JANUARY

WMI VIII, No. 4

YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS,

FEDERATION

FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC

1958 Officers
Prtiidtftt

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Vic**Pr«ttdtnt

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C ot respond ing Secretory

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Recording Secret ary

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T*nw F ‘tWW»'rw->» wwMr'-**

Editor of THE KINGBIRD

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Standing Committee Chairmen

Bibliography; Allen H, Benton, NYS College for Ttochers, Albany 3
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ANNUAL MEETING

WATERTOWN, NEW YORK
June 5-6-7, 1959

PUBLICATION OP THE FEDERATION OP NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS. IN

V«ll. 8 No. 4

January, RSd

Pages 97 l:

CONTENTS

Ospreys in Orient .

John 1 rt'iiiivwll Nichols ..

Migration at it hara in Spring PAH
On the Arrival of Parakeets at Aiban
m the Uighteeuih Century

Peter KuJ m .. „,,.«,,,-,,--.......--

Notes on the A. O. II. Meeting in New York C’itv

v, New York

.Hoy Latham

i. C \ T. Nisbet

Daniel McKinley
.John B. Belknap
1 iIlian C, Stoner

l icit! Notes:

Pekin ic Observeiions from Coastal Long Island . ..,

A Tfuse Swollow Foundling .... v . .... .

Summer Record of White winded Crossbill in Columbia County
Phenomenal Appearance of Wood Ibis art Usnp Island

Samcs Brief Tuf Hill Plateau Observedtom ..

Barn Swallow Migration at Jones Beach .... , .

An Albino Starling ... . .... „...... ......

1 iighlights of 'The Pull Season;

August 16 - November 40. PHH . Allen I I. Bemon

llegiomil Reports I'm the hall, 10S8 ..* .

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f'diittr ■ Minnie B, Sc< n i ant»

Editorial Hoard

John B, Bki.knai*

I .Esijt! R Bkmont
Atu.riN 11. Bun t on
H ciCJIiNlS P.tSHN MANN

John J. Eu.iott
Sau.y Moyt
Jam its K. Mt-iurr
T-nrrz Scat morn

/ht.sh/e.w and Circulation Manager A n an S. Klonjck

Cover Design Doiiopas I.. 1 lorn. and

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COHOES, NEW YORK, j

OSPREYS IN ORIENT
Roy Latham

Part I — 1956

The Long Island Naturalist 1956, page 22, printed an item by me. entitled
"Notes on Ospreys/' The present article is in part, a sequel to that record-

In .1956 the male osprey arrived first to the site, on March 26, drifting in
from the south at 8 a. m. and perched on the branch where the nest had been,
The bird was evidently quite fatigued and remained nesting until 8 p. m ,]
when it left the tree and circled out over the bay, plunging for a flounder
which it brought back to the same branch and devoured. The bird left the
limb again about 5 p. iru and flew south over the hay, It was not seen again
for three days. On March 29 it returned in company with the mate. One
wonders if the male osprey sometimes returns south to meet the female en
route. The male normally arrives before or with the female. The females
always commence repairing the old nests, or start the construction of new
nests.

When they arrived together (this spring), both stopped in the same tree
where the male had stopped three days before. They were seen far out over
the bay in a direct course for that tree, where they perched and nested for
over an hour. Then the female circled the site several times. Taking in the
situation, she quickly formed a decision and immediately dropped into a
nearby cornfield. Picking up a cornstalk, she carried it to the old nest,
where she had lost her young the two previous seasons to marauding raccoons.
Thereafter she made a trip every fifteen to twenty minutes, carrying corn¬
stalks to the nest. About twelve minutes were spent each trip arranging the
material on the nest. The nest was below the top of the tree and the stalks
were five to six feet in length. On nearly every trip the bird had to circle
the tree several times before she could get the long stems between the
branches to the nest. At 4 p. m, she rested on the before-mentioned branch
for nearly an hour, and then went after a flounder, which was brought back
to the perch and eaten. She did not leave the branch again that day, The
male also spent the night in the same tree. During the period of finishing
up the nest, the male spent most of his time loafing and fishing, On the
second day the female started breaking weak branches and twigs from trees
a quarter mile distance from the nest. One windy day she was carrying a
long strip of cloth low over the woods, and the end of the rag caught in a
branch. The bird was jerked to a sudden stop and whirled over, head down¬
ward, all swinging in the high winch The bird had great difficulty ex¬
tricating itself from the rags among the branclilets, It was feared that wing
or leg, or even the neck, would be broken in the struggle to release itself.
She finally succeeded and flew straight to the nest and relaxed, No further
attempt was undertaken to secure the rag, and it hung there throughout
the summer.

In clue time a set of eggs was laid, incubated and batched. About mid-
June racoons again visited the nest and took the nestlings for the third suc¬
cessive season. As in former years, the ospreys left the vicinity for three
weeks. They returned in July and erected a new nest on the very branch

98

The Kingbird

where they had been the preceding year. The nest was completed in about
twenty days. Thereafter this pair of ospreys loitered around until their de¬
parture for the south early in September.

The ospreys are extremely methodical birds, especially in their nesting
activities. Their arrival varies only slightly by a few days, according to the
weather. Exceptionally in very severe spells of weather, they return south¬
ward or at least disappear from Orient for a few days.

It takes them three to four weeks to fix up an old nest, as long as it does
to build a complete, new nest. They work all day, every fair day, adding
material to the old nest, which in most eases is suitable for eggs at the start.
As I have stated before, they do not build on rainy days. The female spends
more and more time on the nest as April advances, and in Orient the first
eggs are laid April 28 to May 4. Usually two to four days elapse between
laying each egg. The bird does not settle down to steady incubating until
the last egg of a clutch is laid.

It is recorded that the osprey colony in Orient is an off-shoot from Gardi¬
ner’s Island. This I believe to be an error, from my studies of the Orient
ospreys over a long period of years, together from data from older residents in
Orient dating back to at least 1800. Some of these old people expressed an
interest and knowledge of the ospreys, and I acquired as much as possible
of that information.

My records show that the ospreys began to multiply in Orient around
1890, at the time when Plum Island was sold and the Government started
construction of the fortifications on the island. Large crews of laborers were
transferred to the island, with their keen appetites for ospreys’ eggs. It was
then that the ospreys commenced to spread to Orient, Shelter Island, Gardi¬
ner’s Island and other localities.

We read in the Auk, October, 1892, “Breeding Habits of the Fish Hawks
on Plum Island" by Charles Si over Allen, with two photographs, a most
interesting and instructive narrative of the ospreys' on that island. He states
that for 40 years prior to 1885 the fish hawks on the island had been pro¬
tected and encouraged to nest there by the owner. They were never molested
and were “almost as tame as German Storks," They nested in the home
yard and all over the island and on rocks along the shores, certain nests
having been in yearly service for at least 40 years. At that time, according
to Allen, the owner claimed that 500 nests were on the island. (Allen con¬
sidered that one-half that number was a reasonable estimation.) About
half the nests were on or close to the ground. The owner claimed that two
thousand ospreys roosted on the island every night, but it was not said if
this was early in the season or later, when the young ospreys were flying.
Plum Island was sold in 1885. All of these low accessible nests were exposed
to whomsoever desired to destroy them or their contents. Marine trap
fishermen, among others, held a deadly grudge against them. Allen wrote
"After the island was sold and protection removed, the ospreys in most part-
have gone elsewhere to nest." From my knowledge it was at that period
that the influx appeared in Orient. Two well-posted bird men on Shelter
Island, Willis W. Worthington and Moses B. Griffin, told me later that there
was an increase in the osprey population of that island at that time,

Benjamin K. Mulford of Orient, who died in his 99th year, was the

The Kingbird

99

largest land owner in Orient. On his farm in 1890 was the only pair of
ospreys in Orient and for 50 years prior to that date, as he related to me. He
was very jealous of them and allowed no one to disturb them. They nested
in an old red cedar, long before 1890 and after, until the tree was ripped
apart in the hurricane of 1938. According to Mr. Mulford, and what had
been transferred to him by others, there had been but one pair of breeding
ospreys in Orient, at least back to 1800. This old nest w ? as in sight from my
home and five minutes walk away. I recall clearly one instance of my very
young years. I found a young osprey on the ground under that nest, too
immature to fly. As I knelt to examine the fledging, both parents swooped,
striking me with sufficient force to knock me to the ground. The old birds
dashed repeatedly at me as I ran with blood trickling from face and hands.
They followed me for a hundred yards. In all my experience with this
species it is the only time they attacked me with viciousness. It may have
been because of my small size, they mistaking me for some other type of
small mammal. When one is at the nest which has young, the old ospreys,
usually the females, frequently sweep close to one, the wings sometimes
brushing one, the talons vibrating close to ones head. Once my hat was
hooked off my head and dropped into Gardiners Bay *— on an off-shore
wind. Such instances are reminiscenses of pleasant days afield. It is appar¬
ently the long-time nesting individuals which show vigorous combative
nature when young are in the nest.

Prior to the peak of osprey breeding in Orient no raccoons had been re¬
corded in the vicinity for about 60 years. It is now a common and increasing
mammal in Orient. It is an excellent climber, and all nests are accessible
to it.

The osprey colony in Orient attained its maximum number of breeding
pairs in 1926. Thirty-two nests were occupied. This number continued
with slight fluctuation for twenty years, when a decrease was noticed. In
1956 less than half that number nested in Orient.

Part 11— 1957- 1958

1957 — The first osprey of the season, apparently a male, came in over
the bay at 10 a. m. on March 25. It circled the old nest three times and
then alighted upon it and rested for sixty-five minutes. It then flew off
over the bay and was not seen again that day. On March 26 an osprey
came to the nest just before dark, perched on a branch outside the nest and
spent the night there. At dawn it flew to the bay to fish and soon returned,
with a flounder, to the same perch. This bird, apparently a female, left the
perch at 8:15 after eating the fish, and brought back a small branch to the
old nest and sat there for fifty-five minutes. She then flew a half-mile and
picked up off* the ground an old burlap fertilizer sack and brought it to the
nest. There was no sign of the mate all that day. On March 29 both birds
were at the newer nest early in the morning. On that date they selected
that nest and rapidly put it in order for laying and were successful in bringing
up three off-spring to the flying age.

1958 — The spring was late and the first osprey to this nest arrived April

100 The Kingbird

10 both birds coming in together about midmorning, the female going to the
old nest again and the male bird to the newer nest. At once the female
began repairing the old nest in earnest. However, on the second morning,
perhaps because the mate concentrated there all the while, she took material
to the newer nest, but she had not condemned the old nest yet and com¬
menced to repair both nests, making trips alternately first to the old nest,
then to the newer nest. Only once did she vary from this pattern. Once
when she was about to land on the old nest with claws full of seaweed for
the finishing touches, I appeared too close and she whirled off and took
the lining material to the other nest and deposited it there. Both nests were
built up equally during the three weeks following their arrival with no clue
to the last which nest would be selected for the summer occupancy. Both
nests were ready for eggs late in April. The first egg was laid in the newer
nest on April 27, an early date by one day in Orient. From that day on the
old nest was abandoned bv the female, hut the male perched there frequently.
The eggs hatched early in June. Two weeks later the young disappeared
and the adults left the nest and vicinity. Positive evidence is not recorded
as to what became of the young in this case.

As usual the osprevs returned to the nest again late in July and added
more material to it before their departure from Orient late in August.

Putting two nests in order at the same time for laying is a new experience
in my long observation with the ospreys in Orient.

Orient, N. Y.

JOHN TREADWELL NICHOLS

The recent death of John T. Nichols, 116 Ninth Street, Garden City,
constitutes a big loss to Long Island ornithology. Although retired ichthyolo¬
gist of the American Museum of Natural History and noted authority on
fishes, he was also foremost as an ecologist on Long Island birdlife. His
keen and retentive mind was ever a storehouse of information which could
be cheerfully drawn upon as necessity arose and he will be greatly missed.
His biography is in preparation for a future issue of The Kingbird.

The Kingbird

101

MIGRATION AT ITHACA IN SPRING 1958
I. C. T. Nisbet

Most: systematic studies of the relation between migration and weather
have been carried out on islands or other coastal areas, or in city parks. The
advantage of working in such isolated places is that there is usually a very
small population of breeding birds, ancl that migrants usually halt there for
only brief periods before continuing their journey; there is thus little danger
of confusing newly-arrived migrants with residents or birds "off-passage”, and
the migration can be sampled easily, without elaborate census techniques,
There is a danger, however, that these observations may over-emphasize the
importance of the dramatic “waves” of migrants halted by adverse weather,
since in good weather the birds may avoid stopping in isolated places al¬
together. Observations are badly needed of the migration at inland places
where there is unlikely to be an abnormal concentration of resting migrants,

During the spring of 1958, with the help of friends, the writer carried
out a survey of the arrival of spring migrants in a single wood at Ithaca, New
York. The area chosen was the Renwick Bird Sanctuary, a swampy mixed
wood of about 60 acres at the head of Cayuga Lake, with other extensive
woodland in the area which offered ample alternative cover for migrating
birds. The wood was surveyed by a different person each day for a period
of one hour (increased to 14 hours after May 5th as the trees came into leaf)
between 6 and 9 a, m., and the total number of migrating birds (whether
positively identified or not) located in this period was compared from day
to day, The purpose of the survey was twofold: (i) to determine whether
reliable comparative results could be obtained by different observers, without
a careful attempt to standardize the methods of observation; (ii) to obtain
some information on the relation of the arrivals of the migrants to the weather.

With the exception of April 28th, a count was made each day between
April 19th and May 27th. I am greatly indebted to Miss Barbara Lund, and
to Messrs. Neil Case, Roger Clapp, Martin Miehener, Richard Sandburg
and David West for their help in the field.

Results

Omitting the scarcer and less obtrusive species, the table below gives a
digest of the results for the main part of the migration.

Although the counts were made by different observers, examination of
the results suggests that they can be compared reasonably well from day to
day, and reveals few fluctuations larger than those to be expected from normal
migration. For example, the counts of most species that breed in the wood,
after two or three weeks of fluctuation indicating active migration, varied
little from day to day, even when the weather was unfavorable for observa¬
tion. In a few eases (e. g, Wood Thrush) these later counts scarcely varied
at all, while in others (e. g. Redstart) the figures suggest that the counts
may be inaccurate by up to 80%. After taking into account the results of
counts by two independent observers on the same days, it is believed that
day-to-day changes by a factor of two are certainly to be regarded as signifi¬
cant, and that smaller changes may or may not he significant, depending on
the conspieuousness of the species concerned.

f

102

The Kingbird

(Least) Flycatcher_

Wood Pewee_

Catbird _

Wood Thrush__

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher_

Yellow-thr. Vireo_

Red-eyed Vireo_

Warbling Vireo_

Tennessee Warbler-

Yellow Warbler_

Myrtle Warbler_x_

Blackpoll Warbler_

Yellowthroat __

Redstart -

Other Warblers_

Baltimore Oriole_

Rose-br. Grosbeak_

Goldfinch -

White-thr. Sparrow-

TABLE I: Daily Counts of Migrants, Ithaca, N. Y., Spring 1958
APRIL : MAY

29 30 1 23

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

MAY
26 27

1 2 3

2 3 12 3 4 5

1 . _ _ _ 1

4

2

10

2 4

3 2 1

3 25
3 15
2 _
9 20
2 4

_ _ 1

1 2 4 3 1

_ 4

1 _ 1
5 12 1

1 8
_ 12

210 2 20

- 1 - .6

5 9 3 8

14 12

2 3

4 2

6 20 15
- _ 2

1 7
8 8

_ 2

6 5'

7 15
5 10

2 3
_ 3
_ 3
4 1

3 7

2 2

3 8 5

4 13 5

_ 1 1

4 8 3

2 1 1

14 6 4

2 10 4

6

1

1

20

1

_3723453 3 1

4 12 16 15 14
8 2 5 1

- 11 -
_ 2 1 5

2 3

_ 4

3 5

5 12
8 6

4 10

2 1

4 2

2 14 11 40 10 12 30 29 23 18 20 14 14 32 18 24 11

414 2 3 71110 217

3 20 7 814131015 7

6 15 4 10 8 12 15

6 30 22 30 35 55 30
_ 10 3 1 3 9 2

3 12
8 15
_ 5

2 5 6 5 4 7

14 8 14 7 5 3

6 8 7 4 4 2

1 212 6 20 11

12 8
3 4
17 12

3 „
9 10

4 3
1 2

Using this criterion of significance, there is evidence of immigration by
one species or another on almost every day during May, the main period
of migration (exceptions are May 4th and 21st). This is perhaps the most
important conclusion to be drawn from the observations. However, it is
clear that the amount of immigration varied greatly from day to day: there
was a major peak on May 12th, and smaller, but still well-marked peaks on
May 2nd, 5th, 10th, 15th and 19th. Examination of the Daily Weather
Maps published by the U, S. Weather Bureau shows that no fewer than four
of these peaks (those of the 2nd, 12th, 15th and 19th) followed the same
type of weather situation — the passage of a front, extending more or less
from west to east, through upstate New York during the previous night.
They thus provide examples of the classical type of "arrested wave” that has
been recorded on many occasions in North America (see, e. g., Bagg 1950):
in each case it seems likely that northward-flying birds were stopped by the
rain and drop in temperature at the front, and were thus concentrated in the
area through which the front has passed. The other two peaks took place
in calm anticyclonic weather, and there is nothing in the weather maps to
suggest any similar concentrating action: more probably the birds were taking
advantage of the calm weather and good flying conditions, despite the low
temperature due to polar air and. clear night slues. (Fuller details of the
migration in this period are given by Bagg, 1958.)

The fact that most of the peaks were associated with frontal weather is
of some importance. The entire populations of some species (e. g. Wood
Pewee, Red-eyed Vireo) must have passed through after May 12th, the date
of the only major local migration wave. Yet so few of these birds were seen
on the census that it is difficult even to be sure on which days most of them
arrived. Moreover, on some days (e. g. May 11th) very little migration was
detected at Ithaca although large migration was recorded not far to the
north (Bagg, 1958). This suggests the possibility that' the greater part of the
migration took place in such a diffuse way as to pass largely undetected,
while migrants were only seen in large numbers as a result of more or less
abnormal concentrations, which may not have reflected real peaks in the
migration. Since local observers remarked on the lack of waves and the
small number of birds to he seen in 1958, these conclusions may apply to
other years as well.

However, it would be unwise to draw too definite conclusions from
records from only one place, in a season of perhaps unusual weather (a cold,
wet spring with few warm spells resulting from northward flow of tropical
air). It is possible that in years when the weather is more varied the migra¬
tion may be more clearly broken into waves, with many more days when
there is no migration at all, There is clearly scope for much more work of
the same kind, and it is greatly to be hoped that others will undertake similar
investigations in the future. Little special skill or organization is required,
merely the ability and enthusiasm to spend an hour afield each day, and the
additional knowledge to be gained provides its own reward.

References

BAGG, A. M. et ah 1950. Barometric pressure-patterns and spring bird
migration. Wilson Bulletin, 62:5-19.

BAGG, A. M. 1958. The changing seasons. Audubon Field Notes, 12:318
et seq.

21 Wendell St., Cambridge 38, Mass.

ON THE ARRIVAL OF PARAKEETS AT ALBANY, NEW YORK,
IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY
Daniel McKinley

In 1799, Benjamin Smith Barton, in commenting on the natural history
of Pennsylvania, wrote: “I may add, that a very large flight of parakeets,
which came from the westward, was seen a few years ago, about twenty-five
miles to the northwest of Albany, in the State of New York.

“The arrival of these birds in the depth of winter (January, 1780) was,
indeed, a very remarkable circumstance. The more ignorant Dutch settlers
were exceedingly alarmed. They imagined, in dreadful consternation, that
it portended nothing less calamitous than the destruction of the world.”

For some reason this unusual happening was placed by DeKay (1844,
p. 183) in 1795: in that year, “ , . . a large flock of these birds was seen in
the middle of winter, 25 miles northwest of Albany; probably transported by
a whirlwind.” Eaton (1911-1914, vol. 2, p. 130) followed DeKay in dating
the incursion of the parakeets.

In the diary of a contemporary visitor to New York (Miranda, 1928,
pp. 72-73), I have discovered enough evidence to indicate that Barton was
probably right in his date of 1780; certainly the event took place before 1795.
Miranda, famous South American revolutionist, visited Saratoga Springs and
die Schoharie region in June, 1784, where he picked up some gossip about
“Mother Ann” Lee and the Shakers. He went on to say (my free transla¬
tion): "In the year 79-’80 in the winter a band of parakeets \“loros”\
appeared there (a thing never seen on this continent) and the house near
where they appeared was the first that the enemy burned a little while after¬
wards ...” (If Miranda’s date was precise, the burning referred to perhaps
took place during an invasion in October, 1780, by 800 British troops based
in Canada (Wood & Gabriel, 1927).

That was a period in history when the trend of the frontier was not
always so comfortably to the westward (Wood & Gabriel, loc. dt.). Indian-
English raids were frequent, and it is little wonder that parakeets from the
west were thought to portend disaster from that direction. Both Miranda
and Barton mention the superstitious dread that their visit caused,

Miranda, of course, was wrong in saying that parakeets never occurred
in America.

References Cited

Barton, Benjamin Smith. 1799. Fragments of the natural history of Penn¬
sylvania. Philadelphia, The Author (not seen; quoted from Bent,
1940, p. 2).

Bent, Arthur Cleveland. 1940. Life histories of North American cuckoos,
goatsuckers, hummingbirds and their allies. . . U. S. National Bulk 176.
DeKay, James Ellsworth. 1844. Zoology of New York , , , Part II. Birds.

Albany, Carroll & Cook, Printers to the Assembly.

Eaton, Elon Howard. 1911-1914. Birds of New York. N. Y. State Mus.;
my copy issued as 63d and 66th Repts., N. Y. St. Educ. Dept, for 1909
and 1912; 2 vols.

Miranda, Francisco de. 1928, The diary of Francisco de Miranda; tour of
the United States 1783-1784; the Spanish text edited ... by William
Spence Robertson. N. Y. Hispanic Soc. America.

Wood, William, & R. FI. Gabriel. 1927. The pageant of America. Yale
LTniv. Press, vol. 6, fig, 458, pp. 226-227.

Borvdoin College, Biology Dept., Brunswick, Maine

PETER KAJLM
John B. Belknap

A leading Botanist of the eighteenth century, and student of Linne, Peter
Kalm (1716-1779), is known in this country mainly for his extended visit
to North America. Kalm spent over three years in the British Colonies and
Canada and published a detailed record of his observations. This account,
"En Resa til Norra America”, has been translated into English and is fre¬
quently quoted since Kalm was a keen observer with scientific curiosity on
many subjects.

Pie was bom in the province of Angermanland, Sweden, now a part of
Finland and studied at the Universities of Upsala and Abo, lie came to
America in 1747 and travelled widely during his sojourn here. His journal,
in addition to its natural history content, has numerous comments on Ameri¬
can life and customs. Although references to bird life are not too frequent
in Kahn’s North American account, his observations are for the most part
quite accurate, Hence we are indebted to him for some of the best eighteenth
century descriptions of birds in New York State.

Kalm made two trips through New York State. During the summer of
1749 he travelled from New York City to Montreal, the trip requiring about
seven weeks. Most of the journey was made by water, via the Hudson
River, Lake George and Lake Champlain, In late June he was near Fort
Ann and records, “The Whippoorwill cried all night on every side.” The
next day he writes, “Immense number of wild pigeons have their nests in
the trees here”. On his return from Canada in October, while on Lake
George, “Bustards (Geese) and a few ducks lay in large flocks, hundreds of
them rose into the air as we approached”.

In the summer of 1750 Kalm again journeyed across New York State,
this time westward to Niagara Falls, in his words, “through the land of the
Iroquois.” As a result of this trip we have an early account of the death of
birds being swept over the falls, in more recent times spoken of as “The
Niagara Swan Trap.” He reached Oswego in mid-August and proceeded
by boat to Fort Niagara, then under French control. Kalm presents a de¬
tailed description of the falls at Niagara and the destruction of waterfowl
there. In speculating on this phenomenon he writes, “either because their
wings become wet, or the noise of the fall astonishes them and they know
not where to go in the dark ” He seems to have reached the sensible con¬
clusion that the birds are gradually carried into the swift water above the
falls, and, being unable to rise are swept to their death.,

Kalm returned to Sweden in 1751 taking with him a large collection of
seeds and plants. He was the original collector of ninety species of American
plants described by Linne. Following his return be continued as professor
of botany at the University of Aho. <

92 Clinton St., Gouverneur , N.. Y.

NOTES ON THE A. O. IT. MEETING IN NEW YORK CITY

Lillian C. Stoner

Ten distinguished foreign Ornithologists visited our State as they at¬
tended the 75th Anniversary meeting of the American Ornithologists’ Union

106

The Kingbird

at the American Museum of Natural History, New York City, October 14
to 19, 1958. They came from Germany, England, Finland, Denmark,
Switzerland, Canada, and Peru, South America.

Two of our New York Federated Club members, namely Eugene Eisen-
mann and Walter R. Spofford, were among the 15 New York residents who
presented papers.

That birds, flying at night in their seasonal migration, use the stars and
constellations to guide them, was the new theory on bird migration presented
in papers by Dr. Franz Sauer of Germany and Dr. Ernst Sutter of Switzer¬
land. These men working independently for the last few years came to the
same conclusion on this subject. Dr, Sauer conducted his experiments in a
planetarium. I~Iere be first exposed some warblers to a section of an artificial
sky which had stars in proper place for fall migration season in that locality
of Germany. These birds had been raised from the egg stage and therefore
had no previous migration experience. The warblers which normally
migrated south immediately started in that direction, when he turned them
about, changing their position, they at once righted themselves for the cor¬
rect southerly direction. When the artificial sky pattern of stars was altered
so as to be incorrect for fall migration time, the birds were confused. Other
birds were tried out in a similar way.

Dr. Sutter in Switzerland carried on his experiments at an airfield, using
the natural sky and a radar screen. When the sky was clear, the screen
showed the birds all flying in the expected migratory direction. However,
when the sky was entirely overcast by clouds, their flight pattern was con¬
fused.

Papers titled "Sea Water and Salt Utilization by Savanna Sparrows” and
"Salt Excretion by a Nasal Gland in Marine Birds” brought out new and
interesting research work showing that some migrating birds over salt water
must take some of the salt water.

A timely subject on "Robin Population and Insecticides” brought up a
discussion of the decreasing numbers of birds, due in part to increasing use
of sprays of several kinds on shubbery, trees and fields. For several years,
records were kept of numbers of Robins, both adults and young, found on
the campus of Michigan State College. The numbers went from many clown
to a very few birds the last year.

Another paper on “Outlook for Florida Wading Birds” was along the
same line as spraying of marshes and filling in of swamp land meant less food
and resting places for wading birds in the south. The causes mentioned in
this and the preceding paper could affect the avian population in New
York State,

A Russian Scientist, who was unable to be present, sent a complimentary
anniversary message which was read at the banquet meeting by Ernst Mayr,
the President, One of the speakers introduced vMs John Kieran, toastmaster
at the dinner, was Guy Montfort of England. /Mr. Montfort along with
P. A. D. Hollom and Rodger Tory Peterson wrote the book entitled "The
Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe.” This book has now been
translated into eight languages and is often referred to as Peterson’s Euro¬
pean Guide book. Mr. Montfort said that Rodger Peterson could be con¬
sidered one of LT. S. best ambassadors.

399 State Street, Albany 10, New York

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107

FIELD NOTES

Pelagic Observations from coastal Long Island — Recent observations of large
concentrations of jaegers and shearwaters have prompted interest in shore observa¬
tions of the oceanic birds. The main concentration appears to be from about the
third week in May, with the advent of the jaeger and Sooty Shearwater migration
through the last weekend in October, with the petering out of the concentrations of
Cory's Shearwaers off the eastern end of Long island, especially Montauk Point.

Weather conditions seem to be very important in the observation of oceanic birds
from the shore. On the weekend of June 9 and 10, 1956, with SW wind and over¬
cast conditions, a large flight of jaegers was observed off Jones Beach State Park.
On the ninth, 12 Pomarine and four Parasitic Jaegers were seen, all flying in an
easterly direction along the shoreline. On the tenth there were five Pomarine and
12 Parasitic, It is of interest that no immature birds were observed, the adults being
in Sight, intermediate, and dark phases with the latter phase predominating in the
Pomarine,

The first two weeks in June seem to be the height af the Sooty Shearwater migra¬
tion. An observation was made on June 1, 1957, of a large concentration, estimated
at 500. The birds were moving in an easterly direction from Moriches Inlet to
Mecox Bay during a period of east by southeast winds. Two dead birds were found
an the shore in fresh condition. .As the time grew late (5:00 PM) the winds shifted
to southwest and a light rain fell. Four Pomarine, two Parasitic, and two unidentified
jaegers were observed moving in an easterly direction harrying terns. A week later
the same observers (N. Smith, P. Buckley, R. Clermont, E. Restivo) arrived at Jones
Beach and were fortunate to observe another flight, With a cold easterly wind and
overcast conditions, several shearwaters were observed far out on the horizon, As
the winds shifted to southeast, a flight of 26 Sooty Shearwaters and 51 Greater
Shearwaters was observed moving in a southwesterly direction, feeding continuously.
An unusual note was that several of the Greater Shearwaters were being harried
by Common Terns and farced to disgorge their prey. A few Sooty Shearwaters
lit just beyond the breakers and as a result were swept by the tide into the Fire Island
Inlet amid fishing boats and Herring Gulls, During the period July 7 to 14 a mixed
flock numbering approximately 100 and containing three species of shearwaters
(with the Cory's being the most common) was observed sitting and feeding just
beyond the outer breakers at Mecox Bay.

These and other observations that I have not pointed out seem to indicate that a
study of offshore movements of shearwaters and jaegers can be made by the observer
who is familiar with the right weather conditions, has at his disposal a scape of
about 20X, and has the necessary patience. — Neal G. Smith, 1751 E. 29th St,,
Brooklyn

A Tree Swallow foundling — On Sunday afternoon, June 23, 1957, I was given
a nest containing five hungry young Tree Swallows. The parents had not been
seen feeding them at all that day. The nest had been in a mailbox at the edge of
a well-traveled road, and the parents may have been killed or caused to abandon
the nest. The young Tree Swallows eagerly took bits of raw beef and, for variety,
a drop of milk, an insect, some boiled egg or a little cottage cheese.

Although the weather was very hot, it was not possible to keep the birds warm
at night and by Tuesday two were dead. The next morning only the largest one was
alive, This bird was then banded and placed in another Tree Swallow nest, and it
was apparently cared for by its foster parents. One young bird stayed in this nest
two days after the others left and was last seen on Monday, July 1. No trace of a
dead bird or the band was found in or about the nest, and so it seems likely that the
little Tree Swallow lived to fly away from its adopted home. •— Frank A. Clinch,
173 Haley St., Watertown

Summer Record of White-v/inged Crossbill in Columbia County — About 2:00
PM on the afternoon of July 12, 1958, I heard an unfamiliar note coming from a
spruce tree in the yard of my home in Red Rock. The property is located at about
850 feet elevation in a narrow vailey. When I was able to spot the bird, I easily
recognized it as a White-winged Crossbill, although 1 had never seen the species
before, I was able to view the, bird as closely as twelve feet, and all characteristics

108

The Kingbird

(including the white wing bars and crossed bills) were noted. The bird was a male,

I went into the house to phone some other birders in the area who might wish
to see this rarity, but none was able to come over that afternoon. When 1 returned
to the yard, I saw three male White-wings in the same spruce tree, which was heavily
laden with cones. The birds remained at least twenty minutes.

Dr. Ed Reilly of the New York State Museum came over on July 13 to see
whether he could spot the birds. He remained some time, and just as if it seemed
he would have to leave empty-handed, one White-winged Crossbill appeared. The
bird was also seen by Mrs. Anna Carter of Old Chatham, On July 15 I saw one
White-winged Crossbill in a neighbor's yard, but I did not record the species
thereafter.

Although both species of Crossbill nest in the higher Adirondacks (and the Red
Crossbill perhaps elsewhere in the state) and, both occur irregularly as winter
visitants, I am not aware of any previous summer record for the White-winged
Crossbill in this area. I wonder whether these birds were just wanderers or possible
nesters somewhere in the region, — Myra Smilow, Red Rock

Phenomenal Appearance of Wood Ibis on Long Island — The most spectacular
Long Island bird news for many months came with the sudden appearance of thirteen
Wood Ibises over Orient on August 18, 1958. After a prolonged period of un¬
certain weather with some fog, Roy Latham of Orient glanced up to note these large
black and white, stork-like birds, with heads and legs extended, circling about and
flying over his farmland,

A few hours later, about two miles to the west, at East Marion, Edmund Morgan,
Curator of Tackapausha Museum in Seaford, while collecting algae on the shore of
Long Island Sound, saw apparently the same flock reduced by three, flying westward,
and further down the North Fork, According to Latham, Paul Stoutenburg saw them
east of Riverhead, still a flock of fen and traveling westward. That, according to
our records, was the last seen of the combined flock.

Perhaps the most intimate association with the Wood Ibis took place at East
Moriches, where one was discovered about August 29 by Gilbert Raynor of Manor-
ville and was seen a day or so later by Dennis Puleston of Brookhaven and Roy
Wilcox of Speonk. The bird was found along the Terrell River, a roosting ground
for Common and Snowy Egrets, which has a wide estuary leading into Moriches Bay.
The bird was noticed feeding in the reedy shallows or perched on one of the dead
trees on the west bank where the area is still wild and forested, On the east bank
are located various vantage points frim which the Ibis could be observed, and it was
on September 1, by invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Terry of Blue Point, that the author,
his wife and Terry found the ibis near the mouth of the Terrell River feeding along
the east shore. While observing the bird we were joined by Roy Wilcox and Mr. and
Mrs, Harold Evens of Northvilie.

Perfect views of the bird were available for about on hour through binoculars
and a spotting scope. While feeding, the bird incessantly probed or sifted the
soft black mud, apparently in search of soft marine life such as worms and the
like. Whatever it found caused no hesitation in the incessant dowitcher-like
probing, The bird's bill was continually open for an inch or more, allowing the
pinkish interior to be easily seen. The Ibis was not distracted by a Mute Swan
several feet away or by a Common Egret which fit nearby. After having been fully
satisfied as to its method of feeding, Wilcox and Evans flushed the bird, and the
long-geared flashy black and white form leisurely flew to a distant dead tree on the
west bank where it alighted against the background of the setting sun,

As late as 1942 Allan D. Cruickshank, in his book "Birds Around New York
City," tells of only one record of the Wood Ibis from Long Island — a specimen
taken at East Marion on June 21, 1890. He called it "an accidental visitant from
the south" and said that there were two twentieth-century records for Cape May
County, New Jersey. Roy Latham in the Baldwin Bird Club's No. 5, 1956 publica¬
tion of "The Long Island Naturalist" states that Clarence Schellinger of East Marion
shot the Ibis in 1890, in a swamp adjoining Dam Pond between Orient and Green-
port. Continuing, Latham tells of a Wood Ibis seen by him on June 23, 1955,
standing on the north border of Dam Pond at the exact location where the former
Ibis was found. He writes: "The bird, an adult, was seen to strike several times
for food. Schools of immature sea herring (Culpea Harengus) were running in the

The Kingbird

109

pond, which is a sail water branch of the Orient harbor. The bird, when distributed
flew several hundred yards and alighted in the top of a small swamp tree. There
appear to have been no intervening records for this species on Long Island between

1890 and 1955/' “ .~ ‘

In the final analysis it seems phenomenal that on all three occasions the Wood
Ibises were seen at East Marion, the first two records being limited to that locality,
and also that a flock of thirteen should appear in 1958 when onfy two individuals
had been seen in the 68 years previous to that date. — John J. Elliott, 3994 Park
Avenue, Seaford

Some Brief Tug Hill Plateau Observations — The Tug Hill Plateau, located largely
in northeastern Oswego County and the southern two-thirds of Lewis County, has long
been an ornithological unknown. A recent trip there (10 June 1957) resulted in a
brief survey of the area and the formation of plans to explore it more thoroughly
in the future. Access was achieved by a 20-mile-long lumber road that takes off
from Route 12, north of Houseville, between Turin and Lowville; the first six miles
of this were covered by car, the remaining 14 on foot, Briefly, the terrain is that
of very low, long irregular ridges with alternating swamp and bog areas; the majority
of the drier ridge area is covered with a mixture of second-growth northern hard¬
woods (Sugar Maple, Yellow Birch, White Birch), while the finger-like wet areas
are either Tag Alder grass swamp or Black Soruce-blueberry bogs, The bogs and
ridges are rimmed with a heavy growth of Hemlock and Gray Birch, a situation
particularly attractive to the numerous warblers, Sluggish streams meander back
and forth across the road but few areas of extensive (one square mile or more)
swamp or bog abut directly on the road.

The counts below are done on a "singing male" basis along the 14 miles of road.
This observer was particularly impressed by the abundance of singing male warblers
and the marked paucity of woodpeckers and hawks in that area. Interesting tc
note also was the greater abundance of the White-throated Sparrow as compared to
the Slate-colored Junco.

Goshawk — 2 adults, 3 young in nest; Chimney Swift —30, usually around
the unused hunting cabins; Hairy Woodpecker — 5, a nest) Downy Woodpecker —
2; Crested Flycatcher — 15; Yellow-bellied Flycatcher — 2; Train's Flycatcher
— 55; Least Flycatcher — 30; Olive-sided Flycatcher — 4; Catbird — 65; Wood
Thrush — 3; Hermit Thrush — 32; Swainson's Thrush — 38; Veery — 30;
Solitary Vireo — 28; Red-eyed Vireo — 40; Black-and-white Warbler —- 6; Nash¬
ville Warbler — 5; Parula Warbler — 2; Magnolia Warbler — 75; Black-throated
Blue Warbler — 58; Myrtle Warbler — 18; Black-throated Green Warbler — 78,
Blackburnian Warbler — 65; Chestnut-sided Warbler — 145; Ovenbird -— 45;
Northern Waterthrush — 52; Mourning Warbler — 24; Yellow-throat •— 75;
Canada Warbler —— 64; Redstart ■—- 46; Scarlet Tanager — 27; Rose-breasted Gros¬
beak— 20; Indigo Bunting 15; Purple Finch — 46 (1 nest); Goldfinch — 50; S'ale-
colored Junce — 35; White-throated Sparrow — 85; Swamp Sparrow — 38; Song
Sparrow — 90,*

Single individuals of the Red-tailed Hawk, the Red-shouldered Hawk, and the
Broad-winged Hawk were seen, A pair each of Mallards, Black Ducks, and Wood
Ducks were noted; this observer considered it rather unusual to find ducks still
paired this late in the season. The complete absence of Yellow Warblers was most
remarkable as several areas of willow scrub and campside areas seemed suitable
habitat,

This large block of northern avifauna may well serve as the source of those
birds — e. g. Blue-headed Vireo, White-throated Sparrow, Myrtle Warbler that
sporadically appear to breed close to the north shore of Oneida Lake and near the
eastern end of Lake Ontario, The descending slope of the land and the direction
of stream flow with the concomitant fingers of streamside Hemlock, alder, and
larch tend south and west and could serve as submarginal habitat and channels for
the spread of these northern species.

An earlier and particularly interesting account of birdlife in this area has been
written by R, Arbib in the Linnean Newsletter, Vol. 7, #6, 1953.

*Bold face numbers indicate high counts of certain species; bold face names
indicate more unusual "northern" avifauna.

Fritz Scheider, 151 Seventh North Street, Syracuse 8, New York

no

The Kingbird

Barn Swallow Migration at Jones Beach — On August 23rd, 1958, in company
with P. A. Buckley, D. B, Peakall, H, Recher and F. Scheider, I saw an enormous
westward migration of Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustical along Jones Beach, L. I,
The migration was in full swing for about four hours, from 10 a. m. to 2 p, m,, and
sample counts during this period showed an average of 80 to 90 birds passing per
minute, or roughly 5,000 birds per hour; most of these were following the northern
edge of the barrier beach or flying over the adjoining marshes. On reaching Captree
State Park, at the east end of Jones Beach, at 2 p. m. we found many birds arriving
from the north-east, suggesting that they were crossing from the mainland to the
beach, and during the remainder of the afternoon, which we spent on Fire Island,
we saw only comparatively small numbers, passing westwards along the north shore
of the island and crossing to Jones Beach from its westernmost point. Although I
made no complete count, the total number passing during the day must have ap¬
proached 25,000, and may well have been considerably larger.

Stone (Bird Studies at Old Cape May, New York, 1937) describes very similar
movements of Barn Swallows at Cape May, N. J., but I have not found any previous
records from Long Island; Cruickshank (Birds around New York City, New York,
1942) regarded concentrations of even a few hundred as unusual there. On the
other hand, as Stone points out, a large Barn Swallow migration is only subtly spec¬
tacular, and such movements may well have been overlooked in the past, There is,
in fact, no reason to believe that the numbers which I saw might have been due to
concentration by abnormal weather conditions. A cold front had passed through the
area during the night of August 21st-22nd, bringing a good deal of rain to inland
dictricts, but there was only a slight fall in temperature as the front moved out to
sea on the 22nd, and the wind changed rapidly through north-east to east as the
high pressure centre moved E. N. E, into New England. August 23rd was typically
fine and warm on Jones Beach, with a light onshore wind freshening from the south¬
east. It is possible that such conditions are especially favourable for Barn Swaifow
migration: additional records would be of great interest. — I. C, T. Nisbitt, Cam¬
bridge, Mass.

An Albino Starling — A white Starling, with no dark feathers, was first seen
in mid-July 1958 and last noticed two months later, in mid-September, by Mrs,
Albert Dotter in her back yard at 37 Wellington Road, Delmar, N. Y. The bird
acted quite fearless, like a young bird, in its first appearance on the lawn as it came
up close to the back porch. Later It was seen on the lawn and in trees by Mr. and
Mrs, Dotter and their neighbors after it and other Starlings had flown in from a
wooded area. This Albino with its grayish bill appeared daily at first, then it was
observed only off and on. Usually the conespicuous white bird, which was often
chased by the other birds, stayed alone and at a little distance from the other darkly
plumaged Starlings. — Lillian C. Stoner, 399 State Street, Albany

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FALL SEASON
AUGUST 16 — NOVEMBER 30, 1958
Allen LI, Benton

Most of my birding is confined to the spring season, when I teach a class
in ornithology. But I have enjoyed many hours of vicarious birding at all of
the best birding spots in the state, while preparing the quarterly reports for
publication. In general, it was a reasonably normal fall — a little wet, a
little cool, but in most ways fairly normal. As for the birds, there were bright
spots and dark spots. Among the bright spots, a spectacular gull concen¬
tration was reported from the Niagara Gorge in Region 1. Almost every
reporter noted unusually good seed and fruit crops, which may augur well
for winter survival, after the poor crops and heavy snows of last year. In a
less cheerful vein, diving ducks were almost uniformly low, some reporters
indicating a serious decline according to presently available figures. The

The Kingbird

111

fall numbers of herons and egrets seemed very low, with relatively few of
even the most common post-nuptial wanderers. Six of the ten regions re¬
ported a decline or complete absence of the Carolina Wren, which has been I
appearing in more northerly areas each year. Bluebirds, which were re¬
markably hard to find last spring, seemed to have had a good summer, but
numbers are still well below normal, according to migration reports.

As usual, rarities turned up here and there. Among those which perhaps
merit mention here are: King Rail and Yellow-throated Warbler in 'Region
3; Little Gull, Purple Sandpiper, and Marbled Godwit from Region 5; Raven
and Little Blue Heron in Region 8; Wood Ibis and Purple Gallinule from
Region 9; Dickeissel in both Region 9 and Region 10; and on Long Island,
such things as the second eastern record for the Sage Thrasher, several
Western Kingbird reports, Yellow Rail, Curlew Sandpiper and Buff-breasted
Sandpiper.

Winter birds are thus far rather scanty. Most regions reported large
numbers of Pine Siskins, and White-winged Crossbills were reported often
enough to give some hope that this may be a good, winter to see this usually
scarce species. At present it has not become obvious what kind of a winter
bird "season we are going to have, hut the Christmas censuses will soon he
giving us a clue.

REGION 1 — NIAGARA FRONTIER
Robert F. Andrle

The latter half of August continued mild hut slightly cooler than the
preceding two weeks. Sunshine was abundant and precipitation normal.
The only disturbance of note was a severe thundersquall, high winds, and
some hail over the region on August 31. Migration of passerines was almost
nil during this period but shorebirds continued rather- numerous as lake
levels remained low and algae covered many parts of the shore, September
was generally cloudy with changeable weather, temperatures near normal,
and precipitation 1.58 inches above the mean. Light frost occurred in rural
sections on the twelfth and twenty-ninth and a pronounced cold front passed
on the last day of the month. Warblers were much in evidence, at least
seven “waves ,J being noted, although other species of birds appeared to be
less common than usual. In most respects weatherwise it was a pleasant
October with clear and cloudy days in average abundance and temperatures
and precipitation departing little from the means. No severe weather phe¬
nomena occurred during the month and sunshine was 7% above the long term
average. There were some late records for land bird migrants and the
waterfowl appeared in the usual numbers with the exception of Oct 26 to 28
when there was considerable movement, especially of geese, over the region.
It was a mild and sunny November with temperatures averaging 5 degrees
above normal until the last week when a cold wave passed with considerable
snowfall closing roads and bringing midwinter temperature. Again a spec¬
tacular sight was the tremendous number of gulls along the Niagara River
chiefly from Niagara Falls to its mouth at Lake Ontario.

Loons — Ducks: [n late October and early November Common Loons were in
evidence on Lake Ontario in noteworthy numbers. Most were flying eastward but
some also were moving in a westerly direction. On Oct 28 a total of 64 were ob-

112

The Kingbird

served near Lakeside (Andrle, Hochmuth), 103 in one hour on Oct 29 at Shadigee
(Andrle), and 175 also in about one hour on Nov 8 along a stretch of the lake shore
(Axtells), Two Red-throated Loons and also 140 Horned Grebes were noted by the
Axtells during the flight on Nov 8. A Red-necked Grebe remained in the Niagara
Gorge below the falls into November, another was seen at Bay View Nov 15 (Bourne),
and two were seen on Lake Ontario Nov 23 (Axtells), One to three Pied-billed

Grebes remained in the gorge at Niagara Falls through the end of the period. The

only Common Egret reported was on Aug 21 at Randolph Pond (Elderkin). Whistling
Swans appeared a little more frequently than normal with flocks being reported from
Lakes Ontario, Erie and Chautauqua. On Sept 15 at Gainsville the first Canada
Geese were recorded (15) (Grosby fide Smith), and numerous flocks, some numbering
in the hundreds, were reported over Buffalo and localities as far south as Olean
on Oct 26. Of interest was an immature Blue Goose reported at Burnt Ship Creek
on Grand Island Nov 22 (Mitchell, Clark). From 2000 to 3000 Brant were re¬
ported flying eastward at Shadigee on Lake Ontario between dawn and 9:00 AM
(Rue fide Andrle). On Oct 28 between Lakeside and Olcott on Lake Ontario, 320
Brant were observed, some flying westward as well as to the east (Andrle, Hochmuth).
In connection with this flight it is worth mentioning that the wind changed from

SSW on Oct 25 to NE, N and NW in which directions it remained for five days,

the temperature dropping several degrees although the wind remained at averages
from 9.7 to 12.8 mpn. throughout. In general no unusual numbers or occurrences
of ducks were reported during the period. 700 Black Ducks were observed in two
localities on Lake Ontario Nov 23 (Axtells). Ring-necked Duck, a species that is
seldom seen here in the fall migration, was observed on Nov 12 (two) at Burnt Ship
Creek (Mitchell), seven on Chautauqua Lake Nov 16 (Anderson), and two at Niagara
Falls Nov 22 (Axtells). No Eiders or Harlequin Ducks had appeared up to the end
of November. 3000 Red-breasted Mergansers were observed mostly flying westward
on Lake Ontario Nov 1 (Axtells).

Hawks — Owls: The only Goshawk of the period was a bird observed five miles
east of Olcott on Nov 8 (Axtells). The first Osprey of the season was reported
from the Allegheny River on Aug 31 (Eaton). Marsh Hawks and Red-tailed Hawks
seemed to be in somewhat above normal numbers in the region, especially in
October. A few Rough-legged Hawks appeared from the middle of October on but
nowhere near the numbers that have been recorded in some previous years. Turkeys
and Ruffed Grouse as well as several small species were reported feeding on beechnuts
in Cattaraugus County (Eaton). Two Common Gallinules on Oct 31 at East Eden
Pond were the last recorded for the year (Bourne). Golden Plover were only reported
from Grand Island (one) Nov 1 1 (Freitag) during the period although more appeared
in Ontario. Shorebirds were common up to the middle of September on the Ontario
shore of Lake Erie but as usual few were noted within the region. A Baird's Sand¬
piper was observed by Andrle on Sept 30 near Lakeside on Lake Ontario. This
species has been unusually numerous on the Canadian shore of Lake Erie, The
last White-rumped Sandpiper appeared near Lakeside on Oct 29 (Andrle). A pair
of Red Phalaropes were found at Bay View on Lake,Erie Nov 24 (Bourne). They
were well seen by many observers and one v/as noted for the last time on Nov 27.
The only northern gull reported to the end of the period was a Glaucous Gull Nov 29
at Squaw Island (Andrle, Thill). The gull concentration on the Niagara River can
only be described as sensational. By November 6 a rough estimate placed the gull
numbers on Lake Ontario and up the Niagara River to Lewiston as 15,000 Herring
Gulls, 10,000 Ring-billed gulls and 5000 Bonaparte's Gulls, (Axtells). Another
estimate on Nov 9 from 1.5 miles above Niagara Falls to the Rainbow Bridge, a
short distance downriver from the American Falls', totaled: Herring Gulls 5000,( Ring¬
billed Gulls 17,000, Bonaparte's Gulls 5000 (Axtells). There were also 2000 of
the last species at the Peace Bridge at Buffalo on the same date. The Axtells
made accurate gull counts on the entire Niagara River on Nov 1 1 and 27. Each
count gave 70,000 gulls, about two-thirds of which were at Niagara Falls and most
of the rest downstream from there. On both counts Ring-billed Gulls, made up about
half and Herring Gulls about one-third of the total while a maximum of 12,000
Bonaparte's Gulls were present. One to two Franklin's Gulls were noted by several
observers at Niagara Falls in October and November. Little Gulls were seen among
the Bonaparte's Gulls at various places along the Niagara River during November.
The largest number determined definitely was on Nov 8 when four were noted at

The Kingbird

113

Lewiston (Axtells), one at Niagara Falls, and one at Buffalo (Filor), One of the
exciting discoveries of the year was a Sabine's Gull in the gorge at Niagara Falls
on Sept 30 and Oct 1, first found by Seeber and seen later by several observers, A
Forster's Tern was in the gorge at Niagara Falls on Oct 1 (Andrle, Coggeshall). The
last Common Tern of the year also appeared in the gorge on Nov 1 1 (Axtells) and
two Caspian Terns on Sept 19 at Chautauqua Lake (Rue fide Andrle) were the last
reported of this species in the region, On Nov 10 and Nov 25 two Barn Owls were
brought to the Museum, the first from a warehouse in Buffalo, the second possibly
also from the city. A Barred Owl was reported from Hamburg Oct 27 (Bourne), No
Snowy Owls had appeared to the end of the period. An injured Saw-Whet Owl was
at Hamburg Nov. 4-30 (Bacon),

Goatsuckers — Shrikes: Two Nighthawks on Sept 25 at Hamburg (Bourne) were
the last migrants recorded. The only Olive-sided Flycatcher to be reported was on
Aug 29 in Chautauqua gorge (Anderson, Knott). The great roost of Purple Martins
at Jamestown held 25,000 birds on Sept 1, 3000 on Sept 16, and 200 on Sept 17
(Beal). A Tufted Titmouse observed at Wilson Nov 2 (Brockners), was the only
one reported during the period. Carolina Wrens were not reported frequently,
One wonders whether they have regained their numbers after their apparent mor¬
tality or at least disappearance during the severe weather last winter. A Mocking¬
bird was reported at Niagara Falls from Nov 9 to 22 (Heilborn), Reports of three
Wood Thrushes Oct 12 along the south shore of Lake Erie near Angola and Dunkirk
(Rew, Stanley) were interesting as they are rarely seen so late. Water Pipits were
fairly numerous in October as were Cedar Waxwings in some localities, The first
Northern Shrike appeared Oct 22 near Attica Ctr, (Andrle).

Vireos — Warblers: As was mentioned previously there were several pro¬
nounced warbler movements during September especially on the seventh, sixteenth
and twentieth when flocks of 1 00 dr more were noted, Chestnut-sided and Wilson's
Warblers were present at least in some localities in more than usual numbers during
the first part of September while Blackpoll Warblers frequently made up at least
half to three-quarters of the flocks (Axtell). A Warbling Virea Sept 21 at James¬
town (Beal) was a somewhat late record for this species in the region. An exceptional
record was a Black-and-White Warbler (which was carefully observed feeding in o
large spruce) at Wilson Nov 30 (Lehrers), A Nashville Warbler Oct 14-17 at Athol
Springs (Csont) was the last migrant noted of this species, Parula Warblers were
decidedly rare throughout the region during the migration. A Pine Warbler and
a Connecticut Warbler, both rarities in the region, were observed in’Chestnut Ridge
Park Sept 24 (Bourne). Late records were an Ovenbird Oct 12 near Olean (Eaton),
a Common Yellowthroat near Java Center Nov 8 (Mitchell), and an American Red¬
start on Oct 26 near Youngstown (Coggeshall et al). Interesting was the report of
a Yellow-breasted Chat Sept 6 at Gainesville (Mrs. E. V, Smith). This species is very
seldom noted In the region after the nesting season.

Blackbirds — Sparrows: Eaton noted a flock of 300 Grackles feeding in the
good beechnut crop near Olean Oct 21. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak at Wilson on Oct
12 (Klabundes) was a late occurrence for this species, Evening Grosbeaks first
appeared at Olean Nov 9 (Eaton) and were feeding on beechnuts along with Blue
Jays, Black-capped Chickadees, and Red-breasted Nuthatches. Pine Siskins were
reported from several localities but no Common Redpolls or other winter finches
had appeared by the end of the period. Goldfinches seem to be more common than
usual. Young in large numbers were reported leaving their nests on Aug 25 and
26 throughout the region (Axtell). Eaton reports Goldfinches wintering in good num¬
bers in the Olean area and feeding on a good crop of yellow birch seeds. Flocks
totaling 600 on Nov 1 and 450 on Nov 8 were observed along the south shore of
Lake Ontario (Axtells). A Grasshopper Sparrow obtained at Elpna on Oct 1 (Cogge-
shalt) is a very interesting late record for a species which it little noted in the fall,
White-crowned Sparrows appeared to be less numerous than in other years in the
region. Three White-throated Sparrows stayed through November at Hamburg
(Bacon). Ten Fox Sparrows were noted near Olean Nov 9 (Eaton). On Noy 1 and
8 Lapland Longspurs, 25 on each date, were observed several miles east of Paint
Breeze near Lake Ontario (Axtells). Snow Buntings were first noted Oct 29 with
a flock of 25 on the lake shore near Lakeside (Andrle) and a total of 850 were
observed Nov 8 in about 12 places along the Ontario Plain to the eastward, (Axtells).

193 Woodward Ave i} Buffalo 14

1X4

The Kingbird

REGION 2 —GENESEE
Howard S. Miller

Temperature during the last half of August was about normal except for
a brief heat wave the last two days of the month. The 31st brought the
year’s highest temperature, 91°. September was about normal in tempera¬
ture, as was October, except for a sharp freeze early in the month which set
record low temperatures for a day or two. November was quite mild until
Thanksgiving, after which mid-winter conditions prevailed until the end of
the month. During this period temperatures ranged down to 10°, and over
a foot of snow fell.

Precipitation for the fall period, as well as for the first eleven months of
the year altogether, has been well above normal. In spite of this fact, the
level of Lake Ontario and the surrounding bays and ponds has been even
lower than last year, which was a very dry year. The low water level re¬
sulted in good shorebirding, but brought small numbers of herons and grebes.
Heavy flights of loons, brant and scoters occurred during the latter part of
October. The flight of finches, on the other hand, was rather poor, only
the Pine Siskin being reported in any numbers, with one report of the White-
winged Crossbill,

Loons— Ducks: The highest count of Common Loons was /5 birds along the
east lake shore Oct 9, and the high count of Red-throated Loons was an almost
unheard-of total of an estimated 1200 along the west lakeshore Oct 23 (Listman).
200 Horned Grebes were reported Nov 9 around Hamlin State Park (Dobson), but
the Red-necked Grebe was unreported and the Pied-billed Grebe was scarce during
the whole period. Two immature Gannets were off the Russell power station Nov 27
(L, Moon, Listman) and the latter observer saw single birds Nov 29 and 30 around
Braddock's Bay. Single Double-crested Cormorants were reported Aug 16 and 19
and Oct 5 around Braddock's Bay (Listman).

A single Whistling Swan was reported from Braddock's Bay Oct 18 (Listman)
and a flock of 1 7 was seen at Honeoye Lake Nov 20 by the same observer. 5000
Brant were observed along the west lake shore Oct 26 (G, O. S.) and 1500 were seen
in the same general area on Oct 28 (Listman). 100 were still present Nov 9 along
the east fake shore (G. O. 5.). Two Snow Geese were seen Nov 1 at Braddock's
Bay (Listman). Four Qadwalis were seen Aug 20 at Manitou (Listman) and two at
Mendon Ponds Oct 25 (Whites). No European Widgeon were observed, but 20
American Widgeon were seen Aug 31 along the west lake shore (Burroughs-Audubon
Hike), 600 were seen Oct 26 in the same area along with the Brant and Scoter
flight, and 150 were seen Nov 2 at Mendon Ponds (Whites). 1200 Pintails were
seen Oct 26 along the west lake shore (G, O. S. Hike). 15 Green-winged Teal were
seen Aug 17 around Braddock's Bay (G. O. S.). 25 Redheads were seen Nov 22 at

Durand (Starling, Brummer). 20 Canvasbacks were at Mendon Ponds Oct 25
(Whites). A flock of Greater Scaup off Durand was counted on Nov 1 by Starling
at 1165 birds. This approximate number was still present at the end of the period.
1500 American Goldeneyes were migrating along the west lake shore by Nov 30
(Listman). 2000 Old Squaws were seen off Durand Nov I 1 (Listman). Two White¬
winged Scoters were seen at Manitou Sep 23 (Listman), 300 were seen along the west
lake shore Oct 26 (G. O, S.) r and 450 Oct 28 in the same area (Listman). Four Surf
Scoters were seen Oct 28 on the west lake shore (Listman); five along the east lake
shore Nov 9 (G, O. S,), and four were seen the same day at Hamlin State Park
(Dobson). 360 Common Scoters were seen Oct 26 along the west lake shore
(G. O. S.) and seven at Hamlin State Park on Nov 9. 12 Ruddy Ducks were seen

along the east lake shore Nov 9 (G, O. S.). 60 Hooded Mergansers were reported

at Durand-Eastman Park Nov 22 (Starling, Brummer).

Hawks — Owls: No Goshawks were reported in the area this year. A group
of 45 Red-tailed and three Broad-winged Hawks, observed Aug 30, was a very large
number for any time during the fall migration. A Peregrine Falcon was observed

The Kingbird

115

hunting near Salmon Creek Oct 7 (Listman). A single Piping Plover appeared Sep
7 near Braddock's Bay and a bird of this species was present until Nov 11, a very
late date. 62 Killdeers were seen Nov 4 at Salmon Creek (Listman) and one bird
was still present Nov 29 at Summerville, The first record of the Golden Plover was
of a single bird, Aug 17, at Braddock's (G. 0, S.), A maximum of 84 occurred Sep
30 west of Braddock's (Listman) and 15 were at Salmon Creek Oct 7 (Listman,
Brown), The first Black-bellied Plover was seen Aug 3 at Braddock's (Tanghe)!
29 Common Snipe were observed Nov 23 at Salmon Creek (G. 0. $,), A Whimbrel
was seen Sep 1 at Braddock's (Dobson, Volk). Two Greater Yellowlegs were seen
Nov 15 at Salmon Creek (Listman) and one Lesser Yellowlegs was seen In the same
place Nov 16 (Dobson), Ten Knots were seen Aug 31 at Braddock's (Burroughs-
Audubon Hike), and two Pectoral Sandpipers and 12 Dunlin were seen Nov 11 at
Salmon Creek (Brown, Listman). 20 White-rumped Sandpipers were seen Aug 30
at Braddock's (Listman, O'Hara, Starling). Two Baird's Sandpipers were at Brad¬
dock's Aug 30, three ot Salmon Creek Sep 25 (Listman), and a very late bird at
Salmon Creek Oct 26 (G, O. S,). A very late Least Sandpiper Was seen Nov 15
at Salmon Creek (Listman), 20 Short-billed Dowitchers were seen Aug 17 at Brad-
dock's (G, O. S.), 25 at Northrup Creek Sep 14 (Dobson), and one Nov 9 at Salmon
Creek (Listman). A typical Long-billed Dowitcher was seen Oct 4 at Long Pond
(Kemnitzer, Listman). 12 Stitt Sandpipers were seen along the west lake shore
Aug 31 (Listman, McKinney), 8 at Narthrup Creek Oct 5 (Dobson, Tanghe), and a
very late bird Nov 8 at Salmon Creek (Starling), Four Western Sandpipers were seen
Aug 31 at Braddock's (Listman, McKinney). A Hudsonian Godwit was seen at
Braddock's Sep 4 (Schaefer), two at Northrup Creek Sep 14-27, one of these re¬
maining at least until Oct 5 (Dobson, Tanghe), The Wilson's Phalarope was recorded
four times from three locations along the west lake shore from Aug 17-30, More
than one bird may well have been present. A Northern Phalarope was seen Sep'6 at
Shore Acres and Sep 17 at Northrup Creek, The only Glaucous Gull for the period
was one at Braddock's Nov 1 1 (Listman, Brown), Six Forster's Terns were seen
Aug 30 at Braddock's (O'Hara et al), 8 were seen at Charlotte Oct 4 (Kemnitzer,
Listman), and a very late bird at Webster Park Nov 27 (Kemnitzer).

Three Great Horned Owls were heard at Mendon Ponds Oct 25 (Whites) and the
first Snowy Owl of the year was seen at Summerville Nov 23 (Dobson),

Swifts — Shrikes: The Pileated Woodpecker was seen twice during Sep, and
three times during Oct, near Avon (Haller). Another was seen on the east side of
Irondequoit Bay Nov 14 (Listman). Ten Red-bellied Woodpeckers were seen Oct 1
near Avon (Haller), and ten Red-headed Woodpeckers were seen in the same area
Oct 15 by the same observer, A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was seen Nov 21 at
Bushnell's Basin (Dakins). Neither the Black-backed nor the Northern Three-toed

Woodpecker has been seen this year, although there are plenty of dead elms on

which they fed during their last invasion. Two Yellow-bellied Flycatchers were seen
along the west lake shore Sep 1 (Schaefer, Fiior, Listman), and two more were seen

Sep 15 at Avon (Haller). A late Wood Pewee was seen Oct 3 ot Avon (Haller),

The only fall record of the Olive-sided Flycatcher was of one bird Sep 1 at the
BAWS (McKinney). Two Cliff Swallows were at Manitou Aug 16 (Starling, Miller),
and one at Buck Pond Sep 22 (Listman), Ten Red-breasted Nuthatches were counted
in Durand-Eastman Park Nov 23 (G, O. S.), 18 Winter Wrens were reported Sep

28 in Island Cottage woods (Dobson). 30 Robins were still in Durand-Eastman
Park Nov 22 (Starling Brummer), Gray-cheeked Thrushes seemed common this
fall, 12 being reported Sep 16 at Manitou (Listman), and ten being seen at Island
Cottage Oct 4 (Dobson), Only two reports of Bluebirds were received during the
period, one of three birds Aug 23 at Letchworth Park (Zeitier) and a single bird
Oct 25 at BAWS (Mitchell), A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was observed Sept 16 at
Manitou (Listman). This bird is very uncommon in this area after the nesting
season. One Bohemian Waxwing was seen in company with Cedar Waxwings in
Durand Nov 29 (Starling, Miller). Northern Shrikes have been uncommon this year,
the first report being of one bird Oct 24 at Hamlin State Park (Listman),

Vireos — Sparrows: A Solitary Vireo was seen on the very early date of Aug
16 at Avon (Haller), and a Philadelphia Vireo was seen Sep 6 in Genesee Valley
Park (Schmanke). A Brewster's Warbler was carefully observed Aug 21 on Clover
Street, southeast of Rochester (Whites). An Orange-crowned Warbler was seen
in Island Cottage Woods Oct 4 (Listman), and the same observer saw another of this

116

The Kingbird

species at Manitou Oct 6, Three Parula Warblers were seen Sep 6 in Genesee
Valley Park (Schmanke). Numbers of Myrtle Warblers were still present in Durand
in the late Nov, twelve being seen on the 22 (Starling), and 8 on the 23 (G. 0. S,).
A very late date for the Black-throated Green Warbler was Oct 28 at Highland
Park (Starling). Two Pine Warblers were seen at Highland Park Sep 1 (Starling),
four at Avon Sep 8 (Haller), and one at Genesee Valley Park Sep 28 (Schmanke).
A Connecticut Warbler was seen at Island Cottage Woods Sep 30 (Listman). A
[ate Redstart was seen Sep 19 at Island Cottage Woods (Dobson). A pair of Cardi¬
nals was observed feeding young out of the nest Oct 4 at Avon (Haller), A Rose¬
breasted Grosbeak was seen Oct 4 in the Island Cottage woods (Kemnitzer and List-
man). 13 Purple Finches were seen at Durand Nov 22 (Starling and Brunner).
150 Pine Siskins were seen moving along the lake shore at Durand on Nov 8 and
40 were seen in Durand Nov 22 (Starling and Brummer). One White-winged
Crossbill was seen Nov 16 in Durand (Rising and Oarsman). The only Sharp-tailed
Sparrow of the year was a bird seen in a small marsh in Brighton on Nov 2 (Starling).
200 Slate-callored Juncos were seen in Highland Park Oct 28 (Starling). 12 White-
throated Sparrows were still in Durand Nov 29 (Starling, O'Hara, Miller). Single
Lincoln's Sparrows were seen Sep 29 and Oct 4 and 6 along the west lake shore
(Kemnitzer and Listman). Three Lapland Longspurs were seen near Webster Nov
24 (Listman). The maximum number of Snow Buntings reported this fall was 1000
birds in several flocks moving past Hamlin State Park Nov 8 (Dobson).

61 Richland St,, Rochester 9

REGION 3 — FINGER LAKES
Sally F. Hoyt

The weather for the reporting period was generally cool, cloudy and wet.
Rainfall continued above normal, temperatures below normal. The end of
November saw the arrival of the first general snows and very cold weather.
Lakes were high, cutting down on shorebirds because of lack of mudflats.

A foggy period with light rains, from September 16 to 19, produced, or
perhaps just made for evident, a very heavy migration, particularly of
Thrushes during the nights. The night of Sept. 16-17 was most note¬
worthy for this.

This fall, in contrast to last, wild food seems abundant.

Loons — Ducks: No reports of Red-throated Loons this fall. The latest report
of a Common Egret was Sept 14 at Montezuma (J. Walker). American Bitterns
were scarcer around Ithaca, and neither this species nor the Least Bittern was
reported from Keuka this fall. A Whistling Swan spent several days at Montezuma
Refuge around Nov 10. A flock of 8 or 10 dropped In on a pond n. of Waterloo
about the same time, and it is understood that one was shot.

Southward bound Canada Geese seemed particularly numerous and conspicuous
this fall. A. Robinson reports a large flock on Seneca Lake on Oct 20, Dave
Allen indicated that flocks he saw over Ithaca on November 18 were as big
as any all fall. Brant again were reported on Cayuga, and there were 8 at the
south end of Seneca Lake on Oct 17 (Robinson). A flock of Snow Geese was seen
over Dryden on Nov 1 (P. Kelsey) and approximately 75 of them were reported from
Cayuga Lake, and fields south of the Lake, from Nov 16-21. It was one of the
first times in the memories of area residents that numbers of the Snows rested here
in fall, ’There were 3 Blue Geese with about 150 Canadas on the display pond
at Montezuma for a period of time.

The dabbling ducks seemed scarce this fall to several observers, except for
Baldpates at Montezuma. For example, there was just one report of Pintails on
Keuka (F. Guthrie) and none of Green-winged Teals, and Wood Ducks were also
scarce, A flock of 150-200 Mallards and Blacks and over 60 Wood Ducks paid
daily visits to the Sapsucker Woods pond and feeding station In Oct and Nov, and
included one Baldpate-Mallard hybrid, photographed by A. A. Allen, A few
Shovellers appeared on Punch Bowl Lake at Watkins Glen Oct 30 (A. Robinson).

Refuge Manager Morse reports that at Montezuma Refuge, most of the common

The Kingbird

117

species were down in numbers, although American Widgeon showed an increase
as did Canada Geese and Coots, The high count tor the fall was reached the week
of Oct 12-18, with numbers as follows: Mallards 2000; Black Ducks 200; Pintails
1000; Green-winged Teal 500; Baldpates 15,000; Shovellers 50; Wood Duck 200
Redheads 50; Ring-necked Ducks 50; Ruddies 20; Hooded Mergansers 10; American
Mergansers 20; Canada Geese 350; Coots 2000.

On November 8, 82 Brant were seen on the Storage Pond.

Hawks — Owls: No reports of Goshawks this fall. A Sharp-shinned Hawk
which had been taking birds at the Lyons' feeder in Avoca all fall was caught by
2 cats in late November! Hawks, except for Kestrels seemed scarce around Geneva
(J. Walker) and Kestrels were low around Ithaca. This does not appear to be a
Rough-leg year, although a few widely scattered reports have come in from the
Region. Almost no reports of Osprey this fait,

Ruffed Grouse were abundant at Keuka, but did not seem so near Ithaca. One
of the Region's most interesting records is of a King Rail seen Sep 12 between
Portageville and Letchworth Park entrance, (W, Groesbeck). It has been some years
since anyone has reported this irregular summer resident.

Walker found the Common Gallinule abundant this fall. It was last seen Sept
28, The shorebird migration was very disappointing, chiefly because there were
few mud flats exposed, A White-rumped Sandpiper was seen an one of the new
ponds north of Mohawk Airport near Ithaca on Oct 9 by Paul Kelsey. No reports
of Phalaropes this fall.

The Blackbacked Gulls began to appear in good numbers on Cayuga by late
Nov; and there were 4 on Seneca by the end of the month (A. Robinson), Mourning
Doves seemed numerous near Watkins Glen the end of November (Bardeen).

The Barn Owls were still around and calling in Seneca Falls on Sept 3 (Walker),
The Barred Owl has been heard off and 6n this fail in Sapsucker Woods, but not the
Horned Owl, There seem to be fewer reports of Screech Owls lately,

Swifts-—Shrikes: Hummingbirds were scarce in early fall as they had been
throughout the summer. Mrs, Carter reports that they left Avoca on Sept 10, twa
weeks earlier than usual, and I saw none at my feeders in Etna after Sept first
this year,

A family group of six Pi leafed Woodpeckers was seen in Avoca in late summer
(fide Carter). A Red-bellied Woodpecker (female) appeared at the Truax feeder
at Enfield near Ithaca on Nov 16. Almost no reports of Red-headed Woodpeckers
in this Region where they do not yet seem to be increasing as in some other Regions.

Blue Jays seem up in numbers around Ithaca, and Craws seem to be increasing
slightly too. Continued reports of Tufted Titmice at new stations, Almost no
Red-breasted Nuthatch migration this fall, and Carolina Wrens are scarce, although
a pair was reported near the Glen entrance at Watkins Glen all fall.

The Mockingbird has returned for the third winter to the Shepherd feeder at
Ludlowville, and one remained at Keuka until Sept 20, Robins were migrating in
numbers through Ithaca on Oct 9, but nevertheless were down in numbers, although
late summer nestings seemed quite successful. There was a spectacular Thrush
migration nights of Sept 16-19, especially the 16th, W. C. Dilger reported he had
never heard so many Swainson's and Gray-cheeks, Bluebirds continued scarce, but
Mrs, M. Bardeen reported 12 on Oct 15 as they were picking grapes on their farm
at Burdeft,

There"did not appear to be such large flocks of Starlings in the Region this fall.

Warblers — Sparrows: The same conditions that provided the good Thrush
flight from Sept 16,to 19 brought large numbers of Warblers, and the usual fall
migrants could be seen, especially along streams. The only really unusual report
was of a Yellow-throated Warbler at the Orcutt feeder in Penn Yan, from Nov
6-11, Several Myrtles were still to be found In Stewart Park, Ithaca, at the end
of November.

House Sparrows seem particularly abundant at feeders this fall. A, A, Allen
reported ■ that Blackbird migration was much less spectacular this fall, and there
were certainly fewer Rusty Blackbirds than last fall. Cowbirds are lingering in
numbers, however.

There appears to be no great flight of winter finches so far. Evening Gros¬
beaks first appeared around Nov 1, but in small numbers, and did not come to
feeders until the end of the month. A few small flocks of Pine Siskins have been

118

The Kingbird

I

seen' near Ithaca, but no other locations mention them. A male Towhee appeared
at the Atwood feeder the first of December, in Avoca.

White-throated Sparrows arrived in fairly good flocks in Ithaca area on Oct 8
(A. C. Lane) but in general these and White-crowns were down in numbers through¬
out the Region, and White-crowns did not appear at the Sapsucker Woods feeder as
in other years. Fox Sparrows were scarce or missing. 3 Snow Buntings were seen
on the dike at Montezuma Oct 22 (G. deForest) and there have been reports since
of small flocks in the Cayuga Basin.

Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca

\ REGION 4 —SUSQUEHANNA

Leslie E. Bemont

The latter half of August was very normal, weatherwise, but September
| was decidedly wet with the temperature showing a great deal of day-to-day
variation but averaging about normal. October brought the first widespread
killing frost the morning of the 6th. During an eight day period, from the
22nd to the 29th, it rained or snowed every day. The first snow fell Oct 25
but it was only a trace. November was rather wet and slightly warm on the
average, but during the last three ways of the month we got our first good
taste of winter with up to 5 inches of snow and sustained sub-freezing
temperatures.

Fruit and seed crops were generally excellent throughout the region.
Thornapple, especially, was spectacular in the Binghamton area. Mr. Wil¬
son, of Deposit, writes that this year produced the most abundant overall
wild fruit and seed crop that he has ever seen.

Loons—Ducks: A Common Loon was found on a small lake near Unadilla
Nov 8 (Wisner). Only one Common Egret was reported during the period and that
was seen wading in the Susquehanna River near Johnson City during the last week of
Aug (Dr, Standfast). Two rather late Green Herons were at Sherburne Oct 12
(Whites). Black-crowned Night Herons appear to be rather scarce now. The only
one reported during the period was at Sherburne Aug 21 (Whites), When their old
nesting colony was disrupted by the beginning of construction of Harpur College
Campus several years ago at least part of the colony moved into a small stand of
trees about Vi mile away on the south bank of the Susquehanna River at Willow
Point, across from Johnson City. They are now being deprived of that site by the
start of construction of the Binghamton sewage processing plant.

An early flock of Canada Geese was heard flying over Binghamton Sep 11
(Aton). From then until Nov 18, when a flock of over 250 was seen over Bing¬
hamton (R, Sheffield), unusually large numbers of them were noted. A flock of at
least 62 Mallards and 13 Black Ducks was seen regularly on a small marsh next to a
heavily travelled road near Endwell during the first half of September and hunters
reported seeing quite a few Wood Ducks but the dabblers went pretty much un¬
observed otherwise, The divers seemed to have the split duck hunting season
pretty well diagnosed because a male Bufflehead at Chenango Valley State Park
Nov 19 (Marsi, Linaberry), a Ruddy Duck at Norwich Nov 2 (Whites) and four
Hooded Mergansers at Sherburne Oct 12 (Whites) were the only ones reported
before the end of the period.

Hawks — Owls: As usual few hawks were reported. A Broad-winged Hawk
Aug 16 between Johnson City and Endwell (Bemont) and four Ospreys, the first
Oct 11 at Maine in Broome Co. (Beaver) and the last Oct 21 at Unadilla (Wisner),
were the only certain migrants. The more reliable hunters report Ruffed Grouse
to be quite plentiful. An immature Sora was seen at Norwich Oct 7 (Whites).
Killdeer were last seen at Unadilla Nov 9 (Wisner). American Woodcock were in
relatively good supply until the last one was seen Oct 29 at Union Center, nor of
Endicott (Leslie). The earliest Common Snipe reported was at Sherburne Aug 31
and the last at Norwich Nov 15 (Whites). A Greater Yellowlegs at Sherburne Oct
12 (Whites) was our last and two Pectoral Sandpipers at the same place at the same

The Kingbird.

119

n

time were the only ones reported. Three Least Sandpipers at the South Otselic
Fish Hatchery Aug 17 and one at Sherburne Sep 14 were our first and last resDectively
(Whites). A Semi pa I mated Sandpiper at Willow Point Aug 24 (M. Sheffield,
Ohrberg) was the only one reported. Shorebirds always put on a rather poor show
in the region because available mud flats and beaches are in small patches so there
is little chance for concentrations to form. Two Upland Plover were found at Broome
Co. Airport Oct 12 (Sheffields), but when the spat was rechecked about a week j
later there was none there. A Common Tern, an infrequently reported species in '
the region, was at Norwich Sep 19 (Whites).

Goatsuckers — Shrikes: No Nighthawks were reported after Sep 8 and no
Chimney Swifts after Aug 24. Two Yellow-shafted Flickers were still at Chenango
Valley State Park Nov 28 (Sheffields), During November, especially the lan er
part of the month, there was a mild flurry of Pileated Woodpecker reports from :
various parts of the region. Only two Yellow-bellied Sapsucker reports: one on the
south side of Binghamton Oct 2 (H. Marsi, H. Hock) and one at Choconut Center
Oct 4 (Sheffields). No Kingbirds after Aug 24 but a Great Crested Flycatcher was
still at Norwich Sep 12 (Whites). Oct 12 saw the last Phoebes: one at Maine
(Beaver) and one at Choconut Center (Bemont). "Lots" of Empidonax Flycatchers
were seen on the south side of Binghamton Sep 22 (H. Marsi), One at Whitney
Point Oct 1 1 (Beaver) and another at Choconut Center Oct -2 (M. Sheffield, Bemont) 1
were both late records. Our last Wood Pewee was at Choconut Center Sep 27.

An Olive-sided Flycatcher was at Norwich Aug 17 (Whites) and another was at
Choconut Center Aug 26 (Sheffields).

A Tufted Titmouse seen at Maine Sep 13 (Beaver) represents a new location,
Another one was at Deposit Oct 1 (Wilson), There were only three Red-breasted j
Nuthatch reports: one at Sherburne Sep 14 (Whites), one near Cooperstown Nov 16 I
(Whites) and two at Chenango Valley State Park Nov 28 (Sheffields). The first
Brown Creeper was at Choconut Center Oct 25 (Sheffields). They have been more I
common than usual in the Triple Cities area since then but have gone unreported I
in the rest of the region. No House Wrens were reported after Sep 29 and the
first of several Winter Wren reports came Oct 1 1 north of Binghamton (M, Sheffield,
Potts). Stili no Carolina Wren reports. A Short-billed Marsh Wren was singing at
Sherburne Aug 17 (Whites), j

A Catbird at Choconut Center Oct 12 and a Brown Thrasher at the same place
Oct 18 (Sheffields, Bemont) were both our last. Robins could still be seen in large !
flocks, especially in thornapple thickets, until Nov 9. Since then there have been
only scattered reports, the latest one so far from Bainbrldge Nov 27 (E. J. Smith),
Two late Hermit Thrushes were at Chenango Valley State Park Nov 28 (Sheffields)
and our last Veery was seen at Choconut Center Oct 5 (Sheffields). The number of
migrating Bluebirds noted during October was appreciably lower than normal, but
was pleasantly higher than one might expect with the number present during the
breeding season in mind, The last one was at Unadilla Nov 9 (Wisner). Golden-
crowned Kinglets were first noted at Roundtop in Endicott Oct 1 1 (Bemont) and
Ruby-crowned Kinglets at Choconut Center Sep 28. (Sheffields). Both species were
common in the Triple Cities area, especially the latter. A Ruby-crown was stil! at
Chenango Valley State Park Nov 28 (Sheffields), A small flock of Water Pipits
seen near St, John's Pond, north of Binghamton, Oct 11 (Sheffields) were the only
ones reported. Cedar Waxwings seemed more common than usual in the Triple
Cities area all during the period. Our first Northern Shrike was near Choconut
Center Nov 22 (M. Sheffield),

Vireos — Warblers: Red-eyed Vireos were here until Oct 2 when one was seen
on the south side of Binghamton (H. Marsi, H. Hock), A Tennessee Warbler Sep
28 and a few Nashvilles Sep 27, all at Choconut Center were our latest (Sheffields,
Bemont). Magnolia, Myrtle and Black-throated Greens were the only warblers
reported at all commonly during the migration period. Magnolias were first found
Sep 20 near Endwell (Bemont) and were last seen Oct 13 north of Binghamton
(Beaver), Myrtles — from Oct 2 at Norwich (Whites) to Oct 27 north of Bing¬
hamton (Beaver) and Black-throated Greens — from Aug 30 at Maine (Beaver)
to Oct 12 near Choconut Center (Sheffields). A Bay-breasted Warbler was found
near Choconut Center Sep 27 (M. Sheffield). Two Yellow Palm Warblers were re¬
ported ,one at Binghamton Oct 1 (H. Marsi) and one at Norwich Oct 27 (Whites).

A late Yellowthroat was at Choconut Center Oct 26 (Bemont). Three Wilson's

120

The Kingbird

Warblers were found near Endwell Sep 10 (Linaberry) and our last Canada Warbler
vvas near Binghamton Sep 27 (R. Hock). No more Redstarts were reported after a
'wave' was noted near Binghamton Sep 22 (H. Marsi).

Blackbirds — Sparrows: A flock of over 150 Meadowlarks was seen between
Binghamton and Whitney Point Oct 26 (Leonard). 30 or so Red-winged Blackbirds
Nov 8 were the last noted in any numbers but there were later reports of scattered
individuals. Three of them were coming to a feeder in UnadMIa at the end of
November (Wisner). Baltimore Orioles were gone after Aug 24.

Evening Grosbeaks were first seen at Unadiila Nov 13 (Wisner). They have also
been seen at Deposit (Wilson), Johnson City (Austin), Sidney (E. J. Smith) and around
Oneonta (New). Numbers have been small, and nowhere have they been seen
regularly. None has been reported at feeders so far. Several small flocks of Pine
Siskins have been reported from Oxford during the month of November (Stratton)
and on Nov 16 a flock of 30 was seen near Cooperstown (Whites). Goldfinches
have been quite abundant right through November around the Triple Cities, at
Deposit (Wilson) and around Oneonta (New). Rufous-sided Towhees seemed plentiful
at Bainbridge (E. J. Smith) and around the Triple Cities, They were last seen in the
latter area Nov 6 (Sheffields). There were more than the usual number of Vesper
Sparrows reported, the last ones a small flock near Chaconut Center Nov 1 (Shef¬
fields). Slate-colored Juncoes started appearing in numbers about Oct 16, but
no Tree Sparrows were reported until Nov 2. White-crowned Sparrows were seen
first Oct 10 and last Nov 1, both times near Choconut Center (Sheffields), They
were quite common there and at Norwich and Sherburne (Whites) and at Bainbridge
(E. J, Smith), White-throated Sparrows were reported first near Binghamton Sep
27 (R, Hock) and were last seen at Bainbridge Nov 18 (E. J. Smith). On Oct 21
several were heard singing at Choconut Center (Sheffields, Bemont). There were
several reports of Fox Sparrows: three Oct 18 at Choconut Center (Bemont), six
Oct 25 at Maine (Beaver), one Oct 30 at Bainbridge (E, J, Smith), one Nov 2 near
Binghamton (Marsis) and several at Unadiila Nov 8 (Wisner).

710 University Ave., Endwell

REGION 5— ONEIDA LAKE BASIN

Fritz Sci-ieider

August displayed no sharp variations from the expected values weather-
wise. Sep, however, had precipitation 60% above the normal and less than
50% of the anticipated sunshine; a series of E and NE winds, cloudy
evenings, and foggy nights Sep 16-19 produced small "tower” kills at Syra¬
cuse and Rome (see Warblers). Oct was cool with precipitation and sun¬
shine near normal; a cold snap with NW winds on Oct 11-12 produced a
panregional Canada Goose migration, widely noted. Constant wet weather
between Oct 22 and 29 was followed by a massive exodus of later migrants,
especially sparrows and blackbirds, said exodus being hastened by hard
frosts on Nov 1-2; this exodus usually occurs about ten days later. Nov
28-30 brought eight inches of snow and icing of small ponds and marshes
with attendant drops in half-hardies and dabbling ducks.

Major features of the fall migration were 1) superb numbers of mi¬
grating geese (Oct 11-Nov 30), dabbling ducks, and sparrows (Sep 27-
Nov 2), 2) excellent shorebirding until mid-Sep (see Sliorebird Count), and
3) good fall warbler waves (noted Aug 30 and Sep 5, 8, 13-14, 17, 27-28,
most coinciding with day-earlier NW winds). Negatively the season has
seen the poorest diving duck migration ever recorded here, very poor counts
of loons and grebes, and low numbers of migrant flycatchers, wrens, and
hawks. Though most migrants departed on time or even early, some few
individuals lingered strikingly late (see Warblers); conversely some winter

The Kingbird

121

visitants (Rough-legged Hawk, Snow Bunting) arrived early, but the ma¬
jority were on schedule or a bit late. A fair winter Finch flight began in
late Oct hut the numbers of these and of wintering hawks and owls have
been quite low.

Fall birding is noted for rare finds and this fall’s harvest of rarities in¬
cluded two species of jaegers, two species of nhnhvope, Marbled Godwit,
Little Gull, Purple Sandpiper, and Prairie Warbler.

Loons—Duck-?: Red-throated Loon: one to three/day thru Nov, all from Lake
Ontario. Horned Grebe: numbers reduced markedly with a high count of 37 (very
low) on Nov 23, D-c. Cormorant: singles, Oct 1 1 and 18, Sandy Pond are the only
fall reports. Common Egret: two, Sep 26, Piseco Park in the southern Adirondack
(Aspinwall) is a new species for that area; nine of these birds were present at
Howland's island Game Management Area, Port Byron until Oct 27, B-c, Night
Heron: scarce all fall, with one, Nov 2, Hinckley Reservoir, the last (E .Bagg IV).

Whistling Swan; six to 19, Nov 20-30 on the eastern end of Oneida Lake, are
most unusual since there is only one other recent (last ten years) fall record; two
over Howland's Is, GMA on Dec 4 are probably more of this late flight. Canada
Goose: very heavy fall flight with a major movement on Oct 11-12, e, g. 1000 over
Marcellus (Spofford), 600 at Sandy Pond where 100 birds are unusual, and 325
at Sherrill, highest single-day count ever recorded there (Nodecker); a second major
flight Nov 1 8-23 with other flocks reported at Syracuse and Skaneateles and up
to 1500 near Bridgeport; about 85 wild birds still at Howland's Is, GMA at the
end of the'period. Snow Goose: with the late Canada Goose flight came reports
of 85 Snow Geese at Lewis Point, Nov 16, and 65, Shackleton Point, both Oneida
Lake, Nov 20; both records are late and very high in numbers. Blue Goose: an
adult shot, Oct 18, Cazenovia Lake, is a first fali record. Brant: small numbers
seen Nov 1 to 23, Sandy Pond to Texas; none from Oneida Lake; a flock of 60,
Nov 16, over Howland's Is. GMA; an injured bird later crash-landed there and now
resides with the breeding stock,

Dabbling ducks migrated thru in large numbers with some favored ponds and
marshes holding 1000-2000 birds; this was particularly noted in the marshes from
Cicero west thru Baldwinsvllle, Cato, and Port Byron and in the half-flooded bottom¬
lands of Chittenango Creek south of Bridgeport. Mallard and Black Duck: up to
2000 and 2700 respectively at Howland's Is. GMA on Nov 9; these counts are not
as high as last year's but a check of adjacent areas show about 30% higher totals;
flocks of 200 to 500 Mallards, Black Ducks, Pintails with a few Redheads, Gadwalls,
Shovelers, and an occasional Goldeneye were noted regularly feeding in dry fields
of standing corn, this at a time (mid-Oct to early Nov) when aquatic food was still
plentiful and accessible (Scheider, Ernst). Gadwatl: unreported away from How¬
land's Is, GMA; peak count there is 20, Oct 22. Pintail: fall numbers up (high
of 400, Oct 22) considerably; a Gadwall X Pintail hybrid seen Nov 23, Three Rivers
GMA. Green-winged Teal: fall flight from Juy 26 to Nov 27; peak number is 115,
mostly males, Nov 9. Baldpate: flocks up to 500 on various small wildlife marshes
at Baldwinsville and Phoenix; strangely scarce all fall at Howland's Is. GMA.
Wood Duck: flocks of 40 to 90 at Three Rivers GMA and Skaneateles; a very sharp
drop after the frosts of Nov 1-2 but a few present to end of period.

Redhead and Canvasback: literally "crash" species this fall; aside from a flock
of 5000 Canvasbacks, Nov 19, Oneida Lake, both species have been reported by
the tens and dozens with occasional counts to 100-150 instead of the usual hun¬
dreds and thousands; Scaup shared this decline and the Oneida Lake numbers were

in the low hundreds rather than in the high thousands. The more common diving
ducks thru the season were Common Goldeneye, White-winged Scoter, the two
Mergus mergansers (both down 50%, however), and Ring-necked Duck. Buffle-
heads and Oldsquaws very scarce to date; no counts of either above 25.

Black Scoter: one to 20 seen Sep 28 to Nov 8, all Lake Ontario. White-winged

Scoter: reported in numbers (60/day) from Lake Ontario and Oneida Lake and up
to 50 on the ponds of Howland's Is, GMA to Nov 26. Surf Scoter: date range
Sep 27 to Nov 23 but small numbers, one to five/day. Hooded Merganser^ high
count of 200, early Nov, Howland's Is. GMA; up to 19/day from small wildlife
marshes in early Oct.

Hawks — Owls.: Fail counts of Lawks quite low to date, the drop particularly
122 The Kingbird

marked in the number of migrating Accipiters and wintering Buteos. Red-tailed
and Rough-legged Hawks: late Nov counts from the better areas approximately five
and three/day respectively, very low figures compared to 5-yr, average. Rough¬
legged Hawk: arrival date is Oct 18, two light phase birds, near Sandy Pond.
Harrier: fall numbers, though lower than last year, are best counts of all late Nov
raptores. Peregrine Falcon: one adult, Sep 6, Sandy Pond and a report of four
there in the third week of Sep; unreported away from that area. Merlin: six seen
along the Sandy Pond dunes, Sep 6 to Oct 11, the last, an adult male, rather late.

Ruffed Grouse: fall counts very low and hunting toll extremely so; the present
good seed crop may prevent any sizable winter kill. Pheasant: many very young
birds with some too young to fly in the fields at the onset of hunting season, Oct 16.

Shorebirds and their long and wide-ranging migrations always engender excite¬
ment and this fall was no exception. The majority of reports stem from Sandy Pond
and Delta Lake where low water levels produced extensive sand and mud flats.
Oneida and Onondaga Lakes and local marshes suffered from high «—• and rising ■—
water levels but several local pastures were made transiently attractive by rain-pool
formation. A regional Shorebird Count taken Sep 5-7 netted the following totals:
22 species, 715 individuals; Piping Plover 1; Ringed Plover 59; Killdeer 164;
Golden Plover 5; Black-bellied Plover 10; Spotted Sandpiper 6; Solitary 3; Greater
Yellowlegs 14; Lesser Yellowlegs 47; Knot 1; Pectoral 44; White-rumped 12;
Baird's 4; Least 71; Semipalmated Sandpiper 145; Western 5; Red-backed 1; Short¬
billed Dowitcher 2; Long-billed Dowitcher 2; Stilt Sandpiper 1; Marbled Godwit 1;
Wilson's Phalarope 1. Quite noticeable was the sharp drop in shorebird variety and
numbers after Sep 13-14 despite continuing good conditions at such favorable areas
as Sandy Pond and Delta Lake, Particularly scarce all fall were Ruddy Turnstone
(high of four with last date, Sep 14, unbelievably early), Knot (nine on Sep 13,
Sandy Pond, is peak), and Red-backed Sandpiper (high is four with departure date
Nov 9, early).

Golden Plover: date range is Aug 16 to Sep 28, small flocks of four to eight;
no Oct stragglers. Black-bellied Plover: high count is 16, Sep 13, Sandy Pond; few

reports away from Lake Ontario; no Nov records. Wilson's Snipe: fall numbers

quite good in late Sep with a high of 40 in early Oct at Howland's Is. GMA.

Spotted 5andplper: rapid Sep decline with last date Sep 21, an early departure.

Solitary Sandpiper; last date Oct 5, one, Sandy Pond is quite late. Greater and
Lesser Yellowlegs, and Pectoral Sandpiper: flocks of 70, 60, and 45 respectively
at Howland's Is. GMA in late Sep and early Oct following the draining of several
large pools there (Ernst); last date for Pectoral is Nov 9, two, same place. Purple
Sandpiper: two in winter dress clambering about the willow stumps along the
channel of the Sandy Pond Inlet, Nov 1, is the second regional record in five years
(Scheider). White-rumped Sandpiper: date range is Aug 9 to Nov 1 (late) with
a high of 12, Sep 1. Baird's Sandpiper: 14 birds reported from Aug 26, one at
Sylvan Beach, to Oct 11, Sandy Pond. Least Sandpiper: latest date ever is Nov 9,
one, Howland's Is. GMA (Wayland-Smith, Paquette, Scheider), Long-billed
Dowitcher; one to two reported Sep 7 to 28, all at Sandy Pond; on the latter date,
Spofford hod a Long-billed and a Short-billed Dowitcher side by side for 20 minutes,
an observation described as "the finest field study I've ever achieved with shore-
birds", Semipalmated Sandpiper: high count is 400, Aug 31, Sandy Pond; last
date, Oct 12, seven, Howland's Is. GMA. Western Sandpiper: last date is Oct 5,
two, Sandy Pond. Marbled Godwif: a very tame single seen and photographed Aug
30 to Sep 6, Sandy Pond Inlet is a moderntime regional first (numerous observers).
Sanderling: counts of 40 to 100 to mid-Sep, Sandy Pond; one, capable of sustained
flight, Nov 27, Sandy Pond is late.

Wilson's Phalarope: one, Sep 7, Sandy Pond is the second regional record in as
many years (Nisbet, Scheider, et al.). Northern Phalarope: one, Sep 13, and two,
Sep 23, both from Sandy Pond; none a\yay from Lake Ontario..

Pamarine Jaeger: one seen Sep 7, off Sandy Pond Inlet (Nisbet, Scheider, et al.);
heavy flight, size of bird, and heavy bill carefully noted. Parasitic Jaeger: four
records, all single birds, from Lake Ontario, Sep 6, 7, and 13, Sandy Pond, and
Oct 5, Derby Hill near Texas, Careful checks of other points along Lake Ontario
would probably show jaegers as rare but regular visitants each fall; at least one
jaeger has been noted each fall for the past five years along the eastern end of
Lake Ontario. Great Black-backed Gull: adult arrival date is Sep 1, Sandy Pond;

The Kingbird

123

any proof of this species breeding on northeastern Lake Ontario islands to date?
Ring-billed Gull: fall numbers at Sandy Pond in the 400-2000 range with ex¬
ception of 7000 huddled there, Oct 11, during a 45-mph gale, Bonaparte's Gull:
very scarce this fall; peak count is 30, Oct 15, Oneida Lake, Little Gull: an adult
in winter plumage carefully studied Sep 1, Sandy Pond Inlet, is the first regional
record (Scheider).

Forster's Tern: date range is Aug 3, one, to Oct 18, four, with a peak of 14 on
Sep 27, all from Sandy Pond; none have yet been recorded away from that much
favored site. Common Tern: last date at Sandy Pond is Oct 18, two; at Oneida
Lake, Nov 9, two.

Mourning Dove: remarkably late is a record of barely flying young being fed
on Oct 17 (Seaman). Snowy Owl: none to date. Short-eared Owl: first seen on
Oct 18, one flying, one dead, Sandy Pond; none seen subsequently, oddly enough.

Swifts—Shrikes: Chimney Swift: late is one, Sep 27, Sandy Pond (D, Gordon
J, Belknap). R-t. Hummingbird: high count is 14 moving among the jewelweed
along the Sandy Pond dunes, Sep 13; last date, Sep 23, Sherrill.

Red-bellied Woodpecker: an adult female seen Nov 3 at Gully Road near Skan-
eateles (Seaman) is a new regional station, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Sap-
suckers, Blue Joys, Black-capped Shickadees, Red- and White-breasted Nuthatches,
Creepers, and both Kinglets arrived in numbers Sep 27-28 in a uniformly sharp
wave, noted by weekend and daily (Aspinwall, Rusk) observers alike. This distinct
wave, which produced the largest — and last — warbler wave of the season, was
preceded by six days (Sep 20-26) of south and southeast winds; the afternoon of
the 26th saw the wind shift to the northwest and the following morning the fields
and woods were flooded with the above species and an enormous wave of sparrows,

Blue Jay: decreased numbers in the last half of Nov and reports indicate early
feeding-station patronage. Tree and Barn Swallows: last noted Nov 7, record late
dates for both, at Howland's Is. GMA where they were seen feeding on small white
moths thru Oct and early Nov. Red-breasted Nuthatch: no marked fall flight but
scattered numbers from Sep 13 to the end of the period, Brown Creeper: one re¬
ported spiralling about insulated waterpipes in a Syracuse : University zoology class¬
room, Oct 1 1 (Peterson). Wrens have been uniformly scarce throughout the fall,
quite in contrast to the abundant sparrows, kinglets, and chickadees; the only
notable count is 15 Winter Wrens, Oct 18, Sandy Pond dunes,

Catbird and Hermit Thrush: one each, Nov 29, Syracuse appear to be attempting
to winter over, Robin: heavy flight (up to 250/day) thru the last week of Sep
(central Herkimer County area — Aspinwall) and the first two weeks of Oct with a
marked flight On Oct 12. Wood Thrush: a flurry of early Oct records, widely
scattered; none after the frost of Oct 6, Veery: last date is Sep 28, three, Syracuse,
a few days late. Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets: arrival date for both
is Sep 25, Westernville with high counts 75, Oct 18, and 20, Oct 19, respectively;
their actions, olive colors, and widespread abundance this fall earned for them the
local name, "October Warblers"; the Golden-crowned, however, was very uncommon
thru Nov. Pipit: date range is Sep 5 to Nov 3, the latter an early departure dote.
Gray Shrike: arrival date is Nov 9, an adult, Howland's Is, GMA; no immatures
reported to date.

Vireos — Warblers: Vireos were unremarkable except for a good late Sep
flight of Blue-headed Vireos.

On Sep 16, 17, 18, and 19, heavy warbler-vireo-thrush flights were heard
passing over Syracuse. These four days were noted to have 0% sunshine, little
rain, cloudy evenings, foggy nights, and east and northeast winds. These condi¬
tions created small but significant tower, air-port, and building kills. Mr. Aspni-
wall reported on Sep 17 "hundreds of birds seen and dozens killed" in the great
searchlight at Rome Air Base and a live Black-throated Blue and a Magnolia in the
buildings there were captured and later released. On Sep 16 at Syracuse, numerous
dead birds (two-five/block) were noted in downtown Syracuse and immature Chest¬
nut-sided and Magnolia Warblems were captured in a Western Union eighth floor
office (Burtt). On Sep 16 a "chip count" atop Syracuse Memorial Hospital pro¬
duced a record tally of 1 10/minute (Scheider). On Sep 18 fifteen dead birds were
located at the base of the WHEN-TV tower at Syracuse and thirty more there
Sep 19, in both cases mostly warblers (nine species), vireos, and Holycichla thrushes,
Clearing weather and NW winds on Sep 19 abruptly terminated the string of foggy

124

The Kingbird

niaht time disasters. Details of the meteorlogicai sequent and kill results will appear
in a later "KINGBIRD" note.

Fall counts of Ovenbirds, Black-and-white, Tennessee, Yellow, Magnolia, Chest¬
nut-sided, Wilson's and especially Black-polled Warblers were up considerably;
Bay-breasted and Canada Warblers were sharply reduced. Orange-crowned: five
records, all singles, the last on Oct 18, Sandy Pond. Several exceptionally late
dates were established, thus: Nashville, Oct 2, Westernville; Parula, Oct 19, Sylvan
Beach; Yellow, Sep 28, Rome; Magnolia, Oct 15, Westernville; Black-throated Blue,
Nov 1, Utica (Bagg); Black-throated Green, Oct 29, Sherill CNodecker); Hooded,
Sep 28, Sandy Pond (Gordon); Redstart, Nov 15-16, Sherill (Wayland-Smith); this
bevy of late dates becomes inexplicable in view of the foul weather of late Oct
and low temperatures of early Nov. Prairie Warbler: one seen well, Sep 27, Selkirk
Shores State Park (Scheider) is a new regional fall record.

Blackbirds — Sparrows; Meadowlark: dozens reported thru last half of Nov
would point to a large wintering population. Most "black" Icterids (Grackles, Red¬
wings, etc.) left early in Nov following ten days of rain in late Oct and hard frosts
on Nov 1-2. Rusty Blackbird: arrival date is Sep 27; up to 200/day in mid-Oct.

Scarlet Tanager and Rose-breasted Grosbeak: small numbers of each in the great
flood of migrants Sep 27-28; top counts are ten and ten on Sep 25 and Sep 7
respectively; no late Oct stay-overs,

Cardinal: more reports with each season; now found at Selkirk Shores State
Park and Verona Beach; singles reported from Sandy Pond — at last! — on Sep 7
(Whites) and from Westernville in late Nov (May). Indigo Bunting: last seen
Oct 9, one, Westernville, a bit late. Winter finches trickled thru the region with
Pine Siskins arriving in mid-Oct and Evening Grosbeaks on Oct 28; smalt flocks,
four to 25, of these species present to end of the period. No Crossbills, Redpolls,
or Pine Grosbeaks to date. Purple Finch: seen in small groups — up to 25/day —
Sep 25 to Oct 21; none in late Oct and Nov. Goldfinch: flocks of 30-60/day thru
Sep and Oct but no heavy flight comparable to last fall's; notably uncommon
throughout Nov.

From Sep 27 to Nov 2, the hedgerows, fields, and brushlots of the Region were
alive with sparrows; a brief "spishing" session jn such territories would draw out
dozens to hundreds (literally) of sparrows all thru Oct. Large numbers of sparrows
with lesser numbers of blackbirds were noted in grain patches planted for upland
gamebirds at Three Rivers and Howland's Is, Game Management Areas; the many
fields of standing corn were also liberally infested- with both blackbirds and sparrows.
In sharp contrast was the absence of these birds from baited areas (Nodecker's
banding traps) and feeders (Aspinwall, Estoff, May). Peak figures thru Oct and
Nov, most obtained in two hours or less of birdwatching, were: Savannah—25,
Oct 13; Vesper—41, Oct 13; Tree—-350, Nov 2; Field—32, Oct 12; White-crowned
—55, Oct 18; White-throated—158, Oct 5; Swamp—66, Oct 12; 5ong—130,
Oct 19. Junco and Chipping Sparrow counts, however, seemed average.

Tree Sparrow: arrival date is Oct 21, one Westernville; very scarce in late Nov.
Grasshopper and Henslow's Sparrows: one and two respectively, oil adults, Oct 19,
Three Rivers GMA are record late dates but are in keeping with the many late
warbler records; careful check of weed fields and sparrow groups will probably show
these two species to be regularly presen'- each fall at least until mid-Oct. White-
throated and White-crowned Sparrows: first reported on Sep 7 and Sep 28 (late)
respectively; last White-crowns on Oct 29, Sherill. Fox Sparrow: date range Oct 8
to Nov 20 with a total of 25 reported, considerably above both this spring's and
last fall's counts, Lincoln's Sparrow: total of five, usually singles, observed be¬
tween Sep 28 and Oct 14. Snow Bunting: first seen on Oct 18, Sandy Pond; small
flocks (up to 85/flock) noted to end of the period.

151 Seventh North Street, Syracuse 8, New Yo%k

REGION 6 —ST. LAWRENCE
Frank A. Clinch

Rainfall was ample throughout the period. September was mild and
there was no frost until late. November brought fair weather and less rain.
The first general snow came November 28.

Loons — Ducks; Two Common Loons were seen Nov 9 at Adams Cove (Gordon),

The Kingbird 125

Horned Grebes were plentiful in late Oct and early Nov along Lake Ontario with
a few still present at the end of the month (Belknap). An adult Block-crowned
Night Heron returned to a tree near the center of Ogdensburg in Aug and was
seen near there at least until Sep 23 (Nichols). Two Blue-winged Teals were re¬
ported in St. Lawrence Co. Nov 6. The first Goldeneyes appeared Nov 20, pj n „
tails were recorded at the new Game Management Area near Louisville Oct 30 and
the last Nov 25, and Shovelers were there on the some dates (Nichols). Dyck
hunters and bird watchers agree that the fall flight of diving ducks was the poorest
in years (Belknap). About 15 Buffleheads were seen Nov 12.

Hawks — Owls: Last Red-tailed Hawk noted was on Nov 20. Marsh Hawks
were reported several times in Nov. There was a good flight of Rough-legged
Hawks Nov 4 to 21, Gordon observed an immature Duck Hawk at Stony Pt. Sep
6, and Belknap saw a Pigeon Hawk on the 15th. Golden Plovers were seen from
Sep 6 to Oct 5. There were a few Black-bellied Plovers along the shores of Lake
Ontario. Gordon saw a Whlte-rumped Sandpiper at Ei Dorado Sep 6. Nichols
found 4 Western Sandpipers in St. Lawrence Co. Sep 16. Gulls, mostly Ring-bills
were common inland in Jefferson Co, during Nov, and 2 Bonaparte's Gulls were
seen near Adam's Cove Sep 1 by Gordon, Aug 21 Belknap and Gordon saw 3
Northern Phalaropes at El Dorado Beach. There was only one Snowy Owl, Nov 21.
Long-eared Owls were heard in Aug and one was shot near Watertown about Nov 30.
Short-eared Owls were seen Nov 22 near Chaumont. Allen saw a Barred Owl at
Fine, St. Lawrence Co,

Swifts — Shrikes: The last date for Flickers was Nov 19 ot Watertown, Among
the observations of Nichols in St. Lawrence Co. are: 6 Phoebes Sep 23, 6 Cliff
Swallows Sep 16, 2 Wood Pewees Sep 23, 2 House Wrens Sep 23 and 6 Bluebirds
Sep 22. A Catbird was reported near Lowville Nov 4 and one in Watertown about
the middle of the month. There were many reports of Cedar Waxwings in Water-
town in Nov. There were only two observations of Northern Shrikes in Nov.

Vireos — Sparrows; A late date for Red-eyed Vireo is Oct 25 near Carthage.
Nichols saw Cape May Warblers Sep 16, and Bobolinks the same day. Three
Cardinals have been reported as coming to a feeder in Watertown for several weeks
this foil and there was one near Lowville Nov 22. Nichols saw 4 White-winged
Crossbills at Piercefleld Sep 30, He also saw Evening Grossbeaks Oct 31 and they
appeared in Potsdam about that time. J. Blake saw a few flying near Watertown
Nov 15. Other observers noted small flocks the latter part of Nov, but until
Dec 3 the Evening Grosbeaks showed little interest in feeders at Watertown. Bel¬
knap saw 2 Lapland Langspurs near Philadelphia Nov 12 and also noted an un¬
usually heavy fall flight of Tree Sparrows iate in Oct and the first part of Nov.
The first Snow Buntings appeared Nov 21.

173 Haley St., Watertown

REGION 7 — ADIRONDACK - CHAMPLAIN
Thomas A. Lespbrance

Since there were very few warblers during the breeding season, the lack
of waves of these species during the fall movement was not unexpected.
Some of the hardier thrushes stayed quite late, as did sparrows and black¬
birds. The cool that prevailed during the summer turned to cold as fall
progressed, giving one of the most spectacular foliage displays in many a
year. Temperatures stayed at or near freezing each night from late October
to the end of November, with only a few intervals of “Indian Summer’
weather. The first snow fell at higher elevations on Oct 30, and at the
lower levels on Nov 21. There has been snow on the ground ever since
with no thaw. A continued temperature drop has brought temperatures
below zero at the end of November. These are night-time temperatures, hut
the days have been blustery with snow squalls and dark ominous clouds. At
present (Dee. 5) there is an accumulation of twenty inches of snow at the
top of Polce-a-Moonshine Mountain, and nearly ten inches at the foot.

126

The Kingbird

Streams, are frozen over as are the inland ponds and lakes, thereby forcing
the waterfowl to the broad waters of Lake Champlain. This has been a
boon to the waterfowlers, with the new duck season extending to January
8th. Due to the frigid conditions, however, no great slaughter is anticipated.

Loon$—Ducks: Common Loons were seen at Lake Champlain from Wills-
boro to Rouse's Point but not in any appreciable numbers. The species was also
reported from Tupper Lake, Sep 14 (Amstutz). Mallard, Black Duck, White-winged
Scoter, Surf Scoter and American Scoter were seen on Lake Champlain, the first
tirne all three species have been observed by this reporter. American Goldeneye,
Bufflehead, a few Scaup, and many Old Squaw were observed during this period.
No Snow Geese were reported from this area, although there were good flights of
Canada Geese and a few Blue Geese were seen.

Hawks — Owls: There has been no report of hawk activity, except for an
occasional Sparrow Hawk perched on the wires along the roads. A Saw-whet Owl
was seen on the Peru-Keesevitle Road (Route 22) on Dec. 1.

Goatsuckers — Shrikes: Pileated, Hairy, Downy and Red-headed Woodpeckers
were seen near Keeseville, while at Tupper Lake there was a large movement of
Flickers on Sep 4, A nest of the Black-backed Woodpecker was found at Tupper
Lake, which tends to show the general increase of this species since it was first
reported in this area, two years ago, as being fairly common in the denser wooded
areas. Horned Larks are still about at this writing at Keeseville, while the last
one seen at Tupper Lake was Nov 16. A large flock of Wafer Pipits was noted
at Tupper Lake on Nov 1 (Amstutz).

Vireos—-Warblers: At Keeseville there was no perceptible warbler movement,
but at Tupper Lake Miss Amstutz reports "A confusing array of fall warble's".
Among those identified and reported were Nashville, Black-throated Blue, and Red¬
start. It appears that the warbler movement occurred farther to the west than
usual, and «in an area that needs more observers because of its remoteness and
vastness. In fact, were it not for Miss Amstutz and Dr. Kingsbury, we would not
have reports from there at all. The warbler wave was of short duration, lasting
only from Aug 16 to Sep 20. The peak days were Aug 16 and Sep 1.

Blackbirds — Sparrows: Many blackbirds stayed in the Keeseville area until
early Nov, feeding at or near the marshes. Among the species noted were Redwing,
Grackie, Cowbird and Rusty Blackbird. Sparrows were about until the snows came,
and in great variety. Song, Vesper, Savannah, Grasshopper, White-crowned and
White-throated were included. Meadowlarks are still around Keeseville at this
time. The early snows are indicative of harsh weather to the north of us, and
promise an excellent opportunity for observation of boreal species. Already Miss
Amstutz reports White-winged Crossbills, in increasing numbers from Aug 9 to
date, as well as Pine Grosbeaks. At Keeseville we have had many Grosbeaks and
now and then a Pine Siskin. Other winter residents, Blue Jays, Chickadees, Juncos
and Brown Creepers are in great numbers. In spite of adverse weather conditions,
we continue to have the always sought-for new record, sometimes brought to our
attention too late for the current reporting but better late than never; this time, "an
authentic record" of a Cardinal near Ampersand Pond (Amstutz),

NOTE TO REGION 7 OBSERVERS: As of this date, Miss Agnes Amstutz,
Tupper Lake, N. Y., will take over the reporting for this region until June 1, 1959.

I will be in Florida continuing my studies as medical technician. See you all next year.

Keeseville , New York

REGION 8 — MOHAWK - HUDSON
Brother E. Austin, F, S. C.

The fall season in the Mohawk-Huclson area was very close to normal
save for^ an impressive 3.64 inch rainfall in October. The autumnal migra¬
tion is usually less well observed and documented then the more spectacular
spring flights and this year proved no exception. The migration records
were rather average with the shorebirds which are never really abundant in
the Mohawk area, and with regard to the ducks. There were, however,

The Kingbird

127

moments of excitement in the middle of November with huge numbers both
of Canada and Snow Geese on the wing and with at other times the dis¬
covery of a Raven, an Oregon Junco, and an immature Little Blue Heron,
Otherwise the migration followed its regular pattern despite a scarcity in
some species.

Loons—Ducks: The first record of the Common Loon in its southern passage
dates from Oct 7 and from that time they were frequently reported especially from
Saratoga Lake. The Pied-billed Grebe was noted on Sep 4 (Hollenbeck) and the
Horned Grebe on the 25th of the same month. The Snowy Egret did not appear
at all during the period but the Stoner Bird Trip along the Hudson River did turn
up 15 Common Egrets on Sep 13 and there were other observations of this species
until the 25th. An immature Little Blue Heron appeared on Aug 31 at the
same small pond near Mohawk View made famous by last year's Cattle Egret. This
was the first local record of this species since Aug 1956 when one was at Watervliet
Reservoir. There was a surprising number of Canada Geese in the area during
Oct. Bartlett reported 100 on the 16th at Jenny Lake and two days later there were
75 at Lock 8 on the Mohawk River; a group of 23 were at the Tomhannock Reser¬
voir on the 18- 19th (Kaskan) and the Alan Devoe Bird Club recorded several flocks
flying an the 12th. But the big days for the Canada Geese and for Snow Geese as
well were November 16-18 when Canadas in flocks of 20-200 flew over. The
total individuals may have run into the thousands. More unusual for this area,
Snow Geese were observed in flight formation over Albany (Thomas) and Burnt Hills
(Foote) in groups of from 50 to 300. However the duck migration in general was
not overly impressive. It is true that Green-winged Teal and Hooded Mergansers
were noted more commonly than is usual, but there were but two reports of Pintails
and Redheads and only one of the White-winged and Common Scoters — this at
Saratoga Lake on October 30 (Hollenbeck). The last date for the Wood Duck was
Oct 12. The Canvasbacks and Lesser Scaup, both regular migrants, qppeared on
Nov 16 (Schenectady Bird Club), but the Ring-necked Duck was missed completely.

Hawks — Owls; There were several Turkey Vultures at Red Rack and at
Livingstone on Sep 12 and 16 (Alan Devoe Bird Club), A Rough-legged Hawk was
seen on Nov 9 (Schenectady Bird Club) and the Red-shouldered seemed fairly
abundant; there was a scarcity of reports regarding the other hawks; only one
Sharp-shinned was recorded during the period and there were no Bald Eagles. Sev¬
eral grouse were seen and the Nassau area turned up 11 Bobwhite on Nov 2 and
20 more later in the month (Shineman). By August 17 a few fall shorebirds
were appearing. Recorded that day at Watervliet Reservoir were ten Killdeer, four
Common Snipe, three Spotted and one Solitary Sandpiper, and two Lesser Yellowlegs
(SBC). At Coal Pocket on August 28 the following shorebirds were seen: several
Killdeer, two Solitaries, two Greater Yellowlegs, five Lesser Yellowlegs, and two
Least Sandpipers. During the last week of Aug a Woodcock was captured by'
dogs at Burnt Hills, The bird was successfully rescued and liberated after a re¬
cuperative period (Foote). There were a few Semipalmated Sandpipers at Tom¬
hannock Reservoir in the first week of September and a Dowitcher at the same
location on October 18 (Austin). A Pectoral Sandpiper was present at Crescent
Reservoir on the 10th of Sep (Merritt). No Great Black-backed Gulls were re¬
ported during the period. Both Cuckoos seemed fairly common during Sep; the
last date for the Black-billed was Oct 10, Both Screech and Great Horned Owls
were recorded regularly and a Barn Owl was seen at close range on Sep 10 when
the bird was temporarily blinded by the lights of a bus (Austin), A Barred Owl
was at Jenny Lake in the second week in October (Bartlett).

Goatsuckers — Shrikes: Several small groups of Nighthawks were seen late in
Aug and in the early part of Sep over Schenectady. There was a goad record of a
male Whip-poor-will seen at Burnt Hills on Sep 8 (Foote). The last date for the
Chimney Swift was Sep 23 (Radkeh Observations of the Pi leafed Woodpecker
seem to be increasing both in number and in range; reports of this interesting species
are almost commonplace. Two Tufted Titmice were present at a feeder near
Batlston Lake on Nov 20 and 29 (Silliman). There were no Carolina Wrens re¬
ported during the period even though it has bred at Collins Lake for the last two
or three years. Bluebirds and more particularly, Robins were abundant in the area,
often in flocks of considerable size. At' Ghent Water Pipits were present in a fair

128

The Kingbird

sized flock until Nov 8 (Erlenbach). At Jenny Lake a Common Raven was clearly
seen on Oct 9 both on a dock and in flight (Bartlett). Two shrikes were reported
during the period, a Loggerhead on September 25 (Hollenbeck) and a Northern at
Tuttle's Marsh in Kinderhook on Nov 8 (ADBC).

Yireos — Sparrows: The vireos seemed scarce generally; the latest date was
of a Solitary on Oct 10. The warbler migration was spotty; there were small waves
late in Sep and continuing until the 12th of Oct, the last date of consequence. The
Myrtle was practically the only exception to stay beyond this date. A Baltimore
Oriole was seen as late as November 29 (French) in Loudonville and the Common
Grackle until the 17th of the same month (Van Vorst), The Cardinal continued
steadily to increase in range in this area and several young have been seen at
feeders. There was an interesting report (Turner) of an adult Oregon Junco at
Nassau from Nov 11-15; the bird was banded there.

- Box 174, Trov

REGION 9 — DELAWARE - HUDSON
Fred N. Hough

August, September and October were not too far from normal with tem¬
perature and rainfall averages. The first prolonged storm period occurred
during the last week in October, with snow being added to the trend of
cooling changes. Over much of the region snow fell on the 26 to depths
varying from a trace to as much as 22 inches in some parts of the higher
Catskills. It looked as though winter had an early making but following
this most of November was stable enough to be almost pleasant. The first-
real cold hit on the last two days of November.

Opinions differed as to how good the migration was in our region but in
a final analysis it was probably close to normal. It seems likely that the
scarcity of certain birds reported in some sections was hinged to the fluctua¬
tion of bird movements that often occur during migration. The northern
finches were slow in coming and were not reported as numerous. Along
with the usual a few exciting finds were discovered during the season. The
seed crop in general was considerably better than last year.

Loons—Ducks: On Sep 19 Martha Earl discovered a Little Blue Heron near
Blooming Grove, Orange Co., and last saw it on Sep 28. No one would ever dream
of finding an Ibis in the Catskili Mountains, of all places, but it has been done.
Up in the headwaters of the Esopus Creek near Slide Mountain on Aug 17 Jeanette
Dunn and party found a Wood Ibis. The bird was not too wild so both photographs
and motion pictures were taken of it. Identity was confirmed by Henry and lise
Dunbar and Dr. Robert Pyle. A second Rockland Co. record for the Whistling Swan
was made by Eugene Brown and Joseph Rotoli by the finding of one near Hook
Mb, Nyack. It stayed about the area from Sep 9 to the 18th. No Snow Geese
were reported from the upper part of the region but two large flocks were, how¬
ever, spotted over Stony Point, Rockland on Nov 16 (RAS), Four Green-winged
Teal were found at the TVi Loba Hill sanctuary, Westchester, on Oct 5 (Stan
Grierson). Also at the Tri Loba Hill sanctuary about ninety Wood Ducks were
counted by Ruth and Stanley Grierson on Sep 1. Most of these ducks remained
until Nov 15. Both White-winged and American Scoters were seen in small num¬
bers on the Merriman dam in Ulster Sounty on Oct 27 and 28 by Chandler Young.
A first Ulster Co. record for the surf Scoter was made on Oct 7 by Al Feldman who
discovered one on the Ashokan Res. In general, migrant waterfgwl seemed to be
about in norma! numbers.

Hawks — Owls: Most hawk reports indicated a poor flight although this may
not have been the actual case since coverage was quite incomplete. Brood-winged
Hawks were flying over northern Westchester Co. on Sep 13 (Mildred Kurka, R. &
S. Grierson) and a fair flight was seen passing over Stone Ridge, Ulster on Sep 15
(F. Hough). A Purple Gallinule was seen at Congers Lake, Rockland on Aug 30
(Morton isler) and apparently stayed until Sep 17 (Dr. Marjorie Hopper). Mr. and

The Kingbird

129

Mrs. Bob Deed spotted the Dowitcher at Pierpont Pier, Rockland Co. on Sep 5,
making a second county record. The Western Sandp : per was recorded for the third
time i'l dockland Co. on Aug 30, by its discovery at Lake DeForest by Ed Gamble.
Another first for Rockland Co. was made by Bob and Mrs. Deed on Sep 5 when they
discovered the Sanderling at Pierpont Pier, The owl population remained normal.
One Saw-whet was seen at Mt, Kisco, Westchester on Nov 1 (Mr, and Mrs. D. C.
Orbison). How long is the song period of the Whip-poor-will? At Krippiebushj
Ulster Co. this year perhaps an exceptional record of its calling was made. It was
heard on May 1 for the first time and nightly from then until Sep 8, when last
heard, (F. Hough et al). A Whip-poor-will was heard near Pomona, Rockland, on
Sep 26, a very late date, (Homer Kelsey).

Swifts — Shrikes: Only one record came to hand this Fall on the Red-headed
Woodpecker, in contrast to several last year. One was seen near Lake Minnewaska,
Ulster Co. on Oct 18 (JBNHS field trip). A lone Tree Swallow was seen over the
Merriman Dam, in Ulster Co. on Nov 5 (Chandler Young), making the latest known
departure date for this county. There was a fair movement of Born Swallows in
Sep. Not much was seen of the Red-breasted Nuthatch during the migration period.
Henry and Use Dunbar watched a pair af House Wrens bring off a brood of young
on the late date of Sep 7, The incident took place at their residence in Lomontville,
Ulster Co, The Carolina Wren may have suffered a setback from earlier in the
year as the number of Summer and Fall records are considerably below those of last
year. Robins were abundant in many areas of Ulster Co. all through November,
apparently influenced by the stable weather and seed crop. Nowhere in the region
were the Bluebirds considered numerous, A first Fall rcord for the Blue-gray Gnat-
catcher in Ulster Co, was made by Henry Dunbar, when he discovered one on Sep
1 1 near Lomontville.

Vireos — Warblers: Down in lower Rockland Co, David Hill heard a White¬
eyed Vireo singing on Aug 30, which is late for the species. On Nov 29 a male
Blue-winged Warbler fell victim to a cat near Cross River, Westchester and ended
up, not in the cat's stomach, but in Stanley Grierson's study connection. The Cape
May Warbler is often missed in the Fall migration but this season it was observed
in both Rockland and Ulster, Last record was at West Nyack, Rockland on Sep
1 1 (Jean Kolars). Some observers felt that the Oct migration of Myrtle Warblers
was very poor but was more or less compensated for by considerable movement
during Nov, Many of these late birds will undoubtedly winter. A migrating
Northern Water-thrush through Pierpont, Rockland Co. on Sep 5 set an early date
for its arrival (B. Deed). A Connecticut Warbler was found dead in Tappan, Rock¬
land Co, on Oct 10 (H. Babcock). In general the flights of Warblers seemed to be
about normal.

Blackbirds — Sparrows: A female Baltimore Oriole was found staying about the
Ponckhcckie section of lower Kingston, in Ulster Co, during the latter half of Nov
(Arthur Cragin). A Dickcissel was seen in Katonah, Westchester on Oct 25 by
Allan ond Polly Pope and another was checked by Henry and Use Dunbar during

latter Nov while at a feeding station in Hurley, Ulster Co, The Evening and Pine

Grosbeaks came down late and were not abundant during this period. Pine Siskins,
likewise, showed no abundance, Mrs. Richard Weindling observed an Oregon
Junco in West Nyack on Nov 6, Martha Earl banded her first Lincoln's Sparrow

on Sep 1 1 at Blooming Grove, Orange Co. and four more subsequently. One was

seen at Naponach, Ulster Co. on Sep 20 (C. Young). Two Lincoln's were seen on
Oct 1 at the Tri Loba Hill Sanctuary, Katonah, Westchester Co, (Ruth & Stan
Grierson), ond two more were banded by Use Dunbar on Oct 9 in Lomontville, Ulster
Co. Mabel Little added' to her life list the Lapland Longspur, seen on Oct 21 near
Carmel, Putnam Co,, among some sparrows. A good observation!

Accord 1

REGION 10 —MARINE
John J. Elliott

Warm weather continued through October and into the last week of
November following a summer of consistent rainfall sufficient for good seed
and berry crops. This condition favored the fairly large sparrow populations

130

The Kingbird

with Juncos, Chipping and Field Sparrows appearing abundantly and linger¬
ing in the productive weed patches at Jones Beach and elsewhere near
the coast.

The highlight of the season came after a week of unsettled weather and
fog in mid-August when 13 Wood Ibises appeared over the farm of Roy
Latham at Orient Better than usual observations were made for Cory's
Shearwaters, and a partieularly good Jaeger flight was recorded with a
nucleus off Shinnecock Inlet from early August which lasted for about a
month (G. Raynor), A maximum flock of 150 Snow Geese was reported
from Flushing, a dozen or so records of Peregrin Falcon and about a hun¬
dred of Pigeon Hawk came in.

Such rarities as Yellow Rail, Curlew Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper
and all three phalaropes were reported. Many species of the larger land
birds came through in fair numbers, but both cuckoos, Phoebes, both King¬
lets, Swainson's and Gray-cheeked Thrushes, Red-eyed Vireos, Magnolia
and Blackburnian Warblers, Redstarts and Scarlet Tanagers appeared down
in numbers. A good flight of Robins, Myrtle Warblers, Goldfinches and
Sparrows and later Snow Buntings helped fill out the migration.

Loons — Rails: Both Common and Red-throated Loons and Horned Grebes
appeared regularly through Nov; no Red-necked Grebes, few petrels, no pelicans
reported. Shearwaters were recorded from several locations on the South Shore of
Eastern Long Island from Montauk to Moriches in Aug and Sep (mostly Cory's),
and also at Jones Beach into late Oct. Although generally regarded as fewer in
numbers than in former years, some 48 Common Egrets and 43 smaller white
herons entered the rorost at East Moriches, Aug 30 (G, Raynor). Last egrets:
Common at Jamaica Bay, Nov 22; three Snowy Egrets, same location, Nov 18
(J, Mayer); also Common Egret at Gilgo, Nov 22 (Baldwin Bird Club); one or two
records of Louisiana Heron in late Aug. A Cattle Egret was seen at Montauk Point
on the morning of Nov 1 1 (P. Buckley) and before sunset, one (possibly the same
bird) was found on o pasture lot 2 miles to the west with several horses and bullocks
(Mrs. J. Elliott).

No Wood Ibis records west of Moriches, but on the day that 13 were seen by
Roy Latham at Orient, 10 were observed at nearby East Marion (E, Morgan) and
slightly further west by P. Stoutenburg; also about the same date 10 were seen
flying due north a mile east of Center Moriches (B. Brady); the last record, a single
bird was found at East Moriches, Aug 30 and seen by numerous observers (G. Raynor).

Glossy Ibis, Lawrence, Sep 1, one (J. Bull), Wood Duck, Northporf, Sep 9,
three (E. Mudge), Duck count, Jamaica Bay Sanctuary, mid-Nov: 300 Canvasbacks,
nine Oldsquaw, 400 Ruddy Ducks, 1 4 Hooded Mergansers, five Common Mergansers
(Mayer). Maximum Snow Goose, 150 at LaGuardio Field, late Nov (E. Simon);
eight Snow Geese at Sagaponack, Nov 23 and six at Shinnecock Bay, Nov 20
(R. Wilcox). Red-tailed Hawk, Lloyds Harbor, Sep 28, five (J, Ricks); otherwise,
Buteos rather scarce —* Broad-winged at Woodmere, Sep 20 (Baldwin Bird Club).
Hawk flight, Oct 13 at Jones Beach: five Shatp-shinned, one Cooper's, three Osprey,
14 Pigeon Hawks (M. Levine). About one dozen Peregrine Falcons passed through,
with a maximum of . three in one day, principally in Oct; another small flight at
Jones Beach, Nov 1: 10 Pigeon Hawks and three Sparrow Hawks; several Galiinules
reported on western Long Island. No Black Rail, but one Yellow Rail at Jamaica
Bay, Nov 6 (Mayer).

Plovers — Owls: Good flight of Semipalmated and Black-bellied Plovers, no
Wilson's reported. Golden Plover: Mecox, Aug 30, three, oner Orient, Sep 14, 40
(G. Raynor); Moriches, Sep 1, two (A. Penberthy, M, Levine); Hook Pond, Sep 13, 18
(Queens Co. Bird Club), Six Common Snipe daily, Seaford (E. Morgan). A good
flight of 18 Solitary Sandpipers, Jam Bay, early Sep (Mayer, Rose), five Willet, Jam
Bay, Oct 18 (A. O, U. Field Trip); Curlew Sandpiper, Jam Boy, Cep 7, one (Bull,
G. Carleton, Mayer); Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Jam Bay, Aug 29, one (Mayer, Rose);
latest Pectoral Sandpipers: Lawrence, Oct 26, 10; fair flight of Hudsonian Godwits,
fewer Marbled, at Jam Bay and Moriches; all three Phalaropes reported: Wilson's

The Kingbird 131

early Sep into Oct; Northern, one on Oct 27; one Red, Nov 2 (Mayer)., all at
Jamaica Bay.

jaeger flight of both Pomarine and Parasitic noted from Aug 2, from 10 to 20
individuals (about equal for both species) for about a month, with nucleus of
Shinnecock Inlet (Raynor). Jaegers were observed a mile or two offshore for a week
later than those seen on shore observation points (A. Cooley). Practically no white-
winged gulls observed; good flight of Bonaparte's on South Shore; 25 at Jones
Beach, Nov 22 (Baldwin Bird Club); 20 at Shinnecock Inlet, Nov 27 (Wilcox).
There was a rather poor flight of Forster's Terns; one Caspian, Fire Island, Sep 18
with one Roseate and 20 Blacks (A, Alperin); one Caspian at Moriches Inlet, Sep 1
(Raynor). Practically a complete lack of hurricane disturbances, except for one
deflected hurricane, resulted in no southern accidentals this fall. Maximum Black
Skimmers: 300 at Jam Bay, late Sep (Mayer). One Alcid record: dead Dovekie
Moriches Bay, Nov 15 (Wilcox); very few Cuckoos reported; Barn Owl daily at Jones
Beach in Nov (Queens Co. Bird Club); seven Short-eared Owls at Spring Creek, Oct
20 (Mayer). Saw-whet records: Cedarhurst, Oct 21, one picked up alive, brought
to Bronx Zoo died later (Bull); Short Beach, Nov 8, one (Bull, Carleton); from Nov 1
to 15 two picked up in Massapequa and one at Oceanside brought to Tackapausha
Preserve (Morgan).

Goatsuckers — Shrikes: Maximum Nighthawks, Sep. 13, 17 at Manorville

(Raynor) latest Nighthawk, one on Nov 8 at Idlewild (Mayer); several Red-headed
Woodpecker records: two at Idlewild, Sea 12 (Mayer): one at Tiana Life-saving
Station, Sep 27 (Wilcox), Black-backed Woodoecker, Central Park, N. Y, C,, one
daily in Nov. Flight of Kingbirds at Savville, with 75 on Sep 16 (Alperin); Western
Kingbird, Woodmere, Sep 20; one at Riis Park, Nov 2, with several in between.
Say's Phoebe, Gilgo, Sep 6, one (Buckley, Restivo); Crested Flycatcher, Moriches,
Nov 8 (Wilcox). Red-breasted Nuthatch flight Pnht; 12 Brown Creeoers, Tiana
during Oct (Wilcox). Sage Thrasher, Tiana, Oct 18, 19, second record for species
east of Mississippi (Wilcox, Raynor, D. Puleston, Flliatt, Ward). Several Mockingbird
records. Exceptionally few wrens seen; Hermit Thrush, about 50 percent of normal;
Bluebird flight meager; more Ruby-crowned than Golden-crowned Kinglets; practi¬
cally no early fall Water Pipits. A few Loggerhead Shrikes were observed in early
fall, but no Northern to date.

Vireos — Warblers: Red-eved left early, no abundance; two Solitary Vtreos.
Jones Beach, Oct 18 (Elliott, Ward); Philadelphia Vireo, Tiana, three on Sep 27
(Wilcox). Yellow and Black and White Warblers passed through early; there was
a small flight of warblers at Mastic, Aug 17 with Black and White and Canada
reported (John T. Nichols). (Note: This will be the last field record for The King¬
bird of this famous Long Island ornithologist who died last month). Ten species of
warblers were observed at 1 Woodmere, Sep 20 (Ba'dwin Bird Club), A Golden¬
winged Warbler was observed at Tackapausha Preserve, Sep 20 (Levine), and a
Brewster's Warbler at Massapequa, Sep 6 (Elliott). The Tennessee Warbler flight
was poor on eastern Long Island, as was the Nashville, Chestnut-sided, Blackpoll,
Black-throated Green and Prairie, There was a good flight of Cape May Warblers.
Myrtle Warblers appeared about normal; late Ovenbird at Seaford to Nov 2 (Eliiott);
Mourning Warbler rather scarce, one at Idlewild, Aug 30 (Mayer) Hooded Warbler
was found at Tackapausha, Sep 20 and a late Prairie at Jones Beach on Nov 22
(Carleton, Levine); Canada Warbler arrived early and one lingered into late Oct at
Smithtown. Latest Redstart, Jones Beach, Nov 22, one (Carlton, Levine).

Blackbirds — Sparrows: Bobolinks passed through in Sep; last Orchard Oriole,
one at Idlewild Sep 8 (Mayer). First Rusty Blackbird, one at Shinnecock Bay, Oct
4 (Wilcox), Scarlet Tanager scarce, no Western Tanager to date; Blue Grosbeak:
Captree, Aug 19, one (Alperin); one at Idlewild, Oct 18 (Mayer, Rose); Indigo
Bunting, Jones Beach, Oct 18, one (Baldwin Bird Club); one, Oct 10, Tiana (Wilcox);
Dickcissel: several records, Tiana to Riis Park, Sep 20 to Oct 24; there was a large
flight of Juncos, a good number of White-crowned and White-throated Sparrows and
a lesser one of Field and Chipping Sparrows, The latest good record of White-
crowned: Montauk, Nov 16, 12 in a flock (Morgan), Maximum Lark Sparrows:
three at Jones Beach, Sep 13 (Levine) and a Lark Sparrow and two Vesper Sparrows,
Oct 18 (A, O. U. Field Trip). A dead Lincoln's Sparrow was found at Baldwin,
Oct 12; only record to date of Lapland Longspur, Spring Creek, Nov 3 (Mayer, Rose),
First Snow Buntings: Shinnecock, Oct 31 (Wilcox). Increase to 30 at Montauk,
Nov 11 (Elliott) and 42 at Shbrt Beach, Nov 16 (Levine),

3994 Park Ave., Seaford, Long Island , N. Y,

REPORTING REGIONS

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

GROW BERRIES
FOR THE BIRDS !

Complete Stocks of Naturalistic Plantings
EVERGREENS • SHRUBS • TREES • VINES
Send for Free List: “Plants Most Attractive to Birds”
MICHIGAN AUDUBON SOCIETY SERVICE DEPT.

DUTCH MOUNTAIN NURSERY

Att’n. Cliff Walters

Route 1, Box 167, Augusta, Michigan
“If You’re Too Busy to Plant a Tree—You’re Just Too Busy!”

FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC.

1959 Officers

President

Allan S. Klonick-901 Sibley Tower Building, Rochester 4

Vice-President

Mrs. William Gary Irving---Van Houten Fields, West Nyack j

Corresponding Secretary

Mrs, Southgate Y. Hoyt-Etna

Recording Secretary

Mrs. William J, English-35 Vz Lincoln Avenue, Amsterdam

Treasurer |

Mrs. Dayton Stoner-399 State Street, Albany 10

Editor of THE KINGBIRD
Minnie B. Scotland
42 Continental Ave., Cohoes, New York

Standing Committee Chairmen

Bibliography: Allen H. Benton, N. Y. S. College for Teachers, Albany 3
Conservation: John J. Conway, Times Square Building, Rochester 14
Membership: Albert W. Fudge, Larchmont Road, Elmira

Publications and Research: Fred T. Hall, Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo 11
State Book: Joseph Wm. Taylor, 590 Allen's Creek Road, Rochester

Elected Committee Chairmen

Auditing: Guy Bartlett, 1052 Parkwood Blvd., Schenectady
Nominating: Gerald R. Rising, 72 Allen's Creek Road, Rochester 18

ANNUAL MEETING

WATERTOWN, NEW YORK
June 5-6-7, 1959