20 5 1 2 - - 3 6 - Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 - - - 1 - - 2 i - - - 2 1 Cooper's Hawk - i 1 4 5 4 10 3 i 1 i 4 i 5 3 _ Sharp-sh./Cooper’s Hawk Red-shouldered Hawk 5 ii 5 - - 2 1 4 ii - 3 - 4 3 Red-tailed Hawk 15 23 20 21 38 21 38 17 17 3 3 28 9 38 7 Rough-legged Hawk - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - American Kestrel 12 9 10 37 35 17 26 5 30 1 - 18 20 37 11 Merlin 1 - Peregrine Falcon - Virginia Rail 1 - American Coot 100 9 353 12 - - 60 - - - - 12 - 10 i - Sandhill Crane - - - 140 28 - 30 50 74 39 15 2000 CW - 5 Killdeer 208 117 17 36 47 1 253 23 52 6 3 25 5 2 30 Least Sandpiper - 4 - Wilson’s Snipe 1 - 1 - 46 1 - - - - - 11 1 23 — American Woodcock 4 - - 1 - 3 - 4 - - - - - - Bonaparte’s Gull - 460 1751 - - - 1 - - 55 - - 30 ‘I 1 4 Ring-billed Gull 60 795 857 7 - - 2 - 144 273 - - - - j Herring Gull 1 23 58 Lesser Black-backed Gull - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - ~~ - Forster’s Tern - 6 cw _ oi Rock Pigeon 135 9 60 115 13 21 583 59 131 22 - 74 1 60 Eurasian Collared-Dove 1 7 - 61 24 - - - - i - - - Mourning Dove 200 111 41 185 546 52 463 154 263 37 14 144 60 6821 Eastern Screech-Owl 1 - 2 2 - 4 - - - - - 1 3 - Jj Great Homed Owl - - - 2 7 2 1 2 4 - - 5 1 1 "" Barred Owl 1 1 4 i - 2 - 4 5 - 1 2 3 3 Short-eared Owl - - - - - - - 1 - - - - 2 No. Saw-whet Owl Rufous Hummingbird - - - - 1 - - - - 2 - - - Belted Kingfisher 1 2 13 2 2 5 3 3 12 - - - 3 5 Red-headed Woodpecker 31 8 47 i 4 2 1 1 1 10 - - 5 5 1 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 27 Bemheim Forest Louisville Shelby ville Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Warsaw Burlington Falmouth Richmond Russell-Adair County Somerset Wayne County London Cumberland Falls Total - 8 - - - - - 1 1 - - - 2 - - - - 12 22 55 311 5 122 — 73 249 50 3 38 16 239 162 26 7 3 1917 26 33 90 23 138 - 148 213 26 1 1 - 297 84 100 2 1 1692 1 3 - 3 - - - 1 2 1 - - 1 3 - - 2 118 1 - cw - - - 2 2 - - - - 1 - 6 1 - 62 1 8 2 - 1 - 2 5 - - - - 3 7 - - 1 39 2 12 3 2 1 - 3 14 1 2 1 2 1 6 3 1 2 100 - 1 - - - - - 1 - - - - - 1 - 1 1 5 8 30 2 2 - - 1 - - 1 - 1 4 12 10 18 10 149 23 33 33 9 10 9 57 84 11 10 4 21 23 47 33 8 5 718 1 2 17 13 30 15 5 5 42 64 12 11 3 42 53 63 37 27 5 716 1 - - - - CW 2 4 - 2 2 1 1 26 CW 45 - - 2 52 3 8 - 36 1 9 7 - - 746 - 217 cw 30 - 23 32 50 30 - - 55 95 32 179 - - 3369 4 25 32 27 30 - 30 16 - 1 7 - 12 134 55 31 33 1262 4 - cw - - - 12 1 - 1 - - 3 7 - - - 108 - - - - - - - 1 - - - - 3 - - - - 16 - - - 44 - - - - - - - - 63 CW 31 - 1 2437 ~ 77 - 440 - - - - 1 - 18 - 18 38 31 - 18 2783 82 1 1 r 6 8 907 479 112 138 80 157 422 25 1 20 11 48 281 53 398 15 4438 - - 36 - - - - - - - - - CW - 2 - - 132 42 462 328 45 96 8 528 377 45 102 23 101 231 568 305 264 31 6711 .r 3 - - - - - 3 2 3 4 - 12 1 7 1 1 50 3 - - - - 1 1 - 1 - - 19 1 2 1 1 55 1 - - - - - - - 1 - - 26 - 3 1 - 60 - 3 - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - 1 i" • - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - 4 > 15 5 3 7 3 5 18 4 9 1 5 9 13 8 4 1 165 - - - - - - 1 - - - - 2 7 11 6 - 13 163 28 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 2011-2012 Christmas Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowling Green Western Allen County Eastern Allen County Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat'l Park Hart County Upton Hodgenville Red-bellied Woodpecker 12 37 63 28 37 8 11 43 84 7 6 19 ii OO Yel. -bellied Sapsucker 1 12 16 - 6 1 1 11 11 3 3 2 2 3 Downy Woodpecker 10 21 51 22 18 23 16 20 31 2 2 10 7 33 1 Hairy Woodpecker 4 6 2 4 3 3 5 6 7 1 3 1 3 8 Northern Flicker 18 23 43 24 25 13 8 16 17 2 2 14 13 25 1 Pileated Woodpecker 3 9 23 2 4 2 3 8 23 2 4 7 4 5 , Eastern Phoebe 2 3 3 - - 2 1 2 9 - 1 1 1 - Loggerhead Shrike - - - - 1 - 1 - 1 - - 1 - i ;■ White-eyed Vireo I Blue Jay 35 103 120 78 53 95 53 204 249 15 9 47 30 OO 1 American Crow 30 89 112 16 70 315 97 113 294 13 31 350 124 289 "8 Horned Lark 50 cw - 456 316 3 475 - - - - - 50 100 1 Barn Swallow 1 Carolina Chickadee 20 62 75 33 28 67 25 43 63 2 2 23 13 37 4 Tufted Titmouse 60 121 133 24 34 60 34 86 125 3 8 21 21 50 0 Red-breasted Nuthatch - - 1 - - 2 - - - - - - - 2 White-breasted Nuthatch 3 30 52 9 12 5 8 28 43 2 3 19 8 25 1 Brown Creeper 2 4 13 7 - 3 7 3 3 2 - 2 4 6 1 Carolina Wren 20 50 94 25 49 24 40 41 75 13 13 17 11 42 3 House Wren 1 Winter Wren 1 1 1 - 3 - 3 - 4 2 3 - CW 2 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 12 18 15 6 6 13 12 7 19 2 3 1 4 7 5 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4 4 4 1 - 3 - - 1 - - 2 1 1 5 Eastern Bluebird 28 121 98 27 120 5 56 85 100 28 18 79 50 92 8 Hermit Thrush 3 7 18 - 2 1 8 1 5 - 1 2 3 1 3^ American Robin 5 30 4 187 52 46 89 194 51 257 105 220 67 141 52 Gray Catbird 1 Northern Mockingbird 10 33 13 14 33 10 28 36 58 10 3 38 12 31 ilJ Brown Thrasher 6 7 5 1 - - 2 13 3 - - - 2 ’ 1 European Starling 2000 419 531 4829 2913 7500 1435 213 916 910 47 5800 740 6000 34 American Pipit 55 - - - 131 - 50 - 102 - - - 1 1 Cedar Waxwing - 65 4 20 - - 7 157 75 - 25 - 1 5 Lapland Longspur 5 - - 410 42 - 30 - - - - - - Z1 Yellow-rumped Warbler 10 46 6 2 7 53 12 58 65 6 34 4 45 70 Sj Pine Warbler - 1 1 - - - - - 1 - - - - - !a Palm Warbler - 3 - a Common Yellowthroat L ■-i 2012 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 29 Bemheim Forest Louisville Shelbyville Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Warsaw Burlington Falmouth Richmond Russell-Adair County Somerset Wayne County London Cumberland Falls Total 12 88 5 17 29 8 34 40 6 34 7 13 61 64 50 24 29 964 8 11 1 - 2 - 5 9 1 2 1 - 9 6 - 1 1 131 22 99 15 7 38 5 38 61 6 36 8 6 38 43 34 24 17 777 4 16 3 - 5 - 10 7 - 2 3 - 5 11 6 4 6 146 4 28 9 1 10 2 13 22 4 9 4 9 34 34 33 36 8 514 12 12 4 6 2 1 10 5 3 4 1 8 17 10 29 10 18 256 - 2 - 2 - 1 - 1 - - - - 8 6 7 2 1 55 - - 4 - - - 1 1 - - - - 1 - 2 - - 14 - 1 1 55 262 30 54 78 33 213 117 18 72 27 34 210 232 199 212 82 3141 75 262 25 84 251 164 155 336 92 127 39 78 360 723 290 777 1062 7121 - 24 53 50 - - 32 - - 50 - - 4 - 4 - 12 1687 1 ; 54 294 41 18 112 13 119 240 9 82 15 29 90 160 105 88 88 2104 74 178 35 19 107 10 139 144 10 69 21 28 137 132 117 89 76 2245 i - - - 1 - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - 8 '20 64 9 5 31 10 21 43 3 41 3 5 35 48 45 27 39 727 5 21 2 - 13 2 3 11 - 5 2 1 2 6 1 3 4 140 f2 149 2 19 64 7 53 57 7 35 9 8 100 103 80 43 35 1340 - - - - - - - - - - - - cw - - 1 - 1 3 6 - - - - - 1 - - 1 - 4 2 2 1 4 47 >2 22 1 1 10 5 2 35 1 11 7 8 14 26 7 12 13 367 - 4 2 1 - - - 1 - - - - 4 3 - 1 2 45 1L i 32 20 60 25 12 172 78 5 5 6 56 266 283 124 199 69 2498 3 1 - 1 - - 5 - - - - 11 7 8 5 7 104 675 70 112 444 87 300 739 55 129 701 13 1268 284 628 86 37 8224 j*~ 3 5 69 36 16 18 3 126 83 9 18 1 23 133 125 86 93 22 1237 1 3 - - - - 1 2 - 1 1 - 5 - - 2 - 55 2296 1488 3666 760 24 10000 7514 255 348 117 1064 28590 15632 4301 10261 375 130063 i - - - - - - - - - - - 12 - 79 - - 431 5 5 - - - - - 20 - 6 - 28 128 8 34 97 104 795 - 487 1 18 46 3 95 1 1 1 26 12 34 25 6 120 176 141 5 9 1363 - . - 1 5 ! - - - - - 2 3 - - - - - - - 2 - 10 J- - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - 1 - - - 1 30 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 2011-2012 Christmas Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho O! instead Paradise Bowling Green Western Allen County Eastern Allen County Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat’l Park Hart County Upton Hodgenville Eastern Towhee 15 37 33 10 13 37 37 67 49 14 14 20 4 22 Amer. Tree Sparrow 3 - - 2 - 3 - - - - - - - - i Chipping Sparrow 1 - - - 1 - 8 - cw - - - - 2 Field Sparrow 60 76 18 13 16 47 37 41 58 17 19 4 6 4 Savannah Sparrow 12 3 5 - 47 21 3 18 70 - - 40 70 12 Le Conte’s Sparrow - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - Fox Sparrow 10 5 4 - 1 18 10 5 13 - 3 5 - 1 Song Sparrow 100 26 23 9 64 115 70 163 325 33 23 65 23 6Sj Lincoln’s Sparrow - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - Swamp Sparrow 25 4 9 4 29 80 25 25 30 - - 2 2 18 White-thr. Sparrow 100 207 142 31 31 160 97 62 288 89 37 19 17 7f White-cr. Sparrow 32 42 - 7 28 28 4 33 56 - - 56 15 Dark-eyed Junco 110 390 519 52 35 129 58 24 48 27 61 33 39 28 Northern Cardinal 80 208 224 116 152 103 103 90 218 22 33 72 79 17 Indigo Bunting - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - Red-wg. Blackbird 1000 45 74 1261 1468 12500 60 454 353 12 10 930 7120 3| Eastern Meadowlark 20 55 61 26 128 31 145 90 170 28 - 44 44 10 Western Meadowlark 1 - Rusty Blackbird 60 3 6 38 - 4 - 2 - - - 530 3.‘ Brewer’s Blackbird 2 - - 63 - - - - - - - - 20 r Common Crackle 5000 3 94 27449 762 50850 1 1864 58 - - 33 1 81 Brown-headed 50 - - 1651 113 35 70 12 8 15 - 12 - 12 Purple Finch - 6 1 - - 1 - 3 - - - - 4 1 House Finch 1 20 2 20 46 2 7 8 8 3 - 1 1 6: American Goldfinch 15 87 49 62 121 313 80 132 240 10 16 70 29 5: House Sparrow 35 28 39 218 136 34 36 29 54 24 - 40 15 21 Day of Count J02 J03 D17 j J01 D31 J01 D18 D31 D24 J02 D19 D17 D18 d: Number of Species 92 80 87 72 67 79 73 64 70 53 45 63 7jj Number of Individuals 19663 5917 11047 38066 8174 73981 5106 5020 5680 2124 627 11109 15794 103 Number of Observers 2 | 7 25 18 5 6 7 12 15 2 2 11 7 6] 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 31 Bemheim Forest Louisville Shelbyville Green River Lake Frankfort Kleber WMA Danville Lexington Warsaw Burlington Falmouth Richmond Russell-Adair County Somerset Wayne County London Cumberland Falls Total 25 30 1 6 3 5 7 15 6 33 27 7 56 43 29 16 6 704 11 - - 12 - - 1 4 32 7 - - - 1 - - 76 - 12 - 1 - - 6 - - CW - - 2 3 19 5 2 65 38 41 4 18 10 - 83 11 3 19 17 36 174 100 62 64 21 1124 - 7 3 3 2 2 - - - - - 1 12 - 20 - - 351 — 2 2 8 - 1 - - 2 - - 3 - - 3 9 1 - - 105 61 229 30 17 71 39 68 106 27 43 18 54 83 170 102 62 32 2336 - 1 20 54 - 26 6 2 10 15 - 4 1 1 11 15 10 1 2 431 78 408 16 57 74 6 94 332 20 70 50 51 129 148 108 42 58 3131 80 25 92 7 45 7 86 37 9 6 1 4 4 30 41 24 - 854 .69 287 10 37 71 - 79 94 20 42 43 2 55 168 76 98 159 3186 05 687 102 61 190 37 348 314 42 136 62 54 328 425 174 202 87 5192 - 1 j2 19 - 5 4 2 - 12 - 13 32 53 25 200 35 - - 25758 } 10 2 60 8 1 - 56 11 - 5 3 2 95 77 76 20 CW 1387 1 1- - - - - - 32 - - - - - 2 CW - - - 712 - 102 7 1 - 12 - 82 3 - - - 7 23 5522 - - - 92587 1 - - - - 150 - - 9 1 - 1 99 - 50 - 2401 i 2 - cw 15 - - - 3 - 3 - 24 2 - - - - 66 o 136 24 - 35 - 64 89 5 20 - 13 26 92 16 16 2 729 38 249 69 24 82 51 206 178 42 71 45 71 85 147 72 55 20 2921 i5 132 44 5 54 - 137 203 16 15 3 41 66 94 86 144 3 1989 i 26 D18 D26 D28 DI7 J03 D17 D17 D17 D31 J02 D17 D14 D31 J05 D28 D17 ;9 89 56 65 53 35 68 80 49 65 51 55 82 77 76 64 59 i 13 11182 4022 5567 3569 722 14429 13972 1116 2250 1473 2485 34148 27709 8746 13868 2729 L 34 18 4 11 2 25 40 3 11 2 8 8 13 7 11 5 32 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 88 Stephen Brubaker, Timothy Brubaker, Noah Glick, Joseph Hoover, Ephraim Mazelin, Michael Mazelin, Peter Mazelin, and Daniel Troyer. This year we had a very nice count day. The increase in vulture numbers is likely due to the mild weather. Some notable misses were Mallard and Purple Finch. Chipping Sparrows were seen during the count week. The Pine Warbler and Indigo Bunting were j good finds; the latter was observed at close range for several minutes in the company of a flock of White-throated and Field sparrows. The number of observers was good; we hope it keeps in-creasing. Glasgow (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center as described in 1986; circa. 36.88°N, -86.02°W). Habitat as described in 1986. Jan. 2; 7:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Sky clear in the morning, cloudy from 1 1:00 a.m. through the afternoon; temp. 29° to 35°F; , wind calm in a.m. to WNW 20-30 m.p.h. in the afternoon. Early morning fog was thick. It lifted by 8:30 a.m. Two observers in one party plus two feeder-watchers. Total party-hours 8.75 (5.00 on foot, 3.75 by car). Total party-miles 57.8 (6.0 on foot, 561.8 by car). Total species 53; total individuals 2,124. Observers: Wayne M. Mason (compiler), Matthew Wood, Lew Young, and Ruth Young. Circumstances beyond the compiler’s control forced an impromptu count at a date later ( than usual. Gusty winds later in the day made for difficult waterfowl observations and forced other birds to seek protection in wind-sheltered pockets of brush and thickets. The i Eurasian Collared-Dove was noteworthy for this count. The Youngs observed both of their Rufous Hummingbirds on count day. Mammoth Cave National Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at i Park Headquarters; 37.18644°N, -86.1 101°W). Habitat as described in 1980. Dec. 19; 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 41° to 59°F; wind SSW 13 m.p.h. Two observers in two parties. Total party-hours 12.5 (4.0 on foot, 8.5 by car). Total party-miles 103.5 (7.0 on foot, 96.5 by car). Total species 45; total individuals 627. Observers: Blaine Ferrell (compiler) and Wayne Mason. Hart County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center corner of Craddock Road and Jaggers Lane; 37.28352°N, -85.83795°W). Habitat: rural fields and forests; one large (Hundred-Acre) pond, and Green River. Dec. 17; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 25° to 43°F; wind few light gusts. Eleven observers in two party. Total party-hours 17 (6 on foot, 1 1 by car). Total party- miles 95 (4 on foot, 91 by car). Total species 63; total individuals 1 1,109. Observers: Bonnie Avery, Bruce Bardin, John Brittain, Lisa Brittain, Carol Friedman, Dan Givens, Richard Healy, Janet Kistler, Steve Kistler (compiler), Gerald Robe, and Mitchell Sturgeon. Very high numbers of Sandhill Cranes (2000) and Rusty Blackbirds (530) were seen; 40 Savannah Sparrows and 56 White-crowned Sparrows were also new high numbers for the count, and American Coot was a new species for the count. Big misses were Belted Kingfisher, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Wood Duck. Upton (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.5 miles south of Hilltop, eastern Grayson County; 37.38964°N, -86.1 137°W). Habitat: woodland, farmland, river and Nolin Reservoir. Dec. 18; 4:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 27° to 53°F. Sunny all day. Seven observers in two parties. Total party-hours 12.5 (3.0 on foot, 9.5 by car). Total party-miles 110(1 on foot, 109 by car). Total species 71; total individuals 15,794. Observers: Bonnie Avery, Bruce Bardin, John Brittain (compiler), Lisa Brittain, Carol Friedman, Janet Kistler, and Steve Kistler. 2012 33 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Beautiful weather made for an enjoyable day birding, and the count total of 71 tied the previous record from last year. Palm Warblers were seen for the first time, and record numbers of Savannah Sparrows, Red-headed Woodpeckers, and Bonaparte’s Gulls were observed. A small flock of Brewer’s Blackbirds has been regular for the past several years. At the end of the day two Short-eared Owls were observed hunting over the fields. Hodgenville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center courthouse square in downtown Hodgenville; 37.57375°N, -85.74038°W). Habitat as described in 201 1. Dec. 23; 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sky mostly to partly cloudy; temp. 37° to 44°F; wind calm. Very light rain shower at dawn, then mostly to partly cloudy with frequent intermittent light rain from about 3:00 p.m. until dark. Six observers in three parties. Total party-hours 30.0 (7.5 by foot 22.5 by car). Total party-miles 220 (5 on foot, 215 by car). Total species 73, total individuals 10,313. Observers: Brooks Atherton, Lyn Atherton, David Brown, Chrissy Deutsch, David Roemer, and Barbara Woerner (compiler). This is our highest total to date for this count. Highlights included 17 Brewer’s Blackbirds (DB, DR), 23 Wilson’s Snipe, 1 Red-headed Woodpecker (CD, BW), and 2 Chipping Sparrows (B&LA). Mild weather contributed to decreased numbers of winter sparrows, Homed Larks, and the absence of Northern Harriers. Otter Creek Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center just west of the jet. KY 1238 and Pack Lane, about two miles southwest of the Park entrance; 37.91409°N, -86.069836°W. Habitat as described in 2001. Dec 29; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 34° to 55° F; wind SW, 5-25 m.p.h. Water open. Ten observers in three to four parties. Total party-hours 24.0 (10.5 on foot, 13.5 by car). Total party-miles 176 (7 on foot, 169 by car). Total species 61; total individuals 3,591. Observers: Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Dick Dennis, Kathy Dennis, Bill Friel, Eddie Huber, Mark Lawrence, Charlie Logsdon, Del Striegel, and Barbara Woerner. Non-participating compiler: Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. The species total (61) was below average for this count. The day was relatively mild, but breezy. Highlights included a Red-breasted Merganser and a Bonaparte’s Gull on Doe Valley Lake, a good number of both species of vulture, some overflying Sandhill Cranes, and a Pine Warbler. Bernheim Forest (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Forest tower, 2.75 mi. SE of Forest entrance; 37.902405°N, -085.62752°W). Habitat as described in 1974. Dec 26; 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 28° to 45° F; wind SE, 0-15 m.p.h. Water open. Eleven observers in four parties. Total party-hours 38 (10 on foot, 28 by car). Total party-miles 216.5 (10.5 on foot, 196.0 by car). Total species 59; total individuals 4313. Observers: Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Jim Burka, Dona Coates, Chrissy Deutsch, Eddie Huber, Collis Marshall, David Stewart, Nancy Vance, and Barbara Woer¬ ner. Non-participating compiler: Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. The species total (59) was below average for this count. Highlights of the day included a Horned Grebe on Lake Nevin, an adult Bald Eagle, and a Gray Catbird near Cedar Grove. Golden Eagle was missed on this count for the first time in many years, perhaps due to the mild weather during December. Natural food supplies appeared to be below average, so berry-eating species were not present in large numbers, and flocks of ground foraging birds were relatively scarce. Louisville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Jet. hwys 42 and 22; 38.2813°N, -85.63481°W). Habitat as described in 1972. Dec. 18; 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 21° to 53°F; wind SSW, 9 m.p.h. Thirty-four observers in 13 parties. Total party-hours 87.25 (57.5 on foot, 29.75 by car). Total party miles 310.4 (38.4 on foot, 272.0 by car). Hours at feeders 4.5 with three THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 34 Vol. 88 feeder watchers. 1.25 hours owling over 2.1 miles. Total species 89; total individuals 11,182. Observers: Tom Ackerson, Win Ahrens, Ryan Ankeny, Tom Becker, Jane Bell and Pat Bell (compilers), Carol Besse, Ren Bilkey, Wanda Bilkey, Carl Bochmann, Dona Coates, Colleen Craven-Becker, Wes Cunningham, Jane Fender, Bill Friel, Bree Furfee, Rod Goforth, Charles Flatten, Gerald Heath, Bob Johnson, Frank Krull, John Krull, Rob Lane, ; Carol McAllister, Paul McAllister, Kelsey McKune, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Michael Riggs, Tim Ritter, David Stewart, Jonathan Valente, Nancy Vance, Major Waltman, and Barbara Woemer. It was a clear and sunny day for the Louisville CBC. The thirty-four observers totaled 89 species which was good because several species of ducks were missed due to the high water on the Ohio River. Highlights included 2 Blue-winged Teal, 3 Gray Catbirds, a White-eyed Vireo, 3 Brown Thrashers and several flocks of Sandhill Cranes totaling 217. The Ross’s Goose was found in the Indiana portion of the count circle. Thanks to all the observers on the Louisville CBC. Shelbyville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center three-quarters of a mile south of U.S. 60 and Guist Creek Lake on KY 714; 38.18997°N, -85.14535°W. Elevation: t 640-1 190 ft. Habitat: farmland, fallow land, suburban, wooded and grassland. Dec. 26; 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky mostly clear; temp. 30° to 44°F; wind 5-20 m.p.h. Water open. Eighteen observers in seven parties. Total party-hours 38 (9 on foot, 29 by car). Total party-miles 319 (9 on foot, 310 by car). Hours owling; 1.0. Total species 56; total 1 individuals 4022. Observers: Gus Brown, Heather Brown, Horace Brown (compiler), Joan Brown, Luke Brown, Savannah Brown, Sean Brown, Todd Brown, Zachary Brown, Cathy King, Karen Quinn, Michael Reichart, Walt Reichart, Anna Schindler, David Schindler, Amy Scrogham, ; Jerry Scrogham, and Benton Young. Lack of inclement weather to the north created a shortage of migratory movement in our area. Green River Lake (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Green River Memorial Baptist Church, Taylor County; 37.1 754 1°N, -085.2204 1°W). Habitat: old fields, 1 agricultural fields and borders, second growth forest, Green River riparian areas, open water, including Green River Lake and Campbellsville City Lake. Dec. 28; 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky mostly sunny; temp. 29° to 45°F; wind 0-10 m.p.h., mostly calm. Four observers in three parties. Total party-hours 19.0 (7.5 on foot, 1 1.5 by car). Total ] party-miles 162.00 (3.25 on foot, 158.75 by car). Total species 65; total individuals 5,567. Observers: Lloyd Curry (compiler), Robert Doty, Eddie Huber, and Richie Kessler. This was an odd year. The weather was very good but several species commonly found during the count were missing. These included Canada Goose, Ring-necked Duck, Red¬ headed and Hairy woodpeckers, and Cedar Waxwings. Total numbers across most species were also low. Days before and after the count showed more normal activity'. The day of the count was just a quiet day it seems. Frankfort (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. US 127 and KY 1900; 38.226 12°N, -084.85022°W). Habitat as described in 1977. Dec. 17; 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 30° to 40°F; wind WSW, 4-15 m.p.h. Eleven observers in six-seven parties. Total party-hours 29.0 (18.5 on foot, 10.5 by car). Total party-miles 130 (17 on foot, 113 by car). Total species 53; total individuals 3,569. Observers: Peggy Gould (compiler), Mary Pat Hankla, Scott Hankla, Jeff Jones, Joel Jones, Edwin Shouse, Mary Shouse, Gary Sprandel, Asha Vorisek, Shawchyi Vorisek, and Tim Williams. 2012 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 35 Kleber Wildlife Management Area (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. KY 227 and KY 845W at Hesler, Ky.; 38.463335°N, -084.7769°W). Habitat: agricultural, river bottoms, mixed cedar/hardwood woodland. Jan. 3; 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 14° to 28°F; wind, 10-20 m.p.h. Two observers in party. Total party-hours 9 (6 on foot, 3 by car). Total party-miles 39 4 on foot, 35 by car). Total species 35; total individuals 722. Observers: Jeff Jones (compiler) and Joel Jones. Danville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Boyle County Courthouse; 37.64634°N, -084.77345°W). Habitat: water edge (15%), urban (10%), cultivated (10%), field/fence (35%), wooded edge (24%), and feeder (6%). Dec. 17; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky cloudy in the morning, to partly cloudy in the afternoon; temp. 40° to 52°F; 0-10 m.p.h. Twenty-five observers in nine parties. Total party-hours 61.5 (13.5 on foot, 48.0 by car). Total party-miles 510.55 (7.85 on foot, 502.70 by car). Total species 68; total individuals 14,429. Observers: Humphrey Ballou, Jane Brantley, J.P. Brantley (compiler), Granville Cox, Thelma Cox, Rhea Crowley, Stephan Crown-Weber, Neil Eklund, Virginia Eklund, Martha Foster, Bill Garriott, Kate Heyden, Mike Lauer, Ben Leffew, Anne Lubbers, Gail Manning, Jody Metcalf, Preston Miles, Eric Mount, Don Pelly, Rob Pendygraft, Jami Powell, Jim Roessler, Rose-Marie Roessler, and Charles Vahlkamp. Lexington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center East Hickman Church on Tates Creek Road; 37.9198°N, -084.4693°W). Habitat: suburban farms, woodlots, water company reservoirs, farm ponds, Kentucky River and cliffs, and bottomland flood plains. Dec. 17; 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky partly clear to clear; temp. 30° to 41°F; wind 0-10 m.p.h. Forty observers in 14 parties. Total party-hours 99.50 (includes 1.5 hours owling, (30.25 by foot, 67.75 by car). Total party-miles 629.30 (includes 15.25 miles of nocturnal owling, 27.50 by foot, 586.55 by car). Total species 80; total individuals 13,972. Observers: Laura Baird, Tom Barnes, Ramesh Bhatt, Suzanne Bhatt, Thad Bishop, Rose Canon, Katie Clark, Mary Caroll Cooper, John Cox, Montana Cox, Phyllis Deal, Ed Demoll, Chris Demoll, Mike Flynn, Tara Franey, Brenda Franey, Gay Fugate, Jim Hodge Doreen Jezek, Mike King, Alan Kingsland, Terri Koontz, Betsy Lang, David Lang, Judy Lundquist, Betty Maxson (compiler), Kay Neikerk, Jeff Noffsinger, Joe Pulliam, Lou Shain, Marie Sutton, Dave Svetich, Joe Swanson, Ed Talbot, Gretchen Tremoulet, Charles Tremoulet, Jacki Van Willigen, George Weems, Amy Williams, and Bernice Wood. Warsaw (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Gallatin County Court¬ house; 38.78387°N, -84.90227°W). Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 17; 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; temp. 29° to 40°F; wind N, 0-8 m.p.h. All water open. Three observers in two parties. Total party-hours 14 (2 on foot, 12 by car). Total party- miles 178 (1 on foot, 177 by car). Total species 49; total individuals 1116. Observers: Ed Groneman, Lee McNeely (compiler), and Tommy Stephens. This was our lowest species total since the initial count in 1987. Waterfowl and gull numbers were unusually low. Highlights included a single Black-crowned Night Heron, a flock of Sandhill Cranes, and two adult Bald Eagles. Burlington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Camp Michaels; 38.94932°N, -084.74624°W). Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 31; 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy; temp. 39° to 42°F; wind SW, 3-17 m.p.h. All water was open. Eleven observers in five parties. Total party-hours 30 (12 on foot, 18 by car). Total party-miles 179 (7 on foot, 172 by car). Total species 65; total individuals 2,250. Observers: Linda Altevers, Andrew Baldelli, Joe Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Elaine Carroll, Melissa Desjardin, Ari James, Leila James, Lee McNeely (compiler), Gayle Pille, and Tommy Stephens. Feeder watchers: Carmen Schulte and Ann Weider. 36 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol, 88 The Northern Saw-whet Owl was found by the Caminiti’s and identified by alarm call. The adult Ross’s Goose was seen in a small flock of waterfowl near Union. Falmouth (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Caddo, Ky.; 38.74738°N, -084.24473°W). Habitat as described in 201 1. Jan. 2; 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 25° to 31°F; wind W, 10-16 m.p.h. Occasional snow flurries. Water open. Two observers in one party. Total party-hours 8.5 (1.0 on foot, 7.5 by car). Total party- miles 93 (1 on foot, 92 by car). Total species 51; total individuals 1473. Observers: Andrew Baldelli and Lee McNeely (compiler). Continued construction of a new hydroelectric plant at Meldahl Dam is limiting access to the Ohio River above the dam. Road conditions deteriorated in the late afternoon due to l snow. Richmond (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center circa 0.7 air miles east j of jet. US 25 and KY 1983 (White Station Road); 37.631 1°N, -084.2638°W). Habitat: ! fencerows and roadsides (20%), woodland (20%), pasture and open fields (55%), lawns (4%), lakes and ponds (1%). Dec. 17; 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Sky cloudy to partly cloudy; 1 temp. 32° to 38°F; wind calm. Eight observers in three parties. Total party-hours 17 (5 on foot, 12 by car). Total party-miles 187.0 (6.5 on foot, 180.5 by car). Total species 55; total individuals 2,485. Observers: David Brown, Jesse Godbald, Adam Heist, Ryan O’Connor, Sabrina McOwen, William Overbeck-Brotz, Gary Ritchison (compiler) and Tammy Ritchison. Russell-Adair County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center intersection of Owensby Road and Hwy. 3281; 36.96583°N, -85.12167°W). Habitat: mixed and deciduous woodland, pasture fields, streams and lake, mostly rural with a small percentage j of urban. Elevation ranges from 530 to 1140 feet above sea level. Dec. 14; 12:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST. Sky dense morning fog, afternoon clear; temp. 42° to 72°F; wind SSW, 0- 20 m.p.h. All water open and no precipitation. Eight observers in four parties. Total part-hours 26.75 (3.75 on foot, 23.00 by car). j Total party-miles 291.25 (1.25 on foot, 290.00 by car). Plus 7 night hours with 36 miles. Total species 82; total individuals 34,148. Observers: Wendy Burt, Teriy Campell, Granville Cox, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Steve Denton, Linda McClendon, Arlene Morton, and Barb Stedman. Somerset (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center junction of Bypass Hwy. ; 80 and Hwy 39; 37.10246°N, -84.60379° W). Habitat as described in 2000. Dec. 31; 5:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky clear with only a few clouds early morning; temp. 41° to 57°F; wind SSW, 0-8 m.p.h. All water open. Thirteen observers in six parties. Total party-hours 53.0 (9.5 by foot, 43.5 by car). 1 Total party-miles 429.0 (4.0 on foot, 425.0 by car). Total species 77; total individuals 27,709. Observers: Wendy Allen, Judy Brant, Rhonda Bryant, Granville Cox, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Steve Denton, Gay Hodges, James Kiser, Scott Marsh, Charlene Marrinan, Linda McClendon, Arlene Morton, and Stephen Stedman. Feeder watchers: Evelyn Coldiron, Julie Denton, Grace Floyd, Evelyn Garrett, Susan Huffman, Dottie Kinnamon, Danny Kiser, Mary Moss, Joe Richards, and Hazel Spears. Wayne County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. Hwy 1275 and Hwy 3106; 36.8972°N, -84.821 5° W). Habitat as described in 2004. Jan. 5; 5:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 27°F to 52°F; wind variable, 0-10 m.p.h. All water open. Seven observers in five parties. Total party-hours 46.00 (7.25 on foot, 38.75 by car). ■ Total party-miles 325 (4 on foot, 321 by car). Total species 76; total individuals 8,746. Observers: Al Bearsley, Terry Campbell, Granville Cox, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Bret Kuss, Arlene Morton, and Stephen Stedman. 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 37 London (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Route 3432 and US 25; 37.13546°N, -84. 0963° W). Habitat: 50% pasture, hayfields; 45% forested; 1% cultivated; 1% lakes, ponds streams; 2% fencerows, residential yards; 1% roads. Dec. 28, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky mostly cloudy in the morning and mostly sunny in the afternoon; temp. 34° to 46°F; wind W, 3-10 m.p.h. Eleven observers in four parties. Total party-hours 38.0 (4.5 on foot, 33.5 by car). Total party-miles 374.5 (0.5 on foot, 374.0 by car). Total species 64, total individuals 13,868. Observers: Winona Allen, Michell Caufman, Granville Cox (compiler), Thelma Cox, Steve Denton, Roseanna Denton, Arlene Morton, Allennie Oakley, Marie Oakley, Tucker Oakley, and Carlo Shivel. Cumberland Falls (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center upper Bark Camp Creek; 36.8900°N, -084.261 1°W). Habitat: mostly forested (about 70% upland oak and pine, mixed forest, and hemlock forest), about 20% in small rural home lots, small farm holdings, and minimal residential and urban areas. One moderately large reservoir (Laurel Lake) and about 17 miles of Cumberland River/Lake Cumberland and its riparian forest. Dec. 17; 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky overcast in the morning to partly cloudy by late afternoon; temp 33° to 42°F; wind NNW, 0-5 m.p.h. Five observers in three parties. Total party-hours 27.27 (7.45 on foot, 19.42 by car). Total party-miles 227 (4 on foot, 223 by car.) Total species 59; total individuals 2,729. Observers: Sara Ash, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Steve Denton, Bret Kuss, and Renee Yetter. FIELD NOTE First Kentucky Record of Parasitic Jaeger On the afternoon of 10 September 2011, David Roemer observed at least one and possibly two juvenile jaegers (Stercorarins sp.) on Barren River Lake, Allen/Barren coun¬ ties. Before the end of the day, he confirmed the presence of a juvenile Long-tailed Jaeger (S. longicaudus); the bird was also seen by Aaron Hulsey. The following day, several observers covered the lake in search of the Long-tailed Jaeger. During the morning hours of 1 1 September 2011, David and Aaron, along with Ben and Mary Yandell, and Eddie Huber, refound the Long-tailed and confirmed the presence of a second jaeger, this one a juvenile Parasitic Jaeger ( S . parasiticus). During most of the rest of the day, both birds remained in close proximity to one another, allowing for close ap¬ proach by boat and, thus, excellent study of field characters differentiating the two species. At a distance and when not in the presence of another bird for comparison, the identity of juvenile and basic plumaged jaegers is often quite difficult to determine with certainty in I the field. However, with close views, and especially while being able to directly compare field marks, these two birds were easily distinguishable. As noted above, both individuals were juveniles and both would be considered to be “light morphs” with color of the head and underparts noticeably paler than the back. The Long-tailed was noticeably smaller than the Parasitic. It was more coal gray in body plumage color, and the edgings to most of the upper body and flight feathers were distinctly pale gray or whitish, although the edges on the tips of the flight feathers were quite narrow. In contrast, the Parasitic was slightly larger, much warmer brown in body color, and the edgings of the upper body and flight feathers were distinctly buff in color and much more apparent than the edgings of the Long-tailed’s feathers were. In addition, the bill of the Long-tailed, was a bit shorter than that of the Parasitic, was blackish on the distal half; the bill of the Parasitic was blackish on only the distal third and the gonydeal angle was present farther out near the tip. With study, the length and shapes of the tips of the inner pair of tail feathers (rectrices) could be clearly discerned. The Long-tailed had inner rectrices that were noticeably longer than the others 38 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 ; and distinctly blunt tipped; the central rectrices of the Parasitic Jaeger were shorter and j obviously pointed at the tip (see left and right photos below, respectively). In flight, anywhere from one to two outer primary shafts showed much white on the Long-tailed, while about four or five outer primary shafts on the Parasitic were largely whitish. Also, the amount of “white flash” in the inner primaries of the Long-tailed was noticeably less than the similar portion of the inner primaries of the Parasitic. Several other more subtle characters were also different and enumerated in a series of photographed published on the internet (K.O.S. 2011). Field marks that eliminated Pomarine Jaeger ( S . pomarinus ) from consideration included the shapes of the central rectrices, the overall tone of body color, the presence of obvious pale edgings on upperpart and flight feathers, and the presence of light streaking on the nape (for the Parasitic). Over the course of the next two days, both jaegers were present on Barren River Lake and observed by 15-20 additional people. The birds continued to allow close approach by boat, and a number of excellent images were obtained of both (see front & back covers). On the morning of 14 September 2011, Hap Chambers and David Roemer returned to the lake to look for the birds by boat. During their visit, they again found both jaegers present, but the Parasitic was not observed flying and did not appear to be in good health. Hap and David made the decision to capture the bird and take it to a rehabilitator in hopes that they might be able to treat the bird. A rehabilitator was located who was willing to care | for it. Other than finding it to be malnourished, nothing could be determined to be wrong I with it. After about a week’s care, the bird appeared healthy enough to be released, and it was taken to the Ohio River and successfully released. These observations represent the first for Parasitic Jaeger and the second for Long¬ tailed Jaeger in Kentucky. No particular weather events had occurred to explain the , appearance of the birds on Barren River Lake, and it must be assumed that they were simply fall migrants that set down on the reservoir during normal conditions. Literature Cited K.O.S. 2011. http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/jaegers.htm. Accessed 30 December 2011. — Hap Chambers, 33 Wildwood Drive, Murray, KY, 42071, Eddie Huber, 5001 Thurman i Road, Louisville, KY, 40299; Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222, and Ben and Mary Yandell, 513 Lymington Ct., Louisville, KY 40243. 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 39 NEWS AND VIEWS 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. 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 Scott Marsh by mail at 4401 Athens-Boonesboro Road, Lex- ington. KY. 40509. or via email at (scott.marsh@insightbb.com). 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 with monetary awards of up to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, visit the K.O.S. web site (http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm) or contact Shawchyi Vorisek. Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman’s Lane. Frankfort, KY, 40601 (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov) or Dr. Blaine Ferrell, Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dean's Office. Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green. KY, 42101 (blaine.ferrell@wku.edu). 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. The Kentucky Warbler Available in PDF Formal Members of the Kentucky Ornithological Society who wish to receive their quarterly journal. The Kentucky Warbler, in electronic format rather than hard copy through the mail may now do so. In the new and here-to-stay digital age, we have found that some members prefer to have a searchable electronic format. The board of the Kentucky Ornithological Society has discussed the eventual scanning of all back issues of The Kentucky Warbler to PDF format and making them available on the internet, but that project may be a few years away. If you wish to receive future issues of The Kentucky Warbler in digital PDF format, email the Society’s Corresponding Secretary, Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr., at the following address: brainard@mindspring.com. 40 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 Scissor-tailed Flycatchers. Warren 16 August 201 1 Aaron Hulsey : White-rumped (front) & Western (rear) sandpiptj Rowan. 17 September 201 1 Andy Newman Nelson's Sparrow, Jefferson 26 September 201 1 Mike Callan Red-necked Phalarope, Pulaski 6 September 201 1 Roseanna Denton The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 88 MAY 2012 NO. 2 IN THIS ISSUE WINTER 201 1-2012 SEASON, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 43 K.O.S. SPRING 2012 MEETING, Blaine R. Ferrell . 53 FIELD NOTE Ferruginous Hawk in Boone County . 56 BOOK REVIEW . 58 NEWS AND VIEWS . 58 42 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President Carol Besse, Louisville Viee-President Steve Kistler. Munfordville Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road. Louisville, KY 40222-3913 Treasurer . Recording Secretary . Councillors: Mark Bennett. Russellville . Mary Yandell, Louisville . Hap Chambers. Murray . Roseanna Denton. Science Hill Linda Craiger. Glasgow . Virginia Kingsolver, Carlisle... . Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463, Burlington. KY 41005 . Blaine Ferrell. Bowling Green 2010-2012 2010-2012 201 1-2013 2011- 2013 2012- 2014 2012-2014 Retiring President Scott Marsh, Lexington THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Journal 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. Current membership categories and corresponding dues follow: Regular ($15.00); Contributing ($25.00); Student ($10.00); Family ($20.00); and Life ($300.00). Direct manuscripts and communications to the editor. Send membership dues to the Treasurer. Make requests for back issues to the Corresponding Secretary. Editor . Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. c/o Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission. 801 Schenkel Lane. Frankfort, KY. 40601 (brainard@mindspring.com) Editorial Advisory Board Brian W. Smith and Ben Yandell I Secretary. Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Ben Yandell 513 Lymington Court. Louisville. KY 40243 (secy@kybirdrecords.org) THE COVER We thank Allan Claybon for the image of the Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) taken 5 April 2012 at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport in Boone County (see Field Note. p. 56). Financial support for color reproduction in this issue provided by the y. _ --i Daniel Boone National Forest. hAq 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLE * Ji JS 3 8 2012 3 WINTER 2011-2012 SEASON Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and L4e McN ffNACA, NY 14853 Weather conditions during winter 2011-2012 were overall very mild but relatively close to normal regarding precipitation. Temperatures averaged warmer-than-normal state¬ wide during all three months. Monthly averages at most recording stations were 3-6°F. above normal, resulting in one of the warmest winters on record. Precipitation was some¬ what variable, but generally was close to normal in most areas during December and Jan¬ uary, and a bit drier than normal during February. The warm temperatures and lack of any significant precipitation resulted in virtually no significant snow events and only short durations of snow cover. Rarity highlights were few in number but included Red-necked Grebe, continuing Rufous Hummingbirds, Harris’s Sparrow, and Common Redpoll. Additional highlights dur¬ ing the season included mostly lingering summer resident and migrant passerines including White-eyed Vireo, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, and two reports of both Ves¬ per Sparrow and Indigo Bunting. As expected based on the general scarcity during the fall season, irruptive boreal species were nearly absent. Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these reports have been accepted for inclusion in the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Reports of out-of-season birds and rarities should be accompanied by written and/or photographic documentation. This documentation is reviewed by 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); “f” next t0 an observer’s initials indicates that written details were submitted with the report; Place names: Ballard WMA. Ballard ; Barkley Dam. Lyon (unless otherwise noted); Barren = Barren River Lake, Alien! Barren', Bernheim Forest. Bullitt/ Nelson', Blood River = Blood River embayment, Ky Lake, Calloway, Boatwright WMA, Ballard', Cave Run Lake. Bath! Rowan', Cecilia. Hardin', DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson', Flemingsburg = city water reservoir at Flemingsburg, Fleming', Grassy Pond/Powells Lake = Grassy Pond/ Powells Lake Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson (unless otherwise noted); Horseshoe Road = slough along Horseshoe Road, w. Henderson', Jacobson Park, Lexington, Fayette', Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall ; Ky Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall', Ky Lake = Kentucky Lake, Calloway! 'Marshall/Trigg; Lake Peewee. Hopkins', LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lyon/Trigg ; Long Point = Long Point Unit Reelfoot NWR, Fulton', Melco = Melco Hood retention basin, Jefferson', Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan', NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; Otter Pond. Caldwell', Reformatory Lake, nr. Buckner, Olclhanv, Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson', Sinclair WMA. Muhlenberg', Spindletop = University of Kentucky Spindletop Farm, Fayette', SP = State Park; SRP = State Resort Park; WMA = Wildlife Management Area; Wolf Creek Dam. Russell. Greater White-fronted Goose - reports of interest included ca. 2100 at Sauerheber by 19 December (TY) with peak counts of 3210 there 18 January (TY) and 2450 there and 400 at Grassy Pond/Powells Lake, both 13 February (TY); ca. 500 at Long Point by 10 December (BP, JD) with a peak count of ca. 4000 there 5 Jan¬ uary (fide GP); 30 at Otter Pond 24 December (WGr) with 10 still there 28 December (WGr) and ca. 60 there 17 February (JR); 18 along Clear Creek, Hopkins, 31 December (BP); 2300 at Bal¬ lard WMA 3 January fide RP) with 2200 44 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 still there 9 January (fide RP) and 1800 there 25 January (fide RP); 30 over Uniontown Dam on the Ohio River, Union , 14 January (CC); 750-100 e. of Sauerheber 16 February (BP, EHu); 1 at Lake Peewee 17 February (BP, EHu); 3 at Flemingsburg 19 February (BWu); and ca. 1000 e. of Open Pond, Fulton , 26 Feb¬ ruary (MY, BY). Snow Goose - the mild weather resulted in very modest peak counts that included ca. 3000 at Sauerheber 17 December (CC) and 4600 there 18 January (TY); and 3700 at Ballard WMA 30 January (PHa). Ross’s Goose - there were not many reports, all being included: 1 over West Ky WMA, McCracken , 30 December (KMc); 1 near Union, Boone, 31 December (LM); 2 near Pendleton, Henry, 1 January (ph. MC); 2 near Needmore, Ballard, 2 January (BP, EHu); 1 at Jonathan Creek 19 January (HC); 3 at Sauerheber 25 January (BL); 10 e. of Sauerheber 16 February (ph. BP, EHu); 1 s. of Hodgenville, Larue, 23 Jan¬ uary (ph. EHa); and at least 3 e. of Open Pond, Fulton, 26 February (MY, BY). Cackling Goose - reports of interest includ¬ ed 2 at the Long Creek Refuge, LBL, Trigg, 2 December (BL); a peak count of 17 at the Reformatory Lake 12 February (ph. MY, BY); and 8 at Flemingsburg 19 February (BWu). Brant - 1 was reported at Long Point 3 Jan¬ uary (|GH, SRo, DS, MR). KBRC review required. Tundra Swan - the flock at Sauerheber numbered 105 by 19 December (TY) and peaked at 152 on 30 January (TY); also reported were 64 of the same flock at Horseshoe Road 16 February (BP, EHu); 2 on Herrington Lake, Boyle/Garrard, 17 December (ph. DPe, KH); and 24 on Dewey Lake, Floyd, 3-5 January (ph. Rl l), the last being quite unusual for the e. part of the state. Mute Swan - hardly reported with the mild weather; 3 at the Bluegrass Army Depot, Madison, 30 January (MBu) & 13 Febru¬ ary (JBr) were presumed to be of non¬ local origin. Blue-winged Teal - 2 were reported at Lou¬ isville 18 December (GH, DS); 5 were reported at Long Point 3 January (fGH, SRo, DS, MR). Gadwall - peak counts included more than 3000 along the Mississippi River flood¬ plain Carlisle! Fulton! Hickman, 13 Febru¬ ary (PHa) and 975 at Ballard WMA 13 February (PHa). American Wigeon - 300 at Ballard WMA 13 February (PHa) represented the sea¬ son’s peak count. Northern Shoveler - modest peak counts i included 250 at Sauerheber 1 8 January (TY) with 500 there 13 February (TY). Northern Pintail - local peak counts in¬ cluded 1800 along the Mississippi River floodplain, Carlisle/Fulton/Hickman, 3 January (PHa) with 4120 in the same ar¬ eas 30 January (PHa) and 15,000 in the same areas and 900 at Boatwright WMA, all 13 February (PHa); ca. 350 at Sloughs WMA, Henderson/Union 13 February (TY); possibly 500 at Horseshoe Road 16 February (BP, EHu); and 93 at Jonathan Creek 28 February (HC). Green-winged Teal - local peak counts in¬ cluded 600 at Boatwright WMA 18 Jan¬ uary (PHa); ca. 50 on the Reformatory Lake 13 February (BP, EHu); ca. 450 at Sloughs WMA, Henderson/Union, 13 February (TY); 420 at Doug Travis WMA, Hickman/Carlisle 13 February (PHa); and a new record high state count of 10,850 tallied on a aerial survey along the Mississippi River floodplain Carlisle! \ Fulton! Hickman 13 February (PHa) with the most impressive tallies of 8700 in the Upper Hickman Bottoms, Fulton, and 1350 along the Obion Creek floodplain, Fulton/Hickman (PHa). Canvasback - 40-50 on Lake Barkley above the dam 18 February (BP, EHu) represented a very modest peak count for 1 the season. Redhead - reports of interest included 60 at Flemingsburg 19 February (BWu) with 55 still there 23 February (BWu) and 40 there 26 February (BWu). 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 45 Greater Scaup - reports of interest included 1 on Barren 8 December (BP, EHu); and at least 200 in scattered groups on Ky Lake, Marshall, 18 February (BP, EHu), although it is possible that most of 1500 scaup at great distance on Ky Lake, Mar¬ shall, 18 February were Greaters (BP, EHu). Lesser Scaup - very modest peak counts included 2420 on Lake Barkley n. of US 68/KY 80, Lyon/Trigg, 18 January (PHa) and ca. 1500 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 18 February (BP, EHu). Ring-necked Duck - peak counts included flocks of 2450 at Ballard WMA and 1200 at Boatwright WMA both 3 January (PHa); 3390 at Ballard WMA 18 January (PHa); 2570 at Ballard WMA and 1300 at Boatwright WMA, both 30 January (PHa); and 3600 at Boatwright WMA 13 February (PHa). White-winged Scoter - there were two re¬ ports: at least 1 on Lake Cumberland above Wolf Creek Dam 7 December (RD) and 2 on Ky Lake above the dam 18 February (BP, EHu). Black Scoter — there were two reports: 1 on Lake Cumberland above Wolf Creek Dam 7 December (RD) and 4 on Lake Cum¬ berland off the SRP, Russell, 13 Decem¬ ber (RD). Surf Scoter - there were only two reports: “several groups of scoters in both the Ohio River [ne. KY] and Cave Run Lake, but male Surf Scoters were the only ones identifiable to species” 4 January (JBr) and 3 on the Ohio River, Bracken, 13 Feb¬ ruary (JBr). scoter sp. - there were two additional re¬ ports of unidentified scoters: 2 on Lake Cumberland above Wolf Creek Dam 7 December (RD); and 6 on Cave Run Lake 19 January (JBr). Long-tailed Duck - a male on Ky Lake above the dam 18 February (BP, EHu) was the only one reported. Common Goldeneye - 315 were on Ky Lake, Marshall, by 1 1 December (HC et al.); ca. 150 on Lake Barkley above the dam and 750-1000 on Ky Lake, Marshall, all 18 February (BP, EHu) represented the season’s peak counts. Common Merganser - not numerous this winter with the mild weather; reports of interest included 3 on Lake Peewee 31 December (BP) with 4 there 17 February (BP, EHu); 1 on Green River Lake, Tay¬ lor, 6 January (JSo, EHu, BP); 12 at Jon¬ athan Creek 19 January (HC); and 81 total on the Ohio River, ne. KY, including 21 on the Ohio River e. of Meldahl Dam, Bracken, all 13 February (JBr). Red-breasted Merganser - 100 on Lake Barkley, Trigg, 10 December (HC et al.) and at least 175 on Lake Barkley from the dam to Boyd’s Landing, Lyon, 18 Febru¬ ary (BP, EHu) represented the season’s peak counts. Ruddy Duck - 95 on Lake Peewee 13 December (CC) and at least 325 on Lake Barkley above the dam 18 February (EHu, BP) represented the season’s peak counts. Pied-billed Grebe - ca. 50 on Lake Barkley above the dam 18 February (BP, EHu) represented the season’s peak count other than CBC tallies. Horned Grebe - peak counts during the season included 105 on Green River Lake, Taylor/Adair, 28 December (EHu); 308 on Lake Cumberland at Rowena Road, Russell, 13 February (RD); and at least 375 on Lake Barkley from the dam to Boyd’s Landing, Lyon, 18 February (BP, EHu). Red-necked Grebe - there was one report: 1 on Green River Lake, Taylor, 28 De¬ cember (ph. EHu). American White Pelican - the relatively mild weather resulted in above-average numbers remaining on Lake Barkley & Ky Lake through the season; notable tal¬ lies for mid-winter included 545 at Jona¬ than Creek 7 February (HC) and at least 300 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 18 February (BP, EHu). Great Egret - there were four reports: 1 at Blood River 26 December (HC); 1 along the Ohio River shoreline, w. of Paducah, McCracken, 30 December (THi, JSm, JN); 1 on Ky Lake at Panorama Shores, 46 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 Calloway , 22 January (KC); and 1 at Lake Reba, Madison , 10 February (fDPr). Green Heron - 1 at Pumphouse Pond, Pu¬ laski , 3 1 December (ph. SM, RB) was very unusual for the season. Black-crowned Night-Heron - 2 at Ram¬ say Creek Bottoms near Creelsboro, Rus¬ sell. , 14 December (BS); 1 at The Nar¬ rows, Barren River Lake, Barren , 3 Jan¬ uary (JSo); and 2 at the mouth of Pond Run e. of Worthington, Greenup , 19 Jan¬ uary (JBr) were in areas where they have previously not been documented during winter. Also reported at locales where individuals have turned up previously during winter were 1 at Craig’s Creek em- bayment near Warsaw, Gallatin , 17 De¬ cember (LM); 1 at Lexington Reservoir #4 on 17 December (DSv); and a few at Draut Park, Louisville, through the season (BWo et al.). Black Vulture - 225 along Cedar Creek Road, s. Jefferson , 1 1 January (SRo) was a local high count. Osprey - an extraordinarily early migrant or wintering bird was seen flying over Ky Lake above the dam 18 February (BP, EHu). Bald Eagle - a new nest was under con¬ struction along the Green River, sw. of Newman, Daviess , during early December (MBr). Red-tailed Hawk - reports of western forms of interest included a juv. intermediate morph B. j. calurus along US 150 n. of Lebanon, Washington , 4 December (ph. BP, EHu); a juv. Krider’s morph in s. Logan 12 December (FL et ah); a juv. Krider’s morph along the Audubon Park¬ way, w. Daviess, during mid- to late Feb¬ ruary ( J 1 1, MBr, ph. BP, et ah); and both B. j. harlani that have wintered along Clear Creek, Hopkins, since 2005-2006 were present 17 February (BP, EHu). A wing-tagged eastern bird from IL showed up again this winter at Louisville during mid-December (ph. MM). Golden Eagle - there were seven reports: 1 s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 13/23 January (MBy, JBy) with 2 ads. there 28/29 Janu- Krider’s morph Red-tailed Hawk (juv.) Daviess, 17 February 2012 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. ary (MBy); at least 2 at Bernheim Forest during the season (KV, AB, et ah); singles photographed by remote trail cameras near Cave Run Lake, Bath, 15 January (ph. KDFWR, fide SF) and on Fishtrap Lake WMA, Pike, 28/30 January (ph. KDFWR, fide SF); and a juv. found dead (likely due to collision with a powerline) at Turners Station, Carroll, 4 February (DW, ph. HM). Golden Eagle, Rowan 1 5 January 2012 Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources Rough-legged Hawk - relatively scarce this winter with only four reports: 1 on a re¬ claimed surface mine in Bell 12 January (ph. JBr) was likely a county first; 1 over Minor Clark 1 1 February (BWu et ah); 1 at the East Volunteer Mine, Hopkins, 17 i . 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 47 February (EHu, BP); and 1 near Berea, Madison, 20 February (PHg, J H). Merlin - there were at least twelve reports: 2 along Bethany Road near Union Mills, Jessamine, 17 December (|TK; 1 at Cher¬ okee Park, Louisville, 18 December (RL, TA, et al.); 1 along Waldridge Road, Nelson, 19 December (ph. EHu); 1 at Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln, 21 December (AN); 1 sw. of Olmstead, Logan, 31 December (MA, GH); 2 at Spindletop 3 January (JSw, DL); 1 at Chaney Lake, Warren, 1 1 January (TD); 1 at Sinclair WMA 19 January (ET); 1 at Cox’s Park, Louisville, 24 January (DS, JSt) and 13/15 February (ph. EHu); 1 at Freeman Lake, Hardin, 2 February (BP et al); 1 along US 41 just n. of Henderson, Henderson, 9 February (MT); and 1 or 2 individuals ne. of Black Gnat, se. Taylor, 18/25 February (JSo). Peregrine Falcon - individuals seen during the past few winters on the US 68/KY80 bridges over Lake Barkley and Ky Lake were present again this season, but seen only irregularly during the period (BL); other reports of non-breeding birds in¬ cluded 1 at the Louisville airport 15 De¬ cember (MC) with 1 nearby at the Lou¬ isville landfill 17 January (RA) and at Melco 15 February (EHu); 1 s. of Hod- genville, Larue, 23 January (ph. EHu); 2 at Spindletop 9 February (DL) with 1 still there 17 February (DL, JSo); and 1 over I- 65 near Clermont, Bullitt, 1 1 February (EHu, MY). Virginia Rail - there were two reports: 1 heard at Pumphouse Pond, Pulaski, 22 October, 13 November, 3 December, 4/24 January & 18 February (RD et al.) estab¬ lishing wintering at a new locale, and 1 heard e. of Drakesboro, Muhlenberg, 1 January (BP). Sandhill Crane - mild weather resulted in many birds lingering in Indiana well into the winter and sizable Rocks continued to filter s. through Kentucky into early Jan- ■ uary. Up to ca. 1500 were at Barren dur¬ ing early December, but flocks became scattered during the hunting season, mak¬ ing counts difficult (WT); additional rep¬ resentative counts at Barren during the hunting season included 467 on 20 De¬ cember (WT); 1202 on 4 January (WT); and 2351 on 9 January (WT). Circa 1000- 1200 were w. of Cecilia 17 December (BP), but there, too, flocks were scattered and numbers quite low during the hunting season other than 5 January, when 1700 were counted (EHa) [e.g. only 12 birds in area 9 January (EHa)]. Birds began mov¬ ing north during mid-January and largely bypassed Barren (fide WT) with an early peak count of 4605 there 19 January (WT), but only 2115 there 23 January (WT); 630 there 31 January (WT); and 330 there 6 February (WT). In w. Hardin w. of Cecilia, the following counts of pri¬ marily northbound birds were made: 287 on 18 January (EHa); 2750 on 23 January (EHa); 4000-5000 on 2 February (BP, PB, JBe, CB); 3555 on 6 Februaiy (EHa); 3892 on 13 Februaiy (EHa); and 3160 on 20 February (EHa). Other reports of inter¬ est included 330 in Larue 18 January (EHa); at least 1 100 in several flocks over Marrowbone WMA, Metcalfe, 7 February (BP); flocks of 53 over West Ky WMA, McCracken, 31 December (SRe) and ca. 100 over LBL, Trigg , 8 January (CS et al.) that were relatively far west; and 17 over Minor Clark 2 January (GR) that were the farthest east. Greater Yellowlegs - 1 at Sauerheber 24 December (ph. CC) was tardy; 3 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton, 26 Feb¬ ruary (MY, BY) were the earliest return¬ ing birds to be reported. Lesser Yellowlegs - 4 at Sauerheber 19 De¬ cember (ph. CC) were tardy; 3 at Sau¬ erheber 16 Februaiy (BP, EHu) were the earliest returning birds to be reported. Least Sandpiper - 3 were at Blood River 26 December (HC) with 15 there 21 Jan¬ uary (HC) and 14 there 1/17 February (HC). Four at Sauerheber 16 February (BP, EHu); 2 along J.C. Jones Road, Hart, 18 February (JSo); and 3 at Jonathan Creek 28 February (HC) may have been early migrants. Dunlin - 1 was still at Sauerheber 3 Decem¬ ber (BL) and 2 at Sauerheber 16 February 48 (BP, EHu) may have been wintering or very early returning birds. Wilson’s Snipe - modest peak counts in¬ cluded at least 60 at Sauerheber 9 Decem¬ ber (BP, JD) with at least 101 there 16 February (BP, EHu), and 68 along J.C. Jones Road, Hart, 18 February (JSo). American Woodcock - birds were reported on six CBCs; other reports of interest in¬ cluded 4 along W. Old State Road, Allen, 31 December (JBy) and 1 in Greenup 13 January {fide SF). Bonaparte’s Gull - representative peak counts included at least 500 at Barren 8 December (BP, EHu); 1450 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 17 December (HC, ME); ca. 2000 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 18 February (BP, EHu); and 400 at Jonathan Creek 20 February (HC). Ring-billed Gull - peak counts of interest included probably in excess of 1500 at Barren 8 December (BP, EHu); ca. 500 at the Falls of the Ohio 24 January (T&CB); and at least 1500 at Cave Run Lake 22 February (BWu). Herring Gull - modest peak counts in¬ cluded 50-75 at Ky Dam 9 December (BP, JD) with at least 100 there 18 February (EHu, BP). Lesser Black-backed Gull - there were only two reports: a second-year bird at Barkley Dam 17 December (BL) and a second-year bird and an ad. at Ky Dam Village SRP 18 February (BP, EHu). Lesser Black-backed Gull, Marshall 18 February 2012 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Vol. 88 Forster’s Tern - 75 were still at Jonathan Creek 1 December (ME) with 9 there 19 January (HC), 26 there 24 January (HC) and up to 21 there thru the end of Feb¬ ruary (HC); 18 were at Blood River 19 December (HC) with 12 still there 28 De¬ cember (HC) and 8 remaining into mid- February (HC). Barn Owl - a pair was present throughout the season sw. of Bloomfield, Nelson (THe). Northern Saw-whet Owl - the only report was of 1 at the Little Lick Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski, 12 February (RD). Short-eared Owl - not as numerous as during winter 2010-2011, but there were at least six reports: 1 sw. of Horntown, e. Grayson, 9 December (SK, JK) with up to 3 there during February (SK et al.); 1 along KY 1282 e. of Ledford, Fulton, 17 December (MT); 1 on the Road Creek Mine, Pike, 9/20 January (ph. SF) that was a county first; 1 ca. 1.5 mi. s. of ! Schochoh, Logan, 27 January (STy); up to 9 at Sinclair WMA 7 February into March with the peak count observed 25 February (P&SF et al.); and 1 at the Wendell Ford Training Site, Muhlenberg, 28 February (JSo). Long-eared Owls, Muhlenberg 6 February 2012 Eric Williams Long-eared Owl - there were three reports: 1 during early December at Big Cliffy, w. Hardin (ph. BH); 1 found dead along KY 176 w. of Paradise, Muhlenberg, 1 Jan- THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 49 uary (T&CB): and a roost of up to 6 birds was located at Sinclair WMA 6 February into March (MH. ph. EW, et al. ). Rufous Hummingbird - all six birds con¬ tinued into the winter season with the fol¬ lowing observations: an ad. female lin¬ gered w. of Ashland. Boyd, to 1 1 Decem¬ ber (S&SS); an imm. female lingered near Dot, Logan , to 31 December (FL); an imm. female lingered near Science Hill. Pulaski, to 14 January (SH); an imm. fe¬ male and an ad. female in the same yard s. of Haywood. Barren, continued into March (ph. R&LY et al.); and an imm. female lingered at Franklin. Simpson, into March (STr). Red-headed Woodpecker - the species was present in relatively good numbers in parts of w. Kentucky, specifically in LBF (BL) and at Ballard WMA (BP). White-eyed Vireo - 1 was seen at Surrey Hills Farm. ne. Jefferson, 18 December (ph. BP. PB, CB). Fish Crow - I at Clarks River NWR. Mar¬ shall, 23 February (HC) was the earliest to be reported. Tree Swallow - ca. 20 at Lake Vega. Blue- grass Army Depot, Madison, 25 February (SS) and 3 at Minor Clark 28 February (KO) were the earliest to be reported. Barn Swallow - 1 was present at Petros Pond. Warren, 18 December (DB. ph. DR). Red-breasted Nuthatch - generally present in well below-average numbers during the season with 1-2 reported on only five CBCs. House Wren - there were two reports: 1 at the Kendall Recreation Area. Russell, 13 December (RD); and 1 along White Oak Road e. of Bunch. Laurel, 28 December (RD). Sedge Wren - 1 was seen along Pondsville- Kepler Road. ne. Warren, 19 January (AH). Gray Catbird - there were surprisingly at least five individuals reported: 1 at Surrey Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson, 13/18 December (ph. BP); 1 heard at E.P. Tom Sawyer SP, Jefferson, 18 December (WC. BFu): 1 on the Anchorage Trail. Jefferson, 18 De¬ cember (JBe); 1 at the WKU Farm. War¬ ren, 18 December-23 February (DR. DB, BFe); and 1 at Cedar Grove, Bullitt, 26 December (BWo). American Pipit - not particularly numerous considering the mild weather with 1-131 reported on eight CBCs; also reported were 125+ at Minor Clark 11 February (BWu et al.). Cedar Waxwing - generally below-average numbers were present through the early winter season with 1-157 reported on 19 CBCs; larger flocks began showing up during mid-February including 100-120 at Ky Dam 18 February (BP, EHu) and 200 at Glasgow. Barren, 20 February (LC). Lapland Longspur - in general not very numerous nor widespread this winter with reports from four CBCs as follows: 30 at Bowling Green. Warren, 18 December ( fide BFe); 410 in sw. Daviess 1 January {Jide JH); 5 in Ballard 2 January (BP, EHu); and 42 in Logan 3 1 December (fide MBt); also reported were 24 w. of Cecilia 31 December (BP) with 2 there 4 Feb¬ ruary' (GH. DS); and 20 along the Pur¬ chase Parkway n. of Water Valley, Hick¬ man. 26 February (AC). Orange-crowned Warbler — there were two reports: 1 coming to feeders in a yard at Union. Boone, from early January into late February (ph. TS) and 1 at the WKU Farm. Warren, 6 February (DB). Common Yellowthroat - 1 near Mark. Pu¬ laski, 31 December (fSM. RB) was quite unusual for w inter. American Redstart - a female/imm. was observed just s. of Red Hill. Allen, 4-8 January (tWGi, HG. tJBy, TB. JM. JBk). Palm Warbler - not particularly numerous again with winter with 2-3 reported on four CBCs; also reported were 2 w. of Cecilia 17 December (BP); 1 in Larue 19 December (LA fide BWo); 1-2 near Red Hill, Allen. 6 January through February (WGi); 1 along Highland Church Road. Allen, 1 1 January (JBy, MBy); 1 along Pondsville-Kepler Road. ne. Warren, 19 50 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 Ferruginous Hawk, Greater Cineinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport Above: Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. on 9 April 2012. Below: Allan Claybon on 5 April 2012 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 51 Ferruginous Hawk, Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport Above: Andy Newman on 4 April 2012. Below: Eddie Huber on 4 April 2012 52 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 January (AH): and 1 along Mt. Zion Loop Road. Pulaski. 17 February (RD). In ad¬ dition. unprecedented for winter were at least 16 at Jacobson Park 31 December (ph./tJPu). Pine Warbler - single birds were reported on five CBCs; also reported were singles at Jacobson Park 31 December (JPu) and in the vicinity of Gray's Arch. Red River Gorge, DBNF, Powell, 6 January (RF. RB). Probably the earliest spring arrivals were singles at LBL. Trigg. 4 February (BL) and 20 February (AY), and 2 at Blood River 17 February (HC). American Tree Sparrow - not particularly numerous this year, probably the result of the mild weather: only 1-32 were reported on ten CBCs; peak count was for 50 along Old Evansville-Henderson Rd.. Hender¬ son. 16 January' (KMi). Chipping Sparrow - not quite as numerous this winter with 1-19 reported on 13 CBCs: other reports of interest included 25-30 at Cave Hill Cemetery. Louisville, 16 December (BWo) and 2 near Cadiz. Trigg. 14-15 January' (WGr). Vesper Sparrow - there were two reports of this very rare winter species: 2 wsw. of Rossington. McCracken. 30 December (iKMc) and ca. 10 in a field s. of Cadiz. Trigg. 1 5 January with at least 3 there the following day (tBL). Le Conte’s Sparrow - there were two re¬ ports: 2 on the former Gibraltar Mine. Muhlenberg. I January (BP); and at least 2 along Clear Creek. Hopkins. 17 Feb¬ ruary (ph. BP. EHu). Harris’s Sparrow - an ad. was present just e. of Blue Spring. Trigg. 19 December (ph. CH et a I . ) — 2 3 February' (MS). KBRC review required. Fox Sparrow - far fewer were present this winter than during w inter 2010-201 I with 1-18 reported on 20 CBCs. Lincoln’s Sparrow - there were three re¬ ports: 1 below Barkley Dam, Lyon, 17 December (tBL. PL); I in LBL near Bir¬ mingham Ferry' Landing. Lyon, 18 Jan¬ uary' (tBL); and 1 at John C. Williams WMA. Nelson. 21 January (tBFr). Indigo Bunting - there were two reports: 1 along Burbank Road. w. Henderson. 17 December (ph. CC): and 1 s. of Mt. Zion. Allen. 24 December (tMBy). Indigo Bunting. Henderson 1 7 December 201 1 Charlie Crawford Western Meadowlark - there were two reports: I near Lake No. 9. Fulton, on 10 December (tBP. JD); and 1 near Need- more. Ballard. 2 January (tBP. EHu). Brewer’s Blackbird - there were four re¬ ports: 20 along Royal-Oak Grove Road. e. Grayson. 18 December (SK et al.) but not subsequently; 17 on the Hodgenville CBC 23 December {fide BWo); at least 4 with other blackbirds along Clear Creek. Hop¬ kins. 31 December (BP): and 2 e. of Os¬ car. Ballard. 2 January (BP. EHu). Rusty Blackbird - reports of interest in¬ cluded ca. 250 along J.C. Wilson Road. Hart. 11 December (SK. JK. BB. CF) with ca. 500 reported there 18 February (JSo): several flocks totaling 530 birds in Hart 1 7 December (SK. JK); at least 50 e. of Oscar. Ballard. 2 January (BP. EFlu): ca. 300 at the EBL Nature Station 8-9 January (AY, JPo, et al.); 200+ w. of Cecilia 2 February (BP et al.) with 620 in w. Hardin (mostly w. of Cecilia) in¬ cluding a flock of ca. 500 on 5 February (MA. Gil); and up to 225 at Jenny Hole/ Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA. Union, during February (CC). Purple Finch - generally present in below- average numbers this winter with only a few exceptions; 1-24 reported on 13 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 53 CBCs; other modest peak counts included up to 13 along Pleasant Hill Church Road, Trigg, during February (BL, PL) and 20 at the Bluegrass Army Depot, Madison , 25 January (MBu). Common Redpoll - a female was present at a feeding station at Independence, Kenton , 12 February (ph. RC). KBRC review re¬ quired. Pine Siskin - the species was particularly scarce this winter with only a few notable reports: a llock of up to 40 was present at the LBL administrative office, Trigg, 29 November through the period (BL); 1 adjacent to West Ky WMA, McCracken , 30 December (KMc); up to 8 near Deats- ville, Nelson , from early December-19 January (ph. DM); and up to 8 near Riders Mill, Hart , during the season (ph. BA). Observers: Tom Ackerson (TA), Ryan Ankeny (RA), Lyn Atherton (LA), Michael Autin (MA), Bonnie Avery (BA), Bruce Bardin (BB), Rebecca Bates (RB), Jamin Beachy (JBy), Matthan Beachy (MBy), Tom & Colleen Becker (T&CB), Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell (PB), Mark Bennett (MBt), Andrew Berry (AB), Carol Besse (CB), David Brown (DB), Mike Brown (MBr), John David Brubaker (JBk), Timothy Brubaker (TB), John Brunjes (JBr), Rhonda Bryant (RB), Marissa Buschow (MBu), Michael Callan (MC), Hap Chambers (HC), Allen Chartier (AC), Kathy Cohen (KC), Linda Craiger (LC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Rodney Crice (RC), Wes Cunningham (WC), Roseanna Denton (RD), Jon Dunn (JD), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Blaine Ferrell (BFe), Preston & Shari Forsythe (P&SF), Robert Foster (RF), Scott Freidhof (SF), Carol Friedman (CF), Bill Friel (BFr), Brehan Furfey (BFu), Wilbur Gingerich (WGi), Herman Gingerich (HG), Willard Gray (WGr), Joy Hager (JH), Paul Hager (PHg), Pat Hahs (PHa),Rusty Hamilton (RH), Erin Harper (EHa), Ben Hart (BH), Curt Hart (CH), Gerald Heath (GH), Todd Hendricks (THe), Mark Herse (MH), Kate Heyden (KH), Trevor Hinckley (THi), Janet Howard (JH), Eddie Huber (EHu), Jennifer Huber (JH), Susan Huffman (SH), Aaron Hulsey (AH), Janet Kistler (JK), Steve Kistler (SK), Terri Koontz (TK), Rob Lane (RL), David Lang (DL), Bill Lisowsky (BL), Paula Lisowsky (PL), Frank Lyne (FL), Dax Manley (DM); Scott Marsh (SM), Jerome Martin (JM), Herman Mays (HM), Kelly McKay (KMc), Lee McNeely (LM), Keith Michalski (KMi), Melanie Minteer (MM), Andy Newman (AN), Joan Norek (JN), Ken Ostermiller (KO), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP), Don Pelly (DPe), Gary Pogue (GP), John Pollpeter (JPo), Dave Pritchard (DPr), Rocky Pritchert (RP), Joe Pulliam (JPu), Scott Record (SRe), John Rice (JR), Mike Riggs (MR), Gerald Robe (GR), David Roemer (DR), Steve Rogers (SRo), Mary Schmidt (MS), Sabrina Shrader-McOwen (SS), Jeff Smith (JSm), Jeff Sole (JSo), Barbara Stedman (BS), Tommy Stephens (TS), David Stewart (DS), Jack Still (JSt), David Svetich (DSv), Joe Swanson (JSw), Steve & Sharon Sweeney (S&SS), Carrie Szwed (CS), Wayne Tamminga (WT), Evan Tanner (ET), Mike Todd (MT), Shannon Trimboli (STr), Steve Tyson (STy), Kelly Vowels (KV), Darry Whitsett (DW); Eric Williams (EW), Barbara Woerner (BWo), Brian Wulker (BWu), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY), Aviva Yasgur (AY), Ruth & Lew Young (R&LY), Thomas Young (TY). K.O.S. SPRING 2012 MEETING Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park April 27-Apri! 29, 2012 Blaine R. Ferrell Registration for the spring 2012 Society meeting opened at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, 27 April at the Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Conference Center. Vice-President Steve Kistler called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. Carol Besse shared the fact that long¬ time member and past Society President, Ginny Kingsolver, was recovering from an illness and asked members to sign two cards wishing her a speedy recovery. 54 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 The two speakers for the evening program were students from Eastern Kentucky University. The first speaker, Ryan O’Connor, presented an informative paper about the breeding biology of Chuck-will’s-widows and their nesting success and nest-site selection. His study was conducted on the 15,000 acre Richard and Lucile Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve located in Adams County, Ohio. fhe Second speaker, Sabrina McOwen, presented a paper on the use of auditory stimuli by Carolina Chickadees to recognize and inform conspecifics about predators. It appears that Carolina Chickadees do not vary their calls based on auditory stimuli from various predators alone compared with visual stimuli of predators. Vice-President Steve Kistler then presented slides of birds to the members as part of a Kentucky Bird Quiz. He then described to the audience details of field trips planned for Saturday morning. Trips included one to Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, led by Hap Chambers and Steve Kistler, a trip to the dams and overlooks, led by Lee McNeely, a trip around Kentucky Lake Drive in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area led by Pat & Jane Bell, and a walk around the Kentucky Dam Village lodge area, led by Dr. Bryan Watts. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. and was followed by a social hour in the lobby. Field trips left the lodge at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. The Board met in Room A of the Conference Center in the afternoon. The Board meeting was called to order by Carol Besse at 2:00 p.m. and adjourned at 3:50 p.m. The Kentucky Bird Records Committee then met at 4:00 p.m. The Saturday evening business meeting was held in Conference Center Room A. Carol Besse called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. and began the meeting by reminding everyone to sign the cards for Ginny Kingsolver. She also reminded the audience about the silent auction to follow the business meeting. Dona Coates, who organized the silent auction, described how it would work. Carol informed the members that KOS would like to distribute copies of the Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Kentucky to appropriate organ¬ izations with an interest. If anyone wanted to distribute them to non-profit and educational organizations they could get copies from her. She then thanked Steve Kistler, Vice-Pres¬ ident, for all his work planning the meeting. She informed the members about the new KOS brochure that Mary and Ben Yandell designed and sponsored. Carol then mentioned the Nominating Committee composed of Steve Kistler (Chair), Scott Marsh, and Mark Bennett and requested members to submit potential nominees for two Councillor positions to them. Carol told the members about the Flickr web page that was available to view and post bird pictures on the internet. She also mentioned the KOS Facebook page that Mark Bennett constructed. Mark requested that members review the page and offer suggestions. Members were also made aware that they could save paper by requesting an electronic version of The Kentucky Warbler in pdf format. Steve Kistler announced the field trips for Sunday morning. Carol Besse would lead a trip into the Land Between the Lakes, Lee McNeely would lead a trip around the lodge area, and Ben Yandell would lead a trip to the dams. Blaine Ferrell compiled the list of birds observed during Friday and Saturday field trips. There was a total of 136 species observed. Highlights included a relatively good variety of warblers and other passerine migrants. Carol Besse then introduced Dr. Bryan Watts, Director of the Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, as the guest speaker. Dr. Watts’ talk covered his work on satellite radio tracking of Whimbrels as they migrate spectacular distances between wintering grounds in the Caribbean and South America to breeding grounds in Alaska and Canada’s Northwest Territories. One migratory bird traveled nonstop for 3200 miles from the Delmarva Peninsula on the east coast of the United States to Alaska. Other Whimbrels they have tracked have survived flights through) Category 3 hurricanes. It appears that W'himbrels faithfully use the same locations as stop- 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 55 over, breeding, and wintering spots year after year, and the actual area each bird resides in is relatively small. Whimbrels have declined in population by 50% since the mid- 1990’s at a rate of approximately 4% per year. Dr. Watts and his organization have been working with local conservation groups and governments to try to end the hunting of shorebirds in the Caribbean and South America, where over 100,000 to 200,000 birds are taken annually. He is also studying how habitat changes in the birds’ breeding grounds may be responsible for the decline. Following several questions, the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. The silent auction followed immediately. Sunday field trips departed from the lodge at 8:00 a.m. Two species were added to the Saturday evening list. Attendance at the meeting included 50 members and one guest. ttendance at the Spring 2012 K.O.S. Meeting Horace Brown Blaine Ferrell Lee McNeely Willard Gray Dona & Roger Coates Ginny & Neil Eklund Betty Leggett Kay Harker, Gary Sprandel Linda Craiger Donnie Martin Terry Anderson Rhonda Bryant, Scott Marsh, Sabrina McOwen Bonnie Avery, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Carol Besse, Bonnie & Robert Dever, Steve Deetsch, Katharine Fulkerson, Katherine Griswold, Eddie Huber, Ben & Mary Yandell Fred, Joanna, & Katie Busroe Janet & Steve Kistler Hap Chambers, Kathy & Mike Cohen, Bonnie & Sam McNeely Marilee & Wendell Thompson Win Ahrens, Carol & Paul McAllister Ryan O’Connor Andrea & Mark Bennett Roseanna Denton Linda McClendon Larry Peavler Frank Gribble Birds Observed at the Spring 2012 Meeting at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park and Vicinity April 27 through April 29 The following bird species were observed during the meeting: Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck (S), Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebe, American White Pelican, Double-crested Cor¬ morant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Little Blue Heron, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk, Red¬ shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, American Coot, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper, Willet, Spotted Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Caspian Tern, Forster’s Tern, Rock Pigeon, Bagdad: Bowling Green: Burlington: Cadiz: Cox’s Creek: Danville: Eddyville: Frankfort: Glasgow: Independence: Lawrenceburg: Lexington: Louisville: Morehead: Munfordville: Murray: Owensboro: Prospect: Richmond: Russellville: Science Hill: Somerset: Indianapolis, IN: Stafford, England: 56 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Barred Owl, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hum¬ mingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow- bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Acadian Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Great-crested Fly¬ catcher, Eastern Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Warbling 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 Tit¬ mouse, 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, Amer¬ ican Pipit, Cedar Waxwing, Ovenbird, Worm-eating Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush,; Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-white Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Tennessee Warb¬ ler, Nashville Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Cape May Warbler (S), Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow- rumped Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Henslow’s 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 total number of species wasi 138, including the two species observed Sunday (S). FIELD NOTE Ferruginous Hawk in Boone County The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) southwest of Con¬ stance in northeastern Boone County has an Airplane Viewing Area that can be accessed from KY 236 (Donaldson Flighway). The Viewing Area sits on the eastern side of the air¬ field and offers an exceptional vantage point from which to scan the area. Crice has looked for birds, primarily raptors, from the spot for several years. On a day during mid-March 2012 that he did not record in his notes, he was at the Viewing Area when he noticed a, large, pale Buteo that looked odd for an immature Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). He subsequently saw this bird nearly every day for a week or more. He knew it was different, but didn't know what it was. At the time, it usually flew low to the ground whereas most Red-tailed Hawks seemed to fly much higher. Additionally, it would hover frequently, almost like a Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), and then dive down to the ground. How¬ ever, the hawk was too big for a harrier and didn't have the markings of any Red-tailed that he was familiar with. Crice eventually was able to obtain some photographs of the bird 29 March 2012 and posted them on the Ohio Birding Facebook page during the last couple of days of March. The Ohio Birding Facebook page is a great resource where experts mix with birding begin¬ ners to share thoughts, photos, tips, etc. The pictures of his mystery hawk immediately generated quite a stir. Opinions as to the bird’s identity were all over the map and included light-morph Red-tailed Hawk; Krider’s morph Red-tailed Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis). Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus), some sort of hybrid, and others. Several among those who commented, most notably Michigan raptor specialist, Jeff Schultz, believed that the photographs clearly demonstrated that the bird was a juvenile Ferruginous . Hawk, and some were planning trips to the airfield to see if they might solve the mystery. Others who supported the assessment of the bird’s identity to be Ferruginous Hawk with 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 57 comments in the thread included Dave Clark, Paul Hurtado, Kathi Hutton, Kenn Kaufman, Jeff Loughman, and Ben Warner. When it appeared that a majority of knowledgeable individuals were thinking the bird was a Ferruginous Hawk, Crice emailed a link to the photos to a few Kentucky birders, and Paul Hurtado forwarded an internet link to the photos to the BIRDKY listserv. Monroe was among the first Kentucky birders to review the photos 2 April 2012. Similar to the assess¬ ment by others knowledgeable about raptors, he did not believe the bird was a Red-tailed Hawk and several characters were strongly suggestive of Ferruginous Hawk. Upon hearing about the bird, Monroe, Eddie Huber, Mary Yandell, and Brainard Palmer-Ball, headed to CVG that afternoon. After scanning the area for nearly an hour without any luck, Crice arrived on the scene and immediately spotted the bird sitting on the ground several hundred meters to the west- northwest. By that time several other birders were on the scene, and all eventually got good looks at characters that confirmed the bird’s identity on site as a juvenile Ferruginous Hawk. A summary of characters observed that afternoon follows (see photos pp. 41, 50, 51). The hawk was extremely pale underneath, being completely white below the eye on the face, as well as on the throat and breast, with only a few dark spots present on the belly and some dark barring on the flanks (most visible when wings were raised or in flight) and on the upper legs. Characteristic of the species, the legs were feathered down to the base of the foot, the feathers of this region appearing light brown. The beak was very large with gape extending to below the eye and had an obvious yellow cere. Dark stripes ran from the back of the beak through the eyes and onto the sides of the neck. A partial pale supercilium and hindneck set off a darker crown, giving a 'capped' appearance at certain angles. The back was chocolaty brown with a slight hint of rufous in the scapular region at some angles and a limited amount of white on the upper wing coverts. In flight, most of about seven inner primary feathers were whitish, forming an obvious pale patch on the outer part of the upper side of the wings. The undersides of the wings were very white with only a dark carpal crescent, some light markings on the patagial areas, and a few dark spots on the underwing coverts. The tail of the bird was relatively long, mostly white at the base, and dark on the outer half with some dark bars running laterally across some feathers giving a 'white-rumped' appearance. The upper tail coverts were whitish and marked with obvious dark spots. When in tlight the Ferruginous Hawk was obviously different structurally from a Red-tailed Hawk with longer, more tapered wings and a buoyant flight, almost reminiscent of a Northern Harrier. When the bird interacted with Red-tailed Hawks it was noticeably larger (perhaps 20%), particularly in wing length. At rest the primaries extended nearly to the tips of the rectrices. In following days, several dozen birders from the region were able to view the Ferruginous Hawk as it worked back and forth across and adjacent to the airfield in the company of as many as a dozen Red-tailed Hawks, mostly juveniles. It was last knowingly reported there 12 May 2012 by several birders including Brian Wulker. Subsequent to the confirmation of the bird’s identity, it was related by Cincinnati birder, Kathi Hutton, that Cindy Rogers, who works at a cargo facility at CVG, had seen the bird on the airfield as early as late January 2012 and wondered what it was. Moreover, after the fact, Cincinnati birder, William Hull, posted to the Cincinnati Bird Club message board that he felt certain that he saw the hawk at the airport 27 January 2012 while looking out the window of a departing flight. This represents the first confirmed record of Ferruginous Hawk in Kentucky and one of the farthest east reports ever documented; Wheeler (2003) shows only a few reports from Michigan and Ontario that are farther east than Boone County. There are two sight reports for Kentucky that have been considered hypothetical (Palmer-Ball 2003). The bird showed no signs of having been in captivity, and dialog with several individuals knowledgeable 58 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 about the likelihood of the bird having originated from falconry or rehabilitation activities I suggested that an unnatural origin was highly unlikely (J. Schultz/J. Hays, pers. comm.). The authors acknowledge the participation by various individuals cited above who com¬ mented concerning the hawk’s identity on the Ohio Birding Facebook page and the Cincinnati birding message board. Literature Cited Palmer-Ball, B.L., Jr. 2003. Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Kentucky. Kentucky Ornithological Society. Louisville, KY. 189 pp. Wheeler, B.K. 2003. Raptors of eastern North America. Princeton University Press, j Princeton, NJ. 439 pp. — Rodney Crice, 5105 Woodale Court, Independence, KY, 41051, and Mark Monroe,) 1 1 14 Silvercrest Lane, Louisville, KY, 40223. BOOK REVIEW How to Be u Better Birder by Derek Lovitch. While seemingly intended for inter¬ mediate birders, Derek Lovitch’s book How to Be a Better Birder should be a useful j ' resource for any birder with the desire to move to the next birding skill level. Throughout i the book Lovitch emphasizes his idea of the “Whole Bird and More” approach when mak-| ing an ID. He stresses the need to look at everything about the bird, including behavior,! , food, song, plants and trees in the area, etc., rather than relying solely on the classic guide field mark system. How to Be a Better Birder focuses on three advanced birding "tools” of habitat, geography and weather (including NEXRAD Doppler radar) and shows how this knowledge, when put to use in the field, increases the possibility of finding target birds as well as rarities. Readers will find in this informative, easy-to-read book helpful references to current guides, websites, birding hotspots (what makes them so), tips from top birding experts, and more. — Mary Yandell, 513 Lymington Court, Louisville, KY, 40243. NEWS AND VIEWS 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.biologv.eku.edu/kos/dcfault.htm. 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 Scott Marsh by mail at 4401 Athens-Boonesboro Road, Lex-! ington, KY, 40509, or via email at (scott.marsh@insightbb.com). 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 with monetary awards of up to $1000. For guidelines on how to apply, visit the K.O.S. web site (http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm) or contact Shawchyi Vorisek, Chair of the Burt Monroe Fund Committee, at Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sports¬ man's Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov). 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 59 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. The Kentucky Warbler Available in PDF Format Members of the Kentucky Ornithological Society who wish to receive their quarterly journal. The Kentucky Warbler . in electronic format rather than hard copy through the mail may now do so. In the new and here-to-stay digital age. we have found that some members prefer to have a searchable electronic format. The board of the Kentucky Ornithological Society has discussed the eventual scanning of all back issues of The Kentucky Warbler to PDF format and making them available on the internet, but that project may be a few years away. If you wish to receive future issues of The Kentucky Warbler in digital PDF format, email the Society’s Corresponding Secretary. Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr„ at the following address: brainard@mindspring.com. Leucistic Pied-billed Grebe, Lexington 1 December 20 11 Lou Shain ? 60 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 Green Heron. Pulaski 31 December 201 1 Rhonda Brvant Rufous Hummingbirds, Barren 12 February 2012 Lew Young _,ong-eared Owl, Hardin 2 December 201 1 Ben Hart White-eyed Vireo, Jefferson 18 December 2011 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr Harris's Sparrow, Trigg 19 December 2011 Curt Hart Common Redpoll (female), Kenton 12 February 2012 Rodney Crice The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 88 AUGUST 2012 NO. 3 IN THIS ISSUE 'TESTING HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS OF GREAT BLUE HERON ( ARDEA HERODIAS) COLONIES ON THE INTERIOR PLATEAU OF KENTUCKY, Anna Bisig Clark, Charles L. Elliott, and David Brown . 63 iPRING 2012 SEASON, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . 69 62 THE KENTUCKY W ARBLER Vol. 88 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Carol Besse, Louisville! Vice-President . Steve Kistler, Munfordville Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 Treasurer . Lee McNeely! P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY 41005 Recording Secretary . Blaine Ferrell, Bowling Green i Councillors: Mark Bennett, Russellville . 2010-2012 Mary Yandell, Louisville . 2010-2012 Hap Chambers, Murray . 201 1-20 1 3 Roseanna Denton, Science Hill . 201 1—2013 Linda Craiger, Glasgow . 2012—2014 V i,ruinia Kingsolver. Carl i slevrrr . . „ . “1 . 2012-2014 Retiring ijresidflfk . . T . Scott Marsh. Lexington n WARBLER Journal of*ttte Kentucky Ornithological Society, published quarterly in February, May,j August and November, The Kentucky Warbler is sent to all members not in arrears for dues.) Current membership categories and corresponding dues follow: Regular ($ 1 5 .00);! Contributing ($25.00); Student ($10.00); Family ($20.00); and Life ($300.00). Direct' manuscripts and communications to the editor. Send membership dues to the Treasurer. Make requests for back issues to the Corresponding Secretary. Editor . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr . do Ky. State Nature Preserves Commission, 801 Schenkel Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (brainard@mindspring.com) Editorial Advisory Board Brian W. Smith and Ben Yandell Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Ben Yandel] 513 Lymington Court, Louisville, KY 40243) (secy@kybirdrecords.org' THE COVER We thank Eddie Huber for the image of the White-winged Dove ( Zenaida asiatica, j taken 5 April 2012 near Sharkey, Rowan County (see p. 77). Financial support for coloi, reproduction in this issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest. 63 2012_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER NESTING HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS OF GREAT BLUE HERON ( ARDEA HEROD/AS) COLONIES ON THE INTERIOR PLATEAU OF KENTUCKY Anna Bisig Clark, Charles L. Elliott, and David Brown Identifying habitat conditions needed for successful nesting is an essential part of pro¬ tecting habitat to maintain healthy populations of birds. Managing colonially nesting wad¬ ing bird populations is often hampered by the lack of reliable information on colony sizes and population status (Dodd and Murphy 1995). Colonial nesting birds, such as Great Blue Herons (Ardea hemdias), establish breeding territories that are spatially packed within a centralized colony site (called a “heronry”) from which they repeatedly depart in search of food. Disturbance and a decline in resources can reduce populations of Great Blue Herons (Kirsch et al. 2008). Because of the reproductive importance of heronries, attempts have been made to describe the biotic and abiotic factors that influence the location and success of Great Blue Heron colony sites. Great Blue Heron nest colonies are found in a variety of places, but consistently suc¬ cessful colonies are near water (Short and Cooper 1985). Nests of Great Blue Herons have been found in Kentucky in a variety of deciduous trees (Palmer-Ball 1996). Nests are bulky platforms constructed by both parents, usually of sticks and branches, and then lined with small twigs and leaves. Multiple nests vtfith little to no cover may exist high up in one tree (Short and Cooper 1985). There were nq known reported nesting colonies in Kentucky east of Ohio County before 1991 (Palmer-Ball 1996). In Kentucky, eggs are typically laid by the end of March and hatch about a month later (Palmer-Ball 1996). Young will stay at the nest for about two months and fledge sometime during June (Palmer-Ball 1996). The colonies are generally empty by July or August (Palmer-Ball 1996). Great Blue Herons are asyn¬ chronous egg layers (Vineyard 1981). In Colorado (Skagen et al. 2001), a heron nesting site was monitored to evaluate how anthropogenic influences might add to the rate of nest failure caused by normal environ¬ mental factors and species interactions. The number of active heron nests declined during the study, but evidence that these declines were due solely to human disturbance was equi¬ vocal (Skagen et al. 2001). Great Blue Heron colonies (n=18) were monitored throughout Oklahoma by Corley-Martinez (1995). He reported landscape features varied and individual colonies appeared tolerant to local landscape alterations and some types of human distur¬ bance. In the Chesapeake Bay region, A. herodias colony sites were situated farther from man-made structures when compared with randomly located sites in available habitat (Watts and Bradshaw 1994). In California, landscape associations related to heron and egret colony site selection and the productivity of successful Great Blue Heron and Great Egret (Ardea alba ) nests were evaluated (Kelly et al. 2008). A Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to evaluate landscape influences within 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 km of colony sites. Results suggested that increasing the extent of wetland feeding areas for herons and egrets might improve reproductive performance in colony sites up to 10 km away, increase for¬ aging by herons and egrets in created or restored wetlands within 3-10 km of colony sites, and enhance nest abundance at colony sites within 1 km of restoration sites (Kelly et al. 2008). An assessment of habitat use by breeding Great Blue Herons on the Upper Mississippi River examined the hypothesis that the evenly spaced nature of colonies was due to land¬ scape features of terrestrial and aquatic areas (Kirsh et al. 2008), but colony areas did not differ from areas without colonies in any of the habitat features measured. In Tennessee, Great Blue Heron nesting sites have been studied because of habitation in the “critically impaired globally important” Overcup oak ( Quercus lyrata)/ River birch (Betula nigra)/ Resurrection fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides) forest community type (Carver et al. 1998). Over the course of a study by Carver et al. (1998), the numbers of active heron nests were 64 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 found to increase, illustrating that changes in the population size of a colony can occur rapidly. Within the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Great Blue Heron was found nesting at 85 sites in 2004 compared to 48 sites in 1999 and 24 sites in 1994 (Palmer-Ball and Ciuzio 2004). This dramatic increase is partially attributed to the discovery of previously unknown sites. Some other species that use the nesting habitat of Great Blue Herons, such as the Little Blue Heron (Egret ta caenilea) and the Black-crowned Night-Heron ( Nycticorax nycticorax), are considered species of special concern (state threatened or endangered) in Kentucky (KSNPC 2010). Although the importance of managing and preserving colonially nesting bird colony sites has been recognized (Dodd and Murphy 1995), there have been no published studies that document the nest site or landscape features associated with Great 1 Blue Heron colonies in Kentucky. The objective of this study was to characterize the nest sites and surrounding landscape associated with productive Great Blue Heron colonies in central Kentucky. Methods Great Blue Heron colony locations were obtained from the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission. Ten active Great Blue Heron colonies were selected as study sites: Rockcastle County (one colony on Lake Linville), Scott County (two colonies, one along South Elkhom Creek and one along North Elkhom Creek outside of Georgetown, KY), , Bath/Fleming county line (one colony along the Licking River outside the town of Sher¬ burne, KY), Pulaski County (two colonies, one on an island in the Fishing Creek embay- i ment of Lake Cumberland and one along White Oak Creek, a tributary to Lake Cumber¬ land), Bourbon County (one colony along Hinkston Creek), Madison County (one colony along Muddy Creek on the Blue Grass Army Depot), Mason County (one colony along the i North Fork of the Licking River), and Lincoln County (one colony on the Dix River). Heron colony sites were examined at two spatial scales. At the fine scale, data were collected at each colony and at a randomly selected control site within 1000 m of the cor-j responding colony site. At a more coarse scale, land use within a 1 km, 5 km and 10 km radius around the colony, as well as at a random control site, was assessed. All ten Great Blue Heron colony sites examined in this study were located in the Inter- 1 ior Plateau ecoregion (Woods et al. 2002). The most common forest type in the Interior Plateau is oak-hickory forest, although there are some mixed stands of Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and hardwoods on rockier soils (Drummond 2010). Bluestem prairie is the most common natural grassland (Drummond 2010). Colonies were assessed while they were still active to ensure that each nest examined was used by the birds in 2009. Because colonies were approached by foot or kayak (Carver et al. 1998), disturbance to the colony appeared to be minimal; although some defensive acts such as fledging and vomiting were observed. Information related to active Great Blue Heron nest sites was gathered during June and July 2009. Sampling was completed as quickly as possible during a single visit to each site in order to minimize disturbance to nesting birds. Colonies were not visited during March and early April when there was a possibility that eggs were being incubated, or when fledg¬ lings were so young that there was a possibility of nest abandonment. The following para¬ meters were determined for each active nest tree: (1) tree species, (2) Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), (3) tree height [determined by clinometer], (4) tree condition [live or dead], (5) number of nests in tree, (6) height above ground of each nest, (7) distances between nest trees, (8) type of support underneath the nest [light, moderate, or heavy limb; Carver et al. 1998], (9) estimated distance of nest from bole of tree, (10) orientation of nest with regard to the bole of the tree, (1 1) if multiple nests/tree were found, the vertical and/or horizontal • distance between nests within a single nest tree was estimated, and (12) the average dis¬ tance to water from the nearest nest tree and farthest nest tree in each colony. All tree loca¬ tions were determined using a global positioning system (GPS). 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 65 Control plots (where no Great Blue Heron nests were located, but representing poten¬ tial nesting habitat) were established near each colony site and sampled after herons left the colony, typically between August and September 2009. The size and location of a control plot was determined using the following procedure: (a) the amount of the area encompassed by a nesting colony was determined (using GIS) by calculating the mapped area within a polygon created by connecting all active nest trees within a colony to produce a minimum convex polygon that was the same shape and size of the control plot; (b) to determine how far away from a nesting colony a control plot would be located, a random distance was determined using an online random number generator (selected random number would delineate the number of meters the control plot would be located from the nesting colony); (c) a coin was flipped to determine a random direction to follow along the lake or stream bank; (d) a coin was flipped again to determine on which side of the stream/river the control plot would be placed; (e) once the site of the control plot was determined, the plot was oriented with the long axis of the plot parallel to the stream/river/lake bank; (f) within each control plot a number of points (the number of points corresponded to the number of nest trees in the nesting colony) was designed by first determining the GPS coordinates of the control plot and then setting the parameters of a random number generator to a maximum and minimum latitude and longitude to create points for control plots. The species, height and DBH of the tree located closest to each random point (control tree) were determined. A paired t-test was used to determine if there was a significant difference between col¬ onies and available nesting control sites for tree DBH. Because the data were not normally distributed, a Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used to test if there was a significant dif¬ ference between used nest tree heights and unused control tree heights. A chi-square test was used to determine if there was a significant difference in nest tree species among all used trees in colonies. The chi-square test was also used to determine if there was a signif¬ icant difference among active nests in type of nest support (light, moderate, heavy; Carver et al. 1998), and nest orientation (with regard to the bole of the tree) for four categories; 1- 90°, 91-180°, 181-270° and 271-360°. The mean distance (1) from the nest to the bole of the tree, (2) from a nest to the next nearest nest, (3) to the nearest water body, and (4) to the nearest anthropogenic structure (road, building; Watts and Bradshaw 1994) was determined. To characterize each heron colony study site in relation to aquatic habitat (Custer and Galli 2002) and human activity (Watts and Bradshaw 1994), the following distances were determined (measured from the nest tree in the colony that was closest to water): (a) dis¬ tance to nearest stream/river and lake, and (b) distance to nearest human-related activity/ feature (e.g., road, building, dock/boat ramp, etc.). Land use in areas within a radius of 1, 5, and 10 km of each nesting colony was determined. The percent of area encompassed within each 1, 5, and 10 km circular plot, which corresponded to water, forest, agriculture, and human development, was assessed. The land use data associated with an active colony were compared to corresponding information associated with a GIS control site. GIS control site locations were located using a three digit number to serve as a compass direction. After locating a nesting colony site on an aerial view in GIS (Arcview 9.2, 9.3), a 20-km line was drawn on the map the direction of which corresponded to the randomly determined compass direction (1° to 360°). The point on the map where the random line intersected a body of water (stream, river, or lake shore) was designated as a “control point”. Percent of land use associated with each control point was determined using the same procedure (i.e., land use within a radius of 1, 5, and 10 km of the control site) as that established for nesting colony sites. Land use was separated into four groups: forest, developed, reservoir, and agriculture. For each nesting colony and random GIS control point, the distance to the nearest anthropo¬ genic structure (e.g., road, building) was determined. For each colony site, we measured from the nest tree located closest to water. The Mann-Whitney U test was employed to determine if there was a difference in the amount of each land use type found within each landscape level (1, 5, 10 km radius) between nesting colonies and GIS control sites. The 66 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 significance level for all statistical tests performed in this study was set at P < 0.05, and mean values are reported as mean ± SE. Results A total of 79 Great Blue Heron nest trees, supporting 31 1 nests, were located during this study. No other species of bird was observed nesting within the colony sites. There was a significant difference (X' =182.73, p < 0.05, df = 6) among tree species used for nesting by herons; with American sycamore (Platamis occidenlalis) accounting for 63% of all trees containing nests. American beech ( Fagus graudiflora), Tulip tree ( Liriodendron tulip- ifera). Northern red oak (Quercus rubra ), green ash ( Fraxinus pennsylvanica ), American basswood ( Ti/ia americana), and Swamp white oak (Q. bicolor)) accounted for 20, 3, 2, 2, . 1 , and 1 nest tree(s), respectively. The importance of sycamore to Great Blue Herons as nest sites may be misleading because not all colonies contained sycamore trees; e.g., three col¬ onies did not contain any sycamores [two colonies consisted mainly of American beech, and one colony consisted of a mixture of deciduous species {American beech. Northern red oak. Green ash]]. However, in the seven colonies that contained sycamores, the herons did not use any other tree species for nesting. Of the trees used for nesting, 98% were alive, and 2% dead. There was an average of 3.90 + 0.38 nests/nest tree, with nests located 3.84 + 0.14 m from the bole of the tree and 28.30 + 0.36 m above the ground. There was a significant dif¬ ference (X2 =165.62, df = 2, P < 0.05) between the types of limbs supporting nests; with the majority of nests (65%) supported by moderate limbs (29% light limbs, 6% heavy limbs; | Carver et al . 1 998 ). For trees that supported more than one nest, the mean horizontal dis¬ tance between nests was 2.58 + 0. 12 m. There was no significant difference (X" = 6.69, df = 3, P > 0.05) in the orientation of nests from the bole of the tree; with 29% oriented north¬ west, 28% southwest, 22% northeast, and 21% southeast. On average, nest trees within a colony were between 14.4 + 9.3 and 33.5 + 15.0 m from the nearest water. There was a significant difference (t = 6.33, P = 0.001, df = 9) between the mean DBH | of Great Blue Heron nest trees (78.67 + 3.36 cm) and randomly selected trees in control plots (“control trees”, 31.97 + 1.87 cm). There was also a significant difference (Wilcoxon Signed Ranks, Z = -2.49) between the average height of nest trees (34.77 + 0.75 m) and control trees (2 1.32 + 1 .56 m). There was no significant difference (Mann Whitney U test, z = -1.55, P = 0.06, n = 10) between the average distance from each Great Blue Heron nesting colony (versus random G1S control points) to the nearest anthropogenic structure (348.5 + 100.05 m and 190.5 + 76.18 m, respectively). For landscape comparisons, the only difference between nesting colonies and GIS control points occurred at the 1 km radius scale, where reservoirs occu¬ pied more land near heronries than control points (Table 1 ). There were no other differences between the nesting colonies and GIS control points with regard to the average amount of forested, developed, reservoir, and agricultural land within a I, 5, and 10 km radius of each site. Discussion In some respects, the nesting habits of Great Blue Herons within the Interior Plateau ecoregion of Kentucky parallel what has been reported by other researchers (Carver et al. 1998). Herons prefer to nest in live trees, there is no preference for the orientation of the nest with reference to the bole of the tree, and moderate branch support appears to be the | j) best framework on which to construct a nest. Contrary to what has been reported in other studies (Carver et al. 1998), heron colonies visited in this study did not support many in¬ active nests. The lack of unused nests may be due to the severe ice storm that heavily impacted the study area in late January 2009. At almost every colony, many nests and remnants of nests were observed on the ground. 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 67 Table 1. Mean (+SE) percent, Mann-Whitney test statistic (U) and significance level (P) of forested, developed, reservoir, and agricultural land within 1, 5, and 10 km of Great Blue Heron nesting colonies and random control points on the Interior Plateau ecoregion of Ken¬ tucky, 2009. Land Use Distance Nesting Colonies Control Point U P Forested 1 km 13.15 ±4.93% 28.95 ± 11.93% 50.0 1.00 “ “ 5 km 11.75 ±4.44% 33.07 ± 11.51% 36.0 0.28 “ “ 10 km 14.86 ±5.38% 30.81 ±9.77% 38.0 0.36 Developed 1 km 2.54 ± 1.56% 6.92 ± 4.65% 44.0 0.57 “ “ 5 km 7.05 ± 2.74% 6.84 ± 3.58% 40.0 0.45 “ “ 10 km 6.25 ± 1.52% 7.38 ±3.14% 43.0 0.59 Reservoir 1 km 8.27 ± 4.30% 0 ± 0% 30.0 0.03 “ “ 5 km 3.24 ± 1.80% 0.51 ±0.29% 50.0 1.00 “ “ 10 km 1.93 ± 1.18% 0.41 ±0.33% 46.0 0.75 Agriculture 1 km 75.75 ± 7.20% 63.54 ± 13.05% 49.0 0.94 “ “ 5 km 77.54 ±6. 18% 59.60 ± 11.15% 41.0 0.49 “ “ 10 km 76.74 ±5.95% 61.37 ±9.61% 39.0 0.40 Based on the GIS landscape-scale analysis, it appears that herons can nest successfully in Kentucky using the existing landscape of the state. The majority of Kentucky is privately owned and a large portion of that land is used for agricultural activities, e.g. row cropping, hayfields, and livestock. Although herons appear to require trees in Kentucky for nesting, it is not necessary to have large tracts of forested landscape in order for the birds to be suc¬ cessful; a minimal riparian tree buffer is often sufficient to support nesting. Similar to what has been noted in studies of Great Blue Herons in other regions of the country (Carver et al. 1998; Kirsch et al. 2008; Vineyard 1981 ), birds in this study tended to use the largest trees (tallest, greatest DBH) available in a colony site. In riparian areas asso¬ ciated with streams and rivers, nest trees tended to be American sycamores; while nests in colonies associated with lakes were never in sycamores, but mainly in American beech trees. Management efforts undertaken in Kentucky to benefit nesting Great Blue Herons should take into consideration that tree height, more so than tree species, may be of impor¬ tance in designating high quality heron nesting habitat. This is especially relevant because the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) Model for Great Blue Herons (Short and Cooper 1985) indicates that for heron nesting sites the “...height of individual trees is not a variable...”; suggesting that herons “...select an adequate tree structure for nest placement, rather than a particular tree height or species...”. Great Blue Heron nesting colonies in this study were typically located within riparian corridors (from the water’s edge out to about 35 m). Stream ecologists promote the main¬ tenance of riparian zones in order to preserve the integrity of the associated aquatic eco¬ system (Teels et al. 2006). Our results suggest that maintaining and protecting the riparian areas associated with water courses in Kentucky also is necessary to promote the long term population stability of Great Blue Herons in the Commonwealth. In localities where Great Blue Heron colonies currently exist, or have existed in the past, we recommend a buffer strip extending at least 40 m from the water’s edge with fencing to discourage incursion by livestock and related silvicultural (i.e., timber stand improvement [TSI]) and agricultural (i.e., mowing, herbicide spraying) activities. If the riparian areas so important as nesting habitat for Great Blue Herons in Kentucky can be protected, results of this study imply that herons can coexist with fanning activities. Active disturbance related directly to farming, e.g., tractors and planting or mowing activ¬ ities, are typically the only disturbances that might occur when herons are nesting. GIS assessment of four habitat features (forest, reservoir, development, and agriculture) within 1, 5, and 10 km of nesting colonies revealed that agriculture was the predominant land use associated with colony sites (Table 1). This may simply be a reflection of the dominance of agricultural activities across the Kentucky landscape, but the benefits provided by farming 68 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 practices to herons should not be underestimated. Great Blue Herons have a broad diet (Glahn et al. 2002) and can take advantage of foraging opportunities that exist on most farms, e.g., fish in farm ponds and small mammals and snakes found in crop and pasture lands. Herons have been documented flying up to 20 km from a nesting colony in search of food (Kelly et al. 2008). If suitable foraging grounds (i.e., farm ponds and farm fields) can be found closer to nest colonies, adult Great Blue Herons could provision young at a higher rate while expending (over-all) less energy foraging. Heronries were more likely to be located within landscape areas that included reser¬ voirs at the 1 km scale. Also, we did find a trend, but not statistically significant, for Great Blue Herons to nest away from anthropogenic structures such as paved roads and buildings. For a heronry found near areas of high human activity (e.g., nesting colony located near a large marina), human access to the colony was very difficult (e.g., the colony was located on an island that had an almost vertical shoreline). We suggest that habitat found in areas of high levels of human activity may be capable of supporting Great Blue Heron nesting colonies if human access to the colony sites is restricted. The relationship in Kentucky between Great Blue Heron nesting, levels of anthropogenic disturbance, and access, warrant further investigation. There were two additional items noted in this study that we believe are of relevance when discussing the management of Great Blue Heron nesting colonies in Kentucky. As noted by other researchers (Vineyard 1981), vultures ( Corygvps atratus, Cathartes aura) were observed at every colony. The vultures appeared to be looking for an easy meal after heron fledglings (possibly as the result of siblicide) fell from the nest. According to Mehner ( 1952), vultures will attack herons and could be a factor in the moving of colonies. In addi¬ tion, on many occasions herons were observed foraging in conjunction with low-head dams. Low-head dams can create water bodies resembling large, shallow ponds. These areas can be attractive foraging sites for Great Blue Herons. Acknowledgments We thank Jestin Clark, Daniel Douglas, Andrea Dreyer and Louise Peppe for help with data collection. Support for this project was provided through a Burt L. Monroe Avian Research Grant from the Kentucky Ornithological Society. Literature Cited Carver, B. D., J. W. Lamb. L. Jennings, R. Moore and J. West. 1998. Great Blue Heron colony status and nest site characteristics at Sinking Pond, Tennessee. The Migrant 69: 176-178. Corley-Martinez, B.A. 1995. Habitat and Population Characteristics of Great Blue Heron Rookeries in the South Central Great Plains: Partial Validation of the Great Blue Heron Habitat Suitability Index Model. MS Thesis, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. 73 pp. Custer, C. M., and J. Galli. 2002. Feeding habitat selection by Great Blue Herons and Great egrets nesting in east central Minnesota. Waterbirds 25:1 15-124. Dodd, M. G., and T. M. Murphy. 1995. Accuracy and precision of techniques for counting Great Blue Heron nests. Journal of Wildlife Management 59:667-673. Drummond, M. A. 2010. Land Cover Trends Project. United States Geological Survey. Rocky Mountains Geographic Science Center, Denver, CO. http://landcovertrends.usgs.gov/east/eco7 1 Report.html. Glahn, J.F., B. Dorr, J. B. Harrel, L. Khoo. 2002. Foraging ecology and depredation man¬ agement of Great Blue Herons at Mississippi catfish farms. Journal of Wildlife Manage¬ ment 66:194-201. Kelly, J. P., D. Stralberg, K. Etienne, and M. McCaustland. 2008. Landscape influence on the quality of heron and egret colony sites. Wetlands 28:257-275. 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 69 Kirsh, E., B. Ikes and D. A. Olsen. 2008. Assessing habitat use by breeding Great Blue Herons ( Ardea herodias ) on the Upper Mississippi River, USA. Waterbirds 31: 252- 267. KSNPC (Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission). 2010. Rare and extirpated biota of Kentucky. Journal of the Kentucky Academy of Science 71 :67-81 . Mehner, J. F. 1952. Turkey vultures attacking Great Blue Heron. The Wilson Bulletin 64: 242. Palmer-Ball, B., Jr., and E. Ciuzio. 2004. 2004 Survey of Kentucky heronries. The Kentucky Warbler 80: 87-96. Palmer-Ball, B., Jr. 1996. The Kentucky Breeding Bird Atlas. University Press of Ken¬ tucky, Lexington. 372 pp. Short, H.L., and R.J. Cooper. 1985. Habitat Suitability Index Models: Great Blue Heron. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Report 82(10.99). 23 pp. Skagen, S. K., C. P. Melcher, and E. Muths. 2001. The interplay of habitat change, human disturbance and species interactions in a waterbird community. American Midland Nat¬ uralist 145:18-28. Teels, B. M., C. A. Rewa, J. Meyers. 2006. Aquatic condition response to riparian buffer establishment. Wildlife Society Bulletin 34:927-935. Vineyard, S. G. 1981. A Study of the Nesting of the Great Blue Heron in Southwest Missouri. M.S. Thesis, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS. 66 pp. Watts, B. D., and D. S. Bradshaw. 1994. The influence of human disturbance on the location of Great Blue Heron colonies in the Lower Chesapeake Bay. Colonial Water- birds 17:184-186. Woods, A.J., J.M. Omemik, W.H. Martin, G.J. Pond, W.M. Andrews, S.M. Call, J.A. Com¬ stock, and D.D. Taylor. 2002. Ecoregions of Kentucky (color poster with map, descrip¬ tive text, summary tables, and photographs): Reston, VA., U.S. Geological Survey (map scale 1:1,000,000). — Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY 40475. SPRING 2012 SEASON Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely Weather conditions during spring 2012 were overall very mild and somewhat variable regarding precipitation. Temperatures during March averaged 1 1-1 3°F. warmer than normal at most stations with 86°F. reached at Jackson 20 March and 85°F. reached at Bowling Green 20 March and at Louisville 20 & 21 March. April varied from slightly warmer than normal across northern and eastern parts of the state to warmer than normal across the west. May temperatures averaged warmer than normal statewide, but were not as abnormally high as during March. Precipitation was lacking throughout the duration of the three-month per¬ iod, but only slightly so during March in most areas. During April, north-central Kentucky was only slightly dry, but southern and western portions of the state began to suffer from the early stages of a prolonged drought, with Paducah receiving about one-third normal rainfall during the month. May continued to be dry across most of the state, especially in the west where Paducah received about one-half normal rainfall. Rarity highlights included two Swallow-tailed Kites, a state-first Ferruginous Hawk, Whimbrel, Marbled Godwit, two White-winged Doves, Nelson’s Sparrow, and Painted Bunting. It should be noted that based on comments received from several individuals concerning the difficulty in distinguishing between Ross’s Geese and hybrid Ross’s Geese x Snow Geese in the field, reports of Ross’s Geese in this and future seasonal reports will not be subjected to extraordinary scrutiny for the possibility of hybridization with Snow Geese. In particular, photographs of two birds in Henry County 1 January 2012 (The Kentucky 70 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 Warbler 88:44, 2012), as well as the birds at Berea 7 March 2012 and at Lexington 14 March 2012 reported below, generated such a diverse array of responses as to their real identity (i.e. Ross’s or hybrids) that the authors of these reports do not believe it is worth putting an extraordinary amount of effort into attempting to differentiate between the two. Ross’s Geese have been established to occur in Kentucky on a regular basis, and field characters of a few individuals have suggested that a certain percentage of “Ross’s Geese” i reports may very well represent hybrids (not only first generation hybrids, but also less apparent backcrosses). The subtleties involved in making clear distinctions between genet- : ically “good” Ross’s Geese and potential hybrids based on field observation, or even photo¬ graphs, make it impossible to put strong faith into any such decisions. The authors continue to encourage observers to obtain photographs of Ross’s Geese so that documentation will be accessible to anyone wishing to delve into this identification problem in the future. Another aspect of the seasonal reports that should be recognized by anyone utilizing the data contained in them in future years is that there have been two factors that have diminished the quantity of reports during the past year or so: 1) the increase in the cost of motor fuel has certainly diminished the number of field trips that birders are taking, and 2) contributions to the content of the seasonal reports have been discontinued by a small per¬ centage of very active birders who formerly contributed a significant amount of informa¬ tion. The diminishment in reports that some future researchers may detect in seasonal re- 1 ports commencing during the latter half of 2011 should not necessarily be construed to reflect a sudden disappearance or decline of some species, but may simply reflect the dim¬ inished levels of activity and reporting reflected by these changes. Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these reports have been accepted for inclusion in the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Reports of out-of-season birds and rarities should be accompanied by written and/or photographic documentation. This documentation is reviewed by 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); “t” next to an observer’s initials indicates that written details were submitted with the report. Place names: Alpine = Alpine Rec¬ reation Area, DBNF, Pulaski', Ballard WMA. Ballard; Barkley Dam. Lyon (unless other¬ wise noted); Berea Forest = Berea College Forest, Madison; Blood River = Blood River embayment, Kentucky Lake, Calloway; Camp #1 1 = former Camp #1 1 Mine, Union; Cave Run Lake. Bath/Rowan; CVG = Cincinnati/Northem Kentucky Airport, Boone; Clear Creek WMA. Hopkins; DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Falls of the Ohio. Jefferson; Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment of Lake Cumberland, Pulaski; Florseshoe Road = slough along Green Turtle Bay = Lake Barkley off Green Turtle Bay Resort, Living¬ ston/Lyon; Horseshoe Road, w. Henderson; J. Dance Road, w. Henderson; Jacobson Park. Lexington, Fayette; J.J. Audubon = J.J. Audubon SP, Henderson; Jonathan Creek = Jon¬ athan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall; Ken Unit = Ken Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio; Ky Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston! Marshall; Ky Dam Village SRP, Marshall; Ky Lake = Kentucky Lake, Callowav/Marshall/Trigg; Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon; Lake No. 9. Fulton; LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lyon/Trigg; LBL Nature Station. Lyon/Trigg; Lick Creek = Lake Barkley at the mouth of Lick Creek, Lyon; Little Lick = Little Lick Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski; Long Point = Long Point Unit Reelfoot NWR, Fulton; Lower Hickman Bottoms, w. Fulton; Mammoth Cave = Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson (unless otherwise noted); Melco = Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson; Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan; NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; Obion WMA. Fulton; Open Pond, w. Fulton; Owsley Fork = Owsley Fork Lake, Madison; Paradise = Paradise Power Plant, Muhlenberg; Sand Slough. 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 71 w. Henderson', Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson', Sinclair Unit = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg-, SNP = State Nature Preserve; SP = State Park; SRP = State Resort Park; Surrey Hills Farm, ne. Jefferson-, Waitsboro = Lake Cumberland at Waitsboro Recreation Area, Pulaski, WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose - 1 at Bal¬ lard WMA 6 April (HC, ME) may have been injured; an injured bird lingered at Sauerheber through May (ph. CC). Ross’s Goose - there were four reports away from far w. Kentucky: 2 at the Berea Col¬ lege Farm, Madison, 7 March (RF, RBa, ph. AN, et al.); 1 at Jacobson Park 14 March (ph. FH); 1 identified in flight with Canada Geese over Lexington 17 March (fSM); and 1 (all the same bird?) at the State Game Farm, Frankfort, 26-30 March (ph. GS), 23-27 April (GS, ph. DBa, ph. JBr), and 25 May (GS). Ross’s Goose, Franklin 23 April 2012 Dave Baker American Black Duck - an individual that appeared most like this species (rather than Mottled Duck) was present at Horse- shoe Road 24 May (ph. CC). Gadwall - 4 at Blood River (HC) and I on the Sinclair Unit (EHa), both 2 May; 1 at Horseshoe Road and a pair at Camp #1 1 on 4 May (BP, EHu, AN); and 1 at Kut- tawa 16 May (JSo) were the latest to be reported. American Wigeon - at least 145 were counted at Open Pond 18 March (MA); a female was still at Lake No. 9 on 30 April (EHu). Blue-winged Teal - 3 lingered at Blood River to 30 May (HC). Northern Shoveler - at least 50 were still at Horseshoe Road 26 March (BP, EHu, MBr) with 1 still there 30 April (BP); 2 lingered at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauer¬ heber, to 21 May (CC) with 1 there to 27 May (ph. CC). Green-winged Teal - peak counts included 482 total in Fulton 7 March (HC, ME); 600 at and adjacent to Obion WMA 17 March (MA); 120-150 sw. of Schultz- town, Ohio, 1 1 March (BP et al.); and at least 500 in w. Henderson, including at least 300 at Horseshoe Road, 1 7 March (BP, EHu, MY). One at Sauerheber and 2 at Camp #11 on 4 May (BP, EHu, AN) were the latest to be reported. Redhead - modest peak counts included 34 at Jacobson Park 6 March (JSo, JSw) and 50 at the Bluegrass Army Depot, Madi¬ son, 18 March (MBu); 10 were still at Camp #11 on 26 March (BP, EHu, MBr); 2 on the Sinclair Unit 2 May (EHa) were the latest to be reported. Ring-necked Duck - 1 lingered on a pond near Dot, Logan, to 9 May (FL); 1 was present above Uniontown Dam on the Ohio River, Union, 25 May (ph. CC). Lesser Scaup - 28 were still on Lake Bark¬ ley above the dam 5 May (BP, EHu, AN) with 5 still at Kuttawa 17 May (JSo). Surf Scoter - there were three reports: 2 on Owsley Fork 24 March (JSo, ph. RF, RBa, et al.); 1 on the Ohio River at the mouth of the Licking River, Campbell / Kenton, 13 April (FR); 6 on Green River Lake, Adair, 14 April (ph. RD); and 1 on Fagan Lake at Lebanon, Marion, 20-22 May (fJKe). Black Scoter - there was only one report: 2 on Green River Lake, Adair, 14 April (ph. RD). Bufflehead - a male lingered at Kuttawa to 16 May (JSo). 72 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 Common Goldeneye tardy males were seen at Green Turtle Bay and at Kuttawa, both 5 May (AN, EHu, BP). Hooded Merganser a female was seen entering a cavity in a living cypress tree at Gentle Pond, Sauerheber, 26 March (BP, EHu, CC, MBr); in addition, there were six reports of broods of young at the following locations: n. of the entrance to Long Point 28 April (BP); on Hematite Lake, LBL, Trigg, 3 May (AY, MSc); at Horseshoe Road and along KY 1574 sw. of Sauerheber, both 4 May (BP, EHu, AN); on the Sinclair Unit 15 May (ph. EW); and at Grassy Pond/Powells Lake Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson , 24 May (CC). Common Merganser - a male was ob¬ served passing over Wandering Woods, Mammoth Cave, Barren, 26 March (TD). Red-breasted Merganser 5 on Ky Lake above the dam 5 May (AN, EHu, BP) and 5 adjacent to Obion WMA 16 May (JSo) were the latest to be reported. Ruddy Duck 1 at Camp #11 on 4 May (BP, EHu, AN) and 1 at Waitsboro (RD) and 6 on Lake Barkley above the dam (BP, EHu, AN), all 5 May, were the latest to be reported. Common Loon - reports of interest included ca. 75 on Cave Run Lake 5 April (BY, MY, EHu) with at least 40 still there 6 April (EHu, BP, AC); 1 1 total in three groups over Douglass Hills, Jefferson, 28 March (MY, BY) with 4 over the same locale 4 April (MY); a few on the n. end of Ky Lake, Livingston! Marshall, into the first week of May (m. ob.) with 2 at Waitsboro (RD) and 1 on Ky Lake at the Hancock Biological Station, Calloway (DSs, LP), all 5 May; 2 on Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln, 14 May (RR); 1 on Cave Run Lake above the dam 20 May (DPa); ; and 1 on the Green River at Figett Bend, Hart, 27 May (JSo) being the latest to be reported. Pied-billed Grebe - 1 lingered at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, to at least 27 May (CC). Horned Grebe - reports of interest included 29 on Lake Cumberland above Wolf Creek Dam, Russell, 16 March (RD); 12 at Flemingsburg, Fleming, 5 April (BWu); 8 on Lexington Reservoir #4, 29 April (AN); and 1 on Freeman Lake, Hardin, 5 May (SK, JKs). American White Pelican - ca. 500 at Blood River 1 March (HC) represented the sea¬ son’s peak count; there were five reports from central Kentucky: 17 on the Larue i County Sportsman’s Lake, Hodgenville, 21 March (ph. LI); 31 on Herrington Lake, Garrard! Mercer, 28-29 March (LA, ! ph. DY); and 1 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 29 March (DSt, ph. AG) with 2 there 5 April (TBe, CF) and 12 there 17 May (CF, ph. AG, et al.). Other reports of interest included at least 100 over Obion WMA 29 April (MY, BY, EHu), 3 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 5 May (AN, EHu, BP) last reported on the lake at Willow Bay, Lyon, 9 May (TN); and 27 on Ky Lake at Ham¬ lin, Calloway, 1 1 May (HC, ME). American White Pelicans, Larue 21 March 2012 Linda Ireland i 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 73 American Bittern - there were five reports: 1 at Garvin Brown Nature Preserve, Jef¬ ferson , 31 March (MA, BBC); singles at Sauerheber 14/16 April (BP, KOS/BP, EHu); and singles at Clear Creek WMA (EHa) and adjacent to Obion WMA (JSo), both 17 April. Least Bittern - there were reports from seven locales: 1 heard calling at Camp #11 on 16/27 April (BP, EHu/BP); 2 on the Ken Unit 16 April (EHa); 1 at Clear Creek WMA 17 April (EHa); 5 on the Sinclair Unit 17 April (EHa) with 1 there 2 May (EHa) and 3 there 17 May (EHa); 1 at Sauerheber 20 April (MMr fide EHa); 1 at Ballard WMA 24 April (MV fide EHa) with 2 there 10 May (MV fide EHa); and 2 at Doug Travis WMA, Carlisle/Hiek- man, 10 May (MV fide EHa). Great Blue Heron - at least 85 were at the Falls of the Ohio 18 April/29 May (BP); a nesting colony along the Red River near Dot, Logan , during late March (FL) rep¬ resented a new county nesting record. Great Egret - singles at Ky Dam Village SRP 17 March (MA) and at Melco 21 March (MC) were the earliest to be re¬ ported; 1 at the Littcarr Wildlife Viewing Area at Carr Creek Lake, Knott , 5 April (BG) was unusual for e. Kentucky; at least 17 were counted on nests at Kuttawa 4 May (BP, EHu, AN). Little Blue Heron the only reports away from w. Kentucky were 1 at Sauerheber 17/28 April (ph. ES/KM); 1 at Fishing Creek 1 May (RD); and 1 over Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve, Louisville, 12 May (MY, BY) that may have been the same one seen at the Falls of the Ohio 23- 25 May (EHu, MC, et al.) and at Putney Pond, Prospect, Jefferson, 27 May (PM, BBC). Cattle Egret - the only birds reported away from w. Kentucky were 2 sw. of Clover- port, Breckinridge, 26 May (JPp). Green Heron - 1 along West Old State . Road, Allen, 30 March ( ABr, JBk) was the earliest to be reported. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron there were four reports: 1 at the Jenny Hole/Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Union, 2 May (CC); I just e. of Hematite Lake, LBL, Trigg, 4 May (BL); at least 7 along Cypress Creek, Marshall, 4 May (BP, EHu, AN) with at least 8 there 5 May (BY, MY); and 1 in e. Calloway 12 May (KCa, ME). Black Vulture - ca. 100 at the Kendall Recreation Area below Wolf Creek Dam, Russell, 6 March (RD) represented the season’s peak count. Osprey - birds returned to the LBL vicinity during the second week of March (m. ob.); other early arrivals included 2 at Par¬ adise 1 1 March (EHu); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 20 March (TBe, CBk); and 1 at Bemheim Forest, Bullitt, 25 March (DMa). A nest on a gas pipeline over the Ohio River below Greenup Dam, Green¬ up, was being attended by a pair 9 May (BP). Swallow-tailed Kite - there were two re¬ ports: 1 near Rockfield, Warren, 22-23 April (ph. MMe) and 1 over the Hancock Biological Station on Ky Lake, Calloway, 5 May (fSWh, LP, ph. DSs). KBRC re¬ view required. Swallow-tailed Kite, Calloway 5 May 2012 Daniel Stephens Mississippi Kite - 3 at Long Point 28 April (BP) and ca. 30 at Hickman, Fulton, 29 April (MY, BY, EHu) were the earliest to be reported. Other reports of interest in¬ cluded 1 over the Jenny Hole/ Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Union, 2 May (CC) with 3 there 4 May (BP, EHu, AN); 1 over Douglass Hills, Jefferson, 4 May (ph. MY); 1 on the Ken Unit 4 May (MY, 74 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ Vol. 88 BY); and 1 at St. Matthews, Jefferson, 9- 10 May (ph. JHz). Mississippi Kite, Jefferson 9 May 2012 Jason Holzworth Red-tailed Hawk a darkish morph B. j. calurus was seen at CVG 23 April (ph. BP,ph. MY). Ferruginous Hawk - a juv. was present at CVG apparently as early as late January (CR, WH) and last seen 12 May (BWu); it was first photographed during late March (ph. RC) and seen by many during early April. KBRC review required. Rough-legged Hawk 1 sw. of Schultz- town, Ohio, 1 1 March (BP, EHu, JBe, PB, CBs) was the only one reported. Golden Eagle there were two reports: at least 1 at Bernheim Forest, Bullitt/Nelson, to 13 March (ABe, KV), and a juv. along Highland Church Road, Allen, 23 March (MBy). Merlin there were four reports: 1 at CVG 3 April (RD); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 17 April (BP, EHu); 1 over Mammoth Cave 27 April (TD); and 1 at the Ky Dam Vil¬ lage SRP airport 30 April (EHu). Peregrine Falcon there were only four reports away from traditional breeding ter¬ ritories: 2 at Melco 15/16 March (EHu, MY/MC), 26 May (MY, EHu) & 31 May (MC); 1 n. of Old State Road, Allen, 6 April (JBk); an adult over CVG 23 April (ph. MY, BP); and an adult at Long Point 28 April (BP). King Rail - there were two reports: 1 re¬ sponded during a tape playback survey at Doug Travis WMA, Carlisle! Hickman, 23 April (MV fide EHa); and 1 was heard at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, 26 April (CMs et al.). Virginia Rail - 1 heard at Clear Creek WMA 17 April (EHa) was the only one; reported. Sora - 3 heard at Camp #11 on 26 March (BP, EHu, MBr) were the earliest to be reported; local peak counts included 1 3 at Clear Creek WMA 17 April (EHa) with 24 there 2 May (EHa); 15 on the Sinclair Unit 17 April (EHa) with 20 there 2 May (EHa); 4 on the Ken Unit 1 May (EHa); and 8-10 at Camp #11 and 5-6 at. Sauerheber, both 4 May (BP, EHu, AN). Other reports of interest included 1 at Windhover Farm, Oldham, 16 April (MC); 1 at Jacobson Park 19 April (GB); 1 at Ballard WMA 24 April (MV fide) EHa); and 3 at Long Point 3 May (MTo). Common Gallinule - there were three re¬ ports: 3 at Clear Creek WMA 17 April: (EHa); 1 at Camp #11 on 4 May (AN,| EHu, BP); and 1 at Ballard WMA 22 May (MW fide EHa). American Coot ca. 1000 at Sauerheber 1 1 March (KM) represented the season’s: peak count; ca. 75 were still at Camp #1 1 on 4 May (BP, EHu, AN); tardy birds included 3 at Fishing Creek 13 May (RD) 4 at Kuttawa 16-17 May (JSo); 1 at Bal¬ lard WMA 22 May (MW fide EHa); and i few that lingered at Pond Creek Marsh Sauerheber, through the last week of Ma) (CC). Sandhill Crane 1 at West Ky WMA, Me Cracken, 2 May (ph. JBr) was the onl) tardy bird reported. Black-bellied Plover scarce this spring with reports from only two locales: 1 a: Horseshoe Road 27 April/4 May (BP/BP EHu, AN) & 27 May (CC); and 2 at Lak<, No. 9 on 1/3 May (EHu/HC) with 3 (herd 5 May (EHu, AN, BP). 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 75 American Golden-Plover 2 at McElroy Lake, Warren , 17 March (JHv, JBy, MBy, et al.), 42 e. of Open Pond 18 March (MA), and 2 at Sauerheber 19 March (CC) were the earliest to be reported; also re¬ ported were 26 at Horseshoe Road 26 March (BP, EHu, MBr) with 4 there 14 April (BP, KOS); 2 at Lake No. 9 on 1/5 May (EHu/EHu, AN, BP); 9 w. of West Ky WMA, McCracken, 3 May (SR); and 3 adjacent to Obion WMA (AN, BP, EHu) and 26 along KY 94 w. of Mud Creek, Fulton (BY, MY), both 5 May. Semipalmated Plover 13 along KY 94 w. of Mud Creek, Fulton, 9 April (JSo) and 2 at Sauerheber and 15-20 at Horseshoe Road, all 14 April (BP, KOS) were the earliest to be reported; impressive for so early was the season’s peak counts of 230 at Horseshoe Road 27 April (BP) and at least 330 there 30 April (BP), with at least 170 there 4 May (BP, EHu, AN). Other reports of interest included more than 1 00 in w. Fulton 28 April (BP); ca. 100 at Grassy Pond/Powells Lake Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson, 2 May (CC); at least 50 at Melco 21 May (BP) with 20-25 still there 27 May (EHu) and 1 still there 29 May (BP); and 1 at Horseshoe Road to 27 I May (CC). Black-necked Stilt - there were only three reports: 1 at Sauerheber 1-4 April (JMe, ph. CC); 6 that flew by at Camp #11 on 16 April (BP, EHu); and I at Lake No. 9 on 29 April (BY, MY, EHu). Spotted Sandpiper 1 at Freeman Lake, Hardin, 7 April (BF, BBC) was the ear¬ liest to be reported; 12 at Minor Clark 2 May (BWu) represented a modest peak count for the season; singles at Melco 22 May (EHu), at Pumphouse Pond, Pulaski, 23 May (RD), and on the Green River near Figett Bend, Hart (JSo) and at Horse¬ shoe Road (CC), both 27 May, were the latest to be reported. Solitary Sandpiper singles at Open Pond 17 March (MA) and at Sauerheber 26 March (BP, EHu, MBr) were the earliest to be reported; at least 50 were at Melco 17 April (BP, EHu) with 62 there 18 April (BP). Greater Yellowlegs reports of interest in¬ cluded 9 in w. Fulton 7 March (HC, ME); 20+ at Horseshoe Road 26 March (BP, EHu, MBr); at least 100 in w. Henderson 14 April (BP, KOS); 42 at and adjacent to Obion WMA 19 April (JSo); and a tardy bird at Melco 27-29 May (EHu, BP). Willet - there were only three reports: 5 at Ky Dam Village SRP 27 April (SM, RBr); I adjacent to Obion WMA 28/29 April (BP/EHu, BY, MY); and 2 at Kuttawa 16 May (JSo). Lesser Yellowlegs - reports of interest in¬ cluded 51 in w. Fulton (HC, ME) and I at Melco (EHu), both 7 March; ca. 80 at Sand Slough 17 March (BP, EHu, MY); at least 100 at Sauerheber 26 March (BP, EHu, MBr); 197 in w. Fulton 14 April (HC, ME); at least 300 in w. Henderson 14 April (BP, KOS) with at least 150 in the same vicinity 16 April (BP, EHu) and at least 200 in the same vicinity (including at least 150 of the total at Horseshoe Road) 27 April (BP); 35-40 at Melco 2 May (BP); and at least 185 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 28 April (BP). Upland Sandpiper 1 heard over White Hall Road, Madison, 22 April (AN) was the only one reported. Whimbrel - 2 were on a gravel bar on Ky Lake off Hamlin, Calloway, 1 1 May (ph. HC, ME). KBRC review required. Marbled Godwit there were two reports: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 16 April (ph. BP, et al.) and 21 at Blood River 26 April (HC). Marbled Godwit, Falls of the Ohio 16 April 2012 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 76 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 Ruddy Turnstone - there was only one re¬ port: 1 at Lick Creek 4-5 May (BP, EHu, AN, BY, MY). Semipalmated Sandpiper 1 at Long Point 28 April (BP), 2 at Sauerheber 30 April (KM) and 1 at Melco 1 May (BP) were the earliest to be reported; at least 50 were at Melco 21 May (BP), but 175+ were there 24 May (EHu) and a very impressive tally of 73 1 there and at least 90 at the Falls of the Ohio, both 25 May (EHu), represented the season's peak count. Western Sandpiper there were five re¬ ports: 1 at Blood River 25 April (ph. HC); 1 at Horseshoe Road 27 April (ph. BP) with 2 there 30 April (BP); 1 near Long Point 28 April (BP); and 2 at Long Point 3 May (HC). Least Sandpiper modest peak counts in¬ cluded 50 at Ballard WMA 6 April (HC); at least 50 in w. Henderson 14 April (BP, KOS); at least 560 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms, including at least 350 at Long Point, 28 April (BP); 63 at Melco 2 May (BP); and at least 75 at Minor Clark 8 May (BWu). White-rumped Sandpiper 1 near Long Point 1 May (ph. EHu) was the earliest to be reported; also reported were 2 at Para¬ dise 5 May (BP, EHu, AN); 1 near the jet. Tommy Wix Road & Highland Church Road, Allen, 14 May (JBy, MBy, MkB, DBk, MBk); 1 along Highland Church Road, Allen, 15 May (JBy, MBy, MkB, DBk, MBk); 2 at Melco 21-23 May (BP. MC, EHu) with at least 3 there 24-25 May (EHu) and 1 still there 26 May (EHu, MY); and 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 25 May (EHu) with 9 there 29 May (BP). Pectoral Sandpiper - 1 was at Melco (EHu) and 62 were in w. Fulton (HC), by 7 March; modest peak counts included 80 at Ellis Park 1 April (ES, TG); 200 along J. Dance Road 9 April (CC); at least 350 in w. Henderson, with 100 at Sauerheber, all 14 April (BP, KOS); and at least 225 in w. Fulton 14 April (HC, ME). Dunlin the species passed through rela¬ tively early, being most numerous during late April with the following reports of interest: 1-4 at Melco 4 April-12 May (EHu, BP, MC, et al.); 24 in w. Fulton 14 April (HC, ME); 1 at Jacobson Park 14 April (ph. FH); 37 at Sauerheber 16 April (BP, EHu) with a peak of 85 there 27 April (BP); 15-20 at Horseshoe Road 14 April (BP, KOS) with at least 225 there 27 April (BP), at least 160 there 30 April (BP), 100 still there 14 May (CC), and 1 there to 27 May (CC); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 16/22 April (BP, EHu/BP); 1 at Fishing Creek 21 April (RD); and at least 90 at Long Point 28 April (BP). Stilt Sandpiper - there were five reports: 2 in w. Fulton (HC, ME); 1 at Sauerheber (BP, KOS) and 2 at Sand Slough (BY, J MY, EHu), all 14 April; and singles at Long Point (BP) and at Melco (TBe, 1 1 CBk), both 28 April. Short-billed Dowitcher - there were only 1 four reports: 1 at Horseshoe Road 30 April (BP) with 5 there 4 May (BP, AN, 'i EHu); ca. 10 at Long Point 1 May (ph. EHu); and 1 at Sauerheber 16 May (ph. CC). Seven dowitcher sp. at Camp #1 1 on 4 May (BP, EHu, AN) were likely Short- billeds. Long-billed Dowitcher - 1 adjacent to Long Pond, Boatwright WMA, Ballard, 4 April (JSo) was the earliest to be reported; a new state one-day high count of 225 was tallied in w. Fulton (with 164 counted at Long Point) 14 April (HC, ME) with 83 still at Long Point 17 April (HC). Other reports of interest included up to 9 along J. Dance Road 14-26 April (BP, EHu, CC, ; et al.); 11 adjacent to Obion WMA 19 April (JSo); 1 at Melco 26 April (BP) with 3 there 1 May (BP, MC); 20 at Blood River 26 April (HC) with 8 still there 30 April (HC); 15 in w. Henderson 27 April (BP); 12 at Jonathan Creek 29 April (HC); and 1 at Fishing Creek 3 May (RD). Wilson's Snipe - 278 counted in w. Fulton 7 March (HC, ME) and at least 150 at Sauerheber 17 March (BP, EHu, MY) represented the season’s peak counts. Wilson’s Phalarope there were only three reports: 1 along J. Dance Road 26 April (ph. CC); and 1 adjacent to Obion WMA 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 77 29 April/ 1 May (BY, MY, EHu/EHu) and 3 May (HC). Bonaparte’s Gull - very modest peak counts included 200 at Blood River 1 1 March (HC) and 225 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 17 March (MA). Laughing Gull - there were two reports: a first-year bird at the Falls of the Ohio 3 May (ph. EHu et al.) and an adult at Mel- co 8 May (ph. EHu). Franklin’s Gull, Rowan 28 April 2012 Brian Wulkcr Franklin’s Gull - there was only one re¬ port: an adult at Minor Clark 28 April (ph. BWu). Lesser Black-backed Gull - an adult at Jac¬ obson Park 5 March (ph. SH, HJ, ph. FH, et al.) represented a first for the Lexington area. Caspian Tern - very modest peak counts included 10 at the Falls of the Ohio 16 April (BWo) and 7 on Ky Lake at Hamlin, Calloway’, 11-12 May (HC, ME). j Black Tern 1 at Camp #11 on 4 May (BP, EHu, AN) was the only one reported. Common Tern - there were four reports: 1 was especially early over Lake Barkley at US 68/KY 80, Trigg, 6 April (BL); 25 over Ky Lake above the dam and ca. 1 5 at Green Turtle Bay, all 5 May (BP, EHu, AN); and 1 at Minor Clark 8 May (BWu). Forster’s Tern - 12 from winter were still .at Blood River 1 March (HC) with 43 there by 1 1 March (HC); modest peak counts included at least 50 at Lick Creek 30 April (BP et al.) with ca. 70 there 1 May (EHu) and at least 60 there 4/5 May (BP, EHu, AN); and 10 at Lake Reba, Madison, 30 April (MBu). White-winged Dove there were two re¬ ports: 1 s. of Sharkey, Rowan, 2-6 April (MW, ph. BY, ph. EHu); and 1 at Lex¬ ington 6 May (ph. C>). KBRC review required. Black-billed Cuckoo there were five re¬ ports: 1 at Yatesville Lake WMA, Law¬ rence, 9 May (BP, ph. EHu); 1 n. of West Old State Road, Allen, 12 May (JBk); 1 at Seneca Gardens, Louisville, 19 May (RH); possibly as many as 4 heard along n. Fork Elkhorn Creek, Franklin, 19 May (JSo, CS); and 1 on the Anchorage Trail 26 May (GHe, TA, et al.). Barn Owl - there were four reports: a nest¬ ing pair sw. of Bloomfield, Nelson, during the season (TH); 1 found road-killed on KY 801 just n. of Farmers, Rowan, 6 April (BP); 2 heard near Lemon Bend of the Green River, Taylor, 20 March (JSo); and 2, including a young bird, at a tradi¬ tional nesting locale in s. Calloway 1 1 May (HC). Lesser Black-backcd Gull, Lexington 5 March 2012 Frank Huggins Short-eared Owl - there were two reports: at least 5 on the Sinclair Unit 10 March (BY, MY, MA, DSt) and 4 along Horn- town Rd., Grayson, 1 1 March (BP et al.). Long-eared Owl 1 was still on the Sin¬ clair Unit 1 1 March (BP et al.). Rufous Hummingbird the 2 wintering fe¬ males s. of Haywood, Barren, were last seen 26 March (L&RY), and the winter¬ ing female at Franklin, Simpson, was last seen 26 March (ST). 78 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 Common Nighthawk an unspecified number over Murray, Calloway, 20 April (ME) were the earliest to be reported. Chuck-wilPs-widow individuals heard se. of Burnside, Pulaski (LO), and s. of Shar¬ key, Rowan (BWu), both 28 April, were relatively far east. Whip-poor-will - individuals heard on Lake Cumberland nw. of Steubenville, Wayne, 27 March (JBu); se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 29 March (MBk); and near Zachariah, Lee, 30 March (GHo) were the earliest to be reported. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker singles in LBL, Lyon, 28 April (MTh) and at Cherokee Park, Louisville, 6 May (BWo) were the latest to be reported. Olive-sided Flycatcher there were four reports: 1 at Boone County Cliffs SNP 5 May (LM, ph. LH, NKBC); 1 at Beargrass Creek SNP, Louisville, 6 May (BWo, BBC, ph. KB); and singles at Iroquois Park, Louisville (MA) and at Miles Park, e. Jefferson (BWo), both 12 May. Eastern Wood-Pewee 1 at Berea Forest 23 April (RF, RBa) was the earliest to be reported. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher there were three reports: 1 heard at Surrey Hills Farm 17 May (BP); 1 seen s. of Richmond, Madison, 20 May (AN); and 1 on Ft. Campbell, Trigg, 25 May (DMo). Willow Flycatcher a singing bird was likely on territory at Yatesville Lake WMA, Lawrence, (where the species has been reported in recent years [fide SF] ), 9 May (BP, EHu). Alder Flycatcher there were three reports: I at Floyds Fork Park, Jefferson, 6 May (BP, JBe, PB, JMc, CBs); 1 heard singing near Middletown, Jefferson, 17 May (MMo); and 1 on Ft. Campbell, Trigg, 22 May (DMo). Least Flycatcher 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 20 April (RD) was the earliest to be re¬ ported. Great Crested Flycatcher singles at Oak Creek Campground sw. of Walton, Boone, 3 April (tM&JH); at Fishing Creek 15 April (RD); and along Bee Creek, Callo¬ way, 16 April (JPo) were the earliest to be reported. Eastern Kingbird - 1 at Blood River 9 April (HC) was the earliest to be reported. White-eyed Vireo singles se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 28 March (MBy, MkB); in LBL, Trigg, 29 March (BL); and at Park Lake Mountain Nature Preserve, e. Fleming, 30 March (BWu) were the earliest to be re¬ ported; the first two represented new early arrival dates for the state. Bell's Vireo - reports of interest included 3 at and adjacent to Sauerheber 6 May (JMe); 1 heard singing near Middletown, Jefferson , 16 May (MMo); and 1 at Mel- co 18 May (MA). Yellow-throated Vireo - singles at Mam¬ moth Cave 1 April (JBe, PB, CBs) and at Berea Forest 2 April (JBn) were the ear¬ liest to be reported. Blue-headed Vireo - 3 at Alpine 17 March (RD) and singles at E.C. Million Park, Madison (AN), and at Anglin Falls, Rock¬ castle (ET), both 1 8 March, were the ear¬ liest to be reported; a singing male at Sur¬ rey Hills Farm 14 May (BP) was rather tardy. Warbling Vireo - 1 at East Bend Station, w. Boone, 7 April (LM) tied the early arrival date for the state. Philadelphia Vireo reports of interest in¬ cluded 4 in LBL, Lyon, 30 April (BP et al.); 1 at the Lexington Cemetery 2 May (AN, SH, MTw); and 5 at Surrey Hills Farm 18 May (BP). Red-eyed Vireo 1 at Mammoth Cave 1 April (JBe, PB, CBs); 1 at Lake Barkley SRP, Trigg, 2 April (MSc); and 4 at Alpine 7 April (RD) were the earliest to be reported. Fish Crow reports of interest included 1 flying ne. ca. 8 mi. nw. of Murray, Cal¬ loway, 28 February (MMi); 1 in LBL: Trigg, 6 March (DSs, LP); 1 on Lake . Barkley, Trigg, 21 March (BL); 18 at anc adjacent to Obion WMA 17 March (MA): and 1 at Sauerheber 23 March (CC). 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 79 Northern Rough-winged Swallow - 1 at the Kendall Rec. Area, Russell, 16 March (RD) and at 3 near Trammel Creek along Squire Lyles Road, Allen, 19 March (JBy, TBr) were the earliest to be reported. Purple Martin - singles along Highland Church Road, Allen, 25 February (JBy, MBy) and at the LBL Nature Station 1 March (JPo et al.) were the earliest to be reported; 5 with other swallows at Para¬ dise 5 May (BP, EHu, AN) must have been tardy migrants. Tree Swallow - an impressive flock of at least 5000 and possibly 7500-10,000 was seen at Camp #1 1 on 16 April (BP, EHu). Bank Swallow - 1 along the Kentucky River, Clark, 7 April (AN) was the ear¬ liest to be reported. Barn Swallow - 1 over McElroy Lake, Warren, 28 March (AN) was the earliest to be reported. Red-breasted Nuthatch - there were a few reports of lingering wintering birds or mi¬ grants including the following: 1 at Tom Dorman SNP, Garrard, 5 April (BP, AC) and 1 at the Lexington Cemetery 25 March/29 April (SBo/MBu). There was only one report from the nesting popula¬ tion along the Rock Bridge Trail, DBNF, Wolfe, that being 1 on 26 May (JSw, DL). Brown Creeper - I at Cane Creek WMA, Laurel, 16 April (DCo) was the latest to be reported other than 1 (unsure if same bird) seen and heard singing on different parts of the Rock Bridge Trail, DBNF, Wolfe, 7/8 May (BP/BP, JD, et al.). House Wren - singles at Noble Park, Padu¬ cah, McCracken (AY), and at Murray, Calloway (ME), both 28 March, and at the Kendall Rec. Area 31 March (RD) were apparently all very early migrants; other early reports included singles nw. of Gen¬ eva, Henderson, 1 April (JMe), at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 5 April (RD), and at Berea, Madison, 8 April (RF, RBa). > Marsh Wren - there were reports from two locales as follows: singles at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, 17 March (BP), 26 April (CMs, BT, et al.), and I May (CC); and 3 at Camp # 11 on 26 March (BP, EHu, MBr) with 1 heard there 16 April (BP, EHu) and 2 heard there 27 April (BP). Sedge Wren there were only two reports: 1 at Camp #11 on 16 April (BP, EHu) and 1 s. of jet. KY 1333 and Red Hill Road, Allen , 2 May (JBy, MBy, NG1). Golden-crowned Kinglet - singles at Ber¬ ea, Madison, 18 April (RF, RBa) and at Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, 21 April (BJ, EHu, BBC) were the latest to be re¬ ported. Swainson’s Thrush - singles near Hard¬ wick, Wayne, 18 April (RD) and in Red River Gorge, Wolfe, 22 April (BWu) were the earliest to be reported. Wood Thrush - singles at Little Lick (SS) and at J.J. Audubon (JMe), both 12 April, and at Lexington 14 April (DCh) were the earliest to be reported. Gray Catbird 1 at Green River Lake, Adair, 15 April (DCo) was the earliest to be reported. American Pipit - 1 at Horseshoe Road 4 May (BP, EHu, AN) and 2 heard at E.P. Tom Sawyer SP, Jefferson, 1 May (MA) were the latest to be reported. Cedar Waxwing - the species moved through in largest numbers a bit earlier than has become the norm in recent years (May), with large flocks first noted during early March and scarce by mid-May. Ovenbird - singles at Mammoth Cave 4 April (SK) and se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 11 April (MBy) were the earliest to be re¬ ported. Worm-eating Warbler - 4 at Alpine and 2 along Blue John Road, Pulaski, all 7 April (RD), and I in LBL, Trigg, 8 April (BL) were the earliest to be reported. Louisiana Waterthrush 1 at Blood River (HC), 1 along Pointer Creek Road, Pulas¬ ki (RD), 1 w. of Kessinger, Hart (SK), and at least 2 along Pinchgut Creek, Allen (MBy), all 15 March, were the earliest to be reported. Blue-winged Warbler singles along Pinchgut Creek, Allen (MBy) and along 80 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 Long Hungry Creek, Allen (MBy), both 1 April, represented a new early arrival date for the state by a day; otherwise, singles in LBL, Trigg , 2 April (BL), along Pointer Creek Road, Pulaski , 4 April (RD) and at Berea Forest 8 April (RO) were the earli¬ est to be reported. Golden-winged Warbler there were sev¬ en reports: 1 at the Lexington Cemetery 28 April (DL, ASK); 1 at Craigmoor Estates, Scott, 29 April (DL); 1 in LBL, Lyon, 29 April (BP, KOS) with 2 there 30 April (BP, et al.) and 1 there 2 May (AY); 1 along Indian Knob Road, McCreary, 5 May (RD); and 1 along Blue John Road, se. of Burnside, Pulaski, 14 May (LO). Brewster’s Warbler there were two reports: singles at Owsley Fork 27 April (RF) and at Mammoth Cave 3 May (TD); another individual that was a backcross hybrid was seen on the Road Creek Mine, Pike , 15 May (AN). Black-and-white Warbler 1 in LBL, Trigg, 19 March (BL) established a new early arrival date for the state by three days; also early were singles at Berea Forest (RF, RBa) and at Berea, Madison (RF), both 21 March. Prothonotary Warbler singles at Blood River 4 April (HC) and at both Boat¬ wright WMA, Ballard, and Ballard WMA 6 April (HC, ME) were the earliest to be reported. Swainson’s Warbler it was an excellent season for the species with the following reports of interest: singles along Pounder Branch, Cane Creek WMA, Laurel, 16 April (DCo) and on the Rock Bridge Trail, DBNF, Wolfe, 21 April (BWu) were the earliest to be reported; 3 heard at Blanton Forest SNP, Harlan, 29 April (SH); 7 seen/heard in the Red River Gorge Geological Area, Powell/ Wolfe, 7 May (BP); 3 at Little Lick 12 May (RD); singles along Rock Branch, McCreary, near Sawyer, McCreary, and along KY 90, DBNF, Whitley (RD), all 15 May; and 2 heard at different locales nw. of Beat- tyville, Lee, 3 1 May (BP). Orange-crowned Warbler 2 in LBL, Trigg, 21 March (BL) may have been con¬ tinuing from winter or very early mi¬ grants; also reported were 1 at J.J. Audu¬ bon 1 April (JMe); 1 nw. of Burkesville, Cumberland, 19 April (BP, EHu, MY); 1 along Dry Fork Road, Rockcastle, 21 April (AN, GB, MBu); singles at Owsley Fork (AN) and at Iroquois Park, Louis¬ ville (MA), both 27 April; 1 at Obion WMA 28 April (BP); and 1 at Douglass Hills, Jefferson, 30 April (MY). Nashville Warbler - 1 in LBL, Trigg, 8 April (BL) established a new early state arrival date by one day; otherwise, 1 at Cherokee Park, Louisville, 16 April (RBo) was the earliest to be reported; 2 at Surrey Hills Farm 18 May (BP) were somewhat tardy. Connecticut Warbler there were four reports: 1 at Beargrass Creek SNP, Louis¬ ville, on the very early date of 2 May (tSWa); 1 along Pointer Creek Road, Pulaski, 14 May (RD); and singles heard at Surrey Hills Farm 17/18 May (BP). Mourning Warbler - there were not many reports, all being included: 1 at Cherokee Park, Louisville, 5 May (BWo, RBo); 1 at Owsley Fork 1 1 May (AN); 1 at the LBL Nature Station 12 May (CS, AY, JPo, et al.); 1 on the Road Creek Mine, Pike, 15 May (AN, EHu, BP); singles heard at Surrey Hills Farm 14/17 May with 2 there 18 May (BP); 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 18 May (RD; and 1 on Pleasant Hill Church Road, Trigg, 19 May (BL). Common Yellowthroat 1 at Sauerheber 23 March (ph. CC) may have been linger¬ ing from winter or a very early migrant; next earliest were 1 at Green River State Forest, Henderson, 3 April (CC) and 3 along Pointer Creek Road. Pulaski, 4 April (RD). Kentucky Warbler 1 nw. of West Old State Road, Allen, 8 April (JBk) was the earliest to be reported. Hooded Warbler - 2 at Alpine 7 April (RD) and several at Little Lick 12 April (SS) were the earliest to be reported. Northern Parula singles in LBL, Trigg (BL), and at Creasey Mahan Nature Pre¬ serve, Oldham (KD), both 20 March, and 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 81 1 at Mammoth Cave 21 March (JBe, PB, CBs), all established new early arrival dates for the state by nearly a week; other¬ wise, 2 at Alpine (RD) and 1 at the LBL Nature Station (JPo), both 26 March, tied the early state arrival date; also early was 1 along Pinchgut Creek, Allen, 27 March (MBy). Blackburnian Warbler - singles at J.J. Audubon 16 April (JMe), at Marrowbone State Forest, Metcalfe, 19 April (BP, MY), and at Cherokee Park, Louisville, 22 April (BWo, BBC) were the earliest to be reported; 1 at Iroquois Park, Louisville, 28 May (SWa, MK) was relatively tardy. Black-throated Blue Warbler there were five reports: a male at the Lexington Cem¬ etery 6 May (SH, AN); a male at Boone County Cliffs SNP 7 May (RS); a male along the Rock Bridge Trail, DBNF, Wolfe, 8 May (BP); I at Doe Run Lake, Kenton, 12 May (EG); and a male at Sur¬ rey Hills Farm 17-18 May (BP). Palm Warbler - singles at Owsley Fork 10 March (AN) and at Green River State For¬ est, Henderson, 13 March (ph. CC) may have represented individuals lingering from winter; singles at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 25 March (RD) and at J.J. Audubon 30 March (JMe), may have been more likely very early migrants. Singles at Berea For¬ est 12 May (AN, ASK) and on the Road Creek Mine, Pike, 15 May (BP, EHu, AN) were the latest to be reported. Yellow-throated Warbler - I along Pinch¬ gut Creek at KY 1333, Allen, 18 March (MBy); 2 at the LBL Nature Station (JPo et al.), 1 along Clear Fork Creek, n. Row¬ an (BWu), and 1 at South Williamson, Pike (JC), all 19 March; and 2 in DBNF n. of Hightop, Laurel (R&JW), 1 near Iron Furnace, Bath (BWu), and 4 at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski (RD), all 20 March, all established new early arrival dates for the state; tying the old early date were 2 at Bee Rock Rec. Area, DBNF, .Pulaski (RD), 1 at Mammoth Cave (JBe, PB, CBs), and 2 at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski (RD), all 21 March. Prairie Warbler singles in se. Adair 31 March (WB); near Barren Fork, DBNF, McCreary’ (RD), in Hancock (MBr), and in LBL, Trigg (BL), all I April; along Squire Lyles Road, Allen, 3 April (TBr, JBk), and along Pointer Creek Road, Pulaski , 4 April (RD) were the earliest to be reported. Black-throated Green Warbler I along Logue Road, nw. Lee, 20 March (WC) tied the early arrival date for the state; next earliest were 3 at Little Lick 24 March (RD) and 1 at Cumberland Gap National Park, Bell, 25 March (AN). Canada Warbler - reports of interest in¬ cluded I at Yatesville Lake WMA, Law¬ rence, 9 May (BP, EHu) and 7 at Surrey Hills Farm 18 May (BP). Wilson’s Warbler - singles in LBL, Lyon, 28 April (RD) and at the Jenny Hole/ Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson, 29 April (CC) were the ear¬ liest to be reported. Yellow-breasted Chat - 1 heard se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 15 April (DBk, SBk) repre¬ sented a new early arrival date for the state by one day; next earliest were 4 near Hardwick, Wayne, 18 April (RD) and 2 at Little Lick (RD) and at least 6 at Mar¬ rowbone State Forest, Cumberland & Metcalfe (BP, MY, EHu), both 19 April. Bachman’s Sparrow - a total of 8 birds were reported within traditionally inhab¬ ited portions of Ft. Campbell, Trigg, 1 5/ 25 May (DMo). Field Sparrow - an individual of the west¬ ern race, S. p. arenacea, was seen along Straightline Road, w. Henderson, 17 March (*BP, EHu, MY). Lark Sparrow - there were five reports: I n. of West Old State Road, Allen, 15 April (TBr); 1 along McDonald Landing Road, Henderson, 1 May (ph. CC) with 2 there 27 May (CC); 2 along Pack Church Road, McLean , 2 May (fJKt); 2 along Squire Lyles Road, Allen, 3 May (TBr, ABr, JBk); and 4 within traditionally inhabited portions of Ft. Campbell, Trigg, 25 May (DMo). Grasshopper Sparrow - 1 along West Old State Road, Allen, 6-10 March (tJBk, ABr, JMa, tJBy) may have been lingering 82 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 from winter or a very early migrant; next earliest were 1 heard singing e. of Mun- fordville. Hart , 22 March (SK, CMn), and singles at New Haven, Nelson (JSo), and at CVG (BP), both 9 April. Henslow’s Sparrow 1 along Trammel Creek n. of West Old State Road, Allen, 4 March (tJBy, TBr, ABr, tJBk) may have been lingering from winter or a very early migrant; otherwise, “several" at Shaker Village, Mercer , 3 April (DPe) and sin¬ gles at the Pumphrey Tract, Buck Creek Nature Preserve, Pulaski, 12 April (RD) and along Duncannon Lane s. of Rich¬ mond, Madison, 15 April (AN) were the earliest to be reported; other reports of interest included at least two dozen terri¬ torial birds at the East Park Industrial Park, Greenup! Boyd, during late April and early May (SH et al.); 2 n. of West Old State Road, Allen, 20 April (MBy, JBy, TBr, ABr, JBk); and up to 3 heard at the LBL Elk/Bison Prairie, Trigg, during the 3rd week of May (BL). Le Conte’s Sparrow - there were reports from three locales: at least 1 1 that likely wintered at the Cape Hills Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson, 17 March (BP, EHu, ph. MY) with at least 10 there 26 March (BP, EHu, ph. CC, MBr) and at least 2 still there 14 April (BP, KOS); 1 at the Clarks River NWR Education Center e. of Benton, Marshall, 28 March (JSo); and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 21 March (BP) with at least 6 and probably as many as 10 there 29 March (ph. BP), 2 still there 3 April (BP), and I last seen there 7 April (BP). Nelson’s Sparrow 1 at Cave Hill Ceme¬ tery. Louisville, 12 May (MSt, ba. BP, PS, ph. EHu) represented only the second spring record for the state. KBRC review required. Fox Sparrow - 1 at Green River State For¬ est, Henderson, 25 March (KM) was the latest to be reported. Lincoln’s Sparrow 1 on the Sinclair Unit 10 March (MA, ph. DSt) and 11 March (BP et al.) may have been a lingering winter bird or a very early migrant. White-throated Sparrow - singles at Cave Hill Cemetery 13 May (BWo, BBC) and at Surrey Hills Farm 14 May (BP) were the latest to be reported. White-crowned Sparrow - I in Pendleton 19 May (LH) was the latest to be reported. Dark-eyed Junco - 1 at Minor Clark 26 April (BWu) was the latest to be reported. Summer Tanager - 1 was heard calling at Mammoth Cave on the extraordinarily early date of 26 March (TD). Scarlet Tanager - 1 along Rowena Road, Lake Cumberland SRP, Russell, 31 March (RD) established a new early arrival date for the state by five days; next earliest were singles at Alpine (RD) and at Lex¬ ington (DCh), both 7 April. Rose-breasted Grosbeak - singles at Pano¬ rama Shores, Calloway, 13 April (KCo), I at Bowling Green, Warren, 15 April (TD), at the LBL Nature Station 19 April (JPo et al.), and at Mt. Zion, Pulaski , 20 April. (RD) were the earliest to be reported. The species was not particularly numerous at feeding stations this spring. Blue Grosbeak singles at the LBL Nature Station 15 April (JPo), and n. of West Old State Road, Allen (ABr, JBk) and near Dot, Logan (FL), both 16 April, were the earliest to be reported. Indigo Bunting singles at Clarks River NWR, Marshall, 5 April (HC) and along Hinkston Creek, Bourbon, 6 April (JHw) were the earliest to be reported. Painted Bunting a male was present in a| yard at Crestwood, Oldham, 26 April (TF. ph. NGr). KBRC review required. Dickcissel 3 in the Lower Hickman Bot¬ toms 14 April (HC, ME) represented a new early arrival date for the state by twc days. Bobolink a male in the Lower Hickmar Bottoms 14 April (HC, ME) represented t new early arrival date for the state by on< day; next earliest were 5 near Dot, Logan 21 April (FL). Other reports of interest in . eluded ca. 250 along the levee in th< Lower Hickman Bottoms 3 May (HC). sj female at the East Park Industrial Park 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 83 Greenup/ Boyd, 8 May (BP, JD, et al); 1 heard over the Road Creek Mine, Pike , 15 May (BP, EHu, AN); and a tardy female n. of West Old State Road, Allen , 25 May (JBk). Rusty Blackbird reports of interest in¬ cluded ca. 300 along Straightline Road, w. Henderson, 1 7 March (BP, EHu, MY) and 1 at Minor Clark 20 April (BWu). Brewer’s Blackbird - there were three re¬ ports: 2 near Sassafras Ridge, w. Fulton, 18 March (MA); 2 along West Old State Road, Allen, 19 March (ABr, JBk); and at least 100-150 in groups of 2 to 25-30 ob¬ served coming in with other blackbirds to roost at Camp #11 on 16 April (BP, EHu). Purple Finch numbers remained quite low through the spring season with the latest reports being singles at Million, Madison, 23 April (MBu) and at Lexington 25 April (DCh). Pine Siskin - a few birds continued from winter, but there were hardly any reports of migrants; all reports are included: 5 at the Lexington Cemetery 3 March (SBo) with 1 still there 25 March (SBo); 10-15 at Jefferson Memorial Forest, Jefferson, 15 March (BWo); 1 at Alpine 26 March (RD); 1 along White Hall Road, Madison , 6 April (AN); 2 sw. of Fisherville, Jeffer¬ son, 3 May (JHu, EHu); a flock of up to 20 at the LBL Administration Office, Trigg, continuously to 3 May (BL); and 4- 8 nw. of Riders Mill, Hart, through the spring (ph. BA) with 1 last seen there 18 May (BA). Observers: Linda Alexander (LA), Terry Anderson (TA), Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK), Michael Autin (MA), Bonnie Avery (BA), Dave Baker (DBa), Rebecca Bates (RBa), Jamin Beachy (JBy), Makaya Beachy (MkB), Matthan Beachy (MBy), Colleen Craven-Beckcr (CBk, Tom Becker (TBe), Beckham Bird Club (BBC), Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell (PB), Andrew Berry (ABe), Carol Bcsse (CBs), Gretchcn Bolton (GB), Simon Bonner (SBo), Karen Bonsell (KB), Rod Botkins (RBo), Jean Bremcrmann (JBn), Mike Brown (MBr), Abraham Brubaker (ABr), Daniel Brubaker (DBk), John David Brubaker (JBk), Matthew Brubaker (MBk), Stephen Brubaker (SBk), Timothy Bru¬ baker (TBr), John Brunjes (JBr), Rhonda Bryant (RBr), Wendy Burt (WB), Marissa Buschow (MBu), Joyce Butterfield (JBu), Mike Callan (MC), Kandy Carstens (KCa), Joan Carr (JC), Hap Chambers (HC), Don Chcsnut (DCh), Kathy Cohen (KCo), Derek Coomer (DCo), Amy Covert (AC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Rodney Crice (RC), Wes Cunningham (WC); Kathy Dennis (KD), Roseanna Denton (RD), Jon Dunn (JD), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Connie Fanner (CF), Rob Foster (RF), Bill Friel (BF), Teresa Fultz (TF), Noah Glick (NG1), Alan Goldstein (AG), Brad Goodrich (BG), Nick Gregory (NGr), Tim Griffith (TG), Ed Groncman (EG), Laura Haggarty (LH), Erin Harper (EHa), Stratton Hatfield (SH), Gerald Heath (GHe), Todd Hcn-dricks (TH), Ron Hirsch (RH), Greg Hoeting (GHo), Jason Holzworth (JHz), Joseph Hoover (JHv), Jesse Howell (JHw), Eddie Huber (EHu), Jennifer Huber (JHu), Mark & Joanie Hubinger (M&JH), Frank Huggins (FH), William Hull (WH), Linda Ireland (LI), Bob Johnson (BJ), Heather Jordan (HJ), Meghan Kahn (MK), John Keith (JKe), Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS), Janet Kistler (JKs), Steve Kistler (SK), James Kittinger (JKt), David Lang (DL), Bill Lisowsky (BL), Frank Lyne (FL), Dax Manley (DMa), Scott Marsh (SM), Jerome Martin (JMa), Paul McAllister (PM), Judith McCandless (JMc), Lee McNeely (LM), Mark Meador (MMe), John Mercdig (JMe), Keith Michalski (KM), Cap Middleton (CMn), Mike Miller (MMi), Chuck Mills (CMs), Mark Monroe (MMo), Mike Morton (MMr), Daniel Moss (DMo), multiple observers (m. ob.), Thomas Nall (TN), Andy Newman (AN), Northern Kentucky Bird Club (NKBC), Laura Obiso (LO), Ronan O’Carra (RO), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP), David Patick (DPa), Don Pelly (DPe), John Pollpeter (JPo), Jacob Popham (JPp), Leslie Potts (LP), Scott Record (SR), Frank Renfrew (FR), Ronnie Robertson (RR), Cindy Rogers (CR), Mary Schmidt (MSc), Steven Scott (SS), Rick Skehen (RS), Carol Sole (CS), Jeff Sole (JSo), Evan Speck (ES), Gary Sprandel (GS), Daniel Stephens (DSs), David Stewart (DSt), Matt Shekel (MSt), Paul Stickel (PS), Joe Swanson (JSw), Carrie Szwcd (CS), Ed Talbott (ET), Brian Taylor (BT), Marilee Thompson (MTh), Mike Todd (MTo), Mark Tower (MTw), Charles & Gretchcn Trcmoulct (C>), Shannon Trimboli (ST), Mandy Van Meter (MV), Kelly , Vowels (KV), Sean Ward (SWa), Steve White (SWh), Eric Williams (EW), Barbara Woemer (BWo), Richard & Julia Wolinski (R&JW), Mike Wright (MW), Brian Wulker (BWu), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY); Aviva Yasgur (AY), Doug Young (DY), Lew & Ruth Young (L&RY). 84 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 p The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 88 NOVEMBER 2012 NO. 4 IN THIS ISSUE ANALYSIS OF THE REMARKABLE CONCENTRATION OF MIGRATORY SHOREBIRDS IN HOPKINS AND McLEAN COUNTIES, MAY 201 1, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Eddie Huber . SUMMER SEASON 2012, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely . THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL 2012 MEETING, Blaine Ferrell, Recording Secretary . 14* REPORT OF THE KENTUCKY BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE, Ben Yandell, KBRC Secretary-Chair . FIELD NOTE Correction of Possible Peregrine Falcon Nesting Site in Western Virginia.... 101 86 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. Ml THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President . Carol Besse, Louisville Vice-President . Steve Kistler, Munfordville Corresponding Secretary . Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913; Treasurer . Lee McNeelylC P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY 41005 Recording Secretary . Blaine Ferrell, Bowling Green! - Councillors: Mark Bennett, Russellville . 2010 thru 2012 Mary Yandell, Louisville . 2010 thru 2012 Hap Chambers, Murray . 201 1 thru 2013 Roseanna Denton, Science Hill . 201 1 thru 2013 Linda Craiger, Glasgow . 2012 thru 2014 Virginia Kingsolver, Carlisle . 2012 thru 2014 Retiring President . Scott Marsh, Lexington Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee . Ben Yandell 513 Lymington Court, Louisville, KY 40243 (secy@kybirdrecords.org) THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Journal of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, published quarterly in February , May,i August and November, The Kentucky Warbler is sent to all members not in arrears for dues. Current membership categories and corresponding dues follow: Regular ($15.00); Con-jl tributing ($25.00); Student ($10.00); Family ($20.00); and Life ($300.00). Direct manu- scripts and communications to the editor. Send membership dues to the Treasurer. Make requests for back issues to the Corresponding Secretary. Editor. . Brainard Palmer-Ball, JrJ 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222^ (brainard@mindspring.com)' Editorial Advisory Board Ben Yandell THE COVER •a We thank Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. for the image of the Wood Stork ( Mycteria amer- if icana) taken 9 August 2012 at Anchorage, Jefferson County (see p. 92). Financial support! t for color reproduction in this issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest. 2012 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 87 ANALYSIS OF THE REMARKABLE CONCENTRATION OF MIGRATORY SHOREBIRDS IN HOPKINS AND McLEAN COUNTIES, MAY 2011 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Eddie Huber During the spring of 201 1, much of the eastern United States received a record amount of precipitation; six states in the Mississippi and Ohio River drainages (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia) experienced their wettest month of April ever, while three more (Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee) experienced “much above nor¬ mal” precipitation during the month (National Climatic Data Center [NCDC] 2012; Fig. 1). The abnormal precipitation resulted in record Hooding on the Mississippi River as well as some of the tributaries of the Ohio River. Exacerbating conditions along the Mississippi River was an abnormally abrupt snow melt from its upper watershed (NCDC 2012). In Kentucky, like surrounding states, the peak in abnormal rainfall occurred from mid-April to mid-May. All of the state's major rivers Hooded for several weeks, resulting in widespread damage (NCDC 2012). Fig. 1. Map of Percent of Normal Precipitation, 1-30 April 2011. (NCDC 2012). LIBRAR' 2013 ' 14853 The Green River Watershed The Green River watershed lies almost completely within south-central Kentucky (the remainder lies in a small portion of northern Tennessee) with headwaters in the eastern Highland Rim Section of the Interior Low Plateaus Physiographic Province. The stream has a drainage area of approximately 9610 mi2 (24.890 km2) (Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission 1986) and flows westward to Mammoth Cave National Park before meander¬ ing northwestward to its mouth at the Ohio River just upstream from Henderson, Kentucky. The portion of the Green River that passes through the Shawnee Hills region (often referred to as the Western Coalfield) contains a relatively wide floodplain that varies from about 0.5 mi (0.8 km) to 5.6 mi (9.0 km) in width in the lower reaches. A majority of the Green River floodplain in the Shawnee Hills region has been converted to row-crop agricultural use, with most of the area used to raise corn and soybeans. 88 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 8£ Some of the most expansive areas of floodplain occur where major tributaries empty into the mainstem. One such area lies along either side of the Hopkins County/McLear, County line southwest of the community of Rumsey, where two tributaries to the Pone River (one of the largest tributaries of the Green River) enter within 2 mi (3.2 km) upstream! from its mouth at the Green River. The lower portion of Cypress Creek parallels the Greer River for about 10 mi (16 km) and enters Pond River from the east while Otter Creek entedl the Pond River from the west. The lower floodplains of all of these streams form e relatively expansive flat, low-lying area that is very susceptible to flooding. Flood stage for the Green River on the Calhoun. Kentucky, river level gage is 23. C feet; "moderate” flood stage is considered 26.0 feet; and “major” flood stage is considered 32.0 feet (National Weather Service [NWS] 2012). During the spring of 2011, the Greer, River reached flood stage at Calhoun 14 April (NWS 2012). The river rose slowly during the subsequent three weeks, cresting at 11 feet above flood stage (34.01 ft) at Calhoun 7 May (NWS 2012; Table 1). A steady drop in water level then occurred for the next twe weeks until it finally dropped back below flood stage 23 May (NWS 2012). At the height of the flooding, at least 200 mi“ (518 km‘) were under water in vicinity of Rumsey and Calhoun (Fig. 2), and most of the state and county highways in th< area were inundated and impassable. However, soon after the river began dropping, access to the area began to improve. The network of county roads in the area allowed for relatively good access to many excellent spots where shorebirds were feeding in McLean County: access was not as good in eastern Hopkins County. Waterbird Observations The authors were unaware of the extent of the flooding in this area until we visite McLean County 15 May 2011 in an attempt to see the flock of Black-bellied Whistling- Ducks ( Dendrocygna autumnalis) that was reported a few miles south of Rumsey 14 Mav 2011 by Melissa and John Gaither (Palmer-Ball and McNeely 2011). In addition to seeing the flock of Whistling-Ducks, we also found shorebirds to be scattered about. Because the receding floodwaters were present during an excellent time for spring migratory shorebirds.' we returned to the area two more times: 20 May 201 1 with Mark Monroe and 23-24 Mayjt 2011. During these three visits, we recorded 21 species of shorebirds and recorded new one-'i day high counts of several species for the state. Details of observations from our three trips to this area during May 201 1 are summar¬ ized in the Spring Season 201 1 report in Vol. 87, No. 3 of The Kentucky Warbler (Palmer- Ball and McNeely 201 1 ). However, some of the more noteworthy observations are repeated below (all occurred in McLean County unless noted as in Hopkins County). Highlights ol our 15 May trip included 4 Ruddy Turnstones (Arenaria interpres), 8 Sanderlings ( Calidris alba), and 42 Black Terns (Chlidonias niger ), the last in Hopkins County. I lighlights from our 20 May trip with Mark Monroe included a new one-day state high count of 137 Black-bellied Plovers (Pluvial is squatarola) (both counties) in groups of 1 tc 51; 3 Black-necked Stilts (Himantopus mexicanus): 4 Ruddy Turnstones in Hopkins Coun¬ ty; a new state one-day high count of 1020 Dunlin (Calidris alpina) including a single group of at least 512 individuals in Hopkins County; at least 2 Sanderlings in Hopkins' County; and 2 Red-necked Phalaropes (Phalaropus lobatus). Our final trip 23-24 May resulted in the greatest numbers and diversity of birds and included a remarkable concentration of shorebirds in the vicinity of the KY 85 crossing ol Cypress Creek about 1.5 mi west of the community of Buttonsberry, McLean County. Ir view from one spot was a minimum of 4000 shorebirds, mostly Semipalmated Sandpipers ■ (Calidris pusilla) and Dunlin. A large loafing group was present on an "island” of oper ground north of the highway and east of the creek crossing. From this loafing area, birds 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 89 Fig. 2. Representation of extent of flooding along the Green River and several of its tributaries during May 2011 in McLean and western Hopkins Counties. 90 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 were seen trading back and forth to foraging areas up to at least 0.75 mi (1.2 km) away, i, mostly to the southwest. During the afternoon of 24 May, we were joined by Jamie Baker and John Meredig. Jamie was present with us to witness a mass exodus of most of the 4000 birds as an adult Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus ) zoomed across the roosting area and wiped the flats completely clean of birds in just a few minutes. Four thousand birds abso- i lutely vanished in the blink of an eye; some flocks could be seen swirling way up in the sky while others retreated to favored feeding areas, mostly to the southwest. After nearly an hour, many of the birds still had not returned, and the Peregrine was observed devouring a shorebird some distance south of the creek crossing. |{i p Highlights from the general area 23-24 May included a Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata) 24 May; good numbers of Black-bellied Plovers; a tardy American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica) present both days; a new one-day state high count of 1100-1300 Semipalmated Plovers (Charadrins semipalmatus) 24 May; at least 15 Black-necked Stilts, including some pairs courting, 24 May; a tardy Upland Sandpiper ( Bartarmia longicauda) I Table 1. Historical Crests of the Green River at Calhoun, McLean County (NWS 2012). a . i | . I ai . lit I Ji 1 j 1 \t k ill 1 .('! Rank River Stage (ft) Date of Crest Rank River Stage (ft) Date of Crest 1 43.75 1/27/1937 33 29.40 1/30/1933 2 42.40 1/30/1937 34 29.20 4/25/1940 3 36.80 1/01/1913 35 29.20 2/19/1946 4 36.30 1/16/1950 36 28.99 4/10/2008 5 34.37 3/11/1997 37 28.81 3/16/1967 6 34.01 5/07/2011 38 28.50 5/26/1953 7 33.97 3/10/1962 39 28.20 1/27/1959 8 33.96 3/17/1964 40 28.02 12/18/2007 9 33.60 3/08/1945 41 27.93 2/25/2003 10 33.37 2/24/1989 42 27.72 3/12/2011 11 32.90 4/07/1935 43 27.50 3/24/2008 12 32.90 2/11/1939 44 27.47 1/29/1999 13 32.60 2/25/1956 45 27.30 4/15/1942 14 32.50 3/31/1952 46 27.22 4/19/2011 15 32.47 12/16/1978 47 27.20 3/17/1994 16 32.40 5/15/1984 48 27.10 3/10/1934 17 32.30 3/27/1943 49 27.01 3/27/2002 18 32.30 2/24/1949 50 26.29 1/12/2005 19 32.20 3/29/1955 51 26.05 4/06/1970 20 32.20 2/06/1932 52 25.60 4/17/1944 21 32.00 1/21/1951 53 25.30 4/19/1994 22 31.46 5/10/2010 54 24.80 2/01/1994 23 31.20 5/08/1983 55 24.75 2/14/2008 24 31.14 3/20/1975 56 24.51 5/13/2009 25 31.10 11/27/1957 57 24.30 1/08/1947 26 30.71 3/13/1961 58 23.98 6/04/2004 27 30.40 4/16/1979 59 23.90 3/05/1987 28 30.30 2/22/1948 60 23.81 12/21/1996 29 30.10 4/15/1936 61 23.80 4/22/1998 30 30.01 1/18/1974 62 23.55 1/26/1982 31 29.84 1/05/1991 63 23.20 11/24/1988 32 29.42 2/19/1990 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 91 in Hopkins County 24 May; 14 & 19 Ruddy Turnstones 23 & 24 May, respectively (some in Hopkins County both days); at least 15 Sanderlings (5 in Hopkins County) 24 May; a new one-day state high count of 3000-3200 Semipalmated Sandpipers 24 May; at least 700 Dunlin 23 May with at least 800 counted 24 May; a state-first confirmed spring report for Buff-breasted Sandpiper ( Tryngites subrificollis ) with one photographed 23 May and re¬ markably two present 24 May; at least 20 Stilt Sandpipers (Calidris himantopus) both days; a tardy Short-billed Dowitcher ( Limnodromus griseus ) both days; a Red-necked Phalarope both days; and a Least Tern ( Sternula antillarumi) 24 May. Discussion A review of historical hydrologic data for the Green River (NWS 2012) indicates that the river has crested at or above the flood stage of 23.0 ft at Calhoun on 63 occasions in 56 of the 100 years since 1913 (Table 1). The 201 1 crest was the sixth highest recorded since 1913; the record crest of 43.75 feet was recorded 27 January 1937 (Table 1). Major floods have occurred along the Green River at Calhoun 23 times since 1913 or roughly once every four years, while moderate floods have occurred 52 times or roughly once every two years. This frequency of flooding would suggest that spring concentrations of migratory shorebirds might occur somewhat regularly in this area; however, an analysis of the dates of flood events reveals that 40 (63%) have occurred during the months of January, February and March, when large numbers of migratory shorebirds are not present. Only 17 flood events (27%) have occurred during the peak of spring shorebird migration during April (11) and May (6). Still, this suggests that on the order of once every four years there is the poten¬ tial to observe good numbers of migratory shorebirds in this area. The 201 1 flood event was the highest that has occurred during either month, although the other May crests that occurred during 1953, 1983, 1984, 2009 and 2010 likely produced good shorebirding in the same area. Periods of flooding during the winter and early spring months might be more productive for observing migratory waterfowl. The presence of an abundance of open, agricultural land in a flood-prone area suggests that future shorebird concentrations will be present during periods of receding floodwaters in this area. Birders are encouraged to watch river flow data for the Green River during periods of abnormal rainfall, especially during spring, and visit the area. Literature Cited Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission. 1986. A distributional atlas of Kentucky fishes. Scientific and Technical Series No. 4. Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commis¬ sion, Frankfort, KY. National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). 2012. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/special-reports/ 201 1 -spring-extremes/. Accessed 15 November 2012. National Weather Service (NWS). 2012. http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php ?wfo=pah&gage=calk2. Accessed 15 November 2012. Palmer-Ball, B., and L. McNeely. 2011. Spring Season 2011. The Kentucky Warbler 87:81- 98. — 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222 (Palmer-Ball) and 5001 Thurman Lane, Louisville, KY, 40299 (Huber). 92 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 88 SUMMER SEASON 2012 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely Weather conditions during June and July 2012 were overall warmer and drier than normal. Average temperatures during June were close to normal, although the last few days were very hot, and record highs of 105°F„ 108°F„ and 1 10°F. were reported at Louisville, |1 Paducah, and Bowling Green, respectively, 29 June. Temperatures during July continued to be warmer than normal statewide, with Paducah recording 28 days during the month with a high of greater than 90°F. Precipitation was much lower than normal during June, espe¬ cially in southern and western Kentucky, where Paducah and Bowling Green received less than one-fourth the normal rainfall during the month. During July, precipitation continued to be below normal in most parts of the state, especially across the far west, where Paducah I received only one-half of normal rainfall. Rarity highlights included Black-bellied Whist¬ ling-Duck, Wood Stork, and Purple Gallinule. This year's Least Tern nesting season appeared to be relatively successful. Publication of any unusual sightings in the seasonal report does not imply that these reports have been accepted for inclusion in the official checklist of Kentucky birds. Reports i of out-of-season birds and rarities should be accompanied by written and/or photographic documentation. This documentation is reviewed by 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; “t" next to an observer’s initials indicates that written details were submitted with the report; ad(s). = adult(s); juv(s). = juvenile(s); m. ob. = multiple observers; Place names: Blood River = Blood River embayment of Kentucky Lake. Calloway ; Falls of the Ohio = Jefferson ; Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment Lake Cumberland. Pulaski: Kuttawa = Lake Barkley at Kuttawa, Lyon: Kv Lake = Kentucky Lake, Marshall (unless otherwise noted); Melco = Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson: Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan: Rock Bridge = Rock Bridge Loop Trail, Daniel Boone National Forest, Wolfe: Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson: SNP = State Nature Preserve; WMA = Wildlife Manage¬ ment Area. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck - 2 (a pair?) were present at a pond on the nw. side of Elizabethtown. Hardin , 23 June-20 July (ph. TS, et al.). KBRC review required. Ring-necked Duck - a male on the Ohio River just above Uniontown Dam. Union , 13 July (ph. CCr) may have been sum¬ mering. Lesser Scaup - 12 lingering at Kuttawa 12 June (.IS) were likely injured. Red-breasted Merganser - 2 loafing along the w. end of Kentucky Dam, Marshall, 12 June (ph. JS) were very tardy or sum¬ mering. Common Loon - there were two reports: 1 on Ky Lake above the dam 12 June (JS) and 1 on Ky Lake at White Beach. Cal¬ loway, 2 1 July (ph. HC, ME). Pied-billed Grebe - 1 lingered at Pond Creek Marsh. Sauerheber, to at least 12 June (CCr); 1 on Lake Nevin, Bemheim Forest, Bullitt, 29 July (SD) was likely an early migrant. Wood Stork - there were two reports: 4 near the s. end of Flat Lake Swamp. Boat¬ wright WMA. Ballard, 23-24 July (RC, ph. GB. KK); and I at Anchorage, Jeffer¬ son, 30 July (JBe, ph. PB) into August (m. ob.). KBRC review' required. Double-crested Cormorant — small num¬ bers were reported at the following loca¬ tions where breeding has not been docu- 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 93 merited: 1 on the Ohio River at Russell, Greenup , 3 June (CCh); 1-2 on the Casey Creek embayment of Green River Lake, Adair , during the season (RD); 2 at Lake Reba, Madison , 24 June (AN); 1 at Fish¬ ing Creek 6-27 July (RD); and 1 on the Pitman Creek embayment of Lake Cum¬ berland, Pulaski , 15 July (RD). Mississippi Kite, Jefferson 22 June 2012 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. American White Pelican - 2 were on Ky Lake at the US 68/KY 80 bridge, Trigg. 2 June (DSs, LP); 2 lingering and mal¬ nourished birds were retrieved from a pond in Calloway 8 June (HC); 28 were seen over the Mississippi River, Fulton , 19 July (HC, ME). Little Blue Heron - an ad. continued at Prospect, Jefferson , to 3 June (JS) with perhaps the same bird seen at the Falls of the Ohio off and on through July (EHu, DSt, et al.); also of interest were 1 at Sau- erheber 9/12 June (CCr); 2 at Owsley Fork Lake, Madison, 26 July (RD) and 1 at Green River Lake, Adair, 28 July (RD). Snowy Egret - there were three reports of birds away from w. Kentucky: I along J. Dance Road, w. Henderson, 5 June (CCr); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 5 June-29 July (DSt, TB, EHu, et al.) with 2 reported . there 12 June/20 July (TB, CF) and 3 re¬ ported there 29 July (SW); and 1 at Guth¬ rie Swamp, Todd, 21 July (MBe) with 3 there 27 July (TD). Black-crowned Night-Heron - reports of interest included the following at sites where the species has not been docu¬ mented to nest: 2 at the Persimmon Ridge Golf Club, Shelby, 6 July (JMn) and 1 at Green River Lake, Adair, 7 July (RD). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - there were two reports: 2 along Cypress Creek, Mar¬ shall, 12 June (JS) and an ad. at the Falls of the Ohio 10 June/3 July (MAu, ph. TB, et ah). Black Vulture - a tally of 225 at Wises Landing along the Ohio River, Trimble, 15 July (MC) was extraordinary for sum¬ mer. Mississippi Kite - there were two reports of birds away from known breeding areas: an unspecified number at Sinclair WMA, Muhlenberg, during mid-June (EW); and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm, Jefferson, 22 June (ph. BP). Osprey - reports of interest included 1 at Lexington 20 June/26 July (SM, RB) and I at Lake Linville, Rockcastle, 26 July (RD). Sandhill Cranes, Union 10 June 2012 Alan Gehret Bald Eagle - the nesting pair at Shipping- port Island. Jejferson, was successful in fledging at least one young (TB et ah). Sandhill Crane - 4 birds were present near Waverly, Union, 1-19 June (BT, ph. AG) and may have been summering. 94 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 Purple Gallinule - 1 was present on a pond near Sharkey, Rowan , 5-16 July (MW, ph. JS/CS). KBRC review required. Common Gallinule - there was one report: 1 at the KY 502 crossing of Clear Creek, Hopkins. 6 June (JMr). American Coot - there were five reports of lingering birds: 5 at Melco 4 June (EHu, MC) with 1 still there 5 June (BP); I at Pumphouse Pond, Pulaski (RD) and 2 at Kuttawa (JS), both 12 June; 1 at Camp Ernst Lake, Boone , 18 June (LM); and up to 5 at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, through June and early July (ph. CCr) with 3 last seen there 20 July (CCr). Franklin’s Gull - 1 was present at the Lou¬ isville landfill, s. Jefferson. 3-7 June (ph. RA). Ring-billed Gull - 5 were still at the Falls of the Ohio 7 June (JG, CF) with 1 still there 12 June (TB, CF); as is the norm, a few were present on Ky Lake and Lake Barkley, Lyon, during June; ca. 250 had returned to Ky Lake by 26 July (HC). Herring Gull - an imm. (probably second- year) was present at the Falls of the Ohio off and on from early June to 3 July (GH, TB, CF, et al.) with 2 imms. there 10 June (MAu). Black Tern — 2 were observed downstream of Kentucky Bend on the Mississippi River. Fulton. 5 June (EHa). Least Tern - low water during the season allowed for nesting to occur at no fewer than 18 sites on the lower Ohio and Mis¬ sissippi Rivers, but it also allowed for ac¬ cess by predators and humans to some sites, resulting in diminishment of nesting success (JBr); the two largest colonies involved 400-500 pairs along the west side of Kentucky Bend, Fulton, and near Island No. 1, Carlisle (JBr); other sites all harbored from several to fewer than 100 pairs. A few birds again attempted to nest on a gravel bar just into Indiana waters on the Ohio River downstream from Lewis- port, Hancock (DA). Semipalmated Plover - I se. of Mt. Zion. Allen. 3 June (MBr) was the latest to be reported. Spotted Sandpiper - a lingering bird was present at Melco to 20 June (EHu) with¬ out evidence of nesting; earliest returning fall migrants included singles at Fishing Creek 6 July (RD), Minor Clark 7 July (JS), and on the Green River at Figett i Bend, Hart. 8 July (JS). Solitary Sandpiper - 1 at Minor Clark 7 July (JS) was the earliest fall migrant to be reported. Lesser Yellowlegs - 2 at Melco 4 June (MC) were likely tardy spring migrants; ' 16 were at Fishing Creek by 13 July (RD). Semipalmated Sandpiper - 18 were still at Melco 4 June (MC) with 11 there 5 June (BP) and 1 last seen there 1 1 June (EHu, TB). Least Sandpiper - 2 at Fishing Creek 6 July (RD) and 4 at Minor Clark 7 July (JS) : were the earliest returning fall birds; 13 were at the Falls of the Ohio by 14 July (BP). White-rumped Sandpiper - 2 were seen along the Ohio River at Otter Creek Park, Meade, 9 June (BW. BBC). Baird’s Sandpiper - 2 were at the Falls of the Ohio 27 July (DSt) with 1 still there 29 July (TB. CF). Stilt Sandpiper - 2 at Guthrie Swamp. Todd, 22 July (MBe) and 5 on the Ohio River, McCracken, 27 July (JBr) were the earliest returning fall birds reported. Short-billed Dowitcher - 2 at Fishing Creek 13 July (RD) were the earliest re¬ turning fall birds reported. Wilson's Phalarope - a female at Melco 4 June (ph. EHu. MC) was apparently a tar¬ dy spring migrant. Black-billed Cuckoo - there was only one report: 1 heard calling at Boone Cliffs SNP, Boone, 3 June (JF. LHo). Barn Owl - there was only one report: a family group near Munfordville, Hart, during late June (D&CG .fide SK). Rubv-throated Hummingbird - a female used the same nest for the third year in a row on a porch at a home in Pewee Val¬ ley, Oldham, during the season; she has 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 95 raised two broods in the nest each year (MK, ph. RT). Ruby-throated Hummingbird on nest Oldham , June 2012 Russ Thompson Olive-sided Flycatcher - 1 seen and heard singing at Metropolis Lake SNP, Mc¬ Cracken i, 19 June (fJS) represented the first ever for the state during mid-June. Willow Flycatcher - I along Old KY 90, w. of Frazer, Wayne, I June (RD) was a local first. Bell’s Vireo - 1 singing w. of Buma, Liv¬ ingston, 14 June (BP) was not near known breeding areas. Purple Martin - the near-record heat of early July resulted in mortality of some nestlings (SM, SF, et al.). Traditional roosts began forming by the third week of July at several locales, although a roost did not form at Lexington this year. Bank Swallow - 2000-3000 were seen e. of the Long Point Unit Reelfoot NWR, Ful¬ ton, 26 July (ph. JMr). Fish Crow - 2 were seen near Bayou, Liv¬ ingston, 14 June (BP). Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1 was heard call¬ ing at the traditional nesting area at Rock Bridge 2 June (JS). . Sedge Wren - there were three reports: 1 heard calling at Surrey Hills Farm, Jef¬ ferson, 29 July (BP); 1 seen at the Ken Unit Peabody WMA, Ohio, 30 July (KH); and I heard along Utley Road near Clear Creek WMA, Hopkins, 31 July (JS). Chestnut-sided Warbler - a tardy migrant or possibly summering bird was seen and heard singing at Rock Bridge 2 June (JS). Cerulean Warbler - an active nest was located on the Highland Creek Unit of Sloughs WMA, Union , 14 June (ph. CCr); it was about 35 ft (10.8 m) up in a sweet- gum tree. Wilson’s Warbler - 1 at Blood River 5 June (HC) represented a new late depar¬ ture date for the state by five days. Bachman’s Sparrow - the only report was of 2 birds at Ft. Campbell, Trigg, 3 July (DM et al.). Lark Sparrow - there were five reports: 1 in n. Calloway 3 June (HC); up to 3 along McDonald Landing Road, w. Henderson, 15 June (ph. CCr) with 4 (likely a family group) there 21 July (CCr); 1-4 at Ft. Campbell, Trigg, during the season that included a pair building a nest 7 June (DM); 1 near Dot, Logan, 25 June (FL); and 1 just w. of Hickman, Fulton, 31 July (JS). Henslow’s Sparrow - a few in the Land Be¬ tween the Lakes Elk-Bison Prairie, Trigg, 5 June (BL) represented a local first. Savannah Sparrow - “several” on a farm w. of Marksbury, nw. Garrard, 17 June (ph. MGa) were likely on territory. White-throated Sparrow - 1 was reported at Maysville, Mason, 15 July (fFS). White-crowned Sparrow - 1 was seen and heard singing at Richmond, Madison, 15 June (LAN). Rose-breasted Grosbeak - there were two reports: a pair at Boone Cliffs SNP, Boone, 3 June (JF, LHo) and 1 at Marcus, sw. Pendleton, 4 June (ph. LHa). Bobolink - there were three reports: a male along New Buck Creek Road, Allen, 8 June (SB); 3 at Clay WMA, Nicholas, 5 July (MW, MGr, MAs); and “several” singing males on a farm w. of Marksbury, nw. Garrard , 17 June (ph. MGa). 96 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 88 Observers: Ryan Ankeny (RA). Maria Ashcraft (MAs), Michael Autin (MAu), David Ayer (DA), Tom Becker (TB), Beckham Bird Club (BBC), Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell (PB), Mark Bennett (MBe), Matthew Brubaker (MBr), Stephen Brubaker (SB), John Brunjes (JBr), Rhonda Bryant (RB), Gerald Burnett (GB), Michael Callan (MC). Hap Chambers (HC), Cory' Chiappone (CCh), Robert Colvis (RC), Charlie Crawford (CCr), Roseanna Denton (RD), Scott Dickman (SD), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Connie Farmer (CF). Scott Freidhof (SF), Jon Frodge (JF), Judy Galitzine (JG), Mark Garland (MGa), Alan Gehret (AG), Don & Carol Green (D&CG), Micky Greene (MGr), Laura Haggarty (LHa), Erin Harper (EHa), Gerald Heath (GH), Kate Heyden (KH), Les Houser (LHo), Eddie Huber (EHu), Mary Jane Kinser (MK), Steve Kistler (SK), Kory Knight (KK). Bill Lisowky (BL), Frank Lyne (FL), John MacGregor (JMr), John Mann (JMn), Scott Marsh (SM), Lee McNeely (LM), Daniel Moss (DM), Andy Newman (AN), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP), Leslie Potts (LP), Frances Shirley (FS), Tony Smith (TS), Carol Sole (CS), Jeff Sole (JS). Daniel Stephens (DSs), Del Striegel (DSt), Brian Thompson (BT), Russ Thompson (RT), Sean Ward (SW), Eric Williams (EW), Barbara Woerner (BW), Mike Wright (MW). KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL 2012 MEETING Mammoth Cave National Park September 28-30, 2012 Blaine Ferrell, Recording Secretary Registration for the meeting opened at 6:00 p.m. on Friday September 28. 2012 at the Mammoth Cave National Park lodge lobby. The Friday evening meeting was held in the conference room. Vice President Steve Kistler called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. He began the program by presenting a photographic quiz on Kentucky birds. The speaker for the evening was Chris Sloan, a member of the Tennessee Ornitholog¬ ical Society. His talk included a number of excellent photographs of the birds of the Galapagos Islands. After a brief history of the geological formation of the archipelago, he gave a travelogue of his journey among the islands last November. There are 32 endemic species with each island hosting its own species. He presented slides of endemics and other birds of interest, as well as crabs, iguanas and other wildlife. Mr. Sloan described the char¬ acteristics of each of the Darw in Finches as well as the habitat they prefer. It was an excel¬ lent and informative talk which generated many questions from KOS members. Vice President Steve Kistler informed the audience regarding field trips planned for Saturday morning in Mammoth Cave National Park, led by Jane and Pat Bell. Tom Durbin and Lee McNeely. The meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m. and was followed by a social hour. Field trips left the lodge at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. The Board met in the lodge conference room. The Board meeting was called to order by President Besse at 2:05 p.m. and adjourned at 3:47 p.m. The Saturday evening business meeting was held in lodge conference room. Carol Besse called the meeting to order at 7:17 p.m. and began the meeting by thanking Steve Kistler, Vice President, for the work he did organizing the meeting. She introduced Steve Kistler. Chair of the Nominating Committee, who presented the slate of officers on behalf nominating committee members. Scott Marsh, and Mark Bennett. The slate consisted of Carol Besse to continue as President. Steve Kistler to continue as Vice President, Brainard Palmer-Ball as Treasurer, Tee McNeely as Corresponding Secretary, Blaine Ferrell as 1 Recording Secretary, and Jane and Pat Bell as Councilors. Carol Besse thanked retiring councilors Mar}' Yandcll and Mark Bennett for their service. Fred Busroe recommended that nominations cease and the slate was accepted by acclamation. 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 97 Carol Besse introduced the guest speaker. Dr. Jeb Barzen, director of Field Ecology for the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin. He gave an excellent presen¬ tation on Sandhill Cranes. He discussed how his group looks for ways to address human- crane conflicts across the world, particularly regarding crop damage. He used an example of a win-win solution the ICF brokered in Vietnam that resulted in economic benefits to people and habitat preservation for cranes. In the United States, he described a program to address damage to com crops by cranes that involves treating seeds with anthroquinones that deter the birds from pulling up com seedlings. The crop treatment allows cranes to enter cornfields and forage on other foods without causing damage to seedlings. Although the ICF is neutral on the subject on crane hunting, Mr. Barzen addressed the topic by enu¬ merating the three reasons that are generally used to justify hunting: 1 ) to stop crop damage, 2) to keep populations under control, and/or 3) because people want to. Crop damage can be stopped using programs like the one he described. He indicated that cranes can live for up to 23 years and the population is currently self-regulating in Wisconsin due to the limi¬ tations on suitable habitat for breeding territories. Therefore, Sandhill Crane hunting comes down to the third reason and people need to work together to decide how they want to use this resource. There were many questions after this timely and engaging presentation. Blaine Ferrell compiled the list of birds observed during Friday and Saturday field trips. There was a total of 86 species observed. Eight additional species were added to the list on Sunday field trips. Steve Kistler announced the field trips for Sunday morning set for 8:00 a.m. Lee McNeely and Scott Marsh led trips near the park visitor’s area and Blaine Ferrell led a trip to a prairie restoration project near the entrance to Mammoth Cave National Park. Jeff Sole explained the history of this prairie restoration project and how the Nature Conservancy played a major role in its establishment. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m. Attendance at the Fall 2012 K.O.S. Meeting Bagdad: Bowling Green: Burlington: Carlisle: Danville: Elizabethtown: Frankfort: Glasgow: Greenville: Lawrenceburg: Lexington: Horace Brown Tom Durbin, Blaine Ferrell Lee McNeely Ginny & Wendell Kingsolver Ginny & Neil Eklund Janet Gebler Kay Harker, Jessi Miller, Jeff Sole Linda Craiger, Sandra Moss Steve & Teresa Graham Terry Anderson Rhonda Bryant, Phyllis Deal. Scott Marsh, Ronan O’Carra. Joe Swanson. Bobbi & Lou Shain, Jim Williams Jane & Pat Bell, Carl & JoAnn Bochmann, Carol Besse, Richard Cassell, Eddie Huber, Ben & Mary Yandell Fred, Joanna. & Katie Busroe Janet & Steve Kistler Kandy Carstens, Hap Chambers, Kathy Cohen, Melissa Easley, Bonnie & Sam McNeely Win Ahrens Roseanna Denton Bonnie Avery Edge & Jerry Wade Seth Spencer Tom Becker, Colleen Craven-Becker Chris Sloan Louisville: Morehead: Munfordville: Murray: Prospect: Science Hill: Upton: Columbia, MO: Duluth, MN: Floyds Knobs, IN: Nashville, TN: 98 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 Birds Observed at the Fall 2012 K.O.S. Meeting Mammoth Cave National Park The following species were observed by KOS members during the weekend of 28-30 Sep¬ tember 2012 at Mammoth Cave National Park: Canada Goose, Wild Turkey, Double- crested Cormorant. Great Blue Heron. Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture. Bald Eagle, Sharp- shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk. Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel. Merlin. Killdeer. Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Eastern Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hum¬ mingbird. Belted Kingfisher. Red-headed Woodpecker. Red-bellied Woodpecker. Yellow- bellied Sapsucker. Downy Woodpecker, Hair}' Woodpecker. Northern Flicker. Pileated Woodpecker. Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe. Great Crested Flycatcher. White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo. Red-eyed Vireo. Blue Jay, American Crow. Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse. Red-breasted Nuthatch. White-breasted Nut¬ hatch. Carolina Wren, Winter Wren. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Eastern Bluebird. Gray¬ cheeked Thrush. Swainson's Thrush. Wood Thrush. American Robin. Gray Catbird. Nor¬ thern Mockingbird. Brown Thrasher, European Starling. Cedar Waxwing. Golden-winged Warbler. Tennessee Warbler. Nashville Warbler. Northern Parula Chestnut-sided Warbler. Magnolia Warbler. Black-throated Blue Warbler. Yellow-rumped Warbler. Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow -throated Warbler. Pine Warbler. Palm Warbler. Bay-breasted Warbler. Black-and-white Warbler. American Redstart, Ovenbird. Common Yellowthroat. Hooded Warbler. Wilson's Warbler. Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tan- ager. Eastern Tovvhee. Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow'. Swamp Sparrow'. White-throated Sparrow. Dark-eyed Junco. Northern Cardinal. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Indigo Bunting. Eastern Meadowlark. Common Crackle. Baltimore Oriole. American Goldfinch, and House Sparrow. The total number of species for the weekend was 92. 14TH REPORT OF THE KENTUCKY BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE Ben Yandell, KBRC Secretary-Chair The Kentucky Bird Records Committee (KBRC) maintains the official list of bird spe¬ cies documented as having occurred within the state. The committee receives documenta¬ tion of bird observations and takes formal votes to determine whether the documentation substantiates the natural occurrence of the species in the w ild and w ithin state boundaries. Only rare, out-of-season, or out-of-area species require review by the KBRC. The most recent previously published KBRC report appeared in 2009 (Yandell. B. The Kentucky Warbler 85(4 ):99- 1 03 ). A list of review species is maintained online at kybirdrecords.org. This report covers votes conducted from October 2009 to April 2012. The report includes 88 approved reports, five reports that were not accepted, and one previously ac¬ cepted report that was removed from the state's official list. About 70 reports are pending committee action. These actions by the KBRC add five species to the official Kentucky list: Black- bellied Whistling-Duck. Ferruginous Hawk. Mew Gull. Parasitic Jaeger, and Gray King¬ bird. In concert with action by the Tennessee Bird Records Committee. KBRC re-reviewed and removed Masked Duck from the state's list. The official Kentucky list now stands at 384 species. Committee members participating in these actions were Hap Chambers. Rose- anna Denton. Eddie Huber, Earn Peavler, David Roemer. and Ben Yandell (Secretary - Chair). Each report listed below is in the following sequence: Scientific Name. English Name (# if >1) [KBRC report #]: Date(s) present; Location. County name ; [Reporters) initials (+=written documentation; ph=photograph; vt=videotape)]. 2012 Accepted Reports: THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 99 Dendrocygna autumnalis. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (5) [#2010.016] 20 May 2010; Nr. Rumsey, McLean [MG (ph)] Dendrocvgna autumnalis. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck [#2010.018] 13-19 June 2010; McEIroy Lake [DR (t/ph)] Anas penelope. Eurasian Wigeon [#2008.010] 17 Mar 1988; Ohio River above Meldahl Dam, Bracken [JS (t )] Anas rubripes. Mottled Duck [#2009.018] 31 Jul 2009; Lake No. 9 [DR (+/ph)] Anas rubripes. Mottled Duck [#2010.020] 3-7 July 2010; McEIroy Lake [DR (i'/ph) | Anas rubripes. Mottled Duck [#2010.023] 10-12 July 2010; KY 94 at Mud Creek, Fulton [BY (t/ph), MY (ph), EH, HC (ph)] Anas cyanoptera. Cinnamon Teal [#2008.014] 15 Apr 2008; McEIroy Lake [DR (ph)] Bucephala islandica. Barrow's Goldeneye [#2009.038] 1 1 Dec 2009; Kentucky Lake above dam, Marshall [DR (t)] Gavta pacifica. Pacific Loon [#2009.030] 13-17 Oct 2009; Barren River Lake [DR (ph), DB] Gavia pacifica. Pacific Loon [#2009.040] 16-19+ Dec 2009; Kentucky Lake, Marshall [DR (ph), EH (ph), et al] Gavia pacifica. Pacific Loon [#2010.009] 23-24 April 2010; Cave Run Lake, Bath [BP (ph), EH] Podiceps grisegena. Red-necked Grebe [#2008.050] 17-20 Dec 2008; Green River Lake, Taylor [EH (ph), BP (ph)] Aechmophorus sp Western/Clark's Grebe [#2010.019] 4 May 2010; Kentucky Lake above dam, Marshall [K&MC (t)] Anhmga anhinga. Anhinga [#2009.005] 26 Mar 2009; US 51 nw. of Wickliffe, Ballard [JB (+)] Anhinga anhinga. Anhinga [#2009.016] 13 Jul 2009; Long Point Unit [DR (f )] Pelecanus occidentalis. Brown Pelican [#2008.049] 10-22 Dec 2008; Kentucky Dam [HC (ph), ME] Pelecanus occidentalis. Brown Pelican [#2009.007] 23-25 April 2009; Lake Cumberland, Russell [T&CS (ph)] Pelecanus occidentalis. Brown Pelican [#2009.008] 6-8 May 2009; Cave Run Lake, Bath [CL (ph)] Pelecanus occidentalis. Brown Pelican [#2009.009] 16 May-12 June 2009; Lake Carnico, Nicholas [W&VK, WH, ph. MMo (ph), et al ] Pelecanus occidentalis. Brown Pelican [#2009.010] 13 Jul 2009; Ohio River at Dayton, Campbell [FR (Ph)] Pelecanus occidentalis. Brown Pelican [#2009.01 1] 14 Jul 2009; Ohio River above Charlestown, IN, Oldham [WB (t/ph)] Eudocimus albus. White Ibis [#2009.019] 21-22 Aug 2009; Melco [BP (ph), EH (ph), et al ] Eudocimus albus. White Ibis [#2009.021] 26-27 Aug 2009; Pitman Creek, Taylor [RK, JM (ph)] Eudocimus albus. White Ibis [#2009.033] 11-21 Nov 2009; Cave Run Lake, Bath [JW ( f), RJ (ph)] Eudocimus albus. White Ibis (3) [#2010.021] 6 Jul 2010; Lake No. 9 [HC (t/ph), ME] Eudocimus albus. White Ibis [#2010.022] 8-21 July 2010; Falls of the Ohio [EH (t/ph)] Eudocimus albus. White Ibis (1-3) [#2010.024] 11-15 July 2010; KY 739 pond, Logan [DR (t/ph), MBe, FL, et al ] Eudocimus albus. White Ibis (6) [#2010.026] 13-18 July 2010; McEIroy Lake [D&SH, EH (ph), et al ] Eudocimus albus. White Ibis [#2010.027] 20 Jul 2010; Morgan Pond, Christian [DR (t/ph), TD, et al.] Eudocimus albus. White Ibis [#2010.028] 5 Aug 2010; Lake No. 9 [DR (t/ph)] Eudocimus albus. White Ibis (9) [#2010.032] 18-19 Aug 2010; Nr. Obion WMA, Fulton [RD, HC, et al] Plegadis chihi. White-faced Ibis [#2009.027] 10-15 Oct 2009; Sauerheber [DR (ph), BY (ph), et al ] Plegadis sp. Plegadis ibis [#2010.007] 17 Apr 2010 Sauerheber [DR (t), DA] Buteo regalis. Ferruginous Hawk [#2012.003] mid-Feb-12 May 2012; Cincinnati/N. Ky Airport, Boone [RC (ph), et al ] Coturnicops noveboracensis. Yellow Rail [#2007.019] 23 Mar 2007; Rural ne. Crittenden [BMh (t)] Porphyrio martinicus. Purple Gallinuie [#2010.010] 3 May 2010; Sauerheber Unit [CC (ph), EH] ■ Porphyrio martinicus. Purple Gallinuie [#2010.01 1 ] 4-8 May 2010; McEIroy Lake [DR (ph), et al ] Porphyrio martinicus. Purple Gallinuie [#2010.012] 6-8 May 2010; Nr. Petersburg, Boone [LM, KCa (vt), JCm] Xema sabim. Sabine's Gull [#2009.022] 8 Sep 2009; Camp #9, Union [BP (ph)] Hydrocoloeus minutus. Little Gull [#2010.005] 23-24 Jan 2010; Honker Bay, Lyon [BY (ph), MY, EH] 100 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 Larus canus. Mew Gull [#2009.031 ] 18 Oct 2009; Barren River Lake [DR (ph. )J Larus canus. Mew Gull [#2010 04 1 ] 1 8-24 Oct 2010; Barren River Lake [DR (ph.)] Larus cahfornicus. California Gull [#2009.032] 19 Oct-3 Nov 2009; Barren River Lake [DR (ph.)] Larus califormcus. California Gull [#2010.004] 19-23 Jan 2010; Kentucky Dam [BP (t), EH] Larus glaucoides. Iceland Gull [#2009.002] 26, 31 Jan 2009; Kentucky Dam [BP (+), EH (ph)] Larus fuscus. Lesser Black-backed Gull [#2009.043] 16-31 Oct 2009; Barren River Lake [DR (+/ph. )] Larus marinus. Great Black-backed Gull [#2007.041] 16-17 Nov 2007; Kentucky Dam [BP (+)| Larus marinus Great Black-backed Gull [#2009.003] 29 Jan-I I May 2009; Kentucky Dam [DR (ph ), et al] Larus marinus. Great Black-backed Gull [#2009.034] 21-26 Nov 2009; Falls of the Ohio [MA, BY (ph), MY, EH] Larus marinus. Great Black-backed Gull [#2010.003] 14 Jan 2010; Smithland Dam, Livingston [TD (t)] Pluviahs squataro/a. Black-bellied Plover (4) [#2008.047] 25 Nov-14 Dec 2008; Jonathan Creek, Marshall [HC (t), et al ] Tringa sohtana. Solitary Sandpiper [#2008 048] 1 7 Dec 2008; Dewey Lake, Warren [BF (t)] Numenius phaeopus. Whimbrel [#2010.006] 12 Apr 2010; Lexington. Fayette [DSv (t)] Numenius phaeopus. Whimbrel (3) [#2010.014] 1 5 May 2010; Nr. Open Pond, Fulton [MY, BY (f)] Numenius phaeopus. Whimbrel [#2010.025] 13 Jul 2010; McElroy Lake [DR (t/ph ) ] Limosa haemastica. Hudsonian Godwit [#2009.023] 17-21 Sep 2009; Ballard WMA, Ballard [DM (Ph)] Limosa haemastica. Hudsonian Godwit (4) [#2010.017] 3-4 June 10;McElroy Lake [DR (ph)] Limosa fedoa. Marbled Godwit [#2008.033] 26 Apr 2008; Falls of the Ohio [DSt (t), T&CB] Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked Phalarope [#2009.024] 21-27 Sept 2009; Falls of the Ohio [BP (ph) et al . ] Phalaropus fulicarius Red Phalarope [#2009.026] 1-2 Oct 2009; Melco [MA, EH (ph), et al ] Stercorarius parasiticus. Parasitic Jaeger [#2011.019] 10-14 Sept 11; Barren River Lake [DR, MY (ph ). et al ] Stercorarius longicaudus. Long-tailed Jaeger |#201 1.018] 10 Sep 201 1; Barren River Lake [DR, MY (ph ), et al ] Zenaida asiatica. White-winged Dove [#2009.020] 23 Aug 2009; Independence, Kenton [DM (t)] Columbina inca. Inca Dove [#2010.033] 19 Aug 2010; Lower Hickman Bottoms, Fulton [MMo. BP (t), EH] Chordeiles minor. Common Nighthawk [#2009.036] 1 Dec 2009; Louisville Landfill, Jefferson [RA (f/ph.)] Sayornis soya. Say's Phoebe [#2009.025] 26 Sep 2009; LBL Nature Station, Lyon [K&MC (f ). et al ] Sayornis soya. Say's Phoebe [#2009.028] 1 1 Oct 2009; Camp #9. Union [BP (ph), EH (ph)] Sayornis soya. Say's Phoebe [#2010.034] 1 1 Sep 2010; Surrey Hills Farm, Jefferson [BP (ph)] Tyrannus verticals. Western Kingbird [#2009.013] 9 May 2009; East Bend Power Station, Boone [LM, KCa (ph.)] Tyrannus verticalis Western Kingbird [#2010.008] 22 Apr 2010; Nr. Maynard, Allen [DR (ph.)] Tyrannus dominicensis. Gray Kingbird |#201 1.007] 24-26 April 201 1 , Nr. Rabbit Hash, Boone [LM (t), JCm (ph.)] Lanius excubitor. Northern Shrike [#2008.007] 2-5 Feb 2008; Tom Sawyer SP, Jefferson [CBo (+), EH (t)] Lanius excubitor Northern Shrike [#2009.004] 4-5 March 2009; Melco [EH (ph), BP (ph), et al ] lireo gnseus. White-eyed Vireo [#2009.037] 1 1 Dec 2009; Kendall Recreation Area, Russell [RD (t)] Poecile atricapillus. Black-capped Chickadee [#2007.044] 5 Dec 2007; Yatesville Lake WMA, Lawrence [BP (f)] Poecile atricapillus Black-capped Chickadee [#2008 006] 2 Feb-1 Mar 2008; Blaine, Lawrence [EH (ph), BP (t)| Oreothlypis ruficapilla. Nashville Warbler [#2008.051] 27 Dec 2008; Ryle Road, Boone [LM (t)] Geothlypis Philadelphia Mourning Warbler [#2005.025] 17 Dec 2005; Jonathan Creek Bottom, Marshall [CM (+)] Setophaga dominica. Yellow-throated Warbler [#2009.035] 26 Nov 2009; Russellville, Logan [MBe (t)] Spizella pallida. Clay-colored Sparrow [#2008.046] 3 Oct 2008; Melco [EH. BP (t)] Spizella pallida. Clay-colored Sparrow (4) [#2009.012] 8 May 2009; Lexington Cemetery [JS (ph)] Zonotrichia querula. Harris's sparrow [#2010.002] 3-30 Jan 2010; Crestwood, Oldham [JC1 (ph)] 2012 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 10J. Piranga rubra. Summer Tanager [#2010.0011 19 Dec 2009^1 Jan 2010; Frankfort, Franklin [MS (Ph)] Pheucticus melanoceplialus. Black-headed Grosbeak [#2009.017] 2 May 2009; Frankfort, Franklin [JF (t)] Passerina ciris. Painted Bunting [#2009.006] 27 Apr 1997; W. of Science Hill, Pulaski [RD (t)] Passerina ciris. Painted Bunting [#2009.014] 9 May 2009; N. of Murray, Calloway [MMi (+)] Spiza americana. Dickcissel [#2009.001] 16-17 Jan 2009; Pleasant Hill Church Rd., Trigg [P&BL (ph)] Spiza americana. Dickcissel [#2009.039] 14 Dec 2009; Kendall Recreation Area, Russell [RD (t)] Unaccepted Reports: Nomonyx dominicus. Masked Duck [#2009.041] 15 Apr 1974; Long Point Unit [WF (f), PC ( ph/t )] Cynanthus latirostris. Broad-billed Hummingbird [#2010.044] 30 Oct-7 Nov 2010; Madisonville, Hopkins [BJ (ph)] Polioptila caerulea Blue-gray Gnatcatcher [#2006.022 ] 17 Dec 2005; Off Simpson Ln , Madison [BMx, KN] Turdus grayi. Clay-colored Thrush [#2009.042] 15 Oct 2002; Clay's Ferry, Fayette [DF, SM] Spizella pallida. Clay-colored Sparrow [#2010.040] 15 Oct 2010; Melco [MA (t )] Spizella pallida. Clay-colored Sparrow [#2004.005] 7 May 2004; Clay WMA, Nicholas [KS (t)] Locations: Barren River Lake, Allen! Barren, McElroy Lake, Warren, Falls of the Ohio, Jefferson, Kentucky Dam, Livingston/ Marshall', Lake No. 9, Fulton, Lexington, Fay¬ ette ; Long Point Unit, Reelfoot NWR, Fulton, Melco, Melco Flood Retention Basin, Jefferson, Sauerheber Unit, Sloughs WMA, Henderson. Reporters: Ryan Ankeny (RA), Michael Autin (MA), David Ayer (DA), Wanda Bartholomai ( WB), Tom & Colleen Becker (T&CB), Mark Bennett (MBe), Carl Bochmann (CBo), David Brown (DB), John Brunjes (JB), John Callahan (JC1), Joe Caminiti (JCm), Kathy Caminiti (KCa), Hap Chambers (HC), Kathy & Michael Cohen (K&MC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Paul Crawford (PC), Rodney Crice (RC), Roseanna Denton (RD), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Blaine Ferrell (BF), David Fine (DF), William Fintel (WF), Jim Fries (JF), Melissa Gaither (MG), Wendell Haag (WH), Debbie & Steve Hamilton (D&SH), Eddie Huber (EH), Becky Jackson (BJ), Rachel Jenkins (RJ), Richie Kessler (RK), Wendell & Virginia Kingsolver (W&VK), Chris Leffler (CL), Paula & Bill Lisowsky (P&BL), Frank Lyne (FL), Bill Mahan (BMh), Don Martin (DM), Betty Maxson (BMx), John McDermond (JM), Lee McNeely (LM), Mike Miller (MMi), Mark Monroe (MMo), Steve Morrison (SM), Carl Mowery (CM), Kay Neikirk (KN), Brainard Palmer- Ball, Jr. (BP), Frank Renfrow (FR), David Roemer (DR), Mike Schillhahn (MS), Kurt Schwarz (KS), Jay Stenger (JS), Del Striegel (DSt), Tom & Carol Stroud (T&CS), Dave Svetich (DSv), Joe Swanson (JS), Jim Williams (JW), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY). — 513 Lymington Ct., Louisville, KY, 40243; ( secv@kvbirdrecords.org) FIELD NOTE Correction of Possible Peregrine Falcon Nesting Site in Western Virginia In The Birds of Kentucky (Mengel 1965), Robert Mengel notes the observation of what appeared to be a family group of two adults and three juvenile Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) 3 June 1952 in western Virginia “at a series of cliffs astride the Kentucky- Virginia line.” Presumably because he did not want any harm to come to falcons utilizing the nest site in future years, Mengel did not divulge the exact location of his observation. In more recent ornithological literature (Palmer-Ball 1996; Dzialak et al. 2005) the author of this note was responsible for the uncorroborated inference that the location of Mengel’s observation of the Peregrine Falcons was a massive sandstone outcrop referred to 102 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER_ Vol. 88 as White Rocks in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, thus in Lee County, Virginia, just outside of Harlan County, Kentucky. The inference was based on the general scarcity of potential breeding habitat along the Kentucky-Virginia border, as well as the more recent sighting of a Peregrine Falcon at that location (Palmer-Ball 1996). During early October 2012, Sergio Harding with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, contacted Palmer-Ball to inquire as to the evidence that led him to infer that the location of Mengel's observation was, in fact. White Rocks. Having nothing sub¬ stantial, both Harding and Palmer-Ball delved a bit deeper into the question. Based on evidence contained within The Birds of Kentucky. Harding suggested that the location of the Peregrine Falcon family in 1952 was more likely a series of sandstone out¬ croppings at Breaks Interstate Park, just outside Pike County. Kentucky, in Buchanan County, Virginia. Harding attempted to determine Robert Mengel's whereabouts on 3 June 1952 by searching the dates of field work given in The Birds of Kentucky. Interestingly, the search placed him near Breaks Interstate Park on that date, this thanks to Mengel's obser¬ vations of Belted Kingfishers ( Megacervle alcyon) near Ashcamp, Pike County. This is, in fact, the only other species and location reported in Birds of Kentucky for 3 June 1952. A search of days on either side of 3 June 1952 place Mengel at other locations, primarily on Black Mountain, Harlan County. Thus, while still inconclusive, the vicinity of Breaks Inter¬ state Park seems much more plausible than White Rocks as the location of his sighting. Based on this analysis, the author hopes that the incorrect inference of White Rocks being the likely location of Robert Mengel’s 1952 observation of a presumed family of Peregrine Falcons will not be perpetuated, and profusely thanks Sergio Harding for bringing this error to his attention. Literature Cited Dzialak, M., L. Burford, S. Vorisek. M. Lacki, and B. Palmer-Ball. Jr.. 2005. The Peregrine Falcon and its recovery in Kentucky. The Kentucky Warbler 81:39-46. Mengel. R. 1965. The birds of Kentucky. A.O.U. Monograph No. 3. American Ornitholo¬ gists’ Union. Lawrence. KS. 581 pp. Palmer-Ball, B. 1996. The Kentucky breeding bird atlas. University Press of Kentucky, ; Lexington. KY. 372 pp. — Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr.. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY. 40222 (brainard@ li mindspring.com). KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION September 27, 2012 Depository Account Balance PNC Bank, Louisville General Fund (Checking) $17,403.71 Heritage Bank, Burlington Burt Monroe. Jr., Avian Research Fund (Savings) $4,735.64 Heritage Bank. Burlington Gordon Wilson Fund (CD) $21,511.39 Heritage Bank, Burlington Gordon W ilson Fund (Savings) $1,874.16 Heritage Bank, Burlington Anne L. Stamm Avian Education Fund (Savings) $4,205.24 Heritage Bank, Burlington Endowment Fund (CD) $18,015.00 Total assets $67,745.14 Submitted by Lee McNeely, Treasurer, 27 September 2012 (unaudited) 2012 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 103 KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Operating Statement September 28, 201 1 — September 27, 2012 Beginning Balance (September 28, 2011) $14,599.61 Receipts Dues (Renewals and New Memberships) $2,920.00 CD interest from Endowment Fund $184,771 Meeting Registrations (Fall 201 1 ) $600.00 Meeting Registrations (Spring 2012) $495.00 Donation (Win Ahrens) $2,000.00 Life Memberships $300.00 U.S. Forest Service Grants (2) (for The Kentucky Warbler) $800.00 Sales (Annotated Checklists, Field Cards, etc.) $232.00 Sales (Back issues of The Kentucky’ Warbler ) $150.00 Auction Proceeds $127.25 Endowment Fund Donations $90.00 Anne Stamm Fund Donations $195.00 Burt Monroe Avian Research Fund Donations $1,130.00 Gordon Wilson Fund Donations $160.00 Transfer from Burt Monroe Avian Research Fund $1,217.04 — Transfer from Anne Stamm Fund $250.00 Misc. Postage Reimbursement $6.15 Total Receipts $10,857.21 Disbursements Printing - November 201 1 issue The Kentucky’ Warbler $543.53 Printing - February 2012 issue The Kentucky Warbler $543.53 Printing - May 2012 issue The Kentucky Warbler $543.53 Printing - August 2012 issue The Kentucky Warbler $501.27 Meeting Speaker (Bob & Martha Sargent) $900.00 Meeting Speaker (Center for Conservation Biology) $500.00 - Transfer to Endowment Fund $340.00 Transfer to Anne Stamm Fund $195.00 Transfer to Burt Monroe Fund $1,130.00 Transfer to Gordon Wilson Fund $160.00 Anne Stamm Grant Fund Award (Sedalia Elementary School) $250.00 Burt Monroe Avian Research Fund Award (Ryan O’Connor) $767.04 Meeting expenses (Spring 2012) $277.73 Meeting expenses (Various) $800.00 Misc. expenses (Corresponding Secretary; postage, printing) $568.41 Misc. expenses (Membership Directory Printing) $33.07 Total Disbursements $8,053.1 1 Net Receipts $2,804.10 Ending Balance (September 27, 2012) $17,403.1 1 6586 001 104 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 88 Red-breasted Mergansers, Kentucky Dam 12 June 2012 Jeff Sole Wilson’s Phalarope, Jefferson 4 June 2012 Eddie Huber Purple Gallinule, Rowan 7 July 2012 Jeff Sole Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, Hardin 13 July 2012 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Franklin’s Gull, Jefferson 3 June 2012 Ryan Ankeny Cerulean Warbler at nest, Union 14 June 2012 Charlie Crawford b>