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THETENNESSEE '
ORNITHOLOGICAL
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MARCH 1971

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VOL. 42, NO. 1

THE MIGRANT

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

FIRST PUBLISHED, JUNE 1930

Published By

THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Founded at Nashville, Tenn., 7 October 1913
A non-profit, educational, scientific, and conservation organization.

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR LEE R. HERNDON

Rt. 6, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

ASSISTANT EDITOR CHARLES R. SMITH

Rt. 2, Johnson City, Tenn. 37601

''STATE COUNT COMPILER” JON DeVORE

4922 Sarasota Dr., Hixon, Tenn. 37343

OFFICERS FOR 1969-1971

PRESIDENT GEORGE R. MAYFIELD, JR.

Maury County Hospital, Columbia, Tenn. 38401

VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN FRED J. ALSOP, III

Apt. 147 Tahwa Court, Chapman Highway, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920

VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN JOHN O. ELLIS

4004 Overbrook Drive, Nashville, Tenn. 37204

VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN MRS. EDWARD L. CARPENTER

239 North Avenue, Henderson, Tenn. 38340
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE:

EAST TENN xMISS LOUISE NUNNALLY

2701 Fairmount Boulevard, Knoxville, Tenn. 37917

MIDDLE TENN KENNETH BUNTING

3409 Love Circle, Nashville, Tenn. 37212

WEST TENN KENNETH LEGGETT

Route 4, Dyersburg, Tenn. 38024

CURATOR ALBERT F. GANIER

2112 Woodlawn Drive, Nashville, Tenn. 37212

SECRETARY DAN GRAY, JR.

5004 Mt. Pleasant Pike, Columbia, Tenn. 3 8401

TREASURER KENNETH H. DUBKE

Apt. 1, 720i Bacon Trail, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37412

Annual dues, $3.00; Sustaining $5.00; Life $100.00; Student $1.00; Family, $4.00
(chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Corresponding membership
(out of state). Libraries, and Subscribers, $3.00. No discount to agencies. Back numbers
may be had from the Curator. Please notify the Treasurer of a change of address.

Published quarterly (March, June, September, and December). Printed by Preston
Printing Company, 509-511 Shelby Street, Bristol, Tennessee 57620, U.S.A. Postage paid
ind mailed at Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643, U.S.A.

THE MIGRANT

Published by the Tennessee Ornithological Society,
to Record and Encourage the Study of Birds in Tennessee.
Issued in March, June, September, and December.

VOL. 42

MARCH, 1971

NO. 1

ANNUAL AUTUMN HAWK COUNT

By Thomas W. Finucane

The 1970 count totaled 16,839, about 8000 lower than in 1968 and 1000
higher than in 1965, our two highest earlier compilations. Broad- winged Hawks
were 98.6% of the total. The Sharp-shinned Hawk count was 81, three times
our 1959-68 average. On the same basis Cooper’s Hawk was down 5 0%, Red-
tailed and Marsh Hawks were average, and Sparrow Hawks were off 60%.

In six days, 21 to 26 Sept., 95% of the 1970 migration was recorded. The
six daily totals at Mendota ranged from 609 to 2202 and added to 788 8. On
25 Sept. Lee Shafer counted 3 8 50 Broad-wings in 2 5 minutes near Fall Creek
Falls State Park, the largest concentration ever reported in the T.O.S. hawk
study. Later he saw 400 more, and 5 05 next day at the State Park Fire Tower.
David Hassler had 1943 hawks in Pickett County, 24 and 2 5 Sept., when a
heavy rain interrupted the flight at noon. Chattanooga observers counted 743
on 26 Sept, at the Dunlap Fire Tower, and on the same day Tom Odom had
292 at the Kyle’s Ford Fire Tower, including eight species.

Besides these data, the only counts exceeding 75 were Tom Odom’s 275 at
Kyle’s Ford, 13 Sept, and Valerie Dulemba’s 211, which she counted from her
apartment balcony, in Chattanooga, in the rain, Sunday, 27 Sept. Fall Creek
Falls State Park and Pickett County are 40 miles and 100 miles due north of
Chattanooga.

Jim Tanner recorded 18 Sharp-shinned Hawks in less than two hours, 11
Oct., on the Rockwood Fire Tower. As already mentioned, our Sharp-shinned
count was outstanding this year, but it might have been sensational if we
had spent more time in the field in October. Our hours of observation were
below normal, particularly in the late part of the season.

There were more south winds than ever before in the T.O.S. hawk-migration
data. Of 32 reports on which wind was recorded, 26 had SE, S, or SW, two
had E, three had N, and one had 0. In 1969 wind data were given in 45
reports, but only 1 5 had winds between SE and SW.

The role of wind in hawk migration is not yet thoroughly understood.
More hawks sail past the Mendota Fire Tower lookout on days with south wind
than when other winds blow, but this could mean only that other winds are

2

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

worse than the south wind, for the Broad-wing count; however, under some
conditions (early in the morning, for example, when the Clinch is still cold) a
south wind may be an asset.

Conditions beneficial to hawk migration do not always give good counts.
Many hawkwatchers believe that there is a "noon lull” in the count, because
then the thermals are so strong that the birds are too high to see. Furthermore,
sometimes when we have the wrong wind at the Mendota Fire Tower, we see
the hawks sailing southwest, diagonally away from the south side of the ridge,
by our unfavorable wind, the hawks are taking a more direct route. For high
counts at any station on the ridge the hawks should fly parallel to the ridge.
Also, as suggested in 1959 {The Migrant, 31:2), updrafts in atmospheric
frontal systems are sufficient to keep the hawks aloft without help from ridges
where lookout stations have been established.

On the other hand, good counts are sometimes made during adverse weather,
in the rain or in stable air, for example; the hawks are usually migrating at
low altitude, under such conditions.

Hawk migration along the north shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie
revived in 1970 after several years of poor counts. At Holiday Beach, 34,700
were counted in two hours, and at Hawk Cliff, Ont., 29,000 on the same
day, 16 Sept. The two streams were described as "additive,” to 63,700 Broad-
winged Hawks. {Am. Birds 25:51). In 1962 the total of all counts from
Ontario on 16 Sept, was 124,000, of which 71,000 was the day’s count
at Hawk Cliff. Fluctuations in that area should be given consideration before
we decide how much the steady increase in the T.O.S. counts can be attributed
to increase in the Broad-winged Hawk population.

In most other areas record counts were made in 1970. In the western Great
Lakes region (Duluth) 24,000 Broad-wings were counted on 22 Sept, and

63.000 between 10 and 29 Sept. Hawk Mt., Pa., had its second highest count,

14.000 Broad-winged Hawks, and Montclair, N. J. where the count averages
a little below the Mendota Fire Tower’s, had 9917 on 19 Sept. Manv stations
had exceptionally high counts of Sharp-shinned Hawks, low counts of Cooper’s
Hawks, and increasing flights of Ospreys, 600 at Hawk Mt., similar to trends
in our data. Jon DeVore identified a Pigeon Hawk, at the Dunlap Fire Tower.
The Rough-legged Hawk was observed by T. Finucane.

The 1970 season’s weather included several north-south oriented cold fronts
that moved rapidly across the continent, west to east. One crossed Tennessee
on 27 Sept, and brought clouds and rain and the end of our big week of hawk
migration.

KEY TO REPORTERS

A — Dr. and Mrs. James Tanner, Knoxville; B — Fred Behrend, Elizabethton;
C — Lee and Lois Herndon, John Martin, Elizabethton; Mrs. Harold Dillenbeck
and Mrs. George Dove, Johnson City; D — Ken Dubke, Chattanooga; E — Lee
Shafer, Whitwell; F — Tom Finucane, Kingsport; G — Barney and Gracie
Finucane; H — Lee Herndon; J — John David Hassler, Byrdstown; K — Barney
and Marion Finucane; L — Lil Dubke; M; — Melanie Odom, Kingsport; O — Tom
Odom; P — Cub Pack 8 8, Den 2, Kingsport; Q — Bob Quillen, Mr. and Mrs.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

3

ANimL AUTUMN HAWK COUNT 1970

No.

Date

Obs.

Hrs.

Ares

Wind

Sky

T.

Shn Opr Rdt

Rsh

Bwing Msh

Osp SpH

others

1

6/10

B

-

H

-

-

-

-

1

1

-

-

-

-

-

- lu

2

12

B

-

R

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

3

12

TO

8)^

K

SE-5

1

70

4

-

1

2

46

1

-

-

- 4u

4-

12

FR

8)^

M

S-4

2

65

-

1

2

-

57

-

-

-

- -

3

13

B

-

0

-

-

-

-

-

2

-

4

1

-

-

- 3u

6

15

TOM

9

K

SE-S-2

2

75

4

-

2

1

262

-

1

-

- 5u

7

14

D

5

D

SE-2

1

78

-

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

8

16

B

-

J

1

1

-

-

- lu

9

17

CFX

7

M

SV/-2

3

78

1

2

3

-

63

-

1

2

-

10

18

L

3)^

D

S-4

1

72

-

-

1

-

14

-

-

-

lb

11

18

F

7)^

B

0

1

79

1

-

1

-

9

-

-

1

-

12

19

0

9

K

E-1

1

68

-

2

-

-

22

-

1

-

- 2u

15

19

B

-

Q

14-

20

J

2

Y

SW-2

3

81

-

-

-

-

41

-

-

-

-

15

20

TO

7

K

E-4

5

63

-

-

1

-

29

-

-

-

2a 5u

16

20

FG

2

M

E-S-5

5

75

-

-

-

-

6

-

-

-

- -

17

21

DL

5

D

SW-S-3

1

76

-

-

-

-

58

-

-

-

-

18

21

B

-

U

-

-

-

-

1

1

-

-

-

-

-

- lu

19

21

FS

8

M

SW-4

2

77

1

2

2

-

1551

-

3

-

-

20

22

DL

7

D

WSW-S-5

1

75

-

-

2

-

63

1

1

-

3b -

21

22

H

-

G

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

22

-

-

-

-

22

22

SFZ

7

M

SE-5

4

78

1

-

1

-

875

-

4

-

-

25

23

y

2

D

S-2

1

79

-

-

-

-

25

-

-

-

-

24-

23-

B

-

Ru

-

-

-

2

-

4

-

1

-

-

-

-

25

23

FS

9

M

SE-2

1

75

2

-

3

-

600

1

1

-

-

26

24

Y

S

S-3

1

80

-

-

-

-

19

-

1

-

-

27

24

J

6)4

P

S-4

2

82

12

-

-

-

1178

-

-

-

- 5u

28

24

SFV/

7

M

SE-3

2

75

5

1

1

2

1284

-

-

-

-

29

25

E

1

E

S-4

2

75

-

-

-

-

4246

-

-

-

-

50

25

•J

5)^

P 1

3-SW-4

5

80

-

-

-

-

754

-

-

-

-

51

25

FQZ

1%

M

SSE-5

3

78

1

2

1

1.

2192

-

1

1

- 3u

32

26

E

6)4

F

S-3

2

75

1

-

2

-

498

3

1

1

-

55

26

LI

10

D

S-3

0

70

9

-

4

-

724

2

-

3

Merlin

34-

26

B

-

Ru

-

-

-

4

-

-

-

2

-

-

-

- lu

35

26

0

8)4

K

SE-2

3

68

7

2

2

1

272

2

2

1

- 5u

36

26

FPZ

6)4

M

S-3

3

72

2

2

2

-

1461

-

-

-

Rufleg

37

27

V

3

C

N-5

5

70

-

-

-

-

211

-

-

-

-

38

28

B

-

0

-

-

-

-

-

4

-

22

-

-

-

- lu

39

28

D.

5

D

N-5

0

66

-

-

-

-

9

-

-

1

-

4-0

28

F

4

M

N-5

3

55

8

-

3

-

9

-

2

-

- 4u

4-1

10/1

B

-

Ru

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2

-

-

-

-

4-2

3

FKN

2)4

M

sw-3

1

62

5

3

1

-

-

-

-

-

2a lu

45

11

A

2

W

SW-2

2

-

18

-

1

-

4

-

1

-

- -

TOTALS

180

81

16

47

7

16598

10

25

7

50

[VoL. 42, 1971]

4

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

Hood and Becky, Bristol; R — Mr. and Mrs. Roy Allen, Kingsport; S — E. E.
Scott, Nickelsville, Va.; T — Tom Odom III; V — Valerie Dulemba, Chatta-
nooga; W — Fred Behrend and Bob Quillen; X — Maxie Swindell, Roan Mt.;
Y — Mary Shafer, Whitwell; Z — Charlotte Finucane and Peggy Ferrel, Kings-
port; I — Hank and Valerie Dulemba, Jon DeVore, Mary Tunsberg, Daniel
Jacobson, Mary Lou and Art Jones, Mrs. R. D. Barton, Chattanooga.

KEY TO OBSERVATION STATIONS

B — Bay’s Mt. Radio Tower, 2300 ft.; C — Chattanooga, 800 ft.; D — Dun-
lap Fire Tower, 2637 ft.; E — Eight miles east of Fall Creek Falls State Park,
1800 ft.; F — Fall Creek Park Fire Tower, 2000 ft.; G — Elizabethton Golf
Course, 1 5 50 ft.; H — Holston High Knob, 415 0 ft.; J — Buck Ridge Fire
Tower, 4298 ft.; K — Rogersville Kyle’s Ford Fire Tower, Clinch Mt., 2401
ft.; M — Mendota Fire Tower, Clinch Mt., 3018 ft.; O — Hump Mt., 5 5 87 ft.;
P — Stepp Gap, Pickett County, 1617 ft.; Q — McQueen’s Knob Fire Tower,
Holston Mt., 33 85 ft.; R — Roan Mt., 45 00 ft.; Ru — Roan High Bluff, 62 5 0
ft.; S — Daus, Squatchie Valley, 740 ft.; W — Rockwood Fire Tower; Y —
Byrdstown, 964 ft.

1434 Watauga Street, Kingsport, 37664.

ROUND TABLE NOTES

LEAST TERN IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE— On Saturday, 3 June, 1970,
the observers encountered a Least Tern {Sterna dlhifrons) in the Buena Vista
area of Nashville, Tennessee. The tern was spotted at approximately 09:00
on a clear, sunny day and was observed for about an hour. The tern was white
with a black cap, yellow bill, square tail and with a white patch barely visible
on the forehead. A Killdeer flew near this bird, and we could observe that the
tern was generally the same size.

Comparison with Kohhins’ Field Guide confirmed the identification. Sub-
sequently H. E. Parmer and M. L. Bierly were contacted and also observed
the bird. This is the third Nashville area record, the eighth Mid-Tennessee
record, and the only June record for Mid-Tennessee.

John and Heather Riggins, 5615 Brookwood Place, Nashville, Tennessee
37205.

CROSS-BEAK ANOMALY IN THE MOCKINGBIRD— A Mockingbird
{Mimus polyglot tos) with a cross-beak was collected 21 February 1970, by
the junior author in the city of Paragould, Greene County, Arkansas. A study
skin was prepared and placed in the Arkansas State University Museum
(ASUM :^410). Bill measurement (cord of culmen from base) was 1.5 cm.

Two genera of birds showing crossing of the upper and lower beak as a
normal trait are crossbills of the genus (Loxia) and a Hawaiian genus
Loxops) . Members of the genus (Loxia) are widely distributed fringillids.
Bill anomalies occur in wide and diverse groups of native birds including the
American Bittern (Batts, Wilson Bulletin, 66:142, 1954), Little Blue Fferon

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

5

(Hanebrink and Beadles, Southwestern Naturalist, in press, 1970) Brown
Thrasher (Goertz and Mowbray, Southwestern Naturalist 14: 2 54-2 5 5, 1969),
House Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Starling and Downy Woodpecker
(Dow, Wilson Bulletin, 77: 86-88, 1965) and others.

In domesticated chickens and pigeons several papers have been published on
bill deformities (Linder, Orn. Mschr., 27: 59-62, 1902; Duerst, Naturf. Ges.
Bern, pp. 281-303, 1909; Landauer, J. of Genetics, 37: 51-68, 1938; Parona,
Atti. Soc. ital. Sci. nat., 23: 127-133, 1880; Hanebrink, Natl. Pigeon Review,
p. 2, Dec. 1969). Studies in domesticated chickens (Mercier and Poisson, Bull.
France and Belg., 61: 326-332, 1927; Landauer, J. of Genetics, 37: 51-68,
1938) have shown this condition to be hereditary and recessive to the normal
with no Mendelian ratios reported.

Earl L. Hanebrink and Bob R. Singleton, Department of Biology,
Arkansas State University, State University, Arkansas 72467.

SNOW BUNTINGS, OLDSQUAW, AND WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
IN EAST TENNESSEE— On the morning of 28 December 1969 Robert A.
Stiles and I were duck hunting on the lower end of Stump Island on lower
Cherokee Reservoir. At about 09:00 several small groups of song birds began
to move across the island. Their call seemed unfamiliar, and a more critical
look revealed that the closest birds were Snow Buntings (Plectrophenax ni-
valis'). There were six or seven individuals in the group nearest our blind, one
of which landed about ten feet behind the blind. I assume that the several
adjacent small groups of birds were also Snow Buntings. If this were the case,
the total number in the loose flock would have approached 1 5 individuals.
Stump Island is the first large island above Cherokee Dam. The Snow Buntings
were observed on the lower point of the island, which was about 1\ miles
northwest of the dam at that date’s lake elevation of approvimately 1000 ft.
above mean sea level. Air temperature was slightly below freezing, and Stump
Island was sparsely covered with snow. Water levels sufficiently low to ex-
pose Stump Island reveal an extremely bleak landscape, virtually free of vege-
tation, with occasional stumps and pieces of driftwood breaking the monotony
of the gently rolling hills of red clay and gravel.

Bill Allen, Tennessee Game and Fish Commission, killed an Oldsquaw
{Clangula hyemalis) on 26 December 1969. An additional specimen, identified
by both the author and Mr. Allen, was taken two days later by Mr. Stiles, and
two additional specimens were taken by the author and Mr. Stiles on 3 Janu-
ary 1970. All four were juveniles that were taken in the lower portion of
Cherokee Reservoir. Bill Allen (personal communication) reported bag-check-
ing a White-winged Scoter {Melanitta deglandi) from John Sevier Reservoir
during December, 1969, and seeing an additional specimen, along with two
pairs of Oldsquaw, on 30 March 1970. The annual presence of a few small
flocks of these two species of ducks on Cherokee and John Sevier Reservoirs
has been noted by local duck hunters for some time, but very few of these
reports have reached the ornithological literature.

David A. Etnier, Department of Zoology, University of Tennessee, Knox-
ville, 37916.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

6

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

SONG SPARROW NESTS IN NASHVILLE— -In June 1969, this writer
heard a song which sounded like a Song Sparrow, Melos piza melodia. The song
was not repeated during an ensuing five-minute listening period and since
there was no record of Song Sparrows in the vicinity of Nashville at this time
of year, this incident was disregarded as being either a mistake or an itinerant
migrant.

Events which have occurred this year, however, are evidence that the above
was very likely a Song Sparrow nesting or attempting to nest here.

On 14 June 1970, in the same vicinity, which is in the Grieve Hall subdi-
vision, near Ellington Agricultural Center, an unmistakable Song Sparrow song
was heard repeatedly, and the bird was sighted in a willow tree, beside a small
stream, in an extremely well-tended yard.

On 16 June, Dr. Katherine Goodpasture visited the area, confirmed the
identification, and together we observed a pair of Song Sparrows for an hour
and a half, during which time two inactive nests were located. The first nest
found contained one egg and was obviously abandoned for reasons unknown
to us. This was in one of a group of seven clipped cedar trees, approximately
six feet tall. The second nest found, contained four eggs and was in the next
cedar tree, about the same height as the first one. This nest had obviously
been tampered with by human hands, as a small piece of plastic covered the
nest, and we were advised by the property owner that her husband had dis-
covered this nest, and fearing that he had uncovered it, he placed the plastic
there thinking to protect the nest. We did not see a bird on this nest and
did not determine on this day whether or not it was abandoned. It was later
proven to be abandoned.

On 19 June, Mike Bierly observed the birds and discovered a nest contain-
ing four eggs with the female Song Sparrow sitting on it. This was in another
of the same row of cedar trees. However, on 21 June, this nest was blown out
of the tree and destroyed by a violent windstorm and rainstorm.

On succeeding days the birds were observed in the same location and were
singing as if maintaining their territory.

On 1 July, Mike Bierly discovered the fourth nest, this one active and
containing four eggs, in yet another of the same row of cedar trees. This also
approximately six feet high. This was carefully watched and on 1 1 July, there
were three young birds and one egg in the nest. On the 13 th and 15 th of July
the same condition existed.

On 16 July, Mike banded three young birds and removed the unhatched

egg-

C‘n 20 July, Mike observed one young bird in the nest and one in a hedge
approximately 30 feet away from the nest.

On 21 July, the writer observed the last young bird leave the nest and the
nest remained empty and intact.

This is the first recorded Song Sparrow nesting this far west in Tennessee.

Louise Jackson, 5 037 Montclair Dr., Nashville 37211.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

7

THE 1970 CHRISTMAS SEASON BIRD COUNTS

Jon E. Devore, Editor

The Fortieth'*' annual Christmas Season Bird Count listed a total of 126
species for the state. Only one previous count exceeded this number, 196 5
with 130' species with nineteen participating groups within the state. The cur-
rent count with fifteen participating groups ties the 1969 count, which was
composed of counts from seventeen locations.

Thirteen species were represented by only one individual. The Turkey, Short-
eared Owl, Short-billed Marsh Wren and Western Meadowlark from Memphis;
Osprey, Catbird and Lapland Longspur from Reelfoot Lake; Little Blue Heron
and Rose-breasted Grosbeak from Lebanon; Double-creasted Cormorant, Palm
Warbler and Blue Grosbeak from Knoxville and Evening Grosbeak from Great
Smoky Mountains National Park. Eight additional species were reported from
only one location. Twenty-six species were reported from all areas. All of
these, with the exceptions of Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Slate-colored Junco,
White-throated Sparrow and Song Sparrow, could be considered permanent
state-wide residents.

Favorable weather conditions during the count period contributed to the
high count. Sky conditions ranged from clear to overcast, with only one
mention of intermittent showers. In some of the higher elevation areas, the
ground was covered with snow. The temperature during the count period
ranged from 10° to 63° F, while the wind velocity was estimated at 1 5 mph
or less at the time of the counts on all but three, the maximum estimated at
3 5 mph.

Special mention is made of some of the unusual observations in the text
under "Information on the Counts” for the appropriate location.

The counts are listed progressively across the state from west to east, both
in the text and tabulated data.

INFORMATION ON THE COUNTS

MEMPHIS— 35° 09’ N, 89° 56’ W. 27 December; 06:00 to 17:00; cloudy;
temp. 28° to 46° F; wind 0-3 m.p.h.; total party-hours 60; total party-miles
151.

The House Wren, Short-billed Marsh Wren, and Le Conte’s Sparrow were
seen by Ben Coffey.

David Brogdon, Fred T. Carney, Mr. and Mrs. Ben B. Coffey (compilers),
Fred Dickson, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dinkelspiel, Mr. and Mrs. Quentin B.
Dowdy, Billy C. Grimm, George Harvey, Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Highgate,
Edward M. King, Nelle Moore, John Morrow, George Payne, Ernest Restivo,
Joe Y. Sammons, Alice Smith, Dr. W. L. Whittemore.

'*' The 1964 Christmas Season Bird Count was recorded as the 3 5th. It should
have been the 34th. This error has been carried forward annually until this
issue, in which the error is corrected.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

THE 1970 CHRISTMAS SEASON BIRD COUNTS

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

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THE MIGRANT

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[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

11

REELFOOT— 36° 25’ N, 89° 23’ W. 31 December; 07:00 to 16:30; cloudy;
temp. 33° to 39° F; wind 5-10 m.p.h.; total party-hours 34; total party-miles
170.

Ben Coffey, Lula Coffey, Evelyn Cole, John DeLime, Nito Graham, George
Harvey, Bob Head, Kenneth Leggett (compiler), Don Manning, Jina Man-
ning, George Payne, Clell Peterson.

HENDERSON— 35° 23’ N, 88° 45’ W. 30 December; 06:45 to 15:30;
overcast; temp. 36° to 45° F; wind 1-5 m.p.h.

Mrs. E. M. Carpenter (compiler).

SAVANNAH — 24 December; 08:00 to 17:00; clear; temp. 28° to 45° F;
wind 0 m.p.h.; total party-hours 9; total party-miles 40.

David Patterson (compiler), Mike Patterson.

COLUMBIA — 3 5° 36’ N, 87° 10’ W. 30 December; 07:00 to 18:00; high
overcast; temp. 25° to 45°F; wind 0-5 m.p.h.; total party-hours 14; total
party-miles 192.

William Dale, Barbara Finney, William Fuqua, Cleo Mayfield, George May-
field (compiler), Evelyn Ridley.

NASHVILLE — 26 December; 04:45 to 17:00; temp. 13° to 35°F; wind
10-15 m.p.h.; clear; total party-hours 81j; total party-miles 334j.

Mr. and Mrs. B. A. Abernathy, Frances Abernathy, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde
Anderson, Sue Bell, Mike Bierly, Mr. and Mrs. Luther Christman, Mrs. T. L.
Clark, Mrs. J. L. Clarke, Annella Creech, Ann Denslow, Milbrey Dugger,
John and Evelyn Ellis, Charles E. Farrell, Clara Fentress, Albert F. Ganier,
Kathering A. Goodpasture, Ben Groce, John Herbert, Mrs. A. B. Herron,
Louise Jackson, Mrs. William H. Jackson, Mrs. J. W. Lauderdale, Margaret
Mann, Kathy Meyer, Mr. and Mrs. George R. Miller, Fanny Murphy, Ann
Nichols, Henry E. Parmer (compiler), Mrs. William Puryear, Mr. and Mrs.
Oscar Patrick, John and Heather Riggins, Scott Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. W. J.
Vaughan, Virginia Workman.

HICKORY-PRIEST— 36° 12’ N, 86° 40’ W. 3 January; 06:30 to 17:00;
partly cloudy a.m.; intermittent rain p.m.; temp. 36° to 56° F; wind 10-30
m.p.h.; total party-hours 45 ; total party-miles 230.

The Blue Goose (Parmer party) was an adult, however, its status as a
wild bird was questionable due to domestic birds being in the area in recent
years. The 110 Common Goldeneye, 102 in one flock, was a daily abundance
record for the Nashville area. The 12 Oldsquaw (Bierly party) were in one
flock on Percy Priest Lake. The Common Merganser was on Old Hickory
Lake by Goodpasture.

Vivian Anderson, Sue Bell, Michael Bierly (compiler), Ruth Castles, Dot
Crawford, Paul Crawford, Annella Creech, Ruby Dobbs, Milbrey Dugger,
Ann Fleming, Katherine Goodpasture, Pam Harger, Pat Harger, Helen Hodg-
son, Carol Knauth, Mary Lou Lorance, Margaret Mann, Don Manning, Gina
Manning, Kathy Meyer, Ann Nichols, Henry Parmer, Heather Riggins, John
Riggins, Natasha Riggins, Ann Tarbell, Scott Thomas.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

12

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

LEBANON — 36° IT N, 86° 21’ W. 28 December; 06:00 to 19:00; clear;
temp. 23° to 44° F; wind 5-10 m.p.h.; total party-hours 54; total party-miles
110.

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1) was seen in the area daily from 18 De-
cember to 5 January. When first seen the bird was obviously injured — but
recovered to depart at the January cold spell. The bird was seen at a feeder
located at the home of Mrs. Margaret Williams who lives near the Gallatin
Steam Plant. The sighting was confirmed by several additional birders of some
experience. The Little Blue Heron ( 1 ) was a mature bird. It was seen by an
experienced birder (Dan Denney) at the Boxwell Boy Scout Camp. It was
identified by sight and binoculars at a distance of 3 5 feet. The bird was ob-
served for about five minutes. The Green Herons (2) were seen by two adult
experienced birders (Mary Wharton and Lucille Chambers).

Joe Adams, Mrs. Robert Bain, Dr. Sidney Berry, Mrs. Frank Bloodworth,
Mrs. George Bouton, Mrs. Lucille Chambers, Dan Denny, Mrs. H. Easter, Col.
Robert Hosier, Dr. and Mrs. William Howard, Robert Justice, Mrs. J. P.
Leathers, Mrs. Gwendolyn McFarland, Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Merritt, Bill Sel-
lars, Reverend and Mrs. William Senter (compilers), Mrs. Margaret Smith,
Mrs. Sue Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Porter Taylor, Willie Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Neil
Welty, Mrs. William Welty, Miss Mary Wharton.

COOKEVILLE — 28 December; 06:30 to 16:30; fair; temp: 20° to 40° F;
total party-hours 55; total party-miles 100.

Dr. and Mrs. J. O. Cummins, Mr. and Mrs. James Haile, Mr. Roy T. Hinds,
Dr. Paul L. Hollister, Mr. and Mrs. Frazier Jaquess, Dr. and Mrs. Sidney L.
McGee, Mrs. J. T. Moore, Sr., Mr. T. B. Link, Mr. Miser R. Richmond,
Mr. and Mrs. Roy H. Sullivan, Mr. F. R. Toline, Robert Toline, Miss Marie
White (compiler).

CHATTANOOGA — 3 5° 02’ N, 8 5° 16’ W; 27 December; 08:00 to 19:00;
clear a.m.; cloudy to overcast p.m.; temp. 17° to 44° F; wind 0-9 m.p.h.

Frances Barnwell, Benton Basham, Jeff Basham, Hugh Crownover, Maxine
Crownover, Jon DeVore (compiler), Edith Fenn, Kurt Krause, Veta Sliger,
Mary Tunsberg, Jack Wagner, Mark Wagner, Adele West, Mrs. Harvie Wil-
kinson.

KNOXVILLE — 3 5° 5 5’ N, 84° 5’ W; 27 December; 07:00 to 19:00; clear
to partly cloudy; temp. 2 5° to 40° F; wind 5-15 m.p.h.; total party-hours 81;
total party-miles 490.

The Green Heron was seen by Boyd Sharp who flushed it at a distance of
about ten feet and had a good look at it. The Bonaparte’s Gull (3) were seen
by Paul Pardue on Loudon Lake and the same birds were seen again on the
following day by Pardue and others. The Blue Grosbeak was seen by Paul
Pardue, who watched it through 20 powered telescope for several minutes.
The Le Conte’s Sparrow was identified by Dr. Walter Scarlett, who was
familiar with the species in Arkansas.

Joshua Banner, James Campbell, Joseph Howell, Susan Hoyle, Beth Lacy,
Chester Massey, Mrs. C. Massey, Deborah Massey, Morton Massey, Terry Mc-

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

13

Gown, Robert Monroe, Walter Nickell, Louise Nunnally, Paul Pardue, W. P.
Scarlett, Boyd Sharp, Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Smith, James T. Tanner (compiler),
Samuel Tipton, Laura Wells.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK— 3 5° 40’ N, 83° 29’
W; 3 January; 06:3 0 to 18:00; overcast a.m.; clear to partly cloudy p.m.;
temp. 20° to 63° F; wind 0-3 5 m.p.h.; total party-hours 114; total party-
miles 406.

Joshua Banner, Mrs. Howard E. Barclay, Mr. and Mrs. Lane Briggs, James
Campbell, Mary Ruth Chiles, Mr. and Mrs. John Christianson, Mr. and Mrs.
O. T. Collett, Mrs. Mary Frances Davidson, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gassaway,
Mr. and M,rs. Alfred Haegele, Dave Hassler, Robbie Hassler, Joseph C. Howell,
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Jones, Tony Koella, Beth Lacey, Mrs. Dorothy T. Lexau,
Dorothy J. MacLean, Mrs. George McGown, Chester A. Massey, Debbie Mas-
sey, Eleanor Massey, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Monroe, Julia Moore, Andy Morton,
Chuck Nicholson, Louise Nunnally, Holly Overton, Paul S. Pardue, E. Powell
Puckett, Mr. and Mrs. F. Earle Rankin, Mrs. Sterling Ryder, A. Boyd Sharp,
Johneta Smith, Louis Smith, James T. Tanner, S. R. Tipton, Lucille Walder,
Laura Wells, Bill Williams, Irene Williams, Mrs. C. H. Wodtke, George Wood,
Hedy Wood, Richard C. Zani (compiler).

GREENEVILLE — 3 January; 08:00 to 18:00; overcast to clearing p.m.;
temp. 30° to 53° F; wind 0-20 m.p.h.; total party-hours 35; total party-
miles 57.

Betty Armitage, Elizabeth Burleson, Mrs. Marjorie Clemens, Mrs. Chester
Darnell, Mr. and Mrs. William Fischer, Mr. and Mrs. King Gaut, John Wad-
dell, Mr. and Mrs. David Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Nevius (compilers),
Richard Sievert, Dr. and Mrs. Royal Spees.

KINGSPORT— 36° 30’ N, 82° 31’ W; 26 December; 07:45 to 17:00;
clear; temp. 12° to 24° F; wind 10 m.p.h.; total party-hours 28j; total party-
miles 87.

Roy Allen, Tom Finucane (compiler), Lucille Smith, Ann Switzer, Jon
Wert.

ELIZABETHTON— 36° 20’ N, 82° 08’ W; 2 January; 06:30 to 17:30;
clear to partly cloudy; temp. 17° to 43° F; wind calm.

Fred Behrend, Mrs. George Dove, Glen Eller, Dr. and Mrs. Lee R. Herndon,
Roby May, John Martin, Mrs. Potter, Peter Range (compiler), Brent Rowell,
Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Swindell.

Correction: The sentence beginning in line four of the last paragraph (Alsop,
The Migrant 41:50, 1970) reads as follows: "The average annual precipitation
is about 3 8 inches”. The sentence should read: The average annual precipitation
is about 83 inches.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

14

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

EASTERN BLUEBIRD NESTING AT
ASHLAND CITY, 1970

By Amelia R. Laskey and Martha F. Herbert

This report is a continuation of the 1968 and 1969 nesting activities of
Eastern Bluebirds {Sialia sialis) in the rural Neptune Community of Ashland
City. (Migrant 39:73-74 and 40:81-82).

This year John S. Herbert has been gradually placing the 69 available nest
boxes for Bluebirds on metal pipes. Thus far, observations indicate that the
boxes already installed on pipes have provided better protection from climbing
mammals than those still nailed on fence posts. From 13 March to early Sep-
tember, M. F. Herbert and A. R. Laskey made weekly inspections of these
boxes on 9 miles of rural roads in the Neptune Community of Ashland City,
compiling records for this report. -

The first egg of the season was laid on 2 April, the same date as last year.
On 17 April, 3 5 nests contained complete or partial sets of eggs. The peak was
reached on 24 April: 42 nests with eggs, 4 with young, but troubles had al-
ready started and 7 nests had come to grief. The latest brood fledged the first
week of September. During the season, 10 sets of white-shelled eggs were laid.
Two females had 3 white-egg sets each.

Of the 69 available nest boxes, 64 were occupied at least once by Bluebirds,
plus a martin house. Three other species built in these boxes: Red-bellied
Woodpecker {Centurus caroUniis) , Carolina Chickadee {Parns caroUnensis) ,
Carolina Wren {Thryothorus ludovicianns) . The woodpecker enlarged the
opening, laid 4 eggs, raised 2 young; the other two species were unsuccessful.
House Sparrows (Passer domes ficus) made numerous attempts to occupy 10
boxes, but we removed nests and eggs immediately. The sparrows gave up by
late May. Bluebirds used a number of these boxes later.

Bluebirds laid 690 eggs (163 clutches): 397 eggs hatched: 325 young
fledged (47% of eggs laid); 365 eggs and young were unsuccessful (53%).
Of the 36 5 unsuccessful, the greatest number was due to predation (165),
mainly snakes: 103 were abandoned. In 5 known instances, female feathers
were found on the ground under or near the nests, doubtless victims of the
many cats in this area. There were 40 unhatched eggs, mainly singles and
mostly addled; 43 young disappeared which probably died in the nest and were
removed by the parents; 8 eggs in two boxes were broken when blown down
in a windstorm. One nestling, already banded, was removed by a boy.

An adult female was found dead in Box 26 near a tobacco field that had
been sprayed with a pesticide, the same box where an incubating female was
found paralyzed last year. Another female was eaten by an Elaphe snake
(chicken snake) while laying eggs. She was found in the snake’s stomach with
egg shell fragments. Two adult male Bluebirds were dead in nest boxes. One
had been scalped by some other bird.

Early in the season, some females do not flush readily from their nests and
are caught for banding or reading of their band numbers. In 1970, 23 females
were banded and 10 were retaken that had been banded in 1968 or 1969.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

15

Seven of these had been banded as nestlings in the area. Two of those, banded
as adults in 1969, were using the same nest boxes in 1970. Capturing the
females also revealed movements during the nesting season between nest boxes.
In one instance. No. 108-184684 moved 1.2 miles.

We believe that the better percentage of success of 1970 (47%) over 1969
(39%) nestings was due mainly to weather conditions. In 1969 July daily
temperatures averaged 82.7 degrees (2.5 above normal) while July 1970 was
reported to be 3 degrees below normal in the U. S. Meteorological Summary.
Also in 1970 the heat inside all of the occupied boxes was modified by cover-
ing the top with aluminum foil.

1521 Graybar Lane 37215.

611 Lynnbrook Road 37215.

T.V. TOWER CASUALTIES AT NASHVILLE:
SPRING AND AUTUMN, 1970

By Amelia R. Laskey

For 1970, M. L. Bierly had charge of collecting the T. V. tower casualties
on daily morning trips during spring and autumn migration. He made many
trips personally and was assisted by C. W. Fentress, K. A. Goodpasture, David
Lee, George Miller, Pauline Miller, Heather Riggins and John Riggins. In
other ways, H. C. Monk and Virginia Price have helped.

The spring trips, from 15 March to mid-May at WSM, yielded only 10
casualties of 9 species: House Wren, Catbird, Tennessee Warbler, Bay-breasted
Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Orchard Oriole, Summer Tanager (2), Purple
Finch and Field Sparrow. The first casualty was the Field Sparrow on 17 April.

On 23 July, M. L. Bierly resumed visits to W. S. M. tower which he
terminated 15 November. From 23 July through 26 Sept, only 15 birds were
found. Early Sept, had been unusually warm (16 days when the high tempera-
ture reached 90 to 94 degrees). On 2 5 Sept, winds veered to the north, with
overcast skies and drizzles, which precipitated the disastrous kill of 28 Sept.
At WSM 3,482 birds of 54 species were gathered that morning. The heaviest
kill at WSIX occurred there also on 28 Sept. (78 birds). On 12 Oct. with
similar type weather, there were 88 casualties at WSM.

The total for autumn 1970 from both towers was 3,787 individuals of 67
species: WSIX 104 of 21 species, WSM 3,683 of 66 species. The heaviest
losses were suffered at WSM: Tennessee Warbler 845, Ovenbird 631, Magnolia
Warbler 420, Black-and-white Warbler 429.

Each year the casualties at ceilometer or T.V. towers have produced speci-
mens of new or rare species or significant migration data for the Nashville
area. For 1970, two Swainson’s Warblers at WSM on 28 Sept, constituted our
first TV tower casualties (kept since 19 57) and our first local autumn record
of the species. A Yellow Rail from WSIX on 31 Oct. is our latest record for
this uncommon species in our area.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

16

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

Other occurrences are indicators of dates when our nesting species may
have started migrating through our area from more northerly nesting grounds.
Among them from WSM, is a Red-bellied Woodpecker, the first of this species
(2 8 Sept.) found at towers here, Wood Pewee 24 Aug. Yellow Warbler 10
Aug., Yellow-breasted Chat 12 Aug. The status of the two mid-summer
Mockingbirds is questionable (late July and early Aug.). These are the first
casualties of this species since WSM tower was completed in 1960.

As in previous years, the casualties were used for various scientific studies.

The list of species for autumn 1970 follows. The first numeral is for WSIX
and the second numeral is for WSM with an asterisk ("') indicating that the
species was found only at WSM.

Virginia Rail 1; Yellow Rail 'M ; Mourning Dove "'2; Yellow-billed Cuckoo
'M; Red-bel. Woodpecker 'M; Yellow-bel. Sapsucker '•'2; Yellow-bel. Fly-
catcher 2 — 6; Acadian Flycatcher 'M ; Least Flycatcher 'M; Wood Pewee 2 —
6; Brown Creeper 'M ; House Wren '‘ 8; Winter Wren 'M ; Long-billed Marsh
Wren '‘'22; Short-billed Marsh Wren 'M; Mockingbird "'2; Catbird 3 — 61;
Wood Thrush 'M 5 ; Swainson’s Thrush 'M ; Thrush remains (not Wood) 'M ;
Golden-crowned Kinglet "'2; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 'M; White-eyed Vireo
'‘6; Yellow-throated Vireo 'M3; Solitary Vireo '‘‘6; Red-eyed Vireo 3 — 191;
Philadelphia Vireo 'M7; Warbling Vireo 'M; Black-and-white Warbler 11 —
429; Swainson’s Warbler 'M; Worm-eating Warbler 'M; Golden-winged
Warbler 'M3; Blue-winged Warbler 2 — 9; Tennessee Warbler 11 — 845;
Nashville Warbler 1 — 17; Parula Warbler 'M6; Yellow Warbler 'M; Magnolia
Warbler 10 — 420; Black-thr. Blue 'M; Myrtle 2 — 2; Black-throated Green
Warbler 1 — 5 8; Blackburnian 'M7; Yellow-throated Warbler 'M ; Chestnut-
sided Warbler 6 — 264; Bay-breasted Warbler 3 — 95; Blackpoll Warbler 'M;
Prairie Warbler 'M ; Palm Warbler 'M; Ovenbird 29 — 631; Northern Water-
thrush 2 — 21; Kentucky Warbler 'M7; Mourning Warbler 'M; Yellowthroat
2 — 72; Yellow-breasted Chat 1 — 10; Hooded Warbler 'M; Wilson’s Warbler
'M; Canada Warbler 'M; American Redstart 5 — 176; Scarlet Tanager 'M;
Summer Tanager 'M ; Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 — 20; Indigo Bunting 1 — 25;
Grasshopper Sparrow 1 ; Slate-colored Junco 1 ; Field Sparrow 5 ; White-
throated Sparrow 1 ; Lincoln’s Sparrow 1 ; Unidentifiable account condi-
tion 5 — 4; Totals 104 — 3,683. Grand total for autumn 1970 3,787.

1521 Graybar Lane, Nashville, 37215

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

17

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

I am writing this message to you on the day following our most successful
and inspiring joint meeting with the Kentucky Ornithological Society at
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. The facilities and forest environment of the Park
were superb and birdsongs, especially warblers, abounded. In all, about 129
species were found including the surrounding area outside the Park. It was
generally conceded by long-time members who have known him for years,
that our Founder, Mr. Albert Ganier, gave the finest illustrated slide lecture
of his career on "The 50 Most Unusual Birds of the World.” His enthusiasm
and vigor remain an inspiration for us all. The meeting was also attended by
Mr. Dixon Merritt, our other living Founder and by my mother, Mrs. George
R. Mayfield, Sr., wife of a Founder. We are indebted to John Ellis and Mike
Bierly of Nashville, and to Ray Nall, Herb Shadowen, Willard Gray, and
Mrs. Stamm of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, and to their co-workers
for carrying out the local arrangements of this most successful joint meeting.

Our Board of Directors voted to hold our fall meeting at Montgomery Bell
Park the week-end of 30 October. Thirty-six rooms and suites and ten cabins
are now available, but I am told that these will all be filled by reservations as
much as two months prior to our meeting date, if we do not reserve them first.

As most of you know, our present Editor, Dr. Lee R. Herndon, is retiring
is a past-president of the Tennessee Ornithological
Society and did much to rejuvenate our Society fol-
lowing the diminished activity associated with the
period of World War II. He has been a leader in the
Elizabethton Chapter over the years and deserves
our thanks for his work during these past years as
Editor of The Migrant.

During the last two years our Society and its mem-
bers have become increasingly interested in the en-
vironment and matters of conservation throughout
our state. I have maintained liaison with a number of
organizations interested in preserving our wild rivers,
our Great Smokies Park, our wilderness areas, and an
environment beneficial to man and birds. I have met
with representatives of these groups for productive
sessions with our new Commissioner of Conservation
and most recently on 26 April with Governor Dunn
and Commissioner Jenkins. I think this liaison is important and I am gratified
that the Board of Directors has seen fit to allow me to continue in this capacity
along side Mark Pritchard, our other Conservation Coordinator.

When I became President, I asked that we study and communicate our
thoughts, ideas, and desires for a better Society and I urged that we have
at least one additional meeting in the fall as well as a foray. These things
have been accomplished. I want to take this opportunity in my last presiden-
tial message to you to thank the officers and members for their work and
cooperation in forging what I believe is a closer and more active Tennessee
Ornithological Society.

George R. Mayeield, Jr.

following this issue. Lee

[VoL. 42, 1971]

18

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

THE SEASON

Lee R. Herndon, Editor

Relatively mild weather prevailed during the first part of the period, with
some snow in the eastern part of the state near the end of December and again
on 2 8 January. Rainfall was considerable during January but no zero tempera-
tures were recorded at the lower elevations during the period.

Many shorebirds remained well into the period due to the moderate tempera-
tures and the low lake levels, which provided suitable habitat and feeding
areas. The first real influx of waterfowl occurred about the second week-end
of November, when there was a drop in temperature accompanied by snow
flurries. Shorebirds and waterfowl reports were much more numerous than
usual, while northern finches were very scarce. A few Purple Finches and
Evening Grosbeaks wintered in the Elizabethton area, but only a few Pine
Siskins were reported from over the state.

So many noteworthy observations occurred during the period that if listed
here a large portion of The Season would be repeated.

WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION — Double-crested Cormorant-
Warbler: Double-crested Cormorant: 1 Nov. (1) SFSP (JS) Short-eared Owl:
5 Dec. (4) SAFB (BC, LC, BB, LS), 13 Feb. (7) SAFB (BC, Knox). Fish
Crow: 31 Dec. (9) Lake County (BC, LC) 27 and 28 Dec. (12) Memphis
(BC). Red-breasted Nuthatch: 27 Dec. (2) Memphis (BC). Orange-crowned
Warbler: 10 and 11.

Locations: SAFB — ^^Stuttgart Air Force Base, SFSP — Shelby Forest State Park.

Observers: BB — Benton Bashom, BC — Ben B. Coffey, Jr., Knox — James M.
Campbell and Knoxville Group, LC — Mrs. Ben B. Coffey, Jr., LS — Lee Shafer,
MD — Mary Davant.

David E. Patterson, Harbeth Hills Academy, Savannah, 3 8372.

CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION — Loons-Ducks: Common
Loon: 9 Nov. (1) to 18 Jan. (12) WR (KLD), (1-2) NA during period.
Horned Grebe: to (3 5) NA, 11 Jan. (225 ) peak WR (KLD). Pied-billed
Grebe: 2 Nov. (16), then up to (90) 28 Dec., down to (22) 25 Jan. WR
(KLD). Double-crested Cormorant: 6 Dec. (1) DRU (TOS). Great Blue
Heron: 6 Dec. (40) DRU (TOS), 3 Jan. (32) OHL (TOS). Green Heron:
26 Dec. (1) NSQ (KAG, MM, MLB). Cattle Egret: 21 Nov. (1) CCR
(JHR). Common Egret: 26 Nov. (3), 29 Nov. (2) (DM), 6 Dec. (12)

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

19

(TO'S), all DRU. Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 21 Nov. (1) CCR (JHR).
Canada Goose: 24 Nov. (22,000) TNWR (GNB). 9 Nov. (40) to a peak
of (85) 28 Dec. WR (KLD). Then 30 Jan. seven flocks over NA (52-200)
(TOS). White-fronted Goose: 18 Nov. (2) DRU (GNB). Snow Goose: 10
Nov. (300) BSU (GNB). Blue Goose: 10 Nov. (1,400) BSU (GNB). Ful-
vous Tree Duck: 27 Nov. (1) BSU (DM). Mallard: 28 Dec. (1,800) peak
at WR (KLD). Black Duck: 11 Jan. (1,000) peak at WR (KLD), 16 Jan.
(500) HP, peak NA (TOS). Gadwall: 30 Nov. (169) peak WR (KHD),
16 Jan. (50) HP, peak NA (TOS). Pintail: 16 Jan. (75) HP (TOS).
Green-winged Teal: 16 Nov. (30) peak WR (KLD). American Widgeon: 16
Nov. (35), than almost absent until 2 5 Jan. (36) WR (KLD), 8 Nov. (300)
HP (JHR), 16 Jan. (200) HP (TOS). Shoveler: scarce, 16 Jan. (10) HP
(TOS). Wood Duck: 7 Nov. (3 5) BT (RH), 26 Dec. (13) TJ (JNR) and
(2) NSQ (KAG, MM), first NA at Christmas in ten years. Redhead: 16
Nov. (79) WR (KLD) only large flock there, scarce NA. Ring-necked
Duck: 16 Nov. (73) peak WR (KLD), 23 Nov. (100) peak NA at RL
(AT). Canvasback: 11 Jan. (275) WR (KLD), 3 Jan. (17) CL (JHR).
Lesser Scaup: 16 Nov. (2,000) peak WR (KLD), 31 Jan. (131) peak RL
(AT). Common Goldeneye: 11 Nov. (1) to 31 Jan. (75), both RL (AT),
11 Jan. (62) peak WR (KLD). Bufflehead: from 11 Nov. (2) (MLB) to
31 Jan. (22) (AT), both RL. 11 Jan. (27) peak WR (KLD). Oldsquaw:
2 5 Dec. to 15 Jan. (1-2) RL (TOS), 3 Jan. (12) PPL (MLB), with last
16 Jan. (1) there (MLB, ROH). 18 Jan. (11) WR (KLD) only report there.
Surf Scoter: 16 Nov. (7) WR (KLD). Ruddy Duck: 16 Nov. (98) WR,
then scarce there (KLD). Hooded Merganser: 7 Dec. (275) WR (KLD).
Common Merganser: 10 Dec. (2), 27 Dec. (1) LD (RTH), 3 Jan. (1) OHL
(KAG) only NA report. Red-breasted Merganser: 7 Dec. (28) WR (KLD)
only report.

Vultiire$-T brushes: Black Vulture: 16 Jan. (6 5) HP (TOS). Golden Eagle:
15 Nov. (1) BSU (DM), 21 Nov. (1) DRU (DM) and (1) CCR (TOS),
6 Dec. (3) DRU (TOS), (4) during period WB (FB). Bald Eagle: 6 Dec.
(5) DRU (TOS), (1-4) during period LD (RTH). Pigeon Hawk: 7 Nov.
(1) H (AT). American Coot: 16 Nov. (7000) down to (1 54) 2 5 Jan.
WR (KLD), peak at RL (365 ) 26 Nov. (AT) Common Snipe: (3) wintered
H (ROH). Dunlin: 8 Nov. (4) GSP (JHR, PC). Semi-palmated Sandpiper:
9 Nov. (2) GSP (PC). Franklin’s Gull: 6 Dec. (1) DRU (HEP et al) .
Bonaparte’s Gull: 9 Nov. (6) (LOT), 29 Nov. (28) DHL (MLB), 12 Dec.
(44) PPL (MLB). Great Horned Owl: 26 Dec. (3) calling RL (MLB), 19
Dec. (1) BT (RH), 3 Jan. (2) Rickman (RTH). Ruby-throated Humming-
bird: very late, 5 Nov. (1) H (TC). Horned Lark: in Jan. (100) WR
(KLD), (100) HP (TOS), 25 WB (FB). Red-breasted Nuthatch: 26 Dec.
(1) H (BHA). Long-billed Marsh Wren: 2 Nov. (1) casualty WSM-TV
(ARL). Catbird: 9 Dec. (1) H (HR) first Dec. record for NA. Brown
Thrasher: seven reports wintering NA.

Waxivings-Sparrows: Cedar Waxwing: regular over area in Nov., Dec.
Yellow-throated Warbler: very late, 5 Nov. (1) H Columbia (DG fide
GRM). Bay-breasted Warbler: 1 Nov. (1) CW (JR). House Sparrow: 1 Jan.
(800) BL (JHR). Rusty Blackbird: (100) wintering H (ROH), few H
(JOE). Rose-breasted Grosbeak: 18 Dec. thru 5 Jan. (1) H Mrs. Herschell
Willmore at Gallatin, also seen by (PDC). Indigo Bunting: 11 Nov. (1) H

[VoL. 42, 1971]

20

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

(MLB), latest NA by a week. Dickcissel: 23 Dec. — 7 and 8 Jan. (1) H (FB).
Evening Grosbeak: 26 Dec. (1) WB (FB), 9 Jan. (1) H Gallatin (Mrs.
Dick Fenkers), 16 Jan. (1) H (Dorothy Christman). Pine Siskin: 28 Oct.
(1) H (ARE). Lark Sparrow: (1) 7 Nov. SHV (AC, MD) 11 Jan. (3) WR
(KLD). Oregon Junco: 1 Dec. thru 10 Jan. (1) H’s (ARL, AC and MD)
then 13 Jan. (1) H (KAG) all may have been same bird. Chipping Sparrow:
11 thru 27 Jan. (3) H WB (FB).

Locations: BL — Bush Lake, BSU — Big Sandy Unit, BT — Byrdstown, CCR —
Cross Creeks Refuge, CL — Coleman Lake, CW — ^^Cheekwood, DRU — Duck
River Unit, GSP — Gallatin Steam Plant, H — home area, HP — Hunter’s Point,
LD — Lilydale, NA — Nashville Area, NSQ — Newson Station Quarry, OHL —
Old Hickory Lake, PPL — Percy Priest Lake, SHV — South Harpeth Valley,
TNWR — Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, TJ — Two Jays, RL — Radnor
Lake, WB— Woodbury, WR— Woods Reservoir.

Observers: BHA — B. H. Abernathy, FB — Frances Bryson, GNB— Gary N.
Burke, MLB — ^Mike L. Bierly, AC — Annella Creech, PDC — Paul and Dot
Crawford, TC — Mrs. Tom Clarke, KLD — Kenneth H. and Lil Dubke, MD —
Milbrey Dugger, JOE — John O. Ellis, DG — Dan Gray, Jr., KAG — Katherine
A. Goodpasture, RH — Robbie Hassler, ROH — Roger O. Harshaw, RTH —
Roy T. Hinds, ARL — ^Amelia R. Laskey, DM. — Mr. and Mrs. Don Manning,
GRM — George R. Mayfield, MM — Margaret Mann, HEP — Henry E. Parmer,
HR — Heather Riggins, JHR — John N. and Heather Riggins, AT — Ann Tar-
bell, LOT — Laurence O. Trabue, TOS — members of the Nashville Chapter on
field trips.

Henry E. Parmer, 3 800 Richland Ave., Nashville 37205.

EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY KLGIOISI— Loons -Ducks: Common
Loon: regular in small numbers throughout area. Horned Grebe: first, 16
Nov. (1) CL (PP). Double-crested Cormorant: first 31 Oct. (1) K (AM)
one to two regular in Knoxville area from 17 Nov. through period by PP,
FJA, JMC, AM, EM; 14, 15 Jan. (2) DC (DE, BS). Great Blue Heron: much
more numerous than usual in Chattanooga area, max. 15 Dec. (94) HRA
(KD). Green Heron: 15 Jan. (1) K (FJA). Common Egret: 15 Jan. (1)
K (FJA), 17 Jan. (1) K (FJA, JMC, BL, JS, LS). American Bittern: 11
Nov. (1) AM (KD). Canada Goose: max., during most of period up to
(4600) HRA (AA). Mallard: max., up to (4800) HRA (AA). Black Duck:
max., up to (4300) HRA (AA). Gadwall: max., 26 Jan. (36) ChL (KD).
Pintail: max., up to (80) HRA (AA). Green-winged Teal: max., up to
(3 00) HRA (AA). Blue-winged Teal: last, 11 Nov. (4) AM (KD). Ameri-
can Widgeon: max., up to (70) HRA (AA). Redhead: max., 3 Nov. (12)
HRA (KD). Greater Scaup: max., up to (500) BWP (KD). Common
Goldeneye: max., up to (175) BL (GE, PR). Bufflehead: max., up to (41)
HRA (KD). White-winged Scoter: 2 Jan. (3) NL (LS), 16 Jan. (1) BL
(LRH), 26 Jan. (1) ChL (KD). Ruddy Duck: 23 Nov. (3) CL (PP).
Common Merganser: 22 Nov. (1) K (FJA, JMC, EM, CAM), 1 Jan. (1)
BL (LRH). Red-breasted Merganser: 3 Nov. (8) HRA (KD), 15 Nov. (7)
K (FJA, CAM), 17 Nov. ChL (12) ChL (KD), 8 Dec. (14) and 29 Dec.
(13) ChL (KD).

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

21

Yultures-Sand pipers: Turkey Vulture: max. 15 Nov. (26) HRA (LD).
Sharp-shinned Hawk: 16 Jan. (1) ND (FJA), 24 Jan. (1) BC (FJA). Red-
tailed Hawk: unusually common Battle Creek max., 28 Dec. (19) (KD).

Red-shouldered Hawk: 8 Dec. (1) A (PP), 24 Jan. (2) BC (JMC, JCH).
Rough-legged Hawk: 19 Nov. (1, light phase) NL (LS). Bald Eagle: 8 Dec.
(3 immatures, 1 adult) HRA (KD), 21 Jan. (2 adults) HRA (WiC). Marsh
Hawk: 9 Nov. (1) K (FJA), 22 Nov. (1) K (FJA, JMC, CAM, EM), 27
Dec. (1) K (PP). Sandhill Crane: 3 Nov. (3) K (PP). Virginia Rail: 11
Nov. (1) AM (KD), 15 Nov. (1) K (FJA, CAM). American Golden
Plover: 1 Nov. (8) K (WB, AM, LN), 2 Nov. (8) K (FJA, WS). Black-
bellied Plover: 1 Nov. (1) K (WB, AM, LN), 15 Nov. (4) Ki (FJA, CAM).
Woodcock: first singing, 4 Jan. (4) MP (KD), 29 Nov. (1) CL (JMC,
JCH). Least Sandpiper: 3 Nov. (21) HRA (KD), 26 Jan. (7) HRA (KD).
Dunlin: through period, max. (145) SB (KD). Semi-palmated Sandpiper: 26
Jan. (1) HRA (KD).

Gulls-Longspurs: Bonaparte’s Gull: 24 Nov. (3) NL (LS), 6, 23, 26, 27,
28, Dec. (2 to 14) K (PP), 29 Jan. (3) BE (PR). Barn Owl: through pe-
riod (1) AM (KD). Barred Owl: 3 Jan. (1) SeV (LS). Red-breasted Nut-
hatch: 30 Nov. (6) CL (PP), 12 Dec. to end of period (1 to 3) SeV (LS).
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: unusual winter record, 12 Dec. (1) at suet feeder K
(JS, LS). Water Pipit: 8, 9, 22 Nov. (20, 215) K (FJA, JMC, RME, EM,
CAM, JBO, MW, BW, IW), regular from 1 Dec. (1-15) SB (KD). Purple
Finch: very few records. Vesper Sparrow: 3 Nov. (1) HRA (KD), 10 Nov.
(1) SB (KD). Chipping Sparrow: 2, 8 Nov. (1) K (FJA), 4 Nov. (3) Ch
(LD), 17 Nov. (2) SB (KD). Sharp-tailed Sparrow: 2nd Knox County rec-
ord, 12 Nov. (1) K (FJA, MW). Lapland Longspur: first Knox County
record 7 Nov. (1) K (MW).

Locations: AM — Amnicola Marsh, A — Athens, BC — Blount County, BL —
Boone Lake, BWP — Booker T. Washington Park, Ch — ^Chattanooga, ChL —
Chickamauga Lake, CL — Cove Lake, DL — Douglas Lake, HRA — Hiwassee
River Area, K — Knoxville, Ki — Kingston, MP — Morse Pond, Ga, ND — Norris
Dam, NL — Nickajack Lake, SB — Savannah Bay, SeV — Sequatchie Valley.

Observers: FJA — Fred J. Alsop, AA — Arnold Aslinger, WB — Winnifred
Brown, JMC — James M. Campbell, WiC — Wilford Caraway, KD — Kenneth
Dubke, LD — Lil (Mrs. Kenneth) Dubke, GE — Glenn Eller, DE — David
Etnier, RME — Ray M. (Danny) Ellis, LRH — Lee R. Herndon, JCH — -Joseph
C. Howell, BL — Beth Lacy, CAM — Chester A. Massey, EM — Eleanor (Mrs.
Chester) Massey, MM, — Morton Massey, AM — Andy Morton, CN — Chuck
Nicholson, LN — Louise Nunnally, JBO — J. B. Owen, PP — Paul Pardue, PR —
Peter Range, LS — Lee Shafer, JS — Johneta (Mrs. Louis) Smith, LS — Louis
Smith, BS— Bob Stiles, WS— William Searle III, BW— Bill Williams, IW—
Irene (Mrs. Bill) Williams, MW — Morris Williams.

James M,. Campbell, 15 Hedgewood Drive, Knoxville 37918.

EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION — Loon-Merganser: Common Loon: 4
Nov. (2) WiL (GE). Common Egret: 4 Nov. (1) WaR (GE). Black Duck:
throughout period (L4) WaL (LRH). Gadwall: 15 Nov. (3) WiL (PGR).
Pintail: 23 Dec. (1) WiL (LRH, PGR). American Widgeon: 23 Dec. (2)
WiL (LRH). Shoveler: 7 Nov. (1) WiL (GE). Ring-necked Duck: through-

[VoL. 42, 1971]

22

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

out period (max. 85) WiL (LRH, GE). Canvasback: 4 Dec. (1) WiL
(LRH). BulFlehead: throughout period (5-60) WaL, WaR, WiL (GE).
Hooded Merganser: 17 Nov. (75) WiL (LRH, GE).

Hawk-Snow Bunting: Red-tailed Hawk: throughout period HC (MS).
Golden Eagle: 16 Nov. (1) EGG (LRH). Common Raven: 5 Dec. (4) UM
(PGR). Red-breasted Nuthatch: 3 0 Dec. (8) RM (FWB). Brown Thrasher:
throughout period (1-8) E (LRH et al.). Myrtle Warbler: common through-
out period. Snow Bunting: 2 5 Nov. (1) GRB (FWB).

Locations: E — Elizabethton, EGG — Elizabethton Golf Course, GRB —
Grassy Ridge Bald, Roan Mountain, HC- — Heaton Creek, near Roan Moun-
tain, RM — Roan Mountain, UM — Unaka Mountain, WaL — Watauga Lake,
WaR — Watauga River, WiL — Wilber Lake.

Observers: FWB — Fred W. Behrend, GE — Glen Eller, LRH— Lee R. Hern-
don, PGR — ^Peter G. Range, MS — Maxie Swindell.

Brent Rowell, 2227 Edgemont Ave., Bristol, 37620.

BOOK REVIEWS

DIE VOGEL DES BODENSEEGEBIETES. By H. Jacoby, G. Knotsch,
and S. Schuster. Schweizerische Gesellschaft fur Vogelkunde und Vogelschutz,
Winterthur, Switzerland. 260 p. 1970. Swis Francs 18.5 0.

"The Birds of the Lake Constance Region” summarizes many years of
ornithological research around that large lake on the border of northern
Switzerland and southern Germany. This report was compiled by three work-
ers with the cooperation of many other individuals, and the whole was spon-
sored by the Swiss Society for Bird Study and Bird Protection. This society is
a counterpart of the T.O.S., and for many years the two groups have ex-
changed their publications, Der Ornitbologische Beobachter for The Migrant.

American readers who can read German, will be interested in this book for
one of two reasons. The first is that it provides an excellent example of how
intensive bird study in one small region can be summarized. Another is that
it pictures the birds in ano'her continent but one with similar vegetation,
agriculture, and human uses of the landscape to that found in eastern North
America. This review will consider these two points.

Almost 40 pages are devoted to the description of the area, emphasizing
those aspects of importance to bird life. The topography, climate, water con-
ditions in Lake Constance, and vegetation are described in some detail. Of
particular interest are several aerial photographs which give a stranger to this
country an excellent idea of the landscape and of the kind of habitats present.
The large reed marshes which are found on the border of Lake Constance, and
which are considered to be the areas of greatest ornithological interest in this
region, are described in some detail. This introductory part also describes
changes that have occurred in abundance over the past 100 or more years,
migration through the region, and the protection of bird life.

[VoL. 42, 1971 ]

1971

THE MIGRANT

23

The accounts of species are arranged in taxonomic order. Each is treated
in a more or less standardized way, with paragraphs on status, changes that
have occurred in abundance or range, annual presence including notes on
breeding, and very often concluding with a series of questions that need to
be investigated. The emphasis on water birds in this region is illustrated by the
fact that, although about one half of the species are characteristic of water
(geese and other waterfowl, terns and gulls, shorebirds), two-thirds of the
pages are devoted to these species, and the remainder to the actually more
abundant land birds. A very useful list, placed at the end of the book, gives
the common and scientific names of each species, indicates by symbols the
status such as regular breeder or occasional migrant, and lists the pages on
which the species is mentioned and described; this serves as a very useful sum-
mary of the birds of the Lake Constance region and also as an index. In addi-
tion, there is an alphabetical index of species names.

The Lake Constance region is considered to include 720 square miles of
which about one third is in the lake itself. The surrounding country is mostly
agricultural with extensive woods or forests only on the higher ground. Within
this area 313 species of birds have been recorded. One hundred and thirty of
these are considered to be regular breeders, 75 regular migrants or winter
visitors, and the remainder occasional or accidental visitors. As mentioned
earlier, almost half of these species are water birds attracted to the lake itself
or to the large reed marshes. There is, nevertheless, a good list of species to be
found in forested habitats. About a dozen species breeding in this region are
also native to North America and would be familiar to a visitor from here.
An American ornithologist would also be interested in two familiar birds of
European origin: the Starling, which is described as a very frequent breeding
bird in the entire region not only within the city but also in the inner parts
of woods; and the House Sparrow which is briefly dismissed in a sentence say-
ing that it is a frequent breeding bird in all cities and villages.

The Lake Constance region is one which has long been civilized and a center
for bird study, so that the history of changes in abundance is of special inter-
est. Six species including the White Stork have disappeared as breeding birds.
But ten species have in the last several years invaded the area as breeders.
Eight breeding species, several of them hawks and owls, have become relatively
more rare, and six others have increased in number. Most of the species which
have invaded and colonized in this area or have increased in number are birds
with nests in and around Lake Constance. Some of the increase in the number
of water birds appears to be the result of fertilization of the Lake by domestic
and other kinds of sewage resulting in an increase in plant life, fish, and other
small animals, all of which has provided a larger food supply for water birds.

The Lake Constance region has some of the same problems with bird con-
servation that are found in America. Breeding areas are being reduced by
"development” and an increase in outdoor recreation, such as the use of boats
on the lake and the construction of campsites at its edge. Hawks and owls,
although present in greater variety than in many places in eastern North
America, likewise suffer from persecution. It is nice to see, however, that the
Peregrine Lalcon is still breeding in this part of Switzerland. Many similar
interesting comparisons can be found in the pages of this book,

[VoL. 42, 1971]

24

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

High standards are set by this report. Much significant information is con-
densed into relatively few pages. The troublesome problem of evaluating ques-
tionable records appears to have been done in a scientific and scholarly way.
The printing is excellent, and the illustrations, although few, are of very high
quality.

James T. Tanner, Graduate Program in Ecology, University of Tennessee,
Knoxville, 37916.

ORNITHOLOGY IN LABORATORY AND FIELD— Olin Sewall Petin-
gill, Jr. Burgess Printing Co., Minneapolis, Minn. 1970. Illustrated by Walter
J. Breckinridge. 524 p.

At some time, to almost everyone interested in birds, questions arise, to
which there appears to be no immediate satisfactory answer. Most amateur
bird enthusiasts have never been exposed to a formal course in ornithology.
Therefore, they do not know where to seek an authoritative answer. Although
the author does not profess to cover every detail of the ornithological field,
the twenty sections, into which the text is divided, assist the student in direct
field observations, suggest methods and provide practical aids for pursuit of
the many exciting opportunities that are encountered.

Some of the topics considered are: topography, feathers and feather tracts,
anatomy and physiology, external structural characters, plumage and plumage
coloration, distribution field identification, behavior, territory, song, mating,
nests and nest building, eggs, egg laying and incubation, young and their
development, parental care, longevity, numbers and populations.

At the end of each section, a rather extensive list of references is given,
which pertain specifically to the topic of consideration.

As a specific example of the thoroughness with which the various topics
are covered. Appendix A: Ornithological Methods, the individual subheadings
are as follows: Blinds for Observation and Photography; Bird Photography;
Recording Bird Vocalizations; Recording Colors of Birds and Bird Eggs;
Measuring Elevation of Nests and Flight Paths; M,arking Nest Sites; Bound-
aries of Territories, and Census Lines; Capturing Wild Birds; Banding Wild
Birds; Marking Wild Birds; Collecting Birds; Permits for Capturing, Banding,
Marking and Collecting Birds; Preparing and Storing Specimens; Determining
the Sex and Age of Live Birds; Weighing Birds; Measuring Birds; Attracting
Birds and Controlling Objectionable Birds.

For those who are interested in ornithological writing. Appendix B: Prepara-
tion of Papers, lists the following sub-headings: Preparation of the Manuscript;
Organization; Style of Writing.

Of more than passing interest are the Bibliographies pertaining to ornithol-
ogy, life histories, publications of regions and states of the United States as
well as current journals of North America and foreign countries.

The material presented in this book is interesting and entertaining for the
casual observer and for the serious bird student it is highly recommended as a
reference work and should be on his library shelf.

Lee R. Herndon

[VoL. 42, 1971]

PREPARATION OF COPY FOR PUBLICATION

The pvirpose of THE MIGRANT is the recording of observations and
original information derived from the study of birds, primarily in the state
of Tennessee or the area immediately adjacent to its borders- Articles for
publication originate almost exclusively from T.O.S. members.

Contributors should prepare manuscripts and submit them in a form ac-
ceptable to the printer, after editorial approval. Both articles and short notes
are soUcited but their format should be somewhat different.

Some suggestions to authors for the preparation of papers for publication
are given herewith.

MATERIAL: The subject matter should relate to some phase of Tennessee
Ornithology. It should be original, factual, concise, scientifically accurate, and
not submitted for publication elsewhere.

TITLE: The title should be concise, specific, and descriptive.

STYLE: Recent issues of THE MIGRANT should be used as a guide in
the preparation of manuscripts- Where more detail is needed reference should
be made to the Style Manual for Biological Journals available from the Ameri-
can Institute of Biological Sciences, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue N. W., Wash-
ington, D. C. 20016.

COPY: Manxiscripts should be typed double spaced on 81x11** paper
with adequate margins, for editorial notations, and should contain only entries
intended for setting in type, except the serial page number. Tabular data should
be entered on separate sheets with appropriate title and column headings.
Photographs intended for reproduction should be sharp with good contrast on
glossy white paper in black and white (not in color). Instructions to the
editors should be given on a separate sheet. Weights and measurements should
be in metric units. Dating should be in “continental’* form (e.g., 7 March
1968).

NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by
binomial scientific name in italics only after the first occurrence in the text
for both regular articles and Round Table Notes, and should conform to
the A.O.U. Check-list 5th edition, 1957. Trinomial should be used only after
the specimen has been measured or compared with typical specimens.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: When there are more than five references in an article,
they should be placed at the end of the article, otherwise they should be
appropriately included in the text.

SUMMARY: Articles of five or more pages in length should be sum-
marized briefly, drawing attention to the main conclusions resulting from
the work performed.

IDENTIFICATION: Rare or imusual species identification to be accept-
able must be accompanied by verifying evidence. This should include: date,
time, light and weather conditions, exact location, habitat, optical equipment,
distance, behavior of bird, comparison with other similar species, characteristic
markings, experience of observer, other observers verifying observation and
reference works consulted-

REPRINTS: Reprints are available on request- Reprint requests should
accompany article at the time of submission. Billing to authors will be
through the state T.O.S. Treasurer.

Books for review and articles for pubHcation should be submitted to the
editor. Seasonal reports and items should be forwarded to the appropriate
departmental editor whose name and address will be found on the inside
front cover.

CONTENTS

Annual Autumn Hawk Count. Thomas W. Tinucane 1

Round Table Notes

Least Tern in Middle Tennessee. ]ohn and Heather Riggins 4

Cross-beak Anomaly in the Mockingbird. Earl L. Hanebrink 4

Snow Buntings, Oldsquaw, and White-winged Scoter in

East Tennessee. David A, Etnier 5

Song Sparrow Nests in Nashville. Louise Jackson 6

The 1970 Christmas Season Bird Counts 7

Eastern Bluebird Nesting in Ashland City, 1970.

Amelia R. Laskey and Martha F. Herbert 14

T.V. Tower Casualties at Nashville: Spring and Autumn, 1970.

Amelia R, Laskey 15

President’s Message. George R. Mayfield, Jr. 17

The Season. Edited by Lee R. Herndon 18

Western Coastal Plain Region. David E. Patterson 18

Central Plateau and Basin Region. Henry E. Parmer 18

Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Ja7nes M. Campbell 20

Eastern Mountain Region. Brent Rowell 21

Book Reviews: Die Vogel Des Bodenseegebietes. James T. Tanner 22

Ornithology in Laboratory and Field. Lee R. Herndon

24

:A QUARTERLY OQURNflL
DvTO TEN NESSEK BIRDS

F 1t»l>lislic4 %
THETENNESSEE '
ORNITHOLOGICAL
k SOCIETY A

'w^m

^■^0^ipX'p

THE MIGRANT

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

FIRST PUBLISHED, JUNE 1930

Published By

THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Founded at Nashville, Tenn., 7 October 1915
A non-profit, educational, scientific, and conservation organization.

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR DR. GARY O. WALLACE

Rt. 7, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

*'THE SEASON’* EDITOR FRED J. ALSOP, III

Apt. 147 Taliwa Court, Chapman Highway, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920

"STATE COUNT COMPILER” DR. LEE R. HERNDON

Rt. 6, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

OFFICERS FOR 1971-1973

PRESIDENT DR. JAMES T. TANNER

Rt. 10, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920

VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN MR. C. T. OTTENFELD

Brookwood, Rt. 5, Bristol, Tenn. 37622

VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN MISS LOUISE JACKSON

5037 Montclair Dr., Nashville, Tenn. 37211

VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN DR. ARLO SMITH

3724 Oakley Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 38111
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE:

EAST TENN. MRS. A. H. SWITZER

1620 Fairidge Place, Kingsport, Tenn. 37664

MIDDLE TENN MRS. JOHN D. HASSLER

Box 1, Byrdstown, Tenn. 38549

WEST TENN DAVID PITTS

Biology Dept., University of Tenn. at Martin, Martin, Tenn. 38237

CURATOR ALBERT F. GANIER

2112 Woodlawn Drive, Nashville, Tenn. 37212

SECRETARY MISS LOUISE NUNNALLY

2701 Fairmont Blvd., Knoxville, Tenn. 37917

TREASURER KENNETH H. DUBKE

720 Bacon Trail, Apt. 1, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37412

Annual dues, $3.00; Sustaining, $5.00; Life, $100.00; Student, $1.00; Family, $4.00;
Library, $5.00 (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Back numbers
may be had from Dr. James T. Tanner, Rt. 10, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920. Correspond with the
Treasurer for subscriptions, memberships, and changes of address.

Published quarterly (March, June, September, and December). Printed by Preston
Printing Company, 509-511 Shelby Street, Bristol, Tennessee 37620, U.S.A. Postage paid
and mailed at Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643, U.S.A.

A'- A3

THE MIGRANT

Published by the Tennessee Ornithological Society,
to Record and Encourage the Study of Birds in Tennessee.
Issued in March, June, September, and December.

VOL. 42 JUNE, 1971 NO. 2

TRAILL’S FLYCATCHER NESTING IN
KNOX COUNTY

Fred J. Aesop, III

On the morning of 18 June, 1970, Dr. James T. Tanner and I (FJA)
canoed over to Looney’s Island to search for the nests and eggs of the Red-
winged Blackbird {Agelaius phoeniceus) . Looney’s Island is a long, shoe-sole
shaped island approximately 1750 feet long and averaging about 25 0 feet in
width in Ft. Loudoun Lake U miles south of the Alcoa highway bridge just
south of the city of Knoxville. Two low-lying areas on the island are very wet
and covered by cattail {Typha latifolia) marshes. One marsh is very extensive
covering more than \ acre and almost bisecting the lower third of the island
from the eastern side, while the other is small and crescent shaped extending
inward only about 5 0 feet from the water’s edge near the southwestern tip of
the island. The higher backbone of the island is covered by a dense growth of
deciduous trees and shrubs.

After we worked through the larger marsh we floated around the lower end
of the island to the smaller stand of cattail. The apex of this semicircular
marsh borders the lake for a distance of about 2 5 feet. Willows (Salix sp.)
border the remainder of both curved sides while the flat "base” side is elevated
approximately a foot above the floor of the marsh and is edged with scattered
willows, and Mimosas {Albizdia pdibrissin) backed by other deciduous trees
on the higher ground. The cattail stand of this wet area was broken only by
4 or 5 small isolated willows and Mimosas.

Soon after we began searching through the cattails we became aware of a
repeated note sounding like pip or quit and very unlike the harsh scold notes
descending on us from the resident Red-wings. After some looking a small
flycatcher was located perched 12 feet up in a Mimosa at the foot of the
marsh. Its small size, eye-ring, and wing-bars, in addition to the note we were
hearing, quickly identified it as an Empidonax flycatcher. Our problem became:
Which one? The bird’s plumage narrowed our consideration to three species.
Least Flycatcher (£. minimus), Acadian Flycatcher (£. virescens) , or Traill’s
Flycatcher (£. traillii) . The habitat seemed to be most like that in which a
Traill’s might set up a territory. Finally the bird gave us the key we needed
to establish its identity. It gave the ptsbew callnote of the Traill’s Flycatcher.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

26

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

A second Empidonax flycatcher was observed with the first soon after we
resumed our search for the Red-wing’s nests. Near the center of the marsh I
found a small Mimosa with two nests in its forked branches. The larger nest
was that of a Red- winged Blackbird and held 3 eggs. The smaller nest some
18 inches from the first and slightly lower looked very much like that of a
Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia). It was very well constructed of fine
grasses and seemed to have some spider webs incorporated into the outer struc-
ture. There were no long strands of loose materials hanging down beneath it as
described by others as characteristic of Traill’s Flycatcher (Bent, A. C. 1942.
Life Histories of North American Flycatchers, Larks, Swallows, and Their
Allies. Smithsonian Instit. U. S. Nat’l. Mus. Bull. 179:206-208) . The nest was
very similar in appearance to the one photographed in Buffalo, N. Y. by
S. A. Grimes as plate #2 5 in Bent (1942). It was in a fork approximately
32‘4 feet above the wet ground. It held 4 eggs with whitish backgrounds
covered by small scattered cinnamon-brown spots most of which were toward
the large ends. (This fits the description of Traill’s Flycatcher’s eggs and not
those of Least or Acadian Flycatchers. Chapman, F. M. 1932. Handbook of
N. Amer. Birds'. Appleton Co., N. Y. p. 369-372.)

In order to make sure that this nest was that of the flycatchers, both of
which had increased their activity and pip notes when we were near the nest,
we retired to the wooded edge of the marsh some 30 feet from the nest site.
After an anxious wait of about 3 0 minutes we could only locate one of the
pair of flycatchers in the open marsh. By slowly approaching we observed with
7x35 binoculars an incubating bird on the nest. Only the head and tail were
visible above the lip of the deep cupped nest. We continued forward until the
bird quietly slipped off the nest and perched nearby. It was a Traill’s Flycatcher.

During the hour we were in the marsh and aware of the flycatchers’ pres-
ence we only heard the fitsbew note on one occasion. The pip note was often
repeated, but sometimes only after several minutes of silence by the birds.
Twice a song of 5 to 6 notes given in quick succession and varying in pitch
was given by one of the birds, but it was not repeated enough for me to
describe further.

For the most part the birds occupied lower perches. Their flights were short
and most often low over the vegetation. This behavior in conjunction with the
soft inconspicuous calls could make this an easy species to overlook even in
relatively small areas of its habitat in Tennessee.

Dr. Tanner returned on 2 8 June to photograph the nest. He found it
occupied by several large young about ready to leave it. He did not get close
enough to count their number for fear he might force them to abandon the
nest prematurely. Because of its island location no further trips were made to
the site.

This constitutes the first nesting record for Traill’s Flycatcher for Knox
County, Tennessee, where the species has previously been regarded as an oc-
casional spring and fall migrant.

Other Traill’s Flycatchers were observed less than 12 miles south of
Looney’s Island in the Alcoa marsh in Blount County. Jim Campbell and
Morris Williams observed two singing birds of this species there on 29 and 31

(continued on page 29)

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

27

TOS BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING

The Board of Directors of the Tennessee Ornithological Society met at
14:00 on Saturday 1 May, 1971 at the Mammoth Cave National Park Hotel
Annex. The meeting was called to order by the President, Dr. George Mayfield,
and 24 directors were present in person or by proxy.

The minutes of the Board of Directors at the Fall meeting 1970 in Cross-
ville, Tennessee were read and approved.

Report of the Treasurer: The Treasurer’s report was given by Mr. Kenneth
Dubke and was approved. The report of the audit of the books of the Society
by Mr. Kenneth Leggett was also approved at this time.

Report of Vice-Presidents: East Tennessee Vice-President, Mr. Fred Alsop
reported later in the meeting. Middle Tennessee Vice-President, Mr. John Ellis
was unable to attend and West Tennessee Vice-President, Mrs. Ed Carpenter
had moved out of the state in the recent past.

Report of the Curator: Mr. Albert Ganier discussed his work as a two-fold
position including the answering of inquiries related to birds and bird skins and
as custodian of old issues of The Migrant. He requested that he be relieved at
this time of the job of custodian of old issues of The Migrant and a motion
was made, seconded and passed that these journals be transferred to the cus-
todianship of Dr. James Tanner of Knoxville.

Report of the Editor: Dr. Herndon again indicated his retirement at this
meeting and introduced his successor as Editor, Dr. Gary Wallace. Tribute was
paid by the Board to Dr. Herndon for his past work as Editor, President, and
leader of the Elizabethton Chapter.

Report of the President: Dr. Mayfield pointed out that two years ago he
noted a lack of communications between chapters and officers of the Society
and requested that this be improved. It was his opinion that there had been
significant improvement especially with the implementation of the fall meeting
and spring foray and urged that the society continue to maintain active com-
munication. He recognized that many of our most interested members do not
live within the range of individual chapters and urged that the society develop
ways in which the "at-large members” could become more active and useful
to the organization. Dr. Mayfield also discussed his liaison with other conserva-
tion groups, especially the Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning, The
Tennessee Trails Association, The Tennessee Environmental Council, The Mid-
dle Tennessee Conservancy Council, and The Scenic Rivers Association. He
expressed a desire to continue such liaison after the expiration of his term as
President and this request was granted by the Board. Dr. Mayfield further
suggested that the society should investigate the establishment of a central
office, possible museum, and library with depository for records and old issues
of The Migrant and valuable field notes and records compiled by the members
over the years. Finally Dr. Mayfield expressed his appreciation to the officers
and members of the society for their cooperation and interest during the past
two years.

Mike Bierly reported for the Shoulder Patch Committee stating that $27.00
had been received at this meeting but no other funds since May 1970. A mo-

[VoL. 42, 1971]

28

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

tion was made, seconded and passed that the few remaining shoulder patches
go to the Bristol Chapter under the care of Mr. Ottenfeld to be sold there if
possible and if not, returned to the new President.

Dr. James Tanner nominated the new members of the finance Committee
to be Mr. Frank Ward, Mr. Mizer Richmond, Mr. John Ellis, Mr. David Pitts,
and Mr. Ken Dubke, Treasurer, ex officio. These nominations were duly ap-
proved by the Board of Directors.

Report of Nominating Committee: Dr. Herndon reported for the Nominat-
ing Committee composed of himself, John Ellis, and Lula Coffey (replacing
Mrs. Ed Carpenter). The following slate was proposed:

President: Dr. James Tanner

Yice-Vresidents

West Tenn.
Middle Tenn.
East Tenn.

Dr. Arlo Smith
Miss Louise Jackson
Mr. C. T. Ottenfeld

Directors -at -Large
Mr. David Pitts
Mrs. John D. Hassler
Mrs. A. H. Switzer

Treasurer: Mr. Kenneth Dubke Secretary: Miss Louise Nunnally

Curator: Mr. Albert Ganier Editor: Dr. Gary Wallace

The above slate of officers were elected unanimously by acclamation of the
Board of Directors.

Spring Foray 1971: Fred Alsop reported on plans for the foray to be held
in Campbell County on Memorial Day Week-end 2 8 to 31 May 1971 with
headquarters at Cove Lake State Park. The objective of the foray was to study
intensively a relatively unknown area of the state with area studies, breeding
bird counts, nesting study, bird banding, and such other studies as participa-
tion would allow. The Chestnut-sided Warbler was designated as the foray
bird for intensive study.

Fall Meeting 1971: The Board voted to have the fall meeting at Mont-
gomery Bell State Park near Dickson, Tennessee and Dr. Mayfield was asked
to make the initial local arrangements with the Lodge there on an appropriate
week-end between late September and early November (30 October was later
selected as the date of this meeting). Kenneth Dubke agreed again to act as
program chairman for the paper sessions.

New Business: The Lebanon Chapter invited the TOS to hold its annual
spring meeting 1972 in Lebanon the first week-end in May and this invitation
was accepted with the thanks of the Society.

A motion was made and passed that the Tennessee Ornithological Society
recognize that chapters no longer existed in Kingsport, Reelfoot Lake, and
Kentucky Lake. Their former members are to be encouraged to remain as
members-at-large of the Society.

Mr. Ganier proposed that a complete file of The Migrant should be loaned
to the new editor. Dr. Herndon pointed out that the complete file now used by
him was the property of the Elizabethton Chapter and could not be used for
this purpose. After considerable discussion a motion was made and passed that
the curator provide a complete file to be loaned to the new Editor, during the
term of his Editorship, and that such file be returned to the curator at the end
of his term of office for transfer to succeeding Editors under the same terms.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

29

Miss Louise Jackson suggested that a study be carried out toward the estab-
lishment of a TOS Sanctuary possibly in the Nashville area.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at about 16:00.

Daniel R. Gray, Jr., Secretary

JOINT RESOLUTIONS KOS-TOS

The Kentucky Ornithological Society and the Tennessee Ornithological
Society Committee on Resolutions upon the occasion of their first joint meeting
in 3 5 years resolves that thanks be extended to the following:

For arrangements: Mr. John Ellis of T.O.S. and his committee, and to Dr.
Raymond Nall, Dr. Herbert Shadowen and their committee from K.O.S.

For hospitality: Mrs. Russell Starr and the ladies of K.O.S. who served
with her.

For their efficient handling of registration and other details thanks are
also due to Miss Mary Louise Daubard of K.O.S. and Mr. Michael L. Bierly
of T.O.S.

To Mr. Albert Ganier we give special thanks as our speaker for the banquet
and for his many contributions to both Societies.

Our thanks to Mr. Lee Herndon of T.O.S. for the 1 5 years devoted to the
editing of The Migrant.

We also express appreciation to the management and staff of the Mam-
moth Cave Hotel for their cooperation in making arrangements for the con-
venience and comfort of the entire group.

Respectfully submitted. Miss Mary Davant, Miss Louise Jackson, Dr. Burt
Monroe, Jr., Miss Evelyn Schneider, Mrs. Frederick W. Stamm.

(continued from page 26)

May, 1970. I had one singing there on 5 June, and Campbell and Dr. J. C.
Howell located one in the same marsh on 24 June.

I wish to express my thanks to Dr. James T. Tanner for his critical reading
of and suggestions on this paper.

Dept, of Zoology and Entomology, Univ. Tenn., Knoxville 37916.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

30

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

INTRODUCING THE NEW PRESIDENT:

DR. JAMES T. TANNER

Dr. James T. Tanner was elected President of the Tennessee Ornithological
Society at the joint meeting of the society with the Kentucky Ornithological
Society at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, on 1 May 1971.

A member of the Knoxville Chapter of TOS and Professor of Zoology at
the University of Tennessee, Dr. Tanner is also Director of the Graduate Pro-
gram in Ecology at the University.

He was a member of the biology staff at East
Tennessee State University from 1940-42. After
services with the United States Navy, he returned
to East Tennessee State in 1946. He has been with
the University of Tennessee since 1947 and as-
suming his present position there in 1967.

All of Dr. Tanner’s degrees are from Cornell
University where the Ph.D. was conferred upon
him in 1940.

Dr. Tanner has contributed numerous publica-
tions to many leading scientific journals. Some of
his best known work was carried out on the
Ivory-billed Woodpecker {Campephilus princi-
palis.) Other publications have dealt with his
studies of the Black-capped (Parus atricapillus)
and Carolina Chickadees (P. carolinensis) in the Southern Appalachian Moun-
tains; Summer Birds of the Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona; and the Decline
and Present Status of the Imperial Woodpecker {Campephilus imperialis) of
Mexico. Current research interests are centered on characteristics of animal
population and climatic effects on animal distribution and Breeding.

He holds membership in the American Association for the Advancement of
Science, American Institute of Biological Sciences, Associate of Southeastern
Biologists, Ecological Society of America, International Society of Biometeorol-
ogy, Tennessee Academy of Science, and the Wilson Ornithological Society.

Mrs. C. T. Ottenfeld, Brookwood, Rt. 5, Bristol.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Those T.O.S. members who attended the annual meeting at Mammoth
Cave Park will agree that the first joint meeting with the Kentucky Ornitho-
logical Society was a success. We are grateful to the members of our sister
(daughter?) society for the fine planning and the excellent hospitality. We also
want to thank the members of the Nashville Chapter who helped plan and run
the meeting. Also it was a treat to go birding in the interesting areas within
and near the Park.

The T.O.S. is developing a pattern of two meetings a year. In the Spring
we hold the official annual meeting, when the activities include the transaction
of the Society’s business, election of officers, socializing and field trips. The

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

31

fall meeting has grown out of a series originated by Ken Dubke for the pur-
pose of discussing some of the ornithological problems especially of East Ten-
nessee. It has evolved into a statewide meeting with the additional objective of
devoting some time to considering the future of the Tennessee Ornithological
Society and making long range plans.

Next October we will meet at Montgomery Bell State Park for these pur-
poses. Since planning for the Society is one of the objectives, I hope that of-
ficials of the local chapters can be present.

The Mammoth Cave meeting also marked the end of the presidential term
of George R. Mayfield, Jr. It was a significant period in many ways. George is
a son of one of the founders of the T.O.S. which has given us a feeling of
history and of continuity. Many of us are aware of the effort and planning he
has put intO' his presidential job, and we, I am sure, will be joined by all mem-
bers of the Society in giving George a great, big "Thank You”. We need not
worry about losing his abilities; I am glad to say that he is participating in
plans for the Fall meeting and is representing us in conservation activities.

Dr. James T. Tanner

ANNOUNCEMENT — FALL MEETING TOS

30-31 OCTOBER 1970

MONTGOMERY BELL INN, DICKSON, TENNESSEE
Schedule of Events, Saturday, 30 October, 1971

13:00-14:00 Meeting of the Board of Directors

14:00 Informal Paper Session Begins

Fred Alsop — Campbell County Foray

Don and Gina Manning — TVA and the possible loss of the
Great Blue Heron Rookery at Duck River
Brent Rowell — Report on the Screech Owl
Joel Zackery — Thief Neck Island (Master’s Thesis)

Evening: Winslow Shaughnessy — Director of the Nashville Children’s

Museum

Those planning to attend this meeting should make their own reservations
directly with the Montgomery Bell Inn, Dickson, Tennessee 3705 5 before
1 September and state that they are with the TOS meeting. The Inn has
been reserved until 1 September, after which they will begin accepting other
reservations. A $10.00 deposit should accompany your request for a reserva-
tion. For further information, contact Kenneth H. Dubke, Apt. 1, 720
Bacon Trail, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37412.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

32

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

ROUND TABLE NOTES

LARK SPARROWS NESTING IN LAWRENCE COUNTY— On 14 June,
1970 a male Lark Sparrow {Chondestes grammacus) was found singing from
a utility wire alongside a road in southern Lawrence County. The bird was
approached quite closely (30 feet) and all field marks were seen with 10x50
binoculars. Although this was the first bird I had ever seen of this species,
there was no mistaking its identity. He sang frequently. In its variety, the
song resembled that of the Mockingbird {Mimus polyglottos) very much.

The Text day (15 June) two Lark Sparrows were found on wires about
one-fourth mile from the area of the original sighting. These birds were ex-
tremely shy and would not permit me to approach closer than 50 yards.

Although the area was searched daily, the birds were not seen again until
21 June. On that date one bird was found in the identical spot of the first
sighting.

On 28 June, six sparrows were found a half mile from the area of the first
sighting. Two of the birds were adults. One was more richly colored than the
other. They were probably male and female. The four immatures were much
less distinctly marked than the adults. The six birds were found in a hedgerow.
From there they flew out of sight in close flock formation.

On 1 July I saw birds in all three of the above mentioned localities which I
suspect were Lark Sparrows. However, because of the birds’ shyness, I was able
to identify only four of the 12 suspects. One was identified at the first site
and three were identified at the second site.

On 3 July one bird was found at the second site.

On 5 July while photographing an adult male which was singing from a
wire at the first site, I flushed a fledgling Lark Sparrow from directly beneath
me. I was in a well-cultivated corn field at the time. The adult flew im-
mediately to the ground beside the young bird. The young bird was unable to
fly. It was probably no more than two weeks old. In the process of searching
for a nest, I lost sight of the young bird. I found no nest. I was in the area
for forty-five minutes during which only one adult was present. The excited
adult was still in the area when I left.

On 16 July one adult was seen feeding on a roadside five miles north of
the principal area.

On 9 August one adult was found on a wire 15 miles northwest of the
principal area.

The Lark Sparrow is found irregularily in Tennessee. Definite breeding
records have been established in very few areas. Hopefully this colony can be
studied in more detail in future seasons.

Morris D. Williams, Box 2 5, Five Points, 3 8457.

RUDDY TURNSTONE IN HUMPHREYS COUNTY— On 23 May
1970, at approximately 14:20 the observers encountered a Ruddy Turnstone
{Arenaria interpres) on that portion of the Duck River Unit of the Tennessee
National Wildlife Refuge lying in Humphreys County. The bird was feeding

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

33

with a Semipalmated Plover {Charadrius hiaticula) in short grass on a marshy
knoll which had recently been exposed by the receding floodwater which had
inundated the area in early May.

When sighted the bird was approximately 50 feet to the east of the gravel
road where the observers were seated in a car. Identification was established
by reference to Peterson, A field Guide to the Birds (pp. 8 8-102). Observation
was maintained with 7x55 Pentax and 7x50 Empire binoculars as well as
with the unaided eye for 20 minutes. Light conditions were ideal.

The bird was in full breeding plumage. It appeared to be 2 5 % larger than
the accompanying Semipalmated Plover or about Killdeer {Charadrius vocif-
erus) size and was noticeably less "busy” than most shorebirds. No extensive
notes were taken on coloration, pattern, etc. because the likelihood of mis-
identification seemed remote.

Mr. Wendoll Crews of the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge Staff was
notified of the sighting after reference to Parmer, Birds of the Nashville Area,
indicated that the sighting was unusual.

Don and Gina Manning, Route 1, McKenzie 3 8201.

WHISTLING SWAN IN MAURY COUNTY— On Sunday, 29 November
1970 as I was making a routine check of the Monsanto Ponds, I observed a
large white bird having the size and configuration of a swan. The bird was
tentatively identified as a Whistling Swan (Cygnus columbianus) . The follow-
ing day in a much better light the pinkish-bill and slightly gray neck of an
immature Whistling Swan were clearly seen. The neck was carried almost
straight and the bill extended horizontally in a soldier-like manner character-
istic of this bird. The bird was observed a number of times on different ponds
as much as a mile apart and was last seen by the entire Mayfield family on
Christmas day both swimming and flying above one of the ponds. While mak-
ing a routine airplane flight over the ponds on Saturday, 26 December, a
peculiar white large object was seen in a place where this swan had frequently
been found and later I learned from Daniel Gray, Jr. that this was the body
of our Whistling Swan which had been shot that day. Upon learning this on
Monday, 28 December, Charles Wakefield and I recovered the body of the
swan frozen in the ice, using a canoe to cross the deep mud and water around
the settling pond. An autopsy was not performed on the bird after an x-ray
revealed the presence of seven large birdshot in the head, neck, and body. The
bird is now frozen in good condition awaiting possible mounting. So far as I
know this is the only Maury County record of the Whistling Swan but I
understand they have been seen recently in the Lebanon area on Old Hickory
Lake.

George R. Mayfield, Maury County Hospital, Columbia, 3 8401.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

34

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

IN MEMORIAM:

Dr. Lawrence P. Wilson

The Memphis Chapter lost by death an officer and long-time member, Dr.
Lawrence P. Wilson, on 20 May 1970, after an extended illness.

Dr. Wilson’s life-long interest in his surroundings, especially the world of
nature, can best be described as an exemplification of The Sense of Wonder
as presented by Rachel Carson^ in her book by that title.

A child’s world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excite-
ment. ... If I had influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over
the christening of all children I should ask that her gift to each child in the world
be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life . . .

His sister, Mrs. R. P. Clark, characterized Dr. Wilson’s early years as one
in which "he wanted to see everything.” His "sense of wonder” did not end
with seeing things, for he was a perennial student of them as well — astronomy,
ornithology, metallurgy, farming.

Dr. Wilson practiced dentistry in Memphis for twenty-six years before
retiring in 195 8 to his farm, Wildwood, in DeSoto County, Mississippi. He
never lost his "sense of wonder” and at his farm he and his lovely wife, Anne
Richardson Wilson, enjoyed fully the beauties of nature. Though they had no
children of their own, the younger relatives and neighbors had the fellowship
of this one who was able to do for them what Rachel Carson has recommended:

If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder without any such gift
from the fairies, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share
it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.

Another hobby, photography, made it possible for Dr. Wilson to share his
interest in birds, trees, wildflowers, the stars, and the planets through illustrated
talks to youth groups and garden clubs.

During the months of failing health his interest in the out-of-doors never
faded and surely his "sense of wonder,” coupled with his deep personal devotion
to the Creator, moved his thoughts along those "paths that lead to inner con-
tentment,” for, as Rachel Carson has written:

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that
will endure as long as life lasts. There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the
migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for the
spring. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the
assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter.

Miss Nelle Moore, Memphis State University, Memphis, 3 8111.

^Rachel Carson. The Sense of Wonder. New York: Harper & Row, 1956.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

35

THE 1971 SPRING FIELD DAYS

The twenty-sixth consecutive annual spring field days resulted in the com-
pilation of 198 species, excluding the Least Bittern, listed only on the Mam-
moth Cave, Kentucky list, where the joint Tennessee Ornithological Society-
Kentucky Ornithological Society meeting was held. '

The counts from ten areas are tabulated progressively from west to east
and the joint observations of TOS-KOS lists only the species, and they are
indicated in the last column of the table by an "x”.

The only species new to the list for this count was the Glossy Ibis reported
by the Kingsport group.

Each year since the annual state wide spring count was initiated in 1946,
with the exception of 1969, one or more species have been added to the spring
count list. The total list now stands at 263 full species, plus one subspecies
and two hybrids. Late in 1970 Fred J. Alsop, III compiled a state list con-
sisting of current, accidental, hypothetical or extirpated. This is the most up
to date and accurate list we have had for many years. The list totaled 3 34
species. Our spring counts have listed 78% of this list and continued careful
observations and documentation of species, not found regularly in our area at
this season of the year, will undoubtedly increase both of these lists. No doubt
some species would be missed if we did not make a concerted effort to find
them on our "spring field days”.

INFORMATION ON THE COUNTS

MEMPHIS — 18 April; 07:00 to 19:00; Meeman, Shelby Forest State Park
to noon, then Fite Road, Ensley-Darwin, Lakeview, Mississippi levee, one to
five miles south of Tennessee line. Cloudy; temp. 68-78°.

TOS, Ben B. Coffey (compiler), Lula Coffey, Genevieve Geren and George
Hervey.

SAVANNAH — One and 2 May; 12:00 to 12:00; along highway 64 from
Olive Hill to Savannah; cloud cover from zero to 100%; temp. 44 to 75°;
wind, zero to 1 5 mph, mostly north. The shore and water birds were at the
sewerage lagoon; three observers in one party; 14 party-hours; fifty party miles.

David (compiler), Gloria and Paul Patterson.

COLUMBIA — 29 and 30 April; 10:00 to 10:00; Columbia area; mostly
cloudy, high overcast; temp. 40 to 70°.

William Fuqua, Dan Gray, Wick Halliday, George Mayfield, Jr., (com-
piler) and Delton Porter.

NASHVILLE — 24 April; area included all of Christmas Count area plus
Buena Vista Marsh, Bush Lake, Old Hickory Lake and The Hermitage; clear
and mild, temp. 50 to 70°. Thirty-six observers in nine parties, covered 179
miles (28 on foot, 151 by car) in 62 party-hours.

The Tree Sparrow was sighted by Mrs. George Miller in a thicket of
saplings bordering Interstate 40 and U.S. 70. This area had also held Tree

[VoL. 42, 1971]

36

THE MIGRAiNT

JUNE

Sparrows in past winters. Mrs. Miller had Tree Sparrows at her house during
this winter’s Tree Sparrow invasion in Nashville. She also has photographed
these birds as close as three (3) feet.

Vivian and Clyde Anderson, Sue Bell, Dot and Paul Crawford, Annella
Creech, Mrs. Denslow, Milbrey Dugger, Adele Elam, Evelyn and John Ellis,
Mrs. William Fentress, Albert F. Ganier, John Herbert, Evelyn Herron, Mrs.
H. C. Hodgson, Louise Jackson, Mary L. Lorence, Margaret Mann, Kathy
Meyer, Elizabeth Meuer, Mrs. George Miller, Fanny Murphy, Ann Nichols,
Henry E. Parmer, Marjorie and Oscar Patrick, Margaret Puryear, Natasha and
Heather and John Riggins (compiler), Lillian and Bob Sharp, Ann Tarbell,
Clara Winkler and Estelle Wright.

LEBANON — 24 April; Wilson County; pretty day.

Dr. S. A. Berry, Mrs. Louis Chambers, Mr. and Mrs. Clay Couch, Mrs.
Jesse Crawford, Mrs. Alyne Eastes, Dr. and Mrs. James P. Leathers, Mrs. Roy
Lawrence, Dr. and Mrs. Sam McFarland, Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Merritt, Mr.
Charles Morris, Mr. and Mrs. Byron Paul, Rev. (compiler) and Mrs. William
Senter, Mrs. William Smith, Mr. Willie Taylor, Mr. Andy Thompson, Miss
Mary Wharton.

COOKEVILLE — 24 and 25 April; 06:30 to 19:00; area — 15 mi. radius of
the town; clear but cool; wind — slight at times; temp. 40 to 65°. Eleven ob-
servers worked the 24th; seven the 25th; total party-hours — 64; total party-
miles — 82 (9 on foot — 73 by car).

Beulah Clark, Dr. and Mrs. J. O. Cummins, Mrs. Florence Erhart, Mr. and
Mrs. James Haile, Roy T. Hinds, Dr. Paul L. Hollister, Mr. and Mrs. Frazier
Jaques, Ray Jordan, Thomas B. Link, Mrs. J. T. Moore, M. R. Richmond, Mr.
and Mrs. Roy H. Sullivan, Mrs. Thelma Tinnon and F. R. Toline. (Miss Marie
White, compiler).

KNOXVILLE — 2 5 April; selected areas from all of Knox County were
included as in previous years; fair; temp. 44-75°. The Golden Plover was
found by Fred Alsop and James M. Campbell. The Greater Scaup was found
by Joshua and Gilbert Banner who had a good view of the long, white wing
stripes.

Fred Alsop, Gilbert Banner, Joshua Banner, Lois Barclay, Winnefred Brown,
James M. Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. John Elson, Mary Enloe, J. C. Howell, Tony
Koella, Beth Lacy, Helen Lewis, Louise Nunnally, Mr. and Mrs. Chester Mas-
sey, Debbie Massey, Terry McGown, Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Monroe, Chuck
Nicholson, Holly Overton, J. B. Owen (compiler), Paul Pardue, Powell Pucket,
Gary Pucket, Polly Ryder, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Sanders, Mr. and Mrs. Louis
Smith, Jr., Dr. and Mrs. James T. Tanner, Louise Williams, Morris Williams.

GREENE VILLE — 2 May; same area as in previous years; overcast most of
the day, including thunder showers and hail in afternoon; temp. 43 to 5 8°;
15 observers; R. Nevius (compiler).

KINGSPORT — 8 May; area — Bays Mountain, residential. Fish hatchery.
Horse Creek, Reedy Creek, Colonial Heights, Patrick Henry Lake and con-
necting areas. Count day was preceded by heavy rains, which left casual water

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

37

THE 1971 SPRING FIELD DAYS

Mem-

Savan-

Colum-

Nash-

Leban-

Cooke-

- Knox-

Green-

Kings-

Eliza-

TOS-

phis

nah

bia

ville

on

ville

ville

eville

port

beth -
ton

KOS

Horned Grebe

3

Pied-billed Grebe

4

2

8

2

1

1

—

Grea.t Blue Heron

—

—

2

4

1

—

—

—

1

—

—

Green Heron

1

5

9

10

3

1

19

4

3

15

X

little Blue Heron

1

—

—

—

—

X

Gnowy Egret

1

Cattle Esrret

—

—

2

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Black-cr. Hieht Heron

—

—

2

30

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Yel.-cr. I'i.eht Heron

1

—

1

—

—

—

1

Glossy Ibis

—

—

”

—

14

—

—

Least Bittern

X

^.merican Bittern

2

—

2

—

—

—

3

—

2

2

—

Canada Goose

—

—

—

4

6

—

—

—

—

—

—

Kallard

2

—

22

17

•78

—

—

—

4

12

X

Black Duck

—

—

—

1

4

“

—

—

—

—

~

Blue-winged Teal

8

21

90

3

71

13

37

X

American Hidgeon

—

—

—

—

2

—

—

Shoveler

6

—

5

—

—

—

—

12

—

—

—

Vood Duck

10

—

8

6

10

—

32

10

43

8

X

Redhead

—

“

2

—

—

—

“

—

—

—

—

Ring-necked Duck

1

1

1

Greater Bcaup

1

Lesser Scauo

—

—

—

5

—

—

12

—

—

—

—

Bufflehead

40

—

Ruddy Duck

—

—

1

“

Red-br.' Merganser

—

1

Turkey Vulture

—

4

7

45

16

—

6

2

3

12

X

Black Vulture

—

1

14

4

34

—

3

—

1

X

Sharp-sh. Hawk

—

1

—

—

1

—

Cooper's Hawk

—

—

—

—

1

—

3

1

~

2

X

Red-tailed Hawk

1

3

9

5

1

2

1

5

X

Red-shouldered Hav;k

—

—

2

—

1

1

—

—

—

2

X

Broad-winged Hawk

2

1

1

2

—

2

5

1

1

10

X

Marsh Hawk

—

—

—

—

—

2

X

Csprey

—

—

1

2

—

—

8

—

—

6

“

Sparrow Hav/k

1

13

9

3

4-

1

1

3

X

RufGed Grouse

—

—

—

1

7

X

•Eobv.'hite

2

22

24

55

24

23

131

30

10

18

X

Turkey

4

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2

—

Ring-nk. Pheasant

—

—

—

—

3

—

—

3

—

1

—

Sora

1

10

3

1

1

2

American Coot

12

1

66

54

6

—

8

—

4

1

—

Semipal, Plover

—

—

1

—

4

—

3

—

—

Killdeer

12

11

14

48

9

6

53

3

9

25

X

Am. Golden Plover

“

—

—

—

—

1

“

—

—

—

Am. 'woodcock

1

6

1

6

2

X

Common Snipe

2

1

5

2

—

—

45

3

3

14

X

Upland Plover

—

1

—

—

Spotted Sandpiper

1

2

5

6

—

1

12

1

4

29

—

Solitary Sandoiper

2

2

4

10

—

—

18

3

9

3

X

Grtr. Yellowlegs

6

7

1

Lesser Yellowlegs

—

10

27

10

—

—

4

—

15

—

X

Pectoral Sandpiper

2

—

8

1

—

—

—

—

2

—

—

Least Sandpiper

2

8

4

2

Dovdtcher (Spec. ?)

—

12

4

—

~

“

—

—

—

"

Semipal. Sandpiper

6

Western Sandpiper

3

—

—

Herrine Gull

—

—

—

—

—

—

1

—

—

Ring-billed Gull

—

—

—

4

—

—

—

—

2

—

Bonaparte's Gull

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

“

—

1

—

Forster's Tern

24

Black Tern

—

3

—

—

Mourning Dove

10

36

46

94

50

101

344

42

30

45

X

Yel. -billed Cuckoo

—

5

2

8

—

4

4

1

1

—

X

Bl. -billed Cuckoo

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

1

1

—

X

[VoL. 42, 1971]

38

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

Kem-

Savan-

Colum-

Nash-

Leban-

CookC'

- Knox-

Green-

- KingS'

- Eliza-

TCS-

phis

nah

bia

ville

on

ville

ville

ville

port

beth-

ton

EOS

Barn Owl

2

2

1

—

Screech Owl

—

—

1

1

1

—

10

1

1

Great Horned Owl

4

1

1

1

2

2

__

—

Barred Oi’.'l

—

—

8.

1

1

—

—

—

3

X

Chuck-will's widow

—

13

1

1

—

2

12

1

--

—

■'/.Tiip-poor-will

57

14

7

1

1

4

X

Common Nighthawk

—

3

2

—

1

—

2

1

9

—

•Chimney Swift

6

50

59

240

65

57

259

39

19

73

X

R.-th Hummingbird

6

—

2

10

3

2

2

1

—

—

X

Belted Kingfisher

1

3

7

12

3

1

10

3

1

7

X

Yel.-sh. Flicker

15

2

4

22

2

24

87

27

10

53

X

Pipeated Woodpecker

10

^ —

6

17

1

6

20

3

6

4

X

Red-bel. Woodoecker

3S

11

10

53

9

13

41

6

6

2

X

Red-headed Woodoecker

50

—

6

7

1

9

5

11

2

1

Yel.-bel. Sapsucker

3

—

—

3'

—

1

3

1

—

1

—

Hairy Woodoecker

4

5

9

2

5

6

1

1

X

Downy Woodpecker

22

3

14

53

12

7

57

11

6

20

X

Eastern Kingbird

1

13

3

30

16

9

21

15

7

5

X

Grt. Cr, Flycatcher

6

16

10

4

1

5

8

7

5

—

X

Eastern Phoebe

1

4

2

12

1

12

20

3

3

22

X

Acadian Flycatcher

5

3

1

1

X

Least Flycatcher

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

3

—

Ea, Wood Pewee

1

11

4

—

2

3

—

5

3

2

X

Horned Lark

5

—

6

2

—

1

9

1

1

— ,

X

Tree Swallow

1

—

16

6

—

—

12

7

—

8

X

Bank Swallow

9

49

2

8

Rough-wg. Swallow

2

81

16

33

—

—

109

—

11

67

X

Barn Swallow

5

25

105

120

62

31

294

92

16

25

X

Cliff Swallovr

50

—

16

—

—

—

—

—

3

X

Purple Eartin

5

12

15

35

15 ■

24

177

6

61

27

X

Blue Jay

46

29

37

220

75

121

475

73

103

102

X

Common Crow

5

9

34

78

18

55

188

68

52

116

X

Carolina Chickadee

57

7

35

09

19

19

153

14

16

56

X

Tufted Titmouse

153

14

20

112-

23

34

126

9

55

40

X

I'/hite-br. Kuthatch

1

—

1

6

1

3

4

1

3

8

X

Red-br. Kuthatch

1

_

1

Brovm Creeper

—

—

—

—

—

2

—

—

—

—

—

House Wren

—

—

—

—

—

—

8

9

9

9

—

’’inter '^j'ren

—

—

—

1

—

5

-^1

Bewick's ’'.'c,en

—

3

2

7

6

5

”

2

“

1

—

Carolina Wren

70

6

18

38

12

21

122

14

38

26

X

Long-bid. Earsh Wren

—

1

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Mockingbird

4

8

33

164

45

34

249

62

31

86

X

Catbird

—

8

16

13

13

14

22

18

9

4

X

Brown Thrasher

13

5

21

53

30

58

111

56

8

45

X

Robin

12

10

41

181

36

65

320

130

62

218

X

Wood Thrush

33

16

13

20

1

9

94

21

34

38

X

Hermit Thrush

1

1

1

—

1

X

Swainson's Thrush

1

2

6

6

—

—

2

1

4

1

X

Gray-chk, Thrush

—

2

1

--

—

—

—

1

1

—

Veery

7

1

X

Ea. Bluebird

2

12

10

80

40

53

58

15

5

12

X

Blue-gr. Gnatcatcher

150

15

15

96

17

3

81

9

10

1?

X

Golden-cr. Kinglet

1

—

—

—

Ruby-cr. Kinglet

1

1

—

3

1

1

34

5

6

X

V’ater Pipit

30

Cedar Waxvdng

11

3

—

109

47

1

62

—

—

—

—

Log.-hd. Shrike

1

2

4

17

11

—

17

2

2

1

X

Starling

25

36

210

529

392

76 1,

,201

521

67

673

X

’.•'hite-eyed Vireo

40

20

11

51

7

8

40

—

7

13

X

Yellow-th. Vireo

14

1

2

2

15

1

1

X

Solitary Vireo

1

—

—

1

—

—

15

1

1

8

X

Red-eyed Vireo

15

14

17

19

1

7

130

3

25

7

X

Philadelphia Vireo

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

—

—

X

’Garbling Vireo

4

—

2

1

—

—

1

—

—

—

X

Bl.-and-v;h. Warbler

1

9

3

3

:

22

2

3

14

X

Prothonotary V’arbler

40

2

4

16

—

—

1

5

—

—

X

Svrainson's Warbler

1

—

—

—

—

X

’i'’orm-eating Warbler

1

5

1

3

1

—

17

—

5

2

X

Golden-vmg. Warbler

—

—

4

—

—

—

19

—

1

—

—

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

39

Kem-

Savau'

Colum- Nash-

Leban

- Co-

ke- Knox-

Green-

- Idngs

- Eliza- TCS-

phis

nah

bia_

ville

on

ville ville

ville

port

beth-

ten

- LCS

Blue-wifr. VJarbler

2

9

5

11

16

X

Tennessee V'arbler

2

10

11

9

—

—

15

—

—

—

X

Orange-cr. '■■/arbler

—

—

—

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

Uashville b'srbler

1

2

5

—

—

—

17

—

1

—

X

Farula b'arbler

98

“

2

5

“

14-

4

4

7

X

Yellow b/arbler

6

21

10

1

45

14

11

28

X

Magnolia Marbler

—

—

—

3

1

—

—

Cane May lisrbler

—

—

—

—

—

—

5

—

13

—

X

Black-th. Blue Marbler

—

1

—

—

2

— ■

liyrtle ■■’arbler

10

3

21

30

4

6

168

24

14

21

X

Elack-th. Green l.'arblcr

1

2

3

4

20

1

5

25

X

Cerulean b'arbler

l6

5

6

9

—

—

54

1

8

—

X

Blackburnian b'arbler

—

—

—

—

—

—

7

—

8

—

X

Yellow-th. lYarbler

3

—

3

5

—

1

2

—

9

2

X

Chestnut-sd. V.'arbler

—

5

1

—

—

“

1

—

2

4

X

Bay-breasted ’.'arbler

1

1

3

1

2

X

Blackpoll

—

3

2

1

—

—

2

—

4

— .

X

Fine.

—

1

—

—

—

—

2

1

2

—

X

Prairie

4

6

17

9

42

3

4

2

X

Falm

1

1

16

6

26

1

3

8

3

—

X

Ovenbird

1

1

2

1

20

7

12

6

X

Bo. Waterthrush

—

—

1

—

1

—

4

—

—

•3

—

La. Waterthrush

5

3

6

6

—

4

1

6

11

X

Kentucky k'arbler

24

6

8

12 .

1

—

7

2

13

1

X

Connecticut Viarbler

"

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

“

—

X

Yellowthroat

2

31

5

18

8

2

33

7

2

14

X

Yellou--br. Chat

—

26

8

17

1

2

9

11

g

_

Hooded Warbler

9

1

7

6

—

— ■

31

1

9

5

Wilson's Warbler

. —

—

1

—

—

—

Canada ‘''arbler

—

1

—

1

~

“

“

1

2

—

—

Am, Hedstart

7

3

__

16

__

7

5

X

Hovise Sparrow

3

80

55

135

62

53

186

78

22

no

X

Bobolink

—

50

—

—

—

—

6

2

50

—

—

Ea. Meadowlark

6

44

78

281

57

145

455

UO

62

134

X

Eed-v,'ng. Blackbird

27

42

80

234

14

57

664

64

100

98

X

Orchard Oriole

3

23

17

31

7

1

18

8

3

2

X

Baltimore Oriole

1

2

2

4

1

—

4

1

6

1

X

Rusty Blackbird

—

—

—

3

—

2

—

—

—

—

—

Common Grackle

SO

73

380

900

229

196

1,085

456

340 1,084

X

Brov.Ti-hd. Cowbird

120

35

36

140

37

17

193

24

34

39

X

Scarlet Tana.ger

2

2

2

13

1

3

29

1

24

4

X

Summer Tanager

15

15

7

23

2

10

24

4

9

—

X

Cardinal

115

25

68

282

103

no

421

86

no

185

X

Rose-br. Grosbeak

3

7

9

3

—

—

9

5

15

—

X

Blue Grosbeak

—

10

1

3

—

4

8

—

—

X

Indigo Bunting

2

75

60

23

2

14

8

12

32

5

X

Dickcissel

—

110

15

—

—

—

1

1

—

. —

X

Purnle Finch

; —

—

—

—

1

—

14

—

—

23

X

Pine Siskin

—

—

—

—

—

1

1

—

—

1

—

Am. Goldfinch

153

12

65

1,197

33

73

404

96

18

206

X

Rufous-sd. Towhee

9

17

24

129

28

41

166

38

22

81

X

Savannah Sparrov.f

5

32

4

15

2

4

58

—

—

5

X

Grasshopper Sparrow

—

1

2

—

1

10

5

2

1

1

X

Vesper Sparrow

—

—

—

—

—

—

1

1

. —

3

X

Lark S parr ova

—

—

—

1

—

~

—

X

Slate-col. Junco

7

3

26

X

Tree Sparrow

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

—

Chipping Sparrow

1

19

8

94

23

14

90

18

7

30

X

Field Sparrow

2

6

48

112

42

30

131

47

37

60

X

Wliite-cr, Sparrow

2

6

27

12

20

3

15

23

2

2

X

White-th. Sparrow

170

80

57

151

39

2.6

365

52

12

63

X

Lincoln's Sparrow

—

—

3

—

—

, —

—

—

—

—

—

Swamp Sparrow

1

3

15

4

1

—

36

—

—

12

X

Song Sparrov:

1

—

__

7

”

7

225

25

37

170

X

Species, Total

105

106

138

128

90

76

141

106

124

123

126

Individuals, Total

1,874

1,636

2,534

7,046 2,

,011 1,

,777 10,803 2j

,689 2,

,016 4,

,641

[VoL. 42, 1971]

40

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

in many unusual places, particularly the golf course. Many shore birds were
attracted to these flooded areas. The most unusual occurrence were the 14
Glossy Ibis, first observed by Mrs. Roy V. Allen and her group, and later by
all participants in the count.

Mr. and M,rs. Roy V. Allen, Marie Brown, Mr. T. W. Finucane (compiler),
Mike and Mrs. T. W. Finucane, Ed Gift, Mr. and Mrs. Arthue S. Smith, Mrs.
J. Winston Smith and Ann Switzer.

ELIZABETHTON — 23 and 24 April; 18:00 to 18:00; Carter County and
adjacent area, as in previous years; clear, temp. 5 5 to 78°.

Fred Behrend, J. C. Browning, Mrs. Harold Dillenbeck, Mrs. George Dove,
Glenn Eller, Clyde Hardin, Mr. and Mrs. Lee R. Herndon, Mrs. Carl Jones,
Barney Keffer, Rev. and Mrs. John Martin, Ralph Masters, Roby M,ay, Mrs.
James Potter, Peter Range (compiler), Brent Rowell, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Swindell and Bill Yambert.

REQUEST FOR GULL REPORTS

During May through July of each year for a five year period. Ring-billed
Gulls {Lams delawarensis) from three Great Lakes colonies will be wing-marked
with 1.5 inch-diameter "Saflag” tags. Each colony is represented by a specific
color. An attempt is being made to determine the dispersal pattern, migration
route, and winter range for each population. Anyone observing such wing-
marked gulls is asked to notify dr. william e. southern. Department of
Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 60115. Please
report each dbservation of marked individuals even though the same bird may
be sighted on different days. The following information is desired: date, exact
location, marker color, and the observer’s name. Your assistance in this aspect
of the project will be greatly appreciated. Respondents will receive information
pertaining to colony locations and the date of marking.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

41

RETIRING EDITOR

Dr. Lee R. Herndon stepped down as editor of THE MIGRANT at the May
meeting of the Tennessee Ornithological Society and his fifteen years of service
ends an era unparalleled by anyone during the forty-year history of the journal.
Only five men have served the society as editor: George B. Woodring (193 0-
1934); Albert F. Ganier (1935-1937, 1942-1946); Ben B. Coffey, Jr., 1938-
March 1942); Dr. James T. Tanner (1947-1955); Dr. Lee R. Herndon (1956-
1971). Acknowledgment and commendation is in order for a dedicated effort

and splendid job performed. No
Other office in our society demands
the hours of work, concentration,
sacrifice and strain. Our concept
of this journal is a limited one,
for the most part, but Dr. Hern-
don never forgot that research
papers, data in The Season, counts
and special notes will be used by
scientists, individuals, libraries and
museums of more than thirty
states, the District of Columbia
and thirteen foreign countries. Dr.
Herndon’s perspective of journal-
ism was one of accuracy and fact.
He administered the financial ob-
ligations and business transactions
in an efficient manner and with a
highly responsible conscience to
T.O.S. His contribution to the
literature of modern ornithology
has not gone unnoticed as reflected
in the number of articles pub-
lished in other journals and books
which refer to THE MIGRANT as a source of information.

Beginning June 196 5 (50th Anniversary Edition), THE MIGRANT as-
sumed a somewhat different look and gradual "up dating” efforts were made
in reference to style, layout and printing. December 1966 saw the dawn of
"modern printing” as King Printing Company of Bristol (now called Preston
Printing) inked their first issue of this journal. That issue. Volume 37, No. 4,
saw the initiation of many procedures and "style concepts” which continue to
appear. An old journal with a new look, combined the rich heritage and dis-
tinction of age with the modern appearance and usefulness we now enjoy.

Dr. Herndon was born in Welchburg, Kentucky, October 31, 1897 and
grow up on a farm where he learned to enjoy watching birds and since that
time his "life list” has grown until he reached the "magic 600 mark” this
year. In 1928, he earned his doctorate at Johns Hopkins University and was
later employed as a chemist with DuPont Cellophane Manufactures in New
York, Agfa Ansco in 1942-1943, before coming to Elizabethton as head chem-
ist at North American Rayon Corporation. After retirement, he spent several

[VoL. 42, 1971]

42

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

years teaching chemistry at Milligan College and taking extensive tours of
North America.

His contributions to each of us, THE MIGRANT, T.O.S. and the science
of ornithology has left a distinct and valued impression.

Wallace Coffey, 5 08 Spruce Street, Bristol.

REQUEST EOR INFORMATION: SANDERLING

During the autumn migration of 1971, the Long Point Bird Observatory
hopes to band and colour-mark several hundred Sanderling {Crocethia alba) at
Long Point, Ontario. Information on the movement of these birds away from
Long Point will facilitate research presently underway on the energy require-
ments of their migration. We would appreciate it if everyone sighting these
birds would report their observations to Long Point Bird Observatory, 269
Beta Street, Toronto 14, Ontario, Canada. The following information is desired:
date and time of observation; location, jincluding nearest city or town; colours,
note — birds will be coloured on the breast and abdomen with two of the fol-
lowing colours: red, orange, pink, purple, yellow, green, blue, brown, black,
and white (no colour). The leg that has been banded is also important. This
will tell if the bird lis an adult or an immature. Any other information on what
other birds are with the marked individuals would be very useful.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

43

THE SEASON

Fred J. Alsop, III, Editor

The season was characterized by generally temperate weather with periods
of gradual warming and cooling temperatures. There were no extended periods
of severe winter weather and snow-cover was light and not extended.

Waterbirds were not noted in large concentrations as in past years, and
reports of "sea ducks” were infrequent. Noteable observations included a
Red- throated Loon in the Ridge and Valley region; Double-crested Cormorants
in the Central Plateau and Basin and Ridge and Valley regions; and an Old
Squaw on Boone Lake in the Eastern Mountain region.

This was not a "finch winter” and observations of these northern birds
were scarce both in numbers of species and individuals reported. The few
records included Tree Sparrows in all regions but the Eastern Mountain, which,
however, had the only Evening Grosbeaks; a Harris’ Sparrow in the Western
Coastal Plains; Pine Siskins in the Central Plateau and Basin and Eastern Moun-
tain regions; and an Oregon Junco in the Central Plateau and Basin region.

Perhaps the most unusual bird recorded during the period in Tennessee was
the Glaucous Gull in the Ridge and Valley region. This is the second state
record for the species. Other uncommon birds observed were the Harlan’s
Hawk in the Western Coastal Plain; Rough-legged Hawks in the Central
Plateau and Basin; Henslow’s Sparrow in the Eastern Ridge and Valley; and
the Baird’s Sandpipers in the Eastern Mountain region.

WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN E^EG101<\— Heron-Sparrow: Green Heron:
30 Mar. (1) DR (DGM). Blue-winged Teal: 14 Mar. (7) DR. Ruddy Duck:
15 Feb. (8) DR: Red-tailed Hawk: "More common than usual this winter
and spring in Memphis area” (BC). Harlan’s hawk: 28 Nov. thru 15 Feb.
(1) DR (MB, QBD, DGM) Careful observation and extensive notes make
this observation about as reliable as a sight record of a difficult species can be.
GOLDEN eagle: 15 Feb. (1) DR (DGM). Bald Eagle: 15 Feb. (2) DR.
American Golden Plover: 28 Feb. (5), 14 Mar. (28) DR (DGM). Short-eared
Owl: 13 Feb. (7) to 13 Mar. (6) and 30 Mar. (1) near Hazen, Arkansas
(BC, KNOX, WLW, JBO, GRM); 27 Mar. (1) BF (DGM). Water Pipit:
13 Mar. (5) BF. Pine Warbler: 21 Mar. (4) Benton County (DGM) nest
located later. Rose-breasted Grosbeak: 23 Mar. (1 imm. male) D (CH).
Dickcissel: 14 Feb. to 10 Mar. (1) at feeder, M (DP), tree sparrow: 14
Feb. (8) BF (DGM). Harris’ sparrow: 15 Feb. to 15 Mar. (1 imm.) at
feeder M (DP) .

[VoL. 42, 1971]

44

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

Locations: BF — Britton Ford, D — Dyersburg, DR — Duck River Refuge,
M — Martin.

Observers: MB — ^Mike Bierly, BC — Ben B. Coffey, Jr., QBD — Quenton B.
Dowdy, CH — ^Celia Hudson, KNOX — Members of Knoxville Chapter, DGM —
Don and Gina Manning, GRM — George R. Mayfield, Jr., JBO — J. B. Owens,
DP— David Pitts, WLW— W. L. Whittenmore.

David E. Patterson, Harbert Hills Academy, Savannah 3 8372.

CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— Loons-Eagles: Common
Loon: 1 Feb. (1) WR (KLD, LS), 15 Feb. (1) and 14 Apr. (2) LD (RTH).
Double-crested Cormorant: 27 Apr. (1) flying over Murfreesboro (MCW).
Green Heron: very early (1) 2 Apr. PB (MM), 1st. WB 14 Apr. (FB) and
1st. LD 18 Apr. (RTH). Cattle Egret: C (2) 20 Apr. (WGF) and (2)
29 Apr. (WH fide GRM), then 28 Apr. (4) CC (Gladys iNorthcutt fide
MCW). Common Egret: 4 Apr. (2) near ACM (JHR) 'L Black-crowned
Night Heron: 21 Mar. (57) BV (JNR). Wood Duck: 1st. (14) BT 17 Feb.
(RTH) NA 22 Feb. (2) PB (MM), 27 Mar. (4) WB (FB). Redhead: late
(4) 10 Apr. RE (AT, SB, KAG). Common Goldeneye: last report, 5 Apr.
(2) RL (MCW). Bufllehead: 30 Apr. (1) Cross ville (KLD, Frank Ward).
Turkey Vulture: 1st returns 20 Feb. (3) WB (FB), 21 Feb. (125) SHV
(KAG, MG) and (4) ACM (JNR), 27 Feb. (3) BT (RTH). Sharp-shinned
Hawk: 5 Feb. (1) BT (RTH), 27 Mar. (1) CH (JHR)"'. Cooper’s Hawk:
6 Feb. (1) Lebanon (KAG, AT, MLB), 5 Mar. (1) WR (MCW), 14 Mar.
(1) RM (RTH)'L Red-shouldered Hawk: 28 Feb. (5) BT (RTH), 26 Mar.
(1) H (JHR), 27 Mar. (1) CH (JHR)’L Broad- winged Hawk: 11 Apr.
(1) WB (FB) and (2) SHV (KAG), 14 Apr. (2) RM (RTH). rough-
legged hawk: 15 Feb. (1) WR (KD, LS) 1st. CC record, 16 Mar. (1) WB
(FB). GOLDEN EAGLE: (1-4) Seen 7 times WB area Feb. thru 7 Apr. (FB
et. al) . Bald Eagle: Several until late in period LD (RTH)’^

Grouse-Flycatchers: Ruffed Grouse: 25 Apr. (1) H, BT (RTH). turkey:
13 Apr. (1) AEDC near WR (MCW, VWH). sandhill crane: 15 Mar.
(35), later in the day a flock over clouds, then a 3rd, late at night, all H, BT
(RTH). American Woodcock: (27) at 21 locations NA in late Feb. (MLB),
28 Feb. (1) H, WB (FB), 21 Mar. a late singer near H (JNR). Common
Snipe: 14 Mar. (3), 24 Mar. (20) WB (FB), few elsewhere. Spotted Sand-
piper: 3 Apr. (1) RM (RTH). Pectoral Sandpiper: 14 Mar. (13) WB (FB),
4 Apr. (1) ACM (JHR)’L sanderling: 24 Apr. (3) WB (FB). Bonaparte’s
Gull: 9 Apr. (2) RL (JHR)’L Mourning Dove: very early was (1) flying
immature 27 Mar. H (HEP). Black-billed Cuckoo: 29 Apr. (2), 30th. (1)
LD (RTH)'L Chuck-will’s-widow: 20 Apr. (1) BT (RTH)’L Whip-poor-
will: 4 Apr. (4) WB (Mary Kruthaup fide MCW), and (1) RM. (RTH), 1st
NA, 10 Apr. (1) H (MG), 1st BT 19 Apr. (1) H (RTH). Common Night-
hawk: 21 Apr. (1) H, CK (TT), 29 Apr. (2) near H (JNR). Chimney
Swift: 20 Mar. (?) WB (FB), 4 Apr. (4) H (HEP). Ruby-throated Hum-
mingbird: 1st., 17 Apr. (1) H, NA (Mrs. Jack Clarke) and (2) H, CK (Mrs.
T. J. Moore). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: very late was (1) 3 0 Apr. LD

(RTH). RED-cocKADED WOODPECKER: (2) at nest Catoosa 30 Apr. (KLD,
Frank Ward) .

Sw allow s-Yireos: Tree Swallows: 1st., 3 Apr. (2) WB (MCW). Rough-
winged Swallow: 29 Mar. (few) WB (FB), 9 Apr. (4) RL (JHR). Barn

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

45

Swallow: 21 Mar. (12) ACM (JNR), others very late. Purple Martin: very
early was (1) in snow H, WB (MCW), late and scarce NA. Red-breasted
Nuthatch: 27 Mar. (1) CH (JHR)'^ Winter Wren: last, 18 Apr. (1) CW
(JHR). Bewick’s Wren: a few scattered reports over area. Catbird: 1st., 18
Apr. (1) WB (FB) and (1) BS (KAG), 20 Apr. (1) CK (TT). Wood
Thrush: 17 Apr. (1) BS (KAG), 21 Apr. (1) WB (FB). Swainson’s Thrush:
late, 1st. 24 Apr. (1) LH (HEP). Gray-cheeked Thrush: 23 Apr. (1) LH
(JNR). Veery: 18 Apr. (1) CW (JHR), one day earliest NA. Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher: 1 Apr. (1) WB (FB) and (1) Lebanon (KAG, AT), 3 Apr.

(1) BS (KAG, JHR), and (1) RM (RTH). Golden-crowned Kinglet: 11
Apr. (1) BS (KAG)’L Ruby-crowned Kinglet: last, 30 Apr. (2) LH (JNR).
Water Pipit: 30 Mar. (2-j-) (MCW)'L Cedar Waxwing: numerous over
entire area. White-eyed Vireo: late, except 5 Apr. (1) LH (JNR), 1st. WB
13 Apr. (1) FB, 17 Apr. (1) RM (RTH), 18 Apr. (1) CK (TT). Yellow-
throated Vireo: 1st., 4 Apr. (1) BS (KAG). Solitary Vireo: 17 Apr. (1) LH
(JNR), 18 Apr. (1) WB (FB). Red-eyed Vireo: 13 Apr. (1) WB (MCW),
17 Apr. (2) BS (KAG), 18 Apr. (1) CK (TT).

Warblers: most a week late and scarce thru period. Black-and-white: 1st.,
31 Mar. (1) H, NA (MCW), 7 Apr. (1) WB (FB). Worm-eating: 17 Apr.

(2) BS (KAG). Blue- winged: 17 Apr. (2) BS (KAG)’L Tennessee: 19 Apr.

(1) H (SB). Nashville: late and scarce, 1st. (30) Apr. (1) LH (JNR).

Parula: 9 Apr. (1) BS (KAG). Yellow: 12 Apr. (1) H (MM.), 17 Apr. (1)
H, WB (FB), 18 Apr. (1) H, RM (RTH). Black-throated Green: 1st., 21
Apr. (1) H (AT). Cerulean: 17 Apr. (1) BS (KAG). Blackburnian: one
day earliest ever NA, 15 Apr. (1) LH (JNR). Yellow-throated: 1st., \6 Apr.

(2) BS (KAG) and (1) LH (JNR). Blackpoll: 24 Apr. (1) CP (HEP)=L

Prairie: 1st., 18 Apr. (1) H (AT). Ovenbird: 22 Apr. (1) RM (RTH).

Northern Waterthrush: 18 Apr. (1) BS (KAG). Louisiana Waterthrush: 12
Mar. (1) BS (KAG). Kentucky: 18 Apr. (1) CW (JNR). Connecticut:
19 Apr. (1) and 24 Apr. (1) RL (JNR), 8 days earliest NA. Yellowthroat:
4 Apr. (1) WB (FB), late NA with 1st. 18 Apr. (1) SHV (KAG). Yellow-
breasted Chat: 17 Apr. (1) WB (FB), 18 Apr. (1) banded CW (JNR), 20
Apr. (1) RM (RTH). Hooded: 17 Apr. (1) BS (KAG). Wilson’s: 24 Apr.
(1) RL (JNR), 6 days earliest NA. Canada: 30 Apr. (1) LH (JNR)’*. Red-
start: 17 Apr. (2) BS (KAG).

Bobolinks-Sparrows: Bobolink: 29 Apr. (8-10) SHV (KAG)’L Orchard
Oriole: 18 Apr. (1) WB (FB), and (1) SHV (SB). Baltimore Oriole: 21 Apr.
(1) H (Ann Nichols) . Rusty Blackbird: last, 10 Apr. (2) PB (MM). Scarlet
Tanager: 1st., 18 Apr. (1) BS (KAG). Summer Tanager: 18 Apr. (1) BS
(KAG) and (2) RM (RTH), 21 Apr. (1) CK (TT), 22 Apr. (1) WB
(FB). Rose-breasted Grosbeak: 19 Apr. (1) H (SB), 20 Apr. (3) CK (TT).
Blue Grosbeak: 21 Apr. (2) WB (FB), very early compared with NA. Indigo
Bunting: 1st. 18 Apr. (1) WB (FB), otherwise late and scarce. Dickcissel:
2 Feb. thru period (1) H, WB (MCW), then 29 Apr. (4) SHV (KAG).
PINE SISKIN: 20 Feb. (3) CW (HR)’L Savannah Sparrow: from 20 Mar. (2)
RM (RTH) to 24 Apr. (1) BV (JNR). Vesper Sparrow: 14 Apr. (8) WB
(FB)'L Lark Sparrow: 21 Apr. (1) WB (FB)’L Slate-colored Junco: last
report, 24 Apr. (4) LH (HEP). Oregon junco: 9 thru 15 Feb. (1) H, WB
(MCW), 31 Mar. (1) Otter Crk. Rd. (MCW, VWH). tree sparrow: nearlv
a month late, 24 Apr. (1) Bellevue (GM). Fox Sparrow: 30 Mar. (1) H

[VoL. 42, 1971]

46

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

(AT) last report. Song Sparrow: late, 24 Apr. (5) BE (JHR, Kathy Meyer),
one nesting pair again NA at Ellington Center (MLB). Note — The asterisk
is used to denote that this is the only report to writer.

Locations: ACM — Ashland City Marsh, BE — Bush Lake, BS — Basin Springs,
BT — Byrdstown, BV — Buena Vista, C — Columbia, CC — Cannon County,
CH — Craggie Hope, CK — Cookeville, CP — ^Centennial Park, CW — Cheekwood
Botanical Gardens, H — home area, LD — Lilydale (Dale Hollow Lake), LH —
Love Hill, NA — Nashville Area, PB — Pennington Bend, RL — Radnor Lake,
RM— Rickman, SHV— South Harpeth Valley, WB— Woodbury, WR— Woods
Reservoir.

Observers: SB — Sue Bell, MLB — Mike L. Bierly, FB — Frances Bryson, KLD
— Mr. and Mrs. Ken Dubke, WGF — Dr. and Mrs. W. G. Fuqua, MG — Mel
Garlan, KAG — Katherine A. Goodpasture, RTH — R. T. Hinds, VWH — Mrs.

V. W. Hite, WH— Wick Holliday, MM— Margaret Mann, GRM— George R.
Mayfield, GM — Mrs. George R. Miller, HEP — Henry E. Parmer, JHR — ^Mr.
and Mrs. John Riggins, JNR — John N. Riggins, LS — Lee Shafer, AT — Ann
Tarbell, TT— Thelma Tinnon, MCW— Mary C. Wood.

Henry E. Parmer, 3 800 Richland Ave., Nashville 37205.

EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— Loons-Mergansers: Com-
mon Loon: through period (1-14) CL (WiC, KD, LD), 8 Apr. (1) NL (LS).
RED-THROATED LOON: 29 Mar. (1) CL (KD, LD) good leisurely study with
nearby Common Loon, 3 0 Mar. (1) CL (BB). Double-crested Cormorant:
7-8 Mar. (1) K (FJA, PP), 16 Apr. (2) HRA (WiC). Common Egret: 4
Apr. (1) HRA (KD, HP). Least Bittern: 30 Apr. (1) A (FJA, BB, JT).
American Bittern: 14 Mar. (1) A (MW), from 3 Apr. through end of period
(1-2) AM (KD), 20 Apr. (2) AS (LRH). Greater Scaup: 8 Mar. (1) ELD
(FJA, PP). Old Squaw: 6 Mar. (5) BL (LRH, GW). Common Merganser:
3 Feb. (2) FLD (PP), 14 Apr. (8) K (PP), 21-30 Apr. (2) ELD (PP).

Yultures-Coots: Turkey Vulture: maximum 16 and 23 Mar. (135-|-) C
(KD, LD). Black Vulture: maximum 16 and 23 Mar. (50-j-) C (KD, LD).
Cooper’s Hawk: 10 Feb. (1) HRA (KD), 14 Mar. (1) K (FJA, JMC, JA,
AM), 4 Apr. (1) C (JMC, KD, LD). Bald Eagle: through 5 Apr. (1-5)
HRA (AA, WiC, KD), through 28 Feb. (1-3) Ki (FJA, JMC, CM, EM,

AM, CN). Marsh Hawk: through 20 Apr. (1-4) HRA and SeV (KD, LS).
SANDHILL crane: 2 Mar. (7) HRA (WiC), 14 Mar. (56) Col (NH). King
Rail: first, 6 Apr. (1) AM (KD), 30 Apr. (1) (FJA, BB, JT), 23 Apr. (2)
A (MW). Virginia Rail: 23 Apr. (2) A (MW), 30 Apr. (1) A (FJA, BB).
Sora Rail: very early Chattanooga record, 27 Feb. (1) AM (KD). Common
Gallinule: 24 Apr. (1) A (MW). American coot: first Chattanooga nesting
record, 27 Apr. (adult and 8 "half-grown” young) NL (MS).

Plover-Owl: American Golden Plover: 4 Apr. (1) SB (KD, LD, JMC, FJA,
JA, LS). American Woodcook: last singing noted 5 Apr. (2) AM (KD, LD),
a total of 22 birds were found at 6 locations, many other suitable locations
were found, but limited time prevented checking (KD, LD). Common Snipe:
few to end of period, AM, (KD) maximum 5 Apr. (lOO^-) SB (KD, LD,
HP). Upland Plover: 30 Apr. (i) K (FJA, BB, JT). willet: second Chat-
tanooga spring record, 26 Apr. (11) NL (LS). Dunlin: regular to 13 Apr.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

47

(KD), maximum 8 Mar. (151) SB (KD, LD). glaucous gull: second state
record, 7 Mar. (1) second winter plumage FED (AM, CN, KTOS), 8 Mar.
(FJA, PP), 13 Mar. (KTOS), 14 M,ar. (FJA, JA, JMC, IW, BW, BB). Her-
ring Gull: regular to 6 Apr. CL (KD, LD). Ring-billed Gull: regular to 13
Apr. CL (KD, LD), maximum 4 Feb. (400) NL (LS). Laughing Gull: 21
Apr. (1) FLD (PP). Bonaparte’s Gull: 2 Feb. (1) CL (KD), 15 Mar. (2)
CL (KD, LD), 8 Apr. (36) NL (LS), 12 Apr. (70) CL (KD), 13 Apr. (27)
CL (KD), 13 Apr. (7) FLD (PP), 20 Apr. (3) CL (KD), 21 Apr. (4)
FLD (PP). Common Tern: 28 Apr. (1) K (PP). Barn Owl: one regular AM
(KD, LD), 22 Apr. (1) K (FJA, CM). Screech Owl: 18 Apr. one adult,
nest w/4 eggs K (MW).

Nighthawk-Yireo: Common Nighthawk: 22 Apr., first (1) K (FJA, CM),
2 5 Apr., first (1) C (KD, LD). tree swallow: very early Chattanooga
record, 23 Feb. (1) SB (KD, LD). Cliff Swallow: first, 3 Apr. (1) AM (KD).
PURPLE MARTIN: first 18 Feb. — very early (1) K {fide JBO), first Chatta-
nooga record 26 Feb. — very early (1) SB (Fred Burns fde KD) — earliest he
has ever had them — records go back 41 years with next earliest date 29 Feb. —
latest 18 Mar. Brown-headed Nuthatch: 14 Mar. (2) working around and in
cavity in dead Virginia Pine, Col (FJA, JA, JMC, IW, BW, BB), 4 Apr.
(2) at above site ( (KD, LD, JMC, FJA, JA, LS). Water Pipit: regular to
30 Mar. (1-15) SB (KD, LD). Solitary Vireo: first — very early 20 Mar. (1)
K (FJA).

Water thnish-Sparroiv: Northern Waterthrush: 24 Apr. (1) CB (KD), 27
Apr. (2) TRG (KD, RTB). Eastern Meadowlark: flocks ranging in size from
50 to 175 noted to 15 Mar., HRA (KD). Purple Finch: 20 Feb. (2) (LD),
28 Feb. (1) (LD), 1 Mar. (1) HRA (KD), 5 Apr. (7) OW (KD, LD,
HP), 6 Apr. (1) CL (KD, LD, HP), flock of 15-60 Mar. through 2 Apr.,
K (FJA). HENSLow’s sparrow: 30 Apr. (through 2 May) (1) A (FJA, BB,
JT). Vesper Sparrow: 16 Mar. (4) BL (LRH, GW), 22 Mar. (1) HRA
(KD), 29 Mar. (2) HRA (KD), 6 Apr. (12) HRA (KD). Tree Sparrow:
7-8 Feb. (2-8) K (FJA, JCH).

Locations: A — Alcoa, AM — Amnicola Marsh, AS — Austin Springs, BL —
Boone Lake, C — ^Chattanooga, Col — Collegedale, CL — Chickamauga Lake,
FLD — Fort Loudon Dam, HRA — Hiwassee River Area, K — Knoxville, Ki —
Kingston, NL — Nickajack Lake, SB — Savannah Bay, SeV — Sequatchie Valley.

Observers: FJA — Fred J. Alsop, III, JA — Jean Alsop, A A — Arnold Aslin-
ger, BB — Benton Basham, RTB — Ralph T. Bullard, JMC — James M,. Campbell,
WiC— Wilford Caraway, KD— Ken Dubke, LD— Lil Dubke, NH— Nat Hal-
verson, LRH — Lee R. Herndon, JCH — J. C. Howell, AM — Andy Morton,
CM — Chester Massey, EM — Eleanor Massey, CN — ^Chuck Nicholson, JBO —
J. B. Owen, PP- — ^Paul Pardue, HP — Hunter Patterson, KTOS — Knoxville
Chapter T.O.S., MS — Mary Shafer, LS— Lee Shafer, JT — James A. Tucker,
BW— Bill Williams, GW— Gary O. Wallace, IW— Irene Wiiliams, MW— Mor-
ris Williams.

James M. Campbell, 15 Hedgewood Dr., Knoxville, 37918.

EASTERN MOUNTAIN ^LG\01S<~Heron-Sandpiper: Green Heron:
first 15 Apr. (1) WR (GE). Common Egret: 24 Apr. (1) E (FWB). Yellow-

[VOL. 42, 1971]

48

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

crowned Night Heron: 19, 20, 27 Apr. (1-4) WR (LRH et al.) . Black Duck:
last 2 Mar. (105) WaL (LRH). Red-tailed Hawk: nesting (2) En (PGR).
Broad- winged Hawk: first 12 Apr. (5) E (GE, PGR). Common Snipe: last
12 Apr. (75) E (GE, PGR). Spotted Sandpiper: 18 Apr. (1) WR (GE).
Baird’s sandpiper: 8-10 Apr. (2-6) CF (LRH et al.).

Dowitcher-Martin: Short-billed Dowitcher: 2 5 Apr. (1) En (PGR).
Bonaparte’s Gull: 24 Apr., first Great Smoky Mountains National Park record
(1) CC (FJA, GOW). Saw- whet Owl: 29 Apr. (1-2) GSMNP (FJA, JMC,
BB, JAT, RME, MW). Yellow-billed Cuckoo: first 27 Apr. (1) E (LRH,
JM). Black-billed Cuckoo: first 26 Apr. (1) En (PGR). Common Night-
hawk: first 26 Apr. (1) E (GE). Chimney Swift: first 3 Apr. (3) MC
(PGR). Great-crested Flycatcher: first 22 Apr. (1) EGC (LRH). Rough-
winged Swallow: first 6 Apr. (5) SV (LRH). Barn Swallow: first 29 Mar.
(1) MC (GW). Purple Martin: first 16 Mar. (1) EGC (LRH).

Thrush-Sparrow: Wood Thrush: first 17 Apr. (1) WiL (GE). Swainson’s
Thrush: 8 Apr. (1) E (GE). Black-and-white Warbler: first 5 Apr. (1)
EGC (LH). Brewster’s Warbler: 23 Apr. (1) GSMNP (JMC). Parula War-
bler: first 17 Apr. (2) WiL (GE). Yellow Warbler: first 16 Apr. (1) HC
(MS, TS). Black-throated Green Warbler: 12 Apr. (11) HC (MS, TS). Yel-
low-throated Warbler: first 13 Apr. (3) WiL (JM). Pine Warbler 18 Mar.
(1) E (JM). EVENING grosbeak: last 30 Apr. (2) RC (LRH, JM). Pine
Siskin: 23-24 Apr. (1-2) GSMNP (FJA, JMC, MW). Grasshopper Sparrow:
23 Apr. (1) GSMNP (FJA, CM,, JMC).

Locations: CC — ^Cades Cove, CF — ^County Farm, Carter Co. near Elizabeth-
ton, E — Elizabethton, EGC — Elizabethton Golf Course, En — Erwin, GSMNP —
Great Smoky Mt. Nat’l. Park, HC — Heaton Creek, near Roan Mtn., M,C —
Milligan College, RC — Roan Creek, SV — Shady Valley, WaL — Watauga Lake,
WiL— Wilber Lake, WR— Watauga River.

Observers: FJA — Fred J. Alsop, III, BB — Benton Basham, FWB — Fred
Behrend, JMC — James M. Campbell, GE — Glen Eller, RME — Ray M. Ellis,
LHR — Lee R. Herndon, LH — Lois Herndon, JM, — John Martin, CM — Chester
Massey, PGR — Peter G. Range, MS — Maxie Swindell, TS^ — Tommy Swindell,
JAT — James A. Tucker, GOW — Gary O. Wallace, MW — Morris Williams.

Brent Rowell, 2227 Edgemont Ave., Bristol 37620.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

PREPARATION OF COPY FOR PUBLICATION

The purpose of THE MIGRANT is the recording of obserrAtions and
original information derived from the study of birds, primarily in the state
of Tennessee or the area immediately adjacent to its borders. Articles for
pubUcation originate almost exclusively from T.O.S. members.

Contributors should prepare manuscripts and submit them in a form ac-
ceptable to the printer, after editorial approval. Both articles and short notes
are solicited but their format should be somewhat different.

Some suggestions to authors for the preparation of papers for publication
are given herewith.

MATERIAL: The subject matter should relate to some phase of Tennessee
Ornithology. It should be original, factual, concise, scientifically acciurate, and
not submitted for publication elsewhere.

TITLE: The title should be concise, specific, and descriptive.

STYLE: Recent issues of THE MIGRANT should be used as a guide in
the preparation of manuscripts. Where more detail is needed reference should
be made to the Style Manual for Biological Journals available from the Ameri-
can Institute of Biological Sciences, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue N. W., Wash-
ington, D. C. 20016.

COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on 8i x IT’ paper
with adequate margins, for editorial notations, and should contain only entries
intended for setting in type, except the serial page number. Tabular data should
be entered on separate sheets with appropriate title and column headings.
Photographs intended for reproduction shoidd be sharp with good contrast on
glossy white paper in black and white (not in color). Instructions to the
editors should be given on a separate sheet. Weights and measurements should
be in metric units. Dating should be in "continental” form (e.g., 7 March
1968).

NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by
binomial scientific name in italics only after the first occurrence in the text
for both regular articles and Round Table Notes, and should conform to
the A.O.U. Check-list 5 th edition, 1957. Trinomial should be used only after
the specimen has been measured or compared with typical specimens.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: When there are more than five references in an article,
they should be placed at the end of the article, otherwise they should be
appropriately included in the text.

SUMMARY: Articles of five or more pages in length should be sum-
marized briefly, drawing attention to the main conclusions resulting from
the work performed.

IDENTIFICATION: Rare or unusual species identification to be accept-
able must be accompanied by verifying evidence. This should include: date,
time, light and weather conditions, exact location, habitat, optical equipment,
distance, behavior of bird, comparison with other similar species, characteristic
markings, experience of observer, other observers verifying observation and
reference works consulted.

REPRINTS: Reprints are available on request. Reprint requests should
accompany article at the time of submission. Billing to authors will be
through the state T.O.S. Treasturer.

Books for review and articles for publication should be submitted to the
editor. Seasonal reports and items should be forwarded to the appropriate
departmental editor whose name and address will be found on the inside
frpnt cover.

CONTENTS

Traill’s Flycatcher Nesting in Knox County. Fred J. Akop, III 25

Tennessee Ornithological Society Annual Board of

Directors* Meeting. Daniel R. Gray, Jr., Secretary 27

Introducing the New President: Dr. James T. Tanner

Mrs. C. T. Ottenfeld 30

President’s Message. Dr. James T. Tanner 30

Round Table Notes

Lark Sparrows Nesting in Lawrence County.

Morris D. Williams 32

Ruddy Turnstone in Humphreys County.

Don and Gina Manning 32

Whistling Swan in Maury County.

George R. Mayfield 33

In Memoriam: Dr. Lawrence P. Wilson. Nelle Moore 34

The 1971 Spring Field Days 35

Retiring Editor. Wallace Coffey 41

The Season. Edited by Fred J. Akop, 111 43

Western Coastal Plain Region. David E. Patterson 43

Central Plateau and Basin Region. Henry E. Parmer 44

Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. James M. Campbell 46

Eastern Mountain Region. Brent Rowell 47

THE MIGRANT

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

FIRST PUBLISHED, JUNE 1930

Published By

THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Founded at Nashville, Tenn., 7 October 1915
A non-profit, educational, scientific, and conservation organization.

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR DR. GARY O. WALLACE

Rt. 7, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

"THE SEASON” EDITOR FRED J. ALSOP, III

Apt. 147 Taliwa Court, Chapman Highway, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920

"STATE COUNT COMPILER” DR. LEE R. HERNDON

Rt. 6, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

OFFICERS FOR 1971-1973

PRESIDENT DR. JAMES T. TANNER

Rt. 10, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920

VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN MR. C. T. OTTENFELD

Brookwood, Rt. 5, Bristol, Tenn. 37622

VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN MISS LOUISE JACKSON

5037 Montclair Dr., Nashville, Tenn. 37211

VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN DR. ARLO SMITH

3724 Oakley Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 38111
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE;

EAST TENN MRS. A. H. SWITZER

1620 Fairidge Place, Kingsport, Tenn. 37664

MIDDLE TENN MRS. JOHN D. HASSLER

Box 1, Byrds town, Tenn. 38549

WEST TENN DAVID PITTS

Biology Dept., University of Tenn. at Martin, Martin, Tenn. 38237

CURATOR ALBERT F. GANIER

2112 Woodlawn Drive, Nashville, Tenn. 37212

SECRETARY MISS LOUISE NUNNALLY

2701 Fairmont Blvd., Knoxville, Tenn. 37917

TREASURER KENNETH H. DUBKE

720 Bacon Trail, Apt. 1, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37412

Annual dues, $3.00; Sustaining, $5.00; Life, $100.00; Student, $1.00; Family, $4.00;
Library, $3.00 (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Back numbers
may be had from Dr. James T. Tanner, Rt. 10, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920. Correspond with the
Treasurer for subscriptions, memberships, and changes of address.

Published quarterly (March, June, September, and December). Printed by Preston
Printing Company, 509-511 Shelby Street, Bristol, Tennessee 37620, U.S.A. Postage paid
and mailed at Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643, U.S.A.

THE MIGRANT

Published by the Tennessee Ornithological Society,
to Record and Encourage the Study of Birds in Tennessee.
Issued in March, June, September, and December.

VOL. 42 SEPTEMBER, 1971 NO. 3

FOOD, FEEDING BEHAVIOR AND EXTENSION
OF RANGE OF THE CATTLE EGRET

Earl L. Hanebrink
Introduction

The Cattle Egret (Bubidcus ibis) occupies an extensive world range and is
a wide wanderer. There are two subspecies: the Indian Cattle Egret ( B. i.
coromandus Boddaert) , and the African Cattle Egret (B. i. ibis Linnaeus) .
The former is the Asian subspecies and has not been recorded in the Western
Hemisphere but is found in southern and eastern Asia and among the islands
stretching out to New Guinea and Australia (Barnes, 195 5 ). The subspecies
which has become established in the United States and the New World is the
African Cattle Egret (Heverschmidt, 1953 ) . The African Cattle Egret is a
comparative newcomer to the Western Hemisphere. It is a native to Mediter-
ranean Europe, southern Spain, Portugal, and Africa (Peterson, 1954; Sprunt,
195 5; Heatwole, 1963). Although reportedly seen as early as 1882 and later
in 1911 in British Guiana (Palmer, 1962), it was not until 1937 that the first
specimen was collected in this hemisphere. This species was collected in Vene-
zuela (Phelps, 1944) in 1943 and in Dutch Guiana (Haverschmidt, 195 0) in
1947.

In the United States the earliest-known occurrence is of two birds recorded
at Clewiston, Florida, in the summer of 1941 (Sprunt, 1954) . Drury et al
( 1953 ) officially established the presence of the Cattle Egret in the United
States by collecting the first specimen at Wayland, Massachusetts. The Coffey’s
(Stuart, 1965 ) discovered five nests of the Cattle Egret in the Luxora Heronry
in Mississippi County, Arkansas, which was the first nesting record for Arkan-
sas. Cattle Egrets are now nesting in all of the states of the Central Southern
Region which includes Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, and
Arkansas. After the 1969 nesting season the Luxora Heronry was abandoned
in all species of egrets and herons. These birds have remained in the area oc-
cupying smaller lowland deciduous woods; one location being only a few miles
from the Luxora Heronry. Some have relocated on the Arkansas-Missouri border
and perhaps others have gone to the heronries in southeastern Missouri. The
heronry at Dyersburg at the edge of the industrial park is no longer active. This

[VoL. 42, 1971]

50

THE MIGRANT

SEPTEMBER

heronry was active in 1969 but with fewer birds than in the prior year (Leg-
gett, 1970). Both the Dyersburg Heronry and the Luxora Heronry which are
across the river from each other became inactive after the 1969 breeding
season.

Possible reasons why the Luxora Heronry was abandoned were changes in
vegetation and a lowering of the water table by farming operations. During the
past few years there was no longer any standing water in the nearby drainage
ditches which were used extensively by the young herons and egrets before
they could fly to the more distant barrow pits and sloughs of the Mississippi
River. In the Luxora Heronry the trees were becoming larger and with less
sunshine the weeds and under brush died out causing much of the area to be
bare of plant growth. It seemed that the herons and egrets preferred the smaller
trees with entanglements of vines and dense undergrowth to the taller trees.
One new location near Burdette consists of a triangular lowland deciduous
woods of approximately three acres with a drainage ditch on one side with
available water during the entire breeding season. The trees are a mixture of
lowland deciduous species similar in composition to the Luxora Heronry but
are smaller and with a much more dense undergrowth. Vines cover many of
the trees and consist mainly of Lonocera, Yitis, and Camp sis. Nest density is
very high at this location with approximately 80 per cent Little Blue Herons
{Florida caerulea) , 15 per cent Cattle Egrets; four per cent Common Egrets
(Casmerodius albtcs) and one per cent Black-crowned Night Herons {Nyctico-
ray nycticorax) . The Luxora Heronry was active for nearly 20 years before it
was abandoned.

Cattle Egrets are wandering farther from their nesting location in north-
eastern Arkansas. This species was observed by the writer at the Nettleton
Sewage Ponds on 30 August, 1970 and on the Arkansas State University farm
among the buff aloe on 6 May, 1971. This distance is more than 60 miles from
the heronry locations. Cattle Egrets have been observed also 5 0 miles north of
Little Rock by the writer on 16 August, 1971. Other sightings are becoming
more numerous after the nesting season in northeastern Arkansas.

The Cattle Egret is extending its breeding range beyond Arkansas being
well established in southeastern Missouri and other northern states (Peterson,
1971; Soulen, 1971). It is also increasing its range in Africa (Vincent, 1947;
Skead, 1952; Siegfried, 1966) and throughout the world (Sprunt, 195 5 ; Pal-
mer, 1962).

Food of the Cattle Egret

The food of the Cattle Egret in Africa has been reported (Vincent, 1947;
Skead, 1956; Reynolds, 1965 and others). Kosugi (1960) published on the
food of the Indian Cattle Egret. In this hemisphere Palmer (1962) reported
the contents of the stomachs of 20 birds from Puerto Rico. The contents of a
stomach collected in Surinam was reported by Haverschmidt (1947).

In the United States, Valentine (195 8) analyzed seven pellets from Cattle
Egrets in Virginia, Jenni (1961) analyzed 50 pellets from young Cattle Egrets
in Florida, and Summerous (1964) reported the contents of 20 pellets from
Alabama Cattle Egrets. The existing knowledge of feeding techniques of the
Cattle Egret has been summarized by Meyerriecks (1960) and observed by
Hanebrink and Denton (1969).

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

51

The food of the Cattle Egret in Europe, Asia, and Africa is largely made
up of insects, especially grasshoppers (Palmer, 1962). Grasshoppers are a major
food item in India for the Cattle Egret (Witherby et al, 1939; Whistler,
1949). Frogs, lizards, and fish are also eaten by Cattle Egrets in the Old World.

In Africa, Skead ( 1956) examined many Cattle Egret stomachs and found
only grasshoppers. He kept pet birds and found these would eat beef squares,
crickets, centipedes, wasp, flies, spiders, dragonflies, and mice. He supplied the
beef squares while the birds captured the other items. His Cattle Egrets would
not eat bread or vegetable matter when offered. Kirkpatrick (192 5) examined
139 stomachs of Cattle Egrets from Cairo, Egypt, and found mice, houseflies,
spiders, crickets, centipedes, and earthworms. An individual Cattle Egret col-
lected in Arabia had eaten 68 ticks (Hyaloma aegyptium) that had dropped
from resting camels (Palmer, 1962) . Kosugi (1960) examined six stomachs of
Indian Cattle Egrets and he found reptiles, frogs, spiders, and insects as the
most common food items.

In Florida, Jenni ( 1961 ) found short-horned grasshoppers ( Locus tidae)
to be the most important prey of Cattle Egrets. Crickets, long-horned grass-
hoppers (Tettigoniidae) and spiders were other important food items. Valentine
(1958) found the food of the Cattle Egret in Virginia to consist mainly of
terrestrial insects, spiders, and amphibians. Summerour (1964) reported the
contents of 10 pellets of Alabama Cattle Egrets to consist of 90 per cent
insects, mostly grasshoppers and crickets. The remaining 10 per cent of the
diet consisted of spiders, frogs, toads, small snakes, and skinks. Hanebrink and
Denton ( 1969) found grasshoppers to be the most important food item col-
lected from regurgitated pellets of Cattle Egrets from the Luxora Heronry.
Other food items encountered were spiders, crickets, ground beetles, click
beetles, stink bugs, moth larvae, froghoppers, crane flies, diptera larvae, blow-
flies, horse flies, deer flies, frogs, toads and lizards.

Feeding Behavior

Cattle Egrets take a variety of food items in a number of ways. Priest
(193 3) reported an unusual method of food finding by Cattle Egrets in
Africa. He stated that the egrets are attracted to grass fires where they catch
insects in scores. Riddell (1944) reported these birds following the plow in
winter and associating with cattle in all seasons in Spain. Chapin (1956) ob-
served one eating a seven-inch lizard in the Belgian Congo. Dawn (1959) and
Hanebrink and Denton (1969) noted the Cattle Egret picking flies from the
head and neck of cattle. Reynolds ( 196 5 ) observed Cattle Egrets following a
Land Rover to capture disturbed insects, with the bolder individuals coming to
within a foot of the wheels of the vehicle. He also found Cattle Egrets feeding
on flesh left on fish bones filleted by natives along the Wembere River in
Tanzania.

There are occasional reports of Cattle Egrets eating other birds. Skead
( 1956) received a report of a bird {Zost crops spp. ) eaten by a Cattle Egret
in Africa. In Florida an adult male Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata) was
swallowed by a Cattle Egret (Cunningham, 1965 ) .

[VoL. 42, 1971]

52

THE MIGRANT

SEPTEMBER

The association of Cattle Egrets with grazing animals is well known. Rice
(1956) noted that there is a remarkable symbiosis between Cattle Egrets and
larger hoofed mammals. He considers them obligate commensals and states that
he has never seen them feeding alone. Heatwole (1963) studied the association
of Cattle Egrets with cattle and found they only occasionally took prey from
the body of a cow. Summerour (1964) believes the relationship is one in which
both species profit but are not forced to associate to survive.

At the Luxora Heronry feeding areas, the well known symbiotic association
of the Cattle Egret with cattle and horses on the Mississippi levee was observed
constantly during the months of May, June, July, and August. Although the
egrets sometimes fed away from cattle catching insects in the pasture and other
prey along shallow mudholes and sloughs, they were seldom seen feeding over
100 yards from cattle or horses. Notable exceptions were observed in early
June when eight Cattle Egrets were found following two tractors plowing a
wheat field. They fed from 5 to 100 yards behind the tractors, searching the
freshly turned soil for earthworms and insects, much in the same manner as
species of blackbirds do. The Cattle Egrets feeding at the edge of the Nettleton
Sewage Ponds in late August were not near any hoofed animals.

When feeding with cattle, the egrets were usually quite active. They con-
stantly made short runs, changed positions, and flew short distances from
animal to animal in their search for food. Cattle Egrets were most often found
at the sides or near the heads of the cattle. The individual egret carefully
watched for insects disturbed by the cattle. These individuals often examined
the legs, flanks, and heads of cattle for flies or ectoparasites. In addition, they
often alighted on the backs of the cattle. This seemed to be more for a perch
rather than to feed on flies or ectoparasites. On more than one occasion an
egret rode a cow across a water filled area of the pasture.

In the heat of the day, the cattle moved into the shade or into nearby water
filled sloughs along the Mississippi River levee. The Cattle Egrets would not,
however, follow a cow into water that was more than a few inches in depth.
They notably preferred animals which were grazing or moving about and
quickly abandoned an inactive or reclining cow to hurriedly run or fly to a
feeding animal. Cattle Egrets also examined weeds and grass very carefully for
insects. Although these birds usually caught their prey when it became dis-
turbed and moved, they sometimes caught prey by slowly stalking it or by
remaining very still then suddenly catching it with a quick jab.

The association with cattle is rather close and sometimes the egrets were
almost stepped on as they searched for food. The cattle were very tolerant and
did not seem annoyed when the egrets were perched on their backs. Only when
a fly was picked from the head or face did the cattle seem bothered and even
then the reaction was usually only a shaking of the head.

Association with other Herons and Egrets in Heronries

Cattle Egrets commonly nest among other species of herons and egrets in
Mississippi County heronries. However they usually isolate themselves to a
particular part of the heronry. Common Egrets most always nest at the tops

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

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53

of the larger trees while Little Blue Herons and Cattle Egrets nest from the
tops of the smaller trees to lower positions some no more than six feet from
the ground. It is common for Little Blue Herons and Cattle Egrets to nest in
the same tree but after careful inspection the Cattle Egret nests seem to be
mainly clustered in certain areas of the heronries.

Observations at the feeding areas indicate very little competition for food
among the various species. Each species occupies its own niche and does not
interfere with its allied species in food competition (Hanebrink, 1968 ; Hane-
brink and Denton, 1969). A comparison of regurgitated food items collected
from both the Little Blue Heron and Cattle Egret have been previously com-
pared by Hanebrink and Denton ( 1969) .

Literature Cited

Barnes, I. R. 195 5. Cattle Egrets colonize in a new world. Atlantic Naturalist,
10:238-247.

Chapin, James P. 1956. The Cattle Egret in Africa. Audubon Magazine,
59:75-88.

Cunningham, Richard. 196 5. Predation on birds by Cattle Egrets. Auk,
82:502-503.

Dawn, Walter. 1959. Cattle Egrets provoke cattle to move and peck flies off
bulls. Auk, 76:97-98.

Drury, William H., Jr., Allen H. Morgan and Richard Stackpole. 1953. Oc-
currence of an African Cattle Egret in Massachusetts. Auk, 70:364-365.
Hanebrink, Earl L. 1968. A comparison of three heronries in the Mississippi
valley. The Migrant, 39:49-52.

Hanebrink, Earl L. and Gene Denton. 1969. Feeding behavior and analysis of
regurgitated food collected from the Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis and the
Little Blue Heron Florida caerulea. Ark. Acad, of Sci. Proc., 23:74-79.
Haverschmidt, F. 1947. Cattle Egrets in Surinam, Dutch Guiana. Auk, 64:143.
Haverschmidt, F. 1950. Occurrence of the Cattle Egret, Bubtdctts ibis, in
Surinam, Dutch Guiana. Auk, 67:380-381.

Haverschmidt, F. 195 3. The Cattle Egret in South America. Audubon Maga-
zine, 55:202-204, 236.

Heatwole, Harold. 1963. Some aspects of the association of Cattle Egrets with
cattle. Animal Behavior, 13:79-83.

Jenni, Donald A. 1961. The breeding ecology of four species of herons at Lake
Alice, Alachua County, Florida. Doctorial Dissertation, Univ. of Florida,

116 pp.

Kirkpatrick, J. 1925. Tech. Sci. Serv. Ministry of Agri., Egypt Bulk, 56 (cited
from Palmer, 1962) .

Kosugi, Akimitsu. 1960. On the food habits of some herons. Misc. Reports
Yamashinas Institute for Ornithology, 2:89-98.

Leggett, Kenneth. 1970. Heronry at Dyersburg is no longer active. The
Migrant, 41:5 8.

Meyerriecks, Andrew J. 1960. Comparative breeding behavior of four species
of North American herons. Publ. Nattall Ornithological Club No. 2,
158 pp.

( continued on page 56)

[VoL. 42, 1971]

54

THE MIGRANT

SEPTEMBER

BIRD FINDING IN TENNESSEE

Fred J. Alsop, III

In an effort to make The Migrant more useful to its readers we are es-
tablishing "Bird Finding in Tennessee” as a regular feature. Each article will
give details on where, when, and how to find birds in selected areas of our
state. Each will be written by a local expert on his favorite birding area and
eventually all the best birding spots in Tennessee will be covered. Of course
not every species in an area can be listed due to limited printed space, but
characteristic birds, the ones you are most likely to see, as well as local "rarities”
will be noted using maps, comments on habitats, seasonal information, special
techniques, local checklists, birders, bird guides, etc. But, don’t just read the
information and put it aside, get out with binoculars and books and try each
one out. Good birding!

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Part I, Birding from the lowlands to "Canada.”

MAP FOR TtlE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

More than 200 species
of birds have been re-
corded within the
boundaries of the Park.
In the high elevations
of these mountains
many birds common in
northern forests reach
the southern limits of
their breeding range in
the Eastern United
States. Spring migra-
tion and the summer
nesting season are the
best times to see the
birds, but many win-
ters bring northern
finches in numbers not
found elsewhere in the
state.

Begin at Sugarlands
Visitor Center 1.5 miles
south of Gatlinburg on
U.S. 441. Here you will
find excellent displays
of the plant and animal
life, maps of the park,
field guides by Peterson

and Robbins, et al. Birds of the Great Smoky Mountains Field Checklist by
Alsop, and the definitive Notes on Birds of the Great Smoky Mountains by
Stupka. In winter search the grounds of Park headquarters just a few hundred
yards north of the center for Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, and Evening Gros-

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

55

beaks. Walk the self-guiding Sugarlands nature trail in spring and summer
for Golden-winged, Black-and-white, and Hooded Warblers, Ovenbirds,
Louisiana Waterthrush, and many other songbirds. Barn Swallows usually nest
under the eaves of the visitor center. Go back to 441 and turn right (south)
towards Cherokee. Stop at Big Walnut overlook, approximately 2 miles from
the visitor center on left, for an open view of M,t. LeConte. This can be a
very good place to observe spring migrants. Proceed south to Chimneys Picnic
Area. A walk through these grounds in the nesting season should produce
American Redstarts, Wood Thrush, Black-throated Blue Warblers, Solitary
Vireos, and many others. Go on to Chimney Tops parking area, 7.2 miles south
of the visitors center and walk down to the heath bald on the right. Rose-
breasted Grosbeaks and Scarlet Tanagers nest in the hardwood forest and
Chestnut-sided Warblers nest in the rhododendron on the bald which should
be in flower in mid- June. Continue on south on 441 to Alum Cave parking
area on the left about 9 miles from the visitor center. The Alum Cave trail
is moderate to moderately steep but well worth the effort. It is 2j miles by
trail to Alum Cave Bluffs through northern hardwood forests inhabited in
summer by Red-eyed and Solitary Vireos, Wood Thrush and Veery, Carolina
and Winter Wren, Olive-sided Flycatchers, Blackburnian and Canada Warblers.
Before you reach the bluffs you will climb through heath balds where Chestnut-
sided warblers abound. The ridge opposite the bluff is the former nesting site
for the Peregrine Falcon, a species now extripated from the Park, but a current
nesting place of the Raven. Another 2.9 miles up the trail will bring you to
the top of Mt. LeConte where there is a lodge (reservations should be made
well in advance through Park headquarters) . Back at your car continue south
to Newfound Gap, 13.5 miles from the visitor center. You have now entered
the Canadian Life Zone characterized by the dominant forests of spruce and fir.
Temperatures here are much lower than at Sugarlands, about 15-20°’s, and
showers are much more frequent so be prepared. Cedar Waxwings, Red Cross-
bills, and Pine Siskins are often seen in and around the parking area. Birds seen
from here upward to Forney Ridge parking area, 21 miles from the visitor
center, via stops at Indian Gap (watch for the right turn J mile from New-
found Gap) Collin’s Gap, and a walk along the Spruce-fir Nature Trail (all
along your route) will include these summer residents: the 5 high-altitude
warblers, Canada, Blackburnian, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green,
and Chestnut-sided; plus Veerys and Solitary Vireos. Permanent residents are:
Raven, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red Crossbill, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown
Creeper, Black-capped Chickadee, and the most abundant resident of the
spruce-fir, the Slate-colored Junco. Ruffed Grouse occur at all elevations
in the Park and many are seen early in the morning and late in the evenings
along the road shoulders — they have been recorded drumming during every
month of the year with the highest number of records in October. From the
Forney Ridge parking area a paved trail J mile in length takes you to an
observation tower atop the highest mountain in the Park, Clingman’s Dome,
elevation 6642’. Stopping at all the pull-offs between Forney Ridge and Morton
Overlook (just below Newfound Gap on the Tennessee side) in the spring
and summer after dark may produce Barred Owls and the uncommon Saw-
whet Owl. Best nights for the Saw-whet are nights of little wind and some
moonlight. Most singing is recorded from March through June, but the owls
have been seen at other times of the year. Whistled imitations, tape recordings.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

S6

THE MIGRANT

SEPTEMBER

and "squeaking” on your hand have all been tried with varying success to lure
these dwarfs of the forest out to be counted. An evenings foray has produced
Saw-whets in numbers from 1 1 to 0 along this route.

Birdwalks are conducted daily during the Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage in
April by members of the Knoxville Chapter T.O.S. whose members also con-
duct an Audubon Christmas Count there. For local information contact mem-
bers of the Knoxville Chapter, Tennessee Ornithological Society through the
membership list published in The Migrant and through the Knoxville Chamber
of Commerce.

Dept, of Zoology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37916.
(^continued from page 53)

Palmer, Ralph S. 1962. ed. Handbook of North American Birds. Vol. 1, Yale
Univ. Press, New Haven, 567 pp.

Peterson, Peter C. 1971. Middlewestern prairie region. American Birds, 25:
64-66.

Peterson, Roger T. 1954. A new bird immigrant arrives. National Geographic
Magazine, 106:281-292.

Phelps, William H. 1944. Bubtdctis ibis in Venezuela. Auk, 61:656.

Priest, Cecil D. 1933. The birds of Southern Rhodesia. 1:53-56.

Reynolds, John. 1965. Feeding habits of Cattle Egrets. British Birds, 58:509.
Rice, D. W. 1956. Dynamics of range expansion of Cattle Egrets in Florida.
Auk, 73:259-266.

Riddell, W. H. 1944. The Buff-backed Heron Ardeola ibis ibis (Linnaeus).
Ibis, 86:503-511.

Siegfried, W. R. 1966. The status of the Cattle Egret in South Africa with
notes on the neighboring territories. Ostrich, 37:157-169.

Skead, C. J. 1952. The status of the Cattle Egret, Ardeola ibis, in the Eastern
Cape Province. Ostrich, 23:186-218.

Skead, C. J. 1956. The Cattle Egret in South Africa. Audubon Magazine,
59:206-209, 221, 224-226.

Soulen, Thomas K. 1971. Western Great Lakes Region. American Birds, 25:
61-64.

Sprunt, Alexander Jr. 1954. Florida Birdlife. Coward-McCann Inc., New York
and Nat. Aud. Soc.

Sprunt, Alexander Jr. 19 5 5. The spread of the Cattle Egret. Smithsonian Re-
port for 1954. Pnbl. No. 4198: 259-276.

Stuart, James R. Jr. 1965. Central southern region. Audubon Field Notes,
19:552-554.

Summerour, C. W. 1964. The Cattle Egret, BiLbulcus ibis ibis, in Natal. Ibis,
81:489-491.

Valentine, Jacob M. 195 8. The Cattle Egret at Chincoteague, Virginia. The
Raven, 29:67-96.

Vincent, Jack. 1947. Habits of Bubtdctis ibis, the Cattle Egret in Natal. Ibis,
89:489-491.

Whistler, Hugh. 1949. Popular handbook of Indian birds. Suney and Jackson,
London, Edinburg, 560 pp.

Witherby, H. F., C. R. Jourdain, N. F. Ticehurst and B. W. Tucker. 1939.
Handbook of British Birds. London. Vol. Ill, p. 142-144.

Division of Biological Science, Arkansas State University, State
College, Arkansas 72467.

[Vol. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

57

ROUND TABLE NOTES

POSSIBLE ALBINO RED-TAILED HAWK IN COFFEE COUNTY— On
Sunday, 13 December, 1970, Gene and I drove from Chattanooga to Woods
Hole Reservoir (AEDC property) to observe waterbirds. Enroute 1-24, we
came to the point at the foot of the Cumberland Plateau where T24 now
ends and U.S. Hwy. 41 takes over. Here, to our left was a bright, white spot
which I hoped might be a Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca). It was perched in
a tree on the side of a ridge about .3 mile distance. A turnout at this point
made it possible for us to park.

The 7x35 Bushnell binocular showed that it was a large white bird with a
small head — therefore not an owl — and that it was facing us. The 20 x B&L
telescope indicated that all of the bird within our view was white, including
all the head and sides of the face.

We decided to walk as close as the topography would permit. After crossing
the interstate, the shoulder, and over the boundary fence, we looked through
the telescope again. Then it was possible to tell that the underside of the tail
was not completely white but had grayish markings. There was so sign of
rufous or of any tail bands.

In about half a minute the bird flew and perched partly behind tree
branches but not much farther away. During this very brief flight, we saw
that the primaries and the lower half of the tail were somewhat grayish, mixed
with white. Some of the secondary wing feathers were marked with gray but
the white dominated. The back of the head and neck was pure white.

Basically, it was a white bird with only touches of light gray; however,
the day was dark and the gray might have taken on a different hue in very
good light.

In an attempt to ascribe a species name to this bird, we considered all
buteos, but there was nothing of sufficient distinction about the bird to make
this possible. However, we are of the opinion that it was an albino adult Red-
tailed Hawk {Buefo jamaicensis) , primarily because that species is commonly
found along our interstate highways in the winter months.

In our three-hour drive of the same date, we saw nine. On a trip from
Chattanooga to Birmingham three or four years ago, we counted 2 5 Red-tails.
Most of these were seen in the middle half of the distance of 150 miles (in
north Alabama) . We have made this trip 8 to 10 times yearly since 1952 and
only since the completion of sections of interstate highway, have we seen
more than two or three Redtails on a drive between Chattanooga and Birming-
ham.

On our return trip about 14:30 we attempted to locate the white bird
again, and rode back and forth for several miles on a road that parallels the
interstate. However, we were not successful in seeing it again.

Mrs. E. M,. West, Rossville, Georgia 30741.

EDITOR’S NOTE: On the following date, 14 December 1970, Mr. and Mrs.
Kenneth H. Dubke report having observed the same bird and saw the red tail.
The Lee Shafer family also saw the bird. The last date of observation was
1 1 January 1971.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

58

THE MIGRANT

SEPTEMBER

WHITE IBIS IN GILES COUNTY— On 8 July 1970 an immature White
Ibis [Eudocimiis albus) was found feeding in a small pond in southwestern
Giles County. Research in The Migrajif revealed that this species was rather
uncommon in Tennessee. It has been recorded six times previously at four
different localities. This present record represents the first sighting of this
bird in the central part of the state.

The bird was found on every visit to the pond until its departure three

weeks later. Eleven trips were made in
all. On the first seven trips the White
Ibis was found in very close association
with a Common Egret {Casmerodins
albus). They fed near each other and
when one flushed the other followed
close by. Several times they were flushed
late in the afternoon after sunset. In
those instances both birds flew to the
wooded hillsides which bordered a creek
about one-half mile away. The egret
was not seen after 19 July.

By moving slowly and cautiously, the
ibis could be approached quite closely.
On one occasion while photographing
the bird, I came within 20 feet of where
it was perched in a small willow.

The pond was located in a pasture
and was the source of water for several
cows. Great Blue Herons (Ardea hero-
d/as), Green Herons {Butorides vires-
cens) , Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa), and a
variety of shore birds visited the pond
and its muddy shores. Several species of
fish and reptiles, including the Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivoms) were
seen in the water.

The ibis was invariably found wading in shallow water probing in the mud.
It was last seen on 3 0 July.

Morris D. Williams, Box 2 5, Five Points 3 8457.

HUDSONIAN GODWIT AT REELFOOT LAKE— Gina and I were
birding in the Reelf oot Lake area on 8 May 1971. The night before a squall
line had moved through the state spawning several devastating tornadoes.
Temperature was in the 60’s. The wind was moderate and there was light
overcast with the sun breaking through the clouds periodically.

At 13:10 we were scanning an open slough area located on the northwest
side of the Reelf oot Lake National Wildlife Refuge. One Lesser Yellowlegs
{Totanns flavipes) was feeding approximately 2 5 feet from the car in which
we were seated. As we were observing the area a large shorebird flew over the
car from the southeast and alighted near the Lesser Yellowlegs. The bird

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

59

showed almost as much white in the wings and on the tail as a Willet. (Catop-
trophorus semipalmatiis) . A broad black band was obvious over approximately
the bottom half of the tail as the bird landed. We both have observed Willets
on Kentucky Lake and on the Florida coast, and we realized that even though
there was a resemblance from the top back, this bird was not a Willet.

As soon as the bird landed we immediately observed it with 7x35 and
7 X 50 binoculars from approximately 30 feet. Notes made while observing
the bird include: extremely long slightly upturned bill; appeared twice the
size of the Lesser Yellowlegs nearby; wide black band across tail visible with
narrow band of white at extreme end of tail; throat, belly, and underparts
were reddish cast over brown horizontal striping; eye prominent; slow and
deliberate in actions. We compared the bird to pictures in both Peterson and
Robbins. It did not feed and it issued no call. After two or three minutes the
bird took wing and headed in a northwesterly direction and was gaining alti-
tude when last seen. The white stripe across the middle top of the wing with
dark border along the rear or trailing edge of the wing was visible as was the
white rump or upper tail and the distinctive black band across the lower por-
tion of the tail as the bird flew away. The white in the wing did not extend
across the primaries as in the Willet.

Comparing the bird to the illustrations in both field guides and ruling out
every possibility that occurred to us, we arrived at the inescapable conclusion
that the bird was a Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haem as tic a) . Mr. John DeLime,
Refuge Manager for the Reelf oot National Wildlife Refuge was notified of the
sighting on 8 May. As of this writing the bird has not been observed by Mr.
DeLime. The actions of the bird left us with the definite impression that it
was passing through. No other competent observers were at hand and we had
no camera. Mr. Henry Parmer and Mr. Michael Bierly of the Nashville chap-
ter of TOS, Dr. Clell Peterson, KOS member of Murray, Kentucky, Mr. Ben
Coffey of Memphis, and Mr. Fred Alsop III of Knoxville were consulted on the
identification. There appears to be no record of a Hudsonian Godwit in the
state of Tennessee, which is surprising in view of the migration route as shown
in Robbins and the statement in Peterson’s that the birds use the Mississippi
Flyway in the spring.

Don and Gina Manning, Route 1, McKenzie 3 8201.

{addendum on page 66)

WILSON’S PHALAROPE IN KNOX COUNTY— Several members of the
Knoxville Chapter of T.O.S. made almost daily visits to a newly created bit
of shorebird habitat on the University of Tennessee Plant Science Farm (Alsop,
F. J. III. 1967. The Migrant: 38(l):l-3) that was very attractive to migrants
in the fall of 1970. Members of the U. T. Agriculture College by moving fill
dirt from one of the fields adjacent to a small marsh on the farm in order to
build a levee to aid in draining the marsh accidently created a slight basin that
filled with rain water in August apd started attracting shorebirds (and sub-
sequently birdwatchers).

On 1 September 1970, at 15:30 p.m., E.D.T. I observed two Killdeer
(Charadrius vociferus) , a Solitary Sandpiper {Tringa solitaria) , a Pectoral

[VoL. 42, 1971]

60

THE MIGRANT

SEPTEMBER

Sandpiper {Erolia melanotos) ^ and a Wilson’s Phalarope (Steganopns tricolor)
feeding in the standing water. The phalarope was in winter or basic plumage.
The black bill was longer than the head, straight, and thin. The "phalarope
patch” through the eye was dark, but not heavy. The gray upperparts were
unstreaked and contrasted slightly with the white underparts. The yellowish
legs were easily seen as the bird foraged in the shallow water and in the grass
at the water’s edge. The phalarope was slightly larger than the Solitary and
Pectoral sandpipers (they are listed as 7 and inches respectfully compared
to 7\ inches for Wilson’s Phalarope in Robins, C., B. Bruun, and Zim. 1966.
Eird^ of North America. Golden Press. N. Y., which was referred to in the
field). In flight no wingstripe could be seen and the white rump and tail was
very conspicuous.

Observations were made as close as 100 feet using 7x35 binoculars and a
15-60 X 60 spotting scope over a period of 45 minutes during which time I
was joined by J. B. Owen who also observed the bird. During the remainder
of the afternoon Joshua and Gilbert Banner, Bill Searl, Jim Campbell, and
others of the Knoxville Chapter also saw the phalarope.

The bird was not present the following day or thereafter. This constitutes
the first record for this species in Knox County, Tennessee.

Fred J. Aesop, III, Dept, of Zoology and Entomology, University of Ten-
nessee, Knoxville 37916.

A RINGED TURTLE DOVE IN KNOXVILLE— During the first week
of June 1970, a Ringed Turtle Dove {Streptopelia risoria) appeared at the
home of C. M. Campbell, 204 Tall Oaks Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee. Dorsally,
the bird had a sandy plumage, but underneath it was white. There was a nar-
row, black crescent on the back of its neck. It was about the same size as the
Mourning Dove (Zenaidura macrotcra) , but had a rounded tail, horizontal.

Mr. Campbell scattered food on the ground each day for a large number
of Mourning Doves and other birds in the area. With this abundance of food
available the Ringed Turtle Dove remained in the area until the last week in
August. When last seen by Mr. Campbell the bird appeared sick and may have
died.

The bird appeared to be attracted to the Mourning Doves. It would fre-
quently approach other doves until they would fly away. The relationship the
Ringed Turtle Dove was trying to establish appeared more like a pair bond
rather than a belligerent attitude as reported by Darnell {The Migrant,
73-74). The call was given frequently. It sounded like a cross between the
Rock Dove {Cohimba livia) and Mourning Dove. It was a soft call with a
decrease in pitch at the end. The call is written as hoo-hrrooo in BIRDS OF
NORTH AMERICA by C. S. Robbins, B. Bruun, and H. S. Zim.

The Ringed Turtle Dove normally lives wild in this country in only down-
town Los Angeles, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Miami. It was introduced into
the United States as a domesticated bird. The wild individuals in this country
depend largely on people visiting city parks to supply them with food.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

61

The Ringed Turtle Dove is a common cage bird, so Mr. Campbell’s bird
may be an escaped individual. A Ringed Turtle Dove was reported in Greene-
ville, Tennessee by Mrs. Chester B. Darnell {The Migrant, 37:73-74). An
escaped pair of Ringed Turtle Doves reared one young in Vernon, British
Columbia {Atidubon Field Notes, 24:72). This same pair may have nested for
two or three years {Audtihon Field Notes, 24:700) .

Cary O. Wallace, Biology Department, Milligan College, Milligan Col-
lege, Tennessee 37682.

BREWSTER’S WARBLER IN KNOX COUNTY— Sharp’s Ridge within
the city of Knoxville is one of the best, if not the best, places in Knox County
to observe passerine birds in their spring and fall migrations. It is especially
productive for the bird watcher in April and early May. During this period it
is not uncommon to list 20 plus species of warblers in a morning. On the
morning of 2 May 1970, Jim Campbell and I had already listed 20 different
warblers by 09:00 when I spotted what I thought to be our 21st, a Col den -
winged Warbler (V ermiv'ora chrysoptera) . The bird was perched on some wild
grape vines in an oak tree about 25 feet from the ground approximately 80 feet
away and downhill from our elevated position on a road. The tree was on the
edge of a small break in the deciduous woodland and there was, therefore, no
vegetation high enough to obstruct our view. We first observed the bird from
behind. From this angle we noted its yellow crown which blended into the
gray of the upperparts at the occiput and two broad, yellow wingbars. It was
not until the bird turned to face us that we realized it was not a Golden -
winged Warbler, but a hy^brid, the Brewster’s Warbler (Vermivora leucobron-
chialis ) , instead. The underparts were completely white. The only black mark-
ing was a line extending from the bill through the lores and on beyond the
eye similar to that of a Blue-winged Warbler (V. pinus) . We both observed
the warbler from one to two minutes using 7x35 binoculars until it disap-
peared into denser vegetation. During the period of observation the bird gave
no song or call notes. Though we remained at the place where we last saw the
warbler and other members of the Knoxville chapter of TOS joined us the
bird was not seen again.

References used in confirming the identification in the field were Peterson,
R. T. 1947. A Field Guide to the Birds. Houghton Miffin Co. Boston, and
Robbins, C. S., B. Bruun, and H. S. Zim. 1966. A Guide to Field I dentip cation
Birds of North America. Golden Press, N. Y.

For those further interested in Golden-winged X Blue-winged Warbler
hybrids may I recommend the following: 1 ) Pough, R H. 1949. Audobon
Land Bird Guide. Double day & Co., Inc. N. Y. p. 1 52-1 5 5. 2) Chapman, F. M.
1939. Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America. 1966. Dover Publica-
tions. N. Y. p. 449-450. 3 ) Ficken, M. S. and R. W. Ficken, 1968: Wilson
Bidl. 80:161-172, 442-451.

Fred J. Alsop, III, Dept, of Zoology and Entomology, University of Ten-
nessee Knoxville 37916.

WINTER ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK AT GALLATIN— On 1 8 De-
cember 1970, Mrs. Herschel Willmore called to tell me that she had a bird

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62

THE MIGRANT

SEPTEMBER

in her yard that she was unable to identify. She had previously called Mrs.
Carol Knauth, the "Bird Lady” of the Nashville Banner and Mrs. Knauth
suggested that she call me and see if I could help in identifying the bird.

I immediately hurried to Mrs. Willmore’s home, hoping the bird would stay
long enough for me to see it.

The bird was still feeding when I arrived and was, unmistakably, a Rose-
breasted Grosbeak {Pheucticus ludovicianus) . The heavy grosbeak bill, large
sparrow-like appearance, two well-defined wing bars, pale line over the eye,
pale line through the crown, dark cheek patch, streaked breast and flanks, and
a faint pinkish wash on the breast positively identified the bird as a female or
immature male Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

The bird was feeding on the ground and appeared to have a lame or injured
left leg or foot since it leaned to the left. I kept my 7x50 binoculars focused
on the bird for slightly less than 1 5 minutes. The bird then flew up into a
nearby tree and out of sight. Flight was strong and even with no apparent
injury.

Henry E. Parmer’s book, Birds of the Nashville Area’’, lists only one pre-
vious winter record of Rose-breasted Grosbeak in the Nashville area. This was
at the home of Mrs. Jack L. Clarke from 31 December 1966 through 7 Janu-
ary 1967.

The Willmore home is situated on a heavily wooded lot fronting on the
Sinking Creek embayment of Old Hickory Lake approximately 5 miles south-
east of Gallatin. The yard contains a number of well-stocked feeders and, in
addition, there is always a generous amount of sunflower seeds, corn chops, and
other food on the ground.

A Christmas vacation prevented my keeping in touch with the Willmores
for several days. However, when we returned, we found that Mrs. Willmore
had seen the bird every day since 18 December.

On 4 January 1971, Mrs. Crawford and I again visited the Willmores.
And again, we were able to observe the bird closely from a distance of ap-
proximately 18 to 20 feet with 7 x 50 binoculars. At this time the pinkish
wash on the breast seemed slightly more pronounced, possibly due to stronger
light. We kept the bird under observation from 10:45 to 11:05. During this
period, it fed almost continuously from a hanging, hopper-type feeder filled
with sunflower seeds. Also, there was no indication of any injury or lameness.

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak fed in the Willmore’s yard the last time on
5 January 1971. On that date, a cold front moved through Middle Tennessee
and the temperature dropped to 13° F. that night. The following night the
low was 10° F. Perhaps an abundance of food was not as attractive as a
warmer climate.

Paul Crawford, Route #4, Gallatin 37066.

LAPLAND LONGSPURS IN KNOX COUNTY— On 7 November 1970
two Lapland Longspurs (Calcarius lapponicus) were observed on the University

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63

of Tennessee’s Plant Science Farm. This was the first record of this species for
Knox County and the second record for East Tennessee.

Around 16:00 a rather large sparrow-like bird with white outer tail
feathers was flushed from a grassy roadside. This bird might have been dis-
missed as a Vesper Sparrow had it not been for the loud rasping, rattling notes
which it gave forth in flight. The bird was pursued to where it dropped down
about 100 feet away. At extremely close range (about ten feet) the bird was
identified as a Lapland Longspur. The following characteristics were noted:
two narrow white wingbars on chestnut wings; the secondaries and primaries
were black with chestnut on the lateral edges; the back was heavily streaked;
a huffy patch surrounded the eye and covered most of the auriculars; a black
crescent covered the lower part of the auriculars; there was a band of dark
markings across the breast and extending up the sides of the throat; the throat
was clear of markings; the tail showed white edges in flight, but not when the
bird perched; the tail was deeply forked, more so than any of the popular field
guides indicate; the bill was short and conical, sparrow-like.

The voice brought to mind the rasping notes given by some shorebirds,
much as the Pectoral Sandpipers (Erolm melanotes) when they are flushed. Of
course, the longspur was not as loud as a shorebird. After gaining altitude it
occasionally gave a short musical whistle.

The bird was stalked at a range of six to eight feet. It ran in a crouched
manner occasionally taking long hops without opening the wings. The bird
was forced to fly many times. Each time it gave the rasping notes.

The bird was followed to an old tomato patch where a flock of Horned
Larks {Eremophila alpestris) and several Savanah Sparrows (Passerctdus sand -
wichensis) were feeding. Suddenly there were two longspurs. The plumages of
the two were indistinguishable. The two birds were pursued and flushed many
times. They never flew until approached extremely close. When it occurred
that they alighted near flocks of sparrows or larks, they never flew when the
other birds flushed as most birds do.

The two longspurs were partial to an old corn field where the stalks had
been knocked down by a disk harrow. One bird was observed to strip a grass
stalk of seeds.

They were left feeding quietly at sunset. At sunrise the next morning a
party of T.O.S. members failed to find the birds. They were not seen there-
after.

Study skins of longspurs, which were collected by Mr. Alfred Clebtch in
the early 1940’s near Clarksville, were examined in the University of Tennes-
see collection. The plumages of some of these birds were almost identical to
those of the Knox County birds. All the study skins had deeply forked tails.
The two skins most resembling the Knox County birds were labelled "female”
and probably male”. I do not feel safe in speculating on the sex of the Knox
County birds.

Morris D. Williams, Box 2 5, Five Points 3 8457.

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64

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SEPTEMBER

A SNOW BUNTING IN THE ROAN MOUNTAIN AREA— After an
interval of several years, the Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis), a small
ground bird that breeds in the arctic, has again been observed in an area of
the "balds” of Roan Mountain on the Tennessee-North Carolina border.

In mid-afternoon of Thanksgiving Day, 26 Nov., 1970, I was on the return
from wind-swept Grassy Ridge Bald (elevation 6,189 feet) to Carvers Gap
when I noticed a small brownish-backed bird some 3 0 feet ahead of me in the
rocky, partly grass-covered, alder-lined narrow jeep road at about 6,000 feet
altitude. As it kept on the ground, running ahead of me constantly at a dis-
tance of from 30 to 5 0 feet, once in a while turning to pick momentarily on
grasses on the side of the road, I had ample opportunity to assure mystelf of the
identity of the bird as that of a Snow Bunting. In about ten minutes of fol-
lowing the bird in the downward-tending road, I noted the white in its tail
feathers, on the wing, on its underparts, and the russet of its nape, crown, and
breast band. It was a familiar sight since in prior years the Snow Bunting had
been seen by me at close range on a good many occasions on Roan and other
area balds.

When I finally advanced to within about 25 feet, the bunting flew, re-
versing toward the open spaces of Grassy Ridge Bald. The circumstance of it
being encountered in a narrow road, struck me as rather unusual, having
previously observed the species in no other surroundings than the spacious
expanses of the grass balds. Although it is perhaps the hardiest cold- or rough-
weather small land bird, it may be possible that for easier feeding on the
seeds of grasses in or on the sides of the jeep road, it happened to alight in
this more sheltered condition, with the alders serving as windbreak. A strong
wind estimated at 2 5 mph whipped grasses and other plant growth in open
situations. Even though the temperature was around 40 degrees, the penetrating
wind made it uncomfortable for man at least if not for beast.

The writer’s last previous observation of the Snow Bunting was on 14
March, 1965, on Hump Mountain, approximately eight miles northeast of
Roan Mountain. A check for the species on the Hump and others of the balds
of the area is pUnned for the winter. On a trip to Big Bald Mountain in Unicoi
County on 11 Nov. no Snow Buntings were found.

Fred W. Behrend, 607 Range St., Elizabethton 37643.

SNOW BUNTING IN UPPER EAST TENNESSEE— More or less for
the purpose of looking for, and hopefully finding, this small ground bird of
the arctic, Thomas W. Finucane, Kingsport, and the writer, went on 24 Feb.
1971, to Big Bald Mountain on the Unicoi, Tenn., and Yancey, N. C., counties
border.

We started in the morning of 24 Feb., in weather not as favorable as fore-
cast, on the hike to Big Bald along a woodland trail that trends steadily up-
ward along the east fork of Higgins Creek from about 3,500 feet to the point
of its connection with the Appalachian Trail at near 5,000 feet. Fog that
shrouded the forest dispersed as we approached the lower, southern, part of
the bald at about 5,200-5,300 ft., and the sun broke through the clouds.

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1971

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65

Tom and I spread out, scanning the treeless grassy surface, whitened by
rime that covered practically every blade of grass, and paying particular
attention to an area of moss hummocks, spaced closely together, a characteris-
tic of the summit of Big Bald Mountain, as pictured in the photograph, taken

on a previous occasion. A little
ahead of Tom in reaching the very
top of the mountain, I noticed
moving a short distance in front of
me near a rock a small bird. I
recognized it as a Snow Bunting
(Plectrophenax nivalis). Keeping
an eye on the bird, and the bird
standing still and watching me, I
called to Tom who was out of
sight. He watched the Snow Bunt-
ing for approximately 10 minutes,
and a photo (creditable without
use of a telephoto lens) was taken.
Upon approach to about 30 ft.
with the intent of obtaining a
larger image, the bird emitted an
apparent alarm call sounding like
the trilling ^Hir-r-ip” described in
Desmond Nethersole-Thompson’s book ^^The Snow Btmiing.” The bunting
then flew. We flushed and heard its call again some four hours later when
we returned to the summit of Big Bald after checking on birds in the wood-
land fringes below at from 5,300 to 5,000 ft. with observation of the follow-
ing species: Slate-colored Junco {Junco hyernalis) singing. Black-capped

Chickadee (PariLs atricapillus) , White-breasted Nuthatch (Sifta carolinensis) ,
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) , Rufous-sided Towhee {Pipilo erythrophthal-
mus) ^ and Brown Creeper {Certhia familiaris).

We were not qualified and do not pretend to know if the Snow Bunting
seen was a male or female. A 20-2 5 m.p.h. estimated NW wind that swept the
bald in 23 degree temperature made scrutiny of the bird difficult.

This was the writer’s thirteenth observation of the Snow Bunting on Big
Bald Mountain. Specific dates and numbers are listed as follows: 21 Nov 1948,
1; 29 Nov 1953, 1 ; 1 Jan. 1954, 1; 14 Feb. 1954, 1; 7 Nov. 1954, 3; 2 Jan.
1955, 1 ; 20 Feb. 195 5, 1 ; 17 Nov. 1956, 2; 2 Dec. 1956, 2; 1 Jan. 1957, 1;
17 Feb. 1957, 1; 22 Dec. 1957, 2; 24 Feb. 1971, 1 — There were numbers of
trips over the years on which the species was not found.

Fred W. Behrend, 607 Range Street, Elizabethton, Tenn.

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66

BROCKWAY CROUCH, 1896-1971

Brockway Crouch played an important role in the history of bird study in
the Knoxville area. He was a member of the East Tennessee Ornithological
Society which preceded the organization of the Knoxville Chapter of the
T.O.S. When the Knoxville Chapter was revitalized after the end of World
War II, its first meetings were held in Brockway’s florist shop. He was an
active participant in field days in this area and in the Christmas counts held in
the Great Smoky Mountains. He was not well known to the state-wide society
because annual meetings of the T.O.S. were almost always held on the first
weekend in May, which usually included Mother’s Day, a time when his
florist business was so active that he could not get away.

In his younger days Brockway was a great hiker and he explored many
parts of the Great Smoky Mountains before this area was made a national
park. Some of his trips and adventures have become almost legendary. In the
early 193 0’s he was investigating a Peregrine Falcon’s nest on M,t. LeConte
and had lowered himself over a cliff to reach the nest. Things went wrong, to
say the least, and he fell 25 feet and rolled further down the rocky slope.
Despite his injuries, he was able to walk out with the help of his companion,
W. W. Stanley, but he spent a week in the hospital after that.

His knowledge of the Smokies made him a valuable member of two other
organizations in this area. One was the Knoxville Hiking Club of which he
was president for two years, and the other was the Great Smoky Mountains
Conservation Association of which he was a vice president at the time of his
death.

Eight years ago he retired from his florist business and went to live with
his daughter, Mrs. James B. Bell, near the village of Seymour. As throughout
his life, he kept an interest in birds and maintained bird feeders at his new
home. He died on 6 August 1971, two weeks after suffering two broken
hips. — James T. Tanner

Addendum to ^^Hudsonian Godwit at Reelf oot Lake” (page 59) — Since sub-
mitting the report on a Hudsonian Godwit sighting in the Reelfoot Lake area,
the observers have acquired the U.S.C. & G.S. Bondurant, Ky-Mo-Tenn
Quadrangle map of the area. The area where the bird landed and was identified
is approximately twenty-five hundred (2 500) feet north of the Tennessee-
Kentucky state line. One of the observers sighted the bird flying in from the
southeast over a line of trees which is in Tennessee.

Don and Gina Manning

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1971

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67

THE SEASON

Fred J. Aesop, III, Editor

NESTING PERIOD: 1 MAY‘3 1 JULY

Temperatures and precipitation officially recorded in the Knoxville area
reflect the season’s weather across the state. May averaged 3.8 degrees less
than the normal, June 0.2 degree higher, and July 3.0 degrees below the nor-
mal. The season was a wet one with excesses of rainfall above the usual of
0.28 and 0.4 inches for May and June respectfully and a heavy 3.94 for July.
In connection with the many wet areas provided the reports of waterfowl,
waders, and shorebirds provide a high percentage of all the species observed
across Tennessee.

Traill’s Flycatchers were reported from all regions with the first nesting
record of this bird in Middle Tennessee. The Hudsonian Godwit in the Western
Coastal Plain is the first state record. Red-cockaded Woodpeckers were dis-
covered in a new location in the Eastern Ridge and Valley. A pair of Osprey’s
successfully fledged one young and Spotted Sandpipers nested in this region as
well. A Goshawk was observed in mid June in the spruce-fir forests of the
Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This observation, with the two on the
North Carolina side of the Park in the summer of 1970 (Pratt, H. D. 1971.
The Chat, March 3 5(1) :2-3.), raises some interesting speculations as to the
status of this elusive species in our eastern mountains. These are but a few of
the many noteworthy observations reported in this nesting issue of The Season.

WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION — Temperatures were lower than
usual throughout the season, and rains were unusually frequent in July. A
number of active birders reported a truly astonishing list of observations this
season; some, if adequately documented, would be state records. Excepting
Bell’s Vireo all of the more remarkable records are of shorebirds or birds of
water habitat. In addition to the species listed in boldface, which would be
exceptional at any date, there are many migrants or summer wanderers of the
more common migrants, white pelican: 9 and 10 May (1) island 700 yards
off Pace Point BS (DGM, WC). Common Egret: 26 June, 3 and 10 July (3)
DR (DGM, FA). Snowy Egret: 3 July (1) DR (DGM). Cattle Egret: 9 and
16 May (6) and 26 June (2 adult and 1 immature) DR, 11 July (94) R
(DGM, FA). LOUISIANA heron: 15 May (1) M (Jim Maenders). Yellow-
crowned Night Heron: 18 April to 27 June (at least 3 pairs nesting, 4 young
in one nest) M (BLC). Least Bittern: 28 June (16 nests under construction,
11 nests with 1 to 5 eggs each, 3 adults not at nests, 15 adults at or on
nests) Samburg area R (FA), glossy ibis: 2 5 to 3 0 April (2) 1 mile NE of
Walnut Log R (DGM, John DeLime). Blue-winged Teal: 26 June (1 flight-

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68

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SEPTEMBER

less), 10 July (1 female) DR (DGM, FA). Mississippi Kite: 9 May (26)
levee at Miss, line M (Mr. and Mrs. Quenten B. Dowdy), 22 May (2) Barr,
Lauderdale County (BEG), 24 May (1) Walnut Log R (FA, DGM). Ameri-
can Coot: 26 June (1 adult and 3 young) C (DGM, FA), hudsonian god-
wits 8 May (1) R at state line (DGM, 30 feet, all marks noted). Spotted
Sandpiper: 18 July (1) BS, 24 July (2) C (DGM), 24 July (2) S (DMP).
Solitary Sandpiper: 3 to 24 July (1 to 12) DR (DGM,). Greater Yellowlegs:
18 July (6), 24 July (25) DR (DGM). Lesser Yellowlegs: 17 July (6) BS,

18 and 24 July (3) DR (DGM). Pectoral Sandpiper: 17 July (4) B,S, 18

July (3 8) and 24 July (11) DR (DGM). White-rumped Sandpiper: 24 May
(3) (FA, DGM), 31 May (3) DR (DGM). baird’s sandpiper: 24 May (1)
R (FA, DGM), 6 June (1) BS (DGM). Least Sandpiper: 26 June (1) BS

(DGM, FA), 10 to 24 July (5 to 75) DR and R (DGM). Dunlin: 31 May

(3) DR (DGM). Dowitcher Sp: 24 May (4) R (FA, DGM), 3 July (1),
24 July (2) DR, 24 July (7) C (DGM). Long-billed Dowitcher: 23 July
(20) S (MP). STILT sandpiper: 8 May (9) R (DGM), 24 May (2) R (FA,
DGM), 18 July (16) and 24 July (2) DR (DGM). Semipalmated Sandpiper:
31 May (8), 18 July (31) and 24 July (45) DR (DGM). avocet: 9 May
(5) and 10 May (2) Pace Point BS (DGM, WC). Wilson’s phalarope:
8 May (1 male) R (DGM). Ring-billed Gull: 26 June, 3 and 18 July (1
adult, 1 second year) BS (DGM, FA). Forster’s Tern: 2 May (6) Stanton
Exit of Interstate 40, Haywood County (BLC). least tern: 22 May (3)
BS (FA, BS), 13 June (4) BS (DGM). Caspian tern: 18 July (5) BS
(DGM,). Black Tern: 24 July (2) S (DMP). Black-billed Cuckoo: 31 May
(1) Humboldt (BLC). traill’s flycatcher: 23 May (2) BS, 24 May (2)
R (FA, DGM). .Least Flycatcher: 16, 2 5 and 27 May (1) M, 3 locations
(BLC, FA). Tree Swallow: 11 July (estimated 200 in flock of 2,000 mixed
swallows) R (DGM,). Swainson’s Thrush: 30 May (1) S (BC, George Her-
vey). bell’s vireq: 27 June (1, singing) Mud Island M (BC). Swainson’s
Warbler: 22 May (3) 3 locations Lauderdale County, 27 and 28 May (1)
Overton Park M (BLC), 24 May (3) Walnut Log R (FA, DGM). Mourning
Warbler: 31 May (1, singing) M (BLC). Canada Warbler: 23 to 29 May (1)
2 locations M (BC, FA). White-crowned Sparrow: 14 May (4) and 16 May
(1) M (Ella Ragland, Nellie Moore, Jim Maenders).

Locations: BS — Big Sandy Wildlife Refuge, C — Camden, DR — Duck River
Wildlife Refuge, M — Memphis area, R — Reelfoot Lake, S — Savannah area.

Observers: FA — Fred J. Alsop, BC — Ben B. Coffey, Jr., BLC — Ben and
Lula Coffey, WC — Wendel Crews, DGM — Don and Gina Manning, DMP —
David and Mike Patterson, MP — Mike Patterson, BS — Bill Sexton.

David E. Patterson, Harbert Hills Academy, Savannah 3 8372.

CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— May was cool and damp,
June above normal in both temperature and rainfall, July was the coldest in
21 years NA, and 3rd coldest in 100 years. Migration being late, probably 90%
of our transients passed thru in M,ay. Shorebird records NA were remarkable
with a new species; 2 latest ever for spring; at least six earliest ever for fall;
and about three too rare to classify.

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1971

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69

Loons-Ducks: Common Loon: 16 May (2) PPL (MLB, ROH)'^ Pied-
billed Grebe: 3 thru 15 June (1-3) GSP (PDC), 18 July (2) adults with (3)
immatures BV (KAG, WMS, LJ). Double-crested Cormorant: 12 June (1)
GSP (PDC), 1st. June record NA. Little Blue Heron: 24 July (11) ACM
(JHR, KM), peak for period. Cattle Egret: a belated report, 18 April (2)
GSP (PDC), 3rd. NA record. Least Bittern: 18 May nest, no eggs, GP
(KLD, FJA), 22 May (1) CCNWR (FJA), 20 June (5) (KLD, LSF), GP,
20 May (1) HP (FJA, MLB), 16 July (1) (KAG, HCM.), 18 July (1)
(KAG, WMS, LJ) both BV. American Bittern: 18 May (1) GP (KLD, FJA),
19 May (1) MCr (FJA, MLB). Canada Goose: 13 May (4) pair with young
OHL (PDC), apparently raised without benefit of tubs. Black Duck: 2 5 June
(1) LD (RTH). Shoveler: late were (3) RL 5 May (AT). Wood Duck: 30
June (72) in nine groups RL (MLB). Ring-necked Duck: 9 May thru 2 June
(1) on pond near Gallatin (PDC). Ruddy Duck: late, 6 May (1) RL (MLB).
Common Merganser: 15, 24 May (5) LD (RTH).

Hawks-Terns: Cooper’s Hawk: 2 May and 13 June (1) BT (RH)'L Red-
shouldered Hawk: 4 July (1) ACM (JNR) only report NA, (1) BT in May
(RH). Marsh Hawk: late, 1 May (1) BT (RH). King Rail: 22 May (1)
nest w/ll eggs, CCNWR (FJA) 19 May (1) (FJA, MLB), 13 June (1)
Mel Garland, 18 June (1) (KAG, MLB) all BV. Sora Rail: 20 May (2) HP
(FJA, MLB)’L American Coot: several until 13 June (1) GSP (PDC), then
26 July (1) OHL (MLM). Black-bellied Plover: 23 May (1) GSP (PDC).
American Woodcock: 10 and 11 May (1) flushed H (JNR). whimbrel:
24 July (1) in flight ACM (JHR), later in day (2), both feeding and in
flight BV (JNR), 2nd state record (details to be published). Spotted Sand-
piper: 1 June (1) GBBC (KLD), early was one 4 July ACM (JNR). Solitary
Sandpiper: 3 July (1) BV (MLB). Lesser Yellowlegs: 14 July (1) BV (MLB),
2 days earliest NA. Pectoral Sandpiper: 8 July (1) BV (MLB), 4 days earliest
NA. Baird’s sandpiper: 24 July (1) BV (JHR, HEP). Least Sandpiper: 14
July (7) BV (MLB), 2 days earliest NA. Dunlin: 12 June (1) spring plum-
aged bird GSP (PDC), only 3rd. and latest spring record NA. Dowitcher
(sp.) : 2 5 July (3), 27th. (1) BV (MLB), 11 days earliest NA. Stilt Sand-
piper: 20 May (1) HP (FJA, MLB), 2nd spring record NA; then 8 July (2)
BV (MLB), 18 days earliest NA. Semi-palmated Sandpiper: 2 June (51) to
15 June (1) GSP (PDC), 11 days latest NA. Then 14 July (1) BV (MLB),
2 days earliest for fall NA. Western Sandpiper: probably most ever NA 22
July (2) BV (MLB), 24 July (2) ACM (JHR), 25 July (7) BV (MLB)
peak for period. NA had its first spring record with (3) 27 May GSP (PDC).
Common Tern: 24 July (5) RR (JHR)'L Black Tern: 2 May (1) PPL (MLB,
RE); then 27 July (1) RR (JFfR).

Ctc^ckoos-W axwings: Black-billed Cuckoo: 8 May (1) BT (RH), 8 and 9
May (2) CW (JHR), 1 June (1) GBBC (KLD), then 14 June (2) JBBC
(KLD). RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER: 6 June new nesting hole found Pickett
State Park (RDH). traill’s flycatcher: 19 May (2) on territory BV (FJA,
MLB), mid June 1st nest for Middle Tenn. found there (KAG) (details to
be published). Least Flycatcher: 2 M,ay (1) banded CW (JHR), 14 May (2)
calling both H and CW (MLB). Rough-winged Swallow: 3 May (200 plus)
GSP (PDC). Cliff Swallow: 4 July (84) nests found RR to ACM (JNR).

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70

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SEPTEMBER

Purple Martin: 13 July (1000) migrating birds H (MEM). Hermit Thrush:
late, 1 May (2) CW (JHR). Swainson’s Thrush: last, 24 May (1) H (AT).
Gray-cheeked Thrush: last, 22 May (1) banded CW (MLB). Veery: last, 8
May (2) banded CW (JHR). Ruby-crowned Kinglet: last, 9 May (1) banded
CW (JHR). Cedar Waxwing: 19 May (140) RR to ACM (MLB, FJA), 9
June (1) near HP (KAG), 28 June (2) to 29 July (4) LD where they nested
successfully (RTH).

Warblers: Tennessee: last, 16 May (1) H (AT). Nashville: last, 14 May
(1) banded H (MLB). Magnolia: last NA 16 May (1) CW (MLB), most
unusual was (1) 16 May thru 3 0 June LD (RTH). Black-throated Blue: 4
May (1) Vanderbilt (Louis Farrell, Jr.). Myrtle: late, 17 May (1) RL
(MLB). Blackburnian: 15 May thru 5 June (4) (LSF), 21 July (2) (MCW),
both Fall Creek Falls Park. Chestnut-sided: last, 15 May (1) H (AT). Bay-
breasted: last, 15 May (1) banded CW (JHR). Blackpoll: late, 20 May (1)
H (AT). Northern Waterthrush: last, 9 May (1) CW (JHR). Connecticut:
22 May (1) banded CW (MLB). Mourning: 23 M,ay (1) banded CW (JHR).
Yellow-breasted Chat: 2 July (40) along 4 miles of road CC (MCW). Wil-
son’s: 22 May (1) singing CW (MLB). Canada: 28 May (1) H (AT) ties
latest spring NA.

Bobolinks-Sparrotus: Bobolink: 6 May (6) WB (FB), 18 May (20) GSP
(FJA, MLB). Dickcissel: wintering bird continued H WB thru 16 May
(MCW), 1 June (25) GBBC (KLD). sharp-tailed sparrow: 19 May (1)
BV (FJA, MLB). White-crowned Sparrow: last, 12 May (3) H (PDC).
White-throated Sparrow: 11 May (3) H (JHR). Lincoln’s Sparrow: late, 18
M,ay (1) H (AT). Swamp Sparrow: late was (3) 4 May TJ (KAG). song
sparrow: 14 June (10) at 7 stops JBBC (KLD), nested again NA at Elling-
ton Center (MLB, LJ), (3) pair McMinnville all summer (MCW), 6 May
thru 9 July (1-2) LD (RTH).

Note: the asterisk ("') is used to denote that this is the only report of a
species received by the writer.

Locations: ACM — Ashland City Marsh, BV — Buena Vista Marsh, BT —
Byrdstown, CC — ^Cannon County, CCNWR — Cross Creeks Nat’l Wildlife
Refuge, CW — ^Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, GSP — ^Gallatin Steam Plant,
GBBC — Glen Breeding Bird Count, GP — Goose Pond, Coffee County, H — home
area, HP — Hunters Point, upper OHL, JBBC — Jasper Breeding Bird Count,
LD — Lilydale, MCr — Marrabone Creek, NA — a 2 5 mile radius of Nashville,
OHL — Old Hickory Lake, PPL — ^Percy Priest Lake, RL — Radnor Lake, RR —
River Road, NA, WB — Woodbury, TJ — -Two Jays Sane.

Observers: FJA — Fred J. Alsop, MLB — Mike L. Bierly, FB — Frances Bry-
son, PDC — Paul and Dot Crawford, KLD — Ken and Lil Dubke, RE — Roy
Elliott, KAG — Katherine A. Goodpasture, ROH — Roger O. Harshaw, RDH —
Robbie and Dave Hassler, RH — Robbie Hassler, RTH — Roy T. Hinds, LJ —
Louise Jackson, MLM, — Margaret L. Mann, KM — Kathey Meyer, HCM —
Harry C. Monk, HEP — Henry E. Parmer, JHR — John and Heather Riggins,
JNR — John N. Riggins, LSF — Lee Shafer Family, WMS — Winslow M.
Shaugnessy, AT — Ann Tarbell, MCW — Mary C. Wood.

Henry E. Parmer, 3 800 Richland Ave., Nashville 37205.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

71

EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— The weather during the
period was relatively cool and July was extremely wet. The Chattanooga and
Knoxville areas were blessed with an usually heavy spring shorebird migra-
tion. Traill’s Flycatchers continue to spread in the area as breeding birds.

Loon-Goldeneye: Common Loon: 18 May (1) K (PP), 2-14 June (2) then
one through period NL (LS). Double-crested Cormorant: 8 May (1) K (PP).
Little Blue Heron: 1-12 July (3) HRA (KD, LD). Common Egret: 1-7 May
(1) AS (PGR). SNOWY egret: 29 May (1 dead adult) CL (FA, EM). Least
Bittern: 10 May (1 nest, 2 eggs) A (FJA), 16 May (3 nests, with 4, 1 and
2 eggs) A (FJA), 1 June (1 nest, with 5 eggs) A (FJA, Morris Williams),
18 June (1 nest, one adult, 2 young 10-14 days old) AM (KD, LD). Ameri-
can Bittern: 7 M,ay (1) K (FJA) 8, 10 May (1) A (FJA, JA, CM, EM),
9 May (2) AM (KD, LD), 11 May (1) AS (GE, PGR), glossy ibis: 2 5 May
(1) Ph (PP, JBO). This was observed at close range and did not appear to
have the broad white facial marking of the White-faced Ibis in breeding
plumage. Common Goldeneye: 1-15 June (1) SW (PP). This bird may have
been injured and unable to migrate north.

Bald Eagle-Sandpiper^: Bald Eagle: 8 May (1 adult) BL (GE, PGR).
osprey: through period (nest, 2 adults, one young) HRA (Wilford Caraway,
Greer Mathews). King Rail: 10 May (3 fresh nests, no eggs) A (FJA), 16
May (4 nests, 11, 6, 4, 9 eggs) A (FJA, CM, EM, BW, IW). Virginia Rail:
8 May (2) AS (GE, PGR), 8, 10, 11 May (2 to 5) A (FJA, CM, EM), 18
May (1) Ath (PP). Black-bellied Plover: 7 May (4) K (FJA, JMC, CM,
EM). American Woodcock: 3 May (1) A (FJA, CM, EM), 11 May (1)
AM (KD, LD), 1 June (1) K (PP). spotted sandpiper: 29 June (nest, 2
adults, 2 young) AS (Lee R. Herndon, PGR), this is the first Washington
County nesting record. White-rumped Sandpiper: 3-6 May (1) K (FJA, EM),
6, 7 May (1), 2-7 June (1-7) AM (KD, LD), 8 May (8) KSP (FJA, JA,
JMC), 14 May (1) AS (Mrs. George Dove, Mrs. Harold Dillenbeck). baird’s
sandpiper: 8 June (1) AM (KD, LD), Leisurely study through 35 x B&L
scope at 40 feet with excellent light. All field marks, including scaly appear-
ance were noted. First Chattanooga area record. Dowitcher (Sp.) 31 July (1)
K (JMC, JCH). Western Sandpiper: 13 May (1) K (FJA, JMC) 2 5-27 May
(1-8) AM (KD, LD).

Gtdl-Sparrows: Bonaparte’s Gull: 7 May (immature) K (FJA, JMC, CM,
EM). Caspian Tern: 2 May (2) KSP (FJA, Benton and Jeff Basham, JMC,
James A. Tucker). Black Tern: 6 May (1) K (FJA, JMC), from 26 July
through period (2-17) HRA, SB, ChL, NL (JD, KD, LD, LS). Black-billed
Cuckoo: 2 June (1) nest with (2) week old young, CC (FJA, CM, GRA),
27 July (1) LHS (KD, LD). Barn Owl: through period (1) AM (JD, KD,
LD). RED-cocKADED WOODPECKER: 13 June (2) CC (JCH). Trail’s Fly-
catcher: through period (one pair) AS (PGR), 16 May (2) A (FJA, JA,
CM, EM,, BW, IW), 28 May (4) HRA (KD, LD), 8-29 June (1) AM
(KD, LD), 2 5 May, 21 June (1) MB (KD, LD). Least Flycatcher: 24 May
(1) K (PP). Cliff Swallow: 8 May (4 nests under construction) K (FJA).
Long-billed Marsh Wren: 8, 10 May (1, 2) A (FJA, CM), 9 May (2) AM

[VoL. 42, 1971]

7^

THE MIGRANT

SEPTEMBER

(KD). Short-billed Marsh Wren: 8 May (1) K (FJA, CM), 9, 14 May (1)
AM (KD). Swainson’s Warbler: 26 June (2), 10 July (8) CC (JMiC, JCH).
Northern Waterthrush: 10, 11 May (2, 1) A (FJA). Dickcissel: 3 to 2 5 May
(3-15) HRA (KD, ED), through 31 May (5) D (LS), 6 May (2) K (FJA,
JMC). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 7 May (1) K (FJA). Henslow’s Sparrow: 3 May
(1) K (FJA), first Knox County record except for one in a TV tower kill,
2, 3 May (1) A (FJA, JMC, CM, Debbie Massey, BW, IW) .

Locations: A — Alcoa, AM — Amnicola Marsh, AS — Austin Springs, Ath —
Athens, BE — Boone Lake, CC — ^Campbell County, ChL — Chicamauga Lake,
CL — Cove Lake State Park, D — Dunlap, HRA — Hiwassee River Area, K —
Knoxville, KSP — Kingston Steam Plant, LHS — Long Hollow Swamp, MB —
Moccasin Bend, NL — Nickajack Lake, Ph — Philadelphia, SB — Savannah Bay,
SW — Sweetwater.

Observers: FJA — Fred J. Alsop, III, JA — Jean (Mrs. Fred) Alsop, GRA —
G. Ron Austing, JD — Jon DeVore, KD^ — Kenneth Dubke, LD — Lil (Mrs.
Kenneth) Dubke, GE — Glen Eller, JCH — J. C. Howell, CM^ — ^Chester Massey,
EM — Eleanor (Mrs. Chester) Massey, PP — ^Paul Pardue, PGR — Peter G.
Range, LS— Lee Shafer, BW— Bill Williams, IW— Irene (Mrs. Bill) Williams.

James M. Campbell, 15 Hedgewood Dr., Knoxville, Tenn. 37918.

EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION — Egret-Flycatchers: Common Egret:
30 July (1) E (LRH). white ibis: 3 0 July (1) E (LRH, ED, FWB). Buf-
flehead: throughout period (2) WiL (LRH, PGR, GE). goshawk: 18 June

(1) IG (GRA). Red- tailed Hawk: throughout period (2 adults; 2 young
around nest site) En (PGR), golden eagle: 1 June (1) Adult; IG (FA).
Semipalmated Plover: 8 May (1) CF (LRH). Pectoral Sandpiper: 30 July

(2) E (LRH). Ring-billed Gull: 5 June (1) WaL (PGR). Whip-poor-will:
6 June (45 — survey total) HoM (WC, BR). Great-crested Flycatcher: 11
June (1) RM — 5 512 ft. elev. (CRS, PGR, BR). traill’s flycatcher:
10 May (1) CF (LRH).

Swallow-Crossbill: Bank Swallow: 7 May (9) WR (PGR). Common
Raven: 11-13 June (5 — max.) RM (CRS, PGR, BR). Black-capped Chicka-
dee: 4 May (1) HM (FWB). Long-billed Marsh Wren: 8 May (1) RM
(FWB). Cedar Waxwing: 11 June (6) RM (CRS, PGR, BR). Solitary Vireo:
15 June (1) MR (KD, LD). Black-throated Blue Warbler: 1 May (1) RM
(FWB). Wilson’s Warbler: 10 May (1) EA (LRH). Red Crossbill: 11-13
June (3— max.) RM (CRS, PGR, BR).

Locations: CF — County Farm, Carter Co. near Elizabethton, E — Elizabeth-
ton, EA — Elizabethton Airport, En — Erwin, HM — Hump Mountain, HoM —
Holston Mountain, Sullivan Co., IG — Indian Gap Great Smoky Mt. Nat’l
Park, MR — McFarland Route, Polk Co., RM — Roan Mountain, WaL^ — ^Wa-
tauga Lake, WiL — Wilber Lake — WR — Watauga River.

Observers: FA — Fred J. Alsop, III, GRA — G. Ronald Austing, FWB — ^Fred
W. Behrend, WC— Wallace Coffey, ED— Ed Davidson, KD— Ken Dubke,
LD— Lil Dubke, GE— Glen Eller, LRH— Lee R. Herndon, PGR- Peter G.
Range, BR — Brent Rowell, CRS — Charles R. Smith.

Brent Rowell, 2227 Edgemont Ave., Bristol 37620.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

PREPARATION OF COPY FOR PUBLICATION

The purpose of THE MIGRANT is the recording of observations and
original information derived from the study of birds, primarily in the state
of Tennessee or the area immediately adjacent to its borders. Articles for
publication originate almost exclusively from T.O.S. members.

Contributors should prepare manuscripts and submit them in a form ac-
ceptable to the printer, after editorial approval. Both articles and short notes
are solicited but their format should be somewhat different.

Some suggestions to authors for the preparation of papers for publication
are given herewith.

MATERIAL: The subject matter should relate to some phase of Tennessee
Ornithology. It should be original, factual, concise, scientifiLcally accurate, and
not submitted for publication elsewhere.

TITLE: The title should be concise, specific, and descriptive.

STYLE: Recent issues of THE MIGRANT should be used as a guide in
the preparation of manuscripts. Where more detail is needed reference should
be made to the Style Manual for Biological Journals available from the Ameri-
can Institute of Biological Sciences, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue N. W., Wash-
ington, D. C. 20016.

COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on 8^ x 11” paper
with adequate margins, for editorial notations, and should contain only entries
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Photographs intended for reproduction should be sharp with good contrast on
glossy white paper in black and white (not in color). Instructions to the
editors should be given on a separate sheet. Weights and measurements should
be in metric units. Dating should be in ''continental” form (e.g., 7 March
1968).

NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by
binomial scientific name in italics only after the first occurrence in the text
for both regular articles and Round Table Notes, and should conform to
the A.O.U. Check-list 5 th edition, 1957. Trinomial should be used only after
the specimen has been measured or compared with typical specimens.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: When there are more than five references in an article,
they should be placed at the end of the article, otherwise they should be
appropriately included in the text.

SUMMARY: Articles of five or more pages in length should be sum-
marized briefly, drawing attention to the main conclusions resulting from
the work performed.

IDENTIFICATION: Rare or unusual species identification to be accept-
able must be accompanied by verifying evidence. This should include: date,
time, light and weather conditions, exact location, habitat, optical equipment,
distance, behavior of bird, comparison with other similar species, characteristic
markings, experience of observer, other observers verifying observation and
reference works consulted.

REPRINTS: Reprints are available on request. Reprint requests should
accompany article at the time of submission. Billing to authors will be
through the state T.O.S. Treasurer.

Books for review and articles for publication should be submitted to the
editor. Seasonal reports and items should be forwarded to the appropriate
departmental editor whose name and address will be found on the inside
front cover.

CONTENTS

Food, Feeding Behavior and Extension of Range of the Cattle Egret
Earl L. Hanebrink 49

Bird Finding in Tennessee

Fred J. Alsop, III 54

Round Table Notes

Possible Albino Red-tailed Hawk in Coffee County.

Mrs. E. M. West 57

White Ibis in Giles County. Morris D. Williams 5 8

Hudsonian Godwit at Reelf oot Lake. Don and Gina Manning 58

Wilson’s Phalarope in Knox County. Fred J. Alsop, 111 59

A Ringed Turtle Dove in Knoxville. Gary O. Wallace 60

Brewster’s Warbler in Knox County. Fred J. Akop, III 61

Winter Rose-breasted Grosbeak at Gallatin. Paul Crawford 61

Lapland Longspurs in Knox County. Morris D. Williams 62

A Snow Bunting in the Roan Mountain Area. Fred W. Behrend 64

Snow Bunting in Upper East Tennessee. Fred W. Behrend 64

Brockway Crouch, 1896-1971. James T. Tanner 66

The Season. Edited by Fred J. Alsop, III 67

Western Costal Plain Region. David E. Patterson 67

Central Plateau and Basin Region. Henry E. Parmer 68

Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. James M. Campbell 71

Eastern Mountain Region. Brent Rowell 72

^ QU/IR.TER.LY JQURNflL
DEVOTED^O TENNESSE^'

&

ili{>l!s(iec]
^THETENNESSEE
ORNITHOLOGICAL
SOCIETY

4^1.

ECEMBER 1971

VOL. 42, NO. 4

THE MIGRANT

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

FIRST PUBLISHED. JUNE 1930

Published Bv

THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Founded at Nashville, Tenn., 7 October 1915
A non-profit, educational, scientific, and conservation organization.

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR DR. GARY O. WALLACE

Rt. 7, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

"THE SEASON” EDITOR FRED J. ALSOP, III

Apt. 147 Taliwa Court, Chapman Highway, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920

"STATE COUNT COMPILER” DR. LEE R. HERNDON

Rt. 6, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

OFFICERS FOR 1971-1973

PRESIDENT DR. JAMES T. TANNER

Pvt. 28, Box 155, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920

VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN MR. C. T. OTTENFELD

Brookwood, Rt. 5, Bristol, Tenn. 37622

VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN MISS LOUISE JACKSON

5037 Montclair Dr., Nashville, Tenn. 37211

VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN DR. ARLO SMITH

3724 Oakley Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 38111
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE:

EAST TENN MRS. A. H. SWITZER

1620 Fairidge Place, Kingsport, Tenn. 37664

MIDDLE TENN MRS. JOHN D. HASSLER

Box 1, Byrdstown, Tenn. 38549

WEST TENN DAVID PITTS

Biology Dept., University of Tenn. at Martin, Martin, Tenn. 38237

CURATOR ALBERT F. GANIER

2112 Woodiawn Drive, Nashville, Tenn. 37212

SECRETARY MISS LOUISE NUNNALLY

2701 Fairmont Blvd., Knoxville, Tenn. 37917

TREASURER KENNETH H. DUBKE

720 Bacon Trail, Apt. 1, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37412

Annual dues, $3.00; Sustaining, $5.00; Life, $100.00; Student, $1.00; Family, $4.00;
Library, $3.00 (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Back numbers
may be had from Dr. James T. Tanner, Rt. 10, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920. Correspond with the
Treasurer for subscriptions, memberships, and changes of address.

Published quarterly (March, June, September, and December). Printed by Preston
Printing Company, 509-511 Shelby Street, Bristol, Tennessee 37620, U.S.A. Postage paid
and mailed at Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643, U.S.A.

THE MIGRANT

Published by the Tennessee Ornithological Society,
to Record and Encourage the Study of Birds in Tennessee.
Issued in March, June, September, and December.

VOL. 42 DECEMBER, 1971 NO. 4

THE 1971 FORAY

By Fred J. Aesop, III

The Tennessee Ornithological Society held its first Foray in several years
on 28-31 May 1971, in Campbell County in upper East Tennessee. From the
Foray headquarters at Cove Lake State Park, Caryville, Tennessee, the 40
participants made daily studies of the bird life in most of the surrounding
county. Each evening a compilation was made of the birds observed during
the day and the assignment of challenges for the coming day was made. These
assignments included: 1) daily checklists of all species observed, 2) studies of
the Foray bird, 3) bird banding, 4) recording breeding bird populations by
means of roadside counts, plot counts, and strip counts, and 5 ) breeding bird
records through nest location.

The proposed objective of the Foray was, "To record as much information
as possible about the birds of a little known region of our state during the
breeding season.” Campbell County was chosen with this objective in mind.
Norris Dam near the southeastern boundary of the county is approximately
20 air miles north northwest of the center of Knoxville. Norris Lake forms a
water barrier along most of the county line on its southeast border. Campbell
County is bounded on the west by Scott County, on the south by Anderson
County, and on the east by Union and Claiborne Counties. The Kentucky
counties of McCreary and Whitley form its northern border. In total area the
county covers 451 sq. miles and has a population of 27,936 (1960 census) or
an average of 61.9 people per sq. mile; however, more than 3 5 % of the popu-
lation live in the communities of La Follette, Jellico, Jacksboro, and Caryville.
The rugged Cumberland Mountains are the dominant topographic feature of
the landscape. County elevations range from a low at Norris Dam of approxi-
mately 1,014 feet to a high of just over 3,534 feet on Cross Mountain near
Caryville. Two broad valleys, the Powell and the Elk, running parallel south-
west to northeast are, with the Norris Reservoir, the only major breaks in the
forested hill and mountain terrain. Principal man-made disturbances to the
area exist in the form of limited agriculture in the valleys and strip mining
near the crests of many of the mountains.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

74

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

THE 1971 FORAY BIRD LIST

The following annotated list of birds was edited and compiled from all the
reports received from the Foray participants. With regard to the species listed
and to their numbers the following points should be noted: 1) most of the
birds are permanent and/or summer residents and, therefore, may be breeding
in the county; but several are late transients still in migration the presence
of some perhaps due to the unseasonably cool weather with temperatures
dipping into the 5 0°’s, and 2) the numbers following the species name indicate
the total number of observations made of that species and should not be
considered the number of individuals of that species seen. For example the
13 Red-tailed Hawks reported means this bird was observed on 13 different
occasions and not that 13 different Red-tails were known to be in the county
during the Foray. This is due to the wide, and sometimes overlapping, cover-
age of the area by 40 enthusiastic birders during the 4 day period. Where only
one bird represents its species on the list and/ or where several individuals of
one species were reported by one party the name(s) of the observer appears on
the list.

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) — 1, on Cove Lake, Fred J. Alsop,
III; Green Heron {Butorides virescens) — 9, 3 were immatures just fledged;
Snowy Egret {Leucophoyx thnla) — 1, carcass of an adult dead several days,
reported by Fred J. Alsop, III and Eleanor Massey and later seen by many;
Least Bittern {Ixobry chits exilis) — 1, adult, Fred J. Alsop, III and Dr. Gary O.
Wallace. Seen in bulrushes in Cove Lake State Park; Blue-winged Teal {Anas
discors) — 3, (one female) on Cove Lake; Wood Duck {Aix sponsa) — 7; Tur-
key Vulture {Cathartes aura) — 11; Cooper’s Hawk {Accipiter cooperii) — 6,
the large number reported for the breeding season possibly due to repeated
observations of the same birds or misidentification with the smaller Sharp-
shinned Hawk (A. striatus) which was not reported. Unidentified accipiters —
1; Red-tailed Hawk {Buteo jamaicensis) — 13, the most common hawk of the
Foray; Red-shouldered Hawk {B. lineatus) — 3; Broad-winged Hawk (B.
platypterus) — 7; Unidentified B/zAo-type hawks — 4; Ruffed Grouse {Bonasa
umbellus) — 2, one adult heard drumming by Dr. Gary O. Wallace; one half-
grown chick D.O.R. by Gina and Don Manning; Bobwhite {Colinus virginia-
nus) — 102; Semipalmated Plover {Charadrius semipahnatus) — 1, late migrant,
Paul Pardue; Killdeer (C. voci ferns) — 28, many of these were seen at Cove
Lake; American Woodcock {Philohela minor) — 4; Spotted Sandpiper {Actitis
macularia) — 19, transient; Greater Yellowlegs {Totanus melanoleucus) — 1,
transient observed by many daily; Lesser Yellowlegs (T. jlavipes) — 1, transient
Lil and Kenneth Dubke at Cove Lake; Least Sandpiper {Erolia minutilla) —
10, transient single flock, Lil and Ken Dubke; Semipalmated Sandpiper
{Ereunetes pusillus) — 9, Cove Lake, transient; Rock Dove (Columba livia) —
26, chiefly in the communities; Mourning Dove {Xenaidnra macroura) — 152;
Yellow-billed Cuckoo {Coccyzus americanus) — 42; Black-billed Cuckoo (C.
erythropthalmus) — 6; Chuck-wills-widow {Caprimulgus carolinensis) — 3;
Whip-poor-will (C. vociferus) — 22; Common Nighthawk {Chordeiles minor)
— 4; Chimney Swift {Chaetura pelagica) — 186; Ruby-throated Hummingbird
{Archilochus colubris) — 10; Belted Kingfisher {Megaceryle alcyon) — 5, one
pair at Cove Lake; Yellow-shafted Flicker {Colaptes auratus) — 51; Pileated

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

75

Woodpecker (Dryocopiis pileatus) — 46; Red-bellied Woodpecker {Centurns
caroUmis) — 20; Red-headed Woodpecker {Melanerpes erythwcephahis) — 1,
seen in Jellico by Irene and Bill Williams; Hairy Woodpecker (Dendrocopos
villosus) — 8; Downy Woodpecker (D. pubescem) — 48; Eastern Kingbird
{Tyramtus tyraiinus) — 28; Great Crested Flycatcher {Myiarchm crinitm) —
16; Eastern Phoebe {Sayornis phoebe) — 5 0; Acadian Flycatcher {Empidonax
virescens) — 87; Traill’s Flycatcher _(£. fraillii) — 3, one by Jim Campbell and
two by Gina and Don Manning; transients; Least Flycatcher (£. minimus) —
4. Unidentified Empidonax flycatchers — 2; Eastern Wood Pewee (Con f opus
virens) — 94; Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) — 6; Bank Swallow (Rip aria
riparis) — 96, transient, most of these birds were seen in a single flock over
Cove Lake; with a second flock of 1 8 reported at a different location by Jim
Campbell. All reports were made on one day only, 29 May, as the birds passed
through the area; Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) — 1 04;
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustic a) — 267; Cliff Swallow (Vetrochelidon pyr-
rhonota) — 1, transient, observed with the flocks of feeding swallows over Cove
Lake on the 29th by Fred J. Alsop, III; Purple Martin (E rogue sub is) — 37;
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) — 119; Common Crow (Corvus brachyrhyn-
chos) — 241 ; Carolina Chickadee (Earns carolinensis) — 139; Tufted Titmouse
(E. bi color) — 195 ; White-breasted Nuthatch (Sit fa carolinensis) — 1 1 ; Caro-
lina Wren (Thryof horns ludovicianus) — 15 0; Mockingbird iJAimui polyglat-
tos) — 88; Catbird (Dume fella carolinensis) — 68; Brown Thrasher (Toxo-
stoma rufum) — 66; Robin (T Urdus migratorius) — 233; Wood Thrush (Hy-
locichla mustelina) — 214; Swainson’s Thrush (H. uitulata) — 2, transient,
singing individuals reported by Fred J. Alsop, III; Eastern Bluebird (Si alia
sialis ) — 128 ; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Eolioptila caerulea) — 83 ; Cedar Wax-
wing (Bom by cilia ced rorum ) — 186, a flock of 1 5 -20 birds in the Foray head-
quarters area possibly was reported more than once. Erratic; Loggerhead Shrike
(Lanins ludovicianus) — 1 1 ; Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) — 601 ; White-eyed
Vireo (Vireo griseiis) — 104; Yellow-throated Vireo (V. flavifrons) — 86; Red-
eyed Vireo (V. olivaceus ) — 295 ; Black-and-white Warbler (Mniofilta varia) —
61 ; Swainson’s Warbler (Linmofhlypis hvainsonii) — 3, single individuals re-
ported on 2 days by George R. Mayfield, Jr., and one reported by Dr. Gary O.
Wallace; Worm-eating Warbler (Helmifheros vermivorus) — 24; Golden -
winged Warbler (Verm ivora cbrysoptbera) — 44; Parula Warbler (Earula
americana) — 1 8 ; Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) — 98; Black-throated
Green Warbler (D. virens) — 7; Cerulean Warbler (D. cerulea) — 69; Black-
burnian Warbler (D. fusca) — 7; Yellow-throated Warbler (D. dominie a) — 41 ;
Chestnut-sided Warbler (D. pensylvanica) — 89; Blackpoll Warbler (D. striata)
— 2, late migrant; one on the 29th by Fred J. Alsop, III and Dr. Gary O.
Wallace; one on the 3 0th by G. O. W.; Pine Warbler (D. pinus') — 1 8 ; Prairie
Warbler (D. discolor) — 98; Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus) — 159; Louisiana
Waterthrush (S. mofacilla) — 17; Kentucky Warbler (Oporornis forrnosus) —
104; Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) — 166; Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria
virens) — 223 ; Hooded Warbler (W il son i a citrina) — 120; Wilson’s Warbler
(W. pusilla) — 1, transient seen by George R. Mayfield, Jr.; Canada Warbler
(W. canadensis) — 2, transients seen by Ken Dubke and Dr. J. C. Howell;
American Redstart (Sefophaga ruficilla) — 141 ; House Sparrow (Eass'er do-
mes ticus) — 103 ; Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzi corns) — 1, reported by Lil and

[VoL. 42, 1971]

76

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

Ken Dubke; late migrant; Eastern Meadowlark (Sfurnella magna) — 218;
Red-winged Blackbird {Agelaius phoeniceus) — 224; Orchard Oriole {Icterus
spurius) — 42; Baltimore Oriole (7. galbula) — 11; Common Crackle {Ouisca-
hts quiscula) — 371; Brown-headed Cowbird {Molothrtis ater) — 196; Scarlet
Tanager {Piranga olivacea) — 64; Summer Tanager (P. rubra) — 80; Cardinal
{Kicbmondena cardimlis) — 311; Rose-breasted Grosbeak {Pheucticus ludovi-
cianu-s) — 7, all records from the higher elevations and late for this species.
Transient?; Blue Grosbeak {Guiraca caendea) — 8; Indigo Bunting {Pas'serina
cyanea) — 562; Dickcissel {Spiza americana) — 1, reported by Dr. J. C. Howell;
American Goldfinch {Spinus frisfis) — 199; Rufous-sided Towhee {Pipilo
erythrophthalmus) — 260; Grasshopper Sparrow {Ammodramus savannarum) —
1, reported by Dr. J. C. Howell; Chipping Sparrow {Spizella passerina) — 107;
Field Sparrow (S. pusdla) — 169; Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) — 132.

The 114 species are represented by 9,267 reported observations. The Star-
ling was the most common species reported with 601 observations with the
Indigo Bunting a close second with 562. Perhaps the most unexpected species
were the dead Snowy Egret and the presence of so many Rose-breasted Gros-
beaks and Blackburian Warblers, suggesting the possibility that the latter two
could be more than just late migrants. Birds that might be expected in the
county, but which were not found during the Foray should also be noted.
They include the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Sparrow Hawk {Falco sparverius),
Bewick’s Wren (Tbryomanes bewickii), and Warbling Vireo {Vireo gdvus) .
Perhaps it is not surprising that no owls were reported. With the long hours
spent in the field during the day there was little energy left for "owl forays.”

FORAY BIRD PROJECT

The Chestnut-sided Warbler was chosen Foray bird with the hopes of
learning something of the habits of this summer resident in the Cumberland
Mountains of Tennessee. Considerable effort by a number of people produced
89 separate observations of this warbler, but only one nest was located. The
nest, found by George Hall on Cross Mountain at an elevation of about 2,900
feet, was nearly completed and built just over a foot above the ground in
blackberry bushes. The female was doing the actual construction as the male
sang frequently nearby.

The teams worked along the crest of Cross Mt. in opposite directions in
an attempt to approximate the density of the species in the disturbed strip
mined areas. Lee Shafer located 15 singing males along a strip about 3 miles
in length while Gene and Adele West counted 18 singing males, an average of
one about each 11 minutes, in an area of 3-4 miles. One pair watched for over
10 minutes revealed no indication of a nesting location.

One male Chestnut-sided Warbler was banded on the 29th by Katherine
Goodpasture at the banding station site at approximately 2,900 feet on Cross
Mountain.

Almost all the individuals reported were males, most of which were first
detected by their persistent singing, and all were found in thick brushy vege-

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

77

tation with open canopies growing on disturbed areas at elevations in excess
of 2,700 feet. (Also, see Campbell, J. M., and J. C. Howiell, 1970, Observations
of Certain Biri, The Migrant, 41:74-75.)

BIRD BANDING PROJECT
(Edited from a report by Katherine Goodpasture)

The banding station for the Campbell County Foray was located in a
shallow saddle slightly below the crest of Cross Mountain at about 2,900 feet
elevation. The area was of largely mixed deciduous hardwoods with a few
edges created by abandoned truck roads. Mountain laurel was the most promi-
nent understory shrub. Herbaceous weedy patches occurred in a few open
areas. Nets, scattered over 3-4 acres, were located wherever more or less clear
lanes were established. Some lanes were underneath arboreal canopy, and a few
were in the open through weedy patches. The one fairly open area appeared
to be the site of an old house.

Two banders, Katherine Goodpasture and Gordon Hall, banded at the sta-
tion. Louise Jackson assisted for the total hours the nets were in operation and
Wallace Coffey spent some time assisting the banders. In addition Fred Alsop,
Brent Rowell, Joe Jackson, and Dave Hassler helped clear net lanes and set
the nets.

Fourteen nets were in operation 296 net-hours on two days; from roughly
mid-morning to dark on 29 May and from daylight to 16:00 (EDT) 30 May.
Weather was slightly overcast on the first day; very chill and foggy until near
noon on the second. Slight wind was not a disturbing factor to the banding
operation.

The following is a list of 44 individuals of 15 species banded: 1 Ruby-
throated Hummingbird, 1 Pileated Woodpecker, 1 Eastern Phoebe, 2 Carolina
Chickadees, 3 Tufted Titmice, 5 Wood Thrushes, 2 Black-and-white Warblers,
1 Chestnut-sided Warbler, 7 Ovenbirds, 4 Kentucky Warblers, 2 Yellow-
breasted Chats, 8 Hooded Warblers, 1 Brown-headed Cowbird, 2 Cardinals, and
4 Indigo Buntings.

All birds were examined for plumage characters that might indicate age
or sex. All wings were measured and the birds were examined for presence of
brood patches and the accumulation of fat. One toe of an Ovenbird appeared
to be infected with a pox virus.

Seventeen individuals were recognized as female birds. Of these the cow-
bird would not be expected to have a noticeable brood patch and no note at
all was recorded on the brood patch of a female Cardinal. Thirteen of the
remaining 1 5 females all had well-developed brood patches which may indicate
that most of the population in the area of the banding station was already
nesting by the last of May. Two Indigo Buntings did not have recognizable
brood patches. Nine birds repeated in the nets and 2 of these were caught twice
after they had been banded.

No unusual or unexpected species were caught. Species noticeable by song
in the immediate area but not banded were Blue Jay, Red-eyed Vireo, Cerulean

[VoL. 42, 1971]

78

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

Warbler, American Redstart, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Brown
Thrasher, and Rufous-sided Towhee. The latter 2 species were observed escap-
ing from nets.

In addition to the 44 birds banded at the netting station 7 nestling Red-
winged Blackbirds in 2 nests were banded 3 1 May in a marshy area of Cove
Lake State Park.

THE BREEDING BIRD SURVEYS

Censuses over areas of known size were used to learn something of the
density of the populations of the breeding birds. The two most significant
methods used on the Foray were the plot count and the roadside counts. The
following data was gained from these surveys.

Buckeye Census Plot: Cut-over second growth hardwood forest censused
by Dr. Gary O. Wallace on 29 May. Location: On the east slope of Chestnut
Ridge about .3 air miles east from Buckeye and 10 miles by road north north-
west of Caryville. Size: Approximately 25 acres-square, 341 x 341 yards, paced.
Topography: Valley with moderate slopes bounded on eastern side by fill from
1-75; permanent stream transecting plot near its center northeast to south-
west, elevation near 1,600 feet. Plant Cover: Predominantly oak-hickory with
a few pine stands widely scattered throughout. Canopy generally closed except
for edge-effect along two roads within the plot and occasional breaks around
fallen trees. Rhododendron a common understory plant. Census: The following
species are listed in order of their abundance with the most common given
first. The numbers in parenthesis indicate males per 100 acres. All numbers
given are of males detected only. Red-eyed Vireo 4 (16), Black-and-white
Warbler 4 (16), Hooded Warbler 4 (16), Indigo Bunting 4 (16), Eastern
Wood Pewee 2 (8), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2 (8), Kentucky Warbler 2 (8),
Ovenbird 2 (8), Scarlet Tanager 2 (8), Rufous-sided Towhee 2 (8), Black-
billed Cuckoo 1 (4), Downy Woodpecker 1 (4), Acadian Flycatcher 1 (4),
Carolina Chickadee 1 (4), Tufted Titmouse 1 (4), White-breasted Nuthatch
1 (4), Carolina Wren 1 (4), Wood Thrush 1 (4), Swainson’s Warbler 1 (4),
Golden-winged Warbler 1 (4), Yellow-throated Warbler 1 (4). Total: 39
males representing 21 species or a projected density of 156 territorial males/ 100
acres. Remarks: One active nest of Ovenbird found. Ruffed Grouse heard
drumming off of census area to the west. Common Crow and American Gold-
finch in flight over census plot. Because of the small size of the plot and the
short period of coverage the projected populations of males/ 100 acres is
probably higher than is actually the case, i.e. Black-billed Cuckoo, Downy
Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Swainson’s Warbler. One late migrant
in transient, a Blackpoll Warbler, was also observed.

The Roadside Counts: Seven roadside counts were conducted over 4 routes
during the Foray, 3 of the counts being run backwards from their terminal
points on the second census run to see if any difference in species composition
and numbers would be evident when compared to the first run. Though the
differences in numbers of individuals of each species detected when these routes
were reversed is no greater than one might expect it is interesting to note
that each observer reported more birds ( 5 5, 59, and 62 — an average of 5 8.6)

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

79

the second time he ran the route he had run previously. Each count began at
05:45 (EDT) and was run over a preselected route of 24.5 miles with stops
of 3 minutes each .5 mile during which all birds seen and/or heard are re-
corded. The counts were :^1 and lA — ELK VALLEY- WHITE OAK run by
James M. Campbell, Pat Stallings compiler; ^2 and 2A — STINKING CREEK
run by Kenneth Dubke, Lil Dubke compiler; — POWELL VALLEY run

by Dr. J. C. Howell, Fran Neigh compiler, and ^4 and 4A — ELK VALLEY-
CROSS MOUNTAIN run by George R. Mayfield, Rad Mayfield and Frances
Olson compilers. Birds of 92 species totaling 4,419 individuals were recorded
at the 3 50 stops. The Indigo Bunting, with 297 reported, was the most com-
mon bird on the routes while the Starling (202) was second. The Wilson’s

TABLE 1

Birds reported on 7 roadside counts.

Route No. To- Route No. To-

Species

1

lA

2

2A

3

a

lA

tal

Species

1

lA

2

2a

3

li

liA

tal

Green Heron

1

1

Loggerhead Shrike

.

2

_

_

2

.

.

h

Turkey Vulture

-

-

-

1

-

1

2

a

Starling

22

77

7

9

53

23

11

202

Cooner's Hawk

1

1

2

White -eyed Vireo

111

7

7

7

7

12

10

bit

Red- tail Hawk

2

2

Yellow-tho. Vireo

9

12

6

9

3

15

13

67

Red-shld. Hawk

-

1

-

-

-

-

1

2

Red -eyed Vireo

17

27

21

111

18

27

27

178

Bd. -winged Hawk

1

1

_

_

_

_

2

a

B1 . -and-wh . 'Warbler

3

6

7

7

1

1

3

28

Bobwhite

10

10

2

3

111

6

-

a5

Swains on's Warbler

1

1

2

Killdeer

-

1

-

-

1

-

-

2

Worm-eating Warbler

3

3

ii

1

.1

1

5

18

Am. Woodcock

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

1

Golden-wg. Warbler

3

2

6

5

-

6

7

29

Mourning Dove

5

2

1

1

26

10

3

as

Parula Warbler

1

-

3

6

-

-

-

10

Yel-bl. Cuckoo

1

1

3

. t

11

1

9

27

Bl.-th. Gr. Warbler

_

_

2

1

_

_

_

3

Whip-poor-will

-

-

2

1

1

-

-

a

Cerulean Warbler

1

3

3

6

-

19

19

51

Chimney Swift

19

21i

1

2

6

9

6

67

Yellow 'Warbler

lU

lU

5

9

u

19

22

87

R.-t. Hummingbird

-

-

1

1

-

-

-

2

Blackburn. VJarbler

2

-

2

Bt. Kingfisher

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

1

Ye 1.-th. 'Warbler

6

9

8

5

3

-

ii

35

Yel.-sh. Flicker

2

6

3

S

1

.

.

20

Pine Warbler

_

_

_

_

1

_

_

1

Pileated Wdpecker

2

2

5

6

a

6

3

28

Prairie Warbler

13

8

10

3

6

9

6

55

Red-bel . Wdpecker

2

-

-

-

L

1

-

7

Ovenbird

9

7

16 19

3

9

9

72

Hairy Woodoecker

-

1

-

1

-

1

-

3

La. Water thrush

2

1

li

3

1

1

1

13

Downy Woodpecker

7

5

2

ii

3

7

1

29

Kentucky Warbler

8

7

7

0

3

25

111

70

E. Kingbird

_

_

1

2'

a

_

1

8

Yellowthroat

26

20

10

111

13

9

15

107

Gr. Cr. Flyca.

1

1

It

1

-

1

2

10

Yel.-br. Chat

18

2ii

13

18

29

22

16

150

E. Phoebe

1

1

6

2

8

a

-

22

Hooded Warbler

3

u

12

11

-

6

Ii

liO

Acadian Flyca.

8

10

8

6

3

la

17

66

Wilson's Warbler

1

1

Traill 's Flyca .

1

1

Canada Warbler

-

-

1 .

-

1

-

-

2

Least Flyca.

_

_

1

2

_

_

_

3

Am. Redstart

10

10

it

h

_

32

3li

9li

E . Wood Pewee

6

11

11

5

6

a

8

52

House Sparrow

11

18

-

-

16

8

7

60

Horned Lark

-

-

-

-

1

3

-

a

Bobolink

-

-

-

1

-

_

-

1

Ro.-wg. Swallow

U

3

It

9

-

1

a

29

E. Meadowlark

13

12

9

10

Ii5

ii

1

91i

Barn Swallow

7

6

2

it

21

1

7

as

R-w Blackbird

29

21

5

2

21

16

7

101

Purole Martin

6

3

_

_

10

_

_

19

Orchard Oriole

2

2

_

1

IL

1

2

22

Blue Jay

10

6

It

7

8

8

9

52

Baltimore Oriole

_

_

_

2

-

-

-

2

Common Crow

25

21

21

28

31

23

11

l'60

Common Grackle

21

U8

2

3

50

3

21

lli8

Car. Chickadee

10

6

8

9

19

9

a

57

Br.-hd. Cowbird

15

9

9

19

8

19

13

83

Tufted Titmouse

18

21

32

22

16

15

19

ia3

Scarlet Tanager

6

10

10

6

-

U

5

hi

'.Vh.-br. Nuthatch

_

_

_

_

1

a

1

6

Summer Tanager

7

5

1

2

18

h

1

38

Carolina Wren

13

11

11

11

26

17

9

93

Cardinal

23

111

21

25

50

18

23

17h

Mockingbird

3

-

-

-

21

-

2

26

Blue Grosbeak

-

-

1

-

3

-

-

h

Catbird

111

7

2

2

6

8

3

a2

Indigo Bunting

Il2

liO

38

Ii7

li2

50

38

297

Br. Thrasher

3

1

2

5

6

a

1

23

Dickcissel

-

-

-

-

1

-

-

1

Robin

10

11

2

1

8

8

9

a9

Am. Goldfinch

18

5

3

8

u

28

29

95

Wood Thrush

25

19

12

lU

11

92

32

165

Rufous-sided Towhee

21

13

12

13

27

9

6

101

E. Bluebird

ll

7

6

2

2

11

13

a5

Grasshopper Sparrow

-

-

-

-

1

-

-

1

B.-g. Gnatcatcher

5

5

13

10

5

10

10

58

Chipping Sparrow

5

15

10

7

10

10

12

69

Ced. Waxwing

1

1

E

5

27

2

16

57

Field Sparrow

12

20

12

13

33

7

8

105

Rock Dove

3

3

Song Sparrow

15

18

5

2

18

lU

15

87

[VoL. 42, 1971]

80

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

Warbler (1), Canada Warbler (2), and Boblink (1) are transients and, there-
fore, not part of the breeding population. The Cedar Waxwings are erratic
migrants and/ or residents whose status in the county is undetermined. The
Traill’s Flycatcher (1) is also considered a migrant at this time though several
nesting localities are now known from East Tennessee. The result of the road-
side counts is summarized in Table 1.

BREEDING BIRD RECORDS THROUGH NEST LOCATION

Nests are not easily found, but 41 active nests of 20 species of birds were
located during the Foray and nesting cards for the Cornell University nesting
card program were completed for each. A breakdown of these breeding records
according to content or status of each nest is given in Table 2.

TABLE 2

Nesting information gathered at the Foray.

Species

Young

Eggs

Young
& Eggs

On

Nest

Build-

ing

Young

Out

Observer

Green Heron

3

RCH

Black-billed Cuckoo

.

2-1

\-ILS

Whip-poor-will

-

2

.

JCH

Whip-poor-will

-

_

1

JCH

Yellow-shafted Flicker

-

-

-

-

1

-

FJA

Yellow-shafted Flicker

1

FJA, GOW

Yellow-shafted ’=’licker

-

_

_

1

FJA, GOW

Yellow-shafted Flicker

_

_

_

1

RVM

Eastern Phoebe

h

JLS, LS, PP

Acadian Flycatcher

-

-

-

1

-

-

HO, CH

Barn Swallow

1

JI.S, LS, PP

Barn Swallow

-

-

_

1

JLS, LS, PP

Barn Swallow

-

_

-

1

JLS, LS, PP

Bam Swallow

-

.

1

JLS, LS, PP

Bam Swallow

“

-

-

1

-

JLS, LS, PP

Purple Martin

-

?

JLS, LS, PP

Purple Martin

-

-

?

JLS, LS, PP

Purple Martin

.

-

-

_

7

JLS, LS, PP

Purple Martin

_

9

JLS, LS, PP

Carolina Chickadee

-

-

-

1

-

-

’.VLS

Carolina Wren

h

RCH

Carolina Wren

_

1

_

JLS, LS, PP

Catbird

-

_

1-2

_

_

GOW

Eastern Bluebird 1*

Red-eyed Vireo (feeding unknown number of young)

"

-

-

FRM

FJA

Worm-eating VJarbler

9

JCH

Golden-winged Warbler

5

JCH, GOW

Chestnut-sided Warbler

-

_

_

1

OEH

Ovenbird

-

_

1-3

GOW

Yellow-breasted Chat

-

U

-

-

-

Yellow-breasted Chat

WLS

American Redstart

3

_

FJA

Red-winged Blackbird

_

h

-

DMN,CM

Red-winged Blackbird

-

3

_

KAG

Red-winged Blackbird

-

2

-

-

-

-

KAG

Red-winged Blackbird

3

_

_

KAG, FJA

Red-winged Blackbird

h

_

-

_

KAG, FJA

Red-winged Blackbird

-

2

_

_

_

FJA

Red-winged Blackbird

_

_

_

1

FJA

Red-winged Blackbird

3

_

1

_

GOW

Cardinal

3

-

-

-

-

-

DMM, CM

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

81

PARTICIPANTS

Fred J. Alsop, III (FJA) Foray Director, James M. Campbell, Wallace
Coffey, Martha Crutchfield, Kenneth Dubke, Lil Dubke, Katherine A. Good-
pasture (KAG), Gordon E. Hall (GEH), David Hassler, Robbie C. Hassler
(RCH) , Dr. Lee R. Herndon, Mrs, Lee Herndon, Cedric Hitchon (CH)
(Alberta, Canada) , Dr. J. C. Howell (JCH) , Joey Jackson, Louise Jackson,
Janice Leggett (Michigan) , Kenneth Leggett (Michigan) , Don M. Manning
(DMM) , Gina Manning (CM) , Chester A. Massey, Debbie Massey, Eleanor
Massey, George R. Mayfield (GRM) , Rad Mayfield, Ruth V. McMillan
(RVM) , Fran Neigh (New York) , Frances Olson, Holly Overton (HO) ,
Paul Pardue (PP) , Brent Rowell, W. Lee Shafer (WLS) , Johneta L. Smith
( JLS) , Louis Smith (LS) , Pat Stallings, Dr. Gary O. Wallace (GOW) , Adele
West, Gene West, Bill Williams, Irene Williams.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am grateful to all the birders listed above for making the 1971 Foray
the success that it was. One could not ask for a more energetic party of work-
ers whose enthusiasm for birds and birding gave the Foray a warm momentum
all its own. This condensed report is only a small part of the Foray, but it
serves to convey to the reader just how much these people accomplished in
such a short time.

My special thanks to James M. Campbell and Dr. J. C. Howell whose
personal knowledge of Campbell County and unselfish giving of their time in
helping me plan and execute numerous phases of the Foray made it possible to
carry the whole operation off smoothly and efficiently.

Dept, of Zoology & Entomology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville,
37916.

REQUEST FOR HERON AND EGRET
COLONY INFORMATION

An attempt is being made to locate the colonies of herons and egrets in
Tennessee. Information needed for each colony includes location, species of
birds nesting, numbers of birds nesting, past history, and probability of site
remaining unaltered by human activities. A literature survey is being made
to locate the colonies that have been reported, but many others probably exist.
Efforts will be made to have each colony (or suspected nesting area) checked
during the 1972 breeding season, and the results will be published in The
Migrant.

David Pitts, Biology Dept., UTM, Martin, Tenn. 38237.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

82

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

DILUTE ALBINISM IN A WESTERN MEADOWLARK
COLLECTED IN MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, ARKANSAS

Earl L. Hanebrink

Abnormal plumage aberrations have been discussed by Pettingill (1967,
p. 143) in his Laboratory and Fkld Manual of Ornithology. In his classification
four recognized forms occur in birds. These include total albinism, incomplete
albinism, imperfect albinism and partial albinism. Imperfect albinism occurs
where the pigment is reduced or diluted in all of the plumage, irises, skin, or
in any one of these structures but is never completely absent.

Plumage aberrations in icterids has attracted the attention of several ob-
servers. Detailed studies were conducted on icterids by Nero (1954). Ross
(1963) recorded 475 albinistic specimens among species of North American
birds including six specimens of the Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella inagna) .
Only one of these specimens was a dilute form. Four specimens and one sight
record of partially albino Western Meadowlarks {Sturnella neglecta) were
recorded by Ross (op. cit.), Lowery and Hanebrink (1967) and Hanebrink
(1968) recorded no albino meadowlarks from Arkansas.

A dilute form of albinism occurred in a Western Meadowlark collected by
Mr. Elbert Hawkins from a flock of ca. 20 birds 4 February 1971 near Manila,
Mississippi County, Arkansas (Fig. 1). This specimen has dilute markings but
could be identified as the western species by the markings in the rectrices. The
color of the back and wings is light buff. The tail is almost white with visible
and identifiable markings. The flanks are light buff and the belly region is

yellowish gradually fad-
ing toward the breast
area. The black throat
marking is visible but
much faded. Legs and
bill are mostly without
pigment except the up-
per maxilla along the
culmen which has
brownish pigmentation.
The brown of the
crown is darker than on
the back and wings but
is still dilute. A trace of
yellow marking is at
the base of the bill.

The measurements
of this specimen were bill (chord of culmen from base) 2.7 cm; tarsus 4.0 cm;
wing length (from bend of wing) 11.0 cm and total length 22.8 cm. The
specimen was photographed by Dr. Harvey Barton and a skin is to be pre-
pared and placed in the albino display case at the Arkansas State University
Museum. Dr. Max Nickerson of the Division of Biological Science critically
read the manuscript.

{continued on page 85)

[VoL. 42, 1971]

Fig. 1. A dilute albinistic Western Meadowlark
collected in Arkansas.

1971

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BIRD FINDING IN TENNESSEE

Great Smoky Mountains National Park,
Part II: The Cades Cove Loop.

By Fred J. Alsop, III

Map for "Bird Finding in Tennessee"

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Part II: The Cades Cove Loop-,

to Townsend, Maryville

Many birds common to the lowlands of East Tennessee can be observed
from the comfort of your automobile and along the numerous trails that
follow the gentle contours of this mountain valley. This pioneer setting with
split rail fences, log cabins, and frame churches surrounded by a backdrop
of hazy mountains provides a unique atmosphere to browsing deer and flocks
of wild turkeys.

Begin the trip at the Tremont "Y” at the junction of the Cades Cove and
Little River (Tenn. Hwy. ^73) Roads .7 mile south of the Townsend en-
trance to the Park and 18.2 miles west of the Gatlinburg entrance. Drive south
towards Cades Cove 7 miles distant. The mountain stream rushing along your
route is Laurel Creek and is the summer haunt of the Louisiana Waterthrush
whose voice is one of the most often heard along the way. You will hear
many Acadian Flycatchers and Black-throated Green Warblers as well. Watch
for the Bote Mt. Trail approximately 3.2 miles from the ”Y” and the only
gravel road behind a gate on the left you will come to on your route. Park in
the gravel area on the right 100 feet beyond it and in front of the locked gate
marked "Whiteoak Sinks.” A short walk along the Whiteoaks Sinks Road
(north) should produce Ruffed Grouse at any season as well as many small

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84

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woodland species. The rhododendron thickets along the streams for the first
1/4 mile in all directions from the parking area are the best known area for
the rare (in the Park) Swainson’s Warbler from May through July, but learn
the song for you will hear many more than you will ever see. Other common
nesting birds in this area include Red-eyed Vireos, Wood Thrushes, Hooded
Warblers, and Carolina Wrens.

Continue on to Cades Cove. You will have your first view of the cove
from the Orientation Shelter at the beginning of the 1 1 mile-one way loop.
Along this drive there are numbered posts used to point out features of interest
when used with the self-guiding auto tour booklet available at the shelter. I
will use them to point out areas of birding interest. Common Crows, Eastern
Bluebirds, and Eastern Meadowlarks are the most common residents seen in
the valley. Between markers 3 and 4 turn left onto the gravel road (Sparks’
Lane). Birding along this road is good at any season, especially in the tree
lines along the 2 fords. When you reach the paved road on the south side of
the cove turn around and retrace your path across the gravel road. On the
pavement on the north side turn left and continue around the loop.

At marker 5 turn left to the Primitive Baptist Church. The cemetery be-
hind the church is a good place to find waves of migrating songbirds in spring
and fall. Search the fields between markers 5, 6, and 7, especially near the
wood edges, for wild Turkey. These large birds should be looked for throughout
the cove, but this is one of the favorite areas. At marker 7 turn left onto
Hyatt Lane (gravel) and stop on top of the hill (200 yards). In the pine
woods to the left (east) in the valley stands a living pine with the top broken
off, the tallest tree in the stand; this is the center of a vulture roost and many
Turkey Vultures and a few Black Vultures are usually nearby if not in the
pine. Vesper Sparrows are common in the fields in November and March and
Water Pipits are seen here in most winters. Continue to the bridge and stop.
The tree line along the stream attracts many birds and is about the only place
in the Park where you might see a Red-headed Woodpecker. After birding
near the bridge, retrace your route to marker 7 and turn left. Watch for
Eastern Kingbirds in summer along the fences near marker 10. Park near
marker 17 and walk across the paved road (east), through the gap in the fence
and follow the dirt road into the fields for approximately l/2 mile until you
see Abram’s Creek in the open field on your left. This is the "Oxbow” and a
unique habitat within the Park. It is the only marsh-like area in the cove.
Many ducks rest here in winter and at this time Golden Eagles have been seen
here. King Rails have been flushed from the bulrush and tall grass in May and
June. Eagles and rails are most uncommon in the Park, but a look in the
Oxbow can be rewarding.

Parula and Yellow-throated Warblers can be found near the Abram’s Falls
Parking Area in summer, and the walk (l/2 mile) to the Elijah Oliver Place,
marker 18, is often very productive for woodland species. Continue on the
paved road. A right turn at marker 19 takes you to the Cable Mill, an inter-
esting pioneer exhibit. Continue on the pavement to the Becky Cable cemetery
and park in the lot. Walk back to the blacktop and to your right along it
until the road turns abruptly right (approx. 100 yds.) and walk off on the

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1971

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85

trail to the left to the "Gum Bog” within sight of the road. This area, wet
except during very dry periods, often attracts many birds. Wood Ducks have
nested here, and Pileated Woodpeckers are often heard from this spot.

After passing marker 3 8 watch for a sign warning, "Stop for Horses,” and
a gravel road leading into the woods on the left (marked, "closed”). Follow
this road to the 2 fenced ponds (200 yds.). These are the sewage lagoons for
the campgrounds and they have attracted such unusual birds in season as
Yellow-crowned Night, Green, and Little Blue Herons, Bonaparte,’s Gull, many
swallows, and one Northern Phalarope. The nearby garden and brushpiles are
always worth birding as well. Many birds frequent the campgrounds and picnic
area and Screech Owls and Barred Owls are common throughout the Cades
Cove area.

The checklist and references cited in my Part I: Birding from the lowlands
to "Canada,” in a previous issue of The Migrant will be useful to you as you
bird the Smoky Mountains National Park in Cades Cove. In addition, see:
Pettingill, O. S. 1951. A Guide to Bird Finding East of the Mississippi. Oxford
Univ. Press, N. Y., and Tanner, J. T. 1957. Adventures for Bird-watchers in
the Great Smoky Mountains Audubon Magazine, vol. 59(3) :1 18-123. Both are
very helpful.

Dept, of Zoology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37916.

{continued from page 82)

Literature Cited

Hanebrink, Earl L. 1968. A survey of albino birds in Arkansas. Proc. Ark.
Acad. Sci. 22: 17-28.

Lowery, Robert and Earl L. Hanebrink. 1967. The subspecies and ecology of
meadowlarks in northeastern Arkansas. Proc. Ark. Acad. Sci. 22: 17-28.
Nero, Robert W. 1954. Plumage aberrations of the Redwing {Agelaius pho-
nic eus\) . Auk 71 : 137-155.

Pettingill, Olin Sewall, Jr. 1967. A laboratory and field manual of ornithology.

Burgess Publ. Co., Minneapolis, Minn. 381 p.

Ross, C. Chandler. 1963. Albinism among North American birds. Cassinia No.
57: 2-21.

Division of Biological Science, Arkansas State University 72467.

COME TO' LEBANON

FOR THE FIFTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL T.O.S. MEETING
5, 6, 7 May 1972

Birding for all: adults, children, hikers and those of a more sedentary nature.
Field trips, boat trips, picnic and banquet. For additional information write:
Mrs. Louis Chambers, 133 Public Square, Lebanon, Tenn. 37087.

[Vol. 42, 1971]

86

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The Tennessee Ornithological Society held a fruitful and enjoyable meeting
at Montgomery Bell State Park on 30-31 October. The fair weather was great
for field trips, beautiful autumn days, and a good number of birds were there.
Sessions were held in the Inn of the Park where the facilities were very good.
We are grateful to George Mayfield, past president of the T. O. S., for ar-
ranging for our meeting at the Inn.

On Saturday afternoon and evening, sessions were held in the meeting room
of the inn, and we heard several good talks. The evening talk was a description
of the Nashville Children’s Museum by its director, Winslow Shaughnessy.

Of particular interest to T. O. S. members will be some of the actions that
transpired in a brief business meeting. Some of us have, over the years, been
concerned with preserving the records of field observations made by our older
members, records which may extend over many years. The library of the Uni-
versity of Tennessee has agreed to receive such records from the Society and
to store them in its Special Collection where they will be preserved and will
also be available for study. The members at the meeting voted unanimously
to accept this offer. I will take the initial responsibility for seeing that this
arrangement is put into effect, and I am now appealing to our members to do
two things. First, consider whether or not you have any records you think
worthy of preservation. Second, think of individuals you know having such
records and who should be invited by the Society to deposit their records in
the Special Collection. A letter to me with information on either of these
points will be appreciated.

One of the papers presented that afternoon was by Don and Gina Manning
who described the decline of the Great Blue Heron Rookery at Duck River
and the probable causes of this threat to the last large rookery in the state.
Because of this paper, the members present decided to do something to preserve
this rookery and a motion was passed that a committee be set up to investigate
the causes of the decline and to search for possible remedial action. A great
deal of interest was shown in the problem, and there is no question about
members of the T. O. S. being conservation-minded people.

The custom of having a fall meeting during which more time is spent on
birds and birding and less on business affairs of the Society is now well es-
tablished. We all appreciate Ken Dubke’s efforts in planning these meetings
and especially the last one.

— James T. Tanner

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87

ROUND TABLE NOTES

SOME NOTES ON GLOSSY IBIS AT REELFOOT LAKE— On 2 5 April
1971, Gina and I visited the Reelfoot Lake area on a birding trip. While
proceeding northeast on Tennessee Highway 157 north of Walnut Log, we
observed a large dark bird flyipg into the area from the south. The outstretched
neck, curved bill, and sailing flight indicated that this bird was an ibis of the
type we had both observed in Florida last summer. The bird landed in an open
slough area just west of Highway J 57 and approximately .8 miles south of the
Kentucky state line. The slough parallels the road and the bird was approxi-
mately 100 yards from the road. Also in the area at this time were Little Blue
Herons {Florida caernlea) , Snowy Egret {Leit'COphoyx thnla) , Greater Yellow-
legs {Totaims melancleucus) , Lesser Yellowlegs (T. flavipes). Pectoral Sandpip-
ers {Erolia melanofos) , and Blue-Winged Teal (Anas discors). A quick check of
Peterson’s Field Guide to the Birds and Robbins’ et al Birds of North America
indicated that, in the fall at least, one should expect the White-Faced Ibis
(Plegadis chihi) close to this area. We observed the bird through 7x35 and
7 X 50 binoculars and a Bushnell scope at 3 Ox. No white could be detected
around the eye or under the chin. The bird did have the bronze sheen of the
body which is associated with the mature Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellns) .
The bird was nervous and continually flew over a line of trees to an adjoining
slough area and back. Between flights the bird was observed feeding with the
characteristic probing action of an Ibis. We suspected that there were two
ibises in the area but we could never get both in our field of view at the
same time. Mr. John DeLime, Refuge Manager of the Reelfoot National
Refuge was contacted on 26 April. Mr. DeLime stated that an ibis had been
reported to the Refuge office "about a week ago.” Mr. DeLime subsequently
observed two Glossy Ibises on two different occasions. The last sighting being
made on 30 April. Mr. DeLime, who is familiar with the White-Faced Ibis,
confirmed our identification of the birds as Glossy Ibises. We contacted Mr.
Henry Parmer of Nashville, Mr. Ben Dowdy of Memphis, and Dr. Clell Peter-
son of Murray, Kentucky. One would presume that two adult Glossy Ibises
present at this time of year would give this area a lively potential for a nesting
site. In view of the range expansion reported for this bird, it is felt that birders
over the state should be alerted to the potential for a nesting site.

Don and Gina Manning, Route 1, McKenzie 3 8201.

PURPLE GALLINULE IN BLOUNT COUNTY— On the afternoon of
26 May 1970 Morris Williams and I found a Purple Gallinule (Porphyrula
martinica) in north-central Blount County approximately 3000 feet south of
the Knox County line. The gallinule was flushed from a strip of bulrush that
separated the tall grasses of a gently rolling hillside pasture from the waters
of Fort Loudon Lake. The bird, in the bright blue, purple, and green plumage
of an adult, flew low over the water of a small inlet and dropped into a
larger, more densely vegetated strand of bulrush. Our efforts to observe it
once more were unsuccessful.

This is the ninth record of this species from a five county area in East
Tennessee (that I am aware of) within the past 12 years. The only fall record.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

88

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

and the oldest report, is one of one bird on 12 October 195 8 {Migrant 30:9)
found by Mary Enlow and representing the first observation of a Purple Gal-
linule in Knox County. J. B. Owens reported two individuals in Knox County
in 1962; one in Knoxville from mid-April until 5 May, and one captured on
1 May in Concord and kept penned for several days {Migrant 3 3:34). J. B.
Owens (personal contact) also reports the following observation on 6 M.ay
1965: "Mrs. J. V. Lyle, 6101 Manchester Road, near Butterfly Lake, Knoxville,
phoned and described a strange bird that fed in her wildflower garden about
three hours. It then walked up a slanting willow tree and disappeared among
the foliage. Her description fitted the Purple Gallinule as well as if she had
been looking at a book.” A bird seen on 27 April 1967 by Jean and Fred
Alsop and Nancy and Jim Campbell in the backyard of a downtown Gatlin-
burg motel is the only record I am aware of for Sevier County. This individual
was in residence from 2 April through 5 May {Migrant 3 8:41).

An Anderson County observation is reported by Jim Campbell (personal
contact) of one bird on 22 April 1968, on the grounds of Union Carbide
Corp.’s purchasing and employment office on Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.
The gallinule stayed on the lawn and in the shrubs through 24 April. J. B.
Owen (personal contact) also reports the two following observations: "7 July
1968, Greeneville, Greene County. Dr. Royal B. Spees, TOS member, wrote
me (JBO) that they found a Purple Gallinule at the Game and Fish Commis-
sion fish hatchery while on a field trip.” "Knoxville, 18 May 1970. Otis L.
King, Asheville Highway, Burlington, phoned me (JBO) about a bird he had
caught after seeing it alight in some shrubbery in his yard. He and someone
else identified it in an encyclopedia as a Purple Gallinule. He released it at
University Bridge and it swam out some distance from the shore and remained
there as long as he stayed in the area.”

The Purple Gallinule is known to breed in West Tennessee. The Fish and
Wildlife Service list it as a common nester and/ or resident in spring, summer,
and fall at Reelfoot Lake (Refuge Leaflet 13 5-R-2, Dec. 1967). Can one
explain the presence of this species in East Tennessee in the spring and summer
simply as wandering individuals, or are we curbing our field work too soon
after the spring warbler waves and thereby overlooking an attractive nesting
bird?

My thanks to J. B. Owen and James M. Campbell for the use of their
records.

Fred J. Aesop, III, Dept, of Zoology and Entomology, University of Ten-
nessee, Knoxville 37916.

AVOCETS AND WHITE PELICAN ON KENTUCKY LAKE IN
HENRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE— On 9 May 1971, Gina and I were birding
on the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge in Benton and Henry Counties.
Weather was warm, sunny, and mild. At 16:00 we were at Pace Point in the
Big Sandy Unit of the TNWR. Some Gulls and Terns were congregated on an
island northwest of Pace Point. This island is between the Big Sandy embay-
ment and the old Tennessee River Channel of Kentucky Lake. Approximately
700 yards out on the island we observed a large white bird with our 7x35 and

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1971

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89

7 X 50 binoculars. The bird was subsequently identified as a White Pelican
(Pelecanus erythrarJoynchos) with a Bushnell scope at 3 Ox. As soon as we had
the scope on the pelican, we observed 5 smaller birds around the pelican. These
birds appeared slightly smaller than some Ring-billed Gulls (Lams delawarensis)
which were nearby. The birds had extremely long legs and a long upturned
bill. The general body color was white with black wings. The wing had a
prominent white stripe slightly above midpoint. The birds head and neck was
pinkish-brown. The leg color could not be detected due to distance and move-
ment of the water in which they stood. After consulting Peterson and Robbins,
we decided that these birds were Avocets (Kecurvirostra americana) . These
birds were kept under observation for approximately fifteen minutes.

In addition to the pelican and Avocets, there were a few Herring Gulls
(Lams argentafus) , approximately 3 5 Ring-billed Gulls, and some terns on
the island. The terns were too far away for positive identification, but Com-
mon Terns (Sterna hirundo) were seen in the area.

Both the Avocets and the White Pelican were reported to Mr. Wendel
Crews of the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge staff that night. The next
day, 10 May, Mr. Crews went to the area and found the White Pelican and
was ready to move on when two Avocets flew into the area and landed by
the pelican. Mr. V. L. Childs, Refuge Manager, states that they have no record
of Avocets on the Refuge and few records in recent years for the White
Pelican.

Mr. Mike Bierly of Nashville and Mr. Ben Coffey of Memphis were con-
tacted and consulted with on the identification.

Don and Gina Manning, Route 1, McKenzie 3 8201.

LAUGHING GULL IN LOUDON COUNTY— On 7 March 1971, about
13:00, while on a TOS field trip, a Laughing Gull (Lams atricilla) was found
in the tailwater area directly below Fort Loudon Dam. It was observed by the
authors, along with several other members of the Knoxville Chapter, TOS.

The gull was positively identified as a Laughing Gull because it showed
the following characteristics: small size, solid dark mantle on the back and
wings, white border on the trailing edge of the wings, and its black head.
The bird was viewed through spotting scopes and binoculars with various
magnifications for approximately one hour.

A search in the area on later dates failed to produce the bird again.

The reference consulted for the identification was Peterson’s A Field Guide
to the Birds.

Andy Morton, 8000 Chesterfield Drive, Knoxville 37919.

Chuck Nicholson, 6806 Haverhill Drive, Knoxville 37919.

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90

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

THE SEASON

Fred J. Aesop, III, Editor

Fall Migration: 1 August -31 October

The period began unseasonably cool and wet and ended with temperatures
above normal and somewhat dry. August temperatures across Tennessee av-
eraged almost 3 degrees below norrnal with the mercury descending from 1.14°
in the East to 4.1° in the West below the usual for the month. Temperatures
rose in September to average about one degree above the norm, and October
averaged 4.5 degrees higher than usual. Precipitation in August averaged 1.36
inches greater than the normal with the Western Coastal Plain receiving an
excess of 4.21 inches for the month. September rainfall was average and
October was slightly below normal. The heavy rainfall in the western half of
the state created many attractive areas for transient shorebirds.

Migratory movements seemed continuous and prolonged without pronounced
waves or sense of urgency. Perhaps influenced by the unseasonably warm, mild
weather many summer residents and transients lingered late. Most waterfowl
arrived later than usual and in small numbers. However, several species of
Northern finches were recorded earlier than in previous years.

During this period the second Tennessee record for the Marbled Godwit and
the third State record for the Whimbrel were established. Red- throated Loons
and Peregrine Falcons were observed in two regions and Western species,
Vermillion Flycatcher, Western Meadowlark, and Western Kingbirds were re-
ported. These are but a few of the many noteworthy observations included in
this the Fall migration issue of The Season.

WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION— Weather this season could be
characterized as clear and mild, with temperatures below normal at the be-
ginning of the season and above normal at the end, with few storms, and with
skies seldom overcast. There were record early arrival dates for a number of
fall migrants. Observers recorded a dozen unexpected species, most of them
Shorebirds.

Loon-Falcon: Common Loon: 10 Oct. (2) BS (DGM). Double-crested
Cormorant: 16 Oct. (127) R (BB, MB, MM, DGM). Little Blue Heron: 16
Sept. (2, white) CC (MB). Cattle Egret: 10 Oct. (4) R (DGM). Common
Egret: 3 to 3 1 Oct. (10 to 22) R (DGM). American Bittern: 31 Oct. (1)

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91

R (DP). Canada Goose: summer and fall (40 adults raised to flight age 18
young) CC (Sam Barton, refuge manager), 18 Sept. (4) and 26 Sept. (39)
BS (DGM). Snow Goose: 17 and 24 Oct. (3) BF (BB, MB, MM, DGM).
Green-winged Teal: 16 Sept. (2) CC (MB). Mue-winged Teal: 21 Aug. (34)
BF (DGM). American Widgeon: 3 Oct. (400) DR (DGM). Shoveler: 16 Sept.
(3) CC (MB), 3 Oct. (21) DR (DGM). Ruddy Duck: 16 Oct. (5) R (BB,
MB, MM, DGM). Turkey Vulture: 26 Sept. (100) BS (DGM,). Broad-winged
Hawk: 8 Oct. (8) M (BC), 12 Oct. (18) HPL (RMG). Marsh Hawk: 4 Sept.
(1) DR (DGM,). Osprey: 25 Sept. (1) DR (DGM), 26 Sept. Fkvw (BFC),
12 to 17 Oct. (1 to 2) HPL (BFC, RMG, JS). peregrine falcon: 16 Oct.

(1) R (BB, MB, MM, DGM).

Plover-Avocef: Semipalmated Plover: 11 Sept. (1) BS (MB, MM, DGM).
Killdeer: 9 Sept. (500) BF (DGM). American Golden Plover: 29 July (4)
HPL (Jim Maenders), 10 Sept. (5) BF (DGM). Black-bellied Plover: 31 Oct.

(2) Big Oak Creek, Benton County (DGM,) . ruddy turnstone: 1 1 Sept.
(5) and 12 Sept. (2) BS (MB, MM, DGM) . Upland Plover: 21 Aug. (1 ) BF
and 1 1 Sept. (2 ) DR (DGM) . Lesser Yellowlegs: 10 Sept. (32) BF (DGM) .
WHITE-RUMPED sandpiper: 5 Sept. (5) and 9 Sept. (3 ) BF (DGM) . Dunlin:
17 Oct. (3) PL (BB, MB, MM, DGM), 24 Oct. (21) and 31 Oct. (11) BF
(DGM) . Dowitcher species: 5 to 10 Sept. (2 to 5 ) BF (DGM) . Long-billed
Dowitcher: 17 Oct. (1) PL (BB, MB, MM, DGM) . Stilt Sandpiper: 1 Aug.
(2) and 5 Sept. (3) BF, 3 Oct. (3 ) DR (DGM) . buff-breasted sandpiper:
1 1 Sept. (5) BS (MB, MM, DGM) . 12 Sept. (1) BF (DGM). sanderling:

11 to 15 Sept. (6 to 8) BS (MB, MM, DGM), 3 Oct. (1) DR (DGM).
AMERICAN AvocET: 9 to 24 Oct. (1) HPL (BFC, RMG, JS, Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Seaborn).

Gull-Sparrow: Herring Gull: 1 8 Sept. (1, 1st year) PL (DGM) . Forster’s
Tern: 5 Sept. ( 12 ) and 1 1 Sept. (1) BS (MB, MM, DGM ) . Least Tern: 6
Sept. (4) R (DGM) . Common Tern: 5 to 1 5 Sept. ( 1 to 17) BF and BS
(MB, BK, DGM) . Caspian Tern: 1 Aug. and 5 Sept. (2) BS (MB, MM,
DGM,) . VERMILLION FLYCATCHER: 17 Oct. (1, male) Fkvw (Edward King) .
Tree Swallow: 6 Sept. (1,000) R (DGM) , 1 Nov. ( 5,000) R ( KLD ) . Barn
Swallow: 3 1 Oct. (7) R (KLD) . Brown Creeper: 10 Oct. (1) R (DGM) .
Wilson’s Warbler: 29 Oct. and 2 Nov. (1, female) M (Helen Dinkelspiel) .
Bobolink: 1 1 Sept. (150) DR (MB, MM, DGM) . western meadowlark:
17 Oct. (1) Shelby County (Bert and Frances Dowdy) . Savannah Sparrow:

12 Sept. (4) BS (DGM).

Locations: BF — Britton Ford (Henry County) , BS — Big Sandy Refuge
(Henry County) , CC — Cross Creek Refuge, DR — Duck River Refuge
(Humphries County) , RPL — Herb Parsons Lake (Fayette County) , Fkvw —
Lakeview, Miss., M — Memphis, PL — Paris Landing ( Henry County) , R —
Reelf oot Lake.

Observers: BB — Benton Basham, MB — Mike Bierly, BC — Ben B. Coffey,
BFC — Ben B. and Lula Coffey, KLD — Ken and Lil Dubke, RMG — Robert

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McGowan, BK — Betty King, MM — Margaret Mann, DGM — Don and Gina
Manning, DP — David Pitts, JS — Jim Sanders.

David E. Patterson, Harbert Hills Academy, Savannah 3 8372.

CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— The weather was mild
throughout the period with an unseasonably warm October — the warmest in
23 years with no killing frosts. There was an excellent variety of shorebirds
present during the season with 23 species recorded in the region, some for the
first time ever. Many warblers and other songbirds lingered late into the period
and waterfowl movements were erratic with some species arriving later than
usual and others observed much earlier than normally. Most Northern finches
arrived early with the first Evening Grosbeaks in the Nashville area 48 days
earlier than previously recorded.

Loom-Terns: Common Loon: 2 5 Sept. (3) RL (Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Clay-
ton). RED-THROATED LOON: 21 Oct. (1) Wood Reservoir — first known Middle
Tenn. record (WSH, MCW). Least Bittern: 29 Sept. (1) BVM (MLB).
Snow Goose: 14 Oct. (1) early, OCR (MLB). Blue Goose: 14 Oct. (33)
early, OCR (MLB). Black Duck: 6 Oct. (2) early, GSP (DPC). Gadwall:
12 Oct. (5) early, RL (MLB). Green-winged Teal: 13 Aug. (1) earliest NA
record by 13 days, GSP (Bill Senter). Blue-winged Teal: 1 Aug. (1) earliest
NA record by 6 days, BVM (MLB). Shoveler: 19 Sept. (1) early, GSP (DPC).
Ring-necked Duck: 12 Oct. (6) early, RL (MLB). Sora: 17 Aug. (1)
earliest NA record by 10 days, BVM (KAG, MLB), piping plover: 18-22
Sept. (1) second NA record, GSP, and 4 Oct. (1) GSP, both (DPC). Black-
bellied Plover: 23 Sept. (2) Coleman Lake (LOT), whimbrel: 20 Sept. (1)
second NA record — third known state record, BVM (MLB) details to be pub-
lished. Common Snipe: 13 Aug. (1) earliest NA record by 15 days, BVM
(MLB), willet: 10 Aug. (1) first NA Fall record, BVM (MM, KAG, MLB).
Baird’s sandpiper: 24 Sept. (1) early, GSP (DPC). Dunlin: 13 Oct. (1)
early, BVM (MLB). Stilt Sandpiper: 7 Oct. (2) late, BVM (MLB), western
sandpiper: 14 Oct. (1) latest NA record by 2 5 days, BVM (MLB), buff-
breasted sandpiper: 12 Sept. (3) BVM (MM, MLB), marbled god wit:
10 Aug. (1) second known state record — details to be published, BVM (MM,
KAG, MLB). Wilson’s phalarope: 12-13 Sept. (1) BVM (MM, AT, KAG,
MLB, JR). Bonaparte’s Gull: 31 Oct. (1) OHL (MLB). Forester’s Tern:
22 Aug. (2) PPL (MLB). Common Tern: 25 Sept. (12) latest NA record
by a day, PPL (JP, ROH, MLB). Caspian Tern: 18 Aug. (8) early, GSP
(DPC), 19 Sept. (1) late, PPL (ROH, MLB).

Owl-Vireos: Barn Owl: 4 Aug. (1) first NA record in 8 years! OCR
(Mrs. Height). Common Nighthawk: 3 Sept. (23 5 ) SHV (MLB), 8 Sept.
(3,5 00), Nashville (MM), 11 Sept. (3 50) TJ’s (JR). Yellow-bellied Sap-
sucker: 24 Sept. (1) early, Nashville (MLB), western kingbird: 2 5 Sept.
(2), 26 Sept. (1) — details to be published, NA (ROH, JP, MLB), (Benton
Basham, MLB on 26 Sept.). Traill’s Flycatcher: 29 Aug. (1) TJ’s (JHR —
banded). Eastern Wood Pewee: 16 Oct. (1) late, BS (KAG). Purple Martin:

[VoL. 42, 1971]

1971

THE MIGRANT

93

26 Sept. (2) ties latest NA record, Hwy. 109 (MLB, Benton Basham). House
Wren: 31 Oct. (1) ties latest NA record, BS (MLB). Long-billed Marsh
Wren: 31 Oct. (1) late, BVM (MLB). Short-billed Marsh Wren: 31 Oct. (1)
BVM (JHR). Veery: 18 Aug. (1) early, Cheekwood (MLB). White-eyed
Vireo: 25 Oct. (1) NA — latest record by one day (DPC) .

W ar biers -Sparrows : Tennessee Warbler: 9 Aug. (1) earliest NA record by
14 days (Mrs. P. Miller) . Nashville Warbler: 3 1 Aug. (1) earliest NA record
by 4 days (MLB) . Magnolia Warbler: 1 Sept. (1) early, NA (Mrs. P. Miller) .
Cape May Warbler: 17 Sept. (1) first live NA Fall record, BS (KAG) .
Chestnut-sided Warbler: 21 Oct. (1) late, Coleman Lake (MLB) . Northern
Waterthrush: 19 Aug. (1) Cheekwood (MLB) earliest NA record by one
day. Louisiana Waterthrush: 6 Sept. (1) latest NA record by 2 days, BS (Mel
Garland) . Yellowthroat: 24 Oct. (1) late, BVM (MM, ROH, MLB) . Canada
Warbler: 26 Aug. (1) early, BS ( KAG ) . Scarlet Tanager: 23 Oct. (1) late,
NA (Mrs. P. Miller) . Rose-breasted Grosbeak: 28 Oct. (1 ) late, NA (C. W.
Fentress) . Evening Grosbeak: 27 Sept. (2 ) earliest NA record by 48 days
(D. Christman) . Purple Finch: 29 Oct. (1) Hillsboro Pike (MLB) , 3 1 Oct.
(4) WSM (MLB) , and 3 1 Oct. (5) BS (KAG) . Slate-colored Junco: 9 Oct.
(1) early, BS (KAG) . oregon junco: 21 Oct. (1) Hillsboro Pike (MLB) .
White-throated Sparrow: 22 Sept. (1) early, NA (DPC) . Song Sparrow : 1 8
Sept. (1) early — excluding recent nesting records, GSP (DPC) .

Loca^tiom': ACM — Ashland City Marsh, BL — Bush Lake, BS — Basin Spring,
BVM — Buena Vista Marsh, GSP — Gallatin Steam Plant, NA — Nashville,
OCR — Otter Creek Road, OHL — Old Hickory Lake, PPL — Percy Priest Lake,
RL — Radnor Lake, SHV — South Harpeth Valley, TJ’s — Two Jays Sanctuary.

Observers: FB — Frances Bryson, SB — Sue Bell, MLB — Mike L. Bierly, DPC
— Dot and Paul Crawford, MM — Margaret Mann, KAG — Katherine A. Good-
pasture, ROH— Roger O. Harshaw, WSH— Mrs. W. S. Hite, CRM— George R.
Mayfield, Jr., HEP — Henry E. Parmer, JP — Jimmy Parrish, JHR — John and
Heather Riggins, JR — John Riggins, AT — Ann Tar bell, LOT — Lawrence O.
Trabue, MCW— Mary C. Wood.

John and Heather Riggins, 5615 Brookwood Place, Nashville 37205.

EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— Shorebird migration was
poor compared to the past spring and fall; this was probably due to higher
water levels than usual in the TVA lakes. All of our swallow species were
recorded at unusually late dates and some of them were reported in unusually
large numbers.

Loon-Ducks: Common Loon: one through period NL (LS) . Present since
14 June (Editor’s note) . red-throated loon: 23 Oct. (1) K (JB, GB).
Double-crested Cormorant: 1 1 Oct. (4) HRA (WiC) , 17 Oct. (2) KG (JB,
GB) . Great Blue Heron: Through period (1-31) HRA (KD, LD) . Little
Blue Heron: Through period (1-11) SB, HRA (KD, LD) . Common Egret:
Through period ( 1-5 ) HRA (KD, LD) . Black-crowned Night Heron: 19
Sept. (10) AS (GE, PR) . Yellow-crowned Night Heron: Through 1 5 Sept.
( 1-5 ) C (KD, LD, Mrs. John Donahue) . Least Bittern: 9 Sept. (1) John
Sevier Steam Plant (TK) , 26 Sept. (1) KG (FJA, JMC ) . American Bittern:

[VoL. 42, 1971]

94

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

26 Sept. (1) AM, (KD, ED). Canada Goose: first 24 Sept. (1) HRA (Arnold
Aslinger). Black Duck: 21 Aug. (10) KSP (FJA, JMC, GB, JC). Gadwall:
regular (5-30) CL, NL (KD, ED). Pintail: 26 Oct. (2) HRA (KD, ED).
Blue-winged Teal: 5 Oct. (116) SB, HRA (KD, ED, LS). Wood Duck:
regular, max. 30 Aug. (200) HRA (KD, ED) Ring-necked Duck: 12 Oct.
(8) FED (PP).

Haivks-Phalarope: Cooper’s Hawk: 26 Sept. (1) KC (FJA, JMC, JTT,
NT). Broad-winged Hawk: 22 Sept. (165) CC (AM, CN, MDW). Marsh
Hawk: 22 Sept. (1) CC (AM, CN, MDW). Osprey: one regular to 2 5 Oct.

HRA, NL (KD, ED, WiC, Greer M,atthews), 26 Sept. (4) KC (TOS).

PEREGRINE FALCON: 20 Sept. (1) White Oak Mountain (Floyd Murdock),

20 Oct. (1) AS (GE, GW). Sparrow Hawk: 2 through period HC (TK).

Sandhill Crane: 15 Oct. (40) HRA (WiC). Sora Rail: 26 Sept. (1) KC
(AM, CN, MDW). Semipalmeted Plover: 11 Aug. (1) SB (KD, ED), 22
Aug. (7) SB (KD, ED, JD). Killdeer: 26 Sept. (239) KC (TOS). Golden
Plover: 18 Sept. (2) KC (JMC), 22 Oct. (1) KC (AM). Black-bellied

Plover: 10 Sept. (3) KSP (FJA), 27 Sept. (1) HRA (KD, ED), ruddy

TURNSTONE: 2 8 Aug. (1), 11 Sept. (1) HC (TK). American Woodcock:
19 Aug. (1) AM (KD). Common Snipe: first 28 Aug. (1) SB (KD, ED,
JD). Upland Plover: 23 Sept. (1) KC (PP). Spotted Sandpiper: regular to

26 Oct. (1-5) SB (KD, ED, JD). Solitary Sandpiper: 30 Aug. (1), 4 Aug.
(4) SB (KD, ED). Greater Yellowlegs: 17 Aug. (1) HRA, regular from

27 Sept. (1-10) HRA (KD, ED). Lesser Yellowlegs: first 3 Aug. (1) (KD,
ED), regular (1-5) to 27 Sept. SB, HRA (KD, LD). Pectoral Sandpiper:
regular (2-25) HRA, SB (KD, LD). Least Sandpiper, regular (1-30) HRA
(KD, LD). Dunlin: 13 Sept. (5) KSP (FJA), first 18 Oct. (64) SB, HRA
(KD, LD). Short-hilled Dowitcher: 21 Aug. (2) KSP (FJA, GB, JC, JMC).
Stilt Sandpiper: 31 Aug. (1) St. John’s Pond, Watauga, Tenn. (LRH, GW),

21 Sept. (1) HRA (KD, LD). buff-breasted sandpiper: 13 Sept. (3) KC
(FJA). sanderling: 26 Aug. (3) KC (PP), 19 Sept. AS (PR, GE), 25 Sept.
(2) KSP (GB). Wilson’s phalarope: 16-17 Aug. (1) HRA (KD, LD).

Gull-Sparronjs: Ring-billed Gull: 16 Oct. (1) NL (Daniel Jacobson). Least
Tern: 2 Sept. (2) NL (LS). Caspian Tern: 4 Oct. (2) NL (L*S), 5 Oct. (75)
CL (KD, LD, LS). Black Tern: 2 Aug. (2) HRA (KD, LD), 4 Aug. (4)
FED (PP), 21 Aug. (22) KSP (FJA, GB, JC, JMC), 21 Sept. (21) HRA
(WiC). Barn Owl: regular (1-2) AM (KD, LD, JD). Great Horned Owl:

18 Oct. (1) HRA (KD, LD); 19 Oct. (2) LHS (KD, LD). Barred Owl:

19 Oct. (1) LHS (KD, LD). Chuck-will’s widow: 21 Aug. (1, fresh road
kill) Chickamauga Battlefield, Ga. (KD). Whip-poor-will: 6 Sept. (1 singing)
HRA (KD, LD). Common Nighthawk: last 2 Oct. (2), Max. 4 Sept. (1100)
SeV (LS), last 13 Oct. (3) K (MDW) . Chimney Swift: last 15 Oct. (75-{-)
C (KD, LD), last 17 Oct. (15) K (Jim Holt), last 24 Oct. Horse Cove Road
(MD, HD). Eastern Kingbird: Max. 2 8 Aug. and 1 Sept. (2 5) SB (KD, LD,
JD), last Sept. 26 (2) KC (TOS). Tree Swallow: 26 Sept. (4) KC (FJA,
JMC). Bank Swallow: 26 Sept. (1) KC (FJA, JMC). Rough- winged Swallow:
2 Oct. (300 + ) HRA (LS). Barn Swallow: 26 Sept. (4) KC (FJA, JMC),
18 Oct. (3) HRA (KD, LD). Cliff Swallow: 26 Sept. (1) KC (FJA, JMC).

[VoL. 42, 1971 ]

1971

THE MIGRANT

95

Purple Martin: max. 9 and 16 (500-|-), last 23 Aug. (25) HRA (KD, LD).
Long-billed Marsh Wren: 26 Sept. (3) (TOS). Short-billed Marsh Wren: 24
Sept. (1) KC (PP). Swainson’s Thrush: 26 Sept. (9 in tower kill on Zachery
Ridge) KC (FJA). Gray-cheeked Thrush; 26 Sept. (6 in tower kill) KC
(FJA). Water Pipit: 25 Oct. (1) SB (KD). Philadelphia Vireo: 26 Sept. (1)
KC (JMC, FJA). Orange-crowned Warbler: 26 Sept. (1) KC (JTT, NT).
BLACKPOLL WARBLER: 26 Sept. (1) KC (Mts. E. E. Overton). Connecticut
Warbler: 2 Oct. (1) Unicoi (MD, HD). Bobolink: 21 Sept. (20) KC
(MDW). Orchard Oriole: regular (1-14) to 29 Aug. SB (KD, LD, JD). Blue
Grosbeak: 26 Sept. (8) KC (TOS). Dickcissel: common (1-10) to 15 Aug.
Jefferson and Green Co. (TK). Purple Finch: 17 Oct. (1) KC (AM, CN).
Grasshopper Sparrow: last 28 Oct. Patrick Henry Lake (MD, HD). Vesper
Sparrow: 22 Aug. (1) SB (JD). White-throated Sparrow: first 22 Sept.
Johnson City (PR).

Locations: AS — Austin Springs, AM — Amnicola Marsh, C — Chattanooga,
CC — Campbell County, CL — Chickamauga Lake, FLD — Fort Loudon Dam,
HC — Hamblen County, HRA — Hiwassee River Area, K — Knoxville, KC —
Knox County, KSP — Kingston Steam Plant, LHS — ^Long Hollow Swamp, NL —
Nickajack Lake, SB — Savannah Bay, SeV — Sequatchie Valley.

Observers: FJA — Fred Alsop, III, GB — Gilbert Banner, JB — Joshua Banner,
JC — John Campbell, JMC — James M. Campbell, WiC — Wilford Caraway,
HD — Helenhill Dove, JD — Jon Devore, KD — Ken Dubke, LD — Lil (Mrs.
Kenneth) Dubke, MD — Martha Dillenbeck, GE — Glenn Eller, LRH — Dr.
Lee R. Herndon, TK — Tony Koella, AM — Andy Morton, CN — ^Chuck Nichol-
son, PP — Paul Pardue, PR — Peter Range, LS — Lee Shafer, TOS — Members of
Tennessee Ornithological Society, JTT — Dr. James T. Tanner, NT — Nancy
(Mrs. James) Tanner, GW— Gary Wallace, MDW— Morris Williams.

Morris D. Williams, Five Points, Tenn. 3 8457.

EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION— Black Duck: first
22 Oct. (3) WiL (LRH). Gadwall: first 9 Oct. (1) WiL (GE, GW).
American Widgeon: 18 Oct. (1) WiL (JM) . Ring-necked Duck: 12 Oct. (8)
WiL (LRH). Red-breasted Merganser: 19 Aug. 2 Oct. (1) RC (LRH, JM).
Marsh Hawk: 12 Oct. (1) RM (LRH). Osprey: 2 Oct. RC (LRH, JM,) .
Sora Rail: 13 Oct. (1) H (LRH). Common Snipe: first 12 Oct. (2) SV
(LRH). Barred Owl: 2 Oct. HC (MS). Eastern Kingbird: last 2 Oct. (1)
SV (RDM). Eastern Wood Pewte; last 19 Oct. (1) HCR (HD, GD). House
Wren: last 28 Sept. (1) E (LRH). Winter Wren: first 16 Oct. (1) H
(LRH).

Catbird-Sparroiv: Catbird: last 19 Oct. (1) HCR (HD, GD). Ruby-
crowned Kinglet: first 19 Oct. (1) HCR (HD, GD). Water Pipit: 12 Oct.
(2) RM (LRH). Nashville Warbler: banded 13 Oct. (1) E (LRH). Bobo-
link: 2 Oct. (2) RC (LRH). Pine Siskin: 28 Oct. (12) RM (FWB). Red
Crossbill: 28 Oct. (small numbers) RM (FWB). White-crowned Sparrow:
first 31 Oct. (6) E (MS, TS). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 7 Oct. (1) E (LRH).

[VoL. 42, 1971]

96

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

Locations: E — Elizabethton, H — Hunter Community, Carter Co., HC —
Heaton Creek, HCR — Horse Cove Road on Buffalo Mountain, RC — Roan
Creek, RM — Roan Mountain, SV — Siam Valley, Carter Co., WiL — Wilber
Lake.

Observers: FWB — Fred W. Behrend, HD — Mrs. Harold Dillenbeck, CD —
Mrs. George Dove, GE — Glenn Eller, LRH — Lee R. Herndon, JM — John
Martin, RDM — Roby D. May, MS — Maxie Swindell, TS — Tommie Swindell,
GW— Gary Wallace.

Brent Rowell, 2227 Edgemont Ave., Bristol 37620.

BOOK REVIEW

FAMILIES OF BIRDS. By Oliver L. Austin, Jr., Golden Press, New York,
N. Y. 1971. Edited by Vera R. Webster and Herbert S. Zim. Illustrated by
one of today’s foremost bird painters, Arthur Singer. 200 p. 6 x 4 in., paper
covered. $1.95.

This is a condensed guide designed for those who already have some knowl-
edge of birds and would like to know more about their relationships to one
another.

The introduction includes a brief discussion on classification, zoogeographic
regions of the world, fossil records, and the origin and evolution of birds.

The 9,600 known species of birds (8,700 living, 900 fossil) have been
grouped into 208 families. From one to several representative species of each
family selected on the basis of typical family characteristics are illustrated by
colored pictures. In addition to the colored illustrations a brief but informative
characterization is given for each family. These family accounts are arranged
in systematic sequence. They include distribution, including the number of
living and extinct species and characteristics, and habits for each family. The
208 families are divided into 34 orders and a brief introduction is given for
each order. Both scientific and common names are used.

This book will also be published in a deluxe Goldencraft edition to retail
for $5.95. It will have a larger format and a hard cover.

This handsome, little book presents much interesting and valuable material.
It would be a useful reference to have on the library shelf for the serious bird
student.

Gary O. Wallace, Route 7, Elizabethton 37643.

[VoL. 42, 1971]

PREPARATION OF COPY FOR PUBLICATION

The purpose of THE MIGRANT is the recording of observations and
original information derived from the study of birds, primarily in the state
of Tennessee or the area immediately adjacent to its borders. Articles for
publication originate almost exclusively from T.O.S. members.

Contributors should prepare manuscripts and submit them in a form ac-
ceptable to the printer, after editorial approval. Both articles and short notes
are solicited but their format should be somewhat different.

Some suggestions to authors for the preparation of papers for publication
are given herewith.

MATERIAL: The subject matter should relate to some phase of Tennessee
Ornithology. It should be original, factual, concise, scientifically accurate, and
not submitted for publication elsewhere.

TITLE; The title should be concise, specific, and descriptive.

STYLE; Recent issues of THE MIGRANT should be used as a guide in
the preparation of manuscripts. Where more detail is needed reference should
be made to the Style Manual for Biological Journals available from the Ameri-
can Institute of Biological Sciences, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue N. W., Wash-
ington, D. C. 20016.

COPY; Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on 8J x IT’ paper
with adequate margins, for editorial notations, and should contain only entries
intended for setting in type, except the serial page number. Tabular data should
be entered on separate sheets with appropriate title and column headings.
Photographs intended for reproduction should be sharp with good contrast on
glossy white paper in black and white (not in color). Instructions to the
editors should be given on a separate sheet. Weights and measurements should
be in metric units. Dating should be in ‘‘continental” form (e.g., 7 March
1968).

NOMENCLATURE; Common names should be capitalized followed by
binomial scientific name in italics only after the first occurrence in the text
for both regular articles and Round Table Notes, and should conform to
the A.O.U. Check-list 5 th edition, 1957. Trinomial should be used only after
the specimen has been measured or compared with typical specimens.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: When there are more than five references in an article,
they should be placed at the end of the article, otherwise they should be
appropriately included in the text.

SUMMARY: Articles of five or more pages in length should be sum-
marized briefly, drawing attention to the main conclusions resulting from
the work performed.

IDENTIFICATION: Rare or unusual species identification to be accept-
able must be accompanied by verifying evidence. This should include: date,
time, light and weather conditions, exact location, habitat, optical equipment,
distance, behavior of bird, comparison with other similar species, characteristic
markings, experience of observer, other observers verifying observation and
reference works consulted.

REPRINTS: Reprints are available on request. Reprint requests should
accompany article at the time of submission. Billing to authors will be
through the state T.O.S. Treasurer.

Books for review and articles for publication should be submitted to the
editor. Seasonal reports and items should be forwarded to the appropriate
departmental editor whose name and address will be found on the inside
front cover.

CONTENTS

The 1971 Foray

Fred J. Alsop, III 73

Dilute Albinism in a Western Meadowlark Collected in
Mississippi County, Arkansas

Earl L. Hanebrink 82

Bird Finding in Tennessee

Fred ]. Alsop, 111 83

President’s Message. James T. Tanner 86

Round Table Notes

Some Notes on Glossy Ibis at Reelfoot Lake.

Don and Gina Manning 87

Purple Gallinule in Blount County. Fred /. Alsop, 111 87

Avocets and White Pelican on Kentucky Lake in Flenry County,

Tennessee. Don and Gina Manning 88

Laughing Gull in Loudon County.

Andy Morton and Chuck Nicholson 89

The Season. Edited by Fred ]. Alsop, 111 90

Western Coastal Plain. David E. Fatterson 90

Central Plateau and Basin Region. John and Heather Kiggins 92

Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Morris D. Williams 93

Eastern Mountain Region. Brent Rowell 95

Book Review; Families of Birds. Gary O. Wallace

96

^ QU^RTER.LY JQURNflL
DEVOTEDvTO TENNESSEE 6IRDS

mSrn^ —

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Mthetennessee

« ORNITHOLOGICAL^e^^

SOCIETY 4»C!;5S

..^CSa&S^BSna

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WARCH 1972

VOL. 43, NO. 1

THE MIGRANT

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

FIRST PUBLISHED, JUNE 1930

Published By

THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Foimded at Nashville, Tenn., 7 October 1915
A non-profit, educational, scientific, and conservation organization.

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR DR. GARY O. WALLACE

Rt. 7, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

‘TFIE SEASON” EDITOR FRED J. ALSOP, III

Apt. 147 Taliwa Court, Chapman Highway, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920

‘‘STATE COUNT COMPILER” DR. LEE R. FIERNDON

Rt. 6, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

OFFICERS FOR 1971-1973

PRESIDENT DR. JAMES T. TANNER

Rt. 28, Box 15 5, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920

VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN MR. C. T. OTTENFELD

Brookwood, Rt. 5, Bristol, Tenn. 37622

VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN MISS LOUISE JACKSON

5037 Montclair Dr., Nashville, Tenn. 37211

VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN DR. ARLO SMITH

3724 Oakley Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 38111
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE:

EAST TENN MRS. A. H. SWITZER

1620 Fairidge Place, Kingsport, Tenn. 37664

MIDDLE TENN MRS. JOHN D. HASSLER

Box 1, Byrdstown, Tenn. 38549

WEST TENN DAVID PITTS

Biology Dept., University of Tenn. at Martin, Martin, Tenn. 38237

CURATOR ALBERT F. GANIER

2112 Woodlawn Drive, Nashville, Tenn. 37212

SECRETARY MISS LOUISE NUNNALLY

2701 Fairmont Blvd., Knoxville, Tenn. 37917

TREASURER KENNETH H. DUBKE

720 Bacon Trail, Apt. 1, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37412

Annual dues, $3.00; Sustaining, $5.00; Life, $100.00; Student, $1.00; Family, $4.00;
Library, $3.00 (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Back numbers
may be had from Dr. James T. Tanner, Rt. 10, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920. Correspond with the
Treasurer for subscriptions, memberships, and changes of address.

Published quarterly (March, June, September, and December). Printed by Preston
Printing Company, 509-511 Shelby Street, Bristol, Tennessee 37620, U.S.A. Postage paid
and mailed at Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643, U.S.A.

K- / 3

THE MIGRANT

Published by the Tennessee Ornithological Society,
to Record and Encourage the Study of Birds in Tennessee.
Issued in March, June, September, and December.

VOL. 43

MARCH, 1972

NO. 1

OBSERVATIONS OF CAMPBELL COUNTY BIRDS

By J. C. Howell and James M. Campbell

The following observations were secured in the course of a continuing
field study of the birds of Campbell County, Tennessee. Our objective is
to secure sufficient data to permit us to comment on the status of the species
occurring there. The information given below was obtained between August
1970 and August 1971. An earlier paper of ours dealing with Campbell
County birds appeared in The Migrant 41: 73-75.

We believe that our account of each of the following species contains
information that is significant in some measure. In assessing the importance
of our findings we have adopted as standards for comparison the status of
these species in nearby Knox County, Tennessee and in the nearby counties of
Kentucky. For the status of Knox Couty birds we have relied largely on
Howell and Monroe (1957 and 1958) and Alsop and Wallace (1970); for
Kentucky we utilized the data in Mengel (1965).

The names of the birds are from the fifth edition of the A. O. U. Check-
list of North American Birds (^1957) and those of plants are from Shanks
(1952).

Short-billed Dowitcher {himnodromm griseus) . Two of these were ob-
served on 22 August 1971 for 45 minutes on a mud flat on the shore of Cove
Lake. They were feeding in the company of a Greater Yellowlegs {T of anus,
melanoleucus) , six Lesser Yellowlegs {Totanus flavipes) , six Pectoral Sand-
pipers (Erol/a melanotus) and some smaller sandpipers. We heard the rela-
tively mellow notes of these birds on one occasion as they flew nearby. This
is a rare species in this region.

Stilt Sandpiper {Micropalama himantopus) . Two were observed by us on
9 August 1970 and one on 29 August 1971 at Cove Lake. This species is
rare to uncommon in this region.

Western Sandpiper {Ereiinetes ntauri) . One was carefully studied by
us on 22 August 1971 as it fed on a mud flat at the edge of Cove Lake.
Two nearby Semipalmated Sandpipers (Ereiinetes piisillus) proYided a basis for

[VoL. 43, 1972]

2

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

comparison. The larger size, coarser, slightly decurved bill and reddish brown
scapulars of the Western Sandpiper were apparent. Records of this species
are rare in this area.

Red Phalarope (Phalaroptis ftdicarius). On 20 September 1970 we in-
tensively studied one on a mud flat at Cove Lake. The yellow at the base
of the bill, yellowish legs and silvery back were characters used in determin-
ing its identity. Other observers (Fred Alsop and Chester Massey) also studied
thi bird. Records of this bird are very rare for Tennessee and Kentucky.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker {Dendrocopus borealis). On 13 June 1971
I (JCH) heard the "shrink” notes of one of these from the Stinking Creek
exit road 1.2 miles east of Interstate Highway 75. Later I saw the bird perched
against the trunk of a pine and could see its prominent white cheek patches.
A second Red-cockaded was heard calling about 200 feet away. Both pines
and deciduous trees (predominantly oaks) were present. The altitude was
15 00 feet. Ganier (1962) presents the localities in Tennessee at which this
species has been reported. He does not report it from Campbell County. In
Kentucky Mengel reports its occurrence in Whitley County some 15 miles
north of Tennnessee.

Bewick’s Wren {Thyromanes bewickii) . This species was fairly common
in Knox County in the early 195 0s but then decreased until today it is un-
common or rare. In Campbell County we saw one on 4 October 1970 about
three miles southwest of the town of Elk Valley. We observed a singing bird
on 6 June 1971 at an unoccupied house about one mile south-southwest of
Elk Valley. Presumably the same individual was singing at a nearby occupied
house on 26 June. A search for a nest of this bird was fruitless.

Solitary Vireo {Vireo solitariiis) . This species is reported by Mengel to be
breeding in Harlan, Bell and Letcher Counties in Kentucky. It was not until
13 June 1971 that we observed one in the breeding season. This singing bird
was observed for some time along and just below the crest of Cross Mountain
to the south of where the Caryville-Round Rock Creek road crosses. The
woods in which the bird was observed were relatively dry and the dominant
trees were Scarlet {Quercus coccinea) and Chestnut {Quercus prinus) Oaks,
Black Locust {Kobinia pseudoacacia) and Sour Gum (Nyssa sylvatica). No
nest or mate was found and on several additional visits to this area later in
June and July we failed to locate a bird of this species.

Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) . One was carefully observed
on 4 October 1970 beside State Highway 63 one mile south of the intersection
of Titus and Cove Creeks. It was in a deciduous woods.

Swainson’s Warbler (Lymnothylypis swainsonii) . In an earlier paper (The
Migrant, 41: 73-75) we recorded the occurrence of a singing bird in Smith
Cove on Rector Branch. On 26 June and 10 July 1971 we secured additional
records of singing birds beside creeks on Jellico Mountain. One of these was
observed as it sang from a perch 10 feet above the substrate. This warbler
was about 20 feet back from the bank of a small stream that varied in
width from three to six feet. The bank rose lateral to the creek at an angle
of about 20 degrees. Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) was the most numerous
species of the saplings and small trees (up to six inches DBH) around the

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

3

singing site. Other species of trees that were relatively numerous included
Sugar Maples (Acer saccharum) , River Birch {Betitla nigra), and Flowering
Dogwood {Corniis florid a) ; also present were a few White Oaks {Oner cm
alba). Tulip Poplars {Liriodendron tidipifera) and Magnolias {Magnolia sp.).
The overstory of trees was largely unbroken and the singing bird was in com-
plete shade. The understory was composed of bushes of the tree species found
in the overstory. No rhododendron {Rhododendron sp.) was observed here
although it occurs along streams where this species is found on other areas of
Jellico Mountain. Meanley (1971) states that the mountain habitats in which
this species occurs lie in the hemlock-rhododendron association and the cove
hardwoods forest. On 10 July we heard eight of these warblers singing in
similar habitats on this mountain at altitudes varying between 1050 and 13 50
feet.

Blackburnian Warbler {Dendroica fusca). A singing male was observed
on 13 June 1971 beside the Caryville-Rock Creek road on Cross Mountain 3.3
miles by road from Caryville at an altitude of 2140 feet. At this place a
singing bird was also heard on 19 June. The most common trees where it
sang were the Chestnut Oak, Black Locust, and Tulip Poplar; less common
trees included White and Scarlet Oaks, Walnut {Juglans sp.) and Hickories
{Carya spp.). Mengel (1965) observed this species occupying territories in
deciduous woods in Kentucky. Within 100 yards we identified the following
birds: Downy Woodpecker {Dendrocopus pubescens) , Carolina Wren

{Thryof horns lii^dovicianus) , Wood Thrush {Hylocichla mnstelina). Yellow-
throated Vireo {Yireo yavifroms) , Red-eyed Vireo {Vireo olivaceus) , Worm-
eating Warbler {Helmintheros vermivorus) , Cerulean Warbler {Dendroica
cernlea) , Ovenbird {Seiurus aurocapillns) Kentucky Warbler {Oporornis for-
7nosus) , Hooded Warbler {Wilsonia citrina) , Redstart {Setophaga ruticilla) ,
Scarlet Tanager {Biranga olivacea) , Cardinal {Kichtnondena cardinalis) ,
Indigo Bunting {Passerina cyanea) and Rufous-sided Towhee {Pipilo erythro-
phalmics).

Rose-breasted Grosbeak {Pheiicticus hidovicianus) . On 30 May 1971
northwest of Grassy Gap and north of Stoney Fork Branch on the west slope
of Cross Mountain Gary O. Wallace and I (JCH) saw or heard four males
and two females. These birds were in mature deciduous woods at altitudes
ranging from approximately 2100 to 2700 feet. The males confined their
singing to areas of 10 acres or less and seemed to be on territories. Other

observers seeing some or all of the grosbeaks included Kenneth Dubke and

James M. Campbell. On 13 June 1971 we observed a singing male at 3 000
feet on an east slope of Grissel Knob. Later that day we saw a singing male
and a female near Willow Springs Gap at an altitude of 2700 feet. Again
these birds were in deciduous woods on relatively steep slopes within a few

hundred feet of an area where stripmining activity had disturbed the forest.

Trees characteristic of the areas where we found grosbeaks included hickories,
a few oaks, maples, tulips, and a few rather small Black Locusts. Both males
singing on 13 June were within 2 5 feet of a singing male Scarlet Tanager.
All four of these singing birds were seen as well as heard.

Dickcissel {Spiza americana) . On 16 May 1971 a silent Dickcissel was
observed perched on a utility line beside a road (:^2345) three miles southwest
of the town of Elk Valley. Since we were unable to locate a bird of this

[VoL. 43, 1972]

4

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

species nearby on subsequent visits we believe it to have been a migrant. In
the course of a roadside count on 29 May 1971 one of us (JCH) heard one
singing in a grassy field beside Dossett Creek 0.2 of a mile south of state high-
way 63 and two miles east-northeast of Fincastle. On 27 June a Dickcissel
sang again in this field during a stop in a roadside count.

LITERATURE CITED

Alsop Fred J., Ill and Gary O. Wallace. 1970. Addendum: Birds of
Knox County, Tennessee. The Migrant, 41: 1-4.

American Ornithologists’ Union. 1957. The Check-list of North
American Birds.

Campbell, James M. and J. C. Howell. 1970. Observations of Certain
Birds. The Migrant, 73-75.

Ganier, Albert F. 1962. The Red-cockaded Woodpecker in Tennessee.
The Migrant, 33: 40-45.

Howell, Joseph C. and Muriel B. Monroe. 1957. The Birds of Knox
County, Tennessee, /. Tenn. Acad, Sc/., 32: 247-322.

Howell, Joseph C. and Muriel B. Monroe. 195 8. The Migrant, 29:
17-27.

Meanley, Brooke. 1971. Natural History of the Swainson’s Warbler.
N. A. Fauna 69. U. S. Government Printing Office.

Mengel, Robert M. 1965. The Birds of Kentucky.

Shanks, Royal E. 1952. Checklist of the Woody Plants of Tennessee.
/. Tenn, Acad, Sci,, 27: 27-50.

Dept, of Zoology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37916.

15 Hedgewood Drive, Knoxville 37918.

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
SHOREBIRDS RECAPTURE OPERATION:

Several species of shorebirds will be marked with yellow feather dye on
the underparts, and yellow streamers attached to the leg, in the 1972 fall
migration. Sanderlings will be marked only with leg streamers. Birds will be
caught on the Magdalen Islands (Gulf of St. Fawrence).

Reports of sight records should include the locality, date, species, name
and address of observer (s). Please weigh the bird and read the band number
if taken alive.

Information should be sent to: Raymond McNeil, Centre de Recherches
Ecologiques de Montreal, 4101 est, rue Sherbrooke, Montreal 406, Que,
Canada.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

5

BIRD FINDING IN TENNESSEE

CARTER COUNTY
Lee R. Herndon

During the 1971 calendar year more than 200 species of birds were cata-
logued by members of the Elizabethton Chapter of TOS in Carter and adja-
cent counties. The elevation in the area ranges from about 1200’ to more
than 63 00’. The species to be found in this area approximates, very closely,
those indicated by Fred J. Alsop, III {The Migrant: 42: 54) with the excep-
tions of waterfowl attracted by the relatively recent (12-1-48) impound-
ment of Watauga Lake. Wilbur Lake receives the effluent from Watauga
Lake and had been in existence for several years prior to the impoundment of
Watauga Lake, but had it’s depth increased by about four feet after the above
date.

Wilbur Lake provides the best place for observing waterfowl in this
area. A paved highway runs adjacent to the lake for its entire length and
the opposite shore is bounded by a very steep and rugged shoreline. The area
is a refuge, therefore, no firearms are permitted in the area. By driving along
the highway and stopping at the various "pull-offs”, one has an unobstructed
view of the birds at close range. Most of the birds can be identified with the
unaided eye, however, binoculars and a telescope are advantageous when
identification, otherwise is dubious. Parking areas, near the Wilbur Lake
bridge, provide an opportunity to explore the area more thoroughly on foot,
in quest of passerine birds which frequent the area. Just before reaching the
bridge, a gravel road to the right leads to Old Horse Shoe Church a few
hundred yards up the slight grade. This area is well worth exploring at any
time of the year, particularly during migrations.

In the spring of 1954 ten Wood Duck boxes were erected in the area
around Wilbur Lake. We have never known of their having been used
although Wood Duck are present, except for a few weeks in mid-winter.
Until the summer of 1969 only the Wood Ducks and some feral Mallards
were present. Since the latter date, Bufflehead have been present throughout
the year. The summer residents appear to be immatures, as some have acquired
adult male plumage before the arrival of fall migrants. This is very unusual,
for I know of no other area where Bufflehead may be observed at this latitude
(36° 20’N) during the summer season.

The time when most ducks, both "dabbling” and "diving” arrive is during
or immediately following the first "wintry blast” after 1 November. Follow-
ing this influx, Bufflehead and Ring-necked Ducks are abundant until spring
with small numbers of various species being present at various times, with
most species being absent for a few weeks during mid-winter. The peak
of the spring migration occurs near the end of March or the beginning of
April, with some species remaining into May. Some of the rarer species ob-
served here have been: Oldsquaw, Surf Scoter, Ruddy Duck, Greater Scaup,
Common Loon, and Horned Grebe.

For the past few years Yellow-throated Warblers have been present in
the pine trees near the bridge from early spring well into the summer and it is
highly probable that they have nested in the area, although we have no posi-
tive evidence of it. Louisiana Waterthrushes, Ovenbirds, Hooded Warblers
and Yellowthroats may be found during the breeding season and many of the

[VoL. 43, 1972]

6

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

more common warblers may be found in the area during migration, particu-
larly in the mixed woods to the north of the bridge and in the hemlocks
adjacent to the south end of the bridge.

The accompanying map shows two approaches to this area from Eliza-
bethton. After crossing the Doe River Bridge on Broad Street turn right on
Main Street (south) and follow the signs to Watauga Dam. By the alternate
route, proceed on Broad Street about three blocks further then turn left,
cross the Watauga River on the Gilbert Peters Bridge on state route 91 to
Hunter. Turn right in front of a small store and gasoline station, cross Stony
Creek over an unguarded concrete bridge, turn right immediately and bear
right until you come to an iron superstructured bridge across the Watauga
River, cross this and follow the river on the paved road until you come to
Wilbur Dam and Lake.

Elizabethton Area

Attention is called to some other areas of interest for the finding of spe-
cific species or just generally good birding spots. Some of these areas are
indicated on the map by small shaded areas adjacent to the various highways.
One of these areas is a short distance after crossing the Gilbert Peters Bridge
on state route 91, there is a cross roads a few hundred yards north of the
bridge. Turn right and explore both sides of the road for about one-fourth
mile. From late January into March the American Woodcock may be seen
and heard at dusk and dawn or on moonlit nights.

During the winter months a rather large blackbird roost is active in the
southeastern part of Hampton. The birds roost in a white pine planting of
about thirty years ago. The birds may be seen assembling in the leafless trees,
feeding on the ground or approaching the roost area in tremendous flocks for

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

7

perhaps an hour before settling for the night. As soon as daylight begins
to become evident, a tremendous "din” sets in as the birds prepare to leave
the roost. The "din” ceases momentarily, or is drowned out by the "whir”
of wings as large flocks depart from their roosting perches. Sometimes
flocks will remain in the area to feed before dispersing from the immediate
area. The composition of the flock using the roost is estimated at several
hundred thousand Starlings, somewhat fewer Common Crackles, a few thous-
and Red-winged Blackbirds, several hundred Brown-headed Cowbirds and a
few Brewer’s Blackbirds.

Upon leaving Hampton in an easterly direction on state route 67 in the
direction of Mountain City, several good birding spots are indicated by small
shaded areas on the map. The first of these is immediately after crossing
Laurel Fork Creek, where there is a parking area on the right; the second,
on the left just before the Shook Branch Recreation Area; the third,, Wa-
tauga Point Recreation Area, the two latter are "Golden Eagle” areas, but
there are parking areas outside the gates, so it is possible to explore these
areas on foot when the gates ^re closed. The fourth spot is where Little
Stony Creek is crossed by the highway. The Parula Warbler may be found
in the hemlocks over the road-side park at this point during the breeding
season. The fifth spot is at the south approach to the Dale Neely Bridge
across Watauga Lake. There is a parking area on the left of the highway.
The sixth area is at the top of the hill beyond the Dale Neely Bridge. Park
on the left and walk along the dirt road for a few hundred yards. Proceed
on to Butler, there turn left off of state #67, go a few hundred yards, but
before reaching the top of the hill, turn right, follow this road until you come
to a fork, the left leading down to the lake, the right has an illegible sign on
the left "Cottage Residents Only”, pull off on this road and park immedi-
ately on the left and explore the area on foot. Red Crossbills, Red-breasted
Nuthatches, Pine Siskins and several other species may be found feeding on
pine cones or the fruits of Tulip Poplar or Sumac berries.

These are a few of the better birding areas within the Christmas Count
circle for the Elizabethton Chapter of TOS, the center of which is Wilbur
Dam. For further information contact any member of the Elizabethton
Chapter of TOS.

Route 6, Box 392, Elizabethton 37643. 342-4661

[VoL. 43, 1972]

8

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

DIXON LANIER MERRITT (1879-1972)

The subject of this sketch, a co-founder of the Tennessee Ornithological
Society, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 1972, after an extended illness
and at the advanced age of ninety-two. He was a newspaper man by pro-
fession, starting from the bottom, after graduating from the old University
of Nashville, he went to work for the Nashville Banner, transferring later
to the Nashville Tennessean which he served as Editor, 1914 to 1917. He
served the Federal Government at Washington during both World Wars as
a writer. In between, he engaged in historical writing and later, edited his
own county newspaper. The Lebanon Democrat, for ten years. On these and
in other capacities, he showed marked talent and capabilities.

The Tennessee Ornithological Society will remember Dixon chiefly as one
of its five founders. The four who remained living on its twentieth anniver-
sary, co-authorized a history of the organization which was published in The
Migrant for September 193 5 (6: 41-44). These four were Albert F. Ganier,
Dr. George R. Mayfield, Dixon Merritt and Prof. A. C. Webb. Judge H. Y.
Hughes had died previously.

Dixon’s responsibilities as editor of a daily newspaper were characterized
by him in later years as "hard work,” for it involved a great deal of reading,
summarizing and preparing copy to meet the daily deadline. Having had rural
raising, he sought respite and relief during the warmer months by maintain-
ing a tent and cot on the rim of the high hills about Radnor Lake. Here he
often sought his night’s rest amid the calls of the Great Horned Owls and
Chuck-wills-widows, and where he was awakened each morning by the
songs of Robins, Wood Trushes and the rattling call of the Pileated Wood-
pecker. Thus revived and refreshed, he would climb into his trusty "flivver”
and duly arrive at the office to tackle the production of tomorrow’s editor-
ial page.

My first acquaintance with Dixon came about through reading a series
of short nature stories he wrote and inserted in this page, headed "Tales of a
Tenter,” in which he recounted the pleasure derived from his nocturnal
serenaders, the joy of being awakened each morning by the music of birds,
the inspiration that came with the rising sun, and the progressive development
of the woods and wild flowers all about. These interests, being kindred to my
own of long standing, I sought him out and the meeting led to a long friend-
ship. Having been a member of bird study clubs in other states, I enquired
who else he might know of like interests and he answered that he knew
Mayfield. I responded that I had heard of Webb and volunteered to call on
him and ascertain the extent of his interest. Dixon called me a few days
later to say that Mayfield knew Hughes, so that made it five. We therefore
decided to launch a bird study club and to build it up gradually as we
found good timber. An initial dinner meeting at Faucon’s downtown
restaurant, on Oct. 7, 1915, found us in agreement on plans and procedure
and so, the T.O.S., the first Southern state organization for bird study, came
into being.

Weekly excursions afield followed, and in 1916, a spring "Foray” at
Sulphur Springs hotel in Cheatham County and a similar fall stay at Reelfoot
Lake that November, brought us new information and interest. Dixon’s ex-

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

9

perience in newspaper publicity was helpful in the preparation of three full-
page groups of articles on various phases of Tennessee birdlife, each illus-
trated by excellent pen-and-ink drawings from the artist hand of Webb.
These were sent to and appeared in Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Mem-
phis and perhaps other papers and the T.O.S. thereafter became a truly state-
wide organization. Dixon volunteered to be Secretary and continued in that
capacity until called to Federal service in Washington.

In the later years and in those of his retirement, Dixon’s interest in birds
and nature served well to fill the void made by his departure from the stren-
uous and exacting duties of journalism and newspaper editing. His children,
now launched on their own, he made his home from then on with his wife,
Ruth, at rural "Cabincroft,” on land he said constituted is ancestral acres.
Here he could live close to nature and here his fellow birders sought and found
him an affable and congenial host. He valued his membership in the T.O.S.
highly and attended the annual meetings regularly. Through his presence
and encounragement, the Lebanon chapter of the T.O.S. was formed and has
continued active through the years.

His funeral, on a bright sunny afternoon, was well attended by friends
from far and near, including a goodly contingent of his fellow T.O.S. mem-
bers.

— Albert F. Ganier

Correction: The Migrant 42:93, 1971. The report on the Chestnut-sided
Warbler reads as follows: Chestnut-sided Warbler: 21 Oct. (1) late, Coleman
Lake (MLB). It should read: Chestnut-sided Warbler: 24 Oct. (1) late, Cole-
man Lake (MLB).

[VoL. 43, 1972]

10

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

THE 1971 CHRISTMAS SEASON BIRD COUNTS

Lee R. Herndon, Editor

The forty-first annual Christmas Season Bird Count listed a total of 139
species, which is nine species higher than the highest (1965) count ever con-
ducted in Tennessee. Twenty areas were reported, only one more than on
the previous highest count. A high count was anticipated because of the
very mild weather extending well beyond the end of the count period. The
list would have been longer, if it had not been necessary to delete several
species because of inadequate or unconvincing details of identification.

Twenty-four species were reported from only one location of these thir-
teen species were represented by one individual. Several other species were
very noteworthy but reported from more than one location. Only a few
species are permitted special mention in the text. Substantiating identifica-
tions are too long and too numerous to print in the available space. The in-
formation on all species requiring substantiation are placed in the files of the
editor.

Four species appear on the Christmas Count List for the first time. They
are: Tree Swallow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Waterthrush and

Dickcissel. This brings the total number of species reported on Christmas
counts to 179 full and 3 subspecies.

Nineteen of the counts are reported in the table, progressively from west
to east across the state. Two of the counts, Henderson and Murfreesboro,
were conducted by one individual. The Roan Mountain count, which lists no
species not included in the table, is given in paragraph form in the appropri-
ate place under "Information on the Counts”.

INFORMATION ON THE COUNTS

MEMPHIS — 35° 09’ N, 89° 56’ W. 19 Dec.; 06:30 to 17:00. Traces of
sleet, then light drizzle all day; temp. 39° to 49°; wind E, 5-10 m.p.h.;
Twenty- two observers in 7 parties; Total party-hours 61 (41 on foot, 20 by
car); total party-miles 148 (43 on foot, 105 by car).

House and Short-billed Marsh Wrens (BC), Long-billed Marsh Wren
(WLW, EC), Solitary Vireo (EC, JM), Yellowthroat (JM, WEW, EC), Pine
Siskin and EeConte’s Sparrow (BC), Oregon Juncos (1 EC, 1 QD, ED). Seen
in count period — Rough-legged Hawk.

Ben and Lula Coffey (compilers — 672 N. Belvedere, Memphis 38107),
Henry and Helen Dinkelspiel, Gloria Dobbs, Quentin and Frances Dowdy,
Jack Embury, Billy C. Grimm, Jim Grove, George Hervey, Lee Johnson,
Edward M. King, Jim Maender, Nelle Moore, George Payne, Pat Ridge, Alice
Smith, Arlo and Noreen Smith, Martha Waldron, Wendell L. Whittemore.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

THE 1971 CHRISTMAS SEASON BIRD COUNTS

1972

THE MIGRANT

11

[VoL. 43, 1972]

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THE MIGRANT

MARCH

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[VoL. 43, 1972]

14

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

REELFOOT LAKE— 36° 25’ N, 89° 23’ W. 24 Dec.; 07:00 to 17:00;
cloudy; temp. 41° to 56°; wind 10-20 m.p.h.; total party-hours 48; total
party-miles 332.

The Peregrine Falcon was seen perched and flying by John DeLime. The
Short-eared Owl flew directly in front of the Coffey party’s car, David Pitts
saw the Tree Swallow perched at 30 feet in good light. The House Wrens
were identified by two parties approximately 3 miles from each other. Lula
Coffey identified the Long-billed Marsh Wren at eight feet. The counts out-
standing bird, the Northern Waterthrush, was identified at 3 0 or 40 feet by
Lula Coffey, David Pitts, and Ben Coffey.

Nine species were found which are new to the count for the last eleven
years. Twenty-five species had the highest number seen within the last eleven
years. No species low was recorded for this count.

Douglas and Vicki Buckner, Ben and Lula Coffey, John DeLime. Donald
Harker, George Hervey, Don and Gina Manning (compilers — Rt. 1, old Paris
Highway, McKenzie, 3 8201). David Pitts, Bill and Dianne Sexton, David
Snyder, Nathan Snyder.

HENDERSON — 35° 23’ N, 88° 45’ W. 28 Dec.; 07:00 to 17:00; rain in
morning, partly cloudy in afternoon with intermittent sun; temp. 40° to 52°;
wind S-SW 5-8 m.p.h. One observer; total hours 10 (3 on foot, 7 by car);
total miles 52 (3 on foot, 49 by car).

Mrs. E. M. Carpenter (compiler).

SAVANNAH — 3 5° 08’ N, 88° 09’ W. 28 Dec. 07:00 to 1900; rain a.m.,
clearing p.m.; temp. 44° to 48°; wind 0-10 m.p.h.; total party-hours 24;
total party-miles 130.

Bill Castile, Lloyd Clayton, and David Patterson watched the Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher for five minutes or more, from close range, in good lighting, and
from all angles.

William Castile, Lloyd W. Clayton, David E. Patterson (compiler — Olive
Hill, 3 8475), Michael S. Patterson, Donald Steinbeck, Morris Williams.

DOVER — (All points within a 15 -mile diameter circle, center on Stewart
County Courthouse in Dover, including parts of Cross Creek National Wild-
life Refuge and the South end of Land Between the Lakes; agricultural fields
3 0%, deciduous woods 3 0%, creeks and rivers 20%, roadside areas
10%, evergreen woods 5%, residential area 5%). 18 Dec. 06:3 0 to 17:00.

Temp. 18°-52°; clear skies all day. Fifteen observers in three parties.
Total party-hours 29 (15 on foot, 14 by car); total party miles 203 (12 on
foot, 191 by car).

The five Bald Eagles were seen at Cross Creek National Wildlife Refuge.
Two were mature and three were immature. Seen during the count period but
not on count day: Rough-legged Hawk, Pigeon Hawk, Oldsquaw, Palm

Warbler.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

15

Douglas and Vicki Buckner, Gene Cook, Floyd M. Ford, Collier Goodlett,
Donald F. Marker, Don and Gina Manning, John W. Sexton (compiler — Rt.
1, Dover, 3705 8), Dianne M. Sexton, Ronnie and Sally Shell, David H. Snyder,
Nathan Snyder, Larry West.

CLARKSVILLE — (Center of 15-mile diameter circle: Mt. Pisgah School
in Cumberland Heights, 0.6 mile WNW of center of old Hwy. 13 bridge over
Cumberland River; Deciduous wooded hills 30%, upland fields and pastures
45%, rivers and riverbottom fields 15%, roadsides and suburban 8%,
urban 2%). 27 Dec.; 06:30 to 16:30; unseasonably warm several days
previous, light drizzle before dawn, cloudy a.m., partly cloudy p.m.; temp.
60° to 73°; wind S. to W. 24 observers in 5 parties; total party hours, 45
(15 on foot, 30 by car); total party miles, 292 (22 on foot, 270 by car).

Joe D. Allen, Bruce and Ramona Bell, Michael Bierly, Douglas and Vicki
Buckner, Eugene Cook, Dr. Floyd Ford, Collier and Rita Goodlett, Donald
and Kay Marker, Nita Heilman, Kathy Lee, Dr. Charles Pickering, John W.
Sexton, Jack Sites, Jr., Dr. Dave Snyder (Compiler — Austin Peay State Univ.),
Nathan Snyder, Mary Stephens, Joe and Carol Wallace, Gary Wallace, Juaquin
Walling, Priscilla Weathersby.

COLUMBIA— 35° 36’ N, 87° 10’ W. 26 Dec.; 07:00 to 18:00; partly
cloudy; temp. 48° to 62°; wind S 5-12 m.p.h. Five observers in 3 parties;
total party-hours 15 (6 on foot, 5 by car, 4 by canoe); total party-miles 13 5
(7 on foot, 120 by car, 8 by canoe). Large Robin roost in area. (Seen in
area during count period but not on count day; American Woodcock, Red-
headed Woodpecker.) Yellowthroat—careful study with details of character-
istic markings for immature of female. (GRM Jr.)

William Dale. William Fuqua, Cleo Mayfield, Rad Mayfield III, George R.
Mayfield, Jr. ( compiler-— Maury County Hospital, Columbia, 3 8401.)

NASHVILLE- — -26 Dec.; 06:30 to 17:00 plus one party from 00:01 to
06:30 and another 1-1/2 hours after dark hunting for owls. Temp. 50° to
70° which tied warmest ever for date; wind S 0 to- 10 m.p.h.; overcast until
noon, then partly cloudy. Thirty-three observers in nine parties, plus ob-
servers at six home feeding stations. Total party-hours 73.5 (42.5 by car,
31 by foot); total party-miles 334 (300 by car, 34 by foot).

Common Snipe, singles at three locations. Screech Owl, 17 by Mike
Bierly with the aid of a tape recording. Robins, a roost at the main entrance
of Percy Warner Park and the estimate may be far too small. Evening
Grosbeak, at three locations. Savannah Sparrow, eight at four locations.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, a female at the feeder of Fanny Murphy since 1 5 Dec.

B. H. Abernathy, Clyde and Vivian Anderson, Sue Bell, Mike L. Bierly,
Gary Christman, Mrs. Luther Christman, Mrs. Jack L. Clarke, Mrs. T. W.
Clark, Paul and Dot Crawford, Annella Creech, Fairman Cumming, Milbrey
Dugger, John and Evelyn Ellis, Charles Farrell, Mrs. Wm. C. Finch, Albert
F. Ganier, Katherine A. Goodpasture, Ben and Josephine Groce, Mrs. Ella
Hayes, John and Martha Herbert, Mrs. A. B. Herron, Louise Jackson, Ann

[VoL. 43, 1972]

16

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

Nichols, Henry E. Parmer (compiler — 3 800 Richland Ave., Nashville, 37205),
Oscar and Marjorie Patrick, Bob and Lillian Sharp, Winslow Shoughnessy,
Ann Tarbell.

HICKORY-PRIEST— 36° 12’ N, 86° 40’ W. 2 Jan. 06:30 to 17:00;
cloudy a.m., clear late p.m.; temp. 44° to 46°; wind NW, 5-15 m.p.h.; heavy
rain to light drizzle before dawn. Eighteen observers in 5 parties, plus 1 at
feeder. Total party-hours, 46 (16 on foot, 29 by car, 1 at feeder); total
party-miles, 2 56 (16 on foot, 240 by car).

Common Goldeneye number almost double previous high (110) single
daily abundance record Nashville area. Yellowthroat was the first winter
record for the Nashville area.

Vivian Anderson, Sue Bell, Michael Bierly (compiler) Paul and Dot
Crawford, Annella Creech, Milbrey Dugger, Katherine Goodpasture, Roger
Harshaw, Helen Hodgson, Louise Jackson, Mary Lou Lorance, Margaret Mann,
Don and Gina Manning, Elizabeth Meyer, Kathy Meyer, Ann Tarbell.

MURFREESBORO — 2 5 Dec. (no other details given) H. O. Todd, Jr.
(compiler — P. O. Box 917, Murfreesboro, 37130).

LEBANON— 36° 15’ N, 86° 21’ W. 18 Dec.; 06:00 to 19:00; clear;
temp. 3 5° to 60°; wind 0-2 m.p.h.; total party hours 34; total party miles
121.

The Lark Sparrows have been at the back-yard feeders of M,rs. Sue
Smith daily from 8 Dec. through 18. Jan. They were initially identified by
Mrs. Smith, verified by WRS, and later seen by Mike Bierly, Carol Knauth,
Margaret Mann and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Crawford. Seen during count
period but not on count day: Pintail, Canvasback, Turkey Vulture, Screech
Owl, Great Horned Owl, E. Phoebe, Hermit Thrush, Rusty Blackbird,
Dickcissel, Evening Grosbeak).

Mrs. Robert Bain, Mrs. George Bouton, Mrs. Lewis Chambers, Mr. and
Mrs. Clay Couch, Mrs. J. A. Crawford, Mrs. Alyne Eastes, Mr. and Mrs.
Byron S. Paul, Bill Sellars, Mrs. Clyde Sellars, William Senter (compiler — 827
Castle Heights Ext., Lebanon, 37087), Mrs. Gould Smith, Mrs. William
Smith, Mrs. Henry Waters, Mrs. William Welty, Mary Wharton, Dr. and Mrs.
Sidney Berry, Mrs. Ruth Clark, Mrs. Glenn Denlinger, Mrs. E. L. Fulghum,
Col. Robert Hosier, Dr. James Leathers, Mrs. Charles T. Lowe, Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Loyd, Mr. and Mrs. Reed McKee, Bob Mason, Mrs. Gladys Sadler,
Willie Taylor, Andy Thompson, John Sellars, Col. and Mrs. Hal Waller and
members of the Tennessee Game and Fish Commission.

COOKEVILLE — 28 Dec.; 06:30 to 16:30; cloudy and mild; temp. 50°
to 60°; total party-Eours 51; total party-miles 92 (on foot 10, by car 81).

Dr. John O. Cummins, P. L. Holliston, Frazier Jaques, Amy Johnson,
Mrs. T. M. Link, T. B Link, Dr. Sidney L. McGee, Mrs. Sidney McGee, Mrs.
J. T. Moore, M. R. Richmond (compiler — 519 N. Jefferson Ave., Cookeville,
38501 ), F. R. Toline, Robert Toline.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

17

CHATTANOOGA — 26 Dec.; 02:00 to 19:30; continuous coverage all
this time. Temperature 47° to 65°; wind calm; sunny all day long with clear
skies in the dark hours. Twenty- three observers in nine parties. Total party
hours, 72, (46 on foot, 26 by car) ; total party miles 330, (36 on foot, 299
by car) .

Francis Barnwell, Carol Barr, Ralph Bullard, Dr. W. K. Butts, Jon (com-
piler) and Nancy DeVore, Ken and Lil Dubke, Edith Fenn, Dr. and Mrs.
J. R. Freeman, Max and Edith Ley, Lee Shafer and family (5), Veta Sliger,
and three feeder watchers.

KNOXVILLE— 3 5 ° 55’ N, 84° 4’ W. 19 Dec.; 07:30 to 18:00; clear
to overcast; temp. 27° to 41°; no wind. Ten observers in 7 parties. Total
party hours 5 2 (36 on foot, 16 by car) ; total party-miles 309 (3 5 on foot,
274 by car) . (Seen in area count period but not on count day: Bonaparte’s
Gull, Saw-whet Owl, Dickcissel) .

James M. Campbell, Terry McGown, Muriel Monroe, Paul S. Pardue, Polly
Ryder, William P. Scarlett, Boyd Sharp, Louis and Johnita Smith, James
T. Tanner (compiler) .

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK— 3 5° 40’ N. 83°

29’ W ; 2 Jan., 1972 06:30 to 17:30; overcast, light to heavy rain most of
the day; temp. 30° to 57°; wind variable, 0 to 2 5 m.p.h.

Twenty-eight observers in thirteen parties plus one backyard feeder
watcher. Total party hours 94 (50 on foot, 44 by car) ; total party miles
397 (52 on foot, 345 by car) .

Fred J. Alsop III, James M. Campbell, Mary F. Davidson, Dave Hassler,
Robbie Hassler, Tony Koella, Betty Lewelling, Joe Lewelling, Terri McGown,
Muriel Monroe, Robert Monroe, Andy Morton, Cynthia Muffley, Gary Muffley,
Chuck Nicholson, Louise Nunnally, Mrs. Sterling Ryder, A. Boyd Sharp, Jr.,
Mary Sharp, Johneta Smith, Louis F. Smith, Jr., Jerry Spangler, James T.
Tanner, Bill Williams, Irene Williams, Mrs. Clarence Wodtke, George R.
Wood, Hedy L. Wood, Richard C. Zani (compiler) . (Great Smoky Mountains
National Park, Knoxville Chapter-Tennessee Ornithological Society and
guests) .

GREENEVILLE — 36° 10’ N. 82° 05’ W; 22 Dec.; 07:15 to 17:30; clear;
temp. 32° to 43°; wind 0-5 m.p.h.

Betty Armitage, Mrs. Marjorie Clemens, Mr. and Mrs. Chester Darnell,
Mr. and Mrs. William Fischer, Mr. and Mrs. King Gaut, S. B. McGuire.
James Holt, Robert Holt, Mr. and Mrs. David Johnson, Brian Keicher, Mr.
and Mrs. Richard Nevius (compilers) , Richard Sievert, Mr. and Mrs. Royal
Spees, Carl Spees.

KINGSPORT— 36° 30’ N, 82° 31’ W. 31 Dec. 07:30 to 17:30; temp. 39°
to 51°; partly cloudy; wind 0-10 m.p.h. Total party hours 54 (43 on foot,
1 1 by car) ; total party miles 148 (32 on foot, 116 by car) .

[VoL. 43, 1972]

18

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

Seen in count area during count period but not on count day: Canada
Goose, Gadwall, Wood Duck, Ruffed Grouse, Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

Roy Allen, Tom Bowman, Marie Brown, Tom Finucane (compiler — 1434
Watauga St., Kingsport, 37664), Ed Gift, George Rodgers, Eugene Scott,
Arthur Smith, Lucille Smith, Ann Switzer, Howard Young.

ELIZABETHTON — 36° 20’ N, 82° 08’ W. 18 Dec. 06:45 to 17:30; clear,
temp. 15° to 3 0°; wind 0-10 m.p.h., all water open. Twelve observers in 6
parties; total party hours 59 (43 on foot, 16 by car); total party miles 209
(26 on foot, 183 by car).

Seen in count area during count period but not on count day: Common
Loon, Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, Wood Duck, Common Snipe, Herring
Gull, Ring-billed Gull.

Fred Behrend, Ed Davidson, Mrs. Harold Dillonbeck, Glen Eller (com-
piler— ^Rt. 3, Elizabethton, 37643), Lee R. and Lois Herndon, Ralph Keffer,
John Martin, Peter Range, Tommy and Maxie Swindell, Gary Wallace.

BRISTOL— 36° 30’ N, 82° 10’ W. 2 Jan. 07:30 to 18:00; temp. 40° to
48°; wind SW 15-20 m.p.h.; rainy with fog and some hard showers during
morning, clearing in afternoon; seventeen observers in 8 parties; total party
hours 48 (9 on foot, 39 by car); total party miles 330 (14 on foot, 316 by
car) .

Rockwell Bingham (compiler — Melody Lane, RED 5, Bristol, 37622),
Rosemary Bingham, Joseph Cantwell, Anna Cantwell, Wallace Coffey, Ken-
neth Hale, Joey Jackson, David MePeak, Hervey Nunley, Pearl Nunley,
C. T. Ottenfeld, Robert Quillen, Brent Rowell, Mary Smith, Tom Smith,
Enno vanGelder, Roger vanGelder.

ROAN MOUNTAIN— 36° 06’ N, 82° 07’ W. 22 Dec. 07:15 to 17:00;
clear all day; temp. 28° to 34° to 24°; wind NW 5-15 m.p.h. Two observers
in one party; total party hours 10 (all on foot); total party miles 10 (all on
foot ) .

Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Ruffed Grouse, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy
Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 1; Common Raven, 1; Common Crow, 5; Tufted
Titmouse, 1; Carolina Wren, 3; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2; House Sparrow, 2;
Evening Grosbeak, 20; Purple Finch, 1; Pine Siskin, 2; Slate-colored Junco, 8;
Song Sparrow, 3.

Fred Behrend, Thomas W. Finucane (compiler — 1434 Watauga St., Kings-
port, 37664).

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

19

ROUND TABLE NOTES

HENSLOW’S SPARROWS IN BLOUNT AND KNOX COUNTIES— On
the morning of 30 April 1971, Benton Basham, his son Jeff, James A. Tucker,
and I (FJA), were working the dryer grassy slopes of a marsh on the Louis-
ville Road, Alcoa, Blount County, Tennessee, when a small sparrow flushed
from a short grass clump near our feet. We flushed the bird several more
times in an effort to identify it. Each time the flight was short and weak,
and the bird twisted its tail as it flew somewhat in the manner of a Song
Sparrow {Melospiza melodia) . After flushing for the third time the bird took
refuge in the open on the lower branch of a tree only five feet above the
ground. Here it allowed us to approach to within four feet of its perch and
study it at our leisure for approximately 15-20 minutes. The following
characteristics were noted during our observation: bill long and somewhat
narrow at its base, pink with the darkest part the dorsal surface of the upper
mandible. Head flat; crown black with huffy median strip; nape black with
black tips on some of the lateral feathers; sides of head and lateral nape, ocre;
lores yellowish; white eye-ring; dark brown iris; dark postocular stripe; two
dark malar marks the one nearest the cheek turning dorsally, posteriorly, and
"framing” the auricular area in black; throat creamy white. Underparts whit-
ish; flanks, sides, huffy with black spots and streaks. Necklace of black vertical
streaks on breast. Back, tail, wings, and rump rusty-brown. Scapular and back
feathers and wing coverts rusty with black centers and whitish margins giving
a streaked appearance. Tail notched and short. Legs and feet pale pink. The
bird was a Henslow’s Sparrow {Passerherbnhis henslowir) , a species both Tucker
and Basham were familiar with. The bird was not active during our above
observation, but remained almost motionless and appeared tired.

We returned an hour later with Bill and Irene Williams and once more
flushed the bird to a perch in a small willow where it again perched in open
view for approximately 10 minutes and allowed us to approach to within six
feet.

J. B. Owen and Paul Pardue located the bird in the same area on the fol-
lowing day, 1 May. On the afternoon of 2 May, I returned to the site with
Jean Alsop, Jim Campbell, Irene and Bill Williams, Chester Massey and his
daughter Debbie. We found the bird within a few minutes and after flushing
it several times it took refuge on the ground on the side of a low bank under
overhanging weeds and grasses. Here it remained, again almost motionless, for
more than 20 minutes.

On 3 May, Chester Massey and I flushed another Henslow’s in a similar
field in Knox County by dragging a garden hose over the 18 inch high grass.
This site is approximately 10 air miles from the above location and the record
was the second for Knox County where the bird was known previously from a
single specimen taken from a T.V. tower kill.

On 9 May, Bill Williams and his son Bill, Jr., observed a Henslow’s they
flushed while walking through a short grass field. This site is in Maryville,
Blount County, and is approximately 2 miles south of the earlier Blount County
sighting.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

20

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

Unfortunately it was not possible to check any of the locations to determine
if any of these uncommon transients in Tennessee lingered to nest.

Fred J. Alsop, III, Dept, of Entomology and Zoology, University of Ten-
nessee, Knoxville 37916.

HARRIS’S SPARROW IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TENNESSEE—
According to Chapman, F. M. 1939. Handbook of Birds of Eastern North
America. Dover Publications, New York; Preston, R. T. 1947. A Field Guide
to the Birds. Hough ton-MifIlin Co. Boston; and Robbins, C. S., B. Bruun, and
H. S. Zim. 1966. Birds of North America. Golden Press, Inc., New York, the
Harris’s Sparrow {Xonotrichia querida) does not occur east of the Mississippi
River. It is basically considered a midwestern species. The Harris’s Sparrow
was not among the two hundred species listed from Montgomery Co., Ten-
nessee in a five year survey made by the Clarksville chapter of the Tennessee
Ornithological Society from 1936 to 1940. This bird, however, has been noted
from Montgomery Co. on at least five occasions since 1966.

The following three accounts were given to the authors by Joe D. Allen
of Montgomery Co.

In January, 1966 one adult appeared in Allen’s yard following a snow, but
did not stay more than three days.

In January, 1968 one adult was first seen following a New Year’s Eve
snow and remained throughout most of January. It often fed on the ground
in Allen’s yard, eating grains and seeds, with various sparrows including the
White-crowned {fZonotrichia leucophrys) , White-throated (Z. albicollis) ^ Song
{Melospiza melodia) , Fox (Passerella iliaca). Field (Spizella pus'illa), and
English {Passer domesticiLs) . It was also seen feeding with Cardinals {Rich-
mondena cardinalis) and Rufous-sided Towhee {Pipilo erythrophthahnus) .

In February, 1970 one adult appeared in the yard after a snow and stayed
only one day.

Mr. Allen also believes he has seen the Harris’s Sparrow once or twice prior
to 1966 but has no actual records of it.

On 10 November 1970 William and Dianne Sexton sighted two adults
and one immature Harris’s Sparrow in an open fence row at the intersection
of Dunlop Lane and Rollow Lane in the Rossview community. The birds were
with a flock of 12-15 White-crowned Sparrows. Both William and Dianne
observed the sparrows for five minutes with 7x35 binoculars at distance of
3 0 feet.

Donald and Kay Harker and Floyd Scott noted one adult Harris’s Sparrow
associating with a flock of about ten White-crowned Sparrows in a low brush
and open woods area. This sighting was made in the Mark’s slough area near
the Cumberland River on 2 5 April 1971. The Harris’s Sparrow along with one
White-crowned worked its way to the top of a small tree then flew into the
brush nearby. The birds were viewed for approximately five minutes with
7 X 50 binoculars by all three observers at a distance of 3 0-40 feet.

[VoL. 43, 1972J

1972

THE MIGRANT

21

All individuals sighted adhered closely to the descriptions given in Peter-
son’s A Field Guide to the Birds (1947). It is a large sparrow with a black
crown, face, and bib encircling a pink bill. In winter adults the black crown
is veiled with gray. Young birds in first winter are white on the throat, less
black on crown, buffy brow.n on rest of head, and blotched and streaked on
the breast. Sexes are alike in this species.

The authors believe the Harris’s Sparrow may be extending its range east-
ward. It may be looked for in Tennessee in the fall, winter, and spring associat-
ing with other sparrows, especially the White-crowned.

J. William Sexton, Route 1, Dover 3705 8.

Donald F. Harker, Jr., Route 3, Clarksville 37040.

GLAUCOUS GULL ON FORT LOUDON LAKE— A Glaucous Gull
{Larus hyperboreus) in the pure white plumage of a second winter bird, was
found on Fort Loudon Lake, in Loudon County, on 7 March 1971. The gull
was discovered by the authors in Fort Creek Cove, near Fort Loudon Dam
and the bird remained in the immediate proximity of the dam for at least two
weeks, where it was also observed on 8, 9, 14, 16, and 24 March.

At approximately 15:00, while observing and photographing a flock of
Herring Gulls {Larus argentatus) and Ring-billed Gulls {Larus delawarensis),
a large white gull was noticed among the flock. Seconds later the entire flock
took flight. A search for the bird was immediately undertaken, but the gull was
not relocated. Because of the gull’s large size and pure white plumage, it was
thought to be a Glaucous Gull. The gull was first observed through a 2 0-4 5 x
spotting scope and a 3 5mm reflex camera fitted with a 500mm telephoto lens.

The following morning, 8 March, the identity of the gull was verified by
Frederick Joseph Alsop, III and Paul Pardue. They observed, in addition to the
size and plumage characteristics noted above, that the bird showed the pink
legs and feet, pink 'bill with black tip, and wings shorter than tail, characteris-
tics of a Glaucous Gull. During the following weeks, the gull was observed
by several members of the Knoxville Chapter of TOS, as well as other birders
from across the states.

The 7 March observation constitutes the second known record for a
Glaucous Gull in the state of Tennessee. The first observation was at Old
Hickory Lake on .18 January 1969. {The Migrant, Vol. 40, No. 1, pp. 12-13).

References used in the identification of the gull were Peterson, Roger Tory,
(1947) A Field Guide to the Birds. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston; and Brunn,
Robbins, and Zim, (1966) Birds of North America. Golden Press, New York.

Chuck Nicholson, 6806 Haverhill Drive, Knoxville 37919.

Andy Morton, 8000 Chesterfield Drive, Knoxville 37919.

[Vol. 43, 1972]

22

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

THE SEASON

Fred J. Aesop, III, Editor

The Winter Season: 1 November- 15 March

Without exception each Regional Compiler across the state has commented
on the unusually mild weather conditions that prevailed in Tennessee during
this reporting period. Temperatures in Nov. were slightly below normal
( — .125°), but were above the expected in Dec. (-|-6.9°), Jan. (-!--44°),
Feb. (-|-7.0°), and March (-1-2.0°), an average of approximately 3.2° higher
than normal for the entire period. Nov., Feb., and March were drier than
usual in contract to Dec. and Jan. which were wetter than normal with Jan.
being the dampest month of the season with -\-2.63 inches of precipitation
above the normal being recorded. Precipitation for the entire reporting period
averaged .62 inches above the expected.

The warmer conditions may be the basis for the many unusual records of
species that stayed later than normally in the state, individuals that wintered
north of their usual wintering grounds, birds that arrived earlier in the spring,
and some that were recorded singing very early in the season, i.e. American
Woodcocks "peenting” on 16 Dec. and singing the full courtship song and
display on 21 Dec. in the Chattanooga area.

During this "Winter Season” a Yellow-breasted Chat and a Cape M,ay
Warbler were reported from the Eastern Mountain Region. A Little Blue
Heron, Laughing Gulls, Black-legged Kittiwakes (the first known published
records for Tennessee), Yellow-breasted Chat, and a Baltimore Oriole were
recorded in the Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Birders in the Central Plateau
and Basin Region observed a Common Nighthawk, Catbird, and Yellow-
throat. Such summertime species as King Rail, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Solitary
Vireo, Northern Waterthrush, and Yellowthroat were listed in the Western
Coastal Plain Region. These are but a few of the many unusual and note-
worthy observations included in this the "Winter Season” issue of The Season.

WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION— Weather in the region was
exceptionally mild throughout the season, making possible the survival of many
dilatory migrants, especially warblers.

Cormorant-Merganser: Double-cres-ed Cormorant: 3 Nov. (3) R (NF,

DGM), 4 Dec. (7) DR (DGM), 30 Jan. (1) DR (MTOS). Great Blue

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

23

Heron: 27 Nov. (3 3) DR (DEP, MP), 12 Mar. (40) DR (MB). Common
Egret: 2 Nov. (40) DR (DGM), 2 5 Nov. (1) S (DEP, MP). Cattle Egret:
2 Nov. (1) DR (DGM).

Whistling Swan: 11 Jan. (1, immature, crippled) Benton County (DP).
Canada Goose: 27 Nov. (1,600) DR (DEP, MP). WHITE-FRONTED
GOOSE: early Oct. - 30 Jan. (1) Arlington, Shelby County, (BC, LC, Mrs.
Robt. T. Mills, ER). Snow Goose: 30 Jan. (4) DR (MTOS). Blue Goose:

2 Nov. (100') and 6 Nov. (3 5) DR and BE (DGM). Pintail: 8 — 3 0 Jan. (1)
DR and BE (DGM, MTOS). Green-winged Teal: 9 and 30 Jan. (1) BE and
DR (DGM, MTOS). American Goldeneye: 29 Jan. (150) BS (DGM). OLD-
SQUAW: 26 Nov. (1, female) S (MP). Ruddy Duck: 3 Nov. (26) R
(DGM). Hooded Merganser: 27 Nov. (78) DR (DEP, MP).

Hawk-Owl: Sharp-shinned Hawk: 9 Jan. (1) Me (DGM), 30 Jan. (1)
Camden (DGM), 31 Jan. (1) M (BC, LC, ER). ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK:
20 Nov. - 29 Dec. (1 — 4) M (BC, LC, Quentin and Prances Dowdy, George
Hervey, Jim Maender), 2 Dec. (1) Milan and 6 Jan. (1) Me (DGM).
GOLDEN EAGLE: 29 Jan. (1) BS (DGM). Bald Eagle: 18 Nov. (1, im-

mature) M (HD, Martha Waldron), Dec. and Jan. ("numbers”) DR, BS, R
(DGM), 12 Mar. (2, immature) DR (MB). PEREGRINE FALCON:
PIGEON HAWK: 15 Jan. (1, female) S (DEP, Gloria Patterson). KING
RAIL: 24 Dec. (1, dead) Dresden (DP). BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER: 13
Nov. (1) BS (DGM). American Woodcock: throughout entire season, com-
plete courtship song and flight (5 — 15) S (DEP, MP). SPOTTED SAND-
PIPER: 24 Dec. (1) S (DEP, MP). Lesser Yellowlegs: 27 Peb. (2) R

(DGM). LEAST SANDPIPER: =‘- 4 Dec. (9) BP (DGM), 26 Dec. (1) R
(DGM). DUNLIN: 4 Dec. (1) DR (DGM). AMERICAN AVOCET: 2
Nov. (2) DR (DGM). Ring-billed Gull: 12 Mar. (500) New Johnsonville
Steam Plant (MB). SHORT-EARED OWL:

Swallow-Longs pur: Tree Swallow: 14 Nov. (225) M (BC, LC), 28

Nov. (1) R (BC, DP). Barn Swallow: 12 MAR. (1) DR (MB). Pish Crow
House Wren: 28 Nov. (1) R (BC, Billy Grimm, DP). Long-billed Marsh

Wren: 1 Nov. (1) Martin (DP), 4 Dec. and 18 Jan. (1) Bruin’s, Arkansas,

(BC). Shirt-billed Marsh Wren: 19 Dec. to 14 Mar. (4) M (BC). BLUE-
GRAY GNATCATCHER: SOLITARY VIREO: ORANGE-

CROWNED WARBLER: 8 Jan. (1) and 19 Mar. (2) Horseshoe Lake, Ar-
kansas (BC, ER, Alice Smith). NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH: YEL^

LOWTHROAT: 28 Nov. (1) R (BC, DP), 11 Dec. (1) Obion County
(DP). Wilson’s Warbler: 29 Oct. and 2 NOV. (1, female) M (HD). Brewers
Blackbird: 15 Jan. (300) Carroll County (DGM). Evening Grosbeak: 24
Dec. -30 Jan. (1 — 30) 5 locations in line from S to R (many observers).
Purple Pinch: Jan. and Peb. more common in Memphis area than any time in
past 43 years (BC). Vesper Sparrow: 2 Nov. (50) DR (DGM). OREGON
JUNCO: HARRIS^ SPARROW : 27 and 28 Nov. (1) R (many observers),

5 and 6 Mar. (1, 2nd winter plumage) M (HD). LAPLAND LONGSPUR:
2 Dec. (15) M (BC).

See Memphis, Reelfoot, and Savannah 1971 Christmas count.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

24

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

Locations: BF — Britton Ford (Henry County), BS— Big Sandy Refuge,
DR — Duck River Refuge, M — Memphis area. Me — McKenzie, S — Savannah,
R — Reelf oot area.

Observers: MB — Mike Bierly, BC— Ben B. Coffey, Jr., LC — Lula Coffey,
HD — Helen Dinkelspiel, NF — Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Fay, DGM. — Don and
Gina Manning, DP — David Pitts, DEP — David E. Patterson, MP — Michael
Patterson, ER — Ella Ragland, MTOS — Memphis Chapter of TOS.

David E. Patterson, Harbert Hills Academy, Savannah 3 8372.

CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— After an unusually
warm fall, winter proved to be one of the mildest in recent years. In the
Nashville area no measurable snow fell, Jan. had several warmest ever dates
and Feb. had a day at 78 degrees, warmest ever for the entire month. Many
migrants lingered late with several staying into winter. Remarkable was 2 Jan.
with four species of warblers in the NA: Orange-crowned, Myrtle, Palm, and
Yellowthroat. This was the "year-of-the-hawk” with Rough-legged records
probably equaling all prior records for the NA.

Loons-Ducks: Red-throated Loon: 6 Nov. (1) WR, Pied-billed Grebe:
15 Nov. (203) WR (KLD, FM). Double-crested Cormorant: 8 Nov. (1)
WR (KLD), 13 Nov. (13) DRU (NC). Green Heron: very late, 12 Nov.
(1) CCR (JDS) . American Bittern: 1 Nov. (1) OHL (MLM), 11 Nov. (1)
(JHR), 15 Nov. (1) (JNR), both BVIM. WHISTLING SWAN: 7 Nov. (1)
CCR (JDS) Canada Goose: 13 Nov. (1200) DRU (NC), mid March several
hundred still OHL. Blue Goose: late was (1) 12 Mar. PN OHL (JHR, HEP)
Gadwall: unusual numbers were (750) 15 Nov. (KLD, FM) and (390) 20
Nov. (MLB), both WR. Blue-winged Teal: early were (6) 7 March CL
(CEF). American Widgeon: remarkable numbers were (7225) 13 Nov. DRU
(NC). Redhead most unusual were (500) 8 and 11 Mar. OHL (MLM, PDC).
GREATER SCAUP: 5 Jan. pair shot Camden (John Myhr, identified HEP),
then 11 Mar. (2) BVM (JHR). Common Goldeneye: 11 Nov. (2) RL
(MLB) ties earliest NA, 15 Jan. (193) OHL (MLB, MLM, ROH). Old-
squaw: 9 Feb. (12) ChL (CEF). Ruddy Duck: 20 Nov. (15) WR (MLB).
Hooded Merganser: 20 Nov. (5 8) WR (MLB).

Cranes-Gjills: Sandhill Crane: 24 Dec. (1) FP (MDW). ROUGH-
LEGGED HAWK: 10 Oct. (1) 8 mi. SW WB (FB), 21 Dec. (1) east of
Lebanon (JH), 22 thru 29 Dec. (2, 1 light phase, 1 imma.) near CCR
(JDS), 8 and 19 Jan. (1, dark phase) MB (JND), 22 Jan. (1) WB (FB),
28 Feb. (1, light phase) BW (AT), 3 Mar. (2, dark phase) 1-40 and U.S. 41
NA (MLB). GOLDEN EAGLE: 13 Nov. (3, imma.) DRU (NC), 27 Nov.
(1), 1st. at WB (FB), 5 Feb. (1) CCR (JWS), 5 Mar. (5) WB (FB).
These were 1 adult and 4 imma., making a total of 6 in the area during the
period as 2 adults had been seen prior. Bald Eagle: 13 Nov. (2) (NC), 21
Dec. (2) (JH), both DRU, 25 Nov. (1) OHL (MLB), 12 Dec. (1) PPL
(MLB, HCM), Dec. -Jan. (1 — 3) Dale Hollow Lake (RH), 8 Jan. (1) WB
(FB). Osprey: 5 Nov. (1) OHL (PDC), (2) observed several times during
period Center Hill Lake (fiefe) (MRR). PEREGRINE FALCON: 4 Dec. (1)
near Gallatin (PDC). PIGEON HAWK: 26 Dec. (1) CCR (JDS), 12 Jan.
(1) near ACM (JNR).

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

25

Kails -Swallows: Sora Rail: 11 Nov. (1) BVM (JNR), 5 days latest NA.
American Coot: 15 Nov. (13,500) WR (KD, FM). American Woodcock:
several reports, the most being 27 Feb. (11) near H NA (JHR). Common
Snipe: unusual numbers for winter, 21 Dec. (3 8) Stewart County (JWS).
Spotted Sandpiper: late, 11 Nov. (2) (MLB), then 11 March (11) (JHR),
both BVM. Western Sandpiper: Very late, without enough records for evalua-
tion, 21 Nov. (1) CCR (JWS). Ring-billed Gull: numbers back up NA
with (1000) 19 Dec. (MLM) and 26 Feb. (800) (MLM, MLB), both OHL.
Bonaparte’s Gull: 19 Dec. (500) OHL (MLM). Mourning Dove: 7 March
(1) feeding (2) young WB (FB). Great Horned Owl: 19 Feb. thru period
pair with (1) young in nest FP (MDW). SHORT -EARED OWL: 27 Nov.
(1) (MLM, MLB), then 1 — 4) various TOS members until last report, 2 5
Jan. (4) (KLD, JND), all SA. COMMON NIGHTHAWK: 2 Dec. (1) over
Madison (MLM), 2nd NA Dec. record. Eastern Kingbird: nearly two months
late, 13 Nov. (1) DRU (JHR). Rough-winged Swallow: very early, 15 Mar.
(1) WB (FB). Barn Swallow: 8 March (1) WB (FB), then 12 Mar. (2)
20 mi. east Nashville on 1-40, and (1) HP OHL both (JHR, HEP), these

6 days earliest NA. Purple Martin: 1st. report to writer, 8 Mar. (1) H WB
(MCW) .

W rens -S par rows : Short-billed Marsh Wren: 1 1 Nov. (1) BVM (JNR) ,

7 days latest NA. CATBIRD: 10 Feb. (1) H BW (Dot Woodring). Swain-
son’s Thrush: very late, 18 Nov. (1) H WB (FB). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher:
12 Mar. (1) HP OHL (JHR, HEP), ties 1923 NA record. Tennessee Warbler:
late, 2 Nov. (1) cas. WSIX-TV (MLB). Palm Warbler: 12 Dec. (1) SA
(NC), 2 Jan. (1) H WB (FB). Louisiana Waterthrush: very early, 12 Mar.
(1) FP (MDW). YELLOWTHROAT: 27 Dec. (1) Mark’s Slough (JWS,
GOW), 2 Jan. (1) (MLB), 8 Jan. (1) (MLM, MLB), both Shelby Park NA.
ORCHARD ORIOLE: 28 Nov. (1, adult male) Bellevue (KAG, MLM,
MLB), 70 days latest NA. Rusty Blackbird: 5 Mar. (150) H Ea. NA (MLM).
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK: 15 Dec. thru 12 Jan. (1) H BW (Fanny
Murphy). INDIGO BUNTING: 26 Nov. (3), 22 Feb. (1), both ACM
(MLM, MLB), then 19 Feb. (1) thru period H OHL (Bessie Walker).
DIGKGISSEL: 30 Dec. thru 10 Feb. (1, 2 for brief period) H Hermitage
(Mary Lou Lorance) ; several birds of this species wintered at feeders in
Lebanon (fide Wm. Senter). Evening Grosbeak: flocks to (40) and more over
edge of Highland Rim, smaller moving flocks over rest of area. Purple Finch:
numerous over entire area with many flocks (40 — 100). Pine Siskin: to (20)
WB, few other reports of only (1 — 2). Lark Sparrow: 1 Dec. — through period
(1), (3 in Jan.) Lebanon (Sue Smith, Wm. Senter). OREGAN JUNCO:
8, 20, 21 23 Nov. (1) H NA (ARL), 5 Jan. (1) H both (ARL, KAG).
Tree Sparrow: 3 Dec. (1) CCR (JWS, FJA) only report to writer.

Locations: ACM — Ashland City Marsh, BVM — Buena Vista Marsh, BW —
Brentwood area, ChL — Cheatham Lake, CL — ^Coleman’s Lake, CCR — Cross
Creek Nat’l Wildlife Refuge, DRU— Duck River Unit, Tenn. Nat’l Wildlife
Refuge, FP — Five Points, Lawrence County, H — ^home area of observer, HP —
Hunters Point, crossing of upper OHL by U.S. 231, MB — Murfreesboro,
NA — Nashville Area, OHL^ — ^Old Hickory Lake, PPL — Percy Priest Lake,
PN — Plant Nursery, G&F area few miles N.W. HP, RL— Radnor Lake, SA —
Smyrna Airport, old Stewart Air Force Base, WB — Woodbury, WR — Woods
Reservoir.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

26

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

Observers: FJA — Fred J. Alsop, MFB — Mike F. Bierly, FB — -Frances Bry-
son, NC — various members Nashville Chapter TOS, PDC — Paul and Dot
Crawford, JND — Jon and Nancy Devore, KFD — Ken and Fil Dubke,
CEF — ^^Charles E. Farrell, KAG — Katherine A. Goodpasture, ROH — ^Roger O.
Harshaw, RH — Robbie Hassler, JH — James Holt, ARE — Amelia R. Faskey,
MEM — Margaret F. Mann, HCM — Harry C. Monk, FM, — Floyd Murdock,
HEP — Henry E. Parmer, MRR — Miser R. Richmond, JHR — John N. and
Heather Riggins, JWS — John W. Sexton, JDS — John W. and Dianne Sexton,
FRF — Fee Shafer and family, AT — Ann Tarbell, COW — Gary O. Wallace,
MDW— Morris D. Williams, MCW— Mary C. Wood.

Henry E. Parmer, 3 800 Richland Ave., Nashville 37205,

EASTERN RIDGE AND VAFFEY REGION— The weather through the
period was wet and mild. There were several late departure dates, unusual
wintering records, and early spring arrivals. Winter singing records were ob-
tained for several usually silent wintering birds. Northern Finches, Evening
Grosbeaks, Purple Finches, and Pine Siskins were common throughout the
area during the period; their numbers being reported in the hundreds.

Loon-Mergamer: Common Foon: 9 Nov. (131) CF (KD, ED). Horned
Grebe: first 9 Nov. (2), Max. 23 Nov. (405) BWP (KD, ED). Double-
crested Comorant: 2 Nov. (1) HRA (KD, ED); 15 Jan. (1) BE (PR); 27
Feb. (3) JCo (TOS). Great Blue Heron: 28 Dec. (125) HRA (KD).
LITTLE BLUE HERON: 19 Dec. (1) Anderson Co. (Mrs. George McGown).
Common Egret: 2 Nov. (1) HRA (KD, ED); 21 Nov. (2) HRA (WiC).
WHISTLING SWAN: 23 Nov. (1) Collegedale (FM, Carl Swatford). Can-
ada Goose: 23 Feb. (30) UT Knoxville Campus (MDW). Snow Goose: 1-2
regular HRA from 11 Jan. to 7 Feb. (KD, ED). Blue Goose: 1 and 7 Feb.
(4) HRA (KD, ED). Gadwall: 28 Feb. (80) SB (HB, TH, MP); 6 Mar.
(225) SB (KD, ED). Pintail: 26 Feb. (10) AM (HB, TH, MP). Green-
winged Teal: 16 Nov. (4) HRA (KD, ED); 25 Feb. (8) C (HB, TH, MP).
Blue-winged Teal: 7 DEC. (1 shot) HRA (Dick Hurd fide KD); 10 Mar.
(2) AM (KD, ED). American Widgeon: 1 Nov. (32) JCo (TK) ; 6 Mar,
(30) SB (KD). Shoveler: 4 Feb. (2) SB (HB, TH, MP) ; 28 Feb. (2) SB
(KD, ED). Redhead: 23 Nov. (4) BWP (KD, ED); 28 Feb. (27) CL (KD,
ED); 1 Mar. (800) FEE (FJA, LR). Canvasback: 9 Nov. (3) HRA (KD,
ED); 11 and 18 Jan. (10) BE (MD, HD); 15 Jan. (2) JC (TK) ; 1 Mar.
(12) FEE (FJA, LR). GREATER SCAUP: regular, up to 260 all appearing
to be Greater BWP (KD, ED). Common Goldeneye: from 23 Nov. (1 — 9)
BWP (KD, ED); 23 Jan. (35) BE (RK, MD, HD). Bufflehead: regular from
7 Nov. (1—14) BWP and HRA (KD, ED). Oldsquaw: 7 Nov. (11) NL
(LS). WHITE-WINGED SCOTER: 4 Mar. (2) BE (GE, GW); 6 Mar. (2)
BE (PR). SURE SCOTER: 19 Nov. (1) FEE (PP) ; 13 Ian. (1 found shot)
BE (PR). Ruddy duck: 7 Nov. (1) HRA (ED); 19 Feb. (2) C (HB, TH,
MP). Hooded Merganser: Max. 28 Dec. (238) CL (KD). Common Mergan-
ser: 7 Dec. (1) NL (Mary Shafer). Red-breasted Merganser: 9 Nov. (59)
BWP and HRA (KD, ED); 23 Nov. (321) BWP and HRA (KD, ED).

Vultures-Sand pipers: Turkey Vulture: 29 Feb. {\25-\-) LHS (KD, ED).
Black Vulture: 29 Feb. (55) LHS (KD, ED) both vulture species were in
the same roost. Sharp-shinned Hawk: 14 Nov. (2) CC (JMC, JCH, MDW);

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

27

2 Dec. (1) Da (DJ) ; 5 Feb. (1) Washington Co. (GW). COOPER’S
HAWK: 14 Nov. (1) CC (JMC, JCH, MDW) ; one occasional all period
SeV (LSF). Red-tailed Hawk: MAX. 31 Jan. (10) HRA (KD, LD). Red-
Shouldered Hawk: Four all period SeV (LSF) ; 1 Jan. (2) CrL (RH, JH,
RAH). ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK: 21 Dec. (1) Greeneville (RH) ; 2 5
Dec. ( 1 dark phase) SeV (LS) ; 1 Jan. (1 light phase) SeV (LS) . GOLDEN
EAGLE: 4, 5, 9, 25, 27 Dec., 4, 21 Jan. (2) and 25 Jan. (3) HRA (WiC,
GM) . Bald Eagle: from 26 Nov. regular ( 1 — 7) HRA (KD, LD, WiC, GM) ;

1 5 Jan. (1) Cove Lake (Mr. and Mrs. Louis Smith) . Ring-necked Pheasant:

3 Mar. (3) HC (PR) . Sandhill Crane: 9 Nov. (19) SB (KD, LD) ; 1 8 and
21 Dec. (6) HRA (WiC, GM) ; 22 Dec. (14) HRA (WiC, GM) ; 23 Dec.

( 1 ) HRA (WiC, GM) ; 3 1 Dec. (50) Yellow Creek (Bill McSpadden fide
KD). SEMIPALMATED PLOVER: 23, 28 Dec. and 1 Jan. (6) CrL (RH,
JH, RAH). Killdeer: 30 Nov. (240) SB and HRA (KD, LD). Black-bellied
Plover: 9 Nov. (1 ) HRA (KD, LD) . American Woodcock: 16 Dec. ( 1
"peenting”) Da (DJ) ; 4 Feb. (2) AM (HB, TH, MP) . Common Snipe:
30 Nov. (160) SB and HRA (KD, LD) . Greater Yellowlegs: 16 Nov. (2 )
HRA (KD, LD) . Pectoral Sandpiper: 30 Nov, (1) HRA (KD, LD) . Least
Sandpiper: 30 Nov. (19) HRA (KD, LD) ; 1 Jan. (1) CrL (RH, JH, RAH) .
Dunlin: 30 Jan. (20) CrL (TK) ; 1 Feb. (165 ) SB (KD, LD) . Semipalmated
Sandpiper: 21 Feb. (1) SB (KD, LD) .

Gnlh-Longspurs: LAUGHING GULL: 9-15 Dec. (8—15) CD (KD, LD,
LS, BB, FM). BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE: 7-13 Dec. (1—4) CD, NL
(KD, LD, LSF, FM, BB) . Bonaparte’s Gull: 28 Dec. (24) CL (KD); 23 Dec.
(4) CrL (RH, JH, RAH). Barn Owl: 1-3 regular AM (KD, LD, Bill Davis).
LONG-EARED OWL: 10 Mar. (1) AM, (KD, LD). Red-headed Woodpecker:
2 Feb. (2) JC (DJ). Tree Swallow: 7 NOV. (2) HRA (LD, JMC, FJA).
Purple Martin: 6 Mar. (2 ) SB (Fred Burns fide KD, LD) ; 8 Mar. (1) K
(Charles Isabell, fide J. B. Owen ) . Bewick’s Wren: 27 Feb. (2) JCo (TK,
MDW). Catbird: 14 Nov. (1) CC (JMC, JCH, MDW); 9 Mar. (1) JC
(KJ). YELLOW -BREAST ED CHAT: 12 DEC. (1) Clinton (Walter P.
Nickell). BALTIMORE ORIOLE: 13 JAN. -4 M(ar. (1 female) JC (PR).
Die KISSEL: 1 2 Dec. ( 1 female) Knox Co. (PP) . Red Crossbill: 16 Jan. (2)
JC (PR) . Vesper Sparrow: 25 JAN. (3 ) K (Chuck Nicholson, MDW) . Chip-
ping Sparrow: 14 Nov. (2 ) CC ( JMC, JCH, MDW) ; 9 Feb. (1) Da (LSF) .
LAPLAND LONGSPUR: 15 and 23 Jan. (3) JC (TK). The following rec-
ords should have been included in last season’s report. Short -billed Dowitcher:
17 Sept. (3 ) JC (TK) . Stilt Sandpiper: 17 Sept. (6) JC (TK) . Western
Sandpiper: 17 Sept. (1) JC (TK) .

Locations: AM, — Amnicola Marsh; BL- — Boone Lake; BWP — Booker T.
Washington State Park; C — Cleveland; CC — Campbell County; CD — Chicka-
mauga Dam; CL — Chickamauga Lake; CrL — Cherokee Lake; Da — Daus;
FLL — Fort Loudon Lake; HC — Horse Cove Area; HRA — Hiwassee River
Area; JC — Johnson City; JCo — Jefferson County; K — Knoxville; LHS — Long
Hollow Swamp; NL — Nickajack Lake; SB — Savannah Bay; SeV — Sequatchie
Valley.

Observers: FJA — Fred J. Alsop; BB— Benton Basham; HB — Howard
Brown; JMC — -James M. Campbell; HD — Helen Hill Dove; KD — Ken Dubke;
LD— Lil (Mrs. Ken) Dubke; MD — Martha Dillenbeck; GE — Glen Eller;

[VoL. 43, 1972]

28

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

TH — Taldge Hall; LRH — Dr. Lee R. Herndon; JH — James Holt; RAH —
Richard Holt; RH— Robert Holt; JCH — Dr. J. C. Howell; DJ — Daniel
Jacobsen; KJ — Kathryn Jones; TK — Tony Koella; RK — Ralph Keffer; FM —
Floyd Murdock; GM. — Greer Matthews; MP — Michael Patterson; PP— Paul
Pardue; LR — Len Robertson; PR — Peter Range; LS — Lee Shafer; LSF—Lee
Shafer Family; TOS — Members of Tennessee Ornithological Society; WiC — -
Wilford Caraway; GW— Dr. Gary Wallace; MDW— Morris Williams.

Morris D. Williams, Box 25, Five Points 3 8457.

EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION— The Eastern Mountain Region ex-
perienced a very mild winter with few severe temperatures and little snow-
fall. Northern finches were prevalent throughout the period — many Evening
Grosbeaks, Purple Finches, and Pine Siskins were reported at feeding and band-
ing stations.

Loon-Merganser: Common Loon: 21 Feb. (1) WL (GE). Mallard: through-
out period (max. 35) WiL (GW, GE). Black Duck: throughout period
(1 — 8) WL (LRH, GW, GE). Green-winged Teal: occasional (1 — 2) WiL
(GW, GE). American Widgeon: throughout period (2 — 5) WiL (GW, GE).
Redhead: occasional (1) WiL (GW, GE). GREATER SCAUP: 25 Nov. (2)
WiL (LRH, GW, GE). Lesser Scaup: 25 Nov. (1) WiL (LRH, GW, GE).
Bufflehead: throughout period (max. 100) WiL (GW, GE) ; Common Mer-
ganser: 23 Jan. (1) WL (LRH, GE).

Hawk-Warblers: Sharp-shinned Hawk: 26 Feb. (1) S (GW, GE). Turkey:
1-7 Feb. (max. 27) CWMA (BY). American Woodcock: 26 Feb. (2) WS
(GW, GE). Barred Owl: 13 Mar. (1) RM (MS). Red-headed Woodpecker:
18 Dec. (2) S (GW, Ed Davidson). Common Raven: 6 Mar. (2) RM (MS).
Eastern Bluebird: 6 Mar. (50) RM (MS). CAPE MAY WARBLER: 16 Jan.
(1) killed as it flew into window of Tom E. Wilson home, Bristol (PC, fide
LRH). Bird was an immature male. Myrtle Warbler: 6 Mar. (75) EFH (PR).
YELLOW -BREAST ED CHAT: 4 Dec. (1) H (LRH, GW).

Blackbird s-Sparrows — Rusty Blackbird: throughout period (max. 20) H
(LRH, GW, GE). BREWER’S BLACKBIRD: throughout period (1--5) H
(LRH, GW, GE). Evening Grosbeak: first 13 Nov. (2) HC (MS); max. on
3 Dec. (150) E (William Hardin). Purple Finch: first 2 5 Nov. (12) HC
(MS). Pine Siskin: throughout period (max. 20) E (GE). Red Crossbill: 23
Jan. (11) WL (LRH, GE). Savannah Sparrow: 11 Mar. (1) CF (GW). Fox
Sparrow: 2 Feb. (1) S (GE) ; 6 Mar. (1) RM (MS). Swamp Sparrow: 11
Jan. (1) CF (LRH).

Locations: CF — County Farm, near Elizabethton, E — Elizabethton, EFH —
Erwin Fish Hatchery, H — Hampton, RM — Roan Mtn., S— Siam, Carter Co.,
UWMA— Unicoi Wildlife Management Area, WL— Watauga Lake, WS—
Watauga Swamp, WiL — Wilber Lake.

Observers: PC — Paul Crawford, GE — Glen Eller, LRH — -Lee R. Herndon,
PR — Pete Range, MS — Maxie Swindell, GW — Gary Wallace, BY — Bill Yam-
bert.

Brent Rowell, 2227 Edgemont Av., Bristol 37620.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

PREPARATION OF COPY FOR PUBLICATION

The purpose of THE MIGRANT is the recording of observations and
original information derived from the study of birds, primarily in the state
of Tennessee or the area immediately adjacent to its borders. Articles for
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NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitaHzed followed by
binomial scientific name in italics only after the first occurrence in the text
for both regular articles and Round Table Notes, and should conform to
the A.O.U. Check-hst 5th edition, 1957. Trinomial should be used only after
the specimen has been measured or compared with typical specimens.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: When there are more than five references in an article,
they should be placed at the end of the article, otherwise they should be
appropriately included in the text.

SUMMARY: Articles of five or more pages in length should be sum-
marized briefly, drawing attention to the main conclusions resulting from
the work performed.

IDENTIFICATION: Rare or unusual species identification to be accept-
able must be accompanied by verifying evidence. This should include: date,
time, light and weather conditions, exact location, habitat, optical equipment,
distance, behavior of bird, comparison with other similar species, characteristic
markings, experience of observer, other observers verifying observation and
reference works consulted.

REPRINTS: Reprints are available on request. Reprint requests should
accompany article at the time of submission. Billing to authors will be
through the state T.O.S. Treasurer.

Books for review and articles for publication should be submitted to the
editor. Seasonal reports and items should be forwarded to the appropriate
departmental editor whose name and address will be found on the inside
front cover.

CONTENTS

Observations of Campbell County Birds

/. C. Howell and James M. Campbell 1

Request for Information — Shorebirds Recapture Operation 4

Bird Finding in Tennessee

Lee R. Herndon 5

Dixon Lanier Merritt (1879-1972). Albert F. Ganier 8

The 1971 Christmas Season Bird Counts

Edited by Lee R. Herndon 10

Round Table Notes

Henslow’s Sparrows in Blount and Knox Counties

Fred J. Alsop, III 19

Harris’s Sparrow in Montgomery County, Tennessee

/. William Sexton and Donald F. Harker 20

Glaucous Gull on Fort Loudon Lake

Chuck Nicholson and Andy Morton 21

The Season. Edited by Fred ]. Alsop, III 22

Western Coastal Plain. David E. Fatterson 22

Central Plateau and Basin Region. Henry E. Farmer 24

Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Morris D. Williams 26

Eastern Mountain Region. Brent Rowell

28

•A QUi^RTERLY JQURNflL
'•'/OTEDvTO TENNESSEE BIRDS

i^yisfieJ ^ "^1
IthetennesseeI

I ORNlTHOLOGICALl
|k SOCIETY J|

:5^5'-VTs^\&v7^ *^1 v^yi-7»;/-V

^^ppi

•/}-,»J::''.!w

v'?p'.ir.v:\'ji

^V#lW l'-

r.v.?t?v{u * •«

JUNE 1972

VOL. 43, NO. 2

THE MIGRANT

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

FIRST PUBLISHED, JUNE 1930

Published By

THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Founded at Nashville, Tenn., 7 October 1915
A non-profit, educational, scientific, and conservation organization.

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR DR. GARY O. WALLACE

Rt. 7, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

**TIiE SEASON*’ EDITOR FRED J. ALSOP, III

Apt. 147 Taliwa Court, Chapman Highway, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920

‘'STATE COUNT COMPILER” DR. LEE R. HERNDON

Rt. 6, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

OFFICERS FOR 1971-1973

PRESIDENT DR. JAMES T. TANNER

Rt. 28, Box 155, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920

VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN MR. C. T. OTTENFELD

Brookwood, Rt. 5, Bristol, Tenn. 37622

VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN MISS LOUISE JACKSON

5037 Montclair Dr., Nashville, Tenn. 37211

VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN DR. ARLO SMITH

3724 Oakley Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 38111
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE:

EAST TENN MRS. A. H. SWITZER

1620 Fairidge Place, Kingsport, Tenn. 37664

MIDDLE TENN MRS. JOHN D. HASSLER

Box 1, Byrdstown, Tenn. 38549

WEST TENN DAVID PITTS

Biology Dept., University of Tenn. at Martin, Martin, Tenn. 38237

CURATOR ALBERT F. GANIER

2112 Woodlawn Drive, Nashville, Tenn. 37212

SECRETARY MISS LOUISE NUNNALLY

2701 Fairmont Blvd., Knoxville, Tenn. 37917

TREASURER KENNETH H. DUBKE

720 Bacon Trail, Apt. 1, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37412

Annual dues, $3.00; Sustaining, $3.00; Life, $100.00; Student, $1.00; Family, $4.00;
Library, $3.00 (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Back numbers
may be had from Dr. James T. Tanner, Rt. 10, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920. Correspond with the
Treasurer for subscriptions, memberships, and changes of address.

Published quarterly (March, June, September, and December). Printed by Preston
Printing Company, 509-311 Shelby Street, Bristol, Tennessee 37620, U.S.A. Postage paid
and mailed at Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643, U.S.A.

K-

THE MIGRANT

Published by the Tennessee Ornithological Society,
to Record and Encourage the Study of Birds in Tennessee.
Issued in March, June, September, and December.

VOL. 43

JUNE, 1972

NO. 2

THE SANDHILL CRANE IN TENNESSEE

By Jon E. DeVore
Introduction

Having for some time followed with deliberate interest the accumulating
records of sightings of the Sandhill Crane (Grus ca^tadensis) in Tennessee, I
feel reasonably confident the body of data is now sufficient to present in the
form of a short paper. It is my intention, in so doing, not only to present an
"in tO'to” listing of the records but also briefly discuss certain questions of
interest which arise concerning crane movements through the state. Namely:
span of peak migration periods and flock sizes; the idea of a migration cor-
ridor; the. role weather conditions plays in influencing sightings; the number
of day versus night records; the question of wintering birds; and sub-specific
identification.

Migration Periods

By referring to Table 1, I believe the reader can easily see that the records
fall rather conveniently into three large classes: Spring Records, Summer Rec-
ords, Fall Records. Some individuals may question the efficacy of placing the
sightings of 1 June 193 5, August 1936, and 1 August 1965, in a separate
class by themselves but when one considers the time span between these
sightings and the Fall and Spring migration periods, assignment appears justi-
fied. I will have some additional comments on these Summer Records under
the topic of Sub-specific Identification. Again, referring to Table 1, we can
see that spring migration appears to be much more abrupt and clearly deline-
ated. Eighty percent of the spring records fall in the 26 day span from 2
March to 28 March. The fall migration, on the other hand, appears to be
more leisurely and drawn out. Seventy-nine percent of the fall records fall in
the 54 day span from 15 October to 8 December. Like the considerable dif-
ference between the two migration periods, average flock size for the sightings
varies to a great degree. Omitting records such as "unknown”, "small group”,
and "large flock”, the 34 spring sightings involved 1,321 birds, while the 37
fall sightings involved 997 birds. This gives an average flock size for the
spring sightings of 3 8.85 birds, while for the fall the average flock size is
26.94 birds. Considering the spring and fall sightings combined, we find an
average flock size of 32.64 birds.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

30

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

TABLE 1. RECORDS OF THE SANDHILL CRANE IN TENNESSEE

Spring Records

February 1 , 1953 Shelby Co., Memphis (2) H.T. Barbig, Migrant 24:11

February 25, 1950 Anderson Co., Oak Ridge Nat. Lab (4) J.G. Carlson, Migrant 23:7

March, 1968

March 2, 1970

March 2, 1971

March 4 , 1965

March 4, 1968

March 4 , 1970

March 4, 1970

March 5, 1969

March 10, 1968. . .
March 11 , 1964. . .
March 11 , 1968. . .
March 11 , 1970. . .
March 12, 1961. . .
March 13, 1939. . .
March 13, 1969. . .
March 13, 1970. . .
March 14, 1960. . .
March 14, 1961. . .
March 14, 1969. . .
March 14, 1971. . .
March 15, 1960. . .
March 15, 1965. . .
March 15, 1971. . .
March 16-22, 1969

March 20, 1968

March 21, 1971. . .

March 25 , 1954

March 28, 1968. . .

Cumberland Co., Crossville

Rhea Co., Hiwassee Island

Rhea Co., Hiwassee Island

Cumberland Co., Catoosa W.M.A

Cumberland Co. , Cumberland Mountain

Pickett Co., Byrdstown

Marion Co., Whitwell

Pickett Co., Byrdstown

Pickett Co., Byrdstown

Knox Co., Knoxville

Knox Co., Oak Ridge Hwy

Putnam' Co., Lilydale

Rhea Co., Hiwassee Island

Cumberland Co., Crab Orchard

Hamilton Co., Savannah Bay

Sequatchie Co., Dunlap

Hamilton Co., Harrison Bay

Cumberland Co., Hebbertsville

Pickett Co., Byrdstown

Hamilton Co., Collegedale «

Hamilton Co., Savannah Bay

Overton Co., Livingston

Pickett Co., Byrdstown

Rhea Co., Hiwassee Island

Knox Co., Knoxville

Pickett Co., Byrdstown

Knox Co., Knoxville

Knox Co. , Tecoa

S. P

(1)

(50)

(7)

(1)

(1)

.... (128)

(12)

(56)

.... (31)

(7)

(11)

.... (125)

(1)

(13)

.... (100)

(8)

. ... (67)

(1)

(51)

(56)

(47)

(40-53)

.... (35)

(4 flocks, appx.
100 birds each)

(11)

(30)

(4)

.... (11)

H. Rogers, per. comm.

A. Aslinger, Migrant 41:46
W. Caraway. Migrant 42:46

J. Lewis, Migrant 36:13

E. Woody fide L.E. Williams
R. Hassler, Migrant 41:43

L. Shafer fide K. Dubke

R. Hassler, Migrant 40: 63-64
R. Hassler, Migrant 40: 63-64
H. Overton, Migrant 35:38

M. Swindell fide J.B. Owen
R. Hinds, Migrant 41:43
Chattanooga T.O.S., Migrant 32:7
P. Adams, Migrant 10:16

K. Dubke. Migrant 40:49

B. Basham fide K. Dubke
J. Tucker, Migrant 31:19

J. Lewis, Migrant 36:13

R. Hassler7~Migrant 40:63-64

N. Halverson, Migrant 42:46
B. Basham, Migrant 31:19

R. Hinds, Migrant 37:16
R. Hassler fide K. Dubke

A. Aslinger fide L.E. Williams

K. Sanders, Migrant 39:45
R. Hassler, fide K. Dubke
Audubon Field Notes 8: 311-312
J. Maxey fide F. Olson

April 1 , 1958 Knox Co., near U.T. Plant Science Farm... (Small Group).. B. Crouch fide H. Overton

April 16, 1958 Anderson Co., Clinton (4) F. Olson, M. Swindell fide F, Olson

Summer Records

June 1, 1935 Hamilton Co., Chattanooga.

August, 1936 Bedford Co., Shelbyvil le . .

August 1, 1965 Hamilton Co., Savannah Bay

(1) W.K. Butts, Migrant 7:24

(4) J.M. .Edney, Jour. Term. Acad. Sci . 15:401

(l) J. DeVore, Migrant 37:15

Fall Records

October 15, 1971

October 17, 1970

October 18, 1962

October 21, 1951

October 21, 1968

October 21 , 1968

October 22-24, 1942. .

October 23, 1968

October 23, 1968

October 27, 1969

October 30, 1969

Rhea Co., Hiwassee Island..

Morgan Co., Wartburg

Hamilton Co., Chattanooga.,
Anderson Co., Norris Lake.,
Hamilton Co., Savannah Bay.

Pickett Co., Byrdstown

Sevier Co., Seymour

Blount Co., Maryville

Sevier Co. , GSMNP

Pickett Co. , Byrdstown

Pickett Co., Byrdstown

(40) ...
(24) ...

(1) ...
(4) ...
(3) ...

(Unknown)
(50) ...

(41) ...
(27) ...

(113) ...

(21) ...

W. Caraway fide K. Dubke

D. Todd, Migrant 41:84

R.L. Comstock, Aud. Field Notes 17 : 33

J.C. Howell, Migrant 23:7

K. Dubke, Migrant 39:92

R. Hassler, Migrant 40:63-64

H.P. Ijams, Migrant 13:56

I. Williams, B. Wuest, Migrant 39:92

H. Overton, Migrant 39:96

R. Hassler, Migrant 40:89

R. Hassler, Migrant 40:89

November 3 , 1970 Knox Co., Farragut High School....

November 6, 1968 Rutherford Co., Murfreesboro

November 8, 1969 Blount Co., Maryville

November 8, 1971 Cumberland Co., Crossville

November 9 , 1968 Hamilton Co., Hixson

November 9, 1971 Hamilton Co., Savannah Bay

November 9, 1971 Rhea Co., Hiwassee Island

November 10, 1956.... Union Co., Hurricane

November 10, 1968.... Hamilton Co., Savannah Bay

November 13, 1959 to

February 28, I960.... Knox Co., Andrew Jackson Lake area

November 13, 1967.... Bradley Co.', Candies Creek

November 15, 1964.... Knox Co., U.T. Biology Building...

November 15-16, 1966. Pickett Co., Byrdstown

November 15, 1966.... Knox Co., U.T. Plant Science Farm.

November 19, 1968.... Rhea Co., Hiwassee Island

November 29, 1967.... Putnam Co., Cookeville

November 30, 1820.... Shelby-Tipton Co. line. Third

Chickasaw Bluff, Twelve Outlets..,,

(3) P. Pardue, Knox. Journal Nov. 7, 1970

(3) H.O. Todd, Migrant 40:20

(23) S. Trentham, Knox Journal Nov. 13, 1969

(12) J. Kinchen fide R. Hassler

(276) J. DeVore, Mipant 40:64-65

(17) K. and L. Dubke, per. comm.

(2) K. and L. Dubke, per. comm.

(4) Audubon Field Notes 11:264-266

(3) M. Lilly, Migrant 40:22

(1) B. Hamilton, J.B. Owen, Migrant 31:18-19

(14) K. Dubke, Migrant 38:98

(13) J.C. Howell fide J.B. Owen

(66) R. Hassler, Migrant 40:63-64

(1) H. Overton, Migrant 38:2-3

(20) L.H. Harms, per. comm.

(3) R. Hinds, Migrant 38:97

(Large flock).. J.J. Audubon, Migrant 11:59-61

December

2.

1969

Rhea Co . ,

Hiwassee

Island. . .

December

6,

1968

Norris T.Akf*

December

8,

1962

Blount Co

. , Hwy. 73 at GSMNP,

December

18,

, 1971

Rhea Co . ,

Hiwassee

Island. . . ,

December

20,

, 1971

Rhea Co . ,

Hiwassee

Island. . . .

December

21,

, 1971

Rhea Co . ,

Hiwassee

Island. . . .

December

22,

, 1971

Rhea Co. ,

Hiwassee

Island. . . ,

December

23,

, 1971

Bledsoe Co., Fall Creek Fall:

December

23,

, 1971

Rhea Co . ,

Hiwassee

Island. . . ,

December

24,

, 1969

Rhea Co . ,

Hiwassee

Island. . . ,

December

31,

, 1971

Rhea Co. ,

Yellow Creek

(38)

(75)

(13)
(6)
(6).-
(6)

(14)
(1)
(1)
(2)

(+50)

W.H. Allen fide K. Dubke

J.C. Howell fide J.B. Owen

M. Farrar, J. Campbell, Migrant 34:93-94

W. Caraway fide K. Dubke

W. Caraway fide K. Dubke

W. Caraway fide K. Dubke

W. Caraway fide K. Dubke

B. Basham, per. comm.

W. Caraway fide K. Dubke

W. Caraway fide K. Dubke

A. Aslinger fide K. Dubke

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

31

Migration Corridor

From the map showing the location of sightings (See Figure 1 ) one can
see that the line of flight across the state tends to be a slightly diagonal, rather
restricted, path which might best be considered a "migration corridor”. The
Great Smoky Mountains and Knoxville mark the eastern edge of the corridor
and Chattanooga and Center Hill Reservoir the western edge. The Hiwassce
Island area in the south and Byrdstown in the north mark the approximate
middle of the corridor with both these locations having accounted for a good
many of the reported sightings. The absence of records from the northeastern
part of the state (even with T.O.S. chapters in Bristol, Elizabethton, Kings-
port, and Greeneville) , along with the scarcity of records as one moves west
of the corridor (Henry Palmer, in his Birds of The Nashville Area, lists no
records of the Sandhill Crane from reports which go back 5 0 years) only
serves to highlight the stability of this flight lane across Tennessee. The reader
should be aware that the "corridor” concept only marks an area where most
sightings have occurred in the past and, in which, one would probably have
the greatest probability of seeing the species in the future.

Day Versus Night Sightings

Walkinshaw (1960) states, "We do not know whether cranes fly continu-
ously from northern Indiana and southern Michigan to their wintering grounds
or whether they stop in isolated spots for night roosting. They might stop
only when weather conditions become unfavorable. It does seem as though
cranes would be observed on the ground more often if they did stop for the
night. Only occasionally are they seen on the ground.” Lewis (196 5) com-
menting on migration through Tennessee states, "The paucity of observations
is probably due to several factors. Cranes migrate at high altitudes and would
not normally be recognized from the ground. Walkinshaw (1960) felt that
the cranes migrate from the Okefenokee Swamp to the Jasper-Pulaski State
Game Preserve, Indiana, in a 24 hour flight without stopping execept for short
rests or inclement weather. If they left the Okefenokee at dawn, most of the
flight over Tennessee and Kentucky would be at night.” In light of the records
presented in Table 1, I feel some points in these statements deserve discussion.
First, it is quite evident that cranes do stop within the state and that their
sojourn, whether a few hours or days in length, is prompted not so much by
weather conditions but rather by an apparent desire for rest and/or feeding.
As illustration of this point the following data should be considered: 1 Feb-
ruary 195 3 (on ground at Shelby County Penal Farm for about one quarter
hour); 4 March 1965 (on ground in field at about 11:00); 4 March 1968
(on shore of lake at Cumberland Mountain State Park, stayed four or five
days); 9 March 1967 (feeding in farm field); 11 March 1968 (feeding in
farm field); 13 March 1939 (feeding in marshy area and adjacent fields);
14 March 1961 (standing in road) ; 15 March 1965 (in farm field) ; 28 March
1968 (feeding in apple orchard); 16 April 195 8 (feeding old orchard); 22-24
October 1942 (fed in wheat field for three days); 8 November 1969 (feeding
in field); 8 November 1971 (on ground in a picked corn field); 9 November
1971 (feeding in short grass and shallow water at Savannah Bay) ; 9 Novem-
ber 1971 (feeding in grain field at Hiwassee Island); 13 November 1967
(coming to roost on lake shore); 15 November 1966 (on ground at Plant
Science Farm); and 1 August 1965 (in shallow marsh and mudflat area in

[VoL. 43, 1972]

32

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

FIGURE I - RECORDS OF THE SANDHILL CRANE IN TENNESSEE

association with Common Egrets {Caswerod/iis albns) , Little Blue Herons
{Florida caenilea) , and Great Blue Heron ( Ardea herodias). In addition, Wil-
liam Allen, former Assistant Supervisor For Waterfowl Management with the
Tennessee Game and Fish Commission, in a letter dated 24 April 1969, to
Lovett E. Williams, Jr., in Florida mentions that cranes frequently have
stopped at the Hiwassee Island area, stayed two to four days, and then
moved on.

Secondly, we should realize that not "all” of the cranes leaving the
northern Breeding grounds or the southern wintering areas do so in the early
morning hours. Therefore, we should, and the records indicate we do, have
birds coming through the state at various hours of the day from sunrise to
sunset. By way of illustration it might be simplest to point out that, with the
exception of the 21 October 1968, record at Byrdstown, all the sightings have
been made from the early morning to late evening hours.

Influence of Weather Conditions

A quick review of the records gives us some examples of the role which
different weather conditions may play in infuencing sightings of cranes. The
record of 14 March 1961, was of a crane observed standing in the middle of
the road near Hebbertsville, Cumberland County. The crane had apparently
lit on the road as a result of a heavy fog which covered the area. The record
of 15 March 1965, was of a flock of cranes numbering 40 to 53 birds which
had apparently been forced to land in a farm field as a result of a sudden
snow storm. The writer’s sighting of 276 cranes on 9 November 1968, was
no doubt, in part, prompted by adverse weather conditions at the time which
involved storm front activity with a consequential low ceiling and fogging
conditions. Although the exact role played by different weather conditions in
influencing crane sightings may remain tenuous, certain general patterns do
emerge. First, extremely severe frontal systems appear to not only play a role
in crane movements but also in pushing them down to observable heights.
Secondly, a decrease in ground or upper atmospheric visibility, as due to heavy
fogs, snow or rain storms, appears to push the migrating cranes down or to
confuse them considerably.

Wintering Birds

We can say with some bit of authority that Sandhill Cranes have wintered
within the state and that we should not be too surprised to find them doing
so again in the future. The first wintering record for the state occurred when
a single crane was observed in the Andrew Jackson Lake vicinity of Knox
County from 13 November 1959, to 28 February 1960. It is apparent that
during the winter of 1971-72, a large number of cranes wintered in the vi-

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

33

cinity of the Hiwassee Island State Waterfowl Refuge located at the conflu-
ence of the Tennessee and Hiwassee Rivers. The records of 18, 20, 21, 22, 23,
and 31 December 1971, were of groups of cranes seen flying up and down the
Tennessee River and numbering 1 to 5 0 individuals. The record of one crane
on 23 December 1971, were of groups of cranes seen flying up and down the
Tennessee River and numbering 1 to 5 0 individuals. The record of one crane
on 23 December 1971, at Fall Creek Falls State Park, slightly due west of the
Hiwassee area, was probably a straggler from this wintering population. If
one refers back to Figure 1, it can readily be seen that the migration corridor
is dotted with six major lakes and countless rivers and smaller streams. The
Ridge-and- Valley area which cuts diagonally from the northeast to the south-
west across the migration corridor also has (especially in the areas immediately
adjacent to the larger rivers and lakes) extensive agricultural areas which are
not generally utilized in the winter months. These areas would provide excel-
lent wintering conditions.

Sub-specific Identification

The question of sub-specific identification invariably arises when one is in
an area which has recorded sightings for the Spring, Fall, and Summer months.
I think it would be judicious at this point, in closing, to present what evidence
we have, both concrete and implied, on this touchy subject. It has long been
assumed (for example see Walkinshaw, 1949, 1960) that the cranes which
migrate across Tennessee in the spring and fall are representatives of the eastern
population of the Greater Sandhill Crane (G. r. tabida). Until 4 March 1968,
however, we had no really conclusive proof of this assumption. On that date
a banded Sandhill Crane was captured on the shore of a lake at Cumberland
Mountain State Park by Senior Ranger E. Woody. After duly recording, and
subsequently reporting, band number 5 09-84803, the crane was released. It
stayed in the area for four or five days and then disappeared. It was learned
that the crane had been banded in northern Florida by the Florida Game and
Fresh Water Fish Commission and was, indeed, a representative of G. c. tabida.
This might have ended the story, supplying us with our long sought proof,
but there was more to come. On 10 April 1968, a young gentleman by the
name of Thomas Allen Paul, age 12, was mushrooming with his family in a
field about a mile southwest of Decatur, Michigan (near Mudd Lake) when
they came upon the body of a crane. It still bore its green plastic wing tag
and leg band and appeared to have died from natural causes. The reported
number proved it to be the same bird recorded over a month previously in
Tennessee. This is only one bit of proof, but it does give us a look at the
movements of these great birds. I think it is a fairly safe assumption that our
spring and fall migrating cranes belong to the tabida subspecies. The three
summer records present us with somewhat of a more perplexing problem.
Where did these birds come from and what form do they represent, the Greater
Sandhill (G. c. tabida) or the Florida form (G. c. pratensis) ? Let’s look at
the records individually. In reporting the record of 1 June 193 5, both Dr.
Butts (1936) and Albert Ganier (Editor’s Note) felt the bird was probably
of the Florida form (G. c. prateusis) , but failed to offer any specific evidence
thereof. I have talked with Dr. Butts concerning the specimen and he relates
it was destroyed several years past. As regards the record by J. M. Edney
(1940) for August 1936, I have examined a specimen in the possession of the
Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, which is reported

[VoL. 43, 1972]

34

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

to be the bird collected from the flock of four. Measurements are: length of
exposed culmen — 132.5 mm; length of tarsus — left 232.0 mm, right 227.0
mm; length of bare tibia — left 84 mm, right 100 mm. Even with the varia-
tion in lengths due to mounting, the measurements appear to conform most
closely with those given for the Greater Sandhill Crane (G. c. tabida) (See
Walkinshaw, 1949). The writer’s record of a single crane on 1 August 1965,
offers no evidence either way since I did not have the bird in hand nor did I,
at the time, specifically note minute color characteristics or size. There are
logical arguments for assuming that the 1 June 1935, and 1 August 1965, are
either the Greater Sandhill (G. c. tabida) or the Florida form (G. c. pratemis) ,
but I suppose we must wait for another specimen for proof one way or the
other.

Summary

A total of 74 records of the Sandhill Crane are listed for the state of
Tennessee. Migration through Tennessee is discussed, with spring migration
being noted as rather abrupt, while fall migration is noted as being more
drawn out. Average observed flock size is computed for the records, with
the spring figure being 3 8.85 birds per sighting and the fall figure 26.94
birds per sighting. A proposed migration corridor is delineated as extending
from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the east to Chattanooga
in the west. The topic of day-versus-night sightings is covered, with data
presented to indicate that almost all the records are for cranes seen in the
daylight hours, either flying or on the ground feeding and/or resting. The
influence weather conditions have on sightings is discussed, with two being
proposed as influential. They are: (1) severe frontal systems and (2) visi-
bility. Records of wintering cranes are discussed while, at the same time,
pointing out the availability of wintering habitat. The question of sub-specific
identification is covered, presentng what data, both concrete and implied, is
now recorded.

Acknowledgments

Grateful thanks are extended to all those individuals who, through their
unselfish contribution of time spent gathering and providing records and ex-
planatory remarks, made this paper possible. They include: my ever enthusi-
astic wife Nancy, Dr. W. K. Butts, Ken and Lil Dubke, EaMoine Harms,
Robbie Hassler, Dr. Fee R. Herndon, Francis Olson, Holly Overton, J. B.
Owen, Charles Smith, and Eovett Williams, Jr.

LITERATURE CITED

Butts, W. K. 1936. "A Florida (Sandhill) Crane at Chattanooga”. The
Migrant 7:24.

Edney, J. M. 1940. "The Sandhill Crane In Middle Tennessee”. ]our. Tenn.
Acad. Sci. 15:401.

Fewis, j. C. 1965. "Sandhill Cranes In Cumberland County”. The Migrant

Walkinshaw F. H. 1949. The Sndhill Cranes. Cranbrook Institute of
Science, Bulletin No. 29, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

. 1960. "Migration of The Sandhill Crane East

of The Mississippi River”. The Wilson Bulletin 72: 3 5 8-3 84.

Apt. A-5, The Colony House, 1510 Huntington Drive, Murfreesboro
37130.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

55

ANNUAL AUTUMN HAWK COUNT

By Thomas W. Finucane

The number of hawks recorded in September migration, 1971, was 13,700,
exceeded only three times in 22 years of Tennessee Ornithological Society
hawk-migration study. Hours of observation were 2 5 0, about average. More
than 60 people participated, at 14 locations. Eleven species of hawks were
reported, including a Bald Eagle and our first positively identified Goshawk.
More than 98 percent of the hawks were Broad- wings. More September Sharp-
shins were reported than ever before in our project, and we had a record num-
ber of Ospreys. The halfway-point in the counts came on 2 5 Sept. In 1969 and
1970 the peak came on 26 and 2 5 Sept, but 22 Sept, is still the weighted
mean for 22 years, because in 1968, when the total was 24,000, there was an
early peak.

The number of hawks counted in the last seven years double the count
for the preceding seven years (195 8-64) although hours of observation were
greater in the earlier period (249 vs. 219). From accumulated experience we
can now make a better selection of dates and locations for observation. Fur-
thermore, at the Mendota Fire Tower station, for example, we have been spot-
ting more distant hawk flights, that pass the tower without ever getting near
the zenith. This expansion of the sphere of observation was initiated by a few
sharp-eyed people, like Eugene Scott and Bob Quillen, who began hawkwatch-
ing at the Mendota lookout about seven years ago.

These improvements are probably not enough to account for the entire
growth in the numbers of hawks counted during the past seven years. At
Hawk Mountain, Pennsylvania, where daily, autumn watches have been kept
for more • than 3 0 years, season totals for Sharp-shins, Broad-wings, Marsh
Hawks, and Ospreys are higher than ever before. Their Osprey count has in-
creased every year for the last five years, from a record 457 in 1967 to a
record 613 in 1971. During the same period nesting populations of the species
in eastern North America have nearly disappeared.

An explanation that seems to have been overlooked is that the increasing
numbers of migrating hawks may be to some degree a result of the tremendous
effort that is being made to prevent the destruction of wildlife. The Hawk
Mountain Foundation was established to combat the annual slaughter of many
thousands of migrating hawks on "Pennsylvania’s bloody ridges” by gunners
egged on by purveyors of arms and ammunition. What looked like a signifi-
cant increase in migrating Peregrines, in the fall of 1971, motivated the
following comment by Clive E. Goodwin and Richard C. Rosche: "In Britain
the Peregrines began slowly to recover surprisingly soon after pesticide use
was curtailed, and it has been curtailed in Canada (and in Ontario banned)
for two or three years now.” {American Birds, 26:56).

Maybe the Ospreys that fly by and are counted in ever increasing numbers
are populations that have prospered from expanded winter habitat made avail-
able by depletion of Osprey nesting populations in eastern United States. And
we may be experiencing a phase of a long-period weather cycle that is deflect-
ing the hawk migration eastward.

A north-south oriented cold front extending from Canada to Mexico
passed rapidly across Tennessee on 23 September. At 7 a.m., the front had just

[VoL. 43, 1972]

36

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

ANNUAL AUTUMN HAUK COUNT 1971

No.

Date

Obs.

Hrs.

Area V/ind

Sky

T.

Shn

Cpr

Rdt

Rsh

Bwing

Msh

Osp

SpH

Others

1

9/11

2

6

K

E-NV/-2

4

75

4

1

3

-

23

-

-

-

2u

2

12

EL

2

D

S-SE-4

5

72

1

-

2

-

17

-

-

-

-

-

5

12

W

6}^

W

NW-5-4

2

-

-

-

-

-

2

-

-

-

-

-

4

12

0

5

K

N.V-E-NW

5

63

7

5

1

2

1

-

-

-

-

2u

5

14

D

5

D .

W-4

0

-

2

-

-

-

1'

-

-

-

-

6

14

B

5

L

NV/-4-5

3

50

-

1

2

-

2

-

1

-

-

-

7

14

FY

7

H

NW-2

1

-

1

1

3

5

82

-

1

4

Peregn

8

15

M

4

■D

Nv/-W-E

2

75

lb

-

9

15

F

7

H

SU-SE-5

0

80

-

-

1

-

• 61

-

-

-

Pereen

10

16

FJ

5

M

S-1-2

3

65

-

-

-

-

19

1

-

-

-

-

11

18

10

1

C

S-S;/-l

1

70

-

-

-

35

-

-

-

-

-

12

18

B

6/

L

S-SE-5

2

55

-

-

1

-

1

-

-

-

lb

-

15

19

LV¥

7

D

SSE-SW

4

75

-

-

2

-

51

-

-

-

-

-

14

19

N

3

T

S-4-6

3

69

1 •

-

3

-

3

-

-

-

-

-

15

19

0

8/

K

SE-SV/-3

5

68

8

-

4

1

51

-

1

-

-

5u

16

19

HJK

8/

M

SE-3U-3

3

-

1

-

-

-

187

-

-

1

-

-

17

20

DIR

5)^

D

S,'//NE-2

2

65

-

1

2

-

44

1

-

-

2b

-

18

20

FKU

5

. M

S-4

4

-

1

-

1

-

134

-

1

-

• -

Iv

19

21

A

3

F

N-2

1

74

-

-

-

-

27

1

-

-

-

-

,20

21

MP

7

D

SE-SU-2

2

-

-

-

-

-

53

-

-

-

If2alu

21

22

A

7

F

N-1

0

75

-

-

-

■-

386

-

-

-

If

-

22

22

F

5)^

Ki

SSE-4-5

3

60

-

1

-

-

7

1

1

1

-

-

23

23

N

3

E

sy-3-0

3

70

-

1

-

-

34

-

-

-

-

-

24

23

S

6

M

-

5

-

9

-

4

-

94

2

3

2

-

-

25

24

A

4

F

NE-2

0

72

-

-

-

2

68

-

-

-

-

-

26

24

L

4

D

NNE-3

3

70

-

2

-

1

299

-

-

-

If

_

27

24

FSX

8

H

NE-E-4

2

73

8

9

3

-

1639

-

10

3

Goshwk

28

25

AT

5

F

SE-3

4

68

-

-

-

-

2

1

-

-

-

-

29

25

30

2

S

1-2

4

-

-

-

-

-

69

-

-

-

-

-

30

25

LE

2

D

S-SE-5

5

-

1

-

1

-

43

-

1

-

-

-

31

25

32

3

V

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1500

-

-

-

-

-

32

25

w

6/

w

SE-S\v-3

4

-

-

5

-

-

• 82

-

-

2

-

-

33

25

NO

8/

K

SE-O-3

4

68

17

1

7

-

904

-

2

1

-

9u

34

25

TKZ

4

M

SSE-3

5

60

1

-

-

-

72

-

-

. -

-

35

25

S

3

N

SE

2

-

-

-

-

-

2072

•-

-

-

-

36

26

E

4

H

S-SV/

2

78

-

2

■-

-

710

1

-

2

-

-

37

26

L

3)^

D

SU-0-5

5

70

1

-

1

-

73

-

1

-

-

-

38

27

A

7

F

S-2

2

72

2

-

-

1

634

-

-

-

-

-

39

27

D

4

D

w-5_

1

72

-

1

-

-

657

1

1

-

-

-

40

27

B

6/

J

NV/-N-3

3

60

-

-

-

-

245

-

-

-

la

-

41

27

FS

5)^

M

S-1

V

75

2

1

1

-

412

-

1

1

-

-

42

28

A

4

F

SE-1

1

74

-

-

-

75

-

-

1

B Eagl

43

28

R

4

R

ILE-1

2

87

-

-

-

1586

-

-

-

If

-

44

28

D

4/

D

E-S-0-5

1

74

1

-

1

-

175

-

2

1

-

-

45

28

B

6

P

SE-1-3

5

59

-

-

,2

-

3

1

-

-

-

-

46

28

F

8

M

SE-S-2

1

-

-

-

-

-

531

-

2

-

la

-

47

29

M

3. .

D

NE-0-2

2

-

-

-

-

-

52

-

-

-

2f

-

48

29

F

6)^

M'

NE-NW-1

-

-

1

-

-

331

-

-

-

-

2u

49

50

QR

2

D

N-NE-3

2

-

-

-

-

86

-

-

-

-

-

50

10/4

F

3

K

SE-0-2

4

-

1

-

-

-

18

-

-

-

la

lu

TOTALS

250

68

34

45

12

13452

11

28

19

42

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

37

crossed the western edge of Arkansas, and 24 hrs. later it was on the Atlantic
coast, at and above the latitude of Tennessee. This was the only event of its
kind in September, 1971, and as in other years, large hawk flights were ob-
served on the days following. On 23 September Lil Dubke reported heavy fog
and no hawks, in the Chattanooga area. The Darnells reported heavy fog and
a few hawks at the Meadow Creek lookout, near Greeneville, and Eugene Scott
had overcast, rain, and a few hawks over the Mendota Fire Tower, north of
Bristol.

On the next two days, Friday and Saturday, we counted 675 0 hawks, more
than half the season’s total. On Friday the Mendota Fire Tower had its best
day. The flight began before 10' a.m. and continued until after 6 p.m. Ten
Ospreys were sighted, high in the sky. A Goshawk remained in the area long
enough for everyone to study it while it circled over Moccasin Creek and was
attacked by a Cooper’s Hawk. Next day Arthur Smith had a Goshawk all day
near his house on a cliff overlooking the Holston River. Saturday was the best
day for all stations east of Chattanooga except the Mendota Fire Tower,
where a black cloud moved in at 11 a.m. The wind blew constantly, and the
temperature remained at 60 F. Only one hawk, a Sharp-shin, was added to the
72 we recorded before 11 a.m.

The ridges north of the Clinch Mt. were bathed in sunshine. Eugene Scott
was crossing them on an errand that prevented him from participating on the
Mendota Fire Tower, but on every ridge he crossed he saw hawks soaring over
the road. His count was 2072. Also on 2 5 Sept. Tom Odom had his best day
on the Kyles Ford tower, one of our oldest and best lookouts, on Clinch Mt.
about 40 miles west of and 600 ft. below the Mendota lookout. Among the
hawks reported were 904 Broad- wings and 17 Sharp-shins. Mrs. Wood counted
1500 Broad-wings near Knoxville.

After 2 5 September there were four more days of good hawk flights. The
most spectacular was a migration of 1 5 86 counted by Adele West on a ridge
near her home, one-fourth mile south of the Georgia border near Chattanooga.
Starting one day after the passage of the front we had five consecutive days
all with considerably higher hawk counts than any day of the 12 days before
the passage of the cold front.

KEY TO REPORTERS

A — Mary Shafer and son, David, Whit well; B — Fred Behrend, Elizabeth-
ton; D — Ken and Lil Dubke, Chattanooga; E — -Jon DeVore and Nancy Agee,
Chattanooga; F — Tom Finucane; H — Giles Gilmer, Lebanon; Tom Finucane,
Grade Finucane, Lisa Davidson, Kingsport; Wallace and Carolyn Coffey, Brent
Rowell, Mr. and Mrs. Sigle, Bristol; Eugene Scott, Nickelsville; I — Mrs.
Richard Worley, Chattanooga; J — Jane Derr, Mrs. Jackson, Joe Jackson,
Bristol; K — Mike, Barney, and Marion Finucane; L — Lil Dubke; M. — Adele
West, Madeline Du Four, Rossville, Ga.; N — Mr. and Mrs. Chester Darnell,
Greeneville; O — Tom Odom and Tom Odom III, Kingsport; P — Mrs. Francis
Barnwell, Edith Fenn, Chattanooga; Q — Mary Tunsberg, Chattanooga; R —
Adele West; S — Eugene Scott; T — Lee Shafer, Whitwell; U — Kathryn Jones,
Mrs. Dove, Mrs. Dillenbeck, Johnson City; Dr. and Mrs. Tom Green, Bristol;
V — Cronin, Du Four, DeVore, Jones, Betty Worley, and guests, Chattanooga
Chapter; W — ^Gene and Adele West; X — Lee Herndon, John and Carolyn Mar-

(Continued on page 41)

[VoL. 43, 1972]

38

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

T.O.S. STATE MEETING, 1972

ANNUAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING

The Tennessee Ornithological Society held the annual spring meeting in
Lebanon, Tennessee, on 5-7 May 1972.

The meeting of the Board of Directors, held on 6 May 1972, under one
of the shelters at Horn Springs, was called to order by Dr. James Tanner,
President. Thirty-two Directors were present in person or represented by proxy.

Minutes of the fall meeting, held at Montgomery Bell State Park, 30-31
October 1971, were approved as read by the Secretary.

Copies of the report of the financial condition of T.O.S. were distributed
and comments made by Ken Dubke, Treasurer. Dr. Miser Richmond, Chairman
of the Finance Committee, stated that the books of the Treasurer had been
found in order and the report was accepted as presented.

SUMMARY OF TREASURER’S REPORT:

Balance in Checking Account 1 May 1971 $2,352.1 5

Income as Itemized 3,046.41

TOTAL 5,398.56

Disbursements as Itemized 2,413.49

Balance in Checking Account 2 May 1972 2,98 5.07

ENDOWMENT FUND: 432.742 Massachusetts Investors Trust

Shares @ $12.97 $5,612.66

The Treasurer then commented on the tremendous job he has in addressing
envelopes for mailing The Migrant and mentioned purchase of an addressing
machine and plates. A discussion followed as to whether this would be better
or a letter shop be used. The Treasurer indicated that he prefers having the
addressing machine and plates. A motion was made, seconded, and passed
giving the Treasurer permission to purchase the machine and plates.

Mr. C. T. Ottenfeld, reporting for East Tennessee, stated that the Bristol
T.O.S. is now in the twenty-third year. Membership is up with some of the
new members being young folks. Meetings are held September through May
with a picnic and election of officers in July. He stated that the Elizabethton
Chapter is holding field trips every other week.

Report for Middle Tennessee was given by Louise Jakson who presented a
proposal made by Gene Gray, nature artist, concerning the offer of a thousand
prints of his painting of the Mockingbird, the state bird of Tennessee. The
prints could be used in whatever way our organization desired. Following a
lengthy discussion, motion was made, seconded, and passed that we accept Mr.
Gray’s offer and that Louise Jackson so inform the artist with details to be
worked out later by a special committee appointed by the President.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

39

In Dr. Arlo Smith’s report for West Tennessee, he mentioned loss of the
Reelfoot Chapter. He stated that the Memphis Chapter conducts the count at
Reelfoot and would welcome help on this project. Dr. Smith said that the
Memphis group is holding more trips than in the past, that a Sierra Club had
been formed and consideration was being given for organization of a chapter
of Audubon in Memphis. He stated that the Overton Park expressway action
had been deferred.

Gary Wallace, Editor of The Migrant, in his report expressed appreciation
for the cooperation he has had since assuming the office of Editor. He made
comments on the feature "Bird Finding in Tennessee” which is of great help
in knowing what birds to expect where in the state during the various seasons.
He asked that "Round Table Notes” be sent in promptly. He emphasized that
The Migrant belongs to T.O.S. and asked for suggestions as to how it might
be made more readable. Appreciation for jobs well done was expressed to the
Editor and Treasurer.

Mr. Albert Ganier reported that four thousand copies of The Migrant had
been turned over by him to Dr. Tanner and that it is still possible to secure
a complete file of all back issues of the publication.

Welcome to the newly formed Buffalo River Chapter was expressed by the
President.

Fred Alsop gave information regarding the spring foray to be held in
Lawrence County, with headquarters at David Crockett State Park, the last
week-end of this month, 26-29 May, Friday night to Monday afternoon.

Dr. George Mayfield, reporting on the Duck River heronry, stated that
many trees seem to be dead or dying as the pumping system is not being
operated. There is some question as to whether or not, in their condition, the
old trees will continue to stand and hold nests. The TVA contends that
condition of the trees is not dependent on depth of the water. Dr. Mayfield
had flown over the area about ten days ago and counted a hundred or more
nests as seen from the air.

Dr. Tanner then stated that the memorial fund, established in memory
of Mr. Dixon Merritt, one of the founders of T.O.S. , now amounts to $266.00.
Mrs. Norwood Gant, Mr. Merritt’s daughter, indicated that her father would
prefer something lasting, something that would be indicative of his love of
birding. A motion, seconded and passed, designated that the Lebanon Chapter
act as a committee to plan a suitable memorial for Mr. Merritt.

The fall meeting of T.O.S. was then discussed. Ken Dubke consented to
plan the program with Dr. Mayfield working on the date (between 1 Octo-
ber and 1 November) and place for the meeting. A paper session will be con-
ducted during the Saturday afternoon of the meeting.

Discussion then centered on location of the next spring meeting. Morris
Williams, newly elected President of the Knoxville Chapter, indicated that
members of his group would like to host the meeting which is scheduled for
the first week-end in May. The invitation was accepted. Interest was expressed
in having a joint meeting with the Carolina Bird Club. It was decided to leave
this decision up to the host club.

Dr. Tanner then mentioned a letter he had received from the Army Corps
of Engineers in Nashville as to information to be furnished by T.O.S. regard-

[VoL. 43, 1972]

40

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

ing appropriate areas suitable for bird walks. It was decided to invite a repre-
sentative of the group to the fall meeting.

The President then appointed the following to the Finance Committee for
the coming year: Ken Dubke, Frank Ward, David Pitts, Johneta Smith, and
Henry Dinkelspiel.

The Nominating Committee, with a representative from each of the three
areas of the state, composed of Dr. Fee Herndon, Fula Coffey, John Ellis, with
Dr. Herndon reporting, nominated Mrs. Arlo (Norene) Smith as President
Elect of T.O.S. The report was accepted by the Board of Directors.

Dr. Mayfield then made comments about work of the Conservation Com-
mittee and indicated that there is a chance the Eittle T will be saved; that
the dam at Columbia will most likely be built and the Normandy one being
questionable.

Bill Senter commented on the possibility of data processing of individual
records. No action was taken.

There being no further business, the meeting of the Board of Directors
was adjourned.

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

Following a delicious buffet meal, a business session of the entire member-
ship was conducted by Dr. Tanner. He introduced each of the persons at the
head table. A count by chapters, made by the Secretary, indiated one hundred,
forty-five members and four visitors present.

Copies of the financial report of T.O.S. were offered by Ken Dubke,
Treasurer.

Gary Wallace, Editor, appealed for help in securing material for The
Migrant.

Information regarding the spring foray was given by Fred Alsop.

The fall meeting was announced with Ken Dubke being responsible for the
program, date and local arrangements to be made by Dr. Mayfield.

Dr. Tanner indicated that the next spring meeting would be hosted by the
Knoxville Chapter and that members of this group would decide on inviting
the Carolina Bird Club for a joint meeting.

Nomination of a President Elect of T.O.S. was made by Dr. Herndon and
Mrs. Arlo Smith was duly elected and presented to the group.

Report of the Resolutions Committee was made by Dr. Smith and copy
will be found as a part of these minutes.

Announcements regarding activities for Sunday were made by Bill Senter,
President of the host club. He also introduced various individuals who had
worked so hard to make this an outstanding meeting.

The President mentioned loss of one of our founders, Mr. Dixon Merritt,
and stated that a suitable memorial is being planned.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

41

Dr. Tom Imhoff, author of the book entitled Alabama Birds, was intro-
duced as speaker of the evening. In a very interesting and informative way he
gave the history of the making of a state bird book with the hope that Ten-
nessee will some day have such a book.

The President then thanked the speaker for his contribution to the pro-
gram and the meeting was adjourned.

Louise Nunnally, Secretary

RESOLUTIONS

The T.O.S. hereby extends to the officers and members of our host chap-
ter, the Lebanon Chapter of the T.O.S., its sincere appreciation and gratitude
for the thoughtful and efficiently executed planning of the excellent program,
including the interesting and varied field trips, for the 1972 annual spring
state meeting. To all this the members have added a new dimension to the con-
cept of hospitality.

To those responsible for providing the use of the facilities of Cumberland
College, we also extend our appreciation and gratitude. The displays with the
emphasis on the work of the children, our future birders, are especially to be
commended.

Respectfully submitted, Louise Jackson, C. T. Ottenfeld, Arlo Smith.

ANNUAL AUTUMN HAWK COUNT
(Continued from page 37)

tin, Elizabethton; Bob Quillen, Jane Derr, Charlotte Finucane; Y — Wallace
Coffey, Joe Jackson, John Todd, Bristol; Z — Peggy Ferrel and Cub Pack 88;
2 — -Tom Odom; 1 0 — Edith Fenn; 30 — Daniel R. Jacobson, Stonecave Insti-
tute, Daus; 32 — Mrs. George Wood, Norris.

KEY TO OBSERVATION STATIONS

C — Downtown Chattanooga, 800 ft.; D — Dunlap Fire Tower, 2637 ft.;
E — Meadow Creek Fire Tower, 2875; F — Fall Creek Fire Tower, 2000; H —
White Oak Fire Tower; J — Buck Ridge Fire Tower, 4290; K — -Rogersville —
Kyle’s Ford Fire Tower, 2401 ; L- — Hols ton High Knob Fire Tower, 4150; M —
Mendota Fire Tower, 3018; N — North Ridges, ca. 2000; P — Hump Mt.,
5250; R — Rossville, Ga., 680; S — Daus, 740; T — Rich Mt. Fire Tower, 3700;
V — -Look Rock Fire Tower; W — Rockwood Fire Tower, 2040.

Wind and sky data in the table are given in the Beaufort scale, in which
0 stands for calm and 6 represents very high wind, and in degrees of cloud
cover, with 0 for clear and 5 for heavy clouds and rain. Better description of
weather is available in the original reports, on file.

1434 Watauga Street, Kingsport, 37664.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

42

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

BIRD FINDING IN TENNESSEE
PICKETT COUNTY
Robbie and David Hassler

KENTUCKY

Because of an absence of experienced birders, Pickett County remains
largely unbirded. Pickett State Park and Forest in the eastern part of the
county is mostly wooded hill and ravines. Woodlands share the western part
with rolling farmland and Dale Hollow Lake, a Corps of Engineers impound-
ment. Dale Hollow’s many miles of shoreline attract waterfowl and shore-
birds in the fall and winter and Bald Eagles can be found occasionally in the
winter from Obey River Bridge down the lake to the dam at Celina. At one
time there were five active Bald Eagles nests on the lake, however none have
been active in recent years to our knowledge. These nests were reported by
fishermen, dock owners and Tenn. Game and Fish personnel.

A difference in altitude, ranging from approximately 651 ft. to 1700 ft.
and the physical shape of the county suggests that two separate articles on
bird finding should be written — one on the Pickett State Park and Forest alone
and one dealing with the western part.

For this article, a route of approximately 3 0 miles was chosen in the western
part, covering a major part of the accessible territory, and touching the lake-
shore briefly. Beginning in the small town of Byrdstown the birder may find
nesting Song Sparrows in four or five different locations. Behind the Post
Office building Bewick’s Wrens and Song Sparrows compete in song for the

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

43

birder’s ear. Traveling in a westerly direction 1.7 miles, turn right on a paved
road :^4234, drive 1.5 miles and turn right on another paved road #R565 5
that leads to a dead end at the home of the writers. Here migrations of Sand-
hill Cranes have been observed, occurring unpredictably in Oct. and Nov. in
the fall and confined mostly to the month of March in the spring. {The
Migrant, 40: 63-64) This is also a good spot for migrating spring warblers.
Barred Owls can be heard close by and Red-tailed and Broad-winged Hawks
nest in the surrounding woods. Retrace 1.5 miles and turn right on a paved
road and continue .7 miles to a cemetery where you will find Blue Grosbeaks,
Indigo Buntings and Bluebirds. You may continue on as per accompanying
map, stopping at will to walk into woods or fields.

This route was covered in two afternoons, one half at a time, by the
writers on 1 1 and 12 June with a total of 5 5 species. Blue Grosbeaks were
found in six different areas, three of them being cemeteries. A total of 75
Bluebirds were found scattered uniformly over the route. Some of the most
interesting spots have been marked on the map by a triangle.

Toward the end of the route Obey River Park offers very good birding
for the shorebird and waterfowl enthusiast in the fall and winter, but is not
recommended during the camping season. Dunlin, Snipe, Grebes, Mallards,
Shovellers, Blue-winged Teal, etc., may be found in Oct. and Nov. In the past,
the surrounding woods were a favorite spot for Red-headed Woodpeckers dur-
ing a heavy beech mast yield, and on 30 Oct. 1969 approximately 30 were
found feeding noisily, but did not remain long.

For the birder who likes to mix canoeing with birding, the free flowing
upper part of Wolf River offers a challenge in the early spring. Float trips
made in May and June reveals many La. Waterthrushes, Acadian Flycatchers,
Kingfishers, Phoebes and an occasional Yellow-throated Warbler, Red-tailed
Hawk and Barred Owl.

Farm ponds along the route described are worth exploring for Wood Duck,
Green Heron and Red-winged Blackbird nests. One stray Snowy Egret was
found by the writers at a farm pond on 5 September 1971 and reports from
farmers indicate that Cattle Egret may wander into this section.

To our knowledge official T.O.S. bird counts or forays have never been
held in this county other than in 1927, 1937, and 1940 when Albert Ganier
and parties held forays in the Picket Forest area.

For further information contact: Robbie and David Hassler, P. O. Box 1,
Byrdstown 3 8 549.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

44

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

THE 1972 SPRING FIELD DAYS

Lee R. Herndon

The twenty-seventh consecutive annual spring field days resulted in the
compilation of 199 species. Only six previous counts exceed this number and
this count ties one other count. Twelve counts list the species and numbers of
individuals tabulated across the state from west to east as has been the custom.
Only one species, the White-fronted Goose, (Anser albifrons) is new to the
list.

All of the counts were made within a twenty-four hour period except the
Lebanon count, which covered the three day period of the annual spring
meeting. Some counts covered parts of two days, however the hours of cov-
erage were consecutive for the area of the count. The areas covered on spring
counts are not limited, but may include any favorable habitat in the general
area. Since most of the areas reported have been described in many previous
counts, the details of areas covered are being omitted for economy in space
in The Migrant. One area reporting for the first time is listed as Cannon
County.

Twenty-two species appear on only one list, while 3 8 species occur on all
lists. Inspection of the lists reveals no appreciable population trends over the
past severaTyears with the possible exceptions of the House Wren, w'hich con-
tinues to extend its breeding range farther westward and the Bewick’s Wren
seems to be disappearing in areas where the House Wren has moved in. Song
Sparrows also continue to extend their breeding range in a westerly direction
across the state.

INEORMATION ON THE COUNTS

MEMPHIS — 30 April; 06:00 to 12:00; clear, sunny and cool. Party lead-
ers— Bert Dowdy, Louist Page, Alice Smith and Noreen Smith. Compiler, Lee
R. Johnson.

SAVANNAH — 2 May; 05:00 to 18:00; cloud cover 100 percent all day,
rain in afternoon; no wind; temp. 60 to 75°. Compiler, David E. Patterson.

COLUMBIA — 28-29 April; 10:30 to 10:30; clear, temp. 50 to 80°; par-
ticipants— 5 ; compiler, George R. Mayfield.

NASHVILLE — 29 April; cloudy in morning, clear in afternoon; 48 ob-
servers in 12 parties. Bush’s Lake has been removed by bulldozer progress and
Buena Vista is soon to follow. The Peregrine Ealcon was found and positively
identified by Margaret Mann and Ann Tarbell at Pool Knob on Percy Priest
Lake. Old Hickory Lake now has resident populations of Mallards and Canada
Geese. Compiler, Laurence Trabue.

CANNON COUNTY — 29 April; 07:3 0 to 19:3 0; clear to partly cloudy
with light shower; temp. 70 to 75°. Compiler, Mary Wood.

COOKEVILLE — ^22 April; 06:50 to 17:00; cloudy to clear; temp. 63 to
72°; 2 5 participants; compiler. Miser Richmond.

CHATTANOOGA — 3 0 April; six parties.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

45

THE 1972 SPRING FIELD DAYS

Mem-

Savan-

Colum- Nash-

Leban-

Cannon

Cooke-

Chatt-

Knox-

Green- Kings-

Eliza-

phis

nah

bia

ville

on

County ville

anooga

ville

eville

port

bethton

C<»)iQon Loon

4

4

4

1

6

Homed Grebe

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

2

—

—

—

Pied-bille'd Grebe

—

—

9

4

1

—

—

—

1

—

1

8

Great Blue Heron

2

—

1

—

5

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

Green Heron

1

6

5

21

14

1

3

24

7

2

16

Little Blue Heron

1

Common Egret

31

—

—

—

3

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Bl.-cr. Night Heron

—

—

—

17

3

—

—

—

—

— ■

—

Yel.-cr. Night Heron

7

—

—

3

1

—

—

—

1

1

—

—

American Bittern

—

—

—

3

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

1

Canada Goose

27

50

10

Itfhite-fr. Goose

1

Mallard

—

—

18

30

21

—

4

—

1

1

1

11

Black Duck

Pintail

Blue-wng. Teal

2

32

28

8

9

8

2

2

8

Shoveler

8

2

Wood Duck

3

1

2

26

19

—

3

9

37

14

—

19

Ringed-nk. Duck

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1

Lesser Scaup

—

—

365

10

1

CcHtimon Goldeneye

1

3

Bufflehead

32

Ruddy Duck

Hooded Merganser

Common Merganser

Red-br. Merganser

6

1

4

Turkey Vulture

—

2

6

37

41

56

3

—

5

6

7

8

Black Vulture

—

3

11

8

96

4

—

—

—

—

7

Sharp-sh. Hawk

—

—

—

—

1

—

—

. —

1

—

—

Cooper's Hawk

1

—

—

2

2

—

1

—

—

—

—

—

Red-tailed Hawk

2

4

9

10

3

9

2

Red-shouldered Hawk

—

—

—

1

1

Broad-wngd. Hawk

1

2

—

1

5

—

—

—

10

—

—

1

Osprey

—

—

—

4

1

—

—

—

4

—

1

3

Peregrine Falcon

Sparrow Hawk

8

14

98

1

2

4

4

Ruffed Grouse

—

—

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

1

5

3

Bobwhite

5

15

35

103

83

16

33

8

173

46

16

42

Turkey

3

1

Ring-nk. Pheasant

—

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

2

—

—

Sora

2

2

—

—

5

Common Gallinule

American Coot

—

1

41

32

2

—

6

4

20

1

4

2

Semipalmated Plover

—

—

4

—

1

—

—

—

4

—

—

—

Killdeer

—

5

13

49

26

2

2

20

184

14

15

26

American Woodcock

6

5

1

1

Common Snipe

—

—

4

1

—

—

—

13

51

2

48

Upland Plover

Spotted Samdpiper

—

3

11

22

7

—

9

1

54

3

5

6

Solitary Sandpiper

—

2

6

14

4

—

—

5

37

3

3

26

Greater Yellowlegs

4

2

4

1

2

Lesser Yellowlegs

—

2

9

10

4

—

—

—

8

5

2

11

Pectoral Sandpiper

—

—

4

4

7

—

—

—

13

—

—

2

Least Sandpiper

—

—

36

40

17

—

■ —

—

83

—

3

1

Semipal. Sandpiper

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1

—

3

Herring Gull

Ring-billed Gull

—

—

—

55

9

—

—

—

3

—

—

3

Bonaparte's Gull

Caramon Tern

Caspian Tern

Mourning Dove

13

31

21

144

55

20

91

16

545

97

57

48

Yellow-bid. Cuckoo

6 •

10

2

13

12

2

—

2

20

4

4

Black-bid . Cuckoo

—

—

—

—

3

—

—

1

3

4

2

2

Bam Owl

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

Screech Owl

—

—

—

8

—

—

—

—

11

2

—

8

[VoL. 43, 1972]

46

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

Mem-

Savan-

Colum- Nash-

Leban-

Cannon Cooke-

Chatt-

Kncflc-

Green-

Kings-

Eliza-

phis

nah

bia

ville

on

County ville

anooga ville

eville

port

bethton

Great Homed Owl

2

3

1

1

2

3

1

Barred Owl

1

—

4

5

1

—

1

1

5

Chuck-will ' s-wido\v

—

4

3

5

5

—

1

—

53

5

Miip-poor-^ill

1

27

15

56

3

10

3

1

8

—

1

43

Ccatmon Nighthawk

—

—

1

6

13

—

2

—

18

1

3

7

Chimney Swift

3

6

51

288

105

31

55

13

420

110

32

107

Ruby- til. Hummingbird

10

1

1

12

6

—

6

1

8

6

4

4

Belted Kingfisher

4

3

20

13

12

5

1

16

1

6

10

Yellow-sh. Flicker

3

2

1

26

8

—

22

7

85

16

12

44

Pileated Woodpecker

15

2

6

27

10

S

10

1

20

11

4

16

Red-bel. Woodpecker

19

12

10

85

20

11

18

3

62

5

15

7

Red-hd. Woodpecker

8

1

4

3

4

—

10

—

10

8

5

6

Yel.-bel. Sapsucker

—

—

1

_

—

—

2

—

1

—

3

1

Hairy Woodpecker

1

—

3

5

3

1

6

1

11

4

2

5

Downy Woodpecker

6

4

11

55

16

6

14

2

45

8

13

31

Eastern Kingbird

5

8

13

36

35

6

4

3

52

7

7

5

Great Cr, Flycatcher

7

4

16

23

49

3

7

3

46

10

6

13

Eastern Phoebe

—

5

7

35

11

12

4

2

47

4

9

41

Acadian Flycatcher

12

15

3

14

8

—

—

—

—

—

—

3

Least Flycatcher

4

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

--

—

—

13

E. Wood Pewee

3

3

5

17

31

4

1

2

9

3

6

3

Homed Lark

—

—

2

—

—

—

—

—

29

—

—

1

Tree Swallow

—

—

1

1

10

—

1

2

5

—

—

13

Bank Swalloif

—

—

2

3

2

—

—

—

1

—

1

Rough-wngd. Swallow

6

6

21

25

46

6

—

16

141

5

9

48

Bam Swallow

16

19

55

127

93

47

62

10

366

42

16

85

Cliff Swallow-

47

—

40

—

25

12

8

Purple Martin

—

18

8

29

22

14

50

18

147

—

12

53

Blue Jay

9

26

33

184

92

37

93

21

460

108

148

151

Common Raven

2

Ccsimon Crow

3

10

20

85

50

12

58

9

253

47

32

85

Fish Crow

2

Carolina Chickadee

21

11

22

118

44

13

21

3

211

30

26

96

Tufted Titmouse

40

11

24

135

44

23

32

4

189

19

37

77

White-br. Nutliatch

—

—

2

7

1

—

3

2

7

1

1

9

Red-br. Nuthatch

1

2

2

Brown Creeper

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1

—

—

House Wren

—

—

—

2

—

—

13

—

5

4

13

24

Winter Wren

1

1

—

15

Bewick's Ifren

1

—

1

12

2

2

2

—

—

3

1

—

Carolina Wren

42

20

15

89

47

23

16

9

244

29

61

81

Long-bl. Harsh Wren

—

—

—

—

—

—

2

—

—

—

Short-bl. Marsh Wren

—

6

—

—

—

2

1

—

—

Mockingbird

9

6

23

171

68

13

37

11

486

67

30

62

Catbird

3

7

14

35

30

20

18

1

40

9

6

50

Brown Thrasher

8

6

18

48

57

5

38

2

122

33

23

44

Robin

9

1

25

179

57

23

101

14

969

172

79

260

Wood Thmsh

33

10

6

45

51

17

10

5

177

12

40

84

Hermit Thmsh

3

—

2

—

—

1

—

2

3

—

1

Swainson's Thmsh

25

— ■

2

21

31

—

—

—

31

—

1

1

Gray-chk. Tlmish

4

1

2

1

1

Veery

2

—

2

6

8

—

—

—

5

1

—

2

E. Bluebird

4

9

19

122

40

21

35

1

87

4

5

29

Blue-gr. Gnatcatcher

100+

32

17

87

45

14

2

3

105

12

31

29

Ruby-cr. Kinglet

4

—

—

7

—

1

•—

—

24

_

8

9

Water Pipit

__

26

Cedar Waxwing

12

—

32

4

55

—

29

—

128

3

20

22

Logger-hd. Shrike

3

5

17

14

7

1

14

—

1

2

Starling

12

21

105:

369

297

30 •

118

56 1

,556

85

127

386

l\/hite-eyed Vireo

37

22

7

81

27

15

—

1

55

7

17

38

Yellow-thr. Vireo

6

3

1

17

8

8

1

7

1

2

Solitary Vireo

1

—

—

1

4

—

—

—

10

6

—

17

Red-eyed Vireo

12

11

2

44

39

13

5

10

136

8

43

35

Philadelphia Vireo

—

—

—

1

1

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Warbling Vireo

2

—

1

15

4

--

~

—

4

—

—

2

Bl.-&-wh, Warbler

2

2

2

23

12

2

1

3

29

10

17

37

Prothonotary V/arbler

28

15

2

26

12

—

—

8

2

1

—

Swainson's Warbler

5

Worm-eat. Warbler

3

4

12

3

—

—

1

21

—

17

7

Golden-^mg. Warbler

—

—

1

2

4

—

2

—

2

1

5

4

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

47

Mem-

Savan-

Colum- Nash-

Leban-

Cannon

Cooke-

Chatt-

Knox-

Green-

Kings-

Eliza-

phis

nah

bia

ville

on

County ville

anooga

ville

eville

port

bethton

Blue-wng. Warbler

1

12

5

28

1

2

Tennessee Warbler

85

24

8

38

48

—

—

5

44

—

2

4

Nashville Warbler

—

—

3

12

12

—

—

—

44

1

2

Parula Warbler

18

—

4

8

2

—

—

—

3

1

3

11

Yellow Warbler

1

—

13

24

14

22

5

60

10

15

87

Magnolia Warbler

_

1

2

4

3

2

1

Cape May Warbler

—

—

—

2

8

—

—

2

25

2

2

5

Bl,-th. Blue Warbler

—

—

—

—

3

—

—

—

5

—

—

4

Jlyrtle Warbler

—

5

12

66

23

3

6

2

224

31

24

28

Bl.-th. Gn. V/arbler

—

2

2

1

3

2

—

35

7

3

12

Cerulean Warbler

24

7 .

8

13

1

16

4

7

23

Blackburnian Warbler

3

1

2

2

—

—

—

10

—

1

—

Yellow-th. Warbler

2

—

5

13

1

2

—

1

5

—

11

2

Chestnut-sd. Warbler

—

1

1

1

9

—

—

—

3

—

1

40

Bay-breasted Warbler

1

2

—

1

22

—

—

—

10

—

1

2

Blackpoll

1

2

5

12

25

2

1

22

3

1

Pine Warbler

—

2

—

—

—

—

—

1

10

—

—

—

Prairie Warbler

5

6

3

63

75

5

—

1

62

3

13

10

Palm Warbler

—

1

11

24

4

—

3

—

27

—

3

4

Ovenbird

2

3

6

3

8

6

2

1

23

5

44

59

No. Waterthrush

1

13

2

4

1

3

La. Waterthrush

3

—

7

22

5

1

3

1

10

3

4

21

Kentucky Warbler

12

3

7

43

57

12

—

1

40

—

14

4

Connecticut Warbler

—

—

—

1

1

—

—

—

—

—

—

Mourning V/arbler

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

Yellowthroat

14

38

11

113

66

49

7

137

22

10

30

Yellow-br, Chat

15

21

9

92

50

32

8

1

72

22

13

17

Hooded V/arbler

5

1

5

7

—

7

—

2

20

5

28

34

Wilson's Warbler

—

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

—

—

1

Canada V/arbler

—

—

—

1

“

—

—

—

1

—

1

5

American Redstart

11

4

4

12

1

14

3

3

5

House Sparrow

15

20

65

78

66

70

35

55

201

43

17

111

Bobolink

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

107

—

—

6

E. Meadoiflark

7

16

74

341

131

160

100

17

680

148

55

175

Red-wng. Blackbird

2

58

68

410

90

53

22

27

809

147

86

120

Orchard Oriole

11

14

17

89

34

26

1

2

77

8

4

10

Baltimore Oriole

11

3

—

18

10

—

—

—

10

1

3

24

Rusty Blackbird

—

—

—

1

—

—

14

—

—

2

—

16

Common Crackle

50

58

175

1,090

157

117

155

37 1

,636

235

597

479

Bro\/n-hd. Coi/bii‘d

150P

6

45

192

103

—

53

6

448

16

29

79

Scarlet Tanager

6

1

5

9

14

5

2

4

25

2

14

28

Summer Tanager

21

11

8

60

42

13

6

2

58

9

19

1

Cardinal

100+

31

45

307

104

59

129

22

652

171

137

151

Rose-br. Grosbealc

5

5

8

37

18

10

—

—

46

7

18

14

Blue Grosbeak

2

1

1

11

3

1

—

1

2

—

—

5

Indigo Bunting

100 +

70

40

183

110

50

11

2

151

14

21

17

Dickcissel

—

25

—

—

5

1

—

—

—

—

—

—

Evening Grosbeak

—

—

—

—

—

—

22

—

—

15

—

143

Purple Finch

—

—

—

2

4

4

17

—

33

34

9

286

Pine Siskin

—

—

—

30

2

—

—

1

31

43

—

22

American Goldfinch

83

21

10

845

66

60

113

2

495

86

175

Rufous-sd. Towhee

12

13

10

138

65

22

47

8

324

39

38

178

Savannah Sparrow

—

3

16

15

1

6

—

85

5

11

Grasshopper Sparrow-

—

—

4

—

4

—

—

< —

5

—

4

3

Vesper Sparrow

--

1

Lark Sparroa/ .

6

Slate-col. Junco

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

5

33

Chipping Sparrow

—

9

6

50

19

8

12

—

53

8

15

44

Field Sparrow

2

2

31

114

98

33

35

13

239

30

21

51

V/hite-cr. Sparrow

—

—

48

21

6

3

3

5

18

6

2

21

Wliite-th. Sparrov;

49

19

35

137

3

5

10

3

377

43

26

105

Lincoln's Sparrow

—

5

2

2

—

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

S\famp Sparroi^

—

2

7

10

2

. —

—

—

30

2

—

10

Song Sparrow/

—

—

— •

2

1

—

11

6

356

56

30

169

Species, Total

92

97

122

158

145

74

■ 83

S3

159

105

121

148

Species, Grand Total 199

[VoL. 43, 1972]

48

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

KNOXVILLE — 3 0 April; selected areas from all of Knox County as in
previous years; partly cloudy; temp. 5 5 to 77°. The Mourning Warbler was
found by Fred J. Alsop III and James M.. Campbell. The Caspian Terns were
observed through a telescope by Terry McCown, Polly Ryder and others. The
Upland Plover was found by Dr. J. C. Howell and Chester and Edie Massey.
The Horned Grebe, Common Merganser and Long-billed Marsh Wren were
found by Tony Koella. The Knoxville Chapter had three teams this year that
went all-out for a "big day”. Fred Alsop and Jim Campbell listed 117 species;
Dr. Howell and the Masseys 111; Morris Williams (our new young president)
and Chuck Nicholson 107.

GREENE VILLE — 30 April; 06:00 to 20:30; clear, 30 to 80°. Compiler,
Richard Nevius.

KINGSPORT — 30 April; 8 participants; compiler, Thomas W. Finucane.

ELIZABETHTON — 29-3 0 April; 18:00 to 18:00 clear and warm; 19 par-
ticipants; compiler, Glen Eller.

ROUND TABLE NOTES

CHUCK- WILL’S-WIDOW SINGING IN DAYLIGHT— On 19 June
1971 I arrived for work at a farm located at Ready ville, Tennessee, at 06:51
CDT (sunrise 05:30) and heard a Chuck-will’s-widow {Caprhmdgtis carolin-
ensrs) singing in a wooded area bordered by rocky fields. The singing continued
for 26 songs until 06:5 3. It began again at 06:5 5 for 8 songs and then again
at 07:05 for 6 5 songs. The bird continued singing, stopping only for short
intervals, until 08:59. Since the bird was singing when I arrived I do not
know exactly when it began, but do know it sang for 2 hours and 8 minutes.

The day was clear with a temperature of 70 F. I was at this site daily
from 23 May — 1 August and heard no other day calling. Bent’s, Life Histories
of American Cuckoos, Goatsuckers, Hummingbirds and their Allies states that,
"The bird (Chuck-will’s-widowJ sometimes calls in full daylight, either on
cloudy or bright days, and sometimes during rain (15 8).” Thus, this makes
another observation of an uncommon action of this goatsucker.

Michael Lee Bierly, 3 826 Bedford Avenue, Nashville 3721 5.

NESTING OF BANK SWALLOWS IN LAKE COUNTY— A colony of
Bank Swallows {Kiparia riparia) was observed approximately four miles south-
west of Tiptonville on a bank of the Mississippi River. When first observed,
on 7 June 1971, twenty-one active nests were found; judging from the num-
ber of visits to the nests by the birds, young were being fed. The nests were
located in a vertical sand bank around which were many "junked” cars. The
cars provided cover sufficient that the birds could be observed from distances
of less than ten feet. Most nests were located approximately two feet from the
top of the bank. When visited on 14 August 1971 more cars had been
"junked”, and many of the nesting sites had already been destroyed.

David Pitts, Biology Dept., UTM, Martin, 3 8237.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

49

THE SEASON

Fred J. Aesop, III, Editor

Spring Migration : 16 March- 15 May

For the purpose of this issue of The Season the period of Spring Migration
is terminated on 1 5 May with the full knowledge that even though the bulk
of the northward migrants have passed through Tennessee migration is still
underway and will continue for some species and straggling individuals well
into June. The dates were chosen in order to have as little overlap between
this report and the next which covers the nesting season.

The cool days and generally drier than normal conditions produced no
noteworthy concentrations of transients as reported by the regional compilers,
however, there are several notable observations for the period. The most spec-
tacular bird has to be the KUFF found by Lee Shafer and seen by birders from
across the state. This European species, uncommon anywhere in North
America, is a new state record for Tennessee. In addition, a Fulvous Tree Duck
and Lark Sparrows were reported from the Eastern Ridge and Valley Region.
The Central Plateau and Basin had sightings of a Louisiana Heron, White-
fronted Goose, SCISSOK-T AILED FLY CATCHER, and Lark Sparrows. Birds
of the marsh and shore such as Snowy Egret and Common Gallinule were re-
ported from the Eastern Mountain Region.

The contributors are to be commended on the many nesting observations
submitted, especially the information on those species that are somewhat un-
common nesting birds in Tennessee. This data is of more than general interest
and its gathering is to be encouraged.

The Lark Sparrow observations in this issue added to the many reports of
this species in the past raises the question, "Are we overlooking a nesting
species that may be much more common in Tennessee than we believe it to
be at present”? How about a symposium on this bird in Tennessee sometime
in the near future?

WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION— Egret-Warl?ler: Cattle Egret:
9 Apr. ( 147) M ( BC ) . Buddy Duck: 25 Mar. (9) S (DEP) . Red-breasted
Merganser: 2 5 Mar. (19 m, if) S, Pickwick Lake (DEP) . American Golden
Plover: 13 to 23 Apr. (4 to 1 5 ) M (Memphis T.O.S. members ) . Bonaparte’s
Gull: 2 5 Mar. (110) S (DEP) . White-eyed Vireo: 2 1 Mar. (1) M (Robert

[VoL. 43, 1972]

50

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

W. McGowan). Philadelphia Vireo: 21 Apr. (1) M, Overton Park (BC).
Blue-winged Warbler: 8 to 17 Apr. ("more common than usual”) M (BC,
Lula Coffey).

Locations: M — Memphis area, S — Savannah area.

Observers: BC — Ben B. Coffey, JR., DEP — David E. Patterson.

David E. Patterson, Harbert Hills Academy, Savannah 3 8372.

CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— Spring was a bit late
arriving, cool, and very dry in the latter part of the period. However, many
migrants were several days earlier than average in arrival and the end of the
period saw many transients still in the area.

Herons-Ducks: Green Heron: 8 April (1) EC (FJA, EC); 11 Apr. 1st.
RE (1) MLB. Little Blue Heron: 8 April (1) EC (FJA, EC, MDW) earliest
known middle Tenn. record. Cattle Egret: 16 April (2) SHV (LF and TOS
group); 24 Apr. (3) Columbia (CRM). Common Egret: early with (4) 5
Apr. BV (JHR); 10 Apr. (4) PN OHL (MLB); and 15 Apr. (2) ChL
(PDC). LOUISIANA HERON: 9 Apr. (1) OHL (ROH), 2nd. NA record.
Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 6 Apr. (1) BV (MLB), 3 days earliest NA.
Least Bittern: 17 Apr. (1) CP (KLD, LLH, RTB), then (3) singing CP
15 May (KLD), early for NA was (1) 5 May BV (MLM, MLB). American
Bittern: 12 Apr. (1) SHV (KAG, MLB); 17 Apr. (7) singing CP (KLD,
LLH, RTB); 15 May (2) still there (KLD). WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE:
29 Mar. (1) PN OHL (WmS, JED), still there early May. Blue Goose: 2
May (2) CoL, last (MLB). Mallard '.NESTING in wild OHL (MLB); 15
May nest (10) eggs CP (KLD). Gadwall: late, 17 Apr. (10) WR (KLD,
LLH, RTB). Green-winged Teal: late, 10 Apr. (2) PN (MLB). Blue-winged
Teal: up to (150) 10 Apr. PN and still present end of period (MLB). Buffle-
head: late, 17 Apr. (2) WR (KLD, LLH, RTB) and 19 Apr. (2) RL (MLB).
OLDSOUAW: 12 Apr. (1) male not in breeding plumage RL (MLB). Com-
mon Merganser: very late, 13 Apr. (125) OHL (LOT); 22 Apr. (1) there
(PDC).

Hawks-Terns: Broad-winged Hawk: early, 8 Apr. (1) H NA (HR).
GOLDEN EAGLE: 16 Apr. (1) imma. last seen WR (FB). Bald Eagle: 28
Apr. (1) SHV (Ellen Farrell). RUFFED GROUSE: 29 Apr. (1) Short Mt.
WB area 1st. report for middle Tenn. in many years (John Patton). King
Rail: 17 Apr. (1) CP (KLD, LLH, RTB). Virginia Rail: 4, 5, 6 May to
(4) BV (MLB et. al) . Sora Rail: early was (1) 3 May BV (JHR) to 6 May
(2) there (MLB). RUDDY TURNSTONE: 12, 13 14 May (1) breeding
plumage BV (MLB, TOS group), 1st NA record. Upland Plover: 16 Apr.
(1) SHV (LF, LOT). Spotted Sandpiper: 4 Apr. (1) BV (JNR) ties earliest
NA. White-rumped Sandpiper: 1st, 13 May (1) OHL (MLM, MLB).
BAIRD’S SANDPIPER: 20 Apr. (2) BV (JNR). DUNLIN: 10 May (1)
(MLB); 13 May (1) (JHR); 14 May (2) (MLB); 15 May (2) (MLB, CEF),
all BV. This is only the 3rd time found in spring NA. Dowitcher (Sp.):
13 May (1) BV (JHR). Stilt Sandpiper: 12 May (1) OHL (MLM); 13 May
(1) BV (JHR), approx 3rd and 4th spring records NA. Semi-palmated Sand-
piper: 6 Apr. (4) BV (JNR), 1 day earliest NA. Western Sandpiper: 3 April

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

51

(1) BV (JNR), 1st NA spring record. Bonaparte’s Gull: 2 Apr. (519), 24
Apr. (75) both (MLM,), 29 Apr. (15) (MLB), all OHL. Forster’s Tern:
13 May (21 (MLM, MLB), 14 May (5) (MLB), both OHL. This is 5 days
latest for spring. Common Tern: 21 Apr. (4) (MLM,), 4 days earliest NA,
22 Apr. (3) (PDC), both OHL. CASPIAN TERN: only 2nd time ever re-
ported NA in April, 13th (1) OHL (LOT), and 21st Apr. (2) OHL
(MLM), then 14 May (3) OHL (MLB ef. al) .

Cuckoos-Vireos: Yellow-billed Cuckoo: early, 16 Apr. (1) BS (Mel Gar-
land). Barn Owl: 12 and 29 April (1) near Gallatin (PDC, MLM,, MLB).
Whip-poor-will: early, 26 March. (1) (KAG, HCM) BS, then found incu-
bating there 29 Apr. thru 14 May. Common Nighthawk: 27 March (1) H
OHL (MLM), 12 days earliest NA. Chimney Swift: 23 M,ar. (1) H WB,
(FB) ; 26 March (10) BV (M,LB). Belted Kingfisher: 8 Apr. nest with (7)
eggs FP (MDW). Eastern Kingbird: very early, 29 March (1) Rutherford
County (MCW). SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER: 5 May (1) on De-
Shea Crk., Sumner County (Robert Mayberry and brother fide PDC). Great-
crested Flycatcher: early, 12 Apr. (1) NA (MLB); 15 Apr. (2) BT (RH).
Acadian Flycatcher: 11 Apr. (2) LH (JNR), 4 days earliest NA. Least Fly-
catcher: 3 May (1) calling NA (MLB). Tree Swallow: early, 26 Mar. (2)
RL (MLB). Cliff Swallow: early, 15 Apr. (34) River Rd. NA (M,LB).
House Wren: very early, 2 Apr. (1) H WB (FB) ; 10 Apr. (1) CW (MLB).
Long-billed Marsh Wren: 22 Apr. (1) 2j’s (JHR). 5 May (1) BV (MLM,
MLB); 15 May (3) CP (KLD). Short-billed Marsh Wren: 5 May (1) BV
(MLM, MLB). Catbird: early with 1st at 3 locations 14 Apr., each with one.
LC (LC); WB (FB); H NA (KAG). Gray-cheeked Thrush: 6 Apr. (1) LH
(JNR), 1 day earliest NA. Veery: 11 Apr. (1) LH (JNR), 7 days earliest
NA. Golden-crowned Kinglet: late, 17 Apr. (1) RL (MLB). White-eyed
Vireo: 6 Apr. (1) LH (JNR); 7th (1) WB (FB). Yellow-throated Vireo:
8 April (1) LC (LC).

Warbierr. Tennessee: 10' Apr. (3) LH (JNR), 2 days earliest NA. Nash-
ville: early, 17 Apr. (1) CP (LJG). Parula: early was (1) 5 Apr. BS (KAG).
Yellow: 10 Apr. (1) H WB (MCW). Magnolia: 13 Apr. (1) LH (JNR),
ties earliest NA. BLACK-THROATED BLUE: 11 Apr. (2) LH (JNR, 10
days earliest NA. Blackburnian: very early, 17 April (1) CP (LJG). Chest-
nut-sided: also very early, 17 Apr. (1) CP (LJG). Blackpoll: 17 Apr. (1)
CP (LJG). Palm: 10 April (1) CW (MLB). Ovenbird: 11 Apr. (1) LC
(LC). Kentucky: 10 Apr. (1) LH (JNR). Connecticut: 29 Apr. (1) RL
(JNR), then 5 other reports thru the 15th. Mourning: 14 May (1) H WB
(FB) and (1) BS (KAG); 15 May (1) RL (MLB). Yellow-breasted Chat:
early, 11 Apr. (1) LH (JNR). Redstart: 1st. 12 Apr. (1) BS (KAG, MLB).

Bobolinks-Sparrows: Bobolink: 24 Apr. (50) LC (LC) only report. Or-
chard Oriole: very early, 8 Apr. (1) FP (MDW); 13th (1) OHL (Bessie
Walker), 14th H WB (FB). Scarlet Tanager: 16 Apr. (1) NA (MLB, MLM).
Summer Tanager: 13 Apr. (1) LC (LC) and NA (MLB). Rose-breasted
Grosbeak: 16 Apr. (1) NA (MLB). Blue Grosbeak: remarkably early, (2)
males fighting over territory 28 Mar. Murfreesboro (JED), 16 days earlier
than NA records. Indigo Bunting: early, 13 Apr. (1) H WB (FB), and (1)
BS (KAG). Evening Grosbeak: last, 2 5 Apr. (7) H (Mrs. R. E. Lynn) and
26th (1) MLB, both NA. Purple Finch: last 22 Apr. (1) LC (LC), (1000)

[VoL. 43, 1972]

52

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

wintered there with 248 banded in one day by (MLB) ! Pine Siskin: very late,

15 May (1) EC (LC), thru 13 May (1) NA (ATT). LARK SPARROW:
10 April (1) LC (LC); 12 Apr. (1) H WB (FB). BACHMAN’S SPAR-
ROW: 20 Apr. (1) LC (LC). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 26 Mar. (5) H WB (FB) ;
22 Apr. (1) banded 2j’s (JNR) ; 6 May (1) CoL and (1) RL (MLB).

Locations: BS — Basin Springs, BV — Buena Vista Marsh, BT — Byrdstown,
CP — Centennial Park, ChL — ^^Cheatham Lake, CW—Cheekwood Botanical Gar-
dens, CoL — Coleman’s Lake, FP — Five Points, Lawrence County, CP — ^Goose
Pond, Grundy County, H-home area, LC — Lawrence County, LH — Love Hill
(near CP), NA — Aashville Area, OHL — ^Old Hickory Lake, PN — Plant
Nursery (upper OHL), RL — Radnor Lake, SHV — South Harpeth Valley,
2j’s — Two Jays Sanctuary, WB — Woodbury, WR — Woods Reservoir.

Observers: FJA — Fred J. Alsop, MLB — Mike L. Bierly, RTB — Ralph T.
Bullard, FB — Frances Bryson, LC — Lloyd Clayton, PDC— Paul and Dot Craw-
ord, JED — Jon E. DeVore, CEF — Charles E. Farrell, LF — Louis Farrell Jr.,
KLD — Kenneth and Lil Dubke, LJG — Larry J. Gates, KAG-— Katherine A.
Goodpasture, ROH — Roger O. Harshaw, RH — Robbie Hassler, LLH — Lee
and Lois Herndon, MLM — Margaret L. Mann, CRM — ^George R. Mayfield, Jr.,
HCM — Harry C. Monk, JNR — John N. Riggins, JHR — John and Heather
Riggins, WmS — William Senter, ATT — Ann Tarbell, LOT — Lawrence O.
Trabue, DW — Morris D. Williams, MCW — Mary C. Wood.

Henry E. Parmer, 3 800 Richland Ave., Nashville 37205.

EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION — Spring migration here was
only average. No large concentrations or unusual movements were noted.
Several parties found a total of 159 species in Knox County on 30 April 1972.
The first state record of the Ruff came from Sequatchie Valley, also a
Fulvous Tree Duck from the same area. A Black-billed Cuckoo nested un-
successfully in the Chattanooga Area. Virginia Rails were found at both
Amnicola and Alcoa Marshes — perhaps they are nesting, a Black Duck nested
at the Alcoa Marsh.

Loon-Coot: Common Loon: 16 Apr. (1) HRA (KD, LD, LRH, RTB);
26 Apr. (1) BL (MD) ; 28 Apr. (1) CrL (JH). Double-crested Cormorant:
25 Mar. (2) CrL (TK). CATTLE EGRET: 4 Apr. (1) SeV (LSF). Common
Egret: 16 Apr. (2) AM (KD, LD, LRH, RTB). Black-crowned Night Heron:

16 Apr. (3) AM and HRA (Kd, LD, LRH); 28 Apr. (1) AM (KD, LD);
15 Apr. (2) AIM (JH, CN, MDW). Least Bittern: 15 Apr. (1) AIM (JH,
CN, MDW); 15 May (1) AM (LD). American Bittern: 20 Mar. (1), 16
Apr. (4), 28 Apr. (1) all AM (KD, LD); 12 May (1), 14 May (1), both
AIM (MDW); 15 Apr. (3) AS (GE, GW, ED). Canada Goose: 29 Apr. (3
flying north) CB (KD). FULVOUS TREE DUCK: 11 Apr. (1) SeV (LSF)
Mallard: 15 May (4 paired birds) KSP (FJA, BB). BLACK DUCK: 12 May
(female flushed from nest with 10 eggs) AIM (MDW). Gadwall: 26 Mar.
(1) PHL (LRH). Green-winged Teal: 2 Apr. (4) JCo (TK). Blue-winged
Teal: 16 Apr. (100) AM (JD). American Widgeon: 2 Apr. (12) JCo (TK).
Shoveler: 23 Apr. (5) UTPSF (FJA). Wood Duck: 14 May (female with
13 small young) 4th Cr., K (FJA). Lesser Scaup: 16 Apr. (136) AM and
HRA (KD, LD, LRH, RTB); 15 May (4) KSP (FJA, BB). Bufflehead: 5
May (1) KSP (FJA, CN). Ruddy Duck: 5 May (1) KSP (FJA, CN).

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

53

Hooded Merganser: 6 Apr. (2) PHL (MD, HD); 9 Apr. (4) JCo (TK).
Common Merganser; 2 May (1) AS (MD, VC); 7 May (1) KCo (TK).
Red-breasted Merganser: 29 Apr. (3) AS (GE, PR). Cooper’s Hawk: 15 April
Red-tailed Hawk: Nested at Erwin landfill and fledged 3 young (PR, GW,
et. ak). Marsh Hawk: 16 Apr. (1) HRA (KD, LD, LRH, RTB). Osprey:
first 19 M,ar. (1) HRA (Wilford Caraway); 23 Apr. (1) UTPSF (FJA) ;
throughout period (1-4) AS (GE, PR, LRH, MD). Ring-necked Pheasant:
2 Apr. (1 male) Greene Co. (TK). King Rail: 15 Apr. (1) AIM (JH) ; 16
Apr. (1) AM (KD, LD, LRH, RTB); 24 Apr. (1) AS (PR). Virginia Rail:
20 Mar. (1) AM (KD, LD, Frank Ward); 26 Apr. and 15 May (1) AM
(KD, LD); 10 Apr. (2-4) AS (PR); 14 May (1) AIM (MDW). Sora Rail:
16 Apr. (15) AM (JD); 26 Apr. (11) AM (KD); 15 May (4) AM (KD).
American Coot: 30 M,ar. (60) CrL (JH); 16 Apr. (16) AM and HRA (KLD,
LRH, RTB); 7 May (2) KSP (MDW).

Plover-Tern: Semipalmated Plover: 7-14 May (3-4) 4th Cr., K (FJA);
7 May (9) KSP (FJA, CN, MDW); 14 May (20) UTPSF (FJA). Black-
bellied Plover: 14 May (9) UTPSF (FJA); 2 Apr. (9) JCo (TK). Common
Snipe: 20 Mar. (3 5) AM (KD, LD). Upland Plover: 9 Apr. (2) SeV (BB) ;
22 Apr. (1) UTPSF (Joshua and Gil Banner, MDW); 2 Apr. (2) JCo (TK).
Spotted Sandpiper: 16 Apr. (2), 22 Apr. (5) UTPSF (MD~W). Solitary Sand-
piper: 15 Apr. (2) KCo (MDW). Willet: 14-15 May (1) UTPSF (FJA);

2 Apr. (1) JCo (TK) . Greater Yellowlegs: 4 Apr. (1) AS (VC) ; 6 Apr.

(92) SeV (LSF); 15 Apr. ( 1 ) AS (GE, GW, ED, DL) ; 16 Apr. (24) HRA

(KD, LD, LRH, RTB). Lesser Yellowlegs: 2 Apr. (2) JCo (TK) ; 6 Apr.

(37) SeV (LSF); 15 Apr. ( 5 ) AS (GE, GW, DL, ED); 16 Apr. (36) HRA

(KD, LD, LRH, RTB). Pectoral Sandpiper: 2 Apr. (15) JCo (TK). White-

rumped Sandpiper: 1 5 May (5-7) KSP (FJA, BB) ; 1 5 May (2) UTPSF
( JMC ) . Least Sandpiper: 26 Apr. (2 ) AM, (KD, LD) ; 1 Apr. (35) CrL
(JH). DUNLIN: 16 Apr. (1) HRA (KD, LD, LRH, RTB); 14 May (1—
breeding plumage) UTPSF (FJA). Short-billed Dowitcher: 14 May (1)

UTPSF (FJA). Semipalmated Sandpiper: May 7 (1) KCo (TK) ; 9 May (3)
W (PR). WESTERN SANDPIPER: 2 May (1) W (MD, VC). RUFF: 6,
7, 8, Apr. (1) SeV (LSF, BB, TOS members) first state record, details to be
published. Herring Gull: 1 Apr. (2) CrL (JH). Ring-billed Gull: 1 Apr.
(300-|-) CrL ( JH) . Bonapartes Gull: 17 Mar. (17) NL (LS) ; 26 Mar. (75 )
NL (LS) ; 5 Apr. (270) NL and CL (LS) ; 1 Apr. (2) CrL (JH) ; 3 Apr.
(18) BL (GE, RH, JM). Forster’s Tern: 8 May (13) HRA (LD). Common
Tern: 1 Apr. (2) CrL (JH). CASPIAN TERN: 30 Apr. (4) KCo (Mrs.
George McGown, Mrs. Sterling Ryder).

Cuckoo -Sparroiv: BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO: 3 0 Apr. (nest, 2 eggs, adult
incubating) Signal Mt., Sequatchie County, 2,000 feet elevation (William and
Mary Steele fide KD, LD), 1 May no change, 4 May nest empty. Barn Owl:
16 Apr. (1) (KD); nested in Johnson City (Ralph Keffer et. al.) ; 30 Apr.
(1) K (CN, MDW). Barred Owl: 30 Apr. (1) RR (KD, LD) ; 30 Apr. (1)
KCo (JCH, Chester Massey) One of the few Knox County records of this
species. Chuck-will’s-widow: 19 Apr. (1) Da (DJ); 19 Apr. (1) JCo (TK).
Whip-poor-will: 6 Apr. (1) Da (DJ) Common Nighthawk: first 18 Apr.
(1) K (MDW). Chimney Swift: first 28 Mar. (2) Chattanooga (KD, LD);

3 0 Mar. (5) K (JH). Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 14 May (female build-
ing nest 30 ft. up in a sycamore) K (MDW). Red-headed Woodpecker: 2

[VoL. 43, 1972]

54

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

pair through period on UTK campus (JH, CN, MDW); nested on ETSU
campus. RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER: 7 May (2 adults at nest)
Catoosa Wildlife Area, Cumberland Co. (FJA, GE, CN, GW, MDW). Traill’s
Flycatcher: 7 May (2) AS (PR, GE). Least Flycatcher: 14 May (1 singing)
Da (DJ). Tree Swallow: 26 Mar. (4) GC (JMC, JCH, MDW). Bank Swal-
low: 9 Apr. (3) Erwin fish Hatchery (PR). Rough-winged Swallow: 26
Mar. (10) CC (JMC, JCH, MDW). Barn Swallow: 26 Mar. (10) OC (JMC,
JCH, MDW). Cliff Swallow: 17 Apr. (2-8 nesting in barn) AS (PR, MD).
BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH: 29 Apr. (1) Collegedale (Carl Swaf-
ford). House Wren: 18 Apr. (1) Da (DJ) ; fairly common around Morris-
town and Dandridge (TK). Bewick’s Wren: 11 Apr. (1) UTK campus (JH) ;
16 Apr. (2) K (MDW). Long-billed Marsh Wren: 23 Apr. (1-3) AS (GW,
PR). Short-billed Marsh Wren: 2 8, 3 0 Apr. (1) UTCF (FJA). Hermit
Thrush: 29 Apr. ( 1 ) JC (PR, GE). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: 20 Mar. (1) Da
(DJ). Water Pipit: 15 May (1) UTPSF (FJA, BB). Warbling Vireo: 29 Apr.
(2 adults, nest being built 3 5 ft. up in a sycamore) K (MDW). SWAIN-
SON’S WARBLER: 1 Apr. (1) Da (LS) ; 7 Apr. (1) near Tenn. Hwy. 27
west side of Walden Ridge at 1,260 ft. elevation (LS, LD). Orange-crowned
Warbler: 20 Apr. (1) Chattanooga (LD); 29 Apr. (1) CB (Hunter Patter-
son). Prairie Warbler: 21 Mar. (1) Da (DJ). Northern Waterthrush: 21 Mar.

(1) Da (DJ). Connecticut Warbler: 19 May (1) UTCF (FJA). Mourning
Warbler: 14 May (2 RR (KD, LD). 21 Apr. (1) JC (PR). Bobolink: 29
Apr. (10) UTPSF (MDW) . Eastern Meadowlark: 30 Apr. (nest 4 eggs), 14
May (nest destroyed) K (MDW). Rusty Blackbird: 21 Mar. (26) Da (DJ).
Dickcissel: first 7 May (common) JCo (TK). Evening Grosbeak: 14 May

(2) Greenville (JH). Grasshopper Sparrow: first 9 Apr. (1) JCo (TK).
Vesper Sparrow: 26 Mar. (2) CC (JMC, TCH, MDW); 9 Apr. (1) JCo
(TK); 7 May (2) AS (PR, GE). LARK SPARROW: 22 Apr. (1) UTPSF
(MDW); 14 Apr. through period (2) near Kimberlin Heights, Sevier County
(CM, FJA). LINCOLN’S SPARROW: 30 Apr. (1) KCo (Beth Lacy).
Swamp Sparrow: last 30 Apr. (2) KCo (MDW). Song Sparrow: 22 Apr. (nest
5 eggs), 14 May (young left nest) UTPSF (FJA, MDW).

Locations: AIM — ^^Alcoa Marsh; AM — Amnicola Marsh; AS — Austin
Springs; BL — Boone Lake; CC — Campbell Co.; CB — Chickamauga Battle-
field; CL — ^Chickamauga Lake; CrL — Cherokee Lake; Da — Daus; HRA — Hi-
wassee River Area; JC — Johnson City; JCo — Jefferson County; K — Knox-
ville; KCo — Knox County; KSP — Kingston Steam Plant; NL — Nickajack
Lake; PHL — Patrick Henry Lake; RR — Reflection Riding; SB — Savannah
Bay; SeV — Sequatchie Valley; UTCF — U.T. Cherokee Farm, Knox Co.;
UTPSF — U. T. Plant Science Farm, Knox Co.; W — Watauga.

Observers: FJA — Fred J. Alsop, III; BB — Dr. Benton Basham; RTB —
Ralph T. Bullard; JMC — James M. Campbell; VC — Virginia Curtiss; ED —
Ed Davidson; HD — Helen Hill Dove; JD — Jon Devore; KD — Ken Dubke
(Compiler Chattanooga Area) ; LD — Lil (Mrs. Ken) Dubke; MD — Martha
Dillenbeck; GE — Glen Eller (Compiler Elizabethton Area) ; LRH-— Dr. Lee
R. Herndon; JH — James Holt; JCH — Dr. J. C. Howell; DJ — Daniel Jacob-
sen; TK — Tony Koella; DL — Danny Leach; GM — George and Beulah McGhee;
CN — ^Chuck Nicholson; PR — Peter Range; LS — Lee Shafer; LSF — Lee Shafer
family; GW — Dr. Gary Wallace; MDW — Morris Williams.

Morris D. Williams, Box 2 5, Five Points, 3 8457.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

55

EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION — Slightly below normal precipitation
and temperatures were experienced during March and April, with May bring-
ing above normal precipitation and below normal temperatures. Interesting
records for the region include the Snowy Egret and Common Gallinule at
Roan Creek (near Roan Mtn.). Northern finches remained in the region until
mid-May.

Loon s-Gidls: Common Loon: 8 Apr. (26) WaL (GW). SNOWY EGRET:
2 5 Apr. (I) RC (PR). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 8 Apr. (2) HS (GW).
American Bittern: 29 Apr. (1) RC (GE, LRH, JM). Shoveler: 2 Apr. (2)
WaL (LRH, GE, PR); 17 Apr. (2) WaR (Martha Dillenbeck, Helenhill
Dove). Greater Scaup: 8 Apr. (13) WaL (GW). Ruddy Duck: 8 Apr. (1)
WaL (GW). Hooded Merganser: 2 Apr. (5) RC (GE, LRH, PR). Red-
breasted Merganser: 8 Apr. (1) WaL (LRH); 15 Apr. (1) WaL (JM).
Marsh Hawk: 2 Apr. (1) CR (GE, LRH, PR). Osprey: first 26 Mar. (1)
WaR (LRH). Turkey: 15 Apr. (2) UWMA (E-TOS). COMMON GAL-
LINULE: 21 Apr. (1) RC (LRH, JM) ; 2 5 Apr. (1) RC (PR). Greater
Yellowlegs: 14 Apr. (1) GL-E (JM). Least Sandpiper: 8 May (5) GL-E
(LRH). Bonaparte’s Gull: 2 Apr. (1) RC (GE, LRH, PR).

Owls-Vireos: Barred Owl: 29 Apr. (2) HM (GE, LRH, JM,) ; 6 May (1)
RM (FWB). Saw-whet Owl: 28 Apr. (3) GSMNP^ (FJA, JMC, MDW).
Traill’s Flycatcher: 13 May (1) GL-E (GE). Least Flycatcher: 23 Apr. (1)
RM (GW). OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER: 29 Apr. (1) HS (ED). Tree
Swallow: 8 Apr. (3-5) WiL (GW, GE). Common Raven: 13 Apr. (2) RM
(MS). Hermit Thrush: 2 Apr. (2) RC (GE, LRH, ^ PR). Swainson’s Thrush:
2 Apr. (2) RM (MS). Blue-grey Gnatcatcher: first 2 Apr. (2) RC (GE,
LRH, PR). Cedar Waxwing: 8 Apr. (3 00-|-) HS (GW). Yellow-throated
Vireo: 15 Apr. (1) GL-E (JM). PHILADELPHIA VIREO: 2 5 Apr. (1)
HS (ED). Warbling Vireo: 23 Apr. (1) HS (ED).

Warhlers -Sparrows: Swainson’s Warbler: 5 May (2) GSMNP (MDW).
Blackburnian Warbler: 21 Apr. (1) HS (LRH). Yellow- throated Warbler:
first 1 Apr. (2) WiL (JM). Prairie Warbler: 27 Apr. (1) ML (LRH, GW).
Palm Warbler: 6 Apr. (1) GL-E (GW). Northern Waterthrush: 27 Apr. (1)
MC (LRH, GW). Kentucky Warbler: 16 Apr. (1) RM (MS). Wilson’s War-
bler: 25 Apr. (1) HS (GW, ED). Bobolink: 29 Apr. (6) H (LRH, JM).
Rusty Blackbird: 29 Apr. (16) HS (GW, ED). Blue Grosbeak: 15 Apr. (2)
GC (LRH, GE). Red Crossbill: 2 Apr. (7) CR (GE, LRH, PR). Savannah
Sparrow: 19 Apr. (3) HS (GW). Vesper Sparrow: 8 Apr. (1) GL-E (GW,
GE). Fox Sparrow: 16 Mar. (1) RM (MS); 2 Apr. (3) RC (GE, LRH, PR).

Locations: CR — Cove Ridge on Watauga Lake, GC — Gap Creek, GL-E —
Great Lakes property (in Elizabethton) , GSMNP — Great Smoky Mt. Nat’l.
Park, H — Hampton, HM — Holston Mtn., HS — Hunter Swamp, (Carter Co.),
MC — Milligan College Area, UWMA — Unicoi Wildlife Management Area, RC
— Roan Creek, RM — Roan Mtn., WaL — Watauga Lake, WaR — Watauga
River, WiL— Wilber Lake.

Observers: FJA— Fred J. Alsop, III, FWB— Fred W. Behrend, JMC—
James M. Campbell, ED — Ed Davidson, GE — Glen Eller, LRH — Lee R. Hern-
don, JM — John Martin, PR — Pete Range, MS — Maxie Swindell, E-TOS — Eliz.
Chapter, T.O.S., GW— Gary Wallace, MDW— Morris D. Williams.

Brent Rowell, 2227 Edgemont Ave., Bristol 37620.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

56

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

SIXTH ANNUAL

SYMPOSIUM AND FALL MEETING
TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

14-15 OCTOBER, 1972

FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK
PIKEVILLE, TENNESSEE 37367

This is the height of the fall color season so room reservations should be
made early. A block of rooms at the new inn containing two double beds
each has been set aside for our group, but members must reserve these on an
individual basis by 15 Sept., to be sure of your accommodation. A few larger
cabins are still available on a first-come basis. For reservations write Fall Creek
Falls Inn, Fall Creek Falls State Park, Pikeville, Tennessee, or call 615-881-
3294. Be sure to state that you are with T.O.S. For further details about ar-
rangements, contact George R. Mayfield Jr., Maury County Hospital, Colum-
bia, Tennessee 38401. As in the past a registration fee of $1.00 will be charged
for each adult. Students free.

8:00 a.m.
12:00-1:00 p.m.
1:00-2:00 p.m.
2:00-5:00 p.m.

14 October, Saturday

Field trips to nearby areas of the park.

Lunch.

Board of Directors Meeting.

Program — Tennessee’s Wetlands: Past, Present and
Future.

THE WATERFOWL OF TENNESSEE Jon A. DeVore

Results of a comprehensive survey on their breeding, wintering and mi-
gration in the state.

NESTING WOOD DUCKS AND HOODED MERGANSER AT HATCHIE REFUGE Dennis

Jordon

A total of 298 boxes have been erected with a record 90 percent occu-
pancy. One third to one half are used by Hooded Mergansers. If provided
the proper conditions wildlife should thrive.

THE HERON ROOKERIES OF TENNESSEE David PittS

A survey of past known rookeries and their present status. How many
will we have by the year 2000?

TVA AND THE DUCK RIVER HERON ROOKERY — James H. Burbank

An up to date report of this most important rookery. Can it be saved?

7:3 0 p.m. — the future of Tennessee’s wetlands

A member of the Tennessee Game and Fish Commission will explain how
members of the Tennessee Ornithological Society will have to take an
active role in preserving and maintaining our wetlands for future genera-
tions to enjoy.

“ 1 5 October, Sunday, at your leisure, depart for home.

For further details on the program, contact Kenneth H. Dubke, Apt. 1,
720 Bacon Trail, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37412 Phone 61 5-698-7787.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

PREPARATION OF COPY FOR PUBLICATION

The purpose of THE MIGRANT is the recording of observations and
original information derived from the study of birds, primarily in the state
of Tennessee or the area immediately adjacent to its borders. Articles for
pubhcation originate almost exclusively from T.O.S. members.

Contributors should prepare manuscripts and submit them in a form ac-
ceptable to the printer, after editorial approval. Both articles and short notes
are solicited but their format should be somewhat diflEerent.

Some suggestions to authors for the preparation of papers for publication
are given herewith.

MATERIAL; The subject matter should relate to some phase of Tennessee
Ornithology. It should be original, factual, concise, scientifically accurate, and
not submitted for publication elsewhere.

TITLE: The title should be concise, specific, and descriptive.

STYLE; Recent issues of THE MIGRANT should be used as a guide in
the preparation of manuscripts. Where more detail is needed reference should
be made to the Style Manual for Biological Journals available from the Ameri-
can Institute of Biological Sciences, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue N. W., Wash-
ington, D. C. 20016.

COPY; Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on 8j x 11” paper
with adequate margins, for editorial notations, and should contain only entries
intended for setting in type, except the serial page number. Tabular data should
be entered on separate sheets with appropriate title and column headings.
Photographs intended for reproduction should be sharp with good contrast on
glossy white paper in black and white (not in color). Instructions to the
editors should be given on a separate sheet. Weights and measurements should
be in metric units. Dating should be in "continental” form (e.g., 7 March
1968).

NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by
binomial scientific name in italics only after the first occurrence in the text
for both regular articles and Round Table Notes, and should conform to
the A.O.U. Check-hst 5th edition, 1957. Trinomial should be used only after
the specimen has been measured or compared with typical specimens.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: When there are more than five references in an article,
they should be placed at the end of the article, otherwise they should be
appropriately included in the text.

SUMMARY; Articles of five or more pages in length should be sum-
marized briefly, drawing attention to the main conclusions resulting from
the work performed.

IDENTIFICATION: Rare or unusual species identification to be accept-
able must be accompanied by verifying evidence. This should include; date,
time, light and weather conditions, exact location, habitat, optical equipment,
distance, behavior of bird, comparison with other similar species, characteristic
markings, experience of observer, other observers verifying observation and
reference works consulted.

REPRINTS: Reprints are available on request. Reprint requests should
accompany article at the time of submission. Billing to authors will be
through the state T.O.S. Treasurer.

Books for review and articles for publication should be submitted to the
editor. Seasonal reports and items should be forwarded to the appropriate
departmental editor whose name and address will be found on the inside
front cover.

CONTENTS

The Sandhill Crane in Tennessee. Jon E. DeVore 29

Annual Autumn Hawk Count. Thomas W, Etnucane 35

Tennessee Ornithological Society Annual State Meeting, 1972

Louise Nunnally, Secretary 38

Bird Finding in Tennessee. Robbie and David Hassler 42

The 1972 Spring Field Days. Lee R. Herndon 44

Round Table Notes

Chuck- will’s-widow Singing in Daylight. Michael Lee Bierly 48

Nesting of Bank Swallows in Lake County. David Pitts 48

The Season. Edited by Fred J, Akop, III 49

Western Coastal Plain. David E. Patterson 49

Central Plateau and Basin Region. Henry E. Parmer 50

Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Morris D. Williams 52

Eastern Mountain Region. Brent Rowell 55

Announcement of Fall Meeting

56

m

w

Hitlisfied ^

.;:./.\V:V/;v\\^->-\V-V;y^ * '' ^ /

'l\V* ■•■•:‘-*f.**’V*

SEPTEMBER 1972

VOL. 43. NO. 3

THE MIGRANT

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

FIRST PUBLISHED, JUNE 1930

Published By

THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Founded at Nashville, Tenn., 7 October 1915
A non-profit, educational, scientific, and conservation organization.

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR DR. GARY O. WALLACE

Sunrise Drive, Rt. 7, Box 33 8, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

"THE SEASON” EDITOR DR. FRED J. ALSOP, III

Mt. Carmel Apt. :^3, Concord Ave., Mt. Carmel, Tenn. 37642

"STATE COUNT COMPILER” DR. LEE R. HERNDON

Rt. 6, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

OFFICERS FOR 1971-1973

PRESIDENT DR. JAMES T. TANNER

Rt. 28, Box 15 5, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920

VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN MR. C. T. OTTENFELD

Brookwood, Rt. 5, Bristol, Tenn. 37622

VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN MISS LOUISE JACKSON

5037 Montclair Dr., Nashville, Tenn. 37211

VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN DR. ARLO SMITH

3724 Oakley Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 38111
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE:

EAST TENN MRS. A. H. SWITZER

1620 Fairidge Place, Kingsport, Tenn. 37664

MIDDLE TENN MRS. JOHN D. HASSLER

Box 1, Byrdstown, Tenn. 38549

WEST TENN DAVID PITTS

Biology Dept., University of Tenn. at Martin, Martin, Tenn. 38237

CURATOR ALBERT F. GANIER

2112 Woodlawn Drive, Nashville, Tenn. 37212

SECRETARY MISS LOUISE NUNNALLY

2701 Fairmont Blvd., Knoxville, Tenn. 37917

TREASURER KENNETH H. DUBKE

720 Bacon Trail, Apt. 1, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37412

Annual dues, $3.00; Sustaining, $5.00; Life, $100.00; Student, $1.00; Family, $4.00;
Library, $3.00 (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Back numbers
may be had from Dr. James T. Tanner, Rt. 28, Box 15 5, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920. Correspond
with the Treasurer for subscriptions, memberships, and changes of address.

Published quarterly (March, June, September, and December). Printed by Preston
Printing Company, 5 09-5 1 1 Shelby Street, Bristol, Tennessee 37620, U.S.A. Postage paid
and mailed at Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643, U.S.A.

THE MIGRANT

Published by the Tennessee Ornithological Society,
to Record and Encourage the Study of Birds in Tennessee.
Issued in March, June, September, and December.

VOL. 43 SEPTEMBER, 1972 NO. 3

A PRELIMINARY LIST OL TENNESSEE BIRDS

Fred J. Aesop, III

Almost a decade has passed since Henry E. Parmer compiled the Field List
of Teitnessee Birds (1963) printed by the Tennessee Game and Fish Commis-
sion. Additions to that list have been made since and many of these have
appeared in the pages of The Migrant. It seems proper at this time to publish
the list in full.

Much work, both in the field, and in the study remains to be done before
a fully annotated list which discusses in detail matters of distribution, dates
of occurrence, and abundance can be prepared. The present work contains
only the names of the various species, and some very brief annotations. It is
hoped, however, that the publication of this preliminary list will be justiified
if it serves as a stimulus to further work, and if it results in communications
with the author to correct the inevitable errors.

ANNOTATIONS

The following designations have been used to define the status of each
species. Regularly occiiring (no code letter is used for these species) — Any
species which does not appear in one of the headings listed below. Accidental
(A) — All species which have occurred no more than two times since 1920.
Casual (C) — Those species which have been recorded more frequently than
the "Accidentals” but which cannot be expected every year or even in a period
of several years. Extirpated or Former (E) — Those species which are no longer
found in the state or those species for which all records are prior to 1920.
Extinct (X) — Those species that are no longer in existence anywhere. Intro-
duced (I) — Those species that are not native to Tennessee but are resident.
Hypothetical (H) — Those species which have been recorded in the state, but
have not been substantiated according to the criteria for acceptability estab-
lished for this list. Species about which doubt exists as to thier wildness, i.e.
a Mute Swan that might have escaped from someone’s hand reared flock, are
included in this category.

Species that are known to have nested at least once in Tennessee are identi-
fied by an asterisk (’’■). The symbol (’“'c) is used for those species that are
captive and/or semi-domesticated breeders, and (’T) denotes those species

[VoL. 43, 1972]

58

THE MIGRANT

SEPTEMBER

which still occur in the state that formally nested here. Some species have been
found repeatedly in the state during the nesting season but to my knowledge
no definite nesting record has been established for these "presumed breeders”,
("'?). It is to be hoped that birders in Tennessee might make special efforts
to establish definite nesting records of these species.

CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTABILITY TO THE
TENNESSEE STATE LIST

The historical standard would be to admit to the state list only those species
for which a specimen has been taken in the state, but in 1972 I believe a less
severe course has merit. I have chosen the following criteria with the full
knowledge that they will not be to everyone’s satisfaction and, further, that
the subsequent task of evaluating sight records can never be completely satis-
factory to all parties concerned.

A species is accepted for the state list if it meets one or more of the fol-
lowing qualifications:

1) There is a prepared specimen of the species in a museum or private
collection taken in Tennessee and examined by a competent ornithologist.

2) There is a clear and unmistakable photograph (color or black-and-
white; published or on file) or transparency of the species with the name of
the photographer, observer (s), date, location, and other details.

3) A published observation by at least two qualified observers in a recog-
nized journal (including banding records) with the details as listed in The
Migrant.

4) There have been repeated sight records over the years made by qualified
persons, but for which fewer than two persons were involved in each sighting
which has been published.

5 ) I have a personal knowledge of an, as yet, unpublished record by com-
petent observers.

Species which do not meet one of these criteria have been designated as
"Hypothetical”. Exotic species, i.e. Egyptian Goose, Chukar Partridge, Ringed
Turtle Dove, and others whose origin is unknown and which are not established
in the state are omitted from the list.

All records should contain the details stated in the inside back cover of
The Migrant. "Rare or unusual species identification to be acceptable must be
accompanied by verifying evidence. This should include: date, time, light and
weather conditions, exact location, habitat, optical equipment, distance, be-
havior of bird comparison with other similar species, characteristic markings,
experience of observer, other observers verifying observation and reference
works consulted.”

NOMENCLATURE

The use of names follows the American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list
of North American Birds (1957). Only the common name is given. No devia-
tions have been made from this accepted standard even though some changes
proposed in recent literature would effect the species status of some Tennessee

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

59

LIST OF SPECIES

Coiaraon Loon

Red-throated Loon C
Red-necked Grebe A
Horned Grebe
Eared Grebe A

Black Vulture *
Swallow-tailed Kite C
Mississippi Kite *
Goshawk C , * ?

Sharp-shinned Hawk *

Hudsonian Godwit A
Ruff A
Sander 1 ing
American Avocet C
Red Phalarope C

Pied-billed Grebe *

White Pelican C
Brown Pelican A
Double-crested Cormorant *f
Anh inga C, *f

Cooper ' s Hawk *
Red-tailed Hawk *
Harlan ' s Hawk C
Red-shouldered Hawk *
Broad-winged Hawk *

Wilson ' s Phalarope
Northern Phalarope C
Glaucous Gull A
Herring Gull
Ring-billed Gull

Great Blue Heron *
Green Heron *

Little Blue Heron *
Cattle Egret *
Common Egret *

Rough -legged Hawk
Golden Eagle *f (?)
Bald Eagle *f
Marsh Hawk
Osprey *

Laugh ing Gull C
Frankl in ' s Gull C
Bonaparte ' s Gull
Black-legged Kittiwake A
Forster ' s Tern

Snowy Egret *f
Louisiana Heron C
Black-crowned Night Heron *
Yellow-crowned Night Heron *
Least Bittern *

Peregrine Falcon *f
Pigeon Hawk C
Sparrow Hawk *

Ruffed Grouse *

Greater Prairie Ch icken E

Common Tern
Sooty Tern A
Least Tern *
Caspian Tern
Black Tern

American Bittern *f
Wood Ibis C
Glossy Ibis C
White-faced Ibis H
White Ibis

Bobwhite *

Ring-necked Pheasant 1, *c, *?
Turkey *

Whooping Crane E&H
Sandhill Crane

Black Skimmer E
Rock Dove I , *
Mourning Dove *
Passenger Pigeon X
Ground Dove A

Roseate Spoonbill A
Mute Swan 1*H, *c
Whistling Swan C
Trumpeter Swan £
Canada Goose *c

Limpkin A
King Rail *
Virginia Rail *
Sora

Yellow Rail C

Carolina Parakeet X
Yellow-billed Cuckoo *
Black -billed Cuckoo *
Groove-billed Ani A
Barn Owl *

Brant C

Barnacle Goose A
White-fronted Goose C
Snow Goose
Blue Goose

Black Rail A, *
Purple Gallinule *
Common Gallinule *
American Coot *
Semipa Imated Plover

Screech Owl *
Great Horned Owl *
Snowy Owl C
Barred Owl *
Long-eared Owl C

Fulvous Tree Duck C
Mallard *c, *?

Black Duck *

Gadwall

Pintail

Piping Plover C
Wilson ' s Plover H
Killdeer *

American Golden Plover
Black-bellied Plover

Short-eared Owl
Saw-whet Owl * ?
Chuck-wi 1 1 ' s widow *
Wh ip-poor-wil 1 *

C ommon N igh th awk *

Green-winged Teal
Blue-winged Teal
Cinnamon Teal A
European Widgeon A
American Widgeon

Ruddy Turnstone
American Woodco ck *
Coimnon Snipe
Wh imbrel C
Eskimo Curlew E&H

Ch imney Swift *

Ruby -throated Hummingbird ’
Belted Kingfisher *

Yel low-shaf ted Flicker *
Pileated Woodpecker *

Shove ler
Wood Duck *
Redhead

Ring-necked Duck
Canvasback

Upland Plover
Spotted Sandpiper *
Solitary Sandp iper
Willet C
Greater Yellowlegs

Red-bellied Woodpecker *
Red-headed Woodpecker *
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker *
Hairy Woodpecker *

Downy Woodpecker *

Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Common Goldeneye
Barrow ' s Goldeneye H
Bufflehead *?

Lesser Yellowlegs
Knot C

Purple Sandp iper A
Pectoral Sandpiper
White-rumped Sandpiper

Red-cockaded Woodpecker *
Ivory -billed Woodpecker E&H
Eastern Kingbird *

Western Kingbird C
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (

Oldsquaw C
King Eider A
White -winged Scoter C
Surf Scoter C
Common Scoter C

Baird ' s Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Dunl in

Short-billed Dowitcher
Long-billed Dowitcher

Great Crested Flycatcher *
Eastern Phoebe *
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Acadian Flycatcher *

Traill ' s Flycatcher *

Ruddy Duck
Hooded Merganser *
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Turkey Vulture *

Stilt Sandpiper
Semipa Imated Sandpiper
Western Sandpiper
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Marbled Godwit A

Least Flycatcher *

Eastern Wood Pewee *
Olive-sided Flycatcher *?
Vermillion Flycatcher C
Horned Lark *

[VoL. 43, 1972]

60

THE MIGRANT

SEPTEMBER

Tree Swallow *

Bank Swallow *

Rough -winged Swallow *

Barn Swallow *

Cliff Swa 1 1 ow *

Purple Martin *

Blue Jay *

Common Raven *

Common Crow *

Fish Crow *

Black-capped Chickadee *
Carolina Chickadee *

Tufted Titmouse *
White-breasted Nuthatch *
Red-breasted Nuthatch *

Brown-headed Nuthatch C, *
Brown Creeper *

House Wren *

Winter Wren *

Bewick ' s Wren *

Carolina Wren *

Long-billed Marsh Wren
Short-billed Marsh Wren *?
Rock Wren A
Mockingbird *

Catbird *

Brown Thrasher *

Robin *

Wood Thrush *

Hermit Thrush

Swainson's Thrush
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Veery *

Eastern Bluebird *

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher *

Golden-crowned Kinglet *
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Water Pipit
Sprague ' s Pipit C
Cedar Waxwing *

Northern Shrike A
Loggerhead Shrike *
Starling I, *

White-eyed Vireo *

Bell's Vireo C , *f

Yellow-throated Vireo *
Solitary Vireo *

Red-eyed Vireo *
Philadelphia Vireo
Warbling Vireo *

Black-and-white Warbler *
Prothonotary Warbler *
Swainson's Warbler *
Worm-eating Warbler *
Golden-winged Warbler *

Blue-winged Warbler *
"Brewster's Warbler
"Lawrence's Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler

Nashville Warbler
Parula Warbler *

Yellow Warbler *

Magnolia Warbler
Cape May Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler *
Myrtle Warbler
Audubon's Warbler H
Black-throated Gray Warbler A
Black-throated Green Warbler *

Cerulean Warbler *

Blackburian Warbler *

Yellow- throated Warbler *
Chestnut-sided Warbler *
Bay-breasted Warbler

Blackpoll Warbler
Pine Warbler *

Kirtland's Warbler H
Prairie Warbler *

Palm Warbler

Ovenbird *

Northern Waterthrush
Louisana Waterthrush *

Kentucky Warbler *

Connecticut Warbler

Mourning Warbler
Yellowthroat *

Yellow-breasted Chat *

Hooded Warbler *

W i 1 son ' s Warb ler

Canada Warbler *

American Redstart *

House Sparrow I, *

Bobolink *

Eastern Meadowlark *

Western Meadowlark *?
Yellow-headed blackbird H
Red-winged Blackbird *

Orchard Oriole *

Baltimore Oriole *

Rusty Blackbird
Brewer's Blackbird
Common Crackle *
Brown-headed Cowbird *
Western Tanager H

Scarlet Tanager *

Summer Tanager *

Cardinal *

Rose-breasted Grosbeak *
Black-headed Grosbeak A

Blue Grosbeak *

Indigo Bunting *

Painted Bunting *
Dickcissel *

Evening Grosbeak

Purple Finch
Common Redpoll C
Pine Siskin *?

American Goldfinch *

Red Crossbill *?

White-winged Crossbill C
Green-tailed Towhee A
Rufous-sided Towhee *
Lark Bunting A
Savannah Sparrow

Grasshopper Sparrow *

Le Conte's Sparrow
Henslow's Sparrow C
Sharp-tailed Sparrow C
Vesper Sparrow *

Lark Sparrow *

Bachman's Sparrow *
Slate-colored Junco *
Oregon Junco C
Tree Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow *
Clay-colored Sparrow A
Field Sparrow *

Harris' Sparrow C
White-crowned Sparrow

White -throated Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Song Sparrow *

Lapland Longspur
Smith's Longspur C
Snow Bunting C

birds, i.e., the Blue Goose is now considered to be a color phase of the Snow
Goose and not a species distinct from it, and the "waybeo” and "fitzbew” song
forms of Traill’s Flycatcher are now considered distinct species with the com-
mon name Willow Flycatcher suggested for the latter form. These changes
can be easily instituted after the A.O.U. committee has published its decisions.

The two well-known hybrids of the Golden-winged/ Blue-winged Warbler
complex are also included in this list because of their regular occurrence and
observation in the state.

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SUMMARY OF THE LIST

The preceding list includes 25 5 regularly occuring species, 41 casual species,
26 accidental species, 6 extirpated or former species (3 of which are also hypo-
thetical), 2 extinct species, 5 introduced species (one of which is also hypo-
thetical), and 2 hybrids for a total of 3 3 3 species on the accepted list (the
hypothetial species are not included) . There are 1 1 additional species on the
hypothetical list.

CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING VARIOUS HYPOTHETICAL
(AND OTHER SELECTED) SPECIES

White-faced Ibis (hypothetical) : On 24 August, 1941, a single bird was ob-
served by Robert Tucker and Ben Welch as it flew from Mississippi into Ten-
nessee. The observers could not be certain whether this bird was of the Glossy
or White-faced species but concluded, ”. . . this was probably a White-faced
as they are suppose to range farther north than the Eastern (Glossy) ”. The
bird was seen only in flight. This is the first record for Tennessee {The
Migrant, 12:5 8) and the only one I (FJA) am aware of. Because of the
conditions of this observation I feel the record cannot be considered a valid
identification and the species should not be added to the state list.

Roseate Spoonbill (accidental) : Details to be published. One bird seen on
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge 29 June - 1 July 1972 and again on 1 3
July. Seen by Ernest Rauber, Carl Dowdy of the refuge staff (and by several
T.O.S. members later) on the Duck River Unit.

Mute Swan (introduced and hypothetical) : There are several published obser-
vations of this species throughout the state. Mute Swans have been placed on
lakes in Anderson and Montgomery Counties where they have been successful
in producing young. One immature from a free-flying group of three was
killed by a hunter at Kingston, Roane County, Tennessee during the winter of
1968-69. The other two were observed with wild waterfowl by F. J. Alsop,
J. M. Campbell, and others during that winter. Lee R. Herndon and many
others observed a bird of this species on Boone Lake the winter of 1969-70.
No one seems to know the status of this species in Tennessee. Are the indi-
viduals seen escapees?, offspring of local dometics?, or migrants from more
northern established breeding populations?

Trumpeter Swan (extirpated) : John J. Audubon sighted a bird of this species
on the Mississippi River in West Tennessee on 26 Nov. 1820, and 4 days later
he observed another near the Third Chicksaw Bluff near the Shelby-Tipton
County line {The Migrant, 1 1 : 59-61 ) . Albert F. Ganier (193 3 ) states
this species formerly occurred in Tennessee based on its recorded occurrence
in neighboring states. Tennessee is within the historical wintering range and
migratory range of this bird based on information in Bent (1925 ) .

Cinnamon Teal (accidental) : Details to be published. Male observed for 12
consecutive days (10-21 April 1972 ) on Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge
by Ernest L. Rauber, Assistant Refuge Manager.

Barrow’s Goldeneye (hypothetical) : Dr. Charles F. Pickering reported a half
an hour study of a male of this species on 21 January 1940, on the Cumber-

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land River near Clarksville, Montgomery County. His description is given in
The Migrant (11:5) by Alfred Clebsch. Dr. Pickering was a capable birder
and the observation seems carefully made, however, because this sight record
by one individual does not meet the criteria established here for acceptance
to the State List the species remains hypothetical.

King Eider (accidental) : A specimen taken from a hunter’s bag by the refuge
manager on Woods Reservoir near Chattanooga during the winter of 1966-67
or 1967-68. The unidentified bird remained frozen in various freezers across
the state until it was given to John Ogden, Research Biologist, Everglades
National Park on 20 December 1970. Ogden identified the bird as a female or
immature male King Eider. A paper is forthcoming on this the only known
record of an eider in Tennessee.

Greater Prairie Chicken (extirpated) : One seen at Nashville in May, 1810, by
Alexander Wilson and mentioned by him as having been found a few miles
north, close to the Kentucky-Tennessee line (Ganier, 1933).

Whooping Crane (expirpated and hypothetical): Albert F. Ganier (1933)
lists this species as formerly occurring in Tennessee based on its recorded occur-
rence in neighboring states. Tennessee is within the historical wintering and
migratory range of this species based on information in Bent (1926), but there
are no Tennessee records.

Wilson’s Plover (hypothetical) : One known record, the only observation being
made by M,rs. E. M. West near Chattanooga on 22 September 1957. Though
the bird was viewed from 30 feet with a 20 X telescope no desciption is given
of this Atlantic coast species. No comparisons are made with the similar im-
mature Killdeer. No statement is made as to the rarity of the species in the
region (the editor inserted the information that the record was the first for
the state). I feel this species should not be placed on the state list as it fails
to meet the criteria for acceptability established in this paper. For the obser-
vation see The Migrant, 28:57.

Eskimo Curlew (extirpated and hypothetical): Albert F. Ganier (1933) lists
this species as formerly occurring in the state based on records of the species
in neighboring states. Tennessee is within the range of migrant of this species
based on information in Bent (1929). There are no known records of this
bird in Tennessee.

Purple Sandpiper (accidental): There are two records of this species in the
state, both in the past decade. On 2 5 November 1962, Benton Basham and
Bill Gallagher spent more than one and a half hours in careful study of an
individual of this species on Hiwassee Island. During the course of their ex-
tended observation at close range the bird was also seen by David Tunsburg
and John Leach; David had previously seen the Purple Sandpiper. Their
record has been published in Audubon Field Notes, 17(1) :33, and I (FJA)
have seen copies of the notes Basham took on the spot and feel their identifi-
cation is a sound one.

On 8 June 1967, Tom W. Finucane observed a Purple Sandpiper at close
range at Bays Mountain Lake. His record was published in Audubon Field
Notes, 21 (5):547 and 566. He had seen the species earlier on the Rochester

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1972

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63

coast and his description of the bird he observed agrees with that of a Purple
Sandpiper. No one else saw this bird.

This species is added to the state list as an "accidental”, but I feel the
details of both observations should be submitted for publication in The Migrant
by the observers of this most unexpected species in Tennessee.

Kti'jf (accidental) : Details to be published. Found by Lee Shafer near Dunlap
on 6 April 1972 where it remained until early on the morning of 9 April.
Seen by more than 3 0' birders from across the state including Benton Basham,
Mike Bierly, and FJA.

Black-legged Kittiwake (accidental) : Birds of this species were reported be-
tween September and December, 1971, in the TVA system at the dams of
Percy Priest, Nickajack, Chickamauga, and Loudoun by a number of competent
observers (personal communications) . These observations will be published
soon.

Black Skimmer (former) : One found dead in Obion County in 1890 {Wilson
Bulletin, 41:100). The specimen and museum card are in the A. F. Ganier
collection in Nashville. This is the only known Tennessee record.

Passenger Pigeon (extinct) : This bird was a numerous transient and winter
resident prior to the 1 890’s (Ganier, 193 3). A summation of observations of
this species in Tennessee is published in The Migrant, 4:1 8-19.

Carolina Parakeet (extinct) : Flocks were recorded by Alexander Wilson, 15
miles north of Nashville, on 2 5 April 1810 (Ganier, 193 3 ). Ganier (193 3 )
also states there are other early records from West Tennessee.

Ivory-billed W ood pecker (extirpated and hypothetical) : There are no good
records known for this species for Tennessee, however, there is circumstantial
evidence as follows: Ganier ( 1933 ) lists the species for the state based on
records from neighboring states. Tennessee is within the historical breeding
range of the bird based on information in Bent (1939) and Tanner (1942 ) .
On 24 November 1 820, Audubon saw two Ivory-bills on the banks of the
Mississippi River while north of the present town of Fulton, however, he does
not state which side of the river he saw them on {The Migrant, 11:59-61).
There are numerous bills of this woodpecker included in Indian burials
found throughout the state, but these could have been trade items from else-
where.

Audubon’s Warbler (hypothetical) : One record on 1 June 19 52, in Johnson
City by Bruce Tyler and Robert Lyle. The bird was a male and is described
only by the following: "He displayed additional white plumage over that of a
Myrtle Warbler, but the deciding factor was the yellow throat patch.” There
is no indication of previous experience with the species and I feel the descrip-
tion is too incomplete to base a state record on.

Black-throated Gray Warbler (accidental) : Details to be published. Male,
killed in migration at U. S. Weather Bureau installation on Holston Mt. near
Elizabethton on the night of 30 Sept.-l Oct. 1972. Specimen collected, photo-
graphed, and frozen by Dr. Lee R. Herndon and Dr. Gary O. Wallace.

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64

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Kirtland’s Warbler (hypothetical): One published record {The Migrant,
27:53) of one bird by one observer, Mrs. M. Darnell, who had not seen
the species before. Seen on 2 8 September (1956?) in Greeneville. The descrip-
tion seems carefully done, but the record is not acceptable based on the criteria
of acceptability established for this list.

Yellow-headed Blackbird (hypothetical): There are three published reports for
Tennessee none of which I feel is acceptable for the state list. The first report
was published based on information obtained in telephone conversations with
parties who "may have seen the birds (Yellow-headed Blackbirds)” in the
Chattanooga area on 23 August 195 6, {The Migrant, 27:56). On 20 April
195 8, a male was reported by the same family that made the original observa-
tion above. Once again the report went by telephone to a second party who
published the report without having seen the bird and without a description
of the field marks used in making the identification. This bird was also in the
Chattanooga area {The Migrant, 3 0:15).

The third record was on 29 April 1967, at Gray Station near the boundary
between Sullivan and Washington Counties. The bird was seen by Ann Switzer,
who was familiar with the species in the Western states, but was reported by
T. W. Finucane who did not see the bird, and without a description of the
observation {The Migrant, 38:61). This is a species that should be looked
for in the state, but care should be taking in making a proper report, in the
absence of a specimen, of this "unmistakable” species.

Western Tanager (hypothetical) : One report near Dyersburg on 23 April 1969,
by Celia Hudson and Russell Hudson {The Migrant, 40:6 5-66). Though
they had not seen the species before their description is a good one. The bird
was observed on two different days. Mrs. Hudson also states a pair of this
species was seen at Reelf oot Lake State Park in 1963 by Mrs. C. K. G. Sumara.

REFERENCES USED IN COMPILING THIS LIST

Alsop, F. J. III. 1968. Birds of the Great ^moky Mountains Field Check List.

Published by Great Smoky Mts. Nat’l. Park, Gatlinburg 3773 8.

Audubon Field Notes. Published by the Nat’l. Aud. Soc. N. Y.

Bent, A. C. 1919-66. Life Histories of North American Birds. 20 vols. Wash.,
D. C. U. S. Nat’l. Museum.

Ganier, a. F. 193 3 Distributional List of the Birds of Tennessee. Tenn. Dept,
of Game and Fish, Nashville, Tenn.

Howell, J. C. and Muriel B. Monroe. 1957. The Birds of Knox County,
Tennessee. Journal of the Tenn. Acad, of Sci. 32 (4) :247-322.

Parmer, H. E. 1970. Birds of the Nashville Area. 2nd Ed. 3 800 Richland Ave.
Nashville, Tenn. 37205.

Parmer, H. E. 1963. Field List of Tennessee Birds. T. O. S. and Tenn. Game
and Fish Comm.

Stupka, a. 1963. Notes on the Birds of Great Smoky Mountains National
Park. The Univ. of Tenn. Press, Knoxville 37916.

Tanner, J. T. 1942. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Nat’l. Audubon Society,

N. Y.

{continued on page 71)

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65

EASTERN BLUEBIRDS NESTING
AT ASHLAND CITY: 1971.

By Amelia R. Laskey and Martha F. Herbert

This report of the nesting of Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia si alls) for 1971 in
Neptune Community of Ashland City concludes four years of weekly inspec-
tions. The nest boxes, made by William F. Bell and John S. Herbert, have
been set and maintained by the latter on approximately ten miles of rural
roads. Reports for the previous years have been published in The Migrant
1968:39, 1969:40, 1971:42.

In 1971, inspections started 16 March, ending 4 Sept, with the fledging of
the last brood. Of the available 69 nest boxes, 64 were used at least once by
E. Bluebirds, one by Tufted Titmouse (Pams bicolor) and another alternately
by bluebirds and titmouse. The Tufted Titmouse attempts were unsuccessful.

Bluebirds had 160 clutches, comprising 726 eggs. Of these 498 hatched,
366 fledged (50% of eggs laid). Box No. 75 contained a set of 7 eggs on
6 April, a rare number for this species. All hatched and fledged. The second
clutch of 6 eggs was completed in early June and four young were raised. On
19 July, 2 eggs were laid, starting the third set, but the female was not seen
again.

Of the unsuccessful 360 eggs, the greatest loss of 149 eggs and young was
due to predation, mainly snakes, which rob without disturbing the nest, leaving
It intact. On 2 5 May, a 54 inch chicken snake (Elaphe sp.) was captured in
a nest. The next largest number, 86, was abandoned eggs. In many instances,
this was caused by cat predation. Many roaming cats live in the area preying
on the birds as they feed. We found piles of feathers under and near the nests.
One box. No. 42, had seven instances of abandoned sets with new nests built
over them. Each time that we decided to remove the box, we found a new nest
over the old one and a new clutch started. Finally late In the season, this box was
removed. Sixty young disappeared from broods which apparently had died and
had been removed by the parents during the nestling period. In addition, 20
young died in the nest and were removed by the observers. There were 37
eggs that did not hatch; some were addled and some had developing embryos.
Eight young and eggs were unsuccessful because of accidents, such as the box
tilted from a fence by horses and 2 eggs removed through human error. The
failures began in late April with the peak of seven In one week occurring in
early July.

The Bluebird nesting season can be divided Into three periods, with the
peak of the first period on 20 April with 5 5 active nests; second period, 15
June with 49 active and third period, 6 July with 40 active.

This year seven females were captured and banded as they incuba’:ed or
brooded. Four were retaken that had been banded in 1970, three as nestlings
and the other, banded when adult, had occupied the same nest box in 1970 and
1971. One, No. 106-198942, had been banded as an adult In 1968, retaken in
1970 in two nestings and again In the first nesting period of 1971. During these

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years, she had occupied three different nesting boxes, all adjacent. In each of
the four captures, she was incubating pure white eggs. Possibly something
happened to her as the 1971 nest box was vacent about three weeks and was
then occupied by one laying blue eggs.

1521 Graybar Lane, Nashville 37215.

Route 5, Ashland City 37015.

BOOK REVIEW

BIRDS OF THE SMOKIES. By Arthur Stupka. Buckhorn Press, Gatlin-
burg, Tennessee 1972. Illustrated by Dolores Roberson. 62 p. 9 x 6 in., paper
covered.

This book illustrates 32 (including the cover) of the more common species
of birds out of over 200 that occur in the Great Smoky Mountains National
Park. Because of the limited number of species included it is not a book to
consider for field identification purposes.

The general form of the book is to have written information on the left
hand page and a drawing of that species on the right hand page.

Each illustration covers a whole page. An attempt has been made to put
each bird in its natural habitat. The drawings, however, can be very mislead-
ing. Many of the species are misrepresented in either posture, size and/ or color.

The written information about each species is accurate, interesting and
very informative. It includes comments about nesting habits, foods, sounds,
habitat, and many other items of interest. A comparison of field marks is
frequently given for similar species.

This book seems best designed for the individual with a mild or beginning
interest in birds. The fact that the book was written by Arthur Stupka, one
of the foremost experts on the flora and fauna of the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park, should make the book interesting to anyone in the Southern
Appalachian region.

Gary O. Wallace, Route 7, Elizabethton 37643

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67

NEW RECORDS EOR TENNESSEE

ROSEATE SPOONBILL IDENTIFIED AT TENNESSEE NATIONAL
WILDLIFE REFUGE — Positive identification of a Roseate Spoonbill {Ajaia
ajaja) was reported by Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, Paris, Tennessee
on 29 June 1972. The lone bird was first observed by Assistant Manager Ernest
Rauber and Biological Technician Carl Dowdy on the Duck River Unit ten
miles southwest of Waverly, Tennessee. Identification was later corroborated
by Refuge Manager V. L. Childs and several members of the Tennessee Orni-
thological Society.

The bird was first observed at approximately 09:00 on 29 June 1972.
Accompanied by several Snowy Egrets {Leucophoyx thula) , Cattle Egrets
{Bubnlcus ibis) and Little Blue Herons (Florida caeriilea) , the bird was feed-
ing in the shallows of a grassy pond, its bill sweeping the waters in a wide
arch as is true of its character.

The coloring was not the bright pink generally associated with the species.
Rather, the coloring was a faint pink indicating a juvenile bird.

Contact with the spoonbill was lost on 1 July and it was thought the bird
had vacated the area. However, quite by chance the bird was again seen at
close range 12 days later. The visit covered a period of 15 days in all. The
bird was last seen on 13 July 1972.

According to Tennessee Ornithological Society sources, the Roseate Spoon-
bill is a record bird for the state of Tennessee.

Ernest L. Rauber, Tenn. National Wildlife Refuge, Box 849, Paris 3 8242.

CINNAMON TEAL SIGHTED AT TENNESSEE NATIONAL WILD-
LIFE REFUGE — The, first recorded sighting of a Cinnamon Teal (Anas
cyanoptera) on Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge was noted on 10 April
1972. Range distribution maps for the Cinnamon Teal show that his appear-
ance into West Tennessee is highly infrequent. It is also believed that this is
the first sighting of a Cinnamon Teal in the state of Tennessee during the
20th Century.

The male Cinnamon Teal was sighted by Assistant Refuge Manager Ernest
L. Rauber in the "bottoms” area of Duck River unit near Hustburg, Tennes-
see. The duck was always observed to be with a group of 2 5-30 Blue- winged
Teal (Anas discors) and positive identification of an accompanying female
could not be confirmed. The male Cinnamon Teal was observed for 12 con-
secutive days and finally departed the area on 21 April 1972.

Ernest L. Rauber, Tenn. National Wildlife Refuge, Box 849, Paris
38242.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first known record for a Cinnamon Teal in
Tennessee.

BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER— In the late afternoon of 2
October 1972, Dr. Gary Wallace and family and I went to the scene of the

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disastrous bird kill, which had occurred during the early night hours of 30
September- 1 October, at the remote controlled weather radar installation at
an elevation of about 4200' on Holston Mountain.

While collecting the dead birds in the area around the radar installation, I
picked up a bird which appeared very different from any of our eastern wood
warblers. Examination revealed a diagnostic yellow spot in the lore area, solid
black cap, black cheek area bordered above and below with white, solid black
throat, bluish-gray back with two white wing bars, black streaks along the
sides, a white breast and belly with white in the three outer tail feathers. 1
recognized the bird immediately as a Black- throated Gray Warbler {Dendroica
nigrescem) a species far out of its normal far western range. The Wallaces
examined the bird immediately and compared it with the picture in Birds of
North America by Robbins, Brunn and Zim, and confirmed my identification.

The bird was found lying on the shoulder of the road, approximately fifty
feet in a southwesterly direction from the radar structure while about 80% of
the dead birds were found in a southeasterly direction from the structure. It
was in excellent condition, showing no signs of external injury. The plumage
was that of an adult male and the following measurements confirm that con-
clusion.

Measurements: wing chord, 63 (58.7-63.4); tail, 50 (47-52); exposed
culmen, 9 (9.3-10.8); tarsus, 18 (17-18). All measurements are in millimeters
and figures enclosed in parentheses are from The Birds Of Canada by W. Earl
Godfrey, page 3 31.

The bird was displayed at one of our regular Elizabethton chapter TOS
meetings. It has been temporarily frozen and it is planned to vacuum dehydrate
the specimen. This constitutes the first official record for this species in the
state of Tennessee and the preservation of this specimen will permit this species
to be placed on the official state list.

There are several records for this species in the neighboring state of Ala-
bama, Kentucky, Mississippi as well as other eastern states, such as Ohio,
Florida, Massachusetts, South Carolina and Ontario, Canada. Spring records
range from 31 March to 11 May while fall and winter records range from
7 October to 5 January, the latter record from the Florida Keys. The occur-
rence of this bird on 30 September, apparently establishes an early fall record
date for the area east of the Mississippi River.

Lee R. Herndon, Route 6, Box 392, Elizabethton 37643.

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BIRD FINDING IN TENNESSEE
STEWART COUNTY
John W. Sexton

Stewart County is located in the extreme northwestern corner of Middle
Tennessee. The county is bordered on the west by the Tennessee River and
divided by the Cumberland River which flows through the county and runs
parallel to the Tennessee in the northern section of the county. Stewart County
is mainly forest an4 agricultural land with very little residential area. This
combination of abundant water and forest area makes Stewart County an ideal
birding location.

Several areas in the county are especially good for birding. These areas
include Fort Donelson National Military Park, Barkley Lake shoreline and
coves, Paris Landing State Park (most of which is in Henry County), and
Cross Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

During the winter and spring months Fort Donelson National Military
Park is an excellent birding area. Fort Donelson is located on U. S. 79 about
one mile west of Dover. This area is mostly woodland with a small cove from
Barkley Lake forming the northern border. The Cumberland River flows along
the northeastern border of the park. During the winter months several species
may be observed in a relatively short period of time. An overlook above Bark-
ley Lake is especially good because you will be at ground level with the birds.
Some of the more common birds in this area during the winter include the
Eastern Bluebird, Carolina Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Downy Woodpecker,
Yellow-shafted Flicker and White-breasted Nuthatch. The Red-breasted Nut-
hatch has been observed on occasions but is not a regular visitor. In the cove
several Common Snipe, along with other shorebirds, can usually be observed.

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Fort Donelson is very good during the spring months for migrating warblers
as well as other species. Summer Tanagers are fairly common summer residents
in the area.

Fort Donelson is a very good area for owling in the spring and summer
months. Screech, Great Horned and Barred will usually respond to tape re-
corders in a short while.

The shoreline along Barkley Lake is a very good area for shorebirds during
the winter. Lake Barkley is dropped to its winter pool about the first of No-
vember. This exposes vast amounts of shoreline. One of the best mud flats in
the area is located East of Dover on U. S. 79. Traveling from Clarksville to
Dover the area will be on the North side of U. S. 79 about 2 miles before
entering Dover. The area is located behind the Potneck Grill and Service Sta-
tion. A paved road will turn north just beyond the grill and travels over the
mud flat. Several species can usually be seen from this point. About 200 yards
down this road a small gravel road turns to the left (west). If you follow this
road you will pass several inlets along Barkley Lake.

Traveling west on U. S. 79 from Dover will take you to Paris Landing State
Park. The Park is actually located in Henry County but needs to be mentioned
here because of its great winter birding. Herring, Ring-billed, and many times
Bonaparte’s gulls can be observed from the Park. This area is especially good
for Pied-billed and Horned Grebes. As many as 3 0 Horned Grebes have been
counted from one point in the area. Another good bird to be seen in this area
is the Common Loon. A spotting scope is a must for this bird because they are
usually located around a small island in the area.

The best birding area in the county is Cross Creek National Wildlife
Refuge. CCNWR is located on State Route 49 southeast of Dover on the
Erin highway. Turn left in Dover (right from Paris) and follow State Route
49 for about thre^e miles. A large sign adjacent to a gravel road will direct you
to the area headquarters. The refuge personnel are very cooperative and eager
to discuss the area with you. Many times they will allow you to travel on the
refuge and observe the birds at very close range. If they are banding or trap-
ping birds they usually will not allow birders on that particular area.

The refuge consist of 9,892 acres of ponds, marshes and woodland habitat.
Refuge personnel raise crops of milo, corn and wheat which supplies winter
food for ducks and geese. Over 200 species of birds have been identified on the
refuge since its establishment.

The best time of the year to visit CCNWR is during the winter months.
Several thousand ducks and geese winter on the refuge. The most common
species include the Canada Goose, Mallard, Black Duck, Pintail, Gadwall,
American Widgeon, Shoveler and Wood Duck. The Wood Duck is a permanent
resident on the refuge and several boxes have been erected for nesting pur-
poses. Other species which are often observed include the Canvasback, Redhead,
scaup, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, and all three species of mergansers. The Old-
squaw can be seen on the refuge occasionally, but is considered an accidental.

The best reason for visiting CCNWR during the winter months is to ob-
serve the Bald Eagle. The area usually has about five wintering Bald Eagles.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

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71

During the 1971-72 winter season as many as seven could be found on the
refuge.

Many other birds may be seen on the refuge during the winter months
including the Bewick’s Wren, Water Pipit, Purple Finch, Leconte’s Sparrow,
Tree Sparrow and Evening Grosbeak just to name a few.

These are only a few of the areas in Stewart County which are good for
birders. Many of the woodland areas will add a greater variety to a day’s list.
An average day of birding in Stewart County during the winter should produce
a list of 60-6 5 birds. Anyone needing assistance please contact the author since
there is no TOS chapter in Stewart County.

Route 1, Dover, Tennessee 3705 8. 232-5672

A PRELIMINARY LIST OF TENNESSEE BIRDS
{Continued from page 64)

The Migrant. Published by the Tenn. Ornithological Society.

Wetmore, a. 1939. Notes on the Birds of T ennessee. Proc. U. S. Nat’l. Mu-
seum, 86(3050) :175-243.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Personal contacts were made with the following T. O. S. members whose
help I gratefully acknowledge: Benton Basham, James M. Campbell, Ben Cof-
fey, Lula Coffey, Wallace Coffey, Ken Dubke, Tom Finucane, Albert F.
Ganier, Katherine A. Goodpasture, Dr. Lee R. Herndon, Dr. J. C. Howell,
J. B. Owen, Henry E. Parmer, Charlie Smith, and Dr. J. T. Tanner. However,
all responsibility for the final form of this list lies strictly with me (FJA) .

Dept, of Zoology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37916.

Correction: The Migrant 43 :48,
the,, 1972 spring count reads as
117 species; It should read: 127

1972. Line eight from the Knoxville report on
follows: Fred Alsop and Jim Campbell listed
species and a Ringed Turtle Dove.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

72

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ROUND TABLE NOTES

AN ELEVEN YEAR OLD BANDED GREATER SCAUP FROM
CHEROKEE RESERVOIR — A banded male Greater Scaup {Ay thy a marila)
was killed by the author oflF Stump Island, lower Cherokee Reservoir, Grainger
County, Tennessee, on the morning of 27 December 1970. The bird was a
single that decoyed to a female scaup that had been allowed to remain in the
decoys. The annual presence on Cherokee Reservoir of several species of water-
fowl that are virtually restricted to the Atlantic Coast Fly way {The Migrant ,
42:5) suggests that many of these birds cross into the Mississippi Flyway dur-
ing their southward migration. It was hoped that the information concerning
the past history of this duck would give some insight to its migratory pattern.
The duck, apparently in excellent condition, had been banded near Willard,
New York (east side of Seneca Lake, about 14 air miles northwest of Ithaca)
on 18 January 1962 by New York Conservation personnel. At the time of
banding the bird was considered to be "at least one year old.” This indicates
that the hatching date was spring, 1960, or earlier, and that the duck was at
least in its eleventh year.

David A. Etnier, Department of Zoology, University of Tennessee, Knox-
ville 37916.

BONAPARTE’S GULL IN GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL
PARK — At approximately 14:00 (EST) on 2 5 April 1971, Dr. Gary O. Wal-
lace and I were leading a bird- watching party of about 2 5 people through
Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park when we discovered
a solitary gull at the sewage lagoons just west of Cades Cove campground. The
bird was standing on one of the posts in the fence that surrounds the two
rectangular holding basins. All members of the party were asked to check
every possible field mark due to the rarity of the presence of a gull of any
species within the mountainous environs of the Park. (There are only nine
previous records of gulls, each of single birds of three species. Stupka, Arthur.
1963. Notes on the Birds of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Univ. of
Tenn. Press).

From a distance of approximately 65 feet I noted the following characters
using 7x35 binoculars: upperparts pearl-gray, underparts white; head white
with a gray crown and nape and with a conspicuous dark gray to black spot
behind the eye; lesser wing-coverts mottled brownish-gray; legs and feet pink;
bill black.

The gull was very tame allowing a close approach. I moved to within 20
feet before succeeding in flushing it in order to see the pattern of the wings
and tail in flight. The flight was ternlike, buoyant, and of short duration as
the bird moved across the lagoon to a similar perch on another fence post
about 80 feet away. On the wing the primaries showed mostly white with
black tips forming a white triangle in the front edge of the wing, and they
had some blackish areas on them. The tail had a narrow black band across the
distal end bordered terminally with white.

The bird was an immature Bonaparte’s Gull {Lams Philadelphia). It
appeared in a healthy condition and several times flew over the two lagoons

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1972

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73

at a height of about eight feet and sometimes dipped down lightly to touch
the water’s surface. When not flying it returned to stand on one of the fence
posts. All members of the party observed the gull for more than 20 minutes
and agreed with Gary and me on its identification as being this species. It was
still present when we left the area. That the bird had arrived only within
the previous 24 hours is strongly suggested as we had visited the lagoons with
a similar group the afternoon of the preceding day and had not seen the bird.
On that day, the 24th, a warm front had moved in bringing more than .70 of
an inch of precipitation. On the day of the above observation the winds were
from the north and northeast at 5 to 1 5 mph, the sky was clear and sunny
with a high of 71° F and a mean of 5 8° F.

This constitutes the first known record for Bonaparte’s Gull for Great
Smoky Mountains National Park.

References used in addition to Stupka (1963) were — Alsop, F. J., III. 1968.
Birds of the Great Smoky Mountains Field Check hist. G.S.M.N.P. Gatlinburg.
Chapman, F. M. 1939. Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America. Dover
Publications, N. Y., Peterson, R. T. 1947. A Field Gttide to the Birds. Hough-
ton Mifflin Co., Boston, Robbins, C. S., B. Brunn, and H. S. Zim. 1966. A
Guide to Field Identification Birds of North America. Golden Press, Inc. N. Y.

Fred J. Alsop, III, Dept, of Zoology and Entomology, University of Ten-
nessee, Knoxville 37916.

SUMMER RECORD OF RED CROSSBILLS FOR SULLIVAN COUNTY
— On 18 August 1970, the writer discovered a pair of Red Crossbills (Loxia
curvirostra) at 1670 feet elevation near Bristol at Steele Creek Park, Sullivan
County, Tennessee. The observation is the first known summer occurrence of
the species for the county, and is considered an unusual low-elevation record
for Tennessee.

The pair was discovered at 15:45 E.D.T., when a dark red bird flew from
a large stand of Virginia Pine {Finns virginiana) to a small stream at Steele
Creek Dam. A second bird, this individual with dull yellowish plumage, flew
from the same area to join the first.

The pair was approached within 30 feet, and crossed bills on both birds
were easily distinguished with 7x35 binoculars. The wings of the reddish bird
were almost solid black. The birds were observed for approximately ten
minutes.

On the following day, the writer returned to the area with Ferrell W.
Boyd, Jr., but the crossbills could not be located.

The Red Crossbills were observed during part of a Steele Creek Park fauna-
flora survey, which was conducted by the writer while employed as Park
Naturalist by the Bristol Tenn. Park and Recreation Commission.

A. Brent Rowell, Dept, of Biology, East Tennessee State University,
Johnson City 37601.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

74

THE MIGRANT

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THE SEASON

Dr. Fred J. Aesop, III, Editor

The Nesting Season: 16 May-31 July

Two things are immediately evident in this season report: 1) there are more
observations of nesting individuals contained in this compliation than in most
previous years, and 2) it was a most unusual season with regard to shorebirds
of many species being present in Tennessee during their breeding period when
they are normally far to the north of our latitude.

All regions except the Eastern Mountain Region reported many species
of shorebirds which remained late, were present during all or most of the
reporting period, or returned early. This, as well as the delayed northward
movement of many gulls, terns, and songbirds through Tennessee, reflected
the unusual conditions which existed over most of North America this spring
and summer. The Arctic recorded its latest spring in history and many species
nesting there were not able to begin nesting activities upon their arrival with
the result that some individuals attempted a delayed nesting while many did
not nest at all and drifted back into the southern latitudes.

The most unusual species recorded during the period was a new addition
to the state list, a ROSEATE SPOONBILL seen by Ernest L. Rauber in the
western edge of the Central Plateau and Basin Region. The bird remained in
the area at least a week and was seen by several birders. Other reports of special
interest to the breeding avifauna of the state are the reports of Traill’s Fly-
catchers from all regions but the Western Coastal Plain including the new
location of Roane County and the breeding attempts for the second consecu-
tive year in the Nashville area. Lark Sparrows were reported breeding in the
Eastern Ridge and Valley Region (first record for Sevier Co.) and the Central
Plateau and Basin Region. The Upland Plovers present on the Metro Airport
from 18 June to 16 July present an intriguing situation and the area should
be checked again next year as this species is expanding its breeding range and
is suspected to have bred once in Middle Tennessee in the not-too-distant past
(H. O. Todd, personal comm.). ,

WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION— Nothing unusual about the
weather this season. The list of shore birds is amazing; I suspect that this has
a lot to do with major environmental changes in other parts of the country.

Herons-Rails: Great Blue Heron: 3 June (42) DR,"' 1 July (1) R, 2 July
(50) DR, 22 July (1) BS, (8) CC, (8) DR. Little Blue Heron: 2 July (60)

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75

DR, 15 July (45) R (JGH), 22 July (2) BE (31) CC (26) DR. Common
Egret: 2 July (1) DR, 22 July (1) DR. Cattle Egret: 22 July (4) DR.
Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 17 June (10) M (MLB, PDC), 15 July (6) R
(JGH), 22 July (4) CC. CANADA GOOSE: 22 July (40) CC. Blue-winged
Teal: 2 July (1) DR. MISSISSIPPI KITE: 17 June (7) M (MLB, PDC), 1
July (3) R. PEREGRINE FAECON: 22 July (1) BS. Sora Rail: 22 July

(1) DR.

Plovers -Sand erling: PIPING PLOVER: 22 July (1) BS. Semipalmated
Plover: 3 June (2) DR. Spotted Sandpiper: 3 June (1) BE, 2 July (1) BS
(BB, DGM) , 22 July (9) BE, (7) BS, (3 ) CC, (4) DR. Solitary Sandpiper:
1 July (2) R, 22 July (2) DR. WILLET: 22 July (1) BS. Greater Yellow-
legs: 22 July (1) DR. Lesser Yellowlegs: 2 July (2) DR, 22 July (1) BE.
Pectoral Sandpiper: 1 5 July (4) R (JGH) , 22 July (2) CC, (1) DR.
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER: 3 June (3) DR. Least Sandpiper: 15 July
(30) R (JGH), 22 July (3) BE, (15) BS, (8) CC, (9) DR. SHORT-
BILLED DOWITCHER: 22 July (2) CC. STILT SANDPIPER: 22 July (1)
DR. Semipalmated Sandpiper: 3 June (5) BE, (163) DR, 1 5 July (15) R
(JGH), 22 July (1) CC, (3) DR. WESTERN SANDPIPER: 15 July (2)
R (JGH). SANDERLING: 22 July (6) BS.

Gulh-Buniing: LAUGHING GULL: 3 June (2) BS. FRANKLIN’S
GULL: 2 July (1) BS. Forster’s Tern: 3 June (2) BS, 2 July (2 ) BS. Com-
mon Tern: 3 June (15) BS, 2 July (55) BS. LEAST TERN: 1 5 July (4) R
(JGH). Black Tern: 3 June (2) BS, 2 July (4) BS, 15 July (3) R (JGH).
Tree Swallow: 1 5 July (150) R ( JGH) . Fish Crow: 17 June (1) M (MLB,
PDC ) . Magnolia Warbler: 1 June (1) M (BC) . Baltimore Oriole: 17 June
(13) M. PAINTED BUNTING: 17 June (1) M.

Locations: BE — Benton Falls National Wildlife Refuge, BS — Big Sandy
NWR, CC-^ross Creeks NWR, DR— Duck River NWR, M— Memphis
area, R — Reelfoot Lake and vicinity.

Observers: BB — Benton Basham, BC — Ben B. Coffey, Jr., DGM — Don and
Gina Manning, JGH — James G. Holt, MLB — Michael L. Bierly (’'' — where no
initials are given read MLB) ; July 2 sightings also observed by Jeff Basham,
Katherine Goodpasture, Larry Gates, Margaret Mann; July 22 sightings also
observed by Paul and Dot Crawford, Larry Gates, Diane Wilson.

David E. Patterson, Harbert Hills Academy, Savannah 3 8372.

CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— May and June were dry
until heavy rains started 29 June and continued thru July. Warblers lingered
late with many being found 21-24 May. Shore and water bird records were
remarkable during the period with 4 species of plovers, 1 5 of sandpipers (7
being found in June!) , 3 of gulls and 4 of terns.

Grebes-Rails: Pied-billed Grebe : 20 May (1) adult with (2) immatures
BV ( JNR) , then 16 July (1) GSP (PDC) . Cattle Egret: 1 1 June (1) ACM
(MLB) , 30 July (1 ) there (MLB, LJG) , NA’s first summer records. Common
Egret: 29 July (1) Gallatin, (3 ) ACM., both (MLB) . Least Bittern: 22 May
nest with (1) egg, 5 June (5) eggs GP (KLD) . American Bittern: 17 May

(2) singing GP ( KLD ) . ROSEATE SPOONBILL: 29, 30 June, 1 and 5 July

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THE MIGRANT

SEPTEMBER

(1) Duck River Unit (DGM, ER, Carl Dowdy) (details to be published).
Canda Goose: at CCR (42) adults summered and raised (13) young to flight
stage (Sam Barton fide MLB), and at OHL (971) were banded during July by
(G&F). Mallard: 17 May nest with (10) eggs GP (KLD). An estimated
(400) summering OHL (G&F). Black Duck: 11 and 28 July (1) BV (MLB,
LJG). Blue-winged Teal: 2, 3, 29 June, 31 July (1-2) BV, 11 June (2), 29th
(1) ACM, (MLB, LJG). American Widgeon: 24 May (1) RL (MLB), 13
days latest NA. Ring-necked Duck: 30 June thru 16 July (1) Gallatin
(PDC). Lesser Scaup: 18, 20, 21, 23 June (1) female BV (MLB). Red-
shouldered Hawk: 26 May nest with (2) young FP (MDW). Sora Rail: 23
July (1) BV (MLB), 1st. July record and 2 5 days earliest NA. American
Coot: (1-6) during period OHL (PDC, MLM, MLB).

Plovers-Sand pipers: Semipalmated Plover: last, 21 May (1) BV (JHR)
then 16 July (2) GSP (PDC), 8 days earliest return NA. Black-bellied Plover:

20 May (1) (JNR), 21st. (1) (JHR), both BV and 6 days latest NA.
UPLAND PLOVER: 18 June (1) (MLB), 26 June (3) (PDC), 9 July (3),
16th. (1) (MLB), all Metro Airport and a week earliest NA. Spotted Sand-
piper: 24 May and 3 June (2) WB (FB), 24 June (1) GSP (PDC), then
11 July (1) BV (LJG, MLB) . Solitary Sandpiper: 28 June (1) ACM (JNR),
2nd. June record NA. Greater Yellowlegs: 4 July (1) OHL (MLB), a
month earliest NA. Lesser Yellowlegs: 2 July (1) GSP (PDC), 12 days
earliest NA. Pectoral Sandpiper: 3 0 June (3) at 2 locations Gallatin (PDC,
MLM), 8 days earliest NA, 3 July (2) still there. WHIWE-RUMPED SAND-
PIPER: 23 May thru 6 June (1-6) BV (LJG, MLB, JHR), 20-23 June (1)
GSP (PDC), 1st NA June records. Least Sandpiper: last 28 May (1) banded
BV (JHR), then 4 July (4) there (MLB), 10 days earliest NA. SHORT -
BILLED BOWITCHER: 9 July (1) calling BV (MLB). DOWITCHER:
(Sp.): 6, 7, 9, 19 July (1) BV (LJG, MLB, PDC, MLM). Stilt Sandpiper:
2 July (1) GSP (PDC), 6 days earliest NA, 31 July (2) BV (MLB, LJG).
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER: 20 May numbers were up to (17), then to
(117) 1 June, down to (8) 11 June at BV. Then (1-2) remained thru the
period, giving NA its first summering record (MLB, LJG, et. al.) . Western
Sandpiper: 21 May (2) BV (JHR), 4 June (9) GSP (PDC), 15 July (1)
BV, earliest return NA by a week (LJG), then (1-2) there thru 31 July.

Gulls-Vireos: Herring Gull: 4 June (1) 2nd. year plumage GSP (PDC),

21 days latest NA. Ring-billed Gull: 4 July (2), 5 and 6 (1) OHL (MLB,
LJG, MLM, PDC). LAUGHING GULL: 4 July (1) in mature breeding
plumage OHL (photographed by PDC). FORSTER’S TERN: 16 and 20 July
(1) OHL (LJG, MLB), 1st. July record NA. COMMON TERN: 4 July (1)
OHL (MLB), latest or earliest NA? Least Tern: 6 July (2) GSP (PDC),
1st. July record NA. Black Tern: 4 July thru period (1-6) NA. Black-billed
Cuckoo: 21 May (1) BS (KAG, MLM,), 5 June (1) GBBC (KLD). Barn
Owl: 19 June (1) Gallatin (PDC), 21 June (2) BCR (MLB). Red-cockaded
Woodpecker: 11 June (2) adults with (3-4) young around nest CWR (LS,
DJ). TRAILL’S FLYCATCHER: 5 July nest with (3) eggs, 10th. incubat-
ing, 17th. nest empty BV (KAG). Olive-sided Flycatcher: 16 and 17 May
(1) (KAG), 31 May (1) (LJG), two days latest NA, all RL. Purple Martin:
19 July (5 000 plus) OHL (MLM). Swainson’s Thrush: late, 26 May (1) RL
(AT). Philadelphia Vireo: 17 thru 24 May, (1) RL (MLB, LJG), 10 days
latest NA.

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W arblers-Sparroius: Golden-winged Warbler: last, 22 May (1) RL (MLB),
11 days latest NA, 20 May a singing male FCFP (LS, DJ). Blackburnian
Warbler: (3) singing males during period FCFP (LS). Pine Warbler: 18 June
adult feeding (1) young FP (MDW). Connecticut Warbler: last, 20 May (1)
CW (MLB). Mourning Warbler: last, 24 May (1) Hillsboro area (AT) and
(1) RL (MLB). Orchard Oriole: 2 8 July flock of (15) BV (LJG). Baltimore
Oriole: (2) pair BCR during period (MLB). Dickcissel: 5 June (12) GBBC
(KLD), 2 5 June thru 30 July (11) nests found 6 nests held 14 eggs FP
(MDW) . Grasshopper Sparrow : 2 July nest with (3 ) young FP (MDW) .
Lark Sparrow: 27 June nest with (2) young and 29 June nest with (3 ) eggs
FP (MDW) . Song Sparrow: 17 May (2) GP (KLD) .

Locations: ACM — Ashland City Marsh, BS — Basin Springs, BCR — Beech
Creek Road, BW — Brentwood, BV — Bueana Vista Marsh (City Dump) , CW —
Cheekwood, CWR — Catoosa Wildlife Refuge, CoL — Coleman’s Lake, OCR —
Cross Creek Refuge, FCFP — Falls Creek Falls Park, FP — Five Points, Lawrence
County, GSP — Gallatin Steam Plant, GBBC — Glen Breeding Bird Count Area,
GP — Goose Pond, Grundy County, H — Home area of observer, NA — Nashville
Area, RL — Radnor Lake, WB — Woodbury.

Observers: MLB — Mike L. Bierly, FB — Frances Bryson, PDC — Paul and
Dot Crawford, G&F — Tennessee Game and Fish Comm., KLD — Kenneth and
Lil Dubke, LJG — Larry J. Gates, KAG — Katherine A. Goodpasture, DJ —
Daniel Jacobson, MLM — Margaret L. Mann, DGM — Don and Gina Manning,
ER — Ernest Rauber, JNR — John N. Riggins, JHR — John N. and Heather
Riggins, LS — Lee Shafer and family, AT — Ann Tarbell, MDW — Morris D.
Williams.

Henry E. Parmer, 3800 Richland Ave., Nashville 37205.

SELECTED ADDITIONAL NESTING RECORDS FROM THE CEN-
TRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— All the records which follow
were submitted by Morris D. Williams: Bobwhite: 3 0 July (nest w/l5 eggs)
FP. Yellow-billed Cuckoo: 12 June-3 1 July (4 nests, 2 eggs each) B; 26 July
(nest w/ 3 young) FP. Chimney Swift: 1 8 June- 19 July (3 nests — 1 1 young)
FP. Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 28 May (nest w/ 2 young) FP. Red-bellied
Woodpecker: 1 2 July (nest w/ 4 eggs) FP. Acadian Flycatcher: 9 June (nest
w/ 2 eggs) MC; June (nest w/ 2 eggs plus cowbird egg) and 1 July (nest w/ 1
young cowbird) FP. Rough-winged Swallow: 1 8 June (nest w/ 5 eggs) FP.
Cliff Swallow: 27 May (nest) 1 mile west of WP (Fred Alsop) ; 30 July
(nest) 3 miles NE of WP. Bewick’s Wren: 1 5 June (nest w/ 5 young) FP; 1 1
June (nest w/ 7 young) FP. Carolina Wren: 1 1 June (nest w/ 6 eggs) FP.
Brown Thrasher: 23-26 June ( 3 nests w/ 3 eggs each) B. Blue-gray Gnat-
catcher: 19 June (nest w/ 3 eggs) FP. Prothonotary Warbler: 1 July (nest
w/ 2 eggs) FP. Worm-eating Warbler: 1 8 June ( adult feeding 1 young cow-
bird) FP. Pine Warbler: 1 8 June (adult feeding 1 young) FP. Yellowthroat:
20' July (nest, 1 young being fed nearby) Piney (Lloyd Clayton and MDW) ;
24 July (nest w/ 2 young) FP^ Yellow-breasted Chat: 1 8 June ( 3 nests w/4
eggs, 1 young, and 1 young cowbird) FP. Eastern Meadowlark: 3 July (nest
w/4 young) B; 8 July (nest w/4 eggs) FP. Summer Tanager: 1 0 June (nest
w/ 3 young) FP. Indigo Bunting: 1 1 June-24 July (10 nests w/28 eggs and

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SEPTEMBER

young) FP. Rufous-sided Towhee: 4 July (nest w/ 3 eggs and 1 cowbird egg)
FP. Field Sparrow: 18 June (9 nests w/2 5 eggs) FP.

Locations: B — Bodenham, Giles Co.; FP — Five Points, Fawrence Co.; WP —
West Point, Fawrence Co.

FJA — Season Editor

EASTERN RIDGE AND VAFEEY REGION— A LARK SPARROW
NEST was located in Sevier Co. by James Holt; these birds have been present
during the nesting season for several years. Several Mallards and one Black
Duck nested successfully. Killdeers nested on rooftops in Chattanooga and in
Knoxville; they did not nest on the taller buildings as do the Nighthawks. No
Ospreys were known to reproduce in East Tennessee this year.

Loon-Tern: Common Loon: 20 May (1) NL (LSF). Pied-billed Grebe:
16, 23 July (1) AS (MD, HD). Double-crested Cormorant: 27 May (1)
U. T. Plant Science Farm (Greg Hanisek). Little Blue Heron: 15 July (4)
CB (KD, ED); 31 July (3) HRA (KD, ED); 23 July (1) JCo (TK).
CATTLE EGRET: 19 May (1) SC (BGM). Common Egret: Up to 15 regular
from 10 July HRA (KD, ED); 6 July (1) Johnson City (HD, MD); 23
July (15) JCo (TK). Black-crowned Night Heron: 25 June (2) AS (GE),
16, 22 July (1) AS (GE, LRH, GW); 22 July (5) JSP (JH, RAH, MS,
MM). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 22 May (1) AIM (MDW); 23 May (1)
MB (KD, ED). Least Bittern: 20 May (3) Goose Pond (MDW); 1 June
(nest with 6 eggs) AIM (MDW). Canada Goose: 3-4 June (1 with drooping
left wing but not flightless) K (FJA). Mallard: 22 May (female with 4
young) AM, (KD) ; 30 May (female with 12 young) Harrison Bay State Park
(Barbara M. Jacobsen fide'D]); 3-4 June (3 pairs) K (FJA); 29 July (female
with 4 half grown young) HRA (Jay Clark fide KD). BLACK DUCK: 22
May (empty eggshells were found in the nest which was reported in the last
seasonal report, 1 adult flew over the area) AIM (MDW). Blue-winged Teal:
22 May (1) AM (KD); 22 May (1) AIM, (MDW). Bufllehead: 20 June (1)
NL (LSF). Red-breasted Merganser: 20 May (3) AS (GE, LRH, GW).
Turkey Vulture: (30-50 at roost until 11 June) Da (LSF). Red-shouldered
Hawk: 24 May (2 young fledged, banded 15 May, 1 unhatched egg) Da (DJ,
LSF). Osprey: 1 June (1) UC (BY); 17, 18 July (1) HRA (Wilford
Caraway); 12 July (4) Mile 625 Fort Loudon Lake (U. S. Coast Guard fide
KD). TURKEY : (8 and 11 young were hatched from 2 nests) UC (BY).
King Rail: 17 May-1 June (1-3) AIM (MDW); 22 May and 10 June (1)
AM (KD). Virginia Rail: 17 May-1 June (1-2) AIM (FJA, MDW); 22 May
(1) AM (KD). Semipalmated Plover: 31 July (2) HRA (KD, ED). Killdeer:
31 July (nest with 2 eggs atop one story building) CH (Arthur H. Jones
fide KD, ED). American Woodcock: 20 May-17 June (1-4) CB (KD, ED);
1 June (1) AIM (MDW); 19 June (1) AM, (KD). COMMON SNIPE:
{This observation was not reported last year) 8 JUNE 1971 (1) AIM (M,DW).
Upland Plover: 23 July (1) JCo (TK). Spotted Sandpiper: 21 May (5)
Kingston Steam Plant (MDW); 22 May (1) AM (KD, ED); 3-4 June (5)
K (FJA); 23 July (1) AS (HD, MD). Solitary Sandpiper: 2 5 July (1) AM
(KD, ED). Greater Yellowlegs: 31 July (1) HRA (KD, ED). Lesser Yellow-
legs: 23 July (1) JCo (TK) ; 31 July (5) HRA (KD, ED). Pectoral Sand-
piper: 22 July (2) JSP (JH, RAH, MS, MM); 23, 24 July (1) AM (KD,
ED); 31 July (10) HRA (KD, ED). Least Sandpiper: 22 July (12) JSP

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

79

(JH, RAH, MS, MM); 22 July (2) AS (GE, LRH, GW); 31 July (11)
HRA (KD, ED). White-rumped Sandpiper: 4 June (5) K (FJA). Long-billed
Dowitcher: 31 July (1 by call note) HRA (KD, ED). Stilt Sandpiper: 31
July (1) HRA (KD, LD). Semipalmated Sandpiper: 3-4 June (200 plus) K
(FJA); 10 June (4) AM (KD, ED); 23 July (4) JCo (TK) ; 24 July (2)
AM (KD, ED). Ring-billed Gull: 3 June (1 immature) K (FJA, JMC). Black
Tern: 18 July (1) SB (KD, ED). Caspian Tern: 3 June (1) K (FJA, JMC).

Owl-Sparrow: Barn Owl: 3 NESTS REPORTED, 1 nest with 2 young.
Elizabethton area, (Ralph Keflfer). Ruby-throated Hummingbird: same nest
as recorded in last seasonal report. 22 May (2 eggs), 1 June (1 egg, 1 young),
4 June (nest destroyed) Knoxville (MDW). Red-headed Woodpecker: 2 or 3
active nests on ETSU Campus (HD, MD). YELLOW -BILLED SAPSUCKER:
27-29 May (1 observed making feeding holes at close range — 2 5 ft.) U. T.
Knoxville Campus (JH). RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER: 20 May
(nest with 3 just-hatched young and 1 egg) same nest as recorded in last
seasonal report. Cumberland Co. (MDW). TRAILERS FLYCATCHER: 22
May and 10 June (1) AM (KD, ED) 29 May (1) HRA (KD, ED); through-
out period (1-3) AS (GE, GW); 22 May-1 June (3-4) AIM (MDW); 4
June (1 singing apparently on territory) K (FJA). OLIVE-SIDED FLY-
CATCHER: 21 May (1) Mingo Swamp, Franklin Co. (MDW); 23 May (1)
MB (LD). Tree Swallow: 25 July (1) SB (KD, LD). BANK SWALLOW:
8-10 nests at AS; 11 July (3) SB (KD, LD). 23 July (200) JCo (TK).
Rough-winged Swallow: 4 June (nest with 3 just-hatched young and 1 egg)
Knox Co. (MDW). Purple Martin: 17 July (1000-|-) HRA (KD, LD).
House Wren: common in Morristown (TK). Short-billed Marsh Wren: 19
May-2 June (1) U.T.C.F. (FJA). Cedar Waxwing: 25 May (25) Da (DJ) ;
8 June (6) Greeneville (JH). Prothonotary Warbler: 11 June throughout
period (5-6) AS (HD, MD). Black-throated Blue Warbler: 21 May (1) RR
(KD, LD). Cerulean Warbler: 19 May (nest, 4 eggs) CC (MDW). Connecti-
cut Warbler: 19 May (1) UTCF (FJA); 23 May (1) MB (KD, LD); 27
May (1) CB (KD, LD). Mourning Warbler: 21 May (1) RR (KD, LD);
27 May (1) CB (KD, LD). Wilson’s Warbler: 19 May (1) CH (LD).
Canada Warbler: 20 May (2) CB (KD, LD); 21 May (1) RR (KD, LD);
29 June (1 singing male) Union Valley, SC, elev. 1000 ft. (JH, RAH, RH).
Scarlet Tanager: 19 May (nest, 4 eggs) CC (MDW). Dickcissel: through 31
July (6-|-) JCo (TK) ; 22 July (12) Morristown Fish Hatchery (JH, RAH,
MS, MM). LARK SPARROW : 3 June (2 adults, 5 young in nest) Union
Valley, SC (JH, BGM, TOS members). White-crowned Sparrow: remained
until 17 May, JCo (TK). White-throated Sparrow: 22 May (1) UTCF
(MDW).

Locations: AIM — Alcoa Marsh; AM — Amnicola Marsh; AS — Austin
Springs; CC — Campbell Co.; CB — ^Chickamauga Battlefield; CH — ^Chatta-
nooga; Da — Daus, Sequatchie Valley; HRA — Hiwassee River Area; JCo —
Jefferson County; JSP — John Sevier Steam Plant; K — Kingston Steam Plant,
Roane Co.; MB — Moccasin Bend; NL — Nickajack Lake; RR — Reflection Rid-
ing (a park-like area at the foot of Lookout Mountain); SB — Savannah Bay;
sc — Sevier Co.; UC — Unicoi Co.; UTCF — U. T. Cherokee Farm, Knox Co.

Observers: FJA — Fred J. Alsop, III; JMC — James M. Campbell; HD —
Helen Hill Dove; KD — Ken Dubke (compiler Chattanooga Area); LD — Lil

[VoL. 43, 1972]

80

THE MIGRANT

SEPTEMBER

Dubke; MD — ^Martha Dillenbeck; GE — ^Glen Eller (compiler Elizabetbton
Area) ; LRH — ^Dr. Lee R. Herndon; JH — James Holt; RAH — Richard Holt;
RH — Robert Holt; DJ — Daniel Jacobsen; TK — Tony Koella; BGM — Bulah
and George McGee; MM — Mark Mullins; MS — Maurice Schroder; LSF — Lee
Shafer Family; GW — Dr. Gary O. Wallace; MDW — Morris Williams; BY —
Bill Yambert.

Morris D. Williams, Box 2 5, Five Points 3 8457.

EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION — This region experienced a fairly normal
summer period. The latter part of May brought heavy precipitation, while
June and July were slightly dryer than usual. Temperatures were slightly
below normal throughout the period. Noteworthy are the nesting records
listed, the late departure of the White-throated Sparrow, and the observation
of 2 Yellow-bellied Flycatchers.

Grebe -Kinglet: Pied-billed Grebe: 23 June (1) WR (LRH, GW). Ring-
necked Duck: 21 May (1) WiL (Tom Swindell). Bufflehead: throughout pe-
riod (1) WiL (GE). TURKEY : 27 June (2 hens; 31 young) MR (KD).
Chuck-will’s-widow: 23 May (1) MC (ETOS). Whip-poor-will: 25 June
(48) HM (LRH, GW). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 21 July (1) GSMNP (JH).
YELLOW-BELLIED LLYCATCHER: 20, 23 May (2) En (LRH, et. al) .
TRAILUS LLYCATCHLR: 20> May (2) CF (GE, GW); 8 July (1) SV
(ETOS). OUVE-SIDED LLYCATCHER: 7 July (1) IM (LRH, et. al) ;
4 July (1) GSMNP (JH). Red-breasted Nuthatch: 12 June (2) RM (GE,
GW). Brown Creeper: 3 June (2 — feeding young) GSMNP (CN, MW).
Ruby-crowned Kinglet: 21 July (1) GSMNP (JH).

Vireos-Sparrows: Yellow-throated Vireo: 5 July (2) SV (ETOS). Solitary
Vireo: 27 June (2) MR (KD). PROTHONOTARY WARBLER: 20 July
(4) GSMNP (JH). Swainson’s Warbler: 20 May (2) En (GE) ; 27 June (1)
MR (KD); 14 July (2) CNF (Lee Shafer). Worm-eating Warbler: 25 May
(nest — 5eggs) GSMNP (FJA). Black-throated Green Warbler: 7 June (2 —
nesting) GSMNP (FJA, MW). Chestnut-sided Warbler: 3 June (nest — 3
eggs) GSMNP (CN, MW). Northern Waterthrush: 16 May (1) CF (LRH,
GW). Wilson’s Warbler: 25 May (2) PB (LRH, GW). Canada Warbler: 20
July (1) GSMNP (JH). Blue Grosbeak: 10 June (1) (GE, GW). Red Cross-
bill: 21 July (12) GSMNP (JH). Grasshopper Sparrow: 20 July (2) GSMNP
(JH). Vesper Sparrow: 8 July (5) CM (ETOS). White-throated Sparrow:
LAST 20 JUNE (1) E (William C. Hardin).

Locations: CF — County Farm, Carter Co., CM — Cross Mtn., CNF —
Cherokee Nat’l. Forest, Polk Co., E — Elizabethton, En — Erwin, GSMNP —
Great Smoky Mt. Nat’l. Park, HM — Holston Mtn., IM, — Iron Mtn., MC —
Milligan College, MR — McFarland Route, PB — Powder Branch, Carter Co.,
RM — Roan Mtn., SV — Shady Valley, WR — Watauga River, WiL — Wilber
Lake.

Observers: FJA — Fred J. Alsop, KD — Ken Dubke, GE — Glen Eller, ETOS
— Elizabethton Chapter T.O.S., JH — James Holt, LRH — Lee R. Herndon,
CN — ^Chuck Nickolson, GW — Gary Wallace, MW — ^^Morris Williams.

Brent Rowell, 2227 Edgemont Ave., Bristol 37620.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

PREPARATION OF COPY FOR PUBLICATION

The purpose of THE MIGRANT is the recording of observations and
original information derived from the study of birds, primarily in the state
of Tennessee or the area immediately adjacent to its borders. Articles for
pubhcation originate almost exclusively from T.O.S. members.

Contributors should prepare manuscripts and submit them in a form ac-
ceptable to the printer, after editorial approval. Both articles and short notes
are solicited but their format should be somewhat different.

Some suggestions to authors for the preparation of papers for publication
are given herewith.

MATERIAL: The subject matter should relate to some phase of Tennessee
Ornithology, it should be original, factual, concise, scientifically accurate, and
not submitted for publication elsewhere.

TITLE: The title should be concise, specific, and descriptive.

STYLE: Recent issues of THE MIGRANT should be used as a guide in
the preparation of manuscripts. Where more detail is needed reference should
be made to the Style Manual for Biological Journals available from the Ameri-
can Institute of Biological Sciences, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue N. W., Wash-
ington, D. C. 20016.

COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on 8^ x 11” paper
with adequate margins, for editorial notations, and should contain only entries
intended for setting in type, except the serial page number. Tabular data should
be entered on separate sheets with appropriate title and column headings.
Photographs intended for reproduction should be sharp with good contrast on
glossy white paper in black and white (not in color). Instructions to the
editors should be given on a separate sheet. Weights and measurements should
be in metric units. Dating should be in "continental” form (e.g., 7 March
1968).

NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by
binomial scientific name in italics only after the first occurrence in the text
for both regular articles and Round Table Notes, and should conform to
the A.O.U. Check-list 5th edition, 1957. Trinomial should be used only after
the specimen has been measured or compared with typical specimens.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: When there are more than five references in an article,
they should be placed at the end of the article, otherwise they should be
appropriately included in the text.

SUMMARY: Articles of five or more pages in length should be sum-
marized briefly, drawing attention to the main conclusions resulting from
the work performed.

IDENTIFICATION: Rare or unusual species identification to be accept-
able must be accompanied by verifying evidence. This should include: date,
time, light and weather conditions, exact location, habitat, optical equipment,
distance, behavior of bird, comparison with other similar species, characteristic
markings, experience of observer, other observers verifying observation and
reference works consulted.

REPRINTS: Reprints are available on request. Reprint requests should
accompany article at the time of submission. Billing to authors will be
through the state T.O.S. Treasurer.

Books for review and articles for publication should be submitted to the
editor. Seasonal reports and items should be forwarded to the appropriate
departmental editor whose name and address will be found on the inside
front cover.

CONTENTS

A Preliminary List of Tennessee Birds. Fred }. Alsop, III 57

Eastern Bluebirds Nesting at Ashland City: 1971.

Amelia R. Laskey and Martha F. Herbert 65

Book Review: Birds of the Smokies. Gary O. Wallace 66

New Records for Tennessee

Roseate Spoonbiil Identified at Tennessee National

Wildlife Refuge. Ernest L. Rauber 67

Cinnamon Teal Sighted at Tennessee National Wildlife

Refuge. Ernest L. Rauber 67

Black- throated Gray Warbler. Lee R. Herndon 67

Bird Finding in Tennessee. John W. Sexton 69

Round Table Notes

An Eleven Year Old Banded Greater Scaup From Cherokee

Reservoir. David A. Etnier 72

Bonaparte’s Gull in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Fred /. Alsop, III 72

Summer Record of Red Crossbills for Sullivan County.

A. Brent Rowell 73

The Season. Edited by Fred J. Alsop, HI 74

Western Coastal Plain Region. David E. Patterson 74

Central Plateau and Basin Region. Henry E. Parmer 75

Selected Additional Nesting Records from the Central Plateau

and Basin Region. Fred J. Alsop, III 77

Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Morris D. Williams 78

Eastern Mountain Region. Brent Rowell 80

^ QU/IR.TER.LY JOURNAL
DEVOTEDvTO TENNESSEK. BIRDS

■}'fS.S

r %!>IIsliccl ^3

thetennessee'

ORNITHOLOGICAL
k SOCIETY J

isis

ECEMBER 1972

VOL. 43, NO. 4

THE MIGRANT

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

FIRST PUBLISHED, JUNE 1930

Published By

THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Founded at Nashville, Tenn., 7 October 1915
A non-profit, educational, scientific, and conservation organization.

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR DR. GARY O. WALLACE

Sunrise Dr., Rt. 7, Box 338, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

"THE SEASON” EDITOR FRED J. ALSOP, III

Mt. Carmel Apt. iff: 5, Concord Ave., Mt. Carmel, Tenn. 37642

"STATE COUNT COMPILER” DR. LEE R. HERNDON

Rt. 6, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

OFFICERS FOR 1971-1973

PRESIDENT DR. JAMES T. TANNER

Rt. 28, Box 15 5, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920

VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST. TENN MR. C. T. OTTENFELD

Brookwood, Rt. 5, Bristol, Tenn. 37622

VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN MISS LOUISE JACKSON

5037 Montclair Dr., Nashville, Tenn. 37211

VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN DR. ARLO SMITH

3724 Oakley Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 3 8111
DIRECTORS- AT-LARGE :

EAST TENN MRS. A. H. SWITZER

1620 Fairidge Place, Kingsport, Tenn. 37664

MIDDLE TENN MRS. JOHN D. HASSLER

Box 1, Byrdstown, Tenn. 38549

WEST TENN DAVID PITTS

2521 Kingston Pike, Apt. 301, Knoxville, Tenn. 37919

CURATOR ALBERT F. GANIER

2112 Woodlawn Drive, Nashville, Tenn. 37212

SECRETARY MISS LOUISE NUNNALLY

2701 Fairmont Blvd., Knoxville, Tenn. 37917

TREASURER KENNETH H. DUBKE

720 Bacon Trail, Apt. 1, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37412

Annual dues, $3.00; Sustaining, $5.00; Life, $100.00; Student, $1.00; Family, 4.00;
Library, $3.00 (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Back numbers
may be had from Dr. James T. Tanner, Rt. 10, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920. Correspond with the
Treasurer for subscriptions, memberships, and changes of address.

Published quarterly (March, June, September, and December). Printed by Preston Printing
Company, 509-511 Shelby Street, Bristol, Tennessee 37620, U.S.A. Postage paid and mailed at
Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643, U.S.A.

THE MIGRANT

Published by the Tennessee Ornithological Society,
to Record and Encourage the Study of Birds in Tennessee.
Issued in March, June, September, and December.

VOL. 43 DECEMBER, 1972 NO. 4

TRAILL’S FLYCATCHER NESTS AT
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Katherine A. Goodpasture and Fred J. Aesop, III

This note is to report an active breeding pair of Traill’s Flycatchers
{Empidonax traillii) at Buena Vista Marsh in Nashville, Tennessee in 1971.
Though this is the first nesting record of Empidonax traillii here, expansion of
the breeding range of this flycatcher into Middle Tennessee is not unexpected
since there are previously reported records for the eastern portions of the state
as well as for Kentucky north and east of Nashville (Flerndon, 195 8: "The
Season”, 1959; Croft, 1964; Alsop, 1971).

On 19 May, Fred Alsop, accompanied by Michael Bierly, heard the "fitz-
bew” song of Traill’s Flycatcher in Buena Vista Marsh. They saw two fly-
catchers in willows bordering the edges of standing water in the clay pits and
ditches. They alerted Katherine Goodpasture to the presence of the birds and it
became her lot to follow the breeding cycle as related below. She was ac-
companied by various T.O.S. members on numerous and frequent trips to the
area for observation.

One bird set up a pattern of singing its "fitz-bew” song from the tops of
willows, elms or sumacs in what appeared to be a patrolling maneuver. It some-
times moved through low shrubs, aromatic rhus, wild rose, low boxelder, elm
sprouts, blackberry and false grape, giving its single-note call, "fit” or "whit”.
A second bird often responded with the same "whit” in an unobtrusive tone.

On the morning of 17 June one of the birds, by a darting flight, led my
(KAG) eye to the nest holding four warm eggs. The bird did not readily
return while being watched. It was necessary to conceal oneself before the
flycatcher came to perch for an instant on the edge of the nest and then flit
away quickly. John Riggins was present on this date. On subsequent days the
incubating bird would always slip from the nest before one could get a glimpse
of her on it.

The six foot elm sprout supporting the nest grew from the steep bank of a
dry clay ditch. The nest was saddled on top of a lateral limb less than half an
inch in diameter at a point where small twigs grew upright at a wide angle.
The nest was compactly constructed mostly of stripped plazit fibers and cottony
fluff from cattails, all matted together with some web. It appeared light around

[VoL. 43, 1972]

82

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

the molded, relatively thick rim. The lining was of fine straws. The rim of the
nest was six feet above the ground. A small twig with three terminal leaves
curved close over the top of the nest and eight green leaves were bound to the
outside by web. Outside diameter of the top of the nest was 89 mm, outside
depth 59 mm; inside diameter was 54 mm, inside depth 3 8 mm. The eggs were
creamy white with bright dark brown, medium sized spots in a wreath around
their widest circumference. A few tiny brown dots marked the blunt end.

One bird, assumed to be the male, sang regularly early in the morning and
with diminished frequency during mid-day and afternoon. The song and the
"whit” notes were always of a quiet quality.

On 26 May, Ben and Lula Coffey visited the area from 03:00 to 05:30
(CDT) to record the pre-dawn song of this "fitz-bew” Traill’s. The bird sang
distinctly and sustainedly from a clump of willows near the nest.

By mid-afternoon, 24 June, three birds had hatched. By noon the next day
there were four nestlings. On neither date was the "fitz-bew” song heard and
only one or two calls were noted. The young birds uttered tiny cheeping notes
on 2 5 June. On 28 June the nest was empty. The adult birds were neither
seen or heard on 28 June or 1 July. The nest seemed in perfect repair giving
no hint of the source of predation.

"Whit” calls were heard 6 July by Michael Bierly. On 8 July the birds
seemed to be in the same pattern of behavior as during June indicating they
were again in a nesting cycle. On 10 July the second nest was spotted by Mel
Garland about 2 5 feet from the first in the same kind of elm sapling. The
same kind of compact, molded nest was lodged this time in an upright
four-pronged fork. It contained three warm eggs.

On 21 July the nest contained two recently hatched birds and one egg.
The third egg hatched before 10:00 a.m., 22 July. Three nestlings were banded
2 8 July. They were bulging over the rim of the nest on 3 August. The follow-
ing day the nest was empty, but one young bird was observed making a short
flight and an adult gave "whit” calls nearby. On 6 August at least one short-
tailed juvenile and an adult were still in the area. An active Traill’s that
behaved like an adult was in the area 17 August, but there was no evidence of
flycatchers on 24 August or later.

To our knowledge the first recorded specimen of Traill’s Flycatcher from
Tennessee was that collected by Samuel N. Rhoads about 10 miles west of
Nashville near Bellevue, 23 May 1895 (Rhoads, 1895). This specimen was
deposited at the Museum of The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia.
Other significant spring records for Middle Tennessee are those of Weise and
Ogden ("The Season”, 1955 ). Charles Weise and John Ogden heard a "fitz-
bew” Traill’s singing in the Ashland City Marsh, 31 May 195 5. Dr. Weise has
written me (KAG) that he subsequently heard another "fitz-bew” Traill’s
singing in Buena Vista Marsh, 30 May 1956, not more than half a mile from
the present nest-site. He returned to the area 3 June but failed to relocate the
flycatcher. These records might be said to have predicted an eventful breeding
record for Traill’s Flycatcher at Buena Vista or Ashland City Marsh.

Two years later, on 22 June 195 8, Lee Herndon first observed a nest of
Traill’s Flycatcher in Tennessee at Elizabethton (Herndon, 195 8). Dr. Hern-

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

83

don and his companions found three nests there on the same day. The birds
sang "fitz-bew” songs. Subsequently two active nests were reported by Ralph
Bullard and Ken Dubke in the Hiwassee River area in 1969 ("The Season”,
1969), and Fred Alsop and James Tanner found an active nest in Knox County,
18 June 1970 (Alsop, 1971).

Subspeciation within Empidonax traillii has been the subject of analysis
and debate for a long time. Roger Tory Peterson pointed out as long ago as
1934 that there were two song-forms of Traill’s (then called Alder) Fly-
catcher (Peterson, 1934). When John W. Aldrich reviewed the subspecies of
Traill’s Flycatcher in 1951 he recognized two morphologically distinct popula-
tions one of which he called the plains population recommending the trinomial
Empidonax t. campestris (Aldrich, 1951). The other was described as the
northern or boreal, E.t. traillii. Later, in 195 3, Dr. Aldrich related the "fitz-
bew” song, the compact nest and a "dry” marsh habitat with the plains popu-
lation; the "fee-be-o” song, loosely constructed nest and an alder-swamp habitat
were related to the northern or boreal population (Aldrich, 1953 ). Stein
( 195 8) strengthened the idea that where the two forms come in contact they
remain reproductively isolated. Studies continue and the question of whether
these populations should remain subspecies or be given full species status has
not yet been resolved by taxonomists of the American Ornithologists’ Union.
In turn nomenclature differentiating the "fitz-bew” and the "fee-be-o” birds is
still unsolved.

In light of the above a further note on Rhoads’ 1895 Traill’s is of interest.
Through the courtesy of Mr. R. M. Schauensee of the Academy of Natural
Sciences, Philadelphia, Dr. Aldrich was able to examine Rhoads’ specimen and
very kindly expressed the opinion by personal communication that Rhoads’ bird
was of the northern breeding form and "not of the more southern population”
which he has called campestris.

What does all this have to do with a pair of Traill’s Flycatchers nesting at
Buena Vista Marsh in 1971? The Buena Vista birds were "fitz-bew” birds.
They are part of a continued, an almost dramatic expansion of that form’s
population {American Birds, 1971). They are distinct morphologically from
the first Traill’s known to us from this area which Rhoads evidently correctly
concluded "was undoubtedly a migrant”. Whatever resolution taxonomists
make of the question of full speciation versus subspeciation; whatever trino-
mials, in the end, are affixed to the two forms the present description of the
Buena Vista flycatchers of 1971 will allow them to drop into their designated
place — into the man-made scheme relating them to other Empidonaces.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The courtesies of Mr. R. M. de Schauensee, Academy of Natural Sciences,
Philadelphia; Dr. John W. Aldrich, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington,
D. C.; Mr. Winslow Shaughnessy, Children’s Museum, Nashville; Dr. Charles
M. Weise, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Mr. John C. Ogden, Everglades
National Park; Dr. Bert Monroe, Jr., Mrs. Ann Stamm, and Mr. Joseph Croft,
all of Louisville, are gratefully acknowledged. The courtesy of friends willing
to make accompanying field trips is also gratefully acknowledged.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

84

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

REFERENCES

Aldrich, John W. 1951. A Review of the Races of the Traill’s Flycatcher.
Wilson Bulletin, 63: 192-197.

Aldrich, John W. 195 3. Habits and Habitat Differences in Two Races of
Traill’s Flycatcher. Wilson Bulletin, 65: 8-11.

Alsop, Fred J., III. 1971. Traill’s Flycatcher Nesting in Knox County. The
Migrant, 42: 2 5-26, 29.

American Birds. 1971. 25: 827.

Croft, Joseph. 1964. Traill’s Flycatcher, 1963. The Kentucky Warbler, 40:
27-28.

Herndon, Lee R. 195 8. Traill’s Flycatchers Breeding in Tennessee. The
Migrant, 29: 37-42.

Peterson, Roger Tory. 1934. A Field Guide to the Birds. Houghton Mifflin
Co., Boston. P. 97-98.

Rhoads, Samuel N. 1 895. Contributions to the Zoology of Tennessee. No. 2,
Birds. Proceedings Academy Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. P. 486.

Stein, Robert C. 195 8. Behavioral, Ecological, and Morpholobical Character-
istics of two Populations of the Alder Flycatcher {Empidonax Traillii,
Audubon). New York State Museum and Science Bulletin. Number 371.

The Season. 19 5 5. Nashville. The Migrant, 26: 48.

The Season. 1969. Eastern Ridge and Valley. The Migrant, 40: 70.

3407 Hopkins Lane, Nashville 37215.

Department of Zoology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37916.

COME TO EAST TENNESSEE
FOR THE FIFTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL T.O.S. MEETING
4, 5, 6 MAY 1973

AT GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE

Headquarters will be at the Mountain View Inn. Additional information
will be sent out well in advance by host chapter Knoxville.

MAKE YOUR PLANS TO ATTEND

THE 1973 TOS FORAY
2 5-28 MAY
BENTON COUNTY

For additional information contact Dr. Fred J. Alsop, III, Mt. Carmel
Apt. iff: 3, Concord Ave., Mt. Carmel, Tenn. 37642 or Mr. and Mrs. Don
Manning, 103 Stonewall Circle, M,cKenzie 3 8201.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

8^

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

In our October meeting at Fall Creek Falls State Park more emphasis than
usual was placed on the conservation of birds and habitats. David Pitts sur-
veyed the recent history and present status of colonies of nesting herons, which
have decreased in almost all parts of the state. James Burbank described the
plans of the Tennessee Valley Authority for saving the rookery of Great Blue
Herons at Duck River; once the largest in the state for this species, it has
suffered a marked decline. A member of the Tennessee Game and Fish Com-
mission described and illustrated what is possibly the most disturbing change,
the destruction of bottom land swamps in west Tennessee with the ensuing
loss of a fertile forest habitat for many birds and mammals — as well as the loss
of many stream fish, all for the gain of agricultural land of dubious value. On
the bright side, Dennis Jordan described how management practices in the
Hatchie Refuge have benefited both Wood Ducks and Hooded Mergancers.

The interest of T.O.S. members in these matters was shown by the active
and sometimes heated discussion of these topics in the sessions and at other
times. The question "What can we do?” was implied by many of the speakers.
We must take an active part in conservation matters both as a society and as
individuals. Right now we are being called upon for help. A letter to me from
the Tennessee Department of Conservation includes the following sentences.
"To help us correct any possibly faulty practices the constructive criticisms
of organizations such as the one that you represent is most welcome. I would
appreciate your informing the officers and members of the T.O.S. of this De-
partment’s interest in working with them and in including their comments in
the formulation of our policies and procedures.” This letter was signed by Joe
Gaines, Project Administrator (Tennessee Department of Conservation, 2611
West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37203). Another letter which I read at one
of our meetings is from the chief of the Nashville district of the Army Corps
of Engineers. This letter says, in part, "We are developing a wildlife enhance-
ment program for J. Percy Priest Project, located in Middle Tennessee, and as
an integral aspect of this program, we wish to develop guidelines toward en-
dangered species. We will appreciate receiving any information you may provide
regarding the distribution, numbers, etc., of endangered species in the area of
J. Percy Priest Reservoir.” This letter is signed by F. P. Gaines, Chief, En-
gineering Division (Nashville District Corps of Engineers, P. O. Box 1070,
» Nashville, TN 37202).

I urge all chapters and members of our Society to send to these and other
agencies any information or criticisms which will aid them in forming and
carrying out good conservation policies. If you feel that the whole Society
should be involved in any particular move, please communicate with me. We
want to help in conservation, and we have been asked to help in conservation.
Both the duty and the opportunity are ours.

— James T. Tanner, President, T.O.S.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

86

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

NEW RECORDS FOR TENNESSEE

FIRST KNOWN RECORD OF A RUFF IN TENNESSEE— On 6 April
1972 my wife Mary, son David, and I (WLS) were making a check for shore-
birds at a farm field along the Sequatchie River approximately six miles south
of Dunlap, Sequatchie County, Tennessee. The 10 acre field regularly floods
during the spring rains forming a temporary pond at one end with a drainage
ditch from it dividing the field. Marsh grass grows here and attracts early
migrant ducks and some shorebirds (mostly yellowlegs and snipe).

At approximately 17:00 we were counting Greater Yellowlegs {Totanus
melanoleucus) and Lesser Yellowlegs (T. flavipes) with the aid of a 20 x 50
spotting scope when we first discovered a different bird. It was feeding with a
group of 2 5 Greater Yellowlegs and its size difference became quite apparent
as being slightly shorter legged and stockier in appearance. Its general colora-
tion was very dark, mottled black on the head, back, wings, and breast, with
whitish underparts. The bill was blackish, and shorter and thicker than those
of the yellowlegs, and had what at first appeared to be a white ring at its base.
(The next day, observing in better light conditions, this ring proved to be
yellow in color). Its legs were dull yellow in color.

We observed the bird on the ground for approximately 20 minutes. During
this time it lifted its wings twice revealing a black stripe through the midline
of the upper surface of the tail bordered with a white oval patch on either side.
We flushed the bird and observed it in flight with 7x35 binoculars. The tail
pattern as described above was now more clearly seen. The bird’s flight was
sharp and of a rolling or twisting nature which could be described as being
more "aggressive” than that of the accompanying yellowlegs.

We were sure we had never seen this bird before and after checking Peter-
son (1947) A Field Guide to the Birds, Robbins, et al (1966) A Guide to
Field Identification Birds of North America, and Pough (1951) Audubon
Water Bird Guide, we concluded we were observing the Eurasian Ruff {Fhilo-
machus pugnax) .

The following morning, 7 April, at daybreak Benton Basham and his son
Jeff met me at the field. Benton was experienced with the suspected species
having seen a Ruff in Florida. The bird was again observed and Benton con-
curred with our earlier identification of the bird as a Ruff.

The Ruff stayed in the field through 7 and 8 April during which time over
20 birders from across the state came and observed it and agreed with our
identification. Among these were Don and Gina Manning, Mike Bierly, Morris
Williams, and Fred Alsop.

I last saw it at 05:45 on 9 April, 1972. This sighting is the first known
record of the Ruff in the state of Tennessee.

W. Lee Shafer, RR #1, Whitewell 37397.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

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87

HOUSE FINCHES AT GREENEVILLE— On 24 March 1972, at about
16:00 I observed an unusual finch-like bird at the feeders in my back yard in
Greeneville. In general the bird resembled the female Purple Finches {Carpoda-
cus pnrpureus) that were at the feeders, but its coloration and markings were
distinctly different.

The main marking that distinguished this bird from the Purple Finch was
the absence of any head markings. The bird was also more slender. It had a
grayish-brown coloration in contrast with the brown of the Purple Finch. The
bird had breast streaking and through 7x35 binoculars it could be seen that
the streaks were finer and more dusky than the Purple Finch’s. After referring
to my Robbins field guide and making a close comparison of the bird with the
Purple Finches, I decided that the bird was a female House Finch {Carpodacns
mexicdnus) . The House Finch was last seen at about 16:00, 26 March 1972.
On this occasion no other experienced birders confirmed my observation.

On 24 November 1972, at about 10:00 I observed another House Finch at
the feeders in my back yard. When observed closely some faint reddish mark-
ings could be seen on the cheeks and rump of the bird. Otherwise, it showed
the same coloration and markings as the House Finch seen in March 1972. I
immediately called Dr. Gary O. Wallace who came and observed the House
Finch confirming the observation. On 2 December 1972, Dr. Wallace returned
with Fred J. Alsop III and photographed the bird.

From 24 November to 13 December, only one female House Finch was
observed at the feeders each day, but on 14 December, four females were ob-
served. On 15 December, one male House Finch returned with the females.
The male was in adult plumage with bright red markings restricted to the
forehead, cheeks, and throat down to the upper portion of the breast, and on
its rump. It had distinct grayish-brown streaks on its lower breast and on its
sides. On its back and on the back of its head were faint red markings. The
shade of red was different from the wine-colored male Purple Finch which is
more uniformly colored. There were several male Purple Finches at the feeders
which enabled a close comparison of the two species.

On 16 December, three male House Finches were seen and on 20 December,
six females were seen with the males indicating a total of nine individuals in
the area. All nine were seen together only a few times, with usually 4 or 5
being at the feeders at any one time. On 3 1 December, two males and four
females were recorded on the Greeneville Christmas count.

It is believed that these normally western birds are part of a population
which has grown from a small flock of House Finches that was released in
New York in 1948. The number of these finches has increased each year with
breeding records as far south as Ocean City, Maryland for the summer of 1972.
On the Christmas counts in December 1971, the finches were recorded at nine
different localities in Virginia and at several locations in North Carolina.

This is the first confirmed record of the House Finch in Tennessee.

James G. Holt, 312 N. Main St., Greeneville 37743.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

88

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

BIRD FINDING IN TENNESSEE

KNOX COUNTY
Charles P. Nicholson

Knoxville and Knox County have been extensively birded for many years.
As the third most populous county in the state and home of the University of
Tennessee, there have been many competent birders in the area for several
years. Over 260 species have been identified in the county. Knox County has
an average elevation of 1100 feet and a maximum relief of 1440 feet. It offers
farmland, oak-hickory and pine forests, and several lakes and rivers to the
amateur or professional ornithologist. Some of the better birding areas are
described in this article.

POWELL marsh: This small marsh, at the east end of the Powell Airport
runway, is located at the Emory Road — 1-75 interchange, approximately five
and a half miles north of the 1-75 and 1-640 interchange. A small cattail
marsh is on the north side of the runway and a larger area, with cattails,
bullrushs, willows and sycamores, is on the south side of the runway. This area
is one of few in Knox County where nesting King Rails have been found.
Red-winged Blackbirds also nest in the marsh and migrating Virginia and Sora
Rails and Long- and Short-billed Marsh Wrens have been observed in the
marsh. Some of the winter residents of the marsh are Common Snipe and
Wood Duck.

FOURTH CREEK SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT: This area is located on Lyons
Bend Road, about half a mile from the intersection of Lyons Bend and North-
shore Drive (see map). The area consists of sewage treatment facilities, a
grassy area, and several sludge piles. It is open to the public seven days a week
until 18:00. During much of the year water stands in puddles among the

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1972

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89

sludge piles and in the grassy area and this attracts shorebirds during spring
and fall migrations. Some of the frequently observed shorebirds are: Semi-
palmated Plover, Common Snipe, Spotted Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Pectoral
Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Greater and Lesser Yellow-
legs. Among the occasional or accidental shorebirds which have been observed
at the plant are Piping Plover and Ruddy Turnstone. Killdeer are present all
year and nest in the grassy area. The lake around the plant attracts Kingfishers
year round and Barn Swallows nest under the access bridge. Great Blue Herons,
gulls, and waterfowl are occasionally observed on the lake during the fall, win-
ter, and spring months.

CONCORD AREA: This is a large area in west Knox County which offers
several different habitats and a large variety of birds, especially during the
winter. Several birding spots are indicated by small circles on the map. Concord
Park covers a large area and the spot indicated on the map is a picnic area with
a public boat ramp. At this area, scan the lake for Double-crested Cormorant,
ducks. Pied-billed and Horned Grebe, coots, loons, and Great Blue Heron
during the fall, winter, and spring. At the two bridges shown along North-
shore Drive, scan the lake for wintering waterfowl. The large woods to the
west of the west bridge is a good place for songbirds and Great Horned Owls
have been heard there. At Concord Campground, on the south side of North-
shore and just west of the yacht club, look for waterfowl and gulls. Herring
Gulls, Ring-billed Gulls, uncommon Bonaparte’s Gulls and an occasional
Laughing Gull are observed here.

Virtue Road, which runs south from Kingston Pike — US- 11-70, has two
birding areas marked on the map. On the east side of the road, about half a
mile from Kingston Pike, is a farm with a couple of buildings and a silo.
White-crowned Sparrows can usually be found here from November or De-
cember through April. Across the road and slightly to the south is the other
circle indicated on the map. This area is a low, wet woods with a stream run-
ning through it. Several species of passerines and Ruby-throated Humming-
birds can be attracted by playing a tape recording of a Screech Owl call or by
whistling the call, during the spring and fall. Around the bridge look for
phoebes.

Boyd Station and Turkey Creek Roads, which are both shown on the map,
run adjacent to large pastures. During late spring and early summer listen for
Grasshopper Sparrows, Blue Grosbeaks, and Dickcissels in these areas. Watch
the sky for hawks and vultures and check power wires for Sparrow Hawks
and Loggerhead Shrikes. At the two bridges shown on the map of Turkey
Creek Road, check for nesting Cliff and Barn Swallows.

These are just a few of the birding spots in the Knox County Area. Lor
more information, see Howell, J. C. and Muriel Monroe, 19 57, "The Birds of
Knox County, Tennessee”, /. Tenn. Acad. Sciences 32 (4), 247-322; Howell,
J. C. and Afuriel Monroe, 195 8. "The Birds of Knox County, Tennessee,” The
Migrant 29 (2): 17-27; Alsop, L. J. Ill and G. O. Wallace, 1970, "Addendum:
The Birds of Knox Countv, Tennessee,” The Migrant 41 (1): 1-4; and Alsop,
L. J. Ill, 1971, A Checklist of Birds of Knox County. If personnel help or
other information is desired, contact a member of the Knoxville Chapter of
TOS or the author.

6806 Haverhill Drive, Knoxville 37919.

[VoL. 43, 19721

90

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

ROUND TABLE NOTES

PIPING PLOVERS AND BAIRD’S SANDPIPER IN SUMNER
COUNTY — On 18 September 1971, the observers went to TVA’s Gallatin
Steam Plant to check the ash disposal ponds for shore birds, wading birds, and
waterfowl. This ash disposal area has been very attractive to shore birds and
we check it an average of two or three times per week. There are two ponds,
or settling basins, in the area. The older, smaller pond was described in The
Migrmt 41:76 and is virtually unchanged except that there is now much more
exposed ash and less open water than there was at that time. Also, a few cat-
tails and grasses are beginning to grow in the ash. Very little ash is being
pumped into this pond at the present time. The second, newer pond is much
larger. Here, the Sinking Creek embayment of Old Hickory Lake has been
dyked off from the main reservoir, skimmer devices installed at the outflow
area designed to raise the water level approximately 12 ft. and the shore line
cleared to the higher elevation. The embayment is roughly Y-shaped with the
base of the Y pointing south. The greatest length of the pond is approximately
6000 ft. and 'the width varies from a few feet to a maximum of about 900 ft.
Ash is continuously pumped into the south-east corner of the base of the Y
and at the present time, an ash delta extends approximately d niile up the base
of the Y.

The old pond was checked first and 11 Killdeer {Charadrins voci ferns)
were found. We then proceeded on to the "new” pond and immediately spotted
a large white bird near the edge of the ash delta approximately 150 yds. away.
A quick check with 7 x 50 binoculars proved this to be a Caspian Tern
(Hydroprogne caspia) so we set up our 20 to 45X Bushnell spotting scope
to have a closer look since this was only the second time we had seen this bird
in this area. While we were watching the tern, a small, very pale shore bird
was noticed some 75 yds. past the tern and feeding along the edge of the ash.
The distance was too great to see details clearly even with the scope. However,
the bird was working its way toward us, alternately feeding and flying short
distances. The bird approached to within approximately 60 yds. from us and
by this time, we had made notes of the following field marks: short, black
beak; front and belly white; a dusky, incomplete neck ring; gray back that
blended almost perfectly with the ash; legs, yellowish; large, black eyes; and
its movements on the ground were very fast. From Peterson’s Field Guide
to the Birds’^ and the Golden Field Guide ^^Birds of North America'\ we iden-
tified the bird as a Piping Plover {Charadrins melodies).

The bird was first seen at 17:30 and was kept under observation until
18:20. At one time, one observer was able to approach to within 27 measured
steps of the bird with 7x50 binoculars. The light was very good with the
sun behind the observers.

Mike Bierly was contacted and, accompanied by Roger Harshaw, met us at
the steam plant at dawn on 19 September. The plover was found in the same
area as the day before.

On 20 September, accompanied by Ann Tarbell and Margaret Mann, we
checked the area in the afternoon and found that the plover had moved from
the "new” pond to the "old” pond. At this time there were Killdeer (4), Lesser

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1972

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91

Yellowlegs (Totamis flavtpes) (3), and another shore bird that was not im-
mediately identified, feeding in this area. Our notes on the unidentified bird
were: neck and breast buff; legs, short and dark; about the same length as the
Piping Plover but much slimmer; wings noticeably longer than the tail; body
more horizontal than most shore birds; scale pattern on back; beak, slender
and straight; pecked more than probed for food. Ann Tarbell was the first to
correctly identify this bird as a Baird’s Sandpiper (Erolia bairdii) . We first
saw the Baird’s at 17:15 and watched the group of birds until 18:30. We were
able to walk to within not more than 20 yds. of the Piping Plover and the
Baird’s Sandpiper and observe them with three spotting scopes ranging from
9 to 30 power. Light was excellent with the sun behind us. At one time, we
had a Killdeer, a Lesser Yellowlegs, the Piping Plover and the Baird’s Sandpiper
in the fields of our scopes at the same time.

On 21 September, we checked the area and found the Piping Plover, Kill-
dee (43), Lesser yellowlegs (2), Spotted Sandpiper {Actitis macnlaria) (1),
and Least Sandpiper {Erolia minutilla) (1) but no Baird’s.

On 22 September we checked again, accompanied by Doris Thomas, Nancy
Banks and Betty Moore. The count was Piping Plover (1), Killdeer (14),
Lesser Yellowlegs (1), Semi-palmated Sandpiper (2), Least Sandpiper (1),
and Baird’s Sandpiper ( 1 ) .

On 23 and 24 September, we saw the Baird’s Sandpiper and on both dates
we were fortunate to have the Baird’s, a Pectoral Sandpiper {Erolia melanotos)
and a Semi-palmated Sandpiper {Ereunetes pnsillus) in the field of our scope
at the same time at approximately 30 yds. distance. The comparison made
identification of the Baird’s much easier. It was noticeably larger than the
Semi-palmated and noticeably smaller than the Pectoral. The breast was huffier
than that of the Pectoral and the bottom edge of the buffy area was much less
sharply defined than that of the Pectoral. And the long wings were always
noticeable on the Baird’s.

The area was carefully checked on 2 5, 26, 27, 28 and 29 September and
2 October without seeing another Piping Plover or another Baird’s Sandpiper.

On 4 October at 17:20, Mrs. Crawford found another Piping Plover in the
same area where the first one was found on 18 September. We watched this
bird from 17:20 until 18:05 with 7 x 50 binoculars and our 20 to 45X spot-
ting scope at ranges varying from approximately 40 yds. to approximately 100
yds. Light was excellent as before.

This bird was not seen again although the area has been checked almost
every day to the present date, 21 October.

Research by Mr. Michael L. Bierly indicates that the sightings of the
Piping Plovers are the second and third Nashville area records and the seventh
and eighth known state records.

Page 13 of Henry E. Parmer’s ” Birds of the Nashville Area”, Second Edi-
tion, lists the Baird’s Sandpiper — "Very rare. Three records.”

Paul and Dot Crawford, Route 4, Gallatin, 37066

[VoL. 43, 1972]

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THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

SECOND STATE RECORD OF WHIMBREL— On the morning of 24
July 1971, the observers were hireling in the Ashland City Marsh area in
Cheatham County. This short trip had been made to look for shorebirds and
had been fairly successful as the following birds were noted: 6 Spotted Sand-
piper (Aefifis jnacularia) , 5 Solitary Sandpiper {Tringa solitaria) , 6 Killdeer
[Charadrins vociferus) ^ 1 Lesser Yellowlegs {Totamis flavipes) , 14 Pectoral
Sandpiper {Erolia melanotos) , 3 Least Sandpiper {Erolia mimitilla) , 15 Semi-
palmated Sandpiper {Ereunetes pnsillus), and 2 Western Sandpiper {Ereunetes
mauri) . While the observers were preparing to leave, they heard a several-note
call of a bird arising from the marsh. When first sighted, the bird was in flight,
rising and approaching the observers flying southward toward Nashville. As
the bird approached it was observed with 7x35 and 10 x 40 binoculars. The
bird appeared to be approximately the same size or slightly smaller than a crow
and had a long, slim bill with a pronounced downward curve. Our first im-
pression was that the bird was a Whimbrel {N umenhis pbaeopus) , which both
observers have seen in California, but we postponed definite identification until
we compared call notes with those on Peterson’s record: A Field Guide to Bird
Songs and found them to be identical.

John Riggins later that same afternoon checked the Buena Vista Marsh
area in Nashville, hoping if not to find the Whimbrel, possibly to find interest-
ing transients. At Buena Vista Marsh in a large puddle of standing water near
the city dump, the observer found among various shorebirds two Whimbrels.
Since the puddle was very near the road, they were approached within 3 0 feet
by car and observed with 10 x 40 binoculars. The same characteristics as
earlier noted were readily visible, as well as the black and white distinct streak-
ing on the crown of the head.

These sightings are either the second and third state records of this bird
(since the sightings were about 23 miles apart and involved different numbers
of birds) or if combined, would be the second state record of a Whimbrel.

John and Heather Riggins, 5615 Brookwood Place, Nashville 37205.

WHIMBREL RECORDED AT NASHVILLE— As I was about to leave
Buena Vista Bottoms in Nashville on 20 September 1971 I was attracted to a
big bird flying over one of three ponds in the area that I had just finished
observing. It was making wide circles over the rectangular pond and from its
overall brown coloration, black and white crown stripes and decurved bill it
was identified as a Whimbrel {Nnmenms phaeopus) . Other notes taken while
observing the bird showed light streaks of brown on the neck to the top of
the breast and down the sides, neck lighter brown than back, whitish belly,
dark legs and black bill. In flight there were dark brown tips on the wing
coverts being lighter in the middle of the wing.

The bird landed three times before settling down. On each occasion it
landed 10-20 feet from the water and immediately began to walk toward the
shoreline. On the first two times it took off before reaching it. This was
primarily due to the agitation of Lesser Yellowlegs {T of amts flavipes). As
soon as the bird made its appearance over the pond the Lesser Yellowlegs began
a constant piercing calling. When the bird took off after the first landing it
gave loud quick series of 5-6 notes until after it landed again. On the second
landing, which was at the opposite end of the pond from the first one, nine

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

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93

out of sixteen Lesser Yeilowlegs present flew over to it and scolded contin-
uously. The bird then flew back across the pond and landed some 100 feet
from the first spot. It walked down to the water and began feeding. Feeding
was by picking and cautiously walking in the water. One time an object
was dragged up on the shore and partly consumed. After feeding for about
five minutes, it bathed and preened several times.

No other bird present would stay close to the species. Least Sandpipers
(Erolia mimitilla ) left the shoreline as it landed and after a few minutes of
moving away from the feeding bird the Killdeer {Charadrius vociferus) also
left. One Common Snipe {'Cap ell a gallinago) did try to stay and as the Whim-
brel fed close to it the snipe stood up and raised its long bill in defense. On
the second defensive move the snipe flew to another part of the pond leaving
the Whimbrel alone at one end.

Observations were from 18:30-19:1 5 CDT. The bird was left sitting on
the shoreline at dusk, but was not present on the 21st. A cold front passed
through on the morning of the 20th and temperatures fell from 73 F near
midnight to 62 F at 18:00 and to 59 F by 24:00, a departure of 6 degrees
from normal. Skies were overcast all day.

Optics used were 7x35 Binolux binoculars and a 1 5-60X Bausch and
Lomb spotting scope. The bird was seen as close as 25 yards when making
circles over the pond to about 15 0 yards as it worked on the shore.

There had been one other sighting of this species in the bottoms this season.
The Migrant 42:69. Due to the time lag between observations and since these
bottoms were birded about every two days, it would seem safe to assume that
two different birds were involved. This record is one of a very few for the state.

Michael Lee Bierly, 3826 Bedford Ave., Nashville 37215.

LAUGHING GULL IN MAURY COUNTY— On 24 April 1970 at 09:10
I observed a Laughing Gull {Larus atricilla) over Interstate 6 5, 26 highway
miles south of the Nashville Harding Place exit and one highway mile south
into Maury County. The bird was first observed flying low over the interstate
and circling over a partially flooded field immediately adjacent to it. From
notes taken in the field the bird had a white tail, dark head, gray back, gray
wings with black at the tips and a white border along the base of the flight
feathers. Underneath, the wings were white turning dusky toward the ends
and darkish at the tips with the belly and throat white. The gull was separated
from the confusing Franklin’s and Bonaparte’s Gulls {Larus pi pi x can ) and
{Larus Philadelphia) , respectively, due to the absence of white on the wing
tips and along the bend of the wing.

After this initial observation the bird began to fly in a zigzag pattern just
over the tree tops and the straight interstate on a due south course. I would
proceed a half-mile ahead of the bird and wait for it. Dependently, it would
come right over my head and continue southward. I followed this procedure
for two miles and four stops. Each time the bird would come directly overhead
in unbroken wing beats. Laurence Trabue (personal contact) reports that his
Laughing Gull, The Migrant 32:51, acted in much the same manner. His bird
began a flight down river (west) and Mr. Trabue went into several lookouts
along the route and observed it.

[VoL. 43, 1972]

94

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DECEMBER

The weather was cloudy at the initial observation point and partly cloudy
five miles ahead. Precipitation totaling 3.80 inches (5 5.8% of the month’s
total) and strong winds from the south were recorded in Nashville on 19, 22
and 24 April (Nashville Climatological Data, April 1970). The Laughing
Gull may have been caught up in the storms and pushed inland. Whatever the
reason, it was making a steady retreat to the south when I left it.

This marks the fourth Middle Tennessee record. The others are listed in
The Migrant 26:25, 32:51 and 3 8:48. The gull was observed for twenty min-
utes with 7x35 Binolux binoculars. I have seen the species many times on the
coast and was cnroute there when I observed the bird described herein.

Michael Lee Bierly, 3 826 Bedford Avenue, Nashville 37215.

SUMMER BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO IN KNOXVILLE— On 24 June
1972, my wife and I noticed a cuckoo in plain sight on a dead limb of a small
elm in our front yard. Through binoculars we saw the black bill and small
white tail markings plainly, identifying the bird as a Black-billed Cuckoo
{Coccyztis eryfhropthalmus) .

According to The Birds of Knox County, compiled by Joseph C. Howell
and Muriel B. Monroe (1957), the Black-billed Cuckoo is a spring and fall
migrant in Knox County. The latest spring record given is 26 May 1954.

The bird we saw appeared sluggish in its movements. We thought it might
have strayed to Knox County after Tropical Storm Agnes, which had blown
across the Carolinas a few days earlier.

John Elson, 300 Hermitage Road, Knoxville 37920.

WINTER CAPE MAY WARBLER IN BRISTOL— On 17 January 1972
my parents. Dot and Paul Crawford of Gallatin, were preparing to leave for
home after visiting with us for several days. At about 10:15 Daddy went out
through the garage to their car and discovered a small bird that had evidently
died as a result of flying into the garage door. It must have flown into the
door sometime between 07:3 0 and 10:15 as it was not there when my husband
left for work at the earlier time. Daddy brought the bird in and we began
questioning its identity. Mother and I immediately said warbler but we could
not get much further than that.

Dorsally, the bird had an olive-gray appearance with faint washes of yellow.
Yellow ran in a streak around the head almost like a high collar, being most
noticeable behind the eye and ear areas. The crown was gray with a scally
appearance. There was definite yellow on the rump and breast, the breast
being streaked with black. It had one definite wing bar. There were thin lines
of yellow along the outer edges of the tail feathers and the tail was notched.

Mother and Daddy were anxious to get started home but were equally
anxious to have the bird identified. We decided the quickest way to get a
positive identification was to see Dr. Lee Herndon. We called him and he
wanted to see the bird so Mother and Daddy took it to his home in Elizabethton.

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While I stayed at home baby-sitting, I studied my A Field Guide to the
Birds, R. T. Peterson again and decided perhaps the bird was a Gape May
Warbler {Dendroica tigrina) but was still uncertain. I was thrilled when my
folks returned with the news that Dr. Herndon had immediately identified the
bird as a Cape May Warbler, probably an immature male. This is believed to
be a new late date for this bird in Tennessee.

We were sorry the identification was of a dead bird but were glad he hap-
pened to hit the garage of a T.O.S. member so he could be properly recorded.

Diane Wilson, 205 Robin Road, Bristol 37620.

RED CROSSBILLS IN TIPTONVILLE— Three juvenile or female Red
Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) were observed feeding on sunflower seed in my
yard between 18:00 and 19:50 on 27 July 1972. These birds were viewed
from four feet for ten minutes and were not distracted by my presence. Their
manner in extracting the seed, in climbing the stalk and moving around the
flower was parrot like. The olive gray-green body had a hint of yellow about
the underside of the wings. There was an absence of wing bars. The cross bill
was visable in silhouette.

Helen Lindamood and I observed the birds from 75 feet with 7 power
binoculars until a summer storm forced us indoors. At 06:45 28 July two
Red Crossbill were again feeding on the sunflower seeds. The birds were gone
by 08:15 to return once again during the morning and were observed by Jean
Markham. The temperature on 27 July was 85°-95°. A thunderstorm and
gusty wind occurred during the night. There was a light rain on 28 July with
the temperature in the 80’s.

References used in identification were Peterson, Roger Tory, (1947) A
Field Guide To The Birds, Houghton Mifflin Co. Brunn, Robbins and Zim
(1966) Birds Of North America, Golden Press.

Bettie Sumara, 1011 Church Street, Tiptonville 3 8079.

SNOW BUNTINGS WINTER AT NASHVILLE— Two Snow Buntings
{Plectrophenax nivalis ) were found by Jack Carusos at 12:00 29 November
1969 on the small gravel peninsular at Old Hickory Beach, a quarter of a
mile from the dam. The birds were feeding along the gravel shoreline and
perched often on nearby driftwood. The day was sunny with a maximum tem-
perature of 47 F. For the past ten days precipitation totaled .06 of an inch
and temperatures ranged from 4" 13 F to — 1 1 F from normal (Nashville
Climatological Data, November 1969) .

The buntings could be told apart by the degree of brown and white in the
plumage. A. C. Bent, Life Histories of North American Cardinals, Grosbeaks,
Buntings, T owhees. Finches, Sparrows, and Allies, United States National Mu-
seum Bulletin 237, Part 3, states that after the postjuvenal molt, "The resulting
plumage strongly resembles that of adults . . . ( 1664) .” Also: "The fresh
adult fall plumage is essentially the breeding dress heavily overlaid with brown
above and, to a lesser degree, below (pectoral band more or less prominent) .
The plumage is immediately sensitive to abrasion, which produces a great

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DECEMBER

variation of plumages both individually and seasonally (1665).” Due to our
inexperience with plumage types of this species and since they were not
handled, the age and sex could not be determined conclusively. Therefore, they
will be referred to as the browner bunting and the whiter bunting.

The browner bird had a small white wing patch, a prominent side stripe
and a neck band that connected. In comparison, the whiter bunting was darker
brown on the back and wings, with a large white wing patch, suggestive side
stripe and a small nonconnecting neck band. Both showed streakings on the
upper part of the back and both had yellow bills with dusky at the tips. In
flight the birds could be told apart by the amount of white in the wings.

The buntings were usually observed on the peninsular feeding along the
shoreline in short grass. Several times they were observed in the white sandy
beach area and several times sitting about twenty feet high in a tree. A flock
of from 22 to 45 Horned Larks {Eremophila alpestrh) wintered in the area
and the buntings were seen with or close to them occasionally. The Snow
Buntings were heard to make a noise on 26 January when both birds were
sitting in a tree in the peninsular. The sound was an accending "deert” and
was given repeatively for about a minute.

Both birds were present from 29 November 1969 through 26 January 1969.
Then only the browner bunting was seen from 3 0 January through 18 Feb-
ruary. Additional trips to the area on 22, 27, 28 February had negative results.
The weather for the 82 days showed the temperature to be — 5.5 F from
normal with three periods of extreme cold and a maximum temperature of 71 F
on 2 8 January and a minimum of — 4 F on 10 January (Nashville Climatol-
ogical Data, November 1969, December 1969, January 1970, February 1970).
The browner bunting was seen 20 days longer than the whiter bunting. Upon
disappearance of the whiter bunting the other one associated almost exclusively
with the Horned Larks in their feeding area. The Horned Larks were also not
seen after 18 February.

Twenty people observed the species and several secured identifiable photo-
graphs, some in color. The other record for Middle Tennessee was 19 and
20 November 19 54 at Bush Lake, Nashville by Katherine Goodoasture. The
Migrant 26:12. Mrs. Goodpasture (personal contact) states that her bird was
much browner with very little white than either bird of this report.

Michael Lee Bierly, 3 826 Bedford Avenue, Nashville 3721 5.

Jack N. Carusos, 3101 D Colonial Way, Chamblee, Georgia 30005.

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1972

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97

THE SEASON

Dr. Fred J. Aesop, III, Editor

FALL MIGRATION: 1 AUGUST - 3 1 OCTOBER

If one word could be used to reflect the fall migration as it was reported
from across the state that word would be "shorebirds”. Shorebirds. The term
does not accurately describe the southward passage of birds through Tennessee.
Because of the spacial limitations of this journal all the birds observed and
reported cannot be listed to illustrate the movements across, arrivals in, and
departures from our area, but the variety of shorebirds reported from all
regions seems especially noteworthy for a landlocked state with only one
recognized major flyway. Two major tower kills were recorded in upper East
Tennessee on the night of 30 Sept.-l Oct. on Holston Mountain. A BLACK-
THKOATED GRAY WARBLER was collected from one of the tower kills
{The Migrant 43: 67-68). This was the first Tennessee record for that species.

No heavy concentrations of migrating warblers were reported. Early ar-
rivals of White-throated Sparrows across the state, reports of Purple Finches
and Fine Siskins in East Tennessee, and the RED CROSSBILLS in Middle
Tennessee (third area record) perhaps indicate the approach of a good northern
finch winter in Tennessee.

Some of the most unusual observations reported by you and your fellow
birders this season included: Buff -breasted Sandpipers, a Marbled God wit, and
a Western Kingbird in the Western Coastal Plain, as well as Ruddy Turn-
stones, both there, and in the Eastern Mountain Region. Peregrine Falcons and
Piping Plovers were observed in the Central Plateau and Basin and Eastern
Ridge and Valley Regions. The introduction to the Central Plateau and Basin
report gives the reader a most informative veiw of the season there and the
listings following include an American Avocet, Blackpoll Warbler, and an
Oregon Junco. Nesting Barn Owls were reported from the Eastern Ridge and
Valley Region. The Eastern Mountain Region lists a most extraordinary eagle
flight at Roan Mountain which included two late migrating Bald Eagles. These
are but a few of the many interesting species reported in this fall migration
edition of "The Season”.

Have you seen any good birds lately? Is the birding noticeably different in
your favorite birding spot this season? Look up the name and address of your
compiler and send him the information now on a postcard.

WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION— A wide variety of shorebirds
appeared throughout the season and at widespread locations in the region.

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Cormorant-Turkey: DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT : 28 Oct. (2) R.
Great Blue Heron: 12 Aug. to 28 Oct. (9 to 13) DR and R. Little Blue
Heron: 12 Aug. (54) DR, 2 Sept. (2 5) R. Snowy Egret: 12 Aug. (3) DR.
CATTLE EGRET: 12 Aug. (5) DR, 4 Sept. (3 3) DR, 9 Sept. (150) M
(BBC, EC), 24 Oct. ("Flock”) Ripley (Nina Smith). Yellow-crowned Night
Heron: 4 Sept. (1 adult) DR (GM). Wood Duck: 26 Aug. (108) DR.
Shoveler: 26 Aug. (2) LEA (MB). Ruddy Duck: 28 Oct. (3,000) R. Missis-
sippi Kite: 16 Sept. (1) M (Jim and Gloria Maender). Cooper’s Hawk: 4 Sept.

(1) BE. Turkey: 6 Aug. (12) BS.

Rlover-Turnstone: Semipalmated Plover: 12 Aug. to 4 Sept. (1 to 4) BE,
BS, DR, R. American Golden Plover: 26 Aug. (1) DR, 2 Sept. (1) R. Black-
bellied Plover: 13 Aug, (3) BS (Bert and Frances Dowdy), 26 Aug. (2) BS.
Greater Yellowlegs: 12 Aug. (3) DR, 4 Sept. (1) BS, 28 Oct. (10) R. Long-
billed Dowitcher: 2 Sept. (2) R. Stilt Sandpiper: 2 Sept. (30) R, 4 Sept. (2)
DR. WESTERN SANDPIPER: 26 Aug. (2) BS, 2 Sept. (7) R, 4 Sept. (1)
DR. BUFF-BRMASTED SANDPIPER: 26 Aug. and 4 Sept. (1) BS. Sanderling:
12 Aug. (12) BS, 26 Aug. (4) BS, 4 Sept. (2) BS. MARBLED GODWIT:
26 Aug. (1) BS (MB, DM, GM). RUDDY TURNSTONE: 26 Aug. (3)
BS, 4 Sept. (4) BS.

Tern-Sparrow: Forster’s Tern: 26 Aug. (20) BS, Common Tern: 4 Sept.
(16) BS. Least Tern: 26 Aug. (3) BS, 2 Sept. (34) R. Caspian Tern: 2 Sept.

(2) BS. Black Tern: 12 Aug. (106) BF, 26 Aug. (15) BS, 2 Sept. (12) BS.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo: 28 Oct. (1) (FD, QD). WESTERN KINGBIRD:
24 Aug. (1) R (David Pitts). Tree Swallow: 28 Oct. (2,000) R. Bank Swal-
low: 12 Aug. (42) DR. Red-breasted Nuthatch: 30 Sept, and after (up to 10
at one location) S (DP). Swainson’s Warbler: 24 Sept. (1) M (LC). Dickcis-
sel: 5 Oct. (1, male) M, and 3 Nov. (1 female or immature) M (FD, QD).
Pine Siskin: 9 Oct. (1) S (DP), 21 Oct. (9) M, (BBC, LC). White-throated
Sparrow: 3 0 Sept. (1) M (BBC, LC).

Locations: BE — Britton Ford (Henry County), BS — Big Sandy Refuge
(Henry County), DR — Duck River Refuge (Humphries County), LEA —
Little Eagle Access, U. S. 79, M — ^Memphis area, R — ‘Reelf oot Lake and area,
S — Savannah.

Observers: Benton Basham, Jelf Basham, MB — Mike Bierly (where no ob-
server is designated read "MB and party”), BBC — Ben B. Coffey, Jr., LC —
Lula Coffey, FD — Frances Dowdy, QD — Quentin Dowdy, Larry Gates, Betty
King, Carol Knauth, Margaret Mann, DM — Don Manning, GM — ^Gina Man-
ning, DP — David Patterson, Virginia Price, Betty Riddle, Ann Tarbell.

David E. Patterson, Harbert Hills Academy, Savannah 3 8372.

CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— Most waterfowl arrived
in Nashville mid to late October with few numbers at end of period. Cross
Creeks National Wildlife Refuge arrivals similar to Nashville with numbers
building late October. The best areas for shorebirds were Buena Vista in Nash-
ville, and the Gallatin Steam Plant and Lewis Pond in Gallatin. Too much rain
did hurt the productivity of these and other areas, but 22 species were reported
including a few rarities. Five transient warblers were recorded in August:

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Canada, Blackburian, Wilson’s, Chestnut-sided and Magnolia, but warbler
movements and populations were hard to determine. Frances Bryson, Cannon
County, stated that warblers were fewer than usual with some missing entirely,
namely. Black-throated Green, Hooded, Golden-winged and Blackburnian. The
last named also seemed sparse in Nashville.

Nashville’s fall count 3 0 Sept., 1 Oct. recorded 137 species, a high number,
inflated by seven species of winter sparrows and other winter species that
usually may not be present this early. The passage of a cold front on 29 Sept,
and early morning 30 Sept, in Nashville dropped temperatures 13 degrees
from normal and most likely brought some of these winter species with it.
Similar results were obtained on these same dates on the fall count by Hoyte
and Frances Bryson in Cannon County.

An early Sept. Red-breasted Nuthatch and subsequent sightings in Can-
non, Davidson, Lawrence and Pickett Counties could indicate a Red-breasted
year. Presence of Purple Finches earlier than in 1971 which was a finch year,
a record of Pine Siskins in the Basin and the occurrence of RED CROSSBILLS
on the Plateau might indicate movements of these species into the area. The
sighting of White-winged Scoters also may mean a scoter year as in 1969-70.

There was a poor hackberry crop this year in Nashville.

Data was received on 170 species and mostly partial reports follow on 5 1
of them.

Loon -Merganser: Common Loon: 30 Sept. (1) PPL (MLB), second Sept,
date NA. Pied-billed Grebe: Numbers, 30 Sept. (99) NA of these 76 OHL
(Nash. TOS). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: Late, 13 Sept. (1) CC (FB).
Blue Goose: 18 Oct. (210) "peak” CCNWR (SB, RS). Black Duck: Early,
27 Sept. (5) CCNWR (SB, RS). Blue-winged Teal: First major flight NA
23, 24 Aug. 23 Aug. (45) BV (MLB), (10) Gallatin (PDC). 24 Aug. (75)
Gallatin (PDC), (3 5) BV (MLB), (50) RL (MLB). Last numbers, 30^ Sept.
(131) NA (Nash. TOS). American Widgeon: Early, 27 Sept. (1) CCNWR
(SB, RS). Shoveler: 26 Aug. (1) GSP (PDC), 18 days earliest NA. Lesser
Scaup: 24 Oct. (325 ) "peak” CCNWR (SB, RS). WHITE-WINGED
SCOTER: 30, 31 Oct. (6, i) RL (MLB, PDC), 2 days earliest NA for
limited records.

Hawks: Migration noted 9, 23, 30 Sept., 8 Oct. Broad-winged Hawk:
Numbers: 23 Sept. (200) Center Hill (John Brevard fide MLB), (200) SM
(Lebanon TOS). Late, 28 Oct. (1) PSP (RH). ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK:
26 Oct. (2, one light, one dark phase) FV (JOE). Bald Eagle: 22 Aug. to
end period (1, i) CCNWR (SB, RS), earliest refuge. Osprey: All reports in-
clude, 4 Sept. (1) OHL (PDC), 17 Sept. (1) PPL (MLB), 22 Sept. (2)
CCNWR (SB, RS), 23 Sept. (1) SHV (Mel Garland), (2) SM (Lebanon
TOS), 27 Sept. (1) Buffalo River, Lewis Co. (George Mayfield), 30 Sept.
(1) OHL (MLM, PDC), (2) PPL (ROH, MLB), (1) SM (Lebanon TOS),
10 Oct. (1) CCNWR (SB, RS). PEREGRINE FALCON: 4 Aug., 9 Sept.
(1) PPL (MLM), near April sighting. 23 Sept. (1) SM (Lebanon TOS).

Plover-Gnatcatcher: PIPING PLOVER: 22-26 Aug. (1) GSP (PDC),
fourth NA record. Semipalmated Plover: 13 Oct. (1) GSP (PDC), ties latest
NA. WILLET: 23 Aug. (1) Gallatin (DC, MLB), second NA fall record.
BAIRHS SANDPIPER: 16, 19 Sept. (1) Coleman Lake (MLM, MLB). Dun-

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lin: Early, 10 Sept. (2) GSP (PDC). Numbers, 18 Oct. (24) OHL, about
three times previous NA high. Stilt Sandpiper: 5 Aug. (17) BV (LJG), a
large number Nashville. Sanderling: More than usual Nash. 20 Aug. (2) BV
(PDC), 23 Aug.-lO Sept. (3-1) off and on GSP (PDC), 17 Sept. (1) PPL
(MLB). AMERICAN AVOCET: 24 Sept.-l Oct. (1) CCNWR (SB, RS).
WILSON^S PHALAROPE: 8 Aug. (1) BV (LJG, et. al.), third consecutive
fall and 4 days earliest NA of limited records. Bonaparte’s Gull: 22 Oct. (2)
OHL (MLB), 5 days earliest NA. Forster’s Tern: 29 Oct. (1) OHL (MLB),
19 days latest NA. Common Tern: 3 0 Sept. (20) PPL (ROH, MLB), 6 days
latest NA. Caspian Tern: 18 Oct. (1) OHL (MLB), 7 days latest NA. Barn
Owl: 1, 15 Oct. (1) WB (LB), believed to be pair. Individual gone Gallatin
(PDC). Common Nighthawk: Large flocks, 24 Aug. ( 5 00) h, NA (MLM),
23 Sept. (300) Clarksville (Francis Abernathy), 26 Sept. (300) near h, NA
(MLM). Yellow-shafted Flicker: Migration evidence, 30 Sept, (several flocks
of 8 birds) FV (JOE, et. al.) . Acadian Flycatcher: 18 Oct. (1, X) WSM
(KAG), 3 days latest NA. Blue Jay: Migration evidence, 30 Sept. (241 by
14 flocks, largest 51 birds) PPL (ROH, MLB). Winter Wren: 14 Sept. (1)
h. NA (Sue Bell), ties earliest NA. Long-billed Marsh Wren: Numbers, 30
Sept. (7) 1 PPL, 6 Smyrna Airport (ROH, MLB), 1 Oct. (6) BV (MLB).
Short-billed Marsh Wren: Numbers, 20 Aug. (9) 3 River Road, 6 Ashland
City Marsh area (LJG, MLB). Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: Late, Oct. 14 (1)
CC (FB).

Vireo-Sparrows: White-eyed Vireo: 2 8 Oct. (1) TJ (JHR), 4 days latest
fall NA. Worm-eating Warbler: 18 Oct. (1, X) WSM (KAG), 12 days NA
latest. BLACKPOLL WARBLER: 15 Sept. (1, banded) BS (KAG), 16 Sept.
(1, banded) TJ (JHR), first positive live birds fall NA. CONNECTICUT
WARBLER: 5 Sept. (1, X) WSIX-TV tower (MLB). MOURNING
WARBLER: Recorded, 10 Sept. (1) BS (KAG), 7 Oct. (1) TJ (JHR).
Hooded Warbler: late, 29 Oct. (1, male) Lawrence County (Lloyd Clayton).
Wilson’s Warbler: Early, 24 Aug. (1) CC (FB). Bobolink: 30 Sept. (1)
Smyrna Airport (ROH, MLB). 1 Oct. (1) SHV (KAG). Rose-breasted
Grosbeak: Numbers, 5 Oct. (117) Wilmouth Creek, N. of WB and (134)
Hog Foot Branch, N.E. of WB (Mary C. Wood, Violet W. Hite). RED
CROSSBILL: 28 Oct. (18) PSP (RH), third "Middle Tennessee” record. Lark
Sparrow: Late, 20 Oct. (4) Wilson County (Jon DeVore, William Senter).
Slate-colored Junco: 3 0 Sept. (2) FV (JOE, et. al.) , first Sept. NA record.
OREGON JUNGO: 24 Sept. (1) CCNWR (RS).

Symbols: i = immature; X = casuality.

Locations: BS — Basin Spring, Nash, area; BV — Buena Vista, Nash.; CC —
Cannon County; CCNWR — ^Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge; FV —
Fernvale, Nash, area; GSP — Gallatin Steam Plant, Gallatin; h — home of ob-
server; NA — ^Nash. area; OHL — Old Hickory Lake; PPL — Percy Priest Lake;
PSP — Pickett State Park; RL — Radnor Lake, Nash.; SHV — South Harpeth
Valley, Nash, area; SM — Short Mountain; TJ — Two Jays, Nash, area; WB —
Woodbury; WSM — WSM television tower, Nash.

Observers: SB — ^Sam Barton; MLB — ^^Mike Bierly; FB — Frances Bryson;
DC — Dot Crawford; PDC — Paul and Dot Crawford; JOE — John Ellis; LJG —
Larry Gates; ROH — Roger Harshaw; RH — Robbie Hassler; Lebanon TOS —
Lebanon Chapter Tennessee Ornithological Society; MLM — Margaret Mann;

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101

Nash. TOS — Nashville Chapter Tennessee Ornithological Society; JHR — John
and Heather Riggins; RS — Ronnie Shell.

Michael Lee Bierly, 3 826 Bedford Avenue, Nashville 372 H.

EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— Despite the maintaining
of summer water levels of most TVA lakes, a large shorebird migration was
recorded in several areas. Warbler migration was average with no heavy con-
centrations or unusual species recorded. Early reports of Red-breasted Nut-
hatches and Pine Siskins suggest a good northern finch year.

Cormorant-Falcon: DOU BLE -CREST ED CORM ORAN T : 4 Oct. ( 1 ) ,
22 Oct. (2) HRA (WiC, KLD ) . Little Blue Heron: through 1 Sept. (1-4)
HR A, SB (KLD) ; 1 0 Aug. (1), 1 8 Sept. (2) JC (TK) . CATTLE EGRET:
3 1 Aug. (1) SB (KLD) . Common Egret: through 10 Oct. (1-25) HRA,
SB (KLD) ; 1 2 Aug. (1) AS (GE, GW). Black-crowned Night Heron:
through 3 0i Sept. (1-4) AS (GW, GE, DL, LRH) ; 20 Aug. (20) , 1 8 Sept.
(8) JC (TK) . Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 30 Aug. (1) AM (RW) .
Canada Goose: 26 Aug. (2) , regular after 27 Sept. HRA (WiC) . Snow Goose :
22, 24, 29 Oct. (1) HRA (KLD). Blue Goose: 22, 24, 29 Oct. (16) HRA
( KLD ) . Black Duck: first 6 Aug. (1) SB (CH) . Pintail: 19 Oct. (2) PHL
(LRH) . Gadwall: 28 Aug. (10) KSP (FJA) . Shoveler: 1 8 Sept. (3) SB
( KLD ) . Wood Duck: max. 5 Sept. (15 0) HRA ( KLD ) . Ring-necked Duck:
22 Oct. (26) K (CN ) . Lesser Scaup: 19 Oct. (6) AS (LRH) . Black Vul-
tures : 6 Oct. (1) SC (GW) ; through period (5-20) Mt. Carmel (FJA) .
Cooper’s Hawk: 9, 16, 24, Oct. (1) Da (DJ) . Bald Eagle: 2 Aug. (2 Adults,
4 Immature) AS (PR). Osprey: from 1 5 Aug. to 20 Oct. (1-2) HRA
(WiC); 24 Sept. ( 1 ) KC (TOS). PEREGRINE FALCON: 2 Oct. (1 Im-
mature) SB ( KLD ) .

Crane-T ern: Sandhill Crane: 23 Oct. (6 flying S.) HRA (WiC) . King
Rail: 5 Sept. (1) AM ( KLD ) . Virginia Rail: 15-30 Sept. ( 1-3 ) AS (GE,
LRH, PR) . Sora Rail: 5-15 Sept. (3-4) AS (GE, LRH, PR) ; 1 1 Sept. ( 1 )
AM (RW) . Semipalmated Plover: 1 Aug. (2) HRA (KLD) ; 22 Aug. (1) SB
(KLD) ; 20 Aug. (4) and 1 8 Sept. (8) JC (TK) . PIPING PLOVER: 19 Aug.
( 1 ) SB (CH) . American Golden Plover: 1 8 Sept. (6) JC (TK) . Black-
bellied Plover: 9-24 Oct. (1) SB (KLD, CH) . American Woodcock; 1 1 Sept.
( 1 ) Da (D. Ellis fide DJ) ; 29 Sept. (1) AS (GE, DJL, GW) . Common
Snipe: 21 Aug. (1) SB ( KLD ) ; 17 Sept. (1) Carter Co. (MD, HD) . Upland
Plover: 2-16 Aug. (1-8) T -C A (MD, HD, GE, PR) ; 5 Oct. (1) SB (CH) .
Spotted Sandpiper: regular 14 Aug. -10 Sept. (1-4) HRA, AM, SB (KLD) ;
22 Oct. (1) K (CN). Solitary Sandpiper: 7 Aug. (3) HRA (KLD) ; 30 Sept.-
11 Oct. (1) AS (GE, LRH, DJL, GW); 24 Sept. (1) KC (FJA, JMC, CN).
WILLET: 20 Aug. (5) Cocke Co. (TK) . Greater Yellowlegs: 14 Aug. ( 1 )
through 24 Oct. (2) SB, HRA (KLD) . Lesser Yellowlegs: 22 Oct. (8) AS
(GE, LRH, GW) . Pectoral Sandpiper: regular (1-22) HRA, SB ( KLD ) ;
24 Sept, to 17 Oct. (1-6) AS (GE, DJL, PR, GW) . White-rumped Sand-
piper: 1 8 Sept. (2 ) JC (TK) . BAIRD’S SANDPIPER: 16 Sept. (1) AM
(KLD, RW, JHP); 19 Oct. (4), 22 Oct. (2) AS (MD, HD, SG, LRH).
Least Sandpiper: 1-19 regular through period, HRA, SB (KLD) . Dunlin: first
10 Oct. (10) HRA (KLD) ; 11 Oct. (2) and 22 Oct. (14) AS (TOS).

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Long-billed Dowitcher: 28 Aug. (1) KSP (FJA). Short-billed Dowitcher: 7-27
Aug. (max. 32) HRA, SB (KLD); 15 Aug. (3) JC (TK). Stilt Sandpiper:
28 Aug. (1) KSP (FJA); 16 Sept. (1) AM (JHP, RW) ; 9 Oct. (1) HRA
(KLD). Semipalmated Sandpiper: through 29 Oct. (max. 10) SB, HRA
(KLD, TOS) . WESTERN SANDPIPER: 25 Aug. to 26 Sept. (max. 11) SB,
HRA, AM (KLD, RW). Sanderling: 9 Oct. (1) SB (KLD); 17 Sept. (1)
AM (LSF). Herring Gull: 29 Sept. (1) AS (GE). Ring-billed Gull: first
26 Aug. (9) NL (DJ). Forster’s Tern: 28 Aug. (2) KSP (FJA); 24 Sept.
(14) WR (PR); 30 Sept. (22) AS (GE, GW, DL). Common Tern: 21 Aug.
(1) HRA (KLD); 24 Sept. (5) KC (FJA, JMC, CN, DP). Least Tern:
7 Aug. (2) HRA (KLD). Caspian Tern: 26 Aug. (2) NL (DJ, LSF); 28
Aug. (4) KSP (FJA). Black Tern: 2 Aug. (8) and 20 Aug. (6) HRA
(WiC); 24 Aug. (9) and 26 Aug. (4) SB (KLD); 10 Aug. (6) DL (TK) ;
12 Aug. (3) BL (PR, GE).

Cuckoo-Wren: Black-billed Cuckoo: 29 Aug. (1) Da (M. Tudor fide DJ).
Barn Owl: 4 broods hatched in Elizabethton area (PR); 5 Sept. (1) AM
(KLD). Whip-poor-will: last 12 Sept. (1) RS (RW). Common Nighthawk:
last 10 Oct. (1) AS (GE) ; max. 5 Sept. (400 plus) AM (Lil D). Chimney
Swift: last 31 Oct. (1) K (JCH). Eastern Kingbird: last 22 Oct. (1) AS
(SC); 18 Sept. (3) SB, HRA (KLD). Eastern Wood Pewee: last 22 Oct. (1)
Da (DJ). Tree Swallow: through 22 Oct. (1-3) SB (KLD); 29 Oct. (1)
HRA (TOS). Bank Swallow: max. 10 Aug. (300 plus) JC (TK). Rough-
winged Swallow: 24 Sept. (75) KC (FJA, JMC, CN). Barn Swallow: last
10 Oct. (6) HRA (KLD). Purple Martin: last 1 Sept. (1000 plus) HRA
(KLD). Red-breasted Nuthatch: first 16 Sept. (1) Da (LSF). Brown-headed
Nuthatch: 15 Oct. (2) Collegedale (CH). Long-billed Marsh Wren: 16 Sept.

(1) HRA (JHP). Short-billed Marsh Wren: through 1 Sept. (1) SB (KLD).

Vireo-Sparrow: White-eyed Vireo: last 31 Oct. (1— killed in migration,
specimen examined by Dr’s. Howell and Tanner) K (EG). PHILADELPHIA
VIREO: 2 8 Aug. (1) HRA (Lil D); 17 Oct. (1) Da (DJ). Tennessee
Warbler: last 24 Oct. (2) BWP (KLD). Orange-crowned Warbler: 26 Sept.

(2) AS (PR). Bobolink: 24 Sept. (25) KC (FJA, JMC, CN, DP); 11 Oct.
and 22 Oct. (12) AS (GE). Orchard Oriole: through 25 Aug. (1-6) SB
(KLD). Baltimore Oriole: 12 Sept. (1) HRA (KLD). Blue Grosbeak: last
2 Oct. (2) HRA (KLD). Purple Finch: first 22 Oct. (1) AS (VC); 24 Oct.
(1) BWP (KLD). Pine Siskin: first 2 5 Sept. (1) Unaka Mtn. (PR); 2 Oct.
(1) Ooltewah (CH). BACHMAN^S SPARROW: 3 Oct. (1) RS (RW).
White-crowned Sparrow: first 5 Oct. (1) John. C (SG). White-throated
Sparrow: first 8 Oct. (2) K (CN). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 26 Sept. (8) John C.
(PR).

Locations: AM — Amnicola Marsh, AS — Austin Springs, BWP — Booker T.
Wash. State Pk., BL — Boone Lake, Da — Daus, Tenn., DL — ^Douglas Lake,
HRA — Hiwassee River Area, JC — Jefferson Co., John. C. — Johnson City, K —
Knoxville, KC — Knox Co., KSP — Kingston Steam Plant, NL — Nickajack Lake,
PHL — Patrick Henry Lake, RS — Rock Spring, Ga., SB — ^Savannah Bay, SC- —
Sullivan Co., T-CA — Tri-cities Airport, WR — Watauga River.

Observers: FJA — Fred J. Alsop, JMC^ — James M. Campbell, WiC — Wilford
Carroway, VC — Virginia Curtis, HD — Helenhill Dove, MD — Martha Dillen-
beck, KLD — Ken and Lil Dubke, GE — Glenn Eller, EG — E. Griffith, SG —

[VoL. 43, 1972]

1972

THE MIGRANT

103

Sally Goodin, CH — Chris Haney, LRH — Lee R. Herndon, DJ — Daniel Jacob-
son, TK — Tony Koella, DL — Dick Lura, DJL — Dick and Joyce Lura, CN —
Chuck Nicholson, JHP — J. Hunter Patterson, DP — David Pitts, PR — Pete
Range, LSF — Lee Shafer Family, TOS — Tenn. Ornith. Soc. (Knoxville and
Chattanooga Cpts.), GW — Gary O. Wallace, RW — ^Roger Woodruff.

Charles P. Nicholson, 6806 Haverhill Dr., Knoxville 37919.

EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION— A male Black-throated Grey War-
bler, the first recorded in the state, was found along with other unusual species
at the Holston Mtn. Radar tower kill on 30 Sept. The region reports good
warbler and shorebird migrations for the period. Shorebirds seldom encountered
in the region, including a Ruddy Turnstone, were observed at the Roan Creek
area on Watauga Lake. Golden and Bald Eagles were observed on Roan Mtn.
on 17 Oct. in most unusual numbers.

Loon-Osprey: Common Loon: 17 Oct. (1) WL (LRH). Horned Grebe:
29 Oct. (9) RC (GE). American Bittern: 30 Sept. (1) IBL (CH). Black
Duck: 12 Sept. (1) RC (MD, HD). Blue-winged Teal: 3 0 Sept. (100-|-) E
Eliz. Chapter Tc3s) ; 30 Sept. (43) IBL (CH). American Widgeon: 17 Oct.
(1) WiL (LRH). Shoveler: 30 Sept. (2) E (DL, GE, GW). Wood Duck:

9 Sept. (21) RC (KD, LD). Ring-necked Duck: 15 Oct. (19) WiL (GE,
DL). Bufflehead: 22 Oct. (2) and 31 Oct. (10) WiL (GE). Sharp-shinned
Hawk: 20 Sept. (2) RM (MS, TS). Cooper’s Hawk: 20 Sept, and 17 Oct.
(1) RM (MS, TS). Red-tailed Hawk: 15-22 Sept. (tot. 22) RM (MS, TS) ;

10 Sept. (1) RC (KD, LD). Broad-winged Hawk: 15-22 Sept. (tot. 19) RM
(MS, TS). Marsh Hawk: 15-22 Sept. (tot. 4) RM (MS, TS). GOLDEN
EAGLE: 17 Oct. (5) RM (MS, TS). BALD EAGLE: 17 Oct. (2) RM (MS,
TS). Osprey: 10 Sept. (1) RC (KD, LD) ; 30 Sept. (1) HS (DL).

Coot-Flycatcher: American Coot: 19 Aug. (1) RC (LRH, GE). Semi-
palmated Plover: 9 Sept. (1) RC (KD, LD); 12 Sept. (max. 4) RC (LRH,
GE, GW). Upland Plover: 10 Sept. (1) TP (Lee Shafer). RUDDY TURN-
STONE: 9 and 10 Sept. (1) RC (KD, LD). Spotted Sandpiper: 19 Aug. (4)
RC (LRH, GW). Solitary Sandpiper: 30 Sept. (1) IBL (CH). Greater Yel-
lowlegs: 17 Oct. (5) RC (LRH). Lesser Yellowlegs: 9 Sept. (1) RC (KD,
LD). Pectoral Sandpiper: 19 Aug. (1) RC (GE, LRH). White-rumped Sand-
piper: 9 Sept. (1) RC (LD). Semi-palmated Sandpiper: 10 Sept. (1) RC
(KD, LD); 14 Sept. (max. 4) RC (LRH, GE, GW). WESTERN SAND-
PIPER: 9 Sept. (2) RC (KD, LD); 12 Sept. (2) RC (LRH, GE, GW).
Sanderling: 9 Sept. (2) RC (KD, LD) ; 30 Sept. (2) RC (LRH, JM). Ring-
billed Gull: 17 Oct. (1) WL (LRH). Forester’s Tern: 30 Sept. (7) RC
(LRH, JM). Common Tern: 3 0 Sept. (1) IBL (CH). YELLOW-BELLIED
FLYCATCHER: 12 Sept. (2) RC (GE). Acadian Flycatcher: singing on
14 Sept. (1) RC (LRH, GE, GW).

Wren-Sparrow: Short-billed Marsh Wren: 30 Sept. (2) HM (LRH, GW).
Yellow-throated Vireo: 3 0 Sept. (13) HM (WC, DM). PHILADELPHIA
VIREO: 16 Sept. (1) RM (GW); 3 0 Sept. (3) HM, (LRH, GW, WC, DM).
Swainson’s Warbler: 30 Sept. (93) HM (LRH, GW, WC, DM). Golden-winged
Warbler: 30 Sept. (1) HM (WC, DM). Blue-winged Warbler: 30 Sept. (1)
HM (WC, DM). Nashville Warbler: 30 Sept. (1) HM (WC, DM). BLACK-

[VOL. 43, 1972]

104

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

THROATED GREY WARBLER: 30 Sept. (1 tower killed male) HM (LRH,
GW). Black-throated Green Warbler: 3 0 Sept. (1) HM (LRH, GW). Yellow-
throated Warbler: 30 Sept. (2) HM (LRH, GW, WC, DM). Northern Water-
thrush: 30 Sept. (3) HM (LRH, GW). MOURNING WARBLER: 30 Sept.
(1) RM (MS, TS). Pine Siskin: first 20 Sept. (1) RM (MS, TS). Lincoln’s
Sparrow: banded 4 Oct. (1) E (LRH, GE).

Locations: E^ — Elizabethton, HM — Holston Mtn., Sullivan/ Carter Co. line
(tower casualties). HS — Hunter Swamp, near Elizabethton, IBL — Indian
Boundary Lake, Tellico Management Area, RC — Roan Creek, RM — Roan Mtn.,
TP — Tellico Plains, Monroe Co., WL — Watauga Lake, WiL — Wilber Lake.

Observers: WC — Wallace Coffey, HD — ^Helenhill Dove, MD — Martha Dil-
lenbeck, KD— Ken Dubke, LD— Lil Dubke, GE— Glen Eller, CH— Chris
Haney, LRH — Lee R. Herndon, DL — Dick Lura, JM — John Martin, DM—
David McPeak, MS — Maxine Swindell, TS — Tommy Swindell, GW — Gary O.
Wallace.

Brent Rowell, 2227 Edgemont Ave., Bristol 37620.

BOOK REVIEW

THERE’S A SEAL IN MY SLEEPING BAG by Lyn Hancock. Alfred A.
Knopf, Inc. New York, N. Y. 1972. 292 pp. illus. $6.9 5

The author and her husband, David Hancock, acquired Sam, a fur seal
(sea lion) as a starving baby. Sam was successfully raised to become a mischie-
vous pet for many years. He actually did climb into a sleeping bag from which
the book takes its title. There’s a Seal in My Sleeping Bag deals with much
more than the author’s experience with seals. The Hancocks operate a Wildlife
Conservation Center in Saanichton, British Columbia. In addition, they produce
wildlife films and lectures.

Lyn Hancock writes interestingly about some of the wildlife she and her
husband have observed and photographed. Many interesting and informative
facts are given about the various wildlife. Some of the wildlife that the author
writes about includes Peregrine Falcons, Elephant Seals, Killer Whales, Bald
Eagles, puffins, bears, gulls, murres. Ancient and Marbled Murrelets, and
Rhinocerous Auklets. The tragic effects of oil pollution off the California coast
are also discussed.

The author has succeeded in writing about her experience with wildlife with
enthusiasm and authenticity. This book will be a welcome addition to any
home library.

Gary O. Wallace

[VoL. 43, 1972 ]

PREPARATION OF COPY FOR PUBLICATION

The purpose of THE MIGRANT is the recording of observations and
original information derived from the study of birds, primarily in the state
of Tennessee or the area immediately adjacent to its borders. Articles for
publication originate almost exclusively from T.O.S. members.

Contributors should prepare manuscripts and submit them in a form ac-
ceptable to the printer, after editorial approval. Both articles and short notes
are solicited but their format should be somewhat different.

Some suggestions to authors for the preparation of papers for publication
are given herewith.

MATERIAL: The subject matter should relate to some phase of Tennessee
Ornithology. It should be original, factual, concise, scientifically accurate, and
not submitted for publication elsewhere.

TITLE: The title should be concise, specific, and descriptive.

STYLE: Recent issues of THE MIGRANT should be used as a guide in
the preparation of manuscripts. Where more detail is needed reference should
be made to the Style Manual for Biological Journals available from the Ameri-
can Institute of Biological Sciences, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue N. W., Wash-
ington, D. C. 20016.

COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on 8^ x 11** paper
with adequate margins, for editorial notations, and should contain only entries
intended for setting in type, except the serial page number. Tabular data should
be entered on separate sheets with appropriate title and column headings.
Photographs intended for reproduction should be sharp with good contrast on
glossy white paper in black and white (not in color). Instructions to the
editors should be given on a separate sheet. Weights and measurements should
be in metric units. Dating should be in “continental** form (e.g., 7 March
1968).

NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by
binomial scientific name in italics only after the first occurrence in the text
for both regular articles and Round Table Notes, and should conform to
the A.O.U. Check-list 5th edition, 1957. Trinomial should be used only after
the specimen has been measured or compared with typical specimens.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: When there are more than five references in an article,
they should be placed at the end of the article, otherwise they should be
appropriately included in the text.

SUMMARY: Arthicles of five or more pages in length should be sum-
marized briefly, drawing attention to the main conclusions resulting from the
work performed.

IDENTIFICATION: Rare or unusual species identification to be accept-
able must be accompanied by Terifying evidence. This should include: date,
time, hght and weather conditions, exact location, habitat, optical equipment,
distance, behavior of bird, comparison with other similar species, characteristic
markings, experience of observer, other observers verifying observation and
reference works consulted.

REPRINTS: Reprints are available on request. Reprint requests should
accompany article at the time of submission. Billing to authors will be
through the state T.O.S. Treasurer.

Books for review and articles for publication should be submitted to the
editor. Seasonal reports and items should be forwarded to the appropriate
departmental editor whose name and address will be found on the inside front
cover.

CONTENTS

Traill’s Flycatcher Nests at Nashville, Tennessee.

Katherine A. Goodpasture and Fred J. Alsop, III 81

President’s Message. James T. Famier 85

New Records For Tennessee.

First Known Record of a Ruff in Tennessee. W . Lee Shafer 86

House Finches at Greeneville. James G. Flolt 87

Bird Finding in Tennessee. Charles P. Nicholson 88

Round Table Notes

Piping Plovers and Baird’s Sandpiper in Sumner County.

PatU and Dot Crawford 90

Second State Record of Whimbrel. John and Heather Riggins 92

Whimbrel Recorded at Nashville. Michael Lee Bierly 92

Laughing Gull in Maury County. Michael Lee Bierly 93

Summer Black-billed Cuckoo in Knoxville. John Elson 94

Winter Cape May Warbler in Bristol. Diane Wilson 94

Red Crossbills in Tipton ville. Bet tie Sumara 95

Snow Buntings Winter at Nashville. Michael Lee Bierly

and Jack N. Carusos 95

The Season. Edited by Fred J. Alsop, 111 97

Western Coastal Plain Region. David E. Patterson 97

Central Plateau and Basin Region. Michael Lee Bierly 98

Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Charles P. Nicholson 101

Eastern Mountain Region. Brent Rowell lOd

Book Review: There’s A Seal in my Sleeping Bag. Gary O. Wallace .104

Illustrations by Fred /. Alsop, 111

5//C/)5

^ QUARTERLY JQURN/qL ^
DEVOTED>)JO TENNESSE^BIRDS

BF ^tlisticd

thetennessee'®

ORNITHOLOGICALi^
^ k SOCIETY ^

:1.j1V i r.*f>^? V.»v \V--iHB®i\W 1 l(l\i

MARCH 1973

VOL. 44, NO. 1

1

V 1 f'Y

THE MIGRANT

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

FIRST PUBLISHED, JUNE 1930

Published By

THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Founded at Nashville, Tenn., 7 October 1915
A non-profit, educational, scientific, and conservation organization.

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR DR. GARY O. WALLACE

Sunrise Dr., Rt. 7, Box 33 8, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

"THE SEASON’’ EDITOR DR. FRED J. ALSOP, III

Mt. Carmel Apt. Concord Ave., Mt. Carmel, Tenn. 37642

"STATE COUNT COMPILER” DR. LEE R. HERNDON

Rt. 6, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

OFFICERS FOR 1971-1973

PRESIDENT DR. JAMES T. TANNER

Rt. 28, Box 155, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920

VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST. TENN MR. C. T. OTTENFELD

Brookwood, Rt. 5, Bristol, Tenn. 37622

VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN MISS LOUISE JACKSON

5037 Montclair Dr., Nashville, Tenn. 37211

VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN DR. ARLO SMITH

3724 Oakley Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 38111
DIRECTORS- AT-LARGE :

EAST TENN MRS. A. H. SWITZER

1620 Fairidge Place, Kingsport, Tenn. 37664

MIDDLE TENN MRS. JOHN D. HASSLER

Box 1, Byrdstown, Tenn. 38549

WEST TENN. DAVID PITTS

2521 Kingston Pike, Apt. 301, Knoxville, Tenn. 37919

CURATOR ALBERT F. GANIER

2112 Woodlawn Drive, Nashville, Tenn. 37212

SECRETARY MISS LOUISE NUNNALLY

2701 Fairmont Blvd., Knoxville, Tenn. 37917

TREASURER KENNETH H. DUBKE

720 Bacon Trail, Apt. 1, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37412

Annual dues, $3.00; Sustaining, $5.00; Life, $100.00; Student, $1.00; Family, 4.00;
Library, $3.00 (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Back numbers
may be had from Dr. James T. Tanner, Rt. 28, Box 15 5, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920. Correspond
with the Treasurer for subscriptions, memberships, and changes of address.

Published quarterly (March, June, September, and December). Printed by Preston Printing
Company, 509-511 Shelby Street, Bristol, Tennessee 37620, U.S.A. Postage paid and mailed at
Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643, U.S.A.

K.-/3

THE MIGRANT

Published by the Tennessee Ornithological Society,
to Record and Encourage the Study of Birds in Tennessee.
Issued in March, June, September, and December.

VOL. 44 MARCH, 1973 NO. 1

BIRD KILL ON HOLSTON MOUNTAIN

Dr. Lee R. Herndon

INTRODUCTION

During the evening hours of 30 September 1972 a major bird kill occurred
at two locations on top of Holston Mountain about seven airline miles north-
east of Elizabethton, Tennessee. At about 22:00 Bunky Botts, technician on
duty at the WCYB-TV transmission station, became alarmed at the frequent
poundings on the windows of the building in which he was working. Upon
investigation he found that birds were flying against the lighted windows.

Inspection the following morning revealed that several casualties had oc-
curred at the windows and beneath the floodlight, which was located near the
top of the northeast corner of the flat-topped building, however no birds were
found around the northwest corner of the building, which was also equipped
with a similar floodlight installation. The casualties around the building were
of minor significance when compared with those at the near-by transmission
towers and their supporting guywires. Information relative to the disaster
came to our attention too late on 1 October to do anything about it. However,
on this date, Bunky Botts delivered 402 of the dead birds to Wallace Coffey
in Bristol. These birds came from the WCYB-TV area. At about 23:00 Kenny
Smith from the Hunter Community delivered 349 dead birds, picked up at the
Weather Radar Station, to Dr. Gary Wallace.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

The weather bureau, located at the Tri-Cities Airport, reported their records
showed a cold front passed through the area at 07:01 on 30 September ac-
companied with light rain. During the daylight hours the temperature dropped
from 64° to 39° F. At 20:00, a few hours preceding the kill, the weather
service reported the ceiling at 4,000 feet and broken, with northwesterly winds
up to five miles per hour, with visibility of 1 5 miles. By 22:00 the ceiling had
risen to 5,000 feet and by 23:00 the sky was clear with wind from the north-
west at eight miles per hour. The top of the Holston Mountain, about 4,300
feet in this area, was shrouded in fog during the period of the catastrophe.
The Tri-Cities Airport is at an elevation of about 1,5 00 feet and about 15 air-

[VoL. 44, 1973]

2

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

miles from the weather radar installation. Atmospheric conditions on the Hols-
ton Mountain had improved by 24:00, so practically all, if not all of the
casualties occurred on 30 September.

DESCRIPTION OF AREAS

The county line separating Carter and Sullivan Counties runs along the
crest of the mountain in a northeasterly and southwesterly direction. Both
locations lie on this division line and are on the two highest points on the
southwesternmost portion of the Holston Mountain. Both areas are relatively
flat in the immediate vicinity of the structures involved in the kills.

WCYB-TV Area: Three man-made structures constitute the hazards to bird
migration in this location. They are the transmitter building and two trans-
mitter towers. The building is about 5 0’ x 3 0’x 20’ with a flat roof. The doors
in the ends of the building are solid and there are a few windows, through
which light may be transmitted from within. Only the north side of the
building is equipped with floodlights, one near the top of each corner. The
tallest tower (125’) is located about 2 5’ directly south of the building. Three
sets of double guy wires support the triangular structure. One of each pair of
guy wires is attached to two corners of the triangle at about the 75’ level and
run to a common anchor in the ground about 75’ from the bottom of the
antennae. The second tower, similar to the first, except that it is approximately
40’ shorter, is located directly west from the first and at such a distance that a
pair of guy wires from each tower is attached to a common ground anchor.
This tower is located very near some large trees and one pair of guy wires is
anchored in the woods. These structures are located in a clearing of approxi-
mately 100’ radius with the center near the base of the tallest tower. The
terrain drops oft rather abruptly to the north, in the general direction of South
Holston Lake, however, the area in which the birds were found is quite level.

Weather Radar Installation Area: This location is approximately one mile,
slightly south of west from the WCYB-TV installation. There is only one
structure in this area, consisting of a concrete block structure about 3 5’x 32’ x
20’, the later dimension being the height. This structure supports a spherical
dome of about 20’ in diameter. The structure has no windows and the doors
are solid, so that no light could be transmitted from the inside and the dome
appeared to have no openings to the outside. The building is situated on top
of a treeless knoll with a limited flat area in the immediate vicinity of the
building then drops off rather abruptly in all directions except to the north-
cast, which is level for about 200’ and then drops off gradually. Each upper
corner of the building is equipped with a floodlight. The floodlight on the
northwest corner was directed in a northeasterly direction, probably the direc-
tion from which the birds were coming, and being confused by the lighted
area, they collided with the dome and being mortally wounded or instantly
killed by the collision were borne to the ground by the wind some considerable
distance from the building. It is believed that the birds collided with the dome
rather than the flat sides of the building because very few dead birds were
found near the building and fully 90% of them were found in a rather wide
area at various distances, up to 200’ in a generally southeasterly direction from
the building.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

3

WJHL-TV and WKPT-TV Area: These two television transmission antennae
are located within a few hundred feet of each other about two miles further
down the Holston Mountain from the weather radar station. Both of these
towers are equipped with only red lights near their tops and no lights are
visible from the outside of the WJHL-TV transmitter building, which is the
only manned building in the area. We talked to the technician on duty in this
building and he knew of no birds having been killed on the Holston Mountain.
A search of the area by flashlight on 2 October revealed no evidence of birds
having been killed in the area.

Collection of Dead Birds

On the morning of 1 October 1972 Bunky Botts collected 402 birds from
the lawn and adjacent wooded area surrounding the WCYB-TV installation.
About 75% of the dead birds were found south or southeast and some distance
from the tower while only about 5 % were immediately under the tower with
a similar number around the northeast corner of the building. The remaining
15% were found mostly to the south of the shorter tower. These birds were
delivered to Wallace Coffey, in Bristol, who identified, determined species and
number of individuals of each species.

On the same date Kenny Smith and companion were hunting in the area
and chanced upon the kill which had occurred at the weather radar station.
They gathered 349 birds, which were delivered to Dr. Gary Wallace at about
23:00 on 1 October.

On 2 October Bunky Botts collected about 180 additional birds around the
WCYB-TV broadcasting station. Later in the afternoon these birds were ob-
tained and a few additional birds were picked up from this area by the Wallaces
and the writer. From this area we proceeded to the weather radar station and
picked up about 8 50 additional birds. Darkness forced discontinuance of our
collecting operation. However, relatively few dead birds remained undetected
in this area. The combined total of birds obtained from both locations was
1801 individual birds. Almost no birds were found within the 180° arc north-
west of a line running parallel to the direction of the mountain range, that is,
from northeast to southwest, therefore almost all of the birds had fallen on
the Carter County side of the county line. The indications support the state-
ment of the weather bureau, that a moderate wind was blowing from the
northwest at the time of the kill.

IDENTIFICATION

The first 402 birds from the WCYB-TV transmitter location were identi-
fied and counted by Wallace Coffey. The 349 birds from the weather radar
station were processed by the Wallaces. The remaining 105 0 birds were pro-
cessed by Dr. Gary Wallace, Glen Eller and the writer. Many of the birds had
deteriorated badly, particularly where the skin had been ruptured or birds run
over by vehicular traffic. These birds were discarded. However, a large per-
centage of them were in good to excellent condition. Several hundred of these
have been placed in a deep-freeze for possible future study, skin preparation
or freeze-drying of some of the better and rarer specimens.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

4

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

COMMENTS

The most significant bird of the lot was an adult male Black-throated
Gray Warbler {Dendro'ica mgrescens) , which was a new species for the state of
Tennessee, {The Migrant 43:67-68). The next in significance was the number
(9) of Swainson’s Warblers {Limnofhlypis stvainsonii) , as they are known to
nest in relatively few locations to the north of this area (W. Va., Va. and
Md.), therefore nine casualties of this species is indeed remarkable. Our state
checklist lists 37 warbler species. Twenty-seven species of warblers or 73% of
the warblers usually found in the state were represented in this kill.

It is interesting to note that during the day, 3 0 September 1972, preceding
the kill, only 21 species or 57% of the warblers of the state were listed while
conducting our annual fall count. The poor listing was attributed to the cold
front which passed through the area during the early daylight hours. During
the day not a single Ovenbird could be found but 3 03 or nearly 17% of the
kill was of this species. In addition to the Ovenbird six other warbler species
were killed in numbers exceeding 100.

SPECIES AND NUMBERS OF BIRDS KILLED

The kill was composed of 44 species and 1,801 individuals. The list follows
in A. O. U. Checklist order.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 1; Wood Pewee, 1; Short-billed Marsh Wren, 2;
Catbird, 4; Brown Thrasher, 1; Wood Thrush, 1; Swainson’s Thrush, 22;
Gray-cheeked Thrush, 9; White-eyed Vireo, 15; Yellow-throated Vireo, 13;
Red-eyed Vireo, 56; Philadelphia Vireo, 3; Black-and-white Warbler, 24;
Swainson’s Warbler, 9; Worm-eating Warbler, 29; Golden- winged Warbler,
1; Blue- winged Warbler, 1; Tennessee Warbler, 32 5 ; Nashville Warbler, 1;
Parula Warbler, 19; Magnolia Warbler, 112; Cape May Warbler, 3 0; Black-
throated Blue Warbler, 105; Black-throated Gray Warbler, 1; Myrtle Warbler,
3; Black- throated Green Warbler, 1; Blackburnian Warbler, 137; Yellow-
throated Warbler, 2; Chestnut-sided Warbler, 70; Bay-breasted Warbler, 165;
Prairie Warbler, 3; Palm Warbler, 1; Ovenbird, 303; Northern Water thrush,
3; Kentucky Warbler, 23; Yellowthroat, 56; Yellow-breasted Chat, 2; Hooded
Warbler, 61; Canada Warbler, 1; American Redstart, 140; Eastern Meadow-
lark, 1; Scarlet Tanager, 5; Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 13 and Indigo Bunting, 26.

Route 6, Box 392, Elizabethton 34763.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

5

1971 FALL TELEVISION TOWER CASUAETIES
IN NASHVILLE

Michael Lee Bierly

During the fall of 1971 WSM and WSIX television towers were searched
almost daily for bird casualties as has been the practice for some time. De-
scriptions of the towers are in The Migrant 31:62. For 20 years Amelia Laskey
has pioneered the collection of ceilometer and tower kills in Nashville and
now has to pass this responsibility on to others. Through her efforts much
ornithological data was gathered from these man made disasters, all of which
would have been lost without her work. Those participating in the project this
year were Mike Bierly, Clara Fentress, Katherine Goodpasture, Amelia Laskey,
Margaret Mann, Pauline Miller, Ann Nichols, Virginia Price, Heather Riggins,
John Riggins and Ann Tarbell. A special thanks is given to the transmitter
personnel of WSM and WSIX for their assistance and complete cooperation.

Coverage at WSM was from 15 August - 13 November and at WSIX from
1 September - 3 November. A total of 990 individuals of 52 species were
found at WSM and 13 5 birds of 24 species at WSIX for a season kill total of
112 5 of 5 5 species. In comparison to past years under comparable coverage the
1971 fall kill was about an average season. Casualties were used in several
studies and made into skins under appropriate federal and state permits. Since
it is not known which date of the night period a casualty fell on the latter
date is used. Common names correspond to 1957 AOU Checklist.

The season yielded no new extreme migration dates, but several species
were near records. Seldom recorded tower casualties were Great Crested Fly-
catcher, Cerulean Warbler and Red-winged Blackbird. The Blackburian War-
bler was recorded in near record numbers and the Ovenbird continued to be
the biggest loser among warblers.

The first casualty of the season was a Yellow-breasted Chat found on 1
September. The bird was several days old then and showed once again that
species were moving in August which could not be detected because they
breed here. In all there were five nights of substantial kills; 16 (56 birds),
17 (27 birds), 21 (892 birds), 22 (43 birds) September and 23 (3 5 birds)
October. That disastrous kill of 21 September accounted for 79.3% of the
total 1971 fall casualties.

Table I lists species found, the total number at WSM and WSIX, and the
occurrence dates.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

6 THE MIGRANT MARCH

TABLE 1

FALL TELEVISION TOWER CASUALITIES AT NASHVILLE
Species WSM-WSIX Dates

Pied-billed Grebe

1-0

Virs:inia Roil

1-0

rail so.

1-1

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

1-1

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

1-0

Great-crested Flycatcher

1-0

Emp. sp. Flycatcher

1-0

Red-breasted Nuthatch

2-0

Brown Creeper

2-0

Long-billed Marsh Wren

5-0

Catbird

6-3

Wood Thrush

4-0

Hermit Thrush

0-1

Swainson’s Thrush

2-3

Veery

2-1

Golden-crov/ned Kinglet

9-0

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

1-0

I'Taite-eyed Vireo

2-0

Yellow-throated Vireo

1-0

Solitary Vireo

0-1

Red-eyed Vireo

134-14

Philadelphia Vireo

2-0

Black-and-v;hite Warbler

122-7

^■orm-eating ^'arbler

4-0

Golden-winged I'^arbler

1-0

Plue-v/inged -'^arbler

1-0

Tennessee Warbler

51-7

Nashville Warbler

2-0

Yellow Warbler

1-0

Magnolia Warbler

62-4

Cape May Warbler

2-0

Black-throated Blue Warbler ■

1-0

Myrtle Warbler

4-1

Black-throated Green Warbler

S-0

Cerulean V-'arbler

2-0

Blackburian I'^arbler

71-5

Chestnut-sided Warbler

62-3

Bay-breasted V/arbler

10-3

Blackpoll Warbler

1-0

Palm Warbler

2-0

Ovenbird

327-24

Northern V/aterthrush

^-3

Kentucky Warbler

13-1

Yellowthroat

9-2

Yellow-breasted Chat

6-3

Canada ^''arbler

6-2

American Redstart

9-3

Bobolink

1-1

Red-winged Blackbird

1-0

Baltimore Oriole

1-0

Scarlet Tanager

2-0

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

4-2

Indigo Punting

7-0

Dickcissel

1-0

Savannah Sparrov;

0-1

Lincoln’s Snarrov^r

1-0

unident, on account of cond.

S-3S

Total

990-135

Sept. 16
Sept. 16
Sept. 15,23
Sept. 23, Oct. 2
Oct. 23
Sept. l6
Sept. 21

Sept. 17, Oct. 23
Oct. 15

Sept. 17(2), 21(3)

Sept. 13(1), 19(1), 21(4),

22(1), 23(1), Oct. 4(1)

Sept. 21(2), 24(1), Oct. 23(1)

Oct. 27

Sept. 16(2), 21(2), 23(1)

Sept. 16(1), 21(2)

Oct. 15(1), 20(3), 23(4), 31(1)

Sept. 22

Sept. 21, Oct. 23
Sept. 21
Sept. 23

Sept. 13(1), 16(23), 17(12), 21(103),
22(3), 23(1), 24(1), Oct. 23(4)

Sept. 17,21

Sept.- 16(2), 17(1), 21(122), 22(2),
23(1), 24(1)

Sept. 17(1), 21(3)

Sect. 21
Sept, 21

Sept. 16(6), 17(1), 21(37), 22(4),
23(1), 24(2), 30(1), Oct. 5(1),
23(4), Nov. 2(1)

Sept. 21
Seot. 16

Sept. 16(1), 21(53), 22(7), 24(3),
Oct. 1(1), 23(1)

Sent. 21,22

Sept. 22

Oct. 23(4),2f^(l)

Sept. 21(7), 22(1)

Sept. 21

Sept. 16(4), 17(1), 21(70), 22(1)
Sept. 21(63), 22(2)

Sept. 16(2), 21(4), 22(1),

Oct. 15(1), 23(5)

Sept. 17
Sept. 21,22

Sept. 16(4), 17(1), 1^(1), 21(332),
22(6), 23(1), 24(2), Oct. 5(1)

23(2), 25(1) .

Sept. 16(4) ,21(6) ,22(1)

Sept. 17(1) ,21(11) ,22(2)

Sept. 16(1), 17(1), 21(S), 23(1)

Sept. 1(1), 21(5), 22(2), Oct. 2(1)

Sept. 21(7), 22(1)-

Sept. 16(2), 21(7), 22(2), 23(1)

Sept. 17,22
Nov. 13
Sept. 21
Sept. 21

Oct. 2(1), 23(3), 25(1), 2S(1)

Sept. 21(1), Oct. 22(1), 23(4),
26(1)

Sent. 21
Oct. 27
Oct. 15

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

7

BIRD FINDING IN TENNESSEE

PACE POINT

Don Manning

Pace Point is a point of land, sometimes an island and sometimes a peninsula
depending on the level of Kentucky Lake, extending northward from the
central section of the Big Sandy Unit of the Tennessee National Wildlife
Refuge. The point lies between the old Tennessee and Big Sandy rivers.

There is probably no other place in the state of Tennessee where one has a
better chance of observing unusual or "good” shore and water birds. Birds
observed on or near the point within the past three years include: White Peli-
can, Peregrine Falcon, Piping Plover, Willet, Marbled Godwit, American
Avocet, Laughing Gull, Franklin’s Gull and Sharp-tailed Sparrow. In addition,
American Golden and Black-bellied Plovers, Ruddy Turnstones, White-rumped
and Baird’s Sandpipers, Short-billed and Long-billed Dowitchers, Stilt and
Western Sandpipers, Sanderlings, Buff-breasted Sandpipers and Upland Plovers
can frequently be seen at the right season. Late April through October will
usually produce shorebirds on the point with mid-August through September
being the best time for concentrations. Forester’s, Common, Least, Caspian and
Black Terns can usually be seen on or near the point during late summer or
early fall. During the winter a large congregation of Herring, Ring-billed and
Bonaparte’s Gulls use the point. During the fall, winter and spring the water
around the point can be expected to have a large contingent of diving ducks,
grebes and loons. The point proper is used, during the winter, as a grazing and
resting area by puddle ducks and geese. The woods immediately south of the
point serve as a "trap” for migrating spring warblers.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

To reach Pace Point, proceed south from Paris, Tennessee on State Route
69 until the state highway turns off the four lane. Proceed from this point to
Big Sandy, Tennessee by following the road signs. One coming from the east
would go to Camden, Tennessee. Leave Camden from the northwest corner of
Court Square and follow old State Route 69 to Big Sandy by following the
road signs. In Big Sandy proceed north from Melton’s Service Station, cross
the railroad, immediately turn right and proceed two blocks and turn left,
cross the drainage ditch and turn right, at the "Y” turn left on Lick Creek
Road. Six miles from the "Y” a blacktop road turns right. During the spring
and summer it is worthwhile to turn onto this road and proceed one-fourth
mile to the creek crossing. This area usually holds the warblers associated with
low, bottomland woods, i.e., Kentucky, Hooded, Parula, etc. There are several
old abandoned fields along the way that usually have Prairie Warblers and Lield
Sparrows during the warm months. After checking the creek bottom turn
around and proceed on the Lick Creek Road. Two miles further along, the Big
Oak Creek Lake Access Area is worth checking for shore and wading birds.
Prom Big Oak Creek proceed north for two miles until a gravel road with a
National Wildlife Refuge sign is observed on the left. Turn left. Along the
way it is worthwhile to stop at the pine groves and listen for Pine Warblers
from mid-March through the summer. The area from Big Oak Creek to Pace
Point is good accipiter country. Keep a sharp eye for the "darters”. At the
refuge sign there are available self -guiding tour maps and a check list of the
birds of the refuge (it needs revision).

At "Tour Marker 1” stop and look the bay over for geese and ducks during
the fall, winter and spring. Wood Ducks, Great Blue and Little Blue Herons
and Common Egrets can usually be observed in the summer. Just past the old
church look for Turkeys up the hollow to the left, especially during April
and May. Just past the maintenance sheds, stop on the hill and look over the
back of Robbins Creek. Proceed to the forks in the road. Go right and stop and
check the "Bufflehead” pond on the left for ducks and mergansers. Proceed
through the oak woods looking for Scarlet and Summer Tanagers as well as
vireos during the summer. Just as you cross the creek stop and listen for the
"yank-yank” of a White-breasted Nuthatch. At the bottom of the hill a stop
during the spring or summer will produce a Yellow-breasted Chat and Pro-
thonatory Warbler. Proceed on to Pace Point. As you turn the corner at the
bottom of the hill the "Gulf Coast” of Tennessee stretches out directly in
front of you. The entire area is worth thoroughly checking for birds at any
time of the year. After leaving Pace Point it is usually a good idea to turn
right at the "Bufflehead” pond. Parmer’s Pond, on the left after about one-half
mile, has had some very late Hooded Mergansers around the nesting boxes.
Purther along, the road parallels the lake. This area is very good for both Bald
and Golden Eagles in the winter. At the forks turn around and proceed back
to Big Sandy.

Birders needing assistance or more information should contact Don or Gina
Manning in McKenzie, Tennessee as there is no local T.O.S. chapter. We may
be reached at 3 52-3 8 50 during the day or at 3 52-573 5 after five o’clock. We
would appreciate a call from any birder observing an unusual bird in this area.

103 Stonewall Circle, McKenzie 3 8201.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

9

THE 1972 CHRISTMAS SEASON BIRD COUNTS

Dr. Lee R. Herndon, Editor

The forty-second annual state wide Christmas Season Bird Count yielded
a total of 132 species, which is second only to the count of last year, which
yielded 139 species. Eighteen counts were made this season in comparison with
20 last year.

The count period began with low temperatures, strong winds with light
snow and ice in some areas. In upper east Tennessee the temperature-wind
combination produced a temperature equivalent of — 9° F. This condition
caused the birds to seek sheltered areas and remain inactive and made birders
uncomfortable. Later in the period conditions improved and several of the
counts were made under approximately normal seasonal conditions except for
abnormally high water conditions in some low-lying areas.

No count was made on Roan Mountain as unfavorable weather and other
circumstances prevented the count on the scheduled date.

The Murfreesboro count was so abbreviated that it was not representative
of the area, therefore, the count is not included in the table, but is presented
in paragraph form under the appropriate heading. This list contains no species
different from those listed in the table.

Thirty of the 132 species appear in all of the tabulated counts. Twenty-
three species were reported from only one location and 13 of these are repre-
sented by a single individual.

Three species: Sandhill Crane, Common Tern and House Finch occur on the
list for the first time. This brings the total number of species listed on Christ-
mas Counts to 182 full and 3 subspecies.

Information on the counts will omit area descriptions as they have all been
described previously. Only variable data are included, the additional species
observed during the count period and the names of participants.

Rare or out of season species listed with adequate corroboration and par-
ticulars of identification have been included in the tabulations. Substantiating
data and correspondence regarding these species are too voluminous to permit
publication, but are retained in the file of the editor.

Seventeen of the counts are tabulated progressively from west to east across
the state.

INFORMATION ON THE COUNT

MEMPHIS — 17 Dec.; 06:45 to 17:00; clear; temp. 17° to 36°; wind S,
1-5 m.p.h. Twenty-seven observers in 7 parties; total party-hours 57 (37 on
foot, 20 by car) ; total party-miles 145 (40 on foot, 105 by car) .

Rough-legged Hawk (Helen D. et ah). House Wren (EC) , Palm Warblers
( WLW) , Dickcissel (DB) and LeConte’s Sparrow (BC) .

[VoL. 44, 1973]

10

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

David Brown, Ben and Lula Coflfey (compilers — 672 N. Belvedere, Memphis
38107), Mary Davant, Helen and Henry Dinkelspiel, John Embury, Billy
Grimm, George Hervey, Ed King, Jerald Ledbetter, Robert McGowan, Nelle
Moore, George Payne, Jr., Alice Smith, Arlo and Noreen Smith, Floyd Stoner,
Richard Taylor, Martha Waldron and Wendell Whittemore.

REELFOOT — 23 Dec.; 07:00 to 16:3 0; cloudy; temp. 31° to 36°; wind
SW, 0-5 m.p.h. Sixteen observers in 7 parties. Total party-hours 62 (24 on
foot, 19 by car, 14 by boat); total party-miles 324 (29 on foot, 265 by car,
30 by boat) .

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

11

Long-billed Marsh Wrens by Coflfey party. Northern Waterthrush by Wil-
liams party. Tree Sparrow (JD); Chipping Sparrow (WC). Blackbird num-
bers estimated by compilers, except Rusty and Brewer’s numbers. Waterfowl
numbers estimated by U. S. Fish and Wildlife personnel; species confirmed by
independent observers.

Seen in area count period but not on count day; Cooper’s Hawk, Turkey
and American Woodcock.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

Hermit Thrush

12

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

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Robert Clemmons, Ben and Lula Coffey, Wendell Crews, Drvey Davis,
John DeLime, Helen Dinkelspiel, Guy Hogg, Thomas Hull, Don and Gina
Manning (compilers — Rt. 1, Old Paris Highway, McKenzie 3 8201), Jim and
Gloria Maender, George Payne and David Pitts.

SAVANNAH — 31 Dec.; 06:00 to 20:00; clear; temp. 44° to
0-10 m.p.h. Four observers in 3 parties. Total party-hours 32;
miles 140.

60°; wind S,
total party-

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1000

Includes some Black-capped Chickadees

1973

THE MIGRANT

13

Lloyd Clayton, David E. Patterson (compiler — Olive Hill 3 8475) Michael
S. Patterson and Morris Williams.

DOVER — 17 Dec.; 06:3 0 to 17:00; clear to partly cloudy; temp. 24° to
40°. Eleven observers in three parties. Total party-hours 29 (15 on foot, 14
by car); total party-miles 190 (11 on foot, 179 by car).

Cross Creek National Wildlife Refuge was inaccessable because of high
water. Therefore, the numbers of waterfowl are extremely low. Seen during
count period but not on count day: Snow Goose, Blue Goose, Barred Owl and
Brown Thrasher.

Mike Filson, Collier Goodlett, Rita Goodlett, Bill Hansard, Kay Harker,
Tony Mahoney, Dianne Sexton, John W. Sexton (compiler — Rt. 1, Dover
37058), Brian Snyder, Nathan Snyder and Juaquin Walling.

CLARKSVILLE — 16 Dec.; 07:00 to 16:30; clear; temp. 21° to 32°; wind
N-NW, 5-30 m.p.h. All marsh and low lying lands covered with water. Six
observers in 3 parties plus 16 at feeders. Total party-hours 2 5 (10 on foot, 15
by car; total party-miles 319 (17 on foot, 302 by car). Seen in area count
but not on count day: Great Blue Heron, Wood Duck, Screech Owl, White-
breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Brown Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, Rose-
breasted Grosbeak and Dickcissel.

Joe Allen, Lois Bousman, Carlos Brewer, Bonnie Chester, Mike Filson,
Floyd Ford (compiler — ^Austin Peay State University, Clarksville 37040), Nita
Heilman, E. L. Henson, Ellen Hutchison, Martha Kimbrough, Edna Lyle, Bill
Milliken, Mary F. Moore, John Neely, Mildred Perry, Bernice Rassas, Louise
Roach, Brian Snyder, Nathan Snyder, Juaquin Walling, Priscilla Weathersby
and Barbara Wilbur.

COLUMBIA — 29 Dec.; 07:00 to 18:00; partly cloudy; temp. 35° to 55°;
wind SW, 5-10 m.p.h. Seven observers in 4 parties. Total party-hours 19 (9
on foot, 6 by car, 4 by canoe); total party-miles 167 (8 on foot, 150 by car,
9 by canoe). Seen in area count period, but not on count day: Barred Owl
and Winter Wren.

William Dale, Barbara Finney, William Fuqua, Daniel Gray III, George
Mayfield, Jr. (compiler — Sunnyside Drive, Columbia 3 8401), Mark Mayfield
and Rad Mayfield III.

NASHVILLE — 3 0 Dec.; rain from about 10:00 totaling 1.45 inches;
temp. 5 5° to 60°; wind SE, 18-29 m.p.h. Thirty-two observers in 8 parties.
Total party-hours 63 (2 5 on foot, 3 8 by car).

B. H. Abernathy, Frances Abernathy, W. C. and Arlene Alford, Clyde
and Vivian Anderson, Sue Bell, Mike Bierly, John Brevard, Paul and Dot
Crawford, Annella Creech, Milbrey Dugger, John and Evelyn Ellis, Charles
Farrell, Clara Fentress, Sally and William Fintel, Albert Ganier, Katherine
Goodpasture, Ben Groce, Roger Harshaw, Louise Jackson, Margaret Mann,
Fanny Murphy, Henry Parmer, Oscar Patrick, W. M. Shaughnessy (compiler —
6413 Currywood Drive, Nashville 37205), Anna Sulser, Ann Tarbell, L. O.
Trabue and Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Vaughn.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

14

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

HICKORY-PRIEST — 17 Dec.; 06:30 to 16:45; clear; temp. 9° to 25°;
wind NW, 5-10 m.p.h.; water levels high, dams spillways open. Eighteen ob-
servers, 1 5 in 5 parties, 3 at feeders. Total party-hours 47 (16 on foot, 28 by
car, 3 at feeders); total party-miles 218 (16 on foot, 202 by car).

Seen in area count period but not on count day: Wood Duck, Ring-necked
Duck, Screech Owl and Cedar Waxwing.

Vivian Anderson, Sue Bell, Michael Bierly (compiler — 3 826 Bedford Ave.,
Nashville 37215), Dot and Paul Crawford, Annella Creech, Milbrey Dugger,
Bill and Sally Fintel, Katherine Goodpasture, Roger Harshaw, Helen Hodgson,
Carol Knauth, Mary Lou Lorance, Margaret Mann, Don and Gina Manning
and Ann Tarbell.

MURFREESBORO — 25 Dec.; 14:30 to 17:30; overcast; temp. 40° to 45°;
wind variable, 0-10 m.p.h. Covered northeast section of Rutherford County.
Three observers in one party; total party-hours 3 (all by car) ; total party-
miles 6 5 (all by car).

Pied-billed Grebe, 1; Black Vulture, 2; Red- tailed Hawk, 2; Sparrow
Hawk, 9; Killdeer, 5; Mourning Dove, 2; Great Horned Owl, 1; Belted King-
fisher, 3; Yellow-shafter Flicker, 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1; Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker, 1; Blue Jay, 6; Common Crow, 84; Carolina Chickadee, 2; Mock-
ingbird, 6; Robin, 4; Eastern Bluebird, 12; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1; Log-
gerhead Shrike, 5; Starling, 80; Eastern Meadowlark, 45; Brown-headed Cow-
bird, 5; Cardinal, 22; Slate-colored Junco, 8; Field Sparrow, 10 and Song
Sparrow, 9.

Jon and Nancy DeVore (compilers — Apt. A- 5, 1510 Huntington Drive,
Murfreesboro 3713 0), and H. O. Todd, Jr.

LEBANON — 29 Dec.; 05:30 to 18:30; overcast; temp. 43° to 60°; wind
variable, 0-5 m.p.h. Thirteen observers in 7 parties plus 21 feeder observers.
Total party-hours 101 (25 on foot, 76 by car); total party-miles 666 (49 on
foot, 617 by car). Seen in area count period, but not on count day: Blue-
winged Teal, Ring-necked Pheasant, Red-headed Woodpecker, Brown Creeper
and Evening Grosbeak.

Marilyn Burchett, Lucille Chambers, Frances Couch, Jon DeVore, Gwen-
dolyn McFarland, Hala Paul, Ray Pope, Nina Reed, Rev. William Senter (com-
piler— 313 West Hills Dr., Lebanon 37087), Sue Smith, Clyde Taylor, Andy
Thompson, Teressa Waters and Mary Wharton.

COOKEVILLE — 29 Dec.; 07:00 to 17:00; cloudy; temp. 50° plus. Twenty
observers. Total party-miles 86 (5 on foot, 81 by car).

Beulah Clark, Samuel Coward, Dr. and Mrs. J. O. Cummins, Florence
Earhart, R. D. High, D. D. Hinds, Roy Hinds, Dr. P. L. Hollister, Mr. and
Mrs. Frazier Jaques, Amy Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Link, Dr. and Mrs.
Sidney McGee, Mrs. Tom Moore, Miser R. Richmond (compiler — 519 N.
Jefferson Ave., Cookeville 3 8 501 ), Thelma Tinnon and Chrissa Wendt.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

15

CHATTANOOGA — 17 Dec.; 03:00 to 19:00; clear and sunny; temp. 8°
to 26°; ice on edges of larger ponds, small ponds and puddles frozen solid;
wind 0-5 m.p.h. Thirty observers in 14 parties, including 4 feeder watchers.
Total party-hours 92 (49 on foot, 43 by car); total party-miles 391 (51 on
foot, 340 by car). Seen in count area but not on count day: Oldsquaw.

Frances and Jim Barnwell, Katherine Cronin, Hugh and Maxine Crown-
over, Jon and Nancy DeVore, Clay Dobbins, Tim Dobbins, Ken and Lil
Dubke (compilers — 720 Bacon Trail, Apt. Chattanooga 37412), Madeline
Dufour, Corrine Ellis, Roy Evenson, Edith Fenn, Anne Gibson, Jonathon Gib-
son, Frank and Gloria Hixon, Daniel Jacobson, Art and Mary Louise Jones,
J. Hunter Patterson, David Shafer, Lee and Mary Shafer, Martha Sterchi,
Douglas and Mary Tunsberg and John Wilson.

KNOXVILLE — 17 Dec.; 05:30 to 18:00; clear; temp. 15° to 3 0°; wind
NE, 5-10 m.p.h. Twenty observers in 12 parties. Total party-hours 98 ( 5 8 on
foot, 40 by car); total party-miles 616 (5 8 on foot, 5 5 8 by car).

Seen on count day was an unidentified loon, and in the count period but
not on count day were Evening Grosbeaks.

James M. Campbell, John Elson, J. C. Howell, Chester and Deborah Mas-
sey, Terry McGown, Muriel Monroe, Gary Muflly, Charles Nicholson, Holly
Overton, Paul Pardue, Powell Puckett, Mrs. Sterling Ryder, Boyd Sharp, Louis
and Johnita Smith, James Tanner (compiler — Rt. 28, Box 15 5, Knoxville
37920), Bill and Irene Williams and Richard Yahner.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK— 31 Dec.; 07:00 to
17:15; partly cloudy, overcast, light rain, fog at high elevations; temp. 40°
to 67°; wind variable, 5-40 m.p.h. with gusts up to 5 0 m.p.h. Twenty-nine
observers in 12 parties, plus 3 individuals watching feeders. Total party-hours
85 (46 on foot, 39 by car); total party-miles 340 (49 on foot, 291 by car).

Fred Alsop, III, Winnifred Brown, James Campbell, Mary Davidson, Don
DeFoe (compiler — GSMNP Headquarters, Gatlinburg 37738), Dave Hassler,
Robbie Hassler, Joseph Howell, Tony Koella, Betty Lewelling, Joe Lewelling,
Terry McGown, Lawrence Maso, Marie Maso, Chester Massey, Muriel Monroe,
Robert Monroe, Cynthia Muflly, Gary Muffly, Louise Nunnally, J. B. Owen,
Polly Ryder, Boyd Sharp, Jr., Mary Sharp, Arthur Stupka, Margaret Stupka,
James Tanner, Bill Williams, Irene Williams, George Wood, Hedy Wood and
Dick Zani.

GREENEVILLE — 31 Dec.; 07:15 to 18:00; overcast to clear; gusty 18-20
m.p.h.; temp. 62° to 72°.

Betty Armitage, Mrs. J. T. Glowers, Mrs. J. E. Collins, Charlene Easterly,
Mr. and Mrs. William Fischer, Mr. and Mrs. King Gaut, S. B. McGuire, B. D.
Holt, Brian Keicher, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Nevius (compiler — Rt. ^3,
Greeneville 37743), Richard Sievert and Mr. and Mrs. Royal Specs.

KINGSPORT — 30 Dec.; 07:00 to 17:30; light cloud cover all day; temp.
46° to 62°. Twelve observers in 9 parties. Seen in count area but not on count
day: Turkey Vulture, Red-headed Woodpecker, Brown Thrasher.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

16

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

Roy Allen, Tom Finucane (compiler — 1434 Watauga St., Kingsport
37664), Jeflf Francisco, Ed Gift, John Pierce, John Pierce, Jr., Marylane
Ramsey, George Rodgers, Eugene Scott, Arthur Smith and Ann Switzer.

ELIZABETHTON — 16 Dec.; 06:30 to 17:30; cloudy, light snow, over-
cast; temp. 16° to 3 0°; wind SW, 5-40 m.p.h. Thirteen observers in 5 parties.
Total party-hours 45 (26 on foot, 19 by car); total party miles 213 (23 on
foot, 190 by car). Seen in count area but not on count day: Greater Scaup,
Cooper’s Hawk, Brown-headed Cowbird, Pine Siskin and Red Crossbill.

Ed Davidson, Martha Dillenbeck, Helenhill Dove, Glen Eller (compiler —
Rt. 3, Elizabethton 37643), Sally Goodin, Lee R. Herndon, Danny Leach, M,r.
and Mrs. Richard Lura, John Martin, Roby May, Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Swin-
dell and Gary Wallace.

BRISTOL — 3 0 Dec.; 07:00 to 17:15; cloudy to clear; temp. 45° to 5 8°;
wind negligible. Sixteen observers in 10 parties. Total party-hours 62 (30 on
foot, 32 by car); total party-miles 327 (22 on foot, 304 by car).

Judy Abbott, Rockwell Bingham (compiler — 216 Melody Lane, Bristol
37620), Rosemary Bingham, Wallace Coffey, Lelia Epperson, Craig Folk, Ken-
neth Hale, Joseph Jackson, David McPeak, Max Miller, Conrad Ottenfeld,
Helen Ottenfeld, John Shaw, Charles R. Smith, Enno vanGelder and Dianne
Wilson.

CHANGES IN THE MIGRANT STAFF

With this issue. Dr. Lee R. Herndon has resigned as State Count Com-
piler. Dr. Herndon has served on the editorial staff of The Migrant for 17
years (15 years as editor). His efforts on our behalf as a field ornithologist
and a conscientious editor have been a major contribution to the growth of
our organization. We owe him much.

Mr. Morris D. Williams has accepted the responsibility of serving as our
State Count Compiler. We are fortunate in having an individual with his
credentials. He brings much ability and enthusiasm to the editorial staff.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

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17

ROUND TABLE NOTES

WHISTLING SWAN AT CROSS CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE
REFUGE— STEWART COUNTY— On 7 November 1973, my wife, Dianne,
and I were birding on the Cross Creek National Wildlife Refuge around the
area of Cross Creek adjacent to Highway 49. This area is located approximately
7 miles from Dover on the Erin Road. After observing several flocks of Mal-
lards {Anas platyrhynches) , Gadwalls {Anas sfrepers) , American Widgeon
{Mareca americana) and Canada Geese {Branta canadensis) we observed a
large white bird considerably larger than a Canada Goose. The bird was some-
what dull on the back which gave it a dirty appearance. The bill was pinkish
becoming darker at the tip. We observed the bird for approximately 15 min-
utes with the aid of 7 x 35 binoculars and a 20 x spotting scope. We identified
the bird as an immature Whistling Swan {CygJtus columbianns) . It was get-
ting late in the afternoon as the time was approaching 13:30 so we decided
to drive back to the refuge headquarters and pick up Ronnie Shell, the assistant
manager and an excellent waterfowl birder. At approximately 14:00 we were
back at the same spot but failed to locate the bird. We decided to drive back
thru the refuge in hopes of locating the bird in the interior of the area. After
several stops we finally located the bird flying in a northwesterly direction
across the refuge and on across Barkley Lake. We observed the bird until it
flew out of sight behind a large grove of trees. Mr. Shell identified the bird as
a Whistling Swan.

On 8 November 1971, Mr. Sam Barton, manager of the refuge, searched
the area for approximately 3 hours without locating the swan.

On 9 November 1971, Don and Gina Manning and I searched for the
Whistler from 13:00' until 15:00 hours without any success. The refuge per-
sonnel also failed to locate the bird on this date.

On 10 November 1971, Bobby Nelson, Dianne and I made another attempt
at locating the swan. We searched the area from 13:00 until 15:00 hours
without finding the swan. The refuge personnel also failed to site a swan on
this date.

The observers concluded that probably the Whistling Swan spotted on 7
November 1971, came into the refuge with the storm and passing cold front
on 6 November 1971, and left on the night of 7 November or during the
morning of 8 November.

John W. Sexton, Route 1, Dover 370 5 8.

SUMMER BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO IN KNOXVILLE— On 24 June
1972, as my wife and I were at lunch, we noticed a cuckoo in plain sight on a
dead limb of a small elm in our front yard. I got my binoculars. The bird
went behind foliage, but appeared again and we saw the black bill and small
white tail markings plainly, identifying the bird as a Black-billed Cuckoo
( CoccyzMs erythropthalmus ) .

According to The Birds of Knox County, compiled by Joseph C. Howell
and Muriel B. Monroe (1957), the Black-billed Cuckoo is a spring and fall
migrant in Knox County. The latest spring record given is May 26, 1954.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

18

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The bird we saw appeared sluggish in its movements. We thought it might
have strayed to Knox County after Tropical Storm Agnes, which had blown
across the Carolinas a few days earlier.

John Elson, 3 00 Hermitage Road, Knoxville 37920.

WESTERN KINGBIRDS SIGHTED IN NASHVILLE— On 2 5 September
1971 two Western Kingbirds {Tyrannus verticalh) were found at 12:30 CDT
in the southern end of the Hurricane Creek Recreational Area on Percy Priest
Lake. From notes taken in the field the species showed underneath a white
throat, diffuse gray and then bright yellow all the way under the tail. It had a
thickish black mark through the eye, white outer tail feathers, black tail with
no terminal band, dingy gray on head and neck, a brown-gray back and flat,
dark bill. In comparison with the drawing in Robbins, C. S., B. Bruun and
H. S. Zim. 1966. A Guide to Field Identification Birds of North America.
Golden Press, N. Y., there was not as broad an area of gray beneath the white
throat. Presence of the black tail and white outer tail feathers separated this
species from the other kingbirds and the Myiarchus flycatchers.

The habitat was secondary growth principally of scattered cedars (Junipertis
virginiana), hackberries (Celtis sp.) , Osage-oranges {Maclnra pomifera) , Syca-
mores {Platanus occidentalis) , elms {Ulmns sp.), sumacs {Rhus sp.), shrubs
and an undergrowth of grasses. The area was bordered on one side by a road
and the other by a cove of the lake.

Observations were made by various types of 7X3 5 binoculars and two
spotting scopes, 2 OX and 15-60X. Both birds were not seen together often, but
at one point both could be seen in the scope at the same time and with this
comparison one was more brightly marked. The species sat most of the time
high in a large dead tree where it was disturbed by Blue Jays {Cyanocitta
cristata) and Mockingbirds {Mimus polyglottos) . When flushed the species
would make very long, arched flights before landing again in another location.
This habit seems to contrast with that of the Eastern Kingbird {Tyr annus
tyr annus) which usually makes short flights, returning near the original perch
when disturbed.

Initially observed from about 75 feet the birds were studied for fifteen
minutes and left. The next day, 26 September, one bird was found and also
viewed by Benton Basham. A return to the area around 13:00 on the 26th and
the 27th yielded negative results. The weather was sunny and near or in the
80’s on all days.

This marks the third Nashville area occurrence. The Migrant 25:33, 32:4.
It is interesting to note that there were also two individuals each on these
previous area observations.

Michael L. Bierly, 3 826 Bedford Ave., Nashville 37215.

Roger O. Harshaw, 462 Rural Hill Rd., Nashville 37217.

James D. Parrish, Jr., 5608 Knob Rd., Nashville 37209.

Footnote: As a further development after the observations, Mike Bierly was
told that these birds should have been collected for verification and authenticity
of the record for future years. It is inconceivable to us that people can still

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

19

relish the action of killing birds for so-called scientific purposes. There is
absolutely no need anywhere in North America north of Mexico for bird
collecting because of the advance stage of ornithology in this area. There are
already numerous collections available for comparison and study. Further, gen-
eral collections of high quality can be obtained by salvaging roadside kills, and
window and tower casualties. What need is there for theses and papers to be
written on anything necessitating the killing of birds? We say none. Perhaps
the one great gap in ornithological data today deals with the natural history of
birds. Something that only the eyes and ears can record with the free, living
bird. It is time for all persons really interested in birding and the preservation
of birds to turn aside all collectors and their followers for the benefit and well
being of the science. Perhaps by our not collecting these birds someone else in
the country got as much of a thrill of seeing them as we did.

Mike Bierrly, Roger Harshaw, Jimmy Parrish.

NOVEMBER ORCHARD ORIOLE AT NASHVILLE— While stalking
sparrows in a 10 acre weed-field between US 70 south and 1-40 at their junc-
ture west of Nashville 2 8 November 1971, Katherine Goodpasture flushed an
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) from dried aster stalks. The bird came into
view first in a small opening about 18 inches off the ground where it perched
for three minutes or more allowing deliberate observation. When Michael Bierly
and Margaret Mann approached from the opposite side the bird dropped down
and then up to the top of the weeds in almost the same spot.

The oriole clearly showed a black throat, upper chest, head and back almost
to the upper tail-coverts as well as black wings and tail. The underparts were
rust or chestnut extending from the black chest posteriorly including rust
colored under tail-coverts. Upper tail-coverts were rust as were shoulder feath-
ers that joined rust of the breast. Black flight feathers had lighter edges that
gave a watered appearance to the folded wing. Whitish edges to the wing-
coverts made whitish wing-bars. Light edges to the tail feathers gave, in some
lights and in flight, an illusion of a light terminal band. The legs and maxilla
were dark bluish: the mandible was lighter, silvery bluish. The unusual feature
of the color pattern of the oriole was the striking green sheen on the black of
its head and on its back down to the edge of the rust colored rump. These
observations were made between 15:00 and 15:30 in the afternoon with the
sun low in the sky. This light allowed perfect display of the green sheen so
that the bird had a near exotic appearance. This fresh fall plumage following
post nuptual molt is rarely seen north of the oriole’s wintering ground. Roberts
says the new feathers have "greenish-buff and brown edges” (Roberts, Thomas
S. Manual for the Identification of the Birds of Minnesota and Neighboring
States. 195 5. University of Minnesota Press, p. 688). This was a male Orchard
Oriole in at least its second year. To our knowledge this is the only record of
this species for either October or November in this area.

The oriole seemed vigorous and flew without any hint of injury. From an
original position of about 20 feet from observers the bird flew about 150 feet
to a fence, from there to a clump of pokeberry stalks growing on the highway
embankment where it ate dried pokeberries for almost 10 minutes. From the
berries it flew back to the fence and then back to the field of dried weeds —
mostly asters and serecia lespedeza standing 2-3 feet high. There were open

[VoL. 44, 1973]

20

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

places through the weeds as well as accumulations of water standing in the
bottom land. Over a wide range one could see honeysuckle berries, hackberries,
and probably smilax berries that could have supported a fruit and berry-eating
species.

We could not find the oriole on 1 December or on 26 December. Generally
warm and clement weather prevailed during the fall. This is a notable record
because Orchard Orioles are generally recognized as very early fall migrants
moving from northern, northeastern and middle southern areas during late July
and August.

Katherine Goodpasture, 3407 Hopkins Lane, Nashville 3 521 5.

Michael Bierly, 3 826 Bedford Ave., Nashville 37215.

Margaret Mann, 2189 Riverview, Nashville 37214.

WALTER P. NICKELL, 1903-1973

Walter P. Nickell, 69, retired Cranbrook Institute of Science naturalist,
ornithologist and teacher died on 2 January 1973. He is survived by his wife,
Billie, and a son, John Carver, of Dayton Ohio and a daughter, Mrs. Robert
Farmer, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and two grandchildren. He had resided in
Clinton, Tennessee since his retirement and was a member of Knoxville Chap-
ter TOS.

Dr. Nickell spent his lifetime working in the field of science and nature,
combining the two to become an authority on bird migration, behavior and
nesting habits. Many of his works have been published in scientific journals.
He had banded over 160,000 birds in his lifetime and had traveled in several
foreign countries and in the United States.

An honorary degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred by Central Michigan
University in 1964. Dr. Nickell was a charter member of the Detroit Audubon
Society and the Michigan Botanical Society. He was a life member of the
American Ornithologists’ Union and the Michigan Mineralogical Society.

He had a large library of books and scientific papers and one of the finest
collections of bird and wildflower slides to be found in this country.

Dr. Nickell was admired by all who knew him for his enthusiasm of birds
and all nature and he will be sadly missed by all of us in Knoxville Chapter
TOS. — ^Terry McGown

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

21

THE SEASON

Fred J. Aesop, III, Editor

Winter Season: 1 November- 15 March

From across the state come reports of mild winter weather, lingering shore-
birds, and a strong invasion of boreal species with Red Crossbills reported west-
ward into the Central Plateau and Bain Region and Evening Grosbeaks observed
in ALL regions. Part of the Goshawk invasion reported from the banding and
trapping stations in the Northern States appears to have reached Tennessee with
this species reported from the Central Plateau and Basin and the Eastern Ridge
and Valley Regions. Large numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches, Pine Siskins,
and Purple Finches wintered in Tennessee this season. House Finches, assumed
to be members of the rapidly expanding introduced New York-Deleware-
Maryland populations, were verified for the first time in the state this winter.
These birds were seen by many TOS members at the Holt’s feeder in Greene-
ville where one bird in the plumage of a female had been seen late in the
previous winter, and the species was also observed in Knoxville, thus con-
stituting the first and second Tennessee records.

Western species were also found wintering in Tennessee. Oregon Juncos
were listed in the Nashville area and in Bristol. Franklin’s Gulls, White Pelicans,
and a Whistling Swan were found in the Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. A
singing Western Meadowlark was reported along the levees west of Reelfoot
Lake. In addition, Harris Sparrows were seen in the Central Plateau and Basin
Region. Details of a most active winter season follow. Did YOU contribute
YOUK observations of Tennessee birds?

WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION — Loon-Merganser: Common
Loon: 18 Nov. (15) BS (NTOS) . Canada Goose: 18 Nov. (200) BE and (30)
BS (NTOS). American Widgeon: 18 Nov. (1,000) BE (NTOS). Redhead:
13 Jan. (10) S (MP). Ring-necked Duck: 18 Nov. (100) BE (NTOS), 13
Jan. (11) S (MP), 10 Mar. (280) Camden and (35) BS (MB and party).
Canvasback: 18 Nov. (10) BS (NTOS). GREATER SCAUP: 11 Mar. (3)
LC (BB, JB, DGM). Ruddy Duck: 2 5 Nov. (15) S (DP). Hooded Merganser:
18 Nov. (6) BS (NTOS), 2 5 Nov. (Im, If) first S sighting in several years
(DP). Common Merganser: 10 Mar. (4) BS (MB and party). Red-breasted
Merganser: 18 Nov. (130) BS (NTOS).

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Eagle-Gull: GOLDEN EAGLE: 18 Nov. (1, immature) BS (NTOS). Bald
Eagle: 18 Nov. (1 immature, 1 adult) BS (NTOS). PEREGRINE FALCON:
28 Nov. (1) McKenzie (GM). American Woodcock: throughout season
(1-50-}-) S (MP). Spotted Sandpiper: 31 Dec. (1) S (DP). Least Sandpiper:
2 5 Feh. (1) BS (DM). Herring Gull: 18 Nov. (15) BS (NTOS).

Phoebe-S<w allow: Eastern Phoebe: 24 Mar. (nest with 1 egg) S (DP). Tree
Swallow: 11 Mar. (75) EC (BB, JB, DGM). House Wren: 30 Nov. 1, caught
by cat) McKenzie (DGM). Fish Crow: 11 Mar. (20) Tiptonville (BB, JB,
DGM). Black-throated Green Warbler: 31 Mar. (1) S (DP). WESTERN
MEADOWLARK: 2 Mar. (1) LC (Fred J. Alsop and party). EVENING
GROSBEAK: throughout season (1-50-j-) McKenzie, Memphis, S. Vesper
Sparrow: 10 Mar. (3) Duck River Refuge (MB and party).

Locations: BF — Britton Ford Refuge, BS — Big Sandy Refuge, LC — Lake
County, S — ^Savannah.

Observers: BB — Benton Basham, JB — Jeff Basham, MB — Mike Bierly,
DGM — Don and Gina Manning, NTOS — Members of Nashville Chapter, DP —
David Patterson, MP — Mike Patterson.

David E. Patterson, Harbert Hills Academy, Savannah 3 8372.

CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— December was remark-
ably mild, January cold with snow and ice for two weeks, February normal,
the first half of March unseasonably mild and ending with heavy floods. Un-
precedented numbers of loons were present, most duck numbers were will below
normal. Boreal species seemed to have put on their largest invasion ever in the
area.

Loons-Ducks: Common Loon: 20 Nov. (92) OHL (PDC), 19 and 21 Nov.
(70) WR (KLD), unprecedented numbers NA. Red-throated Loon: 2 Dec. (2)
WR (LSF). Horned Grebe: 24 Feb. (95) OHL (MLB) peak there, 1 Jan. (400)
WR (KLD) most seen there. Pied-billed Grebe: 18 Dec. a peak of (311) at
WR (KLD) down to (115) 22 Feb. (MCW-YWH), then stationary (96)
4 Mar. (KLD). For NA 18 Feb. (31) PPL (ROH). Great Blue Heron: 3
Nov. (16) GSP (PC), (1-4) regular elsewhere. Common Egret: 19 Nov.
(1) CCR (WAS), 10 Mar. (1) GA (LSF). CATTLE EGRET: latest dates
known to writer, 22 Nov. (1) (FB), 28 Nov. (1) (Gladys Northcut fide
MCW) both widely separated CC. Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 19 Nov.
(5) CCR (WAS). American Bittern: 12 Nov. (1) BV (MLB-ROH), 19 Nov.
(1) CCR (WAS). Mallard: 18 Dec. a peak of (3000) WR (KLD), 10 Feb.
a peak of only (13 5) for OHL (MLB). Black Duck: the peak for OHL was
11 Feb. with (171) (MLB), for WR 19 Nov. with (400) (KLD). Gadwall:
peaks of (50) 3 Nov. OHL (MLB) and (132) on 19 Nov. WR (KLD).
Ring-necked Duck and Lesser Scaup: numbers only about 10% of flocks some-
times found only a few years back. Bufflehead: to (45) 3 Mar. RL (MLB).
OLD SQUAW: earliest by 7 days NA, 3 Nov. (1) RL (AT). Red-breasted
Merganser: 22 Nov. (360) OHL (PC, MLB), largest number ever reported
NA, 21 and 27 Nov. (600) WR (KLD). Hooded Merganser: 27 Nov. (270)
WR (KLD).

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

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23

Hawks-Giills: GOSHAWK: 20 Dec. (1 adult) LBL (Roger L. Kroodsma),
29 Dec. (1) caught injured GA (PDC), 9 Jan. (1) CLK (JDA), seen on 3
previous days when light too poor for positive identification. Red- tailed Hawk:
more reports than in past few years. 1 Jan. (12) WR (KLD). Rough-legged
Hawk: 12 Dec. and 18 Feb. WB (FB), 26 Dec. (1) Bucksnort and (1) 7 Mi.
west Cookeville, both on 1-40 by James Holt. Golden Eagle: 11 Nov. (1) WB
(FB), earliest known there, later (3) wintered. Bald Eagle: 16, 17, 18 Nov.
(1) mature. River Rd. NA (Joe Hutton fide MLB), 19 Nov. (1) CCR
(WAS), 23 Nov. (1) PC (RH), 1 Jan. (1) WR (KLD). Sparrow Hawk:
considerably more than past few years. (24) banded NA during period (JHR).
PIGEON HAWK: 4 Nov. (1) Wilson County (Jon DeVore). Sandhill Crane:
23 Nov. (41) PC (RH). 30' Dec. (1) NA (Christmas Count), 1st NA
record. American Coot: 13 Nov. a peak of (2000) WR (KLD), also below
normal NA. Golden Plover: 3 Mar. (2) CCR (Fred Alsop and party). Ameri-
can Woodcock: 2 Nov. (1) near H WB (FB), late Jan. and Feb. many reports
NA (MLB, JHR). One banded bird netted (HR). Solitary Sandpiper: nearly
a month early, 1 Mar. (1) WB (FB). Greater Yellowlegs: 4 (1) (MLB),
6 Mar. (2) (JHR), both BV. Lesser Yellowlegs: latest NA (except for a Dec.
one-legged bird) 29 Nov. (1) BV (MLB). Pectoral Sandpiper: very early,
6 Mar. (1) BV (JNR). Least Sandpiper: first lengthy wintering attempt NA
with 12 Nov. (12), to 29 Nov. (26), 27 Dec. (16), and to 17 Jan. (9), all
BV (MLB). RED PHALAROPE: 8 Nov. (1) BV (MLB, MLM, DC, photo-
graphed by PC). Ring-billed Gull: well below normal OHL with a peak of
(164) (TOS), a peak of (23 5 ) PPL (MLB) on 17 Dec., 19 Feb. peak WR
was (300) (KLD). Bonaparte’s Gull: peaks of (3 50) 1 5 Dec. WR (KLD)
and 17 Dec. PPL (475) (TOS Christmas count).

Owls-Grackles: LONG-EARED OWL: 4 Nov. (1) west LC (LWC), then
(1) injured bird brought to Children’s Museum. Purple Martin: 5 Mar. re-
ported Williamsport {fide KAG), 6 Mar. (1) LC (LWC), 10 Mar. (1) NA
(Louise Jackson). Red-breasted Nuthatch: 12 Nov. (18) CH area (MLB),
a few Basin area, regular entire Rim area. Robin: scarce, with an occasional
pair after mid Feb. Water Pipit: 15 Nov. (1) OHL (MLB) only report. Cedar
Waxwing: 23 Dec. (600) Center Hill Lake (BF), 25 Feb. (100) H Byrds-
town (RH), many reports small flocks elsewhere. Rusty Blackbird: 17 Nov.
thru period (1-7) H GA (PDC), 17 Jan. (15) WB (FB), (100) wintered
H NA (ROH). Common Grackle: about absent with 1st return report 24
Feb. (1) H (AT).

Grosbeaks-Sparrows: ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK: 3 Dec. (1) PPL
(BSF), 31 Dec. (1) female at two feeders a half mile apart CLK (Edna Lyle,
Jim Nixon fide JDA). DICKCISSEL: 28 Dec. (1) H CLK (Bill Millican fide
JDA), 8 Jan. (1) H WB (FB). Evening Grosbeak: first report 7 Nov.
(10-15) H NA (Mrs. Ronald Kemp), 13 Nov. (12) H LC (Jane Egley fide
LWC), 15 Nov. (3 5) CC (FB). Flocks to (60) reported over entire area with
largest number reported being (200) H LC (LWC). Purple Finch: very
numerous over entire area. Pine Siskin: a few at WB (FB) to (100) H GA
(PDC). NA had many flocks to (15) except N.E. part across river reported
flocks (100-500)! RED CROSSBILL: 11 Feb. (1), 17 Feb. (10) CH (MLB).
Savannah Sparrow: 18 Feb. (7) WB (FB) only report. Vesper Sparrow: 12
Nov. (1) BV (MLB-ROH). OREGON JUNCO: 10 Nov. (1), 17th (1)
banded, 28th (1) bandless, all H (ARL). 15th Nov. (1) a mile away H

[VoL. 44, 1973]

24

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

(KAG). Chipping Sparrow: 2 Dec. and 1 Jan. (1) H WB (FB), 1st arrival
report, 26 Feb. (1) H LB (VB). HARRIS SPARROW: 31 Dec. thru period
(1) adult H. Donelson (Mrs. H. A. Hatcher, many TOS members), 20 Jan.
thru period (1) immature H LB (VB plus TOS members). Lincoln Sparrow:
7 Mar. (1) ACM (MLB).

Locations: ACM, — Ashland City Marsh, BS — Basin Springs, BV — Buena
Vista Marsh, CC — ^Cannon County, CLK — ^Clarksville, CH — Craggie Hope,
CCR — Cross Creek Nat’l Wildlife Refuge, GA — ^Gallatin area, GSP — Gallatin
Steam Plant, H — home area, LC — Lawrence County, LB — Lebanon area, LBL —
Land Between the Lakes, 7 mi. W. Dover, NA — Nashville area, OHL — Old
Hickory Lake, PPL — Percy Priest Lake, PC — Pickett County, RL — Radnor
Lake, WB — Woodbury area, WR — Woods Reservoir.

Observers: JDA — Joe D. Allen, VB — Vernon Berry, MLB — Mike L. Bierly,
FB — Mrs. Hoyt Bryson, LWC — Lloyd W. Clayton, PC^ — Paul Crawford, DC —
Dot Crawford, PDC — Paul and Dot Crawford, KLD — Kenneth and Lil Dubke,
BF — Bill Fintel, BSF — Bill and Sally Fintel, KAG — Katherine A. Goodpasture,
ROH— Roger O. Harshaw, RH— Robbie Hassler, YWH— Mrs. W. S. Hite,
ARL — Amelia R. Laskey, MLM — Margaret L. Mann, JHR — John N. and
Heather Riggins, LSF — Lee Shafer and family, WAS — Warioto Audubon So-
ciety, AT — Ann Tarbell, MCW — Mary C. Wood.

Henry E. Parmer, 3 800 Richland Ave., Nashville 37203.

Editor’s Note: Morris Williams is now the compiler for the Central Plateau and
Basin Region. Please forward all your observations to him at: Box 2 5, Five
Points, Tenn. 3 8457.

EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— The weather during the
period was warmer and wetter than usual. Very heavy rains in early December
caused flooding over much of the area and the only major snowfall was in early
January. Temperatures during the last week of February and the first two
weeks of March were very warm with high’s occurring in the upper 60’s
and 70’s.

This was a poor winter for waterfowl. No large fall flights developed and
numbers were low. Perhaps due to the mild winter and the increased short-
stopping of waterfowl in the mid-western states. There were, however, two
reports of WHITE PELICANS, with one in the region until 23 Dec. A
WHISTLING SWAN was seen by numerous birders on a farm pond near
Jonesboro. A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, an Osprey, and two sightings of
Peregrine Falcons were recorded. A FRANKLIN’S GULL on Nickajack Lake
provided the first East Tennessee record of this bird.

Northern finches were in abundance. Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Siskins, and
Purple Finches were reported in large numbers from all parts of the region.
HOUSE FINGHES were recorded in Greeneville and Knoxville, providing a
first and second state record for this bird. Red-breasted Nuthatches were com-
mon throughout the area and Red Crossbills were reported from two localities.

Loon-Bittern: Common Loon: regular throughout area, max. 6 Nov. (6)
BL (MD, HD, SG) ; 16 Feb. (10, 4 calling) Cherokee Dam (Joe Watson).
Horned Grebe: first and max. 13 Nov. (27) BWP (KLD). WHITE PELI-

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

25

CAN: 11 Nov. (1) HCP (JND), first local record; 28 Nov. - 23 Dec. (1)
Norris Lake (Mrs. E. F. Olson et al.). Double-crested Cormorant: 20 Nov.
(1), 4 Dec. (1) HRA (KLD); 13 Jan. - 12 Mar. (2) BWP (Howard Brown,
KLD, JH, RW). Great Blue Heron: 20 to 71 regular HRA (KLD), 9 Feb.
(39) BE (GE, LRH). GREEN HERON: 16 to 22 Dec. (1) SB (CH, JS).
Common Egret: 6 Dec. (1) Roane Co. (CN, BR). CATTLE EGRET: 14
Nov. (1) HRA (KLD); 6 Dec. (4, 1 shot) Dunlap (Herman Hixson, fide
DJ, DB). American Bittern: 6 Feb. (1) MP (KLD); 14 Mar. (1) AIM
(CN, MDW).

Swan-Merganser: WHISTLING SWAN: 13 Dec. juvenile on farm pond
through end of period (1) Jonesboro (TOS fide BY). Canada Goose: 2000
regular, max. 6000, HRA (AA, KLD). WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE: 6 Nov.
(1 im.) HRA (KLD). Snow Goose: 6 Nov. (1), 12 Nov. (1), 14 Nov. (1),
15 Jan. (2) HRA (KLD); 15 Jan. (4) BL (PR). Blue Goose: 15 Jan. (4)
BL (PR). Mallard: max. 3 000, HRA (AA fide KLD). Black Duck: max.
3000, HRA (AA fide KLD) , 1 Mar. (20 and 1 nest with 16 eggs) AIM (CN,
MDW). Gadwall max. 27 Feb. (150) SB (RW, JH). Pintail: 12 Nov. (15)
HRA (LD, JND), 28 Nov. (100) 22 Jan. (40) HRA (KLD). American
Widgeon: max. 28 Nov. (300) HRA (KLD). Shoveler: 11 Jan. (1) Roane
Co. (CN, BR); 10 Mar. (2), 12 Mar. (2) SB (Maxine Crownover, KLD).
Redhead: 4 Dec. (7) BWP (KLD); 12 Dec. (11) Cove Lake (JMC, CN,
Rich Yahner); 27 Nov. (5), 20 Feb. (2), 26 Feb. (9), 5 Mar. (8) CL
(KLD); 18 Feb. (6) FLL (TOS); 24 Feb. (7) BL (LRH, GW). Canvasback:
27 Nov. (5) CL (KLD); 15 Jan. (1) BL (PR). GREATER SCAUP: 15
Jan. (max. 288) CL (KLD). Common Goldeneye: from 27 Nov. (1-21)
BWP (KLD); 18 Feb. (20) FLL (TOS). Bufflehead: regular from 20 Nov.
(20-5 0) HRA (KLD). OLDSOUAW: 16 Dec. (1) CL (KLD), J. Hunter
Patterson). Ruddy Duck: first — 12 Nov. (1) Warrior Path State Park (HD,
MD, SG). Hooded Merganser: first — 13 Nov. (2) BWP (KLD). Common
Merganser: 17 Dec. (2) FLL (JMC, CN, Rich Yahner). Red-breasted Mer-
ganser: 23 Nov. (37) NL (DB, DJ); 11 Dec. (5) CL (KLD); 24 Feb. (1)
Bays Mtn. State Park (GE, LRH).

Vnlture-Sora: Turkey Vulture: 23 Jan. (10) LHS (KLD). Black Vulture:
23 Jan. (90) LHS (KLD), both vulture species at same roost; both species
throughout period at Kingsport (EJA). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 6 Nov. (1) SB
(KLD); 18 Jan. (1, eating Ruf. — sid. Towhee) K (MDW) ; 21 Jan. (1)
Col. (RW); 23 Nov. -25 Feb. (1) Da (DJ) ; 25 Feb. (1) WC (MD, JD,
SG). Cooper’s Hawk: 17 Dec. (1) KC (TOS); 26 Dec. (1) CC (JMC,
JCH); 14 and 16 Jan. (1) WC (JD, MD, SG, CW). GOSHAWK: 4 Nov.
(1 adult) Rogersville-Kyles Ford Fire Tower (FJA). Red-shouldered Hawk
23 Feb. - 5 Mar. (1) KC (David Pitts). Broad-winged Hawk: 12 Mar. (1)
HRA (KLD). ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK: 16 Dec. (1— dark phase) SeV
(BB). Bald Eagle: from 4 Nov. reg. (1-4) max. 14 Feb. (7) FiRA (WC,
Jonathan Gibson fide KLD); 26 Nov. - 11 Jan. reg. (1-2, adults) Roane Co.
(CN, BR). Marsh Hawk: only reports, 1-2 throughout period — HRA, SB,
SeV (KLD, JH, LS, RW) ; 11 Jan. (1) Roane Co. (CN, BR). OSPREY: 17
Dec. (1) KC (BIW). PEREGBJNE FALCON: 6 Nov. (1— im.) Da (BB,
DB, DJ); 17 Dec. (1— im.) KC (BIW). SANDHILL CRANE: 29 Nov.— 2
flocks, 10 minutes apart. Da (DJ, DB, JBB), (200) Da (LS) ; 12 Dec. (18)

[VoL. 44, 1973]

26

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

Dayton (Bill McSpadden, fide KLD) ; 5 Mar. (90) HRA (KLD); 5 Mar.
(56) HRA (AA, /z^/^ KLD) ; 13 Mar. (5 5) Hixson (Bob Newsom, FGH) .
Virginia Rail: 14 Mar. (1) AIM (CN, MDW). Sora: 14 Mar. (1) AIM
(MDW).

Ktlldeer-Tern: Killdeer: 20 Nov. (164) SB, HRA (KLD); 17 Dec. (290)
KC (TOS). Am. Woodcock: 5 Nov. through period, singing (max. 5) KG
(David Pitts); 7 Dec. (1) Da (DB). Common Snipe: max. 26 Feb. (182)
(182) SB (KLD). Greater Yellowlegs: 16 Nov. (1) AS (JD, MD, HD, SG,

CW). Lesser Yellowlegs: 5 Nov. (2) AS (JD, MD, HD, SG, CW). Pectoral

Sandpiper: 17 Nov. (1) AS (JD, MD, HD, SG, CW) ; 14 Mar. (1) SeV
(DB). Baird’s Sandpiper: 29 Nov. (3) AS (JD, MD, HD, SG, CW). Least
Sandpiper: regular through period, max. 2 Jan. (3 8) SB and HRA (KLD).

Dunlin: 30 Nov. (2) AS (SG, CW) ; 12 Mar. (83) SB, HRA (KLD).

LAUGHING GULL: 18 Feb. (8) NL (LS). FRANKLIN’S GULL: 23 Nov.
(1 adult) NL (DB, DJ) ; 25 Nov. (1 adult) NL (BB, DB, JBB, DJ). Bona-
parte’s Gull: 11, 13 Dec. (4); 9 Jan. (3), 15 Jan. (17) CL (KLD); up to
10 thru period at NL (LS) ; 17 Dec. (2) KC (JMC, CN, Rich Yahner).
CASPIAN TERN: 3 Dec. (1) NL (LS).

Barn Owl-Sparrow: Barn Owl: 3 active nests in Washington County (PR).
Barred Owl: 20 Jan. (1 — road kill) K (CN, MDW); 26 Feb. (1) UT campus,
K (MDW); 1 Feb. through period (1) Da (DJ). CHIMNEY SWIFT: 5 Dec.
(1) Da (DB). Red-headed Woodpecker: 14 Jan. (1) CC (JMC, JCH).
Rough- winged Swallow: 13 Mar. (1) SB (CH). Purple Martin: first 27 Feb.
(3) RS, Red Bank (FGH, Paula Woodruff, fide RW) ; 3 Mar. (2) Maryville
(Mrs. Marshall Moore, fide J. B. Owens). Red-breasted Nuthatch: common
throughout area with up to 2 5 throughout period. Brown-headed Nuthatch:
1 to 2 throughout period at Col. (CH, RW). Brown Thrasher: 17 Dec. (4)
KC (TOS). Robin: 11 Dec. (7000-f) BWP (KLD). Rusty Blackbird: 10
Jan. (10) Jonesboro (GE, LRH); 24 Feb. (30) AIM (CN, MDW). BREW-
ER’S BLACKBIRD: 10 Jan. (1) Jonesboro (GE, LRH). HOUSE FINCH:
throughout period max. 3 males, 6 females at Greeneville (Jim Holt, TOS)
see Migrant 43 (4):87; 24 Jan. to 8 Mar. (1 male, 1 female) K (CN). Red
Crossbill: 9 Feb. (8), 28 Feb. (4) Johnson City (JD, MD) ; 27 Dec. -25 Jan.
(2-20) Dunlap (Mrs. Mary Steele, KLD, DJ, RW, HB, RTB). Vesper Spar-
row: 4 Dec. (4) HRA (KLD) ; 9 Jan. (3) SB (KLD, CH) ; 4 Feb. (5)
HRA (KLD, FGH). TREE SPARROW, 23 Feb. (1) Da (BB). Evening
Grosbeak: flock of up to 111 regular throughout region. Purple Finch: com-
mon; flocks of up to 75 regular throughout region. Pine Siskin: common;
flocks of up to 3 0 regular throughout region. Chipping Sparrow: 12 Nov. (1)
CC (JMC, JCH). Fox Sparrow: only report- — 5 Nov. - 14 Jan. (1-3) CC
(JMC, JCH).

Locations: AIM — Alcoa Marsh; AS — ^^Austin Springs; BL — Boone Lake;
BWP— Booker T. Washington State Park; CC— Campbell County; CH—
Chattanooga; CL — ^Chickamauga Lake; Col. — ^Collegedale; Da — Daus; FLL —
Fort Loudon Lake; HCP — Hamilton County Park; HRA- — Hiwassee River
Area; K — Knoxville; KC — Knox County; LHS— Long Hollow Swamp; MP —
Morse Pond, Ga.; NL — Nickajack Lake; SB — Savannah Bay; SeV — Sequatchie
Valley; WC — Washington County.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

27

Observers: A A — Arnold Aslinger; FJA — Fred Alsop; BB — Benton Basham;
FWB— Fred Behrend; JBB— J. Branson Block; DB— Del Blum; WC— Wilford
Carroway; JMC — James M. Campbell; JND — John and Nancy DeVore; JD —
Joy Dillenbeck; MD — Martha Dillenbeck; HD — Helenhill Do've; KLD — Ken
and Lil Dubke; GE — Glen Eller; LRH — Eee R. Herndon; FGH — Frank and
Gloria Hixon; SG — Sally Goodin; CH — ^Chris Haney; JH — Jan Hawthorne;
JCH — J. C. Howell; DJ — Daniel Jacobson; CN — Charles Nicholson; PR —
Pete Range; BR — Bob Roundtree; LS — ^^Lee Shafer; JS — Jeff Stevens; TOS —
Tennessee Ornithological Society; CW — Candy Wallace; GW — Gary O. Wal-
lace; BIW— Bill and Irene Williams; MDW— Morris D. Williams; RW— Roger
Woodruff; BY— Bill Yambert.

Charles P. Nicholson, 6806 Haverhill Dr., Knoxville 37919.

Correction: The Migrant 43:54, 1972. From Eastern Ridge and Valley Region
report reads as follows: Northern Waterthrush: 21 Mar. (1) Da (DJ). It
should read: Louisiana Waterthrush: 21 Mar. (1) Da (DJ).

EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION — Feeding station reports from the
region indicated numerous Evening Grosbeaks, Purple Finches, and Pine Sis-
kins throughout the period. The Elizabethton chapter reported Red Crossbills
were more numerous this season, but noted declines in the numbers of Myrtle
Warblers and Rufous-sided Towhees. An OREGON JUNCO was observed by
many birders at Ken Hale’s feeder in Bluff City (Sullivan Co.). This is the
second winter the species has been reported from this feeding station.

Loon-Mer gamer: Common Loon, throughout period (1-3) WE (GE).
Horned Grebe: 16 Dec. (79) WE (GW, DL). Great Blue Heron: 26 Nov.
(1) WI (GE). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: late, 10 Nov. (1) MC (GW).
Green-winged Teal: 21 Nov. (1) RM (MS, TS). Shoveler: 23 Nov. (2) GLP
(GW, DL). Ring-necked Duck: through period (lOO-j-) WiL (GE, et. al.) ,
19 Nov. (20) LL (CN). Canvasback: 17 Feb. (1) GLP (GW, DL). Com-
mon Goldeneye: 28 Jan. (75-f-) WE (LRH, GE). BufBehead: throughout
period (lOO-j-) WiL (GE, et al.). Ruddy Duck: 19 Nov. (8) LL (CN).
Red-breasted Merganser: 5 Jan. (5) RC (LRH); 7 Jan. (4) WiL (GE).
Common Merganser: 19 Nov. (1) LL (CN). Coot: 19 Nov. (120) LL (CN).
Virginia Rail: 3 Dec. (1 juvenile) captured and released at Bays Mt. Park
(Tom Bowman).

Hawks-Raven: Marsh Hawk: 5 Jan. (1) RC (LRH). PIGEON HAWK:
16 Nov. (1) WI (DL, JL). Bald Eagle: 1 Jan. (1 adult) and 13 Jan. (1
juvenile) both. South Holston Lake (Jerry Glover). Golden Eagle: injured
captive 10 Nov. — released 18 Dec. (1 adult male) Bays Mt. Park (Tom Bow-
man). American Woodcock: first 20 Feb. (1) HS (GE, LRH). Ring-billed
Gull: 28 Jan. (60-j-) RC (LRH, GE). Barred Owl: 3 and 11 Feb. (1) S
(GW, et. al.) Horned Lark: 20 Jan. (20-|-) WI (GW, DL). Purple Martin:
first 3 Mar. (1) E (FWB). Common Raven: throughout period (max., 5)
RM (FWB).

Wren-Sparrows: Winter Wren: SINGING 3 Mar. (5) RM (FWB). Brown
Thrasher: throughout period (2) E (LRH, GW). Hermit Thrush: 4 Feb. (4)
HM (LRH, GE). Yellowthroat: 23 Nov. (1) HC (MS, TS). Rusty Blackbird:
14 Jan. (10) near SHL (LRH, GE). BREWER’S BLACKBIRD: 14 Jan. (3)

[VoL. 44, 1973]

28

THE MIGRANT

MARCH

near SHE (LRH, GE). Red Crossbill: max. 30 Dec. (43 + ) near WE (ERH,
GE). OREGON JUNCO: 27 Jan. - 9 Mar. (1) BC (ERH, et al.) Chipping
Sparrow: 21 Jan. (2) E (GE). Fox Sparrow: 27 Jan. (2) RC (GW, DE, JE) ;
3 Mar. ( 1 ) RM (MS, TS).

Locations: BC — Bluff City, CR — Cove Ridge, near Watauga Eake, E —
Elizabethton, GEP — Great Eakes Pond, HC — Heaton Creek, near Roan M,tn.,
HM — Holston Mtn., HS — Hunter Swamp, near Eliz., EE — Eaurel Eake, MC —
Milligan College, RC — Roan Creek, RM— -Roan Mtn., S — Siam Community,
SHE — South Holston Eake, WI — Wagner’s Island, adjacent Watauga Eake,
WE — Watauga Eake, WiE — Wilbur Eake.

Observers: FJA— Fred Alsop, FWB— Fred W. Behrend, GE— Glen Eller,
ERH — Eee R. Herndon, DE — Dick Eura, JE — Joyce Eura, CN — Chuck
Nicholson, MS — Maxie Swindell, TS — Tommy Swindell, GW — Gary Wallace.

Brent Rowell, 2227 Edgemont Ave., Bristol 37620.

SEVENTH ANNUAL
SYMPOSIUM AND FALL MEETING
TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

13-14 OCTOBER, 1973

CUMBEREAND MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
CROSSVIEEE, TENNESSEE 3 8 5 5 5

To be sure you get accommodations in the park make your reservations
early. For reservations write Cumberland Mountain State Park, Crossville,
Tennessee 385 5 5. Be sure to state that you are with T.O.S. For further
details about the meeting contact George R. Mayfield Jr., Maury County
Hospital, Columbia, Tennessee 3 8401 or Kenneth H. Dubke, Apt. 1, 720
Bacon Trail, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37412.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

PREPARATION OF COPY FOR PUBLICATION

The purpose of THE MIGRANT is the recording of observations and
original information derived from the study of birds, primarily in the state
of Tennessee or the area immediately adjacent to its borders. Articles for
publication originate almost exclusively from T.O.S. members.

Contributors should prepare manuscripts and submit them in a form ac-
ceptable to the printer, after editorial approval. Both articles and short notes
are solicited but their format should be somewhat different.

Some suggestions to authors for the preparation of papers for publication
are given herewith.

MATERIAL: The subject matter should relate to some phase of Tennessee
Ornithology. It should be original, factual, concise, scientifically accurate, and
not submitted for publication elsewhere.

TITLE: The title should be concise, specific, and descriptive.

STYLE: Recent issues of THE MIGRANT should be used as a guide in
the preparation of manuscripts. Where more detail is needed reference should
be made to the Style Manual for Biological Journals available from the Ameri-
can Institute of Biological Sciences, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue N. W., Wash-
ington, D. C. 20016.

COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on 8^ x 11” paper
with adequate margins, for editorial notations, and should contain only entries
intended for setting in type, except the serial page number. Tabular data should
be entered on separate sheets with appropriate title and column headings.
Photographs intended for reproduction should be sharp with good contrast on
glossy white paper in black and white (not in color). Instructions to the
editors should be given on a separate sheet. Weights and measurements should
be in metric units. Dating should be in "continental” form (e.g., 7 March
1968).

NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by
binomial scientific name in italics only after the first occurrence in the text
for both regular articles and Round Table Notes, and should conform to
the A.O.U. Check-list 5th edition, 1957. Trinomial should be used only after
the specimen has been measured or compared with typical specimens.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: When there are more than five references in an article,
they should be placed at the end of the article, otherwise they should be
appropriately included in the text.

SUMMARY: Arthicles of five or more pages in length should be sum-
marized briefly, drawing attention to the main conclusions resulting from the
work performed.

IDENTIFICATION: Rare or unusual species identification to be accept-
able must be accompanied by verifying evidence. This should include: date,
time, light and weather conditions, exact location, habitat, optical equipment,
distance, behavior of bird, comparison with other similar species, characteristic
markings, experience of observer, other observers verifying observation and
reference works consulted.

REPRINTS: Reprints are available on request. Reprint requests should
accompany article at the time of submission. Billing to authors will be
through the state T.O.S. Treasurer.

Books for review and articles for publication should be submitted to the
editor. Seasonal reports and items should be forwarded to the appropriate
departmental editor whose name and address will be found on the inside front
cover.

CONTENTS

Bird Kill on Holston Mountain

Lee R. Herndon 1

1971 Fall Television Tower Casualties in Nashville

Michael Lee Bierly 5

Bird Finding in Tennessee

Don Manning 7

The 1972 Christmas Season Bird Counts

Edited by Lee R. Herndon 9

Round Table Notes

Whistling Swan at Cross Creek National Wildlife Refuge —

Stewart County. ]ohn W. Sexton 17

Summer Black- billed Cuckoo in Knoxville. John Ehon 17

Western Kingbirds Sighted in Nashville. Michael L. Bierly,

Roger O. Harshaw and James D. Parrish, Jr 18

November Orchard Oriole at Nashville. Katherine Goodpasture,

Michael L. Bierly and Margaret Mann 19

Walter P. Nickell (1903-1973). Terry McGou/n 20

The Season. Edited by Fred J. Alsop, 111 21

Western Coastal Plain Region. David E. Patterson 21

Central Plateau and Basin Region. Henry E, Parmer 22

Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Charles P. Nicholson 24

Eastern Mountain Region. Brent Rowell 27

Illustrations by Fred /. Alsop, 111

if^

^ QUj^RTERLY OQURNflL
DEVOTECXTO TENNESSE^BIRDS

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I ORNITHOLOGICAL
^ SOCIETY J

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THE MIGRANT

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

FIRST PUBLISHED, JUNE 1930

Published By

THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Founded at NasWille, Tenn., 7 October 1915
A non-profit, educational, scientific, and conservation organization.

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR DR. GARY O. WALLACE

Rt. 7, Sunrise Dr., Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

"THE SEASON’’ EDITOR DR. FRED J. ALSOP, III

Mt. Carmel Apt. ^3, Concord Ave., Mt. Carmel, Tenn. 37642

"STATE COUNT COMPILER” MORRIS D. WILLIAMS

Box 25, Five Points, Tenn. 38457

OFFICERS FOR 1973-75

PRESIDENT MRS. ARLO SMITH

3724 Oakley Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 38111

VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN GLEN ELLER

Rt. 3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN BILL SENTER

313 West Hill Dr., Lebanon, Tenn. 37087

VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN MISS ALICE SMITH

Apt. 6, 414 N. Claybrook St., Memphis, Tenn. 38104
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE :

EAST TENN BRENT ROWELL

2227 Edgemont Ave., Bristol, Tenn. 37620

MIDDLE TENN MRS. GAITHER GRAY

1510 Hatcher Lane, Columbia, Tenn. 38401

WEST TENN DON MANNING

103 Stonewall Circle, McKenzie, Tenn. 38201

CURATOR ALBERT F. GANIER

2112 Woodlawn Drive, Nashville, Tenn. 37212

SECRETARY MRS. JAMES WALDRON

1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis, Tenn. 38117

TREASURER KENNETH H. DUBKE

720 Bacon Trail, Apt. 1, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37412

Annual dues, $5.00; Sustaining, $5.00; Life, $100.00; Student, $1.00; Family, 4.00;
Library, $3.00 (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Back numbers
may be had from Dr. James T. Tanner, Rt. 28, Box 15 5, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920. Correspond
with the Treasurer for subscriptions, memberships, and changes of address.

Published quarterly (March, June, September, and December). Printed by Mallicote Printing
Inc., 509-511 Shelby Street, Bristol, Tennessee 37620, U.S.A. Postage paid and mailed at
Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643, U.S.A.

THE MIGRANT

Published by the Tennessee Ornithological Society,
to Record and Encourage the Study of Birds in Tennessee.
Issued in March, June, September, and December.

VOL. 44

JUNE, 1973

NO. 2

SOME RECENT CHANGES IN THE 1957
A.O.U. CHECKLIST

Fred J. Aesop, III

Do you have a Yellow-rumped Warbler on your life list? You should, as
it is the only warbler wintering in any numbers in Tennessee. Yellow-rumped
Warbler is the newly designated name for the Myrtle Warbler {Dendroica
coronata) . Though the name is too new to appear in any field guides, it and
many other changes recently made by the American Ornithologists’ Union’s
Committee on Classification and Nomenclature soon will. This powerful com-
mittee of nine chaired by Dr. Eugene Eisemann is charged with the respon-
sibility of updating the taxonomy of all avian species within the A.O.U.
Check-list area by making changes based on the most current treatment of
bird relationships as presented by the majority of active systematists.

Birders are among the many affected by the Committee’s decisions, and
often in an area of extreme sensitivity — their life lists. For it seems inevitable
that each time a committee adjourns the number of bird species remaining in
the A.O.U. area of North America has changed. We applaude the wisdom
shown when a species is "split” and we can now add two species where before
there was only one, and we are awed as unbelievable at any decision which
"lumps” two or more "perfectly good” species into one, thereby, shrinking our
lists. The Committee is currently working on a new check-list that will cover
a much larger geographical area than the existing one by extending it through
Middle America and including the West Indies. As a part of this task they
bave recently published the changes they regard as the least controversial {The
Aiiky April 1973; 90 (2) :41 1-419) . This list, the "Thirty-second Supplement
to the American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list of North American Birds”,
covers all the changes in names accepted by the Committee since the publica-
tion of the 1937, Fifth Edition now in use and the one our most modern field
guides and regional check-lists are based upon. The Committee further states,
however, that more changes will be forthcoming in the new check-list.

The purpose of this paper is to make the Tennessee birder aware of the
most sweeping changes now in effect in order that he shall be able to institute
them early into his daily observations, birding conversations and communica-
tions, manuscripts for publication in ornithological journals such as The
Migrant, and of course, his life list.

The following five tables are an effort to place the most significant changes
in capsule form for quick and easy reference. Not all the Committee’s changes
are included here, i.e. there are many minor changes in the spellings of scientific

[VoL. 44, 1973]

30

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

names which are not included, and the interested reader should see the article
cited above.

TABLE I

NOMENCLATURAL CHANGES

Old

New

Common Name

Scientific Name

Scientific Name

Eared Grebe

Podiceps caspicus

Podiceps nigricollis

Cardinal

Kichmondena car din alls

Cardinalis cardinalis

The changes shown in the following table (Table II) are all taxonomic
changes in which the existing generic relationship of species is involved.
Studies since the 1957 Check-list have shown new phylogenetic relationships
which warrant the merger of some genera into others.

TABLE II

CHANGES IN GENERIC NAMES

Common Name Old Scientific Name New Scientific Name

Black Petrel
Snowy Egret
Ruddy Sheld-duck
European Widgeon*
American Widgeon*
Shoveler
Spectacled Eider
Common Scoter**
Mountain Plover
Black-bellied Plover
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Redshank
lAu'ple Sandpiper
Rock Sandpiper
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Wliite-rumped Sandpiper
Baird's Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Long-toed Stint
Rufous-necked Sdpr.
Curlew SandpifDCr
Diuilin

Semipalmated Sandpr.
Western Sandpiper
Sanderling
Mourning Dove
Ground Dove
Hermit Thrush
Swainson's Thrush
Gray-checked Tlu'ush
Veery

Ground -chat
Le Conte's Sparrow***
Henslow's Sparrow
Me Cown's Longspur

Loomelania melania
Leucophoyx thula
Casarca ferruginea
Mareca penelope
Mareca americana
Spatula clypeata
Lampronetta fischeri
Oidemia nigra
Eupoda montana
Squatarola squatarola
Totanus melanoleucus
Totanus flavipes
Totanus totanus
Erolia maritima
Erolia ptilocnemis
Erolia acuminata
Erolia melanotos
Erolia fuscicollis
Erolia bairdii
Erolia minutilla
Erolia submiiuita
Erolia ruficollis
Erolia ferruginea
Erolia alpina
Ereunetes pusillus
Ereimetcs mauri
Crocethia alba
Zenaidura macroura
Columbigallina passerina
Hylocichla guttata
Hylocichla ustulata
Hylocichla minima
Hylocichla fuscescens
Chamaethlypis poliocephala
Passerherbulus caudacutus
Passerherbulus henslowii
Rhynchophanes mccownii

Oceanodroma melania
Egrctta thula
Todorna ferruginea
Anas penelope
Anas americana
Anas clypeata
Somateria fischeri
Melanitta nigra
Charadrius montana
Pluvialis squatarola
Tringa melanoleucus
Tringa flavipes
Tringa totanus
Calidris maritima
Calidris ptilocnemis
Calidris acuminata
Calidris melanotos
Calidris fuscicollis
Calidris bairdii
Calidris minutilla
Calidris subminuta
Calidris ruficollis
C alidris ferruginea
Calidris alpina
C alidris pusillus
Calidris mauri
Calidris alba
Zenaida macroura
Columbina passerina
Catharus guttata
Catharus ustidata
Catharus minima
Catharus fuscescens
Geothlyis poliocephala
Ammospiza leconteii
Calcarius henslowii
Calcarius mccownii

*"Widgeon" is now to be spelled "Wigeon".

**1116 English (common name) is now changed to Black Scoter.
***Both the genus and specific names arc changed.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973 THE MIGRANT 31

Of greatest interest to the average birder are those decisions which change
his life list through the combining of species now considered only subspecies
or geographical races of a single species, or the splitting of a large species into
subgroups each with species status. Such changes affect one’s life list total.
Table III shows the species lost as being conspecific through the processes of
taxonomic extinction, so get a grip on yourself and watch your hard-won
A.O.U. total shrink.

TABLE HI
SPECIES LUMPED*

Common Name

Old Scientific Name

Lumped With

New Scientific Name Remarks

Great White Heron

Ardea occidentalis

Great Blue

A. herodias

white morph

Blue Goose

Chen hyijerborea

Heron
Snow Goose

occidentalis
C. caerules-

dark morph

Green-winged Teal

Anas carolinensis

Common Teal

cens atlantica
A. crecca

Green-winged

Harlan's Hawk

Buteo harlani

Red-tailed

carolinensis
B. iamaicen-

Teal

Red-shafted Flicker

Colaptes cafer

Hawk

Yellow -shaft-

sis harlani
C. auratus

Common Flicker

Gilded Flicker

Colaptes chrysoides

ed Flicker
Yellow-shaft-

cafer

C. auratus

Common Flicker

Blaclc-earcd Bushtlt

Psaltriparus mel-

ed Flicker
Common Bushtit

chrysoides
P. minimus

Bushtit

San Lucas Robin

anotis

Turdus confinis

Robin

T. migrator-

American Robin

Bahama Honeycreeper

Cocreba bahamensis

Bananaquit

ills confinis
C. Haveola

Bananaquit

Socorro Warbler

Parula graysoni

Olive -backed

bahamensis
P. pitiayumi

Tropical Warljlcr

Audubon's Warbler

Dendroica auduboni

Warbler
Myrtle Warbler

Rravsoni
D. coronata

Ye 11 ow' -r um ped

Bullock's Oriole

Icterus luillockii

Baltimore

auduboni
1. galbula

Warbler
Northern Oriole

Me Gregor's House Finch

Carpodacus megregori

Oriole

House Finch

buHockii
C. mexicanus

Guadalupe House Finch

Carpodacus amijlus

House Finch

mc^TCRori
C. mexicanus

Ipswich Sparrow

Passcrculus ijrinceps

Savannah

amiHus
P. Sandwich-

Dusky Seaside Sparrow

A m m 0 s pi z a ni gr c s c e n s

Sparrow

Seaside Sparrow

ensis princeps
A. maritima

Seaside Sparrow

Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow

Ammospiza mirabilis

Seaside Sparrow

niRrescens
A. maritima

Seaside Sparrow

White -winged Junco

Junco aikeni

SI ate -colored

mirabilis
J. hyemalis

Dark-eyed Junco

Oregon Junco

Junco oreganus

Junco

Slate-colored

aikeni

J. hyemalis

Dark-eyed Junco

Guadalupe Junco

Junco insularis

Junco

Slate -colored

oreganus
J. hyemalis

Dark-eyed Junco

Baird's Junco

Junco bairdi

Junco

Mexican Jiuico

insularis
J. phaeonotus

Yellow-eyed Junco

bairdi

^Species now regarded as conspccific wth another species still retain the former species name for usage as a sub-
species name of that group within the larger population, i.e. Blue Goose as the dark morph of Snow Goose, Yellow-
shafted Flicker subspecies of the Common Flicker, Baltimore Oriole as the subspecies of the Northern Oriole, etc.

Through the recent taxonomic evolution several new species have appeared
having been split from existing subspecific forms of four North American
species. These new species with their scientific names are treated in Table IV.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

32

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

TABLE IV
NEW SPECIES

Common Name

New Species

Rock Partridge Alectorh graeca

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Traill’s Flycatcher Empidonax
traillii

Boat-tailed Crackle Cassidix
mexlcanns

Chukar Alectorh chnkar

Rock Partridge A. graeca

Thayer’s Gull Larus thayeri

Herring Gull L. argentatus

Willow Flycatcher Empidonax
traillir^

Alder Flycatcher Empidonax
aluornnr'

Great- tailed Crackle Cassidix
mexicamis'^

Boat-tailed Crackle Cassidix
majoih^

Willow Flycatcher is the southern and western bird of more open country, the one which
nests in Tennessee, and which sings "fitz-bew”.

Alder Flycatcher is the more northern bird generally of the boreal forest region, and the
one with the song form ”fee-bee-o”.

t Great-tailed Crackle includes all the races inhabiting a range from east-central and south-
central Texas south into Mexico, and west into southern Arizona,
tt Boat-tailed Crackle includes all the races inhabiting a range from southeast Texas eastward
along the Gulf Coast to the Florida Keys, and north along the Atlantic Coast into New
Jersey.

TABLE V

CHANGES IN ENGLISH NAMES

Common Name

New Common Name

Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis

Pale-footed Sheax’water Puffinus carneipes

Slender-billed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris

Leach's Petrel* Oceanodroma leucorhoa

Wilson's Petrel* Oceanites oceanicus

Common Egret Casmerodius albus

Wood Ibis Mycteria americana

Shoveler Anas (Spatula) clypeata

Common Scoter Melanitta (Oidemia) nigra

Pigeon Hawk Falco columbarius

Sparrow Hawk Falco sparverius

Harlequine Quail Cyrtonyx montezumae

Upland Plover Bartramia americana

Knot Calidris canutus

Catbird Dumetella carolinensis

Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas

Northern Fulmar
Flesh-footed Shearwater
Short-tailed Shearwater
Leach's Storm Petrel
Wilson's Storm Petrel
Gi'eat Egret
Wood Stork
Northern Shoveler
Black Scoter
Merlin

American Kestrel
Montezuma Quail
Upland Sandpiper
Red Knot
Gray Catbird
Common Yellowthroat

*Storm Petrel has been installed as the group name for all species of the family Hydrobatidae and should be used as
the new English name for all the species in the family, most of which are birds of the Pacific and not listed in the
table above.

[VoL. 44. 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

33

Due to the greater area soon to be encompassed as the new A.O.U. Check-
list area the common names of several species, in addition to all the ones listed
in the preceding tables (with the exception of the Black Scoter), have been
changed in order to prevent confusion with other species with similar English
names. We are told to expect additional changes to the examples listed in
Table V when the new check-list is published.

A limited number of reprints of the Thirty-second supplement to the
A.O.U. Check-list are available for $1.25 each from the Treasurer of the
A.O.U., Burt L. Monroe, Jr., Dept, of Biology, University of Louisville, Louis-
ville, Kentucky 40208. This reprint contains many changes and additional
information not contained in this article.

Department of Biology, East Tennessee State University, Kingsport Uni-
versity Center, P. O. Box 9, Kingsport 37660.

Editor’s Note: Beginning with the present issue of The Migrant the changes in
common and scientific names of birds made in accordance with the "Thirty-
second Supplement to the American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list of North
American Birds” will be used. Contributors to the journal should especially
note these changes.

BACK ISSUES OF "THE MIGRANT”

Copies of The Migrant are now available as described below. Prices given in-
clude postage, and payments should be included with an order. Address all
orders to: James T. Tanner, Route 28, Box 15 5, Knoxville, TN 37920.

Volume 1 (1930) , originally mimeographed and long out-of-print, has been
re-typed and photocopied on both sides of six by nine inch pages so that it
can be bound with the later volumes. The paging was not maintained but
the original page numbers are indicated. Price of Volume 1 : $2.00.

Volume 2 (1931 ) . All four issues are available as photocopies (a very few
of the original printing are being reserved for library orders) . Price of each
issue: $1.00.

Volumes 3 to the present: The following numbers are available as photo-
copies: Vol. 4 (1933), nos. 1 (March) and 3 (Sept.) ; Vol. 5 ( 1934) , nos.
1 (March) and 2 (June) ; Vol. 6 (193 5 ) , no. 1 (March) ; Vol. 9 (1938) ,
no. 1 (March) ; Vol. 10 (1939) , no. 1 (March) . (A few of the original
printing of some of the above issues are being reserved for library orders. )
Price of these printed issues: $1.00.

All other issues are available from the original printings. Price of each:
$0.75.

[Vol. 44, 1973]

34

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

ANNUAL AUTUMN HAWK COUNT

Thomas W. Finucane

In the fall of 1972 the counts of all the species of hawks that are usually
seen in southward migration across Tennessee were average or above, and
several records were established. The count of Broad-winged Hawks was 1 5,057,
a little above the five-year average of 14,723. The Sharp-shinned Hawk count
continued to increase, with 68 in 1971 and 104 in 1972. For 12 years we had
no count of Sharp-shins above 40. In 19 51, however, before this species began
its sharp decline, 98 were recorded, probably for a significantly smaller number
of hours of observation.

The Osprey count was higher than ever before, eight above the 1971
record-breaking 2 8 Ospreys. The 2 5 Marsh Hawks were second only to the 54
reported in 195 3. This hawk’s migration peak is in October, after the end of
the Broad-wing migration; activity in the T.O.S. project subsides early in
October. In September we had 21 Marsh Hawks, but there are no separate
data for September for this species in 195 3.

Hours of observation were 3 37. The halfway point came on 22 September,
on schedule. The first two and one-half percent of the data were recorded
during the first 1 8 percent of the hours of observation, up to 15 September,
and the final two and one-half percent were recorded in the final seven percent
of the hours, after 1 October. Besides the record number of hours of observa-
tion, 81 reports were processed, well above our previous high of 66. The in-
crease in the quantity and quality of field-work is not the most significant
factor in the 1972 record-counts. For example, the Sharp-shinned Hawk count
is three times the average count of the species over the preceding four years,
but the hours of observation had only an increase of 3 5 % above the preceding
four years.

Two Bald Eagles, a Golden Eagle, three Peregrines, and a Rough-legged
Hawk were reported.

Eugene Scott saw a Bald Eagle late in the afternoon, a good time to see
eagles, from the Mendota Fire Tower. Lee Shafer reported one also, on the
east side of Elder Mountain. Scotty’s was the first Bald Eagle reported from
the Mendota Fire Tower lookout since one flew by in 1961. In that year the
T.O.S. fall hawk count had 10 Bald Eagles. To see an eagle is a rare and
beautiful experience for hawkwatchers. Hawk observation stations are not the
best places to look for eagles in and around Tennessee, but when one does fly
by, it is usually exhibiting itself in the best possible way.

There were only two reports with more than 1000 hawks: 1714 at the
Fall Creek Falls State Park Fire Tower and 1615 at the Mendota Fire Tower.
There was a steady stream of Broad-wings from 9 September to 4 October
except on five rainy days; the Ootober count of Broad-wings was 5 88, highest
since 1959.

Meteorological disturbances in our area during the last days of September,
1972, are shown in the Daily Weather Maps and reflected in the following
notes from T.O.S. hawk reports:

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

35

ANNUAL AUTUMN HAWK COUNT 1972

No

Date

Obs

Hrs

Station

Alt

Wind

1 8/14

V

1

Haw Knob Unicoi Mt

5400

_

2

28

AG

li

7 mi N of Crossvl

1830

N-2

3 9/6

AG

2

7 mi N of Crossvl

1830

SW-1

4

9

AG

4

7 mi N of Crossvl

1830

NE-1

5

9

0

8

Rog Kyles Ford FT

2401

N-4

6

9

P

5

Mendota Fire Towr

3018

-

7

10

AG

2

7 mi N of Crossvl

1830

-

8

10

AG

2|

Rockwood FT

2040

SE-1

9

10

T

8f

Rog Kyles Ford FT

2401

E-4

10

10 HQN

7i

Mendota FT

3018

E-3

11

12

AG

5

7 mi N of Crossvl

1830

0

12

12 CEF

6

Mendota FT

3018

S-3

13

14

F

4i

Mendota FT

3018

S-2

14

15

AG

4i

7 mi N of Crossvl

1830

NW-2

15

15

F

6i

Mendota FT

3018

W-2

16

16 AGW

4

Rockwood FT

2040

SE-W

17

16

PT'.

9

Rog Kyles Ford FT

2401

W-3

18

16

F

7

Mendota FT

3018

S-2

19

18

M

4

Fall Crk Falls FT

2026

N-SE-2

20

18

KL

2

White Oak Mt FT

1425

W-4

21

19

M

2

Fall Crk Falls FT'

2026

NE-3

22

19 AGd

5

Rockwood FT

2040

SE-E-N

23

19

FX

7

Rog Kyles Ford FT

2401

N-2

24

19

N

8

Mendota FT

3018

-

25

20

BF

6

Buck Ridge FT

4290

0

26

20

X

5

Rog Kyles Ford FT

2401

0

27

20 CNh

9

Mendota FT

3018

-

28

21

M

6

Fall Crk Falls FT

2026

s-2

29

21

L

3,

Dunlap FT

2240

SE-2

30

21

30

i

Town of Lookout Mt

2000

NE-2

Shn Cp Rdt Rs Bdwg Msh Osp Sph Others

2
3

Zj.

3 75
3 77

31 21

32 21
33 21
3^ 22

35 22

36 22

37 22

38 22

39 23

40 23

41 23

42 23

43 23

44 23

AG
AG
FN
M
L
AG

37

38
23
S

41

42
R

AG

45 23 AGW

46 23

47 23
■ - 23

48

49 24

50 24

51 24

52 24

53 24

54 24

55 24

56 24

57 25

58 25

59 25

60 25

61 25

62 27

63 28

64 30

65 30

66 30

Y

DO

48

S

50

R

AU

G

0

cf

HNZ

KL

R

AG

67 30 ag

AG
S

X

bcF
FI

HN
M
F

Y
F

Y
F
T

81 11/4 FI

68 30

69 10/1

70

71

72

73

74

75

76

77

78

1
1
1
1
2
2
3

3

4

79 20

80 21

Crossville & I-40
Rockwood FT
Mendota FT
Fall Grk Falls FT
Dunlap FT
1-40

Rockwood FT
Mendota FT
Short Mt FT
Fall Crk Falls FT
Dunlap Fire Tower
Chattanooga

1800

2040

3018

2026

WSW

WSW

SE-2

N-2

2240 S-NW-2
1700

2040

3018

2085

2026

2240

660

N-E

NE-2

SE-2

W-4

1
2
4
4
2
4

3

3-5 -

3 68
3 68

4 80

"

-

-

-

9

Zl

-

-

-

Gold Eagle

_

_

_

14

-

_

1

_

15

-

1

-

la

4b

3f

-

-

-

1

-

16

-

1

-

-

-

1

“

“

3

-

2

8

“

“

2

-

“

-

“

2

-

1

-

6

106

:

:

:

:

:

2

1

2

-

94

-

2

-

-

lb

-

_

_

1

_

2

-

_

_

-

lb

If

-

-

-

-

-

42

"

-

1

-

-

"

1

I

I

I

I

0

46

_

_

la

_

_

_

-

1

2

_

53

-

-

-

-

-

If

-

-

_

_

_

88

2

1

2

5a

lb

-

-

8

_

1

1

247

3

1

-

k

1

-

4

-

118

5

"

1

1

-

-

If

1

13 mi NW of Crosvl I960

1-40
Rockwood FT
Pigeon Forge

1700

2040

S 1 75
ESE-ENE 4 65

27

2

164
477
951
36
150
821
1714
1
14
713
109
629
2
49
• 22
181
727
200
275
44
314
69
209
183
93

1

4 2

2

TOTALS

337

Rog Kyles Ford FT

2401

SE-3

3

67

16

-

5

-

197

-

Mendota FT

3018

-

3

72

-

-

1

-

695

2

Fall Grk Falls FT

2026

SE-3

2

68

2

-

3

-

13

1

Dunlap FT

2240

SE-6

0

60

1

-

3

-

159

(B-

Mayland , Tenn

1970

34

-

Peavine FT

2020

S-3

3

70

-

-

1

-

21

-

Rockwood FT

2040

s-sw-3

2

70

»

-

101

1

Rog Kyles Ford FT

2401

S-W-3

4

70

10

-

-

1

609

-

Holston Mt Radar

4100

s-2

3

65

1

-

-

~

409

Mendota FT

3018

SSE

78

1

-

-

-

1615

-

Dunlap FT

2240

SE-6

1

70

-

-

1

-

21

-

Mayland , Tenn

1970

-

-

-

-

-

-

15

“

7 mi N of Crossvl

1830

S-2-3

2

75

-

1

161

-

Holston Mountn FT

4145

47

Mendota FT

3018

S-3

2

76

4

1

1

-

311

Holston Mountn FT

4145

s

32

7 mi N of Crossvl

1830

SW-1

-

-

-

-

-

60

Dunlap FT

2240

N-3

1

A5

2

-

1

-

43

Brainard

680

N-4

-

54

-

-

-

-

50

Lookout MT

2000

N-4

2

54

-

-

-

-

90

Missionary Ridge

1100

N-4

2

59

-

-

-

-

357

Crossville

i860

NW

5

62

-

-

-

383

-

Dunlap FT

2240

NW-2

0

63

2

1

-*

-

65

Frozen Head

-

E-2

1

65

3

3

5

1

35

Holston Mt Radar

4100

-

1

2

56

Mendota FT

3018

SW-3

1

40

-

1

-

-

80

Mendota FT

3018

_

-

-

6

4

2

-

Dunlap FT

2240

N-3

0

65

1

1

-

-

-

1

Mendota FT

3018

0

50

2

1

1

-

78

1

Ooltewah

800

ESE-3

2

62

-

-

-

-

154

Mendota FT

3018

SE-6

0

48

1

1

3

-

70

White Oak Mountn

1400

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

39

Mendota FT

3018

SE-4

1

37

2

-

1

-

-

2

Rog Kyles Ford FT

2401

E-SW-4

0

47

5

2

3

-

Rog Kyles Ford FT

2401

WNW-4

1

“

1

“

9

-

-

-

' 104

35

93

10

15057

2f

- 3a 2b - 4

- 2a - - 1

1 _ _ _ _

- Bald Eagle
Peregrine

- - lb

1 la -

3 Rleg 2Pgr 9

- _ 3f _ _

lla lb - 10

- - - 3

1

1

1

2 - -

- 2a -

- - 2b - 2

5 -

- 3f -

- If -

2 (1 Goshawk)

128

Crossville, 28 Sept. — It rained on the 26th and 27th; clouds started to
break at 10:15. Ground wind 0-3 mph SW ; two layers of clouds — one out of
SW; the second out of NW. (Report No. 63).

[VoL. 44, 1973]

36

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

Crossville, 3 0' Sept. — It rained again on the 29th. On the 3 0th it was
overcast to partly cloudy, the wind out of NW. When the clouds did start
to break at 9:30, it was wild looking with many black clouds, moving fast.
We were surprised the hawks would move under such stormy looking skies.
The skies had not cleared up by the time we reached home at about 11:40.
(No. 68).

Holston Mt., 1 Oct. — In the afternoon our family went to the Holston
Mt. Radar Dome. The area was covered with dead and dying birds, mostly
warblers. Barney picked up a Redstart and warmed it in his hands until it
revived and flew away. Charlotte found the Broad-wings high in the sky south
of the ridge. Surprisingly, no Broad-wings were seen that afternoon from the
Mendota Fire Tower. (Nos. 71 and 73). The sky was clear all day, with a few
clouds. A cold front had moved east to beyond the Atlantic coast, and we
were in a large area of high-pressure air. For three more days we had good
flights of Broad-winged Hawks, a phenomenon we have observed on other
occasions following the eastward passage of a cold front.

KEY TO REPORTERS

A — Adele West; B — Fred Behrend; C — Bill Finucane; D — David Perry;
E — Mr. and Mrs. James Jessee; F — Tom Finucane; G — ^Gene West; H — Homer
Osborne, Garland Osborne and families; I — Fred Alsop; J — Donald Jacobson
and Guests; K — Ken Dubke; F — Fil Dubke; M. — Mary and David Shafer;
N — E. E. Scott; O — ^Tom Odom and Tom III; P — Peter and Whit Morison,
Mike and Barney Finucane; Q — Bob Quillen; R — D. D. Hinds; S — ^Fee, Mary,
and David Shafer; T — Tom Odom; U — Helen Fewis; V — John DeVore; W —
David and Marion Pitts; X — Carol and Tommy Finucane; Y — Cris Haney;
Z — Ray Ball; a — Ann Gibson; b — Barney Finucane; c — Charlotte, Grade, and
Marion Finucane; d — David Pitts; g — Jonathan Gibson; h — Homer Osborne
and Brent Rowell; 23 — Febanon Chapter field trip, led by John Sellars; 30 —
Mrs. Harvie Wilkinson; 37 — Gene and Adele West, Helen Fewis, Roy Hinds,
D. D. Hinds; 3 8 — Fee and Fois Herndon, John and Caroline Martin; 41 —
Beth Craig, Fil Dubke, Ann Gibson, Miguel Marino, Gary Goggins, Daniel
Jacobson, Branson Black, Donne Ellis; 42 — T. F. Rogers; 48 — ^^Watauga Audu-
bon Society; 3 0 — Benton and Jeffrey Basham, Dick and Fou Echols, Dan and
Sam Hans, Gertrude Fleming, Art and Mary Fouise Jones, Vita and Henry
Sliger, Fee Shafer.

BEAUFORT WIND SCAFE

0 — less than 1 mph; 1 — 1 to 3 mph; 2 — 4 to 7 mph; 3 — 8 to 12 mph;
4 — 13 to 18 mph; 3 — 19 to 24 mph; 6 — 2 3-31 mph.

SKY CODE

0 — no clouds all day except perhaps a few near the horizon; 1 — fair
weather; 2 — partly cloudy; 3 — mostly cloudy; 4 — mostly overcast; 3 — heavily
overcast and/or rain.

More detailed descriptions of wind, sky, and temperature are filed with the
individual reports.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

37

TOS STATE MEETING, 1973

The Tennessee Ornithological Society held the annual spring meeting on
4-6 May 1973, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with the Knoxville club acting as
host chapter.

The meeting of the Board of Directors, held Saturday afternoon, 5 May
1973, at Mountain View Hotel, was called to order by the President, Dr.
James T. Tanner.

Minutes of the fall meeting were approved as read by the Secretary, Louise
Nunnally.

Ken Dubke, Treasurer, distributed copies of the financial report and made
explanations and comments. He stated that the addressing machine, purchased
since the last meeting, was proving to be a great help in preparing envelopes
for mailing The Migrant. A motion was made, seconded, and passed that the
report of the Treasurer be accepted.

At the request of the President, Oscar Patrick, of the Nashville Chapter,
told of a bequest to T.O.S. from the estate of the late Gordon H. Briley which
will amount to a sum of around $5,000.00' The committee of the Nashville
Chapter handling information regarding the bequest brought the following
recommendation to the state group:

The committee recommends to the President of the Nashville Chapter of
the T.O.S. that the Nashville Chapter make no formal claim for the bequest
and agrees to recommend that the bequest be turned over to the state council
of the T.O.S. but the Nashville Chapter of the T.O.S. recommends that the
proceeds of the bequest be used for the establishment of a fund to purchase a
wildlife sanctuary to be used for the benefit of all T.O.S. members.

Another suggestion for use of the bequest was to add the sum to the
endowment fund to increase income to be used for the operating fund. No
definite decision was made and the discussion will be resumed later.

A report regarding The Migrant was made by Gary Wallace, the Editor,
who indicated the need for more T.O.S. members. He stated that there has
been a ten percent increase in cost of publication. He said that Dr. Lee
Herndon, who has served as State Count Compiler since resigning as Editor,
has now resigned from this post. Morris Williams will serve in this capacity
and also as Compiler for the central plateau and basin region.

Discussion was then directed to a new membership list. The last list was
published in December of 1970 and since new lists are compiled and published
each three years, it is now time for a new list. A motion was made, seconded,
and passed that a new list be made and distributed as soon and as inexpensively
as possible.

Dr. Tanner announced that Mr. Albert Ganier, one of the founders of
T.O.S., will celebrate his ninetieth birthday on 9 September 1973, and sug-
gested that the September issue of The Migrant honor and be dedicated to
him. A motion was made, seconded, and passed that this be done.

A suggestion was made to enourage members to remember T.O.S. in their
wills.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

3g

The President stated that sales of back issues of The Migrant during the
past year amounted to around $5 0.00. It is planned to photocopy rare back
issues to make them available.

A decision was made that no reports be made by the Vice Presidents.

Dr. Dan Gray, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, was asked for his
report which follows:

President: Mrs. Arlo (Noreen) Smith
Yice-Tresidents

West Tenn. — Mrs. Alice Smith
Middle Tenn. — Bill Senter
East Tenn. — Glen Eller

T reasurer: Kenneth Dubke
Curator: Albert Ganier

Directors-at -Large
Don Manning
Mrs. Gaither Gray
Brent Rowell

Secretary: Mrs. James (Martha)
Waldron

Editor: Gary O. Wallace

There were no nominations from the floor and a motion was made, sec-
onded, and passed that the slate of officers as named by the Nominating Com-
mittee be presented at the business meeting following the banquet.

The Chairman of the Nominating Committee was reminded that the Com-
mittee was appointed to serve for a period of two years and will be responsible
for nominating a President Elect at the next spring meeting.

The President then appointed members to serve on committees as follows:
Finance Committee — Henry Dinkelspiel, Mrs. Thomas Swindell, Paul Pardue,
Eugene West, Ken Dubke; Resolutions Committee — (to report at banquet)
Glen Eller, Bill Senter, Mrs. Alice Smith; Dixon Merritt Memorial — Bill Senter,
Mrs. Byron Paul, Mrs. Sam McFarland, Louise Jackson.

It was reported that the State Department of Parks is interested in the
establishment of a sanctuary in Cedars of Lebanon State Park and a survey
will be conduced by the Department of Forestry and report made to T.O.S.
Information will be given later regarding an appropriate marker and dedication
of the area as a memorial to Mr. Merritt.

A report on the Duck River Heronry disclosed that several thousand
cypress trees have been planted by T.V.A. and pumping behind the docks has
been done. The Committee is to remain active and continue to study to see
what can be done to preserve the heronry.

Dr. Tanner then called attention to the proposed amendment to the Con-
stitution regarding distribution of assets should T.O.S. ever be dissolved. Such
an amendment is necessary in order for T.O.S. to become a tax exempt organi-
zation. Clarifying remarks were made by Ken Dubke. The amendment was
unanimously approved by the Board.

The President announced the reorganization of the Kingsport Chapter
which now has more than twenty members. The group was welcomed and
granted chapter status in T.O.S.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

39

Bill Yambert then mentioned the possibility and feasibility of bird records
being put on punch cards. A discussion followed and it was suggested that
the President appoint a committee to study the proposition.

Details concerning the Spring Foray, planned for 2 5-28 May 1973, in
Benton County, Tennessee, were outlined by Fred Alsop, Foray Director.

He continued with remarks regarding the possibility of a state bird book
and emphasized the tremendous task it would be and all the assistance which
would be needed should the project materialize.

The fall meeting was announced for the week-end of 13 October 1973,
the place, Cumberland Mountain State Park.

The 1974 spring meeting will be held in the western part of the state, the
dates and location to be announced later.

There was then a lengthy discussion by Tim McCall, Project Administrator
for Natural Areas in Tennessee, and Tony Koella, Assistant Commissioner of
Conservation, regarding preservation of natural areas in 17 locations in the
state. Each of the areas was identified, classified, and discussed.

Ken Dubke mentioned the possibility of again having T.O.S. patches, and
perhaps decals, made available. It was decided that patches be ordered and made
available to members.

The meeting of the Board of Directors was then adjourned.

A very delightful and enjoyable banquet and program were held on Satur-
day evening at the Mountain View Hotel.

At the general business meeting, held after the delicious meal. Dr. Tanner
brought to the entire membership items which had been discussed at the
earlier meeting of the Board.

New officers were announced, with the addition of Mrs. Gaither Gray and
Brent Rowell as Directors at Targe. Nominations were closed and the slate
elected as named.

The speaker of the evening. Dr. George Hall, Professor of Chemistry at
the University of West Virginia at Morgantown, and Edi^-or of the Wilson
Bulletin and the Appalachian Area edition of American Birds, was introduced
by Dr. Tanner. Dr. Hall’s talk, entitled "Some Ornithological Puzzles in the
Southern Appalachians”, was informative, interesting, and enjoyed by all. He
was warmly thanked for his contribution to the program.

Dr. Tanner expressed appreciation to the various officers who served with
him during the past two years. He then presented and turned the gavel over
to Mrs. Arlo Smith, the new President, who made appropriate and gracious
remarks regarding her election.

A fun-time followed, with Eouise Nunnally, of the Knoxville Chapter,
conducting the drawing of lucky numbers for door prizes. Eauri DeFoe se-
lected the tickets and Jan Hulme distributed attractive gifts — craft items
appropriate to the mountain area — to holders of the lucky tickets and to the
person occupying the lucky chair.

The program was then concluded and the meeting was adjourned.

Louise B. Nunnally, Secretary

[VoL. 44, 1973]

40

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

RESOLUTIONS

The Tennessee Ornithological Society hereby extends to the officers and
members of our host chapter, the Knoxville chapter of TOS, its sincere ap-
preciation and gratitude for the excellent planning and fine programs for the
1973 annual meeting of our organization. Also to the outgoing state officers
for a job well done.

We would also like to place our Society’s support along with the Buffalo
River chapter in its recognition of the Agriculture Act of 1973, which is now
before Congress.

We extend special thanks to Dr. George A. Hall, professor of Chemistry
at West Virginia University, editor of the Wilson Biilletin and also editor for
the Appalachian Region of American Birds for his taking time out from his
many duties to be with us as guest speaker. To Mr. Don Defoe and other
personnel of the U. S. National Parks Division for their fine help and assistance
in making this meeting so educational and enjoyable.

A very special word of thanks and appreciation goes to Dr. Lee R. Herndon
for the 17 years he has served on the editorial staff of The Migrant, with 15
of these years as Editor.

We would also like to recognize the contributions of the following mem-
bers of the Tennessee Ornithological Society who have recently passed away
and will be sadly missed from our presence: Mr. Kirby Stringer, Mr. Quentin
Dowdy, Mrs. Sarah Barton, Miss Marguerite Pflug, Mrs. Nancy Carver, Mr.
Walter Nickol and Mr. Bill Finucane.

Respectfully submitted, Glen D. Eller; chairman, Mr. Bill Senter and Miss
Alice Smith.

ROUND TABLE NOTES

MARBLED GODWIT AND WILLET OBSERVED IN NASHVILLE—
At 19:00 CDT as we were concluding a visit to the Buena Vista Bottoms,
Nashville, on 10 August 1971 our attention was drawn to an unfamiliar bird
call from high overhead. Shortly we saw two birds making wide circles over
the bottoms. As the circles became shorter and the height lower the birds were
observed against a backdrop of trees. Then it was realized that the lead bird
was a Willet (Cafopfrophoriis semipalmatus) , the striking black and white
flight pattern and straight bill being identifying field marks. As the birds
continued to circle it was soon seen that the second bird was larger than the
Willet, was two-tone brown and had a long bill which appeared to be slightly
upturned. The birds then landed several hundred yards away.

At a distance of 50 feet in good light there were seen standing on the
road the Willet and an unmistakable Marbled Godwit [Limosa fedoa). From
notes taken in the field the latter bird was larger than the Willet; had a long
slender two- tone upturned bill that was pinkish with a dark tip; brown body;

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

41

small light eye-line and a darkish line from edge of eye to bill. The species
was distinguished from the other godwits by the lack of white in the flight
pattern.

The birds allowed us to study them for five minutes with various power
binoculars and scopes, and field guides. They were finally flushed by an ap-
proaching car, made one circle of the bottoms and headed due south until out
of sight.

There had been .0 3 inch of rain between 15:00 and 18:00. The high
temperature for the day was 90 F and 76 F at the time of observation.
Though there was bi-daily coverage of the area the birds were not seen again.
None of us had seen a Marbled Godwit before but the closeness and length
of observation left no doubt as to its identity.

This was the first fall record of a Willet for the Nashville area. The
Marbled Godwit was the second state record, the first being 2-6 September
1970 at Savannah Bay, Chattanooga, by Ken Dubke and Fee Shafer, The
Migrant 41:88 (December 1970).

Michael Fee Bierly, 3 826 Bedford Avenue, Nashville 3721 5.

Katherine A. Goodpasture, 3407 Hopkins Fane, Nashville 3721 5.

Margaret F. Mann, 2189 Riverview Drive, Nashville 37214.

WHITE-WINGED CROSSBIFFS IN BRISTOF— On 13 April, 1972, I
was watching my small children play in the driveway at approximately 12:15
when my attention was drawn to two birds on a pine limb that hung down
directly behind and above the children. At a distance, the birds appeared to
be sparrows but the way in which they were working on the pine cones,
sometimes hanging upside down, was what kept my interest.

I was afraid to take my eyes off the birds long enough to get my binocu-
lars from the house. The birds seemed not to be bothered by four noisy children
so I decided to try and walk closer which I began doing. The birds were a
streaked olive-gray and the first marks to be quite noticeable were the two
definite white wing-bars. Then I was close enough to see the crossed mandibles
quite clearly and be certain that they were female or immature White-winged
Crossbills (Loxia leucoptera) . I got to within about 8 feet of the birds and
observed them for two or three minutes before they seemed to get nervous
and flew to a pine tree across the street. As they flew their yellow rumps
showed clearly.

Due to the ages of my children, I was unable to follow the birds and
know how long they were in the area.

Diane C. Wilson, 205 Robin Road, Bristol 37620.

Correction: The Migrant 44:17, 1973. Fine two reads as follows: On 7 No-
vember 1973. It should read: On 7 November 1971.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

42

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

BIRD FINDING IN TENNESSEE

KNOXVILLE
Dr. Fred J. Aesop, III

A birder visiting Knoxville can find at least three very productive spots in
which to pursue his hobby, each within a 15 minute drive of City Hall.
Sharp’s Ridge in the northern part of the city is reached by taking the Clinton
Hwy. (1-75 and Tenn. 2 5W) exit off N. Broadway for approximately 2.6
miles. Exit east onto 1-640 and follow it 2.2 miles (the ridge parallelling your
route to the south with the three TV transmitting towers is Sharp’s Ridge) to
the Broadway exit. Turn south on Broadway for about .5 mile and after
passing under two traffic lights turn right on Ludlow (first street to the right
of Shoney’s Restaurant on the left), cross the R.R. tracks and continue on to
Freemason, turn right and follow the road to the crest of Sharp’s Ridge turning
left at the fork in the gap. You may drive just over a mile to the overlook
at the west end of the ridge, but walking the road provides the best birding.
Though a good birding spot at any time of the year, the ridge is outstanding
during spring migration, especially the last 10 days of April and the first 10
of May. At this time more than 20 species of warblers can be found in one

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

43

morning and all six eastern vireo species have been seen here in one day as well
as many other transient and resident songbird species. Great Horned and
Screech Owls are resident. A good birder at the peak of the spring migration
should list around 80 species of birds in a morning on the ridge.

Retrace your route south to 1-40 following it west about 1 mile to the
Alcoa exit (U. S. 129 and Tenn. 73). Follow U. S. 129 south about .9 mile
exiting east (under 129) to Neyland Dr. Follow Neyland along Ft. Foudoun
Lake about .5 mile and park where the drive crosses Third Creek. Walk north
into the lot of the Tenn. Septic Tank Co. or along the R.R. track bordering it.
Warbling Vireos and Orchard Orioles nest in the Sycamores along the creek
and are present from late April into July.

Return to the Alcoa Hwy. and turn south across the Tennessee River (Ft.
Loudoun Lake) and turn left into the U. T. Hospital grounds .5 mile south
of the river. Continue through the grounds, turn right onto Cherokee Trail
and park at the first pulloff on the right (approx. .2 mile from the hospital).
The steeply wooded hillsides west of the road are part of the Univ. of Tenn.
Cherokee Woodlot on which Dr. J. C. Howell, U. T. Zoology Dept, has con-
ducted a breeding bird census for many years (these reports are in American
Birds — formerly Audubon Field Notes). Wood Ducks are often on the small
pond in the spring, Pileated Woodpeckers are resident, and the wet valley along
the dirt road has produced Morning Warblers in late May and is always pro-
ductive.

Return to Alcoa Hwy. and drive south. Within .5 mile you will pass the
Naval Reserve Station on the right. The large island beyond it (Looney’s
Isld.) requires a boat to be visited, but can be well worth the effort as it has
a good cattail marsh and is the only known nesting site in Knox County for
the Traill’s Flycatcher (Alsop, 1971, Migrant, 42:25-26, 29). Approximately
3 miles from the U. T. Hospital you will see a large farm on the right. The
sign at the entrance indicates this is the U. T. Plant Science Farm. Enter and
follow the gravel road to the left past the manager’s home and park off the
road just before reaching the chain barrier crossing the road (don’t drive past
this barrier even when it is down). Walking the roads 'bordering the planted
fields and along the lake shore should produce many birds. This area has been
the site of most of the recent records for new and/or unusual species in Knox
County in the past decade. More than 20 species of shorebirds have been seen
here as well as terns, gulls, ducks. Bobolinks, Horned Larks, Water Pipits, and
many other species which inhabit open fields, lakes, and shorelines. Buff4breasted
Sandpipers in small flocks were found here in late August and September in
1969-70-71. Mid-summer is perhaps the poorest season in which to visit the
farm.

Publications and references on birds of the Knoxville Area include: Pet-
tingill, 1951, A Guide to Bird-finding East of the Mississippi, Oxford Univ.
Press, N. Y.; Howell and Monroe, 1957, Birds of Knox Co., Tenn., J. Tenn.
Acad. Sci., 32:247-322, and 1958, Migrant, 29:17-27; Alsop and Wallace,

1970, Addendum: The Birds of Knox Co., Term., Migrant, 41:1-4; and Alsop,

1971, A Checklist of Birds of Knox Co., Term., Knoxville Chapt. T.O.S. The
last is available free on request by sending a self-addressed legal-sized stamped
envelope to: C. A. Massey and Co., 1301 Hannah Ave. N.W., Knoxville, Tenn.

Dept, of Biology, East Tennessee State University, Kingsport Univ. Center,
P. O. Box 9, Kingsport 37660.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

44

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

1973 SPRING FIELD DAYS

Morris D. Williams

A grand total of 215 species were recorded during the twenty-eighth an-
nual spring field days. The high number of species can probably be attributed
to the high number of counts, the high number of participants, and the high
number of hours spent in the field. Eifteen counts appear in the table in the
order of their occurrence from west to east across the state.

Because of the wide diversity of conditions under which the counts were
made, comparisons of numbers of species and numbers of individuals should
be avoided. Memphis counted for only 4 hours; Nashville and Eebanon counted
for 48 hours. Knoxville limited its count to the boundaries of Knox County;
Nashville included portions of eight counties in the count. Savannah had 1
observer; about one hundred observers counted in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Chattanooga counted on 18 April; the Reelfoot Count was made 2 5 days later
on 13 May. Most of the counts were made under clear skies; Cookeville counted
under cloudy skies with poor visibility.

The number of individuals was not recorded in some instances on the
Reelfoot and Great Smoky Mountains counts. The following abbreviations were
used: EC — fairly common, C — common, VC — very common, A — abundant.

INFORMATION ON THE COUNTS

Memphis: Shelby Forest State Park — 29 April; 07:00 to 11:00; clear,
temp. 45 to 60®; participants — Memphis Chapter TOS; Compiler, Billy C.
Grimm.

Reelfoot: Lake and Obion Counties — 13 May; a.m. only; fair, wind 5-15
mph; Compiler, Ben B. Coffey.

Savannah — 29-30 April; 12:00-12:00, 24 hrs.; clear, temp. 50-70®; Com-
piler, Michale Patterson.

Columbia: 3-4 May; 10:00-10:00, 24 hrs.; clear, temp. 35-70®; wind N.
5-18 mph; 7 observers, 3 parties; compiler, George R. Mayfield, Jr. 4 un-
identified dowitchers were also reported.

Nashville: 2 5 mile radius of Nashville — 28, 29 April; 48 hrs. midnight-
midnight; clear, temp. 37-72®; wind NW to S, 5-15 mph; 39 observers, 9
parties; compilers, Clyde and Vivian Anderson.

Murfreesboro: 28 April; clear, temp. 48-65®; 37 observers; compiler, Anne
Hettish.

Lebanon: Wilson Co. — 25, 29 April; 48 hrs.; clear, temp. 50-75 ®; 36 ob-
servers; compiler. Rev. William Senter.

Cookeville: 20 April, 07:30-17:00; cloudy, poor visibility, temp. 65-80®;
miles by car — 82, miles on foot — 6; 22 observers; compiler. Miser Richmond.

Chattanooga: 18 April; partly cloudy, wind 15 mph, temp. 44-60®; 13
observers; compiler, Frank Hixon; 3 unidentified night herons were also re-
ported.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

45

1973 SPRING FIELD DAYS

Mem Reel Sava Colu Nash Murf Leb Cook Chat Knox GSMP Gi’een King Bri Eli
Common Loon — — 1 -- 11 — — — 1 — — -- 1 — G

Horned Grebe — — 2 — — — — — — — — — -- — —

Pied -billed Grebe — — — 5 3 — — — — -- — — 2 — 5

Great Blue Heron — 4 1 2 2 — 4 — 6 3 — — 1 1 3

Green Heron — 5 2 6 24 9 14 — 3 24 — 4 5 3 15

Little Blue Heron — — ■ — — — — 1 — — — — — — — —

Cattle Egret — 12 — — — — 1 — — — — — — — —

Great Egret — 2 — — 6 — — — i i — — — — 1

Bl.-cr. Night Heron — 12 — — 21 — — — — — — — — — —

Yel. -cr. Night Heron — — — 1 1 — — — — 1 — — — -- 1

American Bittern — — 1 — 3 3 — -- 1 -- — -- 2 — 1

Canada Goose — — — — 186 1 20 — 2 — — — 2 — —

Mallard — 3 — 7 50 — 24 — G — — 7 25 9 17

Black Duck — — -- — — -- — — 3 9 — — — — —

Gadwall — — — — 5 — — — — — — — -- — —

Blue-wing Teal — 2 2 — 65 12 2 — 10 13 — 23 2 4 68

American Wigeon — — — — — — — -- -- — — — — — 1

Northern Shoveler — — — 4 — — — — -- — — — -- — 19

Wood Duck 10 3 — 3 26 4 21 — 9 15 — 15 53 — 19

, Ring-nk. Duck — — --2 6 — — — — -- — — — — —

Canvasback — — — — 6 -- — — — — — — — — —

Lesser Scaup — — — — 4 — — — — — — — — — 1

Bufflehead — — — — — — — — — — — -- — — 46

Ruddy Duck — — — 1 2 — — — 2 — — — — — —

Hooded Merganser — — -- 1 — — — -- — — — -- — — —

Common Merganser — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 3

Red-br. Merganser — — — — 10 — — — — — — -- — — 7

Turkey Vulture — 13 9 7 64 6 26 11 44 15 C 5 43 9 S

Black Vulture 1 3 3 13 22 14 19 — 1 3 2 3 26 — —

Miss. Kite 1 11 — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Goshawk — — — — — — — — — -- — — — — 1

Sharp-sh. Hawk — — — — -- — 6 — 1 — — — -- — 1

Cooper's Hawk — — — — 3 -- 5 — — 1 1 — 1 — 2

Red-tailed Hawk 1 1 3 4 21 5 10 5 9 8 I — 5 1 3

Red-shouldered Hawk — 1 — — 7 — 115 — — — — — —

Broad-winged Hawk 4 1 2 1 12 — 12 1 8 16 2 — 3 — 11

Marsh Hawk — — — — — 1 — — — 1 — — — — 2

Osprey — 2 2 — 9 — — — 2 8 — 1 — 1 11

American Kestrel — — 1 8 24 14 16 7 9 4 — — 11 3 7

Ruffed Grouse — — — — — — — — — — 3 — 4 — 1

Bobwhite 2 2 17 25 129 17 41 34 25 196 1 27 35 5 35

Ring-nk. Pheasant — — — — -- — — — — — — 1

furkey 1 — -- — — -- — — — — — -- -- — 4

Virginia Rail — — — — — 1 -- — 1 — — — — — 1

Sora — — — 3 1 — — — 1 2 — 1 1—1

Common Gallinule — — — 1

American Coot — — — 56 102 4 2 — 2 60 — — — — 7

Semipalmated Plover — — — 3 — — — 7 1

Piping Plover — — — 1 — — -- — -- — — — — — —

Killdeer 1 3 14 13 77 27 57 — 17 71 — 20 25 19 30

Am. Golden Plover — — 1 — — — — — — — — -- — — —

American Woodcock — — 1 1 1 — — — — 3 — 1 — — 1

Common Snipe — -- 1 — 6 — — — 2 11 — 7 1 — 22

Upland Sandpiper — — — — — — — — — 1 — — — -- 1

Spotted Sandpiper — — 14 10 22 1 5 1 5 47 — — 9 1 16

Solitary Sandpiper 1 — 9 18 24 4 10 — 10 22 — 6 5 — 38

Greater Yellowlegs — — 3 3 2 — — — 28 — — 1 4 — 13

Lesser Yellowlegs — — 7 76 7 — — — 11 — — 12 2 — 24

Pectoral Sandpiper — — 6 8 — — — — 7 2 — — — — 13

Baird's Sandpiper — — — — 1 — — — — — — — — — —

Least Sandpiper — — — 54 28 12 — — 4 5 — — 9 — 10

Dunlin — — — 2 — — — — — — — — — — —

Sh. -billed Dowitcher — — — — — — 1 — — — — — — — —

Semipal. Sandpiper — — — 8 1 — — — — — — — — — —

Herring Gull — — — — i — 2 — — — — — — 7 —

Ringed-billed Gull — — 4 — 93 — — — 14 6 — — — :: 11

Bonaparte's Gull — — 5 — 3 — — — — — — — -- — r-

Forster's Tern — — — — 1 — — — — — — — — — 6

Common Tern — — — 6 — — — — — — — — — — —

Caspian Tern — — — — 2 — — — — — — — — — —

46

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

Mem

Reel

Sava

Colu

Nash

Murf

Leb

Cook

Chat

Knox

GSMP

Green

King

Bri

Eli

Black Tern

2

Mourning Dove

7

12

38

35

178

33

145

107

52

278

C

69

104

56

75

Yellow-bid. Cuckoo

—

3

—

2

24

2

5

—

6

11

—

—

9

1

—

Black-bld. Cuckoo

__

1

1

—

—

2

1

—

2

—

—

Barn Owl

1

2

2

6

—

—

1

Screech Owl

—

—

2

1

4

1

4

__

__

8

1

2

4

3

Great Horned Owl

—

—

—

2

4

—

4

—

—

4

Barred Owl

3

3

1

3

7

—

4

—

—

2

1

1

Saw -whet Owl

2

Chuck-will 's-widow

—

“

1

2

5

—

1

1

2

13

—

2

1

—

1

Whip-poor-will

—

—

3

15

7

1

—

1

3

2

1

2

2

—

3

Common Nighthawk

—

—

1

4

2

4

8

—

1

9

—

—

10

—

2

Chimney Swift

8

—

91

85

365

171

269

78

155

421

A

141

220

49

247

Ruby-th. Hummingbird

18

7

3

1

10

2

2

8

5

5

1

—

1

1

5

Belted Kingfisher

1

—

1

4

18

5

11

2

7

21

C

9

11

8

18

Common Flicker

6

2

4

—

30

14

8

28

26

51

FC

27

31

15

56

Pileated Woodpecker

9

—

4

8

27

2

4

9

5

24

FC

3

11

1

9

Red-bel. Woodpecker

14

—

9

26

75

7

22

16

28

48

1

17

18

1

8

Red-hd. Woodpecker

1

—

1

5

12

1

3

7

3

5

1

2

4

1

1

Yel. -bel. Sapsucker

1

3

1

1

4

1

2

—

—

1

“

3

Hairy Woodpecker

—

—

1

4

13

5

4

7

1

10

FC

2

7

1

3

Downy Woodpecker

3

—

8

35

95

9

31

15

8

51

C

8

24

5

31

Eastern Kingbird

1

43

11

16

56

19

136

2

27

38

4

5

15

2

10

Great Cr. nycatcher

4

10

10

11

17

6

20

3

5

19

C

6

26

—

2

Eastern Phoebe

—

—

19

6

22

2

13

19

7

28

c

5

25

8

28

Acadian Flycatcher

10

4

8

4

6

—

1

—

2

1

c

—

2

—

1

Least Flycatcher

1

6

—

__

E. Wood Pewee

13

7

11

11

19

1

8

2

7

4

3

10

25

—

2

Olive-sd. Flycatcher

—

1

1

2

Horned Lark

”

4

1

8

5

2

9

—

2

—

—

2

Tree Swallow

—

1

—

21

29

—

2

2

90

133

—

3

5

59

130

Banli Swallow

—

—

—

6

1

—

18

—

9

36

—

—

1

2

9

Rough-wgd. Swallow

2

2

6

74

81

2

86

6

44

106

c

8

23

—

236

Barn Swallow

25

25

22

83

234

79

268

35

130

227

c

46

141

84

347

Cliff Swallow

1

—

227

”

69

”

8

2

113

16

18

Purple Martin

—

—

9

31

75

103

103

39

63

154

c

—

70

—

37

Blue Jay

10

FC

52

37

446

171

253

185

66

418

c

123

156

86

174

Common Raven

4

1

1

—

—

Common Crow

5

10

13

42

143

35

139

80

88

288

C

141

120

77

127

Fish Crow 1

Blk. -cpd. Chickadee
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Wht. -br. Nuthatch
Red-br. Nuthatch

14 FC ; 9 19

19 FC ’ 24 33

2 1 — 1

141 39 84 22

164 20 56 62

26 — — 4

1 2 — —

26 203

31 163

1 4

3 36

C — — — —

C 15 55 19 70

C 22 55 12 93

FC — II — 9

C — 1 — 2

Brown Creeper — — — — — 1 — — — — C

House Wren

6

—

2

4

—

12

3

11

20

5

22

Winter Wren
Bewick's Wren

1

8

10

2

4

2

C

2

1

Carolina Wren

25

FC

12

15

102

19

23

28

44

194

C

16

93

9

69

Sh.dDl. Marsh Wren

1

—

—

Mockingbird

9

9

13

40

215

145

269

62

37

244

FC

78

67

41

55

Gray Catbird

11

5

2

14

34

25

10

3

9

31

FC

15

21

1

16

Brown Thrasher

1

1

6

26

100

46

90

43

22

95

FC

26

23

12

28

Robin

6

5

15

42

179

220

187

125

no

456

C

199

160

105

207

Wood Thrush

20

FC

19

12

37

2

13

3

32

59

C

7

66

3

46

Hermit Thrush

2

2

Swainson's Thrush

17

5

1

6

44

2

6

—

4

31

3

—

15

—

5

Gray-chk. Thrush

4

—

—

3

4

2

—

—

1

—

1

Veery

"

2

—

7

4

—

2

—

—

1

FC

—

1

—

4

Eastern Bluebird

2

—

26

14

161

4

113

35

32

62

5

4

39

6

17

Blue-gr. Gnatcatcher

73

FC

21

21

109

—

77

2

47

88

C

12

14

1

17

Gold.-cr. Kinglet

C

Ruby-cr. Kinglet

—

—

1

1

6

1

2

1

4

37

FC

3

—

1

8

Cedar Waxwing

1

20

—

—

47

54

4

—

22

58

"

"

48

2

—

Loggerhead Shrike

—

—

3

7

26

4

26

4

14

11

1

1

3

2

2

Starling

50

C

24

215

588

344

870

195

366

1783

C

938

1000

363

622

Wh. -eyed Vireo

40

FC

32

12

108

1

69

7

37

74

FC

7

16

2

26

Yel.-thr. Vireo

7

FC

3

1

23

—

4

—

18

28

C

—

2

—

1

Solitary Vireo

1

17

A

3

1

—

15

Red-eyed Vireo

28

C

4

13

62

4

5

3

«1

174

A

__

65

—

14

Philadelphia Vireo

—

1

—

—

2

Warbling Vireo

1

FC

—

2

9

1

1

--

—

5

Blk. -&-wh. Warbler

5

—

10

2

22

2

6

—

24

46

C

1

13

1

20

Prothonotary Warbler

11

FC

5

6

35

2

4

—

3

2

1

2

1

—

—

1973

THE MIGRANT

47

Swainson's Warbler
Worm -eat. Warbler
Golden-wng. Warbler
Blue-wng. Warbler
Tennessee Warbler

Mem Reel Sava Coin Nash Murf Leb Cook Chat Knox GSMP Green King Bri Eli

1

1

45

2

— 1 3 11

1 — 24

— 7 7 37

FC 19 25 57

1

C

FC

1

FC

Orange -cr. Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Parula Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Magnolia Warbler

FC — 2 — l(i

C 9 20 — 31

Cajx; May Warbler
Bl. -th. Blue Warbler
Yel. -rumped Warbler
Bl.-th. Gn. Warbler
Cerulean Warbler

12 — 10 48

G

11

1

2

31 231 19 44

7 7 1 —

3 17 — 2

109 233

12 71

2G 55

3 — 9 — 1

C 1 11 — 2

FC 12 27 4 29

C — 27 — 8

Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow-th. Warbler
Chestnut-sd. Warbler
Bay -breasted Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler

23 -- 2

9 — 10

GO — —

Pine Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Palm Warbler
Ovenbird
No. Waterthrush

La. Waterthrush
Kentucky Warbler
Connecticut Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Common Yellowthroat

Yellow-br. Chat
Hooded Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
Canada Warbler
American Redstart

House Sparrow
Bobolink
E. Meadowlark
Red-wng. Blackbird
Orchard Oriole

Northern Oriole
Rusty Blackbird
Common Crackle
Brown-hd. Cowbird
Scarlet Tanager

Summer Tanager
Cardinal

Rose-br. Grosbeak
Blue Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting

Dickcissel
Evening Grosbeak
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch

Rufous-sd. Towhee
Savannah Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Lark Sparrow

Dark -eyed Junco
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Harris' Sparrow
White-cr. Sparrow

White-th. Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Song Sparrow

Species, Total
Species, Grand Total 215

—

—

5

—

1

—

5

3

3

3

1

3

—

—

18

14

51

2

31

4

20

29

—

1

9

3

1

—

—

4

26

96

13

41

—

112

17

1

1

3

3

8

4

8

—

2

2

2

33

A

—

12

—

17

2

3

—

3

19

—

10

—

1

"

1

—

1

8

2

24

—

6

—

5

8

FC

1

3

—

10

17

4

9

34

"

9

27

1

7

FC

--

3

—

1

4

1

FC

30

19

84

3

33

7

15

101

2

10

21

2

9

3

5

10

9

65

2

21

—

12

26

3

5

17

1

3

3

4

5

3

7

—

1

2

35

47

C

1

12

—

4

3

1

C

4

__

__

5

FC

1

6

17

—

3

—

31

6

FC

1

8

—

3

—

10

15

80

78

305

247

44

39

166

C

56

200

45

112

—

2

20

85

—

—

4

—

30

9

5

3

C

20

103

376

185

446

174

97

375

c

126

112

36

124

4

VC

G4

180

283

94

102

49

102

478

c

71

105

26

184

18

FC

7

23

80

12

44

1

10

24

c

10

11

1

4

10

FC

1

1

8

__

4

—

—

1

4

1

9

2

3

1

2

—

—

2

13

23

C

87

290

1074

363

954

321

117

1055

A

290

1200

541

460

70

FC

43

37

232

98

371

92

26

265

C

33

76

4

77

1

1

2

G

47

3

2

—

24

35

c

—

16

1

17

27

4

9

14

G1

2

25

—

11

46

1

1

18

—

2

55

C

54

63

437

208

368

169

68

434

c

104

138

69

201

2

5

G

14

G8

2

8

7

24

50

A

4

47

1

7

—

—

—

1

21

—

5

—

11

8

—

2

1

—

—

80

C

112

62

134

26

32

5

49

68

FC

3

72

1

6

__

15

2

6

—

__

1

__

5

1

—

3

—

84

12

48

39

34

41

C

14

1

28

299

—

—

G

—

16

9

1

20

—

4

C

—

2

1

117

10

14

14

—

11

88

C

--

1

1

82

10

3

13

31

353

89

68

29

49

83

C

16

57

23

146

G

—

12

23

162

49

61

68

50

235

C

20

65

40

101

::

--

3

8

6

27

3

7

7

4

1

35

—

1

1

3

"

1

2

5

10

—

2

—

—

—

—

1

—

4

1

1

3

—

—

A

2

4

—

22

3

—

1

13

84

38

57

16

18

62

FC

11

25

7

36

“

4

9

52

158

39

68

62

43

217

FC

21

89

8

51

-

-

-

21

21

16

52

-

-

11

-

5

-

2

22

50

—

31

30

143

12

74

78

66

356

C

22

4

28

'68

4

1

—

3

1

1

—

1

2

66

5

3

2

2

27

—

1

—

—

8

1

"

1

3

28

21

319

c

59

103

39

138

88

95

117

133

163

102

133

76

139

144

109

93

132

74

149

[VoL. 44, 1973]

48

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

Knoxville: Knox County — 29 April; clear, temp. 3 8-69°; 30 observers;
compiler, J. B. Owen. A Brewster’s warbler hybrid was also reported.

Great Smoky Mountains: 4, 5, 6 M,ay, TOS State Meeting, includes rec-
ords; from Gatlinburg, several parties afield each day.

Greeneville: Greene County — 29 April; 07:00-21:00; 14 observers; com-
pilers, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Nevius.

Kingsport: Sullivan and adjacent counties — 12 May; 06:00-23:00; over-
cast— scattered clouds, temp. 3 0-70°; 2 3 observers; compiler, Tom Bowman.

Bristol: 28 April; miles by car — 143, miles on foot — 7; 11 observers; com-
piler, Rockwell Bingham.

Elizabethton: 28 April; 12:00-12:00, 24 hrs.; clear, temp. 43-60°; 19 ob-
servers; compiler, Glen Eller. The Goshawk was seen by Lee Herndon and
John Martin.

IN MEMORIAM

DR. CHARLES HOLLAND

The accidental death on 14 July 1973 of Dr. Charles Holland came as a
shock to TOS members. The Murfreesboro Chapter lost one of its most valuable
members.

Chuck, as his friends affectionately knew Dr. Holland, had just accepted
the position of Vice-President of the Murfreesboro Chapter and was a director
to the TOS. He had been an assistant professor of Biology at Middle Tennessee
State University since 1970, and had assumed the teaching of their Ornithology
classes. He was a native of Massachusetts. He earned his B.S. degree from East
Carolina State University and his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. He
was a veteran of the Marine Corps and a member of Phi Sigma, Sigma Xi and
Phi Beta Chi.

Dr. Holland is survived by his wife, Elaine, an eight-year old daughter,
Sheryl Lynn, his father, mother and one brother. '

None of these facts in any way express the grief that we feel at the loss
of Chuck, who was such a pleasure to be with and whose future seemed so
bright.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

49

THE SEASON

Dr. Fred J. Aesop, III, Editor

SPRING MIGRATION: 16 MARCH- 15 MAY

As you read this and subsequent Season reports you will find some common
names that are unfamiliar, a spelling change, and some taxonomic changes.
Recently the Thirty-second Supplement to the 1957 A.O.U. Check-list was
published (1973. The Auk, 90(2) :41 1-419) . This work updates the existant
check-list which is the standard for North American ornithologists, and the
changes instituted with it are used in this report for the first time. The new
nomenclature used in the following observations is: Great Egret (Common
Egret); Wigeon (from Widgeon); Northern Shoveler (Shoveler) ; Upland
Sandpiper (Upland Plover) ; "Traill’s” Flycatcher when the song form of this
newly split species was not given by the observer; Willow Flycatcher (species
with the fitz-bew song form of the former Traill’s Flycatcher species) ; Yellow-
rumped Warbler (Myrtle Warbler subspecies) ; and Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon
Junco sub-species as used in this report).

The statewide winter invasion of boreal finches experienced this year is
reflected by observations of many Evening Grosbeaks in ALL four regions.
Many flocks were still present in number in all regions into late May. Regions
east of the Tennessee River also reported concentrations of Purple Finches and
Pine Siskins thru the reporting period. The House Finches reported in the last
Season remained in Greeneville thru the first week of April. There were addi-
tional Goshawk sightings in East Tennessee and the injured bird being housed
in Nashville managed to escape his cage.

The reported Olive-sided Flycatcher and Black-throated Blue Warbler are
unusual migratory records for the Western Coastal Plain.

The heavy spring rains across the state possibly contributed to the many
shorebird records from the Central Plateau and Basin where a single Snowy
Egret was also found. The Harris Sparrow that wintered in Donelson lingered
well into April.

Virginia Rails were present thru the period in Alcoa Marsh and though
Morris Williams spent much time in these marshes, no positive evidence of
the nesting of this species was found. The attempted nestings of Black Ducks
in some number in East Tennessee is significant as are the several Barn Owl
nests found in the Johnson City area.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

50

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

Many noteworthy observations of Tennessee birds are to be found in the
following pages. If The Season seems lacking because of the scarcity of infor-
mation on a species, or the total absence of any record of a bird YOU saw
during the period, could it perhaps be because YOU didn’t send YOUR records
to us?

WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION— Cattle Egret: 1 May (20)
Overton Park M (Bob Mattlin, Zoo Director), 5 May (24) M, (AL).

Duck-Merganser: Mallard (6), Blue- winged Teal (38), American Wigeon
(6), Northern Shoveler (9), Wood Duck (24), Ring-necked Duck (2),
Lesser Scaup (2), Bufllehead (1) Ruddy Duck (200) Red-breasted Merganser
(1) — all 7 April, R (MLB and party).

Eagle-Grosbeak: Bald Eagle: 7 Apr. (1) R (MLB and party). MISSISSIPPI
KITE: 13 May (10) Walnut Log Area R (BBC, Lula Coffey). Sora Rail: 8
and 14 Apr. (1) and 29 Apr. (1, dead, about 2 days) M (ER). Black-bellied
Plover: 22 May (1) Duck River Unit TNWR (JL). Dunlin: 7 Apr. (1) R
(MLB and party), 17 May (2) Busseltown Unit TNWR (JL). Common
Nighthawk: 13 M,ay (11) M (AL), 21 May (19) M (ER). OEIYE-SIDED
FLYCATCHER: 13 May (1) R (Martha Waldron and party). Swainson’s
Warbler: 15 thru 22 May, not found 24 May (1, singing) Overton Park, M
(BBC). BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER: (1) R (MLB and party).
EVENING GROSBEAK: throughout season to 9 May (up to estimated 200
total, 15 on 9 May) 20 locations in M and 3 locations in Fayette County
(BBC, JL, Mrs. Edward Owen, Charles and Lou Wilmeth). This is only the
second winter Evening Grosbeaks have been reported in Memphis area.

Locations: M — Memphis area, R — Reelf oot Lake area, TNWR — Tennessee
National Wildlife Refuge.

Observers: MLB and party — Michael Lee Bierly, Richard Gillerman, Carol
Knauth, Betty Richards, Pat Stallings; BBC — Ben B. Coffey; JL — Jerald Led-
better; AL — Alan Lurrabee; ER — Ernest Restivo.

David E. Patterson, Harbert Hills Academy, Savannah 3 8372.

CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION: The season was extremely
wet. Some areas experienced severe local flooding. It was noted that Killdeers
experienced high nesting failure. Shore-birding was good, as evidenced by the
records of Paul and Dot Crawford at Gallatin. John and Heather Riggins
banded many birds at their station in Nashville’s Two Jays Sanctuary.

Grebe-Gull: Horned Grebe: 24 Mar. (5 8) OHL (MLM) ; last, 16 Apr. (1)
Coleman Lake (MLM). Pied-billed Grebe: 22 Apr. (1) LC (MDW). Little
Blue Heron: 15 Apr. (1) BV (JR). Cattle Egret: 21 Apr. (4) Bell’s Bend
(Jimmy Parrish). Great Egret: 15 Apr. (2) BV (JR). SNOWY EGRET:
6 May (1) BV (MLB). American Bittern: 22 Apr. (2) LC (MDW). Gad-
wall: 13 May, last (1) G (PC, DC). American Wigeon: 5 Apr. (7) BV
(JR). Wood Duck: 14 May (20) GP (KD, LD). Redhead: 13 May, last (1)
G (PC, DC). Canvasback: 4 May (2) G (PC, DC). Lesser Scaup: 2 Apr.
(300), 14 Apr. (110) WR (KD, LD). Bufllehead: 14 Apr. (20) Radnor
Lake (TK). Ruddy Duck: 8 May, last (1) G (PC, DC). Red-breasted Mer-

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

51

ganser: 24 Mar. (250) OHL (MEM, Pat Stallings). Black Vulture: 19 and
26 Mar. (70) LC (MDW). GOSHAWK: 24 Mar. (1 escaped from cage in
Nashville at Mrs. Amelia Laskey’s home). Red-tailed Hawk: 19 Mar. (nest,

3 eggs) LC (MDW); 2 Apr. (1 incubating) WR (KD, LD). King Rail:

14 May (3) GP (KD, LD). Virginia Rail: 13 May (2) BV (MLB). Sora:

22 Apr. (1) LC (MDW) ; 5 May (1) 2JS (JR). WILLET: 3 0 Apr. (12)

OHL (PC, DC). White-rumped Sandpiper: 13 May (2) G (PC, DC).
BAIRD’S SANDPIPER: 13 May (3) G (PC, DC). WESTERN SANDPIPER:
13 May (6) G (PC, DC). Bonaparte’s Gull: 14 Apr. (2) WK (KD, LD) ;
16 Apr. (5) OHL (MLM) .

Owl-Sparrow: Great Horned Owl: 23 Mar. (adult at nest; 1 young, which
left nest, 1 infertile egg) LC (MDW). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 3 0 Apr.
last (2) OHL (PC, DC). "Traill’s” Flycatcher: 11 May (2) 2JS (JR, HR);
13 May (1) BV (MLB). Red-breasted Nuthatch: 13 May, last (1) N (MLB,
MLM). Winter Wren: 14 Apr. (1) N (TK). Bewick’s Wren: 22 Apr. (6)
LC (MDW). Gray-cheeked Thrush: 1 May (1) 2JS (JR, HR). Ruby-
crowned Kinglet: 12 May (1) N (MLB). Water Pipit: 2 May (1) G (PC,
DC). Northern Waterthrush: 29 Apr. (3 — banded) 2JS (JR, HR). MOURN-
ING WARBLER: 12 May (1— banded) 2JS (JR, HR). Wilson’s Warbler:
12 May (5 — ^banded) 2JS (JR, HR). Rusty Blackbird: 5 May, last (1)
OHL (fide MLB). Evening Grosbeak: 8 May, last (1) G (PC, DC). Red
Crossbill: 10 Apr. (15) Walden Ridge, Cumberland Co. (Wayne Brown).
HARRIS’ SPARROW : 20 Apr., last (1) Donelson — same as in last Season
(Minnie Hatcher). White-crowned Sparrow: 31 Mar. (24) White Bridge Rd.
(fide JR, HR). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 5 May-13 May (4 — ^banded) 2JS (JR,
HR).

Locations: BV — Buena Vista; G — Gallatin; GP — Goose Pond; LC — Law-
rence Co.; N^ — Nashville; OHL — Old Hickory Lake; 2JS — Two Jays Sanc-
tuary; WR — Woods Reservoir,

Observers: MLB — Mike Bierly; DC — Dot Crawford; PC — Paul Crawford;
KD — Ken Dubke; LD — Lil Dubke; TK — Tony Koella; MLM — Margaret
Mann; HR — Heather Riggins; JR — John Riggins; MDW — Morris Williams.

Morris D. Williams, Box 25, Five Points 3 8457.

EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— Spring migration in the
area passed without any large concentrations of migrants being observed and
few unusual birds seen. The weather was most erratic with very warm periods
followed by heavy frosts v/hich lasted into May. Rainfall was very heavy,
particularly in the middle of March.

Among the unusual species observed were: a GOSHAWK in Sequatchie
Valley, Purple and Common Gallinules in the Elizabethton area, a Dark-eyed
Junco (Oregon race) in the Chattanooga area, and an early Connecticut
Warbler in Johnson City. Most of the wintering northern finches had de-
parted 1 5 May, but small numbers of Evening Grosbeaks and Pine Siskins
were still present at the end of the period. The HOUSE FINCHES reported
in the last Season were present thru 10 April in Greeneville.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

52

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

Loon-Mergansers: Common Loon: 9 Apr. (16 in one raft); last 14 May

(1) HRA (RED). Horned Grebe: 26 Mar.‘ (18) BWP (RED). Green Heron:
6 May (2 nests, 5 eggs each) AIM (CN, MDW). Little Blue Heron: 26 Mar.

(1) SB (RED); 6 May (2); 8 May (1) SeV (LSF). CATTLE EGRET:
3 May (1) R (Chester and Eddy Massey, Parul Pardue). Great Egret: 27 Mar.

(2) Battle Creek (RD); 28 Apr. (1) AS (GE, DyL, PR). Black-crowned
Night Heron: 3 and 6 May (1) SeV (BB, JBB, DJ, LSF). Yellow-crowned
Night Heron: 6-15 May (3-5) SeV (JBB, DJ, LSF). Least Bittern: 25 Apr.
thru period (1-2) AIM (MDW). American Bittern: 14 Mar.-7 Apr. (1)
AIM. (MDW); 25 Mar.-23 Apr. (1-3) AM (RED), 28 Apr. -14 May (1) AS
(DJL et al). WHISTLING SWAN: thru 18 (1) Jonesboro (MD et al) same
bird as in last Season. Mallard: 28 Mar. (flooded nest with 9 eggs) AlM (CN,
MDW). Black Duck: from 1 Mar. to 1 1 May, 4 nests started, all unsuccessful,
total 49 eggs AIM, (MDW). Northern Shoveler: last 28 Apr. (6) AS (GE,
PR). Redhead: 19 Mar. (80) HRA (RED, EH). Canvasback: 19 Mar. (1)
HRA (RED, FH). Greater Scaup: 15 Apr. (7) BE (PR). Bufflehead: last
28 Apr. (1) HRA (Frank Ward). OLD SQUAW: 26 Mar. (8) BWP (RED).
Ruddy Duck: last 11 Apr. (5) BWP (ED). Common Merganser: 28 Apr.

(3) BE (MD, HD). Red-breasted Merganser: 2 8 Apr. (7) BE (MD, HD).

Vulture-Hawk: Black Vulture: 18 Mar. (nest with 2 eggs) McLemore’s
Cove, Ga. {first nesting report since 1931, Jay Clark). Sharp-shinned Hawk:
2 8 Apr. (1) AS (GE, DyL, DJ). Cooper’s Hawk: 12 Apr. (1) PHL (MD,
HD, SG). Red-shouldered Hawk: 10 May (nest with 3 young, banded) Da
(BB, DJ). Broad-winged Hawk: first 19 Mar. (1) SeV (LSF), 19 Apr. (20)
Signal Mtn. (Mary Steele, fide RED), 7 May (nest with adult incubating)
TRG (RED). GOSHAWK: 17 Apr. (1) SeV (BB, DJ). Bald Eagle: 24 Mar.
(1 adult) Cherokee Lake (PR). Marsh Hawk: thru 2 Apr. (1) SB (RED).
Osprey: first 19 Mar. (1) HRA (RED, FH). PIGEON HAWK: 8 Apr. (1)
SeV (LSF).

Rail-Tern: Ring Rail: 28 Mar. thru period (1-3) AIM (MDW); 2 May
(2) AM (RED). Virginia Rail: thru period (1-3) AIM (MDW); 23 Apr.

(1) AS (PR); 28 Apr. (1) EFH (GE, DyL). Sora Rail: thru 16 Apr. (1-4)
AIM (MDW); 8 Apr.-2 May (1-4) AM (RED); 8 Apr. (1) SeV (JBB,
DJ, LSF); 23 Apr. (1) AS (PR). PURPLE GALLINULE: 7 May (1) BE
(DL). COMMON GALLINULE: 14 Apr. (1) EFH (DJL, GW). American
Coot: 2 May (1) AM (RED). Black-bellied Plover: 8 May (1) SeV (JBB,
DJ, LSF). Common Snipe: thru 9 May (2-15) Da (DJ, LSF). Upland Sand-
piper: 2 8 Apr. (1) Tri-cities Airport (MD, HD). Solitary Sandpiper: 26 Mar.

(2) SB (RED); 28 Apr. (26) AS (GE, DyL, PR). WILLET': 12 May (1)
NL (LSF). Greater Yellowlegs: 26 Mar. (1) SB (RED). Lesser Yellowlegs:
26 Mar. (2) SB (RED). Pectoral Sandpiper: 26 Mar. (23) SB (RED). White-
rumped Sandpiper: 8 May (1) SeV (JBB, DJ, LSF). Least Sandpiper: 2-10
regular at AM, SB (RED) 28 Apr. (1) R (CN). Dunlin: thru 3 Apr. (4)
SB (RED). Dowitcher sp. 12 May (22) NL (LSF). Semipalmated Sandpiper:
2 May (3); 15 May (9) AM, (RED). Bonaparte’s Gull: 26 Mar. (50) HRA
(RLD); 3 Apr. (15) CL (RLD). Common Tern: 12 May (5) NL (LSF).
Forster’s Tern: 12 Apr. (1) AS (FJA). Caspian Tern: 12 May (2) NL (LSF).

Cuckoo-Vireo: Yellow-billed Cuckoo: 15 Apr. (1) R (RTOS). BARN
OWL: 3 active nests at El: 1 raised 5 young; 1 raised 1 young (GE, MDW,

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

53

et al). Common Nighthawk: first 20 Apr. (1) JC (DJL). Chimney Swift:
2 5 Mar. (1) Whitewell (DJ). Red-headed Woodpecker: 1 pair thru period
on UTK campus (CN, MDW), 1 pair nesting on ETSU campus (PR et al).
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 28 Apr. (1) K (CN, BR, RY); 28 Apr. (1) JC
(DL, GW). Eastern Kingbird: 18 Mar. (1) Rogersville (JH). Acadian Ely-
catcher: 28 Apr. (1) E (GE, DyL, PR). "Traill’s” Flycatcher: 9 May (1)
AS (GE, DL). Tree Swallow: 17 Mar. (50) SB (ED, FGH). Rough-winged
Swallow: 17 Mar. (1) Da (DJ). Bar'n Swallow: 17 Mar. (30) SB (ED, FGH).
Red-breasted Nuthatch: last 1 May (1) Col (CH). Brown Creeper: last 14
Apr. (2) K (CN). House Wren: first on territory 18 Apr. (1), nest begun
1 May, 4 eggs on 28 May — K (CN). Long-billed Marsh Wren: 6 May (1)
AIM (CN, MDW). Short-billed Marsh Wren: 26 Apr. (1) EFH (FJA).
Ruby-crowned Kinglet: last 5 May (1) Da (DJ). White-eyed Vireo: 26 Mar.

(1) G (JH).

War bier -Sparrow: Swainson’s Warbler: 15 May (1) E (JD, SG). Yellow-
rumped Warbler (Myrtle Warbler subspecies) last 15 May (1) AM (KLD).
Blackpoll: 20 Apr. (2) Da (DJ). Northern Waterthrush: 15 Apr. (1) Da
(DJ). Louisiana Waterthrush: 25 Mar. (1) Da (DJ). CONNECTICUT
WARBLER: 24 Apr. (1, netted, banded) JC (PR). Wilson’s Warbler: 12
May (1) K (JH). Bobolink: 7 May (150) SeV (DJ). Rusty Blackbird: 13
Apr. (20) K (MDW). Indigo Bunting: 11 Apr. (2) Da (DJ). EVENING
GROSBEAK: thru end of period at Col (CH) and El. (GE). Purple Finch:
last 11 May (7) JC (PR). HOUSE FINCH: thru 10 Apr. (1-9) G (JH).
Pine Siskin: thru end of period at El (GE). Red Crossbill: 11-30 Apr. (3-7)
JC (MDet al) 3-10 May (1-3) Col (CH). DARK-EYED JUNCO (Oregon
race) 31 Mar. (1, at feeder) Chickamauga, Ga. (Ralph Bullard). White-
throated Sparrow: last 16 May (1) K (JH).

Locations: AM — Amnicola Marsh, AIM — Alcoa Marsh, AS — Austin
Springs, BE — Boone Lake, BWP — Booker T. Washington State Park, Col —
Collegedale, CL — Chickamauga Lake, Da — Daus, El — Elizabethton, E — Erwin,
EFH — Erwin Fish Hatchery, G — Greeneville, HRA — Hiwassee River Area,
JC — Johnson City, K — Knoxville, NL — Nickajack Lake, PHL — ^Patrick Henry
Lake, SB — Savannah Bay, SeV — Sequatchie Valley, TRG — Tennessee River
Gorge.

Observers: FJA — Fred J. Alsop, BB — Benton Basham, JBB — J. Branson
Block, JD — Joy Dillenbeck, MD — Martha Dillenbeck, HD — Helen Hill Dove,
KD — Ken Dubke, ED — Lil Dubke, KLD — Ken and Lil Dubke, GE — Glen
Eller, SG — Sally Goodin, JH — Jim Holt, FGH — Frank and Gloria Hixon,
CH — Chris Haney, DJ — Daniel Jacobson, KTOS — Knoxville Chapter TOS,
DyL — Danny Leach, DL — Dick Lura, DJL — Dick and Joyce Lura, CN —
Charles Nicholson, PR — Pete Range, BR — Bob Rountree, LSF — Lee Shafer
Family, GW — Gary Wallace, MDW — ^Morris Williams, RY — Rich Yahner.

Charles P. Nicholson, 6806 Haverhill Dr., Knoxville 37919.

EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION — The weather for the period may be
summed up as wet and cool. The last of March recorded almost 2 inches more
rain than normal. April’s temperature averaged 1.8 degrees colder than normal.
The first two weeks in May were very cold for that month, with at least two

[VoL. 44, 1973]

54

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

late "killing” frosts. The last and most severe coming on the last day of our
reporting period 1 5 May, with severe damage done to early crops.

Most of our winter visitors left on their normal departure dates with the
exception of the "northern finches”, which remained here in small flocks longer
than usual. The early spring migrants were few and far between, although
most species were observed, their numbers were down. The only real big
"push” observed came on 24 April.

Probably the most interesting find came on the Elizabethton Spring Census
day when an adult GOSHAWK was seen circling in a small thermal over
Roans Creek with a Cooper’s and Red-Tailed Hawk. The PURPLE GAL-
LINULE that was found on Boone Lake (was reported in the Eastern Ridge
and Valley) and subsequently caught and brought to Elizabethton and banded
and released in Hunter Swamp was the first ever recorded in our area (see
Chuck Nicholson’s report).

Loon-Merganser: Common Loon: last seen 12 April (8) Wat. L (GW).
Horned Grebe: 31 March (1) male in spring plumage Wat. L (GE). Great
Blue Heron: 31 March (1) RC (GE). Black-crowned Night Heron: 23 April
(1) HS (LRH, GE). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 24 April (1) EGG
(LRH); 12 May (2) HS (GW). Canada Goose: 7 May heard calling in flight
over RM (FWB). Northern Shoveler: 8 April (7) GLP (GW, GE). Redhead:
18 Mar. (1) Wil. L (DL, JL); 24 Mar. (1) Wil. L (GE). Ring-necked
Duck: last seen 7 April (2) Wil. L (LRH). Canvasback: 18 and 24 Mar.
(1) Wil. L (DL, JL). Common Goldeneye: 18 Mar. (2) Wat. R (GE).
Bufilehead: last seen on 10 May (2) Wil. L (LRH). Hooded Merganser: 18
Mar. (8) GLP (GE) ; 8 April (12) Wat. L (GW, GE). Red-breasted Mer-
ganser: 31 Mar. (1) Wat. L (GE).

Hawks-Raven: GOSHAWK: 28 April (1) RC (LRH, JM). Broad-winged
Hawk: first on 6 April (1) RM (MS, TS). Osprey: first on 10 April (1) Sm
(DL, JL). Sora Rail: 28 April (1) RC (LRH, JM,) . American Woodcock:
still performing mating flights on 10 May (1) Wat. R (GE). Barred Owl:
22 April (2) Hoi. M (LRH, DL, JL). Raven: 2-3 seen throughout period on
RM by MS and TS.

Flycatcher-Blackbirds: Willow Flycatcher: 29 May (1 singing) Buffalo
Valley Country Club, Johnson City (FJA). Wood Thrush: first on 1 5 April
(1) HS (DL, JL). Hermit Thrush: last seen on 21 April (1) HS (GE).
Golden- winged Warbler: 20 April (2) RM (MS, TS) and 1 May (1) HS
(MD, SG). Blue-winged Warbler: 1 May (1) EGC (LRH). Northern Water-
thrush: 12 May (1) HS (DL, JL). Wilson’s Warbler: 3 and 7 May (1) HS
(GW, GE). Bobolink: 10 May (9) Hampton (LRH). Rusty-Blackbird: 14
April (5) Sm (GE, GW). Brewer’s Blackbird: 16 April (1) along Wat. R
(JM,).

Grosbeak-Sparroav: Blue Grosbeak: 12 May (1) PB (LRH, JM). Evening
Grosbeak: most large flocks left on 14 May but a few scattered small flocks
remained (GE and many others). Purple Finch: last seen 11 May (2) EGC
(LRH). Pine Siskin: same status as Evening Grosbeak above. Grasshopper
Sparrow: first 11 May (1) PB (LRH, JM). Vesper Sparrow: 10 April (1)
banded EGG by LRH.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

55

Locations: EGG — Elizabethton Golf Course, GLP — Great Lakes Pond near
Elizabethton, HS — Hunter Swamp, Hoi. M — Holston Mountain, PB — Powder
Branch, RC — Roans Creek, RM — Roan Mountain, Sm — Siam Valley, Wat. L —
Watauga Lake, Wat. R — Watauga River, Wil. L — Wilbur Lake.

Observers: FJA — ^Fred J. Alsop, FWB — Fred W. Behrend, MD — Martha
Dillenbeck, GE — Glen Eller, SG — Sally Goodin, LRH — Lee R. Herndon, DL —
Dick Lura, JL — Joyce Lura, JM — John Martin, MS — ^Maxie Swindell, TS —
Tommy Swindell, GW — ^Gary Wallace.

Glen D. Eller, Rt. #3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643.

BOOK REVIEW

HANDBOOK OF CALIFORNIA BIRDS. 1973. By Vinson Brown, Dr. Henry
G. Weston, Jr., and illustrated by Jerry Buzzell. 2nd revised edition. Nature-
graph Publishers, Healdsburg, Cal., 224 pp., 72 full color plates, 12 black and
white photographs, 6 maps, and over 100 line drawings. Paper cover $5.95,
cloth $8.95.

This book covers nearly all the birds known to be found in California,
with over 370 of them being pictured in full color. Many unique features
make this book particularly useful as a field guide. One good point is that
most of the color plates are arranged in sets of two facing pages so that the
maximum number of similar appearing birds appear before you at one glance.
The names of the species on the color plates appear at the bottom of the page.
This enables the reader to test his knowledge of identification thoroughly by
simply covering the names. The descriptions arc on the opposite sides of these
color plate pages and emphasize only those colors that are most important in
field identification. Other important information given in the descriptions are
ranges and habitats where the birds are found, special behavior patterns of
use in identification, and songs and calls. In addition to being a good field
guide this book includes several well-illustrated sections on bird structures
and adaptations, bird habitats, feeding behavior, courtship and territorial be-
havior, nesting, sounds, flight, migrations, ranges and other information of
great use in learning about the lives of birds.

The order of species arrangement laid down by the American Ornithologists
Union has been altered where it was thought that such a change would aid
identification in the field. For example, the swifts and swallows, which are not
related, are placed together because of their like appearances. To help the
reader see the birds in scientific order a life list of species is given in normal
A.O.U. order.

I recommend this book to all who are interested in field identification of
birds in the state of California.

Gary O. Wallace, Route 7, Elizabethton 37643.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

56

THE MIGRANT

JUNE

SEVENTH ANNUAL
SYMPOSIUM AND FALL MEETING
TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

13-14 OCTOBER 1973

CUMBERLAND MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
CROSSVILLE, TENNESSEE 3 85 5 5

Reservations must be made direct with the park. Camping is available. A
registration fee of $1.00 will be charged for each adult. Students free. For
further details about arrangements contact George R. Mayfield, Jr., Maury
County Hospital, Columbia, Tennessee 3 8401.

Saturday, 14 October

8:00 a.m. Field trips to nearby areas.

12:00-1:00 p.m. Lunch.

1:00-2:00 p.m. Board of Directors meeting.

2:00-5:00 p.m. Program:

Nesting Canada Geese In Tennessee — Donald A. Hammer

A prediction: In 10-15 years Canada Geese will be common nesting birds
in all suitable habitat.

Finding Bird Nests — Morris D. Williams

Several older members have spent a lifetime searching for nests. The ob-
servations of an enthusiastic younger member.

The Bald Eagles at Reelfoot Lake — ^Wendell E. Crews

The number of wintering eagles have been increasing. A discussion of
their past, present and future.

Pictures of a Nesting Black Vulture — David E. Patterson

Excellent pictures and story of a pair of nesting Black Vultures at Olive
Hill.

7:3 0 P.M. — Tennessee’s Natural Areas Legislation

An official of the Department of Conservation will discuss "The Natural
Areas Preservation Act” passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in
1971. TOS members are in a very knowledgeable position to speak up and
assist in this important legislation.

Sunday, 14 October

800 a.m. Field trips to nearby areas.

12:00 noon Depart for home at your leisure.

For further details on the program, contact Kenneth H. Dubke, Apt. 1,
720 Bacon Trail, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37412, phone 615 — 698-7787.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

PREPARATION OF COPY FOR PUBLICATION

The purpose of THE MIGRANT is the recording of observations and
original information derived from the study of birds, primarily in the state
of Tennessee or the area immediately adjacent to its borders. Articles for
publication originate almost exclusively from T.O.S. members.

Contributors should prepare manuscripts and submit them in a form ac-
ceptable to the printer, after editorial approval. Both articles and short notes
are solicited but their format should be somewhat different.

Some suggestions to authors for the preparation of papers for publication
are given herewith.

MATERIAL: The subject matter should relate to some phase of Tennessee
Ornithology. It should be original, factual, concise, scientifically accurate, and
not submitted for publication elsewhere.

TITLE: The title should be concise, specific, and descriptive.

STYLE: Recent issues of THE MIGRANT should be used as a guide in
the preparation of manuscripts. Where more detail is needed reference should
be made to the Style Manual for Biological Journals available from the Ameri-
can Institute of Biological Sciences, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue N. W., Wash-
ington, D. C. 20016.

COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on 8} x IT’ paper
with adequate margins, for editorial notations, and should contain only entries
intended for setting in type, except the serial page number. Tabular data should
be entered on separate sheets with appropriate title and column headings.
Photographs intended for reproduction should be sharp with good contrast on
glossy white paper in black and white (not in color). Instructions to the
editors should be given on a separate sheet. Weights and measurements should
be in metric units. Dating should be in ‘‘continental” form (e.g., 7 March
1968).

NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by
binomial scientific name in italics only after the first occurrence in the text
for both regular articles and Round Table Notes, and should conform to
the A.O.U. Check-list 5th edition, 1957. Trinomial should be used only after
the specimen has been measured or compared with typical specimens.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: When there are more than five references in an article,
they should be placed at the end of the article, otherwise they should be
appropriately included in the text.

SUMMARY: Articles of five or more pages in length should be sum-
marized briefly, drawing attention to the main conclusions resulting from the
work performed.

IDENTIFICATION: Rare or unusual species identification to be accept-
able must be accompanied by verifying evidence. This should include: date,
time, light and weather conditions, exact location, habitat, optical equipment,
distance, behavior of bird, comparison with other similar species, characteristic
markings, experience of observer, other observers verifying observation and
reference works consulted.

REPRINTS: Reprints are available on request. Reprint requests should
accompany article at the time of submission. Billing to authors will be
through the state T.O.S. Treasurer.

Books for review and articles for publication should be submitted to the
editor. Seasonal reports and items should be forwarded to the appropriate
departmental editor whose name and address will be found on the inside front
cover.

CONTENTS

Some Recent Changes in the 1957 A.O.U. Checklist

Fred J. Alsop, III 29

Annual Autumn Hawk Count

Thomas W. Finn cane 34

TOS State Meeting

Louise Nunnally, Secretary 37

Round Table Notes

Marbled Godwit and Willet Observed in Nashville. Michael L. Bierly,
Katherine A. Goodpasture and Margaret L. Mann 40

White- winged Crossbills in Bristol. Diaite C. Wilson 41

Bird Finding in Tennessee

Fred J. Alsop, HI 42

1973 Spring Field Days

Edited by Morris D. Williams 44

In Memoriam — Charles Holland 48

The Season. Edited by Fred /. Alsop, III 49

Western Coastal Plain Region. David E. Fat ter son 50

Central Plateau and Basin Region. Morris D. Williams 50

Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. Charles P. Nicholson 51

Eastern Mountain Region. Glen D. Ellei' 53

Book Review: Handbook of California Birds. Gary O. Wallace 55

Annual Fall Meeting Notice

56

:A QU/\RTER.LY 0O,URN>qL
DEV0TED>J’O TENNESSeK^BIRDS

^ fMuued hy

^THETENNESSEE

SOCIETY J^

•*.’• !'"/“ V:W •*:'•'•
'. •• • »*."••».•* ••*."•
. :.v^V-**-Kr

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f‘.S.'''-rC''‘ ' * '-

SEPT. 1973

VOL. 44, NO. 3

THE MIGRANT

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

FIRST PUBLISHED, JUNE 1930

Published By

THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Founded at Nash-ville, Tenn., 7 October 1915
A non-profit, educational, scientific, and conservation organization.

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR DR. GARY O. WALLACE

Rt. 7, Sunrise Dr., Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643
"THE SEASON” EDITOR DR. FRED J. ALSOP, III

Mt. Carmel Apt. :^3, Concord Ave., Mt. Carmel, Tenn. 37642

"STATE COUNT COMPILER” MORRIS D. WILLIAMS

Box 25, Five Points, Tenn. 38457

OFFICERS FOR 1973-75

PRESIDENT MRS. ARLO SMITH

3724 Oaklev Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 38111

VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN GLEN ELLER

Rt. 3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN BILL SENTER

313 West Hill Dr., Lebanon, Tenn. 37087

VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN. MISS ALICE SMITH

Apt. 6, 414 N. Claybrook St., Memphis, Tenn. 38104
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE :

EAST TENN BRENT ROWELL

2227 Edgemont Ave., Bristol, Tenn. 37620

MIDDLE TENN MRS. GAITHER GRAY

1510 Hatcher Lane, Columbia, Tenn. 38401

WEST TENN DON MANNING

103 Stonewall Circle, McKenzie, Tenn. 38201

CURATOR ALBERT F. GANIER

2112 Woodlawn Drive, Nashville, Tenn. 37212
SECRETARY MRS. JAMES WALDRON

1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis, Tenn. 38117

TREASURER KENNETH H. DUBKE

720 Bacon Trail, Apt. 1, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37412

Annual dues, $3.00; Sustaining, $5.00; Life, $100.00; Student, $1.00; Family, 4.00;
Library, $3.00 (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Back numbers
may be had from Dr. James T. Tanner, Rt. 28, Box 15 5, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920. Correspond
with the Treasurer for subscriptions, memberships, and changes of address.

Published quarterly (March, June, September, and December). Printed by Mallicote Printing
Inc., 509-511 Shelby Street, Bristol, Tennessee 37620, U.S.A. Postage paid and mailed at
Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643, U.S.A.

ALBERT F. GANIER

The September issue of The Migrant is dedicated to Albert F. Ganier who
has given so much to the Tennessee Ornithological Society and to the State of
Tennessee.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

THE MIGRANT

Published by the Tennessee Ornithological Society,
to Record and Encourage the Study of Birds in Tennessee.
Issued in March, June, September, and December.

VOL. 44 SEPTEMBER, 1973 NO. 1

THE WILD LIFE MET BY
TENNESSEE’S FIRST SETTLERS

Albert F. Ganier

Two hundred years ago and westward from the southern Appalachian moun-
tain chain, lay a wilderness of woods and waters unknown except for brief
accounts of a few hardy explorers who had ventured into it.

Virginia, long a crown colony was content to leave it to the Indians. North
Carolina felt no such restraint and as soon as the Revolutionary War was won
and with land grants due them for their war services, eagerly penetrated west-
ward and amid great hardships, settled both Tennessee and Kentucky.

So busy were they with fighting Indians and predatory animals and existing
among great discomforts, that they left but little record of the bird and other
animal life except as it may have served as food for their existence.

Bits of information gleaned from here and there, from records of old land
grant descriptions referring to game trails, salt licks, buffalo wallows, stream
names, etc., diaries and journals of early travellers or hunters, and my own ex-
periences, are here gathered, to piece together the subject of this paper.

To any reader who may wish to go back of Wilson’s day (1810) , there is a
bibliography covering the writings of early travellers who briefly mentioned the
avifauna. It was reported by Dr. Elliot Coues (1842-99) whom the writer
regards as America’s greatest ornithologist. This bibliography is a 217 page
Appendix of his Birds of the Colorado Valley, 1878, U.S.G.S., Washtn., D. C.,
pp. 1-803, and continues thru 1878

It might be well at this point to tell of the first naturalist to visit Tennes-
see and Kentucky, Andre Michaux (1746-1802) , who traveled from Charleston,
S. Car. He came by way of Greenville, Knoxville and Bledsoe’s Lick, reaching
Nashville on 16 June 1795. (Thwaite, v. 3) He spent a week in the little
frontier town, calling on several citizens, botanizing and exploring. On 21 June,
the day before leaving, he entered in his journal the birds and quadrupeds he
had found in the vicinity, as follows. Birds: Robin, Cardinal, Tetra (Grouse-G) ,
Lanius Tyranus (shrike) rare, quantities of the genu Musicapa (warblers,
vireos, flycatchers) , a few species of the genus Picus (woodpeckers) , Wild
Turkeys and owls of the large species; Quadrupeds: Buffalo, Bears, Wolves,
Elk, Beaver, Dwarf Deer (White-tailed) , Muskrat, small Grey Squirrels. Some
of the large mammals, such as Buffalo may not have been seen by him there at

[VoL. 44, 1^73]

1973

THE MIGRANT

59

that date but could have been included from reliable information given him.
His entry on 21 June says he "killed and skinned some birds”. These were
probably made up as flat skins to enable packing.

On 22 June (Monday) he rode northward, by way of Mansker’s Station
(Goodletsville) , Danville, Ky. and Lexington, arriving at Louisville on 21 July.
From there he later traveled down the Ohio to visit the French settlements in
the Louisiana Territory on the west bank of the Mississippi, in the interest of
his government.

Travel at that time was by rowboat with oarsmen so, thus returning, he
found himself, on 20 December 1795 at the mouth of the clear and peaceful
Cumberland river, of which nothing as yet had been written. The river led to
Nashville, 191 miles upstream; Michaux must explore it, so he re-hired his crew
for the mid-winter journey. He mentions passing "the Great Eddy”, a treacher-
ous river bend where Eddyville later sprung up, and moving on upstream to
Little River (now Cadiz, Ky.), where a sudden rise of the river caused a halt
and camped for five days. While there he wrote down a list of the birds and
quadrupeds seen up to now, as follows: Birds: Ravens, Owls of the large species,
green Paroquets with yellow heads, of the small species. Jays with red heads
and red throats (male Sapsuckers-G) . He had previously mentioned "killing
and stuffing a Canada Goose with a white head”; this was probably a Blue
Goose. Quadrupeds: Buffalos, Bears, Deer, Raccoon, Opossum, Grey Squirrels,
Beaver, Otter, and Muskrat, the last three species very rare. Throughout his
journal he makes frequent mention of the trees and shrubs identified and men-
tions the medicinal qualities attributed to them and other plants. Michaux’s
primary interest was botany.

On 5 January he resumed the journey; mentions passing Yellow creek and
further on, the Red-painted Rock, on the north bank of the river four miles
below Clarksville. A later explorer described this high cliff as bearing red marks
and designs made by prehistoric inhabitants. He arrived at Clarksville (mile
126) on 15 January, "The most westerly and remote of the Cumberland settle-
ments.” The river again began to rise rapidly so Michaux decided to pay off
his boatmen and ride horseback into Nashville. It is regrettable that he changed
his plans, for history was thus robbed of a chronicle of the last 65 miles of the
trip by river, from Clarksville on up to the Cumberland settlement at Nashville.

At Clarksville he remained for several days, exploring the area, buying a
horse and preparing and packing his bird and botanical specimens. He then
began to leisurely ride the last 5 5 miles of his journey, the trail finally leading
into the White’s creek valley where he "stopped with old man Frederick Stump”,
passed Heaton’s Station, and after ferrying across the Cumberland, set foot
again in Nashville on 19 January 1796.

Storing his collections there, he left within a few days for Lexington and
Louisville, chiefly to gather final information for the French government. On
this wintry journey, he lodged at the Big Barren river Ferryman’s cabin and
was put across the next morning. Caught in a heavy snowstorm, he nearly
froze that night, wrapped only in his blanket. He had to ride back to the
ferryman’s to recuperate for a few days before proceding. He returned to
Nashville in late winter, then buying another horse on which to pack his collec-
tions, he left for Carolina on 2 5 February. He rode thru Goodletsville

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(Mansker’s) , Ft. Blount, Knoxville and Greenville, arriving at his home in
Charleston the middle of April, 1796. Enroute to France, his ship was wrecked
in a storm; Michaux survived with his botanical collections but his birds and
quadrupeds went down with the ship. Michaux was a hardy and ardent natural-
ist and we can only regret that this first compiler of a list of birds of the region
did not record them in greater detail.

No one greatly interested in birds visited Tennessee until Alexander Wilson
(1760-181 3 ) , a dependable and careful ornithologist, traveled through Ken-
tucky and middle Tennessee in the spring of 1880. After rowing down the
Ohio river from Pittsburgh in a skiff, he disembarked at Louisville, later enter-
ing Tennessee, 3 8 miles north of Nashville, on 22 April. After fruitful explora-
tions and discoveries, he passed out of the State, enroute to Natchez and New
Orleans on 1 May. Many of his observations will be quoted further on, taken
from his American Ornithology ( 1808-1814) , from letters written enroute,
and from his diary. The map on another page will show his journey as far as
Nashville. He had carried with him, copies of the first two volumes of his
work and he secured a number of subscribers enroute. On his return to Phila-
delphia he applied himself steadily to his task and to take a few short trips. He
was a man of many talents and had remained single, feeling that he had neither
time nor means for marriage. Working under steady strain, his health gave way
and, as Audubon wrote at a later date, "he died under a printer’s lash”.

John James Audubon (1785-185 1) collected and painted birds about Louis-
ville, Ky. for several years prior to Wilson’s brief stay there in 1810. He then
moved down the Ohio river to Henderson, Ky., where he continued his "bird-
work” until the mid 1 820’s following which, he went to London to secure a
publisher. He did not work far from his base during these years except for a
late November boat trip down the Mississippi in 1820 and brief trips to "The
Barrens” in Kentucky previously explored by Wilson (Mengel 138-139) . So
far as known, he made no exploratory trips into Tennessee to learn of its bird-
life. His sole contribution thereto was brief notes preserved from a flatboat
trip while travelling down the Mississippi late in 1820. He crossed the Ky.-
Tenn. line on 22 November and passed the Tenn.-Miss. line on 4 December, a
period of 12 days. Because of numerous English-speaking settlements along the
east shore, his notes are assumed to apply to Tennessee.

Thirty miles above Memphis, near the little town of Randolph, he visited
the Second Chickasaw Bluff (high clay bluffs) overlooking the river and in
describing them, he wrote that they were "perforated with thousands of holes
which were the nesting places of the Bank Swallow”. The writer and others
decided to visit these bluflFs in June 1941 to investigate but we found the holes
weathered away and no Bank Swallows present. With characteristic persistence,
one of our party, Ben B. Coffey, returned a few years later, visiting Chickasaw
and other bluflFs above Memphis. He succeeded in finding these swallows
( Riparia riparia) nesting in three places, the most northerly being 1 5 miles
west of Dyersburg.

Other of Audubon’s notes made on this river trip will be found under the
paragraphs applying to Paroquets and the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. No other
of Audubon’s notes survived his long stay in England and his seven volume
Birds of America contained but few specific notes on the birds of this area
that could be used in this article.

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1973

THE MIGRANT

61

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Of greatest interest to the early settlers was that largest of all Tennessee
birds the wild turkey ( Meleagris gallopavo) . They were found to be common
all over the state and as a game bird provided excellent food. They were shot
or trapped the year round. A full grown male, a "gobbler”, could weigh as
much as 25 pounds.

Briefly described, they stood on stout, long legs built for running, and by
means of which they could elevate their heads high to watch for predators.
They were capable of flying across rivers and into trees where they could
roost safely from prowling animals. They produced numerous young, 9 to 15

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62

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from a single nesting. Their winter food in West Tennessee was the small wild
pecans, easterly it was chiefly small acorns and beech nuts. Sufficient gravel was
eaten to provide their gizzards with grinding material. During courtship, a
strutting male was a majestic sight. With wings audibly dragging the ground,
tail feathers erected and fully spread, all of his colorful body feathers also
erected, his unfeathered head and neck covered with red and purple wattles of
skin, and even a unique black beard upon his puffed-out breast, he strutted
pompously before his admiring harem. The beard consisted of coarse black
bristles, sometimes 9 inches long. The males plumage is irredescent bronze
chiefly while other areas are rusty or purple.

In spring, the turkeys gather in small flocks, each led by a well matured
male. By the end of May the females had stolen away to incubate on their well
hidden nests and then to raise their young. The males then formed flocks of
their own and in late summer, had to endure a vast and no doubt embarrassing
moult. When the settlers bread gave out, they were said to have substituted the
rather dry, white meat of the turkey’s breast to go with their bear meat.

Trapping the birds was a favorite mode of securing them and the youngsters
learned how to do this. A favorite method was to build a pen, 6 by 8, with
top of woven cane. A trench was then dug in to its center to gain entrance
and corn sprinkled along it, leading to the interior. On reaching the end, the
turkey would hop up to the higher level and but rarely return through the
tunnel-like trench. The settlers wives made fans from the turkeys spread tails
and the last section of the wing served well as a brush to sweep the crumbs from
the table. The stiff quills from the tail when properly trimmed with a sharp
knife, became a good writing pen.

In Wilson’s Ornithology (3:201-220) may be found an excellent account
of the Wild Turkey at that period. The original Wilson chapter was revised and
augmented about 1825, by Charles S. Bonaparte and used in subsequent editions.
These fine birds would have become extinct in Tennessee but for the timely
protection given the few remaining birds and restocking supervised areas with
young ones from State game farms.

The PASSENGER PIGEON {Ectopistcs migratorius) at times and in season,
visited the pioneers in spectacular numbers and during its visitations was killed
for food in vast numbers. I have not been able to find any acceptable evidence
of its having bred in Tennessee. In winter, however, it ranged through all the
Gulf states. It is a hardy and ancient species; the A. O. U. Check List states
that its fossil remains have been found in Tennessee and in California. Place
names in Tennessee testify to its former presence, such as Pigeon river. Pigeon
creek. Pigeon Roost road (southeastwardly from Memphis) , etc.

The largest breeding grounds were at the northern limit of its range, in
Michigan and in Wisconsin. The nearest were in south-central Kentucky but
in even earlier days two nesting colonies had been found in Mississippi.

From Wilson (2:253-261) and in a letter to his engraver, dated Nashville,
2 8 April 1810, comes the first information from Kentucky about the Pigeons.
Leaving Louisville on 24 March 1810, he traveled on foot to Frankfort. During
the afternoon, vast flocks of these birds passed for hours overhead moving
southward, as he learned later, to their nesting grounds in Green County about

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70 miles away. He remained in Frankfort and in Lexington until 14 April,
then bought a horse and set out for Nashville, two hundred miles southwestward
and at the end of the emigrant trail.

Two days later and fifty miles beyond Danville, he found himself riding
through the east end of the vast nesting grounds of the pigeons about three
miles across. By the inhabitants, he was informed that the grounds extended for
forty miles westward, through Green county along the rough, wooded hills
bordering Green river.

Pigeons were very early nesters and from his adhount we can judge that
most of the young at the east end had already left the nests or had been
"harvested” by the inhabitants. Immense numbers of nests were in the trees,
including those that had been cut down, and the ground beneath was thickly
covered with fresh ordure resulting from nesting activities. From interviews
with the local pioneers, he was given detailed information of the pigeons breed-
ing habits and they showed him the many trees they had cut down to get a
vast number of squabs still in the nests. Wilson passed on southward through
Tennessee, 22 April to 6 May, by way of the old Natchez Trace but makes no
further reference to Pigeons during his journey until he reached and described
a recently abandoned nesting colony on the Trace about 50 miles north of
Natchez. The other Mississippi nesting colony, described by Gideum Linceum
was on the east border of the State; a larger one on the Tombigbee River about
50 miles above Columbus, in 1 874. (Schorger, 88, 93, 98, 105, 264) .

In 1 840, Audubon visited the Green county breeding grounds and reported
it still as Wilson had described it 30 years before. He mentioned no other
colonies extent in Kentucky at that time.

Fall and winter roosts were probably present each season in Tennessee but
the only detailed account of such a roost in the State will be found in The
Migrant for March, 1933. It was written by W. R. Manlove in 1900 and
recounted his experiences as a youth while living on a nearby farm. This roost
was located 6 miles north of Nashville and was located in wooded hills at the
headwaters of White’s creek. He observed and recorded their manner of feeding
on the ground under the trees while advancing in a line, the laggards flying
over the line and dropping down a few feet ahead. Gunners from the city came
out at twilight and killed hundreds during the three weeks of their stay. This
was during the fall of 1 870, the last year they came.

A story of the last years of the Passenger Pigeon in the United States was
published by H. P. Ijams in The Migrant for March 1932, 3:1-3, but gives no
state records. The nearest other Pigeon locality near Nashville is Pigeon creek
which flows into the Harpath river 2 miles above its mouth. This is 22 miles
N-W of Nashville. It was so named by Thos. Molloy, pioneer surveyor in
December, 1793, while surveying land grants #2984 and #2982 for himself,
including this creek. He gave no details about the pigeons but his grants cov-
ered all the creek valley and if it were a nesting colony, it would have been a
valued holding.

From west Tennessee, I find one reference to the former occurrences of wild
pigeons roosting, near Brownsville, in Haywood county. Rhoads (p. 476) quotes
Miles as saying they were present in large numbers in 1 873 and again in 1881

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but in smaller numbers. The last seen was in 1893 when one was shot from a
flock of eight.

The beech forests of Tennessee provided very favorable feeding grounds
during the fall and winter and the early inhabitants of the State were doubtless
favored with occasional roosts. In such cases, as at Nashville, the settlers could
be expected to raid the roost to vary their food supply.

One of the most unusual birds seen by Tennessee’s earliest settlers, was the
unique and colorful Carolina paroquet {Conuropsis carolinensh) . They were
bright green in color, with head and neck yellow all around and with forehead
and cheeks orange. They remained in flocks, nested in colonies, and announced
their presence with noisy chatter. The early settlers found them objectionable
because they were destructive to fruit in their newly planted orchards and this
in time brought about their complete extermination. When one of the flock
was wounded, its distress call caused its fellows to circle about until all were
killed. As fall and winter residents, they roosted together in hollow trees, those
of large sycamores along streams affording the roomiest quarters and protection
from owls.

While we know that wandering flocks were common in Tennessee during
pioneer times, yet actual records have been hard to find. The earliest record
found is that of Michaux who, on his paddle-boat trip up the Cumberland
river, in January 1796, mentions seeing them at present day Cadiz, Ky., a few
miles north of the Tennessee line. He passed on up the river to Clarksville but
did not mention birds again. Alexander Wilson, traveling southward through
Kentucky and Tennessee, in the early spring of 1810, found a large flock on
the Obion river and about 100 miles northeast of Louisville. He procured
several with his gun as subjects for his brush and a wing-tipped one that he
carried with him during his entire trip. He next sighted paroquets fifteen miles
south of the Kentucky-Tennessee line, twenty- three miles north of Nashville.
Here, enroute from Bowling Green, at the head of the Mansker’s creek valley,
he records having seen "flocks of them.” Ten miles further on he put up for
three days at Isaac Walton’s, a sometimes tavern, to search for birds. A couple
of miles north at Madison’s Lick (creek), he found more paroquets and "col-
lected some small birds.” Among these was probably the first specimen of the
Tennessee Warbler (Vermivora peregrina) and possibly the Nashville Warbler
{V ermivora rn^ficapilla) too. Wilson recorded no more in Tennessee, meeting
them next at the Tennessee river and then near Natchez.

The next record is from a diary kept by D. Craft, an observant young man
who accompanied a keelboat trading trip from Pittsburgh, down the Ohio and
then up the Tennessee river to Florence, Alabama, then head of navigation.
He recorded paroquets shortly after crossing the Kentucky-Tennessee line, on
20 March 1 823. Below the line he mentions passing Caldwell’s ferry at the
mouth of Big Sandy river, tying up for the night at Bird’s Nest Island (prob-
ably a heronry) and stopping next day at Renoldsburg where the Nashville to
Memphis road supports a ferry. His diary records "Today, saw a flock of beauti-
ful green birds, with reddish or flesh colored heads, called paroquets. They are
about the size of wild pigeons and resemble them in their motions, going to-
gether in flocks”. There is no further mention of paroquets in the diary but
other species are referred to. After making the above entry, he mentions passing

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more high cliffs on the east side of the mouth of Standing Rock creek. Had he
looked at this high cliff above the river with a more experienced eye, he might
have been able to record an eyrie of the Peregrine Falcon.

Further westward, in Haywood county near Brownsville, Rhodes quotes
Miles as follows: "In the early part of the 18 50’s a flock of paroquets came to
our orchard and we chased them out and killed them with sticks and apples;
saw a flock at Ashpors (Lauderdale county) on the Mississippi river one hundred
in number in 1874, and saw one killed alone, within five miles of Brownsville
in 1876 — the last I have ever heard of”.

Estwick Evans, who wrote an account of his travels down the Ohio and
Mississippi river valleys in 1818 (Thwaites 8-306) spent some weeks in Ten-
nessee along the river during January. He wrote as follows: "Geese, ducks, and
swans are numerous. The latter are very beautiful. Numerous paroquets occupy
the trees along the river bank”.

Audubon, on his boat trip down the Mississippi, noted that Just after passing
Memphis, on 2 December 1 820, he found the "woods literally filled with
paroquets.” A comprehensive survey of the literature shows that the true home
of this non-migratory but far-ranging species, was the river valleys of the
Ohio, the Missouri river through Missouri and the Mississippi valley from St.
Louis southward. This was the region of the cocklebur weed, the hackberry
tree and the muscadine grape, upon each of which it depended considerably for
its fall and winter food. There were also considerable numbers in the Indian
Territory (Oklahoma) and of a sub-species, which made its home in Florida.
Records of its occurrence in Oklahoma, 1820 to 1889, are given by Nice
(p. 101). Those for Florida and some elsewhere, may be found published in
The Auk (see index to, 1 876-1900) during the 1880-1900 period. Of these
E. M. Hasbrouk wrote in 1891, that none were left at that time except a few
in central Florida and perhaps a few in Oklahoma.

Widmann, in his Birds of Missouri (pp. 113-116), gives much information
on these birds in that state, including the following interesting item from the
journal of explorer J. K. Townsend, dated 7 April 173 3 along the Missouri
river. "We saw vast numbers of the beautiful parrot of this country. They flew
around us in flocks, keeping up a loud screaming, as though they would chide
us for invading their territory; and the splendid green and red of their plumage
glancing in the sunshine as they whirled and circled within a few feet of us,
had a most magnificent appearance. They seemed entirely unsuspicious of dan-
ger, and after being fired at only huddled closer together as if to obtain protec-
tion from each other, and as their companions are falling around them, they
curve down their necks and look at them fluttering on the ground as though
at a loss to account for so unusual an occurrence.” It seems clear that these
birds had never had experience with men armed with guns. Townsend’s hunters
regularly brought in pigeons, paroquets and Turkeys as food for the party.
While early records of paroquets in Tennessee are scant, more so is the case of
adjacent Arkansas. Three books on the birds of that state, those by Wheeler,
Howell and Baerg, record no acceptable facts of their former occurrence there.

Early writers gave it as their unverified opinion that paroquets nested in
the hollows of trees. However, for a colonial-nesting and highly sociable bird,
there would not have been enough nesting cavities close together to accommo-

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date a flock. In order to clear up knowledge of its true nesting habits, William
Brewster, a very capable ornithologist {Auk, 1891, 6:336-37) went to Florida
to investigate. Among others he interviewed were two alligator hunters who
told him that they had found them nesting in the swamps, on nests of twigs,
placed on the low limbs of cypress trees. Shortly after, Brewster called on
Judge R. L. Long of Tallahassee, who he said had a very good knowledge of
the birds of the northern states as well as those of Florida. He quotes his in-
formant thus: "He assured me that he had examined many nests of the paro-
quet, built precisely as above described. Formerly, when the birds were abundant
in the surrounding region he said he used to find them breeding in large colonies
in the cypress swamps. Several of these colonies contained at least a thousand
birds each. They nested invariably in small cypress trees, the favorite position
being on a fork near the end of a slender branch. Every such fork would be
occupied and he has seen as many as fifty nests in one tree”. No adverse com-
ment followed Brewster’s report.

For the interior population of paroquets, their breeding grounds were in
the lowlands and swamps bordering the lower Ohio, lower Missouri and the
Mississippi below Cairo. Open lakes in west T ennessee and the extensive, mostly
shallow Reelf oot lake in Tennessee’s northwest corner would seem to have been
highly acceptable. Between Reelf oot and Memphis, three winding sluggish
rivers had their quotes of small lakes and swamps. Reelfoot was created by
the earthquake of 1811-12 causing the flat lowlands to sink to a lower level.
Vast numbers of cypress trees survived in shallow parts but grew no larger and
the younger trees spread their limbs out over the shallow waters of "the scat-
ters”, along the borders and at the north end. Penetration by boat into this
aquatic jungle, during probable paroquet occupancy held no reward for hunters
or fishermen so was probably never attempted, and no paroquet nestings were
ever reported. Back in 1922, the writer in a boat with an experienced guide,
found it took two hours to penetrate a half mile through this swamp, in order
to reach "Cranetown”, a great heronry because of the tangle of low limbs and
floating cypress logs.

A "nugget” of information has just come to hand in the account of Na-
thaniel Bishop (Ch. 6) who in late May 1 878 steered his rowboat into the
mouth of Bayou du Chien, a creek that drains water from "the scatters” of
Reelfoot lake, a few miles southeast. He there established camp to rest for a
day or two, gathered firewood and tied his boat to the creek bank. The little
12-foot craft was a roofed-over rowbank, painted white for discernment, in
which since early spring he had been rowing down the Ohio river from Pitts-
burgh.

His book then recounts (p. 129) that he heard the calls of an approaching
flock of paroquets which after circling about over his camp, alit in the tree
overhead still chattering noisily, then became silent. A page picture in his book
shows about a dozen in the tree, presumably curious about the white boat below.
He had no more to say about the paroquets and resumed his voyage the next
morning.

The probabilities are that his visitors were a flock of males, foraging away
from as many females incubating at their nesting colony in the shallow north
end of Reelfoot lake, a few miles southeast. Bishop’s discovery was an important

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one for, here in late May, he had found a flock of paroquets close to a habitat
like the ones used in Florida and at the proper time for such birds to nest. As
of 1878, this may have been the last colony nesting place in the Mississippi
valley region. During the few remaining years of their existence the scattered
pairs may well have resorted to nesting in the tree cavities in which they
roosted.

When Bishop left the Tennessee area he seemed to be racing downstream,
perhaps to get ahead of a spring flood. He mentioned passing, without stopping,
Memphis, Vicksburg, Natchez, and arriving at New Orleans in mid-June. With
the foregoing picture of west Tennessee’s vast swamp lands, it would be proper
here to tell what little is known of a former resident, now extinct, of this area,
the IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER (Campepbilus principalis) . This veritable king
of the woodpecker tribe was probably never abundant anywhere. Unlike the
paroquet, it did not range far from its nesting areas where, in the deep forests,
it sought its chief food by chiseling off the bark of large dead trees to secure
the larvae (grubs) beneath. Settling of the country and active logging by
timber men, reduced the extensive forests to such small areas that not enough
big trees died annually to provide their specialized food.

The last ones seen in the Mississippi valley were a few pair discovered in
the great 50,000 acre Singer tract, a large holding of virgin hardwood forest
in Louisiana, 17 miles southwest of Tallulah in Madison Parish and 32 miles
west of Vicksburg on the Mississippi. In 193 5 Dr. A. A. Allen of Cornell Uni-
verity, organized a party to visit the site and to remain for studies. They
succeeded in finding nests and in making photographs and movies in color to
be used in lectures and to illustrate an article in The Auk. One of the party.
Dr. James T. Tanner, was then selected by the National Audubon Society to
explore all remaining suitable areas for additional birds. He was unable to find
other individuals or habitals of recent use. He published a very informative,
illustrated report in 1942, a review of which, by the writer, will be found in
The Migrant., 1943, 14:9-10, including a page photo, by Allen, of one of the
birds at its nest.

Returning now to Tennessee, we find that all earlier writers have assumed
that both sides of the Mississippi river south of Cairo supported small popula-
tions, the only definite record for Tennessee, however, was of two, shot there
by Audubon in 1820. This was when on the flatboat trip, mentioned earlier in
this article and on about 23 November. He mentions having hunted ashore,
shooting an Ivory-billed Woodpecker and later of shooting another. These
almost certainly were on the inhabital Tennessee side. During that time, his
journal records that he completed a painting of one of several Bald Eagles he
had shot and it is reasonable to suppose that the woodpeckers were used for
his fine plate depicting that species.

Across the river, in Missouri, Widmann (p. 119) records a male shot and
preserved, taken 8 November 1895 near Morley, Mo. This was 3 0 miles north
of Reelfoot lake and Widmann gives it as the last state record. In late Novem-
ber, 1915, twenty years later, I organized a party of two fellow birders, an
expert hunter and myself, to explore the wooded areas at the north end of
Reelfoot lake. The weather was good and so was our list of birds. We saw
Pileated Woodpeckers but no Ivory-bills and the lake people we questioned
did not recall having seen any brought in by hunters.

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We will now treat more briefly of certain birds our early settlers probably
saw less frequently. The prairie chicken (Tympanuchus ctipido) was found
by Wilson in "The Barrens” areas of Kentucky just north of the Tennessee line,
east and west of the then village of Bowling Green. He was in this area from
17 to 21 April and recorded this, now extirpated, species as being common in
the vast, grassy and nearly treeless country. Had he explored the adjacent
northern part of Robertson county, Tennessee, he should have found it there
also for its aspect was similar to that of The Barrens. This area derived its
name because of the lack of creeks and surface waters, this being due to rain-
fall quickly finding its way into innumerable sink holes and from there into
underground streams. Wilson was told by the inhabitants that the Prairie
Chickens would come to the farmhouses to feed with the poultry and that on
such occasions many of them were trapped. He shortly afterwards gave Ten-
nessee its only record of this species. He writes (2:277-79) , "When I was in
Tennessee, a person living within a few miles of Nashville (probably north
of-G.) had caught an old hen grouse in a trap and being obliged to keep her in
a large cage, she struck and abused the rest of the poultry. As to its drinking
habits, he said it would not drink from a receptacle provided but eagerly picked
off drops of water that ran down the bars when water was poured on top of
the cage. In "The Barrens”, this species had learned to rely on gleaning drops
thus after rainfall. Wilson’s excellent picture of one of these birds, which he
called Sharp-tailed Grouse, was made on this trip as well as those of his newly
discovered Kentucky (Oporonis formosus) , Prairie {Dendroica discolor) , Ten-
nessee and Nashville Warblers.

Of eagles, the settlers were visited during the winter by golden eagles
(Aquila chrysaetos canadensis) mostly from the northwest and Canada, al-
though a few bred in the escarpments of the Cumberland Plateau and in
similar cliffs in the high mountains along Tennessee’s eastern border. The writer
has been unable to find any occupied nests in these areas during the past fifty
years but found several old nests. Eagles do not breed until they are 3 or 4
years old, so finding them present in spring does not mean a nest. From the
early settlers, and even to a lesser extent during present times, wintering
Golden Eagles took their toll of small pigs, lambs, kids, turkeys and other
poultry. These birds now prefer high hills or "knobs” and depend largely upon
rabbits for food.

The BALD EAGLE (HaUaetus leucocephalus) has a decided preference for
lakes and rivers, building huge nests in large, high trees, on or near the margins
of such habitats. It was not a troublesome predator for it preferred fish, dead
or alive, wild ducks and geese including those disabled by hunters, and small
mammals. We may be certain that there were numerous Bald Eagle nests in
West Tennessee, along the Mississippi with its numerous lakes, up the four
sluggish tributaries and along both the Tennessee and Cumberland. At the
present date, no active nests are known in the state but may exist. However,
Reelfoot lake and the northern part of Kentucky lake have gradually become
the winter home of hundreds of Bald Eagles, now enjoying the protection
afforded.

The PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco pCYcgrinus ana turn) or Duck Hawk chose
for its nesting sites habitats favored by the Golden Eagle and in addition, had

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its eyries in the many high cliffs along the Tennessee, the Cumberland and sev-
eral smaller rivers. Forty years ago, the writer (Atik. 51:371-373) had located
a dozen active eyries in Tennessee but recent searchers have found these no
longer occupied. The falcons are believed to have died out as a result of eating
birds and squirrels affected with DDT used as a spray to kill insects which are
harmful to timber trees. The eyries were located on sheltered ledges of high,
verticle cliffs and no nesting material is brought in even though the 3 or 4 eggs
are deposited in the chilly month of March {Wilson Bui. 43:3-8).

Many years ago a nest was found by the writer that was in an unusual situa-
tion. It was at the north end of Reelfoot lake, contained young and was in a
live cypress tree about 50 feet above the water. Some years later I described
the location to Dr. Walter R. Spofford, an enthusiastic falconer. He visited the
nest and site for several years, finding the birds nesting each spring. A plentiful
supply of ducks here, including wounded ones, made a convenient food supply.
Wintering Peregrines, ranging widely over the state were fearless preditors and
would attack and kill poultry at a farmer’s doorstep.

Another of the large and spectacular birds of the early days was the raven
(Corpus corax) a big bird of striking appearance which in early days was
found all over Tennessee but now is limited to a very few pairs in the Great
Smoky Mountains National Park and along other peaks on our eastern border.
Seventy-five years ago, they could be found regularly about the cliffs around
and within the sparsely settled Cumberland Plateau. This area included "The
Wilderness”, most of which is now within Pickett Forest State Park. In some
of these cliffs I have found old nests of the Raven but the birds were no longer
present. Surveyors, who had been surveying the many timber and coal lands
and railroad spurs to remote coal mines, told me that prior to about 1900, these
birds were seen there regularly.

Alexander Wilson, riding southward through Tennessee in early 1810, says
(1:120) "In traveling from Nashville to Natchez, a distance of 470 miles, I
saw few or no Crows but Ravens frequently and Vultures in great numbers”.
Elsewhere he writes that Crows appear to avoid living near Ravens. Scarcity of
Crows in early Tennessee may be attributed to the fact corn fields were still
small in size. Wilson also relates that Ravens in the north had found out about
eggs of the settler’s poultry and were guilty of stealing them. In an exploration
trip I made back in the twenties into "The Wilderness”, my map led me down
Rock creek, far north of Jamestown, Tenn. I finally came across an extremely
isolated log cabin on the creek, with a few cultivated acres of land around it,
tilled by a backwoodsman and his small family. I engaged the hospitably moun-
taineer in an inquiry about possible resident eagles, falcons and Ravens. He and
his wife told me that at "Yellow bluff,” a high cliff about a mile downstream,
Ravens had nested in recent years. That they had tried to kill them because,
when one of their hens laid an egg and cackled the glad news from her hidden
nest, there had to be a race from someone in the house to beat the Raven to
the egg. Isaac Blevins of near Jamestown was with me and, if he is still living,
can verify what our more rural friends told us.

Many more of our birds could be discussed in a general way but reference
to them by the pioneers is absent, because of the busy life the people had to
live in order to exist. We can be sure there were no great flocks of wintering

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grackles and that Robins (Tmdus migraforius) were far less abundant. And
of course there were no Starlings {Sturmis vulgaris) and House Sparrows
(Passer domesticus) . It would seem that Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos)
had not arrived; Wilson (l:xciv) after traveling through Kentucky and Ten-
nessee saw not one of these birds until he reached northeast Mississippi. We
shall now give a description of the qudrupeds the early settlers found in this
remote wilderness.

Perhaps we should begin with the buffalo or woodland bison (Bison b.
pannsulvanicits) . These huge animals were found in herds throughout Tennessee
and southward to the great bend made by the Tennessee river but were particu-
larly numerous in central Tennessee about the Cumberland settlements and
thence northward into Kentucky. They were also found in small numbers in
the Carolinas and the Gulf states. When the first settlers disembarked at Nash-
ville in the spring of 1780, their needs had been provided for by a hardy group
of men under James Robertson, coming cross-country and arriving in mid-
winter. They constructed cabins within a stockade as protection against Indians.
Forty additional settlers, including a few women and children, came down the
Tennessee and up the Cumberland in a flotilla of boats, arriving on 24 April
1780, and were welcomed with an ample dinner of fresh Buffalo steaks.

The site of Nashville, on the south side of the river, had been chosen because
of its proximity to "The French Lick”, where a copious, slightly saline spring
had become a great gathering place for herds of Buffalo, Elk, Deer and as-
sociated animals. Nashville was the northern terminus of a great Buffalo trail
that led southwestward and which when later was used for travel by the
pioneers, became known as the Natchez Trace. At the Nashville end there were
points where sloping banks on apponite sides of the river permitted an easy
crossing, thus leading to another trail northward. Early history and land-grant
deeds refer frequently to the presence of "Licks”. These were usually spring-
heads, to which the animals came to drink. In summer, the Buffalo after
quenching their thirst, would then paw up the ground about the creekside to
form a loblolly of mud in which to wallow; then with hide well covered, would
walk away with it as a protection from the bites of swarms of Buffalo gnats and
horseflys. In later years early settlers lost cattle, horses and mules from hordes
of the gnats. Shallow ponds resulted about which there is no vestige of a man-
made levee and quite a number of these have been found by the writer. Some
still hold shallow water, others partly filled with decayed vegetation and button-
willows.

At calving time, the females left the herd and wandered far off into the
wilderness to drop their calves, thus keeping them safe for some months from
the Wolf pack that always followed the herd, on the lookout for decrepit adult
Buffalo or unprotected young. For a very complete record of the early distribu-
tion of the Buffalo and other large game the reader is referred to Remington
Kellogg’s 1939 report cited in the Bibliography.

To the early settlers, Buffalo meat was their chief article of food during
the first 1 0 years and the animals were rapidly killed out by 1790. By 1800, it
had become rare in the Nashville area and the few that were still left made their
last stand northwest, in Montgomery and Robertson counties, during the next
few years. Kellogg (p. 3 00) says "Bison apparently were still to be found in

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Montgomery county in 1793, and quoted Goodpasture ( 1903:206) as havine
published a contract, siened 4 October 1793, with John Dier, for delivery of
3 5 hundredweight of Buffalo beef to John Edmondson, at $2 a hundred”.
French hunters and trappers had regularly paddled up the Cumberland to mid-
dle Tennessee prior to 1780, camped by the Licks, and had slaughtered great
numbers of Buffalo, for their tongues (to smoke or salt), their tallow, and their
hides. One of them, de Mombrum, told pioneer William Hall, according to
Henderson (pp. 128-129) that at Bledsoe’s Lick, "one could walk for several
hundred yards at and in the Lick, on Buffalo skulls and bones, and the whole
flat around the Lick was covered with their bleached bones.” The hunters
evidently shot from scaffolds in trees. Bledsoe’s Lick was 30 miles northeast of
Nashville, and a few miles north of the Cumberland.

There should be a monument erected to the Buffalo in Nashville, the State
Capitol, for aside from the food it provided for its isolated founders, its well
fleeced hide was good to sleep both on and under, its thick, tanned hide pro-
vided the leather of which the early settlers moccasins were made, and since
Buffalos kept their well-worn trails clear, the settlers found them invaluable for
their travels.

It seems strange to realize nowadays that Tennessee in early times had a
good population of that stately antlered animal, the eastern elk {Carvus c.
canadensis) which is said to have associated itself with the much more numer-
ous deer. Kellogg has rounded up the few bits of information on this animal
(pp. 295-97) which includes quotes from Ramsey, writing in 1 85 3, that in
1779, about Nashville, the woods and cane brakes were frequented by Buf-
falos, Elk, Deer, Wolves, Panthers and Foxes. Putman, writing in 1859, likewise
stated that this locality had "innumerable sulphur or salt spring to drink”. The
same source stated that in 1783, in Cumberland county on the Plateau, sur-
veyors on a new road passing through meadow lands reported "numerous herds
of deer, elk and buffalo”. David Crockett ( 1834) in an autobiographical
sketch, reportedly refers to elk in the bottoms of Obion and Dyer counties in
west Tennessee between 1820 and 1830. The elk sheds its large set of antlers
annually and early travellers referred to finding these in many places. Like the
buffalo, it was said to wallow in the licks to clothe itself in mud as a deterrent
to gnats and flies. Practically none of these fine animals were still in existence
after about 1850. One of Tennessee’s most scenic rivers was chosen to bear
its name, the Elk.

The most numerous, and in many ways the most useful of Tennessee’s big
game, was the Virginia deer {Odocoiletiis v. virginianus) . The early settlers
found them to be common in all parts of the state and usually associated with
herds of elk and buffalo. Panthers and wolves preyed upon them, and one pro-
tection from the wolves was for the deer to flee to within the fearless buffalo
herd.

Deer skins to the pioneers was the equivalent of money and the settlers
hunted them whenever time permitted. Their flesh was prized for food and the
hunters learned how to tan the skins for clothing. A long, narrow strip of
buckskin, for sewing and a stout thorn from a honey-locust tree used as a
hole punch, enabled a "long hunter” or pioneer to fashion a jacket, pants and
leggoins with no other tools than his trusty knife. As households were set up.

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better tanning was perfected and the women turned out a better product for
the men and their children. Strips or coils of tough, strong "buckskin” were
for many generations considered an essential item in every farmers tool house.
This item however in later years was cut from calfskins.

The shooting of deer, elk and buffalo by hunters at "licks” is well described
by Killebrew (p. 113). According to accounts given to him prior to 1873 by
early settlers, the hunters erected scaffolds in trees at the edge of the lick, con-
cealing themselves on them with brush and from which they could overlook
the animals below. Then "at the time of the day the game were to congregate,
the crafty hunter, elevated on his lofty eyrie above the visual range, would
with his unerring rifle . . .” select his animals and kill one after another of
those he chose.

The BLACK BEAR (Ursjis a. americamis) was also widely distributed through-
out Tennessee and was found useful to the settlers but at times was an annoying
predator. None have occurred in the State in many years except a few that are
in rugged Great Smoky Mountains timbered areas, now a National Park, where
they are protected. Elsewhere in Tennessee they made their last stand in the
wilds of the Cumberland Plateau. Kellogg (p. 2 57-260) gives many occur-
rences including the earliest years. He also quotes historian Ramsey’s (p. 450)
much too brief account of an heroic service rendered by some of the brave
settlers, more details of which are here given.

During the summer of 1781, a heavy rain washed out the corn crop they
had planted in the bottoms, leaving far too little corn for meal and hominy. A
very cold January found them facing starvation. Twenty hunters then volun-
teered to paddle up the Cumberland to recently discovered Flynn’s Lick and
to bring back a greatly needed supply of meat. While they were away, on
1 5 January, Indians noted the absence of ten of the dozen canoes, attacked
Freelands station one of the two at Nashville, but were repulsed. Meanwhile,
the hunters had passed the mouth of Caney Fork and thence on to Flynn’s
Creek, in the mouth of which they made camp, close to the Lick. During the
several weeks there and enroute, they killed and dressed 105 Bears, 7 5 Buffalos
and more than 80 deer.

To bring back so much game, it was necessary for them to build a raft,
load it and steer it 151 miles downstream with poles, sweeps, and the aid of
their canoes. After unloading, the raft was disassembled and we may assume,
was eagerly chopped up for firewood. The bear fat was rendered into "bear
grease”. In later years the pioneers stored this commodity in large gourds since
it was highly prized as a necessary ingredient for good cornbread. Further
along, Putman (p. 296) is quoted: "Bear and wolves were found in great num-
bers for half a dozen years after the first settlement, in the Harpeth hills,” 10
or 12 miles southwest of Nashville, and on page 122, "During the winter, Capt.
John Rains killed 32 bears within 7 miles of the Bluff (Nashville), mostly in
Harpeth Knobs south of Nashville.

As predators, Bears made off with the settlers pigs, lambs and poultry and
would turn over "bee-gums” to get honey. Being omnivorous, they ate a great
variety of food including blueberries, blackberries, wild fruit, insects, acorns,
and nuts in season. During fall, they became very fat and sought dens in which
to sleep in very cold weather.

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The GRAY WOLFE {Cunh lupus) was the worst of all predators for it hunted
in packs and ranged over wide areas in search of victims. It was found through-
out the state and was difficult to get rid of. A pack was said to always follow
the buffalo herds, hoping that a decrepit animal would lag behind, or to sur-
round a young one that had strayed away. When the settlers brought their
stock with them into the Tennessee and Cumberland river settlements, their
pigs, sheep and poultry had to be penned up at night lest the wolves, panthers
and bobcats wipe them out. Neither their flesh nor hide had value, so regular
trappers did not seek them at first but later, Williams (1936:961 180) records
that in 1819 wolves so often "attacked young pigs, young calves, fawns, etc.,
that bounties were paid to hunters and trappers for wolf scalps.”

The PANTHER (Fells concolor) and the bobcat (Lynx r. rufus) were
kindred predators, the former much less numerous than the latter. Panthers
were difficult to trap but were hunted with dogs which would "tree” the animal
where it could be shot. The last of them were probably extirpated prior to the
year 1900. Though unconfirmed reports came in later. Bobcats are still oc-
casionally reported.

The BEAVER (Castor canadensis carolinensis) and the otter (Lutro cana-
densis interior) were fellow denizens of the streams and were widely distributed.
The Beaver felled saplings with which to construct pond-forming dams to pro-
vide its special habitat. The Otter digs a hole in a stream bank with entrance
well hidden, then makes a nest at its terminus for rearing its young. They are
very destructive to fish and range widely from their home base. As to the
Beaver, a few small colonies exist in west and middle Tennessee. The Otter has
now become very rare. These two species along with the mink (Mustela vison)
have always been the most sought after catch by trappers, for their skins
brought high prices. The mink is still widespread over the state but is no longer
common. In those early years, when the value of North Carolina money was
in doubt, high quality furs were more acceptable and taxes could be paid with
them. Public officials then accepted them for salaries and in turn converted
them into money or bartered them for goods and services. Of the lesser animals
there was, and are, a great variety, such as the Red and Grey Foxes, Raccoon,
Opossum, Skunk, Woodchuck, Muskrat, Rabbit, Weasel, Grey and Red Fox
Squirrels, about 50 species in all.

The writer feels that the last paragraph of this article should be devoted
to a few words about the brave settlers themselves, and who of necessity made
good use of the wildlife, without which they could not have settled the state,
when and as they did. As mentioned in the first paragraph they were North
Carolinians, mostly young Revolutionary War soldiers, who had grants of land
coming to them for their war services, anywhere in the state which claimed
its lines extended westward to the Mississippi river. Back in Carolina, they had
become used to fighting Indians so they came as fearless invaders of what had
been the Indians hunting grounds in Tennessee and Kentucky. The fighting
that followed through those early years made them cling together as brothers
and bred in them both unity and confidence. Isolated as they were, by the
mountain chain on the east, by French territory on the west, and by Indian
territories on the south and north, they received but few goods from outside.
With great ingenuity they learned to improvise and to manufacture the neces-

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sities of life. This developed a distinctive, confident and self-reliant type of

people who in consequence evolved many admirable qualities and of which their

present-day descendents are justly proud.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

THE AUK, 187o-1900. Quarterly journal of Amer. Ornithologists Union. The
index for those years (Vols. 1-27) cites research articles by Wright, Butler,
Brewster, Hasbrouk, et al, on birds treated in present paper but nothing
specifically in Tenn. not already included herein.

AUDUBON, JOHN j.. The Birds of America, 1840-44, 7 vols., Phila.

BREWSTER, WILLIAM, 1879, The Auk, 6:336-337 (paroquets in Florida).

BISHOP, NATHANIEL, 1879, Four months in a Sneak Box (Boat) in W. Tenn.
on Miss. River during May 1878. (Paroquets near Reelfoot L.).

EVANS, ESTWICK, 1819, A pedestrian tour etc.. In W. Tenn. Jan. 1818 on
Miss. R.

GANiER, A. F., 1933, Water Birds of Reelfoot Lake, Journal Tenn. Acad. Sci-
ence, 8:65-83. Revised and reissued as Tenn. Arifuna, No. 2, 1933.

GANIER, A. F., 192 8, The Wildlife of Tenn, Jour. Tenn. Acad. Sci. 3:10-27.

HENDERSFN, ARCHIBALD, 1920, Conquest of the Southwest, 390 p. Cantury Co.

KELLOGG, REMINGTON, 1939, Annotated List of Tennessee Mammals, Proc.
U. S. Nat. Museum, V. 86, No. 305, pp. 245-3 03 (well researched) .

KiLLEBREW J. B., 1874, The Resources of Tennessee. Pub. by State, 1193 p.

MANLOVE, w. R., 193 3. A Roost of the Wild Pigeon, The Migrant, 4:18-19.

MENGLE, ROBERT, 1965. The Birds of Kentucky. A. O. U. Monograph :^3,
pp. 1-581.

NICE, MARGARET, 1931. The Birds of Oklahoma, U. of Okla. Press, pp. 1-224.

RHOADS, s. N., 1 895. Birds found in Tenn. Proc., Phil. Acad. Sci., Parts 2
and 3.

SCHORGER, A. w., 195 5. The Passenger Pigeon, Madison, Wis., pp. 13-424.

TANNER, JAMES T., 1942. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker, Nat. Aud. Soc., pp.
1-123.

THWAITES, REUBEN, 1904, Early Western Travels, 1748-1846. Cleveland, Ohio,
26 Vols. An excellent gathering and Editing of journals of early travelers.

wiLDMAN, OTTO, 1907. Prelim. List. Birds of Missouri, St. Louis Acad. Sci.,
225 p.

WILLIAMS, SAML. c., 192 8. Early Travels in Tennessee, also his 1930 vol. on
West Tenn. Johnson City, Tenn.

WILSON, ALEXANDER (and C. S. Bonaparte) , 1878 Phila. 3 vols. in one. The
most useful of many editions. Includes life of Wilson and his correspond-
ence. 1226 p., incF 76 plates (reduced).

2112 Woodlawn Dr., Nashville, Tenn. 37212.

[Vol. 44, 1973]

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ALBERT F. GANIER, ORNITHOLOGIST

James T. Tanner

Albert F. Ganier’s first publication in an ornithological journal appeared in
1899 in The Hummer; it was titled "My Screech Owl Finds of 1899”. In the
same year and for the same journal he wrote two other articles, "Odd Nestings”
and "The Wood Pewee”. These three papers were the first fruits of what has
become a life-time study of the birds of the state.

These papers also began his association with the Wilson Ornithological
Society, then composed largely of ornithologists interested in the birds of the
Mississippi Valley Region. He became secretary of that society in 1918, serving
for the next five years. During his tenure he wrote many news notes for the
"Bulletin” on ornithology and on the activities of ornithologists, thus increasing
the interest of the members in their society and in their science. In 1924 he
was elected president of that society and served for the two-year term. As
president he made special efforts to increase the funds for publication of the
Wilson Bulletin. The society met in Nashville in November, 1924, under his
leadership.

He published several other notes and articles in the Wilson' Bulletin, but
after the birth of The Migrant in 1930 most of his records and research were
recorded in this journal. A count of Albert Ganier’s scientific publications,
excluding news notes, book reviews and so forth, totals 206; by far the majority,
153, were published in The Migrant, while 34 were in the Wilson Bulletin and
the remainder in other journals.

Two of his major works appeared in 1933. One, entitled "A Distributional
List of the Birds of Tennessee” and published by the Tennessee Department of
Game and Fish, was the first attempt to compile an annotated list of the birds
of the state. The second published in that same year in The Journal of the
T ennessee Academy of Science was entitled "Water Birds of Reelf oot Lake,
Tennessee”, and it was on the same general subject as that of his first paper
written 17 years previously. Indeed one of his permanent interests has been
the herons and other birds of Reelfoot Lake and neighboring areas; to emphasize
this point I list the years in which he published articles on this subject: 1916,
1932, 1933, 1937, 1943, 1951, 1960, 1964.

Most of Albert Ganier’s observations naturally centered around Nashville,
his home city. Over forty articles and notes described the bird life of that
region, ranging over the subjects of abundance, nesting, roosting habits, mi-
gration, and rare visitors. He extended his studies, however, to many parts of
the state by organizing forays into little known sections to find what birds
were present in these areas. Localities that he and his friends explored at differ-
ent times included the Great Smoky Mountains, Roan Mountain, Unicoi Moun-
tains, Shady Valley, Pickett Forest, and Fall Creek Falls.

His interest in birds extends to all kinds, and the notes he has written on
particular species range over the taxonomic list from Eared Grebe to White-
throated Sparrow. However he showed more interest in some groups, especially

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the herons as has already been mentioned, and also in eagles, the Peregrine
Falcon, warblers nesting in Tennessee, the Cardinal, and the Starling. In 192 5
he reported the breeding of the Starling, then a new bird for this part of the
country, in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. His interest in nesting
birds and his skill at finding nests developed from his interest in the collecting
of bird eggs, a characteristic of many persons who became interested in orni-
thology in the early part of the century. Another subject in which he became
interested after 1950 and on which he has written several papers is that of the
nocturnal migration of birds.

His only venture into the area of ornithological taxonomy was the descrip-
tion of a new race of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker which nests in the southern
Appalachian mountains. This description was published in The Migrant in 1954,
and the new name was later recognized by the Committee on Nomenclature of
the American Ornithologists Union.

Because of the great variety of his contributions to the science of ornithol-
ogy, it is difficult to say which will be the most valuable. The two which I
believe are outstanding are, first, his encouragement of the study of birds by
his dedicated work for and support of the Wilson Ornithological Society and
the Tennessee Ornithological Society, and second, the many observations he has
recorded on the presence and habits of birds in Tennessee and surrounding
areas. Some of these have already furnished information for the state bird books
of Alabama, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Whenever a scientific book on the
birds of Tennessee will be written, I am certain that a large section of the list
of literature cited will be under the name "Ganier, Albert F.”.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37916.

Correction: The Migrant 44:30, 1973. With Table II the copy now reads:
Henslow’s Sparrow Passer her bulus henslowH Calcarius hemlowii

To be correct it should read as follows:

Henslow’s Sparrow Passer herbulus henslowH Ammodramus henslowH.

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ALBERT F. GAN lER — EDITOR AND AUTHOR

Ben B. Coffey, Jr.

Our friend, Albert F. Ganier, has led such a full and fruitful life that any
sub-title would seem too restrictive. An excellent article in The Tennessee
Conservationist for Oct. /Nov. 1972 is entitled "Salute to a Pioneer: Albert F.
Ganier”. "It was taken, in part, from Charles Farrell’s nomination for Mr.
Ganier’s Tennessee Conservation League Governor’s Award.” I urge you to read
again this article which is very informative. The first paragraph therein is
such a worthy summation and tribute, that I have reproduced it herein. It
expresses my almost identical thoughts so admirably that I must plead my
inability to otherwise express myself.

"Mr. Ganier has sought through the whole of his long life to learn and to
appreciate the animals and plants of the State, its land and water surface, and
its cultural monuments of earlier generations of Tennesseans; he has by exam-
ple instilled in his contemporaries his own zeal for learning and something of
his capacity for appreciation; and he has attempted in all ways by the written
and spoken word and by direct deed to insure these treasures for generations
of Tennesseans to come. Best known for his work in ornithology and deserving
of an award for this alone, his contributions in other aspects of conservation
are numerous and important.”

I would like to supplement the above account, and, also, to treat of Mr.
Ganier as editor and writer. He was as concerned with people of similar inter-
ests as with those interests, and ever ready to help. He was able to travel to
many areas of the state, not only to study the birds present, but to assist other
members in their study and to help them come together and unite their efforts.
He often visited our Memphis Chapter, as he did other Chapters and birders
throughout the state, for our anniversaries and other meetings and special field
trips. Many field trip sites he had already worked alone or with a few of our
other pioneer members. These visits were frequent enough that I know they
would have been a burden to a lesser spirit. In addition, he encouraged and
assisted in the organization of the Kentucky and the Georgia Ornithological
Societies. He gave leadership and editorial service to the Tennessee Academy of
Science and to a national society, the Wilson Ornithological Club.

He early recognized the importance of a Society periodical, in placing on
record facts developed by our field work, in drawing our state-wide member-
ship together, and spurring the growth of our Society. He was on the editorial
staff from the start (1930) and served as Editor 1935-1937, and mid- 1942
through 1946. He gave guidance and encouragement to those that subsequently
took over those duties. More importantly, from a practical standpoint, he gave
freely of his time and efforts in supplying "copy”. How much copy I didn’t
realize until I compiled a bibliography of his writings, which is given here.
Such a tabulation is usually glanced at casually, but I recommend your perusal
of each title, so that you will realize the extent and breadth of his interests and
the importance of his contributions to the success of The Migrant.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY - ALBERT F. GANIER
In Publications Other Than The Migrant

1899a. My Screech Owl finds of 1899. The Hummer, I (No. 3)

1899b. Odd Nestings. The Hummer, I (No. 5-6)

1899c. The Wood Pewee. The Hummer, I (No. 7)

1900a. Where Swallows Roost. The Hummer, I (No. 8)

1900b. Nesting of the Prothonotary Warbler. Bird-Lore, II (No. 3)

1901. The Chuck -Will's-Widow. The Bittern, I (No. 1)

1902a. The Mississippi Kite. Osprey, I (No. 6)

1902b. Frontispiece: 4 photographs of above Kites. Osprey, I (No. 7)

1916a. November Bird Life at Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee. Wilson Bulletin, 28: 25-30.

1916b. Organization of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Wilson Bulletin, 28: 45-46.

1916c. Comparative Mid-winter Temperatures. Wilson Bulletin, 28: 97.

1918d. Notes on the Breeding Warblers of Tennessee. Wilson Bulletin, 28: 138-143.

1916e. Tennessee Ornithological Society. Wilson Bulletin, 28: 195.

1917a. Preliminary List of the Birds of Tennessee. State of Tennessee, Department of Fish and Game. 28pp.

1917b. Keeping Field Records. Wilson Bulletin, 29: 175-177.

1918. Tree Sparrow at Nashville, Tennessee. Wilson Bulletin, 30: 92-93.

1921a. Nesting of Bachman's Sparrow. Wilson Bulletin, 33: 1-4.

1921b. Photographing a Killdeer. Wilson Bulletin, 33: (No. 3)

1921c. The work of the Wilson Club. Wilson Bulletin, 33: (No. 3)

1921d. Cowbird Lays in Prothonotary's Nest. Wilson Bulletin, 33: 146.

1921e. Woodcock Increasing. Wilson Bulletin, 33:148-149.

1922. Breeding of the Barn Swallow in Tennessee. Wilson Bulletin, 34: 184-185.

1923a. Notes from the Tennessee Cumberlands. Wilson Bulletin, 35: 26-34.

1923b. Nesting of the Sharp-shinned Hawk. Wilson Bulletin, 35: 41-43.

1923c. Identifying Birds Afield. Wilson Bulletin, 35:216-219.

1924. Starlings Abundant at Nashville, Tennessee. Wilson Bulletin, 36: 31-32.

1925a. The Starling Breeding in Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. Wilson Bulletin, 37: 174-175.

1925b. LeConte's Sparrow at Nashville, Tennessee. Wilson Bulletin, 37: 227.

1926a. An Unusual Flicker's Nest. Wilson Bulletin, 38: 116.

1926b. Life History of the Bobwhite or Quail. Jour. Tenn. Acad. Sci. , I: 10.

1926c. Summer Birds of the Great Smoky Mountains. Jour. Tenn. Acad. Sci. , 3: 10-22.

1928a. The Wildlife of Tennessee. Jour. Tenn. Acad. Sci. , 3: 10-22.

1928b. A New Year's Bird Census at Nashville, Tennessee. Wilson Bulletin, 40: 55.

1928c. The European Starling Nesting at Nashville, Tennessee. Wilson Bulletin, 40: 198.

192 8d. Snowy Owl in Tennessee. Wilson Bulletin, 40: 251.

1929. Some Unusual Waterbird Visitors to Tennessee. Wilson Bulletin, 41: 96-100.

1930. Breeding of Least Tern on the Mississippi River, Wilson Bulletin, 42: 103-107.

1931a. Nesting of the Duck Hawk in Tennessee. Wilson Bulletin, 43: 3-8.

1931b. Facts About Eagles in Tennessee. Jour. Tenn. Acad. Sci., 6: 49-57,

1932, Nesting of the Bald Eagle. Wilson Bulletin, 44: 3-9.

1933a. A Distributional List of the Birds of Tennessee. Tennessee Avifauna No. 1, Tenn. Orni. Soc. Jan. , 1-64.

Also published (Feb. ) by the Tenn. Dept, of Game and Fish, Nashville.

1933b. Water Birds of Reelfoot Lake. Jour. Tenn. Acad. Sci. , 8: 65-83.

1933c. Water Birds of Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee. Tennessee Avifauna No. 2, Tenn. Orni. Soc. Feb., 1-24.

(An enlarged, partially revised separate of the previous article, )

1933d. A Ten-year-old Cardinal. Wilson Bulletin, 45: 152-154.

1934a. Incubation Period of the Killdeer. Wilson Bulletin, 46: 17-19.

1934b. The Status of the Duck Hawk in the Southeast. Auk, 51: 371-373.

1934c. Further Notes on a Very Old Cardinal. Wilson Bulletin, 46: 236-237.

1935. The Cardinal now Twelve Years Old. Wilson Bulletin, 47: 285-286.

1937. Further Notes on a Very Old Cardinal. Wilson Bulletin, 49: 15-16.

1950. Biographical Sketch of Doctor George R. Mayfield. Jour. Tenn. Acad. Sci. , 25: 245-247.

1953. Nesting of the White-throated Sparrow in N-E West Virginia. Wilson Bulletin, 65: 277-279 (Co-Author with
F. Buchannon),

1964. The Alleged Transportation of its Eggs or Young by the Chuck-wills -widow, Wilson Bulletin, 76: 19-27.

1916- Christmas Census (Count) in Bird-Lore and successors. The census of 26 Dec. 1914 was submitted but

inadvertently not published. Subsequent lists of Albert F. Ganier, as sole observer or as compiler, were
published. See The Migrant, June, 1965, and 1932: 42-43.

In addition, Mr. Ganier has been a contributor to the U. S. National Museum Life History series (A, C. Bent,
et), 1936 Olin S. Pettingill, Jr. 's "The American Woodcock", and the like.

Main Articles in The Migrant

1930a. How to Begin the Study of Birds. I(No.l):4-5.

1930b. Autumn Migration. I(No. 2):5-6 (11-12).

1930c. Fifteenth Anniversary Field Day, 1:14-15.

1931a. About Nesting Boxes. II: 2.

1931b. A Winter' Day. II: 25-27.

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1932. Facts About Eagles in Tennessee. Ill: 17-25. (reprinted from Jour. Tenn. Acad. Sci. , 1931: 49-57)

1933. Two March Days at Mullins Cove. IV: 3-5.

1934. Wilson's and Audubon's Works in Tennessee Libraries. V: 39-40.

1935a. Spring Migration at Athens, Tenn. VI: 2-5. (compiled from the records of W. R. Gettys).

1935b. Goose Pond and its Marsh Birds. VI: 22-24.

1936a. Arrival of Spring Migrants at Nashville. VII: 6-7.

1936b. New Birds for the Tennessee List. VII: 17-18.

1936c. Summer Birds of Roan Mountain. VII: 83-86.

1937a. Tennessee's Wildwood Pnrks. VIII: 10-14.

1937b. Summer Birds of Pickett Forest. VIII: 24-27 & photo (34).

1937c. Mississippi Kites at Home. VIII (No. 3): frontispiece drawing.

1938. The Relative Abundance of Winter Birds at Nashville. IX: 89-93.

1939. Canoeing for Birds Along Red River. X: 41-43.

1940a. Notes on Tennessee Birds of Prey. XI: 1-4.

1940b. Drawing of Northern Horned Lark and 2 Lapland Longspurs. XI: 18.

1940c. Review: Notes on the Birds of Tennessee by Alexander Wetmore. XI:29-31.

1941. Thru the Seasons with the Cardinal. XII: 1-4.

1943. The Ivory -billed Woodpecker, a Review of the Report by James T. Tanner. XIV: 9-10.

1943. Notes on the Winter Food of Birds. XIV: 45-47.

1944a. Vernacular Names of Tennessee Birds. XV: 27-28.

1944b. More About the Chimney Swifts Found in Peru. XV: 39-41.

1944c. Maps Showing Chimney Swift Migration. 15: 44 & (3 maps) 47-50.

1946a. The Role of the Unusual. 17: 31-32,

1946b. Why We Use Capitals for Spelling Bird Names. 17: 52.

1947. Nesting Habits of Gie Great Horned Owl. 18: 17-24.

1948. Conditions of Birds Following a Protracted Snow. 19: 7-9.

1949a. Our Ornithological Library. 20: 48-50.

1949b. Nesting Notes on the Broad-winged Hawk. 20: 57-59.

1951a. The Breeding Herons of Tennessee. 22: 1-8.

1951b. Some Notes on Bald Eagles. 22: 37-39.

1952a. Bird Study Through the Winter Months. 23: 43-44.

1952b. Nocturnal Bird Migration at Nashville, Tennessee. 23: 60-62.

1953. Observations on the Sycamore Warbler. 24: 23-25 & photo frontispiece.

1954a. Spring Water Birds at Nashville - 1954. 25: 21-23.

1954b. A New Race of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. 25: 37-41 incl. plate.

1956. Nesting of the Black-throated Blue and Chestnut-sided Warblers. 27: 45-46.

1957. Observations on Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. 28: 36-39.

1959a. Robin's Use of Hackberries. 30: 12-13.

1959b. The Degree and Effect of Sociability Among Birds. 30: 17-19.

1960. A New Heronry in Northwest Tennessee. 31: 48-49.

1962a. Some Nesting Records from the Smokies. 33: 1-6 and photo frontispiece.

1962b. The Red-cockaded Woodpecker in Tennessee. 33: 40-45 with photo by S. A. Grimes.

1962c. Bird Casualties at a Nashville T-V Tower. 33: 58-60.

1964a. Some Field Notes from Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee. 35: 30-32.

1964b. Observations on a Chuck-Will's -Widow. 35: 97-99 with 2 photos.

1964c. (Obituaries) George Radford Mayfield. 35: 118-119 with photo.

1965a. Ornithological Exploration and Collecting in Tennessee. 36: 26-29.

1965b. Book Review, The Birds of Kentucky. 36: 101-102.

1966. Some Facts Learned from Nocturnal Migration. 37: 27-34.

1972. Dixon Lanier Merritt (1879-1972). 43: 8-9.

As Co-author

1934. Albert F. Ganier and Bruce P. Tyler. Summer Birds of Shady Valley. V: 21-23.

1935. A. F. Ganier, G. R. Mayfield, Dixon Merritt and A. C. Webb. History of the Tennessee Ornithological

Society. V!: 41-44.

1936. A. F. Ganier and S. A. Weakley. Nesting of the Cliff Swallow in Tennessee. VII: 29-30 and (photos) 40-41.
1938. Albert F. Ganier and Alfred Clebsch. Some June Birds of the Great Smokies. DC: 43-45 & (photos) 55-58.

1940. Albert F. Ganier and Alfred Clebsch. Summer Birds of Fall Creek State Park. XI: 53-59.

1942. Albert F. Ganier and Alfred Clebsch. A Week in West Tennessee. XIII: 32-35.

As Contributor to Symposiums

1938. (Summer Resident Lists). . Nashville Area. DC: 47.

1942. (The Wrens of Tennessee). XIII: 1-13.

1943. How Birds Spent Their Winter Nights. XIV: 1-5.

1944. How Birds Spend Their Winter Nights-II. XV: 9-14.

1948. (Observing the Nocturnal Migration of Birds). . . observations at Nashville. 19: 17-18.

1954. (Bird Mortality During Night Migration, October, 1954) Shelbyville. 25: 61-62.

Minor Articles in The Migrant

1931. Nesting of Prairie Horned Lark near Nashville. II: 31.

1932a. Pine Warblers not Wintering. HI: 10.

1932b. Duck Hawks at a Reelfoot Heronry. Ill: 28-29.

1932c. Lark Sparrow at Nashville. Ill: 37.

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1932d. Review: "The Water Birds of Radnor Lake". Ill: 50.

1933a. An Albino Junco. IV: 10. (G. R. Mayfield and A. F. G. ).

1933b. Review: "Birds of the Atlanta Area". IV: 44.

1933c. A Swallow-tailed Kite. IV: 51.

1934a. Swainson's Warbler in Tennessee. V: 11-12.

1934b. New Birds for the Tennessee List. V: 15.

1934c. A Hudsonian Curlew at Memphis. V: 40-41 (A. F. G. and Ben B. Coffey).

1935a. American Rough-legged Hawk near Nashville. VI: 13.

1935b. Eared Grebe at Nashville. VI: 93.

1935c. The Rock Dove. VI: 93.

1936. Recent Eagle occurrences. VII: 46.

1937a. Bird roosts in Nashville. VIII: 60.

1937b. Marsh Hawks and Crows play game of tag. VHI: 78.

1937c. A record of the Goshawk. VHI: 85.

1937d. A Grinnell's Water-thrush near Clarksville. VHI: 85.

1939. Nesting of the Sycamore and Pine Warblers at Knoxville. X: 62-63.

1940. Nesting of Swainson's Warbler in Middle Tennessee. XI: 111-112; 107 (photo).

1941a. Nesting of the Worm-eating Warbler near Nashville. XH: 40.

1941b. Barn Owl at Chattanooga. XII: 73.

1941c. Swifts roosting in hollow trees. XH: 76.

1941d. Western Swamp Sparrow and Western Olive -backed Thrush added to the Tennessee List. XH: 77.
1941e. Sanctuary Suggestions. XH: 78.

1942. Notes on a Robin's roost. XIII: 25-26.

1943a. Two Ivory -billed Woodpecker records. XIV: 19.

1943b. Palm Warblers, a correction. XIV: 19.

1943c. Thick-billed Red-wing at Reelfoot Lake. XIV: 77-78.

1944a. Birds killed at night by storms. XV: 15-16.

1944b. Bald Eagles in Humphreys County. XV: 30.

1944c. Notes on Ruffed Grouse. XV: 32.

1944d. A New T. O. S. Chapter at EUzabethton. XV: 36.

1944e. Summer birds of Montgomery Bell State Park. XV: 36.

1944f. Swifts roost upon bark of large trees, (mostly quotes). XV: 52-53.

1944g. Swifts banded at Southern stations. XV: 53.

1945a. Gulls on the Tennessee River. XVI: 13-14.

1945b. A Duck Hawk eyrie on the Tennessee River. XVI: 14.

1945c. Review: The Birds of Georgia. XVI: 15.

1945d. Alder Flycatcher at Memphis. XVI: 29.

1945e. The dual use of English and scientific names. XVI: 36.

1945f. Some early history, (origin, activities and aims of the T.O. S. ). XVI: 49.

1945g. Further notes on the Martha bird roost. XVI: 63-64.

1946a. A Long -eared Owl near Nashville. 17: 12-13.

1946b. Sparrow Hawk nests in a cliff. 17: 26.

1946c. Crested Flycatcher destroys caterpillar. 17: 30.

1946d. A June list from the Smoky Mountain summits. 17: 67. (A. F. G. & G. R. Mayfield)

1946e. Additional records of the Saw-whet Owl. 17: 67-68.

1947. Prairie Horned Lark and Lark Sparrow near McMinnville. 18: 9. (A. F. G. and Alfred Clebsch).

1948. Western Henslow's Sparrow in East Tenn. 19: 28-29.

1949. The late summer Dickcissel departure. 20: 52-53.

1951a. Mississippi Kite and Golden Eagle in Overton Co. , Tenn. 22: 29.

1951b. Cerulean Warblers and Redstarts remove their nests. 22: 43-44.

1951c. Migrating Turkey Vultures. 22: 70.

1951d. Orange-crowned Warbler in December. 22: 70-71.

1952a. A Black Vulture roost. 23: 7.

1952b. Ring -billed Gull in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 23: 30.

1952c. Purple Gallinule near McMinnville. 23: 46-47.

1953a. Another vulture roost. 24: 29-30.

1953b. Eagles at the Duck River refuge. 24: 83-84.

1954a. Bird casualties at Smyrna airport. 25: 11.

1954b. A Yellow Rail at Nashville. 25: 13.

1955. Wood Ibis near Tullahoma. 26: 43.

1956. Magnolias undamaged by roosting Starlings. 27: 60.

1957. Red-headed woodpecker stores pecans. 28: 68.

1958a. A Mississippi hawk migration. 29: 6.

1958b. In Memoriam: Bruce P. Tyler. 29: 12.

1959. A twice -used Crow's nest. 30: 27.

1960a. In Memoriam: James A. Robins. 31: 19.

1960b. The Three-toed Woodpecker record. 31: 50.

1960c. Summer Tanager captures yellow-jackets. 31: 51.

1960d. Live insects in a Blue Jay's crop. 31: 51.

1960e. Evening Grosbeak visitants. 31: 53.

1960f. Robin-Starling roosts. 31: 79.

1962a. Evening Grosbeaks at Waynesboro. 33: 19.

1962b. Snakes as climbers. 33: 52-53.

1962c. Further notes from Crossville. 33: 55.

1963a. A Kentucky bird-fall in 1962. 34: 34-35.

1963b. The first Nashville Christmas census. 34: 90.

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1964a. A Tennessee nesting of the Tree Swallow. 35: 51.

1964b. An egg within an egg. 35: 71.

1966. Cowbird eggs in Catbird's nest. 37: 76-78.

1969a. Post-mortem of a Groove-billed Ani. 40: 9.

1969b. Willets and Wilson's Phalarope near Nashville. 40: 65.

1969c. A Goshawk at Nashville. 40: 87.

The above omits 21 captioned entries of seasonal summaries on the Nashville area. There are many other "notes
and news", editorial comments, and the like, uncaptioned.

BOOK REVIEW

AUTUMN OF THE EAGLE. George Laycock. Charles Scribner’s Sons. New
York. 239 pages, photographs and maps. 1973. $6.95.

An excellent book on the Bald Eagle, our National Bird. In a very readable
form, the author recounts in detail the history of this bird which was once
the master of the sky but today faces extinction. The important events that
have led to the decline of the eagle are presented chronologically and are cor-
related to the rise of man’s technological world. The titles of the fifteen chap-
ters give a good indication of the complete nature of this book on the Bald
Eagle and are worthy of being named — the National Bird, the vanishing wilder-
ness, the eagle family, the eyrie, the eagles of Vermilion, a matter of diet, the
champion bander, danger in the sky, the chemical age, a search for eagles,
intolerance and poison, shotguns and helicopters, land of many eagles, first aid
and deep concern, and what of the future. For anyone interested in the Bald
Eagle, its past, present and future this book is a must.

Gary O. Wallace, Route 7, Elizabethton 37643.

"Assistance from field personnel of wildlife agencies and the general public
is requested in reporting color-marked immature bald eagles banded and marked
by Dan Frenzel, Joel Kussman, and Steve Fagerlie this past summer on the
Bena District of Minnesota’s Chippewa National Forest. Birds have been marked
on one wing with orange, blue or white colors, or combinations of these colors.
Please report any sightings by calling Frenzel’s office (612) 373-171 5 or at his
home (612) 644-0348, or contacting the local or nearest wildlife or conserva-
tion officer. Thank you for assisting in this request.”

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ROUND TABLE NOTES

MONK PARAKEET IN SHELBY COUNTY— On 3 February 1973
George Hervey, Martha Waldron, my husband, Henry, and I observed a bird
fitting the description of the Monk Parakeet {Myiopsitta monachm) as de-
scribed in de Schauensee’s Birds of South America. The bird had been present
in the yard of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Rowe, just north of Memphis, since late Octo-
ber 1972. It is about \ \" long, with forecrown and breast grey, belly yellowish,
rest of parts green, remiges blue, tail long and pointed. It was observed from
9:30 to 10:30 A.M,. as it flew from honeysuckle bushes, bearing long strands of
the old vine, to the ivy clambering up a black walnut tree where it was building
a bulky nest.

The Monk Parakeet, native to Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina, seriously
damages crops in Argentina, as reported in the June 1972 issue of American
Birds, Vol. 26, Number 3, page 567. Several pairs of this exotic, imported by
pet shops to the United States have now escaped to the wild and raised young
successfully in New York. However, we find after a check of the local pet
shops that none of them carries, or has carried, this species.

Latest reports indicate Monk Parakeets in the wild at Binghampton and
Watertown in New York and at locations in Michigan, North Dakota and
Virginia (June-July 1972 issue of The Conservationist, State of New York,
Department of Environmental Conservation).

We have been unable to find any reports of the Monk Parakeet in the wild
in Tennessee.

Helen Dinkelspiel, 6519 Massey Lane, Memphis 38138.

HOUSE SPARROWS KILLED BY STARLING AND GRACKLE— On
14 May 1972 about 07:30 CDT, a mixed flock of Starling, Sturnus vulgaris,
and House Sparrows, Passer domesticus, was feeding on millet and bread crumbs
at our backyard feeder.

While we were watching from a window, a Starling pecked one of the
House Sparrows several times about the head, killing it. The Starling paid no
more attention to the sparrow after killing it. When examined, the skull of
the sparrow was found to be perforated in two places.

We witnessed a similar occurrence on 30 August 1972 at about 08:45
CDT. This time two Common Crackles, Quiscalus quiscula, were feeding with
House Sparrows. The largest of the two grackles pecked at the head of a
sparrow, killing it. After what appeared to be an unsuccessful attempt to
swallow it, the grackle dropped the sparrow and flew away.

Quentin B. and Frances L. Dowdy, 3630 Sharpe Avenue, Memphis
38111.

[Vol. 44, 1973]

1973

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83

THE SEASON

Dr. Fred J. Aesop, III, Editor

As you read the following you will become increasingly aware of the great
amount of information this report contains on the nesting dates, successes,
failures, etc., of a wide variety of species and number of individuals of Tennes-
see birds. Through the efforts of birders like yourself much is being compiled
on the avifauna of this state, but this knowledge depends in great part on
YOU, the birder, getting YOUR records to a regional compiler.

The invasion of Northern finches reported in the last "Season” is reflected
by reports from all regions except the Western Coastal Plain of the continued
presence of Pine Siskins, Red Crossbills, and Evening Grosbeaks well into May
and in some instances to the middle of June. There were observations of
wanderers from southern areas as well with a Louisiana Heron and two imma-
ture White Ibises seen by many birders in the Eastern Ridge and Valley Region.

Upland Sandpipers (Plovers) were again found at the Metro Airport, Nash-
ville, during the nesting season. This is the second consecutive year this species
has been observed here (see The Migrant, 43 (3): 74 and 76), and again raises
the question of the possible nesting of this species in Tennessee. Margaret Mann
and company are enthusiastically encouraged to continue their observations of
this bird’s activities in Middle Tennessee.

A new nesting species for Tennessee was added during the period with the
discovery in Hawkins County of the nest of a Savannah Sparrow. The three
eggs hatched and the young were banded before they left the nest in July.
This is the only nest of this species in the state known to the editorial staff (a
full report will be published shortly) and it is of some interest to note that the
first nest of a Savannah Sparrow in Virginia was also discovered this summer.

Morris Williams reports that no Bachman’s Sparrow nests could be located
in Lawrence County this season. The bird has nested in several locations there
through last year, but seems to be following the same trend here as seen in
other areas across Tennessee. Does anyone have recent information on this
species? Once a fairly common bird in proper habitat it would now seem to
be one of the rarest nesting birds in Tennessee.

WESTERN COASTAL PLAIN REGION— Heron -Oriole: Little Blue
Heron: 17 June (28) and 6 July (15) R (BBC, LC). Cattle Egret: 17 June
(17) and 6 July (15) R (BBC, LC). BLUE-WINGED TEAL: 17 June (6)

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R (BBC, LC), 27 June (1, female) CA (RMG) . Mississippi Kite: 23 June (7)
and 24 June (17) M (BBC, LC). WILLET: 27 June (2) CA fRMG). Black-
billed Cuckoo: 7 June (1) Madison County (Jerald Ledbetter). Bewick’s Wren:
9 June (6) 4 locations in Cockrun, Miss. (BBC, George Hervey) . BLACK-
AND-WHITE WARBLER: 22 June (1) and 24 June (2) M (BBC). CHEST-
NUT-SIDED W ARBLER: 5 June (1, singing) and 9 June (1 female, dead )
Savannah (DP, MP) . BALTIMORE ORIOLE: throughout season (2, nesting)
Pickwick Lane (Dr. and Mrs. Richard Warriner, DP, MP) .

Locations: CA — Crittendon County, Arkansas, M — Memphis and Shelby
County, R — Reelfoot Lake and Lake County.

Observers: BBC — Ben B. Coffey, Jr., LC — Lula Coffey, RMG — Robert Mc-
Gowan, DP — David Patterson, MP — Mike Patterson.

David E. Patterson, Harbert Hills Academy, Savannah 38372.

CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION— Temperatures for the
period averaged lower than normal. Rainfall was considerably above average.
Nashville experienced the second wettest July since records have been kept
(1870). High water caused some good shore bird areas to be unproductive. Ken
Dubke reported 10 Rufous-sided Towhees on his Glen Breeding Bird Count.
Since 1966 numbers have ranged from 0-4. Most of us know the towhee as a
common permanent resident, but in some areas of Tennessee at certain times
of the year it is rare or absent.

Grebe-Sand piper: Pied-billed Grebe: 2 July (1 ) OHL (MLM). Little Blue
Heron : 25 July ( 1 ) G (PC, DC) . Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 1 pair nested
BV (MLB) . Blue-winged Teal: Last, 3 1 May (2) BV (MLB) ; 5 July (5) BV
(MLM, AT) . Red-shouldered Hawk: 21 May (Nest, 1 young and 1 unhatched
egg) Crossville (Benton Basham, DJ, Adele West). Ruffed Grouse: 25 May
(adult with 8 young) CWMA (CPN, MDW) . American Coot: Last, 17 May

(1) BV (MLB) . Semipalmated Plover: 19 May (10) BV (JR, HR) ; 20 May

(2) G (PC, DC). UPLAND SANDPIPER: 20 July (2) through end of
period, Metro Airport, NA (MLM) . Spotted Sandpiper: Last, 3 1 May (1) BV
(MLB) ; first, 5 July (1 ) BV (MLM, AT) . Solitary Sandpiper: Last, 17 May

(3) BV (MLB) ; first 29 June (1) BV (JR) . Greater Yellowlegs: Last, 17 May
(1) BV (MLB). Lesser Yellowlegs: Last, 17 May (7) BV (MLB); first, 7 July
( 1 ) G (PC) . Pectoral Sandpiper: 7 July (1) G (PC) . W HITE-RUMPED
SANDPIPER: 28 and 29 May (6) BV (MLB) . Least Sandpiper: 16 July (7)
BV (MLB). Dowitcher sp. 5 July (1) BV (MLM, AT). STILT SANDPIPER:
5 July (2) Gallatin Steam Plant (PC) . Semipalmated Sandpiper: Last, 29 May
(23) BV (MLB). WESTERN SANDPIPER: 17 May (4) BV (MLB).

Tern-Sparrow: Common Tern: 1 5 July (2) OHL (PC, DC) . Least Tern:
30 June (1) BV (Charles Farrell, MLB) . Black-billed Cuckoo: 12 June (2)
JBBC (KD, LD); 11 July (1) NA (Gary Christman). RED-COCKADED
WOODPECKER: 2 5 May (nest, 3 young— 10 days old, 2 adults) CWMA
(CPN, MDW). WILLOW FLYCATCHER: 26 May (1) BV (HR). Bewick’s
Wren: 2 5 during period FP (MDW) . Cedar Waxwing: 22 May (15) NA
(MLB) . Blue-winged Warbler: 6 singing males during June FP (MDW) .
Tennessee Warbler: Last, 1 8 May (1) NA (MLB) . Parula Warbler: 5 singing

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males during June FP (MDW). Magnolia Warbler: Last, 17 May (1) NA
(MLB). Blackpoll Warbler: Last, 25 May (1) NA (MLB). MOURNING
WARBLER: 23 May (1) Stewart Co. (Gary O. Wallace). Bobolink: 29 May
(1) BV (MLB) Latest NA record by 7 days. Rose-breasted Grosbeak: 22 May
(1) NA (MLB). PINE SISKIN: Last, 16 May (2) NA (Bessie Walker).
RED CROSSBILL: 11 June (10+) Cumberland Co. (Fred Alsop and Ron
Austing) ; 18 June (5) Coalmont, Grundy County (DJ). Savannah Sparrow:
Last, 17 May (1) BV (MLB). LARK SPARROW: 4 June (1) G-BBC (KD,
LD); 12 imlividuals during period FP (MDW). BACHMAN’S SPARROW:
absent in Lawrence Co. where it has occurred during past few years. Lincoln’s
Sparrow: Last, 17 May (1) BV (MLB). Song Sparrow: 4 June (1) G-BBC
(KD, LD).

NESTING RECORDS FROM FIVE POINTS, LAWRENCE CO. All ob-
servation made 10 June - 31 July by Morris Williams. E == eggs, Y = young.

Green Heron: 29 July (2 empty nests) . Broad-winged Hawk: 10 June
(nest, 2Y) . Bobwhite: 5 nests; lOE, 12E, 14E, undetermined no. of eggs in 2
nests, all nests were destroyed by mower. Mourning Dove: 4 nests — 2E, 2E, 2E,
2Y. Yellow-billed Cuckoo: 4 nests — 2E, 2E, 3E, 2Y. Chimney Swift: 2 nests —
5E, 5E. Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 1 July (nest, 2Y) ; 22 July (nest, 2Y) .
Red-bellied Woodpecker: 17 July (nest, 2Y) . Eastern Kingbird: 2 nests — 3E,
3E. Eastern Phoebe: 10 June (nest, 5 Y) . Acadian Flycatcher: 10 nests — 3 Y,
2Y, 2Y and lE, 3 Y, 2E, 2Y, 2E, 3 empty nests. Eastern Wood Pewee: 16 June
(nest, 3E) . Rough-winged Swallow: 10 June (nest, 3Y) . Barn Swallow: 20
June (9 nests, 5 Y, 29E) . Bewick’s Wren: 1 5 July (nest, 5 Y) . Carolina Wren:
3 July (nest, 4Y) . Mockingbird: 4 nests — lE, 5E, 2E, lY and 3E. Gray Cat-
bird: 29 July (nest, 2E) . Robin : 17 June (nest, 3E) . Eastern Bluebird: 2
nests- — 3 Y and 2E, 5E. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: 3 nests — 4Y, 4Y ; 1 nest un-
determined no. of young. Starling: 10 June (nest, 5 Y) . Prothonotary Warbler:
22 July (nest with 1 broken egg) . Pine Warbler: 1 1 June (nest, 2Y) . Prairie
Warbler: 14 nests — 3E, 3E, 12 empty nests. Louisiana Waterthrush: 17 June
(nest, 3 Y and IE) . Common Yellowthroat: 26 June (nest, 4Y and lE) .
Yellow-breasted Chat: 4 nests — 2E, 3Y and 2 cowbirds, 3E, 1 Y and lE and
1 cowbird. Eastern Meadowlark: 4 nests- — 4E, 4E, 4E, 4Y. Red-winged Black-
bird: 13 nests, 27 eggs. Orchard Oriole: 9 July (nest, 3E). Brown-headed
Cowbird: (7 instances of parasitism: Yellow-breasted Chat — 2 (lY, 2Y) , Blue
Grosbeak — 2 ( lE, lE), Indigo Bunting — 1 (2E) , Rufous-sided Towhee — 1
( lE) , Field Sparrow- — 1 ( lE) . Summer Tanager: 3 nests — 3 Y, 4E, 2E. Cardi-
nal: 7 nests — 2E, 2E, 3E, 3 Y, 3E, 3E, 1 Y and 2E. Blue Grosbeak: 6 nests —
2E, 2E, 3E, 1 cowbird egg, 4E and 1 cowbird egg, 4E. Indigo Bunting: 10
nests — 3 Y, and LE, 2E, 2E, 2E, lE, lE and 2 cowbird eggs, 3E, 3E, 3 Y, 3 Y.
Dickcissel: 17 July (nest, 4Y) ; 29 July (nest, 4E) . Rufous-sided Towhee:
20 June (nest, 2E and 1 cowbird egg) . Grasshopper Sparrow: 30 June (nest,
3 Y and 2E) . Lark Sparrow: 20 July (nest, 2Y and lE). Chipping Sparrow:

1 8 June (2 nests, 3 Y, 4E) . Field Sparrow: 6 nests — 3E, 3E, 2E and 1 cowbird
egg, 3E, 4Y, lE and 2Y) .

Locations: BV— Buena Vista; CWMA — Catoosa Wildlife Management
Area; FP — Five Points, Lawrence Co.; G — Gallatin; G-BBC — Glen Breeding
Bird Count; J-BBC— Jasper Breeding Bird Count; NA — Nashville Area; OHL
— Old Hickory Lake.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

86

THE MIGRANT

SEPTEMBER

Observers: MLB — Mike Bierly; DC — Dot Crawford; PC — -Paul Crawford;
KD — Ken Dubke; LD — Lil Dubke; DJ — Daniel Jacobson; MLM — Margaret
Mann; CPN — Chuck Nicholson; HR — Heather Riggins; JR — John Riggins;
AT — Ann Tarbell; MDW — Morris Williams.

Morris D. Williams, Five Points 38457.

EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY — -This was a rather normal season with
few unusual nesting records. Several Green Heron, Least Bittern, Mallard, and
King Rail nests were reported. A Sparrow Hawk raised a brood on the ninth
story of a downtown Chattanooga building. Ospreys were unsuccessful at two
locations. Evening Grosbeaks remained in the area until at least 23 May. Out
of range species included a Purple Gallinule in June near Elizabethton, two
immature WHITE IBIS in Sequatchie Valley in late June, and a LOUISIANA
HERON along the Hiwassee River in late July.

Heron-Hawk: Green Heron: 20 May (6 nests, 3 eggs, 21 young) Hawkins
Co. (MDW) . Common Egret: 23 July (3 ) HRA (KLD) ; 24 July (1) HRA
(FGH). LOUISIANA HERON: 23 July (1) HRA (KLD); 24 July (1)
HRA (BB, FGH) . Black-crowned Night Heron : 26 July ( 1 ad., 4 young)
AS (GE, LRH, DL, GW) . Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 2 July (2 ad., 2
young) AM (RW) . LEAST BITTERN: 4 nesting attempts, 1 successful at
AM (KLD, DJ) . American Bittern: 1 8 June (2) , 20 June (1) AM (KD) ,
23 June (2) AM (DJ). WHITE IBIS: 27 June - 2 July (2 im.) SeV (Del
Blum, KLD, et al). Mallard: 5 nesting attempts at AM (KLD) . Blue-winged
Teal: 20 May (1), 19 July (1) AM (KLD) , 22 July (1 ) SeV (LS) . Common
Merganser: 23 May (1) AS (GE, DL) . Red-breasted Merganser: 3 June (1 ) ,
28 June (1) NL (DJ, LS) . Sharp-shinned Hawk: 10 June (1 ) Tri-cities Air-
port (MD, HD, SG) . Cooper’s Hawk: 26 June (1) Lamar (DL, DyL) ; 7
July (1) RR (KLD, FGH) . Broad-winged Hawk: 19 June (1 nestling
banded) TRG KLD, DJ, et al) . Osprey: 2 nesting attempts at Chickamauga
Lake and Watts Bar Lake, neither successful (KLD, Donald A. Hammer) .
Sparrow Hawk: 27 May (3 young fledged from nest on Blue Cross-Blue Shield
Bldg., Chat.) first locally known nesting (Chattanooga News-Free Press
fide KLD).

Pheasant -Tern: Ring-necked Pheasant: 23 July (2 young) HRA (KLD) .
KING RAIL: (3 nests, 29 eggs) AIM (MDW); 20 May (1), 5 June (1), 27
July (1) AM. (KLD). PURPLE GALLINULE: 13 June (1) AS (GW).
American Coot: 23 May (1) AS (GE, DL) , 1 June (1) K (CN) . American
Woodcock: 26 May (2 ad., 2 young ) , 14 June (2) AS (GE, DJL) . Spotted
Sandpiper: regular to 20 May (1-2) AM (KLD) ; 4 July (2) AS (GE) ; 15
July (1) MFH ( JH, RH) . Solitary Sandpiper: regular to 18 May (1 ) AM
(KLD) , then (1-4) regular from 13 July. Willet: 3 1 July (1 ) AM. (KLD) .
Greater Yellowlegs: 1 5 July (2) MFH ( JH, RH) . Lesser Yellow legs: 1 July
(1) SeV (BB), 15 July (1) MFH (JH, RH) ; 22 July (1) AM (KLD); 26
July (1) AS (DL, GW) . Pectoral Sandpiper: 1 5 July (8) , 29 July (12)
MFH (JH, RH); 29 July (2) SeV (DJ). WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER:
19 May (1) SeV (DJ) . Least Sandpiper: regular to 22 May (3-11 ) AM
(KLD) , then (1-2) sporadic from 13 July; 1 5 July (3 ) MFH (JH, RH) .
STILT SANDPIPER: 26 July (1) AS (GE, LRH, GW). Semipalmated Sand-

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

87

piper: regular to 29 May (1-23) AM (KLD) ; 26 July (2) AS (DJL). Forster’s
Tern: 27 July (6) AS (MD, HD, DL). Common Tern: 31 July (1) SB
(KLD). Black Tern: 24 and 31 July ( 1 ) SB (KLD).

Cuckoo-Shrike: Black-billed Cuckoo: 18 May (1) Da (DJ). BARN OWL:
18 June (2) AM (KLD, DJ) ; 3 nests with 5, 5 and 1 young fledged at John-
son City (GE, MDW, et al). WILLOW FLYCATCHER: first 19 May (2)
AIM (MDW); 10 June thru period (1 male singing, no nest found) AS (CL,
GW, et al) . Least Flycatcher: 26 May (1) K (JH) . Cliff Swallow: 14 July
(1000+) NL (KLD). Purple Martin: noticeable decrease in nesting numbers
in Eliz. area (GE); 30 July (6000+) HRA (KLD). Tufted Titmouse: 18
May ( 1 nest, 4 young) CC (MDW) . Short-billed Marsh Wren: 3 1 July ( 1 )
SB (KLD) . Swainson’s Thrush: 22 May (1) Col (CH) . Grey-cheeked Thrush:
16 May ( 1 ) Da (DJ) . Veery: 1 8 May (1) Col (CH) . Cedar Waxwing: 1 nest
in Johnson City, 5 young (HD et al) . Loggerhead Shrike: 5 June (2 ad., 1
young) AM (KD) .

Warbler -Sparrow: Black and White Warbler: 19 May ( 1 nest, 3 eggs) K
(MDW ) . Prothonotary Warbler: 15 July ( 1 nest, 3 young) in box at Warrens-
burg at Nolichucky River (JH, RH) . Golden-winged Warbler: 6 June (2
nests, 5 young each) CC (JCH, MDW ) . Blue- winged Warbler: 1 8 May (1)
SeV (DJ) . Cerulean Warbler: 22 May (31) TRG (KLD) . Chestnut-sided
Warbler: 22 May (2) TRG (KLD) . Louisiana Waterthrush: 1 8 May ( 1 nest,
3 young) CC (MDW) . MOURNING WARBLER: 24 May (1) AIM (MDW).
Wilson’s Warbler: 16-22 May (2) K (JH) . Canada Warbler: 19 May (4) RR
(KLD) . Bobolink : 20 and 29 May (2) AM (KLD, FH) . Blue Grosbeak: 2
singing males, no nest found at AS (GE, GW, et al) . Dickcissel: 10 June (4)
HRA (FGH) ; 2 July (6) MFH (JH, RH) . Evening Grosbeak: last 23 May
(1) Da (DJ) . Red Crosbills: 16 May (4) , 20 May (1), 4 June (2) Col
(CH) . Rufous-sided Towhee : 6 June (1 nest, 4 eggs) CC (JCH, MDW ) .
SAVANNAH SPARROW: 26-27-2 8 June (1), 29 June (3), 2 July (1 ad.,
incubating 3 eggs) , 7-8 July ( 1 ad., 3 nestlings) , 17 July ( 1 ad., at least 1
fledgling present) , Hawkins Co., 1st known Tenn. nesting (Fred J. Alsop, III) .
Grasshopper Sparrow: 14 July (1) NL (KLD) ; 2 July (1) SeV (RW) .
Vesper Sparrow: 27 July (1) AS (DL, DyL) . White-throated Sparrow: 17 May
(1) Da (DJ) . Song Sparrow: 3 June ( 1 nest, 5 young) K ( MDW ) .

Observers: BB — Benton Basham; MD — Martha Dillenbeck; HD — Helenhill
Dove; KD— Ken Dubke; KLD— Ken and Lil Dubke; GE— Glen Eller; SG-
Sally Goodin; CH — Chris Haney; LRH — Lee R. Herndon; FGH — Frank and
Gloria Hixon ; JH — James Holt; RH — Robert Holt; JCH — Joseph C. Howell;
DJ — Danny Jacobson; DL — Dick Lura; DJL — Dick and Joyce Lura; DyL —
Danny Leach; CN — Charles Nicholson; LS — Lee Shafer; GW — Gary Wallace;
MDW— Morris Williams; RW— Roger Woodruff.

Locations: AIM — Alcoa Marsh; AM — Amnicola Marsh; AS — Austin
Springs; CC — Campbell County; Col — Collegedale; Da — Daus; HRA — Hi-
wassee River Area; MFH — Morristown Fish Hatchery; NL — Nickajack Lake;
RR — Reflection Riding; SB — Savannah Bay; TRG — Tennessee River Gorge.

C. P. Nicholson, 6806 Haverhill Dr., Knoxville 37919.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

88

THE MIGRANT

SEPTEMBER

Correction: The Migrant 44:2 5, 1973. From Eastern Ridge and Valley Region
report reads as follows: Sandhill Crane: 29 Nov. — 2 flocks, 10 minutes apart.
Da (DJ, DB, JBB), (200) Da (LS) ; It should read: Sandhill Crane: 29 Nov.
— 2 flocks, 10 minutes apart, (289) Da (DJ, DB, JBB), (200) Da (LS).

EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION— The rainfall in late May and early
June was above average and the water level has remained higher than normal
during the reporting period. The extra rain had no noticeable adverse affects
on any reported nestings. The temperature was approximately 1 or 2 degrees
above normal.

Several "late” and interesting reports of Pine Siskins have prompted an all
out extra search for any "possible nesting evidence”, especially on Roan Moun-
tain where birds that acted like young begging to be fed, were observed on
4 July. The Purple Martin population seemed to be down this season with
several normally used houses being reported empty. The area has only two
reports of accipiters this season. Are they really on a serious decline or are we
not reporting them?

Nulture-Kaven: Black Vulture: 14 July (1) BR (ETOS). Sharp-shinned
Hawk: 28 June (1) RM (MD, HD) . Cooper’s Hawk: 27 May (1) SC (GE) .
GOLDEN EAGLE: 21 May (2) RM, (MS, TS). SAW-WHET OWL: 5 June
(1) GSMNP (MDW). Chuck-wills Widow: 16 May throughout period (1-2)
E ( JM) . Willow (Fitzhew) Flycatcher: 14 July (2) SV (ETOS) . Common
Raven: throughout period (1-3) RM (MS, TS).

Nuthatch-V ireo: Red-breasted Nuthatch: 2 June (2 digging nesting cavity)
GSMNP (MDW) . Brown Creeper: 5 June (nest with 4 eggs) GSMNP
(MDW) . Swainson’s Thrush: last 24 May (1 ) SC (DL, JL) . Grey-cheeked
Thrush: last 21 May (1) EFH (DL, GW) . Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: 2 June
(nest, adults feeding young) GSMNP (MDW) . Solitary Vireo: 2 June (nest,
4 eggs) also 5 June (nest, 3 eggs) both GSMNP (MDW) .

Warbler-Crossbill: Swainson’s Warbler: 18 May (1 singing male) EFH
(MD, SG), 29 June (1) TA (LS), 14 July (1) SV (GE, GW, DL) . Chestnut-
sided Warbler: 8 June (nest, 2 eggs) GSMNP (MDW) . Prairie W arbler : 15
June (late) ( 1 singing male) E (GE) . Blue Grosbeak: 16 May throughout
period (1-2) E (JM) . Evening Grosbeak: very late 1 5 June (1 male) E (GE) .
Pine Siskin: 26 May (8) RM (GE, LRH), 5 June (2) GSMNP (MDW), 4
July (6 observed — 1 apparently begging for food) RM (GW, GE) . Red
Crossbill: 5 June (15) GSMNP (MDW).

Locations: BR — Backbone Rock, E — Elizabethton Area, EFH — Erwin Fish
Hatchery, GSMNP- — Great Smoky Mountain National Park, RM, — Roan Moun-
tain, SC — Siam Community (near Elizabethton) , SV — Shady Valley, TA —
Tellico Area.

Observers: HD- — Helenhill Dove, MD — Martha Dillenbeck, ETOS — Eliza-
bethton Chapter T. O. S., GS — -Glen Eller, SG — Sally Goodin, LRH — Lee R.
Herndon, DL — Dick Lura, JL — Joyce Lura, JM — John Martin, LS — Lee Shafer,
MS — Maxie Swindell, TS— Tommy Swindell, GW — ^Gary Wallace, MDW —
Morris Williams.

Glen D. Eller, Rt. #3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

PREPARATION OF COPY FOR PUBLICATION

The purpose of THE MIGRANT is the recording of observations and
original information derived from the study of birds, primarily in the state
of Tennessee or the area immediately adjacent to its borders. Articles for
publication originate almost exclusively from T.O.S. members.

Contributors should prepare manuscripts and submit them in a form ac-
ceptable to the printer, after editorial approval. Both articles and short notes
are solicited but their format should be somewhat different.

Some suggestions to authors for the preparation of papers for publication
are given herewith.

MATERIAL: The subject matter should relate to some phase of Tennessee
Ornithology. It should be original, factual, concise, scientifically accurate, and
not submitted for publication elsewhere.

TITLE: The title should be concise, specific, and descriptive.

STYLE: Recent issues of THE MIGRANT should be used as a guide in
the preparation of manuscripts. Where more detail is needed reference should
be made to the Style Manual for Biological Journals available from the Ameri-
can Institute of Biological Sciences, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue N. W., Wash-
ington, D. C. 20016.

COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on 8^ x 11” paper
with adequate margins, for editorial notations, and should contain only entries
intended for setting in type, except the serial page number. Tabular data should
be entered on separate sheets with appropriate title and column headings.
Photographs intended for reproduction should be sharp with good contrast on
glossy white paper in black and white (not in color). Instructions to the
editors should be given on a separate sheet. Weights and measurements should
be in metric units. Dating should be in "continental” form (e.g., 7 March
1968).

NOMENCLATURE: Common names should be capitalized followed by
binomial scientific name in italics only after the first occurrence in the text
for both regular articles and Round Table Notes, and should conform to
the A.O.U. Check-list 5th edition, 1957. Trinomial should be used only after
the specimen has been measured or compared with typical specimens.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: When there are more than five references in an article,
they should be placed at the end of the article, otherwise they should be
appropriately included in the text.

SUMMARY: Articles of five or more pages in length should be sum-
marized briefly, drawing attention to the main conclusions resulting from the
work performed.

IDENTIFICATION: Rare or unusual species identification to be accept-
able must be accompanied by verifying evidence. This should include: date,
time, light and weather conditions, exact location, habitat, optical equipment,
distance, behavior of bird, comparison with other similar species, characteristic
markings, experience of observer, other observers verifying observation and
reference works consulted.

REPRINTS: Reprints are available on request. Reprint requests should
accompany article at the time of submission. Billing to authors will be
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Books for review and articles for publication should be submitted to the
editor. Seasonal reports and items should be forwarded to the appropriate
departmental editor whose name and address will be found on the inside front
cover.

CONTENTS

The Wild Life Met by Tennessee’s First Settlers

Albert F. Ganier 58

Albert F. Ganier, Ornithologist

James T. Tanner 75

Albert F. Ganier — Editor and Author

Ben B. Coffey, Jr. 77

Book Review: Autumn of the Eagle

Gary O. Wallace 81

Round Table Notes

Monk Parakeet in Shelby County. Helen Dinkelspiel 82

House Sparrows Killed by Starling and Grackle.

Quentin B. and Frances L. Dowdy 82

The Season. Edited by Fred J. Alsop, 111 83

Western Coastal Plain Region. David E. Patterson 83

Central Plateau and Basin Region. Morris D. Williams 84

Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. C. P. Nicholson 86

Eastern Mountain Region. Glen D. Eller 88

Illustration by Fred J. Alsop, III

^ QU/IR.TER.LY JOURNAL
DEVOTEDvTO TENNESSE^BIRDS

r ^liUisliecI
THETENNESSEE '
ORNITHOLOGICAL
k SOCIEHTY A

THE MIGRANT

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

FIRST PUBLISHED, JUNE 1930

Published By

THE TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Founded at Nashville, Tenn., 7 October 1915
A non-profit, educational, scientific, and conservation organization.

EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR DR. GARY O. WALLACE

Rt. 7, Sunrise Dr., Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

"TFIE SEASON’* EDITOR . DR. FRED J. ALSOP, III

Mt. Carmel Apt. #3, Concord Ave., Mt. Carmel, Tenn. 37642

'‘STATE COUNT COMPILER” MORRIS D. WILLIAMS

Box 25, Five Points, Tenn. 38457

OFFICERS FOR 1973-75

PRESIDENT MRS. ARLO SMITH

3724 Oakley Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 38111

VICE-PRESIDENT, EAST TENN GLEN ELLER

Rt. 3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton, Tenn. 37643

VICE-PRESIDENT, MIDDLE TENN BILL SENTER

313 West Hill Dr., Lebanon, Tenn. 37087

VICE-PRESIDENT, WEST TENN MISS ALICE SMITH

Apt. 6, 414 N. Claybrook St., Memphis, Tenn. 38104
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE :

EAST TENN BRENT ROWELL

2227 Edgemont Ave., Bristol, Tenn. 37620

MIDDLE TENN MRS. GAITHER GRAY

1510 Hatcher Lane, Columbia, Tenn. 38401

WEST TENN DON MANNING

103 Stonewall Circle, McKenzie, Tenn. 38201

CURATOR ALBERT F. GANIER

2112 Woodlawn Drive, Nashville, Tenn. 37212

SECRETARY MRS. JAMES WALDRON

1626 Yorkshire Dr., Memphis, Tenn. 38117

TREASURER KENNETH H. DUBKE

720 Bacon Trail, Apt. 1, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37412

Annual dues, $3.00; Sustaining, $5.00; Life, $100.00; Student, $1.00; Family, 4.00;
Library, $3.00 (chapters may collect additional fees to cover local expenses). Back numbers
may be had from Dr. James T. Tanner, Rt. 28, Box 155, Knoxville, Tenn. 37920. Correspond
with the Treasurer for subscriptions, memberships, and changes of address.

Published quarterly (March, June, September, and December). Printed by Mallicote Printing
Inc., 509-511 Shelby Street, Bristol, Tennessee 37620, U.S.A. Postage paid and mailed at
Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643, U.S.A.

THE MIGRANT

Published by the Tennessee Ornithological Society,
to Record and Encourage the Study of Birds in Tennessee.
Issued in March, June, September, and December.

VOL. 44 DECEMBER, 1973

NO. 4a

TENNESSEE HERON AND EGRET COLONIES: 1972

DAVID PITTS
INTRODUCTION

Many heron and egret colonies in Tennessee have apparently declined in
size or have even completely disbanded in recent years. For example, none of
the nationally famous Reelfoot Lake colonies are now active (letter dated 13
April 1972 from John L. DeLime, Refuge Manager, Reelfoot National Wild-
life Refuge, Samburg, Tn.). In view of this decline and the fact that the
last survey of Tennessee heron and egret colonies was taken in the early 1950’s
(Ganier, 1951), I attempted to locate the colonies that were active during
the 1972 nesting season. Personal visits were made to numerous areas, but
records from other observers are included. To each of the contributors my
gratitude is extended. Hopefully this article will encourage persons who know
of nesting colonies to describe them in notes to The Migrant or to the author.

COLONIES ACTIVE DURING 1972

Only four nesting sites are positively known to have been used during
1972. Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) composed three colonies, and Black-
crowned Night Herons {Nycficorax nycficorax) formed the remaining col-
ony. Although Green Herons (Butorides virescens) have nested in small col-
onies in different areas of the state (Coffey, 1966; Douglass et ah, 1965)
they are not included in this report.

The largest heron colony is located on the Tennessee National Wildlife
Refuge in Humphreys County near the junction of the Duck River with
Kentucky Lake. This colony is known to have existed for many years prior
to 1943 (Ganier, 1951). However, records are available only from 1949 when
the colony consisted of 3 50 nests of Great Blue Herons, 150 nests of Great
Egrets (Casmerodius alb ns) , and possibly 1 nest of Anhingas {Anhinga an-
hinga) (Cypert, 1949; Ganier, 1951). Records for the Tennessee National
Refuge during the last 11 years are shown in Table 1. These are records for
the entire refuge; consequently, the nesting data for Great Egrets and Little
Blue Herons {Florida caernlea) do not pertain to the Great Blue Heron colony
in some years. For example, during 1972 Great Egrets were thought to have
nested on the refuge, but they did not nest In the Great Blue Heron colony

[VoL. 44, 1973]

90

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

(letter dated 5 December 1972 from V. L. Childs, Refuge Manager, Tn.
National Wildlife Refuge, Paris, Tn.). Concern about the decrease in colony
size in recent years has led to the initiation of possible corrective measures.
The increase in numbers of nesting Great Blue Hreons in 1972 is encouraging
and leads to cautious optimism about the future of the colony.

Another colony of Great Blue Herons is located on the Middle Fork of the
Obion River west of its junction with the South Fork of the Obion River.
This site is adjacent to the Weakley County and Obion County border ap-
proximately 13 miles southwest of Martin near the community of Hop-In. A
large colony has existed in this area for many years acording to local residents.
Mr. Ganier (1951) was aware of the colony but was not able to locate it.

Basing my opinion on conversations with local residents, I believe the size
of the Hop-In colony has declined during the past ten years. In 1971 I counted
116 nests of Great Blue Herons. At least four pairs of Great Egrets were

TABLE 1. Number of heron and egret nests and number of young pro-
duced on the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge.

Year

Great Blue Heron

Great

Es.ret

Little Bhie Heron

No

Nests

Est. No.
Young

No

Nests

Est. No.
Young

No

Nests

Est. No.
Young

1962

170

300

30

120

4

10

1963

210

340

20

60

15

30

1964

200

290

16

25

10

15

1965

175

280

13

20

0

0

1966

100

200

3

6

2

4

1967

100

200

20

40

0

0

1968

90

170

15

30

0

0

1968

85

160

0

0

6

10

1970

120

180

00

0

4

6

1971

90

170

0

0

0

0

1972

15 0=---

300

10='='

20

0

0

Records provided by Mr. V. L. Childs, Refuge Manager, Paris, Tn.

Refuge report contained only the estimated number of young; number of nests was
calculated by the author based on previous refuge nest /young ratios.

present early in the 1971 nesting season, but all of these birds abandoned the
colony in mid-April. The Great Blue Heron nests were located in five large
Bald Cypress trees {Taxodium distichnm) , with respective trees having 3, 18,
20, 34, and 41 nests. During the 1972 nesting season I counted 91 nests of
Great Blue Herons and no nests of Great Egrets in the colony. The nests
were located in seven Bald Cypress trees with 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 17, and 3 5 nests
per individual tree.

The future of the Hop-In heronry is uncertain. The colony is located ap-
proximately 3 50 yards from the Middle Fork of the Obion River. Following
channelization of this portion of the Obion River, land owners have annually
converted more of the timber land to farm land. I believe logging operations
were partly, if not wholly, responsible for the Great Egret desertions in 1971.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

91

By 1972 cultivated crops had encroached to within 100 yards of the colony.
However, the land owner has given assurances that no further logging will be
done in the immediate vicinity of the colony. Some members of the colony
are known to feed on the Gooch Wildlife Management Area about four miles
to the west. Further wetland drainage will probably force more of the herons
to utilize the Gooch area.

The third Great Blue Heron colony is located on the Arnold Engineering
Development Center Wildlife Management Area in Coffee County near Tulla-
homa. The history of the colony prior to 1967 is unknown. Counts of active
nests by Ken Dubke and Lee Shafer indicate at least 6 nests in 1967, 14 nests
in 1969, 13 or 14 nests in 1970, 18 nests in 1971, and 17 nests in 1972. No
other herons or egrets are known to nest in the colony. The location of the
colony on a^ Wildlife Management Area is propitious and should insure pro-
tection of the colony.

The fourth active site is the Black-crowned Night Heron colony in David-
son County near Bordeaux. According to records gathered by Mr. Harry
Monk and Mike Bierly, the colony was in existence in 1908. Their records dur-
ing the 195 0’s and 1960’s indicate variation from 25 to 60 nests each year. No
exact counts are known to have been made during the last three years, al-
though Richard Rimmer reports (letter dated 21 November 9172) the colony
was active in 1972. Expanded development and road construction in the
area cloud the future of the colony (letter dated 3 0 September 1972 from
Mike Bierly, Nashville, Tn.).

ABANDONED COLONIES

Several major colonies have disbanded since the publication of Mr. Ganier’s
survey in 1951. No colonies exist at Reelf oot Lake although as recently as
1963 Crane Roost at the north end of Reelfoot contained 1,000 nests (Gers-
bacher, 1964). The Ridgely heronry (Lake County) was broken up in the
1950’s (Ganier, 1960). The Dyersburg colony (Dyer County) was abandoned
after the 1969 season (Leggett, 1970). A Great Blue Heron colony existed
for a number of years near Sulphur Well in Henry County. Apparently this
colony has disbanded; however, reports indicate a small colony of Great Blue
Herons may exist in the area (letter dated 3 0 January 1973 from Gina Mann-
ing, McKenzie, Tn.). The nest sites of the Great Blue Heron colony in Hardin
County near Pittsburgh Landing were apparently destroyed in 1970 or 1971
when the area was cleared for farm land. A local land owner reported 'cranes’
using the area until 1971.

POSSIBLE COLONY SITES

Several additional colonies probably exist in Tennessee. Two colonies are
known to have been located, but no further information is available. One of
these is the Great Blue Heron colony in Henry County (see above). The other
colony apparently consists of Little Blue Herons and is located in Obion
County five to ten miles west of the Great Blue Heron colony at Hop-In.
For several years I have observed both adult and immature Little Blue Herons

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in the area, but I have not been successful in locating their nests. In 1971 a
college student was fishing in the area and observed the nesting site. However,
he was not able to return to the site.

Little Blue Herons are possibly nesting on the Hatchie National Wildlife
Refuge near Brownsville and on the Moss Island Wildlife Management Area
near Dyersburg. Little Blue Herons have been observed in each of these areas
during nesting season, but no nests have been located. Great Egrets, Little
Blue Herons, and Cattle Egrets {Bubulcus ibis) are believed to have recently
nested on the Tn. National Wildlife Refuge, but nest sites are unknown.

COLONIES IN BORDERING STATES

At least two heron and egret colonies are located near Tennessee border but
in adjacent states. Each of these colonies is sufficiently near Tennessee to
exert an influence on Tennessee heron and egret populations. One colony is
located near Sikeston, Missouri, approximately 3 5 miles north of Reelfoot Lake.
This colony annually contains about 4,000 nests, of which approximately
85% belong to Little Blue Herons. Smaller numbers of Great Egrets, Black-
crowned Night Herons, Snowy Egrets (Egrefta fbula), and Cattle Egrets also
nest in the colony (letter dated 5 December 1972 from Paul Heye, Biology
Dept., Southeast Missouri State College, Cape Girardeau, Mo.).

Another large colony is located east of Burdette, Arkansas, near the Mis-
sissippi River. This site is west of Lauderdale County, Tennessee. During the
1972 nesting season approximately 600 pairs of Little Blue Herons, 500 pairs
of Cattle Egrets, and small numbers of Great Egrets, Black-crowned Night
Herons, Snowy Egrets, and Glossy Ibises {Plegadis falcmelhis) nested in the
colony (letter dated 20 July 1972 from Dr. Earl Hanebrink, Arkansas State
Univ., State University, Ark.).

A third colony is believed to exist near Cayce, Kentucky, about ten miles
north of Union City, Tn. Dr. Clell Peterson (letter dated 29 September 1972;
Murray State Univ., Murray, Ky.) believes the colony is primarily composed
of Little Blue Herons.

CATTLE EGRETS IN TENNESSEE

The first record of a Cattle Egret in Tennessee is from Anderson County
in 1961 (Olson, 1961). Nests of Cattle Egrets were discovered in the Dyers-
burg colony in 1964 (Coffey, 1964). From eight nests in 1964 the numbers
of Cattle Egrets increased rapidly through 1969 after which the colony was
disbanded (Leggett, 1970). No Cattle Egrets are known to have nested in
Tennessee since 1969 although they have been observed in Lake County and
on the Tn. National Wildlife Refuge during the nesting season.

SUMMARY

Only four colonies of herons are known to have been active in Tennessee
during 1972. Three of these colonies consisted of Great Blue Herons with
150, 92, and 15 nests respectively. One colony of Black-crowned Night

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93

Herons was of undetermined size. Several heron and egret colonies have dis-
banded during the past 10 years. Two large heron and egret colonies are
located near the Tennessee border in adjacent states. Cattle Egrets are not
known to have nested in Tennessee since 1969.

LITERATURE CITED

COFFEY, MRS. BEN B. 1964. Cattle Egret nesting at the Dyersburg heronry.
Migrant, 3 5:54.

COFFEY, WALLACE. 1966. Colonial nesting of the Green Heron. Migrant,
37:75.

CYPERT, EUGENE. 1949. Three rookeries on Kentucky Lake. Migrant, 20:41-42.
DOUGLASS, L. E., M. L. BIERLY, KATHERINE A. GOODPASTURE. 1965. Green
Herons nest at Basin Spring. Migrant, 36:76-80.

GANIER. A. F. 1951. The breeding herons of Tennessee. Migrant, 22:1-8.
GANIER, A. F. 1960. A new heronry in Northwest Tennessee. Migrant, 31:
48-49.

GERSBACHER, EVA o. 1964. Heronries of Reelfoot Lake — 2 5 years later. Report
Reelfoot Lake Biological Station, 28:15-16.

LEGGETT, KENNETH. 1970. Heronry at Dyersburg is no longer active. Migrant,
41:58.

OLSON, MRS. EARL F. 1961. Cattle Egret — First Tennessee Record. Migrant,
32:3 5.

2 521 Kingston Pike, Apt. 301, Knoxville 37919.

TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

The Board of Directors of the Tennessee Ornithological Society met at
13:00 Saturday, 13 October 1973 at Cumberland Mountain State Park in
Crossville, Tennessee. Twenty-seven directors were present or represented
by proxies, representing all active chapters except Bristol, Campbell County,
Greenville, Kingsport and Murfreesboro. The minutes of the Spring meeting
at Gatlinburg in May 1973 were approved as printed in The Migrant.

Mr. Ken Dubke, Treasurer, reported that the society was solvent but an
increase in dues might be advisable for 1975. He suggested that this should
be business presented at the Spring meeting. Ken Dubke also reported an all
time high in paid membership of 73 8. New Decals are available, $1.50 for
the sew-on patch and $1.00 for the auto sticker.

Mr. Clyde Sellers, President of the Lebanon Chapter, reported on the
Dixon Merritt Memorial and distributed a mimeographed sheet regarding the
status of the Dixon Merritt Nature Trail in Lebanon.

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Mr. Oscar Patrick, of Nashville, moved that a committee be formed rep-
resentative of all areas of the state to determine the proper disposal of the
Gordon H. Briley Bequest. The motion was seconded and passed. Mr. Albert
Ganier suggested that the money be invested in such a way as to draw interest.
The income should then be used in the publication of The Migrant. He pointed
out that any land use would only serve a few and the additional yearly cost
of a custodian would be an unnecessary expenditure. The President, Mrs.
Noreen Smith, asked each Director to ask their chapter for suggestions.

Dr. Richard Lura, Chairman of the Feasibility of Computerization of Ten-
nessee Bird Lists reported that he would have some concrete information at the
Spring meeting.

Mr. Henry Dinkelspiel, of Memphis, reported that the Spring Meeting
will be held at Pickwick Landing State Park on May 3-4-5. Information con-
cerning the meeting will be mailed before March.

Dr. George Mayfield, of Nashville, will continue as chairman of the Com-
mittee for the Great Blue Heron in the Duck River Unit of the Tennessee
Wildlife Refuge. He reported that the heronry was still in existence. Dr. May-
field said that buffer trees had been planted around the heronry and that the
heronry and the area around it was off limits to fishermen. In addition a new
Cypress grove was planted in a higher area near the present dying trees being
used by the herons. The Committee has asked that the water level be regulated
and a ban on dynamiting be placed on the areas around the heronry.

Mr. Ken Dubke reported that the Foray will be in Grundy County on the
Cumberland Plateau, Memorial Day weekend of 1974. Headquarters will be
at Monteagle. The Fall meeting will be at Paris Landing sometime during
Mid-November.

Mr. Oscar Patrick discussed a memorial for Dr. George Mayfield. The
Nashville Chapter has discussed the possibility of naming a trail at Nashville’s
Radnor Lake Natural Area recently purchased by the State Department of
Conservation. The Nashville Chapter hope eventually to name other trails
for the other founders of the Tennessee Ornithological Society.

Martha Waldron, Secretary

THE FIFTY-NINTH ANNUAL T.O.S. MEETING
3, 4, 5 MAY 1974

At Pickwick Landing State Park. Memphis will be the host chapter. For
reservations write or call Pickwick Landing Inn (T.O.S. Headquarters),
Pickwick Dam, Tennessee 38365. Phone 901 — 689-313 5. Be sure to state
that you are with T.O.S.

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ROUND TABLE NOTES

TREE SWALLOWS NESTING IN OBION COUNTY— During the
1972 nesting season two nests of Tree Swallows {Iridoprocne bicolor) were
located in the Gooch Wildlife Management Area, Unit E (Crockett Station),
in southeastern Obion County. The nests were first observed 31 May 1972.
Each nest was located in a dead cypress {Taxodium distichiim)^ standing in
water about four feet deep. The tree containing nest #1 was approximately
five inches in diameter, and the nest cavity opening, which faced north, was
six feet above the surface of the water. Nest :^2 was located in a tree ap-
proximately 15 inches in diameter, and the cavity opening, which faced east,
was eight feet above the surface of the water. Young in nest ^1 were being
fed on 3 1 M,ay and 6 June. At nest one of the adults was brown-backed
probably indicating a one year old female. No young were heard in nest :^2,
and infrequent^ visits by the adults suggested that incubation was still in
progress. The nest area was not checked after 9 June; consequently, nesting
results are not known. Tree Swallows were thought to have nested in the
same area in 1971. Adults were observed in the area, but no nests were found.
The only other nesting record of Tree Swallows in West Tennessee is apparent-
ly that made by Mr. Ganier at Reelfoot Lake in 1918 {The Migrant, 35:51)
although recent nesting records exist for East Tennessee {The Migrant, 39:59)
and Middle Tennessee {The Migrant, 39:61).

David Pitts, 2521 Kingston Pike, Apt. 301, Knoxville 37919.

NESTING OF TREE SWALLOWS IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY—
On 30 April a pair of Tree Swallows {Iridoprocne bicolor) appeared at home
which is 7 miles north of Crossville, TN. They displayed much interest in a
box erected for Bluebirds {Sialia sialis) , located about 200 feet behind our
home and about 300 feet from a small farm pond. The following day they
were seen only once. On 2-4 May only a male was seen. Early in the morning
of 5 May as many as four swallows were hanging around the box but no
material was placed in it that day.

Later that day we left for the T.O.S. meeting at Lebanon, returning 7
May. The next day a substantial amount of material was found in the box and
my hopes began to rise that they would stay.

The pair was seen copulating on the 9th. This continued several times
daily through the 13th and occasionally through the 20th. On 13 May the
first egg was laid late in the afternoon. I confirmed this by checking the box
and found a still sticky egg. The next morning and several days thereafter
she entered the box within five minutes of 05:40 CDT. The sixth egg was
presumably laid on the 18th. However, the box was not disturbed and we
left on 29 May for an extended trip.

Believing that the eggs might be hatched by 5 June, I made an advance
request of a neighbor. Miss Reba Russell, to look in the box on that date. She
did so and found four young and two eggs. (Time of day is not known.) The
following day she found five young and one egg. Probably all young hatched
on the 5 th.

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Early on the morning of 2 5 June she found the nest to be empty except for
one egg and later that day three young were seen flying with their parents. How-
ever, they are believed to have left the nest the previous day. No further
effort was made to keep track of the family and all were gone when we re-
turned home on 29 July.

It is calculated that incubation took 18 days and the young left the nest
in 19 days. Although these periods seem long, one authority states that in-
cubation by both sexes takes 13-16 days and age at first flight is 16-24 days.
The spread of eight days is thought to be caused by abundance or lack of food
supply. This factor would probably have more importance in the northern
portion of their breeding range than in Tennessee.

The behavior of the adults was such that I wondered many times whether
the eggs would hatch. Although both birds appeared to be incubating, there
was no particular pattern that I could discern. Frequently when one was in-
side the box, the other was sitting outside or on the nearby fence. Sometimes
both heads could be seen inside. A great deal of time was spent by both birds
coursing together over the adjoining pastures. Neither bird was seen to feed
the other but this could have occurred as our view was of the back of a bird
perched at the hole.

The mated pair that produced this family was different in appearance as
to be readily recognizable from our house in sunny conditions. The female was
smaller and had a brownish tinge which, according to Pearson in Birds of
America, is not uncommon.

Both birds defended the box from Bluebirds, House Sparrows {Passer do-
mesticus) , Starlings {Bturnus vulgaris). Barn Swallows {Hirundo rustica) ,
Mockingbirds {Mimus polyglottos) , and others that happened to come too
close or to perch on their box.

Tree Swallows are a very tame species. It was easy to walk up to the box
before they flushed, even when incubation was not under way, and they flew
around within a few feet of the disturber. They also have an inherent attach-
ment for white feathers. On several occasions I tossed chicken feathers into
the air. Each would catch a feather and take it immediately to the box which
was already nearly full of nest material and many white feathers. Barn Swal-
lows nesting in the nearby outbuildings joined in the feather catching.

Charles Broley, well known Bald Eagle bander, now deceased, demonstrated
this to me at his island home in Ontario where he kept a supply of white
feathers on hand for tossing purposes. He had many boxes occupied by Tree
Swallows. One tame female nesting in a box on his porch would perch on his
finger when he placed it so as to obstruct the entrance hole.

It may be that a late migrating Tree Swallow is more inclined to nest in
Tennessee because it is physiologically ready for mating at the time it is
passing through our state. It also seems likely that placement of the proper
boxes near a body of water, including small farm ponds, might induce even
more Tree Swallows to nest in this state.

Mrs. E. M. West, Route 1, Box 445-G, Crossville 3 8 5 5 5.

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TREE SWALLOWS NESTING AT REELFOOT LAKE— A pair of Tree
Swallows {IrtdoprO'cne bicolor) were found nesting in Reelfoot Lake near
Samburg, Tennessee, 16 June 1973 by Mike Bierly. The nest was located ap-
proximately two-thirds of a mile northeast of the east end of Donaldson Ditch
in the Forked Pond area of the lake. The nest tree was a slender fifteen foot
dead cypress which had decayed considerable. Two other shorter cypresses,
one alive and one dead, immediately surrounded the nest tree forming a tri-
angle with scattered groupings of other larger cypress nearby. The nest hole
was about twelve feet from the water and appeared to be of woodpecker
origin being almost completely round, but slightly elliptical at the base with
a diameter of about two inches. The bark surrounding it was partially gone so
one side seemed slightly recessed.

Both birds were observed carrying food into the hole, presumably feeding
young, but the^ female made most of the trips. The adult bird would fly to
the nest tree and usually alight on the left side of the hole briefly and then
disappear head first into the hole, with the top end of the tail still exposed. In
a few moments the tail would disappear and the bird would reappear head first
and usually sit for a minute or so with its head and neck sticking out of the
hole before flying out. Frequently the adults used the top of the live cypress
which was in line with the nest hole as a perch. Feeding was observed about
three times by the male and about a dozen times by the female during the
thirty minute study. Several times the female was seen catching insects just
over the water and returning immediately to the nest hole.

The male Tree Swallow was a very brilliant iridescent blue on top and
snowy white beneath. The female was all brown on the back with darker
brown wings and white underneath, though not as pure a white as the male,
with a small brown indistinct spot just below the throat. The presence of
the two different plumages for adult Tree Swallows was at first perplexing.
However, according to Bent, Life Histories of North American Flycatchers,
Larks, Swallows, and Their Allies, "The sexes are much alike, except in the
breeding plumage, when the female is duller, the upper parts often being
largely dark grayish brown with only the tips of the feathers glossy green-
ish (391).” A similar statement is found in Dwight’s Sequence and Moults
of Passerine Birds of New York (229).

Observations were made from 10:45-11:15 from five feet to directly
below the nest tree as the birds sat twelve feet above in the cypress. The
birds were not afraid of the boat near them and there were fishermen in
boats present when the nest was discovered. The day was clear with the
temperature near 90®F and a steady 10-15 m.p.h. wind. Observations were
with 7X3 5 Binolux binoculars. Bill and Sally Fintel observed two Tree Swal-
lows together on 20 May 1973 in the same area. There are only a few known
nesting records of the Tree Swallow in Tennessee and this is the second re-
corded for Reelfoot Lake.

Michael Lee Bierley, 3 826 Bedford Avenue, Nashville 3721 5.

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THE SEASON

Dr. Fred J. Aesop, III, Editor

FALL MIGRATION: 1 AUGUST- 31 OCTOBER

This migration report of The Season shows good flights of geese and other
waterfowl in all the regions except the Eastern Mountain. Estimates of more
than 9000 American Coots were made for Woods Reservoir during this period.
Shorebird flights produced reports of a strong variety of species and good
numbers across the State. An American Avocet was found in the Eastern
Mountain Region and Ruddy Turnstones, Western Sandpipers, and Stilt Sand-
pipers were observed in all regions but the eastern one. Buff-breasted Sand-
pipers were seen in the Western Coastal Plain and the Central Plateau, and
Wilson’s Phalaropes were found in the Western Coastal Plain and the Eastern
Ridge and Valley. The latter also was the site of observations of a Northern
Phalarope and White Ibis.

Cattle Egrets were reported as far east as Carter County in the Eastern
Mt. Region. Yellow-bellied Flycatchers were seen in all reporting areas except
the Western Coastal Plain which produced a rarely observed flycatcher of its
own for Tennessee, a Vermillion Flycatcher being reported near Golddust in
late Sept.

Scattered reports of Northern Finches are found in most of the regions’
sightings which include Evening Grosbeaks in Sept, in the Nashville Area and
Red Crossbills in the Eastern Ridge and Valley. In the Central Plateau and
Basin a Peregrine Falcon was seen in South Harpeth Valley and a Red-headed
Woodpecker attempted to nest in an Eastern Bluebird box.

In addition to these there are many nesting records from the Lawrence
County area and much other migration data from across Tennessee in the
following pages.

WESTERN PLAIN Heron-Grosbeak: Little Blue Heron: 4

Aug. (3 37) R (MLB). SNOWY EGRET: 4 Sept. (1) DR (JGH). Cattle
Egret: 14 Oct. (2) Haywood County (HHD). Black-crowned Night Heron:
31 Aug. (1) D (PDC). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 4 Aug. (1) R (MLB).

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99

Ring-necked Duck: 23 Aug. (1) BF (NTOS). Mississippi Kite: 4 Aug. (3)
R (MLB). HARLAN’S HAWK, — now considered a subspecies of Red-tailed
Hawk: 31 Aug. (1) R (PDC). Bald Eagle: 2 5 Aug. (1, immature) DR
(NTOS). Semi-palmated Plover: 4 Aug. to 4 Sept. (1-8) R and DR. RUDDY
TURNSTONE: 2 Sept. (1) PP (Bill and Sally Fintel, PDC), 4 Sept. (16,
1 in summer plumage) PP (JGH), 9 Sept. (1 piece, 1 freshly dead, 1 live)
PP (DM). RED KNOT: 1 Sept. (1) R (PDC). STILT SANDPIPER:
4 Aug. (6) and 5 Aug. (3) R (MLB), 2 5 Aug. (1) DR (NTOS), 1 Sept.

(1) R (PDC). WESTERN SANDPIPER: 5 Aug. (2) PP (MLB), 31 Aug.
(30) PP (PDC). BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER: 25 Aug. (4) PP (MLB),
31 Aug. (5) DR and (5) (PDC), 1 Sept. (17) R (PDC), 2 Sept. (6) PP
(PDC), 9 Sept. (11) PP (DM). Sanderling: 5 Aug. (1) PP (MLB), 2 5 Aug.
(4) PP (NTO^S). WILSON’S PHALAROPE: 25 Aug. (1) DR (NTOS).
Least Tern: 4 Aug. (17) R (MLB), 1 Sept. (20) R (PDC). Caspian Tern:
25 Aug. (2) PP (NTOS). VERMILLION FLYCATCHER: 30 Sept. (1 fe-
male) 2 miles SW of Golddust, Tennessee (Jerald Ledbetter, HHD). Rose-
breasted Grosbeak: 19 Aug. (1) Lake County (Betty Sumara).

Locations: BF — Britton Ford Unit of Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge,
DR — Duck River Unit of Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, PP — ^Pace
Point at Big Sandy Unit of Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, R — Reelfoot
Lake and area including Mississippi River levee.

Observers: DM — Don Manning and members of Warioto Audubon Society,
HHD — Helen and Henry Dinkelspiel, JGH — James G. Holt, MLB — Michael
Lee Bierly, PDC — Dot and Paul Crawford.

David E. Patterson, Harbert Hills Academy, Savannah 3 8372.

CENTRAL PLATEAU AND BASIN REGION: The banding stations of
Katherine Goodpasture at Basin Springs and Heather and John Riggins at
Two Jays Sanctuary produced several good records. YELLOW-BELLIED
FLYCATCHERS, "Traill’s” Flycatchers, Mourning Warblers, and Lincoln’s
Sparrows were banded in considerable numbers. These birds are seldom identified
in the field in the fall. The fall count by the Nashville Chapter on 29-30
September totaled 126 species, including a PEREGRINE FALCON. In the
following report, (5-b) indicates that 5 birds were banded; "x” indicates a
casualty.

Loon-Duck: Common Loon: 20 Oct. (2) OHL (BF, SF). Horned Grebe:
17 Oct. (1) OHL (MLB). Pied-billed Grebe: 12 Oct (7) WR (MLM) ;
23 Oct. (83) WR (KD, LD). DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT: 14
Oct. (1) PP (DM); 27 Oct. (1) OHL (MLB). Green Heron: 10 Oct. (1)
WB (FB). Little Blue Heron: 4 Sept. (2 5) DRU (JH). Cattle Egret: 6 Oct.
(24) WB (FB). Great Egret: 23 Sept. (1) GSP (DC, PC); 21 Oct. (9)
DRU (DM). SNOWY EGRET: 4 Sept. (1) DRU (JH). Yellow-crowned
Night Heron: 6 Aug. (1) WB (FB). American Bittern: 15 Sept. (1) BV
(MLB, BF, SF). Canada Goose: All reports are of migrating flocks. 5 Oct.
(6) BS (KAG) ; 8 and 9 Oct. (flocks over Maury Co., GRM) ; 16 Oct. (23)
C (AW); 27 Oct. (150) P (LC) ; 27 Oct. (300) FP (MDW). Snow Goose:
16 Oct. (7) C (AW); 27 Oct. (1) P (LC) ; 27 Oct. (2) FP (MDW);

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27 Oct. ( 1 and 59 blue morphs) BS (KAG, Mel Garland) ; 28 Oct. (3 blue
morphs ) OHL (DC, PC); 28 Oct. (2) WR (LD, FH, DT, GF ) . Gadwall:
23 Oct. (5 0) WR (KD, LD) . American Wigeon: 28 Oct. (132) OHL (DC,
PC) . Ruddy Duck: 3 0 Oct. (6) WR (KD, LD) .

Hawk-Tern: Cooper’s Hawk: 2 5, 29, 30 Sept. (1) NA (MLB, SB) . Red-
shouldered Hawk: 2 through period 2js (HR, JR) . Broad-winged Hawk: 30
Sept. (9) NA (SB) . Marsh Hawk: 1 Sept. (1) FP (MDW) , earliest area
record by 5 days. Osprey: 4 Sept. (1) Cumberland River ( JH) ; 22 Sept. (2)
Obed River, Cumberland Co. (RG) ; 26 Sept. (1) Buffalo River, Lewis Co.
(CRM); 14 Oct. (1) OHL (BF, SF). PEREGRINE FALCON: 29 Sept. (1)
SHV (Laurence O. Trabue, Win Shaughnessy) Virginia Rail : 7 and 9 Sept.
(1, X) WSM (KAG) . American Coot : 12 Oct. (1 5 00) WR (MLM) ; 23
Oct. (8000) WR (KD, LD); 28 Oct. (9000) WR (LD, FH, DT, GF). Kill-
deer: 12 Oct. (81 ) GSP (DC, PC) . Black-bellied Plover: 8 Sept. (1) G (DC,
PC). RUDDY TURNSTONE: 4 Sept. (16) PP (JH). Upland Sandpiper:
16 Sept. (1) MA (MLM, Betty Richards) . White-rumped Sandpiper: 8 Sept.
(2) G (DC, PC). BAIRD’S SANDPIPER: 25 Sept. (1) G (DC, PC). Stilt
Sandpiper: 26 Aug. (1) BV (MLB) . Western Sandpiper: 26 Aug. (1) BV
(MLB) ; 16 Oct. (1 ) G (DC, PC) . Buff -breasted Sandpiper: 4 Sept. (2) PP
( JH) ; 1 0 Oct. (2) GSP (DC, PC) . Forster’s Tern: 29 Sept. (4) PPL
( MLB ) . Common Tern: 30 Sept. (1) Cheatham Lake (Ben Groce) . Black
Tern: 12 Aug. (38) PPL (MLB) .

Cuckoo-Sparrow: Yellow-billed Cuckoo: 27 Oct. (1) 2js (HR, JR) .
Black-billed Cuckoo: 20 Oct. (1) C (AW); 22 Oct. (1) OHL (DC, PC).
Barn Owl: 29 Sept. ( 1 X) MA (RG, John Brevard) . Common Nighthawk:
7 Sept. (75, Flock) NA ( MLM ) , fall flocks below normal throughout region.
RED -HEADED W OODPEC KER : 5 July (nest, 4 eggs in bluebird box; un-
successful) Overton Lea (Amelia R. Laskey) . Eastern Kingbird: 30 Aug. (40,
flock) SHV (KAG, Harry C. Monk). YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER:
23 Aug. -6 Oct. (10-b) BS (KAG) . "Traill’s” Flycatcher: 2-15 Sept. ( 1 0 -b )
2js (HR, JR) . Least Flycatcher: 25 Aug. ( 1-b) 2js (Hr, JR) ; 1 5 Sept.
(1-6) BS (KAG). OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER: 9 Sept. (2) WB (FB) ;
8-9 Sept. (1-b) BS (KAG) ; 29 Sept. (2) FV (John O. Ellis party) . Tree
Swallow: 30 Oct. (35) WR (KD, LD) . Swainson’s Thrush: 27 Oct. (1-b)
2js (HR, JR). Veery: 26 Aug. (1-b) 2js (HR, JR) PHLADELPHIA
VIREO: 16 Sept. (1) WB (FB) ; 19 Sept. (1) C. (AW); 14 Oct. (1) OHL
(BF, SF) . Warbling Vireo: 6 Oct. (1) WB (FB) . Orange-crowned Warbler:
7 Oct. (1 ) WB (FB) . Black-throated Blue Warbler: 20 Sept. ( 1, X) WSIX
(Virginia Price) : 28 Sept. (1-b) BS (KAG) . Yellow-throated Warbler: 27
Oct. (1) OHL (BF, SF) , late. Chestnut-sided Warbler: 25 Oct. (1) NA
(Clara Fentress) CONNECTICUT WARBER: 12 Sept. (1) WB (FB).
MOURNING WARBLER: 7 Sept. (1, X) WSIX (MLB); 9 Sept. (5-b) 2js
(HR, JR) ; 8 Sept, and 24 Oct. (1-b) BS (KAG) . Rusty Blackbird: 3 1 Oct.
(4) C (AW). EVENING GROSBEAK: 29 Sept. (3) FV (Marge Patrick,
Grasshopper Sparrow: 21 Oct. (2) G (DC, PC) . Dark-eyed Junco: 5 Oct.
Evelyn Ellis, Ruth Castles) . Pine Siskin 27 Oct. (1-b) 2js (HR, JR) , first.
( 1 ) BS (KAG) . Lincoln’s Sparrow: 6-27 Oct. (21-b) 2js (HR, JR) ; 5 other
NA records for period. Song Sparrow: 2 Sept. 1-b) 2js (HR, JR) .

[VoL. 44, 1973]

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101

Late nesting records from Five Points, Lawrence Co. Number of nests in
( ). "E-egg; Y-yoting. All records by Morris Williams. Bobwhite (4) Aug.

— 14 E; 8 Aug. — 9E; 20 Aug. — 12E; 21 Aug. — 6E, 2Y. Mourning Dove (1)
11 Aug. — 2E. Yellow-billed Cuckoo (3) 7 Aug. — 3E; 8 Aug. — 5E; 26 Aug.
— 3E, lY. Mockingbird (2) 10 Aug. — lY. Robin (1) 16 Aug. — 3Y. Com-
mon Yellowthroat (1) 5 Aug. — 5 Y. Yellow-breasted Chat (1) 12 Aug. — 2Y,
lE (addled). Eastern Meadowlark (3) 2 Aug. — 4E; 3 Aug. — 4E; 3 Aug. —
4E. Indigo Bunting (2) 26 Aug. — 2Y, lE; 1 Sept. — 4Y. American Goldfinch
(2) 8 Aug. — -2E, 3Y; 1 Sept. — 5E. Field Sparrow (2) 12 Aug. — 3E; 19 Aug.
— 3E (deserted).

Locations: BS — Basin Springs; BV — Buena Vista; C — Crossville; DRU —
Duck River Unit, TNWR; FP Five Points, Lawrence Co.; FV — Fernvale,
NA; G — Gallatin; GSP — Gallatin Steam Plant; 2js — ^Two Jays Sanctuary;
MA — Metro Airport, Nashville; NA — Nashville Area; OHL — Old Hickory
Lake; P — Piney, Lawrence Co.; PP — Pace Point; PPL Percy Priest Lake; SHV
— ^South Harpeth Valley; WB — Woodbury; WR — Woods Reservoir; WSM
and WXX TV TOWERS, Nashville.

Observers: SB — Sue Bell; MLB — Mike Bierly; FB — Frances Bryson; LC —
Lloyd Clayton; DC — Dot Crawford, PC — Paul Crawford; KD — Ken Dubke;
LD — Lil Dubke, BF — Bill Fintel; SF — Sally Fintel; GF — Gertrude Fleming;
RG — Richard Gillerman; KAG — ^Catherine Goodpasture; FH — Frank Hixon;
JH — James Holt; MLM — Margaret .Mann; DM — Don Manning; GRM —
George Mayfield, Jr.; HR — Heather Riggins; JR — John Riggins; DT — Dale
Taylor; AW- — A dele West; MDW — Morris Williams.

Morris D. Williams, Box 2 5, Five Points 3 8457.

EASTERN RIDGE AND VALLEY REGION— Weather conditions were
near normal throughout the period with no hard frosts occurring until late
October. No large waves of migrants were observed and no major tower kills
reported. Among the unusual birds reported were WHITE IBISES, a
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, RUDDY TURNSTONES and a NORTHERN
PHALAROPE. Gulls seemed late in arriving this fall and no large concentra-
tions of migrating swallows were reported. Knoxville’s fall count reported
a high number of 120 species.

Grebe-Ibis: Pied-billed Grebe: 7 Sept. (2) CL (JMC, JCH). Great Blue
Heron: 1-40 regular thru period at HRA, SB (KLD, FGH). Green Heron:
last report 14 Oct. (1) HRA (KLD). Little Blue Heron: 11 Aug. to 3 Sept.
(2-5) HRA (KLD, FGH); 6 Aug. (1) CkC (JH). Great Egret: 12-30 Sept.
(1) AS (GE, LRH) ; 1-13 occasional to end of period at HRA, SB (KLD,
FGH, CH). Snowy Egret: 14-28 Aug. (1) HRA (KLD, FGH). Black-
crowned Night Heron: July thru 26 Sept. (2 ad. 6 juv) ; AS (SG, MD, et al)
6 Aug (1 ad) CkC (JH) ; 30 Sept. (10) KC (Jim Tanner, Bill and Irene
Williams). Yellow-crowned Night Heron: 26 Oct. (1 ad) HRA (KLD); 22,
26 Aug, 14 Sept. (1) AS (MD, SG, et al). Least Bittern: 3 Aug. (10) AM
(KD); 5-8 Aug. (1) AS (MD, SG, et al); 22 Aug. (2), 14 Sept. (1) AM
(KD). American Bittern: 28 Aug. (1), 20 Sept. (1) AM (KD). WHITE
IBIS: 11-25 Aug. (1-7) HRA (KLD, FGH).

[VoL. 44, 1973]

102

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DECEMBER

Goose-Turkey: Canada Goose: first wintering 9 Sept. (7) CL (JMC,
JCH); 24 Sept. (15) HRA (KLD). WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE: 21 Aug.
(1 ad), 24 Sept. (1 ad), 2 5 Sept. (1 ad) HRA (KLD, RW). Snow Goose
(Blue Morph): 21 Oct. (6) 29 Oct. (3) HRA (KLD). Blue-winged Teal:
up to 54 regular thru 21 Oct. at HRA, SB (KLD). Wood Duck: max. 18
Sept. (3 00) HRA (KLD). Sharp-shinned Hawk: 30 Sept. (3) KC (TOS).
Cooper’s Hawk: 8 Aug. (1) SB (LD, JND); 8 Sept. (1) Lamar (DyL).
Marsh Hawk: 28 Aug. (1) Buffalo Mtn. (DyL); 15 Oct. (1) HRA (KLD);
92 Oct. (1) AM (KLD). Osprey; 2 5 Aug. (1) HRA (LD); 21 Oct. (1)
HRA (KLD, TOS); 3 Sept. (1) thru 29 Sept. (2) AS (MD, GE, SC, DyL).
Turkey: 29 Sept. (2) Unicoi W. R. (Bill Yambert).

Rail-Tern: King Rail: 12 Aug. (1) HRA (LD, FGH); 20, 27 Sept. (3)
ct (2) AM (KD). Sora: 25 Aug. (1) SB (RW); 9, 13 Sept. (1) CL (JMC
JCH); 20 Sept. (2) AM (KD); 27 Sept, 3 Oct. (1) AM (KD). Semi-

palmated Plover: 12 Aug.-3 Sept. (1-4 occasional) HRA, SB (KLD, FGH,

CH); 20, 29 Sept. (1) AS (GE). RUDDY TURNSTONE: 25 Aug. (2)
HRA (LD, FGH, J. B. Owens). Am. Golden Plover: 11 Aug. (2) Da (LSF).
Black-bellied Plover: 21 Oct. (6) HRA (DJ, RW et al). American Wood-
cock: 28 Aug. (2) Racoon Mtn. (DJ). Common Snipe: first report 14 Aug.

(1) SB (KLD). Solitary Sandpiper: 30 Sept. (4) KC (TOS). WILLET: 8-14

Aug. (1) M,FH (JH, RH); 11-19 Aug. (1) HRA (KLD, FGH); 14, 15
Aug. (1) SB (KLD, FGH); 31 Aug. (5 HRA (KLD). Greater Yellowlegs:
11-19 Aug. (1) HRA (KLD, FGH); 9 Sept. (1) AS (DJL). Lesser Yellow-

legs: 8 Aug.-29 Oct. (1-5) HRA, SB (KLD, FGH); 10 Aug. (2) MFH

(JH, RH); 7, 9 Sept. (1) CL (JMC, JCH). Pectoral Sandpiper: regular to
19 Oct. (1-94) HRA, SB (KLD, FGH); 11 Aug. (1) Da (LSF); 2 Sept.

(2) , 9 Sept. (3), 13 Sept. (5) CL (JMC, JCH). Dunlin: first 15 Oct. (3)
SB (KLD); SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER: 31 Aug. (3) HRA (KLD).
STILT SANDPIPER: 14 Aug. (1) Da (LSF); 14 Aug. (1) SB (KLD).
Semipalmated Sandpiper: 12 Aug.-8 Oct. (1-8) HRA, SB (KLD, FGH);

2 Sept. (1) CL (JMC, JCH). WESTERN SANDPIPER: 23-31 Aug. (1-7)
HRA (KLD); 11 Aug. (1) Da (LSF). WILSON’S PHALAROPE: 18 Aug.

(1) HRA (KLD). NORTHERN PHALAROPE: 29, 30 Sept. (1) AS (GE).
Herring Gull: only report 14 Oct. (1) HRA (FGH). No reports of Ring-
billed Gulls. Forster’s Tern: 19 Aug. (1) HRA (LD, J. Hunter Patterson);
29 Sept. (21) BL (MD, SG); 30 Sept. (1) KC (AM, CN); 1 Oct. (3) AS
(MD, SG). Caspian Tern: 14 Sept. (1) ChL (KLD). Black Tern: 15 Aug.

(2) , 18 Aug. (3) SB (CH); 27 Aug. (2) SB (FGH); 6 Sept. (3), 29 Sept.
(8) NL (DJ).

Cuckoo-Nuthatch: Yellow-billed Cuckoo: 2 5 Oct. (1 banded) Col (CS,
RW). Barn Owl: 2 Oct. (1) AM (KLD); 28 Oct. (5 or 7) CH (Steve
Campbell, Eliz. Shull). Barred Owl: 1 thru period at Iron Mtn. (SG et al) ;

3 0 Sept. (2) KC (TOS). Common Nighthawk: last reported 23 Oct. (1)
KC (JH). Chimney Swift; last reported 15 Oct. (4) CH (KD). Ruby-
throated Hummingbird: last reported 7 Oct (1) JC (MD, SG). Yellow-
bellied Sapsucker: 26 Oct. (1) Greenville (JH). E. Kingbird: 30 Sept. (2)
KC (Terry McGown). YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER: 11 Sept. (1)
Greeneville ( JH) ; 30 Sept. (1) KC (FJA, JCH), 9 Oct. (1) JC (PR). Tree
Swallow: last reported 27 Oct. (2) SeV (LSF). Bank Swallow: 1 Aug. (1)

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

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103

AM (FGH), 15 Aug. (1) SB (CH). Rough-winged Swallow: last report 8
Oct. (10) HRA (KLD). Barn Swallow: last report 30 Oct. (1) Col (CH).
Red-breasted Nuthatch: 23 Oct. (2), 2 5 Oct. (1) Col (RW). BROWN -
HEADED NUTHATCH: none reported from regular area at Col, but 2 re-
ported from Rock Spring, Ga. on 20 Aug. (RW), and 2 regular thru period
at Ringgold, Ga. (Jan Hawthorne).

Wren-Sparrotv: House Wren: 3 0 Sept. (2) KC (JFA, JMC, JCH, CN).
Winter Wren: first 6 Oct. (1) Col (RW). Long-billed Marsh Wren: 29 Sept.
(1) Erwin (Joy Dillenbeck, SG) ; 7 Oct. (1) HRA (KLD). Short-billed
Marsh Wren: regular to 12 Aug. (1) SB (KLD, CH). Water Pipit: first re-
port 8 Oct. (1) HRA (KLD). Solitary Vireo: last 23 Oct. (1) Col (RW).
PHILADELPHIA VIREO: 29 Aug. (1) Da (LSF); 24 Sept. (1 banded) Col
(CS, RW); 13 Oct. (1) Col (RW). Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler: 30
Sept. (5) KC (TOS). Palm Warbler: 13 Sept. (1) CC (JMC, JCH). Bobo-
link: 30 Sept. (2 5) KC (AM, CN). Orchard Oriole: regular to 23 Aug.
(1-7) SB (KLD). Rose-breasted Grosbeak: last 14 Oct. (1) CC (JCH). Blue
Grosbeak: 1 Oct. (1) HRA (KLD). Indigo Bunting: 21 Oct. (1) HRA
(KLD, FH). Dickcissel: 17 Sept. (1) HRA (KD). Purple Finch: first report
24 Oct (1) AS (LRH). PINE SISKIN: first report 28 Oct. (4) CC (JMC,
JCH). RED CROSSBILL: 6 Oct. (1) JC (PR). Grasshopper Sparrow: 11
Aug. (1) Da (LSF) . Vesper Sparrow: 21 Oct. (4) HRA (CH); 24 Oct. (1)
AS (GE, LRH, DJL). White-crowned Sparrow: first report 24 Oct. (1) AS
(GS, LRH, DJL). White-throated Sparrow: first report 7 Oct. (1) KC
(CN). Lincoln’s Sparrow: 2 5 Oct. (2) AS (MD, SG). Swamp Sparrow: 25
Oct. (1) AS (MD, SG). Savannah Sparrow: first report 22 Sept. (2) CC
(JMC, JCH).

Locations: AM — ^Amnicola Marsh; AS — Austin Springs; BL — Boone Lake;
CC — Campbell County; CH — Chattanooga; ChL — ^Chickamauga Lake; CkC —
Cocke County; Col — ^Collegedale; CL — Cove Lake; Da — ^Daus; HRA — Hi-
wassee River Area: JC — Johnson City; KC — Knox County; MFH — Morris-
town Fish Hatchery; NL — Nickajack Lake; SB — Savannah Bay; SeV — Se-
quatchie Valley.

Observers: FJA — Fred J. Alsop; JMC — Jim Campbell; JND — John and
Nancy Devore; MD — Martha Dillenbeck; KD — Ken Dubke; LD — Lil Dubke;
KLD— Ken and Lil Dubke; GE— Glen Eller; SG- Sally Goodin; CH— Chris
Haney; LH — Lee R. Herndon; FH — Frank Hixon; FGH — Frank and Gloria
Hixon; JH— Jim Holt; RH— Robert Holt; JCH— J. C. Howell; DJ— Danny
Jacobson; DyL — Danny Leach; DJL — Dick and Joyce Lura; AM — Andy
Morton; CN — Chuck Nicholson; PR — Pete Range; LSF — Lee Shafer Family;
CS — Carl Swafford; RW — Roger Woodruff.

Charles P. Nicholson, 6806 Haverhill Dr., Knoxville 37919.

EASTERN MOUNTAIN REGION— Normal would describe the weather
for this region during the period. Only the month of October had above
average rainfall (.2 inches above normal). The absence of cold fronts or ab-
normal weather conditions during the latter part of the period could possibly
account for the weak shorebird movement and the later than usual arrival
dates for most ducks. A sparrow "push” was noted beginning the second week

[VoL. 44, 1973]

104

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

in October and lasting through the end of the period. There seems to be a
good cone crop this year with expections of yet another good "northern finch”
invasion.

Three observations are of special note: The first reported CATTLE
EGRETS east of Greenville were seen near Elizabethton. Carter County’s first
reports of AMERICAN AVOCETS and SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS
along the Watauga River were excellent finds.

Loon-Eagle: Common Loon: 20 Oct. (3) WatL (LRH). Green Heron:
last — 14 Oct. (3) RC (GE). CATTLE EGRET: 8 Sept. (9 immatures)
CLP near Eliz. (GW, GE and Brenda Wallace). Least Bittern: 15 Aug. (3)
Kingsport (Fred Alsop and Tom Finucane). Blue-winged Teal: 10 Aug. (4)
CNF (DJ) early return. American Wigeon: 8 Sept. (1) RC (GE, LRH, GW,
DL and JL) 2 weeks early. Northern Shoveler: 17 Sept. (1) WatR (LRH).
Ring-necked Duck: 28 Oct. (3 8) WilL (GE) first return. Bufflehead: 28
Oct. (1) WilL (GE) first return. Sharp-shinned Hawk: 8 Sept. (2) RM
(SG, MD) and 14 Sept. (1) HM (FWB). Cooper’s Hawk: 30 Aug. (1) RM
(GE) and 7 Oct. (2) Hpt. (LRH). BALD EAGLE: 21 Sept. (2 adults)
RM (MS, TS).

Plover-Raven: Semi-palmated Plover: 8 Sept. (1) RC (GE, LRH, GW,
DL, JL). Least Sandpiper: 8 Sept. (3) RC (GE, LRH, GW, DL). SHORT-
BILLED DOWITCHER: 2 5 Aug. (3) WatR (GE, John W. Grey). Semi-
palmated Sandpiper: 8 Sept. (8) RC (GE, RH, GW, DL). AMERICAN
AVOCET: 11 Aug. (2) WatR (GE). Chimney Swift: last 23 Oct. (4) E
(FWB) .Red-headed Woodpecker: 6 Oct. (1) E (Helenhill Dove, Jane White-
head). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: 8 Sept. (1) RM valley (MS, TS) early re-
turn. YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER: 15 Sept. (1) EGC (LRH) and
9 Oct. (1) E (Pete Range). Common Raven: 1-3 seen regularly on RM
(MS, TS, FWB).

Thrushes -Sparrows: Hermit Thrush: 29 Sept. (1) RM valley (MS, TS)
very early. Veery: 29 Sept. (1) RM (MS, TS) last seen. Water Pipit: 9 Oct.
(3) RM (FWB). Cedar Waxwing: 11 Aug. (4) CNF (DJ). Prothonotary
Warbler: 29 Sept. (1) EGC (Lois Herndon). Orange-crowned Warbler:
29 Sept. (1) RM state park (MS, TS). Hooded Warbler: 19 Oct. (1) Siam
valley (GW, DL). Bobolink: 26 Sept. (2) Siam valley (GW). Purple Finch:
27 Oct. (1) E (GE) first return. Pine Siskin: 19 Aug. (3) RM (GE) and
18 Oct. (6) RM (FWB). Red Crossbill: 6 Oct. (2) RM (FWB). White-
crowned Sparrow: 10 Oct. (1) EGC (LRH). White- throated Sparrow: 7 Oct.
(3) RM valley (MS, TS).

Locations: CNF — ^Cherokee National Forest, E — Elizabethton area, EGC —
Elizabethton Golf Course, GLP — Great Lakes Pond, HM — Holston Mountain,
RC — Roans Creek, RM — ^^Roan Mountain, WatL — Watauga Lake, WatR —
Watauga River, WilL— Wilbur Lake.

Observers :EWB — Fred W. Behrend, MD — M,artha Dillenbeck, GE — Glen
Eller, SG — Sally Goodin, LH — Lee R. Herndon, DJ — ^Daniel Jacobson, DL —
Dick Lura, JL — Joyce Lura, MS — Maxie Swindell, TS — Tommy Swindell,
GW— Gary Wallace.

Glen D. Eller, Rt. :^3, Grandview Terrace, Elizabethton 37643.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

105

TRIBUTE TO A FOUNDER

There was no "Hall of Fame” in which Albert Franklin Ganier, Sr. could
appropriately have been inducted.

The boots he wore, scratched by the briers, rocks and tree trunks of a
pre-Smoky Mountains National Park; the trusty razor-sharp pocket knife, with
which he carved many saplings into walking sticks for his friends, will not be
enshrined for the curious to view.

The personality, Albert Ganier, became a legend in the minds of nature-
lovers, young and old alike.

His skins of Tennessee birds and mammals, the clutches of eggs, so care-
fully identified, will be preserved for the nature student of another age and time.

His literary talent and ability to do research is reflected in the numerous
papers, scientific and historical, he published and delivered. It was with an
almost boyish pride he spoke of The Migrant, official organ of the Tennessee
Ornithological Society, which he served as editor and sponsor for many years.

It is as though he designed and caused to be built his very own "Hall of
Fame,” to which came youngsters, some already filled with curiosity about
nature; others challenged by the Ganier display of nature’s "bag of goodies.”
They came from near and far to see, hear and be taught by a scholarly southern
gentleman.

Fellow members of Tennessee, Kentucky and "Wilson’s Ornithological So-
cieties knew his distinctive pronunciation of nickoo. In like manner, his fellow
curators and historians are bequeathed his pronunciation of museum.

There is no evidence that between the dates September 9, 18 83 and De-
cember 20, 1973, he ever experienced boredom. His input to life spared him
this tragedy.

His identity, as he related to life, was established, and the mold of a society
he supported and respected never dulled the luster of a 'beautiful life. He lived
in dignity, midst the action, and so died with his boots on his feet.

The curtain drops on a glorious era in the history of Tennessee ornithology.

Be It Therefore Resolved, that Tennessee Ornithological Society make
permanent a record of the contribution and leadership of a fellow member,
Albert F. Ganier, Sr., Co-Founder (without whom T.O.S. would most likely
be a latent dream). Curator, Tennessee Conservationist of the Year 1966, and
first editor of The Migrant. Mr. Ganier’s death occurred December 20, 1973.

John O. Ellis, 4004 Overbrook Drive, Nashville 37204.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

106

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

IN MEMORIAM

Amelia Rudolph Laskey died suddenly at her home in Nashville, Tennessee,
December 19, 1973. Her quiet modesty, scientific integrity, her generosity, and
the unselfish way she shared her vast experience in natural history endeared
her to a wide range of friends who will miss her immeasurably. Even though
Amelia’s life was uncommonly retiring and reserved, she, in her own way,
contributed substantially to ornithology through her probing curiosity and
accurate observations.

Mrs. Laskey was a native of Chicago. She grew up, attended schools there,
and married Fredrick C. Laskey, also a Chicagoan. They moved to Nashville in
1921 where they lived the rest of their lives. Mr. Laskey was associated with
Swift and Company and Amelia began her study of birds. They were active
members of the Methodist Church. They had no children.

Many things stand as memorials to this remarkable lady. Her published
papers based on observations of banded birds during more than forty years of
bird banding are impressive. Remarkable longevity and distributional records
have accrued, the best known being one of her bands, along with those of
others, recovered in Peru in 1943 revealing the winter home of Chimney Swifts.
Life history studies of the Mockingbird, Carolina Wren, Cardinal, Blue Jay, and
Tufted Titmouse were published in The Auk, The Wilson Bulletin, and Bird
Banding. Frequently quoted is her study of the Brown-headed Cowbird pub-
lished in The Wilson Bulletin in 195 0. A series of reports in The Migrant on
television tower casualties of night migrants reflect her pioneer work in that
field, and short reports on Bluebirds appeared in The Migrant from time to time.

Mrs. Laskey’s more than thirty years’ study of Bluebirds, even though as
yet unanalyzed and unpublished, is already well known both in this country
and abroad. In addition to being the most extended record of Bluebirds ever
made, her notes contain material for an exciting study in genetics stemming
from the occurrence of white eggs in several generations of bluebirds. Her
bluebird work leaves an accumulation of data the force of which is not yet
realized.

Those of us who needed a reference library were always welcome at 1521
Graybar Lane. Mrs. Laskey’s library held a first edition of Alexander Wilson’s
American Ornithology , many valuable out-of-print volumes, as well as current
books on all phases of bird study. Pamphlets, reprints, and long runs of
ornithological magazines were there for ready reference. Her library containing
classical references on spiders, reptiles, butterflies, trees, and wildflowers re-
flected her interest in all of natural history.

Mrs. Laskey was a life member of the American Ornithologists Union, the
Wilson Society, and the Tennessee Ornithological Society. She was a member
of several bird banding societies. She contributed generously and regularly to
numerous conservation societies. The American Ornithologists Union made her
an Elective member some years ago and later, in 1966, that society of pro-
fessional ornithologists conferred upon her one of its most cherished awards by
electing her a Fellow in the society.

[VoL. 44, 19731

1973

THE MIGRANT

107

The above are statements one can find documented in published records.
Much of it refers to the core of scientific knowledge Mrs. Laskey bequeathed
to those who come after her. It says nothing about the beauty of her garden
which seemed to grow with abandon. Not documented are hundreds of hours
of weeding, thinning, and the intelligent application of sound principles of
ecology long before that word came into popular use. The charm of her garden
will be a vivid memorial in the minds of many friends. Published records say
nothing about the gentle, knowledgeable way Amelia Laskey cared for any
injured bird that came her way, be it a warbler with injured wing, a rail or a
Red-tailed Hawk that could not fly. The salvage of a single bird’s life touched
her deeply. The hard facts do not record the many high school students, pro-
fessional graduate students, or older bird-lovers she guided, instructed and
encouraged.

Her many thousands of banding records, her library, and her garden cast
insight into the quiet, introspective, inquisitive, and sensitive nature that was
Amelia Laskey. We will miss her in many ways.

Katherine A. Goodpasture, 3407 Hopkins Lane, Nashville 37215.

BOOK REVIEW

BIRDING PROM A TRACTOR SEAT by Charles Plugum, Published by
Trades Publishing Co., Albert Lea, Minn. 43 5 p., 20 line drawings by Dr.
W. J. Breckenridge. 1973. $8.95.

The author was born and raised near Thompson, Iowa After graduating
from the University of Minnesota in 1929 he has owned and operated a 240
acre farm in Lreeborn County, Southern Minnesota. This book is a collection
of personal essays originally written as a monthly column for the Community
Magazine of Albert Lea, Minnesota. Each chapter is one column and the book
contains 137 columns written about a particular species, usually a common
bird. The nomenclature is of the period when the columns were written, the
1950’s and 1960’s. This is a point that might confuse the reader, but each
chapter does list the month of original publication. It is a wholesome experi-
ence in reading about Mr. Llugum’s personal experiences with birds and birders.
He proves to be knowledgeable and entertaining and provides a back home
approach to birds and bird watching.

Gary O. Wallace

Make Your Plans to Attend
THE 1974 TOS PORAY
24-27 May
GRUNDY COUNTY

Lor additional information contact Dr. Pred J. Alsop, III, Mt. Carmel
Apt. #3, Concord Ave., Mt. Carmel, Tenn. 37642 or Mr. and Mrs. Ken
Dubke, 720 Bacon Trail, Apt. 1, Chattanooga, Tenn. 37412.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

108

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

INDEX FOR "THE MIGRANT”, 1971 (VOL. 42),
1972 (VOL. 43) AND 1973 (VOL. 44).

Anhinga - 1972: 59. 1973: 89.

Ani, Groove -billed - 1972: 59. 1973: 81.

Auklet, Rhinocerous - 1972: 104.

Avocet, American - 1971: 68, 88, 89, 91. 1972: 23, 59,
97, 100. 1973: 7, 98, 104.

Bananaquit - 1973: 31.

Bittern, American - 1971: 4, 20, 37, 46, 69, 71, 90, 93.
1972: 24, 45, 50, "52755, 59, 75, 103. 1973: 22, 25,

45, 50, 52, 86, 99, 101.

Least - 1971: 35, 37, 46, 67, 69, 71, 74, 92, 93. 1972:

50, 52, 59, 75, 78. 1973: 52, 86, 101, 104.

Blackbird, Brewer's - 1971: 10. 1972: 7, 13, 23, 28, 60.

1973: 10, 12, 26, 27, 54.

Red-winged - 1971: 5, 10, 25, 26, 39, 76, 78, 79, 80,
85. 1972: 7, 13, 43, 47, 60, 88, 1973: 5, 6, 12, 47,
85.

Rusty - 1971: 10, 19, 39, 45. 1972: 13, 16, 25, 47, 54,
55, 60. 1973: 10, 12, 23, 26, 27, 47, 51, 53, 54, 100,
Yellow-headed - 1972: 60, 64.

Bluebird, Eastern - 1971: 10, 14, 38, 65, 75, 79, 80, 84.
1972: 12, 43, 46, 60, 65, 69. 1973: 12, 14, 46, 85, 95,
96, 98, 100.

Bobolink - 1971: 39, 45, 70, 75, 79, 80, 91, 95. 1972: 47,

51, 54, 55, 60, 100, 102. 1973: 6, 43, 47, 53, 54, 85,

87, 103, 104.

Bobwhite - 1971: 9, 37, 74, 79. 1972: 11, 45, 59. 1973:

10, 45, 78, 85, 101.

Brant - 1972: 59.

Bufflehead - 1971: 8, 19, 20, 22, 37, 44, 72. 1972: 5, 11,
26, 28, 45, 50, 52, 59, 70, 78, 80, 103. 1973: 8, 10,

22, 25, 27, 45, 50, 52, 54, 104.

Bunting, Indigo - 1971: 16, 19, 39, 45, 76, 77, 78, 79.

1972: 3, 25, 43, 47, 51, 60, 77. 1973: 4, 6, 47, 53,

85, 101, 103.

Lark - 1972: 60.

Painted - 1972: 60, 75.

Snow - 1971: 5, 22, 64, 65. 1972: 60, 95, 96.

Bushtit - 1973: 31.

Canvasback - 1971: 8, 19, 22. 1972: 11, 16, 26, 59, 70.

1973: 10, 21, 25, 27, 45, 50, 52, 54.

Cardinal - 1971: 10, 39, 76, 77, 79, 80. 1972: 3, 13, 20,
47, 60. 1973: 12, 14, 30, 47, 58, 76, 78, 79, 85.
Catbird, Gray - 1971: 7, 9, 15, 16, 19, 38, 45, 75, 79, 80,
95. 1^: 12, 22, 25, 27, 46, 51, 60. 19;^: 4, 6, "11,
32, 46, 81, 85.

Chat, Yellow-breasted - 1971: 15, 16, 39, 45, 70, 75, 77,
79, 80. 1972: 22, 27, 47, 51, 60, 77. 1^: 4, 6, 8,

47, 85, 101.

Chickadee, Black-capped - 1971: 9, 30, 55, 65, 72. 1972:
12, 60. 1973: 11, 12, 46.

Carolina - 1971: 9, 14, 30, 38, 75, 77, 78, 79, 80.

1972: 12, 46, 60, 69. 1973: 11, 14, 46.

Chicken, Greater Prairie - 1972: 59, 62. 1973: 68.
Chuck-will's widow - 1971: 38> 44, 74, 94. 1972: 8, 46,

48, 53, 59, 60. 1973: 46, 78, 79, 88.

Chukar - 19;^: 58. 1973: 32.

Coot, American - 1971: 9, 19, 37, 46, 68, 69. 1972: 12,
25, 45, 53, 59, 76, 103. 1973: 10, 23, 27, 45, 52, 84,

86, 98, 100.

Cormorant, Double -crested - 1971: 7, 8, 18, 20, 43, 44,

46, 69, 71, 90, 93. 1972: 11, 22, 24, 26, 52, 59, 78,

89, 98, 101. 25, 99.

Cowbird, Brown-headed - 1971: 10, 39, 76, 77, 79. 1972:
7, 13, 47, 60. 1^: 12, 14, 16, 47, 78, 81, 85.

Crane, Sandhill - 1971: 21, 44, 46, 94. 1^: 24, 27, 29,
30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 43, 59, 101. 1973: 9, 10, 23, 25,

88.

Whooping - 1972: 59, 62.

Creeper, Brown - 1971: 9, 16, 38, 55, 65, 91. 1972: 12,
46, 60, 69, 80. 19;^: 6, 11, 13, 14, 46, 53, 88.
Crossbill, Red - 1971: 55, 72, 95. 1972: 7, 13, 27, 28,

55, 60, 73, 80, 95, 97, 99, 100. MS: 12, 16, 21, 23,
24, 26, 27, 28, 51, 53, 83, 85, 87, 88, 98, 103, 104.
White-winged - 1972: 60. 1973: 41.

Crow, Common - 1971: 9, 38, 75, 78, 79, 84. 1972: 12,

18, 46, 60. 19;^: 11, 14, 46, 69, 80.

Fish - 1971: 9, 18. 1972: 12, 23, 46, 60, 75. 1973:

11, 22, 46.

Cuckoo, Black-billed - 1971: 37, 44, 48, 68, 69, 71, 74,

78, 80. 1972: 45, 52733, 59, 76, 94, 102. 1973: 17,

46, 84, 87, 100.

Yellow-billed - 1971: 16, 37, 48, 74, 79. 1^: 45, 51,

59, 77, 98. 1^: 4, 6, 46, 52, 85, 100, 101, 102.
Curlew, Eskimo - 1^: 59, 62.

Hudsonian - 1973: 80.

Dickcissel - 1^: 20, 39, 43, 45, 70, 72, 76, 79, 95.

1972: 3, 10, 13, 16, 17, 25, 27, 47, 54, 60, 77, 79,

89, 98. 1973: 6, 9, 12, 13, 23, 47, 80, 85, 87, 103.

Dove, Ground - 1972: 59. 1973: 30.

Mourning - 1971: 9, 16, 37, 44, 60, 74, 79. 1972: 12,
25, 45, 59. 1973: 11, 14, 30, 46, 85, 101.

Ringed Turtle - 1971: 60, 61. 1^: 58, 71.

Rock - 1971: 5, 60, 74, 79. 59. 1973: 80.

Dowitcher, Long-billed - 68, 91. 1972: 59, 79, 98,

102. 1973: 7.

Short-billed - 1971: 48, 94. 1^: 1, 27, 53, 59, 75,

76, 102. IT^: 7, 45, 102, 104.

Duck, Black - 1J71: 8, 19, 20, 21, 37, 48, 69, 92, 94,

95. 1^: 11, 18, 28, 45, 52, 59, 70, 76, 78, 99, 101,

103. 1^: 10, 22, 25, 45, 49, 52.

Fulvous, Tree - 1971: 19. 1^: 49, 52, 59.
Ring-necked - 1971: 8, 19, 21, 37, 69, 92, 94, 95.

1972: 5, 11, 45, 59, 76, 80, 101, 103, 10, 14, 21,

22, 27, 45, 50, 54, 99, 104.

Ruddy - 1971: 8, 19, 20, 37, 43, 69, 91, 5, 11,

23, 24, 26, 45, 49, 52, 55, 59, 70, 98. 1973: 10, 21,
25, 27, 45, 50, 52, 100.

Wood - 1971: 8, 19, 37, 44, 58, 69, 74, 85, 94. 1972:
5, 11, 18, 43, 45, 52, 56, 59, 70, 85, 88, 98, 101, 103.
1973: 8, 10, 13, 14, 43, 45, 50, 102.

Dunlin - 1^: 19, 21, 46, 68, 69, 91, 92, 94. 1^: 12,

23, 27, 43, 50, 53, 59, 99, 101. 1^: 26, 30, 45, 50,
52, 102.

Eagle, Bald - 1971: 8, 19, 21, 43, 44, 46, 71. 1972: 11,

14, 23, 24, 27, 35, 36, 42, 50, 59, 70, 97, 99, 101,

103, 104. 1^: 8, 10, 22, 23, 25, 27, 34, 35, 50, 52,

56, 67, 68, 78, 79, 80, 81, 96, 99, 104.

Golden - 1971: 8, 19, 22, 43, 44, 72, 84. 1^: 7, 11,

23, 24, 27, 50, 59, 103. 1^: 8, 22, 23, 27, 34, 35,
68, 80, 88.

Egret, Cattle - 1971: 18, 37, 44, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 67,
69, 90. 1972: 23, 43, 49, 50, 52, 59, 67, 75, 78, 98,

101. 1^: 22, 25, 45, 50, 52, 83, 92, 93, 98, 99, 104.

Great (Common) - 1971: 18, 20, 21, 44, 46, 47, 50,

52, 58, 67, 71, 72, 90, 93. 1^: 11, 23, 26, 32, 45,
50, 52, 59, 75, 78, 101. 1^: 8, 22, 25, 32, 45, 49,

50, 52, 86, 89, 90, 92, 99, 101.

Snowy - 1971: 37, 67, 71, 74, 76, 87. 1^: 43, 49,

55, 59, 67, 98. 1973: 30, 49, 92, 98, 99, 101.

Eider, King - 1972; 59, 62,

Spectacled - 1973: 30.

Falcon, Peregrine - 1971: 23, 55, 90, 91, 94. 11,

14, 23, 24, 35, 36, 44, 45, 59, 75, 97, 99, 101, 104.
1973: 7, 10, 22, 24, 25, 34, 35, 65, 68, 76, 78, 79,

80, 98, 99, 100.

Finch, House -1^: 87. 1^: 9, 12, 21, 24, 26, 31, 49,

51, 53.

Purple - 1971: 10, 15, 21, 39, 47, 54, 93, 95, 1972:

13, 18, 23, 25, 26, 28, 47, 51, 60, 71, 87, 97, 99, 102.
1973: 12, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 47, 49, 53, 54, 103, 104.
Flicker, Common (Yellow-shafted) - 1971: 9, 38, 74, 79,
80. 1^: 12, 46, 59, 69, 100. 1^: 11, 14, 30, 46,

78.

Flycatcher, Acadian - 1971: 16, 25, 26, 38, 75, 78, 79,

80, 83. 1^: 43, 46, 51, 59, 77, 100, 103. 1^: 46,

53, 85.

Alder - 1^: 32, 80.

Great Crested - 1971: 38, 48, 72, 75, 79. 46,

51, 59. 1^;^: 5, 6, 46, 80.

Least - 1971: 16, 25, 26, 38, 68, 69, 71, 75, 79. 1972:
46, 51, 54, 55, 59. 1973: 46, 87, 100.

Olive-sided - 1971: 55. 55, 59, 76, 79, 80.

1973: 46, 49, 50, 100.

Scissor-tailed - 1972: 49, 51, 59.

Vermillion - 1971: 90, 91. 19;^: 59. 1973: 98, 99.
Willow (Traill's) - 1971: 25, 26, 67, 68, 69, 71, 72,

75, 79, 80, 92. 1^: 54, 55, 59, 60, 74, 76, 79, 80,

81, 82, 83, 84. 1973: 32, 43, 49, 51, 53, 54, 84, 87,

88, 99, 100.

Yellow-bellied - 1^: 16. 1^: 59, 80, 103. 1973:

98, 99, 100, 102, 104.

Fulmar, Northern - 1973: 32.

Gadwall - 1971: 8, 19, 20, 21, 92, 94, 95. 11, 18,

24, 26, 50, 52, 59, 70, 101. 1^: 10, 17, 22, 25, 45,

50, 100.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

109

GalUnule, Common - 19^: 46. 1^: 45, 49, 55, 59.

1973: 45, 51, 52.

Purple-^: 87, 88. 1972: 59. 19;^: 51, 52, 54,

80, 86.

Gnatcateher, Blue-gray - 1971: 21, 38, 45, 75, 78, 79.
1972: 10, 12, 14, 22, 23, 25, 46, 54, 55, 60, 77, 100.
1973: 46, 85, 88.

Godwit, Hudsonlan - 1971: 58, 59, 66, 67, 68. 1972: 30.
Marbled - 1971: 90, 92. 1^: 59, 97, 98. 1973: 7,

40.

Goldeneye, Common - 1971: 8, 11, 19, 20, 44, 71. 1972:

11, 16, 23, 24, 26, 45, 59. 1973: 10, 25, 27, 54.
Barrow's - 1972: 59, 61.

Goldfinch, American - 1971: 10, 39, 76, 78, 79. 1972:

13, 47, 60. 1^: 12, 47, 101.

Goose, Barnacle - 1972: 59.

Blue - See Snow Goose.

Canada - 1971: 8, 19, 20, 37, 69, 91, 94. 1972: 11, 18,

23, 24, 26, 44, 45, 52, 59, 70, 75, 76, 78, 101. 1973:

10, 17, 21, 25, 45, 54, 56, 59, 99, 102.

Egyptian - 1972: 58. 1973: 10.

Snow - 1971: 8, 11, 19, 91, 92. 1972: 11, 23, 24, 26,

50, 59, 60, 99, 101. 1973: 10, 13, 25, 31, 59, 99, 102.
White-fronted -1^: 197 1972: 23, 44, 45, 49, 50,

59. 1973: 25, 101, 102.

Goshawk - 1971: 67, 72. 35, 36, 37, 59. 1^: 10,

21, 23, 25, 35, 45, 49, 51, 52, 54, 80, 81.

Grackle, Boat-tailed - 1^: 32.

Common - 1971: 10, 39, 76, 79. 1^: 7, 13, 47, 60.
1973: 12, 23, 47, 82.

Great-tailed - 1973: 32.

Grebe, Eared - 1972: 59. 1^: 30, 75, 80.

Horned - 1971: 7, 18, 20, 37. 1^: 5, 11, 26, 45, 48,
59, 70, 89, 103. 1^: 10, 22, 24, 27, 45, 50, 52, 54,
99.

Pik-billed - 1971: 7, 18, 37, 69, 74. 1972: 11, 24,

45, 59, 70, 75, 78, 80, 89, 99, 1973: 6, 10, 14, 22,

45, 50, 84, 99, 101,

Red-necked - 1972: 59.

Grosbeak, Black-headed - 1972: 60.

Blue - 1971: 7, 10, 11, 39, 45, 76, 79, 95. 1972: 43,

47, 51, 55, 60, 80, 89, 102. 1973: 47, 54, 85, 87, 88,
103,

Evening - 1971: 7, 10, 20, 43, 48, 54, 92, 93. 1972:

13, 15, 16, 18, 23, 25, 26, 28, 47, 51, 54, 60, 71. 1973:

12, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 47, 49, 50, 51, 53,

54, 80, 83, 86, 87, 88, 98, 100.

Rose-breasted - 1971: 7, 10, 11, 16, 19, 39, 43, 45, 55,
61, 62, 76, 93. 1^: 3, 13, 15, 25, 47, 51, 60, 100.
1973: 4, 6, 13, 23, 47, 85, 99, 103.

Ground-Chat - 1973: 30.

Grouse, Ruffed - 1971: 9, 37, 44, 55, 74, 78, 83. 1972:

11, 18, 45, 50, 59. 10, 45, 80, 84.

Sharp-tailed - 1973: 68.

Gull, Bonaparte’s - 1^: 9, 11, 19, 21, 37, 44, 47, 48, 71,
85, 92. 1972: 12, 17, 25, 27, 45, 49, 51, 53, 55, 59,

70, 72, 73, 89, 93, 100. 1^: 7, 11, 23, 26, 45, 51,

52.

Franklin - 1971: 19. 1972: 59, 75, 93. 1973: 7, 21,

24, 26.

Glaucous - 1971: 43, 47. 1972: 21, 59.

Herring - 1971: 9, 37, 47, 89, 91. 1^: 12, 18, 21, 45,

53, 59, 70, 76, 89, 102, 1973: 7, 11, 22, 32, 45, 102.
Laughing - 1971: 47, 89. 1^: 22, 27, 59, 75, 76, 89,
93, 94. 1973: 7, 26,

Ring-billed -1^: 9, 37, 40, 47, 68, 72, 89, 94.

1972: 12, 18, 21, 23, 25, 45, 53, 59, 70, 76, 79, 89,
102, 103. 1973: 7, 11, 23, 27, 45, 80, 102.

Thayer's - 1973: 32.

Hawk, Broad-winged - 1971: 1, 2, 3, 37, 44, 48, 74, 79,
91, 94. 1972: 35, 36, 37, 43, 45, 50, 59, 99, 103.

1973: 25, 34, 35, 36, 45, 52, 54, 79, 85, 86, 100.
Cooper's - 1971: 1, 2, 3, 8, 37, 44, 46, 69, 74, 79, 94.
1972: 11, 27, 36, 37, 45, 53, 59, 98, 101, 103. 1973:

10, 11, 16, 25, 35, 45, 52, 54, 86, 88, 100, 102, 104.
Harlan's - See Red-tailed Hawk.

Marsh - 1971: 1, 3, 8, 21, 37, 46, 69, 91, 94, 95.

1972: 11, 35, 36, 53, 55, 59, 103. 1^: 10, 25, 27,

35, 45, 52, 80, 100, 102.

Pigeon - See Merlin.

Red-shouldered - 1971: 3, 8, 21, 37, 44, 69, 74, 79.
1972: 11, 27, 36, 45, 59, 76, 78. 1^: 10, 25, 35, 45,
52, 84, 100.

Red-tailed - 1971: 1, 3, 8, 21, 22, 37, 43, 48, 57, 72,
74, 79, 1^: 11, 18, 27, 36, 43, 45, 53, 59, 103.

1973: 10, 14, 23, 30, 35, 45, 51, 54, 99.

Rough-legged - 1971: 2, 3, 21, 43, 44. 1972: 10, 14,

23, 24, 27, 59, 99. 1973: 9, 10, 23, 24, 25, 34, 80.
Sharp-shinned - 1971: 1, 2, 3, 8, 21, 37, 44, 74, 76.
1972: 11, 23, 26, 28, 35, 36, 37, 45, 59, 103. 1973:

10, 25, 34, 35, 45, 52, 78, 86, 88, 102, 104.

Sparrow - See American Kestrel.

Heron, Black-crowned Night - 1971: 37, 44, 50, 93. 1972:
45, 52, 59, 78, 101. 1^: 45, 52, 58, 86, 89, 91,

92, 98, 101.

Buff -backed - 56.

Great Blue - 1971: 8, 18, 20, 31, 37, 58, 86, 93. 1972:

11, 22, 26, 32, 45, 59, 74, 85, 89, 98. 1^: 8, 10,

13, 22, 25, 27, 31, 45, 54, 89, 90, 91, 92, 94, 101.
Green - 1971: 8, 11, 18, 20, 37, 43, 44, 47, 58, 74,

79, 80, 85. 1972: 24, 43, 45, 50, 59. 1973: 10, 25,

45, 52, 85, 86, 89, 93, 99, 101, 104.

Little Blue - 1971: 4, 7, 8, 11, 37, 50, 53, 69, 85, 87,
90, 93. 1972: 11, 22, 26, 32, 45, 50, 59, 67, 74, 78,
98, 101. 1^: 8, 45, 50, 52, 83, 84, 89, 90, 91, 92,
98, 99, 101.

Louisiana - 1971: 67. 1^: 49, 50, 59. 1^: 83, 86.
Yellow-crowned Night - 1971: 19, 37, 47, 67, 85, 93.
1972: 45, 50, 55, 59, 75, 78, 98, 99, 101. 19^: 22,
27, 45, 52, 54, 84, 86, 99, 101.

Hummingbird, Ruby-throated - 1971: 19, 38, 44, 74, 77,

79. 1^: 46, 53, 59, 77, 79, 89. 1973: 46, 79, 85,

102.

Ibis, Glossy - 1971: 35, 37, 40, 67, 71, 87. 1^12: 59,

61. 1973: 92,

White - 1971: 58, 72, 1^: 59. 1973: 83, 86, 98,

101.

White-faced - 1971: 71, 87. 1^: 59, 61,

Wood - See Wood Stork.

Jay, Blue - 1971: 9, 38, 75, 77, 79. 1972: 12, 18, 46,

60, 100. 1^: 11, 14, 18, 46, 80.

Junco, Dark-eyed - 1971: 7, 10, 16, 20, 39, 43, 45, 55,

65, 93. 1972: 10, 13, 18, 23, 25, 47, 60, 97, 100.

1973: 12, 14, 21, 23, 27, 28, 31, 47, 49, 51, 53, 80,

100.

Oregon - See Dark-eyed Junco.

Slate -colored - See Dark-eyed Junco.

Yellow-eyed - 1973: 31.

Kestrel, American - 1971: 1, 9, 37, 76, 94. 1972: 11,

36, 45, 59, 89. 1973: 10, 14, 23, 32, 35, 45, 80, 86.
Killdeer - 1971: 4, 9, 33, 37, 59, 74, 79, 91, 94. 1972:

11, 27, 45, 59, 62, 78, 89, 90, 91, 93. 1973: 11, 14,

26, 45, 50, 78, 100.

Kingbird, Eastern - 1971: 38, 75, 79, 84, 94, 95. 1972:

25, 46, 51, 59, 102. 1^: 18, 46, 53, 85, 100, 102.

Western - 1971: 90, 92. 1972: 59, 97, 98. 19^: 18.

Kingfisher, Belted - 1971: 9, 38, 74, 79. 1^: 12, 43,

46, 51, 59, 89. 1973: 11, 14, 46.

Kinglet, Golden-crowned - 1971: 10, 16, 38, 45, 55, 1972;
13, 18, 51, 60. 1973: 6, 12, 14, 46.

Ruby-crowned - 1971: 10, 16, 38, 45, 70, 95. 1972:

13, 18, 46, 60, 80. 1^: 6, 12, 46, 51, 53.

Kite, Mississippi - 1971: 68. 1972; 59, 75, 98. 1973:

45, 50, 78, 79, 80, 84, 99.

Swallow-tailed - 1972: 59. 1^: 80.

Kittiwake, Black -legged - 1972: 22, 27, 59, 63.

Knot, Red - 19^: 59. 1^: 32, 99.

Lark, Horned - 1971: 9, 19, 38, 63, 75, 79. 1972; 12,

46, 59, 96. 1^: 11, 27, 43, 46, 79, 80.

Limpldn - 1972: 59.

Longspur, Lapland - 1971: 7, 10, 21, 62, 63. 1^: 23,

27, 60. 1973: 79.

McCown's - 1973: 30.

Smith's - 1972: 60.

Loon, Common - 1971: 8, 18, 20, 21, 44, 46, 69, 71, 90,
92, 93. 1972: 5, 11, 18, 26, 28, 45, 52, 55, 59, 70,

78, 99, lOST 1973: 10, 21, 22, 24, 27, 45, 52, 54, 99,
104,

Red-throated - 1971: 43, 46, 90, 92, 93. 1^: 24, 59.
1973: 22.

Mallard - 1971: 8, 19, 20, 37. 1^: 11, 28, 43, 44, 45,
52, 59, 70, 76, 78. 1^: 10, 17, 22, 25, 45, 50, 52,
86.

Martin, Purple - 1971: 38, 45, 47, 48, 70, 75, 79, 80,

92, 95. 1972: 25, 27, 46, 60, 76, 79, 102. 1973: 23,

26, 27, 46, 87, 88.

Meadowlark, Eastern - 1971: 10, 39, 47, 76, 79, 82, 84.
1972: 13, 47, 54, 60, 77. 1^: 4, 12, 14, 47, 85, 101.
Western - 1971: 7, 10, 82, 90, 91. 1^: 60. 1973:

21, 22.

Merganser, Common - 1971: 8, 11, 19, 20, 46, 69. 1972:
11, 26, 28, 45, 48, 50, 53, 59. 1^: 10, 21, 25, 27,
45, 52, 86.

Hooded -1^: 8, 19, 22. 11, 23, 24, 26, 45, 53,

[VoL. 44, 1973]

110

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

55, 56, 59, 85. 19^: 8, 10, 21, 22, 25, 45, 54.
Red-breasted -1^: 19, 20, 37, 95. 1972: II, 26, 45,

49, 53, 55, 59, 78. 1973: 10, 21, 22, 25, 27, 45, 50,
52, 54, 86.

Merlin - 1971: 3, 19. 1972: 14, 23, 24, 59. 1973: 23,

27, 32, 52.

Mockingbird - 1971: 4, 9, 16, 32, 38, 75, 79. 1972: 12,
38, 46, 60. 1973: 11, 14, 18, 46, 70, 85, 96, 101.
Murrelet, Ancient - 1972: 104.

Marbled - 1972: 104.

Nighthawk, Common - 1971: 38, 44, 47, 48, 74, 92, 94.
1972: 22, 25, 46, 51, 53, 59, 78, 100, 102. 1973: 46,

50, 53, 100, 102.

Nuthatch, Brown -headed - 1971: 47. 1972: 54, 60, 102.
1973: 26, 103.

Red-breasted - 1971: 9, 18, 19, 21, 22, 38, 45, 55.

1972: 7, 12, 46, 60, 69, 80, 98, 99, 101, 102. 1973:

6, 11, 21, 23, 24, 26, 46, 51, 53, 88, 103.

White -breasted - 1971: 9, 38, 65, 75, 78, 79. 1972:

12, 46, 60, 69. 1973: 8, 11, 13, 46.

Oldsquaw - 1971: 5, 8, 11, 19, 43, 46. 1972: 5, 14, 23,

26, 50, 59, 70. 1973: 15, 22, 25, 52.

Oriole , Northern (Baltimore) - 1971: 39, 45, 76, 79.

1972: 22, 27, 47, 60, 75, 77, 102. 1973: 6, 31, 47,

84.

Orchard -1^: 15, 39, 45, 76, 79, 95. 1972: 25, 47,

51, 60, 77, 102. 1973: 19, 20, 43, 47, 85, 103.

Osprey - 1971: 2, 3, 7, 8, 37, 67, 71, 91, 94, 95. 1972:

24, 35, 37, 45, 53, 55, 59, 78, 99, 101, 103. 1973:

10, 25, 34, 35, 45, 52, 54, 86, 100, 102.

Ovenbird - 1971: 15, 16, 39, 45, 55, 75, 77, 78, 79, 80.

1972: 3, 5, 47, 51, 60. 1973: 4, 5, 6, 47.

Owl, Barn - 1971: 9, 21, 38, 47, 71, 92, 94. 1972: 12,

27, 45, 51, 53, 59, 76, 79, 97, 100, 102. 1973: 11, 26,
46, 49, 52, 80, 87, 100, 102.

Barred - 1971: 9, 21, 38, 55, 85, 94, 95. 1972: 12,

43, 46, 53, 55, 59, 70. 1973: 11, 13, 26, 27, 46, 54,

102.

Great Horned - 1971: 9, 19, 38, 94, 1972: 8, 12, 16,

25, 46, 59, 70, 89. 1973: 11, 14, 43, 46, 51, 79.
Long-eared - 1972: 27, 59. 1973: 23, 80.

Saw-whet - 1971: 48, 55. 1972: 17, 55, 59. 1973: 46,
80, 88.

Screech - 1971: 9, 31, 38, 47, 85. 1972: 12, 15, 16,

45, 59, 70, 89. 1973: 11, 13, 14, 43, 46, 75, 78.
Short-eared - 1971: 7, 9, 18, 43, 1972: 12, 14, 23, 25,
59.

Snowy - 1971: 57. 1972: 59. 1973: 78.

Parakeet, Carolina - 1972: 59, 63. 1973: 64.

Monk - 1973: 82,

Partridge, Rock - 1973: 32.

Pewee, Eastern Wood - 1971: 16, 38, 75, 78, 79, 92, 95.

1972: 46, 59, 102. 1973: 4, 46, 75, 78, 85.

Pelican, Brown - 1972: 59.

White - 1971: 67, 88, 89. 1972: 59. 1973: 7, 21, 24.
Petrel, Black - 1973: 30.

Leach's Storm - 1973: 32.

Wilson' t Storm - 1973: 32.

Phalarope, Northern - 1971: 85. 1972: 59. 1973: 98,

101, 102.

Red - 1972; 2, 59. 1973: 23.

Wilson's - 1971: 59, 60, 68, 92, 94. 1972: 59, 100.
1973: 81, 98, 99, 102.

Pheasant, Ring-necked - 1971: 37. 1972: 11, 27, 45, 53,
59, 1973: 14, 45, 86.

Phoebe, Eastern - 1971: 9, 38, 75, 77, 79, 80. 1972: 12,
16, 43, 46, 59. 1973: 11, 22, 46, 85.

Pigeon, Passenger - 1972: 59, 63. 1973: 62, 63, 74.
Pintail - 1971: 8, 19, 20, 21, 94. 1972: 11, 16, 23, 26,

45, 59, 70, 101. 1973: 10, 25.

Pipit, Water - 1971: 10, 21, 38, 43, 45, 47, 84, 95.

1972: 13, 46, 54, 60, 71. 1973: 12, 23, 43, 51, 103,
104.

Sprague's - 1972: 60.

Plover, American Golden - 1971: 21, 37, 43, 46, 91, 94.
1972: 49, 59, 98, 101. 1973: 7, 23, 45, 102.
Black-bellied - 1971: 21, 69, 71, 91, 92, 94. 1972:

23, 27, 53, 59, 76, 98, 101. 1973: 7, 30, 50, 52, 100,

102.

Mountain - 1973: 30.

Piping - 1971: 92. 1972: 59, 75, 89, 90, 91, 97, 99,
101. 7, 45.

Semipalmated - 1971: 33, 37, 72, 74, 91, 94. 1972:

27, 45, 53, 59, 75, 76, 78, 89, 98, 99, 101, 103.

1973: 45, 84, 99, 102, 104.

Upland - See Upland Sandpiper.

Wilson - 1972: 59, 62.

Quell, Montezuma - 1973: 32.

Rail, Black - 1972: 59.

King - 1971: 46, 69, 71, 84. 1972: 22, 23, 50, 53, 59,
78, 88, 101. 1973: 51, 52, 86, 102.

Virginia - 1971: 21, 46, 71. 1972: 50, 52, 53, 59, 78,

88, 101. 1973: 6, 26, 27, 45, 49, 51, 52, 100.

Yellow - 1^: 15, 16. 1972: 59. 1973: 80.

Raven, Common - 1971: 9, 22, 55, 72. 1972; 12, 18, 46,
55, 60. 1973: 11, 27, 46, 54, 59, 69, 88, 104.

Redhead - 1971: 8, 19, 20, 37, 44. 1972: 11, 24, 26, 28,
59, 70. 1973: 10, 21, 25, 50, 52, 54.

Redpoll, Common - 1972: 60.

Redshank 1973: 30.

Redstart, American - 1971: 16, 39, 45, 55, 75, 78, 79,

80. 1972: 3, 47, 51, 60. 1973: 4, 6, 36, 47, 80.

Robin - 1971: 10, 38, 75, 79. 1972: 8, 12, 15, 46, 60.

1973: 11, 14, 23, 26, 31, 46, 58, 70, 79, 80, 85, 101.
Ruff - 1972: 49, 52, 53, 59, 63, 86.

Sanderling - 1971: 42, 44, 91, 94. 1972: 4, 59, 75, 98,

100, 102, 103. 1973: 7, 30, 99.

Sandpiper, Baird's - 1971: 43, 48, 68, 69, 71, 92. 1972:
50, 59, 90, 91, 99, 101. 1973: 7, 26, 30, 45, 51. 100.
Buff-breasted - 1971: 91, 92, 94. 1972: 59, 97, 98.
1973: 7, 43, 98, 99, 100.

Curlew - m3: 30.

Least - 197L 21, 37, 68, 69, 74, 94. 1972: 12, 23,

27, 45, 53, 55, 59, 75, 76, 78, 89, 91, 93, 101. 1973:
11, 22, 23, 26, 30, 45, 52, 84, 86, 104.

Pectoral - 1971: 37, 44, 59, 63, 68, 69, 72, 87, 94.
1972: 1, 27, 45, 53, 59, 75, 76, 78, 89, 91, 101, 103.
1973: 23, 26, 30, 45, 52, 84, 86, 102.

Purple - 1972: 59, 62, 63. 1973: 30.

Rock - 1973: 30.

Rufous -necked - 1973: 30.

Semipalmated - 1971: 19, 21, 37, 68, 69, 74. 1972: 1,
27, 45, 50, 53, 59, 75, 76, 79, 89, 91, 102, ld3T'l973:
30, 40, 52, 84, 86, 102, 104.

Sharp-tailed - 1973: 30.

Solitary - 1971: 37, 59, 68, 69, 94. 1972: 45, 53, 59,

75, 76, 78, 89, 101, 103. 1973: 23, 45, 52, 84, 102.

Spotted - 1971: 37, 44, 48, 67, 68, 69, 71, 74, 94.

1972: 12, 23, 25, 45, 50, 53, 59, 75, 76, 78, 89, 91,

101, 103. 1973: 11, 22, 45, 84, 86.

Stilt - 1971: 68, 69, 91, 92, 94. 1972: 1, 27, 50, 59,

75, 76, 79, 98, 100, 102. 1973: 7, 84, 86, 98, 99,

100, 102.

Upland - 1971: 37, 46, 91, 94. 1972: 45, 48, 50, 53,
59, 74, 76, 78, 101, 103. 1973: 7, 32, 45, 49, 52, 83,
84, 100.

Western - 1^: 37, 69, 71, 92. 1972: 1, 2, 25, 27,

50, 53, 59, 75, 76, 98, 102, 103. 1973: 7, 30, 51, 84,

98, 99, 100, 102.

White -rumped - 1971: 68, 71, 91. 1972: 50, 53, 59,

75, 76, 79, 101, 103. 1973: 7, 30, 51, 52, 84, 86, 100.
Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied - 1971: 7, 9, 16, 38, 44, 92.
1972: 12, 46, 59, 79, 80. 1973: 6, 11, 14, 46, 51, 53,

59, 76, 79, 102, 104.

Scaup, Greater - 1971: 8, 20, 36, 37, 46. 1972: 5, 11,

24, 26, 28, 55, 72. 1973: 10, 16, 21, 25, 52.

Lesser - 1^: 8, 19, 37. 1972: 11, 28, 45, 52, 76,

99, 101. 1973: 10, 22, 45, 50.

Scoter, Black (Common) - 1972: 59. 1973: 30, 32, 33.
Surf - 1971: 19. 1972: 5, 26, 59.

White -winged - 5, 20. 1972: 26, 59, 99.

Shearwater, Flesh-footed - 1973: 32.

Short-tailed - 1973: 32.

She Id-duck, Ruddy - 1973: 30.

Shoveler, Northern - 1971: 8, 19, 21, 37, 69, 91, 92.

1972: 11, 26, 43, 45, 52, 55, 59, 70, 98, 99, 101, 103.
1973: 10, 25, 27, 30, 32, 45, 49, 52, 54, 104.

Shrike, Loggerhead - 1971: 10, 38, 75, 79. 1972: 13, 46,

60, 89. 1973: 12, 14, 46, 87.

Northern - 1972: 60.

Siskin, Pine - 1971.: 10, 20, 39, 43, 45, 48, 54, 55, 95.
1972: 7, 10, 13, 18, 25, 26, 28, 47, 52, 60, 97, 98,

99, 101, 102, 104. 1973: 12, 16, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27,

47, 49, 51, 53, 54, 83, 85, 8.8, 100, 103, 104.

Skimmer, Black - 1972: 59, 63.

Snipe, Common - 1^: 9, 19, 37, 44, 46, 48, 92, 94, 95.
1972: 12, 15, 18, 25, 27, 43, 45, 53, 59, 69, 78, 88,

89, 93, 101. 1973: 11, 26, 45, 52, 102.

Sora - 1971: 37, 46, 69, 92, 94, 95. 1972: 25, 45, 50,
53, 59, 75, 76, 88, 101. 1973: 26, 45, 50, 51, 52, 54,

102,

Sparrow, Bachman's - 1972: 52, 60, 102. 1973: 78, 83,

[VoL. 44, 1973]

1973

THE MIGRANT

111

85.

Chipping - 1971: 10, 20, 21, 39, 76, 79. 1^: 13, 27,
47, 60. 1^: 11, 12, 24, 26, 28, 47, 85.

Clay-colored - 1972: 60.

Field - 1971: 10, 15, 16, 39, 76, 79. 1^: 13, 20, 47,
60, 78, 1^: 8, 12, 14, 47, 85, 101.

Fox - 1971: 10, 45. 1^: 13, 20, 28, 55, 60. 1973:

12, 26, 28, 47.

Grasshopper - 1971: 16, 39, 48, 76,’ 79, 95. 1972: 47,
54, 60, 77, 80, 89. 19;^: 47, 54, 85, 87, 100, 103.
Harris's - 1971: 43. 1972: 13, 20, 21, 23, 60. 1973:

12, 21, 24, 47, 49, 51.

Henslow's - 1971: 43, 47, 72. 1^: 19, 60. 1973:

30, 76, 80.

House - 1971: 5, 10, 14, 19, 23, 39, 75, 79. 1^: 13,
18, 20, 47, 60. 1J73: 12, 47, 70, 82, 96.

Ipswich - See Savannah Sparrow.

Lark - 1971: 20, 32, 39, 45. 1972: 13, 16, 25, 47, 49,

52, 54, 60, 74, 77, 78, 79, 100. 1^: 47, 79, 80, 85.
LeConte's - 1971: 7, 10, 11. 1972: 10, 13, 60, 71.

1973: 9, 12, 30, 78.

Lincoln's - 1971: 16, 39, 70, 72, 95. 1^: 47, 52,

54, 60, 102, 104. 1973: 6, 12, 24, 47, 51, 85, 99, 100,

103.

Savannah - 1971: 10, 39, 45, 63, 91. 1^: 13, 15, 28,
47, 55, 60. 19;^: 6, 12, 23, 31, 47, 83, 85, 87, 103.
Seaside - 1973: 31.

Sharp-tailed - 1971: 21, 70. 1^: 60. 1973: 7.

Song - 1971: 6, 7, 10, 39, 46, 70, 76, 79, 93. 1972:

13, 18, 19, 20, 42, 44, 47, 54, 60, 77. 1^: 12, 14,
47, 85, 87, 100.

Swamp - 1971: 10, 39, 70. 1972: 13, 28, 47, 54, 60.
1973: 12, 47, 80, 103.

Tree - 1971: 10, 35, 36, 39, 43, 44, 45, 47. 1^: 13,
25, 60, 71. 1973: 11, 12, 26, 78.

Vesper - 1971: 10, 21, 39, 45, 47, 63, 84, 95. 1972:

13, 23, 27, 47, 54, 55, 60, 80. 1973: 12, 22, 23, 26,
47, 54, 87, 103.

White -crowned - 1971: 10, 39, 68, 70, 95. IT^: 13,

20, 21, 47, 60, 79, 89, 102. 1^: 12, 47, 51, 103,

104.

White -throated - 1971: 7, 10, 16, 39, 70, 93, 95. 1972:
13, 20, 47, 60, 79, 80, 97, 98, 102. 1^: 12, 47, 53,

75, 78, 87, 103, 104.

Spoonbill, Roseate - 1^: 59, 61, 67, 74, 75.

Starling - 1971: 5, 10, 23, 38, 75, 76, 79. 1972: 7, 13,

46, 60.~T973: 12, 14, 46, 70, 76, 78, 807~82, 85, 96.
Stint, Long-toed - 1973: 30.

Stork, White - 1^: 23.

Wood - 1972: 59. 1^: 32, 80.

Swallow, Bank - 1971: 38, 72, 75, 94. 1^: 46, 48, 54,

60, 79, 98, 102. 1^: 46, 60, 78, 102.

Barn-1^: 38, 44, 48, 55, 75, 79, 80, 91, 94. 1972:
23, 25, 46, 54, 60, 89, 102. 1^: 46, 53, 85, 96,

103.

Cliff - 1971: 38, 47, 69, 71 , 75, 94. 1972: 46, 51, 54,
60, 77, 89. 1^: 46, 79, 87.

Rough-winged - 1971: 38, 44, 48, 69, 75, 79, 94.

1972: 25, 46, 54, 60, 77, 79, 102. 1973: 26, 46, 53,
85, 103.

Tree - 1971: 38, 47, 68, 91, 94. 1972: 10, 12, 14, 23,
27, 46, 51, 54, 55, 60, 75, 79, 98, 102. 1^: 22, 46,

53, 81, 95, 96, 97, 100, 102.

Swan, Mute - 1972: 57, 59, 61.

Trumpeter - 1972: 59, 61,

Whistling - 1971: 33. 1972: 23, 24, 26, 59. 1973: 17,

21, 24, 25, 52.

Swift, Chimney - 1971: 38, 44, 48, 74, 79, 94. 1972: 46,
51, 53, 59, 77, 102. 1973: 26, 46, 53, 79, 85, 102,

104.

Tanager, Scarlet - 1971: 16, 39, 45, 55, 76, 78, 79, 93.
1972: 3, 47, 51, 60, 79. 1973: 4, 6, 8, 47.

Summer - 1971: 15, 16, 39, 45, 76, 78, 79. 1972: 47,
51, 60, 70, 77. 1973: 8, 47, 80, 85.

Western - 1972: 60, 64.

Teal, Blue -winged - 1971: 8, 20, 37, 43, 67, 74, 87, 91,
92, 94. m2-. 11, 24, 26, 43, 45, 50, 52, 59, 67, 75,

76, 78, 99, 103. 1973: 14, 45, 50, 83, 84, 86, 102,
104.

Cinnamon - 1972: 59, 61, 67.

Green -winged - 1971: 8, 19, 20, 91, 92. 1972: 11, 18,
23, 26, 28, 50, 52, 59. 1973: 10, 27, 31.

Tern, Black - 1971: 37, 68, 69, 71, 94. 1^: 59, 75,

76, 79, 98, 102. 1973: 7, 46, 87, 100, 102.

Caspian - 1971: 68, 71, 91, 92, 94. m2-. 45, 48, 51,
53, 59, 79, 90, 98, 100, 102. 1973: 7, 26, 45, 52, 99,

102.

Common - 1971: 47, 69, 89, 91, 92. 1972: 45, 51, 53,

59, 75, 76, 98, 100, 102, 103. 1^: 7, 9, 11, 45, 52,
84, 87, 100.

Forster's - 1971: 37, 68, 91, 92. 1^: 51, 53, 59,

75, 76, 98, 100, 102, 103. 1^: 7, 45, 52, 87, 100,

102.

Least - 1971: 4, 68, 91, 94. 19^: 59, 75, 76, 98, 102.
1973: 7, 78, 84, 99.

Sooty - 1972: 59.

Thrasher, Brown - 1971: 5, 9, 19, 22, 38, 75, 78, 79.

1972: 12, 46, 60, 77. 1^: 4, 11, 13, 15, 26, 27, 46.
Thrush, Gray-checked - 1971: 38, 45, 70, 95. 1972: 46,
51, 60. 19^: 4, 30, 46, 51, 87, 88.

Hermit - 1971: 10, 38, 70. 1972: 12, 16, 46, 54, 55,

60. 1973: 6, 11, 27, 30, 46, 54, 104.

Swainson's - 1971: 16, 38, 45, 48, 68, 70, 75, 95.

1972: 25, 46, 55, 60, 76. 1^: 4, 6, 30, 46, 80, 87,

88, 100.

Wood - 1971: 16, 38, 45, 48, 55, 75, 77, 78, 79, 84.
1972: 3, 8, 46, 60. 1^: 4, 6, 46, 54.

Titmouse, Tufted - 1971: 9, 38, 75, 77, 78, 79. 1972:

12, 18, 46, 60, 65. 1973: 11, 46, 87.

Towhee, Green-tailed - 1972: 60.

Rufous-sided - 1971: 10, 39, 65, 76, 78, 79. 1972: 3,

13, 20, 47, 60, 78. 1973: 12, 25, 27, 47, 84, 85, 87.
Turkey -1^: 7, 9, 37, 44, 83, 84. 1972: 11, 45, 55,

59, 78, 80, 98. 1^: 8, 11, 45, 58, 61, 62, 65, 102.
Turnstone, Ruddy - 1971: 32, 91, 94. 1^: 50, 59, 89,

97, 98, 103. 1973: 7, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102.

Veery - 1971: 38, 45, 55, 70, 93. 1972: 46, 51, 60.

1973: 6, 30, 46, 87, 100, 104.

Vireo, Bell's - 1971: 67, 68. 1^: 60.

Philadelphia - 1971: 16, 38, 95. 1^: 2, 46, 50, 55,

60, 76, 102, 103. 1973: 4, 6, 46, 100, 103.

Red-eyed - 1971: 16, 38, 45, 55, 75, 77, 78, 79, 80,
84. 1972: 3, 46, 60. 1^: 4, 6, 46.

Solitary - 1971: 16, 38, 45, 47, 55, 72. 1^: 2, 10,

13, 22, 23, 46, 60, 80. 1973: 6, 46, 88, 103.

Warbling - 1971: 16, 38, 76. 1972: 46, 54, 55, 60.
1973: 43, 46, 100.

White-eyed - 1971: 16, 38, 45, 75, 79, 93. 1972: 46,
49, 51, 60, 100, 102. 1^: 4, 6, 46, 53.
Yellow-throated - 1971: 16, 38, 45, 75, 79. 1972: 3,

46, 51, 55, 60, 80, 103. 1973: 4, 6, 46.

Vulture, Black - 1971: 8, 19, 37, 46, 84. 1^: 11, 26,

45, 59, 101. 1^: 10, 14, 25, 45, 51, 52, 56, 80, 88.
Turkey - 1971: 8, 21, 37, 44, 46, 74, 79, 84, 91. ^
11, 16, 26, 45, 59, 78. 1^: 10, 15, 25, 45, 80.
Warbler, Audubon's - 1972: 60, 63.

Bay-breasted - 1971: 15, 16, 19, 39. 1^: 47, 60.
1973: 4, 6, 47.

Black-and-white - 1971: 15, 16, 38, 45, 48, 55, 75, 77,

78, 79. 1^: 46, 60. 1973: 4, 6, 46, 84, 87.

Blackburnian - 1971: 16, 39, 45, 55, 70, 75, 76, 79.
1972: 3, 47, 51, 55, 60, 77, 99. 19;^: 4, 5, 6, 47.
Blackpoll - 1971: 16, 39, 45, 51, 70, 75, 78, 95. 1972:

47, 51, 60, 97, 100. 1973: 6, 47, 53, 85.

Black-throated Blue - 1971: 16, 39, 55, 70, 72. 1972:
47, 51, 60, 79. 1^: 4, 6, 47, 49, 50, 79, 100.

Black-throated Gray - 1^: 60, 63, 67, 97, 103. 1973

4.

Black-throated Green - 1971: 16, 39, 45, 48, 55, 75,

79, 83. 1^: 47, 60, 80, 99, 104. 1^: 4, 6, 22,

47.

Blue-winged - 1971: 16, 39, 45, 61. 1^: 47, 50, 60,
103. 1973: 4, 6, 47, 54, 84, 87.

"Brewster's" - 1971: 48, 61. 1^: 60. 1973: 48.
Canada - 1971: 16, 39, 45, 55, 68, 70, 75, 79, 80, 93.
1972: 47, 60, 79, 80, 99. 19M: 4, 6, 47, 87.

Cape May - 1971: 39, 93. 1^: 22, 47, 60, 94, 95.

1973: 4, 6, 47.

Cerulean - 1971: 39, 45, 75, 77, 79. 1^: 3, 47, 60,

79. 1973: 4, 6, 47, 80, 87.

Chestnut-sided - 1971: 16, 28, 39, 55, 70, 75, 76, 77,

80, 93. 1972: 9, 47, 51, 60, 80, 99. 1973: 4, 6, 47,
79, 84, 87, 88, 100.

Connecticut - 1971: 39, 45, 70, 95. 1972: 47, 51, 54,
60, 77, 79, 100. 1973: 47, 51, 53, 100.

Golden-winged - 1971: 16, 38, 55, 61, 75, 78, 79, 80.
1972: 46, 60, 77, 99, 103. 1973: 4, 6, 47, 54, 87.
Hooded - 1971: 16, 39, 45, 55, 75, 77, 78, 79, 84.

1972: 3, 57T7, 60, 99, 100. 1973: 4, 8, 47, 104.
Kentucky - 16, 39, 45, 75, 77, 78, 79. 1^: 3,

47, 51, 55, 60. 1973: 4, 6, 8, 47, 68.

Kirtland's - 1^: 60, 64,

[VoL. 44, 1973]

112

THE MIGRANT

DECEMBER

Magnolia - 1971: 15, 16, 39, 70, 93. 1^: 47, 51, 60,

QQ 1Q7^« A R A7 RR

Mourning~971:’ 16, 68, 70. 47, 48, 51, 54,

60, 77, 79, 100, 104. 1973: 43, 47, 51, 85, 87, 99,

100.

Myrtle - See Yellow-rumped Warbler.

Nashville - 1971: 16, 39, 45, 70, 93, 95. 1972: 47,

51, 60, 103. 1^: 4, 6, 47, 64, 68.

Orange -crowned - 1971: 18, 39, 95. 1972: 13, 23, 24,
54, 60, 102. 1973: 47, 80, 100, 104.

Palm - 1971: 7, 10, 16, 39. 1^: 13, 14, 24, 25, 47,
51, 55, 60. 1973: 4, 6, 9, 12, 47, 103.

Parula - 1971: 16, 39, 45, 48, 75, 79, 84. 1^: 7,

47, 51, 60. 1^: 4, 8, 47, 84.

Pine - 1971: 10, 39, 43, 48, 75, 79. 1^: 13, 47, 60,
77, 1973: 8, 12, 47, 79, 80, 85.

Prairie - 19^: 16, 39, 45, 75, 79. 1972: 47, 54, 55,
60. 1^: 4, 8, 47, 68, 85, 88.

Prothonotary - 1971; 38. 1972: 46, 60, 77, 79, 80.
1973: 8, 46, 78, 85, 87, 104.
j Swainson's - 1971: 15, 16, 38, 68, 72, 75, 78, 79, 84.

1972: 2, 4, 46, 54, 55, 60, 80, 98, 103. 1^: 4, 47,

‘ 50, 53, 80, 88.

Tennessee - 1971: 15, 16, 39, 45, 70, 93. IT^; 25,

47, 51, 60, 102. 1^: 4, 6, 47, 64, 68, 84.

Tropical - 1973: 31.

Wilson's - 1971: 16, 39, 45, 70, 72, 75, 79, 91, 1972:

23, 47, 55, 60, 79, 80, 99, 100. 1^: 47, 51, 53, 54,
87.

Worm-eating - 1971: 16, 38, 45, 75, 79, 80. 1972: 3,
46, 60, 77, 80, 100. 1^: 4, 6, 47, 80.

Yellow - 1971: 16, 26, 39, 45, 48, 75, 79. 1972: 47,
51, 60. 1973: 6, 47.

Yellow-rumped - 1971: 10, 16, 22, 39, 70. 1972: 13,

24, 47, 60. 1973: 4, 6, 12, 27, 29, 31, 47, 49, 53,
103.

Yellow-throated - 1971: 16, 19, 39, 45, 48, 75, 78, 79,
84. 1^; 5, 43, 47, 55, 60, 104. 1973: 4, 47, 79,

80, 100.

Waterthrush, Louisiana - 1971: 39, 45, 55, 75, 79, 83,
93. 1^: 5, 25, 43, 47, 60. 1^: 27, 47, 53, 85,
87.

Northern - 1971: 16, 39, 45, 47, 70, 72, 93. 1^: 10,
13, 14, 22, 23, 47, 54, 55, 60, 80, 104. 1^: 4, 6,

11, 12, 27, 47, 51, 53, 54.

Waxwing, Cedar - 1971: 10, 19, 38, 45, 55, 70, 72, 75,
79, 80. 1972: 13, 46, 55, 60, 79. 1^: 12, 13, 14,

23, 46, 84, 87, 104.

Whimbrel - 1971: 69, 90, 92. 1972: 59, 92, 93.
Whip-poor-will - 1971; 38, 44, 72, 74, 79, 80, 94. 1972:
46, 51, 53, 59,"W, 102. 1973: 46.

Wigeon, American - 1971: 8, 19, 20, 21, 37, 91, 95.

1972: 11, 24, 26, 28, 52, 59, 70, 76, 99, 103. 1973:
10, 17, 21, 25, 30, 45, 49, 50, 100, 104.

European - IT^: 59. 1973: 30.

Willet - 1971: 46, 59, 92. 1972: 53, 59, 75, 99, 101.

1973: 7, 40, 51, 52, 81, 84, 102.

Woodcock, American - 1971: 9, 21, 37, 44, 46, 69, 71,
74, 79, 94. 1972: 6, 12, 15, 22, 23, 25, 27, 45, 59,
78, 101. 1^: 11, 22, 23, 26, 27, 45, 54, 78, 86,

102.

Woodpecker, Downy - 1971: 5, 9, 38, 75, 78, 79, 1972:

3, 12, 18, 46, 59, 69. 1^: 11, 46.

Hairy - 1971: 9, 38, 75, 79. 1^: 12, 18, 46, 59.
1973: 11, 46.

Imperial - 1971: 30.

Ivory-billed - 1971: 30. 1^: 59, 63, 64. 1973: 60,
67, 74, 79, 80.

Pileated - 1971: 9, 38, 74, 77, 79, 85. 1^; 8, 12,
46, 59. 1^: 11, 43, 46, 67.

Red-bellied - im: 9, 14, 16, 38, 75, 79. 1^: 12,
46, 59, 77. 1973: 11, 14, 46, 85.

Red-cockaded - 1971: 44, 67, 69, 71. 1^: 2, 4, 54,

59, 76, 79. 1^: 79, 84.

Red-headed - 1971: 9, 38, 75, 84. 1972: 12, 15, 27,

43, 46, 53, 59, 79. 1^: 11, 14, 15, 26, 46, 53, 80,

98, 100, 104.

Three -toed - 1^: 80.

Wren, Bewick's - 1971: 9, 38, 45, 76. 1972: 2, 12, 27,

42, 44, 46, 54, 60, 71, 77. 1^: 11, 46, 51, 84, 85.

Carolina - 1971: 9, 14, 38, 55, 75, 78, 79, 80, 84.
1972: 3, 12, 18, 46, 60, 77. IT^: 11, 46, 85.

House - 1971: 7, 9, 15, 16, 38, 93, 95. 1972: 10, 12,
14, 23, 44, 46, 51, 54, 60, 79. 1973: 9, 11, 22, 46,
53, 103.

Long-billed Marsh - 1971: 16, 19, 38, 71, 72, 93, 95.
1972: 10, 12, 14, 23, 46, 48, 51, 54, 60, 88, 100, 102.
1973: 6, 11, 53, 103.

Rock - 1^; 60.

Short-billed Marsh - 1971: 7, 9, 16, 72, 93, 95. 1972:
10, 12, 23, 25, 46, 51735, 60, 79, 88, 100, 102, 1D3T
1973: 4, 46, 53, 87, 103.

Winter - 1971: 9, 16, 38, 45, 55, 95. ]^: 12, 46,

60, 100. 1973: 11, 13, 27, 46, 51, 103.

Yellowlegs, Greater - 1971: 37, 68, 74, 87, 94. 1972:

1, 27, 45, 53, 55, 59, 75, 76, 78, 86, 89, 98, 101,

103. 1973: 11, 23, 26, 30, 45, 52, 84, 86, 102.

Lesser - 1971: 37, 58, 68, 69, 74, 87, 91, 94. 1972:

1, 23, 45, 53, 59, 75, 76, 78, 86, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93,

101, 103. 1^: 23, 26, 30, 45, 52, 84, 86, 102.

Yellowthroat, Common - 1971: 16, 39, 45, 75, 79, 93.

1972: 5, 10, 13, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24, 25, 47, 60, 77.

1973: 4, 6, 12, 27, 32, 47, 85, 101.

[VoL. 44, 1973]

PREPARATION OF COPY FOR PUBLICATION

The purpose of THE MIGRANT is the recording of observations and
original information derived from the study of birds, primarily in the state
of Tennessee or the area immediately adjacent to its borders. Articles for
publication originate almost exclusively from T.O.S. members.

Contributors should prepare manuscripts and submit them in a form ac-
ceptable to the printer, after editorial approval. Both articles and short notes
are solicited but their format should be somewhat different.

Some suggestions to authors for the preparation of papers for publication
are given herewith.

MATERIAL; The subject matter should relate to some phase of Tennessee
Ornithology. It should be original, factual, concise, scientifically accurate, and
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TITLE: The title should be concise, specific, and descriptive.

STYLE: Recent issues of THE MIGRANT should be used as a guide in
the preparation of manuscripts. Where more detail is needed reference should
be made to the Style Mantuil for Biological Journals available from the Ameri-
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ington, D. C. 20016.

COPY: Manuscripts should be typed double spaced on 8^ x 11” paper
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Photographs intended for reproduction should be sharp with good contrast on
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be in metric units. Dating should be in ‘'continental” form (e.g., 7 March
1968).

NOMENCLATURE; Common names should be capitalized followed by
binomial scientific name in italics only after the first occurrence in the text
for both regular articles and Round Table Notes, and should conform to
the A.O.U. Check-list Jth edition, 1957. Trinomial should be used only after
the specimen has been measured or compared with typical specimens.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: When there are more than five references in an article,
they should be placed at the end of the article, otherwise they should be
appropriately included in the text.

SUMMARY; Articles of five or more pages in length should be sum-
marized briefly, drawing attention to the main conclusions resulting from the
work performed.

IDENTIFICATION; Rare or unusual species identification to be accept-
able must be accompanied by verifying evidence. This should include: date,
time, light and weather conditions, exact location, habitat, optical equipment,
distance, behavior of bird, comparison with other similar species, characteristic
markings, experience of observer, other observers verifying observation and
reference works consulted.

REPRINTS: Reprints are available on request. Reprint requests should
accompany article at the time of submission. Billing to authors will be
through the state T.O.S. Treasurer.

Books for review and articles for publication should be submitted to the
editor. Seasonal reports and items should be forwarded to the appropriate
departmental editor whose name and address will be found on the inside front
cover.

CONTENTS

Tennessee Heron and Egret Colonies: 1972

David Pitts 89

Tennessee Ornithological Society Board of Director’s Meeting

Martha Waldron 93

Round Table Notes

Tree Swallows Nesting in Obion County. David Pitts 95

Nesting of Tree Swallows in Cumberland County. xMrs. E. M. West .... 95
Tree Swallows Nesting at Reelf oot Lake. Michael Lee Bierley 97

The Season. Edited by Fred /. Alsop, 111 98

Western Coastal Plain Region. David E. Patterson 98

Central Plateau and Basin Region. Morris D. Williams 99

Eastern Ridge and Valley Region. C. P. Nicholson 101

Eastern Mountain Region. Glen D. Eller 103

Tribute to a Founder: Albert F. Ganier. By John O. Ellis 105

In Memoriam: Amelia Laskey. By Katherine A. Goodpasture 106

Book Review: Birding From a Tractor Seat. Gary O. Wallace 107

Species Index 1971 (Vol, 42), 1972 (Vol. 43) and 1973 (Vol. 44) .. .108

Illustration by Fred J. Alsopj 111

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