VOLUME II, No. 3 __ OCTOBEK « 1952 FEDiRATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS ^KINGBIRD PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS Vol. 2 No. 3 October 1952 Pages 55-78 CONTENTS Birds of Cayuga Lake Basin — Kenneth C. Parkes-- — -- 56 Radio Editor Appointed ____ 60 Conservation News and Notes-- 61 News and Notes from Member Clubs ___—-- 63 Summary of Summer Resident and Fall Migration — Allan S. Klonick 65 Regional Reports of Summer Resident and Fall Migration —-- 66 Deadline Dates for Publication Material__—-- 75 Editor—A llan S. Klonick Associates—J oseph W. Taylor Eugene Eisenmann Circulation Manager—Miss Helen Foster Cover Design— Douglas L. Howland THE KINGBIRD is published four times a year (April, July, October and December) by the FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, Publication office is 901 Sibley Tower Building, Rochester 4, New York. Publication is sent free to all individual members of the Federation. Membership in the Federation is $2.00 per year. Single copies: Sixty cents. APPLICATION for membership should be sent to the choirman of the member¬ ship committee: MISS AUDREY L. WREDE 3109 BEVERLY RD. BROOKLYN 26, N. Y. CONVENTION WILL BE HELD AT BEAR MOUNTAIN PARK MAY 23-24, 1953 Host: ROCKLAND AUDUBON SOCIETY The Kingbird 55 NOTES ON SOME BrRDS OF THE CAYUGA LAKE BASIN By Kenneth C. Parkes The first comprehensive listing of the birds of the Cayuga Lake Basin, New York, was that of Reed and Wright (1909). Although this paper appeared after the manuscript of the first volume of Eaton’s Birds of New York had been completed, the Reed and Wright records were available to Eaton and were utilized by him. In 1933, Arthur A. Allen and P, P. Kellogg prepared a revised list of the birds of the Cayuga Lake Basin, which appeared without change through the first four editions of Dr. Allen's Ornithology Lahoratory Notebook. In the fifth edition (1947) appeared a new list, revised by Harold H. Axtell and Elsa G. Allen to include 1946 and a few 1947 records. This list has been the unofficial check-list for the Cayuga Lake Basin. It includes a number of records of more than local sig¬ nificance which have been overlooked by recent workers. Attention is being directed to certain of these records in another paper. The present paper gives certain additions and corrections to the 1947 list, several of which are of statewide importance. Dr. A. A. Allen has been instrumental in making many of the following observations, and has consented to their publication in this form. This paper could not have been written without his gen¬ erous counsel. Phalacrocorax carho. European Cormorant. The specimen listed by Reed and Wright (1909; 412) has never been located, and was considered by Allen (1947: 45) as ‘^doubtful”. I know of no authentic specimen from the interior of New York. The species should be deleted from the Cayuga Basin list. Leucophoyx thula. Snowy Egret. The notable invasion of southern herons into the northeast in the summer of 1948 added this and the follow^ ing species to the Cayuga Basin list. A Snowy Egret was seen at the Monte¬ zuma refuge by Dr. Allen, Irby Davis and a party of students on August 7. Florida caerulea. Little Blue Heron. Several birds of this species, all in white immature plumage, were seen during the summer of 1948 at the Montezuma refuge, Dryden Lake, and other suitable localities in the Basin. I know of no records from our region of either this or the last species during subsequent summers. , Mycteria americana. Wood Ibis. The only credible published record of this species in the Finger Lakes seems to be that of Clausen (1935: 97). To this may be added an observation by Dr. Allen in Ithaca on July 9, 1932. A Wood Ibis flew over his head at an altitude of less than fifty feet, affording an excellent view. Plegadis falcinellus. Glossy Ibis. There are several New York records of this species, concentrated mostly in May, Certain years seem to bring a pronounced northward movement (Cruickshank, 1942: 80). 1947 was apparently such a year. Two Glossy Ibises were found at the Montezuma refuge on May 24, and the superintendent of the refuge saw them on a number of occasions during the following week. Buckalew (1949) reported this species in Delaware during this same week. A Glossy Ibis was also seen at Montezuma on May 20, 1951 (Parkes, 1951b: 65). The Kingbird 56 Branta hernicla. Brant. In recent years this species has tended to stray more often from its normal coastwise migration route. There are several Cayuga Lake Basin records. A flock of 29 appeared at the south end of the lake on November 8, 1941, and remained over a week. A flock of 12 or more was seen in whole or in part at various localities along the lake during the week beginning May 30, 1950. Flocks of small geese, probably of this species, were reported by a number of observers at both Cayuga and Seneca Lakes during mid-October, 1950. A single Brant was seen by Dr. Allen at Myers Point on December 3, 1950. Chen caemlescens. Blue Goose. An immature bird of this species spent the winter of 1948-1949 with the flock of wild and semi-domesticated Canada Geese at the head of Cayuga Lake in Ithaca. Although the number of records of migrants, both spring and fall, has been increasing, this is the only known instance of a Blue Goose wintering in our area, and one of very few winter records from the state as a whole. Anas strepera. Gadwell. Listed by Allen (1947: 46) as ‘Irreg. Sept. 16 — early May') the Gadwall is now known to breed at the Montezuma refuge. Mareca penelope. European Widegon. In recent years this species has been seen with increasing regularity at both the northern and southern ends of the Cayuga Lake Basin. I find the following spring records: May 18, 1941; April 28, 1944; March 19-20, April 1, April 14 and May 6, 1946; April 4, 1947; April 4 and 11, 1948; April 9-11 and May 14, 1950; April 7 and 8, 1951.' Only two fall records are at hand; November 6, 1949 and September 25, 1950. The fall concentrations of Baldpates (M. americana') in the marshes at the north end of the lake have increased phenomenally in the past few years, 5,000 or more now being seen in a single day. It is quite likely that additional examples of M. penelope have escaped detection among these Baldpates, Porphyrula martinica. Purple Gallinule. Eaton (1901: 218) listed a specimen of this species from East Homer, Cortland Co. In his later book (1909: 284), however, he listed only Long island specimens, stating ‘Occas¬ ional reports of the Purple Gallinule in New York which I have investigated 3rove to refer to high plumaged specimens of the following species’’ Florida Gallinule]. An immature Purple Gallinule in the collection of the ate Foster Parker of Cayuga apparently represents the only bona fide speci¬ men from the interior of the state. It was taken on October 1, 1931, in the marshes near Cayuga. The mounted specimen is at present housed in Mr. Parker’s home. Erolia maritima. Purple Sandpiper. This species is purely casual in New York away from the Atlantic coast and the Great Lakes. The second specimen from the Cayuga Lake Basin, an immature male, was collected by Dr. Allen on November 27, 1849 at Myers Point, on the east shore of Cayuga Lake. Ereunetes mauri. Western Sandpiper. An immature male taken by Paul S. Martin at Ithaca on October 8, 1949, proved to be the first specimen from our area referable to this species. There are several September and late August sight records by Dr. Allen and others. The Kingbird 67 Steganopus tricolor. Wilson’s Phalarope. This species is a rare visitor to the interior of New York. The distribution files of the Fish and Wild¬ life Service contain some half dozen twentieth century records. There is a specimen in the Cornell collection from Ithaca, taken by Oliver H. Hewitt on September 3, 1943. This bird was photographed by Dr. Allen before it was collected, and a kodachrome of it was reproduced in the National Geographic Magazine (June, 1945: plate XIII). There is an earlier speci¬ men listed by Eaton, 1909: 293) as having been taken by Louis Agassiz Fuertes at Ithaca in the fall of 1892. This specimen is not now with the Fuertes collection at Cornell, nor can I find any record of its disposition. Larus marinus. Great Black-backed Gull. As is the case elsewhere in the eastern United States, this species is becoming more common in our area and is remaining for longer periods. Allen (1947: 50) listed the ex- , treme dates as “Nov.-Apr.” We now have records extending from the last week of July to the last week of May. Larus atricilla. Laughing Gull. This coastal species is purely accidental in New York north and west of the lower Hudson valley. There are three good sight records from Cayuga Lake. One was seen by Fuertes on July 7, 1916. An immature bird was observed at Ithaca by many Cornell students, including the writer, on October 7, 1939. As recorded in a previous issue of The Kingbird, four were brought to Ithaca by the great windstorm of November 25, 1950 (Parkes, 1951a: 30). Sterna alhifrons. Least Tern. There seem to be no specimens of this species from the interior of the state, nor have any reliable sight records come to my attention. The Rathbun specimens cited by Reed and Wright (1909: 412) were examined by Eaton and found to be immature Black Terns QGhlidonias nigra'), as were all the other supposed Least Terns from inland New York (Eaton, 1909:, 148). The species should be deleted from the Cayuga Basin check-list. Phutus alle. Dovekie. As reported earlier (Parkes, 1951a: 30), this species was added to the Cayuga Lake Basin check-list after the wind-storm of November 25, 1950. A Dovekie was captured alive in Ithaca on Novem¬ ber 26 and another was seen on November 29. Corvus corax. Raven. I know of no authenticated modern breeding record for the Raven in New York,-although it is not uncommon in the mountains of Pennsylvania just south of our borders. Occasional individuals appear at scattered localities throughout the state. A male was collected at Sherburne, Chenango Co., on October 22, 1940, and is now in the Cornell collection. On November 22, 1942, a Raven was observed at close range by Dr. Allen and William C. Dilger at Myers Point. It was feeding on the remains of a Cisco (Leucichthys artedi) on the lakeshore. PoUoptila caerulea. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. There has been a notable penetration by this species into our area in recent years. Although there had been a few previous sight records, the first specimen from the Cayuga Lake Basin was collected by Dwain W. Warner near Danby on April 13, 1947. The species has bred in or near Ithaca since 1948. On May 15, 1949, I collected a male in breeding condition at the outlet of Big Hollow Creek, in the town of Romulus, about 25 miles north of Ithaca on the west shore of Cayuga Lake. Anthus spinoletta. Pipit. A specimen taken by Robert W. Dickerrnan and Brina Kessel at the Ithaca city dump on January 1, 1948 is our first and only mid-winter record of this species. 58 The Kinghird Protonotaria citrea. Prothonotary Warbler. Although this species has nested for some years at Oak Orchard Swamp, it has not been known else¬ where in New York as a breeding bird. It is of interest to recall that the unpaired male observed by Dr. Allen at Ithaca in May, 1910, was singing and carrying nesting materials (Allen, 1911). The Prothonotary Warbler definitely established itself in our area in 1948, when its nest was found at the Montezuma refuge by Harold and Rachel Axtell. It has apparently nested there in each subsequent year. Helmitheros vermivorus. Worm-eating Warbler. Although there is a small breeding population of this species near Elmira, some thirty miles southwest of Ithaca, it is strictly accidental in the Cayuga Lake Basin. There are two specimens, both from Ithaca. The earlier was collected May 7, 1909, by Dr. Allen (Reed and Wright, 1909; 443). The most recent record is a specimen found dead by the Misses A. G. Mekeel and Evelyn Van Duzer on May 2, 1943. There are a few intervening May and Sep¬ tember sight records. Vermivora finus. Blue winged Warbler. In a recent note (Parkes, 1949) I made the statement that there had been four authentic sight records of this species in the Cayuga Lake Basin. A specimen has since been col¬ lected in this region. A singing male with enlarged gonads was taken by Stephen W. Eaton on May 19, 1949, along Fall Creek near Varna. As the Golden-winged Warbler, V. chrysoptera, d^oes not breed in this immediate area, this male bird would probably not have been able to locate a mate of either species. Oporornis formosus. Kentucky Warbler. As previously indicated (Parkes, 1951b: 66), this species has been seen by reliable observers in our area for three successive years. It should be added to the Cayuga Lake Basin check-list. - LITERATURE CITED Allen, Arthur A. 1911. A note on the Prothonotary Warbler. Auk. 28: 115. 1947. Ornithology laboratory notebook, 5th edition. Ithaca, N. Y. / Buckalew, John H. 1949. The Eastern Glossy Ibis in Delawara. Auk, 66: 196-197. Clausen, Robert T. 1935. Notes from central New York. Auk, 52; 97-98. Cruickshank, Allan D. 1942. Birds around New York City. New York, N. Y. Eaton, Elon H. 1901. Birds of western New York. Proc. Rochester Acad. Sci., 4: 1-64. 1909. Birds of New York. Part I. N. Y. State Mus. Mem. 12. Parkes, Kenneth C. 1949. Brewster s Warbler breeding in Yates County, New York, Wils. Bull., 61: 48-49. 1951a. Regional report: Region 2 — Southern Tier (Part 2). King¬ bird, 1, (2): 29-32. 1951b. Regional report: Region 2 — Southern Tier (Part 1). King¬ bird, 1, (3): 64-66. Reed, Hugh D. and Wright, Albert H. 1909. The vertebrates of the Cayuga Lake Basin, N. Y. Proc. Am. Philos. Soc., 48: 370-459. The Kingbird 59 RADIO EDITOR APPOINTED The Federation has been afforded a great opportunity by Dr. P. P. Kel¬ logg of Cornell. For several years a weekly radio program called ^‘Know Your Birds” has been conducted over a radio network of FM stations throughout the State, which is also carried by several AM stations. Dr. Kellogg has offered to allot five minutes of the program each week to the Federation and its member clubs. As a start Edward Seeber of Buffalo, now resident at 213 Columbia Street, Ithaca, New York, has agreed to serve as Federation Radio Editor., The job of putting together material for the program will be his. To facilitate this work it is urged that each club immediately appoint a local radio editor, who will gather material which his club considers of interest and send it on to Ed Seeber. To begin with — until we see how much material is made available by the clubs — the Federation participation in the radio programs will probably be only once a month. We hope, however, that individual members and member clubs of the Federation will send in enough material to make pos¬ sible weekly participation. If a member club has matter of sufficient in¬ terest to conduct an entire five minute program, we may work out a method by which this may be arranged. One possibility is to offer to each club one full program in turn. Your Radio Editor and your President would be glad to have any suggestions. The radio programs are currently broadcast on the Rural Radio Network on Saturday mornings between 9:15 and 9:30 a. m. over the following stations: 1. WHLD-FM - Niagara Falls, N. Y. 2. WFNF - Wethersfield-Bliss, N. Y. (East of Buffalo) 3. WVBT - Bristol Center, N. Y. - 4. WHCU-FM - Ithaca, N. Y. 5. WVCN - DeRuyter, N. Y. 6. WWNY-FM — Watertown, N. Y. - 7. WMSA-FM - Massena, N. Y. ^ ' , 8. WRUN-FM - Utica-Rome, N. Y. 9. WVCV - Cherry Valley, N. Y. 10. WFLY - Troy, N. Y. 11. WHVA—-Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 12. WQAN-FM - Scranton, Pa. 13. WHDL-FM - Clean, N. Y. The Kingbird 60 CONSERVATION NEWS AND NOTES Samuel R. Madison, Chairman, Conservation Committee Superior National Forest, which adjoins Canada in northeastern Minne¬ sota, is one of the last wilderness lands of the United States that could be retained unimpaired for the benefit of the people. The wilderness con¬ tinues across the border in the Quetico Provincial Park. Superior National Forest was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1909. In the twenties and thirties the Government adopted special policies to exclude resort hotels and to regulate logging. Certain “roadless areas'' were created. In recent years airplanes have brought in hunters, fishermen and resort builders to areas which hitherto were accessible only by canoe or afoot. In December, 1949, upon the urging of conservationists and wildlife advo¬ cates, President Truman issued an executive order giving the Secretary of Agriculture authority to bar flights over the forest at an elevation of less than 4,000 feet after January 1, 1952. A two year period was thus provided in which resort owners could arrange their affairs to meet the situation, and they were offered equivalent or better locations on the border of the forest. The executive order was issued under the Air Commerce Act of 1926 and was attacked in court. Early in October, the Federal District Court upheld the flight restrictions. The Court held that Congress had established a “governmental purpose and policy whereby this region is to be preserved for the people in its primeval wilderness state". Conservationists hailed the results of the Court's decision. As the New York Times editorialized: “The flying public has its rights as well as the canoeing public and the walking public. But a little lonesome space where nature has her own way, where it is quiet enough at night for one to bear the patter of small paws on leaves and the murmuring of birds, can still be afforded in these troubled days," The Trumpeter Swan, America’s largest waterfowl, is still increasing in numbers. The latest U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service census figures show a tdtal of 571 birds, which is an increase of 36 over last year. In 1935 there were only 73 birds. The Trumpeter Swan was once found throughout most of North America, but its numbers were greatly reduced by relentless market hunting and destruction of its breeding habitat. In 1907, small flocks were discovered at Red .Rock Lakes in Montana and in Yellowstone National Park. The United States established refuges for its protection, and trans¬ planted birds to several western national wildlife refuges where new nesting colonies have been formed. Larger flocks breed in Alaska and in Canada, but most of these birds rarely reach the United States, preferring to winter in open patches of water where swift currents prevent the formation of ice. Two biologists of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service apparently have discovered the breeding ground of the almost extent Whooping Crane in the marshes of the Great Slave Lake in Canada. The location of their breeding grounds has long puzzled ornithologists. The Whooping Cranes, of which only about 30 remain in North America, winter on the Texas coast, par¬ ticularly at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. The Kingbird 61 The greatest numbers of clucks, geese and brant seen since the early 1930 s are now heading south. The breeding ground surveys indicated a substantial increase in the duckling crops this year. Ten days have been added to the open season in all four flyways of the United States. The regulations for migratory waterfowl hunting are set by the Secretary of the Interior in accordance with treaties between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They are based upon extensive surveys by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the state fish and game agencies, provincial wildlife agencies, Canadian Wildlife Service, and cooperating private organizations concerned with wildlife resources. The most important problem of the moment in New York, State con¬ servation matters is the proposal of the Conservation Department in regard to the future policy of the State with respect to the Forest Preserve. Nothing has been determined, as yet, but the situation bears watching by all of us. The Milmoe Committee of eighteen, which has been established by the joint Legislative Committee on Natural Resources, is currently studying the Forest Preserve question with regard to whether or not the present constitutional provision should be amended. The Committee’s recommendations will be of vital concern to us. We hope you’ve all read '‘Cape May’s Firing Line” by Kathleen Green Skelton, in the August-September issue of Nature Magazine. This graphic account of ruthless killing of hawks in Southern New Jersey, we are proud to point out, was written by a member of our committee. FEDERATION OF NEW YORK BIRD CLUBS f STATE MEMBERSHIP OF TWO DOLLARS PER ' YEAR INCLUDES SUBSCRIPTION TO THE KINGBIRD Send Name, Address and Fee Membership Chairman to Miss Audrey L. Wrede 3109 Beverly Rd. Brooklyn 26 , New York 62 The Kingbird NEWS AND NOTES FROM MEMBER CLUBS THE BUFFALO AUDUBON SOCIETY, INC. The Buffalo Audubon Society, Inc., is now publishing a quarterly, Audubon Outlook; the 3rd issue was out in October. Its present 16 pages carry the program of current meetings and trips, a calendar of other local meetings, lectures, etc., of interest to members, local news, notes on the Refuge, and articles. The Outlook hopes to make the Society of greater appeal to both active and inactive members, and to promote the work of the Society in the com¬ munity. It is set up, mimeographed and mailed by a volunteer staff, and is not expected to cost much more than the previous mailings of programs, notices and annual meeting matter. Its first two issues resulted in a 10% increase in membership. Any exchanges should be sent to the editor, Mrs. Bradley Fisk, 20 Berk¬ ley Place, Buffalo 9, who would be glad to reciprocate. SULLIVAN COUNTY AUDUBON SOCIETY In the second year of its existence, the Society has begun the publication of a newsletter. At present it bears the name of the Society with President Kenneth D. Niven and Mrs. Niven, who is the clubs secretary, as its co¬ editors. A contest is now in progress among the members for a permanent name with a prize to be awarded to the member whose entry is selected. The Club had a booth at the Little World’s Fair in Grahamsville in September with displays which attracted all age groups. Club members made and donated bird houses and feeders which were sold along with note paper and bird seed. Proceeds of the sales will go into our Audubon Camp Scholarship fund. The club has also arranged to sponsor a pupil from one of the public schools in the County to attend the N. Y. State Conservation Camp at De Bruce next summer. Recommendations for the scholarship will be made by the principals of the various schools. Final selection of the scholar will be made by independent judges and all expenses of the camp will be paid for the entire period by the Audubon Club. All members are participating in the Hawk Migration Count sponsored by the Fish and Wild Life Service. Our look-out point has been Sam’s Point near Ellenville. A field trip to Hawk Mountain has been planned for October 19th. Four stations have been set up in our County for the recording of ’noc¬ turnal bird migration. These records of lunar observations are being made for the files of the Museum of Natural Science at Louisiana State Univer¬ sity. The interest aroused in this study has been intense and we plan to continue our observations throughout the fall. The club’s president, Kenneth D. Niven, is conducting an evening class on bird identification at the Monticello High School. To date the interest and consequent attendance has been excellent. Wilber Prince Carr, Treasurer The Kingbird 63 ROCKLAND AUDUBON SOCIETY Plans are already being made to welcome the Federation to the 6th Annual Meeting which will be held at Bear Mountain Park, Rockland County, New York. The meeting will be held May 23-24, 1953 and will afford members an opportunity to participate without the formality necessary if the meeting were held in a large city. Many hikes are planned and with the conven¬ iences of the famous 'Trailside Museum" an informative and enjoyable convention is anticipated. For further details write to: Rockland Audubon Society, West Nyack, N. Y. All members and member clubs are urged to send reports of club activities, projects or news to the Editor for inclusion in this section of THE KINGBIRD. SUMMARY OF SUMMER RESIDENT AND EARLY FALL MIGRATION IN NEW YORK STATE The season was characterized by unusually dry and hot weather through the months of June and July. Shorebirds appeared to return earlier than usual as did many species of Ducks. From all regions the usual incursion of American Egrets was definitely down in numbers. Least Bitterns appear to be on the increase in the lower Hudson Valley. A Whistling Swan summered at Oak Orchard (Western New York). The St. Lawrence region reported that the northern New York duck population appeared to enjoy a good breeding year. One of the most interesting records noted was the presence of a White Pelican at Mill Neck from mid-June until late September (Long Island). Central New York noted that most diving ducks arrived later this fall than usual in the Finger Lakes' from their northern breeding areas. No large concentration of Hawks were noted on the annual census September 21st, except from the lower Hudson Valley and the Mohawk Valley in the eastern part of the State. Perhaps the most spectacular shore bird flights in years occurred at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (Central New York). There was one report of a Red Phalarope and the slightly more com¬ mon Northern Phalarope was observed at Montezuma on several occasions in numbers up to 13. A Black-backed Gull was reported September 24 on Cayiiga Lake. Reports of Foresters Tern from Rochester (Lake Ontario) in late August and September and from Sandy Pond (St. Lawrence) on September 13 and 21 are noteworthy. Again from Jefferson County come reports of Red-headed Woodpeckers extending their range with several nesting pairs being noted (St. Lawrence). In Rockland County one was observed September 21 on Bear Mountain (New York), while on Long Island a male Red-head was observed at a nest hole. It is considered a rare bird in the latter two localities. Cliff Swallows appear to be increasing in Western New York, Southern Tier (Avoca) and Lower Hudson Valley (Rockland County). However, Central New York reported that it was a poor breeding year at the Oneida Lake colony. An Arkansas Kingbird was seen at Sodus Bay (Lake Ontario) Septem¬ ber 13. Several regions reported heavy thrush flights particularly September 13, 21 (Central New* York), September 23 (Mohawk Valley), September 26, 27 (Southern Tier). All regions concurred that Olive-backed and Gray¬ cheeked were predominate in these flights. Warbler waves were noted from Western New York as early as August 13 and 23, and from Southern Tier on September 23, 24 and 27. A pos¬ sible Kirtland Warbler, in song at Montezuma in early September, is note¬ worthy (Lake Ontario). Long Island again notes an increase in Cardinal nesting activity. Eve¬ ning Grosbeak has already been reported from the Watkins Glen area (Sept. 24). Mohawk Valley and Lake Ontario regions report Sharp-tailed Spar¬ rows un Sept. 27 and August 31 respectively. Allan S. Klonick The kingbird 65 REGIONAL REPORTS OF SUMMER RESIDENT AND FALL MIGRATION REGION 1 — WESTERN NEW YORK The summer season in western New York was both hotter and drier than normal. A drought, one of the most serious on record, was the most important feature of the period, and undoubtedly had its effect on the bird life of the area's swamps and marshes. On the other hand, the waters of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario were ex¬ tremely high, influencing most of the migrant shore birds to seek inland mud fiats, which in our area are few in number. Loons — Ducks: The incursion of southern herons was below average, with only a few American Egrets making an appearance. Yellow-crowned Night Heron was reported in both July and August from nearby Ontario, but we received no western New York record. A female Hooded Merganser with six young was found at the Audubon refuge south of Buffalo, June 7 (Nathan, Schaffner). Hawks — Owls: King Rails were found breeding in Cedar Road Swamp north of Akron for the first time. The shore bird migration has been sub-par. Even the extra-territorial Canadian shore of Lake Erie contributed little of note. Best record was of a Willet on the Buffalo breakwail August 23 (B. 0. S. census). The Niagara River above the Peace Bridge lived up to its reputation as a favorite port of call for Black Terns, with a high count of 3500 on August 23 (Mitchell). Swifts —• Shrikes; Cliff Swallows, rare in our northern counties, common in the southern, are being reported more frequently. Purple Martins again joined with Robins and Grackles in some of the enormous Starling roosts in Buffalo and its suburbs. These roosts continue to be a serious problem. Vireos — Worblers; The warbler migration was off to an excellent start, both .in species and num¬ bers. The timing was normal or slightly early for most, extremely early for some, notably Myrtle. Best waves occurred on August 13 and 23. Clark S. Beardslee 132 McKinley Ave. Kenmore 17, New York REGION 2 — SOUTHERN TIER (PART 1) (Including some records from Region 9) While part of August was marked by little rainfall, this section did not suffer from the drought which was noted in other areas of the state and country. Tem¬ peratures averaged a little higher than normal during the summer, but in other respects, it was.an average season. Lake levels were high, and it was not until the middle of September that mud flats appeared along Cayuga, offering feeding grounds for shore birds. Loons — Ducks: A Common Loon was observed on Cayuga Lake the last of August by Dr. J. T. Lloyd. Two Double-crested Cormorants were seen by R. W. Robinson the middle of August and another on September 15 by Professor Kellogg, at the head of the lake. Great Blue Herons fed on carp exposed by the draining of the main pool at Montezuma, in large numbers in early and mid-September. American Egrets were seen all summer at Montezuma, but appeared to have left early this year. An immature Little Blue Heron, unusual in this area, was seen by Prof. Oliver Hewitt just south of Spencer, N. Y. on August 11th. Ducks appear to have had a successful nesting season. Mallards and Blacks were plentiful in September and large numbers of Wood Ducks were seen coming from the wooded areas of Montezuma. The last week in September, about 300 Baldpates were at Montezuma, and many appeared all along Cayuga, as well as Pintails, Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal. Ruddy Ducks were seen at Monte¬ zuma in August (Allen) but there was no evidence of breeding. One Green-winged Teal observed north of Binghamton, June 21 (Bemont, Rising). 66 The Kingbird Hawks — Owls: in spite of a radio appeal for observations, there were no indications of a hawk migration in this area. The breeding population seemed normal. An Osprey was seen several times in late August and September near Ithaca (A. A. Allen). On the 19th of September, a Duck Hawk at Montezuma was heckling shorebirds (W. J. Hamilton III). Grouse continued to be at a high level of population and Ring-necked Pheasants too were plentiful, although east of this area they reportedly had a bad season. (Paul Kelsey). Coots and Gallinules were low in numbers again this summer. Shore birds—During the 3rd week in August, unusual numbers of Dowitchers and Northern Phalaropes were seen at Montezuma for a few days (Hewitt). The middle of September, as mud flats became exposed at the head of Cayuga, shore birds appeared in numbers at the Hog Hole, and with the draining of the main pool at Montezuma, for carp control, concentrations appeared there also. W. J. Hamilton III reported 65 Lesser Yeliow-legs, 35 Pectoral Sandpipers and 5 Stilt Sandpipers, among others, on the 14th of Sept, at Montezuma, and over 100 Pectorals on the 19th, along with 15 Black-bellied Plovers and 1 7 Golden Plovers. A pair of Upland Plovers was observed all summer near Dryden, but no young were seen (Kelsey). A Red Phalarope appeared on Sept. 29th at the Hog Hole (south-western corner of Cayuga) and was still present on (Oct. 1st. It was very tame and permitted num¬ erous observers to get close (Allen, Kellogg, et al). Common Tern nests were seen on muskrat houses in Montezuma in August (Allen, Max Carpenter). Young Black Terns were evident near Ithaca in early August (Kellogg) having moved in apparently from farther north on the loke. A Caspian Tern, still feeding a full-grown young, appeared at the head of Cayuga Lake the last of August and was still around the middle of September. The first Black-backed Gull of the season appeared at the head of Cayuga on September 24th (Kellogg). A pure albino Black-billed Cuckoo was found south of Ithaca on August 7th. It appears to be nearly blind, and has to be hand-fed but is still thriving (Oct. 1st) in Prof Allen's office, on synthetic caterpillars made of dog-food. Swifts —T- Shrikes: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were reported by several observers as being scarce this summer. The latest report I have received is of one female on Sept. 27th (E. G. Allen). Several successful nestings of Pileated Woodpeckers were reported in the Ithaca area. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker again raised young in Sapsucker Woods (Allen). Approximately 300 pairs of Cliff Swallows nested, as they have for many years, on the Sweetland barns south of Dryden, Tufted Titmice were seen all summer in Stewart Park, Ithaca, but no positive evidence of breeding was found. Hermit Thrushes were reported singing on high hills east of Binghamton July 20, 27th (Sheffield and White). A heavy thrush migration occurred the night of Sept. 26-27 (W. J. H. Ill) Bluebirds still seemed scarce. 50 Pipits were seen at Montezuma on Sept. 14th (W. J. H. III). Large flocks of Cedar Waxwings were much in evidence throughout September. Vireos — Worblers; Breeding and migrating Vireos have seemed normal in number. Single-non-breeding male Pine and Blackburnian Warblers were observed just north of Ithaca (McKay's Woods) on June 25th (Allen). A large wave of migrating warblers was seen in Danby area Sept. 23rd and 24th (K. Thorp) and the weekend of Sept. 27th brought numerous reports of Bay-breasted, Black-poll, Wilsoii's, Chest¬ nut-sided, and other species moving through the area. Bemont reports 2 Worm¬ eating Warblers in Ely Park, Binghamton, on August 9th, and one on Sept. 27th. This area has been covered only relatively recently, and it is possible the species has been there right along. It will bear careful observation next summer, for possible breeding record. The Kingbird 67 Blackbirds — Sparrows: A flock of several hundred Redwings, mostly males, gathered along Fall Creek on Sept. 14th, and many of them were seen feeding in small pools where the creek was unusually low (Hoyt). Breeding Savannah Sparrows seem to be on the decrease and Henslow's on the increase in this area. Nesting Goldfinches were numerous again this summer, and one not fully fledged was found on the ground in Ithoca on Sept. 24th (Hoyt). The first White-throats were reported Sept. 18th by A. C. Lane. Song Sparrows were migrating in numbers the last week in September. Mrs. Southgate Y. Hoyt Etna, New York REGION 2 ~ SOUTHERN TIER (PART 2) The Keuka Park Conservation Club has been developing the Verdi Burtch Me¬ morial Sanctuary, putting up posting signs, and cutting off cat-tails on an area con¬ tiguous to the lake to make a mud flat for sandpipers, etc. The Chemung Valley Audubon Society at Elmira has obtained permission to post a marsh and pond near Big Flats, where there is quite a concentration of Wood Ducks and Canada Geese. Loons —■ Ducks: Common Loons continue to be scarce in the area; the writer's first Loon on Keuka since spring was noted on September 4, and have had it but once more since. 9 American Egrets appeared on the Chemung river near Corning on July 16. Two flocks of Canada Geese were seen near Ridge Road, Elmira, on September 15, the earliest date I have for them this fall; an increased migration of them began about September 28. Mrs. McMurtry of Wellsville saw q dozen Blue-winged Teal on an artificial lake (25 acres) between Wellsville and Alfred on September 1; on the same date first were noted also on the Verdi Burtch Sanctuary. Hawks — Owls: Mrs. Welles of the Chemung Valley club reports a Goshawk eating a full-grown chicken in a hemlock grove on September 25, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks have been more scarce in my own records this year than ever before. Mrs. Mc¬ Murtry had a Broad-winged Hawk record for the middle of June. Mrs. York had Semi-palmated Plover and Lesser Yellow-legs on the Chemung river on Sept. 10. Mrs. McMurtry saw Upland Plover near Wellsville severol times during July, and Pectoral and Least Sandpipers on the artificial lake on September 1. The writer had first Ring-billed Gulls on Keuka Lake on August 4, after a lapse of some two months, and one Caspian Tern at Hammondsport, September 3. Swifts — Shrikes: I believe both species of Cuckoos have been more in evidence this season than usual. Mrs. G. J. Carter had a pair of Black-bills nesting in her door-yard in Avoca. The writer had a Whip-poor-will flyirig over the Verdi Burtch Sanctuary on September 1. My last date on Hummingbird was September 8. The Red-headed Woodpeckers returned to nest for a second season in the same areq about three miles from Branchport. Mr. Andrus of the Chemung Valley club found flocks of migrating Sapsuckers on September 28. Mrs. Carter located three new colonies of Cliff Swallows near Avoca this summer, making six colonies she now knows of in that area; the colony on the farm of Corleton Sturdevant neor Prattsburg, con¬ tinues to increase, and the writer found a new colony of a dozen or so pairs near Hammondsport. There are few either large or fair-sized flocks of Robins thus far this’ fall; Cedar Waxwings were in evidence almost daily till September 20, and only occosional individuals are on my daily lists since then. The Kingbird 68 Warblers — Sparrows: A pair of Worm-eating warblers nested on the property of Mrs. York at Elmira this season, and were photographed by Dr. Allen. Blackburnian Warblers were feed¬ ing young near Breesport the first week in July, and a male was singing daily the early part of the summer near Urbana. Palm Warblers have been more common this fall than usual, and the writer has trapped and banded several. Mrs. Carter found four pairs of Mourning Warblers near Avoca. My first fall Rusty Blackbirds appeared on September 27. Indigo Buntings were rare here when I came to the -area nearly 20 years ago, but now are common generally over the area, and are still here this first week in October. Mrs. F, B. Weller had an Evening Grosbeak in her yard on September 24, presumably at Watkins Glen. Mrs. Welles has had an interesting return on an Evening Grosbeak which she banded at Elmira on March 18, 1950, and was retrapped on April 13, 1952 at Marquette, Mich. First White- crowned Sparrows arrived at both Branchport and Elmira on September 28; first White-throats at Hammondsport on September 13, and first fall Juncos at Branch- port on the 27th. Charles J. Spiker Branchport, N. Y. REGION 3 — LAKE ONTARIO This report includes records from June, July, August and September. It was o period featured by intense and constant heat and for the most part unusually dry weather. The Rochester Weather Bureau reports a record of 32 days on which the temperature reached ninety degrees or more! While many swamps and Wet areas away from the shoreline of Lake Ontario dried up completely, the lake itself receded only slowly and drained at or near record high levels all summer. Although local duck production undoubtedly suffered in many areas, the breeding season appeared about normal in other respects. Shore birds were reported in good numbers considering the high water. Variety of species also seemed better than last year although not os good as two years ago. The fall migration to date has brought a few very exceptional records and many unusually early dates particularly among water fowl and shore birds. The movement of smaller birds thus far, may also be a bit eorly though not especially unusual in other respects. Loons — Ducks: Both Common Loons and Horned Grebe were last reported in spring on June 10th and both reappeared this fall on Sept. 27th. One Whistling Swan, opparently uninjured, summered at Oak Orchard (Folker). A Green-winged Teal was reported in mid-summer at Rose's Marsh (Leubner), and a Lesser Scaup was seen at Shore Acres on July 13th (McNetts). Practically all the surface feeding ducks returned early this fall. Most of these records are from Montezunia marshes in late August. A Canvasback on Seneca Lake, Sept. 1st was likewise very early (Dolan-O'Hara). Hawks — Owls; Scottered reports have been received of non-resident hawks and allied species since lote August, mostly from the areas adjoining Lake Ontario. These species in¬ clude Duck Hawk, Pigeon Hawk, Osprey and Broad-winged Hawk. However again this year we were unable to find any evidence of a regular hawk flight through this area in the fall. A Ruffed Grouse which had evidently strayed from its normal habitat was flushed from the small swamp at Stutson St. Bridge on Sept. 18 (Van Beurden). Golden Plovers in numbers up to 22 were reported several times in contrast to last fall when only one was seen. Black-bellied Plovers were fairly numerous but no record of Piping Plover was obtained. At times Ling Road was an excellent shore bird spot. Most numerous specie were usually Yellow-legs, Killdeer and Semi-palmated Sandpipers, but a great variety of other species were also present. ^ Hudsonian Curlew was reported once or twice while Knots, Dowitchers, Stilt and Baird's Sandpipers were fairly common. Both Yellow-legs, Solitary and Least Sand¬ piper were all bock by late June, well ahead of previous early fall dates. Many reports were received of Forester's Tern which was first recorded in this area last fall. One or two birds were reported almost regularly in late August and September. The Barn Owl at Weidner Rood was regularly seen all summer but whether or not it nested is not known. The Kingbird 69 Swift's ■— Shrikes: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Carolina Wren probably nested in Chili Woods (Listman). An unusual number of reports of Cliff Swallow were received in late summer and early fall. On Sept. 13th an Arkansas or Western Kingbird was observed near Sodus Bay. This is the first record for this area (Listman, H. Schaeffer, Van Beurden). VIreos — Worblers: Many warblers were back quite early — usually by late August. Blue-headed Vireo was not reported this fall. Prothonotary Warbler appears well established at both Montezuma and Oak Orchard, although it has not been reported breeding at any other locations in this area in recent years. Listman, Barry and VanBeurden report a possible Kirtland Warbler singing at Montezuma in early September. The observation was not entirely satisfactory but the repeated song as well as what was seen checked very closely with this species and not with any other. Perhaps close observation of fall Warblers will disclose the presence of this species in this area in future years during the fall migration. Blackbirds — Sparrows: Rusty Blackbirds were present in good numbers during late September. A Sharp¬ tailed Sparrow (Nelson's) was recorded at Manitou on Aug. 31 (Taylor). Juncos had returned by mid-September and Tree Sparrows by early October. White-throats and White-crowned Sparrows seemed especially numerous this fall as they had been this spring. None of the winter finches had made an appearance at this writing except the first Siskins which appeared in early October (Miller, Listman). Richard T. O'Hara 100 Fernwood Pk. Rochester 9, N. Y. REGION 4 — ST. LAWRENCE The summer and early fall were warmer than normal. Nesting success appeared to be good, swallows being particularly numerous in late summer. A marked migra¬ tion wave of warblers and other land birds was noted. Sept, 20-21. Loons — Ducks: Over 1500 ducks were banded at the Perch Lake Refuge prior to October 1 indicating a definite increase in the local duck population. These were mainly Blacks, Mallards and Wood Duck. Blue-winged Teal were noted frequently in Sep¬ tember, pointing to a good breeding season for this species. Howks — Owls: Evidence pf hawk migration was first noted about Sept. 15. Duck Hawk was seen at Perch Lake on Sept. 15 (Wilson). Virginia Rail were noted in two localities in July giving evidence that this bird breeds in suitable localities in Northern New York. Sora-Sandy Pond Sept. 13 (Minor and Scheider). A Hudsonian Curlew was reported riear Watertown on July 8 (Evens), The bird was seen at close range and is believed to hove been injured. An unusual concentration of Wilson Snipe was found near Lowville on August 5, at least fifty birds being present in a small area. Willets at Sandy Pond, August 8 (Goodwin), Baird's Sandpiper, Aug. 17, Sept. 13, Sandy Pond. A Red-backed Sandpiper was observed near Potsdam on Sept. 26 (Allison), and a Pectoral Sandpiper near Lowville on Sept. 30 (Belknop). Two Forester's Tern at Sandy Pond Inlet Sept. 13, one Sept. 21 (Minor et al). One (possibly two) Arctic Terns at Sandy Pond Inlet Aug. 17 (Scheider and Hileman). Cuckoos are definitely increasing, mostly Black-billed. Swifts — Shrikes: As reported a year ago, the Red-headed Woodpecker is increasing as a summer resident. Two pairs nested near Lowville (Bowen), and birds have been seen in four localities in Jefferson Co. during July and August. Another was seen near Gouver- neur in Sept. Vireos —^ Worblers: A male Yellow-breasted Chat was seen near Colton about June 15 (Daniels). The Blue-headed Vireo appears to be on the increase in the Adirondack foothills. John B. Belknap ^ 92 Clinton St. Gouverneur, N. Y. 70 The Kingbird REGION 6 — MOHAWK VALLEY June Weather was about normal; July was drier and warmer than usual; August and September brought normal temperatures and precipitation. Loons — Ducks: Double-crested Cormorant—One on Hudson below Albany, September 14. American Egrets were about normal or below at Niskayuna and near Hudson. Fifty-two at Hudson September 14v Little Blue Heron—An adult August 2 at Vischers Ponds (McDonald). Least Bittern—One June 21; two September 7; one September 27. Canada Goose—Fifteen headed south August 24 near Lake George. Pintail—Six September 7 at Niskayuna. Green-winged Teal—One quite late June 21 at Vischers Ponds. Blue-winged Teal—In fair numbers in August and September. Wood Duck—Holding own; good numbers through summer. Ruddy Duck—One early at Niskayuna September 27 (Tucker). Hawks — Owls: Broad-winged Hawk—Flights totaling 1 10 at Watervliet Reservoir and Altamont on SBC trip September 21. Virginia Rail—Frequently observed; seems to outnumber Sora, locally. Sora—Two seen at Hudson River below Albany September 14; one Septem¬ ber 21. Lesser Yellow-legs—Less frequent than Greater; six August 24 at Nickayuna; one September 21. . Pectoral Sandpiper—-In fair numbers. Black Tern—Reported August 23 and 24. Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos—Both slightly more numerous than usual. Barn Owl—One seen repeatedly in Scotia by many observers; from June 3 to early August; roosted mostly in tall elm; pellets collected. Swifts — Shrikes: Purple Martin—Only known local colony, at Saratoga, obout same as usual. Gray-cheeked Thrush—Several seen at Loudonville September 23 (French) and heard in night flight at Schenectady same date with numerous Olive-backed Thrushes. Vireos — Sparrows: Cape May Warbler—Recorded August 4 at Delmar (Madison). Myrtle Warbler—-Nest with two warbler eggs, one cowbird egg, and one young cowbird, found June 9, four miles north of Oneonta. Nest now in Cornell collection (Robert Goodwin per Sally F. Hoyt). Chat—^Two observed at Alplaus July 1 (Heitkamp). Blue-winged Warbler—One near Vischers Ferry June 21 (Stone). Sharp-tailed Sparrow—Rare; one at Niskayuna September 27 (Tucket). Lincoln Sparrow—Five seen September 24 to 27 at Niskayuna. Frazer R. Turrentine Schenectady, N. Y. The Kingbird 71 REGION 7— NEW YORK July was uncommonly hot and dry, August normally hot and abnormally rainy, September mild and rather dry. Despite the aridity of most of July, streams and inland marshes seemed to hold up better than usual; the wetness of the spring was undoubtedly the reason. Marsh-dwelling birds appeared to have had a good nest¬ ing seoson. Loons — Ducks: By the end of September, Pied-billed Grebes were numerous (Rockland Audubon Society). Watson B. Hastings of Dobbs Ferry noted six Horned Grebes on Sept. 20 at Old Greenwich Point, Conn,, near our territory. There was no mass flight of "white herons" this year; a few were scattered all over the area. Least Bitterns attracted unaccustomed notice in Rockland County. Recorded only four or five times previously in that area, they were found repeatedly and in various localities: Piermont Marsh, Iona Island, Hackensack Valley. The maximum seemed to be at least three pairs breeding in a half-mile stretch of the Hackensack Creek, West Nyack. Wood Ducks, too, hod a good nesting season. Up to 50 were reported In flocks on the Hackensack Creek, more than 20 at Stony Point. Hawks — Owls: The peak in the early hawk migration in the Hudson Highlands came oh Sept. 21 when a Rockland Audubon Society party atop Bear Mountain (elev. 1300 ft.) recorded 959 hawks — of which 881 Were Broad-wings —- in half a day. In the peak holf-hour, from 11 to 11:30 a. m. DST, the count hit 574 Broad-wings, a fraction above 1 9 per minute. Virginia Rails, like Least Bitterns, were much more conspicuous than usual in Rockland County during the nesting season. A Lesser Yellow-legs stayed at Lake Kanawauke, Palisades Interstate Park, from July 26 to July 29 (Ken Chambers). Common Terns were rather scarce on the Hudson River this year. Nighthawks were nowhere abundant in early fall migration. Ken Harte of Scarsdale reports 14 for Sept. 21. Swifts — Shrikes: Hummingbirds were unaccountably scarce in early summer. Pileated Wood¬ peckers kept turning up in new localities in Rockland County. The third record for the Rockland area for the Red-headed Woodpecker came as a by-product of the hawk watch on Bear Mountain Sept. 21. An immature male flew close at hand. An early Yellow-bellied Sapsucker showed up at Dobbs Ferry on Sept. 24 (Hastings)’. Great flocks of swallows passed through the region at the end of August, with a higher proportion of Cliff Swallows than usual. Purple Martins, rare in this area, were at Lake Kanawauke on July 13 (Chambers) and at Blauvelt in Rockland County on Aug. 28. Chambers also saw Bank Swallows at Lake Kanawauke on July 16 and 29. Red-breasted Nuthatches, like last year, appeared early, Aug. 25 at Nyack (Deed); they are so widely reported, and in such numbers, that last winter's invasion seems due for a repeat performance. A Loggerhead Shrike, Sept. 13 at Ferry Point Park, Bronx, was a good find (Harte). Vireos — Warblers: A big warbler migrotion began soon after Aug. 20, with one peak on Aug. 24 and others during September. Up to Sept. 25, Pine and Palm Warblers were very common in lower Westchester (Harte). Magnolia, Canada, and Blackburnian Warblers were generally commoner than usual. A Blue-headed Vireo summered at Welch Lake, Rockland County (Chambers) andan early date. Sept. 7, was scored for two birds at Larchmont (Scorsdale Audu¬ bon Society). An unusual experience for Mrs. Francis Irving of West Nyack was to see in one day, July 30, two pairs of hybrids: one made up of a Golden-winged and a Brewster's-type Warbler, the other of a male Lawrence's and a female Blue¬ winged. The birds lingered around Mrs. Irving's banding station for a few hours but declined to be trapped and banded. An early Black-poll Warbler was recorded by Dr. Marjorie R. Hopper at Nyack on Sept. 9. Mrs. Irving saw a very early Wilson's Warbler on Aug. 18. 72 The Kingrhird Blackbirds — Sparrows: Ken Chambers listed a Bobolink at Lake Kanawauke on July 26 (his number of dates from that spot stems from his living there through the summer as curator of a regional trailside museum). Baltimore Orioles were abundant at the end of August. Scarlet Tanagers tended to trickle through. Purple Finch may have bred at Tollman Mountain Park, Piermont; a male jn song was recorded June 8 and June 14, and a female was also seen in early June. Slate-colored Juncos moved south early; we have Sept. 21 dates from Scarsdale and White Plains (Mrs. H. E. Dickinson) and Rockland County. Robert F. Deed 50 Clinton Ave. Nyack, N. Y. REGION 8 — LONG ISLAND Dry weather prevailed in late spring and early summer resulting in successful nesting of both water and land birds. Later in the summer reins refreshed the vegetation and increased the insect crop causing good feeding conditions for young land birds. Two pairs of Red-eyed Vireos at Massapequa were still feeding ygung on September 8; one male sang at intervals while satisfying the hunger calls of two well fledged juveniles and the husky pleas of a nearly-grown Cowbird which insisted on its share of insects from its foster parents. Distribution of the Cardinal and House Finch showed nesting of both species in seyeral new locations — the former now breeding in Sopthampton and the House Finch eastward to Bay Shore. Loons — Ducks: There was an apparent scarcity of breeding Pied-billed Grebes. A White Pelican showed up at Mill Neck in mid-June and was there until the end of September. There were again one or two records of Snowy Egret nesting, but no report of the American Egret breeding yet. In the Jones Beach colony there were 100 Black- crown Night Herons; Yellow-crowned Night Herons were almost unrecorded. Some good Black and Mallard Duck broods were noted, mostly among ferals. On June 29 there were 40 adult Gadwall and 90 young at Jones Beach. A Black Duck at Gilgo had her nest with four eggs, April 12; 100 were present on Jones Beach pond, June 29; a Wood Duck female had five young on June 15 at Manhasset. Hawks — Owls: Red-shouldered Hawk was observed breeding at Manhasset and the West Hills; Osprey was reported at Orient, March 22 on its nesting ground. Several broods of Bob-white were seen at Massapequa. Clapper Rail bred rather commonly in the Oak Beach area. A nest of this species was found with nine eggs at Mill Neck, July 13. There is some decrease in nesting areas due to building which affects the Woodcock and Upland Plover; the latter still persists in one or two locations on Hempstead Plains: Westbury, mid-June, four adults (Elliott). Skimmer and Tern colonies regularly occupied on western Long Island. Ten pairs of Herring Gulls nested at Cap Tree Island; 100 Common Terns on a grassy island off Copaigue, on the Great South Bay; and six pairs (estimated) of Roseate Terns were seen carrying food to a nearby colony off Fire Island Inlet (H. Darrow). The Mourning Dove appears to be increasing in numbers during the past several years. There were fewer reports of Black-billed Cuckoo than of Yellow-billed, especially at Mastic (J. T. Nichols). Practically no Owl records came in, aside from the usual Barn Owl reports. Swifl-s — Shrikes: A male Red-headed Woodpecker at nest hole in the Tackopausha Preserve at Seaford was present daily during May and into June 15, but no female was seen and apparently this rare bird on Long Island did not breed (E. Morgan). Three pairs of Phoebes bred at Manhasset; Least Flycatcher was common on the Wood- bury-Syosset and Oyster Bay uplands. Carolina Wren showed no increase as to breeding on western Long Island, but goodly numbers breed in eastern Suffolk county, one record coming from Southampton. A male Mockingbird was observed singing at Merrick from May into July, but no female was seen and the bird probably did not breed. Hermit Thrush colonies continue successfully at Coram and Selden, but Nighthawks, formerly seen there in summer, have not appeared in the last two years. Although classed as rare breeding birds on the outer beaches, both Blue Jay and Chickadee were observed summering and apparently bred at Sunken Forest on Fire Island Beach. The Kingbird 73 Vireos — Warblers: Warbling Vireo was more wide-spread, with three records coming from very unusual locations; Sheepshead Bay, Idlewild and Babylon. The bird normally nests along the north shore on western Long Island. The Yellow-throated Vireo was regular at Oyster Bay and in other areas westward. The Black-throated Green Warbler nested again at West Hills. Pine Warblers and Black and White Warblers were feeding full grown young at Selden, July 6. Louisiana Water-Thrush was comparatively uncommon; the Yellow-breasted Chat was noted as breeding in four areas, and the Redstart at Sunken Forest, Fire Island. Blackbirds — Sparrows: The Red-winged, Blackbird was noted breeding in upland tracts, practically waterless; Crackle was seen carrying nesting material at Seaford, April 7. Orchard Oriole was present at Oyster Bay, and an adult male lingered at Seaford into the first half of June. Cardinal was increasing rapidly over western Long Island where in one or two locations two or three broods hove been observed. Rose-breasted Grosbeak, rare here, is regarded as a regular breeding bird at Sed Cliff and there were two other singing locations in June. The Vesper Sparrow has disappeared largely through central western Long Island due to building. Burning on the nesting grounds eliminated Short-billed Marsh Wren, Bobolink and Henslow's Spar¬ row at Massapequa this summer. John J. Elliott 3994 Park Ave. Seaford, Long Island, New York REGION 9 — CENTRAL NEW YORK The summer season has been generally dry and hot and insects abundant. Gallinaceous ond other types of birds seemed to have fared well during the breeding season. At Montezuma Wildlife Refuge there was a good flight of shore birds during the last half of August and they were still present in numbers during late September. The lowered water table in the marsh area for the purpose of removing carp and probably partially due also to thruway operations and dry weather provided ex¬ cellent feeding and foraging areas for the various species of shore birds. Certain species were present in abundant numbers, others in relatively small numbers. Loons — Ducks: Five hundred Great Blue Herons at Montezuma Sept. 19-24 (Wilson, Andrews, Munfords); at Montezuma 33 American Egrets August 17 (Ward), 7 on Oct. V (Scheider and Evans). Flock of Canada Geese Sept. 25 over Syracuse (Scheider). At Montezuma 25 Shoveller Ducks on Sept. 7 (Wards). In fall census conducted by the Eoton Bird Club on Sept. 28 a total of 101 species were observed. Little Blue Heron was observed but practically no diving ducks such as Scaups, Canvas- back, Redheads had arrived on Seneca or Cayuga Lakes from their breeding grounds. Four early Green-winged Teal Sept. 14 at Montezuma. Hawks — Owls: Bald Eagle nested again at Montezuma. Duck Hawk first report Sept. 14, sub¬ sequent reports Sept. 21, 27, two Sept. 28, one Oct. 1. No large Hawk concen¬ trations were reported in this region this fall. Shore bird records were phenomenal. Just a few of the more unusual records follow; Golden Plover, 10 on Sept. 1 Montezuma (Gambrells), 19 on Sept. 14 Monte¬ zuma (Scheider, Cate, Woolf), 2 on Sept. 20 Montezuma (Minor), 80 on Oct. 1 Montezuma (Scheider, Evans). Ruddy Turnstone recorded at greater frequency this year than in past years at both Montezuma and Oneida Lake. Few Greater Yellow- legs but Lesser Yellow-legs recorded from Sept. 1 to Oct. 1 in numbers up to 70 individuals at Montezuma. 15 Baird's Sandpiper, Sept. 1, Montezuma (Gambrells and Wards), 3 at Montezuma on Sept. 14 and 2 on Sept. 21, Sylvan Beach (Minor, Scheider). Hudsonian Curlew at Montezuma Aug. 31 (McKinney). Red-backed Sandpiper at Sylvan Beach Sept, 28 and Oct. 1 (Hilemans). 74 The Kingbird Many reports of Dowitchers, high count at Montezuma of 25 on Oct. 1 (Evans, Scheider). Several records of Stilt Sandpiper and one record of a Western Sand¬ piper at Sylvan Beach Sept. 21 (Minor, Scheider, Little). Buff-breasted Sandpiper Aug. 31 at Montezuma (Kemnitzer, McNett). Hudsonian Godwit at Sylvan Beach Sept. 21 (Minor, Scheider, Little) observed within 5 ft. Three also observed at Montezuma Sept. 1 (Gambrells, Wards). Thirteen Northern Phdlarope observed Aug. 22-Sept. 1 (Wilson et al), also one until Sept. 28, Bonaparte's Gull high number of 30 at Sylvan Beach, Sept. 21. ■ Evidence of breeding Long-eared Owls, Barred Owls and Great-horned Owls at Camp Woodland, Canstontia, Y. judging from persistent hooting through the summer (Scheider). Swifts — Shrikes: Late Chimney Swift Sept. 27 at Montezuma. Late Hummingbird Sept. 23 at Syracuse (Mrs. Cate), Montezuma Sept. 28 (Farnham). 3000 Tree Swallow Sept. 10 ,at Montezuma (Scheider), poor year for Oneida Lake Cliff Swallow colony. Winter Wren appears up in numbers due to blow-down damage. Wood Thrush at Syracuse Sept. 30 (Mrs. Mayer). Good flights of Olive-backed and Gray-cheeked Thrush noted night of Sept. 13-21 (Scheider). Vireos -—• Sparrows: There were only fe\v reports of early Warbler movements, however Scheider reported some activity the nights and days of Sept. 13 and 14, One Lapland Long spur at Montezuma on Sept. 14 (Hamilton). Juncos in flocks at Syracuse on Sept. 28 (Scheider). Foster L. Gambrel I 288 Lafayette Ave. Geneva, N. Y. NOTE TO ALL CONTRIBUTORS AND AND REGIONAL REPORTERS The following dates are approximate deadlines, for material for publication in The Kingbird. No further notice will be sent. issue Date Material APRIL-MAR. 31 All winter records. JULY — JUNE 15 — Spring migration. OCTOBER —- OCT. 20 — Nesting species and fall migration. DECEMBER — JAN. 15 — Late fall migrants census highlights. All material should be double spaced and typewritten. Your cooperation is appreciated. —Editor The Kingbird 75 TOM AND IRENE HADLEY, a nature team, have ap¬ peared throughout the nation on Audubon Screen tour lec¬ tures. They are shown here recording the songs of birds with the aid of a parabolic sound reflector. Formerly a General Motors executive, Mr. Hadley has infected thousands with his enthus¬ iasm as a naturalist, wild- "For intimate, exciting close - ups” Bausch & Lomb binoculars are to the eyes what a parabolic reflector is to the ears . . . they both bring out the detailed beauty of the Out-of- Doors in rich, clear, sharp focus . . . intimate, exciting close-ups of wild¬ life in their native habitat. WRITE FOR FREE CATALOG. 32 pages of useful information you should know before you buy any binocular. Tells how to select a glass for your own use. Bausch & Lomb Optical Co., 12710 Lomb Pork, Ro¬ chester 2, N. Y. The Kingbird 6 THE FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS 1952 Officers President: Eugene Eisenmann, 1 1 Broadway, New York 4, N. Y Vice-Pres.: Harold D. Mitchell, 378 Crescent Ave., Buffalo 14, N, Y, Cor. Sec.: Miss Louise Heifer, 111 9th St, Watkins Glen, N. Y. Rec. Sec.: Albert W. Fudge, 326 Larchmont Road, Elmiro, N. Y. Treasurer: Mrs. William J. English, 35Vi Lincoln Ave., Amsterdam, N. Y. Editor of The Kingbird Allan S. Klonick, 828 Grosvenor Road Rochester 18, N. Y. FEDERATON OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS CONVENTION will be held at BEAR MOUNTAIN PARK MAY 23-24, 1953 Host: Rockland Audubon Society