The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 89 FEBRUARY 2013 NO. 1 IN THIS ISSUE FALL 2012 SEASON, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely. 3 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT 2012-2013, Blaine R. Ferrell. 17 FIELD NOTE A Record State Count of American White Pelicans from Aerial Imagery. 37 NEWS AND VIEWS.39 2 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President.Carol Besse, Louisville Vice-President.Steve Kistler, Munfordville Corresponding Secretary.Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY 41005 Treasurer.Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 Recording Secretary. Councillors: Hap Chambers, Murray. Roseanna Denton, Science Hill Linda Craiger, Glasgow. Virginia Kingsolver, Carlisle... Jane Bell, Louisville . Pat Bell, Louisville. Blaine Ferrell, Bowling Green 2011-2013 2011- 2013 2012- 2014 2012- 2014 2013- 2015 2013-2015 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 Ben Yandell Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee.Ben Yandell 513 Lymington Court, Louisville, KY 40243 (secy @kybirdrecords. org) THE COVER We thank Laura Haggartv for the image of the Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea) taken 11 November 2012 north of Berry in Pendleton County (see p. 16). Financial support for color reproduction in this issue has been provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest. 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 3 FALL 2012 SEASON Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely Weather conditions during fall 2012 were somewhat variable during the season. Over¬ all, temperatures w r ere relatively normal during August, although Bowling Green and Padu¬ cah reached 101°F on 1 August and 2 August, respectively. August precipitation was normal to slightly below normal in all parts of the state but the east. September temper¬ atures were overall normal or slightly cooler than normal statewide, but rainfall was above normal across most of the state for the first time in more than a year (Louisville and Lex¬ ington experienced about two times normal rainfall during the month). During the period 31 August-1 September, the remnants of Hurricane Isaac passed northwest of the western part of the state; this event resulted in a remarkable report of a hurricane waif, documentation of which has been withheld from publication by the observers. October was cooler than nor¬ mal across the state, while precipitation was slightly below to well below normal (e.g., Lexington received less than one-half of normal rainfall). Finally, November continued to be cooler than normal, but dry conditions returned, with all major stations reporting about one-half (Lexington and Paducah) to about one-fourth (Bowling Green, Jackson, and Louisville) of normal precipitation for the month. Rarity highlights were numerous and included Red-throated Loon, “Great White Heron,” two Tricolored Herons, a Glossy Ibis, a continuing Wood Stork, two Swallow- tailed Kites, Yellow Rail, Sabine’s Gull, two Black-legged Kittiwakes, Long-tailed Jaeger, Snowy Owl, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, and Snow Bunting. In addition, the first flight of northern finches to occur in many years commenced during October and included a Com¬ mon Redpoll, as well as several reports of both crossbill species and Evening Grosbeak. 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 that person was the bander; “ph ” next to an observer’s initials indicates that the observation was documented with photograph(s); “vonext to an observer’s initials indicates the report was documented with a voice recording; “f” next to an observer's initials indicates that written details were submitted w-ith the report. Place names: Ballard WMA . Ballard ; Barkley Dam , Livingston!Lyon: Barren River Lake , A/len/Barren: Berea Forest = Berea College Forest, Madison: Blood River = Blood River embayment, Kentucky Lake, Calloway: Calvert City = industrial pond at Calvert City, Marshall: Camp #9 = Camp #9 Coal Preparation Plant, Union: Camp # 11 = former Camp #11 Mine. Union: Caperton Swamp = Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve. Jefferson. ; Cave Hill Cemetery , Louisville, Jefferson: Cave Run Lake , Bath!Rowan: DBNF - Daniel Boone National Forest; Falls of the Ohio . Jefferson: Fishing Creek = Fishing Creek embayment of Lake Cumberland, Pulaski: Jonathan Creek = Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall: Kendall Recreation Area, below Wolf Creek Dam, Russell: Kv Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston!Marshall: Kv Dam Vil¬ lage SRP . Marshall: Kv Lake = Kentucky Lake, Calloway!Marshall!Trigg: LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lyon/Trigg: Long Point = Long Point Unit Reelfoot NWR, Fulton: Mammoth Cave = Mammoth Cave National Park, Edmonson (unless otherwise noted). Melco = Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson: Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan: Mitchell Lake . Ballard WMA, Ballard: NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson: 4_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 89 Sinclair Unit = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg ; Spindletop Farm , Fayette ; SNP = State Nature Preserve; SP = State Park, SRP = State Resort Park, Surrey Hills Farm , ne. Jefferson ; Waits boro = Lake Cumberland at Waitsboro Recreation Area, Pulaski ; WMA = Wildlife Management Area; Wolf Creek Dam = Lake Cumberland above Wolf Creek Dam, Russell. Greater White-fronted Goose - at least 120 over Clarks River NWR, Marshall , 10 October (HC) were the earliest to be reported, 250 were at Sauerheber by 1 November (KM) with 3500 there by 20 November (DSi). Snow Goose - two flocks totaling 200 birds over Lake Barkley, Lyon, 12 October (JP) were unusual for so early; 3500 were at Sauerheber by 20 November (DSi); Ross’s Goose - reports of interest included 2 on a pond at Union, Boone , 17 Novem¬ ber (LM) and 6 at Sauerheber 20 Novem¬ ber (DSi). Cackling Goose - 4 were at Sauerheber by 20 November (DSi). Tundra Swan - 6 were first observed at Sauerheber 29 October (MMr, ph. CC); away from Sauerheber, the only report was of 1 on the Ohio River opposite Chilo, OH, Bracken , 16 November (tBWu). Gadwall - modest peak counts for the sea¬ son included ca. 1000 at Jonathan Creek 10 November (MMi) with 1200-1300 there 13 November (MMi), and at least 250 at Camp #11 on 20 November (BP, EH). Blue-winged Teal - a family group of juvs. at Camp #11 on 3 August (BP, MMn) suggested nesting in the immediate vic¬ inity; 4 at Calvert City 5 August (BP, MMn) may have been early migrants. Peak counts for the season included at least 665 at Camp #9 and at least 275 at Camp #11, both 7 September (BP et al.); an unspecified number at Sauerheber 2 November (CC) were the latest to be re¬ ported. Northern Pintail - 16 were at Camp #11 on 13 September (BP, EH). Green-winged Teal - a few at Camp #11 on 31 August (BP) were the earliest to be re¬ ported; at least 315 at Camp #11 on 20 November (BP, EH) represented the sea¬ son’s peak count. Canvasback - 1 at Waitsboro 28 October (RD) was the earliest to be reported. Redhead - 2 at Minor Clark 13/15 October (BWu) were the earliest to be reported; other reports of interest included 22 on Green River Lake, Adair. 17 November (BP, EH), and 60 at the same location 27 November (RD) with 35 at Wolf Creek Dam 27 November (RD). Greater Scaup - 6 were on Green River Lake, Adair , 27 November (RD). Lesser Scaup - a female on the Ohio River at Louisville 7 October (BP, MYa) was relatively early; 210 on Green River Lake, Adair , 27 November (RD) represented a modest peak count for the season. Surf Scoter - there were three reports; 2 on the Ohio River at Louisville 27 October (EH, DSt, BP); 1 at Waitsboro 27 October (RD); and 1 on the Ohio River at Louis¬ ville 4-14 November (TB, DSt, MA, et al.). Black Scoter - there were two reports: 2 on the Ohio River at Louisville (EH, DSt, BP) and 1 at Waitsboro (RD), both 27 October. Bufflehead - 40 on Green River Lake, Tay¬ lor , 27 November (RD) represented a modest peak count for the season. Common Merganser - there were two re¬ ports: 2 on the Ohio River at Louisville 4 November (TB) and 1 at Wolf Creek Dam 8 November (RD). Ruddy Duck - 45 were at Flemingsburg, Fleming , 28 October (BWu). Red-throated Loon - a juv. was present on Green River Lake, Adair , 17 November (BP, ph. EH, RD). KBRC review re¬ quired. Common Loon - 1 on Nolin Lake, Edmon¬ son , 13 October (SSp) and 3 on Cave Run 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 5 Red-throated Loon, Adair 17 November 2012 Eddie Huber Lake 20 October (BWu) were the earliest to be reported. Peak counts included 80 on Cave Run Lake 3 November (BWu); and 637 on Lake Cumberland at Rowena Road, Russell , 264 on Green River Lake, Adair , and 196 on Green River Lake, Tay¬ lor, all 27 November (RD). Pied-billed Grebe - 1 at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, 5 August (CC) was likely continuing from summer; 1 at Blood Riv¬ er 9 August (HC) may have been an early migrant; peak counts for the season in¬ cluded 75+ on the Ohio River at Louis¬ ville (EH, DSt, et al.) and 113 on Lake Nevin, Bemheim Forest, Bullitt (SDi), both 27 October, and 91 at Wolf Creek Dam 28 October (RD). Horned Grebe - modest peak counts in¬ cluded 45 on the Ohio River at Louisville 27 October (EH, DSt, et al.) and 66 on Ky Lake, Marshall , 15 November (HC). Red-necked Grebe - there were two re¬ ports: 1 on the Ohio River above Meldahl Dam, Bracken , 4 November (tJF, LHo, JCo) and 1 at Jacobson Park, Lexington, 4 November (fFH). Eared Grebe - there was one report: 1 on the Ohio River just upstream from Louis¬ ville 1 October (ph. EH etal ). Wood Stork - the imm. bird at Anchorage, Jefferson, lingered in the vicinity to 23 August (BP, TP). Double-crested Cormorant - 1 at Fishing Creek during early August (RD) was con¬ tinuing from summer. Peak counts in¬ cluded 500 over Uniontown Dam, Union, 28 August (CC); groups of 750 and ca. 1500 at different locations on the Ohio River, Union, 24 October (CC); and ca. 500 still in the same general vicinity 20 November (DSi) American White Pelican - reports of inter¬ est included 1 at Otter Pond, Caldwell, 12 August (JRi); 10 on Lake Barkley, Trigg, 28 August (HC) with 50 in the same vic¬ inity' 21 September (JP); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 5 September (EH) with 7 there 23 September (TB); at least 350 over Lake No 9, Fulton, 22 September (MYa, BY); 200 at Blood River by 27 September (HC); ca. 30 at Guthrie Swamp, Todd, 6 October (N&CD t //r/e MBe); ca. 40 on the Ohio River upstream from Mt. Vernon, IN, Union, mid-October (MMr fide CC) to 24 October (ph. CC) with 1 last seen there 27 October (CC); and 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 14 November (AG, DSt). American Bittern - there were two reports: 1 at Spindletop Farm 19 October (JSw) and again 8-10 November (ph. DL, ASK), and 1 near Powderly, Muhlenberg, 17-18 November (TG). Great Blue Heron - peak count at the Falls of the Ohio was 141 on 5 August (EH). Eared Grebe, Louisville 1 October 2012 Eddie Huber 6 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Great Blue Heron (white morph) - 1 was present at the Falls of the Ohio 29 August (ph. TB et al.)—22 September (DSt). Un¬ der KBRC review. Great Egret - peak counts at the Falls of the Ohio were higher than at any time since the early 1960s and included 84 there 1 August (DSt et al.), 93 there 5 August (TB, CBk), and 92 there 19 September (DSt). Other reports of interest included 50 at Calvert City 4 August (BP, MMn); at least 190 roosting at the Ky. Div. of Forestry near Ky Dam, Marshall, 5 Au¬ gust (BP. MMn. R&NP); 85 at Blood River 29 August (HC); and 20 at Camp #11 on 7 September (BP et al ). A tardy bird was reported at the mouth of the Lit¬ tle Sandy River, Greenup , 19/22 Novem¬ ber (CT) and 1 lingered at the Falls of the Ohio into December (DSt, EH, TB, et al ). Little Blue Heron - an ad. continued from the summer season at the Falls of the Ohio during the first half of August (m. ob.) with 2 noted there 19 August (SW, MK). Other reports of interest included up to 3- 5 at Fishing Creek 1-6 August (RD), 1 at Minor Clark 11 August (GR)-5 Septem¬ ber (BWu) with 2 there 2-3 September (BWu) and 1 nearby at Cave Run Lake 2 September (BWu); 1 along Whitehall Road, Madison , 22-24 August (AN); and 4 juvs. at Owsley Fork Lake, Madison , 25 August (AN). Tricolorcd Heron - there were two reports: 1 at Honker Lake, LBL, Trigg/Lyon, 4 August (ph. BP, MMn, R&NP), and 1 at Mitchell Lake 11-13 August (ph. RC, SRe). KBRC review required. Snowy Egret - 30 at Calvert City 5 August (BP, MMn) and 13 at Mitchell Lake 15 August (ME) represented very modest peak counts. There were only two reports away from west Kentucky: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 17-26 August (EH, TB, et al.) and one at Sauerheber 7 September (KM). Black-crowned Night-Heron - the peak count at the Falls of the Ohio this season was 81 on 5 August (TB, CFa). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - there were two reports: an ad. at Draut Park, Louis¬ ville, 5/24 August (ph. JBr) and a juv. sw. of Gilbertsville, Marshall , 5 August (ph. BP, MMn). Glossy Ibis - 1 was at Camp #11 on 31 August (ph./tBP). KBRC review re¬ quired. Plegadis ibis - there were four additional re¬ ports of unidentified dark ibis: 1 at Jona¬ than Creek 8 September (fMMi); L near Powderly, Muhlenberg , 7-15 October (JN fide SN, ph. TG, SG) with 2 there 12 October (TG); 1 sw. of Schochoh, Logan, 21-22 October (ST); and 1 at Taylorsville Lake, Spencer , 23 October (MTb). Black Vulture - peak counts for the season included 160 at East Bend Power Plant, Boone , 15 September (LM) and 100 at the Kendall Recreation Area 28 October (RD) with 250 at the same locale 22 November (RB, RF). Osprey - 2 were seen at Fishtrap Lake, Floyd , 11 August (SDi); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 14 November (DSt) was the latest to be reported. Swallow-tailed Kite - 2 were present at Pet¬ ersburg, Boone , 13-19 August (SO, LO, ph. AC et al.), KBRC review required. Mississippi Kite - 1 over Honey Cypress Slough, Henderson , 6 August (CC) was the only one reported away from known w. Kentucky breeding areas. Red-tailed Hawk - another wing-tagged bird marked in Chicago was observed at Louisville during the First week of No¬ vember (ph. J&EWr et al ). Broad-winged Hawk - at least 50 over LBL, Lyon, 23 September (MYa, BY) represented the season’s peak count. Rough-legged Hawk - the only report was for up to 5 along Haycraft Rd., sw. of Owensboro, Daviess , during mid- to late November (PA, MBn). Golden Eagle - there were two reports: 1 over Independence, Kenton, 17 November (ph. RC) and 1 over Union, Boone, 29 November (TS). Yellow Rail - 1 was at Surrey Hills Farm 23 October (fBP et al.). KBRC review re¬ quired. 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 7 Virginia Rail - there were two reports: 1 heard near Powderly, Muhlenberg , 16 October (BP, EH, TG) and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 23 October (BP). Sora - singles at Surrey Hills Farm 9/10 Au¬ gust (BP/WGu) were relatively early; 1 there 25 October (BP) was the latest to be reported; other reports of interest included singles at Fishing Creek 10/30 August (RD) ; 2 at Minor Clark 28 September (BWu); 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 11 Octo¬ ber (MBy. DT, et al); 3 heard near Pow¬ derly, Muhlenberg. 16 October (BP. EH, TG); and 5 at Sauerheber 21 October (BP, BBC). American Coot - 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 10/23 September (SW, MA, TB, et al ), 2 on Lake Nevin, Bernheim Forest, Bullitt , 22 September (SDi), and 1 on Freeman Lake, Hardin , 27 September (BFr, BBC) may have all been very early migrants. Peak counts for the season included ca. 1000 at Wolf Creek Dam 28 October (RE) ); ca. 1000 on Cave Run Lake 29 October (BWu); ca. 300 on Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln , 24 November (RD); and ca. 500 on Green River Lake, Taylor, 27 November (RD). Sandhill Crane - 4 at Camp #11 on 7 Sep¬ tember (BP, ph. TB, et al.) must have been the same birds seen nearby during June, thus representing summering. It is unclear if 4 along Nicholas Road, several mi. n. of Princeton, Caldwell, 8 Septem¬ ber (WGr) were the same birds, but it seems likely. The earliest migrant flocks to be reported were ca. 100 over Highland Heights, Campbell, 28 September (GB) and 7 over Bernheim Forest, Bullitt, 29 September (SDi); other reports of interest included at least 25 over Cumberland Falls SRP, Whitley, 7 November (DMc) and 13 over Jonathan Creek 13 November (MMi, HC). Black-bellied Plover - there were only three reports: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 17/19 August (EH, DL, MTw/DSt); 1 near Camp #9 on 13 September (BP, EH, CC, MYa); and 1 at Blood River 23 October (HC). American Golden-Plover - reports of inter¬ est included 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 21 August (EH) with 2 there 5-6 September (TB, DSt, CFa, et al ); 20 at Camp #9 on 31 August (BP) with 28 there 7 Septem¬ ber (BP et al.) and 45 near Camp #9 on 13 September (BP, EH, CC, MYa), the last representing a new state high count for fall; 2 at Minor Clark 23 September (BWu) with 3 there 27 September (EH, MYa); 1 at Sauerheber 27-30 October (ph. CC); and 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 31 October (BP). Semipalmated Plover - modest peak counts included at least 15 at Camp #11 on 3 Au¬ gust (BP, MMn); 13 at the Falls of the Ohio 17 August (EH, DL, MTw); and 12 at Minor Clark 2 September (BWu). One was still at Camp #11 on 21 October (BP, BBC). Piping Plover - there was one report: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 5-8 September (ph. EH et al ). Killdeer - at least 250 at Camp #9 on 31 August/13 September (BP et al.) repre¬ sented a modest peak count for the season. American Avocet - there were two reports: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 1 August (DSt, ph. AG, et al.) and 13 near Dot, Logan , 28 August (ph. FL). Sandhill Cranes (w/ Great Egret) Union , 7 September 2012 Tom Becker Spotted Sandpiper - 20 at Mitchell Lake 7 August (HC) represented a modest peak count for the season. One at Waitsboro 27 October (RD) was the latest to be repor¬ ted. Greater Yellowlegs - reports of interest included 9 at Fishing Creek 5 August (RD) and single tardy birds on the Wild- 8 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 cat Creek embayment of Ky Lake, Cal¬ loway , 13 November (HC) and 1 at Hem¬ atite Lake, LBL, Trigg, 25 November (HC). Willet - there were two reports: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 5 August (EH, TB, CFa) and 1 at Camp #11 on 13 September (EH, CC, MYa. BP). Lesser Yellowlegs - peak counts included an impressive tally of 90+ at Fishing Creek 5 August (RD), 30-35 at Camp #9 on 7 September (BP et al.); 47 at Blood River 20 September (HC); and 39 at Jon¬ athan Creek 5 October (MMi). Two tardy birds were present at Sauerheber 28 No¬ vember (KM). Marbled Godwit - there was one report: 1 at Camp #9 on 7 September (ph. TB et al.). Marbled Godwit (w/ Blue-winged Teal) Union , 7 September 2012 Tom Becker Ruddy Turnstone - there were two reports: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 29 August-3 September (BP, EH, et al.) with 2 there 5- 8 September (TB, CFa, et al ); and 1 near Camp #9 on 13 September (BP, EH, CC, MYa). Sanderling - there were only a few reports, all being included: 1 at Camp #9 on 3 Au¬ gust (BP, MMn), 31 August (BP), and 7/13 September (BP et al ); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 10 August (EH, JG, TB) and 8-11 September (TB, CFa, BP, et al.); and 1 at Blood River 3 September (HC). Semipalmated Sandpiper - 35-50 at Camp #9 on 7 September (BP et al.) represented the season’s peak count; 1 at Camp #11 on 21 October (BP, BBC) was tardy. Western Sandpiper - reports of interest in¬ cluded single ads. at the Falls of the Ohio 1 August (BP, DSt, et al.) and at Camp #11 on 3 August (BP, MMn); 1 at Minor Clark 3-5 September (BWu) with 2 there 8 September (BWu); 2 at the Falls of the Ohio 5 September (EH); 3 at Blood River and 4 at Wildcat Creek, both 7 September (HC); 1 on a pond along J.C. Jones Road, Hart , 8 September (SK); 2 at Camp #9 and 1 at Camp #11, both 13 September (BP, EH, CC, MYa); 3 at Jonathan Creek 18 September (HC); 2 at the Falls of the Ohio 15 September (BY, MYa) with 1 there 19/23 September (DSt, MA, et al.); and 2 tardy birds at Camp #11 on 20 No¬ vember (BP, ph. EH). Least Sandpiper - 2 juvs. were at the Falls of the Ohio by 1 August (BP et al.); at least 125 at Camp #9 on 7 September (BP et al.) represented the season’s peak count; 5 at Camp #11 on 20 November (BP, EH) and 2 still at Blood River 29 November (HC) were the latest to be re¬ ported White-rumped Sandpiper - there were two reports: 1 near Camp #9 on 13 September (BP, EH, CC, MYa) and 2 at Minor Clark 18 September (fBWu). Baird’s Sandpiper - there were reports from four locations: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 21 August (EH); 1 at Fishing Creek 31 August/5 September (RD); 4 (includ¬ ing 2 ads.) at Camp #9 on 31 August (BP) with 4 nearby 13 September (BP, EH, CC, MYa); and 2 at Minor Clark 2 September (BWu) with 4 there 3 September (BWu) and 1 continuing to 8 September (BWu). Pectoral Sandpiper - 70+ at Camp #9 on 7 September (BP et al.) represented the season’s peak count; 1 at Jonathan Creek 8 November (HC) was the latest to be re¬ ported. Stilt Sandpiper - reports of interest includ¬ ed 13 at Camp #11 on 3 August (BP, MMn); 2 at Fishing Creek 5/25 August 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 9 (RD); 12 at Camp #9 and 7 at Camp #11, both 31 August (BP), 12 at Blood River 7 September (HC); 5 at Minor Clark 7 Sep¬ tember (BWu); 10 near Camp #9 and 6 at Camp #11, both 13 September (BP. EH, CC, MYa); 5 at Blood River 20 Septem¬ ber (HC): and 1 at Camp #11 on 21 Octo¬ ber (BP, BBC ). Buff-breasted Sandpiper - there were re¬ ports from five locales: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 24 August (EH) with 3 there 29 August (BP et ah), up to 6 there 31 Au¬ gust/8 September (JSo, CS, EH/EH, JSo), and 1-4 present to 11 September (m. ob.); 20 at Camp #9 on 31 August (BP) with 11 there 7 September (BP et al.) and 1 nearby 13 September (BP, EH, CC, MYa); 1 at Fox Chase Pond near Frazer, Wayne , 1 September (RD) that represented a first for the county; 1 at Blood River 3 Sep¬ tember (HC); and singles on a few dates at Minor Clark 5-28 September (BWu et al.) with 3 there 7 September (BWu). Short-billed Dowitcher - there were reports from only three locales: 1 at Camp #11 on 3 August (BP, MMn) with 3 juvs. there on 31 August (BP); 5 at Camp #9 and 3 at Camp #11, both 7 September (BP et ah); 2 near Camp #9 on 13 September (BP et al.); and 1 at Jonathan Creek 18 Septem¬ ber (HC). Long-billed Dowitcher - there were three reports: an ad. at Camp #11 on 31 August (BP); 3 at Jonathan Creek 12 October (MMi); and 4 juvs. at Camp #11 on 21 October (BP, BBC). Wilson’s Snipe - 1 along White Hall Road, Madison , 22 August (AN) was the earliest to be reported; ca. 100 at Sauerheber 27 October (CC) represented the season’s peak count. American Woodcock - reports of interest included 1 at Putney Pond, Prospect, Jef¬ ferson , 13 September (MC); 1 se of Mt. Zion. Allen, a few times during early No¬ vember (MBv), a few seen/heard at Sur¬ rey Hills Farm 27 October-13 November (MMn et ah); and 1 near Dot, Logan , 2 November (FL). Wilson’s Phalarope - there were two re¬ ports: 1 at Camp #11 on 31 August (ph. BP) and 2 at Blood River 20 September (HC). Sabine’s Gull - a juv. was at Barren River Lake 21 September (tAH, fTD, DB, RD). KBRC review required. Ring-billed Gull - at least 500 were in the vicinity of Ky Dam by 5 August (BP, MMn'R&NP). Lesser Black-backed Gull - there were only two reports: an ad. on Lake Barkley, Lyon , 23 September (BY, MYa) and an ad. on the Ohio River at Meldahl Dam, Bracken , 4 November (LHo, tJF. JCo). Herring Gull - a likely second-year bird continued from summer at the Falls of the Ohio during August and into September (m. ob ); a few were at Ky Dam by 4 August (BP, MMn), with ca. 15 at Ky Dam by 1 September (HC), and a juv. there by 2 September (MMn, EH, BP). Bonaparte’s Gull - 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 21 August (EH) and 2 on Owsley Fork Lake, Madison , 8 September (tRF, RB) were extraordinarily early Laughing Gull - there were two reports: a bird of unspecified age at Ky Dam 1 Sep¬ tember (HC) with a juv. on Ky Lake above Ky Dam 2 September (MMn, EH, BP, et ah) and possibly the same juv. below Barkley Dam 3 September (AH). 10_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 89 Franklin’s Gull - there was only one re- NG); and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 24 port: 1 on the Ohio River below Mt. Vernon, IN, Union , 24 October (ph. CC). Black-legged Kittiwake - there were two reports: a juv. at Waitsboro 7 November (ph. RD) and a juv at the Falls of the Ohio 11-13 November (MA, ph. EH, et al.). KBRC review required. Least Tern - a juv. at Camp #9 on 3 August (BP, MMn) was the only one reported away from known nesting areas. Caspian Tern - modest peak counts in¬ cluded 12 at the Falls of the Ohio 5 Sep¬ tember (TB, CFa, et al.) with 13 there 8 September (BP, JSo, et al ); also of inter¬ est were 2 at Cave Run Lake 7 October (BWu). Black Tern - reports of interest included 2 at Camp #11 on 3 August (BP, MMn); 4 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen , 3 August (MBy et al.) with 3 still there 5 August (JBy, MBy); 30 over Cave Run Lake 17 August (BWu); 2 at the Falls of the Ohio 17-18 August (EH, et al ); 3 at Cave Run Lake 2 September (BWu); 1 at Wolf Creek Dam 2 September (RD); 25 at Ky Lake, Mar¬ shall 2 September (HC); 1 along US 68/ KY 80, Christian , 3 September (AH); and 3 at Minor Clark 8/15 September (BWu). Common Tern - there were three reports: 1 at Fishing Creek 10 August (RD) with 10 there 18 September (RD); and 18 at Waitsboro 2 October (RD). Forster’s Tern - local peak counts included 5 at Fishing Creek 27 August (RD); 6 at the Falls of the Ohio 8 September (EH, JSo, et al.); 10 at Minor Clark 15 Septem¬ ber (MTw, SH); and 86 at Jonathan Creek 23 August (HC). Nine were still at Blood River 29 November (HC). Long-tailed Jaeger - at juv. was present on Ky Lake above Ky Dam 2 September (MMn, ph. EH, ph./f BP et al.). KBRC review' required. Black-billed Cuckoo - there were five re¬ ports: 1 nw. of Riders Mill, Hart , 12 Au¬ gust (BA); 1 at Floyds Fork Park, Jeffer¬ son, 4 September (EH, JH); singles se. of Mt. Zion, Alien, 14/16 September (MBy/ September (BP). Barn Owl - there were three reports: 1 a few miles n. of Richmond, Madison, 24 August (AN); l heard at Surrey Hills Farm 3 November (BP), and 1 at the traditional nesting local in e. Calloway 29 November (HC). Snowy Owl - quite unexpected was a bird at and adjacent to the Louisville airport 10- 15 November (ph. JCb, ph. BBr, EMe, et al ). KBRC review required. Short-eared Owl - there were reports from three locales: 1 along Horntown Road, e. Grayson , 9 November (SK, JK) with at least 7 there 24 November (SK, JK); 2 at Sinclair 12 November (P&SF) with 7 there 27 November (P&.SF); and at least 1 at Fishtrap WMA, Pike , 27 November (SF). Long-eared Owl - there was one report: 1 at Sinclair 28 November (EWi). Northern Saw-whet Owl - 62 birds total were banded on seven nights 27 October- 17 November (MMn, BP, et al.) with peak nights of 20 captured 27-28 October, 15 on 2-3 November, 9 on 7-8 November, 8 on 4-5 November, and 6 on 15-16 No¬ vember Also reported were single birds heard w. of Kessinger, Hart, 8/15 Novem¬ ber (SK, JK) and along Stockton Road, w. Franklin, 10 November (JSo). Common Nighthawk- 150 se. of Mt. Zion, Alien , 3 September (MBy) represented the season’s peak count. Long-tailed Jaeger, Livingston 2 September 2012 Eddie Huber 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 11 Chimney Swift - 1 over Beargrass Creek SNP, Jefferson , 21 October (DSw, JSt) 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 (BP, EH, et al.) with 3 recaptures from the 2010 LBL festival. An ad. male lingered at Middle- town, Jefferson , to 3 November (A&BPa). Rufous Hummingbird - it was a good sea¬ son, with 8 birds total (7 captured and/or banded) as follows: an ad. male near Cadiz, Trigg, 25-26 August (D&.SC, ph DSm ); a second-year female that returned to the same yard s. of Glasgow, Barren , 28 September into December (R&LY, ba. BP, MYa); an ad. female along Uno- Horse Cave Road, Hart , 13 October into December (MSn, ba. BP, EH) that was a returning bird from the previous year where it had wintered s. of Glasgow, Bar¬ ren ; a female at Mt, Zion, Pulaski , 13 Oc¬ tober into November (RD, ba. BP, et al ); an imm. female at South Williamson, Pike , 26 October into December (JCa, LE, ba. BP); an ad. female near Jabez, Wayne , third week of October into December (banded 17 November) (B&DH, ba. BP); an imm. female e. of Frenchburg, Meni¬ fee, from late October into December (banded 21 November) (LHa, ph. RAd, ba. BP); and an ad. male e of Stanford, Lincoln , late September into the last week of November (banded 2 November) (R& JH, ba. BP). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - a tally of 8 at Iroquois Park, Louisville, 7 October (BWo, BBC) was relatively impressive. Merlin - there were 22 reports (all singles) as follows: Douglass Hills, Jefferson, 8 September (MYa); Blood River 11 Sep¬ tember (HC); Surrey Hills Farm 25 Sep¬ tember/6 October (BP/MMn); Sauerheber 26 September (ph. CC); Green River State Forest, Henderson , 27 September/28 No¬ vember (ph. CC/CC); Mammoth Cave (TD, KOS) and Laurel Gorge, Elliott (BWu), both 29 September (BWu); Mam¬ moth Cave 30 September (SRo); s. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 3/5/21 October (MBy/MBy/ JBy, MBy), Cave Run Lake 4 October (EMo, SF); Garvin Brown Preserve, Jef¬ ferson, 20 October (PB, JBe, BBC); Spin- dletop Farm 19/24 October (JSw); e. of Sauerheber 6 November (CC); Raven Run Sanctuary, Fayette, 11 November (SM); n. Kentucky airport, Boone, 17 November (LM); Bernheim Forest. Bullitt, 22 No¬ vember (MA); and Cave Hill Cemetery 25 November (RL, ph. TB, RB, et al ). Peregrine Falcon - reports of likely mi¬ grants included 1 at Fishing Creek 16 September (RD); 1 at Barren River Lake 23 September (MYa, BY); 1 over Surrey Hills Farm 27 September (MYa, BP); 1 along the Green River at Figett Bend, Hart, 3 October (JSo); 1 at Jonathan Creek 11 October (ME); 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen , 19 October (MBy); and singles at Sauerheber 6/27 November (ph. CC/CC). Olive-sided Flycatcher - there were three reports: 1 at Ft. Campbell. Trigg, 15 Au¬ gust (DMo); 1 on the Anchorage Trail 5 September (PB, JBe, JG); and 1 at Mam¬ moth Cave 6 September (KD). Eastern Wood-Pewee - singles at the Al¬ pine Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski (RD), and at Red River Gorge, Wolfe (SRg), both 21 October, were the latest to be reported. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - there were ten reports: 1 at Veterans Memorial WMA, Scott, 30 August (DL); 1 at Big Bone Lick SP. Boone, 1 September (JRo); 1 seen and heard calling at Surrey Hills Farm 3 Sep¬ tember (BP); 1 along Pointer Creek Road, Pulaski , 3 September (RD); 1 at Doe Run Park, Kenton , 8 September (DMa); singles on the Anchorage Trail 10/23 September (PB, JG/ JBe, PB); singles at Caperton Swamp (BY, MYa) and at Cave Hill Cemetery (MSI), both 15 September; and 1 in LBL, Trigg, 17 September (BL). Least Flycatcher - 1 on the Anchorage Trail 14/15 August (JBe, PB) was the ear¬ liest to be reported. Eastern Kingbird - a loose group of 57 birds total at Fishing Creek 24 August (RD) was quite impressive; singles on the Anchorage Trail 23-24 September (JBe, PB) and se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 27 Sep- 12 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 tember (MBy) were the latest to be re¬ ported. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - 1 was observed sw. of Barren River Lake, Allen, 21 Sep¬ tember (TD, DB). White-eyed Vireo - singles on the Anchor¬ age Trail 18 October (JG) and at Ansel, Pulaski, 26 October (RD) were the latest to be reported other than an extraordin¬ arily late bird at Hobson Grove Park, Bowling Green, 24 November (ph. BFe). Yellow-throated Vireo - 1 at Sauerheber 21 October (MYa) was tardy. Blue-headed Vireo - 1 at the WKU Woods, Warren , 25 August (TD) was remarkably early; next earliest was 1 at Shawnee Park, Louisville, 19 September (AM, WP). Philadelphia Vireo - singles at Surrey Hills Farm 31 August (BP) and at Big Bone Lick SP, Boone , 1 September (JRo) were the earliest to be reported; tallies of 6 at Caperton Swamp (BY, MYa) and 8 at Minor Clark (MTw, SH), both 15 Septem¬ ber, and 6 in the vicinity 7 of Bernheim Forest, Bullitt/Nelson, 3 October (BP, EP) were impressive; 2 on the Anchorage Trail 10 October (PB, JBe, JG) and I se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 15 October (MBy) were the latest to be reported. Common Raven - 1 along Dry Branch, Pike, 9 August (AN), was away from known nesting territories; the only other report was of 1 at Fishtrap WMA, Pike, 27 November (SF). Purple Martin - 2 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 22 September (MBy, JBy) were quite tardy. Tree Swallow 7 - ca 300 were still at Green River Lake, Adair , 19 October (BP, EH); 3 at Sauerheber 1 November (KM) and 15 off LIS 51 n. ofWickliffe, Ballard, 8 No¬ vember (MMi) were the latest to be repor¬ ted. Northern Rough-winged Sw allow - singles at Sauerheber 23 October (CC) and along Uniontown-Mt. Vernon Road, Union, 24 October (CC) were the latest to be repor¬ ted. Barn Swallow - 5 at Camp #11 on 21 Octo¬ ber (BP, BBC) were relatively late. Cliff Sw allow - 2 at LBL, Trigg, 19 Sep¬ tember (BL) and 1 along the Barren River se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 7 October (tMBr) were relatively late. Red-breasted Nuthatch - an exceptional movement began with reports of singles n. of Mammoth Cave near Cub Run, Hart (AH), and in Shelby (JMa), both 7 Sep¬ tember; 1 at Evergreen Cemetery, Camp¬ bell. 11 September (FR); and 2 e. of Owensboro, Daviess, 14 September (MTh). By the third week of September birds w'ere well distributed, and a tally of at least 14 at Bernheim Forest, Bullitt, 3 October (BP, EP) was representative of the species’ abundance in some areas by early October. Brown Creeper - 2 at the Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Union , 29 Septem¬ ber (CC) were either early migrants or possibly local breeders. House Wren - singles at Little Lick Recre¬ ation Area, DBNF, Pulaski, 3 November (RD) and at Persimmon Ridge Golf Club, w. Shelby, 14 November (JMa) were the latest to be reported. Winter Wren - 1 e. of Owensboro, Daviess, 10 September (MTh) and 2 along the Green River at Figett Bend, Hart , 12/15 September (BBa, CFr, fide SK/JSo) were quite early. Sedge Wren - there were reports from ten locales: 2 at Mark, Pulaski , 6 August-30 September (CN, et al.) with at least 1 con¬ tinuing there into mid-October (CN); 2 singing at Mitchell Lake 15 August (ME); 1 along Triplett Creek at Morehead, Row¬ an 30 August (BWu); 3 along Clear Fork nw of Cranston, Rowan, 9 September (BWu); 1 continued at Surrey Hills Farm into late August (BP) with singles there 6- 25 October (BP et al.); 2 at Melco 20 Sep¬ tember (MC); 1 at Richmond, Madison, 23 September (GB, JP); singles se. of Mt. Zion, Allen (MBy), and near Dot, Logan (FL), both 27 September; and I at Lake Linville, Rockcastle, 3 October (RD). 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 13 Marsh Wren - there were reports from nine locales: 2-3 at Melco 19-20 September (MC); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 23 Sep¬ tember (MA et af); 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 27 September (MBy); singles at Surrey Hills Farm (BP) and Windhover Fann, Oldham (MC). both 30 September; 2 seen/heard e. of Drakesboro, Muhlen¬ berg ; 16 October (BP, EH); 3 at Sauer- heber 3 October (CC) with singles there 15 October (CC) and 21 October (BP, BBC); 1 at Spindletop Farm 25 October (DL); and 1 at Camp #11 on 20 November (BP, EH). Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1 at J.J. Audubon SP, Henderson, 20 August (tKM) repre¬ sented a new early arrival date for the state by six days. Eastern Bluebird - 4-5 young in a nest at Flaherty, Meade , 24 September fledged about 6 October (CL) representing an exceptionally late nesting record. Gray-cheeked Thrush - 1 was seen and heard singing at Surrey Hills Fann 13-15 October (BP); 1 near Fisherville, Jeffer¬ son , 26 October (EH, JH) represented a new late departure date by three days. Swainson’s Thrush - 1 near Fisherville, Jefferson, 24 October (EH, JH) was the latest to be reported. Gray Catbird - singles at Berea Forest 18 November (RF), Spindletop Farm 19 November (JSo), and at Berea, Madison, 30 November (RF, RB) were tardy. American Pipit - 1 at Minor Clark 15 September (MTw, SH) with 5 there 18 September (BWu) were the earliest to be reported. Lapland Longspur - reports of interest in¬ cluded 2 at Spindletop Farm 8/16 Novem¬ ber (DL, JSw); 5 near Uniontown, Union , 20 November (DSi); a flock of 60 over Camp #11 on 20 November (BP, EH); and ca. 50 at the Louisville landfill 27 Novem¬ ber (ph. RAn). Snow Bunting - 1 at the Louisville Landfill 16 November (ph. RAn) was exceptional. Ovenbird - 4 se of Mt. Zion, Allen, 20 Oc¬ tober (MBy, JBy, MBr) with 1 still there 21 October (MBy, JBy. MBr) were the latest to be reported. Northern Watcrthrush - singles along Pointer Creek Road, Pulaski, 12 August (fRD) and on the Anchorage Trail 14/15 August (JBe, PB) were the earliest to be reported. Golden-winged Warbler - it was an excel¬ lent season with nearly three dozen re¬ ports of 1-4 individuals. Reports of inter¬ est included a very early bird on the An¬ chorage Trail 15 August (JBe. PB) with another there 24 August (RL); 1 at the WKU Woods, Warren, 25 August (TD); at least 4 at Cherokee Park, Louisville, 9 September (CBs, BBC); 2 at Mammoth Cave 11 September ( AH); 2 along Whit¬ aker Cemetery Road, Pulaski , 15 Septem¬ ber (RD); 4 at Caperton Swamp 15 Sep¬ tember (BY, MYa); 2 in LBL, Trigg, 19 September (BL); 1-4 se of Mt. Zion, Al¬ len, on 13 dates 26 August-4 October (MBy, JBy); and 1 on the Anchorage Trail 5 October (JBe, PB). Tennessee Warbler - singles at Surrey Hills Fann (BP) and on the Anchorage Trail (JBe, PB), both 21 August (BP), and at McConnell Springs, Lexington (LT) and se. of Mt. Zion, Allen (MBr), both 22 August, were the earliest to be reported. Orange-crowned Warbler - it was an ex¬ cellent season with numerous reports of 1- 2 individuals. Reports of interest included 1 at Mammoth Cave 13 September (TD) and 1 at Floyd’s Fork Park 15 September (EH, BBC) that were both quite early; 2 at the Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Union, and 2 at Uniontown Dam, Union, both 29 September (ph. CC); 2 at the Jen¬ ny Hole Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson, 17 October (CC); 2 on the Anchorage Trail 24 October (JBe, PB, JG); 2 at the Pumphrey Tract of Buck Creek Nature Preserve, Pulaski, 24 October (RD); 2 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen. 26 October (MBy) and 2 at the Kendall Recreation Area 28 Octo¬ ber (RD). Nashville Warbler - singles on the Anchor¬ age Trail 18/20 August (JBe, PB/PB, JBe, JG) were the earliest to be reported. 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Connecticut Warbler - there were three re¬ ports: 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 28 August (tBP) that established a new early fall arrival date for the state by five days; 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 16 September (|NG); and 1 at Middle Creek Park, Boone, 22 September (f LM). Mourning Warbler - there were five re¬ ports: 1 on the Anchorage Trail 22 August (JBe, PB) that tied the early fall arrival date; an impressive tally of 5 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 29 August (MBy, JBy, SBy, MkB) with 1 there 4-5 September (MBy); and singles along the Green River at Fig- ett Band, Hart , (JSo) and at Surrey Hills Farm (BP), both 3 September. Common Yellowthroat - singles at Waits- boro 27 October (RD) and along Pitman Creek, Pulaski , 30 October (RD) were the latest to be reported. Cape May Warbler - 1 on the Anchorage Trail 30 August (JBe, PB) was the earliest to be reported. Cerulean Warbler - 2 se. of Mt Zion, Al¬ len, 21 August (MBy, JBy, MkB) were relatively late. Magnolia Warbler - 2 on the Anchorage Trail (DSw, MR, GH, JSt) and singles at two different locales se. of Mt. Zion, Al¬ len, (MBr/MBy), both 18 August, repre¬ sented a new early arrival date for the state by two days. Bay-breasted Warbler - singles on the Anchorage Trail 19/24 August (PB, JBe, JG/RL) were the earliest to be reported. Blackburnian Warbler - 1 on the Anchor¬ age Trail 13 August (PB, JBe) with 2 there 16 August (JBe, PB) were the ear¬ liest to be reported. Yellow Warbler - 2 along Stockton Road, w. Franklin , 7 October (JSo) were tardy. Chestnut-sided Warbler - 1 at Kleber WMA, Owen , 16 August (DL) and 2 on the Anchorage- Trail 18 August (MC et al.) were the earliest to be reported. Blackpoll Warbler - there were three re¬ ports: 1 at Big Bone Lick SP, Boone, 3 September (LM); 1 along Pointer Creek Road. Pulaski , 23 September (RD); and 1 at Minor Clark 29 September (BWu); Black-throated Blue Warbler - there were four reports: a female/imm. on the An¬ chorage Trail 31 August/1 September (PB, JBe/PB, JBe, JG), a male at Mam¬ moth Cave 30 September (LM, KOS); a male near Bernheim Forest, Nelson, 3 October (EP, BP); and a female/imm. at Surrey Hills Farm 13 October (BP). Palm Warbler - 1 at McConnell Springs, Lexington, 22 August (fLT) represented a new early arrival date for the state by a week. An individual of the eastern race, D. p. hypochtysea, was reported se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 26 November (fMBr, SB). Yellow-runiped Warbler - 2 at Lake Bark¬ ley SRP, Trigg, 15 September (MSc) were the earliest to be reported. Yellow-throated Warbler - 1 at Panorama Shores, Calloway, 18 November (KC) was extraordinarily tardy. Black-throated Green Warbler - 1 on the Anchorage Trail 18 August (DSw, JSt, MR, GH, MA) was the earliest to be reported away from potential breeding areas. Canada Warbler - singles at two different locales se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 18 August (MBr/JBy, MBy) were the earliest to be reported; 1 at Blackacre SNP, Jefferson, 30 September (RL, MC, BBC) was the latest to be reported. Wilson’s Warbler - singles on the Anchor¬ age Trail 17/23 August (DL, MTw/JBe, PB) were the earliest to be reported. Yellow-breasted Chat - 1 at Big Rivers WMA, Union, 24 September (CC) was the latest to be reported. Bachman’s Sparrow - 4 were seen at trad¬ itional breeding areas on Ft. Campbell, Trigg, 15 August (DMo). Savannah Sparrow - 1 along Waterloo Road, Boone , 17 August (TB, CBk) may have been a local breeder or a very early migrant. Next earliest were 2-3 near Camp #9"on 13 September (BP, EH, MYa, CC) and 1 at Melco 19 September (MC). 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 15 Grasshopper Sparrow - singles se. of Mt. Zion, Allen , 10 October (MBy) and at Spindletop Farm 11 October (ph. DL, MTw) were the latest to be reported. Henslow’s Sparrow - 1 at the Wesley Bend Unit of Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski , 12 October (RD) was the latest to be re¬ ported. Le Conte’s Sparrow - there were two re¬ ports: 5-6 at Sauerheber 21 October (BP, BBC) and 1 near Dot, Logan, 21 October (ph. FL) that was in the seldom seen juv. plumage. Nelson’s Sparrow - there were three re¬ ports: 1 at Minor Clark 23 September (tBWu); 1 at the Cedar Creek Industrial Park, Bullitt , 6 October (ph. MA, BBC); and 1 at Sauerheber 21 October (BP, ph. MYa, BBC). Lincoln’s Sparrow - 1 at Mark, Pulaski , 12 September (CN) was the earliest to be re¬ ported; 1 at Sloughs WMA, Union , 9 No¬ vember (CC) was the latest to be reported. Swamp Sparrow - singles se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, IS September (MBy) and at the Falls of the Ohio 23 September (MA) were the earliest to be reported. White-throated Sparrow - 1 at Berea For¬ est 22 September (DL, ASK) was the ear¬ liest to be reported. White-crowned Sparrow — 1 at the Cedar Creek Industrial Park, Bullitt , 28 Septem¬ ber (MA) was the earliest to be reported. Dark-eyed Jnnco - 3 at Mammoth Cave (LM) and 1 near Morehead. Rowan (SF), both 29 September, and 1 at Henderson, Henderson , 30 September (CC) were the earliest to be reported. Summer Tanager - a female at Burlington, Boone , 7 November (LM) established a new late departure date for the state by three days. Scarlet Tanager - 1 at Briarwood, Jeffer¬ son, 17 October (JBe, PB) was the latest to be reported. Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1 at the Jenny Hole Unit, Sloughs WMA, Henderson, 29 August (ph. CC) was the earliest to be re¬ ported; flocks of at least 85 at Lake Cum¬ berland WMA, Pulaski, 27 Sept (RD, SDe) and at least 80 along Pointer Creek Road, Pulaski, 1 October (RD, SDe) were remarkable and establish new state high counts. Singles on the Anchorage Trail 28 October (CBs, BBC); along Stockton Road. w. Franklin, 1 November (JSo); and along Pointer Creek Road, Pulaski, 4 November (RD) were the latest to be re¬ ported. Blue Grosbeak - 1 at Mark, Pulaski, 23 October (CN) was the latest to be repor¬ ted. Indigo Bunting - singles at Lake Cumber¬ land WMA, Pulaski, 23 October (RD) and on the Anchorage Trail 24 October (PB, JBe, JG ) were the latest to be reported. Bobolink - reports of interest included a fe¬ male at LBL, Trigg, 17 September (BL); 3 at Surrey Hills Farm 29 August (BP); 1 at Camp #11 on 31 August (BP et al); 1 at the Louisville landfill 19 September (ph. RAn); and 4 at Spindletop Farm 6 Octo¬ ber (DL). Yellow-headed Blackbird - a male was seen at Sinclair 16 October (fBP, EH). KBRC review required. Rusty Blackbird - at least 1 with other blackbirds at the Jenny Hole Unit, Sloughs WMA, Henderson , 21 October (JMe) and 5 at Sauerheber 27 October (CC) were the earliest to be reported. Brewer’s Blackbird - there were four re¬ ports: 2 at Camp #11 on 21 October (BP, BBC); 3 se. of Mt. Zion, Alien, 2 Novem¬ ber (MBy ); 1 in w Henderson 20 No¬ vember (DSi); and 7 at Long Point 30 November (HC, ME). Purple Finch - 1 at Bernheim Forest, Bul¬ litt, 6 October (MA, BBC) was the earliest to be reported. Red Crossbill - the first flight in many years commenced during November with all reports being included: 1 at Red River Gorge, Powell, 17 November (fJF); 1 at the Lexington Cemetery 22 November (MTw) with 4 there 23 November (ph. EH, BP, JSo et al.) and up to 5 there 24/25 November (vo. RD et al.) (calls on 24 November = Type 3 [fide MYo]); and 7 at 16 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 89 Cave Hill Cemetery 24 November (RL, October with 1 at Spindletop Farm 11 EH, BP, et al.) with small numbers con- October (MTw); 12 at Danville (J&JBt) tinuing into December (m. ob.). KBRC re- and 6 at Surrey Hills Farm (BP), both 14 view required. October; 13 at Union, Boone , 15 October White-winged Crossbill - 6 were first ob- (JR°), and 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Alien (MBy), served at the Lexington Cemeterv 22 10 Saueihebei (ph. CC), and 2 at Per- November (DSv. MTw. L&BS) with 2-3 simmon Rld ? e Golf Ciub - Shelb y or 4 reported there 24-28 November (RD, a11 16 G «ober. being the earliest to be C>, et ah): a female was seen at Cave sported. Subsequent peak counts tnclud- Hill Cemeterv 24 November (RL, BP, ph. ed at least 43 (Probably 50-60) at Sinclair EH, et ah). KBRC review required. 16 October < BP - EH 1 35 at Berea - Mad ' ison, 20 October (PH), at least 20 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski , 28-29 October (RD); at least 95 at Berea, Madison , 29 October (RF, RB); ca. 40 at Almo, Calloway , 27 October (CS); at least 50 at Independence, Kenton , 28 October (RC, DMa); ca. 80 at Minor Clark 29 October (BWu); more than 50 at Ft. Thomas, Campbell , 31 October (DH); and 70+ at South William¬ son, Pike, during the first few days of November (JCa). Numbers dwindled not¬ iceably during November, although 15-20 were encountered at both the Lexington Cemetery and Cave Hill Cemetery during the last week of November (m. ob.). Evening Grosbeak - the first pronounced flight in nearly twenty years was docu¬ mented by three reports: a female at Common Redpoll - a male was present 8 Vanceburg, Lewis , 9 November (LR), a mi. n. of Bern', Pendleton , 11 November ma * e al Ashland, Boyd, 10 November (ph. (ph. LHg). KBRC review required. v + “> d a P air at Ashland, Boyd, 13 No- vember (SSw). The senior author also has Pine Siskin - 1 near Stanfoid, Lincoln , 17 j n his archive two reports submitted sec- September (ph. JE) was exceptionally ear- ond-hand without details from Nelson and ly; a good flight commenced during mid- Kenton KBRC review required. Observers: Rita Adkins (RAd), Ryan Ankeny (RAn), Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK), Pat Augenstein (PA), Michael Autin (MA), Bonnie Avery (BA), Bruce Bardin (BBa), Rebecca Bates (RB), Jamin Beachy (JBy), Makaya Beachy (MkB), Matthan Beachy (MBy), Sarahann Beachy (SBy), Colleen Becker (CBk), Tom Becker (TB), Beckham Bird Club (BBC), Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell (PB), Mark Bemiett (MBe), Julie Berry (JBr), Carol Besse (CBs), Gretchen Bolton (GB), Rod Botkins (RB), J.P. & Jane Brantley (J&JBt), Byron Bright (BBr), David Brown (DB), Mike Brown (MBn), Matthew Brubaker (MBr), Stephen Brubaker (SB), Mike Callan (MC), Joel Campbell (JCb), Joan Carr (JCa), Hap Chambers (HC), David & Susan Chiles (D&SC), Allan Claybon (AC), Kathy Cohen (KC), Jason Combs (JCo), Charlie Crawford (CC), Rodney Crice (RC), Kent Davis (KD), Nancy & Clyde Delk (N&CD), Roseanna Denton (RD), Steve Denton (SDe), Scott Dickman (SDi), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Jackie Elmore (JE), Les Estep (LE), Connie Farmer (CFa), Blaine Ferrell (BFe), Preston & Shari Forsythe (P&SF), Rob Foster (RF), Scott Freidhof (SF), Carol Friedman (CFr), Bill Fnel (BFr), Jonathan Frodge (JF), Judy Galitzine (JG), Noah Glick (NG), Alan Goldstein (AG), Steve Graham (SG), Teresa 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 17 Graham (TG), Willard Gray (WGr), Wallace Gullett (WGii), Brenda & Dewey Hager (B&DH), Paul Hager (PH), Laura Haggarty (LHg), Linda Harvey (LHa), Stratton Hatfield (SH), Debra Hausrath (DH), Gerald Heath (GH), Ruth & Joseph Herschberger (R&JH), Les Houser (LHo), Eddie Huber (EH), Jennifer Huber (JH), Frank Huggins (FH), Aaron Hulsey (AH), Meghan Kahn (MK), Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS), Janet Kistler (JK), Steve Kistler (SK), Rob Lane (RL). David Lang (DL), Bill Lisowsky (BL), Charlie Logsdon (CL), Frank Lyne (FL), John Mann (JMa), Scott Marsh (SM), Don Martin (DMa), Doug McCoy (DMc), Lee McNeely (LM), Andrew Melnykovych (AM), John Meredig (JMe), Ellen Mershon (EMe), Keith Michalski (KM), Mike Miller (MMi), Mark Monroe (MMn), Evelyn Morgan (EMo), Mike Morton (MMr), Daniel Moss (DMo), multiple observers (m. ob.), Jacob Neace (JN), Susan Neace (SN), Connie Neeley (CN), Andy Newman (AN), Linda Osterhage (LO), Susan Osterhage (SO), Anetra & Bruce Palmer-Ball (A&BPa), Brainard Palmer-Ball. Jr. (BP), Thames Palmer-Ball (TP), Jennifer Perkins (JP), Eric Peterson (EP), William Pike (WP), Richard & Nicole Pollitt (R&NC); John Pollpeter (JP), Scott Record (SRe), Frank Renfrew (FR), John Rice (JRi), Mike Riggs (MR), Gerald Robe (GR), Steve Rogers (SRg), Jeff Rowe (JRo), Steve Routledge (SRo), Lisa Rowlands (LR), Vicki Sandage (VS). Mary Schmidt (MSc), Lou & Bobbi Sham (L&BS), Damien Simbeck (DSi), David Smith (DSm), Carol Sole (CS), Jeff Sole (JSo), Seth Spencer (SSp), Tom Stephens (TS), David Stewart (DSw), Matt Shekel (MSI), Jack Still (JSt), Del Striegel (DSt), Mitchell Sturgeon (MSn), Dave Svetich (DSv), Joe Swanson (JSw), Steve Sweeney (SSw), Carrie Szwed (CS), Laurie Thomas (LT), Charles Thompson (CT), Marilee Thomp¬ son (MTh), Mike Tobbe (MTb), Mark Tower (MTw), Charles & Gretchen Tremoulet (C>), Daniel Troyer (DT), Steve Tyson (ST), Sean Ward (SW), John & Eileen Wicker (J&EWr), Eric Williams (EWi), Barbara Woerner (BWo), Brian Wulker (BWu), Ben Yandell (BY), Maty Yandell (MYa), Matt Young (MYo), Ruth & Lew Young (R&LY). CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT 2012-2013 Blaine R. Ferrell Reports of 32 counts were received from across the Commonwealth similar to last year. A total of 138 species (one more than last year) was observed during count days with another species. Prairie Warbler (Western Allen County), added during count weeks. Twenty-two species were observed on all counts and 16 species were observed on only one count during count days. Once again, temperatures were relatively mild, especially during the beginning of the count period, with a slow trend toward lower temperatures The better weather conditions on many counts yielded a greater number of species for those counts. The temperature extremes were a low temperature of 17°F for Otter Creek Park 22 December and a high temperature of 64°F for Russell-Adair County 17 December. As usual, dates on which counts were conducted were clustered mainly during two periods, the beginning of Decem¬ ber and the end of December. Although conclusions regarding species numbers and population trends based on Christmas Bird Count data must be made with caution, there are some observations that are interesting. Waterfowl numbers were higher in general, except for Canada Geese and Mallards. Wild Turkey and Northern Bobwhite numbers were up slightly. The number of American White Pelicans was down during the count period (304 this year as compared to 1193 last year) Raptor numbers were similar to raptor numbers last year across the board. Numbers of Eastern Bluebirds and Carolina Wrens increased, probably due to the relatively mild winters. Blackbird numbers were up substantially, primarily due to several large roosts within count circles. Given the relatively mild winter, it was somewhat surprising to see the occurrence of some more northern species, such as Red-breasted Nuthatches (many counts), Northern Shrikes (Paradise and Russell-Adair County), Pine Siskins (several counts), Red 18_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 89 Crossbills (Louisville), and Evening Grosbeaks (Mammoth Cave) while at the same time seeing some lingering species, such as a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Olmstead) and Prairie Warbler during the count week (Western Allen County). Additional highlights included, but were not restricted to White-winged Scoter (Louisville), Great Egret (Paradise and Louis¬ ville), Virginia Rail (Paradise), Dunlin (Eastern Allen County), Say’s Phoebe (Calloway County), Spotted Towhee (Ballard County), and Nelson's Sparrow (Louisville). It was also nice to see Barn Owls (Western Allen County and Olmstead) on the count. 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 to the editor and to the Kentucky Bird Records Com¬ mittee (KBRC). Records of species unusual for the count do not constitute official records until reviewed by the KBRC. Ballard County' (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at junction KY 358 and Stove Corner Road; 37.12284°, -088.9518°). Habitat as described in 1984. Dec. 18; 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky mostly clear, temp. 32-57°F; wind S-SW, 5-20 m.p.h. Water open. Four observers in two parties. 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 90; total individuals 13,323. Observers: Eddie Huber, Shelly Morris, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), and Jeff Sole. The weather was nearly ideal for detecting birds. The species total (90) was slightly below average for this count, in large part due to the absence of diving ducks. Highlights included about 2000 Greater White-fronted Geese, four Ross’s Geese, four Least Sand¬ pipers, at least 21 calling American Woodcocks (almost all on the West Kentucky WMA), a Spotted Towhee (perhaps the same individual that was detected 6-8 years ago) on the West Kentucky WMA, and three Le Conte’s Sparrow's. Red-headed Woodpeckers were present in good numbers in the bottomland forests, but we did not spend much time in that habitat this year. Flocks of songbirds were particularly numerous on the West Kentucky WMA, where damage from the severe ice stomi a few years ago has resulted in much brushy cover. Calloway County' (all points within a 15 mile diameter circle, center Douglas Cem¬ etery; 36.5984°, -88.1958°). Habitat: 20% lake shoreline and streams, 35% open fields, 30% residential, and 15% deciduous and pine woods. Jan 4; 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 25-41 °F; wind SW, 1-7 m.p.h. Water partly frozen. Eleven observers in seven parties. Total party-hours 42 (11 on foot, 29 by car, and 2 by boat). Total party-miles 175 (5 on foot, 155 by car, 15 by boat). Total species 87; total in¬ dividuals 7769. Observers: Hap Chambers (compiler), Kathy Cohen, Mike Cohen. Melissa Easley, Bill Hart, Susan Hart, Elizabeth Raikes, Mary Schmidt, Carrie Szwed, and Aviva Yasgur. Land Between the Lakes (all points within a 15-nule diameter circle, center Pisgah Creek, one-quarter mile west of the Trace; 36.9333°, -88.1167°). Habitat as described in 1984 in American Birds. Dec. 15; 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky overcast with on-and-off periods of drizzle; temp 46-57°F; strong gusty' winds, especially by the lakes, up to 20 m.p.h. Only % inch of rain fell during the count period, however, there had been a larger amount of rainfall in the early morning hours (around 3 a.m.) that morning. Twenty-eight observers in nine parties. Total party-hours 51.0 (10.5 on foot, 40,5 by car), (one party of two observers was a feeder-watching party.) Total party-miles 392.1 (6.7 on foot, 385.4 by car). Total species 89; total individuals 10,208. Observers: Dan Allison, Melodie Anderson, Lora Ann Bailey, Mitz Bailey, Shannon Brockway, Hap Chambers, James David Chiles, Olivia DaRugna, Melissa Easley, Joy Funk, Brooke Gilley, Donald Gladis (feeder watcher), Mary Gladis, (feeder watcher) Wil- 2013 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _19 lard Gray, Bill Lisowsky, Paula Lisowskv, Shirley Moore, John Pollpeter, Brian Prather, Darryl Rezac, Darrin Samborski, Mary Schmidt, Carrie Szvved, Josh Szwed, Keith Van Gorden, Marty' Wilson, Andrea Woody, and Aviva Yasgur (compiler). We totaled 89 species seen on count day, plus one additional species (Barred Owl) observed during count week. This species total is somewhat low for the Land Between The Lakes count, which usually tallies 90+ species. On a side note, we couldn't believe that this year we observed a Great Horned Owl and a Screech-Owl on count day but not a Barred Owl! We hear Barred Owls almost every day by the Woodlands Nature Station, but on count day they decided to be quiet. Some of the interesting sightings included two Snow Geese, two Blue-winged Teal, a Peregrine Falcon, and a Winter Wren. Species seen in higher than usual numbers included Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Least Sandpiper, Forster's Tern, and Cedar Waxwing. Those seen in lower than usual numbers included Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Ruddy Duck, American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Dark-eyed Junco. Bald Eagle numbers continue to be high, with a total of 51 observed. In general, although most of the "usual suspects" were observed during the count, we really didn't have many "unusual" sightings this year. We look forward to next year’s bird count here in Land Between The Lakes. If you find yourself in western Kentucky in mid-December, we’d love to have you join us! Sorgho (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. Hwy. 279-S and Audu¬ bon Parkway; 37.76297°, -87.23086°). Habitat: Ohio River, Green River, creeks, ponds, farmland, woodland, sloughs, county park, city parks, urban yards, airport and industrial park. Jan. 1; 5.30 a m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 29-39°F; wind 0-6 m.p.h. Poor light that deteriorated as the day went by. Twenty observers in eight parties. Total party-hours 33.0 (7.5 on foot, 25.5 by car). Total party-miles 228 (8 on foot, 220 by car). Total species 71; total individuals 60,399. Observers: Judy Adams, Pat Augenstein, David Ayer, Jonathon Brown, Mike Brown, Henry Conner, Brenda Eaden, Tony Eaden, Janet Howard (compiler), Jim Kimsey, Pamela Kimsey, Maty Kissel, Charles Morris, Madeline Oetinger, Roseanne Radzelovage, David Stratton, Marilee Thompson, Frances Tichenor, Lynn Tichenor, and Carolyn Williams. The 72 species found on count day tied last year's record number of species; the species total on previous counts since 1996 has varied from 40 to 56. Four Wilson’s Snipe and two Great Horned Owls were observed during the count week but not on the count day. Our local Audubon Society chapter had a refresher bird identification meeting presented by Scott Hatp who reviewed the CBCs from the last few years and concentrated on what is usually seen here during winter and what we had not been finding on the local counts. We also had some hard working birders on January 1, 2013. There were huge flocks of mixed blackbirds in the fields and in endless columns in the air making it difficult to count. A shrike was seen in a bush very near its cache of rodents and insects impaled on the barbed wire of a fence. Olmstead (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at jet. Ky 1041 and Ky 1151; 36.81673°. -86.89357°). Habitat: about 75% of the area is cultivated farmland; the remainder includes blocks of deciduous woods, fencerows, pasture, grown-up fields, devel¬ oped areas, and open water Dec, 22; 6:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 18-44°F; wind, W-SW, 0-5 m.p.h. with gusts to 10 m.p.h. Three observers in two parties most of the day. Total party -hours 19 (7 on foot, 12 by car). Total party-miles 167.6 (5.1 on foot, 162.5 by car). Hours owling: 1.5. Total species 74; total individuals 250,020. Observers: Mark Bennett (compiler), Gerald Heath, Frank Lyne, and David Roemer. (continued on page 22) 20 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Falls of the Ohio 29 August 2012 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Tricolored Heron, Trigg Co. 4 August 2012 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Long-tailed Jaeger, Kentucky Lake 2 September 2012 Eddie Huber Snow Bunting, Louisville 16 November 2012 Ryan Ankeny Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Louisville 5 August 2012 Julie Berry 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 21 Swallow-tailed Kite, Boone Co. 16 August 2012 Allan Claybon. Snowy Owl, Louisville 11 November 2012 Byron Bright. Great Blue Heron (white morph) Falls of the Ohio, 29 August 2012 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Great Blue Heron (white morph) Falls of the Ohio 29 August 2012 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Red Crossbill, Lexington 24 November 2012 David Lang Nelson’s Sparrow, Henderson Co. 21 October 2012 Mary Yandell 22_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 89 The day was a pleasant sunny, cold, but not severely cold one. Several unidentified gulls were observed the day before the count. Mr. Lyne observed a Bam Owl on his farm, approximately 2.5 miles from the Bam Owl observed during the count. Mr. Lyne’s bird is presumed to be different individual. Highlights of the 20 lh consecutive Olmstead count included a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher that was observed and identified by two birders separ¬ ately. Additionally, a count-first Double-crested Cormorant was observed at Lake Herndon. Extremely large ‘■‘blackbird” flocks shatter all previous numbers. Three blackbird flocks were so large that counting was inconceivable and best estimates of numbers was the only option. Record count numbers included 74 species (second highest ever) and over 250,000 individuals (first by far). Record count numbers were tallied for the following species: Black Vulture (73), Turkey Vulture (106), Red-tailed Hawk (49), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (11), Northern Mockingbird (41), Red-winged Blackbird (106,421), Rusty Blackbird (1012), and Common Grackle (135,100). On the negative side, Mallard was missed for the first time ever. Paradise (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Hopewell Cemetery in southern Ohio County; 37.27755°, -86.95868°). Habitat as described in 1993. Dec. 30; 5:30 a m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky variably cloudy to partly cloudy; temp. 18-36°F; wind S, 0-10 m.p.h. Water partially open. Ten observers in three to four parties. Total party-hours 34.5 (21.5 on foot, 13.0 by car). Total party-miles 150 (8 on foot, 142 by car). Hours owling: 1.0. Total species 93; total individuals 21,387. Observers: Michael Autin, Carol Besse, Steve Graham, Teresa Graham, Eddie Huber, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler). Matt Stickel, Barbara Woemer, Ben Yandell, and Mary Yandell. Other than being below freezing until mid-afternoon, weather conditions were excel¬ lent for observing birds. The species total (93) was well above average for this count during recent years; the higher total was mostly due to the detection of a variety of hard-to-find or unusual species. Highlights included two Greater White-fronted Geese, three Redheads, a Horned Grebe, a Great Egret at the Paradise Power Plant ponds, three Virginia Rails (calls heard at two locations in Muhlenberg County), several flocks of Sandhill Cranes, three American Woodcocks, nine Short-eared Owls, three Merlins, a Northern Shrike (Ken Unit Peabody WMA in Ohio County), two House Wrens in Muhlenberg County, flyover flocks of American Pipits (15) and Lapland Longspurs (45), two Pine Warblers, and at least three Le Conte’s Sparrows. Raptor numbers were about average for recent years; one of the Red¬ tailed Hawks was an adult darkish morph Harlan’s Hawk. Unfortunately, Rough-legged Hawk, once numerous in this count area, was missed again this year. Bowling Green (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Three Springs, six miles south of Bowling Green; 36.9159°, -86.4359°). Habitat: deciduous woods 20%, fields and pastures 60%, and town and parks 20%. Dec. 16; 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sky heavy overcast; temp 59-62°F, wind SSW calm. Rained every hour. Seven observers in three parties. Total party-hours 24 (7 on foot, 17 by car). Total party-miles 166 (5 on foot, 161 by car). Total species 69; total individuals 7817. Observers: Tom Durbin, Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Ian-Michael Mason, Wayne Mason, Albert Meier, Alan Reeves, and David Roemer. Pine Siskins were observed during the count week. Western Allen County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 1/2 mile west of jet. KY 2136 (Towe Road) and Shores Road; 36.71278°, -086.34689°). Habitat: as described in 2012. Dec. 15: 6:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 44-60°F; wind S, 0- 15 m.p.h. 2013 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _23 Twenty-six observers in 13 parties. Total party-hours 68 (40 on foot, 28 by horse and buggy). Total party-miles 94.6 (25.0 on foot, 69.5 by horse and buggy, 0.1 by canoe). Total species 71; total individuals 10,624. Observers: Jamin Beachy (co-compiler), Makaya Beachy, Marena Beachy, Abraham Brubaker, Amanda Brubaker, Delores Brubaker, Jennifer Brubaker, John David Brubaker, Matthew Brubaker, Timothy Brubaker (co-compiler), Wilbur Gingerich, Ethan Hoover, Jeremiah Habegger, Leon Habegger. Ethan Hoover, Jamin Hoover, Joseph Hoover, Justin Hoover, Matthew Hoover, Philemon Hoover, Jerome Martin, and Allen Shirk, Alta Shirk, Elvin Shirk, Jonathan Tupper, and Karl Weaver. A very good count despite the unpleasant weather, thanks in part to the record number of observers. Though most owls weren't calling, the Barn Owls were a highlight. The Prairie Warbler that was seen the previous day could not be relocated on count day. Eastern Allen County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center along Rhoden Creek, 3.0 air miles north of Holland, Ky., Post Office; 36.7426°, -86.06855°). Habitat: woods, creeks, fields (bare and grassy). Barren River and Lake, and small towns. Dec. 29; 5:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cloudy with intermittent rain and sleet; temp. 34-36°F; wind SW in a.m. to NW in p.m, 0-20 m.p.h. Seventeen observers in nine parties Total party-hours 46.5 (23.0 on foot, 3 by car, and 20.5 by horse and buggy). Total party-miles 103 (31 on foot, 42 by car and 30 by horse and buggy). Hours owling: 2.0. Total species 81; total individuals 12,824. Observers: Jamin Beachy (co-compiler) Makaya Beachy, Matthan Beachy (co-com- piler), Sarahann Beachy, Abraham Brubaker, Daniel Brubaker, Jennifer Brubaker, John David Brubaker, Matthew Brubaker, Stephen Brubaker, Noah Click, Joseph Hoover, David Roemer, Erla Shirk, Laura AnnTupper, and Daniel Troyer. The third Eastern Allen County count was a success with 11 more species than last year and over twice the number of individuals. The count circle was shifted three miles north this year to eliminate overlap with a count circle in Tennessee. Highlights included a Ross’s Goose at the junction of KY 87 & KY 921 and three Dunlin (both seen by David Roemer), a Least Sandpiper that continued at Celsor Puddle for the count, 39 Common Loons (flyover), two Pine Siskins, and good numbers of sparrows and gulls. The 31 Eur¬ asian Collared-Doves were in one flock in Scottsville. Thanks to everybody who helped make this count a success. Hope to see all these participants next year. Glasgow (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Barren County' Court¬ house; 36.99564°, -85.91274°). Habitat as described in 1986. Dec. 30; 6:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 26-35°F; wind less than 5 m.p.h. Three observers in two parties. Total party-hours 14.5 (8.5 on foot, 6.0 by car). Total party-miles 120 (9 on foot, 111 by car). Total species 79; total individuals 8052. Observers: lan-Michael Mason, Wayne M. Mason (compiler) and David Roemer. Mammoth Cave National Park (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Park Headquarters; 37.18644°, -86.1101°). Habitat as described in 1980. Dec. 18; 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky partly cloudy to sunny; temp. 42-54°F; wind SSW 0-5 m.p.h. Seven observers in two parties. Total party-hours 12.5 (7.0 on foot, 5.5 by car). Total party-miles 95 (6 on foot, 90 by car). Total species 46; total individuals 774. Observers: Shilo Felton, Blaine Ferrell (compiler), Maggie Hook, lan-Michael Mason, Wayne Mason, Albert Meier. Merrie Richardson. Highlights of the count were the Bald Eagles, Sandhill Cranes, and the six Evening Grosbeaks observed by several at the park headquarters feeding on hackberries. (continued on page 32) 24 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 2012-2013 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 Otter Creek Park Gr. White-fronted Goose 2000 - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - Snow Goose 2100 - 2 - - - - - - - - - 1 2 30 Ross’s Goose 4 - - - - - - - 1 1 - 1 - - - Canada Goose 154 74 353 89 45 280 47 1 50 130 - 3 21 195 38 Cackling Goose - - - - — - - - - - - - Mute Swan - - - - - - - - - - - Wood Duck - 2 - - - - 38 2 3 - - 6 13 Gadwafl 500 100 1287 - - 240 2 - 1 45 - 3 - 38 3 American Wigeon 36 5 44 - - 4 - - 20 - - - American Black Duck 2 - 10 - - 1 - - - 15 - - - 11 - Mallard 1210 68 225 137 - 723 59 - 20 712 - 33 8 316 9 Blue-winged Teal - - 2 - - - - - - - - - — - Northern Shoveler 320 cw 21 - 14 2 - 1 40 - 1 8 - Northern Pintail 30 2 - - - 1 5 30 - 1 - 10 - Green-winged Teal 120 - 16 - - 122 - - - 45 - 5 - 5 1 Canvasback - - 5 - - - - - - 30 - - - - - Redhead - 7 - - - 3 - - - - - - - 7 4 Ring-necked Duck 30 - 34 - 1 241 - - - 10 - - - 1 - Greater Scaup 16 27 _ - - - - - - - - - - Lesser Scaup - 242 1917 - - - - - - 11 - - - - - White-winged Scoter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Bufflehead - 365 40 - - 1 - - - 8 - - - - - Common Goldeneye - 351 56 - - 1 - - - 2 - - - - - Hooded Merganser 5 18 91 1 - - 10 2 22 123 - - - - - Common Merganser - - 4 - - - - - - - - - - - - Red-breasted Merganser - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ruddy Duck - 208 26 1 - - 1 - - 10 - - - 1 - Northern Bobwhite 3 - - - 19 8 10 15 - - - - 1 2 7 Wild Turkey 75 17 6 24 18 94 86 49 32 - 10 92 75 118 - Common Loon - 7 25 - _ - - 39 1 - - - - Pied-billed Grebe 3 26 181 2 8 47 6 - 5 67 - - 1 1 14 Horned Grebe - 51 74 - - 1 - - - 5 - - - - - Double-cr Cormorant - - 216 6 1 - - - - - - - - - - American White Pelican - 1 303 - - - - - - - - - - - - Great Blue Heron 10 56 104 8 6 16 6 6 47 10 - 3 11 11 3 Great Egret - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - Black-cr. N ight-Heron - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 25 Bernheim 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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2002 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2135 - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 8 380 972 486 7 472 27 361 974 170 749 60 115 143 94 225 349 33 7097 - - - - - - - - - 9 - - - - 5 - - 14 - cw 3 - - - - - - - - 7 - - - - - 10 - 4 3 - 2 - - 2 3 - - 3 - 4 - - - 85 2 99 1 12 - - 30 58 - 5 - 63 3 49 71 2 - 2614 - 16 - - - - - - - 8 - - 6 - 139 - - - 19 - - - 8 - 22 17 14 1 15 11 - 146 65 944 67 85 32 8 76 337 18 189 5 24 7 259 175 101 51 5963 - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 3 6 13 12 - - - 5 82 - - - 6 9 4 2 - - 546 - 1 - 4 - - - - 3 2 - - - - - - - 89 1 9 - - - - - - - - - 5 - 11 7 - - 347 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35 - - - 2 - - - 2 - - - - - - 2 - 27 - 230 - - - - - 10 - 7 - 6 - 17 37 624 - 1 - 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 46 - - 4 8 - - - - - 2 - - - 2 9 2 - 2197 - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - 5 - - - 10 - 1 - - - - 10 - - 440 - 3 - 1 - - - - - 1 - 2 - cw - - 417 - 84 - 37 - - - 68 - 17 - 2 2 26 92 40 2 642 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _ 4 - - - 4 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 - - - 6 - - - 30 - 1 - - - cw - 284 - - cw - - - 2 2 - - - - 4 - - - 73 39 15 2 45 - 14 20 44 55 29 - 83 110 190 19 50 46 1457 - - - 4 - - - - - - 1 - 3 - 3 - 2 85 2 23 4 105 2 - 4 25 8 3 6 25 2 20 10 8 4 612 - - - 74 - - - - - - - - 7 4 79 - 1 296 - 93 - 2 - - - - 56 - - - - - 2 376 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 304 4 37 8 8 24 1 13 58 34 16 6 4 5 16 9 10 2 552 - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 - 11 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11 26 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 2012-2013 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 Otter Creek Park Black Vulture - 69 33 — 73 12 7 185 164 39 - 4 93 31 19 Turkey Vulture 1 31 15 3 106 11 20 169 63 81 1 31 192 54 73 Bald Eagle 16 14 51 1 — 2 - - 10 6 2 - 1 - 4 Northern Harrier 4 3 - 17 2 26 - 7 4 cw - 1 9 8 _ Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 1 - - - 2 - 5 2 1 1 - 1 2 2 Cooper’s Hawk 1 1 - 3 1 2 4 2 6 - 2 1 - 4 1 Sharp-sh./Cooper’s Hawk - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - Red-shouldered Hawk 5 18 6 1 1 16 - 10 5 5 4 5 4 7 1 Red-tailed Hawk 18 31 14 23 49 37 19 32 28 6 4 25 12 50 19 Rough-legged Hawk - - - 5 - - - - - - - - - - - Golden Eagle - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - Virginia Rail - - - - - 3 - - - - - - - - - American Coot 36 973 358 2 - 42 50 - - 28 - 1 - 8 5 Sandhill Crane - - - 4 - 180 - - 4 19 64 - 15 70 1400 Kill deer 113 108 40 39 87 29 55 45 489 139 - 18 19 195 5 Least Sandpiper 4 cw 54 - - - - - 1 3 - - - - - Dunlin - - - - - - - - 3 - - - - - - Wilson’s Snipe 2 33 - - - - - 2 17 - - - 2 - - American Woodcock 21 - - 3 - 1 - - - - - - - Bonaparte’s Gull - 51 213 - - - - - 1082 1019 - - 40 - - Ring-billed Gull 30 1271 530 10 - 7 - - 633 1119 - - 1 - 15 Herring Gull - 52 27 - - - - - - 8 - - - - 10 Forster’s Tern - cw 55 - - - - - - - - - - - - Rock Pigeon 2 14 109 140 11 12 1290 91 290 90 - 35 5 178 42 Eurasian Collared-Dove - 10 - 122 5 - 2 - 31 - - - - - Mourning Dove 7 221 31 360 433 123 1081 817 372 82 4 129 98 675 290 Bam Owl - - - - 1 - 2 - - - - - - Eastern Screech-Owl 1 - 1 - - 4 1 - - - 1 - 1 - Great Horned Owl 1 2 1 3 1 - 2 cw 2 - - 8 - 1 - Barred Owl 6 1 cw 2 - 2 1 cw 5 1 - 6 2 1 1 Short-eared Owl - - - - - 9 - - - - - - 5 - - Rufous Hummingbird - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - Belted Kingfisher 4 2 16 5 4 6 5 3 8 3 3 2 3 2 1 Red-headed Woodpecker 23 4 43 4 7 - 2 30 21 - 5 6 3 23 34 Red-bellied Woodpecker 23 58 74 25 29 25 30 112 117 17 10 12 14 51 42 Yel.-bellied Sapsucker 6 9 19 1 11 5 12 10 8 6 6 2 2 4 4 Downy Woodpecker 27 44 50 24 12 24 20 55 50 7 5 10 6 37 23 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 27 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 19 42 88 33 314 1 17 126 7 50 31 14 258 65 94 6 36 1930 17 40 84 2 108 3 87 186 4 7 16 19 44 27 54 2 23 1574 1 2 - 5 2 - - 2 - cw 1 2 cw 3 1 1 127 1 - 8 1 1 2 4 1 - 3 1 — 1 2 2 - - 108 1 8 - - - - 2 6 - - 1 - 2 3 1 - 2 44 ' 3 13 3 - 1 - 5 6 1 4 1 - - 2 1 4 cw 72 ! - 4 - - - - - 2 - 1 - - - 1 - 1 - io ; 17 24 - 3 - - 1 3 - 1 5 - 4 9 9 11 3 178 19 32 32 10 17 5 52 45 10 13 20 9 10 29 50 4 4 728 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 1 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 - 23 4 49 - - - 60 1 14 - 9 8 10 6 - 2 1689 54 cw 35 458 - - 113 - - 1 - - - cw - - - 2417 14 38 20 63 13 6 7 30 - 10 1 24 52 42 162 128 8 1999 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 62 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 ! 17 1 cw - - - 2 2 - - - - 17 - 2 - - 97 | - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 cw - - - 26 i - 13 - 61 - - - - 90 - - - - 2 56 - 11 2638 - 77 - 744 - - - 1 302 30 500 1 1 6 23 1 3 5305 - - - 17 - - - - 1 1 - - - - - - - 116 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 55 | 87 641 85 37 123 49 79 573 26 14 70 62 10 244 43 418 34 4904 - - - - - - - - - - cw - 4 - - 174 j 138 801 705 194 145 34 322 531 196 79 176 52 203 665 574 299 107 9944 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 | 2 2 - cw - 1 4 2 - 4 - 1 2 1 - 1 29 1 1 - 2 2 - 3 1 - 1 - - - cw - - 1 33 j 1 2 - - - - - - - - - 1 1 1 1 1 cw 36 ! - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15 i - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - 1 1 - - 4 ! 5 17 4 6 15 1 7 19 8 8 3 2 5 18 2 4 4 195 - - _ 2 - 1 - - - 3 5 12 1 229 j 54 81 12 25 42 9 39 86 17 21 12 20 39 96 65 32 16 1305 7 15 - - 1 - 6 16 2 4 2 1 5 - 3 - - 167 | 50 76 17 8 31 8 29 66 15 17 11 17 17 69 21 25 17 888 28 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 2012-2013 Christmas Bird Count Ballard County Calloway County Land Between the Lakes Sorgho Olmstead Paradise Bowl ing Green Western Allen County Eastern Allen County Glasgow Mammoth Cave Nat’l Park Hart County Upton Hodgenville Otter Creek Park Hair> r Woodpecker 4 2 2 8 4 11 2 12 26 1 1 2 3 11 Northern Flicker 27 13 41 22 20 25 36 79 41 24 7 14 5 32 39 Pileated Woodpecker 4 10 16 4 4 13 3 28 36 6 8 8 3 7 11 American Kestrel 5 15 11 49 28 9 17 19 37 15 23 23 45 14 Merlin - - - - - 3 1 - - - _ - - 1 - Peregrine Falcon - - 1 - - - - - - - - 1 - - - Eastern Phoebe 6 2 3 - 4 1 3 15 25 2 4 1 1 1 1 Say’s Phoebe - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Loggerhead Shrike 1 - - 1 4 - 2 2 - 1 - 3 - 2 - Northern Shrike - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - Blue Jay 53 84 115 89 57 177 34 461 148 55 48 46 35 221 241 American Crow 20 151 63 10 75 172 190 436 375 154 45 263 155 200 145 Homed Lark 130 cw - 374 392 20 110 87 152 35 - - 36 107 43 Carolina Chickadee 46 79 76 20 23 53 65 86 78 15 10 17 10 64 90 Tufted Titmouse 38 108 159 39 34 57 47 197 148 28 24 26 21 73 112 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 2 1 10 1 2 3 - - 3 - 1 17 - White-breasted Nuthatch 3 34 39 2 7 6 4 37 59 5 8 14 20 35 53 Brown Creeper 4 2 1 4 2 10 14 6 3 2 2 1 8 4 Winter Wren 2 2 1 - 1 1 - 5 8 - 2 - - 2 - House Wren - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - - Carolina Wren 61 48 86 41 36 42 50 103 108 27 10 20 40 55 61 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 2 13 3 22 9 7 37 38 3 3 1 3 8 12 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 12 - 8 - 2 9 1 - 1 - - 1 2 Eastern Bluebird 44 93 67 70 74 74 76 355 187 61 2 87 87 105 110 Hermit Thrush 1 6 14 - 3 9 2 1 2 2 2 2 - 2 7 American Robin 66 512 123 1167 390 138 - 824 1039 144 60 79 15 178 300 Northern Mockingbird 25 39 11 60 41 25 38 103 43 19 3 25 18 61 26 Brown Thrasher 11 4 2 1 1 6 1 11 5 - _ 1 - 1 2 European Starling 500 289 444 36256 3002 377 2851 1101 2058 2941 81 7700 2100 4650 3700 American Pipit - 40 - - 168 15 70 199 104 15 - - - - 1 Cedar Wax wing 25 56 523 1 131 193 254 1424 862 17 44 - 12 16 79 Lapland Longspur 50 - - 525 136 50 5 - - - - - - 21 - Orange-crowned Warbler - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Palm Warbler - - - - 3 - - 2 - - - - - cw - Pine Warbler - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - - - Yellow-ramped Warbler 53 18 39 2 31 166 39 76 44 42 27 16 8 79 67 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 29 Bernheim 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 11 17 1 2 1 1 6 11 3 7 4 1 4 10 7 - 3 178 j 29 60 9 26 16 7 21 58 11 9 12 21 50 37 43 36 9 879 23 4 2 7 10 5 9 30 7 7 6 4 22 13 21 2 12 345 11 15 23 13 9 8 28 38 13 11 11 16 29 62 45 25 5 672 - - - - - - - 1 - - 1 - - - - - - 7 ! - 2 - - 1 - - - - 2 - - - - - - - 7 1 1 4 - 1 1 1 - - - - - - 7 9 5 6 4 108 | - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - cw 1 - - 3 - - - - - cw - 1 - - 21 ; - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - 2 ! 269 165 25 98 80 11 128 169 57 33 61 45 119 281 213 112 24 3754 232 246 18 164 143 244 316 338 125 181 55 69 416 390 523 2656 207 8777 85 cw 263 - - - 8 14 — 1560 4 - - - 39 - 7 3466 177 231 14 32 87 21 61 278 32 51 24 57 69 154 78 74 149 2321 153 131 15 54 55 11 54 170 25 40 19 32 95 232 123 113 93 2526 31 7 1 1 2 - 4 1 - - 1 7 12 7 6 3 124 62 42 4 10 21 3 15 26 12 16 8 7 37 57 42 31 34 753 1 30 - - 5 2 1 12 1 4 — 1 1 cw 1 2 2 126 1 1 - 1 - - - - - - - - 1 2 1 1 2 34 - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - 3 ! 80 151 3 16 75 13 50 104 19 25 15 37 76 138 86 34 50 1760 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 19 27 1 4 4 3 3 19 3 11 - - 19 23 9 15 39 362 - 6 - - - - - 4 - 2 4 2 - 2 56 91 80 - 81 20 53 108 194 15 25 24 56 210 232 1 219 90 75 3065 6 4 - 4 - - 2 - 1 1 - 4 5 3 1 5 89 714 2178 9 49 638 279 338 2463 2303 2670 116 32 66 164 169 167 5 17395 65 76 21 20 21 3 94 97 16 16 12 40 72 126 75 69 14 1374 1 - - 3 - - 6 - - - - 1 1 1 1 - - 60 | 2594 9681 934 1000 1728 828 4000 7028 245 515 382 861 1206 7104 2526 3679 341 112702 - “ - - - - 1 - - 19 - - - - 25 - - 638 37 383 - 45 23 - 6 75 109 35 - 8 5 7 4370 - - - - - - - - - 5 - - - - - - - 792 - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 - 1 8 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 73 54 - 44 16 25 3 128 17 33 18 - 32 27 16 - 1 1194 30 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 2012-2013 Christmas Bird Count Eastern Towhee 41 24 45 1 19 30 16 80 65 10 2 10 3 31 Spotted Towhee 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Amer. Tree Sparrow 1 1 - 59 - 56 - - - - - 4 4 6 Chipping Sparrow - 6 - 3 1 - 4 14 14 10 - - - 2 Field Sparrow 30 20 38 3 32 101 22 139 170 32 12 9 3 63 Savannah Sparrow 7 - 2 6 46 70 1 17 35 1 - 14 - 31 Le Conte’s Sparrow 3 - - - - 3 - - - - - - - - Nelson’s Sparrow - - - - - - - - - - - - - Fox Sparrow 14 10 1 3 - 32 - 23 51 - - 2 - 9 Song Sparrow 94 16 47 57 61 168 59 388 386 69 25 255 28 130 Swamp Sparrow 47 - 9 2 18 125 20 105 99 12 5 11 - 50 White-thr. Sparrow 135 163 126 7 58 197 73 261 455 97 60 19 31 100 White-cr. Sparrow 19 44 1 14 41 45 16 209 106 - 1 41 20 65 Dark-eyed Junco 60 223 383 68 106 322 100 114 167 63 80 49 37 124 Northern Cardinal 90 146 111 66 76 137 91 403 293 60 15 62 29 161 Red-wg. Blackbird 1500 534 56 6640 106241 5650 220 283 439 cw 25 1270 43 138 Eastern Meadowlark 14 25 31 20 75 19 - 188 286 7 - 12 43 175 Rusty Blackbird 3 65 - 2 1012 3 - — cw - - - - - Brewer’s Blackbird - - - - 30 - - - - - - - 1 - Common Grackle 3000 10 535 13151 135100 10150 28 14 76 cw - 4000 1 156 Brown-hd. Cowbird 3 - - 50 1300 1 210 26 159 cw - 3000 - 63 Red Crossbill Purple Finch House Finch Pine Siskin American Goldfinch Evening Grosbeak House Sparrow 14 16 31 65 48 102 105 31 24 21 172 75 29 80 | 83 - | cw | — 141 96 [ 787 46 31 68 3 | cw | cw - 32 4 129 30 1 142 17 164 ~6 - - 42 16 297 Day of Count D18 J4 D15 J1 D22 D30 D16 D15 D29 D30 D18 J5 D19 D28 Number of Species 90 87 89 71 74 93 69 71 81 79 46 68 65 82 No. of Individuals 13323 7769 10208 60399 250020 21387 7817 10624 12824 8052 774 17766 3527 10017 No. of Observers 4 11 28 20 3 10 7 26 17 3 7 12 7 9 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 31 50 52 O 1 6 £ x 13 3 5 16 82 34 17 4 16 14 - 3 5 8 - - 218 11 - - - - - - 410 - - 15 - - 2 - 19 - - - - - 3 21 - 20 1 135 49 90 35 2 58 1 1 31 17 2 47 8 46 62 201 67 25 17 1433 15 13 12 - 4 - - - 2 - 1 1 - 1 25 - - - 219 104 205 191 14 54 66 30 30 109 28 92 33 127 90 387 92 136 71 3642 6 47 31 - 21 2 8 - 1 2 5 1 6 29 71 4 1 11 749 158 196 308 22 46 52 23 77 317 26 46 57 83 111 393 98 81 43 3919 38 53 36 7 61 41 1 77 26 2 4 10 7 26 148 64 41 8 1272 268 371 99 47 80 28 33 49 76 11 171 58 63 121 409 219 297 216 4512 138 287 409 50 113 120 32 245 297 54 85 69 76 181 551 227 333 102 5109 - 7 17 10 - cw 8 - - - 2 62 - 428 84 200 - 123857 32 30 9 3 4 - 3 70 21 - - 21 46 59 202 32 8 1435 - — 3 19 - - - — - - - - - 11 - - 1118 - - - - - - - - - - 2 - - - - - - - 33 - 14 - 226 - 2 - 1 78 - 3 1206 76 - 130 - 16 - 167973 - - - 1 - cw - - - 15 19 25 - - 230 13 25 - 5140 - - 3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 8 18 - - 9 2 7 - 3 1 1 - 1 3 - - - 174 85 28 244 27 25 16 - 160 260 5 66 2 40 53 89 73 22 12 1864 1 20 3 - - cw - 4 10 - - cw -1 - - 1 - - 79 136 228 258 27 78 110 27 106 157 31 82 36 76 93 159 102 114 59 4334 - - — - - - - - — - - - - - - - - - 6 9 53 177 41 9 48 8 130 140 15 17 14 18 63 87 96 40 8 1899 32_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 89 Hart County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center corner of Craddock Road and Jaggers Lane; 37.28352°, -85.83795°). Habitat: rural fields and forests; one large (Hundred-Acre) pond, and Green River. Jan. 5; 5:30 a m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky sunny most of the day with cloud cover moving in about 2:00 p.m.; temp. 22-45°F; wind little to none. Twelve observers in one to two parties. Total party-hours 17 (6 on foot, 11 by car). Total party-miles 75 (4 on foot, 71 by car). Total species 68; total individuals 17,766. Observers: Bonnie Avery, Bruce Bardin, Carol Besse, Lisa Brittain, John Brittain, Carol Friedman, Dan Givens, Janet Kistler, Steve Kistler (compiler). Cap Middleton, Jeff Sole, and Mitchell Sturgeon. We had a record high tally of 68 species for this count. Highlights included a banded Rufous Hummingbird wintering at Mitch Sturgeon’s feeder; a count-first Ross’s Goose on a farm pond; three Loggerhead Shrikes; good numbers of Great Horned Owls, Red-tailed Hawks, and American Kestrels; and a Peregrine Falcon. There were several huge mixed flocks of blackbirds and starlings Our last bird of the day was a red morph Eastern Screech-Owl that came to a recorded cal! and sat 15 feet above us at dusk. Upton (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center 0.5 miles south of Hilltop, eastern Grayson County; 37.38964°, -86.1137°). Habitat: woodland, farmland, river and Nolin Reservoir. Dec. 19; 5:30 a m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky mostly sunny; temp. 34-62°F: wind SW 5-10 m.p.h. Seven observers in two parties. Total party-hours 11.5 (3.0 on foot, 8.5 by car). Total party-miles 105 (1 on foot, 104 by car). Total species 65; total individuals 3527. Observers: Bonnie Avery. Bruce Bardin, John Brittain (compiler), Lisa Brittain, Carol Friedman, Dan Givens, and Steve Kistler. It was a beautiful day for birding. Species of waterfowl were lower than most years, but a Snow Goose, seen on large pond on Brooks Road, Edmonson County, was the first ever seen on this count. We were treated to a show of Short-eared Owls and Northern Harriers hunting at the end of the day. Hodgenville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center courthouse square in downtown Hodgenville, Ky.; 37.57375°, -085.74038°). Habitat as described in 2011. Dec. 28; 8:00 am. to 5:00 p.m. Sky cloudy with rain starting late in the afternoon; temp. 32- 39°F; wind E, 0-10 m.p.h. Nine observers in four to five parties. Total party-hours 33.5 (9.5 by foot 24.0 by car). Total party-miles 225 (5 on foot, 220 by car). Total species 82; total individuals 10,017. Observers: Brooks Atherton, Lyn Atherton, Mary Bill Bauer, Bill Friel, Eddie Huber, Bramard Palmer-Ball, Jr., David Roemer, David Stewart, and Barbara Woerner (compiler). Perhaps it was because of better coverage, or more likely just good luck, that resulted in us beating last year's record high species total for this count (74) with a total of 82 species this year, plus two count week species (Palm Warbler and Purple Finch). Highlights include two Snow Geese, a Merlin^ 23 Red-headed Woodpeckers, 17 Red-breasted Nut¬ hatches, and the count week Palm Warbler. 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°, - 86.069836°). Habitat as described in 2001. Dec 22; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky mostly clear; temp. 17-40°F; wind W-SW, 0-8 m.p.h. Water partly frozen. Six observers in three parties. Total party-hours 25.0 (12.5 on foot, 12.5 by car). Total party-miles 128 (5 on foot. 123 by car). Total species 71; total individuals 8357. Observers: Eddie Huber, Jeff Lawrence, Charlie Logsdon, 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 and remained partly cloudy. Highlights included a few uncommon waterfowl species on Doe Valley Lake, a nearly day-long parade of southbound flocks of Sandhill Cranes (con- 2013 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _33 servative total of 1,400 recorded), probably a count-record total of 34 Red-headed Wood¬ peckers, two Brown Thrashers, and a single Pine Siskin. Blackbirds, other than Eastern Meadowlark, were totally absent. Natural food supplies seemed to be in average supply with some good habitat not always holding numbers of songbirds. Bernheim Forest (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center at Forest fire tower, 2.75 mi. se. of Forest entrance; 37.902405°, -85.62752°). Habitat as described in 1974. Dec 23; 8:00 am. to 5:30 pin. Sky' partly cloudy; temp. 35-54°F; wind S-SW, 5-10 m.p.h. Water mostly open. Eleven observers in five to seven parties. Total party-hours 38.5 (16.0 on foot, 22.5 by car). Total party-miles 212 (11 on foot, 201 by car). Total species 72; total individuals 7507. Observers: Mary Bill Bauer, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Dona Coates, Paul Hager, Eddie Huber, Jennifer Huber, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (compiler), Nancy Vance, Kelly Vowels, and Barbara Woerner. Weather conditions were excellent for observing birds. The species total (71) was a bit above average for this count for recent years. Highlights of the day included an adult Bald Eagle, a sub-adult Golden Eagle, 17 Wilson’s Snipe, 31 Red-breasted Nuthatches, and 20 Pine Siskins. Natural food supplies appeared to be relatively plentiful, but numbers of wax- wmgs and robins were low. Louisville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Jet. Hwys 42 and 22; 38.2813°, -85.63481°). Habitat as described in 1972. Dec. 16; 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 60-62°F; wind SW, 12 m.p.h. Forty-five observers in 26 parties. Total party-hours 86.75 (53.00 on foot, 33 75 by car). Total party miles 380 8 (43.5 on foot, 337.3 by car). Hours feeder-watching: 3.75 with eight observers. Hours owling: 1.5. Total species 85: total individuals 20,012. Observers: Tom Ackerson. Win Ahrens. Ryan Ankeny, Michael Autin, Jamie Baker, Tom Becker, Pat Bedford, Sherm Bedford, Jane Bell, Pat Bell (compiler), Carol Besse, Ren Bilkey, Wanda Bilkey, Carl Bochmann, JoAnn Bochmann, Rod Botkins, Dona Coates, Colleen Craven-Becker, Wes Cunningham, Bree Furfee, Rod Goforth, Chuck Hatten, Sharon Henry, Bob Johnson, Cheryl Kolander, Frank Krull, John Krull, Rob Lane, Carol McAllister, Paul McAllister, Mark Monroe, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jan Raia, Peggy Renn, Michael Riggs, Tim Ritter, Kim Rogers, Steve Rogers, Tom Sklodoski, David Stewart, Jack Still, Del Striegel, Nancy Vance, Major Waltman, and Barbara Woerner. This was one of the warmest days (low 60s) that we have had since 2006 for the Louisville count. Our species count was about average and our total number of individuals was up from last year due to large number of robins and starlings. Our count produced several unusual species: a White-winged Scoter, a Great Egret, a Nelson’s Sparrow, and a small Hock of Red Crossbills. A photo was taken of both the scoter and sparrow. The scoter w r as seen by two different groups of observers on both the Indiana and Kentucky sides of the Ohio River. The Nelson’s Sparrow' represents the first winter record for this species in Kentucky. It w r as netted, photographed, and banded. Many observers have seen the Red Crossbills frequently since 24 November feeding in hemlock trees in Cave Hill Cemetery. The Great Egret has lingered since October at the Falls of the Ohio. Thanks to all the 45 observers on the Louisville count. 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°, -85.14535°). Elevation 640- 1190 ft. Habitat: farmland, fallow land, suburban, w’ooded, and grassland. Dec. 30; 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sky mostly clear; temp. 20-33°F; wind W, 15 m p.h. Eleven observers in six parties. Total party-hours 36 (8 on foot, 28 by car). Total party- miles 224 (10 on foot, 214 by car). Total species 56; total individuals 3545. Observers: Horace Brown (compiler), Joan Brown, Lloyd Brown, Cathy King, Andy 34 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 89 Kirkland, Phil Kirkland, Karen Quinn, Michael Reichart, Walt Reichart, Pam Spaulding, and Benton Young. Green River Lake (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Green River Memorial Baptist Church, Taylor County, Ky.; 37.17541°, -85.22041°). Habitat: old fields, agricultural fields and borders, second growth forest, Green River riparian areas, open water, including Green River Lake and Campbellsville City Lake. Dec. 27; 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky mostly sunny; temp. 30-34°F; wind 0-10 m.p.h. Four observers in three parties. Total party-hours 18.5 (6.0 on foot, 12.5 by car). Total party-miles 91.75 (2.75 on foot, 89.00 by car). Total species 75; total individuals 4395. Observers: Lloyd Curry (compiler), Eddie Huber, Richie Kessler, and Brainard Palmer-Bail. The three Brown Thrashers were all seen in the same spot. The large number of Sand¬ hill Cranes may have come from observation of some flocks by different observers in different parts of the circle. Frankfort (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. US 127 and KY 1900; 38.22612°, -84.85022°). Habitat as described in 1977. Dec. 15; 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Sky cloudy with light rain at times; temp. 35-56°F; wind SE, 6-14 m.p.h Sixteen observers in six parties. Total party-hours 30.75 (18.5 on foot, 10.5 by car). Total party-miles 126 (17 on foot, 113 by car). Hours feeder-watching: 3.75. Total species 57; total individuals 4814. Observers: Peggy Gould (compiler), Ralph Gould, Pat Hankla, Scott Hankla, Jeff Jones, Joel Jones, Chad LeForce, Elaine Rail, Layton Register, Edwin Shouse, Mary Shouse, Gary Sprandel, Asha Vorisek, Kyra Vorisek, Shawchyi Vorisek, and Tim Wil¬ liams. Two watched at feeders. Kleber Wildlife Management Area (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Hensler, Owen County, Ky; 38.4633°, -84.7769°). Habitat: agricultural fields and pastures, river bottoms, mixed cedar/hardwood woodland. Dec. 30; 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 22-30°F; wind W, 0-10 m.p.h. Two observers in one parly. Total party-hours 8.5 (6.5 on foot, 2.0 by car). Total party- miles 53 (4 on foot, 49 by car). Total species 45; total individuals 1871. Observers: Jeff Jones (compiler) and Joel Jones. Hunting activity in the Wildlife Management Area limited some areas of coverage. Two to three inches of snow covered the entire count area. Danville (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Boyle County Courthouse; 37.64634°, -84.77345°). Habitat: water edge (15%), urban (10%), cultivated (10%), field/fence (35%), wooded edge (24%), and feeder (6%). Dec. 22, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sky clear; temp. 23-35°F; 0-10 m.p.h. Twenty-one observers in nine parties. Total party-hours 52.00 (13.75 on foot, 38.25 by car). Total party-miles 494.25 (10.75 on foot, 483.50 by car). Total species 65; total indiv¬ iduals 7610. Observers: Jane Brantley, J.P. Brantley (compiler), Granville Cox, Thelma Cox, Neil Eklund, Virginia Ekiund, Patrick Finnegan, Bill Garriott, Mike Hamm, JoAnn Hamm, Mort Hoagland, Ben Leffew. Gloria Maender, Jim Maender. Gail Manning, Preston Miles, Eric Mount, Don Pelly, Jim Porter, Linda Porter, and Patsi Tollinger. Forty-one unidentified sparrows are not included in the table. Lexington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center jet. East Hickman Road and Tates Creek Road; 37.9198°, -84.4693°). Habitat: suburban farms, woodlots, water company reservoirs, farm ponds, Kentucky River and cliffs, and bottomland floodplains. Dec. 15; 6.00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sky partly clear; temp. 40-57°F; wind SSE 3-15 m.p.h. Fifty-one observers in 15-21 parties. Total party-hours 129.00 (65.00 by foot, 61.75 by car and 0.50 by bicycle). Total party-miles 572.25 (includes 22.00 miles by foot, 537.25 by 2013 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 35 car). Total species 73; total individuals 16,274. Observers: Ben Albritton, Laura Baird, Suzanne Bhatt, Thad Bishop, Gretchen Bolton, Rose Canon, Katie Clark, Mary Carol Cooper, John Cox, Montana Cox, Phyllis Deal, Ed Demoll, Chris Demoll, Mike Flynn, Brenda Franey, Gay Fugate, Stratton Hatfield, Jim Hodge, Alice Howell, Beverly James, Doreen Jezek, Mike King, Alan Kingsland, Terri Koontz, Betsy Fang, David Fang, Judy Fundquist, Betty Maxson (compiler), Ellen Molle, Mark Morgan, Tina Nauman, Kay Neikerk, Jeff Noffsinger, Caroll Pickett, Joe Pulliam, Fou Shain, Jeff Sole, Marie Sutton, Dave Svetich, Joe Swanson, Ed Talbot, Michelle Talbot, Charles Tremoulet, Gretchen Tremoulet, Jeanne Van Willigen, Jacki Van Willigen, George Weams, Amy Williams, Linda Wilson, and Bernice Wood. Four unidentified Buteo hawks are not included in the table. Warsaw (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Gallatin County Court¬ house; 38.78387°, -84.90227°). Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 15; 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 37-54°F; wind SE, 6-8 m.p.h. Most water open. Three observers in two parties. Total party-hours 15.5 (1.5 on foot, 14.0 by car). Total party-miles 162 (1 on foot, 161 by car). Total species 55; total individuals 4247. Observers: Joe Caminiti, Ed Gronetnan, and Lee McNeely (compiler). Access to the Ghent Power Plant was not allowed this year, likely decreasing the variety and numbers of waterfowl and sparrows. Double-crested Cormorant and American Robin were found in record high numbers. Burlington (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Camp Michaels; 38.94932°, -84 74625°). Habitat as described in 1992. Dec. 29; 7:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.; Sky cloudy; temp. 29-32°F; wind NW 5-10 m.p.h. All water was open; three inches of snow cover. Nine observers in five parties. Total party-hours 31 (7 on foot, 24 by car). Total party- miles 151 (4 on foot, 147 by car). Total species 76; total individuals 7479. Observers: Finda Altevers, Joe Caminiti, Kathy Caminiti, Gene Dennis, Mike Faytart, Fee McNeely (compiler), Gayle Pille, Carmen Schulte, and Tommy Stephens. Feeder watcher Lynda McNeely. Poor road conditions limited owling opportunities. Total number of species and indiv¬ iduals both were record highs for this count. Notable finds included 12 species of water- fowl, Lapland Longspun and Brewer's Blackbird. Unusually high numbers of Horned Lark, American Robin and American Tree Sparrow were present. The Orange-crowned Warbler was seen at Tommy Stephens’ feeders and is likely the same bird that was present there last winter. Falmouth (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center near Caddo, Ky.; 38.74738°, -84.24473°). Habitat as described in 2011. Jan. 1; 7:10 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. Sky overcast; temp. 29-38°F; wind SW, 3-8 m.p.h. Most water open. Three observers in two parties. Total party-hours 16 (2 on foot, 14 by car). Total party- miles 116 (1 on foot. 115 by car). Total species 57; total individuals 3332. Observers: Rodney Crice, Lee McNeely (compiler), and Tommy Stephens. Access to the Ohio River above Meldahl Dam remains limited due to construction of a hydroelectric plant. Highlights included Common Loon, Merlin, and the large number of Common Grackles. Richmond (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center circa 0.7 air miles east of Jet. US 25 and KY 1983 (White Station Road); 37.6311°, -84.2638°). Habitat: fencerows and roadsides (20%), woodland (20%), pasture and open fields (55%), lawns (4%), lakes and ponds (1%). Dec. 15; 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sky cloudy to partly cloudy; temp. 44- 61 °F; wind 2-10 m.p.h. Nine observers in five parties. Total party-hours 18.5 (7.0 on foot, 11.5 by car). Total party-miles 187.00 (7.00 on foot, 153.25 by car). Total species 60; total individuals 2529. 36_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 89 Observers: Rebecca Bates, David Brown, Alexi Dart-Padover, Rob Foster, Paul Hager, Gary Ritchison (compiler), Lynne Spencer, Sam Spencer, and Todd Weinkam. Russell-Adair County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center intersection of Owensby Road and Hwy 3281: 36.96583°, -85.12167°). Habitat: mixed and decid-uous woodland, pasture fields, streams and lake, mostly rural with a small percentage of urban. Elevation: 530-1140 ft. Dec. 17; 5:30 a m. to 5:30 p in. Sky variable, but mostly overcast; temp. 50-64°F; wind S, 0-17 m.p.h. Overcast, cloudy, sunny, rain and hail. Six observers in four parties. Total part-hours 32.75 (8.50 on foot, 24.25 by car). Total party-miles 309.75 (2.75 on foot, 307.00 by car). Total species 73; total individuals 4445. Observers: Terry Campbell, Granville Cox, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Steve Denton, Arlene Morton, and Stephen Stedman. Somerset (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center junction of Bypass Hwy. 80 and Hwy. 39; 37.10245°, -84.60376°). Habitat as described in 2000. Jan. 1; 7:20 a.m. to 5:45 p.rn. Sky cloudy /foggy a.m. and cloudy in p.m.; temp. 37-41°F; wind variable, 0-3 m.p.h. Drizzle. Fourteen observers in six parties. Total party-hours 50.00 (6.25 by foot, 43.75 by car). Total party-miles 324.75 (3.50 on foot, 321.25 by car). Total species 76; total individuals 14,577. Observers: Judy Brant, Rhonda Bryant. Granville Cox, Roseanna Denton (compiler), Steve Denton, Gay Hodges, James Kiser, Scott Marsh, Linda McClendon, Lynda Mills, Tom Mills, Kimberly Morgan, Arlene Morton, and Stephen Stedman. There were 12 feeder watchers. Wayne County (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Junction Hwy. 1275 and 3106; 36.8972°, -84.8215°). Habitat as described in 2004. Jan. 5; 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p in. Sky partly cloudy; temp. 22'45°F; wind SSW, 0-8 m.p.h. Still water partly frozen, moving water open Ten observers in five parties. Total party-hours 46.5 (6.0 on foot, 40.5 by car). Total party-miles 352.5 (2.0 on foot, 350.5 by car). Total species 86; total individuals 7633. Observers: Nathan Beachy, Terry Campbell, Granville Cox, Roseanna Denton (com¬ piler), Bret Kuss, Gay Hodges, Linda McClendon, Arlene Morton, Stephen Stedman, and Able Toyer. Loudon (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center Route 3432 and US 25; 37.13544°, -84.09445°). Habitat: 50% pasture, hayfields; 45% forested; 1% cultivated; 1% lakes, ponds, streams; 2% fencerows, residential yards; 1% roads. Dec. 29, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp. 32-38°; wind NW, 3-15 m.p.h. Moderate to light rain until mid morning, intermittent rain changing to flurries late. Eleven observers in four parties. Total party-hours 33.5 (1.5 on foot, 32.0 by car). Total party-miles 322 (1 on foot, 321 by car). Total species 57, total individuals 10,018. Observers: Winona Allen, Granville Cox (compiler), Thelma Cox, Steve Denton, Roseanna Denton, Abigail Dixon, Jacob Dixon, Arlene Morton, Marie Oakley, Randy Oakley, and Carlo Shivel. Cumberland Falls (all points within a 15-mile diameter circle, center upper Bark Camp Creek; 36.8900°, -84.2611°). 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 River Lake) and about 17 miles of Cumberland River/Lake Cumberland and its riparian forest. Dec. 15; 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sky cloudy; temp 37-60°F; wind W, 0-10 m.p.h. Seven observers in four parties. Total party-hours 33.75 (9.50 on foot, 24.25 by car). Total party-miles 181.5 (6.5 on foot, 175.0 by car.) Total species 63; total individuals 2065. Observers: Sara Ash, Granville Cox, Thelma Cox, Roseanna Denton, Steve Denton, Bret Kuss (compiler), and Renee Yetter. 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 37 FIELD NOTE A Record State Count of American White Pelicans from Aerial Imagery High resolution aerial imagery of the United States has been widely available on the internet for about ten years. The most commonly used imagery is provided by publicly accessible sites like Google Maps and Google Earth. On 26 November 2012, K.O.S. mem¬ ber, Willard Gray, was reviewing aerial imagery of the Little River embayment of Lake Barkley, Trigg County, on his home computer and noticed that several flocks of American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) were visible. The following day he called the author’s attention to the presence of the pelicans on the imagery. A few days later the author attempted to count the number of pelicans shown by the imagery. By cutting and pasting several frame captures off the computer and importing them into a photograph editing software program, the individual birds were counted with relative ease. The imagery contains enough resolution to even see shadows of flying birds on the water beneath them (Figs. 1-3; Google 2012). Individual birds could be discerned in all but the most densely packed feeding groups. By placing a dark dot over each bird using the editing software and keeping track of the running tally with a clicker, a conservative total of 3,229 American White Pelicans was counted. These birds could be seen in several feeding and flying flocks, and one large loafing flock on an exposed bar. All of the birds were present upstream (northeast) from the KY 274 bridge west of Cadiz. Additional frames were searched to the west but no additional pelicans were found. As of this writing in February 2013, these same images can be viewed on Google Maps and Google Earth by going to the following coordinates: 36.884547, -87,894208 and zooming in. Imagery © 2012 DigitalGlobe, GeoEve, Map data ©2012 Google Fig. 1. Aerial imagery showing a feeding flock of American White Pelicans and additional birds flying towards the feeding group on Little River embayment of Lake Barkley, Trigg Co., 15 October 2011. 38 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 89 The total of 3,229 American White Pelicans establishes a new single-day high count for the state of Kentucky. Inspection of the Google Earth web site indicated that the photo¬ graph was taken 15 October 2011. The author thanks Greg Abernathy with the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust, for review¬ ing web site information that yielded the date of the aerial imagery. Literature Cited Google Maps. 2012. https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl. Accessed 30 December 2012 . —Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222. Imagery © 2012 DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Map data ©2012 Google Figs. 2 & 3. Aerial iamgery showing feeding flock of ca. 970 American White Pelicans (above) and flying birds on way from loafing area to feeding groups (below) on Little River embayment of Lake Barkley. Trigg Co., 15 October 2011. Imagery © 2012 DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Map data ©2012 Google 2013 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://vvww.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, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov). 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 can 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. 40 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Glossy Ibis, Union Co. 31 August 2012 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. White-eyed Vireo, Warren Co. 24 November 2012 Blaine Ferrell Tricolored Heron, Ballard Co. 11 August 2012 Rodney Crice Red Crossbills, Lexington 23 November 2012 Eddie Huber White-winged Crossbill, Lexington 24 November 2012 David Lang The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 89 MAY 2013 NO. 2 IN THIS ISSUE WINTER 2012-2013 SEASON, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely. 43 k O S. SPRING 2013 MEETING, Blaine R. Ferrell. 56 FIELD NOTE A Wintering Nelson’s Sparrow. 58 NEWS AND VIEWS.59 42 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President.Carol Besse, Louisville Vice-President.Steve Kistler, Munfordville Corresponding Secretary.Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY 41005 Treasurer.Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 Recording Secretary. Councillors: Hap Chambers, Murray. Roseanna Denton, Science Hill Linda Craiger, Glasgow. Virginia Kingsolver, Carlisle... Jane Bell, Louisville. Pat Bell, Louisville. Blaine Ferrell, Bowling Green 2011-2013 2011- 2013 2012- 2014 2012- 2014 2013- 2015 2013-2015 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. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222 (brainard@mindspring.com) Editorial Advisory Board Ben Yandell Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee.Ben Yandell 513 Lymington Court, Louisville, KY 40243 (secy@kybirdrecords.org) THE COVER We thank Rodney Crice for the image of the Spotted Towhee (Pipilio maculatus ) taken 5 January 2013 at the West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area in McCracken County (see p. 53). Financial support for color reproduction in this issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest. 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 43 WINTER 2012-2013 SEASON Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely Climatic conditions during winter 2012-2013 were quite variable through the season. December temperatures averaged warmer-than-normal statewide, but slightly below normal during January and slightly above normal during February. Precipitation across most of the state was well above normal during December with Louisville and Lexington receiving about twice the normal total, and Jackson receiving about 150% of normal; however, at Paducah precipitation was below normal during the month. During January, precipitation was above normal statewide, with Paducah receiving a record amount for the month (8.05 in [20.4 cm]) with more than 5.0 in (12.7 cm) coming during 12-13 January. February became drier-than-normal with most major stations recording about one-half of normal precipitation. There were no prolonged periods of cold weather or snow cover. Rarity highlights included Red-throated Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Little Gull, Glau¬ cous Gull, several continuing Rufous Hummingbirds, Say’s Phoebe, at least three Northern Shrikes, two Brown-headed Nuthatches, and a Spotted Towhee. Out-of-season passerines included a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Tennessee Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Prairie Warbler, and a state-first for w inter Nelson’s Sparrow Following the appearance of several irruptive boreal species during late November, a number of reports of both crossbills. Even¬ ing Grosbeak, and Common Redpoll continued. 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); “vr.” next to an observer’s initials indicates that the observation was documented w ith recordings of call notes, “f” next to 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 River Lake , Allen!Barren (unless otherwise noted); Blood River = Blood River embayment, Ky Lake, Calloway ; Camp #11 = former Camp #11 mine. Union ; Cave Run Lake . Bath!Rowan, Cecilia . Hardin ; Cedar Creek Lake . Lincoln ; Falls of the Ohio . Jefferson, Flemingsburg = city water reservoir at Flemingsburg, Fleming ; Goose Lake = Sinclair Unit Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg, Horseshoe Road = slough along Horseshoe Road. w. Henderson ; Jonathan Creek - Jonathan Creek embayment, Kentucky Lake, Marshall ; Ken Unit. Peabody WMA, Ohio, Ky Dam = Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall, Kentucky Dam Village SRP . Marshall: Kv Lake = Kentucky Lake, Callow a) 1 / MarshalII Trigg, Lake Peeyvee . Hopkins: LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, LyonlTrigg ; Lexington , Fayette ; Long Point - Long Point Unit Reelfoot NWR, Fulton: McElrov Lake , s Warren ; Meldahl Dam = Ohio River at/above Meldahl Dam, Bracken ; Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan ; NWR - National Wildlife Refuge; Obion WMA . n. of Hickman, Fulton ; Reformatory 7 Lake , nr. Buckner, Oldham, Sauer he ber = Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson: Sinclair Unit. Peabody W'MA. Muhlenberg ; Spindletop Farm = University of Kentucky Spindletop Farm, Fayette: SNP = State Nature Preserve; SP = State Park; SRP = State Resort Park, Wendell Ford Training Center = Wendell Ford National Guard Regional Training Center, Muhlenberg, WMA = Wildlife Management Area; Wolf Creek Dam . Russell. 44 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Greater White-fronted Goose - local peak counts included ca. 3000 at Sauerheber 23 December (CC); 8700 at Ballard WMA 3 January (RCo); and ca. 3000 at Long Point 17 January (BP, EHu). Other reports of interest included 2 at Goose Lake 30 December into late January (SG, TG, et al.); 3 at Spindletop Farm 30 December (DL et al.) with 3 on the e. side of Lex¬ ington 5-6 January (C>, MT); 1 at the State Game Farm, Franklin 2 January (GS); 31 at McElroy Lake during the 3 rd week of January (TD); 4 at Cave Run Lake/Minor Clark l February (ph. BWu); and ca. 75 still at Horseshoe Road 24 February (BP, EHu, SG, TG). Snow Goose - local peak counts included 31,000 at Ballard WMA 3 January (RCo); 3000 at Sauerheber 10 January (KM); and ca. 12,000 at Long Point 2 February (PK et al ). Other reports of interest included 30 over e. Meade 22 December (DS1, EHu); 10 on the e. side of Lexington 5-6 January/ (C>, MT) with up to 18 at Spindletop Farm during mid-February (JPk, DL, et al ); ca. 25 on the Ohio River at Louisville 11 February 7 (ph. MF); 1 at Minor Clark 22 February (BWu); ca. 500 still at Horseshoe Road 24 February (BP, EHu, SG, TG); and 22 se. of Mt Zion, Allen , 28 February' (MBy, MkB). Ross’s Goose - local peak counts included 4 at Ballard WMA 18 December (EHu, BP, JSo); at least 6 at Sauerheber 11 January (BP, EHu); and 4 at Long Point 2 Febru¬ ary (PK et al.) with at least 16 there 17 February (ph. JPk, TM). Other reports of interest included 2 at Twin Lakes Sub¬ division, Pulaski , 6 December (ph. RD) with 1 still there 7 December (ph. RD); 1 e. of Munfordville, Hart , 5 January (ph. JSo, ph. JK, et al ): 1 at the Reformatory Lake 7 January (EHu); 1 at the Ken LJnit 19 January 7 (RD, BY) and 2 at Goose Lake 19 January-18 February 7 (BY, EWs, et al.); 1 w. of Cecilia 31 January (BP, MM, N&RP); 2 at Spindletop Farm 12/13 Feb¬ ruary (ph. JPk/JSo) with 1 still there 15/16 February (ph. DL/TP); 1 at Erlanger, Ken¬ ton, 22-23 February (ph. HW); and 1 at Lake Reba, Madison , 25 February (ph. MBr). Cackling Goose - reports of interest includ¬ ed 9 at Camp Ernst Lake, Boone , 29 De¬ cember (LM); small numbers at Spin¬ dletop Farm 4 January-15 February (m. ob.) with a peak count of 10 there 7 Jan¬ uary (ph. JSo); 5 at Conley Bottom Resort on Lake Cumberland, Wayne, 5 January 7 (ph. RD); 8 on a pond along KY 1421 s. of Scottsville, Allen , 17 January (JBy, MBy); 1 at Miller Pond, Russell , 22 Janu¬ ary H February (fRD); small numbers at the Reformatory Lake, Oldham , during January and early February (m. ob ); and 3 at Flemingsburg 26 January (BP, EHu). Tundra Swan - peak counts reported for the wintering flock at Sloughs WMA, w. Henderson, were 115 in the vicinity 7 Jan¬ uary 7 (TY) and 118 at Horseshoe Road 24 February (BP, EHu, SG, TG); also re¬ ported were 2 imms. at Clarks River NWR, Marshall , 22 December (ph. HC) and 4 at Goose Lake 19 January-18 Feb¬ ruary 7 (ph. BY, EWs, et al.). Gadwall - local peak counts included 54 on Pumphouse Pond. Pulaski, 6 December (RD); 830 on Honker Bay, LBL, Lyon , 15 December (JPt) with 920 (possibly same group) on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 7 January (PH); 450 at Jonathan Creek 15 December (HC); 62 at the Falls of the Ohio 8 Janu¬ ary 7 (TBe, DSI); 52 on Lake Linville, Rockcastle , 18 January 7 (KO); 65 on Cedar Creek Lake 24 January (RD): and ca. 100 at Camp #11 on 24 February (BP, EHu). American Wigeon - ca. 75 at Sauerheber 11/16 January (BP, EHu/JSo) represented a very modest peak count for the season. Mallard - peak count for the season was ca. 75,000 in the Ohio River Bottoms, Bal¬ lard, 7 January 7 (PH). Blue-winged Teal - reports from two CBCs have not been included here because of lack of sufficient description. Winter re¬ ports of Blue-winged Teal need to be doc¬ umented w'ith comprehensive written des¬ criptions and/or photographs. Northern Shoveler - peak counts of interest included 93 on the Reformatory Lake 6 January (MC); ca. 50 on Goose Lake 20 January (BP); 45 at Owingsville, Bath , 9 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 45 February (BWu); and ca. 300 at Sauer- heber 13 February (KM). Northern Pintail - local peak counts of interest included ca. 250 adjacent to Obion WMA 15 February (ME); 65 at Sauerheber and 70 along Uniontovvn-Mt. Vernon Road, Union , both 18 February (CC); and 110 at Sauerheber, 100 along J. Dance Road, Henderson , ca. 35 at Sand Slough, Henderson, and ca. 50 at Horse Pond Slough, Henderson , all 24 February (BP, EHu). Green-winged Teal - local peak counts of interest included 400 on Lake Barkley, Lyon , 7 January (PH); ca. 150 at Long Point 15 February (ME); ca. 200 along J. Dance Road, Henderson , 24 February (BP, EHu); and ca. 200 along KY 94 at Mud Creek, Fulton , 26 February (JSo). Redhead - local peak counts of interest in¬ cluded 69 on Goose Lake 27 January (RD); 15-20 at Flemingsburg 26 January (BP, EHu); 58 at Fishing Creek 1 Febai- ary (RD) with 65 there 9 February (RD); 58 at Somerset, Pulaski , 16 February (RD); ca. 100 on Barren River Lake 19 February (JBy, MBy); 89 at Minor Clark 20 February (BWu) with at least 150 there 22 February (BWu) and an impressive high count of 281 there 24 February (BWu); 30 on Cedar Creek Lake 21 Feb¬ ruary' (RD) and 35 on a pond in Fayette 27 February (JSw). Ring-necked Duck - local peak counts of interest included 136 on the Louisville Water Company ponds at Prospect, Jef¬ ferson. 15 December (MC); 111 on Goose Lake 27 January (RD); and 2000 in Bal¬ lard 1 January (PH). Greater Scaup - ca. 100 on Ky Lake, Mar¬ shall , 4 January (BP, EHu) represented a modest peak count for the season. Lesser Scaup - local peak counts included 135 on the Ohio River at Louisville 25 February (BP) with at least 150 there 28 Febarary (BP), and ca. 1500 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 1 January' (PH). Surf Scoter - there were tliree reports: 1 on the Ohio River above Uniontown Dam, Union , 11 December (ph. CC); an imm. male above Meldahl Dam 27-29 January (GWu et al.); and 2 above Meldahl Dam 23 February (BS, CBC). White-winged Scoter - there were five re¬ ports: a female/imm. on the Ohio River at Louisville 16 December (CBe, ph. TBe, et al.); a male on Cave Run Lake, Bath, 5 February' (ph. JPk); a female/imm. above Meldahl Dam 9 February (JFr, LHo); a female on the Ohio River at Louisville 16 February into March (MA, ph. EHu, et al ); and an imm. male on Cave Run Lake 23 February (JSo, MSt, ph. BP). White-winged Scoter, Louisville 20 February 2013 Eddie Huber Black Scoter - there was one report: 2 fe- males/imms. on Barren River Lake 25 December (f JBr, JM). Long-tailed Duck - there were reports from four locales: 2 males on Ky Lake above the dam 30 December (BY, ph. MYa) with 1 lingering in the vicinity' into late February (m. ob.); 2 on tire Smith Creek embaynrent of Ky Lake, Lyon. 7 January (GBu); an imm. male on the Ohio River at Louisville 19-20 January (ph. KB, DSt, KR, et al.); and a female above Meldahl Dam 25-29 January (BWu, BHu, et al ). 46 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Long-tailed Duck, Ky Dam 18 January 2013 Eddie Huber Bufflehead - local peak counts of interest included 41 on Lake Cumberland at Con¬ ley Bottom Resort, Wayne, 5 December (RD) and 61 at Waitsboro 26 December (RD). Common Goldeneye - local peak counts included several hundred on Ky Lake, Marshall, 4 January (BP, EHu) with at least 250 there 18 January (BP, EHu); and at least 25 on the Ohio River at Louisville 21 February (BP). Hooded Merganser - local peak counts of interest included ca. 100 on Lake Peewee 2 January (CC); 105 on Cooley’s Pond, Wayne, 10 January (RD); ca. 200 on Bar¬ ren River Lake 16 January (JBy, MBy); and ca. 127 on the Lexington Reservoir 16 February (RO) with 260 there 17 February (SM) and ca. 250 still there 18 February (JSw). Common Merganser - 1 -3 were reported at mostly traditional locales during the sea¬ son (in. ob ); a peak count of 10 was tal¬ lied on Honker Lake/Honker Bay, Lake Barkley, Lyon, 26 January (JPt). Red-breasted Merganser - a female win¬ tered on the Ohio River at Louisville (BP et al.). Ruddy Duck - a tally of at least 650 on Lake Barkley above the dam, Lyon, 4 Jan¬ uary (BP, EHu) represented a new state high count; other local peak counts in¬ cluded 208 on Ky Lake, Calloway, 4 Jan¬ uary (Jide HC); ca. 100 on Lake Peewee 8 February (BP); and ca. 70 on the Lexing¬ ton Reservoir 18 February (JSw). Red-throated Loon - 1 was on Freeman Lake, Hardin, 8 February (RH, ph. BP, EHu, HC) KBRC review required. Common Loon - 35-40 on Ky Lake, Mar¬ shall, 4 January (BP, EHu) represented the peak count for the season. Pied-billed Grebe - peak counts of interest included ca. 100 on Lake Peewee 2 Janu¬ ary (CC) with 102 counted there 11 Jan¬ uary (BP, EHu) and ca. 100 there 28 Jan¬ uary (RD); and 125 on Barren River Lake 17 January & 19 February (MBy, JBy). Horned Grebe - local peak counts of inter¬ est included 141 counted on Honker Bay, Lake Barkley, Lyon 17 December (JPt); 250-300 on Ky Lake, Marshall, 4 January (BP, EHu); a few on the Ohio River, Bracken, 26 January (BP, EHu ); 20-25 on Cave Run Lake 4 February (BP, EHu); and 81 on Lake Cumberland above Wolf Creek Dam 18 February (RD). Red-necked Grebe - there was one report: 1 on Green River Lake, Taylor , 29 De¬ cember (|JSo). American White Pelican - reports of inter¬ est included ca. 100 seen flying over Wickliffe, Ballard, 19 December (JSo); 1000+ over the Little River embayment of Lake Barkley, Trigg , 19 January (WG); ca. 1000 over LBL, Lyon, 21 January (JPt); 25 over Long Point 31 January (PK 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 47 et al.) with another flock of unspecified size seen over the vicinity of Lake No. 9, Fulton , 2 February (PK et al ); and 259 at Jonathan Creek 14 February (HC). Great Egret - there were two reports of lingering birds: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio that continued from the fall season to 16 December (TBe, CBe, et al.) and 1 at the Jacobs Creek impoundments, Paradise Power Plant, Muhlenberg, 30 December (SG, TG, I BP). Golden Eagle, Pike 28 January 2013 Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources Black-crowned Night-Heron - up to 8 (26 January [CT, RS]) wintered at the mouth of the Little Sandy River, Greenup, and small numbers also wintered at traditional locales in the Louisville area. Black Vulture - peak counts for the season included 300-500 (maybe with some Tur¬ key Vultures mixed in) at Germantown, Bracken during the winter (WM) and 240 along KY 1730 near Wolf Creek Dam, Russell, 17 December (RD, SDn). Turkey Vulture - 225 were counted at Bar¬ ren River Lake 19 February (MBy, JBy). Northern Harrier - at least 46 were count¬ ed coming in to roost at Camp #11 on 24 February (BP, EHu). Red-tailed Hawk - the dark morph Harlan’s Hawk that has wintered during previous years along Clear Creek, Hopkins , was seen 17 December & 11 January (ph. BP, ph. EHu). Rough-legged Hawk - generally quite scarce this winter with all reports includ¬ ed: up to 5 continued sw. of Owensboro, Daviess, into mid-December (JPI, MBn, et al ); 1 at the Louisville landfill 31 Decem¬ ber-2 January (RA): 1 at the Sinclair Unit 23 January (ph. MYa. ph. EHu, BP) & 15 February' (JPk, TM); and an injured bird from near Boston, Nelson, admitted for re¬ habilitation 11 February (EWr). Golden Eagle - there were reports from seven locales: 1 over the Kentucky River at Mundv’s Landing, Mercer!Woodford, 5 December (ph C&MYk); an ad. se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 19 December/12 Febru¬ ary 7 (MBy. SBy), 1 in LBL, Lyon , during mid-January (ph. JPt); 1 adjacent to Cave Run Lake, Bath , 18 January 7 (ph. SBo ,fide SF) with an ad over Cave Run Lake, Rowan, 1 February- (BWu); 1 at Fishtrap WMA, Pike, 28 January (ph. SBo, fide SF); a juv. se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 28 Jan¬ uary (MBy, SBy); up to 3 at Bemheim Forest, Bullitt! Nelson (11 January [KV]), with possibly as many as 10 different in¬ dividuals encountered in the area during the season (KV); and 1 at Ballard WMA 8 February (ph. RCr). Virginia Rail - there was one report: 3 heard in e. Muhlenberg 30 December (BP, CBs). American Coot - a tally of 1200 on Cedar Creek Lake 21 February (RD) was im¬ pressive. Sandhill Crane - again this year, the lack of cold weather during early winter resulted in several late waves of southbound flocks (e g. 1216 counted in numerous groups headed s. over e. Meade 22 December [DSI. EHu]) with smaller numbers trick¬ ling south into mid-January'; by the 3 rd week of January, however, large flocks were already moving north, as well, and numbers were dwindling by late February. At Barren River Lake, 3300+ were pres¬ ent by 6 December (WT) with the follow¬ ing representative counts during the win¬ ter: 5200+ there 11 December (WT et al.); 7670 there 3 January (WT, JT); 5890 there 22 January (WT, JT); but only 3000+ there 31 January (WT, JT); ca. 48 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 2400 there 12 February (WT, JT); and none present by 18 February (WT). West of Cecilia, Hardin , numbers fluctuated weekly as weather conditions changed, but some representative peak counts in¬ cluded 3000+ there 12 December (fide EHa); ca. 2500-3000 not uncommon dur¬ ing January (EFla) with peak counts of ca. 5300 there 22/29 January (EHa), 7400+ there 31 January (EHa), and ca. 8600 there 3 February (EHa). Another less sig¬ nificant staging area has developed e. of Hodgenville, Larue , where several hun¬ dred may have wintered and peak counts of 3890 and 2811 were tallied there 22 January and 18 February, respectively (EHa). Lesser Yellowlegs - 1 at Sauerheber 23/24 February (JMe/EHu, BP) was the earliest to be reported. Least Sandpiper - reports of interest in¬ cluded up to 22 at Jonathan Creek into mid-December (HC et al.) with 5 there 14 February (HC); up to 5 at Blood River into mid-December (HC) with 7 there 21 January (ME) and 4 there 6 February (HC); 4 just e. of Ballard WMA 18 December (BP, EHu, JSo); 3 along J.C. Jones Road, Hart , 18 February (JSo); and 13 at Sauerheber 23 February (JMe). Pectoral Sandpiper - 10 at Sauerheber 24 February' (BP, EHu) were the earliest to be reported. Dunlin - 5 at Sauerheber 24 February (EHu, BP) were the earliest to be reported. Wilson’s Snipe - local high counts of inter¬ est included 16 n. of Boston, Nelson , 8 January (BP, MYa, EHu) and 24 in e. Trigg 20 February (BL). American Woodcock - an impressive total for the season of at least 21 was seen/ heard at and adjacent to West Ky WMA, McCracken. 18 December (BP, EHu, JSo); as is the norm, birds were back in numbers in many areas by mid-February (m. ob.). Bonaparte’s Gull - local peak counts dur¬ ing the season included 300 on Lake Cumberland at Conley Bottom Resort, Wayne , 5 December (RD); “more than half of 6000 or more gulls” at Barren River Lake 25 December (JBy, TBr); 400 on Lake Cumberland above Wolf Creek Dam during the first week of February, with 700 there 18 February (RD); and “probably at least 3000” at the roost on Ky Lake 9 February (BP, EHu). Little Gull - a first-year bird was at Blood River 5 December (*f*LTC). KBRC review required. Ring-billed Gull - local peak counts of interest included possibly “40% of ca. 6000 (maybe 8000-10,000) gulls” at Bar¬ ren River Lake 25 December (JBy, TBr) with ca. 3000 still present there 16 Jan¬ uary (JBy, MBy); 2000-2500 on the Ohio River, Bracken , 29 January (BP, EFIu); ca. 2000 on Cave Run Lake 4 February (BP, EFIu); and ca. 2000 on the Ohio River above Markland Dam, Gallatin , 12 Feb¬ ruary (BP, EHu). Herring Gull - modest peak counts includ¬ ed 80-90 in the vicinity of Ky Dam 4 January (BP, EHu) with 150-200 on Ky Lake above Ky Dam 18 January' (BP, EHu); and ca. 60 in the vicinity of Bark¬ ley Dam 28 January (RD). Thayer’s Gull - there were at least two re¬ ports: a first-year bird below Ky Dam 4 January (BP. EHu) and above Ky Dam 18 January (BP, ph. EHu); and an ad. at Barkley Dam 28 January (ph. RD) and 12 February (tBL). Lesser Black-backed Gull - there were several reports: an ad. on Ky Lake above the dam 6/16 January' (EHu, BP); 2 on Ky Lake above the dam 18 January (BP, EHu); an ad. at Meldahl Dam 25-27 Jan¬ uary (BHu, fBWu, DW, GWu); an ad. on the Lick Creek embayment of Lake Bark¬ ley, Lyon, 8 February (BP); and a second- year bird at Barkley Dam 12 February (BL). In addition, a new state high count of probably 9 individuals were encoun¬ tered at various locales on Lake Barkley, Lyon! Ky Lake, Marshall , 9 February (BP, EHu). Glaucous Gull - an ad. was present at the gull roost on Ky Lake above the dam 16/18 January (fBP, EHu). 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 49 Forster’s Tern - as has become the norm, the species lingered into winter at Jona¬ than Creek, where 51 were still present 15 December (HC); at Blood River, 24 were still present 18 December (HC) with 32 there 30 January (HC) and 23 there 28 February (HC), also reported were a few in the vicinity of Ky Dam with 3 there 12 December (HC) and 6 there 1 February (HC), and 33 on the Wildcat Creek em- bayment of Ky Lake, Calloway , 16 Feb¬ ruary (HC). Barn Owl - there were six reports: 1 near Dot, Logan , during the season (FL); 1 just e. of Geneva, Henderson, 15 December (tKM): 2 in w. Allen 15 December {fide JBy, TBr); 1 at Figett Bend, Hart , 17 Feb¬ ruary (JSo); 1 along Russell Cave Road, n. Fayette, 18 February (LS); and a pair in Nelson through the season (TH). Long-eared Owl - there were four reports: 1 at the Sinclair Unit 4 December (ph. JSo); 1 n. of Red Hill, w. Allen, 29 De¬ cember-26 January (|TBr, AB, .IBr, JH); 2 at the Wendell Ford Training Center 18 February (BP, ph. EHu. ph. MYa) and 3 at Camp #11 on 24 February (BP, ph. EHu). Long-eared Owl, Union 24 February 2013 Eddie Huber Short-eared Owl - there were reports from five locales: 5 were first observed at the Sinclair Unit 12 December (P&SF) with up to 13 [22 February ) there during the season (P&SF et al.), up to about 12 at the Ken Unit during the season (AF); up to 5 [17 February (JSo)] along Horntown Road, e Grayson, during the season (SKi, JK, et al ), up to 6 [mid-January (PS)] along Harley-Thompson Road, Shelby , during the season (HB et al ); and at least 45 roosting at Camp #11 on 24 February (BP, ph. EHu). Northern Saw-whet Owl - there were two reports of birds that responded to tape playbacks: 2 seen at Central Kentucky WMA, Madison, 6 December (ph. JPk, TM); and 1 heard at Pennyrile Forest SP, Christian, 11 January (BP, EHu). Rufous Hummingbird - several birds con¬ tinued through the winter as follows: birds captured/banded during the fall season and previously reported {KW 89:11, 2013) from Barren (L&RY), Hart (MSg), and Pulaski (RD) lingered into March; prev¬ iously reported birds {KW 89. 11, 2013) in Menifee and Wayne lingered to mid-De¬ cember (LHa) and 24 February (BHa), respectively; an imm. female that had been present at South Williamson, Pike , since late October was banded 2 Decem¬ ber (JCr, LE, ba. BP) and lingered through the season; an ad. male that had been present at Frankfort, Franklin , all fall was banded 21 December (ER„ ba BP) and lingered to the last week of January (ER); and an imm. male that had been present at Ft. Thomas, Campbell, all fall/winter was banded 12 February/ (A&DL, J&MG, ba. BP) and lingered into March. Selasphoms sp. - a female Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird was present at Lexington late October-31 January (ph. GF). Merlin - there were reports from 16 locales, all being included: a male at Cave Hill Cemetery 3 December (ph. TBe, WC, SDt); 1 at Green River State Forest, Hen¬ derson, 14 December (ph. CC); 1 at Lex¬ ington 15 December/29 January (ph. JL, TK, GWe/SM, RB); 1 on the Bowling Green CBC 16 December {fide BF); 1 a few miles nw. of Hodgenville, Larue, 28 December (EHu, BP); 2 at the end of Schulztown Road, s. Ohio (EHu, MSt), and 1 at the Sinclair Unit (BP), both 30 December, with 1-2 continuing at the Sin¬ clair Unit into February (m. ob.); 1 at 50 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Northern Shrike, Ohio 16 February 2013 Alex Fish \ '? Rufous Flummingbird, Franklin 21 December 2012 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Merlin, Oldham 2 February 2013 Mary Yandell Northern Cardinal (yellow variant), Calloway 10 January 2013 Tony Black Long-eared Owl, Muhlenberg 18 February 2013 Eddie Huber 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 51 White-winged Crossbill, Lexington 23 January 2013 Pam Spaulding Northern Shrike, Ohio 30 December 2012 Ben Yandell Rough-legged Hawk, Muhlenberg 23 January 2013 Mary Yandell Evening Grosbeak, Morgan 19 February 2013 Eddie Huber Red Crossbill, Louisville 27 January 2013 Pam Spaulding Northern Saw-whet Owl, Madison 7 December 2012 JohnRyan Polascik 52 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol 89 Caddo, Pendleton, 1 January (LM, ph. RCr, TS), 1 on the Anchorage Trail 4 Jan¬ uary (JBe, PB); 1 at Cox’s Park, Louis¬ ville, 7 January/13 February (EHu); 1 at the East Park Industrial Park, Greenup , 26 January (ph. EHu, BP); 1 in the vicinity of Ky Dam 1 February (tHC); 1 at the Re¬ formatory' Lake 2 February' (ph. BY, ph. MYa, MSt), 1 at Freeman Lake, Hardin , 11 February (EHu); 1 at Minor Clark 22 February (MW, BWu); 1 at Woodsbend, Morgan, 23/24 February (MSt, JSo, BP, et al./JSo et al.); and 1 along Pleasant Hill Church Road, Trigg, 25 February (fBL). Peregrine Falcon - birds reported away from traditional breeding locales included I at Ky Dam 15 December (HC); 1 on the US 68/KY 80 bridge over Lake Barkley, Trigg , 21 December (BL); 2 at Spindletop Farm 23 December (JSw) & 22 January (JPk, TM); 1 at Hundred Acre Pond, Hart , 5 January (SKi et al ); 1 at Ballard WMA II January (JSo); 1 at the Old Kuttawa Rec. Area Marina, Lyon, 28 January (RD); an ad at Meldahl Dam 29 January (BP, EHu); and an ad. at Blood River 28 February (HC). Say’s Phoebe - 1 was present along Inde¬ pendence Church Road, ne. of Almo, Cal¬ loway, 4 January' (ph. MSc, AY, et al.)-16 February (ME). KBRC review required. Eastern Phoebe - a tally of 25 on the East¬ ern Allen County CBC was extraordinary (fide MBy). Northern Shrike - it was an unprecedented season with at least three and probably four individuals reported as follows: an imm. at the Ken Unit 30 December-27 January (ph. EHu, MSt, BY, MYa, et al ); an ad. at the Sinclair Unit 19 January into February (ph. BY, ph. DL, et al ); an ad. along KY 379 near Helm’s Junction, Rus¬ sell , 17 December & 13/14 January (ph. RD, SDn); and an ad. inadvertently cap¬ tured in a live trap and released unharmed on the Ken Unit 16 February (ph. AF). KBRC review required. Purple Martin - 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 23 February (MBy, MLB, et al.); 1 at Bow¬ ling Green 25 February (fide TD); and 2 at the LBL Nature Station, Lyon/Trigg, 28 February (JPt) were the earliest to be reported. Tree Swallow - 2 at the Wendell Ford Training Center 18 February (MYa, EHu, BP) were rather early. Next earliest were 2 at Allensville, Todd (DH), 1 at Sauer- heber (EHu, BP), and at least 60 at Camp #11 (EHu, BP), all 24 February. Red-breasted Nuthatch - relatively good numbers lingered through the winter with 1-31 reported on 23 CBCs. Brown-headed Nuthatch - 2 (a pair?) were found near Kentucky' Dam Village SRP 18 January (BP, ph. EHu) and continued through the winter with possibly up to 4 birds reported there 31 January (JSo). KBRC review required. House Wren - there were four reports: 1 on Ft. Campbell, Christian. 5 December (DM); 1 on the Russell-Adair County CBC 17 December (fide RD): and 1 seen and heard calling on the former Gibraltar Mine, Muhlenberg , and 1 heard calling along Rockport-Paradise Road, Muhlen¬ berg, both 30 December (BP, CBs). Marsh Wren - there were two reports (probably of the same bird): 1 at the Sin¬ clair Unit 22 December (fRD) with 1 at the same location 23 January (f BP). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - a very tardy bird was seen ne. of Olmstead, Logan, 22 December (tMBt, fFL). Gray Catbird - 1 was at the Cherokee Unit, Yatesville Lake WMA, Lawrence, 2 De¬ cember (BP, EHu). American Pipit - present in average num¬ bers during the season with 1-199 repor¬ ted on 11 CBCs. Cedar Waxwing - not numerous in most areas during the season with 1-1424 re¬ ported on 25 CBCs. Lapland Longspur - reports of interest in¬ cluded ca. 20 nw. of Hodgenville, Larue, 28 December (BP, EHu); up to 30 at Spin¬ dletop Farm during late December (DL, RO, DSv, et al.); 75-100 or more e. of Needmore, Ballard, 3 January (BP, EHu); more than 500 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 17 January (BP, EHu); and 7 2013 53 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER near Smiths Grove, Warren, 22 January Burnside Island SP, Pulaski , 28 December (MBy, MkB, SBy). (RD); 30 at Fishing Creek 26 January Snow Bunting - there was only one report: 1 in flight along KY 801 at Farmers, Row¬ an , 1 February (f BWu). Tennessee Warbler - 1 was present in a yard at Louisville 2 February (BD, ph. SDt). Orange-crowned Warbler - likely the same individual that wintered near Union, Boone , last year was present in the same yard mid-December into February (TS). Palm Warbler - 1-3 were reported on four CBCs; also reported were 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen , through the season with 8 there 20 January (MBy, DB, SBr); 2 at the Sinclair Unit 20 January (BP); 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski , 26 January (RD); and 1 near the Barren River Lake Dam, Allen, 15 February (HC, RD). Pine Warbler - 2 along Schulztown Road, s. Ohio, 30 December (EHu, MSt) were the only ones reported on a CBC (Para¬ dise); other reports of interest included 1 se. of Mt. Zion .Allen 1 December/31 Jan¬ uary (MBy); 1 on Ft. Campbell, Trigg, 5 December (DM); 1 at the Reformatory Lake, Oldham, 29 December (BWo); 1 along Kelly Branch Road, Ballard, 3 Jan¬ uary (BP, EHu); and 1 that wintered in a Louisville yard (ph. KB). Prairie Warbler - 1 was found along Shirk Road, w. Allen, 14 December (fJBy, TBr, et al). Spotted Towhee - a male was present at and adjacent to West Ky WMA, Mc¬ Cracken, 18 December (ph. EHu, ph. BP, et al. >—30 January (RD). The bird was located ca. 0.75 mi. s. of where a male wintered 6-8 years ago and conceivably could have been the same individual. KBRC review required. American Tree Sparrow - present in about average numbers during the season with 1-218 reported on 15 CBCs. Chipping Sparrow - the species continues to be relatively well distributed during winter with 1-21 reported on 15 CBCs; other reports of interest included 23 at (RD); and 9 at St. Anne’s Convent, Campbell, 12 February (BP, EHu). Le Conte’s Sparrow - there were three re¬ ports: at least 3 at Ballard WMA 18 De¬ cember (BP, EHu, JSo); at least 3 at the former Gibraltar Mine, Muhlenberg, 30 December (BP, CBs); and 1 along Kelly Branch Road, Ballard, 3 January (BP). Nelson’s Sparrow - 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 16 December (ph BP, ba. MM, et al.) rep¬ resented a first for the state during winter. KBRC review required. Fox Sparrow - not as numerous as last win¬ ter with 1-51 reported on 18 CBCs. Lincoln’s Sparrow - there was one report: 1 along KY 1128 between Cayce and Hickman. Fulton , 29 January (JRD). Swamp Sparrow - a tally of 63 at Fishing Creek 14 December (RD) was relatively impressive. Northern Cardinal - a yellow variant was present in e. Calloway late fall into mid¬ winter (ph. TB1). Indigo Bunting - there were two reports: 1 at Owensboro, Daviess, 12 December (ph. JA) and 1 at Melbourne, Campbell, 30 December (fBS, ph. JBi, GBi). 54 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Western Meadowlark - there were reports from three locales: 1 se. of Needmore, Ballard , 3 January (ph. BP, EHu); 1 sing¬ ing sw. of Cayce, Fulton , 17 January (|BP, EHu) with 10 in the same area 29 January (RE)); and 1 at Open Pond, Ful¬ ton, 17 January (BP, ph. EHu). Western Meadowlark, Ballard 3 January 2013 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Rusty Blackbird - reports of interest in¬ cluded an estimate of more than 1000 on the Olmstead CBC 22 December {fide MBt); 195 at the Gateway Community College, Boone, 22 December (ph. SKo) with 100 still there 18 January (SKo); 40- 50+ e. of Oscar, Ballard , 3 January (BP, EHu); at least 140 at Kentucky Dam Vil¬ lage SRP 4 January (BP, EHu); and ca. 200 at the Highland Creek Onit Sloughs WMA, Union , 21 January (CC). Brewer’s Blackbird - there were reports from seven locales: 30 in s. Logan 22 De¬ cember {fide MBt); 2 nr. the East Bend Power Plant, Boone, 29 December (JCm); at least 20 at the end of Schulztown Road, s. Ohio, 2 January (BP, EHu); at least a few e. of Oscar, Ballard, 3 January (BP, EHu); 12 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 17 January (BP, EHu) with 6 there 29 January' (RD); up to 20 along Royal-Oak Grove Road, e. Grayson , where the spe¬ cies has wintered previously, during mid- February (SKi, JK, et al.); and 1(T e. of Cadiz, Trigg, 26 February (1*BL). Purple Finch - present in relatively modest numbers during the winter season with 1- 54 reported on 18 CBCs. No exceptional counts were reported, but the species ap¬ peared to be well distributed in small numbers. Red Crossbill - following the appearance of birds at a few locales during late Novem¬ ber, the species remained locally distrib¬ uted through the winter with all reports included [note that two different call types were confirmed by voice recordings {fide MYo): a flock wintered at Cave Hill Cem¬ etery (m. ob.) with 17 there 10 December (vr. BP, et al.) [calls confirmed as Type 3 (fide MYo)], 14 there 14 December (MYa); 11 there 15 December (vr. BP, BY, MYa) [calls confirmed as Type 3 (fide MYo)]; 23 there 1 January (BP et al.); at least 16 there 5 January (BP); 23 there 22 January (BP); at least 20 there 21 February' (BP); and at least 26 there 28 February (BP, BWu) [calls confirmed as Type 3 fide MYo)]. Also reported were one at Pulaski County' Park 11 Dec (vr./ ph. RD) [calls confirmed as Type 3 fide MYo)]; 6 along Kelly Branch Road, Bal¬ lard, 3 Jan (BP, EHu) [unconfirmed, but likely Type 2 (associated with loblolly pines and softer call than Type 3) (tBP)]; one just w. of Barkley Dam 16 Jan (BP); and 2 at the Lexington Cemetery 23 Jan (JSo) with 6 there 24 Jan (vr. RD) [calls confirmed as Type 10 fide MYo)]. White-winged Crossbill - up to a dozen lingered at the Lexington Cemetery, Fay¬ ette, into late December (m. ob.) with at least 20 there 10 January (BP et al.) and a peak count of ca. 40 there 27 January (DL, ASK); additional reports included 1 at Cave Mill Cemetery 1 December (BP); 1 at St. Anne’s Convent, Campbell, 7 Feb¬ ruary (ph. FR) with 3 there 12 February' (BP, EHu); 1 at Elizabethtown, Hardin 30 January-' (ph. KBr); and 1 at the Glasgow Cemetery, Barren, 12-15 Feb (AH, ph. LC, HC, RD). Common Redpoll - there was one report: 1 ne. of Independence, Kenton, 13 February (tGD). KBRC review required. Pine Siskin - a few lingered into December, but most apparently moved farther south with only 1-28 reported on only 10 CBCs; local early winter peak counts included 25 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 55 at Cave Hill Cemetery 1 December (BP); 20-30 at the Frankfort Cemetery, Franklin 12 December (BP); and 15-20 at Bem- heim Forest, Bullitt , 8 January (BP, EHu, MYa). During January and February, small numbers continued but were veiy locally distributed and absent in most ar¬ eas with mid- to late winter peak counts including 12 at the LBL Nature Station, Lyon!Trigg, 21 January (JPt); 40 at Almo, Calloway , 16 February (JF1) and 14 at Bernheim Forest, Bullitt , 17 February (SDi). Evening Grosbeak - there were two re¬ ports: 6 at Mammoth Cave 18 December (ph. BF et al.); and up to ca. 12 at Woods- bend, Morgan , from late December into March (B&BA, N&BE, ph. BWu. et al ). Addendum to the Fall 2012 Season Re¬ port: Barn Owl - 2 were seen at Bouteloua Bar¬ rens SNP, Lincoln , 6 September (DC). Observers: Judy Adams (JA), Bud & Brenda Angus (B&BA), Ryan Ankeny (RA), Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK), Michael Autin (MA), Jamin Beachy (JBy), Makaya Beachy (MkB), Matthan Beachy (MBy ), Sarahann Beachy (SBy), Colleen Becker (CBe), Tom Becker (TBe), Jane Bell (JBe). Pat Bell (PB), Mark Bennett (MBt), Carol Besse (CBs), Gordon Bills (GBi), Jody Bills (JBi), Tony Black (TB1), Steve Bonney (SBo), Karen Bonsell (KB), Mike Bremermann (MBr), Kathy Brewer (KB), Horace Brown (FIB), Mike Brown (MBn), Abraham Brubaker (AB), Daniel Brubaker (DB), John David Brubaker (JBr), Stephen Brubaker (SBr), Timothy Brubaker (TBr), Rhonda Bryant (RB), Gerald Burnett (GBu), Mike Callan (MC), Joe Caminiti (JCm), Joan Carr (JCr), Hap Chambers (HC), Cincinnati Bird Club (CBC), Robert Colvis (RCo), Dan Cox (DC), Linda Craiger (LC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Rodney Crice (RCr), Wes Cunningham (WC), Ben Deetsch (BD), Steve Deetsch (SDt), Gene Dennis (GD), Roseanna Denton (RD), Steve Denton (SDn), Scott Dickman (SDi), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Norman & Betty Elam (N&BE), Les Estep (LE), Millie Farmer (ME), Blaine Ferrell (BF), Alex Fish (AF), Jan Flynn (JF1), Geri Foley (GF), Preston & Shari Forsythe (P&SF), Scott Freidhof (SF), Jonathan Frodge (JFr), Steve Graham (SG). Teresa Graham (TG), Judy & Mark Grainger (J&MG), Willard Gray (WG), Brenda Hager (BHa), Pat Hahs (PH), Debbie Hamilton (DH), Erin Harper (EHa), Linda Harvey (LHa), Richard Healy (RH), Todd Hendricks (TH), Joseph Hoover (JH), Les Houser (LHo), Janet Howard (JH), Eddie Huber (EHu), Bill Hull (BHu), Aaron Hulsey (AH), Janet Kistler (JK), Steve Kistler (SKi), Steve Kolbe (SKo), Terri Koontz (TK), Paul Krusling (PK), David Lang (DL), Allen & Donna Law (A&DL), Judy Lundquist (JL), Lee McNeely (LM), John Meredig (JMe), Keith Michalski (KM), Wendy Mitchell (WM), Mark Monroe (MM), Tanner Morris (TM), Daniel Moss (DM), multiple observers (m. ob ), Ronan O’Carra (RO), Karl Overman (KO), Tony Paladino (TP), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP), JohnRyan Polascik (JPk), Nicole & Richard Pollitt (N&RP), John Pollpeter (JPt), Elaine Rail (ER), Frank Renfrow (FR), Keith Richardson (KR), Mary Schmidt (MSc). Rick Seelhorst (RS), Jeff Sole (JSo), Pam Spaulding (PS), Gary Sprandel (GS), Bill Stanley (BS), Tom Stephens (TS), David Stewart (DSt), Matt Stickel (MSt), Laura Stone (LS), Del Striegel (DSl), Mitch Sturgeon (MSg), Dave Svetich (DSv), Joe Swanson (JSw), Wayne Tamminga (WT), Charles Thompson (CT), Mark Tower (MT), James Tracey (JT), Charles & Gretchen Tremoulet (C>), Kelly Vowels (KV), George Weems (GWe). Eileen Wicker (EWr), Eric Williams (EWs), Barbara Woerner (BWo), Mike Wright (MW), Helen Wright-North (HW), Brian Wulker (BWu), Dave Wulker (DW), Gale Wulker (GWu), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MYa), Carol & Mark Yanik (C&MYk), Aviva Yasgur (AY), Lew & Ruth Young (L&RY), Matt Young (MYo); Thomas Young (TY). 56 Vol. 89 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER K.O.S. SPRING 2013 MEETING Carter Caves State Resort Park April 26-April 28, 2013 Blaine R. Ferrell Registration for the meeting opened at 6:00 p.m. by Lee McNeely at the Lewis Caveland Lodge. Steve Kistler, Vice President, opened the Friday evening program at 7:02 p.m. with a Kentucky bird quiz. The quiz included pictures of habitats with an accom¬ panying bird vocalization and the audience was to guess what species made the vocal¬ ization. Following the quiz, he introduced the first speaker on the program, Adam Heist. Adam is a student at Eastern Kentucky University and his talk was an informative presentation of his research on “Effects of variation in hunger levels on the begging behavior of nestlings and the provisioning behavior of adult Eastern Phoebes (Sctyornis phoebe ).” Begging behavior is a true indication of hunger on the part of the young, but its intensity can be influenced by several factors. Parents appear to respond by feeding those birds that beg with the greatest intensity. Again, there may be variation in parental involvement because of various factors After a number of questions for the first speaker. Vice President Kistler introduced the second speaker, Todd Weinkam. Todd is also a student at Eastern Kentucky University and he gave an informative talk about his research on “Winter home range, habitat use, and effects of weather on foraging of Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis ) in Kentucky” It was pointed out that few studies focus on the impact of winter behavior on the subsequent breeding season. Following questions for the speaker, Vice President Kistler described the field trips scheduled for the morning. Blaine Ferrell would lead a field trip around the lodge, Lee McNeely would lead a field trip to Box Canyon, and Brainard Palmer-Ball Jr. would lead a field trip to an industrial site east of Carter Caves looking for Hetislow’s Sparrows. Vice President Kistler announced that a social hour would immediately follow the meeting that adjourned at 8:27 p.m. The three field trips announced at the Friday evening meeting left the lodge at 8:00 a m. on Saturday. The Board of Directors met at the lodge at 2:00 p.m. President Carol Besse called the Saturday evening business meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. President Besse welcomed new Board members, Councillors Pat and Jane Bell, and Beckham Bird Club representative, Mary Yandell. She announced that the field checklist had been updated and is now available and informed the members that the KOS Board had voted to initiate a scholarship to honor Ginny and Wendell Kingsolver for their long and loyal support for the KOS. Details are to be finalized with the intent being to provide funds to send a student to an ornithological meeting. Blame Ferrell compiled the list of 108 species found on the Saturday field trips. President Besse introduced the Saturday evening speaker. Dr. Amanda Rodewald, Associate Professor and Director of Conservation Science at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. She presented an excellent summary of research on Cerulean Warblers titled “Singing the blues: The challenge of conserving Cerulean Warblers.” She discussed the challenges and habitats for Cerulean Warblers, both during the summer and at their winter¬ ing sites in northern South America. She also included a discussion of what is known about their migration. Dr. Rodewald offered several suggestions for the conservation of certain habitats conducive for Cerulean Warbler survival, but cautioned that there are many other species to consider and habitats for one species are not necessarily good for others. After a period of questions for the speaker. Vice President Kistler outlined the field trips for Sunday. Jane and Pat Bell would lead a field trip around the lodge, Lee McNeely would lead a field trip in the lodge area and the Tiger Creek area, and Brian Wulker would lead a field trip to the Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery area in Rowan County. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. and was followed by a social hour. Sunday morning field trips left 2013 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ 57 the lodge at 8:00 a.m. Another 19 species were added to the weekend list by observers on Sunday. Attendance at the Spring 2013 K.O.S. Meeting Mary Beth & Ron Lusby Vicki Sandage Valerie Brown, Lisa Dalporto, John Forman, Blaine Ferrell, Ken Kuehn Lee & Lynda McNeely Ed Groneman Carol & Jeff Sole David Lang Linda Craiger, M. David Moss, Sandra Moss Steve & Teresa Graham Ramesh & Suzanne Bhatt, Bruce Cryder, Phyllis Deal, Jessica Moss, Marie Sutton, Joe Swanson, Jim Williams Bonnie Avery, Jane Bell, Pat Bell, Carol Besse, Katherine Gris¬ wold, Cheryl & Scott Jones, Ben & Mary Yandell Fred, Joanna, & Katie Busroe, Lynn Waller, Brian Reeder, Mike Wright Janet & Steve Kistler Marilee & Wendell Thompson Brenda & Pete Thompson Roseanna Denton Brian Wulker, Gail Wulker Lou Anne Barriger, Larry Peavler Birds Observed at the KOS Spring Meeting at Carter Caves State Resort Park and Vicinity, April 26-28,2013 Birds observed at Carter Caves State Resort Park, Cave Run Lake, Minor E. Clark Fish Flatchery, and the Eastpark Industrial Park, in Boyd County: Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Lesser Scaup, Common Merganser, Red¬ breasted Merganser, Ruffed Grouse, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Fleron, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Glossy Ibis, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Caspian Tern, Forster’s Tern, Mourning Dove, Eastern Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Eastern Whip-poor-will, Chimney Swift. Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Wood¬ pecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, 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, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Bam Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse. Red-breasted Nuthatch, White¬ breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Wood Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mock¬ ingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Ovenbird, Worm-eating Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Blue-winged Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Pro- thonotary Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Northern Parula, Alexandria: Ashland: Bowling Green: Burlington: Erlanger: Frankfort: Georgetown: Glasgow: Greenville: Lexington: Louisville: Morehead: Munfordville: Owensboro: Richmond: Science Hill: Cincinnati, OH: Indianapolis, IN: 58 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 89 Yellow Warbler, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Grackle, Brown¬ headed Cowbird, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, Purple Finch, House Finch, American Goldfinch, and House Sparrow. The species total was 127 for the weekend. FIELD NOTE A Wintering Nelson’s Sparrow On 16 December 2012,1 participated in the Louisville Christmas Bird Count, covering my family’s fann in eastern Jefferson County. On our farm we have approximately 40 acres of Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans ) fields that are left in waist high stubble during the winter season. These fields have attracted a number of interesting birds over the years, including some wintering sparrows of open grassy or weedy areas like Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) and American Tree Sparrow (SpizeUa arborea). I was walking one of the fields, flushing several Savannah Sparrows, when a different looking sparrow few up and landed ahead of me. It was reminiscent of a Le Conte’s Spar- onrow (Ammodramus lecontei ), which 1 have seen in the fields on several previous occasions. When I approached the spot where the bird landed, it popped up on the grass stalks, but 1 immediately realized that it was not a Le Conte’s, but a much rarer Nelson’s Sparrow (Ammodramus nelsoni). I left the bird to drop back in the grass and called several other birders including Mark Monroe, who I knew could assist in attempting to capture and band the bird for documentary purposes. About an hour later, several of us set up a mist-net and flushed the sparrow into the net, where Mark retrieved it. The bird, the first of its kind to be found in the state during winter, was banded, and photos were taken (see p. 53). Later during the winter season, I walked the same field a few times in hopes that I might see the Nelson's Sparrow again, but it was never observed. However, on 14 April 2013,1 was mowing the field next to the field in which the Nelson's Sparrow was captured in December, and had an interesting looking Ammodramus sparrow pop up in front of the tractor and fly over to a fenceline. I had binoculars with me, so I hopped off the tractor and looked at the bird, skulking within the cover of a red cedar tree. There it was, the Nelson’s Sparrow, with shiny silver band on its right leg. The bird had flushed from only about 200 ft (61.5 m) from where it had been seen initially in mid-December. Over the next few days, several birders came over and were able to see the bird, which was hesitant to leave a patch of Indian grass stubble that I left unmowed in hopes that it might linger 1 was able to obtain photos of the bird showing the band on 15 April 2013 (Flickr 2013), and Eddie Huber also obtained an image showing the band on 19 April 2013 (see p. 60); I did not see the bird after the latter date. Although the Nelson’s Sparrow was not recaptured to read the band number, it seems reasonable to believe that the bird overwintered in the immediate area of its capture in mid- December A search of a number of published sources (e.g. Rising 1996) did not yield any reports of wintering Nelson’s Sparrows across inland eastern North America. However, an inspection of the eBird database (eBird 2013) revealed several (mostly recent) winter reports, including one from Tuscarawas County, Ohio, during the winter of 2012-2013. According to Kent Miller (pers. comm ), it is possible that there were two birds at this site and they were seen later during the winter, documenting wintering there, as well. These reports would suggest that the species does, at least on occasion, winter away from coastal areas. 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 59 Literature Cited eBird. 2013. eBird: An online database of bird distribution and abundance [web appli¬ cation!. eBird, Ithaca, New York. Available: http://www.ebird.org. (Accessed: June 20, 2013). Flickr. 2013. http://www.fliekr.eom/photos/70381922@N08/8651258525/. (Accessed 20 June 2013). Rising, J.D. 1996. A guide to the natural identification and natural history of the sparrows of the United States and Canada. Academic Press, Inc. San Diego, CA. 365 pp. —Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222 (brainard@mindspring.com). 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/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, 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). 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. If electronic submission is not feasible, paper documentation can 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 Treasurer, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., at (brainard@mindspring.com). 60 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Northern Shrike, Russell 14 January 2013 Roseanna Denton Nelson’s Sparrow, Jefferson 19 April 2013 Eddie Huber > Brown-headed Nuthatch, Marshall 18 January 2013 Eddie Huber Tennessee Warbler, Louisville 2 February 2013 Steve Deetsch Say’s Phoebe, Calloway 6 January 2013 Eddie Huber Northern Shrike, Muhlenberg 23 January 2013 David Lang The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 89 AUGUST 2013 NO. 3 IN THIS ISSUE IN MEMORIAM: VIRGINIA (GINNY) HENRY KINGSOLVER. Blaine R. Ferrell. 63 SPRING 2013 SEASON, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely. 63 FIELD NOTE Brown-headed Nuthatches in Marshall County: A First Nesting Record for Kentucky . 82 NEWS AND VIEWS.87 62 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President.Carol Besse, Louisville Vice-President.Steve Kistler, Munfordville Corresponding Secretary.Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY 41005 Treasurer.Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 Recording Secretary. Councillors: Hap Chambers, Murray. Roseanna Denton, Science Hill Linda Craiger, Glasgow. Wendell Kingsolver, Carlisle... Jane Bell, Louisville. Pat Bell, Louisville. Blaine Ferrell, Bowling Green 2011-2013 2011- 2013 2012- 2014 2012- 2014 2013- 2015 2013-2015 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. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222 (brainard@mindspring.com) Editorial Advisory Board Ben Yandell Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee.Ben Yandell 513 Eymington Court, Louisville, KY 40243 (secy @ky birdrecords. org) THE COVER We thank Frank Renfrew for the image of the Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla ) at its nest cavity taken 22 May 2013 at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Marshall County (see Field Note, p. 82). Financial support for color reproduction in this issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest. 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 63 IN MEMORIAM: VIRGINIA (GINNY) HENRY KINGSOLVER Blaine R. Ferrell On July 1, 2013, the KOS lost a very devoted member following a battle with a long illness. Virginia (Ginny) Henry Kingsolver was born November 20, 1929, in Lexington, Kentucky, to A.R. and Nellie Henry She attended Lafayette High School and the Univer¬ sity of Kentucky. She was married to her sweetheart of 70 years, Wendell Kingsolver, and they had just celebrated their 63 rd wedding anniversary. Ginny, together with Wendell, loved the natural world, whether traveling together to marvel at the wonders worldwide or to preserve it in Kentucky. Ginny shared this passion through slide shows at KOS meetings. Ginny and Wendell spent many winters on Sanibel Island on the west coast of Florida enjoying the flowers and bird life. She was a lifelong birdwatcher and worked to instill her passion in others, especially young birders. She, Wendell, and family joined the KOS in 1970 and served in numerous service capacities, including President in 1990 and 1991. Ginny served as a board member of the Kentucky chapters of the Sierra Club and The Nature Conservancy. She was a lifelong Girl Scout and served as President of the Wilder¬ ness Girl Scout Council. She found time to serve as the choir director and the first woman elder of the First Christian Church in Carlisle of which she and Wendell were among the founding members. Ginny was Director of the Volunteer Services at the Nicholas County Hospital for 20 years. Ginny’s greatest passion was her family life, and she eloquently expressed her delight in her extended family and friendships in her annual review included in her Christmas card. KOS will truly miss this gracious person who devoted her time and energy to her family, to protect tire natural world, and to help her fellow human beings. SPRING 2013 SEASON Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely Climatic conditions during spring 2013 were overall relatively normal. Average tem¬ perature during March was cooler than normal statewide, but about normal during April and May. Precipitation across most of the state was near normal during the March through May period with the following exceptions: Louisville was a bit drier than normal during April; Bowling Green was relatively wet during April with about one and a half times normal rainfall, but a bit drier than normal during May; Paducah received slightly more precip¬ itation than normal during April, but slightly less than normal during May; and at Jackson, the month of March was slightly drier than normal while the month of May was slightly wetter than normal. Above normal rainfall in the upper Mississippi Valley did cause some minor flooding of the lower Ohio and Mississippi Rivers during late April and May. Rarity highlights included Cinnamon Teal, Red-throated Loon, Western Grebe, Anhinga, Glossy and White-faced Ibis, Whimbrel, Red Phalarope, California Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, White-winged Dove, continuing Say's Phoebe and Northern Shrike, and two Western Tanagers. Following the presence of several irruptive boreal species during the winter season, reports of both crossbills. Pine Siskin, and Evening Grosbeak con¬ tinued into the spring. 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 64 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 89 was banded; “ph.” next to an observer’s initials indicates that the observation was documented with photograph(s); “vr.” next to an observer's initials indicates that the observation was documented with recordings of call notes, “f” next to an observer’s initials indicates that written details were submitted with the report; Place names: Anchorage Trail e. Jefferson ; Ballard WMA . Ballard ; Barkley Dam , Lyon (unless otherwise noted); Barren River Lake . Alien!Barren (unless otherwise noted); Bemheim Forest . Bullitt (unless otherwise noted); Blood River = Blood River embavment, Kv Lake, Calloway •; Calvert City' = industrial pond at Calvert City, Marshall ; Camp #11 = former Camp #11 mine. Union ; Cave Hill Cemetery . Louisville; Cave Run Lake. Bath/Rowan ; Chaney Lake . Warren ; Cherokee Park . Louisville; Clear Creek WMA . Hopkins ; DBNF = Daniel Boone National Forest; Falls of the Ohio . Jefferson ; Freeman Lake . Hardin ; Horseshoe Road = slough along Horseshoe Road, w. Henderson ; Iroquois Park . Louisville; Jacobson Park , Lexington; John James Audubon SP , Henderson ; KY 739 Pond = transient lake e. of KY 739 e. of Lickskillet, sw. Logan ; Kv Bend = Kentucky Bend, w. Fulton ; Kv Dam •= Kentucky Dam, Livingston/Marshall'. Kentucky Dam Village 1SRP1 , Marshall ; Ky Lake = Kentucky Lake, Callow ay! Marshal // Trigg. Ky Sheriff s Ranch , at Ky Dam Village SRP, Marshall ; Kuttawa = Lake Barkley near Old Kuttawa Rec. Area, Lyon, Lake No. 9 , w. Fulton ; LBL = Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Lyon/Trigg ; Lexington . Fayette ; Lick Creek = Lick Creek embayment of Lake Barkley, Lyon ; Little Lick - Little Lick Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski: Long Point — Long Point Unit Reelfoot NWR, Fulton: Lower Hickman Bottoms , w. Fulton: McElrov Lake , s. Warren: Melco = Melco flood retention basin, s. Jefferson: Minor Clark — Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan: Morgan Pond , wnw. of Oak Grove, Christian: Mud Creek - Mud Creek floodplain at KY 94, e, of Hickman, Fulton: NWR = National Wildlife Refuge; Obion WMA . n. of Hickman, Fulton: Open Pond , w. Fulton , Otter Pond . Caldwell , Pumphouse Pond . Pulaski: Sand Slough , w. Henderson: Sauerheber = Sauerheber Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson: Sinclair Unit, Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg: Spindletop Farm = University of Kentucky Spindletop Farm, Fayette: SNP f= State Nature Preserve; SP = State Park; SRP = State Resort Park; Surrey Hills Farm , ne. Jefferson: Walton Pond , s. Warren: WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose - an injured bird was seen at Sauerheber 3 May (ph. CC). Snow Goose - reports of interest included 1 at Cave Run Lake, Rowan , 9 March (BWu); an imm. blue morph at Camp #11 on 29 April (BP, EHu); and 1 at Camp Ernst Lake, Boone , to 11 May (LM). Ross’s Goose - 1 was still at Goose Lake, Sinclair Unit, 8 March (P&SF); 1 was seen at Uniontown, Union , 10 March (ph. CC). Cackling Goose - there were two reports: 2 at Spindletop Farm 5 March (JSw) and 5 s. of Cadiz, Trigg. 23 March (BL). Mute Swan - up to 4 (19 March) were ob¬ served on a lake at Shelbyville, Shelby , during March (AM). Tundra Swan - 37 of the Sloughs WMA flock were last reported at Horseshoe Road 8 March (CC). Gadwall - local peak counts included 60+ at Otter Pond 1 March (BP, EHu, BWu); ca. 400 at the Jenny Hole Unit Sloughs WMA, Henderson , 8 March (KM); ca. 50 at Sauerheber 13 April (BP, BBC); and 400+ at Long Point 17 April (BP, EHu); latest reports included 9 at Sauerheber 9 May (JM) with 2 last reported there 12 May (BP, EHu). American Wigeon - peak counts included 32 at Otter Pond 1 March (BP, EHu, BWu); and 125 at Long Point (RD) with 204+ nearby (BY, MYa), both 23 March; a male at McElroy Lake 13 May (BP, EHu, TD) was the latest to be reported. Blue-winged Teal - local peak counts in¬ cluded 320 adjacent to Obion WMA 30 March (JSo); ca. 600 at Sauerheber 2 April (KM); and 200-250 at Sauerheber 29 April (BP, EHu). Birds lingered at a number of sites including 20-30 still at Morgan Pond 18 May (BP); ca. 25-30 still 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 65 at McElroy Lake 22 May (BP, EHu); small numbers scattered in w. Fulton 21- 22 May (RD, HC, BL); 1 last seen at Sauerheber 25 May (CC); a pair still at Hays Kennedy Park, Jefferson , 27 May (SWa, MK); and 10-12 still at McElroy Lake 31 May (BP, MYa, TD). Cinnamon Teal - a male was present on a pond along Ironworks Pike n. of Lexing¬ ton 28 March (ph. JSo, CSo, et al.) to 7 April (DSv). KBRC review required. Northern Shoveler - local peak counts in¬ cluded ca. 185 in w. Fulton 7 March (HC) with ca. 150 at Long Point 31 March (JSo); ca. 250 at Sauerheber 16 March (KM) with ca. 400 there 2 April (KM); and 200-250+ adjacent to Obion WMA 28 March (BP). Lingering birds included a male at Melco 8 May (EHu et al ), 2 pairs still at Sauerheber 12 May (BP, EHu) with 2 males last seen there 19 May (CC); at least 20 still at McElroy Lake 13 May (BP, EHu, TD) but only 6 there 16 May (BP, EHu, SK); ca. 10 at Ky Bend 19 May (BP, EHu); 1 at and near Open Pond 21 May (HC, RD); 3-4 males last seen at Morgan Pond 22 May (BP, EHu); and 1 last seen at the KY 739 Pond 25 May (FL). Northern Pintail - ca. 50 at Sand Slough 16 March (BP et al.) represented a modest peak count. Green-winged Teal - local peak counts of interest included ca. 500 at Long Point 23 March (RD); 750-1000+ adjacent to Obion WMA 28 March (BP) with 500- 700 still there 31 March (BP, MSt, JSo); and 100-150 at Sauerheber 13 April (BP, BBC). Canvasback - 1 at Twin Lakes Subdivision, Pulaski , 29 April (RD) and a male on Lake Barkley above the dam 23 April/1 May (BP, EHu) were the latest to be re¬ ported. Redhead - local peak counts of interest included 45 on the Cedar Creek Sewage Ponds, Jefferson (MA), and 46 at Minor Clark (BWu), both 7 March; reports of lingering birds included 2 on Ky Lake above the dam 1/2 May (BP, EHu) with 1 still there 18 May (BP, EHu); 8 at Mc¬ Elroy Lake 3-16 May (TD et al.); 4 at Morgan Pond 16 May (BP, EHu, SK) with 2 there 18 May (BP, EHu) but 8 there 19-22 May (C&SRo, BL, BP, EHu) and 1 last seen there 25 May (BP. EHu); and a male still at McElroy Lake 31 May (BP, MYa, TD). Ring-necked Duck - reports of interest in¬ cluded ca. 200 on the Ohio River at Lou¬ isville 18 March (EHu); 1 on McElroy Lake 16 May (BP, EHu, SK) with up to 3 there during latter part of May (nr ob ); and 1 at Morgan Pond 18/22May (BP, EHu). Lesser Scaup - local peak counts of interest included 1000+ on Lake Barkley, Lyon. 1 March (BP, EHu, BWu); 100 on Barren River Lake 9 March (JBy, MBy); most of 95 scaup on Freeman Lake 17 March (BP); ca. 250 on the Ohio River at Louis¬ ville (EHu) and 220+ total on the Lexing¬ ton Reservoirs #3 & #4 (BP), both 18 March; at least 350 at the Wendell Ford Regional Training Center, Muhlenberg, 23 March (BP et al ); 750-1000 adjacent to Obion WMA 28 March (BP); 70 on Freeman Lake 10 April (BP, EHu); and 132 on the Ohio River at Louisville 12 April (BP. EHu). Small numbers were present on McElroy Lake during early May with ca. 20 still there 11/14 May (SK, JKi/JSo), 6 still there 16 May (BP, EHu, SK), and 1 last reported there 22 May (BP, EHu); also tardy was 1 at Morgan Pond 18 May (BP, EHu). Surf Scoter - there were two reports: 2 on Lexington Reservoir #4 on 18 March (BP) and 1 on Freeman Lake 19 April (RH et al.). White-winged Scoter - there were two re¬ ports: the female that was found on the Ohio River just upstream from Louisville during mid-February was last reported 24 March (SRg); and 5 on the Ohio River above Meldahl Dam, Bracken , 4 April (BWu). Black Scoter - there was one report: an ad. male on Ky Lake above the dam 24 April (BP, EHu, JSo). 66 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Long-tailed Duck - presumably the same male continued on Ky Lake above the dam to 7 March (BP, EHu). Bufflehead - reports of interest included SO¬ BS adjacent to Obion WMA 28 March (BP); ca. 50 on Lake Barkley above the dam 31 March (BP, MSt); and 1 on Mor¬ gan Pond 19 May (C&SRo). Common Goldeneye - 150-200 were still on Ky Lake, Marshall , 8 March (BP, EHu); 3 on Ky Lake above the dam 18 May (EHu, BP), an imm. male at the Grassy Pond-Powells Lake Unit, Sloughs WMA, Union , 19 May (ph. CC), and a fe¬ male that lingered at Ballard WMA to 29 May (GBu) were the latest to be reported. Hooded Merganser - 400 on Barren River Lake 8 March (JBy, JHo) represented the peak count for the season; a female with a brood of young was present at Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve, Jefferson, 8+ May (SWa, MK); another brood was present at the Grassy Pond-Powells Lake Unit, Sloughs WMA, Union, 19 May (CC). Common Merganser - 18 were present on Lake Barkley, Trigg, 1 March (HC, ME); a female was on Lexington Reservoir #3 on 26 March (BP, EHu); a female lingered at Minor Clark to 5 May (BWu et al.). Red-breasted Merganser - reports of inter¬ est included ca. 100 on Demumbers Bay, Lake Barkley, Lyon, 2 March (BWu, EHu, BP); ca. 75 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 7 March (BP, EHu); 79 on Cave Run Lake 16 March (BWu); 28 & 60 on Lexington Reservoirs #3 & #4, respectively, 18 March (BP); 21 on Barren River Lake 21 March (EHu, BP); 31 on Green River Lake, Taylor, 28 March (RD); 16 on Freeman Lake 31 March (EHu); 8 at Minor Clark 28 April (BWu et al.) with 2 last seen there 5 May (BWu); and 3 on Ky Lake above the dam 11 May (EHu, BP) with 7 there 18 May (BP, EHu). Ruddy Duck - peak counts included 40-50 on Lexington Reservoir #3 on 18 March (BP) and 200-250 still on Lake Barkley above the dam 31 March (BP, MSt); lingering birds included 2 on McElroy Lake and 1 on Morgan Pond, both 16 May (BP, EHu, SK); 3 on McElroy Lake 18-22 May (m. ob); and 3 on Morgan Pond 18/ 22 May (BP, EHu) with 4 there 21 May (BL). ‘ Red-throated Loon - there was one report: 1 on Cave Run Lake, Rowan, 31 March (fBWu). KBRC review required. Common Loon - local peak counts included ca. 20 on Cave Run Lake 26 March (BP, EHu); 12 on Green River Lake, Tavior , 28 March (RD); 83 on Cave Run Lake 31 March (BWu); 64 on Barren River Lake 21 April (EHu, BP); 24 on Cave Run Lake 27 April (BP); and 12 on Ky Lake above the dam 2 May (EHu, BP) with 5- 10 still there 11 May (BP, EHu); other tardy birds included 1 at Petersburg, Boone, 11 May (LM); 1 on Laurel River Lake, Laurel, 15 May (TN) and 2 on Barren River Lake 25 May (JBy, MBy). Pied-billed Grebe - local peak counts of in¬ terest included 110 on Barren River Lake 9 March (JBy, MBy); and 150-200 on Lake Barkley just nw. of the dam, Lyon, 27 March (BP, EHu). A few birds lin¬ gered on transient ponds in Christian and Warren into May, with several still pres¬ ent and 1 incubating at Morgan Pond 16 May (BP, EHu, SK) and 6 there includ¬ ing 3 incubating 25 May (BP, EHu); a pair attending a nest during May at the KY 739 Pond (ph. FL); and 2 still at Mc¬ Elroy Lake 31 May (BP, MYa, TD). Also tardy was 1 on Barren River Lake 25 May (JBy, MBy). Horned Grebe - local peak counts included 204 on Green River Lake, Tay>!or, 9 March (RD) with ca. 130 still there 28 March (RD), 20 on Freeman Lake 17 March (BP); and ca. 70 & 40-45 on the Lexington Reservoirs #3 & #4, respec¬ tively, 18 March (BP); singles on Ky Lake above the dam 2 May (BP, EHu) and on Morgan Pond 3 May (BP, EHu) were the latest to be reported. Eared Grebe - 2 were on McElroy Lake 13 May (ph. BP, EHu)-18 May (m. ob.). Western Grebe - there were two reports: 1 on the Ohio River just upstream from 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 67 Louisville 15 March-12 April (ph. EHu, et al.); the bird spent a vast majority of its time in Indiana waters, but was seen on several occasions well out into the river. Also observed was 1 on Ky Lake above the dam 18 April (fBP, EHu). KBRC review required. Double-crested Cormorant - many birds were already sitting on nests at Kuttawa 1 March (BP, EHu, BWu); as has become the norm, a few birds lingered at scattered locales into late May without further evidence of nesting. Anhinga - there were two reports: 1 in a heronry along Mayfield Creek upstream from KY 121, Ballard/Carlisle, 10 May (fJSo, ph. AR); and an ad. male was present on a lake at the Sinclair Unit Il¬ ls May (ph. EHu, ph. BP, et al.). KBRC review required. Anhinga, Ballard 10 May 2013 Andy Radomski American White Pelican - reports of in¬ terest included 867 total at various locales on the Ohio River upstream from Smith- land. Livingston , 29 March (JSo); 46 over the Grassy Pond-Powells Lake Unit, Sloughs WMA, Henderson , 310 on the Ohio River n. of Sauerheber, and 25-30 passing over Sauerheber, all 5 April (CC); 1 at Uniontown, Union , 13 April (KM); a few hundred still below Barkley Dam 23 April (BP, EHu) with ca. 35 still there 18 May (BP, EHu); 100-125+ still below Ky Dam 11 May (BP, EHu); and 65 at Ky Bend and 60 w. of Lake No. 9, both 19 May (BP, EHu). American Bittern - there were eight re¬ ports: 1 heard along the Clarks River near Dogtown Road, Marshall , 4 April (JSo); 1 at the Sinclair Unit 16 April (BP); 2 heard at Clear Creek WMA 1 May (EHa); 1 at Long Point (ph. EHu, BP) and 1 at the Clear Fork Wetlands above Cave Run Lake, Rowan (BWu), both 2 May; 2 along lower May Held Creek upstream from KY 121, Carlisle , 10 May (JSo, CSh); 1 along Cypress Creek, Marshall 10 May (BY, MYa); and 1 along Old Dixie Highway, Hart, 17 May (1*JL). American Bittern, Marshall 10 May 2013 Mar> r Yandell Least Bittern - there were reports from five locales: 1 heard at Sinclair 16 April (EHa) with 3 heard there 2 May (EHa) and 3 seen and heard there 21 May (EHa); 1 heard at Clear Creek WMA 17 April (EHa) with 2 heard there 1 May (EHa) and 3 heard (1 seen) there 20 May (EHa); 2 heard at Pond Creek Marsh, Sauerheber, 25 April (MMr fide EHa); 1 heard at Camp #11 on 29 April (BP, EHu); and 1 heard at the Grassy Pond-Powells Lake Unit, Sloughs WMA, Union , 13 May (MMr#' EHa). Great Egret - 1 in LBL, Trigg , 21 March (CSz) was the earliest to be reported; at least 105 at Ky Bend 19 May (BP, EHu) was the largest number reported during the season. 68 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Snowy Egret - 1 at Melco 24 May (MA) was the only one reported away from west Kentucky. Cattle Egret - reports from e. of the LBL area included 2 at White City WMA, Hopkins , 18 April (EHa); singles at McElroy Lake and Morgan Pond, both 10 May (BP, EHu); and 1 continuing at Mc¬ Elroy Lake to 19 May (SK, JKi) with a peak count of 7 there 18 May (MBy. JBy, JBk, TBr, AB): and 2 last reported there 31 May (BP, MYa, TD). Green Heron - singles at Twin Lakes Sub¬ division, Pulaski. 10 April (RD) and at Minor Clark 12 April (BWu) were the earliest to be reported. Yellow-erowned Night-Heron - at least 6 active nests were located at the Highland Creek Unit, Sloughs WMA, Union , 10 April (ph CC); also reported was 1 along Mayfield Creek upstream of KY 121, Carlisle, 10 May (JSo). Yellow-crowned Night-Herons at nest Union , 10 April 2013 Charlie Crawford Glossy Ibis - there were two reports: 1 at Minor Clark 28 April (BWu, ph. DL, ph. JSo, BY, MYa, et al.); and 1 at the Long Creek Refuge, LBL, Trigg, 18-19 May (ph. MC et al .) with 2 there 24 May (ph. MC). KBRC review required. White-faced Ibis - 1 was at the Long Creek Refuge, LBL, Trigg, 24 May (ph. MC). KBRC review required. Osprey - a nest that was under construction near Athens, Fayette, 19 April (DSv) rep¬ resented a first for the county. Mississippi Kite - 1 at the Dry Creek Unit, Barren River Lake WMA, Barren, 11 May (JBy, MBy) was the only one repor¬ ted away from traditional breeding areas. Bald Eagle - 17 were in view at one time at and adjacent to Obion WMA 31 March (BP, MSt, JSo). Northern Harrier - at least 45 were count¬ ed coming in to roost at Camp #11 on 16 March (EHu, CC, et al.). Broad-winged Hawk - singles se. of Mt. Zion .Allen, 20 March (MBy); e. of Rock- field, Warren , 28 March (TD); and in w. Fulton 31 March (JSo) were the earliest to be reported A total of 111 were seen migrating over Melco 17 April (MYa). Red-tailed Hawk - different juv. Krider’s morph birds were seen e. of Hickman, Fulton , and in Ky Bend, both 28 March (BP) with the former bird seen again 31 March (BP, MSt). Golden Eagle - 1 at Bemheim forest 5 March (KV) was the latest to be reported from the wintering population there. Virginia Rail - there were reports from four locales: 1 heard along Little Cypress Creek, nw. of Powderly, Muhlenberg, 5/8 April (BP/JSo) with 2 heard there 25 April (JSo); 1 seen at West Ky WMA, McCracken, 6 April (SRe, DR); 1 seen along Cypress Creek, Marshall, 23 April (BP, EHu); and 1 found dead at Sauer- heber 29 April (EHu, BP). Sora - reports of interest included at least 13 at Sauerheber 13 April (BP, BBC); 1 at Stephensburg Lakes, Hardin, 16 April (BP); 14 at the Sinclair Unit 16 April (EHa) with 8 there 2 May (EHa); 2 at Long Point (BP, EHu) and 6 at Clear Creek WMA (EHa), both 17 April; 2 at the Ken Unit 24 April (EHa); 4 along Lit¬ tle Cypress Creek, nw. of Powderly, Muh¬ lenberg, 25 April (JSo); ca. 12 at Sauer¬ heber and 15-20 at Camp #11, both 29 April (BP, EHu); 12 at Clear Creek WMA 1 May (EHa); and 1 se. of Mt. Zion, 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 69 Allen, 11 May (JBy, MBy). Singles at Sauerheber 17 May (CC) and at the Sinclair Unit 21 May (EHa) were the lat¬ est to be reported. Common Gallinule - there were four re¬ ports: 1 along Little Cypress Creek, nw. of Powderly, Muhlenberg, 23 March into early April (TG, SG, et al); 6 (3 seen, 3 heard) at the Sinclair Unit 2 May (ph. EHa); 1 at Sauerheber, 14 May (MMr fide EHa); and 2 at Minor Clark 25-26 May (MWr et al.). American Coot - 300 were at Sauerheber 15 March (CC); 20-25 were at both Mc- Elroy Lake and Morgan Pond 10 May (BP, EHu), but an increase in numbers at McElroy Lake to 250-300 on 13/16 May (TD et al.) and to ca. 125 at Morgan Pond 16 May (BP, EHu, SK) and 150 there 19 May (C&SRo) indicated that many pass through much later than the normal peak during early April. Lingering birds includ¬ ed 1 at Open Pond 21 May (RD, HC); 35- 40 at Morgan Pond and ca. 50 at McElroy Lake, both 22 May (BP, EHu); 2 at Minor Clark 25-26 May (MWr et al ); and 25-30 still at McElroy Lake 31 May (BP, MYa, TD). Sandhill Crane - 6 in w. Hopkins 23 March (BP, DL, et. al ); 8 over Caperton Swamp Nature Preserve, Jefferson , 23 March (SWa); 6 over Bernheim Forest 28 March (BF, BBC); and 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 11 April (MBy) were the latest to be re¬ ported. Black-bellied Plover - 1 at Sand Slough 13 April (BP, BBC) was the earliest to be reported; other reports of interest included 9 w. of Miller, Fulton , 1 May (BP. EHu) with 8 there 2 May (BP, EHu); 1 at McElroy Lake 9 May (JSo) with 4-5 there 10-13 May (TD et al.) and peak counts of 10 there 14 May (JSo) and 9 there 16 May (BP, EHu, SK); 3 at Sauerheber 12 May (BP, EHu); 4 at Walton Pond 16 May (BP, EHu, SK), 11 at the KY 739 Pond 18 May (FL) with 5 there 22 May (FL); 4 at Morgan Pond 18 May (BP, EHu) with 3 there 19 May (C&SRo), 2 there 21 May (BL, C&SRo), and 1 there 22 May (BP, EHu); and 1 at Ky Bend 19 May (BP, EHu). American Golden-Plover - 25 at McElroy Lake 21 March (EHu, BP), 25-30 in w. Hopkins 23 March (BP, ASK); and 39 at Open Pond 23 March (BY, MYa) were the earliest to be reported; other reports of interest included 600+ adjacent to Obion WMA 28 March (BP) with ca. 300 still there 31 March (BP, MSt, JSo); 18 at Spindletop Fann 8 April (DL) with 12 still there 10 April (JSw); 34 at McElroy Lake 12 April (RD); at least 3 at Sand Slough 13 April (BP, BBC); ca. 100 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms and 20 adjacent to Obion WMA, all 17 April (BP, EHu); and 1 at Morgan Pond 24 April (BP, EHu). Semipalmated Plover - 1 at Sand Slough 13 April (BP, BBC) was the earliest to be reported; not numerous this spring with 38 at McElroy Lake 14 May (JSo) and 52 still there 31 May (BP. MYa, TD), 32 in w. Henderson 15 May (JSo); 19 at the KY 739 Pond 17 May (FL); and 21 at Morgan Pond 19 May (BL) representing very modest peak counts. Black-necked Stilt - 3 at Obion WMA 31 March (BP, MSt, JSo) were the earliest to be reported; other reports of interest included 2 at Ballard WMA 8/18 April (GBu); 2 at Sauerheber 8/12 April (CC); 3 at the KY 739 Pond 24 May (ph. FL); 3 in the Upper Hickman Bottoms, Fulton, 17/19 April (EHu, BP/HC); 2 at Mud Creek 2 May (EHu, BP); 1 at Morgan Pond 1 May (BP, EHu) with 3 there 3 May (BP, EHu); at least 7 (including 3 pairs) at Ky Bend 19 May (BP, EHu); and 2 first noted at McElroy Lake 23 May (TD) with 2 pair on nests there 31 May (TD, MYa, BP) In the Lower Hickman Bottoms, small numbers were present at various locations from mid-April through May with 2 pairs including a pair incu¬ bating along KY 94 n, of Miller, Fulton, 12 with 2 incubating at Open Pond, and 5 e. of Open Pond, all 25 May (BP, EHu, CBs, LM). American Avocet - it was an excellent sea¬ son with seven reports: 18 on Ky Lake off 70 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol.89 Sherwood Shores, Marshall, 23 April (BP, EHu); 21 at Ky Dam Village 28 April (BL, ph. BM) with 13 there 10 May (ph. MYa, BY, JSo); 1 at the Camp #9 coal preparation plant. Union, 29 April (EHu, BP); 18 at Calvert City 1 May (ph. BP, EHu); 1 at McElroy Lake 11 May (SK, JKi, RD); and 2 at Morgan Pond 21 May (C&SRo). Spotted Sandpiper - singles on the Ohio River at Louisville (BP, AC) and at Owsley Fork Lake, Madison (JPk), both 7 April; at Pumphouse Pond 10 April (RD); and se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 11 April (MBv) were the earliest to be reported. One lingered at Sauerheber to 29 May (CC). Solitary' Sandpiper - singles at Long Point (JSo) and sw. of Sassafras Ridge, Fulton, 31 March (JSo, MSt, BP) were the earliest to be reported. Greater Yellowlegs - peak counts included 100+ adjacent to Obion WMA 28 March (BP), at least 75 at Sauerheber 29 March (KM); and 75-100 adjacent to Obion WMA 17 April (BP, EHu). Willet - there were six reports: 2 adjacent to Obion WMA 17 April (BP, EHu); 1 at Mud Creek 23 April (JSo); at least 40 at Minor Clark 27 April (MWr); 1 at McEl¬ roy Lake 10-31 May (TD et al.) with 2 there 9 May (JSo); and 53 at Ky Dam Village 10 May (ph MYa, BY, JSo). Lesser Yellowlegs - local peak counts in¬ cluded 250-300+ adjacent to Obion WMA 28 March (BP) with 300-350 there 31 March (BP, MSt JSo); 40-50 at Sauer¬ heber 13 April (BP, BBC); ca. 200 adja¬ cent to Obion WMA 17 April (BP, EHu); at least 80 at Morgan Pond 24 April (BP, EHu) with at least 120 there 29 April (BE, BM); 330+ in w. Henderson 29 April (BP, EHu); 123 counted at Sauerheber 2 May (KM); 130+ at McElroy Lake 3 May (BP, EHu, TD); at least 48 at Melco 9 May (MA); and 100-125 at McElroy Lake and 35-40 at Morgan Pond, both 10 May (BP, EHu). Whimbrel - there were two reports: 1 at Ky Bend 19 May (ph. BP, ph. EHu) and 1 at McElroy Lake 22 May (ph. EHu, ph. BP). KBRC review required. Ruddy Turnstone - there were reports from four locales: 11 at Morgan Pond 16 May (BP, EHu, SK) with 3 there 18/19 May (BP, EHu/BL) and 1 there 22 May (BP, EHu); 1 at the KY 739 Pond 18 May (ph. FL); 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 21 May (EHu); and 1 at McElroy Lake 22 May (BP, EHu). Sanderling - there were reports from three locales: 2 at McElroy Lake 3 May (BP, EHu, TD) with 3 there 5 May (JSo) and 1 still there 9 May (JSo); 3 at Morgan Pond 18 May (BP, EHu) with 2 there 19 May (BL), 5 there 21 May (BE, C&SRo), and 1 last seen there 22 May (BP, EHu); and 1 at the KY 739 Pond 21 May (ph. FL). Semipalmated Sandpiper - 5 at Sauerheber 2 May (KM) and 2 at McElroy Lake 5 May (BP, EHu, JSo, TD, BY, MYa) were the earliest to be reported; local peak counts included ca. 100 at Melco 20 May (BP); 500-600 at McElroy Lake, ca. 75 at Walton Pond, and 450-500 at Morgan Pond, all 22 May (BP, EHu); 50 at Pump¬ house Pond 23 May (RD); ca. 200 at the KY 739 Pond 24 May (FL); at least 215 at Morgan Pond 25 May (BP, EFIu); ca. 500 still at McElroy Lake 27 May (TD) with ca. 50 still there 31 May (BP, MYa, TD); and 75 adjacent to the Grassy Pond- Powells Lake Unit Sloughs WMA, Union, 29 May (CC). Western Sandpiper - there were two re¬ ports: 1 at Sauerheber 29 April (BP, EHu) and 1 at Long Point 30 April (BL, BM). Least Sandpiper - 5 at the J.C. Jones Road sinkhole ponds, Hart (JSo), and 6 at Sau¬ erheber (BL), both 3 March, were early; peak counts included 60 at Morgan Pond 29 April (BL, BM); ca. 50 at McElroy Lake 3 May (BP, EHu, TD); ca. 100 at McElroy Lake and at least 400 at Morgan Pond, both 10 May (BP, EHu); 200 at Mc¬ Elroy Lake 11 May (RD, SK, JKi); and ca. 100 at McElroy Lake and 100+ at Morgan Pond, both 16 May (BP, EHu. SK); numbers subsequently diminished to 10-15 at Morgan Pond and less than 10 at McElroy Lake, both 22 May (BP, EHu). 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 71 White-rumped Sandpiper - 1 at McElroy Lake 3 May (BP, EHu, TD) was the ear¬ liest to be reported; 2-5 continued at McElroy Lake into mid-May (m. ob.) with modest peak counts of 12-15 there 22 May (BP, EHu) and at least 12 there 27 May (TD), and 5 still there 31 May (BP, MYa, TD). Other reports of interest in¬ cluded 3 at Sauerheber 12 May (BP, EHu); 1 at Jacobson Park 13 May (RO); and 3 at Morgan Pond 16/18 May (BP, EHu) with at least 30 there 22 May (BP, EHu) and 1 still there 25 May (BP, EHu). Pectoral Sandpiper - reports of interest in¬ cluded 12 at Sauerheber by 3 March (BL) with ca. 50 there 16 March (BP et al.); 1 at Green River Lake, Adair b 9 March (RD); 155 in w. Fulton , 23 March (RD); 60+ at McElroy Lake 21 March (BP, EHu); ca. 200 in w. Hopkins 23 March (BP et al.); 350-400 in the Lower Hick¬ man Bottoms 27 March (BP); 1500-2000 adjacent to Obion WMA 28 March (BP) with 350-400 still there 31 March (BP, MSt, JSo); and at least 150 at McElroy Lake 28 March (TD). Dunlin - 3 continuing from winter were at Sauerheber 3 March (BL) with 9 there 16 March (BP et al.); next earliest were sin¬ gles adjacent to Obion WMA 28 March (BP) and at Chaney Lake 10 April (BP). Other reports of interest (including very modest peak counts) included. 1 w. of Cecilia, Hardin , 16 April (BP, EHu); 5 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 19 April (JBy, MBy); 6 at Sauerheber 29 April (BP, EHu); 15- 20 at McElroy Lake and 16 at Walton Pond, both 10 May (BP, EHu); 30 at Sau¬ erheber 17 May (CC); 35 at Morgan Pond 18 May (BP, EHu); 65 n. of Midway Church, Fulton , 19 May (BP. EHu); 50 at Morgan Pond 21 May (BL); and 5 at Sauerheber 23 May (CC). Stilt Sandpiper - there were reports from eight locales: 2 w. of Miller, Fulton , 25 April (SRe) with 4 there 1 May (EHu, BP) and 9 there 2 May (EHu, BP); 3 at Sauer¬ heber 29 April (BP, EHu), 1 at McElroy Lake 3 May (BP, EHu, TD) with 2 there 5/14 May (BP, EHu, JSo, TD, BY, MYa/ JSo), 10+ there 10 May (BP, EHu), and 7 there 22 May (BP, EHu); 1 near Lake No. 9 on 4 May (BY, MYa); 3 at Morgan Pond 10 May (BP, EHu) with 1 there lb- 21 May (BP, EHu, SK, BL); 1 at Calvert City 11 May (BP, EHu); 1 at the KY 739 Pond 11 May (FL) with 8 there 18/22 May (ph. FL) and 1 still there 24 May (ph. FL); and 4 at Ky Bend 19 May (BP, EHu). Short-billed Dowitchcr - there were reports from five locales: 4 at Mud Creek 30 April (BL, BM); 9 at Sauerheber 2 May (KM) with 4 there 14 May (JSo); most of 40-45 dowitchers at McElroy Lake 10 May (BP, EHu, TD) with at least 12 there 11 May (RD), 4 there 16 May (BP. EHu, SK), and 26 there 18 May (MBy, JBy, TBr. JBk, et al.); 1 at ICY 739 Pond 11 May (FL) with at least a few there 18 May (FL); and 1 at Morgan Pond 21 May (BL). Also, 12 dowitcher sp. at McElroy Lake 14 May (JSo) were likely Short-billed by date. Long-billed Dowitcher - 1 heard adjacent to Obion WMA 28 March (BP), a flock of 25 (call notes heard) in flight over the Lower Hickman Bottoms 31 March (RL), and 1 at Sauerheber 2 April (KM) were the earliest to be reported. Other reports of interest included 8 adjacent to Obion WMA, 22 w. of Miller, Fulton , and 5 at Open Pond, all 17 April (BP, EHu); 19 at Morgan Pond 24 April (BP, EHu) with 4 there 25 April (BL); 52 at Sauerheber 29 April (BP, EHu) with 20 still there 30 April (CC); 19 at Mud Creek 30 April (BL, BM); 4 at McElroy Lake 2 May (TD) with 11 there 9 May (JSo), 5-10 there 10 May (BP, EHu), and 2 last seen there 13 May (BP, EHu, TD); 5 near Open Pond 4 May (MYa, BY); 1 at Melco 5 May (BP) with 4 there 9 May (BP, MA); and 16 at Walton Pond 10 May (BP, EHu). Also, 22 dowitcher sp. at Sauer¬ heber 26 April (KM) were likely Long¬ billed by date. Wilson's Snipe - local peak counts included at least 60 at Petros Pond, Warren , 13 March (TD); 160 at Mud Creek and 50 at Open Pond, both 23 March (RD); “hun¬ dreds” in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 23 72 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 March (BY, MYa); at least 50 at Sauer- heber 30 March (CC); ca. 50 at Chaney Lake 10 April (BP, EHu); and 50+ at Long Point 17 April (BP, EHu). Wilson’s Phalarope - there were reports from seven locales: 4 at Eong Point 19 April (HC); 1 at Walton Pond 21 April (BP, EHu); 4 w. of Miller, Fulton , 25 April (SRe); 5 at Sauerheber 29 April (BP, EHu) with 2 still there 30 April (CC); 1 at Morgan Pond 10 May (BP, EHu); 7 at McElroy Lake 10/11 May (BP, EHu, TD/RD) with 2 still there 13 May (BP, EHu, TD); 3 at Sauerheber 12 May (BP, EHu) with 1 still there 13/15 May (CC/JSo); 1 at Middleton, Simpson , 15 May (DT, KT); and a relatively tardy male at Morgan Pond 21 May (BE). Red-necked Phalarope - there were reports from three locales: 2 females at Hays Kennedy Park, Louisville, 4-6 May (ph. ALi, et al.) with 1 still there 7 May (ph. EHu); a female at McElroy Lake (MBy, JBy, TBr, JBk, et al.) and 3 (2 females and a male) at Morgan Pond (BP. EHu), both IS May; and l at Morgan Pond 21 May (BL, C&SRo). Red Phalarope - 2 at Melco 8 May (JBe, PB, CBs. RL. ph. EHu, et al.) represented a first ever for the state during spring. KBRC review required. Bonaparte’s Gull - reports of interest in¬ cluded at least 2500 on Lake Barkley, Lyon, 1 March (BP, EHu, BWu); at least 60 on Lexington Reservoir #4 on 18 March (BP); at least 65 still on Lake Barkley above the dam 24 April (BP, EHu); 11 first-year birds on Ky Lake above the dam 2 May (BP, EHu); and a first-year bird at McElroy Lake 16 May (BP, EHu, SK). Laughing Gull - an ad. at Ky Dam Village 24 April (BP, EHu) was the only one re¬ ported. Franklin’s Gull - there was only one re¬ port: 2 near Open Pond 27 March (ph. BP) with perhaps the same 2 at Open Pond 28 March (ph. BP). California Gull - an adult was present at Kuttawa 1-2 March (BP, EHu, BWu, MA) with likely the same bird at Lick Creek 7 March (ph. BP, ph. EHu). KBRC review required. Herring Gull - reports of interest included ca. 125 in the vicinity of Ky Dam 1 March (BP, EHu, BWu), with at least 70 still there 23 April (BP, EHu) and ca. 20 still there 1 May (BP, EHu); and 1 at Jacobson Park 11 May (DL, ASK). Thayer’s Gull - there were two reports: a first-year bird at Ky Dam 1/8 March (BP, EHu, BWu/BP, ph. EHu) and an ad. at Barkley Dam 22 March (tRD); also re¬ ported was a first-year Thayer’s Gull or Thayer’s Gull/Iceland Gull intergrade at Ky Dam Village 18 April (1'BP, EHu). Lesser Black-backed Gull - several birds continued in the vicinity of Lake Barkley and Ky Lake from winter; reports of in¬ terest included 3 birds (ad., first-year, third-year) at Lick Creek 7 March (ph. BP, ph EHu) with 4 more birds (ad., 2 second-year, 1 first-year) on Ky Lake, Marshall , 7 March (BP, EHu); 1 at Kut¬ tawa 20 March (JSo) and 22 March (RD); an adult at Freeman Lake 31 March (RH); a second-year bird at Ky Dam Village 18 April (BP, EHu); a first-year bird at Ky Dam Village 23 April (BP, EHu) with 3 (ad., second-year, first-year) there 24 April (BP, EHu); an ad. there 28 April (BL. BM); and an ad. and a first-year bird at Ky Dam Village 1 May (BP, EHu); and a first- or second-year bird there 3 May (BP, EHu). Great Black-backed Gull - a first-year bird was present at Ky Dam 8 March (ph. EHu, ph. BP). KBRC review required. Caspian Tern - 2 at the Falls of the Ohio 2 April (MA) were the earliest to be repor¬ ted; other reports of interest included 6 at Jacobson Park 12 April (DL); 1 at Peters¬ burg, Boone , 14 April (LM); a modest peak count of 7 at the Falls of the Ohio 14 April (BP); 2 at Cliffy Pond, Pulaski , and 2 at the Fishing Creek embayment of Lake Cumberland, Pulaski , both 17 April (RD); 1 at Minor Clark 28 April (DL); 12 still at Ky Dam Village 18 May (BP, EHu); 1 at Morgan Pond 21 May 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 73 (C&SRo); and 3 at Barren River Lake 25 May (JBy, MBy). Great Black-backed Gull, Kentucky Dam 8 March 2013 Eddie Huber Black Tern - there were reports from five locales: 20 at McElroy Lake (TD, BP, EHu) and 4 at Morgan Pond (BP, EHu), both 10 May; 30 over Ky Lake above the dam 11 May (BP, EHu); 1 at Melco 11 May (BY, MYa); 5 at McElroy Lake 16 May (BP, EHu, SK) with an impressive tally of 85 there 17 May (TD) and 29 there 22 May (BP, EHu), 10 at Morgan Pond 21 May (C&SRo, BL) with 8 there 22 May (EHu, BP); and 1 at the KY 739 Pond 22 May (FL). Common Tern - there were three reports: 25 at Ky Dam Village 10 May (ph. MYa, BY, JSo) with at least 10 over Ky Lake above the dam 11 May (EHu, BP), and 1 at McElroy Lake 18 May (JBy, MBy, JBk, AB, TBr). Forster’s Tern - reports of interest included 2 at Kuttawa 2 March (BWu, EHu, BP) with 3 at Lick Creek 7 March (BP, EHu); 26 continuing from the winter season at Blood River 8 March (HC); ca. 60 in the vicinity of Barkley Dam 23 April (BP, EHu); 2 below Greenup Dam on the Ohio River, Greenup , 27 April (BP, KOS); 1 at Minor Clark 28 April (BWu, KOS); 1 at McElroy Lake 5 May (JSo); 2 at Jacobson Park 12 May (IF) with 1 there 13 May (RO); 2 at the KY 739 Pond (FL) and 1 at Morgan Pond (EHu, BP), both 22 May; and 5 at Barren River Lake 25 May (JBy, MBy). White-winged Dove - 1 was at Henderson, Henderson , 12 May (ph. CC et al.). KBRC review required. Yellow-billed Cuckoo - singles at Cherokee Park 25 April (AM) and at Sauerheber 26 April (KM) were the earliest to be repor¬ ted; overall, the species came in relative¬ ly late and was relatively inconspicuous, although at least 11 were heard (nocturnal flight calls) over Surrey Hills Farm 15 May (BP). Black-billed Cuckoo - there were more than a dozen reports, all being included: 1 near Taylorsville Lake, Anderson , 23 April (PG); singles heard at Cherokee Park 27 April/9 May (RL, RBo/RL et al ); 1 sw. of Hickory Grove, Anderson , 30 April & 7/13 May (PG ); 1 nw. of Hickory Grove, Anderson , 1 May (PG); singles on the Anchorage Trail 2/7 May (JBe, PB); 1 at Cumberland Falls SRP, Whitley , 4 May (DL, ASK); 1 along Pointer Creek Road, Pulaski , 6 May (RD): 1 along Pleasant Hill Church Road, Trigg, 7 May (BL); 1 at Cherokee Park 9 May (SWa, MK); 1 in LBL, Trigg , 13 May (BL); 1 (possibly as many as 3-4) heard (nocturnal flight calls) over Surrey Hills Farm 15 May (BP); and singles at Iroquois Park 20/26 May (JC1/ MA). Barn Owl - there were three reports: a resident pair in Nelson through the season (TH); 2 at Camp #11 on 16 March (MSt, EHu, CC, BY, MYa) with 1 still there 5 April (BP); and 1 heard at Surrey Hills Farm 15 May (BP). Long-eared Owl - there was one report: 3 at the Wendell Ford Regional Training Center, Muhlenberg , 23 March (BP, ph. DL, et al ). Short-eared Owl - there were reports from five locales: 4 adjacent to Clear Creek WMA 2 March (EHu. BWu, BP); 6 along Horntown Road, e. Gray son, 3 March (SK, JKi, SS) with 3 there 8 March (JKi, SK); 4 at the Sinclair Unit 3 March (BL) with a peak of 17 there 8 March (P&SF, KD), 5 there 9/19 March (MA/JSo), and 4 last reported there 20 March (P&SF); at least 12 at Camp #11 on 16 March (EHu, MSt, CC, BY, MYa) with at least 2 still 74 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Cinnamon Teal, Fayette 29 March 2013 David Lang Glossy Ibis, Rowan 28 April 2013 David Lang Red-necked Phalaropes, Jefferson 4 May 2013 Amy Lint California Gull, Lyon 7 March 2013 Eddie Huber Whimbrel, Fulton 19 May 2013 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Western Grebe, Jefferson 15 March 2013 Eddie Huber 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 75 White-faced Ibis, Trigg 24 May 2013 Mel Cunningham Anhinga, Muhlenberg 11 May 2013 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. White-winged Dove, Henderson 12 May 2013 Charlie Crawford Red Phalaropes, Jefferson 8 May 2013 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. American Avocets (13), Marshall 10 May 2013 Mary Yandell Yellow-headed Blackbird, Fulton 30 April 2013 Bobby Metz 76 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 there 5 April (BP); and 1 along Elkhorn Creek s. of Stamping Ground, Scott, 6 April (JSo). Northern Saw-whet Owl - there were two reports of birds heard calling: 1 se. of Fos¬ ter, Bracken , 9 March (fTyF, TrF, et al.) and 1 along Roy Hunter Road w. of Cave City, Barren , 2 April (C&ROl, fide SK). A bird banded at Surrey Hills Farm during November 2012 was recaptured at White- fish Point Bird Observatory, Michigan, 15 April (NM. CN). Chuck-will’s-widow - 1 calling along Plea¬ sant Hill Church Road, Trigg , 17 April (BE) was the earliest to be reported. Chimney Swift - 1 over Cherokee Park 2 April (SWa) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted. Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 1 at Mt. Zion, Pulaski, 7 April (RD) was the ear¬ liest to be reported. Rufous Hummingbird - several birds con¬ tinued from winter as follows: the adult female that wintered s. of Glasgow, Bar¬ ren , was last seen 6 April (L&RY); the adult female that wintered in Hart was last seen 6 April (MSg); the female that wintered at Mt. Zion, Pulaski , was last seen 30 March (RD); the imm. female that wintered at South Williamson, Pike , was last seen 19 April (JCa. LE); and an imm. male that had been present at Ft. Thomas, Campbell , all fall/winter was last seen 9 April (A&DLa). A presumed spring mi¬ grant, the first such ever reported in the state, was present s. of Glasgow, Barren , 18-20 April (ph. L&RY). Yellow -bellied Sapsucker- 1 e of Marion, Crittenden , 8 May (MTa) was tardy. Merlin - there were only five reports: 1 at the Sinclair Unit 9 March (MA); 1 ne. of Independence, Kenton, 14 March (GD); 1 on the Anchorage Trail 20/23 March (ph. PS/ph. AM); 1 at Schochoh, Logan , 24 March (ph. ST); and 1 at WKU Woods, Warren, 16 April (TD). Peregrine Falcon - there were at least 10 reports of birds away from known breed¬ ing areas: 1 sw. of Middletown, Jefferson, 11 March-23 April (MMn, MYa, et al.); 1 at Sauerheber 13 April (BP, BBC); 1 at Figett Bend on the Green River, Hart , 15 April (JSo); 1 at Long Point 17 April (BP, EHu); 1 seen migrating over Melco 17 April (MYa) with another there 22/26 April (EHu); 1 at Horseshoe Road (BP, EHu) and 1 at Morgan Pond (BL, BM), both 29 April; 1 at McElroy Lake 10 May (BP, EHu, TD) and 11 May (RD); l over the Lexington Cemetery 13 May (JSo); and 1 at Sauerheber 15 May (JSo). Olive-sided Flycatcher - there were twelve reports: singles heard at Figett Bend, Hart (JSo), and seen at Cave Hill Cemetery (CBe), both 2 May; 1 along the Barren River se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 10/11 May (MBy/MBr, SB); 1 in LBL, Trigg , 13 May (BL) and 19 May (BP, EHu); 1 at Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary, Woodford , 14 May (ph. NF); 1 at Natural Arch, DBNF, McCreary, 15 May (EM et al ); singles at Cherokee Park (ph. BP et al.) and ne. of Cave City, Hart (JL), both 17 May; 1 at Cherokee Park 19 May (CBs, ph. JSo, BBC); 1 at Doug Travis WMA, Carlisle , 22 May (RD, HC); and 2 at Iroquois Park 26 May (MA). Olive-sided Flycatcher, Woodford 14 May 2013 Nathan Famau Eastern Wood-Pewee - 1 heard along Beaver Creek, Menifee, 13 April (fBWu) was extraordinarily early; next earliest were singles se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 18 April (MBy) and in LBL, Trigg, 20 April (AY). 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 77 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - there were on¬ ly four reports: singles heard calling at Cherokee Park (RL, RBo, SWa, MK) and heard calling in LBL, Lyon (BP. EHu), both 11 May; 1 in LBL, Trigg, 13 May (BL) ; and 1 heard calling at Surrey Hills Farm 24 May (BP). Acadian Flycatcher - 1 in LBL, Lyon , 16 April (JPo) was the earliest to be reported. Alder Flycatcher - there were seven re¬ ports: singles were seen and heard in LBL. Trigg, 19/20 May (BP, EHu/BL); singles at Douglas Hills, Jefferson , 19/24 May (MMn); 2 along Running Slough Road, Fulton , 21 May (HC, RD); 2 heard at Sauerheber 25 May (JM); and 1 heard singing at Surrey Hills Fann 24 May (BP). Say’s Phoebe - the wintering bird along Independence Church Road, ne. of Almo, Calloway , was last seen 4/7 March (HC/ BL). Great Crested Flycatcher - singles heard at Green River WMA, Adair , 11 April (RD) and seen at Sauerheber 15 April (CC) were the earliest to be reported Eastern Kingbird - singles at Bernlieim Forest 9 April (DSt) and in LBL, Trigg, 10 April (BL) were the earliest to be re¬ ported. Northern Shrike - an ad. was present on the fonner Gibraltar Mine, Muhlenberg , 23 March (ph./f BP, ph. SWd, DL, MTo JSw, JN). A shrike sp. at Sinclair 8 March (P&SF, KD) may have been the prev¬ iously reported Northern at that locale. KBRC review required. Bell’s Vireo - 2 singing birds had returned to nw. of Sauerheber 9 May (JM). Yellow-throated Vireo - 2 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 7 April (MBy) were the earliest to be reported. Blue-headed Vireo - singles at Little Lick and at the Bee Rock Recreation Area, DBNF, Pulaski , both 16 March (RD) were the earliest to be reported; 1 singing at Cherokee Park (BP) and 1 at Craigmoor Estates, Scott (DL), both 13 May, and 2 at the Lexington Cemetery (DL) and 2 at Cherokee Park (BWo et al ), both 14 May, were all rather tardy migrants. Tree Swallow - at least 3000 and possibly 5000 were at Camp #11 on 12 April (BP, EHu). No. Rough-winged Swallow - 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen , 13 March (MBy) represented an early spring arrival date for the state by one day; next earliest were 2 at Blood River 18 March (HC). Bank Swallow - 1 over Sauerheber 13 April (BP, BBC) was the earliest to be reported. Barn Swallow - singles at Blood River 13 March (HC) and at Pumphouse Pond 20 March (RD) were the earliest to be repor¬ ted. Red-breasted Nuthatch - small numbers lingered at wintering sites into April; lat¬ est migrants included 1 at Lake Cum¬ berland SRP, Russell , 7 May (RD); 1 at Boone County Cliffs SNP 8 May (HW); 1 at Little Lick 9 May (RD); 1 in LBL, Lyon , 11 May (BP, EHu); and 1 at the Lexington Cemetery 14 May (tDL). Brown-headed Nuthatch - the pair at the Ky Sheriffs Ranch continued through the spring season with an active nest (a state- first) located there 21 April (ph. FR). See Field Note, p. 82. Brown Creeper - 1 at the University of Kentucky Arboretum, Lexington, 20 April (DL, ASK) was rather tardy. Bewick’s Wren - I was heard at WKU Woods, Warren , 16 April (tTD). Sedge Wren - there were four reports: 2 at Camp #11 on 29 April (BP, EHu); 1 heard near Lake No. 9 on 1 May (BP, EHu); 3 heard in wheat fields at Ky Bend 19 May (BP, EHu); and 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 26 May (BP). Marsh Wren - there were five reports: 2 along Little Cypress Creek, nw. of Pow- derly, Muhlenberg , 5 April (BP); 1 sing¬ ing e. of Drakesboro, Muhlenberg , 16 April (BP, EHu), and 1 at Sauerheber (CC), 2 at Camp #11 (BP, EHu), and 1 at the Sinclair Unit (BL), all 29 April. Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1 lingered at Lexington to 21 May (DCh). 78 Veery - singles se. of Mt. Zion, Allen , 20 April (JBy, MBy) and at John James Audubon SP 24 April (KM) were the earliest to be reported. Gray-cheeked Thrush - 2 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 19 April (JBy, MBy) and singles at the Cape Hills Unit, Sloughs WMA, Henderson (CC), and at John James Aud¬ ubon SP (KM), both 21 April, were the earliest to be reported. One at Clarks River NWR, Marshall, 25 May (ba. HC) was the latest to be reported. SwainsoiCs Thrush - singles at Shawnee Park, Louisville, 16 April (|AM) and at Cherokee Park 17 April (fBWo) were the earliest to be reported. Hermit Thrush - 1 at Boone County Cliffs SNP 10 May (fTyF, R&BMc) was tardy. Wood Thrush - 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 10 April (MBy) was the earliest to be repor¬ ted. Gray Catbird - singles in Harrison 10 April (MH) and Adair 11 April (RD) were the earliest to be reported. American Pipit - local peak counts in¬ cluded 85 at Surrey Hills Farm 1 April (BP) and “hundreds” at McElroy Lake 30 March (SK, JKi) with at least 100 there 10 April (BP, EHu) and ca. 30 still there 9 May (JSo) Twenty along the Ohio River at Hebron, Boone , 12 May (LM) and singles along Vance Road, Warren, 13 May (BP, EHu) and at McElroy Lake 18 May (JBy, MBy, et al.) were the latest to be reported. Cedar Waxwing - as has become the norm, numbers increased significantly during the second week of May, especially in west Kentucky^. Lapland Longspur - a few were still pres¬ ent at McElroy Lake 21 March (BP, EHu) with a couple of individual birds heard in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 28 March (BP). Worm-eating W arbler - 1 in LBL, Lyon, 8 April (AY) was the earliest to be reported. Northern Waterthrush - 1 in LBL, Trigg , 14 April (fST, DT, KT) was extraordin- VoL 89 arily early; next earliest was 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 19 April (JBy, MBy). Golden-winged Warbler - there were sev¬ en reports: singles in LBL, Trigg. 27 April (BM), 6 May (BL) and 13 May (BL) with 5 rn LBL, Lyon , 11 May (BP, EHu); 1 at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone, 12 May (LM); and singles at the Lexington Cemetery (JSo) and at Sauerheber (CC), both 13 May; Lawrence’s Warbler - 1 was reported at McConnell Springs, Fayette, 30 April (fLT). Black-and-white W'arbler - 2 in LBL, Trigg, 20 March (BL) were the earliest to be reported. Swainson's Warbler - singles at Laurel Gorge WMA, Elliott, and along Binion Ford Road, Elliott, both 30 April (BWu) were the earliest to be reported; 1 along Running Slough Road, w. Fulton, 21 May (HC, RD) was the first to be reported in Fulton in many years. Tennessee Warbler - singles at two locales in LBL, Trigg, 17 April (BL) were the earliest to be reported; 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 27 May (BP) was the latest to be re¬ ported Orange-crowned Warbler - it was an ex¬ traordinary season for the species with reports from more than a dozen locales: 1 on the Anchorage Trail 9/15 April (JBe, PB. JG/JBe, PB); 1-2 in LBL, Trigg, on several dates 12 April-6 May (BL et al.) with 4 there 26/27 April (BL/BL, BM) and an extraordinary' tally of at least 8 in LBL, Trigg/Lyon, 24 April (BL, EHu, BP); 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 17 April (JBv. MBy); singles at Cave Hill Cem¬ etery (BJ, BBC), at John James Audubon SP (SWt et al ), and at the Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Union (KM), all 20 April; singles at Sauerheber (ph. CC) and at Carter Caves SRP, Carter (JKe), both 21 April; 1 along Helm School Road se. of Lebanon, Marion, 23 April (JKe); sin¬ gles at Blackacre SNP, Jefferson (MA, BBC), and at John James Audubon SP (KM), both 27 April; 1 at Freeman Lake 28 April (BF, BBC); singles at McConnell THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 79 Springs, Fayette , and at Jacobson Park, both 29 April (JSw); 1 at the Lexington Cemetery 30 April (C>), and 1 at Cherokee Park 2/7 May (TBe, CBe/RL). Nashville Warbler - 1 at Panorama Shores, Calloway, 7 April (KC) was the earliest to be reported. Connecticut Warbler - there were seven reports: 1 heard at Cherokee Park 10 May (RL) with 1 seen/heard there 13-14 May (BP, MWa, et ah); 1 heard singing in LBL, Trigg , 15 May (BL); 1 heard sing¬ ing at Surrey Hills Farm 16 May (BP); 2 heard (1 seen) in LBL, Trigg, 19 May (BP, EHu); 1 at McConnell Springs, Fayette, 20 May (LT); and 1 at Sauer- heber 23 May (ph. CC). Mourning Warbler - there were ten re¬ ports: 1 in w. Franklin 7 May (JSo); sin¬ gles in LBL, Trigg, 13 May (BL) and 19 May (BP, EHu); 1 at the Lexington Cem¬ etery 14 May (AH); 1 at Sauerheber 17 May (CC); 1 along Pointer Creek Road, Pulaski , 19 May (RD); smgles at Surrey Hills Farm (BP) and in e. Daviess (MTh), both 24 May; 1 at the Jenny Llole Unit, Sloughs WMA, Henderson, 25 May (JM); and 1 at Lake Cumberland WMA, Pulaski, 26 May (RD). Common Yellowthroat - a female at Sauer¬ heber 30 March (ES, DCo) may have been continuing from winter or a very early spring migrant. Hooded Warbler - 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 8 April (MBy) was the earliest to be reported. American Redstart - 1 at Berea, Madison, 9 April (fRF, RBa) was the earliest to be reported. Cape May Warbler - 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Al¬ len, 19 April (JBy, MBy) tied the early spring arrival date for the state. Blackburnian Warbler - 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 26 May (JBy, MBy) was the latest to be reported. Yellow 7 Warbler — 1 along Pleasant Hill Church Road, Trigg, 4 April (BL) was rel¬ atively early. Blackpoll Warbler - singles at Lexington (C>) and in LBL, Trigg (BL), both 17 April, and 1 near Ky Dam Village 18 April (BP, EHu) were the earliest to be reported. Black-throated Blue Warbler - reports of migrants from central and w r . Kentucky included males at the Lexington Cemetery 30 April (JBe, PB, et al.) and 12 May (SMa et ah); a male in LBL, Lyon, 3 May (BP, EHu, BL, BM); a male at Cherokee Park 13 May (BP, RL); and a female at the Lexington Cemetery 18 May (DL, ASK). Palm Warbler - 4 in the Vernon Bottoms, e. Monroe, 1 March (MBy) were certainly lingering from winter. Yellow-rumped Warbler - singles at Cher¬ okee Park 16 May (SWa, MK, RBo) and at the Lexington Cemetery 18 May (DL, ASK) were relatively late. One in LBL, Trigg, 20 May (BL) represented a new late spring departure date for the state by a day. Yellow-breasted Chat - 2 se. of Mt. Zion, Aden, 18 April (MBy ) were the earliest to be reported. Bachman’s Sparrow - as is the norm, the only ones reported were 4 from the tradi¬ tional breeding areas on Ft. Campbell, Trigg, 29 April (2)/6 May (2) (DM). American Tree Sparrow - a few at Sau¬ erheber 5 April (CC) were the latest to be reported. Lark Sparrow' - there were reports from seven locales: 1 in LBL, Trigg , 15 April (BL); 1 at the KY 739 Pond, Logan, 15 April (FL); 1 s. of Ragland, w. McCrack¬ en, 24 April (SRe); 1 se. of Salvisa, Mer¬ cer, 27 April (JBr), 4 along McDonald Landing Road, Henderson, 29 April (ph. EHu, BP) and into May (RD, CC); 4 different birds on Ft. Campbell, Trigg , 29 April (l)/6 May (2)/23 May(l) (DM); and 1 at the WKU Farm, Warren, 3 May (SK, JKi). Grasshopper Sparrow - 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 15 April (BP) was the earliest to be reported. 80 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Le Conte’s Sparrow - there were two re¬ ports: at least 8 at the former Gibraltar Mine, Muhlenberg , 23 March (BP, ph. DL, et al.) and ca. 6 at Sauerheber 13 April (BP. BBC). Nelson’s Sparrow - the bird that was dis¬ covered at Surrey Hills Farm 16 Decem¬ ber was relocated 14 April (ph. BP) and lingered to 19 April (BP, ph. EHu). Fox Sparrow - a tally of 10-12 at the Lex¬ ington Cemetery 26 March (BP, EHu) were likely migrants as none had been seen there earlier in the month. White-throated Sparrow - 4-5 were still on the Anchorage Trail 12 May (BP); singles seen at the Lexington Cemetery 18 May (DL, ASK) and heard at the Savage Branch Preserve, Boyd. 22 May (CT) were the latest to be reported. White-crowned Sparrow - 1 at the Green River State Forest, Henderson, 15 May (CC) was the latest to be reported. Summer Tanager - 1 se. of Mt. Zion, Al¬ len, 9 April (MBy, MkB) was the earliest to be reported. Western Tanager - quite remarkably, there were two separate reports: a male coming to feeders in a yard s. of Lawrenceburg, Anderson, 27-29 March (ph./vt. BS); and a male at the Lexington Cemetery 29 April (ph. TN, ph. DL). KBRC review re¬ quired. Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1 sw. of Fisher- ville, Jefferson, 11 April (JHu, EHu) was the earliest to be reported. Indigo Bunting - singles at Clarks River NWR, Marshall, 10 April (HC) and se. of Mt. Zion, Allen, 11 April (MBy) were the earliest to be reported. Dickcissel - 1 n. of Lake No. 9 on 17 April (BP, EHu) was the earliest to be reported. Bobolink - singles w. of Cecilia, Hardin, 19 April (BP, EHu) and at the WKU Farm, Warren, 21 April (BP, EHu) were the earliest to be reported; local peak counts of interest included ca. 450 in the Lower Hickman Bottoms 30 April (BL, BM); at least 100 e. of Whaynes Comer, Hickman, 2 May (BP, EHu); and at least 75 at the WKU Farm, Warren, 11 May (RD). At least 10 at the Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park, Jessamine, lingered to 29 May and appeared to be on territory (AE, JSw); at least several birds also appeared to be on territory at Spindletop Farm during May (TN, DL, MTo, BP, et al.). Western Meadowlark - there were reports from six locales: at least 3 se. of Need- more, Ballard, 8 March (vr. BP, EHu); 1 at McElroy Lake 21 March (ph. BP, EHu); 1 heard singing se. of Open Pond 27 March (BP); 4 e. of Lake No. 9 and 1 heard singing at Ky Bend, both 28 March (BP); and 3 males singing as if on ter¬ ritory between Hickman and Cayce, Ful¬ ton, 28 March (BP) with at least 2 still there 31 March (BP MSt), 1 still singing there 17 April (BP, EHu), and a pair with a female incubating 2/4 May (ph. BP, EHu/BY, MYa); unfortunately the nest was found destroyed by farming activities 19 May (BP, EHu). Western Meadowlark, Warren 21 March 2013 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Yellow-headed Blackbird - a female was present along Elbow Slough, w. Fulton, 30 April (BL, ph. BM). KBRC review required. Rusty Blackbird - reports of interest in¬ cluded ca. 150 at the J.C. Jones Road sinkhole ponds, Hart, 3 March (JSo); ca. 250 at Sauerheber 3 March (BL) and 30 March (ES, DCo); at least 80 at Sauer¬ heber 13 April (BP, BBC); and a male 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 81 still singing at Sauerheber 29 April (BP, EHu). Brewer’s Blackbird - a new state high count of at least 350 (probably 500 or more) was tallied along Frostburg Road, w. Hopkins , 23 March (BP, DL, JSw, JN) with at least 75 still there 5 April (BP); also reported were at least 3 at the J.C. Jones Road sinkhole ponds. Hart , 3 March (JSo) with 1 still there 4 April (JSo); and at least 85 in the Lower Hick¬ man Bottoms, Fulton , 27 March (BP) with 20-25 still there 28 March (BP). Baltimore Oriole - 1 in LBL, Trigg, 17 April (BL) was the earliest to be reported. Purple Finch - reports of interest included 26 at Owsley Fork Lake, Madison , 8 April (RF, RBa); more than 30 still present w. of Frankfort, Franklin , 20 April (JBr); 45- 50 at Eastpark Industrial Park, Boyd , 27 April (BP, KOS); 2 at Berea, Madison , to 7 May (GBo); 2 in the Red River Gorge, Menifee , 7 May (SMc); and 1 at Rock Bridge, Wolfe, 8 May (BP, JD). Red Crossbill - following the presence of birds at a few locales during the winter season, the species remained locally dis¬ tributed through the early spring with all reports included: 4 at Cave Hill Cemetery 20 March (BP); 2 at the Ky Sheriffs Ranch 2 March (BP, ph. EHu. BWu, MA/ BP, EHu) with the same birds continuing to 7/8 March with calls confirmed as Type 2 (fide MYo), 3 there 23 March (BY, MYa), and 2 last reported there 25 May (ph. FR) Also reported were 12 at the Lexington Cemetery 24 March (DSv), call notes of a Type 3 bird were confirmed at Surrey Hills Farm 4 April (vr. BP, fide MYo), 2 at Eubank, Pulaski, 9 May (GC); and 5 along Pleasant Hill Church Road, Trigg, 19 May (BL). White-winged Crossbill - a few lingered at the Lexington Cemetery into March (m. ob.) with 3 last reported there 26 March (ph. EHu, BP, JW); also reported were an imm. male at Buckley Hills Sanctuary, Woodford , 10 March (ph. TW); 5 at St. Anne’s Convent, Melbourne, Campbell, 14 March (ph. FR); 3 at Spindletop Farm 29 March (C>) with 8 there 30 March (ph. RD); and 3 at Surrey Hills Farm 4 April (ph. BP). Pine Siskin - relatively small numbers con¬ tinued at a few locations from winter; small numbers of migrants (generally <10) appeared at a number of scattered locales during April and early May with lingering birds still relatively widespread during the second week of May and the latest lingering birds reported as follows: 2 in Boyd to 17 May (CT); 10-12 near Berry, Pendleton, 17 May (LH); 1 at Surrey Hills Farm 10/18 May (BP); 3 at Maysville, Mason , 18 May (FS); 2 at the LBL Nature Station to 21 May with 1 last heard there 25 May (JPo); 4 at the Ky Sheriffs Ranch 23 May (FR); 1 at Berea , Madison , 26 May (GBo, JPe); and 1 at Erlanger, Kenton , to 29 May (EG). Red Crossbill, Marshall 25 May 2013 Frank Renfrew Evening Grosbeak - as many as 12-15 con¬ tinued at Woodsbend, Morgan , into mid- March (B&BA, NL) with a few last seen there 26 April (B&BA); also reported were 5 flyover birds at Louisville 7 March (RL) and a female near Waddy, Shelby , 24 March (DD). Addendum to Fall 2012 Report: Rufous Hummingbird - a male was present near Battletown, Meade, for a few days during late August (ph. JPa). Addendum to Winter 2012-2013 Report: Brewer’s Blackbird - ca. 6 were seen s. of Rockport, Ohio , 9 February (MSt). 82 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Observers: Brenda & Bud Angus (B&BA), Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK), Michael Autin (MA), Rebecca Bates (RBa), Jamin Beachy (JBy), Makaya Beachv (MkB), Matthan Beachy (MBy), Colleen Becker (CBe), Tom Becker (TBe), Beckham Bird Club (BBC), Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell (PB), Carol Besse (CBs), Gretchen Bolton (GBo), Rod Botkins (RBo), Abraham Brubaker (AB), John David Brubaker (JBk), Matthew Brubaker (MBr), Stephen Brubaker (SB), Timothy Brubaker (TBr), John Brunjes (JBr), Gerald Burnett (GBu), Joan Carr (JCa), Hap Chambers (HC), Don Chesnut (DCh), Joseph Clarkson (JCl), Kathy Cohen (KC), Dan Collins (DCo), Amy Covert (AC), Granville Cox (GC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Melodie Cunningham (MC), Gene Dennis (GD), Kathy Demiis (KD), Roseanna Denton (RD), Don Dott (DD), Jon Dunn (JD), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Amanda Echelbach (AE), Norman Elam (NE), Les Estep (LE), Nathan Farnau (NF), Ian Ferrell (IF), Tracy Ficker (TrF), Tyler Ficker (TyF), Preston & Shari Forsythe (P&SF), Rob Foster (RF), Bill Friel (BF), Judy Galitzine (JG), Pamela Graber (PG), Steve Graham (SG), Teresa Graham (TG), Ed Groneman (EG), Laura Haggarty (LH), Erin Harper (EHa), Richard Healy (RH), Adam Heist (AH), Todd Hendricks (TH), Joseph Hoover (JHo), Mary Hopson (MH), Eddie Huber (EHu), Jennifer Huber (JHu), Bob Johnson (BJ), Meghan Kahn (MK), John Keith (JKe), Kentucky Ornithological Society (KOS), Janet Kistler (JKi), Steve Kistler (SK), Rob Lane (RL), David Lang (DL), Allen & Donna Law (A&DLa), John Lindsey (JL), Amy Lint (ALi), Bill Lisowsky (BL), Frank Lyne (FL). Nova MacKentley (NM), Scott Marsh (SMa), Rene & Bill McGill (R&BMc), Lee McNeely (LM), Stephanv McNew (SMc), Andrew Melnykovych (AM), John Meredig (JM), Bobby Metz (BM), Keith Michalski (KM), Mark Monroe (MMn), Evelyn Morgan (EM), Mike Morton (MMr), Daniel Moss (DM), multiple observers (m. ob), Tina Nauman (TN), Chris Neri (CN), Jeff Noffsinger (JN), Ronan CFCarra (RO), Colleen & Rick Olson (C&ROl), Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP), Jerry Parcell (JPa), Jennifer Perkins (JPe), JohnRyan Polascik (JPk), John Pollpeter (JPo), Andy Radomski (AR), Daniel Record (DR), Scott Record (SRe), Frank Renfrow (FR), Steve Rogers (SRg), Cyndi & Steve Routledge (C&SRo), Frances Shirley (FS), Casey Shrader (CSh), Bob Snow (BS), Carol Sole (CSo), Jeff Sole (JSo), Pam Spaulding (PS), Evan Speck (ES), Seth Spencer (SS), David Stewart (DSt), Matt Shekel (MSt), Mitch Sturgeon (MSg), Dave Svetich (DSv), Joe Swanson (JSw), Carrie Szwed (CSz), Melissa Tabor (MTa), Laurie Thomas (LT), Charles Thompson (CT), Marilee Thompson (MTh), Mark Tower (MTo), Charles & Gretchen Tremoulet (C>), Debby Tyson (DT), Katie Tyson (KT), Steve Tyson (ST). Kelly Vowels (KV), Major Waltman (MWa), Sean Ward (SWa), Jim Williams (JW), Tim Williams (TW), Barbara Woerner (BWo), Stefan Woltmann (SWt), Sam Woodall (SWd), Helen Wright-North (HW), Mike Wright (MWr), Brian Wulker (BWu), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MYa), Aviva Yasgur (AY), Lew & Ruth Young (L&RY), Matt Young (MYo). FIELD NOTE Brown-headed Nuthatches in Marshall County: A First Nesting Record for Kentucky Introduction The Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sittci pitsilla) is a permanent resident of pine and mixed deciduous-pine woodlands within the southeastern United States. This species has exhibited considerable expansion of its range over the past 45 years (Renfrow 2003 ). The first record of Brown-headed Nuthatch in Kentucky was documented in Russell County in 1999 (Palmer-Ball 2003), followed by sightings of a single bird in Marshall County in 2008 (Palmer-Ball and McNeely 2008). Nesting of the Brown-headed Nuthatch was confirmed at the Marshall County location during spring 2013. 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 83 Range Expansion Prior to the latter half of the twentieth century, all known breeding populations of the Brown-headed Nuthatch were well to the south, east or west of the state of Kentucky. Northward expansion of the breeding range of the Brown-headed Nuthatch into Tennessee has been well documented, beginning with a Hamilton County record in 1968 (Basham 1969). Further northward expansion was confirmed in Roane County in 1995 in areas of loblolly pine ( Finns taeda ), Virginia pine (P. virginiana), pitch pine (P. rigida ) and shortleaf pine ( P. echinata) at the Kingston Steam Plant (Nicholson 1997, Renfrow 2003). Further breeding range expansion was confirmed at a golf course containing scattered stands of loblolly pines in Putnam County in 1999 (Stedman and Walden 2003). In 2008 nesting was confirmed less than 5 mi (8 km) from the Kentucky line in Fentress County (Sloan and Palmer-Ball 2008); there the birds were associated with an open area of horse farms with a stand of shortleaf pines lining the road (F. Renfrow, unpubl. data). A Brown¬ headed Nuthatch was also documented about 20 mi (32 km) south of the Kentucky line in Campbell County, Tennessee, in an area of Virginia and shortleaf pines at Cove Lake State Park 25 March 2012 (Sloan and Palmer-Ball 2013) and again 19 February 2013 (F. Ren¬ frow, unpubl. data). In recent years, breeding Brown-headed Nuthatches have also been found in south¬ western Tennessee at Pickwick Dam, Hardin County (Cardiff 1997). This is the closest known breeding area of Brown-headed Nuthatch to the Marshall County, Kentucky, nest location. It is important to note that many of the range expansion records in Tennessee as well as both of the Brown-headed Nuthatch locations in Kentucky have occurred at government managed areas with significant plantings of loblolly pine (F. Renfrow, unpubl. data). The first documented record of the Brown-headed Nuthatch in Kentucky was of a single individual frequenting an extensive planting of loblolly pines at Wolf Creek Dam, Russell County, from 26 September through 12 October 1999 (Palmer-Ball 2003). Most of these loblolly pines were either logged or they succumbed to the Southern Pine [Bark] Beetle ( Dendroctomis frontalis) during the next year or so (Renfrow 2003). A First Nest Record for Kentucky On 9 May 2008 a Brown-headed Nuthatch was observed by Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Mark Monroe in loblolly and shortleaf pine stands on a portion of the Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, near Gilbertsville in Marshall County. These pines were planted by the Kentucky Division of Forestry beginning in 1961 for the purpose of producing seeds for the adjacent John P. Rhody Tree Nursery (J. Davidson, pers. comm.). The nuthatch, which lingered for about ten days, appeared to be a lone individual, and it or others were not relocated at the site during subsequent years despite relatively regular searches (B. Palmer-Ball, pers. comm.). On 18 January 2013, two Brown-headed Nuthatches were seen at this same location by Palmer-Ball and Eddie Huber. These birds were observed off and on by Palmer-Ball and others during March and April. On 7 March Palmer-Ball observed one of the birds digging out a hole in a loblolly pine snag, but the two nuthatches later con¬ tinued to dig holes in various snags and did not appear to have decided on a specific nest location. During his observations at the site Palmer-Ball observed several other notable conifer obligate species in the loblolly pine stand including Red Crossbills ( Loxia curvi- rostra) and Pine Siskins ( Carduelis pimis). On 18 April 2013 he also located an active Fish Crow ( Corvus ossifragus) nest at the tip top of one of the loblolly pines, not far from where a pair of Bald Eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was also nesting (B. Palmer-Ball, pers. comm.). Late in the afternoon of 20 April 2013 I arrived at the area and proceeded to search for evidence of Brown-headed Nuthatch nesting activity within the loblolly pine stand. After an 84_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 89 hour or so at the location I did locate one individual which appeared to be all by itself, which made me wonder if its mate might be already sitting on a nest. Upon returning the next morning, 1 followed the Brown-headed Nuthatch around the loblolly pine stand but found that it kept returning to a line of sweetgum trees ( Liquidambar styraciflna) along the other side of the road. While watching the Brown-headed Nuthatch, a Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) was seen feeding in the same tree. Quickly and vociferously, the Brown-headed Nuthatch chased the Red-breasted Nuthatch from that location which indicated to me that the former was being particularly territorial of that area and that the nest might be nearby. Sure enough, when the Brown-headed Nuthatch gleaned a small caterpillar from the bark of the sweetgum tree, it immediately took off and carried it into the shortleaf pine stand; it subsequently repeated this procedure several times during the next 20 minute period. Soon after finding a good observation point from which the nuthatch could be seen carrying the food, I saw that it was going to an approximately 1 in (2.5 cm) diameter hole in the middle of a large standing dead trunk of a shortleaf pine. There was bark still adhering to that section of the pine trunk which made the hole rather difficult to notice from any distance. Upon getting closer, 1 observed the Brown-headed Nuthatch feeding another adult Brown-headed Nuthatch which was seen with its head in the nest cavity entrance. This nuthatch subsequently left the cavity' for brief periods to join its mate in feeding nearby. At this time 1 obtained a number of photographs of an adult in the nest hole (see Back Cover, left-center) and leaving the nest hole, and an adult feeding its mate in the nest hole. The nest hole was approximately 17.5 ft (5.4 m) up in the dead trunk which was approximately 35 ft (10.8 m) tall and 2 ft (60 cm) in diameter. I returned later in the afternoon and watched the nest cavity' for a full 40 minutes until the setting Brown-headed Nuthatch left with a midge already in its bill which it apparently caught on the way out of the hole Just prior to the nuthatch’s exit, two Tufted Titmice (Baeolophus bicolor) had landed near the nest hole and the other Brown-headed Nuthatch quickly chased them away from the area. The length of time the nuthatch was setting in the cavity seemed to indicate that it was indeed incubating eggs at this time. The next day 1 arrived at the area in the early morning and found one of Brown-headed Nuthatches going to the hole at frequent intervals to feed its mate and also watched the other nuthatch leave the hole on several occasions to feed with its mate. At one point a pair of Northern Flickers (Colaptes anratus ) came close to the nest area and again the presumed male became agi¬ tated and successfully drove the flickers from their perches. I returned to the area again 11 May 2013 and found both Brown-headed Nuthatches going back and forth at frequent intervals carrying food to the nest. The presence of nest¬ lings was verified when I observed the nuthatches removing three fecal sacs in a period of 40 minutes. During the next two days I observed the nuthatches as they continued carrying food and removing fecal sacs from the nest at frequent intervals. Late in the afternoon of 22 May 2013 I returned to the nest site to find both adults excitedly vocalizing in an apparent attempt to coax the nestlings out of the nest hole. A nestling occasionally appeared at the lip of the nest hole to take food from the adults. The nestling was easily recognized by its dark gray crown and yellow lower mandible (see Front Cover). About twenty minutes later 1 could observe two nestlings at the nest hole, with one sticking its neck out of the hole to receive food from the adults. The nestlings seemed more inclined to peer out of the nest cavity while the sun was shining on them. As sunset commenced and darkness approached the observable activity of the nuthatches at the nest hole gradually diminished. I returned the next morning, 23 May, but noted no activity at the nest hole Searching nearby I located several Brown-headed Nuthatch fledglings being fed by the adults in shortleaf pines adjacent to the nest snag. The fledglings were scattered about but at one point I was able to count at least three in separate pine trees. Later in the morning 1 found at least two of the fledglings gathered together on the upper branch of one of the pines 2013 _ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _85 huddling in stillness (see Back Cover, right-center) while the adult nuthatches flew back and forth with food for them. A bit later in the afternoon the fledglings were observed making rather wobbly attempts to search for food on the bark of shortleaf pine branches and trunks. At one point during these observations a Mississippi Kite ( Ictinea mississippiensis) was noted soaring overhead. For the next two days I continued to observe the family group of Brown-headed Nuthatches in the area of shortleaf pines. During this period at least one of the adult nuthatches continued to return to the nest hole, excitedly calling and looking in the hole as if it was attempting to coax additional young to fledge; however, there was no observable indication of any young still in the nest. This same adult continued to feed the fledglings in the neighboring pines between trips to the nest snag. This interesting behavior may have been an example of delayed detachment from the nest subsequent to the young fledging. The nuthatch even went so far as to continue to drive other birds, including Red-headed Woodpeckers ( Melanerpes erythrocephahis ), Blue Jays ( Cyanocirta cristata ), and Eastern Bluebirds ( Sicilia sialis), away from the nest snag. During this same period I began to notice many of the pines were becoming partially denuded by a rather severe infestation of Loblolly Pine Sawfly ( Neodiprion tcieclae line¬ aris). The Loblolly Pine Sawfly larvae appeared to be a primary food source for the Brown¬ headed Nuthatches as well as many other avian species during this period. On 25 May I observed a Red Crossbill, four Pine Siskins, and one Brown-headed Nuthatch, all feasting on sawfly larvae in the same shortleaf pine tree. As the crossbills and siskins are primarily seed-eaters and normally long gone from Kentucky by late May, this may have been an indication that both species also may have been breeding in the vicinity of the pine stands. Habitat In areas north of the range of longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris ) the Brown-headed Nut¬ hatch exhibits a decided preference for pinewoods containing a significant component of loblolly pine. Loblolly pine is not native to Kentucky. However, besides the previously mentioned managed areas of loblolly pines planted by government agencies, private timber companies have planted large tracts of loblolly pine in what was once oak-hickory forest within the East Gulf Coastal Plain physiographic region, which includes Marshall County (Palmer-Ball 1996). In some upland portions of their range, the Brown-headed Nuthatch also inhabits oak- hickory-pine forests with a strong element of shortleaf pine (Renfrow 2003). Shortleaf pine is native to Kentucky but occurs principally in the eastern part of the state. However, there is a small area of native shortleaf pine that formerly extended into western Kentucky from Tennessee (Little 1971). Interestingly enough, this area of native shortleaf pine was cen¬ tered just to the southeast of the Marshall County nest location in the general vicinity of Trigg County (Little 1971). The Brown-headed Nuthatch nesting site at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park is situated within a large area of planted loblolly and shortleaf pine trees that has matured into a pine savannah habitat which in my opinion is regionally significant in character. The shortleaf pine stand on the north side of Sheriffs Ranch Road is open in nature with a dense understory of grasses. The somewhat denser planting of loblolly pines on the south side of Sheriffs Ranch Road is also underlain by a thick growth of grasses. The combined expanse of grassland pine savannah afforded by the loblolly and shortleaf pine stands offers what appears to be very attractive nesting habitat for the Brown-headed Nuthatch and potentially other pinewoods specialists as well. During my time in the Land Between the Lakes area, I noted many areas of pinewoods habitat that might well sustain a population of Brown-headed Nuthatches. These include stands of both loblolly and shortleaf pines in other portions of Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, below Barkley Dam, adjacent to the Jonathan Creek embayment of Kentucky Lake, as well as many areas within the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. 86_ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER _ Vol. 89 However, 1 spent considerable time checking these pine areas by playing the calls of the Brown-headed Nuthatch, and failed to elicit a Brown-headed Nuthatch response at any of the pine stands surveyed. Tentative Conclusions It is possible that the Marshall County Brown-headed Nuthatch nesting is a unique occurrence of just one isolated pair. It is also possible that there may be other Brown¬ headed Nuthatches in the vicinity that have yet to be located. In light of the recent records of range expansion in this species, the eventual location of a nest within Kentucky was not entirely unexpected. However, documentation of northward expansion approaching the Kentucky line within Tennessee has so far been limited to eastern Tennessee. The closest known Brown-headed Nuthatch population in western Tennessee is about 150 mi (240 km) due south at Pickwick Dam, which is less than 10 mi (16 km) north of the Alabama line. Conversely the Kentucky nest site is less than 15 mi (24 km) south of the Illinois line. The most likely explanation for this seeming incongruity is the optimal combination of loblolly and shortleaf pine habitat in the Land Between the Lakes area, which would be quite attrac¬ tive to a wandering pair or family group of Brown-headed Nuthatches following a path northward along the Tennessee River watershed. It is also quite possible that there are other Brown-headed Nuthatch populations in western Tennessee to the north of Pickwick Dam that have yet to be documented. Literature Cited Basham, B. 1969. Four additions to the Tennessee state list. The Migrant 40: 36. Cardiff, S.W. 1997. The spring migration: Central Southern region. Field Notes 51: 880- 884. Little, E.L., Jr. 1971. Atlas of United States frees. USDA Forest Service Misc. Pub. 1146. Nicholson, C.P. 1997. Atlas of the breeding birds of Tennessee. University of Tennessee Press, Knoxville. TN. Palmer-Ball, Jr., B. 1996. The Kentucky breeding bird atlas. The University Press of Kentucky. Lexington, KY. Palmer-Ball, Jr., B. 2003. Annotated checklist of the birds of Kentucky'. Second edition. Kentucky Ornithological Society, Louisville, KY. Palmer-Ball, B., Jr., and L. McNeely. 2008. Spring Season 2008. The Kentucky Warbler 84:55-72. Renfrew. F. 2003. Notes on vagrancy in Brown-headed Nuthatch, with attention to recent range expansion and long-term habitat changes. North American Birds 57 (3): 423-428. Sloan, C., and B Palmer-Ball, Jr. 2008. The spring migration: Tennessee & Kentucky. North American Birds 62: 417-422. Sloan, C.. and B Palmer-Ball, Jr. 2013 The spring migration: Tennessee & Kentucky. North American Birds 66: 494-499. Stedman, S.J., and W.A. Walden. 2003. A population of Brown-headed Nuthatches in Put¬ nam County, Tennessee. The Migrant 74 (1): 6-8. —Frank Renfrow, 103 Covert Run Pike, Fort Thomas, KY 41075 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 87 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, Fex- ington, KY, 40509, or via email at (scott.marsh@twc.com). K.O.S. Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Avian Research Grants Available The Burt F. 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 Fane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov). 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. If electronic submission is not feasible, paper documentation can 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 Treasurer, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., at (brainard@mmdspring.com). 88 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Western Tanager, Fayette 29 April 2013 Tina Nauman Glossy Ibis, Trigg 19 May 2013 Mel Cunningham Brown-headed Nuthatch at nest hole, Marshall 21 April 2013 Frank Renfrow White-winged Crossbill, Campbell 14 March 2013 Frank Renfrow Brown-headed Nuthatches (3), Marshall 23 May 2013 Frank Renfrow Western Tanager, Anderson 29 March 2013 Bob Snow The Kentucky Warbler (Published by Kentucky Ornithological Society) VOL. 89 NOVEMBER 2013 NO. 4 IN THIS ISSUE K.O.S. ESTABLISHES THE VIRGINIA & WENDELL KINGSOLVER SCHOLAR¬ SHIP FUND, Carol Besse. 91 SUMMER 2013 SEASON, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely. 92 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL 2013 MEETING, Blaine Ferrell, Recording Secretary.98 FIELD NOTE Western Meadowlarks Nesting in Fulton County . 101 BOOK REVIEW, Mary Yandell .102 NEWS AND VIEWS.102 90 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY President Steve Kistler, Munfordville Vice-President. Corresponding Secretary. Treasurer. Recording Secretary. Councillors: Linda Craiger, Glasgow. Wendell Kingsolver, Carlisle Jane Bell, Louisville. Jeff Sole, Frankfort. Bonnie Avery, Louisville. David Lang, Georgetown. .Pat Bell, Louisville .Brainard Paliner-Ball, Jr. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222-3913 .Lee McNeely P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY 41005 .Blaine Ferrell, Bowling Green .2012-2014 .2012-2014 .2013-2015 .2013-2015 .2014-2016 .2014-2016 Retiring President Carol Besse, Louisville 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. 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222 (brainard@mindspring. com) Editorial Advisory Board Ben Yandell and Carol Besse Secretary, Kentucky Bird Records Committee.Ben Yandell 513 Lymington Court, Louisville, KY 40243 (secy @kybirdrecords. org) THE COVER We thank Pam Spaulding for the image of the Scissor-tailed Flycatchers (Tvrannus forficatus) taken near their nest 12 July 2013 along KY 56 in western Webster County (see p. 97). Financial support for color reproduction in this issue provided by the Daniel Boone National Forest. 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 91 K.O.S. ESTABLISHES THE VIRGINIA AND WENDELL KINGSOLVER SCHOLARSHIP FUND Carol Besse With the passing of long-time K.O S. member and past president Virginia “Ginny” Kingsolver earlier this year, the Society’s Board decided to establish a scholarship fund to honor both her memory and the legacy of both Ginny and her husband Wendell Both Kingsolvers have served on the board of K.O S. for many years, and each served a term as president of the organization. Ginny had a particular passion for instilling a love of nature in young people. She served as a board member for the Kentucky chapters of the Sierra Club and The Nature Conservancy and as president of the Wilderness Girl Scout Council Because the King- solvers feel so strongly about engaging children with nature, the K.O.S. Board chose to create a scholarship to send one or more young birders from Kentucky to one of the Amer¬ ican Birding Association Summer Camps. Camp Colorado is organized by the American Birding Association and staffed by ABA employees and special guests from the birding community. It includes a week during July filled with opportunities for campers to take their birding skills to the next level, meet others with similar interests, and explore careers in birding and ornithology. Scholarship funds will cover lodging, meals, and transportation to and from the airport, camp events and instructional sessions. Camp Avocet takes place during August in Lewes, Delaware, and offers similar opportunities to young birders. Campers will be responsible for transportation from Kentucky to the camp of their choice. The Kingsolver Scholarship Fund Committee is developing an application and pre¬ paring outreach efforts to encourage young Kentuckians between the ages of 13 and 18 to apply. At the same time, K.O.S. is soliciting funds and accepting donations to the King¬ solver Fund. We need to raise at least $1,200 in order to send one Kentucky teen to camp during the summer of 2014. We encourage you to give to the fund not only to honor the Kingsolvers, but to do your part to turn a Kentucky teenager with an interest in birds into a life-long birder and conservationist. Donations are tax-deductible and should be designated for the Virginia and Wendell Kingsolver Scholarship Fund, and mailed to the K.O.S. Treasurer, Lee McNeely, P.O. Box 463, Burlington, KY 41005. Photo by Given Harper 92 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 SUMMER 2013 SEASON Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely Weather conditions during June and July 2013 were somewhat variable across the state. Average temperatures during June were close to normal statewide, but average July temperatures were a bit cooler than normal across the state. Precipitation was variable dur¬ ing June with most of the state wetter than normal, including Paducah where more than two tunes normal precipitation fell; in contrast, Bowling Green was quite a bit drier than nor¬ mal. During July, precipitation was above-normal across central and eastern Kentucky, where Lexington received about two times normal rainfall and Jackson received about one and a half times normal rainfall; in contrast, the western part of the state became quite dry. Periodic episodes of relatively heavy rainfall in various parts of the Ohio and Mississippi River drainages caused several different periods of high water that resulted in complete failure of Least Terns nests on the larger rivers. Rarity highlights included Neotropic Cor¬ morant, nesting Mississippi Kites at Louisville. Whimbrel, Marbled Godwit, nesting Scis- sor-tailed Flycatchers in Webster County, and a lingering Red Crossbill. 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 mdicates 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; yg. = young. Place names: Ballard WMA , Ballard ; Barkley Dam . Lyon: Calvert City . Marshall ; Camp #9 = Camp #9 coal preparation plant, Union ; Camp #11 = former Camp #11 mine. Union ; Falls of the Ohio . Jefferson ; Freeman Lake . Hardin, Hickman . Fulton ; Horseshoe Road - sloughs along Horseshoe Road, w. Henderson ; John U, Young Road = transient pond along John U. Young Road, sw. Logan ; Kuttawa = Lake Barkley near Old Kuttawa Recreation Area, Lyon, Ky Dam, Livingston/Marshall: Ky Lake - Kentucky Lake, Marshall (unless otherwise noted); Lake No, 9 . w. Fulton: McElrov Lake , n. of Woodburn, s. Warren: Melco = Melco flood retention basin, Jefferson: Minor Clark = Minor Clark Fish Hatchery, Rowan ; Morgan Pond , nw of Oak Grove, s Christian ; Open Pond , w. Fulton ; Parsons Pond [formerly KY 739 Pond] = karst pond along KY 739 w. of Oakville, sw. Logan ; Sinclair Unit . Peabody WMA, Muhlenberg: SNP = State Nature Preserve; SRP = State Resort Park; Upper Hickman Bottoms , n. of Hickman, w. Fulton: WMA = Wildlife Management Area. Greater White-fronted Goose - 2 injured birds were at Mitchell Lake, Ballard WMA, 7/12 July (BP, EHu/HC). Blue-winged Teal-small numbers lingered at a few locales into early summer with breeding confirmed at two locations: 10- 12 were still at McElroy Lake 2 June (BP), but 6-8 were last seen there 15 June without evidence of nesting (BP); at least 10 were still at Morgan Pond 2 June (BP) with 11 there 10 June (C&SR) and 2 fe¬ males accompanied by small broods of yg. (4 & 2) there 26 June (BP); several individuals were still at Parsons Pond 15 June (FL) with a brood of 5 yg. seen there 22 June/1 July (ph. FL) and “many” pres¬ ent there 31 July (FL). Other reports of lingering individuals included 1 still at Minor Clark 3 June (EHu), a male at Melco 10 June (EHu), and 2 at a transient pond along Charles Lawrence Road, s. Logan , 4 July (FL). 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 93 American Wigeon - a female was present at Parsons Pond 6 June (ph. FL); an injured female was present at Camp #11 through the season (BP, EFIu). Redhead - a male lingered at McElroy Lake to 8 June (BP). Ring-necked Duck - a male was still at Par¬ sons Pond 6 June (FL); 3 males lingered at McElroy Lake to 15 June (BP) Greater Scaup - a female was present at McElroy Lake 8 June (BP). Lesser Scaup - a female lingered at Mc¬ Elroy Lake to 8 June (BP); at least 12 on Lake Barkley above the dam and 4 at Kuttawa, both 18 June (BP.) were likely injured; 1 was at the Jonathan Creek em- bayment of Ky Lake, Marshall , 30 June (HC); 2 males were still at Kuttawa 7 July (BP, EHu). Ruddy Duck - 1 was on Parsons Pond 15- 18 June (ph. FL). Common Loon - there were four reports: 1 on Parsons Pond 10-28 June (ph. FL); 2 on Ky Lake above the dam 18 June (BP); 1 on Cave Run Lake, Bath/Rowan, 22-24 July (MW, BWu); and 2 on Lake Peewee, Hopkins , 26 July (CC). Pied-billed Grebe - a few lingered at sever¬ al sites with nesting confirmed at two lo¬ cales: 1 lingered at McElroy Lake to 2 June (BP) without evidence of nesting; 1 was on Freeman Lake 9 June (BWo, BBC); 7 were at Morgan Pond with 2 active nests 2 June (BP); 6 (including 1 feeding a small chick) were at Morgan Pond 19 June (BP); that juv. was last seen at Morgan Pond 26 June (BP); a few were present at Camp #11 through the season without evidence of nesting (BP, EHu); 1 was at Horseshoe Road 6 July (EHu) with 2 there 11/19 July (BP, EHu); a nest at Parsons Pond failed during early June (FL); and a juv. of unknown origin was at John U. Young Road 24 July (FL). Neotropic Cormorant - an ad. was present at Lake No. 9 on 25 June (ph. BP, ph. EHu). KBRC review required. Double-crested Cormorants - ca. 1500 were present at the nesting island in Lake Barkley s. of US 68/KY 80, Trigg, 7 June (HC, ME); 1 was at Jacobson Park, Fay¬ ette, 8 June (C&.GT); 2 were at Green River Lake, Adair , 23 June (RD); a group summered at Lake No. 9 with 53 present 25 June (BP, EHu); up to 12 were at Cedar Creek Lake, Lincoln , during late June (TN, RD). American White Pelican - reports of interest included 4 at the Falls of the Ohio 12 June (MB)-15 June (DS et al.) with 1 still there 18 June (DS), ca. 40 on Lake No. 9 on 25 June (EHu, BP) with at least 375 there 5 July (BY, MY), 66 there 17 July (HC, ME), and 8 there 25 July (BP, EHu); 14 at Kuttawa 6 July (BP, EHu); and 2 at the Falls of the Ohio 22-23 July (DS) with 1 lingering there to 31 July (EHu). Least Bittern - probably 6 different birds were heard (2 of which were also seen) at the Sinclair Unit 28 July (BP, AC). Great Egret - reports of interest included 75-100 in the vicinity of Lake No. 9 on 25 June (BP, EHu); 110 along KY 94 at Mud Creek, w. Fulton, 21 July (BP, EHu); 57 at Calvert City 21 July (BP, EHu); ca. 100 in the Upper Hickman Bottoms 21 July (BP, EHu) with 450+ there 25 July (BP, EHu) and ca. 500 there 26 July (BP, EHu); and 23 at Melco 31 July (EHu). Snowy Egret - reports of interest included 3 in the vicinity of Lake No. 9 on 25 June (BP, EHu); 7 at Calvert City 21 July (BP, EHu); and 15-20 that came to the roost n. of Hickman 25 July (BP, EHu). Little Blue Heron - there were three reports away from w. Kentucky: an ad. at the Falls of the Ohio 14 June (TB, DS, et al ); a juv. at Minor Clark 22/24 July (JSo/ BWu); and a juv at John U. Young Road 30 July (FL).' Cattle Egret - 5 were still at McElroy Lake 2 June (TD, BP); 6 came to the roost n. of Hickman 25 July (BP, EHu); although most are now nesting on Lake Barkley s. of US 68/KY 80, 15-20 were seen at Kut¬ tawa 6 July (BP, EHu). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - there were three reports: 4 nests (including 2 with 94 yg.) were still active at the Highland Creek Unit Sloughs WMA, Union , 5 June (ph. CC); an ad. was seen at West Ky WMA, McCracken , 6-7 June (GS); and a juv. was seen just n. of Hickman, Fulton , 5 July (MY, BY). Mississippi Kite - there were several re¬ ports away from the traditional breeding range including 1 along Little Cypress Creek nw. of Powderly, Muhlenberg , 14 July (ph. SG, TG); an ad. at the Sinclair Unit 28 July (BP, AC); and 2 at Dawson Springs, Hopkins , 28 July (ER). In addi¬ tion, singles were seen at St. Matthews, Jefferson , 9 June (ph. JBy) and during late June (MSt); during mid-July, at least 4 ads. (12-15 July) were observed in the area (MC et al.), and an active nest containing a yg. bird was discovered there 16 July (MC, BWo); the juv. successfully fledged during early August (m. ob.). Osprey - 1 was at Mitchell Lake, Ballard WMA, 7 July (BP, EHu); 2 were at Minor Clark 24 July (BWu); the nest on the e. side of Lexington, Fayette , remained active through the summer but successful nesting was not confirmed (JSw). Northern Harrier - there were two reports away from known nesting areas: 1 on a surface mine along Daniels Fork Road, e. Greenup , 5 June (SF) and 1 at Parsons Pond 11 July (FL). American Coot - 25-30 were still at Mc- Elroy Lake 2 June (BP) with at least 10 there 8 June (BP); 13 were still at Morgan Pond 2 June (BP) with 2 still there 19 June (BP) and 1 last seen there 26 June (BP); 2 were at Cedar Creek Lake, Lin¬ coln, 22 June (RD); and 1 was at Parsons Pond 31 July (FL) Black-bellied Plover - 1 lingered at Mc- Elroy Lake to 2 June (BP). Semipalmated Plover - at least 50 were still at McElroy Lake 2 June (BP); ca. 15 were still at Morgan Pond 2 June (BP) with 1 there 19 June (BP); and 1 was still at Parsons Pond 6 June (FL). One was in the Upper Hickman Bottoms 19-20 July (EHu, BP) with at least 2 there 21 July (BP, EHu) and at least 3 there 25-26 July VoL 89 (BP, EHu); 7 were at the Falls of the Ohio 31 July (EHu). Killdeer - peak counts included 300+ in the Upper Hickman Bottoms 20/26 July (BP, EHu) with 300-400 there 21 July (BP, EHu). Black-necked Stilt - it was an exceptional year with nesting documented at several locales as follows: at least 2 pairs were incubating at McElroy Lake 2 June (BP) with 3 nests confirmed there 8 June (BP), but only 2 birds and no nests or yg. ob¬ served there 15 June (BP). Successful nesting occurred at a few sites in the Low¬ er Hickman Bottoms, w. Fulton , with 8 ads. and several juvs. observed just nw. of jet. KY 94 and KY 311 on 5 July (BY, MY) and 3 ads. and 3 groups of 3 juvs. each there 7 July (BP, EHu); and a pair observed copulating e. of Open Pond, 3 ads. with defensive behavior observed but no nest or chicks observed ne. of KY 94 at Midway Church Road, and 9 ads. and a family group of 4 juvs. accompanied by 2 of the ads. w. of Miller, all 7 July (BP, EHu). At the last location w. of Miller, 2 family groups and another pair were pres¬ ent 20 July (BP, EHu), and 3 family groups were still present 25 July (BP, EHu). Probably at least 5 family groups seen along the levee w. of Hickman 20 July (BP, EHu) may have been some of the same birds observed nw. of KY 94 and KY 311 earlier during July. A family group of 2 ads. and 3 juvs. w. of Lake No. 9 on 25 July (BP, EHu) may have been birds observed in the vicinity of Open Pond earlier during July. Also reported without evidence of nesting were 3 at Morgan Pond 19 June (BP) with 2 pairs there 26 June (BP, EHu); 4 at Parsons Pond 28 June (ph. FL) with 2 there 6 July (FL); 3 at John U. Young Road 4 July (ph. FL) with 2 there 24 July (ph. FL); and 1 at Horseshoe Road 25 June (BP, EHu). A family group consisting of an ad. and 3 flighted juvs. in the Upper Hickman Bot¬ toms 26 July (BP, EHu) may not have been of local origin. Greater Yellowlegs - 1 lingered at McElroy Lake to 2 June (BP); early fall migrants THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 95 included 1 at Horseshoe Road 25 June/6 July/11 July (BP, EHu); 1 at Parsons Pond 28 June (ph. FL) with 4 there 6 July (FL); and 6-8 in the Upper Hickman Bottoms 19-21 July (BP, EHu) with 10+ there 25 July (BP, EHu). Lesser Ycllowlegs - 1 at Parsons Pond 10 June (ph. FL) was tardy; reports of early fall migrants of interest included 2 at Par¬ sons Pond 1 July (FE); 12 at Camp #9 on 6 July (BP, EHu): and 50+ in the Upper Hickman Bottoms 19 July (BP, EHu) with at least 100 there 20 July (BP, EHu), 1 GO- 125 there 21 July (BP, EHu), and 75-100+ there 25 July (BP, EHu). Spotted Sandpiper - the species nested at Horseshoe Road with 10 ads. and 3 flight¬ ed juvs. (1 still with down in the head fea¬ thers) there 6 July (BP) and at least 10 ads., 1 juv., and 1 downy chick there 24 July (BP). Otherwise, 1 at Melco 3 July (EHu); 1 at Rough River Lake, Breckin¬ ridge ., 6 July (SR); and 1 w. of Miller 7 July (BP, EHu) were the earliest fall mi¬ grants to be reported. Spotted Sandpiper (juv.), Henderson 14 July 2013 Charlie Crawford Upland Sandpiper - there were three re¬ ports: 1 seen and another heard calling over the LIpper Hickman Bottoms and 2 s. of Open Pond, both 24 July (BP, ph. EHu); and 1 seen and heard calling over the Upper Hickman Bottoms 26 July (BP. EHu). Solitary Sandpiper - 1 at Morgan Pond 26 June (BP) was apparently an especially early fall migrant; next earliest were 2 at Horseshoe Road 11 July (CC); other reports of interest included 7 in the Upper Hickman Bottoms 20 July (BP, EHu) with 12+ there 25 July (BP, EHu). Willet - 1 lingered at McElroy Lake to 4 June (TD); 7 at Camp #9 on 6 July (EHu, BP) were early returning fall migrants; also reported was 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 22 July (EHu). Marbled Godwit - 1 w'as present on the Mississippi River s. of Watson Point, Ful¬ ton , 28 June (ph. JBr ). Whimbrel - 1 was present in the Upper Hickman Bottoms 21/25 July (ph. BP, EHu). KBRC review required. Seinipalmated Sandpiper - ca. 100 at Mc¬ Elroy Lake 2 June (BP) with 7 still there 4 June (TD), ca. 60 at Morgan Pond 2 June (BP), and 1 at Minor Clark 10 June (BWu) were the latest to be reported. Re¬ ports of early fall migrants of interest in¬ cluded 1 e. of Open Pond 7 July (BP, EHu); 1 at Horseshoe Road 11 July (BP, EHu); and 6-8 in the Upper Hickman Bottoms 19 July (BP, EHu) with 20-25 there 20 July (BP, EHu), 50+ there 21 July (BP, EHu), and 50-75+ there 25 July (BP, EHu). Western Sandpiper - 7 ads. were in the Upper Hickman Bottoms 19 July (BP, EHu) with at least 6 there 20-21 July (BP, EHu), at least 20 there 25 July (BP. EHu), and 1 last seen there 26 July (BP). Least Sandpiper - reports of early fall mi¬ grants of interest included 4 at Horseshoe Road 3 July (CC); 21 at Camp #9 and 10 at Horseshoe Road, both 6 July (BP, EHu); 25 e. of Open Pond and 8 at Open Pond, both 7 July (BP, EHu); and 100+ in the Upper Hickman Bottoms 19 July (BP, EHu) with 150-200 there 20 July (BP, EHu) and 200-250 there 21/25 July (BP, EHu). White-rumped Sandpiper - 6-8 at McEl¬ roy Lake 2 June (BP) with 18 there 4 June (TD), 4 at Morgan Pond 2 June (BP), and 9 at Parsons Pond 6 June (FL) were the latest to be reported One at Camp #9 on 6 July (BP, EHu) may have been summer¬ ing. Pectoral Sandpiper - reports of interest included 12 at Camp #9 on 24 July (BP, 96 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol 89 EHu); 75-100 in the Upper Hickman Bot¬ toms 20 July (BP, EHu) with 100-150 there 21 July (BP, EHu), and a peak tally of 550 there 25 July (BP, EHu). Sanderling - there were reports from two locales: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 24 July (EHu) and 2 ads. at Camp #9 on 24 July (BP, EHu) with 1 still there 26/31 July (BP, EHu). Stilt Sandpiper - 19 were in the Upper Hickman Bottoms 19 July (BP, EHu) with impressive tallies of 68 there 20 July (BP, EHu), ca. 40 there 21 July (BP, EHu), and at least 58 there 25 July (BP, EHu). Also reported were singles at Open Pond 20 July (BP, EHu); at Calvert City 21 July (BP, EHu); at Camp #9 on 24 July (BP, EHu); and at Camp #11 on 31 July (BP, EHu). Long-billed Dowitcher - an ad. was seen (and heard calling) in the Upper Hickman Bottoms 19 July (BP, EHu). Short-billed Dowitcher - there were reports from three locales: 1 ne. of Owensboro, Daviess , 16 July (DA); 20 in the Upper Hickman Bottoms 19 July (BP, EHu) with 3 there 20/25 July (BP, EHu) and 11 there 21 July (BP, EHu); and 2 at John U. Young Road 24 July (FL). Laughing Gull - 2 ads. w r ere at Ky Dam Village SRP, Marshall, 19 July (EHu, BP) with 1 still there 21 July (BP, EHu). Franklin’s Gull - a first-year bird was at the Falls of the Ohio 30 July (fEHu). Ring-billed Gull - 6 were at Ky Dam 18 June (BP) with ca 120 there by 7 July (BP, EHu); at least 300 (including at least 2 juvs.) were at Calvert City 19/21 July (BP, EHu); ca. 500 were at Ky Dam Village SRP, Marshall , by 21 July (BP, EHu). Caspian Tern - 1 at Freeman Lake 9 June (BWo, BBC) may have been a tardy spring migrant; 3 at Ky Dam and 1 on Lake Barkley above the dam, both 18 June (BP) may have been summering; early fall migrants likely included 1 at Calvert City and 11 in the vicinity of Ky Dam, both 7 July (BP, EHu) with 14 at Ky Dam Village SRP and 42 at Calvert City by 19 July (BP, EHu). Black Tern - 22 at McElroy Lake 2 June (TD et al.) and 1 at Parsons Pond 10 June (ph. FL) were likely tardy spring mi¬ grants; 3 at Camp #11 (BP, EHu) and at least 12 at Parsons Pond (ph. FL), both 31 July, were early returning fall migrants. Least Tern - the Ky. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources continued monitoring of the nesting population during 2013; a few' different periods of flooding on the lower Ohio and Mississippi Rivers during the nesting season resulted in the inunda¬ tion and failure of all nesting attempts on the large rivers this year (JBr, EHb, CP). Most nesting was attempted at two sites on the Mississippi River (dowmstream from New Madrid, MO, Fulton , where 400+ ads. were counted 2 July (JBr) and at Middle Bar, Hickman , w 7 here I 10 ads. were counted 3 July [JBr]). Up to 8 pairs nested again this year on an industrial pond at Calvert City (EHb, CP) but it ap¬ peared that fledging was not successful, probably due to predation; 35-40 ads. were seen in the Upper Hickman Bottoms 19 July (BP, EHu). Forster’s Tern - there were several reports of interest: 1 at the Falls of the Ohio 14 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 97 June (DS et al.); 3 first-year birds near Lake No. 9 on 25 June (BP, EHu); 3 at Calvert City 19 July (BP, EHu) with 12 there 21 July (BP, EHu); and 1 in the Upper Hickman Bottoms 21 July (BP). Eurasian Collared-Dove - 1 at Woods- bend, Morgan , during mid-June (B&BA) was a county-first; 2 at Florence, Boone, 13 July (TF) were also a local first. Black-billed Cuckoo - there were three re¬ ports: 1 was seen and heard along KY 52 at Cathedral Domain Road, Lee, 3 June (BP); 1 was heard at the Beaver Creek Wetlands. Menifee. 9 June (BWu); and 1 was seen flying across KY 9 sse. of Aug¬ usta, Bracken , 22 June (BWu). Barn Owl - singles were heard in s. Frank¬ lin 8 June (DC) and n. of US 421 along the Franklin/Woodford line 28 June (DC). Rufous Hummingbird - an ad. male was present in a yard at Owensboro, Daviess , 29-31 July (ph. DR). Willow Flycatcher - 4 were singing at Camp #11 on 25 June (BP, EHu) and con¬ tinued on territory into late July (BP, EHu); 1 was heard singing at Camp #9 on 26 July (BP, EHu). Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - 1 was observed along KY 56, w. Webster , 26 June (SN) that was subsequently found to be one of a pair with a nest on a utility pole along the highway (ph. EHu, BP). Under KBRC re¬ view. Purple Martin - a few hundred were al¬ ready staging near Lake No. 9 on 25 June (BP, EHu). Bank Swallow - post-breeding concentra¬ tions included at least half of 1000+ swal¬ lows in the Upper Hickman Bottoms and 2000+ n. of Fish Pond in the Lower Hick¬ man Bottoms, Fulton , both 25 July (BP, EHu), 4 seen at the Beaver Creek Wet¬ lands, Menifee , 7 July (BWu) were not near a known breeding colony. Cliff Swallows - post-breeding concentra¬ tions included ca. half of 1000+ swallows in the Upper Hickman Bottoms 25 July (BP, EHu) Common Raven - 2 were heard calling at the headwaters of Fishtrap Lake, Pike, 14 June (SF). Brown-headed Nuthatch - 3 (probably an ad. and 2 juvs.) were seen at the Ky Dam Village SRP nesting locale 26 July (BP, EHu). Tennessee Warbler - 1 was heard along KY 671 ne. of Oak Forest, Allen, 2 June (BP). Louisiana Waterthrush - of interest were likely migrants (or early dispersers) in the Upper Hickman Bottoms (1) and along the levee w. of Hickman (2), both 7 July (BP, EHu). Swainson’s Warbler - 1 was along KY 1036 at Mt. Laurel Park Road, Lee, 3 June (ph. BP); 2 w r ere seen at Natural Bridge SRP, Powell. 4 June (RC). Magnolia Warbler - 2 at McConnell Springs, Fayette, 5 June (ILL) were very tardy. Scissor-tailed Flvcatcher at nest, Webster 12 July 2013 Pam Spaulding Cerulean Warbler - 1 ivas singing adjacent to Three Ponds SNP, Hickman, 7 July (BP, EHu). Lark Sparrow - 1 was present at the tradi¬ tional breeding area along McDonald Land Road, w. Henderson , 8 June (CC) with 2 there 22 June (MY, BY) and 1 there 22 July (JSo). Also reported were 2 carrying nesting material e. of Eminence 98 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Pike n. of Shelbyville, ne. Shelby , 9 June (MA, TT). White-crowned Sparrow - 1 at Pope Lick Park, e. Jefferson, 21 July (JBe, PB) was extraordinary. White-throated Sparrow - singles were heard singing along the Dix River n. of Dix Dam, Mercer, 14 June (fTN) and se. of St. Matthews, Jefferson, 16-18 June (BWo). Dark-eyed Junco - 1 was heard singing w. of Chadwell Gap, Cumberland Gap Na¬ tional Park, Bell, 8 July (RD). Bobolink - several pairs continued to be on territory at the Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park, s. Jessamine, during June (ph. JSw); 1 presumed to be territorial was also seen at Spindletop Farm 22 June (DL, ASK). Pine Siskin - 1 was seen along KY 399 se. of Old Landing, Lee, 3 June (BP). Red Crossbill - exceptional for the summer season was 1 heard calling along Dan Dunn River Road, n. Larue, 16 June (tBP). Observers: Audubon Society of Kentucky (ASK), Brenda & Bud Angus (B&BA ), Michael Autin (MA), David Ayer (DA), Tom Becker (TB), Beckham Bird Club (BBC), Jane Bell (JBe), Pat Bell (PB), J. Berry (JBy), Marilyn Bowman (MB). John Brunjes (JBr), Hap Chambers (HC). Ron Cicerello (RC), Marge Constan (MC), Amy Covert (AC), Daniel Cox (DC), Charlie Crawford (CC), Roseanna Denton (RD), Tom Durbin (TD), Melissa Easley (ME), Tom Faatz (TF), Scott Freidhof (SF), Steve Graham (SG), Teresa Graham (TG), Eddie Huber (EHu), Emily Huebener (EHb), David Lang (DL), Frank Lyne (FL), multiple observers (m. ob), Tina Nauman (TN), Susan Neace (SN), Constance Powell (CP), David Lang (DL), Tina Nauman (TN). Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. (BP), Ed Ray (ER), Donna Robertson (DR), Steve Rogers (SR), Cyndi & Steve Routledge (C&SR), Jeff Sole (JSo), Geri Staley (GS), Matt Shekel (MS), Del Striegel (DS), Joe Swanson (JSw), Laurie Thomas (FT), Charles & Gretchen Tremoulet (C>), Troy Tucker (TT), Barbara Woerner (BWo), Mike Wright (MW), Brian Wulker (BWu), Ben Yandell (BY), Mary Yandell (MY). KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY FALL 2013 MEETING Paducah, Kentucky September 27-29, 2013 Blaine Ferrell, Recording Secretary Registration for the meeting opened at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, 27 September 2013, in the meeting room of the Marriott Courtyard Paducah West. Vice-President, Steve Kistler, called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Fie began the program by presenting an identi¬ fication quiz on Kentucky birds using photographs provided by members. The first planned speaker, John Ryan Polascik, a student recipient of a Burt Monroe Avian Research Fund grant was stuck in New Jersey because of an internship. He will speak at another meeting. Hap Chambers and Stacey Hayden of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, presented a program on ''Avian productivity, eleven years of banding.” They explained the program of mist netting birds on the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge for the purpose of monitoring and learning about bird populations, health, longevity and migration. As a side benefit, they have been educating students from local schools regarding birds by involving them in this project. Vice President Steve Kistler informed the audience regarding field trips in the Paducah area. Hap Chambers would lead a field trip to the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge and Kentucky Dam beginning at 7:30 a.m. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Fee McNeely 2013 99 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER would leave the motel at 8:00 a m. to bird at the Ballard Wildlife Management Area. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. and was followed by a social hour in the conference room. Field trips left the hotel at 7:30 a m. and 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. The Board met in the hotel conference room Saturday afternoon. The Board meeting was called to order by President Carol Besse at 2:10 p.m. and adjourned at 4:22 p.m. The Saturday evening business meeting was held in the hotel conference room. Carol Besse called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and began the meeting by polling the members regarding why they attend. Attending for purposes of socializing and birding received a large positive response whereas attending for the speakers received only a moderate response. She next indicated that Ginny and Wendell Kingsolver’s long service to K.O.S. would be honored through the Kingsolver Scholarship Fund that will send a high school student interested in birds to the American Birding Associations Camp Colorado birding program. She asked members to think about making a donation to this fund and to help identify a student interested in birds for this opportunity. Carol thanked outgoing Board members Hap Chambers and Roseanna Denton for their service to K.O.S. Carol then introduced the slate of officers and asked for additional nominations. The slate included Steve Kistler for President, Pat Bell for Vice President. Lee McNeely for Treasurer, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., for Corresponding Secretary. Blaine Ferrell for Recording Secretary, and Wendell Kingsolver, Jeff Sole, David Lang and Bonnie Avery for the open Councillor positions. Jim Williams moved to accept the nominated slate of officers and Jane Bell seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous vote. Carol then introduced a proposed change to the Society Bylaws. Currently, Article III, Section A reads “'All living Past Presidents shall serve as ex-officio members of the Board.” The proposed change to Article III, Section A read “All living Past Presidents shall serve as non-voting ex-officio members of the Board.” The change to the bylaws was accepted unanimously Blaine Ferrell then tallied the list of birds observed (93 species). Carol next thanked Steve Kistler, Vice President, for the work he did organizing the meeting. Steve thanked Carol Besse and had the audience recognize her service as President. He next introduced the field trips for Sunday morning. Jane and Pat Bell would lead a trip to the Land between the Lakes area and Kentucky Dam. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., and Lee McNeely would lead a trip to West Kentucky Management Area. Both trips would leave the motel at 8:00 a.m. Carol Besse introduced the guest speaker, Nathan Swick, internet blog manager for the American Birding Association (ABA). His very' informative presentation was “Birding in the Age of the Internet.” Nathan explored the ways in which the pervasiveness of online resources and social media has changed the way people bird and whether it is a good thing. Following a short history of listservs and the major improvements to them since the 1960s, he demonstrated online resources that help birders catalog their observations, predict bird migration by radar and weather factors, and help share rare bird sightings. Cornell University’s eBird is the premier online tool for birders. He also demonstrated a number of online tools that can help birders improve their birding and record keeping. He concluded the talk with the mnemonic 1RL>URL in which IRL stands for “in real life” and is meant to affirm that birding and connecting in real life is always going to be better than connecting online. Carol Besse adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. The meeting was followed by a social hour that retired to the hotel bar. Attendance at the Fall 2013 K.O.S. Meeting Bagdad: Bowling Green: Burlington: Carlisle: Frankfort: Georgetown: Horace Brown Valerie Brown, Blaine Ferrell, Ken Kuehn Lee McNeely Wendell Kingsolver Jeff Sole, Shawchyi Vorisek David Lang 100 Vol. 89 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Greenville: Steve & Teresa Graham Lexington: Frank & Michelle Huggins, Joe Swanson, Marie Sutton, Williams Louisville: Jane & Pat Bell, Carl & JoAnn Bochmann, Carol Besse, Huber. Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., Ben & Mary Yandell Morehead: Fred & Katie Busroe, Brian Reeder Munfordville: Janet & Steve Kistler Murray: Hap Chambers, Bonnie & Sam McNeely Owensboro: Marilee & Wendell Thompson Prospect: Win Ahrens Science Hill: Roseanna Denton Upton: Bonnie Avery Columbia, MO: Carol & Paul McAllister Jim Eddie Birds Observ ed at the Fall 2013 K.O.S. Meeting Paducah, Kentucky, and vicinity The following species were observed by KOS members during the weekend of 27-29 September 2013 in the vicinity of Paducah, Kentucky (including Ballard Wildlife Manage¬ ment Area, Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, and Land Between the Lakes): Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Wild Turkey, Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cor¬ morant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Killdeer, Least Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black- backed Gull, Forsters Tern, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Eastern Screech-Owl, Barred Owl, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Amer¬ ican Kestrel, Eastern Wood-Pewee. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, White-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Bam Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown¬ headed Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Blue-bird, Hermit Thrush. American Robin, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, European Starling, Ovenbird, Golden-winged Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Black-and-white Warb¬ ler, Prothonotary Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Chestnut¬ sided Warbler, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Summer Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak. Indigo Bunting. Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, American Goldfinch, and House Sparrow. The total number of species observed during the weekend was 100. 2013 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 101 FIELD NOTE Western Meadowlarks Nesting in Fulton County Western Meadowlark ( SturneUci neglecta) has been known primarily as a casual tran¬ sient and winter resident in Kentucky since the mid- to late 1940s, when the first specimens were collected in the state (Mengel 1965). All current records have come from the western half of die state with the easternmost reports documented in the Louisville area (Mengel 1965, Palmer-Ball 2003). The only portion of the state where the species seems to be regular in occurrence is the open farmland of western Fulton County, although multiple reports have also originated in Ballard, Henderson and Warren counties. Most reports have come from very open habitat, primarily farmland. On a few occasions, tardy spring birds have been recorded well into May, with one previous nesting attempt documented in the Lower Hickman Bottoms of western Fulton County during May 1992 (Palmer-Ball 2003; erroneously reported therein as May and June 1993). That occurrence involved a territorial (singing) male and adults carrying food during early to mid-May, although neither an active nest nor fledged young could be found. During the winter of 2012-2013, up to 10 Western Meadowlarks were found in open row-crop fields along KY 1128 about 3.5 mi (5.6 km) west-southwest of Cayce, Fulton County 7 (Palmer-Ball and McNeely 2013). Several individuals including at least three singing males continued at this location into early spring. Subsequently, at least one male continued to sing at the location into late April. On 2 May 2013 the author and Eddie Huber stopped at the location to see if the bird was still present and to watch for evidence of nesting. After a period of approximately 45 minutes, both the singing male and a presumed mate had been observed several times, and the presumed mate had been watched as it returned to a certain spot in the fallow field they were utilizing a few times. The author cautiously walked over to the area where the bird had been disappearing and was successful in finding a nest in a shallow depression containing two eggs (see pp. 103 & 104). A few photographs were taken and the area was left undisturbed On 4 May 2013, Ben and Mary Yandell visited the nesting territory and were successful in locating the presumed pair of meadowlarks, still behaving as if nesting. Unfortunately, however, when the author returned to the site 19 May 2013, the entire field had been freshly tilled a few days prior, and no trace of the meadowlarks could be found. Based on extrapolation of the timing of nesting activity, it is presumed that the nest failed due to the farming activity. On 30 November 2013. the author returned to the area and heard a singing Western Meadow¬ lark, so it is possible that another attempt will be initiated during spring 2014. The Western Meadowlark nest was situated in an area of very sparse ground cover on a gentle slope. Only a few small weeds and remnants of the previous year’s vegetation was present, all of which had been used to shape a dome over the nest in the shallow depression. This constitutes the first Western Meadowlark nest to be reported in Kentucky, al¬ though successful nesting remains unconfirmed. It is hoped that future monitoring of this area will yield such a report. Literature Cited Mengel, R.M. 1965 The Birds of Kentucky>. American Ornithologists’ Union. Ornitho¬ logical Monograph No. 3. Lawrence, KS. Palmer-Ball, B. 2003. Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Kentucky!. Second edition. Ken¬ tucky Ornithological Society. Louisville, KY. Palmer-Ball, B., and L, McNeely. 2013. Winter 2012-2013 Season. The Kentucky> Warbler 89:43-55. — Bramard Palmer-Ball, Jr., 8207 Old Westport Road, Louisville, KY, 40222. 102 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 BOOK REVIEW The Crosslev ID Guide / Raptors by Richard Crossley, Jerry Ligouri and Brian Sullivan. Second in The Crossley ID Guide series. Raptors covers the thirty-four diurnal North American species through beautiful photographs and comprehensive text. As some¬ one long fascinated by birds of prey and always searching for ways to improve my identification skills, I think this guide promises to become a favorite. By focusing on raptors, the guide is able to show a greater variety' of images for each species. Like The Crossley ID Guide: Eastern Birds , the book gives each species its own composite photographic spread, shown against a backdrop of the bird's preferred habitat. Raptors systematically includes photos of the full spectrum of plumages, behavior, and angles a birder might encounter raptors in the field: adult, immature, and intermediate birds, both male and female; birds perched, flying, and soaring; and birds seen from above, from below, and in side views. Another strength of the guide is showing raptors as one usually sees them in the field - including less than ideal conditions caused by poor light, distance or an odd viewing angle - identification issues not commonly addressed in most field guides. To assist birders the authors have provided over twenty-five excellent “quizzes” throughout the guide. You can test yourself on perched buteos, topside views, dark raptors in the south, feeding and perched vultures, and - of course - Sharp-shinned versus Cooper’s Hawk The back of the book gives detailed answers that emphasize field marks. Each photo spread is accompanied by text describing habitat, feeding behavior, and field marks. The latter part of the book provides additional in-depth information, including flight style, geographic variation, molt, similar species, migration and hybrids. The Crossley ID Guide/Raptors is an excellent resource, valuable to any birder intent on improving his or her raptor identification skill set. — 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:/Avww. biology.eku.edu/kos/default.htm . K.O.S. Anne L. Stainin 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 (scottmarsh@twc.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 aw-ards of up to $1000. For guidelines on how' to apply, visit the K.O.S. web site (http:/Avww.biology.eku.edu/kos/monroe.htm) or contact Shawchyi Vorisek, Chair of the Burt Monroe Fund Committee, at Kv. Dept, of Fish and Wildlife Resources, #1 Sports¬ man’s Lane, Frankfort, KY, 40601 (shawchyi.vorisek@ky.gov). 2013 103 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 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 Yandelk via e-mail at secy@kybirdrecords.org. If electronic submission is not feasible, paper documentation can 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 Treasurer, Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr., at (brainard@mmdspring.com). Western Meadowlark nesting habitat in western Fulton County, 2 May 2013. (see Field Note on p. 101). Photograph by B. Palmer-Ball, Jr. 104 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Vol. 89 Neotropic Cormorant, Fulton 25 June 2013 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Marbled Godwit, Fulton 28 June 2013 John Brunjes Whimbrel, Fulton 21 July 2013 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Western Meadowlark nest, Fulton 2 May 2013 Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr. Mississippi Kite w/ chick at nest, Jefferson 16 July 2013 Pam Spaulding Rufous Hummingbird, Daviess 29 July 2013 Donna Robertson