’e/.KINGBIRD

FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC.

THE KINGBIRD, published four times a year (January, May, July and October), is a
publication 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 $4.00 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. KINGBIRD subscription
for non-members $5.00 per year on calendar year basis only.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP should be sent to the chairman of the membership committee,
Mrs. Ruth Williams, P.O. Box 382, Owego, N.Y. 13827. Send CHANGES OF ADDRESS to the
Treasure, Edward M. Somers, Box 7273, Capitol Station, Albany, N.Y. 12224. Order SINGLE
COPIES, BACK NUMBERS, and REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED COPIES from Dr. Frederick C.
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Second class postage paid at Ithaca, N.Y.

WKINGBIRD

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

Vol, XX No. 3

July, 1970

Pages 101-159

CONTENTS

President’s Page ..Edgar M. Reilly, Jr. 102

Birds: Walt Whitman’s Natural Resource

..Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr. 103

Foster Lake and Birds of the Area.Clarence Klingensmith 107

A Bibliography of New York State Ornithology — 1968 . 112

Field Notes

Swainson’s Hawk in central New York .John R, Haugh 116

The Golden-winged Warbler in Northern New York.J. B. Belknap 117

Black-throated Gray Warbler at Central Park,

New York City .Roger Pasquier 117

Another New York State Townsend’s Warbler . ...Peter W. Post 117

Highlights of the Spring Season.Edgar M. Reilly, Jr. 118

Regional Reports ... 119

Editor — Joseph W. Taylor
Associate Editors

Field Notes — Sally Hoyt Spofford
Regional Reports — Edgar M. Re ill y, Jr.

Editorial Board

Allen H. Benton Eugene Eisenmann

Stephen W. Eaton David B. Peakall

Dorothy W. McIlroy Fritz Scheider

Cover Design — Douglas L. Howland

PRESIDENT'S PAGE

Thanks to Edwyri E. Mason of Hobart, New York, 13788, Assemblyman
of the 113th District, encompassing Delaware, Schoharie and Sullivan
counties. New York now has an effective law protecting rare and endan¬
gered wildlife species. Specifically such rarities as the leopard, vicuna,
alligator, condors, and others are strongly protected by confiscation and
fines for possession and sale in any form as coats, handbags, pelts, etc. A
citizen must prove possession prior to certain dates to avoid fine and con¬
fiscation. The importance of New York’s action is apparent when one
realizes that the State contains the leading importers and processors of
such animal products so much as to close a large percentage of the
heretofore legal trade. Governor Rockefeller is to be commended for
signing the bill into law and Arthur Godfrey for using his not inconsid¬
erable influence to persuade the Governor of its importance.

Regretfully we must accept the resignation of Edward Somers as Treas¬
urer of the Federation since he has assumed a new position with the
State Legislature which prevents his performing the duties efficiently or
quickly. James Karp, 460 South Main Street, North Syracuse, New York,
13212, has graciously accepted appointment to the office of Treasurer to
fill out the remainder of Mr. Somers term. Robert Arbib has agreed to
be chairman of the Research and Publication Committee.

E. M. Reilly, Jr.

President

102

BIRDS: WALT WHITMAN’S NATURAL RESOURCE

Having studied the mocking-bird’s tones
and the flight of the mountain-hawk
And heard at dawn the unrivall’d one
the hermit thrush from the swamp-cedars.

Solitary, singing in the West,

I strike up for a New World”

(From Starting from Paumanok )

by Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr.

When a person speaks of hearing nocturnal chip notes during the
equinox periods of the year, then I am really impressed that the individual
watches’ birds and their mysterious ways. Although so common a phe¬
nomenon, the night-time flights of warblers, thrushes, shorebirds, etc., are
hardly noticed.

But New York State’s famous poet, Walt Whitman, speaks of it in one
of the short prose sketches that make-up his autobiographical Specimen
Days :

“Did you ever chance to hear the midnight flight of birds
passing through the air and darkness overhead, in countless
armies, changing their early or late summer habitat? It is some¬
thing not to be forgotten.”

This indicates that Whitman was a bird watcher in addition to being
a stargazer, flower observer and empathetic reporter of all nature and
man. The evidence is further found in his poetry as in Song of Myself in
which he refers to

“Where the yellow-crown’d heron comes to
the edge of the marsh at night
and feeds upon small crabs. . . .”

How many out-door recreationists know the night herons other than
as “big cranes” feeding in a marsh near where their boats might be
atichored? On Long Island, where Whitman made so many of his obser¬
vations during youthful walking and sailing expeditions, one would have
to be aware of the species to realize that among the Black-crowned Night
Herons might occasioially be found a yellow-crowned.’

Whitman uses many species of birds:

Yellow-shafted Flicker —“. . . the high-hole flashing his golden wings
?>

Belted Kingfisher — “The strong, beautiful, joyous creatures! Their wings
glisten in the slanted sunbeams as they circle and circle around, oc¬
casionally dipping and dashing the water, and making long stretches
up and down the creek.”

103

Red-winged Blackbird — “. . . a flitting blackbird, with red dabs on his
shoulders, as he darts slantingly by . . .”

Eastern Meadowlark — “What a stamp in advance my whole day receives
from the song of that meadow lark perch’d on a fence stake twenty rods
distant! Two or three liquid-simple notes repeated at intervals, full of
careless happiness and hope. With its peculiar shimmering-slow prog¬
ress and rapid-noiseless action of the wings, it flies on a ways, lights on
another stake, and so on to another, shimmering and singing many
minutes.”

Bald Eagle — “But there is one sight the very grandest. Sometimes in the
fiercest driving storm of wind, rain, hail or snow, a great eagle will
appear over the river (Hudson), now soaring with steady and now
overbended wings — always confronting the gale, or perhaps cleaving
into, or at times literally sitting upon it. It is like reading some first-
class natural tragedy or epic, or hearing martial trumpets. . . .”
Whitman did not pretend to be an expert — saying of his observations,
“I dare say the expert ornithologist, botanist or entomologist will detect
more than one slip in them.”

He relied on expertise — particularly that of J. P. Giraud, Jr., author of
The Birds of Long Island, published in 1844. Several of Whitman’s pass¬
ages show apparent use of Giraud’s information. For example, note Whit¬
man’s poem, Our Old Feuillage :

“Northward, on the sands, on some shallow
bay of Paumanok,

I with parties of snowy herons wading in
the wet to seek worms and aquatic plants.”

Giraud wrote the following about the Snowy Egret (which is what
Whitman obviously is citing):

“In small parties, they frequent the salt marshes, mud-flats,
and sand-bars, and are observed wading about in the shallow
water, in search of small crabs, lizards and worms. ...”

Whitman seemed more concerned with what he could do with objects
like birds; with what he could make them mean in his work. As he de¬
clares with the affirmative beat of the liturgical:

“I believe in those winged purposes.

And acknowledge red, yellow, white, playing within me,

And consider green and violet and the tufted crown intentional . : .”

What are these purposes? Democracy is certainly one. There’s variety
in bgth nature and a free society, Whitman wrote in Democratic Vistas :

“As the greatest lessons of Nature through the universe are
perhaps the lessons of variety and freedom, the same present the
greatest lessons also in New World politics and progress.”

104

Youfind the variety in the different colors he used — and in his famous
“lists” of diverse people and life forms in the poem, Song of Myself. He
included the use of birds in this poem which was essentially about our
land:

“Where the quail is whistling betwixt the
woods and the wheat-lot ...

Where the mocking-bird sounds his delicious
gurgles, crackles, screams, weeps

Where the humming-bird shimmers . . .

Where the laughing-gull scoots by the shore,
where she laughs her near-human laugh . . .

Where band-neck’d partridges roost in a ring
on the ground with their heads out . . .”

In Democratic Vistas, Whitman cited John Stuart Mill’s “two main
constituents, or sub-strata, for a truly grand nationality — 1st, a large
variety of character — and 2d, full play for human nature to expand itself
in numberless and even conflicting directions . . The latter is ex¬
pressed in Song of Myself :

“The wild gander leads his flock through
the cool night,

Ya-honk, he says, and sounds it down to me
like an invitation,

The pert may suppose it meaningless,
but I listening close,

Find its purpose and place up there
toward the wintry sky.”

FREEDOM! is what Whitman is conveying through the use of prob¬
ably the Canada Goose.

Whitman prominently used birds to symbolize a meaning or express a
feeling. There is probably no more poignant example than his use of the
Hermit Thrush to express the reverence, the sadness and the tragic mean¬
ing of Abraham Lincoln’s death. This was in When Lilacs Last in the
Dooryard Bloom'd.

“In the swamp in secluded recesses

A shy and hidden bird is warbling a song.

Solitary the thrush.

The hermit withdrawn to himself, avoiding the settlements

Sings by himself a song.

Sing on there in the swamp,

O singer bashful and tender, I hear your notes,

105

I hear your call,

I hear, I come presently, I understand you,

But a moment I linger, for the lustrous star
has detain’d me,

The star my departing comrade holds and detains me.”

Whitman is thought to have heard the Hermit Thrush singing among
the Pine Barrens and its swampy areas on Long Island. Any birder knows
(or at least knows the reputation) of the Hermit Thrush’s moving song.
It is easy to perceive why Whitman used this as his natural resource to
express the deep inexpressible grief and tragic meaning — the latter not
easily comprehended.

How often have persons, in time of sorrow or trouble, taken to them¬
selves in some comforting setting — perhaps a vast beach or dark, green
woods? Perhaps they have then come back with some sense of reconcilia¬
tion and determination to do better.

There have to be aids for this. Whitman used nature — "powerful west¬
ern fallen star,” to represent Lincoln; "lilacs” that once "in the dooryard
bloom’d” to convey a sense of the past or nostalgia, and the song or
"carol” of the “gray-brown bird” to express the feeling and search for
meaning:

“And he sang the carol of death,
and a verse for him I love.

From deep secluded recesses,

From the fragrant cedars and the
ghostly pines so still
Came the carol of the bird.

And the charm of the carol rapt me,

As I held as if by their hands my
comrades in the night,

And the voice of my spirit
tallied the song of the bird.”

333 Bedell Street, Freeport, New York 11520

LITERATURE CITED

Giraud, J. P., Jr. 1844. Birds of Long Island. Wiley & Putman, New
York.

Whitman, Walt. 1949 The Poetry and Prose of Walt Whitman. Louis
Untermeyer, ed. Simon and Schuster, New York,

106

FOSTER LAKE AND BIRDS OF THE AREA

Clarence Klingensmith

Two decades ago the USGS topographic maps of the Andover Quad¬
rangle showed a small marsh two miles west and a little south of the
Village of Alfred in eastern Allegany County. The area was predomin¬
antly open country and dotted by farm houses and barns. Today, Foster
Lake occupies the site of this marsh, most of the houses and barns are
gone and many of the open fields are now reforested.

The land involved in this change was acquired by Eddy E. Foster who
planned and developed the marsh site into a 25-acre lake. After two
decades from the time of its installation in 1950, it has evolved into a
lake which matches the scenic beauty of a Canadian lake. Its waters and
the surrounding reforested areas provide not only protective cover and
sanctuary for waterfowl and other birds and wildlife but also recreational
facilities in a pleasant natural setting. The Foster Lake Club, whose
membership is open to subscription, maintains and controls such activi¬
ties as picknicking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking.

Foster Lake is roughly 500 feet by 2150 feet and is situated between
gentle east and west slopes, the water being impounded in the rather
shallow north-south oriented basin by earthen dams at each end. The
water at both ends is sufficiently deep for swimming and diving. The
southern section of the west bank flares out considerably to provide ample
room for two well-spaced islands for nesting waterfowl. The elevation is
2250 feet above sea level. Foster Lake drains into the Genesee River via
the VanderMark valley. It lies within a short distance of the divide be¬
tween the St. Lawrence and the Susquehanna watersheds.

Much of the beauty of the lake is derived from the extensive evergreen
plantings that surround it. The long-needled Red and Austrian Pines and
also Scotch Pine are each planted in separate groups. Mixtures of smaller
numbers of White Spruce and Norway Spruce, European Larch, Japan¬
ese Larch, and some White Pine and White Cedar complete the list.
Many of these trees have now reached a height of 30 feet or more.
Shrub borders and groups are composed of High Bush Cranberry, Tar¬
tarian Honeysuckle, Filbert, Multiflora Rose, Autumn Olive, American
Bittersweet, Blueberry and Wild Azalea (Rhododendrum roseum). The
latter species and some of the blueberry are native to the site. The con¬
cern of the owner for the well-established colony of the beautiful Rhodo i -
dendrum roseum in the marsh nearly discouraged him from establishing
the lake but it was possible to transplant a substantial number of the
plants to the shores of the lake where they now bloom each spring.

In the vicinity of Foster Lake two wildlife marshes were established
by the New York Conservation Department on land leased by the De-

107

partment in accordance with the Pitman-Robertson Act. The larger of
these, with an area of approximately 9 acres, is located nearly a mile north
of the lake.

This marsh has the unique feature that the drainage from its opposite
north and south ends flows into two different watersheds, the ones men¬
tioned above. The smaller marsh provides an acre or so of water surface
and is within a half mile of and north of the lake. It is perhaps significant
to note that lands adjacent to these two wildlife marshes and to the Foster
Lake area are owned by New York State and administered by the Conser¬
vation Department. This State land is largely reforested with pine, spruce,
and larch, some stands of which are now nearly 40 years old and are
approaching a degree of maturity. From the Township of Alfred this re¬
forested State land extends westward into the Towns of Ward and Amity
and northward into the Towns of West Almond, Almond, Birdsall, and
Burns; southwestward beyond the area of Foster Lake lies an extensive
forested region which includes Allegany State Park and the Allegheny
National Forest.

Another artificial lake less than one-fourth the size of Foster Lake was
constructed about 10 years ago by the Faculty-Student Association of
Alfred State Tech college to serve as a recreation facility. It is known in
the area as Ag Tech Lake and is located about two miles further north
from its predecessor. It is accessible from a side road off of Route 244
about a mile west from the north end of the Village of Alfred. The ex¬
tensive lawns that surround two thirds of Ag Tech Lake are favorite
feeding areas for Killdeer. Up to 25 have been counted at one time. The
shallow waters along the edges of the lake are good spots to look for
shorebirds in the spring and fall. Many gulls have been observed resting
on the island in the middle of the lake while the cattails on the southwest
side have served as cover for broods of Mallards.

The development of these lakes and marshes has provided the oppor¬
tunity for Alfred residents to observe migratory waterfowl in an area that
does not have natural aquatic habitats. Although the lakes are generally
frozen when the first swan and geese fly north, the ice cover does leave
in time to attract later flocks. On March 22, 1966 a total of 79 Whistling
Swan rested most of the day on the two companion lakes. In 1969 it was
April 8th when the first flock of Canada Geese, 22 in number, stopped for
a visit. This year most of the geese and early migrants had passed north
before the ice cover left.

As the season progresses through April and the first part of May vary¬
ing numbers of water birds come and go. Common Loon, Horned Grebe,
Pied-billed Grebe, Bufflehead, Ring-necked Duck, Scaup, Oldsquaw,
Hooded Merganstr and Red-breasted Merganser are some of the species
seen. Less frequently Redhead, Convasback, Ruddy Duck, Common
Goldeneye, White-winged Scoter, and Surf Scoter appear. Although
marsh ducks such as Mallard and Wood Duck breed in the area others of

108

this group are iot often seen. Our records show the occasional appearance
of Black Duck, Pintail, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, European
Widgeon, American Widgeon, and Shoveler.

At one time or another through April and May, one can observe in¬
dividual or small numbers of gulls — Herring, Ring-billed and Bona¬
parte’s — and also Black Tern and rarely Common Tern. Every year
generally brings a few Osprey which often use a small but conveniently
located aspen tree near the south end of the lake for a fishing perch. On
a warm spring Sunday afternoon two years ago several spectators wit-
iessed an Osprey circle over the lake and then execute two spectacular
plunges into the shallow water, missing the prey on the first attempt but
not on the second. The same clump of aspen has been a favorite hunting
perch for Kingfishers during June aid July when they feed young in the
nest holes at the gravel pits at Alfred Station and Almond. Coot may be
seen in small numbers but Gallinule are very rarely observed.

Spotted Sandpipers are regular visitors at the lakes and marshes; other
shore'birds occur in limited numbers. Solitary Sandpipers and both Yel-
lowlegs, and an occasional Pectoral Sandpiper and also Dunlins have been
seen in both spring and fall. During September and October 1968 when
the water of Foster Lake was lowered to install a water-control outlet,
all of these shorebirds and also Killdeer foraged over the exposed lake
bottom. During the early phases of this operation a flock of 20 Canada
Geese watched the workmen, often at close range, for several days. In
August 1955 a single Ruddy Turnstone in breeding plumage was seen
feeding along the banks of one of the islands. Woodcock are regular
breeders in the fields and small evergreen plantations surrounding the
lake and marshes.

The migration during the month of May provides many attractions at
Foster Lake and the marshes. The lake is an excellent spot to observe
swallows over water, principally Bam Swallow, Tree Swallow, and Bank
Swallow. Many species of wood warblers are represented. Noteworthy
in recent years have been the large number of Myrtles and Palm Warb¬
lers in both migrations.

Breeding warblers in the Foster Lake area and the adjacent reforested
lands include Black-and-white (low last year, no records this year),
Nashville, Yellow, Magnolia, Myrtle, Black-throated Green Blackburnian,
Chestnut-sided, Ovenbird, Mourning (one pair last year), Yellowthroat,
Canada, and Redstart. The Black-throated Green Warbler and Yellow-
throat have been the most abundant. Blue-wings at Alfred occur locally
at lower altitudes. Local observers have witnessed the incursion of the
Myrtle as a breeding species into the area with much excitement. During
June and July 1967 and 1968 the presence of both sexes was noted but
no evidence of breeding was established until last year when adults
feeding young out of the nest were observed during late June and early
July. This year on May 19th an incubating female was flushed from a nest

109

in a 6-foot Scotch Pine in the field adjacent to Foster Lake. The nest con¬
tained 5 eggs, one being the egg of a Cowbird, which was removed. The
evidence is good that at least a couple young warblers were fledged.
Again this year adults are observed feeding fledglings. Up to 8 singing
males have been counted in the immediate area of Foster Lake during
the past two years. Thus, the Foster Lake area becomes another in West¬
ern New York that can list the My trie Warbler as a breeding species.

Bird observers seem to find some special delight in finding a new breed¬
ing species near their home. In addition to the Myrtle Warbler, Alfred
observers were happy to see Golden-crowned Kinglets and Mourning
Warblers feed fledglings in July 1969. The beautiful song of the White-
throated Sparrow on breeding territory is also a welcome experience but
the location of nests or the sighting of fledglings is still to be observed.
The presence of a pair of Clay-colored Sparrows on a certain territory in
a 10-year old Scotch Pine planting next to Foster Lake is now under
study.

A check fist of breeding species that occur at Foster Lake or within a
radius of a mile or so would include a large proportion of those species
of general and widespread distribution. Mention is made here of a few
species that are of interest for one reason or another. A pair of Pied-billed
Grebe were on the larger marsh during May 1968. It is possible that their
nest, which was never discovered, suffered predation by Crackles. Red-
tails and Red-shoulders (one pair) use the old deciduous woodlots for
nest sites. Marsh Hawks fly low over the hedge rows and open fields, but
have successfully hidden the location of their nests. The Ruffed Grouse
that feed on High Bush Cranberry in the fall aid utilize the evergreen
cover in the winter are heard drumming each spring. A young Long-eared
Owl was reared in a nest in a 40-year old White Pine-Red Pine stand
this year. Traill’s Flycatchers ( fee-be-o ) seem to prefer the shrub groups
and hedges near the Lake.

Two nests Of the Solitary Vireo suggest their use of a habitat associated
in some way with the larger conifers. In the upland grass fields that still
remain one can locate nesting Bobolink, Savannah Sparrow, Grasshopper,
Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, and Vesper Sparrow. Slate-colored Junco,
Brown Creeper, Hermit Thrush, and Blackburnian Warbler seem to adopt
the reforested lands where maturing pines and spruces are found. The
status of the Red-breasted Nuthatch as a breeder in these stands is still
to be established.

Picnickers at the Lake have the opportunity to enjoy their repast with
the songs of the Purple Finches, Red-eyed Vireos, Song Sparrows and
Chipping Sparrows and if they linger in the evening they are sure to see
dozens of Robins aloig the waterfront or hear a Veery or a Wood Thrush.
Breezes in the pines are frequently interrupted by the calls of Blue Jays
or blend with the monotones of Cedar Waxwings. In the fall one can be
sure of finding White-crowns and White-throats in the Multiflora Rose

110

hedges. As the autumn progresses the stillness of the evening hours may
be broken by the calls of owls — Great Horned, Barred, and Screech —
implying perhaps that they too could nest in the area. In November 1968
a couple of Bohemian Waxwings feeding in the Multiflora Rose de¬
manded some scrutiny to be sure they were not Cedars. It is in the fall
that the Chickadees gather into small flocks in the evergreens where
they frequently share their shelters with the Tree Sparrows and the win¬
ter finches.

In addition to the usual Evening Grosbeaks, variety sometimes comes
with Pine Grosbeaks, Redpolls and Crossbills. This year the Red Cross¬
bills lingered into June and sent us out in search of their nests.

When the current list of birds is compared with a check list of a half
century ago, changes are evident. Although the factors responsible for
these changes are likely to be complex it is possible that the introduction
of the lakes and the reforestation of the open fields have had some influ¬
ence on the appearaice of breeding species that are usually associated
with habitats found in regions like the Adirondacks.

In preparing this article the author is indebted to and grateful for
records and information, both written ad oral, of a number of persons; in
particular those of Elizabeth Brooks and of Eddy and Alice Foster were
extensively used.

Alfred University, Alfred, New York 14802

111

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_Aggressive displacement activity by a Peregrine Falcon. Linnaean News¬
letter 22(7): 2-3.

_Willet nesting on Long Island, New York. (Nassau Co.) Wilson Bulle¬
tin 80: 330.

Davis, Thomas H. and Fred Heath. Region 10—'Marine. Kingbird 18: 58-64.

Davis, Thomas H. and Lee Morgan. Region 10—Marine. Kingbird 18: 227—230-
Davis, Thomas H. and William Post. Region 10—Marine. Kingbird 18: 115-118,
177-179.

Delafield, Harriet L. Region 7—Adirondack-Champlain. Kingbird 18: 48—51, 106—
108, 166-169, 217—221.

_Common Raven observations in Essex County, Northern Adirondacks,

spring and summer 1968. Kingbird 18: 198-199.

Donaldson, Grace. Bill color changes in adult Roseate Terns. (Suffolk Co.) Auk 85:
662-668.

Drahos, Nick. Early Fuertes paintings come home. N.Y.S. Cons. 22(5): 26-27.
Drury, William H., Jr. and W. John Smith. Defense of feeding areas by adult Herring
Gulls and intrusion by young. Evolution 22: 193—201.

Dunmore, Ralph. Plumage polymorphism in a feral population of the Rock Pigeon.
American Midland Naturalist 79: 1-7.

Eldredge, Mrs. J. R. (Letter to Editor) Where the birds are. N.Y.S. Cons. 23(2): 45.
Farnham, Mr. & Mrs. Charles B., Jr. Sabine’s Gull at Cazenovia Lake (Madison Co.)
N.Y. Kingbird 18: 26.

Farren, William A. Wheatear at Tobay Sanctuary (Nassau Co.) N.Y. Kingbird 18: 26.
Ficken, iMillicent S. and Robert W. Ficken. Ecology of Blue-winged Warblers, Golden¬
winged Warblers and some other Vermivora. American Midland Naturalist 79:
311-318.

_Reproductive isolating mechanisms in the Blue-winged Warbler-Golden¬
winged Warbler complex. Evolution 22: 166—179.

_Courtship of Blue-winged Warblers, Golden-winged Warblers, and their

hybrids. Wilson Bulletin 80: 161-172.

_Relationships of Blue-winged Warblers, Golden-winged Warblers, and

their hybrids. Wilson Bulletin 80: 442—451.

Fisk, Erma J. Apparent recognition of danger by Evening Grosbeaks. Kingbird 18:
200 - 201 .

Gillespie, Mabel. Black Skimmer recoveries. EBB A News 31: 67-69.

Goelet, Ogden, Jr. and Susan Koelle. Wheatear at VanCortlandt Park, New York
City. Kingbird 18: 200.

Goldsmith, W. H. (Letter to Editor) Tyrant'(Mockingbird). N.Y.S. Cons. 22(5) : 45.
Gordon, David C. Region 6—St. Lawrence. Kingbird 18: 46-48, 104-106.

_More hybrid flicker notes from Watertown. (Jefferson Co.) Kingbird

18: 86-87.

Grzybowski, Joseph A. and Stephen W. Eaton. Eared Grebe collected near Olean.
(Cattaraugus Co.) Kingbird 18: 23.

113

Howard, Wilifred I. The Prairie Warbler in Chemung County. Kingbird 18: 197—198.

Jordan, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. In memorian—'Watson B. Hastings. Kingbird 18: 69-

70.

Kadlec, J. A. and William H. Drury. Aerial estimation of the size of gull breeding
colonies. Journal of Wildlife Management 32(2): 287—293.

Keith, Allan R. A summary of the extralimital records of the Varied Thrush, 1848 to
1966. Bird-Banding 39: 245-276.

Kibler, Lewis F. A radio-controlled trap for Bluebirds and other hole-nesting birds.
EBB A News 31: 167-173.

_ Collyriclum faba : a challenge to banders. EBBA News 31: 257—262.

Krull, John N. What do ducks eat? N.Y.S. Cons . '23(2): 32-33.

Miller, Howard S. Region 2—Genesee. Kingbird 18: 32-33, 93-96, 149-150, 202-
203.

Miller, Paul F. (Letter to Editor) Interested in doves. N.Y.S. Cons. 23(1) : 46.

Mitchell, Harold D. Edward C. Ulrich—a tribute. Kingbird 18: 184—185.

Mitchell, John L. New York State Waterfowl Count, January 1967. Kingbird 18: 6-7.

Oakes, Malcolm. Ten years of banding Purple Finches at Westport Point, Mass. (In¬
cludes one recovery in New York.) EBBA News 31: 73—74.

Olmstead, Edwin A. and Stephen W. Eaton. Observations on a young Long-eared Owl
from Allegany County. Kingbird 18: 142.

Parks, Mr. & Mrs. G. Hapgood. Evening Grosbeaks in New Brunswick—Chapter III.
(Includes recovery of a New York-banded bird.) EBBA News 31: 5-14.

Paxton, Robert O. Sabine’s Gull at Montauk Point, :(Suffolk Co.) N.Y. Kingbird 18:
27.

Peakall, David B. Highlights of the fall season. (August 16-November 30, 1967)
Kingbird 18: 27-28.

_Highlights of the winter season. (December 1, 1967-March 31, 1968)

Kingbird 18: 87-89.

_Highlights of the spring season. (April 1-May 31, 1968) Kingbird 18:

144-145.

_Highlights of the summer season. (June 1-August 15, 1968) Kingbird

18: 201-202.

Pessino, Catherine M. Redwinged Blackbird destroys eggs of Common and Roseate
Terns. (Suffolk Co.) Auk 85: 513.

Pettingill, Olin Sewall, Jr. In memoriam: Arthur A. Allen. Auk 85 : 192—202.

Post, Peter W. Photographs of New York state rarities (Lark Bunting). Kingbrid
18: 2-4.

_Photographs of New York state rarities (Yellow-nosed Albatross). King¬
bird 18: 66-69.

_ __. Photographs of New York state rarities (Bullock’s Oriole). Kingbird

18: 122-123.

Propst, J. W., M. S. Rusk and F. G. Scheider. Region 5—Oneida Lake Basin. King¬
bird 18: 158-163.

Raynor, Gilbert l S. Manorville O.R. station report. EBBA News 34: 41—42.

Reilly, Edgar M., Jr; ed. by O. S. Pettingill, Jr. The Audubon illustrated handbook of
American birds. McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York. 1968.

Robbins, Chandler S. and Willet T. VanVelzen. The breeding bird survey 1967 and
1968. U. S. D. I., Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife,
Special Scientific Report—Wildlife No. 124.

Rosche, Richard C. Regional Reports: Western New York and Northwestern Penn¬
sylvania. Audubon Field Notes 22: 35—37, 436—438, 523—525, 604—606.

Rusk, Margaret S. Birds of the Rome Sand Plains. Kingbird 18: 124-127.

Rusk, M. S. and F. G. Scheider. Region 5—Oneida Lake Basin. Kingbird 18: 39-46,
99-104, 210-216.

114

_Additions to Bonaparte’s Gull records. Region 5. Kingbird 18: 84.

Schaeffer, Frederick S. Tobay O. R. station report. EBBA News 31: 40—41.

_A unique breeding record: Saw-whet Owl. EBBA News 31: 174—177.

-The Barn Swallow: observations during 'breeding season. EBBA News

31: 250-252.

---Saw-whet Owl nesting at Tobay Sanctuary, Long Island (Nassau Co.).

Kingbird 18: 143-144.

Schenkel, William. (Letter to Editor) About Martins. N.Y.S. Cons. 22’(4): 46.
Schiff, Seymour. A Blue-winged X 'Golden-winged Warbler hybrid at Jones Beach.
Linnaean News-letter 22(5): 3.

Smiley, Daniel and Frank E. Egler. The natural history of Undercliff Road. The
Mohonk Trust, New Paltz, New York, Educational Release No. 1.

Spofford, Sally Hoyt. Region 3—Finger Lakes. Kingbird 18: 33-36, 96-99, 150-153,
204-207.

Strauss, Bill and Trixie Strauss. Sparrow Hawk nest in martin house. Kingbird 18:
23-24.

Sturges, Franklin W. Radiosensitivity of Song Sparrows and Slate-colored Juncos.
Wilson Bulletin 80: 108—109.

Sundell, Robert A. Region 1—Niagara Frontier. Kingbird 18: '29-31, 89-93, 146-148.
Treacy, Edward D. Region 9—Delaware-Hudson. Kingbird 18: 56-58, 112-115,
174-177, 224-226.

Trimble, Benjamin and Peter W. Post. Photographs of New York State rarities (Boat-
tailed Grackle). Kingbird 18: 182—183.

Tuck, Leslie M. Laughing Gulls ( Larus atricilla ) and Black Skimmers ( Rynchops
nigra ) brought to Newfoundland by hurricane. (Recovery of a New York-banded
Herring Gull.) Bird-Banding 39: 200—208.

Weber, Donald and Robert Pantle. Varied Thrush at Candor (Tioga Co.) Kingbird
18: 85.

Weiss, Herbert. (Letter to Editor) A looney tale. N.Y.S. Cons. 23(2): 42.

Welles, Mary. Song Sparrow chasing Cowbird. Kingbird 18: 24.

Wheat, Maxwell C., Jr. Conservation news. Kingbird 18: 21-22.

_Conservation and politics. Kingbird 18: 139-141.

__ Why a conservation bill of rights. Kingbird 18: 195—197.

Williams, Ruth. Unusual Concentration of singing Slate-colored Juncos near Owego
(Tioga Co.). Kingbird 18: 200.

Wolf, Frank. Corney nest. N.Y.S. Cons. 22(6) : 45.

Yunick, Robert P. Vischer Ferry O. R. station report. EBBA News 31: 43—44.

_A recovery of a pair of Purple Finches. EBBA News 31: 160.

_House Sparrow nest in cattail marsh. Kingbird 18: 24—25.

_Summary of the 1967 F. & W. 'S. breeding bird survey (New York

State). Kingbird 18: 75-80.

Sixty-eighth Christmas Bird Count—New York State. Audubon Field Notes 22: 137-
156.

The following additions should be made to the 1967 list (See Kingbird 19: 139—142) :

Bell, Wayne T., Jr. Bluebirds in New York. 4-H Bulletin M-5-7, New York State
College of Agriculture, 1967.

Hewitt, O. H., ed. The Wild Turkey and its management. Wildlife Society, 1967.
Maclean, Gordon. A bird-watcher abroad: the United States. Bokmakierie 19(3):
55-56 (Sept. 1967).

115

Rosche, Richard C. Birds of Wyoming County, New York. Bulletin of the Buffalo
Society of Natural Sciences , Vol. 23, 1967.

Silverstein, Samuel. 50 common birds of New York. Gray-Zone Press, Torrington,
Conn., 1967.

Corrections or omissions should be called to the attention of the Bibliography Com¬
mittee: Sally Hoyt SpofTord, Chairman, John B. Belknap, Allen H. Benton, and
Kenneth C. Parkes.

FIELD NOTES

Swainson’s Hawk in central New York: At approximately 5:30 p.m. on May 3,
1970 I went to the home of the Clifton Hances in Etna, New York, to observe a hawk
which they had noticed circling over their yard, a bird which seemed unlike other
hawks with which they were familiar.

Although the Hances had seen it fairly low at first, at the time I first had the bird
under observation with 8 x 30 binoculars, it was approximately 500 feet in altitude
and about 800 feet away. It remained circling at approximately this distance for 4—5
minutes and then began a slow ascent as it drifted off to the northeast. Becuase of a
brightly overcast sky I was unable to get a clear look at the markings of the hawk, but
the shape and soaring method of the bird were clearly observable. My first impression
was of a Rough-legged Hawk or Osprey, but the bird under observation did not fit the
characteristics of either of these species. The more I watched the bird, the more it
reminded me of the Swainson’s Hawks I have observed in migration through Arizona
and during the breeding seasons at other localities in the western U.S. and Canada.
The bird was obviously a buteo of “red-tail size”, but the wings which tended to taper
to a point were not as in the red-tailed hawk.

After the bird disappeared from view, I gave a copy of Peterson’s Field Guide to
Mrs. Hance. She had observed the hawk when it was much closer and had seen the
markings on the bird. I asked her to pick out (from the ventral view diagrams of
flying hawks) the hawk which most resembled the bird we had been watching. She
pointed to the diagram of the light phased Swainson’s Hawk and remarked that this
looked most like the bird but that she had never heard of this hawk. I asked her why
she thought the bird resembled the Swainson’s Hawk diagram. Mrs. Hance said that
the dark flight feathers and light wing lining had been obvious to her and this first
led her to call me since the wing pattern appeared so unusual to her (Before I showed
her the diagram she had told me the wing pattern was somewhat odd, but couldn’t
quite explain what was different.)

It is my opinion that the hawk we observed was a Swainson’s Hawk. Mrs. Hance’s
definite identification of the wing pattern, and my observations on the birds shape and
my failure to be able to identify it as any eastern buteo or other eastern soaring hawk,
tend to support this view.

John R. Haugh, Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850

Ed. Note: While there are extremely few records of the Swainson’s Hawk in the
east, except in Florida, John Haugh’s years of experience in identifying hawks in
flight, and his reputation for cautiousness in accepting sightings of unusual birds, lend
credence to this record.

116

The Golden-winged Warbler in Northern New York: In common with a number of
species having southern affinities, the Golden-winged Warbler has been extending its
range northward. It is now well established in parts of central New York, and there
have been recent sporadic observations further north in the state. Northern New York
records have been scarce and David Gordon in his 1968 Check List for Region 6 calls
the Golden-winged Warbler “very rare”.

My initial observation of this species was a singing male seen in May 1964 a few
miles north of Gouverneur. Four years later, again in May, a pair was seen some miles
to the west of the previous location. In June of the same year another pair was dis¬
covered not far away. In the latter area a nest was found in 1969. This nesting was
unsuccessful having been broken up and abandoned soon after the eggs had been laid,
(see “Kingbird” Vol. 19 #3, p. 168).

Returning to the same area in 1970 I found a singing male on May 3. There ap¬
peared to be two or three males in this area as was true the previous year. On May
20 the nest of a Golden-winged Warbler was found some 100 yards from the 1969
location. Only two eggs were laid, although the normal clutch is reported to be four
or five. On June 11 there were two tiny nestlings. Nine days later the nest was empty.
Both adults were nearby, the male very agitated. However the young were not lo¬
cated.

In addition to the above observations a Golden-winged Warbler has been heard
near Pitcairn in southern St. Lawrence County, and in May of this year (1970) a
male was seen in the town of Theresa in Jefferson County. It would appear that
there has been a definite change in the status of this species in northern New York
in recent years.

J. B. Belknap, 92 Clinton St., Gouverneur, N.Y.

Black-throated Gray Warbler at Central Park, New York, N.Y.: Sunday, 24 May,
1970 was a humid, overcast day with periods of drizzle following a night of scattered
showers. At 9 a.m. shortly after entering Central Park I found a male Black-throated
Gray Warbler (Dendroqa nigrecens) in a grove of deciduous trees south of the 86th
street transverse, just west of East Drive. It was an excellent specimen of this species
which I knew well from a year in California. I clearly saw the distinctive combination
of solid black cap, black cheek, and black throat. It was singing “zur zur zee’ zur”,
the next to last note higher than the rest. Ogden Goelet, Ronald Dwight, and I heard
it sing infrequently, about once every 15 minutes to 10:15 a.m. The bird disap¬
peared then, although we stayed until noon there was no further sign of it. However,
in the late afternoon it reappeared and was seen by Bill Baumann, Rudy Novomevsky,
and Carol Taylor.

Roger Pasquier, American Museum of Natural History, New York, N.Y.

Another New York State Townsend’s Warbler: During the afternoon of 9 May
1970 I was birdwatching with Dr. and Mrs. Ralph L. Holloway, Jr. at Jamaica Bay
Wildlife Refuge, Kings County. At about three o’clock we were in the area known as
the North Garden when I spotted a bird which I immediately recognized as a male
Townsend’s Warbler (Dendroica townsendi ); a species I had previously seen in
Mexico. We watched it for several minutes through 7 x 35 binoculars at a distance of
approximately 30 feet as it nervously flitted about, at eye level, among the branches
of a sparsely foliaged Willow-Oak (Quercus phellos ). The bird was similar to nearby
Black-throated Green Warblers (Dendroica virens) except for a prominent black
patch on the yellow cheek, a black forehead and crown, and black stripes on the
greenish back. The underparts were also reminiscent of a Black-throated Green, except
that the black of the throat did not extend onto the breast which was bright yellow.
The lower abdomen was white, the sides were streaked with black, and there were
conspicuous white spots in the tail.

117

We later learned that this bird had been found independently about three hours
earlier, in the same area, by Marie Longyear.

There are five other records of Townsend’s Warbler from New York State:

1. Prospect Park, King Co., 8-10 May 1947. A male found by Malcom A. Jacobson
and subsequently seen by Walter Sedwitz, Geoffrey Carleton, Irwin Alperin, et
al (Jacobsen, Auk 65: 459, 1948).

2. Central Park, New York Co., 4 May 1963. A singing male found by Irving Can¬
tor and seen later the same day by Benjamin Gilbert and Betty Loeb (Cantor,
Linn. Newsletter vol 18, No. 2, April 1964).

3. Hewlett Harbor, Nassau Co., 10 November 1963. A male in almost full breeding
plumage found by Geoffrey Glassberg and later identified by Richard A. Sloss
and confirmed by Dr. Ben Berliner (Sloss, Linn. Newsletter vol. 18, No. 2, April
1964).

4. Bronx Botanical Garden, Bronx Co., 9 May 1964. An adult male seen by
Charles F. Young, Si Stepinoff, et al (Carleton, Aud. Field Notes' 18: 439,

1964) .

5. Thompson’s Pond, Pine Plains, Dutchess Co., 24 April 1965. An adult male
seen by Eleanor Pink, Marion Van Wagner, et al (Pink, Kingbird 15: 223,

1965) .

Elsewhere east of the Mississippi River there are two two sight records from On¬
tario: Point Pelee, 1 May 1966 (Aud. Field Notes 20: 504, 1966) and Bradley’s
Marsh, 15 May 1966 Aud. Field Notes 20: 504, 1966); a specimen collected on 17
September 1939 at Gulfport, Mississippi (Bent, U.S. National Mus. Bull. No. 203, p.
291, 1953), and an adult male seen at Oxford, Mississippi on 3 May 1967 (Aud.
Field Notes 21: 516, 1967). There is also an old sight record from Massachusetts
(Naushon Island, 26 November 19’27) which was relegated to the Massachusetts hy¬
pothetical list by Griscom and Snyder ( The Birds of Massachusetts, Peabody Mus.,
Salem, 1955).

According to Carleton (personal communication) both the Prospect and Central
Park birds were identified as sub-adults because of the mottled edges of the black
throat, and an incompletely black crown. Although the Jamaica Bay individual had a
solid black throat the crown feathers were edged with greenish-yellow, which may or
may not be remnants of immature plumage.

Note the preponderance of spring records of this species in contrast to the fall oc¬
currence of most western strays.

Peter W. Post, 575 West 183 Street, New York, N.Y. 10033.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SPRING SEASON

April 1 — May 31

E. M. Reilly, Jr.

For the first time in more than six years the weather conditions during
the spring months were normal or near-normal particularly in the month
of May in all regions reporting. The fine weather certainly resulted in
more observers taking to the field and happily reporting good waves

118

of migrants. This does not necessarily mean that bird populations were
up to what was considered normal in the decade of the 30’s — we really
don’t have enough accurate data to know just what “normal” is. Since
migrants change their routes from year to year guided mostly by weather
factors, do not adhere to strict time schedules, and may often escape
observation, which is as variable as the birds activities, a compilation of
migration data over just one state or local area are not sufficient to base
forecasts of a silent spring.

Our regional reports do indicate that the population trend in most
waterfowl is downward especially loons, grebes, and diving ducks.
Canada Geese were plentiful and good-sized flocks were reported from
all regions. Indications are that the resident populations of “parkway”
geese from the southeastern counties are increasing and spreading their
breeding range.

Breeding data are much more meaningful than migration gleanings.
The fun of spring census day might be considered as leading into the
more rewarding pleasures of a breeding bird census.

House Finches were recorded in several areas, indication of a possible
range expansion which should be watched carefully by FNYSBC members
and clubs. Red Crossbills and Evening Grosbeaks remained later than
usual in some regions. It is tragic to note that Peregrine Falcons and
Pigeon Hawks are limned as rarities — are loons and grebes soon to be so
noted? Flycatchers, especially the smaller species as the Least, are noted
as below usual numbers in several regions — we hope this is local and
temporary but must watch carefully.

Unfortunately the reports of the spring season from Regions 1 and
4 had not arrived in time to be included in this summary. We are grate¬
ful for the reports which did arrive and urge each of you to read the
summaries included at the start of each listing — they are, in many ways
more important than the mere listing of a name.

N.Y.S. Museum, Albany, N. Y. 12224

REGION 1 — NIAGARA FRONTIER

Robert A. Sundell

Report for period August 16—November 30.

While August was nearly three degrees warmer than average and slightly more than
one half inch deficient in rainfall, northwesterly winds from the 20th to the 22nd
cooled the area slightly. September was nearly one degree above normal and slightly
more than an inch below average in precipitation. Both temperature and precipitation
were nearly normal during October. Temperatures were normal in November while
precipitation ranged from one half inch above normal in the Buffalo area to several
inches above average in Franklinville, Cattaraugus County, where two blizzards at
mid-month resulted in a snow depth reading of seventeen inches on the 21st.

119

Significant occurrences or trends noted were: (1) the continuing decline of loons,
grebes and herons (except the Great Blue), (2) one of the best fall flights of Canada
Geese in recent years, (3) a medicore or poor showing of most other species of water-
fowl, (4) disappointing numbers of birds of prey except for the total of vultures,
Red-tailed and Marsh Hawks on the October 12 region-wide fall count (which may
well represent the fair weather conditions and unusually large number of observers
[214] rather than actual population increases), (5) an extremely poor showing of rails
except the American Coot, (6) another interesting but modest shorebird flight, (7)
an excellent but not outstanding showing of gulls, (8) fair to poor flights of most
of the insectivorous passerine groups, (9) the beginning of one of the outstanding
winter finch flights of recent years with all species reported except the Pine Grosbeak,
(10) exceptionally high counts of the Chipping and White-throated Sparrows.

Rarities of particular interest reported were Eared Grebe, European Widgeon,
Marbled Godwit, Laughing Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Common Raven, Boreal
Chickadee and Dickeissel.

Abbreviations: Bflo—Buffalo; BOSFC—Buffalo Ornithological Society Fall Count;
Chaut—Chautauqua; INWR—Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge; OO—Oak Or¬
chard; Ont-—Ontario.

Contributors: RFA—Robert F. Andrle; TLB—Thomas L. Bourne; EB—Elizabeth
Brooks; LDS—Lou and Doris Burton; DD—Dorothy Danner; PH—Paul Hess; GI—
Gregory Inskip; HEJ—Harris E. Johnson; JK—Joseph Kikta; WHK—Walter and
Harriette Klabunde; WAM—Willard and Alice McKale; HDM—Harold D. Mitchell;
EP—Elizabeth Pillsbury; FMR—Frances M. Rew; AR—Archie Richardson; RR—
Robert Rybczynski; RAS—Robert A. Sundell; GW—Gertrude Webster.

LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: continuing to decline—max fall count 4 Nov
9 Chaut L (FMR). Red-throated Loon: rare migrant—1 Oct 29 to Nov 15 Red
House L (mob); 2 Nov 9 Pt Chaut (RAS). Red-necked Grebe: singles Oct 29, Nov
6 Hamburg Town Pk (RFA, TLB), Nov 11 Bay View (PH, Gregory Hammond).
Horned Grebe: arr 9 Oct 12 scattered localities BOSFC. EARED GREBE: 1 Nov
25 Hamburg Town Pk (TLB). Double-crested Cormorant: 3 Oct 4 Dunkirk Harbor
(WHK); 1 Oct 9 OO area (NDM, Wendling) ; 1 Oct 21 Hamburg Town Pk (TLB).
Great Blue Heron: 116 Oct 12 scattered localities BOSFC. Common Egret: four re¬
ports of singles during Aug in Bflo area (mob); singles Aug 12, Sep 18 Beaver
Meadow Refuge at North Java (DD).

Whistling Swan: fall flight poorly observed—max 220 Nov 30 Chaut L (Robert
Rappole). Canada Goose: excellent fall flight with flocks of 300 or more over at least
six areas; mox counts 2000 at OO area Oct 10 (WHK) and 1635 Oct 14 over Foster
L, Alfred (EB et al). Brant: 3 Oct 16 Barcelona (Montgomery fide RAS). Snow
Goose: 1 Oct 12 OO area (HDM et al) BOSFC. Mallard: 1108 Oct 12 BOSFC.
Black Duck: 438 Oct 12 BOSFC. Green-winged Teal: 40 Sep 18 INWR (Arthur
Freitag); 155 Oct 12 BOSFC. Blue-winged Teal: 100 Oct 4 Frewsburg (WHK); 500
Oct 10 OO area (WHK). EUROPEAN WIDGEON : rare in recent years—1 Oct 12
OO area (PH et al) BOSFC. American Widgeon: 900 Oct 10 OO area (WHK).
Redhead: arr unusually early 3 Aug 26 Bflo Harbor (RR, JK). Greater Scaup: 2000
Oct 27 L Ont at Four Mile Creek State Pk (WHK). White-winged Scoter: 25 Sep
24 Hamburg Town Pk (TL|I). Surf Scoter: 10 Oct 26 Chaut L, Mayville (RAS et
al). Ruddy Duck: 400 Nov 9 Chaut L (RAS),

HAWKS—OWLS: Turkey Vulture: 55 Oct 12 BOSFC. Sharp-shinned and Coop¬
er’s Hawks: a few individuals at widely scattered locations from Aug through Oct.
Red-tailed Hawk: 176 Oct 12 BOSFC. Red-shouldered Hawk: 14 Oct 12 BOSFC.
Broad-winged Hawk: a few individuals during mid Sep; last 1 Oct 12 BOSFC.
Rough-legged Hawk: 1 Aug 12 Batavia (George Buckland) represents either a sum-

120

mering bird or an unusually early fall migrant. Bald Eagle: singles Aug 11 imm over
Hamburg (TLB), Aug 16 imm at Alden (Websters), Oct 12 BOSFC; Oct 27 over
Kenmore (GW). Marsh Hawk: 47 Oct 12 BOSFC. Osprey: individuals at many
localities between Aug 11 and Oct 12.

Rails had a very poor fall showing except for American Coot, numbers of which
again appeared at the northern end of Chaut L—2 Sep 9 Prendergast Pt (EP, Ora
Swanson); 55 Sep 28 (RAS), 2500 Oct 26 (RAS), 1800 Nov 9 (FMR) all at May-
ville.

American Golden Plover: singles arr Aug 21 Hamburg Township (TLB) and Aug
22 Prendergast Pt (William Robinson). Black-bellied Plover: arr 1 Aug 8 Prender¬
gast Pt (RAS). Solitary Sandpiper: arr early—1 Jul 9 Prendergast Pt (AR). Willet:
1 Aug 26 (JK, RR) intermittently through Oct 23 Bflo Harbor and 2 Sep 2-19
(mob) • also singles Sep 6—8 Canadaway Creek (mob) and Oct 28 Hamburg Town
Pk (RFA)—very late. Knot: arr 1 Aug 20 Hamburg Town Pk (TLB). Pectoral
Sandpiper: arr 1 Jul 8 Prendergast Pt (AR). Waite-rumped Sandpiper: rare away
from Great Lakes shore line—2 Sep 4 Wellsville (LDB). Baird’s Sandpiper: 2 Sep 2
Prendergast Pt (RAS) ; singles there until Sep 9 (mob) ; singles Sep 6, 11 Hamburg
Town Pk (TLB). Short-billed Dowitcher• unusually scarce—1 Aug 8 Athol Springs
(TLB)—only report. Stilt Sandpiper: arr 1 Jul 16 Prendergast Pt (AR). MARBLED
GODWIT : extremely rare—1 Aug 29 INWR (Morse). Red Phalarope: 1 Oct 27
Hamburg Town Pk (TLB) ; a phalarope Nov 29 at Prendergast Pt on Ghaut L (EP)
would also be this species according to the date.

Parasitic Jaeger: singles Oct 22, Nov 12 Hamburg Town Pk (TLB). Glaucous and
Iceland Gulls: 2 of each species Nov 24 Lewiston (Axtells); single Iceland Gulls Nov
8, 25 Hamburg Town Pk (TLB). LAUGHING GULL : well marked imm Sep 7-10
Prendergast Pt (mob). Franklin’s Gull: singles Sep 9 Woodlawn (TLB), Nov 11
Lewiston (WHK). Bonaparte’s Gull: max 11,000 Oct 29, 30 Lewiston (WHK). Little
Gull: singles and pairs along Bflo waterfront and Niagara R Sep through Nov (mob);
singles Oct 16 Bay View and Oct 24 Hamburg Town Pk (TLB); max 3 Oct 29
Lewiston (WHK). BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE: imm Nov 4 Hamburg Town
Pk (TLB); imm freshly dead on L Erie shore at Canadaway Creek Nov 29 (RAS) —
specimen deposited in collection at Biology Department, State University College at
Fredonia. Short-eared Owl: probably very early migrant—1 Aug 18 Lakeview (TLB);
10 Nov 26 Youngstown (WHK).

GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Common Nighthawk: poor flight with no large
concentrations reported; last 1 Oct 13 over Eggertsville (WAM). Eastern Kingbird:
about two to three weeks later than usual departure—1 Oct 12 Oak Orchard (HDM
et al); 1 Oct 12 Silver Creek (FMR, Joan Boyd). Barn Swallow: late dep 1 Oct 12
Oak Orchard (HDM et al). Purple Martin: max counts at roost in Jamestown—50
Aug 7, 50 Aug 16 (Clarence Beal). Blue Jay: very heavy fall flight—1871 Oct 12
BOSFC. COMMON RAVEN : 2 Oct 20 over Chestnut Ridge Pk (TLB)—while still
very rare, recent reports suggest an increase in the frequency with which this species
is occurring. BOREAL CHICKADEE: 1 Nov 5, 15 Como Pk, Lancaster (RR, JK et
al); 3 Nov 9 Amherst (GI). Red-breasted Nuthatch: excellent flight starting in late
Aug with numbers of birds well scattered throughout region; 132 Oct 12 BOSFC.
Carolina Wren: singles in five locations.

Robin: excellent fall count—8770 Oct 12 BOSFC. Wood Thrush: about one week
later than usual departure—singles Oct 23 Alfred (Klingensmith et al) ; Oct 23 Eg¬
gertsville (WAM). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: nearly three weeks later than usual de¬
parture— 1 Oct 12 Wilson (WHK). Ruby-crowned Kinglet: excellent fall total—676
Oct 12 BOSFC. Water Pipit: good fall flight—434 Oct 12 BOSFC; 150 Oct 19
Clarence Township, Erie County (Wendlings); last 1 Nov 22 Silver Creek (R. H.
Hesselbart). Northern Shrike: singles Nov 2 Ellicottville (Reeves); Nov 9 Lewiston
(WHK) ; Nov 15 Riverside (NEJ et al). Loggerhead 'Shrike: 1 Aug 22 Boston (TLB.)

121

VIREOS—WARBLERS: Rather poor migration in general except the October
flight which was somewhat heavier than usual. In most areas birds seemed to drift
through in relatively small numbers although an average number of species was re¬
ported. Solitary Vireo: last 1 Nov 2 Alfred (EB). Philadelphia Vireo: arr 1 Aug 23
Alfred (EB). Warbling Vireo: last 1 Sep 29 Springbrook (DD).

Orange-crowned Warbler: arr 1 Sep 13 Forest Lawn Cemetery, Bflo (HDM et al);
late 1 Nov 22 Athol Springs (Wilma Csont). Nashville Warbler: 2 imm with 2 adults
Aug 17 Foster Marsh, Alfred (EB). Parula Warbler: 3 from Bflo area. Black-throated
Blue Warbler: about two weeks later than usual departure—1 Nov 8—10 at feeder
in Lewiston (WHK). Palm Warbler: last 1 Nov 9 Bflo (RR). Connecticut Warbler:
specimen Sep 18 TV Tower, Jamestown (Kibler); 1 Sep 18 Lakeside Cemetery, Ham¬
burg (TLB). Hooded Warbler: last 2 Sep 28 Spring Brook (DD).

BLACKBIRDS—SPARROWS: Baltimore Oriole: about five weeks later than
usual departure date—1 at feeder Oct 22, 23 Belmont (LDB). Scarlet Tanager: 9 Oct
12 BOS'F'C—unusually large number for mid-Oct date. Cardinal: 265 Oct 12
BOSFC compared with 227 on 1968 count. Indigo Bunting: late imm Oct 12 River¬
side Marsh (RAS). DICKCISSEL: 1 or 2 at feeders with House Sparrows in three
widely separated localities—1 Sep 29 intermittently until Nov 27 Belmont (LDB), 2
Oct 30-Nov 3 at same feeder; 1 Nov 5 Wilson (GW et al); adult male Nov 16, 17,
19, 20 Fredonia (F. M. Hall). Evening Grosbeak: arr 1 Oct 12 Hamburg BOSFC;
widely scattered throughout region south of Bflo and suburbs during Nov—max 65
Nov 9 Snyder (WAM, Armstrongs). Common Redpoll: region-wide distribution in
small flocks during Nov—arr 2 Nov 5 Wilson (GW et al) ; max 35 Nov 22 Bar¬
celona (RAS). Pine Siskin: excellent fall flight throughout region but particularly
heavy along L Ont during early Nov—-355 Oct 12 BOSFC; 450 Nov 8 Youngstown
(WHK); 200 Nov 9 Olcott (WHK). American Goldfinch: highest Oct total—4872
Oct 12 BOSFC. Red Crossbill: region-wide distribution in small flocks starting in late
Oct—arr 8 Oct 28 Como Pk, Lancaster (JK); max 56 Nov 11 Amherst (GI, Zehr).
White-winged Crossbill: sparsely distributed throughout region in very small numbers
—arr 1 Oct 30 Como Pk, Lancaster (JK); max 6 Nov 8 Snyder (HDM). Rufous¬
sided Towhee: excellent Oct total—265 Oct 12 BOSFC.

Chipping Sparrow: fine fall flight—250 (5 flocks) Sep 29 Wellsville (LDB) ; 536
Oct 12 BOSFC; last 1 at feeder Nov 16 Belmont (LDB). White-throated Sparrow:
very strong early Oct flight—2378 Oct 12 BOSFC. Lapland Longspur: 3 Nov 15
Riverside (HEJ et al). Snow Bunting: max 400 Nov 28 Ellery Center (Otto Carl¬
son) .

Report for period December 1—March 31.

Although there were few record-breaking low temperatures, the winter of 1969—70
will be remembered as a cold one. Approximate temperature averages were about three
degrees below normal for December, seven degrees below normal for January, slightly
more than one half degree above the norm for February and nearly one and one half
degrees below normal for March. Precipitation averaged slightly above normal for De¬
cember but from three quarters of an inch to one and one half inches below normal
for January, February and March. With much water remaining frozen until April
combined with a fairly dry month of March, migration in nearly all groups of birds
was retarded either moderately or substantially.

Certain trends were determined, as follows: (1) the continuing scarcity of loons
and grebes, (2) a very poor (poorly observed ?) spring flight of Whistling Swans, (3)
below average numbers of Canada Geese and a very poor showing of Blue Geese (com¬
pared with the last three years), (4) highly variable Christmas count totals for other
waterfowl, (5) a few substantial Christmas count totals for hawks and a count of 76

122

Short-eared Owls but otherwise disappointing numbers for the birds of prey, (6)
smaller numbers of individuals and rarities among the gulls (except the kittiwake),
(7) enormous counts of Blue Jays and Black-capped Chickadees, (8) substantial
Christmas count totals of Tufted Titmouse and Red-breasted Nuthatch, (9) a con¬
tinuing increase in Cardinals as seen in Christmas count figures, (10) a fine showing
of Evening Grosbeaks, (11) one of the best flights ever of Common Redpoll with many
visiting feeders, (12) fair to excellent counts of most sparrows.

Of particular interest are the first Varied Thrushes ever reported from the region.
Other rarities noted were the (Mute Swan, Harlequin (Duck, Common and King
Eiders, Black-legged Kittiwake, Boreal Chickadee, Dickcissel and Hoary Redpoll. Un-
seasonal occurrences were those of the Brant, Loggerhead Shrike, Pine Warbler, Rose¬
breasted Grosbeak and Chipping Sparrow.

Abbreviations: Bflo—Buffalo; BOS—Buffalo Ornithological Society; CC—Christ¬
mas count; Chaut L—Chautauqua Lake; FWC—Federation Waterfowl Count; INWR
—Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge; mob—many observers; Nia—Niagara; Ont—
Ontario; OO—Oak Orchard.

Contributors: RFA—Robert F. Andrle; HRA—Harold and Rachel Axtell; CB—
Clarence Beal; TLB—Thomas L. Bourne; EB—Elizabeth Brooks; LDB—Lou and
Doris Burton; DC—Douglas Carlson; DD—Dorothy Danner; FE—Flora Elderkin; AF
—Arthur Freitag; MH—Mary Hegeman; PH—Paul Hess; RHH—R. H. Hesselbart;
LFK—Lewis F. Kibler; JK—Joseph Kikta; CK—Clarence Klingensmith; WHK—
Walter and Harriette Klabunde; WMK—William and Mary Kraetz; WAM—Willard
and Alice McKale; HDM—Harold D. Mitchell; AR—Archie Richardson; RR—
Robert Rybczynski; WGS—William and George Smith; RAS—Robert A. Sundell;
OS—Ora Swanson.

LOONS—DUCKS: Red-throated Loon: 1 Mar 27 flying over Nia Falls (HRA).
Red-necked Grebe: 3 Jan 11 Dunkirk Harbor FWC; 1 Feb 14 Dunkirk Harbor (DC).
Horned and Pied-billed Grebes: usual small wintering populations; one high count
for Horned—26 Jan 11 FWC; first Pied-billed migrant 1 Mar 28 Clarence (HDM et
al). Great Blue Heron: fewer in Dec and Jan than usual; rare in Feb—1 Feb 17 Sin-
clairville (Howard Andre); several migrants late Mar. Black-crowned Night Heron:
rare during winter in recent years—2 Dec 21 Grand Island BOSCC; singles Feb 8
Youngstown cemetery (WAM), Feb 9 Hamburg (TLB).

MUTE SWAN: 1 Jan 18-Mar 31 Dunkirk Harbor (mob). Whistling Swan: very
poor spring flight—arr 3 Mar 24 Celeron, Chaut L (FE); max 60 Mar 28 OO area
(HDM et al). Canada Goose: 330 Dec 22 INWRCC; spring flight well below high
counts of recent years—arr 14 Mar 2 INWR (Olsen); max 40,000 Mar 28 OO area
(HDM et al). Brant: second winter record—imm Jan 3 across Nia R from Bflo; Jan
6 Nia Falls, Ont (HRA et al). Snow Goose: rare except in OO area—5 Mar 26 Ham¬
burg Township (TLB) ; 4 Mar 28 OO area (HDM et al). Blue Goose: no large late
Mar number as during last three years— max 4 Mar 28 Shelby sinks (Alice Ulrich).
Black Duck: all counts down—max 483 Dec 21 BOSCC. Gadwall: highest total—62
Dec 21 BOSCC although mostly on Canadian side of Nia R; a few during Jan and
Feb in Dunkirk Harbor with max 4 Jan 14 (FE). Pintail: arr 9 Mar 18 INWR
(Morse); max 4000 Mar 24 OO area (DD). Green-winged Teal: unusually high
winter count—10 Dec 21 BOSCC; a few migrants late Mar. American Widgeon:
large numbers on last five BOSCCs—170 Dec. 21. Wood Duck: singles Dec 6 Forest
Lawn Cemetery, Bflo (PH) ; Dec 22 INWRCC; 2 Jan 14 Belmont (LDB). Redhead:
281 Jan 11 Nia R and Dunkirk Harbor FWC. Ring-necked Duck: singles Dec 22
Bflo Harbor (JK; Jan 22 upper Nia R (RR et al). Canvasback: 6000 Dec 21 Nia
R BOSCC—near average for recent years. Greater Scaup—'1300 Dec 21 Nia R

123

BOSCC—average count. Common Goldeneye: 3200 Dec 21 Nia R BOSCC—excellent
total. Bufflehead: 1100 Dec 21 Nia R BOSCC—highest CC total. Oldsquaw: 564 Dec
21 Nia R BOSCC—excellent Dec total. HARLEQUIN DUCK: single adult males
Jan 3-Mar 28 Nia R across from Bflo (mob) ; Jan 29 Dunkirk Harbor (DC). COM¬
MON EIDER : an imm male Dec. 18-Mar 31 molting into adult plumage during Mar
across Nia R above falls at Chippawa, Ont (mob). KING EIDER: several during
Dec on Canadian side of Nia R with max 3 Dec 6 Chippawa, Ont; imm male Jan
29 Dunkirk Harbor (DC). All counts of scoters and mergansers were very low except
for 13 White-winged Scoters Dec 21, third highest total for BOSCC, and 11,000 Com¬
mon Mergansers, the second highest number recorded on the BOSCC. The only Ruddy
Duck report was Dec 28 upper Nia R (AF).

HAWKS—OWLS: High single CC totals for Red-tailed, Marsh and Sparrow
Hawks were the only bright spots in an otherwise poor showing by the diurnal birds
of prey during the winter and the early spring flights. Turkey Vulture: five days
earlier than usual spring arrival—1 Mar 7 Centerville (LDB). Sharp-shinned Hawk:
7 on four of seven area CCs; a single migrant in mid March. Cooper’s Hawk: 5 on
two of seven area CCs; at least 4 individuals around feeders during winter; 4 mi¬
grants during later half of Mar. Red-tailed Hawk: excellent CC totals at Bflo 61 Dec
21; INWR 30 Dec 22; Hamburg 38 Dec 28; poor Mar flight. Red-shouldered Hawk:

I Dec 28 Hamburg C!C; 30 Mar 28 Lyndonville area (WGS). Rough-legged Hawk; 8
Dec 28 Hamburg CC; 2 Jan—mid Mar Cherry Creek (Nick Funcello et al) where
previously unknown; 1 Mar 21 Falconer (AR). Bald Eagle: imm Mar 13 over Ham¬
burg (TLB). Marsh Hawk: 6 Dec 28 Hamburg CC; only 4 on L Ont plain during
mid Mar. Osprey: 1 Mar 15 INWR (WAM)—about two weeks early. Pigeon Hawk:
one month early—1 Mar 7 Riverside (Archie and Doris Richardson, Charles and
Martha Neel). Sparrow Hawk: third year of increase on two CCs—5'1 Dec 21 BOS;
27 Dec 28 Hamburg.

American Coot: max 12 Jan 18 Dunkirk Harbor (D'C). Killdeer: 1, 2 Dec 28, Feb
17 Frewsburg (RAS, OS); 1 Feb 7 Alfred (EB). American Woodcock: arr 1 Mar

II Riverside (AR). Common Snipe: 5 Dec 28 Jamestown CC; 2 Feb 15, 17 Frews¬
burg (RAS, WMK; OS); 1, 3, 7 Feb 22, 27, Mar 9 Towerville (mob). Greater Yel-
lowlegs: 1 Mar 27 Riverside (AR). Pectoral Sandpiper: 1 Mar 26 Riverside (Steve
Maggio). Glaucous Gull: max 8 Jan 27 Nia R across from Bflo (RFA, Richard
Byron). Iceland Gull: max 3 Jan 1 Nia Falls, Ont (RR et al). Unofficial observations
of several Thayer’s gulls were made on the Nia R during Dec and early Jan in the
same localities where this form was collected in Dec 1967 and 1968. Bonaparte’s
Gull: 3200 Dec 21 Nia R BOSCC. Little Gull: 1-2 on Nia R during Dec and Jan
with last Jan 20 Lewiston (RR et al). BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE: at least 1
imm survived entire winter on Nia R (mob), last reported Mar 27 Nia Falls, Ont
(HRA); singles Dec 6 Athol Springs (TLB), Jan 11 Dunkirk Harbor (OS et al);
unverified reports of up to 8 on Nia R early in Dec.

Mourning Dove: exceptionally high winter counts—415 Dec 22 INWRCC; 215
Dec 28 Hamburg CC; 115 Dec 21 BOSCC—compare these with winter counts for last
four years. Screech Owl: 25 Dec 21 BOSCC—highest count ever reported due to
superior coverage. Snowy Owl: three observations as last winter—singles Dec 19 Straw¬
berry Island, Nia R (HDM); Dec 22 INWRCC; Mar 17 Hamburg (TLB). Long¬
eared Owl: scarce during winter for last 14 years—3 Dec records and 1 during Feb.
Short-eared Owl: excellent winter count—76 Dec 30 Alden (Cy Woffling). Saw-whet
Owl: singles Dec 5 Youngstown (WHK); Dec 21 Grand Island BOSCC; Feb 28
Hamburg (TLB).

GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Belted Kingfisher: Allegany County CC total 5
Dec 27, down from 17 last year; max 6 Dec 28 Hamburg CC. Yellow-shafted Flicker:

124

high CC totals—20 Dec 21 BOS; 18 Dec 22 INWR; Mar migration insignificant.
Red-bellied Woodpecker: 17 Dec 27 Count for all Allegany County; imm male at
feeder Dec 28 Jamestown CC. Red-headed Woodpecker: above average—6 on three
of seven area CCs; singles Jan 11 Four Mile Creek State Park (WHK) ; Jan 20 Fort
Nia (RR et al) ; Feb 1 Gowanda (CB et al); Mar 1 Lydonville (WO'S). Yellow-
bellied Sapsucker: singles through Dec to Jan 29 at feeder Lewiston (WHK; Dec 21
Grand Island BOSCC; Dec 28 Hamburg CC. Eastern Phoebe, arr 1 Mar 28 Alfred
(EB).

Horned Lark: E. a . alpestris, few reports during Jan with max 20 Jan 19 Barker
(WHK) ; E. a. praticola, max 80 Feb 22 Ont plain (WAM et al). Tree Swallow: arr
3 Mar 28 INWR (HDM et al). Blue Jay: highest CC totals—892 Dec 27 all of
Allegany County; 620 Dec 27 Scio; 477 Dec 28 Jamestown; 416 Dec 28 Hamburg;
285 Dec 21 Bflo; 266 Dec 27 Olean. Common Crow: 4635 Dec 28 Hamburg CC.
Black-capped Chickadee: exceptionally high numbers on CCs—1210 Dec 27 all of Al¬
legany County; 1000 Dec 28 Jamestown; 963 Dec 28 Hamburg; 664 Dec 27 Scio;
407 Dec 21 Bflo. BOREAL CHICKADEE: singles at feeding stations Jan 17 Elma
(RFA et al), Feb 15-Mar 19 Hamburg (mob); pairs Feb 10 North Boston (TLB),
Mar 21—27 Lakewood (OS, MH). Tufted Titmouse: two very high counts—23 Dec
28 Jamestown CC; 19 Dec 28 Hamburg CC. Red-breasted Nuthatch: two exceptional¬
ly high CC totals—48 Dec 28 Hamburg; 44 Dec 28 Jamestown. Winter Wren: several
Dec 21 BOSCC; 1 Dec 2'8 Jamestown CC. Carolina Wren: 1 at feeder Dec 2—Jan 10
Spring Brook (DD) ; 3 Dec 27 Allegany County Count; 1 Dec 28 Hamburg CC; 1, 2
at feeder Jan 17, 25 East Aurora (WHK et al). Mockingbird: at least 8 birds at
scattered localities. Catbird: singles Dec 21 Grand Island BOSCC; at feeder Dec 26,
28 Lewiston (WHK). Brown Thrasher: 1 at feeder Nov 25-Jan 13 Jamestown (CB) ;
1 Dec 21 Grand Island BOSCC; 2 Dec 27 Allegany County count. Robin: scattered
reports of individuals or small flocks—max 14 Dec 11 Forest Lawn Cemetery, Bflo
(AF). VARIED THRUSH: first records for Region 1—males photographed at feed¬
ing stations in Riceville and North Tonawanda (mob), about 40 miles apart; inclu¬
sive dates not definitely established but both birds verified in mid Jan and Riceville
bird stayed until at least Apr 4. Hermit Thrush: singles on two CCs—Dec 21 Grand
Island BOS; Dec 28 Hamburg. Eastern Bluebird: late arr 1 Mar 13 Eden (TLB).
Ruby-crowned Kinglet: very late 1 Jan 2 Alfred University campus (CK). Water
Pipit: arr late 3 Mar 27 Stockton (DC). Cedar Waxwing: highest CC total—105 Dec
21 BOS; usual scattering throughout winter of small to medium flocks—max 55 Mar
1 Evans (PH et al). Northern Shrike: good scattering throughout region during winter
with max 5 Dec 28 Hamburg CC. Loggerhead Shrike: very rare during winter—
singles Dec 13 Silver Creek (RHH); Jan 8 (Ferrand) and Jan 21 (Larsons, Pitzrick)
Wellsville. Starling: 60,000 Dec 21 BOSCC.

VIREOS—SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: 4 Dec 27 Allegany County count; 2
Dec 28 Hamburg CC; 1 Dec 28 Jamestown CC. Pine Warbler: imm male at feeder
Nov 25-Jan 5 Lakewood (William Gordon, LFK, RAS) including Jamestown CC.
Eastern Meadowlark: small numbers at scattered localities, mostly in Dec with max
18 Dec 7 Lancaster (JK). Redwinged Blackbird: scattered individuals and small
flocks during Dec; unreported during Jan and Feb; first migrants, singles Mar 1
Evans and Silver Creek (PH et al) ; large numbers from Mar 20 on with max 1500
Mar 22 Scio (LDB). Rusty Blackbird: rare but regular in winter—1 at feeder Dec
11, Jan 11, Feb 11, 12 Belmont (LDB); 1 Feb 15, 17 Frewsburg (RAS, WMK;
OS) ; first migrants 3 Mar 5 Frewsburg (FE). Common Grackle and Brown-headed
Cowbird: small flocks and individuals during Dec with a few cowbirds wintering;
small flocks of migrants in early Mar.

Cardinal: increase in CC totals continues—429 Dec 27 Allegany County count;
235 Dec 28 Hamburg; 192 Dec 28 Jamestown; 158 Dec 27 Scio; 134 Dec 12 BOS.

125

Rose-breasted Grosbeak: female at feeder Dec 7—27 Point Stockholm, Ghaut L (OS
et al)—found dead on last date, specimen to Bflo Museum of Science. DICKCISSEL:
singles at feeders with House Sparrows—Dec 4 Alfred (GK) ; Dec 11 Belmont (LDS);
Fluvanna Dec 28 Jamestown CC; adult male mid Mar Lakewood (OS, MH et al).
Evening Grosbeak: good counts in Bflo suburbs and hill country to south—454 Dec
27 Scio CC; 412 Dec 27 Allegany County count; 160 Dec 28 Jamestown CC; 109
Dec 28 Hamburg CC; 105 Dec 27 Olean CC. Purple Finch: max 20 Mar 14-29 Al¬
fred (CK). Pine Grosbeak: 1 Jan 30 Hamburg (TLB). HOARY REDPOLL : singles
critically identified at feeder Feb 1, 25, Mar 6 Hamburg (TLB) ; several unverified
reports. Common Redpoll: one of best flights ever recorded with birds distributed
throughout region in small to large flocks, many visiting feeders—max counts 580 Dec

21 BOSCC; 225 Dec 28 Hamburg CC. Pine Siskin: a few individuals and small
flocks scattered throughout region with max 20 Dec 27 Allegany County count.
American Goldfinch: only large number 218 Dec 28 Hamburg CC. Red Crossbill: in¬
dividuals and small flocks sparsely distributed throughout region with some visiting
feeders, max 25 Dec 28 Hamburg CC. White-winged Crossbill: same comments for
Red but numbers much smaller, max 5 at feeder mid Mar Lakewood (Judy Morrell).
Rufous-sided Towhee: scattering of pairs and singles at feeders throughout region,
max 7 Dec 28 Hamburg CC.

Vesper Sparrow: 1 Dec 27 Allegany County count. Slate-colored Junco: high win¬
ter counts—634 Dec 27 Allegany County count; 329 Dec 28 Hamburg CC. Tree
Sparrow: only unusually large number 1498 Dec 27 Allegany County count; most
other counts above average. Chipping Sparrow: very rare in winter—2 Dec 28 Ham¬
burg CC. White-crowned Sparrow: 33 Dec 27 Allegany County count; a few indi¬
viduals or pairs at scattered feeders throughout winter. White-throated Sparrow: ex¬
ceptionally high CC totals 42 Dec 27 Allegany County count; 35 Dec 21 Bflo; 30
Dec 28 Hamburg CC; 26 Dec 28 Jamestown CC. Fox Sparrow: 10 on five area CCs;
arr 1 Mar 21 Hamburg (TLB). Swamp Sparrow: 4 Dec 28 Jamestown CC; 1 Dec

22 INWRC'C; singles at feeders Dec 21—Jan 27 Silver Creek (RHH), throughout
winter Jamestown (LFK). Song Sparrow: max 84 Dec 27 Allegany County count;
counts in mid to low 40s at Hamburg, Jamestown, Bflo and Scio, large numbers for
all of these CCs. Lapland Longspur: excellent flight in Jan on Ont plain—max 350
Jan 19 Somerset (WHK). Snow Bunting: excellent CC totals—836 Dec 22 INWR;
756 Dec 27 Allegany County count; 547 Jan 1 Dunkirk—smaller max individual
count than recently, 650 Jan 19 Somerset (WHK).

19 Chestnut Street, Jamestown, N.Y. 14701

REGION 2 —GENESEE

Richard T. O’Hara

Overall, the weather came pretty close to average for spring in Rochester. Pre¬
cipitation was somewhat above average reducing the yearly deficit from perhaps three
inches at the end of March to two inches on June 1st. Temperature patterns were as
varied as usual—April was generally cool until the last few days when a sudden hot
spell resulted in about three weeks of progress in leaf development compressed into
one week.

May then produced a return to a more slow and steady progression with migrants
appearing on schedule for the most part. Several warm fronts with good south and
south west winds resulted in fine flights of most regular species and many rarities.

126

The weather even was kind enough to cooperate on weekends—not true at all some
years!!

The general impression of several active observers was that we had the best spring
flight in several years with the exception of some ducks, certain shorebirds and a few
scattered species such as the Loons, Short-eared Owls and Swainson’s Thrush, and
Philadelphis Vireo. Hawk flights were fairly frequent and good in both number and
variety; warblers were quite common on many days and the spring census on May 17
was close to a record day in spite of less than perfect conditions. Perhaps the fact
that local birders are more numerous and active than ever also helps to account for
some of our good results.

While high water levels do not foretell good shorebirding later in the year, it does
appear that local ducks and marsh birds should fare well. There is some reason to
hope that we are finally beginning to see a drop in pollution and algae growth in
some of our ponds and bays so that we may hope for better nesting success of these
species.

Rarities noted included: Glossy Ibis, Golden Plover, Peregrine Falcon, Pigeon
Hawk, Laughing Gull, Wilson’s Phalarope, Saw-whet Owl, White-eyed Vireo, Prairie
Warbler, House Finch.

Abbreviations: BANS—Burroughs-Audubon Nature Sanctuary; BB—Braddocks
Bay; HB—Hamlin Beach; HL—Hawk Lookout; WP—Webster Park.

Observers Cited: MG—(Michael Carlson; GOS—Genesee Ornithological Society;
JD—James Doherty; JF—John Foster; WCL—Walter C. Listman; WL—'Warren
Lloyd; RM—Robert McKinney; TM—(Thelma McNett; RO—Richard O’Hara;
FP—Frank Phelps; JT—Joseph Taylor; TT—Thomas Tetlow.

LOONS—DUCKS: The spring flight of Common and Red-throated Loons seemed
rather light and very few were noted after May 1st. Red-necked Grebes were likewise
scarce, but Horned Grebes seemed in good supply with some groups of 20 or more.
Pied-billed Grebes are also up from a few years ago, but the species is not yet back
to former status as a fairly common breeder.

Three Double-crested Cormorants appeared at Manitou on May 17 (WCL). Both
Cattle Egret and Common Egret were reported, the former on May 16, 17 in Parma
(JT et al) and the latter a bird which stayed at Braddocks Bay through most of May
(WCL et al). Black-crowned Night Herons may be increasing. The best count was
22 at Cranberry pond May 17 (TT). Fifteen Glossy Ibis was a new high for the
region, May 3 BB (TT), and a few of these remained in the area for some time.
American Bittern and Least Bittern were both seldom reported this spring.

A lone Brant was noted at Manitou May 17 (JF et al). A few Canada Geese
seemed to be intent on staying in this region indefinitely. Perhaps these are birds
from the breeding stock at Montezuma or other nearby refuges. Ducks continued to be
less than spectacular this spring. A good count of 500 White-winged Scoters was ob¬
tained on April 29 at Webster Park (WL). Scaup, including at least some Greater,
lingered in unusual numbers until the end of May. Locally, high-water levels may
provide high breeding success for Mallards, Blue-winged Teal and Wood Ducks, all
of which are present in good numbers, The Black Duck in contrast is scarcer than
ever on local waters.

HAWKS—OWLS: Our annual spring hawk flight was unusually well observed this
year and provided several highlights. Peak counts and rarities in April and May are
as follows: (all at Hawk Lookout unless otherwise noted)

127

Species

Date

No.

Observers

Turkey Vulture

5/1

22

JT, TT

Goshawk

tt

1

ft ft

Sharp-shinned Hawk

4/25

207

WL, et al

Rough-legged Hawk

4/17

11

WL

Broad-winged Hawk

4/23

3,687

tt

tf // tf

5/1

3,312

JT, TT

Golden Eagle

4/23

1

GOS Hike

// tt

4/26

1 (WP)

Perrigos

Bald Eagle

5/17

2

Moons

Marsh Hawk

4/20

40

WCL

Osprey

5/16

15

Klonicks

Peregrine Falcon

4/17

2 (WP)

WL

tt ft

4/23

1

WCL

tt rr

4/26

1

JB

tt tt

5/1

3

JT, TT

rr tt

5/17

2

TT, et al

tt tt

//

1 (IC)

JT, et al

Pigeon Hawk

5/23

1

D. Foster, WL

// „

5/15

1

WCL, JB

tt tt

5/17

1

Moons, Perrigos

ft n

//

1

WL, MS

Sparrow Hawk

4/23

29

WL

This is certainly the best showing in recent years for Peregrine Falcon, and it is
also quite good for some other species. Bald Eagle and Osprey, however, remain far
below the levels of ten or more years ago and so does the Cooper’s Hawk and some
other local breeders, especially the Red-shouldered and Marsh Hawk.

Ruffed Grouse is unreported for the year illustrating how little the high country
away from the Lake Ontario plain is reported in this region. Ring-necked Pheasant
may be reduced in numbers after a hard winter, and it will be interesting to see if
our population can maintain itself long without large-scale restocking as in past
years. Rails, Gallinules and Coot all seem in normal numbers and should have a good
year with marshes full of water.

Shorebirds were never really common or especially exciting this season, but several
noteworthy records were received. These include: Golden Plover—1 Apr 26 HB
(AK); Short-billed Dowitcher—25 BB (RO et al); and Wilson Phalerope—2 Curtis
Road (MC et al). Most of the more common varieties were normal for the season
where suitable habitat was available, chiefly in flooded fields along the west Lake-
shore. A few species sometimes listed in the spring were missing or scarce. These in¬
cluded Ruddy Turnstone, White-rumped Sandpiper and Knot.

Gulls provided few noteworthy records except for the Laughing Gull at Manitou on
May 17 (JF et al). A fine flock of Bonaparte’s Gulls—approximately 2,500—paused
for a few days on Lake Ontario off BB about April 25, but no unusual species were
noted with them as was the case in the fall flight.

Both Common and Caspian Tern were relatively scarce again this spring. Some
observers noted none of either variety, although both did appear briefly and in small
numbers. Black Tern were present in good numbers, however, as the breeding season
began. Mourning Doves are doing well; they are far more common than at one point,
perhaps 15 years ago, when they seemed to drop off in numbers for awhile. Neither
cuckoo was well reported until the end of May. It is possible that more will yet ap¬
pear, but they do not seem to have recovered as yet from low numbers of the last
year or two.

Both the Barn and Barred Owl are still missing from our list this year. A few

128

Saw-whet and Long-eared Owls were noted in woods and hedge rows near the lake
after flight nights. These include a Long-eared Owl on April 18 near Flynn Road (FP
et al), and a Saw-whet Owl banded near Manitou on May 9 (RM).

GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: The Whip-poor-will was a scarce bird although
a few moved along the lakeshore on flight nights, including one calling on May 17 in
McNett’s yard on Lake Road as spring census day began. Nighthawks were not com¬
mon either, even at the very end of May, although at least one or two could be noted
most any night by any city resident. Chimney Swifts were very late in arriving in
numbers but were present in the downtown area of Rochester in good numbers by
mid-May (TT),

Among the woodpeckers, Flickers and Red-headed showed well but Sapsuckers were
rather thinly scattered except for one or two days in mid-April when good counts
could be made. Flycatchers were generally rather late in arriving in force but put on a
good show at the very end of May when one hedgerow alone produced good numbers
of all the commoner species except Phoebe, plus one or two Yellow-bellied, several
Traill’s, one Olive-sided and one singing bird whose call seemed to match the Cornell
record of Acadian Flycatcher although neither observer was familiar with this species
from past experience (MC, RO) May 31.

Swallows were somewhat slow to arrive in April but eventually appeared about
normal. Purple Martins are nesting in better numbers this year than last and hope¬
fully have begun a recovery from recent poor seasons. Several Cliff Swallows were
moving with the others on May 17 (WCL et al).

A Carolina Wren was singing near Cobbs Hill in early May (JD) and another at
BANS on May 13 (GOS). Only one Short-billed Marsh Wren was noted—May 17 in
Fairport (TT). This bird was singing before daylight in a grassy field.

A very late Brown Creeper was banded at BB on May 31 (RM). On the same day
a wren in the same hedgerow and briefly seen in dense underbrush may have been a
late Winter Wren (MC). Long-billed Marsh Wren seemed somewhat scarcer this
spring, but House Wrens may be doing a little better although still not up to the
numbers of several years ago.

Mockingbirds, now well-established in Webster, on the northeast side of Rochester,
were regularly noted. Thrashers are doing well, too, and seemed especially evident
this spring. An early Catbird appeared in Webster on May 1 (WL, TM). A fine flight
of Robins, estimated at 5,000 lairds was observed at BB on April 10 (WCL), and
they are present in good numbers everywhere. Bluebirds are still a scarce bird in most
of this region but may be slowly increasing. Birds were noticed nesting or investigating
sites at two new localities this spring, one along the west Lakeshore where they are
very scarce breeders for no very apparent reason.

Wood Thrushes and Veeries seem to be present in all regular breeding sites here,
but the migrant thrushes were scarce this spring—Hermit Thrushes and Swainson’s
Thrushes, especially. Whether or not this is merely a local condition is not certain.
Both Kinglets were common enough and Water Pipits were widely noted in mid-May
although in rather modest numbers.

A very scarce bird this spring was the Loggerhead Shrike. Many observers including
this one saw none at all. Equally obvious was the dearth of Waxwings although they
were beginning to appear along the Lakeshore in mid and late May after being al¬
most completely absent through winter and spring.

VIREOS—WARBLERS: White-eyed Vireo is certainly one of the birds to be
noted this spring. At least 3 separate records were turned in, and, in one case, there
may have been two birds present. A singing male at Mendon was still present at the
end of May and could indicate nesting. (Whites and Perigos)

Warblers may have been the best in several years. It certainly seemed so to many
weekend observers. A few species may not have shared the prosperity, but overall it
was a fine flight from an early wave in late April to a peak on Census Day, May 17

129

and on into the early days of June. All regular species were noted, about 25 in all,
and several of the rare ones too, including Prothonotary, Prairie, and Yellow-breasted
Chat. Such species as Parula, Cape May and Bay-breasted, sometimes scarce here,
were frequently noted. Hooded Warblers may be harder to find breeding here than
formerly but were present at least at one of its regular stations, Pellet Road, by May
17 (TM). After several springs in which Warblers were often thin at almost all times
it was delightful to have days when pockets of warblers were rather common and
numbers were improved.

BLACKBIRDS—SPARROWS: A Western Meadowlark is once again singing along
Church Road in Parma where the species now seems regular. Cowbirds seemed less
common or perhaps late in arriving in numbers this year. Rusty Blackbirds were not
common but Redwings and Grackles are everywhere.

An early Indigo Bunting appeared at BB on May 2 (TT). Evening Grosbeaks were
migrating in good flocks in mid-May with separate flocks on May 17 of 30 and 75
birds being noted by two census parties and smaller flocks by others. Red Crossbills
and Pine Siskins were also passing through and still present at the end of the month.
The former included a flock of 15 on May 30 at Lima (Fosters).

Both Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Scarlet Tanager were common. One party on the
spring census noted several Tanagers in one tree and others nearby also (WCL). Balti¬
more Orioles were common in migration although fears have been expressed. that the
disappearance of the American elm may be detrimental to this bird in its breeding
range.

One of the very few records of the House Finch in this region was made by Mrs.
Munson when she banded one at her feeder in Penfield on April 21. The Rufous¬
sided Towhee may be a more common breeder here than formerly, although this may
simply be due to former farm land growing up to brush areas near suburbs. Short-
tailed sparrows, i.e.. Savannah, Henslow and Grasshopper seem to be recovering after
a rather sudden and decided dip in abundance a few years ago. They are not yet back
to optimum status but decidedly up from the low point.

No Sharp-tailed Sparrows have been reported in recent years, and this was true
again. After a few years when they seemed to be almost regular in late May or early
June—although rare—they have stopped appearing here.

Most of the regular sparrows seem normal in numbers and dates of appearance al¬
though Song seemed unimpressive this year. Such common species as Chipping, Field,
Swamp and Vesper Sparrows may have arrived late, as April remained consistently
cool until the last few days. White-throated Sparrows were up after an unusually poor
flight last spring, and the always attractive White-crowned Sparrow was also common.
Juncos went through strongly in April, but no reports of Oregon Junco were re¬
ceived this spring. A very late Lapland Longspur in a field with a few Horned Larks
and one Pipit was noted on May 31 in Parma (MC, RO).

265 Carling Road, Rochester, New York 14610

REGION 3 —FINGER LAKES

Dorothy W. McIlroy and Sally Hoyt Spofford

The outstandingly bad winter in the Finger Lakes was followed by an unusually
fine spring: April was sunny, mild, warm with below normal rainfall. May was marked
by close to normal rainfall except in Schuyler and Steuben Counties which were some¬
what dry, and temperatures just a little on the warm side. As a result migrants and
residents arrived ‘early’—that is, in the first days of their expected arrival period, and

130

in some cases even earlier. Leaves were out before mid-May, making warbler-sighting
difficult. Most areas ran their spring censuses on May 17, a damp day, but had good
results, most expected species being seen.

For the Cayuga Lake Basin, it was one of the most outstanding springs ever, in
terms of new species for the Basin checklist. Louisiana Heron, Piping Plover, Yellow¬
headed Blackbird and House Finch were all seen and carefully verified. Furthermore,
what appears to be a completely satisfactory sighting of a Swainson’s Hawk by John
Haugh, a competent raptor expert,and the Clifton Hances, occurred on May 3, de¬
tails to be given elsewhere. In the absence of a photograph or specimen, however, this
record must remain somewhat open to question.

Other reports of note include Cattle Egret, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Snowy
Egret, a record high of 75,000 geese at MNWR, King Rail, Pigeon Hawk, Knots, a
slight increase in Red-headed Woodpeckers, a Kentucky Warbler and the presence of
Red Crossbills until the end of the period and into June.

Area compilers: WEB—Walter E. Benning; JB—Jack Brubaker; WMG—William
M. Groesbeck; PG—Frank Guthrie; CH—‘Clayton Hardy; JW—Jayson Walker; MW
—Mary Welles.

Observers: DA—Douglas Auer; KA—Kenneth Amerman; PA—Philip Allan; OHH
—Oliver H. Hewitt; TH—Tom Howe; WH-Wilifred Howard; PMK—Paul M.
Kelsey; CL—Charles Leek; DM—Dorothy Mcllroy; DBP—David B. Peakall; RPs—
the Roger Perreaults; B'S—-Betty Strath; MS—Mary Smith; MSh—-Margaret Shep¬
herd; MST—Mark Stephenson; SHS—Sally H. Spofford; WR'S—Walter R. Spof-
ford; JS—John Snelling; JJT-—Jean and James Tate; CST-—Camille and Stephen
Taylor; ST—Stanley Temple; JW—Jayson Walker.

Localities: Cay L—Cayuga Lake; Conn Hill—Connecticut Hill; Dry L—Dryden
Lake; MNWR—Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge; HR—Hornell Reservoir; Sen
L—Seneca Lake; SWS—Sap sucker Woods Sanctuary.

LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: few April reports; 2 Apr 18 HR (WMG);
flight of 17 in 2’s and 3’s May 19 Sen L (JB) ; 5 May 18 Keuka L; late report May
30 Cay L (J. Merritt). Red-throated Loon: 1 only, May 3 Cay L (CST). Horned
Grebe: fewer than normal all lakes. Pied-billed Grebe: no May record Keuka L area
(FG); scarce Ithaca. Double crested Cormorant: uncommon in spring, 1 May 13
s end Cay L (KA); 2 May 31 MNWR (WEB). Great Blue Heron: first Apr 3 HR
(WMG); numbers normal MNWR and Marengo Swamp. Green Heron: first Apr 10
nr Freeville (J. Patterson); continue scarce Elmira (MW), Cattle Egret: 3 sight¬
ings Elmira Apr 18, 23, 26 (MW). Common Egret: first Apr 22 MNWR, 3 May
2 MNWR (WEB); 1 May 3 nr Erin (Chemung Co) (WH). Snowy Egret: 1
Apr 25 MNWR (WEB); 1 Apr 30 Rhodes Marsh, Big Flats (WH et al)—rare in
spring. LOUISIANA HERON : 1 Apr 23 MNWR (DM et al), first record Cay
Basin and Region 3, full verification on file. Black-crowned Night Heron: first Apr
19 MNWR, max 16 Apr 23 (WEB). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 1 May 9
MNWR (WEB), verification on file; this species seems to be-showing up fairly
regularly in last five years. Least Bittern: 1 only, May 14 Dry L (DBP). Glossy
Ibis: 4 overhead flying N.W. May 14 MNWR (OH).

Whistling 'Swan: 1 MNWR through May 20 (mob). This not-fully adult bird
showed a ‘grin line’ like a Trumpeter Swan but more orange, showing how danger¬
ous it is to depend entirely on Field Guide characters. Our field guides do not have
space to describe all variations in a species. 2 May 11 Chase's PoncJ, Breesport,
1 with band. Canada Goose: peaked Apr 10-16 MNWR at 75,000—a new high for
Refuge (CH); many more thousands on Cay L; most had left by May 10. Snow
Goose: peak 100. Blue Goose: peak 400 Apr 10-16, MNWR (CH); lower than in
’69. During same week in April following species of dabbling ducks reached peak
which was above last year’s peak: Mallard 1085; Black 830; Gadwall 370; Pintail

131

9605; Green-winged Teal 635; Blue-winged Teal 740; and Shoveler 280. American
Widgeon 120 was lower, as was the Wood Duck count, at 50. Redhead: 15 May 17
MNWR (RPs). Ring-necked Duck: 5 (first) Apr 11 Beebe L. Ithaca (DA); max 80
May 14 MNWR (CH). Lesser Scaup: max 6 Apr 4 MNWR (CST). Common
Goldeneye: last May 15 Sen L (JB). Bufflehead: scattered on Cay L in Apr; max
15 Apr 22 MNWR. Oldsquaw: 4 May 4 Keuka L (FG), more in former years;
several Cay L May 17 (mob). White-winged Scoter: 3 May 6 Chemung R El¬
mira (WH) unusual there; 5 May 17 Cay L (mob). Ruddy Duck: max 80 May
28 MNWR (CH).

HAWKS—OWLS: Turkey Vulture: first Apr 12 Lowman (MS); 1 May 21
Enfield (Mrs. Dean Davis) ; normal numbers MNWR; one egg May 24 in Marengo
Swamp nest (WEB). Goshawk: 1 May 11 SWS (SHS et al) late date; no near
breeding location known this year. Sharp-shinned Hawk: none reported during period
except a few overhead in migration. Cooper’s Hawk: continue scarce; one nest early
May nr Ithaca (PA, WRS). Red-tailed Hawk: present in most known breeding lo¬
cations. Red-shouldered Hawk: almost non-existent, one sighting May 20 nr Elmira
(MS); SWS pair nested (on eggs May 19) but nest broken up by youngsters. Broad¬
winged Hawk: apparently now a regular but rare breeder in the Region: one nest
had 3 eggs May 10 e. of Ithaca (JS), another pair seen nr Alpine (JB). Swainson’s
Hawk: see introductory comments. Bald Eagle: 1 imm May 8 over Etna (SHS);
1 adult May 20 over Ludlowville (Mrs. D. Flinn). Marsh Hawk (Harrier): 2
Apr 27 HR (WMG); 1 or 2 at intervals MNWR (WEB). Osprey: individuals
noted on scattered dates from Apr 10—May 14 throughout Region; none at SWS
this year. Peregrine Falcon: 1 near mid-Apr SWS (ST). Pigeon Hawk (Merlin):

1 (rare) May 14 MNWR (OH). Turkey: nest mid-May Conn. Hill s.w. Ithaca 9

eggs, abandoned, eggs removed to Cornell, incubated. KING RAIL : 1 Apr 14

SWS (P. Spitzer) very rare. Virginia Rail: first Apr 19 MNWR (J. Ebersole et al) ;
5 May 17 MNWR (RPs); 2 nests mkLMay Watkins-Montour marsh (JB). Sora:
first May 3 MNWR (CST). Common Gallinule: first Apr 23 MNWR (DM, WEB) ;

2 nests mid-May Watkins-Montour marsh (JB). Coot: reported scarce Elmira, Keuka,
Cay L, max 255 May 14 MNWR down from last year.

PIPING PLOVER : 2 Apr 22 MNWR (Gerald Smith & WEB), first record for
Cay Basin; verification report on file. American Woodcock: nest, 4 eggs Apr 21 Ellis
Hollow Rd Ithaca (Mrs. D. Nickols). Upland Plover: first May 11 nr Etna (ST),
nesting field later plowed; at usual Dryden locatin May 17 (PMK). Greater Yellow-
legs: first Apr 13 MNWR (WEB). Lesser Yellowlegs: first Apr 19 MNWR (WEB).
Knots: small flock May 17 MNWR (OHH et al) some in breeding plumage, rare in
spring in Region. Least Sandpiper: max 26 May 6 MNWR (WEB). Dunlin: first Apr
19 MNWR, max 660 May 23 (WEB). Short-billed Dowitcher: 1 May 17 Watkins
Glen (JB, BS) ; max 34 May 20 MNWR (WEB). Wilson’s Phalarope: uncommon in
spring, 1 May 17, 24, 25 MNWR (WEB). Bonaparte’s Gull: 1 only at Elmira
Apr 2, winter plumage (WH); first on Cay L Apr 12 (KA); max Sen L 10 May 1
(JW), Cay L 60 Apr 14 (CST); 1 Apr 14 on ice HR (WMG). Common Tern:
first Apr 26 MNWR (WEB); max 20 May 17 MNWR (RPs). Caspian Tern: 6 Apr
24 Chemung River bridge at Elmira (MS); 1 May 10 Sen L Geneva (DBP). Black
Tern: first Apr 22 s. end Cay L (KA); max 100 May 17 MNWR (RPs). Screech
Owl: successful nesting May Etna cemetery, female red phase, all young red. (WRS) ;
otherwise scarce. Barred Owl: apparently did not nest SWS; 1 Apr 12 MNWR
(WEB), apparently nesting on Unit 17 there. Saw-whet Owl: May 13, Beam Hill
Road nr Dryden, prob nesting (ST).

GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Whip-poor-will: present Bennettsburg and Altay,
Schuy Co (JB) ; heard Apr 29 Elmira (Robert Knapp) ; May 1 Tomp Co airport

132

(MST); last two weeks May North Hornell (WMG); and May 17 MNWR (RPs).
Common Nighthawk: first May 11 Ithaca (R. Chipley); May 13 Elmira (A. Orbi-
son). Certainly this species seems less abundant than a decade ago. Ruby-throated
Hummingbird: first May 5 (slightly early) (N. Corson) ; May 12 Elmira; generally
scarce—only one sighting at my Etna feeders where I used to have 3-4 pairs (SHS).
Pileated Woodpecker: definite increase in reports; SWS pair nesting beside trail. Red-
bellied Woodpecker: nesting at Enfield broken up; another pair nesting w of Ithaca
on Rt. 227. Red-headed Woodpecker: definitely more reports and sightings of this
species in Cayuga Basin this year than for many years; 1 spent several days feeding
on corn on ground at Stuart Observatory SWS; others reported at E. Varick, Union
Springs, Trumansburg. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: nesting at Arnot Forest and along
SWS catwalk.

Eastern Kingbird: first May 1 Elmira; May 2 Ithaca (DA). Phoebe: firs tApr 3
Dry L (DBP) ; Elmira Apr 4; slightly late. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: often missed in
spring, 1 May 16 Elmira. Traill’s Flycatcher: May 9 Elmira; May 14 Ithaca (TH).
Least Flycatcher: first Apr 29 Etna (JJT) ; May 4 Elmira; latter two species seem
in slightly better numbers this year. Olive-sided Flycatcher: 2 sightings May 17
Ithaca, also 2 Watkins Glen (JB). Tree Swallow: first Apr 1 Ithaca (R. Parson-
son). Bank Swallow: first Apr 18 SWS (DBP); numbers at colonies seem normal.
Rough-winged Swallow: Apr 15 Ithaca (DA). Barn Swallow: Apr 11 Cay L Inlet (N.
Cutright). Cliff Swallow: small numbers at known colonies. Purple Martin: first Apr
4, early Ithaca (CL); Apr 22 MNWR (WEB); none breeding at SWS, MNWR only
regional sites that continue quite active are along west shore Cay L at north end.
Boreal Chickadee: the Etna bird was last seen Apr 14 (D. Poole) ; 1 other sighting
Apr 7 Ithaca, Monkey Run area (TH). Red-breasted Nuthatch: it had been hoped
that some of the large wintering group would remain to breed, but most appeared
to have left area by mid May. Brown Creeper: two pairs breeding SWS.

House Wren: first Apr 25 Ithaca (DA) ; seems scarce Elmira, normal or in better
numbers elsewhere. Long-billed Marsh Wren: 1 Apr 9 SW.S (ST) ; only 1
MNWR on May 17 census (WEB). Short-billed Marsh Wren: very scarce. Mocking¬
bird: several successful nestings Ithaca, Elmira. At Mt. Zoar the pair noted for un¬
successful nesting attempts (see May 1869 KINGBIRD) fledged 4 at first attempt
this year, raised 3. Robin: in good numbers everywhere. First date for Wood
Thrush Apr 28 (early), Hermit Apr 11, Veery May 2. All thrushes scarce at Keuka
(FG). Eastern Bluebird: 6 nestings at Keuka, an increase. Scarce in Cayuga Basin.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: nestings noted at MNWR, Ithaca, Elmira. Golden-crowned
Kinglet: May 17 Conn Hill (JB), probably nesting there. Loggerhead Shrike: 2
reports only (F. Edminster).

VIREOS—WARBLERS: Yellow-throated Vireo: many reports Watkins area (JB),
few Ithaca. Solitary Vireo: less common as migrant now than 20 years ago and no
recent breeding records; 1 Apr 28 Lower Enfield Park, Tomp Co, (MSh). Phila¬
delphia Vireo: uncommon, 4 sightings in Region May 12—17. A strange small
Vireo, answering in almost all respects a description of the western Bell’s Vireo, was
seen May l'O at Monkey Run nr Ithaca by M. and G. F. Shepherd, watched closely for
some time, never sang, same size as a Blue-winged Warbler in same tree; in absence
of photograph or specimen must remain a mystery.

Warblers: to quote DM from one year ago: “all regular species of warblers were
reported, plus Brewster’s and one Lawrence’s (Elmira, Hendy Creek Rd. (WH) num¬
bers of most species were low.” Most arrival dates were normal or slightly early.
Prothonotary: 1 report only MNWR (OHH). Worm-eating: back at York Hill,
Elmira. Golden-winged: losing ground to Blue-wings; first May 9 Monkey Run nr
Ithaca (DBP). Blue-winged: increasing at Keuka and elsewhere. Brewster’s: several
reports.. Tennessee: May 5 (early) SWS (TH). Orange-crowned: often missed in
spring, 1 May 17 Reading Center (A. Kopp); 1 banded May 17 Penn Yan

133

(Lerch); 1 May 19 Ithaca (DM). Nashville: first Apr 30 SWS (R. Chipley). Par-
ula: 2 sightings, May 3 'SWS (MSt, P. Clark). Yellow: high counts 50+ May 3
w. shore Cay L (CST) ; 100 May 17 MNWR (RPs). Magnolia: high 10 May 17
MNWR (RPs). Cape May: few reports; May 2 City Cemetery Ithaca, (MSt);
May 5 MNWR (JW). Black-throated Blue: first May 2 Ithaca City Cem (MSt).
Myrtle: max 20 May 9 Monkey Run Ithaca (DBP) and May 17 MNWR (RPs).
Black-throated Green: on time, good numbers. Cerulean: usual scattered locations,
but 1 only at Keuka (FG). Blackburnian: first May 1 Ithaca (DA). Chestnut¬
sided: first May 1 Ithaca (DA). Bay-breasted: almost no reports. Blackpoll: May 13,
slightly early, Ithaca (O'H'H). Pine: 1 only Apr 13 Enfield (R. Davis). Prairie:
first May 9 Conn Hill (DM & MSt) ; nesfbuilding observed nr Elmira May 12 (WH),
eggs later disappeared. Ovenbird: first May 1 Monkey Run Ithaca (KA), numbers
normal. Louisiana Waterthrush: very few reports, perhaps indicating that some usual
locations were not checked, but were actually missing at Keuka, Hornell and Waterloo.
KENTUCKY WARBLER : very rare in Region, 1 May 17 carefully noted Cayuta
L (JB). Mourning Warbler: sometimes not noted, several reports this year, 1
banded May 17 Penn Yan (Lerch). Yellowthroat: fairly common, max 20 May 17
MNWR (RPs). Yellow-breasted Chat: continues scarce. Hooded: very rare in Region,
1 May 16 Horseheads Marsh (WH et al). Canada: scarce; first May 3 SWS (D.
Grainger). Redstart: very scarce at Stewart Park, Ithaca and SWS; none at Hornell.

BLACKBIRDS—SPARROWS: Bobolink: first May 3 Dryden (DBP); sev. ob¬
servers indicated species somewhat more common in late May than in past years.
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD: 1, male, Apr 19 SWS (JT) is first fully veri¬
fied record for Cay L Basin, although there have been several seemingly good reports
in previous years. Bird fed with Redwings nr Stuart Observatory feeders, seen by
numerous observers. Baltimore Oriole: seem to be increasing and adapting to new
nesting sites with loss of elm trees; first (early) Apr 30 Ithaca (S. Barnett). Orchard
Oriole: generally considered rare here, 4 locations this year, 2 for third year
in succession: nr Starkey and on West Hill, Ithaca. Rusty Blackbird: few reports.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak: first Apr 27 (early) Ithaca (D. Welch). BLUE GROS¬
BEAK: what appears to be a good sighting of 2 males and a 'female east side of
east branch Keuka Lake; observed for three hours by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Coon: no
song heard, but call notes; very few records previously for Region. Indigo Bunting:
first May 10 (early) Ithaca (J. Hewitt). Evening Grosbeaks: last dates Apr 24 Hor¬
ned (WMG), May 2 Ithaca, May 18 Watkins Glen (JB). Purple Finch: few May
reports.

HOUSE FINCH: in April several positive identifications in Ithaca and El¬
mira, some photographs taken. Species may have been present in previous years but
earlier reports were not fully verified. Common Redpoll: numerous through April at
Keuka; last Ithaca report Apr 15. Pine Siskins: some stations said numerous; others
had few or no records. Red Crossbill: left Keuka area May 17 (FG); still present
Elmira and Ithaca end of reporting period; courtship feeding observed. White-winged
Crossbill: several April reports at Ithaca.

Savannah Sparrow: scarce north end Cay L Basin (WEB). Grasshopper and Hens-
low’s Sparrows both reported, and early, but very scarce. Vesper Sparrow: several
early April reports, but seemed scarce. Tree Sparrow: last dates: Apr 23 (WEB), Apr
25 at Hornell (WMG). White-4hroated Sparrow: scarce in migration (SHS, WEB,
CH). Fox Sparrow: few reports except 30 May 17 MNWR (RPs) ; numbers in mi¬
gration vary considerably from year to year. Lincoln’s Sparrow: 1 May 17 Dodge
Rd Ithaca (P. Brown). Song Sparrow: migrants and residents in normal numbers.

Correction: In report of Brant and Whimbrel in the July 1969 issue, Vol. 19 (no.
3): 153, for “April, 23 read “May 23”.

419 Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, New York 14850 and “Aviana”, Etna, New York
13062

134

REGION 5 —ONEIDA LAKE BASIN

M. S. Rusk and F. G. Scheider

April was cold in the first week or so, but by April 15 had achieved sufficient
warmth and wind to suddenly release the ice-bound inland lakes (Oneida, Cross,
Beaver). Late April saw much rain, so those “best” dates, usually spent in other years
under a south wind and a blistering sun at Detby Hill, were rained out. Thus, some of
the best counts there were in the closing days of the month and in early May, rather
later than usual. The first four days of May saw a spectacular wave of migrants,
especially warblers and vireos, and hot, humid weather which accelerated leaf growth
immensely. Three days of cold weather with snow and frost, May 6—8, stalled the mi¬
gration, but a new surge of birds hit the area May 12—14. The Big Run day May 16
was a meteorological disaster with drizzle, fog, howling south winds, and driving rain,
but thirty dedicated masochists managed to turn up 171 species. Around 19 May
steady south winds began, and the remainder of the month was a smooth, almost
colorless, ahead-of-schedule exodus of migrants, with no major waves reported. The
strong south winds did, however, provide conditions for some fine late May counts of
diurnal migrants at Derby Hill (Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Blue Jay, Baltimore
Oriole, q.v.). Perhaps the best summary of the season was F. LaFrance’s laconic re¬
mark, “Early spring (i.e. April species) was late and late spring (i.e. May birds) was
early.”

Positive features include 1) a huge flight of Canada Geese and wonderful residue
of the heavy March flight of Pintail; 2) a brief but impressive Oldsquaw flight; 3)
record numbers of Goshawk, Marsh Hawk, and Osprey passing Derby Hill; 4) num¬
bers of migrant Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at Derby Hill; 5) a heavy flight of
Yellow-shafted Flicker; 6) spectacular flights of Blue Jay, Cedar Waxwing, Evening
Grosbeak, and American Goldfinch; 7) early warbler arrival dates and numbers; 8)
good counts on certain icterids—Eastern Meadowlark, Baltimore Oriole; and 9) a
heavy White-crowned Sparrow flight.

Negatives for the season comprise 1) markedly reduced numbers of almost all div¬
ing ducks, even of formerly common species like Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, and
Red-breasted Merganser; 2) very low numbers of American Coot; 3) a very poor
shorebird flight, in both mid-April and late May; 4) extraordinarily low numbers of
migrant Hermit, Swainson’s, and Gray-cheeked Thrushes; 5) one of the poorest
kinglet flights on record; 6) low counts on later migrant warblers-—Blackpoll, Wil¬
son’s; 7) a generally poor flight of sparrows, distressingly so with both Slate-colored
Junco and White-throated Sparrow, normally common migrants here.

Rarities this spring include Cattle Egret, Common Egret, Glossy Ibis, King Rail,
White-eyed Vireo, Orchard Oriole, House Finch, and Clay-colored Sparrow.

Abbreviations: CV—Camillus Valley; DH—Derby Hill near Texas; FHBSP—Fair
Haven Beach State Park; FR—Fox Ridge sugar beet waste impoundments near Port
Byron; HIGMA—Howland Island Game Management Area near Port Byron; Onon—
Onondaga; SP—Sandy Pond; SPI—Sandy Pond Inlet; SSSP—'Selkirk Shores State
Park near Pulaski; Syr—Syracuse.

Observers: JRB—J. R. Bart; DC—D. Crumb; FD—F. Dittrich; FLF—F. La-
France; JWP—J. W. Propst; MSR—M. S. Rusk; FGS—F. G. Scheider; KS—K.
Slotnick; GS—G. Smith; CGS—C. G. Spies; RJS—R. J. Sutliff; CW-C. Wernick;
mob—Multiple observers.

The editors express their gratitude to J. Bart, F. LaFrance, J. Propst, and C. Spies
who devoted much time to helping with the compilation of this report.

135

LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: max 66 Apr 23 DH; dep Jun 5, 1 SP. Red¬
necked Grebe: 1 only, Apr 19 Muskrat Bay on Oneida L (MSR et al). Horned
Grebe: max 90 Apr 17 Oneida L (FGS): most other counts very low, 2—12 per day,
with all counts above 15 concentrated about Apr 17. Double-crested Cormorant:
singles only at Oneida L and Onon L but max 4 May 16 Oswego Harbor (MSR,
CGS)—anything over 1 per day is notable!

Great Blue Heron: Scott Swamp (near Phoenix) heronry now abandoned, but the
1969-tornado-strurk Cross L colony appears to be thriving, and a small colony near
Bridgeport has expanded to over 40 nests this spring. CATTLE EGRET : singles Apr
30 passing DH (FGS, FD) and May 4 Pompey Twp (DC). COMMON EGRET :
single present to Apr 12 Scott Swamp (FGS); also 1 Apr 8 DH (DC) and 1 May 4
Oswego (G. Maxwell)—3 reports, in contrast to none last year, of a species formerly
considered a late summer and fall visitant in the Region. Least Bittern: arr May 2, 2
near Eaton (G. L. Church). GLOSSY IBIS: single May 14 at a small N Syr marsh
(KS) is only record.

Mute Swan: 1 adult Apr 5-6 Jamesville Reservoir (DC, JWP) is 2nd record this
spring. Whistling Swan: 1 persistently Apr 9—May 2 near Oswego (G. Maxwell et al).
Canada Goose: heavy flight with 10,000 Seneca R flats and 3000 Beaver L both Apr
3 (JWP); major outflight Apr 26-27. Brant: 1 May 23 DH (MSR, CGS) is only
report. Max Snow Goose Apr 26 DH (GS) and Blue 47 Apr 3 Seneca R flats (JWP).

Gadwall: max 7 May 12 HIGMA-FR (GS, FD) ; 2 Apr 19 Boliver (MSR) where
scarce. Pintail: max an exciting collection of 5000 Apr 3 Seneca R flats (JWP) ,* 200-
600 per day in 1st 2 weeks of Apr at Scott Swamp. Green-winged Teal: max only 60
Apr 3 Seneca R flats (JWP), and other counts even in Clay and Scott Swamp muck-
lands all under 50 per day. American Widgeon: max only 75 Apr 3 Seneca R flats
(JWP) and extraordinarily scarce in all other areas with 2nd max 40 Apr 1 Pennell-
ville flats; most observers had less than 10 per day. Shoveler: 2—6 per day but wide¬
spread with several reported from Oneida L and Boliver. Wood Duck: max low, only
20 Apr 21 DH (GS).

Redhead: extraordinarily scarce—-max 4 Apr 4 Oneida L (FGS); most observers
saw none ! Ring-necked Duck: also very scarce with max only 65 Apr 9 Salmon R
(FGS) whereas 100—200 per day is normal; most observers had less than 20 per day
and the species was detected only once in May—May 12 HIGMA (GS). Canvasback:
like the above Aythya, very scarce with max 128 Apr 4 Oneida L (FGS). Greater
Scaup: max 2000 Apr 17 Oneida L, but very scarce both before that date and there¬
after. Bufflehead: huge flight of 200 Apr 17 in 4 miles of Oneida lakeshore; last noted
May 16, 1 Beaver L (P. Merritt). Oldsquaw: virtually a single-day flight, but that a
record spring max of over 800 Apr 17 Oneida L (FGS) encouraging in contrast with
low winter numbers; unreported from L Ontario despite intensive lakeshore coverage
at DH and SSSP. White-winged Scoter: max 75 in the great Apr 17 Oneida L water-
fowl flight (FGS) ; scarce on L Ontario with max there 37-38 May 11—12 DH (GS).
Ruddy Duck: max 6 May 16 E of Oswego Harbor (MSR, CGS) ; singles only else¬
where. Hooded Merganser: max 45 Apr 2 FHBSP (D. Mcllroy, FGS). Red-breasted
Merganser: max 350 per day Apr 23-26 DH (FGS).

HAWKS—OWLS: Hawk flights at DH were watched with continued intensity and
produced evidence of some movement much later than heretofore recorded, with some
Red-tailed and Broad-winged Hawks passing even in mid-Jun. The 1st major Mar
fligth did not occur until the 26th, very late, and a repeat flight the 28th did not
have he hoped-for numbers of Red-shouldered Hawks bu did produce one of the
greatest Marsh Hawk flights ever. No massive movements were noted thru Apr until
the 21st, when over 1500 hawks passed. Subsequent 1000-plus days occurred Apr 23,
25, 27, 30, and May 1, the last notable for the numbers of Osprey. A very sharp
drop thereafter indicated that the major Broad-winged Hawk peak had been ac¬
complished in just 10 days, Apr 21—May 1.

136

DERBY HILL HAWK MIGRATION — SPRING 1970

Species

Date range

Total

Turkey Vulture

Mar 25-May 31

181

Goshawk

Feb 18-May 10

156

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Mar 22-May 29

2,060

Cooper’s Hawk

Mar 12-May 1

132

Red-tailed Hawk

Feb 22—Jun 15

1,768

Red-shouldered Hawk

Mar 15-May 1

455

Broad-winged Hawk

Apr 14-Jun 15

12,532

Rough-legged Hawk

Mar 1-Apr 30

142

Golden Eagle

Apr 26-Apr 30

3

Bald Eagle

Apr 24-May 30

9

Marsh Hawk

Mar 12—May 19

455

Osprey

Apr 9-Jun 15

233

Peregrine Falcon

Apr 17-May 1

4

Pigeon Hawk

Mar 25—May 16

16

Sparrow Hawk

Mar 7-May 31

446

unidentified hawks

156

Date range of

No. on

90% of the birds

Peak day(s)

peak day(

Mar 31-May 30

Apr 17

40

Mar 15-Apr 25

Mar 26

20

Apr 18-May 1

Apr 21

408

Mar 22—Apr 30

Mar 26, Mar 28

16

Mar 12—May 16

Apr 6

241

Mar 24-Apr 9

Mar 28

193

Apr 21-May 1

Apr 25

2,735

Mar 17-Apr 26

Mar 26

26

—

Apr 30

2

—

Apr 26, May 1

2

Mar 26-May 1

Mar 26

108

Apr 8—May 16

May 1

81

Apr 21-Apr 30

Apr 23

4

Mar 25-Apr 30

Mar 26, Apr 23

97, 90

There were record tallies (underlined) for Goshawk, Marsh Hawk, and Osprey,
and the 4 Peregrines for the season tie the previous high.

Non-DH hawks—Turkey Vulture: 1 Apr 12 Pompey Twp (DC)—rare in S Onon
Co. Red-tailed Hawk: 3 pr active at CV; also new pr with nest near Gaughdenoy
(CGS). Red-shouldered Hawk: prs in Vienna Twp and Black Greek Swamp near
Lakeport (both MSR, CGS). Marsh Hawk: singles in hill-country valleys S of Syr
(GS) and along L Ontario (MSR) ; no proven breeding pairs so far this spring.

Ruffed Grouse: scarce this spring with most observers having only 1 per day; max
3 Apr 22 and 28, both Pompey Twp (DC, FLF). KING RAIL: 1 May 16 to end of

period FR (FGS, R. Long, W. Brosseau) 1st in 6 years. American Coot: extremely

scarce thru entire spring with max thru Apr 2 per day at Bridgeport and Scott Swamp;
most observers saw none all spring.

Spring shorebird flight was very poor, with numbers low and total records few de¬
spite fairly good habitat available at flooded mucklands and wet pastures; SP shore-
birders competed with heavy human use of the beaches there in late May. Semi-

palmated Plover: arr May 11 (late) SP (GS); max 22 May 24 Pennellville flats

(FGS). Black-bellied Plover: arr May 22, 2 Pennellville flats (JWP) ; this and 2
Jun 3 SPI (FGS) are the max; dep Jun 15, 1 Nine Mile Pt on L Ontario (GS).
Ruddy Turnstone: arr May 16, 3 SPI (G'S); numbers low with max 11 Jun 3 SPI
(FG ! S) ; dep Jun 5 SPI. American Woodcock: 4 young hatching out May 3 CV
(JRB, CGS). Common Snipe: max 20 Apr 26 Six Mile Creek near Phoenix (FGS) ;
new sites located in Pompey Twp (FLF), S Onon (GS), and CV (JRB, CGS) the
last definitely new, as CV is a heavily birded area. Solitary Sandpiper: max 6 May
6-9 Lakeland (MSR) and May 16 DH-SP (GS) ; dep May 20, 1 CV (GS).

Greater Yellowlegs: max 19 Apr 26 in company with 22 Lesser Yellowlegs at Pen¬
nellville flats (FGS); Greater dep May 22 (rather late) 1 DH (CGS) and Lesser
dep May 30, 1 DH (CGS) and 1 Nine Mile Pt (GS). Knot: arr May 46, 1 Nine Mile
Pt (JWP) ; only others were 2 there May 28 (GS). Pectoral Sandpiper: max 35 Apr

30 (late for so large a number) Six Mile Creek; last May 16, 1 Nine Mile Pt (JWP).
White-rumped Sandpiper: single only, May 31 SPI (FLF). Least Sandpiper: max 42
May 16 L Ontario area (CGS, MSR); last Jun 3 SPI (FGS). Dunlin: record arr
Apr 12, 1 Seneca R flats (FGS, W. Benning) ; max 45 May 23 FR (GS) ; still present
to Jun 5 SPI. Short-billed Dowitcher: arr May 23, 2 FR (GS) and 7 SPI (CGS,
MSR); max 15 May 24 Oneida L islands (JRB, GS) ; 1 still at Nine Mile Pt Jun 15
(GS). Semipalmated Sandpiper: arr May 14, 1 Onon L; max 170 Jun 3 Nine Mile
Pt and SP (FGS) ; still present in small numbers Jun 14.

Great Black-backed Gull: max 20 May 23 SPI (CGS, MSR) late for so large a num¬
ber. Herring Gull: still present thru mid-iMay at Onon L. Bonaparte’s Gull: max 10 Apr
20 Oneida L and May 16 Oswego Harbor (CGS, MSR) ; still present at SPI thru Jun
14. Common Tern: max 500 (record spring high) May 16 Oswego Harbor on 30 mph
S wind (CGS, MSR). Caspian Tern: none in period! Yellow-billed and Black-billed
Cuckoos: both arr May 5 (early), 1 and 2 respectively, both CV (DC). Barred Owl:
reported again at Big Moose May 16 (B. Barnum) and HIGMA May 7 (JRB, FGS).

GOATSUCKERS—SHRIKES: Whip-poor-will: arr May 1, 1 Boliver (JRB, MSR,
CGS); only 1 at Cicero Swamp and none again at Pleasant L near Phoenix; unusual
are reports of single migrants heard in a Syr park and N Syr suburbs; max 8 May 17
on Ontario lakeshore at Oswego (W. Dawson, C. Jerred, CW). Common Nighthawk:
arr May 11 Syr (B. Austin); max a mere 3 (very low) May 23 Syr. Chimney Swift:
max migrants 75 Apr 29 DH (DC) ; still migrating by DH in late May, e.g. 52 May

31 (GS). Ruby-throated Hummingbird: max 43 (a spring record) May 16 passing
DH (GS) ; still passing there May 31; very scarce at Syr, however, throughout spring.

Yellow-shafted Flicker: DH high counts 618 Apr 17 (GS) and 542 Apr 26 (mob).
Pileated Woodpecker: newly located at Pineville May 31 (MSR) ; 5 in CV area, prob¬
ably benefiting from dying elms. Red-bellied Woodpecker: singles migrating by DH

138

May 1 (E. Farnham) and May 31 (CGS, GS). Red-headed Woodpecker: 5 in a day
May 1'0 and 16 migrating by DH (GS) ; most common along Ontario lakeshore and
about Oneida (D. W. Ackley, mo'b). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: arr Apr 9 Syr (GGS);
no push day noted with only 2 per day thru Apr.

Eastern Kingbird: arr Apr 30, 10 DH (DC) and 1 Pompey (FLF) ; maxima 26
May 25, 18 May 29, and 21 May 31, all DH (late for such large numbers). Eastern
Phoebe: max 21 Apr 9 DH (GS); still passing in small numbers, 10 per day, Apr 30
(FGS). Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: 6 individuals May 9-31; most observers saw none.
Eastern Wood Pewee: arr May 14, 1 CV (JWP); max 5 (rather low) May 24 SP
(RJS, FLF). Olive-sided Flycatcher: only 4 individuals May 16-29, only along L
Ontario. Horned Lark: large numbers still passing thru in mid-Apr—210 Apr 5 Pom¬
pey (FLF) and 210 Apr 12 both Munnsville (B. & S. Peebles) and DH (FGS).

Swallow arr and max—Tree Swallow: arr Mar 26 and max 5000 Apr 23, both DH.
Bank Swallow: arr Apr 21 Oneida L and max 1300 May 25 DH. Rough-winged
Swallow: arr Apr 18 DH (FLF, RJS) and Navarino (GS); max 50 May 25 DH.
Barn Swallow: arr Apr 9 (GS) and max 8000 Apr 23, both DH. Cliff Swallow: arr
Apr 23 (last to appear) and max 18 Apr 30, both DH. Purple Martin: arr Apr 18
Bridgeport; max 37 Apr 20 DH—very scarce this spring both as a migrant and in
local martin houses. On May 25 at DH a huge flock of swallows, over 10,000, col¬
lected in Mexico Bay—4600 Tree, 1300 Bank, 50 Rough-winged, 7000 Barn, 4 Cliff,
and 3 Purple Martin (JWP)—very large numbers for so late.

Blue Jay: an enormous Ontario lakeshore flight—1st noted Apr 23, 400 Apr 30,
960 May 1, 500 May 8, 5000 May 10, 2100 May 11, 350 May 16, 3000 May 26, 590
May 29, 1260 May 30, 1300 May 31, all DH. Black-capped Chickadee: max 120 Apr
12 DH-SSSP. Boreal Chickadee: single present thru to May 29 in evergreen planta¬
tion at Syr (E. Freeborn) ; only 1 noted going by DH—April 17 (GS). Tufted Tit¬
mouse: 1 Apr 22—26 at Holland Patent (J. & E. Van Dresar) 1st report there. Red¬
breasted Nuthatch: max 12 May 1 Oneida L; 1-3 per day thru to May 19; last noted
May 26 and 29 DH (DC). Brown Creeper: max 10 Apr 18 SSSP (FLF, RJS). House
Wren: max 24 May 14 CV (FGS); numbers seen increasing locally. Mockingbird:
singles noted May 16 Utica (J. & B. Barker), May 19 Oswego (CW), and May 24
Clay Swamp (FGS). Catbird: arr Mar 27 (slightly early) 2 Pompey (FLF); 10—15
per day in 1st 2 weeks of May.

Robin: maxima 1340 Apr 6 (JWP) and 1600 Apr 21 (GS) both DH; also 15 mi¬
grating by DH May 26 (DC)—rather late for this famous harbinger. Hermit Thrush:
very very scarce as migrant—4—2 per day only and some active observers missed them
entirely. Swainson’s Thrush: arr May 10 Syr (JWP); very scarce as migrant—max
only 2 May 15-19 Syr and FHBSP (MSR). Gray-cheeked Thrush: even scarcer than
Swainson’s—singles only, May 10-25 (JWP) ; most observers saw none! Eastern Blue¬
bird: max 15 Apr 5 and 23, both DH; last migrant May 29 (very late) DH (DC).

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: expanding locally—newly reported at Boliver, 2 May 1
(JRB, MSR, CGS) ; at Pompey May 26 (FLF); and S shore of Oneida L thru May
(FGS). Kinglets were extraordinarily scarce throughout Apr and early May—max
Golden-crowned 22 Apr 18 SSSP (FLF, RJS) ; only 2 other counts exceeded 10 per
day; max Ruby-crowned 1 ! 2 Apr 24 and again May 3, both Pompey (DC, GS) ; most
tallies 1—3 per day; dep May 13 (late) for Golden-crowned and May 17 (early) for
Ruby-crowned. Water Pipit: flocks of 15-30 thru early May; last noted May 16 Nine
Mile Pt (JWP). Cedar Waxwing: heavy late May flight—225 May 25, 560 May 29,
298 May 30, 380 May 31, all DH. Loggerhead Shrike: max 6 Apr 12 DH, one of the
few predatory species reported in good numbers.

VIREOS—WARBLERS: WHITE-EYED VIREO : 1 in CV May 11 (C. & E.
Farnham) 3rd Regional record, all to date in CV. Golden-winged and Blue-winged
Warbler: 1 new colony of these species in S Onon Co; other smaller colonies in this
sector defunct. Cerulean Warbler: newly present at S Bay on Oneida L May 10

139

Species

Vireos

Yellow-throated
Solitary
Red-eyed
Philadelphia

Warbling

Warblers

Black-and-white

Golden-winged

Blue-winged

Tennessee

Orange-crowned

Nashville

Parula

Yellow

Magnolia

Gape May

Black-throated Blue
Myrtle

Black-throated Green

Cerulean

Blackburnian

Chestnut-sided

Bay-breasted

Blackpoll

Pine

Palm

Overibird

Northern Waterthrush

Louisiana Waterthrush

Mourning

Yellowthroat

Wilson’s

Canada

American Redstart

Arr date. No., Place

May 2, 1, Clay Swamp
May 1, 1, Oneida L
May 3, 1, CV
May 14, 1, CV

Apr 20, 1, Onon Creek

May 1, 3, Oneida L

May 1, 1, SSSP

May 2, 2, CV

May 3, 1, Pompey Twp

May 2, 2, Syr

May 1, 1, DH

May 2, 10, Syr

Apr 27, 1, Pompey Twp

May 1, 2, Wampsville,

2, Martisco
May 2, 2, Syr

May 1, 4, Wampsville

Apr 16, 1, DH

Apr 25, 1, Pompey Twp

May 2, 1, CV

May 1,1, Oneida L

May 1, 2, Oneida L

May 3, 1, Clark Reservation

May 12, 1, Pompey Twp

Apr 16, 1, SSSP

Apr 28, 6, DH

Apr 3'0, 1, Utica

Apr 30, 2, Tully

Apr 18, 1, Pompey Twp

May 9, 2, CV

May 1, 1, Wampsville

May 10, 1, DH, 1, CV

May 7, 1, Pompey

Apr 30, 1, DH, 1, Tully

Peak count, Date, Place

22, May 14, CV
2, May 1, Syr
18, May 14, CV
3 singles, May 16,
FHBSP, Syr, CV
12, May 14, CV

11, May 9, CV

11, May 9, CV
2, May 4, CV

37, May 10, CV-Syr
2, May 5, Onon Hill area
8, May 9, CV

10, May 2, Syr

105, May 16, HIGMA

7, May 14, CV

8, May 10, Syr,

May 12, Syr-CV '

6, May 9, Pompey
245, May 1, DH

12, May 14, CV

11, May 14, CV

10, May 9, May 14, CV
30, May 14, CV
45, May 14, CV
17, May 23, Pompey Twp

2, Apr 26, SSSP
6, Apr. 28, DH
6, May 14, CV

3, May 14, CV

2, May 23, Pompey Twp

5, May 16, HIGMA
17, May 14, CV

singles only

6, May 13, Oneida L
30, May 30, DH

Dep date, No., Place

May 20, 1, Pompey Twp
May 19, 1, Syr

May 29, 1, SP

May 29, 1, Syr

May 11, 2, Syr

May 21, 1, Pompey Twp

May 16, 1, Labrador Pond

May 31, 1, DH

May 19, 1, Syr

May 17, 2, Holland Patent
May 24, 7, SP
May 26, 1, Syr

May 26, 1, Syr
May 31, 4, DH
May 24, 1, Syr
Jun 17, 1, DH

May 10, 1, DH
May 24, 1, SP

Jun 5, 1, SP
May 30, 3, DH
May 31, 9, DH

(FGS) and at Utica (J. & B. Barker). Louisiana Waterthrush: new site at Morgan
Hill Rd in Fabius Twp at 1600' elevation May 26 (JWP). See chart below for pro¬
files of the migration of regular vireo and warbler species.

Note that 24 of the 28 warbler species sufficiently common to be charted were re¬
ported by May 3, very early; similarly, note that high tallies are nearly uniformly be¬
fore May 15, with impressive numbers of Parula, Yellow, Myrtle, Chestnut-sided, and
Bay-breasted Warblers. Conversely, later warblers (Blackpoll, Wilson’s) were very low
in numbers with the exception of Tennessee Warbler, and departures prior to Jun 1
were the order of the day; in fact, only Blackpoll and Wilson’s have Jun departure
dates. The validity of departure dates of late migrants at D'H and SP dunes is en¬
hanced by 1) the lack of any suitable habitat to hold species that might be considered
possible breeders in proximate adjacent areas (e.g. Black-throated Blue Warbler in the
Tug Hill Plateau), and 2) the lack of cover, which permits observers to check out ob¬
scure warblers and those furtive greenish females which make late spring a prelude
to confusing fall warblers.

BLACKBIRDS—SPARROWS: Bobolink: arr Apr 30 (late) 3 DH (FGS); max
220 May 16 DH (GS). Eastern Meadowlark: heavy flight in late Apr—182 Apr 17,
90 Apr 21, 60 Apr 23, 162 Apr 26, 60 Apr 30, all DH—late for such large numbers.
Redwinged Blackbird: despite huge Mar tallies, still passing DH in 10,000s thru Apr
—15,000 Apr 6, 14,000 Apr 9, and 45,000 Apr 21 (GS) and in 100s thru May with
over 500 May 16 and 75 May 31. ORCHARD ORIOLE: singing imm male May 16-
Jun 13 CV (FGS, W. Brosseau, R. Long) 1st report since 1968. Baltimore Oriole:
heavy spring flight—169 at DH May 10 (GS) and 60 CV May 14; still passing DH
Jun 19 (GS). Rusty Blackbird: max 300 Apr 12 HIGMA (FGS); dep May 16, 1
Three Rivers Game Mgt Area (P. Merritt). Common Grackle: over 4000 Apr 9
HIGMA and a whopping 10,000 Apr 21 DH (GS). Brown-headed Cowbird: Apr max
over 6000 Apr 21 DH (GS), the day of a huge and late icterid flight—? how do these
late cowbirds do in establishing territories and successfully parasitizing small pas¬
serines ?

Scarlet Tanager: arr May 1, 1 DH (S. Hosier); spring max 14 May 14 CV (FGS).
Rose-breasted Grosbeak: arr May 1, 1 near Oneida L in a great passerine wave; max
38 May 14 CV. Indigo Bunting: 2 very early individuals—Apr 23 Syr (M. L. Estoff)
and Apr 25 N Syr (KS) ; these late Apr birds are undoubtedly parallels to the late
Apr Nova Scotia overshoots, as other migrant and breeding area birds did not arrive
until May 11-16.

Evening Grosbeak: huge flight in late Apr and May with several over-100 days;
max 940 May 8 DH (GS); still passing May 31, 6 DH (GS) . HOUSE FINCH:
pair repeatedly present in Apr at Syr (D. Dawley, mob) ; also present in Oakwood
Cemetery Syr Apr 11, a male (FGS), subsequently a pair (mob) ; Apr 18 a male N
Syr (KS) not seen thereafter. Common Redpoll: heavy feeder use with 492 per 100
feeders reported on B. Burtt’s feeder survey the 1st week of Apr; also heavy Ontario
lakeshore flight with 534 Apr 9, 85 Apr 21, 140 Apr 23, all DH (mob); dep May 16
(record late) 8 Nine Mile Pt (JWP). Pine Siskin: 390 May 8 D'H (GS) and 200
May 14 CV (FGS); numerous lesser flocks last 3 weeks of May with dep May 31, 1
DH (DC, GS). American Goldfinch: heavy May flight, particularly along L Ontario,
flocks of hundreds in various woods about Syr—“The world has changed to Gold¬
finches”, and 2500 May 16 DH (GS). Red Crossbill: 1-4 per day to May 22,
residue of the 1969-70 winter flight. White-winged Crossbill: only reports are Apr 1-
8 near Oswego (CW) and 3 Apr 25 Pratts Falls in Pompey Twp (DC).

Grasshopper Sparrow: arr May 9 (late) 1 CV (CGS) ; max 5 late May Syr Airport
(DC), Henslow’s Sparrow: arr May 1 (very late) 1 Boliver; several new and older
enlarged colonies noted in the Port Byron-Montezuma area, where the abandoned
farmland is now in the 3rd year of rank grass and weed growth. Vesper Sparrow: un-
repor'ted until Apr 9 (very late) 1 Pleasant L (FD); max 20 Apr 11 Pompey (DC).

141

Slate-colored Junco: poor spring flight, especially along L Ontario—most counts 10—
40 per day with only one over 100, i.e. 150 Apr 16 SS'SP; dep May 3 (very early)
Syr (RJS). Tree Sparrow: dep May 2, 2 Oswego (G. Maxwell) and 1 Pompey (DC).
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW: 1 in vigorous song Oakwood Cemetery May 13 to
end of period (R. Artus fide B. Burtt), 1st record since 1966. Field Sparrow: arr Apr
4, 1 Pompey (FLF) ; max 18-20 per day in 1st week of May, very late but reported
by several observers.

White-crowned Sparrow: arr Apr 29, 1 CV (JWP) ; max 120 May 9 Syr (JWP);
numerous small flocks thru 1st 3 weeks of May with dep May 24, 1 SP dunes (FLF,
RJS). White-throated Sparrow: poor spring flight—10-50 per day with the only 100
count May 3 CV and Syr (JWP); rapid decline after May 12 with dep May 20, 1
Pompey (FLF). Fox Sparrow: max 5 Apr 16 S'S’SP; dep Apr 25, 2 Pompey Twp
(FLF). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 1 May 2 Lakeland (FGS) is early. Song Sparrow: no
major influx in early Apr but daily counts heavy, 30-35 regularly. Snow Bunting:
usually only scattered individuals in early Apr but flocks of over 300 in Pompey Twp
with a huge flock of 1500 there Apr 5 (FLF, DC) and 300-500 the next day; dep Apr
23, 60 DH (FGS) late for so large a number.

417 South Main St., North Syracuse 13212

REGION 6 —ST. LAWRENCE

Lee B. Chamberlaine

April and May presented us with some unusual weather. The last part of April
there were two days when temperatures were in the mid 80s and the following week
in May snow fell in the Watertown area, although it was gone the following day. April
was in general a wet and cool month with May running a close second in coolness
and wetness.

The list of unusual birds includes Harris’s Sparrow—a Regional first. Hooded
Warbler and a Golden-winged Warbler nest near the 1969 location.

Abbreviations: ED—El Dorado; PRWMA—-Perch River Wildlife Mgt. Area;
THWMA—Tug Hill Wildlife Mgt. Area.

Observers: JB—John Belknap; FC—Frank Clinch; DG—David Gordon; NCBC—
North Country Bird Club; RJW—Robert & June Walker.

LOONS—'DUCKS: Common Loon: 2 May 29 ED. Horned Grebe: April 9. Pied¬
billed Grebe: April 13. Shoveler: pair April 11 PRWMA. Wood Duck: April 15.
Canvasback: pair April 3 Fishers Landing (DG). Common Merganser: May 16 ED.
Red-breasted Merganser: May 16 ED.

HAWKS—OWLS: Turkey Vulture: 4 April 20 near Millsite Lake feeding on
woodchuck (JB) ; 1 April 25 Rutland Hollow (DG). Broad-winged Hawk: small mi¬
gration 35+ April 25 PRWMA (NCBC); 12 in migratory flight near Limerick April
25 (DG). Rough-legged Hawk: April 11 near Theresa. Osprey: May 2 Rutland Pond;
2 active nests in Redwood—Theresa Lake District (JB). Sparrow Hawk: April 11
everywhere (migration) (DG).'

Common Gallinule: April 24, Semipalmated Plover: May 16 ED (DG). Killdeer:
seem very prevalent for 2nd year in a row (JB). Woodcock: adult with three young
seen on May 22 (JB). Common Snipe: April 15. Upland Plover: April 28. Spotted
Sandpiper: April 26. Solitary Sandpiper: May 21. Greater Yellowlegs: April 16. Least
Sandpiper: May 16 ED (DG). Semipalmated Sandpiper: May 29 ED. Common
Tern: May 4. Black Tern: May 3 PRWMA. Black-billed Cuckoo: May 16 near
Henderson Harbor (DG).

142

GOATSUCKERS—STARLINGS: Chimney Swift: May 4. Ruby-throated Hum¬
mingbird: May 14 (PC). Yellow-shafted Flicker: April 15 (JB). Pileated Wood¬
pecker: 1 May 16 Sulphur Springs (DG). Red-headed Woodpecker: May 3 PRWMA;

1 May 16 at Rice’s; 1 near Campbell’s Pt; 1 near Henderson Harbor (DG). Yellow-
bellied Sapsucker: April 17.

Eastern Kingbird: May 6. Great Crested Flycatcher: May 1, early. Least Flycatch¬
er: May 3, early. Wood Pewee: May 20. Barn Swallow: April 18. Cliff Swallow: May
17 THWMA (DG). Purple Martin: April 25. House Wren: May 2. Long-billed
Marsh Wren: May 28. Mockingbird: 1 May 16 ED (DG) ; 1 May 31 near Brown-
ville (DG). Catbird: May 1 early (JB (FC). Brown Thrasher: April 25. Wood
Thrush: May 3. Veery: May 3 early. Eastern Bluebird: April 30 (JB) ; pair near
Brownville end of May raised young (DG). Golden-crowned Kinglet: April 26. Ruby-
crowned Kinglet: April 19. Loggerhead Shrike: April 9.

VIREOS—WARBLERS: Yellow-throated Vireo: May 2 Watertown (DG) ; May
17 THWMA (DG). Solitary Vireo: May 17 Tug Hill near Sears Pond (DG). Red¬
eyed Vireo: May 14. Warbling Vireo: May 2.

Black-and-white Warbler: May 2. GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER-. May 3; nest
located May 20 near location April—May 1969; 2 eggs on May 30 (JB). Nashville
Warbler: May 2 Yellow Warbler: May 2. Magnolia Waibler: May 17. Cape May
Warbler: May 10 (JB). Black-throated Blue Warbler: May 10. Myrtle Warbler: May

2 wave; on nesting grounds Tug Hill May 17 THWMA (DG). Black-throated Green
Warbler: May 2. Cerulean Warbler: May 23 Middle Rd. woods (DG). Blackburnian
Warbler: May 10. Chestnut-sided Warbler: May 3 early. Blackpoll Warbler: May 31.
Palm Warbler: May 15. Oven'bird: May 3. Northern Waterthrush: pair May 17
THWMA (DG). Yellowthroat: May 17. HOODED WARBLER : 1 middle of May
Thompson Park, Watertown (RW) (FC). Canada Warbler: May 14. Redstart: May
10 .

BLACKBIRDS—SPARROWS: Bobolink: May 11. Baltimore Oriole: May 2.
Scarlet Tanager: May 10. Rose-breasted Grosbeak: May 8. Indigo Bunting: May 23.
Evening Grosbeak: last date May 17 (FC). Purple Finch: May 2. Pine Siskin: two
banded April 25; last seen May 17 (FC). Goldfinch: April 26 male in summer
plumage (FC). Common Redpoll: last date April 12. Red Crossbill: last date May
24: four were banded—all second year birds (FC). Towhee: April 25. Savannah
Sparrow: April 26. Grasshopper Sparrow: May 15 (JB). Vesper Sparrow: April 16.
Slate-colored Junuo: April 18. Tree Sparrow: last date April 42. Chipping Sparrow:
April 18. Field Sparrow: April 19. HARRIS’S SPARROW: an immature at feeder,
on ground with House Sparrows April 26 came and went several times—very closely
observed (DG) ; this is a Regional first. White-crowned Sparrow: May 3—19. White-
throated Sparrow: April 25.

Star Route, Adams, N.Y. 13605

REGION 7 —ADIRONDACK-CHAMPLAIN

Harriet L. Delafield

Spring weather was very late this season and birds were late arriving. I think that
the beginning of the April summary, issued by Bob Kampf of the Hilltop Meteoro¬
logical Observatory at Ray Brook, is worth quoting: “The month of April came in on
a winter note and this trend lasted through until mid-month. Snow was slower than
usual going and ice also was slow to leave the lakes.” There was a warmer trend near
the end of the month.

May was as normal as possible with only one inch of snow recorded on the 6th and

143

7th. The general concensus is that the frost did not get into the ground because of the
early fall snows, so when the bare ground did appear birds were quick to appear
with it.

Everyone we have talked to, including natives in the older age category, agrees that
1970 is one of the worst Black Fly and Mosquito years in history. Unfortunately this
circumstance coincides not only with the fact that the frost did not get into the
ground, but also with the fact that this is the first year in many when the campsites
were not sprayed. Many less-informed people blame the latter occurrence for this infes¬
tation of bugs in the area. Those of us who know wilderness regions realize insects
are worse than ever in these stretches also.

In any case, we are happy with the numbers of birds. Myrtles, Black-throated
Greens and Black-throated Blues have been the most numerous warblers and we have
delighted in the larger birds, colorful or simply cheering with their bird sounds, after
a winter which forbade much intensive birding.

Brant on Chapel Pond near St Hubers, an Oldsquaw on Lake Placid and a Mock¬
ingbird on the Paul Smiths College campus seem to be our only rarities, though the
late occurrences of Redpolls and a larger number of Great Crested Flycatchers than
usual, are of interest.

Dorothy Mcllroy was in the vicinity of Blue Mountain from April 30 to May 3.
Forest Home road runs from just outside Saranac Lake almost to Saranac Inn.

Observers: EA—Elizabeth Anderson; GC—Geoffrey Carleton; GTC—Greenleaf
T. Chase; TC—Thomas Clough; ED—Ethel Dyer; HD—Harriet Delafield; JK—
Joseph Keji; MK—Marguerite Kingsbury; DMcI—Dorothy Mcllroy; RM—Ruth
Meier; HT—Helen Tyler; JT—Joseph Taylor; IW—Isabel Williams.

Abbreviations: Amp B—Ampersand Bay; B’dale—Bloomingdale; E’town—Eliza¬
bethtown ; L—Lake; LP—Lake Placid; P—'Pond; PS—Paul Smiths; R—River; RB—
Ray Brook; rd—road; SL—Saranac Lake; TL—Tupper Lake.

LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: 1 Apr 19 TL, 1 May 23 Mountain P near PS
(MK). Pied-billed Grebe: 1 Apr 16 TL (MK); 1 Apr 11 and 12 SL, 1 Apr 28 LP
(JK). Great Blue Heron: 1 Ausable Marsh Apr 10 (TC); 3 May 3 and 9 Fish Creek
campsite (RM); 1 Onchiota rd May 18 (JK); 1 May 23 Jones P near Gabriels
(MK); 1 May 5 B’dale (HD). Canada Goose: 1500 Little Chazy R at L Champlain
Apr 10 (TC); 11 Limekiln L April 30; 30 same place May 1; 200 May 2 North
Creek (DMcI); flocks May 1 thru 14 TL (RM); 150 May 2 RB (MK) ; 2 flocks of
35 and 500 May 3 Coreys (Carlson); fewer at SL, 40 May 2 (JK). BRANT: pair
May 30 Chapel P, female possibly injured (Spoffords). Mallard: 4 pair Apr 21
flooded field near B’dale (MK). Black Duck. 8 Apr 16 TL, 12 Apr 21 RB (MK).
Green-winged Teal: pair Apr 21 TL (MK). Blue-winged Teal: 1 Little Chazy R
at L Champlain (TC). Ring-necked Duck: 7 Apr 19 TL (MK) ; pair Apr 10 and 11
SL (JK) ; pair May 16 Jones P (EA, HD). Common Goldeneye: 1 courtship behavior
Apr 10 Whallons Bay, Essex Co (TC); 11 Apr 19, 1 May 3 TL (MK). Bufflehead:
1 Apr 10, 11 Apr 19, 1 May 3 TL (MK). OLDSQUAW: 1 female, good details, 8
ft. distance, no binoculars May 30 LP (JT). Hooded Merganser: 2 Apr 19, 2 May 3
TL (MK); 1 May 11 L Clear outlet (EA). Common Merganser: 10 Apr 10, 6 May

3 TL (MK).

HAWKS—OWLS: Goshawk: 1 Apr 2 TL (RM). Red-tailed Hawk: 1 Apr 7
B’dale; 1 Apr 29 Sciota (GTC). Red-shouldered Hawk: 1 Apr 29 Sciota (GTC); 1
May 1 Onchiota (HD). Broad-winged Hawk: courtship flight Apr 27 SL (EA, HD);
1 May 4 B’dale (HD); 1 May 2 North Creek (DMcI) ; 1 Apr 29 Sciota (GTC); 1
May 18 near PS (JK). Golden Eagle: some reports confidential. Marsh Hawk: 2 May

4 rd to Malone (MK); 1 Apr 26 SL (EA, HD). Osprey: 1 Apr 29 Sciota (GTC); 1
May 23 Saranac R near SL (MK). Sparrow Hawk: 1 Apr 28 LP (JK). Ruffed
Grouse: 1 May 3 TL (RM); 1 drumming May 22 RB (MK) ; 1 May 2 near B’dale
(JK). Killdeer: 1 Apr 19 TL, 1 May 6 rd Malone to Hogansburg (MK); 1 Apr 9

144

and 17 SL (JK);. 1 May 4 Gabriels (HD); 1 May 11 Saranac Inn (EA, HD).
American Woodcock: 1 May 1 Blue Mountain (DMcI); 1 Apr 9 Gabriels (GTC);
heard May 5 TL (RM); 2 Apr 28 Coreys, 3 May 3 RB (MK); 1 Apr 11 Merrillsville
(ED); 1 May 5 Gabriels (EA); 1 with 4 chicks May 26 E’town (GC). Common
Snipe: 1 Apr 29 Coreys; 1 Apr 19 (MK). Spotted Sandpiper: 1 May 18 Onchiota
rd (JK). Herring Gull: 2 Apr 23 SL (JK); 1 Apr 22 and 23 Saranac R near SL;
2 rd to Floodwood May 11 (HD). Mourning Dove: 1 Apr 2 LP (George Martin);
1 Apr 7 SL (EA, HD). Great Horned Owl: Apr 1 Coreys (Frenette).

GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Whip-poor-will: heard May 14 TL (RM). Com¬
mon Nighthawk: no numbers given May 23 SL (MK). Chimney Swift: 1 May 15, 1
May 22 RB (MK); numbers over school chimney May 25 and 26 SL (JK). Ruby-
throated Hummingbird: 1 May 12 TL (RM); 1 May 21 SL (JK). Belted King¬
fisher: seem to be up in numbers, reports from most areas. Yellow-shafted Flicker:
good numbers Apr 14 thru period. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 1 Fulton Chain (DMcI) ;
back Apr 19 TL (RM) ; back May 7 SL (HD); back Apr 28 RB (MK). Hairy
Woodpecker: 1 or 2 all areas. Downy Woodpecker: same as Hairy. Eastern King¬
bird: 1 May 3 near B’dale, 1 May 24 RB (MK) ; 1 May 11 rd to Floodwood (EA).
Great Crested Flycatcher: 1 May 22, 2 May 24 RB (MK); 1 May 5 Gabriels (HD).
Eastern Phoebe: good numbers all areas. Least Flycatcher: 2 May 24 RB (MK) ; 1
May 11 rd to Floodwood (EA, HD). Eastern Wood Pewee: 1 May 24 RB (MK).
Horned Lark: 2 May 2 Normans Ridge (JK). Tree Swallow: 1 early, Apr 9 RB
(GTC); back Apr 14 SL (HD); 100+ Apr 18 L Flower S!L (JK) and Apr 24 (EA,
HD); normal thru period all areas. Bank Swallow: 25—30 colony May 1 Inlet
(DMcI); 6 May 24 RB (MK) ; few Apr 25 thru period SL (JK). Rough-winged
Swallow: 1 Apr 24 SL (JK). Barn Swallow: good numbers all areas Apr 24 thru
period. Cliff Swallow: 25 May 3 Sabattis (MK); 2 Apr 24 thru period SL (JK).
Blue Jay: less apparent at this time of year but 1 or 2 seen daily. Common Crow:
largest number 8 Apr 1 SL (JK). Black-capped Chickadee: same as Blue Jay. Boreal
Chickadee: 1 Apr 5 Forest Home Rd (HD). White-breasted Nuthatch: 1 or 2 seen
in day’s birding. Red-breasted Nuthatch: woods all areas except Blue Mountain.
Brown Creeper: 1 Apr 20 thru 24 SL (JK); 3 Apr 23 Forest Home rd (HD). Winter
Wren: 1 Apr 17 Amp B SL (GTC); 1 May 21 RB (MK); 2 May 11 SL to Flood-
wood; 1 May 16 Mountain P near PS (HD); noticeable lack weekend May 30 L
Placid (JT). Mockingbird: 1 May 5 PS College, carefully studied close range, no
binoculars (GTC). Catbird: back May 5 SL (HD), 1 May 21 RB (MK). Brown
Thrasher: back Apr 28, 2 Apr 30 SL (HD) ; 1 May 9 and 42 TL (RM); 2 May
13 LP (JK). Robin: late, first 3 Apr 9 SL, but plentiful. Wood Thrush: 1 May 1
Blue Mountain (DMcI); heard Apr 29 TL (RM) ; 4 May 19 RB (MK); heard May

10 SL (EA, HD). Hermit Thrush: 1 May 3 Fish Creek campsite (RM); 2 Apr 28
Coreys, 2 May 22 RB (MK). Veery: 2 May 19 RB (MK); 1 May 19 SL (EA, HD).
Eastern Bluebird: 1 May 19 SL (EA); managed to get back into 1 box out of 5 Ross
Pk May 22, rest used by Tree Swallows (GTC); 1 May 24 SL, 1 May 24 RB (MK);
first Apr 16, first egg May 13 Vermontville (HT). Golden-crowned Kinglet: 2 Apr 23
Forest Home rd (HD). Ruby-crowned Kinglet: several May 1 Fulton Chain (DMcI);
1 May 3 Sabattis; 1 May 22 to 24 RB (MK) ; 1 May 4 Onchiota rd (HD). Water
Pipit: 2 May 11 Saranac Inn (EA, HD). Cedar Waxwing: 2 May 22 SL (EA, HD).
Northern Shrike: 1 Apr 9 B’dale (GTC). Starling: all areas.

VIREOS—WARBLERS: Solitary Vireo: 1 May 1, 1 May 24 RB (MK); 2 May

11 rd to Floodwood (EA, HD). Red-eyed Vireo: plentiful May 11 thru period.
Black-and-white Warbler: 1 May 20 TL; 2 May 24 RB (MK); 1 May 4 Onchiota rd;
1 May 11 rd to Floodwood (HD). Nashville Warbler: 3 May 21 RB (MK). Parula
Warbler: 2 May 11 SL to Floodwood (HD); 1 May 26 RB (MK). Yellow Warbler:
1 May 6 SL (JK). Magnolia Warbler: 1 May 9 SL (JK). Black-throated Blue
Warbler: 1 May 3 near Sabattis (MK); 3 May 11 rd to Floodwood; 1 May 12 SL

145

(EA, HD). Myrtle Warbler: Blue Mountain Lake (DMcI); small flock May 7 TL
(RM); 10 May 24 RB (MK) ; 2 May 2 to 21 SL (JK); 3 May 4 Onchiota rd, 6 to
8 May 11 rd to Floodwood (HD). Black-throated Green Warbler: 1 May 4 Onchiota
rd • good numbers SL area (HD) ; 2 May 21 RB (MK). Blackburinian Warbler: 1
May 1 Fulton Chain (DMcI) ; 1 May 21 RB (MK). Chestnut-sided Warbler: 1 May

2 and 12 TL (RM); 1 May 18; 5 May 21 (MK) ; 1 May 20 SL (EA, HD). Oven-
bird: 1 May 18; 10 May 24 RB (MK); 1 Apr 30 SL (JK) ; 2 May 11 rd to Flood-
wood (EA, HD). Northern Waterthrushr 1 May 24 SL (MK). Yellowthroat: 1 May
18; 5 May 24 RB (MK) ; 1 May 18 SL (JK) ; 2 May 11 rd to Floodwood; 1 May 16
SL (HD). Canada Warbler: 1 May 21; 4 May 24 RB (MK) ; 1 May 20 SL (JK).
American Redstart: 1 May 21; 2 May 24 RB (MK).

BLACKBIRDS—SPARROWS: House Sparrow: SL thru period (JK); probably
other instances not given. Bobolink: 8 May 24 LP (MK) ; 25 in flock May 13 LP
(JK). Eastern Meadowlark: 2 Apr 9 B’dale (GTC); 5 Apr 16 TL (MK) ; 1 Apr
17 SL (HD). Redwinged Blackbird: still in flocks thru 2nd week in Apr. Baltimore
Oriole: 1 May 21 SL village (JK) ; 1 May 2 Trudeau rd SL (EA). Rusty Blackbird:
29 May 3 Sabattis rd (MK). Common Grackle: numerous flocks thru 2nd week Apr.
Brown-headed Cowbird: numerous, flocks thru 3rd week Apr. Scarlet Tanager: 1
May 21; 2 May 22 RB (MK); 1 May 14 Saranac Inn (EA, HD). Cardinal: 1 May

3 singing North Creek (DMcI); pair May 30 Westport (GC). Rose-breasted Gros¬
beak: female May 7; pair May 13 TL (RM); female May 3 Sabattis; male May 9
RB; up to 6 thru period SL & LP (MK); female May 6 SL (Muncil). Indigo Bunt¬
ing: 2 May 22 SL (EA). Evening Grosbeak: 30 May 2 Blue Mountain (DMcI); 30
May 6; 5 pairs later TL (RM) ; 36 Apr 2 dwindling to 10 to 15 thru period RB; 24
May 3 Sabattis (MK) ; 30 Apr 13; 4 May 8 SL (HD) ; up to 10 thru period SL vil¬
lage (JK). Purple Finch: 30 to 40 by May 15 (RM) ; few other areas. Common Red¬
poll: stayed late; 2 Apr 13 Amp B SL (GTC); small flock Apr 1 TL (RM); 20 Apr
7; last Apr 11 SL (JK); last May 7 RB (MK); 8 Apr 8 Trudeau rd SL (EA, HD).
Pine Siskin: 30 Apr 14 to 18; 1 May 24 RB (MK); 20 Apr 23 Forest Home rd
(HD); last May 25 SL (JK). American Goldfinch: 1 Apr 30 TL (RM) ; back middle
May SL & RB. Red Crossbill: 4 May 24 RB (MK) ; 25 May 22 SL (JK); 10 maxi¬
mum May 25 three 31, seen feeding on Elm keys and bits of Balsam bough E’town
(GC). Rufous-sided Towhee: 1 May 10 TL (RM). Savannah Sparrow: 2 May 24
LP (MK); 1 Apr 28 LP (JK); back Apr 28 SL (HD). Vesper Sparrow: 1 May 2
Normans Ridge (JK) ; 1 Apr 30 SL (HD). Slate-colored Junco: good migratory
numbers, largest number 100 Apr 18 Vermontville (HT). Tree Sparrow: stayed late
again this year, last 1 Apr 3'0 SL (HD). Chipping Sparrow: Blue Mountain (DMul) ;
1 Apr 22 TL (RM); back Apr 30 RB (MK); back Apr 18 SL (EA, HD). Field
Sparrow: 1 May 26 SL (HD). White-crowned Sparrow: larger numbers and stayed
longer than usual, TL (RM) ; 4 May 14 thru 18 RB (MK) ; flock Apr 14 LP (JK) ;
1 to 9 Apr 17 thru May 23 SL (EA, HD). White-throated Sparrow: our companion
at home and abroad as usual, first Apr 17 SL (HD); Apr 22 TL (RM); numbers
thru May RB (MK). Fox Sparrow: 1 Apr 20 SL (EA) ; 1 all winter, there Apr 22. SL
(Barnet). Swamp Sparrow: 1 May 23; 2 May 24 RB (MK). Song Sparrow: 3 pair
per 2 acres cultivated land about average.

Trudeau Road, Saranac Lake, N.Y. 12983

REGION 8 — HUDSON-MOHAWK

Marion J. Ford

The months of April and May were about normal in temperature and precipitation.
The third week of April was cold and wet while spring really blossomed the last week

146

with temperatures reaching the upper 80’s. Migration appeared to be slightly behind
until the first week in May when the warm weather appeared to bring it up to usual
schedule. May as a whole was about normal for first dates of species reported. The
day of the Century Run, May 16th, was cloudy and cool, with scattered showers. A
total of 166 species was reported on the Hudson-Mohawk Birds Club run by 33 ob¬
servers, a new record total of species. A banding operation at Vischer (Ferry Game
Management Area covering the dates May 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, '23 by three banders
netted 58 species and 726 individuals banded. 145 Myrtle Warblers, 1T2 Yellow Warb¬
lers, 41 Yellowthroats, 39 White-throated 'Sparrows, 36 Redwinged Blackbirds, 35
Song 'Sparrows, and 33 American Goldfinches were banded with other species in small¬
er numbers. Banded for the first time this year were Black-and-white Warbler and
Blue-winged Warbler.

After a winter when many northern species were present in large numbers in this
region, many Red Crossbills, Purple Finches, and 'Pine 'Siskins were still frequently be¬
ing reported well into May. At the end of the period Red Crossbills were still present
at several locations and several streaked fledglings were seen.

Significant sightings for the period were nesting Orchard Orioles, several Double-
crested Cornorants, a Peregrine Falcon. Lawrence’s Warbler, Brewster’s Warbler, and
a Prothonotary Warbler.

Observers cited more than once: DA—Douglass Allen; HFB—Hazel F. Bundy; JB
—James Bush; PC—Paul Connor; MjF—Marion J. Ford; MF—Mabel French; CK—
Clarissa Ketcham; MK—Marcia Kent; ER—Edgar Reilly; WBS—Walton B. Sabin;
RPY—Robert P. Yunick; adbc—Alan Devoe Bird Club; hmbc—Hudson Mohawk Bird
Club; cr—Century Run (May 16).

Area compilers: Rena Dodd, Betty Laros, Clarissa Ketcham.

Abbreviations: CP—Central Park, Schenectady; ColP—Collins Park, Scotia; Col L
—Collins Lake, Scotia; Emb—Embought; G1—Glenville; Gr—Greenville; IL—Indian
Ladder; JL—Jenny Lake; Ldville-Loudonville; LH—Lower Hudson; LK—Lisha Kill;
LK6—Lock 6 Mohawk River; LK7—Lock 7 Mohawk River; Mdale Meadowdale;
Mville—Mariavil'le; MR—Mohawk River; Nisk—Niskayuna; NWW—Niskayuna Wide
Waters; PM—Peontic Marsh; Powell S—Wilson M. Powell Sanctuary (adbc) ; Reist
S—Henry G. Reist Sanctuary (hmbc) ; R and SL—Round and Saratoga Lakes; SCR
—Stony Creek Reservoir; SL—Saratoga Lake; Tab—Taborton; VF'GM—Vischer
Ferry Game Management Area; VM—Vosburgh Marsh; W G1—West Glenville;
Wvliet—Watervliet Reservoir.

LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: max 8 Apr 11R and SL (hmbc); also 8 Apr
26 Lake George (conservation officer Murray Grannell); last May 22 Mville L (DA).
Red-throated Loon: cr SL, '2 groups reporting. Horned Grebe: adult and 10—12 downy
young May 16-18 Clifton Park Landfill (RPY). Pied-billed Grebe: max 4 Col L
(DA). Double-crested Cormorant: Apr 21 Emb (JB); May 16—18 NWW (DA) ; cr,
reported by 3 groups 2 individuals together NWW. Great Blue Heron: commonly re¬
ported Apr 11 on. Green Heron: first Apr 22 Wvliet (DA) through period. Little
Blue Heron: cr (adbc) (E. R. et al). Least Bittern: 2 cr only report. American Bit¬
tern: 1 May 18 SCR (DA); 3 groups reported on cr. Canada Goose: max 1000 Apr
18 Emb (JB). Brant: cr, 2 groups reported 1 LK7 and 20 SL. Snow Goose: 3 re¬
ports in Apr, max 12 Apr 25 LH (DA). Mallard: present through period. Black
Duck: present through period, max 100 May 3 VM (hmbc). Pintail: 2 Apr 9 PM
(DA); 3 Apr 11 R and 'SL (hmbc). Green-winged Teal: reported as common Apr
and May (DA). Blue-winged Teal: reported as common Apr and May (DA). Ameri¬
can Widgeon: max 15 Apr 25 LH (DA). Shoveler: 1 Apr 12 PM (DA). Wood Duck:
present through period. Ring-necked Duck: max 20 Apr 11 (R and SL) (hmbc) ; last
date 1 May 24 S'CR (WBS). Canvasback: 6 Apr 11 R and SL (hmbc). Scaup: max
50 Apr 11R and SL (hmbc); last May 18 SL (DA). Common Goldeneye: 100 Apr

147

11R and SL (hrribc). Bufflehead: max 12 Apr H R ad SL (hmbc); last cr, 1 group
reporting. Oldsquaw: 2 reports, 2 Apr 9 Wvliet (DA); cr, 1 group reporting. Ruddy
Duck: 1 Apr 12 Mohawk River (DA); cr, 3 groups reporting. Hooded Merganser:
commonly reported, max 8 Apr 11 R and SL (hmbc). Common Merganser: several
reports, max 30 Apr 5 NWW (DA); cr, 2 groups. Red-breasted Merganser:, max 22
Apr 11R and SL (hmbc) ; cr, 3 groups.

HAWKS—OWLS: Turkey Vulture: 2 Apr 20 Indian Ladder (DA); Apr 14, 24,
26, 27 North Eastern Columbia County by 3 observers; max 10—14 May 11—29
Canaan, Chatham area (mob); cr (adbc). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 1 banded Apr 4
Burnt Hills (RPY); 1 Apr 13 Berne (MK). Cooper’s Hawk: 1 Apr 3 and 17 Berne
(MK); 1 Powell S (hmbc). Red-tailed Hawk: reported from all areas through period.
Red-shouldered Hawk: 3 Apr 5 Reist S (hmbc); 1 Apr 24 Gr (CK). Broad-winged
Hawk: several reports, max 5 May 10 Tab (PC). Marsh Hawk: 1 Apr HR and SL
(hrribc). Osprey: reported throughout region, max 6 Apr 28 LH (DA). Peregrine
Falcon: reported Apr 26 Powell S (ER). Sparrow Hawk: max 15 Apr 22 Mville
Mdale area (DA). Ruffed Grouse: several reports including “occasionally early in
morning drumming” Apr 18-30 Gr (CK). Ring-necked Pheasant: few reports; “re¬
leases of Korean race by New York State Conservation Department seen at FFGM”
(RPY). Virginia Rail: 1 Apr 25 Castleton Marshes (PC); 1 May 3 VM (hmbc); cr,
3 groups reporting. Sora: 1 heard May 6 Mdale (WBS) ; cr, 1 group. Common Gal-
linule: reported as fairly common during May (DA); max 20 May 3 VM (hmbc).
American Coot: cr, 2 groups reporting. Killdeer: common in all areas. American
Woodcock: fairly common, a nest with 4 eggs Apr 29-30 Greenport (W. L. Stock).
Common Snipe: fairly common. Upland Plover: 1 Apr 28 Mville (DA) ; max 4 last
week in May at Craig School (RPY). Spotted Sandpiper: 1 Apr 25 Wvliet (DA) ; 2
May 3 VM (hmbc). Solitary Sandpiper: May 9 VFGM (HFB); last May 18 at 3
locations (DA). Greater Yellowlegs: 1 Apr 15 Mdale (DA); 1 May 3 VM (hmbc);
1 May 17 Gr (CK). Lesser Yellowlegs: cr, VFGM 1 group. Pectoral Sandpiper: 4
Apr 22 Mdale (DA). White-rumped Sandpiper: cr, VFGM 1 group. Least Sand¬
piper: earliest 2 May 9 Black Creek Marsh (WBS); 3 May 18 Walhalla Country
Club (DA); 1 May 24 W G1 (hmbc); cr, 2 groups. Dunlin: 3 cr, VFGM, 2 groups
reporting. Short-billed Dowitcher: flock of 30 cr VFGM, 1 group reporting. Semi-
palmated Sandpiper: 3 cr VFGM, 1 group reporting. Great Black-backed Gull: 3 Apr
5 NWW (DA) ; 1 Apr 11 R and SL (hmbc); 2 Apr 25 LH (DA); last cr, 1 group
reporting. Herring Gull: fairly common. Ring-billed Gull: 100 plus Apr 5 and 200
Apr 8 VFGM “feeding on winter-killed fish in ponds” (RPY). Common Tern: 4
May 3 VM (hmbc) ; cr 1 LK6 and 2 NWW, 2 groups reporting. Black Tern: 1 May
8 VFGM (MJF); 1 May 18 NWW (DA); cr 3 LK6, 3 groups reporting; 6 May 23
VFGM (RPY) ; 1 May 28 VFGM (RPY). Mourning Dove: common, “young out of
nest and banded in yard” May 5 and 7 Nisk (RPY). Black-billed Cuckoo: May 14 Gr
(CK) ; May 21 WG1 (HFB) ; 2 May 31 Tab (hm'bc). Screech Owl: 1 Apr 5 Malden
Bridge (S. and R. Silverman); 1 May 15 VFGM “lost from mist net” (RPY) ; cr,

1 group reporting. Great Horned Owl: 1 Apr 24 VFGM (DA) ; cr, 2 groups report¬
ing. Barred Owl: cr, 1 group reporting.

GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Whip-poor-will: earliest Apr 29 Washington
Park Albany (fide Lillian Stoner); heard May 6 Clarkesville (CK) ; heard May 18
Galway Lake (MJF); heard May 18 Mville (DA). Common Nighthawk: common
during May; 1 Apr 27 Berne (MK). Chimney Swift: first sighting Apr 27 Alplaus
(HFB). Ruby-throated Hummingbird: reported through area in May; 5 banded May

2 and 8 VFGM; considered “scarce” (RPY). Belted Kingfisher: first seen Apr 11 R
and SL (hmbc). Yellow-shafted Flicker: reported through area; first Apr 2 Schodack
Center (PC). Pileated Woodpecker: reported through period in all areas. Red-headed
Woodpecker: several reports through area in May; 1 found dead May 4 Speigeltown,

148

specimen turned over to the Biology Department of SUNY at Albany (John H. Mur¬
phy) ; 1 May 12 Mville (DA); 1 May 14 East Greeribush feeder (fide PC) ; also May
8 and 30 Chatham (M. and A. Giddings). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 2 Apr 10 Lou-
donville (MF); 3 Apr 18 Nisk “indicative of migration” (RPY). Hairy Woodpecker:
reported in all areas. Downy Woodpecker: reported in all areas; “appeared to be
moving on Apr 18 with Sapsuckers” (RPY). Eastern Kingbird: reported as common
in May. Great Crested Flycatcher: first Apr 27 Berne (MK); 6 May 31 Tab (hmbc).
Eastern Phoebe: earliest 2 Apr 8 Mville (DA); 1 Apr 8 Ldonville (MF). Yellow-
bellied Flycatcher: 3 cr JL, 1 group reporting. Trail’s Flycatcher: first May 15 VFGM
(RPY) ; total 4 banded (RPY). Least Flycatcher: first calling Apr 27 VFGM (RPY) ;
5 banded May 2 and 3 VFGM, total 15 banded for period, “much more common”,
(RPY). Eastern Wood Pewee: first date May 2 Gr (CK). Olive-sided Flycatcher: 1
heard May 16, then seen May 19, and the same day another observer a few miles
away reported 1 seen (fide CK). Horned Lark: 1 Apr 24 Col P (DA) ; cr, 3 groups
reporting. Tree Swallow: first arr Apr 8 VFGM (RPY); occupancy of nesting boxes
at VFGM only about 30% as compared to 70-80% usual (RPY). Bank Swallow:
several nesting colonies of up to 366 holes in area (RPY). Rough-winged Swallow:
first Apr 22 Mdale (DA); 1 May 5 LK7 (HFB) ; 2 May 9 VFGM (DA). Barn Swal¬
low: common, first report 1 ! 2 Apr 22 Mdale (DA). Cliff Swallow: first Apr 24 Col
P (DA); 1 May 3 VM (hmbc); 1 May 9 VFGM (DA). Purple Martin: first migrant
of approximately 17 arrived about May 15, took up residence in two houses either
side of small pond G1 (Bob McCullough). Blue Jay: common. Black-capped Chick¬
adee: common. Tufted Titmouse: regularly reported. White-breasted Nuthatch: com¬
mon. Red-breasted Nuthatch: reported through area. Brown Creeper: reported over
area. House Wren: first arr Apr 24 (RPY). Winter Wren: 1 Apr 16 and 28 Mville
(DA). Carolina Wren: 1 heard May 6 Mdale (WBS). Long-billed Marsh Wren: 1
Apr 28 Mville (DA); 2 May 3 VM (hmbc). Mockingbird: reported oaer area in
preferred habitats, max 6 May 9 VFGM (DA). Catbird: first date Apr 29 (HFB)
also (MF). Brown Thrasher: first Apr 29 Schodack Center (PC); 1 banded VFGM
(RPY). Wood Thrush: “noticeable influx morning of Apr 17 when 1 banded” Nisk
(RPY). Swainson’s Thrush: 4 banded VFGM (RPY). Gray-cheeked Thrush: May 5
Reist S (HFB); cr Chatham (adbc). Veery: first May 4 Gr (CK); 8 banded VFGM
(RPY). Eastern Bluebird: breeding in preferred habitats over area. Blue-gray Gnat-
catcher: 4 Apr 25 and May 3 Catskill (JB) ; cr VFGM, 1 group reporting. Golden-
crowned Kinglet: 4 Apr 9 Nisk (RPY). Ruby-crowned Kinglet: migrating Apr 24-
27 VFGM (DA) and (RPY). Water Pipit: 6 cr JL, 1 group reporting. Cedar Wax¬
wing: first arr May 14 South Sch’dy (DA), a few seen through May.

VIREOS—WARBLERS: Yellow-throated Vireo: 2 caught May 8 VFGM 1 band¬
ed, 1 return from 1969 (RPY); 2 May 31 Tab (hmbc). Solitary Vireo: 1 May 9 LK
(HFB) ; 1 May 10 Tab (PC); 1 May 31 Tab (hmbc). Red-eyed Vireo: from May 9
LK (HFB) through May but regarded as “scarce” as only 2 banded VFGM (RPY).
Philadelphia Vireo: 1 May 5 Central Park (HFB) ; 1 banded May 2-23 VFGM
(RPY) ; cr, 2 groups reporting. Warbling Vireo: first 1 Apr 30 Mville (DA); 5
banded May 2—23 VFGM (RPY); several other scattered reports. Black-and-white
Warbler: more numerous this year than usual, 7 banded during May VFGM were
first in 4 years (RPY). Prothronotary Warbler: 1 cr N. Hillsdale (adbc S. and R.
Silverman). Worm-eating Warbler: 1 May IL (DA) ; cr, 3 groups reporting. Golden¬
winged Warbler: first May 10 N. Hillsdale (S. and R. Silverman and M. and A. Gid¬
dings) ; others through period. Blue-winged Warbler: 1 banded May 2 VFGM
(RPY); 2 May 10 Mville at unusually high elevation of 1300 ft. (DA). Brewster’s
Warbler: 1 cr (adbc). Lawrence’s Warbler: 1 May 8 Gr (CK). Tennessee Warbler:
1 May 21 W G1 (HFB) ; 3 banded VFGM (RPY). Orange-crowned Warbler: 1 male
seen singing May 9 VFGM (William Huntly). Nashville Warbler: first Apr 28
Schodack Center (PC); other reports through May; 8 banded VFGM (RPY); re-

149

ported as breeding in Mville (DA). Parula Warbler: first May 5 two locations (HFB) ;

2 banded VFGM (RPY). Yellow Warbler: reported commonly throughout area; first
migrants from Apr 27 on. Magnolia Warbler: reported throughout area; 7 banded
VFGM (RPY). Gape May Warbler: first May 1; reported almost daily through May
Ldonville (MF); 1 banded VFGM (RPY). Black-throated Blue Warbler: reported
over area; 9 banded VFGM (RPY) ; remain through summer at Galway Lake (MJF).
Myrtle Warbler: concentrated migration about May 2 reported from more than one
area; “250-300 must have passed through the very small area at VFGM where we
band” May 2 (RPY); 150 May 3 VM (hmbc). Black-throated Green Warbler: first
Apr 30 Mville (DA); 7 banded VFGM (RPY); reported through area through month.
Blackburnian Warbler: first May 2 Ldonville (MF) ; 1 banded VFGM (RPY) ; max
6 May 31 Tab (hmbc). Chestnut-sided Warbler: reported through May over area;
first report May 5, 3 locations (HFB) ; 5 banded VFGM (RPY). Bay-breasted Warb¬
ler: May 4 Ldonville (MF) ; 2 banded VFGM (RPY). Blackpoll Warbler: reported
from mid-May on but reported as “less common this spring—migration mostly com¬
plete by end of May whereas stretched into June last year” (RPY). Pine Warbler: two
reports May 9 Olana (ER) ; cr JL, 1 group reporting (ad'bc). Prairie Warbler: Apr
29 Catskill (JB) through cr, 3 groups reporting. Palm Warbler: first Apr 19 Powell
S (hmbc); last 2 May 3 VM (hmbc). Ovenbird: several reports through area; 6
banded VFGM (RPY). Northern Waterthrush: reported through May in several lo¬
cations; 12 banded VFGM (RPY). Louisiana Waterthrush: first May 7 Woodlin Club
(HFB); 1 May 18 Mville (DA); 1 May 24 near Wolf Hollow (hmbc). Mourning
Warbler: 1 May 9 N. Hillsdale (S. and R. Silverman) ; 1 banded May 16 VFGM
(RPY) ; cr, 1 group. Yellowthroat: reported throughout area in May; 41 banded
VFGM as compared to 24 last year (RPY). Yellow-breasted Chat: 1 banded May 2
VFGM (RPY); cr, 2 groups reporting. Wilson’s Warbler: first May 9 Mville (DA);
1 May 13 Gr (CK); 9 banded VFGM (RPY) ; cr, 2 groups reporting. Canada Warb¬
ler: first May 9 Olana (ER); 6 banded VFGM (RPY) ; 6 May 24 W G1 (hmbc) ; 5
May 31 Tab (hmbc). American Redstart: first Apr 30 Mville (DA); other reports
through month of May but also reported as “late in arriving in number—not present
fully until 4th week of May” (RPY).

BLACKBIRDS—SPARROWS: Bobolink: first date May 15 W G1 (HFB) ; max 4
May 24 W G1 (hmbc). Eastern Meadowlark: reported through month of May. Red¬
winged Blackbird: max 250 May 3 VM (hmbc). Orchard Oriole: several reports cr
(hmbc) and (adbc) ; successful nesting of pair in Norway Spruce in W G1 first ob¬
served May 17 and almost daily thereafter (Bob McCullough). Baltimore Oriole: first

3 May 3 VM (hmbc) ; 7 banded VFGM (RPY). Rusty Blackbird: “many” reported
from Apr 11 through month Gr (CK) ; 3 Apr 12 PM (DA). Common Grackle:
ubiquitous. Brown-headed Cowbird: throughout area. Scarlet Tanager: max 4 May 24
W G1 (hmbc). Summer Tanager: cr Chatham (adbc by M. Gunn). Cardinal:
throughout area. Rose-breasted Grosbeak: first date May 2 Ldville (MF) ; 14 banded
VFGM (RPY) ; peak numbers May 8 VFGM (RPY). Indigo Bunting: 3 reports, first
Apr 30 Spencertown (E. Wadsworth) ; May 9 Gr (CK) ; cr, 4 groups reporting. Eve¬
ning Grosbeak: seen various places well into May, last 2 May 18 Berne (MK). Purple
Finch: reported throughout Apr and May, max 70 Apr 30 Mville (DA). House
Finch: only 1 report May 3 (RPY). Pine Grosbeak: last report Apr 12 Chatharh (M.
and A. Giddings) ; last date Apr 12 Mville (DA). Pine Siskin: reports into mid-May,
max 50-75 Gr (CK) ; last 10 May 18 South Sch’dy (DA). American Goldfinch: re¬
ported throughout area; 33 banded VFGM (RPY) ; peak may have occurred Apr
19-20 (R'PY); 12 April 19 Powell S (hmbc). Red Crossbill: reported throughout May
from several areas, max 100 or more SL May 18 (DA) ; fledglings seen two locations
being fed by parent (DA). White-winged Crossbill: 1 banded Apr 4 Burnt Hills
(RPY). Rufous-sided Towhee: first Apr 8 SUNY campus (DA); max 10 May 31
Tab (hmbc). Savannah Sparrow: first Apr 9 PM (DA); Apr 25, 28, 29 Powell S

150

and Schodack (ER and L. and V. Burland) ; May 9 SCR (HFB). Grasshopper Spar¬
row: first Apr 25 Powell S (ER) ; May 9 Moe Rd (HFB) ; May 23 Alplaus (HFB).
Vesper Sparrow: 4 Apr 12 Mville (DA); 2 Apr 19 Powell S (hmbc). Slate-colored
Junco: migration movements appeared to be around Apr 19 as reported by (RPY)
and 100 or more Powell S (hmbc) ; max 150 Apr 19 Mville (DA). Tree Sparrow: last
date Apr 26 Ldonville (MF). Chipping Sparrow: reported from Apr 24 VFGM
(DA). Field Sparrow: Apr 7, 13-30 Schodack and Chatham (L and V Burland, M.
Mickle, and M. and W. Ulmer); 2 Apr 12 Mville (DA); max 4 May 3 VM (hmbc).
White-crowned Sparrow: reported from Apr 18 on through Apr in Columbia County
by 3 observers, May 10—19 “various places, many” (HFB); 2 banded VFGM (RPY).
White-throated Sparrow: migrants most apparent about Apr 14-25; reported as
breeding Mville (DA) ; present through May GL (MJF). Fox Sparrow: last seen 2
Apr 19 Powell S (hmbc). Lincoln’t Sparrow: “much more common than usual”; 12
banded VFGM (RPY). Swamp Sparrow: 2 Apr 15 Mdale (DA); 16 banded VFGM
(RPY) ; 1 May 24 W G1 (hmbc). Song Sparrow: throughout area; 35 banded VFGM
(RPY.

155 Van Buren Road, Scotia, N.Y. 12302

REGION 9 — DELAWARE-HUDSON

Edward D. Treacy

This spring was one of the more normal seasons, with temperature and precipitation
within expected bounds. April was marked by a slow rise to normal temperatures fol¬
lowing a rather cold March. May was only slightly above the long-time average tem¬
perature for the month, but precipitation was below average. The total effect was a
slow start for the season, but foliage and birds were right on time by the time May
came around.

Some contributors remarked that this spring was the best for birds, and especially
warblers, in the past five. It was not without its abnormalities though, especially in the
flycatchers. Some species, notably the Least Flycatcher, were almost absent. Yellow-
throated Vireos, always so commonly heard throughout the region, were very low in
number. Shorebirds put in a very poor appearance, with several species unreported and
others in very sparce numbers. Hawks moved through like it was the middle of Sep¬
tember, not April. Hundreds of Broadwings were reported, whereas most spring sea¬
sons produce only a few dozen migrants. The season was not without its rarities with
Sandhill Crane, Lark Bunting and two Yellow-throated and Kentucky Warblers being
about the best. Red Crossbills and Evening Grosbeaks stayed well into May, and we
even have the report of the former species feeding young at a Cornwall-on-Hudson
feeder! According to John Bull, this would make the third recorded nesting of this
species in the region covered by his Birds of the New York Area. The two former
records were made in the late 19th century.

Area Compilers: Robert F. Deed, Mrs. William Grierson, Fred Hough, Mrs. George
Little, John C. Orth, Mrs. Andrew Pink, Martin Borko.

Observers cited: MB—Martin Borko; EB—Eugene Brown; RD—Robert Deed; JD
—Jeff Daly; FG—Florence Germond; JG—John Getgood; SG—Stanley Grierson;
TH—Thelma Haight; PJ—Paul Jeheber; AJ-—Alice Jones; ML—Mabel Little; M,
JK-—Mary & Jim Key; AM—A1 Merritt; E, LM—Ed & Lana Mills; MM—Margaret
Moon; JO—John Orth; EP—Eleanor Pink; F, RS—Frank and Ruth Steffens; W,
TS—William & Trixie Strauss; EDT—Edward D. Treacy; MVW—Marion VanWag-
ner; OW—Otis Waterman.

Abbreviations: MBC—Edgar A. Mearns Bird Club; RAS—Rockland Audubon So-

151

ciety; WBC—Ralph T. Waterman Bird Club; WCC—Waterman Bird Club Census,
Dutchess Co., May 16; U'S'MA-—U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.

LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: best spring movement in years, many reports
all areas; peak movement May 15—16; max 7 May 2 over Wawarsing. Red-throated
Loon: always uncommon; 1 May 4 Cornwall Bay (EDT). Horned Grebe: more late
spring birds in breeding plumage than ever before; 4 Apr 4—18 Hudson R in Dutch
(OW) ; 1 irregularly from Apr 16 to May 20 Moodna Cr, Cornwall-on-Hudson (AM) ;
another May 24 at Katonah, West (SG) ; 1 May 10 Neversink Res (Ken Niven).
Double-crested Cormorant: 5 Apr 27 flying over Tri-Loba Hill Sanct, Katonah (SG);
1 May 13—31 on Hudson R, Dutch; 8 May 16 at Piermont Pier, Rock (RD). Great
Blue Heron: continues low; 1 Apr Tri-Loba Hill Sanct, Katonah (SG); 4 May 9
Piermont Marsh (RD) ; Tamarack Swamp nesting area in Dutch had about 8 active
nests through period. Green Heron: continues in excellent numbers; first Apr 22 at
Pleasant Valley, Dutch; another Apr 24 Rockland L; another Apr 25 USMA. Cattle
Egret: only report 2 Apr 26 in the same field along the Congers—New City Rd where
it has been reported on this same date for the last several years (F, RS). Common
Egret: always rare in spring; 1 Apr 18 Cruger Is and again on Apr 26 (EP). Night
Herons: none reported. Least Bittern: heard calling during May in at least 2 areas
in Dutch (EP, et al) ; usual reports from Moodna Marsh in Cornwall. American Bit¬
tern: has been absent from Piermont Marsh in Rock for about the fifth year in a row;
first Apr 18 near Pine Plains (JD) ; several reports after from usual louations,
GLOSSY IBIS: 1 May 22 Wappinger Cr near Poughkeepsie; second record for
Dutch (Mrs, Leo Audretsch). Mute Swan: 2 or 3 all spring at Iona Is; no evidence
of nesting (JO); these are undoubtedly an overflow of the group established farther
south in Rock. Canada Goose: excellent spring flights and many nesting locally; 1
flock of 190 Apr 26 over Rockland L was very late; hatchlings were about by May
13. Brant: another excellent spring movement, but much earlier than usual; 2 flocks
May 12 near Millbrook; another flock of about 400 May 15 near Green Haven; 20
May 14 over Bear Mt; 300 May 15 at Ft Montgomery; 500 May 21 near Hyde Park;
and another large flight the same date over Kripplebush; last report 200 May 22 near
Poughkeepsie. Snow Goose: 1 Apr 4-9 Briarcliff (EP); more than 300 Apr 12 same
area (TH); 3 Apr 14^17 near Amenia (W, TS). Mallard, Black and Wood Duck:
normal or above. Pintail: first 2 Apr 7 Sull; max 18 Apr 11 Chester (MBC). Green¬
winged Teal: max 88 Apr 11 Chester (MBC). Blue-winged Teal: 10 Apr 11 Chester
(MBC); WBC reports 2 possible nest areas, 1 near Pine Plains and the other near
Millbrook Boys School. American Widgeon: 8 Apr 11 Chester (MBC). Shoveler: al¬
ways rare; 2 Apr 11 Chester (MBC). Canvasback: 1 very late date of May 24—25
near Poughkeepsie (AJ). Scaup: 1, female, May 16 at Piermont Pier (RD); a male,
apparently Greater, at Wurtsboro thru most of May appeared to be in good con¬
dition (MBC). Bufflehead: lingered late until May 1 at Carmel; 1 male and 2 females
until May 3 at Pine Plains (EP). Ruddy Duck: 11 May 16 Piermont Pier (RD).
Hooded Merganser: more spring records than usual; 3 Apr 12 off Piermont Pier; 1
May 16 Iona Is (PJ); 1 hatchling found May 27 at Katonah by Robin Anderson
was near the area of first recorded nesting in West, June of 1966 (fide SG) ; a fe¬
male nesting dur May in Wood Duck box near Pleasant Valley (Richard and Janet
Traver); last year nested unsuccessfully in the same box simultaneously with a Wood
Duck; eggs of both species eventually collected by EP. Common Merganser: 4 Apr
21 Cornwall Bay (EDT). RED-BREASTED MERGANSER: 1 Apr 5 Cornwall Bay
(JG); 3 extremely late date of May 16 at Crugers Is (EP et al) .

HAWKS—O'WLS: An unusual spring in that some very large flights were reported
thru Apr for several species. Regular observations by Mr. and Mrs. Ed Mills at Hook
Mt Upper Nyack produced some unusual records. Sharp-shinned Hawk: all records
Hook Mt 12 Apr 18; 7 Apr 19; 19 Apr 22; 22 Apr 25; 9 Apr 26. Cooper’s Hawk: 1
Mar 34 Bashakill (MB); at Hook Mt, 1 Apr 19; 2 Apr 22; 5 Apr 25. Red-tailed

152

Hawk: no unusual movements; regular residents observed; several nesting reports re¬
ceived; 2 imm banded in nest at USMA. Red-shouldered Hawk: more reports than
usual; 1 Apr 8 Hook Mt; 1 sick ad found at Bedford Hills, West by Mrs. Wheeler,
eventually died after examination by SG; 1 pr observed nesting at Cross River, West,
young seen in the nest (Fred Stone); 1 Apr 26 Carmel (ML); 2 Apr 25 and 1 Apr
27 in Dutch (WBC). Broad-winged Hawk: most spectacular spring movement on rec¬
ord; Ed Mills reports from Hook Mt 12 Apr 4; 1 Apr 8; 2 Apr 12; 10 Apr 18; 107
Apr 19; 318 Apr 22; 343 Apr 25; 284 Apr 26; Walter Friton and 2 friends reported
652 on Apr 22 from Bear Mt and 237 on Apr 23 from Mt Anthony’s Nose across the
Hudson from Bear Mt; more than 150 observed Apr 26 on RAS field trip at Rockland
Lake. Rough-legged Hawk: 1 dark phase Apr 26 over Rockland Lk With Broad-wings
(JO). GOLDEN EAGLE : the wintering bird in Dutch last seen Apr 4; another, pos¬
sibly the same bird, Apr 20 at Bedford, West (Anthony Buzzanco & Geo. VanMarter.
Mr. Buzzanco is the naturalist at Westmorland Sanct in Mt Kisco). Bald Eagle: 2
persisted thru 2nd week of Apr at Bashakill (MB). Marsh Hawk: WBC reports 3
Apr records and 2 May; at Hook Mt Ed Mills found 2 Apr 4; 1 Apr 19; 1 Apr 22; 2
Apr 25. Osprey: more spring reports than usual; at Hook Mt 1 Apr 12; 4 Apr 19;
30 Apr 2)2; 6 Apr 25; at Bear Mt 13 Apr 22 (Walter Friton); RAS reports 30-50 on
field trip of Apr 26; usual single birds reported elsewhere thru Apr and May; last May
30 at Thompson Pd, Dutch (TH). Ruffed Grouse: normal to slightly less. Bobwhite:
WBC reports numbers down this spring no reports elsewhere. Green Pheasant: in¬
troduced last year in Dutch, seen on several occasions this spring. SANDHILL
CRANE : 1 Apr 30 over Hook Mt Upper Nyack, observed as close as 150 yds with 8x
glasses, in view for approx 10 min, circled 4 times and all field marks noted, verifica¬
tion report filed (E, LM). Virginia and Sora Rail: usual numbers and places. Ameri¬
can Coot: very few reports; WBC has only 6 Apr records and none in May. Semi-
palmated Plover: 2 May 28 below Pine Plains (TH, W, T’S). Black-bellied Plover: al¬
ways uncommon; 1 May 21 Cornwall Bay (EDT). American Woodcock: normal num¬
bers in usual locations; several continuing courtship flights into late May. Common
Snipe: normal; first Apr 1 Dutch; peak mid-April; 8 Apr 15 Dutch; 13 Apr 12
Chester. Upland Plover: 6 Apr 25 Hamptonburgh (MBC). Lesser Yellowlegs: 1 May
9 Piermont Marsh (RD) ; only 5th spring record for Rock. Dunlin: only report 1 May
17 Staatsburgh. Semipalmated Sandpiper: 2 May 28 Pine Plains. Great Black-backed
Gull: numbers excellent; continues to increase. Ring-billed Gull: Spring numbers ex¬
cellent; at times outnumbered Herring 3 to 1. Bonaparte’s Gull: 1 May 3 Cornwall
(AM). Black Tern: only species of tern reported; 1 Apr 25 Bashakill (PJ). Mourn¬
ing Dove: numbers excellent. Cuckoos: not many reports to end of period; but
abundant at the time of this writing; summer report should be of interest. Great
Horned Owl: imm found in Apr in Mountainville, Oran, nearly full grown, but still
with considerable down, taken to Cornwall Nature Museum where at last report it
was doing well; only other report 1 bird May 30 at Wawarsing. Barred Owl: 2 seen
and heard Apr 15 at Kitchawan Lake, South Salem (David Cutler) ; 2 again heard
May 3 at South Salem (Wayne Skolnick), probably the same pair. Short-eared Owl:
1 Apr 4 flying beside Rt 9W near Popolopen Bridge on the Oran-Rock line (F,
RS).

GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Whip-poor-will: all reports late; first May 10
Mine Rd USMA (EDT). Common Nighthawk: an usually early record of Apr 29 at
Mt Kisco (Wm. Grierson) ; peak 40 May 13 USMA (JG); 25 May 20 South Salem
(SG). Chimney Swift: arr early at New Paltz Apr 19 (Hans Wever); generally late
elsewhere. Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 1 Apr 26 Carmel; WBC reports 3 on WCC.
Belted Kingfisher: unusually scarce. Flicker: good numbers by Apr 12. Pileated Wood¬
pecker: absent from usual areas, very few reuords. Red-headed Woodpecker: nest¬
ing usual locales; of note is 1 May 6—7 at Cornwall (Maude Hinckel); 1 May 16 be¬
low Pine Plains (W, TS), remained in same area thru May 31. Yellow-bellied Sap-

153

sucker: movement poor in Dutch with 5 April and 3 May records; good movement
on West side of Hudson R with more than 10 Apr 11 on RAS trip near L Tiorati
and good numbers on Apr 20 in the vicinity of USMA. Flycatchers: “. . . in a
pathetic state in Rockland” (RD) ; only normal species Great Crested Flycatcher;
others lower or entirely unreported. Eastern Kingbird: early arr 2 Apr 23 Verbank;
1 Apr 26 Pleasant Valley; and 1 Apr 30 Amenia; numbers lower than usual. Great
Crested Flycatcher: first Apr 30 Hyde Park; appears normal since. Phoebe: RD re¬
ports only 1 all spring; most areas better than this but still lower than normal. Yellow-
bellied Flycatcher: 1 May 16; 1 May 19; 2 May 20, all Thompson Pd, Dutch (MVW
et al). Traill’s Flycatcher: first May 16 Thompson Pd, 1 May 23 Wawarsing; 5 or 6
pr at Millbrook Boys School May 30 (EP et al). Least Flycatcher: none found all
spring in the usually heavy birded area of Weyant’s Pd, USMA; other years produce
a dozen or more each trip; seems normal to slightly less in the area of Bashakill;
first report 1 Apr 26 Pleasant Valley (EP); 1 Apr 28 Katonah (SG) ; several Apr 29
Pine Plains (MVW). Eastern Wood Pewee: completely absent from Carmel, Putn.
(ML); first May 12 in Dutch (AJ) ; reported normal that county. Olive-sided Fly¬
catcher: 1 May 20 near Millbrook (AJ). Horned Lark: very rew reports; 1 pr May 11
feeding young near Millbrook (FG) ; another pr at about the same time feeding young
on the inner courtyard of Ramapo Senior High School, Spring Valley (EDT). Swal¬
lows: most species later than usual; numbers unimpressive. Tree Swallow: fair mi¬
gration; first Apr 12. Bank Swallow: numbers good to excellent in usual breeding
areas. Barn Swallow: numbers normal to less, first Apr 17 Camp Buckner, USMA.
Cliff Swallow: first Apr 17 Camp Buckner (JG) ; about a dozen pair nesting; 7 pr
at Upton L, Dutch (FG). Purple Martin: has not shown any increase since devasta¬
tion of several springs ago; observed near New Paltz (Robert Pyle); nesting in about
3 places in Dutch (WBC), only 1 confirmed nesting in Oran at Middle Hope where
they have been for years; formerly bred in at least a half dozen places. Blue Jay: mi¬
grating from April to at least May 16 in exceptionally large numbers. Common Raven:
seen May 13 on Slide Mt (Fred Hough). Fish Crow: 2 May 9 over Tri-Loba Hill
Sanct, Katonah (SG) ; reported increasing and expanding range in Dutch; instead
of the usual 1 or 2 records per month, WBC reports 5 or 10 a month. Boreal Chick¬
adee: unusual numbers of last winter continued into spring; WBC reports last record
first week of Apr; MBC had 2 on Apr 11 on club trip to Glenmere L, still there on
Apr 12. Red-breasted Nuthatch: usual few spring migrants; 1 May 5 USMA; 1 May
9 Bashakill; last 1 May 18 Dutch (MVW). Brown Creeper: very few reports; last
Apr 16 USMA. House Wren: late arr thru region; first Apr 26 at USMA, Kripple-
bush and in Dutch; normal numbers from that date. Winter Wren: only reports from
Dutch where numbers were good; singing from Apr 26 on at 3 locations along
Thompson Pd; singing Apr 23 near Millbrook (MVW) ; another May 5 at Roosevelt
estate, Hyde Park, another singing May 23 and 3'0 in Deep Hollow, Dutch (MVW et
al). Carolina Wren: suspected kills of last winter probably true; only report 1 Apr 26
near Rock L (RAS). Mimids: all species in excellent numbers. Catbird and Brown
Thrasher: generally late; earliest date of Apr 26 for both species. Mockingbird: well
established in dozens of localities. Thrushes: most species normal except for Swain-
son’s and Gray-cheeked Thrushes; these were in very scarce numbers. Wood Thrush:
arr Apr 26 in both Rock and Oran. Hermit Thrush: first Apr 22 USMA; 1 singing
May 23 near Surebridge and Pine Swamp in Bear Mt State Park (RAS); another
singing-thru end of period at Stissing Mt. Swainson’s Thrush: first May 2 Fishkill
(OW) ; about 8 other reports later; 1 May 16 Weyant’s Pd (A, BM). Gray-c'heeked
Thrush: unreported from most areas; only records Dutch 2 May 7; and 3 May 10
along Hudson R (AJ), 1 May 23 at Deep Hollow, Dutch (FG). Veery: 1 early arr
date, Apr 26 Dutch (FG). Bluebird: extremely scarce thru entire region; WBC re¬
ports only 12 nesting pairs to end of period. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: about our best
spring ever; first Apr 19 USMA; at least 6 birds in the vicinity of Weyant’s Pd by

154

Apr 29; at least 3 pr nesting in Dutch, 1 pr at Crugers Is, another at River Rd near
Rhinebeck and another at Thompson Pd; reported from 3 other areas but not ob¬
served nesting. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: some years abundant, but far fewer this
spring; max last week of Apr. Water Pipit: almost unreported; 2 Apr 2 Bashakill
(MB). Cedar Waxwing: almost unreported; only ones 4 May 9 Bashakill (MBC).

VIREOS—WARBLERS: White-eyed Vireo: more reports than usual, but still rare;
completely absent from Rock where a few might be expected; first May 4 near Pough¬
keepsie (AJ); 1 May 9-16 near Rhinebeck; resident bird established May 11 on Mine
Rd, US'MA; 2 reports from Ulster both May 10, 1 near New Paltz (Robert Pyle), and
1 near Ellenville (Valerie Freer). Yellow-throated Vireo: far below normal, Mabel
Litte reports she has not heard it at all in the Carmel area; first 2 May 3 Thompson
Pd (WBC). Solitary Vireo: none reported in Rock and very few elsewhere; first Apr
30 Pleasant Valley; only 4 May records for WBC. Red-eyed Vireo: only species in
normal number; first May 2, early (MVW). Philadelphia Vireo: 3 reports from
Dutch, 1 May 16 Cruger Is; and 2 May 20 Tamarack Swamp (WBC). Warbling
Vireo: first Apr 28; numbers normal to slightly less. Warblers: the best migration in
the last 5 years; movements, some of them excellent, occurred largely on the week¬
ends, May 2-3, 9-10, 16, and 22-23. Black-and-white Warbler: first Apr 25 in both
Oran and Dutch; peak May 2; numbers normal. Worm-eating Warbler: first May.2;
never in large quantities but numbers good; singing males in the usual locations in
the Highlands. Golden-winged Warbler: first May 2; normal. Blue-winged Warbler:
first Apr 30; normal. Brewster’s Warbler: only 1 report May 16 Rhinebeck (JD).
Tennessee Warbler: first May 3; less than some years but still good. ORANGE-
CROWNED WARBLER : only report 1 May 2 Fishkill (OW). Nashville Warbler:
first May 2; almost unreported thereafter, Parula Warbler: first Apr 30; normal to
less. Yellow Warbler: first Apr 26; normal. Magnolia Warbler: first May 3; normal.
Cape May Warbler: first May 7; very few thereafter. Black-throated Blue Warbler,
first early date of Apr 26; numbers good thru late May. Myrtle Warbler: first Apr 8;
several hundred Apr 29 vicinity of Weyant’s Pd, USMA (EDT) ; last, May 22. Black-
throated Green Warbler: first Apr 26; scarce to absent from some parts of region,
normal in others. Cerulean Warbler: first Apr 28 USMA; female observed building
May 13 at Weyant’s Pd, USMA, nest later abandoned and no new nest site found;
the presence of several females and males in the area thru the rest of the season and
beyond would indicate that nesting is taking place. (JG, EDT); this is the first indi¬
cation of nesting west of the Hudson R in the region; WBC reports 2 singing and
sight records near Mill'brook about % mi apart, may indicate new breeding area for
Dutch, under investigation. Blackburnian Warbler: first 3 Apr 29 USMA; numbers
less than normal. YELLOW-THRO AT ED WARBLER: 2 reports, both May 2, 1 at
Bashakill, all field marks distinguished (MM), another at Tri-Loba Hill Sanct,
Katonah (SG). Chestnut-sided Warbler: first Apr 26; normal. Bay-breasted Warbler:
first May 7; only a few reports. Blackpoll Warbler: first May 5; normal. Pine Warb¬
ler: 2 Apr 25, 1 at Thompson Pd and the other at Bashakill; never many reported
and most years completely missed. Prairie Warbler: first Apr 26; more residents re¬
ported than usual, but no nesting observed. Palm Warblem: first Apr 19; left early; no
May records in Dutch (WCB). Ovenbird: first Apr 29; normal. Northern Water-
thrush: first Apr 29; poor but better than Louisiana. Louisiana Waterthrush: numbers
poor; first unusually early date of Apr 11, 2 birds at Lk Tiorati, Bear Mt State Park
(RAS). KENTUCKY WARBLER: 1 May 13 singing on Bradley Rd, Blauvelt, same
location and date as in 1965 (EB) ; another May 21 Westmoreland Sanct, Mt Kisco
(Tom Howe). CONNECTICUT WARBLER: rare in spring; 1 May 6 near Amenia
(TS). Mourning Warbler: more reports than usual; 2 May 16, 1 in Dutch (Lee
Schaeffer) and the other Mine Rd USMA (EDT); 1 May 23 and another May 30
both seen and heard at Deep Hollow, Dutch may possibly be the same specimen (E'P).
Yellowthroat: first Apr 26; normal. Yellow-breasted Chat: only 1 report, 1 killed by

155

a car May 10 near Pine Plains (W, TS). Hooded Warbler: first May 2; good there¬
after; singing at usual locations. Wilson’s Warbler: first May 3; numbers normal.
Canada Warbler: first May 4; normal and much better than last year; late de¬
parture May 29 (JG). American Redstart: first Apr 25; numbers good.

BLACKBIRDS—SPARROWS: Bobolink: first early date of May 2; a good year.
Orchard Oriole: numbers usual to better; first Apr 30 an imm at Pleasant Valley
(MVW); another May 22 Valley Cottage; usual 2 or 3 birds known nesting in Oran.
Baltimore Oriole: first Apr 26; plentiful. Rusty Blackbird: very few reports all year;
very poor migration. Scarlet Tanager: first May 1 in most area; normal. Rose-breasted
Grosbeak: first Apr 28; normal. BLUE GROSBEAK : 1 May 23 Surebridge Swamp,
Rock (RAS) ; 3rd record for that county; all previous records in May. Indigo Bunt¬
ing: very early arrival Apr 22 in Dutch (MVW) ; did not arr in normal numbers
until May 20-23; unusual group of 9 males May 7 at Nyack Beach State Park (JO).
DICKCISSEL: 1 Apr 19 Pleasant Valley and again Apr 30 (MVW). Evening Gros¬
beak: heavy movement thru Apr; last observed May 26 in Dutch (MVW). Purple
Finch: max 15 Apr 30 at Cornwall-on-Hudson; usual few singing males thru May.
House Finch: continues to increase; imm observed at feeders May 14 to end of
period; 6 on WCC; spreading in Dutch. Common Redpoll: last Apr 15 (MVW).
Pine Siskin: unreported in Rock; but WBC reports heavy movement thru Apr into
May, 17 as late as WCC; last report May 18 (M, JK). Red Crossbill: winter num¬
bers continued into spring; plentiful thru Apr and into May; some still about at close
of period; WCC had 33; Mrs. Carol Klanka of Cornwall-on-Hudson reports a male
and female feeding 2 streaked young at their feeder from May 14—19. White-winged
Crossbill: only report 1 Apr 15 (MVW). Rufous-sided Towhee: arr most areas Apr
19; plentiful. LARK BUNTING : a male in full ad plumage May 12—13 at the home
of Thelma and Paul Haight, Stanfordville, Dutch, well observed by all top birders in
the Waterman Bird Club. Savannah Sparrow: first Apr 12; numbers good. Grass¬
hopper Sparrow: first very early date of Apr 30; only a few reported thru period.
Vesper Sparrow: first Apr 12 Oran; usual numbers and locations thereafter; 1 Apr 19
USMA is unusual for the Hudson Highlands (JG). Slate-colored Junco: last migrant
May 16 at Hyde Park; resident birds observed singing in territory May 23 (EP).
Chipping Sparrow: 2 Apr 11 Queensboro L, Bear Mt State Park (EDT); plentiful
thereafter. White-crowned Sparrow: very early date of Apr 2 in Dutch, probably not
a spring migrant; first suspected spring migrant Apr 28 (T'H); usual 1 or 2 birds
in most locations from that date thru mid-May. White-throated Sparrow: usual good
numbers; last May 23 Deep Hollow, Dutch (F'G). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 1 May 9 Basha-
kill (MBC); another May 13 Weyant’s Pd (EDT) ; another May 19 Pleasant Valley
(MVW).

Summer reports as soon after Sept 1 as possible.

Pellwood Lake, Highland Falls, N.Y. 10928

REGION 10 —MARINE

Thomas H. Davis and Lee Morgan

This spring might best be remembered for its great warbler flight. Dick Cohen has
netted migrants every day of the spring for the past four years at his Atlantic Beach
home, and his warbler totals for the years 1967 through 1969 were 328, 250, and 343
respectively. This year he netted 501, an increase of over 60%. All told, an incredible
38 parulids were recorded in the Region, including accidental Swainson’s, Townsend’s,
and Black-throated Gray. Seven Prothondtaries, 3 Orange-crowneds, 10 Ceruleans, 7
Yellow-throateds, and 8 Kentuckys were high totals for these southern and western
semi-rarities.

156

Banding data from Fire Island Light station provides much statistical information
for this report. 3959 birds of 104 species were netted here on 32 days from 28 March
through 7 June. Biggest days were as follows:

26 April—52 7 birds of 39 species, 8 maxima recorded.

8 May—443 birds of 52 species, 6 maxima recorded.

9 May—787 birds of 63 species, 18 maxima recorded.

10 May—306 birds of 42 species, 4 maxima recorded.

20 May—194 birds of 41 species, 5 maxima recorded.

23 May—222 birds of 36 species, 5 maxima recorded.

The top 10 warbler totals at this barrier beach locale were as follows:

358 Myrtle 256 Yellowthroat 148 Magnolia

113 Black-and-white 79 Yellow 66 Parula

56 Blackpoll 54 Black-throated Green 51 Redstart

41 Canada

Two other species netted at Fire Island deserve introductory comment. 240 Blue
Jays were banded 2 May—7 June with a peak of 39 on 9 May, but over two dozen
were netted on 4 dates 23 May-6 June. All of the jays captured were moving along
the beach westward in loose flocks. These figures only mirror much larger numbers
migrating inland, but this strong coastal movement has been largely overlooked as has
the fact that large numbers of jays are still migrating in early June. The second
species, Acadian Flycatcher, is southerly in distribution, breeding north to central New
Jersey. Usually one or two are recorded each spring in the Marine Region, but this
year 11 were netted at Fire Island 20 May-7 June. Two were caught at Atlantic
Beach on 24 May and 6 June, and one was netted at Huntington (date?—fide John
Bull). This total of 14 individuals of an inconspicuous, hard to identify species might
represent a northerly incursion, or could be a regular, but overlooked occurrence dur¬
ing late May—early June on the outer coast. Continued mist-netting, especially the
large-scale Fire Island operation, should provide an answer within a few years. It
should also be noted that all these Acadians were identified by a combination of wing-
formula and measurements, easily applied to this species “in the hand.” (see table #1
for further data from Fire Island Light banding station)

Despite the excellent migration, local breeding species might well be discussed in
more somber tones. Dennis Puleston writes from eastern Long Island, “Cuckoos,
Chipping Sparrows, Tree and Barn Swallows, and other insectivores are very scarce.
In fact, I have heard only one Black-billed Cuckoo so far, and no Yellow-bills. Only
one hummingbird Obviously, such local residents should be here by now. I find the
situation alarming, to say the least.”

In addition to the several warblers mentioned above, rarities recorded this season
Jnnluded only a White Ibis.

« Abbreviations used: AtlB—Atlantic Beach; FILS—Fire Island Light Station (band¬
ing data from station operated by P. Buckley, T. Davis, D. Ford and F. Heath);
JBWR—Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge; LBT—Linnaean Boat Trip off Jones Jun 7
(RP, et al) ; SBT—Scarsdale Audubon Society Boat Trip off Jones May 30 (G. Hall,
J. Moyle, T, Howe et al).

Contributors frequently cited: RA—Robert Arbib; PB—Paul Buckley; JB—John
Bull; MC—Mathew Cashman; RC—Richard Cohen; TD—Thomas Davis; SD—Steve
Dempsey; DF—Darrel Ford; HH—Howie Honig; AL—Anthony Lauro; EL—
Emanuel Levine; RP—Richard Plunkett; PP—Peter Post; DP—Dennis Puleston; AW
—Alvin Wollin; JY—John Yrizarry.

157

Table 1. Data on selected species banded at Fire Island Light station, underlined
max. are highest for Region,

Species

Total

From

To

Max.

Date

Yellow-shafted Flicker

131

Apr

4

May

14

29

Apr

18

Eastern Wood Pewee

29

May

9

Jun

7

5

May

22

Red-breasted Nuthatch

74

Apr

26

May

28

28

May

9

Catbird

145

May

2

Jun

7

58

May

9

Brown Thrasher

50

Apr

25

Jun

1

9

May

10

Solitary Vireo

25

Apr

26

May

21

13

May

9

Black-and-white Warbler

113

Apr

25

May

23

36

Apr

26

Nashville Warbler

32

Apr

26

May

20

14

May

9

Parula Warbler

66

Apr

26

May

20

22

May

8

Yellow Warbler

79

Apr

26

May

31

25

May

8

Magnolia Warbler

148

May

3

Jun

7

51

May

8

Myrtle Warbler

358

Apr

11

May

23

208

Apr

30

Blackpoll Warbler

56

May

8

Jun

6

16

May

23

Yellowthroat

256

Apr

30

Jun

7

74

May

23

Baltimore Oriole

189

Apr

25

May

28

93

May

8

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

183

Apr

25

May

23

111

May

9

Indigo Bunting

16

Apr

25

Jun

7

4

May

9

Purple Finch

94

Apr

18

May

16

62

Apr

26

Chipping Sparrow

42

Apr

18

May

20

26

Apr

26

Field Sparrow

42

Mar

28

May

28

19

Apr

26

White-throated Sparrow

178

Apr

18

May

23

86

May

9

LOONS—DUCKS: Sooty Shearwater: only one May 30 off Jones (SBT). Wilson’s
Petrel: 1000 plus May 30 off Jones (SBT); 500 plus Jun 7 off Jones (LBT)—“only
pelagic seen all day at sea.” Gannet: two sub-adults May 30 off Jones (SBT). Cattle
Egret: Jun 4 Tobay Pond (AW) ; also reported from JBWR but date(s) lacking.
Louisiana Heron: Apr 18 Orient (DP)—rather infrequent on eastern Long Isl.
WHITE IBIS: “an adult was present for two days during mid-April” at JBWR (fide
H. Johnson, “seen by several observers”)—perhaps same bird seen at Oak Beach
earlier this spring. King Eider: pair May 8 Jones (SD)—late.

HAWKS—OWLS: Bald Eagle: sub-adult May 30 Lawrence (SD). Ruff: male
May 1-5 Sagaponack Pond (PB, TD, et al)—in full nuptial plumage, displaying.
Pomarine Jaeger: May 30 off Jones (SBT). Parasitic Jaeger: l'O May 30 off Jones
(SBT). Little Gull: sub-adult May 29-early June JBWR (mob). Common Tern: first
egg at Jones colony on May 16 (P'B). Roseate Tern: arr May 1 at Shinnecock Inlet
(PB)—earliest Regional record. Royal Tern: Jun 7 Jones Inlet (LBT)—extremely
early.

GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Red-bellied Woodpecker: “pair at Crane’s Neck
continuously, where they first bred successfully in this Region last year” (D ! P); coast¬
al banding totals—(Tobay 2 May 3-10; FILS—6 Apr 26-May 28. Red-headed
Woodpecker: coastal reports—Apr 26 Jones (AW); 2 May 3—10 FILS. Downy
Woodpecker: max 7 Apr 26 at FILS. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: max 9 May 20
FILS—highest Regional record. Acadian Flycatcher:) AtlB, 2 May 24-Jun 6;
FILS, 11 May 20~Jun 7 (3 on both Jun 1 and 7)—see introduction.

Olive-sided Flycatcher: May 2 Greenwood Cemetery (MC)—ties earliest
record. Tufted Titmouse: banded Apr 13 AltB (RC)—“first ever here.”
Carolina Wren: singing bird heard near Brookhaven from May 17 on (DP) —
“first in area for some years.” Swainson’s Thrush: Apr 25 Central Park (H. Tetrault)
—earliest Regional record. Gray-cheeked Thrush: Apr 25 Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
(K. O’Hare et al)—in the winter report we discussed the hypothetical nature of

158

Christmas Count reports of Hylocichla thrushes insofar as confusion with the Hermit
Thrush is possible when Swainson’s or Gray-cheeked are reported; much the same
holds true with late-April sightings, but they lack Christmas Count competition orien¬
tation; TD still swears he saw two Gray-cheeks at Forest Park on Apr 22, I960 with
Will Astle; studied very closely, neither exhibited the tail cocking mannerism of a
Hermit Thrush; it is possibly safe to assume that occasional individuals of these two
species occur in the Region during late April, although specimen evidence is lack¬
ing. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: 12 Apr 25-Jun 7 FILS; pair nesting at Quogue Sanct¬
uary (DP)—only several known nestings in Long Isl since 1963.

VIREOS—WARBLERS: White-eyed Vireo: late migrant Jun 7 FILS. Prothono-
tary Warbler: male Apr 27 Rye (A); female May 3 FILS—photographed (TD,
tary Warbler: male Apr 27 Rye (R. Arbib); female May 3 FILS—photographed (TD,
HH); male May 3 Hewlett Harbor (B. Berliner); singing male May 10 Far Rock-
away (JB, E. Eisenmann) ; singing male May 15-21 Oakdale (B. Ward, R. Budliger
et al); also unsexed individuals May 3 at Kings Point (K. Stier) and May 24 at
Bronx Park (N. Sidman, J. Knowles). SWAINSON’S WARBLER : May 24 Heck-
scher State Park (AL)—third State record; report giving full description
received by editors: observed foraging in low vegetation for ten minutes,
crown and back contrast and underparts noted. Worm-eating Warbler: 3
coastal reports where normally rare—Apr 26 Hempstead State Park (AW) ;
Apr 30 AtlB—banded (RC); Apr 30 FILS. Orange-crowned Warbler: Apr

28- May 1 Central Park (mob) ; May 10 Northport (E. Mudge) ; May 10 Tobay—
banded (AL. Parula Warbler: arr Apr 11 (2) at Quogue (DP). TOWNSEND’S
WARBLER : male May 9 JBWR (PP, M. Longyear, Dr R. and L. Holloway)—see
Field Note this issue. BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER : male May 24 Cen¬
tral Park (R. Pasquier, et al)—see Field Note this issue. Cerulean Warbler: male Apr

29- May 2 Hempstead State Park (EL, SD); female Apr 30 Greenwood Cemetery
(MC) ; female May 2 Prospect Park (JY); pair May 3 Central Park (mob); male
May 3 Prospect Park (M. Sohmer); female May 9 FILS; also unsexed birds Apr 28
Sea Cliff (B. Spencer), May 2 Yaphank (DP), and May 5 Mill Neck (L. Schore).
Yellow-throated Warbler: Apr 26-27 Central Park (mob); May 3-4 Greenwood
Cemetery (MC) ; May 8 FILS—photographed by HH; May 9 Far Rockaway (JB) ;
two May 9-10 JBWR (mob); two (?) May 10-11 Central Park (P. Tozzi, H. Dre-
scher et al). Louisiana Waterthrush: banded Apr 25 Tobay (AL)—first one netted
at this coastal station in six years. Kentucky Warbler: Apr 26 Central Park (mob) —
earliest Regional record; 5 others seen in Central Park during May (fide PP) ; May
10 Forest Park (RA) ; May 12 Bronx Park (D. Rafferty, B. Hackett) ; May 14
FILS—collected for AMNH.

BLACKBIRDS—SPARROWS: Bobolink: 4 territorial (?) singing males May 21
Head of Harbor. Orchard Oriole: 13 May 2-28 FILS—max 5 on May 10; 11 others
reported Apr 26-May 9. Summer Tanager: May 2 Hempstead State Park (EL); sub¬
adult male May 9 FILS—photographed (HH, TD); May 16 Van Cortlandt Park
(S. Stepinoff) ; sub-adult male May 28 Tobay (L. Rems). Blue Grosbeak: male May
10 Hempstead State Park (SD); sub-adult male May 24 FILS—photographed (HH).
Dickcissel: wintering bird seen at Brookhaven feeder to mid-April (DP). Pine Siskin:
latest coastal reports—May l'O FILS; banded May 12 AtlB (RC). Red Crossbill: pair
visiting feeder to May 5 Deer Park (F. File). White-winged Crossbill: Sea Cliff feed¬
er flock last seen Apr 4 (H. Hendry). Sharp-tailed Sparrow: Apr 26 Central Park
(RP, et al)—very rarely reported away from coastal marshes.

Thomas H. Davis, 8613 85th Street, Woodhaven, New York 11421

Lee Morgan, 4 Windsor Lane, East Northport, New York 11731

159

REPORTING REGIONS

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

FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC.

1970 Officers

President

Dr. Edgar M. Reilly, Jr. ....Old Chatham, K.Y. 12136

# Vice President

Mrs. Alice E. Ulrich. 193 LaSalle Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14214

Corresponding Secretary

Miss Ada Carter..Morrisville, N.Y. 13408

Recording Secretary

Mrs. Mary Ann Sunderlin.... 505 Bay Road, Webster, N.Y. 14580

Treasurer

Mrs. Edward M. Somers.Box 7273, Capitol Station, Albany, N.Y. 12224

Editor of THE KINGBIRD
Joseph W. Taylor

20 Parish Rd., Honeoye Falls, New York 14472

Appointed Committees

Bulletin Exchange: Mrs. Alice E. Ulrich, 193 LaSalle Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14214
Conservation: Dr. Gerhard W. Leubner, 151 Upland Dr., Rochester, N.Y. 14617
Finance: Kenneth D. Niven, 61 Broadway, Monticello, N.Y. 12701
‘ Publicity:

Membership: Mrs. Ruth Williams, P.O. Box 382, Owego, N.Y. 13827

Publications and Research: Robert S. Arbib, Jr., 226 Guion Dr., Mamaronek, N.Y. 10543

Bibliography: Dr. Sally Hoyt Spofford, Box 428, Etna 13062

By:laws: Richard Sloss, 1300 Seawave Drive, Hewlett Harbor 11557

Waterfowl Count: John L. Mitchell, 345 Conrad Drive, Rochester 14616

John J. Elliott Memorial Committee: Cornelius J. Ward, 804 South Ocean Avenue, Freeport
11520

Elected Committees

Auditing: Samuel R. Madison, 326 Wellington Road, Delmar, N.Y. 12054
Guy Bartlett, 1053 Parkwood Blvd., Schenectady, N.Y. 12308

Nominating: Mrs. Ruth Williams, Owego, Ch.; John Bull, New York; Kenneth D. Niven, Mon*
ticello