VJ. KINGBIRD VOLUME IX, No. 2 ____ JULY ■ 1959 FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC. e /KINGBIRD PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC Vol. 9 No. 2 July, 1959 Pages 53 - 100 CONTENTS The Status of the Hungarian Partridge in New York_John E. Wilson 54 Tufted Titmouse, Painting by Wayne Trimm_facing page 59 The Tufted Titmouse Invades New York_:_,_S. W. Eaton 59 New York State Birds in Colombia___Margaret Rusk 63 Ludlow Griscom. t=r- Great Field Ornithologist_John J. Elliott 67 Recent Range Extension of the Veery on Long Island, Gilbert S. Raynor 68 W.O.S. Meeting-Lillian C. Stoner 69 Annual Meeting of the Federation of New York State Bird Clubs, Inc._Alice B. English 70 Field Notes: Evening Grosbeak in Unusual Plumage_ 74 A Partially Albino Chickadee (continued)_ 74 Checklist of New York State Birds_ 74 Highlights of the Spring Season April 1 - May 31_James K. Meritt 74 Regional Reports for the Spring, 1959 _ 75 Editor — Minnie B. Scotland Editorial Board John B. Belknap John J. Elliott Leslie E. Bemont Sally Hoyt Allen H. Benton James K. Meritt Eugene Eisenmann Fritz Scheider Business and Circulation Manager — Allan S. Klonick Cover Design — Douglas L. Howland THE KINGBIRD is published four times a year (May, July, October and January) by the Federation of New York State Bird Clubs, Inc. Publication office is 42 Continental Ave., Cohoes, New York. Publication is sent free to all individual members of the Federation. Membership in the Federation is $2.50 per year. Single copies: Seventy-five cents. APPLICATION for membership should be sent to the chairman of the member¬ ship committee, Albert W. Fudge, Larchmont Road, Elmira. * CHANGE OF ADDRESS is handled by the Treasurer, Mrs. Dayton Stoner, 399 state Street, Albany 10; EXCHANGES and BACK COPIES by Allan S. Klonick, 901 Sibley Tower Building, Rochester 4, N. Y. Accepted as controlled circulation publication at COHOES, NEW YORK. THE STATUS OF THE HUNGARIAN PARTRIDGE IN NEW YORK* John E. Wilson, District Game Manager N. Y. S. Conservation Department The Hungarian or European Gray Partridge, an important game bird throughout central southeastern Europe and the British Isles, is one of the many exotics introduced into the United States to supplement supplies of native game birds whose numbers have been materially affected by whole¬ sale environmental change. Introduction of the Hungarian partridge in the United States was first recorded in 1870 and occurred annually from 1900 to the present, and probably importations reached a peak about 1914 when 36,760 were imported. It is paradoxical that much of this interest in the Hungarian partridge was due in part to previous unsatisfactory results from attempts to stock other exotic game birds, a success of bad seasons for Ruffed Grouse and Bobwhites, and restrictions by many southern states on exports of Bobwhites to stock northern ranges. These introductions have, in a few instances, been successful — notably in the north central states and Canadian prairies, but in numerous regions complete failure has resulted. It is un¬ fortunate that no specific information is available concerning the fate of thousands of planting, totaling more than 260,000 Hungarian Partridge in the United States and Canada. Presumably the establishment and spread of these birds was dependent upon the satisfactory combination of various factors, such as food, climate, weather cover ,soil drainage, competition and diseases. In studies, to determine the characteristics that are common to all areas on which birds have been successful, several broad generalities are apparent. The Hungarian partridge does best in temperate grain growing regions; preferring crop residue in lieu of natural vegetative covers and seemingly nominal precipitation in the reproductive period. The restrictive range of the “Hun” in New York and its relative un¬ importance as a game bird has resulted in the lack of any concerted biological study of these species since its introduction in the mid-twenties. The present Hungarian partridge populations in New York stem from imports from Czechoslovakia released by the Conservation Department during the period from 1927 to 1932. Earlier releases between 1916-1921, apparently failed or resulted in small residual populations in several western New York counties. Although these is little specific information on the initial libera¬ tions in New York, it appears they were widespread with little consideration given to environment requirements of the birds. Presently, the Hungarian partridge populations are well established along the eastern shore of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence valley, including the counties of Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Franklin and Clinton. Elsewhere in the State, there are recent records of residual in portions of Cortland, Onondaga, Allegany and Wyoming Counties. These residual colonies have persisted in small numbers but have failed to extend their range. * Paper presented at meeting of Federation of New York State Bird Clubs, Inc., in Watertown, July 6, 1959. 54 The Kingbird The establishment of the Hungarian partridge in Ontario - St. Lawrence complex poses the question as to what specific physical or environmental factors account for its success in this limited area. In attempting to analyze and correlate the information relative to climate, land use, soils and other associated factors, no apparent reasons are found which explain fully the success of the Hungarian partridge in the present range as contrasted to other areas of the State, where these factors are apparently comparable. Until more critical biological work can be done, it is only possible to assume that certain conditions may be of prime importance to the success of the Hun within the limits of its existing range. Those conditions that best satisfy this hypotheses are the dry weather that normally prevails during the hatching and brood season. There may be a very definite relationship be¬ tween “June precipitation and fall population.’' This has been well sub¬ stantiated in European partridge management, the comparatively large acreage in grain crop and permanent pasture, the existence of ample cover for nesting and shelter and lack of competition from pheasant populations. In order to have a clearer understanding of the population dynamics of the Hun population, a localized field study was undertaken during the winter of 1952. A seventy-five square mile area was randomly selected as a census unit, located in the east central portion of Jefferson County. During the months of December through to the end of February, when covey breakup and pairing occurs, roadside counts are made weekly when conditions, such as snow cover, visibility, wind and temperature facilitated maximum oppor¬ tunity for census. With continuity of personnel, it is felt that over 95% of the covey groups are contacted. The general limited range of the birds throughout this period made it apparent that winter attrition could be calculated by this census method. Further refinements of this census technique and continuity of data has given us some insight into the winter behavior pattern of the Hungarian. It should be pointed out that the re¬ liability of such a census method is open to serious error if marked shifts in populations periodically resulting from adverse weather conditions are not recognized. To discuss in a general way some of the findings of the present study, it is possible to summarize as follows: Range: The Hungarian partridge range in New York, in the St. Lawrence River Valley and Eastern Lake Ontario basin, is restricted in large to the Vergennes clay and Ontario silt loam soil derived mostly from limestone origins. This area extends from southern Jefferson County northward, in a strip approxi¬ mately 20 miles wide north to Chateaugay in Clinton County; a distance of approximately 150 miles. The total range of the Hungarian in New York then approximates 3,000 square miles, The land use pattern is predominantly dairy agriculture with large acreages devoted to pasture and hay. Tillable cropland is primarily small grain; predominantly oats and mixed grains. It is interesting to note here that similar agricultural practices and soil types predominate in the Hungarian range north of the St. Lawrence River in the Province of Ontario. The Kingbird 55 Population Density: There is a great disparity in population densities throughout the prime Hungarian partridge of the region. Current wintering populations in central Jefferson County average approximately one bird per 50 acres and reaches one bird per 5 acres in periods of peak production. Elsewhere in the Hun- garian range, the density may be as low as one bird per 100 acres; however, covey concentrations of 100 birds per mile of road are not unusual during periods of winter concentration. Adverse weather conditions related to tem¬ perature and precipitation have a definite effect on winter densities. High winds concentrate birds on lee slopes and in hedgerows; heavy snows and crusting invariably draw birds to roadside turfs exposed by plowing. Food Hahits: Since no concerted foot habit study has been carried out we can only reflect information based on random seasonal collections of crop content. It would appear that the juvenile birds depend on insects for a major portion of their food source in the early stages of development. Insect material is also eaten readily by adults in season. During the fall and early winter, weed seeds and small grains (wheat, oats) are items of food preference. During the winter months, green plant material, is the dominant food items utilized. Ground feeding on seedings by actual tunneling into snow cover is commonly observed. Much of this green plant food as well as grit, how¬ ever, is obtained in wind-blown pastures and on roadsides, as the result of frequent plowing of road shoulders. Mortality: Little information, unfortunately, is now available to us with regard to mortality during the reproductive period, from covey breakup in late winter until fall. This reproductive period, in all probability, is the time when potential population levels are most limited. The need for information on the reproductive phase of the Hungarian partridge life cycle is greatly needed to better understand biology of this species. Information, however, relative to winter mortality is more complete. Winter mortality, which has averaged about 12% on our census area over a 5-year period, appears generally not to limit Hungarian partridge populations. Approximately 60% of this winter attrition can be attributed to roadside kills by automobiles when birds concentrate on roadsides for the purpose of feeding. Winged and ground predators do not appear to result in significant losses during this period. Sleet and the resulting crusting of snow cover does have a most damaging effect. European workers report reductions up to 70 - 80% of wintering populations as a result of these con¬ ditions, as recent as 1940- 1941. Hence, the trapping and holding of birds throughout the winter used to be practiced commonly in Central Europe as a management technique. It is fortunate that such storms of long duration are infrequent in this region and have not been evident over the past five years. The winter of 1942-1943 resulted in local widespread losses in the St. Lawrence Valley as a result of a severe ice storm during December 1942. This was followed by 56 The Kingbird a gradual buildup in numbers until the winter of 1946- 1947 when large scale losses were again apparent. Accurate loss figures were not obtained during these periods but it is safe to assume that populations were reduced by 50%. Gradual recovery has occurred and populations with annual varient have again reached levels comparable with the early forties. The effect of such conditions is not always direct as the birds are often forced into marginal range, which frequently results in further attrition. Hunting Pressure: The first hunting season was held in New York in the fall of 1952 and annual seasons have been held since that time. Gunning pressure is nomi¬ nally light as Hungarian partridge hunting is somewhat specialized. Canadian biologists feel that fall populations could safely be reduced by 70% and not materially affect breeding populations. A reduction of the fall population of 150 birds by approximately 50% on a 5,000 acre area here in Jefferson County, had no discernable effect on the population densities the following fall. It is doubtful, however, if hunting under present diversified conditions in this region will ever bring about a harvest that approximates this figure. It appears that currently less than 10% of the total fall popula¬ tions are harvested during the hunting season. Stocking: The demand for stocking of game birds is always present but not always with justification. The original stock in the present range has perpetuated itself for a period of thirty years surviving, no doubt, through rigorous selec¬ tion and a biotype or an acclimatized strain has resulted. The case for intro¬ ducing stock that would in any manner change the characteristics of the present strains does not seem desirable at this time. SUMMARY Much work is yet to be done before the life cycle of the Hungarian par¬ tridge in the region is fully understood. Little study has been conducted with reference to the reproductive or post-natal periods, as previously men¬ tioned; this being the most critical, in terms of population dynamics. I think here is a place where the local ornithologist may well make an out¬ standing contribution. We, of course, expect to continue field studies in an effort to better understand many of the problems that these initial investi¬ gations stimulated. These might be enumerated as follows: 1. What is the extent of dispersal of paired birds at the time of covey breakup? 2. How important is intra-covey exchange to breeding success? 3. What is the extent of re-nesting attempt? 4. What is the most important singular nest loss factor? 5. The importance of non-productive males in the breeding population. 6. Methods of readily obtaining data in annual production: i. e., age ratios by wing collection. Here we have enumerated only a few of the questions that need serious study and consideration before we can fully understand the limited success of the Hungarian partridge in New York. P. O. Box 84, Watertown , N. Y. The Kingbird 57 TUFTED TITMOUSE (Partis bicolor) The Kingbird THE TUFTED TITMOUSE INVADES NEW YORK S. W. Eaton The Tufted Titmouse (Parus bicolor) is one of a group of four essentially non-migratory southern birds which have become quite regular in occurrence in parts of upstate New York. The Cardinal was the pioneer of these four, and has been followed by the Titmouse, Mockingbird and Carolina Wren. This is an attempt to describe the invasion by comparing the increase of the Tit with that of the Cardinal. These two species are essentially seed eaters in winter, whereas the Mockingbird and Wren with their slender bills are more insectivorous and because of these anatomical limitations seem less apt to successfully survive in upstate New York at least in areas remote from feeders. Roosting sites may well be important here as well as food¬ getting equipment. The Cardinal prefers coniferous thickets; the Tit holes; the Wren holes and crevices or thickets; the Mocker thickets. Historically we know the Tit to be a regular resident of the New York City area (Dekay, J. F., 1844. Zoology of New York . Part II: Birds). E. H. Eaton ( Birds of New York , Part II, p. 502, 1914) said it was con¬ fined to the warmer portion of the Carolinian district as a breeding species. He further said that he found no breeding records for the interior of the state but when noted early in the season, they were in pairs or small flocks indicating the possibility of breeding. W. E. Tood (1940. Birds of Western Pennsylvania. University of Pittsburgh Press, p. 396-399.) gave us the best historical account of this bird immediately south of the western part of the Southern Tier. He said towards the northern part of its range indi¬ viduals showed a decided tendency to wander during the cold season. These wanderers were as apt to wander in one direction as another. He further pointed out that the first occurrences in new areas were always in the winter and concluded that winter conditions, rather than mean temperatures of the breeding season, were important. He stated the bird is not peculiar to the Carolinian fauna as it had invaded the Plateau and the Allegheny Mountain Counties of Somerset and Cambria, Pennsylvania. South of the eastern part of our Southern Tier, P. B. Street (1956. Birds of the Pocono Mountains Pennsylvania DVOC, p. 41) considered it a rare straggler on the plateau but said it bred in limited numbers along the southern edge of the Plateau and in the Delaware River Valley. D. Fables, Jr. ( Annotated List of New Jersey .Birds, Urner Ornithologist Club 1955, p. 51) said of the Tit that it was a permanent resident throughout the state but much more regular on the coastal plain, while it was relatively scarce in the three northern counties adjacent to New York and northeastern Pennsylvania. The A. O. U. Check-list, fifth edition, 1957, recorded it as resident in extreme southern New York (Chautauqua County, Elmira, Staten Island) and further stated that in recent years it was spreading northward. To get a more specific notion of the spread of the species I have assembled in the Table the occurrence or absence of both the Tufted Titmouse and Cardinal on the Audubon Society’s Christmas counts. The figures indicate the number of birds seen per party (for a critique of such a procedure see — P. A. Stewart, Wilson Bui. Vol. 66 pp. 184-195, 1954). Ten upstate The Kingbird 59 New York cities, one New York City area (Rockland County), three Penn¬ sylvania cities, Cleveland and two southern Ontario localities were tabulated. In 1950 only Rockland County reported Titmice (reports from Elmira, Binghamton or Syracuse were not available). In 1954 four cities reported these birds; in 1958 six reported Titmice. This certainly represents a spread particularly when we examine cities reporting these birds — Geneva, Elmira, Binghamton and Schenectady. To these in 1958 are added Jamestown and Rochester. Here the major invasion route appears to be up the Susquehanna River - Finger Lakes corridor. Some spread appears to be from a source in extreme northwestern Pennsylvania into Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties probably following the Allegheny River valley and its tributaries. As with the Cardinal, little indication of movement up the Hudson is apparent. In southern Ontario no build up of the species appears. Though the Titmouse appears to be common about Detroit (sixty-eight seen on 1958 Christmas count) London, Ontario did not report this bird from 1950-1958, and Hamilton only once (1955). This is in contrast to the spread of the Cardinal in the same area. S. W. Eaton ( Prothonotary , Sept. 1950, pp. 61-62) presented evidence to show the Cardinal at Buffalo may well have arrived by way of Southern Ontario as well as along the southern shores of Lake Erie. There was a gradual increase of the species at first Detroit, then London, then Hamilton followed by increases at Buffalo. The Rochester population of Cardinals appears to have come from the south up the Susque¬ hanna and Finger Lakes country or the Chemung and Genesee River valleys. The Titmouse seems to be following this latter route but not the Canadian one. The differences in invasion routes noted here may be explained on the habitat preferences of the two species. For nesting and feeding the Cardinal is essentially an edge-type species, the Titmouse a forest bird. The spread of the Cardinal preceded the Titmouse by from ten to twenty years. This might be correlated with the abandonment of many farms on the Allegheny Plateau which created first much edge habitat for the Cardinal then pro¬ gressed to mature forest and became more favorable to Titmice. The true forest habitat of this bird near Olean was well demonstrated to me from October 1956 to July 1957. During this period I observed the species in the Townships of Olean, Allegany, Carrollton and Great Valley, Cattaraugus County. As many as six individuals could be seen on a two mile hike through a mature Beech-Birch-Maple Forest. These were usually single and with different Chickadee flocks. Once three birds were seen in one forest party of birds made up of Chickadees, White- and Red-breasted Nuthatches, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers. All these birds fed on beech¬ nuts in October and November up in the trees and from December to Feb¬ ruary, Titmice and Bluejays, from stores at tree bases and in holes. From October to February the Titmice were not easy to see and very shy -— once their “dee” call and a peculiar high pitched “seep” note was learned it became easier to locate them. On March 3, the first whistling by the birds was noted. On July 4, 1957 I collected an immature, which had juvenal feathers on back and breast and almost no crest. It was with a small family group at 2,000 feet altitude in an area where I had seen them throughout 60 The Kingbird NUMBER OF TUFTED TITMICE AND CARDINALS SEEN PER PARTY BY AUDUBON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTERS IN N. E. 00 iv o o CN in 'O in co in ID O o d o A co' CN A o' A in r CO co' o' d_ in' q^ co' o o o o d o h- m in o o co i CO ’N' CN LD On o d o' CO o' CN CN d oo' i i N- o o CN IV d o d o d O oo m o o m i in O' 00 in O' d o' o' A o' CN o' d o' i i i co o^ o' CN co' d o' o o’ m CO o N - CO o 00 CN co N- m O' o o' CO d o' o' A A NO o' CN o' 0-0 d o 1 n- co _ _ CO 00 n- o o CO o m O' o' 0-0 CN o' o^ o' d co' co o' CN o' in o' o d o CO O' O' m 00 CO m O' m O' d o' o o' o' CN o' o o' d CO o' CN o' d o' q o' d CN O' o o in in co co in ! m O' o' o' cs o' co o' CN o' CN co' CN o' o' 1 1 1 0-0 o' O' cn o O’ o ,_ i 1 195 o o' o o' CN o' CN d o o' CN co' o' i i 1 1 1 0-0 d o o in co co i CO i 1 m O' o 0-0 d o' o' CN o' i i i o' i i i 1 1 1 q o' i i 00 N" q d i cq CN O'* qq i i o' o' oo o' d OO d q o i i o o co cb i i N" d q- qq i i oo' o' d' o' in O'" in q i i o q — O'* i A d A q- i i CN o' A d' in N - in O cq q i q CN —; o' 00 i ,_■ ■— co •— ! 1 d' o' O'' o' d co CN N- 1 o NO in o' o o CN 'O CN CN mi qq in oo A' o' o' o' o' d IV N- CO r— CN 1 'O q q CO N- o CN co IT) IV CN tv q- ■— oo' in A o' A o' in d CO CN in IV cq o lv in cb -sf O'’ 00 CN CO O'' A A o' o' CN — »— in i i rv oo irj o i in CN m o’ i CN o' A o' O' ' N" o N" CN oo fv CN CN CO d tv ,_ d in' o' o' r-' o' co oo' d cb i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i > 1 ! i l 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 i d 1 1 E E 1 1 1 1 i i i 1 J 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 l 1 1 i i 1 1 i i Q_ 1 1 _o 1 l i 1 1 E 1 1 1 i cu IE 1 1 1 1 i i 1 c 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 c o V "O o' U g V O) _Q) 6 Cl. O 1 o o M- H— T? C _o +- i o > 0) c £ q to X o a) 3 CD o U 0) o o LLJ o ct U1 u CO o aL 1c CL +- to £ □ Hamilton, Ont._ 0;4.0 0;4.0 0;6.6 0;3.9 0;32 0.4;2.5 0;3.9 0;4.1 0;6.5 Numbers to left of semicolon are numbers of Tufted Titmice seen per party. Numbers to right, numbers of Cardinals per party. the fall, winter and spring. When I returned to the area in September 1957 (Ten Mile Valley near Vandalia, New York) the Titmice were absent. They have still not returned to southern Cattaraugus County in the num¬ bers seen in 1956-1957. The beechnut crop was a complete failure in the fall of 1957 and may account for their leaving. This fall, 1958, there was an excellent crop of beechnuts but still no Titmice. In contrast, in the same general area the Cardinal is restricted to edge habitat of the valley of the Allegheny during the nesting season, seldom occurring above 1,600 feet. In winter they may leave the river valley and winter in hemlock groves of the smaller valleys and coves. What is causing these southern birds to move north? Southern popula¬ tions appear to be increasing if the Christmas counts are true measures of population changes (see Philadelphia and Cleveland on Table). Many attribute it to a gradual amelioration of the climate. This may be one of the factors but there are undoubtedly others. One which hasn’t been stressed enough is the increase of the Japanese Honeysuckle which has become a Vegetational starling’ in the south, climbing over the shrubs and trees, producing much new thicket habitat. Maturing of the forests on abandoned farm land of the Allegheny Plateau may also be contributing to the suc¬ cessful colonization by the Titmouse. SUMMARY Though still not as commonly reported in upstate New York as the Cardinal the Tufted Titmouse seems to be continuing to increase. The principal invasion seems to be occurring up the Susquehanna and from areas in northwestern Pennsylvania. The Poconos, Catskills and the high plateaus may be somewhat constricting this invasion to the Susquehanna River valley and the western fringe of the High Plateaus. The invasion from southern Ontario towards Buffalo which occurred with the Cardinal in the 1940’s, has not materialized with the Tufted Titmouse. The Hudson River - Mohawk Valley appears not to be an important invasion route into east cen¬ tral New York. The lag of the Titmouse behind the Cardinal may be due in some measure to the different habitat requirements. Cardinals are edge- type nesters; Titmice, mature forest nesters. Department of Biology , St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, Neiv York. 62 The Kingbird NEW YORK STATE BIRDS IN COLOMBIA Margaret Rusk Introduction Just as interesting as seeing the exotic an thirds, woodcreepers, parrots, etc., and tropical members of the flycatcher, hummingbird and wren families during a South American stay, is discovering familiar North American birds on their migration routes or wintering grounds, sometimes in strikingly different habitats from their breeding ones. These notes are presented merely as raw data, without interpretation, and as a general indication of which groups of northern birds may be seen in Caribbean South America and of how their numbers vary through the months. Most of the following observations of New York State birds in Colombia were made by me from early September to early June 1956-1957, although some are from the same months of the previous year and some were reported to me by friends after I returned to the United States. Some of the records, as specified, are from the higher interior regions of Colombia which I visited on vacations, but most are from the Caribbean coast, centering on the Magdalena River port of Barranquilla. This is a savannah (tall grass-scrub jungle) region with temperature ranging from 75°-85° F. The dry season, when the trade wind from the northeast lashes the low trees of the monte (jungle), lasts from November ’til May, During the rainy season, the remaining half of the year, deciduous trees, mostly varieties of locust, put out new leaves, and the monte changes from a desert of thorn bushes rattling in the wind to a green jungle with paths grown over by vines. The rain then comes every afternoon or every few days in the form of violent cloudbursts which turn paved streets into roaring canals and wash the sandy topsoil down to the swift and muddy Magdalena. Flooding and wind action cause constant shifting of shore sands also. For example, what was in October of 1955 a small partly-submerged sandbar beyond the rather wide beach at Puerto Colombia (which used to be the ocean port for Barranquilla before the Magdalena was kept dredged to admit large steamers to the city 18 miles upstream, but is now nothing but a sleepy seaside resort) increased to a wide sand spit paralleling the shore for over a mile, with a lagoon behind it which cut into the width of the old beach. This created two different types of shorebird habitat on the two sides of the spit. The ocean side was strewn with small clams, pebbles, seaweed, and driftwood, and its sand was dry a little way in from the high tide line. (The inter-tidal section of beach is narrower here than is the case nearer the poles). On the lagoon side, the sand was wet and muddy, so that grass, cacti, and beach peas soon began to grow in the low dunes. P art 1 ■— Water Birds Most of the records in the present first section of this article, which includes the species through terns in the AOU Checklist, were made at Puerto Colombia. In general, the “trips” there were of one-half day’s duration, so that the numbers listed are in fact those seen in about t\yo hours in covering a length of beach of approximately two miles, unless otherwise noted. The Kingbird 63 The highly migratory plovers and sandpipers, familiar in summer or during migration in various part of New York State, find types of habitat to their liking on the shifting dunes and beach of Puerto Colombia. In general, they are present in the months of the northern autumn, the period of their immigration to Colombia, in greater numbers than at any other time. Semipalmated plovers run over the higher dry dunes and the dark lagoon-side sand. My counts averaged 15 per trip in Sep, 16 per trip Oct, 24 per trip Nov, 15 per trip Dec, 20 per trip Jan, then none until May: five per trip. With them were often some of the Wilson's Plover which is casual in New York: an average of four per trip in Sep, five per trip in Oct, seven or eight in Nov, one every other trip in Dec, none in Jan and Feb, one every other trip in Mar and May, one or two per trip in Apr. In the same areas I found Black-bellied Plovers averaging 22 per trip in Sep, 12 in Oct, 21 — Nov, five — Dec, six — Jan, one — Feb, three 1 .**- Mar, one every other trip in Apr, and one in May. Ruddy Turnstones are regularly seen, both on the seaweed and pebbles of the outer beach at Puerto, and on the rock embankment of the excursion railway which runs along palustrine beaches out to the point where the Magdalena flows into the Caribbean at Bocas de Cenizas. Average numbers per trip are: 17 — Sep, 13 — Oct, 19■*— Nov, four — Dec, one — Jan, one — Feb, five — Mar, two — Apr, five — May. In the taller grasses of the landward side of the dunes sometimes Hud- sonian Curlew lurked: about one per trip in Sep and Oct, usually two in Nov thru Jan, no records after that. The Spotted Sandpiper was seen much more regularly throughout the year: about seven per trip in Sep, Dec, Mar, and Apr; and about one per trip in Oct, Nov, Jan, Feb, and May. These fluctuations probably reflect nothing but very local changes in feeding conditions along the lagoon at Puerto and in similar habitat at other nearby beaches where I saw the Spotted. According to the AOU Checklist this species often remains far south during the northern summer, which goes to explain the regularity with which I saw it even in May. However, another case of drop-off in numbers after the fall is the Willet: seen with the yellowlegs, about ten per trip in Sep, five — Oct, 12 — Nov, two Dec, then no more than singles thru May. Lesser Yellowlegs on the muddy beach at Puerto averaged 12 per trip in Sep. Numbers dropped off sharply to one per trip in Oct and none were seen in Nov. Greater Yellow¬ legs ran about five, two, and three per trip, respectively, in these three months. I saw a few yellowlegs on ocean beaches in Mar also, but my only other records are for the Magdalena River in, Dec, and for the marshes be¬ tween the mouth of the Magdalena and the ocean shore in Feb, and a couple in Mar at Sabanilla beach near Puerto. This drop-off in numbers observed in the months of the northern winter and spring is marked even though all the preceding species are known to winter in Colombia, according to the AOLT Checklist. It seems that many shorebirds withdraw into the less accessible marshes where conditions are more tolerable as the dry season progresses. In general the northward migration is a much less spectacular affair than the autumn one when the 64 The Kingbird birds seem to spend much time on the beaches of their first landfall before continuing farther south or, more likely, moving a little way inland to spend their winter on the river flats or in marshes. The phenomenon was even more noticeable with the Knot and the Short¬ billed Dowitcher. In Sep the Knot averaged six per trip, and in Oct nine per trip with a peak number of 35 on Oct 4, lined up resting on a flat stretch of sandbar at Puerto Colombia. I saw single Dowitchers probing in the muddy landward shore there on more than half the Sep trips and somewhat less than half the Oct trips. Outside of these two months I have no records of either Knot or Dowitcher. I was unable to identify any “peep” besides Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers. The former averaged six per trip in Sep, four — Oct, three -— Nov and Dec, and five — Jan, Numbers of Semipalmateds for the same months were 42, 34, 60, ten, and ten. Since the observations are mainly from Puerto which is chiefly a sandy beach, it is understandable that the numbers of the “mud peep” would be lower. My other records are of flocks of unidentified peep on flats up the Magdalena from Barranquilla in late Dec and for the above-mentioned coastal swamps near Bocas de Cenizas in Feb; the peep too seem to withdraw into interior swamps and mudflats of Colombia during the dry season, and then trickle north largely unnoticed in spring. Finally, of the shorebirds known to winter in Colombia, Sanderlings, found typically on the outermost sandy beaches at Puerto, averaged six per trip in Sep, 11 — Oct, 18 —•• Nov, then down sharply to about one every other trip in Dec, up again to 20 in Jan, but no records later than that. There remain to be mentioned the two sandpipers I saw which pass through, but winter south of, Colombia. The Pectoral was a spectacular: on Oct 12, 1956 some were feeding on the lawn of the Barranquilla country club golf course, and then on the following day about 500 of them were there — with Eastern and Gray Kingbirds but no other shorebirds as far as I could determine. It was a field day, over that Columbus Day weekend, for small boys with slingshots. These are my only records for Pectorals in Colombia. Lastly, the other shorebird of long-range migration is that “tall-grass- sandpiper”, the Upland Plover. I located one by its call in unmowed lawn grass or tall stubble near Barranquilla once each in the months of Sep, Oct, and Nov only. Among ducks, the most numerous Colombian migrant is the Blue-winged Teal. Many a Barranquillan duck hunter tells of bagging one with a U. S. Fish and Wildlife band on its leg, of sending the band to Washington as directed, and of receiving such a courteous letter in reply, telling the ducks’ previous whereabouts as known from the band. According to the AOU Checklist’s listing of ranges of subspecies, it is improbable that the Colombian Teal are of the subspecies that sees New York State, but I yielded to the temptation to include this picturesque migrant among the New York birds in Colombia. I have no Sep records of this duck, but in Oct have seen them flush up from a roadside marsh near Santa Marta as I passed by auto, and in Dec saw them along the Magdalena; also I have records of from one to four on the Puerto beach in Oct, Nov, and Jan. The Kingbird 65 The other New York State duck I saw was a wing-injured Baldpate, too swift of foot to allow himself to be caught, on the ocean beach at Sabanilla in April. I shall do no more than mention the New York heron species seen in Colombia, as these herons occur here in numbers the year round, so that sight records without banding or extensive rookery censuses give no evidence as to the proportion of migrants from the north. Probably the majority of the Great Blue Herons, Cattle Egrets, Little Blues, the numerous Snowy and American Egrets, and the Louisiana Herons which one sees are year- round local residents. The same is true for the Glossy Ibis, vastly numerous in Colombia. Of the hawks, the Kestrel and Turkey Vulture in Colombia are local, not New York, sub-species. I have probable sight records of the Peregrine and Merlin, both on the ocean beaches. According to the AOU Checklist, these could have migrated from the Empire State. The Broadwings, viewed from my city apartment, boiling out of a thunderstormy sky in the last week of Oct were probably migrants from the Eastern States just in off the Caribbean. And the Osprey — chances were good of seeing one on a trip to Puerto any of the months I was there — may well have come from New York State too. Laughing Gulls and several New York State terns appeared at Puerto and along the Magdalena. In Sep Laughing Gulls averaged nine per trip at Puerto Colombia, in Nov five per trip, in Dec one every other trip to the beach. In Nov I saw numbers of them in Cienaga Grande, a large saltwater lake behind the barrier beach near Santa Marta, which is also on the Caribbean coast but east of the Magdalena River. Also in Nov and Dec I saw them in Barranquilla harbor. I have a Feb and an Apr record of one at Puerto, and in Apr saw 30 riding the waves in Santa Marta harbor. I saw several Black Terns at Bocas de Cenizas in Sep and one at Puerto. Apparently they also do not stay the winter right along the coast: the only other record I have is of numbers seen at Cienaga Grande in Nov. I have Caspian Tern records for Puerto starting in Nov when they averaged two per trip among the Royal Terns. In Dec there were six per trip there, and I saw 15 on the first day out of Barranquilla on a boat trip up the Magdalena. Then again in Apr there were two or three per trip at Puerto. The Royal Tern could be seen every month I was in Colombia — probably New York birds together with more near-by breeders. At Puerto counts were of around 30 per trip in all months except Jan, Feb, and Mar when there would be only from two to five facing into the wind on the mudbars. They were always to be seen in numbers over the Magdalena near its mouth, and fishing over Barranquilla harbor. For the Common Tern I have only Nov and Dec records of one or two on the Puerto beach. Least Terns were common there in Sep, as may as 15 per trip, but were fewer in Oct, the last month with Puerto records. But in Dec I saw them in numbers in the Magdalena, some distance above Barranquilla, where they must winter away from the coastal beaches, as do the greatest numbers of most of the species recorded in the present section of my notes. 100 Stadium Place, Syracuse 10 66 The Kingbird LUDLOW GRISCOM— GREAT FIELD ORNITHOLOGIST John J. Elliott Ludlow Griscom, considered the country's leading field ornithologist, died at his home in Massachusetts on May 28. Although he served as research ornithologist, research curator and editor at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology from 1927 until his retirement in 1955, it might be said that our great “Empire State" lent him to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the benefit of both. He was born in New York, graduated from Columbia University in 1912 and received a Master of Arts degree from Cornell University in 1915. He taught biology in Cornell for a year, was associated with the American Museum of Natural History, N. Y. C., for three years and became assistant curator of ornithology from 1921 to 1927, when he went to Harvard. While in New York he was a very active field student and his careful discrimination in those days established him as a stickler for accuracy in field identification. For many years he studied the distribution of birds and was a leading force in the annual Christmas bird counts for the National Audubon Society. Around the years 1910 and 1911 he censused the Long Beach area on Long Island and came up with a maximum count one Decem¬ ber of 11 Ipswich Sparrows. Incidentally, this area today is covered with beach facilities, dwellings, hotels and resorts. He was a past president of the Linnaean Society of New York after joining it in 1907 and later he became a Fellow of this organization. Mr. Griscom was a former chairman of the board of the National Audu¬ bon Society, held a membership in the New York Academy of Sciences, as well as a number of Societies outside of New York State. His greatest con¬ tribution to ornithology in New York State was “Birds of the New York City Region," 1923, American Museum of Natural History, in which he gives distributional data and other remarks on 377 species and subspecies. For many years this was considered the last word in field distribution until Cruickshank's “Birds Around New York City", 1942. After leaving New York he was in a position to the north of us to discern the ornithological trend along the northeastern seacoast and add information essential to studies in both the New England and middle Atlantic States. Moreover, he was near enough to make frequent visits to the annual dinners of the National Audubon and Linnaean Societies. These were always pleasureable occasions and long to be remembered. His lingering illness for the last couple of years reduced his activities and we saw less of this great ornithologist who was the accepted authority for field identification and bird distribution. Note: Because of the limitation of The Kingbird to New York ornithology, the above deals principally with Mr. Griscom's activities in this State. He wrote many important articles while in Massachusetts which may be revealed by searching the literature. 3994 Park Ave., Seaford, L. I., N. Y. The Kingbird 67 RECENT RANGE EXTENSION OF THE VEERY ON LONG ISLAND Gilbert S. Raynor Although the Veery (Hylocichla fuscescens ) has been considered a breeding species on Long Island for over one hundred years, it has, until recent years, been known only as a local nester on the western third. Giraud (1844) wrote, “It visits us in the spring, and continues with us during the summer,” without giving any specific nesting localities. Likewise, Eaton (1914) spoke of it only as “rather uncommon on Long Island/' Recent writers have been more specific. Cruickshank (1942) wrote, “On Long Island, a few breeding pairs have been found on the north shore between Flushing and Northport and on the south shore between Idlewild and Woodmere. In recent years in southern Nassau County birds have been heard singing throughout June in ideal habitat near Massapequa and along the Meadowbrook Causeway, and it seems probable that they have bred there." Two years earlier, however, Turrell (1939) writing of the Smithtown area said, “Although its nest has never been found in this area to my knowledge, I have heard the bird singing in mid-July, which is suffi¬ cient evidence to establish a breeding record." This reference is probably to the area along the Nissequogue River. During the 1940's the range of the Veery apparently remained static on the Island but during the present decade it has occupied territory in three areas east of the previously known breeding sites. In 1946, when Dennis Puleston began field work in the Carmen's River area between Brookhaven and Mastic, the Veery was unknown as a nesting species. In 1952, singing birds were found in May and remained to August in suitable breeding habitat. Since that time the species has become a regular breeding bird in the low- lying, swampy woodlands on the east or Mastic side of the river. At least six pairs are normally present although the 1958 population, in common with that of many other species, was abnormally low. On June 14, 1956, the writer heard at least six singing Veeries on the grounds of the Cutting Arboretum on the banks of the Connectiquot River at Great River. Although no attempt was made to find a nest, this number of birds in suitable habitat at the height of the breeding season seems reasonable evidence of nesting. Prior to 1957, the Veery was unknown as a summer resident in the Peconic River region from Manorville to Riverhead. In late May of that year, however, a pair of Veeries moved into the low-lying wooded swamps bordering the Peconic River near the writer's residence in Manorville. These birds were heard and seen into July and presumably bred. In mid-May of 1958, several Veeries were present in the same area for over a week and showed evidence of territorialism but then disappeared. Later at least two birds were relocated calling and singing about one fourth mile to the east and were present at least until July 23. On May 24, 1958, an adult Veery was found nest building by Dennis Puleston and the writer in a swampy woods near the Peconic River at Calverton. On June 14, the nest contained three young a few days old 68 The Kingbird and on the following day a photographic record of the nest was taken by Puleston. It is probably significant that the four new Veery nesting locations dis¬ covered in the last twenty years are along Long Island's four largest rivers, the Nissequogue, Connectquot, Carmen's and Peconic. A natural alteration of habitat has been taking place in each of these regions which has rendered them attractive to the Veery for the first time. Observation indicates that plant succession in all four areas has been similar. Since the Peconic River is most familier to the writer, the changes there will.be described. Originally, the Peconic River was bordered largely by wide, grassy fresh water marshes with only a narrow fringe of brush between the marsh and the adjacent upland forest. During the last twenty to thirty years, the marsh has been progressively overgrown with shrubs and trees, primarily High-bush Blueberry, Button-bush, Alder, Poison Ivy, Pepperidge and Swamp Maple, while near by swampy areas once largely bushy have been overtopped by moderate sized trees. These changes have created vast stretches of seemingly ideal Veery habitat and it is anticipated that much of it will be occupied in coming years. LITERATURE Cruickshank, A. D., 1942, Birds Around New York City, The American Museum of Natural History Handbook Series, No. 13. Eaton, E. H., 1914, Birds of New York, New York State Museum Memoir 12. Giraud, J. P, Jr., 1844, Birds of Long Island, Wiley and Putnam, New York. Turrell, L. W., 1939, The Natural History of Smithtown, Arts-craft Press, St. James, Long Island. Manorville , L. I., N. Y. W. O, s. MEETING Lillian C. Stoner The Federation of New York State Bird Clubs, Inc. was quite well represented at the Fortieth Annual Meeting of The Wilson Ornithological Society at Rockland, Maine, June 11-14, 1959. Included in the attendance were 12 of our Federation. Six of the 24 papers presented on the two-day paper session were given by the following New York State members: Kenneth C. Parker, Eugene Eisenmann and Stephen W. Eaton, each, offered papers on the Wood Warbler Symposium; while Eleanor E. Dater, Walter R. Spofford and Law¬ rence I. Grinnell spoke respectively on Lawrence Warbler, Golden Eagle and Tropical Birds of Australia. The picture of the head of the Puffin, the peculiar looking bird with the large and colorful beak, was the emblem Ralph S. Palmer had prepared for this meeting. It was used on the Information and Abstract Booklets and Banquet Menu cards. This organization, which was founded December 3, 1888 and named after Alexander Wilson, the first American ornithologist, had a membership last year of 1485. New members accepted at the business session numbered 188. The Kingbird 69 Registered attendance of 295 showed a wide Geographic representation as they were from 24 States, District of Columbia, Africa, Canada and Netherlands. Sponsors of the Rockland, Maine, meeting were the Farnsworth Museum and Homestead, Portland Society of Natural History and the Maine Audubon Society. The next annual meeting of The Wilson Ornithological Society will be held at Gatlenburg, Tennessee, May 5-8, 1960. 399 State Street , Albany 10, New York ANNUAL MEETING OF THE FEDERATION OF NEW YORK STATE BIRD CLUBS, INC. Watertown, June 5-6-7 Minutes of the Council Meeting The twelfth annual meeting of the Council of the Federation of New York State Bird Clubs, Inc., was held in the Watertown High School on June 6, 1959. Allan S. Klonick, the president, opened the meeting at 1:15 p. m. Delegates from 19 of the affiliated clubs answered the roll call. The minutes of the 1958 meeting were read, corrected, and accepted. Gerald Rising, the 1958 treasurer, reported a balance of $731.02 on hand Dec. 31, 1958. Treasurers Report Balance — January 1, 1958-$ 642.48 Receipts — Total for 1958 - 1,225.48 Gross Total_$1,867.96 Expenditures for 1958 -$1,136.94 Balance on Dec, 31, 1958 $ 731.02 Balance in Permanent Fund on Dec. 31, 1958 ___^—$ 779.75 The treasurer’s report was accepted. Reports of committees were given as follows: Financial: Mrs. Dayton Stoner, treasurer for 1959, presented the 1960 budget pro¬ posed by the Finance Committee. This budget was accepted by the Council, a complete report being placed on file. Budget for 1958 -$1,335.00 Expenses for 1958 -$1,136.94 Proposed budget for 1959 -$1,385.00 Mrs. Stoner gave a progress report for 1959 which she had prepared for the information of the Council. (Editor’s Note — This report has been printed in The Kingbird for the interest of its readers. Federation mem¬ bers will note the attention and care being given to the financial affairs of their organization.) 70 The Kingbird Progress Report Lillian C, Stoner, Treasurer D , T Januaryl, 1959 — June 5, 1959 Balance on Hand January 1 , 1959 in checking Acct. „ Deposits: 3 Supporting members_ $ 30.00 17 Sustaining members_ 85.00 7 Subscriptions_ 17.50 Individual members — annual dues: 1957 ( 5 members paid)_$ 12.50 1958 ( 38 members paid)_ 95.00 1959 (209 members paid) _ 522.50 1960 ( 3 members paid)_ 7.50 2 gifts at 50c_ 1.00 Total individual dues and gifts dues — annual dues: 10c per member) 1956 (1 club paid)__$ 5.00 1957 (2 clubs paid)_ 7.50 1958 (3 clubs paid)_ 22.10 1959 (19 clubs paid)_ 243.00 1960 (1 club paid)_ 2.50 Total club dues_ $ 280.10 Total deposits in checking account __ Disbursements: Supplies, printing and mailing expense $ 109.77 Annual meeting — printing and mailing exp._ 28.16 Postage, phone, etc. expense___ 32.76 Kingbird, Vol. VIII, 4_ 205.00 Cash transferred to savings account_ 200.00 Total disbursements Balance on hand in checking account in National Commercial Bank and Trust Co., Albany, N. Y.- Savings Account in Community Savings Bank, Rochester, N. Y. Balance on Hand- $ 779.75 3/3/59 Interest —_ 29.56 6/1/59 Interest_ 6,07 6/4/59 Transferred from checking acct. _ 200.00 Balance on hand in savings account 6/5/59 $ 731.02 $ 638.50 $1,782.12 $ 575.69 $1,206.43 .$1,015.38 The Kingbird 71 Conservation: Mr. H. Everest Clements, the chairman of the Conservation Committee, reported on the need for the protection of the Kingfisher. He made a motion that the Federation of New York State Bird Clubs, Inc., go on record as supporting a law for the protection of the Kingfisher. The motion was seconded and passed. Mr. Clements told that the Northrup Creek had been set aside as a sanctuary area. Mr. John Elliot proposed that the Federation go on record as opposing mass spraying which is proving deleterious to wild life in general, especially the recent use of insecticides, such as 1080, which are recognizably devas¬ tating to bird life. The motion was passed. Mr. Winston Brockner made a motion that the Federation go on record as being opposed to the acquisition of any State forest lands for purposes that would violate the “forever wild” concept cf the State forest preserve. The motion was passed. State Book: Mr. Joseph W. Taylor of Rochester has been appointed as chairman of new State Bird Book Committee. Membership: Mr. Albert Fudge, the membership chairman, requested that each dele¬ gate try to obtain more individual members for the State Federation, He reported that 15 new individual memberships were obtained after the annual meeting in 1958 and 30 new members since Jan. 1, 1959. Mr. Fudge read a letter of application for club membership from the Dutchess County Bird Club of Poughkeepsie. The Council voted to accept this club as a member of the Federation of New York State Bird Clubs, Inc. The Kingbird: Dr. Minnie B. Scotland, the editor of The Kingbird, reported that she has continued the policy of the former editor, Gerald Rising. The publica¬ tion is in a prosperous condition as more articles are contributed. The last issue had increased to 52 pages. Dr. Scotland reminded the Council that there is need for more articles about conservation. Mr. William J. English suggested that each affiliated club try to have its delegate or delegates attend each annual Council Meeting. Nominating: Mr. Gerald Rising, chairman of the Nominating Committee, presented the following slate of officers which was elected: President — Mrs. William G. Irving, West Nyack, N. Y. Vice President — Mr. John J. Elliott, Seaford, N. Y, Corresponding Secretary — Mrs. Southgate Y. Hoyt, Etna, N. Y. Recording Secretary ■—• Mrs. Donald Radke, East Chatham, N. Y, Treasurer — Mrs. Dayton Stoner, Albany, N. Y. Auditing: Mr. Guy Bartlett and Mr. Samuel Madison reported in writing that they, as the auditors, found the books of the Federation in order. The nominating committee for the next year will be Mr. Allan Klonick, chairman, Mr, Joseph Blake and Dr. Walter Spofford. The Buffalo Audubon Society invited the Federation of New York State The Kingbird 72 Birds Clubs, Inc., to hold the 1960 annual meeting in Buffalo. Mr. Reginald Hartwell moved that the Federation express its sincere thanks and appreciation to the North Country Bird Club for a pleasant and well organized meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p. m. Alice B. English, Recording Secretary Reception — Trips — Banquet — Picnic On Friday evening at the Woodruff Hotel arriving delegates and mem- bers of the Federation found a genuine welcome. Refreshing punch and cookies were provided by the local committee. Groups of visiting birders could be seen in the Drum Room and corridors. Federation committees, however, had to break away to attend their several meetings, some of which ran far into the night. Five different field trips were listed for various areas on Saturday morning, with each scheduled to start at a different time so that late sleepers as well as early risers could be accommodated. A large group visited the primitive Tug Hill plateau area south of Watertown where there were many wooded trails to explore. A mid-morning thunderstorm “dampened” some of the other field trips, and a hawk-banding trip led by Dr. Burtt had to be post¬ poned until the afternoon. The annual banquet was held at 7:00 P. M. Saturday at the Hotel Woodruff and was well attended. Allan Klonick, outgoing president, intro¬ duced the new officers of the Federation. John Belknap, of the North Country Bird Club, presented a suitable certificate of merit to Fritz Scheider for taking top honors in a twenty-question afternoon examination on birds of New York State. Mrs. Southgate Y. Hoyt gave a talk on the very inter¬ esting new identification slides prepared under the auspices of the Laboratory of Ornithology at Cornell University, and the talk was illustrated by a sampling of these slides. She invited inquiries concerning their use. Dr. Fritz Scheider of Syracuse lectured on bird migration at the eastern end of Lake Ontario, and this was followed by an illustrated talk by Dr. B. P. Burtt of Syracuse University on the methods and problems of banding young birds of prey. On Sunday morning several large groups of observers paid visits in rotation to various areas in and around the Perch River Game Management Area. The early morning fog soon lifted, and the birding was excellent. A flock of Redheads was one of the highlights. Several observers saw the Red-headed Woodpecker, and a few were fortunate enough to add the Hun¬ garian Partridge to their lift list. John Wilson of the New York State Con¬ servation Department had given a fine talk on this introduced species at the Federation meeting of the previous afternoon. Shortly after noon the various groups began meeting at the Crescent Yacht Club, at Chaumont on the shore of Lake Ontario, for the traditional Sunday box lunch. Dave Gordon, of the field trip committee, noted that the result of the weekend’s efforts was some 125 varieties seen or heard. This lunch ended the formal weekend activities, but there was probably quite a bit of birding done as federation members slowly drove homeward that afternoon. J. K. M. The Kingbird 73 FIELD NOTES Evening Grosbeak in Unusual Plumage — Among the Evening Grosbeaks taken in my banding traps on Jan 13, 1959, was a bird with aspects of both male and female plumages. On the breast, the division between the two plumages was so distinct that it appeared as if a line had been drawn lengthwise through the bird. The left half of the bird had the characteristic yellow breast, under tail coverts and back of a male. The right half had the grayish-white coloration of a female. There were spots on the upper tail coverts — yellow on the left, white on the right side. The head was generally gray except for a faint yellow stripe over the left eye and a whitish one was across the forehead — Eleanor Radke, Box 138, R. R. 1, East Chatham. A partially albino Chickadee (continued) ■— The partially albino Chickadee re¬ ported in the last issue of The Kingbird has been observed four times subsequently in approximately the same location at Selkirk Shores State Park — on April 18 and 24 and May 10 and 16, 1959. It has been possible to study the bird much more closely than when first seen on February 1, 1959. The eye was black, but the feet and legs light-colored and the bill pinkish horn-colored with some blackish spots. The flanks were light gray without any buff. The narrow fringe of black feathers bordering the white throat formed a crescent, with the points coming up the sides of the throat in a pattern similar to the blacker portion of a Mourning Warbler's crepe. The posterior aspect of the white crown was sparsely flecked with dark gray feathers, of which there were more on the nape. The amount of white, in the secondaries was greater than normal. Basically, the albinism becomes increasingly subtle from head to tail — the head largely white, the back and wings with more than average white the tail apparently normal in color. It is of interest to compare this Chickadee with the melanistic Chickadee skin in the Cornell collection (collected by James Tanner in October 1933 near Butter¬ milk Falls south of Ithaca) of which there is a painting by Albert Hochbaum at the Sapsucker Woods Ornithology Laboratory, as this painting shows a bird melanistic to approximately the same degree on the same parts of its anatomy where the Selkirk bird was albinistic. Tanner's Chickadee has black cheeks, and the black bib extends perhaps somewhat farther ventrally than normal, so that the result is a black-hooded bird, just the opposite of the white-hooded effect of the Selkirk Chickadee. For the rest, the Ithaca specimen's body color is darker-than-normal gray, the reverse of the whiter-than-normal color of the subject of this note. Also worthy of mention is that the last time I saw the Selkirk Chickadee (May 16) it was in the company of only one other, normally-colored, Black-capped Chickadee. The albinistic bird responded to spishing consistently with the clear "chick-a-dee- dee-dee" call whereas the other bird gave only the hoarse "conversational" chickady" notes — Margaret S. Rusk, 100 Stadium Place, Syracuse 10. Checklist of New York State Birds -— There is now available a preliminary annotated checklist of New York State Birds. The authors of this 41-page publica¬ tion are E. M. Reilly of the New York State Museum and K. C. Parkes of the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh. As Dr. Reilly pointed out at the Federation meeting in Watertown, it is impossible for any two compilers to have access to all the facts. It is hoped that observers will bring suggestions, additions, deletions, and other comments to the attention of the authors. The publication costs twenty cents (to cover processing) and can be obtained by writing the New York State Museum and Science Service, State Education De¬ partment, Albany 1 — The Editor. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SPRING SEASON APRIL 1—MAY 31 James K. Meritt The spring migration was a confusing one at best; it is difficult to apply any other term to observations on a state-wide basis. Birds scarce in one area were commonly seen in others. The waterfowl migration seemed to be 74 The Kingbird above average in the eastern and central sections; over twice as many Canada Geese went through Montezuma Refuge this spring than last. Excellent hawk flights were observed in Regions 2 and 5. There were relatively few good warbler days in May; these birds seemed to go through very quickly, and several regional editors commented on a general impression of low numbers. Cattle Egrets were observed in Regions 3 and 8 and there was a “probable” in Region 5. Glossy Ibis were reported from two areas. A Louisiana Heron was collected in Region 1, and this species was also reported from Long Island. Snow Geese were observed in six of the ten reporting regions, and Blue Geese were seen in four. Of interest in the duck line were two of our “foreign” friends, a European Widgeon in Region 3, and a Common Teal in Region 4. Black-headed Gulls were in Region 1, and Little Gulls were seen in that area as well as Region 2. Reports of Wilson’s Phalaropes in Regions 2, 3, 4 and 6 were of more than passing interest. There was a strong southern flavor to many of the interesting passerine records. A White-eyed Vireo turned up in Region 3 for the first time since 1956, and the Hooded Warbler was also reported from that section. Prothonotary Warblers were observed in five of the reporting regions, and the Kentucky Warbler and Yellow-throated Warbler were each seen in two. There was a rash of Blue Grosbeak reports, with four sections reporting them, and the Summer Tanager was observed on Long Island. There was at least the usual number of reports of the Orchard Oriole. Westerners were not completely unrepresented. A Bullock’s Oriole showed up in Region 5, and a Clay-colored Sparrow in Region 3 was the first record for the Finger Lakes area since 1935. Evening Grosbeaks generally put in a rather early departure. , Red Crossbills were reported in four areas and White-wings in two. A real winter lingerer was a Snowy Owl seen April 11 in Region 4. REGION 1 — NIAGARA FRONTIER Robert F. Andrle In contrast to March the month of April was generally warm (average 2.2 °F above normal) and sunny, a welcome change after the severe weather of the winter. Rainfall was somewhat above normal and was concentrated during the first nine and last six days of the month. Large snow drifts were in evidence in depressions and along north-south roads in the plateau after a 114.5 inch seasonal snowfall which was 38.4 inches above average. The ice in Lake Erie was heavy and floes covered miles of water at the end of April. Some of the last ice was moving down the Niagara River during the second week of May. The ice bridge also remained in the gorge below Niagara Falls until well into April. The warm trend continued into May, however, and this month’s average temperature was 4.8°M above normal. Despite this there were frosts on the first and sixteenth. May. was the first month of the year with precipitation below normal. No storms' or excessively high winds occurred in this period. Both land and water bird migrants arrived either at normal times or somewhat early but some, species of passerines, especially warblers, seemed to be low in numbers. No large waves of small The Kingbird 75 land birds occurred during April. Several distinct movements took place during May, particularly during the warming trends of the second to the sixth and the nineteenth and twentieth. Loons—Ducks: There was a spectacular flight of Common Loons during late April on Lake Ontario. Four hundred were noted on Apr 26 mostly flying westward (Nathan et al.). Among these were several Red-throated Loons (Brockner, Nathan, Axtells et al.). Of great interest was the observation of an Arctic Loon in breeding plumage with a few Red-throated Loons off Point Breeze on Lake Ontario on Apr 26 (Axtells). Horned Grebes appeared in good numbers in April. There were 600 on Cuba Lake Apr 17 (Mitchell). A Double-crested Cormorant was observed flying over Hamburg on May 3 (Bourne). .Green Herons and American Bitterns seemed to be less common than usual. An exceptional record was that of an adult male Louisiana Heron observed and collected on the Allegheny River near Olean May 20 (Eaton). The Least Bittern was not reported until May 17. The good flight of Whistling Swans ended early in April with a few being recorded up to the twelfth. A Snow Goose was seen near Shelby on Apr 15 and 16 (Nathan, Axtells, Andrle et al.) and from one to two Blue Geese were also noted at Shelby and Oak Orchard Swamp on Apr 8, 12, and 16 (Rosche, Klabundes, Andrle). Canada Geese reached a peak in numbers about the second week in April with over 36,000 birds, mostly at Oak Orchard Swamp, the sink areas, and on Lake Ontario. Ducks were generally below normal abundance in most sections. The report of a Green-winged Teal at Oak Orchard on May 31 (Schaffner, Brownstein) indicates they may possibly be breeding this year. The last Buffleheads seen were seven off Grand Island on May 10 (Mitchell, Greene). Nine White-winged Scoters on Red House Lake in Allegany State Park May 24 (Elderkin) were the last migrants observed. The only Common Scoters reported were 1 1 on Lake Ontario Apr 26 (Brockners). A total of 168 Hooded Mer¬ gansers on the Bird Count Apr 12 was an unusually large number for the region. Hawks — Owls: The first migrant Sharp-shinned Hawks were not noted until Apr 5 when seven were seen along the south shore of Lake Erie (Brocknefs). A Broad-winged Hawk at Shadigee (Andrle), another near East Aurora (Bourne), and one near Olean (Eaton), all on Apr 16 were the first observed. Two Bald. Eagles, one an immature, were seen at Zoar Valley on May 17 (Wendlings). Three more were reported from southwestern Chautauqua County on the same date (Baker, rep. Parker). Ospreys passed through in about normal numbers, the last being reported from Oak Orchard on May 31 (Schaffner, Brownstein). A Peregrine Falcon was observed near Hamburg on May 6 (Bourne) and another on May 17 at Taylor Hollow near Gowanda (Kivett). The only Pigeon Hawk during the period was seen by Bourne in the same locality (Hamburg) on Apr 13. The largest hawk flight reported occurred Apr 25 at Wilson on Lake Ontario when 336 hawks of seven species (the majority Broad-winged Hawks) were watched by the Axtells. No King Rails were reported throughout April and May. Soras were reported sparingly and appeared to be late in arriving. A Common Gallinule near Angola on Apr 12 (Rew, Rathbun) was a somewhat early observation. There seemed to be a fairly good shorebird migration through the region. Eaton reported 16 Short-billed Dowitchers, a female Northern Phalarope, and several other species on the Allegheny River May 17. The first Solitary Sandpiper was observed on Apr 25 near Wethersfield Springs (Rosche et al,). About 140 Pectoral Sandpipers were reported through the region on the Bird Count Apr 12. The observation by Rosche of 27 Least Sandpipers near Wethers¬ field Springs on May 30 was of interest as seldom are so many reported in one flock in spring. A fairly early Spotted Sandpiper was also reported by Rosche in Wyoming County Apr 12. A noteworthy record was the report of 15 Sanderlings near Batavia May 17 (Pixley et al.). Another outstanding record for April was the adult Black-headed Gull seen near the mouth of the Niagara River on the twelfth (North, Lowes). The only Little Gull of the spring, an adult in winter plumage, was noted on the Niagara River near Lewiston and also at its mouth Apr 13 and 14 (Axtells, Andrle et al.). Common Terns appeared in the region early and in numbers, the first reported being two on Apr 10 at Niagara Falls (Rosche). On the bird count two days later 277 were noted throughout the area. It seemed odd to observe them flying over and diving into the water near the ice floes. Caspian Terns also appeared quite early on both Lake Erie and Ontario. The first of this species was seen on Apr 12 and the largest number was seven on Apr 26 at Dunkirk (Mitchell). Both 76 The Kingbird species of cuckoos appeared to be in below normal numbers during most of May but were occurring more frequently at the close of the period, The Barn Owl again returned to nest in Tonawanda and, was reported there Apr 1 (Wendlings). A Saw- whet Owl was heard on the Audubon Sanctuary near Java on Apr 25 (Rosche et al.) and was reported to be there until the end of the period. Goatsuckers '—Shrikes: Ruby-throated "Hummingbirds were very low in num¬ bers in May. A Red-bellied Woodpecker was reported near Lyndonville on Apr 12 (Axtells). Kingbirds appeared to be scarce in early May but were in at least normal abundance by the end of the month. Also Eastern Phoebes did not seem to be as numerous as in previous years. Tree Swallows were late in arriving and the first was not noted until Apr 4 at Java Lake (Rosche, Blowers). On the other hand Rough-winged Swallows appeared earlier than usual and 33 were reported Apr 12 from two inland localities. Blue Jays were not observed in their normal abundance in late April and early May migrating along the south shore of Lake Erie. Red¬ breasted Nuthatches continue to be lower in numbers than usual. Carolina Wrens were reported from several widespread localities, possibly indicating an increase after their apparent reduction in numbers last year. Two were observed on Grand Island, a new location, on May 10 (Mitchell, Greene). Individual Short-billed Marsh Wrens were reported from near Eden on May 14 (Bourne), near Lancaster May 17 (Bowen et al.), and two were seen near Wolcottsville May 31 (Schaffner, Brownstein). A Mockingbird in Hamburg May 18 (Bourne), and one reported from the vicinity of New Albion on May 31 (Knox) were the only ones recorded from the region. The first Catbirds did not appear until May 7 when they were seen in five widely scattered localities. Very few Hermit Thrushes were found in the area. It was not until May 1 1 that the first Swainson's Thrush was seen by Coggeshall at East Aurora. They seemed to be in below normal abundance during May. Bluebirds continued to be scarce. A flock of fifty Water Pipits was observed on Apr 15 at East Aurora (Coggeshall) and a flock of 100 near East Eden on Apr 16 (Bourne). Vireos — Warblers: In general vireos appeared to be slightly less common than usual in migration except for the Warbling Vireo. Eaton reported the first Solitary Vireos (3) near Vandalia Apr 19. Black-and-white Warblers were not seen until May 2 when they were found in three localities. The Golden-winged Warbler was not seen until May 17 and was less common in many of its breeding area. There were no Orange-crowned Warblers reported in the region. A Brewster's Warbler was observed May 10 near Gowanda (Andrles). Parula Warblers were unusually scarce and could be considered rare this spring. Not more than three or four indi¬ viduals were reported. Black-throated Blue Warblers and American Redstarts were low in numbers in May. The first migrant Myrtle Warblers were recorded Apr 12 in Chautauqua County (Stanley, Beal et al.) Black-throated Green Warblers were not found in April and were observed first in four places on May 2. Yellow Warblers were more common than usual in many areas. On May 17 the first Blackpoll Warbler was reported near Frewsburg (Beal et al.) but this species continued in rather poor numbers. A Pine Warbler on Apr 24 at Chestnut Ridge Park (Bourne) was the only individual of this species recorded from the region. A great rarity here, a Kentucky Warbler, was found in Delaware Park, Buffalo on May 27 (Greene, Mitchell). Wilson's Warblers appeared somewhat earlier and in greater numbers than normal. Blackbirds — Sparrows: A Western Meadowlark was found south of Batavia a few days before the Bird Count Apr 12 (Pixley et al.) and was still there on May 17. A pair of this species was reported near Silver Creek on May 31 (Axtells). Of interest were the records of an Orchard Oriole at Hamburg on May 8 (Bourne), another at East Aurora on May 10 (Mitchell, Greene), and two in the vicinity of Dunkirk on May 17 (Schobers). This species is seldom seen east of the Niagara River. Common Grackles and Brown-headed Cowbirds appeared to be more common than usual. The last Evening Grosbeaks were reported from Wellsville (6) (Brandes), and Allegany State Park (1) (Anderson et al.) on May 17. Purple Finches and Gold¬ finches, especially the fatter, were in evidence in many places and seemed to be in above normal numbers. White-throated Sparrows first appeared Apr 12 near Olean (Eaton). An above average number of Lincoln's Sparrows was reported during May. Buffalo Museum of Science:, Buffalo The Kingbird 77 REGION 2 —GENESEE Howard S. Miller Except for a small amount on April 4 the period was free from snow, which in itself was somewhat unusual. April was somewhat warmer and drier than average. May was about average in both temperature and rainfall. On the whole the migration was better than last year, especially for those able to be afield during the week. The two hoped-for best weekends in May, the 16th - 17th and 23rd - 24th, both produced rather disappointing results. The heaviest waves of the season occurred between these dates, with the most spectacular movement being on May 20. On this date Robert Dobson re¬ corded 27 species of warblers during a three-hour period in the late afternoon. The outstanding features of April were good hawk migrations on April 1 and 5 and spectacular flights on April 25 and 29. An Eared Grebe at Manitou April 19 observed by Listman was one of the months highlights. A Little Gull was recorded April 24 and 30 and May 12 and 17 around Manitou by several observers. It would seem as though two individuals were present inasmuch as the bird seen in May was in distinctly different plumage from the April bird. The greatest novelty reported was a "singing' Chuck- will's-widow heard in Joseph Taylor's back yard on May 19. The bird called several times and then answered a recording of the species played from a window for some time longer. The bird was not seen, but the recorder is very familiar with the call, having heard it often during southern trips (Ed — While the call of the Chuck-will's-widow is very distinctive, it must be pointed out that there has apparently been no prior state record, even hypothetical. Reference: the recently published "Preliminary Annotated Checklist of New York State Birds” by E. M. Reilly and K. C. Parkes. The Chuck-will's-widow is now known to nest regularly but rarely as far north as Cape May County in southern New Jersey). Loons— Ducks: Common Loons were in about average numbers, with six being recorded on the rather late date of May 24 along the east lake shore (Kemnitzer). Red-throated Loons were rarely reported, but they may have been present in better numbers since the foggy conditions that prevailed when the peak flights normally occur made observations far out in the lake impossible. Some 250 Red-necked Grebes were seen Apr 3 along the east lake shore (Kemnitzer), and 1000 Horned Grebes were noted Apr 7 along the west lake shore. Single Double-crested Cor¬ morants were seen Apr 13 and 29 at Manitou, and two birds were observed along the east lake shore on May 24 (Kemnitzer). A single Common Egret was noted at Manitou Apr 7 and 14 (Listman), and the same or another bird was at Shore Acres on May 10 (Oreoman). Both Black-crowned Night Herons and American Bitterns occurred in larger numbers than last year, probably because of the higher water. Two Least Bitterns were reported at Round Pond May 17 by several observers, and one was seen at Manitou May 23 (O'Hara et al.). Four Whistling Swans were seen Apr 12 at Manitou (Listman). A late straggler was observed May 17 at Charlotte (Perry), and probably the same bird was seen the next day at Salmon Creek (Listman). Ten thousand Canada Geese were seen Apr 5 along the west lake shore (Dobson) who also saw a single Blue Goose in the same area. Five Brant were noted May 12 at Manitou (Listman), and small numbers occurred during the rest of the month. Four Gadwall were seen at Manitou Apr 30 (Listman), and 200 American Widgeon were seen Apr 4 along the west lake shore (O'Hara). Three hundred Oldsquaw were noted May 6 off Durand (Brummer, Listman). The largest flock of White-winged Scoters reported was one of 100 birds on the west lake shore Apr 5 (Dobson). Hawks — Owls: Thirty-three Turkey Vultures and 87 Red-failed Hawks Apr 5 at the Hawk Lookout (Dobson) were high spring counts for these species, as were 78 The Kingbird 671 Sharp-shinned Hawks Apr 29 at the same place (Holland et al.). Eight thousand Broad-winged Hawks Apr 25 and 2,954 Apr 29 (Listman, Moons et al.) were the year's high counts. Ten Rough-legged Hawks on Apr 5 and four on Apr 29 were high as were four Bald Eagles on Apr 5 and seven on Apr 29. Ten Ospreys on Apr 29 (Moons) were high for this species. Single Peregrine Falcons were seen Apr 18 at Durand (O'Hara et al.), Apr 29 and May 1 1 at the Hawk Lookout, and May 18 at Spencerport (Listman). A single Pigeon Hawk was observed Apr 18 at Cranbury Pond (Listman), another was noted Apr 25 at the Hawk Lookout, and two were seen in the same place Apr 29. Thirty-eight Sparrow Hawks Apr 5 at the Hawk Lookout (Dobson) is a high count for this species. Two Ruffed Grouse were seen May 17 at Bristol (A. Smith), and two were seen May 23 at Pultneyville (Kemnitzers). Eight Virginia Rails and five Soras on May 17 at Round Pond re¬ warded Bob Dobson for a lot of hard tramping. Eight Black-bellied Plover were seen May 27 at Rose's Marsh (Listman). Some 21 Upland Plover migrating along the lake Apr 18 (Listman) is an en¬ couraging count. Six were seen at Hamlin May 24 (McCarthy). A very early Solitary Sandpiper was seen Apr 4 and 5 at Round Pond (Miller et al.), and an early Dunlin was at Manitou Apr 1 9 (Listman). A Knot at Braddock's May 30 (Starling et al.) and four Short-billed Dowitchers at Ling Road May 13 (Zirtler) were rather uncommon spring migrants, and even more so Was the Wilson's Phalarape at Ling Road May 17 (Tanghe et al.). Five Black-backed Gulls were seen at Braddock's May 30 (Starling et al.), and 750 Bonaparte's Gulls were noted at Salmon Creek Apr 25 (Listman). A Caspian Tern at Manitou Apr 3 (Listman) and a Black Tern Apr 29 at the Hawk Lookout (Moons) were both rather early. Eight Black-billed Cuckoos were seen in Island Cottage Woods May 22 (Listman). Two Long-eared Owls were observed in the "owl" woods near Braddock's Apr 4 and 5 (O'Hara et al.), and a single bird was seen west of Manitou May 2 (Oresman, Starling). A Saw-whet Owl in the "owl" woods Apr 4 (O'Hara et al.) was our only record this spring for this species. Goatsuckers — Shrikes: Three Whip-poor-wills were seen Apr 29 in the Island Cottage Woods (Starling), and the same observer saw a flock of 400 Chimney Swifts May 19 wheeling around the sites of demolished buildings in downtown Rochester. Phoebes seemed up in numbers from their low of last year. A Yellow-bellied Fly¬ catcher was reported from Highland Park May 20 (Schmanke), and another was re¬ ported the same day from Island Cottage Woods (Dobson). Four were seen May 30 west of Manitou (Starling et al.). An Olive-sided Flycatcher was reported May 27 at Manitou (Listman). Ail the swallows were on the wires at Durand May 9 (Starling, Miller), and 25 Cliff Swallows were seen migrating at Manitou May 19 (Listman). A Tufted Titmouse was seen at Forest Lawn May 17 (Sunderlin, McNett). A Brown Creeper was seen in the Island Cottage Woods May 17 (Dobson). An early House Wren was reported Apr 19 in Pittsford (V. White), and the Short-billed Marsh Wren was reported May 17 near Sodus (Jones and Foster) and at Braddock's May 23 (O'Harra et al.). Thirty Eastern Bluebirds were noted at the Hawk Lookout Apr 5 (Dobson), and eight were seen May 12 at Manitou (Listman). This is probably more Bluebirds than were seen all of last year. Six Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were observed in the Island Cottage Woods May 9, and at least one pair nested there. Some 1,000 Water Pipits were seen May 12 at Manitou (Listman). Vireos — Sparrows. All the vireos seemed in about normal numbers except the Philadelphia which was reported only once, a bird near Sodus May 17 (Foster, Jones). Among the rarer warblers may be mentioned the Prothonotary, seen May 17 in Island Cottage Woods (Taylor et al.), the Blue-winged seen May 20 at Fishers (Brummer, Starling), the Orange-crowned noted May 17 in Durand (Perry) and May 20 in Island Cottage Woods (Dobson), the Pine seen Apr 18 at Manitou (O'Hara et al.) Apr 26 at Ling Road (Tanghe and Dobson) and May 3 at Island Cottage Woods (Dob¬ son), the Prairie seen May 17 in Durand (McNett and Sunderlin) and again in the same place May 19 (O'Hara), the Connecticut, two of which were seen May 20 in Island Cottage Woods (Dobson), and the Yellow-breasted Chat, seen May 7 at Manitou (Listman) and at Island Cottage Woods May 17 (Dobson, McNetts, Taylor). A sing¬ ing Western Meadowlark was reported from the Rochester Country Club Apr 23 (Taylor) and was still present May 10 (Zeitler). Two singing birds were reported Apr 26 in Webster (Lloyd) and were still present May 23 (Kemnitzer). One of the The Kingbird 79 birds at least was still present May 31 (Kemnitzer) who also reported another singing bird near Sodus May 23. The Webster birds were giving the calls as well as the song of the western species. An Evening Grosbeak was seen in Durand May 3 (Miller) but the usual late spring flight of this species did not develop. Seventy-five Purple Finches were seen at Manitou Apr 18 (Listman), and this species seemed very common this spring. Five Pine Siskins were noted in Durand May 3 and six were seen in the same place May 6 (Starling and Brummer). Some 1,000 Goldfinches were seen May 11 at Manitou (Listman). A Rufous-sided Towhee on Apr 2 in Rochester (Allen) and another Apr 4 near Durand (Starling, Miller) probably represent birds which success¬ fully wintered. An Oregon Junco frequented a feeder at the Hillside Home from Mar 4 to Apr 9 (Peters, Starling), and another bird of the same species was present Apr 7 and 8 (Peters). Another bird of this species was seen at a feeder in Ironde- quoit from Apr 9 to 12 (Moons). Single Lincoln's Sparrows were seen from May 9 to 27. 54 Luella Street , Rochester 9 REGION 3 — FINGER LAKES Sally F. Hoyt The weather during the reporting period for this year differed from last year s only in being dry instead of wet. The Saturday morning bird walks in Ithaca had below freezing temperatures for the first three Saturdays in May, and lists were low. There seemed to be no periods favorable for a wave of migrants — the weather stayed cold so long that the birds filtered through in small numbers. The 22° F morning low on Ithaca's census day (May 17), which discouraged all thrush, warbler, and flycatcher activity and song, was followed by 90° temperatures on the 20th, but by then the migration was about over. A statement made by Mrs. Carter of Avoca paints the picture well: