V.KINGBIRD VOL XXIII, NO. 2 MAY • 1973 FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC. THE KINGBIRD, published four times a year (January, May, July and October), is a publication of The Federation of New York State Bird Clubs, Inc., which has been organized to further the study of bird life and to disseminate knowledge thereof, to educate the public in the need of conserving natural resources and to encourage the establishment and main¬ tenance of sanctuaries and protected areas. Individual member’s dues are $5.00 annually, of which $4.00 is for a subscription to The Kingbird. A member wishing to make an addi¬ tional contribution may become a Sustaining Member ($7.50), a Supporting Member ($10), or a Life Member ($100 — “payable over a four-year period in equal installments,” if member so desires). 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, Mrs. Myrna Hemmerick, P.O. Box 203, Setauket, N.Y. 11733. Send CHANGES OF ADDRESS to the Treasurer, Mr. Stephen B. Dempsey, 533 Chestnut St., West Hempstead, N.Y. 11552. Oder SINGLE COPIES, BACK NUMBERS, and REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED COPIES from Dr. Frederick C. Dittrich, c/o Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd., Ithaca, N.Y. 14850. Publication office is 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd., Ithaca, N.Y. 14850. Second class postage paid at Ithaca, N.Y. W.KINGBIRD PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS. INC Vol. XXIII No. 2 May, 1973 72-114 CONTENTS Photographs of New York State Rarities 23. Sage Thrasher. .Thomas H. Davis 72 Parasitic Jaegers Seen From Great Gull Island, New York. .Roger F. Pasquier 79 Birdwatching Around Saranac Lake.Gordon M. Meade 79 New York State Waterfowl Count, January 1973 . . David B. Peakall 80 Field Notes Gray Jay near Robert H. Treman State Park ..Douglas P. Kibbe 83 European Fieldfare at Larchmont, Westchester Co., New York . ... Paul Lehman 83 Audubon’s Warbler Winters in Chemung County .. Wilifred I. Howard 84 Highlights of the Winter Season.Fritz Scheider 85 Regional Reports . 88 Editor — Joseph W. Taylor Associate Editors Field Notes — Sally Hoyt Spofford Regional Reports — Fritz Scheider Assistant Editor — Douglas Kibbe 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 PHOTOGRAPHS OF NEW YORK STATE RARITIES 23. Sage Thrasher Robert Moses Power Darn, St. Lawrence Co., January 1972. Photograph by Douglas M. Allen Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens Co., 16 January, 1973. Photograph by Dr. Paul A. Buckley The Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus ) is an inhabitant of dry sagebrush plains in western United States, mainly west of the Rocky Mountains. During migration and winter it is found casually eastward across the Great Plains, Further east, along the east coast its occurrence is accidental (Amer. Ornith. Union, 1957. Checklist of North American Birds , 5th ed.). The AOU Checklist, cited above, mentions but one east coast record (from NY), and overlooks a 1949 New Jersey sight report. Since 1957 it has been recorded no less than 11 additional times in the East. This increase in reports is probably due to a burgeoning number of birders. 72 and their awareness of western strays, rather than any natural cause. Other than New York, the east coast reports are as follows: 1. 27 November, 1949 —seen at Barnegat Light, New Jersey by Q. Kramer, C. E. Price, et al (D. Fables, 1969. Supplement to an Annotated List of New Jersey Birds. Urner Ornith Club) 2. 5 December, 1962 — banded and photographed near Leesburg, Virginia by Mrs. H. M. Church, eal ( Audubon Field Notes , 17:21, 1963) 3. 12 May, 1965 — seen at Pt. Pelee, Ontario, fide James L. Baillie ( Audubon Field Notes. 19:467, 1965) 4. 5 October, 1965 — seen at Bodie Is., Dare Co., North Carolina by Paul W. Sykes (P. W. Sykes, 1967. The fall migration of landbirds along the Bodie Island — Pea Island Region of the Outer Banks of Northeastern North Carolina. N.C. State Univ., unpublished ms thesis). 5. 26 October, 1965 — seen and photographed at Parker River NWR, Mass., fide Ruth P. Emery “Field Notes”, Mass. Aud. News¬ letter ( Audubon Field Notes , 20: 7, 1966). 6. 2 October, 1966 — collected at Welland, Ontario by Dan R. Salis¬ bury, specimen to Buffalo Mus. of Science ( Audubon Field Notes, 21:28,1967). 7. 11 January, 1969 — collected at Trenton, Florida by David W. Johnston, specimen to Florida St. Mus. at Gainesville ( Audubon Field Notes, 23:471, 1969) 8. 24 October, 1971 — photographed at Assateague Is., Maryland by Richard A. Rowlett ( American Birds, 26:44, 1972). The 5 New York State reports are as follows: Field Notes, 23:471, 1969) 1. 21 April, 1942 — collected at Braddock Bay, Monroe Co. by Gordon M. Meade and Joseph W. Taylor, specimen at Cornell University ( Auk 60:104 1943). 2. 18 October, 1958 — banded and photographed at Tiana Beach, Suffolk Co. by Leroy Wilcox (J. Bull, 1964. Birds of the New York Area. Harper and Row, N.Y.). A photograph of this individual appears in the Kingbird , 15:211, 1965. 3. 27 December, 1971 to 20 January, 1972 — seen and photographed at Robert Moses Power Dam near Massena, St. Lawrence Co. by Douglas and Judy M. Allen ( Kingbird, 22:100, 1972) —date last seen in Kingbird is incorrect according to D. M. Allen). 73 4. 22 October, 1972 —seen at Jones Beach State Pk., Nassau Co. by Paul Lehman, et al ( Kingbird, 23:30-40, 1973). 5. 13 to 17 January, 1973 — seen and photographed at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens Co. This bird was independently dis¬ covered by Margarite Juttner, and by Ed Daly, Sam Kornblatt, and Charles Young. During its 5 day stay it could usually be located feeding on multiflora berries or hopping about an open lawn at the NE corner of the West Pond. A large number of birders came to view this bird, and recognizable photographs were obtained by Dr. Paul A. Buckley, Davis Finch, Michael Kleinbaum, and others. This is the first time this record has been published. Six of the above 13 east coast Sage Thrushers were reported from 2 to 26 October. Five others were reported from the late fall into early winter, to 13 January. Only 2 were reported during spring migration. Thomas H. Davis , 9446 85th Road , Woodhaven, N. Y. 11421. 74 PARASITIC JAEGERS SEEN FROM GREAT GULL ISLAND, NEW YORK Roger F. Pasquier The movements of the Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus) in the New York area are still not fully understood. While it is the jaeger most frequently seen in shore, nearly all published data (Bull, 1954: 223-224) are of sightings in the open Atlantic, seen either from the Long Island or New Jersey shores, or from boats. The only two records I have found of sightings elsewhere in the New York area are one of six birds in Gardiner’s Bay, July 8, 1911 (Bull, 1964) and a recent observation of two individuals seen off Rocky Point, near Miller Place, L.I. on July 20, 1967 (Bull, 1970:21). There are no Connecticut records for Parasitic Jaeger. During August and September of 1970, 1971, and 1972 considerable numbers of Parasitic Jaegers were observed from Great Gull Island, New York. Great Gull Island is a seventeen-acre island seven miles south of New London, Connecticut. Lying at the eastern end of Long Island Sound, it is sheltered from the open ocean by the south fork of Long Island. Formerly an army fort, Great Gull Island now bears a flourishing colony of Roseate and Common Terns (Sterna dougalli and S. hirundo) and is operated as a research station by the American Museum of Natural History. While no recent visitors had looked for jaegers at Great Gull Island before 1970, earlier visitors to the island had reported jaegers there. In 1888, Basil H. Dutcher visited Great Gull Island and adjacent Little Gull Island from August 6 to 16 (Proceedings of the Linnaean Society 1970:76). Without specifying which and when, he mentions having seen Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers. One of the lighthouse keepers at Little Gull Island reported that the jaegers arrived about the same time as the bluefish and stayed as long as the bluefish were there. Dutcher reported seeing three to ten jaegers each day. In 1889 William Dutcher visited the two islands from July 8 to 16. He does not specify which jaeger he saw, but noted two for July 12 and one July 15. The keeper at Little Gull Island also noted one to three jaegers on five days during June and early July of that year. During 1970, 1971, and 1972 Parasitic Jaegers were seen from Great Gull Island chasing terns, flying over the fishing boats east of Little Gull Island, resting on the water, soaring directly over Great Gull Island, or simply flying past. In 1970 and 1971 an intensive watch was maintained for jaegers during August and September. During 1972 no one was free to look regularly for jaegers. Consequently many fewer were recorded, and August and September 1972 observations will not usually be considered in this paper as the small amount of data is 75 not representative of the total number of jaegers that were probably present. During 1970 and 1971 the frequency and movements of the Parasitic Jaegers were different each year. In 1970 all the jaegers were seen singly or in small groups, never more than five together, always flying towards Great Gull Island from the east and continuing west until no longer visible. Occasionally, a jaeger would circle around the island or chase another bird before resuming its course, but no jaeger was ever seen flying towards Montauk and the open ocean. In 1971 many more terns were still carrying fish to young on the island in August than we had seen in 1970. Perhaps as a consequence of this, groups of up to eight jaegers were sometimes seen resting on the water, in between individual or group chases after fish-bearing terns. On the corresponding dates in 1970 not more than six jaegers had been during the entire day. During 1971 jaegers were also seen circling Great Gull Island and in the Race, the stretch of water between Little Gull Island and Fishers Island. The Race was well crowded with fishing boats all summer and also attracted many gulls and terns. On days when jaegers gathered in the Race and did not simply fly past Great Gull Island as they had usually done in 1970, counting their numbers without fear of duplication was more difficult. We felt the most accurate way was to make a 360° scan around the island and note the numbers of jaegers counted at that time, rather than compile a total of all the birds seen during the day, which might include much duplication. In 1970 the first Parasitic Jaegers observed were two harassing a tern on August 10 The second jaegers were seen seven days later, on August 17. From this date on, jaegers were seen almost everyday until Septem¬ ber 13, when everyone left the island. In 1970 there were never more than six jaegers seen on any day before September 10, and two or three was the more usual number. However, on September 10 of that year, twenty-eight Parasitic Jaegers passed Great Gull Island. As they all flew from east to west without pausing near the island I do not believe there was much chance of duplication. On the following day seventeen Parasitic Jaegers flew past. Although wind did not seem to be a factor in driving the jaegers past Great Gull Island, an unusual aspect of the jaeger movement on September 10 and 11, 1970 was that all twenty- eight of the birds passing Great Gull Island on the 10th flew on the north side of the island, and the next day every jaeger flew by on the south side. On the day following this apparent peak in the jaeger move¬ ment none were seen, and the following day, September 13, two. In 1971 the number of jaegers around Great Gull Island seemed much larger than in the previous year, and the greatest concentrations occurred on different dates. The first of the season were two seen 76 flying by on August 11. The next were seen on August 16. After August 16, they were seen nearly every day. I was on the Island until Septem¬ ber 22, but no jaegers were seen after September 15. In 1971 the daily average was between five and eight Parasitic Jaegers. There were two periods when many more jaegers seemed to be present; as in 1970 each of these peaks lasted two days and was followed by a sharp drop. The first 1971 peak occurred on August 25 and 26. On August 25 at least thirteen jaegers were seen, with a possible three to seven more. On August 26 the jaegers were circling the island and congregating in the Race. At 12 noon that day we counted fifteen, at 5 P.M. twenty, and at 6 P.M. sixteen. The second peak occurred in early September. On September 4 we saw twenty-eight and on September 5, twenty; on these days the jaegers were flying past the island rather than circling it or pausing to chase the terns, of which, in fact, there were very few left. Besides the terns, Parasitic Jaeguers were also seen chasing the immature Laughing Gulls (Larus atricilla ), which sometimes congre¬ gated on the island’s piers, although no gull ever had any food in its bill visible to us. Sometimes after being pursued by a jaeger the Laugh¬ ing Gull would veer around and chase the jaeger, and the gull seemed to show agility equal to the jaeger’s in following feints and dodges. However, after having driven the jaeger from the pier area, the gull returned to a perch and was left unpursued. Jaegers were never seen to chase the Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls (L. argentatus and L. marinas) also common on the pier. Once however, when three Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) were flying westward low over the water, a passing jaeger followed close behind the rear bird without actually harassing it, and continued after the group until no longer visible as they ap¬ proached Plum Island. The jaegers’ course by Great Gull Island was not the result of strong winds or stormy weather driving them inland from a more usual flight path farther out at sea. Most of the days we saw jaegers were hot and windless. Coast Guard weather readings for September 10 and 11, 1970, when at least forty-five jaegers passed Great Gull Island, show temper¬ atures in the sixties with periods of calm at mid-day and winds from the south at no more than fifteen miles per hour at other times. Were the jaegers’ presence the result of winds, one would have expected strong easterly or southeasterly winds. That jaegers are not easily driven by winds was further proven to us during hurricane Doria on August 28, 1971, when we measured winds at 70 m,p.h. on the island. Even during the height of the storm the jaegers flying past the island exhibited complete mastery, and seemed to lose no control over their flight. The gulls and terns, meanwhile, were being severely buffeted whenever they attempted flight. During early 77 September of 1972 two strong tropical storms hit Great Gull Island, but these did not precipitate any increase in jaeger numbers. Most Parasitic Jaekers seen were adults in the light phase. Some darker birds were seen, but it was not always possible to tell if they were im- matures or birds in the dark phase. Of the forty jaegers seen in 1970, eleven, or 27.5%, were dark. In 1971, of the minimum 101 jaegers counted, thirty, or 29.7%, were dark. Of the fifteen jaegers seen in 1972, four, or 26.6%, were dark. The small number of dark jaegers, either dark phase adults or light phase birds less than three years old, seemed remarkable. It may be that most young birds follow a different route or pass this area at a later date. Although there have been observers on Gull Island during weekends in October the last three years no jaegers have been seen at that time. However, on December 31, 1971, while crossing from Niantic, Connecti¬ cut to Great Gull Island, David Duffy observed a Parasitic Jaeger in Long Island Sound. This represents a new extreme date for the species, which had not been previously recorded later than December 5 (Bull, 1964 ). Whether the Parasitic Jaegers seen from Great Gull Island represent a regular fall movement down the New England coastline can only be determined by further observation. Along the coastline to the east of Great Gull Island, the Parasitic Jaeger is regularly seen in Rhode Island during late summer and early fall. Its numbers are greatest there during late August and early September, at the same time the largest num¬ bers are seen off Great Gull Island. The maximum seen in Rhode Island is 11 at the mouth of the Sakonnet River on August 18, 1940. If these observations can be coordinated with others in Long Island Sound, Gardiner’s Bay and at Montauk Point, we may be able to determine more precisely what previously “unknown” routes these jaegers use in the New York area. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author wishes to thank David Duffy, Peter Polshek, Alan Poole, and Richard Veit who helped spot jaegers at Great Gull Island; Davis W. Finch and Richard L. Ferren for supplying data on Connecticut and Rhode Island, respectively; and John Bull, Helen Hays, and Ken¬ neth C. Parkes who read and commented on this paper at various stages of completion. LITERATURE CITED Bull, John, 1964. Birds of the New York Area, Harper and Row, New York. Bull, John, 1970. Supplement to Birds of the New York Area, Proceedings, Linnaean Society of New York, No. 71, 1970. Wave Hill Center for Environmental Studies , 675 West 252nd Street , Bronx, N.Y. 10471 78 BIRDWATCHING AROUND SARANAC LAKE Gordon M. Meade For birdwatchers the Saranac Lake region provides much that differs from their usual downstate and out-of-state birding fare. Many species which elsewhere are seen only as fleeting spring migrants or obscurely plumaged fall transients here can be observed in brilliant breeding plumage and full song on their breeding grounds. At least 19 species of wood warblers are regular breeders in the area. There are species that are found only locally or uncommonly in other parts of the state which here are summer or permanent residents — Ring-necked Duck, Broad-winged Hawk, Goshawk, Ruffed Grouse, Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker are some such. For the birder who “has seen everything" at home there is opportunity to add species to his Life List which do not breed elsewhere in the state — Spruce Grouse, Black-backed and Northern Three-toed Woodpeckers (the latter is now very scarce). Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Red Crossbill and Lincoln’s Sparrow. Birding is best from mid-May to mid-July when the singing and breeding period is at its peak. By early August most birds have stopped, or greatly reduced their singing; and many have already begun to move south. Winter birding is only for hardy lovers of winter willing to brave the cold to find the 25-30 winter resident species. The varied terrain with open fields and farmland, meadows, ponds and lakes, each provides its own particular species. If you want to bird, just take off in any direction, find the lesser roads, stop where you will and you’ll soon find birds. For specific locality suggestions here are a few. Chubb River Swamp — A moist spruce-tamarack-cedar swamp area where warblers, Boreal Chickadee, Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, and Three-toed Woodpeckers can be found. Wear waterproof footgear. In Lake Placid village go south on Main St. past the Olympic Arena to stoplight at junction of Route 86 and 73. Turn right on 73. At 0.2 mile turn right onto Averyville Road. Keep straight on for 2.0 miles to bridge over the Chubb River. Park car on left of the near side of the bridge. The trail takes off from the parking lot and goes along the river into the swamp. River Road — A paved road but good birding. Stop frequently to listen, look and explore paths and openings leading to the river which parallels the road. Go south in Lake Placid village on Main Street to stoplight at junction of Routes 86 and 73. Proceed straight ahead on 86 for 3.4 miles to bridge over the river. Just across the bridge turn right on River Road (may be unmarked). Follow this road until even¬ tually it joins Route 73 opposite the Olympic Ski Jump. 79 Paul Smith's to Madawaska — This area offers some of the best and most varied birding territory, where one can find Spruce Grouse, Gray Jays, Boreal Chickadees, Lincoln’s Sparrows (in the bogs), etc. Go to junction of Routes 30 and 192 at Paul Smith’s. Turn left onto Otisville- Keese’s Mills Road. From here on bird as you go along. After 6.5 miles turn right at Rockefeller estate gate house. For the next several miles birding is good all the way. At 6.0 miles there is a woods road to the right. Park and walk in to a large shallow pond (about 1 % miles). Along this road is best place for Spruce Grouse. 27 Mill Valley Road., Pittsford, N.Y. 14534 NEW YORK STATE WATERFOWL COUNT, JANUARY 1973 David B. Peakall The annual waterfowl census was held 13th — 21st January with most observations being made on the target data of the 14th January. An aerial count was made by the New York Conservation Department at the same time. In general the ground count produced the larger counts with the exception of the important Brant population off Long Island. It is hoped that an article on recent populations changes revealed by the waterfowl census will appear shortly. I would like to thank all persons that took part in the census. The regional leaders were: (1) Mr. Harold Mitchell (2) Mr. Walt Listman (3) Dr. James Tate (6) Mr. Robert Walker (7) none (9) Mr. Edward Treacy (10) Mr. Steve Dempsey (8) Mr. Guy Bartlett (4) Mr. Les Bemont (5) Dr. Fritz Scheider 80 1 2 Common Loon. 1 — Red-throated Loon .. — 1 Horned Grebe . 2 1 Pied-billed Grebe. 1 2 Mute Swan. — — Whistling Swan . — — Canada Goose . 401 8 Brant. — — Snow Goose . — — Mallard. 2343 1174 Black . 1024 354 Black x Mallard . — — Gadwall . 3 — Pintail . 15 — ££ Green-winged Teal . 2 — Common Teal . — — American Wigeon . 87 — Shoveler . — — Wood duck . — 4 Redhead . 260 7 Ring-neck . — Canvasback . 5640 8 Lesser Scaup . 32 — Scaup, all . 7859 285 Common Goldeneye . 6664 1426 Barrow’s Goldeneye . — — Bufflehead . 1502 90 Oldsquaw. 536 1289 Harlequin . 1 Common Eider . — — King Eider . — — White-winged Scoter . 64 313 Ground Survey 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total 3 — — — — .— .— 91 95 ■— — — — —- — — 19 20 56 — 10 — .—- — — 254 323 32 — 3 — .—■ .— 11 24 73 1 8572 — — — — — 25 554 8 6834 579 o 1 77 _ _ . 9 429 16331 — — — — — — — 3617 12 9045 3617 12 20645 3838 171 2075 30 z 373 1596 2709 181 201 140 — 407 496 20584 26096 4 —• 7 —- — — — 5 16 1 — 15 — — .—. — 358 377 2 — 1 ■— — — 1 75 94 1 — 1 — — — 3 100 1 1687 107 1 1783 7 _ . 1 _ _ _ 1 — — — ■— — .— — 394 394 — 2 — — — — 1 8 15 3304 — 88 — — — — ' 48 3707 2 — 1 — — — 101 110 214 910 — 16 — — — 33 4995 11602 790 — 2 — — — — 723 1547 1839 — 2255 15 — — 4 97169 108669 1632 37 1097 1 87 155 — 16 34 4411 15473 1 5312 259 _ _ _ _ 3 12 3359 1 — 215 500 — — — 1128 76 5398 3669 1 76 1 5854 — — 1 79 — — — — 1 Surf Scoter . 1 Common Scoter . ... .. 1 Scoter, spp. — Ruddy Duck . 1 Hooded Merganser . 5 Common Merganser .10526 Red-breasted Merg. 61 Coot . 12 Gallinule . — Unidentified . — Total 37011 1 Mute Swan . — Whistling Swan .. — Canada Goose . . .. G. 4-6 Brant. — Mallard... 146 Black . 989 Wigeon . — Redhead . — Canvasback . 670 Scaup . 5240 Goldeneye .. 6611 Bufflehead .... Oldsquaw . . .. 106 Scoter . — Merganser . 7340 Coot . Total 21148 Ground Survey 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 13 — 3 — — 173 11 389 3700 — 8 22 — 37 — — 12 849 — 5 — 24231 403 6666 4540 828 Aerial Survey 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 5221 — 459 — — — 1966 — 87 2 5 78 2268 — 216 613 100 413 3385 — 85 401 — 34 — _ _ _ 3152 — 1000 175 _ _ 515 — 106 — 54 — 13 — 60 120 — — 1168 — 79 4700 482 6 401 — — — — — 18490 — 2126 5610 641 497 9 10 Total — 825 825 — 208 209 — 16940 16940 — 133 135 23 136 181 130 21 15197 — 1802 1960 149 809 1826 — 1 1 4 10 1514 3053 181265 265501 9 10 Total — 420 420 1 11126 80 5320 — 10581 10581 37 4714 7035 63 23990 28653 — 45 45 — 9 3479 — 934 2061 — 47702 57639 — 1680 9020 — 558 877 — 19680 19680 23 1230 15257 — 170 571 203 117703 167115 FIELD NOTES Gray Jay near Robert H. Treman State Park: On January 15, 1973 Mrs. Ralph Garvin reported to the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology that a Gray Jay (Perisoreus candadensis ) had been frequenting her feeders on Gray Road adjacent to the Robert H. Treman State Park for several days. Mrs. Garvin’s identification was confirmed that day by Dr. Noel Outright and myself, and the bird was sub¬ sequently seen and photographed by a number of observers. When not feeding on bread crusts, baked beans or suet at the Garvins’, the Jay might be found fre¬ quenting several adjacent pine plantations in the State Park. This bird constitutes the second confirmed Gray Jay record for Region 3 and the first record for the Cayuga Lake Basin, although Bent Life Histories of North American Jays, Crows and Titmice, Part 1:13) lists one occurring only 25 miles to the northeast at Cortland during January 1928. The only previous Region 3 report is of a bird seen at Breeseport on January 25 and 27, 1958. (Kingbird 8(1):(16). Mrs. Garvin reports that her bird continued to frequent her feeder regularly until the first week in February despite unseasonably mild weather which sent temperatures into the 40’s and 50’s. Douglas P. Kibbe, Laboratory of Ornithology, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 European Fieldfare at Larchmont, Westchester Co., New York: On 3 February, 1973 I was birding in a large overgrown field with crabapples in Larchmont when a European Fieldfare ( Turdus pilaris ) flew up from the ground and lit in a bush about 30 feet from me. I immediately recognized the species, having seen it pre¬ viously in Europe. It remained perched for about 30 seconds, during which time I noted the following field marks: The bird’s shape was similar to that of a Robin ( Turdus migratorius ) except for its tail, which seemed slightly longer proportionately. Its size appeared about about an inch longer than an average Robin’s. The crown and nape were gray. A dull rusty brown “saddle” crossed the back. This brown back contrasted with a light gray rump which, in turn, contrasted with a very dark tail. The rump stood out very much when the bird banked while flying away. The cheeks were darker than the crown and nape, and there was a faint light eyestripe. The orange-yellow breast was heavily streaked with dark spots. This spotting extended onto its flanks which were white, as was the belly. The bill was dark with yellow at the base. When the bird flew, the wing linings flasked prominent white. Its flight was distinctive in that it held its wings close to the body for a short time between flaps, causing a slight rising and falling effect. The bird seemed to be in excellent condition, with no visible evidence oj prior captivity (frayed feathers, a band, etc). It was also very wary, never allowing close approach at any time. Following my initial sighting, the Fieldfare was seen almost daily through the 12 February, 1973, by a number of observers including Robert Arbib, Paul A. Buckley, Thomas H, Davis, Davis Finch, Allan Keith, Georges and Michael Klein- baum, Noble Proctor, P. William Smith, Robert Smart, etal. The bird was usually seen only very early in the morning at the field where I discovered it, and at the edge of an adjacent march. It normally perched conspicuously for only a few minutes (once for nearly an hour), and then flew off at treetop level to the north. Much effort was made to follow it north, to no avail. No one, for certain, ever saw this bird take food or heard it utter any sound. Attempts to photograph the bird were unsuccessful. 83 Richard Ryan (pers. comm.). Director of the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, New Jersey, informs me that no zoos in the Northeast contain Fieldfares and that, to his knowledge, none have been imported into this country for the past 12 years. He also comments that captive Turdus thrushes tend either to become very tame or to beat themselves against their cages, thus damaging their plumage. That this bird may have arrived in the New York region via assisted passage aboard some ship is not an unlikely possibility. For a full discussion of this phenomenon, the interested reader is urged to consult Allan L. Durand’s “Land- birds Over the North Atlantic:” Unpublished Records 1961-1965 and “Thoughts a Decade Later” ( British Birds, 65 (10): 428-442, 1972). Paul Lehman, 8 Cambridge Court, Larchmont, New York, 10538 Ed . Note : Excluding Greenland, previous published North American records of the Fieldfare include: 1. April, 1978 — collected at Stamford, Connecticut by Schaler, specimen at Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven (J. Bull, 1964 Birds of the New York Area. Harper and Row, N.Y.) 2. 8 January, 1967 — seen at Ottawa, Ontario by H. N. MacKenzie ( The Canadian Field-Naturalist, 82:51, 1968). 3. 30 March — 4 April, 1969 — seen at Bombay Hook NWR, Delaware by N. E. Holgersen, R.P. Teale, and Mrs. D. A. Ward ( Audubon Field Notes, 23:465, 1969). 4. 1-2 January, 1973 — seen and photographed at St. John’s, Newfoundland, locals said it had been present for “about 2 weeks” prior to its discovery by Dr. Howard Clase. A note is in preparation for The Canadian Field-Naturalist (6 February, 1973, verb, comm., Dr. Howard Clase). Audubon’s Warbler Winters in Chemung County: On November 30, 1972, Mrs. Joseph Long called me to report that a Myrtle Warbler ( Dendroica coronata) had appeared very briefly at her home on the Hendy Hollow Road, Pine City, during a heavy snow storm that day. The bird was apparently hunting for dormant insects in the cracks beneath a roof over-hang outside her kitchen window. Her obser¬ vation of yellow side patches, yellow rump, white wing-bars, and a general grayish appearance convinced me. Myrtle Warblers have occasionally been reported winter¬ ing here in the past. Though she put a suet under the eaves immediately, it was four days before it appeared again, this time in a nearby tree. After a two-week interval she again caught a glimpse of it flatting about in a large willow near the creek. During the next month. I tried to find the warbler on several occasions but was unsuccessful because of his irregular visits. One day late in February, Mrs. Long called and told me that the bird was appearing quite regularly at her feeder each morning and that she was puzzled because he had a yellow throat and no yellow crown patch, resembling no warbler in “Birds of North America”. On February 27, I studied the bird for about three minutes using 8X binoculars as he ate suet spread on top of a wooden feeder twenty feet away. Although he did not resemble exactly any Audubon’s Warbler (D. auduboni ) pictured in my bird guides, I had no doubt as to the identification, having seen the species before in western Texas. He was gray rather than the brown of the immature, although later in the rain I noted that he had a brownish appearance. He seemed to be an alert young male with very dark vertical breast streaks ending abruptly at the yellow throat. Only a tinge of yellow showed at the back of his crown patch. When he flew a large amount of white was visible in the tail feathers. Before the warbler disappeared ten days later, I observed him many times. At first there was one black spot close to the left side patch, but on the day before he disappeared, all the 84 streaks had changed to patchy black spots apparently part of the black breast band of the adult male. The double wing bars, too, showed signs of merging, and the crown had an olive cast. During the mild weather of March 2 and 3, he was constantly circling the old house next door in search of the awakening cluster flies, visible in large numbers inside the windows. On March 8, a warm day with flies abundant outside, his preferred perch became a corner of the porch roof where he would sit and wait for his victim to draw near, dart out and then fly to his favorite lilac or willow again and again. He dined so well that day that I was able to study him for fifteen minutes with a 20-power Balcope while he rested on a nearby branch. Hendy Creek runs just behind the Long property in a narrow valley with steep wooded slopes and a thick patch of evergreens nearby, affording good cover. These conditions, together with the mild winter and available food, apparently made the location an attractive refuge for this wanderer. My identification was verified by Noel Cutright and Douglas Kibbe of Cornell University. Chemung Valley Audubon Society members also observed the warbler. Note: According to Tom Davis (NYC Rare Bird Alert) this is the fourth record of the Audubon’s Warbler in New York State. Wilifred I. Howard, 610 Coburn Street Elmira, New York 14904 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WINTER SEASON Fritz Scheider Maybe things do balance out after all. The recent mild winter with low snowfall and unbelievable warm spells offers a counter to the series of savage winters the state has had recently. The numerous wet, warm spells following each snowfall left minimal snow cover and the numer¬ ous comments re this attest to the easier driving and better birding local birders had this past season. A wealth of half-hardies peppered the state with a spotting of Hermit Thrush, a streaking of Brown Thrasher, and an array of sparrows (Field, White-crowned, White-throated, Swamp, and Song) well in excess of the usual wintering numbers. It would have been fascinating to learn what half-hardies stayed in the “banana belt” (southern Region 9, Region 10) of the state but, alas, their reports are unavailable. 85 Despite the extraordinarily mild weather, wintering waterfowl seemed very low with the greatest deficits in Greater Scaup (2,3,5,8) and all three species of mergansers (only numbers of Common Mergansers reported in 6). The higher numbers of wintering Canada Geese, though less than in ’71- a 72, (3,5) on the Finger Lakes is definitely a new phenomenon. Goshawks were noted in increased numbers (2,3,4,5,6,8) and evidence of a massive (for Goshawk) return flight was developing at Derby Hill in March. Rough-legged Hawks were noted as scarce in 3,4,5, & 6 but somewhat better numbers were noted in 8. The open weather induced some few rails (2,3,5) to winter upstate but proof of season-long survival was not forthcoming. White-winged gulls were very scare in 2 and 5, unreported in 3, but with somewhat better numbers in 6; none were reported from the Mohawk-Hudson Rivers areas. Numbers of other gulls, especially along Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes, seemed low (3,5) and con¬ centrations at the unusual larine feeding areas (dumps, fall) were small. Monk Parakeets appeared in 3,4, and 8 — a bad portent for possible future control. No flight of Snowy Owls developed although one —two birds/region were reported (2,3,4,5,8); somewhat better counts were achieved in 6 where wintering Snowy Owls are regular. Short-eared Owls appeared in a few places (2,3,5,6) but, like the Rough-legged Hawk no large flight ensued. Common Raven appear to be expanding in the Adirondacks (7) and should be looked for at dumps and disposal areas at the Adirondack periphery. Roreal Chickadees staged a mini-irruption (2,3,5,6) but Rlack-capped Chicadees seemed almost scarce this winter. Tufted Titmice continue to expand (2,3,8); however, numbers appear to be low but stable in Region 5. Red-breasted Nuthatch were widely noted (3,4,5,7) and in numbers, with spruce plantations and feeding stations the major wintering habitats. The mild weather induced both Winter Wren (3,4,5) and Long-billed Marsh Wren (3,5) to attempt overwinter¬ ing but no evidence of winter-long survival was obtained. Wintering Robins were present but scare; M. Rusk suggests the openness of the winter failed to concentrate them at the known half-hardy areas (springs, swamps, cedar thickets) making them appear scarcer than they actually were. Bohemian Waxwings showed up in limited numbers (2,5,6), usually in the company of Cedar Waxwings; it would be interesting to know if any were observed along Lake Erie or along western Lake Ontario this winter but the Region 1 summary is not at hand. An invasion of Northern Shrike was evident in 2,5, and 6, but little or no evidence of extension of this flight into the Southern Tier or in the Mohawk — Hudson area was noted. And in the same category as the increased half-hardies attempting to winter must be placed the pseudohalf-hardies (? quarter-hardies?) such as the multiple upstate Myrtle Warblers (2,3,5,6,8) — or rather Yellow-rumped Warblers, Yel- lowthroat (3), Pine Warbler (5), and Ovenbird (5). Virtually none of these birds survived the winter, mild as it was, and where survival was documented, it was usually of a feeding station supported bird. Brown-headed Cowbird wintered in excessive numbers early on in the period (4,5,8) but numbers of this species and virtually all other winter¬ ing Icterids had sharply declined by early February. The major wave of spring Icterids did not hit until the first week of March, surprisingly late in view of the very mild weather. Such tropical half-hardies as Baltimore Oriole (2) and Rose-breasted Grosbeak (2,5) occur just often enough to make one listen to feeder reports of "funny birds” showing up — maybe one will be a Bullock’s Oriole or a Black-headed Grosbeak. Strangely not one sector mentioned wintering Dickcissel — compare this to the multiple reports of the last two or three winters. Winter finches dominated the reports this season with large incursions of Evening Grosbeaks (2,3,4,5,6,7,8) and Pine Siskin (2,3,4,5,6) and excellent numbers of Pine Grosbeaks (2,3,4,5,6,8); both Crossbills, though reported, seemed scarce and irregular with Reds (2,3,4,5,6) far outnumbering the few White-wingeds reported. The Purple Finch picture was mixed — some sectors had high counts, others virtually none and no pattern is evident. House Finch continue to spread (3,4,5,8) and their "chub-chub” flight call may become as familiar as the Purple Finch’s ‘tick — tick” note in the next decade. God knows there are acres of suburbia House Finches could invade in upstate New York. Winter¬ ing Tree Sparrows and Slate-colored Junoces were noted as in average numbers (3), or possibly reduced (4,6,8), or frankly scarce (5); half- hardy sparrows seemed to do very well and most sectors reported at least a few of each. Snow Buntings were generally scare (2,3,4,5,6,7,8) but occasional large flocks were seen briefly in some sectors (2,5) ; no major spring migration was detected and one concludes that most of this species population wintered north or west of us. Winter rarities seemed less numerous this year —Oh:- for that d — Region 10 report: — and, aside from a spate of northern species, showed no irruption pattern — Eared Grebe (5), Yellow-crowned Night Heron (2), Common Teal (5), Common Eider (2), Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker (6), Northern Three-toed Woodpecker (3), Gray Jay (3), Common Raven (2,7), Black-billed Magpie (4 —but see report), Audubon’s Warbler (3 —now treated as a subspecies of the Yellow- rumped Warbler —Sic transit gloria mundi:), and Harris’ Sparrow (3). So much for winter, on to spring —and warblers: 417 South Main Street; North Syracuse, New York 13212 87 REGION 2 —GENESEE Thomas E. Tetlow After three seasons of 100-plus inches of snow, Rochester finally experienced what could almost be called a normal winter. Snowfall for the period totaled only 45.1 inches. The warm days with rain that we had throughout the period rapidly dispersed most of this, leaving us only a few days with snow cover on the ground. We had only four days when the temperature dropped below zero. Three of these were in February when the temperature averaged 2 degrees below normal. December and January averaged 3.5 degrees above normal and March climbed to 10 degrees above normal. With the exception of February, local ponds and Irondequoit Bay remained at least partially open throughout the period. This in no way seemed to help winter¬ ing ducks which remained low in numbers. The two Christmas bird counts held in the Rochester area produced a total of 26,668 individuals of 92 species. The total count was down considerably from the previous year. We can probably attribute this to lower numbers of Crows and Starlings and a wider dispersal of the wintering birds due to the openness of the winter. Rarities Include: Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Common Eider, Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Red Phalarope, Little Gull, Common Raven, Boreal Chickadee, Bohermian Waxwing, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak. ABBREVIATIONS: BB-Braddocks Bay; DEP-Durand Eastman Park; HBSP- Hamlin Beach State Park; IROND—Irondequoit; IB—Irodequoit Bay; LLCC—Little Lakes Christmas Count; MB—Manitou Beach; MP—Mendon Ponds; OB—Oklahoma Beach; PB—Point Breeze; RCC—Rochester Christmas Count; WEB—Webster; WLS— West Lake Shore. OBSERVERS: JC—Jerry Czech; GD—Gertrude Davis; RD—Robert Dobson; J&AF— John & Arlieen Foster; GOS—Genesee Ornithological Society; AK—Allen Kemnitzer; WL—Walter Listman; WL—Warren Lloyd; J&TM—Joseph and Thelma McNett; LM—Laura Moon; NM—Neil Moon; RO—Richard O’Hara; GP—Glen Perrigo; MAS— Mary Ann Sunderlin; MT—Michael Tetlow; TT—Thomas Tetlow; D&EV—David & Edna Vollmer; MOB—Many observers. LOONS—DUCKS: High water and the riley condition of the lake shore waters due to continuous heavy runoff throughout the period may possibly be the reason for the low numbers of wintering ducks. Most dabblers were reported in fair numbers by the end of March, with the exception of Pintail and American Widgeon which apparently bypassed us on their journey north. Common Loon was reported up until mid-January and then absent for the rest of the period. Our only report of Red-throated Loon was from Point Breeze on January 14 (WL). The mild winter kept only two Great Blue Herons in our area, neither in the Genesee River, their normal wintering grounds—both were inland reports. Immature YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON : first winter report, seen in Genesee River Gorge December 17 (TT&MT)—this bird was observed at distances varying from 20 feet to 100 yards for approximately one hour—its plumage was later compared with museum specimens. Whistling Swans: only one report of 21 birds seen in WEB March 15 (WLL-MAS). Blue-winged Teal: 4 March 4 Kendall (RD)—an early date for our region. Wood Duck: although this bird was missed on both RCC & LLCC, it apparently spent at least part of the winter with us in above normal numbers with a total of five birds being reported—1 Dec 22 Round Pond (M Carlson & J. Borek), 3 Jan 14 Conesus Lake (R&J Ambrose & J Robertson), I Jan 28 Penfield (JC). Ring-necked Duck: 1 Dec 22 Round Pond (M Carlson & J Borek). Greater Scaup: a good indication of the scarcity of winter¬ ing ducks is reflected in the counts of this bird—total count for both the RCC & LLCC was only 544—the RCC produced only 306—of all the roports received during the period, only one exceeded 300—400 Feb 2 Rochester to HBSP (J Connor). Common Goldeneye: max 610 RCC. Oldsquaw: max 3800 Dec 11 OB (AK). COMMON EIDER: a single bird at Mantiou Beach Dec 14 (WL). White¬ winged Scoter: 700 Dec 11 OB (AK). Surf Scoter was unreported during period and the RCC produced our only Common Scoter. Hooded Merganser: 22 Dec 3 (TT&MT), one of our best counts in recent years. HAWKS—OWLS: our first Turkey Vulture arrived Mar 7 WEB (JC). Goshawks were reported from several locations throughout the period indicating above usual numbers of this sometimes rare bird; there were several reports of 1-3 migrating birds during March climaxing with record counts on March 28-29, 15 WEB (JC); 25 BB (GP), respectively. Sharp-shinned Hawk: present throughout period- first notable flight, 20 Mar 15 HBSP (J&TM;) 28 Mar 29 BB (LM et al). Coopers Hawk: also reported throughout period in small numbers—migrant birds were reported almost daily during March with counts never exceeding four birds. Redtailed Hawk: in good numbers throughout period—the flight of Mar 29 pro¬ duced 90 of these birds—because of altitude and light conditions, 366 buteos were unidentified in this flight BB (LM et al) Red-shouldered Hawk: 2 Dec 31 (LLCC); 70 Mar 15 HBSP (J&TM); 28 Mar 29 BB (LM et al). Rough-legged Hawk: this bird was very low in numbers, extensive coverage did produce 5 birds Dec 31 (LCC); 35 Mar 15 HBSP (J&TM). GOLDEN EAGLE: 2 imm Mar 29 BB (LM et al). BALD EAGLE: I Dec 31 (LLCC); 1 imm Mar 28 WEB (JC); 1 adult Mar 28 BB (LM et al); 1 imm Mar 29 BB (LM et al). Marsh Hawk: reports of 1—2 birds were common throughout the period from areas west of Rochester along the lake shore; 22 Mar 29 BB (Julie Claffey). PEREGRINE FALCON: 1 Mar 28 WEB (JC); 1 Mar 28 WEB (WLI); 1 Mar 29 WEB (WLI). Pigeon Hawk: I Dec 31 (LLCC); 2 Mar 29 WEB (JC). Sparrow Hawk: good numbers reported throughout period. Virginia Rail: 1 Dec 17 (RCC). American Woodcock: 3 Mar 7 WEB (JC); 3 Mar 8 Palmyra (W Hartranft)—these were new early dates for our region and the bird remained common thereafter. Killdeer: 4 Feb 18 Lima (J&AF)—this was the only report for the period. Common Snipe; 1 Dec 24—31 Pittsford (GP); I Feb 13 WEB (D Spier). Greater Yellowlegs: 1 Mar 16 HBSP (GP)—this was our only shorebird report through the end of the period except for the birds listed above. RED PHALAROPE: I Dec 3 Charlotte (MT&TT). Only two reports of white-winged Gulls—both Iceland Gulls: 1 Jan 7 IB (D&E V); 1 Feb 21 IB (RO&AK). LITTLE GULL: 3 reports all from IB—I Dec 3 (WLL&MAS); 1 Dec 29 (M Carlson&RO); 2 Jan 7 (D&E). Snowy Owl: only one known to have wintered in our area, seen in Kendall by several observers; another bird bearing a red plastic patch on it's right wing made an appearance in late Feb and was seen by many between HBSP and BB. Long-eared Owl: two reports for period—1 Mar 16 Riverside Cemetary (NM); 1 Mar 25 HBSP (NM&GOS). Short-eared Owl: 4 reports—max 12 Mar 11 Avon (J&AF). Saw-whet Owl: 1 report Mar 26 and 27 Irond (NM). GOATSUCKERS—STARLINGS; all woodpeckers were reported in good numbers throughout the period. Red-bellied especially seems to be increasing in numbers. COMMON RAVEN: 1 Mar 16 WEB (WLI)-this is the third report for the region—it was seen flying at close range and in close proximity to crows—all field marks were noted with the exception of voice. BOREAL CHICKADEE: several reports of 2—4 birds all from HBSP Jan 21 thru Mar 16 (WL et al). Tufted 89 Titmouse: this bird is still on the increase in our area—a total of 65 were reported on the local Christmas counts, 58 on the RCC and 7 on the LLCC—previous highs were 52 and 5, respectively. Carolina Wren: 2 Dec 26—Jan 31 Rochester (F Meyers); 1 all Jan Avon (J Haller). Mockingbird: the population of this bird seems to remain steady and is mainly concentrated on the lake shore east of the Genesee River—there were 9 birds seen Decl7 on the RCC. Brown Thrasher: 1 Dec 5 Brighton (E Lank); 1 Dec 17-31 WEB (R Happ fide B Kemnitzer); 1 Feb 24 Irond (GOS). Hermit Thrush: 1 Feb 24 DEP (GOS). BOHEMIAN WAXWING: 1 Dec 3 DEP (MT&TT); 5 Jan 14 HBSP J&AF); 1 Jan 14 DEP (G Meade & J Taylor); 5 Jan 21 HBSP (R Spahn); 7 Mar 3 HBSP (TT). Northern Shrike: reported throughout period both inland and along the lake shore—max 5 Jan 14 WLS (WL); single birds were still being reported from the lake shore at the end of March. VIREOS—WARBLERS: Myrtle Warbler: 5 Jan 27 Mendon Ponds (MT&TT) — this was the only report during the period. BLACKBIRDS—SPARROWS: Red-winged Blackbird: reported throughout period in small numbers. BALTIMORE ORIOLE: female Dec 17 Irond (NM et al); adult male Dec 18 Greece (WL). Cardinal: seems to be still on the increase in our area—a new high was reached on RCC Dec 17 when 415 birds were reported- previous high was 313. ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK: sub-adult male 1 Jan 27- Mar 31 Irond (D Walker fide NM, MAS, G Leubner) —this is our first winter record for the species. Evening Grosbeak: several reports of from 1—30 birds through most of period—max 341 Dec 17 RCC. Purple Finch: reported throughout period- max 160 Mar 10 Palmyra (W Hartranft) —this is a very high count for the area, but almost a duplicate of a large group that was seen in April ’72 at Dansville; also of interest is a group of up to 10 that spent most of the winter at a feeder in Penfield (GD). Pine Grosbeak: missing only in the last two weeks of March, probably our commonest finch in mid Jan—max 64 Jan 14 East Lakeshore (WLI et al); 50 Jan 20 MP (J&J Connor); several reports of smaller groups. Common Red¬ poll: 1 Dec 17 Irond (NM); 1 Jan 23-25 Penfield (GD); 1 Feb 7 and 11 Pen- field (GD); this was the least common wintering finch. Pine Siskin: max 350 Dec 3 WLS (MT&TT); 40 Dec 17 DEP (NM et al); abundant only in the first weeks of Dec, several sightings of smaller groups throughout period. Red Crossbill: 3—12 Mar 3—25 HBSP (MOB); 1 Mar 23 Riverside Cemetery (NW). White-winged Crossbill: 6 Dec 31 LLCC. Rufous-sided Towhee: Reported throughout period— at least 10 individuals spent the winter in our area. Tree Sparrows: low in numbers. Field Sparrows: up to 5 birds were reported from a feeding station in Lima Feb 1—Mar 31 (J&AF), Lapland Longspur: very scarce throughout the period—max 7 Feb 11 Carlton (GOS)—our only reports came from the Kendall area where they were always seen in the company of a large flock of Snow Buntings. Snow Bunt¬ ing: our only report during the period was of a group of up to 500 birds seen in the Carlton area (GOS)—these birds stayed throughout the period. 545 Macedon Center Road, Fairport, New York 14450 90 REGION 3 —FINGER LAKES Dorothy McIlroy Temperatures were generally mild, with January more like March and March the warmest since 1926, but between them February averaged 4 degrees colder than normal. Between Christmas and New Years the temperature rose to 60 degrees and it was in the 40’s and low 50’s during the third week of January. Snowfall was only two-thirds the usual amount, most of it in late November and December. Snow cover was mostly gone by March, and there was very little more snow. For the Christmas counts, weather was mild with only 1" snow cover. This was a Pine Grosbeak year. There were also Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Siskins and Red Crossbills, but few redpolls and Snow Buntings. Rough-legged Hawks were scarce, and there were almost no Snowy Owls. Diving duck numbers, except Goldeneyes, were low. For the second year thousands of Canada Geese, instead of hundreds, wintered on Cayuga Lake, although fewer than in ’72. Migration began in late February, with a big flight March 1 and 2. Numbers built up very rapidly, so that by March 16 a peak of 79,000 was at Montezuma Refuge, the highest ever. At the same time there were at least 40,000 on Cayuga Lake. After March 16, counts at Montezuma began to drop, some of the geese apparently continuing north with the mild weather,although at the end of March there were still thousands of geese at Montezuma and on the northern half of the lake. Duck populations at the Refuge were low, perhaps because of the very large numbers of geese, and some of these also began to leave after mid-March. Rarities reported were Golden Eagle, Pigeon Hawk, Barn Owl, Northern Three¬ toed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, Audubon’s Warbler and 3 Harris’ Sparrows. Contributors and area compilers: BA—Betty Ammerman (Bath); WEB—Walter Benning; JB—Jack Brubaker (Watkins); NC—Noel Cutright; PD—Paul DuBowy; KF-Kay Fudge; RG-Robert Gustafson (MNWR); FG-Frank Guthrie (Keuka); WH-Wilifred Howard; DK-Doug Kibbe; DP-David Peakall; BS-Betty Strath; TT—James Tate; JW—Jayson Walker; MW—Mary Welles (Elmira). Abbreviations: Cay—Cayuga; CCC—Central Cayuga Christmas Gount (Union Springs area) Jan 1; EBC—Elmira Christmas Count Jan 1; ICC—Ithaca Christmas Count Jan 1; MNWR—Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge; Sen L-Seneca Lake; SWS—Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary; WFC—Waterfowl Count Jan 14. LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon; a few winter reports. Red-necked Grebe: 1 Jan 21 Cay L near Myers (Oaks, June); 1 Jan 25 Sen L (BS). Horned Grebe: average numbers. Pied-billed Grebe: 32 WFC, average; scarce Keuka and Watkins; 2 Feb 26 Chemung R. (WH). Great Blue Heron: reported until early Feb, began to return about Mar 25. Whistling Swan: max 16 Mar 15 Chemung R. (KF) and about Mar 20 MNWR. Canada Goose: see introductory remarks for Cay L, MNWR; plentiful Keuka; lightning may have killed geese near Horseheads again this year (see Region 3 Report, May 1972 Kingbird ) where 3 dead geese were picked up at Schweizer Aircraft Plant following a thunderstorm Mar 17 and turnd over to Conservation Officer Winant of Chemung. Snow and Blue Geese: first Mar 11 MNWR; peak there 1100 Snows and 1500 Blues Mar 27; 12 Mar 13 Cayuta L, seldom seen in Schuyler County (JB). Mallard: 660 ICC was low, but 3838 WFC continued high. Black Duck: 2709 WFC highest since ’62; numbers reported down Keuka and Watkins. Gadwall: peak 350 Mar 12 MNWR. Pintail: first migrants Mar 12, peak 1140 Mar 20 MNWR. Green—winged Teal: first Mar 14 Cay L. Blue-winged Teal: early arrival- 2 Mar 17 91 MNWR (DK et al) and 5 Mar 21 Elmira (KF). American Wigeon: a few win¬ tered; peak 64 Mar 12 MNWR, low. Shoveler: first 2 males Mar 11 MNWR (DK). Wood Duck: arrived early Watkins Mar 10 (JB). Redhead: 3304 WFC mostly on Sen L, lowest except for ’66 when visibility was extremely bad. Ring-necked Duck: first migrants, 6 Mar 18 MNWR after which they began appearing in many small ponds. Canvasback: still very low, 910 WFC. Scaup: also still low, 1839 WFC, more Lessers in proportion to Greaters this year—sometimes they have been lumped together. Common Goldeneye: 1632 WFC, highest ever. Oldsquaw: 50 Dec 4 s end Sen L (JB); a few winter reports Cay L. Ruddy Duck: 1 Dec 4 Chemung R. (WH); I WFC Cay L. Hooded Merganser; first spring report Mar 4 MNWR, first Elmira Mar 16. Common Merganser: 173 WFC high; peak MNWR 200 Mar 20. Red-breasted Merganser: 22 WFC all Sen L; few migrants. HAWKS—OWLS: Goshawk: 3 ICC, reported regularly all winter Ithaca area; 1 Jan 3 Sampson State Pk Sen L (JW); 1 Jan and Feb Horseheads (E. Knapp). Sharp-shinned Hawk: numbers low, 2 ECC, a few scattered other reports during winter. Cooper’s Hawk: also low; 1 ICC, reported regularly during winter; 1 ECC, other report Elmira; 3 reports Watkins; 1 report Waterloo. Red-tailed Hawk: 25 ICC (average), 16 CCC, 11 ECC; fewer than usual in Seneca County (WEB); NC counted 67 Mar 4, on trip around Cay L. Red-shouldered Hawk. 1 ICC, next re¬ port Mar 9 SWS (J. Horne); no reports elsewhere. Rough-legged Hawk: very few all winter; 4 ICC, 1 CCC; a few sightings Bath and Watkins; 1 sighting Elmira; none Keuka. GOLDEN EAGLE :adult Mar 10 Watkins (JB) “under observation 10 minutes with binoculars and zoom scope, even the golden hind neck was in evidence.” Bald Eagle: imm Jan 1 MNWR, not seen again until Mar 20; 1 Jan 31 and Feb 1 near Penn Yan (M. Lerch). Marsh Hawk: few winter reports.. PEREGRINE: imm seen several times in Jan near Elmira (Wm. Welles), snatched a pigeon from the air Jan 18; imm Jan 20 Elmira dump (J. DeCanio) might be same bird. PIGEON HAWK: I ECC (R. Newman). Sparrow Hawk: 14 ICC (average); 12 CCC; 12 ECC. Ruffed Grouse: normal. Bobwhite: 1 ECC only report. Ring-necked Pheasant: 45 ICC, back down after high counts ’71 and ’72; 15 CCC; 2 ECC. low—effect of floods? Turkey: 5 ICC; 6 ECC; flock of 10 Feb 19 Bath (BA); 4 reports Keuka, Virginia Rail: one trapped MNWR in early Jan by muskrat trappers (fide NC); first Mar 29 Ithaca (DK). Coot: average; plentiful Keuka until mid-Feb. when they thinned out. Killdeer: 1 CCC, missing ECC for first time in several years; general arrival first week Mar. American Woodcock: arrived Mar 7 Elmira and Ithaca, Mar 8 Watkins, Mar 9 Waterloo. Common Snipe: first, Mar 2 Ithaca (PD); none until Apr 1 Elmira. Greater Yellowlegs: first, Mar 18 Ithaca (DP). Lesser Yellowlegs: first, 3 Mar 28 MNWR. Pectoral Sandpiper: first Mar 30 MNWR (NR, E. Kibbe). Gulls: ICC—9 Great Black-backed, 113 Herring (very low), 110 Ring-billed; large concentration at MNWR in Mar, about 5,000 mixed Great Black-backed, Herring and Ring-billed. No white-winged gulls reported. Bonaparte’s: first, 1 Mar 10 Sen L (JB). Mourning Dove: numbers average. Monk Parakeet: 1 most of Dec Burdett (JB); 1 Waterloo all winter. Owls were very scarce in Elmira, the only reports being 1 Great Horned ECC, a nesting pair of Great Horned, and 1 Short-eared Dec. 2, BARN OWL: 1 Jan 25 Carter Rd. Waterloo (JW). Screech Owl: calling birds at locations around Newfield (DK), otherwise few reported. Great Horned Owl: 11 ICC, 1 CCC. Snowy Owl: only reports 1 Jan 5 Sen L Pk and 1 Jan 24 W. River Rd. near Waterloo (JW), 1 Jan 25 Sen L Pk (WEB), these three might be the same bird, plumages not mentioned; 1 Jan 17 near Union Springs (M. Haramis); Feb 24 n of Romulus (T. Jensen). LONG-EARED OWL: several near Watts Rd s of Waterloo, in Feb, max 6 early Feb (JT et al), 2 there Feb 25 (R. Foxall), last 92 date reported; 1 Feb 5 Waterloo (JW).. Short-eared Owl: 1 Dec 2 Breesport, Keuka area; arr Watts Rd s of Waterloo in mid-Feb, max 13 Feb 20 (DK), most were gone two yeeks later; very few sightings MNWR, first 3 Feb 15; 5 Feb 24 near Himrod, Yates Co. (JB) GOATSUCKERS-STARLING: Chimney Swift: 1 Mar 17 Watkins (BS), very early. Belted Kingfisher: usual few wintered. Flicker, Hairy and Downy Wood¬ pecker: number normal. Red-bellied Woodpecker: 1 ICC, 6 CCC; half a dozen records Keuka; regular Waterloo; 1 ECC “in a new location on a hilltop, usually found along river bottoms. Perhaps the flood drove it up there” (MW). Red-headed Woodpecker: 3 CCC, next report late Mar. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: first migrant Mar 15 Elmira. NORTHERN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER : Jan 6 Phelps (WEB). Phoebe; first Mar 15 Elmira; late arrival Keuka, Mrs. 30. Homed Lark: 44 ICC, low; scarce until Feb snow when flocks appeared. Tree Swallow: first Mar 17 Cay L (NC et al). GRAY JAY : 1 Dec 12 into Feb Gray Rd, Ithaca (R. Garvin, mob), first Cay Basin record, photographed by DK (see Field Note). Blue Jay: normal. Common Crow: 1173 ICC, continues high; 38 CCC; little evidence of usual mid-Feb migration n Cay County (WEB). Black-capped Chickadee: 515 ICC, higher than average, but lower than ’71 and ’72; 70 CCC. Boreal Chickadee: 2 ECC; 1 Mar 13 SWS (JT). Tufted Titmouse: 18 ICC; 4 CCC; 11 ECC, fewer than usual; 3 locations Watkins. White-breasted Nuthatch: normal. Red-breasted Nuthatch: more than usual, 16 ICC, 8 CCC, 11 ECC; at least 6 Keuka area, quite a few at upland feeders Watkins. Brown Creeper: 23 ICC, double ’71 and ’72 high counts. Winter Wren: very few reports. Carolina Wren: 1 Jan 30 Elmira, continued decline in numbers; 6 at 4 locations Watkins; several Ithaca reports. LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN: 1 Dec 31 Watkins March (JB.). Mockingbird: 12 ICC, highest yet. (6 in ’72); 2 CCC, 2 ECC; 6 locations Watkins. Catbird: 1 Jan 31 near Burdett (J. Bardeen) very late; 1 Mar 2 Stewart Pk Ithaca (NC) early. Brown Thrasher: 1 at an Elmira feeder several times during Dec and Jan 30 (fide MW); 1 in Feb Reading Center (fide JB). Robin: a few singles wintered; seen in Bath to Jan 6, no more until Mar 16 (BA). Hermit Thrush: none to end of period. Eastern Bluebird: a few winter reports Watkins and Ithaca; somewhat down in numbers Keuka; no reports Elmira until Mar 26. Golden-crowned Kinglet: 16 ICC, 2 CCC, 13 ECC. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: Jan 19 Treman Pk Ithaca (PD et al). Water Pipit: first, 15 along Sen L Mar 18 (JB). Cedar Waxwing: average numbers. Northern Shrike: several Ithaca reports. Loggerhead Shrike: first, 1 Mar 21 Ithaca airport (DK). VIREOS-SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: almost no reports. AUDUBON’S WARBLER : 1 Nov 30 to late Feb near Elmira (WH) YELLOWTHROAT: 4 Dec 31 Watkins Marsh, 2 there in Feb (JB); 1 ICC, first time. Eastern Meadowlark: more than usual, although thy did not show up on the Christmas counts; unusual numbers Keuka, flock of 30 Jan 30 (FG); DK counted 50 when he went around Cay L Feb 13; 42 Feb 24 Sen County (WEB). Red-winged Blackbird: 16 ICC, high; 1 ECC; spring arr end of Feb and early Mar, flock of 5,000 Mar 2 Elmira (WH). Baltimore Oriole: male ECC (verified by WH); first spring reports- 1 Mar 25 Ithaca and Mar 26 n of Lansing. Rusty Blackbird: 1 ECC; first spring report. Mar 2 Ithaca (PD). Common Grackle: 2 ICC, 2 CCC, 21 ECG; arr about Mar 1 in numbers. Brown-headed Cowbird: numbers average. Evening Grosbeak: 595 ICC, high; 11 CCC; 314 ECC; large numbers Bath; plentiful Keuka, max flocks 30. Purple Finch: 44 ICC, high; 9 CCC, 10 ECC; 10 Watkins count Dec 31; a few Bath beginning in Feb; abundant Elmira latter part of Jan and Feb. House Finch: only 6 ECC, although WH had up to 10 at her feeders at once and they are present in other areas of the city (MW); only 93 other report, 1 Feb 26 Ithaca (M. Comar). Pine Grosbeak: small flocks reported through Region; unusual numbers Keuka until Feb, one flock of about 50; “one of best years” Watkins (JB); 100 ICC, 89 ECC; small flocks Bath. Common Redpoll: very few; 40 ICC, 5 EC; none Bath, Keuka, Watkins. Pine Siskin: 174 ICC, very high; 25 ECC; none Bath; common Watkins but avoiding feeders; flock of about 100 mixed siskins and goldfinshes Feb 6 Newfield (DK). American Goldfinch: 402 ICC, high; 72 CCC; 168 ECC; fewer winter reports than usual Watkins. Red Crossbill: flocks not large but seen regularly Ithaca, some present to end of period; 7 ICC; 29 ECC; only 2 Bath reports; small numbers last week Mar Keuka (FG); several reports Watkins, max 6 Feb 6 and Mar 13. White¬ winged Crossbill: 5 ICC and one report early Mar, only Ithaca records; 4 Feb 2 Watkins (JB), only other report. Rufous-sided Towhee: until early Feb Ithaca, not reported again until late Mar. Vesper Sparrow: 1 Dec 17 Montour Falls; first, Mar 23 Ithaca (DP). Slate- colored Junco: good numbers. Tree Sparrow: about average. Chipping Sparrow: 1 ICC; first. Mar 3 Ithaca. Field; 8 ECC, usually 4 to 6; fiirst, Mar 25 Ith aca. HARRIS' SPARROW; adult male Dec 12 through period at Phipps feeder Ithaca, photographed; sub-adult male last week Dec Midline Rd. Ithaca (L. Miller, verified by JT), last seen Dec 31; sub-adult male Jan at least through Feb Waterloo (JW, WEB), same plumage as Midline Rd bird. White-crowned Sparrow: 4 CCC, only report. White-throated Sparrow: usual small number wintering; 21 ICC, 10 CCC, 5 ECC. Fox: 1 ICC for fiirst time; fiirst, 1 Mar 12 Elmira Swamp Sparrow: 1 ICC, unusual; 2 CCC; 1 ECC, fewer than usual. Song Sparrow: 25 ICC; 6 CCC; ECC, fewer than usual, much of their stream bank habitat was destroyed by the June flood (MW). Lapland Longspur: up to 3 in Feb Lake Ridge Rd n of Ithaca and Watts Rd of Waterloo, with flocks of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings; not seen elsewhere. Snow Bunting: scarce Elmira; a few flocks Watkins; several flocks Keuka, largest 100; flock of at least 500 Yake Ridge Rd n of Ithaca after Feb snows. 419 Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 REGION 4 — SUSQUEHANNA Leslie E. Bemont It was a truly soggy winter, at least from New Year’s Eve on. December started out with 10 inches of snow on the ground but within 4 or 5 days it was practically gone. Again from December 16 to 20 there was more than a couple of inches on the ground, but that was it until January 29. December 31, the day both Christmas Counts available for this write-up were taken, brought more than half an inch of rain and set the tone for almost all of January. One more significant snowfall towards the end of February and winter was over. The first few days of March were unbelievably warm and pleasant and the rest of the month remained mild, even forgetting to go out like a lion. There was no special winter population of raptors, in spite of the lack of snow cover, and the winter finch invasion, although reasonably good, was essentially a cut 94 down version of last year’s. Perhaps the only significant species that was much more common this winter than last was White-throated Sparrows. A few Rufous-sided Towhees and a Catbird were the only “half hardies” noted and the biggest rarity, a Black-billed Magpie, could easily have been an escaped cage bird. Also note¬ worthy was a Black-crowned Night Heron on one of the Christmas Counts. Abbreviations: Bing—Binghamton; NV—Newark Valley; BCC—Bing Christmas Count, Dec 31; OCC—Owego Christmas Count, Dec 31. Observers initials: J,CB—Jeanette & Cutler Baldwin; MC—Mildred Clark; GC— Gail Corderman; A,MD—Anna & Marilyn Davis; SH—Shirley Hartman; EH—Elva Hawken; LH—Louise Hover; D,ML—Dwight & Margaret Lynch; RP—Robert Pantle; MS—Mary Sheffield; E,FV—Ed & Frances Vermilya; EW—Elizabeth Washburn; R,SW—Ruth & Sally White; IW—Irene Wright. LOONS—DUCK: Common Loon: 8 Mar 25 Cannonsville Reservoir (SH). Red¬ necked Grebe: 1 landed in a field near Castle Creek, n of Bing, Jan 7—held in bath tub overnight, then banded and released next day at Bing by GC. Pied-billed Grebe: 1 BCC; Mar 12 Chenango Forks (A,MD). Great Blue Heron: Dec 15 NV (LH); Feb 27 NV (D,ML). Black-crowned Night Heron: 1 BCC, detailed description (Paul Kalka). Whistling Swan: 9 Mar 15 Endwell (Harriet Thompson) and re- maiined several days; 2 Mar 28 Unadilla (Mr. Dibble). Canada Goose: 1 BCC; Dec 3 Oneonta (IW); migrants Mar 3. Mallard: 5 BCC. Black Duck: 45 BCC. Pintail: 4 Mar 17 Whitney Point (MS). Blue-winged Teal: 1 25 Apalachin (MS, EW). American Widgeon: 12 Mar 17 Whitney Point (MS); 2 Mar 31 Norwich (R,SW). Shoveler: 1 male Mar 25 Apalachin (MS, EW). Wood Duck: Mar 20 NV (D,ML). Ring-necked Duck: 3 Mar 14 Chenango Forks (A,MD); not many others. Canvasback; Mar 24 Owego (J,CB). Lesser Scaup: Mar 19 Owego (J,CB); two other reports Oldsquaw: 1 BCC. Hooded Merganser: 3 Mar 23 Sherburne (R,SW). HAWKS—OWLS: Turkey Vulture: 4 Mar 25 Cannonsville Reservior (SH). Goshawk: 1 BCC and seen several other times at Choconut Center from early Dec thru Feb (MS); 1 at Candor in early Dec (DW). Sharp—shinned Hawk: 1 BCC; 1 report in Jan and 1 in Mar. Cooper’s Hawk: 1 BCC; Feb 28 NV (D,ML). Red¬ tailed Hawk: 1 BCC; 3 OCC; 15 reports from Mar 11 on. Red-shouldered Hawk: Dec 8 Owego (J.CB); Mar 17 Bing (EW); Mar 24 Bing (GC, Warren Corderman, Eugene Kirch). Rough-legged Hark: “in l’s and 2’s at Sherburne all winter” (R,SW). Marsh Hawk: 1 BCC, presumably the same bird seen 3 other times in Dec and Jan (EH); 1 Mar 8 Oneonta (IW). Osprey: 1 Mar 22 Walton (Sue Hart¬ man), early. Pigeon Hawk; Feb 1 Vestal (EH), no details. Sparrow Hawk: 4 BCC; 4 OCC; numbers down from previous years. Ruffed Grouse: 4 BCC; 5 OCC. Bob- white: 18 OCC; 7 Jan 10 Norwich (R,SW); I Jan 13 Vestal (EW, Harriet Marsi). Ring-necked Pheasant: 7 BCC; 5 OCC. Turkey: 8 Feb 28 Owego (Jean Barnes); 1 Mar 31 Candor (RP). American Coot: Mar 25 Apalachin (MS, EW), Mar 28 NV (LH). Killdeer: Dec 3 West Oneonta (E,FV); 2 Mar 9 Delhi (MC). first migrants. American Woodcock: Mar 5 Hinman’s Corners, n, of Bing, (Robert and Jeanne Saunders). Upland Plover; 1 Mar 28 NV (LH), very early, but details submitted. Herring Gull 1 BCC; 1 OCC Ring-billed Gull: Dec 12 Owego (D,ML); Dec 30 NV (Louise Dean); Mar 24 Owego (D,ML). Mourning Dove: 12 BCC; 12 OCC; scattered reports all winter plus 40-60 in Owego area. Monk Parakeet: 1 BCC, since captured and placed in a zoo, 1 Mar 10 Delhi (Leslie Smith). Screech Owl: more frequent reports than in previous years, particularly around Owego and the Triple Cities. Great Horned Owl: 1 BCC. Snowy Owl: 2 Jan 6 Cannons¬ ville Reservoir (SH). 95 GOATSUCKERS—WARBLERS: Belted Kinfifisher: 5 BCC; 3 OCC; present all winter but scarce in Feb. Yellow-shafted Flicker: I Dec 14 NV (LH); Mar 29 Vestal (EH). Pileated Woodpeaker: 1 OCC; 5 other reports all in Feb and Mar. Hairy Woodpecker: 15 BCC; 21 OCC. Downy Woodpecker: 63 BCC; 45 OCC. Eastern Phoebe: 1 Mar 24 Delhi (MC). Homed Lark: 5 BCC. Tree Swallow: Mar 29 NV. (LH). Blue Jay: 129 BCC: 67 OCC. Black-billed Magpie: 1 about Mar 18 Ninevah, east of Bing, seen for about 20 minutes at a feeder (Mrs. Helen Bennett), description supplied, emphasizing long greenish tail and white markings. Common Crow: 210 BCC; 386 OCC. Black-capped Chickadee: 264 BCC; 140 OCC. Tufted Titmouse: 13 BCC; 12 OCC; also reported from 3 feeders in Oneonta. White-breasted Nuthatch: 54 BCC; 49 OCC. Red-breasted Nuthatch: 34 BCC; 11 OCC; a few present almost everywhere in the Region all winter. Brown Creeper: 8 BCC; 5 OCC. Winter Wren: 1 BCC; Dec 3 Chenango Forks (A,MD). Mockingbird: 1 OCC; 1 Dec 26 Oneonta (G. Shannon); I Feb 21 Nor¬ wich (R,SW); 2 Mar 13 Owego (D,ML); several other Owego and Triple Cities reports, but there seemed to be fewer than in the last few years. Catbird: 1 Jan 21 Oneonta (E,FV) and daily thereafter, feeding on peanut butter, bacon fat and crumbs. Robin: 1 BCC; Dec 16 Cannonsville (SH); Feb 3 and 7 Candor (RP) and Feb 4 and 7 Oneonta (E,FV); migrants Mar 3. Eastern Bluebird: Mar 7 Owego (J,CB); regular after Mar 16. Golden-crowned Kinglet: 21 BCC; 15 OCC. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 2 BCC. Celar Waxwing: only a few scattered reports. Northern Shrike: 1 Dec 23 Berkshire (D,ML); 1 banded in early Feb Candor (RP); 1 Feb 18 Choconut Center (MS); 1 Mar 7 Norwich (R,SW). Starling: 4732 BCC; 473 OCC. BLACKBIRDS—SPARROWSs House Sparrow: 382 BCC; 265 OCC. Eastern Meadowlark; 1 OCC; 1 Dec 16 Vestal (EH); Jan 13 and 14 at St. Joseph’s, Penna., just s of the border (EW); Feb 17 Owego (Mildred White, Clinton Gerould), “large migration”; 2 Feb 18 Triple Cities area (MS); not regular until after Mar 9. Redwinged Blackbird: 2 OCC; a few earlier Dec reports but no more until Mar 1. Rusty Blackbird: Mar 19 Cannonsville Reservoir (SH); 8-10 Mar 25 Apalachin (MS, EW). Common Grackle: 1 OCC; regular from Mar 1. Brown-headed Cowbird: 1 BCC; 6 OCC; 30 Jan 5 Oneonta (Mary Dobinsky) and “many” Jan 20 Walton (SH) the highest numbers of fairly frequent winter records; regular after Mar 9. Cardinal: 79 BCC; 49 OCC. Evening Grosbeak: 232 BCC; 442 OCC; plenty every¬ where, although there seemed to be fewer than last year, Purple Finch: 45 BCC; 19 OCC; regular reports all winter but apparently more common after Jan 29. House Finch: 3 BCC; 1 Mar 28 Vestal Center (EW). Pine Grosbeak: 99 BCC; 71 OCC; regular although scattered reports thru Feb 27; 4 Mar 11 Maryland, near Oneonta, (Mr. and Mrs. Clair Davis) the only later report. Common Redpoll: 35 BCC; 19 OCC; only 4 more reports before the end of the period. Pine Siskin: 21 BCC; 11 OCC; fairly plentiful all winter, but not as many as last year. American Goldfinch: 136 BCC; 117 OCC; common but not overwhelmingly so. Red Crossbill: 4 BCC; no more until 4 Feb 14 Norwich (R,SW), then 5 more reports of small flocks to the end of the period. White-winged Crossbill: Dec 30 Choconut Center (MS); 5 Jan and Feb reports of small flocks. Rufous-sided Towhee: 1 BCC, 2 OCC, all regular feeder patrons until then; Feb 28 Vestal (Marian Vanderlip); 1 Mar 14 Walton (SH). Slate-colored Junco: 116 BCC; 51 OCC. Tree Sparrow: 262 BCC; 112 OCC. Chipping Sparrow: Dec 11 Vestal (Dorothy Burns). Field Sparrow: 3 BCC; 2 Jan 13 and 1 Feb 18 Choconut Center (MS); Mar 28 Owego (J,CB); Mar 31 Candor (RP). White-crowned Sparrow: 2 BCC; Dec 10, 12 and 21 Oneonta (Lurilla Stevens); Dec 30 Owego (Reynolds Bennett). White-throated Sparrow: 26 BCC; 10 OCC; many more wintering than usual. Fox Sparrow: Dec 15 to 24 Chenango Forks (A,MD); Mar 12 Walton (SH); not very many. Song Sparrow: 32 BCC; 4 OCC; frequent reports 96 all winter although less often than last year; migrants about Mar 4. Snow Bunting: large flock Dec 17 Delhi ( MC) and 150-200 Dec 29 Union Center (D,ML) the largest flocks; small flocks Feb 17 to 29 around Berkshire (D,ML, Jean Barnes). 710 University Ave., Endwell, N.Y., 13760 REGION 5 —ONEIDA LAKE BASIN This winter that was half-a-winter ended, surprisingly, with spring arriving the first week of March, rather than with the chill wet weather that has followed other recent mild winters. The early spring made it difficult in some cases to distinguish wintering birds from migrant arrivals. Early December was cold, and a snowstorm on the 16th necessitated a day’s postponement of Syracuse Christmas count. The Adirondacks looked wintry enough, with a foot or so of snow, for the Old Forge count on the 19th, but December there was actually milder than November. Winter continued unusually mild in the Adirondacks, and March had much open water and bare ground everywhere by the 10th, according to Betty Barnum. Downregion, the mild SE wind December 23 caused waterfowl numbers in Oswego harbor to be the poorest ever on Christmas count. January 1 was a fine springlike day for the Howland Island count’s usual half-hardies. Half-hardy icterids and sparrows persisted in moderate numbers through the season, but a situation of passerine birdessness occurred with a snowless cold snap in late January—small birds just disappeared rather than being driven by snow to con¬ centrate at feeders. The Waterfowl Census total, 6666, was better than the past three years but still very low. Among the raptors it was good Goshawk season but poor in Rough-legged Hawk and Snowy Owl. Warblers replaced the western strays of last winter in providing excitement for feeder-watchers. Northern Shrike and most winter finches occurred in high numbers. Corrigenda: Kingbird XXIII; 1, January 1973, Region 5 report, p.52. Black Duck: max 587; max E of L Ont basin only 63. Common Goldeneye: max 395 Nov 5 L Ont. p.56, Solitary Vireo: delete “max . . . high”, should be max 5. p.57, Rose-breasted Grosbeak: dep Oct 1, 1 L Ont. Kingbird XII. 4, October 1872, Region 5 report, p.179, Red-shouldered Hawk: delete “2 Jan 14 . . . unusual.” Abbreviations: Adir—Adirondack; BBFS—B. Burtt’s feeder survey conducted the 1st week of each month with totals given per 100 feeders; Bvl—Baldwinsville; CC— Christmas count, Syracuse Dec 17, Old Forge Dec 19, Oswego Dec 23, Oneida Dec 30, Howland Island quarter of Montezuma circle Jan 1; DH—Derby hill on L Ont near Texas; FH—Fair Haven; HIGMA—Howland Island Game Management Area near Port Byron and vcy; HS—hawk survey, made over a pre-planned route of approximately 75 miles through primarily open country off major high¬ ways; hbr—harbor; NM—Niagara Mohawk Visitors’ Center and vcy on I Ont near Lakeview; OF—Old Forge; Onon—Onondaga; Ont—Ontario; Skan-Skaneateles; sub- THP—area immediately S of the Tug Hill Plateau; Syr—Syracuse; WFC—Waterfowl Census Jan 13-21. Observers: D. W. Ackley, B. Barnum, V. Billings, W. Bresseau, M. Brown A. Carter, G.&M. Church, F. C. Dittrich, R, Long, B.&S. Peebles, T. M. Riley, M. S. Rusk, F. G. Scheider, B. Schneckenburger, G. A. Smith, C. G. Spies, A. K. Steinbacher, E. VanDresar, R.&J. VanScoy, C.&R. Wernick. LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: last 2 Dec 7 L Ont, i.e. none wintering. Horned Grebe: 10 WFC is the best since 1967 but poor compared with earlier. 97 years. EARED GREBE: 1 in winter plumage Dec 26-Jan 1 Onon L (FGS et al) 4th regional record. Pied-billed Grebe: 3 WFC is low; unusual is 1 Dec 25-Jan 3 Dart L near Big Moose; max 5 Mar 3 Oswego hbr could include migrants. Double- crested Cormorant: 1 imm Dec 23 (Oswego CC) Oswego R at Fulton (GAS) 2nd regional winter record. Great Blue Heron: 9 Dec and Jan records including 1 on Syr, 1 on Oneida, and 2 on HIGMA CC; none late, until migrants arrived, despite the much open water. Canada Goose: a high 131 on HIGMA CC; 77 WFC, from Skan L and Seneca R at Bvl plus small numbers at 5 other locations, is also high; 12 through winter Dart L. Mallard: a record high 2075 WFC; some max counts contributing to this total are 608 Jan 13 Rand Tract pond in Syr, 760 Jan 14 Bvl, and 430 Jan 6 Brewerton; 50 through winter Dart L is good. Black Duck: low as in the past few years with 201 WFC; best single-location counts 54 Jan 4 Rand Tract and 48 Jan 2 near Easton. Gadwall: 15 WFC includes the Oswego hbr max of 13, 1 imm malewintering Jan 2-Mar 2 Rand Aract, and Bvl. Pintail only 1 WFC, a male Rand Tract Jan 2—13; the usual group in Oswego R rapids was absent due to flood waters covering their feeding area. COMMON TEAL: 1 male Mar 17—24 Pond Hundred near FH (FGS et al) with 2 males there Mar 21 (J. W. Propst) 3rd regional record. Green-winged Teal: 1 Syr CC for 1st time and 1 male WFC at Rand Tract Jan 7-Mar 2. Bluewinged Teal: last 1 before spring Dec 21 FH. American Widgeon: 1 male on WFC at Brewerton Jan 3-Mar 3 is only winter record. Shoveler: last 1 before spring Dec 3 Oneida L. Wood Duck: dep Dec 10, 2 Clay Twp; only wintering report 1 Feb 19 and 25 near Eaton. Redhead: 88 WFC, 74 of them Skan L. is slightly better than last year’s and the best WFC since 1966. Ring-necked Duck: 1 female FH to at least Jan 5 and 1 WFC Bvl is about par. Canvasback: WFC a very poor 16, 3 at Brewerton and 13 at Oswego hbr. Greater Scaup: 2253 WFC, a mediocre count typical of recent years, 1284 of them at Oswego hbr; for the 1st time, no scaup on Osweko CC, probably due to the mild SE-wind weather which kept them from congregating in the hbr. Lesser Scaup: only 2 WFC (in Oswego hbr) despite careful checking of scaup flocks demonstrates this is a scarce winterer on L Ont. Common Golden-eye: 1098 WFC is low like the last 3 WFCs; this also unrecorded on Oswego CC for 1st time. BARROW’S GOLDENEYE: 1 ad male Jan 14 Oswego R near Fulton (FGS) becoming regular in winter. Bufflehead: 87 WFC is poor, the lowest since 1963. Oldsquaw: 215 WFC is a decent count in contrast to the foregoing diving ducks. King Eider: records Jan 14-Mar 4 Oswego hbr with max 4 (3 female and 1 imm male) Mar 3 is poor compared with some recent years. White-winged Scoter: 79 WFC is highest ever, mostly due to the 66 enjoying warm-water discharge at NM, thus is not indicative of population rebound after last spring’s disease- mortality. Surf Scoter: none in period either departing or arriving. Common Scoter: last 1 Jan 1 Onon L (J. W. Propst). Ruddy Duck: last 1 male Dec 9 FH (FGS). Hooded Merganser: a mediocre 3 (1 Brewerton and 2 Oswego R at Oswego) WFC and none on CCs is unaccountably poor. Common Merganser: 389 WFC (252 of these Oswego hbr and 116 just E of there on L Ont) is the best WFC since 1968 but still poor compared with early ’60s; 650 Feb 22 Oswego shows late-winter concentration there. Red-breasted Merganser: 37 WFC also is poor; this also was unrecorded on Oswego CC for the 1st time. HAWKS—OWLS: Turkey Vulture: 3 arr Mar 15 DH (FGS) noted here as record early, though most of the hawk migration data will not be given in this report. Goshawk: 2 on Oswego and 2 on Oneida were the only CC reports, slightly more than average on these 2 of the CCs which most often have them; otherwise about 17 widespread singles through the winter from 30 observers reporting this time; the 1st real reflection here of the great fall influx documented in Feb 1973 American Birds has been the return flight past DH with a period max of 88 there 98 Mar 29 (FGS) but the complete story of this great migration can not yet be told. Sharp-shinned Hark: 1 Dec 20 near Marcellus, 1 Syr CC, and only 4 other winter¬ ing (Jan or Feb) reports, all singles, all from lakeplain areas. Cooper’s Hawk only CC reports 2 on Syr and 2 on Oneida is roughly average; otherwise about 14 winter singles from lakeplain and river valley areas is typical of recent years. Red¬ tailed Hawk: 31 on Syr and 5 on Oswego is about average for those CCs, 12 on HIGMA seems low, and 37 on Oneida is high (OF doesn’t get them); HSs (which showed no accipiters this winter) had fair Red-tailed numbers with 2 Dec 28 and 1 Feb 24 on sub-THP (always the poorest route in hawk numbers), 4 Feb 10 and 8 (2 of which may have been migrants) Feb 25 on SE Onon, and 3 Feb 3 on Oneida L. Red-shouldered Hawk: only 2 wintering reports, 1 Jan 14 L Ont and 1 Jan 27 Cicero Swamp. Rough-legged Hawk: 2 on Syr and 5 on Oneida, the only CCs that had them, is low; the species remained scarce through winter with 1 on Dec 28 and 1 on Feb 24 sub-THP HS and none on the more southerly routes; individuals’ daily counts mostly Is with max 4s Dec 28 and 29 near Utica (J&RV); as usual, more light than dark phase birds noted. Bald Eagle: an imm Feb 10—17 Seneca R near Bvl (M. Mathis et al) only winter report. Marsh Hawk: 3 Syr is only CC report and the good number is perhaps related to the early date of the count; none wintered, and the next report, 1 Feb 28 Oswego, was probably a migrant. Sparrow Hawk: 3 on Syr, 2 on Oswego, and 2 on HIGMA CC are poor, but 26 on Oneida SS is record high for that count; winter numbers generally low with HSs only 3 SE Onon Feb 10 and 1 Oneida L Feb 3; observers’ daily counts before migration not over 4. Ruffed Grouse: 2 each on Syr and HIGMA CC is very low, 6 on Oneida is average, and 16 on Oswego highest ever, yielding no general pattern. Bobwhite: noted again near FH Mar 22 (FGS). Ring-necked Pheasant: 32 on Syr, 2 on Oswego, and 13 on Oneida CC are low, and none were on HIGMA for 1st time since 1965. Virginia Rail: 1 Jan 18 near S Onon (FGS) apparently didn’t persist. American Coot: 5 WFC is normal; these birds, at Oswego hbr, Brewerton, and Bvl, remained through Feb. Killdeer: 4 through winter DeWitt again; surprisingly, in vew of the open winter, the only other report before Mar is 2 Feb 25 Cedarville, which may be early migrants. Glaucous and Iceland Gull: for only the 2nd time, both were missed on Oswego CC, and the very low maxima at Oswego hbr were only 2 Glaucous re¬ peatedly and 3 Iceland Feb 24, probably due to the lack of ice buildup; the only records elsewhere were 1 of each Dec 3 Oneida L and 1 of each Feb 3 Oswego R. Great Black-backed, Herring, and Ring-billed Gull numbers were all very low on Oswego CC, as cold weather, which concentrates gulls in the harbor, hadn’t occurred; midwinter maxima were 72 Great Black-backed Jan 14 Oswego hbr (CGS) very low, 1235 Herring Jan 6 Oswego hbr (CGS), and 2100 Feb 3 Oswego R (FGS). Rock Dove: max in a limited area 172 S of Jamesville Feb 25 (CGS). Mourning Dove: 1 on OF CC was very unusual and only 2 on Oswego CC was low, but 442 on Oneida C was highest ever by far; numbers presisted through the winter. Screech Owl: at 10 sites. Great Horned Owl: at about 17 sites. Snowy Owl: 1 Jan 13—15 at Syr airport (mob) and I Feb 20 Fairfield (VB) are the only reports in a distinctly non-flight winter. Long-eared Owl: 1—2 Jan 20-Feb 10 in a Verona Twp conifer plantation (D. Crumb et al). Short-eared Owl: only report is 1 again Oneida CC, a good area for them. Saw-whet Owl: 1-2 calling again Cicero Swamp Mar 6—29 (CGS et al). GOATSUCKERS-STARLING: Belted Kingfisher: 6 Syr CC is high; also 1 each on Oswego and Oneida CC; Is and 2s persisted through Feb on the open creeks and ponds in at least the central and E parts of the region. Yellow-shafted Flicker: 9 each on Syr and HIGMA CC is low compared with recent years, up to 3 per 99 day in Jan and Feb but not frequently so. Pileated Woodpecker: 5 on Oswego CC is high; up to 2 per day in Adir, Seneca R, and Eaton vicinities; notable is 1 repeatedly in the wooded oasis that is Oakwood Cemetery in Syr; otherwise, wide-spread singles. Red-bellied Woodpecker: 4 Oswego CC is highest ever but 3 HIGMA is low for that CC; locations other than Seneca-Oswego R vicinity are 3 along L Ont, 4 near Oneida R, 3 in the plain S of Oneida L, 2 near Finger Lakes, 1 in Onon Creek valley at Nedrow, and an unusual location far SE at Earlville. (the last fide BBFS). Red-headed Woodpecker: 1 ad wintered through Jan 14-Mar 1 Selkirk Shores St. Pk. near Port Ontario. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 1 imm female on HIGMA CC (CGS) and 1, imm probably female, black-headed form, at a Syr feeder Dec 17 until Feb 18, after which it disappeared with the warm weather (S. Sage). Hairy and Downy Woodpecker: numbers nearly equal, 24 and 26 respectively, on HIGMA CC, due to a rather low count of Downy, instead of the normal about twice as many Downy as Hairy, which occurred on other CCs. Horned Lark: 3 on Syr, 44 on Oneida, and none on other CCs is rather poor; the only individual’s daily counts over 40 are 68 Jan 21 Eaton (GLC), 45 Feb 22 HIGMA-FH (FGS), 50 Feb 26 near Sherrill (DWA), and 100 Mar 2 Floyd (B&SP) all in good habitat. Gray Jay: 1—3 ads Dec 19-Mar 2 near Carter Station, a new N Herkimer Co site (mob); 2 were at the Big Moose dump Dec 10 and 1 there Mar 15. Blue Jay: season max a high 308 Oswego CC, highest ever on that count; OF CC 286 is also high and counts were 50 per day at Dart L through Mar 1 but then on lower (BB); farther S, highest party-day counts are 51 Feb 24 on sub-THP HS, and 38 Jan 9 and 36 Jan 13 in different areas E of Oneida L. Common Crow: last noted Adir 4 Dec 10 and not again til 6 Mar 1 Dart L, despite the mild winter. Black-capped Chickadee: high on Oswego CC with 510, average on Oneida, and low on the others; P. Laible thought them scarce in Jan at Shackelton Pt on Oneida L and Jan BBFS recorded 2/3 of normal numbers; party max of 52 Jan 16 Cedarville. Boreal Chickadee: a marked invasion into the lakeplain with up to 3 Jan 3 to at least Apr 8 Shackelton Pt (P. Laible et al), 1 Dec 2 L Ont (FGS), 2-3 Dec 10-12 Westmoreland (VB et al), and 1 Feb 18 L Ont (FGS); perhaps concomitantly, only 1 once this period in N. Herkimer Co, Jan 7 (CGS et al). Tufted Titmouse: reported Dec BBFS Chittenango and Oneida, 1 during period Shore Oaks on L Ont E of Oswego, and 4 through winter Sherrill (C. Schultz) do not constitute an incursion. White-breasted Nuthatch: good daily counts of up to 15 in low country and up to 10 Adir. Red-breasted Nuthatch: 16 on Syr, 10 on Oswego, and 14 on Oneida are highest ever on those CCs; a good count on OF of 52 but missed on HIGMA CC; noted frequently through winter in low country with highs of 10-12 per day and in Adir with 6 Jan 7 total for various areas, but only 2 per day Big Moose through Feb and Mar. Brown Creeper: average or high on all CCs; 1-7 per day Jan-Mar in most areas, but none noted Adir Jan and Feb. Winter Wren: 4 reports in 1st half of Jan but, typically, none later, despite the mild winter. Carolina Wren: BBFS reports of 1 Marietta and 1 Fayetteville in early winter, the latter still present in Mar. Long-billed Marsh Wren: 1 attempting to winter reported Dec 10 and Jan 3 but not later, in Peat Swamp in Clay Twp (GAS). Mockingbird: reported repeatedly DeWitt (2 locations near each other), also Marcellus (TMR) and Nedrow (FGS). Catbird: 1 Dec 30 near Clockville (CGS) not found later and 1 early Jan Manlius (fide BBFS). Brown Thrasher: 1 early Dec and to Jan 4 Pompey (D. W. Crumb), and 1 in Peru and 1 at Ava in the Tug Hill, unusually far N, on Jan BBFS. Robin: only CC reports 3 (fewer than usual) on Syr and 4 on Oneida; after mid-Dec and before spring migrants never more than 6 per day except a remarkable flock of 88 Dec 31 along W Branch Onon Creek which dwindled to 6 by Jan 25 (GAS) and many observers 100 had none Jan and Feb, a paucity perhaps not despite the mild weather but due to dispersion caused by it. Hermit Thrush: I Dec 2 L Ont (FGS) and 1 Jan 9 Pratts Falls near Pompey (D. W. Crumb) is about average, far fewer than last winter. Golden-crowned Kinglet: 12 Syr CC is high; daily max 7s in Jan, higher than average, but only 3s in Feb and until migrants. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 1 on Syr and 2 on Oneida CC is more than usual; 1 early Dec N Syr (K. Slotnick), 1 Dec 24 Oneida (B&SP), 1 Jan 3 Shackeleton Pt (CGS), 1 Jan 14 L Ont (FGS), and 1 Mar 29 near N Bay (B&SP) the last very early if a migrant, is the highest num¬ ber of winter reports ever. BOHEMIAN WAXWING : 1 Dec 9 FH and 2 Dec 21 W of Oswego (both FGS). Cedar Waxwing: the flock along Butternut Creek in DeWitt peaked at 103 Mar 4, the period max; the 2 Bohemians Dec 21 were with 75 Cedars, but no other flock count over 36 in the period and reports were infrequent. Northern Shrike: from 20 observers, 16 in Dec, 42 in Jan, 22 in Feb, and 4 in Mar, an interesting very high peak and sharp drop; not included above are 4 on Syr, 8 on Oswego, 4 on Oneida, and 1 on HIGMA CC, a high total. Starling: max 15,500 counted roosting in downtown Syr Dec 17 (CGS). WARBLERS-SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: 1 Dec 9 Caly Twp (GAS); 5 on Oswego CC is high; none persisted later. Pine Warbler: 1 at a suet feeder N of Durhamville along Oneida Creek (Sigsbees’) from late Dec to Mar 27 when it “fed on the ground, busily searching entire lawn and still eating suet” (DWA) is the 1st regional winter record of a species uncommon here at any time. Oven- bird: 1 at a feeder E Syr (E. Patterson) Dec 17-Jan 25 where it ate a mixture of chopped suet, hamburger, other meats, and even chopped sunflower seeds, is a regional winter 1st. Yellowthroat: 1 Dec 2 Onon Creek valley and 2 Dec 10 Peat Swamp, 1 of them on Syr CC but not after (all GAS). House Sparrow: max 1991, again from the farm, feed yard, cattle, and horse country of Oneida CC circle, highest ever there. Eastern Meadowlark: good max 38 Oneida CC and noted on all other CCs except OF; unusual, but doubtless due to the lack of snow, is their persistence with 2 Feb counts of 2 plus a max of 31 Feb 5 near Chittenango. Red-winged Black¬ bird: missed on only OF CC and moderate numbers on the others; daily counts 1-7 in Jan and 2 in Feb (before migrants). Rusty Blackbird: missed on all CCs but 1 Jan 13 Peat Swamp (FGS). Common Grackle: small numbers on all CCs but Oswego, and 1 persisted at Big Moose to Jan 3; individuals’ daily counts only ls-2 in Jan and surprisingly none in the fiield in Feb. Brown-headed Cowbird: an amazing 68 OF CC but not seen there Jan 7 though 2 still at Big Moose to Jan 3; on Syr CC the Onon L roost held an estimated 3000 (CGS) which must have been late migrants as there were none there Jan 10. Cardinal: still expanding in some parts of the Region with 21 the highest ever on Oswego CC and 3 the highest yet on OF. Rose-breasted Grosbeak: a female Dec-Apr 4 Morrisville (AC) 5th regional winter record. Evening Grosbeak: on all CCs with Oswego 358 and Oneida 481 the highest ever on those CCs; BBFS 627 Dec, 17918 Jan (tieing last winter’s record), 1764 Feb, and 1033 Mar. Purple Finch: in small numbers on only the 3 southernmost CCs with 4 Syr, 6 Oneida, and 25 HIGMA (however the highest ever on this CC); usually 1-6 per day in central lakeplains areas with max 22 Jan 3 Fayetteville; not noted in Adir until 3 Mar 29 Big Moose. House Finch: 2 repeatedly at each of 2 Syr sites including a court¬ ing pair in Mar (all FCD); 1 passing DH Mar 25 (FGS et al) points to coming expansion. Pine Grosbeak: good numbers on all CCs; frequent reports in both Adir. and low country from nearly all observers, with 6 counts over 40 and max 88 Feb 5 Erieville. Pine Siskin; a high 106 on OF, 2 on Oswego, and none on other CCs, but scattered smaller numbers, up to 137 per day, in low country in Jan and many large flocks appearing in lowlands and S highlands in late Feb and Mar with max 200s at approximately the time they were absent from Big Moose, i.e. 101 Feb 20-Mar 25. American Goldfinch: good numbers on all CCs; most observers had small numbers, up to about 20, through the winter; maxima 45 Feb 18 L Ont and 43 Feb 25 Eaton about when they left Big Moose, i.e. last there 25 Feb 20. Red Crossbill: on no CC except OF; 40—50 per day in Dec dwindled to 7 Feb 20 Big Moose; about half the low-country observers had up to 8 per day occasionally Jan-Mar. White-winged Crossbill: OF CC, Jan 1 at Green Lakes St Pk near Fayetteville, 3 Mar 3 near Utica, and 14 Mar 31 L Ont, are the only, widely scattered, reports received. Rufous-sided Towhee: 4 on Dec BBFS but missed on CCs; 1 wintered Fayette¬ ville (B. Knapp) and I wintered Syr (B. Stain); 1 Mar 29 New Hartford (VB) may have been an early migrant. Slate-colored Junco: daily counts 13 or less through winter except rather high tallies of 21 Feb 11 and 54 Feb 18 along L Ont. Oregon Junco: I Jan Highland Park near Fabius (Suters fide D. W. Crumb). Tree Sparrow: mediocre on all CCs with only 85 on HIGMA despite the acres of sparrow habitat; individuals’ counts from Is per day to max only 81 Jan 14 Oswego Co. Field Sparrow: 3 on Syr CC near Fayetteville to at least Jan 7 (FGS); 1 Jan 3—15 Durhamville (CGS); 3 Jan 21 persisting to Feb 25 S Onon (FGS) is usually hardy for non-feeder supported birds. White-crowned Sparrow: 1 Syr CC to Feb 25 Fayetteville (J. Maxwell, FGS) is only report. White-throated Sparrow: 6 on Syr, 10 on Oneida, and 1 on HIGMA CC is roughly average though not as good as the past 2 years; 1-9 daily through winter is par for recent years; 1 Jan 7 at a Thendara feeder is unusual. Swamp Sparrow: Syr CC had 4 Fayetteville and 1 Peat Swamp with 2 there Jan 13 (FGS); 1 on HIGMA CC; 1 Jan 13 near Marcellus (CGS) and 1 Jan 21 Eaton (GLC) probably did not persist; 1 Jan 6—25 near S Onon (GAS) and 3 Feb 25 at another S Onon location (FGS) is more unusual; 1 Nov-Apr Sherrill (C. Schultz) was feeder-supported, unlike the above individuals. Song Sparrow: 39 on Syr, 15 on Oswego, 19 on Oneida, and 3 on HIGMA CC is about average; daily counts remained a high 1—16 through winter everywhere but Adir with little Feb attrition. Lapland Longspun a poor season with only reports I each Dec 2 and 28 Oswego Co (FGS), 1 Syr CC, and 6 Jan 11 Clay Twp in great flock of Snow Buntings (GAS). Snow Bunting: 120 Dec 2 L Ont is the only period report over 100 from there; only 10 other counts of 100-500 Dec-Feb, 4 from Cedarville in the S highlands and 5 from not far S of Oneida L; no Mar count over 30; period max 2360 Jan 11 Clay Twp. 242 W Calthrop Ave., Syracuse 13205 REGION 6 —ST. LAWRENCE Frank A. Clinch The past winter will long be remembered as a mild one, just as the winter ten years ago is remembered because of the great amount of snow. The spring¬ like weather in March made us forget the snow storm that caused a postponement of the Christmas count. There were very cold days in January and February. The 20 days of zero or below temperatures is about average for this region. The amount of snow was near normal. However, after each fall of snow there was warm weather to melt most of it and the snow did not accumulate. March came in like a lamb and remained docile except for one snow storm about March 18. The number of spring birds began to increase early in March. 102 Abbreviations: PRWMA-Perch River Wildlife Management Area; WH-Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area; RM-Robert Moses State Park and Power Dam; SLR-St. Lawrence River; CC-Christmas Count Dec 17 Watertown. Observers: JB—John Belknap; RB—Richard Brouse; LC—Lee Chamberlaine; FC— Frank Clinch; NL-Nick Leone; JV-Joe VanReit who made most of the obser¬ vations at SLR, WH, RM and Massena; RW—Robert and June Walker Corrigenda: KINGBIRD XXIII: 1, January 1973, Regional report p 58, Pied¬ billed Grebe: max 60 Sep 27 PRWMA (not ED.). LOONS-DUCKS: Horned Grebe: 1 Mar 24 Pillar Pt; 1 Mar 29 SLR. Pied¬ billed Grebe: 2 Mar 30 WH; 2 Mar 31 PRWMA. Great Blue Heron: 1 seen by 4-5 persons near Watertown Dec, Jan, Feb. Canada Goose: 50 Mar 10 Watertown; 50 Mar 10 SLR; 600 Mar 11 Henderson Pond; 200 Mar 11 flying near Watertown. Mallard: 30 regular Jan RM; 100 Mar 11 Henderson Pond. Black Duck: 140 regular Jan RM. Gadwall: 2 Mar 31 MH. Pintail: 60 11 Henderson Pond; Blue¬ winged Teal: 6 Mar 31 PRMA. American Widgeon: 16 Mar 28. Shoveler; 6 Mar 31 PRWMA. Ringed-necked Duck: 1 Dec 2 Pillar Pt; 22 Mar 31 PRWMA. Greater Scaup: 1 Jan 27 RM; 6 Mar 30 RM. Common Goldeneye: 28 CC; 120 Jan 20 RM. Buffiehead: 4 Mar 4; 8 Mar 31 WH; 8 Mar 31 PRWMA. Oldsquaw: 28 CC; 16 Mar 11 Stony Pt. Common Scoter: 1 CC (RW). Hooded Merganser: Mar 24 first at WH. Common Merganser: 3700 Jan 16 WH; 20 Feb 4 Pt Peninsula. HAWKS-OWLS: Goshawk; Dec 3 near Watertown (RW); I CC (Nelson); 1 Dec 29 Massena (JV); 1 Mar 24 LC. Red-tailed Hawk: max 10 Dec 23 Water- town. Rough-legged Hawk: a few near Antwerp all winter, max 5 Jan 14 (JB); 7 Dec 23 (RB); less common than some years; none at Massena. Bald Eagle: 1 mature Jan 16 SLR. Marsh Hawk: last Dec 17; first Mar 11. Sparrow Hawk: max 3 Dec 23. Gray Partridge: numbers continue low; 8-11 in one covey all winter RM. Ringed-billed Gull: appeared in numbers Henderson Pond Mar 11. Bonaparte’s 11 PRWMA. Killdeer; 2 Mar 4. American Woodcock: first heard Mar 10 Glaucous Gull: max 6 immature Dec 9 RM. Great Black-backed Gull: over 200 Jan 3 RM. Ringed-billed Gull: appeared in numbers Henderson Pond Mar 11. Bonaparte’s Gull: Dec 2 near Massena. Mourning Dove: 8 Dec 24. Screech Owl; 3 heard Dec 17. Snowy Owl: 1-3 per day Pt Peninsula, Sackets Harbor, Evens Mills; none Massena; last Mar 25, Short-eared Owl: 1 Mar 25 near PRWMA (NL); 2 next day PRWMA (RB). Belted Kingfisher: 1 Jan 14 Adams-Henderson: GOATSUCKERS-STARLINGS: Pileated Woodpecker: 1 Dec Massena. Black- backed Three-toed Woodpecker: female 2-3 weeks Dec Thompson Park; male Feb 11 Joseph A. Blake J. Wildlife Sanctuary (RW) where there may have been others during the winter, but an inspection in Mar showed none; there had been much activity on the bark of tamarack trees part of it by Hairy Woodpeckers; Black- backed Three-toed Woodpeckers have been seen here the past few winters. Horned Lark: seen each month in small numbers. Tree Swallow: Mar 24. Common Crow: 3-5 each month; heavy movement into Tug Hill Mar 28, Boreal Chickadee: 1 Dec 23 Watertown where they are rare (NL). Brown Thrasher: 1 Dec 23 (NL). Robin: 5 Dec 23; 18 Jan 27 Massena; 2 Feb 7; began to return early Mar. Eastern Bluebird: 3 Mar 11 Snowshoe Pt; 1 Mar 28 Highmarket, Lewis Co; also a pair reported as returning in Lewis Co late Mar. Golden-crowned Kinglet: 4 Dec 17-23 Watertown; 1 Jan 27 Massena. Bohemian Waxwing: 1 Dec 18 with Cedar Wax- wings Watertown (FC); 20-25 all Bohemian Waxwings Feb 7 Thompson Park (FC) and same number same place Feb 10 (RW) also 30 Cedar Waxwings. Northern Shrike: 1-2 a few times during the winter. VIREOS—SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: 1 Jan 27 Henderson seen under very good conditions for several minutes (LC). Eastern Meadowlark: 3 Dec 23; 3 Mar 103 11. Redwinged Blackbird: in Dec and Mar 4 and after. Rusty Blackbird: 2 Mar 31 PRWMA. Common Grackle: spring date Mar 11 Stony Pt, Watertown and Massena. Brown-headed Cowbird: 20 seen several times in Dec Watertown; re¬ turned to Massena Mar 11. Cardinal: 11 Dec 4 at one time unusual for Watertown; 1 Dec 29 and pair in Mar at Massena where they are rare (JV). Evening Gros¬ beak: present in good numbers all winter; came earlier than a year ago but some¬ what smaller numbers, slight decrease in Mar; 157 Christmas count Dec 29 Massena; 35 at feeder Dec 3 and 60 same feeder Feb 6. Purple Finch: Dec 23 only one. Pine Grosbeak: max at Massena 45 Dec 29; seen a number of places around Gou- verneur Jan-Feb; several around Watertown, max 40-50; last at Watertown 4 Mar 10. Common Redpoll: not one after so many a year ago. Pine Siskin: none. American Goldfinch: at feeders especially after Jan; it' seems that in the last three years these birds have discovered the benefits of visiting feeders and they have been doing so in increasing numbers. Slate-colored Junco: 5 Dec 5. Tree Sparrow: all winter. White-crowned Sparrow: 1 Dec. White-throated Sparrow: 2 all winter Watertown, Song Sparrow: 1 Dec 7 Massena; 2 CC; I Mar 16. Snow Bunting: over 100 Dec 25 Massena; 16 Feb 26 Massena only flocks of any size seen; not seen at Gouverneur; scarce at Massena; few at Watertown. 173 Haley St, Watertown, New York 13601 REGION 7 — ADIRONDACK-CHAMPLAIN Theodore D. Mack This was a mild winter. All December days but one had some type of pre¬ cipitation at Ray Brook according to Bob Kampf, our local weather observer. A freeze and thaw pattern for December continued thru January. February was cold with 15 days below zero including minus 21 degrees on the 17th and 18th. March was unbelievable with a 35.8 degree mean temperature for the month and no below zero days. Snow total was lowest in 15 years. Bare ground showed on the 8th and continued to show for about 2 weeks, altho snow did still lie deep in the spruce and balsam swamps and other shaded areas. This mild weather may have encouraged some early arrivals. Observers: GTC—Greenleaf T. Chase; MK— Dr. Marguerite Kingsbury; TM—Ted Mack; RMc—Robert McKinney; RAM—Ruth A. Meier; GP—Glenn Perrigo. Abbreviations: Ch R—Chubb River near Lake Placid; FF—Franklin Falls; Ind L—Indian Lake; L—lake; Mad—Madawaska Pond near PS; PS—Paul Smiths; SL— Saranac Lake; TL—Tupper Lake. LOONS—OWLS: Most water was frozen into April. Great Blue Heron: 1 migrating high Mar 17 FF (TM). Black Duck: 2 Mar 31 Mad (TM). Goshawk: 1 Jan 28 FF (TM(. Red-tailed Hawk: 1 two weeks earlier than usual Mar 7 Santa Clara (MK), 1 Mar 16 Sabbatis (William Rutherford). Rough-legged Hawk: 1 Mar 3 Beekmantown (TM). Ruffed Brouse: 2 or 3 seen most days in suitable habitat; Dr. Kingsbury had the pleasure of having 2 visit her feeders to search for spilled sunflower seeds. American Woodcock: 1 Mar 11 PS (TM); this exception¬ ally early bird flushed from a large wet alder patch free of snow. Great Horned Owl: 2 Mar 4 FF (TM). Barred Owl: 1 Mar 25 Black Pond near PS (TM); 1 Mar 31 Mad (TM). Saw-whet Owl: 1 Mar 27 Ch R (GP). GOATSUCKER—STARLING: Pileated Woodpecker: 1 Dec 3 Newcomb (TM); 104 1 Feb 24 Ind L (RMc); 1 Mar 9 FF (TM); 2 Mar 27 Ch R (GP). Black-backed Three-toed Woodpecker: 1 Feb 10 Ampersand Bay SL (GTC); 1 Feb 16 PS (Frank Graves). Homed Lark: first migrants—17 Mar 2 L Clear School and fed by kindergarten class (Louise Rutherford). Common Raven: 1 Dec 3 (TM)—croak¬ ing repeatedly near junction of Goodnow and Hudson Rivers, GTC comments that this may be the same raven reported by Hugh Fosburgh from the nearby Northwoods Club last July; 1 Dec 4 Ray Brook (GTC)—wedge shape of tail seen as bird flew over Department of Environmental Conservation building, bird was calling and flying beside a crow so size and difference in wing beat was easily seen; 1 Dec 26 North Elba (Major Day)—no details; 1 Feb 27 Ray Brook (GTC), bird perched near road and was seen at less than 20 feet so that throat bristles were clearly seen; 1 Mar 17 FF (TM), this bird spent afternoon flying back and forth along far side of upper reservoir and to one point on the near shore with rather lengthy stops to perch and croak, Crows were within this area, but the two did not associate; 4 Mar 24 Cascade and Porter Mountains (TM), 2 pairs circuling, 1 near and above Porter summit and 1 pair repeatedly passed over Cascade summit in a circle, circles were not near any noticeble ledges and were at high altitude with birds calling in croaks as usual plus an unusual bell note, birds sometimes held in wind with one just above another, on one occasion a lower bird turned completely over and touched its feet to those of the top bird; 1 Mar 27 High Falls Gorge near L Placid (GP), wedge tail seen when bird dropped from cliff to circle on flat wings with no flapping before soaring back into cliff and disappear¬ ing. Black-capped Chicadee: max 25 feeder birds thru period TL (RAM); 18 Feb 24 at feeders Ind L (RMc). Boreal Chickadee: max 12 Mar 31 Mad (TM). Common Crow: returned to PS Mar 3 (TM); approximately 100 Mar 5 L Clear (TM). Nuthatches—more than usual of both kinds seen at feeders. Robin: first migrant Mar 17 FF (TM); 1 Mar 19 TL (MK); 2 Mar 31 Mad (TM). Northern Shrike: 1 Jan 27 TL (RAM). Starling: returned Mar 11 to PS (TM). VIREOS—SPARROWS: Redwinged Blackbird: 3 Dec 4 at feeder PS (William Rutherford); 2 Dec 9-15 SL (MK); 1 Mar 2 SL (MK); I Mar 8 TL (RAM); 1 Mar 9 PS (TM) this is not a common winter bird within the Adirondack Park altho it is found in Champlain Valley at this season. Brown-headed Cowbird: flock Dec 4 TL (RAM). Evening Grosbeak: plentiful at all times but not so overwhelm¬ ingly as in the previous winter; max 150 TL (RAM). Pine Grosbeak: several seen thru winter in most areas but no large invasion and no large road kills noted of this or other winter finches. Pine Siskin: noticeable increase in March. American Goldfiinch: as many as 40 at some feeders, Red Crossbill: scarce—11 Jan 16 PS (TM); 6 Feb 25 PS (TM); 2 Mar 4 FF (TM). White-winged Crossbill: not reported. Slate-colored Junco: returned Mar 19 TL (RAM). White-throated Sparrow: I Dec 2 TL (RAM). Tree Sparrow: at feeders until Jan 16 and returned Mar 14 TL (RAM). Song Sparrow: I Mar 31 Mad (TM). Snow Bunting: 50 Dec 21 Raquette Pond (RAM). P. O. Box 125, Paul Smiths, New York 12970 REGION 8 — HUDSON-MOHAWK Richard E. Philion In retrospect the winter of ’73 was about as moderate and open as one can hope in this section of the northeast. The mean temperature for the month of December was 28.9° or 2.4° above normal while the high and low temperatures were 52° (6th) and 1° (17th) respectively. Snowfall was above normal for the 105 month (22.5") yet by the end of the month, during the Christmas count period only 2—5 inches of snow remained. Larger streams and the Hudson river remained open thru most of the winter but waterfowl were not present in unusual numbers. January was 4.3° above normal and set two record highs for a change, 53° on the 16th and 59° on the 18th. Snowfall was 11.2 inches or 5.9 inches below normal and about the same as February. A low temperature of -21° was recorded February 18th but again record highs were set in March on the 8th (64°) and 17th (69°). Only a trace of snow was measured at the Albany airport for the month and most lakes were open by the 15th. Half-hardy species such as Carolina Wren, Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Grackle, White-throated and Field Sparrows, to mention a few, wintered in the region. On the other hand the winter finch population was a mixed bag. Pine Grosbeaks ap¬ peared everywhere but at the backyard feeder, but Redpolls and Pine Siskins were dramatically reduced from last year while other boreal species went un¬ reported. Notables for the period include a late Loggerhead Shrike, Peregrine Falcon, Monk Parakeet, and a Red-headed Woodpecker. Obsehvers cited are: A&TB—A&T Brown; JC—J Cook; MF—Mabel French; B&HG—B&H Gardina; M&AG—M&A Giddings; WGG-WG Gorman; MM—M Mickle; RP-R Philion; EP-E Powell; BW-B Waite; WBS-WB Sabin; RPY— RP Yunick; Abbreviations: ADBC—Alan Devoe Bird Club; CC—Christmas Count including ADBC, Schenectady, Southern Rensselaer and Troy; HR—Hudson River; TR— Tomhannock Reservoir; WSL—West Sand Lake. LOONS-DUCKS: Common Loon: 3 Mar 25 TR (RP). Horned Grebe: 1 Mar 25 TR (RP). Pied-billed Grebe: 3 Mar 15 HR (JC). Great Blue Heron: 1 Dec 30 TCC; 1 Feb 21 Schodack Ctr. (JG); 3 Mar 15 HR (JC). Canada Goose: 11 Dec 7 Queenchy Lake (ADBC); 16 Mar 4 HR (B&HG); max 150 Mar 24 HMBC. Mallard: total of 112 from regional CC reports. Black Duck: total of 226 from regional CC reports. Pintail: fsm 2 Mar 4 HR (A&TB); 5 Mar 24 (HMBC). Green-winged Teal: fsm 2 Mar 4 HR (A&TB); 12 Mar 24 (HMBC). Blue-winged Teal: fsm 19 Mar 25 HR (JC). American Widgeon: 1 Mar 4 HR (A&TB); 5 Mar 24 (HMBC). Wood Duck; 3 Mar 24 (HMBC). Redhead: fsm 55 Mar 24, seldom seen in such number on HR (HMBC & MM). Ring-necked Duck: fsm 10 Mar 18 Castleton (RP); max 45 Mar 24 (HMBC). Canvasback: 1 Feb 1 HR (A&TB); max 60 Mar 24 (HMBC). Scaup: 4 Dec (TCC); max 200 Mar 24 HR (MM). Common Goldeneye: total of 4 on CC’s; max 40 Mar 25 HR (JC). Bufflehead: 5 Mar 25 TR (RP). Common Merganser: 1 Feb 1 HR (A&TB); 4 Mar 25 TR (RP). Red-breasted Merganser: 2 Mar 24 (HMBC). HAWKS-OWLS: Goshawk: 1 Dec 16 WSL (RP); 4 Dec 30 TCC; 1 Feb 8 Altamont (BW). Cooper’s Hawk: 2 from regional CC reports. Red-tailed Hawk: total of 79 from CC reports. Rough-legged Hawk: total of 17 from CC reports; 1 Mar 16 Rensselear (RP). Marsh Hawk: total of 3 from CC reports; 1 Mar 24 (WGG). PEREGRINE FALCON: 1 Mar 16 Altamont (BW). Sparrow Hawk: total of 33 from regional CC reports. Ruffed Grouse: total of 38 from CC reports. Ring-necked Pheasant: total of 99 from CC’s alone—double last years total. Kill- deer: absent Jan and Feb. American Woodcock: 1 Feb 27 Colonie (WBS). Great Black-backed Gull: 3 ADBC CC; fsm 6 Mar 24 HMBC. Herring Gull: total of 117 from CC reports. Ring-billed Gull: total of 136 from CC reports. Mourning Dove: impressive total of 823 from CC’s alone. Screech Owl: total of 5 from CC reports. Great Horned Owl: total of 9 from CC reports. Snowy Owl: only 1 report this year, 28 Dec Valatie (M&AG & MM). Barred Owl: 1 Dec 30 TCC; 1 Feb 23 106 Altamont (BW). Long-eared Owl: 2 Dec 30 TCC. MONK PARAKEET: a single bird with nest near Eagle Mills seen by the several on TCC. GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Belted Kingfisher: total of 6 during CC period. Yellow-shafted Flicker: total of 26 from CC reports. Pileated Woodpecker: total of 6 from CC’s RED-HEADED WOODPECKER ; 1 immature at feeder thru Jan Ghent (B&HG) (MM). Eastern Phoebe: fsm 1 Feb 20 Delmar fide (WBS); several reports late March. Horned Lark: max 465 ADBC CC. Blue Jay: total of 1030 from CC reports. Black capped Chickadee: less abundant than last year. Tufted Titmouse: total of 94 from CC reports. Red-breasted Nnthatch: more abundant than last year, total of 34 from CC reports. Winter Wren: 2 from CC reports; 1 Mar 28 Altamont (BW). Brown Creeper: total of 18 from CC reports. Carolina Wren: 1 caught in squirrel trap at time of TCC; 1 Mar 24 (HMBC). Mockingbird: present in good numbers, total of 20 from CC reports; 3 Jan 8 Indian Ladder (BW). Catbird 1 Dec 28 Chatham (B&HT). Brown Thrasher: 1 ADBC CC. Robin: total of 22 from CC reports; fsm starting around March 11. Hermit Thrush: 2 Feb 18 E Greenbush (WGG); 2 reports Mar 11, 1 banded, Schnectady (RPY). Eastern Bluebird: 4 Jan 1 Altamont (BW); fsm 1 Feb 28 Albany fide (WBS). Golden-crowned Kinglet: total of 41 from CC reports, up from last year. Cedar Waxwing: total of 105 from CC reports yet appeared to be scarce by mid-winter. Northern Shrike: 1 ADBC CC; 1 Mar 9 Ghent (ADBC). LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE : I seen by many on TCC. Starling abundant. VIREOS-SPARROWS: Myrtle Warbler: 1 Mar 24 (HMBC). Eastern Meadow¬ lark: total of 46 from CC’s. Red-winged Blackbird: total of 64 from CC reports. Rusty Blackbird: 1 ADBC CC. Common Grackle: several reports thru winter. Brown-headed Cowbird: 127 from CC reports down from last years total. Cardinal: total of 427 from CC reports. Evening Grosbeak: surpassed last years total—1670 from CC reports. Purple Finch: reported in good numbers—total of 74 from CC reports. House Finch: 26 banded Schenectady during period—much more numerous this winter (RPY); CC totals 15; 2 Dec 3 Loudonville (MF). Pine Grosbeak: total of 431 from CC reports—fed largely on sumac panicles thru winter becoming scarce in March. Common Redpoll: total of 10 from CC reports—a striking con¬ trast to last years abundance. Pine Siskin: 42 from CC reports; max 100 Feb 26 Queechy (MM), American Goldfinch: 724 from CC’s; abundant thru period especially at feeders. Red Crossbill: 10 Dec 30 TCC; returning flocks seen in early Mar (RPY). Slate-colored Junco: 379 from CC totals. Tree Sparrow: numbers down from previous years—total of 985 from CC’s. Field Sparrow: scattered reports of wintering birds. White-crowned Sparrow: 1 Dec 30 TCC; 1 Mar 17 Hudson (J. Silvernail). White-throated Sparrow: many wintered; total of 72 from CC. Fox Sparrow: 1 Dec 17 SCC; 1 Mar 17 Chatham (EP). Swamp Sparrow: 3 Dec 23 SRCC. Song Sparrow: total of 84 from CC’s. Snow Bunting: total of 113 from CC reports; 13 Feb 19 (BW). Edgewood Dr., Averill Park, N.Y. 12018 107 FALL REPORTS RECEIVED TOO LATE FOR JANUARY ISSUE REGION 1 — NIAGARA FRONTIER Robert A. Sundeel Continuing the previous pattern of the summer, August was cloudy and wet with more than an inch of precipitation above the average but temperatures less than one degree below the norm. September was slightly warmer than usual with slightly less rain than normal. October and November were both cooler and wetter than usual. Trends or points of interest were (1) a slightly better fall flight of loons than recently but small numbers of Horned and Pied-billed Grebes, (2) a dismal show¬ ing of all long-legged waders except the Great Blue Heron, (3) a disappointing and subpar display of waterfowl, particularly in terms of numbers, (4) poor showings of most diurnal and nocturnal raptors, (5) a decidedly poor showing of shore birds except at Times Beach in Buffalo and Wilson on Lake Ontario, (6) a rather mediocre list of gulls and terns, (7) poor showings of woodpeckers, fly¬ catchers and swallows, (8) a fine flight of the Red-breasted Nuthatch through-out the period, (9) disappointingly small numbers and variety of vireos and warblers, (10) definite establishment of small numbers of the House Finch in the northeastern suburbs of Buffalo, (11) a fine flight of winter finches featuring significant numbers of Evening and Pine Grosbeaks and Red Crossbills. Records of the following rare birds are included: European Widgeon, Harlequin Duck, Marbled Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Western King¬ bird, Dickcissel, House Finch and Clay-colored Sparrow. The real prizes however, must be reserved for two new additions to the regional list — American Avocet and Monk Parakeet, the latter most unwelcome. Abbreviations: Alleg—Allegany: Bflo—Buffalo; BOS—Buffalo Ornithological Society; Catt—Cattaraugus; Chaut—Chautaugua; Co(s)—County or Countries; FC—Fall Count; INWR—Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge; L—Lake; mobs—many observers; Nia—Niagara; R—River. Contributors: RA—Robert Andrle; HRA—Harold and Rachel Axtell; CB—Clarence Beal; PB—Paul Benham; TB—Thomas Bourne; EB—Elizabeth Brooks; LDB—Lou and Doris Burton; AC—Arthur Clark; DD—Dorthy Danner; JG—Joseph Grzybowski; WHK—Walter and Harriette Klabunde; WAW—Willard and Alice McKale; HM— Harold Mitchell; FR—Frances Rew; AR—Archie Richardson; RS—Robert Sundell. LOONS—DUCKS: A significant fall count of the Common Loon for recent years was of 15 Nov 16 on Chaut L with 3 of the rarely reported Red-throated Loons Nov 16 at Bemus Point on Chaut L (BS). Single Red- necked Grebes were seen Nov 10 at Athol Springs (TB) and on Chaut L Nov 12 (Mealy) and Nov 30 (RS), another species usually unreported during the fall. There were 4 reports of the Double—crested Cormorant during early Oct. The only long-legged wader not decreasing is the Great Blue Heron with a regional total of 131 on the BOSFC Oct. 8. The maximum count of Whistling Swans was 133 on Chaut L Nov 30 (RS) and of Canada Geese was 5216 on the regional BOSFC Oct 8. A significant southward movement of Canada Geese occurred on Sep 27. A rare Brant was seen Nov 15 off Furhman Boulevard, Bflo (Kikta) and single Snow and Blus Geese at the INWR on the regional survey Oct 8; also at Riverside a Snow Goose was seen Oct 20 and a Blue Goose Oct 17 (AR). High regional counts for the early Oct. survey (Oct 8) were: Mallard 2380, Green-winged Teal 225 and Blue-winged Teal 1275. A EUROPEAN WIDGEON was observed Oct 8 near Akron (HM et al). A flock of 13 Redheads on Sep 11 at Times Beach, Bflo (HRA) was nearly three weeks earlier 108 than normal. Pairs of Lesser Scaup and Common Goldeneyes were noted through¬ out Aug at Times Beach, Bflo (RA et al). An adult male HARLEQUIN DUCK on Nov 9 off Bird Island, Bflo ( RA, Byron) was about 10 days earlier than most arrival dates and the bird was seen later in the month in the gorge just below Nia Falls (m obs). Surf and Common Scoters are usually not reported except from the Nia R so reports of 3 Common Oct 12 at Bayview (TB) and 1 Nov 24 at May- ville (FR) and 1 Surf Nov 1 at Bayview (TB) are noteworthy. Most observations of the Ruddy Duck came from Chaut L and INWR with a peak of 344 on Chaut L Nov 24 (RS). A high count of 50 Hooded Mergansers at Riverside Nov 9 (AR) was reported. HAWKS—OWLS: A regional count of 70 Turkey Vultures Oct 8 was the highest fall total. An early Goshawk Oct 25 at Point Breeze, Orleans Co, was captured and turned in to Conservation Department (RA); individuals were also observed Nov 15 between Mayville and Westfield (CB) and Nov 25 at Riverside (AR). Red¬ tailed and Sparrow Hawks continue to prosper while the Red-shouldered Hawk con¬ tinues to decline. An adult Bald Eagle was noted Nov 24 at Mayville (RS). The maximum Osprey count was 5 on Sep 28 at the Allegheny Reservoir (JG). During Sep teams working in Catt Co banded 296 Turkeys (JG). Numbers of rails were insignificant except for the American Coot with high counts of 2200 Oct 19 and 2950 Nov 9 at Mayville (RS). At Clarence Center 200 Killdeer, 5 Golden Plover and 2 Knots were counted on a turf farm Aug 27 (WAW) but no Buff-breasted Sandpipers appeared in con¬ trast with 1971. The always scarce Whimbrel was represented by a report of 2 on Aug 18 in Evans Township, Erie Co (TB). A Willet was seen Aug 8 and 10 at Times Beach, Bflo (RA, Amadon). A count of 70 Pectoral Sandpipers Sep 27 at INWR (Morse) as the highest fall total for the region. White-rumped Sandpipers occurred at more locations than previously with at least 10 birds at 5 locations (m obs), Bairds Sandpipers occurred as individuals on the Bflo waterfront and on Chaut L during late Aug and Sep except for 3 at Wilson Sep 15 (HRA). A high count of 200 Semipalmated Sandpipers at Times Beach, Bflo Aug 4 (RA) was unusual for this region but of regular occurrence along the Canadian shore of L Erie. The very rare MARBLED GODWIT was found Aug 20 at Wilson (WAM, WHK). The first regional record of the AMERICAN AVOCET was of 5 photographed Aug 22 at Times Beach, Bflo (PB). Single Northern Phalaropes were noted Sep 3 at Eden (WAW) and Sep 11 at Wilson (HRA) and Red Phalaropes were seen on Chaut L off Dewittville Oct 29 (RS) and at the outlet Nov 26 (Raistrick). Parasitic Jaegars were seen Aug 25 at Times Beach, Bflo (BA, HRA et al) and Sep 12 at Bayview (TB). The usual fall arrival dates for white-winged gulls on the Nia R included an early Glaucous Oct 24 (HRA) and different Iceland Gulls Nov 5 and 18 (PB) in the Queenston, Ont.-Lewiston, N.Y. area where 3 Little Gulls were also reported Oct 21 (WHK). An unusually high fall count of the Great Black-backed Gull was a total of 54 Nov 24 at Dunkirk Harbor (FR). A BLACK¬ HEADED GULL was seen sporadically throughout Nov just above Nia Falls (PB et al), Franklin’s Gulls were unusually scarce with singles Sep 12 at Times Beach, Bflo (RA) and Nov 25 in the Queenston-Lewiston area (JG). A BLACK¬ LEGGED KITTIWAKE was observed Nov 24 at Nia Falls (RA). Single Forster’s Terns were seen at Bemus Point Sep 7 and Oct 19—this species occurs on Chaut L 2 or 3 years out of every 5 (RS). Caspian Terns were quite scarce with a maximum of 3 on Aug 31 at Times Beach, Bflo (RA et al). The first regional report of the MONK PARAKEET was of a bird visiting a feeder during Oct near Eden (RA etal). The owls were very poorly represented with only five records of interest: Barn Aug 15 Hamburg (TB), Snowy Nov 12 Nia Falls (Schaffner, AC), Snowy Nov 23 Amherst (WAM), Long-eared Sep 20 Chestnut 109 Ridge Park (TB), Saw-whet Oct 3 Riverside (AR)— more than two weeks earlier than usual arrival. GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: The highest count of Common Nighthawks was 185 Aug 30 over Eggertsville (WAM). A WESTERN KINGBIRD was seen on Sep 12 at the Lakeside Cemetery, Hamburg (TB). Yellow-bellied Flycatchers were reported from scattered localities between Aug 15 and Sep 9. An excellent flight of Red-breasted Nuthatches developed after early migrants Aug 16 at Spring Brook (DD) and Aug 18 at Chaut (RS) with a maximum of 12 on Oct 3 in Birdsall (LDB). Carolina Wrens continue their recent spread with reports from three new locations in the Southern Tier. The Short-billed Marsh Wren has become increasingly scare during recent years so a migrant killed at a tall building on the Fredonia campus Oct 11 (Andree) is significant. 5 Mocking¬ birds were reported from four locations. Extreme dates for migrant Swainson’s Thrushes fell between single birds on Aug 12 in Eggertsville (WAM) and an Oct 25 specimen for Humboldt Park, Bflo (Scott, AC) turned in to the Bflo Museum of Science. A Ruby-crowned Kinglet arrived on the earliest expected date for fall migrants with 1 on Sep 11 at the Wilson Cemetery (HRA). The earliest (ever) regional arrival date for the Northern Shrike was of a carefully studied individual Oct 8 near Batavia (mobs) for which satisfactory verification has been submitted; 12 s individuals throughout Nov occurred mostly in Erie and Alleg Cos. The only Loggerhead Shrike was seen Aug 29 in Eden Township (TB). VIREOS—WARBLERS: The numbers and variey of vireos were modest with 4 Philadelphia Vireos from late Aug through mid Sep the only item worth noting. The fall warbler flight was even less inspiring with very highlights, some of which follow: Orange-crowned Warblet: 1 Sep 27 Town of Eden (TB); I Oct 8 Grand Island (WAM)—several more most years. Parula Warbler: 2 Oct 8 Alfred (EB et al). Pine Warbler: 1 Aug 29 INWR (HM, Wright); 1 Sep 18 Hamburg Village (TB)—most fall reports represent other species misidentified, so it should be noted that detailed verification forms are on file in support of these two records. Connecticut Warbler: 1 Sep 25 Spring Brook (DD); 2 Sep 27 Town of Evans (TB)—about average for observations but some years as many as a dozen specimens have been recovered as TV tower casualties. Mourning Warbler: 1 Oct 1 Grand Island (WHK). Wilson’s Warbler: 1 Oct 12 Belmont (LDB). Canada Warbler: I Oct 8 Alfred ((EB). The Orange-crowned, Parula, Pine and Con¬ necticut Warblers are decidedly uncommon and the numbers of each should be closely monitored. The Mourning, Wilson’s and Canada Warblers are close enough to their latest expected departure dates to warrant mentioning. BLACKBIRDS—SPARROWS: The numbers of all species of blackbirds on the Oct 8 regional count were lower than recent years, probably due to unfavorable conditions for observation due to high winds. A Rusty Blackbird Sep 11 at the Wilson Cemetery (HRA) was four days earlier than the first expected arrival date. 5000 Common Grackles were estimated Aug 26 at a roost owned by the James¬ town Audubon Society in that city (CB); 8000 grackles wer reported Oct 28 at Five Corners (Klingensmith). A DICKCISSEL was observed Nov 16 and 17 at a feeder in Fillmore (Palmer, Main). Evening Grosbeaks appeared in Erie, Chaut, Catt and Alleg Cos in late Oct with many reports during Nov including estimates of 300 Nov 16 and 400 Nov 18 at Carrollton (JG). The HOUSE FINCH has become established in the north¬ eastern Bflo suburbs of Amherst, Snyder and Eggertsville including 10 at a feeder in the latter community throughout Nov (Ward); records from this area will no longer be mentioned except to report significant population changes. During the second half of Nov small flocks of Pine Grosbeaks appeared throughout the region 110 at scattered locations with a maximum of 28 on Nov 25 at Alleg State Park (Webbs). In contrast with the winter finch flight last year there were no reports of Common Redpolls. Commencing on Aug 4 and 5 small flocks of Red Crossbills invaded Catt and Alleg Cos (m obs) with the numbers building up slowly throughout the fall; the largest flocks were 50 at Alfred (EB) and 60 in the Town of Birdsall (LDB et al) on Oct 14 and 60 Nov 16 at Carrollton (JG). Four flocks of White-winged Crossbills were reported during the second half of Nov with a maximum of 14 on Nov 25 at Charlotte in Chaut Co (FR). A fully verified account of a late Grasshopper Sparrow on Oct 8 came from near Alfred (EB et al). Another verified report was that of a CLAY—COLORED SPARROW on Aug 2 in Hamburg Township (TB), probably representing an early migrant. An early flock of 18 Snow Buntings was noted Oct 14 at Clarence Center (Wendlings). 19 Chestnut St,, Jamestown, N.Y. 14701 REGION 4 — SUSQUEHANNA Leslie E. Bemont August and September were mild enough but early in October the weather turned cold and on the 19th over 1 inch of snow fell. By Thanksgiving snow was commonplace and it was difficult to recall any period that could pass for Indian summer. The cold of mid October did seem to form a boundary of sorts for small land migrants, with such species as catbirds, robins, Swainson’s thrush, black- throated green warblers and towhees disappearing or declining noticeably at about that time. Another good winter finch year seems in the offing with all major species already reported and evening grosbeaks in considerable numbers. Red-breasted nuthatches and cedar waxwings were noticeably up in numbers while mockingbirds and blackpoll warblers were down. No real rarities were reported although two fall prairie warblers and a Connecticut warbler were of interest, as were the abnormally late parula and black-throated blue warblers. The Acadian flycatchers are a special case. All 3 were caught for banding and keyed out with keys developed by banders in recent years and only useable on hand held birds. The ultimate standing of such records will, of course, depend on the confidence in those keys with continued use. Abbreviations: EB—East Branch, in Delaware Co., CF—Chenango Forks, north of Binghamton. Observers: CB—Cutler Baldwin; JB—Jeanette Baldwin; MB—Margaret Bowman; LC—Mrs. Lynn Clark; G,WC—Gail & Warren Corderman; A,MD—Anna & Marilyn Davis; L,WD—Louise & Warren Dean; MD—Mary Dobinsky; CG—Clinton Gerould; SH—Shirley Hartman; EH—Elva Hawken; LH—Louise Hover; FL—Florence Lina- berry; D,ML—Dwight & Margaret Lynch; R,RP—Robert & Rita Pantle; MS—Mary Sheffield; DW-Don Weber; CW-Cora Wellman; MW-Mildred White; R,SW-Ruth & Sally White; KW—Kathryn Wilson. LOONS—DUCKS: Common Loon: 12 Oct 14 and 1 Oct 20 Pepacton Reservoir (MB); Nov 12 Candor (DW). Pied-billed Grebe: I Aug 31 Oneonta area (MD, KW); Nov 11 Owego (D, ML, CG, MW); 2 intervening reports. Green Heron: Sep 30 and Oct 1 Owego (JB) late. Canada Goose: Sep 23 CF (A,MD) to Oct (D,ML) in good numbers; 11 Nov 11 Portlandville near Oneonta (MD, CW, KW) 111 the only later ones. Lesser Scaup: Oct 19 Greenwood Lake in n Broome Co (D,ML). Common Goldeneye: I Nov 25 Owego (CG,MW) first fall record. Bufflehead: Oct 22 Candor (DW). Old Squaw: 2 Nov 5 Unadilla (Virginia Herman); Nov 13 CF (A,MD). Hooded Merganser: a successful nesting reported at Rogers Conservation Center at Sherburne (Mr. Weeks). Common Merganser: 7 Sep 6 EB (MB). HAWKS—OWLS: Turkey Vulture: 28 max Sep 26 to 28 Cadosia in Delaware Co (MB); 1 Nov 9 Newark Valley (LH) late. Goshawk: Aug 20 s of Binghamton (G,WC) immature. Sharp-shinned Hawk: 6 different reports. Cooper’s Hawk: 7 reports. Red-shouldered Hawk: Oct 1 Candor (DW) last report; 4 earlier reports around Oneonta. Rough-legged Hawk: Nov 24 Nichols (CG, MW); Nov 29 Richford (Claude Howard). Bald Eagle: 1 Aug 21 Cannonsville Reservoir (SH). Marsh Hawk: none reported. Osprey: 1 Aug 20 Oneonta (KW) to 1 Oct 27 Norwich (R,SW) 10 records: 1 later record Nov 19 Owego (JB, CB). Pigeon Hawk: Oct 30 Owego (CG, MW). Bob-white: regular at Candor in Sep (DW). Turkey 8 Oct 5 to 19 Owego (CG, MW); Nov 22 Owego (JB, CB). Coot: Oct 12 Owego (CG, MW). Semi-palmated Plover: 1 Sep 3 South Otselic Fish Hatchery (R,SW.) Common Snipe: 1 Sep 17 and 1 Sep 26 Milford (CW). Spotted Sandpiper: Sep 17 Emmons near Oneonta (MD) last. Solitary Sandpiper: Oct 13 Candor (DW). Greater Yellowlegs: 2 Oct 31 Chenango Bridge (A,MD) the last of 6 reports all in Oct. Dunlin: Oct 19 Newark Valley (D,ML). Semipalmated Sandpiper: 4 Aug 20 and 3 Sep 3 South Otselic Fish Hatchery (R,SW) the only reports. Herring Gull: Oct 28 CF (A,MD) first fall report in Binghamton area. Screech Owl: “regular” at Candor, Newark Valley and Owego; 14 records in Triple Cities area. Barred Owl: Sep 6 Tioga Center (David Carpenter). Saw-whet Owl: 1 Oct 31 and 1 Nov 5 Ve stal (G,WC) both banded. GOATSUCKERS—STARLING: Chimney Swift: Sep 6 CF (A,MD). Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Sep 27 .Newark Valley (L, WD). Yellow-shafted Flicker: Nov 2 Candor (DW). Pileated Woodpecker: 7 reports. Redheaded Woodpecker: Sep 21 Owego (JB, CB); Sep 10 Candor (R,RP), Eastern Kingbird: Aug 29 Berkshire (D,ML). Great-crested Flycatcher: Walton (Lorna Fancher). Eastern Phoebe: Oct 29 Newark Valley (L,WD) last date. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher: 1 each Sep 8 and 26 Vestal (EH); 1 each Sep 20 and Oct 6 Vestal (G,WC); all banded. Acadian Flycatcher: Oct 5 Candor (R,RP); 2 Aug 12 Vestal (EH); all examined in the hand and banded. Least Flycatcher: Sep 29 Newark Valley (L,WD). Eastern Wood Pewee: Sep 30 CF ( A,MD). Olive-sided Flycatcher: 1 Aug 20 Laurens near Oneonta (E. & F. Vermilya); Aug 28 Oneonta (MD, KW); Sep 16 Milford (CW, MD). Barn Swallow: Sep 13 Newark Valley (L,WD), Tufted Titmouse: reported from Candor (DW) Newark Valley (L,WD) Owego (JB) Owego (Evelyn Williams) Endwell (FL) Vestal (Marian Vanderlip) Vestal (G,WC) CF (A, MD) EB (MB) Oneonta (E. & F. Vermilya) Oneonta (MD, KW) Oneonta (D. Erbe). Red-breasted Nuthatch: “nested—taking suet to young” early summer near Richford (Dr. Gonnel); numerous fall reports from most parts of Region. Winter Wren: quite a few from Sep 9 on. Mockingbird: 2 singing at Endwell in Oct (FL) and a few other reports around Triple Cities and Owego but not quite as many as in recent years. Catbird Oct 30 Owego ( CG, MW) the only one after Oct 16. Brown Thrasher: Oct 8 Choconut Center n of Johnson City (M S). Robin: numbers thinned considerably after mid Oct. Wood Thrush: 1 Oct 13 Vestal (EH). Hermit Thrush: Aug 19 Milford (CW, et. al); 1 Nov 11 Vestal (G,WC); 23 other reports from Sep 27 to O ct 23, 14 of birds banded. Swainson’s Thrush: Sep 20 to Oct 16, 18 reports 13 banded. Veery: Oct 1 Candor (DW) the last. Eastern Bluebird: Nov 1 Candor (DW) the last. Golden-crowned Kinglet: I Sep 28 Vestal (EH); numerous all thru Oct. Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 1 Sep 14 EB (MB); common thru Oct 24; last date Nov 6 (JB, CB). Water Pipit: 112 Nov 18 near Oneonta (MD, KW). Cedar Waxwing: 500 or more in 1 flock Oct 31 Endwell (FL); many other large flocks in late Sep and all of Oct often feeding on unusually heavy crop of mountain ash berries; numbers much decreased in Nov. Northern Shrike: 6 reports from Nov 7 Candor (DW) on. VIREOS-WARBLERS: Yellow-throated Vireo: Sep 17 CF (A,MD). Solitary Vireo: Oct 13 Candor (DW) last date; fairly numerous. Red-eyed Vireo 1 Oct 2 Oneonta (Richard Rabeler). Philadelphia Vireo: Sep 2 and 9 CF (A,MD); 1 banded Sep 30 Vestal (EH). Warbling Vireo: Oct 1 Milford (CW, MD). Black and white Warbler: 1 Milford (MD, CW). Golden-winged Warbler: Sep 2 C-F (A,MD). Blue-winged Warbler: Sep 2 CF (A,MD). Orange-crowned Warbler: 1 Oct 18 Vestal (G,WC) banded. Tennessee Warbler: at EB total count of 69 from Aug 24 thru Sep 28 vs last year’s count of 20; overall last date Oct 14 Vestal (G,WC). Nashville Warbler: 1 Oct 13 Vestal (EH); quite common. Parula Warbler: Sep 16 to 27, 6 reports at EB 2 vs 7 in ’71 (MB); 1 Nov 11 Owego (CG, MW) observed at close range with binoculars—all diagnostic marks described except for band across breast suggesting an immature or female. Yellow Warbler: Sep 27 at Owego (JB) and Walton (SH) last date. Magnolia Warbler: Aug 22 Endwell (L. Bemont) to Oct 6 EB (MB); Sep 22 “dozens” at Walton (SH). Cape May Warbler: Aug 26 Emmons (MD) to Sep 28 Candor (R,RP); total of 7 at EB vs 3 in ’71 and 13 reports overall. Black-throated Blue Warbler: 20 at EB from Aug 30 to Sep 27 (MB) vs. 15 in '71; several Oct 1 Choconut Center (MS) the “normal” last date; 1 Nov 15 seen flying around inside a saw mill at Delhi (LC) and found dead in adjacent building Nov 17. Myrtle Warbler: Sep 2 to Nov 6 in normal good numbers; at EB 40 vs 45 in ’71 ( MB). Black-throated Green Warbler: at EB total of 61 from Aug 25 to Oct 11 vs 62 in ’71 (MB); good numbers in other parts of Region during same period. Blackburnian Warbler: at ED 18 from Aug 25 to Sep 25 vs 5 in 71 (EB). Chestnut-sided Warbler: Oct 1 EB (MB) last date. Bay-breasted Warbler: Aug 19 Milford (CW, et. al.) earliest; 1 Oct 5 Vestal (G,WC) latest; at EB 3 vs 9 in ’71 (MB). Blackpoll Warbler: Aug 26 Oneonta (SW, KW); 1 Oct 6 Vestal (EH) last; at EB none vs 24 in ’71. Palm Warbler: Oc t 2, 1 at Milford (CW); Oct 3 Candor (R,RP); at Vestal 1 each Oct 2 and 10 (G,WC). Prairie Warbler: I Aug 31 EB (MB); 1 Sep 24 Oneonta (Richard Rabeler). Ovenbird: 1 Oct 14 Vestal (G,WC) last. Connecticut Warbler: 1 Sep 9 EB (MB) first there in 15 years. Mourning Warbler: 2 Sep 9 Milford (CW, MD); Sep 28 Candor (R,RP). Yellowthroat: common thru Oct 15; last date Oct 31 Owego (CG, MW). Wilsons Warbler: 1 Aug 28 EB (MB); 1 Oct 2 Vestal (EH); 9 intervening records. Canada Warbler: 1 Oct 5 EB (MB) last date. American Redstart: 1 Sep 29 EB (MB) last. BLACKBIRDS—SPARROWS: Bobolink: 4 Sep 4 Berkshire (D,ML) last date. Baltimore Oriole: Nov 23 Candor (R,RP) the only report after Sep 8 Rusty Black¬ bird: Oct 13 Berksshire (D,ML); 3 Nov 19 Owego (CG, MW); 3 intervening rec¬ ords all from Tioga Go. Scarlet Tanager: 1 Sep 29 Vestal (EH); at EB total of 32 vs 58 in ’71—poor grape crop this year. Cardinal: Oct 10 Endwell (FL) feeding young; Nov 30 Delhi ( LC) first there since spring. Rose-breasted Grosbeak: last 1 Oct 5 EB (MB) where fall total of 26 vs 51 in ’71. Indigo Bunting: 1 banded Oct 2 Vestal (G,WC) last. Evening Grosbeak: 1 Aug 17 Candor (R,RP) the only report before Oct 5 Walton (SH); quite common and even showing up at feeders by Nov 15. Purple Finch: large summer population much reduced by Aug but still present in most parts of the Region in reduced numbers all fall. House Finch: max count of 15 Endwell in Oct (FL). Pine Grosbeak: 3 Nov 13 Milford (CW); Nov 16 Delhi (LC) and Oneonta (Robert Fitz); Nov 18 3 at Oneonta (MD, KW) and “many” at Downsville (SH). Common Redpoll: Nov 15 Oneonta (Cecil Smith); 25 Nov 24 Owego (D,WL). Pine Siskin: Oct 22 113 Choconut Center (MS) first date; 100 Nov 18 Oneonta (MB, KW); several medium sized flocks. Red Crossbill: 20-25 on Hartwick College campus from mid Sep to mid Oct (Richard Rabeler); Nov 5 Candor (DW); Nov 17 Newark Valley and Nov 29 Vestal (EH); White-winged Crossbill; Nov 23 Apalachin and Nov 27 Vestal (EH). Rufous-sided Towhee: regular to Oct 16—a few still present thru Nov. Vesper Sparrow: Nov 4 Milford (CW, et. al) last date. Slate-colored Junco: in large numbers from Oct 1. Tree Sparrow: Oct 30 Vestal (EH) and Newark Valley (LH) first date. Chipping Sparrow: Nov 21 Newark Valley (LH) the only report after Nov 7. White?crowned Sparrow: Sep 22 Walton (SH) thru Oct 23 Candor (DW); 1 abnormally late report Nov 16 Newark Valley (LH). White-throated Sparrow: migrants from Sep 23. Fox Sparrow: 1 Oct 6 Vestal (EH) first date. Lincoln’s Sparrow: 2 Aug 22 Vestal (EH) first Oct 8 Candor (DW) last; at least 15 individuals including 3 at EB (MB) and 1 at Milford (CW). Lap- land Longspur: Nov 18 Oneonta with pipits and horned larks (MD, KW). Snow Bunting: Nov I Owego (CG,MW); 1 Nov 5 Mt. Vision near Oneonta (Tom Ryder). Correction; Vol XXII—N. 1 p. 38 line 5—earliest Bay-breasted at EB was Sep 25, not Aug 25. 710 University Ave., Endwell, N.Y., 13760 114 REPORTING REGIONS For descriptions of Regions see Kingbird Vol. IV Nos. 1 and 2 FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC 1973 Officers President Mr. Kenneth D. Niven.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 Mrs. Myrna Hentmerick Recording Secretary . P. O. Box 203, Setauket, N.Y. 11733 Mr. Stephen B. Dempsey Treasurer . . 533 Chestnut St., West Hempstead, N.Y. 11552 Editor of THE KINGBIRD Joseph W. Taylor 20 Parish Rd., Honeoye Falls, New York 14472 Appointed Committees Bulletin Exchange: Mrs. Alice E. Ulrich, 193 LaSalle Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14214 Conservation: Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr., 333 Bedell St., Freeport, N.Y. 11520 Finance: Mrs. Dorothy Mdlroy, 419 Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 Publicity: Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr., 333 Bedell St., Freeport, N.Y. 11520 Membership: Mrs. Myrna Hemmerick, P.O. Box 203, Setauket, N.Y. 11733 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: Dr. David B. Peakall, 257 Virgil Rd., R.D. #1, Dryden, N.Y. 13053 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