THE KINGBIRD, published four times a year (January, May, July and October), is a
publication of The Federation of New York State Bird Clubs, lnc„ 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). Student membership $3.00. KINGBIRD subscription for non-members
$5.00 per year on calendar year basis only. Single copies: $1.50.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP should be sent to the chairman of the membership committee,
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SINGLE COPIES, BACK NUMBERS, and REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED COPIES from Dr. Frederick
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Second class postage paid at Ithaca, N.Y.

^KINGBIRD

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

Vol. XXII No. 2 May, 1972

61-109

CONTENTS

President’s Page.. Kenneth D. Niven 62

Overland Feeding Flights by the Common Tern

on Long Island ... Gilbert S. Raynor 63

FNYSBC Annual Meeting .. 71

Shorebird Recapture Operation .. 71

New York State Wildlife Preserves

6. Basherkill Marsh..Martin Borko 72

Visitants to Great Gull Island, N.Y. during the

Summer of 1971.Roger Pasquier and Alan Poole 75

Field Notes

Winter Records of the Green Heron.John A. Black 76

Possible Decline of the Least Flycatcher

in Northern Westchester County. Michael Gochfeld 77

Highlights of the Winter Season..... Fritz Scheider 78

Regional Reports .. ... 80

Editor — Joseph W. Taylor
Associate Editors

Field Notes — Sally Hoyt Spofford
Regional Reports — Fritz Scheider

Editorial Board

Allen H. Benton Eugene Eisenmann

Stephen W. Eaton David B. Peakall

Dorothy W. McIlroy Fritz Scheider

Circulation Manager — Frederick C. Dittrich

Cover Design — Douglas L. Howland

PRESIDENTS PAGE

When a reader turns to this page he expects to find the usual subject
matter, be it an appeal for funds to preserve some ecologically unique
area or for support of pending legislation vital to our future or for help
on some special project of the organization. However, for this column I
intend to write about something quite different.

As I contemplate the great increase of knowledge that has accumu¬
lated during the last three or four decades, as the result of exploration
and research, I am happy at the corresponding growth of interest in
many forms of natural history. With all the hustle, bustle, competition
and mad races to exploit and expand in the name of progress, it is en¬
couraging to learn that the average individual’s attitude regarding nature
has probably changed from indifference or apathy to curiosity, to genu¬
ine interest and more recently to real concern. The latter condition is
no doubt due to the writings, scientific research and warnings of many
famous ecologists. In my opinion, the writings of people such as Aldo
Leopold, Rachel Carson, Stuart Udall and Peter Farb have stimulated
interest and aroused us from our former lethargy.

Important and challenging as all these writings are, I like to think of
the saying attributed to Confucius about the one picture and the one
thousand words. This brings me to the real object of my entire disserta¬
tion. I am truly amazed when I take note of the great number of ex¬
ceptionally talented nature artists who are currently illustrating many of
our popular field guides, state bird books etc. Prior to 1930 there were
just a relatively few well known nature artists. Today we have several
dozen or more who are extremely talented in this field. There is no need
to mention their names, for they are well known to ornithologists, bird
watchers and nature lovers generally. Original paintings, prints and
sketches by many of them are in great demand and some bring very
high prices. This remarkable increase in the number of talented artists
in this field reflects the growing interest in our entire environment and
also a deep concern for our endangered species. As an added tribute to
these artists, I think that it should be mentioned that many of them are
dedicated conservationists who have given much of their time and talents
to stimulate interest in conservation and to furthering its cause.

There is no doubt in my mind but that these many talented artists,
thru their work, have fostered a greater appreciation of all living things
and have helped to give our hobby a better public image.

Kenneth D. Niven

62

OVERLAND FEEDING FLIGHTS BY THE COMMON TERN ON

LONG ISLAND

Gilbert S. Raynor

Although colonial sea birds are known to fly long distances in search
of food, such feeding flights are generally over water. However, Com¬
mon Terns (Sterna hirunbdo) nesting on small islands on the south shore
of central Long Island, New York commonly travel about fifteen miles
across the Island to feed in Long Island Sound.

Common Tern nesting sites in the south shore bays of Long Island are
normally small islands created by tidal currents or, more frequently, by
dredging operations and are most often located near an inlet between a
bay and the ocean. Colonies are seldom permanent in a given location
but tend to increase in size for some time after formation of an island.
Islands usually begin as bare sand but vegetation normally becomes
established within two or three years and after several more years be¬
comes dense enough to diminish suitable nesting area. The colony then
declines in size or the island is taken over by gulls unless additional
sand is added.

During the period and in the area covered by this study, terns have
nested on four islands (one no longer in existence) near Moriches Inlet
and on one island in Bellport Bay (Fig. 1). The fifth column of Table 1
lists the status of the Moriches Inlet colonies, as far as known, during
each year of the study. These colonies are composed largely of Common
Terns but, in some years, as many as 5 to 10% of the individuals are
Roseate Terns (S. dougallii).

Estimates of colony size were aided by information from two sources
in addition to the writer s own observations. Leroy Wilcox supplied fig¬
ures on Common Terns banded by him from 1936 through 1970 and a
tabulation was furnished by the Bird Banding Laboratory of Common
Terns banded by all banders in the block containing the colonies in¬
volved in this study for the years 1956 through 1969. The figures in the
last column of Table 1 are Wilcox’s totals through 1950 and those of all
banders from 1956 to 1970. Wilcox did not band in this area from 1951
through 1955 and data from years prior to 1956 are not available from
the Banding Laboratory so colony size is largely unknown for this period.

OBSERVATIONS

Ornithological observations have been taken by the writer at Manor-
ville, near the center of Long Island, since 1936. Through 1958, Common
Terns were observed over this area no more than a few times each year
(Table 1) and most of these observations seemed to represent random
wandering or sporadic cross-island flights. In 1959, however, well-or-

63

ganized, purposeful and frequent feeding flights from Moriches Bay to
Long Island Sound began. These have been noted each year since except
during seasons when no colony was present.

Except for a few omissions, every observation of terns over inland
areas of Long Island has been recorded. After large flights began in
1959, the time of day, the direction of flight and the number of birds
were usually recorded although, in some instances, non-quantitative
terms such as “a few,” “a flock,” or “a small group” were employed. Addi¬
tional observations were contributed by family members and other ob¬
servers. Observations were possible nearly every day except for a few
brief absences from the area but observations were not continuous
throughout the day and the number of flights recorded can only be re¬
garded as a minimum or a sampling of those that occurred.

However, significant patterns are evident from the data. In most years,
flights commenced soon after the terns returned in spring and continued
until they left in late summer. The number of birds increased after young
hatched and again after they fledged. Flights were generally northward
in the morning and southward in the evening although, in some years,
considerable travel in both directions occurred during the intervening
hours. The main flight path extended from East and Center Moriches
through Manorville to Wading River (Fig. I). A few birds were seen as
far east as Calverton and as far west as Brookhaven National Laboratory.
The writer’s home, marked by an X on Fig. 1 is near the center of this
flight path. A second flight path from the colony in Bellport Bay passed
from Southaven and Brookhaven over Yaphank and Middle Island to
the sound at Shoreham and Miller Place.

RELATIONSHIP TO BREEDING COLONIES

Reference to Table 1 reveals that organized flights did not occur
prior to 1959 although a sizable nesting population existed at Moriches
Inlet from 1939 to 1941, in 1947 and 1948 and possibly in other years
as well. From 1959 on, the number of flight days is well correlated with
the size of the breeding colony. They reached a peak in the 1960-1962
period and a smaller peak in 1967-1970 when the colony became rees¬
tablished. In 1968, many flights were not specifically recorded but notes
such as “terns flying over daily” were made periodically.

SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

Dates of first and last observations and the number of days on which
terns were observed inland are listed in Table 1. During non-flight years,
inland occurrences tended to be in mid to late summer. In 1959, flights
did not start until June 27, about the time young birds were hatching.
In all later flight years, sightings began in May, about the time of colony

64

LONG ISLAND SOUND

MILES

FIGURE 1

Map of a portion of central Long Island showing the location of tern breeding
colonies in Moriches and Belilport Bays and the flight paths to Long Island Sound.
The principal observation point is marked by X. B.N.L. indicates Brookhaven Na¬
tional Laboratory.

65

occupation, and continued to late August or September, well after es¬
sentially all young birds were flying and about the time many terns
were leaving on their southward migration.

DIURNAL PATTERNS

As mentioned above, nearly all early morning flights were northward
and evening flights southward. In 1960, for instance, 5 of 6 flights prior to
0900 were headed north. After 1600, 102 of 104 groups or individuals
were headed south. In 1967, no morning flights were observed but 37 of
38 evening flights were southbound. The exception was a single bird.
During mid-day hours, a relatively small number of flights were seen,
partly due to absence at work, but more were headed south than north.
During May and June, the basic pattern seemed to be a mass north¬
ward movement early in the morning with a few individuals and groups
returning at any hour but the bulk of the birds remaining until late in
the day. After young hatched, flights in both directions were frequent
throughout the day but still predominantly north in the morning and
south in the evening.

Relatively few early morning flights were documented since the terns
normally arose earlier than the observer but northbound flights were
noted as early as 0350 EST on June 21 and 0355 EST on June 29, 32 and
30 minutes before sunrise respectively. Evening flights usually terminated
within 30 to 40 minutes after sunset but one flight took place 63 minutes
after sunset and another group was heard flying south at 2130 on July
18, two hours and 13 minutes after sunset. However, the bulk of the
birds passed in the two hour period prior to sunset.

NUMBER OF BIRDS

In non-flight years, flock sizes observed inland tended to be small,
from one to ten individuals, although 55 were seen flying south in the
evening of August 23, 1964. In flight years, flocks travelling northward
in the morning sometimes totaled 50 to several hundred birds. Returning
flocks were usually small in the early part of the season but often in¬
cluded from 50 to 100 birds after young had joined the adults. However,
flocks often followed one another in rapid succession and an evening
movement might include several hundred birds observed from one loca¬
tion with rather restricted lateral vision. The largest flight observed took
place on August 25, 1960 when 1177 birds were counted in 40 minutes,
an average of 29.4 birds per minute with an average flock size of 59
birds. Estimating a similar rate for a brief period when observations
could not be made, nearly 1400 terns flew south in less than an hour.
Probably many more traveled beyond the range of vision both east and
west. However, it seems likely that more than ten percent of the popula¬
tion seldom took part in cross island flights on any one day.

66

FLIGHT ALTITUDE

No measurements of flight altitude were possible but estimates were
frequently made. Early morning flocks often swept north just over the
treetops at altitudes of less than 100 feet. Later northbound flocks tended
to fly at heights of several hundred feet. Evening flights varied with
weather conditions. On days with strong headwinds, flights were often
low while on days with light winds and good weather, the usual altitude
was several hundred feet. On a few occasions, birds were estimated as
high as 800 to 1000 feet. Flight altitude often varied with terrain. Terns
would fly close to the surface while crossing ponds or open fields and
rise higher when traversing forested areas. Flocks leaving Long Island
Sound, rose to a height of several hundred feet before crossing the shore¬
line since a range of hills, some as high as 200 feet, comprises the north¬
ern rim of the island. Upon reaching the southern coastline, flocks usually
dipped low and skimmed a few feet above the bay the nesting island.

BEHAVIOR

Although silent flocks were sometimes seen and others were undoubted¬
ly missed, most flocks called fairly frequently. At times, only an occasion¬
al call was given but, at others, the entire flock seemed to call almost
continuously. No correlation was noted between calling and weather
conditions, direction of flight, altitude or season. The presence of young
birds could be detected by their distinctive calls and during August,
1980, Roseate Terns may have constituted from 5 to 10 percent of the
evening flights as judged by their calls.

Southbound birds were often observed carrying fish, even early in the
season before young had hatched, but more frequently later. All ap¬
peared to be Silversides (Menidta sp.) or Sand Lances (Ammodytes
americanus ) both frequent prey of the Common Tern. Often nearly
every bird in a sizable flock was seen carrying a dangling fish but fish
were never observed on northbound flights.

Flocks often showed interest in small, inland ponds by flying low or
lingering over the water. Terns occasionally stopped to rest on ponds in
the Manorville area particularly during the mid-day period and, several
times, brief fishing forays by a few individuals were noted. No interac¬
tions between terns and other species of birds were observed except
that one southbound flight included a domestic pigeon.

Flight direction was sometimes direct but flocks often engaged in a
great deal of zig-zagging while progressing in the right general direction.
During periods of fog, flocks often seemed rather disoriented, sometimes
circled and usually zig-zagged excessively but always maintained prog¬
ress in the desired direction. On one occasion, a straight flying flock
paralleling a highway was timed for some distance with the car speed-

67

ometer at 30 mph. A light headwind was estimated at 5 mph at flight
altitude indicating an airspeed of about 35 mph. At this rate, cross-island
flights would average somewhat less than one half hour in duration.

DISCUSSION

Although the overland flights must be advantageous to the birds in¬
volved or to the colony as a whole, the advantages are not completely
obvious in the absence of detailed information on food availability and
intraspecific competition. Presumably, the flights function as a mechanism
for reducing local competition for food, particularly during years of peak
colony size but no data are available to indicate whether or not the
local area could furnish adequate and readily available food during those
years. Moriches Bay with its associated coves covers about 15.9 square
miles. A flight 14 miles eastward from Moriches Inlet (the minimum
distance traversed overland) would bring 7.3 square miles of Quantuck
and Shinnecock Bays within reach while flight to the west for a similar
distance would reach 20.8 square miles of Bellport Bay. Shinnecock Bay
was utilized to some extent for food by Moriches Bay terns. Leroy Wilcox
has frequently observed terns in numbers comparable to those making
overland flights carrying fish westward from the vicinity of Shinnecock
Inlet, a distance of 15 miles, during years when no colony existed in the
Shinnecock area. No observations are available on flights westward into
Bellport Bay but it seems to contain an abundance of small fish similar
to the situation in Moriches Bay. In addition to the bays, a fourteen mile
radius from Moriches Inlet includes about 308 square miles of ocean.
Terns are frequently seen fishing off shore but not as regularly during
the breeding season as later in the summer when, perhaps, the avail¬
ability of small fish is greater. Thus, the food gleaned from the ocean
may be small compared to that taken in the shallow water bays and,
perhaps, not as readily available as in the Sound.

The birds which reach the Sound do not, of course, confine their
foraging to the areas first reached but range widely both east and west
and well off shore. No tern breeding colonies exist near this section of
Long Island Sound although small colonies have been present for many
years further west at Port Jefferson and Stony Brook Harbors. Thus, these
birds utilize a nearly untouched food resource.

Certain observations suggest that the overland flights may be learned
behavior. In 1959, the first year of their occurrence, flights did not begin
until the hatching season, a period of increasing need for food. The
number of birds involved was small at first but increased as the season
progressed. In later years, flights started at much earlier dates, pre¬
sumably by birds familiar with the procedure from the previous yeari
In 1964, the Moriches Inlet colony disappeared but at least some of the
Moriches birds, as shown by banding recoveries, moved to the island in

68

Bellport Bay and promptly began cross-island flights from that location.
These flights were similar in timing and other respects to those from
Moriches Bay.

No evidence is available to indicate whether birds taking part in over¬
land flights during the incubation period were breeding individuals or
unmated birds attached to the colony. Since many birds evidently spent
the whole day away from the nesting site, it seems likely that these
were not breeding birds since both sexes incubate and change places
rather frequently and both take part in feeding young (Bent, 1921).
The increased number of birds and the greater frequency of mid-day
flights in mid-summer indicate that breeding birds also participate after
young hatched. When the young became able to fly, breeding adults
undoubtedly took part in the flights for young birds follow and are fed
by the parents for some time after achieving flight and many young
were included in the late summer flights.

Leroy Wilcox has kindly furnished substantiating recoveries of banded
birds. One young banded at Moriches Inlet was picked up dead in
Manorville and six on the Sound shore between Stony Brook and Bait¬
ing Hollow. Two other birds were taken on the Connecticut shore of the
Sound, one at Yonkers, New York and two in Peconic Bay. However,
some of these may represent post-breeding season wanderers rather than
birds engaged in cross-island flights. Two birds banded at Brookhaven
were taken the same season at Smithtown, Long Island, which is further
west on Long Island Sound, while three were taken in the Peconic Bay
area.

In addition to these recoveries, six birds banded at Moriches Inlet
were recovered on the north shore of Long Island between Stony Brook
and Baiting Hollow in later years. Many of these probably were birds
engaged in cross-island flights. However, only about half of all the re¬
coveries on the north shore of Long Island occurred during years when
large or frequent overland flights were observed.

Data from birds banded by Wilcox at Fire Island Inlet suggest that
overland flights may also occur further west on Long Island. One bird
was recovered at Brentwood, in the center of the Island and two on the
Sound shore. Two other recoveries in New England were in mid-Septem¬
ber and October and must represent post-breeding season dispersal.

Further investigation of this phenomenon might be fruitful as a study
in population pressure and adaptive behavior but would entail consider¬
able research effort including systematic sampling of prey items through¬
out the season in the waters involved, measurement of the area of the
Sound actually utilized by the feeding terns, sampling of fish brought
from the Sound to the colony, estimation of fishing success in each area
and evaluation of the relationships between the terns and prey species.

69

TABLE 1

First and Last Date and Number of Days on Which Gross-island Flights
from Moriches Bay Were Observed and Size of the Breeding Colony

Year

Date

First

Last

No. of Days

Size of Breeding

Colony at

Moriches Inlet

No. of Com.
Terns Banded

1936

—

—

0

Small

363

1937

—

■—

0

Small

184

1938

July 29

—

1

Small

462

1939

July 25

Aug. 10

2

Moderate

2300

1940

Aug. 8

—-

1

Moderate

1354

1941

July 20

—

1

Moderate

1344

1946

July 3

Aug. 15

4 +

Small

223

1947

May 24

July 28

3

Moderate

1277

1948

—

0

Large

744

1949

July 6

July 25

6

Small

42

1950

June 12

June 27

3

Small

83

1951

July 16

Aug. 10

4

Unknown

0

1952

Aug. 4

Aug. 13

3

Unknown

0

1953

—

0

Unknown

0

1954

—

—

0

Unknown

0

1955

Aug. 13

Sept. 14

6

Small

0

1956

Aug. 8

—■

1

Moderate

48

1957

July 27

Aug. 7

7

Moderate

384

1958

Aug. 30

—•

1

Small

93

1959

June 27

Sept. 6

19

Moderate

1102

1960

May 23

Sept. 4

44

Large

6756

1961

May 14

Sept. 6

54

Large

6892

1962

May 15

Aug. 26

39

Large

6611

1963

May 9

Sept. 9

24

Small

681

1964

May 12

Aug. 23

6

None

0

1965

July 5

Aug. 12

4

None

0

1966

May 16

May 23

2

Small

14

1967

May 18

Aug. 27

26

Moderate

1790

1968

May 4

Aug. 29

13 +

Moderate

858

1969

May 3

Sept. 1

1

Moderate

854

1970

May 3

Aug. 22

18

Abandoned during

season 0

70

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The writer is indebted to Leroy Wilcox, who banded most of the terns
in these colonies, for permission to use his data and observations, to
Dennis Puleston and Henry Halama for information on flights from the
Bellport Bay colony and to the Bird Banding Laboratory for furnishing
banding data.

LITERATURE CITED

Bent, A. C., 1921. Life Histories of North American Gullls and Terns. Bull. 113,

U.S. Nat. Museum, Smithosonian Inst., U.S. Govt. Printing Office, Washington,
D.C. (Reprinted, 1963, by Dover Publications, New York).

Schultz Road, Manorville, Long Island, New York 11949.

Plan now to attend the
Twenty-fifth Annual Meeting
of the

New York Federation of Bird Clubs
at the

Laboratory of Ornithology at Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
22-24 September 1972

SHOREBIRD RECAPTURE OPERATION

The University of Montreal is again conducting a research program to study
the migration routes of North American shorebirds.

Several species of shorebirds mist-netted on the Magdalen Islands in the Gulf
of St. Lawrence will be marked with yellow feather dye on the underparts and
yellow streamers on their legs. Sanderlings will be marked only with the leg streamers.

The collaboration of bird watchers is again requested in reporting marked birds.
Records should include the locality, date and species; the name and address of the
observer; and the band number if the bird is taken alive. Also, if possible, the
weight of the bird should be reported.

All information should be sent to Dr. Raymond McNeil, Centre de Recherches
Ecologiques de Montreal, 4101 est, rue Sherbrooke, Montreal 406, Quebec, Canada.

71

NEW YORK STATE WILDLIFE PRESERVES

6. BASHERKILL MARSH
Martin Borko

South of the Village of Wurtsboro, and lying between the westerly
Catskills and the easterly Shwangunks, is the Basherkill. Its meandering
waters and adjacent broad low banks form an extensive freshwater
marsh —the largest of its type between Montezuma and the salty Ja¬
maica Bay.

Rivulets from the Shwangunks (a hard, coarse conglomerate rock)
enter the bowels of the valley where they come in contact with its
limestone folds. Here, with the passage of time, water has carved out ex¬
tensive underground caverns. Stalagmites reach up from the floor and
stalacitites are suspended from the ceiling, growing with each drop of
hme-carrying moisture. Each drop of water passing through the rock
dissolves and delivers the lime to the glaciated valley of the Basherkill.

The lime or calcium neutralizes the shallow water of the marsh and
fills it with a myriad of microscopic plants and animals. In amongst the
aquatic vegetation, insects find sustenance and, with the sound of the
peeper, there comes transformation after transformation as adults emerge
from their watery nursery. Poised in the bushes and trees, as if they
had the ability to predict the upcoming feast, are the warblers, vireos,
and gnatcatchers. It is not unusual for a May count to turn up twenty
warblers by noon. It is a good spot to see the Golden-winged, the Blue¬
winged and both their hybrids.

On the east side of the Basherkill lies the rail bed of the defunct On¬
tario and Western Railroad. A quiet walk along the rail bed takes the
birder to the marsh edge, where he has a chance to see Great Blue and
Green Herons, American and Least bitterns, Short-and Long-billed Marsh
Wrens, the secretive Sora and Virginia Rails, the Osprey and the Bald
Eagle.

Eagle watchers should visit here from mid-March to mid-April, when
this magnificent bird comes to hunt the BasherkilTs numerous fish species
as the ice retreats.

Mergansers, divers, and dabblers join the eagles as they migrate to
their northern nesting grounds. The sound of the Canada Goose fills the
air as one hopes for a glimpse of the Whistling Swan,

Is the Basherkill unique? — no; uncommon? — yes. Wetlands — nature’s
rainbarrels — are few and are becoming fewer due to gradual develop¬
ment and an ignorance of their spiritual and materialistic value. The
Basherkill is all this plus surrounding uplands, open meadows, and a
spelunker s paradise. Yet, even this is threatened by gradual “progress.”

72

TO MONTICELLO

A PROPOSED NATURAL CAMP SITE
• PROPOSED BOAT LAUNCHING SITE
— ABANDONED DELAWARE AND HUDSON CANAL

.... PROPOSED WILDLIFE OBSERVATION ROUTE
AND HIKING TRAIL

SULL1VMLS222--

"" ORANGE

Basherkill — an excellent multiple use wildlife management area.

73

Assemblyman Ben Gilman has introduced Assembly Bill #5605. This
bill would allocate $100,000 toward the purchase of the Basherkill marsh.
This bill was introduced last year and reintroduced again this year. It
lacks a companion bill in the Senate and lacks sustained public pressure
needed for its passage.

115 South Street, Middletown, New York 10940.

Mr. Borko, a member of the Sullivan County Environmental Manage¬
ment Council and of the Federation, urges each Federation member to
write his assemblyman, senator, Governor Rockefeller and Speaker Dur-
yea asking that action be taken on the Basherkill. Ed.

CORRECTIONS OF THE MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS,
INC., June 5, 1971.

Paragraph 6, on Page 136 of the July issue of the Kingbird, Vol. XXI, No. 3.

Dr. Dittrich requested permission to exchange copies of the Kingbird with the
EBBA News, the publication of the Eastern Bird Banding Association, the Ptarmigan,
Fort Collins Bird Club, Fort Collins, Col., and the Bulletin of the New Jersey State
Museum. (Secretary’s note: see page 115 of May, 1971 issue of the Kingbird for
the complete list of exchanges.) He also requested approval for sending compli¬
mentary copies of the Kingbird to the Rogers Environmental Education Center at
Sherburne, N.Y. and to Onondaga Nature Center at Beaver Lake near Baldwins-
villej N.Y. Mr. Taylor felt we should do this. In reply to a question as to where
the exchange bulletins are kept, it was stated that they have been kept at Mr.
Taylor’s home for a certain period of time, after which they are discarded. Some,
however, have been passed on to the Laboratory of Ornithology. The council approved
the request for the exchanges and complimentary copies.

Add to list of delegates: (on page 141, line 2) Gerald A. Smith, 4173 Makyes Rd.,
Syracuse 13215, Onondaga Audubon Society.

74

Visitants to Great Gull Island, N.Y. during the Summer of 1971

Great Gull Island, located at the eastern end of Long Island Sound,
between Plum Island and Fishers Island, is a research station of the
American Museum of Natural History (see Duffy, “Kingbird,” 1970).
Several interesting records for the area were established at Great Gull
Island during the summer of 1971. Oh August 11 a Great Cormorant
was seen at close range off the eastern end of the island and was care¬
fully studied through a telescope by Helen Hays. This date is nearly a
month earlier than the earliest fall record for New York, an individual
seen on Great Gull Island September 6, 1969. Several hundred of these
birds winter on the pilings and along the rocky shores of the island.

Parasitic Jaegers regularly pass Great Gull Island during August, some¬
times stopping to pursue terns, other times flying west towards Plum
Island. The first jaegers this year were two that appeared on August 11,
one day later than the first of 1970. On August £6 twenty Parasitic
Jaegers were seen at once during a 360 degree scan around the island;
the maximum for the New York area is thirty (cf. Bull, 1964).

Besides the breeding Common and Roseate Terns, several other spe¬
cies of tern have been noted this year. As in previous years, single
Forster’s Terns appeared at the end of the summer, resting on the dock
among the Commons. Two Sooty Terns were found on August 28 after
hurricane Doria, during which winds up to 70 mph were measured on
the island. One was completely exhausted and was easily captured by
hand. It was banded, photographed, and released. This represents the
second known occurrence of a Sooty Tern on Great Gull Island, the
first having appeared after hurricane Camille on August 23, 1969 (see
Jenner, J., “Kingbird,” 1969, Vol. 20, pp. 13-14). While Least Terns breed
nearby on Gardiners Island and on Long Island, the first Great Gull
Island record was one which appeared this year on August 26. Royal
Terns were seen three times during the summer. The first was seen by
Mary LeCroy on the dock on July 27, and two were seen there on the
following day. On August 26 another appeared on the dock. Black Terns
were seen in greater numbers than during previous years, when no more
than two were seen at once. On the evening of August 26 this year at
least ten Black Terns came in to roost with the Commons and Roseates.

For birds not seen as a group, banding is the only way to determine
accurately the number of any species found on the island at once. On
August 22 seven Yellow-bellied Flycatchers were caught in two mist nets
in one quarter acre of bayberry. The maximum reported for the New
York area is eight, found at Long Beach, September 2, 1920 (Bull, 1964).

A Carolina Wren was netted and released after banding on August 19.
It remained on the island four days and sang early one morning. Al¬
though known to nest on nearby Gardiner’s Island, the Carolina Wren
was found on Great Gull Island only once before, on July 12, 1969.

75

An adult female Tennessee Warbler was banded, photographed, and
released on the island on July 14. The latest this species had been found
previously in the New York City area was June 9, and its earliest ap¬
pearance in the fall, August 9 (Bull, 1964).

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank all the Gull Island volunteers who watched
for birds on the island and manned the mist nets. Miss Helen Hays
and Dr. Kenneth C. Parkes made many helpful suggestions while this
article was in preparation.

Roger Pasquier, 235 East 73 Street, New York, N. Y. 10021

Alan Poole, “Bellwood Farm ” Geneva, N.Y. 14456

FIELD NOTES

Winter Records of The Green Heron: The Green Heron (Butorides virescens )
is considered to winter principally in Mexico and Centrall America, although there
are at least two winter records of this species as far north as Indiana: Indianapolis —
January 3, 1916 and Goshen — March 18, 1918 (Bent, 1926). Bull (1964), how¬
ever, considers the Green Heron to be casual as far north as Maryland and southern
New York.

All published winter reports of this species have previously been from the south
shore of Long Island: Queens —December 29, 1948; Baldwin — January 2, 1954
and Quogue — winter of 1961-62 (Bull, 1964). In addition one individual was noted
on the Captree Christmas Bird Count in December, 1965 (Audubon Field Notes,
1966). Prior to the winter of 1971-72 there are two unpublished winter records
for this species on Long Island’s north shore: Shelter Island — December 29, 1941
and Orient — December 28, 1942 (Latham, 1972).

This winter (1971—72) there were three sight records of the Green Heron, all
noted on the Smithtown Christmas Bird Count on the north shore of Long Island..
One individual was noted along the east bank of the headwaters of the Nissequogue
River while two additional individuals were noted along the banks of the fresh
pond at Sunken Meadow State Park.

Undoubtedly mild winters are an important factor in the winter occurrence of
this species. Latham notes that the temperature prior to and during the 1941 ob¬
servation ranged from a maximum of 54° on December 24 to a low of 31° on
December 29. Unfortunately weather data for the 1942 observation period is not
readily available. December of 1971 was remarkable for its mild temperatures
throughout the Christmas Count period, the temperature ranging in the low 40’s
on the Smithtown Count day (December 27).

The Green Heron presumably perishes with the on-set of the typically colder
winter weather. Latham notes that a green heron was found dead on March 17,
1943 on the same marsh that the December 8 record occurred.

LITERATURE CITED

Audubon Field Notes; vol. 20, No. 2: April, 1966.

Bent, A. C. 1926, Life Histories of North American Marsh Birds , Dover Publica¬
tions, New York.

76

Bull, John 1964, Birds of the New York Area , Harper and Row, New York.

Latham, Roy, Personal Communication, January 6, 1972.

John A. Black, Suffolk County Community College, 533 College Place, Seldon,
N.Y. 11784

Possible decline of the Least Flycatcher in Northern Westchester County: This
note is intended to alert observers to the possibility that the Least Flycatcher
(Empidonax minima ) is declining as a breeding bird in northern Westchester
County. It is based on rather limited observations in one locality and should not be
interpreted as proof of such a decline, for it may indicate only a local or temporary
phenomenon. However, in these times of rapid changes in environment and in
populations of animals in nature, it seems important to maintain vigilance over bird
populations and to report such changes as may seem significant.

Observations were carried out three miles east of Peekshill, New York, where
from 1954-1957 and 1960 I had carefully censused breeding birds on a 24 acre
study area. This study area comprised 40% wet second-growth woodland and 60%
lawns, gardens, and residences. The plot was 800' X 1200', with the forest running
lengthwise down the middle, providing a rather long forest-garden edge. This edge
offered suitable breeding habitat for Least Flycatchers. In addition, I made other
observations in an area of 360 acres (which included the study area), and casual
observations in an adjacent area of woodland, marsh and old field, comprising about
1700 acres.

In the 5 seasons (1954—57 and 1960) the average number of territorial male
Least Flycatchers found on the three plots was 2.2, 6.6, and 7.1. Because the cover¬
age of the three plots was quite different, it would not be proper to reduce these
figures to pairs/area. Of the total of 83 territorial males, the nest site was> located
for 34 pairs.

In 1970, during casual observations in these areas, I did not hear any Least
Flycatchers, and in 1971 therefore, I devoted considerable time to looking for the
species. I checked all of the previous nesting sites and heard only two individuals
during the spring of 1971. When I revisited the location of these two birds, I did
not encounter them, indicating that they may not have bred in the area. No Least
Flycatchers were found on the 24 acre study area where a minimum of two pair
had bred during the five initial census seasons.

It is still premature to report a definite decline of this species, but hopefully
other observers will take the opportunity to look more closely at the status of the
Least Flycatcher in coming seasons. The causes of the decline, if it is a real decline,
are difficult to determine. From 1955 to 1969 the study area received weekly spray¬
ings of various insecticides for mosquito control. Other species of insectivorous birds,
except possibly the House Wren, (Troglodytes aedon) seem however, to have been
present in normal numbers, in 1971. At least on the study area, there has been no
habitat change noted in the 17 year period, and only slight changes have occurred
in the two larger plots.

This apparent decline needs extensive study in the future, and similar data is
needed for all species of birds. The usefulness of any bird census in providing a
baseline for interpretation of unanticipated future population changes is amply
demonstrated by this report. It is, of course, possible that my findings represent
only a temporary local fluctuation, such as might be anticipated at the margin of
a species breeding range, for the Least Flycatcher is at the southern limit of its range
in southeastern New York. If significant, the cause of the change remains obscure,
and in the absence of more data, further speculation at this time seems unwarranted.

Michael Gochfeld, Department of Ornithology, American Museum of Natural
History, New York, New York 10024

77

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WINTER SEASON

Fritz Scheider

December and January seemed like an extension of the rather warm
fall and great numbers of half-hardy species lingered in snowless coverts,
especially cedar thickets, or at the numerous feeders. With February,
winter returned with impressive snow and persistent cold, a condition
that prevailed virtually throughout March. The result was the death of
many wintering individuals and the decimation of certain species (Win¬
ter and Carolina Wrens, Swamp Sparrow) and such a residuum of ice
that March waterfowl were hard pressed to find open water in which to
feed and rest. The repetitive theme of half-hardy species crops up in
numerous places, i.e., markedly increased numbers of wintering Canada
Geese (3,5,6,9) and increased numbers of wintering dabblers such as
Gadwall (1,3,5,9) and American Widgeon (1,3). Similarly the multiple
records of wintering Hermit Thrush (1,2,4,5,8,9), Brown Thrasher (1,2,
3,4,5,8,9), Catbird (1,2,3,5,8,9), and Eastern Bluebird (1,2,3,8,9) docu¬
ment the widespread response of half-hardies to milder, particularly
reduced snow, conditions.

Most diving ducks seemed average but Redheads were specifically
noted as increased in 2 and 3; most mergansers were strongly reduced
in 2,5, and 8. Hawks presented a mixed picture — only Red-tailed Hawk
numbers seemed increased across the state but reports of the smaller
Accipiters and Rough-legged Hawk were increased in the western areas
(1,2,3). No significant Goshawk invasion was noted.

In keeping with the very mild December, both Virginia Rail and Sora
were reported upstate (3,5) and higher counts of Mourning Dove were
widely noted (1,2,5,8,9). Both Glaucous Gull (1,2,5,6,9) and Iceland
Gull (1,2,5,6,8,9) numbers seemed increased but this was not a function
of the cold of the latter half of the winter as both species were present
thru the season.

A definite incursion of Snowy Owls (1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9) ensued and lesser
numbers of Short-eared Owls were reported in the western regions (1,2,3,
with a few in 5 & 9). Rare owls were just that —rare. Perhaps in keep¬
ing with the mild weather, perhaps parallelling the rising numbers of
wintering Mourning Dove, more Yellow-shafted Flickers were reported
(3,5,9) and despite the subsequent cold and deep snow, the species did
seem to persist. A minimal incursion (a minirruption!) of Boreal Chicka¬
dees produced records in 1,3,5, and 8. The number of wintering Robins
was uniformly impressive and virtually all accounts except for Adiron¬
dack sectors mention them. Likewise virtually all regions noted numerous
wintering Icterids with most commenting that the Eastern Meadowlark
faded with the heavy snows of early February and the all too common
Brown-headed Cowbird readily transferred from the waste grain of corn-

78

fields to the largesse of feeding stations with consummate ease.

Even warblers responded to the warmer weather of early winter with
multiple upstate records of Myrtle Warbler and Ovenbird in Region 1
and 2 and a Palm Warbler in Region 8.

The dominant avian event of 71-72, however, must be awarded to
the heavy incursions of winter finches — all sectors reported notable in¬
vasions of Evening Grosbeaks and Common Redpolls (plus a few Hoary
Redpolls) with good numbers of Eastern Goldfinch and Pine Siskins
too. White-winged and Red Crossbills were widespread (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9)
but numbers were much lower and in certain areas you had to frankly
hunt for them to log them in January, February, and March. Pine Gros¬
beaks were quite spotty, being apparently most common in the Adiron¬
dack and Adirondack fringe counties. House Finches continue their
spread (1,2,4,5,8) which spread, I suspect, is most readily documented
when winter hunger drives them to feeders for sustenance and survival
— and corroborating photographs! And a prophecy out of Region 10 is
already fulfilled — the Monk Parakeet, a frugivorous pest from South
America, has been reported in Region 4 and 8 and I already know of a
spring record of this species from the Ontario lakeshore.

If you didn’t like chasing frigid fringillids this season, you could al¬
ways scuttle from feeder to feeder checking on visiting western birds.
Winter 71-72 could well be labeled the winter of the western waifs and
some of the greatest rarities of the season are in this group — Sage
Thrasher (6), Varied Thrush (4,5), Bohemian Waxwing (3,5), Black¬
headed Grosbeak (5), Dickcissel (1,2,3,5,9), Oregon Junco (1,2,3,5,8,9)
and Harris’ Sparrow (2,5). Other rarities for the season include Glossy
Ibis (1), Barrow’s Golden-eye (5), Pomarine Jaeger (1), Lesser Black-
backed Gull (3), Black-headed Gull (1), Black-legged Kittiwake (2),
Boreal Owl (2), Black-backed Woodpecker (6,8), Bobolink (5), Lin¬
coln’s Sparrow (9), and Grasshopper Sparrow (3).

My compliments to the editors of Regions 1 thru 9; regretably the
Region 10 account was not available. C’est dommage!

417 South Main Street, North Syracuse, New York 13212

The Region 10 report unfortunately was received too late to be in¬
cluded in Dr. Scheider’s Highlights. It is, however, a part of this volume.

Ed.

79

REGION 1 — NIAGARA FRONTIER

Robert A. Sundell

The winter of 1971-72 can be divided in half. December and January presented
temperatures several degrees above the long-term average with precipitation several
inches below normal. February and March found these patterns dramatically re¬
versed. There was enough snowfall so that several areas experienced record or near
record accumulations. The usual March thaw was delayed until late in the month
and most of the smaller fresh water lakes and streams were still frozen until late
in the month. Predictable results were (1) the larger numbers of “half hardies”
and other stragglers, and (2) retarded movements and limited numbers of the usual
March migants.

Significant trends or points of interest were (1) slight increases in the numbers
of Common Loons and Great Blue Herons, (2) a lackluster performance by swans,
geese and most ducks, (3) increased numbers of wintering accipiters (two smaller
species) and Red-shouldered Hawks, (4) encouraging counts of migrating Red¬
shouldered Hawks, (5) good winter totals of American Coot, Killdeer and Common
Snipe, (6) record counts of Glaucous and Great Black-backed Gulls, (7) a mediocre
showing of the owls except for the Snowy Owl which was relatively common and
widespread, (8) larger numbers of wintering wrens and thrushes than in any
recent year, (9) a surprisingly modest showing of icterids in view of the mild
weather, (10) an excellent flight of all the winter finches featuring genuine in¬
vasions by thousands of Evening Grosbeaks and Common Redpolls (11) fair to good
numbers of the most of sparrows, (12) low numbers of Snow Buntings compared
with most winters.

Rarities recorded were the Glossy Ibis, Mute Swan, Golden Eagle, Peregrine
Falcon, Red Phalarope, Pomarine Jaeger, Black-headed Gull, Boreal Chickadee, Oven-
bird, Dickcissel, House Finch and Hoary Redpoll.

Abbreviations: Bflo—Buffalo; BOS—Buffalo Ornithological Society; CC—Christ¬
mas Count; Chaut—Chautauqua; Co—County; INWR—Iroquois National Wildlife
Refuge; Nia—Niagara; obs—observers; Ont—Ontario.

Contributors: R(P)A—Robert (Patricia) Andrle; HR A—Harold and Rachel Ax-
tell; NB—Nina Bates; PB—Paul Benham; TB—Thomas Bourne; LDB—Lou and
Doris Burton; DC-—Douglas Carlson; FE—Flora Elderkin; PH—Paul Hess; WHK—
Walter and Harriette Klabunde; CK—Clarence Klingensmith; WAM—Willard and
Alice McKale; HDM—Harold D. Mitchell; JM—John Morse; OO—Odmund Ol¬
sen; WGS—William and George Smith; RS—Robert Sundell; OS—Ora Swanson.

LOONS—DUCKS: Compared with any recent year, the 4 Common Loons at
three localities in Jan is unmatched. Red-necked Grebes were observed repeatedly
in Dunkirk Harbor between Feb 22 and Mar 21 with a peak of 4 Mar 12 (WAM
et al). As usual Pied-billed Grebes were found on Southern Tier county streams
and rivers as long as they remained open, in addition to the Nia River and Dunkirk
Harbor. Great Blue Herons were liberally represented throughout the winter with a
near-record count of 6 Dec 19 on the Grand Island (BOS) CC and 5 at 4 localities
during Feb when this species is usually rare. The Black-crowned Night Heron,
however was unreported suggesting the possibility of contamination or loss of winter
food in this area. An extraordinary straggler was a GLOSSY IBIS on the Genesee
River at Scio Dec 21 (Dodson, Lucott) and Dec 24 (L. and M. Pendleton), the
latest date for the region by about 20 days. The uncommon to rare MUTE SWAN
was reported Mar 18, 25, 28 north of Caneadea (LDB et al). Several late flocks
of Whistling Swans were observed on the southern half of Chaut Lake—17 on the
Jamestown CC Dec 26, 76 Jan 1 (FE), 100 Jan 11 (Eckberg); the spring over-

80

flight was apparently concentrated in the period Mar 21-23 with a maximum
count of only 170 Mar 23 on the Allegheny Reservoir (FE). Canada Geese at the
Oak Orchard refuge complex ranged between 1000 and 2000 until early Feb but
declined to 300 by Feb 11 (JM et al) with the onset of severe weather; the highest
count during Mar was 25,400 on the 31st at INWR (JM). A few Snow and Blue
Geese were reported late in Mar with 3 of each species Mar 25 at INWR (JM
et al). Significant winter counts of ducks on the Grand Island (BOS) CC Dec 19
included 64 Gadwall, 191 American Widgeon, 147 Redhead, 7728 Canvasback (near
average), 242 Greater Scaup (second lowest since 1933), 812 Bufflhead, 4376 Com¬
mon Merganser, 2 Red-breasted Merganser (lowest ever). A count of 70 Pintail over
Dunkirk Mar 21 in the highest ever for that locality. Single Green-winged Teal
wintered in the Forest Lawn Cemetary, Bflo (many obs) and along the Frissell
Road, Frusburg (RS et al). The first mid winter record of the Shoveler was an indi¬
vidual Feb 16 in the Forest Lawn Cemetary, Bflo (Emersons). Wood Ducks win¬
tered at Belmont, Allegany and Jamestown. Most of the counts of diving ducks
were about average or below except for a few previously mentioned. Good counts
of migrating White-winged Scoters on Lake Ont occurred on Mar 11 with 125 at
Point Breeze and 130 off Yates Township (WAM et al) and off the mouth of the
Nia River Mar 20 (RA, Thill). Four Ruddy Ducks in Dunkirk Harbor Jan 20-31
(DC) were unseasonal.

HAWKS—OWLS: Numbers of the two smaller accipiters seem to have increased
significantly over recent winters. For example, 5 Sharp-shins and 12 Cooper’s Hawks
were reported from scattered locations. Significant counts of wintering hawks were
45 Red-tails on the Grand Island (BOS) CC Dec 19, 51 Red-tails Dec 27 on the
INWR CC, 38 Rough-legs during Feb in the Lyndonville area (WGS), 14 Rough-
legs Jan 29 near Centerville (LDB et al), 10 Marsh Hawks Jan 1 on the Allegany
Co CC. More Red-shouldered Hawks were reported this winter than ever with 1-2
seen occasionally at INWR (JM,00), 2 Jan 4 near Gerry (RS) and singles Feb 10
at Stockton (OS,NB) and Feb 17 at Cherry Creek (OS,NB, R. Olson). A GOLDEN
EAGLE was seen Mar 29 over Lewiston (Klabunde). An immature Bald Eagle oc¬
curred Jan 8 at INWR (Meddaugh). The first PEREGRINE FALCON reported in
several years was seen Dec 5 along the Nia River near Lewiston (many obs) and
also on Grand Island (Rew). A significant movement occurred Mar 21 over Hanover,
Dunkirk and Sheridan Townships, Chaut Co 55 Red-tailed, 130 Red-shouldered
Hawks, 6 Marsh, 15 Sparrow Hawks (RPA). Still another encouraging count of
Red-shouldered Hawks was 74 over Youngstown Mar 29 (WHK).

A substantial count of Ring-necked Pheasants was 100 Mar 9 along Lake Ont
from Wilson to Point Breeze (WHK). Record or near-record counts of the American
Coot were obtained for Dunkirk Harbor with 41 Jan 22 and 44 Feb 17 (DC). As
usual, a few Killdeer and Common Snipe wintered successfully in Chaut Co with
maximum counts of 4 Killdeer on Jan 31 at Claks Corners (Moe) and 5 snipe at
Towerville Mar 1 (DC). The first regional record of the RED PHALAROPE for
Jan was an individual Jan 1 in Dunkirk Harbor (DC) on the Dunkirk CC; this
species has wintered successfully on Lake Ont at Rochester recently.

The rare and irregular POMARINE JAEGER was observed Dec 16 at Bay View
(TB). Record high counts of Glaucous and Great Black-backed Gulls at Nia Falls,
Ont are included here because some of the birds were in New York and they move
freely back and forth across the international boundary. On Jan 13 (HRA) and on
Jan 23 (PB et al) 23 Glaucous Gulls were recorded while 230 Great Black-backed
Gulls were counted Jan 19 (HRA). A maximum of 4 Iceland Gulls was noted
during Jan at the same location (HRA). A BLACK-HEADED GULL was seen
Dec 4 in the Queenston, Ont—Lewiston, N.Y. area of the Nia River (HDM et al).
The first Jan Franklin’s Gull was observed Jan 15-24 on the Nia River across from

81

Bflo (many obs). The highest ever Jan count of Bonaparte’s Gull was an estimate
of 8000 on the -Nia River on Jan 13 (HRA). A count of 4 adult and .2 immature
Little Gulls on the Queenston, Ont—Lewiston section of the Nia River Feb 2 (HRA)
was both large and late.

Wintering concentrations of the Mourning Dove were substantial and widespread
with maximum counts of 160 Dec 27 on the INWR CC and 147 Jan 2 on the
Hamburg-East Aurora CC. The decidedly uncommon Barn Owl was also reported
on the last mentioned CC. The Snowy Owl was well represented by inany indi¬
viduals well scattered throughout the region and a superb maximum count of 7 on
Feb 27 in the Lyndonville area (WGS), The Lake Ont plain produced four records
of 6 Long-eared Owls, slightly higher than in recent winters. Short-eared Owls
were also recorded from the Lake Ont plain or Erie Co with a maximum of 30 at
Alden on Feb 12 (Wolfling). A Saw-whet Owl was reported Feb 4 at Hamburg
(TB).

GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: The Red-bellied Woodpecker was noted in two
areas where it is still very rare — Dec 19 (WAM) and Jan 4 (PB) in Beaver
Island State Park on the Nia River and visiting a feeder in Jamestown Jan 22-Feb
18 (Morrell). As in past winters a few Red-headed Woodpeckers and Yellow-bellied
Sapsuckers were observed; the former was represented throughout the winter by
singles at INWR (several obs) and at a feeder during Feb at Clarks Corners (several
obs) while a sapsucker survived at a feeder in Allegany State Park (several obs).

A BOREAL CHICKADEE was noted this winter Dec. 26, 27 (WAM, Karkak)
and Jan 8 (WAM) and 15 (Goodman, Wilcove, Zehr) in Acacia Park Cemetery,
Pendleton where a bird was reported last winter. Red-breasted Nuthatches were
more widely distributed than last winter with many individuals or pairs visiting
feeders and a maximum of 14 on Jan 12 in the Alfred area (CK, Brooks). At least
3 Winter Wrens were noted during the winter on the Lake Ont plain (several obs)
while the Carolina Wren was noted in at least 6 localities throughout the winter
but suffered some mortality during the severe Feb and Mar weather. The Mocking¬
bird was reported from only 4 locations this winter compared with 9 last winter.
A Catbird was reported again this year on the Hamburg-East Aurora CC Jan 1
while 5 Brown Thrashers were noted at scattered locations.

Substantial numbers of Robins were observed including a maximum of 43 Dec 27
on the INWR CC. Winter records of the Hermit Thrush included singles on Grand
Island Dec 14 (WHK) and 19 (WAM), Jan 16 Jerusalem Corners (RPA), Jan 29
at a feeder in Spring Brook (Danner) and Mar 5 Batavia (Masons). For the first
time in many years wintering Eastern Bluebirds were reported — 5 Dec 12 in
Evans Township and 7 Jan 4 at Evans (Coggeshall, Hauser); 4 Jan 18 on Hartland
Road, Somerset (HRA) ; 1 Feb 1, 15 INWR (OO). The only Ruby-crowned Kinglet
was seen on the Grand Island (BOS) CC Dec 19. An early Water Pipit was seen
Mar 11 at Towerville (DC). The maximum number of Cedar Waxwings reported
was 393 on Jan 1 Allegany Co CC. An excellent flight of Northern Shrikes found
these birds scattered throughout the area during the winter with a high count of
5 on the Hamburg-East Aurora CC Jan 2. The first Loggerhead Shrike arrived on
Mar 19 at Clarence (WAM).

VIREOS—-SPARROWS: Predictable because of the relatively mild fall weather
were lingering Myrtle Warblers with 1 on the Grand Island (BOS) CC Dec 19
and 19 on the Jamestown CC Dec 26. Unexpected and totally unprecedented,
however, was an OVENBIRD which lived on mixed wild bird seed at a feeder and
roosted in a garage in Fillmore Dec 1-Feb 14 (many obs) ; many detailed verifica¬
tion reports were submitted and are on file in the Buffalo Museum of Science.

Far fewer Eastern Meadowlarks than during recent similarly mild winters were
reported with the peak only 42 Dec 27 on the INWR CC; a noteworthy count of

82

returning spring migrants was 128 over Lake View on Mar 21 (PH). Larger

flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds than usual were observed with 30 Jan 1 on the
Allegany Co CC and 47 Jan 2 at Griffin Lane, Elma (Wendlings). Two Baltimore
Orioles were reported at feeders, Dec 16 at Riverside, Bflo (HDM et al) and Jan 16
in Boston (Dodges, Jones). Rusty Blackbirds were seen on two CCs — Dec 19 Grand
Island and Dec 26 Jamestown; individuals were noted Jan 1 (JM,00) and Feb 16
(PH) at INWR and at Tift Street marsh, Bflo Feb 6 (RPA). An unusual mid¬
winter concentration of Common Grackles was a flock of 12 on Jan 20 in the Town
of Alma (LDB). The only large winter flocks of cowbirds were 132 and 111 on Jan
1 Scio and Allegany Co CCs. Returning flocks of several hundred Red-wings and
grackles appeared in the Frewsburg area on Mar 2 (FE).

DICKCISSELS were reported at three feeders in Allegany Co but the only
verified record was of an adult male Jan 1 in Wellsville (Ferrands ) which was also
reported Dec 19 and Jan 4 and 6. A fine invasion of Evening Grosbeaks involving
thousands of birds peaked during Jan with numerous feeders serving flocks of many
dozens or in a few cases over 100 individuals; maximum numbers were noted on
area CQs—2218 Jan 1 Allegany Co, 800 Jan 2 Hamburg — East Aurora, 785 Jan
1 Scio. Unusually large concentrations of Purple Finches were recorded at two
locations — 75 to 85 Feb 23-Mar 4 at Riverside Road south of Frewsburg (many
obs) and 44 Dec 31 at Belmont (LDB). From 6 to 12 HOUSE FINCHES wintered
at a feeder in Eggertsville (Ward et al). Pine Grosbeaks were present in small flocks
scattered widely throughout the region; high counts were 21 at Red Bird, Chaut
Co Feb 5 (DC) and 18 Jan 2 on the Hamburg-East Aurora CC; the last report
was of 1 at Lyndonville Mar 11 (WGS). Records of the always-rare HOARY RED¬
POLL came from two localities — 2 Feb 17 and 1 Feb 29 on the Bliss Road, Oak-
field (Beebee) and 2 at a feeder in Hamburg Feb 17 (TB), the latter location
where most authentic regional records of recent years originate. Numbers of Com¬
mon Redpolls totaled in the thousands during Jan and Feb with most active feeding
stations visited by small flocks; maximum counts were 800 Feb 26 and 600 Feb 6
in the Fredonia area (DC), 500 Jan 29 at Caneadea (CK); there were also between
20 and 30 estimates of flocks containing from 100 to 500 individuals. Pine Siskin
were well scattered in small flocks frequently visiting feeders particularly from Jan
through Mar with a high count of 50 Jan 28 in fields at Belmont (LDB). Very high
CC totals of the American Goldfinch reflected the mild weather during Dec and
Jan—- 386 Jan 1 Alleghany Co, 315 Jan 2 Hamburg-East Aurora, 215 Jan 1 Scio,
103 Dec 19 Grand Island. The five reports of Red Crossbills were all from the
Hamburg area (20 on Jan 2 CC) or from Allegany Co (71 on Jan 1 Scio CC) but
White-winged Crossbills were widely distributed throughout the region during Jan
and Feb with many individuals and small flocks visiting feeders during the severe
weather of the later month and a maximum of 15 on Feb 2 in the Youngstown
Cemetery (Emersons).

Most unusual was a Savannah Sparrow that wintered at Silver Creek including
daily visits to the feeders of T. Welch during Feb and Mar where it was observed
by WAM Feb 27. Significant CC totals of the Slate-colored Junco were 535 Jan 2
Hamburg-East Aurora, 431 Jan 1 Allegany Co, 297 Dec 19 Grand Island and for
the Tree Sparrow were 1033 Dec 19 Grand Island and 662 Dec 27 NWR. Single
Field Sparrows survived the rugged late winter weather at feeders in Allegany
State Park (FE) and Hamburg (TB). Maximum counts of the White-crowned
Sparrow, 19 Jan 1 Allegany Co CC compared with 20 on the same count a year ago
and of the White-throated Sparrow, 93 Jan 2 on Hamburg-East Aurora CC com¬
pared with 96 a year ago, and 35 Dec 26 Jamestown CC compared with 35 a year
ago. The CC total of 8 Swamp Sparrows Dec 27 at the INWR was significant.
Song Sparrow totals were disappointingly low and did not compare favorably with
those of a year ago (see Kingbird Vol. 21(2);75). The highest count of Snow

83

Buntings for the winter, 755 on Jan 6 at Fredonia (DC) was substantially lower
than during most years.

19 Chestnut Street, Jamestown, New York 14701

REGION 2 —GENESEE

Richard T. O’Hara

What began as a mild open winter during December and most of January became
much more severe in February and continued colder and snowier than normal
right through the end of March. It seemed milder than it actually was because the
preceding winter was so heavy, but the comparison is deceptive. Nearly 100 inches
of snow had been recorded in Rochester by March 30, and temperatures were very
close to normal for the season. Several thaws in early winter prevented ice and
snow from accumulating much until 11.4 inches fell on February 19 and 20. Most
bodies of water were still locked in ice at the end of the season.

Total precipitation was just about normal for January, February, and March and
water levels were higher than normal along Lake Ontario. Most weekends were
pleasant enough to keep observers active and a large volume of reports were sent
in to give an accurate view of bird life here.

The combination of mild weather and a fine finch flight resulted in very good,
although not record-breaking numbers, on both local Christmas census counts. A
combined total of ninety-one species left very few unrecorded. Many of the half-
hardy species noted below were discovered on these useful counts, and it is also
interesting to see how many had disappeared when severe weather set in during
February.

March produced few migrants before the last weekend and most migrants other
than waterfowl were still scarce on the 31st.

Positive trends include: (1) A strong flight of early returning waterfowl in late
March including several species of dabblers as well as most divers. (2) Fine num¬
bers of Redheads wintering on Canandaigua Lake. (3) Two records of Harlequin
Duck. (4) Good season for Snowy Owls and Short-eared Owls and continuing up¬
trend for Screech Owl. (5) Several records for wintering Bluebirds and large flocks
of Robins. (6) As noted above, better than average showing of winter finches, es¬
pecially Pine Siskins, redpolls, and crossbills.

Negative trends include: (1) Apparent drop in wintering Greater Scaup Duck.
(2) Relative scarcity of Oldsquaws and Common Mergansers. (3) Near absence of
Red-breasted Nuthatches after a good fall flight. (4) Few reports of Lapland Longs-
spurs.

Rarities include : Harlequin Duck, Goshawk, Bald Eagle, Dunlin, Black-legged
Kittiwake, Saw-whet Owl, Boreal Owl, Catbird, Ovenbird, Dickcissel, House Finch,
Harris’ Sparrow, and Chipping Sparrow.

Abbreviations: BB—Braddocks Bay; BANS—Burroughs-Audubon Nature Sanctu¬
ary; CL—Canandaigua Lake; Con L—Conesus Lake; DEP—Durand Eastman Park;
GOS—Genesee Ornithological Society; GR—Genesee River; HBP—Hamlin Beach
Park; HL—Hawk Lookout; IB—Irondequoit Bay; LO—Lake Ontario; LLCC—Little
Lakes Christmas Census; MB—Manitou Beach; MP—Mendon Ponds; RCC—Roch¬
ester Christmas Census; RP—Round Pond; SC—Sandy Creek; SB—Sodus Bay.

Observers Cited :JA—Jean Ambrose; RA—Robert Ambrose; MC—Michael Carl¬
son; JC—Julie Claffey; GD—Gertrude Davis; JD—James Doherty; JE—J. Esley;
AF—Arlene Foster; JF—John Foster; RJ—Robert Jones; AK.—Alan Kemnitzer;

84

RK—Roberta Kilmer; RL—Ruth Lauderbach; WGL—Walter C. Listman; J&TM—
Joseph & Thelma McNett; LM—Laura Moon; NM—Neil Moon; RO—Richard
O’Hara; BO—Bernard Olin; BP—Betty Perrigo; GP—Glen Perrigo; AS—A1 Shay;
MAS—Mary Ann Sunderlin; J&JT—Jean & James Tate; M& TT—Michael &
Thomas Tetlow; PW—Paul Weld.

LOONS—DUCKS: Both Common and Red-throated Loon were noted in De¬
cember, but neither was seen again all season. One Red-necked Grebe was present
off IB on January 8 (B&GP). A single Whistling Swan was feeding in the mouth
of SC on January 15 (RO). A count of 6 Great Blue Heron on the RCC reflects the
mild early winter. None were reported in January or February.

A fine count of Black Ducks, 461, on LLCC may be a good omen for this some¬
what depleted species. An early flight brought 20 Gadwall to BB on March 30 (WCL
et al) * this is the best local count in recent memory. Some 400 Pintail in the same
place is also noteworthy. While Canvasback were well-represented on the LLCC
with 837 counted, they were not common elsewhere until the end of March brought
returning birds. Redheads, however, were up sharply on CL with a peak of 4000
noted on March 11 (RO). Greater Scaup seemed scarce largely because they did
not winter in large numbers in the mouth of the GR for the first time in memory;
this was probably due to dredging and other activity there in the early winter.
Bufflehead continue to surprise with excellent numbers present, while Oldsquaws
still seem scarcer than a few years ago. Both dark-winged scoters were absent after
a heavy flight in the fall. The Harlequin Duck appeared at MB twice, December
19-23, and also March 30. (WCL) ; both of these were female or immature birds.
The Common Merganser, while not rare, seems to be down in numbers here. The
RCC count of 82 is very low and it was entirely absent on the LLCC. 4 Hooded
Mergansers on January 23 were unusual LO (MAS 1 et al).

HAWKS—OWLS: The first Turkey Vulture appeared on March 30 at HL with
the first sizable hawk flight of the spring (WCL). Goshawks were reported 8 times
this winter; the last of these was apparently a migrant moving with other species
along LO at HL March 30 (WCL). Cooper’s Hawk was reported 10 times before
the first 5 migrants occurred on March 30 also at HL (WCL). Similarly there
were 7 reports of Sharp-shinned Hawks, but no migrants in the first flight. All these
numbers are better than three or more years ago and continue the improvement
noted in accipiters for the past two years. The March 30 date for the first note¬
worthy hawk flight is late and underscores the lack of any real break in winter
weather before then.

The chief feature of the hawk movement on March 30 was 300 Red-tailed and
Red-shouldered Hawks; these birds were quite high and light conditions prevented
positive identification of many, but both were included in good numbers (BC et al).
A late Red-shouldered Hawk was at MP on December 21 (GP). Rough-legged
Hawk was quite well represented here all winter with 7 and 5 on our two CC.
Otherwise the best daily count was 6 at Honeoye Falls on February 6 (JF). There
were 25 of these birds in the movement on March 30 at HL (BC et al).

The resident pair of Bald Eagles was at the nest site near Hemlock Lake on
March 26 (J&AF) ; one was also noted at CL on March 11 (fide RO) and cottagers
reported two birds were present there off and on all winter; this is probably the
same pair which nests locally, although rumors are heard of another nest east of
CL. Marsh Hawks were noted occasionally near BB (WCL) and Sparrow Hawks
were present in good numbers all winter. Counts of 20 and 14 on CC were repre¬
sentative numbers.

Pheasants seem to be holding quite steady since the stocking program of the
state has been dropped. Only 1 Ruffed Grouse was noted on the LLCC this year.
No Turkey reports probably only means that coverage of suitable areas southeast of
Rochester is poor.

85

Coot appear to be enjoying a population explosion; they were common everywhere
until ice forced them out in early winter with a peak of 500 on Con L December 25
(WCL). A single Dunlin was noted on the RCC and another at SB December 28
(WCL). Only a few Killdeer were reported in the early March flights along LO,
but a few individuals may have wintered successfully also. Woodcock was the only
other shorebird noted before April this year.

About a dozen reports of Glaucous Gulls represent a good number for this region.
Iceland Gull was less common with only 3 or 4 observed all winter, but this is still
better than some recent years. Great Black-backed Gulls were better too, with many
present where last year only a few were seen. Sometimes gulls in general seemed
scarce, but this was probably due to severe ice Conditions in mid-winter, since they
became common again when open water again appeared. It is interesting to note
the ratio of Herring to Ring-billed Gulls; on the RCC it was 1:3; by February this
was reversed, although Ring-bills certainly winter here in much greater numbers than
they did 15 or 20 years ago. Bonaparte’s Gulls stayed late with several January
reports including 85 at IB on January 12 (AK). 1 to 3 Little Gulls were noted with
these late Bonaparte’s Gulls by m. o.b.; the last report was January 11 (AK et al).
Even more unusual were 2 Black-legged Kittiwake at MB on December 4 (WCL);
these were migrating birds.

Worth noting are the Mourning Dove totals of 363 and 238 on the RCC and
LLCC; these birds are now so common and widely distributed in winter that they
are no longer noteworthy except for the large numbers involved, for example at one
feeder as many as 61 were counted (GD).

Owls were well represented locally. An encouraging 23 Screech Owls on RCC is
much higher than several recent years. Snowy Owls were regular in some places, but
numbers were not spectacular; most observers recorded 1 to 3 per day along the
lakeshore especially at BB; in addition, 2 were at the Monroe County airport (RA)
and scattered birds elsewhere; the two CC totaled 6 birds. A single Long-eared Owl
was near MP on January 1 (J&AF); another was at HL on March 11 (AS) and a
third was observed near RP on March 18 (GP et al). Short-eared Owls wintered
both in Mendon and near Honeoye Falls with maximums of 7 and 12 at each loca¬
tion (m. o.b.); none were noted from lakeshore marshes, however, A Saw-whet Owl
was discovered near RP on March 25 (WCL et al). The really outstanding Owl,
however, was a Boreal Owl picked up dead but in good condition on Chase Road,
Hamlin and given to NM on February 26; the skin has been preserved; there are 2
previous sight records for this region in recent years.

GOATSUCKERS—STARLINGS: Kingfishers were reported every month this
winter, but migrants had not appeared even at the end of March. Flickers were
very common again with a combined total of 63 birds on the two CC, Pileated,
Red-bellied and Red-headed Woodpeckers were all recorded every month this winter
with an interesting report of 2 Pileated on February 16 from near DEP (E&M
Barnitz); also unusual was a single Pileated at HBP on March 19 (WCL) ; they are
not usually noted on the flat open country of the West Lakeshore. The best count
of Red-headed was 8 on February 27, Nations Road, Geneseo (J&RA). The last
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was a RCC record on December 19.

Horned Larks were widely observed in good numbers all winter. Some years they
are quite scarce for a few weeks from late December to late January or early Febru¬
ary. Our CC totals for Crow are now sad compared to a few years ago; it is hard
to account for the decrease, but 15,000 birds formerly has now been reduced to
less than 1/10 that number; do Other regions note the same decline? few Crows have
yet moved along the lakeshore either.

Red-breasted Nuthatches have been scarce or absent since fall; even in DEP and
HBP very few have been seen this winter. A single Winter Wren was in DEP on

86

February 6 (GOS), otherwise absent after January 1. Carolina Wren is unreported
to date.

Two Catbirds attempted to winter in DEP but were last noted on January 2
(PW). A Brown Thrasher was seen in the same place in mid-December but not
afterwards (JD). Robins were again numerous with 51 and 72 noted on the CC.
Hermit Thrush was also seen on both counts with a good total of 5 birds; 1 of these
was still present in DEP on February 2 (PW). Bluebirds were noteworthy with
reports of 1 — 8 birds in 5 separate locations.

Golden-crowned Kinglets seemed rather scarce, but Cedar Waxwings were com¬
mon as usual. 6 Pipit were seen in Clarkson on the early date of March 23 (R.
Clark et al). Northern Shrike seemed rather widely distributed in the early weeks
of winter but scarce after February 1.

VIREOS—WARBLERS: The only species noted in this group were Myrtle War¬
blers and Ovenbird. A group of 8 Myrtles were seen at MP on January 4 (GP) and

6 were still there on March 25 (J. Dilley). The Ovenbird remained at a feeder in
Irondequoit from December 1—4 (L&NM); this is the latest date for the species
of which I am aware.

BLACKBIRDS—SPARROWS: Eastern Meadowlark was reported every month
from several different places and in numbers ranging from 1 to 6 birds; very few
migrants were noted, however, until the very end of March. Similarly all the com¬
mon blackbird species — Redwing, Rusty, Graekle and Cowbird — were reported
quite frequently this winter. Rusty Blackbirds and Grackles were in small numbers,
i.e., 1 to 8 birds, and Cowbirds seemed less common than recent winters. Only
Redwings were frequent as migrants until the last of March when Grackles were
beginning to appear more frequently in the flocks flying east along the lakeshore
and elsewhere.

A well-marked male Dickcissel appeared in Webster on January 9 and remained
until the 27th (RK); it was seen by m. ob. during this period.

To many people, the finches were the outstanding feature this winter. Several
species appeared frequently at feeders, sometimes in rather large numbers, and at¬
tracted widespread notice. In most places Evening Grosbeaks were not really com¬
mon, and they were less regular then in some recent winters; nevertheless, they were
well-reported with the best count being 125 at HBP on January 8 (B&GP); the
LLCC total of 251 was also good. Purple Finches, while nowhere in really large
numbers, were more frequent than usual, especially in the last half of winter;
it was almost like 20—30 years ago when this bird seemed much more regular during
winter in our parks.

The House Finch which nested on St Paul Blvd last summer is still being re¬
ported there (RL); so far it has not become established at any other place in this
region so far as we know. Pine Grosbeak appeared first on the LLCC January 2,

7 birds, and subsequently 3 times at scattered locations; the best count was 9 at
HBP on March 11 (GP), but 'there were also 8 at BB on February 12 (J&JT et al)
and 1 on January 3 in DEP (RJ&MC). Goldfinches were widespread and common
even at feeders within the city.

Pine Siskins after a heavy fall flight remained in good numbers until February
when they became more infrequent and irregular; in March, however, they began
to appear again and were frequently noted at feeders sometimes along with Redpolls
and Goldfinches; numbers were not large after the end of December when 135 were
noted on RCC.

When Siskins dropped off, the Redpoll came on strong; with the cold of February
and March, they moved in from more remote sections; it is fascinating to find that
only 6 appeared on RCC December 19 but 1,284 were in the hills south of the lake
plain on January 2; at the same time 75 were in MP on December 23 (GP) ; by

87

January 10 they were in the city and subsequently seen everywhere in good numbers;
these birds were still appearing at feeders at the end of March.

White-winged Crossbill appeared frequently this winter; the best December
count was 24 at HBP (M&TT); counts steadily diminished then until only 1 and 2
birds at a time were being noted in February and March. The Red Crossbill seemed
to increase in mid-winter and reached a peak with a count of 100 in Webster on
February 2 (J&TM).

The only Towhee report came from Honeoye Falls, 1 bird on February 6 (RJ).
Juncos stayed in very good numbers, perhaps because the early winter was light and
open; the count of 676 on RCC seems particularly high. 1 Oregon Junco was noted
at BANS on January 3 and January 4 (GP). Tree Sparrows were also abundant
with very good numbers on both CC and elsewhere.

A very unusual Chipping Sparrow was well observed at a feeder in Honeoye Falls
on February 1 (RJ) along with Tree Sparrows and other species. 1 even more
unusual Harris’ Sparrow was with a large flock of other sparrows at Lakeville, N.Y.
on the LLCC (R. Clark et al); this is only about the 4th record for the species
here. A single Field Sparrow came to a feeder in Fairport on February 11 (BL).

Several wintering White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows were observed,
usually at feeders where they are no longer really unusual; most noteworthy perhaps
were 7 White-crowned Sparrows all through March at Walworth (JE), A single
Fox Sparrow was seen at Con L January 16 (J&RA). Swamp Sparrows were unre¬
ported all winter except on the CC in very small numbers. Song Sparrows had be¬
gun to sing and were quite conspicuous by early March in spite of cold weather and
were widespread by late March.

While Snow Bunting were rather uncommon in early winter, they became much
more frequent, or at least more frequently observed, after the snow became deeper
in mid-February; a flock of 400 near CL on February 21 seemed noteworthy (RO)
until some 2000 were located in Hamlin on March 18 (B&GP). A few Lapland
Longspurs were with this large flock, but otherwise Longspurs seemed very scarce all
winter.

265 Carling Road, Rochester, New York 14610

REGION 3 —FINGER LAKES

Dorothy McIlroy and Sally Hoyt Spofford

December and most of January were mild, temperatures averaging 3 to 5 degrees
above normal. There was moderate snowfall, but little snow cover stayed on the
ground. In late January came an abrupt drop in temperature accompanied by heavy
snowfall, one of the heaviest on record in the Ithaca area between Jan. 25 and
March 2. There was less snow north of Ithaca. March temperatures averaged 2 to
3 degrees below normal. Snowfall was normal, but it was March 30 before there
was much bare ground. Montezuma Refuge did not freeze over completely until
Dec. 21, when most waterfowl left. The pools were still 50 percent frozen as of
April 1.

Although few Canada Geese stayed in the Refuge, an unprecedented 20,000
wintered in the Cayuga Lake Basin. Only 9,277 were counted on the Waterfowl
Count (previous high 258 in 1967) Jan. 16, perhaps because a sudden temperature
drop that blanketed the lake with steam, coupled with a high wind, made it impossi¬
ble most of the day to see birds out on the lake. Partially offsetting this, frozen
ground and no snow made access to the lake shores easier than usual. High winds

88

blew many cornfields free of snow, so that most of these geese stayed on, to be joined
by the returning thousands in March. Major flights were noted March 12, 20 and 21.
By the end of March there were 50,000 geese at Montezuma Refuge and at least
another 50,000 on Cayuga Lake. A most unusual accident occurred during a heavy
thunderstorm on March 12, when lightning struck a flock of Canada Geese flying
near Horseheads, Some were seen to fall into a field about 2 miles north of the
Chemung County airport. State troopers were called, came with conservation officers
and picked up 11 geese, some with burned plumage and some with holes through
the bodies. The birds were sent to the Dept, of Environmental Conservation Labora¬
tory at Delmar for study.

With some birds lingering late because of the mild, open weather and a good
winter finch year, Christmas Counts set new records for numbers of species. Evening
Grosbeaks and Common Redpolls were common. Pine Siskins were almost as wide¬
spread, in smaller numbers. A few Pine Grosbeaks and Red Crossbills were reported
in the Ithaca and Geneva areas. White-winged Crossbills were present in small
numbers in most of the Region. Four January Catbird reports and larger numbers
of Robins than usual reflect the mild season. There were late records of Virginia
and S'ora Rails, Common Snipe and Grasshopper Sparrow. A Lesser Black-backed
Gull visited Ithaca again this winter (same one?). An encouraging sign was more
winter Bluebird records than in several years.

Rarities included Boreal Chickadee, Bohemian Waxwing, Dickcissel, Hoary Redpoll
and Oregon Junco.

Abbreviations: Cay—Cayuga; CC—Audubon Christmas Count Jan 1; L—Lake;
MNWR—Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge; Sen—Seneca; SWS—Sapsucker
Woods Sanctuary; WG—Watkins Glen; WFC—Waterfowl Count Jan 16.

Area compilers and observers: BA—Betty Ammerman; WEB—Walter Benning;
RB—Robert Blye; MB—Mollie Briant; JB—Jack Brubaker; MC—Mildred Comar;
FG—Frank Guthrie, Keuka; WG—William Groesbeck, Hornell; WH—Wilifred
Howard; DK—Douglas Kibbe; RL—R. Llewellyn; DM—Dorothy Mcllroy; DP—
David Peakall; MP—Martin Phillips, MNWR manager; ER—Esther Ruggles; BS—
Betty Strath; JT—James Tate, Ithaca; JW—Jayson Walker; MW—Mary Welles,
Elmira.

LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: none on WFC, perhaps because of steam-
covered lakes and high wind; 3 Jan 23 Cay L and 8 Feb 6. Red-necked Grebe: 1
Mar 16 Frontenac Pt Cay L (DK). Horned Grebe: 39 on WFC, low, perhaps be¬
cause of poor visibility. Pied-billed Grebe: 26 on WFC, down from last year but still
higher than usual. Great Blue Heron: several records; up to 10 wintered on Clyde R
n. of MNWR; general arrival Mar 31 at Bendy Creek heronry near Elmira (WH).
American Bittern: 1 MNWR on CC “may have been a bird restored to health and
released in same general area just before Thanksgiving” (MP). Whistling Swan:
very few reported; first, Mar 15 Cay L. Canada Goose: 8,000 came into MNWR
late Jan after numbers had dwindled to 600, but did not stay long; 10,981 was an
all-time high for WFC (see introductory comments). At MNWR first Snow and
Blue Geese were reported Mar 17; by Mar 31 there were 500 Snows and 2500
Blues, a new record high for Blues; unusual were 20 Snow Geese seen Mar 18 in a
field south of Odessa (Guinan, McCann). Brant: 1 on WFC Keuka, unusual.
Changes noted on WFC: Mallard (4005) up, Gadwall (65) and Am. Widgeon (44)
highest numbers on record, Redhead (9844) up, Canvasback (650) and Scaup (569)
down, Bufflhead (265) high. “Winter” ducks were scarce and late at Elmira, e.g.
Common Merganser first seen Mar 27. White-winged Scoter: 3 Jan 30 Sen L
(WEB); 2 Feb 3 Cay L (DK). Ruddy Duck: missed on WFC; 3 Jan 30 Sen L
(WEB).

HAWKS—OWLS: Turkey Vulture: 1 Mar 25 Trumansburg (RB,RL). Goshawk:

89

five sightings Ithaca area; 1 MNWR on CG; 1 Feb 17 on Horseheads (Knapp); 1
Mar 19 Gaton (Stasch). Sharp-shinned Hawk: several Ithaca and WG. Cooper’s
Hawk: 3 on Ithaca CC, 5 other Ithaca reports; several seen around WG feeders; 3
on Geneva CC. Red-tailed Hawk: good numbers everywhere; 38 on Ithaca CC,
high; 62 MNWR on CG (part of this GG area is in Region 5). Red-shouldered
Hawk: 3 Ithaca reports, unusual — 2 Dec 5, 2 on Ithaca CG, 1 week of Feb 21.
Broad-winged Hawk: 1 Mar 21 Harris Hill, Elmira (WH), early. Rough-legged
Hawk: regular but scattered reports; only large numbers were in Sen County where
WEB saw 6 over one field Jan 30 and BS reported 7 Jan 16 at Sampson State Pk.
Marsh Hawk: a few winter records — Ithaca, WG, Elmira, Waterloo. Osprey: first,
1 Mar 26 Canoga (MC). Sparrow Hawk: good numbers everywhere; 11 Geneva
GG, 23 Ithaca GG. Bald Eagle: 1 adult returned Mar 14 to MNWR, 1 imm Mar 27.

Ruffed Grouse: 15 on Ithaca CC, highest since 1965. Ring-necked Pheasant:
continued high in Ithaca area, 144 on CG. Turkey: max 32, Dec 10 Midline Rd e of
Ithaca, more Wary and harder to see. Virginia Rail: 1 Jan 17 near Ithaca (C.
deMayo), late date. Sora: 1 Dec 17 Ithaca (P. Allen), also late. Coot: 759 on WFC,
down from last year’s very high count; 225 on Ithaca CG was high. Killdeer: first
Mar 1 Ithaca. American Woodcock: first, 1 Mar 9 Ithaca. Common Snipe: 2 on
Ithaca CC, flushed by JT’s dog; 1 Jan 29 Dryden (P, Kelsey). Upland Plover: 2
Mar 23 Ithaca (L. Pearsall). Greater Yellowlegs: first Mar 22 Ithaca (DP).

Gull population at Ithaca was back to normal after last winter’s low count. Lesser
Black-backed Gull: reported irregularly Jan 1 — Mar 19 at Stewart Pk, Ithaca.
Bonaparte’s Gull: first, 2 Mar 25 Ithaca. Great Horned Owl: 14 on Ithaca CC,
high; 3 nests located MNWR in late Mar. Snowy Owl: probably 4 or 5 individuals
reported near Ithaca, including one seen several times in the city being harassed
by crows, none stayed long in any location; 1 Dec 7 s of Auburn; 1 Christmas to Jan
12 near Fayette (MP). Barred Owl: only report, Feb 9 near Freeville, Long¬
eared Owl: only 1 Mar 25 near Ithaca (RB,RL). Short-eared Owl: present Dec
into Mar Sen County, principally at Watts Rd quarry s of Waterloo (WEB), max
35 Mar 12 (R. Foxall). Saw-whet Owl: 2 Mar 12 SWS stayed several days D.
Mueller).

GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Belted Kingfisher: fewer than usual wintered
WG; a few Homell; 5 on Ithaca CC. Yellow-shafted Flicker: 16 on Ithaca CC,
about 5x usual number, numbers decreased in late Jan. Red-bellied Woodpecker:
reported seven locations Cay Basin, three of them new. Red-headed Woodpecker:
four winter records—1 imm Dec to Mar Elmira (R. Fox); 1 Jan 6 Dryden
(Alexander); 1 Jan 11 Groton (Gould); 1 Jan 23 near Canoga. Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker: 2 wintered Ithaca; 1 in Feb Reading Center. Downy Woodpecker: 155
on Ithaca CC, highest count ever. Eastern Phoebe: first, 1 Mar 11 near Ithaca (P.
Craig). Blue Jay: 324 on Ithaca CC continued the high numbers, of past two winters.
Common Crow: 1243 on Ithaca CC, highest ever. Black-capped Chickadee: down
in numbers at Keuka feeders (FG), but 747 on Ithaca CC, like last year’s count,
was about 2x previous count numbers. BOREAL CHICKADEE : 1 mid-Dec to mid-
Jan Elmira (L. Andrus). Tufted Titmouse: 28 on Ithaca CC, highest number yet.
Red-breasted Nuthatch: very few this winter. Winter Wren: scarce, only five re¬
ports—*! WG, rest Cay Basin. Carolina Wren: three locations Ithaca area; 1 King
Ferry; four locations WG. Mockingbird: 7 on Ithaca CC (4 last year). Catbird: 1
each, Jan 7 Ithaca, Jan 10 King Ferry, Jan 29 Dryden, Jan 31 near Burdett. Brown
Thrasher: 1 each, Jan 1 Trumansburg, Jan 5 — Mar 3 Waterloo (JW), Feb 6 and
Mar 10 Ithaca, Jan 22 and Mar 6 Elmira (WH).

Robin: several reports of larger numbers than usual — 68 WG on CC, 40 Feb 10
WG; 151 Geneva CC; 30 Feb 12 Waterloo; largest number was a flock of 100—200
that came in Jan 4 near Auburn, no report on how long they stayed. Hermit Thrush:
last, Dec 29 WG; first Mar 20 Dryden (DP). Eastern Bluebird: more winter reports

90

than in recent years in Ithaca and WG ; reported regularly Jan and Feb, largest
numbers — 9 on Ithaca GC (first time on count), 8 Jan 12 Jacksonville, 7 Jan 1
Lodi, 5 or 6 Feb 29 Troy Rd Ithaca, 8 to 10 Mar 10 Bath. BOHEMIAN WAX¬
WING : two' reports of these with the large flocks of Cedar Waxwings — 3 Jan 30
Caroline Center (R. Tilford), 1 Mar 8 Cornell Campus (P. Trail). Northern Shrike:
two reports WG; 3 on Ithaca CC and three other sightings Ithaca area; four reports
Geneva-Waterloo area. Loggerhead Shrike: 1 Mar 22 near Ithaca (RB).

VIREOS—SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: only two reports — 2 on Ithaca CC,
1 in Feb near Clyde feeding on suet (fide WEB). Eastern Meadowlark: 44 on Ithaca
CC, more than 2x previous high count; none Elmira CC, usually several. Red¬
winged Blackbird: few wintered, big influx of these and Common Grackles Mar 2.
Rusty Blackbird: first Mar 6 Ithaca (T. Merrill). Baltimore Oriole: 2 for several
weeks mid-Dec into Jan Ithaca (E. Phelps); male Dec 14 s of Ithaca (E. Hardy);
male Jan into early Feb Etna (Spofford) ; first year male Mar 2 Elmira (WH);
female about Mar 15 W Elmira and a male there Mar 20 (Guinan). Brown-headed
Cowbird: numerous flocks of about 100 reported Keuka area, normal elsewhere.

Cardinal: 157 on Ithaca CC, down form 1970 CC but still 2x any earlier year;
very few at Hornell. DICKCISSEL: adult male for a week in early Dec Ithaca,
last seen Dec 11 (Sapakie); imm male Mar 20 on Elmira (ER,WH). Evening
Grosbeak: big flight year, flocks everywhere; 699 on Ithaca CC, more than 2x any
previous count. Purple Finch: very few, none Elmira until Feb. House Finch: at
several Elmira feeders, max 6 at one feeder; none seen anywhere else. Pine Gros¬
beak: four Ithaca reports, max 10 to 12 Jan 30 Dry den (Huson) ; two Keuka reports
in Mar; 2 on Geneva CC. HOARY REDPOLL: 1 Feb 22 Elmira, well observed
by WH at her feeder. Common Redpoll: big flight year, present everywhere; 792
on Ithaca CC; largest flock, 500 Feb 8 near Trumansburg (DP) ; with the redpolls
in Elmira were two partial albinos — one all white except for red cap and some
faint streaking down center of back into tail, seen by several people Mar 7—12; the
second very light in color with a white collar (ER,WH). Pine Siskin: also present
throughout area, generally in fewer numbers than the redpolls; 41 on Ithaca CC;
in Keuka "present in greater numbers than in any other year of our recording
(since 1946)” but no figures given; plentiful Feb and Mar Bath (BA), American
Goldfinch: also present everywhere in good numbers; 358 on Ithaca CC, highest ever.
Red Crossbill: only reports — 2 on Geneva CC; 14 Mar 18 Ithac a(Roscoe). White¬
winged Crossbill: reports of small numbers, usually 3 to 6, at Keuka, WG, Ithaca,
Elmira; max 18 Jan 27 W Elmira. Rufous-sided Towhee: a few reports Ithaca,
Union Springs, and Hornell.

Savannah Sparrow: last, Dec 17 Dryden (DP). GRASSHOPPER SPARROW:
two Ithaca reports—1 Jan 1 on Ithaca CC (N. Cutright) and 1 Jan 13 about a
mile and a half away (MB,DM), possibly same bird. Vesper Sparrow: 1 Dec 23
Dryden (DP). With the Slate-colored Juncos at a feeder near Elmira Mar 11 and
13 was one “with symmetrical white patches in both wings and more white in the
tail (D. Long); the other juncos drove it away whenever possible.” OREGON
JUNCO: 1 first week Mar near Keuka (C. Davis, M. Lerch). Chipping Sparrow:
1 with drooping wing, but able to fly, Dec 14 through Jan at Ithaca feeder (MB).
Field Sparrow: 4 winter reports, max 3 Feb 12 Meyers (J. Patterson); none Elmira
CC, usually 5 or more. White-crowned Sparrow: 1 on Ithaca CC; 1 into Feb Odessa
(BS). Fox Sparrow: first, Feb 26 Trumansburg, scattered reports until general ap¬
pearance last week of Mar. Swamp Sparrow: 1 on Ithaca CC. Song Sparrow: usual
few wintered; 43 on Ithaca CC, high. Lapland Longspur: only 3 reports. Snow
Bunting: fair numbers in Dec, 651 on Ithaca CC; numbers dwindled as winter
progressed, small flocks of up to 50 reported during Mar snows; none in Hornell
all winter in spite of searching.

419 Triphammer Rd. Ithaca, N.Y. 14850; Box 428, Etna, N.Y. 13062

91

REGION 4 — SUSQUEHANNA

Leslie E. Bemont

It was an open and relatively mild winter until February 19 when a 24 inch
snowfall arrived. More than half the snow was gone 10 days later but spring pro¬
gressed rather slowly after that.

In spite of the thin snow cover, winter raptors were not particularly plentiful
and northern winter raptors were almost absent. Instead it was a winter finch year.
All species of winter finches were represented but it was primarily Evening Gros¬
beaks, redpolls, Pine Siskins and goldfinches that put on the real show. Except for
goldfinches even these species were scarce before New Year’s Day.

Rarities included a wintering Baltimore Oriole, a wintering Hermit Thrush, a
Brewer’s Blackbird and a Varied Thrush. The appearance of Monk Parakeet in the
Region was cause for mixed feelings.

Abbreviations: BCG—Jan 1 Binghamton Christmas Count; Bing—Binghamton;
OCC—Dec 26 Owego Christmas Count.

Observers: LC—Mrs. Lynn Clark; GC—Gail Corderman; AMD—Anna and
Marilyn Davis; MD—Mary Dobinsky; WH—Mrs. Wayne Hartman; LH—Louise
Hover; DML—Dwight and Margaret Lynch; HM—Harriet Marsi; BRP—Bob and
Rita Pantle; MS—Mary Sheffield; EW—Elizabeth Washburn; DW—Don Weber;
RSW—Ruth and Sally White; KW—Kathryn Wilson; IW—Irene Wright.

LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: 2 Mar 26 Cannonsville Reservoir (WH).
Pied-billed Grebe: Jan 15 East Delhi (LC) ; 1 Jan 28 Oneonta (Donald Hunting-
ton). Great Blue Heron: 1 OCC; 1 BCC ;1 Jan 9 and Feb 25 Newark Valley (LH,
DML); 1 Feb 9 Sherburne (RSW). Whistling Swan: Mar 26 Lounsberry (GC).
Canada Goose: 6 wintered along Susquehanna River at Lounsberry; 1 BCC; 100 Jan
5 over Vestal Center (EW); migrants Mar 1. Pintail: Mar 31 Chenango Bridge
(AMD). Green-winged Teal: Mar 31 Chenango Bridge (AMD). Blue-winged Teal:
Mar 31 Chenango Bridge (AMD). American Widgeon: 2 or 3 Mar 19 Nichols (MS,
EW); several areas Mar 26 and 31. Wood Duck: 2 Mar 25 Port Crane (AMD); 2
Mar 25 Oneonta (MD,IW,KW). Redhead; 2 Mar 19 Nichols (MS, EW). Ring-
neck ed Duck: Mar 26 Lounsberry (GC). Canvasback; Feb 27 Lounsberry (DML,
et. al.); 5 later reports, more than in recent years. Scaup (Sp?) : 1 Mar 18 Walton
(WH), the first of 4 Mar reports. Bufflehead: 1 Mar 21 Chenango Bridge (AMD),
the only report. Hooded Merganser: 2 Jan 15 Bing (HM, EW); migrants Mar 22.
Red-breasted Merganser: Jan 8 Owego (DML); migrants Mar 19 Lounsberry
(MS, EW); 3 later reports.

HAWKS—OWLS: Goshawk: 1 OCC: 1 Dec 19 Choconut Center (MS); 1
Chenango Forks Jan 1 (Paul Kalka); 1 at Candor Dec 19 and regularly thru Feb
(DW). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 4 Dec, 1 Feb and 1 Mar reports. Cooper’s Hawk: 2
OCC; reported from Newark Valley (LH,DML), Candor (BRP) and Choconut
Center (Robert Sheffield). Red-tailed Hawk: 3 OCC; 4 BCC. Red-shouldered Hawk:
1 Mar 10 Oxford (Anne Stratton), hanging around feeder; 2 Mar 19 Oneonta
(MDjKW). Rough-legged Hawk: 1 OCC; 1 Mar 6 Cannonsville (WH); the only
reports. Bald Eagle: 1 Feb 6 and for about 6 weeks Oneonta area MDJKW, et al.);
1 Feb 27 Walton and 1 Mar 19 Cannonsville (WH); an immature Feb 27 Lounsberry
(DML) and again Feb 28 (LH, Evelyn Williams). Marsh Hawk: Feb 5 Vestal
(Elva Hawken); Mar 26 at Apalachin (GC) and Choconut Center (MS). Sparrow
Hawk: 6 OCC; 12 BCC. Bob-white: 2 OCC at Candor where seen regularly during
Dec (DW). Turkey: Dec 1 Delhi area (LC); 5 Dec 5 Bear Spring Park (WH);
Jan 17 thru 21 “tracks every day,” 1 bird seen Dec 18 (DML); in Feb 2 flocks in
Candor area (DW). Killdeer: 1 BCC; Jan 9 Flemingville in Tioga County (LH);

92

migrants Feb 25. American Woodcock: Mar 21 Choconut Center (MS). Mourning
Dove: 2 OCC; 54 BCC; 36 Jan 3 Sherburne (RSW); 50 Jan 29 Owego (DML);
numerous other reports. Monk Parakeet: 2 Feb 11 Conklin, near Bing (EW,HM),
had already been present a couple of weeks, field note submitted. Screech Owl: 7
individual reports and regularly heard at Owego during Feb. Great Horned Owl: 3
OCC; 11 BCC; numerous other reports. Barred Owl: Dec 11 Vestal (John and Ruth
Fuller); 2 BCC.

GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Belted Kingfisher: 1 OCC; 8 BCC; reported
all winter. Yellow-shafted Flicker: Feb 27 Lounsberry (DML); 3 Mar records from
other areas. Pileated Woodpecker: 1 BCC. Red-headed Woodpecker: Jan 23 and 30,
Feb 27 in same area of Owego (DML,LH). Eastern Phoebe: Mar 21 Chenango
Forks (AMD). Horned Lark: none before Jan 23 Owego (DML,LH), numerous
thereafter; visiting feeders Feb 20 and 22, after the big snow, Candor (BRP). Tufted
Titmouse: 3 OCC; 21 BCC; regular at quite a few feeders in Bing area all winter.
Red-breasted Nuthatch: 1 OCC; 28 BCC; numerous other reports. Caroline Wren:
recorded at Owego (Mildred White) arid two places in Oneonta (IW, E. Manning).
Mockingbird: 1 OCC; 5 BCC; also reported from Delhi (Mrs. Fred Rose, LC),
Walton (WH) and Norwich (RSW). Brown Thrasher: 1 Jan 27 south of Tully
(Beverley Schneider). Robin: 1 BCC; migrants Feb 26 Candor (BRP). Varied
Thrush: 1 in Oneonta area Dec 18 (Mrs. Clifford Harrer, IW,KW, et. al.), and
still there Mar 31 —on a regular 3 meal a day schedule at a ground feeder, roosting
in a tall spruce tree at night. Hermit Thrush: 1 Dec 3, Feb 6 and intermittently to
Mar 16 Oneonta (E. and A. Vermilya), feeds on ground and always returns to 5
foot yew tree. Eastern Bluebird: Mar 1 Walton (WH); regular at Candor after Mar
21 (BRP). Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 2 BCC. Cedar Waxwing: 49 OCC: 20 BCC;
numerous reports of quite large flocks. Northern Shrike: 1 Dec 8 Norwich (RSW);
5 other reports. Starling: 1204 OCC; 2867 BCC.

VIREOS—SPARROWS: Meadowlark: 27 Jan 3 and 12 Feb 9 Sherburne (RSW) ;
several other smaller wintering flocks reported; migrants Mar 1. Redwinged Black¬
bird: few wintering birds; migrants Mar 1. Baltimore Oriole: 1 Dec 7 and thru Jan
Oneonta (Applebaugh, Martin, Putnam, Decker, et. al.). Brewer’s Blackbird: 1 Mar
4, 6 and 7 Vestal (Marian Vanderlip), good description. Common Grackle: 1 BCC;
a few others wintering at Cannonsville (WH), Delhi (LC) and Owego; migrants
Mar 1. Brown-headed Cowbird: OCC 3; BCC 3; almost no other winter records;
migrants Feb 26, in numbers Mar 1. Cardinal: 53 OCC; 125 BCC. Evening Gros¬
beak: 149 OCC; 580 BCC; increasing during Dec and in great numbers the rest
of the period. Purple Finch: 14 OCC; 6 BCC; regular reports but numbers stayed
small. House Finch: 4 BCC; left for winter, but 2 Mar 27 and 7 Mar 31 at Endwell
(Florence Linaberry); 1 Mar 29 and 30 Oneonta (MD). Pine Grosbeak: 1 BCC;
quite numerous reports but almost all the sizeable flocks were seen in Delaware or
Otsego Counties, 1 to 6 at a time being the rule in the western part of the Region.
Common Redpoll: 229 BCC; first reported Dec 26 Delhi (LC), large flocks from
about Jan 15 and very common thru Feb and Mar. Pine Siskin: 17 OCC; 77 BCC;
numbers never as large, but never-the-less substantial, and their increase paralleled
those of the redpolls. American Goldfinch: 82 OCC; 466 BCC; common all winter,
although numbers varied drastically from feeder to feeder. Red Crossbill: 5 or more
Feb 23 Oneonta (P. McCoy); 1 seen Mar 16 and banded Mar 23 (GG); the only
reports. White-winged Crossbill: Jan 15 Delhi (LC), the first of the period; reported
fairly often but never more than 6 at a time — several reports at feeders and at Ves¬
tal 3 were lured into banding traps with pine cones (GC). Rufous-sided Towhee:
wintering birds at Delhi (LC), Walton (WH) and Bing (Lloyd Chilson); Mar 8 Apa-
lachin (HM, et. al.). Slate-colored Junco: 77 OCC; 206 BCC. Tree Sparrow: 180
OCC; 418 BCC. Chipping Sparrow: 1 Mar 25 Candor (BRP). Field Sparrow: 2

93

OCC; 1 Jan 8 Oneonta (IW); 3 Chenango Forks Feb 12 thru Mar 23 (AMD).
White-crowned Sparrow: 1 OCC. White-throated Sparrow: 3 OCC; 3 BCC; single
birds at several feeders all winter. Fox Sparrow: 1 OCC; 1 Jan 1 Newark Valley
(Warren and Louise Dean); migrants Mar 3. Song Sparrow: 8 OCC; 29 BCC. Snow
Bunting: 180 BCC; fairly frequent reports, the last Mar 15 Walton (WH).

710 University Ave., Endwell, New York, 13760

REGION 5 —ONEIDA LAKE BASIN

M. S. Rusk and C. G. Spies

There were few cold snaps during the warm open December, January, and early
February, and 1972 5 s moderate blizzard didn’t fall until February 19-20, so there
was little snow accumulation before late February. Because the early weeks of 1972
were so unwintry, the bird-listers for the first time saw the regional year list reach
100 before the end of January,'—by January 15. The half-hardies which helped to
produce this list can be divided into three groups: great rarities — Phoebe and es¬
pecially Bobolink; the more normal half-hardies like Whiter-crowned and White-
throated Sparrow that occurred in higher numbers than usual; and some half-hardies
that occurred in relatively low numbers, perhaps because they were widely dispersed
in the great amount of available habitat — e.g. Killdeer, Mourning Dove, Belted
Kingfisher, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Rusty Blackbird, Field Sparrow. (Is dispersal
the reason why the sometime Onondaga Lake icterid roost held a grand total of 1
Redwinged Blackbird and 8 Brown-headed Cowbirds this winter?) The usual Feb¬
ruary attrition of half-hardies occurred later and to a lesser degree than most years;
Winter Wren and Myrtle Warbler demonstrate this neatly.

In contrast with the abundance of half-hardy passerines, there were no wintering
Blue-winged Teal, American Widgeon, nor Shoveler, and low numbers of Pintail
and (1) Green-winged Teal (though Hooded Merganser and American Coot were
high). One former source of wintering dabblers is no more — the factory is no
longer discharging hot water into the pond at Sherrill. Thus, only 22 species were
noted on the Waterfowl Census. More important, the total number of individuals
on the census, which has been dropping steadily since the 1961 high, was 5035, the
lowest ever. This is accounted for in part by the decline of Black Duck (Mallard:
Black ratio now 11:1) and partly by still-low Aythya numbers.

Another general negative is the raptor situation. 75-mile hawk surveys turned up
high numbers of Red-tailed Hawk, and there were more reports than usual of the
“half-hardy” Marsh Hawk; nevertheless, Rough-legged Hawk numbers were unac¬
countably low and there was no Accipiter incursion. Except for Snowy Owl, there
was no detectable owl immigration, and Northern Shrike numbers were only me¬
diocre.

The year list was also augmented by 6 western rarities: an exciting first regional
Varied Thrush, the first two Black-headed Grosbeaks, the second-ever Harris’ Spar¬
row, and semper desiderate Bohemian Waxwing, Dickcissel, and Oregon Junco.
Besides the above-mentioned rarities (not forgetting Bobolink), Barrow’s Goldeneye,
Harlequin Duck, and Hoary Redpoll were recorded in the period.

Abbreviations: Adir—Adirondack; CC—-National Audubon Society Christmas
Count (HIGMA figures are for !4 of the Montezuma count circle); FH—Fair Haven
Beach State Park, Little Sodus Bay, and vicinity; HIGM A—Howland Island State
Game Management Area near Port Byron; HS—hawk survey, made over a pre¬
planned route of approximately 75 miles through primarily open country off major
highways; NPT—northwest quarter of Pompey Twp; Out—Ontario; PSS —Peter

94

Scott Swamp, Sixmile Creek, and vicinity near Phoenix; SOO—Seneca R, Oneida
R, Oswego R, Oswego harbor areas; SP—North Pond, South Pond, and the sand
dunes on L Ont near Sandy Pond; Syr—Syracuse; WFC—Waterfowl Census Jan
15-23.

Observers: B. Barnum, V. Billings, A. Carter, M. & G. Church, D. Crumb, P.
DeBenedictis, F. Dittrich, C. & E. Farnham, E. Freeborn, K. Hanson, F. LaFrance,
G. Maxwell, B. & S. Peebles, T. Riley, M. Rusk, F. Scheider, M. & B. Schneider,
G. Smith, C. Spies, R. Sutliff, E. & J. VanDresar, C. & R. Wernick.

The editors’ thanks to Paul DeBenedictis, Fred LaFrance, Fritz Scheider, Gerry
Smith, and Dick Sutliff for their help with the compilation of this report.

Corrigenda: Kingbird XXII: 1, January 1972, Region 5 report — p. 41, Black-
bellied Plover: arr Aug 3, 1 Oneida L;... dep Nov 14, 1 Oneida L; p. 42, Stilt
Sandpiper: . . .and no Oct imm; Great Black-backed Gull: arr Sep 18, 1 Oneida L;
Belted Kingfisher: max 11 Sep 5 along 8 mi of L Ont shore — good; p. 44, Bay¬
breasted Warbler: . . . dep Oct 5, 1 SSSP.

LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: dep Jan 1, 2 Oswego. Red-necked Grebe:
dep Dec 2, 2 L Ont — early and only report. Horned Grebe: max 3 WFC — again
very low. Pied-billed Grebe: max 6 WFC. Great Blue Heron: dep Dec 4, 1 SP;
6-10 wintering birds with at least 2 persisting into Mar. Canada Goose: max 1005
Jan 1 HIGMA CC — late for so many; at Dart L near Big Moose dep was around
Dec 21, but 3 wintered there; 6 through winter in Syr and 1 Feb 1—27 SOO.

Mallard: max 1520 WFC and 50 Dart L; record high numbers concentrated
almost entirely at just 3 sites —Rand Tract pond in Syr (500), Seneca R at
Baldwinsville (575), and Oneida R at Brewerton (430) —all supported by artificial
food sources. Black Duck: max 113 WFC — record low. Gadwall: dep Dec 16, 2
Syr area; max 31 WFC—* record high. Pintail: dep Dec 31, 1 Dart L; max 5 WFC
with none SOO because of unusually high water. Green-winged Teal: dep Dec 9,
2 Oswego; 1 male Jan 31-Mar 20 on a small pond adjacent to a high school in Syr
was always with a Mallard pair. Blue-winged Teal: dep Dec 29, 1 near Rome (Van¬
Dresar) very late. American Widgeon: dep Dec 21, 4 Oneida L. Wood Duck: dep
Dec 23, 1 L Ont; 3 on WFC.

Redhead: dep Dec 21, 2 Oneida L; max 83 WFC—-best count since 1966 but
by no means really good. Ring-necked Duck: dep Dec 11, 3 FH; 2 on WFC. Canvas-
back: dep and fall max Dec 21, 400 Oneida L — low; max 31 WFC — low. Greater
Scaup: max 1586 WFC — lowest ever noted, and 2625 Jan 30, SOO, FH — still
poor. Lesser Scaup: 60 Dec 1 Eaton area is particularly noteworthy since winter
max in SOO was only 6. Common Goldeneye: fall max 460 Dec 2 L Ont; winter
max 1033 WFC is comparable with past 4 years, which have been somewhat low.
BARROW’S GOLDENEYE-. 1 male Jan 22-23 L Ont at Oswego and 1 male Mar
30 L Ont at DH (both Schneider et al). Bufflhead: max 106 WFC. Oldsquaw: max
253 WFC. HARLEQUIN DUCK-. 1 female Mar 5 FH (Dittrich), 9th regional
record. White-winged Scoter: max 42 WFC and 73 Feb 12 L Ont are very good.
Surf Scoter: 1 Dec 18 Syr CC — only report. Common Scoter: 1—6 through Feb 17
L Ont areas —better than average. Ruddy Duck: dep Dec 11, 1 FH; max 2 WFC.
Hooded Merganser: max 22 Dec 21 Oneida L and 11 WFC with some persisting
through winter. Common Merganser: winter max 86 WFC — very low; 200 Feb 17
L Ont and 1090 Mar 5 Oswego were probably migrants. Red-breasted Merganser:
max 60 WFC is low but better than average of past 11 years.

HAWKS—OWLS: Goshawk: 7 sites in Adir and low-country areas — low. Sharp-
shinned Hawk: 11 sites, 1 in Eaton area and the rest low-country including 6 sites
in S Syr. Cooper’s Hawk: 8 sites, 1 in Eaton area and the rest low-country — poor.
Red-tailed Hawk: max 34 Oneida CC — good, and 32 Syr CC — average; 19 Feb 8
Oneida L HS, 9 Feb 6 and 8 Feb 12 SE Onon HS, and 12 Jan 15 between Oswego

95

and FH are good counts. Red-shouldered Hawk: 1 ad Jan 31 near Pompey Center
(LaFrance) only report. Rough-legged Hawk: max 8 Jan 29 near Bridgeport (Farn-
ham) is the only decent count; 3 Feb 8 Oneida L HS, and 3 Feb 8 and 4 Feb 12 SE
Onon HS are poor by comparison, especially in view of Red-tailed Hawk numbers.
Bald Eagle: 1 Jan 3-17 Dart L and 1 imm Feb 17 L Ont— only winter reports.
Marsh Hawk: 4 in Dec and 4 in Jan from low-country and S highlands locations-—
more than in recent winters. Sparrow Hawk: one Feb 8 Oneida L HS and only 4
Feb 6 and 3 Feb 12 SE Onon HS — very low; but 17 Oneida CC.

Ruffed Grouse: widely reported with 1—6 per day; most common in Holland
Patent and Eaton areas. Ring-necked Pheasant: scarce — max 31 Syr CG and other
max 10s in Syr and Eaton areas. Virginia Rail: 1st noted Jan 1 PSS with 1 still
alive and 5 found huddled together deal Jan 8. Sora: 1 alive and 1 dead Jan 8
PSS (W. Merritt) 1st winter record. American Coot: still 200 Dec 11 FH; winter
max 24 WFC — highest ever — with half of these at areas with artificial food
sources, especially Brewerton where they walked in the street eating bread with
Mallard,

Killdeer: max 4 Jan 8 through winter DeWitt area — about average in comparison
with recent years, but low considering the amount of available habitat. Common
Snipe: 1—3 Jan 26-Feb 12 DeWitt area — very good. Dunlin: dep Dec 23, 1 FH
(Spies) record late, previous' record Dec 8, 1968. Red Phalarope: 1 Dec 9—12
Oswego, 1 Dec 19 Niagara Mohawk Visitors’ Center on L Ont, 1 Dec 23 Ninemile
Point E of Oswego — reflection of the excellent fall flight, since Dec reports are
unusual.

Glaucous Gull: mostly reported from SOO with max 13 Feb 17 — good, and 1
was on the small Rand Tract pond in Syr Jan 19. Iceland Gull: mostly reported
from SOO with mai 10 Jan 30; also reported Jan 11, 1 Rand Tract, Great Black-
backed Gull: max 334 Jan 16 SOO — more than last year but still not up to some
counts from the early sixties. Herring Gull: max 3500 Jan 30 SOO — poor, only
about Vi to % what it should be. Ring billed Gull: from about 5430 Dec 5 there was
a steady and almost total emigration at Oswego with only 1 noted Feb 13, but
with returning migrants up to 3000 there Mar 4. Bonaparte’s Gull: dep Dec 16,
30 Oneida L — late for so many ; 1 ad Jan 16 in the harbor at Oswego (Spies) is
the 1st report later than Dec 21 (1969) or earlier than Mar 17. Rock Dove: max
244 Jan 29 Oriskany to Syr; some mortality due to severe cold noted among birds
roosting in exposed buildings in Oswego, including on Mar 5 nestlings less than a
week old. Mourning Dove: max 269 Oneida CC, with single party counts up to 75
per day in the same general area good but not as large as some years.

Screech Owl: reported at 6 sites; — only half as many as last year. Great Horned
Owl: reported at 22 sites — about as many as last year. Snowy Owl: at least 26
different birds reported, indicative of a large immigration, but there were very few
Mar reports. Barred Owl: reported at only 3 sites — far fewer than last year. Long¬
eared Owl: 1 Feb 7 Ilion area and 1 Feb 28 NPT were only reports of this species,
which has been very scarce for the past 6 years. Short-eared Owl: 1 Dec 31 Cottons
near Clockville and 1 Jan 2 Cicero Swamp — only reports. Saw-whet Owl: 1 Mar 27
Kenwood near Sherrill is only report.

GOATSUCKERS—STARLING:. Belted Kingfisher: max 10 Syr CC —highest
ever; widespread but not numerous. Yellow-shafted Flicker: max 44 Syr CC — high¬
est ever. Pileated Woodpecker: 1—4 per day with singles only in E areas except 5
Oneida CC. Red-bellied Woodpecker: max 13 HIGMA CC; reported at 9 other sites,
all western except 1 Oneida CC. Red-headed Woodpecker: 1 imm Dec 5 FH may
have been a very late migrant; 1 ad Dec 5-Mar 16 Nedrow area was the only
wintering bird. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: as last year there were more than the
usual with 1 Syr CC, 1 Oneida CC, 1 Jan 30 Pratts Falls near Pompey Center, 1
imm mid-late Feb Manlius (fide FGS), and 1 Mar 10-15 Syr, the last possibly a

96

very early migrant. Hairy Woodpecker: max 56 Oneida CC; field counts up to 8
per day. Downy Woodpecker: max 131 Oneida GG; field counts up to 15 per day.

Easter Phoebe: 1 Jan 26 DeWitt (Spies, Rusk) and 1 Feb 21 Ilion (Hanson) are
the 1st winter records. Horned Lark: max 11 Jan 21 New Hartford area. Blue
Jay: max 210 Old Forge CG. Common Grow: a count of the Onon Hill roost
found 1720 there Feb 23 (Smith); 8 on Old Forge CC and 4 Dec 21 through
winter at Dart L were good, ”... the first time anyone, in this vicinity, remembers
crows staying all winter...” (Barnum). Black-capped Chickadee: max 649 Old
Forge CC — very good; an average of 5.8 per feeder during the 1st week in Dec
throughout the central New York area, “. . . the highest count in 11 years.. .” (B. P.
Burtt). Boreal Chickadee: 2 Dec 16-Jan 29, and possibly 1 of these Feb 6-26, at
2 sites near Bridgeport; only other report 2 Old Forge CC. Tufted Titmouse: 2
Oneida CC, 1 around Jan 6-Mar 16 Brewerton area, and 1 Feb 23 Camillus area —
only reports.

White-breasted Nuthatch: max 134 Old Forge CC and field counts up to 15 per
day—-very good. Red-breasted Nuthatch: max 66 Old Forge CC and field counts
up to 6 per day in some, but not all, favored non-Adir areas — very good. Brown
Creeper: max 17 HIGMA CC—very low compared with past 5 years. Winter
Wren: max 6 Syr CC; only 5 post-CC reports in 5 low-country sites Jan 22-Feb 7.
Carolina Wren: 1 Sep 6-Jan 31 Kenwood; 1 Dec 24-Jan 21 Taunton area near
Westvale; 2 1st week of Jan-Jan 25, and possibly 1 of the same birds Feb 12, at 2
sites in the DeWitt area—-still more reports than usual. Mockingbird: 3 reported
in DeWitt area; singles in Vernon, Oswego, Fulton, Fayetteville, Syr, and 2 sites
near Jamesville. Catbird: 1 Jan 7-8 NPT—1st winter report since Dec 20, 1969.
Brown Thrasher: 1 Jan 7 NPT and 1 up to last week of Jan Oneida (fide Scheider).

Robin: max 85 Jan 30 Smoky Hollow near Jamesville and 65 Jan 18 Makyes Rd
in Onon Twp — record winter numbers; 38 Syr CC was highest ever for that CC.
VARIED THRUSH : 1 male Feb 1 through period near Bridgeport (R. Hinkson)
is the 1st regional record. Hermit Thrush: 12 individuals at 9 sites — never more
than 3 per winter previously; last report was 1 Feb 27 near New Hartford. Eastern
Bluebird: dep Dec 21, 3 males near S Onon (Smith) record late. Golden-crowned
Kinglet: 2-4 on all CCs; max 8 Dec 13 NPT were probably late migrants since
counts in Jan and Feb were only 1—3 per day. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 1 Nov 26-Dec
5 Eaton, 1 Dec 12 Syr and possibly the same bird Jan 23 Nedrow, and 2 Feb 10
Oneida L vicinity — record number of reports. BOHEMIAN WAXWING : 1 Jan 7
NPT (Crumb) and 1 Feb 2 near Nedrow (Farnham)—better than average but
not what might have been expected considering the records this past fall. Cedar
Waxwing: max 352 Syr CC—-highest ever; up to 150 per day in various places
through Jan. Northern Shrike: 1—3 on all but Old Forge CC’; max 3s through period
with at least 9 different birds in Dec, 11 in Jan, 16 in Feb, and 7 in Mar — low.
Starling: max 17,200 Syr CC, including 15,533 roosting on buildings downtown.

VIREOS—SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: 3 Jan 29 Nedrow area, down to 2 Feb
5-10, 1 Feb 21, and 0 Mar 25. House Sparrow: max 1685 Oneida CC. BOBOLINK :
1 early Dec-late Feb at feeder Galeville N of Syr, found dead Mar 23 or 24, said
to have been a daily visitor and always with House Sparrow. Eastern Meadowlark:
max 59 Oneida CC—high; some birds still persisted through Feb. Redwinged
Blackbird: max 40 Syr CC — highest ever; single party counts of 1-12 per day
through winter. Baltimore Oriole: 1 female Jan 9—14 NPT (A. Decker) is only con¬
firmed report. Rusty Blackbird: wintering birds reported at 2 sites in DeWitt area
with 5 Dec 16 falling to 2 Feb 12. Common Grackle: only CC reports were 4 Syr
and 4 Oneida; 5 through winter at feeder in Morrisville; 8 Feb 1 Ionia near
Memphis. Brown-headed Cowbird: on all CCs with max 14 Oneida; a wintering
group in NPT went from 350 Dec 16 to 25 by Jan 13, this attrition hard to account
for since birds had access to several feeders.

97

Cardinal: on all CCs with max 130 max 130 Syr — highest ever; a single party
count of 42 Jan 23 from 5 places in Syr area shows how common this species has
become. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK : 1 mid-Oct through winter period near
Camillus (R. Largent) and 1 Dec 31 through period Oriskany (M. Stooks) are the
1st regional records; photos have been taken of both, but their age and sex are
uncertain. DICKCISSEL: 1—2 Dec 29-Apr 1 at various feeders on SW side of Syr
(Farnham et al). Evening Grosbeak: max 392 Old.Forge CC; counts of 100 per day
through winter in all areas except Adir and L Ont shore which had fewer; feeders
in central New York area averaged 20 or more per feeder in the 1st weeks of Jan
and Feb (B. Burtt) a record for the 13 years of the feeder survey. Purple Finch:
only CC reports were 2 Oswego and 1 HIGMA; max 25 Mar 4 Eaton; much
scarcer elsewhere, though widespread. House Finch: 8 Jan 12 at feeder in Syr (D.
Samson) and reported at 2 other nearby sites, but no evidence of expansion. Pine
Grosbeak: only CC reports were 26 Old Forge and 5 HIGMA; max 60 Jan 18
Holland Patent, 50 Dec 7-Jan 24 Dart L; widespread except along L Ont shore.
Common Redpoll: max 397 Oneida CC; max single-party count 300 Jan 3 NPT;
best tally in the 13 years of feeder surveys was an average of more than 13 per
feeder the 1st week of Mar (B. Burtt). HOAkY REDPOLL : 2 Jan 14 NPT (Crumb),

1 Feb 6 Nedrow (Scheider) only reports and 1st since Mar 1966. Pine Siskin:
max 110 Dec 1-7 Dart L, 95 Jan 28 DeWitt area, 50 Jan 10-Mar 31 I lion, not at
all record-breaking though widespread; feeders however averaged over 3 birds each
the 1st week in Feb (B. Burtt) the best ever. American Goldfinch: max 133 Oneida
CC; feeders went from average of more than 6 in Jan to more than 10 in Feb (B.
Burtt). Red Crossbill: only CC report and season max 65 Old Forge; otherwise max
2s all winter, and not widespread. White-winged Crossbill: CC reports were 18 Old
Forge, 12 Oneida, 5 Oswego; max 36 Jan 11 NPT and 12 Jan 1 Eaton area; more
widespread than Red Crossbill.

Rufous-sided Towhee: at least 7 reports, in all months. Slate-colored Junco: CCs
were 68 Oneida, 58 Syr, 47 Oswego, 8 HIGMA, 4 Old Forge—1st ever on Old
Forge; single-party counts up to 19 in Dec and 17 in Jan, greater numbers than
usual, indicate mild weather, but counts of 11-13 in Feb in Syr indicate some hardi¬
ness. OREGON JUNCO: reported at 4 sites — Franklin Park near E Syr, Minetto,
Highland Park near Fabius, and Syr — more 'than usual. Tree Sparrow: CCs were
700 Syr — highest ever, 519 Oneida, 328 Oswego, 117 HIGMA, 10 Old Forge;
single-party counts of 130 in Jan and Feb from N Onon Co areas. Field Sparrow:
dep Dec 8, 2 Holland Patent; CCs were 11 Syr, 2 HIGMA, 1 Oneida; also 2 Dec
15 through Jan New Hartford and 1 Jan 8 DeWitt — average number of reports.
HARRIS’ SPARROW: 1 male 1st week of Dec through period at feeder in Syr
(Mrs. C. Fox) is the 2nd regional record. White-crowned Sparrow: 1 ad Warners,

2 imm Skaneateles, and single imms Fayetteville area, Pompey Center area, and
Baldwinsville. White-throated Sparrow: max 79 Syr CC and 26 HIGMA CC;
a single-party count of 38 Jan 23 S'yr area is very good. Swamp Sparrow: only CCs
were 10 Syr and 4 HIGMA; only others were 4 Dec 19 Eaton area; 2 from DeWitt
area on Syr CC lasted at least until Jan 23, — unlike some other half-hardies, this
species didn’t persist very long at all. Song Sparrow: max 118 Syr CC—'highest
ever; best single-party count was 24 Jan 23 DeWitt area; became scarce in Feb.
Lapland Longspur: 1 Dec 27 NPT and 4 singles from L Ont areas Dec 12-Feb 17 —
more than usual. Snow Bunting: CC max 174 Oneida; low through winter but
returning migrant counts of 100 Feb 6 Cedarville, 400 Feb 5 near Marcell us, 1500
Feb 2 Watervale area near Oran are good.

242 W. Calthrop Ave., Syracuse 13205

98

REGION 6 —ST. LAWRENCE

Frank A. Clinch

December was mild and ducks and geese stayed later than usual. The Watertown
Christmas count was taken December 18 during the closed season for waterfowl
and this with the open water produced a record high count of ducks and geese.
The Wellesley Island count under the same conditions failed to produce many ducks,
— perhaps there was so much open water that ducks were hard to find. The latter
half of the period saw plenty of snow in most places, and at the end of March
most of the ground was still covered with snow. However, this made it easier to
see birds like Robins and Meadowlarks that seek bare spots.

Individuals of several species of birds that do not usually remain here attempted
to winter here and most of them seem to have survived. The migrants were a bit
late in arriving here.

The rarity was the Sage Thrasher found by the Allens who made their own
Christmas count in Massena December 27. It was last seen January 14.

Abbreviations: WCC—Watertown Christmas bird count, Watertown, December
18; WIC—Wellesley Island Christmas count, Wellesley Island in the St. Lawrence
River, December 21; PRWMA-—Perch River Wildlife Management Area.

Observers: DA—Judy and Douglass Allen; JB—John Belknap; RB—Richard
Brouse; LC—Lee Chamberlaine; FC—Frank Clinch; NL—Nick Leone; TM—Theo¬
dore Mack and Stephen Everett; RW—Robert and June Walker.

LOONS—DUCKS: Horned Grebe: 2 Dec 10 Lake Ontario (JB). Great Blue
Heron: Mar 28 Black Lake. Canada Goose: 764 WCC, 375 of them at PRWMA;
geese are seldom seen on this count and the average of previous counts is less than
one per count; geese began returning about Mar 19. Most of PRWMA was covered
with ice and snow at the end of the month. Several hundred Canada Geese and
ducks (Greater Scaup and Common Goldeneye) at Lakeview Mar 29. Several
thousand ducks (Canvasback, Redhead, Greater Scaup, Black Duck and Mallard) in
St. Lawrence River off Cape Vincent Dec 15-23 (LC). Mallard: 115 WCC; seen
all winter where there was open water. Black Duck: 99 WCC; 14 WIC; seen all
winter. American Widgeon: WCC 1 at PRWMA did not fly. Wood Duck: male at
PRWMA was first Wood Duck on the Watertown Christmas count. Redhead: 4
WCC. Greater Scaup: 5,000 Dec 10 Black River Bay; 5,600 WCC; 300-350 Jan 5
Blind Bay. Lesser Scaup: 2 Jan 22 Fischer’s Landing (NL). Common Goldeneye:
16 WCC; 9 WIG; 40 Jan 14 Massena; 43 Jan 22 Dexter to Tibbets Pt, and others
throughout period. Oldsquaw: 23 WCC and throughout period. Ruddy Duck: 2
WCC. Hooded Merganser: 1 Massena (TM); also late Mar PRWMA. Common
Merganser: estimates 500 Dec 27 at Massena, “way over 1,500” Jan 14 and 1,000
plus Feb 2.

HAWKS—OWLS: Goshawk Dec 25 and Jan 14 Massena; adult Jan 23 Water-
town; immature Feb 20 and Mar 1 Watertown; 1 returned to Wellesley Island in
mid-Mar where they have nested. Cooper’s- Hawk: Mar 25 and 31. Red-tailed
Hawk: WCC 13; WIC none; 2 Jan 14 Massena and 1 Feb 2. Red-shouldered
Hawk: Mar 25. Rough-legged Hawk: WCC 4; WIC 1; 6 Dec 25 at Massena,
4 Jan 14 and 1 there Feb 2; up to a dozen between Rts 81 and 37 (LC). Bald
Eagle: Oak Point, 1 Feb 11 flying over St. Lawrence River. Gray Partridge: Dec 27
4 Massena; WCC none; 6 near Belleville and 6 near Henderson were in southern
part of the range of this bird, and 5 Mar 9 at Edwardsville, St. Lawrence Co. near
northern limit; these birds were generally scarce this winter. Woodcock: earliest
Mar 25 Watertown. Common Snipe: Mar 19 in small stream near Henderson.

Glaucous Gull: 1 WCC; 1 or 2 Dec 24, Jan 2 and 14 Massena. Iceland Gull:

99

1 Dec 27 Massena (DA); 2 Jan 14 (TM). Great Black-backed Gull: WIC 6; 12
Dec 27 Massena and 20 there Feb 2. Herring Gull: Watertown and Massena in
Dec. Ring-billed Gull: 37 Dec 27 Massena (DA). Mourning Dove: 2 Dec 5 near
Watertown; 3 all winter at feeder in Watertown; 1 near Adams early Mar. Screech
Owl: Mar 15 Mill Creek. Great Horned Owl: Watertown and Massena. Snowy
Owl: scarce in many parts of region; 4 WCC; 2 Dec 27 Massena; 2 often seen on
Route 177, Lewis Go; 1 Dec 10 Clayton; 1 Mar 9 Dexter; most common near Lake
Ontario where 3 or 4 could be seen in one day at Pillar Pt or Point Peninsula;
max 7 Dec 26 at Pillar Pt (RB). Barred Owl: Morristown. Saw-whet Owl: Feb 25
Watertown (Houghton).

GOATSUCKERS—STARLINGS: Belted Kingfisher:. 1 WIC; 1 Jan 1 Pillar Pt
(RB). Yellow-shafted Flicker: 1 seen frequently all winter in Watertown. Black-
backed Three-toed Woodpecker: at Joseph A. Blake, Jr. Wildlife Sanctuary near
Watertown, 2 Jan 14, 1 Mar 11 and 19, on tamarack trees (FC). Common Raven:
Mar 2 William Stumpf farm, Town of Cape Vincent, Jefferson Co. (W. Mosenteen).
Crow: WCC 77, a high count; 3 frequently in Watertown all winter; 2 Jan 13
Hammond. Boreal Chickadee: 1 Mar 26 Wanhkena (DA). Mockingbird: 1 near
Watertown seen about once a week all winter (P. Biggers). SAGE THRASHER Dec
27 Massena (DA); last seen Jan 14. Robin: an unusually large numbers of reports of
Robins all winter, especially around Watertown. Golden-crowned Kinglet: Dec 29
Massena. Bohemiam Waxwing: 1 Watertown Jan 20-22 (RW). Cedar Waxwing:
60 Mar 1 Watertown; flocks 5 to 30 late Jan to late Mar. Northern Shrike: 1 WCC;
about normal Dec-Jan, rather scarce later.

BLACKBIRDS—SPARROWS: Meadowlark: more common than most winters,
1 Dec 18 Black River; 1 Jan 21 Wellesley Island; 3 Theresa Feb 25; 3 to 15 seen
in Jan and Feb near Brownville; several small flocks, total about 40 birds Mar 25.
Redwinged Blackbird: WCC 3; first Mar 1. Common Grackle: began returning
about Mar 21. Brown-headed Cowbird: 3 WCC; 3 WIC; 5 Mar 24. Evening Gros¬
beak: common all winter, greatest numbers at feeders between Jan 15 and about
Mar 15; 800 banded in one location Jan 14 to Mar 31, but many more were never
banded (FC). Purple Finch: very few seen. Pine Grosbeak: first Dec 27 Gouverneur
and Dec 29 Massena, last Mar 28; from 5 to 19 daily in Feb Town of Montague,
Lewis Co; several others reported in small numbers in Jan and Feb. Common Red¬
poll: 19 WCC; 260 WIC; very large numbers at feeders, especially after mid-Feb.
Pine Siskin: small to good numbers at some feeders the latter part of period. Ameri¬
can Goldfinch: at several feeders. White-winged Crossbill: Dec 29 Massena (DA).
Slate-colored Junco: WCC 6, also 2 or 3 at feeders during winter. White-throated
Sparrow: WCC 3; also 20 at feeder Jan 3 near Watertown which is unusual at this
time of year; 2 at another feeder all winter. Song Sparrow: WCC 5; 2 or 3 all
winter; increase in numbers starting about Mar 23. Sncw Bunting: about average
numbers.

173 Haley St., Watertown, N.Y. 13601

REGION 7 — ADIRONDACK-CHAMPLA1N

Theodoke D. Mack

This was a mild winter for snow depth and cold. December usually has several
severely cold days, but a record high average of 21.4 degrees was recorded in Ray
Brook. January had the highest average high recording in 14 years, 19.1. The
coldest day was 33.5 below on February 23 which is unusually late for severe cold
according to Bob Kampf, the weather observer. Winds over 20 MPH were recorded
on at least 7 days, once reaching 65 MPH in gusts.

100

This was a good northern finch and Snowy Owl year. It was also a good year for
the usual feeder birds, quite a change from the previous winter. Most water stayed
frozen as usual so waterfowl were scarce.

Observers: GTC—Greenleaf T. Chase; SE—Stephen Everett; RM—Robert Mc¬
Kinney; RAM—Ruth A. Meier; TM—Ted Mack; WR—William Rutherford.

Abbreviations: L—lake; LP—Lake Placid; P—pond; Pltsby—Plattsburg; PS-—
Paul Smiths; Pt—point; SL—Saranac Lake; TL—Tupper Lake.

LOONS—DUCKS': Black Duck: 1 Jan 15 Pltsbg (SE,TM). American Goldeneye:
10 Jan 15 Pltsbg (SE,TM).

HAWKS—OWLS: Goshawk: 1 Jan 9 Black P,PS (WR). Rough-legged Hawk:

2 Jan 15 Mooers (SE,TM); 1 Feb 18 Witherbee (SE). Sparrow Hawk: 1 Jan 15
Rouses Pt (SE,TM). BALD EAGLE : 1 Feb 26 Mineville, soaring fairly high (C. A.
Petty), Ruffed Grouse: 1 Dec 11 PS (TM); 4 Jan 26 Franklin Falls (TM). Great
Black-backed Gull: 1 Jan 15 Chazy Landing (SE,TM). Herring Gull: 1 Jan 15
Pltsbg (SE,TM); 2 Mar 1 PS (SE). Ring-billed Gull: 1 Mar PS' (SE). Snowy Owl:
1 Dec 10 TL (GTC); 2 Feb 7 Big Chazy River (GTC); 1 Mar 1 Crown Pt (GTC).
Great Horned Owl: 1 Jan L Clear (TM). Barred Owl: 1 Jan 8 L Clear (TM); 1
Mar 27 Indian L (RM). Saw-whet Owl: 1 Mar 18 PS (WR).

GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Hairy Woodpecker: 1 Jan 3 LP (SE). Horned
Lark: 25 Jan 15 Pltsbg (SE,TM); first migrants — 8 Mar 1 PS (SE); 10 Mar 1
Ray Brook (GTC). Blue Jay: max at feeders—16 PS (WR); 16 TL (RAM).
Common Raven: 1 seen for 10 days in mid Jan and again on Feb 25 Middle SL
to Lower SL; wedge-shaped tail seen as it patrolled roads for dead birds (GTC).
Common Crow: first probably not wintering at a dump — 4 Mar 1 PS (SE). Black-
capped Chickadee: max 50 Feb TL (RAM). White-breasted Nuthatch: 3 Mar 18
Indian L (RM); I thru winter TL (RAM). Red-breasted Nuthatch: a few at
feeders. Brown Creeper: 1 Jan 22 Marcy Dam (TM). Golden-crowned Kinglet: a
few in several areas thru winter. Starling: arrived TL Mar 3 (RAM).

VIREOS—SPARROWS: Redwinged Blackbird: 20 Jan 15 Pt au Rouche (SE,
TM); first migrant—1 Mar 20 TL (RAM); 1 Mar 27 Indian L (RM). Brown¬
headed Cowbird: 150 Jan 15 Pt au Rouche (SE,TM). Evening Grosbeak: people
with feeders went broke buying sunflower seed; max 150 TL (RAM). Purple
Finch: one report— 1 Feb 26 SL (GTC). Pine Grosbeak: widely reported— 15 Jan

3 LP (SE); max 33 Jan 15 Redford to Rouses Pt (SE,TM); 15 Mar 27 Indian L
(RM). Common Redpoll: fairly common all winter — max 150 TL (RAM). Pine
Siskin: a few at feeders — max 20 Jan 15 Chazy Landing (SE,TM). American Gold¬
finch: stayed at feeders more than usual this winter. Red Crossbill: only report —
small flock Mar 31 Childwold (RAM). White-winged Crossbill: only report — large
flock Dec 14 Childwold (RAM). Slate-colored Junco: first—1 Mar 25 PS (TM);
1 Mar 25 TL (RAM). Tree Sparrow: a few at feeders all winter. Song Sparrow:
1 Jan 22 PS’ (TM); 1 Feb 18 PS (SE). Snow Bunting: 100 Jan 3 LP (SE).

P.O. Box 125, Paul Smiths, New York 12970

REGION 8 HUDSON-MOHAWK

Richard E. Philion

The weather systems responsible for a mild November prevailed during the months
of December and January and provided the region with unusual mid-winter condi¬
tions. The mean temperature for December was 30°, a + 3.5° departure from nor¬
mal. A high temperature of 55° was recorded on December 16 while the low for

101

the month was set on the 31st with a —1° reading. Most lakes and ponds had open
water during the Christmas count period which accounted for the number and
variety of waterfowl seen at that time.

No sustained cold weather developed during January but a record —14° was set on
the 6th. Prevailing winds from the SSW pushed warm air into the region to set a
record of 52 on the 13th, The monthly total of 8.5 inches of snowfall was modest
by comparison with previous winters. Yet, Evening Grosbeaks, Common Redpolls,
Pine Siskins and Goldfinches flooded the region by late January and at the same
time many half-hardy species persisted in the area until colder weather arrived in
mid-February.

February and March were above average in snowfall and 2.5° colder than normal.

Uncommon species recorded during the period were Whistling Swan, Bald Eagle,
Iceland Gull, Monk Parakeet, Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker, Boreal Chicka¬
dee, House Finch, Greater Redpoll, and Oregon Junco.

Abbreviations: ADBC—Alan Devoe Bird Club; CC—Christmas Count; Col. Co.—
Columbia County; HMBC—Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club; HR—Hudson River; L7—
Lock 7; LH—Lower Hudson; NWW-—Niskayna Wide Waters; NYSWC—New York
State Waterfowl Count; SCC—Schenectady Christmas Count; SCR—Stony Creek
Reservoir; SL—Saratoga Lake; SPA CC—Saratoga Christmas Count; SRCC; South¬
ern Rensselaer Christmas Count; SS—Stockport Station; TCC—Troy Christmas
Count; WSL—West Sand Lake.

Observers: DA—D. Allen; PC—P. Connor; JC—J. Cook; GE—G. Erlenback;
MG—M. Gruett; MK—M. Kent; MM—M. Mickle; PM—P. Miller; BHS—G.
Bartlett, B. Havens, R. Seguim; BRS—B. R. Segium; WBS—W. B. Sabin; LT—L.
Thomas; RPY—R. P. Yunick.

LOONS—DUCKS: Red-throated Loon: 1 Mar 26 NWW (BHS). Red-necked
Grebe: 1 Dec 18 SPA CC. Horned Grebe: 3 reports in Dec; lfm 2 Dec 23 SL
(BHS). Pied-billed Grebe: fsm 24 Mar 18 Lake Lonely Outlet (BHS); 2 Mar 26
NWW (BHS). Great Blue Heron: fsm 1 Feb 10 Glenville (MF); 1 Mar 26 HR
(HMBC). WHISTLING SWAN : 1 Mar 31 SS (DA). Canada Goose: max 165 Dec
2 Col Co (ADBC) 4 Dec 26 SRCC; several March reports, fsm 12 Mar 15

Mohawk River (DA). Snow Goose: 1 Mar 26 NWW (BHS). Mallard: total of

40 from regional CC reports; max 185 Jan 16 NYSWC HR; fsm 40 Mar 13 LH
(DA). Black Duck: total of 108 from regional CC reports; max 650 Jan 16 NYSWC
HR; fsm 150 Mar 13 LH (DA). Gadwall: fsm 7 Mar 13 LH (DA); 1 Mar 18
HMBC. Pintail: late report 2 Jan 16 NYSWC HR; fsm 8 Mar 13 LH (DA); max
60 Mar 18 HMBC. Green-winged Teal: 3 March reports, fsm 4 Mar 13 LH (DA)
Blue-winged Teal: fsm 3 Mar 26 Stony Pt (PC) ; 10 Mar 31 Vosburgh Marsh (DA).
American Widgeon: fsm 1 Mar 11 HR (T & A Brown); 1 Mar 18 HMBC. Wood
Duck: fsm 10 Mar 13 LH (DA); 2 other reports Mar 26. Redhead: 1 Mar 19
Stony Pt (PC). Ring-necked Duck: fsm 6 Mar 18 HMCB; 10 Mar 26 SCR (BHS).
Canvasback: 2 Dec 5 & 12 SL (BHS); several Mar reports, fsm 1 Mar 11 HR
(T & A Brown); max 35 Mar 31 LH (DA). Greater Scaup: 25 Dec 11 & 19

Dec 12 SL (BHS) —field marks noted on this report. Scaup in general were re¬

ported in late Dec; fsm 4 Mar 18 HMBC. Common Goldeneye: max 70 SPA CC;
21 Jan 16 NYSWC HR; fsm Mar 11 HR (T&A Brown). Buffihead: 30 Dec 5 SL
(BHS); 5 Dec 18 SPA CC; fsm Mar 11 HR (T&A Brown). Oldsquaw: 3 Decem¬
ber reports; 5 Dec 12 SL (BHS). White-winged Scoter: 5 Dec 5 Sc 7 Dec 12 SL
(BHS); 4 Dec 18 SPA CC. Surf Scoter: 1 Dec 18 Old Pond Chatham (MM).
Ruddy Duck: 1 Dec 5 & Dec 12 SL (BHS). Hooded Merganser: fsm 2 Mar 18
HMBC; several reports on March 26. Common Merganser: total of 62 from CC
reports; last 2 Jan 16 NYSWC HR; fsm 2 Mar 13 LH (DA). Red-breasted Mergan-
SER: 3 Mar 18 HMBC; 4 Mar 26 NWW (BHS).

102

HAWKS—OWLS: Turkey Vulture: fsm 2 Mar 19 NWW (BHS). Goshawk: 2 Jan
2 TCC; 1 February report Spencertown (fide Wayne Trimm) ; 3 March reports,
last 1 Mar 20 Berne (MK), Sharp-shinned Hawk: 1 Dec 26 SRCC;1 Jan 2 TCC;
4 other reports Jan thru Mar. Cooper’s Hawk: 1 December report ADBG. Red-tailed
Hawk: total of 44 thru GC period; 4 Mar 26 HR (HMBG). Red-shouldered Hawk:
1 Dec 26 SRCC; 1 Feb 2 Rotterdam (DA) ; 1 Mar 19 Stony Pt (PC). Rough-legged
Hawk: total of 14 over CC period; scattered reports thru period. BALD EAGLE:
1 mature Dec 5 Sacanda Res. (Steve Wadsworth). Marsh Hawk: 1 in March
ADBC; 1 Mar 19 E. Greenbush (PC). Sparrow Hawk: total of 43 from CC reports;
7 Mar 26 Schodack Gtr (PC), Ruffed Grouse: total of 30 from CC reports. Bob-
white: 3 Jan 16 Muetzeskill (R. Dodd). Ring-necked Pheasant; total of 44 from CC
reports. American Coot: 6 Dec 18 SPA CC; 6 Dec 12 NWW (BHS). Killdeer: 2
Dec 26 SRCC; fsm 1 Mar 18 HMBC. American Woodcock: 1 Mar 16 East Berne,
road kill (fide WBS). Common Snipe: 1 Dec 19 SCC; 1 Mar 31 Schodack Ctr.
(PC). ICELAND GULL: 1 Dec 9 Mohawk River (DA) & 1 Dec 12 SL (BHS)
both immature. Great Black-backed Gull: fsm 3 Mar 13 LH (DA); 12 Mar 18
HMBC. Herring Gull: max 102 Dec 26 SRCC. Ring-billed Gull: total of 95 on CC
reports. Mourning Dove: total of 526 from CC reports. Screech Owl: 1 Jan 2 TCC;
1 Feb 12 Schodack Ctr. (PC). Great Horned Owl: total of 7 from CC reports also
thru period. Snowy Owl: 1 Dec 15 Albany (PC); 1 Dec 26 SRCC; 1 Jan 1 West
Mt. (MK). Long-eared Owl: 1 Dec 1 Schodack Landing (JC); 1 Dec 26 SRCC.
MONK PARAKEET : 1 thru Jan and Feb attended feeder and traveled in company
of Mourning Doves Glenville (fide Marion Ford) ; origin of bird uncertain but sus¬
pect a local escapee (WBS).

GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Belted Kingfisher: total of 8 from CC reports,
scattered reports thru period. Yellow-shafted Flicker: total of 9 from CC reports;
seen Jan and Feb ADBC. Pileated Woodpecker: total of 3 from 2 GC reports.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 1 Dec 4 L 7 (BHS) ; thru Jan and Feb Mariaville (DA).
BLACK-BACKED THREE-TOED WOODPECKER : 1 Mar 4 ADBC Sanctuary
first time reported by ADBC member (G. Woodward & E. Reilly). Eastern Phoebe:
fsm 1 Mar 4 Malden Bridge (G. Woodward). Horned Lark: total of 105 from CC
reports; generally reported as being scarce thru period; max 50 Mar 5 L 7 (BHS).
BOREAL CHICKADEE: 1 arr mid Nov seen thru period at feeder WSL (J.
Chenette). Tufted Titmouse: total of 74 from CC reports. Red-breasted Nuthatch:
scarce thru period, total of 8 from CC reports. Winter Wren: 1 Dec 18 ADBC;
wintered Jan thru Mar at Collins Lake (DA). Brown Creeper: total of 15 from CC’s.
Mockingbird: no apparent increase over last year based on CC totals. Catbird: 1
Dec 19 SCC; 1 Dec 26 SRCC; evidence of a mild December. Brown Thrasher:
apparently wintered in several locations; 3 Jan 4 Rotterdam (DA); thru Feb in
Spencertown and Ghent (GE&PM). Robin: unusually common for the period; 33
from CC reports; large flocks reported Jan, Feb, and Mar. Hermit Thrush: 1 Jan 2
TCC. Eastern Bluebird: 2 Dec thru mid Feb in Rotterdam (DA) ; a Feb report from
Col Co (ADBC); fsm 4 Mar 1 Chatham (MM). Golden-crowned Kinglet: scarce
thru period; 2 Dec 19 SCC. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: no reports. Cedar Waxwing:
total of 29 from CC reports; wintered in Rotterdam (DA); fsm 2 flocks Mar 12
L 7 (BHS). Northern Shrike: fewer reports than last year; 1 Dec 11 SCR (BHS);
1 Dec 18 SPA CC; Shrike reported Dec 29 Meutziskill Rd (JC). Migrant Shrike:

1 Mar 25 Mechanicville (BRS). Starling: abundant as usual.

VIREOS—SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: 1 Dec 19 SCC. Pine Warbler: 1 well
documented seen at feeder Mar 31 E Greenbush (MG). Palm Warbler: 1 Jan 2
Castleton (JC) ; only 1 other Jan record for region. Eastern Meadowlark: total of
20 from CC reports; Y reports in Feb. Redwinged Blackbird: total of 9 from CC
reports; fsm 75 Mar 2 Schodack (PC). Rusty Blackbird: 2 Dec 26 SRCC; fsm 30
Mar 18 Schodack Ctr (PC). Common Grackle: CC total of 8; wintered locally;

103

large flocks Mar 18 HMBC. Brown-headed Gowbird: max 325 Dec 18 ADBC CC;
hundreds Mar 8 Rensselaer (PC). Evening Grosbeak: abundant thru period; total of
1146 from CC’s; Purple Finch: total of 26 from CC’s. HOUSE FINCH : continuing
to increase over region; GG totals 15; 2 Jan 20 thru Feb Loudonville (MF) ; thru
period in Scotia and Schenectady (DA). Pine Grosbeak: more numerous than in
recent years; 59 from CC’s; 75 Jan 20 Thacher Park (MK); large flocks reported in
Feb ADBC. Common Redpoll: unusually abundant at feeder stations in Jan thru
Mar; GC totals 175; max 250 Jan 5 Sacandoga Res (DA). GREATER RED¬
POLL: 1 Mar 25 Schenectady; this rare subspecies from Greenland was observed
and banded in the company of Common Redpolls. It’s overall measurements were
in agreement with known data (Forbush) especially the dimension and profile of
the bill. (RPY) ; last reported in region 8 in 1947. Pine Siskin: total of 10 from
CC’s yet considered abundant thru period at feeder stations. American Goldfinch:
abundant. Red Crossbill: only 1 report 12 Jan 22 thru Mar 4 Schodack Center
(PC). White-winged Crossbill: 1 Dec 26 SRCC; 2 Jan 22 Schodack Center (PC);
1 Mar 18 Saratoga (BHS). Rufous-sided Towhee: 1 thru Dec Spencertown (PM).
Savannah Sparrow: 1 Dec 4 Meadowdale (BHS). Slate-colored Junco: abundant thru
period. OREGON JUNCO : 3 Dec 19 SCC; 1 seen periodically from Dec 19 thru
Mar 20 Albany (LT). Tree Sparrow: CC total of 1426. Field Sparrow: 1 Dec 1-
10-27 Chatham (B & H Tullar); 1 Feb report from ADBC. White-crowned Spar¬
row: 1 Dec 18 thru Mar 26 Mechanicville (BRS); 1 Jan 9 L 7 (BHS). White-
throated Sparrow: high CC total of 99; wintered in Col Co ADBC. Fox Sparrow:
1 Dec 29 Ghent (GE) ; 6 Jan 2 TCC; fsm 1 Mar 10 Mechanicville (BHS). Song
Sparrow: CC total of 134 higher than usual. Snow Bunting: flock of 25 Dec 4
Col Co (JC); 60 Jan 2 TCC; generally considered scarce this year.

Edgewood Drive Averill Park, N.Y. 12018

REGION 9 — DELAWARE-HUDSON

Edward D. Treacy

The mild weather of last fall continued well into the winter season. December
was relatively warm with less than the usual amount of snow. January was more
normal in temperature, but with much less snow or any precipitation for that mat¬
ter. February had its cold moments, but nothing spectacular. Snow was perhaps
slightly above normal. Lakes were slow to freeze, and for the entire month of De¬
cember would skim over at night only to melt the next day. A good hard freeze did
not set in until well into January, and then the first half of March saw the ice depart,
especially in the lowlands. March stayed consistently cold, with very few warm days.

Gene Brown, of the Cockland Audubon Society mentioned that this was the first
winter in memory when we had every northern finch that we could expect to see;
even the purple finch was more numerous than it has been in recent years. The
small amount of snow favored hawk activity; and the mild weather may well have
influenced some of our migrants to remain with us well beyond their usual dates,
and survive at that. Spring migration started on time, and perhaps a bit before
for some species. Most of the above observations will be born out by the text of the
report.

Your reporter wishes to extend his thanks to Frank and Ruth Steffens who have
contributed their records to this column since its beginning. They have recently
retired and moved to Arizona to enjoy all those hummingbirds. They will be sorely
missed.

Area Compilers: William Howe, Central Westchester; Robert F. Deed, Rockland
Jack Orth, Bear Mt. Pk. and Wawarsing; A1 Merritt, Cornwall; Dr. John Tramon-

104

tano, Western Orange; Martin Borko, Sullivan; Fred Hough, Ulster; Otis Waterman
and Eleanor Pink, Dutchess.

Observers cited: AA—Anthony Amos; GB—Gene Brown; EB—Enid Butler; FG—
Florence Germond; WH—William Howe; AJ—Alice Jones; M,JK—Mary and Jim
Key; A,BM—A1 and Barbara Merritt; VP—Vivian Parkhurst; EP—Eleanor Pink;
B,TS—Bill and Trixie Strauss; MVW—Marion Van Wagner.

Abbreviations: BMCG—Bear Mountain Christmas Count, Jan 2; BCC—Burroughs
Natural History Society Christmas Count, Dec 26; MCC—Mearns Bird Club Christ¬
mas Count, Dec 26; RCC—Rockland Audubon Society Christmas Count, Dec 18;
WCC—Waterman Bird Club Christmas Count, Jan 2; SCC-—Sullivan Audubon So¬
ciety Christmas Count, Jan 1.

LOONS—DUCKS: Loons: none reported. Red-necked Grebe: 1, Rhinebeck, Mar
26 (J,MK). Pied-billed Grebe: more winter reports than usual. Cormorant: 1,
probably Double-crested, Dec 13, on Hudson off Dutch (AJ). Great Blue Heron: a
few more than usual thru winter. 5 returned to Tamarack Sw., Dutch, Mar 19.
Inc. to 12 by end of month (FG). American Bittern: 1, Piermont Marsh, Jan 3
(AA). 1, Croton Pt. Mar 31 (WH). Mute Swan: good winter numbers in Rock
until ice drove them to Hudson R. 2, Iona Is Mar 19, and 3 at Cornwall Mar 18.
Canada Goose: more reported than usual. Excellent migrant numbers in Mar. Resi¬
dents on most lakes by end of period. Max 1,200+ over Amenia, Dutch, Jan 7,
and again on Jan 24. (B,TS). Brant: a flock of 100+ over Hamptonburgh Oran
Dec 31 (Frank and Ruth Steffens). Mallard, Black Duck: former continue to out¬
number the latter by almost 3 to 1 thru period. Good numbers for both. Gadwall:
2, Rockland L. Feb 4; increased to 9 by Mar 19. Previous early date was Mar 30.
Pintail: never common. 1, Croton Pt. Mar 23. A male and 2 females at Piermont
Pier on unusual date of Jan 14 (AA). Numbers up in late Mar, esp in Dutch.
Green-winged Tea 1 — unusual record of 1 on Rockland L Dec 26 (GB). Migrants
reported in West and Rock on Mar 19. First report in Dutch Mar 29. Late for there.
Blue-winged Teal: 2, Mar 8, S'tormville, Dutch; very early (EB). American Widgeon:
usual few reports in winter in Dutch. Wood Duck: more than usual. 7, in Blooming
Grove, Oran Dec 26 (MCC), Redhead: 1, Dec 29, Sylvan L (AJ). Another Mar 16,
near Staatsburgh (M,JK). Ring-necked Duck: winters regularly in West, but rare
elsewhere. 2 Rockland L, Feb 4. Migrants are in usual numbers in mid-Mar. Can-
vasback: more than usual. Numbers up esp in Mar. A good number of 68 on BMCC.
A single bird on Mongaup Res Feb 27 in very unusual for Sull. Greater Scaup:
first, 12, Mar 16 (M,JK). Peak Mar 29 with 200 on Hudson in Dutch. Lesser
Scaup: 9, Mar 16 on Hudson off Dutch. Common Goldeneye: numbers seem down
slightly. Bufflhead: seems to inc in numbers each year. Max 150, Rock L. mid-Mar.
Ruddy Duck: winters regularly on lower Hudson Max 180 Croton Pt. Mar 31.
Hooded Merganser: usual wintering birds. Migrants arr on time and in expected
numbers. Reported lower in Dutch. Common Merganser: numbers normal to lower.
Generally late in leaving area. Red-breasted Merganser: more than usual. Good
numbers dur Mar. Reported on both the RCC and the MCC. An unusual number
of 20 Dec 18 on Hudson in Dutch. (EP) .

HAWKS—OWLS: Turkey Vulture: first, 12, Queensboro, Bear Mt. Pk. Mar 2.
Numbers good thru end of period. Goshawk: many more than usual. 1, Pleasantville
Dec 19, and again Mar 5. 3 Ulst records dur Jan. 1, near Kripplebush lingered into
Feb. 1, Black Rock Forest, Cornwall Dec 29; and 1, Feb 9 near Meyers Corners,
Dutch. Sharp-shinned Hawk: sev thru season. Usually hunting about bird feeders.
Cooper’s Hawk: in much the same locations and circumstances as the previous
species. Red-tailed Hawk: usual numbers to better in most areas. Down somewhat in
Dutch. Red-shouldered Hawk: more than usual, with several reports each month
and many in Mar. Rough-legged Hawk: numbers not as good as last year, but still

105

excellent. Reported from all areas with several wintering in the vicinity of Galeville
Airport, Ulst. GOLDEN EAGLE : one near Briar cliff, Dutch Feb 9 (VP). Same area
reported in winters of 1969 and ’70. Bald Eagle: only 1 or 2 reports from Hudson
Highlands of single birds. Best records from Sull where as many as 7 were reported
in the vicinity of Mongaup, Rio and Rondout Reservoirs. Most were imm. Marsh
Hawk: a few winter reports with sev dur Mar. Sparrow Hawk: 1, hunting at a
bird feeder in Cornwall Mar 18 (A,BM). Ruffed Grouse: few reports, scarce. Bob-
white: ab 15 reported in Dutch thru period. Common Gallinule: 1, L Tappan,
Blauvelt, on remarkable date of Feb 10 (Emily Paulson). Coot: usual few winter
birds, but numbers lower than usual dur Mar in Dutch. Killdeer: usual winter
birds. Also lower than expected dur Mar. Woodcock: phenomenal influx in early
Mar. As many as 30, Mar 2 in southern Dutch. (B. Serra) 14 more the same day
in South Millbrook (Howard Roeller). Common Snipe: 2 wintering reports; excellent
migrant numbers dur Mar. DUNLIN : 1, Croton Pt, Mar 19 (WH). GLAUCOUS
GULL: 1, Croton Pt. Feb 6-25 (WH). Another Mar 7, Wappingers Cr., Dutch
(MVW). Another on Hudson near New Hamburgh, Mar 18. ICELAND GULL : 1,
Croton Pt. from Jan 21 thru period. 2 there Feb 6. Another at Tomahawk L. Oran
Jan 1. Ring-billed Gull: usual winter numbers. Excellent movement up Hudson dur
Mar. Bonaparte’s Gull: 4, Croton Pt, Dec 12. Flocks of 25 and 19 at Piermont Pier
on Jan 12 and 14 respectively (AA). Mourning Dove: excellent numbers of last winter
continue thru this. More than 400 reported on BCC. Screech Owl: a few more
than the few winter reports. Great Horned Owl: breeding in Popolopen Gorge,
and at the Glen in Cornwall. Another heard almost daily thru season in Dutch.
Snowy Owl: a good flight year. Reported in cent. West, and at Middletown, Oran.
2 reports from Dutch dur Jan and 1 on RCC. Barred Owl: 1, Dec 21, Canoe Hill,
Dutch. Another all month of Dec at Hudson River State Hosp. Dutch. 1, Mar 1
at Yankee L. Sull. Long-eared Owl: all reports Dutch. As many as 20 at the home
of Mr. and Mrs. Valentine Beuche in Wappingers Falls from Dec thru rest of pe¬
riod. Short-eared Owl: a few found wintering in the vicinity of Galeville Airport,
Ulst where they were so common a few winters ago. 1, Dec 17, Amenia. Another
Piermont Pier Jan 17 (AA). Saw-whet Owl: 1, Croton Pt. Feb 21, 22 (George
Smalls). Another at Palisades Dec 16 (AA).

GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Flicker: more than usual. Pileated Woodpecker:
seems to hold its own, but numbers quite low. Max of 8 on BCC. Red-bellied
Woodpecker; many more than usual. At least one or two birds reported from all
counties. Red-headed Woodpecker: usual few winter birds. Numbers seem down from
previous years. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: only reports West, Ulst and Dutch. Phoebe:
arr most areas Mar 20-23. Numbers good by end of month: Common Crow: numbers
normal. Fish Crow: 1 wintered Croton Pt. 3 there Mar 11 and inc to 8 by Mar
31. 2 at Cornwall from Mar 21 to end of month. 1 or two thru Feb and Mar at Vas-
sar Coll. 2, Vanderburgh Cove Mar 18-25. Red-breasted Nuthatch: excellent num¬
bers. Too many reports to list. House Wren: 1 at Howells on the extreme date of
Mar 30 (Peg Moon). Winter Wren: well reported esp in Dutch. Carolina Wren:
an excellent winter. Population has rebult since last big kill of a few winters ago.
Mockingbird: continues to increase, but slightly. RCC had 46. Catbird: many winter
reports. BROWN THRASHER: very rarely reported in winter. 1, Fort Montgomery
Feb 26 thru Mar 5. 1, Goshen, Dec 26, MGC. 1, New Paltz, Feb 4, 6. 1, Highland
Hosp. Beacon, Feb 25. Robin: many winter reports. Excellent numbers dur Mar mi¬
gration. Wood Thrush: 1, Nov 20, Monticello (Ken Niven). Hermit Thrush: 1, West¬
moreland Sanct, Dec 19. Another Cornwall Dec 5. 2, Dutch last week of Feb. Mar
movement good. Eastern Bluebird: good numbers thru season. Flocks of 10—20 re¬
ported from Dutch dur Jan and Feb. Kinglets: excellent numbers for both species.
Lower in Mar. Pipit: only Mar record, 1, Mar 19, Central Valley, Oran. Cedar

106

Waxwing: only a few reported. Northern Shrike: 1, Mt. Kisco, Dec 19-24. 2,
Ulster: 1, Clove Valley Jan 1 and another Accord Jan 20. 1, Fishkill, Dec 26; 1,
Wappingers Falls, Mar 8. Loggerhead Shrike: 1, Croton Pt Mar 23, 25. 1, Bashakill,
Mar 28. 2 Jan reports in Dutch and 3 there in Feb. Starling: more than 1,000
roosting at a location in Poughkeepsie in Dec.

VIREOS—SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: no longer the winter resident in Rock
that they were a few years ago, largely due to succession in habitat. 8 birds in
Dutch dur Feb. Meadowlark: about 175 at Salt Point, Dutch dur Jan. Red-winged
Blackbird: more wintering than usual. Migrants in excellent numbers by first week
in Mar. 1, a partial albino, returned for fifth year to feeder of Mrs. Homer William¬
sons in Poughkeepsie. BALTIMORE ORIOLE : more reports than usual. 1, Haw¬
thorne Dec 26, 4 at various, locations in Dutch in Jan, and 1 thru Feb. Rusty Black¬
bird: good winter reports. Migrants well represented thru Mar. Common Grackle: arr
most areas last week of Feb numbers excellent thru Mar. Cowbird: large numbers
in several locales, but low in others. Cardinal: normal to better. Dickcissel: 1, Dec 8,
in Pleasant Valley (MVW). Northern Finches:, all species well represented. Too
many reports to list. All species in good numbers including Purple Finch. Common
Redpolls reported by the hundreds in most areas in Mar. Siskins in excellent num¬
bers thru end of seasons. One interesting report of House Finch diminishing in
numbers. Believed driven from feeders by aggressive Siskins. One report of House
Finch nesting in Dutch by Mar 24. Both species of Crossbill well represented, but
numbers lower than expected. Rufous-sided Towhee: more wintering than usual in
all areas. Savannah Sparrow: 9, Eastview, West, Feb 5. More than 75 near New
Paltz on Feb 27 an unusual concentration for that time of year. 4 to 6 reported thru
season at feeders in Dutch. Vesper Sparrow: 1, Eastview, West. Feb 21. 1, Dutch,
Dec 20; and 3 reports there dur Jan. OREGON JUNCO : 1, Mar 15, near Bonticou,
Ulst. (June Polatsekenear), fide R. Pyle. Tree Sparrow: numbers lower than usual
but still good. Chipping Sparrow: arr Rock Mar 23. White-crowned Sparrow: spent
entire season at feeder of (B,TS) in Amenia, Dutch. White-thr. Sparrow: small
flocks in most areas thru entire season. Fox Sparrow: a few winter reports but excel¬
lent numbers from first week of Mar thru end. LINCOLN SPARROW: first seen Jan
10 at Amenia. Remained thru Feb 23 (B,TS). Swamp Sparrow: all reports Dutch.
4 in Dec and 1 in Jan. Lapland Longspur: 6, MCC, Goshen 1, (no date) Kingston,
first record for Ulst. As many as 3 reported twice near Red Hood in early Dec. 2
there on WCC. Snow Bunting: 2, Croton Pt. Dec 12; 15, Wurtsboro, Oct 18; 2,
Ridgebury, Oran Dec 9; Dutch, Dec 7; about 50 in Dutch Dec 5. Also reported from
Ulst.

Spring reports due June 5.

Pellwood Lake, Highland Falls, New York 10928

REGION 10 —MARINE

Thomas H. Davis and Lee Morgan

Detailed information was made available from only six of the twelve Christmas
Counts uonducted locally this year. The relatively warm weather — with no freeze-
overs preceding the. counts — continued into January. Mainly this factor, perhaps,
but also a light “winter finch” flight, and ever-increasing observer interest, pushed
several counts species totals to new highs. Foremost (as usual) was Captree (ab¬
breviated CaCC) on Dec. 19, with a new State high of 144 species. Except for
several inexplicable “misses” (Glaucous Gull, Palm Warbler), this year’s total might
have reached the mystical 150 mark; in fact, at least eight additional species were

107

found in the count circle during January. Following Captree were Montauk (MkCC),
Dec. 18, 130 spp. (new high); Southern Nassau County (SNCC), Jan. 2, 129 spp.
(new high); Northern Nassau County (NNCC), Dec. 26, 103 spp.; Smithtown
(SmCC), Dec. 26, 102 spp. (new high) ; and Brooklyn (BkCC), Dec. 26, 94 spp.
All told, these six counts totaled an amazing 173 species.

Most of the specific details concerning the above counts appear within the main
body of this report, but several species deserve special comment. Mockingbird: popu¬
lations “exploded” this year with new highs reported for all six counts, noteworthy
totals being NNCC — 189, and CaCC — 117. Rufous-sided Towhee: wintering in¬
creases of this species have largely gone overlooked in recent years, but it was
hardly possible to ignore this year’s high wintering population, particularly out¬
standing totals being CaCC — 102, and MkCC — 8. Carolina Wren: numbers of
this species fluctuate according to the severity of the winter, but over the last several
years they have been increasing. Distribution however, is rather erratic. This year
CaCC listed 4, NNCC 5, and SmCC 16, while the Gardiner’s Island party of MkCC
found the astounding total of 41 !

Overall, the season could be termed mild, with only about 12 inches of snowfall,
and no prolonged cold spells. Affected in particular, were wading birds. From the
count period through January, observers recorded 10 of New York State’s 12 breed¬
ing herons. Fourteen species of shorebirds were reported in the same period, notably
S'emipalmated and Piping Plovers, and Least and Western Sandpipers. Affected
adversely (from the observer’s point of view) were “white-winged” gulls. In contrast
to last winter’s high totals, both Iceland and Glaucous Gulls were lacking this year,
and reported almost entirely from garbage dumps. One of your editors (TD) sur¬
veyed six large metropolitan area dumps during January and February, estimating a
total population of approximately 92— 115,000 Herring Gulls. “White-wing” totals
were a meager 6 Glaucous (2 adult and 4 second year birds), and 8 Iceland (one
adult, 3 second year, and 4 first year birds).

If the reader notices a subtle increase in the “mob” listings for particularly un¬
common species, it is because the NY Rare Bird Alert spreads the word so rapidly.
For those of you who wish to hear the latest avian news, and what’s been seen
where, dial 516—485—2170 and listen to a six minute recording.

Rarities included in /this report are Tufted Ducks, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Gyrfalcon,
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black Guillemot, and Black-headed Grosbeak. High counts
were recorded for Gannet and White-winged Crossbill. Aside from herons and shore-
birds, unseasonal reports include Common Tern and Nashville Warbler.

Observers frequently cited: AB—A1 Bell; RC—Robert Claremont; BC—Barbara
Gonolly; TD—Thomas Davis; AD—Aline Dove; OD—Orville Dunning; DF—Davis
Finch; MH—Myrna Hemmerick; TL—Tom Love; DP—Dennis Puleston; GR—
Gilbert Raynor; BS—Barbara Spencer; LW—Leroy Wilcox; AW—A1 Wollin.

Other abbreviations: JBWR—Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge; Jones—Jones Beach
State Park.

LOONS—DUCKS: Gannet: 820, Jan 2, (SNCC)—mainly by Ryan boat party,
highest Regional count. Green Heron: Dec 19, (CaCC); Dec 19, Queens CC; Jan
18, Georgica Pond (BC,BS) —45h Jan occurrence. Little Blue Heron: 3 imm, Jan
10, Lawrence Marsh (TD) — 2nd Jan occurrence. Common Egret: Dec 26, Oyster
Bay (mob). Snowy Egret: 8, Jan 2, (SNCC); two remained at JBWR to Jan 12
(TD); Feb 14, Freeport (TD) —first Feb occurrence. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron:
6 (one adult) through Jan at Setauket (MH) —occasionally winters. Least Bittern:
Jan 17—24, Brookhaven (DE(—“in cattail swamp,” casual at this season. Glossy
Ibis: Jan 2, Lawrence Marsh (J. Bull) —first Jan record; arr Mar 19 at Mecox
(C. McKeever) —over the last 7 years, ibis have consistently arrived during mid/
late March.

Whistling IS wan: 10 wintered at Mecox Bay (mob); 2 wintered at Montauk
(mob). Pink-footed Goose: a bird present in Babylon through the winter was almost
certainly an escape. Blue Goose: one wintered at Shinnecock Inlet with Brant (mob).
European Teal: drake, Dec 18, Gardiner’s Island (MkCC) ; drake, Jan 8 through
period at Belmont Lake State Park (mob). European Widgeon: 4-5 drakes reported
from scattered Long Island locales. TUFTED DUCK : pair, Jan 8 through period.

108

Belmont Lake State Park (mob); drake, Dec 27-Jan 4, Southaven (DP, et al) —still
another wintered at Bay Head, N.J. The validity of _ these . reports is in question.
Some observers would rationalize the occurence of “wild” birds due to an increase
in European populations. Tufted Ducks, however, are “the most commonly bred
European Anatid in U.S. collections.” (Richard Ryan). BARROW’S GOLDEN¬
EYE: female, Feb 12, Montauk Point (DF,TD) -—seen with Commons, both sitting
and flying, all yellow bill and smaller wing patch noted; casual in the area, last
reported in 1966.

HAWKS—OWLS: Harris 5 Hawk: an adult present in the Rye area through the
winter (mob) was probably an escape, although its plumage showed no signs of
captivity, and it was not banded GYRFALCON: “light gray-phase bird,” Jan 15,
Hook Pond (DP, GR, et al). Pigeon Hawk: 5 Jan-Feb reports were received (one an
adult), all from coastal areas. Semipalmated Plover: Jan 22, Tobay Pond (TD, B.
Broadbrooks) ; Feb 6, Jones (AW) — 3rd and 4th midwinter reports. Piping Plover:
2, Jan 17, Jones (TD) —very rare at this season. Black-bellied Plover: max 63,
Jan 2, SNCC •—very high winter count. Least Sandpiper: 2, Dec .18, Gardiner’s
Island (MkCC) —only the 3rd Dec report. Semipalmated Sandpiper: Dec 19,
(CaCC); 5, Jan 2 l(SNCC) —rare at this season but more frequently reported in
recent years, probably due to intensive Christmas Count coverage. Western Sand¬
piper: Jan 2, Jones (M. and G. Kelinbaum) —2nd Jan record.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL: adult, Jan 30, Pelham Bay Park garbage dump
(TD) —“seen in flightsize, mantle color, primary pattern seen in direct comparison
to Herring Gulls, but legs not seen.” Black-headed Gull: adult wintered, Jones Inlet
— Long Beach sewer outlet (mob) ; sub-adult, Jan 6-Feb 12, Montauk Harbor (mob).
Little Gull: an adult and an imm were noted frequently at both Fire Island and
Jones inlets from late Jan through period (mob). Forster’s Tern: Dec 11, Shinnecock
Inlet (AB,AD,OD) —extremely late. Common Tern: Jan 1, Jones (AW)—“seen
close, call heard,” first Jan record.

Thick-billed Murre: far better than average, 7 separate sightings reported — 4
from Montauk Point from Dec 11 to Feb 5 (3) ; also seen on Jan 15 at Oak Beach
(S. Stepinoff, TD,TL), Westhampton Beach (LW), and Center Moriches (LW).
BLACK GUILLEMOT: 3, Dec 11, Montauk Point (mob); Jan 15, Montauk Point
(K. O’Hare) —very rare here. Snowy Owl: 4, Nov 28, Captree State Park, and
western Fire Island (P. Buckley) ; 4-5, Dec 5, west end of Jones (C. Ward, et al) ;
numbers declined after mid-Dec, although CaCC and MkCC each listed 4 individ¬
uals.

GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Red-bellied Woodpecker: individuals wintered
at Oakdale, E. Islip, and Matinecock. Shrikes: both a Loggerhead and an adult
Northern occupied the same territory through the winter at Heckscher State Park
(mob). The only other Northern reports were one each on the Manhattan and
SmCC’s.

VIREOS—WARBLERS: Nashville Warbler: Jan 2, Loop Causeway near Point
Lookout (H. Pembleton, S. Dempsey)—3rd Jan record. Pine Warbler: Dec 18,
(MkCC). Palm Warbler: rare this year, only midwinter report was one at Captree
State Park, Jan 26 (mob). Yellowthroat: 2, Dec 18, (MkCC); Dec 19 (CaCC).
Yellow-breasted Chat: Jan 6, Montauk (BC,BS); Jan 16, Glen Cove (F. Mc¬
Donough).

BLACKBIRDS—SPARROWS: Black-headed Grosbeak: Dec 18-27, Hastings
(Campbells, J. Moyle, etal) . Common Redpoll: a large late winter flight barely
made the coast —max 200, Feb 24, E. Marion (DP). White-winged Crossbill: max
250 plus , Feb 11, Fire Island State Park (DF,TD) —highest Regional count. Grass¬
hopper Sparrow: Jan 2, Mitchell Field (M. Wheta, et al) —very rare at this season.

Note: Please submit Spring reports by June 8.

Thomas H. Davis, 8613 85th Street, Woodhaven, N.Y. 11421

Lee Morgan, 4 Windsor Lane, East Northport, N.Y. 11731

109

REPORTING REGIONS

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

FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC.

1972 Officers

Mr. Kenneth D. Niven

President

_ .... P. O. Box 343, Monticello, N.Y. 12701

Vice President

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

Corresponding Secretary

Miss Elizabeth A. Feldhusen..891 Union St. Brooklyn, N.Y. 11215

Recording Secretary

Mrs. Myrna Hemmerich.. P. O. Box 203, Setauket, N.Y. 11733

Treasurer

Mr. Stephen B. Dempsey. 533 Chestnut St., West Hempstead, N'.Y. 11552

Editor of THE KINGED

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
Bylaws; 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: Ralph Cioffi, 25 Carpenter St., Glen Cove N.Y. 11542

William B. Reeves, 107 Elberta Dr., Northport, N.Y. 11768