KINGBIRD VOL XVII, NO. 2 MAY • 1967 FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC. THE KINGBIRD, published four times a year (January, May, July and October), is a publi¬ cation of The Federation of New York State Bird Clubs, Inc., which has been organized to further the study of bird life and to disseminate knowledge thereof, to educate the public in the need of conserving natural resources and to encourage the establishment and main¬ tenance of sanctuaries and protected areas. Individual member's dues are $5.00 annually, of which $2.75 is for a subscription to The Kingbird. A member wishing to make an addi¬ tional contribution may become a Sustaining Member ($7.50), a Supporting Member ($10), or a Life Member ($100 — "payable over a four-year period in equal installments," if member so desires). Single copies: $1.50. Student membership $3.00. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP should be sent to the chairman of the membership committee, James J. Doherty, 913 Winton Road North, Rochester, N. Y. 14609. Send CHANGES OF ADDRESS to the Treasurer, Dort A. Cameron, 5423 Palmyra Rd., Pittsford, N.Y. 14534. Order SINGLE COPIES, BACK NUMBERS, and REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED COPIES from Walter L. Gillespie, Biology Department, Wells College, Aurora, N.Y. 13026. Publication office is 419 Triphammer Road, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850. Second class postage paid at Ithaca, N.Y. ^KINGBIRD I l I LlCJmCK CF THE FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS. INC. Vol. XVII No. 2 May, 1967 Pages 65-124 CONTENTS Photographs of New York State Rarities 9. Hoary Redpoll . ...Peter W. Post 66 President’s Page ........Allen H. Benton 68 Recent Changes in the Status of the Great Black-backed Gull. David B. Peakall 69 The 1966 Breeding Bird Survey in New York . . . .Willet T. Van Velzen 74 1967 New York State Breeding Bird Counts.Robert P. Yunick 75 Bird Counts in Western New York ..Marie A; Wendling 76 Information on Bonaparte’s Gulls Requested .Joanna Burger 79 1966 Great Blue Heronry Report . ....Walter E. Benning 80 Tree and Shrub Fruit Crop Summary 1966-1967 . . . .Stephen W. Eaton 82 Field Notes Follow-up Oneida Lake Purple Martin Census.Margaret S. Rusk 83 Note on the Northern Limit of Louisiana Waterthrush , . Geoffrey Carleton 83 A Winter Record of Orchard Oriole from Long Island . . Thomas H. Davis 84 Baltimore Oriole at Feeder in Watertown.Arthur W. Allen 84 Lark Bunting at Belmont Nov 30-April .... Lou L. and Doris Burton 85 Gull with Dark Slate-colored Mantle at Oswego .... Margaret S. Rusk 85 Goshawk Attacks Covey of Gray Partridge.Arthur W. Allen 86 Small Black and White Shearwater off Long Island.Richard Ryan 86 A Snowy Owl’s Bath in the Chemung.Wilifred I. Howard 122 Highlights of the Winter Season December 1 - March 31 .David B. Peakall 87 Regional Reports . 88 Book Review .Ned R. Boyajian 121 Editor — Dorothy W. McIlroy Associate Editors Field Notes — Sally Hoyt Spofford Regional Reports — David B. Peakall Photographic — David G. Allen Editorial Board John B. Belknap Stephen W. Eaton Allen H. Benton Eugene Eisenmann Fritz Scheider Business Manager — Walter L. Gillespie Cover Design — Douglas L. Howland PHOTOGRAPHS OF NEW YORK STATE RARITIES 9. Hoary Redpoll Hoary Redpoll - Photograph by Robert P. Yunick The systematics of redpolls is extremely complex, has given rise to much discussion, and is still unsettled. Most authorities recognize two species: the Common Redpoll, Acanthis flammea , and the Hoary Red¬ poll, A. hornemanni. Following Vaurie [The Birds of the Palearctic Fauna (Passeriformes), H. F. & G. Witherby, London, 1959 : 617-620], nominate A. f. flammea has a circumpolar distribution except where replaced by A. f. rostrata on Baffin Island and Greenland, by A. f. islandica in Iceland, and by A. f. cabaret in the British Isles and the Alps. A. f. holboellii is no longer recognized as valid. A. h. exilipes is also circumpolar in distribution, except where re¬ placed by nominate A. h. hornemanni on Ellesmere and Baffin Islands and northern Greenland. In Greenland, A. h. hornemanni occurs in the north whereas A. /. rostrata and A. f. flammea replace it in the south. Overlapping does take place as hybrids between hornemanni and rostrata are known (Salomon- sen, The Birds of Greenland, Ejnar Munsgaard, Copenhagen, part 3, 1951: 515). On Baffin Island, however, the latter two forms are sym- patric, and “behave as distinct species in that they do not interbreed or hybridize” (Wynne-Edwards, Auk, 69: 380-381, 1952). 66 Common Redpoll Hoary Redpoll Photographs by Robert P. Yunick To further complicate the problem A. h. exilipes and A. f. flammea are sympatric, without hybridizing, in northeastern Siberia and appa¬ rently in northern Russia (Vaurie, Amer. Mus. Novit., no. 1775, 1956). In Scandinavia, however, these same two forms interbreed, forming hybrid swarms in northern Norway (Salomonsen, op. cit.). Practically every redpoll flight into New York brings reports of A. hornemanni. The Hoary Redpoll in the accompanying photographs was captured by Robert P. Yunick at his feeder, as reported in the Kingbird, 16(4): 204-205, October 1966. The identification of redpolls is a difficult matter; museum specimens offer a bewildering array of confusing specimens. The field marks given in the literature, including the standard field guides, are population differences and individual birds frequently cannot be identified with certainty. Because of these difficulties expert opinion was sought. At the sugges¬ tion of Dr. Charles Vaurie, the original slides were sent to Dr. Heinrich K. Springer of College, Alaska, an expert on redpolls. His comments follow: “There is no doubt in my mind that this individual belongs to Acanthis hornemanni exilipes. It is a pure’ individual and most likely a bird of the year. The measurements [exposed culmen 7.8, wing (chord) 73 mm] fit well within the range of the North American A. h. exilipes. 67 Redpolls are indeed very confusing. I have been studying them for seven years now and have examined thousands of skins and living birds. There are always individuals which one cannot surely identify. However, with this bird there is no doubt.” A Common Redpoll photograph is included for comparison. Note the general paleness, pure white unstreaked rump, reduced streaking of the underparts, and the more stubby, conical bill of the Hoary Redpoll. Peter W. Post,, 575 West 183 Street, New York, N. Y. 10033. THE PRESIDENT'S PAGE The problems of man and his environment are a tangled mess today. Most of us who are interested in birds are interested in the rest of nature as well, because we realize that the natural community is all of one piece and that no one species exists unto itself. I have been interested to observe that the rest of the world is catch¬ ing on. The Third Annual Yearbook of Conservation is called “The Third Wave”, and its theme is that conservation in the United States is now entering its third phase, the phase based on recognition that you cannot conserve organisms — you must conserve environments. Conser¬ vation is a problem of human ecology as well as a problem in technology. Since I have spent a number of years in trying to teach this concept to both young people and adults, I am gratified to see that it is now official doctrine. But it has a corollary which is perhaps just a little more difficult to recognize. The conservation movement has been fragmented ever since it began. Technicians did not understand conservation philo¬ sophy. Foresters were not concerned about birds, bird lovers were not concerned about soil and water, sportsmen were at odds with preserva¬ tionists, and each one was trying desperately, and vainly, to improve the particular resource he was interested in without regard to the others. Now that we understand that it won’t work, that you can’t have one without the other, we ought to be able to overcome the narrowness of viewpoint that has hampered us in the past. We of the Federation of New York State Bird Clubs should cooperate fully with the Nature Conservancy, which is interested in natural areas; with the Adirondack Mountain Club, which is interested in trails; yes, even with the sports¬ men’s clubs whose interests are close to ours even though their reasons are different. If we are to breath pure air, drink pure water, walk in untouched forests and observe untamed wildlife in a natural habitat, we must unite on all points of agreement. Our common areas of interest are greater than the areas of divergence. We must work together today, or tomor¬ row there may be little left worth working for. Allen H. Benton 68 RECENT CHANGES IN THE STATUS OF THE GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL David B. Peakall In this paper the changes in the status of the Great Black-backed Gull ( Lams marinus) in New York State and in lesser detail the rest of the Great Lakes basin are considered. There have been considerable changes since the review by Gross in 1945. The Auk, Wilson Bulletin, and Zoological Record since this date have been examined as well as complete sets of this journal and Audubon Field Notes. A. Coastal Breeding Status Briefly, the breeding range of the Great Black-backed Gull is the coastal areas of the North Atlantic: more specifically from North Devon Island (north-east corner of Hudson Bay) and western Greenland south along both coasts of Labrador, Nova Scotia, Maine, Massachusetts and Long Island. In 1921 Bent gave Nova Scotia as the southern limit of the breeding range. It was first found breeding in Maine in 1931 (Norton and Allen, 1931) although the species appears to have been well established at that time since 13 breeding individuals were found in ten breeding stations. In 1930 it was recorded as breeding on the Isle of Shoals off the New Hampshire coast although nesting may well have occurred two years earlier (Jackson and Allen, 1932). The first breeding record for Massachusetts was established in 1931 (Eaton, 1931). The total New England nesting population was no less than 3500 individuals in 1944 (Gross, 1945), a remarkable increase from the early 1930’s, In New York the first breeding record was for Cartwright Island in 1942 (Wilcox, 1944) and the species has now been recorded from seven sites (Bull, 1964). The most southerly site in the United States is Canarsie Pol, Jamaica Bay where the species bred in 1960 and 1961 (Post and Restivo, 1961). The species may have been breeding here earlier since no visits had been made to this island for some years prior to I960. The build-up of the numbers of this species breeding on Long Island was slow; from a single pair in 1942 the total passed the fifty mark in 1958 (Elliott, 1959) but by 1966 there were 320-480 pairs on Gardiner Island. The count of ten pairs on Cartwright Island showed no increase over the 1957 figure (Davis and Heath, 1966). B. Inland breeding records In general the Great Black-backed Gull ranges but little from the coast, either inland or over the ocean, and thus its recent penetration of the Great Lakes basin is of interest. The first breeding record away from the coast was on Little Haystack Island, of the Fishing Islands in Lake Huron (Bruce County, Ontario) in 69 1954 when two young were banded (Krug, 1956). The second Great Lakes nesting record was from Presqu’ile Park in 1962 (Woodford, 1962) and a pair nested at Moffat Island, Quebec in 1963 (Carleton, 1963). Thus, although this species has increased enormously as a winter visitor to the Great Lakes it has not yet become established as a breeder, and there are no breeding records for New York away from the coast. However in view of the not uncommon summering of this species, nesting should be watched for, especially at localities such as Mohawk Island in the Niagara River and Piermont in the Hudson where the species summers regularly. Non-breeding Status A general idea of the winter distribution can be obtained from Figure 1 which plots the Audubon Christmas counts for the winter of 1965/66. The vast majority (95%) of the individuals are coastal. Of the remainder 75% are found along the shores of Lake Ontario; the Hudson valley ac¬ counts for just over 1% of the state total and the remainder of the state outside these areas only 0.5%. The main areas are now considered in turn. A. Long Island and New York City The species has always occurred regularly on Long Island. However, there has been a considerable increase over the last two to three dec¬ ades, as shown in Table 1. The Christmas counts are given uncorrected for numbers of observers or observer hours. While some increase in the number recorded is to be expected with increasing coverage, the Great Black-backed Gull is so conspicuous and so limited in its habitat that it is unlikely to be over¬ looked even by a small census group. Table 1 Audubon Christmas Counts of the Great Black-backed Gull for New York City and Long Island, 1930-1966. 66 65 60-64 Average over five years* 55-59 50-54 45-59 40-44 35-39 30-34 Bronx-Westchester 240 864 530 196 74 36 21 20 5 Brooklyn 1120 4484** 1718 902 571 116 91 80 1 Manhatten 1541 315 180 92 58 14 n.c. n.c. n.c. Montauk 155 947 337 165 78 89 88 13 10 Smithtown 148 317 91 48 57 14 25 n.c. n.c. Southern Nassau 1171 1038 885 560 462 230 115 85 27 Staten Island 571 1231 393 522 29 13 11 1 6 Total 4946 9196 4134 2485 1329 512 — _ _ * in some cases averages are based on less than five counts especially in the earlier years. ** national record 70 o None recorded 01 25-99 * 1-4 f 100-499 a 5-24 500^-j B. Great Lakes Eaton (1910) refers to the Great Black-backed Gull as “a regular but uncommon winter visitant on the Great Lakes .. . occasionally taken in the interior.” Meade (private communication) shows clearly the rar¬ ity of this species in the period 1920-21; he states “my first record was on March 3, 1920. It was certainly one of, if not the first, record for Monroe county.* No other record for that year —and I was in the field on 184 days that year! 1921, no record — I was in the field 158 days.” Meade gives a few other records for the late 1930’s and states that in his experience 1940 was the year in which the species began to be regular. This date is in agreement with the data from Christmas counts for the Rochester area which are given in Table 2. * Eaton (1910) records the species for Monroe county. 71 Table 2. Audubon Christmas Counts of the Great Black-backed Gull for Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes, 1920-1966 Average over five years. 66 65 60-64 55-59 50-54 45-49 40-44 35-39 30-34 25-29 20-24 1 Buffalo 147 237 147 51 40 36 31 11 0 2 0 Rochester 95 87 50 50 44 10 8 2 0 0 0 Geneva 1 1 7 7 4 2 3 2 0 0 0 Total 243 325 204 108 88 48 42 15 0 2 0 The situation in the Niagara Frontier area is essentially similar to Rochester although groups of Great Black-backed Gulls were first seen a few years earlier. Beardslee and Mitchell (1965) state “It was still rather uncommon in the early thirties, but by 1935 it began to appear in greater numbers, since 27 were reported on January 27.” The Christ¬ mas counts for the Buffalo area are given in Table 2. It is interesting that the species first began to be recorded on the Geneva counts at the same period (i.e. the mid-1930’s) as it appeared on the Buffalo and Rochester counts but it has never increased to any extent. At the western end of Lake Erie;, Mayfield (1943) notes that the Great Black-backed Gull was first recorded on March 3, 1928. There were 13 records of single birds in the next dozen years, followed by a noteable increase in the winter of 1940/41 when five were noted in a day and further increases were noted on subsequent winters. In the Great Lakes the Great Black-backed Gull is a winter visitor, no appreciable spring or fall passage has been noted. Arrival dates at Sandy Pond (southeast corner of Lake Ontario) over the last seven years range from August 9 to September 9 with most dates August 15-19. These dates are appreciably earlier than those given by Beardslee and Mitchell (1965)-viz (Sept 3, 18) October 9 —for the Niagara Frontier suggesting a slow east-west movement. Adults are rare before mid- October and the main build-up does not occur until early December. Peak counts are usually late December — January (considerably affected by storms and ice conditions) and the species is scarce after March. These seasonal changes are well documented by Tanghe (1955) in his excellent chart of seasonal abundance of birds in the Rochester area. In southwestern Michigan Bernard (1966) summarizes the status as “present in small numbers during early November increasing to a peak in mid-Dec.” C. Hudson Valley Deed (1959) comments that “this handsome gull, once an uncommon winter resident, has increased in numbers and can be found in any month, though most abundantly in winter,” Treacy (1965) refers to 72 further increases. The migratory status of the species in the upper Hudson valley is shown by Wickham (1965) Hew remained all winter, large influx in early March.” Summary The Great Black-backed Gull has increased greatly upstate as a win¬ ter visitor in the last 2-3 decades. While there are no breeding records for the state away from the coast this should be watched for, especially on the islands of the Hudson and Niagara Rivers where summering is regular. On Long Island the rapid increase of the breeding population may well start to affect the numbers of other species of colonial sea¬ birds. Upstate Medical Center, 766 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, N. Y. 13210 Literature Cited Beardslee, C. S. and H. D. Mitchell. Birds of the Niagara Frontier. Bull. Buffalo Soc. Nat. Hist. Vol. 22, 1965. Bent, A. C. Life Histories of North American Gulls and Terns. U.S. Natl. Mus. Bull. 113, 1921. Bernard, R. F. Western Great Lakes Region. Audubon Field Notes 20 :426, 1966. Bull, J. Birds of the New York Area. Harper and Row, N.Y. 1964. Carleton, G. Hudson-St. Lawrence Region Audubon Field Notes 17:450, 1963. Davis, T. H. and Heath F. Region 10, Marine. Kingbird 16:244, 1966. Deed, R. F. Birds of Rockland County and the Hudson Highlands. Rockland Audubon Society, 1959. Eaton, E. H. Birds of New York. Vol. 1 Univ. State of New York, Albany, 1910 Eaton, R. J. Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) breeding in Essex County, Massachusetts. Auk 48:588-589, 1931. Elliott, J. J. Ways of the “Sea Gulls” Part 2. Kingbird 9:142-148, 1959. Gross, A. O. The present status of the Great Black-backed Gull on the coast of Maine. Auk 62:241-256, 1945. Jackson C. F. and Allen, P. F. Additional notes on the breeding in Maine of the Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) Auk 49:349-350, 1932. Krug, H. H. Great Black-backed Gulls nesting on Little Haystack Island, Lake Huron. Auk 73:559, 1956. Mayfield, H. Glaucous and Great Black-backed Gulls at the western end of Lake Erie. Wilson Bull. 55:129-130, 1943. Norton, A. H. and Allen, R. P. Breeding of the Great Black-backed Gull and Double-crested Cormorant in Maine. Auk 48:589-592, 1931. Post, P. W. and Restivo, E. J. A mid-summer visit to Canarsie Pol. Linnaean News-Letter 14(9), 1961. Tanghe, J. T. The seasonal abundance of birds in the Rochester area. Kinebird 5:69-84, 1955. Treacy, E. D. Region 9 Delaware-Hudson Kingbird 15:126, 1965. Wickham, P. P. Region 8 Mohawk-Hudson Kingbird 15:123, 1965. Wilcox, LeRoy Great Black-backed Gull breeding in New York. Auk 61:653-4 1944. Woodford, J. Ontario-Western New York Region. Audubon Field Notes 16:474 1962. 73 THE 1966 BREEDING BIRD SURVEY IN NEW YORK Willet T. Van Velzen During the summer of 1966, New York birders cooperated in the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife’s continental Breeding Bird Survey. This survey, conducted on a trial basis in Maryland and Delaware during 1965, was expanded to all States east of the Mississippi River and four Canadian Provinces during 1966. Approximately 600 routes were run, 27 of which were in New York. The 27,850 individual birds recorded within New York represent approximately 2.5% of the total number recorded on the survey. This survey was established to provide much needed information on the distribution and abundance of North American birds and specifically to measure differences that might result from land use changes and the widespread application of pesticides. The 25-mile routes were selected at random within the State. Each roadside route, driven one time during the breeding season, consists of 50 stops placed at half-mile intervals. During each 3-minute stop-period all birds heard and seen were recorded on special forms. All data were later transferred to machine punch cards so that comparisons could be made as the exact routes are rerun from year to year. Although 151 species were recorded within the State, as would be expected, the survey best measured those species which were most conspicuous. The five most conspicuous species thus recorded were the Starling (5163 ), Red-winged Blackbird (3491), House Sparrow (1907), Robin (1778) and Common Grackle (1695) fol¬ lowed by the Song Sparrow, Common Crow, Barn Swallow, American Goldfinch, and Chipping Sparrow, in decreasing order of abundance. Yellow-shafted Flickers, Barn Swallows, Catbirds, Robins, Starlings, Red-eyed Vireos, Red-winged Black¬ birds, Common Grackles, Chipping Sparrows, and Song Sparrows were recorded on every route run within the State. Special thanks are extended to the following individuals who conducted the 1966 survey routes: John Belknap, Danny Bystrak, Paul Bystrak, Thomas Davis, Stephen Eaton, Frank Enders, Helen Fessenden, Aden Gokay, E. E. Ketcham, Harriette Klabunde, Dorothy Mcllroy, Eugene Mudge, Jean Propst, Dennis Puleston, Frances Rew, Margaret Rusk, Walter Sabin, Sally SpofFord, Walter Spofford, Robert Sundell, Edward Treacy, Otis Waterman, Marie Wendling and Peter Wickham. A great deal of enthusiasm was shown by those who assisted in last year’s survey. The list of completed routes does not necessarily reflect the total effort expended. For example, Gordon Meade wrote of his St. Regis Falls route. “Mission attempted — failed of objective ... We rose at 3:00 A.M. .. . to allow for an hour and a quarter run. After going a hundred yards ... we had a flat tire ... in a rain shower. . .[then] we hit the sandy spot in the road and . . . down to the hubcap And were we stuck!” Nor does the list show the persistant efforts of enthusiasts such as Harriet Delafield who tried in vain to obtain coverage of some of the northern routes. The success of the survey, both present and future, can be at¬ tributed to the fine cooperation of all these people. Plans are currently underway to conduct the 1967 Breeding Bird Survey. Much of New York state received only minimal coverage during 1966 and it is hoped that additional routes can be run throughout the state this summer. Migratory Bird Populations Station, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Laurel, Md. 20810 74 1967 NEW YORK STATE BREEDING BIRD COUNTS Robert P. Yunick The Fish and Wildlife Service has scheduled, by random selection at the rate of eight counts per degree block, a total of 110 breeding bird counts for New York State. As of May 6, 70 of these counts had been assigned through correspondence with bird clubs, regional editors and interested individuals. This is an open appeal to Federation members to help seek coverage on the remaining 40 counts which are listed below. Due to random selection, there are counts scheduled in awkward places, and people living where no counts are scheduled. When the count density is increased in subsequent years, some of these disparities will hopefully be resolved and those interested people with no count presently in their area will have a chance at a route. The counts are scheduled for June and are run only once, requiring about five hours’ time. Ideally a count is run by three people—a driver, recorder and ob¬ server. In this way the burden on each person is lessened. It is possible for two people—a driver-recorder and an observer—to do a count satisfactorily. The ob¬ server should be highly skilled in recognizing birds by song and sight. It is also important, if these counts are to be of statistical value, that there be strict ad¬ herence to the count rules. There is no room for individual variation. I have information sheets available to anyone wanting to take one of the follow¬ ing counts. The record sheets and final instructions will be sent by the Fish and Wildlife Service directly to the participants. I want to thank those people who have cooperated thus far and I look forward to hearing from others of you who want to participate in this worthwhile effort. 1527 Myron Street, Schenectady, N.Y. 12309 Approx. Starting Approx. Starting Count Coordinates Point Count Coordinates Point 41° 16' 74° 24' W Warwick 42° 43' 77° 36' E Canadice Lake 23' 25' s Middletown 58' 33' S Mendon 32’ 35' s Westbrookville 42' 57' s Perry 27' 30' N Middletown 43° 10' 77° 57' s Church ville 42° 26' 74° 10' w Medusa 11' 29' N Penfield 39' 52' E Coopers town 43° 24' 75° 13' s Alder Creek 10 06' W Platte Cove 07' 39' N Oneida 42° 33' 75° 08' E Laurens 43° 39' 74°28' E Blue Ridge N. 19' 33' N Coventryville 39' 31' S Blue Ridge S. 31' 44' E McDonough 53' 14' E Newcomb 26' 06' W Oneonta 44° 52' 75° 08' W Wadding ton 24' 36' W Oxford 42' 28' W Ogdensburg 42° 57' 76° 43' N Cayuga 44°10' 74° 58' W,N Wanakeena 21' 02' E Lisle 21' 39' N Sevey 12' 11' s Endicott 32' 40' W Parishville 02' 02' w Vestal Center 39' 43' N Hopkinton 42°17' 77° 57' N Phillips Creek 27' 49' N Stark 30' 51' s Swain 44° 42' 73° 45' S Dannemora 47' 16' E Rushville 55' 53' N Ellenburg 40' 13' S Branchport 52' 32' W Sciota 75 BIRD COUNTS IN WESTERN NEW YORK Marie A. Wendling Two founding members of the Buffalo Ornithological Society, Clark Beardslee and Harold D. Mitchell, gave the club a serious direction soon after its organization in October 1929, by proposing to use its compiled bird records as a basis for a projected book on the ornithology of the region. Thus, from the beginning the BOS established a pattern of regular bird counts, beginning with the Christmas Count of 1929, and encouraged members in the pursuit of their avocation, which for many of them became practically a way of life. At first, a program of regular monthly counts was established on a quite informal basis, each member going to some favorite birding spot. After 1939, these informal counts were replaced by regularly scheduled field trips, generally two a month. Three censuses in addition to the Christmas Count were, however, retained: the Spring Duck Census in early April, the Annual Spring Census on the third Sunday in May, the Fall Duck Census in October. Later the word “Duck” was dropped from the names, as each census became a count of individuals of all species seen, and the counts are now simply designated by the month in which they take place. Observers no longer casually choose a favorite spot. At a club meeting they volunteer for or are assigned to definite territories, and part of a later meeting is devoted to a report of the count. This report, including species and numbers as well as names of all partici¬ pants, is published in The Prothonotary, along with comments by the over-all compiler of the census. Following the Federation’s division of the state into new reporting regions, effective in April 1954, the society divided the large Western New York study area assigned to it into 23 fairly equal sections, plus 5 more on the Canadian side of the river. A road map was devised for each section, and a folder containing all the maps given to each mem¬ ber. Coverage is as thorough as is possible with the available number of observers, most of whom make a day of it. They cover as much of the road mileage as they can and investigate on foot all the known good birding spots. If enough are available, observers of a given area divide into two or more small parties, which are then able to “beat the bushes” more thoroughly. Although observers usually choose territories with which they are familiar, it sometimes becomes necessary for some¬ one to cover an unfamiliar area. For this reason one present BOS project aims to have each section written up by someone who knows it well to enable all members to conduct observations profitably in any part of the study area. Richard Rosche’s recently published Birds of Wyoming County is an example of what can be done to help observers in a given territory. 76 The BOS now makes seven counts a year as well as several informal ones. Participation has grown from seven observers in three parties on that first Christmas Count to as high as 135 observers, the number of parties being determined by how many people a compiler can persuade into his area. To the four counts mentioned earlier a Shorebird Count was added in 1947 and a Waterfowl Count in mid-January 1955 as part of the state-wide count by the Federation. Less formal hawk counts in spring and fall and various breeding bird and nesting counts are con¬ ducted. In June 1966 cooperation was begun in the Breeding Bird Sur¬ vey recently inaugurated by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The area is fortunate in having lake shore accessible for a Shorebird Count in summer and early fall when numbers are greatest. Fifty-four miles of the north shore of Lake Erie are covered once a year, each participating party walking a 4-7 mile section of the shore, recording numbers and species and spotting on a map where the birds were. For the first five consecutive years the census was taken on a day in early August, for the second five years in late August, for the third five years in early September, and for the fourth five years in late July. In the September 1966 issue of The Prothonotary, Edward Seeber presented and discussed the data in an article, “Twenty Years of Shorebird Counts.” Although sponsored by the BOS, the counts may be assisted by per¬ sons other than the local members. In an early issue of The Prothonotary a note was added to an announcement of the Fall Census: “It is desir¬ able to cover as much of our territory as possible on this day. Members of neighboring bird clubs are cordially invited to take part in the census with us.” How well that invitation of thirty-five years ago has been ac¬ cepted! Groups from Batavia (since 1934), from Thorold and vicinity in Canada, and from Fillmore cover nearby territories. As bird clubs have been organized in Western New York, they have taken over re¬ sponsibility for the counts in their areas: Jamestown Audubon Society, Lake Erie Bird Club, Allegany County Bird Club, East Aurora Bird Club, Cattaraugus County Bird Study Group. Records to be used as a basis for an authoritative study in the or¬ nithology of a region have to be accurate. From the beginning all unu¬ sual reports of either species or numbers had to be presented to a committee of statisticians who either accepted or rejected the observa¬ tion on the basis of a detailed report. In time a verification form (see below) was developed to guide the observer in studying his rarity in the field as well as in writing up his observations. On the basis of this written verification the statisticians judge the accuracy of the identifica¬ tion, and only those sightings which have on file a satisfactory written verification become a part of the record of the region. 77 BUFFALO ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY VERIFICATION FORM FOR UNUSUAL RECORDS This form is meant to be an aid, not a hindrance; you may use it flexibly. When completed, mail it to the Compiler for the B.O.S. Observers are encouraged to review a good field guide’s write-up of an unusual bird while it is actually under observation in the field, so that each important field mark may be looked for and checked out on the spot. 1. DATE and Time of writing this account: 2. NAME of the BIRD and NUMBER of individuals: 3. LOCALITY: 4. DATE WHEN SEEN: 5. TIME of day: 6. OBSERVERS (verifying reporter’s name first): 7. LIGHT CONDITIONS: a) general — sunny; light, medium or dark clouds; etc, b) where was the bird? — in the open; light, medium or deep shade. c) where was the sun as you faced the bird? — behind you, in front of you, or_degrees from the bird, 8. TYPE and CONDITION of the OPTICAL equipment used: 9. DISTANCE at which seen, and how judged (estimated, paced, etc.): 10. What was the bird doing? (flying, resting, feeding, etc.) (Mention position of the bird in relation to the observer) 11. HABITAT (general and specific): 12. Length of time studied under the above combination of conditions: 13. Statement and description of all observations of field marks and other details that contributed to your certainty in this identification. If you have an original sketch, made at the time of observation, please attach it. 14. SIMILAR or CONFUSING SPECIES that you are satisfied have been elimi¬ nated by your description: 15. Names of OTHER OBSERVERS, if any, who independently identified it as this species. Explain the circumstances: ~ 16. Describe your observations of any DIAGNOSTIC HABITS: 17. Description of SONG and CALLS: 18. Previous acquaintance with this species (i.e. how many times have you ob¬ served it?): 19. a) Did you have a bird book or similar aid during observation? b) Have you referred to any aid such as a book, illustration, or ornithologist since the observation? c) If you answered “yes” to either a) or b), tell what aid you used and ex¬ plain specifically, but briefly, how it influenced this description: 20. Signature and address of verifying reporter: 78 In 1955 the society published a Date Guide, giving the dates within which a species may be reported without this written verification, these dates having been determined by the accepted records of previous years. Birds which have been reported only infrequently — that is, not often enough to establish a definite period of residence or migration — are listed without dates, and reports of these must always be accom¬ panied by a written verification. The Date Guide is revised every five years to conform to changes in nomenclature as authorized by the AOU and to changes of the status of birds within the area. With the publication in 1964 of Beardslee and Mitchells Birds of the Niagara Frontier, some might think that the need for our many bird counts has disappeared. However, as every ornithologist knows, change is the order of bird life too. Already several birds not mentioned in the book have been found in the area since the date of publication, and new records of early and late migrants and of abundance occur each year. There is never a time to stop learning, and with the recent increased interest in the abundance of birds this is no time to stop counting. 87 Garrison Road, Williamsville, N. Y. 14221 INFORMATION ON BONAPARTE'S GULLS REQUESTED Joanna Burger and Richard Brownstein of Buffalo are working on the distribution and migratory behavior of the Bonaparte's Gull. Any data from personal records on the distribution and movement of these gulls would be helpful. The direction, date, time and location of their movements would be especially useful. Some of these gulls in Buffalo have been dyed a bright color and banded. The color of the dye used denotes the date of the marking session. If you see any unusually colored Bonaparte's Gull, please send the following information to the address listed below: Date, Location, Color, Number of marked individuals. Number of Unmarked Bona¬ parte’s Gulls with the color-marked gulls. Miss Joanna Burger, Department of Biology, State University College, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, N.Y. 14222. 79 1966 GREAT BLUE HERONRY REPORT With the completion of the third year of the Upstate New York Great Blue Heronry Survey, the data obtained begins to take on some significance. Table I summarizes the information gathered over the three years. It includes reports on 17 heronries. On eight of these heronries, reports were received for each of the three years, on four for two years and on five for but one. Nine other heronries have been reported without any data on them. Table I 1964 1965 1966 No. of heronries on which data was received 11 14 11 Approximate no. of active nests 450 350 250 While it would appear that the number of active nests in the state is declining, some individual heronries are growing. The Marengo Swamp heronry near Clyde in Wayne County has increased in 3 years from 40 to 100 active nests. Only a few reports give an indication of the number of young birds actually raised. From these few reports it would appear that about two birds per nest have been raised in each of the three years. Geographically we find there is a narrow belt North and South across the State from Binghamton to Watertown in which one half of the heronries reported are located. East of this belt only 4 active heronries have been reported, all in the Catskill-Hudson Valley area. In the Western part of the State all the heronries are concentrated in the Southwestern corner except for one each in Genesee, Wayne and Steuben counties. Table II gives a more detailed report of the records received for the 1966 season. For details on the years 1964 and 1965 see the Kingbird XV No. 2 page 92 and XVI No. 2 page 79. Table II Location Nests Young Region 1 1 — Farrington Hollow Rd no report 2 — Coes Rd. 17 32 3 — Oak Orchard no report 4 - Hood Hill 15 25 5 — 4 mi. NW of Vandalia no report 6 — 5 mi. N Olean 25 Region 2 1 — Marengo Swamp 100 250 Dates Visited 1966 5/1, 5/24, 6/8 5/19 6/15, 6/19, 7/4 Region 3 1 — S of Corning, Steuben Co. 15 23 Keuka Park Conservation Club, Penn Yan, Yates Co. reports no known heronries Schuyler County Bird Club reports no known heronries 80 Location Nests Young Dates Visited 1966 Region 4 1 — ?2 mi. SW Candor, Tioga Co. 2 — Owego, Tioga Co. 3 — 3 mi. E of Whitney Point Broome Co. 4 — German, Chenango Co. 5 — Cold Brook Rd. Scott, Cortland Co. 6 — Charlottesville near Otsego- Schoharie Co. line 7 — Andes, Delaware Co. 8 — Southern Colchester Town¬ ship Delaware Co. Colony smaller this year no report no report no report 3 no report Reported but no data given Reported but no data given 9/9 Region 5 1 — Cross Lake, Onondaga Co, 2 — Scott Swamp, Phoenix Oswego Co. 3 — Bridgeport, Madison Co. 4 — North Victory, Cayuga Co. 5 — Skaneateles, Onondaga Co. 6 — East Freetown, Cortland Co. 35 6/2 8-10 Late May No sign of activity Heronry abandoned, logging operations no report no report Region 6 1 — Ironsides Island, Alexandria Bay Jefferson County 2 — Perch River Game Management Area 3 — Camp Drum Jefferson Co. Region 7 No reports received in 1966 80-85 1-4 per nest 37 1-5 per nest. No details available as it is in restricted “im¬ pact” area of Camp Drum Military Reser¬ vation 40-50 nests 2 yrs. ago Region 8 Sassaafras Bird Club, Amsterdam reports no known heronries Region 9 1 — Bontecue Farm, Town of Washington, Dutchess Co. 6 2 per nest 5/15, 6/8 Rockland Audubon Society reports no known heronries We wish to thank all those individuals and clubs who have sent us reports. Great Blue Herons often nest in rather inaccessible places and it takes a real effort to get accurate information on the number of active nests and the number of young raised. We ask your cooperation in sending us reports on the 1967 season. Walter E. Banning, Clyde, N.Y . 14433 81 TREE AND SHRUB FRUIT CROP SUMMARY 1966-1967 Western Eastern Ontario Allegh. Allegh. Adirondacks Lake Plain Plateau Plateau Regions 6 2,6 If 3, 4 9° Red Pine White Pine G F, P-F, P Pitch Pine Larch G White Spruce G Black Spruce G Red Spruce Balsam P Hemlock G G, P-G, F Arborvitae P Red Cedar F,P Bayberry Ironwood (Ostrya) F P-G, P Blue Beech (Carpinus) F P-G Yellow Birch G P, F-G, F White Birch G G, P Amer. Beech G P,G F F, G P White Oak P, G G, G, P Red Oak G G, G, G Cucumber Tree F Mountain Ash P Thornapple G, F-G G G, G Wild black Cherry P-F F F, G-F Box Elder G, F G F, G-F Sugar Maple F F, G-F Grey Dogwood G, F Red Osier Dogwood F, P White Ash P P, P-G Black berried Elder G, P F G, F-G, F f High Plateaus only, * Shawangunks only These estimates were submitted by Les Bemont, Region 4; Frank A. Clinch Region 6; Howard Miller, Region 2; Dan Smiley—Shawangunks; S, W. Eaton, High Plateaus (Region 1); S, H. Spofford, Region 3. The fruit crop in the western Adirondack region appeared generally good as was the crop on the western Allegheny Plateau. In Region 4 feelings were mixed about the crop. The Shawangunks appeared to have a poor crop, except for the Red Oak which also produced good crops all across the Plateau. Stephen W. Eaton, St. Bonaventure Unin., St. Bonaventure, N.Y. 14778. . 82 FIELD NOTES Follow-up Oneida Lake Purple Martin Census: Between July 7 and 26, 1966, Purple Martins were censused along the south shore of Oneida Lake from Brewerton to Sylvan Beach. At this time, in most of the occupied houses young were being fed in the nest, making occupancy easy to determine. Mrs. Dorothy W. Ackley, Dr. David Peakall with his summer ornithology class, and I conducted the census, following the method used in the 1963 census ( Kingbird 14(2) :81, May 1964). That first census was done with the idea of making comparable censuses in later years. In view of the known Martin storm deaths in the spring of 1966 ( Kingbird 16(3): 169, July 1966) we felt it important to do a census that same summer. Only the south shore, rather than the entire lake, was covered in 1966. The figures below are for only this area in both years. No. 0% occupied 40% ' occupied Est. 100% occupied Est. hses No. No. No. No. no. No. No. no. checked hses holes hses holes prs. hses holes prs. 102 11 110 22 330 131 69 1173 1060 104 56 746 22 486 160 26 386 380 Est. total prs. 1191 540 The estimated total number of pairs of Martins in 1966 is less than half that of 1963, in almost exactly the same number of houses, with approximately the same number of holes. Moreover, in 1963 about 70% of the houses were “100%” occu¬ pied, whereas in 1966 only 25% of the houses were “100%” occupied and over half were unoccupied. The 1963 data seemed to show that the larger the house, the more likely it was to be 100% occupied. (Unoccupied houses averaged 10 holes per house, 40% ones 15 holes, and 100% ones 17 holes.) The 1966 data fail to bear out this apparent relationship. Perhaps in 1963 it was only a coincidence; on the other hand, maybe there is a real correlation between number of holes and percent of occupancy in a normal year, but in 1966 simply not enough Martins survived the May storm-kill, or arrived subsequently, to fill the large houses. If it is true on Oneida Lake that the same individuals return year after year to the same houses, it would be unlikely for latecomers to fill in other large houses in preference to their traditional homes. In at least seven instances in 1966 House Sparrows were noted sharing houses with Martins, compared to only once in 1963. This may be due to censusing earlier in the season, when House Sparrows are still present, but may also be due to more apartments being undefended by Martins after the storm-kill, and therefore available to House Sparrows. Margaret S. Rusk, 805 Comstock Ave., Syracuse 13210 Note on the Northern Limit of Louisiana Waterthrush: I was interested to read of a Louisiana Waterthrush far north in New York State ( Kingbird 16: 25-26, Jan. 1966). The vicinity of latitude 44° N appears to be a rather constant northern limit. The species was found breeding near Lake Champlain at Port Henry, N.Y., 40 miles farther north than Boonville, in 1941 (Auk 59:315, Apr. 1942); I found a nest and eggs at the Port Henry location, June 13, 1947. The species was observed at Passaconaway, N.H., right on the 44th parallel, June 7, 1964 and at Newbury, Vt., about 7 miles north of this parallel, May 11, 1951 ( Audubon Field Notes 19:529, Oct. 1965). It ranges still farther north in Minnesota (Red Wing, approximate latitude 44° 30' N-Chapman, Warblers of North America , 1907). Geoffrey Carleton, 55 East 87th Street, New York, N.Y. 10028 83 A Winter Record of Orchard Oriole from Long Island: On 20 November 1966 an Orchard Oriole ( Icterus spurius ) was found at Jacob Riis Park, Queens Co., New York. It remained for two weeks, until 11 December, and was seen by dozens of observers. This bird was quite nervous but usually it could be found in one par¬ ticular clump of bushes where it fed on a variety of berries, including the Russian Olive. On 11 December 1966 Guy Tudor, Michel Kleinbaum and the writer captured the oriole with a mist-net. Before banding and releasing the bird we took the fol¬ lowing description: Back dusky greenish-yellow; under parts bright yellow to un¬ dertail coverts; black throat extends 25 mm. below bill, 15 mm. wide, feathers tipped with yellow; indistinct chestnut coloring on cheeks and sides of throat; wings dusky gray with two white wingbars; tail greenish-yellow, dusky posteriorly, narrowly tipped with dull white. Bill dusky above, greenish-flesh below; legs and feet bluish-gray; iris brown. Skull ossified, fat class 3 (it was bloated with fat). Measurements: wing chord-74 mm., tail—70 mm., exposed culmen—15mm. Primary formula: 6 = 7 = 8, 9, 5; outer vanes of primaries 6, 7 and 8 emarginate. A later comparison of this description with specimens at the American Museum of Natural History confirmed its identity as a second year male Orchard Oriole. John Bull ( Birds of the New York Area, 1964: 405-406) gives the late date for this species as 22 and 27 September. He remarks: “This species winters in the tropics from southern Mexico to northern South America, without a proved winter occurrence even in Florida; in fact the Orchard Oriole is scarce there by October. No winter records have been substantiated anywhere in the northeast.” He dis¬ misses two winter sight records in Rockland Co. as uncorroborated. Late dates from Massachusetts given by Griscom and Snyder ( The Birds of Massachusetts , 1955: 216) and from Maryland given by Stewart and Robbins ( The Birds of Maryland and the District of Columbia, 1958: 323) are 28 September, 1918 and 13 October* 1952 respectively. Audubon Field Notes for the years 1960 to 1966 contain 31 Orchard Oriole records between December and February. Thirteen of these are from California where this species’ occurrence has been well corroborated by one specimen and three photographs. The remaining 18 birds were reported from Maryland to Texas including Virginia, Florida, Alabama and Louisiana. Only one of these birds seems well substantiated, a male collected at Reserve, Louisiana on January 3, 1965. Thomas H. Davis, 8613-85 Street, Woodhaven, New York 11421 Baltimore Oriole at Feeder in Watertown: An immature Baltimore Oriole ( Icterus galbula ) was first seen November 22, 1966 in Watertown feeding on suet. It then tried donut and after feeding for some time flew to the shelter of three spruce trees nearby. Soon it was back at the feeders. For the. next 39 days the oriole spent most of its time between the feeders and the evergreens. Raisins, donuts, graham crackers and suet were its favorite foods. It would be one of the first birds to appear in the morning and one of the last to leave at night. On December 30 just about dusk, after feeding on a donut that had been broken up and placed in a ground feeder, the oriole flew into the evergreens with a piece of donut in its beak. This was the last time it was seen. When it did not appear at feeders the next morning, the evergreens and area in vicinity of the feeders were carefully checked but there was no sign of it. The oriole had survived 39 days of real winter weather. In this period we had two big storms, one dropping 18 inches of snow, and two periods of sub-zero weather with the temperature getting down to —10° F. Arthur W. Allen, 561 Eastern Blvd., Watertown, N.Y. 13601 Ed. Note: Orioles are staying north in ever-increasing numbers. This report, how¬ ever, is unusually far north. 84 Lark Bunting at Belmont Nov 30-ApriI; On 30 November 1966 at about 3:15 p.m., in our yard in Belmont we noticed a strange bird with the Tree Sparrows and House Sparrows feeding on the spillage from a small feeder containing fine bird seed. In size the bird was between House Sparrow and cowbird. In general ap¬ pearance it was medium brown above with darker streaks and buflfy feather tips and edgings, lighter below with dark streaks from a heavily blotched area on the breast to the vent. The bill was large and conical, the head appeared puffy. A large, buffy wingpatch about Vk" long and %" wide was very distinctive when the bird flew, and was visible when it was at rest. Other markings noted were: chin dark; throat with heavy dark blotches; distinct buffy eye ring and line from bill through eye and beyond; tail dark brown with fine white edging on the outside and white patch in center near tail tip; wings black, underneath in flight. Ed Olmstead was called over and we made a sketch of the bird. On December 1 he photographed it. Pictures were sent to Stephen Eaton and Richard Rosche. Following a clue given us by Richard Rosche, we tentatively identified the bird as a Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys ). Stephen Eaton on Dec. 14 and Richard Rosche on Dec. 15 both confirmed this identification. A complete verifica¬ tion report by Ed Olmstead and us, and additional reports by Stephen Eaton and Richard Rosche are on file with the Buffalo Ornithological Society. The bird was an agressive individual. For the first few days it appeared with the Cardinals and Tree Sparrows and was not at all timid. Then it began coming with the flocks of House Sparrows and flushed with them into a multiflora rose thicket. Usually the head feathers were raised like a crest, giving the head a puffy ap¬ pearance like a Purple Finch. When perched, it pumped its tail as the Phoebe does, but not as frequently. The bird continued to come to the feeder, somewhat irregularly depending on the amount of snow cover. Many members of the B.O.S. observed it, and Harold Mitchell also photographed it. By late February the bird had developed a distinct dark bib and necklace, and on the right side only a dark area extending upward from the leg and to the fore and rear of this area. At the beginning of March the bird had developed large, dark blotched areas over the underparts. The tail was largely black with the patch and web edgings white. As the days progressed the blotched areas came together on the underparts and the general appearance became that of a black bird with prominent white wing strips. The crest, nape and back, when viewed from above, were more gray then brown. The buffy eye stripe and the patch below the auriculars remained distinctive. The bunting was still coming to the feeder in early April. Lou L. and Doris Burton, John Street, Belmont, N.Y. 14813 Ed. Note: This appears to be the first upstate record, although there have been at least seven records from Long Island. Gull with Dark Slate-colored Mantle at Oswego: On January 2, 1967 at about 2:30 P.M. while censusing Great Black-backed, Herring, and Ring-billed Gulls on the west breakwater in Oswego harbor, I noted an unusual gull among the others. The gull, side-lighted by a hazy sun, was studied through a 30x scope at about 300 yards for twenty minutes. The following was noted: mantle solid slate-colored, not quite as black as a Great Black-backed’s but very much darker than a Herring Gull’s; size the same as the Herring Gulls; the head and ventral parts white (i.e. typical adult plumage); bill yellow (and I thought I could see a red spot near the tip); eye color not really discernable at that distance but appearing the same as that of the other species on the breakwater; feet pink, the color of a Great Black- backed’s or Herring Gull’s; pattern of primaries with some white posterior edging, but not well seen as the bird was only observed perched. It was not the Ithaca Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus — ef Kingbird Winter season Region 3 reports, 1964-67) as that individual (which I had seen 85 just 15 days before) had yellow feet and some dark head markings. No attempt was made to flush the gull to observe the mantle pattern in flight, as I hoped it would remain on the breakwater until another observer had seen it. At about 4 P.M. on the same day David Peakall found the gull still on the breakwater (I had not remained to show it to him) and noted the same characteristics as I had. There were no further sightings of the bird. Since foot color of the adult Lesser Black-backed is variable in winter (cf. Peterson, R. T., et al, A field guide to the birds of Britain and Europe ), this note seems warranted as the bird’s appearance in every respect was that of an adult Earns fuscus. Margaret S. Rusk, 805 Comstock Ave., Syracuse 13210 Goshawk Attacks Covey of Gray Partridge: On 5 January 1967 near Philadelphia in Jefferson County while I was watching a covey of nine Gray Partridge ( Perdix perdix) as they moved from the side of a road into an open field, a Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) flew towards them. Usually when flushed a covey of Gray Partridge will all fly together in the same direction. As the hawk approached these, each one flew in a different direction, except one which remained “frozen” in the snow. This flying in different directions by the partridges was rewarding, for the hawk seemed puzzled, banking one way and then another and ending up with no partridge. A lot of action in just a few seconds. The hawk then flew toward a small stand of trees and shrubs. Ahead of it two frightened cottontails scrambled in a hasty zig-zag retreat. Arthur W. Allen, 561 Eastern Blvd., Watertown, N.Y. 13601 Small Black and White Shearwater off Long Island: On 2 January 1967, about five miles south of the Jones Beach tower, Nassau Co., I observed a small “black and white shearwater.” It was about 12:30 P.M., the sea was fairly calm, and there was little wind. The bird, somewhat smaller than a Bonaparte’s Gull, ap¬ proached within 75 feet and was observed in good light through 7 X 50 binoculars for 10-15 seconds before it disappeared behind an adjacent fishing boat. Size com¬ parison was made directly with Herring Gulls, and the more distant Bonaparte’s and Great Black-backed Gulls and Kittiwake. The bird flew with rapid alcid-like wingbeats, interspersed with short periods of stiff-winged, tilting glides. It was sharply patterned black above and white below. The undertail coverts appeared white, but my view was most fleeting. Foot color was not noticed. The well-seen bill was typically tubinareform, but proportionately short. The wings were long and narrow, but not proportionately as long as the other shearwater species with which I am familiar. These include Sooty, Greater and Cory’s Shearwaters, and more limited contact with the Manx Shearwater and the Fulmar. I am also quite familiar with grebes, “black and white” ducks and all the Atlantic alcids. This observation fits rather well the description and picture of the Little Shear¬ water {Puffinus assimilis) given by Post in the Kingbird, 14(3): 133-141, July 1964. The time of year alone seems to rule out Audubon’s Shearwater (P. Iherminieri) , although there is a late November report of the Manx Shearwater (P. puffinus) from Massachusetts (Post, in press). However, due to my shortage of experience with this difficult group and the fact that I was unable to determine the foot color or note the white inner webs of the primaries, I prefer to leave the identification as simply a “small black and white shearwater” of the genus Puffinus. Incidentally, no other form of Procellariform from more distant places, other than races of the three species mentioned above, seems close enough to this bird’s appear¬ ance to cause possible confusion. Richard Ryan, Director, Turtleback Zoo, West Orange, N.J. (continued on page 122) 86 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WINTER SEASON December 1 — March 31 David B. Peakall As far as flights of winter finches were concerned the heading would be more appropriately called lowlights of the winter. The almost com¬ plete lack of winter finches rivaled the winters of 1964/65 and 1956/57 making three non-invasion winters in the last twelve years. Perhaps be¬ cause of the poor showing of northern species several regional editors commented on the southern invaders, the Tufted Titmouse, Mocking¬ bird and Cardinal. The increase of the Mockingbird has been docu¬ mented in this column previously (Kingbird 16:93, 1966). Using the regular Christmas counts, the increase of the other two species are shown in the table below. 49/50 50/51 51/52 52/53 53/54 54/55 55/56 56/57 Tufted Titmouse (Region 10) 3 0 5 2 10 7 18 18 (Upstate) 0 0 0 0 6 9 5 10 Cardinal (Region 10) 41 45 57 22 72 81 73 134 (Upstate) 65 62 116 136 160 168 182 199 57/58 58/59 59/60 60/61 61/62 62/63 63/64 64/65 65/66 Tufted Titmouse (Region 10) 47 17 74 196 158 153 286 165 160 ( Upstate) 6 8 47 30 85 46 49 40 48 Cardinal (Region 10) 146 119 220 311 297 389 362 428 303 (Upstate) 312 369 537 498 685 943 1003 623 856 In 1949/50 the Tufted Titmouse was recorded on only two counts, the Bronx-Westchester and Rockland County. The only large count (94) was Rockland County which is excluded from the table since no counts were made over the period 1956-1960. The Tufted Titmouse increased in Region 10 in the late 1950’s but substantial numbers are still con¬ fined to the Bronx-Westchester, Manhattan and Staten Island counts. Upstate it was recorded regularly at Binghamton from the mid 1950*8 and by the end of the decade was regularly observed on the Jamestown, Rochester, Schenectady and Troy counts. However the numbers have never risen to high levels except in the lower Hudson Valley. In 1965/66 four counts, Bronx-Westchester, Peekskill, Putnam and Rockland Coun¬ ty, accounted for 407 out of the 629 recorded on the 45 New York State counts. 87 In 1949/50 the reports of Cardinal were confined to the lower Hud¬ son (Rockland County with 35 individuals had the highest count in the state), western Long Island and the Lake Ontario—Lake Erie coastal plain. The overall rise both in Region 10 and upstate was steady over the next decade but has remained approximately constant over the last five years. However, during this period there has been some filling in of areas where the species had been scarce, for instance at Fort Plain there was a large increase in the winter of 1965/66. In several instances small numbers have been recorded in an area for a few years followed by a rapid increase to a higher level. For example the cardinal was first recorded on the Schenectady count in 1956 and the numbers remained low until 1960/61 when there was a sharp rise. Thirty or so individuals were recorded on each count since, until this winter when 69 were found. The pattern in Troy was similar with the first record in 1958/59, followed by a plateau of 30-40 individuals over the period 1962/63 to 1965/66 and then a record count of 95 this year. The Brewers Blackbird collected in Region 1 is the first specimen for the state, and indeed for the northeastern United States. There have been a number of sight records of this difficult species but the nearest specimens have been Ohio and the Carolinas. Eared Grebes were re¬ ported in Regions 1, 2, & 3 and there were more records than usual of both eiders along the Great Lakes. Other rarities included Lark Bunting from Region 1 (first upstate record), Lesser Black-backed Gull (Re¬ gions 3 & 5), a full plumage male Painted Bunting and a Varied Thrush (Region 8), and Region 10 produced a Tufted Duck, Lapwing, and Bridled Tern. The above completes, for me, five years of writing ‘The Highlights of the Season’. I would like to thank all those who have borne my questions about their records so patiently. Upstate Medical Center, 766 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, N. Y. 13210 Abbreviations used in regional reports: arr-arrival, arrived; Co-County; iram- immature; L-Lake; max-maximum one-day count; mob-many observers; Pk-Park; Pt-Point; R—River; Rd-Road. REGION 1 — NIAGARA FRONTIER Robert A. Sundell In general, December and January were characterized by above average tem¬ perature, particularly for a week in mid-January, and by subnormal precipitation. A notable exception occurred during early December when two violent lake-effect blizzards deposited from 50 to 60 inches of snow in the Mayville-Hartfield area of Chautauqua County. February and March brought temperatures several degrees below the average. On February 16 a severe cold wave and accompanying high winds resulted in freezing of much open water, including Lake Erie, and tem- 88 peratures and precipitation for the next month continued considerably below average. Temperature moderation became evident during the second half of March (especially the last week), although no unusually warm readings were recorded, and ice remained on many bodies of water until late in the month. Certain trends noted during recent years continued, such as the increasing num¬ ber of Blue Geese during the spring migration and the decline of the formerly large flocks of Canvasbacks wintering on the Niagara River. More Gadwalls, King Eiders and American Coot occurred than ever before during the winter. Fewer Rough-legged Hawks than usual were observed. Attesting to the generally mod¬ erate early and midwinter weather, with the Gadwall and Coot, was a large flock of Bonaparte’s Gulls in Dunkirk Harbor during late January and early February. Also several Purple Sandpipers were sporadically observed there throughout the winter. About 12 Snowy Owls gave rise to approximately 25 reports. For the second successive winter, a Pine Warbler has frequented a feeder near Dunkirk (note to follow). Although all of the winter finches were reported, numbers generally were very low. The first indication of migration for many early spring species came between March 9 and 12. A substantial movement involving waterfowl, hawks, a few shore- birds and many land birds (particularly Robins, Starlings and blackbirds) occurred during the last week of March. Records of interest included Eared Grebe, King Eider, Golden Eagle, Black¬ headed Gull, Little Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Pine Warbler, Western Meadow¬ lark and Chipping Sparrow. Of particular significance were the first successful wintering of a Brant, another observation of the Barnacle Goose (the first since 1963 but the seventh since 1953), the first New York State specimen of the Brewers’ Blackbird, and the first upstate record of the Lark Bunting (all others have come from Long Island or the New York City area). Abbreviations: Alleg—Allegany; Belm—Belmont; Bflo—Buffalo; BAS—Buffalo Au¬ dubon Society; BOS—Buffalo Ornithological Society; Catt—Cattaraugus; Chaut— Chautauqua; CC—Christmas Count; FWC—Federation Waterfowl Count; Gen— Genesee; Han—Hanover Township, Chautauqua County; IN WR—Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge; Nia—Niagara; Ont—Ontario; OOGMA—Oak Orchard Game Man¬ agement Area; opp—opposite; Orl—Orleans; TGMA—Tonawanda Game Management Area. Contributors: DA—Dan Anderson; RFA—Robert F. Andrle; HHA—Harold H. Axtell; PB—Paul Benham; AHB—Allen H. Benton; JB—Joanna Burger; TLB—Thomas L. Bourne; RB—Richard Brownstein; LDB—Lou and Doris Burton; DB—Richard Byron; DD—Dorothy Danner; AD—Adrian Dorst; SWE—Stephen W. Eaton; FE— Flora Elderkin; MME—Mary Louise and Marjorie Emerson; AF—Arthur Freitag; JG—Joseph Grzybowski; GH—Gregory Hammond; PH—Paul Hess; AH—Annabelle Hiller; LFK—Lewis F. Kibler; WHK-Walter and Harriette Klabunde; JK-Joseph Kikta; DSK—David S, Kreig; HDM—Harold D. Mitchell; EMP—Elizabeth M. Pillsbury; JP—James Potter; FMR—Frances M. Rew; AR—Archie Richardson; RR— Robert Rybczynski; DS—Daniel Salisbury; WGS—William and George Smith; RAS— Robert A. Sundell; JT—Joseph Thill; EAU—Edward and Alice Ulrich. LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: formerly regular during winter in small num¬ bers on Niagara River and Lake Erie, now very scarce (pesticides?; other pollu¬ tants?)—one Dec 10 Niagara Gorge, Ont. (HDM et al); one Dec 28, Jan 7 Dunkirk Harbor (FE, WM, EMP, RAS); one Mar 28 Upper Nia R opp Bflo, probably first migrant (RFA, DB). Red-throated Loon: rare in winter; one Jan 8 Upper Nia R (HHA). Red-necked Grebe: rare in winter; one Jan 7 Dunkirk Harbor (FE, EMP) two Mar 20, one through Mar 24 Celeron (RAS, LFK, AR); one, Mar 20 and 25 Dunkirk Harbor (FE, AH, AR, RAS). Horned Grebe: five Dec 3 Cuba Lake (LDB); 12 Jan 2 Dunkirk Harbor (Dunkirk CC); one Chaut L Outlet at James- 89 town (RAS). EARED GREBE: one, Jan 2-4 Bflo Harbor (JK, HHA). Pied-billed Grebe: five at widely scattered localities during first week of Dec; one, Jan 2 Dunkirk Harbor (Dunkirk CC) and 8 (RAS, LFK); migrants—two Mar 8 Celeron (John Borst), one, Mar 10 Fillmore (LDB), six Mar 25 Chaut L Outlet at James¬ town (RAS, LFK). Great Blue Heron: four birds on two of six area CCs; rare during late winter away from Nia R—one Jan 30 Scio (LDB), one Feb 2 Falconer (AR). Black-crowned Night Heron: one to three throughout most of period South Pk, Bflo; one Jan 13 Grand Island (PB); six Mar 31 Nia Falls (WHK). Whistling Swan: eight Jan 8 Dunkirk Harbor (RAS, LFK); three, Dec 1 through Jan 15 Celeron; spring migration—four Mar 11 OOGMA (MME), six Mar 19 Upper Nia R (WHK), total of 1362 counted Mar 20 southern end Chaut L (FE, AH, RAS), 225 Mar over Riverside (FE). Canada Goose: one or two on Nia R noted a few times; 15 Dec 3 Shadigee, Orl Co (WGS); one Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC); spring migration—nine Mar 2 Lakeview, Erie Co (TLB), small numbers Mar 10 and 11 throughout Region (mob), 10000 Mar 18 INWR (WHK et al), 20900 Mar 29 OOGMA (JG, GH); 11000 Mar 29 Yates Township, Orl Co (JG, GH). BRANT: first successful wintering in Region—one, Jan 21 through end of period Dunkirk Harbor (mob), photographs obtained (AMB). BARNACLE GOOSE: one Mar 29 Yates Township, Orl Co (JG, GH). Snow Goose: singles, Mar 12 INWR (PB), Lyndonville (WGS), TGMA (McKales); 11 Mar 27 Shelby Sinks (DS, AD); nine Mar 31 TGMA (PB, DS). Blue Goose: one Mar 11 TGMA (MME); 59 Mar 27 Shelby Sinks (DS, AD). Mallard: 1473 (FWC). Black Duck: 1265 (FWC). Gadwall: more than ever before during winter—54 (FWC); most of Nia R birds on Ont side; 53 Dec 26 (BOSCC); ten Feb 5; ten Feb 18 Dunkirk Harbor (RAS, FMR, EAU). Pintail: 56 Dec 26 Nia R (BOSCC); 49 (FWC); nine Mar 12 Riverside, Chaut Co (RAS et al); 1800 Mar 29 OOGMA (JG, GH). Green-winged Teal: two, mid Jan (FWC); six Mar 26 Newstead (EAU); 22 Mar 27 Riverside (FE, EMP). Blue-winged Teal: very rare later than Oct—one Dec 17 Alfred (Klingensmith); six Mar 27 Riverside (FE, EMP). American Widgeon: largest number ever during winter—173 Dec 26 Nia R (BOSCC); 334 mid Jan (FWC); two Mar 10 Celeron (RAS); one Mar 17 Belfast (LDB); 100 Mar 29 OOGMA (JG, GH). Shoveler: one Mar 27 Shelby Sinks (DS, AD); three Mar 27 Riverside (FE, EMP, RAS). Wood Duck: one Dec 8 through Feb 28 Forest Lawn Cemetery, Bflo (HDM, AF); adult male Dec 28, Jan 2 (mob, Dunkirk CC); one Mar 20 Belm (LDB), Redhead: larger numbers than usual during winter-316 mid Jan (FWC). Ring-necked Duck: one or two on Nia R most of period; migrants from mid Mar on; 48 Mar 29 Riverside (AR). Canvasback: fewer wintering on Nia R than formerly—5000 Dec 26 (BOSCC); 2565 mid Jan (FWC). Bufflehead: largest numbers recorded—424 Dec 26 (BOSCC); 425 mid Jan (FWC). KING EIDER: largest numbers ever recorded; most around end of Nia R on L Ont; 22 Jan 14 (DS); 18 Jan 16 (Arthur Clark et al); 26 mid Jan (including Nia R Gorge) (RB, JB, WHK); seven Mar 11 (PB); some on L Erie including south shore where rare—three Dec 15 Bayview (TLB); one, Dec 26 (RAS, DA), Jan 2 (FMR), Jan 7 (FMR, Dorothy Buck) Dunkirk Harbor. White-winged Scoter: largest number reported on midwinter waterfowl count—328 (FWC). Ruddy Duck: a few individuals during Dec and Jan; one throughout period at Dunkirk Harbor (mob); last fall, eight Dec 3 Cuba Lake (LDB); first spring, one Mar 25 Celeron, increased to ten Mar 31 (RAS). Hooded Merganser: 33 Dec 18 Mayville (FMR, Rathbun); six Mar 11 Riverside (J. Gulvin), increased to 20 Mar 27 (AR). Common Merganser: excellent showing on Nia R— 11500 Dec 26 (BOSCC); 13944 mid Jan (FWC). HAWKS—OWLS: Hawk flight on lake plains last six days of Mar—Turkey Vul¬ ture: three Mar 27 Han (JG et al); one Mar 27 OOGMA (AD, DS); ten Mar 30 Oak Orchard area (AF et al). Goshawk: one, Feb 4, Mar 9 Eden (David Bigelow; TLB); one on nesting territory Mar 12 northwest of Olean (SWE). Sharp-shinned 90 and Cooper’s Hawks: a few scattered individuals during winter; light flight late in Mar; Sharp-shin—12 Mar 27 and 11 Mar 31, Han (JG et al); Cooper’s—12 Mar 27 Han (JG et al). Red-tailed Hawk: good wintering populations around Buffalo, small numbers elsewhere-38 Dec 26 (BOSCC); 16 Jan 2 Hamburg area (BASCC); spring movement last six days of Mar, max 81 Mar 27 Han (JG et al). Red¬ shouldered Hawk: one Jan 14 Lewiston (RB, JB); spring movement, light early Mar; heavy late Mar—one Mar 4 Hamburg (TLB); one Mar 5 Riverside (Ray Fox); max 185 Mar 27 Han (JG et al). Rough-legged Hawk: wintering population low, migrants during Mar—four Jan 14 Ransomville (WHK); six Mar 27 Han (JG et al). GOLDEN EAGLE: one imm, Mar 18 and 27 INWR (DS, AD, RR et al). Bald Eagle: sub adult, imm Feb Mar Navy Is, Ont nest on Nia R; adult Mar 30 Mayville (JP); imm Mar 31 INWR (PB, DS). Marsh Hawk: wintering population low- three Dec 26 (BOSCC), three Jan 6 Lyndonville (WGS); migrants during Mar- eight Mar 11 Lyndonville (WGS), 18 Mar 27 and 11 Mar 31 Han (JG et al). Pigeon Hawk: one Mar 28 Lakeview (TLB); one Mar 30 Yates Township, Orl Co (PH, HDM et al). Sparrow Hawk: well scattered but concentrations well below normal—14 Dec 26 (BOSCC); 13 Jan 2 Hamburg area (BASCC). Coot: 100 Dec 3 Cuba Lake, three until Jan 15 (LDB); more than ever before throughout winter—max 45 mid Jan (FWC); 30 Feb 11 Dunkirk Harbor (RAS LFK). Killdeer: a few winter records including one, Feb 16, 17 Wellsville (LDB); widespread arr throughout area Mar 10, 11; max 90 Mar 25 Lakeview (HHA). Woodcock: arr, five Mar 10 Cheektowaga (RR, JK). Common Snipe: three Dec 26, Jan 1 Frewsburg (Gulvin, Jamestown CC); a few migrants last ten days of Mar. Greater Yellowlegs: one Mar 31 TGMA (PB, DS). PURPLE SANDPIPER: successfully wintered again (1963-64) at Dunkirk Harbor—one Dec 26 (RAS, DA), two Jan 2 (Dunkirk CC), three Feb 10 (FE, AH) and Feb 11 (RAS, LFK), two Feb 18 (FMR et al), one Feb 19 (RAS, AR). Pectoral Sandpiper: four Mar 29 INWR (EAU). Gulls: small numbers of Glaucous, max seven Jan 17 Squaw Island, Bflo (Arthur Clark) and Iceland, max five Feb 5 Queenston. Ont opp Lewiston; Her¬ ring; 27000 Dec 26 (BOSCC); Ring-billed: 8000 Jan 28 Dunkirk Harbor (FMR); BLACK-HEADED GULL: one Jan 8, Feb 11 Queenston, Ont (DS et al). Bona¬ parte’s Gull: unusually large midwinter concentration in Dunkirk Harbor-2500 Jan 28 (FMR), 500 Feb 11 (RAS, LFK). LITTLE GULL: one Dec 10 (PB, DS), Dec 11 (WHK), Jan 1 (PB et al) Queenston, Ont—Lewiston; two Feb 11 (RAS, LFK), one Feb 12 (FE) Dunkirk Harbor, BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE: one collected Jan 11 Bflo Harbor (RFA). Mourning Dove: record numbers on several CCs—42 Jan 1 (Jamestown CC), 89 Jan 2 (Hamburg CC), 24 Jan 2 (Scio CC); also 54 Jan 6 Elma (DD;) migrants arr Mar 11 on—max 107 Mar 25 Lakeview (HHA). Owls: Barn: one, Feb 18, 26, Mar 11, 29 Wilson Cemetery (WHK et al); one Mar 26 Hamburg (TLB). Snowy: see comment in preliminary remarks; most along lakeshores but two penetrated hills—one Dec 19 Mayville (JP), one Jan 1 Busti (Jamestown CC). Short-eared: most reports from Grand Island, max 15 Jan 13 (G. Webster, Wolfe), and Lyndon¬ ville max 8 Jan through Mar (WGS). Saw-whet: one Mar 14 Hamburg (TLB); one Mar 16 Belm (Arling Saunders); one Mar 24 Ten Mile Hollow, Catt Co, calling about noon on overcast day (SWE). GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Belted Kingfisher: unusually large winter count —12, Jan (Scio CC, Alleg Co). Yellow-shafted Flicker: a few scattered birds, except seven Dec 26 (BOSCC), 3 Jan 2 (Hamburg BASCC); migration during Mar negligible. Red-bellied Woodpecker: now regular throughout lower Gen R Valley; unusual locality—one Mar 2 Hamburg (TLB). Red-headed Woodpecker: one imm Jan 1 (Jamestown CC) through 10 (mob); two Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC), Jan 4 (TLB et al). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: arr, one Mar 29 Silver Creek (PB). Black- backed Three-toed Woodpecker: none. Eastern Phoebe: arr, one Mar 25 Lyndon¬ ville (WGS). 91 Horned Lark: E. a. alpestris —one to four, Jan through Mar Elma (DD, Mrs. H. C. Schafer); eleven other reports, mostly singles (max four) Feb 1 to Mar 18, from Eden, Ont plain, Sinclairville, Cassadaga, Belm, Lancaster, Springbrook and New- fane; E. a. practicola —100 Feb 12 Elma (McKales); 300 Feb 12 Cassadaga (FE). Tree Swallow: arr Mar 27-20 OOGMA (DS); four Sheridan (JG et al); one Riverside (EMP). Common Crow: roost Town of Nia, max 5000 Jan (WHK). Tufted Titmouse: small numbers mostly at feeders well scattered— max 13 Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC). White-breasted Nuthatch: max 217 Jan 2 (Scio CC); 114 Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC). Red-breasted Nuthatch: eight Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC). Brown Creeper: max 24 Dec 26 (BOSCC). Winter Wren: not reported during winter! arr, one Mar 28 Athol Springs (TLB); one Mar 31 Dunkirk (JG). Carolina Wren: one Dec 26 Grand Island (BOSCC); one Jan 8 through Feb 17 Fluvanna at feeder (mob). Mockingbird: one Jan 1 through Mar 31 Jamestown at feeder (mob); one Feb 19 Lockport (DS), Brown Thrasher: one Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC), Robin; scattered reports of individuals or small flocks—max 16 Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC); arr, three Mar 2 Wellsville (LDB); 400 Mar 11, 1850 Mar 27 South Shore L Erie (JG). Eastern Bluebird: unusually early-one Feb 12 Lakeview (RR et al), one male Feb 12 Busti at feeder with House Sparrows (Swanson fide RAS); not widely distributed until last week of Mar. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: one, Dec 15 through Jan 9 Dunkirk at feeder (mob); two Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC). Water Pipit: arr, 20 Mar 12 Alfred (Klingensmith); several reports last week of Mar-max 49 Mar 30 Hamburg (JG). Cedar Waxwing: small to moderate flocks through period scattered throughout Region—max 70 Jan 1 Lancaster (JK); 70 Jan 18 Lakeview (TLB). Northern Shrike: well distributed throughout Region during period; recorded on three of six CC’s; max four Feb 26 Ont plain (WHK). Log¬ gerhead Shrike: arr, one Mar 19 OOGMA (PH, JT). Starling: 30000 Dec 26 (BOSCC); substantial migration last week of Mar along south shore of L Erie. VIREOS-SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: two Dec 26 Grand Island (BOSCC); one, Feb 1 through Mar 2 Jamestown (Johnson); one Feb 14 Fort Nia (JB, RB). PINE WARBLER: one Nov 12 throughout period Dunkirk (mob) photographs obtained; see introductory remarks. Eastern Meadowlark: fewer than usual on lake plains; none on Bflo and Hamburg CCs; unprecedented winter number inland, 24 Jan 1 Jamestown CC; arr, two, Mar 10 Belfast (LDB), two Mar 10 Han (JG); scattered reports small numbers Mar 11 on; 150 Mar 27 South shore L Erie (J et al). WESTERN MEADOWLARK: early—one Mar 31 Center Rd, Sheridan Township, Chaut Co (JG), second consecutive year at this locality. Red-winged Blackbird: scattered reports small numbers throughout winter; largest numbers ever CCs—16 Dec 26 Bflo, 42 Jan 1 Jamestown; some arr early Mar—one Mar 3 Franklin- ville (JG); substantial buildup continuing from second week on—1000 Mar 11, 12 Riverside (J. Gulvin, RAS); 3500' Mar 11 and 5200 Mar 27 South shore L Erie (JG et al). Rusty Blackbird: rare in winter—one or two birds at Belm feeder sporadically throughout (LDB); one Jan 1 (Jamestown CC); one Feb 1 OOGMA (PB); two Mar 10 Alma (LDB); arr, 25 Mar 24 Hamburg (TLB); 300 Mar 30 Yates (HDM, GH). BREWER’S BLACKBIRD: one at feeder collected Dec 24 Hamburg (RFA); previous sight record, adult male, Dec 26, 1953 Kiantone on Jamestown CC. Common Grackle: a few scattered individuals during winter; unu¬ sual winter concentrations—14 Dec 26 (BOSCC), 13 Jan 2 (Scio CC); spring arr one to 30, Mar 10 scattered localities; 1500 Mar 11, 12 Riverside (J. Gulvin, RAS); 3300 Mar 27 South shore L Erie (JG). Brown-headed Cowbird: scattered indi¬ viduals and small flocks throughout Region during winter—max 100 Jan 2 (Olean CC); 54 Jan 2 (Scio CC); arr, 17 Mar 4 South Pk, Bflo (RR, JK); 150 Mar 11 and 6300 Mar 27 South shore L Erie (JG et al). Cardinal: CCs—185 Jan 2 Scio, 140 Jan 2 Hamburg, 100 Jan 1 Jamestown, 81 Dec 26 Bflo. Evening Grosbeak: a few small to medium-sized flocks sporadically; one to 50 at feeder, Dec 15 through Mar 31 Fluvanna (Bobbie Nelson); 59 Jan 1 92 (Jamestown CC); six to 50 at feeder, Feb 1-28 Belm (LDB). Purple Finch: a few at feeders mostly in southern counties—max 23 Jan 2 (Scio CC). Pine Grosbeak: very few—six Jan 2 (Olean CC); six Jan 2 (Scio CC); two Feb 18 Dunkirk (FMR, EAU). Common Redpoll: only report—seven Mar 15 Orchard Pk (TLB). Pine Siskin: a few scattered reports—max 12, Jan 10 Hamburg (TLB). American Gold¬ finch: a few scattered individuals or small flocks throughout—67 Jan 1 (Jamestown CC); 42 Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC); 26 Dec 26 (BOSCC). Red Crossbill: six Dec 8 Buckhorn Island State Pk (PB); max eight Mar 25 L Erie State Pk (RAS, AR); six reports between of one to six, total 16 birds, Chestnut Ridge Pk, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Frewsburg, Lakewood. White-winged Crossbill: one Dec 16 Chestnut Ridge Pk (TLB); five Feb 28 Hamburg (TLB). Rufous-sided Towhee: unusual winter count—15 Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC). LARK BUNTING: one, Nov 30 through end of period Belm, at Burton feeder (mob) photographs obtained—see Field Notes. Savannah Sparrow: arr, one Mar 23 Alabama (JG, RR); several reports from scattered localities last five days Mar. Vesper Sparrow: one Jan 22 Pt Breeze, Orl Co (HHA, Rachel C. Axtell); arr Mar 27 several localities. Slate-colored Junco: CCs—213 Jan 2 Hamburg (BAS), 173 Jan 2 Scio, 147 Jan 1 Jamestown. Tree Sparrow: fairly high midwinter populations; CCs—619 Jan 2 Scio, 522 Dec 26 Bflo, 467 Jan 1 Jamestown, 453 Jan 2 Hamburg. CHIPPING SPARROW: two Jan 1 (Jamestown CC); one Jan 2 Hamburg (BASCC). Field Sparrow: one Jan 1 (James¬ town CC); one Jan 15 Frewsburg (Ray Fox); arr Mar 29 several localities. White- crowned Sparrow: flock of 30 at Newfane Jan 8 (WHK); one adult Dec 28 Dunkirk at feeder (RAS et al); one imm Jan 14 through Feb 17 Fluvanna at feeder (RAS et al). White-throated Sparrow: a few individuals at scattered locations throughout period; max four Jan 2 (Olean CC). Fox Sparrow: one Dec 23 Jamestown (LFK). Swamp Sparrow: five Jan 1 (Jamestown CC); arr, two Mar 29 Belm (LDB); two Mar 31 Riverside (RAS). Song Sparrow: max 20, Jan 1 (Jamestown CC); migration noted from Mar 11 on, especially last seven days of Mar. Lapland Long- spur: good numbers on lake plains late Jan through Mar—max 300 Feb 22 Elma (DD). Snow Bunting: good numbers throughout period mostly on lake plains—max 1000 Jan 12, 16 Elma (DD). 19 Chestnut Street, Jamestown, N.Y. 14701 REGION 2 —GENESEE Walter C. Listman The winter was generally mild. Conesus Lake did not freeze over until late January and this helps account for the unprecedented 26 species seen on the Waterfowl Count. Snow was a little less than normal, and high winds tended to drift it ,thereby leaving large areas exposed. Few landbird rarities were observed. The Eared Grebe was observed in three different plumages. The Whistling Swans, rather uncommon fall migrants here, were the latest ever observed. The King Eiders and Kittiwakes of Dec 3 were flying west into a stormy northwest wind. The Common Gallinule on Jan 15 is, of course, quite noteworthy. The Red Phalarope provided our second Jan and first Feb records. White-winged Gulls were below par. There was a fair flight of Snowy Owls. Short-eared Owls were common and widespread, a general lack of “mouse-eating” hawks being noted in their territories. The Carolina Wren remains rare. Northern Shrike was rather uncommon. Black¬ birds, except meadowlarks, wintered in good numbers. Redwings and cowbirds were in record numbers and, utilizing feeders, they survived very well. Winter finches were very scarce. Spring migration was about on schedule at the end of March. 93 NOTEWORTHY RECORDS DECEMBER 1966 Species Date No. Location EARED GREBE 11 1 Oklahoma 18 1 Manitou 26 1 Irondequoit Bay 28 1 Genesee River Whistling Swan 24 10 Conesus Lake Wood Duck 26 1 Try on Park King Eider 3 4 Manitou 17 1 Summerville Killdeer all mo. 2 Court St. Bridge RED PHALAROPE all mo. 2 West Spit to Oklahoma BLACK-HEADED GULL 11 1 Oklahoma 22 1 Irondequoit Bay Little Gull 22 1 Irondequoit Bay Black-legged Kittiwake 3 2 Manitou Snowy Owl 18 1 Durand Eastman Park 26 3 Census area Barred Owl 2, 24, 26 1 Durand Eastman Park Short-eared Owl 2 to 31 8 Penfield 31 14 Braddock’s Bay 31 4 Eddy Road Winter Wren 26 1 Flynn Road Dumps Carolina Wren 26 1 Durand Eastman Park Mockingbird 3 1 Penfield Catbird 1 Charlotte Red-winged Blackbird 26 238 Census Area Rusty Blackbird 3 5 Penfield Common Crackle 26 7 Census Area Brown-headed Cowbird 17 300 North Greece Road 26 223 Census Area Oregon Tunco 26 2 Census Area White-crowned Sparrow 26 1 Irondequoit Fox Sparrow all mo. 1 Irondequoit lto 12 1 Penfield JANUARY 1967 Common Loon 2-15 3 Conesus Lake 15 2 Point Breeze 22 1 Charlotte Horned Grebe 15 26 Sodus EARED GREBE 1 1 Summerville Whistling Swan 2-21 10 Conesus Lake Canada Goose 15 1 Braddock’s Bay Mallard (flight) 14 300 Ellison Park Pintail 15 1 Genesee Gorge 22 2 Genesee Gorge Observers Kemnitzer Listman Corcoran, Kemnitzer, McKinney Listman Templeton Templeton Listman Doherty, Haluska Mack Several Kemnitzer Garnham, Kemnitzer Garnham, Kemnitzer Listman Doherty, Jones, Phelps Several Moons Tetlow Listman Kemnitzer Listman Census Munson Mack Several Davis McKinney Listman Several Census Lloyd, Sunderlin Moons Davis Templeton et al Listman Macks Lloyd et al Doherty, Jones, Phelps Several O'Hara O’Hara Tetlow, Mack Ross 94 Species Date No. Location Observers Wood Duck 2 1 Conesus Lake Mitchell 15 1 Genesee Gorge Mack, Tetlow Ring-necked Duck 15 2 Sodus Bay Lloyd et al 2, 15 1 Conesus Lake Several Canvasback 15 761 Conesus Lake Templeton Bufflehead 15 150 Charlotte to O’Hara Braddock’s 15 161 East Lakeshore Lloyd Harlequin 7 1 Manitou Listman King Eider 16 2 Charlotte Pier Mack COMMON GALLINULE 15 1 Genesee R. Turning Tetlow Basin American Coot 2 125 Conesus Lake Several 15 41 Conesus Lake Several Killdeer 6 1 Dansville Listman 15 1 Consesus Lake Templeton 19, 20 1 Genesee River Mack RED PHALAROPE 1-31 1-2 Irondequoit Bay Several Glaucous Gull 3 1 Irondequoit Bay Doherty, Kemnitzer Bonaparte’s Gull 22 3 Irondequoit Bay Kemnitzer Short-eared Owl all mo. 1-10 uutiet Several Several Red-headed Woodpecker 2 5 Consesus Lake Templeton et al Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 22 1 Holy Sepulcher Macks Robin 2 315 Little Lakes Census Eastern Meadowlark 3,4 1 Webster Lloyd 7 2 Lincoln Tetlow Evening Grosbeak 27 7 Durand Eastman Doherty Red Crossbill 21 7 Hamlin Beach State Listman, Tetlow Park Lapland Longspur 15 45 Point Breeze Listman 21 40 West Lakeshore Doherty, Taylor Snow Bunting 16 350 Union Hill Lloyd FEBRUARY 1967 Pied-billed Grebe 19 1 Genesee River G. O. S. Hike Oldsquaw 19 2500 Oklahoma Kemnitzer Common Eider 19 1 Genesee River Listman et al White-winged Scoter 19 400 Oklahoma Kemnitzer Ruddy Duck 5 1 Summerville Doherty, Phelps Sharp-shinned Hawk 19 1 Oklahoma Kemnitzer RED PHALAROPE 5 1 Irondequoit Bay Outlet McNetts Glaucous Gull 19 2 Irondequoit Bay Outlet McNetts Snowy Owl 14 1 Ontario On the Lake Kemnitzer Long-eared Owl 22 1 Parma Listman Short-eared Owl all mo. 1 to 10 Many Several Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 5 1 Holy Sepulchre Macks Cemetery Winter Wren 26 1 Seneca Park Ross Carolina Wren 26 2 Irondequoit Edwards Robin 19 13 Durand Eastman Park G. O. S. Hike Rusty Blackbird 26 11 Penfield Davis 95 Species Date No. Location Observers Pine Siskin 12 30 Durand Eastman Park Weld 26 20 Durand Eastman Park Jones, Phelps Oregon Junco 22 1 Durand Eastman Park Doherty Lapland Longspur 28 20 Kendall Listman MARCH 1967 Red-throated Loon 24 1 Webster Park Kemnitzer Common Egret 31 1 Long Pond Brown European Widgeon 28 1 East Spit Taylor Common Eider 9 1 Charlotte Mack 31 1 Braddock’s Bay Tetlow White-winged Scoter 25 300 West Lakeshore Angold, Dobson Common Scoter 24 1 Charlotte Mack Turkey Vulture 31 17 Hawk Lookout Dobson, Kemnitzer et al Goshawk 28 1 Ontario Kemnitzer 31 2 Hawk Lookout Lloyd, O'Hara et al 31 1 Point Breeze Listman Sharp-shinned Hawk 31 84 Hawk Lookout Dobson, Tetlow et al Cooper's Hawk 31 24 Hawk Lookout Kemnitzer, Lloyd et al Red-tailed Hawk 31 177 Hawk Lookout O’Hara, Tetlow et al Red-shouldered Hawk 31 240 Hawk Lookout Dobson, Kemnitzer et al Rough-legged Hawk 31 20 Hawk Lookout Lloyd, O’Hara et al Bald Eagle 31 3 Hawk Lookout Dobson, Tetlow et al Marsh Hawk 31 39 Hawk Lookout Kemnitzer, Lloyd et al Sparrow Hawk 31 23 Hawk Lookout O'Hara, Tetlow, et al Unidentified Hawks 31 100 Hawk Lookout Several Ruffed Grouse 31 1 West Spit O’Haras American Woodcock 14 2 Palmyra Hartranft Long-eared Owl 12 1 Owl Woods Tetlow Short-eared Owl all mo. 2 to 12 Several Several Saw-whet Owl 12 1 Holy Sepulchre Macks Cemetery Winter Wren 19 1 Durand Eastman Park Weld Carolina Wren 17 2 Holy Sepulchre Tetlow Cemetery Snow Bunting 12 3000 East Spit Macks 68 Ontario BlvcL, Hilton, N.Y. 14468 96 REGION 3 — FINGER LAKES Sally Hoyt Spofford This was a very open winter, for the light snowfalls were usually followed by thaws, so that there was rarely more than 8-10 inches of snow on the ground. In January, temperatures soared to the high 60’s and even reached 70° F one day. February had several periods of extreme cold, but not to compare with some years. March was really the worst month, and feeding stations which had been ignored previously did a thriving business. Winds were strong in February and March, usually from the south, which seemed to hasten migration, bringing in some birds ahead of schedule. Blackbirds, Robins and Killdeer followed quickly the windy period around March 10, as did the first flocks of Canada Geese. Another rush of migrants appeared on March 26-28. There were no winter finches except American Goldfinches and a few February flocks of Snow Buntings. The northern part of the Region had Rough-legged Hawks, but they were scarce to the south. There were scattered Snowy Owl sightings, and a few Northern Shrikes. Outstanding feature of the period was the record-breaking Canada Goose population that built up during March on Cayuga Lake and at Mon¬ tezuma National Wildlife Refuge. (See body of report). Most unusual birds: the Eared Grebe on Seneca Lake, and the Lesser Black- backed Gull at the south end of Cayuga Lake for the fourth winter. There were frequent complaints of a scarcity of birds. How much was actual and how much was a reflection of the abundance of wild food because of the mild season is difficult to ascertain. Observers cited: JB— Jamesine Bardeen; WEB—Walter E. Benning; JBr—Jack Brubaker; CVAS—Chemung Valley Audubon Society; WCD—William C. Dilger; EBC—Eaton Bird Club; HAF—Helen A. Fessenden; AG—Alfred Graham; LIG— Lawrence L Grinnell; FG—Frank Guthrie; WJH—William J. Hamilton, Jr.; CH— Clayton Hardy; JH—James Holman; JWC—January Waterfowl Census groups; PK— Paul Kelsey; ML—Malcolm Lerch; RSL—Randolph S. Little; GM—Gordon Mac- lean; DM—Dorothy Mcllroy; PM—Peter Murtha; GR—Glenna Rowley; E and RS— Elizabeth and Richard Sandburg; JS—John Snelling; BS—Bruce Sorrie; SHS—Sally H. Spofford; BSt—Betty Strath; JW—Jayson Walker; ARW—A. Richard Weisbrod; MW-Mary Welles. Area compilers: Jamesine Bardeen, Walter E. Benning, William Groesbeck, Frank Guthrie, Clayton Hardy, Jayson Walker, Mary Welles. Localities: Cay L—Cayuga Lake; Conn Hill—Connecticut Hill; MNWR—Mon¬ tezuma National Wildlife Refuge; Schuy Co—Schuyler County; Sen L—Seneca Lake; SWS—Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary. LOONS—DUCKS: Red-necked Grebe: one Jan 1-8 Ithaca Yacht Club (LIG). Horned Grebe: 117 on JWC, common on all lakes except Keuka and Owasco. EARED GREBE: originally reported in spring of ’66 by JW on Sen L near Geneva, it, or another, in winter plumage was seen various times in Jan and early Feb by various observers and positively identified. (WEB, JW). Pied-billed Grebe: 8 on JWC; one spent winter hugging a buoy near Ithaca Yacht Club. Great Blue Heron: several wintered as usual, migrants returned last week Mar. Mute Swan; three seen regularly north end Cay L, occasionally on Owasco L. Whistling Swan: first ,one Mar 28 MNWR (WEB). Canada Goose: almost 250 wintered n. end Cay L, a high wintering count; first migrants at MNWR on Mar 10 (CH); heavy migration noted Mar 9-11, Mar 25-26. The numbers on Cay L and at MNWR at end of month are the largest ever: a Conservation Dept flight produced an estimate of over 100,000, and on Mar 25 the line of geese on Cay L stretched for 12 miles (SHS). Snow 97 Goose: first, two Mar 11 with Canadas over Cornell campus (E. Belak); scattered birds on Cay L Mar 25-26, 100+ Mar 31 MNWR. Blue Goose: 110 Mar 25 near Levanna on Cay L (DM); 400+ Mar 31 MNWR (CH). Mallard: 1977 on JWC; 500 wintered at SWS. Black Duck: 1841 on JWC represents first time this count has almost equalled that of Mallards; 275 wintered SWS, a high count. Gadwall: 16 on Cay L on JWC is unusual, with singles on Sen L and Chemung R; one Feb 19 Keuka L. Pintail: one wintered. Cay L and SWS, migrants mid-Mar. Green-winged Teal: two, JWC, Chemung R—unusual, European Widgeon: one, late Nov to mid Mar, Sen L s. of Dresden, with Mallards (Harold Legg and mob). American Widgeon: several wintered Cay L and Sen L. Shoveler: first, six Mar 12 Cay L (PM). Wood Duck: two wintered SWS; one, Feb 19, early date, Keuka L (FG, ML), Returned SWS Mar 27. Redhead: 7000 on JWC was triple that of last year, but visibility better. On Cay L, 2500 on Feb 15 at ice edge was increase of 1000' over preceding week. Ring-necked Duck: three on JWC, Keuka L (FG); one wintered Sen L at Geneva (WEB). Canvasbacks were some¬ what down in numbers. Scaup were actually scarce on Cay L, being difficult to find, even in rafts of Redheads. No sign of the Sheldrake Point Barrow’s Goldeneye this year. Common Goldeneye: scarce on Keuka; normal numbers in Jan on Cay L but seemed scarce in Feb, compared with most years. No Scoters reported. Ruddy Duck: four, Keuka L, JWC—unusual, Hooded Merganser: 17 on JWC on Keuka is a high winter count. HAWKS-OWLS: Turkey Vulture: first, one Mar 29 MNWR (WEB). Goshawk: sightings in Ithaca area on Dec 8, Jan 5 and 16; one Mar 10 Waterloo (JW). Sharp-shinned Hawk: one wintered on edge Cornell campus (ARW); another seen frequently near Newfield, Cooper’s Hawks: more reports this winter, not necessarily representing an increase as observers have been urged to watch espe¬ cially for this species: one, EBC census Dec 31; imm dead on road s. of Alpine Junction on Dec 5 (JH); one, Elmira census Dec 31; one, Schuy Co Bird Club census Jan 1; three reports during season in Keuka area; adult female Mar 11, probable migrant, Ringwood area e. of Ithaca (JS). Red-tailed Hawk; numerous sightings. Red-shouldered Hawk: first, one Mar 12 e. of Ithaca (JS); pair SWS Mar 19. Rough-legged Hawk: few reports in southern half of Region; more com¬ mon northern area, esp. MNWR, but not a “big year” for them. Marsh Hawk: one on Schuy Co census Jan 1 (JB); one Cay Basin census Jan 1 (RL); other sightings Feb 22 Conn Hill (BSt), Feb 28 n.e. of SWS (WCD), Mar 1 over SWS (BS). Peregrine Falcon: one sighting Jan 31 near Elmira airport (MW); Pigeon Hawk: one Dec 31 (rare in winter) EBC, no supporting details; one Feb 19 West Dryden area (WCD). Ruffed Grouse: fairly abundant this year. Bob white: more birds released last fall, so repeated sightings in Ithaca area, but some coveys decimated as winter passed. Turkey: numerous sightings in Ithaca area, of up to 25 birds in a flock. Best areas: Danby Hills, Pony Hollow on Rte 13, Irish Settlement Road near Barton- Miller farms. Also, appropriately, on Turkey Hill! American Coot: a count of 697 on JWC seems extremely high, esp. in light of poor breeding success in most areas last summer. Killdeer: two or three wintered in open places; first migrants, Mar 3, 10-11. Three American Woodcock and two Common Snipe were seen on CVAS census Dec 31; first migrant Woodcock, Mar 11-12, Ithaca. Glaucous Gull: one adult Feb 10, Stewart Pk Ithaca (DM). Iceland Gull; one very creamy bird, most of Dec and early Jan, Stewart Pk; a different bird Mar 13-19, same loc (DM). LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL: for fourth consecutive year at s. end Gay L. First report Dec 13 (DM), last date Mar 15 (mob). A flock of 1500 Herring and Ring-billed Gulls at Watkins Glen on Feb 26 is a high count for there (JB). Mourning Doves wintered in usual numbers in most areas except at Elmira where 98 few reported. Screech Owl: almost no reports, one dead in Varna early Dec, two reports Keuka area (FG). Great Horned Owl: one on nest Feb 28 near Montour Falls (JB). Snowy Owl: one, Mt. Pleasant e. of Ithaca, Dec 13-15, shot on latter date; one Dec 14 through mid-Feb seen frequently in down-town area of Elmira along river, probably at least one other in same area; one near Freeville in January (R. Thompson); one Feb 5 Canoga Marshes (E and RS); two, EBC census Dec 31; none reported from Keuka, Hornell or Schuy Co. Long-eared Owl: one only, Jan 21, Bone Plains Rd n.e. Ithaca (HAF). Short-eared Owl: only one at Ithaca, an injured bird found near Ludlowville, brought to SWS (Beckwith); several sightings w. of Geneva; one Mar 3 MNWR (CH); up to six or seven in Keuka area. Saw- whet Owl: one, Dec 22 Jacksonville (AG); one Zeman Road, n.e. Ithaca Mar 4 (HAF). GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Belted Kingfisher: one or two wintered as always where there was open water. Yellow-shafted Flicker: scarce as winter bird around Ithaca, reported from other parts of Region, six to eight at Montour Falls (JB). Red-bellied Woodpecker: continues to increase; reported from Elmira, Clyde (one to four all winter), seven in Waterloo area, one at an Elmira feeder, two, possibly three on Trumansburg Rd, one at Hector Pk, one at Montour Falls airport. Red¬ headed Woodpecker: rare at any time in Region, much rarer as winter bird; five reports this year: one Dec 10 near Myers Pt, Cay L (WJH), one Jan 15 Long Pt in Yates Co; one Feb 4 on Taughannock Blvd Ithaca (C. Stern), one Mar 11 on Sen L (L. Cunningham), one Mar 13 Remington Rd Ithaca. Yellow-bellied Sap- sucker: one Mar 29 Waterloo Cemetary is slightly early, if a migrant (JW). No 3-toed Woodpeckers in Region. Eastern Phoebe: first reported last week Mar. Horned Larks: sizeable flocks end of Jan and early Feb, disappeared by end of Feb leaving residents on territory. Tree Swallow: most unusual was the occurrence of up to 12, as late as Jan 20, in a sheltered area at MNWR (CH). Blue Jays were reported as very abundant in some areas, but I had far fewer in Etna than in recent winters. Crows returned in force the end of Mar. BOREAL CHICKADEE one spent most of the winter at the John Bartons’ feeder in Montour Falls (mob), in company with a Carolina Wren, an interesting combination. White-breasted Nuthatch; many reports of scarcity of this species. Red-breasted Nuthatch: almost no reports all winter. Carolina Wren: no reports at Ithaca during entire period; five wintered in Watkins Glen area. Mockingbird: increasing number of reports throughout Region; two near Ithaca marina in enormous multiflora rose hedge. Blue bird: first, one Mar 11 West Dryden area (WCD). Robins: as usual a few win¬ tered; in fact 20 seen on Schuy Co census Jan 1; first returns Mar 5, in numbers around Mar 24-26. Hermit Thrush: one winter report, Elmira Dec 31 (G. Rowley). Few kinglets. Cedar Waxwing: several large flocks reported. Northern Shrike: scat¬ tered reports around area; last Mar 26 Irish Settlement Rd (PK). VIREOS—SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: a few wintered throughout the Region, but not in usual numbers. Yellowthroat: one entire winter, Montour Falls marsh (JBr, mob), first winter record in several years. Eastern Meadowlark: almost no winter reports, migrants returned Mar 10-11, as did Red-winged Blackbirds. Balti¬ more Oriole: one, Elmira feeders, Dec 10-30; a male at an Elm Street feeder, Ithaca, Feb 1 on (DM). Rusty Blackbird: two, all January, Howser farm near N. Lansing (DM). Common Grackle: returned in numbers Mar 10-11; Brown-headed Cowbird: a few wintering flocks, migrants Mar 6 on. Cardinal: 102 on Schuy Co census on Jan 1 gives some idea of numbers in whole Region now (JB). Most other finches were scarce (see general remarks). Evening Grosbeak: in Feb, scattered reports of single sightings of 1-4 birds only. A Dec 31 sighting of 110' Redpolls at Elmira is only report of this species. One Siskin report, no crossbills or Pine Grosbeaks. American Goldfinches made news at feeders after 99 mid-Feb causing their usual confusion in winter plumage. A flock of 75, Feb 19 just n. of Taughannock is noteworthy (GM). Savannah Sparrow: first, one Mar 6 Jacksonville (AG); one Mar 19 in mixed flock of larks and buntings at 0° F, MNWR (WEB). Vesper Sparrow: one Dec 31 Geneva, EBC census. No migrants until Apr 1. Oregon Junco: two Dec 31 Elmira (Esther Ruggles). Tree Sparrow: very scarce in early winter, large flocks after mid-Feb. Field Sparrow: one Dec 31 Geneva, EBC census. Fox Sparrow: one Mar 16 SWS (ACL) is rather early, followed by three other sightings the same week, then no more reports during period. White-throated Sparrow: few wintered. One very unusual report of a flock of 50-60, Feb 14 Elmira airport (W. K. Nowill). Lapland longspur: scattered sight¬ ings, max six Feb 11 Waterwagon Rd, Ithaca (DM); last, one Mar 19, MNWR (WEB). Snow Buntings: arrived in flocks last weekend Jan, abundant at Keuka, the higher hills at Hornell; last date Mar 19, MNWR (WEB). Laboratory of Ornithology, 33 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 REGION 4 — SUSQUEHANNA Leslie E. Bemont December temperatures ranged from near zero on the fourth to 66 degrees on the tenth but averaged close to normal for the month. Precipitation also averaged close to normal but two thirds of the December snow fell in the last third of the month. January and February precipitation was 50 to 70 per cent of normal. January temperatures averaged four to five degrees above normal and February temperatures five to six degrees below normal. March temperatures also averaged below normal but precipitation was 100 to 130 per cent of normal. A warm spell March 10 and 11 seemed to produce quite large numbers of migrants, but was followed by one of the coldest days of the season when the official temperature dropped to minus 10 on March 19. Birdwise it was a rather dull winter with Goldfinches and Snow Buntings the only winter finches here in appreciable numbers, and even they were not present in really large numbers. Northern raptors were also scarce as a group, although nearly all of the most likely species were reported at least once. Two Brown Thrashers and a Catbird head the “half-hardy” list but there were also two Baltimore Orioles, a White-crowned and several White-throated Sparrows reported and rather more than the usual number of Robins and Song Sparrows wintered. On the plus side, too, was a very appreciable increase in the number of Tufted Titmice. A winter record of a Red-bellied Woodpecker is noteworthy. Abbreviations used: Bing—Binghamton; Chen—Chenango; Cort—Cortland; Pep Res—Pepacton Reservoir; Skan L—Skaneateles Lake. Observers: GC—G. Corderman; MC—M. Lubberly; C, JD—C. & J. Davis; M, AD—M. & A. Davis; RD—R. Dirig; CG—C. Gerould; CGo—C. Gottschal; JAG—J. A. Gustafson; FL—F. Linaberry; MM—M. Mallinson; HM—H. Marsi; AM—A. Morey; JN—J. New; JO—J. Osadchey; RP—R. Pantle; FQ—F. Quick; RS—R. Saunders; R, MS-R. & M. Sheffield; AS-A. Stratton; WS-W. Stupke; MW-M. White; R, SW-R. & S. White; RW-R. Williams; SW-S. Wilson. LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: one Dec 10 Pep Res (MC); one Jan 1 Skan L (JAG). Great Blue Heron: one Dec 1 Owego (CG); one Dec 9 Candor (RP); one flying over Margaretville Jan 1 (MC); first spring migrants Mar 22 Chen Forks (M, AD). Whistling Swan: an injured bird, unable to fly, remained at Oneonta 100 until Dec 24 when it was collected for the State University College collection there (JN). Canada Goose: first report, Mar 4 Owego (CG); eight reports Mar 9 thru 11 then no more until Mar 22; several more flocks reported in the last two or three days of Mar including 712 individuals in seven flocks Mar 31 at Bing (CGo). Snow Goose; one at Scott during Mar with Canadas (JO). Gadwall: one Feb 17 Skan L (JO), Pintail: Mar 24 Owego (CG). American Widgeon: Mar 24 Owego (CG). Wood Duck: Dec 7 Owego (CG); three Jan 1 and four Jan 21, Homer (JAG); one Feb 4 Sherburne (R, SW); one Feb 17 Skan L (JO). Redhead: 68, Jan 16 Skan L (JO); Mar 25 Oneonta (JN). Ring-necked Duck: three Mar 11 Cort (WS). Canvasback: 162, Jan 16 Skan L (JO); two Mar 21 Cort (WS). Greater Scaup: one Dec 1 Owego (RW); one Jan 16 Skan L (JO); Mar 31 Owego (RW). Lesser Scaup: one male Feb 6 Deposit (SW); late Feb, Cort (WS). Common Goldeneye; small numbers (17 on waterfowl census) scattered throughout the Re¬ gion in Jan; migrants about Mar 11. Bufflehead: Mar 31 Owego (RW). Oldsquaw: Feb 14 Owego (D. Bundle); Mar 31 Lounsberry (RW). White-winged Scoter: one Jan 15 Skan L (J. Grant, fide JAG). Ruddy Duck; Dec 1 and 2, Greene (C, JD). Hooded Merganser: two Jan 1 Bing (HM); three Feb 17 Skan L (JO); six Mar 11 to 13, Cort (WS); up to 25 Mar 12 to 26, Owego (CG). Common Merganser: only 13 scattered throughout the Region on Waterfowl Census; 100 Mar 19 Owego (CG.) Red-breasted Merganser: one Mar 15 Cort (WS). HAWKS—OWLS: Turkey Vulture: Mar 13 Deposit (SW); Mar 26 Hancock (RD). Goshawk: one Jan 1 South Owego (CG); one Feb 4, Triangle in N. Broome County (D. Sterling). Sharp-shinned Hawk: one Feb 4 Choconut Center (R, MS), perched on feeder at close range; four others, Dec 25, Jan 1 and 15 and Mar 31. Coopers Hawk: one Feb 22, flying near Pep Res (MC), the only report. Red¬ tailed Hawk: in small numbers all winter; obviously more numerous after Mar 1. Rough-legged Hawk: Dec 2 to Jan 1, Owego (MW, CG); Mar 19 Owego (CG); the only reports. Bald Eagle: several reports indicate at least one mature bird win¬ tered at Pep Res (MC); Feb 4 an immature at Cannonsville (Mrs. F. Walpole). Osprey: Mar 20 Oxford (AS). Peregrine Falcon: Mar 29 Owego (CG). Bobwhite: five Jan 1, Bing Christmas Count. Turkey: three Feb 10 Hancock (RD), and almost daily since; also at four locations around Owego since Jan 1. Coot: one Jan 1 Skan L (JO). Killdeer: one Jan 28 Homer (JAG); apparent migrants Feb 24 Greene (C, JD); other areas Mar 10 or 11. Woodcock: Mar 12 Bing (CGo). Great Black-backed Gull: five Jan 16 Skan L (JO). Mourning Dove: winter records from Bing, Cort and Owego: migrants Mar 27, Sidney (FQ) and Vestal (GC). Screech Owl: only at Bing and Owego, several each. Horned Owl: fairly frequent reports. Snowy Owl: one Dec 23 Homer (M. Spencer); three re¬ ports from Berkshire Jan 4 (Mrs. Jewett), Jan 12 and 15 (Mr. Leonard) quite likely all the same bird. Short-eared Owl: three Jan 13 to Feb 15 (JAG, J. Siedenberg,) roosting in vacant house atop windy hill. GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Yellow-shafted Flicker: three Jan reports from Cort and one from Owego; migrants Mar 31, Candor (RP). Red-bellied Wood¬ pecker: an adult male Jan 3 to 7, Deposit (SW). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: one Jan 31, Owego (CG), for only a few days. Eastern Phoebe: Mar 27 at Owego (L. Cole) and Bing (CGo). Horned Lark: reported all winter but a definite increase in numbers about Feb 11. Tree Swallow: Mar 29 at Candor, Endwell and Owego. Tufted Titmouse: two Dec 4 Cort (MM); one Dec 12 Hancock (RD); one Jan 12 Cort (AM); twenty on Bing Christmas Count, the highest number ever and reports throughout the period confirm a substantial increase in numbers compared to previous years; also an increase at Oneonta (JN). Red-breasted Nuthatch: at feeder all winter, Endwell (FL); Jan 1 Berkshire (Mr. & Mrs. D. Lynch); one Jan 14 Cort (AM). Winter Wren: one in late Dec, Cort (JO); four and one on 101 Bing and Owego Christmas Counts, respectively. Mockingbird: one Feb 20, west of Owego (M. Middaugh); one Mar 29 Endwell (FL, HM). Catbird: one Jan 5 Sid¬ ney (FQ), no tail feathers “and a few wing feathers drooped” — otherwise appeared healthy but not seen again. Brown Thrasher: one Jan 1, on Bing Christmas Count in Chen Bridge area (S. Gorton, D. Sterling); another Jan 13, Endwell (FL), and seen occasionally the rest of the period. Robin: fairly frequent reports all winter; apparent migrants from Mar 5 and obviously increased numbers from Mar 11. Northern Shrike: Dec 22 and 23, Deposit (SW), caught and banded. VIREOS—SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: eight! Mar 25, South Owego (CG). Eastern Meadowlark: Jan 1, Marathon (L. Holmes), Berkshire (Mr. & Mrs. D. Lynch) and Owego (RW, MW), migrants Mar 10, Bing (CGo). Redwinged Blackbird: Dec 1 Owego (MW); also on Bing, Cort and Owego Christmas Counts; first migrants, Feb 21 Deposit (SW); regular reports from Mar 7. Baltimore Oriole: one Jan 1, Bing Christmas Count: one wintered at a feeder in Oneonta (via JN). Rusty Blackbird: Jan 1, Candor (D. Weber) and Nichols (via MW); one Feb 12 and Mar 4, Cort (MM); 30, Mar 15 Endicott (G. Bikos). Common Grackle: a few thru Jan 7 at Sidney (FQ); Jan 1 Owego; five Jan 1 Bing Christmas Count; no more until first migrants Mar 9 Owego (RW). Brown-headed Cowbird: Jan 11 Sidney (FQ); also at Owego and Deposit in early Jan; migrants Mar 11 Bing CGo). Evening Grosbeak: a few reported from Cort and Oneonta, “very scarce” at Andes (MC), a single report of ten from Tioga Center (M. Middleton) and none at Bing. Purple Finch: two Jan 1, Bing Christmas Count; no more until late Mar at Cort (MM), Deposit (SW) and Tioga Center (RW). Pine Grosbeak: three Dec 22 Berkshire (Mrs. D. Lynch), the only report. Common Redpoll: “a few” at Oneonta (JN), but none anywhere else in the Region. Pine Siskin: two Jan 1 Cort (JAG), the only report. American Goldfinch; in appreciable numbers all winter in Triple Cities area, Greene, Sidney and Candor, but not mentioned in other reports. Rufous¬ sided Towhee: one male Mar 23 Owego (CG), no others. Vesper Sparrow: Mar 25 South Owego (E. Williams); Mar 29 Oxford (AS). Slate-colored Junco: the usual scattered small numbers all winter with migrants starting to swell the totals about Mar 11. Oregon Junco: one from Jan 1 thru Feb, Castle Creek (B. & J. Burgher). Tree Sparrow: generally distributed but at Andes and Endwell seemed below normal numbers. White-crowned Sparrow: Dec 21 to Jan 2, Sidney (FQ). White- throated Sparrow: Jan 1, three on Bing Christmas Count and one at Tioga Center (J. Barnes); also Dec 10 Candor (RP); two Jan 9 Homer (C. Davis); two, Jan 12 Cort (JAG) and Mar 31 Sidney (FQ). Fox Sparrow: first ones Mar 10 at Deposit (SW) and Bing (CGo); in fairly good numbers to at least Mar 29. Song Sparrow: regular reports all winter at Candor (RP) and Castle Creek (Burghers); 31 on Bing Christmas Count; sharp increase in numbers Mar 11. Snow Bunting: quite numerous reports from Jan 1 to Mar 23; 400 Feb 22 Vestal (HM, et. al.), the largest flock reported. 710 University Ave., Endwell, N.Y. 13763 REGION 5—ONEIDA LAKE BASIN M. S. Rusk and F. G. Scheider “It was a long, cold, dull winter”—Birds, especially the normal permanent resi¬ dent species, seemed hard to come by, and days afield would net only a handful of such usually common species as Black-capped Chickadee and Tree Sparrow. Dec was mild, aside from the usual execrable Syracuse Christmas count weather 102 (16 inches of snow, 25 + m.p.h. NW wind, colder than a mackerel) and relatively wet. The generally warm weather of Dec and most of Jan terminated with a blizzard Jan 29. The high number (26) of species recorded on the waterfowl census is probably due to the open-water conditions (e.g. Otisco Lake only partly frozen) but the total (8854) of individual birds, lowest in a decade, may have been caused by—a less optimistic explanation than warm weather—low breeding sucess, heavy hunting pressure, or other disasters. Besides waterfowl, other half-hardies were present in Dec and Jan in high num¬ bers, and some survived the winter, though field numbers dropped after Jan. Ben Burtt’s feeder survey showed an interesting rise in Feb and March in both the regular winter birds such as Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers and Tree Sparrow, and such half-hardies as Mourning Dove, Red-winged Blackbird and Song Sparrow. The onset of migration of Horned Larks, Ring-billed Gulls, and Canvasbacks began by Feb 20, but no major surge of migrants ensued until March 12-23. The burst of migrants, particularly of raptores, robins, and icterids, in the last week of March was warmly received by the Region’s long-suffering birdless birders. Besides the variety of waterfowl and numbers of all half-hardies, other positives for the winter were above-average numbers of Common Goldeneye and Oldsquaw and of Red-tailed Hawks, and fair incursions of Snowy Owl and Northern Shrike. Negatives are the continued paucity of Redhead and Canvasback, a marked de¬ cline in Greater Scaup and Common Merganser, scarcity of most owls, low numbers of Snow Buntings, and the virtual absence of all winter finches (q.v.) Rarities for the period included Harlequin Duck, King Eider, Black-legged Kitti- wake. Boreal Chickadee, Carolina Wren, and Pine Grosbeak. Abbreviations: BBFS—B. Burtt’s feeder survey, held the first week of each month (all figures are for 100 reports); CC—Christmas count (Oswego Dec 22, Syr Dec 26, Oneida Dec 31, HIGMA—M of circle—Jan 1); DH—Derby Hill near Texas; HIGMA—Howland’s Island Game Management Area near Port Byron; Onon— Onondaga; Skan—Skaneateles; Syr—Syracuse; TRGMA—Three Rivers Game Man¬ agement Area near Baldwinsville; WFC—waterfowl count Jan 14-22. Observers: DWA-D. W. Ackley; GLC-G. L. Church; FLF-F. LaFrance; KGH —K. G. Hanson; B & SP—B. & S. Peebles; JWP—J. W. Propst; MSR—M. S. Rusk; FGS—F. G. Scheider; RJS—R. J. Smith; CGS—C. G. Spies; WT—W. Thurber mob- multiple observers The editors are most grateful to John Haugh, Mrs. Jean Propst and C. G. Spies Jr., for their help with the compilation. LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: five Dec records; only three reports thereafter —Jan 2 Onon L, two (WT), Jan 8 Oswego (B & SP), and Mar 2-5 Brewerton (FGS). Red-necked Grebe: two on WFC; none thereafter. Horned Grebe: max 21, Skan L and L Ontario total, WFC. Pied-billed Grebe: six on WFC (somewhat in¬ creased). Great Blue Heron: occurred on every GC; singles still present in Feb after severe freezing weather; first migrants Mar 26 DH. Black-crowned Night Heron: an imm at Baldwinsville Jan 14-17 (FGS, S. Hosier) did not persist. Mute Swan: max at Skan L nine on WFC. Canada Goose: 24 on WFC is low; late but heavy Mar flight with 100-500/day on smaller open-water areas (Otisco L, Brewerton); 8000 at Cross L (G. Gage) and 2000 Mar 31 at HIGMA (NYS Con¬ servation Dept aerial survey). Mallard and Black Duck: for second year, Mallards in excess of Blacks on WFC, 731 to 643; large groups of wintering Mallards at Baldwinsville, Oswego, Brewerton, Fulton; lower numbers at small open creeks, e.g. Eaton (GLC), Phoenix (CGS), and W Canada Creek (MSR, CGS). Other winter¬ ing dabblers—one Gadwall and 15 Pintail in Oswego R Jan 8-Feb 18; single Amer Widgeons at Oneida and Baldwinsville in Jan; two Shoveler Jan 15 Onon L (FGS, RJS); a male Wood Duck at Fulton-Minetto and a female at Baldwinsville thru winter. No teal wintered. 103 Redhead: max SO Skan L Jan 14 (CGS); max at Oswego 24 Feb 2 (very low). No wintering Ring-necked Duck. Canvasback: fall max for Oneida L n. shore 1300 Dec 19; WFC max 36 (astoundingy low). Greater Scaup: WFC 3141 with 400 at Skan L; Oswego harbor max 3000 Feb 5 is but half of high tallies of 1962-63 and a third of the 1961 max. Common Goldeneye: max 2151 WFC and counts 600-1000/day thru Feb; 1000 Mar 27 at Bridgeport were migrants. Oldsquaw: 660 WFC is a record tally, all on L Ontario. HARLEQUIN DUCK: single imm males (different birds) Dec 22 Oswego (S. H. Spofford, FGS et al) and Mar 23 Lakeview (FGS). KING EIDER: present Oswego Harbor Dec 18-Feb 18, max five (mob). Common Scoter: six Dec 1 Eaton (GLC) are unusual inland. Ruddy Duck: female Jan 14 Skan L (CGS, MSR). Common Merganser: WFC total 1074 and max for winter only 1200 Feb 12 Oswego (FLF); very scarce on rivers and no real concentrations despite severe freezing after Feb 1. Hybrid male Hooded Merganser x Common Goldeneye at Phoenix and Caughdenoy Feb 18-Mar 4 (mob). HAWKS—OWLS: Total winter accipiters six Goshawk, five Sharp-shinned, and seven Cooper’s (low). Red-tailed Hawk: max 26 on Jan 1 HIGMA (mob); in smaller numbers (three-five/day) thru period. One wintering Red-shouldered Hawk Jan 14 Cicero Swamp (RJS, FGS). Rough-legged Hawk: widely reported but num¬ bers low (one-four/day) with max six Jan 14. No winter eagles. Harrier: last noted Dec 26, adult male and adult female Syr (FGS); first returnees Feb 26, two Canastota (B & SP). Mar hawk migration very tardy but 35004- birds noted in last six days of Mar (Summary in spring report). Wintering Coot up, probably a residuum of the big fall flight; WFC showed 17, including 12 on Otisco L. No Dec shorebirds except Killdeer; Killdeers also noted early Jan at Otisco L (R. Post), Jan 25 Canastota (B & SP), and two in Feb at DeWitt; first migrants Mar 3; Mar max, 149 passing DH Mar 26. Glaucous Gull: good flight along Oswego R with max 11 on Feb 18 (mob), but only one-two/day at Syr dumps Dec thru early Jan. Iceland Gull: max of six, also Feb 18, Oswego R and Harbor, is unusual as other records there averaged only one-two/day. Great Black-backed Gull: max 450 Dec 28 Oswego R and Harbor and 200+ Feb 4 Oswego Harbor (both MSR). Lesser Black-backed Gull: one Jan 22 Oswego (MSR, D. B. Peakall), see Field Note. Herring and Ring-billed Gull: “hordes” wintered at Oswgo and Fair Haven with max 9000 Herring and 3500 Ring-billed Jan 19 Oswego and 3000’ Ring-billed Jan 26 Fair Haven; sharp fall-off in numbers of Ring¬ billed with the cold weather of early Feb. BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE: a fresh-dead ad found Dec 22 e of Oswego (CGS) and a sick imm Mar 25 Oswego (FLF, G. Mclean, J. Snelling). Mourning Dove: many small flocks wintered, especially at HIGMA—70 Jan 1 and 50 Jan 26, Tully Farms—30 on Jan 7, and Canastota—27 on Jan 10; BBFS shows 89 in Dec, 66 Jan, 107 Feb, 125 Mar. Screech Owl: total for period 19 (low for so many observers hunting for them so intensively). Horned Owl: max three/ day (CGS and GLC); like the Red-tail, appears to be holding its own as a resident species. Snowy Owl: max three at Syr Airport and two at Onon L thru winter; total for Region approximately 15 birds, mainly along L Ontario, the s. edge of Oneida L, and Syr. Long-eared Owl: two near Utica Jan 2 (J. & B. Barker). Short-eared Owl: max three on Oneida CC. Saw-whet Owl: one (? two) in vigorous song Mar 9 thru end of period Cicero Swamp (MSR, mob). Belted Kingfisher: singles wintered at Syr (three sites), Vernon, Chittenango, Sherrill, Eaton, DeWitt, Pompey, Caughdenoy, Phoenix, Baldwinsville, and Marcellus (two sites)—about three times more than usual. GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Yellow-shafted Flicker: multiple sightings from dying-elm swamps about Syr; max six Syr CC and eight HIGMA CC. High tallies for other winter woodpeckers come from the dying-elm swamps and woodlots at 104 HIGMA—Red-bellied 17 (a record count), Hairy 35, Downy 60, on Jan 1; an¬ other high count at Oneida CC-Hairy 33. Downy 74. Hairy:Downy ratio re¬ mained one:two. On BBFS Hairy and Downy were low until Feb and Mar when they appeared in normal numbers (? feeder influx with severe weather). New Red-bellied Woodpecker locations at Clay and Skan. Red-headed Woodpecker: an imm in Dec at Marcy (A. Steinbacher) and another imm Dec to Jan 23 Oneida (M. Scheible). One wintering Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Fayetteville in Feb and Mar (Burroughs fide M. Minor). E. Phoebe: arr Mar 27 Syr; widely re¬ ported in next five days. Horned Lark: a max of 120-155 Feb 19-20 Syr Airport; a second, larger flight in late Mar at DH, e.g. 307 Mar 29 (JWP). Blue Jay: widely reported but numbers low—max for winter from GCs, 99 at Oswego, 68 at Syr, 159 at Oneida, 50 at HIGMA, but single-party counts never 50 +/day. Similarly, wintering Crows were scarce thru period—CC max 187 at Oneida; but Mar flight at DH was superb (though there were no 10,000+ days) with total for month 50,606 (higher than for 66 days of observation between Feb 17 and May 4 in 1964), and max days Mar 10th—6180, 13th—5718, 26th—4811, 27th—9577, 31st—7140. Boreal Chickadee: regular at Old Forge and Big Moose with ten+,/day, but only one reported outside Adirondacks, early Jan at Bern¬ hard’s Bay (Mrs. W. Butler fide DWA). Tufted Titmouse: BBFS totaled 17 in¬ dividuals in Dec, 18 in Jan, seven each in Feb and Mar, from 19 localities in¬ cluding W Monroe on Oneida L n. shore and Orwell and Taberg in the Tug Hill. Red-breasted Nuthatch: scarce throughout winter, one-two/day, mostly at feeders; however, 12+ in Big Moose Feb 26. Brown Creeper: max 35 (high) Jan 26 HIGMA; like woodpeckers, apparently attracted by and benefitting from the vast food supply of the dying-elm swamps there. Wintering half-hardies were reported at and persisted largely thru the largesse of local feeders: two Winter Wren, two Carolina Wren, two Catbird, one Hermit Thrush. Mockingbird: ten individuals, mainly from the smaller towns at the mouths of north-flowing creeks at the junction of the Allegheny Highlands and the Lake plain, a distribution evinced earlier by Cardinals initially and Titmice. Robin: wintering numbers seemed up, at least in Dec and Jan, with max 58 in Pleasant Valley near Marcellus tire first week of Jan (CL & E. Farnham); reported on all CCs. .Golden-crowned Kinglet: very scarce—max 11 on Jan 14 Bridgeport (RJS) and ten on Dec 8 Ilion (KGH); first migrants Mar 27 and max 60 Mar 30 Tully Valley (JWP). Northern Shrike: a modest irruption—17 in Dec, nine in Jan, 14 in Feb, and 13 in the Mar return flight with five noted Mar 2 in Pennellville- Caughdenoy area (WT). Loggerhead Shrike: Ontario lakeshore flight began Mar 18 with total eight for month and max three Mar 26 DH. VIREOS—SPARROWS: Heavy wintering population of Cowbird, 170-289/month on BBFS and flocks of ten-80 noted in suburbs of Syr (mob); lesser numbers of Red-winged Blackbirds and Grackles noted, the majority at feeders, dumps, and cornfields; eight, ten, 17 Red-wings and 68, 27, 19 Grackles for Dec, Jan, Feb respectively on BBFS. No wintering Rusty Blackbirds noted. Cardinal: numbers up on CCs with 82 at Oneida and 113 at Syr; BBFS 164 Dec, 239 Jan, 271 Feb, 229 Mar; gradually filling in the smaller gaps in its Lake plain range, and flocks of nine-15 frequent in Syr environs. Rose-breasted Grosbeak: most unusual are two sustained by feeders, one Jan-Mar at Lysander (L. Mancroni) and a female Feb-Mar Skan (Mrs. H. Carr, Mrs. J. Pierce). The winter finch flight was absolutely dismal—no Redpolls nor White-winged Crossbills reported; of Evening Grosbeaks only eight reports involving 19 birds; five single Purple Finches for entire winter, with a light influx noted in late Mar; one Pine Grosbeak report of two birds, Dec 26 Fayetteville (Mrs. E. Evans); only three Pine Siskin records, the max flock four individuals; one Red Crossbill at Marcy in Dec (A. Steinbacher). Rufous-sided Towhee: three singles wintered, all feeder-sustained. 105 Tree Sparrow: high numbers in Dec and early Jan with max 495 on HIGMA CC; thru late Jan and Feb a steady drop in at-large numbers, but feeder counts up— Feb BBFS 866, a near-record tally for eight years of BBFS; no heavy Mar flight noted. Slate-colored Junco: scarce thru winter with field max 22 on Jan 26; BBFS showed 109 in Dec, 90 in both Jan and Feb, and 98 in Mar; waves of Juncos noted Mar 11-13 and 30-31. Half-hardy Sparrows—a sprinkling of White-throated, Swamp, and Song Spar¬ rows, with many White-throated and Song at highland locations, e.g. Pompey FLF), Marcellus (MSR, CGS). Few non-feeder-sustained individuals made it to Mar except those resorting to the very weedy cornfields in the HIGMA-Port Byron area. Song Sparrow, like Red-winged Blackbird, showed increasing feeder use- 12 in Dec, 28 in Jan,- 25 in Feb, 41 in Mar. Field Sparrow: singles at HIGMA Jan 9 (WT) and TRGMA Jan 14 (RJS, FGS). White-crowned Sparrow: BBFS one-four/ mo; max of four, all imm, Jan 26 in a weedy cornfield near HIGMA (FGS). Lapland Longspur: some two-four/day at Syr Airport Mar 20-31. Snow Bunting: actually scarce as a wintering bird—usually only 20-35/day with max 100 in Jan near Utica (V. Billings); Mar flight modest with 300 Mar 19 s. Herkimer Co (KGH), 350 Mar 20 Pompey (FLF), and 700 Mar 23 Otisco (JWP); again no spring flocks of 1000 +. 427 South Main Street, North Syracuse, N.Y. 13212 REGION 6 — ST. LAWRENCE David C. Gordon December was mostly cold with over 38 inches of snowfall, about 12 inches above normal mostly due to heavy storm Dec 1—3. Average January temperatures were above normal with a warm spell Jan 21-26 and high temperatures of 54, 60 and 65 degrees for the 24th to 26th that eliminated most of the snow. The Jan total of 14.8 inches snow was 9.5 inches below normal. February was the coldest month with more snow. March had very little snow or other precipitation (ten inches below normal) and above normal temperatures with a high 73 degrees Mar 31 and most ground bare since Mar 17th. This winter there were almost no winter finches, with the poorest showing of Evening Grosbeaks in a decade. The Snowy Owl population was probably higher in early winter than last year but did not remain into late winter and spring. Human- caused mortality may still be an important factor. Some interesting rarities that showed up helped to balance an otherwise dull season for birding. Although there was scant snow cover to melt, the prolonged cold, lack of precipitation and late ice breakup on large bodies of water kept most migration retarded until the last week of March. The Black River flats near Lowville were not flooded as is normal in spring and usually flooded areas at Sulphur Springs and elsewhere were non¬ existent, thus no waterfowl at these places. Due to lack of an average amount of melting snow and the need for rain, fields were brown and dry thruout the lowlands of region but much snow remained in patches on Tug Hill and was very deep in woods at Sears Pond Mar 31. On last day of period there was a spectacular move¬ ment of common land birds across Tug Hill Plateau-e.g. Sparrow Hawks, Killdeer, Robins, meadowlarks. Redwinged Blackbirds, grackles, cowbirds, juncos. Song Spar¬ rows etc. 106 Localities: BCW—Brookside Cemetery, Watertown; BWS—Blake Wildlife Sanc¬ tuary; ED—El Dorado; HH—Henderson Harbor; Jeff Co—Jefferson County; PRGMA—Perch River Game Management Area; Pt Pen—Point Peninsula; SB— Sherwin’s Bay; THP—Tug Hill Plateau; Wat—Watertown; WC—Watertown Center. Observers: AA—Arthur Allen; JB—John Belknap; FC—Frank Clinch; DG—David Gordon; RW—Robert Walker. LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: one Jan 29 Pt Pen (RW). Red-necked Grebe: one Dec 12 Snowshoe Pt (AA, JB). Homed Grebe: last Dec 24 to Jan 2 HH and Snowshoe Pt (AA, DG). Pied-billed Grebe: first Mar 19 Black L (JB)-early. Great Blue Heron: first returns to PRGMA heronry Mar 29. Canada Goose: est 675 Mar 29 PRGMA. Blue Goose: one Mar 29-31 (mob). Mallard and Black Duck: present during winter with great increase Mar 29. Pin¬ tail: first Mar 25. Green-winged Teal: first Mar 28. Wood Duck: first Mar 28. Redhead: near Clayton Jan 15 (FC). Ring-necked Duck: first Mar 25 Pt Vivian (DG). Canvasback: five Henderson Bay Dec 23; Jan 1 to Mar 25 from Cape Vincent to Fishers Landing up to 250 est (mob), no Feb records. Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead and Oldsquaw were present thru period. COMMON EIDER: one female Dec 23-24 HH observed closely, photographed (AA, DG). KING EIDER: one imm male with two females Dec 19-28 ED to Stony Pt (AA, DG)—on four different days. White-winged Scoter: singles Dec 10, Jan 1 Pt Pen, Mar 25 Fishers Landing. Hooded Merganser: pair Jan 16 Black L (JB); spring arr Mar 25 Pt Vivian. Common Merganser: 17 males, several females Mar 25 Fishers Landing. Red-breasted Merganser: Jan 1. HAWKS—OWLS: Goshawk: at least three separate reports, Dec 28 near Stony Pt, Jan 5 near Philadelphia, Mar 24 near Wat seemed unusual activity. Sharp- shinned Hawk: Dec 19 and 26 Wat (AA, RW). Cooper’s Hawk: Jan 1 Henderson (AA). Red-tailed Hawk: several Dec-Jan records; singles in early Mar but first apparent spring migration Mar 24r-25. Rough-legged Hawk: Dec thru Feb numer¬ ous in Region, max 17 PRGMA Jan 22 (AA); numbers lower in Mar. Marsh Hawk: last Dec 14, Jan 29; first spring Mar 29. Sparrow Hawk: several Dec-Jan records; spring increase Mar 11-31. Gray Partridge: high numbers noted by several observers thruout Jeff Co range: max 83 Jan 1 near L Ont; max 250 Feb 4, some near PRGMA marked with colored plastic strips on wing by Cons. Dept. Am. Coot: late Dec 17-24 HH (DG); Dec 26 Sackets Harbor (RW); two Jan 1 Cape Vincent (DG). Killdeer: first Mar 10 Brier Hill; Mar 25 near Wat. Greater Yellowlegs: early, one Camps Mills Mar 31 (JB). Purple Sandpiper: several records with max 23 Dec 17, last seen three Jan 1 Stony Pt (AA, DG, RW).—see Kingbird Jan 1967, p.22. Dunlin: Dec 17-28 Stony Pt (DG). Red Phalarope: one imm observed closely Dec 28 Stony Pt (DG)—very late. Great Black-backed Gull: several Dec-Jan records. Mourning Dove: last Dec 10 Pillar Pt; first Mar 11 Pillar Pt. Great Horned Owl: singles seen Mar 11 near BWS (AA); Mar 28-30 BCW (DG) and heard near Wat Dec-Jan (RW). Snowy Owl: Dec-Feb many were reported thruout Jeff and St Law Co. max 6 Dec 14 Pt Pen (JB); max 8 Jan 2 Pillar Pt—Pt Pen and max 7 Feb 13 (RW); one found dead Pt Pen and more may have been shot. During March numbers declined until they were difficult to locate. Last Mar 25 near Chaumont (DG). Most Snowy Owls this year were dark birds and very few were almost all-white typical adult males. Short-eared Owl: one fan 3 near Evans Mills (JB). GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Belted Kingfisher: last male Dec 26 BCW (FC); first spring male Mar 28 BCW (DG). Flicker: first Mar 18 near Snowshoe Pt. (DG)—very early. Pileated Woodpecker: one Jan 1 Snowshoe Pt feeding on wild grape (RW). Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers: usual numbers. Black-backed 107 Three-toed Woodpecker: one female first seen Feb 26 in tamarack swamp BWS (RW); two females Mar 4, one Mar 5-12 (mob), one could be approached to within six feet while it worked low on a stub. NORTHERN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER: one male first seen Feb 26 BWS (RW); a male and female Mar 4 BWS (mob) in same woods where other three-toed species at work had flaked off bark from 30-40 tamarack trees from the snow line up to 30 feet high. Third known occurence of species Jeff Co in ten years. Eastern Phoebe: first Mar 30. Horned Lark: small numbers scattered thru countryside Dec-Jan, all Prairie; num¬ bers increased after Feb 18 with two Northern seen then. Blue Jay: numbers seemed lower than usual Jan-Feb. Common Crow: two Dec 17; two Dec 27; two Feb 18; first noticeable influx Mar 4 (DG); numerous Mar 11-31. Black-capped Chickadee and White-breasted Nuthatch: usual winter popula¬ tion. Red-breasted Nuthatch: one at feeder early Mar. Brown Creeper: at feeder Jan 1 thru rest of winter, others during March. Winter Wren; near Gouverneur Dec 17 and Jan 1 (JB). Mockingbird: one Dec 28-Jan 2 Stony Pt (DG). Robin: first migrant Mar 18, not common Wat until Mar 26, peak migration dates Mar 30- 31. Eastern Bluebird: first Mar 17 two WC (Tucker); female with no color on breast Mar 24 near Stony Pt (DG); male Mar 30 near Brownville (AA). BOHE¬ MIAN WAXWING: three observed at close range for 30 min with large flock of Cedar Waxwings Mar 18 near Snowshoe Pt (DG)-first Jeff Co report since Apr 1962. Cedar Waxwing: wandering flocks Dec-Jan, increasingly common Mar. Northern Shrike: few scattered records Dec—Feb, last Mar 8. VIREOS-SPARROWS: Eastern Meadowlark: Jan 2 Pt Pen (RW); Jan 15 near Clayton (FC); first spring Mar 19. Redwinged Blackbird: Dec 10, 26, Jan 1, Feb 4; first spring flocks Mar 11. Baltimore Oriole: at feeder Nov 22-Dec 30 (AA) — see Field Note. Common Grackle: first Mar 11 near Wat. Brown-headed Cowbird: winter dates Dec 10, 26, Jan 1, 15, Mar 12; spring flocks Mar 23. Tremendous mixed flock blackbird migration Mar 30-31. Cardinal: several pairs at feeders Wat thru winter. Evening Grosbeak: only reports Dec 1 one female, Jan 11 two males, one female Wat (AA); continues trend of late or non-appearance in alternate years since 1960. Purple Finch: none seen. Common Redpoll: only report one at feeder Dec 22 (AA). Savannah Sparrow: one Jan 2 Pt Pen (RW)—unusual date. Slate- colored Junco: winter dates Jan 1, 21, Mar 14; first spring arr Mar 27; numerous Mar 28-31. Tree Sparrows: present thru winter; THP Mar 31, White-crowned Sparrow: Dec 11 SB (RW)—unusual. Song Sparrow: first Mar 19; uncommon until Mar 27-28. Lapland Longspur: 24 near Limerick Dec 26 (JB); 20 near Balmat Jan 2; 30 near Edwards Jan 2 (AA); six SB Jan 2 (RW). Snow Bunting: Dec 10 to Mar 11; several flocks of more than 200 noted as well as smaller groups usually not mixed with Horned Larks or longspurs. Please have spring reports in by June 9. 1347 Sherman St., Watertown, N.Y. 13601 REGION 7 —ADIRONDACK-CHAMPLAIN Harriet L. Delafield Dec ’66 started out with a heat wave. The record high for this month was 62 degrees on Dec 6. The lowest temperature was zero on the 19th, and the biggest snowfall was 16" over Christmas. At the end of the month there were only 13" of snow on the ground. 108 Jan was freeze and thaw, freeze and thaw: -4 degrees on the 6th, thaw on the 8th; 8 degrees on the 16th, 40 degrees on the 21st, and so on. Ice conditions made both driving and walking hazardous. By the 22nd a friend reported skiing at Big Tupper to be “like spring skiing.” Feb was generally cold; the lowest we saw our thermometer was -30' degrees on the 13th. There was a thaw on. the 14th. Snow depths remained low and no high winds were reported except on the 16th when gusts of up to 75 mph were recorded at Ray Brook. March was mostly mild and uneventful with snowfall considerably below normal. Bird numbers were way down, especially winter finches. One expert suggested this might be because mast crop was also heavy to the north of us, and this fact combined with relatively high temperatures and low snow depths, allowed the birds to stay in their more northern ranges. Cardinals seem to be continuing their push northward, unless this was a freak winter. Besides a pair at Bloomingdale there were some unofficial reports from Lake Placid and Tupper Lake. The Brown Thrasher and two Mourning Dove records were unusual. There were above average reports of Snow Buntings and Northern Shrikes. Observers: EA—Elizabeth Anderson; EB—Elisabeth Barnet; GTC—Greenleaf T Chase; ED—Ethel Dyer; HD—Harriet Delafield; BF—Bill Frenette; JH—Joseph Hart; GK—Grace Kains; JK—Joseph Keji; RM—Ruth Meier; CDT—Count Day Team; FW—Fred Wardenburgh; IW—Isabel Williams; DY—David Young. Abbreviations: Aus M—Ausable Marsh; RB—Ray Brook; SL—Saranac Lake; TL— Tupper Lake. LOONS—DUCKS: Horned Grebe: end Dec, early Jan Essex (FW). Great Blue Heron: one Saranac R Mar 30 (D Corl). Canada Goose: 85 L Alice Dec 5 (JH), one end Dec Essex (FW), two L Alice Mar 20 (GTC), 125 Mar 31 Malone (Dayton Foote). Mallafd: three Aus M Jan 31 (JH). Black Duck: 80 Aus M Jan 31 (JH); 20 L Alice Mar 20 (GTC). Common Goldeneye: end Dec Essex (FW), 75 Aus M Jan 31 (JH). HAWKS—OWLS: Red-tailed Hawk: one Titus Mt Mar 29 (GTC). Red¬ shouldered Hawk; one L Alice Mar 20 (GTC), Rough-legged Hawk: two Pontaufer Dec 3 (JH). Bald Eagle: one Union Falls flow “possible repeat from 1966” (GTC). Peregrine Falcon: Loon L Mt Dec 4 (GTC). Sparrow Hawk: one Mar 16—31 SL (EA, HD). Ruffed Grouse: three Dec 26, one Mar 25 RB (JK); two jumping up from snow after Highbush Cranberry SL Mar 14 (EB), Ring-necked Pheasant: one female end Dec Essex (FW); one female thru period SL (EA, HD). Gray Partridge: four north of Plattsburg, five Cooperville Jan 31, seven Cooperville Feb 7, 12 Malone Feb 8 (JH). American Woodcock: one Mar 29—31 SL (Creta Chase). Herring Gull: end Dec Essex (FW); 25 Aus M Jan 31 (JH). Mourning Dove: one Dec 19 Cooperville (JH); one Jan 14 for two weeks SL (M Brogan). Great Horned Owl: one Deer P Santa Clara (BF), Saw-whet Owl: one Mar 17 SL (M Muncil). GOATSUCKERS—STARLING; Belted Kingfisher: one Mar 30 Saranac R (D Corl). Pileated Woodpecker: end Dec Essex one (FW); one Heaven’s L swamp Dec 4, two together Mar 22 Whitney Pk (BF). Hairy Woodpecker and Downy Woodpeckers: normal. Horned Lark: two Champlain Jan 31 (JH). Tree Swallow: one Mar 31—early RB (GTC). Blue Jay: large numbers all areas, JK refers to this as “The winter of the Blue Jay”. Common Crow: one Dec 1, 6, 28 SL (ED); one Feb 2 SL (JH); nine Vermontville Feb 26 (EA, HD); back in small numbers SL 109 Mar 7 (GK). Black-capped Chickadee: normal. Boreal Chickadee: one Dec 29 SL (EB); four Dec 30 SL (CDT); one Jan 4, four Jan 31 L Clear (HD). White¬ breasted Nuthatch: few reports of one or two SL (GK) and RB (JK). Red¬ breasted Nuthatch: more frequent in woods than above. Brown Creeper: reports of one or two thru period, three Dec 30 SL (CDT). Brown Thrasher: one Dec 26-30 SL (ED). Robin: returned Mar 26 RB (JK); Mar 27 SL (HD). Golden- crowned Kinglet: two Feb 14, one Mar 2, two Mar 4 RB (JK). Northern Shrike: reported more frequently than usual particularly during Feb SL and Gabriels (EB, HD, DY). Starling: back all areas early Mar, 300 Mar 11 SL (HD, GK). VIREOS—SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: very late bird seen Dec 2, 6, 10 and 11 even after snowstorm RB (JK). House Sparrow: not such large numbers as other years. Eastern Meadowlark: one Mar 15 RB (GTC). Red-winged Blackbird: few winter reports of single feeder birds; first flock RB Mar 27 (JK); SL Mar 28 (HD); Mar 29 TL (RM). Common Grackle: back late Mar RB (JK), SL (EB). Brown-headed Cowbird: four Mar 11 SL (EB); seven Mar 24 RB (JK). Cardinal: pair thru period Bloomingdale (IW). Evening Grosbeak: Dec 2 three flocks totalling about 200 Loon L (GTC); from then on very few reports of small num¬ bers SL except for 100 Kiwassa Dec 30, Jan 15 and Feb 3 (Emigh, HD, EA); RB, JK reported “plenty around” after Feb 5, from 60 to 160; 50-75 daily at feeder TL (RM). Purple Finch: two to five Feb & Mar SL & Bloomingdale (EB, IW); two by end of Feb RB (JK); five Mar 12, increasing after that, TL (RM). Pine Siskin: one or two Jan 25 thru period RB (JK). American Goldfinch: flock from 40 to 100 all winter TL (RM); 25 to 50 RB (JK); small flocks to 30 SL (ED, HD). Red Crossbill: small flocks thru period Barnum P area (GTC) and RB (JK). Slate-colored Junco: one or two thru period all areas except TL. Tree Sparrow: small numbers thru period SL (HD) and RB (JK). White-throated Sparrow: two Dec 4 thru 25 SL (ED); two Dec 30 (CDT); one all Jan to Feb 12 SL (EB). Song Sparrow: one Dec 22, 25, 30 SL (ED); two singing Mar 31 SL (HD); back Mar 28 RB (JK). Snow Bunting: good numbers SL and L Placid (mob); 20 Dec 19 Cooperville, 20 north of Plattsburgh Feb ¥ (JH). CORRIGENDUM: We regret the words “flying away from nest” found their way into the Fall Season report after Dr Meade’s Baltimore Oriole. Naturally there was no nest involved. The Grackle on Oct. 9 was at Saranac Lake not Madawaska. Trudeau Road, Saranac Lake, N.Y. 12983 REGION 8 — MOHAWK-HUDSON Peter P. Wickham December was nearly average in temperature and precipitation (all data taken at Albany), averaging 27.3°, 0.8° above normal, and totaling 3.04 in., of precipita¬ tion, 0.45 in. above normal. January was mild throughout, averaging 27.0°, 4.3° above normal. Precipitation totaled only 1.22 in., 1.25 in. below normal. February and March, on the other hand, were both consistently cold months, averaging 18.0° and 29.0°, 5.7° and 4.0° below normal, respectively. Precipitation totaled 1.76 and 2.56 in., 0.44 and 0.16 in. below normal, respectively. All observers registered disappointment at the low numbers of many species of landbirds present this winter. The Schenectady Christmas Count recorded the lowest number of species- 37- since 1950. One local field trip held one Jan after¬ noon near TR attracted about 20 observers who identified five species! “What has happened to the birds?” was a common plaint. 110 Nevertheless, this negative outlook does not represent a true summary of Region 8 winter bird populations in 1966—1967. Populations of most small landbirds, espe¬ cially the sparrows, seemed generally low. In addition, the winter finches (as expected) were virtually wholly absent. Open country species, however, were well represented; e.g., Mourning Doves, Horned Larks, Meadowlarks and Snow Buntings all wintered in well above average numbers. Fruit-eating species such as Robins and Cedar Waxwings also seemed more plentiful than usual. Finally, as a further optimistic note, southern species such as the Tufted Titmouse, Mockingbird, and Cardinal are all on the increase in Region 8, with the Cardinal, especially, enjoying a spectacularly rapid increase. Only 11 years ago (1955) the Schenectady Christmas Count recorded its first! To those tired of winter, Mar offered little solace. Only two breaks in the generally cold weather were afforded- on Mar 10—11, when temperatures reached die high 50's, and on Mar 25-31, after a two-week cold period, when they reached the 50’s again. It was not until this last week in Mar that ice really began leaving most streams and tidal marshes. Spring influx of landbirds and waterfowl was very much correlated with these two mild periods; major movements of early landbird species were associated with each, while a minor movement of ducks and gulls was associated with the first and a widespread movement including many more species of waterfowl was associated with the second. Highlighting the unusual species seen in the area were a Sandhill Crane and a Painted Bunting—the former coming to a cornfield, the latter to several feeders. Other rare or unusual species included Gadwall, Common Teal, Short-eared Owl, Carolina Wren, Varied Thrush and Palm Warbler. Abbreviations used: GCBC—Green County Bird Club; SBC—Schenectady Bird Club; SCC—Schenectady Christmas Count; SRCC—Southern Rensselaer County Christmas Count; TCC—Troy Christmas Count; AR—Alcove Reservoir; NWW— Niskayuna Wide Waters; R—River; RL—Round Lake; SCR—Stony Creek Reservoir; SL—Saratoga Lake; SS—Stockport Station; TR—Tomhannock Reservoir; UH—Upper Hudson R (between Troy and Stillwater); VFG—Vischer Ferry area; WR—Water- vliet Reservoir. Observers; GA—Gus Angst; GB—Guy Bartlett; HFB—Hazel Bundy; LB, VB— Lee and Virginia Burland; JHB, BB—James and Barbara Bush; MB—Martha Bush; PC—Paul Connor; MG, AG—Murray and Alice Giddings; WG—William Gorman; MDG—Monte Gruett; EH—Esly Hallenbeck; VH—Vernon Haskins; MK—Marcia Kent; CK—Clarissa Keteham; SM—Samuel Madison; PM—Peggy McGuirk; MDM, PDM—Mary and Philip Mickle; WBS—Walton Sabin; BRS—Benton Seguin; HHS— Harvey Spivak; PPW—Peter Wickham; RPY—Robert Yunick; bsh—Guy Bartlett, Benton Seguin and Barrington Havens. LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: one remained at Lock 1, Hudson R near Troy to at least Jan 8 (SBC); no Mar reports. Red-throated Loon: last, Dec 24 TR (PC). Horned Grebe: last, Dec 18 SL (bsh); first spring, Mar 31 NWW (PPW, MDG). Great Blue Heron: one at Green Island Jan 8 (SBC)—unusual; winter records have been very few over the past several years. American Bittern: one at NWW Mar 31 (HHS). Canada Goose: last reports, Dec 24 TR (PC) and Dec 25 flying over West Sand L (fide PPW)—this may have been the same flock. Returning birds noted in small groups Mar 26—31, Snow Goose; only report- eight Mar 30 SS (MDM, PDM). Mallards and Black Ducks were reported sparingly through the winter. GADWALL: eight Dec 11 AR (PM, SM, HFB)—rather late. American Widgeon: first Mar 27 SS (PPW). Pintail: four on the UH Dec 31 (TCC); no winter reports; first spring, Mar 11 SS (PPW); marked influx Mar 27-31. COMMON TEAL: one male observed with about 20 male Green-winged Teal at SS early in the morning on Mar 27 (PPW)—only the second Regional record of which I am aware. Green-winged Teal: observed through Dec 31 (TCC); first spring, Mar 11 SS (PPW), with large influx Mar 27-31. Wood Duck: first, Mar 111 19 NWW (bsh), late. Redhead: only report- one Dec 11 SCR (bsh). Ring-necked Duck: reported to Dec 18 UH (HFB, SM, PM); first spring, Mar 27 SS (PPW). Canvasback: observed well into Dec, including 60 Dec 11 AR (HFB, PM, SM), last Dec 31 and Jan 8, UH (SBC); twelve (mostly males), returning, at SS Mar 27 (PPW). Scaup: recorded to Dec 4 SL (bsh) and Dec 11 AR (SM, PM, HFB); a few observed at SS and NWW Mar 27-31; those in Mar which were identified were Greater Scaup (EH, PPW, MDG). Common Goldeneye: last, Dec 18 SL (bsh); no winter reports; first. Mar 12 Lock 7, Mohawk R (RPY); gradual influx observed through rest of month. Rufflehead: observed to Dec 18 SL (bsh); only spring reports Mar 27 and 29, SS (PPW, SM, PM). Oldsquaw: four to five remained on SL through Dec 18 (bsh); no other reports. White-winged Scoter: a small group remained on SL through Dec 18 (bsh); no other reports. Common Scoter: one female Dec 18 SL (bsh)— the lone report. Ruddy Duck: last Dec 11, one RL (bsh) and five AR (PM, SM, HFB). Hooded Merganser: a few reported into Dec, last Jan 2 near Castleton (SRGC); first spring Mar 18 (bsh) with marked influx Mar 24-31. Common Merganser: reported to mid-Dec, but on none of the local Christmas Counts; one female Jan 8 UH (SBC) the only winter record; returning birds appeared Mar 11 on. Red-breasted Merganser: only reports. Mar 29 and 31, VFG (EH). HAWKS—OWLS: Turkey Vulture: first spring. Mar 11 Kiskatom (JHB, BB). Goshawk: four reports, Jan 2-Feb 7, from widely separated areas. Sharp-shinned Hawk: only reports Mar 8 Catskill (BB) and Mar 25 NWW (HHS). Cooper’s: only three reports, all early winter. Red-tailed: most common winter hawk, reported from most areas, max 12 Mar 19 Meadowdale area (bsh). Red-shouldered: two in Jan Chatham Center area (MG, AG), one near Delmar Jan 15 (SM, PM), and one Mar 12 Meadowdale (bsh)—only reports. Rough-legged: widely seen through¬ out winter, max 20 Mar 19 Meadowdale area (bsh). Marsh: five reports scattered through period. Sparrow Hawk: widely reported, max 12 TCC Dec 31. Ruffed Grouse: widely reported, but appeared less common than in other recent years. Bob-white: reported from Meadowdale; one also appeared at a feeder in East Greenbush Jan 5 and fairly regularly through rest of period (MDG). SANDHILL CRANE: one was observed feeding in a cornfield of standing corn and roosting in a nearby open field about two miles east of Whitehall. The overall gray color, dull red patch on the forehead above the bill, long legs, large size and piercing resonant call were among field marks noted (WBS, BRS, SM, GB, PPW et al.). The bird was present from at least mid-Feb through Mar 26 in the same locality and, I be¬ lieve, is a first record for Region 8. Virginia Rail: up to two seen at Tygert marsh near New Salem Jan 7-Mar 19 (mob). American Coot: a flock of 50 was still at AR Dec 11 (SM, PM, HFB) and one of 100' remained at SL through Dec 18 (bsh); last TR Dec 24 (PC). Killdeer: observed into early Dec; last, Dec 31 TR (TCC). Returning birds seen Feb 28 Catskill (BB) and from Mar 10 on elsewhere. American Woodcock: first Mar 11 Cedar Hill (fide MK), widely Mar 22 on, max 20 Mar 31 Old Chatham (PPW). Common Snipe: two remained at Tygert marsh throughout winter (mob); probable migrants from Mar 11 on. Great Black-backed Gull: rather few in Dec, last Dec 18 UH (PM, SM, HFB). No winter records, first spring Mar 11, several areas; heavy influx last week in Mar. Herring Gull: numbers increased and de¬ creased along the Hudson R during the winter depending on the weather conditions and amount of river ice present; gradual influx from Mar 11 on. Ring-billed Gull: a few reported during Dec; last, ten Jan 8 UH (SBC); late in arrival, first Mar 26 NWW (SBC). Mourning Dove: wintered in almost all reporting areas, max 301 TCC Dec 31. Screech Owl: only report- two throughout Jan, East Greenbush (WG PPW). Great Horned Owl: a few widespread reports, max five TR Dec 31 (TCC). Snowy Owl: one near Catskill Jan 10-11 (BB) and one at West Lebanon, Rensselaer 112 Co, Feb 12 (B. R. Carman) the only reports. Barred Owl: only report- one road- kill found in Jan in Greene Co (GCBC). SHORT-EARED OWL: observed Dec 31 near Mechanicville (WBS, HFB) and Mar 5, Meadowdale (BRS, GB). GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Belted Kingfisher: reported wintering in at least three areas; a few returned in late Mar. Yellow-shafted Flicker: a few reported throughout winter. Pileated Woodpecker: scattered reports of 1-3 from many areas throughout period. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: one male appeared Feb 18 at a Niskayuna feeder where the species has occurred in previous winters. Eastern Phoebe: first. Mar 11 East Schodack (MDG); marked influx Mar 29-31. Horned Lark: many flocks noted, max 401 SRCC Jan 2. Blue Jay: one landbird which seemed up in numbers this winter; counts included 416 TCC Dec 31 and 343 SRCC Jan 2. Common Crow: fairly common, max 437 SCC Dec 24. Black-capped Chickadee: common, max 421 TCC Dec 31 and 454 SRCC Jan 2. Tufted Tit¬ mouse: apparently still slowly increasing. White-breasted Nuthatch: max 94 TCC Dec 31 and 90 SRCC Jan 2. Red-breasted Nuthatch: very scarce outside of sec¬ tions where it is a permanent resident. Brown Creeper: most observers saw few, max 14 SGC Dec 24. Winter Wren: at least five were reported from Center Bruns¬ wick, East Greenbush, Malden Bridge and Tamarack during the period- an unu¬ sually high number. CAROLINA WREN: one at SS Mar 31 (MDM, PDM) marks the second successive year the species has been reported in Mar at this locality. Mockingbird: becoming more common in almost all lowland areas; approximately 20 reported this winter. Catbird: an individual which had lost its tail was observed near Speigletown Dec 18, but not subsequently (PM, SM, HFB). Brown Thrasher: singles observed at feeders in Troy (Ross and Leila McCarney) and Burden Lake (WBS). Robin: widely reported in flocks of up to 20 in several areas; heavy influx Mar 10 and subsequently. VARIED THRUSH: another male appeared this winter, this time at several feeders in West Glenville, Schenectady Co, sporadically from Jan 8 through (at least) Mar 24 (mob, including bsh, WBS, RPY, HFB, PM). This is only the second record for Region 8. Eastern Bluebird: reported in late Jan from Greenville (CK) and Meadowdale (EH); very late spring movement. Golden- crowned Kinglet: few reports, no pattern. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: one in Chatham Center through Dec 12 (MG, AG) and one appeared at a feeder in Averill Park in early Jan ( fide( Katherine Bordt). Cedar Waxwing: more common this winter with flocks of 15-75 reported from several areas throughout period. Northern Shrike: at least ten reports of at least five individuals, Dec 24-Mar 12. Loggerhead Shrike: reported at Meadowdale Mar 5—19 (bsh, GA). VIREOS—SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: singles reported at Schodack Center Dec 2-5 (Noel Albertson) and at Coxsackie Feb 15 (fide JHB). PALM WARBLER a dead individual in fresh condition was picked up on Jan 25 after hitting a window of the General Electric Research Laboratories in Niskayuna (RPY); the specimen was turned over to the State Museum in Albany. Eastern Meadowlark; many more than usual reported, max “up to 50”, Schodack Center (LB, VB) and 25 SRCC Jan 2. Red-winged Blackbird: 17 were still roosting in the Castleton marshes Jan 2 (PC) and a few birds wintered at feeders locally; very light influx Mar 4-5, followed by a major movement with moderating weather on Mar 10-11 when hundreds were observed, Interestingly, Red-wings seemed “on territory” everywhere far up into Washington Co Mar 11-12, suggesting that almost all of Region 8 was occupied in this movement. Rusty Blackbird: winter reports Jan 8, UH (SBC), Jan 10-11, Catskill (BB) and Jan 21, Warren Co (bsh); return movement Mar 10 and subsequently. Common Grackle: a few winter reports totaling about 15 individuals; general influx Mar 10-11 with the other blackbirds. Brown-headed Cowbird: 332 counted at the Albany roost Jan 2; seemed more widespread than in some recent winters. Cardinal: noticeably more common, with 113 up to five males and six females seen at one feeder in East Greenbush and almost every feeder in the area attracting at least a pair; max 95 TCC Dec 31 and 69 SRCC Jan 2. PAINTED BUNTING: an adult male- absolutely resplendent with brilliant red breast, purplish head, green back and scarlet rump- visited several feeders in the Hudson area from late Dec through at least mid-Mar and was seen by mob, including WBS, PPW, MDG, PM. The origin of this bird is not known, but its ability to withstand an upstate winter is remarkable. Evening Grosbeak: extremely scarce- only five reports of up to 20 birds for the whole period. Purple Finch: very few records, about eight for the period. Redpolls and Pine Siskins were unrecorded, except for a flock of 150 of the former at Meadowdale Mar 5 (GB, BRS) and a few of each species in the Durham area in Feb and Mar (VH). Even Goldfinches seemed few and far between. Red Crossbill: one coming to a Scotia feeder throughout the winter (mob) was unique this year. Rufous-sided Towhee: one came regularly to a feeder near Burden Lake (fide Katherine Bordt); possible early record- one Mar 13 Coxsackie (MB). Sparrows: Savannah: one each TCC Dec 31 and SRCC Jan 2; only other reports- Mar 11, Meadowdale (EH) and Kiskatom (JHB, BB)—may indicate returning birds. Slate-colored Junco: considered by many observers as scarce, max 184 TCC Dec 31 and 158 SRCC Jan 2. Tree: present in good numbers, max 930 TCC Dec 31. Field: scattered individuals or pairs observed throughout the winter, although rare. White-throated: at least 13 individuals, widely scattered, reported during the winter. Fox: last two Jan 2, SRCC; reported in Catskill Mar 7 (fide JHB) and in many sections from Mar 10-11 on; the birds appeared more plentiful and more ready to remain in local areas than in most spring migrations. Swamp: fewer wintered than usual, reported only from Castleton marshes and NWW (PC, HHS)—total of four. Song: wintered widely at feeders, sparingly in marshes, max 57 TCC Dec 31. Lapland Longspur: reported Dec 17, Schodack (LB, VB), Dec 31, TR (TCC), Jan 7 and 21, near WR (bsh) and Feb 5, Guilderland (SM, PM) in groups of 1-4. Snow Bunting: reported throughout winter, occasionally in large flocks, max 300-400 Feb 13, Greenville (CK) and 400+ Mar 18, near Kinderhook (SBC). 12 Columbia Drive, East Greenbush 12061 REGION 9 — DELAWARE-HUDSON Edward D. Treacy The weather during the winter season was as to be expected, except for the large amount of snow. There were no sub-zero days until February, and then there were very few for the remainder of the period. The ground was snow covered most of the time, and in some of the higher regions of the Catskills ex¬ ceeded 100 in. for the season. March remained winterlike for most of the month. Resident bird populations were about normal except for a few species. Northern winter visitors were few and far between, and some went unreported. Several species were unaccountably low in numbers locally such as Black-capped Chicka¬ dee. The period was not without its rarities, as will be seen in the report. We welcome to our list of contributors Mr. Dave Junkin of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, Westchester. Abbreviations: Dutch—Dutchess Co; Oran—Orange Co; Sull—Sullivan Co; Ulst— Ulster Co; West—Westchester Co; Rock—Rockland Co; RAS—Rockland Audubon Soc.; WBC—Ralph T. Waterman Bird Club; FWC—Federation Waterfowl Count, Jan. 14—Jan 22. MCC—E. A. Mearns Bird Club Christmas Count, Dec 26; RCC— 114 Rockland Audubon Society Christmas Count, Dec 26; WC—Ralph T. Waterman Bird Club Christmas Count, Dec 24. Contributors: EA—Ethel Abrams; JB—Jean Beck; A, MB-Arlene & Marty Borko; CC—Carrie Carnwright; PC—Pauline Chernick; RD—Roz Davis; ID—Iris Dean; ED— Ed Ditterline; ME—Martha Earl; FG—Florence Germond; RG—Ruth Grierson; SG— Stan Grierson; TH—Thelma Haight; FH—■Fred Hough; AJ—Alice Jones; PJ—Paul Jeheber; MK—Mary Key; JK—James Key; LMcB—Laura McBride; HM—Helen Man- son; JM—John Marsh; AM—Al Merritt; BM—Barbara Merritt; EP—Eleanor Pink; FS—Frank Steffens; CT—Czecker Terhune; EDT—E. Treacy; PV—Pat Valkenburg; MVW—Marion VanWagner; OW-Otis Waterman. LOONS—DUCKS: Red-throated Loon: always rare—one Jan 24 Beacon (MK & AJ). Horned Grebe: more common than usual, as many as eight in the Hudson off Piermont in mid-Mar. Pied-billed Grebe: usual winter records; three on WCC; two Cornwall Bay, Mar 14 (A, MB). Great Blue Heron: first Mar 2 Millbrook, Dutch, (FG); one Mar 24 Chelsea (MK). American Bittern: one Dec 10' Crugers Is. (OW); one Jan 17 Katonah (SG). Mute Swan: 46 on FWC, almost all in Rock; do not seem to be extending range noticeably to other counties. Canada Goose: 116 on FWC, compared to 126 last year, still high when compared to previous years; first migrants noted in several locations throughout Region on Mar 11, 12, and 13, many reports thereafter, all flocks contained only, a dozen or two. Mallard: 1,039 on FWC largest number ever reported. Pintail: three Jan 15 Beacon (FWC); five migrants on Hudson at Cornwall Mar 11 (EDT); 14 in the Otterkill at Hamptonburgh Mar 13 (ME). Green-winged Teal: one on FWC at H nnn ’s L Dutch; two Feb 22 same area; three Mar 10 Cornwall Bay. (EA, BM). Blue-winged Teal: one FWC Beacon. (MK). American Widgeon: six Cornwall Bay Mar 11 (A, BM). Shoveler: one at Lederle Labs, Pearl R Feb 1, remained several days (FS). Wood Duck: one, Piermont, RCC; two or three wintered in Dutch; numbers good during Mar. Redhead: one Jan 11-20 Sylvan L Dutch (WBC). Ring-necked Duck: numbers continue high in southern portion on FWC; first win¬ ter record for Ulst at Ashokan Res. Dec 31, also observed in Jan (J, MK; AJ). Canvasback: about 100 wintered on Hudson off Piermont, more than in recent years but far fewer than in the late fifties; several small flocks noted along Hudson during Mar. Common Goldeneye: a few more than last year’s low. Bufflehead: reported as “positively abundant” at Piermont Pier (RAS)— daily counts of about 30 birds. OLDSQUAW: one MCC on Hudson at Cornwall. (EDT, PJ). WHITE¬ WINGED SCOTER: two, FWC, Hudson R at West Pt (MBC). Ruddy Duck: one Dec 1 Salt Pt, Dutch, (CT); 245 on FWC, largest number in thirteen years of count. Hooded Merganser: almost none reported during winter, but Mar num¬ bers higher than usual. Common Merganser: numbers better than low of last year, but still continues scarce; more during Mar than all previous months. Red-breasted Merganser: always rare; Bob Deed states: “This winter I have seen more Red- breasteds than Common locally (Nyack); something that has never happened before.” HAWKS—OWLS: Turkey Vulture: arr most areas second week of Mar; one Feb 5 Cornwall Bay (CC, A, BM). Goshawk; one Mar 2 pole trapped at pheasant preserve near Millbrook, Dutch. Cooper’s Hawk: one Mar 19 Fowlersville, Sull (A, MB). Red-tailed Hawk: normal for most of Region, appears low in Dutch. Red-shouldered Hawk: one. Stone Ridge, Ulst (no date) (FH); one Dec 26 Moore’s Mills (OW, HM). Rough-legged Hawk: one, Kripplebush, Ulst from Nov to mid-Mar (FH); one Haverstraw (RCC); three Dec 22 Hamptonburgh, Oran (ME); two MCC. Bald Eagle: reports continue, but fewer each year. Marsh Hawk: one Feb 18 Red Hook (JM); one Mar 19 Greenville, Oran (ID). Ruffed Grouse: much less than last year. Bobwhite: very scarce, but better than the last few years; 115 Dec reports—ten at Amawalk, West, two Blooming Grove and Monroe, three Poughkeepsie; eight Poughkeepsie on Jan 29 (JB). Ring-necked Pheasant: gen¬ erally low, except 17 at Katonah Jan 30 (SG). VIRGINIA RAIL: one, MCC, U.S. Military Academy; one Feb 3 & 17 Red Hook (Bob Bard). American Coot: Numbers low in Dutch, but highest in many winters elsewhere. 207 on RCC; 32 Tomahawk L Dec 15, seven wintered (ME). Killdeer: reported every month from Dutch and Oran. Woodcock: one RCC New City; most arr about Mar 12, observed in courtship at that time. Common Snipe: RCC, one; one Mar 3 Katonah (RG); two Hamptonburgh Mar 11; two Blooming Grove Mar 13 (ME). Gulls: usual winter populations. ICELAND GULL: one Croton Pt Mar 24 (Bob Augustine). Mourning Dove: good numbers thru the Re¬ gion every month. Screech Owl: three Jan and three Mar records in Dutch (WBC); one in Dec at Tri-Loba Hill Sane. Katonah (SG). Great Homed Owl: good num¬ bers each month, esp in Dutch; Mar records lower; two heard calling Feb 15 Bedford Village, West, SNOWY OWL: one Jan at Stissing, Dutch (BD); one Jan 4-20 Red Hook (MK); one Mar 7 Hyde Pk (AJ); one Feb 26 Pleasantville (ED). Barred Owl: more from Dutch than usual. Long-eared Owl: four Jan 2 Monroe (ME). Short-eared Owl: one regularly Feb and Mar, Chernick Sanct. Pleasant¬ ville, (ED). GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Yellow-shafted Flicker: one Jan 1 Briarcliff (S. B. Neil). RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER: more than ever before; one most of season at Bear Mt, another near Haverstraw; one male Feb 18 to end of period at Standfordville, Dutch (FG), one thru much of Mar at Campbell Hall, Oran. Red-headed Woodpecker: one all season, Pleasant Valley; one Dec 19-26 Hopewell Jet; many widespread reports from central Oran all season. Yellow-bellied Sap- sucker: seldom reported in winter; one Dec 3-30 Millbrook, Dutch (RD); one New Paltz (Seldon Spencer). Eastern Phoebe: generally late thru Region; first, one Mar 17 Wappingers Falls (JM). Horned Lark: reported thru season, but numbers low. Tree Swallow: first, 20 Mar 4 Ward Pound Ridge Reserv. Cross River, West (PV); most did not arr until the last weekend in Mar. Blue Jay: high thru Region. Fish Crow: one, Jan, Vassar Hosp. Poughkeepsie (EP); one Mar 1 Glenham, and one Mar 12 New Hamburgh (MK); one Mar 28 Poughkeepsie (OW); one Corn¬ wall Bay Mar 25. (B, AM). Black-capped Chickadee: reported low in most areas except Sull; MCC had less than half the number usually reported. White-breasted Nuthatch: also low locally. Red-breasted Nuthatch: very poor season, none from most areas; single birds from Dutch Mar 10, and West Feb 13. Winter Wren: sparingly reported, absent from some areas. Carolina Wren: only report from Dutch, three separate locales Mar 27. Mockingbird: ever increasing; highest numbers of any season to date; Dutch reported anywhere from 25 to 30 each month (WBC). Catbird: one Ulst (FH), at least two Rock (RAS). Brown Thrasher: more wintering than usual; four from Dutch (WBC); one West near Tarrytown. Robin: many winter records, some of large numbers; heavy flight Mar 27. Hermit Thrush: sev records from Rock (RAS). Golden-crowned Kinglet: very few. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: two Jan 27 at New Windsor (Diantha Bradley); one Dec 3 and two Mar 31, Red Oaks Mill (MK). Water Pipit: 20 Hamptonburgh Mar 27 (ME). Cedar Waxwing: good numbers thru season in Dutch, average to less elsewhere. Shrike: eight Dutch records—species in doubt. VIREOS—SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: less than usual in Rock this winter. Yellowthroat: one near New Paltz Dec 2 (Hans Weber). Yellow-breasted Chat: one, RCC Dec 26, near Pearl River; one Jan 1 Cross R, West (PV). Eastern Meadowlark: few wintered near Kripplebush (FH); many wintered in Dutch (WBC). Red-winged Blackbird: usual winterers in southern part; massive move¬ ment on Mar 11 in most areas, very common from that date. BALTIMORE ORIOLE: 116 three records; one Jan 20—Feb 3 Nanuet (Mrs. Royal Taplin) probably the same bird Feb 19 Pearl River (Robert Olley); one Jan 31 South Salem, West thru latter half of Jan; one all period at Millbrook (RD). Rusty Blackbird: sev winter reports; 11 from Dec 30 to end of period at Stissing (TH)—unusual there in winter; many reports from mid-Mar to end of season thru Region. Common Grackle: usual re¬ ports, esp in Southern portion; large movement Mar 11, all areas. Brown-headed Cowbird: not as numerous as usual except for Dutch, where numbers were very high thru season. Fringillids: An exceptionally poor season for northern species. Most reports of single bird seen once or twice throughout season. Cardinal: reported down in Ulst, but not alarmingly. Evening Grosbeak: single records of small flocks from Oran Jan 16, Dutch Dec 30; three reports totaling 10 birds from Sull during Feb; none elsewhere. Purple Finch: very low. House Finch: more numerous than last species, esp in southern portion; WBC had 44 reported thru period. Pine Grosbeak: only one Feb 11, Briarcliff (K. Hohenstein). American Goldfinch: less than usual. Red Crossbill: seven at Kanawauke L Jan 2 (FS). Rufous-sided Tow- hee: about ten wintered. Savannah Sparrow: one Jan 6 Pleasant Valley; two WCC. Vesper Sparrow: two WCC. Slate-colored Junco: scarce early in season, improved later. OREGON JUNCO: one Neversink, Sull Mar 23-31 (PC); one Mar 28 Coopers Corners, Sull (LMcB); one thru season Chappaqua (Mrs. A. Lentz). Tree Sparrow: same as Slate-colored Junco. CHIPPING SPARROW: one Dec 20 and Jan 3 at Pleasant Valley (MVW). Field Sparrow: a few wintering birds in Oran and Dutch. HARRIS' SPARROW: one near Kripplebush Feb 7, remained thru season (FH). White-crowned Sparrow: reported thru season at Cross R, West; two imm all winter at Salt Pt (mob). Fox Sparrow: each month thru season; very good flight in late Mar. Swamp Sparrow: one Jan and Feb in Dutch; sev others on local Christmas Counts. Song Sparrow: good thru season. LAPLAND LONGSPUR: one Mar 8 Blooming Grove, Oran (ME). Snow Bunting: reported every month by WBC, numbers low; scattered flocks elsewhere; none after mid-Mar. Spring report due no later than June 10. Pellwood Lake, Highland Falls, N.Y. 10928 REGION 10 —MARINE Thomas H. Davis and Fred Heath Most observers felt that bird populations were low this winter. The accompanying table of Christmas Count data would seem to support this statement, especially regarding feeder birds, winter finches and bark feeders. Even without a table it was also clear that hawks and owls were present in below normal numbers. The aforementioned table lists counts of 23 species on 10 1 of the 12 Regional Counts taken this year. They are as follows: Brooklyn (abbreviated Bk)—Dec 26, 68 species; Bronx-Southern Westchester (Bx)— Dec 26, 98; Captree (Ca)—Dec 31, 105; Central Suffolk (CS)—Dec 26, 117; Montauk (Mk)-Jan 2, 85; Northern Nassau (NN)—Dec 26, 91; Queens (Qn)—Jan 2, 85; Quogue-Watermill (QW)— Dec. 23, 74; Staten Island (SI)-Dec 26, 73; Southern Nassau (SN)-Jan 2, 121. The weather was milder preceding this year's Counts than last year’s. This may be seen by comparing total numbers of Pied-billed Grebes and Belted King¬ fishers, up 33 percent this year. Their wintering populations are probably controlled by the amount of open water available more than by any other factor. The availability of water is also probably a critical factor in determining wintering populations and survival of many other birds, not only water birds but landbirds as well. 117 The most marked increases recorded on this years Counts were Mockingbird (89 individuals last year, 160 this year) and Myrtle Warbler (which more than quadrupled its poor total of last year). The population increase of Tufted Titmouse, another recent arrival, seems to have levelled off. No titmice were recorded on the 1950—51 Counts but 189 were seen on ten Counts in the Region only ten years later. This figure has varied between 140-180 individuals since then. There seems to be little chance that this number will increase unless it can expand within Nassau Co. (where its population is localized) or unless it spreads eastward into Suffolk Co. (where it is still a rare bird). Populations of two other species, House Finch and Cardinal have remained static over the past two and three years respectively. This is probably a temporary condition, both species should be expected to show future increases in Suffolk Co. House Finches arrived in Staten Island only last year, no doubt the same holds true here also. Major snow storms occurred on Dec 24 (6-8"), Feb 7 (12-14"), and March 22 (9-10"). Temperatures averaged slightly above normal during December and January and dropped to four and five degrees below normal during February and March. Precipitation averaged slightly above normal during the season. Notable rarities included a “black and white” shearwater, Fulvous Tree Duck, Tufted Duck (photographed), Lapwing (photographed) and Bridled Tern (speci¬ men). Unseasonal occurrences included Red Phalarope, Least Tern, Black Tern, Nashville Warbler (photographed). Orchard Oriole (banded) and Lark Sparrow (photographed). Also unusual were wintering reports of one Red-headed and four Red-bellied Woodpeckers, perhaps holdovers from the excellent flight last fall. Contributors frequently cited: PB—Paul Baicich; JB—John Bull; TD—Thomas Davis; FE—Frank Enders; FH—Fred Heath; WN—William Norse; DP—Dennis Puleston; RR—Richard Ryan; GR—Gilbert Raynor; BT—Benjamin Trimble; CW— Cornelius Ward; LW—Leroy Wilcox. Abbreviations used: AMNH—American Museum of Natural History; JBWR— Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge; Riis—Riis Park; Jones—Jones Beach State Park; CC— Christmas Count. LOONS—DUCKS: “black and white ” shearwater : Jan 2 off Jones (R. Ryan) — see field note in this issue. Double-crested Cormorant: Jan 2 MkCC (GR, DP) Snowy Egret: Jan 17 Tobay (JB)—first Regional mid-winter report. Black-crowned Night Heron: max 184 Jan 2 SNCC. Yellow-crowned Night Heron: imm Jan 2 Jones (D. Cooper, et al)—well seen by observers thoroughly familiar with young night herons. Glossy Ibis: the individual mentioned in the fall report remained at JBWR until Dec 4 (mob). Whistling Swan: one at lower Yaphank L until mid-Jan (DP) Brant: max 14500 Jan 2 SNCC. Blue Goose: Dec 26 Pelham Bay Pk (fide WN) FULVOUS TREE DUCK: shot by hunter Dec 18 Flanders (fide LW)—seventh Regional record. Black Duck: max 6205 Jan 2 SNCC. European Teal: male Dec 18—early Feb Hempstead Reservoir (mob). European Widgeon: Dec 26 Bronx Pk (fide WN); Jan 2 SNCC; Jan 22 Mamaroneck (I. Cantor). TUFTED DUCK: male, Hudson River vicinity of George Washington Bridge and Edgewater N.J. Dec 12— Feb 21 (F. Lohrer)—photographed by Peter Post, probably the same bird present here last winter, if so, its returning to this same spot would indicate that it is probably a wild bird and not an escaped cage bird. Common Goldeneye: max 2205 Dec 31 CaCC. Oldsquaw: max 828 Jan 2 SNCC. Harlequin Duck: up to seven seen at Pt Lookout throughout winter (mob); female Jan 2 MkCC (GR,DP); Dec 26 Moriches Inlet (A. Cooley); 15 Dec 26 Mastic (W. Nichols, D. Weld) — highest Regional count. King Eider: max 16 Jan 28 Montauk Pt (Queens Co Bird Club). 118 HAWKS-OWLS: Turkey Vulture: Dec 3 Pelham Bay Pk (I. Cantor). Bald Eagle: an imm on the lower Carman’s R. until Jan 5 (DP). Pigeon Hawk: Dec 26 CSCC; Feb 1 Freeport (CW)—“chasing Starlings”. King Rail: one wintering Brook- haven (DP). Virginia Rail: up to four individuals seen to Dec 28 and at least one throughout the winter at the Shu Swamp, Mill Neck (A. Bell et al) American Oystercatcher: two Mar 26 Jones (M. Kleinbaum) —extremely early. LAPWING: Dec 3-18 Montauk, vicinity of Deep Hollow Dude Ranch (mob)—photographed in color, third State record, further details to be published in “State Rarities” article next issue. Common Snipe: max 13 Dec 26 SICC. Lesser Yellowlegs; Dec 19 JBWR (L. Jones)-late. Dunlin: max 925 Jan 2 SNCC. BLACK TERN: two Jan 28 Montauk Pt (PB, et al)—“flying over the breakers”, were considered to be this species by two separated groups of birders. An amazing record as this species winters in South America and would be casual even in Florida at this date. Close examination of this report by the editor has eliminated the possibility of Sooty or Bridled Terns which superficially resemble Black Tern or of an oiled tern of some other species. The observers noted small size, dusky nape with blackish mark, gray mantle and square-cut tail. However, the possibility of its having been a White- winged Black Tern cannot be ruled out. BRIDLED TERN: (specimen) Jan 15, Jones Beach (CW)—second state record. Wing found lying on the sand in fresh condition suggesting that it had not been there long. Identified by John Bull and Dr. Kenneth Parkes (AMNH). Razorbill: Dec 11-18 Montauk (mob); Dec 31 off Fire Is (FE); two Jan 2 off Jones (RR); Feb 22 Fire Is (DP). Thick-billed Murre: Jan 25 Lawrence (J. Glassberg). Dovekie: seen daily at Montauk to Dec 18; at Fire Is to Dec 31; two Dec 23 QWCC. Barn Owl: max five Jan 2 Jones SNCC. Snowy Owl: light flight, about ten reports Dec 16—Mar 14. Saw-whet Owl: only two reports. GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Red-bellied Woodpecker: four feeder reports— female Dec 6—thru period Hauppauge (Mrs. W. Klein); male Dec 11—Feb 12 Garden City (R. Calder)—photographed by Peter Doyle; Dec 16—Mar 1 Highrock Pk Staten Is (E. Stoneck, et al); Dec 24—Jan 7 Elwood (S. Ince, B. Reeves). Red-headed Woodpecker: an adult wintered on a farm at Orient (DP). Western Kingbird: one remained at Riis until Dec 19 (mob). Tree Swallow: high wintering populations noted—75 Jan 2 MkCC (30 still present on Jan 31); 34 Dec 26 CSCC; 11 Dec 31 CaCC. Tufted Titmouse: Mar 1—18 Shoreham (GR et al). Northern Shrike: four reports with a max of 3 Dec 31 Orient (GR). Loggerhead Shrike: Jan 28 JBWR (DP); Mar 11 JBWR (Lymon Langdon Audubon Society). VIREOS—WARBLERS: Orange-crowned Warbler: at feeder Feb 4-8 Remsen- berg (LW) NASHVILLE WARBLER: at feeder Jan 5-Feb 7 Lloyd Neck (S. Ruppert, A. Dove, B. Conolly, TD, BT, et al)—eating suet, photographed by Sally Ruppert, second Regional winter record. Palm Warbler: four Christmas Counts listed 15 individuals—three Dec 26 CSCC; Dec 26 SICC; ten Dec 31 CaCC; Jan 2 SNCC. Yellowthroat: two Dec 26, one to Jan 29 Yaphank (GR et al); Jan 2, Montauk (K. Malone). Yellow-breasted Chat: Dec 26 Brooklyn Heights (T. Zorach); Dec 26 BxCC; Jan 2 SNCC. BLACKBIRDS-SPARROWS: ORCHARD ORIOLE: the individual mentioned in the fall report remained at Riis until Dec 11 (mob)—see Field Note in this issue. Baltimore Oriole: eight individuals reported; male with injured wing Dec 23— Feb 7 Huntington (B. Wheeler, et al), found dead after blizzard on Feb 7, speci¬ men at AMNH; three Jan 2-7 Forest Pk (PB, TD, FE, et al) in pine grove, no feeders nearby; Jan 1—Feb 8 Glenwood Landing (J. Doran); Jan 9 Rockville Cen¬ ter (R. Roberts); Jan 17 Pt. Lookout (JB); Feb 3 Great Neck (Mr and Mrs Berv). Western Tanager: the individual at Riis mentioned in the fall report was found 119 COUNTS OF SELECTED SPECIES ON Bk Bx Ca Pied-billed Grebe . 1 2 4 Great Black-backed Gull . 1,372 740 497 Herring Gull .. 17,950 11,480 9,505 Mourning Dove. 105 390 74 Belted Kingfisher . 0 2 4 Downy Woodpecker . 5 87 119 Blue Jay . 27 394 635 Black-capped Chickadee . 0 310 128 Tufted Titmouse . 4 85 5 White-breasted Nuthatch. 2 57 47 Red-breasted Nuthatch . 0 1 15 Mockingbird . 4 4 12 Catbird . 0 2 4 Brown Thrasher .. 0 2 2 Myrtle Warbler . 4 0 375 Cardinal . . 5 100 22 House Finch . 130 170 248 Pine Siskin .. 0 0 0 American Goldfinch.. . . 3 79 42 Slate-colored Junco . 42 550 113 Tree Sparrow. ■ 57 200 466 White-throated Sparrow . a 193 52 Fox Sparrow . 13 23 26 MARINE REGION CHRISTMAS COUNTS CS Mk NN Qn QW SI SN Total 27 4 0 0 0 0 1 39 487 232 141 70 310 1,399 985 6,233 3,455 2,855 7,017 2,036 3,050 24,676 15,030 97,054 302 9 368 297 101 158 278 2,082 8 14 11 1 3 1 13 57 40 5 82 36 8 38 93 420 359 341 164 141 53 31 311 2,456 213 180 217 43 126 56 43 1,316 0 ... 0 14 3 0 15 10 136 29 : '< | 1 59 29 4 14 23 265 7 ' . 6 7 0 8 0 14 58 15 ■\ 20 37 . 17 6 16 29 160 3 : - 4 ' 4 1 2 0 6 26 5 5 6 2 0 1 9 32 211 283 10 2 20 2 582 1,489 31 12 214 48 13 75 77 597 152 0 576 132 48 8 259 1,723 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 33 31 69 13 17 20 24 331 192 71 413 129 46 167 223 1,946 326 107 110 67 39 268 288 1,928 119 12 168 74 47 80 124 875 20 5 36 14 7 35 35 214 dead on Dec 26, apparently a victim of the Dec 24 snowstorm, specimen now at AMNH. Dickcissel: at feeder Dec 2—Jan 2 Brookhaven (DP); Dec 26 Riverdale (FH, S. Anes, et al). Evening Grosbeak: none reported. Red Crossbill: Dec 6 Montauk (RR)—only Crossbill report. LARK SPARROW: Dec 26—Jan 5 Shirley (P. Puleston, DP, GR) —photographed by D. Puleston, first Regional winter record. Oregon Junco: Dec 6-10 Montauk Pt (RR, DP). White-crowned Sparrow: adult Dec 26 Fire Is (D. Scott); two imm Dec 31 Captree Is (P. Post, J. Horowitz, TD, PB); imm Jan 2 QnCC; imm Jan 2, Jones (CW). Corrigendum: “The White-fronted Goose reported in the Kingbird, 15(3): 194, July 1965 apparently was not of the Greenland race. Several of the observers believe it was an escape.” (P. W. Post). Thomas Davis, 8613-85th Street, Woodhaven, New York; Fred Heath 11-15 F.D.R. Drive New York, New York 10009. Please send spring reports in by Jun 7. BOOK REVIEW Enjoying Birds around New York City. By Robert S. Arbib, Jr., Olin Sewall Pet- tingill, Jr. and Sally Hoyt Spofford for the Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. Houghton Mifflin Company 1966. 171 pp., illus., maps. Soft cover $2.95, hard cover $4.50. Attractively illustrated by William Dilger and graced with a number of excellent maps by Colbert, Harrison, Noland and Samuels, “Enjoying Birds” is an attractive eye-catcher which under closer inspection proves a bit puzzling. It is really two books; or better, a book and a non-book. One the long-awaited birding baedecker for southern New York, the other a beginner’s guide to bird-watching at the list¬ making level. The first is excellent; the second, something else again. This latter category includes sketch accounts of “How to bird-watch”, “How to attract birds”, etc., all a rehash of material found in a dozen other books. Yet the information is accurate and well written, and the beginner who makes it his first book will probably benefit. At least the list of local bird clubs and comprehensive bibliography should show the way to sources of more detailed information. It just seems unfortunate the book itself could not have been more comprehensive. If space was the problem, certainly more could have been made available by eliminat¬ ing the rudimentary field guide (about 80 pages). It is of value to no one. Learning birds is an empiric process. The beginner looks at what birds are available and puts names to them; he does not search selectively for those for which he has descriptions. Pre-knowledge of what birds to expect is helpful, but this requires nothing more than a series of lists. For actual identification nothing short of a comprehensive field guide will do. Consider a beginner who, on his first field trip, sees an egret (none mentioned). He has two choices: pound away until his bird fits one of the descriptions offered (pretty difficult with an egret), or dash off and buy a Peterson’s. In either case the few brief descriptions in “En¬ joying Birds,” though very well done, profit him not at all. So just skip to page 53, this is the real book and offers ample justification for its existence. Besides the list of birding localities, valuable to even the most experienced local observer, it contains a combination checklist-calendar graph and other tabula¬ tions that are just the thing a beginner or visitor needs at his fingertips. One might balk at the dates for a breeding bird census (much too late) but by and large the information is first rate. 121 Birding localities are arranged by county, Manhattan first, followed by the remaining burroughs, Long Island and the mainland counties to Putnam and Orange. This is the natural pattern of thinking of the New York City oriented birder and is more or less geographical, but might be somewhat confusing to the outlander. A straight alphabetical order would probably be better, but no matter. When in Rome. Localities within the counties are arranged in order of interest. For the more important, brief notes on habitat and bird life are included, together with descrip¬ tions for reaching the locality by car or public transportation. Less important sites such as the city parks, likely to be of interest only to a frustrated city birder on lunch hour in May, are merely located geographically. Though the New York City region traditionally includes all northern New Jersey and a portion of southwestern Connecticut, only four or five localities in these states are mentioned. The authors explain that they hope to squeeze out two more books and therefore are including only sites of “extraordinary” interest. Treatment of the New Jersey localities (of Connecticut I know nothing) lacks the incisive accuracy of the New York locality descriptions. This is mostly a matter of emphasis rather than errors of fact. But there is one whopper. Be duly warned that it is a devilish long time between “larger southern terns” in Hatfield Swamp! Ned R. Boyajian, 9 Reading Terrace, Fairlawn, N.J. Ed. Note: With regard to the “non-book” portion, illustrated by Orville Rice “Enjoying Birds” was intended for beginners, not just for advanced birders living or visiting in New York City. It clearly states that a good field guide is “absolutely essential,” The species descriptions, in which color descriptions are compressed to a sentence or two, are in answer to many requests from beginners for a single in¬ expensive book that would tell where to go and also give more information on nests and eggs, food, and diagnostic habits for the common birds than is included in the one-volume field guides. FIELD NOTES (Continued) A Snowy Owl’s Bath in the Chemung: One cold day in January 1967 while checking on Elmira’s winter visitor, a Snowy Owl (Nyctia scandiaca ), I saw him fly from his perch on a tall sign down to the river bed behind the business section. I located him on a narrow, stony island, once part of a large island. Hoping to see him catch a fish or duck, I focussed my 20 x ’scope on him as he pivoted his head from front to back, ever on the alert as he scanned the river intently with his great yellow eyes. Apparently not hungry, he flew some four or five feet to the upper end of the little island where he studied the water on every side. Then, very deliberately he waded into the river where part of the current, deflected by stones, reversed direction as it flowed around the island. The water here was only a few inches deep and the current not so swift. Two feet from shore where the water just touched his lower feathers, he flapped his great wings up and down, splashing the water over his back, and then dipped his bill in a few times. Each time after splashing he paused and looked on every side before resuming his bath. For nearly ten minutes he bathed and preened, reaching under his slightly lifted wings and parting his breast feathers, flufling them a bit and shaking himself. After turning around and walking back to land he continued shaking his feathers, flapping his wings and preening his back and front feathers again. When he had partially dried himself, he flew to a hummock on the larger island, where patchy snow made better camouflage, and continued his grooming. After an hour’s observation in the biting cold, I departed, thinking that I was one of few fortunate enough to spy on a Snowy Owl in his bath. Wilifred I. Howard, 610 Coburn Street, Elmira, N.Y. 14904 122 .! REPORTING REGIONS For descriptions of Regions see Kingbird Vol. IV, Nos, 1 and 2 123 FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC 1967 Officers President Dr. Allen H. Benton ..State University of New York, Fredonia 14063 Vice-President Mr. Watson B. Hastings .18 Appleton Place, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. 10522 Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Frederick Marsi.Friendsville Stage, Binghamton 13903 Recording Secretary Mrs. R. Barrie Strath ...Box 111, Odessa, N.Y. 14689 Mr. Dort Cameron Treasurer .5423 Palmyra Rd., Pittsford, N.Y. 14534 Editor of THE KINGBIRD Dorothy W. Mcllroy 419 Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, New York 14850 Appointed Committees Bulletin Exchange: Miss Elizabeth Manning, 1130 Fifth Avenue, New York 28 Conservation: Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr., 333 Bedell Street, Freeport 11520 Finance: Kenneth D. Niven, 61 Broadway, Monticello, N.Y. 12701 Kingbird Finance: To be announced Membership: James J. Doherty, 913 Win'ton Road North, Rochester 14309 State Bird Book: Robert S. Arbib, Jr., 226 Guion Drive, Mamaroneck, N.Y. 10543 Publications and Research: Dr. Edgar M. Reilly, Jr., State Museum, Albany Bibliography: Dr. Sally Hoyt Spofford, Box 428, Etna 13062 By-laws: Richard Sloss, 1300 Seawave Drive, Hewlett Harbor 11557 Waterfowl Count: John L. Mitchell, 435 Conrad Drive, Rochester 14616 John J. Elliott Memorial Committee: Cornelius J. Ward, 804 South Ocean Avenue, Freeport 11520 Elected Committees Auditing: Allen E. Kemnitzer, 969 Five Mile Line Road, Webster, N.Y. 14580 John Foster, 14 Utica Place, Rochester, N.Y. 14608 Nominating: Dr. Neil Moon, Rochester, Ch.; Robert S. Arbib, Jr., Mamaroneck; Dr. Edgar M. Reilly, Jr., Albany 124