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mtlNGBIRD

PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS. INC.

Vol. XIV No. 3 July, 1964

Pages 129 - 192

CONTENTS

The Presidents Page_Robert S. Arbib, Jr. 130

What Constitutes Breeding___John L. Bull 131

The Occurrence and Field Identification of

Small Black and White Shearwaters_Peter W. Post 133

Artificial Nests for Cliff Swallows_Carleton A. Sturdevant 141

A New Historic Landmark---.-Lillian C. Stoner 144

Minutes of the 17th Annual Meeting of the

Council of The Federation of New York State

Bird Clubs, Inc.___Margaret S. Rusk 146

Conservation News_._Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr. 150

Field Notes:

House Finch in the Schenectady Area --— Robert P. Yunick 153

Franklin’s Gull in Central New York-Hubert F. Ives 153

Wintering Baltimore Orioles_Alice Vee Sweeny 153

Varied Thrush at Bellport, Long Island___Dennis Puleston 154

Varied Thrush at Orient, Long Island-Roy Latham 154

Fulvous Tree-duck in Cayuga County

C. M. Acland & D. B. Peakall 155
Crow Migration Observed Along South-eastern

Corner of Lake Ontario_John R. Haugh 155

Some External Parasites Collected from Birds

in South-eastern New York -- —Peter W. Post 156

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Winters in Ghent _ Georgia Erlenbach 156

Highlights of the Spring Season:

April 1-May 31___*__David B. Peakall 157

Regional Reports for the Spring Season, 1964 --—--158

Editor — Alice E. Ulrich
Editorial Board

John B. Belknap Sally Hoyt

Leslie E. Bemont David B. Peakall

Allen H. Benton James K. Meritt

Stephen W. Eaton Harold D. Mitchell

Eugene Eisenmann Edward C. Ulrich

Business and Circulation Manager -— to be announced
Cover Design — Douglas L. Howland

PRESIDENTS PAGE

With the announcement of the selection of John L. Bull of Far Rock-
away as permanent editor-author of the Birds of New York State, our state
book project takes another important step forward. In John Bull the Federa¬
tion has an eminently qualified author, an ornithologist of national repute
who is the leading authority on the birds of the downstate area, one who has
a solid grounding in taxonomy, distribution, and other pertinent areas, one
who is familiar with the state as a life-long resident, and one who is an expert
in the field identification of birds. Only one further preliminary step
remains, albeit an all-important one, the raising of funds to provide the
author with a two or three year fellowship while the work is in progress.
The book committee is engaged in this effort at this time.

The appointment of an author does, however, signal the beginning of a
fundamental and crucial task on the part of each of the member clubs of the
Federation. For if the book is to be truly complete and authoritative, the
author must have access to all the data available everywhere in the state,
and it is to our member clubs that he must turn primarily for help. This
is only logical, since our Federation was formed when organizations around
the state banded together for the express purpose of gathering and exchanging
information on the birds of our state, with the state book as one of our major
objectives.

At this time, then, your President asks each club to begin (in many
clubs it is well in hand) to implement ways in which information gathered
locally may be made available to the author. In some areas this will be
relatively simple: for the New York City area John Bull himself has just
completed a comprehensive 600-page book incorporating all but the most
recent information. In Buffalo, Harold D. Mitchell has nearly completed
an up-to-date survey of the birds of the Niagara Frontier. Dr. Gordon M.
Meade is in the latter stages of a study of the birds of the Adirondacks.
These and other detailed area studies will be of enormous value in preparing
our state book. But many other areas are presently lacking in such studies,
and it is the local clubs on which the author must depend. Your President
asks each club to review the following questions and suggests highest priority
club action where the answers are negative.

1. Is there an up-to-date annotated list for the county or region covered
by your club in its field work 1 ? Does it include maximum numbers, dates,
observers, locations, and other vital data?

2. Has this list recently been published? Is it available to the author?

3. Is there a committee or member of your club responsible for maintain¬
ing such a list? Keeping it up to date? Publishing it?

4. Does your club have a Records Committee resopnsible for the verifica¬
tion and validation of all field reports submitted in your area?

5. Is there a State Book Committee appointed and active in your club to
act as liaison state book with the author, to supply him with information as
requested, data, lists, maps, censuses, etc. (See Arbib “The Common Loon
in New York State" Kingbird, XIII, 3:134-140, (July 1963) for the types
of data wanted for each species.)

130

The Kingbird

6. Is your club at present engaged in that most wanted item of New
York State bird knowledge, the breeding bird census of tracts of uniform
habitat in your area?

In the many areas of the state not currently being covered by organized
clubs, but in some cases by informal groups or by individuals, some of whom
are individual members of the Federation, efforts should be made to initiate
similar lists and surveys, so that every part of the state will contribute informa¬
tion to the final compilation.

In other words, we have a project, we have an author, we all have a job
to do, and the time has come to get things rolling.

Robert S. Arbib, ]r.

WHAT CONSTITUTES BREEDING?

John L. Bull

One of the most important aspects of the future New York State Bird
book is the proper evaluation of data for breeding species. Although it may
appear to be elementary to discuss criteria for breeding at this time, there
has been an alarming trend to treat certain peripherial species as probable,
or as definite breeders, even though an element of doubt exists in such
cases. For example, there are a number of species which are expanding
their ranges into “new” territory as breeding birds from the south, north,
and west. Other species, common enough as breeders within their long'
established range, are reported to breed in some instances well outside this
range Still others definitely established as breeders once in a given locality,
are automatically assumed to be breeding on subsequent occasions when, in
fact, actual proof is lacking. Most unfortunately these alleged breeding
‘“records” are published as gospel truth, thus misleading the reader, the
compiler, and the investigator. In many instances breeding is implied but
not proved.

It is not identification of the species that is in question, but rather the
evidence for breeding. Certain criteria must be adhered to, if we are to
document breeding records properly. The following are criteria acceptable
and unacceptable for breeding purposes.

ACCEPTABLE—(breeding proved, whether successful or not is immaterial)

1. Nest under construction or newly completed

2. Nest with eggs

3. Nest with young (altricial species)

4. Downy young out of nest (precocial species)

5. Newly fledged young being fed by parents
UNACCEPTABLE—(breeding not proved)

1. Singing male on “territory” (unmated bird)

2. Adult with enlarged gonads

3. Summering nonbreeders

The unacceptable category most frequently used as “breeding evidence”
is number 3 — summering nonbreeders. In southeastern New York (King¬
bird regions 9 and 10), the area most familiar to the writer, many species
of water birds and not a few land birds remain through the summer, or
spend a portion of it, without actually breeding. This category is too often

The Kingbird 131

misinterpreted as a “breeding record”. The following species, reported as
having bred or probably bred in southeastern New York within the last two
years (1962-1963) and published in the Kingbird and elsewhere, merely
summered, or were reported on what was believed to be “unusually early
or late dates. These species most definitely were not proved to breed:
Common Loon, (Orange Co.), Louisiana Heron, (Long Island), Red-bellied
Woodpecker, (Putnam Co.), Olive-sided Flycatcher, (Westchester Co,),
Red-breasted Nuthatch, (Westchester Co.), Cerulean Warbler, (Long
Island), and Slate-colored Junco, (Westchester Co.). Note that all of these
are peripheral nesting species in southeastern New York Careful records
should he kept for these and other species. Actual breeding must be proved,
not implied.

In sum — it is of vital importance that breeding be proved. The pre¬
sence of any species outside its usual breeding range in summer is not per
se evidence of breeding, and is too often misinterpreted as such. It is the
responsibility of the observer to report the actual facts, and not to assume
breeding unless actually proved in the form of the criteria set forth. It is
the duty of the regional compiler to ascertain the true and complete facts
and to question dubious reports. Speculation as to probable or even possible
breeding may be misleading to the reader and often leads to serious errors
in print which become perpetuated. The evidence for breeding is directly
proportionate to the rarity of a species — the rarer a bird, the more evidence
required.

Finally, if the new State Bird Book is to present an accurate picture of
breeding distribution and faunal changes, then a rigid policy of acceptance
must be maintained.

The American Museum of Natural History , Central Park West, New
York 24

NOTE: This paper delivered before the Federation meeting at Pough¬
keepsie on May 23, 1964.

THE KINGBIRD is published four times a year (January, May, July and October)
by the Federation of New York State Bird Clubs, Inc. Publication office is
193 LaSalle Ave., Buffalo, N. Y. and Publication is sent free to all individual members
of the Federation. Membership in the Federation is $3.00 per year as of Jan. 1,
1962. Single copies: $1.00.

APPLICATION for membership should be sent to the chairman of the member¬
ship committee, Mrs. Donald Radke, Box 138, R. D. #1, East Chatham.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS is handled by the Treasurer, Kenneth D. Niven, 61
Broadway, Monticello. EXCHANGES, BACK COPIES, and REPLACEMENT OF
DAMAGED COPIES by Allan S. Klonick, 901 Sibley Tower Building Rochester 4, N. Y.

Controlled circulation postage paid at BUFFALO, N. Y.

132

The Kingbird

THE OCCURRENCE AND FIELD IDENTIFICATION OF SMALL
“BLACK AND WHITE SHEARWATERS" IN NEW YORK

Peter W. Post

The group of birds referred to here as the small “black and white shear¬
waters" consist of a number of geographical forms which are taxonomically
extremely complex. Currently, most authorities recognize three species:
the Manx or Common Shearwater (Puffirms puffinus), the Allied or Little
Shearwater (P. assimilis), and the Dusky or Audubon's Shearwater (P.
Ikerminieri). All three are in turn divided subspecifically, although only
one form of each species has been recorded in eastern North America: p,
puf firms puf firms, P. assimilis baroli , and P. Ikerminieri Ikerminieri.

The A.O.U. Check-list (1957) records P. Ikerminieri Ikerminieri as
being “casual on the Atlantic coast of Florida (from Cape Florida northward),
South Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts
(Marthas Vineyard)"; lists two North American records for P. assimilis
baroli; and aside from the statement that P. puffinus puffinus breeds on
Bermuda, only three North American records are listed: New York (Long
Island), Newfoundland (St. Anthony; 60 miles east of Cape Race), and
Greenland (Umanak)..

In the past few years there have been a number of sight records and
additional specimens of small “black and w T hite shearwaters" from New York.
This paper is an attempt to call attention to these records and to discuss the
field identification of these birds.

The major difficulties that arise from the evaluation of sight reports
results mainly from misleading statements in field guides [at least two recent
reports of Audubon’s from New Jersey, (Cutler, 1953; Russell, 1963)
mention dark legs], the lack of experience of American observers with any
of the three species, and probably, to a certain extent, from preconceived
ideas of what should occur.

Because such authorities as Griscom and Snyder (1955:23) take the
extreme position that “ ... in no case can sight records or photographs prove
the species of so critical a group as the smaller shearwaters," many observers
are reluctant to report these birds, and those that are reported are seldom
published.

Records of Small “Black and White Shearwaters” from New York:

1887, August 1. Great South Bay (opposite Bellport), Suffolk Co, Audu¬
bon’s Shearwater. Captured alive by Capt. Joshua Ketcham (Dutcher,
1888). AMNH 64, 714.

1917, August 30. Ocean Beach, Fire Island, Suffolk Co. Manx Shearwater.

Found dead by Henry Thurston (Dwight, 1923), AMNH 349, 273.
1938, July 24. Long Beach (near Point Lookout), Nassau Co. Audubon’s
Shearwater. Found dead, “after an extremely rainy week accomp¬
anied by southerly winds,” by Ralph Lind and Robert Rorden (Lind,
1939). AMNH skeletal collection no. 4, 110. Although the date is
listed as 24 July in the Auk, the date on the specimen label is 25 July.

1950, ca. September 5. Short Beach, Nassau Co. (Richard Ryan).

1951, July 31. Dix Hills, Suffolk Co. Audubon’s Shearwater. Found dead
along the Northern State Parkway by E. H. Costich. Tackapausha
Museum alcohol collection.

1951, September 4. Cedar Beach, Suffolk Co. Audubon’s Shearwater.
Found dead by E. H. Costich. Tackapausha Museum skeletal collection.

The Kingbird

133

1952, July 9. Gardiner’s Bay (about one-half mile off Orient Beach) Suf¬
folk Co. Flock of nine birds. (Alperin, 1953) .

1955, ca. August 14. Marine Park, Staten Island (Richmond Co.). Audu¬
bon’s Shearwater. “An exhausted individual sitting on the water just
off the beach” after hurricane “Connie” (Casimir Redjives). Photo¬
graphed in color (figure 1).

1957, May 25. Rockaway Beach, Queens Co. (Geoffrey Carleton and Pauline
Messing).

1957, June 1. Shinnecock Inlet, Suffolk Co. (Paul Buckley and Neal
Smith).

1957, June 14-20. Mecox Bay, Suffolk Co. (Paul Buckley, Christopher
McKeever, et al).

1958, ca. August 10. Jones Beach, Nassau Co. (Walter Sedwitz).

1959, ca. May '31. In the vicinity of Ambrose Lightship (Henry Ryan).
1962, May 27. Five miles southeast of the Jones Beach tower, Suffolk Co.

Manx Shearwater. Photographed in color by Peter Post and Norman
G. Levine (figures 2 and 3).

Of the fourteen records listed above, five are specimens (one Manx and
four Audubon’s), two are photographic records (one Manx and one Audu¬
bon’s), and seven are sight records. Because of the difficulties, already
mentioned, in the evaluation of sight reports, most descriptions are useless.
Further, in many cases there is virtually no description other than that which
identifies the bird as a small “black and white shearwater.”

The birds seen by Alperin and H. Ryan were not identified as to species.
Alperin, however, writes: “the flight . . . was not typical of the larger
species; [there was] frequent flapping.”

The bird observed by Carleton and Messing, originally reported as a
Manx (Nichols, 1957:328) was later retracted as not being positive (Anon.,
1959). Recently, however, Carleton became convinced that the bird was
indeed a Manx. He distinctly remembered the extensive amount of black
on the cheeks, but was not aware that this was a distinctive point until
demonstrated on museum specimens. Post et al also observed this same
point: “the black cap blended into the white cheeks.” Buckley, R. Ryan,
and Sedwitz (who has had previous experience with Audubon’s) also
believed the birds they saw to be Manx Shearwaters

Both Buckley and Post reported the size to be about two-thirds that of the
accompanying Sooty Shearwaters (P. griseus ). The bird seen by Sedwitz
was smaller than the Sooty it was with, or about two-thirds the size of a
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus).

All the observers believing the bird(s) they saw to be Manx mentioned
that the flight was as in the larger shearwaters: “sail and bow like the large
shearwaters, then several flaps. Fast” (Carleton); “similar wing beat as
Sooty . . . had the flap and sail of the larger shearwaters” (Sedwitz); “flew
like the Greater Shearwater (P. gravis ) although it flapped more often”
(Buckley; the Mecox bird); “regular pattern of flapping and sailing . . .
several shallow, stiff winged flaps and a sail. Extremely fast. Wide rang¬
ing” (Post).

Buckley (the Mecox birds) and R. Ryan reported bright pink legs and
feet. Post observed that the individual he saw had flesh colored legs (as in
a Herring Gull), while the webs were bright pink.

134

The Kingbird

The Shinnecock bird, observed by Buckley, was “wholly black above."
Carleton reported essentially the same: “almost black above." The bird
seen by Buckley, at Mecox, and the one seen by Post, off Jones Beach,
however, were under observation for a considerable period of time, at
extremely close range, and in bright sunlight. At a distance they appeared
very black and white, but at close range the upperparts appeared “tinged"
with brown.

Buckley reported that the undertail coverts of the Mecox individual were
white, while in the Shinnecock bird they appeared dark. The Mecox bird
was noted to be proportionately long winged.

It should be noted that four of the sight, records fall within the period
27 May to 20 June. An analysis of all specimen records of Manx and Audu¬
bon's Shearwaters, from the western North Atlantic (Post, in preparation)
strongly suggests that any small “black and white shearwater" occurring
in the northeastern United States before July is almost certainly a Manx.
The latter species is now apparently of rare, but regular occurrence in New
England waters. Six “black and white shearwaters" collected in Massa¬
chusetts, during August and September, between 1950 and 1957, were all
Manx (Snyder, 1958).

FIELD IDENTIFICATION:

The following is based largely on Murphy (1936), Witherby (1940),
Palmer (1962), an examination of specimens in the American Museum of
Natural History, New York City, the writers experience with P. puffinus
puffirms in life, and various photographs. Warham (1958) published an
excellent series of photographs of the western Australian subspecies of the
Little Shearwater (P. assimilis tunneyf), including a flight shot. A photo¬
graph of the Madeiran form, as well as excellent photographs of the Manx
Shearwater, can be found in Lockley (1947). A photograph of an Audu¬
bon’s Shearwater appears in Bent (1922).

Although the Little Shearwater is not known to have occurred in New
York, it has occurred twice in North America — South Carolina, and Nova
Scotia. Because of this and the distinct possibility that this species may
occur in state waters, any discussion must take this form into’ account.

Only those races that have actually occurred in North America are
described. The brown-backed, dark under tail coverted Belearic race of
the Manx Shearwater (P. puffinus mauretanicus') travels through the Straits
of Gibraltar into the Atlantic and up European coasts into the North Sea
in late summer, and is a possibility in American waters. A discussion of
the field identification of this form (including a sketch) is given by
Nicholson (1952).

Manner of Flight : The flight of each of the “black and white shear¬
waters" is distinctive and probably constitutes the best way to tell them
apart in the field. It is extremely difficult to visualize differences in flight,
however, from verbal descriptions, unless one is familiar with the species in
life. Judging by flight alone, upon seeing an unfamiliar petrel for the first

The Kingbird

135

time one frequently cannot be sure which species is involved, unless one has
had some previous experience with its similarly patterned counterpart.

The flight of all the species of shearwaters found in the North Atlantic
is a function of size; the smaller the bird, the more flapping or fluttering,
and the more rapid the wing beat. Statements such as those found in
Peterson (1947:246) that the Manx flies more like the larger shearwaters
while the Audubon’s flaps much more, although true, are misleading, as
the former species has a much more rapid beat than the larger shearwaters
occurring in the North Atlantic.

Figure 1

Audubon’s. Shearwater. Marine Park, Staten Island, New York. ca. 14 August:
1955. Note the large amount of white on the head and in front of the eye,,
relatively long and massive bill, and short wing. (reproduced from an
ektachrome transparency).

i

Figure 2

Manx Shearwater. Five miles southeast of the Jones Beach tower, Suffolk,
Co., New York. 27 May 1962. Note the relative long wings and short tail,
almost pure white underwing, breast and belly, largely white flanks and
under tail coverts, and light colored legs, (reproduced from an ektachrome
transparency).

136

The Kingbird

Figure 3

The /same bird pictured in figure 2. Note the great extent of black on the
head, and the large bill, (reproduced from an ektachrome transparency).

long wings, short tail short wings short wings

long tail short tail

dark extends
well below

MANX AUDUBON’S LITTLE

Figure 4

Drawing of P, p. puffinus, P. 1. lherminieri, and P. a. baroli; illustrating
their distinctive differences in the field.

The flight of the Manx Shearwater may be described as rapid gliding
on rigid wings, held straight or slightly bent, alternately flashing black above
and white below as the bird careens “ . . . from side to side, now skimming
the water for fifty yards with one wing-tip, then rising to about ten feet
above the surface, beating its wings once or twice or thrice to gather momem-
tum, then skimming the sea for a similiar distance with the other wing
down” (Lockley, 1947:15, and other sources). Their flight is more mobile
than the larger shearwaters (Bourne in Palmer, 1962:189).

The Kingbird

137

The flight of the Audubon’s Shearwater has been most aptly described
by the person whose name the species bears: “ . . . they flap their wings six
or seven times in succession, and then sail for three or four seconds . . . On
approaching a mass of weeds, they raise their wings obliquely, drop their
legs and feet, run as it were on the water, and at length alight on the
sea ...” (Audubon, 1835:620). Their wings are flapped very rapidly in
flight and there is “ . . . much wheeling and fluttering in calm air , . . ”
(Bourne in Palmer, 1962:199).

During flight the Little Shearwater’s “ . . . wings beat very rapidly, almost
whirr, during flutter so that it hurtles through [the] air almost like a small
auk” (Bourne in Palmer, 1962:195), the “ . . . impression given being one
of great haste, but little speed ...” (Lowe in Witherby, 1940:48). As in
the Audubon’s this bird sometimes drops its feet and “runs” on the water
(Tucker in Witherby, 1940:49).

The flapping or fluttering of these birds varies to a certain extent with
weather conditions. In calm air the Manx Shearwater has a “rather flutter¬
ing flight.” Under stormy conditions the Audubon’s and Little Shearwaters
may bank and glide as the large shearwaters; but their wings beat much
more often.

Color of Plumage and Soft Parts : In flight, the Manx and Little Shear¬
waters appear very black and white. Audubon’s Shearwater shows less
contrast as the uppevparts are a “rich dark brown.” With wear, however,
the upperparts of the Manx and Little Shearwaters take on a brownish hue;
this is never as marked as in Audubon’s and in the field shows only in good
light and at close range.

The inner webs of the primaries in the Little Shearwater are white, and
according to Bourne (in lift.) this character shows in flight. In the Manx
and Little Shearwater the primaries are fully dark.

In general the under tail coverts of the Manx and Little Shearwaters are
white and extend almost to the tip of the tail. The under tail coverts of
Audubon’s Shearwater are brown; in flight the whole underside of the
tail, therefore, appears black, and the white below appears nearly restricted
to the belly.

In the Manx Shearwater the dark of the cap extends well below the eye,
blending into white at the level of the gape (in the field; however, this may
appear sharply demarcated). In the Audubon’s and Little Shearwaters
the amount of white on the face is much more extensive; the dividing line
with the dark cap passes through the eye.

The outer side of the tarsus and outer toe, on all these birds, is black.
The remainder of the leg and foot in the Manx Shearwater is “whitish
flesh”; “flesh” in Audubon’s; and “lavender” in the Little Shearwater (fol¬
lowing the color standard in the Handbook of North American Birds). The
statement in Peterson (1947:246) and in Peterson, Mountfort, and Hollom
(1954:292) that the foot color of the Audubon’s Shearwater is “dark” and
not “pink” is an error. This error is also found in Pough (1951:15). He
gives the foot color of the Audubon’s as “slate-blue.” Eckelberry’s plate of
this species, however, in the same book, depicts the foot color correctly.

138 The Kingbird

It is important to emphasize the amount of individual variation in this
group of birds which makes the use of plumage characteristics uncertain.
This is probably the basis for Gordon’s statement that an examination of
specimens " . . . indicates that the color of the under tail coverts is not a reli¬
able character for distinguishing these species from one another” (1955:140).
P. puffinus puffinus also shows much individual variation in the amount of
mottling on the cheeks and underparts. In general, however, the plumage
characters are useful, especially when taken in combination with flight, pro¬
portions, etc.

Size and Proportions: In flight, the Manx Shearwater appears about
two-thirds the size of a Sooty Shearwater; Audubon’s Shearwater about
one-half the size of a Sooty; and the Little Shearwater slightly larger than a
Leach’s Petrel ( [Oceanodroma leucorrhoa).

The Manx Shearwater is a proportionately long winged and short tailed
bird; Audubon’s Shearwater is proportionately shorter winged and longer
tailed; and the Little Shearwater is proportionately short winged and short
tailed.

IDENTIFICATION OF THE NEW YORK PHOTOGRAPHIC
RECORDS

At a meeting held in the American Museum of Natural History, New
York City, in July 1962, W.R.P. Bourne, R. A. Falla, R. C. Murphy, and
D. L. Serventy, four of the world’s experts on oceanic birds, examined the
photographs presented herein. They all agreed that figure 1 is an Audubon’s
Shearwater, and that figures 2 and 3 are a Manx Shearwater. Recently,
Bourne has kindly re-examined the photographs at my request. His com¬
ments follow below.

It will be useful at this point to say a few words on the taxonomy of
these forms. The small "black and white shearwaters” fall into two groups,
which, depending on one’s taste, can be treated as a single species or as a
superspecies. Currently, most authorities treat the big ones as a single
species and the small ones as two. This is the arrangement followed in the
Handbook of North American Birds. Because they show exact parallel types
of variation, Bourne (in litt.') now feels "inclined to regard each group as a
single species with two well marked groups of races.” Further:

“I would now urge that the Little and Audubon’s Shearwaters should be
combined under the name “assimilis” instead of being treated as two species.
Both the big Manx Shearwaters P. puffinus and the small Little Shearwaters
P. assimilis can then be treated as having two distinct groups of small, black-
backed, very white bellied cool-water races P.p. puffinus and its allies, and
P.a. assimilis and its allies; and large, brown-backed, less white-bellied warm-
water races P.p. opisthomelas and its allies and P.a. lherminieri and its allies.”

With this in mind Bourne proceeds to identify the flight shots. The
"rather long bill” rules out the small black-backed, white bellied members of
the P. assimilis group, while the relatively long wings and general propor¬
tions place it in the P. puffinus group. The "... almost pure white under¬
wing, breast and belly, and largely white flanks and under-tail-coverts ...”
suggest one of the black-backed, white bellied members of the group. "In
the North Atlantic presumably the typical Manx Shearwater P.p. puffinus
itself, since the Mediterranean races should show more marking on the
flanks and under tail coverts. This agrees pertty well with the geographical
probability in any case.”

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139

Similarly, Bourne identifies the photograph of the sitting bird. The
amount of white on the side of the head and in front of the eye and a
‘shorter wing than is usual in the big Manx Shearwaters” place it in the
Little Shearwater group. The “bill ... is relatively long and massive for
the small, black-backed northern races . . . which suggests it may be one of
the big, brown-backed tropical populations of the group. In the North
Atlantic this presumably means ‘Audubon's Shearwater' P. Qasshnilis ?)
Iherminieri, which again agrees with the geographical probability.”

Bourne concludes by stating:

“It is of course difficult to be completely certain about this sort of record
if proper notes of the bird were not made at the time; but, if these notes are
available I should think that these identifications while no means perfect
(they seldom are at sea) could be regarded as established beyond reasonable
doubt” (emphasis mine).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The writer wishes to thank Casimir Redjives, for figure 1, Norman G.
Levine, for figures 2 and 3, Guy A. Tudor, for figure 4, and John L. Bull,
for drawing my attention to the two Audubon’s Shearwaters in the Tacka-
pausha museum. W.R.P. Bourne was especially helpful. In addition to
identifying the photographs he made several suggestions some of which I
incorporated into the final draft. Last but not least, Dean Amadon, of the
American Museum of Natural History permitted me to examine specimens
in his care. Finally, I wish to thank all the observers who contributed their
, observations.

575 West 183 Street, New York 10033

LITERATURE CITED

Alperin, I. 1953. Further discussion on small shearwaters. Linn. News¬
letter, 6(8); 2-3.

American Ornithologist’s Union. 1957. Check-list of North American Birds.
5th ed.

Anon. 1959. Corrigendum. Aud. Field Notes, 13(3) :340.

Audubon, J. J. 1835. Ornithological Biography. voL 3. Adam & Charles
Black, Edinburgh.

Bent, A, C. 1922. Life Histories of North American Petrels and Pelicans
and their Allies, U.S. National Mus. Bull. No. 121.

Cutler, D. A. 1953. Audubon’s Shearwater off Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Cassinia, 39 :23-24.

Butcher, W. 1888. Bird notes from Long Island. Auk, 169-183.

Dwight, J. 1923. First definite capture in North America of the Manx
Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus). Auk, 40:125.

Gordon, M. S. 1955. Summer ecology of oceanic birds off southern New
England. Auk, 72:138-147.

Lind, R. 1939. Audubon’s Shearwater ashore on Long Island. Auk, 56:73.
Lockley, R. M. 1947. Shearwaters. Devin-Adair, New York.

Murphy, R. C. 1936. The Oceanic Birds of South America, vol. 2. Mac-
Millian, New York.

Nichols, C. K. 1957. Hudson-St. Lawrence Region. Aud. Field Notes,
11(4) :327-331.

Nicholson, E. M. 1952. Shearwaters in the English Channel. Brit. Birds,
45:41-55.

Palmer, R. S. (ed). 1962. Handbook of North American Birds, vol. 1.

Yale Univ. Press, New Haven.

Peterson, R. T. 1947. A Field Guide to the Birds. 2nd ed. Houghton
Mifflin, Boston.

140

The Kingbird

Peterson, R. T., G. Mountfort, and P. A. D. Hollom. 1954. A Field Guide
to the Birds of Britain and Europe. Houghton Mifflin, Boston.

Pough, R. 1951. Audubon Water Bird Guide. Doubleday, Garden City,
New York.

Russell, W. 1963. Audubon’s Shearwater at Barnegat. Cassinia, 47:39.
Snyder, D. E. 1958. Recent occurrences of the Manx Shearwater in Massa¬
chusetts. Auk, 75 :213-214.

Warham, J. 1958. Photographic studies of some less familiar birds, xcii.

Little Shearwater. Brit. Birds, 51:393-397. Plates 64-67.

Witherby, H. F. (ed). 1940. The Handbook of British Birds, vol. 4. H. F.
Witherby Ltd., London.

ARTIFICIAL NESTS FOR CLIFF SWALLOWS
Carleton A. Sturdevant

One May morning in 1939, as I came from the barn to the house, I
heard a peculiar grating and squeaking noise. Following this sound, I
found a pair of Cliff Swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) just starting to
build a nest not more than fifteen feet from the ground under the eaves of
the woodhouse.

As I had not seen any of these birds locally for nearly twenty years, I
watched them building a nest. Because of the new paint on the house,
the mud did not stick and on the second day the nest, now one-third finished,
cracked loose and fell to the ground. The birds immediately started rebuild¬
ing and out of pity I drove three nails into the house for nest support. This
proved successful and by late July the young had been raised and left the
nest.

In the spring of 1940, five pairs of swallows returned and with the aid of
more nails, these birds built nests and had a successful nesting season.
At this point I thought of the idea of making artificial nests for Cliff Swal¬
lows. I talked to Mr. Charles Spiker and Mr. Verdi Burtch. Both of these
men, now deceased, were skeptical but thought the experiment worth trying.

From carefully removed mud nests, I made many measurements as to
size of entrance opening, depth and width of nest cavity and general form.
Attempts at making removable molds failed regularly, for in spite of greasing
and oiling, the woodfiber plaster would stick to the wood forms and during
attempted removal of the cores, the nests broke. At this point, as I nearly
gave up, the idea came to my mind of using sponge rubber for a core
and covering the outside with woodfiber plaster applied with a putty knife.

After fashioning a form to make the identation for the wood cover and
placing this form on top of the rubber core, I inverted everything, placed it on
a board, made two ears out of a metal strap for holding the finished nest up
to the eaves, fastened these to the base board in such a way that their ends
would be imbedded in the plaster Then I proceeded to cover the core with
about one-half inch of plaster, smoothing this off with the putty knife.
When the plaster was dry I removed the screws holding the metal ears to
the board. This allowed me to pick up the nest, remove the wood form
that made the indentation for the wood cover, and pull out the sponge

The Kingbird

141

rubber core. I then held in my bands the first artificial Cliff Swallow
nest. All bad gone well with the exception that the plaster bad gone into
the sponge rubber and when the core came out some of the rubber was torn
off. After that I put a paper napkin over the rubber core. This kept the
plaster out of the sponge rubber and also made the inside of the nest smooth.

Sections of Artificial Cliff Swallow Nests

All this experimentation in the manufacture of the nests had taken up
considerable time, winter was over and spring had arrived. The Cliff
Swallows were back and starting to build again. I made twelve nests as fast
as the plaster would dry. Their one morning I knocked down the partly
finished mud nests and put up the plaster nests. The swallows were
greatly excited by my actions. To my great surprise and joy in a few
minutes, the swallows were going in and out of the nests just as if they had
been using them for years. It was complete acceptance. No further attempts
were made to rebuild the mud nests as long as there were enough of the
plaster nests to go around. I then made up twelve more of the nests. This
made twenty-four in all that I had under the eaves of the woodhouse. I
made up another twelve nests and put these under the eaves of the barn.
The next year all nests were inhabited. By this time the war was on and
I found less and less time to build nests. But the colony of Cliff Swallows
kept growing and as it grew, more and more , mud nests began to appear.
The best I could do was to put up wood strips under the eaves of the barn
to give the swallows a better support for their nests. I also supplied them
with a good mud-puddle near the barn to furnish a ready supply of clay
and water.

Under my banding permit since 1941, I have banded more than 3000
of these birds. With the use of the plaster nests it has been very easy to
make many very interesting observations that otherwise would have been

142

The Kingbird

very difficult to make. Parasite control is much easier for the plaster nests
are quite smooth. The nests may be taken down each spring and cleaned
before the swallows arrive.

This experiment gave me the opportunity to study the life of these birds
from the egg to the time the young leave the nest. All I had to do at any
time was loosen two screws turn the nest a little, take it down, lift the lid
and look in. I could then see the type and amount of material on which the
eggs were resting, watch the rate of growth of the young birds, see the
plumage develop etc. With the help of my good friends, Mr. and Mrs.
Malcolm Lerch of Penn Yan, R D #5 and the use of their mist nets I have
been able to come to some conclusions as to the longevity of these birds. Two
were netted last year that I banded eight years ago. The use of the mist nets
gave me some idea as to the number of birds that return to tjieir old nesting
place. Most of the returns have been local in nature. Two, however, were of
great interest to me; one nestling Cliff Swallow which I banded June 25,
1950 was found entangled in telegraph wires at Bon Retiro, Santa Caterina,
Brazil, South America on January 20, 1951 and the other nestling I banded
June 19, 1955 was found dead January 13, 1961 at Municipio de Salesopolis,
Casa Grande, Estacao Biologica de Boraceia, Poco Preto, Estade de Sao
Paulo, Brazil. These returns lead me to believe these birds move around a
bit.

Over the years, as my colony has increased in numbers, other small
colonies have started in the neighboring countryside. The growth of these
colonies is greatly dependent upon the amount of protection and help given
them. House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) and House Wrens (Troglodytes
aedon) are their worst enemies. All in all, I think it has been a very inter¬
esting and successful experiment and is another example of how birds are
willing to cooperate with man, if proper protection and encouragement is
offered. Prattsburg

Artificial Cliff Swallow nests under the eaves of the woodhouse

The Kingbird

143

A NEW HISTORIC LANDMARK
Lillian C. Stoner

John Burroughs — The Naturalist

A new historic landmark is of interest to all of us in the State of New
York because it honors the memory of one of our well-known naturalists:
namely, John Burroughs.

While we have two clubs in the Federation which include the name
Burroughs in their name, perhaps other members of the Federation have
neither known about nor read any of the 27 books which were written by
this famous naturalist who lived for 84 years from April 3, 1837 to March 29,
1921.

Woodchuck Lodge is the name of the farm house where John Burroughs
was bom and died. It is located two miles from Roxbury, New York in
Delaware County and some 45 miles west and south of the town of Catskill.

The Roxbury Club, that has over 60 members and which as yet is not
one of our member clubs, issued invitations for a one-thirty afternoon meet¬
ing on Saturday, September 28, 1963. The purpose of this meeting was the
formal presenting ceremony in which Woodchuck Lodge was designated as
a National Historic Landmark.

Some 200 of us, from widely scattered areas, who attended this eventful
and historic outdoor meeting, either stood about or sat on the few chairs in
the yard facing the house. Here, we could hear, by means of a loud speaker
the program which was presented from the little front porch of Woodchuck
Lodge.

The presiding officer Herbert Van Valkenburgh, President of Roxbury
Burroughs Club, first called on Elizabeth Burroughs Kelley, an author, who
gave reminiscent stories about her Grandfather. She also spoke of some of

The Kingbird

144

the difficulties he had in driving the Ford car which Flenry Ford had given
him. While he had no bad accidents, he blamed the car when it wandered
to the side of the road toward the ditch as he paid more attention to the
natural history of the surrounding area than to his driving.

Biographers tell more of his other famous friends: namely, Thomas
Edison, Harvey Firestone, John Muir, and Theodore Roosevelt.

The next speaker, the late Dr. Albert B. Corey, State Historian from
Albany, called attention to the Bronze Plaque that had been placed at the
entrance to Woodchuck Lodge.

Dr. Sydney Bradford, National Public Service Representative from
Washington, D. C. presented the certificate signed by Secretary of the
Interior Stewart Udall and C. L. Worth, Director of National Park Service.

Both Plaque and certificate have similar wording: —

"WOODCHUCK LODGE
LIAS BEEN DESIGNATED A
REGISTERED NATIONAL
HISTORIC LANDMARK
UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE
HISTORIC SITES ACT OF AUGUST 21, 1935
THIS SITE POSSESSES EXCEPTIONAL VALUE
IN COMMEMORATING AND ILLUSTRATING
THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
1963”

E. Wilson Burroughs, John Burroughs grandnephew and the present
owner of Woodchuck Lodge, accepted the plaque and the certificate.

Among the people introduced from the audience was William G. Fennell,
President of John Burroughs Memorial Association. This organization with
headquarters in the American Museum of Natural History in New York
City received the property known as the John Burroughs Memorial Field, on
July 28, 1947 from Clara Ford, the widow of Henry Ford. They had main¬
tained this 3.45 acres, that includes the Naturalists’ grave, which is in a
walled-in area near the big rock called John Burroughs’ Boyhood Rock, but
does not include Woodchuck Lodge.

After the program guests walked up the hill for a brief service at John
Burroughs’ burial plot. The tree covered Catskill hills and hollows as seen
from either the hilltop or Woodchuck Lodge was an especially colorful sight
in the fall season.

A 1964 bill about the transfer of ownership of the John Burroughs
Memorial Field in the New York State Legislation, had a favorable reception
in The Senate, The House and the Committee on Finance and with the
official signature of Governor Rockefeller, it was released on April 23, 1964.
This means that the Memorial Field of 3.45 acres is to become the property
of the State of New York for historical and educational purposes It is a gift
from the above named John Burroughs Memorial Association and it is to be

The Kingbird 145

administered by the Historic Sites Division of the State Education Depart¬
ment.

Much credit for completion of many years of work on this project goes to
Mrs. T. Floward Smith, one of our Federation members who was the first
president of the Roxbury Burroughs Club and now is their Corresponding
Secretary.

Visitors who have registered in recent years numbered over 1000 for each
year and have come from many states and some foreign countries.

Perhaps some of our members would be interested in attending the
meeting this fall on September 26 at Woodchuck Lodge. Other visiting
dates can be arranged with Mrs. Blanche Burroughs, Prattsville, N, Y. They
then could see the tables and rocking chair made by the naturalist as well
as the woodchuck rug on the floor and the many clippings and pictures on
the walls. The following brief directions may help in locating the place.
The town Grand Gorge at the junction of routes 23 and 30 is 38 miles west
of the town of Catskill and six miles north of a side road which takes you
2\ miles west to Woodchuck Lodge and John Burroughs Memorial Field.

So we see that this eventful meeting of September 28, 1963 and the
new 1964 signed bill has resulted in the new historic landmark at the
summer home of John Burroughs and for permanent protection for his
last resting place.

It seems worthy to note to have a Naturalist’s home and burial place
receive State and National recognition. I believe this is the first or at
least one of the first to be so recognized in our state. We, Federation of
New York State Bird Club members, can be proud that one of our out¬
standing Naturalists in New York State has been so honored, and that
Woodchuck Lodge as noted on the plaque, “possesses exceptional value
in commemorating and illustrating the history of the United States.”

399 State Street, Albany

MINUTES OF THE 17th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE FEDERATION OF
NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC.

The 17th annual meeting of the Council of the Federation, held at the
Poughkeepsie Inn at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., was called to order at 9 A.M. on
May 23, 1964 by the President, Mr. Robert Arbib. 36 delegates repre¬
senting 27 clubs answered the roll call.

A welcome to Poughkeepsie by Mrs. Homer Germond, President of the
Ralph T. Waterman Bird Club, was heard.

Minutes of the 1963 Council meeting were approved as read. The
report of the Treasurer, Mr. Kenneth D. Niven, was approved. The
President read the report of Mr. Jerome Kerner and Mr. Edward R. McBride,
Auditors; it was approved. The Treasurer’s interim report to date was read.

Mrs. Lillian C. Stoner, Corresponding Secretary, reported that the annual
letter announcing the Federation meeting had been sent to members in
accordance with the by-laws.

Mrs. Alice E. Ulrich, Kingbird Editor, said that she had no report, that
she would let the Kingbird speak for itself. She asked for more reports from
areas in the State where there are no clubs. Also she requested receipt of

146

The Kingbird

correct addresses of individual members and club officers by the 20th of
June, for printing in the Kingbird. President Arbib commented on the fine
regional-report coverage in Kingbird. Mrs. Ulrich was given a vote of
thanks, as was Mr. Allen S. Klonick, Business Manager of the Kingbird.

Dr. Edgar M. Reilly, Jr., Chairman of the Publications and Research
Committee, reported the completion by Guy Bartlett of his Ten-Year Index
to the Kingbird. Copies of the index at $1.00 can be ordered through Dr.
Beilly at the State Museum in Albany.

The State Book Committee report was given for Dr. Gordon Meade,
Chairman, by Mr. Arbib, Acting Chairman. A sample species writeup
(Common Loon) appeared in the July 1963 Kingbird. The Committee
voted to approve the appointment of John Bull of Long Island as editor of
the State Book. Mr. Bulks qualifications include numerous publications,
among them The Birds of the New York Area , soon to be published by
Harper and Row. Lists of possible sources of funds for financing the State
Book have been compiled.

Of the Kingbird Finance Committee there was no report. It was
announced that Mr. Monte Ghertler, Chairman, had obtained three new
advertisers for the Kingbird.

The Bulletin Exchange Committee plans to send the member clubs a
questionnaire about their bulletins and possible interest in exchange, Miss
Elizabeth Manning, Chairman, reported.

In lieu of a formal report, Dr. Sally Hoyt, Chairman of the Bibliography
Committee, described the work of this committee. It attempts to assemble
lists of any publications referring to New York State ornithology. Each
year, this bibliography, for the preceding year, is published in the Kingbird.

Mrs. Ulrich reported for Mr. John Mitchell, Chairman of the Waterfowl
Count Committee, on the waterfowl census of 1964. 255,138 individuals

were tallied by the ground count, and 202,670 by the aerial count. The
aerial count confirmed the ground count as to species, except that the former
did not list the Black x Mallard hybrid.

In his President’s report, Mr. Arbib thanked the officers and committee
chairman for all their work. He noted, because of his sudden and sad
taking over of the office, that there should be “standard operating procedures”
worked out for each officer’s and chairmans’ job, and made the specific
request that this be done. 27 clubs represented at the meeting is excellent,
Mr. Arbib commented. He reported that the goal of more individual
members is being worked toward. He announced that the John J. Elliott
Memorial Committee had been organized at the President’s behest, and
would be reported on later. With the State Book coming along, many
more breeding bird counts are needed, he observed. Finally, the President
announced that he had Federation stationery available for any officer or
committee chairman with a legitimate need of it.

A motion was passed that Guy Bartlett be commended on the Kingbird
index. Mr. Klonick observed at this point that there should be more work
on getting the Kingbird into county library systems as well as into more
college-level libraries.

After a coffee break, new business was taken up.

The Kingbird

147

Mr. Walton Sabin, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, presented
the following slate of officers for 1965: President, Mr. Robert S. Arbib, Jr.,
Mamaroneck; Vice-President, Dr. Allen H. Benton, Fredonia; Corresponding
Secretary, Mrs. Frederick Marsi, Binghamton; Recording Secretary, Miss
Margaret S. Rusk, Syracuse; and Treasurer, Mr. Kenneth D. Niven,
Monticello. This slate was elected.

The Nominating Committee extended its appreciation to Mrs. Stoner,
outgoing Corresponding Secretary. The President expressed regrets that
Mrs. Stoner would no longer be an officer but felt sure that she would
continue to serve the Federation in many ways. Mrs. Stoner was given a
vote of thanks.

The Membership Committee report was given by Mr. Dwight Chamber-
lain for Mr. Alfred Starling. The list of proposed members was read, and
they were elected by the Council.

The report of the Finance Committee was made by Mr. Samuel R.
Madison, Chairman. He presented the 1965 Budget which totals $2620.00,
noting that it is a cut from the 1964 budget but is nevertheless a deficit
budget. The Federation has kept afloat only because many officers do not
submit expenses. It is hoped that savings account interest and memberships
will increase, but the picture is far from rosy, Mr. Madison stated. The
Committee therefore strongly recommended increasing the individual mem¬
bership dues to $5 next year* this to be done by means of a change in the
by-laws, which then must be submitted to the member clubs. The Council
approved the proposed 1965 budget, and then voted that the by-laws com¬
mittee consider raising the individual-member dues to $5, however keeping
student membership at $3, raising club-membership dues from 10c per club
member, and making appropriate adjustments in the other dues categories.

Mr. Cornelius Ward, Acting Chairman, reported on the work of the
John J. Elliott Memorial Committee. A capital fund is being raised, whose
interest would be used for an annual award for the best Kingbird article.
A little over $600 is collected to date. Club as well as individuals may
consider making donations to this fund.

Mr. Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr., Conservation Committee Chairman, pro¬
posed the following resolutions, which were approved by the Council: 1,
that the New York State Conservation Dept, purchase the Barry Town area
along the Hudson River to preserve it as a wildlife area; 2, that the State of
Pennsylvania be petitioned not to further develop Presque Isle; 3, that Buck-
horn State Park be kept as a wildlife refuge and that a proposed music festival
be located elsewhere; 4, that the Federation take .cognizance of the work of
Nature Conservancy in setting aside for preservation various areas in the
state: 5, that .the Federation go on record against the use of motorized vehicles
in the Forest Preserve except for emergency purposes, and that the Federa¬
tion commend Chairman Watson Pomeroy of the Joint Legislation Com¬
mittee on Natural Resources for his work on this matter; 6, that the Federa¬
tion support efforts to persuade the U. S. government not to use Mikura
Jima off Japan as a bomb-test site; 7-10, that the Federation go on record in
support of the Wilderness Bill, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Bill,
establishment of National Seashores, and preservation of the Hempstead
Wetlands as a wildlife refuge; 11, that the Federation go on record as

148

The Kingbird

opposed to the bounty system; and 12, that the Federation stands opposed to
the indiscriminate use of pesticides and poison sprays. A resolution in favor
of permissive legislation by the state for control, by localities, of pigeons failed
to pass.

The following Nominating Committee for 1965 was elected: Mrs.
Lillian C. Stoner, Albany, Chairman, with Mr. Allen S. Klonick, Rochester,
and Dr. David Peakall, Syracuse.

The Auditing Committee of Mr. Edward R. McBride and Mr. Jerome
Kerner was re-elected for 1965.

The following deaths during the year were reported: Mr. John J.
Elliott, Dr. Arthur A>. Allen, Mrs. Hazel Ellis Loomis. Suitable resolutions
were adopted to be sent to the families of each.

A vote of thanks was extended to the Ralph T. Waterman Bird Club,
host to the 1964 Federation meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 P. M.

Margaret S. Rusk , Recording Secretary , 805 Comstock Ave., Syracuse 10

ANNOUNCEMENT

TEN-YEAR INDICES of volumes 1-10 of The Kingbird are available from
Dr. E. M. Reilly, Jr., Curator of Zoology, New York Museum, Albany 1, New
York at one dollar ($1.00) per copy. Checks and money orders should be
made payable to Kenneth Niven.

We ill tike POV WHO BIRO F000

Available at: A. & P. f Wegmans, Quality Cash, Service Stores, Grand
Union, Chicago Markets, Chanatry Markets, Bohacks, Da itch Shop-
well, Gristede Bros., Waldbaum — no doubt there is one of these
fine markets near yc-r residence.

Recom : jnded by Roger Tory Peterson

The Kingbird

149

CONSERVATION NEWS

Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr.

At its annual meeting in Poughkeepsie the Federation endorsed resolu¬
tions that aligned it in the forefront of several crucial conservation efforts.
It urged 'caution'' and "restraint" in the use of pesticides. The delegates
called for an end to bounty payments by counties. They adopted a hold-
the-line attitude against the intrusion of the Forest Preserve and wilderness
areas in the nation by damaging motorized equipment, a problem aggravated
by the population explosion of four-wheel driven vehicles, specially geared
two-wheel scooters, endless-tracked sleds or snowmobiles, motor boats and
airplanes.

Alarmed at the apparent decrease of the Osprey, Bald Eagle, Peregrine
Falcon, Great Blue Heron and other species in New York State, the Federa¬
tion has added its alarm to that of the late Rachel Carson and others over
the wildlife destruction being caused by pesticides and poison sprays. The
Federation's voice was "heard" in The New York Times (a paragraph)
and the Scarsdale Inquirer which reproduced the four page mimeographed
resolution in full — thanks to Mrs. Wallace L. Cornwell of Scarsdale who
brought it to the paper's attention.

" Since pesticides have been shown to cause wildlife destruction," the
Federation declared, "and residues have been found hundreds of miles and
several years from the site and time of application, then it is time to ques¬
tion the almost single-minded reliance on these devices and to look most
urgently for non-lethal approaches to blemish-free apples and mosquito-free
residential areas."

It was to the latter, non-agricultural type of spraying, that the Federation's
attention was particularly directed. All too often such spraying is entirely
unnecessary except for convenience or comfort. "What is the comparison,"
the resolution asked, "between a few less mosquitoes in the back yard and
dead fish piled on a nearby shore — or even the extinction (in some areas
at least) of the Bald Eagle?”

"The Bald Eagle, symbol of our nation, may already have disappeared
as a breeding bird in New York State," the Federation declared. "In the
early 1950’s there were an estimated 12 pairs nesting. During the last three
years no eagle nest is known to have been active in the state." Eagles are
believed to be affected by the pesticides ingested from dead fish upon which
they feed and which have concentrated within their bodies residues of long
lasting pesticides (those that, like DDT and its derivatives, require a long
time to break down chemically).

Osprey are believed to be similarly endangered. Unhatched osprey
eggs in Connecticut have had concentrations of DDT. Last year, eastern
Long Island, once the site of one of the world’s largest Osprey colonies
(so numerous that some even had nests on the ground — unusual for the
Osprey which usually prefers a penthouse view from a tree or pole) had
about 200 nests. Once there were some 500 nests.

Leroy Wilcox, who has been keeping records for three decades, noticed
the decline setting in about ten years ago. In 1962 he made a check of all
nests on Gardiners Island in early June and again in early July. By the

150

The Kingbird

latter time the young should have been four to five weeks old. Instead,
only 20 per cent of the eggs had hatched. There were many unhatched
and rotting eggs in the nests.

At the meeting Dr. Walter Spofford expressed concern for the Osprey
population in the Adirondacks from DDT spraying by hotels and resorts
for their guests’ comfort — particularly from black flies. The resolution
included opposition to this spraying. He also reported that in the state the
Cooper’s Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk had not been seen as numerously
as before. He expressed concern for the Peregrine Falcon.

Drops in heronry populations have been reported from both ends of the
state. Mr. Wilcox says the Black-crowned Night Heron has become scarce
on eastern Long Island. Harold Mitchell, former Federation president, says
that numbers in three Great Blue Heron colonies in the Buffalo area have
declined. Pesticides are suspected in all these cases.

The Federation endorsed passage by Congress of S. 1251 by Sen. Maurine
Neuberger which would increase investigation of pesticide-wildlife relation¬
ships. By July 1 this bill had passed the Senate. The Federation also
endorsed S. 1250 by Sen. Neuberger that would require Federal agencies to
consult the Fish and Wildlife Service before starting large scale spraying
operations. Also supported was S. 2792 by Sen. Abraham Ribicoff permit¬
ting government inspection of pesticide plants and other regulatory prac¬
tices.

Besides trying to curb the inadvertent destruction of wildlife by pesti¬
cides, the delegates called for a halt to the planned destruction of wild
creatures. Payment of bounties by county governments was opposed. In
taking this action the Federation was backing up a recommendation made in
the “Leopold Report” by the Secretary of the Interior’s Advisory Board on
Wildlife Management. This was a dramatic statement calling for a
reevaluation of the worth of predator control programs including those con¬
ducted within the Interior Department through its predator control service.
This significant report can be obtained by writing to the Office of Informa¬
tion, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D. C. The Federation
urged Congressional passage of H. R. 9037 by Rep. John Dingell that would
phase out the Federal control program employing 600 to 700 professional
hunters and that would substitute a staff of six regional experts to advise
and assist states in setting up trapper-instructor services.

Destruction of the natural growth in the Forest Preserve and the
nation’s wilderness areas by mechanized vehicles was condemned. Thus,
the Federation lent its backing to the fight being taken up by the National
Committee for the Protection of Trail Country, an organization closely
linked with the Scarsdale Audubon Society. The Federation urged a pro¬
hibition of these vehicles except for emergency purposes. It further passed
A special resolution commending Assemblyman R. Watson Pomeroy, chair¬
man of the Joint Legislative Committee on Natural Resources, for his efforts
in trying to have snowmobiles banned after they were dropped from the
list of vehicles prohibited by the Conservation Department.

In other actions the Federation reaffirmed its support for preservation
of 10,000 acres of salt wetlands on Long Island’s south shore and for the

The Kingbird

151

32-mile long proposed Fire Island National Seashore. The Fire Island
bill by Rep. Otis G. Pike of Suffolk County was approved by the House
National Parks Subcommittee. Action was scheduled in July by the House
Interior Committee,

The Wilderness Bill was again endorsed, the one passed by the U. S.
Senate. However, the one reported to the House floor in June was con¬
siderably weakened. For instance, S 4 provided that primitive areas and
roadless areas in National Parks and Wildlife Refuges could be brought
into the Wilderness System by presidential recommendation unless Congress
objects. H. R. 9070 would have Congress positively approve acceptance
after review by the Secretary of the Interior. This would make it more
difficult to add areas to the Wilderness System.

Delegates urged congressional passage of H. R. 3846, the Land and
Water Conservation for the development of outdoor recreational areas on a
financially matching basis.

The Federation extended hands across the sea in urging protection of
the eight-square mile Japanese Island, Mikura Jima, with rare flora and
fauna. However, this very much concerned the effect on wild life and
terrain our government can have in establishing facilities on foreign terri¬
tory — in this case a test bomb site which has been proposed for this
island. The feeling was that our defense agencies could well use consultants
in the natural sciences to warn of the effect of such decisions — especially
when alternatives might be possible.

With regard to areas in New York State, the Federation urged that
Buckhorn Island State Park near Buffalo be used as a wildlife refuge. A
bill in the Legislature last year provided for using this state park as a site
for a musical festival. This would probably involve spraying for mosqui-
ties, affecting an important wetlands area utilized by wildlife. The Federa¬
tion also endorsed the host club's (Ralph T. Waterman Bird Club) for
preservation of Cruger’s Island (where Federation members had good views
of the Cerulean Warbler). This action received a front page story on the
front page of the Sunday newspaper in Poughkeepsie.

For the first time at the annual meeting the Friday evening meeting of
the Conservation Committee was opened to all members of the Federation.
Some 60 persons attended and participated in the discussions on the resolu¬
tions to be presented to the Council and delegates. This response was very
gratifying.

Two new members have been appointed to the Conservation Committee:
Mrs. Ruth Rubenstein, a Federation life-member and conservation chairman
of the Brooklyn Bird Club, and Mrs. Beverly Waite, nature columnist for
the Knickerbocker News in Albany.

333 Bedell Street , Freeport, L.L

152

The Kingbird

FIELD NOTES

House Finch in the Schenectady Area: The first record of a House
Finch (Carpodaeus mexicanus) in the Schenectady area was on April 29,
1964. The bird, an adult male, came to the writer’s feeder with a pair of
Purple Finches, at about 5:30 P.M. It was observed from 25 feet and
resembled a Purple Finch (Carpodaeus purpureus) except that its rump and
breast were brighter colored and it lacked the brightness about the head of
a male Purple Finch. I also noted the striped flank.

On May 5, the bird appeared again at our feeder, and with a 10 x 50
binocular I observed the breast, rump and striped flanks. Peter Wickham,
the records chairman of the area who knew the species from Long Island,
was able to provide additional points of identification. Attempts to catch
the bird by netting were eventually successful, and eleven Club members
observed it before its release. Measurements were taken, as follows: Total
length: 155 mm; Wing 82 mm; Tail 67 mm; bill 11 mm; tarsus, 16.5 mm,
weight 24.2 grams. While being handled, the bird gave the House-Sparrow
like “cheep” call. It was banded with F. and W. band #101-103007 on its

Robert P. Yunick, 1527 Myron Street, Schenectady 12309

Ed. Comment: Attention is called to the article in the July 1962 KING-
BIRt) by Gilbert Cant, which summarizes the history of the House Finch in
the state, and gives useful tips on identifying the bird in the field.

Franklin’s Gulls in Central New York. A group of six small gulls with
black heads was observed on April 11, 1964 by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Farnham
and Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Ives on flooded land just east of the Seneca River
near Montezuma. The gulls road high in the water and occasionally fed like
dabbling ducks; from time to time flew up, circled round and returned.
When in flight the distinctive pattern of the wing, the white space separating
the grey of the wing from the black near the ends, was obvious. With the
white spots at the very tip the pattern was thus white-black-white-grey. We
are convinced that these birds were Franklin’s Gulls (Larus pipixean).

Although there are a few upstate records of the Franklin’s Gull, a^ group
of six in breeding plumage appears to be unprecedented.

Hubert F. Ives, 5039 Skyline Drive, Syracuse 15

Wintering Baltimore Oriole: For two winter seasons, I have had a female
Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula) at one of my backyard feeders on Long
Island’s north shore. This is unusual for several reasons, chief of which
is we have no orioles nesting nearby during the spring and summer.

The first winter the oriole came to the feeder, which is a large glass one
on a tall pole, she was bedraggled and her tail feathers were scanty. She
fought for food. (I put suet, corn bread and doughnuts out for her mixed
with seed for my other visitors). She showed no fear of our banging kitchen
door or of belligerent Bluejays and Starlings.

After a particularly bad ice storm, when the trees were stiff with sleet,
the oriole was noted to have an injured foot. She could fly but had difficulty
alighting on the feeder perch. She found a very clever solution to what
could have been a fatal problem. Branch by branch, she laboriously hopped
up a tall arboryitae which stands next to the feeder. When she was slightly
higher than the feeder, she would drop, not fly, right down into the food
tray. The distance was just short enough to make the maneuver success¬
ful.

On very cold days, when the temperature was five to ten above zero, the
oriole sat huddled in the feeder long after eating. The glass sides and back
provided concentrated sunrays and perfect protection from wind. She sur¬
vived the winter and left in the spring.

The second winter, what was apparently the female oriole came again
(the scant tail feathers identified her for me). But this time there was a

The Kingbird

153

male with her. He was beautifully feathered and not physically handicapped
in any way. They stayed all winter, feeding alternately, until January.
Then, a strange thing happened. Suddenly, one day, the female oriole
attacked the male, pinning him to the ground and pecking him so savagely
that I almost intervened. Finally, he flew off with the female chasing. I
never saw him again. The female came daily after that and left as before in
early spring.

Alice Vee Sweeny, 25 Meadow Lane, Syosset

Varied Thrush at Bellport, Long Island: On December 19, 1963 Dr.
Clarke Williams, an associate of mine at Brookhaven National Laboratory,
reported to me an unusual bird that had come to his feeder for several
mornings past. Next morning I went to his home in Bellport, on the south
shore of Long Island, at about 7 :'30 A.M., and within a. few minutes the
bird arrived and began feeding. It was a Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) ;
it appeared to be a young bird, as the dark edges of the lower flank feathers
were very pronounced, and the breast band somewhat blurred at the edges
instead of being sharply defined. It was obviously in excellent condition
and fed well; on all occasions I watched it during its appearances at the
Williams' home it appeared to prefer cracked corn to the other mixed seeds
that were scattered around. It did not go to any of the elevated feeders
but remained on the ground. It did not associate with any other birds, but
was not bothered by them.

At this time of year, the weather was generally bad, with northerly
winds, temperatures remaining below the twenties, and some light to mod¬
erate snowfalls. Since, however, the Williams’ house faces to the south, the
thrush was able to feed in a relatively sheltered area, and after a leisurely
feeding, generally lasting ten-fifteen minutes, it would often sun itself for
a while in the lee of a small evergreen, or fly off to rest in one of the
pitch pines bordering the garden.

The bird continued to come regularly to this location to feed many times
almost every day, in spite of snowstorms and other adverse conditions, until
January 17, 1964, when it disappeared quite abruptly. Since it had survived
the worst snowstorm to date on January 13, its disappearance might be
blamed on one of the many cats prowling in this neighborhood.

During the month that it frequented the Williams’ home, a number of
ornithologists were privileged to observe this rare visitant, thanks to the
generosity and interest of Dr. and Mrs. Williams.

Dennis Puleston, Brookhaven

Ed. note: See Kingbird 9:22 for an account of this species at Watertown
in 1958 and a summary of previous reports.

Varied Thrush at Orient, Long Island: On April 17, 1964, a Varied
Thrush, Ixoreus naevius, was recorded in Orient, Long Island walking in a
secluded section of a yard at a distance of fifteen to twenty-five feet from
the observer, before six A.M. In this area where the bird was searching for
food, bird food had been spread on the ground daily since December. The
bird was under observation at this close range for three hours. The dark
band on the breast was prominent. While on the ground the bird was very
robin-like in its behavior. In time the bird crossed a driveway and wandered
onto the freshly plowed ground of a newly planted potato field.

A search through the literature indicates that along the eastern seaboard
practically all of the few records for this accidental species from the north¬
west have been in the autumn or early winter. The winter of 1963-1964
was comparably mild with no extremely cold temperatures or deep snow-
cover on the ground.

This thrush showed up on the first morning in April on which any
noticeable movement occurred with the immediate spring species in 1964.
It definitely had not wintered in Orient.

Roy Latham, Orient, Long Island

Ed. note: Bellfort is more than thirty miles from Orient, where the
preceeding record was obtained.

154

The Kingbird

Fulvous Tree-duck in Cayuga County: While traveling' on the New York
Thruway we saw briefly a strange bird in a flooded field just east of the
Seneca River near Montezuma. Our impression was of a small goose or a
long-necked duck of a general buffy coloration.

On the following day, May 18, 1964, the area was re-visited and the
identification of Fulvous Tree-duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) confirmed. At
a range of 200 ft. the darker upperparts separated from the buffy under-
parts by a white line along the flanks was clearly seen. The head and neck
were buffy and the undertail converts white. One of us (C.M.A.) has had
considerable experience of this species in Africa.

This appears to be first New York State record outside of Long Island;
although in view of the recent tendency of this species to occur in the north¬
east (Baird, Audubon Field Notes 17:6-8) it is not all together surprising.
However the date is unusual since most records have been in the late sum¬
mer or fall.

C.M. Acland and D. B. Peakall, Upstate Medical Center, 766 Irving
Avenue, Syracuse

Crow migration observed along the southeast corner of Lake Ontario:

During the springs of 1963 and 1964 a hawk watch was maintained on the
southeast corner of Lake Ontario at Derby Hill as part of a study on the
migratory, habits of these birds. In 1964 notes were also kept on other
migrants which passed over the study area. The crows (Corvus brachyrhyn-
chos) were one of the most commonly observed birds.

Observations were made on sixty-six days between February 17 and May
4 (1964) and a total of 45,000 crows was noted. Although an occasional
crow was observed during the middle of February, no significant migration
was observed until February 28 when 102 crows flew by. Large numbers
of crows continued to be observed during March and much of the month of
April. However, the coverage was not as good during April since large
numbers of hawks were passing at this time and it was not always possible
to count the crows and hawks at the same time.

The highest estimate of migrating crows occurred on March 24 with
over 15,000 being observed. Other large estimates were March 5 (3,500),
March 7 (11,300), March 14 (5,000), March 21 (1,700), March 28 (1,000),
and April 12 (600).

Large flights of crows were associated with winds in a direction south of
an east to west line, rising temperatures, and falling barometric pressure;
conditions which occur on the west side of a high pressure area or on the
east side of an approaching low pressure area. The wind velocity appeared
to have little effect on the number of crows migrating providing it was not
excessive (over 30-40 miles per hour). On days with relatively strong
southeasterly winds the crows often flew low, sometimes passing over the
lookout at an elevation of less than five feet above the top of the hill. The
crows tended to fly higher when winds were light or when winds were from a
westerly direction. Westerly winds are tail winds for birds flying east along
the southern shore of the lake.

Usually the crows began flying shortly after dawn and continued until
late in the afternoon. The largest movements occurred usually between
1000 and 1200 hours.

It is interesting that fewer crows appear to pass the observation point
on the southeast corner of the lake than further to the west at Sodus. Bay
(Chamberlain. Kingbird 13:154-155). A possible explanation may be that
the crows move on a broader front near the southeast corner of the lake
in order to take advantage of favorable feeding areas inland from our point
of observation. Large numbers of crows frequently have been observed
to stop and feed in open fields located from one fourth mile to one mile
from the shore of the lake. A second possibility is that fewer crows used
the flyway along the southern shore of the lake in 1964 than in 1963.

John R. Haugh, Dept, of Zoology, Syracuse University, Syracuse

The Kingbird

155

Some External Parasites Collected from Birds in Southeastern New York:

The following is a list of external parasites that the writer has collected,
since 1960, from birds that he has banded, or found dead or injured.

Host Species
American Coot
(Fulica americaiia)

Semipalmated Plover

(Charadrius semipalmatus)

Semipalmated Sandpiper
(Ereunetes pusillus)

Sooty Tern

(Sterna fuscata)
Saw-whet Owl
(Aegolius acadicus)

Rough-winged Swallow

(Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)

_MA LLOPHAGA

Date Coll. Location Coll.

9 Sept. 1961

20 Aug 1960

2 Sept. 1961

13 Sept. 1960
30 Oct. 1960

Jamaica Bay,
Queens Co.

Moriches Bay,
Suffolk Co.

Moriches Bay,
Suffolk Co.

Tobay Beach,
Nassau Co.
Long Beach,
Nassau Co.

Parasite Species

Fulicoffula longipila

(Kellog)

Laemobothrion atrum

(Nitzsch)

Pseudomenopon pacificum

(Kell)

Quadraceps birostratus
(Giebel)

Q. opacus
(Kell & Chapman)
Rallicola advenus (Kell)
Carduiceps complexius
(Kell & Chapman)
Saemundssonia petersi
(Ward)

Strigiphilus cursor

(Nitzsch)_

Ornithonyssus sylviarum

(C. & F.)

Family Dermanyssidae

MITES

19 July 1.963 Van Cortlandt
Park, Bronx Co.

The Mallophaga were kindly identified by Richard 0. Malcomson of
Central Michigan University. The Mites were identified by Edward W.
Baker of the United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.
Peter W. Post, 575 West 183 Street, New York 10033

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Winters in West Ghent: During a snow storm
about the fifteenth of December, 1963, Mrs. Herbert Engle of West Ghent
had an unusual winter visitor at her feeder. She noticed the bird’s chunky
beak and its striped markings and knew at once that is was not the Evening
Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina). After consulting her bird book, she
thought it must be a Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus).
However, not being too familiar with the bird’s habits she came to me for
help.

When I first saw it at her feeder during a severe snow storm, it was
eating suet. It was either a female or an immature Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
When it flew there was a touch of pinkish orange beneath the wings. The
bird established regular feeding habits at the sunflower feeder and on April
17th Eleanor Radke came with me to confirm the identification ■— a winter¬
ing Rose-breasted Grosbeak in excellent condition. Georgia Erlenbach,
Ghent, R.D.

Ed. note: There are only a few previous recorded instances of the species
Pheucticus ludovicianus in New York State in winter.

156

The Kingbird

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SPRING SEASON
APRIL 1 - MAY 31

David B. Peakall

April did not produce any conditions favorable to the observation of
waves of migrants. The numbers of Canada Geese observed were good as
has been true for the last few years but, in a number of areas, the counts of
dabbling ducks were low.

/ In late April and for the first few days of May a cold rainy spell, centered
to the south of our area, slowed down migration. A warm spell starting
May 6 brought about a widespread movement. Post and Tudor comment
“the dam broke, the great bulk of migrants passing through May 7-12,
practically every May migrant arrived on the 7th”; Tr6acy states that “\varl? 1
ler waves on May 7, 8 and 9 in Orange county coincided with those reported
in Dutchess and Rockland”; Wickham says “The bulk of landbirds did not
appear until May 6-10”; Rusk comments “the first warm spell of May coin¬
cided with some major movements of landbirds” and Hoyt that “the best
warbler flights were on May 7 and 17 in the Ithaca area”. Subsequent
movements were much more local. Most of the ups and downs of numbers
reported were local but reports give the impression that the Black-throated
Green, Black-throated Blue and Cape May Warblers were scarce over a wide
area. Deed, in Rockland county, comments on the depletion or absence of
many fish-eating species and believes this is due to the cumulative effect of
insecticides. I hope that sufficient information on the status of these species
will be available in the summer reports to cover this subject in the next
summary.

There was a fine hawk flight along the southern shore of Lake Ontario
and good correlation was obtained between the counts nr Rochester and nr
Mexico at the south-east corner of the lake. Peak counts of Broadwings
at Rochester occurred on April 22 and May 2 and at Mexico on April 23,
25 and May 2. Record high counts of Ospreys were made at Rochester on
May 2 and Mexico on May 3.

The occurrence of the first House Finch in region 8 and the second in
region 4 probably represents an early stage of the further spread of this
species. The early history of the House Finch in the east has been given
by Arbib and Elliott in 1963 (Auk 70:31-37). At this time they estimated
the total population at 280 individuals. The increase since that time can be
shown by the number recorded merely on the Long Island Christmas counts.
These are given in the following table

1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953

801 665 258 299 164 208 131 76 27 27 9

The total number reported in tbe eastern United States on the 1963 counts
was over 1800, a fifty percent increase over 1962. The species has expanded
its range into the lower Hudson Valley in the last few years. This increase
has been fully documented in Treacy's regional reports. Birders, especially
those with feeders, should be alert to the possibility of the occurrence of this
species.

Following the large-scale invasion last winter Red Crossbills were found
in every region well into May. The only successful nesting was at Lancaster

The Kingbird

157

in region 1 where one of several nests produced, young. The species also
attempted to nest in the New York City area (first time this century) and
courtship feeding was noted near Ithaca.

Central New York provided two interesting records of rare ducks. An
unusual duck, subsequently indentified as a Sheld-duck, was seen at Monte¬
zuma. This appears to be the second record for North America and the first
for the state. While the record is acceptable to me, I imagine that in the
absence of a second observer, photograph or specimen that the record will be
listed as hypothetical. The Fulvous Tree-duck, the validity of which I feel
that I should not comment on, is the first upstate record and the first spring
record for the state. However it is not all together surprising in view of
occurrences in Ohio and Ontario and the spectacular increase in the range
of this species in the last few years (Baird, Audubon Field Notes 17:6-8,
1963).

Other rarities included Harris' Sparrow near Rochester, Magpies in
regions 1 and 10 (perhaps escapes were involved} and in region 10 Cinna¬
mon Teal, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Varied Thrush and vet another Town¬
send's Warbler.

Upstate Medical Center, 766 Irving Avenue, Syracuse

REGION 1 — NIAGARA FRONTIER
Robert F. Andrle

This spring was no exception to the variable weather the region usually
experiences in the season. A cloudy and showery April with no severe
storms was followed by a sunny, generally warm and windy May with a fairly
cool period at its end. Both months had near normal precipitation and
average temperatures somewhat above the normals. Vegetation was well
advanced by late April and only briefly retarded by short cooler periods in
May. The strong winds of the latter month (highest velocity recorded —
65 mph on the 9th) caused damage to trees and their new leaf growth.
Lake Erie ice was heavy until mid-April; thereafter it rapidly broke up until
only small floes were present during the last week. Snow cover dissipated
rapidly with the last measurable fall on the 9th at Buffalo. Light frosts
occurred in some rural areas on May 15 and 21.

Bird migration at the beginning of April was delayed by the cool weather,
but after the first week and a half it was well advanced as warmer temper¬
atures prevailed. The absence of storms and the generally warm latter
half of April contributed toward the arrival in good numbers of many
migrants and an early occurrence of flycatchers and warblers before the
month's end. Canada Geese continued to be in high numbers in the Oak
Orchard and Lake Ontario areas in early April, and the flock of about 40
Blue Geese remaining in the former place from late March was the largest
this editor can recall in the region in spring. Surface-feeding ducks appeared
to be below normal in abundance. Pectoral Sandpipers occurred in large
flocks in two localities. Pine Siskins and Evening Grosbeaks continued
coming to feeders in April and early May. Groups of Red Crossbills also
remained through April and were still present at the end of May. They
made several attempts to nest in Como Park, Lancaster, but only one pair
appeared to have been successful in fledging young. The crossbills visited
many feeders in quest of sunflower seeds, a very unusual occurrence in this
region. The migration of small passerines during May was marked by two
or three days when “waves" occurred, one of the most noticeable taking
place during a rather strong weather- disturbance on May 1'3 and 14.

Highlights of the season include: Cattle Egret, European Widgeon,
White-eyed Vireo, Worm-eating Warbler and Kentucky Warbler.

158 The Kingbird

Abbreviations used below are: BOS — Buffalo Ornithological Society;
OOGMA — Oak Orchard Game Management Area; JAS — Jamestown
Audubon Society; 1st four letters for the county.

Contributors: RFA — Robert F. Andrle; AHB — Allen H. Benton;
TLB — Thomas L. Bourne; EB — Elma Bowen; WWB — Winston W.
Brockner; RB— Richard Brownstein; CB — Mrs, Carl L. Burdick; LHB ■—
Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Burton; RBy — Richard Byron; JC — Mrs. James A.
Creighton; FE — Mrs. Flora Elderkin: AF — Arthur Freitag; WK — Walter
Klabunde; HK — Harriette Klabunde; OM — Oliver Meddaugh; HDM —
Harold D. Mitchell; CM — Carl Mrozek; EP — Elizabeth Pillsbury: LR —
Mrs. Lynn Rochester; RCR — Richard C. Rosche; DS.«— Daniel Salisbury;
KS — Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Swanson; LT — Lena Turner; GGW — Gertrude
G. Webster.

Loons — Ducks: Common Loons had a poor flight through the region
this season. Double-crested Cormorant: one, May 11, Hamburg (TLB).
Common Egret: one, Apr 12, Oak Orchard area (WK, HK); one, Apr 12,
Allegany Co. (CB et al) ; one, May 21, Evangola State Park (TLB). Cattle
Egrets were reported at Kiantone (Chau); three, May 3 (FE et al) and at
Belmont (Alleg) May 16 (LHB). One also appeared in May at the Iroquois
National Wildlife Refuge near Alabama, N. Y. Black-crowned Night Herons
continue to be scarce, the only large group (about 60) being the nesting
colony at Niagara Falls. Whistling Swans were reported in generally small
numbers from widely scattered localities, the last noted (one) Apr 29,
Niagara Falls (HDM). Canada Goose: maximum 48,974 observed mostly
in the region on the BOS Count Apr 12. Up to seven Snow Geese were
present in early Apr in the Oak Orchard area, with the last noted (one) May
1 (RFA, HDM). The only Gadwall noted were two, Apr 15, Eden (TLB)
and one, Apr 24, 25, North Cuba Marsh (RCR et al). European Widgeon:
one Apr 7, at Kiantone (KS). Shovelers were observed in widespread parts
of the region through Apr and in the Oak Orchard area through May. Wood
Ducks continue to be common. There were four White-winged Scoters off
Hamburg Town Park May 28 (TLB).

Hawks — Owls: A noticeable movement of Turkey Vultures occurred
with 16 reported Apr 11, Hanover (RB) ; 15, Apr 13, Athol Springs (RFA,
RB) ; and 12, Apr 13, Alma Hill (RCR et al). Observed hawk movements
were light between Apr 11 and 26, with usually less than 50 indviduals seen
in a day. Bald Eagle: one, (immature) May 3, Hamburg (TLB). Peregrine
Falcon: one, Apr 7, Springbrook (GGW) and one, Apr 12, Allegany State
Park (EB,LT). An interesting observation was four Demoiselle Cranes
(Anthropoides virgo) on May 1 in fields south of the OOGMA (OM, HDM,
RFA et al). They possessed very ragged primaries but flew well. A local
resident said that he had seen them on the two previous days. Colored
slides and motion pictures were secured. No cranes of this species are
known to be missing from zoos in the immediate area. A Turkey appeared
Apr 4 within the village of Hamburg (LR et al), one of the northernmost
points at which the species has been observed in the region. There was a
fair shorebird flight this spring. American Golden Plover: one, Apr 12,
Cherry Creek area (JAS). Pectorial Sandpiper: maximum 480, Apr 16,
Hanover Center (RB) and about 325, Apr 18, 19 Wolcottsville Sinks (several
observers). Glaucous Gulls were seen on Apr 9, 10 and 14, Hamburg Town
Park, and Sturgeon Point (TLB). Iceland Gull: five, Apr 12, BOS Count.
Common Terns arrived in good numbers by Apr 12, 1,088 being noted on the
BOS Count that day. A Caspian Tern, Apr 24, at Rushford Lake, Alle
(RCR) was an interesting inland observation. Black-billed Cuckoo: one,
Apr 30, Como Park (RFA, RBy) — an early date. Barn Owl: one, May 4,
Hamburg (TLB) ; one, nest and four eggs, May 14, near Hamburg (RFA,
RBy). Saw-whet Owl: one, Apr 12, BOS Territory 14 (Hamburg) (JC et al).

Goatsuckers — Shrikes: Chimney Swift: one, Apr 12 (very early),
Cherry Creek area (JAS). Red-headed Woodpeckers appeared in late Apr
but did not become as common as in some previous years. The 655 Yellow-
shafted Flickers on the Apr 12 BOS Count was a high number. An early

The Kingbird

159

arrival was an Eastern Kingbird: Apr 25, Kimball Stand (FE), and also a
Great Crested Flycatcher: Apr 29, Point Gratiot (RB, AHB). The first
Rough-winged Swallows (three) were noted on the BOS Count Apr 12 and
the first Cliff Swallow Apr 18, North Cuba Marsh (RCR). Unusual was
the Black-billed Magpie in Delaware Park, Buffalo, May 17, (RB, DS). It
was found dead later in the day. Subsequent investigation found the bird
to be an escape. Boreal Chickadee: one, Apr 12, Como Park, Lancaster
(CM). Few Tufted Titmice were found in the region this spring and Red¬
breasted Nuthatches appeared in small numbers in scattered localities to mid-
May. Carolina Wrens are still scarce. Short-billed: Marsh Wren: one, May
9, Langford (TLB) and one, May 23, Wolcottsville Sinks (RB' et al). Mock¬
ingbird: one, Apr 5, Amherst (RCR et al) ; one, Apr 26, near Olcott (WK,
HK) ; one, May 4, Eden and one. May 13 Hamburg (TLB). Hermit Thrushes
remain in low numbers, although they have shown some increase in
abundance. Bluebirds continue to show an increase, especially in the
southern parts of the region. 94 were reported Apr 12 on the BOS Count.
An early arrival was a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: Apr 17, Jamestown (FE).
Loggerhead Shrikes remain very low in numbers, the only reports being
one, Apr 5, Royalton (RB et al); one, Apr 5, Cambria (WK, HK) ; and
seven on the Apr 12 BOS Count.

Vireos — Warblers: White-eyed Vireo: one, Apr 27, 29, Dunkirk (RB).
Early warbler arrivals were, Black-and-white Warbler : one, Apr 28, Lewiston
(WK, HK); Blue-winged Warbler: one, Apr 28, Lewiston (WK, HK) ;
Nashville Warbler: one, Apr 28, Hamburg (TLB) ; Yellow Warbler: two-
three, Apr 25, near Dunkirk (EP, FE et al); Magnolia Warbler : one, Apr
29, Dunkirk (RB) ; Black-throated Blue Warbler: one, Dunkirk (RB) ;
Black-throated Green Warbler: one, Apr 26, Hamburg (TLB) ; Blackburnian
Warbler: three, Apr 29, Point Gratiot (RB, AHB); Chestnut-sided Warbler:
one, Apr 28, Jamestown (FE); Palm Warbler one, Apr 26, Hamburg (TLB).
Noteworthy were the Worm-eating Warbler Apr 29 at Point Gratiot (Dun¬
kirk) (RB, AHB) and a Kentucky Warbler May 10, Hamburg (TLB). Pine
Warbler: one, Apr 25, Alma Pond (Alle) (RCR). Two other early arrivals
were Yellow-breasted Chat: one, May 5 Tifft Street, Buffalo (RFA) and
Wilson's Warbler : one, May 6, Buffalo (AF).

Blackbirds — Sparrows: Orchard Oriole: one, May 7, Hamburg (TLB).
Common Grackles continue to be numerous and Indigo Bunting seem to be
unusually common this year. Evening Grosbeaks were present in scattered
flocks through Apr; they soon disappeared in May, the last reported six,
May 9, Point Gratiot (RB et al). The last Pine Siskins: 108, May 13, (last),
Allegany State Park (WWB). With the warm weather in late Apr the first
Grasshopper Sparrow was recorded Apr 21, Langford (TLB) and the first
Henslow’s Sparrow Apr 24, Friendship (RCR).

Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo 14211

REGION 2 —GENESEE
Howard S. Miller

Temperatures for the first month of the period averaged two degrees
above normal while for the last half they were about three degrees above
average. Precipitation for the two months was about three-quarters of an
inch above normal, the excess occuring entirely during April. Gale force
winds on May 9 did heavy local damage.

Among the most outstanding birds recorded during the period were
Cattle Egret, Snowy Egret, Golden Eagle, Northern Phalarope, Laughing
Gull, Western Meadowlark, Orchard Oriole, and Harris Sparrow.

Names of regular reporting observers: RB — Richard Brownstein ;
DC Dwight Chamberlain; GLD — Mrs. Gertrude L. Davis; JF — John
Foster; AEK — Allen E. Kamnitzer; DL — Dawson List; WGL — Walter
C. Listman; AM — Alfred Maley; RM — Robert McKinney; JM — Joseph

160

The Kingbird

McNett; TM — Mrs. Thelma McNett; HSM —- Howard S. Miller; FS —
Frank Schmanke; AAS — Alfred A. Starling; BS — Mrs. Betty Starr;
MS — Mrs. Maryanne Sunderlain; ST — Steven Taylor; FT — Frank
Templeton; TET — Thomas E. Tetlow.

Initials of places regularly used in the text: B—Bay; Cr — Creek;
DEP — Durand-Eastman Park; e — east; Lk — lookout; Ls — lakeshore;
M — marsh; P — park; S — shore; w — west.

Loons — Ducks: The peak of the spring loon flight was reached Apr
25, when 1200 Common and 282 Red-throated Loons were seen migrating
along the e Ls (AEK). High count on the Red-necked Grebe was four birds
at Webster P Apr 19 (AEK), and the high count for the Horned Grebe was
75 along the w Ls Apr 18 (AEK). Double-crested Cormorants were relatively
scarce, although single birds were occasionally reported along the lakeshore
duirng May. <

Two to three Cattle Egrets were seen along the Hamlin Parkway May 13-

16 (Boyd, WCL, Michael, Richard O’Hara, et al) and one was in Parma May

17 (JF, WCL, et al). This species seems to have decreased, at least locally,
since two years ago. Single Common Egrets were seen at w Manitou Apr
2 (AEK, AM) ; Oak Orchard Cr Apr 7 (G.F. Lynch) ; at the Hawk Lk May 10
(GOS hike) ; and on the Hamlin Parkway May 16 (several). A Snowy Egret
was seen near Shore Acres May 16 (WCL). In spite of the above records,
herons in general were scarce, only the Green Heron of our four commoner
species occurring in anywhere near normal numbers. Seven Snow Geese
were seen at Groveland on Apr 11 (DC, Orwin, FT). Gadwell and Shoveler
seemed up in numbers, especially the former with a high count of 12 at
Braddock’s B Apr 25 (HSM, AAS), A count of seven Common Goldeneyes
at Payne Beach May 17 (several) is a late date for that number. A changing
male King Eider was seen at Sodus B Apr 18 (D. B. Peakall). The spring
scoter flight was rather light, with the two rarer species unreported.

Hawks — Owls: The peak count of Turkey Vultures was 24 at the Hawk
Lk Apr 10 (MS, FT). Broad-winged Hawks: 3935 Apr 22 at the Hawk Lk
(ST) and 2458 May 2 at Sodus B (RB, WCL, MS), both peak counts. The
latter flight included a much better number of other species. A mature
Golden Eagle was seen at Manitou May 2 (AM, TET) and two immatures
were seen at Sodus B the same day (RB, WCL, MS). Single Bald Eagles
were seen Apr 8 on the w Ls (FS) ; Apr 25-26 at Rose’s M (JF, AAS, et al)
and May 7 (TET), May 17 (AEK) and May 21-23 (AEK, WCL), all at
Braddock’s B. An unprecedented count of 65 Ospreys was made at Sodus
B May 2 (RB, WCL, MS). Peregrine Falcon: one May 7 (TET) and another
May 21-23 (WCL, HSM, AAS) both at Braddock’s B. A rather early Pigeon
Hawk was seen at w Manitou Apr 12 (AEK). Because of the low level of
Lake Ontario and the connecting bays and ponds, there was an abundance
of suitable feeding areas for shorebirds and the spring shorebird flight was
the best in years. Sixty Ruddy Turnstones seen on the w Ls May 27 (WCL)
was the high count for this species. Two Whimbrel were seen May 21 (WCL)
and a single bird was seen May 23 (AEK, WCL), both at Braddock’s B. Two
were seen at the w Spit May 27 (WCL) and one was seen at Webster P the
same day (AEK). Pectoral Sandpipers were common with a high count of
175 along the w Ls Apr 18 (WCL et al).

Three early Dunlin were seen at Salmon Cr Apr 18 (WCL et al) and the
high count was 500 at the w Spit May 25 (WCL). Twenty-two Short-billed
Dowitchers at the e Spit May 16 (AEK) was a good spring count for this
species. An early Sanderling was seen at the w Spit Apr 18 (AM) and the
species was more common than usual during the month of May. Two
Wilson’s Phararopes were seen at Payne Beach Road May 23 (WCL) and
six Northern Phalaropes in full breeding plumage were seen at Parma May
30 (HSM, AAS). An adult Laughing Gull was seen at Webster P May 26
(AEK) and probably the same bird was seen the next day at Braddock’s B
(WCL). This species is always rare locally. Thirty Caspian Terns were at
the w Spit Apr 18 (WCL). A Barn Owl was seen in Island Cottage Woods

The Kingbird

161

Apr 18 (RB, WCL) and another was seen near Pittsford May 17 (Joseph
Taylor et al). For some unknown reason Screech Owls seemed scarce. Two
Long-eared Owls were seen in Island Cottage Woods Apr 18 (WCL, HSM).
A Saw-whet Owl was seen near the Ls Golf Club property in Greece during
the first week of Apr (FS) and another was seen west of Manitou Apr 28
(WCL).

Goatsuckers — Shrikes: An Olive-sided Flycatcher was seen near Cana-
dice Lake May 22 (AM) and another at Manitou May 24 (WCL & HSM).
There was a heavy flight of various swallows at the e Spit May 2 which
included at least 125 Cliff Swallows (AEK). This is a high count locally.
The Carolina Wren was again unreported in the local area. There were
numerous reports of Mockingbirds with three seen at Manitou May 24 ,Marg¬
aret Foley et al). The species nested in Irondequoit and successfully fledged
two young birds (TM). It probably nested near Scottsville and in Webster.
The Eastern Bluebird appeared more commonly in migration along Lake
Ontario than for some time, with a maximum of 20 at w Manitou .May 23
(AEK & WCL). Blue-gray Gnatcatchers continued to increase with a high
count of 15 along the lakeshore May 9 (GOS field trip).

Vireo« — Warblers: Generally speaking, the spring warbler flight lacked
luster. Especially down in numbers were the Nashville, Parula, Cape May
and Bay-breasted Warblers and the Oven-bird. Among the more uncommon
warblers, an Orange-crowned Warbler was seen in DEP May 2 (JM & TM).
Another was netted and banded west of Manitou May 16 (RM). A Pine
Warbler was seen in DEP Apr 12 (GD). A singing Prairie Warbler was seen
on the U. of R. campus May 6 (AM) . A rather early Louisiana Waterthrush
was seen at Manitou Apr 12 (WCL). This species is always rare along Lake
Ontario. A very early Hooded Warbler was seen in Salmon Cr Woods on Apr
27 (AM).

Blackbirds — Sparrows: A singing Western Meadowlark was in Parma
May 17 (JF et al) and was still present May 23 (AAS et al). An immature
male Orchard Oriole was at the e Spit Apr 18 (WCL & AM). There was a
good May flight of Evening Grosbeaks with 300 at Manitou May 6 (RM).
A late Red Crossbill was on the U. of R. campus May 23 (AM). Oregon
Junco: one at the Sunderlain feeder Apr 3; one in Ellison Park Apr 11
(ST) and one around the Kemnitzer feeder in Webster for some time early
in April. An unidentified sparrow appeared at the Jerome Hartke feeder
in Webster early in the winter and was later identified as a Harris Sparrow.
It was carefully studied May 3 by HSM & AAS and was seen two days later
by AEK. Eight Lincoln’s Sparrows were netted and banded at Manitou
during May (RM), with four taken on May 16. A single Lapland Longspur
was seen at Sodus B on the late date of May 2 (WCL et al).

54 Luella Street, Rochester 14609

REGION 3 — FINGER LAKES
Sally F. Hoyt

While temperatures averaged normal, there were spells of extreme cold,
with freezes into the last week of May. Rainfall, too, was normal, but during
the height of migration, prolonged cool spells, accompanied by wind and
some rain, halted waves of birds, with the result that some areas reported
excellent flights of Warblers and Thrushes, others reported none. Best
Warbler flights were on May 7 and. May 17, in the Ithaca area; — the
latter being our census day, we rolled up a total of 181 species.

Noteworthy finds included the following: Yellow-crowned; Night Heron,
Northern (Ladder-backed) Woodpecker (only second record of this species),
Lawrence’s Warbler and the first record of the Fulvous Tree Duck and Sheld-
duck. (See body of report.)

Raptores continue to be scarce, except possibly the Kestrel. Robins,
Baltimore Orioles, Indigo Buntings, Savannah Sparrows, seem to have
increased somewhat. Black-throated Green Warblers are absent from
several former locations.

162

The Kingbird

Pine Siskins, Goldfinches and Purple Finches were abundant in May, and
Red Crossbills continued to appear in small flocks throughout the month.
No evidence of breeding, however.

Shrubs sported the heaviest bloom in the last decade or longer. If
weather conditions are right, the fruit crop should be excellent.

Places mentioned: MNWR — Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge;
SWS — Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary; Cay L — Cayuga Lake; Sen L —
Seneca Lake.

Contributors: WEB — Walter E. Benning; JB — Jack Brubaker; PAB —
Paul A. Buckley; LC —— Lewis Cowardin; EAF — Elizabeth A. Ferguson;
WG — William Groesbeck; OHH — Oliver H. Hewitt; SFH — Sally F. Hoyt;
PK — Paul Kelsey; JL — James Lundgren; EM — Eugene Morton; FO —
Francis Orcutt; JP — James Patterson; FR — Fred Ranson; FS — Fritz
Scheider; NS — Noel Snyder; WES — William E. Southern; Sts — Mark and
Tom Stevenson; RS — Robert Stein; BS — Betty Strath; JW — Jayson
Walker; JWe — John Weske.

Loons — Ducks: Common Loon: Few at Hornell, good numbers (20-
40 a day) in April on Cay L. Red-necked Grebe*: on«, Apr 5, Sen L (JW).
Double-crested Cormorant: (often missed), one Mar 30, Cay L Inlet, (Sts);
one Apr 26, MNWR (FS). Great Blue Herons: 16 (high count) over Clyde,
Apr 1 (WEB), Little Blue Heron: one, Apr 4, Dryden Lake (RS) ; Rare
here, especially in spring. Cattle Egret: two at south end Cay L; one Apr
25, one May 16, one and possibly two birds, MNWR, May 20. Common
Egret: Apr 12, MNWR, first date. Yellow-crowned Night Heron: last week
April, MNWR, Refuge personnel. Second record for Cay Basin. Glossy
Ibis: one, May 28, MNWR. Whistling Swans: one, Apr 11, Marl Beds Pond,
Wayland, Steuben Co. (WG). Canada Goose: from March peak of 46,000 at
MNWR, dropped to 40,000 on Apr 9, 20,000 on May 5, 10,000 on May 7;
majority left on May 9, 500 still the following week. First Goslings May 3
(early), 31 broods by May 31. Snow Geese: May peak of 125, Blue Geese
May peak, 375 (MNWR). Fulvous Tree Duck: one, May 17-18, near Monte¬
zuma, Cay Co. (C.M. Acland and D.B. Peakall). Carefully observed, verifi¬
cation report filed. See field note in this issue. Sheld-duck: this bird was
seen May 10 and again May 12, at MNWR, by Walter Benning. He was
unable to identify it on first sight, and made sketches in his field notebook.
From these sketches, and his careful notes, it is evident that his bird was
unmistakeably a Sheld-duck. Unfortunately he was unable to find anyone
else to show it to at the time, and it then disappeared. He has. studied
pictures of the Sheld-duck since then, and says there is no doubt in his own
mind of the identity of the bird. Pintail: 1,000 (high count), Apr 3, in field
with geese, n. end Cay L (Sts). European Widgeon: one, Apr 18, MNWR
(Ref. Personnel). Shoveler: pair on Demmon’s Pond in Howard (Steuben
Co.) represented 2nd record for the Hornell area, first being 1955 (WG).
Wood Duck: first brood at SWS was May 19; 18 ducklings observed and
photographed as left nest box, high count, perhaps 2 broods in one nest.
White-winged Scoter, and Surf Scoter, on May 2 and May 17 respectively, at
MNWR, are unusual records for the relatively shallow Refuge. Hooded
Merganser: up to 14 oh SWS pond in April. Brought off 11 young from
one nest, May 22, for first definite record at the Sancturay. Only three or
four previous nesting records in Ithaca area (unsuccessful as eggs were
taken). Common Mergansers: completely absent at Hornell this year,
where usually present (WG).

Hawks — Owls: Turkey Vulture, first, Apr 3, MNWR (WEB). Sharp-
shinned Hawk: no nesting reports this year. Bald Eagle: one report of adult at
MNWR, May 2 (LC). Osprey: one, SWS, most of April and half of May-
one occasionally at Stewart Park, Ithaca (possible the SWS bird); one Apr
13, Lindley, (JL). Peregrine: one, Apr 21, Etna, Tompkins Co. (SFH)
chasing pigeons along Fall Creek. Common Gallinule: Apr 19 (first)
MNWR (WEB).

™? oIde ?> ?L over: unusuai in spring. Nine (9), Apr 25, e. of MNWR
(hS). Ruddy Turnstone: rare in spring, one May 30, MNWR

The Kingbird

163

(WEB). Whimbrel: May 17, MNWR (WEB et al). Willet: rare in
area, one, May 2-5, Montour Falls airport (Schuyler Ca) J Brubaker
. and others. Yellowlegs: Greater and Lesser: Apr 19, MNWE (WEB).
* Short-billed Dowiteher: one, May 17, w. of Rushville (FO). Western Sand¬
ier* one May 17, w. of Rushville (FO). These two species are uncommon
i P n this area, esp. in spring, Bonanarte’s Gull: Apr 14 (first) MNWR, 20-30
on cly L Apr 25 , pe Sk (OHH). Black Tern: Apr 25 (first), MNWR (FS).
Screech Owls: scarce. Great Horned Owl: two young reared in nest on Rte
13 near Etna, Tompkins Co. Barred Owl: two young reared m nest, bWb,
left nest May 21.

Swifts — Shrikes: Whip-poor-will: three heard near Keuka in May.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird: most observers reported an arrival date about
five days earlier than usual — in first week of May. Pileated Woodpecker:
new male appeared in Stewart Park, Ithaca, as replacement for one that was
shot last fall. Pair nested successfully, close to path. Young still m nest
May 31. :

Red-headed Woodpeckers were reported from: W. Dryden Rd near Free-
ville, early May; Cornell Golf Course, Ithaca; one mile south of Route 20 at
Naples, on May 13; and near Camp Comstock, west shore Gay L, May 9.
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckerheavy migration Apr 11-13. This species is
remarkably consistent in its arrival dates.

Northern 3-toed Woodpecker (Ladder-backed): (only one previous

record for the Region). Female, May 16, “Monkey Run” e. of Ithaca (JWe),
again, May 20, one mile west (JP) ; male at “Monkey Run”, May 21 (NS).
Another, unconfirmed report, of the species, May 17, near Watkins Glen.
Acadian Flycatcher : often not reported, two, May 17, near Watkins (Bishop,
Rathbun). Olive-sided Flycatcher: May 10, Waterloo, early date (JW). At
least three in Ithaca area in mid-May. Often missed in spring. Bank
Swallow: thousands in migration, May 10, Montezuma. The colony at
Myers Pt. on Cay L is very large this year — several hundred. _ New colony,
near Brooktondale. Several other local small colonies, gone. Cliff Swallows:
first, Apr 7, Sweetlands barn, s. of Dryden; unusually early. Carolina Wren:
only Ithaca report, Camp Barton, n. of Taughannock Falls, Apr 26 (PK).
Marsh Wrens: both species scarce throughout region. Mockingbird: three,
May, Esperanza, where nested in years prior to ’63; one, near Hector. At
least four and possibly six individuals in Ithaca area, but no indication of
nesting.

Robins: all reports stated this species in better numbers this year than
last five. Poor migration, seemingly, of the two ‘gray-backed’ Thrushes. E.
Bluebird: all reports — club and individual — have stated that a few more
are around this year than in last several years; some have returned to old
stations, several reported at new locations. Gnatcatchers: continue their
slight increase throughout Region. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: poorest migration
in years — almost none heard or seen On any of my own field trips. Logger-
head Shrike: only one record. What has happened to this species?

Vireos — Warblers: White-eyed Vireo: rare in Region, no reports in
last several years: one, May 7, Watkins Glen, (JB) ; one, May 16, Sapsucker
Woods Road '(WES) ; three, May 22, n. of Tompkins Co. airport (EM) — two
of these were singing, and were tape-recorded. Red-eyed Vireos: still far
scarcer than six or eight years ago. Philadelphia Vireo: often missed in
spring: at least four reports near Ithaca, first on May 8 (PAB).

The following Warblers of those normally seen in migration or as resi¬
dents were hard to find, and few reported: Parula, Cape May, Black-throated
Blue, Black-throated Green, Bay-breasted and Blackpoll. No reports, or only
one or two, of Orange-crowned, Pine, Prairie, Palm, Hooded, Wilson’s.
Brewster’s reported from Texas Hollow Sanctuary, and from “Monkey Run”
area. The rarer Lawrence’s form was seen, May 21, Monkey Run. May 10
saw an influx of 100’s of Myrtles (FR), and large numbers of Magnolias also.

Blackbirds — Sparrows: Bobolipk: some increase over last year noted
at Keuka Park, and around Ithaca. Balitmore Orioles: arrived, in good

164 The Kingbird

numbers, shortly after May 1, but an oddly marked male (yellow line over
eye, yellow marks extending- up side of face) appeared at my feeder in Etna
on Apr 14, and remained for two days, eating, of all things, peanuts. It
was photographed and observed by two others, J. Weske and D. Mcllroy.
However, it remains a question whether this was a possible Bullock’s-Balti-
more hybrid. Orchard Oriole: two, May 29, Trumansburg, and Interlakfen
(EAF). Grackles, Cowbirds and Redwings: enormously abundant every¬
where. Scarlet Tanagers: noted more commonly than some years. Indigo
Buntings: abundant. Dickcissel: two Apr 29, near Odessa (BS). One,
during April, at feeder in Ithaca. Evening Grosbeaks: most left last week
in April. Purple Finch: abundant everywhere in May. Pine Siskins:
abundant at feeders, after May 8. Goldfinches: continued abundant at
feeders, as in winter. Red Crossbills: not yet found breeding, but several
cases of courtship feeding were noted, and small numbers were seen in several
areas of Region until late May. Henslow’s Sparrow: one, Apr 15, Moravia,
found injured, died shortly. Specimen brought to Cornell. Extremely early
record for species — followed strong south winds. No conspicuous White-
throat and White-crown migration around Ithaca.

Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca

REGION-4 —SUSQUEHANNA
Leslie E. Bemont

April average close to normal with respect to temperature but was
decidely wet while May was warm and dry. Weatherwise this must be
counted as an early spring. The last officially recorded freezing temperature
of the period came April 16 and the last snow of any consequence April 4. *
The heaviest rainfall of the period came April 30, so although May rainfall
was only about one-third of normal the dryness had had no untoward effects
by the end of the month.

The higher level of water behind the Whitney Point Flood Control Dam
seems to have attracted the largest number and best variety of water fowl
ever in the region, and also the longest stay ever for some diving species,
notably Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Hooded and Red-breasted Mer¬
ganser. It is perhaps premature to credit the higher water level at one place
with all this since it also proved to be highly attractive to bird watchers,
resulting in a substantial decrease in the coverage of other areas in the
region. Regular coverage of these other areas might have shown this to have
been a generally better than normal waterfowl spring. It will be interesting
to see what other regions have to report along these lines.

The land bird migration ran a little ahead of last year, with most species
arriving one to four days earlier, but there were also a few species that
returned a little late. There was one second hand report of “a million
swallows” at Whitney Point April 20 that was picked up while nearly a
thousand were in sight in the same place five days later. With little really
adverse weather to dam them up, warblers came through in a relatively steady
stream with no pronounced waves.

Our first Wilson’s Phalaropes and our second House Finch and Red-bellied
Woodpecker appear to top the list of rarities, but a possible Golden Eagle
deserves mention. Several reports of Turkeys and Bobwhites give hope that
their respective stocking programs may yet succeed.

Contributors: LB — L. Bemont; WB — William Breidinger; BB _

Bradford Burgher; NC — Naturalists’ Club; TBC — Tioga Bird Club; GC __

Gail Corderman; C, JD— Carleton and J. Davis; M, AD — Marilyn and Anna
Davis; LD — Louise Dean; RD — Robert Dirig; AE — Anna Evelin; CG —

Clinton Gerould; JG — John Gustafson; CH — Claude Howard; P, PK -_

Paul, Sr. and Paul, Jr. Kalka; FL — Florence Linaberry; SL ’_’Stanley

Lincoln; HM — Harriet Marsi; RP J -— Robert Pantle; FQ — Fern Quick-
RS — Robert Saunders; JS — Jean Saunders; MS — Mary Sheffield; AS_-

The Kingbird

165

Anne Stratton; DW — Don Weber; MW — Mildred White; R, SW — Ruth
and Sally White; EW — Mrs. E. Williams; RW — Ruth Williams; SW —
Stuart Wilson; HW — Herbert Wisner; WPR — Whitney Point Reservoir;
Max —— maximum.

Loon — Ducks: Common Loon: three, Apr 3, Norwich (R, SW) ; 21
flying over Skyline in Tioga Co the same day and lesser numbers several
other days in Apr (RW) ; Skyline May 1 (last) (RW) ; still at WPR May 31
(MS). Red-necked Grebe: Apr 12, WPR (MS, RS, BB) ; two, Apr 19 and
three, Apr 25, also at WPR (MS); only reports. Horned Grebe: Apr 1,
Owego (TBC) to May 17 in Triple Cities area (NC); 12, (Max.) Apr 11 at
WPR (MS). Pied-billed Grebe: fairly regular reports from Apr 9 to 26
(last). Great Blue Heron: two, heronries in Owego area active (RW) ; also
one at Scott in Cort Co with yi nests (JG). Green Heron: one, Apr 11,
Sherburne (R, SW), early; common after May 4. Common Egrettwo, May
27, Endwell (LB), only report. Least Bittern: three, Apr 21, Binghamton
(CH) and again Apr 30: an infrequently reported species in the region.
American Bittern: one, Apr 16, Ingraham Hill (CH), the first.

Canada Goose: heavy flights continued all through Apr with the last
substantial numbers recorded May 7; stragglers still present at WPR May 30
and Owego May 31. Gadwall: two, Apr 25, WPR (MS). Pintail: Apr 9,
WPR (HM, FL), the last. Green-winged Teal: regular reports to Apr 30,
then only May 17, WPR (NC). Blue-winged Teal: regular to Apr 30; infre¬
quent May reports. European Widgeon: one, Apr 4, WPR (MS), presum-
aby the same bird that was reported in the last issue. American Widgeon:
regular reports to Apr 25; later report May 17 (NC). Shoveler: Apr 23,
three, at WPR (HM, FL), four at Owego (SL) and two at Owego, probably
part of the group of four (MW, CG). Wood Duck: two adults with 10 young,
May 30, Chenango Forks (M, AD) ; also reported nesting in Cort Co. Red¬
head: six, Apr 11 (last), WPR (MS). Ring-necked Duck: up to 200 reported
at WPR much of Apr; two there May 2 (MS), the last except for one on a
small pond near Owego for the last 10 days of May. Canvasback: two, Apr
5 (last), WPR (MS). Lesser Scaup: at WPR through May 2; the only later
report May 17 (NC). Common Goldeneye: regular in small numbers at
WPR through May 2; the only later report May 17 (NC). Bufflehead:
regular at WPR through Apr to May 2; “most I’ve ever seen at Whitney
Point”, Apr 25 and 26 (MS); May 6, Candor (DW), the last. Old Squaw:
small numbers at WPR through Apr to May 2; also reported at Norwich and
Owego. White-winged Scoter: 10, Apr 18, WPR (NC) ; May 17, WPR (NC) ;
only reports. Hooded Merganser: a few at WPR through Apr 24; two,
females or immatures May 24 (last), WPR (MS). Common Merganser:
regular through Apr 26; May 17 (NC), the only later report. Red-breasted
Merganser : a few at WPR through Apr 18; also six, Apr 3, Norwich (R, SW) ;
two, still at WPR, May 30.

Hawks -— Owls: Turkey Vulture: Apr 5 and 13, WPR (RW, CG, MW) ;
one, Apr 12, Oxford (H. Nodacker) ; also regular at Deposit (SW) and
Hancock (RD). Goshawk: May 10, Pharsalia (TBC). Broad-winged Hawk:
one, Apr 4, Oxford (AS), very early, no details; regular reports from Apr
16; nest building at Binghamton, May 20 (CH). Rough-legged Hawk: Apr
26 (last), Johnson City (FL). Bald Eagle: May 17, Cortland (WB). Golden
Eagle: Apr 5, WPR (CG, MW, RW), “large bird — had white on tail, but
not as far up rump as rough-leg, — a very good look with 7 x 50 binoculars.”
Marfeh Hawk: reasonably frequent reports until May 17 (last), then no more.
Osprey: one, Apr 9, Hancock (RD) ; peak numbers Apr 23 to 27; May 9
(last),WPR and Choconut Center (MS). Bobwhite: one, May 9, near Sher¬
burne Game Farm (R, SW) : also reported at Marathon and East Homer in
Cort Co. Turkey: one, Apr 9, two miles east of Apalachin (SL), check for do¬
mesticated turkeys in area revealed none; Apr 13, Owego (Mrs. V. Hudson) ;
Apr 14, west of Owego (Mary Middaugh) ; Apr 14, South Owego (EW) ; May
12, Candor (DW). Sora: May 17, Apalachin (SL, LB). Common Gallinule:
May 17, Triple Cities area (NC), only report. American Coot: two, Apr 11,
WPR (MS) ; regular reports through May 30 but never in large numbers.

166

The Kingbird

Semi-palmated Plover: May 17, Triple Cities area (NC), to end of period.
Black-bellied Plover: May 17, Triple Cities area (NC) ; still at WPP May 30
and 31 (MS). Woodcock: common; one, adult with four chicks, May 3, End-
well (RP, GC), banded. Common Snipe: reported at Sherburne (R, SW),
Newark Valley (LD), Cortland (WB) and in the Triple Cities area. Upland
Plover: May 17, Homer (JG), only report. Spotted Sandpiper: Apr 11,
Candor (DW) ; no more until Apr 18. Solitary Sandpiper: Apr 19, Vestal
(HM) then none until May 3. Greater Yellowlegs: Apr 25, WPR (MS) ;
scattered reports to May 24. Lesser Yellowlegs: four, Apr 18, WPR (NC)
and regular there until Apr 30; no more until May 16 at Homer (JG) and
Candor (DW) add May 17 in the Triple Cities area (NC). Pectoral Sand¬
piper: eight, Apr 18, WPR (NC) and May 17, WPR (NC) ; only reports.
Least Sandpiper: May 15, Owego (MW, RW) ; at Cortland and in Triple
Cities area, to end of month. Dunlin: May 17, WPR (MS), to end of month.
Semi-palmated Sandpiper: May 17, Triple Cities area (NC); only report.
Wilson’s Phalarope: a pair, May 17, Binghamton (LB), at approximately
15 foot range, close enough to hear soft little grunting noise that came only
infrequently — jet black glossy legs and bill, female had white on top of
head and neck and on under parts separated by black eye line or cheek
patch blending into chestnut neck stripe — back, wings and tail dark pearly
gray with patches of chestnut on back, male much duller, almost non-descript
in comparison — observed for about 15 minutes and then for another 10
minutes after about 45 minutes — foraging along a small shallow stream
through bulldozed ground — did not swim.

Herring Gull: only very scattered reports since Apr 1. Ring-billed Gull:
present in moderate numbers around most water all during the period — 70
(max.), May 9, WPR (MS). Bonaparte’s Gull: one, Apr 6, Endwell (LB)
to May 17, Triple Cities area (NC) ; 50 or more, Apr 23, Owego (MW, CG),
the largest concentration. Common Tern: Apr 23, WPR (HM, FL) to May
31, WPR (MS) ; only two reports between. Black Tern: Apr 24, Owego
(RW); May 17, Triple Cities area (NC); only reports. Yellow-billed Cuckoo:
one, May 12, Oxford (AS) and one, May 12, Ingraham Hill (CH) ; “very
common this year throughout county”, Cortland (JG) ; fairly common else¬
where, too. Black-billed Cuckoo: May 10, Binghamton (MS); also common.
Screech Owl: not many. Barred Owl: Apr 17, 18, 23 and May 6, Hancock
(RD); one, May 11, Chenango Forks (M, AD).

Goatsuckers — Shrikes: Whip-poor-will : one, May 10 to 21 then two,
May 22 and 29, Hinman’s Corners (RS, JS) ; May 16, East Homer, (Janet
Greenfield); May 30, Owego (AE). Nighthawk: one. May 13, Binghamton
(Elinor Whitson) ; also reported at Owego, Cortland and Unadilla. Chimney
Swift: Apr 19, Unadilla (HW) and Conklin Forks <P, PK) ; Apr 24, Bing¬
hamton, large flock going to roost in a chimney (Marilyn Davis). Ruby-
throated Hummingbird: May 1, early, Owego (AE), one, May 7, Oxford (AS).
Belted Kingfisher: more common after Apr 3. Yellow-shafted Flicker: reg¬
ular after Apr 2; common after Apr 7. Pileated Woodpecker: fairly fre¬
quent reports. Red-bellied Woodpecker: one. May 3, Buckhorn Lake in
Otsego Co (HW). Red-headed Woodpecker: one, Apr 23, Ingraham Hill
(CH) ; May 1, Owego (AE) ; one, May 17, Sherburne (R, SW), in same area
where present for the last few years; May 17, Whitney Point (MS); May 18,
Endwell (FL), another area where reported in the last few years. Yellow-
bellied Sapsucker: one, Apr 8, Hancock (RD), second report this spring;
common from Apr 12 to Apr 26; fairly frequent but more scattered May
reports.

Kingbird: Apr 23, Owego (Patty Williams), early, no details: next
reported May 5, Hancock (RD) and Greene (C, JD). Great Crested Fly¬
catcher: May 5, Chenango Forks (M, AD), Hinman’s Corners (RS, JS) and
Ingraham Hill (CH) ; common. Eastern Phoebe: generally in reasonably
good numbers but at Unadilla “not at all common” (HW). Yellow-bellied
Flycatcher: one, May 12, Binghamton (CH) ; three other reports. Traill’s
Flycatcher: May 16, Homer (JG) ; also in Triple Cities area. Least Fly¬
catcher: May 2, WPR and Choconut Center (MS). Wood Pewee: May 10,

The Kingbird

167

Binghamton (MS). Olive-sided Flycatcher: May 30, Whitney Point (MS,
R, SW). Tree Swallow: common after Apr 11. Bank Swallow: Apr 19,
Owego (RW, EW). Rough-winged Swallow: Apr 25, WPR (MS) and
Chenango Forks (M, AD). Barn Swallow: one, Apr 11, WPR (MS) ; regular
from Apr 16; May 4, Hancock (RD), gathering mud from puddles for nests.
Cliff Swallow: Apr 23, WPR (HW, FL). Purple Martin: another report of
10 to 15, Mar 25 at Hillcrest, also followed by cold weather casualties ■—
one found in very weakened condition, was fed angleworms and eggs, and
kept indoors each night and released each morning for about a week when it
finally seemed to regain its strength (Fred Fargo). Blue Jay: May 2, End-
well (NC), numerous small flocks of migrants observed flying over. Boreal
Chickadee: May 2, Owego (Mrs. Harold Colby), last report of bird present
at feeder since Feb. 25. Tufted Titmouse: throughout period at Chenango
Forks (M, AD) ; Apr 28, Endwell (FL) ; one, May 22, Norwich (AS). Red¬
breasted Nuthatch: May 17, Triple Cities area (NC), the last of fairly num¬
erous reports. Brown Creeper.: rather frequent reports for such an incon¬
spicuous species; reported singing in several localities and still present at the
end of the period. House Wren: Apr 18, Binghamton (HM) ; numbers con¬
tinue to improve a little each year. Winter Wren: two, Apr 10, Ingraham
Hill (CH) ; best numbers in several years; a nesting record at Hancock (RD).
(Long-billed Marsh Wren: six, May 24, Sherburne (R, SW), the only report
and not remotely indicative of the late arrival date. Mockingbird: Apr 19,
Castle Creek (MS) ; one, May 3, Buckhorn Lake (HW) in area since Jan;
May 5, two different Owego locations (Louise Cole, Dewey Bendle). Cat¬
bird: Apr 27, Owego (RW) ; the next ones May 1. Brown Thrasher: one,
Apr 8 and 9, Oxford (AS) ; next ones Apr 17; “fewer than usual, it seems”,
Cort Co (JG). Wood Thrush: two, Apr 22, Oxford (MS); next one Apr 27.
Hermit Thrush: one, Apr 13, Ingraham Hill (CH) ; reasonably frequent
reports to May 17; still at Whitney Point May 31. Swainson’s Thrush: one,
May 12, Ingraham Hill (CH) ; only report! Gray-cheeked Thrush: May 7,
Chenango Bridge (S, Gorton) ; May 16, Owego (EW) ; May 17, Triple Cities
area, two reports (NC). Veery: one, Ingraham Hill (CH) and one, Owego
(MW, CG) May 3. Bluebird: 15 known nesting pairs in Cort Co (JG). Blue-
gray Gnatcatcher: Apr 19, Hinman’s Corners (RS, JS), early; then from
Apr 27 to May 16, reports from Owego (RW), Candor (DW), Buckhorn
Lake (HW), Cortland (WB, Connie Wilkins) and several localities in the
Triple Cities area. Golden-crowned Kinglet: last reported May 1, Owego
(AE). Ruby-crowned Kinglet: Apr 12, Owego (EW) to May 15, Endwell
(LB). Water Pipit: Apr 26, Candor (DW) and May 4, Owego (MW, CG) ;
both times in very large numbers but no other reports.

Vireos — Warblers: Yellow-throated Vireo: one, Unadilla (HW) and
one, Binghamton (CH) May 4. Solitary Yireo: one, Apr 17, Ingraham Hill
(CH). Red-eyed Vireo: May 4, Owego (RW). Philadelphia Vireo: May 8,
Chenango Forks (M, AD); May 15, Newark Valley (LD). Warbling Vireo:
May 1, Owego, (RW); less common than in previous years in Unadilla (HW)
and in the Triple Cities area (LB). Warblers: Black and White Apr 27,
Chenango Forks (M, AD) and Hinman’s Corners (RS, JS). Worm-eating:
May 5, Owego, (RW), only report. Golden-winged: May 5, Chenango Forks
(M, AD), fairly numerous reports. Brewster’s, one May 21, Ingraham
Hill (CH), the only one. Blue-winged: May 5, Chenango Forks (M, AD),
seemingly more than in previous years but nowhere near as numerous as
golden-wings. Tennessee: one, May 5, Binghamton (CH) ; May 23 (last).
Orange-crowned: May 3, Owego (MW, CG), the only one. Nashville: one,
May 1, Ingraham Hill (CH). Parula: May 7, Chenango Forks (M, AD);
May 10 quite a few reported moving through tree tops at Norwich (R, SW) ;
May 17 (last), Triple Cities area. Yellow: one, Apr 23, Binghamton (Ray
Short), earliest report; common after May 2. Magnolia: one May 4, Bingham¬
ton (CH); quite a few until May 22. Cape May: May 7, Chenango Forks
(M, AD); not too many, May 17 (last). Black-throated Blue: one, May 4,
Binghamton (CH) ; fairly numerous until May 11, then only scattered
reports, but still present at Whitney Point May 31 (MS). Myrtle: one, Apr
18, WPR (NC), first migrant; May 19 (last), Chenango Forks (M, AD);

168

The Kingbird

common but not overwhelmingly so, as they are some years. Black-throated
Green: Apr 27,, Chenango Forks (M, AD); most migrants passed through
between May 1 and 21; those reported at Hancock (RD) and Whitney
Point (MS) in the last three days of May are probably summer residents.
Blackburnian: May 2, Owego (AE) and Sidney (FQ) ; migrants mostly gone
after May 17; presumably reidents at Whitney Point May 30 (MS). Chest-
nut-sided: May 5, Chenango Forks (M, AD) and two, same day, Ingraham
Hill (CH). Bay-breasted: five, May 9, Binghamton and Ingraham Hill (CM) ;
Mar 17 (last). Blackpoll: May 4, Owego (RW), seems very early; next
reported May 16. Pine: Apr 29, Owego (RW) ; one, May 1, Binghamton
(CH) ; only reports. Prairie: May 4, heard at Deposit (SW) ; only report.
Palm: Apr 27 and 28, Chenango Forks (M, AD); only reports. Ovenbird:
one, May 1, Ingraham Hill (CH). Northern Water thrush: Apr 26, Owego
(Bendle) ; quite a few other reports. Louisiana Waterthrush: Apr 19,
Conklin Forks (P, PK) ; not too many and none, so far, after May 16.
Mourning Warbler: May 15, Endwell (LB); several other reports, but not
many. Yellowthroat: two, Hancock (RD) and Endwell (LB) May 6. Yel¬
low-breasted Chat: May 16, Endwell (LB); regular at one station but no
other report in the region. Wilson’s Warbler: one, May 8, Endwell (LB);
May 23 (last). Canada Warbler: May 7, Owego (RW). American Redstart:
two, Hancock (RD) and Owego (MW) May 5.

Blackbirds -— Sparrows: Bobolink: May 4, Candor (DW) i at Cortland
“numerous, even in lowland fields occasionally” (JG). Baltimore Oriole:
May 1, Owego (AE) ; common after May 4. Scarlet Tanager: May 2, Owego
(Sada Turner, James Shuler) ; common after May 9. Rose-breasted Gros¬
beak: one, May 3, Endwell (GC). Indigo Bunting: May 5, Chenango Forks
(M, AD) ; common after May 9. Dickcissel: Apr 4 and 5, Chenango Bridge
(S. Gorton) ; a male, Apr 18, 19 and 20, then a female, Apr 23, Hancock
(Estelle and Ed Standfast). Evening Grosbeak: almost all gone after May
10; last straggler May 24, Deposit (SW). Purple Finch: became common
in the Triple Cities area about Apr 13 after being almost absent since Mar
19; at Deposit “a swarm arrived Apr 19” (SW) ; “a common nester this year
in Cort Co (JG). House Finch: one, Apr 7, Deposit (SW), a female or
immature male, “like a purple finch, but slimmer, olive streaks on sides
and belly wavy and fine, not heavy broken lines of triangular spots as on
purple finch, no pronounced facial striping, no light stripe over eye or dark
patch behind eye as in female purple finch. Dark horn color bill, a few brick
red feathers on rump, otherwise olive gray. Grayish edges to feathers on
back and wings. Tail forked, iris brown, legs brown. I went to the Museum
of Natural History and studied the trays of House and Purple Finch skins. —
photos bad, but John Bull says they appear to be female or immature male
House Finch. Haven’t seen it since”. Pine Siskin: to May 12, Binghamton
(CH). Red Crossbill: two, May 15, Owego (AE) ; only report since Jan.
White-winged Crossbill: May 9, Binghamton (MS) ; two, one singing, May 10,
Gilbert State Park in Otse Co (R, SW), the only reports since early Mar.
Rufous-sided Towhee: Apr 14, Owego (RW) ; common after Apr 19. Savan¬
nah Sparrow: Apr 3, WPR (HM, GC) ; “many noted”, Cort Co (JG). Grass¬
hopper Sparrow: one, heard, Apr 28 (first), Endwell (LB). Henslow’s Spar¬
row: one, Apr 30, Binghamton (CH), Vesper Sparrow: Apr 7, Binghamton
(HM). Slate-colored Junco: abundant until Apr 30; “found nesting here
in Apr”, still coming to feeders at end of May, Deposit (SW) ; “nest con¬
taining 3 eggs”, May 10, Hancock (RD). Oregon Junco: Apr 4 to 14, Che¬
nango Forks (M, AD). Tree Sparrow: common to Apr 25; two, Apr 30 (last)
Binghamton (Ray Short). Chipping Sparrow: Apr 16, Owego (RW). Field
Sparrow: common from Apr 8. White-crowned Sparrow: Apr 15, Owego
(AE) ; Apr 20, Endwell (FL) ; most common May 3 to 18 (last). White-
throated Sparrow: most common from Apr 15 to May 15; May 18 (last). Fox
Sparrow: about gone after Apr 21; 40 (Max), Apr 8, Hancock (RD). Linc¬
oln’s Sparrow: two, May 15, Triple Cities (GC, LB) and one, the same day
and another May 17, Deposit (SW), all banded; May 17, Triple Cities (NC),
the only sight record.

710 University Ave., Endwell 13763

The Kingbird

169

REGION 5 — ONEIDA LAKE BASIN
David B. Peakall and Margaret S. Rusk

April was near normal as regards both temperature and rainfall. In
May the rainfall was near normal but the temperatures were well above
average. April passerine migrants arrived about on time. The first May
warm spell, the 6th to 9th, coincided with some major movements of land-
birds.

There was a distinct lack of flooded land, which accounts in part at least
for the poor showing of dabbling ducks.

The hawk watch at Derby Hill on the southeast corner of Lake Ontario
near Mexico was continued and intensified this year. Several eagles of both
species were recorded and high counts were obtained for several species of
raptors aS^ well as for some of the passerine migrants.

Rarities included Barrow’s Goldeneye, Franklin’s Gull, Black-backed
Three-toed Woodpecker, Raven, Connecticut Warbler, and Yellow-headed
Blackbird.

Abbreviations: GLSP — Green Lakes State Park; HIGMA — Howlands
Island Game Management Area; Oakwood — cemetery, Syracuse; Onon —
Onondaga; RSP —- Rome Sand Plains; SP — Sandy Pond; SSSP — Selkirk
Shores State Park; TRGMA — Three Rivers Game Management Area;
max — maximum; L — Lake; arr — arrived; N — north.

Regular observers.; CA — Clemence Acland; DA — Dorothy Ackley;
JB — Jon Bart; GC — Gerald Church; ME — Meredith Estoff; EE —
Emma Evans; JH —- John Haugh; DP — David Peakall; JP — Jean Propst;
MR Margaret Rusk; FS —* Fritz Scheider; CS — Christian Spies; BS —
Betty Starr.

Loons — Ducks: Common Loon: despite good coverage at Derby Hill,
no major flight was observed. Red-throated Loon: one, Derby Hill Apr 18
(CA); one, Oneida L Apr 24 (FS). Red-necked Grebe: one-four, Oneida
L Apr 19-25. Horned Grebe: max 100, Oneida L Apr 19. Great Blue Heron:
arr at nests at Scott Swamp near Phoenix between Apr 2 and 5. Green
Heron: first date Apr 4, TRGMA. Black-crowned Night Heron: one near
Skaneateles May 5 (W. Spofford) ; up to three HIGMA during May (G.
Gage). Am. Bittern: Apr 11 (first), Clay Swamp. Least Bittern: first
report May 16, Clay Swamp. Glossy Ibis: one, May 12 Derby Hill (P.
Kaplan).

Whistling Swan: one, Derby Hill Apr 25-26. Snow and Blue Geese: two
and eight respectively Beaver L Apr 4 (JP). Counts of dabbling ducks were
very low, partially at least due to lack of flooded land. Counts of Mallard
and Black were 25/day and both Teal only ten/day. Gadwall: few records
away from HIGMA. Am. Widgeon: max 75, Oneida L Apr 25. Ring-necked:
max 200, Oneida L Apr 20 and 24. Barrow’s Goldeneye: a male, Oneida L
Apr 4-5 (MR, DP). Bufflehead: one May 16, (last), SP. Red-breasted
Merganser: max 700, Derby Hill Apr 24.

Hawks — Owls: The hawk lookout at Derby Hill near Mexico was man¬
ned daily from Feb 28-May 7. Since no previous coverage approaches this
in completeness, the counts will be given in some detail; for the same reason
comparison with previous observations is difficult. The term “main flight”
refers to 90% of the total unless otherwise stated. Turkey Vulture: total
82; best days Apr 13 with 15, Apr 23 with 13, and Apr 10 with 12; first, Apr
2; main flight Apr 10-27. Goshawk: total 53 — two in Feb, 30 in Mar, 21 in
Apr (last, Apr 21) — numbers lower than last year but confirm that this
species passes in fair numbers. Sharp-shinned Hawk: total 2351; best days
Apr 12 with 400 and Apr 13, 363; total migration period Mar 7-May 3 6; main
flight Apr 12-May 4. Cooper’s Hawk: total 134; max 27 on Mar 28; total
period Mar 7-May 5; main flight Mar 21-Apr 27. Red-tailed: total 1143* best-
days Apr 12 with 205, Apr 13 with 167, Apr 7 with 117; recorded throughout
the watch, but 50 plus/day confined to Mar 25-Apr 17. Red-shouldered: total

170

The Kingbird

493; best days Mar 28 with 198, Mar 24 with 130; total flight Mar 3-May 12,
but ten plus/day confined to Mar 21-Apr 2; the count is little over half of
last year’s despite increased coverage. Broad-winged Hawk: total 21,983;
best days, Apr 23 with 8097, Apr 25, 6711 and May 2, 2275, the two highest
counts exceeding the previous best; total flight Apr 10-May 19; 95% of
total Apr 23-May 3. Careful counts of high-flying birds contributed to the
Apr 23 total. Numbers of birds involved were probably comparable to the
1962 count. Rough-legged: total 119; best days Mar 28 with 16 and Mar 7
with 15; total period Mar 1-May 12; 71 in Mar, 47 in Apr, one in May.

Golden Eagle: one each, Mar 24, Apr 2, 23, and 26, and May 2; two Apr
27 and May 6. Bald Eagle: one each, Mar 7 and *9, Apr 2, 8, 23, 25, and
26, and May 2 and 6; two Apr 7 and May 16. Marsh Hawk: total 371; best
days Apr 7 with 71 and Mar 28 with 59; total period Mar 4-May 16; main
flight Mar 21-Apr 27. Osprey: total 237, much higher than previous year;
max 49 May 3 (record high count); total flight Apr 8-May 22; main flight
Apr 13-rMay 6. Peregrine Falcon: one Apr 5 and 27; two Apr 26. Pigeon
Hawk: 19 during the period Apr 2-26. Sparrow Hawk: total 507; best days
Apr 7 with 117, Apr 13 with 66, and Apr 12 with 63; total period Mar 7-May
22; main flight Mar 24-Apr 26; counts considerably higher than last year;
previous best daily count was 45.

Numbers (approx 50/day) of Red-,tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks were
noted in late Apr passing over Big Moose (C. V. Bowes) ; neither species had
previously been seen in such numbers on migration in this area. Of Osprey,
more records than usual from Skaneateles (R. Seaman) and Beaver Lakes.

Gallinule: one found dead, Derby Hill Apr 12 (MR), early date. Semi-
palmated Plover: first, May 10 Onon L; max ten May 26 Onon L. Black-
bellied Plover: one near Phoenix and two Onon L May 16. Ruddy Turnstone:
one May 16 and two May 23 SP. Solitary Sandpiper: date range Apr 27-
May 17. Lesser Yellowlegs: extremely scarce, only a few records, of single
birds. Knot: ten SP May 23. Pectoral Sandpiper: first, Apr 19 Kirkville.
White-rumped Sandpiper: one, SP May 16 (MR). Least Sandpiper: first,
May 16 SP; max 19 HIGMA May 17. Dunlin: first, May 16 SP; max 100
SP May 23. Short-billed Dowitcher: one SP May 16; 12 HIGMA May 17.
Semi-palmated Sandpiper: three SP May 16, 150 SP May 2'3, and 110 SP
May 31.

Franklin’s Gull: party of six, east of Seneca R near Montezuma, Apr 11
(Farnham, Ives); for details see Field Notes section. Common Tern: first,
Apr 20 Oneida L. Black Tern: first, Apr 23 Sage Creek near Derby Hill.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo: first, May 11 Eaton; seemed the scarcer of the 'cwo
couckoos. Black-billed: first, May 7 Liverpool.

Goatsuckers — Vireos: Whip-poor-will: arr Apr 26 Cicero Bog, slightly
early. Chimney Swift: migrants at Derby Hill and arrivals at the Mansion
House, Kenwood, Oneida, colony both Apr 23, early. Hummingbird: arr
May 7 L Ontario; good max of seven there May 16. Yel-shafted Flicker : max
count made at Derby Hill Apr 26 when 100 passed from 9-9:30 AM; contin¬
ued at a somewhat lower rate, to total 760 by 3 PM. Red-bellied Wood¬
pecker: a female in Apr at the D. Beebe’s feeder in Camillus where there
was a male during the winter; a male near Phoenix Apr 11 (MR) and a bird
sighted in flight at Peru Apr 19 (FS) — both new locations but in the
Seneca-Oneida axis. Red-headed Woodpecker: often several in a day passing
Derby Hill in May (4th-19th) with a max of eight May 12, may,indicate
more breeding locations along L Ontario than are currently known; two
Liverpool May 29 (CA). Yel.-bellied Sapsucker: widespread arrival Apr 12.
Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker : one working on a dead pine at Camp
Twelve Pines, Amboy, Oswego Co, on the surprising date of Apr 11 (J.
Weeks).

Kingbird and Crested Flycatcher: one each, Apr 26, Liverpool and Derby
Hill respectively, both early. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: four reports, May
16-25. Alder: two, arr May 15 Oneida. Least Flycatcher: two, arr Apr 28

The Kingbird

171

Plainville Wood Pewee: arr May 3 RSP (DA) quite early, Olive-sided
Flycatcher: singles May 20 SSSP (EE) and May 22 Oakwood (MR).

Mai or influx of swallows at Derby Hill Apr 18 ,with the first Bank,
Rough-winged, and Cliff. Peak counts there Apr 23:8000 Tree, 4000 Bank,
35 Rough-winged, 20 Barn, six Cliff, and 30 Martin. The following Derby
Hill Blue Jay counts confirm the occurrence of a massive late-May migration:
1275 May 12, 2100 May 16, 1003 May 22 (JH). Raven: two Derby Hill
sightings, Apr 17 migrating with 'Crows, carefully observed by JH, and Apr
27 (JH et al).

Black-capped Chickadee and White-breasted Nuthatch: highest migration
counts 120 and 65 respectively Apr 26 at Derby Hill; Chickadees still passing
there May 16 with 55 that day. Red-breasted Nuthatch: widely reported but
no migrant waves .«*— never more than two in a day. The only large wave
of Brown Creeper noted was 40 along L Ontario the morning of Apr 18.
Winter Wren: scarce — few reports of migrants, singles and twos only, Apr
13-24. Lorig-billed Marsh Wren: not found at Clay Swamp, where they are
common breeders, until May 9, Short-billed Marsh Wren: only report, one
May 19 Clay Swamp (JB), not found subsequently. Mockingbird: one
Syracuse for two days in late Apr (D. Dawley) ; first. half of May, one N.
Syracuse (R. Guilfoyle), one Skaneateles (Mrs. C. L. Miller), and one James-
ville (Mrs. T. S. Harmon) — fide B. Burtt; one May 20 Camillus and one
May 21 near Utica (both E. Beebe). Catbird and Brown Thrasher arr Apr
29 Oakwood and Apr 14 Sandy Creek, respectively, both a bit early.

Wood Thrush: arr Apr 27, early, Onon L; several records during the
first half of May of about ten in an hour in a limited area. In contrast,
Hermit, Swainson's, and Gray-cheeked were very scarce: only four reports
of migrant Hermit, Apr 17-25, with never more than two at a time; Swain-
son's May 9-22, never more than two per trip; single Gray-cheeked May 16
SSSP, May 22 Oakwood, and May 31 SP. Bluebird nestings at Taberg
(three), Rome, New Hartford, Remsen, Sherrill, Richland, Camillus, and
Lafayette.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: in addition to the regular Camillus colony; one,
Cicero Swamp, Apr 29, early, (CS) ; Nedrow during May (Farnhams), Ken¬
wood (one May 10, H. Nodecker), and Scott Swamp in late May (JP, MR).
Ruby-crowned Kinglet: arr Apr 13, Eaton (GC) the migration peaked
quickly to a moderate max of 50 Apr 19 and terminated early, May 12.
Pipit: none recorded despite searches for them in the areas where usually
found. Loggerhead Shrike: one Apr 5 Phoenix (MR) and one Apr 7 Derby
Hill (JP). Yellow-throated and Red-eyed Vireos: arr May 5 Pompey and
May 3, early, Liverpool (CS) respectively. Solitary Yireo: only three re¬
ports, singles Oakwood Apr 29, Camillus May 10, and Oakwood May 12.
Philadelphia: one Syracuse May 2 (M. Bitz), one Oakwood May 13 (MR),
one each L Ontario (JB) and Oakwood (H. Ives) May 16, and two Oakwood
May 22 (JP). Warbling Vireo: increase noted at Rome (H. Aspinwall) and
Pulaski (EE).

Warblers: In the vicinity of Syracuse and along L Ontario the first half
of May brought the most interesting warbler migration in several years. May
4th, 6th, 9th, and 13th were the best days in numbers of new species arriv¬
ing and in high counts. The 15th brought one of the largest waves at Rome;
in Syracuse it was the last date for migrant Black-throated Blues and Greens,
and the 22nd was the last date for migrant Magnolias, Myrtles, Blackburni-
ans, and Bay-breasteds. The last quarter of the month produced no out¬
standing waves.

Most species arrived on time, e.g.: Parula May 8; Yellow Apr 25;
Cerulean, Blackburnian, and Chestnut-sided May 5; Ovenbird May 3; Red¬
start May 5. Verly early is a Black-and-white Apr 19, Oakwood (ME) and
somewhat early are a Canada May 6, Morrisville Swamp (DA) and Hooded
May 9, Martisco (ME). Late are Black-throated Blue May 5, Black-throated
Green May 2, and Yellowthroat May 6 — in the case of the first two, is the
late first record due to their scarcity in migration?

172

The Kingbird

Despite fine variety, numbers were not outstandingly high. Some, of the
larger counts are as follows: Tennessee max 20 in an hour Oakwood May 13
and 20; 100 Yellow May 9 Camillus and HIGMA May 17 (largely resident
birds); 50 Myrtle May 10 l'lion; 25 Cerulean May 17 HIGMA (mostly resi¬
dents — surprisingly high); 12 Blackburnian in an hour Oakwood May 11;
ten Chestnut-sided in an hour Oakwood May 10 and 70 in the Tug Hill
(mainly residents) May 16; 25 Redstarts in an hour Oakwood May 20. Num¬
bers of Bay-breasted (max six Oakwood May 10) and Palm (only five reports,
Apr 26 to May 16, with max of six along L Ontario the last day) quite low.
An increase in Golden-winged around Pulaski was noted by EE with a max
of six on May 2'3, probably mostly residents at that date.

Uncommon Warblers include -— Worm-eating: one Oswego in May (T.
Georgia) and another singing near Baldwinsville May 9 (MR). Blue-winged:
only one, Pompey May 13 (JB). Orange-crowned: one Oakwood May 6
(MR) and May 8 (JP), Cape May: singles Oakwood May 6 and 13, Syra¬
cuse May 15 and 16, and SSSP May 8. Connecticut: one May 11 SSSP (EE).

Blackbirds — Sparrows: Bobolink: more common this spring 1 , according
to three observers (Pulaski, Richland, and Rome). Yellow-headed Blackbird:
one Apr 23 Syracuse (Mrs. Henry Brown, fide B. Burtt). Baltimore Oriole:
max of 53 on May 12, Derby Hill. Rusty Blackbird: highest count at Derby
Hill 250 Apr 24; last migrants May 16 New Haven. A singing Cardinal is
now a regular spring sound at Derby Hill and in Pulaski. Rose-breasted
Grosbeak: arr May 5, somewhat late, Pompey; max 15 Derby Hill May 12.
Indigo Bunting: arr May 4, early, Eaton, but not in numbers until May 12
when 16 passed Derby Hill.

Many winter finches remained long into spring, as might be expected in
view of the high numbers this winter. Evening Grosbeak: high of migrants
at Derby Hill 85 Apr 26; 30 still at Eaton Apr 29; last — 18 passing Derby
Hill May 12, and two there and one Oakwood May 16. Purple Finch: good
numbers — max ten Oakwood Apr 29 and May 12. Pine Grosbeak: none
during the period. Redpoll: a very high count of 400 passing Derby Hill
Apr 7; down to 30 there the last day noted, Apr 27. Siskin: from 150 Apr
7 down to 20 Apr 27 at Derby Hill; flocks of up to 60 feeding on dandelion
seeds and in trees in Camillus and Syracuse in May; last, May 17 Syracuse.
Goldfinch: 345 passed Derby Hill May 12. Red Crossbill: lingered at feeders
in Kenwood through Apr and to May 17 ;> five repeats out of 23 banded there
by H. Nodecker shows that the flock was at least partly of the same compo¬
sition; still present at Utica and one at Derby Hill May 15; last two May 22
Syracuse (BS). White-winged Crossbill: not as widespread as the Red —
only reports are ten Eaton Apr 15 (GC), a few in Apr at Kenwood with
Reds at feeder, and the last two with four Reds at Kenwood May 21 (M.
Jones).

Many sparrow species arrived late — e.g., Savannah Apr 12 at Oneida
and Baldwinsville; Henslow’s not until May 12 at Clay (searched for unsuc¬
cessfully earlier); Vesper Apr 5 near Phoenix. Slate-colored Junco: mod¬
erate max of 200 Oakwood Apr 14, a little late for the peak. Last Tree
Sparrow Oakwood Apr 24. Chipping arr Apr 11, early, Jamesville (BS).
Field Sparrow: not present in numbers until the 2nd half of Apr, late.

White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows : low numbers of both_White-

crowned Apr 4 Kenwood to May 16 when the max of five occurred along L
Ontario, and migrant White-throated Apr 19 to May 15 with max of 50
Oakwood May 13-15. Fox Sparrow: moderate max of six Apr 12 Oneida-
last reports Apr 19 GLSP and New Haven. Lincoln’s Sparrow: only one,’
May 13 Oakwood (MR). Swamp Sparrow: not generally reported until Apr
18, late. No Apr reports of Snow Buntings from the Derby Hill migration-
watch or elsewhere — cf. the low winter numbers.

SUNY Upstate Medical Center, 766 Irving Ave., Syracuse 10

The Kingbird

173

REGION 6 — ST. LAWRENCE
Frank A. Clinch

The April weather was generally fair with temperatures above normal
and this continued well into May. Birds arrived in this region at their usual
time or in some cases a little earlier. Temperatures for the last half of
May dropped below normal and there were frequent rains.

The biggest surprise was the number of Cerulean Warblers seen, and the
probability that they are nesting here. Several Red Crossbills visited Allen’s
feeder frequently in late April and early May.

PRGMA is used for the Perch Lake Game Management Area in Jeffer¬
son County.

Loons — Ducks: Double-crested Cormorant: as numerous as last year,
about 19 active nests noted May 21. Great Blue Heron: more nests this year
at PRGMA. Cattle Egret: only one reported, near PRGMA May 11. Black-
crowned Night Heron: colonies larger on all islands visited (Allen). Canada
Goose: A very good flight. Largest count at PRGMA was 5,000 Apr 6.
Geese were reported to be damaging the grass or grain crops along the
banks of Black River in Lewis County in April. Several were heard flying
as late as May 17. May be nesting at El Dorado, Bass Island and again at
PRGMA. Mallard: Nests on Bass and Gull Is. Pintail: 30 at PRGMA Apr
4 and a pair nesting there. Redhead: at PRGMA in early May. Ringed¬
necked Duck: 20 at PRGMA Apr 18 and a pair there as late as May 24.

Hawks — Owls: Turkey Vulture: one in road near Edwards eating a
dead woodchuck May 10, four near Redwood May 23. Goshawk: nesting
again in Lewis County (Walker). Broad-winged Hawk: pair in woods near
South Edwards May 10. Bald Eagle: adult at El Dorado May 2. Osprey:
pair at PRGMA in late Apr, one at Natural Bridge May 10 and a nest at
Grass Lake. Bobwhite: seen around Watertown, but these are probably
birds that escaped this spring. Turkey: seen on Wellesley Is. Black-bellied
Plover: six at El Dorado May 30. Ruddy Turnstone: many at El Dorado
May 30. Common Snipe: Apr 12. Upland Plover: five near Henderson Apr
19, early. Spotted Sandpiper: May 9, PRGMA. Solitary Sandpiper: May
16, Sulphur Springs. Greater Yellowlegs: Apr 18, PRGMA. White-rumped
Sandpiper: one at El Dorado May 21. Dunlin: six at PRGMA May 12. Short-
billed Dowitcher: at El Dorado May 21-30, Sanderling: El Dorado May 21.
Herring Gull: nesting colonies are about the same size as last year. Ring¬
billed Gull: nesting colonies increasing in size each year. Caspian Tern: two
at El Dorado May 21, not surprising now that we know they are breeding on
Pigeon Island, a Canadian Island in Lake Ontario. Mourning Dove: seem to
be more numerous each year. Yellow-billed Cuckoo: May 13, Burrville.
Black-billed Cuckoo: about as numerous as other years.

Goatsuckers —- Sparrows: Red-headed Woodpecker: first May 8, several
seen including two in Lewis Co. Kingbird: May 9. Great Crested Flycatch¬
er: first May 8. Rough-winged Swallow: May 2. Bluebird: an increase in
the number of these birds reported, largely due to people who have read of
the scarcity of this species. Nests in boxes at Black River and Brownville.
Warbling Vireo: May 3.

Black-and-white Warbler: Apr 19, Watertown. Golden-winged Warbler:
May 24 (Belknap). Orange-crowned Warbler: one seen. Parula Warbler:
seen by three observers. Cape May Warbler: May 5. Cerulean Warbler:
first May 9 at PRGMA, later at three more places in the vicinity of Water-
town. Some of the Cerulean Warblers were found in the same places several
days later so they may be nesting. Black-poll Warbler: May 17. Ovenbird:
May 10. Redstart: May 8. Scarlet Tanager: May 7.

Evening Grosbeak: seen in fairly good numbers at feeders until late Apr,
but only a few in May, last at Allen’s feeder May 15. Redpoll: 200 at

174

The Kingbird

PRGMA Apr 4. Red Crossbill: 18 at Allen's feeder Apr 22 to May 28. Tree
Sparrow: last at Allen's feeder Apr 21, but reported by others in early May.
173 Haley St., Watertown

REGION 7 — ADIRONDACK - CHAMPLAIN
Harriet L. Del afield

Mr Kampf of the Ray Brook weather station tells us that temperatures
ranged widely in April 1964. A record low of —5° on April 5 was preceded
by 8 inches of new snow on April 3 and three inches more on April 4,
Most of this snow was gone by April 8. Temperature high was 71° on April
28 and 29. Precipitation and wind were about average for the month.

May temperatures were close to normal with light frost on the 15th and
moderate frost on the 21st. Temperature high was 83° on May 25. Precipi¬
tation was above normal; 1.35 inches of rain fell overnight on the 15th.
Winds were considerably stronger than normal; gusts up to 60 mph on the
9th and 30 mph on the 10th and 20th.

Two records of Snow Geese are unusual in the Saranac Lake area. We
were extremely disappointed at not finding an active Goshawk nest. The
lack of at least one Bald Eagle at Tupper Lake is also something to be
alarmed about.

Mrs. Mcllroy’s observations at Piseco Lake were made between May 28
and 31. She notes: “Spraying the shore of Piseco Lake has certainly cut the
insect population to a small fraction of its former numbers, so that even
assuming that the spray itself did not affect the birds, the insect population
would not support the numbers of breeding birds that used to be present.”

Observers and initials: AA— 1 Agnes Amstutz; EA — Elizabeth Ander¬
son; ED — Ethel Dyer; HD Harriet Delafield; JD — Mrs. John Delahanty;
JH — Joseph Hart; JK — Joseph Keji; MK — Dr. Marguerite Kingsbury;
DMcI — Dorothy Mcllroy.

Abbreviations used: B — Brook; L — Lake; P — Pond; R — River.

Loons — Ducks: Common Loon: pair Rainbow L and Duck P (JH) ; L
Colby May 28 (HD); four Tupper L Apr 18 (AA, MK) ; two May 3 Rollins
P (AA). Pied-billed Grebe: seen Apr 26, May 8 & 12 Tupper L (MK) ; two
May 11 Tupper L (AA). Great Blue Heron: one Apr 15 Ray B (JK) ; one
Apr 25 thru May 3 Tupper L “scarce” (AA) ; one May 7 Saranac L (HD).
Green Heron: one May 13 Tupper L (AA, MK). American Bittern: one
Apr 26, four May 8, two May 12 Tupper L (MK); one May 18 Saranac R
(HD). Canada Goose: 65 Apr 27 Ray B (JK) ; JD reports small flocks at
Tupper L from Apr 2 to May 26; at least one pair put out by the Conserva¬
tion Dept in 1963 on the Raquette R has nested and brought off a brood; 50
Apr 12 L Flower (JH, HD); 73 Apr 20 Debar (JH) ; 12 L Champlain May
11 (JH), Snow Goose: two L Flower Apr 12 (JH, HD) ; six immatures in a
rye field Gabriels May 20 (EA, HD, D Young). Mallard: pair Apr 30 Sara-
nace R (EA, HD); pair May 15 Oseetah L (JH). Black Duck: reported in
small numbers from Ray B, Tupper L and Saranac L; six pair May 15 Oseetah
L (JH). Pintail: four Apr 25 Tupper L (JD). Green-winged Teal: pair
Apr 30 Ray B (JK). Blue-winged Teal: pair nesting Saranac R (EA, HD).
Wood Duck: four Apr 19 Tupper L (MK) ; two May 2 Tupper L (AA) ; five
May 11 L Alice (JH). Ring-necked Duck: ten Apr 17 Tupper L (MK) ; 13
pair May 15 Oseetah L (JH). Lesser Scaup: 30 Tupper L Apr 17 thru 20
(AA, MK) ; four Apr 21 L Colby (HD), Common Goldeneye: small num¬
bers seen by MK Apr 4 thru 26 Tupper L; one female May 10 St Regis Falls
(EA, HD). Bufflehead: 30 Tupper L Apr 25 and 26 (AA, MK); three pair
L Flower Apr 25 (EA, HD). Hooded Merganser: small numbers, Tupper
L after Apr 12; pair, L Clear Apr 21 (HD). Common Merganser: one to
nine Apr 4 thru 19 Tupper L (MK) one male. Rocky B, Upper Chateaugay
(JH) ; Piseco L, late May (DMcI).

The Kingbird

175

Hawks — Owls: Sharp-shinned Hawk: Apr 30, one carefully identified
Forestdale Rd, NE of Franklin Falls (EA, HD). Broad-winged Hawk: re¬
ported from Tupper L, Saranac L and Ray B; nest in Birch tree Ray B, May
21 (JK). Golden Eagles: one May 20, site undisclosed for conservation rea¬
sons (JH). Bald Eagle: no reports, JD says “this is the first year in several
that I haven’t seen the Bald Eagle”. Marsh Hawk: one Apr 6 West Chazy
(HD) ; one Apr 18 Tupper L (JD) ; one May 1 Ray B (JK); pair over Sara-
nace R May 4 (HD). Osprey: one or two, Tupper L, Apr 12 thru 26 (AA,
JD, MK); one May 12 Ray B (JK) ; encouraging numbers around Saranac
L, at nest near Rainbow L May 20 (EA, HD). Sparrow Hawk: sparse reports
early April, Tupper L, West Chazy and Saranac L. Ruffed Grouse: heard
drumming Apr 15 thru May 17 Ray B (JK) ; two May 2 Tupper L (MK).
Killdeer: one May 11 Tupper Li (AA) ; one Apr 3 and May 12 Saranac L
(HD). American Woodcock: two May 3 Tupper L (MK); singing ground
survey seems to show normal numbers around Saranac L and Franklin Falls
(EA, HD, JH). Common Snipe: one to five seen off and on from Apr 18 to
May 12, Tupper L (AA, MK) ; heard May 1 Ray B (JK) ; one May 18 Sara¬
nac R (HD). Spotted Sandpiper: one May 12 Rocky B, Upper Chateaugay
(JH). Solitary Sandpiper:‘ one May 10 (AA) and one May 13 (MK) both
at Tupper L. Herring Gull: seem less numerous this year, Tupper L (JD) ;
one Apr 15 Ray B (JK) ; 15 Apr 9, Cadyville (HD). Black Tern: three May
26 Tupper L (JD). Mourning Dove: two Apr 6 Tupper L (AA) ; one Norm¬
an’s Ridge May 12 (EA, HD).

Goatsuckers — Shrikes: Whip-poor-will: one Apr 27 thru month of May,
Tupper L (AA). Common Nighthawk: two May 15, Ttipper L (JD); one
May 24, Saranac L (JK). Chimney Swift: back to Ray B (JK) and Saranac
Li (HD) by May 6; May 8, Tupper L (MK) ; Piseco L, late May (DMcI).
Ruby-throated Hummingbird: first May 16, courtship flight May 26, Ray B
(JK) ; good numbers reported in Saranac L area after May 12 (ED). Belted
Kingfisher: two Apr 17 Tupper L (MK); one Apr 15 Ray B (JK); four
Apr 30 Saranac L (HD) ; late May, Piseco L (DMcI). Yellow-shafted Flicker:
Apr 15 seems to have been day of return in Ray B area (JK); Saranac
L (HD) ; Tupper L (JD) late May Piseco L (DMcI). Pileated Woodpecker:
one May 8 Tupper L (MK) ; Piseco L (DMcI). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker:
Apr 15 Ray B (JK) ; Apr 18 Tupper L (MK) ; Apr 24 Saranac L (HD) Piseco
L (DMcI). Hairy Woodpecker: seems normal in all areas. Downy Wood¬
pecker: same as Hairy. Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker: one Apr 23
Azure Mt.; one May 4 Debar (JH). Eastern Kingbird: May 12 Saranac
L (HD) ; May 22 Ray B (JK); no reports from Tupper L though this bird
seems more numerous this year in Saranac L area and north (HD). Great
Crested Flycatcher: one May 8 Ray B (JK) ; one May 15 Tupper L (AA) ;
one May 17 Saranac L (EA); May 24 Jay (HD); Piseco L (DMcI). Eastern
Phoebe: one Saranac L (HD) and Ray B (JK) Apr 15; two Tupper L May
3 (AA) ; Piseco L (DMcI). Traill’s Flycatcher: two May 24 near Jay (EA,
HD); Piseco L (DMcI). Least Flycatcher: common in all areas after May 3.
Eastern Wood Pewee: May 28 Ray B (JK) ; two May 30 Tupper L (AA);
Piseco L (DMcI). Olive-sided Flycatcher: May 18, Tupper L (AA) ; Ray B
(JK) and Piseco L (DMcI). Tree Swallow: one Apr 10 Tupper L (AA) ; four
Apr 15 Saranac L (HD); Apr 27 Ray B (JK) ; Piseco L (DMcI). Bank
Swallow: Apr 29 Ray B (JK); 40 May 3 Tupper L (AA); 20 May 6 Saranac
L (HD). Rough-winged Swallow: May 3 thru 26 Ray B (JK). Barn Swal¬
low: Ray B Apr 19 on, “our commonest swallow” (JK); five Apr 25 Tupper
L (AA) ; two Apr 26 Saranac L (HD); Piseco L (DMcI). Cliff Swallow:
30 May 3 Tupper L (AA); May 6 & 7 Ray B (JK). Gray Jay: one May 10
Tupper L (AA). Blue Jay: normal all areas. Common Crow: no very large
numbers reported: but noted in all areas. Black-capped Chickadee: normal
throughout region, nest Apr 17 Ray B (JK). Boreal Chickadee: Apr 4 &
5 Ray B (JK). White-breasted Nuthatch: normal throughout region. Red¬
breasted Nuthatch: normal. Brown Creeper: one Apr 18 Tupper L (AA,
MK); one Apr 21 Saranac L (HD) ; Piseco L (DMcI). House Wren: one
May 3 Tupper L “few this year” (AA); no reports from other areas. Winter
Wren: one Apr 22 thru May 8 Tupper L (AA, MK) ; one May 7 Saranac L

176

The Kingbird

(HD). Catbird: normal in all areas after May 12. Brown Thrasher: May
3 Ray B (JK) ; May 5 Tupper L (AA) ; pair Saranac L after May 7 (HD).
Robin,: good numbers reported in all areas. Wood Thrush: seem down in
numbers. Hermit Thrush: also down in numbers. Swainson’s Thrush: one
May 29 Saranac L (HD); Piseco L (DMcI). Veery: most numerous thrush
of this period, back May 8 Tupper L (AA) and Saranac L (HD) ; May 18
Ray B (JK). Eastern Bluebird: pair nesting, Tupper L Apr 10 (AA) ; one
May 26 Saranac L (HD). Golden-crowned Kinglet: small numbers Apr 18
thru 25 Tupper L (AA, MK). Ruby-crowned Kinglet: two Apr 18 to May 12
Tupper L (AA, MK) ; Apr 23 Ray B (JK). Water Pipit: late April and early
May at Gabriels “flocks smaller than in past four years — 30 as compared
to 100 or more” (David Young) ; two Horseshoe Pond May 15 (AA). Cedar
Waxwing: May 23 Ray B (JK ); six May 28 Saranac L (M Muncil) ; Piseco
L (DMcI). Starling: normal.

Vireos — Warblers: Solitary Vireo: one Apr 28, nest May 7 Ray B
(JK); two May 8 Tupper L (MK); Pifeeco L (DMcI). Red-eyed Vireo: back
early May all areas. Warbling Vireo: one May 8 Tupper L (AA, MK).
Black-and-white Warbler: May 3 Ray B (JK) ; one May 8 Tupper L (MK) ;
none heard at Piseco L (DMcI). Nashyille Warbler: good numbers. Parula
Warbler: excellent numbers; abundant Piseco L (DMcI). Yellow Warbler:
reported from all areas. Magnolia. Warbler: a few through May. Black-
throated Blue Warbler: good numbers. Myrtle Warbler: “not so common
this year” Ray B (JK) ; April 26 Tupper L (MK) ; normal throughout Sara¬
nac L (HD); Piseco L (DMcI). Black-throated Green Warbler: good num¬
bers thru May. Blackburnian Warbler: May 7 Saranac L (HD); May 11
Ray B (JK) ; May 12 Upper Chateaugay (JH) : May 18 Tupper L (MK) ;
Piseco L (DMcI). Chestnut-sided Warbler: good numbers from May 6.
Bay-breasted Warbler: one May 16 Osgood R (EA, HD). Ovenbird: fair
numbers after May 6; Piseco L (DMcI). Northern Waterthrush: May 2
Saranac L (HD); May 12 Tupper L (MK). Mourning* Warbler: one early
May Tupper L (AA). Yellowthroat: good numbers after May 6. Wilson's
Warbler: one May 12 Tupper L (MK); one May 26 Ray B (JK). Canada
Warbler: back by May 12. American Restart: back by May 10.

Blackbirds — Sparrows: Bobolink: Tupper L May 12 (AA) ; Ray B
May 17 (JK); Saranac L May 27 (HD). Eastern Meadowlark: two Apr 5
Ray B (JK); four Apr 6 Saranac L (HD) ; six Apr 10 Tupper L (JD). Red¬
winged Blackbird: normal throughout region. Baltimore Oriole: May 3, good
numbers Tupper L (AA) ; May 11 Saranac L (HD); May 21 Ray B (JK).
Common Graekle: common. Brown-headed Cowbird: 50 Apr 4 some through
May Saranac L (HD); all period Ray B (JK). Scarlet Tanager: May 3
Tupper L (AA) ; Piseco L (DMcI). Rose-breasted Grosbeak: one May 6 Ray
B (JK) ; May 8 Tupper L (MK) ; two May 11 Saranac L (ED) ; Piseco L
(DMcI). Indigo Bunting: May 17 Ray B (JK); early May Tupper L (AA).
Evening Grosbeak: small flocks throughout period in all areas. Purple Finch:
few in tri-lakes area all period; “abundant” Piseco _L (DMcI). Common
Redpoll: four Apr 4 Saranac L (ED). Pine Siskin: May 28 Tupper L (AA) ;
Apr 18 Ray B (JK) ; Apr 11 Saranac L (HD) ; Piseco L (DMcI). American
Goldfinch: a few reported from all areas except Piseco L. Red Crossbill: Apr
8, 17 & 29 (no numbers given) Ray B (JK). Rufous-sided Towhee: one Apr
27 Saranac L, this bird was convincingly described to me by Mrs. J Schmidt
(HD); one May 6 Ray B (JK) ; one May 15 Tupper L (AA). Savannah
Sparrow: three Apr 20, eight May 3 Ray B (JK); two Apr 26 Tupper L
(MK) ; one May four Saranac L (HD). Vesper Sparrow: six Apr 18 Tupper
D (AA) ; Apr 19 Ray B (JK) ; Apr 27 Saranac L (HD). Slate-colored Junco:
no large number reported from any area. Tree Sparrow: two Apr 18 Tupper
L (AA, MK) ; 15 Apr 27 Saranac L (ED). Chipping Sparrow: one Apr 15
Saranac L (HD); one Apr 18 Tupper L (MK) ; Apr 28 Ray B (JK). Field
Sparrow: one Apr 11 Tupper L (JD) ; three Apr 16 Ray B (JK) ; one Apr 21
Saranac L (HD) ; Piseco L (DMcI). White-crowned Sparrow: good numbers
Tupper L May 10 thru 18 (AA) ; small numbers May 5 thru 21 Ray B (JK) ;
one to four May 4-11, Saranac L (HD). White-throated Sparrow: one Apr

The Kingbird

177

16 Saranac L (HD): ten Apr 18 Tapper L (AA) ; Apr 15 Ray B “not as
common as last year” (JK) ; Piseco L (DMcI). Fox Sparrow: Apr 8 thru
16 Ray B (JK) ; one May 1 Tupper L (AA) ; gone from Saranac L May 4
(ED). Lincoln’s Sparrow: May 8 & 12 Ray B (JK). Swamp Sparrow:
Tupper L, Saranac L and Ray B after Apr 18. Song Sparrow: one Apr 2
Saranac L (EA) ; throughout period Ray B (JK) ; one Apr 11 Tupper L
(MK) ; Piseco L (DMcI). Snow Bunting: flock of 20 Apr 6 Tupper L
(AA).

Trudeau Road, Saranac Lake

REGION 8 — MOHAWK - HUDSON

Peter P, Wickham

This spring was once again quite dry. Precipitation at Albany totaled
2.17 in. during Apr and 1.31 in. for May, 0.60 and 2.16 in. below normal,
respectively. Although Apr, with an average of 45.7°, was very close to
the normal in temperature. May was a warm month, with temperatures
averaging 61.7 3.8° above normal.

Ducks and geese were observed in average numbers early in the period.
An unusual number of species were recorded well into May, although some
observers felt the bulk of the waterfowl left a little earlier than usual. The
very dry conditions prevailing in May made the spring shorebird flight in
Region 8 an outstanding one.

Despite a series of pleasant days at the end of Apr and the beginning of
May, the bulk of the landbirds did not appear until May 6-10. Observers
reported good numbers of many species on May 9 and 10 especially. It
seems likely that a storm passing south of the Region at the beginning of
May held back many migrants for a few days, as birds usually appearing first
in very early May were reported generally 3-4 days later this year. Few
“waves” were noted after that culmination on May 9-10, as days continued
to be sunny and pleasant, and the birds were not detained.

The spring migration of warblers was generally disappointing. Despite
the wide variety of species reported, most observers saw few individuals,
even of some rather common species. Although this was very likely due
partly to the lack of rain or even cloud cover on many nights, still even
nesting warblers seemed less common in a number of local areas.

An interesting result of the influx of finches over the past winter was
the number of late records of these birds; especially noteworthy were the
many reports of lingering Evening Grosbeaks and Red Crossbills.

Unusual or rare species reported during the period included Red-thr
Loon, Cattle Egret, Brant, Snow Goose, Shoveller, Goshawk, Bald Eagle,
King Rail, Iceland Gull, Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker, Boreal Chick¬
adee, Carolina Wren, Short-billed Marsh Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Pro-
thonotary Warbler, Brewster’s Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Kentucky
Warbler, Orchard Oriole and Dickcissel. In addition, a House Finch was
recorded in the Region for the first time, and two sandpipers which were
probably Baird’s Sandpipers were reported.

Abbreviations used: arr — arrived; BCM — Black Creek Marshes; br _

breasted; Co — County; Colu -— Columbia; com — common; er — crowned;
L — Lake; LK — Lisha Kill; max — maximum count; n — necked; Nisk —-

Niskayuna; nr — hear; NWW — Niskayuna Wide Waters; pr — pair; R _

River; Res — Reservoir; SCR — Stony Creek Reservoir; SL — Saratoga

Lake; Tomh — Tomhannock; thr — throated; w — winged; WR_ Water-

vliet Reservoir.

Observers: ADBC — Alan Devoe Bird Club; GCBC Greene County
Bird Club; SBC — Schenectady Bird Club; GA — Gus Angst; GB — Guy
Bartlett; TB, AB Tom & Arlene Brown; LB, VB — Lee & Virginia

178

The Kingbird

Burland; JHB, BB — James & Barbara Bush; JC — Juanita Cooke; HE —
Hazel Eddy; PE, GE — Paul & Georgia Erlenbach; JF — John Fuller; AG —
Aden Gokay; EH — Esly Hallenbeck; BH — Barrington Havens; MK —
Marcia Kent; CK — Clarissa Ketcham; JP, EP — John & Eloise Payne;
SP — Stephanie Podrazik; ER — Eleanor Radke; EMR — Dr. Edgar M.
Reilly, Jr.; WBS — Walton B. Sabin; BRS — Benton Seguin; RS, iViLS —
Robert & Mary Lou Shedd; FS, MS — Fred & Myra Smilow; HT — Henry
Thurston; DJT — Dr. Donald Tucker; BW — Beverly Waite; RW — .tiooerc
Wernick; PPW — Peter Wickham; RPY — Robert Yunick; NZ — Naomi
Zimmer; also, B-S-H, Guy Bartlett, Benton Seguin & Barringer Havens.

Loons — Ducks: Com Loon: reported throughout period to May 16, SL
(WBS, PPW). Red-thr Loon: one, SL, Apr 25 (B-S-H). Red-n Grebe: four
reported Apr 19-25 (B-S-H) and one very late one at SL May 16 (WBS,
PPW). Horned Grebe: Last May 1, SL (BRS), max 60, SL, Apr 25 (B-S-H).
Pied-billed Grebe: more than last year,.max 28 Apr 5 (GB, BH). Great Blue
Heron: very few seen. Com Egret: one reported at Claverack Apr 16 (HT) ;
another at Chatham Apr 22 (EMR) and a third at Basic Res Apr 26 (WBS) ;
a fourth was at SCR May 16-17 (SP). Cattle Egret: a flock of 15-20 appear¬
ed on a farm nr Broadalbin May 6 and were photographed (fide L. Stoner).
This was the only report. Green Heron: arr late; one in Canaan Apr 18
(JP, EP), but others arr in a marked wave Apr 28-30. American Bittern:
one reported Apr 12, Round L (B-S-H), but most arr Apr 24 and thereafter.
Canada Goose: many flocks observed, last May 24 (TB, AB, JC). Brant:
two flocks observed flying over and one on the water in Greene Co, May 16-
18 (JHB, BB) ; a flock flew over Slingerlands May 16 (WBS, DJT). Snow
Goose: one flew over Meadowvale with a flock of Canada Geese Apr 17
(M|LS) only observation. Gadwall: a pr was at SCR Apr 8-12 (EH, HE).
American Widgeon: most left by mid-Apr, but two were at SCR through May
16 (PPW, WBS). Pintail: good numbers, last Apr 23 (GB, BH). Green-w
Teal: last May 7, SCR (B-S-H). Blue-w Teal: large influx about Apr 10;
few appeared to remain in the area to breed. Shoveller: one male seen Apr
11, SL (SBC). Redhead: one pr was at SCR Apr 2-5 (B-S-H), (EH), and
another pr was at NWW May 16 (DJT, PPW, WBS). Ring-n Duck: appeared
in good numbers to May 3 (B-S-H). Canvasback: several reports, early Apr,
max 40 SL Apr 2 (BRS); last SCR Apr 26 (GA). Scaup: seen regularly
through May 16 (SBC). Com Goldeneye: seen up to May 3, SL (B-S-H).
Bufflehead: relatively few reported, last May 1 (BRS). Oldsquaw: a brief
appearance; fourteen were at SL Apr 22 (B-S-H), six were there Apr 23
(GB, BH) and one was at Alcove Res Apr 26 (WBS). White-w Scoter: one
was at Lock 7, Mohawk R, Apr 22 (BRS). Ruddy Duck: one, SL Apr 22
(BRS). Hooded Merganser: a number of reports, last May 16 (GA). Com
Merganser: seen well into May, last May 16, WR, (WBS, PPW) and May 23,
NWW (PPW). Red-br Merganser: reported up to May 16, WR and SL
(B-S-H).

Hawks —Owls: Goshawk: two late records — one Apr 18, Old Chatham
(ADBC) and one Apr 26, Meadowdale (GB, BRS). Sharp-shinned Hawk:
only five reports, three Apr 24-28 (B-S-H). Cooper’s Hawk: two reports,
one Alcove Res Apr 12 (WBS) and one nr Albany Airport Apr 27 (RW).
Red-shouldered Hawk: ten reports, mostly singles, scattered through period.
Red-tailed Hawk: seems somewhat more com this year than last. Broad-w
Hawk: some migrants noted Apr 18-May 10, no large flocks. Rough-legged
Hawk: one, Kinderhook, Apr 1 (last) (ER) and one Apr 5 (GB, BH). Bald
Eagle: two reports — one at WR Apr 25 (JF) and one at SCR (BRS et al.)
May 7-16, both adults. Marsh Hawk: eleven reports to mid-May. Osprey:
early report Apr 4, Emboght (GCBC); appeared in several areas Apr 12-14
and then reported to May 16, SCR (B-S-H). Peregrine Falcon: one seen over
Wolf Hollow May 10 (SBC) lone report. Bob-white: reports received from
Canaan, Emboght, Meadowdale and Nisk. King Rail: one was seen well at
BCM May 17 (L. Thomas). Virginia Rail: first, BCM Apr 18 (EH); few
reports. Sora: reported from BCM Apr 22 (BRS) — May 16 (SBC) ; also
reported from Greene and Colu Co May 16 (GCBC, ADBC). Com Gallinule:
few reports, first Apr 4, BCM (EH) and Apr 5, Coxsackie (C. Thorne), very

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early; next reports were after Apr 20. American Coot: only two reports —
one Apr 24, SCR (WBS) and one May 16, Green Co (GCBC). Semipalmated
Plover: more than fifteen reported from May 16, Vly Creek Res (HE, JF,
B. Hicks) through end of period. Upland Plover: few reports, first May 16
(SBC). Spotted Sandpiper: arr in marked wave last week of Apr, first Apr
23 (GB, BH). Solitary Sandpiper: first, May 8 (late), SL (B-S-H) and
Defreestville (PPW), Greater Yellow-legs: reports sprinkled throughout
period from Apr 4, Emboght (GCBC) — May 24, Meadowdale (B-S-H). Les¬
ser Yellow-legs: at least five reports from May 16 (SBC) — May 31 (RPY).
Pectoral Sandpiper: 1-4 reported at Meadowdale, Apr 24-May 1 (HE et al) ;
also at Nisk May 16 (HE, JF, B. Hicks). Least Sandpiper; reported May 16
(many areas) to end of period, max 40 May 18 (BRS). Banding of 44 of
these nr Scotia on six dates produced only three repeats on dates other than
that of capture, even though large numbers of the species were maintained
throughout the latter half of May at the locality, showing a rapid, continuous
movement’(through the area (RPY). A similar pattern was shown by band¬
ing result! with Semipalmated Plover. Semipalmated Sandpiper, and Spotted
Sandpiper. Dunlin: three were observed nr Scotia May 28; one was banded
and remained through May 31 (RPY). Semipalmated Sandpiper: mostly 1-2
reported, May 16, Nisk (HE, JF, B. Hicks) — May 29 (RPY), but 23 were
banded the evening of May 28 (RPY). Baird’s Sandpiper: two birds, prob¬
ably of this species, were observed in the company of Pectoral and Least
Sandpipers at Nick May 16 (H. Arnold, B. Hicks et al.). Unfortunately
others were not able to find the birds later. Iceland Guilt one was at SL
Apr 23 (GB, BH). Great Black-backed Gull: a few were reported, last May
7 (B-S-H). Bonaparte’s Gull: reported from Apr 12-May 7, SL (B-S-H) in
small numbers; most reports Apr 18-26. Com Tern: first reported at
Queechy and SL Apr 22 (AG, BRS) ; several other reports in late Apr, early
May, last May 24, NWW (GB, BH). Black Tern: three reports, all SL,
May 9-16, max 8 (PPW et al.). Yellow-billed Cuckoo: arr May 7, Meadow¬
dale (RS, MLS) ; seen in good numbers. Black-billed Cuckoo : arr May 8,
Catskill (JHB, BB) and BCM (B-S-H). No unusual owls were reported.

Goatsuckers -— Shrikes: Whip-poor-will : a very early first report, Apr
9, Palenville (Jean Hervey) ; several reported late Apr and afterwards.
Nighthawk: two earJy reports: one Apr 29, Chatham Center (David & Esther
Knoll) and one May 2, South Schodack (JC) ; most arr after May 15. Chim¬
ney Swift: first Apr 24, Catskill (BB) and Apr 27, Chatham (ER). Ruby-
thr Hummingbird: first May 6, Scotia (RPY); a large influx late in May,
Pileated Woodpecker: good numbers reported from all seetions. Red-headed
Woodpecker: several reports: one, Meadowdale, May 10-11 (BW, RS, MLS) ;
one, Chatham Center, May 10 (fide PPW); one, Washington Park, Albany,
May 16 (B. Hippie et al.) ; and one, Kiskatom, May 16 (JHB, BB). Yellow-
bellied Sapsucker: first Apr 2, Colu Co (ADBC), with several observed Apr
11-12; last migrant May 16, Gallupville (HE, NZ, EH) . Black-hacked Three¬
toed Woodpecker: This species was reported at Karner May 8 (H. Winn et
al.) and at Nisk May 9 (HE et al.) ; the localities are about 10 miles apart, so
that both observation could refer to the same individual. Kingbird: first
observed May 1, BCM (BRS), but most arr from May 7 on. Crested Fly¬
catcher: first May ’3 (SBC) with many reports over the next few days.
Traill’s Flycatcher: first May 16, BCM (SBC) and thereafter. Least Fly¬
catcher: first Apr 23, Ghent (PE, GE) and Apr 27, Greenville (CK), but
most appeared in early May. Wood Pewee: first May 10, Colu Co (ADBC)
and May 16 elsewhere in Region 8; relatively few were reported. Olive-
sided Flycatcher: only one reported during period — May 16, Colu Co
(ADBC). Tree Swallow: numbers rapidly built up Apr 5-11, and remained
high throughout period. Bank Swallow: first Apr 17 (WBS, BH, GB),
widely seen by end of Apr. At one especially large colony nr Scotia, 606
nest holes were counted on May 23, and a careful estimation based on banded
swallows indicated about 1175 adults present (RPY). Rough-w Swallow:
first Apr 17, Catskill (JHB) and widely the following week. Barn Swallow:
first Apr 11, Canaan (JP, EP) and Apr 14, Rotterdam Jc (RPY), with many
reports the following week. Cliff Swallow: first Apr 25, BCM (SBC); few

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reports. Purple Martin: first reported at Linlithgo quite early, Apr 6 (TB,
AB); reported later at Nisk Apr 25 (B-S-H) and Corinth (GB). Boreal
Chickadee : one was seen and heard at Tomh Apr 17 (WBS et al.). Tufted
Titmouse: nesting in several areas, although not common. Adults were
observed feeding young at LK May 3 (SBC). Red-br Nuthatch: few migrants
observed, although present in the usual breeding areas. Brown Creeper: a
fairly heavy flight was noted by several observers over the latter half of Apr.
House Wren: first Apr 24, Nisk (HE) ; widespread by May 1. Winter Wren:
only two migrants reported, in mid-Apr. Carolina Wren: one was seen May
12 at Catskill (BB) in a locality where the species has bred previously, but
it did not return. Long-billed Marsh-Wren: appeared very late and in low
numbers in all reporting areas, first May 10, Castleton (JC). Short-billed
Marsh-Wren: a singing individual was seen at BCM May 16 (SBC) for the
only record. Mockingbird: reported from New Concord, South Schodack,
Catskill, Greenville and Athens, but no reports of individuals much north of
Colu and Greene Co during the period have reached me. Catbird: first May
2, several areas, widely by May 7. Brown Thrasher: first Apr 18, Palenville
(GCBC) and Apr 23, Westerlo (MK) with a marked influx the last weak of
Apr. Wood Thrush: first Apr 28, Catskill (JHB, BB) and Scotia (RPY),
many reported May 1-4. Hermit Thrush: few migrants observed, first Apr
5 (GB, BH), most Apr 19-May 10. Swainson’s Thrush: several reports, May
7 (BRS) — May 22 (RW). Gray-cheeked Thrush: four reported, May 7
(BRS) — May 16 (PPW, WBS, DJT). Veery: reported very early — Apr
25 — at Colonie (JF et al.) but most appeared from May 6 on. Bluebird:
may be slowly increasing in area or at least holding its own. Golden-cr
Kinglet: very few reports, Apr 19-26 (B-S-H) ; most observers reported
none. Ruby-cr Kinglet: a good flight Apr 14 (EH) — May 16 (several
reports), max 45 Apr 25 (PPW). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: an unprecedented
flight, at least nine reported, first reports May 6. Two pr were reported
nesting nr Voorheesville (SBC) ; the nest of one of these was found. Anoth¬
er pr was at Kiskatom May 16 and thereafter (JHB, BB) and still another pr
was observed May 13 along Rte 30, Schoharie Co (HE, NZ, EH). Another
(single) was observed May 17, Central Park, Schenectady (BRS). Water
Pipit: three reports: a small flock, Apr 26, BCM (BRS, GB) ; 40, May 16,
Kiskatom (JHB, BB) ; and a flock remained at Ghent through May 16 (PE,
GE). Migrant Shrike: one was observed singing nr Catskill Apr 11 (JHB).
The individual which wintered nr Round L was still present there on May 16
(B-S-H). A third shrike (sp?) was observed May 16, Colu Co (ADBC).

Vireos — Warblers: Yellow-thr Vireo: first May 7, several localities.
Solitary Vireo: first Apr 29, Red Rock (FS, MS) ; a marked wave May 7-10.
Red-eyed Vireo: first May 4, Schodack Center (LB, VB), widespread by May
10. Philadelphia Vireo: only two reports, both May 16 (SBC). Warbling
Vireo: one was singing, Nisk, Apr 29 (PPW); a marked influx occurred on
May 4-5, several areas. Black and White Warbler: relatively few observed,
first Apr 27, Meadowdale (MLS) and Greenville (CK). Prothonotary Warb¬
ler: one was observed May 16 at Old Chatham (EMR), the first record for
this region in several years. Worm-eating Warbler: reported at Indian Lad¬
der as usual, May 16 on (SBC) and also from Ghent May 11 (PE, GE) and
at Kiskatom May 16 (BB). Golden-w Warbler: first May 4, New Concord
(ER) with many reported May 7-9. Blue-w Warbler: seen May 7, Troy
(PPW) and New Concord (ER) and in more localities than usual May 8-10.
Brewster’s Warbler: one was seen nr LK, May 13 and again May 16 (SBC).
No other reports of hybrids. Tennessee Warbler: first May 8, Viseher Ferry
(B-S-H) with a marked wave May 9-10, last May 17 (B-S-H). Orange-cr
Warbler: a singing bird was reported at the ADBC Sanctuary, Old Chatham,
May 9 (ER, AG, LB, VB). Nashville Warbler: first May 1, Ghent (ADBC)
and May ’3, LK (SBC). Parula Warbler: more reported than usual, first
May 6, Schenectady (B-H-S). Yellow Warbler: first Apr 25, Ghent (PE,
GE) and in several localities Apr 26-29. Magnolia Warbler: May 5, Schen¬
ectady — May 24, Indian Ladder (B-S-H), few reported. Cape May Warb¬
ler: May 7 (several observers) — May 16 (SBC). Black-thr Blue Warbler:
first May 4, Schenectady (BRS), very few reported. Myrtle Warbler: first

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Ap 11, SL (SBC), early. This bird was in female or imm. plumage and may
have wintered nearby. Later reports from Apr 18, Castleton (JC) — May
24 (B-S-H), below usual numbers. Black-thr Green Warbler: first Apr 26,
Tomh (PPW), but most appeared May 3-4 and later. Appeared very low in
numbers, and absent from some areas where it previously bred. Blackburnian
Warbler: first May 2, LK (B-S-H) and May 4, Meadowdale (RS, MLS).
Cerulean Warbler: observed May 13, Gallupville (NZ, HE, EH), but the
species is apparently not breeding in this area where it has bred for the last
several years. Chestnut-sided Warbler: first May 2, Nisk (B-S-H), generally
reported May 7-9. Bay-br Warbler: only five reports, from May 11, Ghent
(PE, GE) — May 31, Nisk (SBC). Blackpoll Warbler: first May 11, Ghent
(PE, GE) -— end of period. Pine Warbler: first May 6, LK (RW), only four
reports. Prairie Warbler: first May 9 (ER), New Concord, with other reports
from Catskill (BB) and Earner (SBC). Palm Warbler: only five reports,
all single; four were reported Apr 22-26, and one was reported May 16 (SP).
Ovenbird: first May 4, Catskill (BB) and in other areas May 6-8. Northern
Water-thrush: few reports, May 1-16. Louisiana Water-thrush: first Apr
23, Red Rock (FS, MS) ; few observed. Kentucky Warbler: reported again at
Ghent, May 16-17 (PE, GE) — the lone report. Mourning Warbler: no
migrants observed; however, the species is present in nesting habitat at
Jenny L (GB). Northern Yellow-throat: first May 4, Catskill (BB) and May
6, BCM (B-S-H). Yellow-br Chat: several reports — one, BCM, May 9 and
16 (PPW et al.); one, Yischer Ferry, May 10 (B-S-H) ; one, nr Albany Air¬
port, May 16 (RW) ; one nr Catskill May 16 (JHB, BB) ; and at least two nr
Altamont May 16 (PPW, WBS, DJT). Wilson's Warbler : several reports,
May 8, Schenectady (B-S-H) ; May 16 (several localities). Canada Warbler:
first May 7, BCM (B-S-H) ; generally reported May 9 and afterwards. Red¬
start: first May 6, LK (RW) and May 7, Troy (PPW), and generally in the
succeeding days.

Blackbirds — Sparrows: Bobolink: first May 6 (B-S-H) ; widely observed
May 8-9. Baltimore Oriole: first May 3, Colu Co (ADBC) and in other areas
in a marked wave May 4-5. Orchard Oriole: May 8, Catskill, (JHB), May
10, Ghent (PE, GE) and May 22, Nisk (PPW). Two pr reported nesting at
Castleton (JC). Rusty Blackbird: a number of Apr reports, last Apr-28,
BCM (MLS). One May 16 (HE, B. Hicks, JF). Scarlet Tanager: first May
8, LK (B-S-H) and widely May 11-12. Rose-br Grosbeak: several early, first
Apr 25, Nisk (HE) and Apr 26, Castleton (JC). Indigo Bunting: a very
early individual was reported at Castleton Apr 18 (JC) ; next report May 7
Catskill (JHB, BB) ; most birds appearing from May 10 on. Dickcissel: one
was observed at a feeder in Canaan Apr 18 by observers familiar with the
species (JP, EP). Evening Grosbeak: lingered late in good numbers, last
May 16 (SBC). Purple Finch: very few observed until about Apr 20, when
a noticeable influx occurred. The species was frequently reported through¬
out May. House Finch: one was seen at a feeder in Nisk Apr 29. On May
5, this male was trapped, photographed and viewed by a large number of
observers (RPY et al.). To my knowledge, this is the first record of the
species for Region 8, and may portend a northward extension of its range
into the region. Redpoll: one very late individual was seen in a flock of Pine
Siskins at Meadowdale May 16 (HE, JF, B. Hicks). Pine Siskin: a number
were seen up to mid-May, last May 21, Catskill (JHB). Red Crossbill: these
were observed in numbers, both at feeders and elsewhere, throughout Apr
and well into May; last report May 16, Guilderiand (H. Jonson). Towhee:
a gradual influx from Apr 17 on, with good numbers in most areas by Apr
26. Savannah Sparrow: first Apr 12, Schodack (LB, VB) and from several
areas following week. Grasshopper Sparrow: arr late, first May 6, Catskill
(BB). HenslowV Sparrow: few reports, first May 7, Meadowdale (B-S-H).
Vesper Sparrow: first Apr 11, several areas (SBC). Slate-colored Junco:
migrants were passing through well into May, last May 29 (very late),
Muitzeskill (JC). Tree Sparrow: last Apr 27, Westerlo (MK). Chipping
Sparrow: first Apr 10, Nisk (HE) ; a marked wave occurred Apr 20-25. Field
Sparrow: first Apr 7 (BB, ADBC). White-cr Sparrow: two were still at
feeders in Colu Co in Apr; first migrant observed Apr 23 (EH); a marked

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wave occurred May 9-11, when some observers reported seeing* 10-20 individ¬
uals. White-thr Sparrow: reported throughout period, marked influx May
5-11. Fox Sparrow: many reports early Apr, last Apr 12, SL (B-S-H).
Lincoln’s Sparrow: only report from Colu Co May 16 (ADBC). Swamp
Sparrow: quite late in appearance, first Apr 15, BCM (EH). Snow Bunting:
observed at Altamont Apr 22 (late) (HE).

Pellwood Lake, Highland Falls

REGION 9 — DELAWARE- HUDSON
Edward D. Treacy

The migration, like the weather, was a gradual process with tempered
flights and largely unspectacular conditions. April was normal with a fair
amount of rain to break the drought that plagued the east for many months;
but May brought cool temperatures and no rain until the fourteenth, when
about two inches dropped in one storm. Bob Deed remarks that in Rockland
County the outstanding features of the season were the influx of southern
species, and the depletion (and in some instances total absence) of many
insect and fish-eating species. He relates that the wood warblers are
seriously down in numbers throughout Rockland County; especially the
Redstart, Chestnut-sided and Hooded; and the Waterthrushes are virtually
absent. This spring, having spent more hours in the field than in any of his
previous thirty-six years that he has been birding, he failed to record a
single Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Am. Bittern, Belted
Kingfisher or Osprey. He feels strongly that the reason may be the cumu¬
lative effect of insecticides.

Contributors: MBC — Mearns Bird Club; WBC —- Waterman Bird Club;
BA — Bob Augustine; JB —- Mr. and Mrs. John Bowman; GB — Gene Brown;
TB — Trudy Brown; PC — Pauline Chernik; MC — Margaret Cornwell; BD —
Brother Damain; ID — Iris Dean; SD — Scott Dearolf; GD — George
Decker; RD — Robert F. Deed; M, JD — Margaret and John Dye; PG —
Pat Garthwaite; RG — Ruth Grierson; JG — Joe Grossman; TH — Thelma
Haight; WH — Mrs. Wallace R. Harper Jr.; FH — Fred Hough; RJ —
Rev. Ronald James; PJ — Paul Jeheber; HK — Homer Kelsey; EM — E.
McBride; WM ■— William McEntee; JM — Joe Malone; B, AM — B. and A.
Merritt; HM — Helen Manson; KN — Ken Niven; TO — T. O’Hara; VP —
Vivian Parkhurst; EP — Eleanor Pink; RP — Dr. Robert Pyle; JS —
James Southward; W, TS — William and Trixie Strauss; ET — Edward D.
Treacy; MV — Marion VanWagner; OW — Otis Waterman; BW ■— Barbara
Whitcomb.

Abbreviations used: AM —.American; arr — arrived; Imm — immature;
Is — island; lk — lake; max — maximum; Res — reservoir; Sw — swamp.

Loons — Ducks: Common Loon: very few reported; one Tarrytown Res,
Apr 18 (BA); one Stillwell Lk, Oran Apr 4; one Tomahawk Lk from Apr
1-14 (MBC). Horned Grebe: Extremely low in numbers; two, vicinity
of Newburg Apr 3, 4 (M, JD) ; one May 4 Pleasant Valley, Dutch

(MV). Pied-billed Grebe: usual migrants. Double-crested Cormorant
one Apr 23 Barrytown (BD). Great Blue Heron: numbers severely down;
seven (max) at Tamarack Sw rookery near Millbrook, Dutch (WBC). Green
Heron: Apr 19 (earliest) in Sull and Dutch; numbers normal. Cattle Egret:
Biggest year so far; eight (max) Oran; four Dutch; one Rock. Snowy Egret:
Virtually unrecorded in spring; one Crugers Is, Dutch Apr 13-16 (WM).
Black-crowned Night Heron: one, Pleasant Valley, Dutch Apr 24 (MV);
another, Apr 26 Basher Kill, Sull (KN). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: one Apr
5 Haven Sw, Sull (KN) ; no previous spring records known. Least Bittern:
numbers very low; only one, Pine Plains, Dutch May 16 (OW). Am. Bittern:
reports from Dutch only; five in Apr and two in May (WBC). Mute Swan:
one (imm), Tomahawk Lk Apr 1-14 (BW) ; and tw T o reports from Dutch,
one Apr 3-6 near Fishkill (OW) and one Vanderburg Cove, Rhinecliff from

The Kingbird

183

May 7-24, the latter, last seen on Federation field trip. Canada Goose: well
reported through mid-Apr; one large flock seen and heard over Greenville
Oran May 7; two pairs of breeding birds at West Point; appeared for the
first time in Dutch at Briarcliff (TH). Brant: first flights, 1500 May 12
and 500 more May 13 over Highland Falls (JG) and 600 May 13 over Pleas-
antville, West (BA). A “heavy” flight over Dutch May 16 (AJ, MK).
Snow Goose: a flock of about 70 including one Blue Goose over Bedford,
West Apr 12, (SD) ; 150 same date over Hawthorne (BA). Pintail: six,
Lk DeForest Apr 4, second latest date for Rock (RD); several dozen at
Goshen, Oran, present, until Apr 25 (MBC). Green-winged Teal: Numbers
appear to be normal; one June 2 (very late) Amenia, Dutch (W, TS). Blue-
winged Teal: numbers normal; two May 16 (last) Pine Plains, Dutch (VP).
Am. Widgeon: usual numbers to better than average. Shoveller: Only a few
have ever been reported from Region 9; two Apr 20 at Crugers Is were the
first in Dutch since 1956 (JB) ; two Apr 3-25, Goshen. Ring-necked Duck:
left most areas early, Apr 26 (last). Am. Goldeneye: left most areas early,
except a female at Piermont Pier Rock, May 14 (next to latest date) (RD).
Bufflehead: Apr 8 (last), Dutch; most left early. Oldsquaw: one Apr 18
(no other), Tomahawk Lk (MBC). Mergansers: Red-breasted absent; Com¬
mon and Hooded both left early; Hooded last seen Apr 3 at White Plains
(VP) and Common Apr 30 Crugers Is (AJ).

Hawks — Owls: MBC reports the hawk situation poor in Oran this
season, and it would appear this was the case throughout the region. Sharp-
shinned Hawk: one, Vassar College Apr 18 (EP) ; one May 5, Millerton
(OW) ; no other reports. Cooper's Hawk: Only two reports, both from
Dutch. Broad-winged Hawk: not noticeably different in most areas except
in Dutch where they had the biggest spring flight in ten . years; fiftyfive,
Vassar College, Apr 18 (MV, EP) and an even larger number at the same
hour at Dover Plains (GD). Golden Eagle: one (imm) May 25, flying over
Mountainville School, Oran (all field marks observed) (MD ; MC). Bald
Eagle: lingered later than usual; single birds Apr 24 and May 2 in Dutch;
Apr 25 in Oran; two May 15 in Sull; there were more than the usual number
of early Apr dates in Oran (MBC). Marsh Hawk: reports from Dutch, only;
three in Apr and two in May. Peregrine Falcon: one, May 17 in vicinity
of Rio Res Sull (EM). Ruffed Grouse: Numbers better than average, 20
May 16 WBC census compared with an average of eight over the last seven
years. Bobwhite: more reported in Dutch than in the last two years; five May
13, Triloba Hill Sanct, in Katonah (RG). Virginia Rail: normal in Dutch
but down elsewhere, one report only from Rock and none from the other
counties. Sora: None! Common Gallinule: arr Baher Kill Apr 24 (RJ)
where they are regular breeders; only other reports from Dutch May 16
(first) ; three June 2 Amenia (WBC). Semipalmated Plover: rare in spring;
one May 17 Basher Kill (KN). Black-bellied Plover: rare in spring;
second spring record for Rock, one May 14 Piermont Pier (RD), this is the
seventh record for Rock. Common Snipe: two (only) May 10 Rock; one
May 17 Basher Kill; seven Apr 1 and two May 16 from Dutch. Breeding of
this species in Region 9 has never been proven, but the May dates make it
worth investigating. Upland Plover: two (together) Apr 25 Bullville, Oran
(ET, PJ). Spotted Sandpiper: Apr 18 (early) Pawling (WBC), normal
numbers. Solitary Sandpiper: no Apr reports; May 1 (first) Pleasant Valley
(MK) ; 15 May 16 WBC census. Greater Yellowlegs: Apr 5 (early) Mill-
brook; nine, WBC census. Lesser Yellowlegs: one May 16 (late) Pine Plains
(VP). Least Sandpiper: only two reports, but numbers were high on WBC
census May 16; about 100 May 14 Piermont Pier (RD). Semipalmated
Sandpiper: none reported. Northern Phalarope: un unconfirmed report of
two on the Hudson at Croton Pt. May 23 (WH).

Great Black-backed Gull: Apr 25 (last report), Dutch; non-breeding resi¬
dents remain along the Hudson just to the south. Common Tern: one Apr. 25
(rare in spring), Crugers Is (AJ, PG) ; two May 17 near Hyde Park (MV).
Black Tern: unreported in spring; three May 9 at Home Farm Pond,
AMENIA (W, TS) ; more than one (no number given) May 10, Hurleyville,

184

The Kingbird

Sull (KN). Mourning Dove: population higher than in recent years.
Cuckoos: a good year for both species, but especially the Yellow-billed.
Bob Deed counted six in two hours in Orangeville and Blauvelt; the equiva¬
lent of a full day’s birding a few years ago. Owls: Screech, Great Horned
and Barred normal. WBC had three Great Horned nests under surveillance
during Apr.

Goatsuckers — Shrikes: Both species of Goatsuckers down in Rock, but
normal to better elsewhere. Chimney Swift: Apr 18 (first), Dutch, with a
heavy flight ton Apr 24. Ruby-throated Hummingbird: May 1 (early date)
(MK) ; numbers normal. Red-bellied Woodpecker: The bird previously
reported at Garnerville, Rock attracted a mate Apr 24 and appeared to be
nesting in a high hole in a tree near the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fro-
man. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: only reports, four Apr in Dutch. King¬
bird: Apr 26 (early) Tarry town (JM),, numbers average to higher. Great
Crested Flycatcher: May 1 (first), Wappingers Falls; numbers good; better
than 100 on WBC census May 16: five year average is 40. Phoebe: plentiful.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: two May 10 Washington Hollow (FG) ; one, May
16, Pine Plains (MV). Trail’s Flycatcher: “more numerous than I have
ever known it to be” (RD); numbers up throughout the region. Wood
Pewee: normal numbers, May 7 (first) (JS). Olive-sided Flycatcher:
one May 15 near Pearl River (RD). Horned Lark: usual residents; a new
location near Spring Valley; two birds, one singing, June 4 (HK). Swal¬
lows: dates normal; 1000s of Tree at Basher Kill Apr 5 (ID). Rough-winged
arr Apr 18 (early) Forestburgh, Sull (KN). Barn arr Apr 14 at Liberty
(JK). Purple Martins were at Mt. Hope, Oran Apr 18, but arr a month later
in Dutch, May 12. Fish Crow: two Apr 18, Vassar College and remained
through May 23 (EP et al). Boreal Chickadee : those of last winter remained
until Apr 6 at West Park, IJlst and until Apr 1 at Hawthorne (BA). Tufted
Titmouse: Ulst population reported high (FH). Red-breasted Nuthatch:
seven Apr records last in Dutch, May 13 (last) (EP) ; May 14 (last) in
Rock (GB). Winter Wren: well reported in Dutch; May 3 (latest) Swan
Lk, Sull (EM). Mockingbird: reported from all counties but West; continues
to increase; at least six birds are known to be in Orangetown, Rock, alone.
Wood Thrush: arr Apr 16, Moore’s Mills, Dutch, numbers normal thereafter.
Gray-cheked, Thrush: numbers good, reported from most counties. Bluebird:
20 on the census to an average of 12 in Dutch; 29 young were banded by
the end of the period. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: continues to spread and
increase; at least 12 were observed at West Point May 2 (MBC) ; nesting
activity has been observed in Dutch and Oran. Golden-crowned Kinglet:
scarce in Apr, no May reports. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: noticeable flight Apr
25. Pipit: generally scarce; one Chester May 1 (SU) ; and on Federation
trip May 24 (latest) from Dutch.

Vireos — Warblers: Margaret Dye reports warbler waves on May 7, 8,
and 9 Cornwall area, Oran, which coincided with those reported in Dutch by
OW and Rockland by BD. Smaller movements, May 14 in Rock and May 24
in Dutch. Yellow-throated Vireo: numbers up in Dutch with better than
double the average number on WBC census; numbers down in Rock but
normal elsewhere. Solitary Vireo: numbers low and arr was late; Apr 25 in
Dutch. Warbling Vireo: numbers way up in Rock (RD) ; 45 on WBC census
compared to an average of 12 over the last six years. Warblers: Black-and-
white: Apr 18 (early) on Low Tor near Haverstraw (RD). Brewster’s: one,
May 15 New Paltz area (RP). Lawrence’s: May 5 Poughkeepsie (MK) ; May
9 Pleasantville (BA). Nashville: Apr 27, Pine Plains (TH) ; scarce. Yellow:
Apr 27, Neversink, Sull (PC). Cape May: scarce in Dutch; above average
numbers in Rock; normal elsewhere; a good movement on May 14. Black-
throated Blue: May 6, Moore’s Mills (HM) ; went through early, a few or
none after May 16. Myrtle: Apr 15, Basher Kill; fewer than usual. Black-
throated Green: numbers low in Oran and Rock, but near normal in Dutch;
Apr 25 (first) Pine Plains (WBC). Cerulean: returned to usual locales; no
increase except for Dutch where Mt. Rutsen residents seem to be expanding.
Blackburnian: May 7 Rhinecliff (AJ) ; none after May 16. Yellow-throated

The Kingbird

185

Warbler: two from Dutch; one Apr 28-30, Poughkeepsie (MK) ; May 14 Hyde
Park (AJ). Chestnut-sided: three times higher than usual on WBC census:
May 6 (first) Poughkeepsie (MK) ; this species very much reduced in Rock
(RD). Bay-breasted: May 7 Crugers Is (BD); average numbers. Pine: Apr
15 Innisfree (AJ) ; two May 16 (very late) (WBC). Prairie: Apr 28. Stan-
fordville (FG), Waterthrush: both species arr Apr 18. Louisiana normal,
but Northern low. None of the latter species in Rock. Mourning: one (only
report) May 9, Cornwall (B, AM). Yellow-breasted Chat: none reported, last
year’s residents failed to return to their usual territories. Hooded: also mis¬
sing from its usual haunts. Redstart: numbers reduced compared to other
years.

Blackbirds — Sparrows: Bobolink: May 5, (earliest) Dutch; late in Oran,
May'll (first). Orchard Oriole: one returned to its Stone Ridge nest site
May 6; opb High Falls Ulst (FH); this species is reported from four areas in
Dutch, sdihe adults and other immatures. Indigo Bunting: Arr May 7
Poughkeepsie; 45 compared with an average of six for the past six years,
WBC census. Evening Grosbeak: last reports, May 8 Sull, May 9 Oran, and
May 10 Dutch. House Finch: Cornwall Mar 30 to Apr 23 (B, AM) and
Stanfordyille Apr 11 (FG); this species has summered for the second year at
Nyack (RD). Goldfinch: good numbers of winter population persisted
through the spring with an exceptional influx May 7, Dutch (OW). Red
Crossbills: May 4-10, Hawthorne (from two to ten) (BA); eight Apr 25.
Pine Plains (WBC) ; two, Red Oaks Mill Apr 28 (TB) and several for three
weeks prior to May 16 at Pleasant Valley (EP), all Dutch. White-winged
Crossbill: two Apr 25 Pine Plains (WBC). Savannah Sparrow: Mar 28,
Monticello. Slate-colored Junco: one or two pair nesting at Dover Plains
(MK) ; a late migrant May 9 at Liberty (KN). Oregon Junco: Wintering
bird last seen at Cornwall, May 10 (M, JD). White-throated Sparrow: num¬
bers reduced all spring. Fox Sparrow: May 16 (last and very late) Amenia
(WTS). Lincoln Sparrow: May 16, Lagrangeville (MK) ; May 10, Haw¬
thorne (BA).

Corrigendum: Kingbird, XIV (2) 119: The Broad-winged Hawk seen on
Dec 22 was not seen by Eugene Eisenmann. This bird was reported on the
Bronx-— Westchester Christmas Count and the record belongs in the region
ten report.

Note: Contributors are requested to have their reports of the Summer
season in Sept 5.

Pellwood Lake, Highland Falls 10928

Corrigendum: In Kingbird, XIII, 139, The Common Loon in New York
State , Map 2 shows a recent breeding record in Orange County. On pg. 140
Highland Reservoir, Orange County, is listed as questionable, and should
have been so designated on the map. Breeding has not been proved for
this location.

R. Arhih, Jr.

186

The Kingbird

REGION 10 —MARINE
Peter W. Post and Guy A. Tudor

Unfortunately, limitations on space permit only the most cursory and
general remarks concerning an analysis of the spring migration. Because
intimate ties with the weather it is suggested that the reader examine th~
following data in this light with the aid of a weather map. If we appeal
to place undo emphasis on the New York City parks it is because most of our
information comes from here. It is well known that the migration often
differs substantially from place to place within Region 10. Not only do the
numbers of migrants (especially wood warblers) decrease^ as one moves
towards Montauk, but conditions along the coast (even m New York uity)
often differs markedly from the New A or ^ City parks.

In general, April was poor. In New York City’s Central Park the best
day was April 17, with large numbers of Sapsuckers, Phoebes, Creepers,
Hermit Thrushes, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. The arrivals on this date
included Black and White Warblers, Solitary Vireos, Towhees, and a House
Wren. A two day movement on April 23 and 24, in addition to more of the
same species as on the 17th, saw the arrival of Whip-poor-will, Wood Thrush¬
es and Hooded Warblers, Yellow, Blackburnian, and Prairie Warblers, and
Ovenbird arrived in Central Park on the 24th, while a Baltimore Oriole
occurred in Brooklyn on the same date. This late April movement has m
recent years included a few recurring species which are normally considered
later migrants.

A prolonged cold period of easterly winds and rain during late April and
early May brought migration to a virtual standstill. On May 7 the “dam
broke”; the great bulk of migrants passing through between this latter date
and May 12. After May 21 the migration dropped off sharply. Practically
every May migrant arrived on the 7th; in most cases females arriving simul¬
taneously with males. Although every day between the 7th and 12th was
good (i.e. over 21 species of warblers per day in Central Park) and saw a
complete changeover in birds, the peak day in terms of absolute numbers of
individuals differed from place to place, probably reflecting local conditions;
70 species including 21 species of warblers in Central Park on the 7th (GT,
PP) ; 80 species including 25 species of warblers in Inwood Hill Park on the
12th (WN) ; and 90 species including 29 species of warblers (of ca. 1,000
individuals) in Van Cortlandt Park on the 13th (MG).

In these reports we have for the most part tried to refrain from using
terms of qualitative abundance by giving absolute figures. In the spring,
however, obtaining accurate estimates is more difficult. Most of our maxi¬
mum numbers in fall come from the coastal strip, where the low, scattered
vegetation permits fairly reliable counts to be made. The following, there¬
fore, are but mere impressions of the relative abundance of some species
gained by a number of active observers. Crested Flycatchers, Phoebes,
Creepers, Black and White, Tennessee, Wilson’s and Canada Warblers and
Orchard Orioles came through in good numbers, while Cuckoos, Least/Alder
Flycatchers, Pewees and Cape May and Black-throated Blue Warblers were
considered to be unusually low.

The outstanding rarities were Cinnamon Teal, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher,
Magpie, Varied Thrush and Townsend’s Warbler. Also noteworthy were
spring records of Forster’s Tern and Orange-crowned Warbler and the
attempted nesting of Red Crossbill.

Abbreviations used: Max — maximum one day count during the period;
mob — many observers; LLASB — Lyman Langdon Audubon Society Bulle¬
tin; JBWR — Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge; in the following locations only
the first word is used — Central Park, Inwood Hill Park, Van Cortlandt Park,
Riis Park, Jones Beach and Greenwood Cemetery.

The Kingbird

187

Contributors frequently cited,: IA — Irwin Alperm; PB — Paul Buckley;

JB_John Bull; IC — Irving Cantor; GC — Geoffrey Carleton; TD —■ Tom

Davis* EE — Eugene Eisenmann; FE — Frank Enders; RF — Robert Fisher;
M G — Michael Gochfeld; JH ~ Joe Horowitz; MK — Michael Kleinbaum;

RL_Roy Latham; EL — Emanuel Levine; KM — Kevin Malone; LM — Lee

Morgan; JN — Joe Neilsen; WN — William Norse; RP — Richard Plunkett;
pp — Peter Post; DP — Dennis Puleston; DR — 1 Daniel Rafferty; GR —
Gilbert Raynor; TR — Tom Robben; RS — Richard Sloss; SS — Si Stepin-
off; WT — Walter Terry; GT — Guy Tudor; CW — Cornelius Ward; LW —
LeRoy Wilcox; CY -— Charles Young.

Loons — Ducks: Red-necked Grebe: Apr 19, Rockaway Beach (RP, RF,
GC). Wilson’s Petrel: May 22, Shinnecock (SS). Cattle Egret: Apr 16-19,
Brookhaven (DP) ; May 9, Jones (PP, TD, LM) ; May 10, JBWR (TD, R.
Sutton); May 11, Van (CY). Louisiana Heron: Apr 11, JBWR (mob) —
arrival. Little Blue Heron: Apr 11, Lawrence (PP, TD, LM) — in rookery.
Green Heron: max 24, May 21, JBWR (MG). Yellow-crowned Night Heron:
five, Apr 11, Lawrence (PP, LM, TD) — in rookery;, six, May 16, Mount
Sinai (GR). American Bittern: May 8, Central (mob) ; May 10, Greenwood
(JN) — both migrants. Glossy Ibis: four, Apr 11, JBWR (mob) ■— : arrival;
max at JBWR 24 (H. Johnson); three, Apr 19, Lawrence (TD, FE) ; seven,
Apr 29-May 1, Cutchogue (P. Stoutenburgh fide GR) ; May 30, Tobay
(GC) — latter three only reports away from JBWR.

Canada Goose: movement on Apr 17 — 150, Inwood (WN) and 150, Upton
(GR). Brant: 2500-3000, JBWR (mob) — through third week in May;
movement (flying over) on May 21 — 1650, JBWR (MG, GT) and 1000 -r,
New Rochelle (TR). Snow/Blue Goose: 85 flying over, Apr 4, JBWR (FE) ;
87 with one Blue, Apr 11, JBWR (mob) ; 50 flying over, Apr 12, JBWR
(RP) ; three with two Blues, Apr 18-19, JBWR (MG, TD, FE); May 23-24,
Carmen’s River (DP) — late migrant. Mallard: two broods with 16 young
by end of period, JBWR (FE). Black Duck: at least 16 broods totaling 83
young by end of period, JBWR (FE). Green-winged Teal: max 97, Apr 4,
JBWR (FE) . Cinnamon Teal: male, May 20 through period, JBWR (mob) —
photographed in color. While the possibility of an escape cannot be ruled
out, there are several indications that this bird is wild. It was wary at first,
is free-flying and has not been banded. It was seen actively courting a
female Blue-winged Teal. Of the eight records east of the Mississippi River,
1960-63 (fide Aud. Field Notes), one-half have appeared in late Apr and May.
Wood Duck: two migrants, May 13, Tobay (EL, RS); four migrants, May 17,
Greenwood (JN). Ring-necked Duck: one pair, Apr 19, JBWR (FE) — rare
here. Canvasback :two males remained to end of period at JBWR (mob).
Lesser Scaup: one male courting a female Scaup, May 31, JBWR (WN).
Bufflehead: 120, May 8, JBWR (MG, JH) ; two males remained until May
22 at JBWR (PP). Old-squaw: max 3000 + , Apr 3, Jones (KM). King
Eider: Apr 18, Montauk (IC). Common Merganser: Apr 18, JBWR (MG) —
late.

Hawks — Owls: Turkey Vulture: May 1, Yaphank (IA). Red-tailed
Hawk: Apr 5, Jones (EL, CW) — “that’s the hawk migration this spring”.
Peregrine Falcon: Apr 11, World’s Fair (PP) ; Apr 17, Van (MG) ; May 10,
JBWR (TD). Pigeon Hawk: May 5, Central (PP); May 12, Van (S. Fried¬
man) — only inland reports. King Rail: May 28, Brookhaven (DP), Sora:
Apr 11, JBWR (SS) — early. Common Gallinule: Apr 11, JBWR (SS, TD,
LM) — arrival; Apr 23, Van (F. Heath, PP) — migrant.

Oystercatcher: one pair, Apr 18-mid May, Shinnecock (GR, LW); one
pair, Moriches (LW) — neither pair attempted to nest. Killdeer: max 6,
May 24, JBWR (GR) very scarce compared to former years. Golden
Plover: Apr 18, Moriches Inlet (LLASB) ; May 21, JBWR (MG, GT); May
2'3, JBWR (WN) — recorded annually in spring in recent years. Woodcock:
“Holding its own if not increasing as a breeder; annual census produced nine
compared to usual four-six, May 4, Manorville.” (GR). Whimbrel: May 10,
JBWR (TD). Upland Plover: one or three, May 22, Suffolk Co. AFB (SS) ;

188

The Kingbird

May 25-28, Eastport (GR). Solitary Sandpiper: Apr 19, JBWR (WN) —-
early. Willet: May 24, JBWR (GR) ; May 31, Tobay (JB, EE). Pectoral
Sandpiper: max 12, Apr 18, JBWR (LM, TD). Least Sandpiper: max 125-f,
May 9, JBWR (MK). Semipalmated Sandpiper: max 1000, May 16, JBWR
(MG). Western Sandpiper: May 8, JBWR (MG, JH) ; two, May 13, JBWR
(WN) ; May 16, JBWR (MK) ; May 31, JBWR (WN) — rare in spring. Ruff:
male, May 17, JBWR (WN). Northern Phalarope: female, May 13, JBWR
(WN) ; male, May 27, JBWR (FE, GC) — regular here in spring since 1956.
Wilson’s Phalarope: female, Apr 25, JBWR (mob) ; male, May 13, JBWR
(WN) ; two females and a male, May 28 to end of period, JBWR (mob)
regular here in spring since 1960.

Glaucous Gull: Apr 4, Tobay (CW, EL) ; May 1, Smith Point (IA). Ice¬
land Gull: very scarce during spring period; only four reports, latest May 4.
Little Gull: the bird at Jones Inlet mentioned in the previous report remained
until Apr 12 (MK). Forster’s Tern: May 10, JBWR (RP, L. Mackenzie) —
well observed; extremely rare in spring. Roseate Tern: May 8, Jones (SS) ;
May 17, JBWR (WN) — migrants. Black-billed Cuckoo: very scarce as mi¬
grants in city parks; “None found breeding in Westchester Co., especially
unusual” (TR).

Goatsuckers — Shrikes: Pileated Woodpecker: Apr 24, Bronx Park (DR,
W. Hackett) — four other records from city parks (Manhattan and Bronx),
all in April (see Aud. Field Notes: 15 (5) :454, 1961; 16 (4) :393, 1962). At
least three pairs nesting within Region 10 (S. Westchester Co.). Red-bellied
Woodpecker: Apr 19, Greenwood (JN); Apr 23, Van (MG, S. Friedman) —
recorded annually, late Apr to mid-May, in city parks since 1959 ; flight year
in 1962 (7-10 reports). Red-headed Woodpecker: Apr 25 : May 16, Forest
Park (mob); additional reports from Long Island — six individuals seen be¬
tween May 9-13, and three between May 17-24; unusual spring movement,
especially on Long Island.

Eastern Kingbird: Apr 17, Orient (RL) — early. Scissor-tailed Fly¬
catcher: adult, May 11, Short Beach (H. F. Koster) — of six previous records,
four were in spring (see Linnaean Newsletter, Vol. 14, No. 7, 1961). Yellow-
bellied Flycatcher: unusually early movement — 11 reports from city parks
between May 8 (two), Central (GT, PP, MG, TR) to May 18; only one report
during the species’ normal migration period! Empidonax (sp) : Apr 24,
Central (SS) — early. Acadian Flycatcher: May 2, Van (WN); May 6,
Bronx Park (SS). Least Flycatcher: “No breeders found in Westchester
Co. Five years ago this would have been unbelievable” (TR). All active
observers reported that Empidonax Flycatchers (except Yellow-bellied) were
very scarce; one person, saw only four individuals all spring in the city parks,
and Puleston states that he failed to find a single one on Long Island. Olive¬
sided Flycatcher: May 12, Inwood (WN) — early.

Horned Lark: one recently fledged young, Apr 12, Short Beach (MG).
Barn Swallow: Apr 4, Northport (E. McMullen) — early. Cliff Swallow:
two, March 29, Riis (S. Schiff) -— extremely early. Purple Martin: first
arrivals at Manorville breeding colony on Apr 10 (GR). Magpie: Apr 4-5,
Short Beach (PB, RF, KM, CW) — far too many records in recent years to
be all escapes; most of them fall within the migration period. Tufted Tit¬
mouse: three pairs, Roosevelt (CW) — “probably breeding”. Red-breasted
Nuthatch: good return flight, May 7-17; max 6, May 13, Jones and Riis (GT).
Brown Creeper: max 20, Apr 24, Central (GT); two, May 26, Manorville
(GR) — late. House Wren: Apr 17, Central (GC, PP) — early. Carolina
Wren: May 8, Marine Park (MG, JH) — straggler in this area; six-seven,
Northport area (E. Mudge). Short-billed Marsh Wren: May 17, Manorville
(GR).

Varied Thrush: Apr 17, Orient (RL) — see Field Note Section for details.
Wood Thrush: five reports in city parks on Apr 23-24. Swainson’s Thrush:
the peak movement occurred on the night of May 7-8 when hundreds were
heard passing over New York City before dawn (JH, GT). Observations
in Central Park that morning indicated that a small number of Gray-cheeked

The Kingbird 189

Thrushes accompanied this flight in a ratio of about one to seven, Veery.
peak movement occurred on May 7 — max 35, Central (GT) and lb, van
(MG). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: increasing steadily in recent years; Apr 4-
May 11; max five, Apr 27, Central (PP). Water Pipit: May 13, Jones (EL,
RS) —late. Cedar Waxwing: May 9, Bronx Park (WN) — early migrant.
Loggerhead Shrike: Apr 11, JBWR (S. Komito) ; Apr 23, Idlewild (JB) —
rare in spring.

Vireos — Warblers: White-eyed Vireo: Apr 18, Montauk (IC) — yery
early. Yellow-throated Yireo: territorial male, Apr 25, Sprain Ridge
(TR) — early; May 26, Manorville (GR) — late. Blue-headed Vireo: max
eight, May 7, Central (PP). Philadelphia Vireo: three reports on May 17:
Sayville (WT), Manorville (GR) and Springfield Gardens, Queens (J. May¬
er) ; May 19, Central (LM) ; May 24, Inwood (WN) — rare m spring, but
more common than formerly. Warbling Vireo: territorial male, Apr 24 ; Van
(SS) — very early; May 8, JBWR (MG, JH) ; May 13, Riis (TR) ; May 17,
E. Marion (GR) ; May 29, Cold Spring Harbor (GR) — considered very rare
on Long Island at any time.

Black and White Warbler: good early movement — widespread arrival
on Apr 17. Prothonotary Warbler: May 4, Van (SS, CY) ; May 9, Roosevelt
(EL, CW, et al). Golden-winged Warbler: max four, May 13, Van (MG);
May 5, Great Neck (A. Dove, et al fide LLASB) — rare on Long Island.
“Brewster's” Warbler: May 9, Central (mob). Tennessee Warbler: max 20,
May 12, Inwood (WN) — more common every spring. Orange-crowned
Warbler: May 12, Inwood (WN) — very rare in spring. Parula Warbler:
max 62, May 13, Van (MG). Magnolia Warbler: max 39, May 13, Van (MG).
Cape May Warbler: max three, May 8, Central (GT) — early arrival, but
quite low this spring. Myrtle Warbler: max 98, May 13, Van (MG). Town¬
send's Warbler: adult male, May 9, Bronx Park (SS, CY, DR, M. Russak, T.
Peszel, S. Hamers) — fourth record for Region 10 and state; third within
almost a year! There are only three other records east of the Mississippi
River!! (see Linnaean Newsletter, Vol. 18, No. 2, 1964). Cerulean Warbler:
female, May 10, Roosevelt (CW, EL, et al); male, May 12, Central (MK,
GC) ; female, May 13, Van (MG) ; male, May 16, Alley Pond Park (LLAS) ;
male, May 23, Van (WN) — more common every spring. Blackburnian
Warbler: Apr 24, Central (GC, MK, et al) — early. Yellow-throated Warb¬
ler: May 3, Central (SS, et al) ; May 7, Midwood, Brooklyn (E. Sawyer).
Blackpoll Warbler: max 37, May 13, Van (MG). Palm Warbler: May 13,
Van (MG) — late. Ovenbird: Apr 24, Central (GT) — early. Northern
Waterthrush: Apr 18, Central (PP) — early. Louisiana Waterthrush:
arrival Apr 11, Lawrence (PP, LM, TD) ; May 24, Central (PP, LM, RP) ■—
singing; May 29, Fort Salonga (GR) — latter two late. Kentucky Warbler:
May 7, Central (mob) ; May 10, Roosevelt (CW, EL, et al) ; May 10, Hemp¬
stead (G. & D. Clifford fide CW) ; May 21, Inwood (WN). Mourning Warb¬
ler: May 13, Van (MG) — early; at least seven other reports from New York
City. Yellowthroat: max 200 + , May 17, Idlewild (PP, LM). Hooded Warb¬
ler: Apr 23, JBWR (SS); Apr 23, Inwood (WN) ; Apr 24, Forest Park (TD) ;
Apr 26, Central (GC, PP, SS) — early movement. Wilson's Warbler: arrival
May 5, Van (JH). Canada Warbler: 25, May 7, Central (GT 1 , PP) — arrival;
max 55, May 13, Van (MG).

Blackbirds — Sparrows: Orchard Oriole: best flight in years; 12 indi¬
viduals in New York City parks —- May 6-May 11; max three, May 7, Central
(GT, PP, E. Gonzalez); six Long Island reports — May 9-16 and 30. Of 13
birds in which the plumage was noted, six were adult males, three were im¬
mature males and four were females. In most years immature males predom¬
inate. Baltimore Oriole: Apr 24, Parkslope, Brooklyn (O. Raymond) —
early; max 20, May 13, Van (MG). Scarlet Tanager: max 15, May 13, Van
(MG). Summer Tanager: female. May 13, Van (MG).

Rose-breasted Grosbeak: max 35 4-, May 9, Riis (MK). Indigo Bunting:
“Breeding seems greater than usual; I counted 12 pairs on 20 acres in Yonk¬
ers in last week of May” (TR). Dickcissel: one at feeder, Apr 1-10, Scars-
dale (Mrs. R. Heffron fide M. Cornwell) ; two males at feeder, Apr 5-15, Port
Washington (Mrs. C. Lewis fide LLASB); migrant, May 9, JBWR (IC).

190

The Kingbird

Evening Grosbeak: max 100 at feeder, Apr 14, Eastport (LW) ; 12 reports
from city parks (mostly singles), Apr 23-May 12. Regular spring migrant
since 1955. Pine Siskin: present to May 4, Scarsdale (M. Cornwell); to May
9, Blue Point (WT) ; to May 13, Patchogue (WT) — late birds lingering at
feeders. Red Crossbill: small flock present at Hillview Reservoir until Apr
11 (JH, MG) ; three pairs, Apr 2, Upton — one pair nest building but birds
and nest gone on Apr 7; when last seen nest was almost completed (GR, DP).
First known nesting attempt in New York City area during this century.
One pair, Apr 5, Manorville and two Apr 20, Upton (GR) ; two, May 2, Bronx
Park (WN). White-winged Crossbill: three, Apr 5, Hillview Reservoir (MG) ;
two, Apr 18, Bronx Park (WN) — both very late.

Ipswich Sparrow: departure Apr 12, JBWR (MK). Grasshopper Sparrow:
two, May 9, Idlewild (GC). Sharp-tailed Sparrow: May 9, Idlewild (EE).
Seaside Sparrow: May 1, Central (SS) ; three individuals on May 9 — Idle-
wild (GC), Central (GC, PP), Riis (MK) ; May 13, Riis (GT). The latter
three species have been considered very rare on migration away from breed¬
ing localities. Slate-colored Junco: May 11 (late), St. Paul’s Churchyard (J.
Zupan). Tree Sparrow: five, Apr 12 (late), JBWR (MK). White-crowned
Sparrow: 31 individuals reported May 7-11, very few afterwards; max 9,
May 9, Kissena Park (MK). White-throated Sparrow: max (350, May 10,
Greenwood (JN). Fox Sparrow: May 5 (late), Manorville (GR). Lincoln’s
Sparrow: 11 individuals seen in city parks, May 7-11; only four reported
later. Snow Bunting: five, Apr 5 (late), Jones (MK).

Note: Please have summer reports in by Aug 25 (period ends Aug 15).
Post, 575 W. 183 St., NYC 33; Tudor, 370 Riverside Drive, NYC 25.

REPORTING REGIONS

For descriptions of Regions see Kingbird Vol. IV, Nos. 1 and 2

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FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC.

1964 Officers

President

Mr. Robert S. Arbib, Jr.-- 226 Guion Dr., Mamaroneck

Vice-President

Dr. Allen H. Benton-State University of New York, Fredonia

Corresponding Secretary

Mrs. Dayton Stoner-- 399 State Street, Albany 10

Recording Secretary

Miss Margaret S. Rusk- 805 Comstock Ave., Apt. 16, Syracuse 10

Treasurer

Mr. Kenneth D. Niven-61 Broadway, Monticello

Editor of THE KINGBIRD
Alice E Ulrich

193 LaSalle Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14214
Appointed Committees

Bulletin Exchange: Miss Elizabeth Manning, 1130 Fifth Avenue, New York 28
Conservation; Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr., 333 Bedell Street, Freeport
Finance: Samuel R. Madison, 55 Elk Street, Albany
Kingbird Finance:. Monte Ghertler, 131 Riverside Drive, New York
Membership: Alfred A. Starling, 75 Brooklawn Drive, Rochester 18
State Book: Gordon M. Meade, National Tuberculosis Association, 1790 Broadway,
New York

Publications and Research: Dr. Edgar M. Reilly, Jr., State Museum, Albany
Bibliography: Mrs. Southgate Y. Hoyt, Box 428, Etna, 13062
Waterfowl Count: John L. Mitchell, 345 Conrad Drive, Rochester 16
John J. Elliott Memorial Committee: Cornelius J. Ward, 804 South Ocean Avenue,
Freeport

Elected Committees

Auditing: Edward R. McBride, Cooper's Corner Road, Box 601, Monticello
Jerome Kerner, Box 712, Liberty

Nominating: Walton B. Sabin, Slingerlands, Ch.; Harold D. Mitchell, Buffalo;
Miss Elizabeth Feldhusen, Jamestown

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The Kingbird

192

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